THE QUILL release “You Can Not Kill My Soul”, the first single taken from the new studio album “Master Of The Skies”, out on May 8th at Metalville.
“You Can Not Kill My Soul” is a fearless, shape‑shifting beast of a track that refuses to play by the rules. It twists from hypnotic calm to thunderous impact, always pushing forward with unbreakable intent.
This is THE QUILL at their most defiant, proving that true spirit can’t be silenced.
Some bands chase trends – Others outlive them.
“Master of the Skies” marks another chapter in a long-running conversation between groove, weight, melody, and muscle — this time with a darker tint.
The songs move through light and shade, tightening the screws one moment and opening the throttle the next. It’s heavier without being blunt, moodier without losing swing — heavy rock with depth lines and character, earned the hard way.
THE QUILL is a band comfortable in its own skin, writing music because they still mean it, not because anyone asked. Think Sabbath’s sense of gravity, the groove-heavy swagger of classic heavy rock, and the lived-in confidence of musicians who’ve been there, done that — and kept the amps on anyway.
The band once again teamed up with Erik Nilsson at 491 Studios, a place that by now knows their sound almost as well as the band does.
No reinvention. No nostalgia trip. Just THE QUILL doing what they’ve always done best: writing heavy rock songs that stand on their own feet.
The sky is still the limit — and The Quill remains its master.
Quotes about “Master of the Skies”:
Magnus Ekwall “We focused a lot on atmosphere. Some songs needed space and restraint, others wanted to explode — I liked letting the light and darkness decide how far to push it.”
Christian Carlsson “This time we didn’t force a ‘Quill sound’ onto the songs. We let each track build its own identity, even if that meant going down unfamiliar paths.”
Roger Nilsson “The big difference on this album is how much it came together as a band. Everyone shaped the songs, and the contrasts grew naturally from that.”
Jolle Atlagic “We experimented more in the studio than usual. Some ideas stuck, some didn’t — but that trial-and-error is what gave the album its movement.”
TRACK LISTING
01 – Master of the Skies 02 – Dark City 03 – You Can Not Kill My Soul 04 – It’s Over 05 – Son of Light 06 – If Tomorrow Never Comes 07 – Now You Are Gone 08 – Light Turns Low 09 – Mastodon 10 – Master of the Skies (Reprise)
LINE UP Magnus Ekwall vocals (Ayreon, Mountain of Power) Christian Carlsson guitar (Cirkus Prütz) Roger Nilsson bass (Spiritual Beggars, Arch Enemy, Firebird) Jolle Atlagic drums (Hanoi Rocks, Electric Boys, Firebird)
Morten Veland (SIRENIA, MORTEMIA and founder of TRISTANIA) released the seventh Mortemia song from ‘The Cover Collab Sessions’ today. A collection of 12 cover songs featuring different guest singers for each song. This track is a cover version of ‘Take on Me’ originally recorded by a-Ha, featuring Marcela Bovio on guest vocals. The song is available on all digital platforms as of today the 27th of March 2026.
“I’m proud and honoured to welcome back my friend and collaborator Marcela Bovio as my special guest for ‘The Cover Collab Sessions’. The song of choice this time is the timeless classic ‘Take on me’ by my fellow Norwegians of the band a-Ha. I still remember very well when this song was released back in 1985 although I was just 7 years of age at the time, it was something very different that I had never heard before. The band also grew to be the biggest success ever to come out of Norway, and the band is just as huge today. I wanted to make a tribute to a-Ha for a long time, but I could not decide on which song, as there are so many great songs to choose from, but I eventually ended up making a rendition of their greatest hit ‘Take on me’. After discovering how well the iconic synth riff transcended to the 7-string guitar my choice was basically made”.
Marcela Bovio:
“When Morten asked me to do another collaboration together I was immediately intrigued, as I loved how our first Mortemia collab ‘Death Turns a Blind Eye’ turned out! Then he told me he wanted to make a heavy version of ‘Take On Me’, and I got super excited. I love this song so much, I’ve even recorded my own acoustic version before so I know every note and nuance of it. But THIS version? Morten completely reimagined it in the most powerful way, and I absolutely love what he’s done with it. The chorus was the biggest vocal challenge I’ve faced in a long time: honestly the widest vocal range I’ve ever had to cover in a single chorus! My voice was pushed to its absolute limits, and I am 100% here for it. I hope you love it as much as we do” !
After 11 years of silence Norwegian multi-instrumentalist, producer and artist Morten Veland activated his solo project Mortemia during the early stages of the Covid 19 pandemic, this time with a brand new concept consisting of collaborations with multiple guest singers. ‘The Pandemic Pandemonium Sessions’ was a series of singles released on a monthly basis, each song featuring a well known and highly profiled guest singer from the metal scene. Following next was ‘The Covid Aftermath Sessions’, yet another album featuring 12 songs with 12 different guest singers. Now Mortemia is ready to endeavor on his third album in the collaboration format entitled ‘The Cover Collab Sessions’, once more the project will feature multiple amazing guest singers. This will be, as the title suggests an album consisting of cover songs solely. All re-arranged and performed in Mortemia’s signature style.
So far the following singers has contributed for his collaborations:
Madeleine Liljestam (Eleine) Marcela Bovio (Stream of Passion, Ayreon, MaYaN) Alessia Scolletti (Temperance, ERA) Liv Kristine (Liv Kristine, ex-Theatre of Tragedy, ex-Leaves Eyes) Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum, The Dark Side of the Moon) Brittney Slayes (Unleash the Archers) Maja Shining (Forever Still) Erica Ohlsson (Metalite) Heidi Parviainen (Dark Sarah, ex Amberian Dawn) Zora Cock (Blackbriar) Linda Toni Grahn (Anima Veil, ex Follow the Cipher) Caterina Nix (Chaos Magic) Federica Lanna (Volturian) Ulli Perhonen (ex-Snow White Blood) Ambre Vourvahis (Xandria) Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie, Illumishade) Lindy-Fay Hella (Wardruna) Margarita Monet (Edge of Paradise) Marina La Torraca (Exit Eden, Phantom Elite) Nicoletta Rosellini (Alterium, Walk in Darkness) Maxi Nil (Jaded Star, ex Visions of Atlantis) Capri (Amberian Dawn) Emma Zoldan (Sirenia) Dianne van Giersbergen (DIANNE, Ex Libris) Chiara Tricarico (Moonlight Haze) Leah (Leah) Kristin Starkey (Temperance, Twilight Force) Kristyn Hope (Daedric) Diva Satanica (Bloodhunter) Grace Darkling (Nocturna) Rehn Stillnight (Nocturna)
Linkwells release their rousing new single ‘Can’t Chase Yesterday’, out now on Flip Flop Records.
‘Can’t Chase Yesterday‘ is a vibrant anthem about living in the moment, celebrating the power of embracing the present rather than dwelling on the past. With uplifting melodies and reflective lyrics, the song encourages listeners to let go of what’s gone, celebrate today, and welcome new experiences with optimism, openness, and a sense of adventure toward the opportunities the future holds.
Hailing from the scenic town of Malvern, Linkwells are a four-piece indie-rock band gaining attention for their distinctive, melody driven sound. Blending experience with a shared passion for classic songwriting, their music combines the anthemic energy of Britpop with a modern indie edge, earning comparisons to The Stone Roses, Oasis, The Verve and Stereophonics.
Fresh from signing to legendary producer Nick Brine’s (Oasis, The Stone Roses, Bruce Springsteen) Flip Flop Records, the Malvern quartet continue to refine their sound while building serious momentum. With a strong run of releases planned over the coming months, the band are focused on expanding their recorded output and reaching new audiences.
With six singles and an EP already under their belt, Linkwells have attracted listeners across England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Indonesia, Canada and the United States, reflecting their growing international appeal. Known for their high energy live performances, the band are quickly building a reputation for powerful, crowd-connecting shows. With exciting plans ahead, Linkwells are only just getting started, keep your ears tuned for what’s next.
*BBC Introducing “An incredible band” *Maximum Volume Music “Band of the Day: Linkwells” *Eric Alper “Linkwells release melodic new anthem” *Wolfman Radio “Record of the week” *The New Music Show “Another great track!” *CHBN Radio “Loving this new song – very broody and beautiful” *CatorWeb Radio “Linkwells masterfully create songs that capture the essence of the human condition. Their lyrics strike a chord with listeners, imbued with genuine emotion, while their melodies are memorable and haunting.” *Banks Radio (Australia) “Amazing Track” *CVFM Radio “The next band to add to your playlists. Linkwells are from Malvern and are CLASS!” *The Craig Bundy Show “Malvern’s finest!” *Alternative Twist Radio “Love this!”
Keith Forde – Vocals, Guitars Mike Bannister – Guitar Andy D – Bass, Vocals James Elliot-Williams – Drums
Joe Bonamassa has announced the upcoming release of The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork, a powerful live album and film capturing his deeply personal tribute to Irish blues guitar legend Rory Gallagher, recorded during a series of sold-out performances in Gallagher’s hometown of Cork, Ireland last summer. The album will be released FridayJune 19th via Bonamassa’s own J&R Adventures, with pre-orders starting today.
Pre-Order the album from UK & Europe. Pre-Orderthe album from North America.
Listento the first three live singles: “Walk On Hot Coals (Live)”, “Bullfrog Blues (Live)”, and “Who’s That Coming? (Live)”.
Watch the live performance for “Walk On Hot Coals”.
For Bonamassa, the project was never approached as a casual homage. Gallagher’s music has been part of his life since childhood, and the weight of performing it in Cork, with the blessing of Rory’s family and in front of audiences who carry his legacy so personally, was something he felt immediately. “I never had the honour to meet him, but his music and musicianship loom large in my life,” Bonamassa writes in a personal foreword accompanying the release. “From my first time hearing Irish Tour ’74 I was captivated by the sheer intensity of the man and the ferocity of his approach to the electric blues.”
That impact began early. “I remember that voice and a singular guitar tone slicing through the walls of my bedroom at a very young age,” Bonamassa recalls. “My father, who exposed me to so many of the great guitarists of his era, was quick to encourage me to listen to Rory and glean what I could.”
What began as an invitation from the Gallagher family quickly became something much larger. “All these many years later I was asked by Rory’s family to consider performing some of his material and paying tribute to him at a venue in Cork,” he writes. “The very thought frightened me. Yes, I was scared to even attempt it but at the same time so honoured that his family felt that I might be up to the task.” Rather than try to reinvent the material, Bonamassa focused on meeting it with the right spirit. “I felt the very best I could hope for was to approach his catalog with humility and reverence.”
That humility shaped the project from the start. In 2024, Bonamassa traveled to Cork to announce the tribute with a small introductory performance for Rory’s family, local friends, and members of the press. The response was immediate and emotional, and what began as a single concert soon expanded into a three-night stand. “After the announcement, one show turned into three sold out shows,” Bonamassa writes. “I felt that my reputation was on the line with the Irish, but what a response!”
By the time the band returned in 2025, the atmosphere around the performances had only intensified. “This was Rory’s town, and Rory’s people. We weren’t going to let them down,” Bonamassa says. “The crowds on those three nights were rowdy, raucous and Cork did their favourite son proud.” The result is a live document that feels charged by that setting – deeply felt, high-wire, and rooted in the connection between artist, audience, and place.
Across 14 hand-picked songs, The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork moves through the many sides of Gallagher’s catalogue – from the blistering attack of “Walk On Hot Coals” and “Bullfrog Blues” to the emotional sweep of “A Million Miles Away,” which will serve as the album’s focus track upon release. Other highlights include “Tattoo’d Lady,” “Bad Penny,” “I Fall Apart,” “Calling Card,” and “Cradle Rock,” each delivered with fire and conviction while honouring the shape and soul of the originals.
The release also captures several moments that carried special meaning across the Cork run, including Bonamassa’s performance of “As The Crow Flies” on Gallagher’s own 1930 National Triolian resonator guitar, loaned by the Cork Public Museum. It was a tangible connection to the artist whose presence still looms so large over the city and over generations of guitar players who followed him.
Additional footage, included on DVD and Blu-ray editions, expands the story with bonus material including The Inspiration of Rory, featuring conversations with Brian May and Slash, along with Rory’s Acoustic Guitar and Ballycotton – A Million Miles Away. Together, the audio and visual components offer a fuller picture of what these performances meant to Bonamassa, to Gallagher’s family, and to the fans who packed the room night after night.
In the end, Bonamassa sees the album as an offering – his band’s best attempt to honour a musician whose work helped shape his own. “What you hear on these recordings is our best effort to pay tribute to Rory Gallagher, a man I never met, but admire so deeply,” he writes. “His music is part of me and I’m grateful that we were able to contribute in some small way to his ongoing legacy.”
CD Track Listing
1. Cradle Rock (Live) 2. Walk On Hot Coals (Live) 3. Tattoo’d Lady (Live) 4. I Wonder Who (Live) 5. Calling Card (Live) 6. Who’s That Coming? (Live) 7. Messin’ With The Kid (Live) 8. Bullfrog Blues (Live) 9. Treat Her Right (Live) 10. Bad Penny (Live) 11. I Fall Apart (Live) 12. A Million Miles Away (Live) 13. As The Crow Flies (Live) 14. Back On My Stompin’ Ground (Live)
DVD / Blu-ray
1. The Spirit Of Rory (Opening Scene) 2. Cradle Rock 3. Walk On Hot Coals 4. Tattoo’d Lady 5. I Wonder Who 6. Calling Card 7. Who’s That Coming? 8. Messin’ With The Kid 9. Band Introductions 10. Bullfrog Blues 11. Treat Her Right 12. Bad Penny 13. I Fall Apart 14. A Million Miles Away 15. As The Crow Flies 16. Back On My Stompin’ Ground 17. Ballycotton (End Credits)
DVD / Blu-ray Bonus Features:
● Ballycotton – A Million Miles Away ● Rory’s Acoustic Guitar ● The Inspiration of Rory (A Conversation with Brian May & Slash)
Vinyl (180 gram Red Marble Double LP)
Side A 1. Cradle Rock (Live) 2. Walk On Hot Coals (Live) 3. Tattoo’d Lady (Live) 4. I Wonder Who (Live) Side B 5. Calling Card (Live) 6. Who’s That Coming? (Live) 7. Messin’ With The Kid (Live) 8. Bullfrog Blues (Live)
Side C 9. Treat Her Right (Live) 10. Bad Penny (Live) 11. I Fall Apart (Live)
Side D 12. A Million Miles Away (Live) 13. As The Crow Flies (Live) 14. Back On My Stompin’ Ground (Live)
U.S. SPRING TOUR 2026
April 10-12, 2026 – Miramar Beach, FL – Sound Wave Beach Weekend + +Sold Out
EU/U.K. SPRING TOUR 2026
April 22 – Hamburg, DE – Barclays Arena April 24 – Rotterdam, NL – Rotterdam Rtm Stage April 25 – Paris, FR – La Seine Musicale April 27 – Esch-sur-Alzette, LU – Luxembourg Rockhal April 29 – Mannheim, DE – SAP Arena May 1 – Chemnitz, DE – Stadthalle Chemnitz May 2 – Nürnberg, DE – Psd Bank Nürnberg Arena May 3 – Zürich, CH – Hallenstadion May 6 – London, UK – Royal Albert Hall May 7 – London, UK – Royal Albert Hall
U.S. SUMMER TOUR 2026
June 26 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts w/ JJ Grey & Mofro & D.K. Harrell June 27 – Atlantic City, NJ – Ocean Casino Resort June 28 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center July 29 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap w/ Gov’t Mule July 31 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater w/ Gov’t Mule August 1 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion w/ Gov’t Mule August 3 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent August 5 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater w/ JJ Grey & Mofro August 7 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion August 8 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion w/ Gov’t Mule August 9 – Youngstown, OH – The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre w/ Gov’t Mule August 12 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia Festival August 14 – Interlochen, MI – Kresge Auditorium August 15 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Resort & Casino w/ Gov’t Mule August 16 – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Theater w/ Gov’t Mule August 19 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Civic Center August 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater August 23 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre EU FALL TOUR 2026
October 21 – Helsinki, FL – Veikkaus Arena October 23 – Stockholm, SE – Stockholm Avicii Arena October 24 – Oslo, NO – Oslo Spektrum October 25 – Gothenburg, SE – Göteborg Partille Arena October 27 – Copenhagen, DK – K.B. Hallen København October 29 – Rostock, DE – Stadthalle Rostock October 30 – Berlin, DE – Uber Arena October 31 – Dortmund, DE – Westfalenhalle November 3 – Basel, CH – Baloise Session November 4 – Milan, IT – Unipol Forum
ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA
Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians of his generation. A five-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 15-time Blues Music Award nominee – with four wins, he recently notched his 30th No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100, extending his record for the most No. 1 albums in the chart’s history. With more than 50 releases spanning studio and live recordings, he has built a far-reaching, multi-genre catalogue.
Beyond performing, Bonamassa plays a significant role in today’s blues landscape as a producer and curator. Working closely with Josh Smith, he has produced albums for artists including Joanne Shaw Taylor, Marc Broussard, Larry McCray, and Jimmy Hall through his Journeyman and KTBA labels. He also curates and headlines sold-out destination events like Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea and Sound Wave Beach Weekend, while his Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation has funded hundreds of music education projects across the country.
A dedicated student of the instrument, Bonamassa is also known as one of the world’s leading guitar collectors and historians, with a deep connection to the lineage of blues and rock. For more information, visit www.jbonamassa.com.
Finnish doom metal act GRAIN OF PAIN celebrates the release of their highly anticipated new album “Behind Us All”, out today via Noble Demon. To mark the occasion, the band has unveiled a haunting lyric video for the track “Ruins of the Heart”.
Mastermind Timo Solonen reflects on the song’s meaning: “There is always someone who wants to lead and use religion or anything to rule others. Do we learn from history or do we repeat the same mistakes over and over again? Is that really what our hearts really want? Do we want to be ruled by someone so we don’t have to make choices?Juho’s solo captures perfectly the meaning of the song and the melody in the end haunts you forever.”
With “Behind Us All”, GRAIN OF PAIN takes their signature blend of doom and death metal to new emotional depths. Combining crushing heaviness with melodic intensity and a dark, immersive atmosphere, the album showcases a refined and powerful sound that resonates long after the final note fades.
Hailing from Finland, GRAIN OF PAIN is driven by Timo Solonen, who is responsible for songwriting, guitars, and vocals. On bass and clean vocals, Lars Eikind (Before The Dawn) adds a distinct melodic dimension to the band’s sound, further elevating the dynamic range of the compositions.
The album also features renowned musicians Juho Räihä (guitars, additional screams) and Juuso Raatikainen (drums), both known for their work with Swallow the Sun.
“Behind Us All” was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Juho Räihä at SoundSpiral Audio, ensuring a cohesive and powerful sonic experience throughout.
Following their signing with German metal label Noble Demon in 2024 for their debut album “The Moon Lights The Way”, GRAIN OF PAIN now raises the stakes with their sophomore full-length release. “Behind Us All” stands as a testament to the band’s evolution, delivering a deeply atmospheric and emotionally charged listening experience.
“Behind Us All” is out now via Noble Demon and available for purchase HERE.
Tracklist:
Shattered Peace
To Burn Inside (Featuring Pekka Olkkonen)
The Offering (Featuring Eemeli Bodde)
Ruins Of The Heart
The House
Dance With Me
Bless You With Sorrow
If Morning Never Comes (Featuring Kirsten Jørgensen)
SIGNUM REGIS was founded in 2007 and stands for finest melodic Power Metal with both progressive and symphonic elements. Their upcoming new and eighth studio album „Beyond Spacetime“ will be released on October 9th through their new label partner Fireflash Records, where the band found a new home. “Signing a new contract is a major milestone in the life of a band. We are confident that Fireflash Records will be the perfect partner for us in the years ahead. We trust Markus, and we believe that under the Fireflash Records flag, we will be able to navigate the stormy waters of the current music industry and achieve more than ever before.“
„Beyond Spacetime“ will feature different vocalists. Among them their current singer Mayo Petranin, who just returned to the band, his successor Jota Fortinho as well as top class names, such as Ripper Owens (ex-JUDAS PRIEST), Matt Smith (THEOCRACY), Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR), Johnny Gioeli (HARDLINE, AXEL RUDI PELL), Tasos Lazaris (STEEL ARCTUS, WHITE WIZZARD), David Åkesson (SYMPHONITY, QUANTICE), but also Victor Smolski (ALMANAC, ex-RAGE), with a guitar solo on the first single-release „Throne Of Gold“.
„We are so satisfied and proud of it! Even though the last 3 years were not easy for the band, this is definitely not just a “next” Signum Regis” album, we are a band, we are always aiming to create something special – for us, and for fans“, comments guitarist Filip Koluš, who also mixed and produced the album, having a clear vision, „that it will be completely different compared to our common production and we wanted to keep it in the way we saw it as a musicians. We jumped out of our basic style, we were experimenting with new things in the studio a lot, we teleported King Rex from the ground to space – which sounds crazy, but that’s how it was supposed to be!“ The final mastering was given into the hands of Miro Kiiski (BEAST IN BLACK, HYPOCRISY a.o.), which was another perfect match.
Today, SIGNUM REGIS are happy to release their first single, called „Throne Of Gold“, which features their friend Matt Smith (THEOCRACY) on vocals, as well as Victor Smolski as a guest guitar player.
„Our new single “Throne of Gold” was actually written years ago, but we’ve completely remade it for the upcoming Signum Regis album. The result? A truly majestic power metal anthem featuring heaven-reaching lyrics, stunning guest vocals by Matt Smith of Theocracy and an outstanding guitar solo by the legendary Victor Smolski. Our fans are going to absolutely love it“, says bass player and founding member Ronnie Koenig.
Signum Regis are: Mayo Petranin – Lead and backing vocals Filip Koluš – Guitars Ronnie König – Bass Ján Tupý – Keyboards, backing vocals Jaro Jančula – Drums
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 ) 