Hammerheart Records are reissuing the earliest entries in Vintersorg‘s discography in the form of a CD box set limited to 500 copies titled A Dialogue With the Stars, among other surprises.
Coming on 26th September with a poster featuring extended artwork, A Dialogue With the Stars includes the following titles, fully remastered in 2025 by Andreas “Vintersorg” Hedlund himself for an enhanced audio experience:
* Hedniskhjärtad (EP – 1998, not sold individually) * Till Fjälls (Album – 1998) * Ödemarkens Son (Album – 1999) * Cosmic Genesis (Album – 2000)
Also available for pre-order on the Hammerheart Records webstore are the Till Fjälls and Ödemarkens Son vinyl reissues (in three colours), as well as the Till Fjälls, Ödemarkens Son, and Cosmic Genesis CD reissues sold individually.
Vintersorg‘s highly anticipated new studio album, Vattenkrafternas Spel, will also be released by Hammerheart Records on 26th September.
For fans of: Týr, Enslaved, Månegarm, Borknagar, Falkenbach Genre: Folk Metal/Prog Metal
Vintersorg is the enduring vision of Swedish vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Andreas Hedlund, who has been blending harsh black metal, Nordic folk, and progressive soundscapes since 1994. What began in the frost-covered north of Skellefteå under the name Vargatron has grown into one of Scandinavia’s most unique and consistently evolving metal projects.
Early albums like Till Fjälls and Ödemarkens Son made a name for Vintersorg with their raw yet melodic take on pagan black metal steeped in nature, folklore, and sweeping clean vocals. Later records like Cosmic Genesis and The Focusing Blur took a sharp turn toward the philosophical and the cosmic, diving into metaphysics, astronomy, and avant-garde experimentation.
Known for a signature mix of soaring baritone vocals, icy black metal shrieks, layered harmonies, and a refusal to play it safe, Vintersorg continue to carve their own path, untamed, cerebral, and deeply connected to the forces that shape both nature and sound.
Current line-up:
Andreas “Vintersorg” Hedlund – vocals, guitars, keyboards, programming Mattias Marklund – lead guitars Simon Lundström – bass
Finnish black metal -group Mourniaty takes the listener on a journey to an era, when Christianity’s seeds would not take root in a frosted ground. Instead of faith you would only find cold steel and death.
”Kyynelten virta” (Stream of Tears) is the debut single from Mourniaty’s forthcoming debut-album ”Musta maa” (Black Earth). The albums contains more Anti-Christian stories sung both in English and Finnish. Album will be released globally by Inverse Records. You better brace yourself.
Musta maa Track list:
Ajan saattama
Musta maa
All Your Lies
Aika Roudan
Shrines
Kyynelten virta
Seventh Seal
A Son of the Plague
Sodomia
Pyhä on valani
Mixed by Karulainen & Joona Rinne / Deep Noise Studios Mastered by Saku Moilanen / Deep Noise Studios Album cover by Karulainen
When you get fed up with Christianity and Paganism starts to arouse your interest, interesting things are often created. Sometimes this process needs an accelerant, which is exactly what happened when Karulainen and Metällinen found themselves to be merged in the same family tree. Now, what else would fresh, Finnish relatives do but make aggressive noises together? This gave an outlet for the music Karulainen had already been writing.
Finnish Mourniaty began its life as a smoldering project already in 2015. It burst into raging fire five years later, when situations in life permitted concentrating on music full-time. When bass player Tenho joined the group in 2022, Mourniaty finally became a real band instead of two men with backing tracks.
Karulainen describes Mourniaty’s music as black metal, which combines mid-tempo grooves and even symphonic arrangements combined with lyrics sung in both Finnish and English, which revolve around themes of Paganism and Anti-Christianity. The debut album, “Musta maa” (Black Earth), will be released thru Inverse records on digital platforms and in cd-format in November of 2025. What a perfect soundtrack for the darkest season of the year.
‘Sex With Socks’, the new single by BOOBS LICKERS, is out now on all digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion.
The track was born in Los Angeles and produced by the legendary Fabrizio Grossi (Steve Vai, Billy Gibbons, Alice Cooper) during the Volcano Session held in California last January. Boobs Lickers were among the standout acts of the initiative, with six explosive performances, including two fiery shows at the iconic Whisky a Go Go and Viper Room on the Sunset Strip.
Visceral funk rock, sensual groove, and punk attitude: Sex With Socks is a provocative and sweaty track that urges listeners to free their bodies and minds. “Get on top, get on up” is the battle cry that opens the song, a call to surrender to rhythm, flesh, and instinct. It’s a powerful, raw, and uncensored sonic experience. Hailing from Piedmont, Italy, Boobs Lickers describe their music as “funk without protection,” a hybrid of the raw energy of Red Hot Chili Peppers, the rage of Rage Against The Machine, and the madness of Primus.
The single is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major digital platforms.
Time To Kill Records is proud to welcome SLYTHER, a young and ferocious Italian thrash metal band, to its roster.
With a solid foundation of live experience already under their belt, SLYTHER stand out for their ability to revisit thrash metal tradition with energy and freshness, blending the classic attitude of bands like Metallica and Overkill with the irreverent crossover edge of acts such as Municipal Waste.
Their debut album is set to be released in the coming months via Time To Kill Records. Full details will be revealed soon – stay tuned!
Biography:
SLYTHER is a young thrash/crossover band hailing from Pescara, Italy, and active since 2020. Formed by musicians born between 2005 and 2007, the group delivers a direct, high-energy sound rooted in modern thrash with strong crossover influences.
Since 2022, SLYTHER has been active on the live circuit, performing at major events such as the Day 0 of Frantic Fest 2023 and sharing the stage with well-known names in the Italian underground like Game Over and Fingernails. Among their first releases is the single “Shut The Fuck Up” (July 2023), which has surpassed 10,000 streams and offers a taste of the debut album currently in the works.
Line-up:
Marco Aquino – Vocals, rhythm guitar Federico Pavese – Drums Federico Pistilli – Lead guitar Giovanni De Bonis – Bass
British melodic rock legends FM return with their 15th studio album, Brotherhood – a compelling and cohesive statement of the band’s enduring class and creativity. Released by Frontiers Music Srlon September 5th, the album is available to pre-save digitally, and pre-order on CD and vinyl from https://ffm.to/fmbrotherhood.
To celebrate, the band have released “Living on the Run” – the first single from the highly anticipated album. Watch the official music video for the new single on YouTube HERE.
Once again delivering their signature blend of hook-laden AOR and blues-tinged hard rock on Brotherhood, FM reaffirms their status as masters of the genre.
Brotherhood showcases a band still at the top of their game, with highlights including the infectious anthem “Living on the Run“, the unforgettable anthemic rocker “Don’t Call It Love”, the punchy and powerful “Coming For You“, and the emotionally charged “Time Waits For NoOne” – all tracks that echo the spirit and melodic strength of FM’s early classics yet are unmistakably fresh and vibrant.
“First single, Living On The Run, is a great hard-hitting melodic fast-moving track,” says FM’s lead singer, Steve Overland. “The song is about what the title suggests, a real Bonnie and Clyde storyline. A very instant big chorus, which makes for a good first single choice.”
The opening track, “Do You Mean It“, brings a bluesy, soulful vibe that echoes the Doobie Brothers’ classic “Takin’ It To The Streets” sound, setting the tone for the album. Brotherhood also features one of FM’s most powerful ballads to date, “Just Walk Away” – a beautifully emotional song that highlights the band’s mastery of melodic rock. Wrapping up the album is “The Enemy Within“, a track that introduces exciting new sonic ideas while retaining the powerful and melodic qualities FM fans love.
Supporting vocals from a female guest choir add warmth and dynamic depth to “Do You Mean It” and “Just Walk Away,” perfectly complementing Steve Overland’s consistently exceptional lead vocals.
“I am proud of the new album,” enthuses Overland, “It is one of our strongest song albums to date. It is another milestone, as it’s FM’s 15th album. It’s very well paced and has great variation in song styles throughout. The album’s big ballad, Just Walk Away, is one of our best. I hope our fans feel the same way as we do about Brotherhood.”
Formed in the 80’s by the Overland brothers, FM are one of the UK’s seminal and respected rock bands. The new album was recorded by FM’s long-standing and beloved line-up including founding members Steve Overland, Merv Goldsworthy, and Pete Jupp, alongside keyboard player Jem Davis and guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick.
To promote Brotherhood, FM will embark on a major UK headline tour in September 2025 with 14 concerts, followed by European dates in early 2026. Visit FM’s official website for tickets.
Album Track Listing Do You Mean It (3.54) Living On The Run (4.19) Coming For You (4.11) Raised On The Wrong Side (4.50) Love Comes To All (3.51) Just Walk Away (6.08) Don’t Call It Love (5.00) Time Waits For No One (4.59) Because Of You (4.47) Chasing Freedom (4.47) The Enemy Within (5.48)
Band Line-up Steve Overland – Vocals, guitar Merv Goldsworthy – Bass Pete Jupp – Drums Jem Davis – Keyboards Jim Kirkpatrick – Guitars
Production Credits Produced by FM Studios: Tremelo Studios, West3 Productions, The Seldom inn, JK Studios, Electric Pepperland Recorded by Pete Jupp Mixed by Jeff Knowler Mastered by Jim Griffiths at Principal Audio Backing vocals on “Do You Mean It” and “Just Walk Away by Sonia Jones and Jade Morgan
SPECIAL GUESTS: *BRAVE RIVAL, **ROSALIE CUNNINGHAM, ***JACK J HUTCHINSON
Grimsby Docks Academy Thursday 4 September ***Special Guest: Jack J Hutchinson Tickets: The Gig Cartel The Church, King Edward St, Grimsby DN31 3JD https://docksacademy.com
Barnsley Birdwell Venue Friday 5 September ***Special Guest: Jack J Hutchinson Tickets: The Gig Cartel Sheffield Rd, Birdwell, Barnsley, S70 5UY https://birdwellvenue.com
Edinburgh Liquid Rooms Saturday 6 September *Special Guest: Brave Rival Tickets: The Gig Cartel 9C Victoria St, Edinburgh, EH1 2HE http://www.facebook.com/TheLiquidRooms
Newcastle Wylam Brewery Sunday 7 September *Special Guest: Brave Rival Tickets: The Gig Cartel & Ticketweb Palace of Arts Exhibition Park, Claremont Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PZ http://www.wylambrewery.co.uk/events
Bristol Fleece Thursday 11 September *Special Guest: Brave Rival Tickets: The Gig Cartel 2 St Thomas St, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6JJ https://thefleece.co.uk
Cardiff Globe Friday 12 September *Special Guest: Brave Rival Tickets: The Gig Cartel 125 Albany Rd, Cardiff, CF24 3NS http://www.globecardiff.co.uk
Gloucester Guildhall Saturday 13 September ***Special Guest: Jack J Hutchinson Tickets: The Gig Cartel 23 Eastgate St, Gloucester, GL1 1NS http://www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk
Colchester Arts Centre Sunday 14 September *Special Guest: Brave Rival Tickets: The Gig Cartel Church Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1NF http://www.colchesterartscentre.com
London O2 Academy Islington Thursday 18 September **Special Guest: Rosalie Cunningham Tickets: The Gig Cartel 20-22 Highbury Corner, London, N5 1RD http://www.thegarage.london
Wolverhampton KK’s Steel Mill Friday 19 September **Special Guest: Rosalie Cunningham Tickets: The Gig Cartel Starworks Warehouse, Frederick Street, WV2 4DU http://www.kkssteelmill.co.uk
Manchester Club Academy Saturday 20 September **Special Guest: Rosalie Cunningham Tickets: The Gig Cartel Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PR http://www.manchesteracademy.net
Leeds Old Woollen Sunday 21 September **Special Guest: Rosalie Cunningham Tickets: The Gig Cartel Sunnybank Mills, 83 85 Town St, Leeds, LS28 5UJ https://oldwoollen.co.uk/home
Chester Live Rooms Saturday 27 September ***Special Guest: Jack J Hutchinson Tickets: The Gig Cartel 1 Station Road, Chester, CH1 3DR http://www.theliverooms.com
It’s such a great idea that it’s astonishing no-one had thought of it before – a bold new compilation that unites a host of legendary goth/darkwave acts with the next generation of shadow-shapers to reimagine some of the darkest, most iconic songs ever written!
From the haunted first wave goth of The Danse Society to the industrial punch of Aesthetic Perfection, PLUS new offerings from Rosetta Stone (“Devil Woman”) and Corpus Delicti (a mind-melting “Dancing In The Dark”), this compilation is cohesive yet varied, a love letter to darkness in its many forms!
Due for release on August 7, all the classics are here: Los Bravos’ mid-1960s hit “Black Is Black,” as seen through the minimalistic eyes of The KVB; Black Sabbath’s “Black Sabbath” given a fresh lick of darkness by Belarusian post-punks Nürnberg; the Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” redecorated by Darkways; Deep Purple’s “Black Night” taken home by Rotersand.
Other highlights include Priest’s thunderous take on Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun,” Then Comes Silence’s alchemical recasting of “I Put A Spell On You,” Vampire Beach Babies audacious approach to David Bowie’s “Blackstar,” and there’s even room for some traditional Americana, as Kirlian Camera revisit “The House of the Rising Sun” and Bloody Dead and Sexy get to work on “Black Betty.”
And released as a single today, the Human League’s New Romantic-era classic “Darkness,” as spotlit by Australian enigma Buzz Kull.
Originally heard on the League’s breakthrough album Dare in 1981, it’s a tricky song to tackle, as Buzz Kull’s Marc Dwyer acknowledges.
“I wasn’t prepared to deliver the theatrical intro of the original track, but regardless of how stripped-back and simple it may sound to the average listener, the key changes in this song are incredibly difficult to even partially replicate. It’s very much tailored to Philip Oakey’s extraordinary vocal delivery.”
But this isn’t nostalgia, or even black-clad novelty. Drawing from more than a century’s worth of classic songwriting, The Black Album is a vital reawakening of the post-punk, deathrock sound that has lingered in the margins of the shadows for years, now rising to claim center stage!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 