THUNDERMOTHER Announce New Live Album “Live’n’Alive”, Out April 17th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 21, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: Jenny Lund]

Swedish rock’n’roll powerhouse THUNDERMOTHER is set to unleash their thrilling first live album, Live’n’Alive. Their first album in collaboration with Napalm Records is out digitally on April 17, 2026!
 
Founded in 2009 by guitarist Filippa Nässil, the band is known for their electrifying rock anthems and relentless touring – live highlights include supporting the legendary Scorpions both in North America and Europe, playing the KISS Kruise and performing regularly at major festivals such as Wacken Open Air. In 2025, THUNDERMOTHER unleashed their highly acclaimed sixth album Dirty & Divine, which hit the top 2 on the Official German Rock/Metal Charts. Following that first release with the new lineup consisting of Filippa Nässil, vocalist Linnéa Vikström Egg, returning bass player Majsan Lindberg, and drummer Joan Massing, was a European headline tour, during which Live’n’Alive was recorded – this hefty 19-track offering showcases THUNDERMOTHER’s explosive live energy through their 2025 setlist.

Along with the announcement comes the first groovy single. The new live version of “Whatever” was recorded during THUNDERMOTHER’s show in Gothenburg in October of 2025, during the second leg of their “Dirty & Divine Tour”. Originally released on their self-titled third album, Thundermother (2018), this track is a fresh take on one of the band’s biggest anthems. Fans get to dive into the energetic performance with an accompanying live video. Additionally, “Loud and Free – Live in Cologne” (Black and Gold, 2022) and “Speaking Of The Devil – Live in Huskvarna” (Dirty & Divine, 2025) are also available to stream now.
 
Filippa Nässil about “Whatever – Live in Gothenburg”:
“‘Whatever’ is dear to our hearts, as it’s a song we’ve played at every gig since its release in 2018. It’s one of my all-time favorite songs to perform. The live version differs from the studio recording, featuring a longer, four-on-the-floor guitar solo. The war against drugs continues—you don’t need drugs to be rock ’n’ roll, but you DO need adrenaline!”

With no backing tracks, overdubs or re-recording of instruments, Live’n’Alive makes no compromises. This is THUNDERMOTHER – 100% live, 100% rock’n’roll! Live’n’Alive will be available as a digital album first – stay tuned for physical formats!
 
Filippa Nässil about Live’n’Alive:
“It’s all live. We use no backing tracks like almost every band does today. We have made no overdubs or re-recording of instruments. It’s ALL live and rock’n’roll. Me on guitar, Majsan Lindberg on bass, Joan Massing on drums, and Linnéa Vikström on lead vox and rhythm guitars on some songs. Song order is not compromised, it’s our setlist of 2025, through and through. Hell yeah, this is how it’s done.”

Pre-Save Live’n’Alive NOW

Live’n’Alive cuts through the band’s catalogue, delivering high-energy live versions that encapsulate the band’s true rock’n’roll spirit, from powerful reimaginings of classic THUNDERMOTHER hits to newer tunes. Anthemic opening track “Can you feel it – Live in Cologne” (originally from the newest studio offering) kicks the album right off, followed by equally energetic “Loud and Free – Live in Cologne” (from Black and Gold, 2022 – #6 on the Official German Album Charts!). Further highlights include the groovy “Whatever – Live in Gothenburg” (originally from the 2018 album Thundermother) as well as the catchy “Speaking Of The Devil – Live in Huskvarna” (from the 2025 album). THUNDERMOTHER wraps the album up impactfully with a new version of their biggest hit “Driving In Style – Live in Huskvarna”, originally from the 2020 success record Heat Wave (#6 on the Official German Album Charts).

Live’n’Alive tracklisting:

  1. Can you feel it – Live in Cologne
  2. Loud and Free – Live in Cologne
  3. The Road is Ours – Live in Cologne
  4. So Close – Live in Huskvarna
  5. Bright Eyes – Live in Huskvarna
  6. Take The Power – Live in Copenhagen
  7. Dead Or Alive – Live in Huskvarna
  8. I Don’t know You – Live in Cologne
  9. Sleep – Live in Cologne
  10. I Left My License In The Future – Live in Copenhagen
  11. Dog From Hell – Live in Huskvarna
  12. Can’t Put Out The Fire – Live in Copenhagen
  13. Whatever – Live in Gothenburg
  14. Shoot To Kill – Live in Cologne
  15. Try With Love – Live in Copenhagen
  16. Thunderous – Live in Copenhagen
  17. Hellevator – Live in Huskvarna
  18. Speaking Of The Devil – Live in Huskvarna
  19. Driving In Style – Live in Huskvarna

THUNDERMOTHER are:
Filippa Nässil – guitar, backing vox
Majsan Lindberg – bass, backing vox
Linnéa Vikström Egg – lead vox, guitar
Joan Massing – drums
 
THUNDERMOTHER online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
NAPALM RECORDS

OZZY Tribute Album “Iron Man’s Anthem” Out February 13th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 21, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment
Cover art by Captain Maoos

Iron Man’s Anthem: A Tribute to Ozzy brings together bands from across Europe and the United States to pay respect to one of the most influential voices in heavy music. Released by Witching Buzz, the compilation traces Ozzy Osbourne’s impact from the earliest Black Sabbath years through key moments of his solo career, using interpretation rather than imitation. The album will be released on February 13, 2026.

The artists involved do not aim for faithful reproductions. Instead, each track filters a classic song through the band’s own sound, background, and era, resulting in versions that feel personal, rough-edged, and alive. The selection moves from early Sabbath staples recorded at the dawn of heavy metal to later material that shaped generations of musicians well beyond the genre’s original boundaries.

This is a release made by musicians who grew up with these songs and chose to respond in their own voice, on their own terms.

Bandcamp: https://witchingbuzz.bandcamp.com/album/iron-man-s-anthem-a-tribute-to-ozzy-osbourne

Tracklisting

  1. Runaway Devils (Poland) “Black Sabbath” (1970)
  2. Heaven And Hellvis (Scotland) “The Wizard” (1970)
  3. Rainbow Bridge (Italy) “N.I.B.” (1970)
  4. Angel Slaughter (USA) “Sleeping Village” (1970)
  5. Disimoria (Germany) “War Pigs” (1970)
  6. Corruption (Poland) “Paranoid” (1970)
  7. Root Zero (Ireland) “Planet Caravan” (1970)
  8. Postmortal (Poland) “Electric Funeral” (1970)
  9. Death Catapult (USA) “Hand of Doom” (1970)
  10. Tharsis (UK) “Rat Salad” (1970)
  11. Arcane Focus (USA) “Fairies Wear Boots” (1970)
  12. Thorndale (The Netherlands) “After Forever” (1971)
  13. Dee Calhoun (USA) “Children of the Grave” (1971)
  14. Mouth (Sweden) “Solitude” (1971)
  15. Plata O Plomo (Poland) “Into the Void” (1971)
  16. Bert Hall of Mango (USA) “Wheels of Confusion” (1972)
  17. Bruit Parasite (France) “A National Acrobat” (1973)
  18. Necro Weasel (Finland) “Never Say Die!” (1978)
  19. Wasted Awakening (UK) “Shot in the Dark” (1986)
  20. Poste 942 (France) “No More Tears” (1991)
  21. Miss Lava (Portugal) “Hellraiser” (1991)
  22. W.T*M (International) “Perry Mason” (1995)

Release page: www.witchingbuzz.ovh/ozzy/

SIXGUN RENEGADES Return with New Single ‘Hunter And The Hunted’ from Upcoming Album “Slave To The Grid”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 21, 2026
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Finnish hard rock juggernaut Sixgun Renegades returns from a hiatus with a new single, while also unveiling its revamped lineup. Hunter And The Hunted is the first single from the album Slave To The Grid, set for release in spring 2026. Shaped by internal challenges within the band, the songwriting process has given birth to an album that promises to be the most personal, bold, and powerful output of the band’s career so far, offering a depth not previously heard from the group.

See Music Video on YouTube, listen to the new single on music services

As longtime bassist Miko Mattila (2013–2025) steps aside, the Helsinki–based Sixgun Renegades introduce a new member with this release: bassist Tuomas “Topo” Koskipää, replacing Mattila. Formed in 2008, the band draws its influences from the cornerstones of stadium rock, with Thin Lizzy, Van Halen, Judas Priest and Dokken at the forefront. Three years of hard work and love for music come together on the upcoming fourth album. The band’s signature sound, soaring vocal melodies, strong riffs, and powerful rhythms are more present than ever, and the songs sound better than they ever have before.

The song “Hunter And The Hunted” tells a story of the obsessive pursuit of ever-greater success and fame, achieving it, and the unhealthy ways of dealing with the side effects that come with success—ultimately spiraling to the brink of madness. Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it. -Niko Räty

See more on band’s web site and on Facebook.

Sixgun Renegades – Hunter and the Hunted
Lyrics: Niko Räty
Music and arrangement.: Niko Räty, Miko Mattila, Samu Tuomi, Teemu Räty

Produced by: Mark Bertényi, Tuomas Riihimäki

Recorded by: Tuomas Riihimäki, Teemu Räty
Mixed by: Jori Saloranta, V.R. Studio

Mastered by: Svante Forsbäck, Chartmakers
Kataloginro: VRDIG352
ISRC: FIV2U2600004
Distributor: Playground Music Scandinavia.

ALFA PENTATONIK Release New Single ‘Sulje Silmäsi Maailmalta’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 21, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Alfa Pentatonik

Alfa Pentatonik continues with new songs. Even though it has not been a year since their latest EPs, Gamma I & Gamma II, they are already releasing new music. They will now release a new single called “Sulje silmäsi maailmalta” (Close your eyes from the world), which was created at the end of 2025.

LISTEN to Sulje silmäsi maailmalta: https://push.fm/fl/alfa-pentatonik-sulje

–Composed by JP Immonen
–Lyrics by Janne Partanen
–Cover art by JP Immonen & Janne Partanen
–ISRC: FI3FC2697901

The song is built with a clear vision. JP Immonen (Soulgrind, Walhalla, Aria of Sorrow, Iron Frost) plays the guitars, bass and synths, and is responsible for all the production and composition. Janne Partanen (Hautajaisyö, Verilehto, Paavalin Harhat & Marraskuun Lapset) wrote the lyrics and did the vocals. Sami Lindqvist, who joined the band for Gamma II, plays lead guitar and provides backing vocals. Mika Nikula (Semi) is now joining the band to play the drums.

‘Sulje silmäsi maailmalta’ is guaranteed Alfa Pentatonik. The heavy guitar riffs are brutal and the chorus will make you dance. The song is about modern-day problems. People keep their dopamine levels high and bad news is too easy to skip. Opinions change with trends, and when something makes you feel bad, you can always read an aphorism on your wall.

Alfa Pentatonik 2026:
JP Immonen: bass, guitars, synths, composition & arrangement.
Janne Partanen: vocals, lyrics & arrangement.
Sami Lindqvist: lead guitar & backing vocals.
Mika Nikula: drums.

https://www.facebook.com/Alfa.Pentatonik.Official
https://www.instagram.com/alfa_pentatonik
https://alfapentatonik.bandcamp.com

MATS LEVÉN Joins EVERY KING HAS A CLOWN for New Single ‘Victim Of The Night’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 21, 2026
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Across a string of acclaimed performances with Yngwie Malmsteen, Therion, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Vandenberg (and more!), vocalist Mats Levén long ago established himself among metal’s most dynamic performers. And now he brings that dynamism to bear on the latest single by fellow Swedes Every King Has A Clown.

“Victim of the Night” is the latest single from the band’s upcoming debut album, a self-titled monolith that delivers melodic, yet mighty metal, seamlessly blending the energies of European and international power metal with progressive touches.

Bass and keyboard player Ryker Castro says, ““Every King Has A Clown is my solo project. I created it to have total freedom over the songwriting, the sound and the artistic direction. The idea was simple: write the record I always wanted to hear, with strong melodies, heavy energy and no compromises. The jester-king on the album cover, named EKHAC, is the visual symbol of the project — the contrast between good and evil.

“This album is the sound of me fighting my own demons. I wanted a record built on strong songs, heavy energy and great voices — nothing else.”  

“Victim Of The Night” meets those criteria and more. Ryker explains, “‘Victim of the Night’ was born from an obsession with the figure of Jack the Ripper — not just the crimes themselves, but the psychology behind them. I wanted to explore the darkness, the mystery, and the unanswered questions surrounding who he was and what drove him. 

“Musically, it set the tone for the entire project: dark, atmospheric, and intense. It was the first song I wrote, and in many ways, it became the foundation for everything that followed.”

Single streaming: https://orcd.co/everykinghasaclown_victimofthenight

It was producer (and guitarist) Pedro Vallejo who suggested the song be recorded late at night, gathering together Ryker, Mat, and his own brother, drummer Alex, “To fully capture the atmosphere. That approach helped everyone involved connect with the mood and tension of the track, making the performances feel more natural, instinctive, and true to the song’s dark character.”

Ryker also recalls how Mats Levén was the voice he heard for this song from the beginning. “His ability to combine power, darkness, and emotion made him the perfect fit for the character and mood of ‘Victim of the Night.’ When he delivered the vocals, the song immediately reached the level of intensity and drama I had envisioned from the start.”

Levén serves up what Ryker describes as “the darker edge of the album,’ but Every King Has A Clown also includes contributions from some of the biggest names on the modern scene, as Ryker details.

  • “Ray Alder (Fates Warning – guesting on the album’s penultimate track, “Revenge”)) brings a unique emotional weight and intensity that lifts the track instantly.
  • “Mark Boals (Ring of Fire) adds precision, range and a classic melodic metal feel.
  • “Mike DiMeo (ex-Riot) brings grit and soul, [and] a strong hard-rock backbone.
  • “Anders Engberg (Sorcerer) adds depth and authority with his unmistakable tone.
  • “Göran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) brings clarity and elegance — his voice cuts through perfectly.
  • “Steve Braun (Halcyon Way) adds pure metal attitude and delivers exactly the punch [I] needed.
  • “Berzan Önen (Dreams in Fragments) brings raw energy and a modern edge to the album.
  • “Christian Palin (ex-Adagio) adds aggression and dynamic range, pushing the [music] forward.
  • “Fabio Alessandrini (Annihilator) gives the album a tight, precise and powerful foundation.
  • “Bastian Thusgaard (Soilwork) adds intensity and drive, with a very sharp and modern drum approach.”

In addition, the album was mastered by Tony Lindgren (Katatonia, Enslaved, Testament, Haken and hundreds more) at his home base Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden.

Every King Has A Clown will be out on January 30. But to whet your appetite, here’s “Victim Of The Night,” a sonic blast that will leave you hungry for more. 

–CD: https://cleorecs.com/search?q=every+king+has+a+clown
–DIGITAL: https://orcd.co/everykinghasaclown_album

Track List:

  1. Crucify Me
  2. Cimmerian Nights
  3. Victim Of The Night feat. Mats Levén (Therion, Candlemass)
  4. Higher
  5. Hear Me Calling
  6. Defender
  7. Dancing In The Dark
  8. BloodWar
  9. All We Need Is Rock And Roll
  10. The King Has Lost His Crown feat. Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen)
  11. Revenge feat. Ray Alder (Fates Warning)
  12. Dragon

MICHAEL SWEET Announces New Solo Album “The Master Plan”, Out April 3rd

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 20, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Pedro Blanco

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and front man of Christian rock icons Stryper, MICHAEL SWEET is proud to announce his new album, ‘The Master Plan,’ his most personal and spiritually resonant solo album yet. Set for release on April 3, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl, this deeply worship inspired record marks a bold departure from his previous solo work — blending heartfelt devotion with fresh musical textures and melodic depth unlike anything SWEET has done before.

To celebrate the announcement, MICHAEL SWEET also shares the album’s title track alongside an official lyric video, available below.

MICHAEL SWEET comments:

“I can’t tell you how long I’ve wanted to make this record. I think I subconsciously started making it when I was a kid. All the music that has influenced me over the years is revealing itself on this album. It’s certainly not cookie cutter by any stretch of the imagination. It’s one of a kind and very eclectic and unique, but that’s exactly what I wanted. It has something for everyone and I hope you all are as excited about this one as I am. The title track is quite a song musically and lyrically. The goal is to inspire and encourage and give people hope. I hope this one does just that. I want to personally thank you all for your patience and for your undying support for everything that I do. Much love to you all🙏”

Musically rich and lyrically uplifting, ‘The Master Plan’ journeys into new acoustic oriented landscapes, built on warm harmonies, intimate vocal layers and heartfelt expressions of faith. SWEET’s unmistakable voice leads a tapestry of heartfelt worship, inviting listeners to reflect, celebrate and draw closer to the timeless truths at the heart of his message. With sweeping arrangements and a sincere spiritual core, the album offers both comfort and inspiration for moments of prayer, praise and quiet contemplation.
 
Recorded with a stellar ensemble of musicians and co produced by MICHAEL SWEET and Jeff Savage, ‘The Master Plan’ also features lush keyboards, evocative guitar work and memorable vocal moments that elevate each song into something deeply personal yet universally uplifting. Mixed by Danny Bernini at Spirithouse Studios, the album balances polished production with the warmth of true worship expression.
 
With its heartfelt lyrics and spiritual sincerity, ‘The Master Plan’ is designed to inspire peace, faith and encouragement — music that comforts the weary, uplifts the spirit, and celebrates the profound love at the center of SWEET’s faith journey.

Pre-Order ‘The Master Plan’ HERE

‘The Master Plan’ Track List:

1. The Master Plan
2. Lord
3. Stronger
4. Eternally
5. You Lead I’ll Follow
6. Desert Stream
7. Believer
8. Again
9. Faith
10. Worship You

FOLLOW MICHAEL SWEET:
Website
Facebook
Instagram