Finland’s multi-Platinum cello-rockers APOCALYPTICA have issued the following:
Hey you,
we’re having an amazing time on the festival stages this summer! In 2024, we didn’t play a single festival. But in 2025, we’re back, bringing cello metal to audiences all across Europe! Last week, we played at Hellfest. If you missed our set in Clisson (or the livestream), you can still watch the full show on the ARTE Concert YouTube channel:
New headline shows in North America and Mexico
After this incredible festival summer, we’ll be heading across the Atlantic joining Halestorm and Lindsey Stirling on their North America tour! And there’s more: we’ve just announced five of our own headline shows in Richmond, Baltimore, Cleveland, Lincoln and Eugene. Tickets are on sale now. And of course, we do not forget our fans in Mexico. See you in November in Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Puebla, Toluca and Guadalajara !
At our shows in Mexico, Turkey and at our headline dates in North America, we’re offering a limited number of upgrade tickets, each including a Meet & Greet with us! We love hearing your stories and how you’ve connected with Apocalyptica over the years. These Meet & Greets are kept to a limited number of people so that everyone gets a moment to say hello, take a photo and share a few words with us! You will also get some additional merch items with the package in Mexico and North America.
US Prog Metal legends Transcendence are excited to announce the release of their long awaited new studio album “Nothing Etched in Stone – Pt. I”, out now via Cosmic Fire Records.
In addition, Transcendence has also released the focus track, “Voices in the Dark”, alongside a stunning lyric video that you can watch below.
The band comments on the new single:
“‘Voices’ is actually the oldest track on the album. Jeff brought in the main guitar parts right after we had done the ‘3 Stones’ EP. For the chorus, John brought in a string section that he had written back when he was a teenager but had never used. It seemed a natural fit over Jeff’s guitar parts, so we ran with it. We actually played it live when we opened for Dream Theater on the Metropolis tour. Later, we revisited it, and it worked with the theme of ‘Nothing Etched in Stone’, with some obvious tune ups, of course”!
Tracklist:
Discovery
Take Control
One Fear
Shades of Winter
Last Solstice
Infect the Nations
The Edge Awaits
Voices in the Dark
Lost… Dream
In… Time
Ruins… Before the Dawn
Open the Sky (CD bonus track)
Says the band about the album:
“We’re all excited here with the impending release! We’ve got our friends and family on watch for the moment ‘Nothing Etched in Stone’ becomes a reality! We’re very blessed to have all the support from them and special shout out to Thanos and everyone at Cosmic Fire Records for helping us bring our message to the world”.
The new album weaves a poignant narrative of an artist’s journey through passion, loss, and redemption. The story follows an artist who discovers his creative “stone” and pursues it relentlessly, drawing inspiration from “the edge” near his home. A devastating loss, linked to a global crisis orchestrated by rogue agencies, shatters his world, dimming his creativity and peace. Grappling with grief, he escapes to a foreign land, briefly reigniting his art but spiraling into addiction and obsession. Upon reflecting on his work, he foresees loneliness and returns home, questioning whether his dreams held him back while glimpsing a transcendent future.
Recorded, produced, and mixed by Bart Rose at Fort Worth Sound, with mastering by Derek Taylor (Eniac Requiem), “Nothing Etched in Stone” captures Transcendence’s evolution while staying true to their progressive metal roots. The album features a new vocal powerhouse, Brian Dixon (Resonance Theory, X Opus), who stepped in after the departure of original vocalist Greg Drew. Dixon was recommended by Travis Wills (Crimson Glory), who was unable to join due to prior commitments but recognized Dixon’s ability to carry the band’s vision forward.
Buy and stream “Nothing Etched in Stone Pt. I” here.
“Nothing Etched in Stone – Pt. I” is poised to reaffirm Transcendence’s place among prog metal’s elite, delivering a sonic journey that is as thought-provoking as it is musically intricate.
About TRANSCENDENCE:
TRANSCENDENCE was formed in the late ‘90s in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area by Kirk Wood (Bass), Jeff Ford (Guitar), Greg Drew (Vocals), John Von Rosenberg (Drums), and John Howser (Keyboards).
“The Meridian Project” was released in 2001 and quickly sprang to #1 on MP3.com for both the album and the song “Alpha Omega”. John Von Roseneberg left the group immediately after “The Meridian Project” release and was very capably replaced by Derrek Edwards.
During that time they also released a three track EP titled “3 Stones” (2003).
TRANSCENDENCE spent the next 14 years opening for the likes of Dream Theater, Geoff Tate, and countless other national acts in their home town.
TRANSCENDENCE has been a cornerstone of the US progressive metal scene since their formation. Known for their intricate compositions and emotionally charged performances, the band has garnered a dedicated following over the decades. With “Nothing Etched in Stone”, Transcendence continues to push boundaries, blending technical prowess with profound storytelling.
TRANSCENDENCE are: Brian Dixon – Vocals, vocal harmonies Jeff Ford – Guitars Kirk Wood – Bass, vocal harmonies John Howser – Keys, piano Derrek Edwards – Drums
“Heaven doesn’t want me, and hell’s afraid I’ll take control…”
SMASH INTO PIECES‘ brand-new single “Broken Halo” is finally here — a dark, cinematic anthem that dives deep into themes of inner conflict, redemption, and raw human emotion.
This track is heavy, haunting, and unmistakably Smash Into Pieces.Watch the official music video now — it’s one of our most striking visual stories yet.
After a monumental start to 2025, alt-metal trailblazer Jake Oni has revealed his breakout project ONI will release a new EP, Genesis Pt. II, on August 1st. The record follows the critically acclaimed first chapter, Genesis Pt. I, that was released in January and will feature 6 riveting alt-metal anthems produced by writing partner and Spiritbox bassist Joshua Gilbert.
Commenting on the incoming EP, Oni says:
“I am really proud of the Genesis EP, and writing it was very cathartic. As I released the songs and the fan feedback got stronger and stronger, I felt like I hadn’t finished saying everything with the first e.p and still had all these amazing songs that truly felt like a continuation of my Genesis story.
I hope the fans, find the message in these songs, and it helps them as much as it helped me.“
Today, ONI reveals Genesis Pt. II’s first single, “Float,” with a video produced by Nick Hipa (ex-AS I LAY DYING).
Oni adds about the single:
“Float is a beautiful piece of art that I hope everyone can find their own meaning in. I co-wrote this song with Josh Gilbert last year, I love how we added the pop influence to this emotional song. I’ve been excited to release it ever since we wrote it. This song is the first single off my PT II of the Genesis series.“
Genesis Pt. I and Genesis Pt. II will be released as one album, Genesis, exclusively on CD on August 1st. A limited edition Genesis merch collection will be available as well.
Stream “Float” and pre-order Genesis Pt. II on CD: oni.os.fan
Genesis Pt. 2 EP Tracklist:
1. What I’ve Become 2. Drug Me To Sleep 3. Reset 4. Illumination 5. Float 6. Retribution
Genesis Tracklist
1. Erase 2. Realign 3. Deja VU 4. Walk Away ft lil Aaron 5. Control 6. What I’ve Become 7. Drug Me To Sleep 8. Reset 9. Illumination 10. Float 11. Retribution
*Complete album comprised of EPs, Genesis Pt. I and Genesis Pt. II available on CD only August 1st.
About ONI: Formed in 2014 by vocalist Jake Oni, ONI quickly became one of Canada’s most promising metal artists with his distinct amalgam of experimental progressive songwriting, brute metalcore savagery and cathartic melody. ONI roared to life with the release of his 2016 debut album, Ironshore, which was produced by Josh Wilbur (Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Dillinger Escape Plan) and featured guest vocals by Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe on the song “The Only Cure.”
ONI followed up with a monstrous Alone EP in 2019, and returned with his critically lauded second full-length, Loathing Light in 2022, that boasted guests Iggy Pop and Blythe on the song “Secrets” and “Heart To Stone,” which was featured on Spotify’s Best of Kickass Metal 2022 playlist.
Along his meteoric rise in the metal scene, ONI has shared the stage with acts like Megadeth, Gojira, Bullet for My Valentine, Starset, Children of Bodom, Rob Zombie, Death Angel and The Devin Townsend Project.
ONI released his third full-length album, The Silver Line, in 2023. The metal artist’s most dynamic yet cohesive album yet was produced, mixed, and mastered by the duo of Spiritbox bassist Josh Gilbert and Joe McQueen (As I Lay Dying, Light The Torch, Bad Wolves). “The Silver Line” is as ambitious as it is catchy and incisive. A quick perusal of the guests featured on ONI’s third album reveals the wide range of his appeal. “Silence In a Room of Lies” pairs ONI with YouTuber and musician Jared Dines. “Underneath My Skin” features Sleeping With Sirens frontman Kellin Quinn. “Aura” boasts Gilbert and ex-Killswitch Engage singer Howard Jones. Pop-punk-resurgence star Sueco lends his voice to “Spark.” “The Silver Line” uped the ante once more, adding another full-length chapter to ONI’s ever-expanding songbook.
With the prolific project in full gear, ONI reveals his latest work Genesis; a collection of massive singles, “Deja Vu,” “Walk Away,” “Control,” “Realign” and “Erase,” that further solidify his place among alternative metal’s best new acts.
Upstate New York’s rising metalcore unit Fight From Within released their new single “Collapse” through TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. The single is from their forthcoming albumTalk is Cheap.
“We tend to run ourselves ragged in life,” says the band about the single. “Eventually it catches up with us.This song was written with these ideas in mind. The collapse of everything around us when life becomes too much. It’s inevitable, but how we deal with it defines us.”
The band is currently direct support on the Fight The Dinosaur Tour, featuring Hunt the Dinosaur, Fight From Within, and Resistor. The tour kicked off June 13th and runs through July 13th, delivering a full month of crushing performances.
“We are extremely excited to be supporting Hunt The Dinosaur with our homies in Resistor. We get to revisit some of the best places we’ve played, and have new places to see. We have some incredible local support for the entire tour, and look forward to seeing all of our fans and friends!” says the band.
Founded in early 2021, Fight From Within has built a name through their crushing blend of metalcore, hardcore, and beatdown, drawing on influences from genre giants like Bury Your Dead, Polaris, Evergreen Terrace, Emmure, Invent/Animate, Every Time I Die, and Attila. They use these different influences to create their own unique aggressive sound.
In 2022, the band entered the studio with Pablo Viveros of Chelsea Grin, working on what would become their debut full-length album, set to drop later this year through TLG|ZOID, distributed through Virgin Music Group. Their momentum continues to grow—having kicked off 2025 with a standout performance at Sonic Temple, marking their fourth major festival appearance in just three years.
Catch them live this summer—Fight From Within is ready to make 2025 their year. Check out Fight From Within HERE!
Fight The Dinosaur Tour, remaining dates: July 1 Alchemy, Providence, RI *Resistor July 2 Morsberger’s Tavern, Catonsville, MD *Resistor July 3 Super Rad Arcade Bar, Lynchburg, VA *Resistor July 5 Hoots Beer Co., Winston-Salem, NC July 6 Ground Zero, Spartanburg, SC July 9 Madison Live!, Covington, KY July 10 Wrong Side 812, Jeffersonville, IN July 11 The Vinyl Lounge, Nashville, TN July 12 529, Atlanta, GA July 13 Friends On The Hill, Warner-Robins, GA
On the march to DAEDRIC‘s sophomore album, “Callous” almost didn’t make it in its final form. Originally written in 20 minutes back in 2021, the song felt outdated, until the band made a bold last-minute decision to completely rework it. Reshaping the production, adding an atmospheric electronic edge, turning it into a modern, dynamic track that fit the album’s vision “Callous”, is the balance the album needed. It now serves as an emotional counterpoint to “Iridescent Wings,” showcasing the band’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge their own work.
Lyrically, “Callous” explores deep betrayal and heartbreak, built around themes of abandonment and retribution. The title reflects a false sense of emotional detachment—punishing someone while secretly suffering yourself. The dual vocals create a back-and-forth tension, almost like an argument with oneself. “The duality between the vocals worked out well, it’s like a conversation with yourself or with the other person,” Kristyn Hope recalls.
The song’s outro features heavily auto-tuned vocals, a divisive but ultimately beloved choice. Originally, there were plans for a guest feature, but the band decided to keep it internal. One of the most amusing moments? The breakdown only features a single screamed word: “rot.”
Daedric is an alternative rock and metal project led by vocalist and artist, Kristyn Hope, alongside producers, Clay Schroeder and Geoff Rockwell.
Daedric draws inspiration from an eclectic array of sources including the open world role-playing game series, The Elder Scrolls, from which the Daedric name is derived. The musical soundscape can best be described as “all killer, no filler” (according to Metal Epidemic) with a dance of hypnotic synths, elaborate grooves, and intensely dynamic vocals.
Kristyn launched the Daedric project in 2021 through a partnership with electronic rock label FiXT. With the debut full-length album, Mortal, and a May 2025 tour supporting TesseracT under Daedric’s belt, the project has solidified its hold on the line between rock and metal, with promises to tighten its grip on listeners’ ears. The band continues forward with a new album slated for release in late 2025.
Daedric has collaborated with labelmates Celldweller, Fight The Fade, Andromida, Void Chapter, and Highsociety for a gamut of well received singles that have also pulled in more fans from across the world. After dropping a variety of singles, music videos, and collaborations Daedric has amassed nearly 500K followers across all platforms, scored interviews in Outburn’s issue #112, mentions on Louder Sound, Punk Rocker, Metal Hammer, Metal Injection Spotify’s official “Women Of Metal” playlist, and recognition from Cristina of Lacuna Coil in a Spotify Women of Metal roundtable discussion between Lacuna Coil, Spiritbox, and Halestorm. They’ve also gained notoriety as Daedric’s track “Abandon,” a collaborative effort with Andromida, found its way into the spotlight when Ubisoft chose it for inclusion in a promotional trailer for Rainbow Six Siege.
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 ) 