Italian esoteric extreme metal act URNA have released “Dream Death, Towards Rebirth”, the second single taken from their forthcoming full-length “The Great Jihad”, due out on October 16, 2026 via ATMF.
The new track arrives through an exclusive premiere hosted by No Clean Singing, offering another glimpse into the strange and deeply atmospheric world surrounding the band’s long-awaited return. Moving between funeral doom weight, harsher black metal passages and distant melodic textures, “Dream Death, Towards Rebirth” unfolds with a gradual, almost ritualistic intensity, reflecting the album’s preoccupation with transformation, duality and spiritual experience.
More poisonous and tense than its predecessors, “The Great Jihad” retains the crushing atmosphere and funeral doom connection that have long defined URNA, while pushing their faster passages towards a harsher, more abrasive form of black metal. Amid the weight and aggression, vast, sideral melodies emerge from the darkness, adding a solemn dimension to an album steeped in occult and esoteric atmospheres. The result is a work that feels both familiar and renewed, balancing oppressive density with moments of stark, otherworldly beauty.
For the first time, URNA present an album with lyrics entirely in English. With the exception of their 2003 debut “Justa Funebria”, originally performed in Italian, the band’s releases have traditionally employed Latin. The conceptual framework once again expands RM‘s personal spiritual journey through Hermetism, approaching the notion of duality from an esoteric perspective and exploring its many manifestations.
“The Great Jihad” also introduces new collaborators to the lineup, with Sibilans (Anamnesi, Simulacro) on drums and T (Sangue Nero) on bass. The album was recorded through multiple sessions between 2014 and 2025, across Italy and the United Kingdom, before being mixed and mastered at MZ’s 322 Studio in early 2026. The artwork was created by Francesco Gemelli.
Tracklist:
Creator 01. First of Three 02. Second of Three 03. Third of Three
Created 04. The Great Jihad 05. Dream Death, Towards Rebirth 06. Four Levels of Infinite Splendour
Active in the extreme metal underground for more than two decades, URNA emerged in 2003 with “Justa Funebria” before attracting the attention of ATMF, which released “Sepulcrum” as its first label release. Their sound soon expanded from abrasive black metal into funeral doom, electronics and increasingly esoteric atmospheres. “Iter ad Lucem” (2009) and “Mors Principium Est” (2013) further developed this uncompromising vision, with the latter closing a cycle that had begun with their debut.
Early demos for “The Great Jihad” were already taking shape after “Mors Principium Est”, but the project subsequently entered a prolonged hiatus. Recording resumed years later before the pandemic forced another interruption. In 2025, URNA finally completed the album, bringing a journey that began more than a decade ago to its intended conclusion.
AOR veteran Mark Mangold returns with Drive, She Said, opening an exciting new chapter in the history of one of melodic rock’s most distinctive and enduring names.
The new album, titled “Pass The Torch” is set for release on December 4, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl, and the first single, “We Own The Night”, along with an official video, is available now.
Mark Mangold described the single by saying: “We Own The Night” is a rocker about a hard-working couple who slave all day and are unleashed at night… We all know what that’s about. Very Drive, She Said, in my opinion. I truly hope you like it!”
Tellingly titled “Pass The Torch”, the new album represents both a celebration of the band’s remarkable legacy and a decisive step forward. At the heart of this new chapter is vocalist Derrick LeFevre, who takes on the role once held by the unforgettable Al Fritsch. Rather than attempting to recreate the past, LeFevre brings his own personality, power and emotional depth to the material, while remaining true to the soaring vocal tradition that has always been such an essential part of the Drive, She Said sound.
The album’s title therefore carries a very special meaning. “Pass The Torch” symbolizes the transition between two voices and two eras, while Mark Mangold remains the creative force connecting the band’s past, present and future.
Mark Mangold commented: “When Aldo and Serafino called and said they wanted to do another Drive, She Said album, I was amazed. Of course, we all know Al passed away, and I miss him dearly, so my first thought was: how could we possibly do this without the other half of the band? They told me to think about it, and after talking with friends and with Stephanie, the answer was: ‘Drive,’ she said. Al would have loved it. I had a lot of songs with no home that, in my mind, belonged in the Drive, She Said world – anthemic (hopefully!), melodic, somewhat positive and requiring great vocals – so when we found Derrick LeFevre and he agreed to come on board, we said yes.”
“With the help of some wonderful friends and musicians, we finished the album, and Dennis Ward brought it all together with the mix. To me, it sits very much in the world of the first Drive, She Said album. We called it “Pass The Torch” as a tribute to Al, and I really hope people embrace it in the spirit in which it’s offered. A huge thank you to Aldo, Mario, Serafino and everyone at Frontiers for giving us the chance to do this”, he continued.
From the very beginning, Drive, She Said established a unique place within melodic rock through a combination of sophisticated songwriting, huge melodies, powerful vocals and Mangold’s unmistakable keyboard work. Those fundamental ingredients remain firmly at the heart of “Pass The Torch”, but they are presented with renewed energy and a contemporary edge.
The album is packed with the elements that made Drive, She Said such a beloved name among melodic rock fans: big choruses, memorable hooks, soaring vocal melodies, rich harmonies and carefully crafted arrangements, all driven by Mangold’s instinctive understanding of what makes a great melodic rock song.
At the same time, “Pass The Torch” is not conceived simply as an exercise in nostalgia. The intention is not to recreate a particular album or moment from the band’s past, but to carry its musical identity forward. The result is a record that acknowledges where Drive, She Said came from while confidently establishing where the band can go next.
Derrick LeFevre proves to be an inspired choice for this new era. His commanding performance gives the songs strength and character, while his melodic sensibility provides a natural connection with the band’s classic sound. Alongside Mangold’s songwriting and musicianship, his voice helps give “Pass The Torch” its own identity rather than allowing the album to live exclusively in the shadow of what came before.
The production further reinforces that balance between tradition and renewal. Expertly mixed by Dennis Ward, “Pass The Torch” benefits from a powerful, detailed and polished sound, allowing the strength of the songwriting, vocals and harmonies to take center stage while giving the record the impact expected from a modern melodic rock release.
Ultimately, “Pass The Torch” is exactly what its title suggests: the continuation of a musical story. It honors the memory and contribution of Al Fritsch without attempting to replace what made him unique. It reconnects with the unmistakable musical personality that Mark Mangold has built around Drive, She Said. And, most importantly, it introduces a new voice and a renewed sense of purpose for the future.
This is more than the return of Drive, She Said. “Pass The Torch” is a celebration of the band’s legacy, a bridge between generations, and the beginning of its next chapter.
“Pass The Torch” Tracklist:
1. Pass The Torch 2. Saviours And Sinners 3. Wildfyre 4. Catch The Wind 5. We Own The Night 6. Forever 7. All For Love 8. Livin’ Inside A Dream 9. Love On Your Side 10. Rescue You 11. Pyro 12. As I Lay Dying
DRIVE, SHE SAID are: Mark Mangold – Keys And Vocals Derrick Lefevre – Vocals
Guitars: Craig Brooks, Jake E, Euge Valovirta, Ricky “Wheels” Kolster, Mitch Perry, Andrew Autin, Aldo Lonobile, Drums: Adde Larsson, Alex Landenburg Bv’s: Craig Brooks, Kevin Osborne, Vivi Lundström
Portland, Maine death metal outfit WORM ALTAR return with “Virescent Fire”, the second single from their forthcoming debut full-length “Pillars of Eternal Dusk”, now receiving its premiere through the mighty Mystification Zine.
Where the band’s music draws its power from a grim intersection of death metal and subterranean atmosphere, this new track sinks further into the murk, allowing its riffs to unfold with unsettling weight before giving way to harsher surges. “Virescent Fire” forms part of an album recorded mostly live, preserving the physical presence and rough edges at the heart of WORM ALTAR’s sound.
“Pillars of Eternal Dusk” is set for October 16, 2026 via Dawnbreed Records and Gurgling Gore, with cassette editions also arriving through Contemn Light.
Stream the new single “Virescent Fire” at THIS LOCATION.
There is something genuinely repulsive about the sound of WORM ALTAR. Crude, abrasive and seemingly dragged out of some damp, lightless corner of the underground, “Pillars of Eternal Dusk” refuses to polish away the rough edges that give its death metal such an unsettling presence. Yet beneath the layer of grime, the album reveals itself to be far more carefully constructed than its initial assault might suggest.
Great riffs emerge from the murk, memorable enough to stick in the head long after the noise has subsided. Subtle melodic details and understated atmospheric touches lurk beneath the surface, adding depth without ever compromising the album’s oppressive character. The rawness is therefore not an end in itself: it is the most appropriate vehicle for music that aims to feel uneasy, crawling and fundamentally diseased.
Drawing inspiration from Gorement, Phrenelith, Disembowelment, Coffins, Mortiferum, Grave Upheaval and Black Sabbath, WORM ALTAR operate in that particularly fertile territory where death metal becomes less a display of brute force than an exercise in atmosphere, physicality and dread.
Tracklist:
01. Under the Shadow of Night… 02. Splaying the Offal 03. Watchers of the Gate 04. Virescent Fire 05. The Blind One 06. Dusk Eternal
Founded in late 2021 as the solo project of Scott M. (guitars, vocals), WORM ALTAR initially released the “Demo 2022” tape through Acid Redux Productions and the “Astral Scourge” EP in 2023 via Gurgling Gore and Total Death Over Mexico. After expanding into a full band, the lineup was completed by John S. on drums, Jon M. on bass and Rob C. on guitar. Jon M. is also a member of sludge/doom legends Come To Grief, while Rob C. handles guitar and vocals in progressive death metal outfit Shabti.
“Pillars of Eternal Dusk” was recorded largely live in just ten hours by Todd Hutchisen at Acadia Recording Company in the band’s hometown of Portland. Mixing was handled by Ethan Camp, whose credits include the debut albums of Mortiferum and Mephitic Corpse, while mastering was completed by Dan Lowndes at Resonance Sound Studio, known for work with Ancient Death, Blood Incantation, Cerebral Rot, Imprecation, Infester and Spectral Voice.
Following the release, WORM ALTAR will perform throughout New England and Canada, bringing the filth of “Pillars of Eternal Dusk” to the stage.
Line-up:
Scott M. – Guitars, Vocals John S. – Drums Jon M. – Bass Rob C. – Guitar
Storm Force have released their new album Truth. The entire album is available to stream or as a 24 bit hi res digital download on Bandcamp. CDs are available from Eonian Records.
Storm Force should be proud of this really fantastic album. Readers of this mag, get those piggy bank smashing hammers ready, you need this album… a masterclass in Melodic Hard Rock with their new album ‘Truth’. The release is the kind of album you’d go down to your local record store on a Saturday to buy back in the day, then return home crank up the stereo and annoy the neighbours with it. It’s full of hooks, memorable songs, great performances, and shows there are bands out there who can write and play this kind of Rock, without it sounding like everyone else. – Fireworks Magazine
If you like those records from the 80s that had ten tracks full of rapid rockers, mid-paced bangers and ballads, then this is the throwback you have always wanted… has created another masterpiece. Check this out and the previous ‘Age Of Fear’. You will not be disappointed. POWERPOINTS: 10/10 – Power Play Magazine
Storm Force delivers powerful melodic hard rock fueled by soaring vocals, massive hooks, and the timeless energy of classic arena rock. Founded by guitarist and songwriter Greg Fraser, best known for his work with Canadian hard rock veterans Brighton Rock, the band blends classic influences with a modern edge, creating a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly current.
The band first made its mark with the release of its debut album, Age Of Fear, in 2020 through Escape Music. The album earned praise from melodic rock fans and media alike, showcasing a powerful mix of driving guitars, memorable choruses, and emotionally charged songwriting.
Drawing inspiration from Whitesnake, Dokken, Scorpions, and Bon Jovi, Storm Force delivers music built for loud speakers, live stages, and fans who still believe in authentic, guitar-driven rock!
Age Of Fear the debut Storm Force album, along with both Fraze Gang albums are now available for a budget friendly download of $5,99 each at bravewordsrecords.bandcamp.com
Track Listing:
Truth
Silver Lining
Saviour
Between The Lines
Anti Social Media
Fire Starter
On With The Show
You’re Never Alone
I Wasn’t Finished Loving You
Karma’s A Bitch
Band Members:
Patrick Gagliardi – Lead Vocals
Greg Fraser – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Mike Berardelli – Bass Guitar
Roger Banks – Drums
Production:
Produced and Mixed by Darius Szczepaniak
Strada XR Atmos Studio, Mississauga, ON
Recorded at Storce Recording, Niagara Falls, ON
Additional Musicians:
All keyboards by Mike “Benny” Bedrosian, except on “Between The Lines,” performed by Ray Coburn.
Margaret Maria – Cello on “I Wasn’t Finished Loving You”
Songwriting:
All songs written by Patrick Gagliardi and Greg Fraser, except “Saviour,” written by Greg Fraser.
Italian alternative rockers epoimóriròmiope recently announced the studio live version of their latest album “ricordi di un tempo mai esistito” (out 10 Ottobre 2025), set to be released on October 16th via Epictronic Records.
Today the band reveals the tracklist and coverart of the album:
The band stated: “With this studio live set, we wanted to bring the album “ricordi di un tempo mai esistito” into a different dimension — one that feels more direct and instinctive — capturing through the performance all the intensity with which these tracks were originally conceived. After the album’s release, we felt the need to rework these songs through a genuine live experience, stepping back into the studio and once again confronting their most authentic and visceral side. The live set is not meant to be simply a reproduction of the album, but rather a new interpretation of it. We wanted to bring out the dynamics, atmospheres, and nuances of the tracks, while leaving room for the impact of the performance and for that spontaneous element that often emerges only when music is played live. Recording this project in the studio allowed us to create a meeting point between the recorded and live dimensions, preserving the album’s original identity while revealing a different side of it — more physical and immediate. This represents a way of stepping back into these songs and experiencing them again from a new perspective, sharing them once more with everyone who chose to listen to and support this project.”
Emerging in 2021 from Bologna, Italy, epoimóriròmiope fuses Metalcore, EDM, and Alternative Rock into a genre-defying sound. Originally a one-man project, it has evolved in both style and lineup—from the dark trap influences of Vincoli (2021) to the electronic experiments of kabukimono (2023). Singles from these albums remain on YouTube but have been withdrawn from streaming platforms to mark a fresh start with the definitive lineup and sound.
Lyrically, the project has shifted from social observations to exploring the darkest corners of the human soul. The latest album, “ricordi di un tempo mai esistito”, delves into separation, loss, regret, anger, anxiety, and reflections on death and life’s fleeting nature. Its first single, “vertigine”, captures the dizzying weight of absence and memory, offering atmospheric, raw alt-rock where love, identity, and time seem to unravel.
epoimóriròmiope is: Erik Storari – Vocals, Guitar, Composition, Production Sara Fioravanti – Bass Giulio Barranca – Drums Mattia Poletti – Guitar
Powered by the gravitational pull of a thousand suns, Void Sector Zero brings together three of extreme metal’s brightest burning stars in guitarist Christian Muenzner (Necrophagist, ex-Obscura, ex-Alkaloid), vocalist and bassist Alex Weber (Revocation, Malignancy, Exist), and drummer Gabe Seeber (Decrepit Birth, Abigail Williams, Carach Angren). While inspired by past greats, the star-powered band’s upcoming debut album, Dead Space Enigma, shreds a hole through the space time continuum with their modern spin on progressive thrash metal.
Today, Void Sector Zero are announcing Dead Space Enigma with a music video for the album’s stellar lead single. “Vortex Divinium” whirls at warp speed through Area 51.
“This song was inspired by Bob Lazar’s story about Element 1-15, the element that he says was used to fuel the anti-gravity propulsion system of the alien space craft that he was working on”, Muenzner says. “Musically, the song has a very proggy and neoclassical twist with traces of ‘70s prog and jazz fusion”.
The video for “Vortex Divinium” was filmed and directed by Jesus Hernandez.
The stars of Void Sector Zero first crossed paths in 2022. Muenzner, Weber and Seeber hit it off while all three were playing together in Obscura during the world tour for A Valediction.
“I’ve always wanted to play tech-thrash”, Muenzner says, citing Coroner, Voivod, Toxik, Martyr, Hexenhaus and Aspid as personal favorites. “When I decided to start my own band in this style, I thought of Alex and Gabe. Not only are they both great players, but I knew from our time in Obscura that we had great chemistry both on and off stage”.
“I am extremely excited to be creating music with Christian and Alex as Void Sector Zero”, drummer Gabe Seeber says. “Playing with musicians of this caliber will push me to progress and become a better musician, and there’s no better label to represent us and this sound than Season of Mist”.
“Dead Space Enigma was a real blast to work on”, vocalist and bassist Alex Weber says. “Chris wrote a very demanding set of tunes that really pushed my bass and vocal techniques to new levels. To date, I feel like this album has the best recorded bass tone that I’ve ever gotten. It also led me to try new things with my voice that I didn’t know I could do. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”
Despite the band’s lengthy incubation period, Void Sector Zero hatch something truly mind-blowing on Dead Space Enigma. Fueled by Seeber’s adroit maneuvering from behind the drum kit, “Vortex Divinium” zips through Lazar’s twisted tale from Area 51. “Become god in the blink of an eye”, Weber growls with superhuman force. Catchy melodies fall atop gravity-defying bass runs like stardust as Muenzner shoots off into a shimmering solo that’s more well-traveled than Halley’s Comet.
“Bluesy guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Robin Trower influence my approach to soloing as much as Yngwie Malmsteen and other great metal guitarists”, Muenzner says. “Whether it’s neoclassical or classic heavy metal, I like to add contrasts to my solos by introducing new colors”.
The vast world of extreme metal is governed by supernatural forces. So when three of its most hellaciously bright stars align, the creative explosion is more powerful than a supernova.
After orbiting each other for years, Void Sector Zero brings together the otherworldly talents of guitarist Christian Muenzner (Necrophagist, ex-Obscura, ex-Alkaloid), vocalist and bassist Alex Weber (Revocation, Malignancy, Exist), and drummer Gabe Seeber (Decrepit Birth, Abigial Williams, Carach Angren). The band are still inspired by the greats, but their debut album ventures into an alien dimension that’s fun, fast, fresh and frightening. Dead Space Enigma rips a hole through the space-time continuum with a modern spin on progressive thrash metal.
“We wanted to create a hybrid between late ‘80s technical thrash metal and early ‘90s technical death metal, mixed with neoclassical metal, U.S. power metal and jazz/fusion”, Muenzner explains. “But while our influences are old school, Void Sector Zero is not a retro or tribute band. With Dead Space Enigma, our aim was to make an album that feels both classic and modern. Both the pacing and production allowed us to explore rhythms and harmonies, which isn’t possible when everything is cranked to the maximum at all times”.
The stars of Void Sector Zero first crossed paths in 2022. Muenzner, Weber and Seeber hit it off while all three were playing together in Obscura during the world tour for A Valediction. Though never far from each other, eventually, they would split off into different factions of metal’s solar system. However, once Muenzner decided on a direction, he knew they would join him on his next trek.
“I’ve always wanted to play tech-thrash”, Muenzner says, citing Coroner, Voivod, Toxik, Martyr, Hexenhaus and Aspid as personal favorites. “I was listening to those bands long before I got into technical death metal. When I decided to start my own band in this style, I thought of Alex and Gabe. Not only are they both great players, but I knew from our time in Obscura that we had great chemistry both on and off stage”.
“I am extremely excited to be creating music with Christian and Alex as Void Sector Zero”, Seeber says. “Playing with musicians of this caliber will push me to progress and become a better musician, and there’s no better label to represent us and this sound than Season of Mist”.
“Dead Space Enigma was a real blast to work on”, Weber says. “Chris wrote a very demanding set of tunes that really pushed my bass and vocal techniques to new levels. To date, I feel like this album has the best recorded bass tone that I’ve ever gotten. It also led me to try new things with my voice that I didn’t know I could do. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”
Despite the band’s lengthy incubation period, like an experiment secreted at Area 51, Void Sector Zero hatch something truly mind-blowing on Dead Space Enigma. The album isn’t bound to one particular concept, but each song opens another portal into science fiction or cosmic horror. Lead single “Vortex Divinium” whirls at hyper speed through the warped mind of Bob Lazar. Propelled by gravity-defying bass runs, a dizzying guitar solo shreds the cosmic divide between tech-trash,‘70s prog rock and jazz fusion.
“Bluesy guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Robin Trower influence my approach to soloing as much as Yngwie Malmsteen and other great metal guitarists”, Muenzner says. “Whether it’s neoclassical or classic heavy metal, I like to add contrasts to my solos by introducing new colors”.
While Void Sector Zero gravitate toward tech-thrash, Dead Space Enigma is teeming with life-forms from across the metal universe. Guest vocalist Morean commands the freakishly fast march of “Cybernetic Infantry” from behind an eerily catchy vocoder. Under the influence of hard rock and trad metal, the twisted time signatures of “Extraterrestrial Disassembly” unravel into a DMT trip gone horribly wrong. “I like albums that offer an escape from reality”, Muenzer says. “Ammutseba” bangs heads in honor of the great Lovecraftian deity, but the all-consuming power of its chorus speaks to this band’s place amongst the gods of extreme metal. “A prophecy / Was once foretold”.
On Dead Space Enigma, Void Sector Zero emerge with a star-studded explosion of progressive thrash metal.
Lineup Christian Muenzner – Guitars, Synth Alex Weber – Vocals, Bass Gabe Seeber – Drums
Guest musicians Morean (Alkaloid, ex-Dark Fortress) – Vocals on “Dead Space Enigma” & “Extraterrestrial Disassembly”
Recording credits Guitars and synths recorded at Shredquarter Studios in Mexico City. Bass and vocals recorded at Alex Weber’s home studio. Drums recorded at Mayhemeness Recording Studio in Sacramento, California.
Production credits Produced by Christian Muenzner, Pere Revert and Alex Weber. Mastering, Mixing & Sound Engineer – Pere Revert Mastering & Mixing Studio – SONNOS Andorra Drums engineered by Robert Swanson
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
