Guitarist Mike Shouse Returns With New Album Jaded, Bringing Along Fellow Axe Slingers Tony MacAlpine, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal & Michael Angelo Batio.
Shouse was born Michael Stephen Shouse on September 27th, 1970 in Jackson, KY. In 1992 he moved to LA and attended the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, CA. He has written articles and lessons for online sites such as chopsfromhell.com and guitar9.com, and has been featured in magazines like Progression, Fireworks and The Sound guitar magazines. He released “Enter the Soul” in 2001 and the song “Man” was on a compilation CD “International Anthems: Volume 1” in 2002. His second release Alone on the Sun was released in June 2010 and got rave reviews worldwide. The title track “Alone on the Sun” was featured on the new compilation cd “Gods of Indie Guitar 2011” and premiered on the Australian tv show “Guitar Gods and Masterpieces.”
Jaded is his first release in 15 years and he’s back with friends! Featuring guest solos from legends Michael Angelo Batio, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and Tony MacAlpine. Filling out the band on drums, the best of the best, from NY, Charlie Zeleny (Drumageddon, Jordan Rudess and Terry Bozzio). Playing bass, from Los Angeles, James Amelio Pulli (Metal Hall of Fame bassist for Impellitteri). Mixed and mastered by Nashville legend Billy Decker. As Shouse states, “This album is a rebirth for me in many ways,” and critics from around the world are taking notice.
“With flawless production, genre-blending compositions, and virtuosic performances from every contributor, this album is both a technical marvel and a heartfelt journey. Whether you’re a metalhead, a classic rock purist, or simply a fan of world-class guitar playing, Jaded delivers something both familiar and fresh. It’s a long-awaited return that was worth every minute of the wait.” – USA, Music Review World
“Through the nine instrumental compositions that mark this opus, Shouse weaves a sound fresco that is both technical and visceral.” – France’s Iggy Magazine
“Listening to Jaded brought me back to an era when instrumental rock felt bigger than life, when every solo had something to prove. This album does not feel stuck in the past. It feels personal, worked over, and deeply considered. Become A Fan” – USA, Pitch Perfect
“Reborn in the ashes: Mike Shouse’s monumental return with Jaded….Shouse has a triumphant return with an album that challenges the limits of the instrumental and sets a new standard for the genre.” – Argentina’s Revista Sound Loop
AMORPHIS @ Sonic Pump Studios (Helsinki, Finland), L-R: Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine (bass), Tomi Koivusaari (guitars), Santeri Kallio (keyboards), Jan Rechberger (drums, percussion), Tomi Joutsen (vocals), Esa Holopainen (guitars) – Photo credit: Timo Isoaho
Invited to Helsinki’s Sonic Pump Studios under a pretext, Finnish metal icons AMORPHIS have been decorated with gold records for sales of their 2022 studio album “Halo” by their label partners Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The band’s management, distribution and media partners gathered secretly earlier this week to witness the handover of the awards at the iconic Finnish recording studio, where the sextet crafted a number of much-loved albums over the years and even parts of “Halo.” Still being busy with interviews to support their forthcoming offering “Borderland,” due out on September 26, 2025, as well as tour preparations, AMORPHIS were pleasantly surprised when the shiny vinyls were presented to them.
Guitarist Esa Holopainen states: “Achieving a gold record is far from being guaranteed in these days. We’re truly grateful to all listeners and fans who supported us along the way. “Halo” wasn’t an easy album to make as the corona virus was challenging the world. Some parts of its production had to be done remotely, while at other times we were actually allowed to travel to our beloved neighbouring country Sweden. “Halo” also isn’t the easiest album of the AMORPHIS catalogue, but it certainly has its special moments which will live on through people’s sound systems and our live shows.”
Originally released on February 11, 2022, AMORPHIS managed to hit the top of the official album chart in their home country for the sixth time in their eventful career with “Halo.” Many other notable global entries (Germany #3, Switzerland #4, Austria #7) completed this enormously successful launch under complicated circumstances.
Followed by a Finnish headline run and a European arena tour alongside ARCH ENEMY, ELUVEITIE and GATECREEPER, the group’s new album will become available in late September. Pre-order “Borderland” in your preferred physical format (ltd. box set & more) & stream it once out to possibly add yet another gold record to AMORPHIS’ treasure room: https://amorphis.rpm.link/borderlandPR
Hansen Studios (Jacob Hansen, Denmark; VOLBEAT, AMARANTHE, PRIMAL FEAR etc.) were the destination of choice in late 2024 and early 2025 to track “Borderland.” The album artwork was designed by Dutch artist Marald Van Haasteren (METALLICA, BLACK SABBATH, KVELERTAK, ALCEST etc.) while long-time partner Pekka Kainulainen once again wrote the album’s meaningful lyrics.
AMORPHIS live:
20.09.2025 TR Istanbul – Bosphorus Metal Fest
European “Blood Dynasty” 2025 Tour w/ ARCH ENEMY, ELUVEITIE, GATECREEPER
10.10.2025 DE Stuttgart – Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle 11.10.2025 DE Frankfurt – Jahrhunderthalle LOW TICKETS 12.10.2025 DE Munich – Zenith 14.10.2025 HU Budapest – Barba Negra 15.10.2025 AT Vienna – Gasometer LOW TICKETS 17.10.2025 DE Berlin – Columbiahalle LOW TICKETS 18.10.2025 CZ Prague – Sportovní hala Fortuna 19.10.2025 PL Gliwice – PreZero Arena 21.10.2025 CH Zurich – The Hall 22.10.2025 IT Milan – Alcatraz 23.10.2025 FR Lyon – Radiant-Bellevue LOW TICKETS 25.10.2025 ES Madrid – Palacio Vistalegre 27.10.2025 FR Paris – Zénith LOW TICKETS 28.10.2025 NL Amsterdam – AFAS Live 30.10.2025 UK Wolverhampton – Civic Hall 31.10.2025 UK Manchester – O2 Apollo 01.11.2025 UK London – eventim Apollo 03.11.2025 LU Esch-sur-Alzette – Rockhal 04.11.2025 BE Brussels – Ancienne Belgique LOW TICKETS 05.11.2025 DE Leipzig – Haus Auensee 07.11.2025 SE Gothenburg – Partille Arena 08.11.2025 SE Stockholm – Annexet 10.11.2025 FI Helsinki – Helsingin Jäähalli 12.11.2025 NO Oslo – Sentrum Scene LOW TICKETS 13.11.2025 DK Copenhagen – Poolen 14.11.2025 DE Hanover – Swiss Life Hall LOW TICKETS 15.11.2025 DE Dusseldorf – Mitsubishi Electric Halle
“Borderland” Tour 2025 Presented by Grey Beard Concerts & Management
28./29.11.2025 FI Jyväskylä – John Smith Frozen 05.12.2025 FI Ikaalinen – Spa & Resort 06.12.2025 FI Kempele – Zemppi Areena 12.12.2025 FI Lappeenranta – Saimaan Rauha 13.12.2025 FI Kajaani – Kajaani Halli 18.12.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema 19.12.2025 FI Seinäjoki – Rytmikorjaamo 20.12.2025 FI Turku – Logomo 27.12.2025 FI Lahti – Möysän Musaklubi 31.12.2025 FI Lohja – Spa & Resort
29.01. – 02.02.2026 US Miami, FL – 70,000 Tons of Metal
05 – 08.08.2026 CZ Jaroměř – Brutal Assault NEW 06 – 08.08.2026 DE Schlotheim – Party.San Metal Open Air NEW 06 – 09.08.2026 DE Kortrijk – Alcatraz Metal Festival NEW 12 – 15.08.2026 DE Dinkelsbühl – Summer Breeze Open Air NEW 13 – 15.08.2026 DE Sulingen – Reload Festival NEW
With “Borderland,” the title of the album couldn’t have been chosen more fittingly. Throughout their career, spanning over more than three decades, AMORPHIS — Tomi Joutsen (vocals), Esa Holopainen (guitars), Tomi Koivusaari (guitars), Olli-Pekka Laine (bass), Santeri Kallio (keyboards) & Jan Rechberger (drums & percussion) — have been an ever-evolving act, wandering on an exciting boundary-pushing path. From their sinister death metal debut “Karelian Isthmus” over genre-defining mid-90s melodic death works like “Tales From The Thousand Lakes” and “Elegy” as well as the melodic 2000’s grandeur of “Eclipse” or “Skyforger” to records combining the very best of all prior eras to refreshing new soundscapes (f.e. “Under The Red Cloud” or “Queen Of Time”): Whatever this group works on promises long-range success.
With 2022’s “Halo,” the Finn’s were rewarded for their researching musical approach once again: The album marked AMORPHIS’ sixth no. 1 album in Finland, even cracked the top 3 of the official German album chart, and last but not least the sextet took home two awards from the prestigious Emma Gaala (“Band of the Year” & “Export of the Year”).
The impact of “Halo” became a driving force for what’s to come. Rather than rushing into a follow-up, the band chose to step back from live performances and focus fully on their next chapter. The result is “Borderland” – a meticulously crafted opus that builds on their celebrated recent era, while seamlessly weaving in new, timely elements. It’s a bold, organic continuation of their journey, shaped by experience and guided by vision.
AMORPHIS are: Tomi Joutsen | vocals Esa Holopainen | guitars Tomi Koivusaari | guitars Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine | bass Santeri Kallio | keys Jan Rechberger | drums & percussion
What would it sound like if AC/DC brawled with Judas Priest in an alley, while Motörhead revved a Harley over the whole thing? Meet N.Y.C. and their debut album “Built To Destroy” (release date: November 14). The record was produced by Tommy Bolan and is being released by ADRENALIZING MEDIA NETWORK (Executive Producer). It was recorded at Deep End Music Studios (mixed by Kenny Meriedeth) and mastered by Robert Vosgien (Los Angeles/USA). The album also features a guest performance by Grammy-Award-Winner and Hollywood composer, Vince DiCola (Rocky IV, Transformers The Movie). “Built To Destroy” is heavy, it’s loud, it’s fed up – and it’s definitely not here to make friends.
Founded by lead singer/guitarist Tommy Bolan, the six-string shredder behind Warlock’s platinum “Triumph & Agony”, born and raised in Queens, NY, the band also features metal legends Stet Howland (W.A.S.P., Metal Church) on drums and Steve Unger (Metal Church) on bass. Together, they channel the sound of New York City – noisy, restless, pissed-off, and ready to rise from the gutter.
Leading with the juggernaut single “Heavy As Hell” (release date: September 5), N.Y.C. deliver a face-melting ode to crushing venues and playing on your own stage of life with all the intensity that all of us crave. The single, which is packed with more guitars than your best neighbor’s man cave, is just as gritty and aggressive as the accompanying video.
“I wanted to write songs that were real to me,” says Bolan, who wrote, produced, and probably bled on every track. “With our songs we can vent our aggression while at the same time exorcise our demons of insanity. I’m the guy on the New York street corner screamin’ about everything and you FEEL that intensity in our live show.”
The album is a full-on sonic tantrum and the pre-release festivities are coming in hot. The launch of Bolan’s signature guitar strings (via Optima Strings) is underway, alongside some – quite literally – epic and amazing videos with VFX veteran Walter Schulz (Emmy & Academy Award Winner and Hollywood VFX Director). Mr. Schulz and the team of Adrenalizing Media Network have been working with Unreal Engine and all their latest technologies, spared no effort to get never done before use cases out of the outstanding capabilities of the latest gaming tech. “Walter is a Master at his craft and a perfect fit” states Bolan, “The visual world he has created captures the intensity of N.Y.C.”
Also keep an eye out for some exciting promo content and give-aways with Schecter, Peavey, Morley, Optima Strings, Tascam, EHX, Gator, Levy’s and look out for the upcoming release of the N.Y.C. signature Wine & Vodka.
“‘Built To Destroy’ is basically the return for anyone to end all of the bullshit that has been dumped on them in their life,” Bolan adds. “All of the madness, lies, and self sacrifice of body, mind, and soul at the hands of others shall now be turned around. As my song says: ‘I am Tired of Smiling’. All of this has made me the half man-half machine you see before you. I have returned to set my demons free and tolerate no one’s limitations any longer.”
“Built To Destroy” isn’t just an album. It’s a sonic 10-ton nuke honing in on your stereo, so get ready and brace yourselves!
Available today on all digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion, A New Unworld is the brand-new single by Let ShadeS Do, a visionary and internationally-driven heavy metal project born from the creative minds of Italian guitarist and composer Alex Under and singer-songwriter Candice Hellish. The track, intense and powerful, conveys a dystopian poetics blending massive sounds with deep storytelling, leading the listener into a post-apocalyptic dimension where identity and reality spiral into crisis and transformation.
The single features the outstanding participation of Zachary “Zak” Stevens, iconic voice of Savatage and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, alongside Neil Zaza, world-renowned guitar virtuoso, who delivers a solo full of lyricism and emotional impact.
The full line-up on the track includes: Alex Under – rhythm & lead guitars Oliver Holzwarth – bass Enrico “Chan Choosy” Cianciusi – drums
Adding even more weight to the release is the official music video – directed in a provocative and symbolic style by Alex Visani – starring legendary adult film actress Roberta Gemma. Her magnetic and metaphorical performance enhances the atmosphere of disorientation and tension conveyed by the song. The visuals, intense and evocative, reflect the aesthetic and emotional charge of a decaying and unsettling world.
A New Unworld is now available on all streaming platforms and the official video is on YouTube:
Münster, Germany-based post-metal outfit AUßERWELT has unleashed another intense preview of their upcoming debut album, “Breath”. Set for release on October 2 through Moment of Collapse Records, the band has just shared their new single, “Whiteout Solace”.
The track follows the powerful first single, “Old Dreams of the West”, and offers a dense, yet melodic journey. Regarding the new track, the band shares: “A compact, dense packed song, framed by a memorable melody. After the storm of up-tempo blast, tremolo guitars and d-beat/hardcore has subsided, ‘Whiteout solace’ becomes less melodic, but more heavy and dissonant at the same time. It addresses a topic that is receiving increasing attention in recent times: the human need for less mental input, a more balanced way of dealing with social media and your own emotional resources.”
Tracklist:
Old Dreams Of The West
Breath
The Long Goodbye
Finite/Solitaire
Whiteout Solace
While The Ruins Still Linger
Embers Touching Blackest Soil
Eyes To The Sea
In The Night’s Coating, We Contemplate Hope
Spread across nine tracks – including two ambient interludes – AUßERWELT‘s upcoming debut album is a masterclass in emotional dynamics and genre fusion. While its roots lie firmly in atmospheric extreme metal, the band pushes well beyond the expected boundaries. Blackened urgency, death metal weight, progressive intricacy, and post-hardcore immediacy all coalesce seamlessly. And yet, “Breath” doesn’t feel like an attempt to tick genre boxes — instead, it flows with organic inevitability, like an exhale after a long-held breath.
The production – fully DIY, recorded in the band’s own studio between 2022 and 2024 – is a triumph in itself. There’s raw authenticity here, but also a clarity and punch brought into sharp focus by the expert mixing and mastering of Dennis Koehne. It’s an album that breathes in both scope and detail — from the shimmering fragility of its piano and clean guitar passages to the searing walls of distortion that crash like emotional tides.
Thematically, “Breath” centers on the act of breathing – not in a rigid conceptual way, but as a motif that ties the album together. It explores breath as both physiological function and existential metaphor – a means of survival, regulation, and resilience. It’s a subtle but potent thread that weaves through the record’s emotional highs and lows, giving the listener room to reflect, resist, and recharge.
Standout tracks are hard to isolate in such a cohesive work, but it’s worth noting how fluidly AUßERWELT shift between tightly structured catharsis and sprawling, meditative landscapes. The ambient interludes are not just breathers between assaults – they’re essential moments of reflection, proving the band’s command of mood and pacing.
But beyond its musicality, “Breath” resonates with a deeper ethos. The band’s vision is explicitly inclusive and hopeful, even amid the album’s darker shades. It’s music as a bridge – between unease and healing, between dreams and confrontation, between individuality and shared struggle. That political and humanistic undercurrent makes Breath not just a powerful artistic statement, but a socially conscious one as well.
In a genre often preoccupied with bleakness for its own sake, AUßERWELT offers a vital alternative – one that acknowledges the darkness, but refuses to be consumed by it. “Breath” is not just an album to be heard, but to be felt – deep in the lungs, the heart, and the space in between.
“Breath” will be released on 2x LP, CD and on all digital streaming platforms on October 2nd, 2025, via Moment of Collapse Records and is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION
AUßERWELT are: Manuel Klein: Guitars & Lead Vocals Kris Lucas: Drums, Piano, Clean Vocals Meredith Schmiedeskamp: Guitars Steffen Wolter: Bass
Credits: Mix & Master by Dennis Koehne A BigVish.mcp Production Produced by Dennis Koehne & Kris Lucas Recorded by Kris Lucas, Manuel Klein & Meredith Schmiedeskamp Illustrations by Carmen Alba Layout by Dana Wolter
French Blackend troopes BLISS OF FLESH Announce New Album “Metempsychosis” and launch a new video for ‘The Awakening’, taken from their upcoming album, set to be released via Black Lion Records CD LP Digital, October 17th. Watch the video below.
Metempsychosis is defined by the transmigration of the soul after death from one body to another, whether human or animal.
Bliss of Flesh’s new opus addresses metempsychosis through the observation of an individual who helplessly witnesses their physical decline through the deterioration of their five senses. This decline inexorably plunges the individual into a feverish emotional state that leads them on an introspective journey through the various stages of loss and grief. Each loss engenders a new perception and apprehension of the future. Rediscovering this altered body and a world that becomes hellish. A mixture of fears and expectations where the life they know is nothing but eternal renewal, leading them to death, a portal to a new, each time more destitute and altered. Glory or damnation, chaos then becomes their new realm.
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
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 