Pagan Records has signed one of Poland’s most original and long-running metal bands: Tenebris. Their new album, entitled “Kochanowski”, is already recorded and is scheduled for release this autumn.
A celebration of the album will take place at the Summer Dying Loud festival, where Tenebris will perform the new album in its entirety. This new record is a musical continuation of the ideas explored in their EP, “Legendarna”, while the album title references the Polish poet Jan Kochanowski.
Formed in Łódź, Poland in 1991, Tenebris is considered by many a cult Polish metal band. They began as a death metal act before incorporating progressive and jazz influences into their sound.
Their discography includes: The Odious Progress (1994, Baron Rec.) Only Fearless Dreams (1997, DSFA) Catafalque-Comet (2007, BadTaste Entertainment/Crude) Melting (2008, Takt) Diib (2010, black fields) Alpha Orionis (2013, Audio Cave) Legendarna (2018, Audio Anatomy) 30 years of Solitude (2022, Defence)
The current lineup consists of: Przemysław Szymaniak – vocals, guitar Bartek Polny – bass guitar Przemysław Dominiak – guitar Grzegorz Graczyk – drums
More announcements about the album will follow soon.
This Halloween, on October 31, 2025, black metal titans MYSTIC CIRCLE will unleash their much-awaited, new studio offering, “Hexenbrand 1486”, through ROAR. Coming on CD and Vinyl (both featuring a comic) as well as in Digital formats, the album pre-sale is available at this location: https://mysticcircle.rpm.link/hexenbrandPR
“More serious, more respectful and more authentic” is the definition of the tenth MYSTIC CIRCLE epic “Hexenbrand 1486” – a statement that certainly applies to the formation’s attitude. “It’s a journey through time in the Mystic Circle universe”, A. Blackwar recently said. “The album is very varied and each song has its own dominance. We could release every track as a single and that says a lot about the strength of the longplayer.”
Following previously-released album ragers, “Ghost Of Whitechapel” and “Boogeyman”, today, the iconic duo have premiered a music video for their fierce new single “The Scarlet Queen of Harlots” featuring Sarah Jezebel Deva!
The band comments: “With the third single to our new Album ‚Hexenbrand 1486‘ we summon Babalon, the scarlet queen of harlots, which seduces the mankind to sin. Once again we did a cooparation with pur long time friend Sarah Jezebel Deva, which gives that Song the special monumental vibe. This beast is dedicated to all the black hearted witches out there.”
Watch the new MYSTIC CIRCLE video clip, produced by Nils Lesser, here:
MYSTIC CIRCLE sound unmistakable, their trademarks are manifold and their hunger seems almost insatiable. What the duo has created in recent years is unparalleled and continues the legacy that the band created in the nineties with their classics “Drachenblut” (1998) and “Infernal Satanic Verses” (1999). MYSTIC CIRCLE themselves describe their style as melodic extreme metal, their very own mix of old-school death and black metal, traditional heavy metal of the eighties and horror soundtracks.
Since the unholy reunion between the two MYSTIC CIRCLE founders A. Blackwar and Beelzebub in 2021, the Germanic black metal wargods are stronger than ever. What began anew in 2022 with the self-titled “Mystic Circle” album and was rewarded with a sensational #78 place in the German album charts, was continued the following year with “Erzdämon” and now completed with “Hexenbrand 1486”. “Hexenbrand 1486”, produced with Nils Lesser, is largely about the ‘Malleus Maleficarum’, the hammer of witches, which was written in Speyer/Germany in the year 1486. “We are lucky to live near well-known events and dark legends. Our Nibelungen cult “Drachenblut” comes from our region, as does the concept in the second part of the new record about Heinrich “Institoris” Kramer, the author of the Hexenhammer,” A. Blackwar explains.
“Heinrich Kramer embodies everything we hate about the holy institution of the church. He was a vile sadist who acted out his resentment towards women under the cloak of Christian scripture. The Hexenhammer is the work of a madman and should encourage everyone even more to leave the church and follow their own path of faith,” says Beelzebub.
The horror flair of the 80s already played a major role in the duo’s style on “Mystic Circle” and “Erzdämon”. On “Hexenbrand 1486” they consistently go one step further and add dark synth wave passages in appropriate places, with a comparable flair to legendary horror shockers and soundtracks by Dario Argento, who used synthesizers in his very own way.
In keeping with the theme of witches, three women are represented on “Hexenbrand 1486”: The two singers Sarah Jezebel Deva (ex-CRADLE OF FILTH, THE KOVENANT) and Karo Hafke (UMBRA ET IMAGO, GIANTS CAUSAWAY) as well as Natalie Ostermaier, the author and illustrator of the book “Kramer”, from which the accompanying comic is taken, that is integrated in the CD booklet and comes with the vinyl first edition as a 12-page A5 comic. “Sarah has once again taken on the classic part. This time it’s different with Karo. She carries the album with her voice and embodies the countless women who were burned and tortured because of sick fantasies back then. She gives the new album a special stamp. Natalie Ostermaier and her book “Kramer” came into play through the concept. She liked the idea of using an excerpt from her book for our album, and so what had to come together came together.”
In support of “Hexenbrand 1486”, MYSTIC CIRCLE will increasingly focus on the announced live presence, which is scheduled to kick off in South America and Mexico in the spring of 2026. The band recently signed a booking deal with Flaming Arts (POSSESSED, BELPHEGOR, GOD DETHRONED and others). They are looking for support from guest musicians to complete the band live. “We’re going to do a lot, because we like the old stage shows of great masters like W.A.S.P, DIO or ALICE COOPER.”
MYSTIC CIRCLE is: Beelzebub – Vocals, Gitarre, Bass, Keyboards A. Blackwar – Drums, Gitarre, Vocals, Keyboards
Danish metallers Defecto are pleased to announce the release of their new studio album, “Echoes Of Isolation”, out on October 31, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
To give a taste of the new record, the band unveil today the first single and accompanying video, “Sacred Alignment”.
The band commented: “Sacred Alignment” digs into the reality of OCD – a condition that is so often misunderstood. It’s not about being neat or organized, it’s about living in a prison built by your own thoughts. It’s about the rituals that demand obedience, the fear that refuses to let go, and the endless fight for control in a world that feels like it’s collapsing without it. This song captures that battle – the brutality of the mind, and the strange balance between order and chaos”.
Defecto is a Copenhagen-based metal band formed in 2011 by guitarist/vocalist Nicklas Sonne, guitarist Frederik Møller, and bassist Thomas Bartholin.
Known for their combination of technical precision, melodic strength, and emotional intensity, the band has become one of the most respected names in the modern Danish metal scene.
With three studio albums, two EPs, and several acclaimed festival appearances (Copenhell, RockFest Finland) and support slots with Metallica and Rammstein, Defecto has consistently pushed the envelope of progressive and cinematic metal.
Now, Frontiers Records proudly presents “Echoes Of Isolation”, the band’s most personal, intense, and introspective record yet – a concept album exploring the haunting landscape of mental illness and psychological struggles.
Nicklas Sonne stated: “Each song inhabits a different psychological struggle – insomnia, schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, paranoia, dissociation, trauma – giving voice to the war within. This isn’t just a metal album. It’s a mirror held to the mind”. “For us, it’s about turning pain into power, and creating something that can connect deeply with anyone who has ever felt broken, isolated, or misunderstood”, he added.
Fans of Metallica, Symphony X or Evergrey will be captivated by the album’s cinematic power and progressive depth, driven by Sonne’s compelling vocals and razor-sharp songwriting.
“Echoes Of Isolation” Tracklist:
1. The Unraveling 2. Eternal Descent 3. Sacred Alignment 4. Eclipsed By The Void 5. Heart On Fire 6. Quantum Abyss 7. Through Cloak And Bones 8. Shattered Reality 9. Echoes Of Isolation
Line Up: Nicklas Sonne Frederik Møller Thomas Bartholin
“Leave Leave” is a modern breakup anthem born from pain, clarity, and the need for self-respect. It captures the emotional breaking point of a toxic relationship — the moment when self-worth finally triumphs over manipulation. A melancholic dive into heavy rock, rage, and ultimately, liberation. When everything is clear, and walking away isn’t weakness, but a sign of strength.
Mixing and Mastering: Kuba Malinowski, Lunar Sounds Studio
Depressure. Heavy moods and aching emotions. From melancholic yearning to modern heavy rock, it drills into your brain like a Makita 666. Born in Joensuu, Finland, 2006. Two demos, a few shows, then a decade of silence. In early 2018, Depressure was dragged out of the grave, and the first album was composed and recorded by Antti. “September” came out on February 19th, 2020.
A new lineup took shape in Antti’s new home country, Poland. Gigs in Gdańsk, more sweat, more drilling. In autumn ‘24, recording of the next album began. “Worst is Yet to Come” is set to release in autumn ‘25 and the band is ready to freeze audiences with their northern rock.
Depressure: Antti Heikura – Vocals & Guitar Paweł Kempa – Guitar Tomasz Kacmajor – Drums Konrad Piątkowski – Bass
Wormholedeath is proud to announce the signing of Flamecore, a rising force in melodic death metal hailing from Chania and Athens, Greece. The label will reissue the band’s ferocious and emotionally charged self-titled debut album, Flamecore.
Blending crushing heaviness with searing melodic passages, Flamecore channels the spirit of modern melodic death metalwith a sound that nods to giants like In Flames, Slipknot, and Gojira—while forging their own unmistakable identity.
The band’s journey began when Leonidas Viglakis shared an early riff with Stathis Lianos, a moment that kicked off their creative partnership and led to their first track, ‘Plains of Nameck.’ With the subsequent creation of “Only Waste Remains”, their vision quickly expanded. After assembling a full lineup with Panagiotis Tsopelas and Akis Blazakis, Flamecore came into full form—recording their debut across two cities and solidifying their intense DIY spirit.
With Leonidas handling drums and vocals in Chania and Stathis recording guitars and bass in Athens, the album was brought to life and perfected by John Mor at Apex Soundworks, whose mix delivers both raw power and clarity. The result is an album brimming with thunderous double-kick assaults, harmonized leads, and vocals that rage between guttural aggression and desperate cries.
Lyrically, Flamecore delves into inner conflict, identity struggles, and social disintegration, offering a cathartic experience for fans of emotionally driven extreme metal.
Since their debut, the band has taken to the stage with Iasonas Stefanou joining for live duties, and with new bassist Panagiotis Mousouras now onboard, Flamecore is actively performing and working on new material—staying true to their mission of delivering honest, intense, and uncompromising metal.
Tracklist:
Planes of Nameck
Only Waste Remains
Flamecore
Projected Reality
Death Awaits
From the Shadows
Celebrate Yourself
Hunger for Life
Get a taste of Flamecore’s energy and aggression. Watch the video for “Plains of Nameck”:
Yesterday, August 27th Ida Maria released “Pride” – one final sin before her full album drops in September.
Fear not! Ida Maria has saved some of the best for last. Pride is a delightfully confrontational, wildly catchy, and surprisingly effective track.
This time, it is pride’s turn to take the center stage – perhaps the most innocent, yet also one of the most destructive of the deadly sins. In her signature style, Ida Maria tackles the theme with full force, a twinkle in her eye – and a few high-heeled gut kicks.
Pride runs on a dangerous groove, bold charm, and feminine power – giving Ida Maria the perfect platform to showcase just how sharp she is as both a songwriter and a vocalist. She also toys with the paradoxes of today’s society, aiming to spark questions rather than point fingers.
This song celebrates pride, confidence, and freedom – while also holding you accountable for your own actions. You have to dare to stand by your choices, and stop seeking validation from others.
Musically, Pride is nothing short of a sizzling punk rock single, dressed in a generous dose of indie-sleaze attitude – quite literally the anthem the 2000s never knew it was missing. At just two and a half minutes long, it’s a raw, immediate banger that hits you straight in the face.
This is the fourth single from the upcoming album Seven Deadly Sins + 3, set to be released via Indie Recordings on September 26th.
About Ida Maria Ida Maria is a Norwegian punk-rock powerhouse celebrated for her electrifying live performances and raw, melodic energy. Drawing inspiration from icons like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, as well as her contemporaries, Ida Maria’s music blends a rebellious rock attitude with sharp social commentary.
Ida Maria grew up in the small town of Nesna in the far north of Norway—a town that may seem an unlikely birthplace for a new female international rock star. But talent and willpower know no borders, and in 2008 she crashed onto the international scene with anthems like “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked” and “Oh My God” from her debut album, Fortress Round My Heart (2008).
Her powerful, raw voice and high-energy live performances led her to perform at major festivals, including Roskilde (Denmark), Reading (UK), and SXSW (US), as well as collaborate with legends like Iggy Pop and earn praise from artists such as Tom Waits. She has released several albums, including Katla (2010) and Scandalize My Name (2016), and her work has been featured in films, TV shows, and commercials- like Grey’s Anatomy, Big Mouth, Skins, Gossip Girl +++, further solidifying her influence in pop culture.
Ida Maria’s new full-length album is due in fall 2025, and it’s a true powerhouse of a record. The narrative behind the songs revolves around the Seven Deadly Sins. Through catchy rhythms, sing-along chorus, and sassy yet clever lyrics, Ida Maria delivers a provocative and passionate exploration of sin and the contemporary world we live in.
CREDITS Drums & Percussion: Alf Magne Hillestad Bass: Ruben Fredheim Oma Guitar: Jan Ole Kristensen Vocals: Ida Maria Sivertsen Additional vocals: Eirik Naess og Kristian Liljan
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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