Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

DEFACED Unleash Second Single ‘Anthem Of Vermin’ from Upcoming Studio Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 12, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DEFACED. Leave a comment

Photographer: Gorka Rodrigo “Gorka Photography”

Swiss death metal unit DEFACED return with their second single “Anthem Of Vermin”, taken from their upcoming third studio album “Icon”, set for release on February 12th, 2026 via Massacre Records.

Following the explosive impact of the first single “Culling The Herd”, “Anthem Of Vermin” dives deeper into the oppressive and dystopian world at the core of “Icon”. As the longest and most multifaceted track on the album, the song showcases the full scope of DEFACED’s extreme metal vision – blending relentless death metal aggression, grinding intensity, and evocative black metal atmospheres into one uncompromising statement.

Musically, “Anthem Of Vermin” opens with harmonized riffing over fast double-kick assaults before shifting into crushing grooves and a powerful mid-section steeped in black metal darkness. The track culminates in a dramatic structure that highlights both the band’s technical precision and their passion for atmosphere, crowned by a striking guitar solo by Matze Schiemann.

Lyrically, the song represents a key chapter in “Icon”s conceptual narrative. “Anthem Of Vermin” focuses on the faceless masses – stripped of identity, education and free will – reduced to expendable tools serving an authoritarian regime. Disposable, replaceable, and ultimately insignificant in the eyes of the “Icon,” they exist only to sustain the empire until their final breath.

Guitarist Marco Kessi comments:
“‘Anthem Of Vermin’ is the track that truly represents everything DEFACED stands for today. It’s brutal, atmospheric, dynamic, and uncompromising. If you want to understand ‘Icon’ in a single song, this is it.”

Stream the song HERE: https://save-it.cc/massacre/anthem-of-vermin

After years of meticulous songwriting and two complete pre-production cycles, “Icon” stands as the band’s proudest and most carefully constructed work to date. DEFACED remained fully committed to refining every detail, rewriting and discarding material until each song matched their exact creative vision. Produced, mixed and mastered by Simon Egli and Romano Galli at Hardbeat Studio Eggiwil, the album captures the band’s raw energy with polished clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.

“Icon” also marks the first studio appearance of vocalist Thomas Gertsch, guitarist Matze Schiemann and bassist Michael Gertsch, each bringing new influences that helped shape the album’s expanded sonic palette. While firmly rooted in death metal, the record ventures into grindcore aggression, black metal atmospheres and a pronounced passion for harmonies and ambience, remaining true to the band’s DNA while pushing their sound further than ever before.

Lyrically, the album explores authoritarianism, mass surveillance and psychological manipulation from the perspective of the oppressor himself. The visual interpretation of this dystopian concept was created by acclaimed artist Pär Olofsson, whose artwork perfectly reflects the record’s themes.

DEFACED live:

13.02.2026 CH Burgdorf – Saegegasse release show with Hour of Penance, Thy Gnosis, Shallow Descent
06.06.2026 CH Basel at Valhalla Club with Godless

European tour – venues TBA

23.06.2026 Novi Sad
24.06.2026 Zagreb
25.06.2026 Ljubljana
26.06.2026 Remptemdorrf
27.06.2026 Vicenza
28.06.2026 Bologna
29.06.2026 Torino
13.09.2026 CZ Zelenice, IL Fest

DEFACED are:
Thomas Gertsch – Vocals
Massimiliano Malvassora – Drums
Marco Kessi – Guitars, Backing vocals
Matze Schiemann – Guitars
Michael Gertsch – Bass

DEFACED online:
https://www.defaced.ch/
https://www.facebook.com/defacedswiss
https://www.instagram.com/defaced_swiss/

SHADOWSPAWN Unleash Video for First Single ‘He Who Slept in Fire’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 12, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: SHADOWSPAWN. Leave a comment

Shadowspawn hails from the greater Copenhagen area in Denmark and has existed since 2013. They released several critically acclaimed records (“Ashes of Sorrow” (EP, 2015), “Hope Lies Dormant” (2017), “The Biology of Disbelief” (2021), “Blasphemica” (2023)) and established themselves as a powerful force on the Danish metal scene. They are known for their uncompromising blend of groove, black, and old-school death metal, Shadowspawn masterfully balances brutality, heaviness, and technicality!

After 3 years, now Danish band is preparing for releasing 4th studio album!

With “Cadaver Dogs“, Shadowspawn unleash a landmark album that both expands the band’s musical horizons and cements their ability to craft a cohesive sound where groove and darkness go hand in hand with crushing intensity.

Bue Jensen comments: “We’re back with a truly killer, thoroughly crafted record, and we’re proud and excited to present it to our fans! We’ve created a narrative about
the insane world we see around us, where power-hungry dictators and religion set an agenda built on fear, murder, and oppression. In other words, human carrion feeders who exploit everything they possibly can!“.

The material for the new album was recorded at Corpsekennel Spawncamp. All was mixed & mastered by Kelvin Dam. Cover artwork was designed by Swedish artist Henry Pyykkö, and the layout was created by Jess Larsen. Album will be released on February 20, 2026 in digital format and CD by Polish label Via Nocturna (pre-order).

In April this year, Shadowspawn will go on tour across Denmark together with Defacing God (symphonic black/gothic) and Maceration (death).More info at Metalized Tour Fanpage.

Watch video to the song “He Who Slept in Fire“:

TRACKLIST:

01. Spiral of Torment
02. The Apostate
03. Devil’s Breath Retribution
04. Dark Waters
05. Eir to the Profane
06. Cadaver Dogs
07. Requiem of the Dispossessed
08. He Who Slept in Fire
09. Hollow Gods
10. Demonized and Blasphemous

More information: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp

GANDALF’S FIST Celebrate 15 Years of Debut Album “The Master and The Monkey”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 12, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: GANDALF'S FIST. Leave a comment

January 2026 marks 15 years since Gandalf’s Fist released their eccentric debut album The Master and The Monkey — the record that first introduced fans to the band’s signature blend of storytelling, quirkiness, and prog-rock adventure.

To commemorate the milestone, the band have announced a special 15th Anniversary Collection, featuring a limited-edition “Brick Red” cassette reissue of the album alongside discounted anniversary editions of the CD Digipak and “Croak of Truth” T-shirt. Each item includes a digital download of the album as a thank-you to long-time listeners who’ve supported the band’s independent journey.

Frontman and guitarist Dean Marsh commented:

“It’s not every day that you decide to release a concept album about a Frog riding around on the head of a monkey hell-bent on world domination – and we can’t quite believe it’s been 15 years since that monumental decision, but this is an ideal time to celebrate our humble beginnings whilst allowing fans to support us in releasing new music this year.”

The band have also hinted that this anniversary may be the first of several special collector’s issues in 2026, with two more albums reaching their own 15-year milestones later this year.

For more information and to view the anniversary collection, visit: https://gandalfsfist.com/cds-and-merch

Gandalf’s Fist are a fully self-funded independent Progressive Rock band from the UK.

Website & Socials:
http://www.gandalfsfist.com
https://www.instagram.com/gandalfsfist
http://www.facebook.com/gandalfsfist

CRYSTAL SUN to Release New Album “The Trace You Left” in Memory of Ale Moz, First Single/Lyric Video ‘Undead Hunters’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 12, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Alessandro "Ale" Moz, CRYSTAL SUN. Leave a comment

CRYSTAL SUN is the posthumous musical project of Alessandro “Ale” Moz, longtime bassist of the band called Detestor, who passed away prematurely on July 16, 2024. To complete his final work and honor his memory and passion, a group of longtime friends joined forces with numerous guests from the Italian and international metal scene. The result is “The Trace You Left” an album due out January 23, 2026, via Nadir Music. A solidarity album. All proceeds from sales will be donated to AIRC (Italian Association for Cancer Research), making this musical tribute a concrete gesture of support for research.

Tracklist:

Skinwalker (feat. Francesco Paoli from Fleshgod Apocalypse) – Total: 04:53
Kee Wakw (feat. Gabriele from Infection Code – Mauro and Giuseppe from Aydra) – Total: 03:50
Undead Hunters (feat. Steva and Alessio Lucatti from Deathless Legacy) – Total: 03:50
Enters Peoples Bodies – Total: 05:43
In The Morning Dust (feat. Fiore and Dome from Fulci) – Total: 04:13
Like The Plague – Total: 04:13
Flying heads – Total: 03:11
Mystical Spell Mortification – Total: 04:59
A Little Idea (Andy Marchini and Enzo Marrali) – Total: 02:47

Pre-order is available at: https://nadirmusic.bigcartel.com

Release Date: January 23, 2026.
Label: Nadir Music .
Producers: Produced, mixed and mastered by Tommy Talamanca, Lyrics by Trevor Sadist
Cover Art: Created by Paola Robiolio Bose.
Format: CD / Vinyl
Proceeds: 100% donated to AIRC

Lineup: Ale Moz on bass, Trevor (Sadist) on vocals, Giovanni Durst (Benediction) on drums, Tommy Talamanca (Sadist) on guitars.

Additional Guest Musicians: Francesco Paoli (Fleshgod Apocalypse), Alessio Lucatti (Deathless Legacy), Eleonora Steva Vaiani (Deathless Legacy), Dome (Fulci), Fiore (Fulci), Gabriele Oltracqua (Infection Code), Mauro Pacetti (Aydra), Andy Marchini and Enzo Marsalis

First single: The lyric video for “Undead Hunters” is now available, featuring Trevor and Tommy (Sadist), Giovanni Durst (Benediction), Steva and Alessio Lucatti (Deathless Legacy).

An album to remember. A gesture of support.
Buying “The Trace You Left” means celebrating Ale Moz music and making a concrete contribution to the fight against cancer.

JOHN’S SOUL Releases New Single ‘Open Wound’ with Lyric Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 12, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Giovanni Barborini, JOHN’S SOUL. Leave a comment

JOHN’S SOUL has released a new single and lyric video for ‘Open Wound’, now available on all digital platforms. Watch the lyric video below.

“Open Wound” is a weary, worn-out, necessary track.
An unheard monologue, addressed to someone who can hear but is unable to listen. An open emotional wound transformed into music, laying bare the lack of communication and the sense of frustration that comes with it.

With this new single, John’s Soul (Giovanni Barborini) delivers an intense, unfiltered track, capable of translating inner weight into sound and words, maintaining a constant balance between emotional impact and artistic awareness.

JOHN’S SOUL: AN AUTHENTIC IDENTITY

John’s Soul is a project born in 2016 from a spontaneous and deep need for personal expression. An artistic path that took shape naturally, to the point that the project name was officially adopted only later, when its identity was already clearly defined.

At its core lies a multimedia vision, where music, lyrics, and visual imagery interact in sync. The artist’s personal experiences are reworked to create a direct dialogue with the listener, moving between the social sphere and the psychological dimension.

SOUND AND LANGUAGE

The sound of “Open Wound” is rooted in a grunge and punk background, infused with broader influences that help define a raw, direct, and deeply emotional style.

Every sonic element is designed to reinforce the meaning of the lyrics, in a constant dialogue between music and words, where nothing is superfluous.

The vocals—intense and charged with tension—become the main narrative vehicle of the track, conveying all the fragility and urgency of its message.

THE ARTIST

Behind John’s Soul is Giovanni Barborini, an artist engaged in a training path focused on voice care and extreme vocal techniques, elements that strongly influence his expressive approach.

This ongoing research is reflected in sincere songwriting and a conscious vocal performance, capable of supporting complex themes without losing authenticity.

A NECESSARY SONG

“Open Wound” moves through alienation, lack of communication, and emotional fragility, confronting the listener with deeply relevant inner and social dynamics.

It offers no solutions or judgments, but opens a space for listening and reflection, where discomfort becomes a shared language.

JOLLY ROGER Join Wanikiya Record Roster + Release New Video Single ‘Neverland’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 12, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: JOLLY ROGER. Leave a comment

Photo source: Jolly Roger – Facebook Page

The crew lands at Wanikiya and sets sail with the first explosive single of a brand-new era!
The musical storm has officially begun.

After more than ten years of navigating stages all across Italy and the important experience gained at Sanremo Rock, JOLLY ROGER return more determined than ever, with a renewed lineup and a clearly charted course toward more powerful, fresh, and overwhelming sounds.

At the helm is the gritty, charismatic voice of Mr. Joseph K., alongside the unmistakable, acrobatic guitar of Mr. Joey, the solid and incisive bass of Antony, and the thunderous drums of Mr. Nicholas, a true rhythmic war machine.

A tight, united crew, ready to conquer new sonic seas.

A NEW ALLIANCE

From today, the adventure becomes even more epic:
Jolly Roger officially join the Wanikiya Record/Promotion roster.

A collaboration that promises fire, gunpowder, and a whole lot of music, driven by energy, identity, and true independent spirit.

On January 10, 2026, the band finally raised anchor with “Neverland”, the first single of the new Jolly Roger era.

An adrenaline-fueled cover, boldly reimagined with personality and courage, transformed into a blast of pure energy, pirate atmospheres, and rebellious spirit.

A track that looks toward the horizon, calling for escape, adventure, and freedom, dragging the listener into unexplored worlds where the rules are rewritten with riffs and pounding drums.