LIGHTNING STRIKES Release First Video ‘Fear of Unknown’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 19, 2026
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Los Angeles, CA based heavy metal outfit LIGHTNING STRIKES have released a music video called “Fear of Unknown” from their upcoming sophomore album ‘The King Is Victorious’, which is set for release on February 18th. “Fear of Unknown” video is now available to watch, below.

Karpis spoke about the single “Fear of Unknown”, ““Fear of Unknown” is about the fear that can cripple your mind and can take your capabilities away if you are week minded, something that you don’t see, but that fear lives in your head and reminds you that your life can end at any point. Your brain can’t calculate why you are scared and as soon as you are getting weak and useless then fear of unknown will take you away.”

Karpis continues, “It was written by me mid 2021. I recorded the drum tracks about that time, then Barry Sparks came into the project, he was very excited and energized to be part of the project, he even made a compliment and said it’s sounds like Black Sabbath and he will do some Geezer Butler style bass. The song was finalized in early 2025 after Norifumi Shima recorded his guitar track and added his signature guitar solo. Then Mariano Gardella completed the lyrics and recorded his dream vocals by giving the song a very unique prespective. Finally, let’s not forget about the maestro on the keyboard, Derek Sherinian who I have worked with previously on my 1st album, he also came into project and added his signature keyboard tracks and solo.”

The bulk of the album was recorded by Maksudian, a Japanese guitar virtuoso, Norifumi Shima (CONCERTO MOON), American bassist extraordinaire, Barry Sparks (MSG, Yngwie Malmsteen), and up-and-coming Argentinian vocalist, Mariano Gardella, with keyboard maestro, Derek Sherinian (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, SONS OF APOLLO), who guested on the group’s debut album, also making an appearance.

Originally formed in 1984, LIGHTNING STRIKES were the first metal band to feature an all Armenian-American line-up, well over a decade before the arrival of SYSTEM OF A DOWN. Co-founder Maksudian revived the name with new personnel a quarter century after the initial breakup recording the group’s self-titled 2016 full-length debut with Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes (SINISTRA, HANGAR), the aforementioned Rob Math and Derek Sherinian, and former BLACK SABBATH vocalist, Tony Martin, who sang on and wrote the lyrics to ‘Death Valley’ and ‘301 AD Sins of Our Fathers’. Mixed by Roy Z, the album was well received and peaked on the Japanese Burrn! Magazine import charts at number 6.

Track Listing:

Fear Of Unknown
Voices In My Head
Clash Of Battalions
The King Is Victorious
Aim and Shoot
Lucid Dreams
New Beginning
Masquerade Suite (Instrumental)

Musicians:

Karpis Maksudian – Drums/USA
Shima Norifumi – Lead Guitar/Japan
Barry Sparks – Bass/USA
Mariano Gardella – Vocals/Germany
Derek Sherinian – Keyboards/USA

Producer: Karpis Maksudian
Engineer: Dario Mollo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightningstrikesrocks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightningstrikesrocks/
X: x.com/lsrocksofficial
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@lightningstrikesofficial387

NERVE STAR’s New Single ‘Black Ice/The Harder The Better’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 19, 2026
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NERVE STAR release a new single Black Ice (A side) / The Harder The Better (B side), out now, taken from their new album ‘White Hot’, coming out on 27th February 2026. 

Black Ice – “A 100 mph cover of Aragorn’s NWOBHM classic with super fast riffs and solos.”
The Harder The Better – “Raunchy Texas style riffage, lots of wah wah and great groove from start to finish.”

Order here: https://linktr.ee/rskent

NERVE STAR are a hard rock/heavy metal band which took form in 2021, playing a blend of 70’s hard rock, 80’s heavy metal, NWOBHM and some punk thrown in the mix, with unrelenting riffs, big drums, thumping bass and loud guitars. 

Throughout the year, the line up began to solidify with Joss Thorley from Manchester on Bass and Chris Billinghurst from Maidenhead on Lead Guitar and they settled on a band name ‘Nerve Star’. It wasn’t possible to rehearse together so some cool tracks were selected and sent out, with initially ten songs home demoed. 

After a couple of changes as they sought to find the ideal line up, in 2023 they brought in a great singer from the South of England, Matt Oakman, and things instantly moved into another league. With Matt on board, they searched around for a second reliable and gifted rock/metal guitarist and drummer, contacting Janne Stark, who loved all the tracks. He had done it all as both a producer and guitarist in Metal, Prog and NWOBHM bands since the 1980’s and recorded and produced his own albums and was a perfect partner for Chris on guitar, they now had their own version of the dual leads of Thin Lizzy.

With all Janne’s experience and solidity, it meant that sessions were completed in days rather than months at his studios in Sweden and everything started to take off. Janne introduced the band to Peter, a band colleague and great drummer from Karlsham in Sweden, so when Peter ‘Trumpeter’ Svensson jumped on board, the line up was complete.
 
In Spring 2024, with demos completed, they started full recording sessions with Janne and Peter in Sweden and Joss, Chris and Matt with Ras at Raw Studios in England. This continued through 2024/25 until all 13 tracks were completed. 
 
For the final track on the album track that was recorded, one of their guitar heroes was asked if he would like to contribute. Tony Bourge, the heavy metal riff master from the 1970’s Welsh band ‘Budgie’ who was responsible for killer riffs on tracks such as Breadfan/Crash Course In Brain Surgery (covered by Metallica), In For The Kill (Van Halen) and many more. Tony had previously contributed on several Bandolier Kings albums with Janne and agreed to help on one of his own 80’s classic tracks ‘Richard III’, that he originally wrote and recorded with Welsh rockers ‘Tredegar’. Tony recorded all his guitar parts in Wales and sent them across. All three lead guitarists can be heard on this epic track, which is the closer on the upcoming album.

Album ‘WHITE HOT’ (HYPER04) will be released in late February 2026 on all formats: 
Vinyl LP (8 tracks), CD and Digital/Streaming Album (13 tracks) and distributed in the UK by RSK Entertainment via Proper Distribution. UK gigs and later European festival appearances will follow.

Producer: Mike Dixon (Thin Lizzy-UK Tour 75 / Sensational Alex Harvey Band-British Tour 76)
Recorded/Mixed by: Rasmus Bom Andersen  (Diamond Head) at Raw Studios, UK
Mastered by: Andy ‘Hippy’ Baldwin  (Oasis/Blur) at Metropolis, London

Buy the album here: https://linktr.ee/Nervestar

NERVE STAR:
Janne Stark – Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Chris Billinghurst – Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Joss Thorley – Bass Guitar
Matt Oakman – Vocals
Peter ‘Trumpeter’ Svensson – Drums & Percussion

RED REIGN Release EP “Live at Ardmore Music Hall” + Announce Upcoming Show with METAL ALLEGIANCE at NAMM

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 19, 2026
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Red Reign will start the new year off right with two exciting announcements: an upcoming release of a live EP, while fans in the Anaheim, California area will soon get the opportunity to see the band live. On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Red Reign will be supporting Metal Allegiance at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California. 

“We are beyond excited to be a part of, the Metal Allegiance show,” the band said. “Not only do we get to  perform in from of great musicians, but it will be our first time Red Reign will be on the west coast. We look forward to bringing our music to new listeners and have the experience of our lives.”

Additionally, Red Reign will be attending the 2026 METAL HALL OF FAME at The Roxy in Los Angeles CA on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026. And on last Friday, January 16, 2026 they released ‘Live at Ardmore Music Hall,’ which was recorded on April 30, 2025, when Red Reign supported LA Guns. “We wanted to capture our live, energetic, raw sound,” the band explained. “In the studio, while recording songs, you feel compelled to make sure the song is perfect in a controlled setting. But live recording gives you a little more freedom to express the songs in a different manner.”

Hailing from Virginia, Red Reign comprised of members singer/guitarist Carlton “Bubba” McMichael, guitarist Stevie Shred, bassist Larry Moore, and drummer Sammy Lee. The quartet takes 80’s rock influences but steers them in a more contemporary direction. In 2023, they released their full-length debut ‘Don’t Look Back,’ which can be purchased via this link: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/red-reign

Overseen by Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum producer David Ivory, the ten-track LP features such standout tracks as “Don’t Look Back” (which features a guest appearance by guitarist George Lynch), “Here I Am,” and “No Peace, No Love.” The band strongly feels that “All types of music lovers can find what they like in each one of our songs.” To check out the group’s music video for “Don’t Look Back,” click here:

And the feedback from the rock press concerning the album has been stellar, including Metal Express Radio saying “‘Don’t Look Back’ has a modern sounding production, giving the songs a fresh feel to them. The title track, in particular, is a solid rocker with a powerful message, which is to let go of the past and focus on the now. It’s heavy, melodic, and upbeat.” Additionally, Sonic Perspectives said, “If the album packs this much energy, witnessing it live might just transport you to another plane of existence.”

‘Live at Ardmore Music Hall’ Tracklisting:

1.) Red Reign
2.) Don’t Look Back
3.) No Peace No Love
4.) Bury Me Up To My Eyes
5.) Here I Am
6.) Not That Way

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
redreignband.com/
https://linktr.ee/chipsterpr
facebook.com/RedReignBand/

HIRAKI + MEEJAH Announce Split EP “Interwoven” & Release First Single/Live Session Video ‘Dead Calls’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 19, 2026
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Credit: Pelagic Records

Danish experimental artists MEEJAH and HIRAKI have unveil their new joint single ‘Dead Calls’ along with a live session video of the track. They have also announced the release of their split EP, INTERWOVEN, out 13th March via Pelagic Records.

Stream the single and pre-order INTERWOVEN here: https://orcd.co/interwoven

Both bands jointly comment: “‘Dead Calls’ is our first single from INTERWOVEN. It’s the opener of the new year 2026, which will be dedicated to the MEEJAH x HIRAKI project where our two bands blend together to one big ensemble. We are happy to finally have arrived at the release date. We have worked intensity on exchanging ideas, music and dreams back and forth and interweaving the two bands – and we hope the European audience will embrace our music as well. It feels like a match made in heaven! Our new Tapetown Session filmed on the nose of Jutland in Denmark has captured and translated our energy so well. Enjoy!”

The INTERWOVEN collaboration has induced a new set of emphases for the two Danish bands, demanding MEEJAH to go darker and heavier, while moving HIRAKI towards an experiment of intertwining complex expressions in a longer format.

The themes on INTERWOVEN spawned in the dark stage room Gloria at Roskilde Festival during a The Ocean concert where Mai Soon Young Øvlisen from MEEJAH stood in the audience, overwhelmed with a fast stream of thoughts before her inner eyes.

Memories of the old East Berlin, the Book of the Dead, the heart weighed against a feather in the afterlife, innocence and revenge – and how the executioner becomes a victim to the loss of their own humanity. When suddenly Loïc Rossetti sat down in front of her – asking her if she was okay – as if he sensed that one day she would ask him to sing with her.

Through collaborations with the LLNN brothers Rasmus and Ketil Sejersen and their industrial, hardcore project John Cxnnor, HIRAKI and Meejah met The Oceans light designer Pierre Roi des Forêts – who helped them connect to Loïc.

HIRAKI and MEEJAH decided to exchange artistic powers, common music backgrounds, combined with their shared love for the underground scene. HIRAKI plugged onto the themes – adding their trademark aggressive style, new perspectives, lyrics about malice, control, contradictions and the existential self-awareness of one’s choice to cause harm – and significantly broadened the artistic handprint.

INTERWOVEN is mixed by HIRAKI’s long time producer Klaus Q, and references common influential bands such as The Body, The Armed, Sightless Pit, Massive Attack, Julie Christmas and Death Engine.

Track list:

01. Redirect Revenge    
03. Preserve Manifest    
02. All Contrast    
04. Dead Calls

GUNSHINE Release New Single ‘Goth Girl’ from Upcoming Album “Grand Rising”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 19, 2026
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Florida rock band Gunshine kick off 2026 with the release of their new single, “Goth Girl,” offering fans a first taste of their forthcoming full-length album, Grand Rising, due out digitally on July 24 through vnclm_ /  Create Music Group.

While the digital release of Grand Rising arrives later this summer, fans won’t have to wait long to get their hands on the record. Physical copies of the album will be available for purchase starting next week, including CD and double vinyl editions, alongside exclusive Gunshine merchandise. Physical formats will be sold online through the band and at upcoming live shows.

“Goth Girl”, the lead single from Gunshine’s upcoming album Grand Rising, is an irresistible hooky track with undeniable melody and attitude.  A track that blends different flavors and styles seamlessly, showcasing Gunshine’s originality and songwriting prowess.  This track also features a collaboration with highly acclaimed songwriter/producer Brian Howes (Hinder, Skillet, Nickelback, Daughtry). 

“It started with several vocal melodies and a riff I had, then Jordan had a lyrical concept about a goth girl.  We then collaborated with Brian Howes, and he loved it and we finished the rest of the song in Vancouver, Canada with him,” shares Austin Ingerman. “It was the first time we finished writing something on the spot just before tracking it, but that spontaneity brought out some magic. We recorded the basic tracks at The Armoury (where ACDC’s razor’s edge was recorded, Bon Jovi’s slippery when wet, etc), and finished all the rest at his home studio (built by Mutt Lange’s studio builder) on Vancouver Island.  I came up with the breakdown on the spot while tracking at The Armoury. It was a cool unexpected left turn that shouldn’t work but does.“

STREAM “Goth Girl” HERE

Hailing from Pensacola, Florida, Gunshine have built a reputation on catchy vocal melodies, clever lyrics, blistering guitar riffs and solos, and a lethal rhythm section. Their sound blends edgy, raw Rock ’n’ Roll attitude with a melodic, Pop-forward sensibility, creating music that hits hard while remaining instantly memorable. Combined with their high-energy, commanding live performances, Gunshine continue to enthrall listeners and prove themselves a force to be reckoned with.

With Grand Rising, Gunshine raise the bar yet again in an exciting evolution of the band. The album takes listeners on a dynamic journey filled with genre-bending twists and turns, shifting moods, and unexpected vibes—all while staying true to the core elements that set Gunshine apart. Featuring 13 tracks, each single-worthy in its own right, Grand Rising is poised to become a modern-day rock classic.

Tracklisting:

Grand Rising
Finite
Goth Girl
Single Looks Good On You
My Oh Miley
Mystery
Man Down
Leave the Light On
I Know You Love Me
Capt’n Save a Hoe
Shark Lounge (feat. Michael Starr)
Valentine
Table Dancing

Check out upcoming tour dates HERE

Gunshine are:
Austin Ingerman: (Guitar, Vocals)
Jordan Benson: (Lead Vocals, Piano)
Jake Tripp: (Bass, Vocals)
Tommy Salzburg: (Drums, Vocals)

For More Information Please Visit: Linktree – Facebook – Instagram – TikTok – YouTube – Spotify

FATE UNBURIED Sign to Time To Kill Records for Release of Second Full-Length Album “Neraspeme”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 19, 2026
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Italian progressive death metal outfit FATE UNBURIED have signed with Time To Kill Records for the release of their second full-length album, “Neraspeme”.

The announcement is accompanied by the unveiling of the first single, “Drain”, which offers an initial glimpse into the album’s musical and conceptual direction. “Neraspeme” explores an extreme-tinged form of progressive metal where technical skill is never an end in itself, but a tool to serve atmosphere, emotion and narrative depth.

The songs unfold through unexpected twists while retaining a strong melodic core and a persistent melancholic mood ready to surface at any moment.

Further singles and all album details will be released in the coming months.

Listen to “Drain” now: https://ffm.to/fate-unburied-drain

The band commented:

“Once all the hatred has been drained, when the anger has finished screaming and there’s nothing left to spit out, all that remains is emptiness. This track is an unrestrained outburst: hatred and rage violently spat out, raw and instinctive, without overthinking. It’s the sound of an inner void that has yet to be filled and that continues to make itself felt heavy”.

“Neraspeme” is a sonic journey into the core of a relationship in decay. A 12-track concept album, each song is designed to unsettle, surprise, and relentlessly pull the listener forward, never allowing a moment of rest.

The album is defined by sharp, powerful riffs that are often unexpectedly catchy, lodging themselves in the listener’s mind while retaining a fierce, unyielding aggression. The band skillfully weaves in progressive elements through sudden tempo shifts, intricate instrumental passages, and moments of eerily suspended atmosphere, balanced by sections driven by a strong, groove-oriented drum performance.

On a thematic level, “Neraspeme” traces the full emotional cycle of a relationship approaching its end. The tracks unfold like chapters of an inner collapse, moving from blinding anger to disoriented madness, and finally to the album’s title concept: a warped, dark form of hope that offers no redemption and ultimately dissolves like a mirage.

Line-up:

Riccardo Babbolin – Vocals, Guitar
Francesco Garatti – Guitar
Davide Piccolo – Bass
Giorgio Piva – Drums

Discography:

Dehumanized Society (Demo) – 2012
Logos (LP) – 2017
A Pale Color Perception: Hostility (EP) – 2020
A Pale Color Perception: Observant (EP) – 2021
Neraspeme (LP) – 2026

https://www.instagram.com/fateunburied
https://www.facebook.com/fateunburied
https://fateunburied.bandcamp.com/