70000TONS OF METAL 2026 Hosts Live Debut of VBO, New Project from Wind Rose Frontman Francesco Cavalieri

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 2, 2025
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In keeping with the spirit of creating unforgettable experiences and exclusive performances, the 2026 edition of 70000TONS OF METAL, The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, will host the first-ever live on-stage performance of VBO. Also known as Vice Business Only, VBO, a turbo-charged fusion of synthwave swagger and heavy rock heat, is a newly formed project from Francesco Cavalieri, best known as the lead vocalist of Italian Power Metal band WIND ROSE, and electronic artist Simone Giusti.

Setting sail in January 2026 from Miami, FL to Nassau, The Bahamas and back, the 4-day floating festival will welcome VBO to its international stage, marking the band’s Official Live Debut alongside 59 other acts from across the global Metal scene.

While details surrounding VBO have been kept intentionally limited, the project signals a new creative direction for Cavalieri, whose work with WIND ROSE has earned him recognition for his powerful vocal presence and theatrical performance style. With VBO, Cavalieri explores new musical territory, offering a sound distinct from his previous work, yet still grounded in the intensity and character-driven storytelling he is known for.

“We are VBO: Vice Business Only. Did you really think you could sail without us? What kind of party would it be without the bad boys? Forget about it…”, said the band. “This is the plan, open your ears: we’re bringing champagne, our passion and our asses to the stage of the most metal cruise in the world: Miami – Nassau. We will be performing two world premiere concerts of our 80’s-flavored synthwave metal, and you will be the first witnesses of our rise to power, right on time to join us. And when we run out of champagne? We’re going back to refill bottles from our friends in Vice City. If you like us, come and you’ll be our guest of honor, you have our word. And for those who don’t like us, we hope they enjoy swimming to Miami. Bring yourself a nice elegant dress… It will serve you in both cases.”

Cavalieri will also perform separately with WIND ROSE, returning to 70000TONS OF METAL 2026 after the band’s well-received previous appearance on the cruise. Fans will have the unique opportunity to see both sides of Cavalieri’s musical identity in one epic setting.

Check out the band’s shoutout video below:

With 51 of 60 bands already announced and ticket sales in full swing, Sailors originating from over 80 Nations around the World should make sure to get ready and not miss the experience of a lifetime onboard this floating festival in the Caribbean – and join The United Nations Of Heavy Metal At Sea.

The currently-announced lineup for the 2026 sailing is:

AMORPHIS
ANTHRAX
ARKONA
BEAST IN BLACK
BLOODRED HOURGLASS
CEMETERY SKYLINE
DARKANE
DARK TRANQUILLITY
DØDHEIMSGARD
DRAGONLAND
DUST BOLT
ELUVEITIE
EREB ALTOR
FIREWIND
GAMA BOMB
GROZA
HAGGARD
HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY
HEATHEN
HIRAES
HIRAX
HOUR OF PENANCE
IGNEA
ILLDISPOSED
ILLUMISHADE
IN MOURNING
INSOMNIUM
IZEGRIM
KAMELOT
KANONENFIEBER
ORDEN OGAN
PARADISE LOST
PERSEFONE
RHAPSODY OF FIRE
ROYAL HUNT
SATAN
SATURNUS
SEVEN SPIRES
SKELETAL REMAINS
SKYCLAD
SOEN
SOILWORK
SUIDAKRA
TRIBULATION
TÝR
VADER
VBO
VIO-LENCE
WIND ROSE
WOLF
XANDRIA

… And 9 more!

Tickets for the 70000TONS OF METAL 2026 cruise, featuring a lineup of top metal bands and exclusive performances, are available now at: www.70000tons.com

Stay tuned for updates and announcements by checking out 70000tons.com and the @70000tons social media channels.

About 70000TONS OF METAL

70000TONS OF METAL is The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise.
With ten consecutive sellouts since the inaugural voyage in 2011, this extraordinary and unique floating festival now sails on board some of the largest luxury passenger vessels in the world. Featuring 60 Heavy Metal bands from around the globe performing across four stages, 70000TONS OF METAL is home to The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to Ever Sail the Open Seas.

Guests can enjoy the Heavy Metal festival experience of a lifetime with all the benefits that a cruise has to offer: complimentary fine dining, bars that never close, 24-hour room service, as well as the ship’s many amenities.

All 60 bands on board play twice – and there are four concert locations on board: A concert hall, the Royal Theater, stands tall with five levels. The Star Lounge offers a more personal and local club-like ambiance. Discover the arena-like vibes at Studio B, the third indoor stage available. Lastly, yet undoubtedly the most remarkable, is the Pool Deck Stage: The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to Ever Sail the Open Seas. This immense stage is accompanied by bars, pools, and even hot tubs that are integrated into the stage itself, allowing guests to indulge in the unique experience of watching their favorite Metal bands while soaking in a hot tub.
This four-day Heavy Metal Music Festival and Caribbean vacation offers 3000 metalheads the amazing opportunity to mingle side-by-side with all of the bands on board. With no VIP areas it truly is like everyone has a backstage pass. Not only do guests have unrestricted festival access to 120+ live performances (all bands play twice), every ticket also includes meet & greets with each band, intimate masterclasses with select musicians, world live premieres and exclusive listening sessions of unreleased material. Guests also have full access to the “Jamming in International Waters All Star Jam” – a one-of-a-kind jam session featuring a host of musical virtuosos performing classic Metal songs together on stage. 

Sailors also have the special opportunity to explore a Caribbean dream destination with their favorite band members on an “Artist Escorted Shore Excursion”, another 70000TONS OF METAL exclusive.

For more details about 70000TONS OF METAL 2025, including FAQs, vessel amenities and contact information, please visit 70000tons.com

Guests and fans are also invited to join the 70000TONS OF METAL community on The 70000TONS OF METAL Official Forum, Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Telegram, and Spotify: @70000tons

PUPIL SLICER Release New Video Single ‘Nomad’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 2, 2025
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“Nomad” is the latest single from mathcore trio PUPIL SLICER. The ferocious new track comes by way of the band’s Fleshwork full-length, set for release on November 7th through Prosthetic Records.

Describing Fleshwork as “conceptual” but specifically not a concept album, PUPIL SLICER leans into creating an all-encompassing industrial hellscape; a perfect setting to explore the societal machinations that dehumanize and devalue the poor, disabled, queer, and people of color for political and financial gain. Drawing on personal experience, vocalist and guitarist Kate Davies details the disconnect and discomfort of navigating this life, and the substantial human, day-to-day cost of doing so.

Offers vocalist/guitarist Kate Davies on the band’s latest single, “‘Nomad’ is about living in a post truth society where people are living in entire echo chambers that allow them to get caught up in massive conspiracies and how much you can dehumanize other people. It’s about  naivety of masses to how malevolent and self-interested those in charge are and how to survive in this world that can just lie to justify actions that lead to the deaths of so many people; the idea of no one being safe besides those that make the rules in our society and that the internet is a wasteland of primarily disinformation and bad faith interactions.”

The 2025 iteration of PUPIL SLICER ushers in new talent in the form of bass player, Luke Booth, whose contributions rounded out the writing process neatly. This rejuvenated lineup sought to retain the melodic elements of the band’s sophomore album Blossom while simultaneously pushing their sonic boundaries to the extreme. The result is a more organic sound, energized by incandescent fury that embraces imperfections as a sign of life. Recording and mixing took place in early 2025 at Nø Studio in Manchester with producer Joe Clayton at the helm. Grant Berry handled mastering.

Atop a solid rhythmic foundation courtesy of drummer Josh Andrews, PUPIL SLICER has crafted a primal yet intricate display of aggression. Relentless industrial sounds give way to melody and earworm-worthy hooks that endure. While the band continues to draw influence from the likes of Nine Inch Nails and Oathbreaker, as well as lyrical and tonal inspiration from film, anime and video games (specifically Chainsaw Man, Mouthwashing and NieR among others), on Fleshwork they’ve created a monster entirely of their own design. This beast could only have been formed by the minds and bodies of those who have already walked the treacherous, dystopian path that they are now illuminating for others.

STILLBIRTH Release New Single ‘Throne Of Bones’ from Upcoming Concept Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 2, 2025
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[Photo credit: Sebastian Blesel]

German brutal-surf-death-party metal band STILLBIRTH leave a trail of bloodshed in their wake with their latest single “Throne Of Bones”, off of their upcoming concept album, Survival Protocol. STILLBIRTH will unleash Survival Protocol on October 31st via rising metal label Reigning Phoenix Music. The album is the follow-up to their critically acclaimed Homo Deus, which was released in 2023.

“Throne Of Bones” kicks off with a towering drum groove and ominous guitar riffs. Monstrously guttural vocals dominate the soundscape, calling forth a tale of apocalyptic despair. The rhythmic chorus provides some order among the chaos, but it isn’t long before all hell breaks loose once again with a burst of pig squeals and punchy riffs. Though a groovy rhythm pervades the music, STILLBIRTH are determined to keep their listeners on their toes, punctuating the flow of the song with more extreme elements.

Survival Protocol is a concept album that tells the story of an unknown hero surviving a nuclear apocalypse. The narrative began on the album Annihilation of Mankind and now reaches its conclusion on Survival Protocol. It picks up where Homo Deus left off: the true creator descends from the skies, and the epic battle for planetary dominance begins. Humanity is nearly wiped out, with a handful of survivors managing to escape into space. After a long journey, they discover a habitable planet and begin to colonize it. The events of this journey are told across the tracks of Survival Protocol.

Pre-order/pre-save the album: https://stillbirth.rpm.link/survivalprotocolPR

“Survival Protocol” – Track Listing:

  1. Existence Erased
  2. Trapped In Darkness
  3. Throne Of Bones
  4. Apex Predator
  5. Baptized In Blood
  6. Cult Of The Green
  7. Sacrificial Slaughter
  8. The Survival Protocol
  9. Kill To Rule

STILLBIRTH live:

“Monster Kill” EU Tour 2025
w/ DEHUMANIZING ITATRAIN WORSHIP, PHRYMERIAL, EMBRACE YOUR PUNISHMENT (*), KANINE (^)

02.10.2025 DE Weinheim – Café Central
03.10.2025 FR Paris – Glazart
04.10.2025 CH Lucerne – Metal Storm Over Luzern
05.10.2025 DE Kassel – Goldgrube
07.10.2025 DE Vechta – Gulfhaus
08.10.2025 DK Kongens Lyngby – Templet
09.10.2025 DE Hamburg – Bambi Galore
10.10.2025 NL Alkmaar – HAL 25
11.10.2025 BE Liège – Deathtoberfest

13.12.2025 CZ Uherské Hradiště – Mikulášská Grindovačka

16./17.01.2026 PT Lisbon – Xapada Fest

Info & Tickets: https://linktr.ee/stillbirth

About STILLBIRTH

STILLBIRTH are a slamming death metal force from Hagen, Germany, known for their chaotic live shows, unrelenting brutality, and wild blend of death metal, grindcore, deathcore and slam. Since 1999, the band have been obliterating venues and festivals worldwide with an extreme sound fuelled by filthy grooves, blast beats, and a tongue-in-cheek attitude that’s equal parts destruction and party.

Founded by guitarist-turned-vocalist Lukas Swiaczny, STILLBIRTH quickly gained a cult following with their 2002 debut “Happy Stillbirth Party.” After a short hiatus from 2003 to 2005, the band came roaring back, contributing to international split releases and building a reputation across Europe. Their sophomore effort, “Plakative Aggressionen” [2009], led to their first Eastern European tour and set the tone for a relentless schedule of releases and performances.

By 2011, “Endgame Is Near” expanded their reach, earning them a spot on their first US tour. STILLBIRTH’s 2015 album “Global Error” marked a high point, with back-to-back tours across the US and Europe. Their signing to Unique Leader Records saw them level up again with “Annihilation Of Mankind” [2018], landing major festival appearances and a tour through Asia.

In 2019, they revisited their roots with “Back To The Stoned Age,” re-recording fan favourites with updated production and guest vocals. The follow-up, “Revive The Throne” [2020], doubled down on brutality with dual basses, massive grooves, and razor-sharp production – setting a new bar for heaviness in their discography.

Tragedy struck in 2021 with the passing of bassist and engineer Dominik “Pumpa” König. His legacy lives on in the band’s music and spirit. After signing to Distortion Music Group in 2022, STILLBIRTH dropped “Homo Deus” in 2023, toured Europe with KATAKLYSM and FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, and crushed stages at Summer Breeze Open Air, Party.San Metal Open Air, and Tolminator.

Now, STILLBIRTH are poised to unleash their ninth full-length, “Survival Protocol,” on October 31, 2025 – a dystopian concept album promising their most refined yet devastating sound to date.

STILLBIRTH is a party at the edge of the apocalypse. Total madness guaranteed!

STILLBIRTH is:
Lukas Swiaczny – Vocals
Martin Grupe – Drums
Lukas Kaminski – Bass
Leonard Thoma – Guitar
Szymon Skiba – Guitar

More on STILLBIRTH: stillbirthparty.de | Facebook | Instagram 

ARSON CHARGE Release Scathing New Single + Video ‘For The Damned’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 2, 2025
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Denver’s breakout thrash-punk band ARSON CHARGE has released a scathing new song, titled “For The Damned,” today that lambaste the sexual abuse epidemic within the Catholic Church. The new track is featured on the band’s forthcoming, eagerly anticipated debut record, A Dying Light, that’s out October 3rd via Anxious & Angry.

Commenting on the furious new song, the band states: 

“Arson Charge lead singer Ben Roy has spoken out publicly, on numerous occasions, about his Catholic upbringing and experience of sexual abuse within the church community. For the Damned is a giant middle finger to the Catholic Church for their negligent and callous handling of an ongoing abuse scandal that continues to erode communities around the world. This song is a rallying cry for all the children that experienced abuse at the hands of clergy. Keep speaking out, we stand in solidarity with you.“

“For The Damned” is accompanied by the provocative video. 

Stream “For The Damned“: Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music | Youtube
Pre-Order A Dying Light: ArsonChargeMerch.com

Melding thrash metal and hardcore punk, the five piece are selling out shows throughout the region as word spreads like wildfire around the world, without even releasing an album yet…until now. The anticipated new record, A Dying Light, features raging standout tracks like previously released singles “The Aftermath” and “A New Throne.”

Commenting on the new record, Ben Roy states: 

“A Dying Light started off as an impromptu creative outlet for guitarist Justin Hackl after a series of serious health issues and extended hospital stays sidelined him for months. After working with comedian and musician Ben Roy on a couple of those tracks, both decided that there was the framework for an entirely new musical project. Enlisting the talents of drummer Cody Hull, guitarist Dave Sandoval, and bassist Kris Hodgell, Arson Charge was born. Bringing together all their collective influences and styles, A Dying Light is a technical, aggressive, and surprisingly cohesive meld of punk rock, thrash metal, and hardcore. Lyrically it’s a catharsis; it’s a raw and real expression of the loss, self sabotage, fear and, ultimately, hope that we all experience, day in/day out, in our increasingly complicated existences. Again: Don’t fall in love. Get a pet or a fern or something.“

A Dying Light Tracklist: 

1. The Feeding Grounds
2. For The Damned
3. Cleanup On Aisle 10
4. One by One
5. A New Throne
6. There Was No Dog
7. 666 BC
8. The Aftermath
9. The Lark The Wolf and The Rabbit
10. Build a Fire
11. Bloodstains
12. A Dying Light

About ARSON CHARGE:
Rising up from Denver, Colorado’s prolific metal scene, Arson Charge is a five-piece behemoth made up of former members from mile-high area stalwarts Native Daughters, Chieftain, and Love Me Destroyer, and fronted by stand-up comedian, actor, and SPELLS lead singer, Ben Roy. Started with no intention beyond being the sum of its parts, Arson Charge is poised to turn heads with their unique blend of hardcore, thrash metal, and punk rock. Their debut album A Dying Light, set for release in the fall of 2025 on Anxious & Angry, is a bludgeoning and brutal dive into the feelings of pain, disconnection, and loss that arise from abuse and self-sabotage. Keep an eye out for Arson Charge in your neck of the woods very soon.

Arson Charge Lineup: 
Ben Roy – Vocals
Justin Hackl – Guitar
Dave Sandoval – Guitar
Kris Hodgell – Bass
Cody Hull – Drums

Follow ARSON CHARGE: 
Facebook | Instagram 

BLACK SWAN Unveil Visualizer for New Single ‘The Fire And The Flame’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 2, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Photo Credit: Enzo Mazzeo

The all-star hard rock collective Black Swan – featuring Robin McAuley (McAuley Schenker Group), Reb Beach (Winger, Whitesnake), Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, The End Machine, ex-Dokken), and Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr. Big) – are pleased to unveil their new single and official visualizer, “The Fire And The Flame”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

Robin McAuley commented: “The song is a powerful idiom and metaphor often found in religious literature and pop culture signifying a divine power, but also an insight into one’s personal struggles and perseverance. Fire can be seen as a divine presence while flame captures a passionate and never ending devotion in the midst of one’s personal struggles. Fire and flame, combined, emphasize’s the overall challenging experience at it’s most intense aspects. A time for reflection and rebirth perhaps?”

Stream “The Fire And The Flame” HERE

The genesis of Black Swan was sparked by a conversation between Jeff Pilson and Frontiers’ President & Head of A&R, Serafino Perugino, who wanted a project that would not only showcase McAuley’s vocal prowess, but have a mighty musical backbone to stand skyscraper tall behind him. Thus, the initial seeds were planted and Pilson ran with it from there

The project showcases both the musical talents of the instrumental players in the band as well as McAuley’s powerful voice. 

Black Swan released their debut album, “Shake The World”, on February 14, 2020. A killer slice of melodic hard rock and heavy metal from seasoned players who have gelled musically. 

Their sophomore album, “Generation Mind”, followed in 2022, a powerful hard rock statement that consolidates the unique sound of the quartet and highlights the talent of each of them.

With a new album coming soon, the new single “The Fire And The Flame” shows that the chemistry between the band members is undeniable: McAuley’s vocals remain as powerful and emotive as ever, while Beach, Pilson, and Starr bring dynamic energy and finesse to every track.

Far from being a side project or a nostalgic exercise, Black Swan has forged its own identity, distinct from the members’ other bands. 

Black Swan once again proves that they are one of the most exciting and relevant forces in modern hard rock.

Line Up:
Robin McAuley – Lead Vocals
Reb Beach – Guitars
Jeff Pilson – Bass
Matt Starr – Drums

Follow BLACK SWAN: Facebook

NASTYVILLE Release Supercharged Video ‘Run Wild, Rev High!’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 2, 2025
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After igniting the scene with the explosive singles “Power To The People” and “Rocking Through The Night”, Italian hard rockers Nastyville strike again with the release of their brand-new single and official video “Run Wild, Rev High!”. The track is taken from their latest album “Rebirth“, out now via Rockshots Records.

“Run Wild, Rev High!” encapsulates the band’s raw and unfiltered rock’n’roll spirit: adrenaline-fueled riffs, pounding rhythms and a chorus built to be shouted loud and proud. Co-written by guitarist David “Dave Wild” Visin and Christian “Dega” De Gaudenzi, the song delivers the perfect balance between classic sleaze/glam roots and a modern hard rock punch.

The official video further amplifies the track’s energy, capturing Nastyville’s trademark attitude and stage-ready presence. It’s a declaration of freedom, rebellion, and unapologetic rock’n’roll excess, a theme that resonates throughout “Rebirth“, an album described by the band as their truest statement of identity and cohesion to date.

Recorded at Ivorytears Music Works Recording Studio (Somma Lombardo, VA), “Rebirth” was produced by the band and mixed and engineered by Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Revolution Saints, Edge of Forever, Giant). With its blend of gritty riffs, punchy hooks, and high-octane choruses, the record represents a bold new chapter for Nastyville—one that has already led them to stages alongside Skid Row, Crashdïet, Enuff Z’Nuff, Steel Panther, The Dead Daisies, and more.

“Run Wild, Rev High!” is a call to let go of boundaries and embrace the chaos,” the band comments. “It’s about living with no brakes, no apologies, and turning life’s madness into pure energy.”

For fans of: Skid Row, Crashdïet, Hardcore Superstar, Steel Panther, The Dead Daisies

LISTEN to “Rebirth”: https://lnk.to/Q6dITNj4​

CD Order available here

TRACK LISTING:​
1. The Journey Of Rebirth
2. Power To The People
3. Run Wild, Rev High!
4. Rocking Through The Night
5. Unstoppable (Sia Cover)
6. We Give It All
7. Miss You
8. Yellow Schoolbus
9. Stay Out, Stay Out
10. Sex O’ Clock
11. Rock’n’Roll Experience

NASTYVILLE Line Up:​
Marco Luraschi (Mark Lee): Vocals
David Visin (Dave Wild): Guitars
Christian De Gaudenzi (Dega): Guitars
Carlo Giordano (The Horv): Bass
Christian Tabita (Chris Tabeat): Drums
​
​CREDITS: Produced by NASTYVILLE
Recorded at IVORYTEARS MUSIC WORKS RECORDING STUDIO, SOMMA LOMBARDO (VA)
Mixed and Engineered by Alessandro Del Vecchio

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.instagram.com/nastyvilleofficial | https://www.facebook.com/nastyvilleofficial