Japanese XANVALA Unleash Power of Thunderbolt with “INDRA-EP”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 11, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Japanese Alt-Rock Visual Kei act XANVALA has released their latest work, “INDRA-EP”, now streaming on all major music platforms as of September 3, 2025. A physical edition, including a CD and a live DVD, will be available for purchase on October 8.

“INDRA-EP” fuses Hindu and Buddhist themes, expressing a bold desire for transformation and liberation. Like the god Indra wielding his mighty Vajra, XANVALA proves why they are considered one of the driving forces shaping the new generation of Visual Kei. Featuring six tracks, it takes listeners on a journey of transmutation, both conceptually and in sound, blending their signature vibrant rock with the intensity of metalcore influences.

Vocalist and lyricist Tatsumi comments on the EP: “The concept is a thunderbolt, but the idea was more about channeling its nature into the songs: it’s electrifying, untouchable, and slips through on its own. A sense of rejection is also subtly scattered throughout the lyrics as an underlying theme.”

In addition, XANVALA released a new live DVD on August 20, capturing the final date of their “Ark” tour at EX Theater Roppongi on May 5, 2025. The concert, delivered with top-notch production, left fans eagerly anticipating the band’s next big move. 

Listen to “INDRA-EP” on digital platforms: https://lnk.to/rcywyA

XANVALA – INDRA-EP

Digital pre-release: Sep 03, 2025
Physical release: Oct 8, 2025

CD
01. 13 [十三]
02. Stray
03. C4
04. Warui Hito [悪い人]
05. vajra [ヴァジュラ]
06. Koukai ni saku hana  [後悔に咲く花]

DVD
XANVALA TOUR 2024-2025 “Ark” #1 ANNIVERSARY TOUR FINAL -5th ANNIVERSARY- 2025.01.31 Shibuya PLEASURE PLEASURE  
01. Dokuzen [独善]
02. Beautiful [ビューテ ィフル ]
03. Seisen [聖戰 ]
04. SCALA
05. Dearest
06. Bunmei Kaika [文明開花 ]
07. Jisei [ジセイ]
08. XANADU

XANVALA – XANVALA TOUR 2024-2025 “Ark” #5 GRAND FINAL at EX THEATER ROPPONGI 2025.05.05

Aug 20, 2025

01. Ark
02. Desperate [デスパレート]
03. MY BLACK
04. Hidari mimi no akuma [左耳の悪魔]
05. Beautiful [ビューテ ィフル ]
06. Janome [ジャノメ]
07. Vajra [ヴァジュラ]
08. Boku no kamisama [僕の神様]
09. Hitori butai [ヒトリ舞台]
10. Tokyo [東京]
11. Love song [ラブソング]
12. Artist [アーティスト]
13. XANADU
14. CULTURE
15. Ashita, mushi ni natte mo [明日、虫になっても]
16. ruru [縷々]
17. Azayakana modoku [鮮やかな猛毒]
18. Syumaku [終幕]
en.
19. Dokuzen [独善]
20. Angel Drop [エンジェル・ドロップ]
21. Honno [本能]
22. Seisen [聖戰]
23. NIX
en.2
24. CREEPER

About XANVALA
XANVALA is one of the most thrilling emerging acts in the current Japanese Alternative Visual Kei scene. Their music is a burst of energy, characterized by heavy yet melodic rock, along with catchy rhythms, distorted guitar riffs and electronic backings. Combining the composing skills of the four members with the emotional stories crafted by vocalist Tatsumi, XANVALA’s style ranges from dark aggressive sounds to vibrant effervescent melodies. With the name XANVALA (pronounced ”zanbala”), meaning “disheveled hair,” it’s no surprise that headbanging is a must at their concerts. Their fierce presence and intense music create a mesmerizing atmosphere that is captivating audiences both in and outside of Japan.

Line-up
Tatsumi – vocals
Yuhma – guitar
Souma – guitar
70. (Nao) – bass
Tomoya – drums

Label: PARAGUAS inc.

Online Store: https://starwave.official.ec/categories/2156773

Official Sites
Website: https://xanvala.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@paraguasinc.1339
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3roFgDP
Apple Music: https://apple.co/3sH7Pwk
X: https://x.com/XANVALA
Instagram: https://instagram.com/xanvala
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@xanvala_official
Facebook: https://facebook.com/xanvala

YEAR OF THE GOAT Unveil New Music Video for Title Track of Upcoming Studio Album “Trivia Goddess”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 11, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo credit: Kim Vestbrandt]

Six long years since their previous offering, Swedish occult rock masters YEAR OF THE GOAT finally return with their fourth studio album Trivia Goddess, arriving this Friday, September 12th on Napalm Records!

In anticipation of the much-acclaimed record’s release, YEAR OF THE GOAT will not only embark on an album release tour starting this weekend in Sweden (find all upcoming dates listed below), but have unveiled the title track “Trivia Goddess” alongside an official music video! On this majestic yet evil single, the band takes listeners into “the great noise”, when over the course of 8 years 280 people were accused, convicted, and executed for the crime of witchcraft.

With “Trivia Goddess”, YEAR OF THE GOAT provides a haunting soundtrack for this dark age, invoking Hekate – the Greek goddess of witchcraft, the mother of all witches, the “Trivia Goddess” herself – paying homage to all those lost souls.

About the new video clip the band comments:

“Many have told us they wanted a bloody revenge in the end of The Power of Eve video, the girls who were about to be burnt for witchcraft should have had their revenge, they said. We’re saving the blood for last, when running out of video budget you make a low budget horror film themed video that gives the term witch hunt a new meaning. They’re coming for you! Run!!!”

Following the opening installations of the band’s album trilogy, the award-winning “Angels Necropolis” (2012), and the much-acclaimed “Novis Orbis Terrarum Ordinis” (2019), Trivia Goddess ventures off on its own unique detour. Inspired by the most harrowing moments in women’s history, Trivia Goddess sees the Norrköping, Sweden-based dark rock collective delve deep into the stories of real women, devalued as the lesser sex by churches and by men of a petty god, rising up against the real structures of evil in the world, in true Satanic fashion.

Mixed by Tom Dalgety at Psalm Studios, Wiltshire, UK, and mastered by Magnus Lindberg / Magnus Lindberg Productions, YEAR OF THE GOAT returns to the scene more majestic, epic and melodic, while also sounding more evil than ever. The wait for a new studio album was worth it, as Trivia Goddess, driven by the dark sounds of the 60s and 70s, sees the band doubling down on all expectations, showcasing their many facets with grandeur. Bow down to the Trivia Goddess from the one and only YEAR OF THE GOAT!

Pre-Order Trivia Goddess HERE

Trivia Goddess track listing:

  1. The Power Of Eve
  2. Trivia Goddess
  3. Kiss of a Serpent
  4. Mét Agwe
  5. The Queen of Zemargad
  6. Alucarda
  7. King of Damnation
  8. Crescent Moon
  9. Witch of the Woods

YEAR OF THE GOAT Live:
13.09.2025 – SWE Norrköping Arbis
18.09.2025 – SWE Stockholm Kollektivet Livet
19.09.2025 – SWE Gothenburg Monument 031
20.09.2025 – SWE Jönköping Klubb Dissonans

With The Night Eternal:
24.10.2025 – DE Aschaffenburg Colos Saal
25.10.2025 – DE Lichtenfels Paunchy Cats
26.10.2025 – DE Lindau Vaudeville
27.10.2025 – AT Wien Viper Room
28.10.2025 – AT Salzburg Rock House
29.10.2025 – DE Würzburg Posthalle
30.10.2025 – DE Uelsen Schulzentrum
31.10.2025 – DE Monheim am Rhein Sojus 7
01.11.2025 – DE Chemnitz AJZ
02.11.2025 – PL Krakow Hype Park

YEAR OF THE GOAT is:
Thomas Sabbathi – Vocals & Guitars
Mikael “Pope” Popovic – Vocals, keyboards, acoustic guitar
Jonas Waldhuber Mattsson – Guitars & backing vocals
David Olofsson – Guitars
Daniel Melo Ortega – Drums
Marko Kardum – Bass
Elin Gårdfalk – Backing Vocals

For More Info Visit:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
SPOTIFY
YOUTUBE
NAPALM RECORDS

After 8 Years of Silence AYDEN Return with New Studio Album “Seadrift”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 11, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

AYDEN is an instrumental rock band from Poznań, Poland.

Their music is built on spacious guitars, distinct dynamics, and a free approach to structure.

Each track unfolds at its own pace – sometimes calm and wide, sometimes heavier and more defined. Instead of following classic patterns, the band focuses on tension and contrast – between silence and intensity, between order and freedom. It’s a sound that doesn’t impose emotions but gives space for personal interpretation.

For those who enjoy diving into sound and being led without words, Ayden might be a discovery.

Second album titled “Seadrift” was recorded between 2019-2024, features six instrumental tracks created in various spaces – from professional studios (Perlazza Studio, Nebula Studio) to outdoor locations (Dominice, Sulęcin, Stradunia, Tuczenko, Drzewce, Włoszakowice). All was mixed by Maciej Karbowski at Nebula Studio (Obscure Sphinx, Sunnata, Tides From Nebula). Cover artwork was done by Łukasz Łukasiewicz.

Album was released on August 24, 2025 in digital format (stream here) and digipak CD (buy here).

Band comments their new album: “Seadrift is a journey into the depths of ourselves, a symbolic drift into the abyss and space. The album was created in various places over several years and represents the closing of a certain stage for us.“

Stream “Seadrift” at

TRACKLIST:

01. Frontiers 
02. old.new 
03. Seadrift 
04. Bottom of the Ocean 
05. Kalmar 
06. Foghorn Dancer 

More info: Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp

RIVETSKULL Launch Cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘Haunted’ with Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 11, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo credit: “Iron” Mike Savoia

Seattle heavy metal powerhouse RIVETSKULL unleashes a gripping cover of Taylor Swift’s “Haunted.” Originally featured on Taylor Swift’s ‘Speak Now’ album, “Haunted” is steeped in brooding drama. RIVETSKULL leans fully into that atmosphere, reimagining the song with a heavy edge while staying true to its emotional core. The cover arrives accompanied by a striking new music video, available below.

Mark X. Plog, RIVETSKULL guitarist, explains:

“In the ongoing pursuit to grow our audience, Chad half-jokingly suggested covering a Taylor Swift song to see if we could potentially tap into some of her massive social media reach. The idea stuck with me. I’ve got two daughters — strong, smart, independent, and constantly pushing against a world that still tells women to sit down and stay quiet. That’s the same fire I see in Taylor. (And yeah, f**k the patriarchy).”

“Out of curiosity, I started listening to her catalog, and ‘Haunted’ stopped me cold. It’s not one of her biggest hits, but it had the kind of emotional tension and drama that made sense for RIVETSKULL. I put together a rough demo and sent it to the band. They didn’t hesitate — it was a yes.”

Mark continues, “While recording, something unexpected happened. With a male voice singing the lyrics, the tone shifted. It felt darker. Almost threatening. Instead of backing away from that, we decided to explore it. We leaned into that intensity in the video, but it was important that we didn’t glorify the more unsettling elements. The story had to end with the woman taking her power back.”

“Covering ‘Haunted’ gave us a chance to put a heavy spin on a song with real emotional weight and to honor the strength of women, including Taylor herself. We’re also taking this opportunity to spotlight NoMoreDirectory.org — a global resource for anyone seeking help with domestic or sexual violence.” – Visit MoMoreDirectory.org HERE

Stream / Listen to “Haunted” HERE

RIVETSKULL’s tour continues to fuse their own music with a celebration of Ronnie James Dio’s legendary catalog, see the full list of dates below.

RIVETSKULL Live:
Sep 12 – Belfast, UK @Mandella Hall
Sep 13 – Drogheda, IE @McHughs
Sep 19 – Dublin, IE @Opium
Oct 11 – San Antonio, TX @Fitzgerald’s
Nov 14 – Las Vegas, NV @The Space
Nov 15 – Tucson, AZ @The Rock
Nov 22 – Boise, ID @Heritage Social Club

About RIVETSKULL

Formed in Seattle in 2009, RIVETSKULL first united by the shared connection to the music of Ronnie James Dio, they are now forging their own path while honoring their roots. Their debut album ‘Trail of Souls: Samsara’ (2023) and follow-up ‘Absence of Time’ established them as a formidable voice in heavy metal.
With Chad McMurray (vocals), Mark Plog (guitar), Michael Robson (drums), and Johnny Massey (bass), RIVETSKULL delivers a sound steeped in classic metal tradition, intense energy, and raw passion. Their electrifying performances merge original music with a celebration of Dio’s timeless brilliance, offering fans a true heavy metal experience.

RIVETSKULL are:
Chad McMurray – vocals
Mark Plog – guitar
Michael Robson – drums
Johnny Massey – bass

RIVETSKULL online:
http://www.rivetskull.com
http://www.facebook.com/rivetskull
http://www.instagram.com/rivetskull
http://www.youtube.com/rivetskull

CROSSON Drops Soul-Stirring Ballad ‘Heaven’s Bell’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 11, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Renowned for CROSSON‘s first pumping sing-along rock anthems,  the Glam Rock Warriors from Down Under have returned with a powerful, symphonic, heartfelt magnum opus. Drenched in emotion and wrapped in theatrical rock grandeur, “Heaven’s Bell” is a powerful ode to loved ones lost and the promise of reunion beyond the stars.

With haunting melodies, heart-piercing vocals, and lyrics that cut deep—“Some days are easy, the nights are hell”—Crosson taps into the raw pulse of grief while lighting the way with hope. A tender farewell turned rock ballad, this is Crosson at their most vulnerable… and most epic.

“Heaven’s Bell” is taken from Crosson’s album Guilty of Rock, out now via Wormholedeath.

Stream the album here: https://orcd.co/guiltyofrock

Crosson Online:
crosson.com.au
www.youtube.com/crossonrock
www.instagram.com/crossonrock
www.facebook.com/CrossonRock

MÄDHOUSE Release Brand New Video ‘Mad To The Bone’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 11, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo: Olivia Oswald]

Hot on the heels of their latest studio album “Plead The Fifth” (released in July via ROAR here), Austria’s high-voltage glam metal renegades Mädhouse turn the volume all the way up with their explosive new video for “Mad To The Bone”.

The track and video are a full-throttle showcase of the band’s identity: raw riffs, wild energy, and pure sleaze, attitude and hooks that cut deep. Visually and sonically, “Mad To The Bone” distills everything Mädhouse stand for: unapologetic, untamed, and impossible to ignore. Step into the Mädhouse, and see why glam will never die!

Drawing inspiration from legendary acts like Mötley Crüe, Skid Row, and Ratt, Mädhouse blends the raw energy of classic glam metal with a modern hard rock edge. Their sound is unmistakable—gritty riffs, anthemic choruses, and an unapologetic attitude that demand attention. Since their debut, the band has continuously evolved while staying true to their wild, rebellious spirit. “Plead The Fifth” pushes the boundaries even further with heavier riffs, bolder lyrics, and an electrifying presence.

Known for their explosive live performances and larger-than-life stage presence, Mädhouse continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The current line-up features Tommy Lovelace on vocals, Mikky Stixx and Thommy Black on guitars and backing vocals, Rickey Dee on bass, and Bobby B Bastard on drums. Together, they keep the spirit of glam metal alive, delivering high-octane rock that never backs down. With “Plead The Fifth”, they prove once again that glam metal is far from dead — it’s louder, bolder, and wilder than ever. Turn up the volume, join the madness, and let rock ‘n’ roll reign!

Order “Plead The Fifth” here: https://madhouse.rpm.link/pleadthe5thPR

“Plead The Fifth” Tracklist:

01 – Midnite Fever
02 – We Run Riot
03 – Bring On The Night
04 – Shotgun Rider
05 – Wicked Hearts
06 – Get A Grip
07 – Live And Tease
08 – It’s A Monster In My Head
09 – I’ll See You In My Dreams
10 – Mad To The Bone
11 – Loveplace
12 – I Die Alone
13 – You Got The Tail Down

MÄDHOUSE is:
Tommy Lovelace – Vocals
Mikky Stixx – Guitars
Thommy Black – Guitars
Rickey Dee – Bass
Bobby B. Bastard – Drums

For More Info Visit:
Website | https://www.madhouse-official.com/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573379342417
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/madhousekickass/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@_mad