May 30th marked the official release of “River Red”, the much-awaited five-track EP from Finnish alternative metal act THURIFER. The EP is out now and available for streaming worldwide: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thurifer/river-red
To celebrate the release, the band has also premiered a lyric video for the powerful track “Judgement“, which can be watched here:
Speaking about the release of their new EP, THURIFER states: “It’s finally out! We’re super excited to bring you our third offering, ‘River Red’! 5 songs and 24 minutes, featuring singles ‘Seven’ and ‘Witness’. We feel these songs represent the true essence of Thurifer, go check them out!“
Tracklist:
Distorted Dream
Seven
The River Red
Witness
Judgement
THURIFER masterfully blends heavy, groove-driven riffs with atmospheric melodies and raw intensity. Their sound strikes a compelling balance between crushing aggression and haunting harmonies, forging a distinct identity within the modern metal scene, drawing influences from acts like Gojira and Mastodon.
Fronted by singer-guitarist Jukka Salovaara, the band also features lead guitarist Niko Meriläinen, drummer Tommi Hirvonen, and bassist Jukka-Pekka Nissinen. Together, they showcase a powerful range of sounds on their latest five-song EP, delivering both depth and intensity in equal measure.
“River Red” is out now, self released by THURIFER.
THURIFER are: Jukka Salovaara – Vocals/Guitar Niko Meriläinen – Lead guitar Jukka-Pekka Nissinen – Bass Tommi Hirvonen – Drums
ETERITUS was formed in Toruń in 2013 with the initiatives of the drummer Nitro.
So far, band released: debut record “Tales of Death” (2014, EP) and three full albums: “Following the Ancient Path” (2016), “Order of Death” (2018) and “Rotten Transition” (2021) whose music was compared in reviews to bands such as Entombed, Dismember, Gorefest and the Polish legend Vader.
A new era of ETERITUS is coming! The new album is musically directed towards black metal, but still with a death metal core. It is full of atmosphere, darkness and heaviness, but you will find here both brutality and melodies kept in medium tempos.
Music for upcoming album titled “Odium et Irae dei Super Vos” was recorded in 2024 at Sala Prób in Toruń (drums, bass, vocals) and SlavSound Studio (guitars). All was mixed and mastered by Mariusz Konieczny at Heavy Gear Studio (Odium Humani Generis, Hellspawn, Pandemonium, Valkenrag). Cover artwork was done by Moon Ring Design (Kladovest, Malphas). Band photo by Arian Fazel.
New album will be released on CD with cooperation of Polish label Via Nocturna on June 27, 2025. Pre-order is avilable on official webstore (here).
Tracklist:
01. Mystic Trifixion 02. Semper Fidelis 03. Call of the Rising Darkness 04. Ashes over the Fire 05. Celebration ov Wolves 06. Dark Crusader 07. In the Arms of Endless Night
“This music is dedicated to all traitors – F.O.A.D.“
Listen to the first single “Celebration ov Wolves“:
“Be with me my own darkness / For the feeling of joy suffocates”.
With these words Surunaamio embark on a raw journey through the sullen mindscape of their debut album. The journey explores themes reminiscent of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, describing how we humans destroy our world and poison ourselves with our greed and selfishness. The song Kuoleman kentät (Fields of Death) contemplates the value of animal life, death and how other species are corroding and withering in the gears of the machine. Erämaa (Wilderness) takes a stand against the world of confrontation and extremism, where anger is the fuel that feeds the fire evermore.
The album was titled Surunaamio, and it is, without a doubt, one the darkest albums of the year. All eight songs are imbued with sorrow, agony and profound frustration of the path our world is on. In the middle of desperation and anger, the album manages to spark hope and trust. In all of us lives an invisible power that makes it possible to break free from the prisons of our past. Those shackles around our wrists, and the cage surrounding us, are merely constructs of our mind created by ourselves. The keys to a better future are in our hands. You don’t hear reflection this deep in music every day.
Track list:
Musta
Epäinhimillinen
Äänetön kevät
Kuoleman kentät
Näkymätön voima
Erämaa
Yksinäinen tuli
Menneisyys
-Composed & lyrics by Kalle Koo -Recorded, mixed & mastered by Janne Saksa -Album cover by Tuomas Vuorensola
WATCH ‘Äänetön kevät’ music video:
Behind Surunaamio is a long-time musician and tattoo artist Kalle Koo. In the music scene, Kalle has become known as the frontman and songwriter of At The Hollow. His bright vocals combined with vibrant baritone guitar, double bass, glockenspiel and timpani created something rarely heard on record or on stage. While At the Hollow’s soundscape was serene and sensitive, tranquillity has transformed into rage, anger and power that comes from deep within. The album’s music combines the raw sensitivity and punk attitude of Apulanta’s Kiila with the heavy melodic nature of Dissection’s Reinkaos album. The drums hit hard, the riffs cut deep, and the vocals carry with strength. Despite the heavy surface, Surunaamio also carries a deep blue melancholy, not unlike Juha Tapio. The combination of Surunaamio doesn’t neatly fit into any single genre, but it contains influences from different directions and makes it something entirely its own. Light, shadows and every shade in between.
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
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:
Geist
Sorg er dødens spade
Livsblot
Mennesket er dyret i tale
Ad Resa:
Fylgja
Hamingja
Hugr
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:
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 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!”
Eye Of The World [taken from 2001’s “Dark Assault”]
Walls Of Fire [taken from 2002’s “Condition Red”]
Time Will Tell [taken from 2004’s “Battering Ram”]
Dragons Rising [taken from 2001’s “Dark Assault”]
Stonecold [taken from 1999’s “Interlude” EP]
Machine World [taken from 2004’s “Battering Ram”]
Stand Against The King [taken from 2004’s “Battering Ram”]
Break It Up [taken from 1997’s “Iron Savior”]
Contortions Of Time [taken from 1999’s “Interlude” EP]
Wings Of Deliverance [taken from 2004’s “Battering Ram”]
Touching The Rainbow [taken from 1999’s “Interlude” EP]
I Will Be There [taken from 2002’s “Condition Red”]
Forevermore [taken from 1999’s “Unification”]
H.M. Powered Man [taken from 2004’s “Battering Ram”]
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.
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
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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