A cult chapter of Italian extreme metal history returns in its most complete form, as F.O.A.D. Records present the definitive archival collection of early material from LORD CRUCIFIER, “Cataclism”, now available as a gatefold 2xLP edition.
“Cataclism” – Gatefold 2xLP
An 18-track descent into pure psychotic thrash metal—self-described by the band as “psychic metal”—capturing the unhinged vision of these Italian maniacs who relocated to England during the 1980s in search of total sonic extremity.
This comprehensive release brings together the band’s early demo legacy and unreleased material, fully remastered at Toxic Basement Studio:
“Cataclism” Demo (1985)
“Myra’s Tape” (1987)
“Who Do You Trust” (1989)
Unreleased 3-track rehearsal/demo (1990)
Across these recordings, LORD CRUCIFIER’s evolution is laid bare—from raw, dark thrash steeped in Venom and Celtic Frost influences to a more personal and deranged style defined by speed, fractured structures and psychotic riffing intensity.
Packaging:
The release comes as a deluxe gatefold 2xLP edition accompanied by a 24-page full-color booklet, designed by Rich M. Walker (The Metalchemist). The booklet includes rare photographs, flyers, scans of original demo tapes, and archival excerpts from underground magazines and fanzines.
A vital document of a band that turned chaos into identity, now unearthed and preserved by F.O.A.D. Records. Essential listening for devotees of extreme, unfiltered thrash in its most disturbed form.
ONLY SONS was formed in Krakow in 2018 by Daniel Kesler and Andrzej Nowak (whose lineup lasts until 2022). From the outset, the group operated as a quintet of musicians involved in numerous projects within the broadly defined metal scene: Redemptor, Moanaa, Ketha, Deivos, Outre, Ulcer, Taraban, and Post Profession.
Only Sons was initially a stoner metal project. Their debut album, “Love, Drugs, Treachery, and Deceit” (EP, 2018), maintains this stylistic style. In 2019, the band recorded their debut album, “Lions & Unicorns” which incorporated elements of progressive music, blues, and classic hard rock.
Up to 2021, the Krakow-based group had played numerous concerts alongside bands such as Corrosion of Conformity, Valey of the Sun, Yawning Man, and Bison BC; and at several of Poland’s biggest metal festivals: Mystic Festival, Summer Dying Loud, Red Smoke Festival, Rockowisko Zwierzyniec, and Bałtów Open Air.
In 2024, Only Sons added a new vocalist: Daniel Bala Suder (ex-Taraban).
Today, the Krakow-based band, led by Daniel Kesler, releases second album, “Through the Night Again” and is released independently in digital format (pre-save), on CD (pre-order), and later on vinyl. The album was recorded at Zed Studio (Frontside, Decapitated) and Kossa Buena Studio (Sztywny Pal Azji, Crystal Viper). Tomasz “Zed” Zalewski (Medico Peste, Dieth) handled the mix and mastering, while Bart Gabriel (Avenger, Jag Panzer) handled the vinyl mastering. The album cover was created by Kuba Sokólski (Dormant Ordeal, Entropia), and the layout was created by Kontamination Design (Akhlys, Taake). The band’s logo was created by Xaay, and the band’s photo was taken by Pastor.
The new album by Only Sons features six original compositions in a retro/hard rock style.
The band’s leader comments on the new release: “It’s all here: twisted and technical riffs, melodic choruses, crazy and catchy guitar solos. We’ve expanded the instrumentation with keyboards/pads and samples, adding a variety of spacious sounds to the songs, which, combined with the highly diverse vocal parts, give Only Sons a completely new quality. Fans of bands such as Mastodon, Katatonia, Graveyard, Sentenced, and All Them Witches should feel right at home with us.“
SISKA present “Gangster (Roaring Twenties)”, a new single taken from the album Broken Dreams, released on January 16, 2026. The track is accompanied by the official music video, now available online.
The album Broken Dreams was entirely mixed and mastered by Max Norman, a legendary producer known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Megadeth.
The record also features a special guest appearance by Tim “Ripper” Owens, vocalist of KK’s Priest and former frontman of Judas Priest.
Official statement on the video “Gangster (Roaring Twenties)”
A rock video, at times ironic, unfolding as a dark ceremony staged between theater and damnation, while also reflecting on power, identity, and the cost of a pact.
An old-fashioned hearse moves through the darkest night, chased by the police, carrying two faceless gangsters and a closed, silent coffin that weighs like a truth that cannot be spoken.
Inside, red light fills the space, while the two figures – smooth, featureless faces – move like suspended presences, almost like breathing mannequins.
The journey ends in a graveyard lost in the dark. The coffin is placed on the ground and observed like something that can no longer be changed.
The video builds a constant tension between life and death, silence and sound, raising a central question: can a guitar – and the visceral energy of heavy metal – break the silence and stop fate, even for a moment?
In the final scene, a faceless head bursts into flames, symbolizing an inner conflict: the real hell is born within the individual.
For aesthetics and visual style, the two gangsters recall the killer from Blood and Black Lace by Mario Bava, as a purely visual homage, with no narrative, conceptual, or thematic reference.
Video credits: Video makers and directors based on an idea by Mattia Sisca: Martino Sartori, Alessandro Ferrini Actress: Lorenza Caradonna
Tracklist – “Broken Dreams”
Last Days – 01:32 Time Machine – 04:42 Gangster (Roaring Twenties) – 04:04 We’ll Return – 03:42 In the Shadow – 04:23 Daydream – 01:16 Broken Dreams – 03:51 The Inexorable Passage of Time – 02:15 Lonely Tomb – 04:11 Thunderbird – 03:38 Mother Nature – 04:45
Worldwide physical and digital distribution via Big Tuna Records.
Over the years, SISKA have built their path through intense international live activity, sharing the stage with major artists in the rock and heavy metal scene, including:
KISS, Whitesnake, Skid Row, Children of Bodom, Sonata Arctica, Epica, Soulfly, Geoff Tate, Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.), Paul Di’Anno (Iron Maiden).
In 2023, the band officially opened for KISS in Spain, marking one of the most significant milestones in their live career.
European tour dates will be announced soon, featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens performing live with SISKA.
Line-up – “Broken Dreams” Vocals (special guest): Tim “Ripper” Owens Lead guitar: Mattia Sisca Rhythm guitar: Marco Fragalà Bass: Bunny Bertetti Drums: Riccardo Fantinel Mix & Mastering: Max Norman
Today, after more than 40 eventful years of existence, Canada’s progressive sci-fi metal innovators VOÏVOD return with ‘Symphonique,’ a special live release together with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, set for release on June 5, 2026, worldwide via Century Media Records.
‘Symphonique,’ which functions like an epic piece of cinema, showcases VOÏVOD’s pioneering futuristic metal with the strains of a symphony orchestra, and features a carefully curated VOÏVOD best-of setlist composed of 12 songs across 73 minutes, recorded live on June 4th, 2025, at the Grand Théâtre in Québec City, Canada.
Offering a first taste of ‘Symphonique,’ the band shares the first single, “Forgotten In Space (Symphonique),” alongside an official visualizer curated by Cloud Motion Design, available to view below.
VOÏVOD’s drummer and founding member Michel “Away” Langevin comments on ‘Symphonique’:
“This live album with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra is a longtime dream turned reality. Thankfully, we will experience it again in 2027 with the Orchestre Symphonique du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, right in the region where VOÏVOD formed back in 1983. We wish to take this show across the globe with local orchestras one day, but in the meantime, I hope you will enjoy this epic release. It’s the closest we’ve ever come to sounding like a dystopian sci-fi movie soundtrack, another dream of ours!”
About the first single “Forgotten in Space (Symphonique),” bassist Dominic “Rocky” Laroche adds:
“Taken from the album ‘Killing Technology,’‘Forgotten in Space’ transports us to a Mad Max-esque science-fiction universe. Denis “Piggy” D’Amour was even inspired by it when composing parts of the original version. This incredible symphonic masterpiece, orchestrated by Hugo Begin, offers a powerful orchestral introduction that takes us on a musical journey where the fusion of metal and classical music invites us to imagine, for 6 minutes and 27 seconds, that humanity itself may have been forgotten in space…”
‘Symphonique’ follows the release of VOÏVOD’s latest Juno Award-winning studio album, ‘Synchro Anarchy’ (2022), which reached #7 on the official album sales charts in Germany, #64 in Switzerland, #67 in Austria, and #88 in the Netherlands upon release. It also arrives after the band’s special 40th anniversary release, ‘Morgöth Tales’ (2023), from which a selection of videos can be found below.
Symphonique’ will be available in the following formats: => CD Jewelcase in O-Card => Gatefold 2LP (On either unlimited Black 180g double vinyl, 300x copies limited Yellow 180g double vinyl from Sony Music Canada Shop and EMP, or 300x copies limited Orange 180g double vinyl from VOÏVOD) => Digital Album
VOÏVOD will next embark on comprehensive European touring runs in suitable timing for the upcoming live release starting in June. Don’t miss the following dates:
VOÏVOD – Live 2026:
June Europe Tour Thu 04.06 – Stykkishólmur (Iceland) @ Satan Fest Sat 06.06 – Emmen (The Netherlands) @ Pitfest
UK & Ireland Tour with Midnight & Cryptosis Mon 08.06 – London (UK) @ The Underworld Tue 09.06 – Southampton (UK) @ The 1865 Wed 10.06 – Bristol (UK) @ Thekla Thu 11.06 – Nottingham (UK) @ Rescue Rooms Fri 12.06 – Manchester (UK) @ Rebellion Sat 13.06 – Glasgow (UK) @ Slay Mon 15.06 – Belfast (UK) @ Limelight 2 Tue 16.06 – Dublin (Ireland) @ Whelans Wed 17.06 – Limerick (Ireland) @ Dolans Warehouse
June, July & August Europe Tour Fri 19.06 – Vitoria-Gastiez (Spain) @ Azkena Rock Fest Fri 10.07 – Milan (Italy) @ Frantic Fest Warm-Up Sat 11.07 – Cagliari (Italy) @ Cueva Rock Mon 13.07 – Zagreb (Croatia) @ Vintage Industrial Tue 14.07 – Budapest (Hungary) @ Analog Music Hall Wed 15.07 – Vienna (Austria) @ Arena Thu 16.07 – Vizovice (Czech Republic) @ Masters of Rock Fest Sat 18.07 – Leoben (Austria) @ Area 53 Fest Mon 20.07 – Salzburg (Austria) @ Rockhouse Tue 21.07 – Munich (Germany) @ Feierwerk Wed 22.07 – Weinheim (Germany) @ Cafe Central Thu 23.07 – Essen (Germany) @ Turock Sat 25.07 – Brande-Hörnerkirchen (Germany) @ Headbangers Open Air Fest Mon 27.07 – Gdańsk (Poland) @ Drizzly Grizzly Tue 28.07 – Warsaw (Poland) @ Hydrozagadka Wed 29.07 – Bratislava (Slovakia) @ Randal Club Thu 30.07 – Belgrade (Serbia) @ Zappa Barka Fri 31.07 – Brasov (Romania) @ Rockstadt Extreme Fest Sun 02.08 – Sofia (Bulgaria) @ Mixtape 5 Mon 03.08 – Thessaloniki (Greece) @ Eightball Club Tue 04.08 – Athens (Greece) @ Gazarte Ground Stage Fri 07.08 – Ancora (Portugal) @ Sonic Blast Fest Sun 09.08 – Kortrijk (Belgium) @ Alcatraz Fest Mon 10.08 – Trier (Germany) @ Mergener Hof Tue 11.08 – Aarau (Switzerland) @ Kiff Fri 14.08 – Francavilla Al Mare (Italy) @ Frantic Fest Sun 16.08 – Carhaix (France) @ Motocultor Fest
VOÏVOD – Live 2027: Sat 30.01 – Chicoutimi (Canada) @ Théâtre du Palais Municipal w/ Orchestre Symphonique du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Shadowborne has released “High And Low”, first single taken from the debut album “Heaven’s Falling” to be released on June 19 by Scarlet Records.
“High And Low” captures the arrival of a powerful outsider crossing the sea with fire at her command. It balances triumph and tension – the promise of liberation against the threat of destruction. The song moves between melodic lift and heavy impact, reflecting the fine line between saviour and conqueror. It is about ambition, destiny, and the moment when history shifts beneath burning skies.
Debut album for the brand new Swedish female fronted power metal sensation;
produced by Kristoffer Göbel (Six Foot Six) and mixed and mastered by Christoffer Borg at Far Beyond Productions;
cover artwork by Alle Conti (Twilight Force, Trick Or Treat);
official videos directed by Patric Ullaeus-rEvolver Film Company;
aesthetically inspired by viking mithology and the massive hit ‘Game Of Thrones’ & ‘Vikings’ TV series;
FFO: Iron Maiden, Beast In Black, Battle Beast, Brothers Of Metal, All For Metal;
“Heaven’s Falling” will be released in the following formats: digipack CD, vinyl LP: 300 marbled grey, digital
“Heaven’s Falling” tracklist: 1 Winter Is Coming (Heims Advenit) 2 High And Low 3 Wolf And The Queen 4 Custodians 5 Hold The Door 6 Heaven’s Falling (Dragons’ Hymn) 7 Stranger To Myself 8 The Wall 9 Raven 10 End Of The World Total running time – 34.58
Inspired by epic dark fantasy storytelling, Shadowborne creates a brand new power metal lore shaped by struggles, loyalty, betrayal and destiny.
The sound of the Swedish band is heavy and cinematic, built on massive riffs, driving rhythms and strong melodic hooks. Some tracks feel like battle hymns, others are darker, more atmospheric, almost like the calm before a storm.
Lyrically, “Heaven’s Falling” explores honor, exile, inner conflict and the cost of ambition; it reflects a world where families rise and fall, where fire can both destroy and purify, and where strength is tested in the coldest of nights. The stories may feel mythical, but the emotions are human.
Shadowborne uses fantasy as a mirror: behind the swords and flames lie themes that belong to our own world — power, identity, survival and choice. This is not about escapism, it is about intensity, standing firm when everything burns around you, and finding purpose in the dark!
Shadowborne are: Eira Shadowborne – lead and backup vocals The Warden – guitar, keyboards, backup vocals The Oathbearer – lead guitar The Keeper – bass The Warbringer – drums
April 17th marked the official release of SOTABOSC’s debut full-length album “El Batec dels Maquis”, arriving via Dunk!Records. With this record, the Barcelona-based atmospheric black metal collective presents a powerful and immersive artistic statement, blending historical memory, political intent, and expansive sonic landscapes into a cohesive and deeply evocative work.
Listen to “El Batec dels Maquis” here:
Founded in 2023 in Barcelona by Oscar Linares and Manel Song (Syberia) alongside Xavi Forné (Ulmus, Error! Design), the band solidified in 2025 with vocalist David Rodríguez and bassist Gerard Serrano, completing a lineup deeply connected to the Catalan underground. Firmly rooted in an anti-fascist ethos, SOTABOSC convey their message entirely in Catalan, pairing lyrics with a carefully crafted visual identity spanning artwork, logos, and stage aesthetics.
Tracklist:
Nerthus
Heimdall
Freyja
El batec dels Maquis / Records vius en la foscor
“El Batec dels Maquis” unfolds in two halves – The first reimagines three compositions from Ulmus, originally instrumental and written for acoustic instruments, now transformed into a sound shaped by atmospheric black metal with strong post-rock influences. The new lyrics focus on animals, forests and the natural environment, forming a narrative arc that connects with the second half of the album.
The second part consists of a single track exceeding 15 minutes, where SOTABOSC expresses its purest musical identity: raw black metal roots, expansive instrumental passages and experimental structures inspired by post-rock. The vocals – harsh and evocative – pay tribute to the Maquis and their anti-Francoist resistance in Catalonia during and after the Civil War.
With this debut, SOTABOSC establishes a project in which identity, narrative intent and sonic depth merge into an artistic statement that is both musical and political.
“El Batec dels Maquis” was recorded, mixed and mastered at Siete Barbas Studio in Barcelona by Daniel Gil, with layout design handled by Error! Design and symbology created by Woodcvtter Illustration.
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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 