At the beginning of December last year, after a lengthy hiatus, FROM ASHES REBORN announced their return, which was celebrated with the release of their first single, “Chasing Utopia”, followed by the second one, “In Truth Divided”.
The brand new follow-up single, “Wraiths Of Memories”, also gives a captivating preview of the upcoming second album “Chasing Utopia” – the highly explosive follow-up to their 2018 debut “Existence Exiled”!
Further information, artwork and release details will follow shortly. Stay tuned and follow the band on their social media channels to stay up to date.
Between hope and doom, between salvation and deception – “Chasing Utopia” tells of a world that has lost itself. A world in which meaning has become a commodity – and truth a tool of those who know how to sell it …
The band describes the new single: “‘Wraiths Of Memories’ is a descent into the echoes of the past – where memories turn to ghosts and every scar tells its own story. It speaks of loss, self-reflection, and the struggle to find light in the ruins of what once was. Carried by melancholic melodies and driving intensity, the song shifts between fragility and strength. A reflection on holding on and letting go – and on what remains when even memory starts to fade.”
With their brilliant debut album, FROM ASHES REBORN confidently counted themselves among the most promising new MELODIC DEATH METAL bands from Germany. Founded in 2017, the talented musicians from Wittlich presented a stunning first work … [ … learn more here » ]
LINE-UP Ronny • Vocals Dirk • Lead & solo guitar Sebastian • Rhythm guitar & backing vocals Thomas • Drums
Just when fans thought it couldn’t get any better, Milwaukee Metal Festival is pleased to now surprise everyone with five new additions to the lineup! As IRON REAGAN moves now to Saturday due to them joining a tour, DEATH ANGEL will now claim IRON REAGAN’s Friday spot, in which they will be performing a special ‘Act III’ set. VIO-LENCE has now also been added to Friday, meanwhile, INCITE has also moved from Sunday to Friday, with the triple threat of GREEN JELLŸ, STILL STAYER + VACANT VOICE now claiming the Sunday openings!
Fans can get access to the Thursday pre-party on June 4 for FREE with the purchase of a 3-day festival pass to MILWAUKEE METAL FEST. Come see ACID BATH, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, MINISTRY, OBITUARY, AGALLOCH + many more for the BEST WEEKEND EVER!
The festival will once again return to The Rave/Eagles Club from June 5 – 7, 2026, with the pre-party kicking off on June 4! Three-day passes, two-day passes, single-day tickets, and a limited number of reserved seats are on sale now. For the full lineup, ticket options, and festival updates can be found at THIS LOCATION.
Milwaukee Metal Fest is proudly sponsored by Sumerian Records, Blue Grape Music, Reigning Phoenix Music, Copycats Hi-Fi Media, Nuclear Blast Records, Martyrstore.net, Metal Blade Records, Blk II Blk Records, Mindsnap Music, and The Rave/Eagles Club.
The updated lineup and day splits can be found below!
Milwaukee Metal Fest 2026 will once again showcase a wide range of metal styles, including death metal, doom, hardcore, metalcore, thrash, industrial, and underground extremity, with performances spread across multiple stages throughout the venue. In addition to live music, the festival will feature a dedicated floor for merchandise and collectibles, giving fans access to exclusive band merch, vinyl, rare items, and more throughout the weekend.
The final lineup is now as follows:
Friday, June 5:
Acid Bath Obituary Agalloch (Retrospective Set) Death Angel (Act III Set)t Incantation Vio-lence Pallbearer Hirax NunSlaughter Master Polkadot Cadaver Creeping Death Morta Skuld Incite Flesh Parade Dusk Jeffrey Nothing Dawn Of Ouroboros Blood Vulture Cardiac Arrest Thanatotic Desire Eyes of the Living Misery Dirt
Saturday, June 6:
Killswitch Engage Suicidal Tendencies Machine Head Power Trip Agalloch (Ashes Against the Grain Album Set) After the Burial NAILS Iron Reagan Napalm Death (Rave Bar Set) Armored Saint Sacred Reich Havok Prong Macabre Weekend Nachos Internal Bleeding Generation Kill Belushi Speed Ball Sworn Enemy Castrator Casket Robbery Human Artifacts Heavy//Hitter Brick by Brick Threnody The Suffering Striking 13
Sunday, June 7:
Ministry Napalm Death John Bush (Celebrating The Songs of Anthrax 1993-2003) All Shall Perish (Celebrating 20 years of ‘The Price Of Existence’) Cyco Miko Integrity UADA Deadguy Primitive Man Waking The Cadaver Visceral Disgorge Green Jellÿ The Crosses (Performing Die Kreuzen) Face Yourself SUREFIRE 9 Dead Frog Mallet Still Stayer Lecherous Nocturne Gored Embrace Dead by Wednesday Texas Toast Chainsaw Massacre Trip to the Morgue Dark Horse Prophet
ABOUT MILWAUKEE METAL FEST
Founded in 1987, Milwaukee Metal Fest is one of the longest-running and most influential metal festivals in the United States, with a rich history of showcasing groundbreaking artists across the heavy music spectrum. After establishing itself as a cornerstone of American metal through the late 1980s and 1990s, the festival was revived in 2023 under the direction of Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta, ushering in a new era while honoring its legacy. Today, Milwaukee Metal Fest continues to unite fans and artists for an uncompromising celebration of metal across the iconic stages of The Rave/Eagles Club.
Finnish metal force BARREL has released its long-awaited debut album Triptych, a three-part journey that explores dark mythologies, human nature, and the metaphysics of conflict.
Hailing from Tampere, Barrel delivers a versatile and uncompromising take on metal.
The band began paving the way for Triptych in December with the release of the first single “Scavenger”, followed by “Sophia’s Repentance” in January. Now, the full three-part opus is finally unleashed. The epic lead single “War” serves as a tribute to a Ukrainian war hero.
“’War’ tells the story of Vitalii Volodymyrovych Skakun. It is a tribute to the determination of one man and an entire nation — the willingness to do what must be done. To say ‘no’ to genocidal terror and nihilistic fascism. It is a tribute to those who are ready to defend their homeland and its existence, regardless of the cost. Never forget the price of peace. Never forget Vitalii. Slava Ukraini! Heroyam slava!”, the band states.
The story of Triptych is brought to life through a comic-book universe created by artist Juha “Wuorlock” Wuorinen. Each single has been accompanied by a comic narrative inspired by the song’s story. Wuorinen has designed the band’s whole visual world, including album artwork and promo pic.
“Working with Barrel has been both extremely rewarding and challenging, because the themes of the songs are so vast, it’s difficult to compress something essential into a single page”, says Wuorinen.
Artwork by Juha “Wuorlock” Wuorinen
“Triptych is Barrel’s unholy trinity. A three-part painting of the metaphysics of Satan. A collection of stories about the names and meanings humanity has given to primal phenomena within itself and the universe. The dramatic arc moves from the birth of Satan through the creation of our world and the fall of man, toward the end times, war, and eternal rest. Triptych dives deep and swims against the current. It challenges meaning and wholeness in an era where the wide road leads to emptiness and alienation,” Barrel comments.
Triptych tracklist: 1. Cryptomnesia 2. Prelude to the Fall of Man 3. Scavenger 4. Sophia’s Repentance 5. Prelude to War 6. Signs for Kings 7. Dogma Denied 8. War 9. Ode to the Fallen
Barrel celebrates the release of Triptych last week in Tampere at Thrasherie Bar. The band’s conquest of Finnish venues continues with the following shows:
20.03.2026 – RockNeck, Jyväskylä (w/ Wizards Of Hazards, Cardinal Fleet) 27.03.2026 – Varjobaari, Tampere (w/ Steel Systems, Miss Vain) 15.05.2026 – Nirvana, Turku (w/ Pressure Points, Sum of Seven) 16.05.2026 – Bar 15, Seinäjoki (w/ TBA) 29.08.2026 – Toppila Klubi, Oulu (w/ Burning Point, Steel Systems)
Upstate New York metalcore outfit Fight From Within kick off 2026 with the release of their new single, “Checkmate,” marking an exciting new partnership with Arson Theory. Produced by Todd Golder of Sirens & Sailors, the track showcases the band’s aggressive precision, and dynamic songwriting.
“We’re incredibly excited to work with a bunch of awesome bands and homies over at Arson Theory,” the band shares. “It was a pleasure to work with a legend in our local scene for our next single. Checkmate is just the beginning of 2026.”
With Todd Golder at the helm, the single captures both the raw energy of Fight From Within’s live presence and the refined edge of their studio sound. As their first release of the year, “Checkmate” sets the tone for what promises to be an active and impactful 2026, with more new music and announcements on the way.
FIGHT FROM WITHIN ON TOUR: The Mini Gun Mini Run w/ Autumn Lies Buried 4/23 Ironton, OH – The Crows Nest 4/24 Owensboro, KY – Escape Today 4/25 Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s 4/26 Joliet, IL – The Forge
Headliner for Thanatos Release Party 6/13 Scanton, PA – Moon Tavern
ight From Within were founded in Upstate New York in early 2021. Their sound lands at the intersection of metalcore, hardcore, and beatdown. With deeply diverse influences ranging from Bury Your Dead, Polaris, Evergreen Terrace, Emmure, Invent/Animate, Every Time I Die, and Attila, they have crafted their own distinct sound.
In 2022, they began tracking new music with Pablo Viveros of Chelsea Grin. They have taken the stage at many key festivals, from Sonic Temple to The Gathering of the Juggles to Inkcarceration. The band is headed into 2026 like a freight train — all gas, no brakes.
KING ULTRAMEGA have released a powerful new single, a cover of “Preaching The End Of The World”, recorded in loving memory of Chris Cornell while raising funds and awareness for MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s nonprofit that provides mental health services, addiction recovery support, and emergency assistance to members of the music community.
Originally written and performed by Chris Cornell, “Preaching The End Of The World”remains one of the most emotionally resonant songs of his solo career. The new interpretation from KING ULTRAMEGA preserves the emotional core of the original while expanding its sonic landscape with layered guitars, cinematic keyboards, and a dynamic, atmospheric arrangement.
The recording features vocals by Ian Thornley of BIG WRECK, guitars by Pete Thorn, bass by Mark Menghi, keyboards and synth by Dave Kerzner and Frank Mitaritonna, and drums by Kenny Aronoff. The track was produced by Mark Menghi, engineered by Frank Mitaritonna, Dave Kerzner and Mark Menghi, mixed and mastered by Josh Wilbur, with cover artwork and video created by Costin Chioreanu. Original music by Chris Cornell.
Speaking about joining the project, Ian Thornley said, “Pete Thorn is a dear friend and fellow Canadian who I know played with Chris Cornell for many years. He’s a great musician, and we’re always looking for projects to do together, so it was a quick ‘yes’ from me.”
Kenny Aronoff shared, “I wanted to be part of this project because I know Mark was involved, and I’ve always been a huge fan of anything Chris Cornell on so many levels. ‘Preaching The End Of The World’ is an amazingly beautiful song, and Chris’s vocal performance is one of the most passionate and emotional vocal performances I have ever heard.”
Producer and bassist Mark Menghi reflected on the song’s meaning, saying, “It’s a song about loneliness and searching for connection, something I can relate to. Just listen to the lyrics of this song. Chris is authentic, emotional, and vulnerable.”
Pete Thorn also looked back on performing the song live with Cornell. “‘Preaching The End Of The World’ is a beautiful song that I always enjoyed performing with Chris during my time on tour with him. I remember a show in Tel Aviv where he talked about writing it during a dark time, but ended by saying, ‘but I made it!’ I always think about that in a positive way. He made it for a long time, and we should all be thankful for that.”
Discussing the musical direction, Menghi added, “When I chose this song for KING ULTRAMEGA, I had a late 60s Beatles production vibe in mind. I tried to honor what made Chris’s original recording so special, not only instrumentally but in the production as well.”
Ultimately, the musicians view “Preaching The End Of The World” as a defining piece of Chris Cornell’s artistic legacy, and hope this tribute both honors his songwriting and helps support members of the music community through MusiCares.
The “Preaching The End Of The World” Lineup Is: Vocals: Ian Thornley (Big Wreck) Guitars: Pete Thorn (Chris Cornell) Bass: Mark Menghi Keyboards & Synth: Dave Kerzner & Frank Mitaritonna Drums: Kenny Aronoff
The LP featuring “The Day I Tried To Live” and “Rusty Cage” is available exclusively on the Reigning Phoenix Music webstore, SOUNDGARDEN webstore, and KING ULTRAMEGA webstore.
A limited run of 500 purple vinyls (available to US purchasers) and 300 lilac vinyls (available to European purchasers) – and to commemorate SOUNDGARDEN‘s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – is available at the following locations:
KING ULTRAMEGA is a passion-driven musical project honoring the life, voice, and genius of Chris Cornell, one of the most gifted artists of our time. It launches in conjunction with SOUNDGARDEN’s long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
This project did not begin with a single, dramatic moment. Instead, it grew quietly and gradually, an organic result of years of conversations, inspiration, and deep reverence for a musician whose impact remains immeasurable.
“There is not a singular moment in time that led to this project,” says bassist and producer Mark Menghi, the driving force behind KING ULTRAMEGA. “It was a trail of events that led to the formation of KING ULTRAMEGA and the evolving creation to pay tribute to the voice of a generation.”
It started in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, when Menghi recorded a version of “Rusty Cage” with friends. What began as a creative release soon became something larger. With every step forward, the project deepened in meaning and purpose. “I kept crossing the mental roadblock of ‘you are entering uncharted waters, are you sure you wanna do this?'” Menghi reflects. “Chris is one of those dudes if you cover, you better do it justice.”
The decision to continue became clear when SOUNDGARDEN guitarist Kim Thayil joined the project and re-recorded one of his own iconic tracks. “Once Kim got involved and re-recorded one of his own songs, I knew something was brewing,” Menghi says.
Thayil embraced the project wholeheartedly. “I’m super honored to record alongside all the amazing musicians appearing on the KING ULTRAMEGA project,” he says. “I’m equally proud that it celebrates SOUNDGARDEN in this tribute to the songwriting of Chris. Ultra-admirably, everyone’s participation is supporting the work of the MusiCares Foundation. Thank you Mark Menghi, Charlie Benante and Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).”
For Menghi, this project is as personal as it is musical. “I went through some very difficult times in my life. I should not be here right now, but I am,” he shares. “I like to think my past trials and tribulations helped me understand Chris just a little, hence the formation of KING ULTRAMEGA.”
Song selection was guided by instinct. “My mood. It’s really that simple,” Menghi explains. “‘Rusty Cage’ was recorded simply because it’s one of my favorite songs featured on one of my favorite records.” Other songs came to Menghi during moments of reflection and inspiration. “There is a bunch more in the can right now, all with drums fully recorded, which are currently being worked out for future releases.”
The goal was never to reinvent Cornell’s work. It was about honoring it with the respect it deserves. “It really is only about honoring the legacy of Chris Cornell. Nothing more,” Menghi says. Each musician brought their own voice, but always in service to the song and to Cornell’s memory.
“Each musician has their own individual musical stamp,” Menghi explains. “You hear the absolute best of each one of them. You are talking about musicians who helped invent and shape musical genres and helped define their generations in popular culture, not just music, but society as a whole.”
The cast of collaborators is remarkable. Kim Thayil, Charlie Benante, Joe Satriani, William DuVall, Bill Kelliher, Alissa White-Gluz, Kenny Aronoff, Menghi himself, among many others. The mix of past friendships and new connections created a unique bond among them. “I think back and go ‘did I really ask Joe Satriani to do an instrumental reinterpretation of one of the greatest modern vocal songs ever recorded?’ or ‘what the fuck was I thinking asking the great Kim Thayil to re-record one of his own classic Soundgarden songs?'” Menghi laughs. Yet, no egos entered the room. “Each participating musician saw the vision and understood that this is about honoring the legacy of not only an inspiring musician, but an amazing husband, father and man.”
For Menghi, Cornell’s music has always been a constant presence. “Chris Cornell has been one of only a very small handful of musical constants in my life,” he says. “I never waivered, not once.”
Certain moments in the process were surreal. Recording with Thayil was one of them. “I remember thinking back saying to myself ‘holy fuck, I’m on a SOUNDGARDEN song with Kim Thayil. What planet are we on?'”
Throughout it all, Menghi served as the project’s creative director, always guided by one central question. “How would Chris like this?” Every choice, from guest musicians to mixes to artwork, was measured against that standard. “If there is even a shred of uncertainty at any point in the process, back to the drawing board we go.”
The recordings were completed remotely over several years. The final tracks were mixed with care to ensure a cohesive sound that still captured the raw emotion of the performances.
Hope is the underlying theme that runs through KING ULTRAMEGA. It is an offering to longtime fans and an invitation for younger listeners to discover the timeless brilliance of Cornell’s work. “KU is just a blip in the Chris Cornell universe,” Menghi says. “We are a subtle reminder that Chris was a true musical genius.”
For Menghi and his collaborators, KING ULTRAMEGA is both a deeply personal labor of love and one of the greatest honors of their musical lives. “To be here thirty-plus years later paying tribute to whom I believe was the king of those times is one of the greatest musical honors of my life.”
German Olympic death metal powerhouse RISE OF KRONOS have unleashed their second single “Conception Of Humanity”, taken from their upcoming studio album Slaves Of Time.
Following the crushing impact of the album’s first single and title track released a month ago, “Conception Of Humanity” dives even deeper into the band’s dark and aggressive soundscape. The track delivers relentless riffs, brutal intensity and a suffocating atmosphere, while lyrically exploring humanity’s destructive nature and the loss of control over its own creation. It further solidifies the album’s core themes of time, decay and existential oppression.
With their new album Slaves Of Time, RISE OF KRONOS continue to refine their blend of modern death metal, combining raw aggression with massive grooves and a dense, ominous atmosphere. “Conception Of Humanity” showcases another facet of the album’s uncompromising sonic identity and underlines the band’s evolution, both musically and thematically.
Pre-orders for Slaves Of Time are now live via the official RISE OF KRONOS merch store, including exclusive bundles and limited editions: riseofkronos.bandcamp.com
The full tracklisting is: 01 Heresy 02 Conception Of Humanity 03 Escalate The Rot 04 Slaves Of Time 05 Custodians Of Reality 06 Lit The Sky 07 Black Breath 08 Into The Ashes 09 Poison Of The Gods 10 Chords Of Dismemberment 11 The Liberation 12 Phantom Eternity
In support of the upcoming release, RISE OF KRONOS will bring their new material to stages across Germany in 2026, delivering an intense and crushing live experience.
RISE OF KRONOS live: 18.04.2026 DE – Hamburg, Markthalle 24.04.2026 DE – Frankfurt, Elfer 25.04.2026 DE – Balingen, Sonnenkeller 10.07.2026 DE – Königsee, Metal Underground Resistance Open Air 25.07.2026 DE – Heimburg, Heimburger Metalnacht Festival 31.07.2026 DE – Dortmund, Dortmund Deathfest 12.11.2026 DE – Stuttgart, Schwarzer Keiler
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 