You don’t always have to go on a big trip around the world to find great bands. Sometimes you already have them right at home. NEVERLAND TRAIN is a new project by Jens Faber (DAWN OF DESTINY). His aim is to honor the great songwriter and producer Jim Steinman, who enjoyed incredible success with MEAT LOAF, BONNIE TYLER, CELINE DION, and many others! The upcoming album will not be a cover album, but will be based on Jim Steinman’s work with original compositions!
Jans Faber has prominent support from his bandmates Marco Pastorino (vocals – Temperance / Fallen Sanctuary) and Patrick Klose (drums – Iron Savior). The album is scheduled for release in the first half of 2026!
Jens Faber: “I can proudly announce to be home again with El Puerto Records with another project called “Neverland Train” I look forward to another great collaboration.”
Head of Promotion Matt. Bischof: ‘’Jens Faber is a great musician who has not only released fantastic albums with us in Dawn Of Destiny, but also writes songs for Aeva Maurelle. That’s not the only reason why we quickly decided to support him with Neverland Train. The new album immediately had us “snapping our fingers”! Jens simply has an incredible feel for great melodies. I’m sure Jim Steinman would have loved the album too!”
NEVERLAND TRAIN is Jens Faber’s tribute to Jim Steinman! The multi-talented artist from Bochum is not only the mastermind behind “Dawn Of Destiny.” With “Legions of the Night,” he paid tribute to Savatage in a similar way as he now honors the great songwriter and producer who once helped Meat Loaf, Bonnie Tyler and Fire Inc. achieve worldwide fame. He has enlisted the strong support of Marco Pastorino (Temperance, Fallen Sanctuary) and former Dawn Of Destiny drummer Patrick Klose (Iron Saivor)! If you’re now in the mood for “Dance of the Vampires” or a movie night with “Streets on Fire,” Neverland Train is the right choice for you!
Line-up: Marco Pastorino – Lead & Backing Vocals Jens Faber – Backing Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Piano, Keyboards Patrick Klose – Drums
Milwaukee Metal Festival 2026 has announced day splits for its highly anticipated return to The Rave/Eagles Club, taking place June 5–7, 2026. In addition to previously announced headliners Acid Bath (Friday), Killswitch Engage (Saturday), and Ministry (Sunday), the festival has added Suicidal Tendencies and a wave of additional artists spanning the full spectrum of heavy music. The current day splits can be found below with more bands still TBA!
Milwaukee Metal Fest 2026 will once again showcase a wide range of metal styles, including death metal, doom, hardcore, metalcore, thrash, industrial, and underground extremity, with performances spread across multiple stages throughout the venue. In addition to live music, the festival will feature a dedicated floor for merchandise and collectibles, giving fans access to exclusive band merch, vinyl, rare items, and more throughout the weekend.
The Metal Fest Pre-Party kicks off the weekend on Thursday, June 4, hosted by Jamey Jasta and friends + special guests TBA. Pre-Party tickets are free with the purchase of a three-day pass.
Three-day passes, two-day passes, single-day tickets, and a limited number of reserved seats are on sale now. For the full lineup, ticket options, and festival updates can be found at THIS LOCATION.
The current day splits are as follows with more TBA:
Friday, June 5:
Acid Bath Obituary Agalloch (Retrospective Set) Iron Reagan Pallbearer Hirax NunSlaughter Master Weekend Nachos Morta Skuld Polkadot Cadaver Dusk Jeffrey Nothing Thanatotic Desire Eyes of the Living Misery +more TBA
Saturday, June 6:
Killswitch Engage Suicidal Tendencies Power Trip Agalloch (‘Ashes Against the Grain’ Set) After the Burial NAILS Havok Prong Internal Bleeding Macabre Belushi Speed Ball Sworn Enemy Casket Robbery Human Artifacts Brick by Brick Threnody Striking 13 +more TBA
Sunday, June 7:
Ministry All Shall Perish Integrity UADA Cyco Miko Deadguy Incite Dead by Wednesday Texas Toast Chainsaw Massacre Trip to the Morgue Dark Horse Prophet +more TBA
Stay tuned for the next wave of bands – you don’t wanna miss this!
ABOUT MILWAUKEE METAL FEST
Founded in 1987, Milwaukee Metal Fest is one of the longest-running and most influential metal festivals in the United States, with a rich history of showcasing groundbreaking artists across the heavy music spectrum. After establishing itself as a cornerstone of American metal through the late 1980s and 1990s, the festival was revived in 2023 under the direction of Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta, ushering in a new era while honoring its legacy. Today, Milwaukee Metal Fest continues to unite fans and artists for an uncompromising celebration of metal across the iconic stages of The Rave/Eagles Club.
[Photo Credit: Michael Jagla / Edit: Giannis Nakos]
ANGUS McSIX reveals the epic new single, “I Am Adam McSix”, cut from the band’s upcoming sophomore album, Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye, out March 13, 2026 via Napalm Records! The track gives the band’s new main character, Angus McSix’s brother Adam McSix, space to introduce himself, with his heroism further praised by a feature from Italian symphonic power metal pioneers Rhapsody Of Fire. Also, Alex Krull (Leaves Eyes, Atrocity) makes an appearance in the official music video as the Screaming Cauldron. ANGUS McSIX is ready to conquer, wielding the power of metal as their mighty weapon!
Now available to pre-order, Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye is an exciting passing of the torch—and a worthy follow-up to ANGUS McSIX‘s chart-storming 2023 debut album, Angus McSix and the Sword of Power, that instantly rose to the top 10 of the German Album charts. Check out the adventurous official music video for “I Am Adam McSix” below and make sure to secure your copy of the new album!
ANGUS McSIX on “I Am Adam McSix” (feat. Rhapsody Of Fire) “The song gives Adam the chance to explain in his own words what sets him apart from Angus. He never wanted to be the shining hero – he has simply seen too much of a world that keeps disappointing him. Glory and heroics no longer mean anything to him. Why should he help those who will only betray him in the end?
In the ‘Screaming Cauldron’, the storylines of ANGUS McSIX and Rhapsody of Fire intertwine for the first time, also featuring none other than Alex Krull, who not only performs the Screaming Cauldron but also lends it his unmistakable shouts. On his journey, Adam encounters the Adventurer (Giacomo Voli, Rhapsody Of Fire) and Vision (Alex Staropoli, Rhapsody Of Fire), with the former ultimately handing him the legendary ‘Rain of Fury’ sword for their shared quest.”
Pre-Order Your Copy of Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye NOW
Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye Tracklist: 1 6666 2 The Fire Of Yore 3 I Am Adam McSix (feat. Rhapsody Of Fire) 4 Dig Down (feat. Van Canto) 5 Techno Men (feat. Turmion Kätilöt) 6 Ork Zero 7 Starlight Stronghold 8 Aetheriyja 9 Let The Search Begin 10 The Power Of Metal (feat. Freedom Call) 11 Into Battle
The eleven tracks of Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye feature the band’s one-of-a-kind storytelling, proving even more epic, absurd, and magnificent than ever. Previously released “6666” still features their now-imprisoned frontman Angus McSix (Thomas Winkler) on vocals, passing the torch to Adam McSix and placing nothing less than the fate of the universe on his shoulders. “The Fire Of Yore” bridges the gap between Manowar, Modern Talking, and Electric Callboy and fully opens up the new chapter – Angus, after all, possesses no memory of his previous adventures, leaving all the more room for more lore to be introduced through Adam! ANGUS McSIX gain further help on their quest from a cappella group Van Canto on “Dig Down” and Finnish Turmion Kätilöt on “Techno Men”. “Ork Zero”, referencing their monstrous drummer (Gerit Lamm, ex-Xandria), and “Starlight Stronghold” are electrifying disco bangers, while “Let The Search Begin” – following instrumental break “Aetheriyja” – is another true metal hymn. “The Power Of Metal” adds Freedom Call to the party before the mighty heroes take their final stand in “Into Battle”.
Charmingly quizzical and undeniably entertaining, Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye crafts one catchy anthem after another. With rich storytelling and over-the-top pathos, ANGUS McSIX invite you to pick up a sword and fight side by side with them against ancient powers to fulfill Adam’s destiny!
ANGUS McSIX Live 2026
Support for Orden Ogan 11.04.26 SE – Gothenburg / Monument 12.04.26 SE – Stockholm / Fryshuset Klubben
Tour Of The All-Seeing Astral Eye Headliner Tour 2026 w/ Brainstorm, Bloodbound 12.03.26 DE – Hamburg / Kent Club 13.03.26 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser 14.03.26 DE – Obertraubling / Airport-Eventhall 15.03.26 DE – Munich / Backstage 16.03.26 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch 17.03.26 DE – Berlin / Lido 18.03.26 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage 19.03.26 DE – Heidelberg / Halle02 20.03.26 DE – Oberhausen / Kulttempel 21.03.26 DE – Andernach / JUZ 22.03.26 NL – Eindhoven / Effenaar
ANGUS McSIX are: Adam McSix (Samuel Nyman) – Vocals The Dwarf (Jasmin Pabst) – Guitars Thalestris (Thalia Bellazecca) – Guitars Archdemon Seebulon (Sebastian „Seeb“ Levermann / Rafael Dobbs Roa) – Guitars Ork Zero (Gerit Lamm) – Drums
Belle Morte closes out 2025 with a final, intimate release: the acoustic version of “My Legacy,” taken from the band’s debut album Crime of Passion.
Stripped back to its emotional core, this new version reveals a different side of “My Legacy.” The symphonic weight gives way to atmosphere and nuance, letting the song’s melody and meaning take center stage. It’s a reflective moment, deliberate, and honest, that feels like a farewell, and a thank you at the same time.
Previous videos from “Crime of Passion”:“Lace” Acoustic version: Watch – Stream “Crime of Passion”: orcd.co/crimeofpassion
Previous videos from Pearl Hunting: “Jorōgumo” Ft. Hisashi, Reigen Fujii, Souzan Kato: Watch – “Willow” Ft. Ruben Monteiro, Emma Spinelli: Watch – “Exorcism” Acoustic Version: Watch – Pearl Hunting: Watch – “Exorcism” Ft. Ulziisaikhan Khoroldamba: Watch – ” September” Ft. Ruben Monteiro: Watch – “Black Waters” Ft. Maulana Malik Ibrahim: Watch – “Blame me” Ft. Lernik Khachatrian: Watch
About Belle Morte
Formed in Minsk, BELLE MORTE combines dark symphonic metal with gothic, progressive, and melancholic elements. After their 2018 EP Game On, the band signed with Wormholedeath in 2021 to release Crime of Passion, a conceptual album inspired by John Fowles’s The Collector. Their second album continues this global approach, delivering unique symphonic metal experiences for fans seeking something different.
Italian Thrash/Death Metallers CRISALIDE are proud to announce they have signed with My Kingdom Music for the release of their new album, scheduled for release in early 2027.
In a statement from the band, CRISALIDE expresses their enthusiasm about this partnership: “We are delighted to be part of My Kingdom Music because we already know the excellent work they do for Italian bands, and it’s important for us to have them by our side during this period when we will be extremely busy with concerts, already scheduled festivals, and especially the recording of the new album, which we’ve been working so hard on. It’s going to be a long journey, and we’re incredibly excited to be part of their family and to share our music with the whole world very soon!”
CRISALIDE have over 30 years of career, and they played on the important stages, such as the legendary Whiskey A-Go-Go in Hollywood on the legendary Sunset Boulevard, and with bands like Pestilence, Vomitory, M-Pire of Evil, Nightrage and more. Now confirmed for the 2026 Luppolo in Rock Festival, they’ll share the stage with Overkill, Marduk, Rotting Chris, and more. After their latest album, “Dark Inside” released in 2019, the band has finally achieved the balance of a well-oiled and close-knit line-up, led by founder and longtime frontman Giuliano Zippo, and capable of providing a successor to that work, so acclaimed both in Italy and internationally. Fans of bands like Sepultura, Fear Factory, and Gojira as well as the more classic sound of Kreator and Testament, can now put a smile on their faces because another band proudly flying the Thrash/Death Metal flag is ready to rock their lives and enter their most disturbing nightmares.
Italian death metal collective SKULLD have released the new single, “Mother Death”, offering a fresh glimpse of their upcoming album, “Abyss Calls to Abyss”, out on January 30th, 2026 via Time To Kill Records.
“Mother Death” continues to showcase the band’s relentless blend of old-school Swedish death metal, crust punk and hardcore, combining ferocious riffs and punishing rhythms with a dark, evocative atmosphere. Beneath the intensity lies a layered conceptual depth, reflecting themes of mortality, existential struggle, and the shadowed corners of human experience, further cementing SKULLD’s reputation for uncompromising and thought-provoking extreme music.
“‘Mother Death’ is a solemn, magnetic hymn that approaches death not as an ending, but as a sacred beginning — an essential part of the eternal cycle binding light and shadow, summer and winter, birth and dissolution. In this song, Death is given a voice and a face: not horror, but embrace; not punishment, but return; not silence, but whisper. The onyx-studded altar, the full moon, the frozen forest — every image builds an atmosphere of ancient mystery, suspended between the visible world and the one beyond the veil. Mother Death does not scream, does not strike: she caresses, walks barefoot along the edge of existence, gathering souls like autumn leaves. Her voice is calm and absolute — mother and reaper, guide and ending. Everything returns, everything transforms. The vocal lines evoke an ancient feminine ritual, a forgotten pagan rite where the boundary between light and darkness dissolves. ‘I am the end and the release. I am the mother of your final peace’. ‘Mother Death’ is an ode to the threshold, to inevitable and sacred transformation, partly inspired by Demetra George’s ‘Mysteries of the Dark Moon’. Not an ending. Not a farewell. But a return to the womb”.
Across eight tracks, SKULLD explore the abyss as both an inner and outer dimension: a place of dissolution and regeneration, death and renewal, where individual and collective struggles mirror one another. Written and recorded in 2025, the album captures the band at their most inspired and urgent, balancing sheer aggression with moments of melody and introspection.
With “Abyss Calls to Abyss”, SKULLD reaffirm their place as one of the most compelling voices in Italy’s extreme metal underground: fearless, defiant, and entirely their own.
Tracklist:
1. Healing the Wound 2. The Blink 3. Accabadora 4. Wear the night as a Velvet Cloak 5. Le Diable and The Snake 6. Mother Death 7. Drops of Sorrow 8. Sacred Fires
For fans of: Entombed, Dismember, The Crown, Trap Them, Martyrdöd
SKULLD formed in Romagna, Italy, in 2019 with the ambitious goal of blending old-school Swedish death metal with shamanic and esoteric overtones, all rooted in a strong feminist, anti-fascist, and anti-racist stance. Hailing from cities such as Cesena, Forlì, Bologna, Imola, and Milan, the members of the band have deep roots in the DIY punk and hardcore scene — a defining element of their artistic identity.
In 2020, they released their debut EP “Reinventing Darkness”, a DIY co-production with various Italian and international labels, distributed throughout the underground network. The lineup featured Pamela (vocals), Monti and Rappo (guitars), Ciufs (bass), and Teo (drums). The songs, fast and razor-sharp, combine Scandinavian death metal with crust and stenchcore, evoking dark and pagan atmospheres. The EP was well received for its raw and original sound, as well as for its lyrical themes — most notably the track “Satanic Feminism”, which explicitly ties death metal to political and gender awareness.
On March 20th, 2024, the band released their first full-length album “The Portal Is Open” via the French label World Eater Records. Recorded in Imola and mixed/mastered by Ulf Blomberg at Hobos Studio in Lund, Sweden, the album features eight tracks merging death and black metal with hardcore/crust influences and punk-infused vocals. The lyrics delve deeper into the concepts introduced on their debut, exploring pagan traditions, mythology, feminine archetypes, and esoteric and literary references.
In 2024, guitarist Moqi joined the band as a live replacement for Rappo, who had relocated to Berlin. He later became the sixth full-time member, contributing to the writing and recording of the band’s latest effort, “Abyss Calls To Abyss”.
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
