Finnish death/doom metallers HANGING GARDEN offer full stream of their new studio album “Isle of Bliss”, released yesterday, March 20th via Agonia Records.
Listen to the album at this location:
On their ninth album “Isle of Bliss”, HANGING GARDEN takes a different approach to their signature somber melancholy: the new full-length presents perhaps a darker, more sinister rendition of the oftentimes dreamlike tones of the past releases. Synths and sweet and airy vocal layers – albeit still present – give more room for a heavier aesthetic in the drum and guitar work.
The album was recorded in various studios in southern Finland by the band, along with the drums recorded at Klaukkala’s renowned D-Studio by master Jarno Hänninen. Mixing and mastering was performed by none other than the legendary Jaime Gomez Arellano, known for his work with names such as Opeth, Moonspell, Ghost and many others. The album artwork was created by Kalle Pyyhtinen (Children of Bodom).
The album’s themes revolve around the spiritual aspects of life, death and the liminality in between. The landscapes shift from the introspection of one’s core self, travelling past dense forests and deathless isles – all the way to the vast and distant infinities of the dying stars and the vast and eternal voids spun between.
The band comments on the album: “This time we decided to take a more conscious step towards a more bare-bones composition on the new songs, supporting the perhaps darker and maybe even more ferocious side of our music. We happened to meet with Gomez during a live show of ours a few summers back, and he was an obvious choice for the sound we had in mind. And as we see it, he really delivered.”
“To complement the rawer sound, we also decided to make more use of Riikka’s capability to scream – a stark contrast to her aetheric cleans – and this can be witnessed in the death metal duets between her and Toni that can be found a-plenty along the tracks.”
ROTTING CHRIST, a pillar of Greek metal, are reissuing Der Perfekte Traum for the first time on Season of Mist. Long out-of-print, this EP captures the band at a pivotal crossroads in their career between the melodic darkness of 1997’s A Dead Poem and the atmospheric depth of 1999’s Sleep of the Angels.
Now reissued by the band’s longtime label home Season of Mist, the new vinyl edition of Der Perfekte Traum preserves an overlooked chapter of Rotting Christ’s legacy.
A Dynasty from the Ice (Live in Europe 1996) (4:34)
The First Field of the Battle (Live in Europe 1996) (6:17)
King of a Stellar War (Live in Europe 1996) (6:54) Full runtime: 36:30
Der Perfekte Traum pairs two studio recordings with five live tracks drawn from the Triarchy of the Lost Lovers era. The haunting title track, performed entirely in German, weaves gothic textures with industrial undertones into one of Rotting Christ’s most unusual and hypnotic compositions—a song that has endured as a live staple for over two decades. “Moonlight” leans further into melancholic dark rock sensibilities, foreshadowing the band’s future explorations.
The live recordings, captured in Poland during the legendary 1996 “Out of the Dark” European tour alongside Samael and Moonspell, preserve the band’s visceral stage presence in its rawest form and represent the first officially released live material in the Rotting Christ catalogue.
Der Perfekte Traum features the core duo of Sakis Tolis (vocals, guitars) and Themis Tolis (drums), with an uncredited session bassist on the studio tracks. The live recordings notably feature founding bassist Jim Mutilator, who had departed the band in 1996, making these among the final captured documents of the original rhythm section.
The studio tracks on Der Perfekte Traum were recorded at Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany, in September 1998, with pre-production by Sakis Tolis in Athens. Woodhouse Studios, owned by renowned producer and engineer Siggi Bemm, was one of Europe’s premier facilities for metal and gothic production during this period. The five live tracks were recorded in Poland during the “Out of the Dark” tour, 1996.
Catch Rotting Christ next month on their North American Tour with Behemoth, Deicide, Rotting Christ and Immolation.Get tickets at https://www.rotting-christ.com
The Godless IV 2026 North American Tour
April 14 – San Diego, CA @ The Observatory Northpark April 15 – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom April 17 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory April 18 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater April 19 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO April 21 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Union April 22 – Denver, CO @ The Fillmore April 24 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave April 25 – Chicago, IL @ The Vic April 26 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant April 28 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa April 30 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore* May 1 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium** May 2 – New York City, NY @ Palladium Times Square May 4 – Buffalo, NY @ Riverworks May 5 – Pittsburgh, PA @ The Roxian May 7 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome to Rockville* May 9 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore May 11 – Toronto, ON @ History May 12 – Montreal, QC @ Olympia May 14 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple* May 15 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl May 16 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade May 18 – Dallas, TX @ The Factory May 20 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren May 21 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Palladium *No Rotting Christ **No Deicide
Production Credits: Pre-produced by Sakis Tolis (Athens, Greece). Tracks 1 & 2 recorded at Woodhouse Studios, Hagen, Germany, September 1998. Produced and engineered by Xy (Samael). Mixed and mastered by Siggi Bemm. Tracks 3–7 recorded live in Poland, “Out of the Dark” Tour, 1996. Vinyl remastered by George Nerantzis (2021).
US rockers Generation Radio have released today their new single and official video, “The Melody”, another taste of the upcoming new studio album, “Take Two”, scheduled for April 24, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Generation Radio return with “Take Two”, the eagerly awaited follow-up to their acclaimed debut, delivering another masterclass in AOR/West Coast rock infused with just the right touch of the Nashville sound.
Produced by founding members Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) and Jason Scheff (former Chicago), the band features an all-star lineup: Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Average White Band) joins on drums, replacing the formidable Deen Castronovo (who returned to Journey as full-time member), while Tom Yankton (guitar, vocals) and Chris Rodriguez (guitar, vocals) round out the powerhouse ensemble.
DeMarcus said: “It was so much fun getting to make another record! We’ve been working on this one for a while and we can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been up to. Once again, we have contributions from all band members. These guys are amazing and it’s a honor to make music with them, I believe this record is our best work yet.”
Jason Scheff added: “Here we go! Take Two, round two. We had such a great reception on our first record we’ve been chomping at the bit to get this one finished and released. I’m extremely proud to show that we have a band that is still at the top of our game”.
“In what other industry can you deliver as kids and be able to go back in and create the quality of what you’ve been recognized for? I truly believe this work stands up to any of the records we’ve ever made creating some of pop and country’s biggest hits. I can’t wait to see how the public reacts to this one!”, he continued.
“Take Two” is rich with pristine harmonies, unforgettable hooks, and timeless songwriting -hallmarks of the genre delivered with class and authenticity. Tracks like the cinematic, harmony-laden “Montana Sky”, the hook-filled “The Melody”, and the emotionally charged ballad “Hate This Heart” showcase the band’s signature blend of melodic precision and heartfelt performance.
Adding depth to the album’s appeal, Generation Radio also offers reimagined versions of timeless classics that shine in their live sets: Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again”, Chicago’s “You’re The Inspiration”, Kenny Loggins’ “I’m Alright”, and a rock version of Rascal Flatts’ classic “These Days”.
With “Take Two”, Generation Radio not only honours the legacy of AOR and West Coast rock -they elevate it, combining elite musicianship and genre-crossing influences into a record that’s as fresh as it is nostalgic.
“Take Two” Tracklist:
1. Montana Sky 2. The Melody 3. These Days 4. Maybe Monday 5. Grass Is Greener 6. Love History 7. Last Night’s Whiskey 8. Here I Go Again 9. You’re The Inspiration 10. I’m Alright 11. For A Soldier 12. Hate This Heart
Line Up: Jay DeMarcus Jason Scheff Chris Rodriguez Tom Yankton Steve Ferrone
Swiss rockers King Zebra are excited to unveil their new single and official video, “All I Want Is You”, out now Frontiers Music Srl.
Originally written in New York in the late 1980s by King Zebra frontman Eric St. Michaels (ex-China) and acclaimed songwriter John DeNicola – best known for his work on the iconic Dirty Dancing soundtrack and recipient of both an Academy Award and Golden Globe – the track remained unreleased for almost 40 years.
Now, in a rare and powerful revival, King Zebra have rediscovered the song, re-recorded it, and brought it to life for a new generation. Staying true to its original spirit while infusing it with the band’s signature sound, “All I Want Is You” bridges the past and present in a way few songs can.
The band said: “The spirit and flavor of this romantic song take the listener straight back to the end of the 1980’s to a little neighborhood known as Soho, New York. Like renovating a vintage heirloom, we are excited to bring this timeless song to life for all our fans to hear.”
John DeNicola shared his thoughts on the release:
“I am excited for the release of our song ‘All I Want Is You’. When Eric told me after all these years they would be releasing this song, it just proved the old adage that a good song has no expiration date. King Zebra’s version remains pretty true to what we wrote back in the 90’s, and they have added their magic to it all these years later and recorded what will hopefully be a contemporary classic.”
King Zebra are also set to tear through Germany and Switzerland this month, as special guests on the “Slithering Through Europe” tour with Swedish Hard Rock band The Gems, therefore promising loud nights, high voltage and a band ready to strike. The full list of tour dates is available below and HERE.
“SLITHERING THROUGH EUROPE” TOUR 2026 – GET TICKETS HERE:
22/03 Cologne – Club Volta 24/03 Hannover – LUX – Club 25/03 Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal 27/03 Oberentfelden – Böröm 29/03 Munich – Backstage München 30/03 Nuremberg – Der Hirsch 31/03 Dresden – HD – Die Rock & Metal Bar 01/04 Berlin – Frannz Club 02/04 Hamburg – Knust Hamburg
Hailing from the picturesque city of Zurich, Switzerland, King Zebra is a melodic hard rock powerhouse that has been making waves in the international rock scene since their inception in 2017.
Led by the charismatic frontman Eric St. Michaels, a seasoned veteran in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, the band has been on a relentless journey to redefine the genre with their electrifying sound.
Eric St. Michaels, originally from the vibrant rock scene of New Jersey, found a new home in Switzerland over two decades ago. His powerful and soulful vocals are best known from his time as the former lead singer of the renowned band China. With King Zebra, Eric has embarked on a new musical odyssey, taking his rich experience and passion for rock to new heights.
In 2019, the band gained international attention with the release of an EP. Since then, King Zebra has performed at festivals such as Rock the Ring alongside legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Uriah Heep, and Rose Tattoo, and opened stadium shows for Alice Cooper.
In 2020, they released the album “Survivors”, produced by Oscar Nilsson (Crashdiet, The Halo Effect, Hank van Hell), which led to successful European tours and sold-out shows both abroad and in their home country.
In 2023, King Zebra signed a record deal with Frontiers Records. The following year saw the release of “Between The Shadows”, accompanied by a European tour with The Gems and a subsequent club tour in Switzerland.
In 2025, the band performed at renowned festivals such as the Riverside Festival, shared the stage with Hammerfall and Kissin’ Dynamite, and joined Shakra as Special Guest for their 30th anniversary show at the legendary Z7 in Pratteln. Later that year, King Zebra returned to Bohus Studio in Gothenburg to work on new material.
As King Zebra continues to conquer stages and hearts around the globe, their mission remains clear: to keep the flame of Melodic Hard Rock burning brightly and to carry on the legacy of Rock ‘n’ Roll through their electrifying music and unforgettable live shows.
Line Up: Eric St. Michaels Roman Lauer Jerry Napitupulu Benjamin Grimm
Moldovan modern metal force Infected Rain have released an official music video for their brand new single “Stranger.” The track offers the first glimpse into the band’s upcoming musical chapter and marks the beginning of a new creative phase for the group as they continue to evolve their sound.
Built around themes of identity, transformation, and inner conflict, “Stranger” dives deep into the moment of realizing you no longer fully recognize the person you have become, pairing introspective lyrics with driving rhythms and the band’s sharp, modern metal edge.
Vocalist Lena Scissorhands explains the inspiration behind the song:
“‘Stranger’ came from the moment when you realize you don’t fully recognize yourself anymore. It’s an inward fight with identity, with the roles you’ve worn for too long, and the distance that grows between who you are and who you think you should be. In the end, it’s about becoming strangers to ourselves, and trying to find the way back.”
The release arrives just days before the band hits the road for their “Mutation Phase” tour across Europe and the UK, co-headlining alongside Butcher Babies. Kicking off on March 25 in Glasgow, the tour will bring the band’s explosive live show to audiences across the continent, featuring a mix of fan favorites and brand new material!
Speaking about the new single and the band’s current direction, Infected Rain comment:
“‘Stranger’ is part of the Mutation Phase Infected Rain is entering right now. It’s the sound of Infected Rain pushing forward, leaving comfort behind, and stepping into something sharper and more direct.
This song belongs in the setlist for the upcoming EU and US tours because it represents what the band is becoming. The album is still in progress, but we’re proud of where it’s heading and wanted to share a first taste of the next record with everyone already now.”
Formed in Chișinău, Moldova, Infected Rain have become one of the most distinctive and rapidly rising acts in modern heavy music. Fronted by the charismatic and powerful Lena Scissorhands, the band blends elements of modern metal, metalcore, nu-metal and alternative influences into an intense and emotional sonic identity.
Over the past decade, the band has built a global following through relentless touring and a series of acclaimed releases, including albums such as Endorphin, 86, Ecdysis, and TIME. Known for their explosive live performances and emotionally charged songwriting, Infected Rain have appeared on major international festival stages and toured extensively across Europe and North America.
With new music on the horizon and a new album currently in progress, the band now enters what they call their “Mutation Phase” – a period of transformation that pushes their sound into even sharper and more direct territory while maintaining the raw intensity that has defined their impressive career.
“Mutation Phase” Tour 2026
Infected Rain & Butcher Babies Support: Black Spikes
03/25 – Glasgow, UK – Slay 03/26 – Newcastle, UK – Anarchy Brew 03/27 – Manchester, UK – Club Academy 03/28 – London, UK – O2 Academy Islington 03/29 – Bristol, UK – Fleece 03/30 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute 03/31 – Southampton, UK – The 1865 04/01 – Brighton, UK – Concorde 2 04/03 – Kortrijk, BE – DVG Club 04/04 – Nijmegen, NL – Doornroosje 04/05 – Oberndorf am Neckar, DE – Easter Cross Festival 04/07 – Essen, DE – Turock 04/08 – Mannheim, DE – Alte Feuerwache 04/09 – Paris, FR – La Machine 04/10 – Lyon, FR – La Rayonne 04/11 – Barcelona, ES – Salamandra 04/12 – Madrid, ES – Mon 04/14 – Toulouse, FR – Metronum 04/15 – Milan, IT – Legend Club 04/16 – Zurich, CH – Dynamo Saal 04/17 – Lindau, DE – Club Vaudeville 04/18 – Munich, DE – Backstage 04/19 – Budapest, HU – Barba Negra 04/20 – Vienna, AT – Szene 04/22 – Warsaw, PL – Hybrydy 04/23 – Hamburg, DE – Bahnhof Pauli 04/24 – Copenhagen, DK – Pumpehuset 04/25 – Stockholm, SE – Kollektivet Livet 04/28 – Helsinki, FI – Ääniwalli 04/30 – Kopervik, NO – Karmøygeddon Metal Festival
“Mutation Phase” in the US 2026:
05/04 – Lubbock, TX – Jakes 05/05 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live 05/06 – Dallas, TX – Club Dada (Outside) 05/10 – Daytona, FL – Welcome To Rockville 05/12 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade 05/13 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819 05/14 – Virginia Beach, VA – Scandals Live 05/15 – Baltimore, MD – Zen West 05/16 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts 05/17 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge 05/19 – Millersville, PA – Phantom Power 05/20 – Rochester, NY – Montage Music Hall 05/21 – Lakewood, OH – The Winchester 05/22 – Columbus, OH – The King Of Clubs 05/23 – Westland, MI – The Token Lounge 05/24 – Joliet, IL – The Forge 05/26 – Denver, CO – The Roxy 05/27 – Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall 05/29 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon 05/30 – Portland, OR – Star Theater 06/02 – San Jose, CA – The Ritz 06/03 – Los Angeles, CA – Whisky A Go Go 06/04 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick 06/05 – Mesa, AZ – The Rosetta Room 06/06 – Las Vegas, NV – Swan Dive
ONLY SONS was formed in Krakow in 2018 by Daniel Kesler and Andrzej Nowak (whose lineup lasts until 2022). From the outset, the group operated as a quintet of musicians involved in numerous projects within the broadly defined metal scene: Redemptor, Moanaa, Ketha, Deivos, Outre, Ulcer, Taraban, and Post Profession.
Only Sons was initially a stoner metal project. Their debut album, “Love, Drugs, Treachery, and Deceit” (EP, 2018), maintains this stylistic style. In 2019, the band recorded their debut album, “Lions & Unicorns” which incorporated elements of progressive music, blues, and classic hard rock.
Up to 2021, the Krakow-based group had played numerous concerts alongside bands such as Corrosion of Conformity, Valey of the Sun, Yawning Man, and Bison BC; and at several of Poland’s biggest metal festivals: Mystic Festival, Summer Dying Loud, Red Smoke Festival, Rockowisko Zwierzyniec, and Bałtów Open Air.
In 2024, Only Sons added a new vocalist: Daniel Bala Suder (ex-Taraban).
Currently, the Krakow-based band, led by Daniel Kesler, is preparing to release their second album, “Through the Night Again,” which is scheduled for April 17, 2026, and will be released independently in digital format, on CD (pre-order), and later on vinyl. The album was recorded at Zed Studio (Frontside, Decapitated) and Kossa Buena Studio (Sztywny Pal Azji, Crystal Viper). Tomasz “Zed” Zalewski (Medico Peste, Dieth) handled the mix and mastering, while Bart Gabriel (Avenger, Jag Panzer) handled the vinyl mastering. The album cover was created by Kuba Sokólski (Dormant Ordeal, Entropia), and the layout was created by Kontamination Design (Akhlys, Taake). The band’s logo was created by Xaay, and the band’s photo was taken by Pastor.
The new album by Only Sons features six original compositions in a retro/hard rock style.
The band’s leader comments on the upcoming release: “It’s all here: twisted and technical riffs, melodic choruses, crazy and catchy guitar solos. We’ve expanded the instrumentation with keyboards/pads and samples, adding a variety of spacious sounds to the songs, which, combined with the highly diverse vocal parts, give Only Sons a completely new quality. Fans of bands such as Mastodon, Katatonia, Graveyard, Sentenced, and All Them Witches should feel right at home with us.“
TRACKLIST:
01. Siren’s Song 02. Shallows 03. Doomsday 04. Blindman 05. Anthem of the Unheard 06. Crimson Sunset
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 ) 