We originally planned to save this song for our next album. Then, suddenly, the dominoes started falling all over the Telemark region of Norway, one after another, and we really had no choice but to act.
First, the madness at Ulefos landed in everyone’s lap. The decision to shut down operations at the ironworks was enough to make you want to shoot yourself in the dick. A grotesque decision in a grotesque era. And while it probably means we’ll have to stop selling manhole covers at our shows (we’ve still got about 20 left, for anyone interested), the decision made us angry, not afraid.
Unfortunately, shit rarely happens just once. And when word reached us that Hotel Vic, THE Hotel Vic, was going to become part of the Strawberry hotel empire, that’s when the panic really set in.
You see, for The Dogs, playing in Porsgrunn is about so much more than playing a show. Obviously, a big part of it is playing R.I.P, the best live venue in the country. But it’s also about Hotel Vic.
It’s about strolling the short distance from R.I.P after soundcheck, passing our very own locally sourced manhole cover embedded in the street, maybe picking up some pick-and-mix candy at the supermarket, and then checking into the Vic. Or ‘The Oasis’, as we like to call it.
THAT is the tour. Every year, that IS the tour. And now the Vic is apparently going to be renovated and absorbed into the hotel empire of Norwegian billionaire Petter Stordalen? By all means, it might turn out fine. But we’re deeply concerned. Oslo is shaking.
Personally, I’m taking no chances. I’ve booked myself in for four whole nights around the show to make absolutely sure I get to say a proper goodbye.
The only solution was to drag ourselves into the studio and rush this song through the machinery before it was too late. Kristopher Schau
Je suis Porsgrunn! Je suis Porsgrunn! Je suis Porsgrunn!
ABOUT The Dogs are the Oslo-based band where only one member is actually from Oslo.
A punk rock band that believes they play soul and garage rock. In short, a band that has no idea who they are or what they’re doing. This confusion has however resulted in a total of 13 albums, countless Norwegian tours, unusual one-off events such as opening for Bruce Springsteen, and musical contributions to the new Harry Hole series on Netflix. In other words, they are well prepared for the Alzheimer’s they all have coming.
Confusingly enough, all signs are still pointing upward for the “Oslo band” in the autumn of their lives.
HE DOGS:
Vocals – Kristopher Schau Guitar – Mads Martinsen Bass – Tommy Reite Drums – Henrik Odde Gustavsen Percussion – Kenneth Simonsen Keys – Stefan Höglin
German alternative and gothic metal pioneers PYOGENESIS continue their remarkable comeback with the release of their new music video for “Sing As If”, offering another glimpse into their highly anticipated new studio album, scheduled for release on January 15th, 2027 through their own label, Hamburg Records.
Following a series of singles that have showcased the band’s extraordinary musical versatility, “Sing As If” represents another chapter in the creative evolution of PYOGENESIS. Throughout their career, the German musicians have consistently challenged expectations, moving effortlessly between alternative metal, gothic influences, powerful melodies and emotionally driven songwriting.
With their upcoming album “Adolescence”, PYOGENESIS reaffirm their commitment to artistic freedom, exploring different musical directions while maintaining the distinctive identity that has defined their sound for more than three decades.
The new release follows three singles that have already demonstrated the impressive range of the band’s forthcoming material.
Their return began with “All I Am Is Bleeding”, a haunting collaboration with horror punk institution THE OTHER. Marking the band’s first new music in five years, the song combined dark, melancholic melodies, dramatic vocal harmonies and gothic metal intensity in one of the most personal and emotionally charged statements of their career.
PYOGENESIS subsequently unleashed “Uncontrolled”, a fierce and uncompromising track exploring the emotional turmoil of adolescence. Raw aggression and psychological intensity captured the confusion, frustration and overwhelming feelings associated with growing up, revealing a considerably heavier side of the band’s musical identity.
The third single, “Nothing But My Heart”, brought yet another unexpected development. For the first time in their 35-year history, PYOGENESIS ventured into power metal territory, delivering an uplifting anthem driven by soaring melodies, electrifying energy and a remarkable vocal performance from frontman Flo V. Schwarz. The song demonstrated the band’s ability to embrace new musical approaches without sacrificing their unmistakable character.
From the emotional darkness of “All I Am Is Bleeding” to the unrestrained aggression of “Uncontrolled”, the epic energy of “Nothing But My Heart” and the latest single “Sing As If”, PYOGENESIS continue to demonstrate that musical evolution remains central to their artistic vision.
The forthcoming album, arriving on January 15th, 2027 via Hamburg Records, marks another significant milestone for a band that has never been afraid to reinvent itself.
Drive, She Said – featuring AOR veteran Mark Mangold – are thrilled to share the new single “Catch The Wind”, second extract of the new album, “Pass The Torch”, set for release on December 4, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Mark Mangold commented: “Catch The Wind”, to me, is so much about the lyrics… An escape in a way…And being reunited, rising above all the chaos, somewhat positive. Thanks to the players, Aldo, Adde and Craig Brooks for the uplifting backing vocals with me on the choruses. It’s meant to sail and somewhat inspired by early Drive, She Said… I hope we got the point across. It’s a bit hard writing positive songs these days, but we try… Someone’s gotta do it!”
Tellingly titled “Pass The Torch”, the new album represents both a celebration of the band’s remarkable legacy and a decisive step forward. At the heart of this new chapter is vocalist Derrick LeFevre, who takes on the role once held by the unforgettable Al Fritsch. Rather than attempting to recreate the past, LeFevre brings his own personality, power and emotional depth to the material, while remaining true to the soaring vocal tradition that has always been such an essential part of the Drive, She Said sound.
The album’s title therefore carries a very special meaning. “Pass The Torch” symbolizes the transition between two voices and two eras, while Mark Mangold remains the creative force connecting the band’s past, present and future.
Mark Mangold commented: “When Aldo and Serafino called and said they wanted to do another Drive, She Said album, I was amazed. Of course, we all know Al passed away, and I miss him dearly, so my first thought was: how could we possibly do this without the other half of the band? They told me to think about it, and after talking with friends and with Stephanie, the answer was: ‘Drive,’ she said. Al would have loved it. I had a lot of songs with no home that, in my mind, belonged in the Drive, She Said world – anthemic (hopefully!), melodic, somewhat positive and requiring great vocals – so when we found Derrick LeFevre and he agreed to come on board, we said yes.”
“With the help of some wonderful friends and musicians, we finished the album, and Dennis Ward brought it all together with the mix. To me, it sits very much in the world of the first Drive, She Said album. We called it “Pass The Torch” as a tribute to Al, and I really hope people embrace it in the spirit in which it’s offered. A huge thank you to Aldo, Mario, Serafino and everyone at Frontiers for giving us the chance to do this”, he continued.
From the very beginning, Drive, She Said established a unique place within melodic rock through a combination of sophisticated songwriting, huge melodies, powerful vocals and Mangold’s unmistakable keyboard work. Those fundamental ingredients remain firmly at the heart of “Pass The Torch”, but they are presented with renewed energy and a contemporary edge.
The album is packed with the elements that made Drive, She Said such a beloved name among melodic rock fans: big choruses, memorable hooks, soaring vocal melodies, rich harmonies and carefully crafted arrangements, all driven by Mangold’s instinctive understanding of what makes a great melodic rock song.
At the same time, “Pass The Torch” is not conceived simply as an exercise in nostalgia. The intention is not to recreate a particular album or moment from the band’s past, but to carry its musical identity forward. The result is a record that acknowledges where Drive, She Said came from while confidently establishing where the band can go next.
Derrick LeFevre proves to be an inspired choice for this new era. His commanding performance gives the songs strength and character, while his melodic sensibility provides a natural connection with the band’s classic sound. Alongside Mangold’s songwriting and musicianship, his voice helps give “Pass The Torch” its own identity rather than allowing the album to live exclusively in the shadow of what came before.
The production further reinforces that balance between tradition and renewal. Expertly mixed by Dennis Ward, “Pass The Torch” benefits from a powerful, detailed and polished sound, allowing the strength of the songwriting, vocals and harmonies to take center stage while giving the record the impact expected from a modern melodic rock release.
Ultimately, “Pass The Torch” is exactly what its title suggests: the continuation of a musical story. It honors the memory and contribution of Al Fritsch without attempting to replace what made him unique. It reconnects with the unmistakable musical personality that Mark Mangold has built around Drive, She Said. And, most importantly, it introduces a new voice and a renewed sense of purpose for the future.
This is more than the return of Drive, She Said. “Pass The Torch” is a celebration of the band’s legacy, a bridge between generations, and the beginning of its next chapter.
“Pass The Torch” Tracklist:
1. Pass The Torch 2. Saviours And Sinners 3. Wildfyre 4. Catch The Wind 5. We Own The Night 6. Forever 7. All For Love 8. Livin’ Inside A Dream 9. Love On Your Side 10. Rescue You 11. Pyro 12. As I Lay Dying
DRIVE, SHE SAID are: Mark Mangold – Keys And Vocals Derrick Lefevre – Vocals
Guitars: Craig Brooks, Jake E, Euge Valovirta, Ricky “Wheels” Kolster, Mitch Perry, Andrew Autin, Aldo Lonobile, Drums: Adde Larsson, Alex Landenburg Bv’s: Craig Brooks, Kevin Osborne, Vivi Lundström
Exactly one month after the release of their highly anticipated fifth studio album, “Arcade” (released via Diotima Records), SOULS OF DIOTIMA are celebrating a series of extraordinary milestones that confirm the international reach of this true stylistic evolution for the band.
The album’s focus track, the music video for “Cage”, has officially surpassed 1,000,000 views on YouTube, a monumental result achieved just four weeks after the album’s release.
The global momentum of “Arcade” is also reflected in digital streaming metrics. The album is charting on Apple Music and iTunes worldwide, making its official entrance into nineteen countries: Canada, Malta, Iceland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, Bulgaria, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Qatar, South Africa, Thailand, Bolivia, Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, Maldives, and Portugal.
Building on this overwhelming momentum, the band has announced the first live dates for their upcoming European tour, titled “Arcade // Level One”, featuring support from Solitude Within:
March 19, 2027 – France, Mennecy @ Le Stock March 20, 2027 – Belgium, Diest @ Club Hell March 21, 2027 – Netherlands, Eindhoven @ Popei
(Note: Ticket links will be available soon, with more dates to be announced).
With “Arcade”, Souls of Diotima have redefined their sonic boundaries, blending a modern, sharp edge with an uncompromising visual and musical identity. The journey has just begun.
“Arcade” Tracklist: Warning! Revenge Deadline Black Rose Run Away Time is a Flame A Child Senza Rancore Head Up, Guard Up Cage Nocturnal Vibe
Photo shot by Eveliina Kainulainen, edited by Lauri Sia, Remus Pöppönen and Amy Blomqvist
Finnish alternative sludge metal band SLÜRK released a new single “I’ll Wait For You On The Ground”. The new single marks the band’s second release of the year, following “Wristcutter” in September.
–Composed by Remus Pöppönen & Lauri Sia –Lyrics by Amy Blomqvist –Arranged by Slürk –Mixed & mastered at Pure Noise Studios, Vaasa –ISRC: QTA7X2652954 –Cover art by Tiitu Sergejeff
Explicit lyrics
The band comments: ““I’ll Wait For You On The Ground” tells of a difficult and self-destroying relationship between two people. There is so much bottomless hatred and crushing pain between them that a life together feels impossible. In this situation, it feels as though the only way to release their pent-up emotions is through death. As the song’s title suggests, the one who dies first is left waiting for the other to arrive in the afterlife. This waiting is rooted in the idea that this grim and inevitable fate belongs to both of them. They are bound to each other not only in life, but also in destruction and until the very end. The song depicts how hatred and pain can blend together in a fateful way. Ultimately, death is seen as the only bringer of peace and connection in this relationship doomed to destruction.”
BIOGRAPHY:
SLüRK is a Finnish alt-groove metal band from Kaustinen, Finland. Formed in 2024 by a ragtag group of friends who met at Kaustinen College of Music, they combine the technical prowess of Gojira, crushing heaviness of Crowbar, the total rawness of Pantera and the mellowness of Deftones. All this combined with the band’s deeply personal and intimate lyrics creates an extremely memorable experience, both from the studio or live.
Currently, the band is working on their new EP called “A Line To Cross” and are planning on releasing it in 2027.
Line-up: Amy Devon – Vocals Remus Pöppönen – Guitar & Backing Vocals Lauri Sia – Guitar Neo Kuorikoski – Bass Nuutti Saari – Drums & Percussion
French Symphonic Metallers HARTLIGHT announce: ”Dear Alchemists ✨ IOSIS is more than an album. It’s a fantasy universe built around a metal opera and an original novel, and we’ve got big plans for it. We’ve decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign on kickstarter to help bring this project to life, and we need your support to make it happen!
The campaign opens on November 1st.We hope you’ll be part of the adventure! 🔥Help us make it happen!”
With IOSIS, French symphonic metal band HARTLIGHT presents its most ambitious project to date: a concept album, created as a Metal Opera in direct resonance with an original dark-fantasy novel. Born from the music, the book expands the album’s narrative into a fully realised universe. Together, these two complementary works, illustrated by William Aubert, offer two distinct paths into the same story.
Beneath an impassable firmament lies Iosis, a world closed in upon itself and watched over by two opposing moons: Albedo the White and Darga the Red. At its heart rise the Crystal City and its mysterious Tower, from which the Cult, the supreme authority, imposes its law. Beyond this stronghold, the peoples of Iosis struggle to survive in a magnificent land, deeply scarred by the corruption rising from the Pit, the world below.
In Vallaris, Lune, a slave, knows nothing yet of the fate that awaits her. When the shadow of the Pit reaches her, a journey begins, one that will lead her into the mysteries of Iosis and forever alter the course of its history …
HARTLIGHT’s IOSIS is a Metal Opera album and a dark fantasy novel with a whole lore and story.
Credits: Singing, Lyrics: Noémie Marie Singing : Noa Gruman Singing, Music, Guitar, Bass, Programming, Musical Production: Adrien Djouadou Guitar: Adrien Guingal Drums: Guillaume Remih Narration : Lucie André Videography by Lahav Levi and Cécile Delpoïo Video Edit by Lahav Levi Mix and Mastered by Flavien Morel
DISCOGRAPHY 2022 • From Midland And Beyond • EP 2023 • Roll The Dice • Single 2024 • As Above, So Below • Full-length 2025 • The Triumph Of Metal • Full-length 2026 • The Golden Egg • Single
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
