MAN WITH A MISSION have released their brand new single ‘Firestarter’, an explosive rock song which also forms the theme song for the new anime series of The Vermillion Mask.
The searing new single launches with call to arms tribal drums before breaking into an uplifting and determined anthem focused on pushing through adversity, where it rises like a phoenix with frenzied raps, riffs and a soaring chorus.
Regarding ‘Firestarter’ bassist Kamikaze Boy says, “I created ‘Firestarter’ with the idea of making a powerful song that could push these young characters forward on their adventure as they carry the burden of a cruel fate.”
Filled with power, intensity, and a driving sense of momentum, the track captures the energy and force of MAN WITH A MISSION today. The result is a song which propels the characters of The Vermillion Mask forward as they face their harsh destinies head-on.
2026 has proved another strong year for MAN WITH A MISSION’s presence in TV and film, as ‘Firestarter’ follows the release of the recently released single ‘The Animals’, a raging punk track written for the Japanese film Wara nimo Sugaru Kemono tachi (English: BEASTS CLUTCHING AT STRAWS).
The new songs join the recently released ‘ONE’ in offering another taste of an exciting new era for the half-man, half-wolf collective, which is set to further evolve throughout 2026.
Romanian folkcore trailblazers Dirty Shirt proudly unveil their new single, “A Brighter Day,” the third release from their forthcoming album “Balkansylvania Vol. 1: Roots”, due for digital release in January 2027. Following last year’s “FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)” and this March’s “Büntetö,” featuring Hungary’s Besh o droM, the new track offers another glimpse into the band’s highly anticipated record. Featuring legendary Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson on flute, “A Brighter Day” blends uplifting melodies with thought-provoking themes, highlighting Dirty Shirt’s continued musical evolution while maintaining the vibrant folk-metal energy that has earned them an international following.
“A Brighter Day” is a vibrant, high-energy song packed with infectious melodies, driving riffs, and powerful folk influences. The track balances an uplifting musical atmosphere with a deeper lyrical message, challenging listeners to take responsibility for their choices in an era of false promises, misinformation, and easy excuses. Enhanced by the warmth and innocence of a children’s choir, the song creates a compelling contrast between its feel-good energy and its confrontational call for personal accountability. The collaboration with Ian Anderson adds another remarkable dimension to the track. His unmistakable flute performance seamlessly intertwines with Dirty Shirt‘s signature blend of modern metal, folk traditions, and world music influences, creating a unique meeting point between two distinct musical worlds. Mihai Tivadar, Dirty Shirt composer, producer, and keyboardist, comments: “Working with Ian Anderson was an honour and an incredible experience. After he agreed to join us as a guest, I sent him demos of five songs so he could choose whichever he liked best. He picked ‘A Brighter Day’, which was also the song I thought would suit him best. My only request was for him to play the main theme alongside the other acoustic instruments. Beyond that, he had complete freedom. The very next day, his flute tracks arrived, full of melodic ideas and solos, each one better than the last. We kept everything. There was no need to edit any of his parts; it all fitted perfectly. The result was exactly what I’d imagined: a blend of Dirty Shirt and that unmistakable Jethro Tull sound, with Ian’s unique approach to the flute. But he still managed to surprise me. I hadn’t expected the flute to work so well over the heavy riffs in the final section, which is the most aggressive part of the song. Having Ian leave his musical mark on one of our songs means a great deal to me. What impressed me just as much was how open and inventive he remains as a musician. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”
For Dirty Shirt, “A Brighter Day” is designed to be both a celebration and a challenge. The band hopes listeners will turn up the volume, sing along, and leave inspired to make positive changes in their own lives.
The single serves as the gateway to “Balkansylvania Vol. 1: Roots”, the first chapter of an ambitious two-part album project. Scheduled for digital release in January 2027, “Balkansylvania Vol. 1: Roots” explores the musical foundations and influences that have helped shape Dirty Shirt’s unmistakable sound. The complete physical edition will be released in 2028 alongside its companion record, “Balkansylvania Vol. 2: Routes,” bringing both chapters together as a definitive collection. Adding further visual depth to the project, the stunning album artwork was created by acclaimed Romanian artist Costin Chioreanu, renowned for his work with Ghost, Jethro Tull, Arch Enemy, Opeth, Paradise Lost, At The Gates, Lacuna Coil, and many other internationally celebrated acts.
Following the single’s release, Dirty Shirt will bring their explosive live show to audiences across Europe as part of the “Balkansylvania Tour 2027” (dates listed below).
Balkansylvania Tour 2027: 26.12.2026 – Mos Craciun e Rocker – Baia Mare (RO) 27.12.2026 – Mos Craciun e Rocker – Baia Mare (RO) 22.01.2027 – Form Space – Cluj-Napoca (RO) 23.01.2027 – Republic Hub – Targu Mures (RO) 05.02.2027 – MMC – Bratislava (SK) 06.02.2027 – Urban Spot – Banská Bystrica (SK) 19.02.2027 – Quantic – Bucuresti (RO) 20.02.2027 – Rockstadt – Brasov (RO) 17.03.2027 – Snow Fest – Val Thorens (FR) 21.03.2027 – Snow Fest – Deux Alpes (FR) 17.04.2027 – Oldies Pub – Sibiu (RO) 18.04.2027 – Out Events – Oradea (RO) 15.05.2027 – New Cross Inn – London (UK) 25.06.2027 – Brande-Hörnerkirchen – Hörnerfest (D) 29-31.07.2027 – Czaplinek-Broczyno – Pol’and’Rock (PL) 15.10.2027 – B90 – Gdańsk (PL) 16.10.2027 – Słowianin – Szczecin (PL) More TBA
About Dirty Shirt: For over 30 years, Dirty Shirt has stood as one of Eastern Europe’s most original and successful rock/metal acts. Formed in the mid‑90s as a wedding band, they evolved into a genre‑blending powerhouse, fusing modern heavy music with the vibrant energy of Eastern European traditional sounds. Their explosive live shows and innovative approach have taken them to major festivals across Europe, including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Pol’and’Rock, Electric Castle, and more, and earned praise from outlets such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Metalsucks, and Hard Rock Mag. Dirty Shirt has performed over 600 shows in 17 countries and shared stages with Megadeth, Godsmack, Gogol Bordello, Skindred, and Orphaned Land.
Fortress Festival has has unveiled the final wave of bands set to perform at its 2027 edition at the Scarborough Spa in North Yorkshire, UK.
Joining the main weekend line-up are German black metallers Ultha, who will be returning to Fortress for a UK-exclusive show, following their acclaimed performance in 2024. They are accompanied by fellow German act Firtan, who will also bring a UK-exclusive show filled with atmospheric and evocative sounds.
Austrian ritualistic black and pagan metal band Perchta will also make their anticipated UK debut at Fortress with a UK-exclusive show, following their unfortunate cancellation in 2025. The band expressed their anticipation, stating, “Perchta is proud to announce our UK debut at the legendary Fortress Festival. Some things are worth the wait. In 2027, we will finally bring our music to UK soil. See you at Fortress.”
The final additions include Frostgard, who will bring the Tolkien-inspired atmospheric dungeon synth and dark ambient music to the expanded two-day theatre stage.
Blood Countess have also joined the Friday bill for the “Fortress: First Light” opening show, which includes the previously-announced Terrestrial Hospice and Watain.
Gary Stephenson, Fortress Festival founder and director, said: “We’ve created the strongest line-up the UK has ever seen for our fifth anniversary of Fortress Festival. It’s only been a few months since Fortress 2026, and we are already down to our final ticket allocation for next year. It’s given us the space to really create something special for you all for 2027. Thank you to everyone who supports this event!“
These final names complete the 2027 line-up, which is led by Norwegian black metal legends Emperor in an exclusive UK headlining performance. Colorado melodic black metal force Stormkeep will also be travelling to Scarborough for a UK exclusive and headlining show.
Gris will perform a worldwide live debut, Gràb a worldwide exclusive, Yellow Eyes a UK exclusive “Confusion Gate” set, Dungeontroll a worldwide exclusive set; as well as exclusive UK performances from Forteresse, Slagmaur, Havukruunu, Sinmara; and exclusive UK debuts from MiserereLuminis, Tardigrada, Mourir and Trha.
They are joined by the Nidrosian black metal of Norway’s Mare in a UK exclusive, alongside the Lovecraftian death metal of Sulphur Aeon, also making an exclusive UK appearance. British black metal act Ninkharsag will perform an exclusive set following a two-year period of quiet.
Belgian atmospheric black metal project Silver Knife will make their UK debut and exclusive appearance. They are joined by fellow Belgian atmospheric act Oerheks who will also make a UK debut and exclusive appearance. Additionally, atmospheric black metal project Bloodbark will travel for their first-ever UK performance and exclusive set.
The dungeon synth stage in the theatre room will also include the worldwide live debut of French dungeon synth revival pioneer Erang, as well as Wraith Knight, crossing the Atlantic to deliver a UK debut and exclusive performance of OldNick’s medieval-inspired music. The theatrical ambience of the theatre stage will also feature the live debut of Spectral Castle, the dungeon synth project hailing from France. Also set to appear is Hole Dweller, who travels from the US to bring its nostalgic and fantasy-filled sounds. 2027 will also witness the epic soundscapes of Atlantean Sword, who had to cancel 2026’s appearance. Lord Bakartia, hailing from Spain, will deliver his dark ambient textures, while French project DragonKeep will also bring its synth escapades to Fortress’ theatre stage. Joining the dungeon synth line-up will be Swedish dungeon synth artist Örnatorpet, bringing their music for a UK exclusive performance.
Just in time for the start of her “Winter Magic” tour on December 11, 2026, metal queen DORO Pesch brings the rock world a red-hot work full of new killer tracks with her special release “Wild At Heart”.
The first perfect foretaste was provided by “Rock You 2 Death”, the first new single (out: 18.09.). Now, DORO serves up the next treat: The super ballad “You R Not Alone”. And it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and bombastic ballads of the Metal Queen!
Doro: “This song totally gets under your skin, has a very positive message and hits right in the heart. ‘ ‘You R Not Alone’ has an incredible amount of feeling and could become a second ‘forever’!”
“You R Not Alone” is one of the taste highlights of the 9-course menu that DORO has created for real rock & metal gourmets on her new album “Wild At Heart”. The title fits perfectly into the pre-Christmas season.
DORO explains: “The new tracks on “Wild At Heart” are all songs close to my heart, many of which have been created in the past few months. I wanted to have brand new songs for the upcoming tour that ignite on the album and live.”
Mission accomplished: The fans will love “Wild At Heart” – and will be able to experience many new hits live on the winter tour starting on 11.12.! DORO: “This special release really packs a punch. I can immediately add two or three new hits to the setlist, which will certainly be celebrated by the fans!”
“Wild At Heart” – Special Release (Tour-Edition) is released on DORO’s own label Rare Diamonds Productions (distribution Edel) and is available in the following formats: Digipak in interchangeable cover, Shape Vinyl, Picture Vinyl, Colored Vinyl, Boxset, Digital and as a special as Liquid Filled Vinyl filled with dark red glitter!
Tracklist:
Rock You 2 Death I Believe In Love You R Not Alone Fight Like A Lion Too Little Too Late Stay With Me Holding Out For A Hero Touch Of Evil (live) (feat. Alissa-White Gluz) Remember The Good Times
BURNING CREATION was formed in Żywiec in early 2022 by the Klimond brothers, following the suspension of Haures. A year later, the band debuted with the “Never Dead Nation” EP, followed by the well-received debut album “Sea of Dead Bodies”, which led to numerous live shows across Poland.
While the band’s early work was firmly rooted in melodic death metal and viking metal, BURNING CREATION have been steadily forging their own musical identity. Their new material “Breath of Fire” moves towards a more uncompromising, at times old-school form of death metal, drawing from the traditions of the Swedish scene. Heaviness, rawness and directness now take centre stage, while melodic and viking metal elements increasingly serve as accents rather than the foundation of the songs.
Echoes of Unleashed, Dark Tranquillity and Hypocrisy can be heard in the band’s music, but these influences serve as a starting point for a distinctive style combining classic death metal aggression with a dark atmosphere and epic storytelling.
Upcoming studio album titled “Breath of Fire” continues the story of warriors returning from beyond the grave to avenge what was lost when humanity abandoned its ancient beliefs and values. Having risen from their tombs and crossed a sea of dead bodies, the Undead Nation begins its final march to reduce civilisation to ashes. Humanity’s last stronghold is destined to fall before the army of darkness.
The album features seven new original songs and an atmospheric intro. Its story draws heavily from Norse mythology, exploring the final battle between Vidar and Fenrir, the underwater realm of Ægir and Ran, and the land of eternal frost awaiting those who did not die in battle.
The drums and bass were recorded at Sound Stone Studio in collaboration with Paweł Kurowski. Electric guitars and vocals were recorded at Marek Stefaniak’s studio, who also handling the final mix and mastering. The cover artwork was created by Damian Bydliński, whose previous credits include collaborations with Lucifer’s Friend and Riverside.
“Breath of Fire” will be released digitally and on CD on November 13, 2026 through Via Nocturna. The album is available for pre-order at official webstore.
Watch video for the single “Nothing’s Gonna Save You“:
TRACKLIST: 01. Breath of Fire (Intro) 02. Nothing’s Gonna Save You 03. The Decades of Hel 04. Unleash the Fenrir! 05. Hammer to Cross 06. Cannibal Viking 07. Paradise of Pain 08. Underwater Empire (A Fury From the Sea)
LINE-UP:
Piotr Czopek – bass Jarosław Klimonda – drums Marek Klimonda – guitars (lead) Maciej Konior – vocals, guitars (rhythm)
Iconic Chicago-based artist Chris Connelly has released his new album ‘Doo Wop In The Dark: A Portrait of Lou Reed’, via Shipwrecked Industries with distribution by Virtual Label. This colossal 21-track offering is a bombastic reflection on artistic inheritance, tracing how Reed’s restless, confrontational sensibility helped shape Connelly’s own creative identity.
The album focus track ‘Bye Bye Johnny Viola’ highlights a pivotal period for Lou Reed. Connelly explains, “‘Bye Bye Johnny Viola’ is a postmortem on John Cale being fired from the Velvet Underground. Like ‘House of 70’s’, the timeline whirls with events of the time: it’s 1968, Valerie Solanas has shot Andy Warhol, ‘White Light/White Heat’ was a sonic hammer on the hippie dream, and Lou sent Sterling Morrison round to John’s apartment to fire him.”
Previewed by ‘Nothin’ But A Rock Song’ with video by Glasgow’s Iain Mutch / Walkerandwilliam, and the lead track ‘House of 70’s’ with video produced by Someoddpilot Studios and directed by Chris Eichenseer of Some Odd Pilot, this record presents a unique mix, including Lou Reed compositions — spanning his career from the Velvet Underground onwards — and songs penned by Connelly, detailing the creative and often turbulent path of Reed’s life from his teenage years through to his death in 2013.
Moving between tenderness, menace, alienation, decadence and damaged beauty, Reed is treated not simply as an influence to be celebrated, but as a catalyst for an entire way of making music. The result is both deeply personal and deliberately expansive: a record about finding your own voice by wrestling with the voices that came before you, and about how an artist’s work can become part of another’s emotional and creative vocabulary
‘Doo Wop In The Dark’ echoes Connelly’s acclaimed 2022 album ‘Eulogy to Christa: A Tribute to the Music & Mystique of Nico’ – one of the most unique, tragic and misunderstood female artists in the history of modern music. Similarly, this new album is dedicated to the wildfire, tempestuous spirit of Lewis Allan Reed (a.k.a. Lou Reed), as well as Chris’s dear friend Zak Boerger (1973 -2025).
While mostly produced by Connelly and his Sons of the Silent Age bandmate Alan Holden Berliant, four tracks from this album were produced by Chris Bruce(Meshell Ndegeocello, Seal, Aaron Neville, Bob Dylan, The Waterboys, Sheryl Crow). Mixed by Berliant and Bruce from 2023 to 2026, this record was mastered by James Scott at Populist Recording & Mastering.
Connelly shares a story to highlight the meaning of this album to him: “The kid was out shopping with his mother: a mandated, boring, endless Saturday afternoon. Spring, maybe summer, 1974. Downtown Edinburgh, some department store. On Princes Street, she shopped; he wandered aimlessly from the toys to the records. He was too old for toys, and didn’t really care about records – not yet – but something caught his nine year-old eye: a nightmarish yet beautiful photo of a strange yellow ghost. Not man not woman, all ghost, as yellow as the sodium street light that illuminated the streets there at night. The ghost seemed to be dancing, arms aloft, blurry jewelry, black lips, dead eyes. It was the Rock N Roll animal.
Fast forward to 2026, and 52 years later the same kid is still obsessed with the same photo. The same kid ended up buying the record in the late 70s or early 80s when he was informed by everything that this untamable spirit was every bit the drug dervish, serpent king of NYC, and the encapsulation and custodian of all the real rock myths, along with Iggy, Bowie, and The Dolls.”
That kid is Chris Connelly, who now brings us ‘Doo Wop In The Dark’ — arguably his finest work to date — along with supporting videos, select live dates, and sleeve notes by Lou Reed biographer Aidan Levy (author of https://aidan-levy.com/books/).
ALBUM CREDITS Chris Connelly – vocals, guitar, harmonium, bass, keyboards, glockenspiel Chris Bruce – guitar, programming, bass, keyboards, pedal steel guitar Alan Holden Berliant – guitar, keyboards, bass, programming
Jebin Bruni – additional keyboards on ‘Bye Bye Johnny Viola’
Produced by Chris Connelly & Alan Holden Berliant, except ‘Babyface’, ‘Bye Bye Johnny Viola’, ‘Doin’ The Things That We Want To’ and ‘One Too Many Mysteries’ produced by Chris BruceMixed by Alan Holden Berliant & Chris Bruce in Chicago & New York (2023-2026)
Released by Shipwrecked Industries LLC’Nothin’ But A Rock Song’ video produced by Iain Mutch a.k.a. Walkerandwilliam ‘House of 70’s’ video produced by Someoddpilot Studios Directed and edited by Chris Eichenseer Dancers: Kira Ledholm, Jay Drenkel Management: Kimberly Blessing at Shipwrecked Industries Chris Connelly photos by Derick Smith Publicity by Shauna McLarnon at Shameless Promotion PR
TRACK LIST 1. Intro (Connelly) 2. Real Good Time Together (Reed) 3. Cerletti’s Way (Connelly) 4. Black Angel’s Death Song (Reed/Cale) 5. Sister Ray / The Murder Mystery (Reed/Cale/Morrison/Tucker) 6. Bye Bye Johnny Viola (Connelly) 7. A Difficult Man (Connelly) 8. The Bed (Reed) 9. Nothin’ but a Rock Song (Connelly) 10. Babyface (Reed) 11. House of 70s (Connelly) 12. The Rachel Papers (Connelly) 13. I Shared My Veins (Connelly) 14. Rock and Roll Heart (Reed) 15. Dirt (Uptown/Downtown) (Reed) 16. The Bells (Reed/Fogel) 17. Doo Wop My Future (Connelly) 18. Doin’ the Things That We Want To (Reed) 19. Dime Store Mystery (Reed) 20. Magician (Internally) (Reed) 21. One Too Many Mysteries (Connelly)
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
