HOWLING GIANT Announce European Headline Tour 2026

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

The long-term weather forecast for late spring in Europe just changed to bright blues skies and steaming hot! Brilliant stoner metal outfit HOWLING GIANT will journey from Nashville, Tennessee across the Atlantic to delight European audiences by bringing their acclaimed third full-length “Crucible & Ruin” to the stages of the old continent for the first time.

Please see below for all currently confirmed live dates, album details of “Crucible & Ruin“, and biographical information.

HOWLING GIANT comment: “We are excited to partner up with Atonal Music Agency to get back to Europe on the heels of our ‘Crucible & Ruin’ album“, drummer Zach Wheeler writes. “It has been about two and a half years since our last European tour and we’re quite pleased to perform in a ton of cities where we’ve never played before! Looking forward to see you on the road!“

“Crucible & Ruin” was released on October 31, 2025. Alongside a host of great reviews, the album has scored remarkable top ten positions in the soundchecks of leading German magazines ROCK HARD (4/49) and VISIONS (7/25)! 

The album is available for purchase here: https://spkr.store/collections/howling-giant  

HOWLING GIANT European Headliner Tour 2026
09 MAY 2026 Oslo (NO) Desertfest Oslo      
10 MAY 2026 Stockholm (SE) Undergången  
11 MAY 2026 Malmö (SE) Plan B  
15 MAY 2026 Nottingham (GB) The Mist Rolling Inn  
16 MAY 2026 Edinburgh (GB) Bannermans  
17 MAY 2026 London (GB) Desertfest London  
19 MAY 2026 Coventry (GB) The Tin  
20 MAY 2026 Bristol (GB) The Gryphon  
21 MAY 2026 Amsterdam (NL) de Tanker  
23 MAY 2026 Berlin (DE) Neue Zukunft  
24 MAY 2026 Dresden (DE) Gockelscream Fest  
27 MAY 2026 Paris (FR) Supersonic Records  
28 MAY 2026 Münster (DE) Rare Guitar  
29 MAY 2026 Hagen (DE) Werkhof Hohenlimburg  
30 MAY 2026 Esbjerg (DK) Fuzztival  
31 MAY 2026 Hamburg (DE) Stellwerk  
03 JUN 2026 Den Bosch (NL) Willem Twee  
04 JUN 2026 Rotterdam (NL) Baroeg  
05-07 JUN 2026 Siegen (DE) Freak Valley Festival

HOWLING GIANT take another huge step on their third full-length “Crucible & Ruin”, a collection of sparking ideas, captivating melodies, and heavy riffing close to perfection – quite a feat of on-point songwriting for such a still young band!

This is the band’s first album to feature new fourth member Adrian Lee Zambrano. Although the guitarist and synth player arrived somewhat toward the end of the writing process, he was still able to add his mark with cool textures on the record. The extra guitar certainly adds even more punch to HOWLING GIANT‘s sound, which delivers a slightly more aggressive approach compared with predecessor “Glass Future” (2023).

It also helped the overall feel of “Crucible & Ruin” that this is the band’s first album to be entirely recorded in a proper studio setting as opposed to their home studio, “the bunker”. HOWLING GIANT even leaned into some raw band live takes to capture the emotion in the room.

Lyrically, “Crucible & Ruin” explores the story of the clash of a novice deity against the forces of primordial chaos as an overarching theme that loosely connects the songs. This is also reflected in the album artwork, which was painted by the mother of guitarist and vocalist Tom Polzine, featuring a unique style of alcohol ink on yupo paper.

HOWLING GIANT hail from Nashville, Tennessee, USA, sidestepping the self-proclaimed Music City’s assembly line of modern pop country while taking inspiration from the brilliant songwriters and virtuoso session players that keep the town’s musical legacy burning bright. Fertile ground for a preeminent fuzz-psych power trio, now turned quartet, who consciously live in the pocket of that lineage!

Following a trilogy of EPs, “Howling Giant” (2015), “Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 1” (2016), and “Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2” (2017), HOWLING GIANT struck a chord with critics and fans on their debut full-length “The Space between Worlds” in 2019. “Glass Future” proved a gargantuan leap for the band that now featured Sebastian Baltes, son of legendary ACCEPT bass master Peter Baltes. Released in 2023, “Glass Future” brought their outstanding musicianship and triple vocal attack fully into stride.

HOWLING GIANT storm forward once more in defiant refusal to remain still. Having grown into a four-piece as well as in their prowess as musicians and songwriters, “Crucible & Ruin” is an album at least as big as their name. Don’t take our word for it, just give it a spin – or two or three…

Tracklist

  1. Canyons
  2. Hunter’s Mark
  3. Archon
  4. Lesser Gods
  5. Beholder I: Downfall
  6. Archivist
  7. Scepter and Scythe
  8. Melchor’s Bones
  9. The Observatory
  10. Beholder II: Labyrinth

Line-up
Tom Polzine – guitar, vocals
Zach Wheeler – drums, vocals
Sebastian Baltes – bass, vocals
Adrian Lee Zambrano – guitars, synthesizers

Guest musicians
Kim Wheeler – additional synths and EWI on ‘The Observatory’
Adam Nohe – additional percussion on ‘Beholder I: Downfall’

Produced by Neil Tuuri, Kim Wheeler, and James Sanderson
Engineered by Neil Tuuri at Amish Electric Chair Studios, Athens, OH (US)
Additional vocal tracking by Kim Wheeler in Nashville, TN (US)
Mixed by Neil Tuuri at Amish Electric Chair Studios, Athens, OH (US)
Mastering by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege Mastering, Portland, OR (US)

Artwork by Susan M. Davies
Layout by Łukasz Jaszak

Links
https://www.facebook.com/howlinggiant
https://www.instagram.com/howlinggiant
https://www.facebook.com/MagneticEyeRecords
https://www.instagram.com/magneticeyerecords

JOHN MACKO MUSIC Release New Single & Video ‘The Beauty Of It’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
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JOHN MACKO MUSIC continue the release cycle of the debut album “Zero-Point Machine” with the new single and video “The Beauty Of It”.

Led by John Macko – renowned bassist of FIFTH ANGEL – the project explores a wide musical spectrum ranging from progressive rock and modern metal to atmospheric and cinematic songwriting. Following three singles and videos that highlighted the heavier and more dynamic facets of the album, “The Beauty Of It” reveals a different and more introspective side of “Zero-Point Machine”.

Written by vocalist John Macko, “The Beauty Of It” It marks a stylistic turn within the album’s narrative, placing the focus on emotional nuance, melodic sensitivity and lyrical depth. The song showcases Chapple’s diverse vocal skills and refined songwriting, allowing space for subtle dynamics and expressive interpretation.

Lyrically, “The Beauty Of It” reflects on interpersonal relationships and the illusion that happiness exists only at a final destination. As John Macko explains:

“‘Beauty of It’ is a reflection on the illusion that happiness lives at the finish line. It’s a reminder that the ups and downs, the uncertainty, and the moments we’re living right now are what truly matter. When you can’t see the road ahead, that’s not something to fear – that’s the beauty of it.”

The accompanying official video enhances the song’s introspective atmosphere, visually translating themes of uncertainty, emotional presence and human connection that run throughout “Zero-Point Machine”.

With “The Beauty Of It”, JOHN MACKO MUSIC further underline the album’s stylistic breadth and emotional range, offering listeners a deeper look into one of its most reflective and intimate compositions.

Stream / purchase Zero-Point Machine here: https://artists.landr.com/057829968554

ICYMI:
–SINGULARITY (Official Video): https://youtu.be/mq_eOX3VtEw?si=yC9mhCLUeQjg7Qa0
–WORTHLESS (Official Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gJIWvbI5V0
–UTOPIA (Official Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlbD8itLTFc

JOHN MACKO MUSIC online:
https://www.facebook.com/JohnMackoMusic/
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnMackoMusic

French Progressive Power Metallers PARALLEL MINDS Release New Video Single ‘Sufero’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Regis Demirci

French modern Progressive Metallers PARALLEL MINDS blending the rigor of Thrash, the harmonic richness of Prog and the majesty of Power Metal.

After three albums released on renowned labels (Brennus Music, Pitch Black Records, M&O Music / M&O Office), these top performers are now returning in overwhelming form:
With CAIRN, their fourth album with strong narrative depth and an international focus, the band is now establishing itself as one of the most important bands on the European Metal scene.

CAIRN is not just an album – it is a conceptual work, a 61-minute journey through suffering, memory and resilience. Each track explores the mark left by humanity in its constant struggle against destruction and oblivion. The album transcends cultural borders to offer a deeply human and universal Metal fresco.

CAIRN is a large-scale album, designed for full immersive listening while featuring powerful and striking tracks able to stand on their own as singles.

🗓️ The outstanding group recently presented the first new single ”Sufero” from CAIN, on Jan. 11. The album release is scheduled for March – the release date will be March 10, 2026

[ … learn more here » ]

All rights reserved • PARALLEL MINDS / No Fate Prod.

  • Shot: Anastasia Lihnka
  • Edit: Stephane Fradet
  • Drone: Julien Penaud
  • Location: Aurélien Arnoux

Artwork & Logo: Stephane Fradet

The Band says about it:

“‘Sufero’ is a raw and incendiary track from PARALLEL MINDS’ upcoming album, ‘CAIRN’. Driven by massive riffs, a pounding rhythm, and relentless tension, the song encapsulates all the emotional intensity and determination that permeates the album.
Like the cairn, a universal symbol of life and legacy across many civilizations, ‘Sufero’ evokes the relentless struggle to build oneself stone by stone, in pain and rage, not only to survive, but to leave a mark, a beacon for those who come after.
By integrating ethnic and multicultural influences into a resolutely aggressive Metal approach, the album gives this struggle a timeless and collective dimension. Between unapologetic aggression and symbolic depth, ‘Sufero’ strikes like a manifesto: move forward, resist, guide, whatever the cost.”

PARALLEL MINDS • CONCERT DATES

07/02 • w. Scardust + Hartlight • France12/03 • w. Another Age + Cigue • France
14/03 • w. Scarlean • France
02/04 • w. Social Prophecy & Inferal • France
03/04 w. Draguignan + Scarlean • France
26/06 • Galem Fest (headline) • France
03/07 • Thusy French Alps HS Fest • France
tba [Dates» ]

LINE-UP
Steph Fradet • Vocals
Greg Giraudo • Guitars
Fabien Peugeot • Bass
Eric Mannella • Drums

More information: https://parallelmindsofficial.com/

GOTHONY Release New Single And Music Video ‘Misery Ending’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Perttu Sutinen

Helsinki-based drama metal band Gothony, founded in 1993, released a new single accompanied by a music video. Their debut album came out two years ago, and in 2025 the band reissued their demo from 1995. Now it’s time to bring fresh music to the drama metal audience once again. 

Streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/gothony-misery-ending

“2025 was a dark year—too many close ones left us far too early. Misery Ending carries a lot of sorrow, pain, and anguish.” says Gothony’s bassist Väiski Syväoja.

“I also wanted the single to be accompanied by a music video dedicated to our dear friend and to all our loved ones who have passed away. I am very grateful that Taksu Takkunen joined the project, and huge thanks to the entire crew for making this possible.” Väiski Syväoja continues.

Gothony’s vocalist Wuohi briefly explains the lyrics: “They speak of loss, longing, and the realization of life’s limitations.”

“For Gothony, this track has an unusually fast tempo, yet we managed to weave in a touch of melancholy and hope for the future. We also received valuable input from Räihä regarding the song’s structure—thanks for that!” adds guitarist Mika Uusitalo.

Misery Ending was recorded on October 11, 2025, at Inka Studio by Juho Räihä (SoundSpiral Audio). Juho Räihä also produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered the single. The music video was directed, filmed, written, and edited by Taksu Takkunen.

–Composed by Tomi Syväoja & Mika Uusitalo
–Lyrics by Wuohi
–ISRC: FI3FC2698001
–Single cover by Elligraphics

Line-up:
Vocals – Wuohi
Guitar – Mika Uusitalo
Guitar – Miika Peräkangas
Bass – Väiski Syväoja
Drums – M.Toivonen

https://www.gothony.com
https://www.facebook.com/gothonyband
https://www.instagram.com/gothonyband
https://gothony.bandcamp.com

TORCHIA Unveil New Lyric Video ‘Stygian Waters’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
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Rockshots Records announces the release of “Stygian Waters”, the brand new single by Finnish dark metal act Torchia.

“Stygian Waters” is taken from Torchia’s upcoming fourth full-length album, “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness,” and represents a deliberate return to the band’s early guitar-driven aggression, infused with heightened cinematic tension and dark melodic intensity. Rooted in thrash-infused melodic death metal, the track channels relentless riffing and an urgent rhythmic drive while expanding the band’s signature gothic and occult atmosphere.

Commenting on the song, the band explains: “‘Stygian Waters’ is a throwback to the early years of Torchia, built around intense riffing and an almost relentless forward momentum. When the riffs first came together, they immediately evoked the image of a raging ocean and towering waves. From there, the lyrics took shape as a story of a maritime disaster – a desperate struggle against overwhelming natural forces with the suggestion that something darker and more supernatural may also be at play.”
​
Lyrically, “Stygian Waters” depicts a harrowing battle for survival where human will is tested against uncontrollable forces, blurring the line between reality and the uncanny. The song’s narrative-driven approach fits seamlessly within Torchia’s cursed fantasy universe, populated by ancient gods, dark rituals, and grim visions inspired by gothic horror traditions.

DIGITAL – https://lnk.to/6cBhhT

Musically, the single highlights Torchia’s evolved sound: sharp, driving guitar work remains at the core while cinematic layering and darker tonal shades add depth and dramatic weight. This balance between raw aggression and atmosphere reflects the broader identity of “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, an album that brings the band’s storytelling to life through a murky, 19th-century gothic vision.

Expanding on the album’s direction, the band adds: “With this record, we wanted to push our sound further into darker and more cinematic territory without losing the immediacy and energy that defined our earlier work. ‘Stygian Waters’ captures that balance perfectly – it’s fast, aggressive, and vivid but still deeply tied to the world and narratives we’ve been building over the years.”
​
“Stygian Waters” stands as a key chapter within “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, reaffirming Torchia’s identity as a band that merges extreme metal intensity with theatrical storytelling and a strong visual and conceptual aesthetic. Known for their explosive live performances led by masked frontman Nox, Torchia continue to carve their own path within the darker realms of the metal spectrum.

For fans of: Behemoth, Cradle of Filth, Children of Bodom

New album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” out May 8th, 2026.

Track Listing:​
1. Nekromanteion – 4:23
2. Hellmouth – 4:08
3. Into Hell – 3:38
4. Hellstorm – 3:55
5. Die Amour – 4:12
6. The Tiamat Machine – 5:39
7. Black Cat – 3:19
8. Stygian Waters – 4:05
9. Sanguine Masquerade – 4:46
Album Length: 38:05

Torchia Line-Up:​
Nox: Vocals
Villemorte: Lead guitar, Vocals
Henri von Hardy: Guitar
Vulkan: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Vincent Oscar Mill: Drums

More info:
​https://www.rockshots.eu/​
​https://www.instagram.com/curseoftorchia/​
​https://www.facebook.com/TorchiaOfficial/

DIRTY SHIRT Share Full Live Set at Pol’and’Rock Festival 2025 + Announce “Dirtylicious Decade Tour”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 5, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Dirty Short at Pol’and’Rock2025 – Photo Credit: Kasper Kędzierski

Dirty Shirt has released the full video of their explosive 2025 performance at Pol’and’Rock Festival, one of Europe’s largest and most iconic open‑air music events.
​
The 2025 edition marked a major milestone for the Romanian folk‑metal collective: their third Pol’and’Rock appearance, placing them alongside Dubioza Kolektiv as the only non‑Polish acts to have played the festival three times.
​
​Dirty Shirt’s history with Pol’and’Rock is deeply intertwined with the festival’s spirit of community, charity, and musical diversity. In 2021, the band made their Pol’and’Rock debut during the special pandemic‑restricted edition, performing for a reduced audience of 20,000. In 2022, Dirty Shirt returned triumphantly after winning the Golden Spinning Top (Złoty Bączek), the public‑voted contest that determines which artist opens the next edition of the festival. Past winners include major international names such as Clawfinger, Papa Roach, Sabaton, Anthrax, Bring Me The Horizon, Avatar, Amon Amarth, and others. And their third and most recent appearance in 2025 came as part of EERA, the Eastern European Rock Alliance, an EU‑funded cultural collaboration. Dirty Shirt was one of the flagship bands of the project, making their return to Pol’and’Rock both symbolic and artistically meaningful.

Despite the excitement, the road to the 2025 stage was anything but easy. The band had traveled more than 16 hours from Romania to northern Poland the day before the show, arriving late at night. Show day began at 4:30 a.m. for a 6 a.m. soundcheck, with the hotel located over an hour from the festival grounds. By the time Dirty Shirt stepped on stage, it was well past midnight.
​
​“Beyond the fatigue, playing at Pol’and’Rock always feels like coming alive again. The Polish audience, one of the most intense, passionate crowds we have ever played for, gives the energy back a hundredfold and reminds you why you do this in the first place,” shares the band.

Often described as “the biggest open‑air festival in Europe,” Pol’and’Rock is a free, charity‑driven event organized as a thank‑you to the volunteers and supporters of WOSP, The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. WOSP’s annual Grand Finale raises funds for hospitals across Poland, more than $52 million USD in the most recent edition, and the festival stands as a cultural celebration of that nationwide effort.
​
Beyond music, Pol’and’Rock hosts workshops, conferences, and a wide range of artistic and educational activities, making it one of Europe’s most unique cultural gatherings.
​
​Dirty Shirt is once again eligible for the Golden Spinning Top contest, and fans who want to support the band’s return to Pol’and’Rock in 2026 can vote online (email confirmation required): https://polandrockfestival.pl/o-festiwalu/zloty-baczek

The complete live set of their landmark third appearance at Pol’and’Rock 2025 is now available to watch online:

Over their 30 years, Dirty Shirt has become one of Eastern Europe’s most original and successful rock/metal bands, known for their explosive fusion of modern heavy music with the vibrant energy of Eastern European traditional sounds. Formed in the mid‑90s as a wedding band, the group has kept its core lineup intact for three decades, evolving into a major international act with a distinctive, genre‑blending identity. Their music draws from metal, hardcore, industrial, funk, world music, and authentic regional folk influences, enhanced by the use of traditional acoustic instruments both in the studio and on stage.
​
The band gained international attention after winning second place at the Wacken Metal Battle 2014 world final, followed by performances at major European festivals including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Pol’and’Rock, Electric Castle, Rockstadt Extreme Fest, Reload Festival, Dong Open Air, and many more. With more than 1000 shows across 17 countries, Dirty Shirt has shared stages with artists such as Megadeth, Godsmack, Gogol Bordello, Skindred, and Orphaned Land.
​
Their albums have earned widespread critical acclaim, featured in leading publications such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Metalsucks, Angry Metal Guy, Hard Rock Mag, and Metalized. Known for their high‑energy, danceable live performances and cross‑genre appeal, Dirty Shirt continues to expand its international presence while redefining what modern Eastern European metal can sound like.

Recommended for anyone looking for something interesting and lively, Dirty Shirt is for fans of Skindred, Bloodywood, Alestorm, and The Hu.

Music video – FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyloBE8YbqY

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/7lnoKzE5unKzShIzkjlTX7

DIRTY SHIRT Dirtylicious Decade Tour​
Ticket Info – https://www.ambilet.ro/dirtyshirt/

30.01.2026 – Quantic – Bucuresti
31.01.2026 – Rockstadt – Brasov
12.02.2026 – Lokal – Oradea
13.02.2026 – Form Space – Cluj Napoca
14.02.2026 – Republic Hub – Tg Mures
06.03.2026 – Art Rock Cafe – Suceava
07.03.2026 – Urbana – Iasi
08.03.2026 – Beraria Valhalla – Bacau
20.03.2026 – Teatrul National – Ploiesti
21.03.2026 – Music For Autism – Constanta
17.04.2026 – Oldies Pub – Sibiu
19.04.2026 – The Station – Petrosani
08.05.2026 – Log Out – Baia Mare
09.05.2026 – Soho Music Hall – Bistrita
22.05.2026 – Terasa Flex – Arad
23.05.2026 – In Spatele Casei – Timisoara

For more info: https://linktr.ee/dirtyshirtband