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RAM-ZET Return with New Album “Sapien”, Out March 27th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 25, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: RAM-ZET. Leave a comment

Norwegian progressive metal pioneers RAM-ZET return after more than a decade away, announcing the release of their upcoming album “Sapien”, due worldwide on March 27, 2026, via Swedish label ViciSolum Productions.

The album will be released as a double vinyl, CD, and digital. The first single, “Zerocane”, will be unveiled on January 30.

After 13 years of silence following their last full-length release, RAM-ZET are officially back in action, reigniting their distinctive blend of progressive and avantgarde metal. What began as a renewed spark of inspiration has grown into a full-scale resurrection of one of Norway’s most adventurous metal acts.

Following the release of “Freaks in Wonderland” in 2012, the band entered a prolonged hiatus as members pursued different creative paths, appearing only sporadically on stage. In 2023, founder, guitarist, and primary songwriter Henning “Zet” Ramseth felt the time was right to breathe new life into the project. The band reunited, and over the past two years has worked intensively on new material, culminating in a triumphant return to the live stage in the summer of 2024.

The current line-up reflects both continuity and renewal. Longtime keyboardist Karoline “Ka” Amb stepped away as band activity increased, making room for Kai “Aazuu” Renton (Trollfest) on keyboards. At the same time, violinist Ingvild “Sareeta” Johannesen has returned after an extended break, once again adding her unmistakable signature to the band’s sound.

With “Sapien”, RAM-ZET deliver their trademark fusion of intensity, complexity, and atmosphere, infused with renewed focus, energy, and vision. The band’s next chapter begins now.

Tracklist:

  1. Zerocane
  2. Cranium
  3. Sleepers
  4. Bozzadevil
  5. Peace25?
  6. As Worlds Collide
  7. Psychosis
  8. In The Mirror
  9. Catching Flies
  10. Hangmans Jazz

Henning Ramseth about “Sapien”: “There has been a long break without new music from us, since we released ‘Freaks in wonderland’ in 2012. There has never been a doubt in my mind that there was going to be a new album by Ram-Zet, but it has been somehow hard to keep track of the development in the music industry, and I really needed to find the right motivation to start the process. But in 2020, I decided to collect all ideas, and start the real job, writing all material for a new Ram-Zet album, and during the process, we started to rehearse again, and felt the old spirit come back to us.

The writing did not stop until 9 new songs were done, and the recording could take place. Still, it took some years to complete the album, because all members had other projects going on, and we needed to re-write our schedule. Also, Miriam (sfinx) got pregnant during the process (yes, it is her ‘real baby’ on our cover) and we also had to plan some of the recording around that. 

Also, we have spent a lot more time on the arrangements of the songs but still recorded everything with a much more live in studio approach, which makes this album, in my ears, more organic, than ever before.

It is some kind of a cliche to say that ‘the new album is our best’ but I swear that this album really feels like a big step further for the band. All fans of Ram-Zet will recognize both our sound, and my songwriting, and I could not be prouder than I am over this album“.

So keep your eyes and ears peeled for the first single, set to drop on January 30, offering an initial glimpse into the upcoming album! “Sapien” will be released on March 27 via ViciSolum Productions.

About RAM-ZET:

Ram-Zet released their debut album Pure Therapy in 2000. At the time, their bold fusion of contrasting genres within extreme metal was largely uncharted territory. The band quickly gained attention for their innovation, earning a Norwegian Grammy and performing at the very first Inferno Festival in 2001.

They went on to appear at Quart Festival and numerous other festivals, tours, and club shows, sharing the stage with acts such as Borknagar, Theatre of Tragedy, Madder Mortem, and Susperia, among others.

Following their debut, Ram-Zet released four additional albums: Escape (2002), Intra (2005), Neutralized (2009), and Freaks in Wonderland (2012).

Musically, Ram-Zet operate by one guiding principle: there are no rules. While rooted in heavy, technical metal, their compositions frequently detour into unexpected territories. The band’s sound blends clean and growled male vocals, female vocals, violin, and an extensive palette of synths and keyboards with aggressive riffing and strong melodic themes.

Often described as avantgarde metal, Ram-Zet’s music remains both challenging and accessible, with memorable hooks and melody serving as consistent anchors throughout their diverse sonic landscape.

Line-up:
Henning Ramseth / Zet – Guitar, vocals
Miriam Renvåg / Sfinx – Vocals
Lars A Lien / Lanius – Bass
Ingvild Strønen Johannesen/ Sareeta – Violin
Kai Renton / Aazuu – Keyboards
Kent Frydenlund/ Küth – Drums

For more info visit:
https://www.ram-zet.com
https://www.instagram.com/ram.zet.official
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063773281541
https://www.vicisolum.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vicisolumproductions
https://www.instagram.com/vicisolum/
https://www.vicisolum.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vicisolumproductions
https://www.instagram.com/vicisolum/

FIREBORN Release New Album “Dreamcatcher” with Video for ‘Set The World On Fire’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 25, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Fireborn. Leave a comment

Fireborn release their new album “Dreamcatcher”!

Rarely has an El Puerto Records release caused such euphoria in the music press.
From North America to Europe to Australia, the coverage was extensive and there wasn’t a single bad review. This shows how highly honest, authentic hard rock/heavy metal is still regarded, and Jenny Gruber and her boys embody this 100%!

To celebrate the occasion, there’s also a new video ‘Set The World On Fire’.

Stream on SPOTIFY

The album was released on CD, colored vinyl, and in a strictly limited collector’s box set, and is already available for order at fireborn.epr.rocks.

Vinyl color: Curacao

Collector’s box set: individually numbered, bandana with FIREBORN logo, “Titans Of Fire” patch, and personally signed autograph card.

Tracklist:
01 – Dancing With The Villain
02 – Set The World On Fire
03 – Point Of No Return
04 – Likes For A Life
05 – Pull The Trigger
06 – Little Wanderer
07 – Crisis Of Youth
08 – Dreamcatcher
09 – Flashlight
10 – Out Of The Edges
11 – Human

Line-up:
Jenny Gruber – Vocals
Raphael Singh – Drums
Rick Götze – Guitars
Dennis Weber – Guitars
Christian Lehr – Bass

More Info: 
www.fireborn-official.com/
www.facebook.com/Firebornofficial
www.instagram.com/fireborn_band/
linktr.ee/fireborn_band

NOVELTY Release New Single ‘Darkest Days’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 25, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: NOVELTY. Leave a comment

NOVELTY, the rising band of the Athenian melodic metalcore scene, introduce themselves to the public in their own explosive way through the official video clip of their debut single “Darkest Days”, which was released on January 16.

With this track, they reveal the first chapter of their upcoming album, reminding us that where there is darkness, there is also light; the hope that keeps us alive, whether expressed through a person or through something that helps us escape from the darkest moments. In the short time of their journey, they have shaped a sound that combines dynamically aggressive riffs with intense melodic elements, with explosive energy and dynamism, elements that are reflected both in their music and in their live performances.

For the video clip of “Darkest Days”, the band collaborated with Yannis Nikolopoulos, known for his work with important names in the Greek metal scene, such as Suicidal Angels, Herta, Domination DC and SixForNine, creating a cinematic aesthetic that enhances the emotional charge of the track.

At the same time, Novelty are in the process of producing their first full-length album, which will include nine original tracks and will highlight the evolution and maturation of their sound. “Darkest Days” is the band’s first official step and a strong introduction to what they are preparing for the coming period.

Novelty is a melodic metalcore band based in Athens, Greece.

Formed in 2022, they began creating their own distinctive sound by blending hard, heavy riffs with melodic elements.

The band has performed at several venues, including Kyttaro Stage, Temple Athens, Six D.O.G.S., An Club, Death Disco, Architecture, Piraeus Club, and the Technopolis Stage.

They recently completed their first official video, “Darkest Days,” which was released on January 16th, 2026.

They are currently working on their debut album, which will contain 9 original tracks.

Social Media/Streaming Links:

LinkTree: Novelty | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Spotify: Novelty | Spotify
Instagram: Novelty (@novelty.band) • Instagram photos and videos
YouTube: Novelty_ – YouTube
Bandcamp: Darkest Days | Novelty
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Noveltygreece

HOLLOW PEAK’s New Album “Obsidian Cult” Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 25, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: HOLLOW PEAK. Leave a comment
Photo credits: Rune Baashus

Norwegian melodic metal newcomers HOLLOW PEAK have officially released their debut full-length album “Obsidian Cult”, out today worldwide via Massacre Records on Mediabook CD and digital.

Listen to / order “Obsidian Cult” here: https://massacre-records.com/hollowpeak_obsidiancult_sale/

“Obsidian Cult” marks a powerful first full-length statement from the band, combining cinematic atmosphere, melodic intensity and emotional depth into a dark yet uplifting journey. Building on the foundation laid by their 2023 self-released EP, HOLLOW PEAK present a heavier, more refined and conceptually cohesive sound that balances strength, melody and introspection.

Produced by Ragnhild Westgaard and Marius Karlsen, and mixed and mastered by Corey Bergeron, the album explores themes of alienation in the digital age, inner conflict and personal renewal. Each track unfolds as part of a wider narrative, moving between moments of darkness and clarity, tension and release.

The album features the previously released singles “Attack” and “Labyrinth”, which showcased different facets of the band’s sound: from the defiant, battle-driven intensity of “Attack” to the introspective and atmospheric depth of “Labyrinth”.

From the opening track “From Ashes Rises a Crown” to the haunting title track “Obsidian Cult”, the album flows as a unified work, driven by powerful guitar work, dynamic rhythms and commanding vocals, firmly establishing HOLLOW PEAK as one of the most promising new melodic metal acts to emerge from Norway.

HOLLOW PEAK are
Ragnhild Westgaard – Vocals
Marius Karlsen – Drums
Vegard Frydenlund Ripsrud – Guitars
Henning Ramseth – Guitars
Stian Dalslåen – Bass

HOLLOW PEAK online
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091543082236
https://www.instagram.com/hollowpeakband

VICIOUS RAIN Release Emotive New Single ‘Trading Hearts’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 25, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: VICIOUS RAIN. Leave a comment

Swiss force Vicious Rain unveil ‘Trading Hearts’, their new single that turns emotional conflict into a crushing metalcore statement. This is taken from their album The Anatomy of Surviving, set for release on 13th March 2026 via Arising Empire.

Stream the single and pre-order the album here: https://arisingempire.com/viciousrain

‘Trading Hearts’ lyrics portray a relationship spiraling into warfare, where pride outweighs connection and words become weapons. Driven by heavy verses and a huge, cathartic chorus, the track balances raw aggression with melodic weight. Known for intense live energy and a growing European following, Vicious Rain deliver a hard-hitting anthem that cuts deep and stays honest.

The single follows the massive momentum of previous singles ‘Silent Therapy’,  ‘IKIGAI’ and ‘Spitting Blood Again’, which have firmly established the band as one of Europe’s most exciting modern heavy acts.

New album The Anatomy of Surviving promises to be their most personal and dynamic work to date, capturing the struggle, resilience, and emotional weight that define both the band and their growing international fanbase.

Track list:

01 – The Anatomy Of Surviving
02 – Gods Of Glass & Wire    
03 – A Spotless Mind
04 – Silent Therapy
05 – Trading Hearts
06 – Spitting Blood Again
07 – Red Noise
08 – IKIGAI
09 – Intertwined

SNOVONNE Releases New Single & Official Video ‘Bright Sides’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 25, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Snovonne. Leave a comment

After re-emerging at the end of 2025 with her existential and baroque-tinged comeback single “Soak”, multi-disciplinary artist Snovonne “Sno” Drake now unveils her new single and official video “Bright Sides”.

With “Bright Sides”, Sno channels what she describes as “what optimism mixed with rage sounds and looks like” – a sharp, satirical and fiercely honest take on the music industry and the emotional cost of being an autonomous, self-sufficient artist in a hyper-commercialized environment.

The track fuses Sno’s theatrical dark-pop sensibility with biting lyricism, sarcasm and a modern alt-metal backbone, resulting in a sound that is abrasive yet strangely uplifting. The accompanying self-directed video expands this duality through grotesque visual metaphors and a darkly humorous finale.

Stream / download: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/snovonne/bright-sides

Speaking about the new single, Sno explains:

“This is my interpretation of what optimism mixed with rage sounds and looks like. I wrote it thinking about the music industry and my place in it, and I’m sure I speak for millions of other artists. The level of fraud, incompetency and disrespect for genuine autonomous art is often unbearable, but we have to be creative in order to survive, that’s how we’re wired… it’s not for them, not for you and not for streaming numbers… but for ourselves. So we keep going, always looking for bright sides, in hope to not become completely consumed by bitterness and cynicism. How long can we keep this up? Who knows… but I enjoy my dark-humoured, grotesque resolution at the end of the video. So I guess the bright side here is – you can keep ‘beating’ art up, but it will always stand its ground. Like a massive stubborn unicorn.”

“Bright Sides” was mixed by Simon Johansson at SolnaSound Production in Sweden, with mastering handled by Thomas “Plec” Johansson at The Panic Room Studios. The instrumental sessions – including drums, bass, guitars and vocals – were recorded at SolnaSound Production in Stockholm, reinforcing the track’s tight and modern sonic edge.

The official music video was directed, filmed and edited by Sno herself through Sno Drake Design & Media, expanding the single’s concept into a complete visual narrative.

“Bright Sides” follows “Soak”, Sno’s first new release in seven years – a cinematic and existential piece described as a cathartic purge and a baroque-pop emancipation through self-acceptance.

If “Soak” represented the internal process of rebuilding, “Bright Sides” serves as its external confrontation – aimed at reality, the system, and the absurdity of creative survival.

Together, the two singles mark the opening chapter of a new artistic cycle, with additional releases planned for 2026.

About Snovonne “Sno” Drake

A musician, visual artist, and filmmaker active for nearly two decades, Snovonne’s work has been described as “theatrical dark pop”, “metal cabaret”, or “pop baroque.” Her artistic world merges vulnerability with intensity – a space where visual storytelling completes the message of her music.

Over the past years, she has collaborated on diverse projects, including Inner Fear (with Marthus Skaroupka of Cradle of Filth and Mike Wead of King Diamond), The Designs (electro-metal with Billy T Cooper), and Shadow Architects (with Anders Modd and Simon Johansson).

Her short film COPE [illustrations of the mind] – a dark fantasy psychological piece she wrote, directed, and scored – has won multiple awards at independent film festivals worldwide, including Best Short Film, Best Original Soundtrack, and Best Concept Art.

After living in England, Germany, and the USA, Sno is now based in Italy, continuing to explore the intersection of music, emotion, and visual art.

Follow SNOVONNE
https://www.snovonne.net/
https://www.instagram.com/snovonne
https://www.facebook.com/Snovonne
https://www.youtube.com/snovonneofficial

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