STAR CIRCUS Release Video for New Single ‘Masquerade’, New Album “From The Wreckage” Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 13, 2025
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STAR CIRCUS release their video for new single ‘Masquerade‘, taken from their new album ‘From The Wreckage‘, out now on Renaissance Records. Buy the album here: https://starcircus.hearnow.com/from-the-wreckage

‘Masquerade‘ is the first Star Circus track that features bassist Sophie stepping up to lead vocal duties, and also her first solo writing effort.

“The masquerade is a metaphor for feeling like you have to hide a part of yourself in order to be accepted. The lyric ideas came from my own experience of spending my youth feeling like I should try to fit in, and never really finding a place where I felt accepted. 

The song ends on a more positive note as I did eventually find ‘my people’; my partner Dave and friends on the London rock scene who are unapologetically themselves and encourage me to be the same. I wanted the outro to keep a melancholy and slightly ominous feel as a reminder that life will always inevitably consist of both highs and lows.” – Sophie Aurelia Young 

“The sound of Summer ’25? The performance of a lifetime, so far at any rate. The mind boggles as to where their musical odyssey will yet convey them.” – METALTALK

“From The Wreckage is nothing short of a triumph. This album is essential listening. Star Circus have not only avoided the sophomore slump; they’ve raised the bar for themselves and their peers.” – FIREWORKS MAGAZINE 

‘From The Wreckage’ sees the band take a huge step forward, pushing boundries and themselves, and the end result is an absolutely storming rocker of an album that’s guaranteed to delight fans and gain many more!

Dave comments on the new album:

“Feeling invigorated following the positive response to our first album and many national tours, we set aside the first half of 2024 to write and record our second album as a band. However, most of last year proved to be a challenging time for us. Cancellations, lineup and management issues plagued us, along with fear and disbelief at the state of the world in general.

As a consequence, ‘From The Wreckage’ is definitely a heavier, darker and more aggressive beast both lyrically and musically than it’s predecessor. On the other hand there’s definitely both light and shade, and a positive outlook depicted in the title; that we’re coming back stronger than ever. First and foremost, we’re really proud of all the songs, but it’s also a landmark in our evolution from our little project into a fully-fledged rock n’ roll animal!”

Star Circus are a London-based rock band led by Dave Winkler and Sophie Aurelia Young, influenced by classic rock artists including Queen, Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick, Def Leppard and Alice Cooper.

The band was formed in 2019 by frontman Dave, who’s songwriting caught the attention of radio legend Tony Wilson. The pair worked together on creating the debut album ‘Separate Sides’ which Tony produced, and was released in December 2022 to an overwhelmingly positive critical response.

Following the album release and several UK tours supporting a host of international acts, the Star Circus lineup has now become a collaborative band-project, with other musicians contributing to the songwriting. As well as the added influences of other songwriters, the new album also features various accomplished guest guitarists including Tom Draper (ex Carcass, Spirit Adrift) and Ritchie Mohicano (Dobermann), and the notable addition of Sophie’s vocals (including lead vocals on Masquerade). The band also landed a global distribution deal with the Arizona-based record label Renaissance Records. Their sophomore album “From The Wreckage” was released in June 2025 to much critical acclaim. The album will also be available on vinyl in the very near future.

Live shows:
19.07.25 – BLACKPOOL, The Waterloo (Supporting Brave Rival)
20.07.25 – SHEFFIELD, The Greystones (Supporting Brave Rival)
03.10.25 – Cornwall Rocks Festival, Tencreek Holiday Park
11.10.25 – GODALMING, Borough Hall (Supporting Brave Rival)
16.10.25 – NORWICH, The Brickmakers (Supporting Brave Rival)
18.10.25 – ALDERSHOT, The West End Centre (Supporting Brave Rival)
06.11.25 – DERBY, The Flowerpot (Supporting Brave Rival)
14.11.25 – Rockmantic Weekender, Yardbirds Grimsby
07.12.25 – STAINES, Thameside Tap House and Brewery (Supporting Brave Rival)
18.12.25 – LEIGHTON BUZZARD, The Library Theatre (Supporting Brave Rival)
21.12.25 – HASTINGS, The Carlisle (Supporting Brave Rival)

https://www.facebook.com/StarCircusBand
https://www.instagram.com/starcircus_band
https://www.tiktok.com/@starcircus_band
https://x.com/starcircus_band
https://www.youtube.com/@starcircus
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3MBGKAoR72YGgweoHsFfCJ
https://www.starcircus.co.uk/
https://starcircus.bandcamp.com/merch/
https://starcircus.hearnow.com/from-the-wreckage#nt_base_menu

BLACKFIRE Release Video for New Single ‘Small Talk’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 13, 2025
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Fresh off a powerful return in 2025, legendary Indigenous rock band Blackfire are back with a no-holds-barred new single, ‘Small Talk’, out now via Golden Robot Records. The track is now available to stream, and marks another standout moment from their upcoming album ‘Solar Eclipse’.

Stream ‘Small Talk’ HERE

‘Small Talk’ is classic Blackfire – fierce, unapologetic, and driven by purpose. Beneath the gritty guitars and punchy chorus lies a deeper message: the frustration of being ignored, dismissed, or pacified with meaningless chatter. Whether it’s in a personal interaction or a political promise, small talk is what happens when real issues get deflected and truth is avoided. “It’s a song about people not listening – about making up conversations that mean nothing, and avoiding the ones that reveal uncomfortable truths.” the band explains. “For decades, governments have made empty promises to Indigenous communities, and the status quo remains unchanged.” 

With its defiant energy, ‘Small Talk’ reinforces Blackfire’s long-standing role as musical truth-tellers. It’s a track that bristles with frustration and strength – not just for the sake of protest, but as a demand for real action. As the saying goes: actions speak louder than words.

With Solar Eclipse on the horizon, and singles like ‘Let’s Not Forget’, ‘Big Billions’, and now ‘Small Talk’, Blackfire are once again giving voice to stories, truths, and resistance – all wrapped in blistering rock and soul. ‘Small Talk’ is out now on all major platforms via Golden Robot Records.

Formed in Melbourne in 1992, Blackfire toured nationally and internationally for over a decade, becoming a powerful voice in both music and Indigenous cultural expression. After a break starting in 1999, the band began reuniting for select shows from 2018 onward. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, original members Selwyn Burns, Grant Hansen, and Brad Brown rekindled the fire – and with it came a revitalized lineup.

Joining the original trio are Radical Son (David Leha) on lead vocals, Peter Moore on drums, Rod Crundwell on keys, and additional members Monica McDonald and Leonie Whyman on backing vocals and percussion. Daniel Jauregui adds power on second lead guitar, giving the group an even fuller, more dynamic sound.

https://www.facebook.com/BlackfireAustralia
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1E3RYJPppaYRp3qkvtkf1v
https://goldenrobotrecords.com/golden-robot-records/blackfire/

STEVE HACKETT Celebrates Release of “The Lamb Stands Up Live At The Royal Albert Hall” with Video for ‘Lilywhite Lilith’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 13, 2025
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Steve Hackett proudly presents ‘The Lamb Stands Up Live At The Royal Albert Hall’, a stunning audio/visual document of his show at the iconic London venue in October 2024.. Today sees its official release, and to celebrate, a clip of the track ‘Lilywhite Lilith’ has been launched. Watch it below.

Steve and his live band celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Genesis concept album ‘The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’, with a selection of his favourite tracks from that album including ‘Fly On A Windshield’ & ‘Lilywhite Lilith’. The live set also includes other Genesis & solo classics, including music from his most recent acclaimed album ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’. This special evening saw the band joined by guests including Ray Wilson, Steve Rothery, Amanda Lehmann & John Hackett. 

Watch the previously released clip of

Steve comments: “I was so happy to revisit the Lamb on tour. The Royal Albert Hall evening was particularly memorable. It is my favourite London venue and the atmosphere there that night was absolutely electric… I was really pleased that everyone in the band and the performing guests pulled it off with flying colours!”

Expertly mixed by Grammy-award winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge, and mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, the night was filmed by longtime collaborator Paul M Green, and is presented as Special Edition 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak which includes 5.1 Surround Sound & bonus interview content. The vinyl arrives as a deluxe 4LP 180g boxset, including 12-page LP-size booklet featuring photos from the evening. Order now here: https://stevehackett.lnk.to/TheLambStandsUpLive-Album

The full track-listing is as follows:

  1. People of the Smoke
  2. Circo Inferno
  3. These Passing Clouds
  4. The Devil’s Cathedral
  5. Every Day
  6. Hands Of the Priestess
  7. A Tower Struck Down
  8. Low Notes And High Hopes
  9. Camino Royale
  10. Shadow Of The Hierophant
  11. The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
  12. Fly On A Windshield
  13. Broadway Melody Of 1974
  14. Hairless Heart
  15. Carpet Crawlers
  16. The Chamber Of 32 Doors
  17. Lilywhite Lilith
  18. The Lamia
  19. It
  20. Dancing With The Moonlit Knight
  21. The Cinema Show
  22. Aisle Of Plenty
  23. Firth Of Fifth
  24. Los Endos
  25. An Interview with Steve Hackett

Steve Hackett & band are currently continuing their Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlight & Solo tour around Europe, before taking it to Japan in July, Italy in September & North America in October & November. For a full list of dates, head to: https://www.hackettsongs.com/tour.html 

Earlier this year, Steve Hackett released ‘Live Magic At Trading Boundaries’, featuring live recordings from his annual acoustic shows at Trading Boundaries in the UK. Listen now here: https://stevehackett.lnk.to/LiveMagicAtTradingBoundaries 

STEVE HACKETT Online:
http://www.hackettsongs.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Steve-Hackett/123101228589
https://www.instagram.com/stevehackettofficial/
http://hackettsongs.com/tour.html
https://bsky.app/profile/stevehacketthq.bsky.social
https://x.com/HackettOfficial

JORD Release New Single ‘Dimma’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 13, 2025
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Swedish band Jord are back with ‘Dimma’, the second single from their fourth studio album Emellan Träden, to be released on 5th September via Hammerheart Records.

Pre-order Emellan Träden here: https://jordswe.lnk.to/emellantraden

Stream ‘Dimma’ here: https://jordswe.lnk.to/dimma

Jord create atmospheric black metal infused with blackgaze elements, folk melodies, and scenic soundscapes.

For fans of: Alcest, Enslaved, Falkenbach, Vintersorg

In the fall of 2020, Jörgen “Jurg” Ström (ex-Skineater, ex-Omnicidal, ex-Rimfrost) decided it was time to breathe life into a new musical vision. When walking through the forest, he was struck with inspiration from the beauty of northern nature and the haunting melodies of bands like Alcest, Dissection, and Katatonia. The name Jord emerged organically, and with it, the project’s first songs began to blossom.

Jurg‘s ambitious goal was clear: to create three albums capturing the distinctive sound he envisioned. The debut album Sol materialized rapidly in 2021, and Jord kicked off as a solo endeavour. This pattern continued with Måne in 2022. The following year, Jurg felt his initial approach had reached its limits, and Jord started embracing full studio production on their third album Tundra.

That’s when Sebastian “Hravn” Svedlund (Rimfrost, Omnicidal, Sister Sin) joined the band on guitar, and Stefan “Jansson” Jansson (Omnicidal, ex-Devilicious) claimed the drum throne. Emellan Träden is the second fruit of the trio’s collaborative work.

Tracklist:
1. Stay
2. Hon Kallar
3. King of the Night
4. Dimma
5. Vid Muren
6. Prinsessan och Hästen 
7. Den Brandgula Salen
8. The Grave and Chain
9. Bortom Tundran (CD Bonus Track)

Line-up:
Jörgen “Jurg” Ström: Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Keyboards 
Sebastian “Hravn” Svedlund: Guitars
Stefan “Jansson” Jansson: Drums

Follow Jord: INSTAGRAM · FACEBOOK · HAMMERHEART ARTIST PAGE

AMORPHIS Release New Single And Video ‘Bones’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 12, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
📷 @samjamsen

Finnish prog metal veterans Amorphis are back with “Bones”, a powerful next glimpse at their new studio album Borderland, set to drop on September 26, 2025.

Unlike the first single “Light And Shadow,” which leaned more into a hopeful tone, “Bones” dives into darker, heavier territory. Lyrically, the song explores the struggles for survival faced by early Finns, supported by crushing riffs, Eastern-inspired strings, and thick layers of keyboards – creating a sound that’s both intense and atmospheric.

In the chorus, Tomi Joutsen’s clean, emotionally charged vocals cut through the darkness with flashes of light and hope.

Keyboardist Santeri Kallio shares:

“As a starting point, I wanted to prove that even a keyboard player can create an AMORPHIS song which is based on a heavy riff, and to everyone’s surprise, ‘Bones’ turned out to be the heaviest “Borderland” song.”

Whether you want it on vinyl, in an Earbook edition, on CD, or with matching merch –
you can now pre-order Borderland in our shop, here.

FRONT ROW WARRIORS’ New Studio Album “Running Out Of Time” Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 12, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo: Sermed Shaikh]

Melodic heavy metal force FRONT ROW WARRIORS celebrates the release of their much-acclaimed, sophomore studio album, entitled “Running Out Of Time”. Out now on CD, Vinyl and in Digital formats via ROAR, you can order your album copy at this location: https://frontrowwarriors.rpm.link/rootalbumPR

Founded in 2019, FRONT ROW WARRIORS has already caused quite a stir in 2023 with their debut “Wheel Of Fortune” and was showered with praise by critics. The German Rock and Pop Musicians Association even named the debut album „Hard Rock Album of the Year 2023“. The 80s hard rock, with a pinch of AOR and melodic metal from the 90s, went down fantastically straight away, which is not only due to singer Elkie Gee, who has a remarkable range and stands out from the crowd with her vocal color.

All of the band members in FRONT ROW WARRIORS are no strangers in the scene. Sorin Badin and Stef Binnig-Gollub on guitars are former musicians from Samsara and Septagon, while Richie Seibel, who is also a member of Ivanhoe and Them, plays the keys. The bass is played by Timo Michels (ex-Pump) and the drums by Jay G. (ex-Sharon). The band played a number of concerts and festivals in 2024 and performed on stage with the likes of Treat, Vicious Rumors, Riot V, Victory, Axxis and Shakra. Since March 2024, guitarist Dominik Barth (ex-Illusoria) has replaced Sorin Badin, who had to step back for family reasons, but has been working in the background on the studio and fine-tuning the songs.

Their new album “Running Out Of Time”, once again with none other than Achim Köhler (Primal Fear, Brainstorm a.o.) at the controls and co-produced by Michael Bormann, features some real bangers and impressively proves that the band also feels at home in metal. Lovers of delicate guitar and keyboard work as well as melodic hooks will get their money‘s worth, as will fans of the heavier genre. FRONT ROW WARRIORS once again skilfully play with the genres to produce a colorful bouquet of fabulous songs with guaranteed catchy tunes and surprising moments!

Order “Running Out Of Time” now on https://frontrowwarriors.rpm.link/rootalbumPR

Album Tracklist:

01 – Turn The Tide
02 – Theory Of Mind
03 – The Holy
04 – Cast A Spell
05 – New Horizons
06 – Running Out Of Time
07 – Rise Against
08 – Don’t Think The Night Is Over
09 – Seems Like Paradise
10 – Heartbreaker
11 – FRW

FRONT ROW WARRIORS Live:
13.09.2025 (DE) Bisingen
04.10.2025 (DE) Haigerloch
22.11.2025 (DE) Balingen

Artist Line-Up:
Elkie Gee – Vocals
Dominik Barth – Guitar
Stef Binnig-Gollub – Guitar
Timo Michels – Bass
Richie Seibel – Keyboards
Jay-G – Drums

For More Info Visit:
Homepage | https://www.frontrowwarriors.com
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FRW.official
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/front_row_warriors
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCGbhzgbbLZ_414s4IYCBqQ