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PERSEFONE Release Second Single + Live Video ‘Leap Of Faith’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 18, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: PERSEFONE. Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: Restless Visuals]

PERSEFONE’s power shines way beyond the borders of their native Andorra on the second single off their upcoming live album. The new version of “Leap Of Faith”, which was originally released on metanoia in 2022, adds to the progressive edge of the song through the collaboration with the Orquestra Nacional Clàssica d’Andorra (National Classical Orchestra of Andorra). The live rendition of the impressive instrumental track was recorded during a spectacular one-off show in their home country’s National Auditorium in May of 2024, resulting in the upcoming live album Live in Andorra, out on December 5, 2025 via Napalm Records. Progressive, yet catchy; heavy, yet full of symphonic emotion—take your leap of faith.
 
PERSEFONE about “Leap Of Faith”:
“If there was one particular song that we really wanted to use as one of the singles, it had to be ‘Leap of Faith’. The fact that it is an instrumental song made some people within the PERSEFONE team raise their eyebrows. But the moment they realized how the orchestra makes this song come alive, it was an easy choice. ‘Leap of Faith’ is a song we knew we would never play live in a regular show due to its particular production, so when we found out we would have an orchestra with us for one night, we just had to play it. Sometimes there’s no need for words to express feelings, and hopefully this song can do that for you.”

Progressive death metal masters PERSEFONE let their material shine in a new light on their upcoming live album, Live In Andorra, out December 5, 2025, via Napalm Records. Recorded at a one-off orchestral show in the National Auditorium of their home country Andorra in May 2024, the six-piece band take their already sophisticated sound to even grander heights, celebrating both their 20-year history and their return home after not having performed in Andorra in ten years. In collaboration with the Orquestra Nacional Clàssica d’Andorra (National Classical Orchestra of Andorra), the symphonic accompaniment adds immense grandeur to a catalog-spanning set, embellishing their unmatched live energy to triumphant highs. Live In Andorra also offers unique recordings of many beloved songs with new frontman Daniel R. Flys, who joined the band in 2023. Making classic tracks his own and bringing new material to the forefront, he emphasizes the musical force that is PERSEFONE.
 
On Live in Andorra, PERSEFONE’s musical force shines brightly out from their native Andorra. A perfect example of how symphonic support can blend seamlessly into metal songs and enhance them, this intricate record gifts the already impressive tracks a whole new context. Progressive, yet catchy; heavy, yet full of emotion—goosebumps are guaranteed!

PERSEFONE about Live In Andorra:
“It is not everyday that you can celebrate the history of your band with such a unique set of circumstances. Playing at home after so many years, in front of our people, at the National Hall, with the National Orchestra, was something we never imagined would even be a possibility. But when the opportunity appeared, we just couldn’t say no, and we knew we wanted to have this whole experience immortalized for everyone to take part in it. This show is a way of coming full circle, from a crappy rehearsal room and our first shows in clubs, to being able to perform at such an iconic place in our country. Please join us for this special show. Welcome to PERSEFONE. Welcome to Andorra.”

Order Your Copy of Live In Andorra NOW

With 14 songs off their four most recent albums and the latest EP, PERSEFONE show great versatility. Live In Andorra takes listeners on a career spanning journey through a series of album specific vignettes: after starting off with the latest, Lingua Ignota: Part I (2024), the band takes their audience back in time through Aathma (2017) and even reaches all the way to their 2009 album Shin-ken. Then returning to 2022’s metanoia before finally their hit album Spiritual Migration (2013), the Andorran powerhouses garner waves of thunderous applause and howling.
 
With the intro “Sounds And Vessels” bleeding into “One Word”, both PERSEFONE and the orchestra, led by conductor Albert Gumí and concertmaster Pere Bardagí, show off their strength and mutual enthusiasm right at the start of the show. Performed together, this compilation expands grander than either track was alone, with the pristine clarity of the orchestral sound serving as an awe-inspiring view into what’s to come. The decorated rendition of “Living Waves” is an example of the band’s unique flair and their trademark ability to weld sweeping emotion into jaw-dropping compositions. “Leap Of Faith” deepens the progressive reach of the band, transporting listeners right to the Andorran National Auditorium in Ordino, in which this live rendition was recorded, delivering the spectacular show in vivid color. Other highlights include wonderful contrast between trenchant brutality and symphonic focus on “Stillness Is Timeless”, including an expansive piano outro, which directly moves into “Prison Skin” with a piano intro. On “Kusanagi”, PERSEFONE exemplifies their pristine musical control, taking a step back to grant the orchestra an impressive solo, cleverly sharing the spotlight for a dynamic listening experience.

Live In Andorra tracklisting:

  1. Sounds and Vessels
  2. One Word
  3. The Equable
  4. Stillness is Timeless
  5. Prison Skin
  6. Cosmic Walkers
  7. Living Waves
  8. Kusanagi
  9. Leap of Faith
  10. Merkabah
  11. The Great Reality
  12. Flying Sea Dragons
  13. Mind as Universe
  14. Outro

PERSEFONE LIVE 2025/26
21.11.25 FR – Saverdun / Metal Fest 09
29.01.-02.02.26 US – Miami, FL / 70.000 Tons Of Metal

PERSEFONE are:          
Carlos Lozano – guitar
Filipe Baldaia – guitar
Miguel “Moe” Espinosa – keyboards and vocals
Toni Mestre – bass
Sergi “Bobby” Verdeguer – drums
Daniel R. Flys – vocals
 
PERSEFONE online:       
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
WEBSITE
NAPALM RECORDS

Cleopatra’s Holiday Gift Guide Is Here

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

Christmas is coming… but is your stocking getting fat? Whether you’re shopping for friends and family, or compiling a holiday gift guide for your readers, Cleopatra Records have something to put the jingle in everybody’s bells. And here are some of our most notable 2025 releases to get you started.

And you can preview EVERY ALBUM with Pirate Radio Cleopatra’s 25 from 25 special edition, available now on Mixcloud, as well as your favorite podcast platform, here:
https://www.mixcloud.com/CleopatraRecords/pirate-radio-cleopatra-25-from-25-special/

Ashes & Diamonds – Are Forever
From the creative minds of Daniel Ash (Bauhaus/Love & Rockets/Tones On Tail), Bruce Smith (Public Image Ltd/The Pop Group) and Paul Spencer Denman (Sade/Sweetback) comes a darkly glittering new musical project that marks a huge evolutionary step in these storied musicians incredible careers!

The album, recorded over the course of six years, contains sonically compelling, powerfully melodic music with mixing and engineering duties held by Robert Adam Stevenson (Queens of the Stone Age, Jane’s Addiction, The Kills)!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/ashes-and-diamonds-are-forever-cd
  • RED MARBLE VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/ashes-and-diamonds-are-forever-red-marble-vinyl-lp

Eater – Duplication
British punk rock legends Eater return with their first full-length set of new recordings in nearly 50 years! Still led by the incomparable Andy Blade, Eater exudes all the attitude, raw energy and rebellious spirit of the early punk movement on this fantastic album of cover songs!

Includes revolutionary new takes on songs made famous by the bands that Eater emerged alongside and defined a generation including Buzzcocks, Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Ramones, The Damned, and more!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/eater-duplication-cd
  • BLUE MARBLE VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/eater-duplication-blue-marble-vinyl-lp

Enuff Z’nuff – Xtra Cherries
The brand new album from the legendary melodic rock maestros comes with a little something extra on top – a line-up of stellar guest artists!

In addition to the band’s always lushly produced and hook-filled songs, these tracks also include performances from Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander, original Journey vocalist Robert Fleischman and current Journey axeman Neal Schon, GnR’s Steve Adler, Gunnar Nelson and lots more!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/enuff-znuff-xtra-cherries-cd

The Fuzztones – Buried Treasure
The rarest of rarities collections that’s actually an essential release for not only hardcore Fuzztones fans but even casual fans of superb garage rock!

Includes kick-ass studio versions of several songs that have only been released as live recordings PLUS two brand new soon-to-be-classic songs!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/the-fuzztones-buried-treasure-cd
  • GREEN/PINK/SPLATTER VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/the-fuzztones-buried-treasure-green-pink-splatter-vinyl-lp

Humble Pie – Sunset Strip 69
One of the most sought after live recordings from British rock icons, Humble Pie! This historic show documents the band hitting the Whiskey in LA, on their first ever US tour, featuring the original band line-up of vocalist Steve Marriott, guitarist Peter Frampton, bassist Greg Ridley and drummer Jerry Shirley!

Although comprising just five songs, several of these performances get extended into improvised blues rock masterpieces conjured by some of the greatest musicians of the ’70s classic rock era!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/humble-pie-sunset-blvd-1969-cd
  • PURPLE MARBLE VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/humble-pie-sunset-blvd-1969-purple-marble-vinyl-lp

Kap Bambino – No Domination
French hard techno indie-tronic duo Kap Bambino launch an all-out assault on the world’s dancefloors with a deeply compelling and sonically disrupting full-length debut album!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/kap-bambino-no-domination-cd
  • PURPLE VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/kap-bambino-no-domination-purple-lp-vinyl
  • TEST PRESSING: https://cleorecs.com/products/kap-bambino-no-domination-black-lp-vinyl-test-pressing

Ken Booth & Jah Wobble – Old Fashioned Ways
Reggae icon Ken Boothe joins forces with dub and post-punk pioneer Jah Wobble for a genre-blurring journey that’s rich with soul, groove, and deep bass! Features bold reinterpretations of pop and soul staples like “Everything I Own,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and “Just My Imagination” bringing these timeless tunes into a lush, dubwise soundscape! Boothe’s golden voice pairs beautifully with Wobble’s signature low-end explorations, blending heart and atmosphere in every track!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/ken-boothe-jah-wobble-old-fashioned-ways-cd
  • GREEN MARBLE VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/ken-boothe-jah-wobble-old-fashioned-ways-green-marble-vinyl-lp

L.A. Guns – Leopardskin
Hollywood bad boys L.A. Guns are BACK with the most primal and explosive studio album of their modern era! The Gunners bring back the authentic sounds and style of Hollywood’s heyday with a set of all-original material that rocks hard with incredibly hooky songs and memorable riffs!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/l-a-guns-leopard-skin-cd
  • GOLD VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/l-a-guns-leopard-skin-gold-vinyl-lp
  • GOLD/WHITE/BLACK HAZE SPLATTER VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/l-a-guns-leopard-skin-yellow-white-black-splatter-vinyl-lp
  • TEST PRESSING: https://cleorecs.com/products/l-a-guns-leopard-skin-black-vinyl-lp-test-pressing

CHECK CLEORECS.COM FOR SIGNED EDITIONS, TOO!

Melanie – Gathered In – The 1971 Gather Me Sessions
Never before released studio outtakes and demos from the historic 1971 album Gather Me by folk legend Melanie! Gather Me was the album that launched Melanie’s career into the stratosphere, containing the #1 Billboard chart hit “Brand New Key” (heard here from a New York live show just as the album was released), as well as such quintessential Melanie tracks as “Ring The Living Bell” (also a Top 40 hit), “Someday I’ll Be A Farmer” and more!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/melanie-gathered-in-the-1971-gather-me-sessions-cd

Ministry – The Squirrely Years
Industrial metal rebel and icon Al Jourgensen finally makes peace with his past, exhuming a dozen of the best songs from his early synthwave years for a thoroughly brutal makeover! Includes brand new studio re-animations of songs from the 1983 classic With Sympathy as well as early Wax Trax singles like “Everyday Is Halloween,” “All Day,” “I’m Falling” and so many others.

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/ministry-the-squirrely-years-revisited-cd
  • COLORED VINYL (CHOOSE FROM PURPLE MARBLE/TRANSLUCENT BLUE/GREEN-BLACK SPLATTER/RED/BLACK/WHITE!): https://cleorecs.com/products/ministry-the-squirrely-years-revisited-colored-vinyl-lp
  • TEST PRESSING VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/ministry-the-squirrely-years-revisited-black-vinyl-lp-test-pressing

The Oxys – Casting Pearls Before Swine
Razor-sharp and riot-ready, Casting Pearls Before Swine is the all-original second album from rising punk firebrands The Oxys—louder, leaner, and meaner than ever! Following their 2022 debut, this new full-length proves the band isn’t just surviving the scene – they’re setting it on fire.

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/the-oxys-casting-pearls-before-swine-cd
  • BLACK VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/the-oxys-casting-pearls-before-swine-black-vinyl-lp

Rosetta Stone – Dose Makes The Poison
Veteran British goth pioneers Rosetta Stone return with their second album of the year, an all-original full-length that’s a striking continuation of their signature sound: brooding, atmospheric, and sharp-edged as ever!

Helmed once again by founding member and sonic architect Porl King, Dose Makes The Poison delves into a world in quiet disarray — offering subtle yet urgent commentary on the creeping erosion of empathy, tolerance, and truth in the modern age! Musically, the album embraces the cold elegance and propulsive rhythm that longtime fans cherish, but with a seasoned maturity that speaks to the band’s evolution!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/rosetta-stone-dose-makes-the-poison-cd
  • GREEN/BLACK SPLATTER VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/rosetta-stone-dose-makes-the-poison-green-black-splatter-vinyl-lp

Sexagisma – From The Batcave 1981-1985
A hidden gem pulled from the massively influential early ’80s London underground rock music scene centered around the legendary Batcave club!

Sexagisma were a pivotal act in the Batcave scene, whose highly theatrical, glam punk stylings would reverberate for years to come and shape what would eventually become goth rock! Compiled from a handful of never-before-released live tapes and demos, this anthology captures the band at their zenith, performing their original songs as well as covers by David Bowie, The Sweet and Alice Cooper! And, on one occasion, all three at the same time.

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/sexagisma-from-the-batcave-1981-1985-cd
  • PINK VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/sexagisma-from-the-batcave-1981-1985-pink-vinyl-lp

Sponge – Electric Cattle Gods
’90s alt-rock heroes open the vault on their early years to present this collection of rare and unreleased recordings capturing their nascent beginnings!

Includes raw, exuberant versions of songs that would later be recorded for the band’s 1994 major label debut Rotting Piñata, including a demo version of their breakout hit “Molly (16 Candles)” PLUS brand new songs not found anywhere else!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/sponge-electric-cattle-gods-the-lost-tracks-cd
  • ORANGE VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/sponge-electric-cattle-gods-the-lost-tracks-orange-vinyl-lp

Thor – Rock The Universe
The mighty Thor looks back at his early years on the club circuit, when he and guest guitarist Frank Soda tore through North America with a set that bristled with killer covers… new versions of songs by The Kinks, The Doors, The Beatles, The Yardbirds, Montrose and many more are joined by a sensational cover of The Sweet’s “Action,” harkening back to Thor’s epochal performance on Merv Griffin in 1976!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/thor-rock-the-universe-cd
  • CRYSTAL BLUE VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/thor-rock-the-universe-crystal-blue-vinyl-lp

WARFIELD – Deathrock Devotionals
The long-awaited CD and vinyl debut of She Wants Revenge frontman Justin Warfield, and his first ever solo project, WARFIELD. Includes the streaming hits “Fades” and “All The Fun (Kiss Kiss Kiss)” plus other modern Deathrock/Dark Wave classics.

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/ products/warfield-deathrock- devotionals-cd
  • VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/ products/warfield-deathrock- devotionals-red-marble-vinyl- lp

The Warlocks – The Manic Excessive Sounds Of
L.A.’s preeminent indie psych rock institution, The Warlocks, scale the deepest depths and the highest heights on this monumentally transcendent new album! A truly bipolar album that splits its running time between emotionally engrossing, traditionally arranged songs and improv-heavy, loosely structured jams Warlocks fans know and love!

  • CD: https://cleorecs.com/products/the-warlocks-the-manic-excessive-sounds-of-cd
  • HAZE/SPLATTER VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/products/the-warlocks-the-manic-excessive-sounds-of-haze-splatter-vinyl-lp

ROCK-OUT Unveil Visualizer Video for New Single ‘High-Class Woman’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 18, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: ROCK-OUT. Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Reto Berger

Swiss rockers Rock-Out are pleased to share the new single and official visualizer video “High-Class Woman”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

The band commented: “She’s loud, she’s cool, she’s cheeky, she’s just a ‘High-Class Woman’.
Everyone knows this type of woman and everyone knows what she’s capable of. Full of energy, genuine and right on target!”

“The new single describes a rock “n” roll-driven, self-confident woman who makes even the biggest macho man tremble. Full of vigour and energy, she enters the room and does her own thing. The song features straight guitars, a groovy beat and a concentrated dose of kick-ass rock “n” roll, leaving no stone unturned”, they continued.

Stream “High-Class Woman” HERE

With “High-Class Woman”, Rock-Out dedicate their new single to the best gender in the world. Straightforward, unpretentious and energetic – showcasing the band’s signature sound and continuing the line set by their latest album “Let’s Call It Rock’N’Roll”, released last April.

Imagine a smoky room, the scent of freshly tapped beer in the air, and a crowd raising their glasses as classic rock chords tear through the atmosphere. This is the world of Rock-Out, a band that embraces the raw energy of rock music in its purest form. 

With a no-frills attitude, loud riffs, and a passion that spills over every chord, Rock-Out brings authentic, gritty rock back to the stage – direct from Switzerland to any venue ready to be shaken to its core.

Formed in 2012, Rock-Out released their first album in 2018, “Loud, Hard And Dirty”, a debut that quickly marked them as a force to be reckoned with in the Swiss rock scene. Two years later, they dropped their second album, “Stand Together”, raw, direct, and full of Swiss rock spirit.

Their big break came in 2022, when they performed a prime-time set on Swiss national television (SRF) during a Saturday evening showcase, reaching a massive audience and cementing their status as one of the country’s most exciting live acts. For Florian Badetscher (guitar, vocals), Luca Gfeller (bass), David Bärtschi (drums), and Severin Held (guitar), there’s no safety net, no gimmicks – just pure rock energy.

Since then, Rock-Out has dominated the festival circuit, performing at major rock festivals across Switzerland and Germany, including Summerside, Riverside, and Rock of Ages. They’ve also conquered the club scene, selling out their first club shows and leaving audiences craving more of their powerful, melodic sound.

Rock-Out’s music is straightforward, timeless, and proudly Swiss. Hailing from the Emmental region, the band delivers powerhouse performances that speak louder than words. And at the heart of it all is frontman Florian’s incredible voice, a natural gift that adds a unique, captivating edge to their already thunderous sound.

Rock-Out are set to prove that rock is not dead, taking their high-octane, unapologetically bold music to stages everywhere. With power, confidence, and undeniable grit, Rock-Out is keeping the spirit of rock alive and louder than ever.

Line Up:
Florian Badertscher – Vocals, Guitar
Severin Held – Guitar
Luca Gfeller – Bass
David Bärtschi – Drums

Follow ROCK-OUT:
Facebook
Instagram
Website

ABORYM Announce New Line-Up + Return to Their Musical Origins

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

Aborym are thrilled to announce a new line-up that marks a significant return to their musical origins. With a fresh perspective and a renewed dedication to their roots, the band is ready to embark on a new chapter marked by a ferocious return to the industrial extreme metal of their With No Human Intervention, Generator, Kali Yuga Bizarre and Fire Walk With Us classics.

The new line-up reunites Fabban with drummer Atum and guitarist Munholy, bringing back the legendary Malfeitor formation after many years.

The band has spent the past few months crafting new material that captures the authentic sound and raw emotion that first captivated audiences. Drawing from their formative influences, fans can expect a blend of nostalgic atmospheres and unsettling innovations — extremely violent, dark, and uncompromising — in the upcoming music.

Aborym will enter the studio in April 2026 for the recording sessions and will return to the stage for a massive series of disturbing, club-fighting shows, where they will perform new songs alongside classics from Kali Yuga Bizarre, Fire Walk With Us, With No Human Intervention and Generator.

The masters of Industrial Extreme Metal are coming.

The new lineup features
–Atum – drums
–vocals Fabban – synthesizers, modular synths, bass, vocals

–Munholy – guitars, vocals

“We are incredibly excited about the new energy this line-up brings to the band and into our private lives,” says Atum. “Returning to the roots allows us to explore the sound that inspired Aborym in the first place, while embracing the new influences we encountered over the years, especially through our time in Malfeitor. We can’t wait for our fans to hear what we’ve been working on. Prepare for something truly violent and dark — eye-popping extreme music as it was done in the ’90s.”

“As we embark on this exciting new chapter,” Fabban adds, “we are filled with a renewed fascination for the music that first inspired us — and everything happened naturally from the moment Atum and I met again in Spain. Our journey has been marked by growth, change, and evolution, but the essence of who we are has always been rooted in the passion and creativity that ignited our initial spark. Reuniting with this line-up allows us to reconnect with that original spirit. Each member brings a unique perspective and energy that not only honors our past but also propels us into unexplored territories. Together, we are creating music that reflects our shared experiences while staying faithful to the sound that first resonated with our fans. We are excited to revisit the themes and sounds that shaped us, blending them with our evolution to create something fresh, meaningful — and really, really violent and disturbing.”

Connect with Aborym
http://www.facebook.com/aborymofficial
instagram.com/aborym_industrial
aborym.bandcamp.com

IOTUNN Announce Kinship European Headliner Tour 2026

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

Danish/Faroese epic progressive metal collective IOTUNN are pleased to announce the Kinship European Tour 2026. This will be the first IOTUNN headliner tour across Europe.

“We are so pleased to finally make this dream come true. To bring many songs from our latest Kinship album to our fans around Europe as the headlining act. We can’t wait to see you all next year. Spread the word and let’s make these epic shows memories for life” – Jón Aldará

Two amazing bands will join IOTUNN on this tour, making it an absolute must for all fans of progressive metal: In Vain (NO) as special guests and Nephylim (NL) as support.

Presented by Triple Bookings, Nightcrawler Management, Metal Hammer, Metal.de, Devilution and Powermetal.de
IOTUNN
+In Vain
+Nephylim

March 26 – Greece, Thessaloniki – Eightball Club*
March 27 – Greece, Athens – Piraeus Club Academy*
March 29 – Turkey, Istanbul – Blind*
April 8 – Germany, Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal
April 9 – Germany, Lichtenfels – Ragnarök Festival
April 10 – Germany, Dortmund – Junkyard
April 11 – Netherlands, Sittard – Volt
April 13 – France, Paris – Backstage By The Mill
April 14 – France, Nantes – Ferrailleur
April 15 – France, Colmar – Le Grillen
April 16 – Switzerland, Aarau – KiFF
April 17 – Germany, Munich – Backstage (Club)
April 18 – Hungary, Budapest – Analog Music Hall
April 19 – Slovenia, Ljubljana – Orto Bar
April 20 – Austria, Vienna – Viper Room
April 21 – Czech, Prague – Modra Vopice
April 22 – Poland, Poznań – Pod Minoga
April 23 – Germany, Kassel – Goldgrube
April 24 – Netherlands, Utrecht – De Helling
April 25 – Germany, Hamburg – Bambi Galore
April 26 – Denmark, Copenhagen – Amager Bio
* No In Vain (NO) and Nephylim (NL)

Get your tickets now via metalblade.com/iotunn – where you can also purchase the band’s two full-length, Access All Worlds and Kinship!

Further IOTUNN live dates:
14/02/26 NO – Trondheim – Byscenen
01/05/26 NO – Kopervik – Karmoygeddon
25/06/26 DK – Copenhagen – Copenhell
08/08/26 FI – Helsinki – Helsinki Metalfest
13/11/26 NO – Larvik – Spetakkelfestivalen

The IOTUNN lineup consists of Jón Aldará (vocals), Jesper and Jens Nicolai Gräs (guitars), Eskil Rask (bass), and Bjørn Wind Andersen (drums). IOTUNN signed to Metal Blade Records in 2020 and have performed at major festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze, 70,000 Tons of Metal, and Rockwave. Most recently, in 2025, they joined Dark Tranquillity, Soen, and Equilibrium on a European tour.

The band released their first EP, The Wizard Falls, in 2016, followed by their debut album Access All Worlds in 2021. Their latest release, Kinship, is IOTUNN‘s second full-length album. It has been praised by the press for its epic and atmospheric sound, complex compositions, and deep lyrical exploration of human nature and relationships. Critics highlight the album as a bold step that cements the band’s position on the progressive metal scene.

https://www.facebook.com/iotunn
https://www.instagram.com/iotunn
https://iotunn.bandcamp.com

Metal Blade Records & Pantheon Media Launch “Metal Mondays” – The Ultimate Heavy-Metal Trivia & Interactive Experience

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 18, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Metal Blade Records, Metal Mondays, Pantheon Media. Leave a comment

Revolutionary Weekly Series Features the Heavy Metal Archaeologist Exploring 43 Years of Metal History Through Interactive Gaming.

Two of the most respected names in metal culture – Pantheon Media (“Where Fans Belong”) and Metal Blade Records (the legendary independent heavy-metal label) – are proud to announce the launch of Metal Mondays, a first‐of‐its‐kind interactive music game designed to bring metal fans together each week to engage, compete and connect over their favourite bands, tracks and artists.

Hosted by the Heavy Metal Archaeologist, Metal Mondays transforms metal history into weekly archaeological expeditions through Metal Blade Records‘ legendary 43-year catalog. Players test their knowledge through audio challenges, climb global leaderboards, win exclusive prizes, and discover the buried treasures of metal’s most influential label.

“We’ve built Metal Blade from the ground up on fan passion, discovery and the power of metal culture – this is the next big step: putting the power into the hands of the community, letting fans play, compete, celebrate and elevate the music they live for,” says Brian Slagel, founder & CEO of Metal Blade Records and host of “The 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal” podcast “With Metal Mondays we’re creating a weekly ritual for metal fans – a place where you don’t just consume the music, you play it, you live it, you win with it.“

“At Pantheon Media we’ve always believed that fandom is about community, participation and connection,” says Christian Swain, CEO of Pantheon Media. “Metal Mondays is a perfect blend of content, competition and culture: it gives heavy-music fans a fresh way to engage with the bands and songs they love, while unlocking new discovery and reward. We’re thrilled to partner with Brian and Metal Blade on this.”

The Heavy Metal Archaeologist brings a unique educational approach, treating every album as an artifact and every band as a civilization worth studying. “We’re not just testing trivia knowledge – we’re excavating the buried treasures of metal history and making the incredible story of Metal Blade Records accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers,” adds Swain. “Every week feels like discovering ancient artifacts that shaped the metal world we know today.“

Key Features of Metal Mondays:
• Weekly Interactive Episodes – Three challenging questions worth 100 points each, featuring audio clips from iconic Metal Blade releases
• Global Competition – Real-time leaderboards and competitive formats driving worldwide engagement
• Exclusive Prizes – Rare vinyl, signed albums, VIP experiences, and Metal Blade merchandise for top performers, tickets to the Metal Blade Museum
• Educational Entertainment – Learn metal history while competing, from Metallica’s first recording to modern death metal masters
• Community Building – Social features to challenge friends, share victories, and connect with fellow metal archaeologists
• Artist Integration – Special episodes featuring Metal Blade’s legendary roster including Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Amon Amarth

Metal Mondays addresses the growing demand for interactive audio content while serving the passionate heavy metal community with premium, knowledge-based entertainment. The series covers Metal Blade‘s incredible roster of over 180 artists who have shaped the metal landscape since 1982.

Links & Resources:
Metal Mondays Portal: metalblade.com/metalmondays
Game/App Landing Page: podcastpuzzle.com
iOS App: Hit Replay on the App Store
Android App: Hit Replay on Google Play

About Pantheon Media
Pantheon Media (“Where Fans Belong”) specializes in creating innovative interactive content experiences for passionate fan communities, transforming traditional media consumption into engaging, participatory experiences that build stronger connections between fans and the content they love.
pantheonpodcasts.com

About Metal Blade Records
Founded in 1982 by Brian Slagel, Metal Blade Records has been home to some of heavy music’s most influential artists including Slayer, Metallica, Cannibal Corpse, The Black Dahlia Murder, Amon Amarth, and many others. With over four decades of operation, Metal Blade continues to discover and develop metal talent while maintaining its commitment to artistic integrity and fan service.
metalblade.com

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