COLD SLITHER Release New Single + Video ‘Cobra Claws Are Coming To Town’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 18, 2025
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Reigning Phoenix Music, in collaboration with Hasbro, is proud to announce the most chaotic Christmas anthem ever to slither down a chimney: COLD SLITHER’s new single “Cobra Claws Are Coming To Town.” Fresh from the momentum of their self-titled album, released earlier this year, the Dreadnok-driven metal outfit returns with a holiday track packed with sleigh bells, sabotage, and seasonal pandemonium. The track is accompanied by a high-octane holiday video produced by none other than Torch himself (whose alter ego is known as Ross Sewage). 

WATCH THE VIDEO / LISTEN TO THE SINGLE

As the band explains in their own words:

“Well… Along with the persistent pestering by Torch and Ripper, Cobra Commander now has a new scheme to ensnare the masses with a… Ugh… Christmas song.
I, being the consummate professional, and of course gold being an easy persuader, was only too happy to oblige the dear Commander with the most shredding of holiday mayhem you’ll ever hear! I give you, “Cobra Claws are Coming Town”. You all remember the siege upon Keystone City right?! Hahahaha!!!” – Zartan

“All’s I wanted for Xmas was to see the USS Flagg sink like a stone into the briny deep – well, that and maybe a new piledriver, but instead, the boss wanted us to sing a Christmas song, of all things! Then I thought, who am I to refuse our legions of screaming fans a little ‘oliday brainwa- er ‘eadbanging!” – Ripper

“It’s a bloomin’ treat to once again show the yobbos why we’re the best heavy metal band in the world!! Bludgers thought we was washed up, but we put out the best album of 2025! Didn’t think we could nail a Chrissie song, and we turn in a bloody ripper! And wait till you read the lyrics!! Least, I’ve heard they’re good. Reading ain’t me strong suit.” – Torch

“Ehh, he’s not really a Joe guy like us. Maybe just something like “I likes me choo choo train… And me chainsaw too!” Ross, is that what you have him playing at the beginning of the video?” – Buzzer

“Cobra Claws Are Coming To Town” arrives as both a gift and a warning. This is holiday spirit the COLD SLITHER way: loud, unhinged, and ready to storm every playlist from now until the new year. Lock your chimneys. The Cobra Claws ride tonight.

Fronted by the enigmatic Zartan alongside his ruthless Dreadnok bandmates Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer, COLD SLITHER is a declaration of war. Their sound combines old-school heavy metal with anarchic energy, venomous vocals, punishing riffs, and an atmosphere steeped in apocalyptic chaos. Also, a special thank you to Frank Todaro who serves as the enigmatic voice of Cobra Commander.

Featuring 10 original tracks and a remastered version of their cult-classic single “Cold Slither,” the album plunges into dystopian metal with themes of swamp-born menace and Cobra-fueled power. The Cold Slither album is available across digital and vinyl formats.

You can order it here: https://coldslither.rpm.link/albumPR

Cold Slither – Track List

  1. Welcome to the Swamp (Intro)
  2. Cold Slither 
  3. Knock ‘Em Dread 
  4. Thunder Machine 
  5. Zartan’s Revenge 
  6. Snakes on the Bayou
  7. Torched
  8. Under the Dreadnok’s Spell
  9. Master of Disguise
  10. The Ballad of Buzzer
  11. These Fluffies Are Fatal

More COLD SLITHER:
“Torched”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuDLN5sxt_s
“Zartan’s Revenge”: https://youtu.be/AlOhHT1SdAY
“Cold Slither”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhU2Fai5beI
Watch “Knock Em Dread”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjKIIEdJb5w
“Thunder Machine”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONlUdlb3JUQ

Connect with COLD SLITHER:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X | RPM

STRÅLE Share New Single + Video ‘Blinding Lights’ (The Weeknd cover)

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 18, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Sami Auru

Melodic metal band Stråle are pleased to share their revisited edition of “Blinding Lights”, the chart topping hit by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, originally released in 2020.
The track is taken from their new EP “Reformation”, digitally available now via Frontiers Music Srl. 

“The original song’s brilliant melodies and Stråle’s heavy yet energetic approach make this a perfect live song. And I just love singing “Blinding Lights” on stage. It’s kind of perfect for my voice and the audience always starts dancing and singing along. For me that’s worth everything. That is why I do this. To give the audience a chance to be in the moment and enjoy music”, said singer Daniel Jakobsson.

Teemu Aalto, who both mixed and produced the song, added: “I was pretty sceptical about the song’s potential because there were already a million different versions of it out there. But… When I first heard the demo the guys had done I was sold!! It’s gonna be huge!! Daniel had done the vocal tracks before anything else, and those tracks were totally amazing!! It was very easy to build up the rest of the song on them with other guys. Like in a go-with-the-flow mindset. Everything came together very easily! And of course it was pure joy to mix it all up! Svante Forsbäck also did a wonderful job finishing up the sound! We really have done something special”.

Stream “Reformation” HERE

Stråle is a melodic metal band from Helsinki, Finland, combining Scandinavian melancholy, modern metal power, and cinematic emotion. Formed in 2009, the band has steadily evolved from underground beginnings to become one of Finland’s most exciting metal acts, known for their explosive live energy and massive choruses.

After their debut album “Bourbon Souls” (FDA Records, 2020), mixed by the renowned Jens Bogren (Opeth, Katatonia), Stråle entered a new chapter with a refreshed lineup and creative energy. The arrival of vocalist Daniel Jakobsson and guitarist Jaakko Suomalainen brought new color and emotion to an already solid foundation, and together the band refined their signature sound – melodic, heavy, and deeply emotional.

The new EP “Reformation” captures this evolution. Produced by Teemu Aalto (Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum, Ginger Evil) and Jani Autero, and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe), it blends intensity with introspection. Songs like “Resist & Reform (feat. Björn “Speed” Strid, Soilwork)” and “Close Is Not Enough” showcase the band’s emotional range, while their acclaimed cover of “Blinding Lights” and the cinematic ballad “The Flame” display both versatility and soul.

The band commented: “Reformation” marks a new era for Stråle – musically, emotionally, and as a band. These songs have already proven themselves live, especially “Close Is Not Enough” and “Resist & Reform”, which have become real fan favorites on stage. It truly feels like a reformation for us; the sound, the energy, and the connection within the band are stronger than ever. We’re thrilled that Frontiers is now taking these songs under their wings and giving them the chance to fly as high as they can”.

In 2024, Stråle completed a 16-date European tour with Orphaned Land, performing in iconic venues such as The Underworld (London), Razzmatazz (Barcelona), and Petit Bain (Paris). With over 250,000 total streams and a growing fanbase across Europe, Stråle’s sound stands as a powerful statement of emotion, melody, and contemporary Nordic metal.

“Reformation” Tracklist:

1.    Resist and Reform (featuring Bjorn Strid)
2.    Close Is Not Enough
3.    The Heart You Tore Apart
4.    Destined For Desire
5.    Blinding Lights (The Weeknd Cover)
6.    The Flame

Line Up:
András Lehtinen
Daniel Jakobsson
Rasmus Bruun
Sakari Komulainen
Janne Jääskeläinen
Jaakko Suomalainen

Follow STRÅLE:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

WRECK-DEFY Announce New Album “Dissecting The Leech” + Unleash Powerful New Single & Video ‘Apocalypse Of Hope’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 18, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Canadian thrash metal powerhouse WRECK-DEFY proudly announce the arrival of their new studio album Dissecting The Leech, to be released on February 20, 2026 via Massacre Records as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP formats, and digital. Clocking in at 48 minutes of relentless energy, razor-sharp riffing and uncompromising attitude, the album marks a new high point for a band that continues to push the boundaries of modern thrash.

To celebrate the album announcement, WRECK-DEFY unleash their explosive new single and official video Apocalypse Of Hope – a fierce anthem about resistance, perseverance and refusing to bow to tyranny. Featuring a searing guest guitar solo by Steve Smyth (Forbidden), the track captures the very essence of the band’s sound: aggressive, melodic, and emotionally charged, yet rooted in classic thrash spirit.

The new single Apocalypse Of Hope serves as the album’s closing statement – a message of strength and rebellion when all seems lost. A reminder that hope does not die unless we allow it to.

STREAM THE SINGLE: https://save-it.cc/massacre/apocalypse-of-hope

Produced by Matt Hanchuck and Juan Urteaga at the legendary Trident Studios, and mixed/mastered by Urteaga himself, Dissecting The Leech delivers a tight, punishing sonic landscape embraced by a lineup of elite metal musicians: Greg Wags Wagner (vocals), Matt Hanchuck (guitars), Greg Christian (bass, ex-Testament) and David Allan (drums).


The album also boasts an impressive roster of guest contributors – including Chris Poland, Stu Block, Amanda Kiernan, Mike Gilbert, Nikolay Atanasov, Scott Kroeker, Freddy DeMarco, and more.

Dissecting The Leech is an intense collection of songs confronting war, trauma, corruption, personal struggle, and the oppressive forces shaping modern society. From the haunting reflections of Under The Sun to the explosive defiance of Revolt and the crushing emotional weight of The Haunting Past, WRECK-DEFY craft a compelling narrative of darkness, resilience and ultimate self-determination.

With Dissecting The Leech, WRECK-DEFY reaffirm their place among the most authentic and ferocious forces in contemporary thrash metal – armed with conviction, experience, and a lineup that blends old-school pedigree with modern fire. The apocalypse may be near – but hope roars louder.

WRECK-DEFY are:
Greg Wags Wagner – Vocals
Matt Hanchuck – Guitars
Greg Christian – Bass
David Allan – Drums

WRECK-DEFY online: http://www.facebook.com/Underground4560

Symphonic Black Metal Visionary DAIDALOS Descends into Darkness with New Single ‘Dis’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 18, 2025
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Following the powerful response to the first single “Inferno”, DAIDALOS unveils “Dis”, one of the most dramatic and oppressive chapters of the upcoming album “Dante“. The track is accompanied by an evocative new lyric video marking an important step in the album’s unveiling and placing DAIDALOS on one of the most respected platforms in extreme music.

Where “Inferno” introduced the descent with a sense of momentum and discovery, “Dis” captures the moment where wonder transforms into dread. Fast, dark and ritualistic, the new single reflects “Dante“’s entry into the infernal City of Dis, an oppressive realm where fear becomes a deliberate tool of domination. In the track’s refrain, the faceless voice calling “Enter my fear” embodies the kind of power that preys on the frightened not to protect but to control.

Musically, “Dis” heightens the defining traits of “Dante“: monumental orchestration, dramatic tension and a fusion of symphonic black metal with melancholic undertones. The guitars, recorded and shaped by Nahuel Lozano of Mental Cruelty, cut through the orchestral mass with precision, providing the modern edge that characterizes the album’s sound. As with every composition in DAIDALOS, all orchestrations, drums, vocals and themes were written by Tobias Püschner, maintaining the project’s deeply personal identity as a one-man artistic vision.

Within the conceptual arc of the album, “Dis” stands as a crucial turning point, a descent into a darker, more suffocating level of Hell, mirroring both Dante Alighieri’s text and the political, emotional and spiritual undercurrents that shaped Tobias’ reinterpretation. The track continues to deepen the album’s central themes of doubt, despair and hidden truths between faith and fear; a soundscape described as “more melancholic than evil”, blending orchestration and harshness into one continuous dramatic vision.

For devotees of symphonic and atmospheric black metal, “Dis” resonates with the monumental orchestrations of Fleshgod Apocalypse, the dark theatricality of Dimmu Borgir and the apocalyptic scope of Septicflesh.

The new lyric video offers a visually striking gateway into this chapter of the narrative, further immersing listeners into DAIDALOS’ descent, now deeper, darker and more commanding than ever.

Digital pre-save – https://lnk.to/Zdalvd

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Dis” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

New album “Dante” out February 20th, 2026, from Rockshots Records.

PRE ORDER CD Version of “Dante” – https://rockshots.eu/products/daidalos-inferno-cd​
PRE ORDER LP Version of “Dante” – https://rockshots.eu/products/daidalos-inferno-lp​

DIGITAL – http://lnk.to/E9IymE

Track Listing:​
1. Dante – 2:18
2. Inferno – 3:42
3. Ashes – 4:22
4. Storm – 4:05
5. Minos – 0:30
6. King – 4:00
7. Styx – 2:08
8. Gate – 0:20
9. Dis – 4:15
10. Phlegethon – 1:18
11. Malebolge – 0:40
12. Euphobia – 4:54
13. Ultimatum – 4:19
Album Length: 36:51

Daidalos Line-Up:​
Tobias Püschner; Vocals, Drums, Keyboards, Orchestrations, Songwriting, Production

About: Daidalos is the brainchild of German composer and multi-instrumentalist Tobias Püschner, founded in 2020 as a creative outlet merging black metal, orchestration and conceptual storytelling. What began during the isolation of the pandemic quickly evolved into a full artistic vision – a fusion of cinematic grandeur and the emotional depth of extreme metal.

The debut album “The Expedition” (2022, Rockshots Records / Extreme Metal Music) introduced Daidalos as a unique force in the symphonic black metal scene. Entirely written and performed by Püschner, the album reimagined the tragic story of the Franklin expedition through a vast and icy soundscape where atmosphere and aggression met in perfect tension. Critics praised its originality and ambition, calling it a “symphonic extreme metal masterpiece” (AMMO Underground) and “an album that captures imagination and balances beauty with intensity” (GBHBL).

Building upon that foundation, Püschner continued to refine his approach – weaving together cinematic orchestrations, classical influences and the raw intensity of black and death metal. Collaborating with Nahuel Lozano (Mental Cruelty) on guitars, recording, and production, Daidalos shaped its signature sound: monumental, dramatic and deeply emotional.

Across his work, Püschner treats music as a form of storytelling – each record conceived as a self-contained world. His compositions often explore historical, philosophical and spiritual themes portrayed through the lens of symphonic black metal and theatrical expression.

With “Dante” (2025), Daidalos reaches a new artistic chapter: not a retelling but a reinterpretation of the Divine Comedy, where doubt, despair and revelation intertwine. Yet the core remains the same – the search for meaning in darkness, expressed through meticulous orchestration, intense vocal delivery and the balance between aggression and melancholy that defines Daidalos.

For fans of: Dimmu Borgir, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Septicflesh

More info: Rockshots.eu | Instagram.com/daidalosmusic | Facebook.com/daidalosband

WALLS OF BABYLON Release New Music Video for ‘Epilogue’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 18, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Walls of Babylon have released a new music video “Epilogue”, taken from the upcoming album Aeons Apart, available January 9, 2026 via Wanikiya Record/Promotion

Walls of Babylon are ready to unveil their new music video “Epilogue”, to be released on December 15. The video represents the final narrative piece of the highly anticipated album Aeons Apart, officially available from January 9, 2026 through Wanikiya Record/Promotion.

EPILOGUE – The meaning behind the final track

“Epilogue” is not merely the closing track of the album, but the key to understanding the entire narrative journey.
In this song, we discover that all the stories told throughout the previous tracks are nothing more than the creations of a lonely writer: an author who, in order to escape a life drained of meaning, found refuge in the worlds he imagined.

In his final act, the writer addresses the characters he created as if they were real.
He apologizes to them for dragging them into complex choices, pain, and dangerous adventures… and at the same time, he thanks them.
He thanks them on his deathbed for having been by his side at every moment of his inner journey, sharing with him loves, tragedies, fears, values, and those muffled screams against a world that never understood nor accepted him.

“Epilogue” is his final breath: a farewell, a thank you, an artistic testament.

Aeons Apart – A concept album of memory, loss, and rebirth

The new Walls of Babylon album is not simply a collection of songs;
it is a tapestry of stories, an emotional journey where each track stands as its own chapter while remaining connected to a greater design.

Thanks to the extraordinary collaboration with Marco Ricco (Icon of Ember) – described by the band as their personal “Paul O’Neill” – the concept and lyrics took shape as a true musical novel, rich in symbolism, emotion, and subtle connections.

TRACKLIST

Silent Guilt
Eternal Hunt
Tales of Luminescence
Ashen Hero
Starblight
Once Again
Lies to Gold
Blood for Blood
Epilogue

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/wallsbabylon

POWERWOLF Release Live Version of ‘Alive or Undead’ with Music Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 18, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: VD Pictures]

With “Alive or Undead”, POWERWOLF offer another spectacular glimpse into their upcoming live album Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle), out February 27, 2026, via Napalm Records. Originally released on the bombastic Call Of The Wild (2021), the song unfolds its full, overwhelming power in this new live version — an anthemic powerhouse that embodies the inimitable intensity of a POWERWOLF show in its purest form.
 
Filmed at the completely sold-out Olympiahalle in Munich during the Wolfsnächte Tour 2024, “Alive or Undead” captures the electrifying atmosphere of this very special evening: gigantic energy, opulent dramaturgy, brute force, and a rousing, euphoric interaction with the audience that transforms the song into a powerful, choral stage moment that completely captivates the hall. With this impressive live interpretation, POWERWOLF once again underline that they are an unmatched force!

POWERWOLF on Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle):
“We always knew that no words or short recap videos could truly capture what we experienced together during the Wolfsnächte 2024 tour. Every night was its own kind of magic – still, we wanted to find a way to hold on to those memories and share them in the most powerful way possible. That’s why we decided to record the full, massive, sold-out show at the Olympiahalle in Munich – to preserve just a piece of what we all felt on this tour. Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle) is more than a live release. It’s a tribute and manifestation to the moments we created together.”

Get your copy of Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle) HERE

What began as an unconventional project in 2004 has since evolved into one of the most successful metal phenomena worldwide. Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle) documents POWERWOLF’s unrelenting rise to the top, showcasing a performance that goes far beyond a metal concert. From a fire-breathing church organ and thunderous pyro spectacles to dark, operetta-like storytelling and rousing crowd interaction, this show is pure heavy metal theater at its finest. Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle) is an absolute must-have for every music lover. It will be available in multiple formats including Blu-Ray, DVD, CD and Vinyl as well as a Deluxe Boxset, Earbook, Mediabook, and several other Collectors Editions, featuring exclusive bonus content.

On Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle), each song is visually reimagined with a changing digital stage set, timed effects, and theatrical elements: monks with torches, falling snow on a burning piano, and a fiery execution scene that rivals shock rock’s greatest icons. Classics like “Army Of The Night”, “Amen & Attack”, “Armata Strigoi”, and “Demons Are a Girl’s Best Friend” come alive in larger-than-life arrangements, while emotional highlights like “Alive or Undead” bring the audience to tears. The interplay between frontman Attila Dorn and organist Falk Maria Schlegel turns every moment into an unforgettable ritual.

Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle) is more than just a celebration of past triumphs – it marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter in the band’s unstoppable journey. POWERWOLF have long transcended genre boundaries – their shows are cult-like celebrations of metal, emotion, and art. With Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle), they once again prove that what they create is beyond music – it is religion.

POWERWOLF LIVE 2025

With the Summer Of The Wicked tour through Europe and their triumphant return to the USA and Canada just behind them, the wolves are ready to conquer the biggest stages worldwide once again! POWERWOLF will raise the banners high once more and conquer Europe during their Wake Up The Wicked Tour, which includes their first show at the legendary OVO Arena Wembley for an exclusive United Kingdom show – a night destined to go down in metal history! The band is also already confirmed to return to some of the biggest metal festivals: beyond others, POWERWOLF will headline the monumental Wacken Open Air next summer!

Wake Up The Wicked Tour 2026
Very Special Guest HammerFall & Special Guest Wind Rose
19.02.26 DK – Copenhagen / K.B. Hallen
20.02.26 NO – Oslo / Unity Arena
21.02.26 SE – Stockholm / Hovet
23.02.26 FI – Helsinki / Black Box (Ice Hall)
25.02.26 SE – Gothenburg / Scandinavium
27.02.26 DE – Bremen / ÖVB Arena
28.02.26 DE – Dusseldorf / PSD Bank Dome
01.03.26 DE – Nuremberg / Arena Nürnberger Versicherung
03.03.26 DE – Leipzig / Quarterback Immobilien Arena
04.03.26 DE – Neu-Ulm / Ratiopharm Arena
05.03.26 DE – Mannheim / SAP Arena
07.03.26 UK – London / OVO Wembley Arena
 
Festival Shows 2026
26.06.26 DE – Büren / Büren Open Air
05.07.26 ES – Barcelona / Rock Fest Barcelona
11.07.26 BG – Mogilovo / Midalidare Rock in the Wine Valley
29.07.-01.08.26 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air
08.08.26 DE – Hamburg / Elbriot Festival
09.08.26 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz Open Air
14.08.26 CZ – Moravsky Krumlov / Rock Castle
16.08.26 CH – Cudrefin / Rock The Lakes
28.08.26 DE – Coburg / HUK Open Air Sommer
29.08.26 DE – St. Goarshausen / Loreley

POWERWOLF are:
Attila Dorn – vocals
Falk Maria Schlegel – organ
Charles Greywolf – guitar
Matthew Greywolf – guitar
Roel van Helden – drums

POWERWOLF online:
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS