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TORCHIA Unveil New Lyric Video ‘Stygian Waters’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: TORCHIA. Leave a comment

Rockshots Records announces the release of “Stygian Waters”, the brand new single by Finnish dark metal act Torchia.

“Stygian Waters” is taken from Torchia’s upcoming fourth full-length album, “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness,” and represents a deliberate return to the band’s early guitar-driven aggression, infused with heightened cinematic tension and dark melodic intensity. Rooted in thrash-infused melodic death metal, the track channels relentless riffing and an urgent rhythmic drive while expanding the band’s signature gothic and occult atmosphere.

Commenting on the song, the band explains: “‘Stygian Waters’ is a throwback to the early years of Torchia, built around intense riffing and an almost relentless forward momentum. When the riffs first came together, they immediately evoked the image of a raging ocean and towering waves. From there, the lyrics took shape as a story of a maritime disaster – a desperate struggle against overwhelming natural forces with the suggestion that something darker and more supernatural may also be at play.”
​
Lyrically, “Stygian Waters” depicts a harrowing battle for survival where human will is tested against uncontrollable forces, blurring the line between reality and the uncanny. The song’s narrative-driven approach fits seamlessly within Torchia’s cursed fantasy universe, populated by ancient gods, dark rituals, and grim visions inspired by gothic horror traditions.

DIGITAL – https://lnk.to/6cBhhT

Musically, the single highlights Torchia’s evolved sound: sharp, driving guitar work remains at the core while cinematic layering and darker tonal shades add depth and dramatic weight. This balance between raw aggression and atmosphere reflects the broader identity of “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, an album that brings the band’s storytelling to life through a murky, 19th-century gothic vision.

Expanding on the album’s direction, the band adds: “With this record, we wanted to push our sound further into darker and more cinematic territory without losing the immediacy and energy that defined our earlier work. ‘Stygian Waters’ captures that balance perfectly – it’s fast, aggressive, and vivid but still deeply tied to the world and narratives we’ve been building over the years.”
​
“Stygian Waters” stands as a key chapter within “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, reaffirming Torchia’s identity as a band that merges extreme metal intensity with theatrical storytelling and a strong visual and conceptual aesthetic. Known for their explosive live performances led by masked frontman Nox, Torchia continue to carve their own path within the darker realms of the metal spectrum.

For fans of: Behemoth, Cradle of Filth, Children of Bodom

New album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” out May 8th, 2026.

  • PRE ORDER “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” as CD: https://rockshots.eu/products/torchia-they-are-born-under-rules-of-the-darkness-cd​
  • ​PRE ORDER “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” as LP: https://rockshots.eu/products/torchia-they-are-born-under-rules-of-the-darkness-lp

Track Listing:​
1. Nekromanteion – 4:23
2. Hellmouth – 4:08
3. Into Hell – 3:38
4. Hellstorm – 3:55
5. Die Amour – 4:12
6. The Tiamat Machine – 5:39
7. Black Cat – 3:19
8. Stygian Waters – 4:05
9. Sanguine Masquerade – 4:46
Album Length: 38:05

Torchia Line-Up:​
Nox: Vocals
Villemorte: Lead guitar, Vocals
Henri von Hardy: Guitar
Vulkan: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Vincent Oscar Mill: Drums

More info:
​https://www.rockshots.eu/​
​https://www.instagram.com/curseoftorchia/​
​https://www.facebook.com/TorchiaOfficial/

DIRTY SHIRT Share Full Live Set at Pol’and’Rock Festival 2025 + Announce “Dirtylicious Decade Tour”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DIRTY SHIRT. Leave a comment
Dirty Short at Pol’and’Rock2025 – Photo Credit: Kasper Kędzierski

Dirty Shirt has released the full video of their explosive 2025 performance at Pol’and’Rock Festival, one of Europe’s largest and most iconic open‑air music events.
​
The 2025 edition marked a major milestone for the Romanian folk‑metal collective: their third Pol’and’Rock appearance, placing them alongside Dubioza Kolektiv as the only non‑Polish acts to have played the festival three times.
​
​Dirty Shirt’s history with Pol’and’Rock is deeply intertwined with the festival’s spirit of community, charity, and musical diversity. In 2021, the band made their Pol’and’Rock debut during the special pandemic‑restricted edition, performing for a reduced audience of 20,000. In 2022, Dirty Shirt returned triumphantly after winning the Golden Spinning Top (Złoty Bączek), the public‑voted contest that determines which artist opens the next edition of the festival. Past winners include major international names such as Clawfinger, Papa Roach, Sabaton, Anthrax, Bring Me The Horizon, Avatar, Amon Amarth, and others. And their third and most recent appearance in 2025 came as part of EERA, the Eastern European Rock Alliance, an EU‑funded cultural collaboration. Dirty Shirt was one of the flagship bands of the project, making their return to Pol’and’Rock both symbolic and artistically meaningful.

Despite the excitement, the road to the 2025 stage was anything but easy. The band had traveled more than 16 hours from Romania to northern Poland the day before the show, arriving late at night. Show day began at 4:30 a.m. for a 6 a.m. soundcheck, with the hotel located over an hour from the festival grounds. By the time Dirty Shirt stepped on stage, it was well past midnight.
​
​“Beyond the fatigue, playing at Pol’and’Rock always feels like coming alive again. The Polish audience, one of the most intense, passionate crowds we have ever played for, gives the energy back a hundredfold and reminds you why you do this in the first place,” shares the band.

Often described as “the biggest open‑air festival in Europe,” Pol’and’Rock is a free, charity‑driven event organized as a thank‑you to the volunteers and supporters of WOSP, The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. WOSP’s annual Grand Finale raises funds for hospitals across Poland, more than $52 million USD in the most recent edition, and the festival stands as a cultural celebration of that nationwide effort.
​
Beyond music, Pol’and’Rock hosts workshops, conferences, and a wide range of artistic and educational activities, making it one of Europe’s most unique cultural gatherings.
​
​Dirty Shirt is once again eligible for the Golden Spinning Top contest, and fans who want to support the band’s return to Pol’and’Rock in 2026 can vote online (email confirmation required): https://polandrockfestival.pl/o-festiwalu/zloty-baczek

The complete live set of their landmark third appearance at Pol’and’Rock 2025 is now available to watch online:

Over their 30 years, Dirty Shirt has become one of Eastern Europe’s most original and successful rock/metal bands, known for their explosive fusion of modern heavy music with the vibrant energy of Eastern European traditional sounds. Formed in the mid‑90s as a wedding band, the group has kept its core lineup intact for three decades, evolving into a major international act with a distinctive, genre‑blending identity. Their music draws from metal, hardcore, industrial, funk, world music, and authentic regional folk influences, enhanced by the use of traditional acoustic instruments both in the studio and on stage.
​
The band gained international attention after winning second place at the Wacken Metal Battle 2014 world final, followed by performances at major European festivals including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Pol’and’Rock, Electric Castle, Rockstadt Extreme Fest, Reload Festival, Dong Open Air, and many more. With more than 1000 shows across 17 countries, Dirty Shirt has shared stages with artists such as Megadeth, Godsmack, Gogol Bordello, Skindred, and Orphaned Land.
​
Their albums have earned widespread critical acclaim, featured in leading publications such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Metalsucks, Angry Metal Guy, Hard Rock Mag, and Metalized. Known for their high‑energy, danceable live performances and cross‑genre appeal, Dirty Shirt continues to expand its international presence while redefining what modern Eastern European metal can sound like.

Recommended for anyone looking for something interesting and lively, Dirty Shirt is for fans of Skindred, Bloodywood, Alestorm, and The Hu.

Music video – FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyloBE8YbqY

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/7lnoKzE5unKzShIzkjlTX7

DIRTY SHIRT Dirtylicious Decade Tour​
Ticket Info – https://www.ambilet.ro/dirtyshirt/

30.01.2026 – Quantic – Bucuresti
31.01.2026 – Rockstadt – Brasov
12.02.2026 – Lokal – Oradea
13.02.2026 – Form Space – Cluj Napoca
14.02.2026 – Republic Hub – Tg Mures
06.03.2026 – Art Rock Cafe – Suceava
07.03.2026 – Urbana – Iasi
08.03.2026 – Beraria Valhalla – Bacau
20.03.2026 – Teatrul National – Ploiesti
21.03.2026 – Music For Autism – Constanta
17.04.2026 – Oldies Pub – Sibiu
19.04.2026 – The Station – Petrosani
08.05.2026 – Log Out – Baia Mare
09.05.2026 – Soho Music Hall – Bistrita
22.05.2026 – Terasa Flex – Arad
23.05.2026 – In Spatele Casei – Timisoara

For more info: https://linktr.ee/dirtyshirtband

YHWH Unleash New Lyric Video for ‘Murderer of Illusions’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: YHWH. Leave a comment

Belgian extreme black metal act YHWH presents their latest lyric video for the track “Murderer of Illusions”, a relentless outpouring of nihilistic fury rooted in hatred for mankind and the mental suffering born from human stupidity. The song confronts the collapse of ego, hope, and human certainty, unfolding as a journey through despair, misanthropy, and the destruction of every illusion, delivered through a harsh and uncompromising soundscape that mirrors its lyrical intensity.

With “Murderer of Illusions”, YHWH solidifies their place at the forefront of extreme black metal, merging philosophical depth with uncompromising aggression.

“Murderer of Illusions” is a track taken from the band’s EP Khatha, out now via Wormholedeath. Stream Khatha: https://orcd.co/khathaep

Previous video: Hell on Earth (The Root of All Evil): https://youtu.be/FjTY5SyNqvg

Formed in 2024, YHWH is a Belgian/Thai black metal band. All music is composed by Schem HaMephorash and her sister C. Bones, with S.M. Goat Ritual joining in June. Following their debut EP Tetragrammaton (April 2025, Wormholedeath), the band now unleashes the second chapter: Khatha. Prepare for the doom.

Also available: “Tetragrammaton”: orcd.co/tetragrammaton

Follow YHWH Online:
https://thetrueyhwh.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/thetrueyhwh
http://www.youtube.com/@thetrueyhwh

Polish OVER THE UNDER Launch Own Music Club

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: OVER THE UNDER. Leave a comment

Photo by Oliwia “Dżoli” Piwko

Over The Under has been active since 2016, and their real breakthrough came just a year later. In 2017, the band quit their jobs and put everything on the line, embarking on a tour that would go down in history for the independent scene — 100 shows in 100 days, played day after day, non-stop. This crazy idea wasn’t a marketing gimmick, but a declaration of freedom and independence, which led to a world record and opened doors for further performances across Europe. Since then, Over The Under has performed over 300 shows and completed several European tours, spanning the UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia, and the Czech Republic.

The most unexpected step in the band’s history, however, was the creation of their own music club. The Over The Under Pub in Bydgoszcz was created practically from scratch—without financial backing, but with the enormous support of volunteers, friends, and local scene members. Kor and Czaki built a venue that quickly became the epicenter of the Bydgoszcz underground: a space for concerts, debuts by young bands, charity events, and performances by artists from Poland and abroad. This is a rare example of a band establishing an official club under its own name not as a supplement to their career, but as a true extension of it.

Although OTU Pub became the center of the band’s activities for two years, today Over The Under are returning to the source—playing concerts and creating new music. A new single will soon be released, paving the way for a new album and tour. The band shows no signs of slowing down, once again proving that rock ‘n’ roll isn’t nostalgia, but vibrant, pulsating energy.

How many bands do you know that not only play concerts but build their own stage, their own venue, and their own rules? Over The Under remind us that true rock ‘n’ roll is more than just music—it’s action, risk, and consistency. And when they return to the stage, they do it exactly as they always do: loudly, in their own way, and without a plan B.

Check out the video for the song “Bida” from the latest album “Red Album”, which has been viewed on YouTube by over half a million users ⤵

More info: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify

SERPENT GATES Release Third Single ‘The Veil of Darkness’ from Upcoming Debut Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: SERPENT GATES. Leave a comment
Photo: Vesa Holmala

Serpent Gates, the bold new torchbearer of traditional heavy metal, will release their debut album, The Veil of Darkness, on February 20th. The central Finnish band’s showcase of heavy metal prowess has been a dream for decades. But it is only in recent years that their passionate approach to music combined with hard work has made their dreams come true. In addition to the core duo of drummer Juho Hakalax and guitarist Tuomas Västilä, it is also worth mentioning Antony Parviainen, known from Psychework, who lends his voice to the album as a session vocalist.

Composer Juho Hakalax says about the third and final single from the album, The Veil of Darkness:

“Our upcoming debut album isn’t exactly laid-back, as slow songs don’t really come easily to this composer. However, the title track of this album has a slightly more dynamic feel, and the atmosphere has been deepened with synths and clear sounding guitars, among other things. The vocals follow the winding tones of the song and raise its energy to new heights as the chorus crashes down from above, loud and clear.”

Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music etc.): https://push.fm/fl/serpentgates-tvod-single

–Composer: Juho Hakalax
–Lyrics: Jegori Miinin
–Arrangement: Serpent Gates
–Record Label: Venomoon Records

“The song has the darkest lyrics on the album, which were also the first ones written. At this time, inspiration was not hard to find, as opening any media device was enough to be hit by the stench of humanity. Homo homini lupus, as stated in an ancient Roman play,” continues Jegori Miinin, who is responsible for the lyrics.

Line-up:
Antony Parviainen – Vocals (session member)
Juho Hakalax – Drums
Tuomas Västilä – Guitar
Sami Tapola – Bass

https://www.facebook.com/serpentgates
https://www.instagram.com/serpentgates

TAILGUNNER Unleash New Single + Video ‘War In Heaven’, Feat. Adam Wakeman

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 4, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: TAILGUNNER. Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: Tunde Valiszka]

With the release of their sophomore album, Midnight Blitz, only a few days away, heavy metal band TAILGUNNER fires on all cylinders once again. “War In Heaven” is a ballad that truly proves their versatility – a powerful statement in the book of heavy metal. This time, producer K.K. Downing is not the only legend that the five-piece from heavy metal’s birthplace could recruit: “War In Heaven” features Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple), who just won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance for his appearance at Black Sabbath’s Back To The Beginning happening, on synths. The feature epically bridges the gap between 80s worship and a youthful, contemporary spirit. TAILGUNNER are unmatched – Midnight Blitz releases this Friday, February 6 via Napalm Records.
 
TAILGUNNER about “War In Heaven”:
“When the legendary K.K. Downing challenges you to write a ballad, you don’t let him down. Make no mistake, this one hits hard. We went all out and enlisted the help of Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple) on synths to make ‘War In Heaven’ an all-time classic, just like those iconic 80s ballads from the bands we all love. Walking in the footsteps of giants, no ballad is complete without a blistering, iconic guitar solo, ready for the history books—and ‘War In Heaven’ is no exception.”

TAILGUNNER unleash their second album, Midnight Blitz, out February 6, 2026 via Napalm Records. Bursting onto the scene in 2022, their sophomore work draws heavily from classic British Heavy Metal, but just like those influences, the band are determined to push forward. Always crafting their sound and building on what they have, whilst never compromising on what they started with – Pure Heavy Metal. In an astonishingly short time, the emerging British heavy metal talent have found support in the very heroes they follow: after making a strong impression supporting KK’s Priest, legendary guitarist K.K. Downing went on to produce the upcoming album, Midnight Blitz.
 
Midnight Blitz is classic Heavy Metal without being pastiche. This is a band for the here and now – not just worshipping at the altar, but determined to stand upon it as the Metal Gods of a whole new generation of headbangers. TAILGUNNER prove their skills effortlessly, carving themselves out as Heavy Metal’s future and grabbing the torch from the legends themselves. Catchy hooks, killer riffs, and appealing to every heavy metal fan – join K.K. Downing and discover your new heroes now!
 
TAILGUNNER about Midnight Blitz:
“Like phantoms of the clouds, the Midnight Blitz screams silently through the air. Descending on their prey, a Heavy Metal militia striking at the speed of sound. Only blood can run! Whilst touring our debut album, we were described by one roadie as ‘The bastard child of Maiden & Priest’ and that became the ethos for our new album Midnight Blitz. Just like our fore bearers, we are determined to push forward, always crafting our sound and building on what we have, whilst never compromising on what we started with – Pure Heavy Metal! We are not just worshipping at the altar of those who have gone before, but determined to stand upon it and be the heroes for a whole new generation! We played over 100 shows touring our debut album, sharing the stages with some of the most legendary names in Metal while paying our dues in blood, sweat, tears and endless nights out on the road. Everything we learned is on display here, packed into 10 tracks in what we feel can be a true, essential TAILGUNNER album. Produced by none other than the Metal guitar God K.K. Downing, working closely with K.K. during this entire process has been the ride of a lifetime and you can hear those touches of a bonafide Metal God throughout this album!”
 
K.K. Downing on TAILGUNNER:
“TAILGUNNER is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the UK. They personify everything that is heavy metal. They are loud and proud, and totally descended from everyone in metal that has gone before – their energy and rawness, together with their brand of metal, incorporates all of the godfathers and much more. Maiden, Priest, Motörhead, Def Leppard – the list is endless. The band has a youthful freshness and a uniqueness that will no doubt elevate them to being a true Metal favourite of the fans.”

Pre-Order Your Copy Of Midnight Blitz HERE

The ambitious quintet fires with more precision than ever before on 10 versatile tracks. An air raid siren stands as harbinger of the onslaught from the powerful title track, “Midnight Blitz”, in which blitzkrieg drums and screaming twin lead guitars serve as a powerful sign of what is to come. The epic “Tears In Rain” showcases frontman Craig Cairns’ broad vocal skills and the band’s ability to deliver huge, infectious choruses. 
 
“Follow Me In Death” boasts TAILGUNNER’s Maiden-esque approach to grandiose, heavy melodies, while ‘The Lost Boys’-inspired “Dead Until Dark” turns up the 80s vibes full throttle. With “Barren Lands and Seas of Red”, the young British band prove they have epics in their arsenal, continuing to intertwine catchy choruses with manic, thrash tinged riffs before letting audiences catch their breaths during the modern classic ballad “War In Heaven” – goosebumps guaranteed! The following “Blood Sacrifice” ups the tempo significantly and offers numerous opportunities to raise your fist and shout along, while “Night Raids” and “Eye Of The Storm” add triumphant notes, respectively, preparing for the grand finale. The epic, Power Metal feel of “Eulogy” wraps Midnight Blitz up masterfully, shifting from gently orchestrated melodies and memorable vocals before exploding into Speed Metal fireworks.

Midnight Blitz tracklisting:

  1. Midnight Blitz
  2. Tears In Rain
  3. Follow Me In Death
  4. Dead Until Dark
  5. Barren Lands And Seas Of Red
  6. War In Heaven
  7. Blood Sacrifice
  8. Night Raids
  9. Eye Of The Storm
  10. Eulogy

TAILGUNNER Live 2026

Tour Support for Fozzy’s “Eyes On You” Tour
06.02.26 EN – Brighton, England / Chalk
07.02.26 EN – Margate, England / Dreamland
08.02.26 EN – Manchester, England / The Ritz
10.02.26 EN – Norwich, England / Epic Studios
11.02.26 EN – Bradford, England / Nightrain
13.02.26 EN – Nottingham, England / Rock City
14.02.26 SC – Glasgow, Scotland / TV Studios
15.02.26 EN – Newcastle, England / Boiler Shop
17.02.26 WL – Cardiff, Wales / Tramshed
18.02.26 EN – Torquay, England / The Foundry
19.02.26 EN – Southampton, England / The 1865
20.02.26 EN – London, England / Electric Ballroom
21.02.26 EN – Wolverhampton, England / KK’s Steel Mill

Supporting Accept on their “Half A Century Of Metal” Tour:
27.08.26 EN – Wolverhampton / KK’s Steel Mill
28.08.26 EN – London / Indigo at the O2

Summer Festivals 2026
05.06.26 IS – Stykkishólmur / Sátan Festival
06.06.26 SE – Sölvesborg / Sweden Rock Festival
07.06.26 NO – Trondheim / Trondheim Rocks Festival
13.06.26 UK – Donington Park / Download Festival
26.06.26 CZ – Spálené Poříčí / Basinfire Fest
27.06.26 DE – Dischingen / Rock Am Härtsfeldsee
04.07.26 DE – Ballenstedt / Rock Harz
18.07.26 UK – Maidstone / Maid of Stone Festival
06.08.26 ES – Villena / Leyendas Del Rock
08.08.26 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz
09.08.26 DE – Geiselwind / Keep It True Legions Festival
15.08.26 NL – Eindhoven / Dynamo Metal Fest
21.08.26 DE – Pellingen / Hells Pells Festival
05.09.26 UK – Coventry / Hella Rock Festival (Coventry Empire)

TAILGUNNER are:
Craig Cairns – Vocals
Rhea Thompson – Lead Guitar
Zach Salvini – Lead Guitar
Bones – Bass Guitar
Eddie Mariotti – Drums 
 
TAILGUNNER online:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS

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