Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

LEATHERWITCH Announce New Album “First Spell”, Out May 29th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 24, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: LEATHERWITCH, Marta Gabriel. Leave a comment

After disbanding Crystal Viper, Marta Gabriel – also a respected session musician who has toured and recorded with acts such as Vader, Manilla Road, and Metalucifer – strikes back with her new band, LEATHERWITCH.

Today, LEATHERWITCH proudly announces their debut album, ‘First Spell,’ set for release on May 29th via Listenable Records.

The recently released debut single, “Beast Inside,” showcases fast, headbanging rhythms, classic speed metal riffing, a pounding rhythm section, shredding guitar solos, and super catchy vocal lines. Telling a classic gothic horror werewolf tale, the track offers a glimpse of what to expect from ‘First Spell.’

Listen to the single HERE

Following the “Beast Inside” debut 7inch , LEATHERWITCH‘s debut album ‘First Spell’ will let the listener encounter some sparkling riffs and solos accompanied by what is surely the most convincing vocal performance of Marta Gabriel‘s career. Every track comes loud with its own clarity yet with a raw vibe thanks to refined production.

Pre-order the album here: https://shop-listenable.net/en/1176_leatherwitch

‘First Spell’ Track List:
1) Heroes And The Dice
2) Beast Inside
3) Bound By The Night
4) Silver Stallions
5) Living In The Fast Lane
6) The New Beginning
7) Two Tons Of Steel
8) In The Middle Of The Night

Exclusive Bonus Tracks:
–Walls Of Jericho / Ride The Sky (Helloween cover) – Only on the CD version
–Black Wind, Fire And Steel (Manowar cover) – Only on the Vinyl version

‘First Spell’ Will Be Available in the Following Formats:
=> Limited Edition De Luxe Blue / Black Vinyl with Exclusive Bonus Track
=> Limited Edition O Card CD with Exclusive Bonus Track
=> Comes with Free Postcard, Poster, and Coaster

Order “Beast Inside” 7″ here: https://shop-listenable.net/en/1176_leatherwitch

“Beast Inside” 7″ in Red with black splatter vinyl

This limited edition bundle includes:
7″ Splatter vinyl
Silver logo patch
Postcard signed by Marta
Free Beer coaster

Strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide!

Side A: Beast Inside
Side B: Bound by the night

Line up:
Marta Gabriel – vocals, guitar, bass, drums
Special guest: Giuseppe Taormina – guitar solo

More info: https://www.listenable.eu/

Solo Artist ZACK MIRANOWIC Releases New Single + Visualizer ‘What Do You See?’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 24, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: ZACK MIRANOWIC. Leave a comment

Southampton, New Jersey–based solo artist Zack Miranowic has released his new single “What Do You See?”, accompanied by a visualizer. The single is the second offering from his forthcoming full-length album Sinking Low, and continues Miranowic’s solo vision — channeling darker themes through massive riffs, dynamic songwriting, and powerful melodic vocals with a touch of grit.

Miranowic shares, “Oftentimes people do not assess what kind of life they’ve lived until the very end – more specifically, what kind of people they were in their life and to those around them. I think it’s important every now and again to check in with yourself. Are you where you want to be or is there room to grow and improve? Were you kind to others or were you cruel? The even bigger question is, were you even aware?”

Notably, Miranowic handled every aspect of the release himself. “The album was completely produced, mixed, and mastered by me.”

His music dives into deeply personal territory, exploring mental illness, anger, the passage of time, and lived experiences with honesty and intensity. Balancing aggressive instrumentation with atmospheric depth and strong melodic sensibility.

“What Do You See?” is available now on all major streaming platforms: https://zackmiranowic.bandcamp.com/ – Linktree

Zack Miranowic is a Southampton, New Jersey–based solo artist creating heavy, guitar-driven music that blends elements of rock, metal, and progressive metal into a raw and emotionally charged sound. Known for his work in Disciples Of Verity, Sekond Skyn, and Riversend, Miranowic uses this project as a more personal and uncompromising creative outlet.

He introduced the project with his debut album Fear in 2022, followed by the EP Cryin’ Out in 2023. Continuing to evolve his sound, Miranowic is set to release new singles throughout 2026 leading into his upcoming album Sinking Low, pushing further into darker, heavier, and more personal territory while maintaining a strong sense of musical identity.

For More Information Please Visit: Spotify – Apple Music – Facebook – Instagram – TikTok – YouTube – Merch

PRIDE OF LIONS Announce New Album “Unbridled”, Official Music Video for Title Track Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 24, 2026

Posted in: News, Int. News. Tagged: PRIDE OF LIONS. Leave a comment

PRIDE OF LIONS, led by Jim Peterik and Toby Hitchcock, are proud to announce their new album, ‘Unbridled,’ set for release on July 10th via Frontiers Music Srl. Produced by Jim Peterik and mixed by Larry Millas, ‘Unbridled’ marks the eighth studio album from PRIDE OF LIONS.

To celebrate the announcement and offer fans a taste of what’s to come, the band also shares the title track from the upcoming album, alongside an official music video, available to view below.

Peterik comments on the album’s arrival:

“I am so excited about the release of the upcoming PRIDE OF LIONS album ‘Unbridled.’ It is always a pleasure to team up with Toby Hitchcock, as we have since POL started recording for Frontiers way back in 2003. His powerful voice and positive attitude are a blessing to me.

“The album starts with the powerful title track and Greg Bizzaro video ‘Unbridled’ with Toby and me harmonizing at full power.

“‘Edge Of Forever‘ is a cautionary tale about a fragile planet at the verge of collapse. ‘Is it really too late to turn back the hands of time?’ The implied answer in ‘No, not if we all work together to save it.’ Every song in this collection expresses concern, yet always a ray of hope on the horizon for a better world.

“I hope you enjoy the new PRIDE OF LIONS album as much as we did making it. Your enthusiasm for our music through the years has always inspired Toby and me to keep pushing ourselves to touch your souls and move your feet!

Much love. Jim Peterik“

With ‘Unbridled,’ legendary AOR torchbearers PRIDE OF LIONS return with their eighth studio album, a commanding statement from one of melodic rock’s most enduring acts. Since their formation in 2003 by Jim Peterik — the songwriting force behind anthems like “Eye of the Tiger” and “The Search Is Over” — and powerhouse vocalist Toby Hitchcock, PRIDE OF LIONS have been celebrated for fusing classic melodic sensibilities with modern rock energy. Over two decades later, they remain at the forefront of the genre, consistently delivering songs that resonate with depth, emotion, and unforgettable hooks.

‘Unbridled’ is a 12-track journey that showcases the band’s remarkable craft. Every element of the lineup shines: Ed Breckenfeld’s driving drums and percussion lay a solid foundation; Mike Aquino’s lead and acoustic guitars deliver both fire and finesse; Bob Lizik’s bass anchors each arrangement with strength and groove; and Jim Peterik’s keyboards and secondary guitar add lush melodic layers. The signature dual vocal performances from Peterik and Hitchcock — alternately commanding, expressive, and harmonically rich — elevate the songs to new heights.

The album is mixed by longtime collaborator Larry Millas, whose work brings clarity, depth, and punch to every track. Standout singles like the title track “Unbridled” — with its striking guitar intro and immediate melodic hook — and “Edge of Forever” underline the band’s ability to craft timeless rock songs that feel both classic and contemporary.

Through ‘Unbridled,’ PRIDE OF LIONS reaffirm their status as masters of melodic rock and AOR. It’s an album that will satisfy longtime fans while serving as a powerful introduction for new listeners, showcasing a band that continues to evolve without ever losing its core identity.

Pre-order the album here: https://ffm.bio/prideoflions-unbridled

‘Unbridled’ Track List:

Unbridled
Edge Of Forever
Don’t Waste A Wish On Me
1000 Long Goodbyes
What The Whole World Needs To Know
I’ll Be Your Rock
Hell Or High Water
Ride The Lightning
Lose Like A Winner
I Can See In The Dark
I Can’t Let Go
A Mighty Noise

PRIDE OF LIONS are:
Toby Hitchcock and Jim Peterik: Lead Vocals
Ed Breckenfeld: Drums And Percussion
Mike Aquino: Lead Electric And Acoustic Guitar

Keyboards: Jim Peterik
Secondary Guitar: Jim Peterik
Bass Guitar: Bob Lizik

More info: https://www.facebook.com/PrideOfLionsBand/

NARGAROTH Premiere New Single ‘Twisted Steel’ with Lyric Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 24, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: NARGAROTH. Leave a comment

Nargaroth are releasing the second advanced single from their upcoming ninth album, Apocalyptic Steel. “Twisted Steel” would make Lemmy proud. The song is inspired by the vile and predatory demon initially conceived on “Orgasmatron” by Motörhead.

“Twisted Steel” is one of the most direct statements on Apacalyptic Steel: a piece of filthy, unadorned metal that makes no concessions and offers none of the the pseudo-intellectual posturing that Nargaroth’s sole creative force, René “Ash” Wagner, has explicitly rejected on this record.

Watch the video for “Twisted Steel” on Black Metal Promotion:

Apocalyptic Steel comes out June 26 on Season of Mist: Underground Activists. Pre-order & pre-save: https://orcd.co/nargarothapocalypticsteel

Apocalyptic Steel was tracked over a single weekend in September 2014 at Trident Studios in Pacheco, California, with Mike Williams (Mummification) on guitar and bass, and Phil Cancilla (Malevolent Creation, Hank Williams 3) on drums. Left on a hard drive in the United States while Era of Threnody, took priority, Nargaroth’s upcoming new album resurfaced years later. Drums were re-recorded at Skeleton Key Studios in Las Vegas in July 2022, and vocals were recorded alongside the mixing and mastering at AMP Studios in Duisburg, Germany, between February and April 2025, with engineer Jens Forster. Twelve years after its original sessions, Apocalyptic Steel is finally being released.

Tracklist:

Intro (00:34)
Steel Apocalypse (03:58)
Twisted Steel (03:37)
I Drink Alone (04:26)
Metalheart (04:17)
Dresden (04:21)
Shelter the Faithless (06:27)
Man of Mayhem (06:15)
Requiem Germania (05:10)
Full runtime: 39:07

NARGAROTH is the sole vision of Rene “Ash” Wagner, forged in Saxony in 1996 and driven by nearly three decades of raw, uncompromising German black metal.

Apocalyptic Steel is a record that refused to stay buried. Tracked in a single weekend at Trident Studios in Pacheco, California, in September of 2014, the album sat forgotten on a hard drive in the United States while Era of Threnody took priority. Years later, the recordings resurfaced. Drums were re-recorded in Las Vegas, vocals and mixing completed at AMP Studios in Duisburg, and twelve years after its first sessions, the album is finally here. This is not a vault curiosity. It is Nargaroth at its most direct: nine tracks of filthy, unadorned metal built on the attitude of old Judas Priest, Accept, Deicide and Obituary. From the predatory menace of “Twisted Steel” to the band-name-studded battle cry of “Metalheart”, from the unflinching historical weight of “Dresden” to the aching Germanic longing of “Requiem Germania”, this is an album that has nothing to prove and wastes nothing on pretence. Recorded fast, recorded dirty, and finished on its own terms.

Recording Line-up:
Ash — Vocals, Guitar, Bass
Mike Williams (Mummification) — Guitar, Bass
Phil Cancilla (Malevolent Creation, Hank Williams 3) — Drums

Current Line-up:
Ash — Vocals
Fernando Cortez (Hacavitz, Ash Nazg Burz, Through Torment) — Guitar
Julio Rodas — (Dreamlore, Tim-Ripper-Owens) — Guitar
Pavulon (Vader, Belphegor, Decapitated, VLTIMAS) — Drums

Production Credits:
Instruments recorded during a weekend session in September 2014 at Trident Studios in Pacheco, CA (Juan Urteaga).
Drums were re-recorded in July 2022 at Skeleton Key Studios in Las Vegas, NV, USA (Rylie Ellen Wechta from Sound Horizon Production).
Vocals recorded at AMP Studios in Duisburg, Germany, between February and April 2025 (Jens Förster).
Mixing, and mastering took place at AMP Studios in Duisburg, Germany, between February and April 2025 by Jens Förster.

Cover Art:
Cover artwork was hand-drawn and created by Felipe Mora.
CD artwork by Anne-Kristin G.
Additional artwork in the CD booklet are a homage to classic Metal album covers and was done by Jenglot Hitam.

Photography:
David Perga, photography in CD booklet.

Follow Nargaroth:
Bandcamp: https://nargaroth.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialnargaroth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nargaroth.official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NargarothChannel
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/nargaroth/1087036045
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0aIcU4OHpKl7lpcRQp32Eo
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/12064
Tidal: https://stage.tidal.com/artist/7687559

CHRONIC HATE Unleash Brand New Single ‘Blastphemy’ with Lyric Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 24, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: CHRONIC HATE. Leave a comment

Italian death metallers CHRONIC HATE unleash their brand new single “Blastphemy”, offering another fierce preview of their upcoming album “Defeating The Oblivion Of Life”, set for release on May 29th, 2026 via Time To Kill Records.

The band delivers a track that channels the essence of classic ’90s death metal while injecting a sharper, contemporary edge. “Blastphemy” stands out for its tightly structured riffs, relentless intensity, and a controlled technical approach that avoids excess in favor of impact. Subtle atmospheric layers emerge beneath the surface, adding depth and a darker undertone to the composition.

The song confirms CHRONIC HATE as a band capable of refining their sound with purpose and conviction, pushing forward with renewed focus and uncompromising aggression.

Streaming: https://ffm.to/chronichate-blastphemy

Born from a band seasoned by over two decades of experience, the album clearly draws inspiration from the classic ‘90s death metal sound, with a nod to bands like Monstrosity and early Sinister, while updating these influences just enough to create a record that goes beyond mere homage. The songs are built around intricate, well-constructed riffs, impressive technical skill without descending into empty showmanship, and a subtle atmospheric layer that occasionally hints at blackened currents.

“Defeating The Oblivion Of Life” inaugurates a significant new chapter for CHRONIC HATE. The album thrusts listeners into the extreme spirals of death metal through a mature fusion of different influences and compositional approaches. Its sound is driven by a solid and devastating production, achieved in the tradition of the genre with 100% acoustic drums and real amplifiers.

Lyrically, the album is an act of rebellion against a world that seeks to condemn our lives to oblivion, submerging us in distractions and waste, reducing us to a dehumanized herd. The songs alternate between crude, direct verses and more intimate, lacerating, and personal passages, delivering undeniable emotional power and authenticity.

Tracklist:

1. The Wrong
2. Blastphemy
3. Mass Distraction Program
4. Regurgitated Brains
5. Despair… In Sorrow
6. Subjugated Minds
7. Born To Appear
8. Handcuffed
9. Chronic Hate

Preorders:

Formed in 2001 in Northeast Italy, CHRONIC HATE have built a strong presence in the European metal scene, performing alongside bands such as Obituary, Suffocation, Misery Index, Destruction, Hideous Divinity, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Pungent Stench, Disharmonic Orchestra, Severe Torture, Nero di Marte, Sadist, Impiety, Noctem, Tortharry, Doomas, and many more. They have appeared at festivals including Tolminator Metalfest 2024 (Slovenia), Gothoom Fest 2023 (Slovakia), Morphing Fest 2023 (Czech Republic), Metaldays Fest 2015 (Slovenia), Eresia Metalfest 2019 (Italy), as well as several smaller events across Italy, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, and Slovenia.

Line-up:

Andrea – Vocals
Daniele – Guitars / Backing Vocals
Massimo – Guitars
Marco – Bass
Nicolas – Drums

https://chronichate.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/chronichate_official/
https://www.facebook.com/chronichate

SERPENT FROM EDEN Release New Video Single ‘Let It Go’, Feat. NICK MENZA & DAVID ELLEFSON

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 24, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: SERPENT FROM EDEN. Leave a comment

It’s coming up fast! On May 22, California metal heroes Serpent From Eden release one of the most eagerly-awaited albums of the year so far – a full length tribute to the late Nick Menza, Serpent guitarist John “Gumby” Goodwin’s bandmate across 30 years of different projects, but better known to the wider world as the thunderous percussive backdrop to a string of Megadeth’s finest albums.

Work on the album began as Serpent From Eden were piecing together their own new album. Gumby was sifting through his old tapes, in search of material they might want to work on and, to his astonishment, uncovered an entire album’s worth of tracks featuring Menza.

Of course, Serpent From Eden bandmates Pauli Infantino (vocals), James Yokoi (bass), and Chris Tracy (drums), are all present and correct, together with another former Gumby bandmate Darren Ballard, and two special guests from Megadeth itself, guitarist Chris Poland and bassist David Ellefson. With another Megadeth alumni, Youthanasia producer Max Norman (Ozzy, Savatage, Dangerous Toys) also on board, the result is a spellbinding reminder of true rock legend.

“Nick was a true master of music and certainly the drums!” Says Ellefson. “Even more, he was highly prolific, and these tracks display his continuous creative excitement which is heard in every performance he put down on tape.”

“Let It Go,” the second single from Serpent From Eden featuring Nick Menza, is an exquisite example of that creative excitement, all the more so when experienced alongside the accompany video. Utlilizing both newly shot material and archive footage of Menza and Ellefson in full flight (what a rhythm section they were!), and Gumby simply shredding his guitar, it’s a white hot burst of electrifying adrenalin.

SINGLE: https://orcd.co/serpentfromeden_letitgo

Timed to coincide with the tenth anniversary of Menza’s passing, on May 21 2016, Serpent From Eden featuring Nick Menza is a stand-out collection of powerful, dynamic, and melodic hard rock music… impossible to pigeon hole but cohesive regardless… seamlessly bound together by just one intention – to honor Nick Menza in the manner he would want to be honored, with an uncompromising, heavy musical statement, encompassing his wide range of musical tastes but always with his ever insatiable need for musical power.

And, if you’re around, don’t miss the album’s live launch at The Boardwalk in Sacramento, also on May 22. It’s going to be mega.

Track listing