From the dark underbelly of Dublin’s music scene emerges Droptune, a genre-defiant band channeling the raw protest of Rage Against the Machine with the industrial grit of Nine Inch Nails. Built on down-tuned riffs, pounding rhythms, and visceral energy, Droptune is a sonic rebellion against the mundane.
Following the breakout success of their debut single ‘All Calm’, which has surpassed 20,000 Spotify plays and earned heavy rotation across major Irish radio stations, as well as breaking into the UK with airplay on Kerrang! Radio, Droptune are poised to make their boldest statement yet.
Their forthcoming single ‘Reaper’ (out 18th September & featuring Niamh Van Rensberg) is an unapologetic heavy metal anthem that tears straight into the heart of political corruption and the chaos of modern warfare. Recorded at Dublin’s renowned Track Mix Studio, the track fuses blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and the electrifying vocals of Niamh Van Rensburg, whose voice cuts like a blade through the storm.
A brutal reflection of our times, ‘Reaper’ is more than just a song, it’s a rallying cry. Its searing energy mirrors the urgent need for change, embodying Droptune’s commitment to creating music that doesn’t just sound heavy, but carries weight and meaning.
Known for their explosive live shows and unapologetic presence, Droptune are quickly carving out a reputation as one of Ireland’s most vital rising heavy acts. With momentum building fast, ‘Reaper’ is set to cement their place as a band unafraid to confront the world’s darkest truths head-on.
‘Reaper’ is out on all major streaming platforms from 18th September.
Droptune are: Ciaran Maloney- Drums Adam Swords – Vocals Leon Guilfyle – Bass guitar Conor O’Neill – Guitars
After rising from the ashes of Thundermother with their empowering debut Phoenix (2024) and, most recently, the single “Live And Let Go”, THE GEMS make their next move into the “Year Of The Snake”. Having positioned themselves as important new players in modern hard rock, the Swedish fireballs offer a striking glimpse of what’s to come with their latest single, a catchy showstopper accompanied by blues-imbued vocals and heavy riffs that will make you want to dance in an instant. THE GEMS are indeed stepping into the future!
THE GEMS about “Year Of The Snake”: “2025 is the year of the snake and it’s all about transformation, renewal, and wisdom. It’s a time that encourages a more thoughtful approach to life’s changes and the shedding of old habits, just like a snake sheds its skin. This track is about all of those things packaged in a very classic heavy metal sound.”
Breakthrough rock band, THE GEMS, consists of three ex-Thundermother members: incomparable vocalist Guernica Mancini, powerhouse drummer Emlee Johansson, and guitar and bass virtuoso Mona Lindgren. With their previous band, the members of THE GEMS took over stages at massive festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Sweden Rock Festival, and even toured with the mighty Scorpions. The new band, formed in 2023, convinced with the exceptionally anthemic debut album Phoenix, as well as shows all over Europe, captivating audiences with their impressive live energy.
The trio will demonstrate their ability to thrill rock audiences once more on their upcoming headline tour “Slithering Through Europe”, supported by Swiss rockers King Zebra.
“Slithering Through Europe” w/ King Zebra 21.03.26 DE – Lingen / Alter Schlachthof 22.03.26 DE – Cologne / Helios 37 24.03.26 DE – Hanover / Lux 25.03.26 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal 27.03.26 CH – Oberentfelden / Böröm Pöm Pöm 29.03.26 DE – Munich / Backstage 30.03.26 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch 31.03.26 DE – Dresden / HD – Die Rock & Metal Bar 01.04.26 DE – Berlin / Frannz Club 02.04.26 DE – Hamburg / Knust
Since making their accursed debut in the late 2000s, Hooded Menace have paved the way for hordes of metal maniacs who enjoy headbanging to more creepily, crushing tempos. On their upcoming seventh album, the Finnish horror lovers still stand between two realms of the underground with the unshakable force of a pillar. But as uncovered by its new single’s surprise twist, Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration continues to break the mold that the band set for death-doom.
Today, Hooded Menace are releasing their cover of “Save a Prayer”, the enduring smash from English new wavers Duran Duran. While the song’s latest video is styled with gothic flair, when hammered by the band’s blood-stained signature, this pop gem glows in a ghoulish new light.
The video for “Save a Prayer” was directed by Tekla Vály.
Additional video credits Director of Photography – Tekla Vály Second Camera – Eetu Kolehmainen
Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration comes out October 3, 2025 on Season of Mist.
Can’t wait to sink into Hooded Menace’s new album? Hear all seven glorious tracks on Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration by RSVPing to this week’s Bandcamp Listening Party.
Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration Bandcamp Listening Party – RSVP Wednesday, September 17 @ 1:30 pm ET / 7:30 pm CEST
With “Save a Prayer”, Duran Duran broke onto the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time with their ode to one-night stands. But Hooded Menace are no strangers to reinvention. Traditional death-doomers were pleasantly surprised to hear the Fins wring fresh blood out of a W.A.S.P. deep cut on their last album The Tritonus Bell. So imagine the screams of delight upon hearing them drag a platinum dance-pop ballad into their haunted wheelhouse.
“So you’re looking for the thrill“. While this come-on was initially proposed by Simon Le Bon with a velvety croon, Harri Kuokkanen’s death growls excite real goosebumps.
Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration hammers home the influence of classic ’80s heavy metal on Hooded Menace. While his slowly crushing riffs are still the band’s foundation, founding member Lasse Pyykkö bends the dreamy, synthetic melody of “Save a Prayer” into a vivid, neon-soaked nightmare that recalls early Paradise Lost. His MicroPitched leads scratch and claw as if tortured by lust. Beneath impassioned howls for deeds of flesh, drummer Pekka Koskelo pounds out a pulsing beat that’s perfect for a midnight romp in the graveyard.
Tracklist 1. Twilight Passages (1:04) 2. Pale Masquerade (7:50) [LISTEN] 3. Portrait Without a Face (7:15) [WATCH] 4. Daughters of Lingering Pain (7:25) 5. Lugubrious Dance (7:20) 6. Save a Prayer (6:12) 7. Into Haunted Oblivion (9:47)
For closing in on two decades, Hooded Menace have stood not as a bridge but the pillar between two underground realms. The band’s upcoming seventh album still paves the way for metal legions who prefer headbanging to more creepily, crushing tempos. However, while Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration is still rooted in a cultish obsession with the classics, these stewards of death-doom remain far from stuck in their ways.
Starting as a teenager in the late ’80s, founding member Lasse Pyykkö got his start in Joensuu, Finland with the band Phlegethon. But the undead spirit that’s guided Hooded Menace since its 2007 conception first appeared back when he was just a young hesher. Dracula, Poltergeist, A Nightmare on Elm Street and other horrors piqued his morbid curiosity. Though later on, it was feasting on the cult classic Tombs of the Blind Dead that spawned the band’s accursed two-track demo.
“It’s the dark element”, Lasse recalls when asked what Hooded Menace draws from its source material five albums removed from the band’s terrifying breakthrough Never Cross the Dead.
The blind dead still stand watch over Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration. Returning cover artist Wes Benscoter recreates the Knights Templar in all their glowingly ghoulish glory. “Pale Masquerade” paints a familiar scene, summoning Amando de Ossorio’s flesh-eating muse with a fresh heap of Lasse’s bone-crunching chugs. “The dead army grows“, Harri Kuokkanen commands with growls that reek of the crypt. Lifelong converts will quickly fall in line behind steadfast drummer Pekka Koskelo, who dips “Daughters of Lingering Pain” into the same dripping vat of wax as the band’s 2010s effigies for Relapse Records. The lasting influence of Candlemass and Paradise Lost hasn’t vanished without a trace. But Hooded Menace continue to break the mold they helped set for death-doom right from the album’s opening jump scare. Neon keys beam through “Twilight Passages” as if firing up a time machine.
Reinvention isn’t new to Hooded Menace. While a menacing vocalist in his own right, Lasse passed the proverbial mic torch to Kuokkanen for the gloomier melodies that haunted the band’s initial offering after signing with Season of Mist late in 2016. Ossuarium Silhouettes Unhallowed was also pulled more from the shadows of their imagination as opposed to the silver screen. Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration trends further in that direction; the lyric sheet unfurls like a house of psychological horrors, where the hallways are hung with shattered mirrors and faceless portraits. Only this time around, the trio really hammered home the influence of ’80s heavy metal that was rung in by previous long-player The Tritonus Bell. “Lugubrious Dance” twists between the hallucinogenic spires of Cathedral in conspiracy with King Diamond before cranking into a chorus that’s classic Hooded Menace.
MicroPitching and other effects aren’t the only tricks of the trade that are pulled out from under Hooded Menace’s cloak. Traditional death-doomers might have been pleasantly surprised by the band covering W.A.S.P., so imagine the delighted screams upon hearing a Top of the Pops’ gem like “Save a Prayer” splattered in their signature blood-soaked dread. Lasse’s riffs still cement the rock-solid foundation beneath Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration, but even he was surprised when sculpting its lead single. What should appear from the double bass swirling amidst “Portrait Without a Face” but the moan of a cello. Like an echo from beyond the grave, the cry of strings reappears during the album’s grand finale. Former live bassist Antti Poutanen sorrowfully saws as the band marches, gallops then sinks back “Into Haunted Oblivion”.
On Lachyrmose Monuments of Obscuration, Hooded Menace cast death-doom in a ghostly new light.
Line-up Harri Kuokkanen — Vocals Lasse Pyykkö — Guitar, Bass, Keyboards Pekka Koskelo — Drums
Guest Musicians Antti Poutanen — Cello John McNulty — Spoken Word
Production Credits Recorded by Heikki Marttila at Guru Studio, Joensuu, Finland. Mixed by Heikki Marttila. Mastered by Jaime Gomez Arellano at Orgone Studios, Portugal.
Canadian cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne ignites the next chapter of his musical journey with ‘Pyre’, the fourth single from his forthcoming solo album Lifeblood, arriving 3rd October.
Born from the idea of a quiet interlude, the track transformed into a haunting meditation on catharsis and sacrifice, its spectral, almost medieval melody conjures half remembered sunsets, fleeting romances and the painful act of leaving one life behind for another. The accompanying animated video by Jess Cope (Steven Wilson, Opeth, Metallica) amplifies the piece’s emotional intensity, weaving Nordic and Galician influences into a visual and sonic landscape that is at once intimate, melancholy and eerily beautiful.
Raphael comments on the new single: “‘Pyre’ is a piece about reaching catharsis through sacrifice. The timeless melody of this piece is meant to evoke a distant memory – a dance at sunset, a half-forgotten romance. It is about the painful act of leaving one’s past behind to move to the next chapter in life.
“Initially intended to be a calm interlude between two long, epic tracks on the album (‘Ophidian’ and ‘Labyrinthine’), ‘Pyre’ quickly evolved into a fully-developed standalone piece. The almost medieval melody that runs throughout was inspired by Galician music but ended up taking on more of a Nordic vibe reminiscent of groups such as Wardruna and Kalandra.
“I approached Jess Cope of Owl House Studios to create an animated music video to accompany the track. I have been a longtime fan of her work for artists such as Steven Wilson, Opeth and Metallica. To my pleasant surprise, she responded very enthusiastically to the track. Jess has an incredible ability to convey searing emotion through narrative and animation. When I read her initial storyboard for ‘Pyre’ and saw the rough draft of the video, I burst into tears. The final result is an absolutely gorgeous video that deepens the thematic and emotional world of ‘Pyre’.”
Lifeblood is Raphael Weinroth-Browne’s most daring and fully formed solo statement yet, a strikingly personal work that channels both the euphoria of creative flow and the relentless drive of ambition. Fusing the heft of progressive metal with Middle Eastern scales, modern classical finesse and enveloping electronic textures, it captures the raw tension and release at the heart of his musical identity.
Commenting on the album, he adds, “I consider this album to be my most autobiographical work to date. As a metalhead turned full-time professional cellist making original music outside the classical realm, I have taken the road less travelled, nurturing my artistic vision and trusting my intuition even on an unorthodox path. I have forged a unique career and identity around my musical voice and the way it manifests itself through the cello. The defiant, audacious energy of this music represents my inexorable drive to continue pursuing my dream in spite of all obstacles.”
Lifeblood was engineered and co-mixed by Darren McGill at Union Sound Company in Toronto, with a final mix by acclaimed producer Adam Noble (Leprous, Katatonia). The album was then mastered by Robin Schmidt (Placebo, Ben Howard). Adding a visual dimension to the album’s immersive sound, the captivating cover artwork was created by Maldivian artist Maahy, celebrated for her ethereal, nature-inspired aesthetic.
Known for his emotionally charged performances and boundary pushing vision, Raphael Weinroth-Browne has become one of the most innovative cellists of his generation. Merging his roots in progressive metal with a passion for Middle Eastern music, he has forged a singular artistic voice that defies traditional expectations. His cello work can be heard on over 200 studio albums, including Woods of Ypres’ Juno Award-winning W5: Grey Skies & Electric Light and in major film and TV soundtracks. Viral cello covers of Opeth, Katatonia and StevenWilson have earned praise from the artists themselves, while his genre-spanning studio and stage career continues to attract international attention.
Since joining Norwegian progressive rock icons Leprous in 2016, Weinroth-Browne has played over 200 shows worldwide with the band and helped shape the sound of three studio albums. He has shared stages with Evanescence, Apocalyptica, Devin Townsend and performed in front of 40,000 at Hellfest, as well as at prestigious venues such as London’s Royal Albert Hall. As a solo artist, he has opened for artists ranging from Polish neoclassical pianist Hania Rani to Nordic folk ensemble SKÁLD and UK legends Soft Machine.
In recent years, Weinroth-Browne has pushed further into experimental performance and contemporary dance. His solo debut Worlds Within (2020), a 40-minute composition built entirely from layered cello, earned critical acclaim for its emotional depth and innovative form. In 2023, he performed the album live with Ottawa Dance Directive to a sold-out audience at Canada’s National Arts Centre. In 2024, he was commissioned by the UK’s James Wilton Dance to compose BACH Reimagined, an 80-minute score that toured leading venues across the UK and Germany in spring 2025. Following this, his recent single ‘Speed of Light‘ continued the forward momentum, merging baroque motifs with crushing distortion and polyrhythmic intensity, earning acclaim for its fearless fusion of past and future. As his creative output grows increasingly multidisciplinary, Weinroth-Browne continues to defy genre boundaries and redefine what the cello can be in the 21st century.
With more on the horizon later this year, Lifeblood stands as a defining chapter in Weinroth-Browne’s uncompromising artistic path, an album that distills passion, pain, discipline and defiance into a sound that feels both timeless and urgent, intellectually rich yet emotionally visceral.
WitcheR’s history started back in 2010. The band was formed by Gere Karola (synths, vocal) and Neubauer Roland (guitars, drums, vocal) in order to perform atmospheric black metal music based on classical music elements and strong synths harmonies, following such bands’ heritage as Summoning or early Dimmu Borgir.
From the very beginning, catchy melodies and elevated mood took important parts in the music. The lyrics are mostly about witchcraft, Hungarian folklore, adherence to old values, and the maximum opposition to the modern world.
In the past years, next to several demos, split albums, full-length albums were born under the band’s flag (“Csendes domb” (2015); “A gyertyák csonkig égnek” (2019), “Lélekharang” (2022), “Boszorkányszimfóniák” (2024)), and a new dimension for WitcheR was opened in many aspects.
The witches of atmospheric black metal have returned: the Hungarian band WitcheR unveil their brand-new music video from the forthcoming fourth full-length album!
Inspired by mysticism, magic, and the timelessness of spiritual heritage, the track “Örökség” pays homage to legendary acts such as Summoning, early Dimmu Borgir, and Wolves in the Throne Room.
“We wanted to transport the listener into a world where music is not only heard, but also seen and deeply felt!” – WitcheR said.
Music for upcoming album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Vrag at Forest Studio in 2023-2025. All music and lyrics written by WitcheR, expect Piano Trio No. 2 – Andante con moto (by Franz Schubert). Cover artwork was done by Grafit & Hamu Artworks.
The new song serves as a prelude to the band’s upcoming album “Öröklét”, set for release on November 4, 2025. The record will be available on CD and cassette via Filosofem Records (pre-order) and on vinyl via Beveria Productions (pre-order).
TRACKLIST:
1. Örökség 2. Szélhozó 3. Röghöz kötött 4. Öröklét 5. Piano Trio No. 2 – Andante con moto (Franz Schubert cover)
When these distinctly dark souls, KRATON, released their second album in 2024, with the programmatic title “Monolith” to a humanity that had once again become overly decadent, their elegiac, engulfing POST-DOOM METAL was met with a multitude of equally intense reactions.
Now KRATON are following up with their brand new single “Spiritualité Sombre”, which adds another layer of darkness to the abysmal granite-saw sound of the five-piece band from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
• Directed, filmed & edited by Yannick Kohl • Video production by Kraton & Martine Ludwig • Filmed at Espace H2O in Oberkorn • Music recorded, mixed and mastered by Tom Gatti at Unison Studios
LYRICS It only hurts when I breathe What good is a voice when there are no words I speak into the silence To bridge unbearable distance
Tell me about the light For I know nothing about it Tell me about the light It speaks in tongues I cannot follow
Farewell But I am far from being well My words dissolve like smoke And I will disappear with them
You said you missed the fire While I was burning bright You said you missed the fire While I was burning out
KRATON reveal: “With ‘Spiritualité Sombre‘, we open a door to a world of shadows, spirituality, and cathartic force. The song unfolds like a ritual – rising slowly, layer by layer, dark and depressing, carried by heavy riffs and deep soundscapes. A harmonious, calm middle section briefly opens up a moment of pause before the piece culminates in a brutal finale that uncompromisingly tears everything down.
The video, produced by the band in collaboration with Martine Ludwig and visually realized with camera and editing by Yannick Kohl, translates this essence into powerful, sparsely lit images. Symbolic scenes unfold in the darkness, oscillating between decay and transcendence – a balancing act between despair and elevation.
In doing so, we create not just a music video, but an audiovisual experience that draws the listener into the depths of existential emotions. ‘Spiritualité Sombre‘ is a manifesto of modern doom – painful, sublime, and uncompromising.”
Founded in 2011, KRATON channel raw emotions through a sonic blend of Post, Doom, and Extreme Metal influences. The lyrics deal with the dark aspects of human existence, marked by the constant hardships of (inter)human life. The consistent five-piece has already played with many local and international bands on small and large stages … [ … learn more here ]
LINE-UP ○ Mike Bertemes • Vocals ○ Jacques Zahlen • Guitar ○ Ken Poiré • Guitar ○ Patrick Kettenmeyer • Bass ○ Véronique Conrardy • Drums
DISCOGRAPHY: 2011 • Ker • Demo 2013 • World Eater • Demo 2014 • Bricherhaff Compilation: Metal Made In Luxembourg • Split 2016 • Demo 2016 • Demo 2019 • Unto Arcadia • Full-length 2024 • Monolith • Full-length 🆕 2025 • Spiritualité Sombre • Single
VISUAL CREDITS [ All copyrights belong to their respective owners ] Band: Daniel Wahl Artwork: Damien Giudice/Kraton Logo: Christopher Horst
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Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 