THE VINTAGE CARAVAN Announce New Studio Album “Portals” + Reveal First Single & Music Video ‘Riot’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 25, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo credit: Stefán Ari Stefánsson]

Icelandic retro-fueled prog rock trio THE VINTAGE CARAVAN have announced their return with their sixth studio album, entitled Portals, set for release on September 26, 2025 via Napalm Records!

“We proudly present our sixth studio album, Portals. It’s our most diverse, dynamic, experimental album and in our opinion, our best effort yet,” the band states. “Portals was recorded at Arda Recorders in Porto, Portugal in October 2024 with Axel ‘Flexi’ Árnason, with whom we worked on Voyage (2012), Arrival (2015) and the Monuments Tour (2023). This is the first time we recorded on tape and we are so happy with the results. We feel that this time we really managed to capture our live energy.

The title of the album is a nod to the city of Porto and connecting the songs are a series of interludes which we call “Portals” that set the mood and bring you to the next track. We can’t wait for you to experience the journey that is Portals!”

Today, the charismatic band have released a music video for first album single “Riot”, a track dripping in the trademark THE VINTAGE CARAVAN sound, rich in bluesy psychedelia infused with modern intensity and irresistible riffs.

“’Riot’ came to me in a dream. It’s the only time that has happened to me, ” singer and guitarist Óskar Logi Águstsson reveals. “I woke up around 7 am humming the first two riffs and I really liked it and I thought to myself, “I’ll go back to sleep for a bit and then I’ll work on this”. Then I woke up again and I forgot the main riff, which was a bummer and I tried remembering the pattern all day until I gave up and went to bed, right as I was drifting off to sleep it came back to me! Thankfully!

The track is an energetic and heavy one. The lyrics were inspired by the 2024 riots in England. We were touring the country at the time, it was a very surreal thought to be possibly caught up in a Riot and I knew I wouldn’t do very well in that sort of situation, so that’s what inspired me to write the lyrics. 

We hope you enjoy Riot and remember, don’t start a riot, just listen to this tune instead.”

Portals is another testament to THE VINTAGE CARAVAN’s endlessly creative, modern take on the psychedelic retro rock sound, cementing the band’s leading position in the scene. The band’s previous studio album, Monuments, hit #21 on the German charts, marking a milestone in their evolution, and the new offering – which also features a stunning guest performance by Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt on the soulful album opener “Philosopher” – continues to solidify THE VINTAGE CARAVAN’s reputation as torchbearers of contemporary classic rock. Aside from their critically acclaimed releases, the band’s electrifying live performances have mesmerized audiences at major festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Hellfest, as well as on international tours both as headliners and as support for the likes of progressive metal giants Opeth. THE VINTAGE CARAVAN will be celebrating the release of Portals with extensive headline tours in mainland Europe and the UK, announced for autumn 2025.

Pre-order Portals HERE

Track List:

  1. Philosopher (ft. Mikael Åkerfeldt)
  2. Portal I
  3. Days Go By
  4. Portal II
  5. Here You Come Again
  6. Current
  7. Give and Take
  8. Portal III
  9. Crossroads
  10. Alone
  11. Portal IV
  12. Freedom
  13. Riot
  14. Electrified
  15. Portal V
  16. My Aurora
  17. This Road

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN live:
25/09/2025 BE Brussels – Botanique
26/09/2025 FR Paris – Le Petit Bain
27/09/2025 NL Leeuwarden – Into The Void
28/09/2025 DE Hannover – Faust
29/09/2025 DE Berlin – Frannz
30/09/2025 DE Hamburg – St. Pauli Bahnhof
01/10/2025 DE Dortmund – Piano
02/10/2025 NL Tilburg – Hall Of Fame
03/10/2025 DE Cologne – Volta
04/10/2025 DE Karlsruhe – P8
05/10/2025 DE Pratteln – Up in Smoke Festival
07/10/2025 DE Tübingen – Sudhaus
08/10/2025 DE Bielefeld – Forum
09/10/2025 DE Jena – KuBa
10/10/2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos Saal
11/10/2025 DE Munich – Keep It Low Festival
12/10/2025 AT Vienna – Arena
25/10/2025 UK Margate – Margate Rock Festival, Margate
26/10/2025 UK London – Camden Assembly
27/10/2025 UK Brighton – Dust
28.10/2025 UK Southampton – The 1865
29/10/2025 UK Bristol – Exchange
30/10/2025 UK Birmingham – Mama Roux
31/10/2025 UK Newcastle – Think Tank
01/11/2025 UK Glasgow – Classic Grand

Tickets: http://www.thevintagecaravan.eu

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN is:
Stefán Ari Stefánsson – Drums, backing vocals, percussion
Óskar Logi Águstsson – Electric guitars, vocals, acoustic guitars, flute
Alexander Örn Númason – Bass guitars, backing vocals, synthesizers, Farfisa

For More Info Visit:
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NAPALM RECORDS

80s Femme Fatale Metal Queen LORRAINE LEWIS Returns with New Single + Video ‘Living Like There’s No Tomorrow’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 25, 2025
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Not quite 40 years since the L.A.-based band released their still-epochal self-titled debut album, rewrote the rules for late 80s metal, and then effectively disappeared from view, singer Lorraine Lewis remains a captivating performer and songwriter, and proves it with “Living Like There’s No Tomorrow,” the first single from what promises to be one of 2025’s most eagerly-awaited albums.

Written by Lorraine and guitarist/producer Steve Brown, “Living Like There’s No Tomorrow” has a killer singalong chorus, and is certain to become of the songs of the summer.  It is also, she says, a very personal song.  

“It relates to me on so many levels. There have been times when I thought it all might be over. But I picked myself up, brushed off the dirt and got back in the ring. It’s about never giving up, never letting anyone get over on you to take you out & remembering who you are! Everyone can relate to that on some level. And Femme Fatale has never been out. I’ve always been here just waiting for this moment.

“I’m forever grateful to Steve Brown for calling me a year ago and saying ‘let’s make a record.’ That’s exactly what we’ve done. I can’t wait for people to hear the new song, see the video and hear the other singles we will be dropping.  We have big songs coming and I’m over the moon to have signed with Cleopatra Records.”

Recorded with Brown and Joel Hoesktra on chiming guitars, and the alchemical rhythm section of Sean McNabb (bass) and Matt Star (drums), “Living Like There’s No Tomorrow” is accompanied by a truly invigorating video – although you may need to hide behind the sofa if you have a fear of heights.  Yes, that’s Lorraine leaping out of a plane, however many thousands of feet above the ground.

As for bringing Femme Fatale back, Lorraine has little more than fabulous memories of the original Femme Fatale.  “But this is and has always been my band & I get to call the shots, which is the way I like it. I live life to the fullest & always have my foot on the gas. There is no stopping me.”

Indeed, there isn’t.  In keeping with the theme of living life to the max, Lorraine is also currently writing a book, stepping into the reality show arena and she has a vivacious presence on Only Fans, too. 

“Like I said, my foot is always on the gas!”

SINGLE: https://orcd.co/femmefatalelorrainelewis_livingliketherenotomorrow

VINTERSORG Announce New Album “Vattenkrafternas Spel”, First Single ‘Malströmsbrus’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 25, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo credit: Johan Karlsson

Vintersorg return with their brand new studio album Vattenkrafternas Spel, which will be released on 26th September via Hammerheart Records. The first offering ‘Malströmsbrus’ is now streaming via the label.

Pre-orders for Vattenkrafternas Spel are now available here: https://vintersorg.lnk.to/vattenkrafternasspel

Vintersorg comment on the track: “We feel the first single ‘Malströmsbrus’ is a great symbol for the entire album and a framing of what Vintersorg is about, the melodies, the epic vibe, the harsh black metal element still present and a symphonic approach to the songwriting“

FFO: Falkenbach, Moonsorrow, Borknagar, Finntroll, Kampfar, Einherjer
Genre: folk metal/prog metal

Vintersorg is the enduring vision of Swedish vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Andreas Hedlund, who’s 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.

Track-list:
1. Efter Dis Kommer Dimma
2. Störtsjö
3. Malströmsbrus
4. Från Djupet Dunstar Tiden
5. Ur Älv Och Å
6. Kraftkällan
7. Regnskuggans Rike
8. Skyrök
9. Ödsliga Salar

Line-up:
Vintersorg – Guitars, Keyboards, FX and Drum Programming
Matte Marklund – Lead Guitars
Simon Lundstöm – Bass

Polish Guitarist/Songwriter ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ Unleashes Epic Rock Ballad ‘You Are The Magic’ – A Cinematic Journey Through 80s -Inspired Arena Rock

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 25, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

Acclaimed guitarist and songwriter ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ has released his most ambitious single to date, “You Are The Magic”, an epic rock ballad that channels the golden era of 80s arena rock through a contemporary lens. The track is now available on all major streaming platforms, accompanied by an official lyric video on YouTube.

Drawing inspiration from rock legends including Meat Loaf, Desmond Child, and Bon Jovi, “You Are The Magic” represents a bold artistic statement that combines cinematic scope with emotional authenticity. The song features multiple key changes, soaring melodies, and even cinematic choir arrangements that elevate the listening experience to theatrical heights.

“This song is really about believing in something bigger than ourselves,” Citowicz reflects. “In our fast-paced digital world, sometimes we need music that reminds us there’s still magic to be found. I wanted to create something that would make people smile when those key changes hit – that moment when the music just lifts you up.”

The single showcases the continued creative partnership between Citowicz and longtime collaborator Patryk Szymanski, who provides bass and production duties. Their decade-plus musical relationship reaches new heights on this release, with Szymanski’s bass work being particularly noteworthy throughout the verses.

“Working with Patryk on this track has been incredible,” Citowicz explains. “His bass work is pure magic – I encourage everyone to listen carefully to what he’s doing in the verses. He doesn’t just play the bass; he understands the emotional arc of the song and supports it perfectly. Having someone who gets your musical vision after all these years is invaluable.”

Szymanski’s production brings out the epic qualities of the composition while maintaining the intimate emotional core that defines Citowicz’s songwriting approach. The result is a track that feels both massive and personal, combining the anthemic qualities of classic rock with modern production sensibilities.

“I’ve always been inspired by songwriters like Desmond Child who could craft these universal themes wrapped in unforgettable melodies,” Citowicz notes. “There’s something about that era of rock music – Meat Loaf’s theatrical drama, Bon Jovi’s anthemic energy – that spoke to the heart while reaching for the stars. That’s what I wanted to capture with this song.”

The official lyric video, available on YouTube, complements the song’s cinematic nature with visual elements that enhance the epic storytelling. The production represents months of careful crafting, with attention paid to every detail from the choir arrangements to the strategic placement of key changes designed to maximize emotional impact.

“You Are The Magic” follows Citowicz’s recent heartfelt single “The World I’ll Hold For You,” showcasing the artist’s range and continued evolution as a songwriter. While maintaining his signature emotional depth, this new release demonstrates his ability to craft music that works on both intimate and arena-sized scales.

The Cairo-based musician continues to build his international following, with his YouTube channel recently surpassing 70,000 views. His unique position as a Polish artist creating English-language rock music from Egypt adds a distinctive international perspective to his work.

“Music has this incredible power to connect people across cultures and continents,” Citowicz concludes. “Whether you’re in Cairo, New York, or anywhere in between, when that chorus hits and those key changes soar, we’re all experiencing that magic together. That’s what rock and roll is supposed to do.”

“You Are The Magic” is available now on all major streaming platforms and as an official lyric video on YouTube.

About Andrzej Citowicz:
Andrzej Citowicz is an acclaimed Polish guitarist and songwriter currently based in Cairo, Egypt. As a former recording artist for DownBoys Records, he has built a reputation for emotionally resonant songwriting and distinctive guitar work. His music combines classic rock influences with contemporary production, creating a sound that bridges generational gaps while maintaining artistic authenticity.

Connect with Andrzej Citowicz:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7aIeg5DyI7xwkYLsBgJNWf
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndrzejCitowicz
Instagram: https://instagram.com/citovitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citovitz/

℗© 2025 Citovitz and The Fireflies of February / Andrzej Citowicz

SOWULO to Release New Album “NIHT” on August 29th, ‘Āsteorfan’ Video Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 25, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by © Henk van Rijssen

For the past 15 years, Faber Horbach has traced our connection with the sun through the music of Sowulo, but his upcoming concept album, NIHT,  journeys into darkness. Written while grieving the loss of both his father and stepfather, lead single “Āsteorfan” (“To Die”) is a meditation that, while filled with sorrow, finds that death is not a final resting place, but a portal into spiritual awakening.  

“Āsteorfan” marks a threshold in NIHT‘s conceptual journey through the subconscious, cycles of decay and spiritual teachings of the Moon. The song is grounded in ancient instrumentation and ritualistic textures. Nyckelharpa and carnyx merge with deep percussion and throat singing, creating a sonic terrain that feels both ancestral and sacred. The minimal yet immersive arrangement evokes the inner descent into silence and stillness, offering a moment of surrender that echoes far beyond the self.  

The music video for “Āsteorfan” was filmed and directed by Jasper van Gheluwe. Color grading was done by Micky Huijsmans.

NIHT comes out August 29 on Season of Mist.

Tracklist:
1. Niwe Mōna (1:03)
2. Seolfren Sicol (3:43)
3. Āsteorfan (4:00)
4. Sōl ond Māni (5:24)
5. Full Mōna (4:18)
6. Miċele Steorran (4:33)
7. Mōnaþblōd (4:12)
8. Nihtēagan (4:04)
9. Carnyx (3:46)
10. Eald Mōna (5:22)
11. Swefnian (4:14)
12. Heolstor Sċeadu (4:04)
13. Genihtian (1:35)
Full runtime: 50:18

Sowulo is the evocative musical work of Faber Horbach, blending the spiritual philosophy of ancient Northern Europe with the continuous cycles of the universe.

Through the use of a wide array of historical instruments, melancholic melodies, and philosophical lyrics in Anglo-Saxon, Sowulo crafts an immersive sonic landscape that invites listeners to embark on an inner journey.

Weaving together the sounds of instruments like the Carnyx, Nyckelharpa, Celtic Harp, Shaman drums, Blow horns, Irish Bouzouki, Taglharpa, Lyre, Viola and various traditional vocal techniques, Sowulo shapes its distinctive sound.

The name “Sowulo,” meaning “Sun” in Proto-Germanic, reflects the essence of the music. As we circle the sun, we feel the cyclical nature of life: day and night, the four seasons, birth and death, and the eternal dance between decay and renewal.

᛫ ᛇ ᚩ ᚹ ᚢ ᛚ ᚩ ᛫

Line-up:
Faber Horbach | Vocals, Throat singing, Nyckelharpa, Carnyx, Irish bouzouki, Percussion, Synths & VST
Micky Huijsmans | Vocals
Chloe Bakker | Celtic triplett harp
Maria Angeles Chaparro Fuentes | Viola
Rikke Linssen | Violin
Heleen de Jonge | Cello
Tessa van Genderen | Carnyx, Bukkehorn, Blowhorns
Bart van den Brink | Taglharpa
Tim Elfring | Small percussion

Production Credits:
Recorded at Lil’ Heaven Studios, Arnhem, The Netherlands
Produced by Faber Horbach
Recorded by Faver Horbach & Alain Kalender
Mixed by Fieke van den Hurk & Marie de Koning at DearWorld Studio and Studio MDK
Mastered by Erwin Maas at eMastering

Cover Art:
Album & artwork concept | Faber Horbach
Line artwork and graphic design development | Micky Huijsmans
Graphic design | Travis Smith

Photography:
Sannamari Sallmén
Aldwin Lehr

Follow Sowulo:
Official website: https://www.sowulo.nl/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowulo.music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sowulo
Bandcamp: https://sowulo.bandcamp.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sowuloofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4BkdqpIEhl0tKZ5xpAo5pR
Songkick: https://www.songkick.com/artists/9118989-sowulo/calendar
DoomStar roster: https://doomstarbookings.com/artists/sowulo/

SCARDUST Share Live Video ‘Touch Of Life’, Feat. Ross Jennings

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 24, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Lahav Levi

Progressive symphonic metal band Scardust are pleased to share their new single “Touch Of Life I – In Your Eyes (Feat. Ross Jennings)”, from their highly anticipated new studio album “Souls”, out July 18th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. 

The single is accompanied by a special live performance video of the full three-part saga “Touch Of Life”, offering fans an exclusive first look at the entire epic suite.

The band commented: 
“Touch Of Life” is a three-part musical trilogy that retells the story of Pygmalion – with a twist. It serves as an allegory for the life of an artist, or really anyone striving to become a better version of themselves. The song follows the greatest sculptor on Earth, who cannot find a woman he deems beautiful enough to be worthy of his craft – or his love. Eventually, he chooses to sculpt the most beautiful woman his imagination can conjure. He falls in love with his own creation and begs the gods to bring her to life. This is where the original myth ends – but for us, it’s just the beginning”.

“We took the narrative in a new direction. As musical performers, we see ourselves as both the sculptor and the sculpture – constantly shaping ourselves, day by day, in pursuit of unreachable standards”, they continued. “It’s a process full of beauty, but also emotional weight. The full trilogy will be released as a live performance video on YouTube. In addition, the first part will be released as a single from the album”.

“We’re especially excited to share this work with the incredible Ross Jennings (Haken), who performed in the original studio version and also joined us live – the very performance from which this video was recorded and filmed”, Scardust added.

Pre-Order “Souls” HERE

The band commented on the new album by saying: “Souls is a deep personal journey for us, combining everything from intricate progressive elements to sweeping symphonic passages, anthemic choruses and epic choirs. This album is a milestone for the band. It contains the Scardust DNA while experimenting with different writing and composing methods, involving every single musician in the band, resulting in the creation of the next evolution of our sound and pushing the boundaries of what we can express through music.”

“Thematically we’ve explored ideas of memory, belonging, loss, and the desire for connection, weaving in influences from different musical worlds, including orchestral, Mediterranean, and even Celtic sounds”, they added. “Souls is our most ambitious album to date, incorporating Scardust’s signature technical musicianship, and featuring the Hellscore choir and a string quartet throughout the entire album plus guest appearances from some international top tier musicians like Ross Jennings (Haken), Ally Storch (Subway to Sally), a Turkish orchestra and the TLV orchestra. It’s bold, it’s emotional and we hope it resonates deeply wherever it is heard.”

With the release of the band’s first EP, “Shadow” (2015) and the release of their first full length LP. “Sands of Time” (2017) Scardust positioned them as a promising newcomer of the new progressive metal scene. They rapidly rose to the top of the local metal scene, selling out shows and opening for the likes of Symphony X, Therion and Epica and started touring overseas playing festivals and headline shows in Germany, China and the UK as well as continuing to headline shows and festivals at home.

From the beginning the band strove for exceptional artistic and instrumental achievement at the highest level and Noa Gruman’s voice captivates her listeners whether with its gentle purity, operatic power or guttural growls.
Despite the challenges of Covid-19, 2020 saw the release of their sophomore album “Strangers” accompanied by seven self-produced music videos. Described by Dead Rhetoric as “captivating from start to finish”, “Strangers” introduced a unique concept album built on complementary song pairs, earning strong critical and fan acclaim.

2022 started on a high note with the visit of folk star Patty Gurdy, who joined Scardust for a live show in Israel and filmed the band’s most viewed video to date, “Concrete Cages”. That summer, the band headlined multiple shows across Europe, performing to packed arenas at Wacken Open Air & Dong Open Air where they earned the praise of Testament’s Steve Di Giorgio who, on hearing the band from backstage, ran out front and watched the entire set ‘mesmerised’. 

The year concluded with the release of the dramatic one-shot video “Evolution Of The Disney – But She’s METAL” in which Noa weaves her way through a magical metal arrangement of all the best-known Disney Princess songs.

2023 saw Scardust release “Game Of Now”, a cinematic piece set in a futuristic dystopian live show, play festivals and concerts across Europe and join power metal legends Blind Guardian on tour. The year culminated in the signing of a major multi-album deal with Frontiers Records – heralding the release of the highly anticipated album “Souls”. 

December 2024 saw the release of “My Haven” from “Souls”, followed by “RIP”, “Unreachable” and “Dazzling Darkness”. With 2024 being taken up with writing and recording “Souls”, it wasn’t until early 2025 that they were able to announce that Ross Jennings (Haken) was guesting on the album and was to join the band for a headline show resulting in the epic Touch of Life video.

Alongside Scardust’s rise, Noa Gruman’s metal choir, Hellscore, has been gaining significant recognition. Known for their unique a cappella renditions of metal classics, they have collaborated with renowned artists and bands such as Epica, Therion, Amorphis, and Alestorm. Hellscore is also an integral part of Scardust’s sound, performing on all their albums and live shows.

Noa Gruman is also much in demand as a vocalist and the already-impressive list of her recent guest vocal appearances includes albums by Amorphis, Ayreon, Therion, Gloryhammer, Nino Helfrich and Orphaned Land.

If you are looking for the most fresh and innovative progressive album, “Souls” is set to be a milestone for the genre.

“Souls” Tracklist:

1.    Long Forgotten Song
2.    My Haven
3.    RIP
4.    Dazzling Darkness
5.    Unreachable (feat. TLV Orchestra)
6.    End Of The World
7.    Searing Echoes (feat. Ally Storch)
8.    Touch Of Life I – In Your Eyes (feat. Ross Jennings)
9.    Touch Of Life II – Dance Of Creation
10.    Touch Of Life III – King Of Insanity (feat. Ross Jennings)

Line Up:
Noa Gruman – Vocals
Gal Gabriel Israel – Guitar
Aaron Friedland – Keyboards
Orr Didi – Bass
Yoav Weinberg – Drums

Follow SCARDUST:
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