Exclusive Premiere for Finland: THORIUM – ‘Bring The Children To Me’ Music Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 22, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Photo by John-Son

THORIUM dive headfirst into the darkest corners of human fragility and manipulation on their new digital single and video “Bring The Children To Me”. Driven by suffocating grooves, violent riffing and an oppressive atmosphere that never loosens its grip, the track captures the band at their most unsettling and emotionally charged.

Balancing old-school Scandinavian death metal brutality with a bleak, almost cinematic sense of tension, “Bring The Children To Me” channels fear, decay and psychological collapse into one of the most haunting songs on the upcoming album “Suburban Rot”. The performance is raw yet razor-sharp; every scream, every crushing rhythm and every eerie melodic layer pushing the listener deeper into the abyss.

Thirty years into their career, Thorium still sound dangerous, hungry, and utterly uncompromising. “Bring The Children To Me” stands as a grim reminder that the real horrors are never far from home.

Join the premiering here:

Danish death metal unit Thorium announce the release of their seventh full-length album “Suburban Rot”, set for release on June 6th, 2026 via Emanzipation Productions. Marking 30 years of the band’s uncompromising presence in the Scandinavian underground, the album stands as their darkest and most personal work to date.

Written over an extended period, “Suburban Rot” captures a band still driven by the same anger, nerve and authenticity that defined Thorium from the very beginning – now reinforced by the depth and experience of three decades in extreme metal.

“Spend a weekend around a place like Brøndby Strand Station”, vocalist Michael Hvolgaard Andersen comments. “There is something strangely beautiful about decay, addiction, alcoholism, and broken lives that has always fascinated me. You rarely read about what things are really like in suburban station environments around Copenhagen – how destroyed the buildings are, and how damaged many people living there have become. That reality forms the foundation of the album title and several of the lyrics on “Suburban Rot”. It’s a phenomenon I’m sure people will recognize in station environments all over the world, where city centers are made more attractive while Google Street View is politely kept at a distance when it reaches the suburbs”.

Musically, “Suburban Rot” reflects both the band’s roots and the history of Danish extreme metal. Guitarist JP Storm brings the legacy of his time in Dominus – the band that later evolved into Volbeat – while guitarist Jose Cruz injects a darker, groove-driven and melodic edge shaped by his Spanish background. The rhythm section consists of drummer Daniel Preisler, active since the early 1990s and also formerly of Dominus, and bassist Jesper Nielsen, known from Psy:Code.

The current lineup is the same that recorded Thorium’s critically acclaimed 2022 album “Danmark”, which entered the official Danish Vinyl Chart at #7 and received widespread praise, including a 5/6 review in GAFFA. At the same time, it represents the longest-lasting stable lineup in the band’s history.

In recent years, Thorium have appeared at festivals such as Aalborg Metalfest, Metal Magic Festival, Raise Your Horns Festival, Death Coast Festival and Næstved Metalfest, reaffirming their position as one of the most enduring forces in Danish death metal.

“Suburban Rot” was produced by guitarist JP Storm and mixed and mastered by renowned producer Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studio, giving the album a crushing yet detailed sonic character. The artwork was created by Venezuelan artist John Quevedo Janssens, visually reflecting the record’s themes of urban decay and human collapse. Thirty years into their career, Thorium prove that their fire burns stronger than ever. And “Suburban Rot” may well be their most uncompromising statement yet.

“Suburban Rot” will be released on black LP, green LP (limited to 200), CD and digital formats on 06.06.2026, via Emanzipation Productions.

Lineup:
JP – guitars
Jose Cruz – guitars
Daniel – drums
Jesper – bass
MHA – vokills

Digital single: https://thrm.bfan.link/bring
Webshop: https://bit.ly/thor-shop

Web:
https://www.facebook.com/thoriumdeathmetal
https://www.instagram.com/thoriummetal
https://thorium.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/artist/6PPLAyE4Okqdjqzc4DOmuT
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/thorium/61880022
https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCe3pbUMz5mGPKJdD5isucSQ
https://tidal.com/artist/3543523
https://open.qobuz.com/artist/799765
https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/275987
https://soundcloud.com/thorium-music

Reigning Phoenix Music Announces Collaboration with Hasbro for Release of THE TRANSFORMERS: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Reformatted Edition

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 21, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Reigning Phoenix Music announces collaboration with Hasbro for the release of THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE: THE SOUNDTRACK: THE REFORMATTED EDITION, a reimagined soundtrack for THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE (1986) featuring an epic line up of guest performers and lifelong Transformers fans.

Releasing July 24, 2026, on major streaming platforms and various physical formats including limited edition LPs, THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE: THE SOUNDTRACK: THE REFORMATTED EDITION brings 10 re-recorded, reimagined tracks from the iconic film, where modern production techniques meet the raw spirit of 1986 to create something that feels both reverent and revolutionary. This includes the return of Stan Bush—the original voice that defined an era—now making his return 40 years later to bring fans brand-new recordings of “The Touch” and “Dare”! Every track has been rebuilt from the ground up by KNIGHTS OF UNICRON to deliver a powerful, heavier and sharper sonic impact. 

Album performances are led by KNIGHTS OF UNICRON, comprised of Matt Harvey, Gus Rios and Ross Sewage. The track list sees guest appearances by iconic original SKID ROW front man, solo artist and now lead vocals for TWISTED SISTER, Sebastian Bach for a special rendition of “Nothin’s Gonna Stand in Our Way”, power metal artist Brittney Slayes (UNLEASH THE ARCHERS) for an electrified version of “The Transformers (Theme)”, along with dynamic features by Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL, KERRY KING), Francesco Cavalieri (WIND ROSE, V.B.O.), and COLD SLITHER’s own Torch. Tying it all together is composer Vince DiCola as the perfect complement to this winning formula for the most honest and true collaboration for die-hard TRANSFORMERS fans!

To begin the album’s rollout, today, Hasbro has released the first single and music video for Stan Bush’s re-recording of “The Touch” (STREAM HERE) along with full album vinyl pre-orders now available at trade wide retailers and exclusive vinyl releases at Amazon and Target.

On the forthcoming collaboration, Reigning Phoenix Music co-founder Gerardo Martinez shares, “It is an absolute honor to be able to pay tribute and work alongside Hasbro on the 40th Anniversary celebration of one of the most iconic movie soundtracks of our generation”.

After four decades the stories, memories and music still resonate deeply with fans globally. The Reformatted Edition sees worlds collide across generations though heavy music, and a return to a major moment in pop culture history.

Hasbro Music presents The Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Reformatted Edition. Produced and engineered by Matt LaPlant (COLD SLITHER), with pre-production by KNIGHTS OF UNICRON and Matt LaPlant. The album was mixed and mastered by Zeuss (ROB ZOMBIE) and recorded at Ripper’s Lair in an undisclosed location. Cover artwork and design created by Matt Ferguson.

ABOUT THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE AND HASBRO’S “THE APOLOGY TOUR”:

Originally released in 1986, THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE marked the franchise’s first feature film and raised the stakes in ways audiences did not see coming. What started as an epic battle between Autobots and Decepticons quickly became something more, introducing the Autobot Matrix of Leadership, the planet-devouring Unicron, and a turning point that left a generation of fans emotionally unprepared for what a children’s film could deliver.

Optimus Prime’s fall in a final showdown with arch-nemesis Megatron remains one of the most controversial moments in franchise history. Four decades later, fans are still talking about it. That legacy now fuels Hasbro’s “The Apology Tour,” a year-long campaign acknowledging the emotional impact of Optimus Prime’s death and delivering special surprises for fans throughout the year.

Track List:

1. The Touch – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Stan Bush (originally recorded by Stan Bush)
2. Instruments of Destruction – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Francesco Cavalieri (originally recorded by N.R.G.)
3. Death of Optimus Prime – Vince DiCola
4. Dare – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Stan Bush and Vince DiCola (originally recorded by Stan Bush)
5. Nothin’s Gonna Stand in Our Way – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Sebastian Bach (originally recorded by Spectre General)
6. The Transformers (Theme) – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Brittney Slayes (originally recorded by Lion)
7. Escape – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON (originally recorded by Vince DiCola)
8. Hunger – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Mark Osegueda (originally recorded by Spectre General)
9. Autobot/ Decepticon Battle – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON (originally recorded by Vince DiCola)
10. Dare To Be Stupid – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Torch (originally recorded by “Weird Al” Yankovic)

About Reigning Phoenix Music

Founded in 2023, Reigning Phoenix Music is truly the 100% independently owned vision of music industry professional Gerardo Martinez and avionics and tech entrepreneur, Sven Bogner. The blueprint is to continue to help heavy metal, extreme and hard music thrive by partnering with an array of well-established acts, new talent, and iconic artists by offering best services and practices in the industry. RPM’s paramount goal is to help the artists amplify their music and talent to a winning formula for success.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Reigning Phoenix Music on YouTube to stay updated and listen to the latest tracks in the RPM New Releases playlist on Spotify. Subscribe here: https://rpm.link/spotifynewreleasesPR.

RPM: reigningphoenixmusic.com | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube

About Hasbro

Hasbro is a leading games, IP and toy company whose mission is to create joy and community through the magic of play. With 165 years of expertise, Hasbro delivers groundbreaking play experiences and reaches more than 1 billion fans annually around the world, through physical and digital games, video games, toys, licensed consumer products, location-based entertainment, film, TV and more.   

Through its franchise-first approach, Hasbro unlocks value from both new and legacy IP, including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, MONOPOLY, HASBRO GAMES, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands. Powered by its portfolio of thousands of iconic marks and a diversified network of partners and subsidiary studios, Hasbro brings fans together wherever they are, from tabletop to screen.  

For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, a 2025 JUST Capital Industry Leader, one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50, and a Brand that Matters by Fast Company. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com or @Hasbro on LinkedIn.    

MOB RULES Release Haunting New Single ‘Above the Maelstrom’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 21, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo: Karsten Koch]

German power metal veterans MOB RULES have unveiled their brand-new single, “Above the Maelstrom,” taken from the forthcoming studio album Stories From The Verdant Vale, set for release on August 21 via ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. 

With “Above the Maelstrom,” the band presents a profound, melancholic ballad of exceptional beauty. Amid the otherwise concise and dynamic overall feel of the album, the song deliberately provides a moment of calm, creating a powerful atmospheric contrast that adds an additional emotional layer.

Listen HERE: https://mobrules.rpm.link/maelstromPR 

Their much-waited new studio offering Stories From The Verdant Vale sees MOB RULES return to the narrative world introduced with their latest album Rise Of The Ruler (2025), which was widely praised and marked a major milestone in the band’s career. The material originates from songs written during the final stages of those sessions, now presented as a special standalone release.

As vocalist Klaus Dirks recently said:
“During the final stages of completing the album, we discussed possible bonus material for the earbook edition with the label. We were reluctant to use demo versions or similar material. This motivated us to write a few new songs. We were well aware of what we were getting ourselves into, but we also wanted to challenge ourselves a little.”

The songs reveal a slightly more direct and compact approach compared to Rise Of The Ruler, while staying true to the band’s signature blend of melodic power metal, atmosphere and storytelling. Expanding the original concept from a different perspective, the material forms a natural extension of Rise Of The Ruler, while each track also stands strong on its own.

Originally conceived in part as exclusive material, Stories From The Verdant Vale will now receive a proper release on vinyl and digital platforms due to high demand. The record was mixed by Markus Teske, with artwork created by Stan W. Decker.

Pre-Order / Pre-Save Stories From The Verdant Vale here: https://mobrules.rpm.link/storiesPR

Tracklist:

Side A:
1. Savage Land Reprise
2. Master Of The Black Crow 
3. Masquerade Ball 
4. Above The Maelstrom 
5. Balance Of Power 

Side B (Bonus Tracks)
6. Celebration Day (2014 Version, feat. Bernhard Weiß)
7. Insurgeria (2014 Version, feat. Udo Dirkschneider)
8. Coast To Coast (2014 Version, feat. Chity Somapala)
9. End Of All Days (2014 Version, feat. Amanda Somerville)
10. Broken 

About MOB RULES

Formed in Northern Germany in the early 1990s, MOB RULES have established themselves as a constant force in melodic power metal. Known for their concept-driven albums, strong melodies and atmospheric depth, the band has built a loyal international following over the decades.

With ten studio albums to date, including the critically acclaimed Rise Of The Ruler, MOB RULES have continuously refined their sound while staying true to their roots. Their blend of classic heavy metal influences and modern production has secured them a lasting place within the genre.

MOB RULES is:
Klaus Dirks – Vocals
Sven Lüdke – Guitar
Florian Dyszbalis – Guitar
Markus Brinkmann – Bass
Jan Christian Halfbrodt – Keys
Sebastian Schmidt – Drums

Connect with MOB RULES:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mobrulesband 
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mobrulesband 

VARG Release New Live-Single And Video ‘Ewige Wacht’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 21, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[Photo credit: Karsten Brand]

VARG stride towards the release of their first live album, Live at Wolfszeit Festival 2024. The last preliminary insight is a new version of “Ewige Wacht” with a goosebump-inducing melody and thrilling force. It was originally released as the title track of the band’s most recent studio album, which scored their highest chart entry to date—Ewige Wacht (2023) reached the top 15 of the Official German Album Charts. The striking live recording of “Ewige Wacht” holds on to the top position that VARG have been holding in the German pagan scene for years—an eponymous eternal watch. Live at Wolfszeit Festival 2024, recorded at the band’s very own festival, will be out tomorrow, May 22, 2026, via Napalm Records.
 
VARG about “Ewige Wacht”:
“‘Ewige Wacht’ is a special moment for us every time we play it live. When the crowd sings back every lyric, we feel very clearly why this song has become the centerpiece of the album.”

VARG gather their followers around them and call for a joint ritual: on May 22, 2026, the pagan metal band will share the recording of a special evening with their first live album, Live at Wolfszeit Festival 2024. Recorded at the group’s very own festival, it contains thrilling live versions of 16 tracks. Live at Wolfszeit Festival 2024 invites you to be part of the home match both as an audio and a video recording in Blu-ray format—filmed with 13 cameras, which makes for a particularly well-rounded live experience.
 
Supported by their home environment, VARG keep the flame alive and cement their leading position in the German pagan scene with Live at Wolfszeit Festival 2024. A unique demonstration of power by a band at the peak of their creative powers—at least until VARG call for the next Wolfszeit coming in August…
 
VARG on Live at Wolfszeit Festival 2024:
“With Live at Wolfszeit Festival 2024, we are immortalizing one of the most intense moments in our band’s history. Fire, thunderous choirs, and pure emotions merge into an atmosphere that sweeps everything away. This album is the gateway to the innermost circle of the wolf pack—and the answer to a question we always ask together: Are you with us? We are with you!”

Get Your Copy of Live at Wolfszeit Festival 2024 NOW

On their new album, VARG conduct a campaign through their discography. It begins with “Aufzug der Heere” and “Schildfront”, which were first released in 2008 on the split EP Schildfront with Minas Morgul, and leads to “Ewige Wacht”, the title track of their latest album which was released in 2023 and is their biggest chart success to date. The visually stunning atmosphere of the evening flares up in a fiery production, impressively directed by frontman Freki. Light installations pierce the darkness and amplify the ritualistic power of the show. VARG remain “Immer Treu” (engl: Always Faithful; Ewige Wacht, 2023) to their fans, who respond with enthusiastic cheers—the band’s energetic songs and devoted performance make this particularly rousing. The crystal-clear production of the live spectacle is also reflected in “Morgenrot” on which Freki’s growls and singer Fylgja harmonize particularly beautifully—the latter is also honored with the rare live gem “Fylgja” (both also Ewige Wacht, 2023). “Blutaar”, the title track of the German band’s second album released in 2010, on the other hand, strikes a harder tone, bathed in deep red light. After the ominous thematic classification, the frontman screams his head off in his usual brutal manner, fueled by drums and cheers, and spreads his wings in a similarly intimidating manner as in the Viking custom he sings about—albeit less bloody. Furthermore, the fans join VARG for “Schwertzeit” (engl. Sword Time) and “Jagd” (engl. Hunt), and declare: “Wir sind die Wölfe” (engl. We Are The Wolves) (all Wolfskult, 2011).

Live at Wolfszeit Festival 2024 tracklisting:

  1. Aufzug der Heere
  2. Schildfront
  3. Immer Treu
  4. Schildmaid
  5. Schwertzeit
  6. Morgenrot
  7. Zeichen
  8. Blutaar
  9. Eisenseite
  10. Viel Feind, viel Ehr
  11. Fylgja
  12. Jagd
  13. Wir sind die Wölfe
  14. Rán
  15. Fara til Ranár
  16. Ewige Wacht

VARG Live 2026
 
Festivals
20.06.26 DE – Bärenstein / Mittsommernächte Bärenstein
05.07.26 FR – Janzé / Ar’Vran Fest
15.–18.07.26 DE – Nottertal-Heilinger Höhen / G.O.N.D.
20.–21.08.26 DE – Eisfeld / Wolfszeit Festival
 
Shows
18.12.26 DE – Leipzig / VARGFEST 2026

VARG are:
Freki – vocals
Fylgja – vocals
Morkai – guitar
Ulvar – guitar
Rohgarr – drums
 
VARG online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
NAPALM RECORDS

MEZZROW Release New Single ‘In the Labyrinth of Eternal Suffering’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 21, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo: Jens Rydén]

“Bay Area Thrash Metal – Made in Sweden” – that’s what MEZZROW stands for. Since their reunion in 2021, the band has been celebrating both a rebirth and a second wind. With “Summon Thy Demons” (2023) and “Embrace The Awakening” (2025), the quintet from Nyköping released two highly recommended albums that seamlessly continue what began with their legendary debut album “Then Came The Killing” (1990).

Today, MEZZROW are releasing a brand-new single entitled “In the Labyrinth of Eternal Suffering”, which also showcases a new side to the band’s style. Singer Uffe Pettersson comments: “The song is a rather dark piece in which the lyrics deal with the labyrinth, which is a metaphor for life, and from a rather combative perspective. It was written during the ‘Embrace The Awakening’ sessions, although we reworked it quite heavily before release. In the end, it turned out to be a really thrashy song with plenty of Swedish melodies and a bit of inspiration from the Gothenburg sound. That creates a cool atmosphere and a song to be proud of!”

Amidst the thriving “second wave” of the Swedish thrash scene, featuring bands such as BLOODSTAIN, METHANE, SAVAGE MANIA, HOSTILIA and veterans like FKÜ, MEZZROW have established themselves as a consistent and inspiring force. In recent years, they have had the privilege of sharing the stage with renowned bands, including: EXODUS, DARK TRANQUILITY, ASPHYX, CORONER, MYRKUR, BLOOD RED THRONE, CANDLEMASS and many more. This ultimately led to a contract with WE LIVE AGENCY, a booking agency with an extensive network, and the future now looks promising for the Swedish thrash metal band.

“In the Labyrinth of Eternal Suffering” proves once again that MEZZROW remain a driving force in the global thrash revival!

MEZZROW are:
Ulf “Uffe” Pettersson – Vocals
Conny Welén – Bass
Magnus Söderman – Lead Guitar
Ronnie Björnström – Guitar
Alvaro “Alvis” Svanerö – Drums

MEZZROW online
Homepage: https://www.mezzrow.black
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mezzrowsweden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mezzrowswedishthrash
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mezzrowswedishthrash
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mezzrowswedishthrash

INHERITED TIME Release Third Single ‘Braveheart’ from Upcoming Debut Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 21, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photographer: Samael Creative

‘Braveheart’ is an energetic power metal track full of dashing guitars, bright intense vocals and intriguing synth melodies. The song is a story of courage, sacrifice, and curiosity — following a man who journeys into space to save humanity, facing fear and death for the people he loves.

The song represents a slightly lighter side of the band while still staying true to their own distinctive style and approach. Instead of orchestral soundscape Braveheart leans into traditional synths. Braveheart is the first song ever in the band’s history.

Listen to the single on major music platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, etc.): https://push.fm/fl/inheritedtime-braveheart

–Lyrics by Alesia Savolainen
–Composed by Olli Pölkki and Alesia Savolainen
–Recorded and mixed in Electric fox studios
–Mastered in Univaltakunta

Inherited Time is a modern symphonic metal band from Finland with a sci-fi atmosphere. The band found its current form in 2024 after years of evolution.

Their music captivates listeners with the sound of traditional Finnish melodic metal infused with power metal elements, delivering majestic orchestral melodies, striking guitars, and powerful vocals mixed with intense growls.

With three singles released and the debut album in production, the band is stronger than ever and moving confidently toward their ultimate goal: building a full musical career.

Inherited Time is:
Alesia Savolainen – Vocals
Jani Härkönen – Bass
Tero Rannila – Drums
Olli Pölkki – Keyboards
Ville Pölkki – Guitars

https://www.facebook.com/inheritedtime
https://www.instagram.com/inheritedtimeofficial