LOVE NOR MONEY’s New Single ‘Long Since Gone’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 18, 2026
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Love nor Money – “Long Since Gone” (The Brighter Side of Freedom). 
Love nor Money have released their eagerly awaited 8th single, ‘Long Since Gone (The Brighter Side of Freedom)’, marking a new era for a young band with an already intriguing and turbulent back story.   
Influence and delusion.   

“Long Since Gone” (The Brighter Side of Freedom) brings to the conversation how we are made to feel unfulfilled in our own lives by measure of comparison with rich celebrity influencers, funding extravagant lifestyles of their own by selling an ‘all this could be yours if you follow me’ dream.   

The song celebrates the honest mundane, modesty and the value of what real people have in a real world. 8 singles on, a clear development in sound is apparent with the band’s well-known classic rock identity now fused with more soul and blues influences. Harmonies to the forefront, grit replaced with groove – at least for now, and a notable nod to the  truly inspirational Crispian Mills. 

Bobby Firth: ‘I saw Kula Shaker twice last year, they were one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. It seemed fitting on this track to channel some of Crispian’s iconic vocal ad-libs into the recording.’   

Love nor Money formed in the West Midlands, UK in 2023. Two brothers with guitars, Bobby and Eddie Firth were joined by Troy Weaver on drums with a unified passion for music that is inescapable in the energy produced on every stage they take to. A clear love for early blues and classic rock is unmistakable in Love nor Money’s unique identity pertaining to an authentic retro influence that’s never sounded so current.   

A typical Love nor Money show will take you on a journey of Birmingham-heavy riffs, with the groove of the Stones while evidencing a deep lyrical appreciation for the likes of Ray Davies, Bob Dylan and Tom Waits. Love nor Money are becoming increasingly known for their high-impact live gigs, tight arrangements, and emotive, relatable, thought-provoking lyrics. Audiences can expect the occasional Doors, Howlin’ Wolf and Nina Simone cover, always delivered Love nor Money style, with the same passion and energy as their own material. 

Working with critically acclaimed producer Gavin Monaghan (Robert Plant, The Twang, The Editors, Ocean Colour Scene, Celine Dion), Love nor Money have released 7 previous singles, an EP, performed extensively, signed an international record deal, and have now chosen to continue independently for the foreseeable future.   

Bobby Firth – Vocals, bass
Eddie Firth – Guitar
Troy Weaver – Drums

Order: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lovenormoney/long-since-gone-the-brighter-side-of-freedom

https://www.instagram.com/lovenormoneymusic/
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqQ_amCVWDN8z7-hIL16ySA

POWERWOLF Announce First-Ever Japan Show, Headlining Full Metal Japan on October 25th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 18, 2026
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[Photo Credit: VD Pictures]

The time has come! After more than two decades of steadily cementing their status as one of the biggest and most successful genre bands in the world, German heavy metal torchbearers POWERWOLF have announced that they will finally make their long-awaited live debut in Japan. The truly historic performance will take place on October 25, 2026, when POWERWOLF headline the renowned FULL METAL JAPAN 2026 festival at PIA ARENA in Yokohama.
 
Known for their unmistakable blend of massive anthems, theatrical grandeur, darkly sacral imagery, and one of the most spectacular live productions in modern metal, POWERWOLF have built a global following through countless sold-out shows, chart-topping releases, and unforgettable festival appearances.
 
For Japanese metalheads, this first-ever performance marks a milestone moment: a long-awaited opportunity to witness the full POWERWOLF experience live on Japanese soil for the very first time.

POWERWOLF organist Falk Maria Schlegel comments:
“Nippon! We are beyond excited to finally bring the heavy metal mass to your beautiful country! Full Metal Japan will be a night to remember – promised! The wolf can’t wait to meet you all in the Land of the Rising Sun!”

POWERWOLF LIVE 2026
 
Before embarking on this adventurous journey, POWERWOLF will headline the legendary Wacken Open Air in August as part of their European Summer 2026 tour. All dates can be seen below.

European Summer 2026
26.06.26 DE – Büren / Büren Open Air /w Warkings
05.07.26 ES – Barcelona / Barcelona Rock Fest
11.07.26 BG – Mogilovo / Midalidare Rock in the Wine Valley
01.08.26 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air
08.08.26 DE – Hamburg / Elbriot Festival
09.08.26 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz Festival
14.08.26 CZ – Moravský Krumlov / Rock Castle
16.08.26 CH – Cudrefin / Rock The Lakes
28.08.26 DE – Coburg / HUK Open Air Sommer /w Apocalyptica & Serenity
29.08.26 DE – St. Goarshausen / Loreley /w Apocalyptica, Orden Ogan & Serenity
 
25.10.26 JP – Yokohama, PIA Arena / Full Metal Japan 2026

Alongside their acclaimed and massively successful releases, POWERWOLF have earned their place at the very top of today’s metal scene through headlining and premium festival appearances at major events such as Hellfest and Graspop Metal Meeting, as well as through their huge sold-out arena shows. With the release of their latest live album, Wildlive (Live At Olympiahalle), in February 2026, the wolves added yet another No. 1 chart entry to their unparalleled success story. It marked their fifth No. 1 album, following Preachers Of The Night (2013), The Sacrament Of Sin (2018), The Monumental Mass – A Cinematic Metal Event (2022), and Wake Up The Wicked (2024).

POWERWOLF are:
Attila Dorn – vocals
Falk Maria Schlegel – organ
Charles Greywolf – guitar
Matthew Greywolf – guitar
Roel van Helden – drums
 
POWERWOLF online:
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS

THEMATA Unleash Monolithic New Single ‘Monochrome’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 18, 2026
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Finnish metal act Themata have released their massive new single “Monochrome.” The track continues the uncompromising sonic direction established on last year’s EP “Riven”, while pushing the band’s sound into a more organic and dynamic territory.

On Monochrome, Themata expand their sonic palette without sacrificing the sheer weight that defines their identity. The song delivers an evolving, more natural flow, yet retains the band’s signature colossal sound. In the world of Themata, sound is not just heard—it is felt, surging forward as an irresistible physical force.

Blending towering walls of guitars, a crushing rhythm section, and brutal vocal delivery, Themata have, in a short time, carved out a distinct and recognizable sound. Each element locks tightly into place, forming a dense and cohesive whole that hits with both precision and overwhelming power.

With Monochrome, the band demonstrates their ability to grow artistically while staying true to their core. The result is a track that breathes more freely, yet remains as heavy and imposing as ever — solidifying Themata’s position as a rising force in the heavy music scene.

Themata:
Juuso Onerva (Grave With A View) – vocals
Ville-Veikko Laaksonen (Atlases / I, Cursed) – guitar
Tuomas Kulomaa (Valta) – guitar
Oskari Hakala-Rahko (Grave With A View) – Bass
Arttu Leppänen (Atlases / I, Cursed) – Drums

More info: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple Music

THE CHRONICLES OF MANIMAL AND SAMARA Share Blistering Third Single ‘Lucky Ducker’ from Forthcoming Album “MISANTROPI”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 18, 2026
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MISANTROPI (Official Album Artwork) © The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara. All Rights Reserved

The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara (TCOMAS) have released a new single ‘Lucky Ducker’ from their forthcoming album MISANTROPI. Known for their visceral fusion of spoken poetry and heavy metal, the London-duo Daphne Ang and Andrea Papi are set to drop their fourth studio album on July 12, 2026.

Speaking of their blistering new single, ‘Lucky Ducker’, the duo shares: 

“In a world that doesn’t say fuck off enough, it is time to say it more. Sooner or later, everyone encounters a ‘Lucky Ducker’ in life. This is our gift to you, a tool to vent when others fail. Featuring a staggering 131 swear words throughout its 247 word-long lyrics, ‘Lucky Ducker’ is definitely Guinness World Records material.”

Stream the single: https://ffm.to/luckyducker

Following the success of their third album ORIGINS (2024), which broke into the UK Top 100 Albums Chart on Apple Music and garnered six singles with playlist placements across major streaming platforms, TCOMAS’s new album MISANTROPI presents a raw, unfiltered manifesto for those who despise humanity. According to the duo, this album is:

“For humans who hate people.”

True to their roots, the album melds spoken poetry and spoken word over heavy metal riffs, but with a new emphasis on going back to the classic set up of drums, bass, and guitars. There is more singing and melodic vocals, adding a visceral human element to their already intense sound. “MISANTROPI is human made,” the band explains. “It’s played with real instruments, with hands, feet, vocal cords, and human body parts. It’s raw and unfiltered. It is for those who see through the facade and aren’t afraid to admit that they hate what we have become.”

Already making waves, the album’s second single, “The Last Plague” landed on Apple Music’s Breaking Metal and Breaking Hard Rock editorial playlists. The track also charted in eight countries and ten charts on Apple Music, reaching #1 on the Metal chart in Liberia.

Performed, composed and written by Daphne Ang and Andrea Papi of The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara, MISANTROPI was recorded and produced by Andrea Papi at TCOMAS Studio, with mixing and mastering from Marinos Tountas at Ergosphere Studios, and artwork by TCOMAS Studio. The album will be released on 12” Vinyl, with pre-orders available via tcomas.com/misantropi.

Always evolving, MISANTROPI continues The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara’s impressive streak of self-produced efforts, Full Spectrum, Trust No Leaders, Origins, and will be the duo’s fourth self-produced studio album. Since their emergence in early 2020, the London-based duo have cemented their reputation as provocateurs in the heavy music scene. Their innovative blend of heavy metal and poetic storytelling continue to captivate and disturb audiences worldwide.

MISANTROPI Album track listing

  1. Misantropia
  2. 128
  3. Superstupidity
  4. Divided
  5. The Last Plague
  6. Inside
  7. Girotondo
  8. Lucky Ducker
  9. Cannibal Mind

Pre-order 12” Vinyl via https://tcomas.com/misantropi

The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara®

The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara (TCOMAS) was born in London when Daphne Ang from Singapore and Andrea Papi from Italy joined forces in early 2020. TCOMAS introduced their innovative sound in their first album, Full Spectrum, an eclectic blend of heavy rock and electronic with poetry performance, most notably the single ‘Love in the Time of Pestilence’ which graced several editorial Spotify playlists (Alternative Metal, Progressive Metal). TCOMAS became known for melding heavy music with the elegance of poetry and poignant lyrics on their second album Trust No Leaders, released in July 2022. The record explored the history of metal and its sub-genres, showcasing non-Western musical influences and lyrics inspired by Jungian psychology. All seven singles released from this album entered the Soundcloud charts. The duo returned in 2024 with the release of their third album Originsin November. The albumentered the Apple Music Album Chart Top 100 in the UK. All six singles from this album earned editorial playlist placements on Apple Music and Amazon Music. The single ‘Feed the Beast’, entered the Apple Music Single Charts in Turkey. TCOMAS’s unique approach to combining music and visual storytelling has also garnered attention worldwide. Their self-produced music videos have been screened at numerous prestigious international film festivals around the world, receiving 66 official selections and nominations to date. In 2026, the band are back to release their 4th studio album, MISANTROPI, out June 12th.

The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara

Official Website | tcomas.com
Instagram | @tcomas.music
Facebook | @tcomasmusic
Twitter | @tcomasmusic
Spotify
Apple Music
SoundCloud
YouTube

Finnish VELVET OCEAN & MR. LORDI Drop Metal Cover of ’90s E-Type Hit ‘Life’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 18, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment
Photo: Jarkko ‘Jake’ Ronkainen & Mr. Lordi — Logo: Abstract Chaos

In the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Lordi’s historic victory at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006, the track is being released on May 15. The release coincides with the eve of a special Lordi Eurovision performance – Hard Rock Hallelujah!

Is this the biggest dance hit of summer 2026?
Not necessarily, but at least you have never heard Mr. Lordi sing Europop before! On VELVET OCEAN’s side, vocalist Riitu Ronkainen raises the bar. Beauty and the Beast, double bass drums, and a catchy vocal melody – what could possibly go wrong?

VELVET OCEAN is an alternative metal band from Finland. The band is known for pushing the boundaries of metal by combining heavy music with pop influences, symphonic layers, and cinematic elements. Their goal is to create dynamic compositions that balance delicate atmospheres with heavier, more intense moments.

With two album cycles underway, eight singles already released, and a forthcoming cover EP featuring Mr. Lordi, VELVET OCEAN continues to build a distinctive international identity within the alternative metal scene. [ … learn more here » ]

Additional info:
Composer – Martin Bo Erik Erikson
Lyricist – Fredrik Johan Ekdahl
Lyricist – Martin Bo Erik Erikson

VELVET OCEAN LINE-UP
Riitu Ronkainen • Lead vocals, programming
Jake Ronkainen • Guitar, Vocals
Tuomas Vesa • Bass
Jami Alaverronen • Keyboard
Arto Alikoski • Cello
Markus Määttälä • Drums

Various circumstances led to a lengthy hiatus for the Finnish band. But their love for music remained undiminished, as VELVET OCEAN will soon demonstrate – a new single is set to be released on May 15, featuring none other than Mr. Lordi!

That sounds doubly exciting, since the globally popular monster rockers Lordi are the only Finnish band to date to have won the Eurovision Song Contest! But that’s not all:
Lordi will perform as part of a special intermission act at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest final in Vienna on May 16, the day after the release of the new single.

Currently, the talented band from Oulu is also busy finishing their second full-length album. Five singles have already been released from this album: “My Life”, “Rage”, “Take Me Away”, “Forever” and the Muse cover “New Born”.

In addition, VELVET OCEAN is currently recording a special concept EP themed around the 90s, which will feature the upcoming single on its tracklist.

RISE OF KRONOS Unleash First-Ever Live Single & Official Video ‘Know Thyself’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 18, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo credit: Melina Thomaßen

Olympic death metal powerhouse RISE OF KRONOS have officially released their very first live single and official live video for “Know Thyself”, available now on all streaming platforms and YouTube.

Captured during the band’s massive Slaves Of Time album release show on April 18, 2026 at the legendary Markthalle in Hamburg, Germany, the track delivers an uncompromising snapshot of RISE OF KRONOS at full force – raw, aggressive and fueled by pure live energy. The accompanying live video perfectly captures the intensity, chaos and atmosphere of a night that marked an important milestone in the band’s history.

Known as one of Germany’s most iconic live venues and once graced by legendary acts such as METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN and AC/DC, the Markthalle in Hamburg provided the perfect setting for RISE OF KRONOS‘ first official live release.

The live single release follows the highly acclaimed new studio album Slaves Of Time, which has received strong praise from fans and media alike for its crushing blend of modern and old-school death metal, relentless intensity and massive production. Continuing the band’s self-proclaimed “Olympic Death Metal” approach, Slaves Of Time pushes the sound of RISE OF KRONOS further into darker, heavier and more atmospheric territory.

Slaves Of Time is available via the official RISE OF KRONOS merch store: riseofkronos.bandcamp.com and on all major streaming platforms.

RISE OF KRONOS will bring their new material to stages in 2026 and 2027, delivering an intense and crushing live experience.

RISE OF KRONOS live:
10.07.2026 DE – Königsee, Metal Underground Resistance Open Air
25.07.2026 DE – Heimburg, Heimburger Metalnacht Festival
31.07.2026 DE – Dortmund, Dortmund Deathfest
03.10.2026 DE – Düsseldorf, Ratinger Hof
15.01.2027 DE – Bremen, Zollkantine
01.04.2027 DE – Stuttgart, Schwarzer Keiler

More dates to be announced soon.