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THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT’s First-Ever Live Album “Live From Suffocate City” Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 18, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT. Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Jeremy Saffer

THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT (@tfp_devotion) were hailed by Pandora as one of their “Artists to Watch 2025: The Pandora Ten,” which shined a light on a group of ten emerging artists across all genres that the platform believed would break big. The emo-rooted Atlanta band more than lived up to that expectation by achieving two #1 Active Rock singles on the Billboard and Mediabase charts—“Holy Water” (featuring Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch) and “Suffocate City” (featuring Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills)—while the current “Dark Thoughts” is now in the Top 3. The band also had their busiest year on tour in the U.S. yet with bands including Ice Nine Kills and In This Moment, and their first-ever tour of Europe with The Rasmus.

THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT has jumped headlong into 2026 with today’s release of their first-ever live album, LIVE FROM SUFFOCATE CITY via Better Noise Music, available to stream/download and purchase as a CD/Blu-ray combo and on vinyl in their signature green and purple HERE. To coincide with the album, the band is bringing the track “Stay Weird” to cinematic life with today’s video release HERE.

“‘Stay Weird’ has always been our love letter to the beautifully strange souls who’ve supported this band from day one,” declares frontman Lee Jennings. “Hearing The Coffin Crew scream it back at us in Atlanta during our ‘Suffocate City Town Hall Meeting’ was unreal. That night captured everything we stand for—individuality, belonging, and the freedom to be exactly who you are. I’m beyond excited that this live album lets the world feel that energy.”

“Stay Weird” is the follow-up to the live video of their breakout single, “Voodoo Doll,” released October 31. Listen to it HERE and view the video HERE.

On LIVE FROM SUFFOCATE CITY, fans are invited to step inside the chaos and catharsis of THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT’s first-ever “Suffocate City Town Hall Meeting,” captured live from their sold-out hometown show at The Masquerade in Atlanta, GA in 2025. The exclusive Blu-ray documents the band’s legendary performance in front of a packed house of diehard fans. It’s a thrilling night of raw emotion, high-energy theatrics, and fan-favorite anthems.

Fans were already treated to an early glimpse of the live album with the August 22 release of the four-track DARK THOUGHTS EP. In addition to the live track, three other versions of “Dark Thoughts” are featured: the original version, a version featuring vocals by Danny Worsnop of Asking Alexandria, and a new remix of the song. The EP can be streamed and downloaded HERE, along with two videos: “Dark Thoughts (Beyond The Abyss Remix)” HERE and “Dark Thoughts (Live From Suffocate City)” HERE (which has over 34k views).

The GREETINGS FROM SUFFOCATE CITY album was originally released September 13, 2024. It consists of 14 tracks of theatrical, dramatic, unapologetic, full-throated flair with guest appearances from Bert McCracken of The Used, Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills, Danny Worsnop of Asking Alexandria, and Amanda Lyberg of Eva Under Fire.

The deluxe edition, GREETINGS FROM SUFFOCATE CITY – FROM BEYOND THE ABYSS: DELUXE EDITION, was released June 13 via Better Noise Music, with digital, CD, and vinyl copies available HERE. It contains 24 songs including tracks from the CASSANOVA EP and the FROM BEYOND THE ABYSS EP, as well as “Holy Water” feat. Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch, “Hearse for Two” feat. Lilith Czar and three brand new songs: “Skinny Lies,” “Evergreen,” and “Lost Boy.” The vinyl and CD two-disc deluxe packages feature 21 tracks, one of which is exclusive to the physical formats (“Friends Like These”).

The album campaign for GREETINGS FROM SUFFOCATE CITY began in August 2022 with the release of “Voodoo Doll” when they were an opening band in 300-400 person venues (or smaller). Throughout 2025 they performed 176 shows and drew the biggest crowds at major festivals including Warped Tour and Louder Than Life, touring all year with bands like Ice Nine Kills, The Used, Underoath, In This Moment, and they performed their first-ever European tour with The Rasmus.

2026 stands to be another big touring year for THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT. They’re set for two hometown “Suffocate City Town Hall Meeting” shows in Atlanta, GA on January 16 (tonight) and 17 before heading out on the “Alienation” tour with Three Days Grace along with I Prevail starting February 21 in Fort Wayne, IN. Tickets for all shows are available on the band’s official website.

Here’s the track listing for the LIVE FROM SUFFOCATE CITY in all formats:

BLU-RAY

  1. Generation Psycho
  2. You’re So Ugly When You Cry
  3. Paper Mache Man
  4. Blood Mother
  5. Voodoo Doll
  6. Chernobyl
  7. The Crash
  8. Flowers In The Attic
  9. Alien
  10. Stay Weird
  11. Dark Thoughts
  12. Holy Water
  13. Suffocate City

CD

  1. Generation Psycho
  2. You’re So Ugly When You Cry
  3. Paper Mache Man
  4. Blood Mother
  5. Voodoo Doll
  6. Chernobyl
  7. The Crash
  8. Flowers In The Attic
  9. Alien
  10. Stay Weird
  11. Dark Thoughts
  12. Holy Water
  13. Suffocate City
  14. Casanova

VINYL

SIDE A

  1. Generation Psycho
  2. You’re So Ugly When You Cry
  3. Paper Mache Man
  4. Blood Mother
  5. Voodoo Doll

SIDE B

  1. Chernobyl
  2. The Crash
  3. Flowers In The Attic
  4. Alien
  5. Stay Weird

SIDE C

  1. Dark Thoughts
  2. Holy Water
  3. Suffocate City
  4. Casanova

SIDE D
Artwork only

DVD/CDs and vinyl copies are available HERE

Tour dates and tickets for THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT—Lee Jennings (vocals), Cody Weissinger (guitar), Robert Weston (bass), and Homer Umbanhowar (drums)—can be found HERE.

Headlining “Suffocate City Town Hall Meeting” shows:
Fri 1/16 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade
Sat 1/17 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade
1/25 – 1/31 Half Moon Cay/Celebration Key/Nassau ShipRocked cruise

“Alienation” tour with Three Days Grace:
Feb 21 – Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Center #!
Feb 24 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena #!
Feb 26 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Arena #!
Feb 27 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live At Etess Arena #!
Mar 1 – Hershey, PA – Giant Center #!
Mar 3 – Pittsburgh, PA – Ppg Paints Arena #!
Mar 5 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum #@!
Mar 6 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center #@!
Mar 8 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena #!
Mar 9 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena #!
Mar 10 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center #!
Mar 12 – Belmont Park, NY – Ubs Arena #@!
Mar 13 – Baltimore, MD – Cfg Bank Arena #@!
Mar 14 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena #!
Mar 17 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center #!
Mar 18 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre @!!
Mar 20 – Clearwater, FL – The Baycare Sound #@!

  • Mar 21 – Orlando, FL – Central Florida Fairgrounds #@!
    *WJRR Earthday Birthday along with Mammoth

Festivals:
May 29 – Stitching, Netherlands – Vestrock
June 5 – Nürburgring, Germany – Rock Am Ring
June 7 – Nuremberg, Germany – Rock Im Park
June 13 – Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic – Rock For People
June 18 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop
June 21 – Clisson, France – Hellfest
June 27 – Helsinki, Finland – Tuska Festival
July 2 – Viveiro, Spain – Resurrection Festival
July 10 – Gettysburg, PA – Gettysburg Bike Week

“Alienation” tour with Three Days Grace:
Oct 23 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum #!
Oct 25 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion #!
Oct 26 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center #!
Oct 28 – Rogers, AR – Walmart Amp #!
Oct 30 – Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater #!
Nov 1 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena #!
Nov 3 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena #!
Nov 4 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse #!
Nov 6 – Tulsa, OK – Bok Center #!
Nov 7 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center #!
Nov 9 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center #!
Nov 11 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena #!
Nov 14 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater #!
Nov 15 – Spokane, WA – Numerica Veterans Arena #!
Nov 17 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center #!
Nov 18 – San Jose, CA – Sap Center #!
Nov 20 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena #!
Nov 21 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre #!
Nov 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome #!
#I Prevail
!The Funeral Portrait
@Sleep Theory

FUNERAL HOME Released Debut Album “Your Funeral”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 18, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: FUNERAL HOME. Leave a comment
Photo by Henri Ojala

Finnish Kuopio-based death ‘n’ roll metal band Funeral Home released their debut album ‘Your Funeral’ on January 16th 2026 via Inverse Records. With their debut album, Funeral Home brings together death metal & filthy death ’n’ roll. Gloomy riffs, raw strong vocals and rock-ish groove make “Your Funeral” the perfect soundtrack to your funeral…

LISTEN to Your Funeral album on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/funeral-home-your-funeral 

Track list:

  1. You Failed My Trust
  2. Wall
  3. My Kingdom Is Hell
  4. Rotten To The Core
  5. Depths
  6. Sacrificial Goat
  7. Your Funeral
  8. Graveyard Blues
  9. Blood & Sacrifice

Album cover by Henna Pulkkinen

Founded in 2009, Funeral Home is a death metal band from Kuopio, Finland. Their musical influences range from death ‘n’ roll and old-school styles to with gloomy melodies of death metal . The band writes its songs with the music first, keeping the song structures simple and the arrangements flowing.

Line-up:
Ossi Maalampi – vocals
Henri Ojala – lead guitar
Henri Thitz – rhythm guitar
Juha Korhonen – bass
Jouko Poussu – drums

More info: https://linktr.ee/Funeral.Home

CLAUSTROFOBIA Rip Through Blinding New Single ‘AQUI NÃO’ with João Gordo

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 18, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: CLAUSTROFOBIA. Leave a comment
Photo: CLAUSTROFOBIA with João Gordo – Photo: Alcides Burn

Claustrofobia returns after the acclaimed album Unleeched, released by the American label M-Theory Audio and available in Brazil through Wikimetal Music. The record was featured by major outlets such as Metal Injection, Decibel Magazine, Roadie Crew, and more.

Now, the Brazilian band is promoting the single “AQUI NÃO” featuring João Gordo from Ratos de Porão. Released this Wednesday, the 14th, the track arrives alongside a music video created by Cyber Dog with the aid of Artificial Intelligence — marking the first time Claustrofobia has explored this technology — blended with footage of the band’s traditional performance.

Listen to the new single “AQUI NÃO” here – Artwork: Alcides Burn

About the single, Marcus D’Angelo says:

“‘AQUI NÃO’  is a 100% Brazilian Thrash–Core–Death crossover, with an acidic lyric that resonates across different layers, but that essentially makes it clear we will never be contaminated by human traps, amplified by the virtual world and dominant in today’s landscape, especially in Brazil”

He continues: The track reaffirms that we do not give up our principles, even at a time when everyone seems forced to surrender or adapt to some convenient rule. And nothing could be more fitting than calling on João Gordo, the absolute master of Brazilian crossover, to vociferate this resistance with us, spreading discomfort exactly to those who deserve to feel it.”

João Gordo, singer and front-man of Ratos de Porão, adds:

“Man, it’s an honor for me to take part in a Claustrofobia track. I’ve already appeared on songs by almost all the big metal bands in Brazil — Sepultura, Krisiun, Nervosa — and I always said, ‘damn, man, only Claustrofobia was missing.’ When I heard the song, I thought it was killer. Claustrofobia is one of the bastions of angry metal in Brazil. It’s really angry. I’ve seen their show from the side of the stage and was blown away by the fury, the hatred, and the fire in the eyes of those two brothers, man. Taking part in this song was a pleasure. It’s a conscious song, with good lyrics, you know? And in Portuguese too, which I value a lot, especially being sung here in our country. That’s it. There’s not much else to say. It’s badass.”

Claustrofobia channels its heavy metal energy through a solid career across Brazil, South America, Europe, and the United States. Currently living in the U.S., the band toured with Sepultura, opening shows on their farewell tour Celebrating Life Through Death, alongside Obituary and Agnostic Front. More recently, they opened 22 dates on CRYPTA’s North American tour.

Founded and led by the fiercely independent D’Angelo brothers since 1994, CLAUSTROFOBIA has maintained the same respect, attitude, and strong approach from the dirtiest underground clubs to today’s biggest stages.

Their unmistakable energy and authenticity have earned them a loyal fanbase across Brazil, South America, Europe, and the United States. It comes as no surprise that the band has shared the stage with metal royalty such as Iron Maiden, Slayer, Anthrax, and Sepultura, among others.

In 2019, Claustrofobia returned to Brazil for a historic performance at Rock in Rio, following a nationwide fan petition. The band was also personally invited by Slayer to open the group’s final show in São Paulo.

On their latest album, Unleeched, the band revisits its trademark aggressive sound while expanding its sonic palette across nine brand-new tracks. Produced by Adair Daufembach alongside the band, and recorded, mixed, and mastered by Daufembach in August 2020 at Northwood Sound Studio in Los Angeles, Unleeched is available on all digital platforms.

“Building a cult is one of those things that’s easy in theory but tough in practice. Or it is, anyway, if you’re not Claustrofobia — a Brazilian death metal-tinged trad-thrash ultra-power trio that will have you head banging” – Shawn Macomber, Decibel Magazine,

Genre: crossover
Label: M- Theory Audio
Production: Marcus D’Angelo & Caio D’Angelo
Recording: Brandon Hoffman – Las Vegas, NV, USA
Mastering: Alejandro Londoño Montoya at AJM Sound – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Mixing: Brandon Hoffman at Black Format Audio

Lineup:
Marcus D’Angelo – Vocals and Guitar
Caio D’Angelo – Drum

CLAUSTROFOBIA online:

Facebook: https://pt-br.facebook.com/claustrofobiaofficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claustrofobia_official
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/metalmaloka

America’s Rock & Metal Tattoo Festival INKCARCERATION Announces 2026 Lineup, Feat. 65+ Bands, Incl. Disturbed, Bad Omens, Limp Bizkit

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 18, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: INKCARCERATION. Leave a comment
INKCARCERATION 2025 – photo by Sam Shapiro

If anyone wondered how Inkcarceration Festival might top last year’s record-breaking event that drew in 90,000 music fans, all it takes is a look at the lineup for the 2026 edition. More than 65 bands will take over the historic Ohio State Reformatory grounds in Mansfield, Ohio on 17-19 July, led by:

  • Friday 17th July: Disturbed, Papa Roach, Cypress Hill, Hollywood Undead
  • Saturday 18th July: Bad Omens, Gojira, The Used, Sleeping with Sirens
  • Sunday 19th July: Limp Bizkit, A Day To Remember, Motionless In White, Ice Nine Kills

Also featuring 100+ tattoo artists, haunted attractions and tours of the prison made famous in The Shawshank Redemption, America’s Rock & Metal Tattoo Festival, co-produced by Danny Wimmer Presents and Reinkcarceration LLC, is one of the most unique events in the summer festival season.

The full music lineup for the 8th year of Inkcarceration – including several reunions and rare performances – is as follows:

Limp Bizkit, Disturbed, Bad Omens, Gojira, Papa Roach, A Day To Remember, Motionless in White, Ice Nine Kills, Cypress Hill, The Used, Lorna Shore, Sleeping with Sirens,  Hollywood Undead, Poppy, Starset, Machine Head, Tech N9ne, Jinjer, Hatebreed, Sleep Theory, Fit For A King, Get Scared, Memphis May Fire, Rev Theory, Jutes, LANDMVRKS, Dying Wish, Sanguisugabogg, Lacuna Coil, Escape The Fate, Alien Ant Farm, Miss May I, Caskets, PeelingFlesh, Spite, Point North, Norma Jean, Silent Planet, Born of Osiris, Nevertel, Left To Suffer, Thousand Below, 156/Silence, Archers, Static Dress, Ded, If Not For Me, Wolves At The Gate, Fox Lake, Earshot, King 810, Silly Goose, Guilt Trip, Cane Hill, Entheos, Versus Me, Snuffed On Sight, The Crimson Armada, Synestia, Corpse Pile, Heavy//Hitter, ENMY, Night Rider, Filth, Jeffrey Nothing, Vicar Blood and Killstreak.

Some of the special appearances and reunions at Inkcarceration will include:

  • Sleeping with Sirens celebrating 15 Years of Let’s Cheers To This
  • Rev Theory’s rare reunion
  • Alien Ant Farm celebrating 25th anniversary of ANThology
  • Additional reunions from Get Scared and The Crimson Armada (home state reunion)
  • Hometown/home state shows from Starset, Sanguisugabogg, Night Rider, Miss May I, Wolves At The Gate and ENMY

During the festival, Inkcarceration attendees will have the opportunity to get inked at Monster Energy Tattoo X, the onsite tattoo convention hosted inside the world-famous prison. In addition, fans can take self-guided tours of the reportedly haunted building during Inkcarceration with the award-winning Blood Prison experience.
 
“Tim Robbins says in The Shawshank Redemption, ‘get busy living, or get busy dying,’ and we’re thrilled to share our songs of living and dying when INK descends on INKcarceration,” said Ice Nine Kills’ Spencer Charnas.
 
“I was SUPER excited when I got the word I was playing at Inkcarceration Festival because I’ve always seemed to be touring around it with artists who’ve played there frequently,” added Tech N9ne. “Honored to be part of such a huge festival.”
 
“We’re fired up to welcome Limp Bizkit back to Inkcarceration. Their recent South American stadium run has sent social media into overdrive, and we’re proud to be part of their global takeover once again. Having Bad Omens headlining a DWP festival for the first time brings a whole new level of energy to the weekend, and adding Disturbed to this lineup makes it an absolute powerhouse for our fans,” said DWP Founder Danny Wimmer.

“We’re expecting 2026 to be a landmark year for Inkcarceration,” said Dan Janssen, Co-Founder of Inkcarceration. “After selling out every year since 2021, this summer brings one of our most in-demand lineups to date, including more than 45 artists making their Inkcarceration debut alongside nearly 20 fan-favorite returns. Combined with upgrades across the site, camping, and parking experience, we’re excited to welcome fans back to Shawshank for what will be the biggest INK yet.”
 
“We are excited to welcome Inkcarceration back to the historic Ohio State Reformatory for another incredible year. This festival has earned its reputation as one of the most unique and sought-after events in the world, blending music, tattoo artistry, and culture in a setting unlike any other,” said Dan Smith, Associate Director, The Ohio State Reformatory. “Inkcarceration continues to attract fans from across the globe, and the 2026 lineup promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. The Ohio State Reformatory is proud to serve as the backdrop for this extraordinary celebration.”
 
3-Day and Single Day General Admission and VIP passes for Inkcarceration are on sale now for as low as $1 down on layaway, with more than 6 months to pay off in full.
 
Service fees on all pass purchases include a charity fee for the DWP Foundation, which gives back to local and national charities throughout the year.

For a fully immersive weekend experience, fans are encouraged to explore the Inkcarceration camping options, which include access to the Thursday Night Campground Party in the campgrounds (only available to campers). Weekend camping packages are available for both Car & Tent and RV Camping, with Parking passes also on sale now – purchase here. For those looking to stay off-site, hotel packages that bundle festival passes with hotel nights are available through Jampack, starting at $10 down and including daily festival re-entry and additional perks – find more information here.
 
For five consecutive years, Inkcarceration passes have SOLD OUT, drawing fans from every state and many countries around the world, so fans are encouraged to buy early to reserve their spot. The 2025 event brought in $11.3 million in economic impact to the area, and Inkcarceration’s overall economic impact totals more than $60 million since the festival began in 2018.
 
Inkcarceration has been nominated for Pollstar’s Global Music Festival of the Year (Under 30k) for 2024 and 2025.

“Welcoming thousands of fans to the repurposed penitentiary brimming with lore, Inkcarceration has become one of the most celebrated heavy cultural events of the year for its comprehensive line-up of talent and it’s a live music destination that is second to none.” – Knotfest
 
2025 marked the third season of DWP’s paranormal investigative video series Paranormal Prison, which documented some of the supernatural experiences at Ohio State Reformatory during the festival with the help of Inkcarceration 2025 bands including Five Finger Death Punch, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Kittie, Acid Bath, Three Days Grace, Attila, Nothing More and others. Episodes are available on the DWP YouTube channel and on Loudwire.
 
Inkcarceration is thrilled to collaborate with Bud Light, Monster Energy, NÜTRL, Eargasm, Acathla, Little Rocker Clothing, and STRÜNG on the 2026 edition. Stay tuned for more exciting partnerships leading up to the event.
 
Inkcarceration is co-produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, one of the largest independent producers of destination music festivals in America, and Reinkcarceration LLC, a partnership that formed with the original founders of INK in 2021.

For more information on Inkcarceration, please visit:
Website: https://inkcarceration.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Inkcarcerationfestival
Twitter: https://twitter.com/inkcarfestival
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkcarcerationfestival/

About Danny Wimmer Presents:

Since 1995, music industry veteran Danny Wimmer has been producing concerts and festivals, both large and small. In 2011, he founded Danny Wimmer Presents, a live entertainment company that produces the largest rock, metal, and alternative music festivals in the U.S. DWP creates unforgettable and all-encompassing festival experiences, leaving both attendees and partners with lasting and meaningful impressions. Since 2020, DWP has been an innovator in the digital content space with over two dozen international livestreams, acclaimed social series Offstage with DWP, DWPresents Channel on Twitch–which has garnered over 25 million worldwide views since its launch in mid-2021 and return of the Space Zebra Show in 2025–as well as The Power Hour, a weekly show dedicated to the world of rock that aired on AXS TV. DWP’s paranormal investigative video series Paranormal Prison (2023-2025) documented some of the supernatural experiences at Ohio State Reformatory during Inkcarceration with the help of bands performing at the festival. Episodes are available at www.youtube.com/@DannyWimmerPresents. The 2026 DWP festival lineup includes Aftershock, Bourbon & Beyond, Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, Louder Than Life, Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival and Welcome To Rockville.

www.DannyWimmerPresents.com
Facebook.com/Dannywimmerpresents
Instagram.com/Dannywimmerpresents
Twitter.com/DannyWimmerPres

EMBRACE OF SOULS Sign with Rockshots Records for Release of New Concept Album “The Battle Of The Dead”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 18, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: EMBRACE OF SOULS. Leave a comment

Rockshots Records is proud to announce its signing of Embrace Of Souls for the release of their new concept album “The Battle Of The Dead,” due out in 2026.

Founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, Embrace Of Souls has forged a solid identity within the Italian power metal scene by blending classic ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal foundations with epic and symphonic influences. After the releases of “The Number Of Destiny” and “Forever Part Of Me”, the band reached a natural turning point, choosing to move forward with renewed focus, strengthened artistic vision, and fresh creative energy.

This new chapter is also marked by an updated line-up compared to previous albums. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in earlier recordings, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist, joined by Martina Mazzeo as soprano vocalist. Their combined vocal approach broadens the band’s expressive range, reinforcing the balance between driving power metal intensity and refined symphonic elegance that defines Embrace Of Souls’ current sound.

The journey continues with “Desolate Lands”, the upcoming single taken from the new concept album “The Battle Of The Dead“.

Pre-save “Desolate Lands”: https://lnk.to/7wfF6l​

For fans of: Rhapsody Of Fire, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish.

BIOGRAPHY:

Embrace Of Souls is an Italian power metal band founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, conceived with the aim of bringing together talented musicians around a shared vision rooted in collaboration, brotherhood, and a deep passion for classic metal. Initially born as a studio project, the band took shape with the release of their debut album “The Number Of Destiny” in 2021, receiving positive feedback on an international level and notable acclaim in Japan.

Drawing inspiration from ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal, as well as the epic and symphonic metal of the early 2000s, Embrace Of Souls developed a sound characterized by powerful riffs, epic atmospheres, and strong melodic sensibility. Over time, the project evolved into a full live band, allowing the group to further consolidate its artistic identity and deepen its expressive range.

In 2024, Embrace Of Souls returned with their second full-length album, “Forever Part Of Me,” marking a significant step forward in terms of maturity and songwriting. This phase also introduced important changes within the line-up, bringing renewed energy and a broader musical perspective to the band’s sound.

A key element of this evolution is the current vocal pairing. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in previous releases, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist while Martina Mazzeo, an accomplished soprano vocalist, adds a symphonic and operatic dimension to the band’s music. Together, their voices embody the duality that defines Embrace Of Souls: light and darkness, power and elegance, intensity and emotion.

Having shared the stage with renowned acts such as Domine, Vision Divine, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica and Rhapsody Of Fire, Embrace Of Souls continue to refine their identity while looking toward the future. The band is now working on new material, further developing their epic and narrative-driven approach with the goal of solidifying their presence on the international power metal scene.

More info: ​
​​https://www.rockshots.eu​
​https://www.instagram.com/embraceofsouls/​
​https://www.facebook.com/embraceofsoulsofficial/

MASSACRE Reveal Plans for “Best-of” Compilation Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 17, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Massacre. Leave a comment

Florida death metal legends MASSACRE return to their roots with plans for a brutal new compilation that revisits and reclaims some of the most iconic material from their catalog. This release features freshly re-recorded versions of select standout tracks from “From Beyond” LP and the classic “Inhuman Condition” EP, delivering them with modern production while preserving the savage spirit that helped define early Florida death metal.

Rather than simply remastering the originals, MASSACRE has chosen to fully re-record these songs, breathing new life into fan favorites with heavier tones, tighter performances, and an unmistakably aggressive edge. The result is a compilation that bridges eras—honoring the raw, primal energy of the early ’90s while presenting the material with the clarity and power expected from contemporary extreme metal recordings.

This best-of collection serves both longtime fans and new listeners alike: a definitive entry point into MASSACRE’s legacy, and a celebration of songs that helped shape death metal’s most formative years. Ferocious, uncompromising, and unapologetically brutal, this release proves that Massacre’s influence is as lethal now as it was decades ago.

Kam Lee comments: “I understand that re-recording these songs may make some fans uncomfortable. These tracks come from a specific time in our history, and nothing can ever replace the original recordings. Those versions are sacred, and they will always be there for fans to go back to. This was never about erasing the past or trying to outdo it. It comes from respect—for the songs, for the fans, and for what this music has meant over the years. This release is simply a celebration of those classic tracks, revisited with the experience, passion, and intensity that still drives us today. The originals remain untouched. This exists alongside them, not instead of them. This release is about honoring that legacy – revisiting songs that still mean everything to me and that still burn just as fiercely today. To the fans who have stood by Massacre all these years: this is for you. Take it as it’s intended—not as a replacement, but as a celebration. Thank you for keeping this music alive.”

MASSACRE is also scheduled to perform live and re-record the entirety of the MANTAS “Death By Metal” demo. As part of a significant music legacy initiative, MASSACRE will bring to life the demo and other MANTAS classics, which have not been performed live for over 43 years. The first show the band will be performing this event at is the Kill-Town Death Fest XI in Denmark.

Kam Lee: “I’m extremely proud of the material we’ve created. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently felt proud of the legacy and music that Mantas and Death produced. These songs hold a significant place in the history and culture of death metal’s origins. I appreciate the collaborative work we accomplished and recognise it as a substantial part of my legacy, similar to those who contributed to its creation. As Massacre brings these classics to the forefront, our objective is to pay homage to this material through live performances and re-recordings, thus securing its lasting impact. I’m cognisant that my perspective won’t be universally shared, and some individuals may hold unfavourable opinions. However, I don’t invest time in trying to alter the opinions of those with preconceived notions about me, deeming it an exercise in futility. My primary focus is on showcasing this material in a positive light, leveraging the expertise of top-notch musicians to execute these songs impeccably. As always I thank my fans and those who have supported me through out my journey all these years. Thank you!”

Tour dates: 03.09-06.09.2026: Kill-Town Deathfest XI, Denmark

Line-up:
Kam Lee – vocals
Mike Borders – bass
Jonny Pettersson – guitars
Rogga Johansson – guitars
Jon Rudin – drums

More information: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

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