AMBERIAN DAWN Share New Single And Video ‘Unchained’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 21, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: Kanerva Mantila]

Finnish symphonic metal band AMBERIAN DAWN reveal the third mesmerizing single from their upcoming album, Temptation’s Gates. Releasing June 26, 2026 via Napalm Records, it is their first offering with new singer Nicole Willerton. “Unchained” shows how different the band sounds with her on vocals: the single has the new leading lady unleash her full potential in powerful growls contrasting her seraphic vocals—a first for AMBERIAN DAWN! By taking a bold step forward, the Finnish quintet has created something different but equally fitting to their style. In this, they are truly unchained.
 
Tuomas Seppälä about “Unchained”:
“It was exciting to start writing a song built around a true, traditional guitar riff. Over the years with the band, I haven’t focused much on that kind of classic riff-driven approach—but this time, it felt exactly right. The main riff came together quickly and naturally, and the rest of the song just fell into place around it, carried by the feeling that riff created. The track is very dynamic and has many different elements, and it challenged our vocalist on multiple levels. She handled it with ease brilliantly and delivered an outstanding performance. This could easily have grown into a much longer song, but I wanted to keep the structure focused and tight. The song absolutely demanded a world-class guitar solo—and Emil delivered it with complete confidence and excellence.”

Nicole Willerton about “Unchained”:
“‘Unchained’ is a song that talks about breaking free from inner pain. It describes the struggle of feeling trapped by fear and judgement. The song challenges the tendency to degrade others out of fear or insecurity and reminds us that we are all human and need to be able to be ourselves. The song explores the importance of finding freedom and letting go of our demons.”

Rising from the home of symphonic metal are AMBERIAN DAWN: the Finnish five-piece is set to open Temptation’s Gates, their new album, out on June 26, 2026 via Napalm Records. The band’s first release with new singer Nicole Willerton takes them onto a more modern, occasionally even surprisingly rough path. With it, AMBERIAN DAWN, led by founder, guitarist, and main composer Tuomas Seppälä, slowly emancipate themselves from being “just” the band who—gloriously!—covered Swedish pop legends ABBA with their previous album, Take a Chance – A Metal Tribute to ABBA (2022).
 
Infusing their epic keyboard sounds with guitar-driven melodic metal, AMBERIAN DAWN reach into a world unknown and prove their versatility while their catchy anthems remain strong and charming as ever. Temptation’s Gates has the band determined for a future sparkling temptingly bright—and they’re ready to step through that gate.
 
Tuomas Seppälä about Temptation’s Gates:
“When I started working with our new singer, I felt the same kind of excitement I had years ago when I began creating our debut album back in 2007 and 2008. At that time, AMBERIAN DAWN were still newcomers to the band world, even though we were already experienced musicians. With Temptation’s Gates, I felt that same spark of creating something new for the first time in a long while. I hadn’t composed many songs yet when I began collaborating with our new vocalist. Most of the material came together surprisingly fast once I realized how easy and natural it was to work with her. I was deeply inspired by Nicole’s enthusiasm, dedication, and efficiency. I truly feel that the band has been reborn with her joining us. Musically, our style has evolved once again, perhaps moving slightly back toward a heavier, more metal-driven direction. At the same time, elements of our classic sound and identity are naturally still present. In many ways, creating this album felt like going back to my roots. For the first time in a long while, I also took on a bigger role as a guitarist. I focused more on crafting guitar riffs, played roughly half of the guitar leads on the album, and even performed one full guitar solo myself.”
 
Nicole Willerton about Temptation’s Gates:
“Temptation’s Gates is the first album I’ve sung on and recorded with AMBERIAN DAWN, and it has been a beautiful experience. While writing the lyrics, each song was inspired by feelings, memories, and moments that were especially prominent during the creation of the album. Writing the lyrics felt like diving into the subconscious, bringing these emotions to the surface. It was wonderful to explore the creative process of arranging the backing vocals. I especially love how AMBERIAN DAWN’s music makes strong use of backing vocals, helping to create a fuller, richer sound around the lead vocals. It’s definitely a fiery album that combines a broad spectrum of emotional depths, ranging from love and melancholy to darker elements such as fear and inner struggles. A recurring message throughout the album is to embrace one’s true desires and to accept and acknowledge one’s honest feelings.”

Get Your Copy Of Temptation’s Gates NOW

AMBERIAN DAWN introduce their new voice with the album’s title track. “Temptation’s Gates” sweeps in fast, filled to the brim with epic keyboards and charming storytelling. The band’s increased determination equally seeps through “The Vision Of Dreaming”, whose poignant riff spirals right into long-term memory and which first hints at Willerton being more than an angelic fairy gently guiding listeners through languorous realms. The following invocation to the “Moon” turns up the speed to blast beat intensity, remaining magical up until its unexpected end. The final screams fittingly reverberate in “Unchained”, which has the new leading lady unleash her full potential in powerful growls contrasting her seraphic vocals—a first for AMBERIAN DAWN! It is here at the very latest that Temptation’s Gates demonstrates that this is no longer ABBA, but that the Finnish quintet has boldly created something different but equally as fitting. “Eternal Flame” and “Life is Art” are epic hymns with beautiful guitar work, further having AMBERIAN DAWN rewrite their destiny. Another testimony of the band’s changed direction, “The Night is Waiting for Me” makes heads nod and feet tap from the first note with its captivatingly modern sound infused with a dark metal atmosphere. More in line with previous work, the ballad “Undying Colours” transports listeners to a multilayered dreamscape that is, just as “The Garden” frames it, self-directed. “Phantasmagoria” wraps up the album as an irresistibly danceable track, leading the way for symphonic metal to become more modern while losing none of its whimsical grandeur.

Temptation’s Gates tracklisting:

  1. Temptation’s Gates
  2. The Vision of Dreaming
  3. Moon
  4. Unchained
  5. Eternal Flame
  6. Life is Art
  7. This Night is Waiting for Me
  8. Undying Colours
  9. The Garden
  10. Phantasmagoria

AMBERIAN DAWN are:
Tuomas Seppälä – Keyboards, Guitar
Nicole Willerton – Vocals
Emil Pohjalainen – Guitar
Joonas Pykälä-aho – Drums
Jukka Hoffren – Bass
 
AMBERIAN DAWN online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
NAPALM RECORDS

ANTHRAX Release Music Video for Latest Single ‘It’s For The Kids’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo credit: Travis Shinn

Multi-GRAMMY® award-nominated New York heavy metal titans Anthrax – Scott Ian (guitar), Charlie Benante (drums), Frank Bello (bass), Joey Belladonna (vocals), and Jonathan Donais (guitar) – will unleash their long-awaited 12th full-length studio album Cursum Perficio on September 18th via Nuclear Blast Records and Megaforce Records (North America). It marks the band’s first record in ten years since 2016’s For All Kings, which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. Cursum Perficio will be available in various physical configurations to pre-order/pre-save; click HERE. The phrase Cursum Perficio is Latin for “My journey has come to an end,”“My journey is over,” or “I complete my journey.” It proves apropos for such a complete body of work.

For Cursum Perficio’s first single and video, ‘It’s For The Kids‘, the quintet bulldoze the way for the album’s impact. It’s a classic Anthrax ripper locked and loaded with buzzsaw-sharp riffs, explosive drumming, and a howling and head-banging hook. It undoubtedly has all the makings of a future live staple. Listen HERE. See the quotes below from the band about the single and album.

Anthrax have now released a high-octane video for ‘It’s For The Kids‘, harking back to the infamous video for their 1985 smash hit ‘Madhouse‘.

Stream ‘It’s For The Kids‘ here: https://anthrax.bfan.link/iftksg

Pre-order Cursum Perficio here: https://anthrax.bfan.link/cplp

The band dove into recording Cursum Perficio in earnest during 2022, working out of Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 in Los Angeles. They carefully pieced together what would be this magnum opus, mining their history with reverence, delivering on fan expectations tenfold, and broadening the scope of their signature sound. Produced by Jay Ruston and Anthrax, the result is an album that’s as angry, aggressive, and alive as their most celebrated fare. 
 
“It was quite a journey from the inception of this album to its completion,” Ian says. “We were supposed to make this in 2020, but the universe had other plans for everyone. After the Pandemic, we got to be a band again. When we started working on the record, we were just happy to be in a room together. It was so exciting that it was like being reborn in a way. All of that energy and emotion went into the music. The fear of being forced out of our lives and the joy of coming back together are present. The title ‘Cursum Perficio’ feels like ANTHRAX. It resembled what we went through to get to the point of finishing the record.”
 
“There was an awful lot of growth between Worship Music in 2011 and CURSUM PERFICIO,” Benante elaborated. “This album is a culmination of everything we’ve learned. I was watching a Marilyn Monroe documentary, and I saw ‘Cursum Perficio’ written on a tile in her last home. When I found out what the phrase meant, it immediately clicked with me. We aren’t saying this is our last record, but our journey has come to an end. I believe we’ve completed the task.”
 
“We had to make Fistful Of Metal and Spreading The Disease to be able to write Among The Living,” Ian goes on. “In the same respect, it took Worship Music and For All Kings for us to be able to write CURSUM PERFICIO. I very much compare this record to Among The Living.”
 
“We left it all on the table,” agreed Bello. “We really know who we are as ANTHRAX, what turns us on, and what we need to do. I don’t think anybody knows what’s next, but we’re hungrier than ever. From here on out, we’re going to go full throttle for every fucking minute.”
 
“A friend of mine said, ‘It’s For The Kids’ is a straight-up love letter to your fans,’” Ian says. “That’s exactly what I wanted it to be. The album needed a four-minute thrash song that harkened back to our first era. Whether it’s the aggression or the big chorus, it represents all the best parts of ANTHRAX in a very angry four-minute package. For the video, we wanted to throw back to our ‘Madhouse’ video–thematically it just made sense and this idea opened the door for us to share the experience with our fans. For all of us!”
 
“The video for ‘It’s For the Kids’ turned out really well,” Benante says. “I don’t necessarily like doing videos and this one had elements of things that I really love. There were fans in it, they showed up, they enjoyed it, it made me enjoy the video just seeing them enjoy it. Hearing the song for the first time, their reaction to it, and just the interaction with them was just great. I think the director did a great job on it. It’s kind of a throwback to our first ever video, ‘Madhouse.’ So I think fans are gonna see it and think ‘oh look at that, I see what they did.’  But yeah, great song and a great video. ‘It’s For the Kids’ is one of the songs that I felt was so strong, and the riff behind it and the rhythm behind it was almost like a tug of war, it’s like a push pull. It has this tension to it where the drums are just playing at a high pace speed, and the guitars are doing pretty much quarter notes with it. And the drums are just going full speed ahead. One of my favorite songs on the record and one of my favorite riffs. I really think this song is a gift to ANTHRAX fans who have been with us throughout the years. This basically is ANTHRAX at its best. Fast paced, thrashing, melodic fucking metal.”
 
“When I hear certain tracks, I immediately go, ‘I want to do this song. It might have a shot,”  Belladonna notes. “Even the first time I started singing a tune like ‘Madhouse,’ I figured it was going to be a strong one. You just know. There’s a lot of variety to each of our records. To me, ‘It’s For The Kids’ is nice, straight-up ANTHRAX. It has a lot of fire and a punch to it. Vocally, it’s really cooking. It was definitely fun to hammer down on this one and put a lot of drive into it.”
 
Donais adds, “‘It’s For The Kids’ is a right to the point thrasher. It’s fast, aggressive, catchy and definitely going to be a fun one live. I love the ‘madhouse’ inspired throwback vibe of this video. Involving the fans and capturing their reactions to a new song adds some energy that really stands out.”
 
“I’m psyched for people to hear ‘It’s For The Kids!’” Bello comments. “This is a heavy, driving song with a big hook chorus-a combination of classic ANTHRAX and current- I can’t wait to play it live! Had a (cold!) blast filming the video too. It’s a great, energy packed video with a bunch of amazing ANTHRAX fans having a good time on a freezing day in Pennsylvania. The metal kept us all warm.”

Their journey has brought them to Cursum Perficio – a powerful, pummeling, and poetic milestone in Anthrax’s 45-year career.

The CURSUM PERFICIO track listing is as follows:
 
01. Persistence of Memory
02. The Long Goodbye
03. It’s For the Kids
04. Everybody’s Got A Plan
05. The Edge Of Perfection
06. Infectious
07. NYC93
08. Cursum Perficio
09. T.O.M.B
10. Watch It Go
11. My Victory

More info: WEBSITE | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY

HELLMETALL Unleash New Single ‘Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore’ from Upcoming Album “Mgla”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

HELLMETALL unveil “Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore”, the second single taken from their forthcoming album “Mgla“, set for release on September 4th, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

Emerging from the isolated mountain valley of Resia, on the border between Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, HELLMETALL continue to forge a deeply personal vision of Thrash/Death Metal rooted in memory, identity, and cultural heritage. What sets the band apart is not only the violent fusion of razor-sharp Thrash riffs, Death Metal aggression, and dark melodic undertones but also their uncompromising decision to perform entirely in Resian – the ancient Slavic language still spoken in Val Resia.

Far beyond a stylistic choice, the use of Resian represents the very core of HELLMETALL’s artistic identity. Through this endangered and highly distinctive language, the band forges local history into something visceral and immediate, preserving the voice, memory, and spirit of their homeland through extreme music. As vocalist and founder Daniele Micelli explains, “the project was born from the desire to merge aggressive metal with the folk traditions and cultural heritage of the valley where I grew up“.

Musically, “Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore” perfectly embodies the band’s evolution toward a darker, heavier, and more mature sound. While early HELLMETALL material incorporated stronger folk elements and violin arrangements, “Mgla” pushes the band deeper into Death and Black Metal territories while retaining the melodic sensibility inherited from the musical traditions of Val Resia. The result is a sound defined by crushing riff work, relentless rhythmic intensity, and haunting melodic passages, balancing violence and memorability with remarkable authenticity.

Lyrically, the single continues HELLMETALL’s exploration of the traumatic events that scarred the mountains and borderlands surrounding their homeland during the First and Second World Wars. “Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore” is dedicated to the Alpini soldiers of the 8th Regiment Julia Battalion Gemona. After surviving the Albanian campaign against Greek forces, the battalion was struck by tragedy when the steamship Galilea, carrying the soldiers back toward Italy, was sunk by a British submarine. Most drowned at sea, while many of the survivors were later sent to die on the Russian front.

Spotify – https://lnk.to/AxZae1

This historical and emotional depth lies at the heart of “Mgla” – a record whose title, meaning “Fog,” reflects the oppressive atmosphere surrounding the stories narrated throughout the album. Across its tracks, HELLMETALL channel the brutality of war, the oral memories passed down through generations, and the harsh reality of mountain life into an uncompromising sonic assault sung entirely in the language of their ancestors.

Following the release of the album’s title track “Mgla” earlier this year, “Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore” further confirms HELLMETALL as one of the most distinctive and culturally unique acts emerging from the contemporary extreme metal underground.

With an intense live activity already extending beyond Italy into Eastern Europe, including appearances at Austria’s Kaltenbach Open Air and a dedicated Polish mini-tour later in 2026, HELLMETALL are steadily expanding their presence while remaining fiercely connected to the identity and traditions of Val Resia.

“Mgla” will be released on September 4th, 2026. PRE ORDER: https://rockshots.eu/products/hellmetall-mgla-cd

HELLMETALL lineup (“Mgla” era / until October 2025):

  • Daniele Micelli: Vocals
  • Damiano Biasutto: Guitar
  • Matteo Cameran: Guitar
  • Luca Fumagalli: Bass
  • Gabriele Barbarino: Drums

Current lineup:

  • Daniele Micelli: Vocals
  • Damiano Biasutto: Guitar
  • Matteo Cameran: Guitar
  • Luca Fumagalli: Bass
  • Federico Zuin: Drums

About:
HELLMETALL is a Thrash/Death Metal band from Resia (Udine), a remote mountain valley located at the crossroads between Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. Since their formation, the band has developed a distinctive artistic identity by combining aggressive extreme metal with the cultural heritage and historical memory of their homeland. Their most recognizable trait is the use of Resian – the ancient Slavic language spoken in Val Resia – as the exclusive language for their lyrics, giving their music a unique and deeply authentic character.

Musically, HELLMETALL blend the violence and speed of Thrash Metal with the heaviness of Death Metal, enriched by dark melodic textures inspired by the blend of traditions of their valley. Originally featuring stronger folk elements and violin arrangements, the band has progressively evolved toward a heavier and darker sonic direction, incorporating stronger Death and Black Metal influences while preserving the melodic sensibility that has always defined their sound.

The lyrical concept behind HELLMETALL is deeply rooted in the history of Val Resia and the surrounding border territories. Their songs recount real events connected to the First and Second World Wars, drawing inspiration from local memories, stories passed down through generations, and the personal experiences of their ancestors. Through their uncompromising musical approach and the evocative power of the Resian language, the band transforms historical trauma and mountain folklore into a raw and visceral extreme metal experience.

HELLMETALL released their debut album “Sa Naso Semjo” in 2015, establishing the foundations of their aggressive and culturally distinctive sound. In early 2026, the band unveiled “Mgła“, the title track from their forthcoming second studio album “Mgla“, scheduled for release on September 4th, 2026. The new material marks a significant evolution in both songwriting and production, presenting a darker, more mature, and focused incarnation of the band.

Alongside an intense live activity throughout Italy, HELLMETALL has increasingly expanded its presence across Eastern Europe. Their 2026 schedule includes an Eastern European tour, an appearance at Austria’s Kaltenbach Open Air festival, and a dedicated Polish mini-tour later in the year, further strengthening the band’s growing reputation within the underground extreme metal scene.

More info:
​https://www.rockshots.eu
​https://www.instagram.com/hellmetall_official/​
​https://www.facebook.com/HellMetAll.Resia

Icelandic FORSMÁN to Release New Album “Brenndar Rústir & Fuðrandi Fjörur” on June 26th, New Song ‘Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt’ Out Now

Posted by metalshockfinland on May 20, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

FORSMÁN, one of the most promising new names to emerge from Iceland’s black metal underground, release their new song “Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt” today, the opening track of the band’s debut album Brenndar Rústir & Fuðrandi Fjörur, which will be released on June 26, 2026, via Vesperian through Metal Blade Records worldwide.

Pre-orders are now live HERE.

Stream “Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt” HERE & watch the visualizer video here:

“Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt” opens the album with severity and intent. Vicious, cold, and extreme, the song still reveals a strong sense of detail: intricate riffing, shifting dynamics, and a dense atmosphere give FORSMÁN‘s black metal a demanding, fully formed character. Rooted in Iceland’s contemporary tradition, the band already appear less like followers than a new voice within it.

The album’s cover artwork was created by Paolo Girardi, known for his work with POWER TRIP,REVOCATION, SULPHUR AEON, and many others.

Tracklist:
01. Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt (5:19)
02. Svartir Svanir (6:53)
03. Andvana (6:02)
04. Valdníðsla (4:23)
05. Kynjamyndir (3:30)
06. Lof Mér Líf Þitt Að Taka (3:52)
07. Hræ Hins Almáttuga (6:44)
08. Barmafylltar Fjöldagrafir (7:34)

Album Cover by Paolo Girardi

Metal Blade Records is distributing the album worldwide with the album available for pre-order in N. America as a Ltd. CD Digipak with 16-page booklet with extensive artwork and Gatefold LP with LP-booklet feat. extensive artwork and OBI strip on Clear/black splatter vinyl.

FORSMÁN are a black metal band from Kópavogur, Iceland. After their debut EP “Dönsum í logans ljóma“, the members – all only in their early twenties – have been working intensively on new material. FORSMÁN (pronounced “fors-mown”) stand in the line of modern Icelandic black metal associated with SVARTIDAUÐI, SINMARA, and MISÞYRMING, combining a dense atmosphere with focused, forward-driving songwriting.

FORSMÁN Line-Up:
V. Bass, Vocals
H. Guitar
O. Guitar, Vocals
M. Drums

FORSMÁN Online:
https://www.facebook.com/forsmanband
https://www.instagram.com/forsmaniceland

PROGENY OF SUN Release New Single And Music Video ‘Unified Light’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Joni Kiviniemi

Progeny of Sun released their second full-length album, “Prophets of the Void,” in September 2025 and immediately began working on new material. Although the third album is still in the composition phase, the band decided to give a small taste of what’s to come in the form of a single. The new track ‘Unified Light’, along with its music video, is released today and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/progeny-of-sun-unified-light

The third album is planned for release sometime in 2027, and the new songs dive even deeper into the depths of dark death metal in the band’s signature genre-blending style. Alongside writing the new album, the band continues to perform actively, and at the end of May they will embark on their first small international tour, which includes Finland as well as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Guitarist Joni comments:
“Our drummer Juha was staring out the window on a stormy evening, thinking to himself, ‘It would be nice if, just for once, I could play some fun grooves in at least one song.’ As composers, Jaakko and I somehow picked up on Juha’s thoughts and let him loose in the studio on his own. The result was a track with nothing but drums recorded, without any bigger vision behind it. ‘We’ll figure something out for this,” I said confidently, and tuned my guitar even lower than usual. Tuomo (the bassist) struggled with the new tuning, remarking, ‘Isn’t my job supposed to be playing these low frequencies?’ Niko (the vocalist) nodded along with a grin, an orange drink in his hand: ‘Boys, It’s kickin’ really nicely’”. I assume he was talking about the song.”

–Composed by Joni Kiviniemi, Jaakko Hautamäki, Juha Peura, Tuomo Tolkki
–Lyrics by Niko Aromaa
–Mixed and mastered by Jonathan Mazzeo
–Single cover by Joni Kiviniemi & Niko Aromaa
–ISRC: FI3FC2699901

Finno-Baltic Havoc Tour 2026: (w/ Denominate)

28.5. RockNeck, Jyväskylä, Finland
29.5. Lepakkomies, Helsinki, Finland
30.5. Konservatoorium, Viljandi, Estonia
31.5. The Lodge, Riga, Latvia
2.6. Lemmy Music Club, Kaunas, Lithuania

BIOGRAPHY:

In the beginning, Progeny of Sun was a two-man band formed by Jaakko Hautamäki and Niko Aromaa. Jaakko was responsible for the instrumentals, mixing, and mastering, while Niko handled the vocals, lyrics, visuals, etc.

The songs Jaakko introduced were very versatile. Some had speed, some were slow, some painted a picture with their atmosphere, and some were more straightforward bangers. Despite the diversity in style, everything worked exceptionally well in tandem, and from this premise, the band started to develop and pave its own way forward.

To start with, Progeny of Sun created a 6-song self-titled EP and discovered that their music was met with great reception. The duo behind the band did all the mixing, mastering, videos, and artwork themselves. The project as a whole was very fun and rewarding to work on.

After the EP release, Jaakko and Niko began to think that something more was still needed. They still had a burning desire to spread their music around the world, but with just two people, it would have been impossible.

Subsequently, Jaakko found two local musicians from the Seinäjoki area: Joni Kiviniemi (guitar) and Juha Peura (drums). Joni and Juha were initially brought on board just to offer their vision and play their assigned instruments for new material. Soon, however, it began to feel like they were part of the family, and so it was decided that they would become full-fledged members of the squad and a part of the band’s story. Not long after, Tuomo Tolkki (bass) was also welcomed to join, and in a matter of a few months, the full lineup was formed.

The first release with the full lineup, a 3-track EP ‘Dark Wanderer’, was released in 2021. Next in line were the single releases ‘Worthless’ and ‘Anguish’, which were released in 2022. Thanks to the aforementioned experimental phase, Progeny of Sun has gained self-confidence and started to understand its own identity. The band worked hard on the debut album ‘Throne of Desolation’, which was released at the end of 2023. Progeny of Sun’s second album ‘Prophets of the Void’ was released in September 2025. Following their debut album, the band has identified their strengths, which are utilized and showcased even more prominently on the second album. The third album is currently in progress and is planned to be released sometime in 2027.

Line-up:
Niko Aromaa – Vocals
Jaakko Hautamäki – Guitar
Joni Kiviniemi – Guitar
Tuomo Tolkki – Bass
Juha Peura – Drums

https://www.facebook.com/Progenyofsun
https://www.instagram.com/progenyofsun
https://progenyofsun.bandcamp.com

NOVA RIOT Team Up w/ THE BUNNY THE BEAR for a Dark Ritual in New ‘The Altar’ Music Video & Single

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Paris Pipkin

Durant, Oklahoma, continues to prove itself as a surprising breeding ground for innovative heavy music, and Nova Riot is currently leading that charge with their latest music video for the track The Altar, a haunting piece of cinema directed by Paris Pipkin that perfectly encapsulates their self-defined bubblegum alternative metal aesthetic. Shot within the weathered walls of a decommissioned church, the video serves as a visceral extension of the band’s creative identity, blending high-fashion gothic sensibilities with the raw energy of modern hard rock. “The Altar” is the first of three music videos off the band’s debut full-length album Blood, Lies & Lullabies, which will be released on August 21, 2026 via rock and metal record label Eclipse Records.

The song itself features a collaborative effort with Matt and Brooke from The Bunny The Bear, adding layers of vocal depth to a track that bassist Orion describes as a thematic centerpiece for the band. According to Orion, the lyrical foundation of the song focuses on the concept of total surrender to an external force or person that ignites one’s internal inspiration. This idea of “casting spells” into the world is a recurring motif for Nova Riot, and The Altar represents the darker side of that ritualistic devotion. It explores the necessity of navigating through shadows to eventually find the light, a sentiment that resonates through the heavy, atmospheric production of the single.

“We see music videos as an extension of our art, so we enjoy having our hands in every aspect of the creative processes,” explains bassist Orion. “Our initial vision for the video was difficult to materialize because of the tight production deadlines given to us by Eclipse. We had hoped that Matt & Brooke could make it to the shoots but sadly, our schedules just couldn’t synch up to do it. So we had permission to film in this old church, a casket and masks which I hand-made, and Nova had a few wardrobe ideas. We brought my production assistant Riley, then Nova and I and filmed a bunch after we shot some b-roll. After we got all the hero shots, we decided to go off script a bit and throw Riley in some wardrobe and mask (which I also had hand-made). Those last-minute shots really married the video and the song. We thought we were just going to have to make the video super sexy to make up for the lack of a strong storyline, but thanks to Riley’s superb willingness to mask up and get behind the camera he saved the day! I’m a big horror buff… We love to shoot horror themed videos. I’m kind of like the Temu version of Rob Zombie if i had to compare my work to someone who might have inspired me!”

Coverart by Paris Pipkin

The heavy music landscape often feels like a choice between two extremes: the jagged, unpolished chaos of the underground or the sanitized, predictable shine of the mainstream. Every so often, a band emerges that refuses to acknowledge the boundary at all. Nova Riot, a trio operating out of Durant, Oklahoma, is that disruption. With their upcoming debut album, Blood, Lies & Lullabies, they have officially planted their flag in a territory they call bubblegum alternative metal. The album is a rare combination of commercial viability and uncompromising creative vision. It is a high-octane collision of grit and melody that feels both dangerously volatile and impeccably crafted. Produced by Braxton Henry and co-produced by Addison Ray and Paris Pipkin, the album boasts a cinematic depth that matches its conceptual ambition. The trio functions as a self-contained production powerhouse, prioritizing studio perfection and visual storytelling to create an immersive world for their listeners. Nova Riot is not just releasing a collection of songs; they are inviting the world into an immersive, rhythmic incantation. Altogether, the album contains seven tracks, including standouts like “The Altar (feat. The Bunny The Bear)”, “Midnight Coven Crush” and “Like I Meant It.” The album is set for release on August 21, 2026 via Eclipse Records.

Pre-Save or Pre-Order Blood, Lies & Lullabies at this location.

Blood, Lies & Lullabies track listing
01.  Haunting Me
02.  Midnight Coven Crush
03.  Casket
04.  The Altar (feat. The Bunny The Bear)
05.  Like I Meant It
06.  Through The Storm
07.  Sorry Mom

About Nova Riot
In an era of predictable formulas and recycled aesthetics, NOVA RIOT emerges from Durant, Oklahoma, as a formidable disruption to the heavy music status quo. Operating under the defiant mantra of “Music with No Apologies,” the trio has rapidly carved out a niche within a self-defined sonic territory they describe as bubblegum alternative metal. Nova Riot is Nova Ray (vocals), Orion (bass guitar), Ares (lead guitar).