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FIREWIND Sign Deal with BLKIIBLK + Announce Major Lineup Updates, New Concept Album Coming

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 23, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Firewind. Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Akis Douzlatzis

BLKIIBLK is thrilled to announce the signing of Greek power metal band FIREWIND. Led by guitar virtuoso Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Dream Evil), the band have evolved into a powerhouse band with a devoted international fanbase and a string of acclaimed albums.

As the band enter this exciting new era, Firewind also announce major lineup updates. After his departure in late 2019, powerhouse vocalist Henning Basse is officially returning to the band. Basse’s history with the group goes back to 2007, when he first stepped in as a touring vocalist on the Allegiance tour, and later became a defining voice during Firewind’s post-hiatus era from 2016 to 2019, leaving a lasting imprint on the acclaimed album “Immortals”.

At the same time, Firewind announce that Herbie Langhans is stepping down from vocal duties. 
“We “borrowed” Herbie from Avantasia for as long as we could, but our schedules and needs kept clashing, with all the increasing touring obligations. We understand Herbie’s situation and we thank him for his time in the band, the awesome music we made together and wish him all the best”, the band commented.

Gus G. expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, by saying: “We’re all very excited, as we commence work on the upcoming concept album that will be the biggest and most epic thing we’ve ever done. And for this, we couldn’t have imagined a better label partner other than Frontiers Records new imprint label, BLKIIBLK. We’re honored to be label mates with Metal titans such as Megadeth and Biohazard and we can’t wait to unleash the new music to the world. Please stay tuned for more details on that and we will be seeing you on the road in 2026!”

Aldo Lonobile, Head Of A&R Europe at Frontiers Label Group, added: “We are truly excited and proud to welcome Firewind to BLKIIBLK. Over the years, I’ve crossed paths with Gus G on several occasions, and now we finally have the opportunity to work more closely together. Beyond being one of my favorite guitar players, he is a brilliant songwriter, and Firewind have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting metal acts in the scene. We can’t wait to be part of the next chapter in their career!”

Blazing a trail across the global metal scene for over two decades, Firewind stand as a pillar of modern melodic power metal. Combining anthemic choruses, dazzling guitar work, and soaring vocals, Firewind bridge the gap between classic heavy metal and modern power metal sensibilities. With influences ranging from Rainbow and Judas Priest to Helloween and Symphony X, their sound is as timeless as it is energetic.

The band’s discography includes standout releases like “Allegiance” (2006), “The Premonition” (2008), and “Immortals” (2017), each demonstrating Firewind’s knack for fusing melody and technical mastery. Their 2020 self-titled album marked a rebirth of sorts – introducing new vocalist Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Sinbreed) and delivering a heavier, more aggressive edge without sacrificing the band’s signature hooks.

At the center of it all is Gus G., whose explosive yet lyrical guitar style has earned him global recognition and endorsements, from playing stadiums with Ozzy Osbourne to headlining clubs with Firewind. Known for his precision, tone, and deep-rooted love for heavy metal, Gus G. is both the heart and architect of Firewind’s sound.

Firewind continue to tour worldwide, captivating audiences with their electrifying live performances and unwavering dedication to the genre. With new material on the horizon and their legacy firmly cemented, Firewind remain a vital force in the metal world – bold, melodic, and unstoppable.

Firewind will head on tour next year, with the following dates already confirmed and more to be announced soon.

FIREWIND Festival dates 2026:

29.01-02.02 US – 70K Tons of Metal Cruise
09.05 DE – Rock in Rautheim
06.06 DE – Hard N Heavy Open Air
13.06 ES – Kabiefest
08.08 BE – Alcatraz Festival
29.08 DK – Næstved Metalfest 

WILDSTREET Release Lyric Video for New Single ‘When It’s Gone’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 23, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: WILDSTREET. Leave a comment

For nearly two decades, New York City hard rock icons Wildstreet have been rallying rock fans worldwide, and the band have now released their massive new single ‘When It’s Gone’.

Stream here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/wildstreet/when-its-gone

‘When It’s Gone’ is an anthemic rock ballad with honest lyrics, legendary guitar solos, massive drums, and everything both new and longtime fans would expect of Wildstreet, and is the first release for this current lineup. 
Eric states: “The new single was written with Todd Long (Ghosts of Sunset), he and I made a demo of the track and I revised and reworked the production throughout. I wanted to incorporate elements of Wildstreet’s debut album (Wildstreet 2009) and add in the live band, and attitude of the lineup in the present. Dylan and I tracked live drums in NYC at Virtue & Vice Studios with Anthony Gallo Engineering which is where we tracked drums for Wildstreet III. We did a handful of drum takes that were later edited by Wildstreet’s longtime producer/mixer and cowriter Kyle Kelso. After that my bandmates and I reworked all our parts and this is now the first song that features our current lineup. It’s an honest Arena Rock Ballad and all rock! 😉 “

‘When It’s Gone’ (Eric Jayk, Todd Long (Verve Pipe, Ghosts of Sunset)
–Produced by Eric Jayk, Anthony Gallo (Virtue & Vice Studios) https://virtueandvicestudio.com
–Kyle Kelso (Kygo, Parachute, Breaking Benjamin) https://www.kylekelso.net
–Jonathan Wyman (The Pretty Reckless, Enter the Haggis) https://www.thissoundsgood.com
–Mixing: Jonathan Wyman
–Mastering: Howie Weinberg https://www.howieweinbergmastering.com

In 2025, Wildstreet performed alongside legends at the Monsters of Rock Cruise and had songs featured on the HBO Max series ‘Peacemaker’ while recording their next release from all over the world. They headed out on tour in Canada for three shows including a show at Piranha Bar Montreal, CA on Nov 21. 

Remaining Canada show:
23rd Nov, The Brass Monkey, Ottawa, ON

Wildstreet will return to Europe for their ‘20th Anniversary Tour’ in March 2026 and have tour and festival dates booked in the USA, including Monsters On The Mountain.

They return to the studio later this year to record more songs so expect exciting new releases in 2026!

Wildstreet:
Eric Jayk: Vocals, guitar
Wrath Starz: Guitar, vocals
Kevin R. Scarf: Bass, Vocals
Dylan David: Drums, Vocals

https://www.wildstreetmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wildstreetnyc/
https://x.com/wildstreet
https://www.instagram.com/wildstreetofficial
https://www.tiktok.com/@wildstreetofficial
https://www.youtube.com/@wildstreet
SPOTIFY

GÍSLI GUNNARSSON Shares Music Video for ‘Aska’, Feat. Real Footage of Gríndavik Eruption

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 23, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Gísli Gunnarsson. Leave a comment

Icelandic composer GÍSLI GUNNARSSON shares a music video for the song “Aska” featuring real footage from the eruptions and evacuation in Gríndavik, Iceland. The video is a collaboration with videographer Björn Steinbekk. The song is taken from the recently released album ‘Úr Öskunni’.

“Aska was born of destruction”, says the Icelandic composer.  “As I watched my neighbours houses burn down live on the webcams from Grindavík I couldn’t help but feel completely powerless. From this sense of hopelessness came this track.”

‘Úr Öskunni’, translates to “From the Ashes,” is a deeply personal work born out of destruction. The emotional weight of the evacuation, the loss of home, and the psychological toll of this period became the canvas of the new full-length. The album is out via By Norse on all digital streaming platforms and on physical audio carriers HERE.

Hailing from the atmospheric landscapes of Iceland, Gísli Gunnarsson is a visionary composer and multi-instrumentalist whose work blurs genre boundaries—merging cinematic modern classical with the raw intensity of post-rock, black metal, and shoegaze.

It was the volcanic eruptions in his hometown of Grindavík that left the deepest mark on his new album ‘Úr Öskunni’. The forced evacuation, the destruction of his home, and the psychological aftermath of months of earthquakes and instability became the canvas of the new full-length. Music, during this time, became more than expression—it became refuge.

Whether confronting grief or escaping it, Gísli Gunnarsson crafts sonic experiences that serve as a diary—never explicitly literal, but always deeply felt. This approach became central to his latest body of work, shaped by profound personal upheaval.

“Heima”, was written shortly after Gísli was forced to relocate to a remote summerhouse provided by the Red Cross.

“Isolation and trauma were starting to set in. The message and emotions behind the song are simply the grief and yearning for home,” he explains.

A quiet elegy to familiarity, “Heima” evokes the grief and disorientation of losing a lifelong anchor point—place, identity, and safety.

Offering a more hopeful tone, “Glókolla”, is named after a term of endearment for bright-haired children, it was inspired by the overwhelming support Gísli received from loved ones and the broader Icelandic community.

“My girlfriend at the time was the initial spark for this song. I had been calling her Glókolla because of her blonde hair—it’s a word we often use fondly. But it became something much bigger. Iceland really came together to support the people of Grindavík, and this song reflects that collective love.”

“Andlitin í Berginu” (The Faces in the Rock), dives deep into Icelandic folklore.

“Like many Icelanders, I see trolls in the lava fields. There were two trolls in particular on top of Þorbjörn, a mountain near Grindavík. I called them the King and the Servant. I grew up hiking there and loved them.”

Both formations collapsed during the earthquakes, a loss Gísli processed through music. The track imagines the world from their ancient gaze—stoic witnesses to the land’s shifting fury, now silenced.

With ‘Úr Öskunni’, Gísli also shifts his approach to music as a solo composer whereas he has previously become known for his collaborative works. In 2023, the artist released the collaborative album Mementos, a series of emotionally resonant musical snapshots that earned acclaim for their depth and intimacy. Featuring contributions from Georg Holm (Sigur Rós), Mat McNerney (Hexvessel, Grave Pleasures), and Laufey Soffía (Kælan Mikla), the album was named to Bandcamp’s New & Notable list.

Following Mementos, Gísli collaborated with one of his formative influences—Alcest. Their joint 2024 single, “Wings of Glass”, featured Neige and Winterhalter, paving the way for Gísli’s contributions to Alcest’s Les Chants de l’Aurore, where he provided choral vocals, arrangements, and production elements.

Whether collaborating with revered artists or composing in solitude amid volcanic trauma, Gísli Gunnarsson’s music is shaped by landscape, loss, and love—an evolving reflection of the forces, both natural and emotional, that continue to define him.

FROZEN FACTORY Sign with WormHoleDeath for Release of Fourth Album “Apocalypse Inc.”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 23, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: FROZEN FACTORY. Leave a comment

Finnish progressive metal rock sensations FROZEN FACTORY have officially inked a deal with Wormholedeath for the release of their highly anticipated fourth album, ‘Apocalypse Inc.’, due out on January 16th, 2026. Get ready for a profound dive into the heavy!

The band expressed their excitement about joining the Wormholedeath roster:
“FROZEN FACTORY are proud to join forces with the passionate team at WormHoleDeath to digitally and physically release our fourth – and most intense – installment of dramatic metal slash prog-adjacent rock, ‘Apocalypse Inc.’”.

About Apocalypse Inc.

Like FROZEN FACTORY’s previous releases, Apocalypse Inc. takes listeners on a journey through wide-ranging and unorthodox soundscapes, while delivering gritty, thought-provoking lyrics. The album explores themes such as the consequences of handing over control of our destiny to money-driven powers, among other life-and-death matters. Fans of meaningful metal with deep storytelling and unexpected twists — as well as admirers of influences like Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Alice in Chains, and Depeche Mode — will find plenty to engage with in Apocalypse Inc…

Tracklist:

  1. Apoca-Lip-Sync
  2. Can’t Fight The Spiral
  3. Call Off The Firing Squad
  4. Get More Stupid
  5. The Nothing I Want More
  6. Burning The Butterflies
  7. Slip Into Bed
  8. I Am But One
  9. Petrov’s Light
  10. There Are No Words
  11. Interstellar
  12. Out Of Office
  13. Reach Through The Waves (Feat. Riina Rinkinen)
  14. Happy Ending Not Included

“Apocalypse Inc.” Album Teaser:

FROZEN FACTORY immerses listeners in a unique heavy rock soundscape, blending diverse prog-adjacent metal with themes of good and evil, truth and deceit, mystery and wonder. Drawing inspiration from Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Alice in Chains, Depeche Mode, and more, the band delivers a moody, meaningful listening experience, showcasing technical and musical maturity both in the studio and on stage.

Formed in December 2018 as four unattached musicians, FROZEN FACTORY immediately hit the studio, producing three tracks that caught the attention of British/Finnish vocalist Stephen Baker. After connecting with bandleader Tomi Hassinen, Stephen wrote and recorded lyrics for “The Truth is So Dead” in a single day, solidifying a deeper, more cohesive sound.

Their debut album, Planted Feet, themed around social and environmental crises, was followed by their live debut in January 2020 at Finland’s iconic Vernissa venue (full show available on YouTube). In 2021, powerhouse drummer Marianne Heikkinen joined the lineup, and the band released The First Liquidation EP, an unorthodox 8-track project bridging to their second full-length album, Of Pearls & Perils (2022), which earned high-profile radio play, including Germany’s SWR1.

With the addition of lead guitarist Zsolt Szilagyi (Dreamtale, After Infinity), the band released several singles in 2023–2024, including a collaboration with Silentium singer Riina Rinkinen.

FROZEN FACTORY Line-Up:
Stephen Baker – Lead Vocals
Tomi Hassinen – Bass
Zsolt Szilagyi – Lead Guitar
Johnny Koivumäki – Rhythm Guitar
Marianne Heikkinen – Drums.

Connect with FROZEN FACTORY:
frozenfactorymusic.com
instagram.com/frozenfactorymusic
facebook.com/frozenfactorymusic
youtube.com/frozenfactorymusic

RANE RAUTIAINEN & PAHA KAKSONEN Unleash Raw Finnish Heavy Rock with New EP “Ilman pimeyttä valo ei ole mitään”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 23, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: PAHA KAKSONEN, RANE RAUTIAINEN. Leave a comment
Photo: Rane Rautiainen

Forget trends. Forget polish. This is pure, unfiltered rock from the heart of Finland. Jyväskylä’s own Rane Rautiainen & Paha Kaksonen return with a five-track EP that drips sweat, grit, and attitude: Ilman pimeyttä valo ei ole mitään (Without Darkness, Light Is Nothing).   

From the opening riff of Spiritus Fortis to the closing blaze of Pieni kuolema (A Small Death), the band delivers heavy, groove-driven rock where nothing is tamed by metronomes, autotune, or sterile editing. It’s the sound of five lifelong rock devotees going full throttle—fiery solos, pounding rhythms, and choruses that demand to be shouted back.   

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

Tracklist, contibutors and ISRC-codes:

  1. Spiritus Fortis – FIJHF2500001
    –Composition: Hässi/DeeAa/Rane Rautiainen, Lyrics: DeeAa/Otto J/Hässi
  2. Ilman pimeyttä valo ei ole mitään -FIJHF2500002
    –Composition: Hässi/DeeAa, Lyrics: DeeAa/Otto J/Rane Rautiainen
  3. Uusi mies – FIJHF2500003
    –Composition: Hässi/DeeAa, Lyrics: DeeAa/Otto J/Rane Rautiainen/Hässi
  4. Hoidetaan tää duuni – FIJHF2500004
    –Composition: Hässi/DeeAa, Lyrics: DeeAa/Otto J/Rane Rautiainen/Hässi
  5. Pieni kuolema – FIJHF2500005
    –Composition/Lyrics: Otto J

Fronting the chaos is Rane Rautiainen, former vocalist of Finnish heavy metal pioneers Rajuilma, whose uncompromising voice still roars like a storm. Backed by guitarists Otto J and Hässi, bassist Pectus, and drummer T. Müller, the band proves that raw energy and conviction never age.   

“Trends come and go — who cares? This is what rock should be,” says guitarist Otto J. “We’ve always been stubborn rock freaks. No ballads, no mellowing out. Ever.”   

First four tracks feature melodies and lyrics by Antti “DeeAa” Heikkinen (Mosfite), a longtime collaborator whose touch adds a melodic edge without sacrificing heaviness.    

The vocal melodies and largely the lyrics of the first four tracks on the EP were penned by Antti “DeeAa” Heikkinen from Kuopio. Nowadays, DeeAa serves as the singer-guitarist of the metal band Mosfite. The collaboration has a long history: guitarist Hässi and DeeAa played together in the Jyväskylä-based band Brutaali Magneetti in the late 1990s. Today, the two run also hard rock band HÄ/DA, which released its debut EP, (Almost) 20 Minutes Of Love, in early 2025.   

The closing track Pieni kuolema is composed and written by Otto J.    

Paha Kaksonen was founded as a four-piece in 2004. By 2016, the band had released four albums, with Hässi and Otto J sharing lead vocals.   

Rane Rautiainen is known as the vocalist of Jyväskylä’s Rajuilma, a band that stirred controversy in the 1980s with lyrics about sex and Satan. Rajuilma was a pioneer of Finnish-language heavy rock, and its story ended in 2008 after guitarist Aki Vilkamaa’s suicide.   

Rane’s collaboration with Paha Kaksonen began in autumn 2016. Under the name Rane Rautiainen & Paha Kaksonen, they’ve released two albums and several EPs so far.   

The partnership also produced the book Rautaratsun selässä – Rajuilman nousu, uho ja tuho (On the Iron Steed (The Rise, Fury, and Fall of the Storm), published by Docendo in September 2017. The well-received band history was written by guitarist and journalist Juho “Hässi” Hämäläinen.   

At gigs, the band performs its own material as well as Rajuilma classics.

Short descriptions of the songs:   

Spiritus Fortis: A hymn of praise to strong liquor—or a cautionary tale about the curse of alcohol. Includes a subtle nod to Queens of the Stone Age.   

Ilman pimeyttä valo ei ole mitään (Without Darkness, Light Is Nothing): A powerful track about wrestling with inner demons, exploring the dark side of the human mind, and offering criticism of organized religion.   

Uusi mies (New Man): The narrator is a chronic ex-boyfriend.   

Hoidetaan tää duuni (Let’s Get This Job Done): What happens when hard-working laborers clock out for the weekend and dive into the nightlife to unwind.   

Pieni kuolema (A Small Death): A hard rock song about orgasm.   

  • Recording: Olli Happonen / Musakonttori, Jyväskylä + Hässi (guitars) / Studio Dagen Efter   
  • Mix: Hässi / Studio Dagen Efter   
  • Mastering: Antti Heikkinen

Rane Rautiainen & Paha Kaksonen:
Rane: vocals
Otto J: guitar & backing vocals
Hässi: guitar & backing vocals
Pectus: bass & backing vocals
T. Müller: drums & backing vocals

Watch the music videos:
Hoidetaan tää duuni: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dPsQyeUhAU
Spiritus Fortis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifG0x1OuI2A

https://www.facebook.com/pahakaksonen
https://www.youtube.com/pahakaks
https://www.pahakaksonen.com/
https://www.instagram.com/pahakaksonenjkl/

RAIVO JACKSON Drops New Single ‘Fire Song Revisited’ from Upcoming Debut Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 23, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: RAIVO JACKSON. Leave a comment
Photo by Jussi Rantala

Raivo Jackson, who will release their long-awaited debut album in February, unveiled the new single Fire Song Revisited today. The track offers a striking introduction to the band’s world, where lap steel–driven Americana, melancholy, and storytelling weave together into a cinematic whole. The group fittingly describes their style as Nordic noir.

Fire Song Revisited offers a glimpse into the mindscape of a pyromaniac, where destruction gives way to an unexpectedly beautiful view. The song is like a love ballad overshadowed by a fragile yet inevitable moment before it dissolves into a murder ballad. In its arrangement, Fire Song Revisited rises into an epic anthem.

Alongside the lap steel guitar, the second cornerstone of the band is frontman Saska’s distinctively warm voice. His vocals bring together expressive power and wistful sensitivity in a way that makes Raivo Jackson’s music instantly recognizable and deeply moving.

Raivo Jackson’s story began 15 years ago as Saska Lammila’s one-man project in London. After Saska later moved to Helsinki, the project evolved into a full band.

The original Fire Song was released on Double EP, Vol. 3 in 2008.

The upcoming album will be released both on vinyl and on digital platforms.

Stream Fire Song Revisited: Spotify – Apple Music – Deezer

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