Jimmy Kay For The Metal Voice interviewed N.W.O.B.H.M. band Raven at the Piranha Bar in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on April 19, 2026. Watch the interview below.
Excerpt from the chat
When Asked How Ozzy Osbourne brought the band on his first solo tour after hearing their first single on the radio
“Yeah. Friday Rock show. Oh, yeah. I mean, you know, Ozzy wants you to open up on four dates on the Blizzard of Oz tour. Ohh-kay. Right. And, it changed our lives. . That was pretty awesome because I remember them being kind of like they weren’t sure of themselves. They were saying I don’t know if people are are really digging this because the record had just been out not long and they were saying I wonder if we’re going to be able to keep this going and it was to look back on it now cuz it’s like you know like a great record. I don’t understand why they were thinking that way. Legendary it was so good . Lee Kerslake, from Uriah Heap. We got to meet all these people. It was great. What an amazing thing. And they were incredible. And the flip side of that experience for us was the crew who were absolute bastards. Yeah. And treated us like uh slime, you know. Yeah. Like garbage. But yeah, it’s part of that was part of gigging in England at the time. “
When asked about if they plan on doing a new documentary
” Yeah. We actually pretty much worked out the details and we’re starting work on it. There’s going to be a Raven documentary, like a full document. The last one was difficult because it wasn’t funded right and um actually I did a lot of the editing stuff for it and it was such a learning curve for me, if anybody’s ever been involved in something like that, it’s just a huge uh kind of learning curve. And so now this time we have like really professional people involved and we’ll be able to do I think a better job of telling the story cuz it’s quite a tale when you look at all the different angles and things that we’ve been through. And we were just talking earlier about it. A lot of the people who were involved in the beginning of this are gone. You know, even people like Johnny Z who was really uh integral to our success in the States and a lot of the different players are not around anymore. So even just our contemporaries a lot of them are gone. So yeah, so it’s pretty cool that we’re still standing.”
“Wild ‘N’ Loud” is DEMONESSA at full power ready to take on the world!
All the songs on this album are an embodiment of the ‘80s heavy metal we all know and love. While every song on the album is brand new, they also have a familiar feel that fits right into any playlist, like they’ve always been there.
There are 12 songs, racking up to almost one hour of straight hard-rocking future classics, which really makes it like an all-you-can-eat buffet for heavy metal fans, there’s something for pretty much everyone in there. From arena filling anthems to speeding tickets guaranteeing high-speed hits and emotional ballads, the album covers the full spectrum of classic heavy metal.
Coverart by Toni Nurmi
Tracklisting: Till Death Do Us Part High Voltage Renegade M.A.D. Wild ‘N’ Loud Queen of Pain Livin’ Out of Spite Slowly Losing My Mind In Decay In the Depths of Hell You’ll Burn We Rule the Night I Stand Alone A Knife to a Gunfight
Watch ‘High Voltage Renegade’ lyric video:
The band shared: This track was chosen for a lyric video due to the high energy it delivers and the clear strong visual potential to match the outlawish lyrics. The video was created by MVS Visual, known for his work with various artists, most notably Manowar, making him an obvious choice for the project.
To celebrate the release of the album there are several gigs coming up in Finland that are part of a so-called “Worldwide ‘N’ Loud Tour”, which kicks off on 8th of May in Boothill bar in Helsinki. Following that, there will be some shows in Tampere and Hämeenlinna as well and obviously many more to come, all the necessary information can be found on the band’s social media.
More on Demonessa: Demonessa is a heavy metal band from Tampere, Finland, carving its path with pure power and attitude. Formed in 2019, the band combines the explosive force of 80’s heavy metal with the spectacle of glam metal creating an experience that must be witnessed live.
Line-up: Senja – Vocals John Creweholm – Guitars Hugo M. Raze – Guitars Peet von Rowanskerry – Bass Jones “Pugnax Vehemens” Tervas – Drums
Danish death metal force BAEST have recently announced a next string of headline touring for Europe and the UK in support of their current album “Colossal”.
Here is an overview of all upcoming dates:
BAEST – “Colossal” European and UK Tour 2026: 19.09.2026 Rostock (Germany) – M.A.U. Club 20.09.2026 Berlin (Germany) – Urban Spree 21.09.2026 Dresden (Germany) – HD – Die Rock & Metal Bar 23.09.2026 Prague (Czech Republic) – Modra Vopice 24.09.2026 Budapest (Hungary) – Durer Kert 25.09.2026 Vienna (Austria) – Escape 26.09.2026 Pilsting (Germany) – Metalheadz Village Festival 27.09.2026 Aarau (Switzerland) – KIFF 29.09.2026 Southampton (UK) – Joiners 30.09.2026 Leeds (UK) – The Key Club 01.10.2026 Glasgow (UK) – The Garage Attic 02.10.2026 Belfast (UK) – Ulster Sports Club 03.10.2026 Dublin (Ireland) – Sound House 05.10.2026 Nottingham (UK) – Rough Trade 06.10.2026 Manchester (UK) – Star & Garter 07.10.2026 Birmingham (UK) – The Flapper 08.10.2026 Bristol (UK) – The Croft 09.10.2026 London (UK) – Downstairs at the Dome 10.10.2026 Leiden (The Netherlands) – Metal Experience Fest 11.10.2026 Tilburg (The Netherlands) – Hall of Fame 12.10.2026 Wiesbaden (Germany) – Schlachthof 13.10.2026 Kassel (Germany) – Goldgrube 14.10.2026 Cologne (Germany) – Helios 37 16.10.2026 Kortrijk (Belgium) – DVG Club 17.10.2026 Hamburg (Germany) – Betty
BAEST have also announced an extensive Danish headline tour for November as follows:
The Aarhus/Denmark-based five-piece continue to build momentum following the release of their latest album “Colossal”, which has further cemented their reputation as one of Scandinavia’s most exciting modern death metal acts. Known for their explosive live performances, BAEST have played more than 400 shows worldwide and shared stages with artists including Arch Enemy, Abbath, Bleed From Within and Entombed A.D.
Finnish symphonic metal band AMBERIAN DAWN share a second enchantment from their new era. “The Vision of Dreaming” is another charming glimpse into the upcoming album, Temptation’s Gates, releases June 26, 2026 via Napalm Records, which is the band’s first with singer Nicole Willerton. The song’s poignant riff spirals right into long-term memory and first hints at the new leading lady being more than an angelic fairy gently guiding listeners through languorous realms. Symphonic metal with a modern twist, “The Vision of Dreaming” proves AMBERIAN DAWN’s thrilling dedication to their craft.
Tuomas Seppälä about “The Vision of Dreaming”: “I originally composed ‘The Vision of Dreaming’ back in 2021, but it truly found its final form only now as we began working on it together with our new vocalist. It represents the lighter side of the album, but it still has a nice metal bite to it. I spent a great deal of time carefully crafting its sonic atmosphere. The foundation is built largely on carefully selected analog synthesizer sounds, combined with thoughtfully detailed arrangements. There’s a clear touch of ABBA-like atmosphere in the song, yet at the same time, it has a fresh and heavier edge that makes it unmistakably part of our world.”
Nicole Willerton about “The Vision of Dreaming”: “The lyrics of ‘The Vision of Dreaming’ are dreamy and describe the deep spiritual and emotional connection between two people. It explores how their shared memories, emotions, and dreams keep them intertwined, even when physically apart. The lyrics portray love as a bond that transcends space and time. In essence, the song describes a powerful bond connecting two people beyond the physical.”
Rising from the home of symphonic metal are AMBERIAN DAWN: the Finnish five-piece is set to open Temptation’s Gates, their new album, out on June 26, 2026 via Napalm Records. The band’s first release with new singer Nicole Willerton takes them onto a more modern, occasionally even surprisingly rough path. With it, AMBERIAN DAWN, led by founder, guitarist, and main composer Tuomas Seppälä, slowly emancipate themselves from being “just” the band who—gloriously!—covered Swedish pop legends ABBA with their previous album, Take a Chance – A Metal Tribute to ABBA (2022).
Infusing their epic keyboard sounds with guitar-driven melodic metal, AMBERIAN DAWN reach into a world unknown and prove their versatility while their catchy anthems remain strong and charming as ever. Temptation’s Gates has the band determined for a future sparkling temptingly bright—and they’re ready to step through that gate.
Tuomas Seppälä about Temptation’s Gates: “When I started working with our new singer, I felt the same kind of excitement I had years ago when I began creating our debut album back in 2007 and 2008. At that time, AMBERIAN DAWN were still newcomers to the band world, even though we were already experienced musicians. With Temptation’s Gates, I felt that same spark of creating something new for the first time in a long while. I hadn’t composed many songs yet when I began collaborating with our new vocalist. Most of the material came together surprisingly fast once I realized how easy and natural it was to work with her. I was deeply inspired by Nicole’s enthusiasm, dedication, and efficiency. I truly feel that the band has been reborn with her joining us. Musically, our style has evolved once again, perhaps moving slightly back toward a heavier, more metal-driven direction. At the same time, elements of our classic sound and identity are naturally still present. In many ways, creating this album felt like going back to my roots. For the first time in a long while, I also took on a bigger role as a guitarist. I focused more on crafting guitar riffs, played roughly half of the guitar leads on the album, and even performed one full guitar solo myself.”
Nicole Willerton about Temptation’s Gates: “Temptation’s Gates is the first album I’ve sung on and recorded with AMBERIAN DAWN, and it has been a beautiful experience. While writing the lyrics, each song was inspired by feelings, memories, and moments that were especially prominent during the creation of the album. Writing the lyrics felt like diving into the subconscious, bringing these emotions to the surface. It was wonderful to explore the creative process of arranging the backing vocals. I especially love how AMBERIAN DAWN’s music makes strong use of backing vocals, helping to create a fuller, richer sound around the lead vocals. It’s definitely a fiery album that combines a broad spectrum of emotional depths, ranging from love and melancholy to darker elements such as fear and inner struggles. A recurring message throughout the album is to embrace one’s true desires and to accept and acknowledge one’s honest feelings.”
AMBERIAN DAWN introduce their new voice with the album’s title track. “Temptation’s Gates” sweeps in fast, filled to the brim with epic keyboards and charming storytelling. The band’s increased determination equally seeps through “The Vision Of Dreaming”, whose poignant riff spirals right into long-term memory and which first hints at Willerton being more than an angelic fairy gently guiding listeners through languorous realms. The following invocation to the “Moon” turns up the speed to blast beat intensity, remaining magical up until its unexpected end. The final screams fittingly reverberate in “Unchained”, which has the new leading lady unleash her full potential in powerful growls contrasting her seraphic vocals—a first for AMBERIAN DAWN! It is here at the very latest that Temptation’s Gates demonstrates that this is no longer ABBA, but that the Finnish quintet has boldly created something different but equally as fitting. “Eternal Flame” and “Life is Art” are epic hymns with beautiful guitar work, further having AMBERIAN DAWN rewrite their destiny. Another testimony of the band’s changed direction, “The Night is Waiting for Me” makes heads nod and feet tap from the first note with its captivatingly modern sound infused with a dark metal atmosphere. More in line with previous work, the ballad “Undying Colours” transports listeners to a multilayered dreamscape that is, just as “The Garden” frames it, self-directed. “Phantasmagoria” wraps up the album as an irresistibly danceable track, leading the way for symphonic metal to become more modern while losing none of its whimsical grandeur.
Temptation’s Gates tracklisting:
Temptation’s Gates
The Vision of Dreaming
Moon
Unchained
Eternal Flame
Life is Art
This Night is Waiting for Me
Undying Colours
The Garden
Phantasmagoria
AMBERIAN DAWN are: Tuomas Seppälä – Keyboards, Guitar Nicole Willerton – Vocals Emil Pohjalainen – Guitar Joonas Pykälä-aho – Drums Jukka Hoffren – Bass
World-renowned Brazilian death metal force CRYPTA has announced Victoria Villarreal as their permanent guitarist, completing the lineup alongside Fernanda Lira (bass, vocals), Luana Dametto (drums), and Tainá Bergamaschi (guitar) as a four-piece.
Based in Los Angeles, Victoria Villarreal has been active in the original music scene for many years as both a guitarist and vocalist, primarily leading her progressive death metal band Syrebris, as well as taking part in the collaborative project Chaos Rising Project. Her personal musical signature is strongly rooted in old-school and technical death metal, something she had already proven in connection with CRYPTA while performing as one of the band’s guest guitarists on previous tours.
Villarreal will not only be present at the upcoming dates in Brazil and on future tours, but is also already actively contributing to the composition of new music for CRYPTA.
Fernanda Lira states: “We are very happy to welcome Vicky to CRYPTA. Our chemistry is excellent both on and off stage, and her contribution to the band so far has been incredible. We are sure this will be a very amazing chapter for all of us!”
Dive into CRYPTA’s latest album, Shades of Sorrow, and get your copy HERE
Formed in 2019 by former NERVOSA members Luana Dametto (drums) and Fernanda Lira (vocals), and now featuring guitarists Tainá Bergamaschi and Victoria Villarreal, CRYPTA released their latest steamroller of an album, Shades of Sorrow, in August 2023, blending classic and modern death metal with elements of extreme and black metal. After numerous shows and festival appearances around the globe during this album cycle, the upcoming live dates will mark a farewell to Shades of Sorrow while building anticipation for the next powerful chapter of the band’s career.
The Shades of Sorrow: Final Rites – European Summer Tour 2026 includes festival appearances, headline shows, as well as dates with Slaughter To Prevail, Kittie, and Sepultura, and kicks off on June 5 at the Rage Against Racism Open Air in Duisburg, Germany.
CRYPTA LIVE 2026
Shades of Sorrow: Final Rites – European Summer Tour 2026
05.06.26 DE – Duisburg / Rage against Racism Open Air 06.06.26 DE – Kirchdorf / Bavarian Battle Open Air 07.06.26 CZ – Plzen / Metalfest Open Air 08.06.26 DE – Berlin / Cassiopeia 10.06.26 NL – The Hague / Musicon 12.06.26 ES – Madrid /Revi Live 13.06.26 PT – Lisbon /Lx Extreme 14.06.26 ES – Mos /Sala Rebullón 15.06.26 ES – Vitoria /Urban Rock Concept 16.06.26 ES – Valencia / Sala Rock City 17.06.26 ES – Badalona /Sala Estraperlo 19.06.26 FR – Clisson / Hellfest 21.06.26 TR – Istanbul / Paribu Art 23.06.26 DE – Oldenburg / Cadillac 24.06.26 DE – Dresden / Beatpol 26.06.26 CH – Hauteville / Abyss Festival 27.06.26 DE – Karlsruhe / Stadtmitte 30.06.26 DE – Weinheim / Cafe Central 01.07.26 DE – Düsseldorf / Ratinger Hof 02.07.26 DE – Osnabrück / Bastard Club 03.07.26 DE – Hamburg / Logo 04.07.26 DE – Ballenstedt / Rockharz Open Air 24.07.26 GR – Athens/ Floyd – (w/ Slaughter to Prevail) 25.07.26 GR – Thessaloniki/ Moni Lazariston – (w/ Slaughter to Prevail) 27.07.26 BG – Sofia/ Yunak – (w/ Slaughter to Prevail) 28.07.26 SRB – Belgrade / Zappa Barka 30.07.26 AT – Wien / Viper Room 31.07.26 AT – Salzburg / Rockhouse 01.08.26 DE – Saarbruecken/ Garage – (w/ Slaughter to Prevail) 02.08.26 BE – Kortrijk / DVG Club 04.08.26 DE – Aschaffenburg Colos-Saal (w/ Kittie) 05.08.26 DE – München Backstage (Free & Easy Festival) (w/ Kittie) 06.08.26 DE – Nürnberg / Hirsch 07.08.26 DE – Köln / Gebäude 9 (w/ Kittie) 09.08.26 IE – Dublin / 3Arena (w/ Sepultura) 10.08.26 UK – Glasgow/ SWG3 Galvanizers – (w/ Slaughter to Prevail) 11.08.26 UK – Carlisle / The Brickyard 12.08.26 UK – Bristol/ O2 Academy – (w/ Slaughter to Prevail) 13.08.26 UK – Southampton /The 1865 14.08.26 UK – Birmingham / Asylum 15.08.26 UK – London /The Dome
CRYPTA is: Fernanda Lira – bass, vocals Tainá Bergamaschi – guitar Victoria Villarreal – guitar Luana Dametto – drums
Electric Callboy announces their long-anticipated new album TANZNEID, set for release on August 7, 2026 via Century Media Records. At the same time, the band joins forces with global gaminghit game Brawl Stars for their explosive new single and video “Hypercharged”, which also introduces the new character “Damian” to the Brawl Stars universe.
Alongside the announcement, Electric Callboy kick off the TANZNEID pre-order with a range of exclusive collector’s editions. The release will culminate in a major celebration at Escalation Fest 2026, where the band will perform the new album for the very first time, turning the festival into a one-of-a-kind live premiere incl. an Electric Bassboy DJ Set with new remixes, a Loveboat, multiple guests besides Evil Jared and Krogi, an actual TEKKNO TRAIN and the performance at the Wuhlheide in Berlin.
Electric Callboy on their new single and Brawl Stars collab:“We’ve always been massive gaming fans, so teaming up with Brawl Stars felt like a perfect match from the start. The track came together naturally, and we loved seeing it take shape as Damian’s theme.Damian fits our sound like he was built for it. Heavy, explosive, and impossible to ignore. It’s pressure, groove, and madness all at once. We love it!“
Electric Callboy comment on the upcoming album: “After our album TEKKNO and all the worldwide touring, TANZNEID took everything out of us. It was intense, exhausting, but also exactly what we needed after all the incredible moments we shared during that era.
With TANZNEID, we wanted to create something special, for our fans and for ourselves. Every track surges with energy. We took what we loved about TEKKNO and pushed it further, adding new elements, new sounds, and new extremes. Heavy beats, explosive drops, and moments that hit you right in the chest.The last singles RATATATA and Hypercharged were just the beginning. Now it’s raw, loud, and alive, in every pulse, every scream, every melody.
We wanted to match our music with your adrenaline, to create a record that pulls you onto the floor, makes your heart race, and doesn’t let go.
TANZNEID is built for the stage. So turn it up, lose yourself, and dance like no one’s watching.“
Electric Callboy are in the middle of their global TANZNEID World Tour, which will continue in North America this April. With various festival appearances across Europe as well as tour schedules in Japan and Australia, the TANZNEID celebration will be everywhere, reaching its peak at their own Escalation Fest, together with Paleface Swiss, Alestorm, Heavysaurus, The Hardkiss and more to be announced..
April 21, 2026 – Los Angeles, US – The Kia Forum April 22, 2026 – San Francisco, US – The Masonic April 24, 2026 – Seattle, US – Paramount Theatre April 25, 2026 – Vancouver, CA – PNE Forum April 28, 2026 – Salt Lake City, US – The Union Event Center April 30, 2026 – Morrison, US – Red Rocks Amphitheatre May 2, 2026 – Minneapolis, US – The Armory May 3, 2026 – Chicago, US – Wintrust Arena May 14, 2026 – Montreal, CA – Place Bell May 16, 2026 – Toronto, CA – Coca-Cola Coliseum May 17, 2026 – Columbus, US – Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival May 19, 2026 – Nashville, US – The Pinnacle May 20, 2026 – Greensboro, US – Greensboro Special Events Center May 22, 2026 – Tampa, US – Yuengling Center May 23, 2026 – Atlanta, US – Coca-Cola Roxy May 25, 2026 – Washington D.C., US – The Theater at MGM National Harbor May 26, 2026 – Brooklyn, US – Brooklyn Paramount May 27, 2026 – Boston, US – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
EUROPE |FESTIVALS
Jun 5, 2026 – Nuremberg, Germany – Rock im Park Jun 6, 2026 – Nürburg, Germany – Rock am Ring Jun 5, 2026 – Nancy, France – Heavy Weekend Jun 10–14, 2026 – Derby, UK – Download Festival Jun 18–21, 2026 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop Metal Meeting Jun 25–27, 2026 – Grenchen, Switzerland – Summerside Festival Jun 26, 2026 – Klam, Austria – Clam Castle / Burg Clam Jul 16–19, 2026 – Wurster Nordseeküste, Germany – Deichbrand Festival Jul 23–26, 2026 – Plovdiv, Bulgaria – Hills of Rock Festival Jul 24, 2026 – Moosburg, Austria – Schlosswiese Moosbur
GERMANY
Aug 7, 2026 – Berlin, Germany – Album Release Party – Huxley’s neue Welt Aug 8, 2026 – Berlin, Germany – Escalation Fest 2026 – Parkbühne Wuhlheide
JAPAN
August 29, 2026 – Osaka, JP – Gorilla Hall (Electric Bassboy DJ Set) August 31, 2026 – Tokyo, JP – Garden Theater
AUSTRALIA
September 4, 2026 – Perth, AU – RAC Arena September 6, 2026 – Adelaide, AU – Entertainment Center September 8, 2026 – Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena September 10, 2026 – Sydney, AU – Qudos Bank Arena September 12, 2026 – Brisbane, AU – Riverstage September 13, 2026 – Brisbane, AU – Riverstage
Electric Callboy are nearly impossible to categorize, and that’s exactly the point. Since forming in Germany in 2010, they’ve grown into a global force, driven by genre-defying hits like “Hypa Hypa,” “We Got The Moves,” and “RATATATA” (with BABYMETAL). Their 2022 album TEKKNO amassed hundreds of millions of streams worldwide, cementing their place at the forefront of modern heavy music.
With TANZNEID, the band push their sound even further, sharpening their signature mix of pop hooks, techno energy, and heavy breakdowns. Written in between relentless touring, across backstage areas, buses, and brief studio sessions, the album carries a raw sense of urgency, capturing the band at their most instinct-driven and immediate.
Built on contrast, Electric Callboy’s strength lies in blending extremes into something that feels seamless. On TANZNEID, that balance reaches a new level of precision, pairing high-impact energy with a more refined approach to songwriting and dynamics.
TANZNEID finds Electric Callboy at their most focused and fearless, driven by momentum, creative freedom, and a clear refusal to stand still.
As one of the most popular mobile games in the world, Brawl Stars lets players team up with friends and dive into fast-paced multiplayer mayhem across a variety game modes, choosing from a roster of unique Brawlers, each with their own abilities and playstyles.
Having survived a failing heart and countless surgeries, Damian (releasing in-game on 24th April) now fights with a pacemaker, proudly claiming to have a true metal heart. He completes the MadEvil Manor trio, joining Lumi on the drums and his little brother, Draco on guitar, as the bands long-awaited lead singer. When brawling, Damian controls the fight, trapping enemies in his arena and setting them ablaze with his punches.
About Brawl Stars:
Brawl Stars is a fast-paced, team-based mobile game from Supercell where players battle across a variety of maps and game modes, each designed for quick, action-packed play. Featuring a colorful cast of Brawlers with unique abilities, the game has surpassed one billion lifetime downloads since its global launch in 2018, building a passionate worldwide community. Constantly evolving with new characters, features, and ways to play, Brawl Stars continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile gaming.
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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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 