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SPACE OF VARIATIONS Enter New Era with “Poisoned Art” Album, Out February 13th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 5, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: SPACE OF VARIATIONS. Leave a comment

Explosive Ukrainian metalcore force SPACE OF VARIATIONS returns with Poisoned Art, out on February 13, 2026 via Napalm Records. Blending furious brutality with heartfelt emotion, the four-piece band sheds their skin and continues to push the boundaries of modern metal, with their new record showing a fresh facet of their ever-evolving sound—a new era. Twice crowned Ukraine’s best metal band in their home country’s BUMA Awards, former tour partners of genre giants Jinjer, and following the previously released crushing songs “TRIBE”, “LIES”, and “DOPPELGÄNGER”, SPACE OF VARIATIONS are raising the bar for metalcore with the twelve new tracks on Poisoned Art.

The album announcement comes with a new single: “HALO” expands SPACE OF VARIATIONS’ repertoire with neck-breaking djent riffs, adding even more urgency to their diverse style.

SPACE OF VARIATIONS about “HALO”:
“‘Halo’ is an abstract metaphor about the gods and devils within ourselves—and about accepting both. Time is running out. There’s no need to pretend that everyone isn’t both saint and cursed. Every glow hides its dark side.”

Bold as ever, Poisoned Art explores the boundaries of modern sounds. SPACE OF VARIATIONS directs the way into the future of metalcore: unbroken, unapologetic—unstoppable.

SPACE OF VARIATIONS about Poisoned Art:
“Our third full-length album, Poisoned Art, was written during the darkest period of our lives. The war in our country changed everything dramatically, and the full spectrum of emotions we experienced during that time is reflected in this album. It’s angry, melodic, honest, and fatalistic.”

Order Your Copy of Poisoned Art NOW

Mercilessly honest, the opening track “TRIBE” sees the band battle existential fears in both English and their native Ukrainian. Driving in the urgency are diverse stylings, ranging from djent in “HALO” to fitting sirens in “MAYDAY”, showing that SPACE OF VARIATIONS doesn’t shy away from adding a certain edge to their catchy choruses. “PARALLEL REALITIES” cleverly combines soft melodies with brutality, staging captivating desperation and neck-snapping breakdowns as parallel realities. Explosive outburst “DOPPELGÄNGER” powerfully blends groovy distorted guitars and unrelenting intensity, contrasted by haunting melodic passages and subtle electronic textures, making this song especially hard-hitting. The mix of pummeling ferocity with emotional depth continues throughout “GODLIKE” and “GHOST TOWN”, before “COLDHEAVEN” stands out from Poisoned Art through its exploration of hip hop elements and cold industrial grain. “BACK TO DIRT” continues the djent vibe, while “SNAKE SKIN” delves into electronic territory. Emotionally driven “LIES” smoothly transitions from a beautifully arranged verse to a melancholic chorus, with frontman Dmytro Kozhukhar intensely switching from soothing clean vocals to aggressive shouts, before atmospheric outro “ECHO” pulls the album to a close.

Poisoned Art tracklisting:

TRIBE
HALO
MAYDAY
PARALLEL REALITIES
DOPPELGÄNGER
GODLIKE
GHOST TOWN
COLDHEAVEN
BACK TO DIRT
SNAKE SKIN
LIES
ECHO

SPACE OF VARIATIONS Live 2026

Support for Dymytry Paradox’ “Born From Chaos” Tour:
11.01.26 AT – Vienna / Chelsea
15.01.26 DE – Trier / Forum
16.01.26 DE – Stuttgart / Kulturquartier
17.01.26 DE – Cham / L.A.
18.01.26 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch
22.01.26 DE – Berlin / Frannz
23.01.26 NL – Haarlem / Patronaat
28.01.26 FR – Paris / La Boule Noire
30.01.26 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser
31.01.26 DE – Cologne / MTC
06.02.26 DE – Essen / Turock
07.02.26 DE – Bremen / Tower
13.02.26 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal
14.02.26 DE – Munich / Backstage
15.02.26 CH – Pratteln / Z7

Headline Tour
19.03.26 FR – Nimes / Paloma
20.03.26 FR – Rodez / Le Club
21.03.26 FR – Romans sur Isère / La Cordonnerie
25.03.26 FR – Angoulins-sur-Mer / Le Crossroad
26.03.26 FR – Rouen / Fury Defends
28.03.26 FR – Angers / MJC des Hauts de St Aubin
03.04.26 FR – Périgueux / Le Sans Réserve
04.04.26 FR – Fontenay-le-Comte / Festival On n’a plus 20 ans
07.04.26 CZ – Prague / Rock Cafe
10.04.26 CZ – Jablunkov / Southock Rock Cafe
11.04.26 AT – Vienna / Core FEST
12.04.26 CH – Zurich / Werk21
15.04.26 PL – Warsaw / VooDoo
16.04.26 SK – Bratislava / Randal
17.04.26 CZ – Brno / Melodka
24.04.26 RO – Cluj-Napoca / Flying Circus
25.04.26 RO – Arad / Flex

SPACE OF VARIATIONS are:
Dmytro Kozhukhar – vocals
Olexksii Zatserkovnyi – guitar, vocals
Anton Kasatkin – bass, backing vocals
Tymofii Kasatkin – drums

SPACE OF VARIATIONS online:
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
TIKTOK
NAPALM RECORDS

HÄLLAS Release Second New Track ‘Face of an Angel’ with Official Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 5, 2025

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

Swedish rock quintet Hällas have revealed the second new single of their fourth full-length Panaroma, which will be released on 30th January, 2026. The new album will be released via their own label Äventyr Records.

Download/stream ‘Face of an Angel’ here: https://orcd.co/34wjpba

Hooves clip-clopping against the pavement, galloping straight into a world of twin guitars, vintage synths, 80s influenced drums and raw, repetitive vocals over a suggestive bass line – this is ‘Face of an Angel’, expanding a blend of 70s prog rock and heavy metal with pulse, groove and catchy lyrics.

With their new album, Hällas both consolidates and expands the image of what the band is – but also what rock can be. This time, different perspectives in a scenario are explored regarding whether humanity is capable of understanding a viewpoint other than their own. It reflects our time but is, in typical Hällas fashion, staged in a fictional, distant world.

Hällas have previously announced new Scandinavian and European tour dates in support of the release. A full list of confirmed dates can be found below.

Hällas live
06-02-2026 Korjaamo, Helsinki (FI)
13-02-2026 Rockefeller, Oslo (NO)
20-02-2026 Fållan, Stockholm (SE)
21-02-2026 Filmstudion, Gothenburg (SE)
28-02-2026 Amager Bio, Copenhagen (DK)
11-03-2026 Uebel & Gefaerlich, Hamburg (DE)
13-03-2026 La Machine du Moulin Rouge, Paris (FR)
15-03-2026 De Helling, Utrecht (NL)
16-03-2026 Junkyard, Dortmund (DE)
17-03-2026 Dynamo, Zürich (CH)
18-03-2026 Hansa39, Munich (DE)
19-03-2026 Arena Wien, Vienna (AT)
21-03-2026 Heimathafen Neukölln, Berlin (DE)
22-03-2026 Futurum, Prague (CZ)

Tickets on sale here: https://hallasband.com/live

Track list:
1. Above the Continuum
2. Face of an Angel
3. The Emissary
4. Bestiaus
5. At the Summit

Forget about everyday life and step into an adventurous fantasy world – that’s what Hällas wants for their audience to experience. The Swedish quintet craft epic fantasy-themed concept albums filled with adventurous twin guitars, vintage synths, and mystical storytelling, carving out their own genre of adventure rock.

Their upcoming album Panorama is Hällas‘ fourth full length release. While staying true to their signature sound and lyricism, it may very well be the most varied and complex so far.

In one way, Panorama sounds familiar: an imaginative hybrid of progressive 70s rock and heavy metal with echoes of both folk and psychedelia, along with conceptual content. In another sense, you have not quite heard a record like this from Hällas before. The self-confidence has never been as evident. Influences from different directions collide, and sometimes clash, contributing to the feeling that the expected instead culminates in wonder at what it is you’re hearing.

Hällas were founded in 2011 and saw their initial breakthrough with their first full length album, Excerpts From A Future Past (2017), and its hit single ‘Star Rider’. Building on their initial success, Hällas released their sophomore album Conundrum in 2020, garnering them a Swedish Grammy nomination. The album trifecta was complete with the release of Isle of Wisdom in 2022, widening their repertoire even further.

With each release, the band has cultivated a cult following in the modern prog and hard rock scenes around the world. With their cinematic storytelling and timeless sound, Hällas has been touring far and wide-playing sold out shows all over Europe, as well as North and Latin America. Regardless of where, Hällas captures their audience with their own adventure rock universe coming to life on stage.

With Panorama, the band writes yet another chapter in the story of Hällas. Tread carefully, friends.

Hällas are:
Tommy Alexandersson: vocals, bass
Rickard Swahn: guitar
Marcus Petersson: guitar
Nicklas Malmqvist: keyboards
Kasper Eriksson: drums

Follow Hällas: FACEBOOK · INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE

SUPERIOR RAGE Presents Captivating New EP “In Memoriam”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 5, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: SUPERIOR RAGE. Leave a comment

SUPERIOR RAGE, the long-running symphonic black metal project known for its dark, epic, and atmospheric sound, announces the release of its new EP, In Memoriam. The record highlights the project’s evolution, blending its “raw” black metal roots with contemporary production and the work of skilled session musicians.

In Memoriam is not just a look back but a clear statement of renewal. It includes re-recorded classics and two new, previously unreleased tracks — “The Death of the Red Dragon” and “Soleright” — offering a focused and definitive experience for both long-time listeners and new fans of atmospheric black metal.

“Thanks to the contribution of session musicians, SUPERIOR RAGE’s music has become more vibrant and pulsatile compared to their previous, colder and more minimal productions,” says the project’s founder, Superior Rage (vocals and synths).

Tracklist:

Indecent Condition
Asmodeus Bacchic
The Night of Rains
Soleright
The Death of the Red Dragon

Theatrical Darkness: Spotlight on “Asmodeus Bacchic”

The centerpiece of the EP is a revitalized version of “Asmodeus Bacchic,” a signature track dating back to Superior Rage’s first demo in 2008.

Embodying a theatrical “bacchanal among demons,” the track captures the mysterious essence of the Superior Rage character—invulnerable, clad in a black mantle and golden mask. “Asmodeus Bacchic” masterfully merges fury, destructive force, and a sense of dark, theatrical flair, complete with a synth interlude representing a moment of “dark light.”

About SUPERIOR RAGE

SUPERIOR RAGE began in 2006, delivering raw black metal with atmospheric, dark, and symphonic tones. The core lineup features Superior Rage (vocals, synths), Pagan Fury (guitars, synths), and Hyemens Kaiser Tszar (bass).

The first demo (2008) earned strong national reviews, followed by Through Infinity (2010), a mix of unreleased tracks and new material. Between 2010 and 2011, the project released several live recordings with temporary session musicians.

In 2011, SUPERIOR RAGE shifted toward symphonic black metal with III. Two Fire Eternal EPs followed, covering classic black metal songs—first in their original style, then in an ambient approach.

In 2012 the lineup expanded, producing new online recordings, additional covers, and a remake of “The Night of Rains.” The project paused in 2014, briefly resurfacing in 2017 with a new version of “Indecent Condition.”

SUPERIOR RAGE returned in 2022 with the single Boobs Explosions. This led to Anthology, a 2024 collection of re-recorded key tracks, including a new prog-influenced take on “Cuore Sincero.”

In 2025, the promo Back to the Crypt introduced two re-recorded tracks and a new song, “Soleright,” with four session members. The EP In Memoriam followed, adding a new version of “Asmodeus Bacchic” and the unreleased “Death of the Red Dragon.”

The current line-up features the core vision of Superior Rage (music, lyrics, synth & bass) alongside a powerful contingent of session musicians:

Baelithiel (vocals & lyrics)
Maikon (drums)
Nemorion (guitars on “Indecent Condition” and “Soleright”)
Hrafnagud (guitars on “The Night of Rains”, “Asmodeus Bacchic”, “The Death of the Red Dragon”)

In Memoriam is a must-listen for anyone seeking symphonic black metal that is both rich in atmosphere and aggressive in execution.

Digital release TBA

Follow SUPERIOR RAGE

superior-rage-raw.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/@SuperiorRageRawchannel
www.facebook.com/rawsuperiorrage

LUPONERO Unleash Holiday Havoc with ‘Dad Bod Rok God (Merry Jinglebelly Version)’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 5, 2025

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

Finnish hard-rock trio Luponero return once again to rework their underground hit DAD BOD ROK GOD — this time swapping sun-drenched swagger for full-blown festive chaos. The new Merry Jinglebelly Version transforms the band’s tongue-in-cheek dad-rock anthem into a sleigh-riding, bell-ringing, riff-stuffed celebration of holiday excess.

Since its original release, DAD BOD ROK GOD has taken on a life of its own, amassing 1M+ views on TikTok and over 100,000 views on YouTube (watch), establishing itself as the unofficial anthem of unbothered middle-aged rock supremacy. After this summer’s Summer Heat Version turned up the temperature, Luponero now swerve hard into winter — wrapping the track in a blizzard of bells, choirs, and knowingly over-the-top seasonal sparkle.

The new mix, created by Johan Åberg, fully commits to the holiday spirit. Åberg explains:

“The tambourine has been swapped for two different sleigh bells, panned left and right. The Merry Jinglebelly mix both starts and ends with those bells. A windchime sweeps through the transitions between sections. We’ve added tubular bells in the intro and choruses, and on top of that a glockenspiel that also appears in the bridges and breakdown. But the funniest part is probably that the choir now sings ‘Ho-oh-oh!’ — and it’s also in the build-up, which makes the song a bit longer.”

Frontman Marco Luponero adds:

“If you thought we couldn’t make this song any bigger, stupider, or more gloriously committed to a bit — well, Merry Jinglebelly. This is Dad Bod Rok God dressed in its finest ugly Christmas sweater, kicked back with spiked eggnog, and ready to dance on your kitchen table. Consider it our gift to anyone who thinks holiday music doesn’t rock hard enough.”

The release caps off a major year for Luponero, following their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album and a European tour that showcased their explosive live presence. Their music — a wild blend of grunge, punk, classic rock, and synthwave — continues to carve out a space that’s loud, emotional, chaotic, and unmistakably their own.

With DAD BOD ROK GOD (Merry Jinglebelly Version), Luponero once again prove that no season is safe from their relentless creativity and sense of humor. Whether you’re trimming the tree, overcooking the ham, or trying to survive yet another family gathering, this is your new holiday battle anthem.

JON HARRIS Serves Up ‘Mustard N Ketchup’ Playthrough Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 5, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: JON HARRIS. Leave a comment

Get ready to move! Instrumental rock phenomenon JON HARRIS is back with a new playthrough video for his track, “Mustard N Ketchup.” A standout cut from his critically acclaimed album, Parallel Heart, this new video gives fans a deep dive into the technical wizardry and infectious grooves that make Harris a must-watch guitarist.

Blending vast rock dynamics with irresistible funk and dance elements, “Mustard N Ketchup” is a high-energy track that defies genre, proving that instrumental music can be the heart-pounding foundation of pure rock ‘n’ roll.

Jon Harris revealed the surprisingly sophisticated recipe behind the track, citing some of music history’s biggest names as inspiration:

“I get asked about this song more than any other on the record, probably because it stands out in a lot of ways. Mustard N Ketchup is my homage to one of my all-time favourite producers, Quincy Jones, and the magic he created with Michael Jackson and legendary Toto guitarist Steve Lukather“.

“I’ve always loved the sound of the ’80s and I’ve always loved dance music. To me, it’s the heartbeat of rock, as music should make you move!”

Harris, who is also an accomplished chef, ties the track’s title back to his culinary expertise, reinforcing the idea of a universal language of creation:

“The title is also a nod to my life as a chef, where everything starts with the basic building blocks of flavour. Whether it’s food or music, great things come from a solid foundation.”

“Mustard N Ketchup” is featured on the masterful album Parallel Heart, out now via Epictronic.

Stream the full album Parallel Heart now: orcd.co/parallelheart

Parallel Heart continues to showcase Harris’ mastery of instrumental rock, blending technical precision with emotional resonance.

Previous videos from Parallel Heart:

Entitled (Playthrough): https://youtu.be/Vw4HS0n71Ug
Togetherness (Playthrough): https://youtu.be/hioOIfrUkpE
Entitled (Visualizer): https://youtu.be/_B8KgOYCenA
My Little Lady (Visualizer): https://youtu.be/ry28qp3DIUI
If You Wouldn’t: https://youtu.be/0x1VhJE_HGw
Wasted Entertainment (Playthrough): https://youtu.be/gIiLPbsf6wI

Album credits: Mastering was done by Kevin Ulliac at Vintique Sound – Photography by Yahozka Godfrey at Gabriela Cruz

Follow Jon Harris for more music, videos, and updates:

linktr.ee/jonharrisrocks
x.com/jonharrisrocks
www.facebook.com/jonharrisrocks
www.instagram.com/jonharrisrocks
www.youtube.com/@jonharrisrocks

TODD RUNDGREN Alive And Alone on Stage with “Solo In Clearwater” Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 5, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: TODD RUNDGREN. Leave a comment

Todd Rundgren has never stood still for long. Across a career that is positively littered with abrupt changes of direction, unexpected shifts in outlook and startling flashes of off-kilter brilliance, it is difficult (if not impossible) to truly pin down who he is, what he does, and why he does it.

It was inevitable, then, that one day he would gather up all those different identities and attitudes, and take them all on the road on his own.

Nobody knew what to expect when Todd Rundgren announced his next tour would be strictly solo, some three dozen shows sprawling across the first four months of the year, and launching at the New Orleans House of Blues on January 20, 2003. There would be no band, no backing musicians, nothing beyond Todd and his songs – and they were certainly destined to be shuffled in and out of the set as the mood took him.

Guitars, samplers, piano, backing tapes – “Some people feel I’m playing with pre-recorded music… or some nonsense,” he quipped. But no. “I have the whole band standing by and ready to broadcast through this tiny little device.” Of course he was joking, but it’s fun to imagine the alternative.

So it is, as anyone versed in Cockney rhyming slang will already have punned, Todd on his tod… (ah, but did you know the expression actually refers to an American jockey, Todd Sloan?), and Solo In Clearwater – making its physical (double colored vinyl and 2 CD) debut today – is as representative as any recording from this magical, mercurial, outing.

He’s having fun, reaching back through his catalog and just doing whatever he wants. “Hello It’s Me” is almost chaotic, but like he tells the audience, “the piano has all the keys on it, all equally easy to hit as you just heard…that’s why I like the guitar better, there only six chances to screw up on it!”

“Song of the Viking” comes off like a Peter Piper-style vaudeville tongue twister; a ukulele-powered “Bang The Drum All Day” is so convincingly restyled as an “ancient Hawaiian war chant” that a voice from the audience demands to know “where’s your lai?” There’s a glorious bossa nova interlude, and a Marvin Gaye cover that will make your head spin. And, contrarily, a take on “Hawking” that’s been described as one of the most affecting he has ever performed.

So yes. Across a career littered with electrifying eccentricity and blinding flashes of eclectic stubborn-ness, Todd’s fans long ago became accustomed to expecting the unexpected. In fact, they all but demand it.

And still Solo In Clearwater is guaranteed to shock, startle and stun.

DIGITAL: https://orcd.co/toddrundgren_soloinclearwater

Disc 1: