Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

Chinese Mongolian NINE TREASURES Release New Video for ‘Seeking the Absolute’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 10, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: NINE TREASURES. Leave a comment

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.

Seeking The Absolute out now! Find at: metalblade.com/ninetreasures

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.

NINE TREASURES:
Askhan – guitars, vocals, balalaika, tovshuur
Orgil – bass, backing vocals
Saina – balalaika, backing vocals, guitars
Namra – drums
Nars – morin khuur, backing vocals

https://ninetreasures.net
https://www.facebook.com/ninetreasuresofficial
https://www.instagram.com/ninetreasures
https://x.com/NineTreasures

THE MENDENHALL EXPERIMENT Release New EP “Chasing Ghosts”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 10, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: THE MENDENHALL EXPERIMENT. Leave a comment

From Southern California skies, The Mendenhall Experiment unleashes their new Chasing Ghosts EP — seven visceral tracks forged in fire, grit, and heart. Founded by Brandon Mendenhall, a guitarist born with cerebral palsy who refused every “you can’t,” this band transforms limitation into raw power. Joined by Nathan Stockton (legally blind & deaf) and a full-tilt lineup, they harness metal’s roar to shatter stereotypes and raise disability awareness. This EP is music for the bold, for the outsiders, for anyone daring to seize the day. The EP released today via Lucent Records distributed by Tuff Gong International.

Produced by acclaimed producer Chris Collier (Korn, Prong, Metal Church) and executive produced by Brandon Mendenhall and The Mendenhall Experiment, Chasing Ghosts delivers the band’s signature blend of crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and authentic emotion.

“’Chasing Ghosts’ is a collection of singles from our first two Ep’s 2017’s ‘The Mendenhall Experiment’ (self titled) and 2022’s ‘Against All Odds’. We wanted to put all these songs together on a proper release, so that the fans can find these jams in one place and take them home. Some are deep cuts, some are brand new never before heard, some are fan favorites. In short, ‘Chasing Ghosts’ takes you on the journey that is The Mendenhall Experiment, Past, Present, and even a glimpse into the Future,” shares Brandon Mendenhall.

The band received another Danny Award from Daniel’s Music Foundation for the 6th Annual Danny Awards in NYC on October 25th 2025.

Tracklisting:

UNWANTED
LITTLE CUTS
BURY YOUR CASKET
THE TAKE Feat. David Leach
SAY IT
SEIZE THE DAY
NOTHING GOOD CAME EASY (Acoustic)

Formed in 2008 and based in Southern California, The Mendenhall Experiment (TMX) was born as Brandon Mendenhall’s own personal aspiration to be in a world-famous band while working within the limitations of Cerebral Palsy, knowing full well that the cards were stacked against finding musicians willing to work with him. Born with Cerebral Palsy, an incurable neurological disorder affecting movement, coordination and, balance; Brandon faces numerous challenges. With limited movement on his left side and zero mobility in his left hand, the odds were stacked against him from birth. However, inspired by acts such as Korn and Pantera, Brandon taught himself how to play guitar at the age of 19, rehabilitating his left hand without surgical intervention.

The Mendenhall Experiment has been regularly performing on the infamous Sunset Strip in addition to gigs throughout the region opening for the likes of such metal mainstays as John 5, POD, Alien Ant Farm, Kill Devil Hill, Fear Factory, Prong, Flaw, Metal Allegiance, Smile Empty Soul, Cold, and more. In 2022 TMX received an award from Daniel’s Music Foundation in recognition of their continuing efforts to raise disability awareness in the music industry and performed to a sold-out audience at the award ceremony which took place at the Symphony Space Performing Arts Center on Broadway in New York City. In 2023 TMX signed with Satellite Touring and embarked on five national tours alongside artists such as Influence, Scream At The Sky and Andrew W. Boss.

The Mendenhall Experiment is currently sponsored by Monster Energy, Ibanez Guitars, EMG Pickups, EVH Amplifiers, Evertune Bridges, and InTune Guitar Picks.

The Mendenhall Experiment is:
Brandon Mendenhall – Rhythm Guitarist
Mario Valadez – Vocalist
Nathan Stockton – Bassist
Cameron B. Casey – Percussionist

For More Information Please Visit: Official Website – Facebook – X – Instagram – YouTube

ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ Starts Solo Journey with ‘The Room Where She Died’ Single + Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 10, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Alissa White-Gluz. Leave a comment

Canadian powerhouse Alissa White-Gluz starts her long-awaited solo career with her new single, “The Room Where She Died”, out now everywhere via Napalm Records.

For years, ALISSA has been releasing original music and self-directed music videos exclusively for her Patreon community. Now, the multi-faceted artist is ready to share her latest single with the world at large. Having performed on the world’s biggest stages as one of death metal’s most recognizable voices and enchanting the world as a leading woman of the scene, ALISSA teams up with Oliver Palotai of power metal virtuosos Kamelot, with whom she has performed and co-written multiple times before.

“The Room Where She Died” moves away from the style she has been known for in recent years: making use of her impressive range in both clean vocals and fierce growls, she embellishes the sophisticated composition with an orchestral intro, catchy riffs, and even a jazzy interlude. Equally heavy and catchy, the charismatic singer ignites a new spark. One single is all it takes for ALISSA to captivate the metal world and show everyone that this icon is here to stay.

ALISSA on “The Room Where She Died”:
“The Room Where She Died” marks the beginning of a new chapter for me, born from a place of deep creativity and renewed fire. It’s the first step into a world I’ve been building quietly for years, and one of many collaborations I have with Oliver Palotai, my Kamelot bandmate with whom I’ve found a great creative flow. Making this music, writing the video and even painting the single artwork myself has reinvigorated me in ways I didn’t expect, reminding me exactly why I love making art. I have been honing my skills as a performer, vocalist and songwriter over many years now, and I feel like I am finally at a place where I can let my work stand on its own. I poured every ounce of passion, pain, and purpose into this, and I’ve never felt more inspired. I hope you can feel that spark too, because this is only the beginning! I’m endlessly grateful for the overwhelming response to ‘The Room Where She Died’, and the love and encouragement I’ve already received from my peers, fans, and the metal community overall. Thank you!”

ALISSA online:
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
TIKTOK
PATREON
NAPALM RECORDS

THERION Unveil New Single & Live Video ‘To Mega Therion’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 10, 2025

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

Swedish symphonic metal legends THERION reveal a new live video for “To Mega Therion”, offering the second taste of the upcoming live album Con Orquesta, out as a physical release on January 30, 2026, via Napalm Records! Originally released on the celebrated 1996 album Theli, this new orchestral version of “To Mega Therion” in collaboration with Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México, presents the monumental song in an even more epic light than before.

Having delivered impressive performances with a full orchestra in Romania (2006) and Hungary (2007), in 2024 THERION returned to the orchestral stage bigger than ever, playing a magnificent sold-out arena show to 11,000 people at Mexico City Arena. Now, fans can experience this massive performance for themselves through a limited physical release, also available on DVD and BluRay. Immerse yourself into the official live video for “To Mega Therion” below, and make sure to secure your copy of Con Orquesta!

THERION on “To Mega Therion”:
“‘To Mega Therion’ is our trademark, the opening track and the most popular track on our breakthrough album Theli. This song will forever be the symbol of the band going from an underground band to become a band that at the time of the release was on everyone’s lips.”

Con Orquesta marks a celebration of the THERION universe proving once more why they remain the undisputed pioneers of symphonic metal. A must-have for every fan and collector!

Christofer Johnsson about Con Orquesta:
“In the past, our concept was more like THERION going classical, with the band and the symphonic orchestra meeting on an equal basis. Thus, we did a fully orchestral version of one song and it was divided almost 50/50 between playing THERION songs and classical excerpts being rearranged for band and orchestra. This time, however, I wanted to take a different approach. I invited a renowned conductor and composer from Mexico to reinterpret our songs by adding new arrangements and expanding the originals with the orchestra. They also wrote some new intros and small interludes, making this a truly authentic Mexican interpretation of THERION live with orchestra.”

Pre-order your copy of Con Orquesta HERE

After the two European experiences, THERION mastermind Christofer Johnsson was uncertain whether he would ever bring another orchestra live project back to life. In the end, his decision proved more than worthwhile. Together with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México, the band delivered an incomparable symphonic metal spectacle, enriching classics with new arrangements and expanding their sonic universe in grand, orchestral style.

The Con Orquesta setlist spans THERION’s illustrious career with 20 tracks in total, blending fan favorites, symphonic epics, and rare gems. As a bonus, it also features exclusive rehearsal material. From powerful classics like “The Blood of Kingu”, “To Mega Therion” and “The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah” to emotional highlights such as “The Birth of Venus Illegitima”, “Siren of the Woods”, and “Lemuria”, the performance bridges eras of the band’s history. Unique inclusions like the Marie Laforêt cover “Mon Amour mon Ami” and Sylvie Vartan cover “La Maritza” showcase THERION’s genre-defying artistry, while the massive “Draconian Trilogy” and “Via Nocturna” unfold with new orchestral grandeur.

Con Orquesta tracklisting:
CD 1

The Blood of Kingu
The Ruler of Tamag
The Birth of Venus Illegitima
Tuonela
Twilight of the Gods
Mon Amour mon Ami
La Maritza
Via Nocturna
Asgård
Draconian Trilogy

CD 2

Ginnungagap
Ten Courts of Diyu
Litany of the Fallen
Siren of the Woods
Son of the Staves of Time
Lemuria
Sitra Ahra
Quetzalcoatl
The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah
To Mega Therion

BluRay/DVD

The Blood of Kingu
The Ruler of Tamag
The Birth of Venus Illegitima
Tuonela
Twilight of the Gods
Mon Amour mon Ami
La Maritza
Via Nocturna
Asgård
Draconian Trilogy
Ginnungagap
Ten Courts of Diyu
Litany of the Fallen
Siren of the Woods
Son of the Staves of Time
Lemuria
Sitra Ahra
Quetzalcoatl
The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah
To Mega Therion
Bonus Material: Rehearsal

THERION are:
Christofer Johnsson – Guitar
Christian Vidal – Guitar
Christopher Davidsson – Bass
Sami Karppinen – Drums
Thomas Vikström – Vocals
Rosalia Sairem – Vocals
Lori Lewis – Vocals

THERION online:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
WEBSITE
NAPALM RECORDS

THE VIRGOS Sign to Season of Mist, Official Music Video for ‘Yes’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 10, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: THE VIRGOS. Leave a comment

Season of Mist is proud to welcome The Virgos!

Following a decade of setting the standard for hardcore and metal as a member of Bad Seed, Harm’s Way and Nails, vocalist and guitarist Andy Saba banded together with kindred spirits Danni Crockett and Eli Gerrity over an addiction to all things heavy. Channeling thick Sabbathian rhythms, Manowar’s majesty and the hypnotic ass-shaking of Queens of the Stone Age, the Wilkes-Barre power trio have declared a new age for true heavy metal.

“We decided it was time to let the Apocalyptically loud horses of metal run free again, and shine a light on every color of the Dark Rainbow of Metal”, Saba says.

This year, The Virgos released their third and finest full-length. “Lord Have Mercy is a triumph in multiple heavy musical styles”, writes Swim to the Sound. “Fans of everything from melodic hardcore to goth rock to stoner metal will be able to find something to love here”. While familiar to lovers of Heaven and Hell, Into Glory Ride, Type O Negative and Lucio Fulci, the album’s full-throttled blast of psychedelic pyrotechnics is unlike anything you’ve heard before or since.

“The theme of Lord Have Mercy is that we missed out on the future”, explains Saba. “Utopia isn’t happening. We’re going backwards now. Superstition, devilry, war, plagues, revolution…it’s the Dark Ages again. So let’s get with the times. Medieval times call for Medieval responses. If you want to understand the headspace I was in while writing this album, watch Fulci’s 1983 movie Conquest several dozen times. It’s all in there”.

Watch the video for “Yes”, the heavy, hard and horny single from Lord Have Mercy:

The video for “Yes” was directed by Kyle Barber.

Additional video credits
Assistant Director / Prop Master – Dana Lakacs
Wizard – Martin Glick
Witch – Demitria Saba
Dog Man – Nick Sedeski
PAs – Noah Gerrity, Kelsey Frank, James Platt, Nick Sedeski and Jordyn Thompson

Special thanks to Katie at Moxie Femme Studio, Gear Rental Tribe Productions, LLC, Indie Iron & Steel Industry and BUDK Knives & Swords

The Virgos entire discography is now available on digital streaming platforms through Season of Mist.

Catch The Virgos on tour with Superheaven and White Reaper next week across the Northeast.

The Virgos 2025 + 2026 U.S. Tour Dates
with Superheaven and White Reaper

December 11 – Baltimore, Maryland @ Baltimore Soundstage [TICKETS]
December 12 – Rutherford, New Jersey @ Black Box [TICKETS]
December 13 – Amityville, New York @ Amityville Music Hall [TICKETS]
December 27 – Kingston, PA @ Doug’s Boardroom [TICKETS]*
January 9 – Washington, D.C. @ Songbyrd [TICKETS]
*with Planning For Burial, If Kansas Had Trees

More dates for 2026 to be announced soon.

Dubbed the heaviest band in Pennsylvania, The Virgos are ushering in a new age for true heavy metal.

In 2017, after 10 years of setting the standard for hardcore and metal with Bad Seed, Harm’s Way and Nails, Andy Saba (vocals/guitar) met his spiritual sister in sound, Danni Crockett (vocals/bass). A shared love of off-roading, firearms, Anti-Imperialism and the discography of Bathory gave root to a philosophy and a purpose. The two found another kindred spirit in Eli Gerrity (drums), who joined their pursuit because he truly just wants to fucking rock.

Utterly sick and tired of the posers, The Virgos decided it was time to let the Apocalyptically loud horses of metal run free again and shine a light on every color of the Dark Rainbow of Metal. Following a run of singles, the band vowed to release a new studio album every year, until Jesus comes back, starting with 2023’s Pennsylvania Death Trip. They kept their promise with Road to Noxen before releasing their third and finest full-length offering on August 2025. Lord Have Mercy is a 38-minute cannon blast of full throttle metal, pyrotechnical sounds and psychedelic worship music. The album’s heavy, hard and horny single “Yes” attracted Season of Mist, who re-released the band’s discography ahead of their forthcoming fourth album.

Familiar to lovers of True Heavy Metal, but unlike anything you’ve ever heard before or will again, now is the age of The Virgos, Pennsylvania’s Heaviest Band.

Lineup
Andy Saba (ex-Bad Seed, ex-Harms Way, ex-Nails) – Vocals, Guitars
Danni Crockett (Rosary Guild) – Bass, Vocals
Eli Gerrity – Drums

Follow The Virgos
Bandcamp: https://thevirgos.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1F7lqL76K5oMIhpwkiqGiA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theevirgos/?hl=en
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-virgos/1581051952
Bandsintown: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15609690-the-virgos

Chilean OVERTOUN Announce New Album “Death Drive Anthropology”, Out February 13th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 10, 2025

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

OVERTOUN will return on February 13th, 2026 with their third full-length album, “Death Drive Anthropology”, to be released via Time To Kill Records.

Expanding their fierce Chilean/American identity, the band channels the death drive (Thanatos) into a relentless exploration of human rituals, mortality, and cultural collapse – a true Book of Death forged in sound.

Rooted in the primal force of ’90s death–thrash yet sharpened by a modern, incisive edge, the album fuses Latin rhythms, folk-tinged guitars, and razor-tight riffs, featuring standout guest performances by Max Phelps (CYNIC, DEATH TO ALL), Enrico H. Di Lorenzo (HIDEOUS DIVINITY) and Shantanu Vyas (HAZING OVER).

Produced by acclaimed Argentinian mastermind Martín Furia (DESTRUCTION, BARK), “Death Drive Anthropology” further cements OVERTOUN as one of the most compelling and forward-thinking forces emerging from the Latin American metal landscape.

The video of the first single and title-track, “Death Drive Anthropology”, is now available:

The band comments:

“’Death Drive Anthropology’ is both our first single and the title track of our upcoming third full-length. With this song, we aimed to deliver a furious introduction to the album’s overarching vision, channeling the death drive into a sonic Book of Death that examines how different cultures confront mortality, violence, collapse, and rebirth through ritual and art”.

Tracklist:

01. What Unites All (feat. Max Phelps)
02. The Final Beat
03. Memento Mori (feat. Enrico H. Di Lorenzo)
04. Dur Khrod
05. Jade, Gold, Obsidian
06. Yūrei
07. Weeping
08. Wind And Water (feat. Shantanu Vyas)
09. The Waves Suite: Siren
10. The Waves Suite: Ocean
11. The Waves Suite: Caleuche
12. Death Drive Anthropology

Preorders:
–https://timetokillrecords.com/collections/overtoun-death-drive-anthropology
–https://overtoun.bandcamp.com/album/death-drive-anthropology

OVERTOUN is a death-thrash metal band based between Santiago, Chile, and Boston, MA, fusing the rich musical heritage of Latin America with the complexity and aggression of technical death metal. Founded by Agustín Lobo and Matías Bahamondes, the band solidified its lineup with Yoav Ruiz-Feingold (Atheist, Graviton) on vocals and Matías Salas on bass.

Their discography includes two full-length albums: “Centuries of Lies” (2018) and “This Darkness Feels Alive” (2021). The latter was mastered by Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica) and won Best Metal Artist at the 2022 Chilean Pulsar Awards (Chilean Grammys), earning strong praise from the specialized media.

OVERTOUN has performed extensively throughout Latin America, with five national tours in Chile, a tour in Brazil, and shows in Argentina, sharing the stage with Death To All, Sinister, Cryptopsy, and Atheist. In 2025, the band completed its first tour of Japan, including performances in Yokohama and Tokyo, with an appearance at the Tokyo Brutal Fest.

Produced by Martín Furia (Destruction, Bark), OVERTOUN’s third album marks a bold new chapter, introducing darker, genre-defining material that aims to amplify Chilean metal’s global presence.

For fans of: Carcass, Atheist, Revocation

Line-up:

Yoav Ruiz-Feingold – Vocals
Matias Bahamondes – Guitar
Matias Salas – Bass
Agustin Lobo – Drums

https://www.overtoun.com/
https://www.facebook.com/OvertounOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/overtounofficial
https://overtoun.bandcamp.com/