Prog Bass Titans Unite: RIGONI, MANRING & HAMM Sign to Musea Records — Secret Guest Drummer Incoming

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

International bassist and composer Alberto Rigoni has officially signed with the legendary French label Musea Records for the release of his upcoming instrumental concept album “Dystopia”, scheduled for early 2026 (official date TBA).

The album unites three of the most respected and innovative bassists in the world — Alberto Rigoni, Michael Manring and Stuart Hamm — alongside drummer David Menoudakis, with another iconic drummer guest soon to be revealed.

Musea Records, founded in 1985, stands as one of the pillars of the global progressive rock scene, known for its uncompromising artistic vision, passion for musical innovation, and legacy of supporting genre-defining artists. Rigoni’s signing places Dystopia among the most anticipated progressive releases of the coming year.

The official album artwork — designed by Mark Barrett (Elmtree Creative) — has also been revealed, capturing the record’s mysterious, futuristic and dramatic tone.

A Bass Journey into Collapse and Rebirth

Dystopia is a cinematic instrumental odyssey exploring the rise, collapse, and rebirth of a futuristic world.

Blending progressive rock, fusion, ambient textures and experimental bass soundscapes, the album narrates emotion and dystopian atmosphere without lyrics — where texture, melody and rhythmic evolution become the language.

At its core are three unique bass voices, each shaping the sonic world with their own distinct identity:

  • Alberto Rigoni — Progressive, melodic, emotionally driven composer (Burning Black, ex-Twinspirits, Vivaldi Metal Project)
  • Michael Manring — Fretless pioneer and ambient visionary (Michael Hedges, Windham Hill Records)
  • Stuart Hamm — Fusion virtuoso and technical innovator (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Frank Gambale)

Supported by the dynamic drumming of David Menoudakis, the album develops a sound universe that is truly unique:

  • three bassists, three worlds, one futuristic sonic identity.
  • The bass is not just an instrument here — it is voice, engine and world-builder.

Alberto Rigoni stated:
“Signing with Musea for Dystopia is an honor. Musea has supported visionary progressive music for decades, and this album is one of the most ambitious and emotional works of my career. Working with Michael and Stuart has been incredible, and David’s drumming brings the whole story to life. And yes — another legendary drummer will be announced soon. I’m also thrilled to present the stunning artwork by Mark Barrett, which perfectly reflects the atmosphere of the record.”

Digital pre-order available on http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com/album/dystopia
(First single track “Dystopia” already available for download!)

Credits
–Bass and composition: Alberto Rigoni, Michael Manring, Stuart Hamm
–Drums: David Menoudakis + special guest drummer TBA
–Artwork: Mark Barrett (Elmtree Creative)
–Label: Musea Records
–Release: Early 2026 — Digipack CD + Vinyl + Digital

Photos provided by featured artists.

For More information:

ALBERTO RIGONI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Rigoni
http://www.facebook.com/albertorigonimusic
http://www.instagram.com/albertorigonibassplayer
http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com
http://www.albertorigoni.net

MANAGEMENT:
https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement
http://www.splitscreenproduction.com

ANCIENT SETTLERS to Release “Autumnus (Revisited)” Digital EP on November 28th + Announce New Line-Up

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
photo by Juan Lopez

Ancient Settlers will release the “Autumnus (Revisited)” digital EP on November 28 through Scarlet Records.

“Autumnus (Revisited)” is the first Ancient Settlers release featuring the new singers Nia Creak and Noelia Fernández Jiménez, which joined the band earlier this year and already made their live debut.

«We’re honestly stoked about having two new singers joining the Ancient Settlers army! The combination of both voices — the melodic and the guttural — is something truly powerful. It brings a new dynamic, more intensity, and a lot of emotion to our music. We’re all really happy with how the chemistry is flowing, both in the studio and on stage. The interaction and energy during the live shows are going to be next level! Can’t wait for everyone to experience it!» – Ancient Settlers

artwork by Khalipse

With “Autumnus (Revisited)”, Ancient Settlers return to the origins of their musical journey to forge a new chapter in modern melodic death metal. Revisiting their 2021 debut EP, the band delivers a powerful reinterpretation that transcends nostalgia and stands as a bold artistic statement – heavier, more refined, and emotionally deeper than ever.

This new edition features five tracks, framed by an instrumental acoustic intro and outro that set a dramatic atmosphere before unleashing a wave of intensity. Ancient Settlers breathe new life into three of their cornerstone songs – “A Monument Restored”, “Die Around Me” and “Diamond Eyes” – reworking them with evolved arrangements, new sonic textures, and a stronger emotional impact. These updated versions blend melodic architecture with epic tension, aggressive rhythmic drive, and a powerful vocal interplay of guttural and clean voices.

Lyrically, the EP explores themes of decay, betrayal, rebirth, and inner struggle – reflecting the band’s signature emotional weight and introspective depth. The full lyrics are included to invite listeners into the conceptual layers of the release.

Visually, “Autumnus (Revisited)” is crowned by a striking new cover artwork by Khalipse, capturing the dramatic duality of vulnerability and strength that defines the sound and spirit of the record.

More than a re-recording, “Autumnus (Revisited)” is a statement of identity – an evolution that honors Ancient Settlers’ past while powerfully asserting who they are today.

“Autumnus (Revisited)” tracklist:

1 Intro
2 A Monument Restored
3 Die Around Me
4 Diamond Eyes
5 Outro

Total running time – 16:00

FFO: Arch Enemy, Hiraes, Lutharo, Dark Tranquility, Soilwork, The Agonist, Eluveitie

Ancient Settlers are:
Nia Creak – vocals
Noelia Fernández Jiménez – vocals
Rex Chiesa – guitar
Agustín Martinez – guitar
Enric Juan – bass
Hermán Riera – drums

More information: https://www.facebook.com/AncientSettlers

NERGAL to Perform BEHEMOTH’s First Album “Sventevith” Live with Misþyrming at Beyond the Gates 2026

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

In 2026, Sventevith — the seminal debut album by Behemoth — will rise again in a series of exclusive festival appearances across Europe, including Beyond the Gates in Bergen, Norway. Marking the 30th anniversary of its original release, Nergal will revisit the dark origins of his musical legacy, performing Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic) in its entirety.

This extraordinary series will see Nergal joined by Icelandic black metal visionaries Misþyrming, whose raw energy and uncompromising intensity have reshaped the modern black metal landscape. Together, they will summon the primal spirit of the 1995 release — an album that laid the foundation for Behemoth’s evolution from underground obscurity to global extremity.

Performed live for the first time as a full conceptual work, Sventevith will return as both a tribute and a transformation: a rare convergence of heritage and renewal, honoring Behemoth’s roots while embracing the ferocity of a new generation.

On July 29 – August 1, Beyond the Gates will be held for the 14th time, showcasing why the festival has grown into the international metal gathering it has become. Attracting visitors from 50 different countries around the world, the extreme metal festival has become a global phenomenon. The festival takes place the city center of Bergen, using several venues spread across town, including the legendary Grieghallen and USF Verftet. Gold passes for the festival are running low!

Welcome to four days of darkness in the heart of Bergen. Buy tickets here.

THE NUDE Unveil New Lyric Video ‘If Misery?’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Modern rock and roll juggernauts The Nude are back with their latest lyric video, “If Misery?”, a gripping blend of heavy rock, metal, and blues that hits straight to the soul. The track, taken from their debut full-length “Stand and Be Recognized” (Epictronic Records), dives into enduring sorrow, self-reflection, and the fight to reclaim oneself amid life’s struggles. With powerful riffs, haunting melodies, and starkly honest lyrics, “If Misery” is a song that lingers long after the final note.

Previous video: Devilicous: https://youtu.be/GztFFCZwf-s

Stream “Stand and Be Recognized”: https://orcd.co/sabralbum

Hailing from Brooklyn, The Nude fuse metal, funk, punk, and blues into raw, contemporary compositions that explore vulnerability, truth, and the human psyche. Rejecting autotune and gimmicks, the band delivers music in its purest form. “Stand and Be Recognized” chronicles an emotional journey through hope, fear, courage, defeat, and the ultimate triumph of self-mastery.

The Nude line-up:

Henry Ott:Guitars
Derrick Duemler: Drums
Luke Bergstedt: Vocals, composition, lyrics, founder.
Nick Cageao: Bass. Recording, and Mixing.

Connect With The Nude:

www.webringrockandroll.com
www.instagram.com/webringrockandroll
www.tiktok.com/@webringrockandroll
www.youtube.com/@Webringrockandroll
soundcloud.com/ibringrockandroll

SABOTØR Sign with Dark Essence Records + Release New Single ‘Skyggens Frekvens’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Photo Credit: Ellen Dixon

With inspirations from the resistance movement in Norway during the 2nd World War, the young metal band SABOTØR (Saboteur) offers you some hard-hitting and old-school metal.
 
Formed in 2024 by Rasmus Stenstadvolden Strømberg (bass and vocals), Andreas Remmen (guitar) and Elias Solemdal (drums), the trio started slamming out epic metal/punk tracks with the inspiration from bands like English Dogs, Brocas Helm and Warfare. All packed in the theme of the Norwegian resistance movement during the 2nd World War, with lyrics in Norwegian.
 
Their authentic sound attracted the attention from Dark Essence Records, and the band signed a deal for their upcoming debut album, which they are recording at Formkraft Produksjoner and the album will be mixed by Remi André Nygård (Morax/Inculter).

While we wait for them to finish the recording, the band is unleashing their first single, “Skyggens Frekvens”, today, on Tuesday the 4th of November. You can check out the single here: https://orcd.co/skyggens-frekvens

Sabotør has this to say about the track:
The title is in Norwegian and can be translated to “The frequency of the shadows”. The song is about saboteurs in Norway who during World War II communicated with allied forces using radio while hiding from the Germans in caves and huts. The lyrics are loosely based on the chapter “Med radiosendar på Loddo” (With radio transmitter on Loddo) from the book “Krigen og Austevoll 1940-45” (The war and Austevoll 1940-45), where two saboteurs have to take shelter from German soldiers after having operated a radio station in the forest where they reported in morse code about ships and the weather.
 
Sabotør will do a support gig at Hulen, Bergen on the 8th of November.
 
The riffs are rolled in with barbed wire, and each song delivers dynamite, vandalism, espionage and sabotage!

For more information about Sabotør: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581330192678

ERSHETU Premiere Self-Contained Composition ‘Carmen Funebre’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Cover artwork: Maciej Kamuda

“Les morts sont des invisibles, mais non des absents.” (Victor Hugo)

One year after the release of “黄泉 / Yomi” — a work that explored the death folklore of Japanese Shinto — ERSHETU unveil a new, self-contained composition. ‘Carmen Funebre‘ finds the ensemble, led by principal composer Sacr alongside conceptualist/lyricist Void (DMP) and vocalist/guitarist Vindsval (BLUT AUS NORD, FORHIST), building upon an immortal classical melody to conjure a malevolent piece of cinematic Black Metal.

Listen below and via Bandcamp:

Perfectly timed for November 1st, the day of the dead, ‘Carmen Funebre‘ is based on the renowned ‘Funeral March‘ by Frédéric Chopin, the third movement of his 1837 Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor. ERSHETU take the Polish composer’s legendary melodic theme on a twisted and layered trip into a labyrinthine death-chamber of orthodox Black Metal malevolence, Latin-derived choral grandeur, stately piano flourishes, sacred solemnity and reverent darkness.

Conceptualist Void (DMP) comments:

“Today, we reveal the first chapter of a new series which will run in parallel to our main discography — heartfelt homages to the timeless genius of humanity’s greatest composers, crafted with genuine passion and reverence.“

Order the accompanying merch via DMP‘s EU and Bandcamp shops!

ERSHETU was founded in 2021 by conceptualist/lyricist Void and composer Sacr to create cinematic music that blends epic, obscure, and atmospheric Metal with the evocative dramatism of film scores. Each album examines the concept of ‘death’ as interpreted by different civilizations or religions.

The project’s 2023 debut, “Xibalba“, drew inspiration from Mayan folklore and sacred text the Popol Vuh, and featured the unmistakable vocals of Norway’s Lars Are Nedland (BORKNAGAR, SOLEFALD) plus bass/additional guitars by the enigmatic French artist Vindsval (BLUT AUS NORD, FORHIST).

ERSHETU‘s upcoming second work, “Yomi“, explores the death-lore of Japanese Shinto. The album features an expanded role for Vindsval – including lead vocals – and sees the band heading to deeper and darker territory.

“Yomi” was released on November 8, 2024.