Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

MOONLIGHT HAZE Release First Video Single ‘Moonlight Legion’ from Upcoming EP

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 27, 2026

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Moonlight Haze has released a video for “Moonlight Legion”, first single taken from the new EP “Interstellar Madness” to be released on May 22 by Scarlet Records.

«We drew inspiration for “Moonlight Legion” from everything we’ve lived through over the years with the people who’ve been part of this band’s journey from day one. The energy we get from the crowd at our shows, and the constant support we feel even offstage, made us realize early on that we’re part of something truly special and unique – with this music video, we wanted to capture that feeling, showing real moments from the life we share with them. These are exciting, fun, and genuinely meaningful experiences – reminders of how much this journey is worth because of the people who are part of it, and how good it feels to live it together» – (Moonlight Haze)

video by Marco Falanga & Beatrice Demori/Oround

“Interstellar Madness” + highlights:

Brand new EP for the Italian symphonic power metal stars;
produced by Sascha Paeth (Avantasia, Angra, Kamelot, Edguy);
mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio (Wind Rose, Vision Divine, Twilight Force);
cover & artwork by Beatrice Demori/Oround;
Moonlight Haze is officially part of the Dragon Productions booking roster;
Moonlight Haze will perform at Epic Fest 2026 (Denmark);
over 10 million streams accumulated on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and Amazon Music;
over 5 million views accumulated on YouTube;
frontwman Chiara Tricarico is currently one of the live vocalists of Avantasia and was a special guest on the Manowar 2022’s EP “Highlights From The Revenge Of Odysseus”;
FFO: Stratovarius, Avantasia, Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, Angra, Within Temptation;

“Interstellar Madness” tracklist:
1 Moonlight Legion
2 Lost In Moonlit Symphonies
3 We Are Fire
4 Shine
5 Interstellar Madness
6 Interstellar Madness: Finale

Total running time – 21:04

Moonlight Haze and extraordinary vocalist Chiara Tricarico (Avantasia) brought symphonic power metal to the next level throughout the tracklist of their fifth studio release, indulging in extremely mighty, epic and theatrical moments.

Guided by striking instrumentals parts, catchy and epic melodies, and truly introspective lyrics, the EP once again proves the talent and boldness of the Italian unit.

“Interstellar Madness” is an invitation to take on a journey through cosmic landscapes and beyond, led by a whirlwind of emotions – madness here is to be intended as a deeper and overwhelming way of experiencing reality, investigating and going beyond what lies on the surface of things in order to be able to discover hidden parts of the inner self.

Moonlight Haze:
Chiara Tricarico – vocals
Marco Falanga – guitar
Alberto Melinato – guitar
Alessandro Jacobi – bass
Giulio Capone – drums and keyboards

JUDAS PRIEST’s “Sad Wings of Destiny” Marks 50 Years — Exciter Records to Release Anniversary Editions

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 27, 2026

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March 26, 2026, marked the 50th anniversary of Sad Wings of Destiny in the US (March 23rd in the UK)—the landmark 1976 album that helped define the sound and ambition of heavy metal. Widely regarded as one of the most influential records in the genre’s history, it continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans five decades after its release.

Originally issued in March 1976, Sad Wings of Destiny captured Judas Priest at a pivotal moment, showcasing a dramatic leap in songwriting, musicianship, and sonic identity. Featuring iconic tracks including “Victim of Changes,” “The Ripper,” “Tyrant,” and “Dreamer Deceiver,” the album set a new standard for blending progressive structure with pure metal intensity.

With its twin-guitar attack, soaring vocals, and ambitious compositions, Sad Wings of Destiny became a blueprint for heavy metal’s evolution and remains one of its most important recordings.

Exciter Records and its publishing affiliate Reach Music, in partnership with Judas Priest, have acquired the master rights to the album, returning control of this foundational work to the band and its creative partners.

To commemorate the golden anniversary, Exciter Records will release special editions of Sad Wings of Destiny currently in production to celebrate its enduring legacy.

The special editions focus on creating truly definitive versions of Sad Wings of Destiny, returning to the original multitrack and master tapes. Developed in collaboration with Judas Priest, these editions deliver a new level of sonic depth, clarity, and fidelity.

The project will include newly remixed and remastered editions, following the approach established with the 50th anniversary of Rocka Rolla, alongside audiophile-quality pressings of the original album.

Judas Priest said in a statement, “Sad Wings of Destiny was a defining moment for us as a band. It’s where we really began to shape the sound and identity that would carry through everything we’ve done since. To see it recognized 50 years on—and to have it presented in new editions—is incredibly meaningful.”

Exciter Records President Michael Closter added, “We’ve returned to the original master tapes for Sad Wings of Destiny—untouched for decades—and we’re excited and honored to bring these definitive editions to fans worldwide.”

Fifty years after its arrival, Sad Wings of Destiny remains a towering achievement that helped forge the sound and spirit of heavy metal itself. Further details about the upcoming anniversary releases will be announced in the coming months.

For more information, visit ExciterRecords.com

DOEDSVANGR Release Second Track ‘Devil Bites Man’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 27, 2026

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Black metal outfit Doedsvangr unveil the second strike from their upcoming third full-length Within The Flesh; the new single ‘Devil Bites Man’ is now streaming via Black Metal Promotions YouTube channel. The track will be available on all other digital platforms at midnight March 27.

Pre-orders for Within The Flesh are still live ahead of the album’s release on the 10th of April via Soulseller Records.

Pre-order Within The Flesh here:

Forged in the Nordic underground, Doedsvangr have carved a singular path through the black metal landscape since their inception in 2014. Conceived by frontman Doedsadmiral as an outlet for uncompromising brutality and creative vision, the band quickly assembled a formidable lineup, drawing members from the ranks of Nordjevel and other storied acts.

The name Doedsvangr, meaning both “fields of death” and “dead womb”, serves as a fitting harbinger of the band’s sonic and thematic intent; to explore the bleakest corners of existence with unflinching honesty and raw power.

Doedsvangr’s journey began with the critically acclaimed debut Satan Ov Suns (2017), a record that seamlessly fused the atmospheres of Finnish and Norwegian black metal. In 2019, a new line-up was established, ushering in a new era of creative exploration. The following year saw the release of Serpents Ov Old, an album that deepened the band’s reputation for delivering eccentric, visceral black metal. The band’s live presence grew with a powerful release show in Oslo, joined by Blood Red Throne, Svarttjern and appearances at various festivals. In October 2022, the EP Koinonia was unleashed, further cementing their legacy.

Now, in 2026, Doedsvangr enter a new chapter with their third full-length album Within The Flesh, set for release this spring via Soulseller Records. Hailed by Doedsadmiral as their “most bizarre and raw album to date”, Within The Flesh promises a relentless journey. Unusual, eccentric, and uncompromising.

Track-list:
1. Devil Bites Man
2. Black Sun Dissolution
3. Omnipath
4. Within The Flesh
5. Blodskam
6. The Pentagram Upon My Mouth
7. Rites Of Thorns, Rise Of Flesh

Doedsvangr are:
Doedsadmiral – vocals
BST – guitars
Shatraug – guitars
Sanrabb – bass
Antichristian – drums

For more:
https://www.instagram.com/doedsvangrofficial
https://www.facebook.com/doedsvangrofficial

OKKULTIST Drop Brutal New Rager ‘Teeth of the Hydra’, Feat. MOONSPELL’s Fernando Ribeiro

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 27, 2026

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Portuguese extreme metal force Okkultist return with a vengeance, unleashing their brand-new single “Teeth of the Hydra”, that features a commanding guest appearance by Fernando Ribeiro of Moonspell. Following an exclusive premiere with Revolver Magazine, the track is now available on all streaming platforms, marking the band’s first new material since their acclaimed O.M.E.N. album.

A relentless barrage of blackened death mayhem, “Teeth of the Hydra” hits hard with crushing riffs, ritualistic intensity, and a suffocating atmosphere that never lets up. The track feels deliberate and sharpened, balancing raw aggression with a more controlled, almost ceremonial execution. It’s brutal, focused, and unmistakably Okkultist, now elevated by Ribeiro’s unmistakable presence, adding an extra layer of dark authority to the chaos.

Drawing from the band’s own creative vision, the single represents more than just a new release. It signals a turning point:

“It does not clarify, nor justify. It announces intention. ‘Teeth of the Hydra’ functions as a threshold. A deliberate crossing. It is the band’s formal statement of intent, the first incision that reveals the architecture beneath the flesh. A new sonic and visual grammar is introduced in the band’s lore, yet it refuses translation. Nothing is ornamental. Nothing seeks approval.”

With “Teeth of the Hydra,” Okkultist don’t just return, they set the tone for a new chapter that promises to be heavier, sharper, and more brutal than ever!

Stream “Teeth of the Hydra”: https://okkultist.bfan.link/teeth-of-the-hydra

Formed in 2016, Okkultist have carved out a distinct place in the extreme metal underground with their blend of blackened death metal, occult themes, and an uncompromising sonic identity. Known for their fierce intensity and commanding live presence, the band has steadily built a reputation far beyond Portugal’s borders.

Their previous releases, Reinventing Evil (2019) and O.M.E.N. (2023), both released via Alma Mater Records, established them as one of the most exciting rising acts in the genre, combining raw aggression with a strong conceptual and visual backbone. With “Teeth of the Hydra,” Okkultist push their sound even further, refining their brutality while expanding their artistic scope.

For More Info Visit:
https://linktr.ee/Okkultist
https://www.instagram.com/okkultistband
https://www.facebook.com/okkultistband
https://www.almamaterrecords.com

MATTEO MANCUSO Reveals Official Video for ‘Solar Wind’, Feat. Steve Vai

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 27, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Matteo Mancuso. Leave a comment

Photo (c) Paolo Terlizzi

The guitar virtuoso Matteo Mancuso reveals the official video Solar Wind, featuring the legendary Steve Vai. The song is taken from his new album Route 96, which will be released on 24 April via Music Theories Recordings.

Requiring no introduction, Steve Vai stands among the most awe-inspiring guitarists in the world. For more than five decades, he has continually redefined the limits of the instrument. He has also openly praised the young Sicilian guitarist Mancuso, widely regarded as one of the most exciting emerging talents today, as he pushes the guitar to new frontiers of his own. So having the two appear on the same song is a mesmerising spectacle.

Solar Wind is the opening track on the as yet released new album from Mancuso and sees the multiple Grammy winner and instrumental guitar mastermind Vai trade licks with Mancuso. Having him appear on the record was a huge honour, says Mancuso, and his contributions ended up making the opening track the most important song on the album. “Solar Wind is a really special song to me. I believe Steve brought a whole new dimension to the music. I was listening to a lot of his solo records like Passion And Warfare while composing this music. He sent back his parts in just a couple of weeks and what he played was spectacular. It’s not shreddy, I wanted something melodic rather than over the top, but still very Vai-like.”

There are many reasons for the young musician to feel proud of album number two – named after his year of birth, as well as the 96kHz audio sample rate Steve Vai recommended him to record at. Solar Wind is the second song to be released from the album following Isla Feliz featuring the Gypsy Jazz whirlwind Antoine Boyer.

Mancuso burst on the scene in 2023 with his debut album The Journey after his prodigious ability caught the attention of the likes of Tosin Abasi, Al Di Meola, Dweezil Zappa and Steve Vai. The release of his debut with its perfect storm of dazzling fingerstyle technique and beautifully crafted compositions saw him adorn the front covers of multiple Guitar magazines, being hailed as the “world’s hottest virtuoso,” “the young guitarist redefining virtuosity,” and saw his international touring take flight with sold-out shows across Europe and the US.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the debut and Route 96 is the musical confidence on display. The concepts are more orchestrated and developed, with Mancuso showing no shortage of creative wind in the sails. As he goes on to explain, the first album was mainly arranged in a rehearsal room, working out the structure and flow of Mancuso’s music in real-time. This time, the process was much more streamlined.

One of the big differences between Mancuso and the large majority of his peers is his musical open-mindedness. He’s the kind of player who can not only exist but thrive in a variety of different styles

Route 66 features Matteo alongside Riccardo Oliva (bass) and Gianluca Pellerito (drums) and was recorded at Fico D’India Studios in Casteldaccia, Italy and produced by Matteo along with his father Vincenzo Mancuso.

Tour Dates
Tickets available HERE

4/09 – Catania, Italy – Zo Centro
4/12 – Palermo, Italy – Teatro Politeama
4/13 – Rende (CS) – Auditorium Unical
4/14 – Bari, Italy – Teatro Forma
4/15 – Grassina, Italy – Viper Club
4/16 Torino, Italy – Hiroshima Mon Amour
4/17 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
4/19 – Padova, Italy – Hall
4/20 – Bologna, Italy – Locomotiv Club
4/21 – Roma, Italy – Auditorium Parco della Musica
4/23 – Berlin, Germany – Lido
4/24 – Hamburg, Germany – Fabrik
4/25 – Frankfurt, Germany – Zoom Frankfurt
4/28 – Munich, Germany – Ampere
4/30 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso

5/01 – Nilmegan, Netherlands – Doornroosje
5/03 – Esch-sur-Alzette – Rockhal
5/05 – Paris, France – Alhambra
5/06 – Barcelona, Spain – Sala Apolo
5/07 – Madrid, Spain – Sala Villanos
5/09 – Stockholm, Sweden – Debaser Hornstulls Strand
5/10 – Göteborg, Sweden – Pustervik
5/11 – Helsingor, Denmark – The Culture Yard
5/13 – Glasgow, UK – Oran Mor
5/14 – London, UK – Islington Assembly Hall
5/16 – Athina, Greece – Gagarin 205

7/16 – Pori, Finland – KIRJURINLUOTO

8/17 – New York, USA – Full Moon Resort

Track listing
1. Solar Wind ft. Steve Vai
2. Fire And Harmony
3. Isla Feliz (ft. Antoine Boyer)
4. L.A. Blues One
5. The Great Wall
6. Warm Sunset
7. Black Centurion
8. In The Morning Light
9. The Chicken ft. Valeriy Stepanov (Bonus Track)

KATHAREIN Sign with Elevate Records, New Album Coming Soon

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 27, 2026

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Elevate Records is proud to announce the signing of KATHAREIN, a heavy metal band formed in 2022 that has rapidly established itself as one of the most exciting new voices in the genre. The partnership marks a significant step in Elevate Records’ ongoing commitment to bringing powerful, uncompromising music to a global audience.

Founded by guitarist and vocalist Silviu S., Katharein quickly grew into a full lineup featuring co-founding guitarist Skozy, bassist Zorand S., and drummer Nicholas S. Together, they forged a sound rooted in classic heavy metal — blistering riffs, relentless rhythms, and commanding vocals — while injecting the raw energy that defines the genre at its best.

The band’s debut album, Lucky Shots, is a 13-track record that has already surpassed 200,000 streams across all major platforms as of March 2025. The album — coming soon — has been praised for its signature intensity, earning the band a reputation as a group that writes songs meant to be played loud and meant to last. Music videos for Signs of Warning, Ain’t Nobody, and Adler’s Alley are available online, alongside three newly released tracks: The Last of the World, Madman’s Gun, and Let Us Touch the Sky.

Katharein made their live debut at the Rock the Camp Winter Edition in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, on February 18, 2025, demonstrating a stage presence every bit as forceful as their studio output. Following a busy summer in 2025, the band enters 2026 with a full tour schedule already in place, with additional dates continuing to be announced.

“Lucky Shots marks the powerful sound of Katharein’s journey — classic heavy metal roots, modern punch, and zero apologies. If you miss the days when metal bands wrote songs to be played loud and meant it, Katharein are speaking your language.”

Through the partnership with Elevate Records, Lucky Shots will be placed into the hands of heavy music lovers worldwide, backed by the label’s distribution infrastructure and promotional network. Elevate Records looks forward to supporting Katharein’s continued growth, both on record and on stage.