SOUR BLOOD is an alternative rock band from Poznań, Poland.
On November 21, 2025, band Sour Blood already released brand new song “Elegy” together with video done by Maciej Gensler from costamwyszlo. Song is also available for listening at popular streaming platforms. “Elegy” was produced by Konrad Janiszewski (Heresy Denied, Stayfires, Kansha).
In “Elegy”, such a situation is portrayed — a constant sense of insufficiency, while suddenly the situation takes a positive turn. In terms of music, “Elegy” is an acoustic guitar based ballad, played with just a few simple chords while the rhythm is driven by basic strumming. This song is exactly that: brings out a softer and gentler side of Sour Blood.
Band comments new single:
“Change often comes with anxiety or fear, yet it can also be incredibly exciting. A new perspective can make our past struggles and pain lose their meaning. We may be ready to risk everything, to put it all on one card. It’s a feeling in our bones that says: this is the best choice. The best moment.
The price of passing time. Occasional doubts. What if it all crumbles and disappears? Have the years of adaptation and growth been enough to turn the paralyzing silence of fear into a chant of joy and victory?
Sometimes, the outcome of the hardest months and years is a lifetime spent appreciating the good. At other times, the consequence of the most wonderful moment is a lesson that stays with us forever.
We don’t always have to understand everything. Sometimes, it’s enough to feel. Cherish the here and now.“
It’s 2019. LA-based all-rounders IN VIRTUE publish the video for their single “Purgatory”. It will be the first single of an album that’s to be released no less than 6 years later, after a producer ghosting them with 10% of the album left, a global pandemic getting in the way, and two more successful video singles seeing the band swing into the trajectory that they were aiming for from the get-go.
Call it ironic but life can show funny ways of lashing out at us – and sometimes it doesn’t stop at imitating art itself. Turning the process of creating a concept album about Sisyphus into a Sisyphean task in and of itself? Check! Fast-forward to today and IN VIRTUE have broken free from their very own purgatory, just like Sisyphus in their story, and everything has finally clicked into place.
All the more reason for the band to massively celebrate the release of their third album “Age of Legends” and make the day even more special with a final album single release – featuring a very special guest appearance by Dutch symphonic metal legend Charlotte Wessels (ex-Delain) in “Karma Loop”.
“Karma Loop” is the perfect final taste of the long-awaited album. As the last track written for “Age of Legends”, it gives us an idea of the band’s path since that first album single back in 2019. All songs on the album show great stand-alone potential and are inevitably products of certain moments in time with an album so many years in the making. Yet it’s undeniable how they all fit into the overall concept of the album, flawlessly merging into one big picture – following the cathartic journey of a character based on the terrible tyrannical king Sisyphus and processing ideas of suffering, eternal punishment, and, ultimately, (self-)forgiveness. The Catalyst, who as a character has been brought to life peerlessly by Charlotte Wessels in this duet, gives Sisyphus a reason to want to try and break free, to feel worthy of a life free from his eternal punishment.
Following the releases of the heavy yet slow “Gunslingers of the New American Desert” and the powerful “Desolation Throne”, “Karma Loop” serves as another proof why IN VIRTUE will never just meet any genre clichés, as singer and composer Trey Xavier puts it: “’Karma Loop’ is a groovy, melodic banger that’s more than meets the ear. It’s a powerful conversation between a condemned man and the woman trying to convince him that he’s worth his own redemption. It’s a song that asks the question – are we really just going around and around, dying and being reincarnated again and again, stuck in a Karma Loop? Do we really have free will if we’re slaves to this endless cycle? How can we avoid the mistakes of our past lives with no memory of them? Soaring vocals, harmonies to die for, darkness and light, chaos and consequences.” But “Karma Loop” is more than a dialogue between Sisyphus and The Catalyst. It’s nothing short of the fight for a person’s very own soul, a fight that requires the conviction to be worth it, to deserve redemption – perfectly mirrored in the haunting energy Trey and Charlotte deliver and that makes this final single release of the new album an even more special one, as the IN VIRTUE singer underlines: “Charlotte brought so much energy and beautiful harmony to the song that it wound up becoming my favorite.”
IN VIRTUE’s third album “Age of Legends” is out now; stream it on all platforms: https://orcd.co/agofle
Tracklist
Ascent Glorious
Sisyphus Awakening
Karma Loop
Push That Rock
Purgatory
Exposed
SCREAM
Where The Edges Meet
Gunslingers of the New American Desert
Desolation Throne
Thoughts in Freefall
The River
Tempus Fugue
Descent Limitless
n album that’s been a good six years in the making? The Devil’s in the details, but this is quite a stretch even for tinkerers like IN VIRTUE, as Trey explains: “We started tracking this album on January 2nd, 2019, and got most of the way done with it when the pandemic hit. That, coupled with a series of setbacks, postponed its completion until 2024. Some of the songs were ideas that were written over 10 years ago, so as you can imagine, we’re very excited for it to see the light of day.” Three songs on the album have already been released in the meantime – “Purgatory” (2019), “Where The Edges Meet” (2020), “SCREAM” (2023), “Gunslingers of the New American Desert” (2025) and “Desolation Throne” (2025), proving the band’s variety and why it’s not easy (if not impossible) to put them into any kind of genre.
If you want to call them progressive – that’s what they really are, combining elements of power metal, groove, progressive metal, pop and so much more on this album. When experiencing “Age of Legends” from front to back, it’s thrilling to feel how each song also stands on its own, as tiny microcosms adding to the overall concept of the album. The obvious cathartic overall theme, embodied by the character in the story, who is based on Sisyphus, the dynamics of every track are carefully curated to build to a huge and meaningful climax – “Age of Legends” is an album that has the potential to be one of those albums that lead you through not only a certain phase in life but rather definite it. It’s an album more than worth waiting for.
“Age of Legends” features guest appearances by vocalists Charlotte Wessels (ex-DELAIN) and Chaney Crabb (ENTHEOS), as well as guitars by Dave Davidson (REVOCATION) and the already released singles “Purgatory”, “Where The Edges Meet” and “SCREAM”.
The most recently released videos for the latest singles, the postapocalyptic “Gunslingers of the New American Desert” and the powerful “Desolation Throne” both reached more than 100,000 views in less than a month.
IN VIRTUE vocalist TREY XAVIER also wrote, recorded and produced the 70000TONS OF METAL theme song on the 2024 cruise:
ABOUT IN VIRTUE
Los Angeles, California’s IN VIRTUE is a band forging a new path, abandoning outdated conceptions of what heavy music is to redefine metal for a new era. Although IN VIRTUE was initially formed in 2004 in California’s Bay Area, the band’s rebirth in 2015 is where the real story begins. That’s when founding guitarist Trey Xavier made the difficult decision to take over lead vocals, move south to LA, and start the band over with a new lineup. This was the catalyst they needed, and the band’s final form took shape. Adding keyboardist Alex Nasla (The Mourning, ex-Witherfall), guitarist Rami Khalaf, and bassist Jamie Hush, their new sound was freed.
“I was tired of other people singing what I was writing,” says Trey (who you may know from his popular YouTube channel, formerly known as GEAR GODS). “We had some pretty good singers, but it always felt like a compromise. It was pretty scary – I was 28 and I had never seriously sung before. But all the work I put in paid off, because now I can create my music as I envision it.”
And what a vision it has become – the band’s forthcoming album “Age of Legends”, due out in 2025, tells a haunting tale of Sisyphean struggle and redemption through a modern lens. This new era of IN VIRTUE brought their first new music, 2019’s single “Purgatory”, which gave the world a brand new sound. Combining elements of power metal, groove, progressive metal, and pop, but somehow sounding like none of the above, “Purgatory” defined the sonic future of the band.
The singles “Where The Edges Meet” and “Scream” followed soon after to expand on the story, each moving the story forward and bringing new life to the characters and their pain. With way more to come on “Age of Legends” (release: November 21, 2025), IN VIRTUE is looking forward to the next chapter and bringing their story to the world.
The kings of no compromise rock, DANKO JONES, celebrate the release of their critically-acclaimed, twelfth studio album Leo Rising, out now through PERCEPTION – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music and Sonic Unyon (Canada)!
The international music press is buzzing with praise for the album:
“Danko Jones prove themselves to be one of the consistent bands in the business. If you have liked or loved any of their previous albums, then this will provide satisfaction guranteed!” – 9/10 – POWERPLAY MAGAZINE, UK
“All the things I like in rock/metal, that is strong melodies, comprehensible arrangements, grooving rhythms, cool vibes, and intelligent lyrics, all come together in LEO RISING!” – Album Soundcheck #4 – METAL HAMMER, Germany
“If you haven’t been won over by DANKO JONES yet, there is still time. But whether people embrace this six-legged force for musical good or not, “Leo Rising” is so lean, mean and magnificent that the naysayers are only denying themselves a guaranteed good time. It’s only rock ‘n’ roll, baby, and no one does it better!” – 9/10 – BLABBERMOUTH, USA
“With Leo Rising, Danko Jones unleash their most electrifying and defiant record to date – a high-octane sermon of swagger, sweat, and unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll fury. This is a feral, full-throttle reminder that real rock lives, and its heart beats louder than ever!” – 9/10 VIVE LE ROCK, UK
“Danko Jones delivers exactly what the trio is praised for: pure rock without fuss, made for the stage!” – 8,5/10 – ROCK TRIBUNE, Belgium
“A strong record that makes you want a sweaty DANKO JONES concert night!” – Album Soundcheck #2 – ROCK HARD MAGAZINE, Germany
“This band has never missed the mark, and Leo Rising is no exception. If you crave high-octane, unapologetic rock ’n’ roll, this record gives you exactly “What You Need”. True to form, it’s full throttle from start to finish — no brakes, no filler, just pure energy!” – MIDWEST REWIND, USA
“With Danko Jones as your soundtrack, every day does indeed feel like a Saturday night. “Leo Rising” is the trio’s 12th studio album. It feels like they are just getting started!” – ROPPONGI ROCKS, Japan
“A more than exciting, highly motivated, and passion-packed album that effortlessly fits into DANKO JONES’ strong discography and once again proves who rules the genre!” – 8/10 – EARSHOT, Austria
Produced to perfection by longtime collaborator Eric Ratz, the trio’s new studio offering Leo Rising is a masterclass in sweat-soaked, no-nonsense rock. Packed with razor-sharp riffs, thunderous rhythms, and infectious hooks, the album reaffirms that DANKO JONES are keeping rock alive by doing it better than anyone else.
John Calabrese laid down bass tracks from Finland, Rich Knox flew to Toronto to record drums, and Danko worked with producer Eric Ratz in the same city to capture vocals and guitars. Despite recording separately once again, the band’s chemistry is unmistakable. The result is pure DANKO JONES: tight, loud, and built for the stage. Leo Rising may be their most electrifying and uplifting record yet, a jolt of high-octane rock made for packed clubs, open highways, and everything in between!
Speaking of live: The band has just kicked-off their “Danko Jones Is What You Need” European Tour 2025, with TUK SMITH & THE RESTLESS HEARTS supporting on most dates: 26.11.2025 DE Osnabrück – Hyde Park (SOLD OUT) 27.11.2025 LU Luxembourg – Den Atelier 28.11.2025 NL Amsterdam – Melkweg (SOLD OUT) 29.11.2025 UK London – The Underworld Camden (FEW TICKETS) 30.11.2025 UK Porthcawl – Planet Rockstock * 03.12.2025 BE Antwerp – Trix (Main Hall) 04.12.2025 FR Paris – Le Trabendo 06.12.2025 IT Milan – Legend Club 08.12.2025 DE Mannheim – Alte Feuerwache (SOLD OUT) 09.12.2025 AT Salzburg – Rockhouse (SOLD OUT) 10.12.2025 DE Munich – Backstage – Werk (SOLD OUT) 11.12.2025 DE Cologne – Carlswerk Victoria (SOLD OUT) 12.12.2025 DE Berlin – Astra (SOLD OUT) 13.12.2025 DE Hamburg – Docks (SOLD OUT) *DANKO JONES only
Canada Tour:
01/30/2026 (CAN) Toronto – The Mod Club 01/31/2026 (CAN) London – London Music Hall 02/04/2026 (CAN) Winnipeg-The Park Theatre 02/05/2026 (CAN) Regina Casino Regina 02/06/2026 (CAN) Sherwood Park Festival Place 02/07/2026 (CAN) Vancouver The Pearl
06/05/2026 (DE) Rock Am Ring 06/07/2026 (DE) Rock im Park 07/17/2026 – 07/19/26 (UK) Maidstone – Maid Of Stone Festival 11/06/2026 (UK) Great Yarmouth – Hard Rock Hell 19
About DANKO JONES
Every time someone announces the death of rock ‘n’ roll, Canada’s most incendiary power trio roll with the punches and keep rocking with maximum commitment to the cause. DANKO JONES are a three-piece rock ‘n’ roll band from Toronto. They never sleep. They sweat blood. And they are keeping rock alive by doing it better than anyone else.
On duty since 1996, these unstoppable road-hogs have devoted their lives to rousing the people with blistering, no-bullshit, all-action rock. They have rallied a global army of rock-hungry fans, and blown them away with a steady stream of explosive, anthem-packed albums and an absurd number of live shows. From early underground smashes like “We Sweat Blood” [2003] and “Sleep Is The Enemy” [2006], to the band’s recent, triumphant triumvirate of “A Rock Supreme” [2019], “Power Trio” [2021] and “Electric Sounds” [2023], DANKO JONES have been a relentless force for rock ‘n’ roll good, both in the studio and on the road. And they have absolutely no intention of stopping.
“You know what? I like the routine of recording, touring, writing, and repeat,” states singer/guitarist, Danko Jones himself. “I can do that till I’m dead! It may sound boring, but it’s so hard for a band to achieve. I don’t take this lightly. Also, it’s a page out of the MOTÖRHEAD handbook so it works! Since “Electric Sounds” we’ve been touring and touring. We managed to play in Mexico and Greece for the first time, and we even played Prince Edward Island, a province in Canada we’d never been to before. Other than that, it’s been a life of gigs and writing more songs to play more gigs!”
Proving that their time was well-spent, Danko, bassist John Calabrese and drummer Rich Knox have conjured yet another blazing banquet of nourishing rock goodness on their 12th studio record Leo Rising, that is out now on PERCEPTION.
DANKO JONES are: Danko Jones | vocals, guitars John Calabrese | bass Rich Knox | drums
After the explosive energy of their 2023 album “Grand Explosivos”, Sweden’s groove-rock veterans ELECTRIC BOYS are back today with a brand-new EP, “Shady Side Of Town”. Bursting with the same swagger, melody, and funk-driven hard rock that made them cult favorites, these songs were born during the “Grand Explosivos” sessions, but were simply too good to be left behind. Now, fully unleashed, they reveal another side of the Electric Boys’ timeless blend of attitude, rhythm, and rock ’n’ roll spirit.
“During the recording of our latest album “Grand Explosivos” a lot of songs were written, but since we don’t like records being too long, all of them wouldn’t fit timewise”, the band comments. “In hindsight, we felt that these other tracks were too good not to be released, so here goes. Hope you dig ’em!”
“Shady Side Of Town” is out now on all streaming services, via Mighty Music. It can be streamed via this link.
“Shady Side Of Town” tracklist:
1. Head Honcho 2. Grand Explosivos 3. Looking For Vajayay 4. Keep It Dark
Formed in Stockholm in 1987, Electric Boys quickly made a name for themselves with their debut “Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride”, produced by Bob Rock (Metallica, Mötley Crüe, The Cult), and the MTV hit “All Lips ’N’ Hips”. Blending 70s groove rock with 60s psychedelia and infectious pop hooks, the band became a unique voice in the rock scene.
After classic releases like “Groovus Maximus” and “Freewheelin’”, the band briefly disbanded before reuniting in 2009. Since then, Electric Boys have delivered a series of acclaimed albums: “And Them Boys Done Swang”, “Starflight United”, “The Ghost Ward Diaries”, “Ups!de Down”, and most recently “Grand Explosivos”, proving that their signature funky hard rock is as vibrant, catchy, and joyfully rebellious as ever.
Lineup: Conny Bloom – guitar, lead vocals Andy Christell – bass, backing vocals “Slim” Martin – guitar, backing vocals (lead vocals on “Keep It Dark”) Jolle Atlagic – drums
BLKIIBLK is thrilled to announce the signing of Greek power metal band FIREWIND. Led by guitar virtuoso Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Dream Evil), the band have evolved into a powerhouse band with a devoted international fanbase and a string of acclaimed albums.
As the band enter this exciting new era, Firewind also announce major lineup updates. After his departure in late 2019, powerhouse vocalist Henning Basse is officially returning to the band. Basse’s history with the group goes back to 2007, when he first stepped in as a touring vocalist on the Allegiance tour, and later became a defining voice during Firewind’s post-hiatus era from 2016 to 2019, leaving a lasting imprint on the acclaimed album “Immortals”.
At the same time, Firewind announce that Herbie Langhans is stepping down from vocal duties. “We “borrowed” Herbie from Avantasia for as long as we could, but our schedules and needs kept clashing, with all the increasing touring obligations. We understand Herbie’s situation and we thank him for his time in the band, the awesome music we made together and wish him all the best”, the band commented.
Gus G. expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, by saying: “We’re all very excited, as we commence work on the upcoming concept album that will be the biggest and most epic thing we’ve ever done. And for this, we couldn’t have imagined a better label partner other than Frontiers Records new imprint label, BLKIIBLK. We’re honored to be label mates with Metal titans such as Megadeth and Biohazard and we can’t wait to unleash the new music to the world. Please stay tuned for more details on that and we will be seeing you on the road in 2026!”
Aldo Lonobile, Head Of A&R Europe at Frontiers Label Group, added: “We are truly excited and proud to welcome Firewind to BLKIIBLK. Over the years, I’ve crossed paths with Gus G on several occasions, and now we finally have the opportunity to work more closely together. Beyond being one of my favorite guitar players, he is a brilliant songwriter, and Firewind have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting metal acts in the scene. We can’t wait to be part of the next chapter in their career!”
Blazing a trail across the global metal scene for over two decades, Firewind stand as a pillar of modern melodic power metal. Combining anthemic choruses, dazzling guitar work, and soaring vocals, Firewind bridge the gap between classic heavy metal and modern power metal sensibilities. With influences ranging from Rainbow and Judas Priest to Helloween and Symphony X, their sound is as timeless as it is energetic.
The band’s discography includes standout releases like “Allegiance” (2006), “The Premonition” (2008), and “Immortals” (2017), each demonstrating Firewind’s knack for fusing melody and technical mastery. Their 2020 self-titled album marked a rebirth of sorts – introducing new vocalist Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Sinbreed) and delivering a heavier, more aggressive edge without sacrificing the band’s signature hooks.
At the center of it all is Gus G., whose explosive yet lyrical guitar style has earned him global recognition and endorsements, from playing stadiums with Ozzy Osbourne to headlining clubs with Firewind. Known for his precision, tone, and deep-rooted love for heavy metal, Gus G. is both the heart and architect of Firewind’s sound.
Firewind continue to tour worldwide, captivating audiences with their electrifying live performances and unwavering dedication to the genre. With new material on the horizon and their legacy firmly cemented, Firewind remain a vital force in the metal world – bold, melodic, and unstoppable.
Firewind will head on tour next year, with the following dates already confirmed and more to be announced soon.
FIREWIND Festival dates 2026:
29.01-02.02 US – 70K Tons of Metal Cruise 09.05 DE – Rock in Rautheim 06.06 DE – Hard N Heavy Open Air 13.06 ES – Kabiefest 08.08 BE – Alcatraz Festival 29.08 DK – Næstved Metalfest
For nearly two decades, New York City hard rock icons Wildstreet have been rallying rock fans worldwide, and the band have now released their massive new single ‘When It’s Gone’.
‘When It’s Gone’ is an anthemic rock ballad with honest lyrics, legendary guitar solos, massive drums, and everything both new and longtime fans would expect of Wildstreet, and is the first release for this current lineup. Eric states: “The new single was written with Todd Long (Ghosts of Sunset), he and I made a demo of the track and I revised and reworked the production throughout. I wanted to incorporate elements of Wildstreet’s debut album (Wildstreet 2009) and add in the live band, and attitude of the lineup in the present. Dylan and I tracked live drums in NYC at Virtue & Vice Studios with Anthony Gallo Engineering which is where we tracked drums for Wildstreet III. We did a handful of drum takes that were later edited by Wildstreet’s longtime producer/mixer and cowriter Kyle Kelso. After that my bandmates and I reworked all our parts and this is now the first song that features our current lineup. It’s an honest Arena Rock Ballad and all rock! 😉 “
In 2025, Wildstreet performed alongside legends at the Monsters of Rock Cruise and had songs featured on the HBO Max series ‘Peacemaker’ while recording their next release from all over the world. They headed out on tour in Canada for three shows including a show at Piranha Bar Montreal, CA on Nov 21.
Remaining Canada show: 23rd Nov, The Brass Monkey, Ottawa, ON
Wildstreet will return to Europe for their ‘20th Anniversary Tour’ in March 2026 and have tour and festival dates booked in the USA, including Monsters On The Mountain.
They return to the studio later this year to record more songs so expect exciting new releases in 2026!
Wildstreet: Eric Jayk: Vocals, guitar Wrath Starz: Guitar, vocals Kevin R. Scarf: Bass, Vocals Dylan David: Drums, Vocals
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
Ads
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 ) 