Chez Kane proudly unveils her new single and accompanying visualizer, “Night Of Passion”, ahead of the release of her new album, titled “Reckless”, out on March 27, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Chez commented: “I’m so excited for you to hear my new single “Night Of Passion”. It’s got that late-night, reckless energy. Turn it up and feel the heat!”
Talking about the record, Chez said: “Finally, I can tell you! The official announcement of my third album “Reckless” is here! My last album, “Powerzone” dropped in 2022, and I’ve grown a lot since then. This time around, I got hands-on and collaborated on some writing. I pushed myself hard to make something that’s bigger, bolder, and yeah… sexy as hell”.
“Massive thank you to Danny Rexon once again for being incredible to work with. Creating this with you was magic”, she added. “I can’t wait for you guys to hear what we’ve made!”
Chez Kane is back with her third studio album, “Reckless” – an explosive blend of arena-ready hooks, slick guitar work, and unapologetic 80s-style swagger. Following the success of her first two records, Chez levels up with a collection that’s bigger in sound, richer in emotion, and packed with pure melodic firepower.
Once again, written and produced by Danny Rexon, frontman of Swedish hard rockers Crazy Lixx, “Reckless” channels the golden age of melodic rock while injecting it with fresh energy and modern production.
The chemistry between Chez and Danny continues to shine, resulting in a record that blends 80s-inspired anthems, infectious hooks, and soaring vocals into a modern rock statement with attitude.
From glam-infused bangers to emotional slow-burners, “Reckless” showcases Chez’s growing confidence and undeniable charisma, proving she’s not just riding the revival wave – she’s leading it.
If you’re craving fist-pumping choruses, soaring vocals, and a no-holds-barred throwback to the glory days of rock, look no further. Chez Kane’s “Reckless” is melodic rock done right – bold, catchy, and undeniably alive.
Turn it up loud. This one’s recklessly unforgettable!
“Reckless” Tracklist:
1. Reckless 2. Personal Rock N’ Roll 3. Night Of Passion 4. Strip Me Down 5. Tongue Of Love 6. Love Tornado 7. Bad Girl 8. Street Survivor 9. Too Dangerous 10. Bodyrock
Heavy metal phenomenon Thunder Rising returns with the official video for “Mad Machine,” a standout track from their latest album Horizon Line, available now via Wormholedeath.
“Mad Machine” is a masterclass in riff-driven intensity. The track opens with a commanding riff that serves as the engine behind the entire composition, a relentless force completed in just two bars, immediately establishing the song’s complete narrative. Thunder Rising wastes no time setting the tone for what becomes an unforgettable sonic journey.
The song takes an unexpected turn in its central section, paying homage to psychedelic sound and culture with dreamlike atmospheres and otherworldly tones reminiscent of the Theremin. This bold shift showcases the band’s willingness to push boundaries while maintaining their signature heavy sound.
In the final act, Thunder Rising doubles down on their technical prowess, condensing the riffing even further into a single-bar phrase—a testament to the band’s musical precision and creative ambition.
Thematically, “Mad Machine” is an exhilarating celebration of nightlife and excess: the rush of loud music, the thrill of the open road, and the electric energy of unforgettable nights with friends. The titular “mad machine” represents both the literal vehicle and the metaphorical high of these experiences, building toward an explosive expression of romantic desire.
Defining the “Real Vintage” Sound
Thunder Rising, featuring veterans of the late ’70s and ’80s Italian rock scene (Firehouse and Arachnes), has meticulously defined their signature “Real Vintage” sound. This unique approach is a masterful blend of modern recording clarity and classic rock heritage, built upon decades of experience.
The album Horizon Line channels the deep, riff-driven energy reminiscent of heavy-hitters like Deep Purple and Rainbow, while embracing the soaring melodic sensibilities of AOR giants such as Journey and Boston.
The band’s commitment to authenticity is reflected in their choice of equipment: classic Hammond organs, Fender guitars, and Marshall amps are utilized alongside modern instruments and sharp recording techniques. The result is an audio experience that is both powerfully vintage and crystal clear. Horizon Line is defined by solid song structures, impressive guitar virtuosity, and standout vocals, taking listeners on an emotional journey—a metaphorical road trip through music and memory.
Previous Thunder Rising Videos: Master of Destiny: Watch, Dreaming song to you: Watch, The Prisoner: Watch
Modern metalcore band HUMANKIND return with their most vulnerable and confronting release to date. Their new video single “Desire To Die” is out now through ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music, and dives deep into the emotional spaces many struggle to talk about: exhaustion, resignation, and the quiet moments where simply letting go can feel easier than continuing to fight.
Following their recent releases, HUMANKIND push their sound and message further into raw, unfiltered territory. “Desire To Die” balances crushing heaviness with fragile atmosphere, creating a song that feels both overwhelming and painfully intimate. The accompanying video features a performance-driven setup, highlighting the band’s dynamic presence and reinforcing the intensity of the song through a direct visual approach.
“Desire to Die is a hymn for everyone who has had to endure unimaginable struggles, disappointments, and failures. At times, our lives feel like a vast ocean in which we fight just to stay afloat. The urge to stop resisting and simply go with the flow can become so strong that we might come to terms with the risk of drowning, a feeling rarely spoken about in our society. Desire to Die aims to break the silence and raise awareness of the fact that, for some, drowning can sometimes feel more acceptable than facing wave after wave after wave. We see it as a starting point from which we can begin to destigmatise this topic, in the hope that speaking about it will help us heal and overcome dark times together.”
Musically, the track captures HUMANKIND at their most intense and honest. Dense guitars, haunting melodies, and an ever-present sense of pressure mirror the emotional weight of the lyrics, making “Desire To Die” less a song for easy consumption and more an invitation to listen, reflect, and feel.
With this release, HUMANKIND continue to establish themselves as a band unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths. “Desire To Die” is not about glorifying despair, but about giving a voice to thoughts that often remain hidden, and opening a conversation that many desperately need.
HumanKind is: Samuel Scholz (Vocals) Maria Kimberly Huehn (Guitar) Simon Keil (Guitar) Dominik “Doemsen” Stotzem (Bass) Silas Schué (Drums)
JACK HARLON & THE DEAD CROWS let the strings buzz until they’re glowing red hot on the third advancetrack ‘Seer‘ from their forthcoming new full-length “Inexorable Opposites“. The fourth album by the Australian Psychedelic Western Rockers has been chalked up for release on February 6, 2026 via Magnetic Eye Records.
JACK HARLON & THE DEAD CROWS comment on ‘Seer’: “This track is a good example of the new direction that we are heading towards in terms of writing music“, vocalist and guitarist Tim Coutts-Smith explains. “Most of this song was written by our guitarist JD whilst I arranged the structure and wrote the lyrics. The story is set in the conventional Harlon universe and is a follow-up to the song ‘Painter in the Woods’ from our second album.“
Tracklist
Moss
Venomous
Mt. Macedon
Dave Is Done
Junior Fiction
Seer
On the Overwhelm
To Die
With their fourth album “Inexorable Opposites”, JACK HARLON & THE DEAD CROWS deliver a doozy of a record. The Psychedelic Western Rockers from Down Under have taken a big leap that was made possible by breaking new ground.
It pays off that the Australians have dared to take numerous creative risks, of which several stand out:
First off, “Inexorable Opposites” introduces new drum powerhouse Brayden Becher, who has literally given the band an extra kick. This was amplified by employing Lewis Noke-Edwards as a third party engineer for the tracking of the drums, a first for JACK HARLON & THE DEAD CROWS, having done their recording in DIY fashion on past albums. While the creative process was generally more collaborative than for previous releases, the album also comes with an extended range as it includes both the ‘heaviest’ and ‘gentlest’ songs the band have ever recorded.
Probably as important as the musical tweaks is the new direction that the lyrics take on “Inexorable Opposites”. While there are still new tales playing out in the universe of the eponymous science fiction Western character Jack Harlon, the themes of the new songs rather revolve around the real world. Vocalist Tim Coutts-Smith was inspired by experiences both personal and from recent years as well as being influenced by his work in mental health.
This is summed up by the album’s title “Inexorable Opposites” that summarises the frequently contrasting emotional and lyrical content by drawing attention to a most inspirational quote from “Man and His Symbols” (1964), the final work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung: “The sad truth is that man’s real life consists of a complex of inexorable opposites – day and night, birth and death, happiness and misery, good and evil. We are not even sure that one will prevail against the other, that good will overcome evil, or joy will defeat pain. Life is a battleground. It always has been and always will be; and if it were not so, existence would come to an end.”
Although the Outback is too far away to constitute a direct influence on JACK HARLON & THE DEAD CROWS, their atmospheric dark Western sound draws a connecting line from Australia to Arizona. It is part of a uniquely eclectic style that explores a wide range of genres and incorporates elements of blues, stoner rock, lo-fi fuzz, spaghetti western scores, and doom metal among others.
JACK HARLON & THE DEAD CROWS first incarnated as a side project of singer Tim Coutts-Smith around the year 2015. Over time, his steadily growing band developed into a full-fledged performing act.
From day one, Coutts-Smith centered his lyrics and themes around a fictional Western outlaw named Jack Harlon. He would often begin writing about real people and events, before turning them into characters and stories in a science fiction themed Western landscape.
JACK HARLON & THE DEAD CROWS are also known for their DIY approach, producing most of their albums and visual art internally. As a live act, the band has mostly toured and performed in Australia including sharing stages with international acts such as GREENLEAF, SASQUATCH, WO FAT, and WHORES.
So far, JACK HARLON & THE DEAD CROWS have released a self-titled debut EP in 2016, followed by three critically acclaimed albums and continuously growing recognition within the heavy underground: “Hymns” (2018), “The Magnetic Ridge” (2021), and “Hail to the Underground: Interpretations” (2023). The band also appeared on Magnetic Eye Records’ “Superunknown Redux” tribute to Soundgarden with their fuzzed-out, hallucinatory rendition of deep cut ‘Kickstand’.
JACK HARLON & THE DEAD CROWS deliver a beautifully matured and musically experienced version of their characteristic sound on the fourth album “Inexorable Opposites”. With adult lyrics that take their listeners seriously in a contemplation about the duality of life and the frequent contradictions of the self with the external world, the Australians show their growth as songwriters and musicians without losing the connection to the titanic fuzz and heavy riffs that helped put them on the map.
Line-up Tim Coutts-Smith – vocals, guitar Jordan Richardson – guitar Brayden Becher – drums Liam Barry – bass
Drum recording by Lewis Noke-Edwards at Black Lodge Studios, Brunswick, Melbourne (AU) All other instruments engineered by Tim Coutts-Smith & Jordan Richardson at their home studios, Melbourne (AU) Mixed by Tim Coutts-Smith at his home studio, Melbourne (AU) Mastered by Tim Coutts-Smith at his home studio, Melbourne (AU)
Artwork by Baroquegothik Layout by Karl Stehn (KDS Designs) & Łukasz Jaszak
EYE OF MELIAN delve into a metal classic with the third single off their upcoming album Forest Of Forgetting, out on February 20, 2026 via Napalm Records. EYE OF MELIAN reimagines “Tears Of The Dragon”, the captivating emotional hymn Bruce Dickinson released after his departure from Iron Maiden. The Tolkien-inspired brainchild of Martijn Westerholt (Delain) and Johanna Kurkela (Auri, Tuomas Holopainen) transforms the iconic song, originally featured on Dickinson’s second solo album, Balls To Picasso (1994), into an enchanting, cinematic experience. EYE OF MELIAN blend lush symphonic soundscapes with Kurkela’s gentle, ethereal vocals, transporting listeners into a realm of pure fantasy.
Mikko P. Mustonen about “Tears of the Dragon”: “I grew up listening to this song, but it wasn’t until I got older that I truly felt the weight of its lyrics. I’ve always loved the fantasy reference – even something as powerful as a dragon must eventually yield and let its emotions break free.”
EYE OF MELIAN open the gates to a different world with their new album Forest Of Forgetting, out February 20th, 2026 via Napalm Records. Named after a powerful primordial singing spirit from the world of J. R. R. Tolkien, EYE OF MELIAN draws inspiration from the master of fantasy and expands on his ethereal concept. Created by Delain’s Martijn Westerholt and featuring Auri’s Johanna Kurkela as a lead vocalist, EYE OF MELIAN’s Forest Of Forgetting is a masterclass in symphonic songwriting so whimsical the real world fades away.
With this opulent album, EYE OF MELIAN extends an invitation to faraway lands full of wonder. Forest Of Forgetting unfolds as quite the opposite of its title: utterly unforgettable.
Martijn Westerholt about Forest Of Forgetting: “This album has been a really inspiring process – both for me as a songwriter and in what each of us brought to it. It has a lot of what EYE OF MELIAN is known for: cinematic, score-like arrangements, minor chords, and those epic, mysterious atmospheres. The lyrics tie everything together; they bring out the worlds and stories that the music hints at and make the whole thing feel complete. The collaboration between us on this record felt very natural. We’ve really found our way of working as a team, and I’m proud of what we created together.”
Completing the all-star lineup on their debut with Napalm Records are orchestral arranger Mikko P. Mustonen and backing vocalist and lyricist Robin La Joy, blessing twelve lush compositions with immortal life. Mesmerizing from the first gentle notes of opening track “Of Willows And Shadows”, Forest Of Forgetting weaves otherworldly piano melodies and epic strings around angelic vocals worthy of the powerful Valar themselves. “Child Of Twilight” deepens EYE OF MELIAN’s dreamy and bombastic Hollywood movie score approach, carefully building up an exceptionally enchanting atmosphere that carries on into the equally cinematic “Blackthorn Winter”, ever so elegantly broadening the view into the alluring realms the band is melodizing. “Dawn Of Avatars” features Nightwish multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley on flute and uilleann pipes, as well as hurdy-gurdy songstress Patty Gurdy, before EYE OF MELIAN turns in the direction of heavy metal with a charming rendition of Bruce Dickinson’s anthem “Tears Of The Dragon” (originally released on Balls To Picasso in 1994 after the singer had left Iron Maiden). Forest Of Forgetting also comes with all its tracks as instrumental versions to dwell in the impressive orchestrals alone.
Forest Of Forgetting tracklisting:
Of Willows and Shadows
Symphonia Arcana
Child of Twilight
Elixir of Night (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
Blackthorn Winter
Lady of Light
Dawn of Avatars (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
Forest of Forgetting
The Buried Well
The Mirror
Nepenthe
Tears of the Dragon (Bruce Dickinson Cover)
EYE OF MELIAN Live 2026
20.02.26 NL – Zwolle / Hedon – album release show
Forest of Forgetting Over Finland 10.03.26 FI – Kitee / Kiteesali 12.03.26 FI – Espoo / Sellosali 13.03.26 FI – Kouvola / Pato-klubi 18.03.26 FI – Rovaniemi / Korundi 19.03.26 FI – Kuusamo / Kuusamo-talo 20.03.26 FI – Oulu / Kaupunginteatteri 21.03.26 FI – Raahe / Raahesali 24.03.26 FI – Helsinki / Aleksanterin Teatteri 26.03.26 FI – Turku / Turun Linnan Kuninkaansali 27.03.26 FI – Kuopio / Maxim 28.03.26 FI – Tampere / Tuulensuun Palatsi
EYE OF MELIAN are: Martijn Westerholt – Keys and Orchestra arrangements Johanna Kurkela – Vocals and Violin Robin La Joy – Backing Vocals Mikko P. Mustonen – Keys and Orchestra arrangements
“Tristesse”, the new concept album by Italian progressive dark metal act FOR MY DEMONS, is out today with the single “The Other Side Of Heaven”, a powerful tribute to Vincent van Gogh, now available on all digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion.
Tristesse is a profound and evocative concept album inspired by the life and emotional universe of Vincent van Gogh. Through seven immersive tracks, the band translates the torment, beauty, and sensitivity of the legendary painter into a unique sonic experience. Blending melancholy, power and complexity, Tristesse is a cohesive work where each song reflects a chapter in a broader narrative, echoing van Gogh’s search for meaning and redemption through art.
Released together with the single “The Other Side Of Heaven”, the album paints a poignant soundscape between heaven and hell, suffering and transcendence. A must-listen for fans of Katatonia, Soen, and Dream Theater.
Watch the video for “The Other Side Of Heaven” here:
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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 