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ROTTING CHRIST Celebrate 35 Years of “Evil Existence” with New Blu-Ray “Live in Lycabettus”, Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 15, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Rotting Christ. Leave a comment

Live at the Lycabettus Hill Theater, Athens, Greece – Photo by © Tasos Anestis

After 35 years of evil existence, Rotting Christ still stand the test of time. Sakis Tolis, his brother Themis and their Greek brothers-in-arms have risen from the Athenian underground to become one of the metal world’s most reliable forces, backed by a pantheon discography that has both defined and defied black metal.

As they prepare for what’s building up to be a monumental 2026, today, Rotting Christ are releasing the new Blu-Ray edition of 35 Years of Evil Existence Live in Lycabettus. This Blu-Ray honors Rotting Christ’s lasting legacy by capturing their first time performing at the historic Lycabettus Hill Theater in Athens. A sold-out crowd of 7,000 people were treated to a two-hour setlist that spanned the band’s entire career, from early mighty classics to the latest monuments from their Hellenic period.

Watch the full performance of 35 Years of Evil Existence – Live in Lycabettus on Rotting Christ TV:

The Blu-Ray edition of 35 Years of Evil Existence – Live in Lycabettus was released last Friday, December 12, 2025 on Season of Mist. Order here: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/RottingChrist35YearsLive

The formidable bond between Rotting Christ and their legion of followers is not only felt across their unholy discography but also live and in the flesh. Having played more than a hundred shows all across the world in 2024, the band continue to keep the true metal spirit alive time and time again.

The Blu-Ray edition of 35 Years of Evil Existence – Live in Lycabettus arrives as a glowing testament to Rotting Christ’s indomitable spirit. While only performed a handful of times before the band stepped onto the theater’s historic stage last summer, “Like Father, Like Son” had the crowd pumping fists to its timeless message from the majestic opening riff. “Δαιμόνων Βρώσης (Demonon Vrosis)” raised horns to the newly re-recorded AEALO, while “Sorrowful Farewell” and “Among Two Storms” delivered a classic one-two punch. Picking one song to close such a monumental evening is no easy feat, especially among this band’s pantheon-level discography. But the opening chant of “Under the Name of Legion” gave them the perfect send-off.

“Love of darkness signifies the enlightened life eternally“. Beating from inside Lycabettus’ ancient halls, Rotting Christ’s true metal spirit echoed beyond the ages.

“We are proud that our new live album will now be available on Blu-Ray”, says Sakis. “Thanks to all our metal brothers and sisters for your attention, support and dedication over all these years. You can be sure that we will be at the frontline of the battlefield until the end. Non Serviam!”

The footage from 35 Years of Existence – Live in Lycabettus was directed by Yiannis Margetousakis & Thanos Liberopoulos.

Additional video credits

Camera operators
Thanos Liberopoulos
Giorgos Margetousakis
Manolis Rizikos
Roxani Varela
Phillip Daskas
Spirodon Flouretzou
Mike Kochiev

Drone operator
Yiannis Margetousakis

Editors
Evaggelia Tsiliakou
Yiannis Margetousakis

Coloring
Yiannis Margetousakis

Catch Rotting Christ next year during appearances at major summer festival. More dates announcing soon!

Rotting Christ 2026 Summer Festivals
May 22 – Baltimore, Maryland @ Maryland Death Fest (Exclusive 1989-1995 Set) [TICKETS]
June 19 – Clisson, France @ Hellfest [TICKETS]
July 19 – Bergen, Norway @ Beyond the Gates [TICKETS]

Track-list:

1. 666 (5:45)
2. P’Unchaw Kachun- Tuta Kachun (4:54)
3. Fire God and Fear (4:44)
4. Kata Ton Demona Eaytoy (4:50) [WATCH]
5. Apage Satana (4:40)
6. Dies Irae (4:37)
7. Demonon Vrosis (5:00) [WATCH]
8. Aealo (3:42)
9. Like Father, Like Son (4:41)
10.King of a Stellar War (6:22)
11. Shadows Follow (2:07)
12. Archon (4:25)
1. The Sign of Evil Existence (1:51)
2. Fgmenth Thy Gift (4:16)
3. Societas Satanas (4:07)
4. Forest of N’gai (4:19)
5. Sorrowful Farewell (4:29) [WATCH]
6. Among Two Storms (3:54) [WATCH]
7. After Dark I Feel (4:08)
8. Athanatoi Este (5:32)
9.Nemecic (4:17)
10. In Yumen Xibalba (6:27)
11. Grandis Spiritus Diavolos (6:05)
12. The Raven (5:28)
13. Under the Name of Legion (5:51) [WATCH]
Full runtime: 1:56:31

In the dimly lit catacombs of extreme metal, one name stands as a monolith: ROTTING CHRIST. Sakis Tholis and his brother Themis started this band together back in 1987. In the three decades since, these Greek titans have left their blackened imprint all over the metal world. They’ve released 13 studio albums and played more than 1,300 concerts around the globe. Underneath all this hard work, Rotting Christ have but one vision – an urge to not only push the boundaries of extreme metal, but to keep reinventing themselves along the way.

Rotting Christ’s evolution has unfolded across several distinct chapters. After starting out closer to the barely controlled chaos of grindcore, they went on to establish the iconic sound of Hellenic black metal. Their albums often embrace refined gothic soundscapes, only to plunge back into the depths of blasphemous fervour. Each chapter marked another, further exploration, and an unwavering commitment to push boundaries.

But the real turning point came in 2007, when Rotting Christ signed a pact with Season of Mist. They unleashed a series of albums for the French label that defied any and all expectations. From the piercing Theogonia and the symphonic grandeur of Aelo to the ritualistic intensity of Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού, the cinematic experiences created by Rotting Christ became a spectacle of bombastic atmospheres, mesmerizing choirs, and neo-classical arrangements. The unexpected is their modus operandi, with the use of various languages (Latin, Arabic, Greek, English) as well as the extensive use of famous poetry woven into their music, like Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ on The Heretics.

In 2019, Rotting Christ’s epic journey continued with The Apocryphal Spell compilation, which offers fans an intimate glimpse into unreleased and rare material. This allowed them to gather strength, preparing for the release of their next, highly anticipated, 14th full-length studio album: Pro Xristou.

Pro Xristou (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.

Line-up:
Sakis Tolis – Guitar, Vocals
Themis Tolis – Drums
Kostas “Spades” Heliotis – Bass
Kostis Fouk – Guitar

Biography:
Sébastien J. Gamez

Follow Rotting Christ:
Official Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/athanatoieste
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RottingChristOfficia
Bandcamp: https://rottingchristofficial.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/artist/rotting-christ/id28441629
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ

APRIL WINE Set to Rock North America in 2026 as Special Guests of TRIUMPH

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 15, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: April Wine. Leave a comment

Fans of classic Canadian rock n’ roll must be overjoyed with not only the announcement of Triumph‘s first North American tour in decades, but that they will have another one of the Great White North’s top rock bands supporting these spring dates: April Wine.

Running from April 22^nd through June 6^th, the tour will hit all the spots that both Triumph and April Wine amassed legions of fans over the years; Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, St. Louis, San Antonio, New York, etc. Tickets are now on sale for all the shows, and can be ordered via this link: https://www.livenation.com/artist/K8vZ917CqB0/triumph-events

Comprised of members Brian Greenway (guitar), Richard Lanthier (bass), Roy Nichol (drums), and Marc Parent (lead vocals, guitar), this will not be the first time April Wine and Triumph have shared the stage before. Longtime fans may recall a show at the Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio, Texas on February 18, 1977, which served as Triumph’s major American debut and a significant breakthrough for the band.

Also, in San Antonio during March 1978, as part of a run of five shows in Texas for promoter JAM Productions. One fan recalled the lineup for this show as April Wine, Crack the Sky, and headliner Triumph. Both bands have a strong history with the state, as San Antonio radio station KISS-FM was an early supporter of Canadian hard rock acts, helping both bands gain a significant U.S. following.

April Wine has been a staple in the rock music scene for over five decades. Known for their powerful ballads and rock anthems, the band has seen several lineup changes but has always stayed true to their roots. April Wine has weathered the storms of the music industry with remarkable resilience and the band continues to captivate audiences with their electrifying performances. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next show, ready to experience the magic that April Wine delivers.

The journey began in 1969, marking the start of a legendary career in rock music. With hits like “Just Between You and Me”, “Sign of the Gypsy Queen”, “Roller”, “I Like To Rock”, “Say Hello”, “Oowatanite”, “Enough Is Enough”, “Rock N Roll Is A Vicious Game” and many more, April Wine has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Significant milestones include their induction into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2009, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2010 and Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2023. These accolades are a reflection of their hard work, talent, and the significant role they have played in shaping the rock genre. April Wine’s ability to consistently deliver powerful performances and connect with audiences has earned them a place among the greats in rock history.

Today, the band continues to tour, keeping the spirit of rock alive for their dedicated fanbase. And in 2026, they will bring their melodic and anthemic brand of rock once more to North America!

COMPLETE TOUR DATES:

CANADA

UNITED STATES

May 13 – Rosemont, IL | Rosemont Theatre (Chicago)
May 14 – Milwaukee, WI | Miller High Life Theatre
May 16 – Kansas City, MO | Starlight Theatre
May 17 – St. Louis, MO | Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
May 20 – Irving, TX | The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory (Dallas)
May 21 – San Antonio, TX | Frost Bank Center
May 22 – Houston, TX | Smart Financial Center at Sugar Land
May 24 – Tampa, FL | MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater
May 26 – Atlanta, GA | Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
May 28 – Camden, NJ | Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (Philadelphia)
May 30 – Sterling Heights, MI | Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill (Detroit)
June 3 – Darien Center, NY | Darien Lake Amphitheater
June 5 – Wantagh, NY | Northwell at Jones Beach Theater (New York)
June 6 – Boston, MA | Leader Bank Pavilion

More info: aprilwine.ca

MARTRÖÐ Release Long-Awaited Debut Album “Draumsýnir Eldsins”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 15, 2025

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

The long-awaited debut album from the Icelandic/US Black Metal ensemble MARTRÖÐ is now officially released. A profound, unsettling, and cataclysmic work, “Draumsýnir Eldsins” (‘Dream Visions of the Fire‘) channels dark primal energies into a vast and psychedelic netherworld. The album is available on CD and vinyl – including t-shirts – and can be streamed in full through Bandcamp and DMP’s YouTube channel.

“A cacophonous symphony of transcendental insanity!” (Toilet ov Hell)

Composers A.P. (SKÁPHE) and H.V. (WORMLUST) discussed the album’s creation in an interview with Rock Hard Italy:

AP: “Musically, the writing sessions for “Draumsýnir eldsins” felt almost dream-like. An experience that isn’t fully understood in the moment yet reveals its patterns and thematic threads only in hindsight upon reflection. It became a kind of mirror into the creative subconscious. My own writing began as a stream-of-consciousness exercise, deliberately silencing the overly analytical part of the mind and avoiding any conscious external influence, only working within the boundaries of a high-level vision. The process was simple: allow ideas to surface freely, then return to review, refine, and repeat. I think this approach is audible in the final work. There’s a cyclical quality to the compositions, mirroring the album’s unfolding narrative. While the record forms a self-contained story, each track may also exist in isolation as their own entity.“

HV: “MARTRÖÐ as a concept explores dream states in various forms and the divides between them and ‘true’ life, if there is any and ultimately through that the supranatural. It is about looking into dreams like pools of water that hold within them reflections of their surroundings, reality and beyond that the metaphysical. Through my own studies I decided dream visions not only fit thematically but also were time tested in revealing of what can be filed under hidden knowledge. You can impart upon the reader what you have learned in your own mental journeys through shared words and literary references. Since dreams are forced upon you then they flow from the stream of the subconscious, which in turn reflects how the music was created.“

“Draumsýnir Eldsins” is available on CD, vinyl and digital. A special t-shirt design accompanies the launch. Orders are possible via DMP’s EU, US, and Bandcamp shops.

MARTRÖÐ began in 2015 not as a band, but as an experiment in convergence. It was never about the individual, but about what emerges when singular wills dissolve into a shared vision. In this sense, MARTRÖÐ functions as both seed and symptom: the impulse that later unfolded into Mystískaos, but also a form of collective dreaming in its own right.

The first articulation of this came with the “Transmutation of Wounds” EP in 2016, a work that did not seek catharsis but rather confrontation, a descent into layered sound as a mirror of existential fracture. After this, MARTRÖÐ entered a long period of gestation. What now emerges years later is not a continuation but a transformation: the full-length “Draumsýnir eldsins“, a cycle of dream-visions where humanity dreams its own apocalypse, angels are stitched from remnants, divinity is suspended in endless death, and creation collapses as the dreamer stirs awake.

MARTRÖÐ has remained intentionally outside the categories of stage, permanence, or identity. It exists in the unwaking hours, in the liminal space where visions take form. Its essence is the alignment of forces that briefly converge to give voice to dissolution, not performance, but invocation; not continuity, but the persistence of a nightmare that survives only through its recording.

BÖLTHORN to Release New Single ‘Calidonian’s Wrath’ on January 16th

Posted by metalshockfinland on December 15, 2025

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

Wanikiya Record/Promotion is proud to announce the release of the new, devastating single by BÖLTHORN, entitled “Calidonian’s Wrath”, available on all digital platforms starting January 16.
The official Lyric Video will be released simultaneously on YouTube.

CALIDONIAN’S WRATH — THE FURY OF THE GODS TAKES SHAPE IN METAL

The new single is rooted in the Greek myth of King Oeneus of Calydon, whose failure to honor the goddess Artemis unleashed her divine wrath.
As punishment, the goddess sent a massive boar — the legendary Calydonian Boar — to ravage his lands. The king gathered the greatest heroes of the era for a brutal, blood-soaked hunt: the creature was first wounded by Atalanta’s arrow, then finally slain by the spear of Meleager, ending the curse.

“Calidonian’s Wrath” transforms this ancient tale into an epic, brutal and cinematic sonic experience: a journey through chaos, the hunt, sacred violence, and redemption through blood.

THE RETURN OF THE EPIC CONCEPT

The previous single “Primeval Hunt”, already embraced by fans as a defining track of the band’s new era, paved the way.
Now, “Calidonian’s Wrath” expands that vision, confirming Bölthorn’s evolution toward an increasingly narrative, cinematic, and colossal dimension.

With their epic, overwhelming, and martial sound, Bölthorn reaffirm their identity and open a new chapter under Wanikiya Record/Promotion — the label that proudly marks the beginning of this promising new artistic journey.

A COLD PARADISE Release New Video Single ‘Waking Up’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 15, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: A COLD PARADISE. Leave a comment

[photo credit: Simone D’Addazio, post production by Natalie Enemede]

A COLD PARADISE, the modern metal project led by powerhouse vocalist Antonio Calanna (known from ALL FOR METAL), has dropped its brand-new video single “Waking Up”. Following previously-released singles, the track marks one of the band’s most personal moments yet, and shows the project sharpening its mix of melodic heaviness, emotional grit, and cinematic intensity. With its powerful lyrics and moody atmosphere, “Waking Up” resonates with listeners craving honest reflection and atmospheric melodic metal sound.

Calanna explains the meaning behind the song in his own words:

“Waking Up is the moment A Cold Paradise truly opened its eyes. It’s a song about leaving the past behind, stepping out of the shadows, and finally chasing the rock’n’roll dreams we’ve carried for years. In a world, and especially in the metal scene, full of monsters you have to face, this track is our first real step forward. A huge thank you to Tim Hansen and Dominik Gusch, whose talent helped bring this song to life.”

Stream / Download “Waking Up”: https://acp.rpm.link/wakingupPR

“Waking Up” highlights the multi-layered identity of A COLD PARADISE. The project unites Antonio Calanna’s wild and cinematic vocal style with a modern and youthful sound, supported by a strong artistic cast. ACP brings together a full creative team of musicians and performers to form a genre-bending live experience built on heavy riffs, haunting melodies, and choreography; ready to take the modern metal world by storm!

In addition, A COLD PARADISE will bring their powerful new material to the stage for the first time during their headliner tour “Weekend Paradise” in March 2026. The band will perform in Milan, Italy, as well as in Villingen-Schwenningen and Mannheim, Germany, on March 6th, 7th and 8th, showcasing their evolving artistic identity and offering audiences an exclusive preview of the forthcoming album. Ticket sales start on December 15th at www.ursulaz.com/weekendparadise. This will be the very first opportunity to experience A COLD PARADISE live – an event not to be missed.

About A COLD PARADISE:

Antonio Calanna, the powerhouse vocalist known from ALL FOR METAL and a rising force in the international metal scene, now unveils his most personal and ambitious creation yet: A COLD PARADISE (ACP), a bold artistic project where his vision, voice, and energy lead the charge.

Merging his signature wild and cinematic vocals with modern and a fresh wave of youthful power, A COLD PARADISE is more than just a band – it’s Antonio Calanna’s full-scale metal universe. With ACP, Antonio brings together a world-class cast of musicians, dancers, and creatives to deliver a genre-defying live experience that blends heavy riffs, haunting melodies, and breathtaking choreography.

At its core, A COLD PARADISE is Antonio Calanna’s personal mission: to ignite stages, push boundaries, and create a sonic and visual experience that fans will never forget.

A COLD PARADISE Artist Line-Up:
Antonio Calanna – Vocals
Tim Kanoa Hansen – Lead Guitars
Paolo Avanzini – Rhythm Guitars / Vocals
Dominik Gusch – Bass
Daniele Motta – Drums
Christina Schulz – Dancer / Choreographer
Sofia Verderio – Dancer

More on A COLD PARADISE:
Facebook |Instagram | Tik Tok | Youtube

EMIL KÀRLSEN Releases New Song ‘Heikka-vilba’ with Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 15, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: EMIL KÀRLSEN. Leave a comment

Nordic-Sámi musician and storyteller Emil Kárlsen is now releasing a new single called “Heikka-vilba”. The track is a yoik inspired on the dovdna (traditional children’s yoik) that Emil sang to his cousin Heikka. The title translates to Cousin Heikka. Vilba is slang for vilbealli, meaning “cousin”.

Emil shares: “As a child, Heikka had a special running-style, almost jumping as he made his way, and sometimes he would surprise with comments that you usually expected from an older, wise man. These quirks layed the foundation for his dovdna.”

As Heikka grew up, so did the yoik, developing into a song with a musical arrangement to it. “Heikka-vilba” was recorded in Berlin, where Emil’s aunt also joined to yoik her nephew. Together they developed a majestic sound with the portrayal of Heikka in mind.

Emil Kárlsen’s work is rooted in heritage while embracing the new. His signature sound—where ancient yoik meets modern songwriting—offers a rare and authentic perspective in the Nordic music scene. In addition to his musical career, Emil starred in the critically acclaimed Disney+ series “How to Cook a Bear,” further expanding his creative journey.

Listen to the single here: https://emilkarlsen.lnk.to/heikka

Songwriter, actor, yoiker, and producer Emil Ráste Karlsen—better known under his artist name Emil Kárlsen—is an indigenous multi-instrumentalist born in 1997, originally from the coastal Northern Sámi community of Omasvuotna/Storfjord. Combining traditional Sámi yoiks with melodic pop songwriting and a strong band foundation, Emil’s music offers a deeply rooted sound that bridges generations and cultures.

At the core of Emil’s artistry lies a powerful intent: to build connections between people, places, and time. After a decade of performing in Norwegian with his award-winning band Resirkulert, Emil made the deliberate choice to write in his mother tongue, Northern Sámi, and to revive the tradition of juoiggan (yoiking) in the coastal Sámi areas—a form of resistance and reclamation of identity through sound.

Emil is also a celebrated actor with the Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš and stars in the acclaimed Disney+ TV series To Cook a Bear. Yet, it is on stage as a musician that Emil feels most at home. Whether performing solo, with his band, or backed by a full orchestra, Emil Kárlsen delivers emotionally charged, magnetic performances that leave a lasting impact. Every concert is a living expression of his culture and charisma—never quite the same, and always unforgettable. Through music and art, Emil Kárlsen expresses gratitude that his culture not only survives but thrives.