Icelandic FORSMÁN to Release New Album “Brenndar Rústir & Fuðrandi Fjörur” on June 26th, New Song ‘Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt’ Out Now

Posted by metalshockfinland on May 20, 2026
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FORSMÁN, one of the most promising new names to emerge from Iceland’s black metal underground, release their new song “Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt” today, the opening track of the band’s debut album Brenndar Rústir & Fuðrandi Fjörur, which will be released on June 26, 2026, via Vesperian through Metal Blade Records worldwide.

Pre-orders are now live HERE.

Stream “Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt” HERE & watch the visualizer video here:

“Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt” opens the album with severity and intent. Vicious, cold, and extreme, the song still reveals a strong sense of detail: intricate riffing, shifting dynamics, and a dense atmosphere give FORSMÁN‘s black metal a demanding, fully formed character. Rooted in Iceland’s contemporary tradition, the band already appear less like followers than a new voice within it.

The album’s cover artwork was created by Paolo Girardi, known for his work with POWER TRIP,REVOCATION, SULPHUR AEON, and many others.

Tracklist:
01. Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt (5:19)
02. Svartir Svanir (6:53)
03. Andvana (6:02)
04. Valdníðsla (4:23)
05. Kynjamyndir (3:30)
06. Lof Mér Líf Þitt Að Taka (3:52)
07. Hræ Hins Almáttuga (6:44)
08. Barmafylltar Fjöldagrafir (7:34)

Album Cover by Paolo Girardi

Metal Blade Records is distributing the album worldwide with the album available for pre-order in N. America as a Ltd. CD Digipak with 16-page booklet with extensive artwork and Gatefold LP with LP-booklet feat. extensive artwork and OBI strip on Clear/black splatter vinyl.

FORSMÁN are a black metal band from Kópavogur, Iceland. After their debut EP “Dönsum í logans ljóma“, the members – all only in their early twenties – have been working intensively on new material. FORSMÁN (pronounced “fors-mown”) stand in the line of modern Icelandic black metal associated with SVARTIDAUÐI, SINMARA, and MISÞYRMING, combining a dense atmosphere with focused, forward-driving songwriting.

FORSMÁN Line-Up:
V. Bass, Vocals
H. Guitar
O. Guitar, Vocals
M. Drums

FORSMÁN Online:
https://www.facebook.com/forsmanband
https://www.instagram.com/forsmaniceland

PROGENY OF SUN Release New Single And Music Video ‘Unified Light’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Joni Kiviniemi

Progeny of Sun released their second full-length album, “Prophets of the Void,” in September 2025 and immediately began working on new material. Although the third album is still in the composition phase, the band decided to give a small taste of what’s to come in the form of a single. The new track ‘Unified Light’, along with its music video, is released today and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/progeny-of-sun-unified-light

The third album is planned for release sometime in 2027, and the new songs dive even deeper into the depths of dark death metal in the band’s signature genre-blending style. Alongside writing the new album, the band continues to perform actively, and at the end of May they will embark on their first small international tour, which includes Finland as well as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Guitarist Joni comments:
“Our drummer Juha was staring out the window on a stormy evening, thinking to himself, ‘It would be nice if, just for once, I could play some fun grooves in at least one song.’ As composers, Jaakko and I somehow picked up on Juha’s thoughts and let him loose in the studio on his own. The result was a track with nothing but drums recorded, without any bigger vision behind it. ‘We’ll figure something out for this,” I said confidently, and tuned my guitar even lower than usual. Tuomo (the bassist) struggled with the new tuning, remarking, ‘Isn’t my job supposed to be playing these low frequencies?’ Niko (the vocalist) nodded along with a grin, an orange drink in his hand: ‘Boys, It’s kickin’ really nicely’”. I assume he was talking about the song.”

–Composed by Joni Kiviniemi, Jaakko Hautamäki, Juha Peura, Tuomo Tolkki
–Lyrics by Niko Aromaa
–Mixed and mastered by Jonathan Mazzeo
–Single cover by Joni Kiviniemi & Niko Aromaa
–ISRC: FI3FC2699901

Finno-Baltic Havoc Tour 2026: (w/ Denominate)

28.5. RockNeck, Jyväskylä, Finland
29.5. Lepakkomies, Helsinki, Finland
30.5. Konservatoorium, Viljandi, Estonia
31.5. The Lodge, Riga, Latvia
2.6. Lemmy Music Club, Kaunas, Lithuania

BIOGRAPHY:

In the beginning, Progeny of Sun was a two-man band formed by Jaakko Hautamäki and Niko Aromaa. Jaakko was responsible for the instrumentals, mixing, and mastering, while Niko handled the vocals, lyrics, visuals, etc.

The songs Jaakko introduced were very versatile. Some had speed, some were slow, some painted a picture with their atmosphere, and some were more straightforward bangers. Despite the diversity in style, everything worked exceptionally well in tandem, and from this premise, the band started to develop and pave its own way forward.

To start with, Progeny of Sun created a 6-song self-titled EP and discovered that their music was met with great reception. The duo behind the band did all the mixing, mastering, videos, and artwork themselves. The project as a whole was very fun and rewarding to work on.

After the EP release, Jaakko and Niko began to think that something more was still needed. They still had a burning desire to spread their music around the world, but with just two people, it would have been impossible.

Subsequently, Jaakko found two local musicians from the Seinäjoki area: Joni Kiviniemi (guitar) and Juha Peura (drums). Joni and Juha were initially brought on board just to offer their vision and play their assigned instruments for new material. Soon, however, it began to feel like they were part of the family, and so it was decided that they would become full-fledged members of the squad and a part of the band’s story. Not long after, Tuomo Tolkki (bass) was also welcomed to join, and in a matter of a few months, the full lineup was formed.

The first release with the full lineup, a 3-track EP ‘Dark Wanderer’, was released in 2021. Next in line were the single releases ‘Worthless’ and ‘Anguish’, which were released in 2022. Thanks to the aforementioned experimental phase, Progeny of Sun has gained self-confidence and started to understand its own identity. The band worked hard on the debut album ‘Throne of Desolation’, which was released at the end of 2023. Progeny of Sun’s second album ‘Prophets of the Void’ was released in September 2025. Following their debut album, the band has identified their strengths, which are utilized and showcased even more prominently on the second album. The third album is currently in progress and is planned to be released sometime in 2027.

Line-up:
Niko Aromaa – Vocals
Jaakko Hautamäki – Guitar
Joni Kiviniemi – Guitar
Tuomo Tolkki – Bass
Juha Peura – Drums

https://www.facebook.com/Progenyofsun
https://www.instagram.com/progenyofsun
https://progenyofsun.bandcamp.com

NOVA RIOT Team Up w/ THE BUNNY THE BEAR for a Dark Ritual in New ‘The Altar’ Music Video & Single

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Paris Pipkin

Durant, Oklahoma, continues to prove itself as a surprising breeding ground for innovative heavy music, and Nova Riot is currently leading that charge with their latest music video for the track The Altar, a haunting piece of cinema directed by Paris Pipkin that perfectly encapsulates their self-defined bubblegum alternative metal aesthetic. Shot within the weathered walls of a decommissioned church, the video serves as a visceral extension of the band’s creative identity, blending high-fashion gothic sensibilities with the raw energy of modern hard rock. “The Altar” is the first of three music videos off the band’s debut full-length album Blood, Lies & Lullabies, which will be released on August 21, 2026 via rock and metal record label Eclipse Records.

The song itself features a collaborative effort with Matt and Brooke from The Bunny The Bear, adding layers of vocal depth to a track that bassist Orion describes as a thematic centerpiece for the band. According to Orion, the lyrical foundation of the song focuses on the concept of total surrender to an external force or person that ignites one’s internal inspiration. This idea of “casting spells” into the world is a recurring motif for Nova Riot, and The Altar represents the darker side of that ritualistic devotion. It explores the necessity of navigating through shadows to eventually find the light, a sentiment that resonates through the heavy, atmospheric production of the single.

“We see music videos as an extension of our art, so we enjoy having our hands in every aspect of the creative processes,” explains bassist Orion. “Our initial vision for the video was difficult to materialize because of the tight production deadlines given to us by Eclipse. We had hoped that Matt & Brooke could make it to the shoots but sadly, our schedules just couldn’t synch up to do it. So we had permission to film in this old church, a casket and masks which I hand-made, and Nova had a few wardrobe ideas. We brought my production assistant Riley, then Nova and I and filmed a bunch after we shot some b-roll. After we got all the hero shots, we decided to go off script a bit and throw Riley in some wardrobe and mask (which I also had hand-made). Those last-minute shots really married the video and the song. We thought we were just going to have to make the video super sexy to make up for the lack of a strong storyline, but thanks to Riley’s superb willingness to mask up and get behind the camera he saved the day! I’m a big horror buff… We love to shoot horror themed videos. I’m kind of like the Temu version of Rob Zombie if i had to compare my work to someone who might have inspired me!”

Coverart by Paris Pipkin

The heavy music landscape often feels like a choice between two extremes: the jagged, unpolished chaos of the underground or the sanitized, predictable shine of the mainstream. Every so often, a band emerges that refuses to acknowledge the boundary at all. Nova Riot, a trio operating out of Durant, Oklahoma, is that disruption. With their upcoming debut album, Blood, Lies & Lullabies, they have officially planted their flag in a territory they call bubblegum alternative metal. The album is a rare combination of commercial viability and uncompromising creative vision. It is a high-octane collision of grit and melody that feels both dangerously volatile and impeccably crafted. Produced by Braxton Henry and co-produced by Addison Ray and Paris Pipkin, the album boasts a cinematic depth that matches its conceptual ambition. The trio functions as a self-contained production powerhouse, prioritizing studio perfection and visual storytelling to create an immersive world for their listeners. Nova Riot is not just releasing a collection of songs; they are inviting the world into an immersive, rhythmic incantation. Altogether, the album contains seven tracks, including standouts like “The Altar (feat. The Bunny The Bear)”, “Midnight Coven Crush” and “Like I Meant It.” The album is set for release on August 21, 2026 via Eclipse Records.

Pre-Save or Pre-Order Blood, Lies & Lullabies at this location.

Blood, Lies & Lullabies track listing
01.  Haunting Me
02.  Midnight Coven Crush
03.  Casket
04.  The Altar (feat. The Bunny The Bear)
05.  Like I Meant It
06.  Through The Storm
07.  Sorry Mom

About Nova Riot
In an era of predictable formulas and recycled aesthetics, NOVA RIOT emerges from Durant, Oklahoma, as a formidable disruption to the heavy music status quo. Operating under the defiant mantra of “Music with No Apologies,” the trio has rapidly carved out a niche within a self-defined sonic territory they describe as bubblegum alternative metal. Nova Riot is Nova Ray (vocals), Orion (bass guitar), Ares (lead guitar).

ADRIAN VANDENBERG Announces ‘My Whitesnake Years’ Tour w/ Co-Headliners VINNIE MOORE & MARCO MENDOZA

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2026
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Distinguished guitarist Adrian Vandenberg is bringing a powerhouse night of classic hard rock to U.S. audiences this August with “My Whitesnake Years” tour.

The tour features an all-star lineup including acclaimed guitarist Vinnie Moore and veteran bassist/vocalist Marco Mendoza, celebrating decades of iconic rock music spanning Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, UFO, Ted Nugent, and beyond. Tickets and a VIP meet and greet package are available for purchase via this link: vandenbergband.com/tour

Here is what is received via the VIP package (limited to 25 per show):

· Meet & Greet and photo with Adrian Vandenberg, Marco Mendoza, Vinnie Moore using your own camera.
· Autograph session with Adrian, Marco and Vinnie
· VIP Merch surprise – GIVEN TO YOU AT THE SHOW
· Commemorative VIP Laminate – GIVEN TO YOU AT THE SHOW

Vandenberg first rose to prominence in the early 1980s with his band Vandenberg, earning international success with hits including “Burning Heart” and “Friday Night.” His success led to a longtime collaboration with David Coverdale and Whitesnake, where he contributed the unforgettable guitar solo to the multi-platinum smash “Here I Go Again” and co-wrote material for the Slip of the Tongue and Restless Heart releases. He also appeared on Whitesnake’s Starkers in Tokyo, Live at Donington, and the band’s celebrated Greatest Hits reunion tour.

Beyond Whitesnake, Vandenberg has continued an extensive recording career with multiple solo releases and albums with Vandenberg’s MoonKings. In 2024, he co-headlined with Geoff Tate on the Operation: Mindcrime tour, followed by performances aboard the 2025 Monsters of Rock Cruise and a successful East Coast headline run.

Joining the bill is Vinnie Moore, internationally recognized for his 21-year tenure with UFO and his acclaimed solo catalog. Moore has also performed and recorded with artists including Alice Cooper and Vicious Rumors.

And performing with Moore will be Marco Mendoza, whose impressive resumé includes 26 years with Thin Lizzy, seven years with Whitesnake, seven years with Ted Nugent, and work with The Dead Daisies and the current SatchVai Band.

“Really (REALLY!) excited to cross the ocean again with my top notch band to honor my 12 years in the golden era of Whitesnake!,” exclaims Adrian. “Be prepared to scream along with all the big ones like ‘Still Of The Night’, ‘Here I Go Again’, ‘Judgement Day’, ‘Fool For Your Lovin’ etc etc. No doubt about it, this is an absolute BIG ROCK tour with Marco and Vinnie celebrating their years in Journey, Thin Lizzy and UFO. You don’t wanna miss this! We are ready, are you?!?”

“I have to say that I’m very excited and looking forward to the US run of dates in August, and sharing the stage with Adrian Vandenberg and Vinnie Moore,” added Marco. “And having the opportunity to introduce my own music and also to pay tribute to some of my past participations and collaborations, like Thin Lizzy and Ted Nugent, along with Vinnie on some UFO tracks and some of his original stuff. It’s just going to be a great run…don’t miss it, see you there!”

“Thrilled to be doing this tour with Marco and Adrian,” Vinnie said. “Going to be a blast to play a couple UFO songs, as well as some of my tunes and some Thin Lizzy. This is going to be a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to it. See you all soon.” 

Fans can expect a night packed with classic songs, guitar fireworks, and deep cuts from some of hard rock’s most celebrated catalogs. The show will feature two complete 75-minute-plus performances, or a single extended 90-minute presentation with intermission.

Moore and Mendoza will also perform together in a collaborative set backed by a shared band, revisiting fan favorites from across their legendary careers.

For fans of classic hard rock and virtuoso musicianship, this tour promises an unforgettable evening celebrating some of the genre’s most enduring songs and performers.

Adrian Vandenberg 2026 Tour Dates

· Aug. 3 – New Bedford, MA – The Vault Music Hall and Pub
· Aug. 4 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
· Aug. 5 – Newton, NJ – Newton Theatre
· Aug. 6 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater
· Aug. 7 – New York, NY – Sony Hall
· Aug. 8 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall
· Aug. 9 – Syracuse, NY – Sharkey’s
· Aug. 10 – Pittsburgh, PA – Jergel’s
· Aug. 12 – Detroit, MI – Token Lounge
· Aug. 13 – Wabash, IN – Honeywell Center
· Aug. 14 – St. Charles, IL – Arcada Theatre
· Aug. 15 – Dixon, IL – Dixon Theater
· Aug. 16 – Columbus, OH – King of Clubs
· Aug. 18 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Theater
· Aug. 20 – Nashville, TN – Basement East
· Aug. 21 – Harrison, OH – Blue Note
· Aug. 22 – Gatlinburg, TN – Monsters on the Mountain Festival*
· Aug. 23 – Atlanta, GA – The Loft at Center Stage

*Vandenberg only. Marco Mendoza and Vinnie Moore will not appear at the Monsters on the Mountain Festival date.

  • Artwork by Sem Christoffel
  • Adrian’s photo by David Dauphin / Dwidou Photography
  • Marco’s photo by Dalila Kriheli / RockstarPix
  • Vinnie’s photo by Gretschen Johnson Photography

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: vandenbergband.com

ARCTIS Return with New Electrifying Single & Official Music Video ‘CyberLove’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Finnish modern metal rising force ARCTIS return with their electrifying single “CyberLove,” now accompanied by an official music video, out today. Marking the band’s first new release since their debut album Arctis, the track launches the next chapter as they move toward their highly anticipated second album.

Blending heavy riffs, soaring pop vocals, and hyped electronic textures, “CyberLove” pushes Arctis further into a modern sonic landscape. Drawing inspiration from the playful intensity of K-pop and kawaii metal elements, the track stands as one of the band’s most experimental and vibrant releases to date.

Part cyberpunk love story and part cautionary tale, “CyberLove” explores the blurred line between devotion and obsession in the digital age. Through themes of online identity, emotional vulnerability, and virtual connection, the song poses a simple but unsettling question: who is really on the other side?

The song was written by the band and produced by Janne Hyöty and Christian Jansson of Sugar House Publishing, with mixing handled by Joel Wanasek.

Following the release of their debut album via Napalm Records, Arctis gained international momentum touring Europe alongside Apocalyptica and appearing at festivals such as Summer Breeze Open Air and Rockharz Open Air.

With “CyberLove,” Arctis step confidently into a new era, evolving their sound toward a more modern and globally competitive direction while maintaining the intensity that defines the band. The single also marks the beginning of a steady stream of new music, with further releases planned in the coming months.

The single is available worldwide on all major streaming platforms.

Biography:

Arctis represents a new generation of modern metal emerging from Finland — one that refuses to choose between heaviness, melody, and atmosphere. Blending crushing riffs with soaring, pop-infused vocals and cinematic soundscapes, the band creates music that is as emotionally charged as it is sonically powerful. Their sound is shaped by a distinct Nordic atmosphere, where cold, expansive textures meet raw intensity and vulnerability.

Built on a foundation of collaboration and constant evolution, Arctis approaches songwriting as a shared process. Each member contributes from their own creative space, allowing ideas to move freely and organically until they form something cohesive. The result is a sound that feels both dynamic and focused — balancing modern production with a strong emotional core.

“We’ve always been drawn to contrast — heavy and melodic, control and chaos. Arctis is about turning those extremes into something that feels real.”

That vision took its first full form with their self-titled debut album, released in 2024 via Napalm Records. Produced by Jimmy Westerlund (One Desire), the album introduced Arctis as a band capable of merging metal’s intensity with mainstream-level pop songwriting — earning attention for both its sound and its ambition.

Soon after, Arctis stepped onto the live stage for the first time on a European tour with Apocalyptica. What could have been a daunting introduction instead became a defining moment: night after night, the band proved their ability to command large stages and connect with audiences all over Europe. The tour not only built momentum but also established Arctis as a compelling and emotionally engaging live act. That momentum carried into the summer of 2025, where Arctis performed at major European festivals including Summer Breeze, Rockharz, and Rock Castle. 

Rather than slowing down, Arctis moved directly from the road into the studio to begin work on their second album, CyberLove. The upcoming release marks a clear step forward — heavier, sharper, and more direct — while continuing to explore themes of internal struggle, pressure, and identity. Produced in collaboration with Janne Hyöty and Christian Jansson (Sugar House Publishing), and mixed by Joel Wanasek (Machine Head, Ice Nine Kills, Catch Your Breath), the album is crafted to stand confidently on the global stage.

As Arctis continues to grow, their focus remains clear: to evolve without losing emotional honesty, to create music that feels both massive and personal, and to build a connection with listeners that extends far beyond the songs themselves.

Arctis is not defined by a single sound or moment — but by forward motion, contrast, and the constant drive to become something more.

Follow ARCTIS for more: ▷ Spotify ▷ Instagram ▷ TikTok ▷ Facebook ▷ Website

GOJIRA Celebrate 20th Anniversary of “From Mars To Sirius” with Deluxe Edition Double Gatefold Zoetrope Picture Disc

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Released in 2005, ‘From Mars To Sirius’ became a defining album that launched GOJIRA to worldwide recognition. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, this metal masterpiece remains as powerful as ever, blending themes of environmental awareness, life, death, and rebirth. The album is widely regarded as one of the greatest metal records of all time.

Now, courtesy of Listenable Records, ‘From Mars To Sirius’ is available in a Limited Deluxe Edition: a double gatefold zoetrope picture disc featuring exclusive, never-before-seen band photos. First Edition of 3000 worldwide copies.

Order HERE – Listen to the full album here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z70ch7cE8ak

Watch the Music Video for “To Sirius”: