KATY AND THE WILD ONES release their fabulous, feel-good Christmas charity single ‘Christmas Time Is Finally Here‘ for the Endometriosis UK Charity, out 28th November on Flip Flop Records.
At the height of her early success, Katy was diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic and debilitating condition that left her bedridden for days and unable to keep up with the demands of a recording and touring career. Within months, her label funding disappeared, and her once-promising career fell apart. What she couldn’t have known then was that this disease would shape — and test — the next 24 years of her life.
Despite numerous surgeries, hormone treatments, and hospital stays, Katy never gave up on her love of music. At 28, she recorded a track that became a major hit in France, featured in a national TV advert and streamed millions of times. The French audience affectionately dubbed her “La Voix” (The Voice), and it seemed a new chapter was beginning. Then came an even bigger surprise — Katy discovered she was pregnant, despite doctors telling her she would never be able to have children.
Her daughter, Honey May, was born soon after, followed by twin boys two years later. Motherhood gave her strength and temporarily eased her symptoms. She continued to perform, write, and work as a session vocalist for high-profile artists — always staying connected to the music that defined her.
But in recent years, the illness has returned with a vengeance. Now 44, Katy has endured a hysterectomy, multiple organ complications, and is currently awaiting surgery to remove her ovaries and repair further damage. Yet through it all, her passion and determination remain unbroken. When Simon from The Bay City Rollers invited her to record vocals for a new Christmas charity single with an all-star band, Katy immediately said yes — and chose Endometriosis UK as the charity to benefit from the song. “Music has always been my lifeline,” Katy says. “I’ve lost so much to this disease, but if my story can raise awareness and help other women get the support they need, then it’s all been worth it.”
Katy’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the healing power of music — a reminder that even in the face of pain, purpose can shine through.
The Band: Katy Dann – Welsh singing sensation. Si Mulvey (The Bay City Rollers, The Osmonds). Trevor Murrell (Wham, George Michael, Sade, Kim Wilde). Ovidio Lopez (Victor Manuel, Gilbert O’sullivan). Mikey Rowe (Oasis, Noel Gallagher, Sheryl Crow). Thomas Vikström (Therion)
Produced by Nick Brine – Oasis, The Darkness, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Harley, Thunder, Ash, Teenage Fanclub etc and Si Mulvey.
With the release of their fourth album, Viribus Unitis only hours away, 1914 release one last crushing single. “1918 Pt 3: ADE (A Duty to Escape)” enlists Aaron Stainthorpe’s (formerly of my Dying Bride, High Parasite) hauntingly dark vocals to their sound storm. Fusing blackened death-doom with vivid historical storytelling, they deliver a crushing portrayal of resistance and survival. We follow the concept album’s protagonist, Ivan, through his escape from devastating captivity into new horrors of war—uncompromising, evocative, and unforgettable. Along with the single comes an animated video by Costin Chioreanu.
Viribus Unitis deepens 1914’s commitment to historical authenticity, both lyrically and conceptually. Told through the personal accounts of a Ukrainian soldier in the K.u.K. army, the album follows real events, tracing a timeline from 1914 to 1919, and paints a grim journey through the war’s rise, climax, and hollow aftermath. The album is released today, November 14, 2025 via Napalm Records.
k.u.k. Galizisches IR Nr.15, Gefreiter, Ditmar Kumarberg about “1918 Pt 3: ADE (A Duty to Esscape)”: “The final single and video, ‘1918 Pt. 3: ADE (A Duty to Escape)’, was created in collaboration with two geniuses: the master of animation, Costin Chioreanu, and the genius of liturgical, soul-piercing vocals that you could never mistake for anyone else—Aaron Stainthorpe. This is a story of unbreakable will to live, of the burning thirst for freedom and love. A story of faith in friendship, and the strength that comes from those who stand beside you. Where one falls, together, you rise. You conquer the freezing mountains, the deep snows, and even captivity. Beside you are your brothers-in-arms—the ones who lift you in the darkest hour. ‘Those who survived enemy fire – refuse to lose their friends’: And when old values collapse, and the world you knew fades—the only thing holding you together is love. Love for a daughter. For a wife. For your family. ‘The only hope that I care is to meet my daughter and wife’: Love, friendship, and mutual support—the things that make us human. Especially in times of war.”
With Viribus Unitis, Latin for “With United Forces”, 1914 once again attest their unflinching brutality. More than just the personal motto of Franz Joseph I, the former emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this title directly speaks to the band’s resilience through war, loss, and upheaval – a powerful symbol of survival and solidarity. Out on November 14, 2025 via Napalm Records, Viribus Unitis builds on the band’s acclaimed conceptual approach, reaching new emotional depths and musical intensity.
Continuing their chronicle of World War I, 1914 shifts their focus from the raw portrayal of death and destruction, to exploring themes of camaraderie, endurance, and the emotional landscapes of those who endured the horrors of trench warfare. While previous releases like The Blind Leading the Blind (2018) and Where Fear and Weapons Meet (2021) centered on the futility and finality of war, Viribus Unitis exemplifies the interpersonal bonds forged under fire and the strength of those warriors who made it home: broken, changed, yet still alive.
Musically, 1914 remain true to their identity – a brutal mixture of blackened death metal, slow-burning doom, and ambient war soundscapes. This time, however, their sound gains a broader dynamic range, with soaring melodic leads, orchestral textures, and haunting clean vocals that provide dramatic contrast to the crushing heaviness.
1914 about Viribus Unitis: “Viribus Unitis is about shared strength and the idea that true power lies in unity. Alone, one may fall – together, we can prevail and achieve our goals: Defeat the enemy, escape captivity, survive, and return to your family. We return with a new story. A story of life and military valor of a soldier who encountered the Great War in his native city of Lviv and went through it all. Side by side, with joint efforts of Ukrainians, Poles, Hungarians, Slovenes, Czechs, Slovaks, Jews, Croats, Bosniaks, Germans – all the peoples who made up the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire. Empires did not count people – they threw them into meat grinders where survival was only possible through unity. By helping one another. By sacrificing yourself for the sake of your loved ones and comrades.
This is a story of being blinded by war and the grandeur of the empire, of the heat of battle, realization and acceptance of reality, awakening, changing values, captivity, and liberation. It is a story of unbreakable will to live and hope amidst a terrifying and bloody war. It is a story of a new little life that changes all the rules and forces one to see the familiar from a different perspective. It is a story of love. It is a story of loss and death. Viribus Unitis is when pain, death, loss, loneliness, and fear encircle you. But you’re still unbroken!”
One of the album’s highlights is a collaboration with Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride and High Parasite on “1918 Pt. 3: ADE (A Duty to Escape),” whose mournful voice adds a solemn, almost liturgical quality to this elegy of grief and brotherhood on the front lines. Viribus Unitis deepens 1914’s commitment to historical authenticity, both lyrically and conceptually. Told through real events and personal accounts of a Ukrainian soldier in the K.u.K. Army, the album traces a timeline from 1914 to 1919, painting a grim journey through the war’s rise, climax, and hollow aftermath. From the brooding opener “War In” to the bleak closer “War Out (The End?)”, each track captures a moment in time: the brutal “1914 (The Siege of Przemyśl)”, the frostbitten “1915 (Zwinin Ridge)”, the crushing Alpine combat of “1916 (Südtirol Offensive)”, and the madness of “1918 Pt. 2: POW (Prisoner of War)” featuring Christopher Scott of Precious Death. The album ends with “1919 (The Home Where I Died),” featuring Rome’s Jerome Reuter, a haunting portrait of a soldier who survived the war, but not its shadow. This emotional song deals with the soldier’s will to live and his family values, seeing him escape from captivity to finally return home to embrace his wife and daughter. 1914 fuse blackened death metal, doom, and atmospheric textures with dramatic flourishes and guest vocals, creating their most dynamic and emotionally resonant record to date.
After the five modern hard rock rebels NEREIS have already taken us on two slightly prog-infused philosophical journeys into the fascinating vastness of space, the third and final album single, released ahead of the highly anticipated new album “AZURE,” represents a small but successful break with this concept. With the wonderfully filmed, narrative music video for the single “Take Control,” which is also available digitally, NEREIS show their earthly side, which suits them just as well: grounded, honest, and soulful.
Opened by a brief atmospheric intro, the song kicks in with a rich drum and bass foundation that gives the pulsating yet pleasantly playful groove a real boost of energy and a great deal of perceived mass, before soon receding slightly into the background to create acoustic space for the verse and Andrea’s laid-back yet haunting vocals. And this is where the incredibly versatile singer really shines, because in spite of the straightforward power of its instrumentalization, the track allows him to breathe perfectly and create a fascinating interplay between sonorously vibing verses and a wonderfully contrasting chorus. Vocally, the resulting stadium potential actually reminds one a little of Andrea’s admiration for Joey Tempest (Europe) and his achievements, without sounding like a copy: “Take Control” – quite literally! The accompanying music video, wonderfully filmed by Maurizio Del Piccolo (@Moviedel Italia Production) and staged with breathtaking images and great sensitivity, completes the package and once again focuses on the frontman, who embodies the overcoming of a fundamental inner conflict in a very immediate and convincing way. Andrea encapsulates the core theme of “Take Control” as follows: “Over-rationalizing makes us lose touch with our nature, the surrounding world, and our instincts. Often, we struggle to complete a task or overcome a challenge because we overthink. It’s better to rely on what we have learned and internalized, letting go and allowing our instincts to guide our actions, so that our abilities can manifest in the most natural way possible, resonating together with the universe, of which we are an integral part.”
As is always the case with NEREIS, the song conveys a humanistic message that intensively addresses a serious problem of human sentiment and behavior. While it can be quite emotionally powerful, it ends on a positive note that leaves you feeling so good after the crisp three-minute journey that your gaze almost automatically wanders toward the replay button. And why not? Just take control of the good stuff in life!
The new album “Azure” will be released on November 21 and can be pre-saved on the platform of your choice:
Founded in 2007 under the name Black Star in Trento, Italy, NEREIS initially started out as a cover act, touring Italian pubs with hits by greats such as Helloween, Iron Maiden, Saxon, Skid Row, Judas Priest, and Alter Bridge until they had enough original material to release their demo “Burnin’ Game” in 2012, followed by the EP “From the Ashes” (2014). During this time, the band played dozens of shows, e.g. with Chris Slade (ex-AC/DC), Riot V, Royal Hunt, and Arthemis, performed at festivals such as Sun Valley Metal Fest and Rock im Ring, and finally released their successful album “Turning Point” on Eclipse Records in 2018, for the first time under the new name NEREIS. The album was so well received that NEREIS subsequently toured extensively with Three Days Grace and Bullet For My Valentine.
Meanwhile, the band moved from their original guitar-dominated sound towards a concept in which the boundaries between the instrumental layers blur: Sometimes the guitar follows the vocals, sometimes the vocals follow the guitars. Synth inserts form a meta-level that holds everything together atmospherically and makes the music seem like a soundtrack at times, without ever falling into the trap of sounding like a canned orchestra. In a sense, the synths do not play a primarily decorative role here, but one that can best be compared to that of a mediator. Together with the powerful foundation of bass and drums, they mediate between the guitar riffs and the vocals, which are thus able to maintain a state of perfect duality. To this day, bands such as Alter Bridge, Muse, Audioslave, Shinedown, and Europe are among the major influences of the quintet, which, after several lineup changes, consists of Andrea Barchiesi (lead vocals), Mattia Pessina (guitar), Samuel Fabrello (guitar), Michele Gelmi (bass), and Davide Odorizzi (drums).
Lead singer Andrea in particular stands out with his vocal range and professes Joey Tempest (Europe) as his vocal role model – even the water bottle Andrea uses to keep fit during shows belonged to Joey Tempest until a Europe show in 2004, when Andrea caught it after it was thrown into the audience. He has held it in honor ever since. What the singer, who was also active in a Europe cover band he had founded at the time, could not have imagined yet: 20 years later, in September 2024, NEREIS were even able to open a Europe show at the Trentino Music Arena themselves, after being personally selected by their Swedish idols from the participants in the TMA Contest.
With this stable and tour-experienced lineup, the new album is now on the horizon and set for release on NOV 21. It’s named “AZURE,” and NEREIS fans will probably simply remember it as The Blue Album in the band’s distant – and hopefully bright – future. “AZURE” is all about the cosmos as a calming constant in all life. Again and again, the gaze is directed from outside toward Earth and its narrow, seemingly ephemeral blue ribbon that protects us and allows us to breathe. In the music itself, it is often possible to sense where the inspiration for “AZURE” originated: from the pioneers whom we can only propel away from the planet’s surface with extreme force, freeing them from the clutches of gravity for a brief moment so that they can grant us this view of ourselves in the grand scheme of things.
NEREIS are:
Andrea Barchiesi – lead vocals Mattia Pessina – guitar Samuel Fabrello – guitar Michele Gelmi – bass Davide Odorizzi – drums
German power metal heroes VICTORIUS are back with their brand-new single “Raptor Squad Attack”, out now via PERCEPTION – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music.
The single paves the way for their upcoming studio album, entitled “World War Dinosaur”, that is set for release on April 17, 2026. With “World War Dinosaur”, VICTORIUS unleash their most powerful and cinematic chapter yet. The holy war between dinosaurs and ninjas enters its next stage — louder, larger, and more explosive than ever before! Across twelve new tracks, forged in cosmic steel and powered by pure imagination, the band invites you into a universe where power metal meets Saturday-morning-cartoon chaos.
“With World War Dinosaur, we went deeper into the theme of the holy dino war and added a stronger military edge,” the band comments. “It’s the most epic and hymn-like album we’ve ever written 100% Victorius, but bigger, tighter, and more intense. We’ve never worked this hard on an album before. ‘Only more is more’ and this time, we went all in!”
Accompanied by a vibrant music video inspired by classic arcade games, VICTORIUS‘ new single launches listeners straight into a pixel-powered space-metal adventure.
“Raptor Squad Attack” delivers high-energy power metal at full throttle; soaring melodies, powerful riffs, and a chorus made to sing along to. It’s classic VICTORIUS: fast, melodic, and cinematic. Pure “Power Metal From Outer Space” for fans of DragonForce, Gloryhammer, and Sabaton.
The band adds: “The mission for ‘Raptor Squad Attack’ was clear: write a song that unites all the trademarks of VICTORIUS while keeping it straight to the point – no distractions! Our allies will love it… and so will our enemies, haha!”
VICTORIUS deliver the soundtrack for a world that never truly disappeared: A world of Saturday morning cartoons, action figures, and boundless imagination. What started as a childhood dream has long since evolved into its own universe, captivating audiences around the globe.
Germany, Europe, Japan, the USA – VICTORIUS tour across continents, bringing a show to the stage that takes sound, story, and attitude to a new level. Every song is part of a larger story – and you can feel it live: thoughtful show elements, a strong visual style, and a performance that excites rather than just functions. VICTORIUS live means: full energy, no facade. A show that stands out, and stays with you.
With each album, the band refines their very own genre: “Power Metal from Outer Space.” Whether it’s cybernetic dinosaurs, galactic ninjas, or magical mammoths, VICTORIUS deliver power metal at maximum intensity – melodic, driving, unstoppable. Their discography reads like a cinematic adventure in multiple parts: from Dinosaur Warfare to Space Ninjas from Hell to The Great Ninja War.
With their upcoming studio album “World War Dinosaur” (out April 17, 2026), VICTORIUS open the next chapter in their ever-expanding universe. This time, the battlefield spans the entire globe, a full-scale military conflict between cybernetic dinosaurs and spacefaring ninja legions. It’s the most ambitious story the band has ever told: epic, explosive, and unapologetically over the top.
At the same time, the album marks a moment of transformation: a reinvention that is both bold and inevitable. VICTORIUS push their signature “Power Metal from Outer Space” to new heights; more cinematic, more intense, more fearless than ever before. With “World War Dinosaur”, the band doesn’t just continue their saga: they level up, redefining what power metal can be in sound, scope, and spirit.
VICTORIUS aren’t a retro show, but a nostalgic leap into the future. For everyone who still feels the fire of those old days, when heroes were immortal, adventures limitless, and imagination knew no bounds.
THE APULIAN BLUES FOUNDATION unveil their new single “Cool Drink of Water (Part 1)”, a fresh chapter in their ongoing exploration of the blues’ most primitive roots through the distorted lens of modern stoner rock.
In this track, the band revisits a classic Delta blues motif – thirst, redemption, and the search for relief – translating it into their raw, hypnotic language of “delta stoner.” The result is a slow-burning groove that flows between heat and trance.
“Cool Drink of Water (Part 1)” captures the dual essence of THE APULIAN BLUES FOUNDATION: reverence for tradition and the urge to twist it into something visceral, electric, and deeply human. A ritual of dust and distortion, where every riff drips with tension and desire.
The song anticipates the release of the band’s upcoming full-length “Traditional Songs About Life, Death and Rebirth”, due out November 21st, 2025 via Zann’s Records.
Stream “Cool Drink of Water (Part 1)” now and let the desert speak at THIS LOCATION.
Formed in 2015, the band began their journey with the self-produced EP “Vol.1,” recorded and mixed by Bari-based sound engineer Andrea Dinapoli. After years of intense live activity — performing at Waves of Doom Fest, Freak Out Stoned Fest, Zolla Fest, Promontorio Music Fest, Rock in Lama, and sharing the stage with notable national and international acts — the band is now ready to present their first full-length album.
Their new record, “Traditional Songs About Life, Death and Rebirth,” will be released on November 21, 2025 via Zann’s Records. Comprising eight tracks, the album pays homage to both early 20th-century blues and the gritty, lysergic stoner rock of the 1990s, reinterpreting the verses and sounds of the past through a modern, raw and punk-driven lens.
Recorded and mixed at REH Studio within MAT Laboratorio Urbano in Terlizzi (BA) by Dario Tatoli, and mastered by Claudio Gruer (Nick Oliveri, Yawning Man, Brant Bjork) at Pisi Studio in Rome, the album marks a major step forward for the band, solidifying a sound that is both personal and immediately recognizable.
With this record, THE APULIAN BLUES FOUNDATION confirm their place as one of the most original and genuine acts in Italy’s contemporary rock scene — delivering a sound that feels both ancient and modern, dusty and visionary.
Tracklist:
1) Keep Your Lamp 2) Cool Drink of Water (part 1) 3) Everybody Ought to Love Jesus 4) Cool Drink of Water (part 2) 5) Coff’n Shop 6) Beerkenstock Blues 7) Mississipi Bowevil Blues 8) So Long
Current line-up:
Giovanni Valentino – Vocals, guitar Marco Meledandri – Bass, vocals Cipollino – Drums
Album line-up:
Giovanni Valentino – Vocals, guitar Marco Meledandri – Bass, vocals Cosimo Armenio – Drums
The all-star hard rock collective Black Swan – featuring Robin McAuley (McAuley Schenker Group), Reb Beach (Winger, Whitesnake), Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, The End Machine, ex-Dokken), and Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr. Big) – are thrilled to announce the release of a new studio album, “Paralyzed”, set for release on February 13, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Black Swan unleash today another extract of the record, “If I Was King”, that follows the previously released single “The Fire And The Flame”.
Reb Beach described the new single: “If I Was King is one of my favorites because it has all the elements of a good Black Swan song. It’s powerful with great guitar riffs and soaring vocals, but that chorus has some different chords than usual. It really sticks in my head”.
Jeff Pilson added: “This song really shows where Black Swan shines at its best. Great melodies and lyrics, burning guitars and pounding rhythms. And wait till you see the video!!!”
“This track sets the tone for what’s to come with its dark and heavy opening chords, building intensity into a big melodic chorus that is quintessentially Black Swan!! Watch the video and let it pull you in!”, continued Robin McAuley.
“If I Was King” throws down the gauntlet and is what Black Swan is all about. Kick ass, high energy rock music with killer melodies, lyrics and musicianship. Robin is so talented at creating imagery with his lyrics based on the music that Jeff and Reb create, this is a great example of that”, said Matt Starr.
McAuley expressed his enthusiasm for the new record, by saying: “Can’t wait for you guys to hear our new record. We feel we’ve taken our songwriting to another level on this one, with amazing guitar riffs that once again show the brilliance that is Reb Beach. Pounding Bass as you’d expect from Jeff, and Matt Starr leaving no doubt about where the thunder comes from. Soaring melodies with strong lyrics are what we do best, combine that with sheer heaviness and we have a record we think you the fans are going to love”. “Black Swan is old school eighties rock that is all about good guitar riffs with badass vocals. No one is better than Robin at singing this kind of music. I think the combination of my riffs and his vocals are what makes the band stand out”, Reb Beach said.
“I think the fans are going to love our new record. It builds on the first two records taking the songwriting, playing and energy to another level. I’m so proud to be part of this great group of musicians and guys”, stated Matt Starr.
Jeff Pilson commented: “We’re all very excited for the release of Black Swan’s Paralyzed and can’t wait for all the fans to hear it. We wanted to come up with a real step forward in melodic heaviness, and I strongly believe we delivered. Enjoy!”
Black Swan are back with their explosive third album, “Paralyzed”. Following the critical acclaim of their previous releases, the supergroup once again delivers a powerful statement in modern hard rock.
With all songs written and composed by McAuley, Pilson, and Beach, and expertly produced by Pilson, “Paralyzed” showcases Black Swan at their peak performance – offering a dynamic mix of towering vocals, razor-sharp riffs, and hook-laden melodies. The band’s chemistry continues to shine, elevating their songwriting and musical delivery to new heights.
Tracked at Pilson’s Los Angeles studio, the album reflects the tight-knit synergy among its members. McAuley’s commanding vocals remain as ageless, while the instrumentalists deliver with precision and fire. Much like its predecessors, the new record is a testament to the individual and collective talents of these seasoned musicians.
“Paralyzed” is fresh, heavy, and melodically rich – a cohesive and compelling album that feels both classic and contemporary. Building upon the blueprint laid by their debut, “Shake The World”, the band expands their sonic universe.
The result is a record that not only meets but surpasses expectations, cementing Black Swan as a formidable force in the modern hard rock scene. Whether you’ve followed these legendary musicians since the heyday of ’80s rock or you’re just now discovering their magic, “Paralyzed” is essential listening – a masterclass in melodic hard rock delivered by artists who continue to defy time and expectations.
The genesis of Black Swan was sparked by a conversation between Jeff Pilson and Frontiers’ President & Head of A&R, Serafino Perugino, who wanted a project that would not only showcase McAuley’s vocal prowess, but have a mighty musical backbone to stand skyscraper tall behind him. Thus, the initial seeds were planted and Pilson ran with it from there.
Black Swan released their debut album, “Shake The World”, on February 14, 2020. A killer slice of melodic hard rock and heavy metal from seasoned players who have gelled musically. Their sophomore album, “Generation Mind”, followed in 2022, a powerful hard rock statement that consolidates the unique sound of the quartet and highlights the talent of each of them.
“Paralyzed” Tracklist:
1. When The Cold Wind Blows 2. Death Of Me 3. Different Kind Of Woman 4. If I Was King 5. Shakedown 6. The Fire And The Flame 7. I’m Ready 8. Paralyzed 9. Carry On 10. Battered And Bruised 11. What The Future Holds
Line Up: Robin McAuley – Lead Vocals Reb Beach – Guitars Jeff Pilson – Bass Matt Starr – 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 ) 