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VELVETEEN QUEEN Announce New Album “The Greater Good”, Out September 18th

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

Swedish hard-rock risers Velveteen Queen return with their most ambitious statement yet, their sophomore album, The Greater Good, set for release on September 18th via Silver Lining Music. Pre-orders available now at this location.

Velveteen Queen are rapidly emerging as one of the most electrifying young acts in the modern rock scene, channeling the grit, swagger, and anthemic power of classic ’80s influences into a bold and contemporary sound. Having shared stages with Alice Cooper and Judas Priest, the five-piece have already built a reputation for their explosive live performances, undeniable stage presence and anthemic rock songs with instantly memorable hooks.

From the very first teasing riff and maraca-shake of ‘Too Far Gone’, the opening track of the album, the Swedish rockers make it clear your hips had better be ready to swing and your rockin’ boots ready to roll. Produced by renowned producer Sören Andersen, this is a record which brings the strut of the Sunset Strip’s glory days via Sweden, with a healthy dash of old-school Guns N’ Roses, alongside spiritual ties to Aerosmith, Velvet Revolver and Hanoi Rocks.

The new single and title track, ‘The Greater Good’, is out now. The song featured Peter Keys (Lynyrd Skynyrd) on piano and is accompanied by a larger-than-life video directed by esteemed filmmaker Patric Ullaeus.

“In ‘The Greater Good’, we confront the lies that run deep in our city, challenging apathy while calling for action amid chaos. When the fight for truth fades, where does the ‘greater good’ truly lie?” – Velveteen Queen

There’s a snap and vigour in Velveteen Queen that is instantly exciting to the ears. Take the bounce and groove of the glam-punk ‘Talk or Walk’, which boasts a huge choral hook and a snarling top lip of attitude. Meanwhile, ‘Adrenaline’ is built around a razor-sharp, singalong chorus, with riffs swinging low and hard. Yet there’s also full ballad artistry on display with the soulful ‘Chains’, showing that Velveteen Queen can bring it down to strands of raw emotion. 

Make no mistake, while the influences on Velveteen Queen are clear, the approach, songwriting, and delivery is utterly fresh, packed with undeniable positive energy and rebel attitude. There’s a new generation of young glam/trash rockers craving The Greater Good, and Velveteen Queen confidently and successfully deliver exactly what they are looking for. 

And that same high-voltage energy captured on the record will soon be unleashed on stage, with Velveteen Queen poised to turn every show into a full-throttle rock ’n’ roll event. Their next live chapter continues in truly grand fashion, joining forces with rock legends Alice Cooper and Danko Jones at Rättvik on June 27th.

The Greater Good track listing:

1. Too Far Gone
2. The Greater Good
3. Talk or Walk
4. Adrenaline
5. Can’t Go Back in Time
6. Chains
7. It Ain’t Over
8. Liar
9. Best of the Best
10. Sorry
11. Try (Try to Believe Me)

The Greater Good will be available on vinyl, CD, digital formats and D2C bundles. Pre-orders can be placed here

Upcoming shows:
27 June – Dalhalla, Rättvik (SE)
18 Sept – Debaser Nova, Stockholm (SE)
19 Sept – Valand, Gothenburg (SE) 

More dates soon to be announced; for tickets and more information visit velveteenqueentheband.com

VELVETEEN QUEEN are:

Samuel Nilsson – Lead Vocals, Keys
Lukas Axx – Guitar
Noah Mårdh – Guitar
Vilmer Fall – Bass
Isac Borg – Drums

Follow VELVETEEN QUEEN:
velveteenqueentheband.com
facebook.com/velveteenqueen.gbg 
instagram.com/velveteenqueen_band 
tiktok.com/@velveteenqueen_band

WHO ON EARTH Release New Single + Video ‘Shadows’, New Album Out Tomorrow

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: WHO ON EARTH. Leave a comment

With their new album It Takes The Village arriving May 8th, New Jersey heavy metal powerhouse WHO ON EARTH continue the momentum with the release of their latest single and video, “Shadows”—a towering anthem packed with galloping riffs, soaring harmonies, and the band’s signature no-frills approach to modern heavy metal.

The third single from the forthcoming album, “Shadows” channels the spirit of classic metal while reinforcing the band’s sharp lyrical perspective. Built on thunderous grooves, dual guitar harmonies, and an arena-ready chorus, the track delivers both nostalgia and urgency in equal measure.

Bassist Pete Rizzi comments:

“‘Shadows’ is our third single from It Takes The Village, and it truly epitomizes what we are all about. It’s got that old school metal vibe with a catchy chorus, guitar harmonies reminiscent of old Maiden & Priest, and a locked-in rhythm section. The lyrics also speak to a concept we touch on quite often: deception and the need to be vigilant about what you see, hear, read, eat, watch, etc., because there are a lot of bad actors trying to profit from us through manipulation, deceit, and outright lies. We don’t write love songs. Ha!”

Stream “Shadows“: https://found.ee/WhoOnEarth_SHADOWS

“Shadows” follows the previously released singles “Vigilance” and “Any Other Way,” both of which offered fans an early glimpse into the sonic force of It Takes The Village—WHO ON EARTH’s most dynamic and fully realized record to date.

WHO ON EARTH will kick off a string of shows with FOZZY beginning later this week. Purchase tickets here: https://whoonearththeband.com/shows/

Pre-Save It Takes The Village: https://foundation-media.ffm.to/ittv

It Takes The Village Track List: 

1. Vigilance
2. Any Other Way
3. Shadows
4. Good Man Down
5. Closer
6. Too Close
7. Double or Nothing
8. Monster!
9. Oh, Set Me Free
10. We Don’t Belong Here
11. Ascension
12. The Unbeaten

WHO ON EARTH Tour Dates w/FOZZY:

May 8 – Charlotte, NC – Amos’ Southend
May 9 – Waynesboro, VA – The Foundry
May 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
May 13 – Harrisburg, PA – Capitall City Music Hall
May 15 – St. Charles, IL – Arcada Theatre
May 16 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop

About WHO ON EARTH: 

Who On Earth cut its teeth through relentless gigging across the New York tri-state area, with founding members Coosh and Pete previously tearing up stages as MadHaus. During 2020, the longtime collaborators shifted focus from covers to original material, quickly writing ten songs and entering Sonic Stomp Studio with producer Mike Orlando (Category 7, Adrenaline Mob). Joined by drummer Joe D’Aqui, the group crafted a heavy, story-driven sound rooted in influences like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Alice in Chains, and Tool. Despite pandemic delays, the sessions yielded their debut full-length album Blame’, released in October 2022.

Following the addition of guitarists Bruce Gatewood and Johnny James Barone, the band gained traction with a heavier reimagining of Toto’s “Hold the Line,” now their most-streamed track. Lineup changes continued with drummer Howie Fallon joining in 2024, bringing renewed chemistry and power, though tragedy struck later that year with the passing of Gatewood. In late 2024, Jimmy Kocha joined, filling the role of co-lead guitarist, solidifying the lineup that is currently in full force today. Honoring his legacy, the band pushed forward, releasing the Smoke & Mirrors EP in March 2025—a sharp, socially reflective six-song release.

2026 marks Who On Earth’s return with their brand new album, It Takes The Village; a 12 track record of pure and relentless rock and metal that reignites the spirit of heavy music.

Lineup: 
Coosh – Vocals
Pete Rizzi – Bass
Johnny James Barone – Guitar
Jimmy Kocha – Guitar
Howie Fallon – Drums

Follow WHO ON EARTH:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | Youtube | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

Finnish Doom Metal Musician HARRI KAUPPINEN Introduces His New Post-Metal Project ABANDONED OCEAN

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: ABANDONED OCEAN, HARRI KAUPPINEN. Leave a comment
Photo: Harri Kauppinen

Abandoned Ocean is a new project that introduces the English written material by Finnish post metal / doom metal artist Harri Kauppinen. Now released debut release Inner Dusk -EP could be described as post-metal. Kauppinen once again combines elements of lo-fi and doom into his intimate singer-songwriter style. 

“The last time my music was released was in 2016. After a long break, it’s great to see that I still get excited when a whole (and damn dark) song is built out of total emptiness. It’s one of the greatest experiences music offers me.” -Harri Kauppinen

Check the lyric video of the track “Unpleasant Light”:

Listen to the EP on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, YouTube Music etc.): https://push.fm/fl/abandonedocean-innerdusk

Tracklist:

  1. Escaping from It All – music & lyrics : Harri Kauppinen – ISRC : FIH3X2600001
  2. Unpleasant Light – music & lyrics : Harri Kauppinen – ISRC : FIH3X2600002
  3. I Am the Darkness – music & lyrics : Harri Kauppinen – ISRC : FIH3X2600003

Record label: Self released

Although the EP’s music was written by Harri Kauppinen, there’s also other players involved: Teemu Liekkala (Rioghan, Red Eleven), Otto Närhi (Psychework, Nestruction) and producer Hiili Hiilesmaa (Kypck, Swallow the Sun, HIM). 

These four gentlemen last came together on a unifying theme in 2016, when Kauppinen’s debut solo album, Helvetin laulut, was released. Not forgetting the fact that Kauppinen, Liekkala and Närhi share a common history from 2005-2014, when they were part of the dark metal band Beyond The Dream.

Inner Dusk is a narrow passageway into a gloomy world, but one where there is hope for a way out. Step inside. You can come back if you want, but before you do ; close your eyes and immerse yourself in the inner dusk.

https://www.abandonedocean.com/
https://abandonedocean.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/abandonedocean_official
https://www.facebook.com/abandonedocean/

ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ Joins DRAGONFORCE as Additional Singer

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 6, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Alissa White-Gluz, Dragonforce. Leave a comment
[Credit: Travis Shinn]

Today, the world’s fastest band speeds up and into its biggest, boldest and most electrifying era to date: DRAGONFORCE have announced Alissa White-Gluz as their newest member and first frontwoman. In a momentous union of two storied and unstoppable forces, the preeminent pioneers of extreme power metal will now be joined by one of metal’s legendary vocalists, unleashing both an intrepid evolution of the genre and the start of a seismic year ahead.
 
Beginning this Saturday, May 9th, at Welcome To Rockville, and Sunday, May 17th at Sonic Temple, DRAGONFORCE’s debut live performances with Alissa White-Gluz will also kick off the 20th Anniversary of Inhuman Rampage. As the 2006 album that birthed the Platinum-selling global phenomenon of “Through the Fire and Flames,” which spent 23 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold, Inhuman Rampage introduced the band and their music to tens of millions of new fans and counting. With extensive touring plans to be revealed, and a 10th studio album currently in the works, DRAGONFORCE are bringing more listeners than ever into this next chapter of their eternally joyous, adrenaline-filled journey.
 
Herman Li on their lineup addition:
“Alissa joining the band is an expansion of everything we’ve done up to this point. Twenty years is a long time to do anything, let alone survive the music industry and still be so inspired to continue doing what we love. Together we will honor what made Inhuman Rampage matter, while showing people exactly where we’re going next. Having Alissa in the room changes everything. She doesn’t just sing, she makes all aspects of our music better. And she sounds incredible live! I can’t wait for the fans to see her and hear what we have been working on.”
 
Through her work with everyone from The Agonist to Kamelot, Arch Enemy and her newly launched Blue Medusa, Alissa White-Gluz has become an icon synonymous with strength, independence, versatility and creative fearlessness, representing a new standard for women at the highest levels of heavy music. Over two decades spent on the stage, blending ferocious and melodic theatricality with lyrical themes of philosophy, psychology, ethics and the human experience, she has built a history spanning 15+ hours of recorded music, 60+ music videos, 40+ collaborations and 2,000+ concerts across a myriad of subgenres.
 
Alissa White-Gluz on joining DRAGONFORCE:
“I am beyond excited to be bringing such iconic music to life with these amazingly skilled musicians in such a fun and inspiring environment. It feels great to showcase all the colours of my voice and utilize all my singing styles in technically challenging, deeply energizing, highly addictive songs. I am so thankful for the amazing support I have been lucky enough to receive from the metal world over this wild career I’ve built; I want to keep pushing my boundaries and delivering exceptional music and live experiences to the fans that I cherish so much.”

Founded in 1999 and based between Los Angeles and London, DRAGONFORCE have rewritten the rules of heavy metal, while redefining the possibilities of their respective instruments. Since the release of Inhuman Rampage and its signature anthem “Through the Fire and Flames” – the notoriously unbeatable final boss of “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock” – the GRAMMY®-nominated band have continued to blow the minds of musicians and gamers everywhere. They have been heard in “Despicable Me 4”, “Fortnite Festival,” “Brawl Stars,” “Asphalt Legends” and beyond, and seen on the covers of dozens of magazines. They have played for millions of fans and shared stages with Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, Slipknot, Metallica and many more, but one thing has always been certain: the fastest band in the world will not slow down.

DRAGONFORCE is:
Herman Li – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Sam Totman – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Marc Hudson – Vocals
Alissa White-Gluz – Vocals
Alicia Vigil – Bass, Backing Vocals
Gee Anzalone – Drums, Backing Vocals

DRAGONFORCE online:
WEBSITE
YOUTUBE
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
TIKTOK
FACEBOOK

BLOOD MOTHER Unleashes Haunting New Single ‘The Wound of Heaven’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 6, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: BLOOD MOTHER, Rick Giordano. Leave a comment
Photo credit: Chris Bauer

Rick Giordano, the composer behind THE LION’S DAUGHTER, has re-emerged as BLOOD MOTHER, a devastating new project that combines the post black metal horrors of TLD with haunting, atmospheric soundscapes and Western Americana attitude. Forged in themes of isolation, paranoia, violence and terror, dark and synth-driven ambience coalesces with bouts of chaotic and desperate black metal, while also honing in on the grit and desolation that was no doubt inspired by Giordano’s upbringing in the rugged American heartlands. Combined with the commanding aggression of Giordano’s vocal attack, BLOOD MOTHER offers the score to your own personal horror film.

BLOOD MOTHER is now unveiling the haunting second single, “The Wound of Heaven,” from its upcoming self-titled studio album, which is due on June 14 independently. The song can be found along with a visualizer at THIS LOCATION.

Composer Rick Giordano comments, “‘The Wound of Heaven’ is about finding beauty and comfort in watching a cruel and horrible world being torn apart. The sky splits open and the violent destruction brings only serenity. Or maybe it’s just about pussy.”

Pre-orders are now live via the official webstore HERE or via Bandcamp HERE.

Giordano is accompanied on this self titled debut album by Erik Ramsier, long time drummer and percussionist for the Lion’s Daughter, with artwork by renowned graphic novelist The Salamander King.

The cover artwork was created by The Salamander King and can be found below along with the tracklist.

Tracklisting:

  1. The Night Fires (05:04) [WATCH]
  2. Bonecanter (05:51)
  3. Trail Of The Screaming Dead (04:58)
  4. The Wound Of Heaven (04:00) [WATCH]
  5. Lost In Thunder (05:38)
  6. Pulled Apart (05:36)

Rick Giordano, the composer behind THE LION’S DAUGHTER, is re-emerging as BLOOD MOTHER, a devastating new project that combines the post black metal horrors of TLD with haunting, atmospheric soundscapes and Western Americana attitude. Forged in themes of isolation, paranoia, violence and terror, dark and synth-driven ambience coalesces with bouts of chaotic and desperate black metal, while also honing in on the grit and desolation that was no doubt inspired by Giordano’s upbringing in the rugged American heartlands. Combined with the commanding aggression of Giordano’s vocal attack, BLOOD MOTHER offers the score to your own personal horror film.

Accompanied on this self-titled debut album by Erik Ramsier, longtime drummer and percussionist for the Lion’s Daughter, with artwork by renowned graphic novelist The Salamander King, BLOOD MOTHER isn’t just a reboot, but rather a reinvention. While it still draws from many of THE LION’S DAUGHTER’s original influences, and therefore, the project also defies generic classification much like its predecessor, BLOOD MOTHER is still a clear evolution from what came before. “After 18 years of releasing music and touring the world, the daughter had to die so that the mother could live,” explains Giordano of the new project.

As a fully independent entity, BLOOD MOTHER has no chains, no bounds, and no master. Self-releasing this project with the help of world renowned independent artist manager Wolf Mountain Productions, Giordano is paving his own path and asserting his dominance over the oppressive music industry. Like a renegade cowboy, he joins the ranks of other modern artists who have abandoned all standards and practices to usher in a new era of artist ownership and DIY supremacy. “I’ve never been a person that neatly fits in with any group, or made music that neatly fits into any category, so it just makes sense to operate independently,” Giordano explains. “I also look at the current state of the music and most of the bands that are popular now, and think why the fuck would I want anything to do with that?”

Like a ghost riding out from the desert, Blood Mother is here to paint the town a shade of red found only in Hell… before burning it all to the ground.

Lineup:
Rick Giordano: Guitar, bass, synth, vocals
Erik Ramsier: Drums

For Fans Of: Ulver, Darkspace, Blut Aus Nord, Cult of Luna, Sunn O))), Wayfarer

Cover Artist: The Salamander King

Album Credits:
Mixing by Ryan Wasoba
Mastering by Joel Hatstat

Distribution/management: Wolf Mountain Productions

Links: WEBSTORE – BANDCAMP – INSTAGRAM – YOUTUBE – SPOTIFY – APPLE MUSIC

SELIAS Launch New Era with New Vocalists Neil & Ania, New Metal Album in the Works

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 6, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: SELIAS. Leave a comment

SELIAS, darker and heavier than ever, with the announcement of two new vocalists, Neil and Ania, marking a decisive shift toward a more aggressive, stand-out sound.

Alongside this lineup evolution, the band confirms that a brand-new album is in the works.

Known for atmospheric textures and bringing the heavy, SELIAS is now poised to deliver a new performance on their upcoming tours and shows.

Neil brings a commanding vocal presence, blending cleans with his own standout scream. His delivery cuts through the low, down-tuned instrumentation, adding grit and authority to the band’s sound.

Ania counters with brutal guttural screams that showcase constant intensity. —creating a dynamic that amplifies the band’s sound.

“This is a turning point for SELIAS,” said Steve (guitarist). “Neil and Ania bring fire and versatility. We’re building something that hits hard.”

Fans can expect a fusion of melody and heaviness expanding forward from KILLKARMA.

Get your copy of Killkarma: https://orcd.co/killkarma

ABOUT SELIAS

SELIAS is blending atmospheric, cinematic sounds with powerful songwriting, now stepping boldly into a heavier, focused direction.

Connect with SELIAS:
seliasmetal.com
www.facebook.com/seliasmetal
www.instagram.com/seliasmetal
www.tiktok.com/@seliasmetal
www.youtube.com/@seliasmetal

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