Italian Dark Power Metal force DRACONICON officially unveil their new five-piece line-up and announce the release of their new album, “Empire”, scheduled for early 2027.
Following the release of “Dark Side Of Magic” (2021) and its successor “Pestilence” (2023) through Inner Wound Recordings, DRACONICON entered a period of creative restructuring. Far from inactivity, this time marked a deliberate transition aimed at redefining the band’s chemistry, sound and long-term artistic direction.
Today, DRACONICON emerge with a renewed and solidified line-up: • Grym Hünter – Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar • Alex Moth – Lead Guitar • Simon Borgen – Violin & Backing Vocals • Dave Tomadini – Drums • Philip Skrim – Bass & Backing Vocals
Further details about “Empire”, including its first singles and release date, will be revealed in the coming months, alongside new live announcements. [ … find out more HERE » ]
FFO: Kamelot, Powerwolf, Sabaton
Commenting on this new chapter, Simon Borgen states: “This is not simply a line-up change. It is the natural evolution of everything DRACONICON has built so far. We stepped back to redefine who we are, learned from our mistakes, and now move forward with clarity, unity and a stronger vision than ever. We are also very happy to have Markus and Metal Message alongside us for this new chapter, sharing the same passion and commitment we are putting into ‘Empire’.”
As part of this new phase, DRACONICON are also pleased to announce their collaboration with Markus Eck and Metal Message, who will support the band with PR and promotional activities surrounding the upcoming album and its releases.
Markus Eck of Metal Message comments: “Working with DRACONICON means a lot to me. The band has a strong identity, a clear artistic vision and the ambition to take the next step without losing what makes them unique. I am very happy to support them in bringing Empire to the international Metal audience.”
That vision will take shape in Empire, DRACONICON‘s third full-length album, set for release in early 2027!
The Holy script of Siberian death ’n grind/death core inspired by severe russian spirit, born in snowed woods and recorded in tough social conditions of covid crisis. Killing texts about social inequality and industrial dominance, intense vocal and organic sound – this is Russian band ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFIT!
The band was formed in 2013 in Bratsk, a small Siberian city in the taiga. Its members include a school teacher of mathematics and computer science, who also serves as the drummer, composer, and sound engineer, and handles the band’s informational materials.
The band’s first full-length album, *Venets Tvoreniya Prirody*, was released in 2017. This was followed in 2022 by the EP *Big Brother Won’t Forsake You*. The band then embarked on their first short tour of Russia before setting to work on material for a new album; during this process, the double single “Еssence of evil / White world” was released in 2023, followed by the single “Sincerity In Hatred” in 2025.
And finally, on September 18, 2026, the world heard “Despair”—a mind-blowing, world-class single! Throughout their career, the band has performed numerous times at major Russian festivals, including as headliners. They also headlined the major international “NOISE” festival in Mongolia. Furthermore, the band has shared the stage with such heavy music giants as VADER, MARDUK, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, GRIMA, and others. They have completed numerous major tours across Russia. Currently, the band is hard at work on a new album, scheduled for release in the spring of 2027.
Forged in the asphalt-cracked underbelly of Houston, TX, NIGHT COBRA unleashes a blistering, high-octane take on razor-sharp heavy metal. Following their celebrated debut album released in 2022 on High Roller Records the band returns sharper, leaner, and more dangerous than ever with a new union with independent heavy metal purveyor Nameless Graves Records. Mixed by the great Mike Exeter (Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, etc.), ‘Beware the Dark Future’ is due on November 6 with two stunning vinyl variants, CD, and digital formats. The “Keepers of the Cult” are now unleashing the anthemic first single, which can be found exclusively via YouTube at THIS LOCATION.
‘Beware the Dark Future’ is now available for pre-order via Nameless Graves for CD HERE and vinyl HERE. The single will be available digitally at a later date.
NIGHT COBRA frontman Christian “Bakka” Larson comments, “As the world crumbles we give you an offering of apocalyptic heavy metal. This album is for those without hope and know that humanity has no future….”
The cover artwork was created by Calvin Cushman and can be found below along with the tracklisting.
Tracklist: 01. Keepers Of The Cult (03:26) [LISTEN] 02. Cut By The Knife (04:31) 03. Cry For Blood (05:26) 04. Beware The Dark Future (04:05) 05. Demons Of Fire (04:22) 06. On The Edge (05:08) 07. Cheating Death (04:48) 08. Starlight (08:21) Album Running Time: 00:40:11
Forged in the asphalt-cracked underbelly of Houston, TX, trad metal revivalists NIGHT COBRA unleashes a blistering, high-octane take on razor-sharp heavy metal designed to blow the future apart. Following their celebrated debut album released in 2022 on High Roller Records the band returns sharper, leaner, and more dangerous than ever with a new union with independent heavy metal purveyor Nameless Graves Records.
Fronted by Christian “Bakka” Larson, the driving force behind Necrofier, veteran of Eternal Champion and Venomous Maximus, and visionary creator/producer of the powerhouse Hell’s Heroes festival, Night Cobra carries the torch of true metal pedigree while injecting it with a lethal dose of swagger and attitude that can only come from a band that calls Texas home. The album was mixed by the great Mike Exeter (Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne) and also marks appearances from Texas metal masters Dobber Beverly (Necrofier, Insect Warfare, Oceans of Slumber) and Trevi Biles (Venomous Maximus). The album is bolstered by a guest appearance from James Rivera (Helstar, ex-Destiny’s End, ex-Vicious Rumors, ex-Malice).
Live Lineup: Christian Bakka – Vocals/Synth Brandon Barger – Guitar Bill Fool – Guitar Trevi Biles – Bass Anthony Vallejo – Drums
Special Guest: James Rivera (Helstar, ex-Destiny’s End, ex-Vicious Rumors) on “Cry for Blood” and “Starlight”
Album credits: Recorded at Southwing Audio & Shadow Wind Studios Mixed by Mike Exeter (Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne) Mastered by Peter Hewitt-Dutton at The Bakery Layout by Subhuman Being Cover Artist: Calvin Cushman
Sacramento rock band Oleander have officially signed with SBG Records, marking a new chapter for a band whose music has remained a defining part of the modern rock landscape for more than two decades. The announcement comes just days before Oleander takes the stage this Sunday, October 4th at Aftershock Festival.
“We’re really excited about where Oleander is right now. Twenty-five years in, we’re proud of our history, but we’re focused on what comes next. We’re making new music that we love and teaming up with SBG Records makes this chapter even more exciting. With them in our corner, it feels like we’re just getting started!” says Thomas Flowers, vocalist of Oleander.
Formed in Sacramento in 1995, Oleander emerged from the city’s thriving alternative-rock scene and quickly established themselves as one of the most recognizable bands of their generation. Their breakthrough came with the 1999 release of February Son, the band’s gold-certified major-label debut, which produced the enduring rock anthem “Why I’m Here.” The song climbed to #1 at rock radio, became a nationwide radio staple, and was featured on Dawson’s Creek.
The band’s growing momentum led to appearances on some of the biggest stages in rock, including Woodstock ’99, while the song “I Walk Alone” further expanded Oleander’s cultural footprint through placements in American Pie and Scary Movie.
Oleander followed February Son with Unwind and Joyride, continuing to build a reputation for soaring melodies, emotionally charged songwriting, and powerful live performances. After taking time away from the spotlight, the band reunited in 2008 and eventually returned with Something Beautiful in 2013, opening a new creative chapter while retaining the sound and identity that had connected them with generations of rock fans.
In 2026, Oleander continues that journey. On July 3, the band released “Fourth of July,” their latest single, on Spotify, YouTube and Instagram, giving longtime fans a new glimpse into the band’s ongoing evolution.
Now, with their signing to SBG Records, Oleander enters its next era alongside an independent label founded by Shan Dan Horan, whose passion for authentic rock music and artist development has helped establish SBG Records as a home for bold, uncompromising music. The label’s growing roster includes established and emerging artists such as Drowning Pool, Secrets, Patient Sixty-Seven, FiRSUN, Woe, Is Me, Sorry X, Lost in Separation and more, representing a diverse cross-section of today’s rock and alternative music landscape.
“Signing Oleander is incredibly meaningful for SBG Records,” says Shan Dan Horan, founder of SBG Records. “They are an important part of Sacramento’s rock history, but this isn’t simply about looking back. Oleander still has something to say, and we’re excited to be part of what comes next. Their music has connected with fans for decades, and we want to help bring that music to longtime fans while introducing Oleander to a whole new generation.”
As ’90s alternative rock continues to experience a renewed cultural spotlight, Oleander finds itself in a unique position, a band with a celebrated history, timeless songs and a renewed sense of purpose. Their combination of melodic songwriting, emotional intensity and high-impact live performances continues to resonate with longtime listeners while reaching a new generation discovering the era that helped shape modern rock.
That next chapter begins with a major hometown-adjacent moment as Oleander takes the stage at Aftershock Festival today, on Sunday, October 4, before continuing their relationship with SBG Records and building toward what comes next.
Oleander: Thomas Flowers | Vocals Doug Eldridge | Bass Dan Camacho | Guitar Steve Brown | Drums Art Padilla | Guitar
Canadian hardcore heroes Comeback Kid have unleashed their new single ‘Yesterday’s Gone‘, featuring Brendan Garrone of Incendiary. The track arrives as the latest preview of the band’s highly anticipated eighth studio album, Chosen Hell, due November 6 via SharpTone Records in the U.S..
“We wanted to play to our strengths on “Yesterday’s Gone” by establishing our melodic signature sound with aggressive upbeat hardcore, and a pummeling breakdown to tie it all up.” explains singer Andrew Neufeld. “Having Brendan from Incendiary on it just upped the ante for us as he is one of the only two guests on this album. I feel like this song was rewritten a handful of times, bringing in different demo ideas for different songs and merging them into one monster track with a number of specific “moments” that we wanted to amplify.
Lyrically, in Comeback Kid fashion it speaks about letting go of the past and not letting that weigh you down. Will Putney, our producer, really helped with this one. Contributing to the breakdown intro “I’ve made my peace with every enemy but the one inside. I’ve filled a thousand graves with every memory… now I leave you behind!”
The new single follows the release of ‘Chosen Hell’,”the album’s title track and first single. That song introduced the record’s broader thematic territory, exploring morality, ethics and the choices people make – even when they know those choices may ultimately hold them back.
Additionally, the album cover design is an actual structure built by Callum Preston in Melbourne, Australia.
Defying a sadly and increasingly pervasive trend in today’s heavy music scene, Comeback Kid have managed to not only maintain but expand the energy and urgency of their groundbreaking debut and sophomore LPs over the course of a decorated 25+ year career. Luckily – at least for their fervidly loyal fanbase – there’s a lot to be angry about these days…
The quintet, comprised of Neufeld, guitarists Jeremy Hiebert and Stu Ross, bassist Chase Brenneman, and drummer Terrance Pettitt, cut Chosen Hell with heralded producer/engineer Will Putney at his Graphic Nature Audio studio in New Jersey – an exercise that clearly elevated the impact, power, and passion of these 11 tracks. “He’s also been a supporter of ours from the get, so he knows where we’re coming from and really understood our vision,” shares Neufeld. “We all played to our strengths as best we could, and I think that’s really apparent in the final product.”
Two selections add new names to Comeback Kid’s long and diverse list of guest vocalists, with Spiritbox frontwoman Courtney LaPlante injecting her raw guttural glory into ‘Shedding Season’ while Incendiary‘s Brendan Garrone augments the ferocity of ‘Yesterday’s Gone’ with his trademark swagger.
“Overall, I was able to let my guard down a little bit while writing for this one, and took more input from everybody else,” adds Neufeld. “It was really collaborative that way, which is also kind of new for us.”
It’s that blend of familiar musical fury laced with novel elements that’s earned Comeback Kid its loyal following and overall longevity – along with their ability to relay said fury from the stage. Through the years, they’ve toured relentlessly alongside iconic acts from every corner of heavy music – hardcore icons like Hatebreed and Sick of It All; punk pioneers including Dropkick Murphys and Bad Religion; metal masters like Gojira and Parkway Drive; and even rock radio mainstays like Rise Against and Alexisonfire.
There’s still plenty to be angry about, but Chosen Hell is a masterclass in processing that pain and rage and outputting something truly transcendent – a reward for conquering the hardships we all encounter. And if Comeback Kid can carry forward this trend of continually exceeding their own standards, then we can only eagerly await what might come next.
Just a few days ahead of their upcoming tour with TUNGSTEN and KILMARA, INDUCTION are back with a very special release: The modern power metal outfit led by guitarist Tim Hansen has unleashed a video clip for the brand-new version of their epic anthem “Gods Of Steel,” featuring none other than Kai Hansen (HELLOWEEN, GAMMA RAY) on guest vocals.
“Gods Of Steel” originally appeared as an exclusive track on the physical editions of INDUCTION’s latest album, LOVE KILLS!, featuring a guest appearance by Antonio Calanna (A Cold Paradise). With its massive choirs, soaring melodies and larger-than-life heavy metal spirit, the song already stood out as one of the band’s most epic compositions. For this new version, INDUCTION are bringing one of the most influential voices and personalities in German heavy and power metal into the fold.
For Tim Hansen, the collaboration carries an additional personal significance. Not only does he consider his father’s unmistakable voice a perfect fit for a song like “Gods Of Steel,” the two also recently worked together on the new HANSEN album, Born with a Hammer, that was released on September 18th via earMUSIC.
Tim Hansen comments:
“‘Gods Of Steel’ is probably the most epic song we’ve ever written. It has everything we love about heavy metal: huge melodies, massive choirs, energy and that larger-than-life feeling that made us fall in love with this music in the first place.
Having Kai join us for this new version takes the song to an entirely different level. Of course, for me personally, having my dad on an INDUCTION song makes this release even more special. But beyond that personal connection, there simply couldn’t be a more fitting voice and character for a song called ‘Gods Of Steel.’
We’re incredibly excited to finally unleash this version into the world. Turn it up louder than hell. This is heavy metal in its purest form!”
“Gods Of Steel” is part of INDUCTION’s third studio album, LOVE KILLS!, released on February 6, 2026 via Reigning Phoenix Music HERE. The record sees the band continue to expand their modern power metal sound, combining their classic heavy metal roots with progressive elements, sweeping orchestration and a cinematic production.
At the same time, LOVE KILLS! showcases INDUCTION at their most versatile. Moving between hard-hitting metal anthems, soaring melodic passages and more atmospheric moments, the record explores different facets of love, passion and their darker consequences. Alongside “Gods Of Steel,” the album features tracks including “Dark Temptation,” “Steel And Thunder,” “Beyond Horizons” and the title track, “Love Kills.” “Strangers To Love” also features a guest appearance by Clémentine Delauney of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS.
Following the path established with Born From Fire, INDUCTION have broadened their musical scope on LOVE KILLS! while adding an even more modern and cinematic dimension to their sound.
Crafted at Chameleon Studios and Boogie Park Studios in Hamburg, the new album was produced by Tim Kanoa Hansen, and was mixed and mastered by Eike Freese in collaboration with the guitarist. LOVE KILLS! marked the beginning of a new era for INDUCTION, defined by musical evolution, emotional depth, and a fearless drive to push the boundaries of modern power metal.
Now, INDUCTION will take their high-voltage shows back to the stage. Starting October 7, 2026, the band will hit the road alongside TUNGSTEN and special guests KILMARA for the “ANTHEMS OF STEEL TOUR 2026.” The run will take the bands across Germany, Switzerland and Austria; make sure to catch this killer band package live at the following dates:
07.10.26 – DE – Herford @ Kulturwerk 08.10.26 – DE – München @ Backstage 09.10.26 – DE – Leipzig @ Hellraiser 10.10.26 – DE – Passau @ Zauberberg 11.10.26 – DE – Karlsruhe @ Die Stadtmitte 12.10.26 – CH – Aarburg @ Musigburg 13.10.26 – AT – Salzburg @ Rockhouse 14.10.26 – DE – Mörlenbach @ Live Music Hall 15.10.26 – DE – Hamburg @ Bahnhof Pauli 16.10.26 – DE – Lingen @ Alter Schlachthof 17.10.26 – DE – Solingen @ Laut und Hart Festival 18.10.26 – DE – Selb @ Rockclub Bayern
In the heart of the power metal resurgence stand INDUCTION, a name that has quickly become synonymous with the genre’s new wave. Led by Tim Kanoa Hansen, son of metal legend Kai Hansen (HELLOWEEN, GAMMA RAY), INDUCTION are a force to be reckoned with, igniting stages and captivating audiences worldwide.
Their rise began with a bang as their sophomore album, “Born From Fire,” was released under the wings of Reigning Phoenix Music, earning widespread acclaim and solidifying their status in the genre. Notable praises include being crowned “Power Metal Rising Star of the Year” by Rock Hard in 2022 and drawing the attention of German TV channel SWR, which chronicled their ascent in a documentary.
Building on this momentum, INDUCTION embarked on high-profile tours alongside metal giants such as STRATOVARIUS, SONATA ARCTICA, BATTLE BEAST, GAMMA RAY, ACCEPT, SAVATAGE and more, showcasing their polarising live energy and winning over audiences across Europe and also Japan.
Though widely considered a progressive power metal band, INDUCTION refuse to be confined by a single genre. With each release, they defy expectations, seamlessly blending and evolving the boundaries of their music while staying true to their unmistakable core.
With their much-acclaimed new studio offering LOVE KILLS!, INDUCTION remain a hungry force in the metal galaxy, fuelled by a passion for music and an unwavering commitment to their craft. With the rallying cry “We bring the heat!” echoing in every riff and chorus, they invite fans to join them on their epic journey through realms of myth, majesty, and POWER!
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
