Finnish neoclassical dark wave outfit KLAShTAL has released a new single ‘Remembrance’. The opening track from their upcoming debut album marks a start of a sonic journey through destruction, oblivion and eventually, salvation. Remembrance is a song about awakening and ascension – the anabasis of the ghost of the collective memory of an extinct species.
–ISRC: FI3FC2553101 –Composition & Lyrics by Jesse Heikkinen
Started as an ambient side project, KLAShTAL has now transformed into a serious channel of self-expression for the Finnish musician Jesse Heikkinen (Iterum Nata, The Abbey, ex-Hexvessel). KLAShTAL’s debut album Oblivion Dreams marks a new chapter in Heikkinen’s ever-evolving musical career and pushes his experiments with different genres even further. While dark, dreamlike and meditative, yet comforting and healing, KLAShTAL’s music will take the listener to post-apocalyptic ruins of a lost world where the echoes of mankind have almost completely softened. KLAShTAL’s music pays respect to genres like dungeon synth, dark wave and new age, as well as bands like Dead Can Dance, Forndom and Nox Arcana. All music on Oblivion Dreams is written, played, recorded and produced by Heikkinen, except the Moog synthesizer played by Thomas Cowgill, also known as the neofolk/dark americana artist King Dude.
Oblivion Dreams will be released on November 28 via Inverse Records.
CHARLOTTE WESSELS’ The Obsession joins forces with VOLA’s Asger Mygind for the haunting new single “Backup Plan”, an intimate duet between life and death. Originally appearing as a bonus track on select vinyl editions of CHARLOTTE’s full-band debut The Obsession (2024), the song now takes center stage as a beautifully crafted collaboration that merges both artists’ distinctive voices in a spellbinding harmony that lingers long after it ends. Following CHARLOTTE and her band’s appearance on VOLA’s Friend of a Phantom Tour in 2024, this release not only reunites the two acts but also marks the first anniversary of The Obsession, a fitting moment to let “Backup Plan” step into the light.
“Backup Plan (feat. Asger Mygind/VOLA)” is featured on The Obsession (Deluxe Edition), out digitally this Friday, October 24, 2025 via Napalm Records. The release sets the stage for an exciting year ahead, as CHARLOTTEWESSELS will join Epica and Amaranthe on their extensive Arcane Dimensions Tour across Europe in 2026.
CHARLOTTE WESSELS about “Backup Plan (feat. Asger Mygind/VOLA)”: “The new single, ‘Backup Plan (feat. Asger Mygind/VOLA)’, is one of those songs that refused to let go. It started as an outtake from the original sessions, but something about it never felt complete, until we toured with VOLA and the missing piece revealed itself. Asger’s voice perfectly brought out the song’s contrast between beauty and darkness. The song presents a conversation between life and the quiet pull of the unknown, a duet with Death, presenting itself not as a villain but as a kind refuge. Working with Asger Mygind brought that concept fully to life; his performance captures the gentleness and gravity I always imagined. this version finally sounds the way it was always meant to.”
Asger Mygind adds: “I needed no time to consider my participation when Charlotte asked if I wanted to be a guest on ‘Backup Plan’. Her sound is immensely distinctive, adventurous and catchy, and I was thrilled diving into the colorful universe she evokes with her songwriting. It was definitely a challenging song to sing, but it was also great fun using my voice in a slightly different way than what I’m used to!”
The Obsession (Deluxe Edition) tracklisting: 1. Chasing Sunsets 2. Dopamine (feat. Simone Simons) 3. The Exorcism 4. Soulstice 5. The Crying Room 6. Ode To The West Wind (feat. Alissa White-Gluz) 7. Serpentine 8. Praise 9. All You Are 10. Vigor And Valor 11. Breathe; Extended 12. Soft Revolution (2024) 13. Backup Plan (feat. Asger Mygind/VOLA) 14. Dopamine (Dreamscape Version / feat. Simone Simons) 15. The Crying Room (Live At Dynamo Metalfest) 16. Soft Revolution (Live At Dynamo Metalfest) 17. The Exorcism (Live At Dynamo Metalfest)
With thousands of monthly Spotify listeners and a dedicated Patreon community, CHARLOTTE WESSELS already made a strong impression with her acclaimed solo releases Tales From Six Feet Under (2021) and Tales From Six Feet Under Vol. II (2022). With The Obsession (2024), she alongside her band of former DELAIN bandmates Timo Somers (guitars, additional arrangements), Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (bass) and Joey Marin de Boer (drums), plus Nina van Beelen (keys, backing vocals), takes a bold step into the next level of her career, giving powerful performances at major European festivals such as Summer Breeze Open Air, Graspop Metal Meeting, Leyendas del Rock, Hellfest Open Air, Rock Castle, Dynamo Metal Fest and more.
Fittingly, The Obsession (Deluxe Edition), out this Friday, expands the journey with “Backup Plan (feat. Asger Mygind/VOLA)”, three live recordings from Dynamo Metal Fest, an extended version of “Breathe;” and a dreamy reimagining of the previously released single “Dopamine” (feat. Simone Simons/Epica) with new vocal layers and arrangements by Vikram Shankar.
CHARLOTTE WESSELS states: “It’s wild to think it’s been a year since The Obsession came out, yet this record still has stories to tell, it’s like it’s been quietly evolving alongside us. The digital deluxe edition is our way of giving those stories another breath and expanding the world of the album. It feels like the perfect bridge to what’s coming next: the Arcane Dimensions Tour with Epica and Amaranthe in early 2026, a new adventure where these songs can live, transform, and connect in entirely new ways.”
The Obsession tracklisting: 1. Chasing Sunsets (feat. Simone Simons) 2. Dopamine 3. The Exorcism 4. Soulstice 5. The Crying Room 6. Ode To The West Wind (feat. Alissa White-Gluz) 7. Serpentine 8. Praise 9. All You Are 10. Vigor And Valor 11. Breathe; 12. Soft Revolution (2024)
CHARLOTTE WESSELS Live 2026
Supporting Epica & Amaranthe On Their “Arcane Dimensions Tour” 16.01.26 DE – Cologne / Palladium 17.01.26 DE – Munich / Zenith 18.01.26 BE – Brussels / Vorst Nationaal 20.01.26 UK – Bristol / Beacon 21.01.26 UK – Glasgow / Barrowland 23.01.26 UK – Manchester / O2 Apollo 24.01.26 UK – London / Eventim Apollo 25.01.26 FR – Paris / Zenith 27.01.26 CH – Zurich / Halle 622 28.01.26 IT – Milan / Alcatraz 30.01.26 ES – Barcelona / Razzmatazz 31.01.26 ES – Madrid / Sala La Rivera 01.02.26 PT – Lisbon / Coliseu dos Recreios 03.02.26 FR – Toulouse / Le Bikini 04.02.26 FR – Lyon / Radiant-Bellevue 06.02.26 DE – Ludwigsburg / MHP Arena 07.02.26 NL – Amsterdam / Ziggo Dome 06.03.26 DE – Hamburg / Inselpark Arena 07.03.26 DE – Leipzig / Haus Auensee 08.03.26 DE – Berlin / Columbiahalle 10.03.26 DK – Copenhagen / Poolen 11.03.26 SE – Stockholm / Fallan 13.03.26 FI – Oulu / Tapahtumakeskus Tullisali 14.03.26 FI – Helsinki / Black Box 15.03.26 EE – Tallinn / Helitehas 17.03.26 PL – Warsaw / Arena Torwar 18.03.26 AT – Vienna / Gasometer 21.03.26 CZ – Prague / Forum Karlin 22.03.26 DE – Frankfurt / Jahrhunderthalle
Finnish black metal band Verilehto is set to release their second album Aarnihauta on November 28th 2025 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘Virvatulet’ is unleashed today and the track can be heard here: https://push.fm/fl/verilehto-virvatulet
“The closing track of the album, Virvatulet, has been one of my favorites from the start. It eases off the gas pedal and gives room for the story. During the making of the album, I read a lot about old Finnish mythology and the lyrics of this song were among the first I wrote for the album. This song really shows the core of Verilehto. Beautifully wandering guitars, cries of pain and a gripping atmosphere. A magnificent conclusion to the album, which is why it was chosen as the second single.” Says vocalist Janne Partanen
–Composition, arrangement & production: Janne Tuikkala. –Lyrics & arrangement: Janne Partanen. –Arrangement: Markus Räipiö. –Mastering: Petteri Kurki –ISRC: FI3FC2595607 –Artwork by Janne Partanen
The Finnish melodic black metal band Verilehto is back with a new album, Aarnihauta. The album title translates as ‘hidden grave in the forest’, which is a fitting description of the band’s second album.
Verilehto plays Finnish 90s-style black metal, characterised by melodic and aggressive riffs, raw vocals, and an eerie overall tone. The Finnish folklore-inspired lyrics fit well with the band’s versatile riffs, and the songs vary from fast blastbeats to slower storytelling elements.
This album also sees a change in Verilehto’s line-up, with Markus Räppiö from Kaira joining the crew. With Markus on bass, Janne Partanen (Hautajaisyö, Alfa Pentatonik, Marraskuun Lapset, Paavalin Harhat) on vocals, and Janne Tuikkala (Muria & Dawn of Everwinter) on guitars, drums and synth, the band is stronger than ever.
‘Aarnihauta’ sees the band continuing to evolve from their debut album ‘Kuoleman Siipien Havina’ by focusing on their own sound and style. The album is not overly polished, and has a good raw quality to the production, but this is not the main focus. It was recorded by the band themselves in 2024–25.
The album artwork was created by the talented Awinita Alm, and the single artwork was created by the band. The “Aarnihauta” video was filmed in 2024 and edited by Janne Tuikkala and Markus Räppiö.
Aarnihauta Track list:
Surutta Tapettu
Nälänhätä
Aarnihauta
Kalman Sotajuokko
Tuhkaverho
Syöjätär
Virvatulet
Artwork by Awinita Alm
Line-up: Janne Tuikkala – Guitars, Drums, Synths Janne Partanen – Vocals Markus Räipiö – Bass & Backing Vocals
Eclipse Records is thrilled to announce the signing of an exclusive worldwide deal with OATHBOUND, a Progressive Metalcore band from Seattle (USA) that channels the raw, unfiltered emotion that defines the human condition while crafting sonic soundscapes that are as emotionally resonant as they are sonically powerful. Oathbound just wrapped up production of their new second album entitled Colors In Grey which will be released via Eclipse Records on March 6, 2026. The album was produced by Oathbound, engineered by Taylor Harper & Kalyan Lopez, and mixed & mastered by Aaron Chaparian (As I Lay Dying, Bleeding Through, Chimaira).
“Signing with Eclipse is the realization of a lifelong dream for me!” says guitarist Taylor Harper. “Since the moment I first laid eyes on an electric guitar, I knew that creating music was my calling. I can’t thank the Eclipse Team enough for trusting us to represent their brand and for welcoming us with open arms! I can’t wait to see where it all goes from here!” Vocalist Chris Fox adds, “I am beyond honored for this opportunity and for the support from such a reputable establishment in the industry. Music is my dream and I’ll make sure to not disappoint. Doing this is my life and I hope to do it until the end!“ Guitarist Viktor Schultz adds “I’m thrilled about the opportunities that working with Eclipse will provide! It’s a very exciting time for Oathbound and I can’t wait to make the best music we can!” Drummer Travis Morlan continues, “Life is wild. I’m living the dream that I imagined when I was 3 years old and I am honored to sign to Eclipse. It still doesn’t feel real!”
Cover art Credit: Aaron Varshay
This latest full-length from Oathbound, Colors In Grey, is exactly the kind of record the progressive metalcore scene needs right now. It’s a definitive statement that firmly entrenches the band in the upper echelon of the genre. More than a simple collection of songs, this is a rigorous, nine-track emotional excavation. The Seattle outfit has always possessed a gift for channeling raw human experience—confronting themes like trauma, addiction, and heartbreak head-on—but here they successfully forge those dark elements into a work of unexpected, profound catharsis. Slated for release on March 6, 2026, this album is an undeniable, critical pivot point for their career. The sheer sonic ambition is evident from the moment the music hits. Colors In Grey was self-produced, a commitment that highlights the band’s unflinching confidence in their vision. Crucially, that vision was polished by the masterful mixing and mastering of Aaron Chaparian at Iron Audio. Considering his work with acts like As I Lay Dying, Bleeding Through, and Chimaira, you know the commitment to brutal sonic clarity is absolute. Chaparian grants the album a powerful, dynamic space where every crushing riff and intricate, machine-gun rhythm lands with visceral impact. This process ensures the sound avoids the sterile sheen that plagues so much modern heavy music; the soaring clean passages feel wholly earned, and the heaviness is truly immense. We should also note the visual component: Aaron Varshay’s striking artwork perfectly captures the emotional tension and nuance that defines the record’s entire mood. Colors In Grey is far more than a technical blueprint; it is a forceful, profoundly human document that reminds us why metal, at its best, is the ultimate vehicle for spiritual connection and catharsis. This is the sound of a band operating at an undeniable peak. The album & singles feature cover art designed by Aaron Varshay. It is scheduled for release on March 6, 2026.
Pre-Save or Pre-Order Colors In Grey at this location.
Colors In Grey track listing 01. Origins 02. Colors In Grey 03. Set Adrift 04. Misunderstood 05. The Masks We Wear 06. Insomniac 07. Searching For An Answer 08. Hold On 09. False Ideals
Oathbound lineup
Chris Fox (vocals), Taylor Harper (guitar), Viktor Schultz (guitar), Steve Schwarz (bass), Travis Morlan (drums)
Guitarist Gene Palubicki (Angelcorpse, Perdition Temple), vocalist & bassist Steve Tucker (Morbid Angel) and drummer John Longstreth (Origin, Hate Eternal, ex-Angelcorpse) have finished recording their debut album as MALEFIC THRONE. Titled “The Conquering Darkness,” the album is set for release on November 28th via Agonia Records.
The trio was put together by Palubicki in 2020, after initially having met at Morrisound in 1997, where both Angelcorpse and Morbid Angel were recording their own albums side to side. “This bands roots can be traced all the way back to the mid 90s when Gene, Steve, and I first met at Morrisound studios,” John Longstreth comments. “It’s an amazing feeling to see those old conversations and hang outs develop into a true celebration of blistering infernal death metal. I have no doubt that this union will be absolutely crushing.” Palubicki stresses out that the music produced by MALEFIC THRONE has the imprint of all three members very present in every moment of the songs. The synthesis of the three members through delivery and writing is what makes band its own special entity, with an an increased dynamic within the form of death metal they generate.
“The Conquering Darkness” was recorded, mixed and mastered at Menegroth The Thousand Caves (Gorguts, Origin, Atheist) with Colin Marston. Drummer John Longstreth hints at the outcome as extremely brutal and infernal nuclear death metal. Its cover artwork was painted by renowned artist Daniele Valeriani (Dark Funeral, Mayhem). Christophe Szpajdel (Emperor, Moonspell) crafted the band’s logo.
Belfast-based metal force Nihilanth are back with their brand-new single ‘Ruin’, set for release on October 23rd, marking their first new music since the breakout success of ‘The Valley Beneath’. The track offers a dark and introspective glimpse into the band’s forthcoming new EP, due for release in early 2026.
Following a whirlwind year that saw Nihilanth win Metal 2 The Masses Belfast 2024 and perform to a packed crowd on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock Open Air, the band have wasted no time channeling that energy into their next creative chapter.
Their previous single, ‘The Valley Beneath’, which received airplay on BBC Introducing with Alyx Holcombe, helped the band make their mark as one of Ireland’s most promising new heavy acts. Speaking about the new single, the band comment: “‘Ruin’ is a song about battling inner demons, self-destruction and deprivation. You can be your own worst enemy, but even when you’re in the darkest of mindsets, we still have the capacity and realisation that all is not lost.”
Formed during the summer of 2021, Nihilanth quickly established themselves within the Irish metal scene through their crushing live performances and debut EP, Destroyer of Worlds, released on March 17th, 2023. With ‘Ruin’, the band elevate their sound further, blending atmosphere, intensity, and emotional depth in a way that feels both cathartic and devastating.
Nihilanth are: Aidan Thompson – Vocals Pete Craig – Guitar & backing vocals Lee Park – Guitar Andy Parkinson – Drums Jim Ward – Bass
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 ) 