BLACK MAJESTY Release New Video ‘Set Stone On Fire’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 21, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
photo by Zaharoula Harris

Black Majesty has released a lyric video for “Set Stone On Fire”, second single taken from the new album “Oceans Of Black” to be released on June 20 by Scarlet Records.

Trapped in a world of corruption, the people have had enough of the lies. No longer will they tolerate a system that crushes their dreams only to enrich a select, privileged few. So tear down those barriers and take it to the streets!

video by Hammerblaze

“Oceans Of Black”:

  • eight studio album for the Australian power metal juggernauts;
  • mixed by Ricardo Borges and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios;
  • illustrated by Clinton James Bidie with design layout by Aldo Requena;
  • FFO: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Dio, Helloween;

“Oceans Of Black” tracklist:
1 Dragon Lord
2 Set Stone On Fire
3 Hold On
4 Raven
5 Lucifer
6 Oceans Of Black
7 Only The Devil
8 Hell Racer
9 Got A Hold On You
10 Here We Go
11 Astral Voyager
12 Ghost In The Darkness

Total running time – 58:48

artwork by Clinton James Bidie

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, and formed in 2002, Black Majesty is a bonafide power metal institution. Over the years, they’ve released seven full-length albums and one best-of compilation, establishing themselves as a force within the genre. Throughout their journey, Black Majesty has played numerous live shows across Australia, including headline performances and tours with some of the world’s biggest metal acts, such as Helloween, Saxon, Blind Guardian, DragonForce, Symphony X, Edguy, and Paul Di’Anno, among many others. The band has also made its mark in Asia and Europe, performing at iconic festivals like Wacken Open Air, Masters Of Rock, and Headbangers Open Air, alongside numerous club shows, both as support and headliners.

With soaring melodic vocals & catchy hooks, a ferocious twin axe attack and a thunderous rhythm section to match, “Oceans Of Black” is a power metal voyage through fear, corruption, hope, strength, resilience and triumph. The new album of the Aussie veterans takes the listener far and wide, and yet stays firmly true to the classic power metal code. A fearless ride through darkness and despair – hope and strength are always just behind the corner for those who dare to reach for it. A journey only for the brave, “Oceans Of Black” knows no fear or self-doubt: roll the dice, live your life and stay true to yourself!

Back with a vengeance, Black Majesty is now ready to bring their signature sound to fans worldwide once again.

Black Majesty are:
John Cavaliere – vocals
Hanny Mohamed – guitar, keyboards
Clinton James Bidie – guitar
Evan Harris – bass
Zain Kimmie – drums

BLAX Unveil New Lyric Video ‘Doctor Love’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 21, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Dive into the shadows with “Doctor Love”, a swirling descent into emotional chaos, romantic disillusionment, and gothic grandeur. Taken from BLAX’s latest album Certesia — out now via Wormholedeath — this track balances desire and destruction with haunting intensity.

With lyrics that conjure inner turmoil and spectral love, Blax paints a darkly cinematic world where fire and chaos collide, black souls rise, and salvation comes with a twist.

Founded in March 2020 by Giampaolo Polidoro (vocals) and Marco Fanella (guitar), BLAX emerged as a pandemic-born studio project, debuting with Meravilia (2021), recorded at Ravel 5 Studios. With the addition of Massimiliano Bergo (drums), Giulia Balestrieri (bass), and Emil Dellantonio (guitar), the band officially launched in 2022 under AlphaOmega Management.
Following the release of Meravilia, BLAX hit the road in 2023 with a European run that included Masters of Rock (CZ), a tour in Bulgaria with Arallu, and shows across Greece, Italy, and the UK. In 2024, after closing their “Meravilia” chapter at Rock Castle Festival (CZ), they welcomed new drummer Luca Urbinati (ANON) and turned the page with Certesia—their new chapter of sonic evolution and gothic storytelling.

Stay connected with BLAX on their social media for the latest updates:
www.instagram.com/blax_band_
www.youtube.com/@blax981
www.facebook.com/BLAX
www.tiktok.com/@blax_band

ALESTORM Strike with New Single + Official Video ‘Killed to Death by Piracy’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2025
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[photo credit: Niek van de Vondervoort]

Explosions, entrails, and glorious seafaring chaos — ALESTORM are back with their latest anthem of absurdity, “Killed to Death by Piracy”! Taken from their upcoming album, The Thunderfist Chronicles, out June 20, 2025 via Napalm Records, the track hits hard with razor-sharp riffs, rowdy gang vocals, and lyrics packed with death, doom, and pirate lunacy. From undead hordes to rusty spoons, nothing is safe — least of all your eardrums. It’s loud, it’s fast, it’s ridiculous – and it comes with a brand-new music video that’s as over-the-top as the song itself. Raise your sails and prepare to die… the pirate’s way!

Following the success of their epic seventh studio album, Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum – which stormed the charts with a #7 debut in Germany and #5 on both the US Current Hard Music and Top New Artist Albums charts – ALESTORM are back with a vengeance. Their upcoming eighth album, The Thunderfist Chronicles, is the next chapter in their outrageous saga, featuring eight brand-new anthems brimming with rowdy, shanty-fueled melodies and hilariously over-the-top lyrics that plunge the pirate metal genre to glorious new depths.

Fresh off last year’s Voyage of the Dead Marauder EP and relentless touring across the globe, the Scottish pirate metal legends are more than ready to set sail once again. Renowned for transforming every venue into a rum-soaked, high-energy pirate party, ALESTORM continue to command both fan devotion and critical acclaim. So raise your tankards – the wildest adventure yet begins with The Thunderfist Chronicles – louder, bolder, and more ridiculous than ever before!

Christopher Bowes about “Killed to Death by Piracy”:
“Thanks for listening to our new song, we hope you enjoy it! Several species of swan, like the Bewick’s swan and the whooper swan, are facing real threats from habitat loss, climate change, power lines, and lead poisoning from fishing weights. These are incredible birds, and vital to wetland ecosystems. Please consider supporting conservation efforts like those led by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.”

ALESTORM once again teamed up with Lasse Lammert of LSD-Studios (Gloryhammer, Wind Rose) for production, recording, mixing, and mastering of The Thunderfist Chronicles. The new album promises a wild ride through raging storms, absurd adventures, and epic battles across the vast ocean blue.
 
With explosive opener “Hyperion Omniriff”, ALESTORM unleashes a tidal wave of melodies that will sweep you off your feet. Of course, no album would be complete without a dose of their signature humor—“Banana” is a ridiculously catchy singalong banger that will turn every concert into a drunken pirate celebration. Meanwhile, “Frozen Piss 2” is packed with icy grooves and razor-sharp wit. But it’s not all just chaos and rum-fueled madness—“The Storm” offers a dramatic, sweeping atmosphere, leading into “Mountains of the Deep”, a grandiose, anthem-filled voyage into the ocean’s depths. Then comes the Nekrogoblikon cover “Goblins Ahoy!”, a rowdy, fantasy-infused riot, before the album culminates in its climactic masterpiece: “Mega-Supreme Treasure of the Eternal Thunderfist”. This colossal, 17 minute long, over-the-top epic features heroic choirs, thundering guitars, and a swashbuckling tale that will turn every pirate into a legend.
 
Christopher Bowes on the new album:
“This album is weird and full of difficult riffs that I already regret. There’s a bunch of fun things to discover on the record though – we’ve got a cover of a song by our friends in Nekrogoblikon, a whole lot of other heavy stuff, plus the longest song I’ve ever written (over 17 minutes long) which features guest vocals from Patty Gurdy (everyone’s favorite hurdy gurdy player) and Sir Russell Allen (Symphony X singer and my favorite vocalist of all time).”

Pre-Order The Thunderfist Chronicles NOW

Thunderfist Chronicles track listing:
1. Hyperion Omniriff
2. Killed to Death by Piracy
3. Banana
4. Frozen Piss 2
5. The Storm
6. Mountains of the Deep
7. Goblins Ahoy!
8. Mega-Supreme Treasure of the Eternal Thunderfist

Experience ALESTORM live:
07.06.25 CZ – Plzeň / Metalfest
13.06.25 ES – Zamora / Z! Live Rock Fest
19.06.25 BE – Dessel / Graspop
21.06.25 FI – Nummijärvi / Nummirock
25.06.25 NO – Oslo / Tons of Rock
27.06.25 CH – Grenchen / Summerside
29.06.25 ES – Barcelona / Rockfest
01.08.25 RO – Rasnov / Rockstadt Extreme
22.08.25 PT – Pindelo dos Milagres / Milagre Metaleiro
24.08.25 FR – Chateau Gontier / V & B Festival
19.09.25 US – Louisville / Louder than Life
19.10.25 NL – Den Bosch / The Rock Circus

ALESTORM are:
Christopher Bowes – Vocals, Keytar
Gareth Murdock – Bass
Máté Bodor – Guitar
Peter Alcorn – Drums
Elliot Vernon – Keyboard
 
ALESTORM online:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Napalm Records

RISING ALMA to Release New Single ‘Underestimate Me’ on May 23rd

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Alternative rock/metal group Rising Alma are set to release their new single “Underestimate Me” on May 23, 2025, via Sliptrick Records. The track marks the second official release leading up to their debut album Cracking The Moment, out this July.

Following the emotionally charged single “Games” — released 30 days ago — Underestimate Me delivers a sharp, defiant message about inner strength and transformation. It showcases the band’s signature blend of heavy guitar-driven energy, melodic tension, and powerful female-fronted vocals.

Pre-save “Underestimate Me” now: https://ditto.fm/undererstimate-me

About Rising Alma

Founded in 2021, Rising Alma is a female-fronted, multinational band blending elements of alternative rock and metal. Their sound defies easy classification — marrying crushing riffs and dynamic rhythm with emotive, melody-driven vocals and introspective lyrics.

Their songs explore themes of resilience, struggle, transformation, and the human condition, resonating deeply with listeners through an honest and intense sonic identity.

With the upcoming album Cracking The Moment, Rising Alma further establish themselves as a fresh force in modern rock-metal — combining vulnerability and strength in a way that’s both raw and empowering.

Band Members:

  • Alīse Elme – Vocals/Keyboards
  • Máximo Marset – Guitars
  • Alican Sahin – Bass
  • Jonathan Olsson – Drums

Listen to Rising Alma:

🎧 Rising Alma on Spotify

Connect with the Band:

ANFAUGLIR Present New Song ‘The Rise of Númenor’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

ANFAUGLIR was forged by US multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss as an exploration in storytelling through epic symphonic Black Metal. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aim to match the source material’s scope and grandeur with unique cinematic compositions which transport listeners directly to Middle-earth.

As a second portal into the monumental new album “Akallabêth“, ANFAUGLIR unveil ‘Part III: The Gift of Men‘, an excerpt from the larger composition ‘The Rise of Númenor‘. The piece begins with a solemn prelude which unfolds into wistful melancholy, before ascending toward a soaring orchestral crescendo in an immense convergence of grief and grandeur.

ANFAUGLIR comments:

“The writing process usually starts with a piano sketch of the basic melody and harmony for a given idea. From there we play with that motif and see what directions it can go and how flexible it is. Can we make it work in a slow and melancholic scenario as well as something upbeat and powerful? Then we’ll orchestrate it out across different instruments depending on the mood and demands of the section of the song where it’s going to end up. Our goal is to develop themes for specific characters or places and then be able to work them into certain parts of the story where relevant. A good example of this from ‘Part III: The Gift of Men‘ is the very end of this section. The final piano melody is what we call the “Ban of the Valar” theme. It’s introduced here for the first time on the album but will also feature towards the end of the third track, ‘Defying the Doom of Men‘, because of its role and significance in the story in both places.“

With this piece, ANFAUGLIR continue their mythic odyssey through the downfall of Númenor, where fate, pride, and mortality converge in sound. The band reflects:

“‘The Rise of Númenor‘ accounts for the early days and establishment of the realm of Númenor. These golden years represent the promise and potential heights that the race of the Edain might ascend to. In ‘Part III: The Gift of Men‘ we’re introducing the concept of the Gift of Men, which is death. The mortality of men and the ability to leave the world of Arda behind after passing away is the gift given to their race by Ilúvatar. While it’s portrayed to them as a blessing by the Valar and Eldar, the men who receive this gift begin to question its value. Fear of the unknown and what lies beyond slowly creep into their minds. This struggle with death and mortality is at the heart of the album and is ultimately what propels the story to its climactic end.“

Listen to the first single – ‘Part I: The Temple of Melkor‘ taken from the track “Defying the Doom of Men” – here and on all streaming platforms!

“Akallabêth” is set for release on June 27th on CD and vinyl – including an exclusive DMP vinyl edition – and will be accompanied by a new t-shirt design by Luciana Nedelea. Pre-orders are possible via the label’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.

ANFAUGLIR was forged by multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss as an exploration in storytelling through epic symphonic Black Metal. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aims to match the scope and grandeur of the source material with their unique and cinematic compositions, transporting listeners to Middle-earth.

ANFAUGLIR are proud to partner with Debemur Morti Productions to bring their full-length album “Akallabêth“, a deluge of symphonic fury infused with discordant aggression and spellbinding tranquility, to light in 2025.

Shying away from traditional song structures, “Akallabêth” is written and arranged in the vein of a traditional symphony. Themes and melodies develop, recur and transform, entwining delicate motifs of rapture with tragedy, throughout the course of the album’s 4 monumental tracks. 

Centering on the downfall of Númenor from the second age of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, death, immortality and spiritual avarice weave the narrative thread creating a tapestry rich in conflict, emotion and sinking hope. From godly gifts to bombastic wars, the album spans more than 3000 years of prosperity, conquest and upheaval.

JOHN BUSH Says: “ARMORED SAINT has a new record coming out in 2026”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2025
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For Canada’s The Metal Voice former Anthrax Singer Neil Turbin spoke to Armored Saint/ Ex-Anthrax singer singer John Bush at the Rock for Ronnie 2025 concert on Sunday, May 18 at Autry Museum in Griffith Park  for Ronnie James Dio Stand Up & Shout Cancer Fund. 

When asked about how busy Armored Saint has been touring in the last few years
“Well  we did a lot of work last year. We played the with WASP, we did that run twice and then we did some shows with Queensryche a couple years back. We’re doing some dates in Britain with WASP which is going to be amazing as we get to play at Hammersmith Odeon, which I’ve never done. It’ll be fun. And then we’re doing like 10 shows with Michael Schenker here on the West Coast into Texas and  then we’re putting a record (New Armored Saint) record out next year So new Saint record will come out next year.”

When asked if he is doing more shows today with Armored Saint then when he was in Anthrax
“Well I mean we did a lot. What happened was when I left Anthrax I also had a daughter and so it was like to me it was synergy for me to stay home and help raise my kid and and take a break from being on the road all the time and  and I welcome that.  And then after they grew up, now my daughter will be 21 this year my son’s 18 and they just don’t care if I’m around, I shouldn’t say that of course they do. But my daughter’s in college in Ohio . She came to the show when we played in  Columbus which was killer right and her and a bunch of friends that kept the crowd going. So it’s all fine  it’s better to tour now as they’re older and I didn’t miss a lot of their life and that was important to me.”

When asked about a poorly attended Dio show where Anthrax was on the bill at the Greek Theater in LA
” I was a very disappointing of the attendance of that show. It was Dio and Anthrax (on the bill) and it still was as poorly attended.  I say that candidly cuz I’m honest about stuff but it was disappointing cuz I love the Greek theater  as it is one of my favorite venues in the world. And I was like what the why is it empty this is ridiculous? ”