With blazing precision and fearless ambition, Danish Power Thrash outfit EXELERATE release today their sophomore full-length, “Hell for the Helpless”. Following the success of their 2023 self-titled debut and a relentless tour schedule across Denmark and Europe, the Copenhagen-based quartet now present their most mature and musically ambitious work to date – a concept album delving deep into the shadows of the human psyche.
Forging a powerful hybrid of fast-paced thrash and melodic, anthemic power metal, “Hell for the Helpless” delivers ten explosive tracks packed with soaring high-pitched vocals, whirlwind guitar solos, pounding drums, and sharp, propulsive bass lines. Whether it’s furious pit-inducing energy or triumphant sing-along moments, Exelerate continue to show they are masters of both the stage and the studio.
“The biggest challenge was writing a worthy successor to an album we had played live so many times”, frontman Stefan Jensen says. “But all that experience gave us clarity. We learned what to lean into, and what our audience really responds to”.
“Hell for the Helpless” is a concept album exploring various damaging and unhealthy mental states, from anxiety and depression to nihilism and obsessive fear. “We live in a time where mental health is a growing issue”, declares guitarist Mads Sørensen. “This album is our way of shining a light on the struggle, the chaos, and also the potential for healing and understanding”. The songs are more ambitious and atmospheric than ever before, with sweeping arrangements and bold lyrical storytelling to match the emotional weight of the themes.
Recorded and produced by the band themselves, with producer Io Klarstrup leading the sessions, “Hell for the Helpless” captures the raw passion and precision of a band firing on all cylinders. Final mixing and mastering were once again handled by Marco Angioni (Tygers Of Pan Tang, Steel Inferno, Meridian), who brings massive sonic weight and clarity to the record’s rich, dynamic sound.
Visually, the album continues Exelerate’s collaboration with airbrush artist Steen Jensen, who delivers a trippy, vivid cover artwork inspired by the inner workings of the troubled mind. It’s a perfect visual complement to the album’s introspective concept – where darkness can easily take root if left unchecked.
“Hell for the Helpless” is out now on LP (purple vinyl limited to 150 copies), CD and digital, via From The Vaults.
Alternative rock collective KING ULTRAMEGA, featuring members of ALICE IN CHAINS, ANTHRAX, MASTODON, and SOUNDGARDEN, have returned with a haunting instrumental rendition of the AUDIOSLAVE classic, “Be Yourself”. This new single release once again aims to celebrate Chris Cornell’s musical genius while raising funds and awareness for MusiCares. MusiCares is the Recording Academy’s nonprofit that provides mental health, addiction recovery, and emergency services to those in the music community.
“Be Yourself” features legendary guitarist Joe Satriani on lead guitar, echoing vocalist Chris Cornell’s melodic motifs and building on the song’s phrasings. Though following in Cornell’s footsteps on a different instrument sounds like a tall order, Satriani rose to the challenge, proud to show his love for a fallen hero. Expertly replicating the essence of the song with crystal-clear lead tones, tasteful vibrato, and subtle pedal effects, Satriani lets his guitar sing with all the passion and tenderness that the song’s lyrics originally conveyed. This loving instrumental homage proves that the message and power behind AUDIOSLAVE’s composition transcends words.
Satriani comments, “[Chris Cornell] was a brilliant vocalist and communicator. He often used his voice like an instrument, shaping the tone of his voice like a guitarist would finesse riffs and phrases. I took a deep dive into his magical sensibilities and came up with a multi-tracked guitar production approach that I felt would pay proper homage to his brilliance.”
The concept for an instrumental rendition of “Be Yourself” originated with the bassist, producer, and mastermind of KING ULTRAMEGA, Mark Menghi. As a producer, he envisioned a version of the song that deftly balanced the art of paying respect to the original, while also reimagining the song with a unique musical voice from Satriani. As a bassist, Menghi strove to keep the bass parts nearly identical to the original song, allowing Satriani the freedom to lend his own voice to the music. Renowned drummer Kenny Aronoff, who has been named one of the greatest drummers of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, and has toured and recorded with a who’s who of legendary artists such as THE ROLLING STONES, THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, PAUL MCCARTNEY, JOHN FOGERTY and many more, provides the laid-back, but emotionally-resonant groove of “Be Yourself”, laying the foundation with Menghi for Satriani’s melodies to shine.
Menghi comments, “I remember like it was yesterday, I was on a run through some crazy trail, just zoning out and the original song came on through my headphones… as I was running, I remember hearing Chris sing ‘to be yourself is all that you can do’ it was like he was talking to me… then thought to myself ‘I can totally hear this as an instrumental a-la Satch style’… My hope is that whomever is listening to this song hears Chris over Joe’s guitar and understands that we are paying homage to Chris with our take on this tune.”
Aronoff comments, “I listened to ‘Be Yourself’ over and over again, absorbing the lyrics and the feel and vibe of this song, then I recorded my drums. Their recording had an emotional impact on me and that had a big effect on my performance.”
Lineup for “Be Yourself”: Joe Satriani – Guitar Mark Menghi – Bass Kenny Aronoff – Drums
KING ULTRAMEGA is a passion-driven musical project honoring the life, voice, and genius of Chris Cornell, one of the most gifted artists of our time. It launches in conjunction with SOUNDGARDEN’s long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
This project did not begin with a single, dramatic moment. Instead, it grew quietly and gradually, an organic result of years of conversations, inspiration, and deep reverence for a musician whose impact remains immeasurable.
“There is not a singular moment in time that led to this project,” says bassist and producer Mark Menghi, the driving force behind KING ULTRAMEGA. “It was a trail of events that led to the formation of KING ULTRAMEGA and the evolving creation to pay tribute to the voice of a generation.”
It started in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, when Menghi recorded a version of “Rusty Cage” with friends. What began as a creative release soon became something larger. With every step forward, the project deepened in meaning and purpose. “I kept crossing the mental roadblock of ‘you are entering uncharted waters, are you sure you wanna do this?'” Menghi reflects. “Chris is one of those dudes if you cover, you better do it justice.”
The decision to continue became clear when SOUNDGARDEN guitarist Kim Thayil joined the project and re-recorded one of his own iconic tracks. “Once Kim got involved and re-recorded one of his own songs, I knew something was brewing,” Menghi says.
Thayil embraced the project wholeheartedly. “I’m super honored to record alongside all the amazing musicians appearing on the KING ULTRAMEGA project,” he says. “I’m equally proud that it celebrates SOUNDGARDEN in this tribute to the songwriting of Chris. Ultra-admirably, everyone’s participation is supporting the work of the MusiCares Foundation. Thank you Mark Menghi, Charlie Benante and Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).”
For Menghi, this project is as personal as it is musical. “I went through some very difficult times in my life. I should not be here right now, but I am,” he shares. “I like to think my past trials and tribulations helped me understand Chris just a little, hence the formation of KING ULTRAMEGA.”
Song selection was guided by instinct. “My mood. It’s really that simple,” Menghi explains. “‘Rusty Cage’ was recorded simply because it’s one of my favorite songs featured on one of my favorite records.” Other songs came to Menghi during moments of reflection and inspiration. “There is a bunch more in the can right now, all with drums fully recorded, which are currently being worked out for future releases.”
The goal was never to reinvent Cornell’s work. It was about honoring it with the respect it deserves. “It really is only about honoring the legacy of Chris Cornell. Nothing more,” Menghi says. Each musician brought their own voice, but always in service to the song and to Cornell’s memory.
“Each musician has their own individual musical stamp,” Menghi explains. “You hear the absolute best of each one of them. You are talking about musicians who helped invent and shape musical genres and helped define their generations in popular culture, not just music, but society as a whole.”
The cast of collaborators is remarkable. Kim Thayil, Charlie Benante, Joe Satriani, William DuVall, Bill Kelliher, Alissa White-Gluz, Kenny Aronoff, Menghi himself, among many others. The mix of past friendships and new connections created a unique bond among them. “I think back and go ‘did I really ask Joe Satriani to do an instrumental reinterpretation of one of the greatest modern vocal songs ever recorded?’ or ‘what the fuck was I thinking asking the great Kim Thayil to re-record one of his own classic Soundgarden songs?'”Menghi laughs. Yet, no egos entered the room. “Each participating musician saw the vision and understood that this is about honoring the legacy of not only an inspiring musician, but an amazing husband, father and man.”
For Menghi, Cornell’s music has always been a constant presence. “Chris Cornell has been one of only a very small handful of musical constants in my life,” he says. “I never waivered, not once.”
Certain moments in the process were surreal. Recording with Thayil was one of them. “I remember thinking back saying to myself ‘holy fuck, I’m on a SOUNDGARDEN song with Kim Thayil. What planet are we on?'”
Throughout it all, Menghi served as the project’s creative director, always guided by one central question. “How would Chris like this?” Every choice, from guest musicians to mixes to artwork, was measured against that standard. “If there is even a shred of uncertainty at any point in the process, back to the drawing board we go.”
The recordings were completed remotely over several years. The final tracks were mixed with care to ensure a cohesive sound that still captured the raw emotion of the performances.
Hope is the underlying theme that runs through KING ULTRAMEGA. It is an offering to longtime fans and an invitation for younger listeners to discover the timeless brilliance of Cornell’s work. “KU is just a blip in the Chris Cornell universe,” Menghi says. “We are a subtle reminder that Chris was a true musical genius.”
For Menghi and his collaborators, KING ULTRAMEGA is both a deeply personal labor of love and one of the greatest honors of their musical lives. “To be here thirty-plus years later paying tribute to whom I believe was the king of those times is one of the greatest musical honors of my life.”
The word is already out about former Autograph frontman Steve Plunkett’s new album Turn Up The Radio 2025, a dramatic reinvention of his band’s epochal 1985 debut Sign In Please.
“Turn Up The Radio 2025,” the album’s first video, has already topped five figures in YouTube views; and “Friday” is certain to make just as splendid a splash.
Steve himself describes “Friday” as “One of my favorite songs on Sign in Please. It was always a great live song . I love the upbeat chorus and guitar riff, too.” In fact, he reveals, “The opening guitar riff came first and everything else just fell into place. We demoed this one twice before recording it on Sign in Please and it was one of our main songs.”
The song itself was composed almost two years before it made it onto record.
“I wrote this in 1983, the year we formed the band – back when everybody went out to clubs every night. I used to go to the Starwood and the Whisky (in Hollywood) all the time. On Fridays and Saturdays, Sunset Blvd would be packed with rock & rollers dressed up ‘in their Sunday best.’ All the Valley kids came to Hollywood and everyone was trying to look cool and impress. That was the scene that inspired me to write the song – I lived it!
Formed in Los Angeles in 1983, where they were discovered by famed producer Andy Johns, Autograph initially came to notice as they toured with Van Halen – in fact, the band only settled on a name on their way to Florida for the first show of the tour!
Their debut album, the epic Sign In Please, followed later in the year – a slow starter to begin with but, once it entered the Billboard chart in June 1985, it sometimes felt as though it would never leave.
“1985 was a great year for me,” reflects Plunkett today. “Autograph released their first album and it was a hit! We toured constantly and lived the Rock’n’ Roll dream. That album made an impact at rock radio and with the fans.
“Now, for the 40th anniversary, I wanted to Sign in Again with all new recordings and a 2025 sonic take. Not Autograph – because I could never improve on that record, but a Steve Plunkett ‘solo’ version focused on the songs. I hope these new versions will make you rock again like we did back in the day. Turn it up!”
All ten of the original album’s tracks are here, beginning – of course! – with that unforgettable opening triptych of “Send Her To Me” (the band’s second single, in early 1985), “Turn Up The Radio” and “Nineteen and Non Stop.”
Plunkett has tinkered a little with the running order – “Cloud 10” shifts from the first half of the album to the middle of the second, and “In The Night” replaces “All I’m Gonna Take” as the closing number.
But fresh arrangements and electrifying performances more than compensate for any unfamiliarity, Plunkett’s post-Autograph success scoring movies and TV invoking startling new dimensions and directions to the music.
Turn Up The Radio 2025 will be released on September 26. It’s time to Turn Up The Music again!
Blackjacket, the dynamic ensemble of seasoned musicians from the vibrant Los Angeles music scene, is thrilled to announce the release of their explosive new single — a metal cover of Bruno Mars’ smash hit “Grenade”. The track dropped via TLG|ZOID, distributed through Virgin Music Group, and is co-produced by Chris Luca, Eddie Wohl, and Gary Henry.
“First and foremost, Bruno Mars is an incredible artist and performer! It was so much fun to take such an amazing pop song and make it metal. The lyrics and concept of the original just seemed to perfectly fit the more aggressive instrumental we created. As huge fans of Bruno Mars, we can only hope he somehow hears it and enjoys our spin on his classic,” says Chris Luca, the band’s vocalist.
Join Blackjacket on their musical journey as they continue to push the boundaries of rock music and inspire audiences around the globe. Timing is everything and the time is now!
Blackjacket is: Chris Luca – Vocals David Bruno – Guitar, Vocals Cheyne Fritts – Guitar Chris Heil -Drums
Two years after the Lovecraftian descent of “Disharmonium – Nahab“, the legendary French Black Metal entity BLUT AUS NORD unveils all details for 16th album, “Ethereal Horizons“.
Defying expectation once again, “Ethereal Horizons” is not a continuation of the “Disharmonium” saga, but instead opens a new portal of otherworldly melodies and uncharted structures. “Ethereal Horizons” is BLUT AUS NORD fully realised: richer, deeper, grander, more enigmatic and simultaneously more human than ever. Intermeshing the earthen and the futuristic as a vessel for the dark dreamer, soaring and ascending to vivid realms.
Tracklist:
01. Shadows Breathe First 02. Seclusion 03. The Ordeal 04. The Fall Opens The Sky 05. What Burns Now Listens 06. Twin Suns Reverie 07. The End Becomes Grace
The apt and evocative cover artwork was crafted by Polish artist Maciej Kamuda, whose visionary hand also shaped the “Disharmonium” imagery.
The album was recorded and mixed by V. at Earthsound Studio, with mastering handled by Bruno Varea at Upload Studio.
‘Shadows Breathe First‘ – first single and album opener – is a breathtaking initiation into this newly forged sonic realm. Visual artist Alex Moreán (AVERSIO HUMANITATIS) has created a striking accompanying video to deepen the atmosphere and amplify its resonance.
“Ethereal Horizons“, will be released November 28th on several CD as well as vinyl editions and digital, accompanied by a selection of new merchandise. Pre-orders are now open through DMP’s EU, US, and Bandcamp shops.
Alongside the new BLUT AUS NORD album, a special 2025 reissue (including new merch) of the band’s trailblazing 2003 Avant Black Metal masterpiece “The Work Which Transforms God” will also be made available. This special edition will restore the album’s original artwork, and will feature personal reflections upon the record from fellow artists, an in-depth interview with Vindsval, and a booklet/slipcase cover featuring newly-commissioned illustration by Rob Borbás (Grindesign Tattoo).
In addition, BLUT AUS NORD‘s celebrated psychedelic opus, “Hallucinogen“, will return on CD/vinyl and be available for pre-order alongside “Ethereal Horizons” and “The Work Which Transforms God” via the label’s EU, US, and Bandcamp shops.
Listen to these two masterpieces via Bandcamp (“TWWTG” & “Hallucinogen“)!
Originating in 1994 from the ashes of VLAD (who released two demos), BLUT AUS NORD are undisputable French Black Metal pioneers, always managing to progress and move forward, evolving in perpetual mutation, developing their own vision of Black Metal.
Choosing, from the start, the total opposite path of regressive bands (who copy what others have done ten years earlier and ten times better), BLUT AUS NORD eschews all the inherent clichés belonging to the genre. BLUT AUS NORD‘s Black Metal approach is a fist in the face of mainstream mediocrity, becoming more macabre and sinister through a blend of innovative musical research, subliminal mental manipulation, and an incredible haunted, nightmarish feeling based on disharmony.
BLUT AUS NORD are creators of a hallucinogenic universe, erasing all preconceived ideas of Black Metal – and extreme music in general. They redefine the rules…
French dystopian metal band Gravity have unveiled their new single / video ‘Décombres’, featuring guest vocals from Cage Fight vocalist Rachel Aspe. The band have also released their new EP Rupture – Momentum II.
‘Décombres’ is a powerful and heavy track imbued with melancholy. The two singers blend their clear and distorted voices around emotional harmonies and brutal screams. The French lyrics add a touch of poetry, making the violence of the song even more devastating.
New EP Rupture – Momentum II unveils a dark and dystopian metal that alternates between melancholy and violence. The “Clair-obscur” atmosphere is driven by vocalist Emilie Nox‘s powerful vocals and enhanced by four guest appearances, one per track:
This next chapter continues the story begun in Momentum, telling the fall of the fictional city of the same name — a dark factory-city, a metallic Metropolis inspired by a post-industrial world.
Emilie Nox has also become known for her work with ‘organ metal’ band Plague of Angels.
Hailing from the south of France, Gravity shapes an ever-evolving dystopian metal — raw, melodic, and intensely emotional. The band is fronted by the powerful and unique voice of Emilie, supported by Alex on guitar, Tim on bass, and Richy on drums. Together, they craft an aural world marked by contrast, dramatic tension, and post-apocalyptic atmospheres. The vocals, always in French, are central to the band’s identity, shifting seamlessly between clean singing and visceral screams.
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
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! 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
Click image to watch the video
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