THE VINTAGE CARAVAN Joined by OPETH’s Mikael Åkerfeldt on New Single ‘Philosopher’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 22, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo credit: Stefán Ari Stefánsson]

Following the previously-released, first single “Riot” taken from their forthcoming studio album Portals, due out on September 26, 2025 via Napalm Records, today, Icelandic retro-fueled prog rock trio THE VINTAGE CARAVAN have shared a visualizer video for their new single “Philosopher” — a haunting, soulful track elevated by the unmistakable voice of OPETH’s Mikael Åkerfeldt.

This rare collaboration bridges generations of progressive rock, uniting Åkerfeldt’s iconic melancholy with the band’s vibrant, vintage spirit. This is an exciting meeting of the minds – many years in the making!

Bassist Alexander Örn Númason reveals:
“The Vintage Caravan proudly present our new single Philosopher which features none other than the amazing Mikael Åkerfeldt from Opeth on lead vocals!

Having toured extensively with Opeth the last years we made quite good friends with them and we were so honored when Mikael offered to lend us a helping hand with our new album. Originally Óskar meant to sing the whole song but after discussing the possibility of having Mikael guest on one of the songs I couldn’t hear the song anymore without him singing the verses. He did a stellar job and we couldn’t be more happy with it.”

Örn adds:
“Philosopher is the opening track of our album and we wanted to start this album with a more quiet dreamy intro leading into this quite heavy song. Full of laid back rock riffs with bubbling arpeggiating synth textures, the song leads into the first Portal of five signaling the beginning of this journey of an album.

We hope you enjoy listening and hope to see you on tour in Europe and UK this fall! “

Their new album Portals is another testament to THE VINTAGE CARAVAN’s endlessly creative, modern take on the psychedelic retro rock sound, cementing the band’s leading position in the scene. The band’s previous studio album, Monuments, hit #21 on the German charts, marking a milestone in their evolution, and the new offering continues to solidify THE VINTAGE CARAVAN’s reputation as torchbearers of contemporary classic rock. Aside from their critically acclaimed releases, the band’s electrifying live performances have mesmerized audiences at major festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Hellfest, as well as on international tours both as headliners and as support for the likes of progressive metal giants Opeth. THE VINTAGE CARAVAN will be celebrating the release of Portals with extensive headline tours in mainland Europe and the UK, announced for autumn 2025. Find all upcoming dates listed below!

Pre-order Portals HERE

Track List:

  1. Philosopher (ft. Mikael Åkerfeldt)
  2. Portal I
  3. Days Go By
  4. Portal II
  5. Here You Come Again
  6. Current
  7. Give and Take
  8. Portal III
  9. Crossroads
  10. Alone
  11. Portal IV
  12. Freedom
  13. Riot
  14. Electrified
  15. Portal V
  16. My Aurora
  17. This Road

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN live:
25/09/2025 BE Brussels – Botanique
26/09/2025 FR Paris – Le Petit Bain
27/09/2025 NL Leeuwarden – Into The Void
28/09/2025 DE Hannover – Faust
29/09/2025 DE Berlin – Frannz
30/09/2025 DE Hamburg – St. Pauli Bahnhof
01/10/2025 DE Dortmund – Piano
02/10/2025 NL Tilburg – Hall Of Fame
03/10/2025 DE Cologne – Volta
04/10/2025 DE Karlsruhe – P8
05/10/2025 DE Pratteln – Up in Smoke Festival
07/10/2025 DE Tübingen – Sudhaus
08/10/2025 DE Bielefeld – Forum
09/10/2025 DE Jena – KuBa
10/10/2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos Saal
11/10/2025 DE Munich – Keep It Low Festival
12/10/2025 AT Vienna – Arena
25/10/2025 UK Margate – Margate Rock Festival, Margate
26/10/2025 UK London – Camden Assembly
27/10/2025 UK Brighton – Dust
28.10/2025 UK Southampton – The 1865
29/10/2025 UK Bristol – Exchange
30/10/2025 UK Birmingham – Mama Roux
31/10/2025 UK Newcastle – Think Tank
01/11/2025 UK Glasgow – Classic Grand

Tickets: http://www.thevintagecaravan.eu

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN is:
Stefán Ari Stefánsson – Drums, backing vocals, percussion
Óskar Logi Águstsson – Electric guitars, vocals, acoustic guitars, flute
Alexander Örn Númason – Bass guitars, backing vocals, synthesizers, Farfisa

For More Info Visit:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
X
YOUTUBE
SPOTIFY
NAPALM RECORDS

SIGILO + LUXÚRIA DE LILLITH to Release Split Album “Sermão” on July 25th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 22, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

Left: SIGILO — Right: LUXÚRIA DE LILLITH

Prepare for a descent into the grim, evil, and dark heart of black metal as two formidable forces, Portugal’s SIGILO and Brazil’s LUXÚRIA DE LILLITH, unite for their highly anticipated split album, “Sermão”. Set to be unleashed on July 25 via Alma Mater Records, with physical releases to follow August 15th, this release promises a compelling journey through the genre’s darkest depths. 

Marking a special occasion for the label, as it is the first Black Metal release unleashed by Alma Mater Records, the significance of “Sermão” is also echoed by Alma Mater Records CEO Fernando Ribeiro, who states: “Personally, this is a very important release, not only because it’s the debut AMR Black Metal record; but also because it bridges Portugal and Brazil in just one drop. The music is raw, savage yet also darkly spiritual and I think we are all up for a great and grim surprise with the Sermão (Sermon) Sigilo and Luxuria de Lilith will be preaching in July, this year.“

Opening the album is SIGILO, the latest manifestation of mastermind Selvmord‘s decade-long dedication to black metal. Emerging from the ashes of previous projects like Mournkind, SIGILO represents a new chapter of clarity and purpose for Selvmord’s compositions. While “Sermão” marks SIGILO‘s debut under this new moniker, it also serves as a powerful precursor to their forthcoming debut album, “Gloria ad Inferi”, hinting at the grim sonic landscapes to come.

Duarte “Selvmord” Pombo shares his vision for the project: “The time has come to unveil Sigilo to the world. This project was not merely created — it was channeled through me, a vessel for something far greater: the music itself. I’m deeply honored to be welcomed by Fernando Ribeiro and AMR as the first Black Metal act in their history. It’s also a privilege to share this milestone with Luxúria de Lillith — a shining example of the enduring power of one-man Black Metal. There are moments in life when everything aligns and purpose becomes clear. For me, that moment is now.“

Joining SIGILO is LUXÚRIA DE LILLITH, the brainchild of Alysson Drakkar, who has carved a sinister path for over two decades. Exploring themes of occultism, vampirism, and human experience through a prolific discography spanning five official albums and countless demos, LUXÚRIA DE LILLITH brings a seasoned, Portuguese-sung ferocity to this collaboration. Having commanded stages across Brazil, Mexico, and Europe, LUXÚRIA DE LILLITH arrives on “Sermão” at their absolute peak, showcasing their enduring power and intensity.

Tracklist:

  1. Sigilo – The Lurking Evil
  2. Sigilo – Preliminary Invocation
  3. Sigilo – Somber Prayer For the Ostracized
  4. Sigilo – Universal Gathering Chantic
  5. Luxúria de Lillith – A Testemunha do Mal
  6. Luxúria de Lillith – Coração de Dragão
  7. Luxúria de Lillith – Nosferatos
  8. Luxúria de Lillith – Aos Filhos de Asmodeus
  9. Luxúria de Lillith – Asmodeus
  10. Luxúria de Lillith – Negras Chuvas de Sangue

“Sermão” is more than just a split; it’s a testament to the power and evolution of underground black metal. This joint offering from SIGILO and LUXÚRIA DE LILLITH is poised to be a vital addition to any true black metal enthusiast’s collection, promising an unholy communion of grim sonic artistry.

Furthermore, and in support of their upcoming album, both bands have shared their singles, along with accompanying visualizers, offering a first glimpse of what to expect. Listen to “The Lurking Evil” by SIGILO and “Nosferatus” by LUXÚRIA DE LILLITH below.

“Sermão” arrives digitally on July 25th, with CD and LP formats to follow on August 15th. 
Pre-save HERE and pre-order from the Alma Mater Records shop at THIS LOCATION

SIGILO is:
Duarte “Selvmord” Pombo

LUXÚRIA DE LILLITH is:
Alysson Drakkar

For more info visit:
https://www.instagram.com/sigiloblackmetal
https://www.facebook.com/sigiloblackmetal
https://www.sigiloblackmetal.bandcamp.com
http://www.luxuriadelillith.com/
https://www.facebook.com/luxuriadelillith
https://www.instagram.com/luxuriadelillith
https://almamaterrecords.com

REINFORCER Release New Single ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 22, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
photo by Funkenfassen Fotografie

Reinforcer has released “Dead Men Tell No Tales”, second single taken from the new album “Ice And Death” to be released on August 22 by Scarlet Records.

A fierce pirate metal anthem about living free and bowing to no one: with driving rhythms, swirling melodies, and bloodcurdling crew vocals, the song throws you straight onto the deck of a pirate ship, racing through stormy seas and dodging cannon fire. It’s a wild, defiant ride that makes you want to grab a bottle of rum, hoist the black flag, and set sail to conquer the open ocean.

“Ice And Death”:

  • second full-length album for the German melodic power metal quintet after the successful debut “Prince Of The Tribes”;
  • mixed and mastered by Kai Stahlenberg at Kohlekeller Studio (Powerwolf);
  • cover artwork by Hendrik Noack;
  • FFO: Blind Guardian, Manowar, Iced Earth, Helloween, Running Wild;

“Ice And Death” tracklist:
1 Heir Of The Bear
2 Dead Men Tell No Tales
3 Skogamor
4 The Witch Mayor
5 Ice And Death
6 The Piper
7 Five Brothers
8 House Of Lies
9 Bring Out Your Dead

Total running time – 37:40

artwork by Hendrik Noack

Marking their tenth anniversary, and following the self-released EP “The Wanderer” (2018) and the debut full-length “Prince Of The Tribes” (2021), German power metal warriors Reinforcer return with a new collection of heroic power metal anthems.

Forged in the flames of myth and history, “Ice And Death” is Reinforcer at their finest: razor-sharp guitar riffs, sweeping dual harmonies and driving double bass rhythms power the soundscape, while Logan Lexi’s commanding vocals roar with great emotional depth. Melancholic melodies intertwine with fist-raising choruses, inviting listeners to sing along in unity and battle spirit.

Taking its name from the Norse legend of Ymir, the frost giant born from ice and chaos, “Ice And Death” leads listeners on a journey through time, retelling tales of plague-ridden cities, deceptive pied pipers, and legendary heroes and rogues from the shadows of the past. Each track is a chapter, echoing with the clang of steel and the whisper of forgotten legends.

Whether recounting the gruesome mystery of the Pied Piper of Hamelin or the haunting grip of the Black Death in London, the album fuses historical drama with dynamic storytelling and touches of dark fantasy.

Reinforcer:
Logan Lexi – vocals
Niclas Stappert – lead guitar
Tobias Schwarzer – rhythm and lead guitar
Fabiàn Rodriguez – bass
Lasse Schmiedel – drums

ARCHED FIRE Release New Single And Lyric Video ‘Demolition’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 22, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Papa Wilska

Arched Fire return with a new single called “Demolition”. With two acclaimed albums – Remote Control (2021) and Trust Betrayal (2024) – and a bunch of blistering singles under their belt, the Finnish metalheads are known for mixing old-school metal with meaningful lyrics. The single is released in cooperation with Finnish Inverse Records on July 22nd 2025.

LISTEN to  ‘Demolition’ single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/arched-fire-demolition 

  • Music: Ari Väntänen / Kristian Herkman
  • Lyrics: Kristian Herkman
  • ISRC: FI3FC2588201
  • Recorded in Finland, Italy & Greece
  • Mixed and mastered by Michal
  • Band logo by Ari-Pekka Lehtisalo
  • Single cover by Umar Setiawan

“The riffs are in the vein of the late 80s speed/thrash wave, the more melodic side of it, to be exact. There’s also a nod to the Dead Boys, to add some punk rock in it”, says Ari, the rhythm guitarist. 

Kristian, the lead vocalist in Arched Fire, says the song is inspired by the history of Downtown Los Angeles Skid Row, but that the theme is valid in today’s city planning as well:

“It’s about dealing with poverty in the cities. In some cases, ableist and hostile architecture along with segregation are used to control people. Removing the slum does not remove the causes of the slum. But clearing forests to make space for new houses is worse than the demolition of unsafe houses. Demolition and rebuilding boost the economy as jobs are created …but who’s buying?”

“Funnily enough, I didn’t know he was inspired by downtown LA when I decided to re-use a riff from an old Arched Fire song called ’Downtown City’ in the middle part”, adds Ari, “but, hey, if the shoe fits…”

“Demolition” was recorded with a temporary line-up. The drummer here is Fabio Alessandrini (Annihilator, etc), and Greek guitarist called Seva did the leads.

Line-up:
Kristian Herkman: vocals
Ari Väntänen: guitar
Mika Rytilahti: bass
Seva: lead guitar
Fabio Alessandrini: drums

https://archedfire.com
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialArchedFire
https://www.instagram.com/arched_fire_official
https://archedfire.bandcamp.com

Swedish Thrash Legends METHANE Confirmed for Finland’s Speed Metal Party

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 22, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

BRACE YOURSELVES! METHANE is confirmed to invade Tampere, Finland this summer!

Methane will be bringing thier Swedish thrash attack to the legendary SPEED METAL PARTY on Saturday, August 16th. Prepare for a full-frontal assault of pure, neck-breaking metal! Sharing the stage with absolute legends like TANKARD, the mighty PRESTIGE, and the crushing force of DETHRONE and KOVAA RASVAA. This lineup is pure chaos!

Tickets here

Speed Metal Party is a festival forged in the true fires of the underground. Respect to Aku Kytölä of Prestige for schooling us on the history:

The History of Speed Metal Party:

Forged in the late 80s, the Speed Metal Party was born from pure DIY attitude. When official venues shunned the new wave of angry, aggressive thrash ripping through Tampere, the scene took matters into its own hands. This fest is a monument to that raw, underground spirit—a legacy of kids from working-class families fighting back against the mainstream with buzzsaw guitars and throat-ripping screams. It’s the real deal.

“To play a fest with this much history and share a stage with bands like Tankard and Prestige is a fucking honor,” says Tim Scott, Methane’s frontman. “That DIY spirit, fighting for your scene… that’s what thrash is all about. Tampere, we’re coming to tear the roof off the place! See you in the pit!”

Methane Summer Festivals 2025
16/08 Speed Metal Party, Tampere (FIN)
23/08 Rockkwälln, Dala-Floda (SWE)

More information: https://www.facebook.com/methaneband/

CEMETERY Release Music Video ‘Thoughts On Life’ from Upcoming “Thoughts On Life… And Death” Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 22, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo credit: Matthias Heilmeier – All visual copyrights belong to the respective owners

German old school death metallers CEMETERY have released a music video ‘Thoughts On Life’, taken from their upcoming “Thoughts On Life… And Death” album, coming out August 8th.

The band says on the album:
“We have put everything we have into it. Our whole heart, our experience, our knowledge and our skills. But it’s not just about us. From the stunning artwork by Silvio Fiorese (acrylic on canvas… no AI!) to the lush, heavy but transparent production created by Sergej Dukart at Walzwerk recording studio. This is our ‘opus magnum’! The biggest and best of CEMETERY you’ve ever heard!”

🎥 🎬 ⚙️ Composition & production: Cemetery

TRACKS:
📺 01. Thoughts On Life 02:54
02. Among The Dead 04:24
03. Grief, Anger And Despair 04:23
04. Physical Fear 06:01
05. Nothingness 02:16
06. Lock The Doors To Your Mind 06:00
07. Believe 05:56
08. Truth “A” 06:34
09. Thoughts On Death 11:13

total: 49:41 min.

🎨 Artwork by Silvio Fiorese

With one foot in the realm of death!

The thrilling story is told from the point of view of a protagonist.
Let’s just call him “Jim” and as is usual for a concept album, some musical elements are repeated in different variations … [ … learn more here ]

LINE-UP:
Dani Zizek • Guitars, Vocals
Markus Heilmeier • Guitars
Stefan Hendel • Bass
Tobias Kasper • Drums

More information: https://www.facebook.com/cemeterygermany/