Time To Kill Records is proud to announce the signing of Norwegian progressive metallers MESSIER 16, marking a new chapter in the band’s steadily evolving artistic journey.
Hailing from Oslo, MESSIER 16 have established a distinct identity within contemporary progressive metal through a sound that is intricate, inventive and at times deliberately unconventional, yet always marked by a strong sense of elegance and compositional coherence. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Ihsahn, Enslaved and Devin Townsend, the band embraces a forward-thinking approach where extreme metal serves as the starting point for a broader and highly personal sonic exploration. Heavy rhythmic structures, layered guitar work and sharp dynamic contrasts coexist with atmospheric passages, orchestral textures and emotionally driven songwriting, resulting in a musical language that remains adventurous without ever losing sight of structure and songcraft.
The band consists of Jonas Eide (guitars, composer, lyricist), Sondre M. Svalastog (vocals), Aleksander Ilievski (guitars, producer), Nicolo Cavallaro (bass) and Jonathan Hamre (drums). Through their work, MESSIER 16 have developed a deeply narrative and expressive approach, exploring psychological and emotional themes through a form of portrait-like lyricism focused on the inner lives of individuals and the actions stemming from them.
Their previous albums, “Iota” and “Death Poems”, already showcased the band’s ambition and conceptual depth. While the former dealt with mental health struggles and emotional fragility, the latter drew inspiration from publicly available suicide notes, confronting themes of despair and human vulnerability with striking intensity and sensitivity.
Now preparing to unveil their third full-length album, MESSIER 16 further refine their sonic identity while venturing into new musical and lyrical territory. The upcoming record promises a more mature and expansive vision of the band’s progressive approach, balancing technical sophistication, atmospheric depth and emotional resonance within a highly cohesive framework.
Further details regarding the new album will be revealed soon.
After more than 40 eventful years of existence, Canada’s progressive sci-fi metal innovators VOÏVOD return with ‘Symphonique,’ a special live release together with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, set for release on June 5, 2026, worldwide via Century Media Records.
‘Symphonique,’ which functions like an epic piece of cinema, showcases VOÏVOD’s pioneering futuristic metal with the strains of a symphony orchestra, and features a carefully curated VOÏVOD best-of setlist composed of 12 songs across 73 minutes, recorded live on June 4th, 2025, at the Grand Théâtre in Québec City, Canada.
Today, the next appetizer for ‘Symphonique’ can now be heard online via DSP’s with the launch of the second single “The End Of Dormancy (Symphonique),” alongside an official visualizer curated by Cloud Motion Design, available to view below.
Previously, the song “Forgotten In Space (Symphonique)” was launched HERE.
VOÏVOD’s drummer and founding member Michel “Away” Langevin comments on ‘Symphonique’:
“This live album with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra is a longtime dream turned reality. Thankfully, we will experience it again in 2027 with the Orchestre Symphonique du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, right in the region where VOÏVOD formed back in 1983. We wish to take this show across the globe with local orchestras one day, but in the meantime, I hope you will enjoy this epic release. It’s the closest we’ve ever come to sounding like a dystopian sci-fi movie soundtrack, another dream of ours!”
VOÏVOD’s guitarist Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain shares the following about the second single “The End Of Dormancy (Symphonique)”:
“This one is very special to me. I wrote the riffs imagining Roman naval battles with a full orchestra, like the movies from the 50’s and 60’s. It has a very dramatic vibe. Little did I know that what we synthesized for a four-piece band would eventually explode into its primary, original imagined form. It’s one of the most orchestral pieces on the album, and I remember vividly the crowd’s reaction after the grand finale, it was one of these rare life’s perfect moments. I’m very grateful for that incredible experience.”
‘Symphonique’ follows the release of VOÏVOD’s latest Juno Award-winning studio album, ‘Synchro Anarchy’ (2022), which reached #7 on the official album sales charts in Germany, #64 in Switzerland, #67 in Austria, and #88 in the Netherlands upon release. It also arrives after the band’s special 40th anniversary release, ‘Morgöth Tales’ (2023), from which a selection of videos can be found below.
‘Symphonique’ will be available in the following formats: => CD Jewelcase in O-Card => Gatefold 2LP (On either unlimited Black 180g double vinyl, 300x copies limited Yellow 180g double vinyl from Sony Music Canada Shop and EMP, or 300x copies limited Orange 180g double vinyl from VOÏVOD) => Digital Album
Artwork: Michel “Away” Langevin
VOÏVOD will next embark on comprehensive European touring runs at a suitable time for the upcoming live release starting in June. Don’t miss the following dates:
June Europe Tour
Thu 04.06 – Stykkishólmur (Iceland) @ Satan Fest Sat 06.06 – Emmen (The Netherlands) @ Pitfest
SOLEMNITY is a German heavy metal band from the area of Ulm, founded in 1998 by vocalist Sven “The Axe”. The band quickly established a distinctive identity within the underground metal scene by combining traditional heavy metal with dark, horror-inspired themes and theatrical stage performances. Describing their music as “Heavy Horror Metal”, SOLEMNITY’s music draws heavily from classic heavy metal traditions while incorporating themes of horror, mythology, and dark fantasy. Their sound has often been compared to epic metal acts while maintaining a unique identity through theatrical imagery and concept-driven songwriting. With a discography spanning over a decade and a reputation for powerful live performances, SOLEMNITY remains a cult name within the European heavy metal underground and among fans of horror-themed metal and 2026 will see the Return of the Hairführer!
In the mid-2020s, SOLEMNITY unexpectedly re-emerged with new material and plans for a new album titled Opus Barbaricum, scheduled for release on May 15th, 2026. The revival marks the return of the band’s signature “Heavy Horror Metal” style and continues the dark, epic storytelling that defined their earlier work.
With album release SOLEMNITY reveal a new video clip for the track “Drums Of War“:
Sven The Axe comments: “I really love Skyclad’s version of the Thin Lizzy classic ‘Emerald’, and one day, whilst I was jamming to it, this lovely melody suddenly popped into my head – and that’s the moment when you think: Hey, this is the birth of a great song! Of course, it has that same Irish touch, and I always strive to play music in a way I haven’t done before. When you listen to our music, you always notice that nothing really sounds the same. As for the lyrics, I have to admit that I still believe that dark forces in the underground – call them the global elite, Big Pharma, Big Money, secret societies or whoever – certainly the WEF or the WHO – have orchestrated the whole thing. Instead of parroting what they hear all day on TV or the radio, people shouldn’t believe anything, but should question everything and form their own opinions. You should always bear in mind who benefits from a situation, how bad it could be, and where the money is going – that’s where you’ll find the root of all evil in the world. We are all just pawns on this chessboard of the devil, but that will be the continuation of this story. Some may call me a conspiracy theorist; I would say I always know the news five years in advance.”
SOLEMNITY was formed in the winter of 1998 and began gaining recognition through energetic live shows and a strong visual aesthetic influenced by classic horror imagery. Their early recordings helped them build a dedicated following within the European heavy metal underground. A first demo release in 1999 introduced the band’s dark and epic sound, combining powerful vocals, traditional heavy metal riffing, and dramatic lyrical themes inspired by horror literature, mythology, and fantasy.
Rise in the Metal Underground
The band’s debut album Reign in Hell (2001) marked the beginning of a series of concept-driven releases that solidified SOLEMNITY’s reputation as one of Germany’s more theatrical heavy metal acts. This was followed by King of Dreams (2003), which further expanded their horror-themed lyrical universe and showcased a more refined epic metal sound. SOLEMNITY headlined the first ever Keep It True cult Festival in 2003.
Throughout the mid-2000s, the band continued to develop musically and visually with albums such as Shockwave of Steel (2005) and the EP Another Bloody Sabbath (2006). In 2007, SOLEMNITY also collaborated with members of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, recording a classical interpretation of the Bathory song “One Rode to Asa Bay,” demonstrating their interest in combining metal with orchestral elements.
The album Lords of the Damned (2008) became one of the band’s most recognized releases, featuring dramatic compositions and a darker, more atmospheric production. The band’s concerts during this period became known for elaborate stage shows and pyrotechnics, reinforcing their horror-themed identity.
Final Album and Hiatus
In 2012, SOLEMNITY released Circle of Power, which was initially announced as the band’s final studio album. Around the same time, the group performed what was intended to be their farewell show at the Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany before entering a long hiatus.
After several years of inactivity, the band was officially declared disbanded in 2018. However, unreleased material from previous recording sessions continued to circulate among fans, keeping interest in the band alive within the heavy metal community.
SOLEMNITY Opus Barbaricum Release: May 15th, 2026 Solemnity Music / Hofa
Nightmares From The Neighbourhood 3:50 min
The Last Ghostrider 5:19 min
Meat Evil Steal (A Barbecue Symphony in B minor) 3:42min
Empire In The Underground 4:04 min
Escape From The Matrix 3:46 min
Freya 6:47 min
Cheesecake Commando 4:22 min
The Sleeper 5:56 min
Bitch With The Bow 3:52 min
We Willl Shine 3:21 min
Storm Of Steel 4:43min
The Dragon 4:37 min
Drums of War (Resistance) 4:24 min
Idiocracy 3:58 min
Gladiator 4:25 min
The Way To A Fortunate Wedding (by Henry VIII) 3:56 min
Frozen In Time 4:23 min
All songs and lyrics written and performed by Sven The Axe „The Sleeper“ is an original poem by Edgar Allen Poe, musically performed by Solemnity
Discography (full CD´s only) 2001 Reign In Hell 2003 King Of Dreams 2005 Shockwave Of Steel 2007 Lords Of The Damned 2012 Circle Of Power 2026 Opus Barbaricum
Since the early 1980’s, lead by vocalist Sammy DeJohn, RUTHLESS has stayed true to its style of metal, from the classic first EP “Metal Without Mercy” (1984) and the debut cult album “Discipline Of Steel” (1986), to the later albums “They Rise” (2015)” and “Evil Within” (2019). Their previous album “The Fallen” was released in January 2024 on their new label Fireflash Records (WOLF, HOLY MOSES, MEZZROW a.o.), followed by a European tour as support act for their fellow believers JAG PANZER, cementing their reputation as a magnificent live band.
RUTHLESS upcoming new album “Curse Of The Beast” will be released on July 17th.
Today, RUTHLESS are proud to release the second single, along with a lyric video for the track “Berserker“.
Sammy DeJohn adds: “A berserker was a Viking warrior who prepared for battle by putting himself into a trance-like state. Some say they took hallucinogenic substances such as mushrooms, then went into battle ready to tear their enemies to pieces without feeling any pain, ready to die and go to Valhalla.”
The new album “Curse Of The Beast” is now ready for pre-order. It is released on a CD Jewelcase, as well as on bestial red colored Vinyl, which is limited to 500 copies. Also check out our bundles with a new shirt on Bandcamp.
The band has created an album full of power and passion, combined with the classic 80s metal sound, ready to become a future classic and a must-have for anyone who loves traditional heavy metal like METAL CHURCH,JUDAS PRIEST,ACCEPT,EXCITER, and others.
“Curse Of The Beast” was recorded along with producer Ron Sandoval (KERRY KING a.o.), who also did the final mix and mastering. “We can’t wait for you all to hear it. We have a couple of surprises on this one and it’s going to destroy,” reveals vocalist Sammy. Immediately afterwards, the band will play selected shows in Europe, along with MINDWARS as well as THE TROOPS OF DOOM, including the legendary “Headbangers Open Air.”
RUTHLESS Live 18.07.2026 BE – Diest, Club Hell (w/ Mindwars) 19.07.2026 NL – Breda, Sound Dog (w/ Mindwars) 22.07.2026 DE – H.O.A. (Warm-Up Show) Hamburg 23.07.2026 LU – Esch Belval, MK Bar 24.07.2026 DE – Dresden, Chemiefabrik (w/ The Troops Of Doom) 25.07.2026 DE – Burglengenfeld – VAZ (w/ The Troops Of Doom) 26.07.2026 DE – Oberhausen, Kulttempel (w/ The Troops Of Doom) 27.07.2026 BE – Deinze, Elpee (w/ The Troops Of Doom)
RUTHLESS is: Sammy DeJohn – Vocals Glen Paul – Guitar David Servantez – Guitar Sandy K. Vasquez – Bass Joseph Aghassi – Drums
“Savage Mania’s “Demonic Assault” is one of the best Thrash records I’ve heard in the last 20 years, outside of a few legendary veterans still out there swinging for the fences. This album pleases the absolute hell out of me. The second the vocals kicked in, I got chills. Instantly I was back in my local Record Bar, clutching cassettes of Destruction’s “Infernal Overkill,” Slayer’s “Hell Awaits,” and Whiplash’s “Power and Pain.” That same electricity. That same feeling that something dangerous and important had just entered my life“, praises Andy Burke of American BLACK ANGEL webzine.
„This is the kind of debut that makes a statement. It’s a total rager that ignores every trend in favor of old-school violence. If you want something to listen to while you’re destroying your living room or speeding down a highway, this is it”, adds Yorgos A. from HEAVY METAL DARKNESS.
Björn Backes of German POWERMETAl.DE rounds it up: “These raw attacks that SAVAGE MANIA unleash on this debut are simply pure joy and a truly massive speed metal blast that fans of the first two KREATOR releases need to add to their collection just as much as lovers of the first two SLAYER albums.”
There is nothing more to add: SAVAGE MANIA bring back the spirit of old-school Thrash Metal – and they are real, honest, raw, brutal and they kill `em all!
“Demonic Assault” is out now and available on red colored vinyl and CD.
To celebrate the release day, SAVAGE MANIA reveal a videoclip for the braincrusher “Master Of Hell“. “It is a true Savage Mania track that has everything you could possibly want: catchy hooks, fast riffs, heavy drums and ear-splitting vocals. It’s a song that begs you to headbang – and one that won’t leave you regretting the neck pain”, comments the band.
Let’s hop into the time machine and travel back 40 years to the 1980s. At that time, a rebellious thrash metal scene was developing in Germany, producing classics across the board. In 1985 KREATOR came up with „Endless Pain“; DESTRUCTION created “Infernal Overkill“ and SODOM released their EP „In The Sign Of Evil“. Not much later, TANKARD, HOLY MOSES, EXUMER,VIOLENT FORCE, DARKNESS and many others followed. A new era began, Teutonic thrash metal was born and caused a minor earthquake that still leaves its mark today.
The spirit of that era is authentically reflected in the sound of SAVAGE MANIA, a Swedish band formed in 2019. The quartet is genuine, bursting with energy, and launched their debut album, which can be mentioned in the same breath as the classics named above.
Drummer/Vocalist Viktor Suominen and guitar player Jesper Jönsson founded the band, trying to find their own old-school sound through covers. „We met when we were out drinking and a friend of ours introduced us to each other and we started to talk about metal and stuff like that“, remembers Suominen. It did not take long until vocalist/guitarist Oliver Rytkönen joined. „I have known Oliver since we were kids, so we have known each other for a long time. He actually wanted to play Punk, but me and Jesper convinced him during a night at the bar. He has a lot of enegry and his uniqe and agressive vocals enhance that.“ The line-up was completed only few weeks later with bassist Viktor Lundberg, who they met at a local show, played him some demos afterwards, that convinced him to join. „First time we rehearsed all together, everything felt good, like all the pieces have been connected and we all had a good time. We were around 20-24 years old, when we got together.“
All the songs develop naturally during their rehearsals, usually starting with a riff from Oliver. Everyone adds their ideas and luckily they keep their raw energy. „We are heavily inspired by many German Thrash bands, especially the early stuff, so for us it’s no suprise to hear people say our sound is similar to that. But we are of course also inspired by other bands, such as early Slayer, Whiplash a.o. But the German bands tend to reign supreme especially in quality. It’s the music we listen to and enjoy, so it’s natural that we draw alot of inspiration from it“, ads the drummer.
In 2022, their first single was released, called „The Face Of Death“. Not the very first track they wrote, „but we felt that this song was the right one to start with and release.“ In 2023, the ass-kickin‘ „Fasttrack“ followed and in 2025, SAVAGE MANIA self-released „Demonic Assault“, including the previously mentioned singles. The studio-time was an interessting experience. Viktor remembers: „We recorded our album in a skateboard hall, along with our friends from Aftersound who brought a truck with recording equipment. We only had two days to record the entire album, it was quite a hussle, but we made it and it sounds awesome.“
Since then, SAVAGE MANIA played some shows and festivals around their hometown in Bollnäs, but also in Gothenburg, where they performed at The-Abyss-Festival and were announced with:
„Pure thrash, pure chaos – this is SAVAGE MANIA“.
Nothing to add!
Although Bolnäs only has around 14.000 inhabitants, the town has always had an excellent metal scene. Leading the way in the 90s are TAD MOROSE, later on BLOODBOUND, and, of course, MORGANA LEFAY. Charles Rytkönen was their outstanding singer, Fredrik Lundberg played the bass. Like father, like son – and the fathers are obviously proud. „Yeah, they are. We sometimes ask for some advice, for stuff we are unsure about, just to see thier thoughts about things around the music buisness. We want to do things our own way, but we are happy for their support“, adds Lundberg.
Meanwhile, SAVAGE MANIA signed a record deal with FIREFLASH RECORDS (HOLY MOSES,WOLF a.o.) who reissue „Demonic Assault“ physically on May 15th, 2026 on a red-colored vinyl, a CD version and spread their name all around the globe. TESTAMENT once said: The first strike is deadly. This also counts for the eight tracks (plus intro) on „Demonic Assault“. SAVAGE MANIA keeps writing new songs, plays more shows and has the second attack already in their bloody mind.
Tracklist:
Intro
Undead Rebirth
The Face Of Death
Master Of Hell
Remorse
Storm Of Steel
Death And Decay
Fasttrack
Demonic Assault
SAVAGE MANIA is: Oliver Rytkönen – Rythm Guitar & Vocals Jesper Jönsson – Lead Guitar Viktor Lundberg – Bass Viktor Suominen – Drums
Swedish melodic metal pioneers NARNIA proudly release their new single, “Jerusalem,” taken from their upcoming tenth studio album ‘X,’ set for release on May 29th via Sound Pollution. The new track arrives alongside an official music video, available below.
“Jerusalem” is one of the standout tracks on ‘X,’ bringing a slightly different flavor while still resting firmly on NARNIA’s melodic foundation. With its refined sense of grandeur, strong harmonies, and subtle progressive elements, the song adds a distinct shade to the album while remaining deeply rooted in the band’s identity.
The video was animated and edited by bassist Jonatan “Jono” Samuelsson, adding a visual dimension that reflects the song’s themes of faith, perseverance, and the hope of eternity.
Vocally, the track adds further depth to the album, with CJ Grimmark and Jonatan Samuelsson contributing lead lines in the verses, while Christian Liljegren continues to carry the song with his unmistakable voice and presence.
NARNIA‘s upcoming album, ‘X,’ marks the band’s 30th anniversary and nearly three decades of unwavering presence on the international metal scene.
While their previous release ‘Ghost Town’ (2023) reaffirmed the band’s melodic metal foundation, ‘X’ expands NARNIA’s sonic landscape. The album moves confidently between soaring, arena-ready choruses and more adventurous, progressive passages, without ever losing the band’s unmistakable identity.
Songs like “Oceanwide,”“Every Breath,” and “Heaven’s Calling” showcase NARNIA’s gift for strong hooks and uplifting melodies. At the other end of the spectrum, the high-energy “Remedy (SOS)” pushes the tempo to new heights, while tracks such as “God Under Fire” and “Jerusalem” explore more intricate arrangements and progressive textures.
Multiple lead vocalists share the spotlight throughout the album. Guitarist CJ Grimmark and bassist Jonatan “Jono” Samuelsson step forward on selected tracks, adding new tonal colors, while Christian Liljegren’s unmistakable voice continues to anchor the sound.
The album also reconnects with the band’s legacy. “The Man from Nazareth Pt. II” serves as a continuation of a fan-favorite from the 2006 album ‘Enter the Gate,’ while “The War that Tore the Land (Reprise)” offers a reflective callback to 2019’s ‘From Darkness to Light.’
Guitarist CJ Grimmark comments:
“This album represents both where we come from and where we’re heading. It’s heavier, broader, and more dynamic, but still unmistakably NARNIA.”
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 