Danish death/metallic hardcore outfit LIFESICK returns with another stand-alone single, “At War With You,” a raucous and driving auditory assault that matches the band’s reputation for ferocious, emotionally charged music.
The band comments, “‘At War With You’ opens with a death metal-inspired bass riff before the full band crashes in with relentless double-kick energy. The track moves through dark, heavy sections before breaking into crushing breakdowns that close the song with pure impact. Lyrically, it’s about being pushed into a personal war with someone who thinks they know who you are.”
Watch the band’s previously released video for “Die With Me” HERE.
Stand by for more news on LIFESICK in the weeks to come.
LIFESICK: Simon Shoshan – vocals Nicolai Lindegaard – guitar Nikolai Lund – guitar Jeppe Riis Frausing – bass Lasse Skyttegaard – drums
Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “Just An Illusion”, the first single from SARTORI’s upcoming studio album “We’re Rising“, scheduled for release on January 29th, 2027 on CD, vinyl and digital formats. Following the debut album “Dragon’s Fire”, guitarist, composer and virtuoso Andy Sartori returns with a new chapter that expands the SARTORI sound into a more melodic, eclectic and old-school heavy metal direction. “We’re Rising” marks a different experience compared to the first album, driven by stronger melodic songwriting, the powerful vocal presence of Mark Boals and a broader musical approach. Inspired by the golden era of late-’80s hard rock and heavy metal, the album blends neo-classical guitar work, American power metal energy, AOR influences and the spirit of Yngwie Malmsteen’s Odyssey-era while retaining the refined arrangements and virtuoso musicianship that define Andy Sartori’s vision. The album features legendary vocalist Mark Boals – known for his work with Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring of Fire and Royal Hunt – alongside Andy A. Sartori on guitars and keyboards, Andre Di Sao Thiago on bass guitar and Dino Castano on drums. “We’re Rising” was mixed by Kfir Gov at Evil Snail Studios in Austin, Texas, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum, assisted by Zach Kornhauser at Maor Appelbaum Mastering in California. Opening the campaign is “Just An Illusion”, a melodic and uplifting track built around a positive message of perseverance: keeping faith, continuing to fight and believing that the effort is worth it. The song combines a European melodic metal feel with strong vocal hooks, powerful riffs and Andy Sartori’s neo-classical guitar identity, making it the perfect introduction to the sound and spirit of “We’re Rising“.
Speaking about the single, Andy Sartori comments: “’Just An Illusion‘ is a positive ‘keep the faith and keep trying because it’s worth it’ kind of song. It also has a very European kind of style which gives it a special melodic character within the album.” Discussing the new album, Sartori adds: “We’re Rising is a different experience compared to the first album, starting with Mark Boals’ fantastic vocals and melodic approach. The new songs are also more eclectic than the ones from the first album, which makes this record a very important step forward for SARTORI.” With its mix of classic heavy metal energy, melodic choruses and refined guitar work, “We’re Rising” is aimed at fans of Yngwie Malmsteen’s Odyssey era, Rainbow, Axel Rudi Pell, American power metal, ’80s heavy rock and neo-classical melodic metal.
Track Listing: 1. An Army Of One 2. Just An Illusion 3. Little Aria In G Major Part II 4. Renaissance 5. Quest For Glory 6. Someone To Hold You 7. Solitude 8. Savage 9. My Eternal Fight 10. We’re Rising
Sartori Line-up:
Andy A. Sartori: Guitars Mark Boals: Vocals Andre Di Sao Thiago: Bass Guitars Dino Castano: Drums
Biography:
SARTORI is an American virtuoso guitarist and songwriter whose music combines melodic hard rock, neo-classical influences, and traditional heavy metal with a contemporary production approach. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Axel Rudi Pell and the timeless sound of Rainbow, he delivers technically accomplished yet highly melodic compositions that balance instrumental virtuosity with memorable songwriting.
Wanikiya Record/Promotion is proud to officially welcome Irish Groove Metal Force CHARNEL CROWN to its international roster. Their debut EP “Such Is Life” arrives on August 15, 2026.
Rising from the heart of Dublin’s underground metal scene, Charnel Crown have quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting new names in modern groove metal. Driven by crushing riffs, relentless grooves and uncompromising honesty, the band is now ready to take the next step on the international stage through their new partnership with Wanikiya Record/Promotion, which will handle the worldwide promotion of the band.
Formed in December 2025, Charnel Crown embody the spirit of working-class metal. Their music is born from real life, hard work and pure passion, delivering a sound that is heavy, aggressive and emotionally authentic. No gimmicks. No trends. No compromises. Just pure metal.
Although the band is still in its early days, its members bring years of live experience, having performed extensively throughout Ireland while sharing the stage with internationally acclaimed acts including Xentrix, Chelsea Grin, Avatar, Fozzy, Jinjer and Evil Scarecrow. And this is only the beginning.
THE DEBUT EP IS COMING! Alongside this exciting announcement, Charnel Crown are thrilled to reveal the release of their highly anticipated debut EP: “SUCH IS LIFE”, Release Date: August 15, 2026.
A powerful collection of songs that blends crushing groove metal, razor-sharp modern production, raw aggression and unforgettable hooks into a release destined to make an impact across the international metal scene. Such Is Life perfectly represents the band’s philosophy: telling real stories without filters, transforming everyday struggles into heavy music that connects with people through honesty, power and emotion.
Every song hits hard. Every riff tells a story. Every note comes straight from the soul.
This collaboration marks an important milestone for both Charnel Crown and Wanikiya Record/Promotion. Known for supporting outstanding rock and metal artists worldwide, Wanikiya Record/Promotion continues to expand its international roster by working with passionate, authentic musicians and bringing their music to webzines, magazines, radio stations, festivals and media outlets across the globe.
With Charnel Crown joining the family, another exciting chapter begins—one built on dedication, integrity and the relentless power of heavy music.
The band shared: “Joining the Wanikiya Record/Promotion family is a huge step forward for us. We truly believe in the music we’re creating, and we’re incredibly excited to share ‘Such Is Life’ with metal fans around the world. This is just the beginning of our journey.”
GET READY. The countdown has officially begun. On August 15, 2026, a new force in groove metal will be unleashed. CHARNEL CROWN Heavy. Honest. Unstoppable. Welcome to the next chapter.
A new chapter begins. German metal veterans BRAINSTORM have officially announced their brand-new studio album, Nightfall. The band’s forthcoming full-length will be released via Reigning Phoenix Music in Spring 2027, marking the next milestone in a career spanning more than three decades.
Following the critically acclaimed Plague Of Rats, BRAINSTORM continue to expand the lyrical universe inspired by Indian mythology while delivering the powerful songwriting, memorable hooks and unmistakable heaviness that have become the band’s trademark. At the same time, Nightfallwill see the band embracing an even rawer and more dynamic approach, reaffirming the qualities that have made BRAINSTORM one of Germany’s most enduring metal acts.
Nightfallalso introduces BRAINSTORM‘s current lineup, welcoming bassist Danij Perl and drummer Kevin Lütolf. Together with vocalist Andy B. Franck and guitarists Torsten Ihlenfeld and Milan Loncaric, the renewed lineup has forged an album that confidently looks ahead while staying true to the band’s unmistakable identity.
Andy B. Franck comments:
“It’s been a while since you last heard from me, right? Well, buckle up — because next year sees the release of our new album, Nightfall, which takes us even deeper into the realm of Indian mythology and more demonic realms.
Nightfall brings you to a world of beauty and grace, but also of death and despair. I’m so excited and can’t wait to drag you all down into these abysses with me, haha! I’m really keen to bring more of that raw, primal power back into the traditional sound. The result is going to blow your minds, and with my friend Seeb (Sebastian ‘Seeb’ Leverman | Orden Ogan) at the mixing desk, we can look forward to an awesome metal album in the spring of ’27! So, get ready for an incredible journey…”
Further details about Nightfall, including a first single and more info, will be revealed in the coming months.
Indigenous solo black metal project BLACKBRAID is honored to announce an upcoming tour in EU/UK, in which the project will be supporting CONVERGE and SANGUISUGABOGG with additional support from PUPIL SLICER. The trek will kick off on November 12, 2026 in München (DE) and will conclude 10 days later in London (UK). The full itinerary can be found below while tickets will go on sale Friday, July 10 at 11:00 A.M. CEST / 10:00 A.M. UK time. Tickets will be made available at THIS LOCATION.
Blackbraid mastermind and composer Sgah’gahsowáh comments, “Today, I am beyond excited to announce our next European run, in support of the mighty Converge. This is a band that means a great deal to me personally, and to be able to support them on this European run is truly an honor. We will also be joined by our friends in Sanguinisabogg and Pulp Slicer, absolutely cannot wait for this one, see you again very soon Europe!”
Prior to the tour, BLACKBRAID will also be embarking on a slew of August festivals in Europe, as well as a headliner in Barcelona (ES) on August 11, which will be BLACKBRAID’s first ever appearance in Spain!
ICYMI: BLACKBRAID surprised fans earlier this year with a new EP, ‘Nocturnal Womb,’ which was independently released on March 6, 2026. The EP saw two original tracks, “Nocturnal Womb” and “Celestial Bloodlust,” which were too dark and visceral to fit the story of ‘Blackbraid III.’ They exist on their own outside of the album trilogy via this standalone EP, which also contains an acoustic instrumental rendition of “Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil.” ‘Nocturnal Wound’ can be ordered now via Blackbraid.US & Blackbraid.EU
Blackbraidis a solo indigenous black metal project from from the depths of the Adirondack wilderness creating music as raw and powerful as the mountains from whence it came…
BLACKBRAID Live Shows:
(BLACKBRAID only): Aug 06: Jaroměř (CZ) @ Brutal Assault Aug 07: Helsinki (FI) @ HELLsinki Metal Fest 08/09: Kortrijk (BE) @ Alcatraz Aug 11: Barcelona (ES) @ Razzmatazz 3 (First show in Spain) Aug 12: Wittelshofen (DE) @ Summer Breeze Open Air
(Supporting CONVERGE + SANGUISUGABOGG w/ PUPIL SLICER) 12.11.26: München (DE) @ Backstage 13.11.26: Karlsruhe (DE) @ Substage 15.11.26: Strasbourg (FR) @ La Laiterie 16.11.26: Paris (FR) @ Bataclan 18.11.26: Leeds (UK) @ Project House 19.11.26: Bristol (UK) @ Electric Bristol 20.11.26: Glasgow (UK) @ SWG3 21.11.26: Nottingham (UK) @ Rock City 22.11.26: London (UK) @ Electric Brixton
Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil – Acoustic (06:54)
Creator of Blackbraid: Sgah’gahsowáh
‘Nocturnal Womb’ Album Credits: Composed & performed by Sgah’gahsowáh Drums, recording, mixing & mastering by Neil Schneider Illustration by Adrian Baxter Cover Photograph by Darby Lahger Graphic Design & Artist Photo by Wolf Mountain Productions
SNOWY SHAW has announced his unique & interesting album release & concept in the works, entitled “Shawsome! – The Snowy Shaw Collection Vol I.”
He shared:
“Shawsome! The Snowy Shaw Collection Vol I.
…is a handpicked small selection of guest-star appearances, session work and various other one-off projects that I’ve done over the years. Carefully put together to create a good blend and collective overview of my work. Either as vocalist, drummer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter, arranger, producer or some kind of combination of the aforementioned.
(Note: I have purpously left out stuff where I ”only” play the drums… like I did with King Diamond, Mercyful Fate and Sabaton as well on numerous other recordings) Yep, I originally started out a drummer 45 years ago,.. but needless to say there’s been a helluva lot of water under the bridge since then, and a thousand bands and projects.. (almost)
Why the Hell am I doing this? Well, at some point it was brought to my attention that I do appear on albums and recordings (more or less unknown and underground and with numerous bands & artists from all over the world) In all honesty, after all the years some of them had completely slipped my mind, which is a damn shame. But then I figured, if I can’t even remember them myself – Then what about my fans & followers?
Wouldn’t it be a great idea to make it available somehow and collect it all under the same roof, so to speak. On a limited edition compilation CD, or series of them.
Fuck Yeah! That’s an awesome idea! No, that is a Shawsome! idea. Said and done, I got to it and started pulling all the strings (I’ll spare you all the boring details such as legal rights with record companies, managers, publicists, artists etc.) But to my great surprise they were all very accommodating and helpful and by their kind permission allowing me free reins.
Expect the unexpected – You’re in for one helluva ride!”
“Shawsome! – The Snowy Shaw Collection Vol I.” will be released as a limited edition for fans and collectors. Pre-orders are live now via https://www.snowyshaw.net, but the official release is not until July 25th. Vol 1 (of 3 in total) NOTE! Physical only.
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
