JOE HASSELVANDER Joins Wanikiya Record/Promotion Roster for New Album “Armor Plating”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 4, 2026
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Wanikiya Record/Promotion is proud to announce a new important international collaboration with Joe Hasselvander and Savant Guarde Records for the upcoming release of Joe Hasselvander’s new solo album, “Armor Plating”.

This collaboration brings together one of the most respected figures in the history of international Heavy Metal and Doom with a new promotional partnership dedicated to his upcoming release.

Joe Hasselvander has an extraordinary career deeply connected to the history of Metal. A musician, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, his name is associated with landmark acts such as Pentagram and Raven, as well as his extensive solo career and The Hounds of Hasselvander.

With “Armor Plating”, Joe Hasselvander returns with a new chapter in his solo career, delivering an album driven by his unmistakable Heavy, Doom and Hard Rock attitude, with a powerful, dark sound deeply rooted in the traditions of Metal.

“Armor Plating” also marks Joe Hasselvander’s second solo album released by Savant Guarde Records, following “Fire on the Mountain”, released in 2025 and met with strong interest from the Doom and Heavy Metal community.

The new release therefore continues the relationship between Joe Hasselvander and Savant Guarde Records, building on the path established with the previous album and taking it into a new, heavier chapter.

The album will be released by Savant Guarde Records, which will remain the official label for the project.

At the same time, Joe Hasselvander officially joins the Wanikiya Record/Promotion roster, with Wanikiya handling the international press office and promotional campaign for “Armor Plating”.

The collaboration between Joe Hasselvander, Savant Guarde Records and Wanikiya Record/Promotion will bring the new album to radio stations, magazines, webzines and specialized Rock and Metal media worldwide through a dedicated international promotional campaign.

“Armor Plating” therefore marks a new important chapter in Joe Hasselvander’s career, as well as a prestigious new collaboration for Wanikiya Record/Promotion, welcoming an artist whose history is deeply intertwined with that of international Heavy Metal.

More news and promotional updates coming soon.

More info: JoeHasselvander.lnk.to/armorplating – SavantGuardeRecords.com – SavantGuardeRecordsusa.bandcamp.com

Chilean STRIGOI to Reissue Debut Album “Black Magic Fumes” on September 11th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 4, 2026
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Up from the grave and into the night, Chile’s STRIGOI thrash into new life with a CD repress of their 2024 debut album “Black Magic Fumes”, released by Dawnbreed Records on September 11th, 2026.

With a distinctly South American sound, something extreme that doesn’t adhere to a single genre point between death, thrash and black metal, STRIGOI‘s debut album is sheer aggression, but under a spooky, haunted facade.

Bewitched and heavily metallic, “Black Magic Fumes” is an album dedicated to being as metal as it could possibly be. Trilling and spinechilling riffwork, shrieking vocals and a pummeling rhythm section all combine into a horrific, and yet memorable sound. This isn’t about being a frostbitten hermit, nor is it about being a basketball-shorted Floridian— the zombified STRIGOI bring their absolute A-game of genre-indistinct, aggressive metal. And that’s how it should be: making metal for metal’s sake. Zero irony, nothing “post-“, and certainly nothing groundbreaking; STRIGOI are here to rock your faces off.

Breathing new life into their debut two years later, STRIGOI‘s revisitation of “Black Magic Fumes” is an exhilarating one. Dawnbreed Records will internationally release “Black Magic Fumes” on CD (run of 300 copies) on September 11th, 2026.

The album’s vinyl edition is also available via Ixiol Productions.

https://strigoi-rises.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/strigoi.cl

THE OCEAN Release New Single ‘Ultima Esperanza’ with Official Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 4, 2026
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Credit: Pelagic Records

The Ocean today release their new single ‘Ultima Esperanza’, the first half of the 20-minute closing piece of Solaris, their forthcoming 12th studio album (25th September, Pelagic Records).

Ultima Esperanza (Spanish for “last hope”) is the name of the southernmost province on the South American continent, named after the inlet known as Última Esperanza Sound. The inlet was given its name by Spanish navigator Juan Ladrillero in 1557, who hoped it would offer a passage to the Strait of Magellan. Instead, it leads to a glacier – and ultimately, a dead end.

The band comment: “‘Ultima Esperanza’ explores the intrinsically human notion of hope as the driving force behind all explorative endeavours, and loss thereof. It is a reflection on mental resilience, tracing the different stages of losing hope and the mind’s remarkable tendency to keep projecting it even onto the most dire realities, as an instinctive means of survival.”

Pre-order Solaris here: https://orcd.co/theocean-solaris

Track list:
1. 52°30’11” N, 13°26’12“ E
2. Departure Song
3. Light Pollution
4. Simulacra
5. Belligerence
6. Ultima Esperanza
7. Milk Of My Dreams
8. 51°28’30” S, 73°6’11” W

Featuring members from six different countries in the core line up, The Ocean returns to their collective formation and is able to draw on the experiences and talents of a pool of extraordinary musicians. The Ocean’s signature atmospheric post-metal is embellished by the adventurous spirit of their new members, as well as the impressive contribution of Thorsten Quaeschning of Tangerine Dream on keys.

Solaris is an album that tells a story of cosmic escapism: a journey on that ship, which is essentially a celestial rescue boat escaping from a metaphorically sinking Mother Earth. The rescue boat can be imagined as a historic naval vessel, and the lyrics and episodes of the album  make reference to the real-life explorers of the past who set out to discover (back then) unknown continents and uncharted territories: Da Gama, Magellan, Sir Frances Drake, as well as the Polar explorers Amundsen, Scott, Rasmussen etc.

The stories of these historic journeys all share similar elements: storms, disease, wreckage, power games, personal rivalries, egos, belligerence, mutiny, finally the quest for truth and justice. While most explorers initially had noble motives and were driven by a limitless spirit of exploration and discovery which was stronger than the many hardships suffered along the way, their legacy is often stained with cultural imperialism, genocide and tales of dictatorial leadership.

Far from being a glorification of male, white explorers who sought to colonise unknown worlds, or a romanticization of patriarchal constructs, Solaris draws a line between these extremely driven explorers and present-day political leaders. 

The album serves as a critique of the underlying motives and psychological dispositions of an explorative mindset and a thirst for power. It is an existential questioning, a probe of reason of the general purpose of technological advance, in the specific light of the destruction of our habitat. It’s a dystopian outlook into a future where Earth has become uninhabitable – not despite, but as a direct consequence of human intelligence, as the foundation of technological advance.

The Solaris album artwork is a collaborative effort by German artist Phillip Janta (Metallica, Queens Of the Stone Age, Envy) whose distinctive, highly detailed line work is instantly recognisable, and Norwegian artist Martin Kvamme who is the graphic designer behind most of Mike Patton‘s numerous projects. The deluxe version of the album will be accompanied by a hardcover, fabric-wrapped book with copper hot foil print, printed inner sleeves, a 32 pages book, seven art prints by Phillip Janta as well as a customised, retro-futuristic star constellation finder.

Solaris will be released via Pelagic Records on 25th September.

The Ocean Line-up:
Robin Staps – guitar, vocals
Mattias Hägerstrand – bass
Jordi Farré – drums, percussion
Enrico Tiberi – vocals, keys
Lane Shi – vocals
Emmanuel Jessua – guitar
Marco Gennaro – guitar

In addition, the following musicians performed on this record:
Thorsten Quaeschning – keys
Orestis Zafiriou – keys
Simen Eifring – trombone
Jiawei Zhang – vibraphone

The Ocean online:
Label Website
Instagram
Facebook
Bandcamp
Spotify
YouTube

Polish Cinematic Metallers JASMENO Present New Video ‘His Rebirth’, Feat. Bart Krysiuk

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 4, 2026
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JASMENO was founded in the autumn of 2017 by Sławomir Nietupski, who is responsible for keyboards, synthesizers and programming. The project’s discography includes three releases: “Jasmeno” (2020), “Elixir” (2021) and “Lucid Horizon” (2022). Its music combines elements of progressive rock with melodic electronica inspired by the sounds of the 1970s and 1980s.

After an absence of nearly four years, JASMENO returns with “Assemblage of Cinematic Idioms”, an album that marks a significant shift in the project’s artistic direction. The material has a distinctly cinematic character and is built around the sound of a virtual symphony orchestra. Its concept was inspired by the work of Władysław Hasior, who created multilayered compositions from seemingly incompatible fragments of reality. In a similar way, Sławomir Nietupski brings together a variety of styles, sounds and artistic personalities on the album.

The word “assemblage” in the title refers to the process of creating a coherent whole from diverse elements, while “cinematic idioms” highlights the narrative and evocative nature of the music, which unfolds like a soundtrack to a film that does not exist. The album features six elaborate compositions with a total running time of nearly 50 minutes. Based on lyrics by poet Izabela Turska-Kamrowska, the songs explore everyday doubts and emotions, feelings of separation and alienation, as well as the search for faith and joy in everyday life.

The album’s instrumental foundation is co-created by guitarist Michał Grall of Unblessed Divine, formerly of Sinister, and bassist Artur Ołkowicz, known from Mechanism and Art of Illusion. Brian Gawaski’s powerful vocals also play an essential role in defining the character of the material. The album features numerous guest artists, including Bartłomiej Krysiuk of Patriarkh, Marc Grewe of Morgoth, Snorre Ruch of Thorns, Yusaf Parvez of DHG/Dødheimsgard, Sławomir Maryniewski of Armagedon, Mariusz Domaradzki of Yattering and Ryszard Kramarski of Millenium, as well as Lecia Louise, Sasha Janowicz, Joanna Zondłowska, Łukasz Kowalski, Tomasz Andrzejewski and Robert Kołakowski.

The album was mixed and mastered by Jakub Mańkowski, whose credits include collaborations with Behemoth, Czesław Mozil, Justyna Steczkowska, Me and That Man and Blindead. The JASMENO logo was designed by Christophe Szpajdel, known for his work with Emperor, Aborted and Lorna Shore. Project founder Sławomir Nietupski was responsible for the graphic design, album layout and hand-painted watercolour illustrations, while the band’s photo shoot was created by Agnieszka Stawrosiejko from Colleen Cummings.

“Assemblage of Cinematic Idioms” will be released on September 11, 2026, via Tangled Records. The album will be available as a standard jewel case CD with a 16-page booklet, a CD artbook edition with a 28-page booklet, a transparent gatefold vinyl edition with an 8-page insert, a cassette and a digital release. Pre-orders open today at noon via email at jasmenoofficial@gmail.com.

Sławomir Nietupski comments:

“It is a musical assemblage in its purest form: built from diverse fragments and personalities, yet brought together under a single artistic vision. Much like Hasior’s work, it is not about easily accessible beauty, but about the intensity of the experience and the creation of a unique, multilayered universe. The entire work was created without the use of artificial intelligence.“

On September 1, JASMENO premiered the official music video for “His Rebirth”, featuring a guest appearance by Bartłomiej Krysiuk of Patriarkh. The video was created by Łukasz Unterscheutz and Piotr Pędziszewski.

TRACKLIST:
1. Synesthesia Imperialis
2. A Code of Equivocation
3. His Rebirth
4. The Void
5. The Provocation ov Fate
6. Seduced by Ambiguity

LINE-UP:
Brian Gawaski – vocal
Michal Grall – guitar
Artur Olkowicz – electric & fretless bass guitar
Slavomir Nietupski – orchestrations, synthesizers, grand piano & programming

Guests:

Bartlomiej Krysiuk (Patriatkh) – vocal
Piotr Filonowicz – electric guitar
Marc Grewe (ex-Morgoth) – vocal
Slawomir “Slavo” Maryniewski (Armagedon) – vocal
Mariusz “Thrufel” Domaradzki (Masachist) – electric guitar
Lecia Louise – electric & acoustic guitar, vocal
Jakub Wagner – flamenco guitar
Yusaf Parvez (Dødheimsgard) – vocal & electric guitar
Snorre Ruch (Thorns) – vocal
Joanna Zondlowska – vocal
Marek Depa (ex-Pagan Forest) – electric guitar
Sasha Janowicz – vocal
Robert Kolakowski – synthesizer
Tomasz Andrzejewski (ex-Oberschlesien) – electric guitar
Łukasz Kowalski – electric guitar
Ryszard Kramarski (Millenium) – synthesizers

More info: Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

DAVE EVANS Joins Wanikiya Record/Promotion Roster for New Album “Justice”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 4, 2026
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Wanikiya Record/Promotion is proud to announce a new important international collaboration with legendary Australian vocalist DAVE EVANS and Savant Guarde Records for the upcoming release of Dave Evans’ new studio album, “Justice”.

This collaboration brings together one of the historic figures of Australian Rock with a new promotional partnership dedicated to the international promotion of his upcoming release.

Dave Evans is a fundamental figure in the history of Australian and international Rock. Co-founder and original vocalist of AC/DC, Evans has been part of Rock history for decades, from his early years with AC/DC and his subsequent work with legendary Australian band Rabbit, to his extensive solo career.

In 2026, Dave Evans returns with “Justice”, a brand-new studio album featuring ten Rock & Roll anthems packed with energy, riffs, melodies and Evans’ unmistakable attitude.

“Justice” also represents the final chapter of a trilogy, following Sinner and Judgement Day, bringing a musical journey spanning more than two decades to its conclusion.

“Justice” also marks Dave Evans’ second release with Savant Guarde Records, following “Defenders of Rock”, released in 2025 with Rabbit to celebrate 50 years of the legendary Australian band’s music.

The new album therefore continues the relationship between Dave Evans and Savant Guarde Records, further developing a collaboration that now moves into a new chapter of Evans’ solo career.

Once again, Dave Evans is joined by guitarist Mark Tinson, continuing an artistic partnership that has already produced important chapters of Evans’ solo career.

The album also features several musicians connected to Australian Rock history, including Scott Johnston, Dai Pritchard and Justin Ngariki, all formerly of Rose Tattoo, as well as Laurie Marlowe, bassist of Australian Heavy Metal icons HEAVEN, alongside several other special guests.

The first single from the album, “Mean Machine”, has already offered listeners the first taste of what “Justice” has to offer.

The album will be released by Savant Guarde Records, which will remain the official label for the project.

At the same time, Dave Evans officially joins the Wanikiya Record/Promotion roster, with Wanikiya handling the international press office and promotional campaign for “Justice”.

The collaboration between Dave Evans, Savant Guarde Records and Wanikiya Record/Promotion will bring “Justice” to radio stations, magazines, webzines and specialized Rock and Metal media worldwide.

With “Justice”, Dave Evans closes a trilogy, continues his collaboration with Savant Guarde Records and opens a new chapter in his remarkable musical journey.

More news and promotional updates coming soon.

More info: DaveEvansRocks.lnk.to/justice – SavantGuardeRecords.com – SavantGuardeRecordsusa.bandcamp.com

SECRET RULE Unveil First Single & Video ‘Edge Of Control’ from Eleventh Studio Album + Announce EU Tour Dates w/ Xandria, Seven Spires

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 4, 2026
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Italian modern metal band Secret Rule opens a new chapter with “Edge of Control”, the first single taken from their upcoming eleventh studio album. Due out today, September 1st, 2026, via Rockshots Records, the single is now available across all major digital platforms.

Built around heavy guitars, hard-hitting rhythmic shifts and crushing breakdowns, “Edge of Control” combines electronic textures and cinematic layers with the melodic and emotionally charged identity that has shaped Secret Rule’s sound. The result introduces a heavier, sharper and more contemporary direction while remaining unmistakably rooted in the band’s musical character.

At the centre of the track is Angela Di Vincenzo’s emotionally charged vocal performance, moving from tense and volatile verses towards an explosive chorus. Male vocal passages, layered backing vocals and a powerful rhythmic foundation intensify the sense of instability running throughout the song.

Lyrically, “Edge of Control” places the listener inside a mind approaching its breaking point. Rage, doubt, sleeplessness, and inner conflict take the form of a live grenade, a train running off the rails, a wildfire, and a hurricane spinning within its own pain. Rather than observing the loss of control from a distance, the song captures it from within, at the moment when thoughts become impossible to silence, and the hardest enemy to confront is yourself.

The single offers the first glimpse into the musical direction of Secret Rule’s upcoming album, expanding the role of modern breakdowns, electronic elements, cinematic arrangements, and contrasting vocal layers within the band’s established combination of modern metal and powerful melodies.

Listen to “Edge of Control” – https://lnk.to/4F9zG0

Andy Menario – Guitars, Composition and Arrangements:

“I wanted the song to feel modern, direct, and unpredictable while still sounding unmistakably like Secret Rule. The arrangement combines heavy riffs and breakdowns with electronic elements and cinematic layers, while the male vocal passages create an additional point of tension within the track. I believe that ‘Edge of Control’ is the song that best represents the direction of this new record.”

The band will play live on stage from 5th October to 23rd October all around Europe, supporting Xandria and Seven Spires. Here is the complete schedule:

05.10 – Cluj-Napoca, Romania – FORM Space
06.10 – Bucharest, Romania – Quantic Club
08.10 – Sofia, Bulgaria – Pirotska 5 Event Centre
09.10 – Belgrade, Serbia – Zappa Barka
10.10 – Budapest, Hungary – Analog Music Hall
12.10 – Berlin, Germany – Lido
13.10 – Warsaw, Poland – Hydrozagadka
14.10 – Krakow, Poland – Zaścianek
15.10 – Prague, Czech Rep – Distrikt Prague
16.10 – Dresden, Germany – Blauer Salon
18.10 – Cham, Germany – L.A. Live Style Cafe
19.10 – Frankfurt, Germany – Das Bett
20.10 – Pratteln, Switzerland – Z7
21.10 – Stuttgart, Germany – Im Wizemann Club
22.10 – Nuremberg, Germany – Hirsch
23.10 – Hamburg, Germany – Bahnhof Pauli

If you don’t want to miss them live, you can get tickets: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/10541610-secret-rule

SECRET RULE is:
​Angela Di Vincenzo: Vocals
​Andy Menario: Guitars
​Luca Pecchia: Bass Guitar
​Diego Divizia: Drums

More info: ​https://www.rockshots.eu​
Secret Rule Links: https://lnk.bio/secret_rule_official