Known as a master of evocative, soul-stirring music since the mid-2000s with Malice In Wonderland and his solo work, Chris Wicked has built a reputation for blending dark romanticism with powerful melodies. Now, together with his band, he breathes new life into Chris Isaak’s timeless ballad.
The result is a journey through melancholy, doom, gloom, and romance — heavy yet beautiful, raw yet cinematic. With atmospheric guitars, brooding basslines, and Chris Wicked’s unmistakable vocals, “Wicked Game” is transformed into a gothic rock anthem that feels both nostalgic and strikingly fresh.
This release marks another milestone in Chris Wicked’s creative evolution, bridging past and present while honoring a classic in his own signature style. Fans of both Isaak’s original and dark alternative rock will find themselves captivated by this unique interpretation.
A cover song of Chris isaak’s “Wicked Game” is the second single from the upcoming EP “Black Horns & Black Hooves”.
Bergen artist Chris Wicked has been compared to artists like Nick Cave, Sisters of Mercy and Anathema and Norway’s own Seigmen and Madrugada. His clear voice and deep, melancholic lyrics set him apart from many others.
After touring the world with Malice In Wonderland for years he in 2021 released the critically acclaimed solo debut album “Aleine”. Inspired by iconic acts like Tiamat, The Cult, Paradise Lost, Nick Cave, and David Bowie, Chris brought together an impressive lineup for the album, inviting friends such as Gaahl (Gaahls Wyrd, Gorgoroth), Hoest (Taake, Gorgoroth), Niklas Kvarforth (Shining), and V’gandr (Helheim) to collaborate. The result is a breathtaking and powerful sound.
In 2024, 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 captivated fans with the Dark Nordic Folk single, 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭, that garnered outstanding reviews. Later that year, Chris unveiled “𝑼𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒈,” the first single from the band’s upcoming EP “𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔 & 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑯𝒐𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔.”
Collaborating closely with multi-instrumentalists 𝐄𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥 𝐒æ𝐭𝐞𝐫 and 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧, Chris continues to deliver music that defies expectations, cementing his reputation as an artist who thrives on reinvention.
Details: City: Bergen Country: Norway Artist: Chris Wicked Single title: Wicked Game Release date: September 12, 2025 Record label: Raven Black Productions
PURPENDICULAR feat. IAN PAICE release “Banned”, the new single and also title track from the new studio album out on 10 October at Metalville.
“Banned” is a provocative dig at today’s cancel culture. The song raises the voice for all those who have been pushed to the sidelines. Not in silence, but full of defiance, with rough riffs and lyrics that make no attempt to apologise. ‘Banned’ thus turns a widespread view into its opposite: being marginalised is not a defeat, but power regained.
In the hot summer of 2024, the band decided to write their fourth album in a remote village high in the mountains near Porto, Portugal.
The concept was agreed on the first night but that concept took a twist when the devastating fires took place that very evening, putting the lives of the band in grave danger.
The band were rescued off the mountain from their villa, too a safer option and to an alternative accommodation where they spent the night watching the fires rage on the veranda.
It was here titles and more ideas came to fruition, to add to the already conceptual theme of BANNED which summarises todays sensitive culture, in that the slightest wrong word can get you banned, adding the pun Banned with last two letters before the last D in the word being crossed out equaling the word BAND.
With all this in mind and the whole band in agreement, it was then decided to add an autobiographical theme also, telling the story of events as they unfolded that treacherous night where many people lost their lives and homes.
The final recordings of the album were completed in Italy, Poland and UK. The record is produced by Alessandro Debiaggi and Robby Thomas Walsh. It is a fresh modern look back at the 70s! It is advised to play this Record very loud!
TRACK LISTING Inferno Beast The Escape Blood Red Moon You Better Behave Banned Too Hard To PLease Seventies Kid The End
LINE UP
Robby Thomas Walsh (Ireland) – Vocals (Roger Glover, Tony Carey, Joe Lynn Turner)
Ian Paice (UK) – Drums (Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Gary Moore)
Wormholedeath is proud to announce the signing of Swedish melodic death metal icons IMPERIAL DOMAIN to its global roster. The band’s highly anticipated new full-length album, Portentum, will see the light of day on 14 November 2025, ushering in a bold new era for this seasoned force from Uppsala.
To mark this milestone, Imperial Domain has unleashed their crushing new single “History Repeating”, accompanied by a striking official music video that captures the band’s trademark mix of aggression, atmosphere, and melodic depth.
“We are proud to announce that we have signed with Wormholedeath! This marks an exciting new chapter for the band, and we are thrilled to join forces with a label that shares our passion and vision for our music,” the band states. “Our upcoming album Portentum explores dark historical and contemporary themes—from ancient omens to modern dystopias. It’s a record born from reflection, unrest, and unrelenting creative fire. We can’t wait to share this body of work with you all and begin this new era together with Wormholedeath.”
With Portentum, Imperial Domain delve deep into humanity’s cyclical nature. From the ominous tension of the title track to the brutal realism of “History Repeating” and the bleak futurism of “New World Order,” the band carves a sonic path through the ruins of civilization—past, present, and speculative.
Tracklist: 01 History Repeating 02 The Die Is Cast 03 The Legacy 04 New World Order 05 Fragment Of A Dream 06 Portentum 07 Retribution 08 Into Oblivion
Founded in the mid-90s, Imperial Domain quickly made waves in the Swedish death metal underground with their debut demo The Final Chapter (1995), followed by In the Ashes of the Fallen (1996)—a release that earned them national acclaim. Their full-length debut In the Ashes of the Fallen (1998) on Pulverised Records marked the band as a rising force, followed by the critically acclaimed The Ordeal (2003) via Konqueror Records.
After a brief hiatus and the tragic loss of vocalist Tobias Heideman in 2014, the band reemerged stronger than ever with The Deluge (2016), reaffirming their place in the melodic death metal pantheon. Now, Imperial Domain return with Portentum—an album that’s as uncompromising as it is thought-provoking.
Line-Up Peter Laitinen Sundström – Guitar Philip Borg – Guitar Andreas Öman – Vocals Mattias Hansson – Bass Alvaro Svanerö – Drums
LÜT started in 2010 as four teenage punks from Kroken: Ørjan, Mads, Sveinung and Marius – playing covers as The Wolves. They quickly moved on to writing original songs, released an EP and somehow ended up on national TV before they were old enough to drink.
Years of side projects, lineup changes and chaotic ambition followed. In 2015, a messy hotel night led to the start of LÜT – louder, catchier, and more focused. Two albums and dozens of major shows later, the band found themselves drifting from the energy that made it all fun in the first place.
In 2022, they scrapped almost everything, took a breather, and started fresh. No pressure, no formulas – just music that felt like them. Written across Tromsø – in bedrooms, rehearsal spaces and on the road, every track found its own voice. Whoever wanted to sing, did.
Just before wrapping up, German punk icon Bela B (Die Ärzte) joined them in Tromsø for a feature that felt both surreal and symbolic – a final piece that completed the circle.
So yes, LÜT is their third album. But it’s the debut for the four original friends who started it all back in 2010. The band just calls it what it is: LÜT. As they put it in “Smil & Vink”: Æ flykicke Jackie Chan, spelle i rockeband.
Credits
LÜT is written by Ørjan Myrland-Stensby, Mads Erlend Ystmark, Sveinung Mellem Engvik, Marius James Platt, Ariel Joshua Sivertsen.
Lyrics by Ørjan Myrland-Stensby, Mads Erlend Ystmark, Sveinung Mellem Engvik, Marius James Platt, Bela B.
Recorded, mixed and produced by Ariel Joshua Sivertsen.
Mastered by Jonas Ekström at Mastertone Studios.
Tracklist: Fokk D Smil & Vink Opp Ned Glücksschmied Komfortsona Guro Gehenna é Bindingstid På Livstid Perfekte Liv Karusellen
The year is 2014, and the Tromsø-based band that eventually gets the name LÜT sees its inception in hermetically sealed boys’ rooms where hormones and teenage anxiety flowed freely. The result is sharp and distinctive rock, capturing fans from both the underground and the mainstream.
Fast forward to 2024, and LÜT has played at Summer Breeze (DE), Motocultor (FR), Spot Festival (DK), by:Larm, Slottsfjell, Bukta, Malakoff, Trondheim Calling, Vinje Rock, and Tons Of Rock. LÜT has been nominated for Best Newcomer at the Norwegian Grammys (2017) and P3 Gull (2017) awards. They received praise from Lars Ulrich (Metallica) on his podcast “It’s Electric.”
Their album “Mersmak” from 2021 received a 5/6 rating in Rolling Stone Magazine, leading them to support Germany’s big heroes DIE ÄRZTE on a stadium tour in front of 80,000 people in 2022, and then for Skambankt on their farewell tour in Norway in 2022.
Hello 2025, and a new decade of modern Northern noise.
THE FELL is a modern rock powerhouse fronted by dynamic vocalist Toby Rand, featuring legendary bassist Billy Sheehan, acclaimed producer/guitarist Mike Krompass and explosive drummer Nick Chiarore. The band’s first single, “Killswitch,” has racked up over 65k views since it’s August release while garnering accolades along the way.
“Face Out” is the powerful new single that captures the thrill of breaking free but understanding the gravity of holding on. The lyrics explore the primal tension between escape into the unknown, whilst keeping the anchor of connection and love. “Face Out” is a rock n’ roll dreamscape showcasing Rand’s raw/emotional vocals, with Mike (K.) Krompass’ signature guitar prowess mixed Sheehan’s undeniable Bass supremacy. It’s a bold reminder that sometimes, we have to let go to truly come alive.
Fusing soaring vocals, elite musicianship, and massive, modern rock production, THE FELL’s sound is both cinematic and immediate, anchored in timeless rock energy but elevated by contemporary edge and sonic depth. Drawing immediate comparisons to the guitar-driven, hard rock crunch of Mammoth, the alt-rock edge of Alter Bridge and melodic drive of Velvet Revolver, THE FELL carves out their own niche delivering hard-hitting, emotionally charged anthems that connect with fans across generations.
This is not typical of any our past projects. It’s a new fresh direction, but using our influences to create a more modern sound, with heavy guitars, powerful riffs, crushing grooves and huge vocals. – THE FELL
What the band says about “Face Out”:
“’Face Out’ is really about realizing that sometimes the hardest thing to do is let go — but it’s also the only way forward. It’s not the letting go that holds you back, it’s when you can’t. Once you release the weight of the past, you can actually see what’s ahead of you.” – Mike K. (The Fell)
‘Face Out’ is a bold reminder that “Sometimes we have to let go to truly come alive” – Toby Rand (The Fell)
All roads lead to the The Killswitch EP, a unique limited edition package containing 5 tracks on both CD and laser-etched LP. The 5 tracks include 4 streaming singles plus a new version of “Dancin’ On A Glass Floor” (with Toby on vocals) that will remain exclusive to this release. A limited number of band signed deluxe editions will be available through their webstore starting October 24 with the international retail release November 28.
Watch for the announcement of record release shows in November to accompany the retail release.
Key dates:
July 18 – 1st single “Killswitch” released. August 1 – “Killswitch” video released. September 12 – 2nd single “Face Out” released. October 3 – “Killswitch” is released in Dobly Atmos on Apple/Amazon/Tidal. October 24 – Signed editions of the The Killswitch EP start shipping direct to fans. The 3rd single “Trippin’ is released. November 28 – The Killswitch EP is available at retail. The band’s 4th single, a new version of their past hit “Footprints” (with Toby on vocals), is released.
BCMG Recordings Inc./Noise Nation Records distributed by BCMG via Sony/ The Orchard, Killswitch EP licensed to Crown X Recordings for physical distribution.
SABATON—the #1 Global Power Metal Band and one of Sweden’s most successful bands—today (September 12) released the latest single “Crossing The Rubicon” featuring singer Jonny Hawkins and guitarist Mark Vollelunga of NOTHING MORE. This special collaborative version of the track hits the radio airwaves today, while the original version will be available as part of the LEGENDS album release.
Blending rock and history for fans of all ages, LEGENDS arrives October 17 via Better Noise Music and marks the band’s label debut. Pre-orders are available now HERE.
Watch the lyric video for “Crossing The Rubicon” (featuring NOTHING MORE) HERE Stream/download the track HERE
“Working with our American brothers in NOTHING MORE on our new single ‘Crossing The Rubicon’ has been an absolute pleasure,” says frontman Joakim Brodén. “When we shared the song with the guys, they really liked it and were genuinely excited about a collaboration, which got us really pumped. There’s something powerful about bringing two worlds together in music.”
“I’m really glad we got the chance to team up with our new labelmates NOTHING MORE for this one,” continues bassist Pär Sundström. “Collaborating with them added a cool touch. This one’s a special treat for both their fans and ours!”
NOTHING MORE frontman Jonny Hawkins says, “This song awakens that old, war spirit in me and makes me want to ride a horse straight into the gates of hell. I’m proud to be a part of it with such an incredible band like Sabaton.”
“We are very honored and excited to release this collaboration with our newfound Swedish labelmates Sabaton,” adds NOTHING MORE guitarist Mark Vollelunga. “It was fun to do something a little different than we were used to, and we’re stoked they wanted us to put our special NOTHING MORE sauce on their Scandinavian Metal.”
Throughout the aptly titled LEGENDS, SABATON—Joakim Brodén (vocals), Pär Sundström (bass), Chris Rörland (guitar), Thobbe Englund (guitar), Hannes Van Dahl (drums)—delve into some of history’s greatest and most loved characters such as Jeanne D’arc (also known as Joan of Arc), Napoleon Bonaparte, Julius Caesar, and the legendary swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi.
For “Crossing The Rubicon,” their focus is on Julius Caesar, who rose to prominence in the Roman Republic as consul. He enacted reforms to reduce corruption and ease taxation while leading his legions to victories in Gaul, defeating tribes like the Arverni, Helvetii and Belgae, and expanding Roman territory to the Rhine and Danube rivers. As his influence grew, political rivals became increasingly hostile. In response, he famously crossed the Rubicon, igniting a civil war. After defeating his enemies in Italy, Greece, and Egypt, he returned to Rome with dictatorial powers, implementing the Julian calendar and modernizing public works. However, on the Ides of March in 44 B.C., he was assassinated by Senate conspirators, ending his rule but leaving a significant legacy as a master strategist and ambitious leader who reshaped Rome’s future.
“Everyone knows the phrase ‘Veni, vidi, vici,’” says bassist Pär Sundström. “It’s iconic, just like Caesar himself. He was a force of nature who reshaped an entire empire. And his story…well it’s pure Sabaton material. When we did some internal trials of the new songs and got our closest friends and colleagues to listen to it, we quickly noticed that this was one of the—if not the—top tracks from our new album. Let’s see if the fans agree.”
“Julius Caesar is an incredibly intriguing figure,” continues singer Joakim Brodén, “and let’s be real, he’s known all around the world for a reason! His story is legendary. He was a brilliant general, a bold leader, and a trailblazer of ancient history. His story has war, ambition, betrayal…everything that fits right into the world of Sabaton. He didn’t just fight battles; he changed the course of history. That mix of strategy, drama, and raw power made him a go-to choice for LEGENDS.”
LEGENDS will be available across various physical formats and retailer exclusives including CD, 2 CD digibook, 2 CD earbook (both including the exclusive Storyteller Edition), 11 unique vinyl editions (including a special vinyl color and exclusive artwork each), additional exclusive vinyl colors, and a limited box set (including another exclusive vinyl color, the 2 CD earbook, and a colored cassette as an exclusive format). Pre-orders are available HERE.
Among 11 unique vinyl editions, each one portraying one legendary figure, LEGENDS will be available as the “Julius Caesar Edition.”
LEGENDS is a rock odyssey that transcends time and borders, with melodic guitar riffs, goosebump-inducing choirs, and epic choruses. It marks a bold evolution in storytelling, plunging headfirst into the heart of history’s most formidable and enigmatic figures. These are not just rock songs, they are battle hymns carved from the blood and legacy of warriors, kings, strategists, and revolutionaries.
It marks the very first time that every band member has come together to contribute to the songwriting process. This is SABATON as you’ve never heard them before—relentless and unbound. LEGENDS is a global journey through the annals of warfare, leadership and unbreakable will.
SABATON have always had a signature focus on writing songs about historical battles, wars, and acts of heroism that have solidified their impact with their loyal and longtime fans. They’ve collaborated closely with its network of specialists, developed over the years since the launch of the Sabaton History Channel on YouTube, to make sure this new album is once again as close to reality as possible.
They continue to work with graphic artist Peter Sallai to create the striking album artwork, and producer Jonas Kjellgren is once again behind the boards from his Swedish Black Lounge Studios to create the classic SABATON sound the band is now known for.
Four songs have already been released from LEGENDS: “The Duelist” and “Lightning at the Gates” (July 25), “Hordes of Khan” (June 6) and “Templars” (April 25):
“The Duelist”: Listen HERE and watch the lyric video HERE. The track has been streamed over three million times, and the video has been viewed over one million times.
· “Lightning at the Gates”: Listen HERE and watch the lyric video HERE. The track has been streamed over 2.6 million times, and the video has been viewed over one million times.
· “Hordes of Khan”: Listen HERE and watch the video HERE. The track has been streamed over 6.3 million times, while the video has been viewed more than 1.4 million times.
· “Templars”: Listen HERE and watch the video HERE. The track has been streamed over 19.1 million times, while the official video and lyric video have been viewed more than 5.7 million times.
In the more than two decades since the band’s launch, SABATON has headlined major festivals, sold-out arena concerts worldwide, and gained a legion of loyal fans by carving out a reputation for being one of the hardest working bands in the business. Since their 2005 debut album, they’ve earned Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum certifications in territories around the world with their 10 studio albums. Eight of their albums scored Top 10 international chart status, and six claimed the Top 5. SABATON has earned eight Metal Hammer/Golden Gods Awards nominations, taking home the award for “Breakthrough Artist” in 2011 and “Best Live Band” in three different years, and a Grammis nomination (Swedish equivalent to the U.S. Grammy Award) as Best Heavy Metal band. They’ve accumulated more than three billion streams across all streaming platforms and two billion views on YouTube.
Here are SABATON’s 2025 tour dates, with a major announcement about the band’s highly anticipated North American tour coming soon.
Mon 10/6 Istanbul, TR Zorlu Performing Arts Center Wed 10/8 Chișinău, MD Chișinău Arena Fri 10/10 Almaty, KZ Baluan Sholak Arena Fri 11/14 Cologne, DE Lanxess Arena Sat 11/15 Berlin, DE Mercedes Benz Arena Sun 11/16 Ostrava, CZ Ostravar Arena Tue 11/18 Zurich, CH Hallenstadion Thu 11/20 Munich, DE Olympiahalle Fri 11/21 Vienna, AT Stadthalle Sat 11/22 Krakow, PL Tauron Arena Mon 11/24 Stuttgart, DE Schleyerhalle Tue 11/25 Frankfurt, DE Festhalle Wed 11/26 Esch Sur Alzette, LU Rockhal Fri 11/28 Paris, FR Accor Arena Sat 11/29 Lyon, FR LDLC Arena Mon 12/1 Amsterdam, NL Ziggo Dome Tue 12/2 Antwerp, BE Sportpaleis Thu 12/4 London, UK The O2 Arena Fri 12/5 Manchester, UK Co-op Live Sat 12/6 Nottingham, UK Motorpoint Arena Mon 12/8 Hannover, DE ZAG Arena Tue 12/9 Copenhagen, DK Royal Arena Thu 12/11 Oslo, NO Unity Arena Fri 12/12 Gothenburg, SE Scandinavium Sat 12/13 Stockholm, SE 3Arena
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 