Greek power metal band POWERCROSS have released the official lyric video for “Sign of the Cross”, the opening track of their upcoming album Echoes of Elysium – Part I. The album will be released on 16 January 2027 by Elevate Records, on CD and on all major digital platforms.
“Sign of the Cross” sets the tone for the whole record with the battle-hymn urgency of an opener, driven by crushing riffs, high-octane tempos and soaring melodic harmonies, in the tradition of classic European power metal and with a raw energy that keeps it firmly in the present.
Conceived as the first chapter of a two-part concept, Echoes of Elysium – Part I builds a richly layered world around themes of myth, loss and transcendence. Its eight tracks are each a self-contained statement, yet bound by a shared narrative arc that closes with the introspective sweep of the title track.
POWERCROSS were formed in December 2022 in Athens. Guitarist Spiros Rizos writes all of the band’s compositions and arrangements. The album follows The Lost Empire (2024) and Renaissance (2025), both released by Elevate Records. The current line-up features Veandok (vocals), Spiros Rizos (guitars), Panos Boutidis (bass) and Foivos Andriopoulos (drums).
Finnish melodic death metal band Nemecic, hailing from Jyväskylä, Finland, is releasing the third and final advance single from their upcoming EP. Titled “Petrol and Spark,” the track showcases the band’s more melodic side. The band comments on the song:
“Petrol and Spark is different from what people are used to hearing from us in many ways. If our previous single, ‘Mysterion,’ was perhaps the heaviest song we’ve written to date, this time we’re heading in the opposite direction. By our standards, you could even describe this one as a ballad. Lead vocals are handled by guitarist Tuomo Salonen, whose vocal work could also be heard on our previous full-length album on tracks such as ‘The Crowing of Swans’ and ‘The Chatter of Teeth.’ Vocalist Aki Salonen provides backup with growls and harmonies. The lyrics explore the end of existence and whether it is necessarily a purely negative thing. So, as you can imagine, the mood is as cheerful as ever.”
–FI3FC2655905 –Composition by Tuomo Salonen –Lyrics by Niko Anttila
Aki Suomela, who directed, wrote and filmed the music video, describes how the video came together:
“The idea for the video’s script came about while I was listening to the band’s demos, and this particular song caught my attention. I listened to it over and over again, and images started flashing through my mind, gradually taking shape as a story. The video explores a devastating, paralyzing sense of longing and loss – a feeling that touches almost everyone at some point in their lives. But what happens when longing takes over and you become willing to do anything? The aim was to create a cinematic and visually striking piece that combines powerful emotions, dance, flames and a sense of mythology that blurs the boundaries of reality.”
Biography:
Founded in Heinola in 2005 and now based in Jyväskylä, Finland, Nemecic represents the heavier side of melodic death metal. The band’s music combines relentless double bass drumming, downtuned guitars, guitar solos, and a mix of harsh growls and clean vocals. While difficult to compare directly to any single band, Nemecic’s sound draws influence from acts such as Fear Factory, Lamb of God, Katatonia, and Bolt Thrower.
The lyrics of the band’s newer material offer a critical perspective on contemporary society. Running through the songs is a search for meaning in a world perceived as alienated and devoid of values. Marked by themes of grief, loss, and existential reflection, the material paints a bleak picture of the contradictions inherent in the human condition.
To date, Nemecic has released two full-length albums, The Deathcantation (2017) and The Last Magic in Practice (2021), both of which received positive reviews. Fans of the band’s previous work are unlikely to be disappointed by the upcoming EP, scheduled for release in late 2026.
Nemecic: Aki Salonen – vocals Tuomo Salonen – guitar, vocals Pasi Rajakallio – guitar Emil Borg – bass Niko Anttila – drums
Having kicked off its milestone anniversary celebrations last year, Nummirock is the second-oldest continuously running metal festival in the world. First held in 1987, the festival will continue its anniversary celebrations next year. Earlier this autumn, Nummirock also announced the release of a 40th anniversary book, Nummirock 1987–2027 – Finland’s Heaviest Village Festival, scheduled for May 2027. Today, the festival reveals the first artists confirmed for next summer.
The first announcement also features Thursday’s headliner, German thrash metal legends Kreator, who return to Nummirock after a 21-year absence. Kreator’s only Finnish show in summer 2027 will be complemented by an impressive selection of Finnish acts.
Among them are Turmion Kätilöt, who recently made Finnish metal history with a show at Helsinki Ice Hall and shot straight to the top of the Finnish album charts; Norther, making their eagerly anticipated return to the live stage after 14 years; Finnish melodic death metal veterans Insomnium; and Rytmihäiriö, one of Finland’s most distinctive cult bands.
Next summer’s line-up will also include Havukruunu, whose only show outside the Helsinki metropolitan area this summer will take place in Nummijärvi; Mors Principium Est, the pride of Pori’s death metal scene, performing their only festival set of the summer at Midsummer; and Huora, one of the leading names in the new wave of Finnish punk from Tampere.
Also taking to Nummirock’s legendary stages will be Brymir, who celebrated their 20th anniversary this year; Whispered, masters of Japanese samurai-inspired metal, who have just released their new album Honorbound after a ten-year break; Helsinki-based death metal outfit Ashen Tomb; and, as the icing on the cake of this first announcement, Hyljätyt, whose line-up includes musicians from both Stam1na and Wolfheart.
Four-day advance tickets are now on sale at www.nummirock.fi. All ticket types include a parking space and a camping spot.
Nummirock is an all-ages festival. The recommended minimum age for festivalgoers attending without a guardian is 16. Special youth tickets for 10–15-year-olds will go on sale at a later date. Metal-loving children under the age of 10 are welcome to attend Nummirock free of charge when accompanied by a responsible guardian.
Further information about the 2027 band camp will be announced later.
On November 27, the new album “Melodies Of A Dying Dawn” by southern German Epic Doom Metallers SARLIC BLISS will be released.
You can now get a first taste of the six songs, which clock in at just over 45 minutes, on YouTube as a video and as a digital single on all streaming platforms!
“Beneath The Black Sun” offers a good glimpse into the album’s atmosphere, balancing sweeping melodies with epic heaviness. Sarlic Bliss prove that melancholy and heaviness are not opposites, but two sides of the same coin. The album will be released on CD and vinyl. Find the final tracklist below.
Vûlom is an auditory representation of the unbearable weight of living, a collective swarming with ideas of blending melodic phrases and crushing heavy sound with depressive and soulful soundscapes. Inspired by doom giants like Saturnus, October Tide, Dawn of Solace, Hamferð , Paradise Lost, Swallow the Sun etc.
We are trying to find a unique expression of our views towards the world and emotions, the band shares.
The name Vûlom is derived from the Elder Scrolls franchise, where, in Dragonspeech, it translates to “darkness” or “gloom” , which ideally describes the band’s work.
Lyrically, Vûlom delves into themes of mortality, loss, and one’s insignificance. Each song is a dirge, poetic and reflective, inspired by suffering, beautiful landscapes and personal issues. Yet, their music transcends borders, resonating with those who find solace in the beauty of sorrow.
Their debut album Walls of Agony was released on December 30 ., 2019. It explores both ordinary and profound struggles that people face: feeling lost, unrequited love, and suicidal thoughts. The lyrics were not written simply to be “dark and edgy because we play doom”; instead, they reflect deeply personal stories and the g enuine mental states of the band members during that period.
On April 28, 2023 the band releases their second album A Step Closer to the Grave , which builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor. It is a conceptual album that tells a story of gradual alienation caused by societal pressures, internal struggles in the search for meaning, and the ultimate loss of connection with one’s former se lf and the harsh reality of life as it truly is.
The successor to A Step Closer to the Grave , Love’s Lament was released on September 13, 2026. Through deeply personal stories of love, guilt, grief, and loss, the album explores the scars we carry, the things we cannot undo, and the people we struggle to let go of. Beneath its sorrow lies the quiet realization that some endings cannot be escaped, only faced and accepted. As darkness draws closer, each song becomes a reflection on the pain of being human and the difficult peace found in accepting what is yet to come.
Finnish hard rock band Rylos has released its new single “Fire.” The song is about rediscovering the inner fire and passion to keep going despite life’s setbacks.
“Fire” delivers energetic hard rock, catchy melodies and an uncompromising rock attitude.
Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/rylos-fire
–ISRC: FI3FC2605001 –Composer: Riina Suikkanen –Lyrics: Mikko Heino –Arrangement: Jarkko Svensk, Kim Etelävuori, Riina Suikkanen, Mikko Heino
Known for their high-energy live performances, Rylos is turning a new page in its history. “Fire” introduces the band’s renewed lineup and marks the beginning of a new era in the Rylos story.
Since 2013, Finnish Rylos has carved its own path in the rock scene and released five albums, seven singles, and even its own video game. In addition, they have toured extensively in clubs and festivals. Now, Rylos is ready to hit harder than ever.
Rylos: Mikko Heino – Vocals Riina Suikkanen – Bass Kim Etelävuori – Drums Jarkko Svensk – Guitar
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
