Norwegian melodic metal act HOLLOW PEAK unveil their second single and video “Labyrinth”, offering a deeper glimpse into the emotional and conceptual landscape of their upcoming debut album “Obsidian Cult”.
A poetic journey through inner unrest and personal revelation, “Labyrinth” explores the search for truth and meaning within the maze of the self. With its balance of mysterious ambience, powerful melodies, and soaring vocal performance, the song expands the album’s atmospheric dimension and showcases one of the band’s most introspective works to date.
Produced by Ragnhild Westgaard and Marius Karlsen, and mixed and mastered by Corey Bergeron, Obsidian Cult marks a bold evolution from the band’s 2023 self-released EP. The record presents a heavier, darker, and more refined sound — balancing atmosphere, melody, and strength in equal measure.
The album’s concept explores alienation in the digital age, inner battles, and personal renewal. From the reflective opener “From Ashes Rises a Crown” to the haunting title track “Obsidian Cult”, each song unfolds as part of a larger journey between chaos and clarity.
Obsidian Cult – Track listing
From Ashes Rises a Crown
Euphoria
Labyrinth
Unseen
Ray of Light
Liberation
Attack
Obsidian Cult
Celest
Town
HOLLOW PEAK rise as one of Norway’s most promising melodic metal acts: uniting emotion, atmosphere, and power in a striking first statement.
New heroes. New chapter. The saga continues. With Scrumgrot, David Young, and the mystical Saephraenya, three new key figures enter the darkness of the Dispyria universe. Together with the Professor and the legendary Red Wolf, they are at the center of “Redemption I” – the first part of a new, dramatic two-parter.
The story begins where everything falls apart: The battle between Josh Devon and Aelyrea has shaken the world. The R.E.D. virus disappears, but the open portal holds new nightmares. Scrumgrot awakens from the shadows – the first soul ripper, damned by Aelyrea’s last kiss. His goal: to destroy the balance of the worlds. But it’s not too late yet. Because Josh Devon, Katherine, and Marion Dust are also returning to face the unimaginable.
GUEST ARTISTS ON THE ALBUM For Redemption I, mastermind Juergen Walzer was once again able to recruit top-class guest singers: – Zak Stevens (Savatage) – Carsten “Lizard” Schulz (Lazarus Dream) – Rob Lundgren (Mentalist) – Damiano Libianci – Sabrina Roth – Dennis Ohler (Dragonsfire) – Carolina Padron (Tribus)
MUSICAL CONCEPT When writing songs, Juergen Walzer places particular emphasis on the dynamics of the story. Redemption I takes up his own vision of melodic power metal—faceted, dramatic, and rousing.
Tracklist: 01 – After Dawn 02 – I Am Nothing 03 – Master Of Mirrors 04 – The Revelation 05 – Father 06 – David’s Nightmare 07 – The First Of Its Kind 08 – Light Of A Dream 09 – Red Requiem 10 – Twisted World
Biography:
Juergen Walzer comes from Kaiserslautern and is a versatile media designer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and the creative mind behind DISPYRIA. His musical journey began in 1986 with the founding of the band Superior—inspired by greats such as Iron Maiden, Ayreon, and Savatage.
DISPYRIA was launched in 2012 and also marked a personal turning point: Suffering from severe depression, Juergen Walzer found an outlet for his inner pain in music and in the fictional story of Josh Devon. The first two albums in particular are closely interwoven with his own experiences – such as the ballad “Tears of an Angel,” which deals with the loss of a miscarriage.
Line-up: Juergen Walzer – Guitars, Bass, Programming Zak Stevens (Lead Vocals on 1, 4, 8) Sabrina Roth (Lead Vocals on 1, 2) Damiano Libianci (Lead Vocals on 2) Carolina Padron (Lead Vocals on 3,6) Carsten “Lizard” Schulz (Lead Vocals on 5, 10) Rob Lundgren (Lead Vocals on 7) Dennis Ohler (Lead Vocals on 9) Sven Sommer (Fretless Bass) on 2 Markus Pfeffer (Leadguitars on 1, 4, 5, 7) Markus Teske (Synth-Lead on 10)
Release show: February 20, 2026 DISPYRIA – The Live Experience! Kammgarn Kaiserslautern
Discography DISPYRIA: Dispyria – A Dream Therapy (2012, Self-Release) Dispyria – The Journey to Aelyrea (2019, Self-Release) Dispyria – The Story of Marion Dust (2023, El Puerto Records)
King Records in collaboration with Silver Lining Music will release the Japanese Edition of No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All on Wednesday, December 24th.
Included in this edition is a standout bonus track from British hard rock royalty Girlschool: a defiant and electrifying take on Metallica’s ‘Hit The Lights’, featuring bona fide shred lord Joe Stump and Alcatrazz. The performance serves as one of the all-star compilation key highlights, offering Japanese fans a unique and essential addition to the CD release.
The digital single and official video are out today. video by Natalia Jonderko Śmiechowicz – N.STATION Animation & Design Studio.
No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is a colossal celebration of the most propulsive debut album in heavy metal history, re-imagined by the legends who inspired it and the generations that came in its wake!
The veteran likes of Saxon, Diamond Head, and Motörhead, (three of Metallica’s favourite bands) are joined by rising stars such as Tailgunner and Swedish prog metallers Soen to create a who’s-who of heavy music, with each performer lending their unique sound to one classic track. The Almighty deliver a particularly confrontational cover of ‘The Four Horsemen’, a release that saw the hard rockers return to the studio with their founding line-up for the first time since 1991. Contributions from thrash giants Testament, ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, and New Wave of British Heavy Metal linchpins Tygers of Pan Tang show the label looking beyond their own artists to amass the greatest lineup possible. Joining the super star line-up are the legendary Raven (closing with the thundering anthemic “Metal Militia”) who were part of Metallica’s first-ever tour, 1983’s famous Kill ‘Em All For One venture.
Watch the official videos produced for the compilation and stream the album in full here
No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is an ambitious achievement worthy of Metallica’s game-changing legacy. By the fans and for the fans, it reaffirms the Four Horsemen’s ironclad influence – and its stacked roster continues the band’s mission to shove metal up your ass!
No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All track-listing:
Hit The Lights (Tailgunner)
The Four Horsemen (The Almighty)
Motorbreath (Soen)
Jump In The Fire (Tygers Of Pan Tang)
(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth (David Ellefson)
Whiplash (Motörhead)
Phantom Lord (Saxon)
No Remorse (Diamond Head)
Seek & Destroy (Testament)
Metal Militia (Raven)
Hit The Lights (Girlschool feat Alcatrazz, feat Joe Stump) [Bonus Track]
Most recently, Judas Priestreleased their new charity single “War Pigs (Charity Version)”, featuring none other than rock legend Ozzy Osbourneon vocals. With that in mind, fans can likely expect the classic track to appear in the setlist of the newly announced European tour coming next year. The band will hit festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Bobfest, as well as headline shows.
Before diving into the tour dates, listen to the new track here:
All tour dates for summer 2026 at a glance:
July 25 – DE – Mönchengladbach, Bobfest
July 26 – DE – Neu-Ulm, Wiley Sportpark
July 28 – PL – Warsaw, Torwar
July 31 – DE – Wacken Open Air, Wacken
Aug 02 – CZ – Ostrava, Ostrava Arena
Aug 04 – SK – Bratislava, Nepala Arena
Aug 06 – DE – Halle, Messehalle
Aug 12 – NL – Tilburg, O13
Aug 16 – FR – Carhaix-Plouguer, Motocultor Festival
Legendary Metal Guitarist and Icon Gary Holt is purr-viewing his NEW OFFICIAL SIGNATURE private label coffee at Krampus Fest in Orlando, FL this coming weekend…and there’s bound to be plenty of catnipping!
The bestial burden has become too much for Krampus to bear all by his lonesome in recent years. Albeit the baby biz isn’t booming right now, they’re a lotta lil hellions out there needing returned back below. Hence forth, with Gary Holt channeling his direct distorted signal to hell and local coffee imps Concept Cafes conjuring a roast of pure unspeakable evil, emerges Baphocat!
Returning to the Milk District for a 2nd lap Sunday December 7th, Baphocat is gonna need a saucer befitting the feline Blasphemer. Contained inside Gary’s signature distortion pedal, only he, and he alone can release the feline ginn within, and what better congregation to witness than Concept’s hometown crowd.
As a major sponsor, Concepts will be treating the hometown crowd to free hairballs, ahem, we mean coffee, and Gary Holt’s Coffee Distortionwill be on sale for the kids.
‘It’s ALWAYS purty RAD when we get the opportunity to share a new coffee release, especially one as EPIC as Gary’s, w/ our local friends & neighbors @ a KILLER event like Krampus Fest! We luv the fact that Krampus Fest keeps growing & growing year-after-year, & it’s become truly our fav thing when it comes to DEC now! Coming off our 4th appearance @ Spooky Empire over Halloween wknd, & our first FL Coffee Fest, we’re absolutely stoked to kick it into overdrive w/ Gary’s coffee!’– Mike Tonsetic, Founder of Concept Cafes
–Sipping for Sipping World-Wide Now –Roasted by Coterie Coffee Co. and brought to you by Concept Cafes.
Gary Holt, Legendary Metal Guitarist, is Purr-viewing his NEW OFFICIAL SIGNATURE Private Label Coffee at Krampus Fest in Orlando, FL this coming weekend…
Legendary Metal Guitarist and Icon Gary Holt is purr-viewing his NEW OFFICIAL SIGNATURE private label coffee at Krampus Fest in Orlando, FL this coming weekend…and there’s bound to be plenty of catnipping!
The bestial burden has become too much for Krampus to bear all by his lonesome in recent years. Albeit the baby biz isn’t booming right now, they’re a lotta lil hellions out there needing returned back below. Hence forth, with Gary Holt channeling his direct distorted signal to hell and local coffee imps Concept Cafes conjuring a roast of pure unspeakable evil, emerges Baphocat!
Returning to the Milk District for a 2nd lap Sunday December 7th, Baphocat is gonna need a saucer befitting the feline Blasphemer. Contained inside Gary’s signature distortion pedal, only he, and he alone can release the feline ginn within, and what better congregation to witness than Concept’s hometown crowd.
As a major sponsor, Concepts will be treating the hometown crowd to free hairballs, ahem, we mean coffee, and Gary Holt’s Coffee Distortionwill be on sale for the kids.
‘It’s ALWAYS purty RAD when we get the opportunity to share a new coffee release, especially one as EPIC as Gary’s, w/ our local friends & neighbors @ a KILLER event like Krampus Fest! We luv the fact that Krampus Fest keeps growing & growing year-after-year, & it’s become truly our fav thing when it comes to DEC now! Coming off our 4th appearance @ Spooky Empire over Halloween wknd, & our first FL Coffee Fest, we’re absolutely stoked to kick it into overdrive w/ Gary’s coffee!’
- Mike Tonsetic, Founder of Concept Cafes
Sipping for Sipping World-Wide Now
Roasted by Coterie Coffee Co. and brought to you by Concept Cafes.
About The Milk District Main Street:
The Milk District is a diversely dynamic neighborhood for locals that has become a draw for the region and a must-stop for visitors to get to know the city, a hive of creativity and culture in the heart of Orlando. The District strives to lead the region as home to authentic cultural experiences, destination dining, live entertainment, outdoor activities, and an innovative workforce. Through embracing its grassroots spirit and gritty character, The Milk District works side by side with independent businesses to foster community and human connections that impact all parts of daily life. Learn more : www.themilkdistrict.org
About CONCEPT CAFES:
Everybody remembers that first opening riff, that mid-song breakdown, that blast beat crescendo that turned them on, and tuned them into Metal forever. With our artist partners like Cannibal Corpse, Max & Iggor Cavalera, and Ministry; we’re trying to recapture that moment of Metal possession for the fans by immersing them into a Metal coffee obsession like no other. As lifelong fans ourselves, we’re constantly seeking out the most epic Metal experiences; whether it’s records, live shows, merch, etc., so if we can maybe someday say we were a small part of that collective fan experience, then we’ve done our job. It’s also super important for us to illuminate the fact that these are the artists’ coffee stories, not our own, we’re just the chaotic-evil little elves that help them conjure their visions and forge them into reality for the fans.
We’re not here to snobbishly push conventional coffee culture upon Metalheads either, nor will we ever try to flip a quick gimmick on our Metal brothers & sisters to make a quick buck. We’re humbled literally everyday with this responsibility, and the opportunity to work with Metal legends. This is why we are constantly pushing the boundaries and possibilities, because foremost we believe there is no other comparison to the dedicated devotion metalheads have in keeping Metal music alive and stronger than ever! Metal deserves the absolute best when it comes to coffee!
Reality is coffee culture has become basic cookie-cutter over the past couple of decades; so safe and just a shell of itself which once fueled artists and their music across several generations. We want to revive that creative fire, and as far as playing it safe…it’s metal, motorcycles, & horror…what did you expect?!
Concept Cafes Coffee
LIQUIFY YOUR BRAIN!!! 999 Douglas Ave Suite 1109 Altamonte Springs FL 32714
Germany’s Future Palace continue their upward trajectory with the release of their new single “Deep Blue” – a striking next chapter that builds on the momentum they’ve created over the past months. After launching their new era with their first single under Century Media Records, the band now dive deeper into their signature mix of emotional intensity and cinematic storytelling.
“Deep Blue” captures the fear of drifting away from the people who matter most, using the image of sinking into the deep sea as a metaphor for emotional distance, depression, and the pressure of everyday life.
“It’s about the moment you realize you’re losing someone – or yourself – because everything around you becomes too overwhelming,” says vocalist Maria Lessing.
The video brings this inner conflict to life through a dramatic underwater narrative: the band as a submarine crew searching for a friend who has spent so much time alone that she has transformed into a siren. Her defensiveness and pain mirror the emotional distortion that isolation can cause – the belief that no one cares, even when help is close.
Musically, “Deep Blue” strengthens the band’s trademark blend of melody and heaviness.
“It combines our most addictive hooks with a fierce, guitar-driven energy – a mix of what Run and Distortion did best,” explains guitarist Manuel Kohlert.
The result is a track that feels immediate, atmospheric, and unmistakably Future Palace. “Deep Blue” stands as an anthem for anyone who has felt left behind or trapped in their own thoughts – a reminder that even in the darkest depths, connection might still be within reach.
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 