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FABIENNE ERNI Announces Solo Album “Starveil”, Out March 13th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 14, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: FABIENNE ERNI. Leave a comment

With ‘Starveil’, Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie, ILLUMISHADE) unveils her anticipated debut solo album, a deeply personal and immersive work that marks a defining new chapter in her artistic journey. The record will be released on March 13.

Starveil moves fluidly between modern metal intensity and folk-inspired textures, blending heavy riffs, cinematic arrangements, and organic instrumentation with Fabienne Erni’s distinctive vocal presence. Storytelling lies at the heart of the album, inviting listeners into an atmospheric and emotionally driven world that gradually reveals its own developing lore. Throughout the record, subtle narrative details, symbolic elements, and fragments of an invented fantasy language form a

layered listening experience that unfolds over time.

Best known as the singer of Eluveitie and ILLUMISHADE, Erni has already lent her voice to countless stages and recordings worldwide. With Starveil, she places her most personal artistic vision at the forefront. The album reflects her passion for musical diversity, ranging from powerful metal moments to fragile passages, and unfolds as an evocative journey that draws listeners deep into its emotional landscapes.

–Pre-order: https://fabienneerni.bigcartel.com/
–Pre-save: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/fabienneerni/starveil

Starveil – Tracklist

  1. Vareon
  2. Sky’s Breath
  3. Ritual (feat Lena Scissorhands)
  4. Stone by Stone
  5. Starveil
  6. Living and the Dead
  7. Shaelun Vyrathi
  8. Forged in Me
  9. Never Let Go
  10. Elren
  11. Thalen Muron
  12. Call Beyond Time
  13. Lullaby Echo

Fabienne Erni is a singer and multi-instrumentalist from Switzerland; best known for her work in Folk Metal sensation Eluveitie, and the founding of the genre-transcending modern metal band ILLUMISHADE. At around 13 years old, Erni first discovered a love for singing, inspired by multi-range artists like Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Sarah Connor and Whitney Houston. Later on, she began expressing her love for music more deeply through the piano. Her enthusiasm for storytelling and music thrived through musical theatre releases, ballads, Disney Songs and Film soundtracks. But it was the moment she witnessed Elton John’s “Aida” musical as a teenager in Stuttgart, Germany that truly solidified her desire to become a singer.  

Her passion for music continued to thrive into adulthood, and after high school she studied Complete Vocal Technique in Copenhagen; learning not only to refine her vocal technique, but also to connect more deeply with her voice, allowing it to grow stronger and more expressive than  ever before.

With school behind her, Erni took time to travel, journeying through places like India, Nepal, and Thailand. At age 20, she eventually settled in the far north of Sweden to study music for a year in the town of Haparanda. Here, her fascination for both the language and the land energized her; an experience that not only shaped her personally, but also helped her grow immensely in musical confidence. Shortly after, Fabienne was accepted at Zurich’s ZHdK where she obtained her master’s degrees in Pop music. It was during her studies here that she met Jonas Wolf, who recognized that she would be an exciting fit for Eluveitie and successfully connected her to the band. She became part of the group not only as a vocalist, but also took up the harp and deepened  both her vocal expression and her connection to the Gaulish language at the heart of the band’s Celtic spirit.

After a warm welcome to the metal scene, Erni formed ILLUMISHADE in 2019 together with her by then close musical sparring partner Jonas Wolf, as well as Mirjam Skal, Yannick Urbanczik,  and Marc Friedrich – three exceptional musicians and close friends she had met during her  studies. In 2020, ILLUMISHADE released their debut album ‘ECLYPTIC: Wake of Shadows’, a  concept record that resonated across the internet with its inspirational music and brought together  both new and familiar listeners, primarily through its visionary sound, but also through the  immersive world it built around it. Since then, ILLUMISHADE has taken their place in the scene,  signing with Napalm Records, and releasing their second album: Another Side of You. Beyond  that, the band continues to captivate global audiences with regular international tours and festival  appearances across Europe and North America.

As Erni manages her time alongside touring the globe with Eluveitie and ILLUMISHADE, she also hosts her own Patreon channel, connecting with a vibrant community of fans worldwide. It’s no surprise that her dedication and musical instinct have led her to explore additional instruments, including the ukulele and bouzouki, while also expanding her vocal skillset with techniques like screaming. Thanks to her distinctive voice and artistic openness, Fabienne has also been invited to contribute to a wide range of musical collaborations, such as with Feuerschwanz, Mortemia, TVINNA, Lindsay Schoolcraft, The Dark Side of the Moon, Temperance, Seas on the Moon and Off the Cross. Together with multi-instrumentalist and producer Vadim ‘Vidick’ Ojog of Infected  Rain, the two expand their creative synergy in a new studio project called MINDNOVA, following  their earlier work on a variety of beautiful tracks for Vidick’s side project ANOTHERKIND.

Having journeyed through a rich and varied musical landscape throughout her life, lending  her voice to countless powerful moments both on stage and in the studio, Erni now stands  at the threshold of a new chapter. For the first time, her most personal artistic vision will  take center stage as she begins shaping her solo debut. A first series of singles is set to  unfold in 2025, with a full album planned for release in 2026. Rooted deeply in her artistic  vision and fiery heart, the songs reflect a diverse and dynamic creative output, through  which she invites the world to explore her own musical universe alongside her.  

What lies ahead is more than just a collection of songs – it is a reflection of Fabienne Erni’s creative essence.

FABIENNE ERNI – OFFICIAL CHANNELS:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fabienne_erni
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabienneerni/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabienneerniofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fabienneerni
Merchandise Store: https://fabienneerni.bigcartel.com/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fabienneerni

BANGALORE CHOIR Release Live Video for ‘Bullet Train’ from New Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 14, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Bangalore Choir, David Reece’s BANGALORE CHOIR. Leave a comment

Bangalore Choir have released their new album, Rapid Fire Succession: On Target Part II on BraveWords Records. The first single, ‘Bullet Train’, recently hit #1 for six weeks on the 97Underground.com radio playlist as well as being in medium rotation on the legendary KNAC FM. Today, Bangalore Choir release a live video for ‘Bullet Train’, that was filmed on their recent European tour with Girlschool and label-mates Alcatrazz.

David Reece took a moment to talk about the response to the new album: “What can I say but thank you! The response from everyone has been incredible and it’s hard to put into words the feeling to be honest. Also I would like to thank media and radio for embracing our record it’s been truly incredible! Lastly I want to mention the tour Bangalore Choir was honored to be a part of with Alcatraz and Girlschool. Many of you know we perform classics from On Target, but this time around we were fortunate to be able to showcase many songs from Rapid Fire Succession: On Target Part II and amazingly seeing and hearing people singing along to ‘Bullet Train’, ‘Driver’s Seat’ and many others was truly inspiring! We can’t thank you all enough for raising the roof! I look forward to seeing and hearing you all again in 2026!”

The album RAPID FIRE SUCCESSION: On Target Part II has landed on a number 2025 year end lists:

#2 – Top 15 Albums of 2025 – Steve O’s Music Madness, Wild Dogs Radio
#2 – Top Albums of 2025 – Metalshop 101 Radio
#5 – Top 35 Albums of 2025 – The Metal Command Show
#6 – Top 15 Albums of 2025 – Tom Elke, Allfather Metal
#8 – Top 20 Albums of 2025 – Brendon Snyder
#8 – Top Albums of 2025 – Samuele Mannini, MelodicRock.it
#10 – Top Albums of 2025 – Yuri Picasso, MelodicRock.it
#10 – Top 10 Albums of 2025 – Breezy Bird, KNAC
#11 – Top 20 Hard Rock & Metal Albums of 2025 – Metal Nights with the Metal Coach
#15 – Best of 2025 Top 30 – The Music Gods
#23 – Top 50 Albums of 2025 – Power Zone
Top Albums of 2025 – MetalTalk

Stream or purchase RAPID FIRE SUCCESSION: On Target Part II: https://smarturl.it/bangalorechoir

Act 1

01 How Does It Feel
02 Driver’s Seat
03 Love And War
04 I Never Meant To
05 I’m Headed For
06 Bullet Train
07 Swimming With The Shark
08 The Light

Act 2

09 Prisoner
10 The Beauty
11 Sail On
12 Trouble With The Truth
13 Still The Same
14 Blinded By Fire In The Sky
15 Rock Of Ages
16 Mending Fences

David Reece: Vocals
Diego Pires: Lead and Rhythm Guitars
Eric Juris: Lead and Rhythm Guitars
Andy Susemihl: Lead, Rhythm Guitars & Backing Vocals
Mario Percudani: Lead, Rhythm Guitars & Backing Vocals
Riccardo Demarosi: Bass and Backing Vocals
Nello Savinelli: Drums

Guest appearances:
Jimmy Waldo: Keyboards
Ferdy Doernberg: Keyboards

Engineered by Riccardo Demorossi
Mixed and Mastered by Thomas Mergler @Tom’s Soundranch

https://www.facebook.com/share/1HwR7Kvq48/
https://www.instagram.com/david.reece.official
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/1505934
https://www.youtube.com/@davidreece7832

About DAVID REECE:
American singer David Reece first came to international prominence in the hard rock community joining Accept in 1987, replacing the iconic Udo Dirkschneider. With Accept he released the “Eat The Heat” album in 1989, a record that while somewhat divisive within Accepts more die-hard European fanbase, has no shortage of acclaim in equal measure from the wider hard rock and AOR community. David’s voice was a perfect fit for both the more streamlined American heavy rock direction the band wanted to pursue at the time and the Heavy Metal stylings that are still found in great abundance on the record. Thus, songs like Generation Clash and XTC fast became staples of late 80’s rock radio and fan favorites to the present day.

After departing Accept in 1990 David wasted no time in forming Bangalore Choir, a band that would showcase his immense vocal talents combined with first rate songwriting. Released via Giant Records in 1992, the bands debut album “On Target” has become an album held dear to lovers of melodic heavy rock the world over. Timing being everything, sadly the change of radio programming toward the then emerging Grunge movement halted a very promising young band from making the global impact it very well might have had if the album had arrived some years earlier.

David has gone on since to front many bands such as Bonfire, Wicked Sensation, EZ Livin’ and more recently Iron Allies, but he has always felt there was unfinished business with Bangalore Choir, revisiting the project with the occasional release….which brings us right up to date, the latest Bangalore Choir album … Its title a guarded secret at this stage. Needless to say, if you wanted more of what you loved about “On Target” this one will truly hit the mark.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH Announce 2026 North American Tour

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 14, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH. Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Chad Martel

One of the world’s biggest hard rock bands, multi-platinum powerhouse Five Finger Death Punch announces the first leg of their 2026-2027 World tour. Produced by Live Nation, the massive 48-city tour kicks off on Monday, July 20th at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ, and wraps up in Bristow, VA at Jiffy Lube Live on Friday, October 23rd. Platinum-certified outlaw country musician Cody Jinks will join the tour as special guest and bring along his current album, “In My Blood”. The tour lineup will be rounded out by Eva Under Fire, who has earned critical acclaim, and will release a new album, “Villainous” in 2026.

In addition to celebrating two decades of music, the band is once again using its platform to give back. Long recognized as one of the most charitable bands in rock, Five Finger Death Punch has spent decades giving back to various causes, including U.S. military veterans and first responders and their families. In 2026, the band is expanding that mission with the launch of its campaign to support Team USA and align with the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games being held on American soil in Los Angeles in 2028. As part of the tour’s commitment to championing America’s next generation of athletes, a portion of the ticket sales from the 2026 U.S. Tour will be allocated to support high-performance programs for U.S. athletes as they prepare for international competition.

Founding guitarist Zoltan Bathory has selected USA Judo, the National Governing Body for Judo in the U.S., as his beneficiary, while vocalist Ivan Moody will direct his contribution to the USA Cycling BMX Racing & BMX Freestyle teams. “It’s a little-known fact that the United States is one of the only major countries in the world where the government does not fund Olympic and Paralympic athletes or their training programs,” says Bathory. “Our athletes are competing against nations with fully funded teams, while U.S. teams rely almost exclusively on private donations and sponsorships. We believe supporting Team USA is both patriotic and necessary, especially with the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming home in 2028.” Vocalist Ivan Moody added, “these athletes represent the best of who we are. Dedication, sacrifice, discipline. If we can help level the playing field even a little, we’re all in.”

All contributions will go to the National Governing Bodies responsible for training and developing Olympic competitors on both the Judo and USA Cycling BMX Teams. These contributions help fund essential resources for the athletes, covering coaching, travel, equipment, and the rigorous training required to compete on the world stage. With no direct government funding for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports, this initiative helps raise both financial support and awareness for the athletes who represent Team USA at the highest level. Five Finger Death Punch continues to stand at the intersection of music, and service, proving once again that success means nothing unless it’s shared.

The 20th Anniversary World Tour will showcase new material from the Five Finger Death Punch’s upcoming tenth studio album alongside the anthems that defined a generation of fans. Additional international tour dates will be announced following the North American leg.

The band’s current albums, “Best Of – Volume 1” and “Best Of – Volume 2”, feature newly re-recorded versions of Five Finger Death Punch’s biggest hits, including the #1 single “I Refuse” feat. Maria Brink (Vol. 1) and #1 single “The End” feat. BABYMETAL (Vol. 2). “The End” reached #1 on the Japanese iTunes Metal Chart and #18 on the Japanese All-Genres Chart, marking a major milestone for an international rock release. In the U.S., the song made history as the first track featuring Japanese lyrics to chart at Rock Radio, ultimately reaching #1. Both albums were created in response to the sale of the band’s original masters, a decision made without their knowledge or opportunity to reclaim them. Stream / buy HERE.

TICKETS: Tickets for the 2026 tour dates will be available starting with Artist and Citi presales beginning Wednesday, January 14. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, January 16 at 10am local time at LiveNation.com. For more information and VIP offerings, visit fivefingerdeathpunch.com.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH 2026 TOUR DATES:
Mon Jul 20 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Wed Jul 22 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
Thu Jul 23 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Sat Jul 25 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
Sun Jul 26 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
Tue Jul 28 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
Thu Jul 30 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Sat Aug 01 – Montreal, QC – Centre Bell
Sun Aug 02 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre
Tue Aug 04 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
Wed Aug 05 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Fri Aug 07 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Sat Aug 08 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Mon Aug 10 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Tue Aug 11 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Thu Aug 13 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Sat Aug 15 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater
Sun Aug 16 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Tue Aug 18 – Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater
Wed Aug 19 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Fri Aug 21 – Saint Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Tue Sep 08 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Fri Sep 11 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Sat Sep 12 – Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater
Mon Sep 14 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
Wed Sep 16 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Fri Sep 18 – Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Amphitheater
Sat Sep 19 – Las Vegas, NV – Michelob ULTRA Arena
Tue Sep 22 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Thu Sep 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre*
Fri Sep 25 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater*
Sun Sep 27 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Mon Sep 28 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Wed Sep 30 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Fri Oct 02 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
Sat Oct 03 – Kansas City, MO – Morton Amphitheater
Mon Oct 05 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Wed Oct 07 – Huntsville, AL – Orion Amphitheater
Thu Oct 08 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
Sat Oct 10 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sun Oct 11 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Tue Oct 13 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Wed Oct 14 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Fri Oct 16 – Charlotte, NC – Truliant Amphitheater
Sat Oct 17 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Mon Oct 19 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Wed Oct 21 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Fri Oct 23 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
*Without Cody Jinks

ABOUT FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH 
Five Finger Death Punch is a multi-platinum, chart-topping hard rock band from Las Vegas, NV known for their high-energy performances and impactful music (over 15 billion streams globally). The band has held firmly to a top 3 position on the Billboard Hard Rock charts for the last 6 years and amassed a record-setting 13 Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay #1s in a row, the longest run of leading consecutive entries in the history of Mainstream Rock Airplay. 5FDP has 29 top 10 hit singles and 18 Active Rock #1 singles to their name, and the band has released nine consecutive studio albums since 2007, seven of which were certified Gold or Platinum by the RIAA, as well as two chart-topping Greatest Hits albums. Five Finger Death Punch is known not just for teaming up with established artists like Rob Halford, Rob Zombie, Jamey Jasta, Steve Aoki and Max Cavalera, but also for elevating newcomers by exposing them to their worldwide audience. Founding guitarist Zoltan Bathory in 2023 was added as a playable character in the iconic “Call of Duty” video game series adding another major achievement to the band’s growing legacy. In addition, 5FDP has earned numerous national and international awards and honors, such as the prestigious Soldier Appreciation Award by the Association of the United States Army, an honor bestowed only upon Elvis Presley before. 5FDP has donated over a million dollars from ticket sales, record royalties and streaming revenue to philanthropic causes, and the band has released several videos of some of their biggest hits partnering with leading organizations in the fight against suicide prevention, youth homelessness, cancer, veterans suffering from PTSD and to bring relief to the families of fallen first responders.

The City of Las Vegas, NV recognized 5FDP’s relentless charitable efforts by officially declaring November 1st as “Five Finger Death Punch Day”. In addition, Ivan Moody was awarded the key to The City of Cheyenne, WY honoring the betterment of the city through his philanthropic endeavors. Having become one of the most recognizable names in music, 5FDP frequently plays major festivals and sells out arenas around the world. 5FDP concluded a two-year-long stadium tour across the globe with Metallica at the end of 2024.

ABOUT CODY JINKS:

Cody Jinks has always built his career on his own terms. Growing up near Fort Worth, Texas, Jinks spent his formative musical years as the frontman of a thrash metal band called Unchecked Aggression. Throughout the early 2000s, he toured relentlessly but, ultimately, Jinks found himself drawn back to his Texas roots and the country music he’d grown up hearing. Jinks spent years playing small venues and building a grassroots following where he learned to disrupt the status quo with an industrious, do-it-yourself approach. His breakthrough came with the 2015 album Adobe Sessions (2015), a raw, honest collection of songs that resonated deeply with fans hungry for genuine country music. To date he’s released eleven full-length albums that regularly chart near the top of Billboard Country and Independent albums charts and have staying power, to the tune of 5 billion streams across platforms and eight songs certified Platinum or Gold. In recognition of this hard work, Jinks was named Music Row’s 2023 Independent Artist of the Year—the second time he’s received this honor. Jinks’ new album, In My Blood is out now, HERE.

ABOUT EVA UNDER FIRE 
Growth depends on honesty. When you confront your fears, anxieties, traumas, and past head-on, you gain the strength to step into the future. Eva Under Fire amplify this kind of open-hearted honesty through tightly crafted and transformational hard rock anthems. The Detroit, MI quintet—Amanda “Eva Marie” Lyberg [vocals], Rob Lyberg [lead guitar], Chris Slapnik [rhythm guitar], Ed Gawlik [bass], and Dave Miller II [drums]—have tirelessly grinded out of the Midwest and built a faithful following by delivering raw and relatable truth without filter.

ENERGY SOURCE to Release New EP “New Representation” on January 30th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 14, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: ENERGY SOURCE. Leave a comment

Wanikiya Record/Promotion is proud to announce the release of ENERGY SOURCE’s first official EP, titled “New Representation”, available on all digital platforms starting January 30, 2026.

Formed in 2020 in Rovellasca (Como) and artistically shaped between Como and Brianza, Energy Source represent one of the most authentic and determined acts in the Italian alternative metal scene. New Representation is not just a debut release: it is the artistic manifesto of a band that, over five years of activity, has transformed obstacles, pain, and anger into a powerful sonic identity.

AN EP AS A MANIFESTO, AN EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL JOURNEY
New Representation tells a story of personal and collective evolution, touching on deep and universal themes:

  • the pain of losing a loved one,
  • the inner strength that can be rediscovered in the darkest moments,
  • the anger of regrets and missed choices,
  • and finally, a sharp and direct critique of a society that too often favors the strong at the expense of the weak.

The message is clear, direct, and necessary:
WE JUST NEED REPRESENTATION.

A demand for voice, space, and truth, shouted through sharp riffs, powerful rhythms, and an intense, visceral vocal delivery.

FROM THE SINGLE TO CONSECRATION
The EP represents the natural culmination of a journey that officially began with Energy Source joining the Wanikiya Record roster, announced in 2025 alongside the single “Your Worst Enemy”, released on March 28, 2025.

Recorded thanks to winning the “Alcolicontest” in Erba, Your Worst Enemy marked a decisive turning point for the band, bringing them to the attention of the national and international underground scene. The track explores the theme of inner struggle, reminding us that often our worst enemy is ourselves—perfectly anticipating the themes and attitude that find full expression in New Representation.

A SOUND BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT
Energy Source blend the power of ’80s and ’90s rock and metal with the sonic urgency of contemporary alternative metal and metalcore, creating a modern yet rooted sound capable of speaking to multiple generations of listeners.

The band lineup:
Matteo Passeri – vocals
Christian Clerici – guitar
Davide Romeo – guitar
Alessandro Scisci – bass
Pietro Ciavatta – drums

A tight-knit collective that grew despite an early career marked by the pandemic, turning difficulties into creative fuel.

A NEW ERA WITH WANIKIYA RECORD
With New Representation, Energy Source officially enter a new artistic and professional phase, supported by the production and promotion of Wanikiya Record/Promotion, a label long committed to supporting the most authentic and visionary emerging bands in the rock and metal scene.

This EP is only the beginning of a journey aimed firmly toward an international dimension, with the goal of delivering a strong, real, and necessary message on every stage and in every listen.

METAL ALLEGIANCE Unveil Apocalyptic New Single + Lyric Video ‘Black Horizon’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 14, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Metal Allegiance. Leave a comment

Trailblazing metal collective METAL ALLEGIANCE has returned with their brooding new single, “Black Horizon”. Their first release of original music since 2018, the song features roaring opening riffs from guitarist Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT) and vocalist William DuVall’s (ALICE IN CHAINS) ominous howls, painting an apocalyptic scene. Mark Menghi (KING ULTRAMEGA), who also produced the track, anchors the low end on bass alongside Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER) on drums, keeping the dread looming low in the sky, ready to explode with ferocity at any moment. Systems fail, shadows fall, and the doomed cry for salvation in this desolate world. Gloomy, minimalistic verses bookend thunderous choruses, chronicling a desperate flight for survival.

Listen: https://metalallegiance.rpm.link/blackhorizonPR 

“Who would have thought we’d be here 12 years later with new MA music? Very excited to have one of my favorite vocalists from one of my favorite bands on the first new MA music in 8+ years, which opens up a new era for MA. As the saying goes, you can’t kill what doesn’t die.” – Mark Menghi

“I was pleasantly surprised and absolutely honored to be asked to contribute to this song and I’m very happy with the result.” – William DuVall

“This song is a gift from the ghost of MA past. It’s salvaged from a stockpile of riffs we’d started long ago but never quite finished. Now, in combination with a first time voice for the band – the great William Duvall – we are pleased to announce a brand new track, forged from what once was, here to kick off a new era. Check it out!”  – Alex Skolnick

“After having finished these drum tracks, I’m stoked that they finally get to see the light of day! Thanks to William for finishing it up for us and welcome to the MA family! \m/” – Mike Portnoy

About METAL ALLEGIANCE:

Beginning as a celebration of the metal genre, METAL ALLEGIANCE has forged a legacy all their own while collaborating with metal’s most revered trailblazers. Formed by Mark Menghi (KING ULTRAMEGA) and comprised of core members David Ellefson (ex-MEGADETH), Mark Menghi (KING ULTRAMEGA), Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT), and Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER), METAL ALLEGIANCE has released 2 albums of original music and an EP, and regularly performs live with fellow metal titans.

The illustrious supergroup proves that legends never die, and can even reinvent themselves. Having recently signed to Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), METAL ALLEGIANCE continues to carve new paths and make their mark on the modern metal scene.

METAL ALLEGIANCE lineup:
Alex Skolnick – Guitar
Mark Menghi – Bass
Mike Portnoy – Drums
William DuVall – Vocals
Josh Wilbur – Mixing, Mastering on “Black Horizon”

https://www.metalallegiance.com/
https://www.instagram.com/metalallegiance/
https://www.facebook.com/metalallegiancemusic

CRYPTIC SHIFT to Unleash “Overspace & Supertime” Full-Length on February 27th, New Video / Single ‘Hexagonal Eyes (Diverity Trepaphymphaszym)’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 14, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: CRYPTIC SHIFT. Leave a comment
Photo by Murry Deaves

UK progressive death metal outfit CRYPTIC SHIFT will release their Overspace & Supertime full-length on February 27th through Metal Blade Records.

While not commonly known as an extraterrestrial hotspot, Leeds faced an encounter of another kind in 2015 when vocalist/guitarist Alexander Bradley and drummer Ryan Sheperson set out to accomplish a project embodying their joint passion for the art of science fiction and heavy metal music. With CRYPTIC SHIFT taking form as a crossover between the worlds of technical thrash/death metal and all things sci-fi, the two set out to spread their influence across the UK and soon ventured across the globe.

CRYPTIC SHIFT unveiled their debut full-length, Visitations From Enceladus, in 2020. The offering helped bring the band to the worldwide playing-field, receiving critical acclaim for its adventurous, progressive technical death thrash compositions, a twisted form of extreme metal simply referred to as the “Phenomenal Technological Astrodeath.”

This year’s Overspace & Supertime continues the conceptual and musical themes of their debut and delivers a new standard of technical thrash/death metal showmanship, including returning influences of progressive writing, harmonized with their fantastical storytelling.

“The concept of Overspace & Supertime plays as an alternative reality to the happenings of Visitations From Enceladus, taking our character into new dimensions filled with both greater adventures and more bizarre encounters.” notes drummer Ryan Sheperson. “Whilst the concept themes of our sci-fi tale have grown, so have our efforts in synthesizing it with the ultimate Astrodeath soundscape. The record takes the listener on a deeper journey through the fusion of our influences, with some exciting twists and turns along the way.”

Overspace & Supertime was produced by Jack Helliwell and mastered by Greg Chandler (Esoteric, My Dying Bride) and features the stunning artwork of Jesse Jacobi.

“I was inspired by an image from 40 Days In The Desert by the legendary Moebius,” elaborates Bradley. “The tall, sombre, cloaked figures were a fitting reference for the occurrence of our main character ‘The Recaller’ as she finally encounters ‘The Alien Sorceress.’ Jesse Jacobi is the one behind the phenomenal painting, and he was always the only one who’s style I could imagine it in. I did a lot of research into cloud formations for the lyrics and wanted them featured as the backdrop of the cover art with justice to their splendour. Furthermore, keen eyes will notice the composition rhymes with that of Visitations From Enceladus. Even though both characters are different entities, their paths are severely intertwined.“

Comments Bradley on “Hexagonal Eyes (Diverity Trepaphyphasyzm),” CRYPTIC SHIFT‘s returning single, “The track demonstrates a vicious proficiency never before seen in death and thrash metal: A relentless flow of smart compositional ideas seize your attention in a black hole grip, across our most extreme material yet. ‘Diverity Trepaphyphasyzm’ then describes the first stages of a warped temporal disease as our character returns to the moonbase location from our highly acclaimed debut album. Films like the Star Wars prequels inspire us just as much as our contemporaries in the genre; fans of sci-fi storytelling and ripping technical metal are guaranteed to have a blast with this record.“

Find pre-orders at: metalblade.com/crypticshift

Overspace & Supertime Track Listing:
1. Cryogenically Frozen
2. Stratocumulus Evergaol
3. Hyperspace Topography
4. Hexagonal Eyes (Diverity Trepaphymphasyzm)
5. Overspace & Supertime

Watch CRYPTIC SHIFT‘s video for “Hexagonal Eyes (Diverity Trepaphymphaszym)” (directed by Murry Deaves):

CRYPTIC SHIFT Live:
2/28/2026 Boston Music Rooms – London, UK * Record Release Show
5/21-24/2026 Maryland Deathfest – Baltimore, MD

CRYPTIC SHIFT:
Alexander Bradley – vocals, guitars
Joss Farrington – guitars
John Riley – bass
Ryan Sheperson – drums

https://www.facebook.com/crypticshift
https://www.instagram.com/crypticshift.ufo

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