Finnish one-man melodic death/black/folk metal band Wooden Shadow is set to release the second album ‘Silverlake’ on November 19th 2026 via Inverse Records. The first single Upward is unleashed today and it continues Wooden Shadow’s journey through melodic and atmospheric metal, blending emotive melodies with heavy riffs.
–Composed & lyrics by Jeremia Ponto –Single cover by Jeremia Ponto
The man behind Wooden Shadow, Jeremia Ponto comments: “Right from the writing stage, I knew this was the track I wanted to showcase from the upcoming album. I’m really excited to hear what people think. I’m happy and pleased that the journey continues.”
The track features a guest lead guitarist known by the stage name “Edge.” The solo section adds an interesting flavor, bridging the gap between blues/rock ‘n’ roll and shredding. Overall, “Upward” is a fine combination of Wooden Shadow’s older and newer material.
Wooden Shadow is a one-man solo project from Ylöjärvi playing melodic metal, which combine genres in places, especially in the case of new material between folk metal and melodic death metal. From 2020 still running Wooden Shadow and Jeremia Ponto, who leads the solo project, plays the instrumentation and sings in his own music. The lyrical theme is about nature, the darkness of the human mind and life/death – thoughts.
Silverlake Track list:
The Dawn
Varjopuun Polkka
Red Oak
Blackened Roses Fall (feat. Jaana Juntunen)
Upward
Overture Of The Cruelty / Murhe (Acoustic Medley)
Shadowdance
The Ancient Forest
Breath Of Backwinter
Muistojen Valssi
–Composed & lyrics by Jeremia Ponto –Album cover by Hannes Vuohijoki
Finnish metal band Garden of Stone are set to release their second album ‘For the World of the Obsolete’ on December 11th 2026 via Inverse Records.
The second single ‘Obsession’ is a testament to the creativity and songwriting ability of the band. Treat your ears to groovy, face-melting riffs, heartfelt singing, soaring guitar solos and a generous dash of black and prog metal elements. What’s not to like?
–Composed by Jere Mäntysalo, Jesse Salo, Kalle Hänninen, Tapio Haverinen, Ville Penkari –Lyrics by Jesse Salo –Mixed & mastered by Joona Muistola, HAW Studios –Artwork by Ville Penkari –ISRC: FI3FC2694706
Garden of Stone is a melodic metal band that weaves together heavy/death metal with melancholic rock. From the band you can expect brooding atmospheres, beautiful melodies, and face melting riffs.
The band was formed in 2023 when guitarists Jere Mäntysalo and Ville Penkari recruited Jesse Salo to sing and scream for their project. Soon after, drummer Tapio Haverinen joined to keep the rhythm department in check. The group was completed when bassist Kalle Hänninen joined to govern the lowest frequencies.
Garden of Stone published their debut EP, Tides of Decay, in February of 2024, and their debut album The Grave Mistake a year later. The band is showing no signs of slowing down, as the release of their most brutal single is just around the corner.
Track list: 01. The first track on the album that acts as a prelude to the subsequent songs 02. Silence Falters 03. Create, Doctrinate, Incinerate 04. Nightcrawler 05. Red Giraffe 06. Obsession 07. Jää 08. Road Without A Path 09. Butterfly of Wasted Prayers 10. Satumaa-tango
–Mixed & mastered by Joona Muistola, HAW Studios –Artwork by Matias Stenman
Line-up: Jere Mäntysalo – Guitar Jesse Salo – Vocals Kalle Hänninen – Bass Ville Penkari – Guitar Tapio Haverinen – Drums
“What makes FOGHAT special is they’ve never forgotten who they are. They are a blues-based rock and roll band first and foremost, and that authenticity still pours out of every note they play…The crowd response throughout the night was incredible. Smiles everywhere. People singing. Dancing. High fives. It felt like concerts used to feel back in the golden era of rock and roll. No overproduction. Just great songs played by musicians who know exactly what they’re doing.” —TheRockPit.net (May 2026)
More than 55 years after forming in the U.K., FOGHAT–Roger Earl (founding drummer), Bryan Bassett (lead/slide guitar), Scott Holt (lead vocals/guitar), and Rodney O’Quinn (bass/vocals)–remains one of rock & roll’s hardest working and most respected live bands. Throughout their 2025 “Slow Ride 50th Anniversary Tour” and in-progress 2026 “Twang & Bang Tour,” FOGHAT has kept the wheels turning with performances across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe, as well as their grand return to the U.K. after 52 years, bringing all audiences the unmistakable blend of blues, boogie, and straight-ahead rock that has become the band’s trademark thanks to their classic hits “Fool for the City,” “Slow Ride,” and “I Just Wanna Make Love To You,” among many others.
As they look ahead to 2027, FOGHAT is bringing their live show from the stage to speakers with their new triple vinyl release, LIVE & LOUD ACROSS THE U.S.A., which is due out October 30 on the band’s label, Foghat Records, distributed by Select-O-Hits (part of the Sun Records family). It’s now available for pre-order HERE and will be sold as two gold vinyl discs, along with a bonus third red vinyl disc that will include a reissue of the fan favorite Earl & the Agitators (aka FOGHAT) record, SHAKEN & STIRRED(produced/mixed/mastered by guitarist Bryan Bassett), which has never been available on vinyl until now.
The first single, “My Babe,” was released today on all digital outlets HERE.
The digital album can now be pre-ordered on Bandcamp HERE.
A limited quantity of numbered and autographed copies of LIVE & LOUD ACROSS THE U.S.A. can be pre-ordered now on TalkShop.Live. Last night, Roger Earl, Scott Holt, and Jason Peverett (Lonesome Dave’s son), and a few selected fans appeared on the site’s Rock & Roll Channel with their good friend and host Steve Harkins for an in-depth discussion about this new release and the band’s legendary career.
LIVE & LOUD ACROSS THE U.S.A. captures the first live album by the current FOGHAT lineup Where they have always been at their absolute best, on stage. Recorded during performances in cities across America throughout the 2024 and 2025 tours, this powerful collection highlights a band that continues to play with the passion, chemistry, and fire that has defined them since 1971. Featuring many live recordings being released for the first time, it’s a testament to a group that refuses to slow down. Instead, FOGHAT remains exactly what it has always been: a great live rock & roll band.
In 2014, Roger and Bryan met Scott Holt, who had toured and recorded with Buddy Guy for over a decade. They immediately hit it off and invited Scott to write some material and perform on their upcoming release, 2016’s UNDER THE INFLUENCE. They ended up writing 17 songs! The following year brought an unexpected opportunity. Tom Mix–winner of FOGHAT’s lyric-writing contest while serving as a pilot in Afghanistan–had returned home and was attending the Dark Horse Institute in Franklin, TN. As part of the student’s graduation project, he invited the band to record at the school’s professional studio. The students would mix the recordings, and the band would keep the masters.
Over the next several days, even more songs were written and recorded. One evening, while enjoying a bottle of Foghat Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, guitarist Bryan Bassett jokingly suggested the name, Earl & the Agitators, and it stuck. The band began playing shows, often opening for FOGHAT itself. In 2018, the music was released online as SHAKEN & STIRRED and has been a fan favorite ever since.
FOGHAT is still making chart-topping music and touring relentlessly over 50 years later. Their lateststudio album, SONIC MOJO, was released November 10, 2023, and remained on the Billboard Top 10 “Blues Albums” chart for 34 weeks, including two weeks at #1. It is the first time the band has ever landed at #1 on any of Billboard’s charts after a new album release. Even “Slow Ride” had never reached #1. SONIC MOJO is available in various formats, including a single CD boasting 12 electrifying tracks in a stunning six-page digipak and digital copies. For vinyl enthusiasts, there’s a limited edition 180gram, neon purple vinyl version featuring 11 tracks and a gatefold jacket.
Included in the LIVE & LOUD ACROSS THE U.S.A. packaging is a special message from Roger Earl:
“People often ask me if we’re ever going to slow down. The answer is… not yet!
The performances on this album were recorded in cities across the United States during the past two years. We didn’t set out to make a live record–we simply wanted to capture Foghat doing what we’ve always loved to do: playing live. Most of these songs have never been released as official live recordings before, and I think they show where the band is today.
For the second disc, we wanted to include something that many people may not realize is also part of the Foghat story. Earl and The Agitators isn’t another band – it’s us.
Whether you know us as Foghat or Earl & The Agitators, it’s always been about playing music we believe in and sharing it with people who love it as much as we do. Thank you for coming along with us on this incredible journey. We couldn’t have done it without your support, and we hope these recordings bring you as much enjoyment as we’ve had making them.
See you down the road…”
Here is the complete track list:
Disc 1 and 2 (LIVE & LOUD ACROSS THE U.S.A., including the cities where the songs were recorded):
Side A:
My Babe (Ferndale, WA)
Drivin’ On (Miami, OK)
Road Fever (Atlantic City, NJ)
She’s a Little Bit of Everything (Atlantic City, NJ)
Side B:
Let Me Love You Baby (Atlantic City, NJ)
Black Days & Blue Nights (Indianapolis, IN)
Home in My Hand (Great Falls, MT)
Slipped, Tripped, Fell in Love (Miami, OK)
Side C:
It Hurts Me Too (Tracy, CA)
Hold to Hide In (Great Falls, MT)
Somebody’s Been Sleeping in My Bed (Bethlehem, PA)
Third Time Lucky (Great Falls, MT)
Side D:
Sweet Home Chicago (Atlantic City, NJ)
I Just Want to Make Love to You (Miami, OK)
Disc 3 (SHAKEN & STIRRED — Earl & The Agitators):
Side E:
Guess Things Happen That Wat
Where’s the Rock n’ Roll
Linda Lu
Upside of Lonely
Honey Do List
Side F:
Wild Horses (Live)
Love Isn’t Kind
Hi-Heel Sneakers
Shaky Ground (Live)
LIVE & LOUD ACROSS THE U.S.A.
Roger Earl – Drums Scott Holt – Lead Vocals/Guitar Bryan Bassett – Slide/Lead Guitar Rodney O’Quinn – Bass and Lead/Background Vocals Eddie LeFebvre – Percussion/Background Vocals
SHAKEN & STIRRED — Earl & The Agitators (aka Foghat):
Roger Earl – Drums Scott Holt – Lead Vocals/Guitar Bryan Bassett – Slide/Lead Guitar Rodney O’Quinn – Bass and Lead/Background Vocals Craig McGregor – Bass Mark Petrocelli – Percussion (live tracks) Tony Bullard – Guitar (live tracks)
Check out the band’s itinerary below and on their official website:
DATE – CITY – VENUE Fri 10/2 – Murphys, CA – Ironstone Amphitheatre Sat 10/3 – Madera, CA – ApCal Rock N’ Ranch Sat 10/10 – Dodge City, KS – United Wireless Arena Thu 10/15 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount Fri 10/16 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place Thu 10/22 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Amphitheatre Fri 10/30 – Hopewell, VA – The Beacon Theatre Sat 11/14 – St Charles, – Theatre Fri 11/20 – St Louis, MO – The Pageant Sat 4/03/27 – Portsmouth, OH – Vern Riffe Performing Arts Center
From the darkest corners of the North, PAARA return to the surface with their third full-length album, “Laulut tulen ja jään”, set for release on October 30th, 2026 through Dusktone.
The first single “Pohjolan” is now streaming HERE.
For more than a decade, PAARA have cultivated a vision of Finnish black metal that feels deeply rooted in the landscape that surrounds them. Their music evokes the bleak winds sweeping across the fells, the thousands of lakes and the endless forests of Finland, drawing on the darkness of the old world while allowing moments of unexpected beauty to emerge from within it.
Formed around fifteen years ago, PAARA have developed into an entity that thrives on contradiction: brutal yet beautiful, harsh yet strangely comforting, black as the northern night yet capable of revealing flashes of warmth beneath its frozen surface. The band’s modern manifestations began with “Yön olevainen puoli” (2015) and “Riitti” (2018), establishing a distinctive approach to atmospheric black metal that balances aggression with a strong sense of melody and place.
After seemingly disappearing from view around 2019, PAARA were never truly gone. The entity had simply retreated into the wilderness, gathering strength and tracing the roots of its inspiration through the darkest reaches of Northern nature and the distant past. Now, in 2026, it emerges once again with “Laulut tulen ja jään”, its most expansive and dynamic manifestation yet.
The album moves constantly between razor-sharp black metal assaults and more majestic passages, with clean vocals and choral arrangements often amplifying the grandeur of its most imposing moments. Yet PAARA refuse to settle into a predictable pattern. Their compositions are full of structural turns and unexpected developments, allowing delicate atmospheric passages to surface between the harsher sections.
A particularly important role is played by the guitars, with acoustic passages adding an unexpected fragility to the album and creating moments of stillness within its otherwise turbulent landscape. These quieter sections never feel ornamental: they become an integral part of the compositions, opening new perspectives before the music inevitably plunges back into darkness.
The songs on “Laulut tulen ja jään” are sharply defined and deliberately varied in their construction. Some unfold across more than ten minutes, patiently developing their ideas and allowing the atmosphere to evolve, while shorter pieces take a more concentrated approach, extracting their impact from carefully shaped moods and textures. Despite the breadth of ideas at work, the album remains remarkably fluid, with each composition finding its own path without disrupting the overall flow.
Rich in detail but never cumbersome, “Laulut tulen ja jään” finds PAARA at their most expressive. Riffs, choirs, clean voices, acoustic guitars and atmospheric passages become different facets of the same northern vision, creating an album that can be both savage and majestic, intimate and imposing.
The old entity has returned. The darkness of the North has found another voice.
Tracklist:
CD 1. Tuli 2. Kirveenkantaja 3. Vuorten varjoista 4. Kylmään kylään 5. Kutsuu M.A.N.A. 6. Lapsi päivännäkemätön 7. Pimeyteen 8. Pohjolan 9. Jää
VINYL 1. Tuli 2. Kirveenkantaja 3. Kylmään kylään 4. Kutsuu M.A.N.A. 5. Lapsi päivännäkemätön 6. Pohjolan
“Laulut tulen ja jään” produced by Zvartus & Helmouth. “Kirveenkantaja” composed by Paara & Iiro “Leper” Illman. Otherwise songs composed by Paara. Lyrics by Helmouth.
Acoustic guitars for “Kutsuu M.A.N.A.” recorded by Jussi Kraft. Drums recorded by Saku Moilanen at Deep Noise Studios. All other instruments and vocals recorded by Zvartus, Paara & Ville O. at Chef’s Room Studio, Helsinki. Album mixed by Zvartus except drums, rhythm guitars & bass mixed by S. Moilanen. Mastered by S. Moilanen. Cover art by David Thiérrée. Logo by Toni Hietomaa. Crest by Jussi Kandelin. Photo by Teppo Ristola. Layout by J.Pihlajaniemi.
The renowned Canadian singer PAUL LAINE shares his new single and official video, “Don’t Let Me Go Tonite,” taken from the upcoming new studio album, ‘The Long Road Back,’ out on September 25, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
LAINE commented:
“I’m excited to share the release of my next single, ‘Don’t Let Me Go Tonite.’ This song is another chapter in the soundtrack of my life – a look back at love, loss, memories, and all those moments when you can’t help but wonder what could’ve been. I hope this one finds a place with you the way it found a place with me. See y’all out on the road in 2027! ❤️🎶”
A masterclass in melodic rock, PAUL LAINE’s new album delivers soaring hooks, heartfelt ballads, and arena-ready anthems that traverse the full spectrum of the genre. From the driving energy of “Love Me Or Leave Me” to the intimate vulnerability of “Someday” (co-written with Andrew Oye), every track is meticulously crafted, showcasing LAINE’s signature vocal power and melodic sensibility. “Don’t Let Me Go Tonite” comes alive with a striking video that complements its infectious energy.
LAINE states:
“Ever since I released my first solo album, I’ve wondered when I’d finally have the chance to make a follow-up. Life – and music – have a way of taking you places you never expect. Looking back, every chapter of my career has led me down a different road, and each one has shaped me as both a songwriter and a person.”
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to make records with Danger Danger, Darkhorse, The Defiants, Shugaazer, and Jetset Junkies. Every one of those experiences taught me something and gave me memories I’ll always carry with me. But somewhere in the back of my mind, I always knew the road would eventually lead me home – to where it all started. Just a kid with a guitar, trying to make sense of love, life, loss, hope, and everything in between through songs,” he added.
“‘The Long Road Back’ is exactly that. It’s a musical journey back to my roots, but it’s also a reflection of every mile I’ve travelled to get here. Every song carries a piece of the life I’ve lived, the people I’ve met, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. In many ways, this record feels like coming full circle. After all these years, I’m grateful to finally share this chapter with everyone who’s been waiting for it. I hope these songs find a place in your story, just as they’ve become part of mine,”LAINE concluded.
Joining LAINE in the studio are longtime collaborators Bruno Ravel (his bandmate in The Defiants and also in Danger Danger – bass, producer), Scotty “Hooch” Taylor (drums), and Andrew Oye (lead guitar), with production handled by LAINE and Ravel. The album features standout singles like “Love Me Or Leave Me,” the video-driven “Don’t Let Me Go Tonite,” and the heartfelt “Someday.”
Musically, the record touches every corner of melodic rock. Yet, the songs sound like they’re coming from the classic era when Bon Jovi dominated the airwaves – both in LAINE’s soaring vocals and in the anthemic, hook-laden songwriting. This is an album for fans who crave big choruses, passionate performances, and the kind of timeless melodic rock that only PAUL LAINE can deliver.
German thrash titans EXUMER are pleased to drop their new video for “Blinding Skies.” The track appears on their pulverizing new full-length, Death Mask Messiah, out now on Metal Blade Records.
Comments co-founding vocalist Mem V. Stein, “Driven by a relentless barrage of riffs, the song’s lyrical content highlights the consequences of political overreach and the influence of the military-industrial complex – pushing society into prolonged conflict that benefits a few at the expense of many. It’s a perspective we feel is important to highlight, given the platform we have and the current climate.“
Watch EXUMER‘s previously released video for “Death Mask Messiah” HERE
Death Mask Messiah marks the band’s first new studio output in seven years and further cements EXUMER‘s legacy as a dauntless thrash metal institution. A logical and compelling progression from the German legend’s three previous albums, the 11 ferocious songs, produced by Dominic Paraskevopoulos (Kreator, Caliban) and mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Soulfly, King Diamond), take a more brutal and direct musical approach.
Recorded from December 2025 through January 2026, Death Mask Messiah is EXUMER‘s sixth album and fourth for Metal Blade. It’s also the first EXUMER LP recorded with the rhythm section of drummer Jerome Reil and bass player Alex Voss. “You can feel their young energy, coupled with our trademark aggression and experience,” says Mem. “The band sounds more focused and yet raw, thanks to their addition to the lineup.”
The record is inspired conceptually by US politics of the last decade, the pandemic, the use of misinformation to stir up cultural divides, and the like. Mem also mused on the 30-year anniversary of Waco, Texas and the standoff with the Branch Davidians. “David Koresh was a false prophet and wore a death mask, manipulating and leading his followers to certain death,” Mem notes. “Each song picks up an individual theme of these two strains of thought.“
With Death Mask Messiah, EXUMER wants to help listeners not feel alone as they struggle with difficult personal or universal times. The audience relates to the band’s lyrical messages and musical delivery. “Fans sing along, they show up and share their thoughts with us on tour,” Mem says. “I feel accomplished when I can reach just one individual and make them feel better or supported.”
As an added bonus, the record includes a guest and a cover song: Nasty Ronnie Galletti from American metal legends Nasty Savage sings on EXUMER‘s version of his band’s track “Unchained Angel.” EXUMER supported the band in 1988 on their first European tour.
Death Mask Messiah Track-Listing: 01. Death Mask Messiah 02. Blinding Skies 03. Sin Bleeder 04. Eradication 05. Ravishing Waste 06. Allocated Savagery 07. Serpent 08. Fratricide 09. Scorcher 10. Frozen Ground 11. Unchained Angel (Nasty Savage cover feat. Nasty Ronnie)
EXUMER Live: 9/19/2026 Bosphorus Open Air Metal Fest – Istanbul, TR 10/23/2026 Nuclear Winter Festival 2026 – Hirschaid, DE 11/21/2026 Alcatraz & Pluto Festival – Deinze, BE 2/20/2027 Endzeit Festival 2027 – Essen, DE 3/20/2027 Hell’s Heroes – Houston, TX 5/27-30/2027 Maryland Deathfest – Baltimore, MD 6/26/2027 Nackenbrecher Open Air – Teuchern, DE
EXUMER: Mem V. Stein – vocals Ray Mensh – guitars Marc B. – guitars Alex Voss – bass Jerome Reil – drums
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
