WISHING WELL Release New Single + Video ‘Valley Of Darkness’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 18, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photographer: Riku Leppänen

Helsinki’s very own hard rocking quintet Wishing Well have today released a brand new “Valley Of Darkness” single off their new “Playing With Fire” album, out 13 March. The song is fast and furious opening track of the new album and a perfect example of classic Wishing Well sound featuring Hammond organ, melodic guitar solos and strong vocals with haunting lyrics. The song is released together with an effective black and white video, that greatly supports the song’s cinematic atmosphere. “Valley Of Darkness” was written by Anssi Korkiakoski, the guitarist of Wishing Well. The song and the album were recorded in Magnusborg studios in Porvoo by Marko Kataja. The music video was filmed and edited by Jussi Koskinen.

Listen to the single on music streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Bandcamp etc.): https://push.fm/fl/wishingwell-valleyofdarkness

–ISRC: FI3FC2655201
–Composition & Lyrics: Anssi Korkiakoski

“Playing With Fire is Wishing Well’s fifth album on Inverse Records and we’ve had a great journey together for ten years. The band have gotten better and better album by album and the new record is once again a solid proof of their motivation, skills and determination”, says Jaakko Tarvainen, A&R Producer of Inverse Records. “Valley Of Darkness is a song that represents Wishing Well very well and the new album will open many new doors and bring new opportunities and more fans for the band, that’s for sure”, says Tarvainen. “I’m very happy that a band like Wishing Well is in our roster, we keep going full steam ahead together”, he continues.

“Playing With Fire” album will be released on 13 March 2026 and the band will play a record release gig at Semifinal Club in Helsinki on 20 March, supported by Finnish Led Zeppelin tribute band Let’s Eppelin.

Playing With Fire Tracklist / ISRC -codes:

  1. Valley Of Darkness – FI3FC2655201
  2. Rise And Shine – FI3FC2655202
  3. Train Of Thoughts – FI3FC2655203
  4. Let Me See The Light – FI3FC2655204
  5. March In The Dark – FI3FC2655201 – FI3FC2590903
  6. War Cry – FI3FC2590902
  7. Light Of Love – FI3FC2655207
  8. Peace And Love And Rock’n’Roll – FI3FC2655208
  9. When The Money Starts Rollin’ In – FI3FC2655209

Wishing Well are:
Juha Kivikanto – drums
Anssi Korkiakoski – guitars
Matti Kotkavuori – bass
Pepe Tamminen – vocals
Arto Teppo – Hammond organ

https://www.facebook.com/wishingwell2016/
https://www.instagram.com/wishingwell_finland/

OBSCURE FATE Release New Single ‘Valhalla’ from Forthcoming Debut Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 18, 2026
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Photo by Tiia Jefremoff

Finnish melodic death metal act Obscure Fate is about to release their debut album ‘Shades of a Dying World’ on March 27th 2026 via Inverse Records. The third single ‘Valhalla’ is unleashed today and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/obscure-fate-valhalla 

–Composed by Kaleva Kovalainen & Antti Möttönen
–Lyrics by Tapio Möttönen
–ISRC-code: FI3FC2552408
–Single cover by Jarno Lahti
–Mixed by Tero “TeeCee” Kinnunen
–Mastered by Mika Jussila, Finnvox Studiot Oy

The band comments:
” The song “Valhalla” has a straightforward theme: the Vikings’ military campaign and the promise of entry into Valhalla. Structurally, it is a conventional song whose catchiness comes from its rhythm and perhaps even its cheerful-sounding melody.”

Shades of A Dying World Track list:

  1. Shadows of the Past
  2. Beyond Pain
  3. Turn To Dust
  4. Spectral Exile
  5. Age of Delusion
  6. Shade of the Destruction
  7. Reign of Madness
  8. Valhalla
  9. Spirit of Vengeance
  10. Poison Throne
  11. Eksyneiden Jumala

–Album cover by Jarno Lahti
–Mixed by Tero “TeeCee” Kinnunen
–Mastered by Mika Jussila, Finnvox Studiot Oy

Obscure Fate was originally formed in 2008 in Paltamo, Finland, as the solo project of guitarist and songwriter Kaleva Kovalainen. In 2009, drummer Jari Keränen and bassist Petri Möttönen joined, giving the songs their first real band form. Shortly after, guitarist Joni Moisanen and vocalist Tapio Möttönen became official members, and together the group arranged dozens of tracks for full band performances. From the very beginning, Tapio handled the lyrics, with Petri contributing to the song Spectral Exile.

The current lineup was completed in 2019 when bassist Antti Möttönen replaced Petri. Musically, Obscure Fate is rooted in traditional melodic death metal, though elements of thrash and classic heavy metal also find their way into the band’s sound. Kaleva’s prolific songwriting provided a strong foundation for the band, while the lyrics explore themes of social criticism, fictional storytelling, and inner struggles.

In 2021, Obscure Fate released their first EP. Recording sessions for their debut full-length album began soon after, but due to various setbacks the process turned into a long and seemingly endless project. Finally, in April 2025, the band reached the final stages of completing the album, marking an important milestone in their journey. The debut album ‘Shades of a Dying World’ is set to be released in March 2026 via Inverse Records. 

Line-up:
Kaleva Kovalainen, Guitars
Tapio Möttönen, Vocals
Jari Keränen, Drums
Joni Moisanen, Guitars, Backing Vocals
Antti Möttönen, Bass

https://obscurefate.net
https://www.facebook.com/ObscureFateBand
https://www.instagram.com/obscurefateband
https://obscurefate.bandcamp.com

OBEY THE SUN Drop New ‘Cosmic Haze’ Music Video & Single

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 18, 2026
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(Photo Credit: Andras Komives)

Obey the Sun are a grunge metal band from Hungary that just dropped a psychedelic new single and music video entitled “Cosmic Haze” which was directed by Tamás Orbán-Ducos and Péter “Pepe” Tóth. The single’s syncopated, addictive riffing in “Cosmic Haze” burns down the badlands and scorches the sky with renegade stars, cloud to ground lightning, and smoky psychedelic moonscapes. With stoner appeal, sludge undertones, and a heavy groove-vibe, we feel their music in the heart of our nightmares and dreamscapes. This is the second single & music video taken from their upcoming EP album Desert Ritual which will be released on April 3, 2026 via Eclipse Records. The album was produced by Attila Horváth (Subscribe, Al Di Meola, Macklemore) at ASH Studio.

“This clip is not about saving the world nor conquering evil” says lead vocalist Tamás Orbán-Ducos. “This is just our creative minds getting unleashed, visualizing a trippy story over the powerful grooves of the music. It is the second video from the Desert Ritual EP, so we wanted a narrative music video for this occasion. The lyrics are already telling a story, and we wanted to see that translate to film. It came out excitingly good, and I feel like the imagery is in perfect harmony with the music!”

Desert Ritual, the latest EP from Obey the Sun, is a heavy, atmospheric blast of grit-n’ groove, featuring a feel rough as sludge with a desert-soaked finish. The songs burst with soulful vocals, massive riffs, thunderous rhythms, and an overall attitude that’s raw as rage. The band features Tamás Orbán-Ducos on vocals, Péter Szmolnik on guitar, Gergő Kelemen on bass, and Krisztián Nagy on drums. Together they create a sonic boom that leaves us in pieces and a crunch that would satisfy grunge-lovers, stoners, and metalheads looking for that wall of sound that moves mountains, drains oceans, and shakes the foundations to rubble and powder. In terms of the individual tracks, Desert Ritual is chock full of stunners, starting with “You Lil Shit,” spiced with a groove guitar in delicious alternative dissonance and a strong traditional vocal, both that rasp harder and sweeter measure to measure. Later in the track, we get two bass breakdowns, the second even fatter than the last, and the song ends like a hot rocket right in the rock pocket. “Cosmic Haze” is not just an excuse to get our Floyd on, as it features funky syncopation that quickly turns to nuclear, addictive riffing. The breakdown is a clinic of delicate fingerpicking, and when Tamás goes soft and a bit eerie with his vocal, we don’t know whether it sounds more like ethereal whispers or a shovelful of precious stones and grave soil ticking across the lid of some unholy casket. “Hellhounds” is a masterpiece in dynamics, and it climaxes to inventive chord progressions that give off a wonderful disequilibrium, similar to being on edge watching a Black Mirror episode right before the big moment when all is explained. Moreover, “Another Chance” features a pristine traditional vocal, slowing gaining razz and sass, riding the bass like some magnificent war horse straight into a haven of Krisztián’s hummingbird 16ths that slash magnificent trusses and crossbeams in geometric madness. The album was produced by Attila Horváth (Subscribe, Al Di Meola, Macklemore) at ASH Studio. Artwork for the album and singles was created by Péter Szmolnik. Desert Ritual by Obey the Sun will be released on April 3, 2026 via Eclipse Records.

(Cover art: Péter Szmolnik)

Pre-Save or Pre-Order Desert Ritual at this location.

Desert Ritual track listing
01. You Lil’ Shit
02. Cosmic Haze
03. Hellhounds
04. Another Chance

Obey the Sun lineup
Tamás Orbán-Ducos (vocals), Péter Szmolnik (guitar), Gergő Kelemen (bass), Krisztián Nagy (drums)

For more information about Obey the Sun and their Desert Ritual album, please visit them on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or Eclipse Records and follow them on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Tidal now!

Hills Of Rock Festival 2026 Completes Lineup Announcing P.O.D. Performance + More

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 18, 2026
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46 artists confirmed for the three-day festival in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Hills of Rock 2026 has revealed its full lineup, and the countdown to the festival officially begins with the addition of the final group for this year’s edition – the Americans P.O.D. From 24 till 26 July at the Rowing Base (Grebna baza) in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, HILLS OF ROCK will bring together 46 bands and artists for three days on three stages. It promises to be a massive festival experience which will bring together generations, emotions, styles and audiences.

The lineup is already clear and arranged by days, hours and is available on the official festival website. The three-day and one-day tickets are on sale via Ticket Station.

The final confirmed band for 2026 is P.O.D., who will take the stage on July 24, the first day of the festival. The band, which is well-known and beloved by the Bulgarian audience, has repeatedly proven that their connection with fans is not a one-way street and that they share a deep bond with their public. P.O.D. are direct, emotional and fully dedicated. This is the type of band that shows why people love live music and festivals.

Formed in 1992 in San Diego, P.O.D. have mastered a unique blend of hard rock, hip-hop, reggae and alternative sounds. Their music with its great energy and powerful messages has led to over 10 million albums sold, three Grammy nominations and millions of fans all over the world.

Along with the full lineup announcement, HILLS OF ROCK is also introducing a limited-edition of official merch for the 2026 edition, produced in restricted quantities. This exclusive item will be available online only for a short time, from February 9 to 15. Once sold out, it will not be restocked. Full details and order options are available at festteam.shop.

This year’s edition offers a diverse selection of favorite artists from the global scene, a strong presence of modern heavy music and a wide lineup of Bulgarian artists. All of this is arranged in an intense program, which starts from the afternoon until late at night, across all three festival days in Plovdiv.

The full lineup for HILLS OF ROCK 2026 features: Marilyn Manson, Godsmack, Electric Callboy, Sex Pistols feat. Frank Carter, Black Label Society, Lamb of God, P.O.D., Nothing More, Nevermore, Paradise Lost, Of Mice & Men, House of Protection, Vended, Deafheaven, Karen Dió, The Toy Dolls, Last Train, Northlane, Orbit Culture, Odd Crew, Khanъ, Vrani Volosa, Tsar Plah, Hellion Stone, Black Tooth, Engineer of Death, Overhook, Django Ze, Neshto Tsvetno, Velian, H09909, P.I.F., Innerglow, Almost Green, Rusita, Koza Mostra, Bazzookas, Lek City Case, Karma Scale, Da Seed, Kontrol, GOTRA feat. VEL, Gigashadow, Lavina, low-key, Sunblinds.

This year’s festival features a separate concert day – BE4 HILLS (Before Hills) on July 23, featuring four bands: the Swedish metal machine Sabaton, the legendary Savatage, the Dutch symphonic band Epica and Bulgaria’s Sevi.

Over five months are left until HILLS OF ROCK 2026. The lineup is set, the dates are fixed and the tickets are on sale via Ticket Station. The camping passes are also available. For the latest updates on the program, tickets and camping, visit hillsofrock.com, festteam.bg and ticketstation.bg, or follow the official festival social media channels.

The festival is organized by Fest Team Ltd. as part of the “Heritage 2023” program of the “Plovdiv 2019” Foundation with the support of the Municipality of Plovdiv.

Industrial/Space Rock Pioneers CHROME’s Brand New Special Reissue of 1976 Debut Album “The Visitation” Out April 17th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 18, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Amidst the myriad 50th anniversary reissues that have assailed us over the past few years, it’s often difficult to single out any that cannot be picked up in their original form for just a few bucks in the used records store of your choosing.

Occasionally, however, one comes along that can’t be found in the dollar bin,… that will instead set you back at least a couple of hundred bucks on the rare occasions it does show up.  Right now,  for example, first pressings of Chrome’s 1976 debut album The Visitation are selling for to $500 in mint condition.  And while there have been a few reissues since then… no. Releasing on April 17, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.

And if you can’t wait until then, there’s a startling new video for the album’s “Return To Zanzibar” to tide you over.

The full story of The Visitation can be read in Chrome historian Neil Martinson’s liner notes. Briefly, however, the band formed in mid-1970s San Francisco around a line-up of founder and mastermind, the late Damon Edge, John Cyborg, Mike Low and Gary Spain … look, ma! No drums!!…; an arsenal that boasted electric violin, Moog, guitars, bass and drums and tape machines; and influences that included influences Can, Jimi Hendrix, Captain Beefheart and The Residents.

And together,  they filled the hardest, darkest psychedelic punk heart with a sound that was even harder, even darker, than any of the more fashionable names and notions that history credits with reshaping rock’s destiny.  For Chrome didn’t stop at reshaping it.  They tore it apart and reinvented it, a wild and totally abandoned sequence of frantic noise that looked at around at everything else that was happening on the music scene in 1976, and blew it out of the water.  Industrial music starts here, and Space Rock has never sounded more dangerous.

Damon Edge

This 50th anniversary edition does not stop with the LP alone, however.  The CD version also includes an entire bonus disc of two complete solo albums by Chrome founder and mastermind Damon Edge, 1986’s Grand Visions and 1987’s Surreal Rock – exquisitely sculpted slabs of sound that proved that, even alone, Edge’s vision knew no boundaries. 

More than one fan has compared Chrome’s influence to the Velvet Underground – namely, not too many people heard them at the time, but everyone who did had their lives changed forever.  Not to mention their notions of how music should sound.

–CD/VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/search?q=chrome+the+visitation
–DIGITAL: https://orcd.co/ chrome_thevisitation

Track List:
DISC 1

  1. How Many Years Too Soon?
  2. Raider
  3. Return to Zanzibar
  4. Caroline
  5. Riding You
  6. Kinky Lover
  7. Sun Control
  8. My Time to Live
  9. Memory Cords Over The Bay
  10. Damon Edge 1981 interview [CD ONLY]

DISC 2 [CD ONLY]

  1. That’s Ok for Me
  2. In the Light Fields
  3. Anna
  4. No Reason to Leave from the Sun
  5. The Android Stroll
  6. There’s No Difference for You or Me
  7. A Grand Vision
  8. Coming Through for You
  9. I’m Not a Loner
  10. You Know My Heart Is True
  11. I Found Us a Home
  12. Surreal Real Soon
  13. We Are Not Dying
  14. The Sight to Sea

Singer DINO JELUSICK Says He Was Recently Asked to Front a Famous Band By Guitar Player & Founder

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 18, 2026
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The Metal Voice recently interviewed singer/ songwriter Dino Jelusick.

In the interview Dino discussed his time in Whitesnake, performing with Robert Plant and his solo band Jelusick.

Jelusick also mentioned that he was asked recently to front a band almost as big as Iron Maiden by guitar player & founder he said,

“I was asked to do something almost as big as Iron Maiden. Uh but it was so fast and there were so many things unresolved that it just fell off. I’m not going to. It’s a famous band that’s going on a tour now. Um and I’m still in touch with their guitar player and the founder. We’ve been seeing a lot of posts about him finding another band member publicly.”