Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

The Magic Of Metal

  • Home
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • CHIEF SHOCK VIDEO
  • Metal Shock Times
  • PARTNERS
  • WhoWeAre
    • Advertising
    • Contact Us
    • MSF STAFF
    • We Recommend…

New Speed Metal Supergroup DEEP CRATER Burst onto Scene with Explosive Self-Titled Debut Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 24, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DEEP CRATER. Leave a comment

Wanikiya Record/Promotion is proud to announce the official release of Deep Crater, the self-titled debut album from a brand-new and powerful Speed Metal supergroup, ready to bring back all the energy, speed and attitude of 1980s Metal.

On September 22, 2026, Deep Crater officially released their first album: a concentrated blast of direct, aggressive and uncompromising Speed Metal, built around razor-sharp riffs, relentless rhythms, thunderous drums, powerful bass and blazing guitar solos.

A project born from the meeting of musicians coming from different backgrounds within the Italian Metal scene, united by a shared passion for the sound and attitude of the great era of 1980s Heavy Metal.

Deep Crater is not simply a new band.
It is a true supergroup.

FIVE MUSICIANS. ONE IMPACT.

At the heart of the project is LGD, guitarist of Anguish Force, who wrote all the songs on the album and is responsible for the rhythm guitars.

It is through his compositions and riffs that the musical identity of Deep Crater takes shape: a fast, direct sound deeply rooted in the tradition of classic Speed Metal.

On vocals is Francesca Battistini, singer of Black Reflex, whose powerful and distinctive performance gives the songs a strong identity and a vocal presence capable of carrying the full aggression of the project.

The lead guitars are handled by Richard Hupka, guitarist of Bullet Proof, whose fiery solos ignite the album and complement the rhythmic attack with a true burst of guitar-fueled adrenaline.

On bass is Mr. Jack, lead singer and bassist of Ice Suckers, bringing his own experience and musical approach to the project while building, together with the drums, a solid and powerful rhythm section.

Completing the lineup is Trevor Giunto, a session musician on drums, whose precision and power drive the relentless rhythmic assault of Deep Crater.

PURE SPEED. PURE METAL. NO COMPROMISE.

Deep Crater openly look back to the Golden Era of 1980s Metal, bringing its most genuine and combative spirit into the present.

Speed. Power. Riffs. Distortion. Solos. Thunderous drums.

And above all, one thing that no technology can ever replace: the desire to play Metal.

The sound of Deep Crater is built around the desire to keep music direct, immediate and free from unnecessary complications.

No formulas designed to follow current trends. No compromises. No unnecessary layers.

Just a band that wants to play fast and loud.

The goal is to recreate that feeling that the great Metal records of the 1980s could deliver from the very first second: press play, turn up the volume and let yourself be overwhelmed.

A SUPERGROUP BORN FROM A PASSION FOR METAL

The strength of Deep Crater also lies in the variety of musical experiences that come together within the project.

Each member brings their own identity, history and personal way of living Metal, yet all these influences converge toward a clear musical direction.

The songwriting and rhythm guitars of LGD, the vocal power of Francesca Battistini, the solos of Richard Hupka, the bass of Mr. Jack and the drums of Trevor Giunto come together to create a lineup designed to put what truly matters back at the center: the music, the energy and the attitude.

THE DEBUT ALBUM

Deep Crater represents the first official chapter in the band’s history.

An album that does not attempt to chase contemporary trends, but consciously chooses to look back in order to bring the essence of a genre that shaped the history of Heavy music into the present day.

Deep Crater’s Speed Metal is fast, raw, powerful and immediate, while at the same time being crafted by musicians who fully understand the language of Rock and Metal.

The result is a record for those who still believe in the power of:

distorted guitars, amplifiers turned all the way up, powerful drums, pounding bass, aggressive vocals and pure Metal spirit.

A record for those who have never stopped loving 1980s Metal. A record for those who want to rediscover it. A record for those who simply want to turn up the volume.

The album is released in physical CD format and distributed internationally across major digital platforms and streaming services, allowing fans to purchase and collect the physical edition or listen to Deep Crater on the world’s leading music platforms.

With this release, Wanikiya Record/Promotion is proud to welcome and promote a new Metal project with a clear mission: to keep the fire of Speed Metal alive and bring it into the present without betraying its soul.

THE CRATER IS OPEN.

The riffs are ready. The amplifiers are on. The drums are ready to strike. The countdown has begun.

On September 22, 2026, Deep Crater officially open their crater.

And when the ground begins to shake, one thing will immediately become clear:

Speed Metal never died. It was simply waiting for the right moment to explode once again.

UFO’s “Mechanix” Expanded, Remastered & Reissued on Double CD + Triple Vinyl Coming on December 4th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 24, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: ufo. Leave a comment

Chrysalis Records are proud to present the latest in the acclaimed UFO reissue series: the classic 1982 album ‘Mechanix’.

Reissued on stunning 3LP tri-fold sleeve 180gm vinyl and 2CD Digipak formats on 4th December 2026, the album now sounds more dynamic and detailed than ever, thanks to new remastering from the original tape transfers at AIR Mastering.

Originally released in February 1982, this pivotal album captures the band transitioning into a new era, reaching No. 8 on the UK Albums Chart. The lineup featured the full studio record debut of multi-instrumentalist Neil Carter on guitars, keyboards, and saxophones, joining Phil Mogg, Andy Parker, Paul Chapman, and Pete Way.

Carter’s contribution was immediate. Drummer Andy Parker said “He was so easy. He’s such a sweetheart and such a great musician. He pretty much had it all down.

Lead singer Phil Mogg recalled, “It did occur to me that if I wasn’t gonna be the greatest singer in the world, maybe I could do some singing with some really OK lyrics. I can’t do wizards and castles… So that seemed like the only way to go.”

Neil Carter added, “Knowing I would be writing was like someone gave me a rush of adrenaline. I wanted to write riffs, I wanted to write songs… I did some demos in my room so when it came to Mechanix I had some things to offer.

This deluxe edition also includes a brand-new, previously unreleased mix of the concert recorded live at the Hammersmith Odeon on 28th January 1982. Restored by revered producer Brian Kehew, this performance captures the band’s raw onstage energy and musical firepower on the literal eve of the album’s original release.

The set is rounded out with newly written liner notes by Michael Hann, featuring fresh interviews with Phil Mogg, Andy Parker, and Neil Carter, alongside a collection of previously unseen photographs from the era — making it an essential addition for fans and collectors alike.

ORDER HERE: https://ufo.lnk.to/MCHX

TRACKLISTING (3LP)

LP1 – Mechanix – 2026 Remaster

  1. The Writer
  2. Somethin’ Else
  3. Back Into My Life
  4. You’ll Get Love
  5. Doing It All For You
  6. We Belong To The Night
  7. Let It Rain
  8. Terri
  9. Feel It
  10. Dreaming
     

LP2 / LP3 – Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, 28th January 1982 – Newly Mixed / Previously Unreleased

  1. We Belong To The Night
  2. Let It Rain
  3. Long Gone
  4. The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent
  5. Only You Can Rock Me
  6. No Place To Run
  7. Love To Love
  8. Doing It All For You
  9. Makin’ Moves
  10. Too Hot To Handle
  11. Mystery Train

TRACKLISTING (2CD)

CD1 – Mechanix – 2026 Remaster

  1. The Writer
  2. Somethin’ Else
  3. Back Into My Life
  4. You’ll Get Love
  5. Doing It All For You
  6. We Belong To The Night
  7. Let It Rain
  8. Terri
  9. Feel It
  10. Dreaming
  11. Heel Of A Stranger (B-Side)
  12. Back Into My Life (Single Edit)

CD2 – Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, 28th January 1982 – Newly Mixed / Previously Unreleased

  1. We Belong To The Night
  2. Let It Rain
  3. Long Gone
  4. The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent
  5. Only You Can Rock Me
  6. No Place To Run
  7. Love To Love
  8. Doing It All For You
  9. Makin’ Moves
  10. Too Hot To Handle
  11. Mystery Train

UFO ‘Mechanix’ (2026 Remaster – Deluxe Edition) is released on double CD and 3LP on 4th December 2026 on Chrysalis Records. Order link: https://ufo.lnk.to/MCHX 

HELLOWEEN: Spectacular World Tour Finale in São Paulo

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 24, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: HELLOWEEN. Leave a comment

HELLOWEEN brought their world tour to a close on Saturday with a wildly acclaimed show at the sold-out Suhai venue in São Paulo.

Under the banner of their “40 Years Anniversary”,  this German power metal institution thrilled fans across the globe—from major arenas in Europe, North America, and Asia to Latin America—complemented by appearances at Europe’s most significant summer festivals in 2026.

The tour was far more than just a series of high-energy concerts: HELLOWEEN took fans on a musical journey through 40 years of band history. Featuring a setlist that spanned everything from early, defining tracks and all the fan favorites to brand-new material from their current album *GIANTS & MONSTERS*, the show combined hits from every era, delighting fans across generations.

Visually, too, the show set new benchmarks, elevating the standard of modern metal productions. The elaborate stage show, combined massive screens, spectacular lighting and video effects, pyrotechnics, and a carefully especially crafted production design into a comprehensive audiovisual experience that underscored the music and showcased the band members in impressive fashion.

HELLOWEEN played in sold-out arenas before tens of thousands of fans—including the largest headlining show in the band’s history in Mexico City and the O2 Arena in Prague —and captivated international audiences on major European festival stages. In total, the world tour took the band through 28 countries across three continents, reaching an audience of over one million people.

From the tour’s kickoff in Europe to the final concerts in Latin America, HELLOWEEN’s extraordinary enduring appeal was once again evident: songs like “Eagle Fly Free,” “Future World,” “Dr. Stein,” and “I Want Out” have made history and are essential parts of the metal soundtrack.

The “40 Years Anniversary” tour concludes with the concert in São Paulo. However, HELLOWEEN’s journey is far from over! The story of this exceptional septet is far from fully told, and major festivals for the summer of 2027 are already booked!

First dates and many more to come:

10 JUN — CZ Plzeň, Metalfest
24 JUN — NO Oslo, Tons of Rock
04 JUL — ES Cartagena, Rock Imperium Festival VI
29 JUL — DE Wacken, Wacken Open Air
6 AUG — DE Neu-Ulm, Wiley Sportpark
7 AUG — DE Loreley, Freilichtbühne
22 AUG — FR Carhaix, Motocultor Festival

HELLOWEEN are:
Michael Kiske | vocals
Andi Deris | vocals
Kai Hansen | guitars, vocals
Michael Weikath | guitars
Sascha Gerstner | guitars
Markus Grosskopf | bass
Daniel Löble | drums

More on HELLOWEEN: helloween.org | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | YouTube | X | Spotify | Apple Music | RPM

VALKYRIE’S FIRE Bring ‘The Raven’ by Edgar Allen Poe to Life in New ‘Evermore’ Music Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 24, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: VALKYRIE'S FIRE. Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Synnfox Photography

Nashville-based symphonic power metal force Valkyrie’s Fire has officially released their hauntingly epic new music video for “Evermore,” directed by vocalist Bettie Floyd alongside ProMotion LLC. Serving as the third visual showcase from their brand new full-length album, Out of Darkness (released on September 18, 2026, via Eclipse Records) the track delivers a profound, uplifting spin on Edgar Allan Poe’s legendary poem “The Raven”. Floyd envisioned a visual production that captures the authentic atmosphere of Poe’s 19th-century era, grounding the narrative in a classical aesthetic before launching into an empowering modern metal triumph.

Conceptually, “Evermore” tackles grief, mortality, and survival. While Poe’s original work resigns itself to endless sorrow with the iconic refrain “Nevermore,” Valkyrie’s Fire flips the script to offer a comforting perspective. As bassist Dave Hale notes, “the video interprets the dark, isolation-filled moments everyone faces in life, yet pivots toward a resilient message of healing. Rather than dwelling in permanent desolation, the narrative reminds listeners that the loved ones we lose live on eternally through memory, urging us to honor them by living life to the fullest.” Visually, the video mirrors this emotional evolution through distinct structural settings. The verses unfold in period-accurate surroundings, embodying the somber mood and heavy grief of the poem’s origins. As the music swells into the main chorus, the tone shifts rapidly into a vibrant, uplifting performance that mirrors the newfound strength found in the lyrics. All the while, Adam Sanders’ vocals locks into striking harmonies with his female counterpart Bettie Floyd, driving home a message that brighter days lie ahead.

Valkyrie’s Fire, a symphonic power metal sextet from Nashville, TN, is set to redefine the American landscape of the genre with their debut full-length album, Out of Darkness. Scheduled for release on September 18, 2026, through Eclipse Records, the album serves as a sophisticated evolution of the band’s melodic foundations. Produced and engineered by Joey Grimaldi, the record boasts a polished, sonic profile that equals the European giants of the genre. The visual identity of the project is equally prestigious, featuring cover art by the legendary Jan Yrlund, whose portfolio includes iconic designs for Battle Beast, Manowar and Delain. A central pillar of the album is the towering track “Burning Sky”, which features a guest appearance by Mikael Sehlin of Amaranthe. Sehlin, who also lent his expertise to the mastering of the album, provides a gritty vocal contrast to the soaring symphonic arrangements. The song explores the harrowing endurance of the human spirit through historical and biblical lenses. While Burning Sky offers aggressive intensity, “Cascade” invites the listener into a more atmospheric experience. The song depicts the transition from dusk to night, focusing on the clarity of the cosmos as constellations emerge from the gloom. Conversely, “Evermore” takes inspiration from the melancholic works of Edgar Allan Poe. Unlike the traditional gloom associated with The Raven, Valkyrie’s Fire reinterprets the narrative as a journey through grief toward a place of hope. Out of Darkness positions Valkyrie’s Fire as a formidable contemporary to bands like Epica, Within Temptation and Nightwish. By blending the grandiosity of European symphonic metal with the sharp production values of the modern Nashville metal scene, the band has created a debut that feels both timeless and urgent. Out of Darkness by Valkyrie’s Fire was released on September 18, 2026 via Eclipse Records.

Coverart by Jan Yrlund

Get Out of Darkness via Eclipse Records at this location.

Out of Darkness track listing
01.       In Spirit, In Shadow
02.       Evermore
03.       Valkyrie’s Fire
04.       Cascade
05.       Burning Sky (featuring Mikael Sehlin of Amaranthe)
06.       Shattered
07.       I See the Angels Fly
08.       Skylark
09.       Labyrinth
10.       Bone and Thorn
11.       Dark Moon
12.       Nocturne
13.       I Will Rise Again

About Valkyrie’s Fire
Nashville’s Valkyrie’s Fire bridges European grandiosity and American grit into a definitive symphonic power metal sound. Blending dual-vocal harmonies, heavy instrumentation, and orchestral depth, the award-winning band draws comparisons to Nightwish and Epica. Following their debut EP Ascension in 2024 (Eclipse Records), they now drop their 13-track full-length album Out of Darkness, a monumental journey through grief, history, and cosmic beauty.

Valkyrie’s Fire is Bettie Floyd (vocals), Adam Sanders (vocals), Joey Grimaldi (guitar), Ryan Metroka (drums), Dave Hale (bass), Salem Belladonna (keys, cello).

XION Enter Swedish Album Charts 3 Times with “When Stars Collide”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 24, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: XION. Leave a comment
Photo by George Grigoriadis

XION have entered the official Swedish album charts Sverigetopplistan 3 (!!!) times and entered on postion #3 (Vinyl), #5 (Physical) and #19 (Hard Rock) – this is truely amazing, to see the album right inbetween The Rolling Stones, Sabaton, Metallica and other huge names!

A big thank you to each Swedish metalhead out there supporting physical products, real metal and of course our beloved guys from XION. Thank you to Edel Distribution and our Swedish partner Sound Pollution to make this happen – you all rule!

”A huge, huge thank you – what a feeling! You seem to like „When Stars Collide“, so make sure to catch us playing it live“, comments vocalist Robin Björk.

“When Stars Collide” is available on a CD Jewelcase, phantom purple Vinyl (incl. 4-page insert & signed autograph card), digtal and via Bandcamp with various bundle options, incl. new merchandise.

Order the album here: https://save-it.cc/fireflash/when-stars-collide
Get the album on CD, Vinyl & exclusive merchandise bundles on Bandcamp: https://ff-xion.bandcamp.com/album/when-stars-collide

XION Live:
02/10 Hellraiser Metal Fest – Motala Bomber Bar Motala
03/10 In Rock Discoveries – Skövde In Rock Festival
17/10 Stuck On – Östersund Stuck On – Live
23/10 Backstage Rockbar – Trollhättan Backstage Rockbar
24/10 City Rock – Kungsbacka CityRock

The quintet was formed in 2022, when some of the members were still under 18, yet they were already playing with the same precision and energy as more established metal bands. Since then, the band from Falun has taken the world by storm. The combination of the members’ young age and their extremely precise and virtuosic musical skills has made XION one of the most interesting and promising newcomers on the Swedish metal scene in many years.

In January 2024, XION released their debut album “Between Shadows and Gods”, produced by Johan Reivén (RAM, HOSTILIA, among others). They performed as the support act for IN FLAMES and the GENE SIMMONS BAND at the legendary “Dalhalla Arena” and played at several festivals, including “Gefle Metal”, “Sweden Rock Festival” and the “Sabaton Cruise”. Their concerts have been highly praised. Sweden Rock Magazine rated one of their live performances 9/10, and their performance at the “Sweden Rock Festival” itself received a rating of 4/5. In 2023, the band also won the “Imagine Sweden” music competition.

In June 2025, XION released the single “Wasteland of Time”, produced by Jonas Arnberg (METHANE, DEMONICAL, among others), who is also producing the band’s upcoming studio album, “When Stars Collide”. This track also convinced Fireflash Records to offer them a record deal.

“When Stars Collide” takes things a step further and showcases the band at their very best. The entire record is packed with surprises and metal anthems that stick in your memory. “This upcoming album consists of tracks we’ve worked on for a very long time and put a lot of effort into,” reveals the band – and every serious metalhead should definitely check out these young, up-and-coming stars. XION is the future!

XION Is:
Robin Björk – Vocals
Erik Zetterström – Guitars
Liam Rådman – Guitars
Johan Berg – Bass
Algot Brask – Drums

XION online:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/xiontheband
Homepage: http://xiontheband.se/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xiontheband
Instagram: https://instagram.com/xiontheband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBLLMlawAMG96LTtTRq1CQ
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xiontheband
X: https://x.com/xiontheband
Bandshop: https://xiontheband.bandcamp.com/

STREETLIGHT Return with New Album “Shadows In Motion”, Out January 22nd

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 24, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Streetlight. Leave a comment
Photo by David Wreland

AOR/Melodic rockers Streetlight are excited to announce their return with a new studio album, “Shadows In Motion”, set for release on January 22, 2027, via Frontiers Music Srl.

To give fans a taste of the upcoming record, they unleash today the first single and official video, “Rebel Blood”, available below.

Vocalist Johannes Häger described the track by saying: “This is the kind of music you listen to with the top down, cruising along with the sea breeze messing up your hair. “Rebel Blood” is a tribute to an era when the songs were unforgettable and the attitude was unmistakable, and a salute to all the rebels and dreamers who came before us. “To all the ones who held out for love, this song will not fade, it’s in my rebel blood.”

Pre-Order “Shadows In Motion” HERE

With “Shadows In Motion”, Streetlight deliver the strongest statement of their career to date, building upon the acclaimed foundation established by their first two albums while taking their songwriting, musicianship and emotional depth to an entirely new level.

The band stated: “It has been an incredible privilege for us to have built such a dedicated following in the short time we’ve been around, which makes it more exciting to finally unveil our third album, “Shadows In Motion”. Just like our two previous records, the entire album was recorded and produced in our singer Johannes Häger’s music studio, Loud Noise Studios. Long days and late nights were spent working on every detail, from the perfect snare sound to layered vocal harmonies”.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, but above all, a lot of fun. Our hope is that “Shadows In Motion” will resonate with listeners in the same way our previous albums have”, they added. “Just like shadows move with the pull of gravity, we have no intention of slowing down. We are pushing ahead, with soaring six-strings and powerful choruses. “Shadows In motion” is the next step forward.”

Rich in soaring melodies, unforgettable hooks and the timeless elegance that has made the band a favorite among AOR and melodic rock fans worldwide, “Shadows In Motion” is both a natural continuation of Streetlight’s artistic journey and a bold step forward. Combining impeccable musicianship with heartfelt performances and world-class production, the album captures everything that has earned the band such widespread critical acclaim while further refining their unique identity.

From anthemic rockers to deeply evocative melodic moments, the album showcases a band operating at the peak of its creative powers. Confident, mature and utterly captivating, this is the sound of Streetlight fulfilling the promise that fans and critics alike recognized from the very beginning.

For lovers of classic AOR, melodic rock and timeless songwriting, “Shadows In Motion” is destined to become one of the defining releases of the year.

“Shadows In Motion” Tracklist:

1.    Rebel Blood
2.    Runaway Skies
3.    Up From The Ashes
4.    Say It Like You Mean It
5.    Night After Night
6.    Shadowland
7.    We Were Just Kids
8.    Waiting To Be Found
9.    Shattered On The Rock
10.    Something In Between

Line Up:
Johannes Häger – lead vocals, guitars
Filip Stenlund – guitars, backing vocals
John Svensson – keyboards, backing vocals
Erik Nilsson – drums, saxophone, backing vocals
Johan Tjernström – bass, backing vocals

Follow STREETLIGHT:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Posts navigation

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →
  • 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
  • Ads

  • Metal Shock Finland

    Metal Shock Finland
Website Powered by WordPress.com.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )
    Join 948 other subscribers

    Have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.

  • Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )
    View site in Reader
    Manage subscriptionsSign upLog in
    Report this content
    Collapse this bar