Swedish hard rock powerhouse S.O.R.M returns with a brand-new stand-alone single, “I’m A Killer” – a hard-hitting and emotionally charged track that once again showcases the band’s raw energy and uncompromising attitude.
“I’m A Killer” dives into a dark and painful chapter of history, addressing how Native Americans were driven from their lands, forced to fight and flee for their lives. The song reflects on the brutality of the conflict, and the long-lasting scars that remain to this day.
S.O.R.M comments: “The new single ‘I’m A Killer’ is about how Native Americans got chased away from their land and how man, women and children had to fight and run for their lives. Also about how coward the white man was by using firearms to win the battle and how it changed the Native Americans till today. Now they live in reserves and are treated like thieves. The title ‘I’m A Killer’ is what we can imagine what they needed to turn into, to stay alive.“
With “I’m A Killer”, S.O.R.M once again proves their ability to combine powerful storytelling with thunderous riffs and driving rhythms; delivering a track that is both thought-provoking and sonically intense.
“I’m A Killer” is out now via Noble Demon and available on all major streaming platforms.
S.O.R.M are: Micke Holm – vocals/ backing guitar Patrik Sandström – backing vocals/ lead guitar Johan Östman – Backing vocals/ bass Robin Wernebratt – Drums
German gothic metal pioneers CREMATORY have announced the release of their “Greatest Hits” album containing “English Hymns & Deutsche Hymnen”, set to arrive on May 15, 2026 via ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. The release celebrates 35 years of the band’s influential career and will be available as an expansivethree-CD edition as well as limited double-vinyl versions.
The 3-CD set will feature CD1 “English Hymns,” CD2 “Deutsche Hymnen,” and CD3 “Engulfed in Darkness Demo.” In addition, the LP vinyl editions will be available as a Neon Green double vinyl containing the “English Hymns” selection and a Turquoise double vinyl featuring the “Deutsche Hymnen” selection.
Alongside the announcement, the band has unveiled a video clip for the track “Born,” which is available now on all major streaming platforms! Built around a haunting refrain “I was born in a wrong time / wrong world,” and carried by heavy guitars and atmospheric synth layers, the track captures the emotional depth that has defined the band’s sound for decades.
““Born” is about feeling out of place in your own time and world. It’s for everyone who has ever felt they don’t belong – yet keeps standing.”
LP “English Hymns”:
The Eyes Of Suffering Shadows Of Mine Tears Of Time Lost In Myself For Love Fly The Fallen Greed Pray Shadowmaker Ravens Calling Rise and Fall Inglorious Darkness Destination The Future Is A Lonely Place Born (Exclusive Bonus Track) Wrong Side of the Mirror (Exclusive Bonus Track)
LP “Deutsche Hymnen”:
Ist Es Wahr Ewigkeit Tick Tack Kaltes Feuer Höllenbrand Kein Liebeslied Auf Der Flucht Haus mit Garten Falsche Tränen Kommt Näher Virus Tränen der Zeit Trümmerwelten Welt Aus Glas Das Letzte Ticket Blind (Exclusive Bonus Track) Flammenmeer (Exclusive Bonus Track)
Formed in 1991 in Mannheim, Germany, CREMATORY have become one of the most enduring and influential acts in European gothic metal. Over more than three decades, the band evolved from their early death metal roots into a distinctive style combining heavy riffs, melodic keyboards, industrial textures, and contrasting vocal approaches.
Throughout their career, CREMATORY have explored themes of life, pain, introspection, and atmosphere, often blending deep growls with clean vocals to create a sound both powerful and haunting. Their growth in the 1990s brought them recognition across Europe through relentless touring and festival appearances.
The upcoming “Greatest Hits” album reflects the band’s bilingual legacy. “English Hymns & Deutsche Hymnen” gathers key tracks from across their catalogue in both languages and also includes the band’s earliest demo recordings, offering fans a comprehensive retrospective of CREMATORY’s long and influential journey.
In support of the release, the band will embark on an extensive European run throughout 2026.
CREMATORY – 2026 Tour Dates:
Apr 25 – Hartenrod, DE – Hinterland Metal Meeting May 01 – Andernach, DE – Metal Days Festival May 02 – Bad Friedrichshall, DE – Lemmys Bar & Liveclub May 14 – Mannheim, DE – 7er Club May 15 – Erfurt, DE – From Hell May 16 – Zwickau, DE – Club Seilerstrasse May 17 – Potsdam, DE – Lindenpark May 22 – Oberhausen, DE – Kulttempel Jun 04 – Selb, DE – Rock Club Jun 05 – Salzburg, AT – Rock House Jun 07 – Pilsen, CZ – Metal Fest Jun 25 – Oschersleben, DE – Metal Dayz Festival Jun 26 – Leipzig, DE – Hellraiser Jul 04 – Mülheim / Ruhr, DE – Castle Rock Festival Jul 31 – Wacken, DE – Wacken Open Air Aug 22 – Pindelo Dos Milagres, PT – MMOA Festival Aug 28 – Barcelona, ES – Ripollet Rock Festival
With 35 years of history, countless tours, and a legacy that helped shape European gothic, death and industrial metal, “Greatest Hits” stands as both a celebration of CREMATORY’s past and a powerful reminder that the band remains as vital as ever!
CREMATORY is: Felix Stass – Vocals Rolf Munkes – Guitar Oliver Revilo – Bass Katrin Jüllich – Keyboards, Samples Markus Jüllich – Drums, Programming
Dutch black metal ritual Doodswens have released the next official track from their upcoming album, Doodswens, alongside a new music video, dragging the viewer deeper into darkness. ‘The Black Flame’ ritual was created in collaboration with visual mastermind Mothmeister and is also available in an uncensored version on the label’s channel. The new album is due on 17th April, via Svart Records.
About ‘The Black Flame’, drummer and vocalist I. comments: “A dark ritual unfolds.. A man exposes himself and ignites inner strength. A wanderer, searching for the unknown, following a mythical witch and her acolytes. He witnesses the ritual, scarification and blood sacrifice, and unintentionally becomes part of what he thought he was only observing. The song depicts a dark ritual in which one completely exposes oneself and embraces one’s vulnerability, in order to ignite the inner fire and unleash the hidden power within oneself.”
Doodswens is a Dutch black metal band, forged in 2017 by I. The name translates to ‘Deathwish’ but its true meaning heavier; Not giving up, but returning with power after looking the end in the eye.
Live, I. performs drums and vocals as one, a single body split into rhythm and invocation. She is joined by R. and P. on bass and guitar. R.I.P. is a line-up that moves like a blade; precise, violent, and locked in. Their shows are as ceremonial as confrontational. Doodswens doesn’t soothe; it exposes. Bring your demons and they will be named. Bring your grief and it will be heard. Whatever you carry into the room is dragged into the light because this band chooses confrontation over comfort, every time. Blood, bones, bullets, flame, skull, sweat: not props, but real artifacts of the rite. A full-body experience with sound, smell, vision and vibration which is meant to pull you under and return you a changed person.
After rising through the Dutch underground, Doodswens gained an international following through tours alongside Marduk and Gorgoroth. In 2021 they entered the chaos of the pandemic era on their first Massive Music run, supporting Marduk and Valkyria between lockdowns when venues were closing behind them and the world was unstable. But their will was unbroken. In 2024, on the Marduk/Origin tour, I. made the impossible possible; taking on lead vocals while remaining the drummer. With only months to prepare, she cut out all doubts and locked herself into rehearsal. The result? I. carried Doodswens across 30 shows back-to-back, barely losing her voice.
Doodswens was recorded and produced by Sebastiaan van Bijlevelt at Galloway Studio and mastered by Alex McCullough (who re-mastered Dolly Parton‘s Backwoods Barbie) at True East Mastering.
If you’ve been close to ending your life, or if you think about it more often than you admit, then you know what it is to live with a death wish. It’s weight. A grey cloud that follows you everywhere, depriving you of your breath and blurring your sight. It’s almost impossible to explain to anyone who hasn’t been inside it. Doodswens isn’t an album about giving up. It’s about what happens when you stop looking away. About meeting death face to face and coming back with strength. Not because the darkness disappears, but because you learn how to carry it without letting it own you.
The heart of Doodswens is not the wish for death, but the death of the wish, the breaking of a curse. A taboo spoken aloud. A darkness worn on the chest, not as pride, but as truth: “This is what I feel, and I will not hide it.“
By Norse Music has the pleasure of announcing our new partnership with Norwegian nordic metal pioneers EINHERJER!
Einherjer was founded in 1993, on the western shores of Norway, Haugesund. In the early years of Norwegian extreme metal in the 90s, they stood among those who gave voice to a distinctly Norse expression. What later became known as Viking Metal was not conceived as a genre, but as a natural extension of identity, history, and place and Einherjer became one of its defining forces. Einherjer continues to draw inspiration from the same source that shaped their beginnings: the land, the sea, and the cultural memory carried forward through generations. For more than three decades, Einherjer has stood as one of the leading voices of Norse heavy metal, and continue to proove why they still are distinct and defining in the genre – not as an echo, but as a presence.
“We are proud to join the roster of By Norse Music. The label represents a vision of music that is deeply rooted in Nordic culture, heritage and artistic integrity — values that have always been central to Einherjer. With a new album on the horizon, this feels like the right alliance at the right time. By Norse understands where we come from and where we want to go next, and we look forward to working together to bring the next chapter of Einherjer to the world.” states Frode Glesnes, founder of Einherjer.
Sonja Schuringa, A&R for By Norse adds: “We’re thrilled to welcome Einherjer to the By Norse roster! From the very first listen, their music stood out with a distinct identity and a powerful artistic vision that immediately resonated with us. Their sound captures a rare balance of intensity, atmosphere, and artistic depth — a combination that fits perfectly with the spirit of By Norse Music. We’re excited to begin this journey together and proud to welcome Einherjer to the family!”
Biography EINHERJER:
Einherjer was forged in 1993, on the western shores of Norway – where the North Sea meets the land, and where the Viking kings once ruled the passage that gave Norway its name. From this inheritance, Einherjer rose. Not as followers of a movement, but as part of its own creation.
In the early years of Norwegian extreme metal in the 90s, Einherjer stood among those who gave voice to a distinctly Norse expression within metal. Their early recordings did not imitate tradition – they helped establish it. What later became known as Viking Metal was not conceived as a genre, but as a natural extension of identity, history, and place and Einherjer became one of its defining forces.
From their home in Haugesund, along the ancient sea road of Karmsundet, Einherjer continues to draw from the same source that shaped their beginnings: the land, the sea, and the cultural memory carried forward through generations. Einherjer stands firmly against the misuse and distortion of Norse heritage. Their banner carries no political allegiance, no extremist ideology. Their mission is cultural and artistic: to explore, interpret, and share the depth, complexity, and power of their heritage as part of the greater human story.
Through classic albums such as Dragons of the North, Odin Owns Ye All and Blot, and later works including Av Oss, For Oss and North Star, both nominated for a Norwegian Grammy, the band has continually evolved without losing its core. Their sound remains unmistakable – resolute, atmospheric, and grounded in the weight of heritage, yet never bound by the past. Their music does not seek to recreate a lost age. It stands as proof that its spirit endures. The same horizon that called the seafarers westward still lies open. The same impulse to create, to endure, and to leave a mark remains unchanged.
Time has not diminished Einherjer. It has refined them. Hammers raised. Fire alive.
Members: Frode Glesnes – Vocals, guitar & bass Gerhard Storesund – Drums & keys Ole Sønstabø – Lead guitar Tom Enge – Guitar & clean vocals
Finnish dark heavy rockers MANDY MANALA return with a powerful new chapter. Following the acclaim surrounding their 2025 debut, the band is now ready to unveil their sophomore album Something Wicked, set for release in late spring via Argonauta Records.
With Something Wicked, Mandy Manala push their sound further into darker and heavier territories while preserving the melodic strength and atmospheric depth that defined their debut. Massive stoner infused riffs, occult rock atmospheres and infectious hooks once again merge into a cinematic listening experience, all guided by the haunting and commanding voice of frontwoman Christa Nedergård.
To celebrate the announcement, the band premieres the brand new single and music video “Bloodred Chapel of Sin”
Hailing from Vaasa, Finland, Mandy Manala today have steadily built a distinctive sonic identity that bridges heavy rock traditions with a modern, dark and melodic edge.
Fans of Ghost, Lucifer, Fleetwood Mac and Chelsea Wolfe will once again find themselves drawn into the band’s world of shadowy atmospheres, powerful grooves and memorable choruses.
The new single “Bloodred Chapel of Sin” offers the first glimpse into this next phase of Mandy Manala’s evolution. Dark, hypnotic and driven by crushing riffs and captivating vocal performance, the track perfectly captures the band’s growing confidence and expanding songwriting vision.
More details about Something Wicked will be revealed soon.
MANDY MANALA are ready to open the doors to their next chapter. Something wicked is coming.
Germany’s deathcore wrecking force Obey The Kraken have unleashed ‘Netherworld’, the second single from their forthcoming EP, Apocrypha, out 10th April via Seek & Strike.
Having already torn open the gates with last month’s first single ‘Betrayer‘, the band offered a first glimpse into the dark mythology that defines their sound. Now they descend even deeper with ‘Netherworld’, a suffocating slab of unfiltered deathcore brutality where cavernous vocals, bone-splintering breakdowns and oppressive riffs collide like collapsing cathedrals.
Emerging from Germany’s increasingly vicious extreme metal underground, Obey The Kraken have quickly built a reputation for deathcore that is as narrative driven as it is punishing. Their upcoming EP Apocrypha continues the band’s fascination with apocalyptic storytelling, a biblical saga of fallen angels, infernal alliances and war against the heavens themselves, with each track acting as another chapter in the descent.
If ‘Betrayer’ opened the portal, ‘Netherworld’ drags listeners straight into the abyss, darker, heavier and even more merciless. It’s a track that strips deathcore back to its most violent instincts while amplifying the band’s looming, mythic atmosphere, pushing the anticipation for Apocrypha into genuinely catastrophic territory.
Nothing about this world is subtle. Every riff is a weapon. Every breakdown lands like a hammer blow. And with ‘Netherworld’, Obey The Kraken make it brutally clear that the descent has only just begun.
Commenting on the EP, Obey The Kraken said: “Apocrypha means a lot to us, especially as we hadn’t planned this second EP. After finishing our first EP (Worship The Sunken God) last year things developed naturally and we realized we had more to say within this world and sound. We consciously kept the formula of the first EP intact, so anyone who enjoyed EP1 will feel right at home with EP2. Listening back to the final masters, we’re genuinely happy with how consistent and powerful the release feels as a whole. Everything was designed to feel massive, heavy, and epic, supporting the narrative without overcomplicating the production approach.
“Lyrics play a central role for us. Our first EP told the complete story of Cthulhu and his resurrection across four songs and we wanted to apply that same conceptual approach again. On Apocrypha, the songs tell the story of an angel who is cast out of heaven, forms an alliance with hell and ultimately seeks to conquer heaven itself. Each track represents a different chapter of that narrative.”
Apocrypha tells a story in sound, an angel cast from heaven, forging an alliance with hell, returning to challenge the celestial order itself. The EP moves like the story, deliberate and immersive, pulling listeners into Obey The Kraken’s realm where narrative and brutality are inseparable. Nothing is decorative. Nothing is wasted. Every note exists to damage and leave its mark.
Whilst preserving the DNA of their debut, Obey The Kraken push further into uncharted territory. With production carried out entirely in house, leaving the band with full control over how heavy, how clear and how oppressive they needed it to feel. The result is an EP that is heavy and unflinching, a complete assault for fans who crave deathcore that hits as hard thematically as it does musically.
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 ) 