Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

The Magic Of Metal

  • Home
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • CHIEF SHOCK VIDEO
  • Metal Shock Times
  • PARTNERS
  • WhoWeAre
    • Advertising
    • Contact Us
    • MSF STAFF
    • We Recommend…

RED LIGHT ACID TEST to Release New Single ‘Little Death’ on 17th September

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 8, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: RED LIGHT ACID TEST. Leave a comment

Edgy, alternative rockers Red Light Acid Test release their huge new single ‘Little Death’ on 17th September, an intense, raw meld of fuzzed up riffs and searing vocals tightly wrapped around dark desires and intentions. 

“Little Death is a pitch-black song for all romantics. Built around a heavily fuzzed staccato guitar rhythm, weighty low end groove and seductive crooned vocals.

The lyrics explore the themes of attraction, desire and lust, and the thin line between. The song implies that ‘sex is a big deal – no big thing’ at the same time. Where there is consent and desire, it shouldn’t be scorned – where there isn’t, it costs the victim.”

Preorder ‘Little Death’: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/redlightacidtest/little-death

Preorder ‘Frayed’ album: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/redlightacidtest/frayed

Red Light Acid Test came together in London 2019 to create hard, alternative rock music that is distinctively warped from the mainstream. Their choppy rhythms, staggered guitars and dark, melodic vocals make for an intense listening experience. 

The 4 piece are known for their energetic and pulling-no-punches live shows, having played in bars and clubs across South East England incl. Hard Rock Hell, Hoxton Festival, Camden Rocks etc.
Red Light Acid Test have been compared to Queens of the Stone Age, Killing Joke, Mark Lanegan, Idles, Helmet, Sonic Youth, Muse, all the while keeping at the forefront their own unique sound. 

They have released singles since 2020, all receiving wide acclaim and plays on radio stations across the UK and Ireland, incl. BBC Introducing, Kerrang, Total Rock, Scotland Rocks, MMH and many more. 

Their debut album ‘Frayed‘ will be released on 29th October 2026 and they will release a series of singles across the year, leading up to the album. Red Light Acid Test continue to build a reputation as one of the most exciting bands in alternative rock, definitely ones to watch in the coming years.

Recorded by Ian Davenport the Mercury Prize nominated producer (Gaz Coombes, Slowdive, Band of Skulls).

https://www.instagram.com/redlightacidtest/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/150suJJQ9RN6MLoJNZ50ww
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063450204367

POLARIS Emerge from Grief with Powerful New Single + Video ‘Without You’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 8, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Polaris. Leave a comment
Photo: thirdeyevisualsau

At the crossroads of grief and exhilarating sonic potency, Sydney’s Polaris return today with their first instalment of new music in three years, unleashing their brand new single ‘Without You‘ via ADA in AU/NZ and SharpTone Records for the remainder of the world.

Born from unimaginable pain following the loss of their bandmate and brother Ryan Siew in 2023, ‘Without You’ channels their love, hurt and heartbreak into an indelible end result. The track coalesces caustic vocals, crushing beats and torrid riffs set against soaring melodic choruses, a heart wrenching guitar solo and a ferocious breakdown outro that rivals Polaris’ heaviest moments to date. Hauntingly poignant, its lyrics show the band in their most brutally vulnerable state.

“Never did we imagine that we would one day have reason to write this song. But three years on, we find ourselves still making sense of this immeasurable tragedy, and what it has meant to be left in the wake.

This is the sound of crushing loss, shock, grief and heartache, and the beginning of us learning how to share that with the world.” 
–  Polaris

Alongside the release of ‘Without You’, Polaris have also today shared an enrapturing music video that powerfully captures the track’s ferocity and emotion. Highlighting the members left behind in this tragedy, the video brings forth their future while also reflecting and taking note of their creative past; interspersing imagery drawn from the band’s history with solemn visuals of the members performing in a stark, empty cathedral.

Now with three studio albums, multiple ARIA Award nominations, millions of streams and a formidable global live reputation under their belt, Polaris have cemented themselves as a conduit for creating music that challenges, reflects and inspires alongside a blend of melodic metalcore, lush post rock coupled with electronic flourishes.

Forming in 2012, Polaris established their heavyweight status in the scene with their first two full-length albums, 2017’s The Mortal Coil and 2020’s The Death Of Me, both of which debuted in the Australian Top 10 and received ARIA nominations for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album. In 2023, Polaris expanded on their signature bleak imagery and hard-hitting soundscapes, embracing heavier tendencies and new creative terrain on their third album, Fatalism.

The record was marked by unimaginable loss following the sudden passing of guitarist Ryan Siew just months before its release, ultimately becoming a posthumous reflection of his legacy and contributions to Polaris. In the wake of the tragedy, the music community rallied around the band, with Fatalism debuting at #1 on the ARIA Charts and earning widespread acclaim. The album was named triple j’s Feature Album upon release, won Best Independent Heavy Album at the 2024 AIR Awards, and earned nominations for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album at the 2024 ARIA Music Awards, Australian Album of the Year at the 2023 J Awards and the 2023 Australian Music Prize.

Polaris have built a formidable global live reputation, selling out headline tours across Australia and taking their explosive live show around the world. In 2025, the band made their Knotfest Australia debut and appeared at major international festivals including Download Festival, Rock Am Ring & Rock Im Park, Jera On Air and Rock for People. That momentum has continued throughout 2026, with Polaris launching their own curated festival, Life’s A Beach, before supporting longtime heroes Linkin Park on a massive Australian arena run and most recently joining Electric Callboy for the North American leg of their TANZNEID World Tour. Next up, they’ll head to the UK and Europe with I Prevail this autumn before returning home for Australia’s Good Things Festival in December.

POLARIS TOUR DATES:

Sept 19 – O2 Academy Leeds – Leeds, UK*
Sept 20 – O2 Academy Glasgow – Glasgow, UK*
Sept 22 – O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester – Manchester, UK*
Sept 23 – DEPOT – Cardiff, UK*
Sept 25 – Alexandra Palace – London, UK*
Sept 26 – O2 Academy Birmingham – Birmingham, UK*
Sept 27 – O2 Academy Birmingham – Birmingham, UK*
Sept 30 – Ancienne Belgique – Brussels, Belgium*
Oct 1 – Poppodium 013 – Tilburg, Netherlands*
Oct 3 – PSD Bank Dome – Düsseldorf, Germany*
Oct 5 – Porsche-Arena – Stuttgart, Germany*
Oct 6 – Zenith Paris – La Villette – Paris, France*
Oct 8 – Halle 622 – Zürich, Switzerland*
Oct 9 – Alcatraz – Milan, Italy*
Oct 10 – Wiener Stadthalle – Vienna, Austria*
Oct 12 – Klub Stodoła – Warsaw, Poland*
Oct 13 – Velodrom – Berlin, Germany*
Oct 22-25 – Hellbound Cruise – Sydney, Australia
Dec 4 – Good Things Festival – Melbourne, Australia
Dec 5 – Good Things Festival – Sydney, Australia
Dec 6 – Good Things Festival – Brisbane, Australia

*w/ I Prevail

ABYSSAL DECAY Release New Single ‘On The Desolate Plain’ from Upcoming “Call Of The Abyss” Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 8, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Abyssal Decay. Leave a comment

Underground metal force Abyssal Decay has officially announced their forthcoming full-length album, Call of the Abyss. Delivering a soul-crushing sonic assault, the new record weaves together chaotic, razor-sharp riffs and sinister cosmic horror, standing as an uncompromising voice of rebellion against the decay of convention.

Forged in the darkest recesses of the underground scene, Call of the Abyss drags listeners into the horrifying lore of the Abyss—an endless ocean of living rot outside of time—and its faceless emissary, Nihilash. Across the album’s brutal tracklist, Abyssal Decay channels the cosmic horror of the Faceless Sovereign, whose very presence ignites viral madness and memory-erasing destruction. Themes of corrupted power, mass madness, and the grim reality that “decay is not destruction—it is reproduction” echo throughout the record’s heavy thrash rhythms.

Call of the Abyss is a concept-driven journey through the dark harvest of human existence. It confronts listeners with the ultimate truth of the cosmic dark: that death is merely the first layer of rot.

Ahead of the full album release, Abyssal Decay have unleashed the record’s blistering first single, “On The Desolate Plain”. The single serves as the opening rift in the veil, offering a foreboding glimpse into the barren, soul-erasing landscapes sculpted by Nihilash.

“Where Nihilash walks, death is not an end. It is merely the first layer of rot,” the band states. “Our music is a relentless assault on the senses—infused with stories of serial killers, corrupted power, and the untold horrors of the world. We stand for those who crave intensity and meaning in their music. Join us on a journey through the abyss and witness the decay of convention.”

Physical media collectors can secure physical pressings of the release on Vinyl and CD, available via exclusive promotional offers directly through the band’s official site. Call of the Abyss will be available across all major streaming platforms, Bandcamp, and physical formats.

Pre-Save & Physical Pre-Orders:

  • Pre-Save Single “On The Desolate Plain”: LANDR Pre-Save Link
  • Bandcamp: abyssaldecay666.bandcamp.com
  • Official Website: abyssaldecay.com
  • Physical Editions (Vinyl & CD): Will Be Available via abyssaldecay.com

About Abyssal Decay:

Abyssal Decay was forged in the depths of the underground scene, channeling the chaos of society and the darkness within. Built on chaotic riffs, crushing rhythms, and deep thematic lore, Abyssal Decay creates music for those who crave intensity, raw emotion, and rebellion against the status quo.

Website: https://abyssaldecay.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578722540472
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abyssal_decay666
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abyssaldecay666
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Abyssal-Decay-666

ARCHGOAT Stream Sixth Full-Length “Nightbringer, Lightbringer” Ahead of Release

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 8, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Archgoat. Leave a comment

Uncompromising, unaffected, unbowed, and capped with another inimitable cover from the legendary Chris Moyen, ARCHGOAT now present a devasting sixth full-length. “Nightbringer, Lightbringer” will officially be released on September 11th, but is now being premiered in full by the Finnish legends via Black Metal Promotion YouTube channel.

Find all info about “Nightbringer, Lightbringer” here and follow the band on Facebook for regular updates!

Coinciding with the new full-length, we also present CD and vinyl reissues of the band’s legendary first two albums, “Whore of Bethlehem” (out September 11th) and “The Light-Devouring Darkness” (out now), both presented using an updated opaque red layout.

Listen to these eleven incomparable new blasphemies below:

Furthermore, ARCHGOAT will unleash their blasphemous Black Metal assault at the following shows – with more dates to follow:

26.09.2026 – Fuusio/Livesali, Turku [Finland]
06.11.2026 – Mass Destruction Metal Fest VIII, Atlanta [USA]
07.11.2026 – Chicago, Reggies Rock Club [USA]
08.11.2026 – Brooklyn, The Meadows [USA]
20.03.2027 – Black Night Sorceries, Prague [Czech Republic]
16.04.2027 – Istanbul, Blind [Turkey]
13.-15.05.2027 – Steelfest, Hyvinkää [Finland]

“Nightbringer, Lightbringer” and the two re-releases can be ordered – including merch – via DMP’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.

ARCHGOAT crawled from the deepest pits of hell to form in 1989, a demonic trio consisting of brothers Ritual Butcherer on guitars and Lord Angelslayer on vocals/bass, with Blood Desecrator handling drums. After a pair of initial demo tapes, in 1993 ARCHGOAT shook the Black Metal world with debut EP “Angelcunt (Tales of Desecration)“, showcasing a relentless and bestial blend of Black and Death Metal. After a growing dissolution with the Black Metal scene at large, and a disagreement with their then-record label Necropolis Records, ARCHGOAT vanished in late 1993.

In 2004 the gates reopened anew. ARCHGOAT returned initially with some long-lost material and then in 2006, the release of their groundbreaking first official full-length, “Whore of Bethlehem“. The band subsequently unleashed two more albums, 2009’s “The Light-Devouring Darkness“, and 2015’s “The Apocalyptic Triumphator” via new label Debemur Morti Productions, in addition to a series of splits, EPs, and compilations. Between releases ARCHGOAT carved out a deadly reputation via their malevolent live rituals, storming the shores of Europe, the US, and Mexico alongside bands such as BEHEXEN, BLACK WITCHERY, and HELL MILITIA.

2018 saw the band unleash “The Luciferian Crown“, their second full length for DMP, and an ungodly black sacrament of the kind that only ARCHGOAT can craft. In 2020, the live album “Black Mass XXX” was issued, capturing the angelslaying chaos present during the band’s September 2019 Paris performance.

2021 fifth album “Worship The Eternal Darkness” saw ARCHGOAT cement their well-earned reputation for consistency via a unique synthesis of occult Finnish Black/Death Metal, harsh Punk, primal Thrash and Grindcore. The follow-up and companion piece mini-album “All Christianity Ends” – a natural successor to the band’s first EP “Angelcunt” – was unleashed in 2022, channelling the rawness and devastation of the band’s earliest days in four gruesome new compositions.

Between 2022 and 2026, ARCHGOAT continued to propagate their darkness via numerous live rituals, reaching territories they had never desecrated before. Highlights include the band’s October 2024 headline performance at DMP’s Servants of Chaos festival in Germany, and in 2025, two highly successful tours across Latin America and China.

Now, in 2026, the Finnish Black Metal war machine returns with an unwaveringly destructive sixth album. Recorded in February at the Malmi Dungeon with Teemu Velin, “Nightbringer, Lightbringer” is scheduled for release on September 11th and see the band crown their 37th year with uncompromising brutality.

French Progressive Death Metal Visionaries EPITAPHE Premiere New Album “III” Ahead of Release

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 8, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: EPITAPHE. Leave a comment

French progressive death metal visionaries EPITAPHE have now unveiled their highly anticipated third full-length “III” in its entirety, with No Clean Singing hosting the album premiere ahead of its official release on September 11th via Aesthetic Death (CD + LP) and Gurgling Gore (MC).

Following the atmospheric preview offered by “Transient”, the full album reveals the complete scope of EPITAPHE‘s most ambitious work to date. “III” pushes their progressive death metal foundation into darker and increasingly expansive territory, balancing crushing passages with intricate acoustic sections, richly layered arrangements and moments of striking atmosphere.

Stream “III” at THIS LOCATION.

Following the overwhelming acclaim received by “II”, EPITAPHE return with their most ambitious and fully realized work to date. Rather than departing from the artistic path that established the band’s identity, “III” refines, expands and elevates every defining element of its predecessors into a collection of compositions that is both more immersive and more emotionally compelling.

The album pushes the band’s death metal foundation to new extremes, embracing an even harsher, darker and more unforgiving sound without sacrificing the sophistication that has become synonymous with EPITAPHE. Counterbalancing its crushing weight are exquisitely crafted acoustic passages and richly atmospheric interludes that paint vivid sonic landscapes. Once again, at times the distinctive voice of the saxophone plays a central role, adding remarkable depth, warmth and color while further reinforcing the band’s unmistakable musical identity.

Rather than relying on a predictable contrast between moments of aggression and restraint, “III” unfolds with an organic, narrative flow, allowing each composition to evolve naturally and reveal new layers over repeated listens. Every transition serves a purpose, every melody contributes to the wider emotional arc, and every arrangement reflects a meticulous attention to detail. The result is an album of exceptional scope and cohesion, confirming EPITAPHE as one of the most artistically significant acts in today’s extreme metal landscape.

“III” was recorded by James Leonard at Mémoire Mécanique Studio and Pentachrome Wave Studio, before being mixed by James Leonard and mastered by Greg Chandler at Priory Recording Studios. The album artwork features “Spring Frost”, a striking painting by acclaimed Finnish artist Petri Ala-Maunus, perfectly complementing the record’s immersive atmosphere and profound sense of scale.

Tracklist:

01. Half-Light
02. Windswept
03. Spring Frost
04. Transient
05. Liminal

Line-up:

PB: Vocals, Saxophone
AG: Drums, Percussion
LB: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Fretless Bass, Keyboards & Effects

Music by EPITAPHE
Lyrics by LB

https://epitaphe.bandcamp.com/
https://instagram.com/epitaphedeathmetal
https://www.facebook.com/epitaphemetal/

MAD PAINTER Release New Single & Music Video ‘Debt Collector’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 8, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: MAD PAINTER. Leave a comment

US rock veteran Mad Painter present the single & video for “Debt Collector”, a track taken from the band’s upcoming album “Island Poetry”, due for release on October 9th, 2026 via Epictronic.

Driven by gritty vocals, infectious basslines, and an explosive garage-rock attitude, “Debt Collector” delivers a swagger-filled blast of classic rock energy. Built on a tight, swinging rhythm section, sharp guitar hooks, and a playful sense of mischief, the track captures Mad Painter’s ability to blend vintage influences with their own distinctive personality.

The track turns relationship frustration into a witty rock ’n’ roll courtroom—where emotional debts and overdue affection become a fiery battle of wits between lovers.

Stream the single: https://open.spotify.com/track/0INQ2ego49KQ7tbhJjWql4

The new Mad Painter’s album “Island Poetry” is a focused, collaborative album shaped by the current band’s lineup. Inspired by the image of island dwellers gathered around a campfire under a full moon, the record explores the idea of creative freedom and escaping everyday pressures.

Rooted in 1970s British rock, the album blends Hammond-driven hard rock, boogie, progressive textures, theatrical arrangements, and heavy riffs across twelve tracks. Recorded at Lowell Street Sound by Tom Hamilton, who handled production and mixing, the album embraces a warm, natural analog-style sound. Featuring lyrics by Dmitry M. Epstein on six tracks and closing with a cover of Uriah Heep’s “Circle of Hands,” “Island Poetry” celebrates the spirit of classic rock while adding Mad Painter’s own identity.

Pre-save “Island Poetry”: orcd.co/islandpoetry

About Mad Painter

Mad Painter is a Boston-area rock band devoted to the weight, color, and melodic ambition of classic 1970s rock. Led by vocalist, keyboardist, songwriter, and concept creator Alex Gitlin, the group builds its sound around roaring Hammond organ, hard-driving guitar, muscular rhythms, layered vocals, and warm analog-style production.

The band’s music draws heavily from the golden age of British hard rock, progressive rock, glam, boogie, and blues-based album rock, with Deep Purple and Uriah Heep as central reference points — particularly in the use of Hammond organ as a lead instrument rather than background texture. Elements of Rainbow, Queen, Status Quo, Wishbone Ash, Motörhead, Nektar, Moody Blues, Barclay James Harvest, AC/DC, Spooky Tooth, and Atomic Rooster also run through the band’s vocabulary.

The current recorded lineup features Alex Gitlin, drummer Al Hendry, bassist Kenne Highland, guitarist Al Naha, and backing vocalist Julie Gee, with Sharon Crumrine appearing as additional backing vocalist on “Island Poetry.” Together, they make vintage-minded but not nostalgic music: dramatic songs, heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and expansive arrangements, played with conviction.

Follow Mad Painter’s musical odyssey:

Website: madpainter.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/madpainter1
X: x.com/painter_mad
Instagram: instagram.com/madpainterband
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@madpainter4010
Spotify

Posts navigation

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →
  • 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
  • Ads

  • Metal Shock Finland

    Metal Shock Finland
Website Powered by WordPress.com.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )
    Join 954 other subscribers

    Have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.

  • Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )
    View site in Reader
    Manage subscriptionsSign upLog in
    Report this content
    Collapse this bar