AOR/Melodic rockers Streetlight share today the new single, the acoustic version of “Learn To Love Again”, taken from the upcoming deluxe edition of their latest studio album “Night Vision”, available digitally on January 16th, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Johannes Häger said: “Learn To Love Again (Acoustic)” offers a more intimate take on a song that has quickly become a fan favourite, and we think it suits the song perfectly”.
Johannes Häger commented on the new album, by saying: “It’s been such a joy for us to record our sophomore album “Night Vision”. One could say that the stakes are higher now compared to the debut “Ignition”, but we felt there are still many untrodden paths for Streetlight, both musically but of course also career wise. We’re still looking back at the AOR heydays, but we’re not going back.”
Streetlight is an AOR/melodic rock band from Jonkoping, Sweden. The band is staying true to the genre, delivering distinctive melodies, punchy choruses and strong hooks, all in the likeness of bands like Journey, Toto and Kansas.
The debut album “Ignition” was released in 2023 by Frontiers Music, digitally and on CD. The music video of their single “Hit The Ground” has got over 140k views on YouTube. Since the release of “Ignition”, Streetlight have gained fans from over the world, and the album reviews have been stellar.
Streetlight is meant to be experienced live, and the band is taking their music on the road, playing both in clubs and on festivals, among others the Swedish AOR festival Malmö Melodic.
The music of Streetlight is melodic and guitar driven, with a sound that reminds you of the times when AOR was at its peak. And Streetlight wants to mediate music that is fun to listen to, as well as fun to play.
The debut album showed the world that Streetlight is a band to reckon with, and with “Night Vision” they continue with their distinctive melodies and punchy choruses. The sound still has elements of the melodic rock heydays, wrapped in their own 2025 twist.
“Night Vision” – Deluxe Edition – Tracklist:
1. Long-Distance Runner 2. Captured In The Night 3. Sleep Walk 4. Learn To Love Again 5. Late Night Hollywood 6. Leanna 7. Straight To Video 8. Fly With Eagles 9. Where Did Love Go 10. End Game 11. Shake That Feeling (Bonus track) 12. Learn To Love Again (Live) (Bonus track) 13. Leanna (Live) (Bonus track)
Line Up: Johannes Häger – lead vocals and guitars Filip Stenlund – guitars, backing vocals John Svensson – keys, backing vocals Erik Nilsson – drums, backing vocals Johan Tjernström – bass, backing vocals
Swedish Death Metallers RIKET have launched their new single 1868 Sommar vid Vinterviken, taken from their upcoming album, 2026, out April 10th 2026 via Black Lion Records.
Tragedy at the Nobel Factory: Explosion Rocks Vinterviken Stockholm, 1868 – A devastating explosion at the Nobel factory in Vinterviken, just on the outskirts of Stockholm, has plunged the city into grief, leaving many dead and injured. The industrial site, known for its production of explosives under the direction of Alfred Nobel, became the scene of a harrowing disaster yesterday afternoon. The explosion occurred during routine operations when a mishap in the handling of volatile materials triggered a catastrophic blast. The force of the explosion was felt miles away, shattering windows and sending shockwaves through surrounding neighborhoods. Fire engulfed the factory, with plumes of smoke rising ominously over the bay. Rescue efforts commenced immediately, with workers and local residents rushing to the scene. Despite their bravery, the aftermath was grim. Authorities have confirmed the deaths of at least fourteen individuals, with many more severely injured. Eyewitnesses described scenes of utter devastation.
“The ground shook as if struck by thunder,” recounted one survivor. “When the smoke cleared, all that remained was ruin and silence.” Each track on 2026 unfolds like a bruised chapter pulled from the archives of a country wrestling with its own ghosts. The album channels these stories with unflinching intensity, merging punishing heaviness with moments of eerie restraint.
This wall of sound is not only aggressive but deeply reflective, inviting listeners, Swedish speakers, and newcomers alike to step inside a world where the past refuses to stay silent. 2026 challenges its audience to confront uncomfortable truths, both personal and societal. It doesn’t offer solace or smooth conclusions; instead, it confronts history head-on, reminding us how the choices of yesterday continue to shape the world we inhabit today. The result is an album that lingers long after the final note fades, a stark, resonant journey through memory, identity and the lingering shadows of time.
BLACK LUNG drop the opening track ‘Traveler‘ as the first single taken from the American heavy psych rockers’ forthcoming new full-length “Forever Beyond“. The fifth album from the Baltimore, Maryland outfit is scheduled for release on March 6, 2026,via Magnetic Eye Records.
BLACK LUNG comment on ‘Traveler’: “This song is about relying on one’s anxiety and depression -almost like a super power“, vocalist and guitarist David Cavalier writes. “You think, its the things that are going to keep you safe and sharp. In reality, it’s the complete opposite. The song also touches on the idea of living in a blameless world. Radical acceptance of people and who they are. Musically, this is one of my favorite tracks. We made it as dynamic as possible and each section feels like its own moment.”
Tracklist:
Traveler
Death & Co.
Savior
Follow
Forever Beyond Me
Border Hoarder
Scum
When you find yourself adrift at zero gravity with a dreamy smile on your face, you’ve probably booked a flight into space on BLACK LUNG‘s latest inter-dimensional transport “Forever Beyond”.
The veteran trio from Baltimore, Maryland have fine-tuned the recipe of their musical rocket fuel, distilled from stoner doom, psychedelic rock, and other fiery ingredients. BLACK LUNG‘s unique concoction drives every track with captivating tunes, melodic riffing, pumping rhythms, and the inimitable vocal cords of Dave Cavalier taking it home. Every single song on “Forever Beyond” hits its mark perfectly.
On their fifth album “Forever Beyond”, BLACK LUNG complete the hyper jump initiated on their fourth album “Dark Waves”, which was already venturing into new sonic galaxies. Undertones of anger and defiance manifest as many of the songs are artistic reactions to the historic political upheaval in the USA, dealing lyrically with the lure of fascism, blind nationalism, and corporate oligarchy.
BLACK LUNG came into being when two founding members of Baltimore’s well-established psych rock band THE FLYING EYES, guitarist and organ player Adam Bufano and drummer Elias Schutzman, teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Dave Cavalier in early 2014. The three set themselves apart from the crowded field of psych doom and heavy blues with a sonic interchange of fuzzed-drenched guitars, deep driving drumbeats, and Cavalier’s raw, blues-tinged vocals.
Their self-titled debut “Black Lung” appeared in 2014 and was not just celebrated locally, with the title “Best New Band” awarded by the Baltimore City Paper, but BLACK LUNG also crossed the Atlantic to embark on their first European tour. This was capped with a performance at the prestigious Rockpalast Crossroads Festival, broadcast on German national television.
BLACK LUNG released their sophomore album “See the Enemy” in 2016, building on the strengths of their debut while at times pushing into garage psych territory. The album paved the way for a headlining European tour, notably appearing at Freak Valley Festival and DesertFest Belgium.
In 2019, BLACK LUNG returned with “Ancients”. The third full-length channeled years of experience, touring, and songwriting into a more adventurous course, venturing further from familiar doom and psych rock tropes. During the pandemic years, BLACK LUNG managed to push forward with new guitarist Dave Fullerton, which resulted in fourth album “Dark Waves”. It was a milestone in the band’s career, as they abandoned some of their pet ideas such as eschewing bass guitar live in favour of guitars through bass amps, along with the black and white aesthetics that had dominated their artwork of their first three full-lengths.
BLACK LUNG are openly anti-Trump and anti-fascist to the core and make no secret of it. They have no intention to become dogmatically boring but rather aim for live performances that are both cathartic and fun.
With “Forever Beyond”, BLACK LUNG prove that it is possible to rage against injustice with an utmost joyful defiance!
Line-up David Cavalier – vocals, guitar Dave Fullerton – guitar Elias Schutzman – drums, keyboard, vocals Mac Hewitt (live) – bass
Recording line-up Dave Fullerton – guitar Elias Schutzman – drums, percussion, mellotron, synth, bouzouki Dave Cavalier – vocals, guitar Charles Braese – bass
Guest musicians Ms. Sara – vocals on ‘Traveler’ Robert Karpay – cello on ‘Follow’
Recording by Steve Wright at Wrightway Studios, Baltimore, MD (US) Mixing by Steve Wright at Wrightway Studios, Baltimore, MD (US) Mastering by Tony Eichler at Goldtone MasterWorks, LLC, Cape Coral, FL (US)
Cover image courtesy of the NASA/Ames Research Center Cover image hand-coloured by Zarahlena Layout by Łukasz Jaszak
Ancient Settlers has released a video for “Die Around Me”, taken from the new digital EP “Autumnus (Revisited)” released on November 28 by Scarlet Records.
“Die Around Me” was recorded live at Laurus Nobilis Music Fest 2025 (Famalicão, Portugal).
video concept: G-Media
“Autumnus (Revisited)” is the first Ancient Settlers release featuring the new singers Nia Creak and Noelia Fernández Jiménez, which joined the band earlier this year and already made their live debut.
With “Autumnus (Revisited)”, Ancient Settlers return to the origins of their musical journey to forge a new chapter in modern melodic death metal. Revisiting their 2021 debut EP, the band delivers a powerful reinterpretation that transcends nostalgia and stands as a bold artistic statement – heavier, more refined, and emotionally deeper than ever.
This new edition features five tracks, framed by an instrumental acoustic intro and outro that set a dramatic atmosphere before unleashing a wave of intensity. Ancient Settlers breathe new life into three of their cornerstone songs – “A Monument Restored”, “Die Around Me” and “Diamond Eyes” – reworking them with evolved arrangements, new sonic textures, and a stronger emotional impact. These updated versions blend melodic architecture with epic tension, aggressive rhythmic drive, and a powerful vocal interplay of guttural and clean voices.
Lyrically, the EP explores themes of decay, betrayal, rebirth, and inner struggle – reflecting the band’s signature emotional weight and introspective depth. The full lyrics are included to invite listeners into the conceptual layers of the release.
Visually, “Autumnus (Revisited)” is crowned by a striking new cover artwork by Khalipse, capturing the dramatic duality of vulnerability and strength that defines the sound and spirit of the record.
More than a re-recording, “Autumnus (Revisited)” is a statement of identity – an evolution that honors Ancient Settlers’ past while powerfully asserting who they are today.
Swedish metal titans AMON AMARTH join forces with DETHKLOK for THE AMONKLOK CONQUEST. The extensive co-headliner crosses North America Spring 2026 with special guests CASTLE RAT – bringing a night of pure theater and over the top heavy metal entertainment. The run will be the biggest raids of the year with the two titan sized bands co-billing for the first time ever. AMON AMARTH, have honoured the adventurous ethos of their Viking forebears by taking their music anywhere and everywhere, and are regarded as one of metal’s most vital and imperious live acts. Now hot off the back of a busy year across the tumultuous high seas supporting Slayer in the U.K. and their U.S. takeover with Pantera, these upcoming dates see the voracious quintet bringing an all new theatrical stage production for an extended set.
AMON AMARTH declare, “Three bands. One night. The strong will scream. The weak will fall. Limbs will be lost. We will crush skulls beneath our boots and tear the halls down stone by stone. This is not a concert. It is a reckoning. If you survive… perhaps the gods have other plans for you.“
Photo Courtesy of Artist
DETHKLOK celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026, marking two decades since Metalocalypse premiered on Adult Swim. As one of the most essential musical multimedia acts ever, DETHKLOK is both an animated phenomenon and a live metal juggernaut, combining intense musicianship with breakneck cinematic theatricality. Bringing the beloved larger-than-life characters of DETHKLOK to life once again will be Metalocalypse mastermind Brendon Small on guitar and vocals, legendary extreme metal drummer Gene Hoglan (Death, Dark Angel, Testament), bassist Pete Griffin (Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Zakk Wylde), and guitar shredder Nili Brosh (Danny Elfman). “We have to celebrate our 20th anniversary,” says Small. “And what a killer way to do it, with Amon Amarth and Castle Rat, who embody theatrical heavy metal.” The tour promises nothing less than total sensory immersion. “We’re going to entertain you as hard as we possibly can with the power of heavy metal in many kinds of ways, and many different iterations – from Viking battleships to Castle Rat to Dethklok with our music and fast-paced, insane animation,” says Small. The balance between brutality, comedy, and surprise defines the DETHKLOK live experience. “We challenge ourselves to get in as much material without wearing out our welcome,” the frontman explains. “We also get to be funny.“
Fantastical heavy metal band CASTLE RAT are thrilled to join as special guests each night. The Rat Queen heralds, “On the heels of the Vernal Equinox, our adjacent universes shall align as we bring .•.The Realm.•. of Castle Rat into battle alongside venerable vikings, Amon Amarth, and Metalocalypse metal-masters, Dethklok! Join us, as we seek to expand and defend .•.The Realm.•. from our arch nemesis: Death, Herself – The Rat Reaperess!“
For the newly announced North American dates produced by Live Nation, tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale (details below) beginning Tuesday, December 9 at 10am local time, followed by AMON AMARTH and DETHKLOK presales at 12pm local same day. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, December 12 at 10am local time at: amonamarth.com
Citi is the official card of the U.S. dates of THE AMONKLOK CONQUEST TOUR. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, December 9 at 10am local time until Thursday at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit: citientertainment.com
Last month AMON AMARTH announced a huge string of live dates that see them splitting oceans and rowing their way through the U.K. and EU in Autumn 2026. THE ALLFATHER AWAKENS tour includes ransacking support from modern death metal up and comers Orbit Culture and classic melodic death metallers Soilwork. Their conquest starts in the U.K. in October, preceding their EU journey which includes stops in France, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal.
For a list of dates worldwide, see below. For additional info and updates, go here
AMON AMARTH recently celebrated a bountiful year with a feast of a new single, “We Rule The Waves,” and its accompanying video. Whilst this is AMON AMARTH‘s first new song in years, the latter end of 2026 will also see the berserkers unleash the wrath of Odin in the form of a brand new album. Carved from salt and steel, echoing across oceans, and sonically barbaric, modern metal doesn’t get more epic, or more essential, than this.
Amon Amarth Live Dates:
North America: Apr 15: Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre ~ Apr 17: San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port ~ Apr 18: Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall ~ Apr 20: Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion ~ Apr 21: Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre ~ Apr 22: Chesterfield, MO – The Factory ~ Apr 24: Minneapolis, MN – The Armory ~ Apr 25: Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall ~ Apr 28: Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount ~ Apr 29: Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall At Fenway ~ May 01: Toronto, ON – Great Canadian Casino Resort ~ May 02: Montreal, QC – Bell Centre ~ May 05: National Harbor, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor ~ May 07: Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville May 09: Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy ~ May 10: Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle ~ May 12: Johnstown, PA – 1st Summit Arena ~ May 13: Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre ~ May 14: Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center ~ May 16: Milwaukee, WI – Landmark Credit Union Live ~ May 17: Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple May 19: Denver, CO – JUNKYARD ~ May 20: Salt Lake City, UT – TheUnion Event Center ~ May 21: Las Vegas, NV – PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino ~
UK: Oct 09: England – Manchester, O2 Apollo Oct 10: England – London, Eventim Apollo Oct 11: England – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
EU: Oct 13: France – Paris, Zenith Oct 14: Luxembourg – Esch sur Alzette, Rockhal Oct 16: Germany – Stuttgart, Schleyer-Halle Oct 17: Germany – Frankfurt, Festhalle Oct 18: Belgium – Antwerp, Lotto Hall Oct 20: Netherlands – Den Bosch, Mainstage Oct 21: Germany – Hamburg, Sporthalle Oct 23: Sweden – Gothenburg, Scandinavium Oct 24: Sweden – Stockholm, Hovet Oct 26: Finland – Helsinki, Ice Hall Oct 27: Estonia – Tallinn, Unibet Arena Oct 29: Poland – Gliwice, PreZero Arena Gliwice Oct 30: Germany – Leipzig, Quarterback Immobilien Arena Oct 31: Germany – Oberhausen, Rudolf Weber Arena Nov 02: Hungary – Budapest, Barba Negra Nov 03: Austria – Vienna, Gasometer Nov 04: Germany – Bamberg, Brose Arena Nov 06: Czech Republic – Prague, O2 Universum Nov 07: Germany – Berlin, Velodrom Nov 08: Germany – Munich, Zenith Nov 10: Italy – Milan, Alcatraz Nov 11: Switzerland – Zurich, The Hall Nov 13: Spain – Barcelona, Sant Jordi Club Nov 14: Spain – Madrid, Vistalegre Nov 15: Portugal – Lisbon, Sala Tejo
~ THE AMONKLOK CONQUEST TOUR co-headline with Dethklok. Special guests Castle Rat
ABOUT AMON AMARTH: From pole to pole and sea to sea, AMON AMARTH are the undisputed kings of Viking heavy metal. Formed in Tumba, Sweden, in 1992, they have forged an extraordinary legacy over three decades of thunderous, anthemic metal, all rich in the magical imagery of Viking history, folklore, and culture. From their underground smash debut Once Sent From The Golden Hall (1998) onwards, AMON AMARTH have been an unstoppable creative force. With a unique and unmistakable sound that combines the best of several epic strains of metal, the quintet have become renowned for their ageless anthems and explosive, theatrical live shows. With albums like 2008’s widely acclaimed Twilight Of The Thunder God and 2016’s conceptual triumph Jomsviking, the Swedes have been consistent standard bearers for heavy metal as a life-affirming and communal experience, armed with a seemingly endless stream of instant classic songs.
One of the best-loved metal bands in the world, AMON AMARTH are firmly dedicated to aiming high when they hit the studio. Recorded with esteemed studio guru Andy Sneap at the controls, their most recent full-length, The Great Heathen Army, represents another bold leap forward for the band, as their trademark sound undergoes yet another skilful, evolutionary overhaul, both lyrically and musically. From the noisily rabble-rousing “Find A Way Or Make One” and the pummelling, pugilistic “Get In The Ring,” to the evocative fury of “Saxons & Vikings” and the cinematic squall of the title track, The Great Heathen Army encapsulates the essence of this legendary band, while still allowing acres of space for new ideas.
Chinese Mongolian progressive metal outfit NINE TREASURES are pleased to unveil a video for the title track of their outstanding Seeking The Absolute full-length, out now on Metal Blade Records.
The title track fully embraces the spirit of Eastern playing techniques, “especially glissando, over and over again,” notes vocalist/guitarist Askhan, “which is why the song’s working title was simply ‘Slide.’ By that time, our creative process had become completely free. We no longer cared about rules or boundaries; we just followed our instincts and poured everything out. The dual solo in the middle, between the morin khuur and the slide guitar, is one of my favorite moments – two instruments, two textures, playing the exact same notes. It’s a perfect fusion.”
In a groundbreaking creative step, the band partnered with Matthew Medney and Alex Kane of Gungnir to incorporate animation drawn directly from the forthcoming installment of the official NINE TREASURES comic series. The “Seeking The Absolute” music video seamlessly blends live performance with stylized sequences pulled from the comic’s visual mythology, merging art, music, story, and culture into one unified expression. The animated moments don’t just accompany the track; they expand the band’s world, bringing Mongolian folklore, spiritual symbolism, and progressive-metal energy to life in a bold new medium. This cross-media approach marks the first time NINE TREASURES has intertwined their musical narrative with their visual storytelling, building a fully connected artistic universe spanning albums, comics, and now animation.
Watch the band’s previously released video for “Real Dream” HERE and “Until Now” HERE.
Formed by vocalist/guitarist Askhan in 2010 in the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia in China, NINE TREASURES delivers a unique combination of heavy metal and traditional Mongolian instrumentation, utilizing both conventional vocals and Mongolian throat singing. Guitars, bass, and drums collide with indigenous string instruments including the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), the tovshuur, and the balalaika, resulting in a sonic kaleidoscope that follows no set template. NINE TREASURES moves easily from a straight-up headbanging style to the more atmospheric progressive style. Guitar-wise, Askhan infuses a lot of Mongolian playing techniques and songwriting logic into his playing and is excited for the “fresh blood” it adds to the band’s sound. The quintet’s varied approaches and universal messaging will allow them to tour with any musically progressive band, be it Amon Amarth or Tool.
Playing 100-plus festival shows and headlining gigs per year in Asia, to audiences of up to 50,000, and with four albums to their name, NINE TREASURES are at the top of their proverbial game and ready to conquer the Western world. Seeking The Absolute is their first record for Metal Blade, and first LP to have a worldwide release.
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 ) 