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BLACKBRAID Unveils Music Video for New Single ‘The Dying Breath of a Sacred Stag’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: BLACKBRAID. Leave a comment
Photo by Wolf Mountain Productions

Solo black metal project BLACKBRAID is now unveiling a new single, “The Dying Breath of a Sacred Stag,” along with a music video via Black Metal Promotions! The clip was created by Wolf Mountain Productions (The Anti-label) and can be found at THIS LOCATION.

The song is taken from ‘Blackbraid III,’  will be released on August 8, 2025 independently! Vinyl and cassette formats, as well as new merch designs, can now be pre-ordered via Blackbraid.US & Blackbraid.EU while the album can be pre-saved across all streaming services HERE.

ICYMI: Blackbraid’s new single “Wardrums at Dawn on the Day of my Death” is now streaming along with a music video at Black Metal Promotions! The video was created by Moshmallows and captures the haunting and primal nature of Blackbraid’s live shows. Watch the clip at THIS LOCATION.

BLACKBRAID will also be embarking on a North American headliner later this year with support from Lamp of Murmuur and Dödsrit, with Gudsforladt replacing LoM as support for two Canadian dates. The trek will kick off on September 19 in San Diego, CA and will make its way around the U.S. + Canada until the final stop on October 11 in Los Angeles, CA. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets are available HERE.

In addition, BLACKBRAID has partnered with Fire in the Mountains Festival to curate a special pre-release event where festival attendees will get to hear ‘Blackbraid III’ ahead of its August 8 release date! During the event, there will also be a special live Q&A that will take place during the listening session with Metal Injection’s Frank Godla.

Fire in the Mountains will take place in Montana from July 25-27, 2025 at the Red Eagle Campground on the Blackfeet Nation Reserve. BLACKBRAID joins an esteemed lineup of artists including Wardruna, Old Man’s Child, Chelsea Wolfe, Converge, Blood Incantation, and more! Tickets are available HERE while the full lineup and all pertinent festival information can be found HERE.

Blackbraid is a solo indigenous black metal project from from the depths of the Adirondack wilderness creating music as raw and powerful as the mountains from whence it came… 

The captivating album artwork for ‘Blackbraid III,’ was created in collaboration with Adam Burke, who handled the painting, and mainstay Blackbraid album artist Adrian Baxter, who did the illustration. The artwork can be found below along with the tracklist!

Tracklist:

  1. Dusk (Eulogy)
  2. Wardrums at Dawn on the Day of my Death [WATCH]
  3. The Dying Breath of a Sacred Stag [WATCH]
  4. The Earth is Weeping
  5. God of Black Blood
  6. Traversing the Forest of Eternal Dusk
  7. Tears of the Dawn
  8. Like Wind Through The Reeds Making Waves Like Water
  9. And He Became the Burning Stars…
  10. Fleshbound (Lord Belial cover)

BLACKBRAID North American Tour w/ Lamp of Murmuur + Dödsrit:

Tickets: https://blackbraid.us/pages/shows

09/18: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
09/19: Phoenix, AZ @ Last Exit Live
09/20: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
09/22: Dallas, TX @ Trees
09/24: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Purgatory)
09/25: Greensboro, NC @ Hangar 1819
09/26: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery [SOLD OUT]
09/27: Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows
09/28: Albany, NY @ Empire Live
09/30: Boston, MA @ Middle East (Downstairs)
10/01: Montreal, QC @ Café Campus *
10/02: Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground *
10/03: Lakewood, OH @ Mercury Music Lounge
10/04: Chicago, IL @ Reggies
10/05: St. Paul, MN @ The Turf Club
10/07: Denver, CO @ HQ
10/08: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
10/10: Oakland, CA @ Thee Stork Club
10/11: Los Angeles, CA @ 1720
*w/ Gudsforladt, no LoM

BLACKBRAID Upcoming Festivals:

07/27: Red Eagle Campground, MT @ Fire in the Mountains Fest
08/23: Eisfeld (DE) @ Wolfszeit Festival
12/19: Leipzig (DE) @ Black Hole Fest Germania III – Frost Edition
04/05/26: Munich (DE) @ Dark Easter Metal Meeting

Creator of Blackbraid: Sgah’gahsowáh

‘Blackbraid III’ Album Credits:
Composed & performed by Sgah’gahsowáh
Drums, recording, mixing & mastering by Neil Schneider
Guitar solo in “God of Black Blood” performed by Randy Moore
“Fleshbound” originally composed by Lord Belial
Painting by Adam Burke
Illustration by Adrian Baxter
Visual development & graphic design by Wolf Mountain Productions

Follow // Listen: Bandcamp – Spotify – Apple Music – YouTube – Instagram

Shop/Pre-order: Official Merch Store (USA) – Official Merch Store (EU) 

GIANT Share New Single + Lyric Video ‘It’s Not Right’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Giant. Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Enzo Mazzeo, Marcus Stridberg, Jimmy Westerlund

Melodic rockers Giant are pleased to share their new single and official lyric video “It’s Not Right”, taken from their latest album “Stand And Deliver”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl. 

Buy/Stream“Stand And Deliver” HERE

Giant return with a powerful new chapter in their storied career, featuring a fresh lineup that propels the band’s signature sound to exhilarating new heights.

Drummer and founder David Huff expressed his excitement for the new album: “Making Giant records has always been our passion! Thanks to everyone at Frontiers we can make our dreams happen. I know it’s a bit of a different lineup but whoever is in the lineup the legacy of Giant lives on”.

The new album entitled “Stand And Deliver” showcases once again the talents of David Huff on drums, Mike Brignardello on bass, Kent Hilli (of Perfect Plan) as the commanding lead vocalist, with the addition of Jimmy Westerlund (One Desire) on guitars. Westerlund also takes on mixing duties alongside Alessandro Del Vecchio, who adds his touch on keyboards as a featured guest.

As if this dynamic combination of talent was not enough, the album also includes some gems penned by the original guitarist and singer Dann Huff including “Time To Call It Love” (a collaboration with the late Mark Spiro), “Holdin’ On For Dear Life” and “Paradise Found”, coming both from his sessions with Van Stephenson, which strongly link the new album especially with the sound of the classic album “Time To Burn”.

However, with this new album, Giant deliver the hard-hitting rock and melodic hooks that fans have come to expect, while pushing the boundaries of the genre with a state-of-the-art production.  

Originally formed in the late ’80s by brothers Dann and David Huff, together with the experienced jazz and rock keyboardist Alan Pasqua and Nashville session bass player Mike Brignardello, Giant would soon become one of the most respected bands of the melodic hard rock scene, with the release of their debut album “Last Of The Runaways” (A&M Records, 1989).

Following countless live performances in support of their debut, the band released the follow-up “Time To Burn” (Epic, 1991), an album still regarded as a main source of influence for many melodic and hard rock bands who came after. With the sudden change of musical climate in the early ’90s, Giant disbanded with their members becoming involved in different projects, with both Dann and David Huff becoming well respected producers.

In 2001, Frontiers prompted Giant to release “III”, an album that would prove to be a landmark in the growth of the new era Melodic Rock scene, particularly in Europe. Unfortunately, Dann’s busy schedule along with the other members’ commitments made the reunion impossible to carry on as had originally been planned; however, the vision of bringing Giant back as a band with a recording and touring line-up was something that the band was still open to exploring, even if Dann had to step away. 

Thus, original members, drummer David Huff and bassist Mike Brignardello, with the blessing of Dann started endless research for the right musicians that could be part of a renewed Giant line-up. In the end, the choice fell on vocalist Terry Brock (ex-Strangeways) and guitarist John Roth (Winger, Starship). 

The resulting album, “Promise Land” soon became a fan favorite, showcasing top quality songwriting and performances. Giant, however, went into hibernation again, with the exception of a one-off show in 2017, where the original band members reunited on a Nashville club stage for a charity event.

That event piqued fan interest and Frontiers and David Huff started talking again to see if they could manage to find the right formula for a new album from Giant. When the Swedish band Perfect Plan released a cover version of the Giant’s original hit “Stay” in 2019, then all pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place. 

Huff and Brignardello were keen on the idea of Kent handling lead vocals for the next Giant release. Dann Huff gave his seal of approval, appearing on lead guitar on the single “Never Die Young”, which anticipated the successful release in 2022 of the “Shifting Time” album.

“Stand And Deliver” Tracklist:

1.    It’s Not Right
2.    A Night To Remember
3.    Hold The Night
4.    I Will Believe
5.    Beggars Can’t Be Choosers
6.    It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over
7.    Stand And Deliver
8.    Time To Call It Love
9.    Holdin’ On For Dear Life
10.    Paradise Found
11.    Pleasure Dome

Line Up:
Kent Hilli – Lead Vocals
Jimmy Westerlund – Lead Guitar 
Mike Brignardello – Bass
David Huff – Drums

Follow GIANT:
Facebook
Instagram

GAUPA’s Mini Album “Fyr” Out Today with ‘Lion’s Thorn’ Lyric Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: GAUPA. Leave a comment

Acclaimed progressive stoner rock powerhouse GAUPA have released a video for their song, ‘Lion’s Thorn‘, the blistering opening track of their brand new 4-track mini-album FYR, out today via Nuclear Blast Records (digital) and Magnetic Eye Records (physical).

FYR is the follow-up to the Swede’s highly acclaimed sophomore album MYRIAD, and features some of GAUPA‘s heaviest and most absorbing work to date

Emma Näslund (vocals) commented:
”In a world full of chaos I hope these songs will bring you dance, hope and lust to resist oppressors.”

Vinyl and CD editions of FYR contain the physical-formats-only track ‘Sömnen / Febersvan (Live at Monkey Moon Studios, 2023)‘.

PURCHASE OR STREAM THE NEW MINI ALBUM FYR: https://gaupa.bfan.link/fyr

Tracklist
1. Lion’s Thorn
2. Heavy Lord
3. Ten of Twelve
4. Elastic Sleep
5. Sömnen / Febersvan (Live at Monkey Moon Studios, 2023)

GAUPA live in 2025
05.07.   Stoomfest – London, UK
02.08.   Krach Am Bach – Beelen, GER
17.08.   Motocultor – Carhaix-Plouguer, FR

GAUPA return with new mini album “Fyr” and a slimmed down line-up to serve up some of their heaviest material to date. A multi-layered play on words, in the Swedish language “Fyr” can mean ‘four’, which coincides with this being GAUPA‘s fourth release. Yet it can also mean ‘lighthouse’, ‘beacon’, and ‘fire’, which for various reasons fit the music and lyrical content as well.

GAUPA have utilized the departure of guitarist Daniel Nygren, who left the band in 2024, to manifest a “big turning point”, according to remaining and now sole guitarist David Rosberg. With various changes to their writing process, they also worked in new studios, with a new recording crew, and new visual artists.

New engineer Karl Daniel Lidén has given the tracks on “Fyr” a grittier, more aggressive sound. At the same time, the core elements of the Swedes’ musical approach are present: spellbinding intricacy, tripped-out, spacious verses guiding a steady stream of psychedelia, and waves of hard stoner riffs.

Inspired largely by Ursula K. Le Guin’s award-winning science fiction novel “The Word for World Is Forest”, vocalist Emma Näslund’s lyrics contemplate the concept of time as well as the essential question as to what is real, which seeps throughout the songs.

Since the release of their self-titled EP in 2018, GAUPA – which translates as ‘lynx’ in English – have paved new ground in the stoner and psychedelic scene, building a unique cosmos defined by enchanting lyrical surrealism and mind-altering sounds. In 2020, their debut album “Feberdröm” pushed them into the international spotlight with its outstanding blend of progressive metal, doom, stoner, and folk, steered by the entrancing vocals of Emma Näslund.

Following the arrival of 2022’s full-length “Myriad”, with the track ‘Exoskeleton’ reaching over a million streams on Spotify (the EP’s ‘Febersvan’ now has over 4 million), GAUPA went on to deliver unforgettable performances at prestigious festivals including Wacken Open Air, Hellfest, Sweden Rock, Mystic, and Desertfest among many others, as well as on tours with underground heavyweights such as UNCLE ACID AND THE DEADBEATS, BLOOD CEREMONY, and GRAVEYARD.

Although GAUPA describe “Fyr” as a “patchwork of parts”, with each member having an equal part to play, this mini album comes as a solid record that sets a high bar for their future works. For the present, lean back, listen closely, and enjoy this captivating waypoint on the GAUPA journey!

(Based on a text originally written by Liz Scarlett)

The physical release of “Fyr” comes with a bonus track that is not included in the digital version.

Line-up
Emma Näslund – vocals
Jimmy Hurtig – drums
Erik Jerka Sävström – bass
David Zol Rosberg – guitars

Guest musician
Adrian Dal Cero – bagpipe on ‘Lion’s Thorn’

Drum recording by György Barocsai at Svenska Grammofonstudion, Göteborg (SE)
Bass recording by György Barocsai at Svenska Grammofonstudion, Göteborg (SE)
Vocals, guitars & bagpipes recorded by David Zol Rosberg, Emma Näslund & Erik Ståhlberg at Estethuset studios & Emma’s shed, Falun (SE)
Mixed by Karl Daniel Lidén
Mastering by Karl Daniel Lidén

Cover artwork by Kutlayus
Layout by David Åhrström

www.gaupaband.com
www.facebook.com/gaupaband
www.instagram.com/gaupaband

SEPTICFLESH: “Live At The Acropolis II – Prometheus Unchained” Sold Out in Less Than 48 Hours

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Septicflesh. Leave a comment

Last week, Symphonic death metallers SEPTICFLESH announced they were returning to Odeon of Herodes Atticus at the Acropolis of Athens. Following a sold out performance in 2024, the band are beyond grateful to announce the tickets for this year’s Live At The Acropolis sold out in less than 48 hours.

On September 27, SEPTICFLESH will reunite on stage with the Athens State Orchestra including the Adult and Children’s Choir under the baton of Koen Schoots. This ceremony will be extra special as the venue will be closing for maintenance and restoration that is scheduled to be closed for at least 3 years.

SEPTICFLESH comments,
“SOLD OUT in less than 48 hours! Thank you for your overwhelming support! Once again, history is written in ancient stone. Stay tuned…”

Formed as “Septic Flesh” in Greece in the early ’90s, SEPTICFLESH has carved an indelible mark on the metal scene. With a rich history spanning decades, the band has continuously evolved their sound, incorporating symphonic elements to create a truly unique sonic experience. From their debut EP Temple of The Lost Race to their latest masterpiece SEPTICFLESH has captivated audiences with their dynamic compositions and haunting melodies. With each album, they push the boundaries of symphonic metal, weaving together intricate orchestrations with crushing riffs and powerful vocals. Don’t miss your chance to witness their monumental live performances, where the thunderous sound of SEPTICFLESH will engulf you in a whirlwind of emotion and intensity.

AURI Release Vibrant New Single & Video for ‘Museum of Childhood’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: AURI. Leave a comment
Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/AURlband

Music has the power to open inner worlds—crafted from voices, sounds, and emotions that resonate deep within the soul. Today, AURI invites listeners into their ethereal soundscape with the release of ‘Museum Of Childhood,’ the second single from their highly anticipated upcoming album, III – Candles & Beginnings, out August 15, 2025.

‘Museum Of Childhood’ is a vibrantly beautiful composition, stirring emotion and sending shivers down the spine. It is a shining example of AURI’s ability to transport listeners away from the noise of reality into a dreamlike realm of serenity and wonder.

Accompanying the single is a stunning music video that immerses viewers in AURI’s enchanted world—where light and shadow dance with emotion and imagination.

Open your heart and ears. Let AURI be the beacon of light that guides you through the dreamscape.

Johanna Kurkela comments: “ As we venture deeper into the enchanting realm of our new album ‘Candles & Beginnings’, we take flight on the wings of imagination, across the safe havens of our hearts, into the ‘Museum of Childhood’. “

Listen to ‘Museum Of Childhood’ here: https://auri.bfan.link/museum-of-childhood

Pre-order the album here:https://auri.bfan.link/iii-candles-beginnings

Having been a studio endeavour in the past, AURI is finally going on tour with their first- ever live European trek kicking off in August 2025. Check out the dates:

AURI – A Trail Of Candles & Beginnings 
13.08. FI  Kitee, Kiteesali
14.08. FI  Kitee, Kiteesali
16.08. FI  Tampere, Tampere-talo 
20.08. FI  Oulu, Madetojan Sali 
22.08. FI  Vaasa, Ritz 
23.08. FI  Helsinki, Helsinki Festival / Huvilateltta (+ Eye Of Melian) 
12.09. UK  Manchester, RNCM Theatre 
13.09. UK  Edinburgh, Queen ́s Hall 
15.09. UK  London, Union Chapel 
16.09. BE  Gent, Theaterzaal Vooruit 
17.09. FR  Paris, La Cigale (+ Eye Of Melian) 
18.09. NL Utrecht, Tivoli Vredenburg (+ Eye Of Melian) 
20.09. CH  Zürich, Volkshaus 
21.09. DE  Stuttgart, Liederhalle 
22.09. DE  Cologne Theater am Tanzbrunnen (+ Eye Of Melian) 
23.09. DE  Essen, Lichtburg 
25.09. DE  Mannheim, Capitol 
26.09. DE  Munich, St. Matthäuskirche 
27.09. AT  Vienna, Simm City 
29.09. HU  Budapest, MOM Kult 
30.09. CZ  Prague, Hybernia 
01.10. DE  Berlin, Passionskirche 
02.10. DE  Leipzig, Kupfersaal 
04.10. PL  Warsaw ,Palladium 
06.10. DE  Hamburg Laeiszhalle 
07.10. DK  Copenhagen, Amager Bio 
08.10. SE  Stockholm, Nya Cirkus 
09.10. NO  Oslo Sentrum Scene 
10.10. NO  Bergen Grieghallen 

LIGHTNING STRIKES Announce Guest Guitar Armada for ‘The King Is Victorious’ Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: LIGHTNING STRIKES. Leave a comment

Los Angeles CA based heavy metal outfit LIGHTNING STRIKES have announced a guest guitar armada of world class axe slingers to fortify their upcoming sophomore effort, ‘The King Is Victorious’, set for release later this year.

The album’s monumental title cut, which features the 45-piece Moscow Symphony Orchestra, will include lead spots from Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD), Rowan Robertson (DIO, BANG TANGO), Rob Math (LEATHERWOLF, SOUL SIGN), Dario Mollo (VOODOO HILL, Tony Martin), Mark Zavon (KILL DEVIL HILL, 40 CYCLE HUM), and Takehiko ‘Shake’ Kogure (RED WARRIORS, REBECCA). In addition, Michael T. Ross whose credits include Aldo Nova, Lita Ford and ANGEL will contribute keyboards. Says drummer/producer/mastermind Karpis Maksudian: “Once ‘The King Is Victorious’ started taking shape and its epic scope became clear, I knew I wanted tons of guitar to reflect the vibe of the song. And there is nothing better to manifest a battle scene than having guitar players chopping heads!  I couldn’t be more stoked that my old friends Z, Rob and Dario said yes immediately and I was able to get Rowan, Mark, Shake and Mike as well. These guys are all awesome!”

The bulk of the album was recorded by Maksudian, Japanese guitar virtuoso, Norifumi Shima (CONCERTO MOON), American bassist extraordinaire, Barry Sparks (MSG, Yngwie Malmsteen), and up-and-coming Argentinian vocalist, Mariano Gardella, with keyboardist maestro, Derek Sherinian (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, SONS OF APOLLO), who guested on the group’s debut album, also making an appearance.

Originally formed in 1984, LIGHTNING STRIKES were the first metal band to feature an all Armenian-American line-up, well over a decade before the arrival of SYSTEM OF A DOWN. Co-founder Maksudian revived the name with new personnel a quarter century after the initial breakup recording the group’s self-titled 2016 full-length debut with Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes (SINISTRA, HANGAR), the aforementioned Rob Math and Derek Sherinian, and former BLACK SABBATH vocalist, Tony Martin, who sang on and wrote the lyrics to ‘Death Valley’ and ‘301 AD Sins of Our Fathers’. Mixed by Roy Z, the album was well received and peaked on the Japanese Burrn! Magazine import charts at number 6.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightningstrikesrocks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightningstrikesrocks/
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YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@lightningstrikesofficial387

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