Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

The Magic Of Metal

  • Home
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • CHIEF SHOCK VIDEO
  • Metal Shock Times
  • PARTNERS
  • WhoWeAre
    • Advertising
    • Contact Us
    • MSF STAFF
    • We Recommend…

Exclusive Premiere for Finland: CROCELL – ‘Swarm Of Insects’ Official Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 8, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Leave a comment

Short, sharp, and utterly relentless, “Swarm Of Insects” distills CROCELL’s essence into its most ferocious form. As the album’s title track, new digital single, official video and most compact assault, it wastes no time in unleashing a barrage of seething riffs, blistering pace, and venomous intensity – black metal stripped of mercy, yet laced with a cutting melodic edge that keeps it burrowing deep beneath the surface.

With only fleeting moments to catch breath, the track surges forward in a frenzy that curses heaven, earth, and everything in between. It’s Crocell at their most direct and hostile, but also at their most focused, where chaos and precision collide in a single, punishing strike.

A vicious statement of intent, “Swarm Of Insects” offers a concentrated glimpse into the band’s ever-burning core.

Join the premiering here:

Crocell return with their seventh full-length album, “Swarm Of Insects”, set for release via Emanzipation Productions. Marking nearly two decades of the band’s existence, “Swarm of Insects” picks up where 2024’s “Of Frost, of Flame, of Flesh” left off, delivering a fierce yet nuanced blend of brutality and melody in classic Crocell fashion, while pushing into new creative territory.

“Swarm Of Insects” is the first album written with guitarist Mads Bertram following the departure of Rasmus “Hexen” Henriksen (RIP) in 2023. The record sees the band refining their signature sound while allowing fresh ideas to emerge, resulting in a work that feels both rooted and reinvigorated. And, for the first time in their career, Crocell recorded the entire album themselves. Drummer Andreas Posselt comments: “We have recorded vocals, bass or guitar on our own on some previous albums, but this time we wanted to take on the drums as well. It is undeniably more extensive, but we received great advice from Lasse, and it was a welcome challenge that gave us maximum freedom and control”.

The final mix and mastering were handled by Lasse at Ballade Studios (known for work with Afsky, Strychnos, Konvent and Slægt), resulting in a production that is both violent, vivid and razor-sharp. Vocalist Asbjørn Steffensen elaborates: “There was a red thread from the first raw demos through pre-production to the final recording. Along the way we adjusted song structures and details in the individual instruments, while also experimenting with the overall sound and various effects. Early in the process we already felt we were working directly with the finished product, and at the same time it was easier to carry spontaneous and imperfect ideas from the creative phase into the final result”.

From the towering opening track “Sarcophagus”, through the furious sonic assaults of “Traitors’ Blood”, to the atmospheric and ominous closer “Volcano”, “Swarm of Insects” offers dark music for dark times. The lyrics explore tyranny, oppression, betrayal and demagoguery – mirrored in the unsettling artwork by NNart, which seems to pull the viewer straight into the abyss. The album title evokes images of biblical plagues, but may just as well reflect a humanity blindly swarming and feeding on whatever scraps are thrown its way.

Nearly 20 years after their formation, Crocell deliver with “Swarm Of Insects” an acid-etched and uncompromising slab of death/black metal of the highest caliber; an album that will undoubtedly resonate with both longtime followers and new listeners alike.

“Swarm Of Insects” will be released on gatefold LP (orange/black marble vinyl, limited to 300 copies), digipack CD and digital formats on 29.05.2026, via Emanzipation Productions.

Lineup:
Andreas Posselt – drums
Tommy Christensen – guitars
Asbjörn Steffensen – vocals
Mads B. H. Gath – guitars
Uffe Laustsen-Jensen – bass

Digital single: https://crocell.bfan.link/swi
Webshop: https://bit.ly/crcl-tgt

Web:
https://www.facebook.com/crocelldk
https://www.instagram.com/crocelldk/
https://crocelldk.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/artist/3YQvJ9o77sdFIFNURGOXgS
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/crocell/294945221
https://www.youtube.com/@crocelldk
https://music.amazon.com/artists/B004XZ6NPO/crocell
https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCIQsgWeyORestdWlCE5zUyQ
https://tidal.com/artist/3960017
https://open.qobuz.com/artist/2193100
https://link.deezer.com/s/32ue4C6bAZEOetzEoTFG5
https://soundcloud.com/crocellofficial

LIFESICK Unleash New Video/Single ‘Die with Me’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: LIFESICK. Leave a comment
Photo by Jakob Harris

With the blistering cacophony of 2024’s Loved By None, Hated By All still ringing in our ears, Danish death/metallic hardcore outfit LIFESICK strike back with a brand new single, “Die With Me.”

The track begins in full grind mode with the chant “Die With Me” driving the chaos before shifting into a fast hardcore section. The track keeps pushing forward before collapsing into breakdowns that grow slower and heavier toward the end, finishing in a massive closing breakdown that feels like the final moments of a live set. Lyrically it’s about meeting death head-on and refusing to go quietly.

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

https://lifesick.dk
https://www.facebook.com/lifesick
https://www.instagram.com/lifesickhc
https://x.com/lifesickhc

KHEMMIS Reveal New Single & Video ‘Beneath The Scythe’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Khemmis. Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Brock Marlborough

KHEMMIS continue the march toward their towering new self-titled album with the release of ‘Beneath The Scythe,’ the latest single from the Denver heavy metal institution’s massively anticipated fifth full-length, due out June 12th via Nuclear Blast Records.

Following the explosive first single “Invocation of the Dreamer,” ‘Beneath The Scythe’ digs even deeper into the band’s sharpened sense of purpose—melding colossal riffs, soaring melodies, and the unmistakable emotional weight that has defined KHEMMIS for over a decade. Taken from an album that finds the band reconnecting with the pure exhilaration of making heavy music together, the track captures both the darkness and triumphant spirit at the heart of Khemmis.

Commenting on the new single, guitarist/vocalist Ben Hutcherson states:

“‘Beneath the Scythe’ is a track wherein all four of us just it rip. Dueling guitar solos? Check. Ripping drum fills? Check. A beautiful bass solo over a haunting, atmospheric interlude? Check! In some ways, “Scythe” feels like “classic Khemmis,” but we made sure that the song took the listener on a journey unlike anything we’ve done before. As always, this tune is best enjoyed at high volume while holding an ice-cold beverage in a room adorned with posters of Mercyful Fate, Iron Maiden, and At the Gates (RIP Tompa!).”

Alongside the release of ‘Beneath The Scythe,’ KHEMMIS is also unveiling pre-orders for a new band-exclusive vinyl variant of the new record. Limited to just 400 copies worldwide, the exclusive LP is pressed on transparent magenta vinyl with white splatter and is expected to move quickly—especially following the band’s previous exclusive pressing, which sold out in less than 24 hours. Demand for the new album continues to surge, with the recently announced Decibel exclusive vinyl edition already completely sold out, further proving the overwhelming anticipation surrounding KHEMMIS’ return.

Stream ‘Beneath the Scythe’: https://khemmis.bfan.link/beneath-the-scythe

Pre-Order Khemmis: https://khemmis.bfan.link/khemmis-album

Khemmis—the follow-up to 2021’s acclaimed Deceiver—features eight tracks of unrelenting, monolithic heavy metal adorned by stunning artwork from Christopher Remmers. More than just another chapter, the record represents the band in their truest form: a celebration of heavy music, forged through camaraderie, conviction, and an enduring love of the riff.

Across eleven years, KHEMMIS have become one of modern metal’s most revered names, beginning with their 2015 debut Absolution and continuing through landmark releases like Hunted—named Decibel’s Album Of The Year—Desolation, and Deceiver. But while the band’s legacy is firmly established, Khemmis finds them energized by something more immediate: the joy of simply playing loud, heavy music together.

As Hutcherson explains:

“We decided early in the songwriting process that we wanted to write a tight, high-energy album that retained the essential ‘Khemmis sound’ while also embodying the joy of creating, experiencing, and loving heavy metal. Ours have always been deeply personal songs born from tragedy and sorrow; while the songs on Khemmis are still undeniably dark, they are not mined from our suffering. Instead, this record is a celebration of the music world that has sustained us.”

KHEMMIS will perform a special one-off show with ACID BATH in May before embarking on a headlining tour in early summer with support from NECROFIER and WRETCHED, followed by an excursion with MONOLORD soon after. Tickets and additional tour information are available at khemmisdoom.com/live.

Khemmis Track List:

  1. Invocation of the Dreamer
  2. Corpsebloom Garden
  3. Grief’s Reverie
  4. Beneath the Scythe
  5. Gilded Chambers
  6. Tomb of Roses
  7. Carrion King
  8. Benediction Tones

KHEMMIS Tour Dates:

W / ACID BATH & CHAT PILE

May 16 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion

Forsake The Light Headline Tour w / NECROFIER & WRETCHED

June 19 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theater
June 20 – Seattle, WA – Substation
June 21 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
June 23 – Sacramento, CA – Starlet Room
June 24 – Berkeley, CA – Cornerstone
June 25 – Santa Cruz, CA – Felton Music Hall
June 26 – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room
June 27 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
June 28 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s
June 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Nile Theater
July 1 – Cottonwood, AZ – Queen B
July 2 – Albuquerque, NM – Sister

W / MONOLORD

Aug 27 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
Aug 28 – Louisville, KY – Portal
Aug 29 – Atlanta, GA – Garden Club
Aug 30 – Asheville, NC – Eulogy
Aug 31 – Columbia, SC – New Brookland Tavern
Sep 2 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
Sep 3 – Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere
Sep 5 – Baltimore, MD – Labor Daze
Sep 8 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
Sep 9 – Detroit, MI – Sanctuary
Sep 10 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle

About KHEMMIS:

After eleven years of albums and global touring, Colorado’s Khemmis have cemented themselves as pillars of modern heavy metal. Yet as they approach their fifth full-length, the band found something newly vital: the simple joy of creating heavy music together. Formed with no expectations, the group’s longevity has become its foundation, with guitarist/vocalist Ben Hutcherson describing the band as a rare source of stability and camaraderie. Since their 2015 debut Absolution, followed by the acclaimed Hunted, Desolation, Doomed Heavy Metal MLP, and Deceiver, Khemmis have built a legacy of towering, spiritual doom that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Despite changes—including members relocating and bassist David Small joining in 2022—the band emerged more focused than ever. Recording again at Flatline Audio in Colorado, the lineup of Hutcherson, Phil Pendergast, Zach Coleman, and Small leaned into renewed trust and chemistry, with distance paradoxically strengthening their bond. The addition of Small invigorated the rhythm section and encouraged experimentation, while the band rediscovered the excitement that defined their early days. That renewed energy fueled a collaborative atmosphere rooted in confidence, inspiration, and the shared thrill of simply playing heavy metal.

The resulting self-titled album is both a celebration and reinvention: a conceptually framed ritual of heavy metal that moves from the pounding “Invocation of the Dreamer” to the climactic “Benediction Tones,” balancing galloping aggression with emotionally resonant anthems. The record embraces extremity, catharsis, and joy in equal measure, complemented by new visual direction from artist Christopher Remmers. Through lineup changes, distance, and a shifting world, Khemmis remain unshaken—leaning into the music that defines them. Their self-titled album arrives June 12th, 2026 via Nuclear Blast, capturing the band in their truest and most energized form.

Follow KHEMMIS: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

JOEY CARACCIOLO Releases Explosive New Single ‘Thurder’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Joey Caracciolo. Leave a comment

May 4th, 2026, a surge of pure metal energy striked with full force: “Thunder”, the explosive new single by Joey Caracciolo, is now officially available via Wanikiya Record/Promotion.

A powerful, visceral, and deeply meaningful track, “Thunder” is rooted in the most authentic foundations of metal history. The song stands as a direct tribute to the origins and spirit of the early incarnation of Thanatos, reviving that raw, uncompromising sonic urgency that defined an entire era.

A TRIBUTE TO METAL’S ROOTS

“Thunder” is not just a single—it’s a bold statement of intent. A sonic journey paying homage to the original Thanatos lineup, celebrating their influence and lasting impact on the metal scene.

The result is an explosive blend of nostalgia and modernity, where the past collides with a sharp, contemporary production.

JOEY CARACCIOLO: A FORCE OF NATURE

At the center of this sonic storm stands Joey Caracciolo, delivering a performance that showcases his full artistic versatility.

On vocals, Joey unleashes a devastating delivery: deep, dark growls clash with razor-sharp screams, creating a dynamic tension that grips the listener from the very first second. His vocal range and technical control perfectly embody the aggression and theatrical intensity of the classic Thanatos sound.

On guitar, the intensity continues: razor-edged riffs, fast and intricate solos, and a massive rhythm section build a solid and overwhelming wall of sound. Every note is infused with technique, passion, and raw energy.

A SINGLE THAT STRIKES LIKE LIGHTNING

“Thunder” is a celebration of metal in its purest form—powerful, direct, and uncompromising. A track destined to leave its mark, appealing both to longtime fans of the genre and to a new generation seeking authenticity and impact.

With Joey Caracciolo leading the charge, this single stands as essential listening for anyone craving intense, adrenaline-fueled metal.

Turn up the volume, brace for impact, and let yourself be struck by “Thunder.”

Melbourne’s DESERT FIRE to Release Debut Single ‘R.A.D.I.O.’ on 22nd May

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DESERT FIRE. Leave a comment

Melbourne alternative garage rock trio Desert Fire will unleash their debut single, “R.A.D.I.O.”, on 22nd May across all major streaming platforms, marking the band’s first official recorded outing. 

Fast, sharp and impossible to ignore, “R.A.D.I.O.” kicks the door in with biting guitars, a relentless rhythm section and a vocal that cuts clean through the noise. Sitting somewhere between garage rock swagger and raw rock’n’roll urgency, it’s a no-nonsense introduction from a band built for volume, sweat and stages that feel too small. 

Lyrically, the track leans into ambition, image and expectation, giving the song a tongue in cheek undercurrent beneath its punch. That friction adds weight to a debut that hits hard on first listen but lingers well after. “We wanted our first track to land like a punch but still have something sim mering underneath,” the band says. “R.A.D.I.O. felt like the right place to start – it’s got the energy, the hook and the attitude that define Desert Fire.” 

The single was recorded, mixed and produced by Ricki Rae at Lighthill Sound Recording in Riddells Creek, Victoria, mastered by Bill Skibbe at Third Man Mastering in Detroit, and pressed as a limited edition 7” at Third Man Pressing. Featuring guest backing vocals by Jackie Yamada and Ramonda Carrico.

Desert Fire is a Melbourne alt-rock trio featuring Stevie Reds, Roachy and Rachie Reds. Loud, direct and driven by melody, groove and force, “R.A.D.I.O.” serves as the band’s opening shot. 

Desert Fire is; 
Stevie Reds (guitar/vocals), 
Roachy (bass), 
Rachie Reds (drums) 

The debut single lands on 22 May 2026 across all major streaming platforms, with a limited 7-inch vinyl edition available online and at upcoming shows.

https://www.facebook.com/desertfiremusic
https://www.instagram.com/desertfiremusic/
https://desertfire.bandcamp.com/
https://music.apple.com/us/album/r-a-d-i-o-single/1895542469
https://linktr.ee/desertfireband

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM Announce New Album “Rats In The Temple”, Out August 28th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Flotsam and Jetsam. Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: Shane Eckart]

Can you hear them gnawing? They’re almost through the walls!
 
American thrash metal pioneers FLOTSAM AND JETSAM are gearing up to unleash their explosive Napalm Records debut album Rats In The Temple, on August 28, 2026.
 
The legends from Arizona have been a fixture of the metal scene for the better part of the last four decades. With modern renaissance records like The End of Chaos, (2019) and I Am the Weapon, (2024), capturing the glory of their inceptional material, the Kerrang! championed classic Doomsday for the Deceiver, (1986) and No Place for Disgrace, (1988), it’s no wonder they’re still raising hell for their throngs of dedicated fans along festival circuits internationally!
 
Rats In The Temple lunges out full force with 13 rabid onslaughts of ornate guitarmonies, pummeling double bass kicks, hypnotic bass grooves, and exalted frontman Eric A.K. Knutson’s unmistakably haunting wail. As the temple is besieged by vermin, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM line the walls with grim tales of death, abuse, betrayal, and war, inviting listeners into a dark world not too distant from our own.
 
Frontman Eric A.K. Knutson said about the album:
“This record is a BEAST, truly our best effort to date!! Do yourself a favor. Dim the lights, grab a drink, put the headphones on, and crank this up. You will not be sorry you did!!!”

Pre-Order Your Copy of Rats In The Temple HERE

Rats In The Temple opens strong with the stadium-ready hooks and dizzyingly precise performances of “Harvesting The Hate” and “Damnation”, before delving into thrash virtuosity on “Absolution”. The iconic guitar duo of Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley paint vividly ghoulish images on tracks like “Blame The Knife” and “Rats In the Temple”, then continue to flex their metal muscle on “The Ghost Behind My Door” and “First on the Spike”, invoking pure first-wave excellence with a pummeling modern menace. “The Edge of Nowhere” builds inescapable suspense before firing listeners out of a gun, full throttle into “Last Rites”, another standout track for the band. The legendary rhythm duo of drummer Ken Mary and bassist Bill Bodily take center stage on the anti-war anthem “A Taste For War”, their methodical syncopation invoking images of tanks and boots on the ground. “Her Blood Your Pain” brings ornate, medieval guitarmonies before “Anthem For The Broken” goes full balls to the wall, and “Going Down That Way” hits listeners with heavy riffs and even heavier truths. Rats In The Temple remains enthralling throughout, giving listeners entry to numerous of the band’s metal chambers, sampling a refined and eclectic serving of influences.
 
Churning like magma beneath the Earth, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM have only been growing more and more fiery with time, and Rats In The Temple sees the band exploding to the surface in a magnificent and awe-inspiring blaze. For fans new and longstanding, you cannot escape them; they’re through the walls.

Rats In The Temple Tracklist:
1. Harvesting the Hate
2. Damnation
3. Absolution
4. Blame the Knife
5. Rats in the Temple
6. The Ghost behind my Door
7. First on the Spike
8. The Edge of Nowhere
9. Last Rites
10. A Taste for War
11. Her Blood your Pain
12. Anthem for the Broken
13. Not Going down that Way

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM Are:
​​Eric A.K. Knutson – Vocals
Michael Gilbert – Guitars
Steve Conley – Guitars
William Bodily – Bass
Ken Mary – Drums
 
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM Online:
WEBSITE
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
NAPALM RECORDS

Posts navigation

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →
  • Chief Shock Video

  • Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! 🌏💚 Click image to watch the video
  • Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
  • Ads

  • Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen.
Kimmo shared: "Esa Kotilainen and I worked on this song some years ago, but it was left unfinished. Now it is completed as a tribute to our 40 years of musical madness together. ‘Aurora Nuclearis,’ featuring and in memory of keyboard player Esa Kotilainen, who is now playing on the cosmic plane." - Click image to watch the video
    Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
  • Metal Shock Finland

    Metal Shock Finland
Website Powered by WordPress.com.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )
    • Join 920 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar