STARGAZER to Release New Album “Stone Cold Creature” in September, First Single Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 1, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Hailing from Norway’s rich rock tradition, STARGAZER has been a powerhouse of melodic hard rock since 2008. Blending classic rock roots with a modern sonic edge, the band has delivered three acclaimed studio albums and now returns with their most explosive effort yet: “Stone Cold Creature”.

Produced by Soren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, Electric Guitars), “Stone Cold Creature” is a bold, riff-driven hard rock statement, overflowing with soaring vocals, piercing guitar solos, and infectious melodies. It’s a future classic for fans of timeless rock with a contemporary production touch.

The new album follows the band’s impressive discography: “Stargazer” (2009), “The Sky Is The Limit” (2019), and “Life Will Never Be The Same” (2023), each release pushing boundaries while staying true to the spirit of classic rock. Stargazer’s dynamic live energy has brought them to stages alongside legendary acts such as Gary Moore, Saxon, Uriah Heep, Nazareth, Glenn Hughes, Wig Wam, and Magnum.

In 2025, the band is set to take on one of Scandinavia’s biggest stages at Tons of Rock Festival, marking another career milestone and proving their continued rise as one of hard rock’s most exciting names.

“Stone Cold Creature” will be released on LP (black vinyl limited to 200 copies and transparent blue vinyl, limited to 300 copies), digipack CD and digital on 12.09.2025, via Mighty Music. Pre-orders are available here.

The first single from the album, “Make A Deal With The Devil“, is out today. Check it out on all streaming platforms.

“This album is everything we envisioned and more. “Stone Cold Creature” is a testament to who we are as a band – massive riffs, soaring vocals and lyrics. Pure hard rock energy with lots of catchy melodies and elements throughout the album. We can’t wait for the world to hear it!”
— Tore André Helgemo, vocals, Stargazer

“We poured our hearts and souls into every note on “Stone Cold Creature”. This is classic hard rock for the future – raw, powerful, and built to stand the test of time. A big production from Soren Andersen with a modern twist. Screaming vocals, massive riffs, hooks, big choruses and blistering guitar solos. I believe this album will be a hit for classic hard rock fans around the globe.”
— William Ernstsen, guitar, Stargazer

“Stone Cold Creature” tracklist:

1. Make A Deal With The Devil 
2. Looking For A Star 
3. New Hope 
4. Burning Up Inside 
5. Stone Cold Creature 
6. No Escape 
7. Winter Is Coming 
8. Writings On The Wall 
9. The King’s Return 
10. Ice Walker 
11. Screams Break the Silence 
12. I Need You Now (More Than Ever) 
13. What Are You Waiting For 
14. Riding Through The Night 

Lineup:
Tore André Helgemo – vocals
William Ernstsen – guitar
Jomar Johansen – bass
Svend Skogheim – drums
Sondre Bjerkset – keyboards

Webshop: http://bit.ly/star-tgt

More info:
Facebook
Instagram
Bandcamp
Spotify
Apple Music
Official site

HELHEIM Release Second Single ‘Geist’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 1, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Thor Brødreskift

Norwegian Viking/black metal legends Helheim return with their 12th studio album — a groundbreaking release where the band does the unthinkable: creating a split album with themselves. For the first time in their over 30-year-long career, primary songwriters V’gandr and H’grimnir have divided the creative process, each taking full control over half of the album, including vocals and musical direction. The result is two distinct yet unmistakably Helheim expressions — a bold evolution of the band’s signature sound.

The first half, “HrabnaR”, features four standalone tracks penned by H’grimnir. Opening with the powerful “Geist”, this side highlights H’grimnir’s commanding songwriting — heavy, yet rich with atmosphere — propelled by the relentless, dynamic drumming of Hrymr, whose distinctive style remains a cornerstone of Helheim’s sound. From the haunting, melancholic “Sorg er dødens spade” (“Sorrow is Death’s Spade”) to the intense “Livsblot” and the stirring “Mennesket er dyret i tale” (“Man is the Beast in Speech”), this first chapter offers a profound journey through heaviness and reflection.

The second half, “Ad vesa”, delves into Norse metaphysical concepts, exploring the four components of the human soul according to pre-Christian beliefs: Fylgja, Hamr, Hugr, and Hamingja. In ancient Norse thought, the soul was a composite, not a singular entity – and Helheim brings this rich, complex mythology to life through their deeply atmospheric compositions.

The 2nd single from “HrabnaR / Ad vesa” is the track “Geist”, which can be streamed or downloaded from a number of services at https://orcd.co/helheim-geist

Commenting on “Geist”, Helheim’s biographer Antony Breton has this to say:
Perfectly blending the energy of Jormundgand with Rignir’s melancholia, through Heidindomr ok Motgangr’s powerful riffs and Landawarijar’s percussive rhythms, Helheim summons, by the hand of H’Grimnir, all the spirits that have made their history to reunite them in a single entity more wonderful, subtle and alive than ever.
 
“HrabnaR / Ad vesa” was recorded at Duper Studio in Bergen with Iver Sandøy (known for his work with Enslaved, Wardruna and others). With artwork by Tom Korsvold, tracklisting is as follows:

HrabnaR:

  1. Geist
  2. Sorg er dødens spade
  3. Livsblot
  4. Mennesket er dyret i tale

Ad Resa:

  1. Fylgja
  2. Hamingja
  3. Hugr
  4. Hamr

Set for release on Dark Essence Records on the 20th of June, “HrabnaR / Ad vesa” will be available on CD, limited green LP, Cassette and Digital formats, and can now be pre-ordered from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/record-label/dark-essence-records/
Bandcamp: https://helheim.bandcamp.com/album/hrabnar-ad-vesa

Formed in Bergen in 1992, Helheim have long been revered for their authenticity, staying true to their Norse heritage while continuously evolving far beyond trends and genre conventions. Their debut album “Jormundgand” is widely regarded as a Viking metal classic, and to this day, Helheim continue to push the boundaries of their art.

Prepare for a journey through darkness, melancholy, and ancient wisdom — as only Helheim can deliver.

IRON SAVIOR Sign with Perception, to Release Final Part of “Reforged” Double Album Series “Machine World” on August 22nd

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 31, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo: Thomas Sprenger]

IRON SAVIOR stand as veterans and trailblazers of the traditional power metal scene, proudly carrying nearly three decades of legacy. Founded in 1996 by guitarist and vocalist Piet Sielck, the Hamburg-based band quickly made a name for themselves with their electrifying blend of classic power metal and science fiction-inspired storytelling. Their early albums, steeped in a narrative about a spaceship bearing the band’s name, have long captivated fantasy-loving metal fans and remain fan favourites to this day. Releases like “Iron Savior” [1997], “Unification” and “Interlude” [both 1999], “Dark Assault” [2001], “Condition Red” [2002], and “Battering Ram” [2004] became instant classics – so popular, in fact, that they eventually sold out.

In order to meet the demand, IRON SAVIOR — now consisting of Sielck, guitarist Joachim Küstner and a rhythm section powered by Patrick Klose (drums) and latest member Patrick Opitz (bass) — didn’t only re-record the material from their Noise Records years [1997-2004], they even added an additional doze of enthusiasm to the original songs. Part 1 and 2 of these session have been received enormously well from fans, that’s why the group are even prouder to announce the release of the concluding third part of their legacy worshipping “Reforged” series today.

Due out on August 22, 2025, “Reforged – Machine World” features reinterpreted songs as well as a cover version of JUDAS PRIEST’s ‘Starbreaker,’ skilfully bridging to IRON SAVIOR’s old tradition of frequently paying tribute to the ‘metal gods.’ The new 2CD/LP marks the quartet’s debut release at their new label home PERCEPTION, the promising new division of Reigning Phoenix Music, where they (re-)unite with other well-known acts such as DANKO JONES, GRAILKNIGHTS, J.B.O., and SERIOUS BLACK among others. The 16 included tracks were recorded and produced at Powerhouse Studio Hamburg by frontman Sielck, who additionally took care of mixing, mastering and artwork/layout of the album.

Band leader Piet Sielck comments: “After collaborating with Nils Wasko and Jochen Richert [managing director] at AFM Records, I didn’t have to think twice when it came to deciding about a new partner. Continuing success, chart entries and three satisfied parties – band, fans and label – are more than enough reasons to follow the two of them to PERCEPTION and the Reigning Phoenix Music family. Onwards to at least 15 more years of this fruitful union!”

Label strategist Wasko adds: “We’re really thankful for IRON SAVIOR’s trust, and we’re equally happy to continue working with Piet and his fellow men at PERCEPTION. Having a collaborative long-term plan, IRON SAVIOR are only warming up, and we’re extremely confident to reach new extragalactic spheres together, with their final “Reforged” chapter blasting off on the journey to their next original studio album. Power and melodic metal maniacs, go aboard!”

Pre-order/pre-save “Reforged – Machine World”: https://ironsavior.rpm.link/machineworldPR

“Reforged – Machine World” – Track Listing:

  1. Never Say Die [taken from 2001’s “Dark Assault”]
  2. Eye Of The World [taken from 2001’s “Dark Assault”]
  3. Walls Of Fire [taken from 2002’s “Condition Red”]
  4. Time Will Tell [taken from 2004’s “Battering Ram”]
  5. Dragons Rising [taken from 2001’s “Dark Assault”]
  6. Stonecold [taken from 1999’s “Interlude” EP]
  7. Machine World [taken from 2004’s “Battering Ram”]
  8. Stand Against The King [taken from 2004’s “Battering Ram”]
  9. Break It Up [taken from 1997’s “Iron Savior”]
  10. Contortions Of Time [taken from 1999’s “Interlude” EP]
  11. Wings Of Deliverance [taken from 2004’s “Battering Ram”]
  12. Touching The Rainbow [taken from 1999’s “Interlude” EP]
  13. I Will Be There [taken from 2002’s “Condition Red”]
  14. Forevermore [taken from 1999’s “Unification”]
  15. H.M. Powered Man [taken from 2004’s “Battering Ram”]
  16. Starbreaker [JUDAS PRIEST Cover]

Today’s announcement is supported by the first appetizer of the ‘upgraded’ album, ‘Eye Of The World [2025 Version],’ which can originally be found on IRON SAVIOR’s 2001 effort, “Dark Assault.”

“I was just never happy with this song. Somehow it didn’t really take off. But the new version is an absolute hit and is now even being released as the first single,” comments Sielck. 

Convince yourselves and stream it here: https://ironsavior.rpm.link/eyePR

After recently returning to Italian stages, appearances at select festivals, including Metal Hammer Paradise, will conclude IRON SAVIOR’s live year.

IRON SAVIOR live:

31.05.2025 DE Utersum – Sunset Bash
21.06.2025 DE Siegburg – Kubana Live Club (w/ MYSTIC PROPHECY, GENERATION STEEL)
28.06.2025 DE Weselberg – Sicking High Rock
05.07.2025 DE Wieslet – Datscha Open Air
29 – 31.08.2025 GR Volos – Golden R. Festival
13.09.2025 DE Bisingen – Umsonst & Draußen Zollernalb
18.10.2025 MX Monterrey – Cacique Metal Fest
07./08.11.2025 NL Apeldoorn – Brainstorm Festival
28./29.11.2025 DE Weissenhäuser Strand/Ostsee – Metal Hammer Paradise

IRON SAVIOR are:
Piet Sielck | vocals, guitars
Joachim Küstner | guitars
Patrick Opitz | bass
Patrick Klose | drums

More on IRON SAVIOR: iron-savior.com | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

CAREGAH Celebrate Reissue of “Osmium” with Music Video for ‘Terrorized’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 31, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo: Stefan Johansson]

Swedish sludge and groove metal heavy weights CAREGAH are celebrating the reissue of their highly anticipated debut album, ”Osmium” (self-released by the band in 2023), out today via their new label partner ROAR!

”Osmium” is now available on CD, Vinyl as well as in Digital formats, visit https://caregah.rpm.link/osmiumpr to order your favorite format of choice. To celebrate their re-release in style, a new music video for the crushing track “Terrorized” is now premiering here:

Hailing from Southeast Sweden, CAREGAH is a no-nonsense, full-throttle heavy, sludgy groove metal band. Their music has a captivating quality, keeping you engaged throughout every performance and track. Formed in 2019, CAREGAH introduced themselves to the world with their much-acclaimed debut EP, ”Forsaken EP” featuring a music video for the track ”Tomahawk”. This EP also appears as a bonus on the new, reissued CD version of “Osmium”!

CAREGAH‘s music is a killer blend of groove, doom, and sludge metal, ultimately delivering a straightforward, headbanging-heavy metal experience. Their live performances are a whirlwind of high-energy moments that will leave your neck sore from all the headbanging. 

Dive deep into “Osmium” and experience a massive wall of sound from CAREGAH, who are currently hard at work on a brand new studio offering, always driven and inspired by the power of the riff. If your musical tastes align with Down, Pantera, Black Label Society, Testament, and Sepultura, then CAREGAH is a band that you’re sure to fall in love with!

Order “Osmium” HERE

“Osmium” CD track listing:
01 – Forever Merciless
02 – Steel
03 – Revenge
04 – Tombstone
05 – Terrorized
06 – Smoke Of Doom
07 – Into The Grave
08 – Floods Of No Return
09 – Forsaken Town
10 – Waves Of The Dunes
11 – Tomahawk
12 – Gravedigger

CAREGAH is:
Marcus Kärregård – Vocals, Guitar
Patrik Åkerlund – Lead guitar
Douglas Svensson – Bass
Filip Mathiasson – Drums

For More Info Follow:
Website | https://www.caregah.com/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/caregah
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/caregah/
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@caregah
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw7xzyKz8-ummmJJG6JoUiw

NAMAZU Release New Single ‘ICE 800’, Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 31, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Memphis heshers Namazu return with ‘ICE 800′ – the thunderous title track from their upcoming EP – out now via Golden Robot Records. 

A savage cocktail of pummeling drums, guttural basslines, and razor-edged riffs, ‘ICE 800’ hits like a warm tallboy on a midnight highway. Gritty, unapologetic, and oozing attitude, this is the perfect track for a late-night drive, accompanied by your favorite malt liquor and choice of smokes. Put on your finest tank top, tear up the road in cutoff Dickies, and let Namazu provide the soundtrack to your summer chaos.

Stream here: https://orcd.co/namazu-ice-800

As the title track from their new EP, ‘ICE 800’ sets the tone for what’s to come – a no-frills, high-octane dose of raw, unfiltered power. For fans of heavy riffs and dirt-under-the-nails rock energy, this one’s essential listening.

ICE 800 is the upcoming EP by Memphis heshers NAMAZU to be released later this year. Recorded and mixed by Alan Burchum (Deadbird, Korroded, Autolith) and Mastered by Ryan Boesch (Fu Manchu, Whores, Foo Fighters, Norma Jean), the EP is 15 blistering minutes of pure riffage, taking their cues from the three blacks—Black Sabbath, Black Flag, and the Man in Black. NAMAZU deliver five songs of heavy riffs and shout along choruses.

Severin Allgood – Vocals, guitar
Samuel Hendricks – Drums
Adrian Lewis – Bass
Eric Fortenbery – Guitar, backing vocals

Namazu online:
https://orcd.co/in-like-flynn
https://www.facebook.com/NAMAZU666/
https://namazu666.bandcamp.com/album/works-cited
https://www.instagram.com/namazu.666/

VADER’s Brand New EP ‘Humanihility’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 31, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Artur Tarczewski

‘Humanihility‘, the brand new EP by Polish death metal veterans VADER has been unleashed upon the world today. Please scroll down to purchase your physical copy or to stream the release in full!

Five years after the much-lauded 12th studio album Solitude In Madness, VADER return with 3 brand-new tracks once again produced by Scott Atkins at Grindstone Studio, UK. Featuring excellent artwork by Marcelo Vasco (Slayer, Testament, Dark Funeral), this EP marks the first recording as a quintet with guitarist Mauser returning to the group and new drummer Michael alongside vocalist/guitarist Peter, bassist Hal and and another long-time member of the band – guitarist Spider.

Humanihility offers scorching new songs that prove to be vicious, thrash-laden anthems perfectly blending old-school thrash with VADER‘s unique straight-forward fury and neckbreaking tempos. Each of the songs was created by a different band member, giving them a more personal style.

The only physical edition will be a  limited 12” (red vinyl, 700 copies).

Artwork by Marcelo Vasco Arts

PURCHASE OR STREAM HUMANIHILITY: https://vader.bfan.link/humanihility

Humanihility Tracklist

  1. Genocide Designed
  2. Rampage
  3. Unbending (Mystic Festival Anthem 2025)

Watch the video for ‘Unbending’, by Robert Gasperowicz: https://youtu.be/WoIZS0jx3hY

VADER formed back in 1983 and besides releasing classics such as The Ultimate Incantation, De Profundis, Litany (which has its 25th anniversary in 2025) and many more, are the longest active extreme metal band to ever emerge from Europe!

Vader – Live 2025 in Europe:

07.06.2025 Gdańsk (Poland) – Mystic Fest (“Litany” show premiere!)
15.06.2025 Leeuwarden (The Netherlands) – Into The Grave
19.06.2025 Zdunska Wola (Poland) – Alternatywna Zduńska Wola
20.06.2025 Legnica (Poland) – Spiżarnia
21.06.2025 Tarnów (Poland) – Przepraszam
26.06.2025 Spáleného Poříčí (Czech Republic) – Basinfirefest
28.06.2025 Viveiro (Spain) – Resurrection Fest
03.07.2025 Friesack (Germany) – Under The Black Sun Open Air
04.07.2025 Ballenstedt (Germany) – RockHarz Fest
11.07.2025 Torgau (Germany) – In Flammen Open Air
12.07.2025 Skępe (Poland) – Rockokop Fest
13.07.2025 Słupsk (Poland) – Motor Rock Pub
09.08.2025 Kortrijk (Belgium) – Alcatraz Fest
15.08.2025 Żilina (Slovakia) – Blasphemy Fest
16.08.2025 Dinkelsbühl (Germany) – Summer Breeze Open Air
22.08.2025 Spital Am Semmering (Austria) – Kaltenbach Open Air
29.08.2025 Łyski (Poland) – Lyski Rock Festival
30.08.2025 Zamość (Poland) – Zamość
31.08.2025 Barczewo (Poland) – Skarbiec Kultury Europejskiej

Summer Festival in 2025:

05 June – Stykkisholmur, ISL – Satan Festival
07 June – Gdansk, POL – Mystic Festival
15 June – Leeuwarden, HOL – Into The Grave Festival
19 June – Zdunska Wola, POL – Alternatywna Zdunska Wola
26 June – Spalene Borici, CZ – Basinfire Fest
28 June – Viveiro/Lugo, SP – Resurrection Fest
03 July – Friesack, DE – Under The Black Sun Fest
04 July – Ballenstedt, DE – Rockharz Festival
11 July – Torgau/Entenfang, DE – In Flammen Festival
12 July – Skepe, POL – Rockokop Festival
09 August – Kotrijk, BE – Alcatraz Festival
15 August – Slnecke Skaly (Zilina), SK – Blasphemy Festival
16 August – Dinkelsbuehl, DE – Summer Breeze Festival
22 August – Spital Am Semmering, A – Kaltenbach Open Art.Fest
29 August – Lyski, POL – Lyski Rock Festival

More information at:
https://www.facebook.com/vader
https://www.instagram.com/vader_band_official
https://www.youtube.com/@panzervader
https://linktr.ee/vader_band_official
https://vader-store.com