Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

U.S. BASTARDS Unleash Cover of Judas Priest’s ‘Heading Out to the Highway’ with Visualizer

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 20, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: U.S. BASTARDS. Leave a comment

U.S. BASTARDS, spearheaded by Brent Purgason (ex-GWAR), proudly unleash their latest single, a cover of Judas Priest‘s classic “Heading Out to the Highway,” taken from their upcoming new album, ‘Negligent Discharge,’ due out this Friday, June 19th. The new track arrives alongside a visualizer, available below.

On the new track, Brent shares:

“We are a punk rock band at our core and we wanted to rock one of our favorite songs, by none other than Judas Priest, to show we could do more than simple fast tunes. The song meaning holds true for anyone feeling stuck and dealing with the frustrations of road life while also embracing the adventure and journey that comes with it. Plus, if Rob Halford can listen to it and text me a thumbs up emoji I can die a happy man.”

Stream the single here: https://my.spread.link/q9vo

In a world full of pleasantries and kiss-assing, U.S. BASTARDS are neither. A four-piece hardcore punk criminal enterprise from Virginia, the band has re-formed after a chance meeting in county lockup. Brent and Robby knew the four members didn’t land in the same cell for no reason. It was fate calling them back to life on the road; back to sleepless trips, dungeon whips, gas station speed, and canned meat. Doug agreed fate was calling them back to teach the masses what a truly bad time could be. … and Brendan just happened to be in the room.

“I’ve been doing so much hard time lately, it’s time to be hard on the road.” – Brent

“…[two middle fingers]…” – Doug

Ran-when-parked, the outlaws took straight to the van to get the message out. After a ten-year hiatus, they have agreed to utilize their newfound freedom from the state to write harder, catchier, faster, harder-er, hell-raising songs glorifying their exploits and shine a light on the gatekeeping tendencies in the music scene that has never accepted them.

When the rest of the world goes quiet, the BASTARDS get loud and angry, blazing across the country with a wall of cranked Marshall stacks. This is the way punk rock should be: loud, unapologetic, pandering to no one, and having no qualms with being the bad guy.

U.S. BASTARDS new album ‘Negligent Discharge’ is set for release June 19th featuring bonus track covers of Judas Priest and Motorhead songs. 13 tracks of hard and fast music that kicks the door off its hinges. Best to listen with a shotgun in one and a 40oz duct taped to the other, these are anthems for the outcasts among the outcasts. Skip work! Give your neighbors kid a cig! This is full throttle, no brakes, speed-rocking crime metal. Full stacks and gun racks packed, these delinquents are coming to your town. Clutch your pearls! U.S. BASTARDS are back.

Pre-order the album here: https://usbastards.net/

‘Negligent Discharge’ Track List:

Ripsnorter
Wasted Life
Piss Boner
Knife Crime
Scenester Deceiver
Everybody Sucks
Heading Out to the Highway
Put the Gun in Your Mouth
Bad Deeds
Police Violence
Informant
I Don’t Like You
Killed by Death

U.S. BASTARDS Live:
8/14 – Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall w/ X-Cops & Belushi Speed Ball

U.S. BASTARDS are:
Brent Purgason – Guitar & Vocals
Doug Fines – Guitar
Brendan Artz – Bass
Robby Scarce – Drums

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

STORMHAMMER Release Music Video for New Single ‘Scars Of The Abyss’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 20, 2026

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

German power metal force StormHammer have released a music video for their brand-new single “Scars Of The Abyss”. Combining crushing riffs, soaring melodies and a gripping atmosphere, the track delivers a powerful metal statement that perfectly showcases StormHammer’s unmistakable sound.

Commenting on the song, bassist and backing vocalist Horst Tessmann states:

“Scars Of The Abyss is one of the songs that best reflects the blend of old-school power metal and modern heaviness that defines this album.”

Stream the single here: https://stormhammer.rpm.link/scarsPR

With “Scars Of The Abyss”, StormHammer unleash another impressive preview of their forthcoming studio album “Wrath Of The Hammer”, set for release on July 17 via ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. Blending anthemic choruses, dynamic musicianship and emotionally charged songwriting, the band once again demonstrates their ability to merge classic power metal traditions with contemporary heaviness and depth.

Following the acclaimed album “Seven Seals”, StormHammer open a new chapter with “Wrath Of The Hammer”. The album combines traditional heavy metal roots with thrash-driven guitars, epic melodies and progressive elements while staying true to the band’s unmistakable identity.

“This album feels honest and alive,” guitarist Christos Efstathiou states. “We challenged ourselves creatively while staying true to what StormHammer is about. There’s power, emotion and adventure in these songs.”

“Wrath of the Hammer reflects all generations of Heavy Metal,” Phil Meyer (guitar, backing vocals) says. “The old school, the melodic, the anthemic and the modern. That’s exactly who StormHammer are as a band today. We didn’t want the album to be purely melodic power metal. StormHammer has always had a more raw side, and we wanted to push that further by bringing in thrash elements, modern metal and even some ’90s punk roots without losing the band’s heavy metal identity.”

Vocalist M.Nox adds: “We went into this album with the idea that we didn’t want to play it safe. We mixed in elements of Thrash, Symphonic and Classic Metal while keeping it true to StormHammer’s Power Metal roots. With this album, you will hear StormHammer in a way you have not heard before.”

Recorded at Mastersound Studio with producer Alexander Krull, the album delivers a massive production, atmospheric arrangements and renewed creative energy throughout, showcasing a band that continues to evolve while remaining a vital force in modern power metal!

Pre-order “Wrath Of The Hammer” at: https://stormhammer.rpm.link/wrathalbumPR

Tracklist:

Beware
Wrath Of The Hammer
Ashes Of The Throne
Light In The Dark
Wheels Of Eternity
Guardians Of The Night
Veil Of Fire
Scars Of The Abyss
Shattered Dominion
The Dune

About StormHammer:

German power metal band StormHammer have established themselves as a powerful force within the European metal scene for many years. Combining traditional heavy metal intensity with melodic power metal energy and epic songwriting, the band has created a distinctive sound that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Throughout their career, StormHammer have continuously evolved their sound while remaining true to their roots. Their music blends aggressive guitar work, soaring melodies and powerful rhythms with atmospheric songwriting and modern production. With “Wrath Of The Hammer”, the band once again underlines their status as one of Germany’s most important and enduring power metal acts.

StormHammer is:
M.Nox – Vocals
Phil Meyer – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Christos Efstathiou – Guitar
Ashley Guest – Drums
Horst Tessmann – Bass, Backing Vocals

Connect with StormHammer:
Website: https://www.stormhammer.de/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stormhammerband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormhammer_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCse2QaL9LqKOo2DMAEyUBCw
TikTok: tiktok.com/@stormhammer_band

ZAN/CODY Share New Single & Lyric Video ‘Sever’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 20, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: ZAN/CODY. Leave a comment

ZAN/CODY – the project of Shotgun Messiah’s original singer Zinny Zan (vocals) and Harry Cody (guitars) – are pleased to share today their new single and official lyric video “Sever”, taken from the upcoming studio album, “Beautiful ‘N Damned”, out on July 24, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Zinny Zan said: “Sever” is a loud and clear anthem of defiance against the hidden forces that corrupt, consume, and demand surrender”.

“Sever” is a battle cry from a man who, faced with a world he sees spinning out of control, succumbs to paranoia. Rather than idly standing by and surrendering, he will fight. He will identify the problem. Cut out the cancer. Amputate. Sever”, added Harry Cody.

Pre-Order “Beautiful ‘N Damned” HERE

When two of the founding architects of Swedish sleaze hard rock reunite, the result can only be explosive. Zinny Zan (vocals) and Harry Cody (guitars), the original front duo of cult legends Shotgun Messiah, are back together under the banner Zan/Cody, delivering a brand-new album, aptly titled “Beautiful ‘N Damned” that reconnects directly with the genre-defining sound they helped create.

Shotgun Messiah’s self-titled 1989 debut remains a cornerstone of glam and sleaze metal, a record that shaped an entire generation and secured the band’s status as one of the most influential cult acts in Scandinavian hard rock. Now, decades later, Zan and Cody rekindle that chemistry with a record that proudly revives the classic Shotgun Messiah sleaze vibe, while pushing it forward with renewed energy, attitude and modern punch.

At the center of the album is Harry Cody’s unmistakable guitar work – sharp, melodic, gritty and instantly recognizable. Long regarded as one of the most respected guitarists to emerge from the Swedish scene, Cody delivers riffs and solos that are both streetwise and technically refined, perfectly complementing Zinny Zan’s raw, charismatic vocal delivery, steeped in attitude and rock ’n’ roll swagger.

Mixed by Chris Laney (Pretty Maids, Crazy Lixx), the album captures the perfect balance between classic sleaze authenticity and contemporary production power, ensuring the songs hit hard while retaining their dirty, dangerous edge.

With their highly anticipated appearance at Sweden Rock Festival and a new album on the way, the sensation is real: Zan/Cody are not here to rewrite the past, but to carry the Shotgun Messiah legacy into the future. Fans can expect uncompromising sleaze hard rock, undeniable hooks, and the spirit of a band that helped define a scene – reborn, louder and sharper than ever.

“Beautiful ‘N Damned” Tracklist:

1. Sever
2. I Am The Shit
3. Ride Or Die
4. Suffer City
5. She Walks With Violence
6. Damn
7. Let’s Be Heroes
8. Beautiful ‘N Damned
9. Bad Bad Man
10. Tear It All Down

Line Up:
Zinny Zan – Vocals
Harry Cody – Guitars

Follow ZAN/CODY:
Facebook

DRY WEDDING Unveil New Video Single ‘Moths’ & Announce Upcoming Album “The Back Of Beyond”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 19, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DRY WEDDING. Leave a comment

Vesperian presents “Moths“, the second single from Portland based DRY WEDDING, arriving alongside a new video and marking the announcement of the band’s upcoming third album, set for release on July 31 through Metal Blade Records.

Following the release of “Arrowhead“, which introduced listeners to the band’s most intense and expansive material to date, “Moths” deepens the sonic palette. The track leans into restraint and atmosphere while maintaining the raw physicality that defines the band’s sound. Layers of post punk tension, gothic country textures, and the weight of noise rock and doom converge into something both deliberate and volatile.

“As we began writing our third album, we wanted to push certain sonic elements further than ever. ‘Moths’ was an exercise in patience and restraint, and it quickly became a band favorite. Our new music video blends raw performance footage with Lynchian visuals to reflect the song’s lyrical themes, the tenebrous parts of ourselves that we hope to conceal and the all consuming impact of bringing them to light.” – Davey Ferchow, DRY WEDDING

Directed by Olivia Bayer, the video reinforces this duality, combining direct, unfiltered performance with a more abstract visual language. The result is a piece that mirrors the internal tension at the core of the track, where control and collapse coexist.

The band’s third album, “The Back Of Beyond“, will be released on July 31 via Vesperian. Recorded and mixed by Adam Pike at Toadhouse Recording and mastered by Adam Gonsalves at Telegraph Mastering in Portland, Oregon, the album further expands the band’s blend of post punk tension, gothic country atmosphere, noise rock weight and doom laden intensity. The album artwork was created by Adam Burke of Nightjar Illustration, with layout and design by John Haughm. The tracklist is as follows:

01. Arrowhead
02. The Serpent Box
03. Sure as a Gun
04. Blood-Red Vengeance
05. One Last Strand
06. Moths
07. Shifting Wilderness

Pre-orders for “The Back Of Beyond” are now available HERE through label, band, and retail channels.

Artwork by Adam Burke (Nightjar Illustration)

With this new material, DRY WEDDING continues to refine a sound that resists easy categorization, moving fluidly between genres while maintaining a distinct identity rooted in intensity, texture, and emotional weight.

DRY WEDDING are a Portland based band operating at the intersection of post punk, gothic country, noise rock, black metal and doom. Now presenting their third album, the band have continued to evolve a sound that balances restraint and intensity, combining raw physical performance with a strong atmospheric and narrative dimension. Across their work, DRY WEDDING have developed an identity that feels both deliberate and unpredictable, equally focused on sonic detail and visceral impact.

Line up:
Davey Ferchow – vocals, guitar
Jarrod Green – guitar, synth
Chadwick Ferguson – bass
Tom Fuller – drums

DRY WEDDING Online:
https://www.instagram.com/drywedding
https://www.facebook.com/drywedding
https://drywedding.bandcamp.com

EPICA Reveal Live Video ‘Sirens – Of Blood And Water (Live at Ziggo Dome)’, Feat. Alissa White-Gluz, Elize Ryd & Charlotte Wessels

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 19, 2026

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

Having wrapped up their vast Arcane Dimensions Tour earlier this year, symphonic metal powerhouse EPICA have now unveiled a soul-stirring live version of their track ‘Sirens – Of Blood And Water‘, featuring the formidable Alissa White-Gluz, Elize Ryd and Charlotte Wessels.

This spine-tingling version which was also captured on video, was recorded early this year at EPICA‘s biggest headline show to date – a sold-out night at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome in front of 10,000 fans.

Listen to ‘Sirens – Of Blood And Water (Live At Ziggo Dome Amsterdam)‘ here: https://epica.bfan.link/sirens-of-blood-and-water

EPICA – TOUR DATES

Tickets and VIP upgrades are available from epica.nl/tour

Aspiral tracklisting
01. Cross the Divide
02. Arcana
03. Darkness Dies in Light (A New Age Dawns, Part VII)
04. Obsidian Heart
05. Fight to Survive – The Overview Effect
06. Metanoia (A New Age Dawns, Part VIII)
07. T.I.M.E.
08. Apparition
09. Eye of the Storm
10. The Grand Saga of Existence (A New Age Dawns, Part IX)
11. Aspiral

About EPICA:

The journey of growth follows a spiral, continuously widening and deepening with every cycle.

By sticking to this spiritual principle, symphonic metal innovators EPICA have reinvented themselves on their ninth effort Aspiral, releasing a studio album that shows a band brimming with a newfound joy in their own skin – standing united as a team, where every band member brought inspiration, ideas and years of songwriting experience to the table.

Aspiral bears testimony to this unity, but the band’s steep ascent within the past years was far from coincidental and required lots of hard work and combination of things happening after the release of their latest album Omega in the midst of a raging pandemic. After walking several steps off their usual path with their EP The Alchemy Project which saw them collaborating with artists such as Myrkur, Fleshgod Apocalypse or Uriah Heep, the band played a massive world tour and got invited by a certain band called Metallica for several dates, and played 4 sold out “Symphonic Synergy” shows with a massive orchestra and choir.

After diving deep into hypothetical theories, metaphysical mysticism and themes that were touching the fabric of our existence in the infinity of the universe, EPICA ’s 9th studio effort Aspiral centres on the work of sculptor Stanisław Szukalski. During the first Covid lockdown, bassist Rob van der Loo saw the documentary ‘Struggle – The Life And Lost Art Of Stanislav Szukalski’ and felt so inspired by his work that he wanted to write soundtracks for some of his sculptures, simply because each and every detail in his works are artworks on their own and their stories go very deep. And this is where the path started. Aspiral was born as an instrumental soundtrack to this world, an initially separate project that over time metamorphosed into the new EPICA record.

The title comes from a bronze statue Szukalski did in 1965. If you take a close look, you can see snails rebuilding elements out of the mud in cycles and this eventually leads to civilization and a woman reaching out to the sun. It stands for renewal and inspiration – keywords that define EPICA now.

For more than 20 years now, EPICA have been standing tall. And while already their last efforts clearly showcased their commitment to the game, it is Aspiral that truly distils the very heart of their trademark sound.

BETH HART Reveals Music Video for ‘Stuff For You’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 19, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: BETH HART. Leave a comment

Grammy-nominated US powerhouse singer-songwriter Beth Hart releases a digital deluxe edition of her acclaimed 2024 album, You Still Got Me, via Provogue/Artone Label Group. Hart’s tour has recently been sweeping across Europe, and she will return for more shows in July and again in November. She has also just announced US tour dates for September.

Reinvigorating the record, the deluxe edition unlocks six tracks previously available only on a limited-edition box set. The sultry groove of the latest video for ‘Stuff For You’ was filmed at her show at De Roma in Antwerp, Belgium, on May 24, 2026, capturing behind-the-scenes footage as well as from the fans’ perspective.

This follows the jazzy blues sizzler, ‘Mean Ole Man Of Mine,’which tells the story of a girl drawn to a wild, larger-than-life man—someone rough, unpredictable, and unapologetically bold.

The deluxe edition turns up the heat with extended versions of “Savior With A Razor,” featuring the unmistakable guitar firepower of Slash of Guns N’ Roses, along with “Wonderful World,” “Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash,” and “Don’t Call The Police.”

The original album made a powerful global impact, storming the charts at #1 on the US Billboard Blues Album chart, #1 on the UK Jazz & Blues chart, and Top 10 across Europe. With over 11 million streams worldwide, it stands as a testament to Hart’s magnetic artistry and enduring connection with audiences.

You Still Got Me, exemplifies her ability to seamlessly navigate across genres, breaking boundaries between blues, rock, and Americana. If you have ever seen Beth Hart live or immersed yourself in her music, you know she pours every ounce of herself into her songs. Firebrands inspire; it’s what attracts people to them. We all have our “Me” when she sings “You still got me” – a loved one, a friend, a pet, a place, a memory, a song. Beth Hart continues to inspire.

Upcoming tour dates – Tickets are available HERE.

EUROPE

JULY 1, 2026 – Lycabettus Theatre – Athens, Greece
JULY 4, 2026 – Donaubühne – Tulln, Austria
JULY 6, 2026 – Posthalle – Würzburg, Germany
JULY 8, 2026 – Jahrhunderthalle – Frankfurt am Main, Germany
JULY 10, 2026 – Parkbühne (Clara Zetkin Park) – Leipzig, Germany
JULY 14, 2026 – COS Torwar – Warszawa, Poland
JULY 16, 2026 – Veszprémfest 2026 – Veszprém, Hungary
JULY 18, 2026 – “Yunak” stadium – Sofia, Bulgaria
JULY 21, 2026 – Schwabenhalle Augsburg – Augsburg, Germany
JULY 23, 2026 – Z7 Open-Air – Pratteln, Switzerland
JULY 25, 2026 – Winterbach Zeltspektakel – Winterbach, Germany
JULY 27, 2026 – Stadthalle – Rostock, Germany
JULY 29, 2026 – Seebühne Bremen – Bremen, Germany

USA

SEPT 10, 2026 — MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage — Northfield, OH
SEPT 12, 2026 — Taft Theatre — Cincinnati, OH
SEPT 15, 2026 — Michigan Theater — Ann Arbor, MI
SEPT 17, 2026 — Brown County Music Center — Nashville, IN
SEPT 19, 2026 — Riviera Theatre — Chicago, IL
SEPT 22, 2026 — The Factory — St. Louis, MO
SEPT 24, 2026 — Orpheum Theater — Madison, WI
SEPT 26, 2026 — Palace Theatre — St. Paul, MN
SEPT 29, 2026 — Paramount Theatre — Denver, CO
OCT 1, 2026 – Mesa Arts Center – Mesa, AZ

EUROPE

NOV 4, 2026 – Helsingin Jäähalli – Helsinki, Finland
NOV 7, 2026 – B-K – Stockholm, Sweden
NOV 9, 2026 – Sentrum Scene – Oslo, Norway
NOV 11, 2026 – Fiskepiren – Stavanger, Norway
NOV 13, 2026 – USF Verftet – Bergen, Norway
NOV 16, 2026 – Falkoner Salen – Frederiksberg, Denmark
NOV 18, 2026 – Musikhuset Aarhus – Århus, Denmark
NOV 21, 2026 – Kuppelsaal IM HCC – Hannover, Germany
NOV 23, 2026 – Leverkusener Jazztage – Leverkusen, Germany
NOV 25, 2026 – LOKSCHUPPEN DILLINGEN – Dillingen/saar, Germany
NOV 27, 2026 – Halle Münsterland – Münster, Germany
NOV 29, 2026 – L’Olympia – Paris, France
DEC 01, 2026 – AFAS Live – Amsterdam, Netherlands
DEC 04, 2026 – AFAS Live – Amsterdam, Netherlands

2027

FEB 27, 2027 – Stadthalle Kassel – Kassel, Germany
MAR 2, 2027 – Prague Congress Centre – Prague, Czechia
MAR 22, 2027 – Das Stadtwerk Donau-Arena – Regensburg, Germany

Tracklisting

1. Savior With A Razor ft. Slash
2. Suga N My Bowl ft. Eric Gales
3. Never Underestimate A Gal
4. Drunk on Valentine
5. Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash
6. Wonderful World
7. Little Heartbreak Girl,
8. Don’t Call The Police
9. You Still Got Me
10. Pimp Like That
11. Machine Gun Vibrato

Bonus Track List:

12. Savior With A Razor (feat. Slash) – Extended Version
13. Wonderful World – Extended Version
14. Mean Ole Man Of Mine,
15. Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash – Extended Version
16. Don’t Call The Police – Extended Version
17. Stuff For You

Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

The Magic Of Metal

U.S. BASTARDS Unleash Cover of Judas Priest’s ‘Heading Out to the Highway’ with Visualizer

STORMHAMMER Release Music Video for New Single ‘Scars Of The Abyss’

ZAN/CODY Share New Single & Lyric Video ‘Sever’ from Upcoming Album

DRY WEDDING Unveil New Video Single ‘Moths’ & Announce Upcoming Album “The Back Of Beyond”

EPICA Reveal Live Video ‘Sirens – Of Blood And Water (Live at Ziggo Dome)’, Feat. Alissa White-Gluz, Elize Ryd & Charlotte Wessels

BETH HART Reveals Music Video for ‘Stuff For You’

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