Italian technical death metal group HOUR OF PENANCE, established on the verge of the millenium in Rome, has extended its partnership with Agonia Records. The initial outcome of the new agreement will be the band’s tenth studio album, which is currently in production.
Paolo Pieri, the band’s frontman, had this to say on sealing the new contract: “We are pleased to announce the renewal of our deal with Agonia Records. Since joining forces, this partnership has been crucial in delivering our musical vision. We are committed to pushing our sound brutally forward, and we’re currently working hard on our next release. Stay tuned!”
From their early output to their signature recordings, HOUR OF PENANCE has maintained a distinct, powerful, and grimly enchanting sound profile. The band has consistently shaped their sonic identity through a complex, crushing, and surgical blizzard of technical death metal, characterized by hyper speeds and untamed brutality, while conveying perceptive social metaphors within dark imagery and lyrics.
With nine album under the belt, HOUR OF PENANCE is considered one of the most talented and intense representatives of the genre originating in Italy. It took the band three installments to break out of the local scene and make a splash on the international stage. In addition to Europe, their tours have taken them to the USA, Canada, Australia, and Asia, where they have played as support for bands such as Cannibal Corpse, The Black Dahlia Murder, Devildriver, Deicide, Nile, and Behemoth.
HOUR OF PENANCE released two albums on Agonia Records: “Devotion” (2024), an anthem to the futility of war with no light at the end of the tunnel, and “Misotheism” (2019), a pitch-black and brutally intense death metal soundtrack to a collapsing universe. The group is now approaching a new chapter in their journey, featuring guitarist and longest-serving member Giulio Moschini, vocalist and guitarist Paolo Pieri, bassist Marco Mastrobuono, and drummer Giacomo Torti. More news will be revealed soon.
Tour dates: 29.01-02.02.2026: 70.000 Tons of Metal Cruise, US/INT 30.05.2026: Kill the Brain Fest @Traffic, Rome, IT
Line-up: Giulio Moschini – guitars Paolo Pieri – guitars and vocals Marco Mastrobuono – bass Giacomo Torti – drums
Italian visionaries A TEAR BEYOND staging power and atmosphere in a performance that blends music with a strong visual identity. Progressive and melodic GOTHIC METAL with a commanding Industrial touch and playful Electro nuances is their theatric pleasure.
The band returned in 2025 with the album “Afterthought“, which marks a new evolution in their uncommon artistic journey. They have already shared the stage with well-known acts such as Nightwish, Moonspell, Septic Flesh, Dark Lunacy, Isole, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and others.
On December 12, the poetically inclined sextet from Vicenza, Veneto, released their 🆕 MUSIC VIDEO for the song “Deliverance(Forgiveness Saga Pt. III)” from their fourth album “Afterthought”, released in April 2025.
Visually, too, the profound Italians celebrate the boundary between inspiring fantasy and reality, inviting viewers to indulge in sumptuous dreams …
🎥 🎬 ⚙️ Michele Piazza
Band statement on the new Video Clip: ”Here’s the epilogue to this sad old story, which has traveled the Veins of Time to this day. A TEAR BEYOND, Michele Piazza, and Kristian Anderson Cosplay present ‘Deliverance‘ (The Forgiveness Saga – Ending Act)’.
‘Deliverance‘ is the culmination of a years-long journey that has brought to life an original saga, crafted to celebrate human relationships across time and beyond consciousness.
We wanted to bring to music and screen the emotional confusion of men and women alike when subjected to emotional forces as profound as the abyss. We wanted to analyze how an act of evil can only generate more evil, and how there is no possibility of putting anything in order without an immense effort aimed at Good. A long and difficult journey… in this case, in a fictionalized, secular way.
We speak of profound love, recklessness, and madness. Of extreme hatred, confusion, delirium, depression, and loss of awareness and control. But also of renewed conviction… that with courage and humility, a path to freedom can be found!
The music video for ‘Deliverance’ is produced by Michele Piazza (like the previous two in the saga), who confirms himself as an excellent partner for us, based on shared goals and methods. The writing and visions are the fruit of great introspection by each participant in this project… from us A TEAR BEYOND to every person involved in the technical side of filming the video.
We talked a lot, shared even more. We experienced the emotions of this work from within, and we hope we’ve succeeded in conveying them to the public. The lyrics, music, and visions are all intertwined in a powerful and thoughtful way, and the work of creating it has kept us busy and in suspense for years.
‘The Forgiveness Saga’ (including ‘Deliverance’) is a reflection we urge you to share on how necessary it is to think before acting, and to try, every now and then, to step back and examine our own conscience. It’s an attempt to reawaken feelings that have long since faded, feelings that have accustomed us to indifference, selfishness, and a total lack of hope and courage. It’s about how we’ve become cold and prisoners of our own ills like never before.
So let’s say that if we want to be truly free, we must learn to forgive. Ourselves and others.”
Release: April 19, 2025 – Artwork: Manuel Vendramin Label: Independent ⫸ Streaming
SPECIAL GUESTS: Sara Yuna Gramola: Female Vocals on “End This Farce”, “Deliverance”, and “Lullaby For My Grave” Christian Iansante: Narrator on “Congedo + Genesi”
TRACKS 01. Reflection (Intro) 02:47 02. A Sad Old Story (Her Love) 04:29 03. Unravel (His Confusion) 06:47 04. End this Farce (The Fight) 03:41 📺 05. Deliverance (Forgiveness Saga Pt. III) 06:54 06. Lullaby for my Grave (2025 Ed.) 05:04 07. Congedo + Genesi 04:10
total running time: 33:52
LINE-UP Claude • Vocals Ian • Guitars Undesc • Guitars Mau • Guitars Cance • Bass Phil • Keyboards Skano • Drums
After the previously released single “Love Kills” – the album title track of their forthcoming, much-awaited studio offering – power metal frontrunners INDUCTION have shared a music video for the furious new single “Steel And Thunder”! The song is a thunderous tribute to the epic sci-fi classic “Terminator”, infused with gritty energy and futuristic darkness, blending crushing guitar riffs with cinematic intensity.
“Seriously… who doesn’t love the Terminator series? “Steel And Thunder” is our tribute to exactly that,” says INDUCTION guitarist and songwriter Tim Kanoa Hansen. “Terminator played a huge role in shaping my love for sci-fi and continues to inspire Induction both visually and musically. I think this song really captures that vibe. Crank it up and see for yourself, but don’t blame me if it feels like Judgment Day in your living room, and Skynet breathing down your neck.
Following a storm of milestones, including a series of live dates supporting the legendary SAVATAGE, a frenetically acclaimed debut at Wacken Open Air, and the release of fan-favorite singles “Beyond Horizons” and “Dark Temptation”, INDUCTION are firing on all cylinders..
Crafted at Chameleon Studios and Boogie Park Studios in Hamburg, the new album was produced by Tim Kanoa Hansen, and was mixed and mastered by Eike Freese in collaboration with the guitarist. LOVE KILLS! marks the beginning of a new era for INDUCTION, defined by musical evolution, emotional depth, and a fearless drive to push the boundaries of modern power metal!
“For me, this album carries a lot of raw and personal emotion”, Tim recently shared. “Life always moved forward, and even in the darkest times, love always found its way back. With LOVE KILLS! we explore the beauty and cruelty of love in a futuristic power metal context. It’s Induction at our biggest, boldest, and most fun yet.”
LOVE KILLS! will be released on February 6, 2026 via powerhouse label Reigning Phoenix Music.Pre-Save / Pre-Order the album now at:https://induction.rpm.link/lovekillsPR
LOVE KILLS! Track-List:
Virtual Insanity
War Of Hearts
Dark Temptation
Steel And Thunder
Strangers To Love
Beyond Horizons
Gods Of Steel (physical release exclusive)
Love Kills
I Am Evil
The Veil of Affection
Empress
In support of the upcoming record release, the band will join VISIONS OF ATLANTIS and WARKINGS on the 2026 “Pirates & Kings Over Europe” Tour, hitting 20+ cities across the continent in February and March!
INDUCTION live: w/ VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, WARKINGS 05.02.2026 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 06.02.2026 DE Saarbrücken – Garage 07.02.2026 DE Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle 08.02.2026 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 10.02.2026 UK Manchester – Academy 2 11.02.2026 UK London – O2 Academy Islington 12.02.2026 FR Paris – Élysée Montmarte 13.02.2026 NL Tilburg – 013 Poppodium 14.02.2026 DE Leipzig – Hellraiser 15.02.2026 DE Berlin – Columbia Theater 16.02.2026 PL Warsaw – Klub Proxima 18.02.2026 CZ Zlín – Masters of Rock Café 19.02.2026 DE Hanover – Capitol 20.02.2026 DE Hamburg – Markthalle 21.02.2026 DE Geiselwind – Musichall 26.02.2026 FR Villeurbanne (Lyon) – La Rayonne 27.02.2026 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Halle) 28.02.2026 DE Munich – Backstage (Werk) 05.03.2026 HU Budapest – Barba Negra 06.03.2026 AT Vienna – SiMM City 07.03.2026 AT Wörgl – VZ Komma
In the heart of the power metal resurgence stand INDUCTION, a name that has quickly become synonymous with the genre’s new wave. Led by Tim Kanoa Hansen, son of metal legend Kai Hansen (HELLOWEEN, GAMMA RAY), INDUCTION are a force to be reckoned with, igniting stages and captivating audiences worldwide.
Their rise began with a bang as their sophomore album, “Born From Fire,” was released under the wings of Reigning Phoenix Music, earning widespread acclaim and solidifying their status in the genre. Notable praises include being crowned “Power Metal Rising Star of the Year” by Rock Hard in 2022 and drawing the attention of German TV channel SWR, which chronicled their ascent in a documentary.
Building on this momentum, INDUCTION embarked on high-profile tours alongside metal giants such as STRATOVARIUS, SONATA ARCTICA, BATTLE BEAST, GAMMA RAY, ACCEPT, and more, showcasing their polarising live energy and winning over audiences across Europe and also Japan.
Though widely considered a progressive power metal band, INDUCTION refuse to be confined by a single genre. With each release, they defy expectations, seamlessly blending and evolving the boundaries of their music while staying true to their unmistakable core.
As they march toward the release of their eagerly awaited third album, LOVE KILLS!, INDUCTION remain a hungry force in the metal galaxy, fuelled by a passion for music and an unwavering commitment to their craft. With the rallying cry “We bring the heat!” echoing in every riff and chorus, they invite fans to join them on their epic journey through realms of myth, majesty, and POWER!
Mid-west Heavy Metal torchbearers SACRED LEATHER have released their eagerly awaited, new album, Keep The Fire Burning, todayvia King Volume Records / Wise Blood Records.
SACRED LEATHER set the underground ablaze with their debut album, Ultimate Force. Seven years later the beast is back with a unrelenting, classic metal masterpiece that recalls a time when tight leather and heavy riffs ruled the world. With Keep the Fire Burning, the band expands on their reputation for electrifying live performances and unflinching authenticity. Drawing from the steel-plated legacy of Judas Priest, Accept, and early W.A.S.P., Sacred Leather blend classic metal tradition with cinematic flair, evoking the neon glow of midnight highways and the danger of the unknown.
1. Resurrection 2. Spitfire At Night 3. Phantom Highway (Hell Is Comin’ Down) 4. Wake Me Up 5. Fallen Angel 6. Flatline 7. Tear Out My Heart 8. Malevolent Eyes 9. Keep The Fire Burning 10. Mistress Of The Sun
About SACRED LEATHER:
Forged in the fires of classic heavy metal and baptized in the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion, Sacred Leather stands as a defiant reminder that true metal never dies. Hailing from the American Midwest, the band delivers an unrelenting assault of twin-guitar fury, thunderous rhythms, and commanding vocals that channel the essence of leather, chains, and midnight highways.
Following their 2017 full-length debut Ultimate Force, which established them as torchbearers of traditional heavy metal’s resurgence, Sacred Leather return with their long-awaited sophomore album Keep the Fire Burning, due December 2025 through King Volume Records and Wise Blood Records. The album is both a declaration and a promise—rekindling the spirit that started it all while pushing their sound into sharper, more melodic, and more anthemic territory.
Sacred Leather is: Dee Wrathchild – Vocals Lynn St. Michaels – Lead Guitar Magnus Legrand – Bass Don Diamond – Drums Cvon Owens – Rhythmn Guitar
PAVIC have unveiled the official video for the title track of their upcoming album “Live To Thrive”, set for release on January 16th, 2026.
The song offers a new glimpse into the record’s vibrant blend of modern hard rock vitality and melodic depth. The song encapsulates the album’s core identity, combining muscular contemporary metal elements with the uplifting drive of classic rock, and visually amplifies the band’s message of resilience and forward momentum. With dynamic performances, infectious hooks, and a production that mirrors the album’s bold spirit, the “Live To Thrive” video sets the tone for what promises to be PAVIC’s most empowering and energizing release to date.
“‘Live to Thrive’ is a raw reflection on the chaos of our times and the will to rise above it. A declaration of resilience and clarity, built on emotional depth and strength. It captures the instinct to keep fighting and to stand tall in the storm because we all live to thrive, not just to survive.”
Formed in Rome, Italy, and led by guitarist and founder Marko Pavic, the band has built a solid reputation for crafting songs that balance emotion, precision, and raw power. Across its tracks, “Live To Thrive” highlights the group’s evolution — from passionate storytelling to intricate musicianship — while keeping its roots firmly grounded in hard rock tradition. The album’s sound is bold and uplifting, channeling the strength to overcome adversity and celebrate resilience. With this release, PAVIC reaffirm their place among Europe’s most compelling hard rock acts, offering an album that bridges intensity and hope, proving that true rock thrives when passion meets purpose.
Tracklist:
01. Save You From Yourself (featuring Mistheria) 02. Never Sleep Again 03. One Of These Days 04. Roll With The Punches 05. Fade To Grey 06. Live To Thrive 07. Till The End 08. Spinning Wheel 09. Rise 10. The Day Of A New Dawn 11. The Sun Has Fallen
Hailing from Rome, Italy, PAVIC is a hard rock/metal band led by guitarist and founder Marko Pavic. Fusing the powerful riffs of modern metal with the melody and soul of classic rock, PAVIC delivers music that is energetic, emotionally charged, and technically refined. The band’s mission is clear: to create uplifting and impactful songs that resonate with authenticity and power.
Formed in the mid-2000s, PAVIC quickly made an impression with their debut album Taste Some Liberty (2005), featuring vocalist Chris Catena and renowned guests like Kee Marcello (Europe), Tony Franklin (Blue Murder, Whitesnake), Vitalij Kuprij (Ring Of Fire), and Daniel Flores (Mind’s Eye). The album gained strong acclaim across Europe for its high-caliber musicianship and catchy yet heavy songwriting.
Their follow-up, Unconditioned (2008), again featuring Chris Catena on vocals, saw the band take a bold step forward. Mixed by Tobias Lindell (Europe) at Sweden’s Bohus Sound Studio and mastered by Dragan Tanaskovic (In Flames, Evergrey), the album blended classic and modern rock elements and included another guest solo by Kee Marcello.
In 2014, with the addition of dynamic vocalist Joe Calabro, PAVIC released Is War The Answer? a record that showcased a heavier, more contemporary sound. Mixed by U.S. producer Rick Beato (Shinedown, Fozzy), the album included a standout cover of Duran Duran’s “Notorious” and featured a concept music video for the single In Your Eyes, written by Dylan Dog creator Roberto Recchioni.
Over the years, PAVIC played across Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine, sharing the stage with bands such as Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil, Michael Schenker Group, and Circle II Circle among others.
In 2014, the band also played the Rock In Idro festival in Bologna, Italy, joining a massive lineup that included Iron Maiden, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Opeth, and more.
Their work has received widespread attention in the rock and metal press, with features in Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Rock It, and Metal Maniac. The band’s music videos, including Every Time I Die, Song For The Rain, and The Sun Has Fallen, showcase their evolving sound and visual style.
Now, PAVIC is set to return with their most ambitious work yet: Live To Thrive (2025), produced by Marko Pavic, mixed and mastered Francesco Mattei @ Underworld Studio and Hyper Focus Studio. Featuring keyboard maestro Mistheria (Bruce Dickinson, Vivaldi Metal Project), the album offers a tight blend of melody, heaviness, and emotional depth. The first single, Save You From Yourself, is accompanied by a visually striking video shot by Kinorama Studio, with more videos on the way.
Whether in the studio or on stage, PAVIC stands for quality songwriting, powerful performances, and a message of positivity and perseverance. The band’s sound continues to evolve — always rooted in heart, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll fire.
Lineup:
Marko Pavic – guitars, keyboards Joe Calabro – vocals Aleks Ferrara – bass, keyboards Valerio Manca – drums
Special Guests:
Mistheria – keyboards on “Save You From Yourself” Enrico Sandri – bass on “Save You From Yourself”, “One Of These Days”, “Live To Thrive”, “Fade To Grey” Lorenzo Antonelli – keyboards Enrico Scutti – backing vocals
It’s not often that a new band explodes into view without first having peppered our social media feeds with countless memes, reels and similar jiggerypokery.
Every King Has A Clown, however, prove that it can still be done. Roaring out of a background split intriguingly between Sweden and the Canary Islands, and marshaled by bassist/songwriter Ryker Castro, Every King Has A Clown deliver melodic, yet mighty metal, seamlessly blending the energies of European and international power metal with progressive touches.
Ryker says, ““Every King Has A Clown is my solo project. I created it to have total freedom over the songwriting, the sound and the artistic direction. The idea was simple: write the record I always wanted to hear, with strong melodies, heavy energy and no compromises. The jester-king on the album cover, named EKHAC, is the visual symbol of the project — the contrast between good and evil.”
He did not work alone. “This album is the sound of me fighting my own demons. I wanted a record built on strong songs, heavy energy and great voices — nothing else.” Thus, Every King Has A Clown’s self-titled debut album includes contributions from some of the biggest names on the modern scene, as Ryker details.
“Ray Alder (Fates Warning – guesting on the album’s penultimate track, “Revenge”) brings a unique emotional weight and intensity that lifts the track instantly.
“Mats Levén (ex-Therion) delivers the darker edge of the album with power and character.
“Mark Boals (Ring of Fire) adds precision, range and a classic melodic metal feel.
“Mike DiMeo (ex-Riot) brings grit and soul, [and] a strong hard-rock backbone.
“Anders Engberg (Sorcerer) adds depth and authority with his unmistakable tone.
“Göran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) brings clarity and elegance — his voice cuts through perfectly.
“Steve Braun (Halcyon Way) adds pure metal attitude and delivers exactly the punch [I] needed.
“Berzan Önen (Deer From Space) brings raw energy and a modern edge to the album.
“Christian Palin (ex-Adagio) adds aggression and dynamic range, pushing the [music] forward.
“Fabio Alessandrini (Annihilator) gives the album a tight, precise and powerful foundation.
“Bastian Thusgaard (Soilwork) adds intensity and drive, with a very sharp and modern drum approach.”
A cast of 1000s!
In addition, the album was mastered by Tony Lindgren (Katatonia, Enslaved, Testament, Haken and hundreds more) at his home base Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden.
Every King Has A Clown will be out on January 30. But to pave the way, today sees the release of both the band’s first single, “Crucify Me,” and an accompanying full concept video, a dynamic live performance shot through with precisely the visuals that the song title demands. It’s exhilarating stuff!
Victim Of The Night feat. Mats Levén (Therion, Candlemass)
Higher
Hear Me Calling
Defender
Dancing In The Dark
BloodWar
All We Need Is Rock And Roll
The King Has Lost His Crown feat. Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen)
Revenge feat. Ray Alder (Fates Warning)
Dragon
Chief Shock Video
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 ) 