RIKET‘s debut album “2026” is a powerful journey through Sweden’s darker historical layers.
The album consists of nine tracks where Swedish lyrics tell of human mistakes, tragedies and consequences. The music combines brutal heaviness with eerie restraint and each song becomes like a chapter from the nation’s collective memory. Instead of comfort, “2026” challenges the listener to face uncomfortable truths and reminds us of how yesterday’s choices shape today’s reality.
The result is a work that lingers long after the last note, a resonant journey through memory, identity and the shadows of time.
Each track on 2026 unfolds like a bruised chapter pulled from the archives of a country wrestling with its own ghosts. The album channels these stories with unflinching intensity, merging punishing heaviness with moments of eerie restraint.
This wall of sound is not only aggressive but deeply reflective, inviting listeners, Swedish speakers, and newcomers alike to step inside a world where the past refuses to stay silent. 2026 challenges its audience to confront uncomfortable truths, both personal and societal.
It doesn’t offer solace or smooth conclusions; instead, it confronts history head-on, reminding us how the choices of yesterday continue to shape the world we inhabit today. The result is an album that lingers long after the final note fades, a stark, resonant journey through memory, identity and the lingering shadows of time.
Track list 1. 1868 – SOMMAR VID VINTERVIKEN 2.1867 – STORSVAGARET 3.1965 – HÖGHUS OCH KULTUR 4.1948 – ATT DÖDA ETT BARN 5.1885 – DÖDSDANSEN (I MANSKENSNATTEN) 6.1897 – MOT POLEN 7.1991 – 2000 ÅR (SALIGA ARO DE TALMODIGA) 8.1937 – LAGOR VID PORTARNA 9.2009 – ALLA SKA I JORDEN
German alternative metal pioneers PYOGENESIS return with their new single “Nothing But My Heart”, showcasing a bold and unexpected new facet of their sound.
With “Nothing But My Heart”, PYOGENESIS present the first power metal song in their 35-year history and a remarkably compelling one at that. Driven by uplifting melodies, dynamic songwriting and electrifying energy, the track opens a new chapter in the band’s ever-evolving musical identity.
Lyrically, the song revolves around themes of self-belief and inner truth, carried by meaningful and striking lines that resonate with both emotional clarity and strength. At the center of it all, frontman Flo V. Schwarz delivers a stunning vocal performance, fearlessly reaching new heights and expanding his artistic range.
While PYOGENESIS are not a power metal band, “Nothing But My Heart” highlights the band’s extraordinary versatility, proving once again their ability to cross stylistic boundaries without losing their core identity. The result is unmistakably PYOGENESIS: epic, passionate, and pushing beyond every limit.
Following the dark and emotionally intense “All I Am Is Bleeding” and the raw aggression of “Uncontrolled”, this new single reveals yet another dimension of the band’s upcoming material, underlining their willingness to explore new sonic territories while staying true to their expressive roots.
With “Nothing But My Heart”, PYOGENESIS continue to redefine themselves, offering a powerful and uplifting anthem that stands as one of the most surprising and memorable moments in their recent catalogue.
PYOGENESIS are: Flo V. Schwarz – Guitars, Vocals Malte Brauer – Bass Gizz Butt – Guitars Sebastian Michalski – Drums
On May 7, the new album In Conspiracies We Trust by the North German thrashers EXTINCT will be released. Eager fans can get an early taste of the nine new songs on April 24, when the band celebrates their record release party at Mosh im Mai in Kiel, where the album will be available for the first time. From pounding midtempo sections to Slayer-like thrash assaults, listeners will find everything a thrash metal fan could want.
For those who want a preview of what to expect: the album’s title track is now available as a digital single on all major platforms and as a lyric video on YouTube. Give it a listen! The full tracklist of the new album, along with upcoming live shows, can be found below.
Album Tracklist
The Conservative Reactionary Wokeness Strikes Back
Mosh im Mai Warm Up Party Tour: 11.04.2026, Wismar, Fellfersse 17.04.2026, Schleswig, Krögers 18.04.2026, Itzehoe, Lauschbar
Festivals: 24.04.2026, Kiel, Mosh im Mai 09.05.2026, Flethsee, Sørdfest 12.06.2026, Gardelegen, Metal Frenzy 11.07.2026, Neumünster, Rock Area A7 19.09.2026, Münster, Rock am Berg
International power metal band Asterise released a new single ‘Fractal’ on April 10th 2026. Fractal is an almost six‑minute track featuring extensive lead guitar work and epic vocals. The song marks the first collaboration with Herbie Langhans (Avantasia) on vocals and Ronny Milianowicz (Shadowquest) on drums. A playthrough video will accompany the release, offering a closer look at the performance behind the track.
–Composed & lyrics by Bartlomiej Mezynski –Mixed & mastered by Ronny Milianowicz –Single cover by Dream Visual Productions –ISRC: QZTB72679965
Bartlomiej Mezynski comments: “I really like how the song turned out and the final sound of it. The track was actually composed even before our latest EP, “Twilight Opera”, and I was super happy to be able to record and release it with such amazing musicians. The collaboration was great from start to finish, and there’s a good chance we’ll release new material together later this year!”
Finnish genre-bending act Rioghan, known for navigating the worlds of alternative metal, progressive rock and dark pop, have released their long-awaited Frozen EP today. Alongside the release, the band unveils a breathtaking music video for “Chapter V: Sky,” the EP’s grand finale. Watch and listen it HERE.
Released as individual chapters throughout the past winter, Frozen is ultimately designed as one continuous musical composition. The EP’s story is based on poetry written by vocalist Rioghan Darcy, forming a cohesive narrative arc that unfolds track by track.
The final track “Chapter V: Sky” serves as the climactic conclusion, taking the listener from cinematic atmospheres through crushing metal intensity towards cathartic closing sequence. Clocking in at nearly nine minutes, the track journeys from dark pop melodies into the deeper realms of heavy, groove-driven progressive metal.
“I had wanted to make a version of Madonna’s Frozen for a long time, and now it felt like it would be a perfect fit for Rioghan,” guitarist Teemu Liekkala explains. “At first, we planned to do another cover EP, as we’ve usually done between albums. However, while working on that first track, we got the idea: what if the rest of the EP would actually continue the story of Frozen? The vision was to write one long composition, but in a way that each song would still function well as an individual track. It was intriguing and fun project, which turned out really well.”
“The EP is also a single continuous story about very brief, yet meaningful moments,” singer Rioghan Darcy adds. “The frozen heart introduced in the first chapter reaches a moment where it dares to open up and slowly begins to warm. The ice starts to melt, and after shedding its first tears, the heart cautiously opens the door and invites love back in. The sky opens with the break of light, and unfurled wings catch the wind. Ultimately, it represents letting go of the themes explored on the ‘Kept’ album. It marks the end of one era and the beginning of another.”
Every track on Frozen is accompanied by a visually striking music video created in collaboration with Aarni Visuals. All videos can be viewed HERE.
Rioghan has released an extremely limited vinyl pressing of Frozen, restricted to just 25 copies. Pressed on oceanic blue marble vinyl, the release is divided into five separate five-copy editions, each featuring unique cover artwork. The exclusive package also includes a necklace, signed poster and a hand-written sheet of lyrics. Only few copies remaining, order yours HERE.
Frozen EP tracklist: 1. Frozen 2. Moment 3. Teardrop 4. 520 5. Sky
On the live front, Rioghan are in the midst of an active spring. The band performed last month at the legendary Kulttuuritalo in Helsinki alongside grandson, and recently played two shows with I Am Your God. On April 10th, Rioghan celebrated the release of Frozen with a special EP release show at Bar Kotelo in Tampere, joined by Time Primer and Joviac for a full evening of progressive metal. The festival season will start at the first edition of Ankea Festival, alongside acts like Katatonia, Leprous, Textures, Green Carnation and Ihsahn.
Upcoming shows: May 8 – Tiivistämö, Helsinki (w/ I Am Your God) June 6 – Ankea Festival, Tampere June 13 – Hard Rock Korppi, Laukaa +More TBA
Continuing what has become the most unexpected and awesome collaboration of 2026, multi-platinum pop-punk royalty Yellowcardhave joined forces with global children’s education sensation Blippi to recharge and revamp their buzzing hit “Bedroom Posters” with a brand new duet version, out now via Better Noise. It’s Yellowcard and Blippi’s second track together, following “Go Go Go,” and third recording of “Bedroom Posters.”
Listen to “Bedroom Posters” (Feat. Blippi) here and watch the video below.
This iteration of the track maintains the energy of the original, yet Blippi brings his own magic to the party. He has retrofitted the tune with a fresh and family-friendly perspective, flipping lyrics like “Tear down my bedroom posters” to “Look at my bedroom posters” and soaring with the band on a sky-high chant of “Airplanes and rollercoasters.” Together, they also excitedly continue the “Year of Vehicles,” extending the celebration of the vehicles kids dig the most — from race cars and monster trucks to excavators and everything in between.
It’s the ultimate pop-punk anthem for the kids and mom and dad!
About the track, Yellowcard’s Ryan Key said, “My favorite part about this process was handing over an instrumental version of ‘Bedroom Posters’ to the Blippi team and letting them completely re-write the lyrics. I had the idea that this feature could be perfect because of the concept of posters on kids’ walls. I think they nailed it and this is hopefully going to inspire a generation of new little rockers!
Regarding the accompanying video, he states, “It was so fun to make. I think it pushed us all out of our comfort zones a little, and at this stage of our career, that usually leads to an amazing outcome. For me, as a first-time dad of a 2-year-old who is already showing signs of being very musical, I think this is going to be a really special way for him to connect with my music and see me doing what I love. I hope that energy is what other parents find when they are watching and listening to this with their kids.”
Blippi said, “Music is one of my favorite ways to play and collaborate, so teaming up with my friends in Yellowcard was a blast! We turned ‘Bedroom Posters’ into a version that kids and families can sing, dance, and laugh along with. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”
As mentioned, “Bedroom Posters” follows hot on the heels of Yellowcard’s appearance on Blippi’s “Go Go Go.” The collab caught the attention of Billboard, praising how the track “introduces pop-punk to a new generation just in time for Yellowcard’s comeback.”
Yellowcard’s “Bedroom Posters” has quietly emerged as a staple with millions of streams and views as well being the current radio single featuring Good Charlotte; it’s landed at No. 5 on the Alternative Radio Charts. Beyond looks from Alternative Press Magazine, Rock Sound, and more, Consequence applauded how “the song finds Yellowcard singer Ryan Key trading vocals with Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden,” while Rolling Stone put it best, “It’s the collaboration made in pop-punk dreams.”
Meanwhile, Yellowcard are set to embark on their eagerly awaited headline run, “Up Up Down Down Tour,” across the US. The stacked bill features special guests New Found Glory and Plain White T’s. This run kicks on May 6 at Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Roxy, visits major cities such as Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Nashville, and New York, and concludes on June 17 at Boston’s Leader Bank Pavilion.
All confirmed tour dates are below.
YELLOWCARD ON TOUR: 5/6 — Atlanta, GA — Coca-Cola Roxy 5/8 — Hollywood, FL — Hard Rock Live 5/13 — Sterling Heights, MI — Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill 5/16 — Chicago, IL — Salt Shed Outdoors 5/17 — Milwaukee, WI — Landmark Credit Union Live 5/20 — Denver, CO — JUNKYARD 5/21 — Sandy, UT — The Plaza at America First Field 5/23 — Bend, OR — Hayden Homes Amphitheater 5/24 — Woodinville, WA — Chateau Ste. Michelle 5/25 — Airway Heights, WA — BECU Live at Northern Quest 5/27 — San Francisco, CA — Bill Graham Civic Auditorium 5/28 — Stateline, NV — Tahoe Blue Event Center 5/30 — Las Vegas, NV — BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau 5/31 — Santa Ana, CA — Observatory Festival Grounds 6/1 — Phoenix, AZ — Arizona Financial Theatre 6/4 — Houston, TX — 713 Music Hall 6/5 — Irving, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory 6/6 — San Antonio, TX — Freeman Coliseum 6/8 — Nashville, TN — Ascend Amphitheater 6/9 — Charlotte, NC — Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre 6/11 — New York, NY — SummerStage in Central Park 6/12 — Asbury Park, NJ — Stone Pony Summer Stage 6/15 — Moon Township, PA — UPMC Events Center 6/17 — Boston, MA — Leader Bank Pavilion
ABOUT YELLOWCARD: Yellowcard meant it when they said goodbye. The lights dimmed on one of the most beloved pop-punk and alt-rock bands of the 2000s with intention and authenticity. Wrapping things up with a farewell tour, Yellowcard exited the “right” way, with grace, appreciation, and finality. But the story wasn’t complete. Legacy cracked the door. Healing blew it wide open. Riding a resurgence that saw the global Ocean Avenue 20th anniversary tour featured in Forbes and a reconciliation that put all four members at peace with their legacy and each other, Yellowcard made the most ambitious and emotionally resonant record of their career. Better Days, the band’s first album in nearly a decade, was produced by blink-182’s Travis Barker, who also played drums on every track. Their first release with powerhouse label Better Noise Music, Better Days is Yellowcard’s testimony that healing is a process, growth is nonlinear, and sometimes the best chapter opens after the supposed ending. This isn’t just a return. It’s a reckoning. And this time, Yellowcard is ready.
YELLOWCARD ARE: William Ryan Key – Vocals/Guitar Sean Mackin – Violin Ryan Mendez – Guitar Josh Portman – Bass
ABOUT BLIPPI: Blippi is the fun, energetic character known for his signature blue and orange outfit and his entertaining and educational videos. One of the most popular live-action preschool brands in the world, Blippi turns the world into a playground for preschoolers everywhere. The brand empowers early childhood learning through curiosity, fun and real-world adventure. Over the last decade, the Blippi brand has evolved from a singular YouTube creator to a worldwide sensation with more than 100 million fans around the world and over one billion average monthly YouTube views. The franchise has grown rapidly since it was acquired by Moonbug Entertainment in 2020, expanding into a global franchise through live-action events, consumer products, music, and more. Blippi is available in more than 20 languages, including ASL, and is distributed on over 65 distribution platforms.
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
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