MASQUERAGE Release Final Single + Video ‘In The Vault’ from Forthcoming Sixth Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Seidi Koivusalo/Jälkimedia

Masquerage, led by Kimmo Perämäki—known from Spiritus Mortis and Celesty has released the last single, ‘In The Vault’ from their upcoming sixth album Atomic Spies.

LISTEN to ‘In The Vault’ on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/masquerage-vault

–Composed by Kimmo Perämäki
–Lyrics by Marko Ylä-Häkkinen
–Mixed & mastered by Kimmo Perämäki
–ISRC: FI3FC2655504
–Single cover by Kimmo Perämäki

The band comments:
” “In The Vault” takes you to the final moments of the world – where the wheat is separated from the chaff, the men from the boys, and we see who survives, and at what cost? 

“In The Vault” delivers storytelling wrapped in the spirit of ’70s and ’80s heavy rock!

Are you ready for the end of the world?”

Atomic Spies Track list:

  1. On The Edge Of Beliefs
  2. Atomic Spies
  3. The Devil To Pay
  4. In The Vault
  5. By Design
  6. Everfrost
  7. The Healthiest Man To Die
  8. Pain Of Punishment
  9. Waves

–All music written by Kimmo Perämäki
–All lyrics written by Marko Ylä-Häkkinen
–Produced, recorded, mixed, mastered by Kimmo Perämäki.
–Album cover art by Saija Lehto

WATCH ‘Waves’ music video: https://youtu.be/s8RuP849_lc
WATCH ‘The Devil To Pay’ music video: https://youtu.be/yrAUK4ePL7E

BIOGRAPHY:

Masquerage is a Finnish melodic metal band founded in 1998, blending elements of AOR, heavy metal, and power metal into its distinctive sound. The band was formed by cousins Kimmo Perämäki (Spiritus Mortis, Celesty) and Marko Ylä-Häkkinen.

In its early days, the band operated under the name Unchained, and in 1999 the lineup was completed by keyboardist Mika Maunus. At their very first rehearsals as a trio, Marko introduced Mika to Kimmo with the words: “Here’s Mika, our new keyboard player. Can’t really play anything, but he learns fast.” Well, the credentials were clearly sufficient, and Mika was in. This core trio—Perämäki, Ylä-Häkkinen, and Maunus—laid the foundation for Masquerage’s early sound and released the band’s first two demos.

In 2000, the band changed its name to Masquerage, reflecting the roles and masks people wear in different situations—and what may lie beneath them. This theme has remained a strong element in the band’s lyrics ever since. That same year, bassist Mikael Kontolampi joined, and the band began moving more deliberately toward a professional direction.

The early 2000s were marked by active live performances and several demo releases.

In 2004, the lineup expanded with a second guitarist, Jukka Viitasaari, and with this formation Masquerage released its debut album Work-Holic-Fool (2005) in collaboration with Soultonics. Its follow-up, Moonlight Time (2008), was released independently.

In 2009, Viitasaari stepped aside, and the four-piece lineup released their third album Backstabber in cooperation with 57Records.

In 2014, longtime bassist Kontolampi departed, and Kimmo and Marko began collaborating with the U.S.-based Stormspell Records—a partnership that would shape Masquerage’s future releases.

Bassist Ossi Raiski joined the band in 2015, after which Masquerage reactivated and released the albums Breaking the Masks (2016) and Hangman’s Revelations (2018) through Stormspell Records.

The COVID-19 pandemic briefly slowed the band’s activity, but in 2024 Masquerage returned to working on new material. The new album entered production in 2025, resulting in the band’s sixth studio album, Atomic Spies, set for release on May 29, 2026, in collaboration with Stormspell Records and Inverse Records.

Masquerage continues its determined journey toward a firmly established position in the melodic heavy rock and metal scene—combining strong melodies, infectious hooks, and thematically rich lyrics.

Line-up:
Kimmo Perämäki – Guitar & Vocals
Ossi Raiski – Bass
Mika Maunus – Keyboards
Marko Ylä-Häkkinen – Drums

https://www.facebook.com/masquerage.official
https://www.instagram.com/masquerageband
https://masquerage.bandcamp.com

Belgian DRAKKAR Sign with Wormholedeath, New Album “Invasion” Out June 19th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
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Wormholedeath is pleased to announce the signing of Belgian speed/heavy metal band Drakkar. The label has entered a licensing agreement with the band for their forthcoming album Invasion, scheduled for release on June 19, 2026.

Founded in 1983, Drakkar built their reputation on the European metal circuit throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. Their 1988 debut album X-Rated, released through New Musidisc (Paris), earned strong critical recognition and led to support slots on major European tours with Queensrÿche, Metallica, Overkill, and Slayer. The record has since become a touchstone of the Belgian metal scene.

After a period of inactivity, the band reformed in 2011 with a new lineup. X-Rated was remastered and reissued in 2012, produced by Simone Mularoni (DGM), with original vocalist Fab “Leni” Vanbellinghen returning to the fold in 2013. The reformed band recorded Once Upon a Time in Hell in 2014, featuring Jonas Sanders of Pro-Pain on drums, and went on to play over 80 dates across Europe, including the Power, Prog & Metal Festival in Mons. A live album, Once Upon a Time Hellive, followed in 2016.

The band suffered a significant loss when founding member Thierry Del Cane passed away shortly after. They chose to continue in his memory. Subsequent years brought further lineup shifts alongside new recordings, including three singles and a music video released between 2022 and 2025.

Invasion marks a new chapter: Leni Andersen returns on vocals, and founding member Guy Duvy is back on bass. The current lineup is completed by Thomas Vanhorebeek and Nico RR on guitars, and Adrien Delgambe on drums (member since 2015). Adrien is the son of former drummer and founding member Tim Delval, bringing the band back to its roots alongside Guy and Leni, and continuing to deliver their signature furious heavy/speed metal.

To celebrate the announcement, the band has released the single and video “666 ‘n’ Rock’n’ Roll (Tribute to Them)”, a track dedicated to two icons of metal: Ozzy and Lemmy.

Stream the single: orcd.co/666rnr

Tracklist:

1 To The Shores
2 Invasion
3 Far Away
4 Mad Clown
5 Bloody Mary
6 Crying Out
7 Never Touch The Stars
8 666 ‘n’ Rock’n’ Roll (Tribute to them)
9 The Everlasting Journey

Connect With Drakkar:

drakkarband.com
www.facebook.com/Drakkar
www.instagram.com/drakkarofficial
www.youtube.com/@DrakkarBelgium
drakkar-belgium.bandcamp.com

TRIOSPHERE Announce New Album “Oceans Above, Stars Below”, Out August 28th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Ronny Danielsen

Norwegian heavy metal band Triosphere are pleased to announce the release of their new studio album, titled “Oceans Above, Stars Below”, scheduled for August 28, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

 Following the recent release of the single “Monster’s Ball”, Triosphere now share the new track “Of Tyrants”, along with an official video, available below.

The band described the song by saying: “While our music over the years has been described as heavy metal with elements of thrash, “Of Tyrants” is more thrash with elements of heavy metal! In-your-face attack with a catchy chorus and fierce guitar solos! Lyrically, it falls in the same category as the first single off the album, “Monster’s Ball”; how the history of mankind is one that’s layered thick with self-righteous destruction, led by a handful of tyrants, yet the tyrant lies dormant within us all”.

“For the video, we went to Rome and the brilliant Greta and Ray in Kinorama Studio! These two hold a wide range of talents and have created killer visuals for this song! This studio already comes with a strong recommendation, and we will certainly add to that!”, they added. 

Pre-Order “Oceans Above, Stars Below” HERE

The band commented: “This has been a long, loooong haul! But we are happy and proud to say that we once again feel we’ve made a strong and killer album and thrilled to have teamed up with the great Frontiers Music for bringing this out into the world! It’s a more intense album, both in atmosphere and speed, with hooks and melodies that’s cooler than ever, and we deeply hope and believe the listeners will feel it was well worth the wait!”

“As with our previous album, we knew that we wanted legendary Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios to do the mix of the album. The studio could at that time offer brand new, stellar facilities, so we decided to also record the drums and vocals there together with the excellent engineer/producer Alexander Backlund”, they continued. “This has lifted the audio quality of our albums to a new level, and we’re just so excited to finally share it all with the rest of the world!”

Furthermore, they added: “We’re also thrilled to properly share with you the album cover artwork by Giannis Nakos of Remedy Art Design! We were well familiar with Giannis’ quality-work when we first reached out to him, and based on our discussions around the album title and lyrics, he has created a truly intriguing eye-catcher of an artwork!”

Triosphere’s music moves in between hard rock, power prog and thrash metal, and presents uniquely honest and hard-hitting songs; from the heaviest to the calmest, from intricate to classic, all led by strong melodies and compelling guitarwork. 

Triosphere released their debut album “Onwards” on FaceFront Records in 2006/2007. It received rave reviews, and the award “Best Metal Album” from the world’s largest independent music organization JPF’s at their annual JPF Awards in Nashville in 2009. 

In 2010, the band signed with AFM Records, who released their sophomore album “The Road Less Travelled” (2010), and “The Heart Of The Matter” (2014). Both albums received huge critical acclaim worldwide and consequently a growing number of listeners. 

Throughout the years, the band has had the privilege of touring with some of the truly great names within the rock and metal genre: their first tours in 2006 and 2007 was with W.A.S.P., and in the years to follow they have toured Europe with Arch Enemy, Sonata Artica, Kamelot, Timo Kotipelto, Jorn, Crimson Glory and Sirenia. 

They’ve opened for Dio and Nightwish, and played festivals like Wacken Open Air, Progpower USA, 70 000 Tons of Metal, Tons of Rock and Metaldays, to name a few.

The bands’ solid quality both on record and stage have earned them a steadfast audience and listeners around the world, and their long-awaited new album perfectly encapsulates the essence of Triosphere, standing the test of time.

“Oceans Above, Stars Below” Tracklist:

1.    Premonition
2.    Of Tyrants
3.    Oceans Above, Stars Below
4.    Monster’s Ball
5.    Through The Phantom Wall
6.    Shorelines
7.    Lightning In A Bottle
8.    Encore
9.    Embers
10.    Orpheus’ Bane
11.    Cadence Of Chaos
12.    Gjenklang

Line Up:
Ida Haukland – bass and vocals
Marius Bergesen – guitars
Tor Ole Byberg – guitars
Kenneth Tårneby – drums

Follow TRIOSPHERE:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Swedish Grindcore Veterans GADGET Premiere “Coerced” EP Ahead of Release

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
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Swedish grindcore veterans GADGET have unveiled their highly anticipated new EP “Coerced” in its entirety, now streaming via Invisible Oranges ahead of its official release tomorrow on May 8th, 2026 through De:Nihil Records.

Marking the band’s first proper release in a decade and their debut with the revamped lineup, “Coerced” captures GADGET at their most focused and uncompromising.

The full premiere offers a comprehensive look at the band’s renewed creative drive, balancing raw intensity with sharper dynamics and subtle experimental nuances. With “Coerced”, GADGET reaffirm their place among the genre’s most ingenious acts, proving not only their return, but a clear evolution of their sound and intent.

Stream “Coerced” at THIS LOCATION.

“Coerced” is the band’s first proper release since 2016 and the debut with the revitalized lineup featuring Emilia Henriksson on vocals and Kristofer Jankarls on guitar.

“Coerced” comprises seven tracks written between 2019 and 2023, alongside a re-recording of the 2017 track “Funerary Rites”, which had previously been released only digitally in 2020 and never received a physical release. True to GADGET’s signature style, the EP delivers their relentless blend of grindcore, hardcore punk, and death metal, now pushing even further into the uncomfortably dense territories of noise and doomy sludge. The new material preserves the abrasive intensity that longtime fans expect, while also introducing subtle twists and turns that keep the sound fresh and unpredictable.

Cover illustration by Caroline Harrison http://www.carolinedraws.com

With “Coerced”, GADGET prove that they are not just returning—they are evolving. The EP captures the raw energy, sharp dynamics, and small experimental touches that have always defined the band’s approach, making it a definitive statement of their ongoing relevance in the grindcore scene. This release is a bold reminder that GADGET remain masters of their craft, combining sheer brutality with inventive songwriting, and they are now poised to reignite their live performances and push forward with renewed determination. “Coerced” is the ultimate announcement: GADGET are back, stronger and more uncompromising than ever.

Tracklist:

01. Nonsense
02. No Sense Of Self
03. What Doesn’t Serve You
04. Gnistan
05. Funerary Rites
06. Flatline
07. False Pulse
08. Violently Silent

Vinyl preorders: https://denihilrecords.bigcartel.com/

With the idea of playing grindcore heavily influenced by everything – but mostly death metal, hardcore/d-beat punk, and doom – GADGET was formed in the winter of 1999/2000 by William (drums, guitar, vocals) and Rikard (guitar, bass). Shortly after, they recorded their first demo, and with the addition of Emil (vocals) and Fredrik (bass), GADGET signed to Relapse Records, releasing three full-length albums between 2004 and 2016, along with several split releases with bands like EXHUMED, PHOBIA, and RETALIATION.

The band toured Europe, Scandinavia, and the US multiple times, sharing stages with Primitive Man, Vermin Womb, Lock Up, Cloud Rat, Implore, Crowpath, Napalm Death, Pyramido, Uprise, and others. They also played major festivals such as Brutal Assault (CZ), Obscene Extreme (CZ), Hellfest (FR), Netherland Deathfest, Bloodshed (NL), F*ck The Commerce (DE), Maryland Deathfest (US), and North West Terrorfest (US).

This lineup (Emil – vocals, Fredrik – bass, Rikard – guitar, William – drums) remained intact until fall 2019, when Emil left the band. With the help of friend Johan (Prescriptiondeath), they performed one final show before the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020. The GADGET/RETALIATION split EP was recorded in early 2020 with the help of several friends contributing vocals on each track. One of them, Emilia Henriksson (Radium Grrrls), stayed on for live shows after the pandemic, and together with Kristofer Jankarls (Livet Som Insats, Axis of Despair, Infanticide), who had been a live session bassist and second guitarist on and off since 2019, they both joined the band full-time in 2023.

In 2026, GADGET returns with the new EP “Coerced”, marking a fresh chapter for the band. With renewed energy and determination, they aim to fully resume their activities and continue pushing the boundaries of their sound.

Line-up:

Emilia Henriksson – Vocals
Kristofer Jankarls – Guitar & vocals
Rikard Olsson – Guitar
Fredrik Nygren – Bass
William Blackmon – Drums

“Coerced” was recorded at The Overlook, Gävle, Sweden March-July 2025. Mixed later on.
”False Pulse” recorded at Sätra Centrumstudion November 2025.
All lyrics by Emilia. Music by Rikard.
Guest vocals/lyrics on “Funerary Rites” by Johan Lundmark (PRESCRIPTIONDEATH, INFRACTION)

Arranged and produced by GADGET.

https://gadgetgrindcore.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gadgetgrindcore
https://www.facebook.com/GadgetGrindcore

FLESHCRAWL Unveil Bloodthirsty New Single Video ‘Embers Of Wrath’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Christian Sobeck

Centered around the needless bloodshed, horror and suffering of warfare, death metal band FLESHCRAWL present the new single “Embers of Wrath” with an accompanying music video. The long-standing German quintet will release their tenth studio album, Epitome of Carnage on June 12, 2026, via Distortion Music Group (DMG) – Powered by Reigning Phoenix Music.

On the musicality of “Embers of Wrath”, FLESHCRAWL reveal the track “acts as a counterweight to our other songs and also is an outlier in the particularly brutal line-up of songs we’ve written for this album, with a slightly more laid-back, mid-tempo and melodic approach”.

Retaining sonic styles from previous records that form a core part of FLESHCRAWL‘s identity was also crucial in the creation of the new single and upcoming album release. The band explain, “FLESHCRAWL was always known for mixing in the Gothenburg style melodies with the HM2 work on the previous albums, and this track also kind of pays homage to that specific element of the band that we’ve felt is just as important to preserve in our current and future work as it was in the past”. 

Stream “Embers of Wrath” here: https://fleshcrawl.rpm.link/embersPR 

The long-awaited Epitome of Carnage is constructed on the foundation of an expansive career. FLESHCRAWL remain devoted to the death metal genre despite having encountered loss and change along the way. As the tenth full-length release, the new album stands as testament to FLESHCRAWL‘s unwavering creativity and drive. Arriving seven years after 2019’s Into the Catacombs of Flesh, Epitome of Carnage reveals a renewed vigor and power that bleeds through the track list. 

Contained within Epitome of Carnage are twelve vicious onslaughts that showcase FLESHCRAWL‘s unimpeded speed and power. Materializing alongside demonstrations of inescapable heaviness, explosive riffs, and melodic touches amongst the shadows, they leave behind no survivors. 

Epitome of Carnage is set for release on June 12, 2026. Pre-order the album here: https://fleshcrawl.rpm.link/epitomePR

Track Listing:
1. Blood Dominion 
2. Chapel of Guts 
3. Grave Messiah
4. Embers of Wrath
5. Committed to Suffer 
6. Reign Forever 
7. Chronicles of Bloodshed
8. Rebuilt from Flesh 
9. Orphan God 
10. Path of Thorns
11. Heralds of Death 
12. Of Fire and Flesh

About FLESHCRAWL:

FLESHCRAWL was founded in the spring of 1987 in Illertissen, Germany, by Stefan Hanus and Bastian Herzog. Initially operating under the name Morgöth, the band adopted a markedly more extreme musical direction in 1990 and briefly performed as Suffocation. However, with the emergence of the American band of the same name and their impending vinyl debut, another name change became necessary. Thus, FLESHCRAWL was born.

Through decades of evolution, challenges, and perseverance, FLESHCRAWL has remained steadfast in its mission: delivering uncompromising, traditional death metal with authenticity, power, and unwavering conviction. In 2020, with a completely renewed and revitalized guitar lineup, the band entered the first songwriting sessions for their tenth studio album.

On June 11th, 2021, long-time vocalist Sven “Svenson” Gross passed away after a courageous battle with cancer that lasted over a year. His loss was a profound tragedy, deeply felt by his family, friends, and the entire FLESHCRAWL community. Despite this immense personal and professional blow, stepping back from their mission in death metal was never an option. The band began the search for a new voice to carry their legacy forward, and on October 15th, 2021, Borisz Sarafutgyinov was officially announced as FLESHCRAWL’s new and permanent frontman, ushering in a new chapter for the band.

Songwriting continued steadily throughout 2023, 2024, and into 2025, while the band maintained a strong live presence, performing at further renowned events such as Metal Gate Czech Deathfest, Hell over Aschaffenburg, Nice to Eat You Deathfest, Eindhoven Metal Meeting, Bucharest Deathfest, Heidelberg Metal Meeting, Braincrusher in Hell, Sick Midsummer, and the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise.

By 2025, songwriting for the successor to Into the Catacombs of Flesh (2019) was nearing completion. The band found a strong and capable new partner in Reigning Phoenix Music, securing a new label home for the release of Epitome of Carnage. In November 2025 FLESHCRAWL signed a worldwide deal with DMG.

FLESHCRAWL is: 
Bastian Herzog – Drums, Vocals
Manu Markowski – Bass
Apu Justin Reisch – Guitars
Christian Kalbrecht – Guitars
Borisz Sarafutgyinov – Vocals

FLESHCRAWL Online:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Spotify 
Apple Music

CROSSING I’S DOTTING T’S Album “I Used To Be” Is Here Again – Only Now It’s Physical

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2026
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Southern Californian alt-rock stars Crossing I’s Dotting T’s have crammed a lot into the three years since their debut album I Used To Be started exploding online back in October 2023.

Constantly gigging, and building up a massive following both at home and abroad, they have also become social media superstars, thanks to some captivating Tik Tok videos and more.

But it’s their overall sound – described by tenofclubs.co.uk as “an exhilarating blend of alt rock, emo, punk, and grunge, layered with Matt Mucerino’s distinctive, soaring vocals. Lyrically, the tracks are introspective and heartfelt, exploring themes of isolation, anxiety, death, and mortality. The result is a unique, genre-defying auditory experience.”

The band agree. “This album was fueled by grief, anger, and confusion,” they say.  “Music was made to evoke emotion, and this album’s intention is to do just that.”

Crossing I’s Dotting T’s were less than two years old when I Used To Be was originally released; in fact, Matt had only picked up the guitar in 2020, and it took the tragic death of his cousin Luke to inspire him to start writing songs.

Musically, his inspirations are widespread – he has cited Bush, Third Eye Blind and Sunny Day Real Estate, among many others.  But he refuses to be bound to one direction.

“I enjoy switching up sounds…. I take pride in not being able to say exactly what our sound is. That’s why we have some heavier songs and then some songs that sound more pop/punky.”

The quartet’s first gig was in an alleyway at an art walk in their hometown Pomona, but things moved quickly. Endorsements from Orange Amps and Ernie Ball, and an appearance on a CBS live show followed during 2021-2022, and the following year they signed with Cleopatra Records.

Recorded over a period of some 18 months, with a steady roster of guests (Cameron Sauve, Soren Crissel, Melanie Dilorenzo, Oliver Callison, Austin Hinkey and more), I Used To Be made its mark fast, debuting the band in Apple’s Top 50 Grunge Albums.

Even more spectacularly, the single “November Cold,” became a viral sensation, racking up over 3 million streams!

In fact, the digital-only album was just weeks old when the first demands for a physical release were heard, and those wishes are finally coming true on June 5, with the album being issued on no less than three formats –  CD, black/white/clear splatter vinyl and cassette.

Dotting I’s Crossing T’s, meanwhile, are already planning their next album.  Their future looks dazzling!

CD/VINYL/CASS: https:// cleorecs.com/search?q= crossing+i%27s+dotting+t%27s
DIGITAL: https://orcd.co/i_ used_to_be

Track List:

  1. Would You Speak?
  2. All Feelings Aside
  3. Far Away
  4. Hard To Breathe
  5. November Cold
  6. Overworked And Underused
  7. Nothing Left
  8. Cheap Beers & IOU
  9. A Word Away