DOODSWENS Release Drum + Vocal Playthrough Video for ‘Driven By Death’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 30, 2026
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Dutch black metal ritual Doodswens have released a drum/vocal playthrough video for ‘Driven By Death’ which is taken from the band’s freshly released album, Doodswens. The new offering was released on 17th April, via Svart Records. 

It’s not often you see a black metal band do a playthrough video, and especially not in this kind of setting. Drummer/vocalist I. takes you through an intense and authentic rendition of ‘Driven By Death’.

The album is still available here: https://www.svartrecords.com/en/product/doodswens-doodswens/14147

About the playthrough, I. comments: “Like everything we do, this was recorded in one take. F*ck fake music.”

Doodswens is a Dutch black metal band, forged in 2017 by I. The name translates to ‘Deathwish’ but its true meaning heavier; Not giving up, but returning with power after looking the end in the eye. 

Live, I. performs drums and vocals as one, a single body split into rhythm and invocation. She is joined by R. and P. on bass and guitar. R.I.P. is a line-up that moves like a blade; precise, violent, and locked in. Their shows are as ceremonial as confrontational. Doodswens doesn’t soothe; it exposes. Bring your demons and they will be named. Bring your grief and it will be heard. Whatever you carry into the room is dragged into the light because this band chooses confrontation over comfort, every time. Blood, bones, bullets, flame, skull, sweat: not props, but real artifacts of the rite. A full-body experience with sound, smell, vision and vibration which is meant to pull you under and return you a changed person.

After rising through the Dutch underground, Doodswens gained an international following through tours alongside Marduk and Gorgoroth. In 2021 they entered the chaos of the pandemic era on their first Massive Music run, supporting Marduk and Valkyria between lockdowns when venues were closing behind them and the world was unstable. But their will was unbroken. In 2024, on the Marduk/Origin tour, I. made the impossible possible; taking on lead vocals while remaining the drummer. With only months to prepare, she cut out all doubts and locked herself into rehearsal. The result? I. carried Doodswens across 30 shows back-to-back, barely losing her voice. 

Doodswens was recorded and produced by Sebastiaan van Bijlevelt at Galloway Studio and mastered by Alex McCullough (who re-mastered Dolly Parton‘s Backwoods Barbie) at True East Mastering. 

If you’ve been close to ending your life, or if you think about it more often than you admit, then you know what it is to live with a death wish. It’s weight. A grey cloud that follows you everywhere, depriving you of your breath and blurring your sight. It’s almost impossible to explain to anyone who hasn’t been inside it. Doodswens isn’t an album about giving up. It’s about what happens when you stop looking away. About meeting death face to face and coming back with strength. Not because the darkness disappears, but because you learn how to carry it without letting it own you.

The heart of Doodswens is not the wish for death, but the death of the wish, the breaking of a curse. A taboo spoken aloud. A darkness worn on the chest, not as pride, but as truth: “This is what I feel, and I will not hide it.“

Track-list:
1: Driven by Death
2: Verrot
3: The Black Flame
4: These Wounds Never Healed
5: She Carries the Curse
6: Devils Stone    
7: Vlaamse Vloek

FFO: Darkthrone, (early) Mayhem, Wiegedood, Fluisteraars

Line-up:
R. – Bass
I. – Drums, vocals
P. – Guitar 

Follow Doodswens:
https://doodswensband.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/DoodswensOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/doodswens.band

Shock Rock Legends GWAR Announce Fall 2026 “Gor Gor Must Die!” Tour

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 30, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
📸: Dave Jackson

Shock rock legends GWAR are back to wreak havoc across North America this fall with their latest campaign of carnage: the “Gor Gor Must Die! Tour.” The intergalactic tyrants will once again bring their blood-soaked spectacle to stages nationwide, delivering the kind of over-the-top performance only GWAR can unleash.

Joining GWAR on this descent into chaos is black ‘n’ roll powerhouse Midnight as direct support, while the unholy fast-food parody metal outfit Mac Sabbath will open every night of the tour. Select dates will also feature appearances from X-COPS and Atomic Rule, ensuring each night is stacked and that this will be the fall tour not to be missed.

The tour kicks off October 27th in Charlottesville, VA, and will tear through major cities across the U.S. and Canada, including a special appearance aboard The Headbangers Boat, before wrapping up December 12th in Norfolk, VA. Expect a full-scale blood-drenched production of heavy metal, horror, and comedy with relentless energy, and plenty of surprises as GWAR tangles with their prodigal child Gor Gor.

Speaking about the tour, The Berserker Blothar says:

“As both father and mother to our precious dinosaur Gor Gor, my hearts break to see what he has become: a crack-addicted truck-stop lizard-of-the-evening. We didn’t raise him to hustle his cloaca up and down the street. It is time for some tough love! Come watch as GWAR lays a whoopin’ on his giant red ass on the ‘Gor Gor Must Die Tour’ with Midnight, Mac Sabbath, X-Cops, and Atomic Rule.”

Pre-sales are live now, and the general on-sale is tomorrow Friday at 10:00 AM local time. Get your tickets and VIP packages at GWAR.net.

The “Gor Gor Must Die!” Tour

10/27 – Charlottesville, VA @ The Jefferson Theater *
10/28 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Heaven) *
10/29 – Jacksonville, FL @ FIVE *
10/30–11/03 – Miami, FL @ The Headbangers Boat
11/04 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution *
11/05 – Orlando, FL @ The Beacham *
11/06 – Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues *
11/07 – Winston-Salem, NC @ The Ramkat *
11/08 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl *
11/09 – Little Rock, AR @ The Hall *
11/10 – Dallas, TX @ AM/FM *
11/12 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre +
11/13 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Rockwell at The Complex +
11/14 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl +
11/15 – Reno, NV @ Cargo Concert Hall +
11/17 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee +
11/18 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues +
11/19 – Berkeley, CA @ The UC Theatre +
11/20 – Chico, CA @ Senator Theatre +
11/21 – Bend, OR @ Midtown Ballroom +
11/23 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo +
11/24 – Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory +
11/25 – Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theatre +
11/27 – Edmonton, AB @ Midway Music Hall +
11/28 – Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall +
11/30 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre +
12/02 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre +
12/03 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave *
12/04 – Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot Ballroom *
12/05 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues *
12/06 – McKees Rocks, PA @ Roxian Theatre *
12/08 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club *
12/09 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium *
12/10 – New York, NY @ The Palladium Times Square *
12/11 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore Philadelphia *
12/12 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa *
*X-COPS
+Atomic Rule

In addition to the tour announcement, GWAR is unleashing a brand-new limited release for the human horde; a Limited Edition Pink 7-inch vinyl featuring the band’s twisted take on Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” alongside their version of Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken,” reimagined as “We’re Just GWAR.”

In addition to the tour announcement, GWAR is unleashing a brand-new limited release for their hordes of loyal Bohabs to sink their teeth into: a Limited Edition Pink 7-inch vinyl featuring the band’s twisted take on Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” alongside their version of Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken,” reimagined as “We’re Just GWAR.”

Pre-orders for the Pink 7-inch are now available via GWAR.net, with a release date of June 26th.

More info: https://gwar.net/

WIDTHOUT Release New Single + Video ‘Dear Old Me’, Blending Alternative Metal And Electronic Elements

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 30, 2026
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WidthOut return with “Dear Old Me”, their new single now available on all digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion, marking the first step of a new artistic phase that will see the band releasing a series of singles in the coming months. With this track, the band officially begins its collaboration with Volcano Records, representing a turning point in their journey: a sonic and identity-driven evolution that opens up new creative and strategic perspectives.

“Dear Old Me” is a direct, raw and unfiltered dialogue with one’s past self. It’s an emotional confrontation that moves between awareness and disillusion, between who we once were and who we have become. The result is a track capable of turning personal introspection into a universal experience, where every listener can recognize fragments of themselves. From a sonic standpoint, WidthOut push the boundaries by crafting a modern and impactful sound where alternative metal naturally merges with electronic elements. Tight structures, melodic openings and EDM influences create a powerful balance between energy and immediacy, placing the band firmly within the landscape of contemporary international productions in the genre.

With “Dear Old Me”, WidthOut are not just releasing a new single, but clearly defining the direction of a broader artistic project: a musical narrative that will unfold over the coming months through a series of releases aimed at strengthening the band’s identity and expanding their reach on the international market.

To support the release, the official music video for “Dear Old Me” is now available on YouTube:

Further info at
http://www.widthout-official-site.webador.it
http://www.volcanopromotion.com

EXTREMA Unleash “Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club” – A 30-Year Thrash Milestone Captured in Full Force

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 29, 2026
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Italian thrash metal pioneers EXTREMA are set to release “Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club”, a high-impact live document celebrating the 30th anniversary of their legendary debut “Tension At The Seams”. The performance was recorded at Slaughter Club in Paderno Dugnano (Milan) on October 7th, 2023 – exactly three decades after the album that helped redefine the sonic and cultural framework of Italian metal.

The full show will be rolled out as an episodic live video series on the band’s official YouTube channel, alongside a digital release across all major streaming platforms.

Subscribe and follow the full series here: https://bit.ly/ExtremaLive

Released in 1993, “Tension At The Seams” stands as a cornerstone of European thrash: a record built on razor-sharp riffing, percussive precision, and an uncompromising compositional approach that pushed beyond genre orthodoxy. Its impact extended well beyond the Italian scene, setting new benchmarks in terms of arrangement density, production clarity, and expressive aggression.

To mark its 30th anniversary, EXTREMA returned to the stage with a purpose-built show engineered for maximum impact – conceived as a full-contact, no-compromise live assault. The setlist moves with surgical intent: a dominant portion of the debut album performed with renewed intensity, seamlessly integrated with key tracks from across the band’s catalog, culminating in material from their latest release, “Headbanging Forever”.

“Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club” captures that performance in its entirety – preserving the raw kinetic energy of the band’s live delivery while enhancing it through a modern visual production pipeline.

Beginning April 29th, all 16 tracks from the show will be released on a weekly schedule via the band’s official YouTube channel with three videos dropping per week – structuring the release as a sustained content cycle designed to maintain engagement and narrative continuity.

Filming and direction were handled by Daniele Farina, with the production delivered in 4K. The visual language combines tight shot sequencing, dynamic camera movement, and performance-focused editing, resulting in a final product that translates the physical intensity of the live set into a sharp, high-definition audiovisual experience.

Subscribe to EXTREMA’s official YouTube channel to follow the full release schedule: https://www.youtube.com/@Extrema_Official

Line-up​
Tommy Massara – Guitars
Tiziano “Titian” Spigno – Vocals
Marco Cassone – Guitars
Gabri Giovanna – Bass
Francesco “Frullo” La Rosa– Drums

BIOGRAPHY:

Extrema is an Italian thrash metal band formed in Milan in 1986. Known as pioneers of the thrash metal scene in Italy, they have carved out a reputation for their aggressive sound and relentless energy, both in the studio and on stage.

The band’s original lineup included guitarist Tommy Massara, vocalist/guitarist Andrea Boria, bassist Luca Varisco, and drummer Stefano Bullegas. Their debut EP, “We Fuckin’ Care” (1987), marked the beginning of their journey, selling 3,000 copies mainly through word of mouth and cementing their presence in the underground metal scene.

Despite challenges in gaining widespread recognition in Italy during their early years, Extrema gained credibility by opening for international heavyweights like Slayer, D.R.I., and Corrosion of Conformity. By 1993, the band underwent significant lineup changes, featuring Gianluca Perotti on vocals, Mattia Bigi on bass, and Chris Dalla Pellegrina on drums. With this lineup, they released their first full-length album, “Tension at the Seams“, which brought them to international festivals and stages, supporting acts such as Megadeth, The Cult, Suicidal Tendencies, and even Metallica.

In 1995, Extrema released their second album, “The Positive Pressure (Of Injustice)“, showcasing a more groove-oriented thrash sound influenced by contemporaries like Pantera and Machine Head. Although the late ’90s saw a decline in thrash metal’s popularity, the band remained active, producing albums like “Better Mad Than Dead” (2001) and “Set the World on Fire” (2005).

The band released their “Pound for Pound” (2009), followed by “The Seed of Foolishness” (2013). Their ability to adapt while staying true to their thrash roots kept them relevant in a rapidly changing metal landscape.

Their last studio album, “Headbanging Forever” (2019), released through Rockshots Records, marks a triumphant return blending their signature thrash grooves with a modern edge.

In October 2023, Extrema celebrated the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, “Tension at the Seams“, with the release of a special 30th Anniversary Boxset Edition, also under Rockshots Records. The box set includes a remastered version of the album from the original tapes, available in three formats: Blue Vinyl, Cassette, and Digital Download.

For more info:​
​https://www.extremateam.com/​
https://www.facebook.com/extrema.official/​
​https://www.instagram.com/extrema_official/

Season of Mist Announces 25th Anniversary Reissue of MAYHEM’s “Live in Marseille 2000”, Out June 26th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 29, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

No band embodies the spirit of black metal like Mayhem. The Norwegians set the standard for the genre with their canonical 1994 debut, only to return six years later and defy all convention on their daring follow-up. That fall, the band brought their grand declaration to life by seizing the stage at one of Europe’s oldest settlement with Live in Marseille 2000.

Today, Season of Mist is celebrating 25 years of Live in Marseille by announcing a special anniversary edition of the album. Legions of fans can now relive this iconic performance from the true legends of black metal on a new colored vinyl edition that includes an exclusive embroidered patch and poster.  

The 25th anniversary edition of Live in Marseille 2000 comes out June 26, 2026 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/mayhemliveinmarseille25

Available formats: Limited-edition 2×12” Colored Vinyl (Red and Black Splatter) with full color poster and embroidered patch

“Live in Marseille was filmed and recorded during the final performance of our European tour in support of Grand Declaration of War in 2000. It marked out first extensive tour since ‘the return…’, and it proved to be an intense yet highly successful journey”, Mayhem guitarist Blasphemer remembers.

“At that time, we were moving toward something distinctly different – what I consider a truly groundbreaking direction, reflective of the shifting landscape of the early 2000s. Whether embraced or challenged, this evolution represented a necessary expansion of our sound, not only for the band but for the genre as a whole.

“As a raw, vile, and chaotic as this recording may be, it stands as a crucial and defining chapter in the band’s history and enduring legacy”.

“Live in Marseille was recorded at the end of a long tour”, remembers Mayhem vocalist Maniac. “It was a band of worn out rebels hitting the stage in Marseille that evening. Somehow, maybe the loneliness of the long distance runners fused that night into a raging fire and pulled out whatever hidden strength and hatred was left in the combined machinery of Mayhem. We pulled off a great gig, the last stand of a long tour manifested in the rage of a hour-headed beast!”

“We were all young. We had no idea what we were doing, but we were gonna do it anyway – from stocking the dry ice in a fridge that was not plugged in to finding the barbed wire, the pig’s head and the military stock machine guns”, Season of Mist founder and manager Michael Berberian says. “I haven’t watched it since. It’s probably good, bad, amateurish, but it’s full of passion and a testimony of where things were in black metal in 2000”.

Tracklist

Intro (Silvester Anfang) (1:57)
In the Lies Where upon You Lay (4:41)
Fall of Seraphs (5:34)
Carnage (4:25)
Crystalized Pain in Deconstruction (3:40)
Buried by Time and Dust (3:33)
Symbols of Bloodswords (4:14)
View from Nihil (3:47)
Deathcrush (3:28)
To Daimonion (3:20)
Freezing Moon (6:14)
Chainsaw Gutsfuck (4:39)
A Time to Die (1:53)
Pure Fucking Armageddon (1:49)
I Am Thy Labyrinth / From the Dark Past (8:26)

Lineup
Maniac – Vocals
Blasphemer – Guitars
Necrobutcher – Bass
Hellhammer – Drums

Production credits
Recorded live in Marseille on September 24, 2000.

Interview between Mayhem and Michael Berberian

SWIM THE CURRENT Bassist Survives Heart Attack as Band Releases ‘Already Dead’ Song & Lyric Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 29, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

The dynamic rock band Swim the Current is excited to announce the release of their latest single, “Already Dead”, via TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. This incredible new track was co-produced by George Pond and David Caplinger.

The title of the track has taken on a deeper meaning in the wake of a frightening real-world event involving bassist George Pond.

Pond recently traveled overseas to perform shows in Japan with Mass Punishment, but during the run he suddenly fell ill and suffered a massive heart attack far from home, away from friends and family. Fortunately, the band is relieved to share that George is now making a strong recovery, and is expected to return to the U.S. soon.

In a powerful coincidence, Swim the Current’s new single “Already Dead” arrives as a reminder of how quickly everything can change and how resilience can rise from even the darkest moments.

Alongside the single, Swim the Current also unveiled the lyric video for “Already Dead.”

STREAM “Already Dead”: https://ffm.to/alreadydeadstc

Bringing together an all-star lineup of rock talents, including vocalist Marcos Leal (formerly of Ill Niño), bassist George Pond (Disciples of Verity), guitarist Greg Antine, drummer Chris Moore (George Lynch, Ultraphonix, Rock of Ages), and lead guitarist Joe Gareri, takes the band’s sound to new heights.

Having played in numerous bands throughout the years, Guitarist Greg Antine came to a point in his career where he wanted to branch out and write songs that had more depth and were inspired by his personal life experiences. Having worked with Bassist George Pond for several years in previous projects including, Disciples Of Verity, Greg expressed his concept for Swim The Current to George in hopes of collaborating with him on this new music venture. The two began to flesh out ideas in George’s home studio and realized quickly that they were on to something special, but still needed something more to see their ideas through to complete their concepts. Greg was introduced to Joe Gareri, Guitar/Keyboards, by George during the Disciples Of Verity debut album recording sessions which Joe is also featured on as a guest artist. The three of them immediately hit it off and worked extremely well together. Greg and George realized that Joe’s cinematic writing style would be a perfect match for their concepts and Joe was then brought in as a full time member. After two songs were completed and demo’d in George’s studio utilizing programmed drums, it was suggested by their friend Allyson Song River Jaynes, that they reach out to her friend, drummer Chris Moore of Ultraphonix, Rock Of Ages, to see if he would be interested in working with the project. Upon hearing the strength of songwriting and musicianship of the band, Chris was all in and signed on as the fourth full time member of STC and now the band, from an instrument’s perspective, was complete.

The final missing piece for STC was a lead vocalist who could capture the sound they envisioned for their music. After working in the studio with a few different vocalists, George ultimately reached out to his friend Marcos Leal, of legendary international touring band Ill Nino. Marcos loved the music of STC as well as having the freedom and creativity of writing lyrics for the project. After recording their first song together with Marcos, “We Are Not The Same”, everyone new that this lineup was something special and Swim The Current was now complete! The release of “We Are Not The Same” took off instantly, and amassed thousands of streams, YouTube views and followers through a total organic DIY social media campaign.

Swim The Current’s sound is influenced and reminiscent of many of their favorite artists including, Deftones, Faith No More, Sevendust, POD, and Stabbing Westward. They continue to write new music and look forward to sharing their future releases with the world!

For More Information Please Visit: Official Website – Facebook – Instagram