MANUEL Join The Phoenix Within & Ashes Reign for “Reign of the Phoenix” East Coast Tour

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 2, 2026
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Progressive metal act MANUEL has joined NYC-based alternative prog-rock band The Phoenix Within and Central Virginia melodic metal outfit Ashes Reign for a multi-date East Coast tour billed as the Reign of the Phoenix Tour.

The Reign of the Phoenix Tour is not just a series of shows—it’s a surge of resistance, rebirth, and raw expression crashing through the East Coast.
This tour brings together three distinct forces in modern heavy music—each with their own voice, each refusing to conform. From the emotionally explosive soundscapes of The Phoenix Within, to MANUEL’s genre-bending fusion of progressive metal and Latin fire, to Ashes Reign’s relentless melodic aggression—this lineup doesn’t just perform, it erupts.

Every night is designed to feel like a release—of pressure, of truth, of everything that’s been building beneath the surface. It’s loud, it’s vulnerable, it’s chaotic, and it’s real.

This is music for those who feel everything deeply. This is for the outsiders, the fighters, the ones rebuilding themselves from the ashes. The Phoenix doesn’t rise quietly—and neither does this tour.

The Lineup

The Phoenix Within is an independent NYC-based alternative prog-rock band that incorporates diverse elements and styles of rock into their soundscape. The band is fronted by Omar Feliciano and is backed by bassist Nick Narlis, guitarist John Narlis and drummer James Narlis.
Their songs are emotionally charged, always walking a thin line between hard rock elements and heavy, felt vulnerability. Their themes explore topics such as resilience, perseverance, and the underdog mentality.

Ashes Reign is a melodic metal band from Central Virginia delivering a powerful blend of traditional metal with modern appeal. After releasing their debut EP, “Mountain Echoes” in 2022, they quickly followed up the following year with their thrashy reimagining of the classic Rolling Stones masterpiece, “Paint it Black”, entitled “Paint it Thrash”.The band signed with independent label Affiant Records (Dallas, TX) in mid-2023 and have been working on their debut album with Chris Dawson of Aphotic Studios (Kansas). Their newest release, ‘My Final Plea’, continues to delve deep into interpersonal conflict lyrically while the band relentlessly enforces the subject matter sonically.

Manuel: Born and raised in Los Angeles, Manuel Urgiles has forged a reputation as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary progressive metal. His band MANUEL merges intricate, virtuosic guitar work with authentic cultural influences, creating a sound that is both visceral and intellectually charged. Grammy Award winner Stacy Parrish calls MANUEL “a true musical revelation, pushing boundaries with genre-defying fusion and emotionally charged, virtuoso guitar performances.”Manuel has already established themselves as a formidable live force, performing at major New England festivals including All Roads and VICES Fest, with a relentless touring schedule across the Northeast. Their high-energy performances have captivated audiences across metal, punk, and alternative scenes alike, proving that authentic artistry transcends genre boundaries.

MANUEL is:
Manuel Urgiles – Lead/Rhythm Guitar
Jason Ingalls – Drums
Thomas Hiscock – Bass Guitar
Ryan Cummings – Rhythm Guitar
DJKTF – Keys/Percussion

Stream “Parasite” here: orcd.co/parasiteep

CONNECT WITH MANUEL:
Official Website: manuelguitarist.com
Bandcamp: westboundmusic.bandcamp.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/manuelguitarist
Instagram: www.instagram.com/manuelguitarist
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MANUELGUITARIST

NUCLEAR WARFARE Release New Video for ‘United in Thrash’ + Announce European Tour Dates

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 2, 2026
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About a month ago, the new album “All Hail To The Liberator” by German thrash metal band NUCLEAR WARFARE was released. With “United By Thrash,” the guys now present a track from the album, packaged with live and tour impressions as a video clip on YouTube.

At the same time, the “United By Thrash European Tour” kicks off on May 7th, featuring around 20 dates across Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Switzerland.

You’ll find the complete tour dates and the link to the video below – check it out!

UNITED BY THRASH EUROPEAN TOUR 2026 – SPRING CAMPAIGN

07/05/26 – BAFO DE BACO – LOULLÉ/PT 🇵🇹
08/05/26 – X TREM BAR – CASTELO BRANCO/PT 🇵🇹
09/05/26 – NEVERLATE – COVILHÃ/PT 🇵🇹
10/05/26 – FUNDICION NAUTILUS – VIGO/ES 🇪🇸
12/05/26 – EL PUEBLO CAFÉ CULTURAL – OURENSE/ES 🇪🇸
13/05/26 – BURIL – SARRIA/ES 🇪🇸
14/05/26 – LOS BANCOS DE ATRÁS – UNQUERA/ES 🇪🇸
15/05/26 – CS LA CASA – VALLADOLID/ES 🇪🇸
16/05/26 – F.E.T.O FEST – VIC/ES 🇪🇸
17/05/26 – SALA CREEDENCE – ZARAGOZA/ES 🇪🇸
19/05/26 – SALEM BAR – BORDEAUX/FR 🇫🇷
20/05/26 – PUB EPAP – LLEIDA/ES 🇪🇸
21/05/26 – KJBI – MONTPELLIER/FR 🇫🇷
22/05/26 – EMMA 23 – HEILBRONN/DE 🇩🇪
23/05/26 – THE CAVE – AMSTERDAM/NL 🇳🇱
24/05/26 – VORT N VIS – IEPER/BE 🇧🇪
19/06/26 – NED CLUB – MONTREUX/CH 🇨🇭
20/06/26 – TBC
21/06/26 – KV – NÜRNBERG/DE 🇩🇪
22/06/26 – LIVE CLUB – BAMBERG/DE 🇩🇪

Album Order:
▶ https://amzn.to/4b5NyJO
▶ https://nuclearwarfarethrash.bandcamp.com

More info:
▶ https://fb.com/ThrashMetalTank
▶ https://www.instagram.com/nuclearwarfarethrash/

GATES OPEN Released New Single ‘The Black Scorpion’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 1, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Tatu Neejärvi/Tatu Neejärvi Productions

Finnish death metal band Gates Open released a new ferocious single ‘The Black Scorpion’. 

LISTEN to ‘The Black Scorpion’ single: https://push.fm/fl/gates-open-scorpion

–Composed, mixed & mastered by Jere Neejärvi
–Lyrics by Tommi Manninen
–ISRC: FI3FC2600801
–Artwork by Gates Open

The band comments:
“The black scorpion has always been present where fear and darkness meet. It moves through cultures. From the deserts of South America to the deepest chambers of the human mind, always as the same symbol: inevitable, venomous, and powerful.

This song, however, is not solely about destruction. It is a metaphor for the shadows that live within all of us, for those fears that move in silence before striking with full force. Black Scorpion is a journey into darkness, where fear is confronted, not escaped.

It is fast-paced, enigmatic, and inevitable, just like the creature itself.

Step inside. Let the venom flow. Face the darkness.”

BIOGRAPHY:

Gates Open is a Finnish blackened death/thrash metal band. The band was founded in early 2023. Gates Open is a band founded by two men, the band includes Jere Neejärvi, in the role of guitarist/composer, and Tommi Manninen as singer.

The members’ united history began already in 2007 during the previous band’s time. Our band moved to the distribution of the Inverse Records label in June 2023. The first official single “The Awakening” under Inverse Records was released in June 2023. The second official single “Let The Night Become Your Guide” was released in October 2023. Our third single, by the band name “Gates Open” was released in December 2023. Our first full-length debut album “Voice After Silence” was released in February 2024. A single release called “Nightmares Coming True” from “Black Clouds Over The World” EP was released June 2024. A second single release called “Preys And Predators” from “Black Clouds Over The World” EP was released August 2024. A six-song EP called “Black Clouds Over The World” was released October 2024. A single release called “The Blood On Their Hands” was released October 2025. The Upcoming single release called “The Black Scorpion” will be released in spring 2026. 

Line-up:
Tommi Manninen – Vocals
Jere Neejärvi – Guitars, Bass, Drums

https://www.facebook.com/gatesopenband
https://www.instagram.com/gatesopenband
https://gatesopen.bandcamp.com

DEVIN TOWNSEND Launches Delicate And Expansive New Video Single ‘Home At Night’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 1, 2026
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Canadian metal maverick Devin Townsend recently announced the long-awaited release of his ambitious, orchestral-metal opus ‘The Moth’, out 29th May 2026 via InsideOutMusic.

Pre-order the album: https://dvn.lnk.to/TheMothNE

Devin is pleased to release the video for the track ‘Home At Night’; a track that shows a more delicate side of ‘The Moth’, but one that is no less expansive. Watch the video, produced by longtime collaborator Mike Zimmer, here:

CAELESTIA Sign Exclusive Worldwide Deal with Eclipse Records, New Full-Length Album “Revelations In Black” Out July 24th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 1, 2026
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Photo Credit: Elena Vasilaki

Eclipse Records is thrilled to announce the signing of an exclusive worldwide deal with CAELESTIA from Athens (GREECE). After joining forces with legendary producer Zack Ohren (Machine Head, Six Feet Under, Immolation), the band are poised to deliver their new full-length album entitled Revelations In Black – a sophisticated blend of melodic black metal and modern death metal, featuring the legendary Marc Reign (formerly of Destruction and Morgoth) on drums. The album is scheduled to be released via Eclipse Records on July 24, 2026.

“I am incredibly excited about this partnership with Eclipse Records!” says vocalist Pantelis “Lordwinter” Daskalelos, “This feels like a massive step forward for the band. It is a huge reward for the effort that we put into our new album, to be included in the roster of a well-established label like Eclipse Records” Guitarist Vassilis Thomas adds “Having experienced firsthand all the stages of the band’s history so far, I see our collaboration with Eclipse Records as a very important milestone. Eclipse Records, unlike labels that we have worked with in the past, is willing and able to offer a very wide array of promotional and distribution services, which will really take our band a step further. That’s why I feel very proud about this signing.”

Album coverart by Elena Vasilaki

Originating from Athens, Greece, Caelestia has undergone a profound sonic transformation that bridges the gap between the melodic Gothenburg sound and the mechanical precision of American death metal. For this ambitious project, the group traveled to Castle Ultimate Studios to work under the direction of acclaimed American producer Zack Ohren, whose resume includes heavy hitters like Machine Head, Six Feet Under, and Immolation. The resulting record is a masterclass in modern extreme metal that balances technical accuracy with atmospheric depth. The album explores dark psychology and history within the lyrical themes. The title track, “Revelations In Black,” adapts Carl Jacobi’s vampire fiction, while “Dead Eternal” pays tribute to Mayhem’s Per Yngve Ohlin (Dead), focusing on the artist revealed in his personal correspondence letters. Conversely, “Wolves” examines the historical Werwolf organization at the end of WWII, highlighting the tragic brainwashing of youth by propaganda. These tracks showcase the band’s new intellectual depth and guitar-driven sound. With artwork provided by Elena Vasilaki, the visual aesthetic of the album complements the dark mythological and metaphysical allegories found within the music. Caelestia has spent years touring across Europe and the UK, and that grit is evident in every riff of this ten-song collection. Revelations In Black was produced, mixed and mastered by Zack Ohren (Machine Head, Six Feet Under, Immolation), and it is scheduled for release on July 24, 2026.

Pre-Save or Pre-Order Revelations In Black at this location.

Revelations In Black track listing
01. La Morte Amoureuse
02. Buried
03. Jutland
04. Wolves
05. The Slopes of Tenmokuzan
06. Fall of the Demon King
07. Five Unicorns and A Pearl
08. Revelations In Black
09. Reflection of the Beast
10. Dead Eternal

Caelestia lineup
Pantelis “Lordwinter” Daskalelos (vocals & lyrics), Bill (Vassilis) Thomas (guitar & music), Andrew Geo (guitar), Stelios “SD” Tragos (bass), Marc Reign (drums)

For more information about Caelestia and their Revelations In Black album, please visit them on Facebook,  Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or Eclipse Records and follow them on Spotify or Apple Music now!

HEGONY Return with New EP “Deviations” — an Unsettling Release Built on Obsession, Decay & Raw Analog Sound

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 1, 2026
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HEGONY is a death metal band formed in Wrocław in late autumn 2017. From the very beginning, the group has consistently embraced a raw, uncompromising form of death metal, drawing on the aesthetics of the early 1990s. Clear, motoric song structures, heavy riffs, and deep, organic growls are the foundation. A raw, analog sound, devoid of studio polish, completes the whole. The compositions also feature a moderate simplicity characteristic of the British scene and sporadic, cool melodic accents inspired by Scandinavia. HEGONY doesn’t force anything – they focus on clear form, weight, and consistency.

2018 brought their first concerts and intensive work on material. The result was their debut album, “First Stab” (2019), released by Via Nocturna. With this release, the band made their mark on the Polish underground scene and began performing regularly on club stages. In 2020 the split album “Underground Covenant” was released, recorded with friendly bands from Lower Silesia – a material that declared their commitment to the local scene and the underground DIY ethic.

The next step was the demo “Second Stab” (2021), released as a preview of a full-length album. A year later, “Turpistic Ecstasy” (2022) premiered – a material that made HEGONY‘s name increasingly appear in reviews and discussions about Polish death metal.

At the end of 2025, the band returned with the EP “Deviations” The material was recorded, mixed, and mastered in the band’s private studio. Herr was responsible for all production, further underlining the independent nature of the release. The cover art was created by Rotted Artist, who has previously collaborated with artists such as Baalzagoth, Codex Nero, and Vomitvsanctvs.

This is a demanding and unsettling album – far from a one-time listen. HEGONY‘s music draws you in gradually, imposing itself on the subconscious and returning with obsessive regularity. “Deviations” doesn’t flaunt its substance; instead, it builds an atmosphere of growing phobia, internal decay, and pulsating aggression.

The latest EP in physical form on CD can be purchased directly from the band on Bandcamp. You can also listen to this record on popular streaming platforms.

TRACKLIST:

1. Brutal      
2. Some Things Should Stay Buried    
3. The Hunt    
4. Visions of Torture

LINEUP:
Ogre – vocals
Boro – bass, backing vocals
Herr – guitars, ambient textures
Lynx – drums

More info: Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram