Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

EMBRACE OF SOULS Release New Concept Album “Battle of the Dead” with Visualizer for ‘Eversun’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 24, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: EMBRACE OF SOULS. Leave a comment

Embrace Of Souls proudly unveil “The Battle Of The Dead“, the band’s new full-length album and most ambitious work to date, together with the release of the new focus track “Eversun,” further supported by a brand new Official Visualizer. Following the momentum generated by the previously released singles “Desolate Lands” and the album’s title track “The Battle Of The Dead”, the Italian power metal force pushes its artistic vision even further, delivering a record where epic storytelling, symphonic grandeur, and classic European power metal converge into a cohesive and emotionally charged listening experience.

Conceived as an 11-track fantasy concept, “The Battle Of The Dead” unfolds across a medieval world fractured into rival kingdoms where a mysterious plague begins corrupting human souls and slowly drags the continent toward an inevitable war between the living and the dead. Rather than unveiling every detail of the storyline, the band deliberately preserves the narrative’s mystery, inviting listeners to discover its deeper meaning through the interplay between music and lyrics. Themes of power, betrayal, sacrifice, and hope permeate the album, shaping a journey designed to be experienced in its entirety.

Musically, “The Battle Of The Dead” marks a decisive step forward for Embrace Of Souls. Firmly rooted in the legacy of ‘80s and ‘90s heavy and power metal while embracing the epic and symphonic scope of early-2000s European metal, the album delivers a sound that is both commanding and emotionally resonant. Driving guitar work, relentless double-kick rhythms, layered keyboards, and expansive choral arrangements form the backbone of the record, while the dynamic interplay between Giacomo Rossi’s powerful lead vocals and Martina Mazzeo’s operatic performances elevates the material with additional depth, contrast, and theatrical intensity.

Among the album’s standout moments is “Eversun”, the new focus track released alongside the album. Perfectly encapsulating the duality that permeates the entire record, the song balances darkness and melody through a powerful blend of energetic power metal, symphonic textures, and emotionally driven vocal arrangements. Defined by its dynamic pacing, triumphant melodic direction, and dramatic atmosphere, “Eversun” highlights the band’s increasingly mature songwriting approach while preserving the epic spirit that has characterized Embrace Of Souls since its inception.

Founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, Embrace Of Souls originally emerged as a studio project created to unite talented Italian musicians under a shared passion for classic heavy and power metal. Over time, the project evolved into a fully established live band, steadily refining its artistic identity while sharing the stage with renowned acts such as Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, and Rhapsody of Fire.

The album also features a special guest appearance by Morby (Domine), further strengthening the connection with the most authentic tradition of Italian power metal.

The record showcases a particularly refined production, enhanced by the mix and mastering handled by Alessio Garavello at Rogue Studios in London, bringing out both the album’s powerful rhythmic impact and its rich melodic and symphonic atmosphere.

With “The Battle Of The Dead“, Embrace Of Souls deliver their strongest and most complete statement to date: a record conceived not merely as a collection of songs but as a fully interconnected musical and narrative experience where epic power metal, symphonic atmospheres, and emotionally charged storytelling merge into a world waiting to be discovered.

Also watch previous videos:

Desolate Lands – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TS0sF6CQ2s
The Battle Of The Dead – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UivMmjBSIY

“The Battle Of The Dead” was released on May 22nd, 2026, in digital format and digipak CD edition, and will be available to be ordered at the following links:

CD DIGIPAK: https://rockshots.eu/products/embrace-of-souls-the-battle-of-the-dead-cd
DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/kwCVof

OFFICIAL MERCH: https://embraceofsoulsband.bigcartel.com/

RELEASE PARTY: MAY 30th, 2026
Embrace Of Souls will present The Battle Of The Dead live at La Cripta Club (Cusano Milanino, Italy), alongside Derdian, Drakkar and Axe Blade.

Track Listing:
1. The Battle Of The Dead
2. Eversun
3. The Plague
4. The Gathering
5. Spine
6. Who Can Save Us
7. Betrayal
8. The Dark Lord
9. The War (feat. Morby)
10. Sacrifice
11. Desolate Lands

Line-up:
Giacomo Rossi – Vocals
Martina Mazzeo – Vocals
Edward De Rosa – Guitars
Xavier Rota – Bass
Davide Baldelli – Keyboards
Michele Olmi – Drums

More info:
https://www.rockshots.eu
https://www.instagram.com/embraceofsouls/
https://www.facebook.com/embraceofsoulsofficial/

WALLS OF BABYLON Unleash New Music Video for ‘Once Again’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 24, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: WALLS OF BABYLON. Leave a comment

Walls Of Babylon strike again with a brand-new, intense official music video ‘Once Again’, available from May 22, taken from their latest album Aeons Apart, released by Wanikiya Record/Promotion. A dark, cinematic, and deeply emotional visual work that perfectly accompanies the powerful and tormented soul of the album.

The new video tells the story of a wandering immortal forced to face a devastating choice:
save a life and finally discover his own death, or kill in order to continue his eternal journey.

An intense and symbolic narrative that places the conflict between survival and conscience, selfishness and moral principle, at its core. An impossible decision where every choice inevitably leads to irreversible loss.

“When personal interest clashes with a moral principle, we will never be the same again. Either way, we lose a part of ourselves.”

Through evocative imagery, dark atmospheres, and a strong cinematic imprint, the videoclip amplifies the deepest and most conceptual side of the creative universe of the Walls Of Babylon.

“Aeons Apart”: the new chapter of the Walls Of Babylon

With Aeons Apart, the Walls Of Babylon mark a crucial turning point in their career, opening a powerful, mature, and deeply ambitious new chapter in their musical journey.

A full-volume explosion of sound, successfully crafted to leave a lasting mark through a raw and visceral blend that bursts forward with direct and uncompromising sonic impact.

Aeons Apart flows like a continuous electric discharge: a compact work built on solid riffs, heavy grooves, and an energy that pulses through every track. It is an album that hits both those who live for saturated guitars and distortion, and those ready to be overwhelmed by something authentic and fierce.

Every detail has been carefully shaped to amplify the impact of each song: nothing is left to chance, and the band showcases a clearly defined artistic identity capable of standing out without relying on artificial tricks.

The nine tracks unleash a warm yet granite-solid sound, dense and immersive, where every instrument scratches and makes itself heard with determination. The style is essential, raw, almost ruthless in its simplicity: few frills, plenty of substance.

The title itself evokes temporal distances, inner fractures, eras separating and colliding. It tells the story of a fragmented humanity suspended between memory, awareness, and loss — between what once was and what can never be again.

In a musical landscape often saturated with releases that all sound the same, Aeons Apart arrives like a high-voltage electric shock: a flash tearing through monotony and proving that there is still room for something authentic, dirty, and damn alive.

CRIPPLE BASTARDS Unleash New Single ‘L’era della dispersione’ from Upcoming EP

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 24, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: CRIPPLE BASTARDS. Leave a comment

As previously announced, CRIPPLE BASTARDS will return on June 12th, 2026 with their new EP “La tua foto sul marmo”, set for release via F.O.A.D. Records.

Ahead of the release, the band has unveiled the new single “L’era della dispersione”, a new excerpt that once again underlines the unmistakable identity of the group, long regarded as a benchmark for relentless, uncompromising grindcore.

The EP further demonstrates the ability of CRIPPLE BASTARDS to remain true to their sonic core while expanding their approach with new dynamic solutions and a more layered songwriting style, adding depth without sacrificing the violence and immediacy that have always defined the band.

Stream “L’era della dispersione” HERE.

The music was recorded by Stefano Santi at SPVN Studio, while vocals were tracked by Carlo Altobelli at Toxic Basement Studio, with mixing and mastering also handled by Stefano Santi.

“La tua foto sul marmo” ultimately stands as a powerful manifesto of the unrelenting hunger that still drives this legendary band forward.

Tracklist:

01. Il respiro si chiude
02. Scarto del rimorso
03. Vendicativo
04. La tua foto sul marmo
05. L’era della dispersione
06. Ai confini di quel che puoi dire

Formed in March 1988 in Asti, northern Italy, CRIPPLE BASTARDS are one of the longest-running and most respected names in extreme underground music. What began as a raw collaboration between teenage misfits Giulio the Bastard and Alberto the Crippler quickly evolved into something far greater: a project rooted in the legacy of Italian hardcore acts like Negazione, Raw Power and Wretched, but pushed to new extremes through the emerging language of grindcore and noisecore.

After building a fierce reputation through demos, splits, and relentless DIY activity in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the band achieved global cult status, so much so that not knowing them almost feels like having lived under a rock. Their legacy is ultimately defined by a series of uncompromising full-length albums that shaped their identity and influence across decades.

Their debut album “Your Lies in Check” (1996) marked their official arrival on the international stage, followed by the highly acclaimed “Misantropo a senso unico” (2000), which further refined their bleak, nihilistic vision. The final breakthrough came with “Desperately Insensitive” (2003): widely distributed and repeatedly repressed, it became their best-selling record, surpassing 10,000 copies – an exceptional achievement in the grindcore world.

The band continued to evolve with “Variante alla morte” (2008), recorded in Sweden’s famed Studio Fredman, and “Frammenti di vita” (2010), a release that pays tribute to the Italian hardcore roots that inspired them. A major milestone followed with their signing to Relapse Records, which released “Nero in metastasi” (2014), a mature and devastating work that expanded their global reach even further. Their seventh full-length, “La fine cresce da dentro” (2018), confirmed a band still pushing forward creatively after three decades.

Beyond the studio, CRIPPLE BASTARDS have built an unmatched live reputation, playing hundreds of shows worldwide across Europe, the United States, Japan, Brazil, and Australia. They have shared stages with genre-defining acts and have appeared at major underground festivals such as Neurotic Deathfest, Brutal Assault, Obscene Extreme and Maryland Deathfest, among many others, earning the utmost respect from veterans of the extreme music scene.

Today, CRIPPLE BASTARDS are not just an Italian institution but a global cult phenomenon. Their enduring influence, uncompromising visio, and relentless activity have secured them a legendary status that transcends borders. An essential name in grindcore history that continues to inspire new generations worldwide.

“In being a surviving unit like Cripple Bastards for some 35+ odd years, it takes much persistance, perseverance and an undying spirit to wreck yourself, all out with Brutal-Fucking-Grind. Yeah, I said it. I said Brutal, so what. Brutal. That’s the supposed overused adjective that most ‘heavy’ band bios and descriptions overlook nowadays for fear of oversaturation or an unoriginal ‘old school’ repetitiveness. Thats the one word in the dictionary that C.B. should have fucking copywritten a long time ago. It fits them. It defines them. It IS them. Cripple Bastards are indelibly BRUTAL. In all ways; music, violence, artwork, attitude, politics. All born of this represenatitive and passionately destructive word. The mere fact that C.B. even exist confirms they OWN the goddamn word. C.B. are B-R-U-T-A-L. Understand it NOW. “

(Mike IX Williams, EyeHateGod / Arson Anthem / Outlaw Order 00%)

Line-up:

Giulio The Bastard – Vocals
Schintu The Wretched – Bass
Der Kommissar – Guitar
Raphael Saini – Drums

https://www.cripple-bastards.com/
https://www.facebook.com/cripplebastards
https://www.instagram.com/cripple_bastards/

VIOLET BREED Release Fifth Single ‘Sing’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 24, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: VIOLET BREED. Leave a comment

Violet Breed return with their fifth single “SING,” an electrifying rock anthem with music and lyrics written by Alex Gonzato & Brian Wheat, that blends alternative and classic rock influences with a bold modern edge. From the very first note, the track commands the attention of the listener. Driven by an anthemic chorus- layered in melodic vocal harmonies, soaring gritty guitars and thunderous drums that create an undeniable sense of urgency. It’s clear that with this latest release the band have explored a heavier and rebellious rock sound.

With its chant-like hook and high-energy delivery, “SING” is an uplifting rock song about using your voice as a rallying cry. Standing up for yourself and others around you urging listeners to break free from the routine and restrictions of everyday life and spreading a message of hope.

With bassist and founding member Brian Wheat at the helm of the track’s production and engineering, Violet Breed’s sound is pushed to its maximum potential- establishing a polished authentic sound that highlights the raw emotion and vocal performance of lead singer AleX.

Violet Breed continue to carve out their place within the alternative rock scene. “SING” showcases a sound that is both refreshingly urgent and unapologetically bold, marking an exciting new chapter for the band as they push their creative boundaries.

The release follows the band’s strong momentum, building on the success of their first four singles:

“Awake” reached #14 on the SMR Charts and #28 on Mediabase Activator
“10 Years Sober” charted at #24 on SMR and #36 on Mediabase Activator
“Endless Days” reached #18 on the SMR Charts and #37 on Mediabase Activator
“Stay Away” reached #14 on the SMR Charts and #38 on Mediabase Activator- Total Audience:180,000
“Awake” & “Endless Days” featured on Joe Elliot’s (Def Leppard) Sirius XFM & Planet Rock Radio Show
The first 4 music videos have surpassed 960k views

“SING” is available now on all major streaming platforms!

Violet Breed represents a powerful collaboration between Wheat, a seasoned rock icon, and AleX, a fresh and dynamic voice in the music industry. The pair have spent the last five years meticulously crafting an album that draws from their own life experiences, creating music that resonates with listeners of all ages. With honest and emotive lyrics, Violet Breed’s sound blends rich rock and pop influences, promising a unique and compelling listening experience.

The debut album showcases the musical prowess of the duo. Fans of both Tesla and AleX will be eager to hear the new material, as Violet Breed looks to make a significant impact on the global music scene.

Brian and AleX are able to tap into experiences from these diverse generations, which add to the depth of the music they produce. Their passion and inspiration for music is born from a shared love for records by The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Queen, and My Chemical Romance. Influences from these bands is subtly interwoven into their music.

For More Information Please Visit: Official Website – Facebook – Instagram – X – Linktree

THE WARNING Land a Direct Hit with New Video Single ‘Ego’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 24, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: THE WARNING. Leave a comment

The Warning unleash unapologetic force on their explosive new single “Ego” out now via Lava/Republic Records. Sung entirely in Spanish, the track arrives alongside an equally intense official music video that made its broadcast premier on MTV Live, mtvU, and on the Paramount Times Square billboards. Listen HERE and watch HERE and purchase a limited-edition 7” vinyl and merch collection HERE.

Fueled by a punchy electric guitar intro, razor-sharp riffs, and relentless momentum, “Ego” finds the Monterrey sister-trio delivering one of their heaviest and most confrontational tracks to date. The song’s infectious energy collides with towering instrumentation and an undeniable hook, while Paulina Villarreal’s visceral screams push the track into overdrive.

On “Ego”, The Warning channel defiance into empowerment, refusing to let outside judgment or other people’s insecurities dictate their identity, choices, or success. The track takes aim at projection, criticism, and ego-driven negativity with fearless conviction, transforming frustration into a bold statement of self-possession and resilience.

The accompanying music video mirrors the song’s intensity with striking visuals that further amplify the band’s fearless presence and rebellious spirit. The band notes, “we loved shooting “Ego”! This music video is all about reclaiming your power, embracing confidence, and standing tall in your identity… even when the world is watching. It’s always so special for us to release music in our first language, Spanish, and we hope you love this song and video as much as we do.”

“EGO” follows the release of “Kerosene” an incendiary anthem that showcased the band’s sharp songwriting and uncompromising edge – listen HERE and watch HERE. Together, the singles continue to expand The Warning’s ever-evolving sound while reinforcing the chemistry and fearlessness that have made them one of modern rock’s most exciting forces.

In 2026, the band continues their global takeover with performances at Lollapalooza festivals across South America, major European festival appearances, and dates supporting Yungblud on the IDOLS World Tour across the UK and US. The Warning will also headline New York City’s Pier 17 on June 11.

TOUR DATES, remaining shows:
May 25 – Arizona Financial Theater – Phoenix, AZ (supporting Yungblud)
May 28 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory – Irving, TX (supporting Yungblud)
May 29 – Moody Amphitheater – Austin, TX (supporting Yungblud)
June 1 – UCF Addition Financial Arena – Orlando, FL (supporting Yungblud)
June 2 – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood, FL (supporting Yungblud)
June 4 – State Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park – Atlanta, GA (supporting Yungblud)
June 5 – Red Hat Amphitheatre – Raleigh, NC (supporting Yungblud)
June 6 – Mann Center for the Performing Arts – Skyline Stage – Philadelphia, PA (supporting Yungblud)
June 7 – The Anthem – Washington, DC (supporting Yungblud)
June 9 – Leader Bank Pavilion – Boston, MA (supporting Yungblud)
June 10 – Radio City Music Hall – NYC (supporting Yungblud)
June 11 – The Rooftop at Pier 17 – NYC (Headline Show)
June 13 – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre – Charlotte, NC (supporting Yungblud)
June 25 – Ton of Rock Festival – Norway
June 26 – Grona Lund – Stockholm, Sweden
June 28 – Pumpehuset – Copenhagen, Denmark
June 30 – Progresja – Warsaw, Poland
July 1 – Skaters Palace – Munster, Germany
July 4 – Mainsquare Festival – Arras, France
July 6 – Le Bikini – Toulouse, France
July 8 – Mad Cool Festival – Madrid, Spain
July 10 – NOS Alive – Lisbon, Portugal
Aug 14: Summer Sonic Festival – Osaka, Japan
Aug 15: Summer Sonic Festival – Tokyo, Japan
Sept 18 – Louder Than Life Festival – Louisville, KY
Sept 19 – New Mexico State Fair – Albuquerque, MN

••• Follow The Warning •••
www.thewarningband.com
Instagram // TikTok // YouTube // Facebook

Belgian Mathcore Heavyweights BEAR Celebrate EP Release with New Video for ‘Lacerate’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 24, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: BEAR. Leave a comment

Belgian mathcore heavyweights BEAR celebrate the physical release of their new EP Anhedonia, which was released on 22nd May via Pelagic Records.

Get Anhedonia here: https://orcd.co/bear-anhedonia

The band state: “‘Lacerate’ is probably our collective favourite song on the EP, and is a perfect encapsulation of everything we want to bring to a BEAR track. The brutality combined with the emotion-filled chorus make it everything we wanted it to be, and we hope our fans will agree.”

Anhedonia will be released digitally later this year.

BEAR’s sound is a calculated collision of technical precision and unfiltered aggression — a modern strain of European metal that balances math-inflected complexity with visceral, live-wire intensity. At the core of their identity a combination of brains and brute force.

With Anhedonia, BEAR deliver five songs of pure adrenaline and unfiltered heaviness that capture a band confronting the strange emotional vacuum that can follow trauma. Anhedonia is both a battle cry and a confession; a visceral document of resilience carved from years marked by illness, loss, uncertainty, and hard-won perseverance.

The EP was recorded live as a full band, with no click track, no studio safety nets, no artificial alignment. What you hear are four musicians locked in, feeding off each other’s raw and volatile energy in real time.

Guitarist James Falck comments: “After writing Vanta which was written during a particularly unpleasant moment in my life (cancer, surgery, treatment, family deaths, breakups), I personally was able to exorcise a lot of demons, and since then a lot of incredible things have happened in my life. Making music has always been a big source of therapy for me, and these songs really represent this state I was in until recently; where I had a lot to be grateful for, but the trauma and pain I had experienced in the years before had created a certain level of numbness, apprehension, and indifference.”

Bassist Dries Verhaert adds: “We indeed approached this project quite differently, both creatively and in the studio. Looking back, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved. Anhedonia is BEAR at our most authentic and vulnerable. If you ever find yourself in the dark, keep pushing. Accept help from those around you, and keep moving forward. This album is proof that even in the toughest times, there’s a way through.”