JOHN MACKO MUSIC continue the release cycle of the debut album “Zero-Point Machine” with the new single and video “The Beauty Of It”.
Led by John Macko – renowned bassist of FIFTH ANGEL – the project explores a wide musical spectrum ranging from progressive rock and modern metal to atmospheric and cinematic songwriting. Following three singles and videos that highlighted the heavier and more dynamic facets of the album, “The Beauty Of It” reveals a different and more introspective side of “Zero-Point Machine”.
Written by vocalist John Macko, “The Beauty Of It” It marks a stylistic turn within the album’s narrative, placing the focus on emotional nuance, melodic sensitivity and lyrical depth. The song showcases Chapple’s diverse vocal skills and refined songwriting, allowing space for subtle dynamics and expressive interpretation.
Lyrically, “The Beauty Of It” reflects on interpersonal relationships and the illusion that happiness exists only at a final destination. As John Macko explains:
“‘Beauty of It’ is a reflection on the illusion that happiness lives at the finish line. It’s a reminder that the ups and downs, the uncertainty, and the moments we’re living right now are what truly matter. When you can’t see the road ahead, that’s not something to fear – that’s the beauty of it.”
The accompanying official video enhances the song’s introspective atmosphere, visually translating themes of uncertainty, emotional presence and human connection that run throughout “Zero-Point Machine”.
With “The Beauty Of It”, JOHN MACKO MUSIC further underline the album’s stylistic breadth and emotional range, offering listeners a deeper look into one of its most reflective and intimate compositions.
French modern Progressive Metallers PARALLEL MINDS blending the rigor of Thrash, the harmonic richness of Prog and the majesty of Power Metal.
After three albums released on renowned labels (Brennus Music, Pitch Black Records, M&O Music / M&O Office), these top performers are now returning in overwhelming form: With CAIRN, their fourth album with strong narrative depth and an international focus, the band is now establishing itself as one of the most important bands on the European Metal scene.
CAIRN is not just an album – it is a conceptual work, a 61-minute journey through suffering, memory and resilience. Each track explores the mark left by humanity in its constant struggle against destruction and oblivion. The album transcends cultural borders to offer a deeply human and universal Metal fresco.
CAIRN is a large-scale album, designed for full immersive listening while featuring powerful and striking tracks able to stand on their own as singles.
🗓️ The outstanding group recently presented the first new single ”Sufero” from CAIN, on Jan. 11. The album release is scheduled for March – the release date will be March 10, 2026
All rights reserved • PARALLEL MINDS / No Fate Prod.
Shot: Anastasia Lihnka
Edit: Stephane Fradet
Drone: Julien Penaud
Location: Aurélien Arnoux
Artwork & Logo: Stephane Fradet
The Band says about it:
“‘Sufero’ is a raw and incendiary track from PARALLEL MINDS’ upcoming album, ‘CAIRN’. Driven by massive riffs, a pounding rhythm, and relentless tension, the song encapsulates all the emotional intensity and determination that permeates the album. Like the cairn, a universal symbol of life and legacy across many civilizations, ‘Sufero’ evokes the relentless struggle to build oneself stone by stone, in pain and rage, not only to survive, but to leave a mark, a beacon for those who come after. By integrating ethnic and multicultural influences into a resolutely aggressive Metal approach, the album gives this struggle a timeless and collective dimension. Between unapologetic aggression and symbolic depth, ‘Sufero’ strikes like a manifesto: move forward, resist, guide, whatever the cost.”
PARALLEL MINDS • CONCERT DATES
07/02 • w. Scardust + Hartlight • France12/03 • w. Another Age + Cigue • France 14/03 • w. Scarlean • France 02/04 • w. Social Prophecy & Inferal • France 03/04 w. Draguignan + Scarlean • France 26/06 • Galem Fest (headline) • France 03/07 • Thusy French Alps HS Fest • France tba [Dates» ]
Helsinki-based drama metal band Gothony, founded in 1993, released a new single accompanied by a music video. Their debut album came out two years ago, and in 2025 the band reissued their demo from 1995. Now it’s time to bring fresh music to the drama metal audience once again.
“2025 was a dark year—too many close ones left us far too early. Misery Ending carries a lot of sorrow, pain, and anguish.” says Gothony’s bassist Väiski Syväoja.
“I also wanted the single to be accompanied by a music video dedicated to our dear friend and to all our loved ones who have passed away. I am very grateful that Taksu Takkunen joined the project, and huge thanks to the entire crew for making this possible.” Väiski Syväoja continues.
Gothony’s vocalist Wuohi briefly explains the lyrics: “They speak of loss, longing, and the realization of life’s limitations.”
“For Gothony, this track has an unusually fast tempo, yet we managed to weave in a touch of melancholy and hope for the future. We also received valuable input from Räihä regarding the song’s structure—thanks for that!” adds guitarist Mika Uusitalo.
Misery Ending was recorded on October 11, 2025, at Inka Studio by Juho Räihä (SoundSpiral Audio). Juho Räihä also produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered the single. The music video was directed, filmed, written, and edited by Taksu Takkunen.
–Composed by Tomi Syväoja & Mika Uusitalo –Lyrics by Wuohi –ISRC: FI3FC2698001 –Single cover by Elligraphics
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 ) 