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EPICA Release “Live at The Symphonic Synergy” Digital Album, Out Today

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 2, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Epica. Leave a comment

Dutch symphonic metal giants EPICA have announced that their monumental live spectacle, Live at The Symphonic Synergy, is now available worldwide as a digital album.

Live at The Symphonic Synergy was recorded during their sold-out show at AFAS Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on September 20th 2024, marking a monumental milestone in EPICA’s 20-plus-year career. The release features the band performing alongside a full orchestra and choir, seamlessly blending heavy metal riffs, intricate progressive arrangements, and grand orchestral compositions. This digital album edition allows fans to experience the full, immersive audio of this landmark performance, anywhere.

The band have also revealed a live video of ‘Consign To Oblivion‘ taken from the show, watch here:

Stream Live at The Symphonic Synergy here: https://epica.bfan.link/symphonic-synergy

Live at The Symphonic Synergy digital tracklist:

01. Welcome to The Symphonic Synergy (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
02. Unleashed (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
03. The Essence of Silence (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
04. Menace of Vanity (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
05. Sensorium (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
06. The Fifth Guardian (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
07. Crimson Bow & Arrow (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
08. Arcana (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
09. The Skeleton Key (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
10. The Ghost in Me – Danse Macabre – (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
11. Storm the Sorrow (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
12. Symphonic Synergy Medley (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
13. Tides of Time (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
14. Sirens – of Blood and Water – (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
15. Unchain Utopia (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
16. Beyond the Matrix (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
17. Code of Life (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
18. Cry for the Moon (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
19. Aspiral (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)
20. Consign to Oblivion (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)

Across September and October 2027 EPICA will undertake ‘The Symphonic Synergy’ European Tour. The band will take a full orchestra and choir to some of Europe’s most spectacular venues. Fans in 10 countries will be able to experience this extraordinary production in celebration of EPICA’s 25th anniversary.

Tickets are on-sale now via www.epica.nl/tour

EPICA – UPCOMING TOUR DATES

Tickets and VIP upgrades are available from epica.nl/tour

About EPICA:

EPICA’s 25-year journey is a masterclass in conceptual depth, technical brilliance, and unyielding sonic evolution.

The world of symphonic metal thrives on grand concepts and uncompromising standards, but few bands have elevated this genre to such momentous creative heights as EPICA. Formed in the Netherlands in 2002, these perennially dynamic masters of sonic opulence swiftly grabbed the world’s attention with their 2003 debut album The Phantom Agony. Right from the start, EPICA struck a sublime balance between sweeping orchestral grandeur and progressive heavy metal grit.

Now for a quarter of a century, the Dutch luminaries have continually refined their signature sound. The core dynamic remains anchored by Simone Simons’ soaring, versatile lead vocals, with contrast from Mark Jansen’s guttural growls. Guitars from Isaac Delahaye deliver a barrage of scything, technical riffs, while keyboard maestro Coen Janssen weaves intricate, cinematic symphonic arrangements around them. Driving the music forward is the powerhouse rhythm section of drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek – known for his relentless precision – and bassist Rob van der Loo, who grounds the band’s complexity with a deep, authoritative low end.

Rather than resting on their laurels, EPICA continue to push sonic boundaries, delivering grand storytelling and relentless energy. Celebrating 25 years of music, memory, and monumental sound, the band stands proudly at the peak of their craft – honouring their past while stepping boldly into the future.

AMON AMARTH’s New Album “The Allfather Awakens” Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 2, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Amon Amarth. Leave a comment

Credit: Sylwia Makris & Christian Martin Weiss

Swedish metal legends AMON AMARTH unleash their essential new album The Allfather Awakens, today via Metal Blade. The ten-song masterwork marks the beginning of a new world and further cements the legacy of their spectacularly memorable riffs, unflinching melodic aural power and powerfully rendered lyrics. Three decades in, Amon Amarth remain a band of brothers, and that loyalty and unity allow for harmony and a united front that conquers both the stage and record.

Listen / Share The Allfather Awakens HERE

For Amon Amarth, a new album marks the beginning of a new world. As with previous records, Oden, the Norse “all father” who is a deity of war, wisdom, death, magic, and poetry, is the through-line in Amon Amarth‘s lyrics and artwork. Once again, Oden is the band’s inspiration, but The Allfather Awakens is not a concept album, rather a collection of historically inspired epic tales of conflict and sacrifice for a greater good.

The Allfather Awakens includes Amon Amarth‘s first-ever acoustic excursion “Upphaf” which carries the solemnity of an oral history whispered under the shadow of the Allfather. The album’s following singles “Gjallarhorn” and “Eight Legs of Thunder” arrived as furious Amon Amarth classics. Today’s focus track “The Allfather Awakes” encompasses the album’s overall theme – “wisdom, knowledge and facts need to become the guide for the future,” cautions frontman and lyricist Johan Hegg.

To gain wisdom beyond mortal comprehension, Oden made the ultimate sacrifice – gouging out his own eye and casting it into the Well of Wisdom, Mímisbrunnr, in exchange for cosmic insight and foresight that would shape the fate of gods and men alike. Now, Amon Amarth bring that ancient reckoning to life and they are extending Oden’s offer to you. Those who received the eye know what must be done. Those who did not: seek it out. Sacrifice your sight. Gain your foresight.

Amon Amarth took a new songwriting approach for The Allfather Awakens. The album came to life across two recording sessions, months apart, at producer Jacob Hansen’s studio in Denmark. Amon Amarth began writing songs while touring, rather than waiting until they were off the road. The writing and recording process allowed the musicians to intensely focus on each track, resulting in an album where each song was treated as a single. Guitar-wise, Amon Amarth opted for a slightly less modern approach sonically, moving away from 5150 amps and back to Marshalls. The music was written before the lyrics, setting the tone for the words.

The Allfather Awakens is yet another step up, introducing previously untried efforts, an impressive and conscious musical and lyrical feat after three decades of band-dom. Next week, Amon Amarth commence their journey across the U.K. and Europe. The Allfather Awakens will take physical form on stage as the band unveils an entirely new production inspired by Oden’s legendary Golden Hall, transforming their iconic concert experience into a living extension of the new album. See below for a full list of worldwide dates; visit HERE for tickets and more info.

Amon Amarth Live Dates:
UK:
Oct 09: England – Manchester, O2 Apollo
Oct 10: England – London, Eventim Apollo
Oct 11: England – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
EU:
Oct 13: France – Paris, Zenith
Oct 14: Luxembourg – Esch sur Alzette, Rockhal
Oct 16: Germany – Stuttgart, Schleyer-Halle
Oct 17: Germany – Frankfurt, Festhalle
Oct 18: Belgium – Antwerp, Lotto Hall
Oct 20: Netherlands – Den Bosch, Mainstage
Oct 21: Germany – Hamburg, Sporthalle
Oct 23: Sweden – Gothenburg, Scandinavium
Oct 24: Sweden – Stockholm, Hovet
Oct 26: Finland – Helsinki, Ice Hall
Oct 27: Estonia – Tallin, Unibet Arena
Oct 29: Poland – Gliwice, PreZero Arena Gliwice
Oct 30: Germany – Leipzig, Quarterback Immobilien Arena
Oct 31: Germany – Oberhausen, Rudolf Weber Arena
Nov 02: Hungary – Budapest, Barba Negra
Nov 03: Austria – Vienna, Gasometer
Nov 04: Germany – Bamberg, Brose Arena
Nov 06: Czech Republic – Prague, O2 Universum
Nov 07: Germany – Berlin, Velodrom
Nov 08: Germany – Munich, Zenith
Nov 10: Italy – Milan, Alcatraz
Nov 11: Switzerland – Zurich, The Hall
Nov 13: Spain – Barcelona, Sant Jordi Club
Nov 14: Spain – Madrid, Vistalegre
Nov 15: Portugal – Lisbon, Sala Tejo

Amon Amarth Lineup:
Johan Hegg – Vocals
Olavi Mikkonen – Guitar
Johan Söderberg – Guitar
Ted Lundström – Bass
Jocke Wallgren – Drums

More about Amon Amarth and their cultural influence
From Amon Amarth‘s 1992 formation in Tumba, Sweden, to the worldwide fame they’ve found in the ensuing years, their lyrical, live and recorded musical legacy speaks for itself. Over the past few years the band have performed globally and alongside legendary acts such as Slayer, Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Pantera in addition to monumental takeovers of Los Angeles’ The Forum and Denver’s historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre to name a few. Across seas, Amon Amarth have headlined multiple major rock and metal fests including an epic performance at Germany’s Wacken in 2024 for 85,000. Elsewhere on UK/European soil, the Viking lords have twice headlined the UK’s storied Bloodstock festival, made four appearances at Download (2008 – 2019), and performed at Summer Breeze eight times (2003 – 2024) – six of them as headliner.

Their rapidly increasing sales and touring numbers, plus pre-release buzz to Amon Amarth‘s 2026 North American tour with Dethklok and Castle Rat, has managed to garner mainstream success without sacrificing either of their constantly evolving creativity or heaviness. Audience demographics run the gamut from pre-teens to 60-somethings, an inclusive metal experience for those who appreciate epic positivity and powerfully inspirational lyrics.

Their cultural influence cannot be overstated. To wit: The Row. The consensus is that the legendary “Viking row” by audience members first began during the 2009 Amon Amarth set at Bloodstock. Fans get on the ground and, in unison, imitate rowing an invisible longship in a powerfully unifying experience. With the 2022 release of the single and video “Put Your Back into the Oar,” Hegg said, “we thought it was a good idea to write a song about The Row! This one is for you, the fans, wherever you are-and may Oden guide you as you row to your destiny in uncharted seas!“

Over the years the phenomenon has spread to other artist’s’ concerts and global events including 2026 World Cup audiences – but thanks to video footage, it’s safe to say Amon Amarth audiences began the now-iconic trend. Last month, Hegg spoke to Norway’s public broadcaster NRK about the The Row‘s origin, read the interview HERE.

THE MACHINE Release Brand New Album “Another Sun” Today

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 2, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: THE MACHINE. Leave a comment

Finally, the wait is over: Dutch heavy psych and stoner rock mainstays THE MACHINE release their brand new studio album Another Sun today, October 2nd. Nearly two decades into their journey, the Dordrecht power trio return with their eighth studio album, reconnecting the free-flowing spirit and heavy grooves at the heart of THE MACHINE with a sound that feels as focused and alive as ever.

Featuring David Eering on guitars and vocals, Chris Both on bass and Klaas Dijkstra on drums, Another Sun moves effortlessly between heavy psych, stoner rock and expansive space-driven jams across five tracks. The album is out now via Awe Records in cooperation with Stickman Records in Europe and Blues Funeral Recordings in North America and the UK.

Order Another Sun in Europe:
https://awerecords.bandcamp.com
https://www.stickman-records.com/shop/the-machine-another-sun

Order North America & UK:
https://mailchi.mp/bluesfuneral/the-machine

Throughout their career, THE MACHINE have carved out a reputation as one of the most genre-defying acts to emerge from the European underground. Doused in space and soaked in riffs, the trio has continually redefined its sound, balancing a deep-rooted love for stoner rock with excursions into heavy psych, progressive rock, doom, ’90s alternative and expansive space rock. As one of the frontrunners of Europe’s second wave of stoner and heavy psych, the band established an early landmark with the now cult-classic Solar Corona before continuing to evolve with every release that followed.

Recorded in the fall of 2025 at Evolver Studio, Eering’s newly built recording facility in Dordrecht, Another Sun captures what is arguably the strongest incarnation of THE MACHINE to date. Intricate in groove and rich in dynamic songwriting, the album digs deeper into classic heavy-toned songcraft while leaving ample room for the free-flowing jams that have always been central to the band’s identity. Rather than reinventing themselves, THE MACHINE sharpen their unmistakable sonic fingerprint, reconnecting with the freeform spirit of their early work through a modern lens. They took their time to mature, only to return stronger, heavier and more inspired than ever.

“Another Sun is an important milestone to me personally, after a couple of years with (apparent) reduced activity of the band – it‘s the first record with this great lineup and the first one that I recorded at my own place Evolver Studio,“ David Eering recently said. “Without the intention to do so, I think we managed to honor a more old school The Machine vibe while also stepping into the future.”

Already announced with a surprise full-album performance at this year’s Roadburn Festival, Another Sun signals the beginning of a new chapter for THE MACHINE. After nearly two decades as one of Europe’s most consistently adventurous heavy rock bands, the trio now steps onto a broader international stage, reaffirming their place alongside legendary Dutch acts like 35007, Beaver and 7Zuma7, while finally bringing their expansive blend of stoner rock, heavy psych and space-driven grooves to a much wider audience.

Another Sun Tracklist:
1. Drop/See
2. Evolver
3. In Search of Yellow
4. Swallow the Sun
5. Echo Through

THE MACHINE is:
David Eering: Guitars, vocals, sitar, synthesizers, theremin, percussion
Chris Both: Bass guitar
Klaas Dijkstra: Drums, Percussion

THE MACHINE live:
10.10.2026 (NL) Sliedrecht – ELEKTRA – Jongerencentrum (Album Release Party)

Connect with THE MACHINE:
Website: https://www.themachineweb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themachine_nl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themachine.nl
Bandcamp: https://the-machine.bandcamp.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/3X86QInWg7yupxaU3fvvjB
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/themachineholland
Blues Funeral Recordings: https://www.bluesfuneral.com
Awe Records: https://www.awe-records.com

ZORNHEYM Release New Album “Descending Into Madness”, Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 2, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Zornheym. Leave a comment

Symphonic metal visionaries ZORNHEYM have released their brand new studio album “Descending Into Madness”, which is out today via Noble Demon.

Stream the album HERE

Founded in Stockholm, Sweden, as an ambitious vision by its creator, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Zorn (ex-DARK FUNERAL), with the goal of realizing his interpretation of the ultimate concept band – a complete fusion of music, narrative, and visual storytelling. Since its inception, the band has set out to redefine the traditional “metal meets symphony” approach, developing a sound that blends cinematic orchestration with a powerful heavy metal backbone and strong influences from melodic death metal, all driven by a distinct sense for epic, memorable melodies.

At the core of ZORNHEYM lies a dark and expanding narrative universe. Each album unfolds within the walls of the mental asylum Zornheim – a place shrouded in mystery, madness, and horror – where the institution itself becomes the central character. Across releases, the band explores different eras of its sinister history through layered storytelling, recurring themes, and hidden connections. This concept was introduced on their debut album “Where Hatred Dwells and Darkness Reigns” (2017) and further expanded on the critically acclaimed “The Zornheim Sleep Experiment” (2021), followed by the acoustic EP “The Forgotten Inmates” (2023), which completed the first chapter of the asylum’s story.

ZORNHEYM’s artistic vision extends far beyond music. Their albums are accompanied by detailed visual concepts and graphic novels, bringing the asylum and its inmates to life in another dimension, while their music videos are produced as short films that further immerse the audience in the band’s universe.

On stage, ZORNHEYM transforms into a theatrical experience led by frontman Bendler, whose commanding presence draws the audience deep into the asylum’s grip. On special occasions, actors become part of the performance, elevating the show beyond a traditional concert into a dark and immersive spectacle.

Tracklist:
01. Prologue: From the Depths of Sêlasee
02. Deus Rex
03. Somewhere Far Beyond
04. Deep Below
05. Anneliese
06. Alone in the Dark
07. Gallow’s Oak
08. The Funeral March
09. Descending
10. Come Sweet Death
11. The Foreboding (CD Bonus Track)
12. None For All (CD Bonus Track)

With “Descending Into Madness”, ZORNHEYM mark the impressive next evolution of their dark universe, pulling listeners deeper than ever into the madness of Zornheim.

The album is out NOW via Noble Demon and available for purchase at THIS LOCATION. Available in a variety of exclusive formats, including colored marbled vinyl, a limited Collector’s Edition CD, a Digipak, and an A5 book.

For more info visit:
https://www.instagram.com/zornheym_official/
https://www.facebook.com/zornheym
https://zornheym.bandcamp.com/
https://linktr.ee/nobledemon

ANNICKE SHIREEN Releases Second Single ‘Loud Hag’ with Official Music Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 2, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: ANNICKE SHIREEN. Leave a comment

The new single of Dutch witch rock artist Annicke Shireen is a manifesto of empowerment rejecting expectations placed on women. ‘Loud Hag’ is one of the most unapologetically heavy tracks of her upcoming debut solo album DELIRIUM (out Friday, the 13th November 2026) and reclaims a term traditionally used to diminish women. This track turns being perceived as too loud, too old, too opinionated or too difficult into something worth owning.

Pre-order DELIRIUM here
Early digital release on Bandcamp on 23rd October, 2026

With it’s metal-influenced guitar riffs and high, layered feminine vocals ‘Loud Hag’ becomes the perfect soundtrack for the process of unlearning expectations and becoming more comfortable with the person you were not supposed to become. The song doesn’t apologise for its volume, instead it takes the idea of being “too loud” and makes loudness itself a statement.

Annicke Shireen about ‘Loud Hag’:
“I refuse the idea that anger of women needs to be softened, explained or made palatable. To me rage is a compass, and it is an important creative force. ‘Loud Hag’ is me taking a word that was meant to put a woman back in her place and making it powerful and something to claim with pride.”

Annicke Shireen, known as the frontwoman of SHIREEN and through her work with Heilung and Pure Reason Revolution, has developed a career that moves between music, performance and visual art. Her solo work brings those disciplines together as writes and produces her own music while creating a visual world around it, from music videos and styling self-designed stagewear as she holds a degree in fashion design. Annicke’s visual approach has long been closely connected to her music and some of her music videos reached millions of views (‘UMAI’ 6.3 million views and ‘So Human of You’ 1.7 million views).

Her debut solo album DELIRIUM combines alternative rock, metal, synthpop, folk and dreamy grunge, while maintaining a recognisable core of heavy guitars, layered vocals and electronic textures. It grew out of Annicke’s interest in how we construct our understanding of reality, particularly through the perspective of a neurodiverse mind. DELIRIUM looks at the frameworks people inherit and the expectations they learn to live by: ideas about femininity, relationships, belonging, emotional behaviour and what is considered “normal.” Rather than presenting fragmentation or difficult emotions as things that need to be fixed, Annicke explores what can be learned from them.

That idea connects the album’s different subjects. DELIRIUM moves through love and obsession, personal growth, female empowerment, anger, belonging and the difficulty of trying to find change in yourself while the world around you seems to be set in its ways. Annicke is particularly interested in the relationship between feminine rage and what she describes as a softer kind of revolution: not necessarily becoming louder for the sake of it, but questioning why women are so often expected to make themselves smaller, more agreeable or easier to accept.

Musically, DELIRIUM relies on contrast without becoming fragmented. Heavy guitar-driven passages sit alongside spacious vocal arrangements, synth-led tracks, folk influences, lo-fi textures and moments drawing on gospel and psychedelic rock. Annicke’s layered vocals remain a consistent thread throughout, at times creating a large choral sound and at others bringing the songs into a much more intimate space. The album’s title reflects that tension. Annicke originally considered calling the record Hysteria, but chose DELIRIUM as it was more fitting to the genre of the album. For her, DELIRIUM describes the uncomfortable point at which the framework you have been living inside stops making sense.

Annicke Shireen about her debut solo album:
“DELIRIUM is about the moment when the framework you have been living inside no longer fits. It’s the magic of the moment where we stop being acceptable and start becoming ourselves. I wanted to explore that uncomfortable space between losing control and finally taking the power back.

I wanted to give words to the beauty of a mind that does notalways move according to the expected rules. Rather than presenting fragmentation as something that needs to be fixed, I wanted to shed light on the wisdom, knowledge and power inside it. The songs of my debut album give shape to feelings of rage, grief, fear, euphoria and love, and I believe music is the best medium to speak from heart to heart.”

Tracklist:
1. Paper Skin Rite
2. Heresy
3. Come To Light
4. False Gods
5. How To Cure A Feeling
6. Not Your Mother
7. Loud Hag
8. To Belong
9. The Circle
10. Queendom

Upcoming live dates:
Oct 14, 2026 – Online – Listening Party
Oct 23, 2026 – Ede NL – Astrant
Oct 31, 2026 – Capelle aan den IJssel, NL – Capsloc
Nov 12, 2026 – The Hague, NL – Grey Space (record release show)

Line-up:
Annicke Shireen – Vocals
Davy Knobel – Guitars
Jos Driessen – Bass
Wouter Macare – Drums & Percussion
Kati Rán, Anna Baumann – Backing vocals

Annicke Shireen online:
Website
Bandcamp
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
Spotify
YouTube

PSYCHOTIC OUTSIDER Release New Single & Video ‘Welcome Oblivion’ from Upcoming Album “Armageddon”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 2, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: PSYCHOTIC OUTSIDER. Leave a comment

PSYCHOTIC OUTSIDER was formed in August 2018 in Galway, Ireland
In their music, the band draws on influences from styles such as hardcore, metal and punk rock, creating highly aggressive sounds combined with dynamic beats. The band’s discography includes: demo “Motherfucker” (2019), album “Psyching Out Mentality” (2020), EP “End Of The Line” (2022), single “Till We Decay” (2023) and EP “6” (2024).

The band has already performed at several festivals, including the largest in Ireland – Siege of Limerick, as well as many others such as Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses, Templemore Metal Fest, Unleash To Horde and played live shows with bands such as Nocny Kochanek (PL), Archives (UK) or Survivalist (UK). Musicians are endorsers of Skull Strings Signature Set, Vermilion pickups and Fat Cables.

Now, Irish/Polish band is preparing for releasing new studio album titled “Armageddon“.

Music for upcoming album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Richards at Trackmix Studio (Khôra, Cruachan). Cover artwork was done by Helena Jennings. “Armageddon” will be released on October 23, 2026, on CD by Via Nocturna, pre-order is available at webstore.

Leader of the band, Piotr Michalik comments upcoming album:

“”Armageddon” is an exploration of the world around us and the impacts it has on people, looking at themes of mental health, climate change, christo-fascism, social justice and mass violence. The album charts a course through these themes, starting in a place of profound anxiety, overwhelmed by trauma, and slowly moving to a place of defiance and vengeance.”

TRACKLIST:
01. The End is Nigh
02. Crushed by a Black Horse
03. Vilify The Weak
04. Welcome Oblivion
05. Death by a Thousand Cuts
06. White Phosphorous
07. I Defy
08. I will Suffer No Masters
09. Armageddon

Watch video for the single “Welcome Oblivion“: