WITCH RIPPER Unveil Video Single ‘The Portal’ & Details of Forthcoming New Album “Through the Hourglass”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 23, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

WITCH RIPPER are back and so is the dark story these US metal innovators present to all those ready to listen. Their new music video ‘The Portal‘ offers a glimpse of a sinister cult and serves as the first advance single from their forthcoming third album “Through the Hourglass“, which will be revealed on April 10, 2026, via Magnetic Eye Records. 

Pre-order the album here: https://spkr.store/collections/witch-ripper 

Watch the video for ‘The Portal’ here:

WITCH RIPPER comment on ‘The Portal’: “We really wanted to set the tone of Through the Hourglass with a bang“, vocalist and guitarist Curtis Parker writes. “A pummeling drum intro, knuckle-dragger riffs and highlighting more evil melodies on the guitar. ‘The Portal’ kicks off an album with darker themes of loss, confusion, and dread while maintaining our love of big hooks and catchy riffs. Our story’s main character asks: ‘What have I woken up to?’ – and we’re all about to find out!“

Tracklist:
1. Odyssey in Retrograde
2. The Portal
3. Symmetry of the Hourglass
4. Echoes and Dust
5. The Clock Queen
6. Proxima Centuari
7. The Spiral Eye

On their third full-length, “Through the Hourglass”, WITCH RIPPER unleash the full potential of their stunning ability to deliver captivating melodies, catchy riffs, and merciless hooks in sheer droves.

The US metal band perfectly combines melodic heaviness with pinches of progressive, sludge, and other styles with seeming ease. WITCH RIPPER can be generally located within the wider sonic realm that is inhabited by MASTODON, BARONESS, and HIGH ON FIRE, yet they also continue to channel the rock bombast of QUEEN and DAVID BOWIE as well as the modern prog of COHEED AND CAMBRIA and MUSE.

While WITCH RIPPER‘s songwriting has climbed to a new peak, they continue with their loving pastiche of the legendary pulp science fiction stories of old. “Through the Hourglass” extends the story that began on their sophomore full-length, “The Flight after the Fall” (2023), in which the central character’s search for peace in death by flying into a black hole proved futile. As “Through the Hourglass” begins, he awakens to a world without time and a familiar dark presence from his past… 

Conceived in 2012 in the city of grey skies, lush vegetation and loud rock, Seattle, Washington’s WITCH RIPPER garnered critical acclaim and a strong buzz in the underground scene with their sludgy self-titled EP (2012) and debut full-length “Homestead” (2018). The second album, “The Flight after the Fall”, made the band’s name on a global scale, as the band dramatically expanded the range of their sound in ways both catchy and progressive.

On stage, WITCH RIPPER have performed alongside heavy rock outfits such as MONOLORD, CONAN, and CASTLE RAT as well as modern metal acts including SLIPKNOT, GOJIRA, and KHEMMIS among many others.

WITCH RIPPER are already at work planning for tour across the United States once more and hope for a first voyage to Europe in support of releasing “Through the Hourglass”. Metal is anything but dead, and this album is living proof of its vibrant present.

P.S.: Music aficionados will find a revelation hiding in the key of each song.

Line-up
Chad Fox – guitar, vocals
Brian Kim – bass, vocals
Curtis Parker – guitar, vocals
Joe Eck – drums

Guest musician
Irene Barber – vocals on ‘The Spiral Eye’

Recording by Matt Bayles at Studio Litho & EXES Audio, Seattle, WA (US)
Mix by Matt Bayles at Studio Litho, Seattle, WA (US)
Mastering by Brad Boatright at Audio Siege Studios, Portland, OR (US)

Cover art by Chris Panatier
Layout by Łukasz Jaszak

https://www.facebook.com/witchripper
https://www.instagram.com/witch_ripper
https://www.facebook.com/MagneticEyeRecords/
https://www.instagram.com/magneticeyerecords/

DHARMA GUNS Release New Single ‘Scale of the Universe’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 23, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Ville Malja

Dharma Guns has released the third single from their second album, due out in April 2026. “Scale of the Universe” leans on the band’s familiar strengths: a catchy guitar riff and a singalong chorus. The track is classic Dharma Guns, equally at home in grimy rock bars and on stadium stages.

“It was one of the last songs added to the recording sessions, and maybe that’s why it stands out from the rest. Some pieces had to be forced into place. We added power chords and a one-note rock piano, ditched the original chorus for being too pop, and wrote a couple of ‘woo-ou’ shouts for the backing vocals. And there you have it – the ingredients of a Dharma hit,” says singer-guitarist Pete.

A music video was also released for “Scale of the Universe”, filmed in the wintry Helsinki. As usual, the video was created by the band’s drummer Olli Vartiainen, and marks his eighth video for Dharma Guns.

Lyrically, the song places the absurdity of human life and the difficulty of making choices into perspective as a minor side note on the universe’s timeline. It’s hard not to join in on the refrain: “Everything in the scale of the universe.”Vocally, the track also represents something new for Dharma Guns.

“When we were recording vocals, our engineer Sammy Aaltonen compared it to Danzig. But that was probably just because of the line ‘hungry as a wolf’,”
Pete laughs before continuing:

“As the world seems to get crazier by the minute, it felt necessary to distance myself a bit from the outbursts of warmongering narcissists and climate deniers. On a universal scale, our problems are pretty small, no matter the issue. That doesn’t mean I won’t tackle those same lunatics again on the next song.” 

Dharma Guns’ second album will be released in April. The first single from the upcoming album was “King of Action Rock”, released in October, followed by the second single “Devil’s Beat” in November. The band’s debut album Ex-Generation Superstars was released in November 2024.

In support of the new album, Dharma Guns will hit the road on a tour that includes UK dates with Steve Vincent.

Scale of the Universe – single:
Spotify
Apple Music
Deezer

Dharma Guns – tour 2026:
Jan 23 – Bar Kotelo, Tampere (w/ Gehenna Sour)
Jan 24 – Bar 15 Basement, Seinäjoki (w/ Gehenna Sour)
Mar 30 – Vastavirtaklubi, Tampere
Apr 30 – On the Rocks, Helsinki (w/ Steve Vincent + Plastic Tears)
May 1 – Nirvana, Turku (w/ Steve Vincent, support TBA)
May 21 – Bannerman’s, Edinburgh (w/ Steve Vincent)
May 22 – Trillians, Newcastle (w/ Steve Vincent)
May 23 – Gifford Arms, Wolverhampton (w/ Steve Vincent)
May 24 – Hope & Anchor, London (w/ Steve Vincent)

More shows to be announced!

Dharma Guns online:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

DAN BYRNE Reveals New Lyric Video ‘She’s The Devil’ from Upcoming Debut LP

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 23, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Rob Blackham

Hotly-tipped UK rocker Dan Byrne has revealed new single ‘She’s The Devil’, another glimpse of his highly-anticipated debut record This Is Where the Show Begins (22nd May, Frontiers). 

Stream ‘She’s The Devil’ and pre-order the album here: https://ffm.bio/thisiswheretheshowbegins

Dan comments: “‘She’s The Devil’ is where I really let loose. It’s easily the most unapologetic song on the record –  a straight-up, all-out rock ’n’ roll track where everything is turned up. It’s got that ‘blues-rock-on-steroids’ feel that nods to the greats but definitely drags it into the modern day, complete with a bridge that is a little bit of a hat-tip to the likes of Whitesnake.

“I wrote this to play around with temptation and contradiction: the idea of knowing someone is bad news, but giving in anyway. The devil in this song takes the shape of a woman, a lover, or even an idea. The fact is, that it’s a reminder of how easily we can fall for something we know might break us.

“It’s a song about attraction and danger and knowing that you’re in too deep, but not wanting to get out. I grew up listening to hundreds of songs that used that kind of imagery, so this was my chance to put my own spin on it. It’s one of the few songs on the album where I got to just unleash everything I had and show the range of my voice.

“Produced once again by David Radahd-Jones, She’s The Devil represents the wild side of my debut album. It also ties into a recurring thread that runs through several songs on the record: the use of faith-based imagery as a literary tool for exploring human conflict, irony, and desire.”

Dan will be touring his debut album in March and April. Full dates: 

Headline tour
Mar 21 Wolverhampton KK’s Steel Mill
Mar 22 Manchester Deaf Institute
Mar 24 Chester The Live Rooms
Mar 26 Newcastle The Cluny
Mar 27 Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms
Mar 28 Glasgow The Attic
Mar 29 Blackpool Waterloo Music Bar
Apr 01 Sheffield Corporation
Apr 03 Nottingham Bodega
Apr 04 Southampton The Joiners
Apr 05 Bristol Exchange
Apr 10 London The Lower Third
Apr 11 Crumlin The Patriot

Jul 25 Ebbw Vale Steelhouse Festival

Dan Byrne swept in off the Mersey, announcing himself as a solo artist in 2023 with his debut EP, Beginnings. His powerhouse, soul-inflected vocal and deftly-executed, yet hugely accessible songcraft has quickly marked him out as an artist on the rise. Blending contemporary edge with classic influence, Byrne’s music is powerful, honest, and deeply emotive – widescreen in scope yet intimate at its core. It rocks, without question, but what truly sets him apart is the courage to weave sensitivity and vulnerability through the intensity. This isn’t just rock music – it has the heart and authenticity to connect with an audience beyond any one genre.

In just two years Dan has toured the UK three times, delivered standout performances at multiple festivals and found overwhelming support from Planet Rock – the UK’s leading rock station – where his first four singles amassed an impressive 25 weeks on the playlist. With that foundation firmly in place, Byrne now turns his focus to the release of his long-awaited debut solo album, marking the next powerful step in his evolution as an artist.

This Is Where The Show Begins – Dan’s debut album – is full of joy and confidence. There’s a swagger alongside the sensitivity, a further broadening of musical scope. But at the centre of it, is that voice –  as powerful as it is vulnerable, as emotive as it is strong.

The lead single, ‘Saviour’ – the perfect album opener – bursts to life with attention-grabbing hard-rock stabs and pile-driving riffs. Its verses simmer with drama before the tension breaks in a chorus that makes it clear we’re in for one hell of a ride. It struts, it shimmies and it absolutely rocks. “Light ’em up,” indeed. There’s no let up as we barrel headlong into ‘She’s the Devil’ – Dan weighing in with a colossal vocal punctured by gonzo guitar gymnastics, the sheer euphoria spilling forth here is palpable.

Elsewhere, we’re taken to church with ‘Praise Hell’, and ‘Sober’ is stained with regret. We even perhaps get a glimpse of where Byrne is heading next with album closer ‘Home’ – a sprawling, soaring, shapeshifting piece of alt-rock which essentially is never in danger of losing its soul. It’s what Glenn Hughes and 30 Seconds To Mars might come up if they ever combined their superpowers.
This Is Where The Show Begins is the culmination of what has been an incredible journey so far. It’s a marker for what can happen when you back yourself, a calling card for following your gut. Bursting with ambition, diversity and authenticity, this is where it may truly begin for Dan, the exciting thing for us to ponder is where it should lead to next.

Tracklisting:
1. Saviour
2. She’s The Devil
3. Praise Hell
4. Sober
5. Cherry & Leather
6. Death Of Me
7. Temple
8. Pulling Me Under
9. Hate Me
10. Home

Dan Byrne online:
https://www.danbyrne.co
https://www.instagram.com/danbyrne__
https://www.facebook.com/danbyrneofficial

ELEGACY Return with Third Full-Length Album “Theory of Sin”, Coming Soon

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 23, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Elegacy return to the scene, a cult band in the Italian prog-power landscape.

The classic lineup remains intact – with Ivan Giannini (VISION DIVINE) on vocals, Constantin Terzago on keyboards, and Massimo La Russa on guitars – joined this time by guest drummer Federico Paulovich.

Following Elevate Records’ previous work on the digital reissue of their first two albums, Impressions and The Binding Sequence, it felt natural for the band to entrust the label with their third full-length work, titled “Theory of Sin.”

A decade after The Binding Sequence – an album that featured renowned international progressive musicians – Theory of Sin collects material composed by the band over this long period. The new album reinforces their heavy-prog essence in line with modern trends, enhanced in particular by the studio contribution of Federico Paulovich (Destrage) on drums.

The sound remains true to Elegacy’s melodic, refined yet direct approach from their previous works, blending power and evocative atmospheres without indulging in typical progressive stereotypes.

With two solid albums behind them and an established reputation in the Italian metal scene, Elegacy now return with a convincing and high-level release, aiming to reclaim a prominent place not only nationally, but beyond borders.

In the coming days, we will reveal more details such as the cover art and the release date.

More Info:
https://www.facebook.com/elegacyband
http://www.elevate2records.com

MEGADETH Release Final Single ‘Puppet Parade’ from Self-Titled Final Studio Album, Out Tomorrow

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 22, 2026
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Photo Credit: Ross Halfin

With the release of MEGADETH’s final studio album out this week (January 23), the metal titans have shared the final single “Puppet Parade” from the much-anticipated album released via DAVE MUSTAINE’s Tradecraft imprint in partnership with Frontiers Label Group’s new BLKIIBLK label. 

‘Puppet Parade’ is about somebody’s mundane life and how they go through life with everyday being the same as the day before,” MUSTAINE says.  “It is about a person who has a dead-end job, a dead-end relationship, a dead-end life. Many of us are going through this monotony, even right now. I wanted to share ‘Puppet Parade’ to try and illustrate how we often show people what we want them to see, instead of how we really feel.”

Listen to the track HERE

Up next for MEGADETH, they’ll kick off their farewell tour in North America with a cross-country headlining tour of Canada launching February 15 in Victoria, BC and include stops in Calgary, Winnipeg, and Ottawa before wrapping March 6 in Quebec City, QC.

Leading up to the new album, MEGADETH—Mustaine, Teemu Mäntysaari (Lead, Rhythm, and Acoustic Guitars), James LoMenzo (Bass Guitar) and Dirk Verbeuren (Drums)—have released three tracks:  “Let There Be Shred!” (watch the video HERE), “I Don’t Care” out (watch the video HERE); and “Tipping Point,” the album’s first single (watch the video HERE).  MEGADETH have also announced a very special bonus track from the album:  a reimagined version of “Ride The Lightning,” which MUSTAINE co-wrote with Metallica’s James Hetfield, Cliff Burton, and Lars Ulrich and was the title track from the group’s 1984 album.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, MUSTAINE revealed in a social post directly shared with his worldwide fanbase and Cyber Army that the forthcoming album will mark the final studio album from MEGADETH, who’ve sold over 50 million records worldwide and received a GRAMMY® Award (with 12 additional nominations).  He shared the announcement of the album and tour via his alter ego Vic Rattlehead.

MEGADETH are always and forever the point of no return for metal. It would be nearly impossible to conceive where heavy music and culture would’ve gone without the band founded, fronted, and fueled by vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer Dave Mustaine. The blast radius of their impact has only magnified since 1983. Thus far, they have sold 50 million records worldwide, received a GRAMMY® Award (with 12 additional nominations), generated billions of streams, notched seven Top 10 entries on the Billboard 200, and enthralled millions of diehard fans in arenas and stadiums across the globe. Their catalog spans indisputable classics such as the platinum Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? (cited at #8 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time”), the platinum Rust In Peace, and double-platinum Countdown To Extinction, which captured #2 on the Billboard 200. Meanwhile, Dystopia notched a Top 3 debut and earned a GRAMMY® Award in the category of “Best Metal Performance” with its title track. They only upped the ferocity with The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! in 2022. It saw them return to #3, receive a “Best Metal Performance” GRAMMY® Award nomination for “We’ll Be Back,” and incite rave reviews. Their influence can be felt practically everywhere—whether it be Post Malone proudly sporting a tattoo of “So Far, So Good… So What!,” Homer Simpson’s iPod displaying their moniker during an episode, or Showtime’s smash hit series Billions and Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey utilizing MEGADETH in plot points. The band have delivered simultaneously relevant and timeless records in five decades now, setting the pace for the thrash renaissance of the eighties, tearing through the MTV years of the nineties with swagger and style, maintaining their stride in the post-Y2K 2000s, elevating to canonical heights in the social media and streaming era of the 2010s, and unassumingly harnessing the uncertainty and unease of the Post-Pandemic world into their boldest, biggest, and best work yet.

Along the way, MEGADETH extended their influence even further. During 2016, the band entered the spirits world with their very first signature beer À Tout Le Monde followed by Saison 13 in 2019. The brand asserted itself as a player in the beverage space and impressively moved over 15 million pints. Joining forces with Keystone in 2025, they ignite the next phase of Megadeth Beer on the biggest global platform yet.

Beyond his role as a music icon, Dave founded the visionary wine brand HOUSE OF MUSTAINE which uniquely blends music, culture, and fine winemaking. The brand launched with the 2013 Symphony Interrupted Cabernet Sauvignon which was inspired by Dave Mustaine’s groundbreaking collaboration with the San Diego Symphony.

More info: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | X | YOUTUBE

W.E.B. Unveil New Live Video / Single ‘Dragona’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 22, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Georgina Staikou

Greek symphonic extreme metallers W.E.B. will unveil Darkness Alive, their first ever live album, on February 20th via Metal Blade Records!

Captured in the quartet’s hometown of Athens on September 22nd, 2024, Darkness Alive truly displays the band at the top of their game. Standout tracks include “Into Hell Fire We Burn,” which vocalist/guitarist Sakis Prekas describes as a, “thunderous marriage of black and heavy metal with a chorus that literally orders you to sing along,” “Dark Web,” an intense melodic death and modern metal onslaught, and today’s single, “Dragona” from the band’s critically lauded 2017 Tartarus, full-length.

“Dragona” serves as a blasting black metal masterwork with an epic finale that will forever be a staple in W.E.B.‘s live set. Lyrically, the track praises an ancient God with a funeral exodus and is considered by fans and critics alike among W.E.B.‘s most revered tracks.

Watch the band’s previously released video for “Dark Web” HERE.

Darkness Alive will be released digitally. Find pre-orders at: metalblade.com/web

Darkness Alive Track Listing:
01. Crimson Dawn (Live)
02. Pentalpha (Live)
03. Dark Web (Live)
04. Into Hell Fire We Burn (Live)
05. Murder Of Crows (Live)
06. Necrology (Live)
07. Morphine for Saints (Live)
08. Dragona (Live)
09. Eligos (Live)

W.E.B. is currently composing material for their next full-length album that will see them hitting the road once again. “It is by far the best material we;ve ever had on a record. I intend to keep the promise to myself regarding W.E.B. that all new material must be better material, otherwise there is no reason to release it,” Prekas concludes. “Stay Dark.“

W.E.B.:
Sakis Prekas – vocals, guitar
Hel Pyre – vocals, bass, keys
Alex Despotidis – guitar
Babis Kapageridis – bass
Vasilis Nanos – drums

https://webmetalband.com
https://www.facebook.com/webdarkness
https://www.instagram.com/webdarkmetal
https://www.youtube.com/@WEBbandOfficial
https://x.com/webdarkmetal