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Stefano Giambastiani’s SOLO1981 Joins Roster of Wanikiya Record, New Album “V_Weird” Out in Early 2026

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 9, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: SOLO1981, Stefano Giambastiani. Leave a comment

Wanikiya Record/Promotion is proud to announce the addition of SOLO1981 to its roster — the solo project of Stefano Giambastiani, a Tuscan artist who, since 2014, has been cultivating an intense, personal, and nonconformist musical vision that moves between electronic, alternative rock, and post-punk.

With a unique identity and a poetic style rich in emotion, SOLO1981 is preparing to enter a new phase of his career, opening the door to collaborations, promotion, and an artistic journey filled with new perspectives.

An Authentic Path: Music as Introspection and Truth

SOLO1981 was born as a one-man band — a creative laboratory where Stefano Giambastiani, already frontman, singer, guitarist, and songwriter of Acid Brains, experiments freely and shapes a deeply personal and intimate musical language.

His discography includes two self-produced albums and two official releases, a testament to constant growth and a path carried forward with passion and complete artistic independence.

SOLO1981’s music explores the most complex corners of the human soul: shadows, fragility, impulses, rebellion.
It is a sonic journey woven with electronic textures, dark atmospheres, alternative energy, and post-punk vibrations, always maintaining a strong, sincere, and direct identity.

Looking Ahead: The Upcoming Album “V_Weird”

SOLO1981 is currently working on his new album, “V_Weird,” scheduled for release in early 2026.
A profound, experimental, and completely immersive work, it promises to further expand the emotional and artistic spectrum of the project.

Free Art, Independent Vision

Often described as intimate, emotional, dark, and nonconformist, SOLO1981 stands out for his ability to portray society and human interiority without filters, using a style of writing that shifts between poetry, raw honesty, and powerful emotional impact.

His sonic world does not seek compromise — it strikes, shakes, and leaves a mark.

A Brilliant New Journey Begins Today

The arrival of SOLO1981 in the Wanikiya Record/Promotion roster marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with projects, promotion, and new opportunities.

We are ready to accompany this artist in his next evolution:
a new intense, artistic, and visceral adventure has officially begun.

NOW OR NEVER Return with New Album “The Legacy”, Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 9, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Now Or Never. Leave a comment

Founded in 2012 by former PRETTY MAIDS members Ricky Marx (guitar) and Kenn Jackson (bass) as well as SULTAN drummer Ranzo, the band has since released three albums that have been very well received by fans and the press alike. The band has consistently delivered ultra racy, typed and captivating music. It takes on the guts, the neck, the hips and makes you want to stamp your feet! The members of NOW OR NEVER are accomplished musicians with extensive live and studio experience. They have played at the biggest festivals and venues worldwide, such as Hellfest, Wacken, Roskilde, Monsters Of Rock in Germany and Spain, and have toured most European countries, Japan, Eastern Europe, and the USA as headliners or alongside major bands such as DEEP PURPLE, ALICE COOPER, and DAVID LEE ROTH.

Following their self-titled debut album in 2013, their second album “II” was released in 2016. Their third opus “III” was released in the pandemic year 2020, but unfortunately, the band was unable to promote it properly for reasons that are well known. That’s why Ricky and Ranzo decided to make a fresh start with NOW OR NEVER. Together with Danish singer Peer Johansson (FATE, PENTAKILL, THE GRANDMASTER) and French bassist Guillaume Surroca, they began recording their new album in 2023.

“The Legacy” was produced by the band themselves and, with the exception of the first single “Dive Into The Void,” which had sound guru Simone Mularoni in charge, was mixed and mastered by none other than Danish star producer Jacob Hansen, who is known from his outstanding work with VOLBEAT, PRETTY MAIDS, PRIMAL FEAR and many more. In October 2024, Ricky and a manager from Metalapolis Records, who had known each other for years, met by chance at a PRETTY MAIDS concert in Switzerland. After a short conversation, the deal was sealed within minutes!

Now it’s time to start a new era for NOW OR NEVER with a new album, a new lineup, and a new label. And the band delivers. No hackneyed recycling, but classic Hard Rock paired with more modern heavy metal, perfect for the 21st century. Whether full throttle or with a little less oomph, each of the 13 new songs leaves you wanting more! Heavy riffs, intense melodies, a singer who makes the walls shake, and thunderous drums will make your speakers glow!

Order THE LEGACY now: https://nowornever.spread.link/the-legacy

More information: https://www.facebook.com/onlynowornever

FROM ASHES REBORN Release New Single ‘Chasing Utopia’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2025

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Photo by From Ashes Reborn — Logo: Oched Artworks

BETWEEN HOPE AND RUIN
In 2018, they left jaws dropping with their debut album. After a long break, FROM ASHES REBORN are finally returning in 2026 with their new full-length album “Chasing Utopia”.

With a stable line-up, the new songs are heavier, more direct and produced with more attention to detail, without losing the band’s characteristic atmosphere.

The first single – the title track – has just been released and offers a first taste of what’s to come. Further information, artwork and release details will follow shortly. Stay tuned and follow the band on their social media channels to stay up to date.

Between hope and doom, between salvation and deception – “Chasing Utopia” tells of a world that has lost itself. A world in which meaning has become a commodity – and truth a tool of those who know how to sell it …

🎥 🎬 ⚙️ From Ashes Reborn – Artwork: Bossert Medien

The band describes the new single:
“‘Chasing Utopia‘ is a rebellion against decay – a song about trying to find meaning when everything around you is falling apart. It tells of a world that fails itself, of deception, power and the desire not to give up despite everything. Powerful riffs and dark melodies meet lyrics full of doubt and resistance. ‘Chasing Utopia’ is not an escape from reality, but a decision to face it head on.”

Label: Independent
⫸ Order 🛒
⫸ Streaming
⫸ Bandcamp

With their brilliant debut album, FROM ASHES REBORN confidently counted themselves among the most promising new MELODIC DEATH METAL bands from Germany.

Because “Existence Exiled”, a true firework of really well-composed melodies and well-interlinked, catchy structures, combines all the classical advantages of this genre with flying colors.  

 Founded in 2017, the talented musicians from Wittlich presented a brilliant debut album in 2018 after a record-breakingly short period of time, which even made some older bands in the profession look rather pale in terms of playing culture and musical flow … [ … learn more here ]

LINE-UP
Ronny • Vocals
Dirk • Lead & solo guitar
Sebastian • Rhythm guitar & backing vocals
Tobias • Bass
Thomas • Drums

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG Release New Video ‘Blindfold’ from Current Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG. Leave a comment

For longtime fans of UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER, ‘Blindfold’ feels like an old acquaintance: previously heard in an orchestral version on the 2020 „We Are One„ album, the song now returns in a gripping new rock version. With its successful blend of emotion and classic heavy rock atmosphere, Blindfold is one of the most emotional moments on the current DATOG album „Babylon“, released on October 3rd, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).

Filmed entirely in stylish black and white, the music video captures the raw emotion and powerful interplay of the band perfectly, showing DATOG more intimate, direct, and sensitive than ever before.

Manuela’s heartfelt vocals and Mathias’ classical concert guitar turn Blindfold into a stirring rock ballad that reaches its ultimate climax in the final chorus with Udo’s unmistakable voice. With Blindfold, DATOG not only offer longtime Udo Dirkschneider fans a welcome reunion with this very special track, but will also win over many new fans through this video.

Listen to „Babylon“ on your favourite streaming platform or get your CD/LP/Earbook here: https://datog.rpm.link/babylon

RICK MONROE AND THE HITMEN Drop New Single ‘.45’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2025

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Rick Monroe and the Hitmen begin a powerful new chapter with the release of their hard-hitting single “.45,” taken from their upcoming album Southern Tea Bags. The track marks the first official release on their newly launched label, Asylum 1212 Records, created in partnership with TLG/Virgin Music Group and distributed through Virgin Music Group.

Produced by Brandon Britton and Rick Monroe and The Hitmen, “.45” delivers everything fans have come to expect—raw energy, grit, and groove—with an even sharper edge.

“.45” isn’t your polished pop-country fare—it’s a six-gun soul-stomper, kicking off with a snarling guitar hook that feels like revving a ‘72 Chevy under a blood-orange sunset. Monroe’s gravelly drawl cuts through like a switchblade. Backed by The Hitmen’s rhythm section—think thunderous drums and wailing solos—it’s got that addictive, foot-stomping groove that demands to be cranked.

STREAM “.45”: https://ffm.to/rmth-45

The launch of Asylum 1212 Records marks a bold step forward for Rick Monroe and the Hitmen as they expand their creative control and global reach.

Monroe shares, “This new label, association and single are an exciting new milestone for our band and ability to expand our music worldwide. We look forward to this new energy and creativity bringing our unique sound to as many listeners, viewers, streamers and music aficionados as will have us!”

The Band has also launched a new Exclusive VIP Fan List: https://fans.rickmonroe.com/vip-list

The birth of the Hitmen. For years Rick Monroe has been a solo artist hiring players as needed and doing the Nashville shuffle of interchangeable bands, but during covid everything changed. In 2020, Rick and the band, with Bobby Perkins & Alan Beeler, were set to have an amazing year starting off with a West Coast tour when the world shut down. Instead of everyone going their own way, they all stuck together and started streaming live shows from their basements, garages and living rooms. At the same time Rick and Alan Beeler started a standing Tuesday writing meeting which eventually became the bulk of their current album. Through some mutual friends, Rick met Malcolm Springer and they decided to track a few songs and see how it went. Once in the studio it was obvious that this was quickly becoming more of a band situation and when Malcolm brought Jason Bohl in, the sound finally came together. Rick joked one night about how the band was killing it and bam- someone said “The Hitmen”- and that was that.

For More Information Please Visit: Official Website – Instagram – Facebook – X – YouTube – TikTok – Spotify

TRYLION Present Live Video ‘Point of View’ from 2014 Debut EP

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: TRYLION. Leave a comment

TRYLION was founded in 2013 in Poznań. Since then, the band has released: EP, album “Education for Freedom” and few singles: “Black Clay” (2023), “Human Shell” (2024), “Wandering Soul” (2025) and “Shattered Recall” (2025).
Musically, Trylion combines rhythmic riffs with ambient sounds and heavy, alternating clean vocals. The significant contrast in their songs makes their overall sound diverse, fitting within the realm of progressive metal with a focus on modern playing. The band’s themes revolve around life and death, exploring human existence.

Polish prog metal band Trylion recorded the song “Point of View” at the Swarzędz Cultural Center (Poland). It was one of the first tracks available on their debut EP released 11 years ago. The new version is slightly rearranged – this is the version, which band currently plays alive.

The band emphasizes that recording live sessions is always an additional challenge and allows for even better refinement. Playing and listening together is the best thing a band can do to perfect their live performances.

“The song itself is quite powerful in its message. It mentions manipulation and a toxic relationship between two people” – Bartosz Stachowiak comments and added: “During the current 2025 we are working on brand new material which was introduced by two singles. We were playing at prestigious Prog Power Europe festival in the Netherlands and the Synaptic Festival in Poland. Follow us at social media \m/“

Video was recorded by Dawid Ignasiak and produced by Bartosz Stachowiak. Music was mixed and mastered by Adam Zelmański.