BLACKBRAID to Support CONVERGE on November EU/UK Tour

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 9, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Photo by Wolf Mountain Productions

Indigenous solo black metal project BLACKBRAID is honored to announce an upcoming tour in EU/UK, in which the project will be supporting CONVERGE and SANGUISUGABOGG with additional support from PUPIL SLICER. The trek will kick off on November 12, 2026 in München (DE) and will conclude 10 days later in London (UK). The full itinerary can be found below while tickets will go on sale Friday, July 10 at 11:00 A.M. CEST / 10:00 A.M. UK time. Tickets will be made available at THIS LOCATION.

Blackbraid mastermind and composer Sgah’gahsowáh comments, “Today, I am beyond excited to announce our next European run, in support of the mighty Converge. This is a band that means a great deal to me personally, and to be able to support them on this European run is truly an honor. We will also be joined by our friends in Sanguinisabogg and Pulp Slicer, absolutely cannot wait for this one, see you again very soon Europe!”

Prior to the tour, BLACKBRAID will also be embarking on a slew of August festivals in Europe, as well as a headliner in Barcelona (ES) on August 11, which will be BLACKBRAID’s first ever appearance in Spain!

ICYMI: BLACKBRAID surprised fans earlier this year with a new EP, ‘Nocturnal Womb,’ which was independently released on March 6, 2026. The EP saw two original tracks, “Nocturnal Womb” and “Celestial Bloodlust,” which were too dark and visceral to fit the story of ‘Blackbraid III.’ They exist on their own outside of the album trilogy via this standalone EP, which also contains an acoustic instrumental rendition of “Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil.” ‘Nocturnal Wound’ can be ordered now via Blackbraid.US & Blackbraid.EU

Blackbraid is a solo indigenous black metal project from from the depths of the Adirondack wilderness creating music as raw and powerful as the mountains from whence it came… 

BLACKBRAID Live Shows:

(BLACKBRAID only):
Aug 06: Jaroměř (CZ) @ Brutal Assault
Aug 07: Helsinki (FI) @ HELLsinki Metal Fest
08/09: Kortrijk (BE) @ Alcatraz
Aug 11: Barcelona (ES) @ Razzmatazz 3 (First show in Spain)
Aug 12: Wittelshofen (DE) @ Summer Breeze Open Air

(Supporting CONVERGE + SANGUISUGABOGG w/ PUPIL SLICER)
12.11.26: München (DE) @ Backstage
13.11.26: Karlsruhe (DE) @ Substage
15.11.26: Strasbourg (FR) @ La Laiterie
16.11.26: Paris (FR) @ Bataclan
18.11.26: Leeds (UK) @ Project House
19.11.26: Bristol (UK) @ Electric Bristol
20.11.26: Glasgow (UK) @ SWG3
21.11.26: Nottingham (UK) @ Rock City
22.11.26: London (UK) @ Electric Brixton

Get the tickets here: https://blackbraid.us/pages/shows

Cover artwork photographed by Darby Lahger

Tracklist:

  1. Nocturnal Womb (08:38)
  2. Celestial Bloodlust (04:34) [WATCH]
  3. Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil – Acoustic (06:54)

Creator of Blackbraid: Sgah’gahsowáh

‘Nocturnal Womb’ Album Credits:
Composed & performed by Sgah’gahsowáh
Drums, recording, mixing & mastering by Neil Schneider
Illustration by Adrian Baxter
Cover Photograph by Darby Lahger
Graphic Design & Artist Photo by Wolf Mountain Productions

Follow // Listen: Bandcamp – Spotify – Apple Music – YouTube – Instagram

Shop/Order: Official Merch Store (USA) – Official Merch Store (EU) 

SNOWY SHAW Announces “Shawsome! – The Snowy Shaw Collection Vol I.” as Limited Fans & Collectors Edition

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 9, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

SNOWY SHAW has announced his unique & interesting album release & concept in the works, entitled “Shawsome! – The Snowy Shaw Collection Vol I.”

He shared:

“Shawsome!
The Snowy Shaw Collection Vol I.

…is a handpicked small selection of guest-star appearances, session work and various other one-off projects that I’ve done over the years. Carefully put together to create a good blend and collective overview of my work. Either as vocalist, drummer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter, arranger, producer or some kind of combination of the aforementioned.

(Note: I have purpously left out stuff where I ”only” play the drums… like I did with King Diamond, Mercyful Fate and Sabaton as well on numerous other recordings) Yep, I originally started out a drummer 45 years ago,..
but needless to say there’s been a helluva lot of water under the bridge since then, and a thousand bands and projects.. (almost)

Why the Hell am I doing this?
Well, at some point it was brought to my attention that I do appear on albums and recordings (more or less unknown and underground and with numerous bands & artists from all over the world) In all honesty, after all the years some of them had completely slipped my mind, which is a damn shame. But then I figured, if I can’t even remember them myself – Then what about my fans & followers?

Wouldn’t it be a great idea to make it available somehow and collect it all under the same roof, so to speak. On a limited edition compilation CD, or series of them.

Fuck Yeah! That’s an awesome idea! No, that is a Shawsome! idea.
Said and done, I got to it and started pulling all the strings (I’ll spare you all the boring details such as legal rights with record companies, managers, publicists, artists etc.) But to my great surprise they were all very accommodating and helpful and by their kind permission allowing me free reins.

Expect the unexpected – You’re in for one helluva ride!”

Snowy Shaw

Watch the clip of Snowy talking about the album, here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2470516373443592

“Shawsome! – The Snowy Shaw Collection Vol I.” will be released as a limited edition for fans and collectors.
Pre-orders are live now via https://www.snowyshaw.net, but the official release is not until July 25th. Vol 1 (of 3 in total) NOTE! Physical only.

More info:
https://www.facebook.com/SnowyShawOfficial
https://www.snowyshaw.net/

AMON AMARTH Release First-Ever Acoustic Song & Video ‘Upphaf’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 9, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Sylwia Makris & Christian Martin Weiss

Iconic Swedish heavy metallers Amon Amarth approach a new way of songwriting on their first-ever acoustic excursion “Upphaf“. The song strips away the fury of modern melodic heavy metal to reveal the ancient, skeletal frame of a Norse epic. Reimagined for the gathering space of a longhouse hearth, the song features hypnotic melodies and mesmerising quires. The stripped-back composition carries the solemnity of an oral history whispered under the shadow of the Allfather, proving the band’s interest in Oden cuts just as deep by firelight as it does on epic global stages. The single serves as the quiet moment to what lies ahead, before the fury of their next studio album.

“Upphaf” was produced by Jacob Hansen and is available via Metal Blade Records across all digital retail alongside its video directed by Pavel Trebukhin.

Listen / Share / Playlist “Upphaf” HERE

From Amon Amarth‘s 1992 formation in Tumba, Sweden, to the worldwide fame they’ve found in the ensuing years, their lyrical, live and recorded musical legacy speaks for itself. Over the past few years the band have performed globally and alongside legendary acts such as Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, Foo Fighters, Pantera in addition to monumental sold out takeovers of Los Angeles’ The Forum and Denver’s historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre to name a few. Across seas, Amon Amarth have headlined multiple major rock and metal fests including an epic performance at Germany’s Wacken in 2024 for 85,000 rabid fans which was deemed “a 19-song masterclass in unbeatable, indefatigable force…a repertoire of songs that can conquer the biggest crowds on the planet,” by Louder. Elsewhere on UK/European soil, the Viking lords have twice headlined the UK’s storied Bloodstock festival, made four appearances at Download (2008 – 2019), and performed at Summer Breeze eight times (2003 – 2024) – six of them as headliner.

Their rapidly increasing sales and touring numbers, plus pre-release buzz to Amon Amarth‘s 2026 North American tour with Dethklok and Castle Rat, has managed to garner mainstream success without sacrificing either of their constantly evolving creativity or heaviness. Audience demographics run the gamut from pre-teens to 60-somethings, an inclusive metal experience for those who appreciate epic positivity and powerfully inspirational lyrics.

Amon Amarth continues to garner universal musical respect and reverence from fans and critics, and an ever-growing popularity in North America. In Europe, Amon Amarth reached #1 on German album charts with Jomsviking, Berserker, and 2022’s The Great Heathen Army also topped the US Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart, the Canadian Billboard Top Current Albums chart, and earned a Swedish Grammy nomination for hard rock/metal album of the year.

Their cultural influence cannot be overstated. To wit: The Row. The consensus is that the legendary “Viking row” by audience members first began during the 2009 Amon Amarth set at Bloodstock. Fans get on the ground and, in unison, imitate rowing an invisible longship in a powerfully unifying experience. With the 2022 release of the single and video “Put Your Back into the Oar,” frontman Johann Hegg said, “we thought it was a good idea to write a song about The Row! This one is for you, the fans, wherever you are-and may Oden guide you as you row to your destiny in uncharted seas!” The phenomenon has now spread to other artist’s’ concerts and global events including 2026 World Cup audiences – but thanks to video footage, it’s safe to say Amon Amarth audiences began the now-iconic trend.

Over 30 years later, Amon Amarth remains a band of brothers, and that loyalty and unity allow for harmony and a united front that conquers both the stage and record. Hegg’s powerfully rendered lyrics on last year’s “We Rule The Waves” sum up the band’s unrelenting intent. “From cradle until the grave / As long as the sun sets in the west / We rule the waves / Our restless hearts / Have brought us far / As far as Vinland’s shores / We’ve gone further / Than any man has ever gone before.”

Amon Amarth Live Dates:
UK:
Oct 09: England – Manchester, O2 Apollo
Oct 10: England – London, Eventim Apollo
Oct 11: England – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
EU:
Oct 13: France – Paris, Zenith
Oct 14: Luxembourg – Esch sur Alzette, Rockhal
Oct 16: Germany – Stuttgart, Schleyer-Halle
Oct 17: Germany – Frankfurt, Festhalle
Oct 18: Belgium – Antwerp, Lotto Hall
Oct 20: Netherlands – Den Bosch, Mainstage
Oct 21: Germany – Hamburg, Sporthalle
Oct 23: Sweden – Gothenburg, Scandinavium
Oct 24: Sweden – Stockholm, Hovet
Oct 26: Finland – Helsinki, Ice Hall
Oct 27: Estonia – Tallin, Unibet Arena
Oct 29: Poland – Gliwice, PreZero Arena Gliwice
Oct 30: Germany – Leipzig, Quarterback Immobilien Arena
Oct 31: Germany – Oberhausen, Rudolf Weber Arena
Nov 02: Hungary – Budapest, Barba Negra
Nov 03: Austria – Vienna, Gasometer
Nov 04: Germany – Bamberg, Brose Arena
Nov 06: Czech Republic – Prague, O2 Universum
Nov 07: Germany – Berlin, Velodrom
Nov 08: Germany – Munich, Zenith
Nov 10: Italy – Milan, Alcatraz
Nov 11: Switzerland – Zurich, The Hall
Nov 13: Spain – Barcelona, Sant Jordi Club
Nov 14: Spain – Madrid, Vistalegre
Nov 15: Portugal – Lisbon, Sala Tejo

Amon Amarth Lineup:
Johan Hegg – Vocals
Olavi Mikkonen – Guitar
Johan Söderberg – Guitar
Ted Lundström – Bass
Jocke Wallgren – Drums

More info: Amon Amarth | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | X | YouTube

XANDRIA Unveil New Single ‘Northstar’ with Official Music Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 9, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo credit: Stefan Heilemann/Mirko Witzki]

German symphonic metal band XANDRIA presents the third single from their upcoming album, Eclipse. “Northstar” is a guiding light in their discography. The track features uplifting dynamics with Celtic tin and low whistles, weaving together heavy guitars, cinematic grandeur, and folk elements, to create a journey full of discoveries. Looking back on a career spanning more than 30 years and several chart entries, XANDRIA are aiming higher than ever—something they will also showcase on their upcoming European tour, kicking off in September this year.
 
With their latest album (2023) being XANDRIA’s most successful release to date, entering the Official German Album Charts at #9, the upcoming Eclipse, releasing August 7, 2026 via Napalm Records, is taking the band on their most diverse path yet. A journey full of discoveries, it has XANDRIA follow the “Northstar” guiding the way …
 
Band mastermind Marco Heubaum comments on “Northstar”:
“’Northstar’ is a very special song to me. The melody came to me in a dream, and when I woke up, I immediately recorded it. I soon realized that I had never written anything quite like it before – it really felt like something magical coming from a dreamworld.
 
The song has the wondrous atmosphere of a magical Disney movie, and I think you can feel that all the way through. It takes you on a little journey, with a bright light waiting beyond the darkness. Once again, it shows just how many different facets this album has – and we are far from done. Just wait until you hear what’s still to come…”

Chart-topping German symphonic metal icons XANDRIA will release their new studio album, Eclipse, on August 7, 2026, via Napalm Records. The upcoming full-length features eleven tracks that represent the most diverse body of work in the band’s discography so far: every song has its own identity—a journey full of discoveries—yet they all belong to the same world. Classic, ‘80s-inspired metal riffs stand alongside low-tuned modern metal guitars, cinematic orchestral sounds meet Celtic folk influences, and dark electronic elements blend with intimate rock moments, even including a guitar solo that owes more to Pink Floyd than to any metal genre.
 
Eclipse marks XANDRIA’s most outspoken and cinematic album so far: a dark, colourful, and defiant statement for reason, empathy, and democracy in times when all three are under attack, brought to life by a band fueled with new energy, new ambitions, and a clear artistic direction, aiming higher than ever and not looking back!

Pre-order your version of Eclipse NOW

While The Wonders Still Awaiting (2023) marked the rebirth of XANDRIA with a new line-up—an album that opened the door to a new era—Eclipse goes further. It is more focused and direct, the lyrics are more outspoken, dealing almost entirely with what is happening to our civilization right now. The contrasts are stronger, and the different musical and vocal colours feel even more naturally integrated into the songs. As XANDRIA’s sole composer, Marco Heubaum musically draws inspiration from all aspects of his surroundings: music, stories, and emotions that have shaped him since childhood. It is no secret that film scores have always been another major influence, especially composers like Hans Zimmer and John Williams.

Eclipse tracklisting:

  1. Syzygy
  2. Eclipse
  3. Colours
  4. The Shannon’s Home
  5. The Grand Delusion
  6. Wave of Tanis
  7. Northstar
  8. Masquerade
  9. The Last Generation
  10. The Poetry of the Real World
  11. Lore

As guests, XANDRIA welcomes Subway to Sally’s violinist Ally Storch, who can be heard on “Lore,” while the band’s longtime friend McAlbi is featured on four songs with his Celtic tin and low whistles (“The Shannon’s Home,” “Northstar,” “Masquerade,” and “Lore”). “The Last Generation” features a children’s choir and piano performed by Richard Z. Wang, a Hollywood pianist who has worked at Hans Zimmer’s studio. In addition, the band has once again collaborated with the Sofia Session Orchestra & Choir, known for their work on numerous film and television scores, including His Dark Materials. All songs were orchestrated by two film score composers working in Hollywood: Lukas Geppert, who worked on the scores for Nobody 2 and the latest Final Destination, and Ishaan Tyagi, who has contributed to productions such as Wuthering Heights.

XANDRIA LIVE 2026
 
Eclipse Europe Tour 2026
16.09.26 UK – London / The Dome
17.09.26 UK – Glasgow / Slay
18.09.26 UK – Manchester / Academy
19.09.26 UK – Birmingham / O2
21.09.26 BE – Kortrijk / DVG Club
22.09.26 FR – Paris / Nouveau Casino
23.09.26 FR – Nantes / Le Ferrailleur
24.09.26 ES – Barcelona / Razzmatazz 3
26.09.26 ES – Albacete / Ginetarock
27.09.26 FR – Montpellier / Secret Place
28.09.26 FR – Toulouse / Le Rex
29.09.26 FR – Lyon / Rock’n Eat
30.09.26 DE – Munich / Backstage Halle
01.10.26 HR – Zagreb / Boogaloo Club
02.10.26 IT – Milan / Legend Club
03.10.26 AT – Salzburg / Rockhouse Bar
05.10.26 RO – Cluj-Napoca / FORM Space
06.10.26 RO – Bucharest / Quantic Club
08.10.26 BG – Sofia / Pirotska 5 Event Centre
09.10.26 RS – Belgrade / Zappa Barka
10.10.26 HU – Budapest / Analog Music Hall
12.10.26 DE – Berlin / Lido
13.10.26 PL – Warsaw / Hydrozagadka
14.10.26 PL – Krakow / Zaścianek
15.10.26 CZ – Prague / Distrikt Prague
16.10.26 DE – Dresden / Blauer Salon
18.10.26 DE – Cham / L.A. Live Style Cafe
19.10.26 DE – Frankfurt / Das Bett
20.10.26 CH – Pratteln / Z7
21.10.26 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann Club
22.10.26 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch
23.10.26 DE – Hamburg / Bahnhof Pauli

XANDRIA are:
Marco Heubaum – Guitar, Keys
Ambre Vourvahis – Vocals
Robert Klawonn – Guitar
Dimitrios Gatsios – Drums
 
XANDRIA online:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Napalm Records

TRANSONIC SCIENCE Re-Sign with Argonauta Records, Announce New Album “Velvet Doom” + Release First Single ‘Vincent Price’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 8, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

The signal has returned.

German fuzz rock outfit Transonic Science have officially renewed their partnership with Argonauta Records for the release of their brand new studio album, Velvet Doom, scheduled for Autumn 2026.

To celebrate the announcement, the band has unveiled the album’s first single, “Vincent Price”, available today on all major digital streaming platforms.

Listen to “Vincent Price” here: https://tidal.com/track/538631602/u

A relentless blast of heavy stoner rock driven by towering riffs, infectious grooves and unmistakable vintage energy, “Vincent Price” is the band’s declaration of intent.

“Back to the roots, where it all began. We love playing this heavy stoner rock tune like it was 1997. Turn the volume up and enjoy!” comments the band.

The new album, Velvet Doom, marks another chapter in the long standing journey of one of Germany’s most distinctive underground heavy rock acts. Following the acclaimed Psychobulb, released through Argonauta Records in 2024, the collaboration continues naturally after a highly successful first experience.

“Once we had finished recording, we immediately knew that we first wanted to ask Gero if he would release our album. We had such a great experience with our last release on Argonauta. It’s a cool label, relaxed, welcoming and professional all at once. Gero agreed right away, and here we are!” says the band.

As always, Transonic Science wrap their music inside an imaginative mythology that blurs the boundaries between science fiction and reality. Rumour has it that four men abducted by aliens during the 1950s resurfaced decades later in Cologne disguised as a stoner rock band, quietly broadcasting fuzz soaked transmissions from somewhere beyond the known universe. Whether that story is true or not remains classified. One thing, however, is beyond question: Velvet Doom delivers some of the band’s heaviest, most psychedelic and emotionally charged material to date, combining crushing riffs, cosmic atmospheres and irresistible grooves into a powerful new transmission.

Prepare to receive the signal.

More details about Velvet Doom, including artwork, tracklist and release date, will be revealed in the coming weeks.

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/transonicscience
https://www.argonautarecords.com/

HAPPY SAD Present New Video ‘Requiem for Dead Flowers’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 8, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Epictronic is pleased to announce the release of the official video for “Requiem for Dead Flowers,” a new track by ambient/folk artist Happy Sad, taken from the album The World Is Grand When We See.

“Requiem for Dead Flowers” reflects on the way seasons fade. As nature moves on, so do the emotional imprints tied to it. The piece draws a parallel between withering flowers and the soft erosion of memory, presenting a restrained and reflective soundscape. Built on subtle orchestration and minimal textures, the composition moves with patience and intent.

Happy Sad describes the track as part of a post-classical lineage shaped by artists such as Jóhann Jóhannsson and Ryuichi Sakamoto.

About the Artist: The Architect of Sound

Happy Sad is the solo project of Hiroaki, a Japanese artist and sound professional based in the game industry. He began making music during his student years, playing café bar gigs and recording demos. His influences take in soul, British rock, folk, trip hop, neoclassical, world music, and film scores, alongside a strong connection to literature. His recordings balance live instrumentation with programmed elements. To date, Happy Sad has released seven albums and 19 EPs.

Outside of music, Hiroaki has around 14 years of experience as a Sound Designer and Sound Director in the games industry, having contributed to over 60 projects at companies including NetEase Games, FunPlus, NHN PlayArt, and Noisycroak Inc. His work spans music composition, sound design, audio direction, and promotional video production. In 2013, his track “Everyday” won the domestic DJ category and reached the finals of MTV and Lenovo’s CO:LAB contest.

In recent years, Hiroaki has travelled across ten countries in search of sounds and traditional instruments. Encounters along the way with displaced communities have shaped his approach to music as a form of shared human expression.

The World Is Grand When We See is out now via Epictronic. Stream the album here: orcd.co/twgwws

Connect with Happy Sad: Official Website: happysadsong.com

Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) – Streaming: Spotify