BLUTGOTT release the cover version of Judas Priest’s “Painkiller” as new single.
Thomas Gurrath says about this song: “For me, Judas Priest is the embodiment of metal – an absolute legend and a huge inspiration for my own music. And Painkiller? The holy grail of metal.
Of course, you can never fully do justice to a monster of a song like that, but hey – I’m a fan and a musician. I already covered the track with Debauchery back in 2015, but for the new music video, I wanted a fresh BLUTGOTT version. Very close to the original – just with an extra dose of viciousness.”
The new version will also be part of the upcoming Legions of Metal album (release date: October 10, 2025).
FESTIVALS 12.07.2025 Dalmstöckle Open Air 22.08.2025 Kaltenbach Open Air (AT)
Legendary Chania Rock Festival, one of Southern Europe’s most important summer rock and metal festivals, returns for its 2025 edition on July 26 and 27 at the stunning Eastern Moat Theatre (Theatro Anatolikis Tafrou) in Chania, Crete. Set in one of the world’s most beloved summer vacation destinations, this is more than a music festival – it’s a unique opportunity to combine an unforgettable holiday with the energy and power of live rock and metal music from around the world.
Chania, Crete, isn’t just a picturesque city with a rich history and vibrant culture – it’s one of Europe’s most in-demand summer holiday spots, known for its sun-drenched beaches, traditional cuisine, Venetian harbor and lively nightlife. What better way to escape the ordinary than to enjoy an exotic island getaway and experience a world-class metal festival under the stars?
This is your chance to turn your summer vacation into a full-on metal pilgrimage. Chania Rock Festival 2025 has everything you could ask for: international headliners, rising underground acts and an unforgettable summer vibe.
Since its inception in 2002, Chania Rock Festival has welcomed some of the biggest names in the rock and metal world: Blind Guardian, Sabaton, Paradise Lost, Tarja, Demons & Wizards, W.A.S.P., Sisters of Mercy, Soulfly, U.D.O., Anathema, Moonspell, Destruction, Blaze Bayley, and many more. This year, the festival’s international spirit shines brighter than ever, featuring 10 bands from 7 different countries – and possibly its strongest lineup to date.
Saturday, July 26
STRATOVARIUS (Finland) – Power metal legends and one of Finland’s most celebrated bands make their long-awaited first appearance in Crete as Saturday’s headliners!
GEOFF TATE (USA) – The iconic former frontman of Queensrche will deliver a powerful “Big Rock Show,” featuring hits from across his career.
ELYSION (Greece) – Gothic/symphonic metallers known for their emotional atmosphere and melodic power.
DEVISER (Greece) – Greek extreme metal pioneers with a history stretching back to 1989, bringing their dark, mystical aura to the stage.
ARS NOTORIA (Cyprus) – Winners of the “Giorgos Manouselis” Music Contest.
Sunday, July 27
KREATOR (Germany) – The biggest band to ever grace the Chania Rock Festival stage. Thrash metal royalty, ready to tear the island apart!
ROTTING CHRIST (Greece) – The most iconic name in Greek metal, in an exclusive show for Crete.
LECKS INC. (France) – Industrial metal for fans of Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie.
MADVICE (Italy) – A hard-hitting extreme metal act influenced by Swedish death, black, and thrash metal.
FLAMECORE (Greece) – Melodic death metal with local roots and a fierce presence, opening Sunday’s lineup.
Metal Up Your Summer – This year, only Crete. This year, only Chania Rock Festival. Don’t miss the most electrifying rock event of the summer – set in paradise!
In the lead up to the release of new album ‘From The Wreckage’ on 13th June, STAR CIRCUS continue their campaign this year with their stunning new track ‘One Hit Wonder’. This uptempo rocker packs a real punch with riffs and hooks galore, a showcase of the sheer talent this band possesses.
‘From The Wreckage’ sees the band take a huge step forward, pushing boundries and themselves, and the end result is an absolutely storming rocker of an album that’s guaranteed to delight fans and gain many more!
Dave comments on the new album:
“Feeling invigorated following the positive response to our first album and many national tours, we set aside the first half of 2024 to write and record our second album as a band. However, most of last year proved to be a challenging time for us. Cancellations, lineup and management issues plagued us, along with fear and disbelief at the state of the world in general.
As a consequence, ‘From The Wreckage’ is definitely a heavier, darker and more aggressive beast both lyrically and musically than it’s predecessor. On the other hand there’s definitely both light and shade, and a positive outlook depicted in the title; that we’re coming back stronger than ever. First and foremost, we’re really proud of all the songs, but it’s also a landmark in our evolution from our little project into a fully-fledged rock n’ roll animal!”
Star Circus are a London-based rock band led by Dave Winkler and Sophie Aurelia Young, influenced by classic rock artists including Queen, Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick, Def Leppard and Alice Cooper.
The band was formed in 2019 by frontman Dave, who’s songwriting caught the attention of radio legend Tony Wilson. The pair worked together on creating the debut album ‘Separate Sides’ which Tony produced, and was released in December 2022 to an overwhelmingly positive critical response.
Following the album release and several UK tours supporting a host of international acts, the Star Circus lineup has now become a collaborative band-project, with other musicians contributing to the songwriting. As well as the added influences of other songwriters, the new album also features various accomplished guest guitarists including Tom Draper (ex Carcass, Spirit Adrift) and Ritchie Mohicano (Dobermann), and the notable addition of Sophie’s vocals (including lead vocals on Masquerade). The band also landed a global distribution deal with the Arizona-based record label Renaissance Records. Their sophomore album “From The Wreckage” is due for release on 13th June 2025, and will be available on all the popular streaming and download platforms, on CD and vinyl.
“Possessing an eclectic range of influences stretching from classic hard rock, through AOR, 80s Glam Metal, 90s American power pop… these fuse faultlessly to form a sound that is stacked full of infectious melodies, grandiose vocal and instrumental harmonies plus colossally catchy choruses” – Sophie James, METALTALK
Live shows: 24th May – Chesham Fringe Festival, Generals Arms Chesham 25th May – Breaking Bands Festival, Bromsgrove 7th June – The Cart And Horses, London – acoustic show, with Eric Martin (Mr Big) 21st June – The Underworld, Camden – Album launch show 3rd October – Cornwall Rocks Festival, Tencreek Holiday Park 14th November – Rockmantic Weekender, Yardbirds Grimsby
Tonic Breed, the metal project led by Norwegian musician Patrik K. Svendsen, is gearing up to release “Anew” on June 19th, 2025, a crushing new single featuring none other than legendary drummer Chris Adler (Lamb of God, Megadeth).
“I was quite curious when I got an email — and some riffs — from Patrik,” says Adler. “Clearly he’s done some cool shit and I was flattered to be on his radar… I researched it for a minute and agreed.”
Patrik originally sent over a rough demo of the song, a storm of riffs strung together with placeholder drums and a suggested structure. “Chris was actually on board right away,” Patrik explains. “We worked together on a new structure for the song, and Chris took the lead on shaping it into something far more unique and effective than my original draft.”
“His riffs are fucking sick,”Adler continues. “We did have to take a minute to both feel good about what this would be — meaning I beat up his song like a fucking Rocky movie — but I knew it had the parts and strength.”
The final version of “Anew” is a precision-crafted, high-energy track that fuses Patrik’s Norwegian riff work with Adler’s unmistakable rhythmic drive. “To me, this is the most Lamb of God-style drumming I’ve heard from Chris since he was in Lamb of God,” Patrik says. “I’m sure some metal guitarists would kill to hear Chris Adler’s drumming behind their riffs — I’ve been lucky enough to experience that firsthand.”
By the end of the collaboration, Adler described the finished product as “sounding like an action movie that’s fun to watch,” a nod to the song’s explosive dynamics and cinematic flow.
“It’s been a privilege to work with Patrik,”Adler says. “Humbling. You’ll know what I mean when you hear it.”
The track was mixed and mastered by acclaimed producer Machine, who also handled Lamb of God’s Ashes of the Wake and Sacrament. “The sound is brilliant,” says Patrik. “Machine absolutely nailed it.”
“Anew” will drop June 19th, 2025 as a stand-alone single and is also set to appear on the next full-length Tonic Breed album. The new release continues the project’s series of high-profile collaborations, which already include Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam), and Björn Strid (Soilwork).
Until “Anew” is released, check out Tonic Breed‘s latest collaboration with Flotsam and Jetsam guitarist Michael Gilbert for a guest solo on the new single “The Die Is Cast”.
Straight to the point. No fluff, no filler, “The Die Is Cast” is pure, hard-hitting thrash from start to finish, with a touch of melody woven in. The song is about a powerful war machine that lies broken and abandoned, surrounded by the wreckage of others like it. Its silence feels heavy, as if it’s aware of the destruction it once brought and the emptiness that followed.
“The Die Is Cast” was performed, written, and produced by Patrik K. Svendsen with mixing by Adrian Bjerketvedt in Sarpsborg, Norway, and mastered by Steve Kitch.
Anthem Vinyl, a state-of-the-art vinyl pressing facility located just 30 minutes from Dublin, is proud to announce its official launch, setting a new benchmark for high-quality, sustainable vinyl production across the UK, Europe, and North America.
Anthem Vinyl arrives as a transformative force in the global music and creative industries, offering premium vinyl manufacturing that blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting edge technology and sustainability. The facility’s strategic location can provide seamless fulfilment across the UK, European Union, and US markets, ensuring efficient delivery, competitive pricing and hassle-free production experience.
Founded in 2024 by a team of music industry and business professionals united by their passion for vinyl, Anthem Vinyl was built with a clear mission: to honour vinyl’s timeless legacy while embracing innovation, sustainability, and global accessibility. “Our vision is simple: to serve artists, labels, and fans worldwide with beautiful, sustainable records crafted with care and precision,” said founder Brian Kenny. “Whether you’re an independent artist, a boutique label, or a global distributor, we’re here to support your journey, offering high-quality vinyl with fewer barriers, faster turnarounds, and a deep respect for the art form.”
A Hybrid of Craftsmanship and Technology Anthem Vinyl’s facility merges traditional record-pressing techniques with modern engineering, ensuring each record is crafted to the highest sonic and aesthetic standards. With each press capable of producing a new record every 30 seconds, the plant maintains efficiency without compromising quality, positioning Anthem Vinyl as a reliable partner for small runs and large-scale projects alike. Additional equipment is already on order to expand capacity, reinforcing the company’s commitment to meeting rising global demand, while maintaining exceptional standards.
An International Fulfilment Advantage From its Irish base, Anthem Vinyl offers a unique fulfilment advantage for UK, EU, and US clients: • Competitive pricing and fulfilment • Proximity to the UK with rapid shipping solutions • Streamlined export to North America via established logistics partners This ensures faster lead times, lower costs, and a simplified production process for clients operating across multiple territories.
Introducing Smart Vinyl: The Future of Physical Music In addition to traditional pressing services, Anthem Vinyl is pioneering “Smart Vinyl”, records embedded with discreet technology such as NFC chips or QR-enabled packaging. This innovation allows fans to unlock exclusive digital content, fostering deeper artist-fan connections, while keeping vinyl’s tactile magic at the core. “Smart Vinyl represents a bridge between the physical and digital worlds,” added Kenny. “It offers artists and labels exciting new ways to engage their audience, without sacrificing the beauty and authenticity of a vinyl record.”
A Global Commitment to Sustainability Sustainability sits at the heart of Anthem Vinyl’s operations. The facility meets Green Approved standards and takes meaningful steps to reduce its environmental impact: • 100% of waste PVC is recycled • Processes are being implemented to reuse up to 100% of in-use ‘flash’ material • Partnership with Anglo Printers, Ireland’s first carbon-balanced printer, FSC and PEFC certified, who manage all print, packaging, and surplus waste “While the world faces urgent sustainability challenges, we are taking purposeful action to ensure our production is responsible, efficient, and future-focused,” said Kenny. “We’re proud to deliver records that honour the music and the planet.”
Supporting Record Stores and Retailers Worldwide Anthem Vinyl is committed to working with independent record shops, major retailers, and global distributors alike, offering reliable supply and tailored solutions for stores across the UK, EU, US, and the greater international market. “We encourage artists and labels to support the global independent retail network,” said Chris Keena, Commercial Manager. “These shops remain vital to the music ecosystem, providing platforms for new artists, hosting live events, and keeping music culture alive.” Whether supplying a beloved local shop, or fulfilling orders for a global retail chain, Anthem Vinyl delivers with precision, care, and a shared dedication to keeping vinyl culture thriving worldwide.
Trusted by Artists and Industry Leaders Since its inception, Anthem Vinyl has garnered support from artists, managers, and industry professionals…
Anthem Vinyl invites independent artists, record labels, and vinyl enthusiasts to discover how Ireland’s only vinyl pressing plant can bring their music to life with unmatched quality, care, and commitment to sustainability.
“We’re thrilled to see vinyl manufacturing return to Ireland and look forward to collaborating with the entire team at Anthem” – Stephen Fitzgerald CEO Golden Discs
“The opening of Anthem Vinyl record pressing is such a positive development for Irish music industry, particularly in a time when the musical landscape is constantly evolving. As vinyl continues its resurgence, having a local Irish pressing facility offers a crucial resource for artists, labels and the retailers across Ireland. For emerging talent, this plant represents not just access to high-quality physical releases, but also an opportunity to compete on a global stage without the prohibitive delays of overseas production.
More importantly, supporting homegrown music infrastructure and supply chains like Anthem Vinyl is essential to nurturing Irish creative voices and ensuring that their work can be more effectively shared and celebrated and will help reinforces Ireland’s music cultural export power worldwide. Collective would like to wish Brian, Chris and the rest of the Anthem Vinyl team the very best with the launch and we look forward to working with them on future releases” – Edison Waters, Collective Management (Gavin James)
“Working with Anthem Vinyl on Declan’s latest project has been exciting and exhilarating. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and support of Irish artists is truly inspiring. Knowing that Declan’s creation will be pressed with care and precision right here in Ireland is a tremendous step in keeping the tradition of vinyl pressing alive closer to home”, said Donard Duffy, manager for acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke.
“Anthem Vinyl represents a shift for Irish artists and labels,” added Neville Wright, owner of All Wright Media. “Having a state-of-the-art pressing facility on home soil not only cuts costs and lead times but also provides unparalleled opportunities for creative collaboration. This is a game-changer for the Irish music industry”.
Sean Preston, Head of Production at Ninja Tune, shared: “Ninja Tune believes it is in our interest, as well as the general vinyl manufacturing ecosystem, that a vinyl plant in Ireland can thrive, and we will endeavour to support through our business.”
The world can be cruel, but electronic metal group SOLENCE offers a simple cure. The charming quartet of high-energy Swedes is defined as much by their endless optimism as their boundless talent. Their upcoming fifth album, ANGELS CALLING, due out October 3 via Better Noise Music, combines big pop hooks and electro savvy with the heavy yet melodic intensity of trailblazing Swedish metal into a distinctive international sound equal parts hypnotic and uplifting.
Pre-orders for ANGELS CALLING, which include an instant download of the first single “Where Were You..?” are available today (May 16) HERE. The video can now be seen on Better Noise Music’s official YouTube page HERE.
SOLENCE will hit the road later this year for a European tour opening for Nothing More, which launches November 7 in Finland, along with Catch Your Breath and Ankor. General tickets will be available on Friday, May 16 at 10am CET on their official website.
“‘Where Were You..? is a fast and fun song about a friend letting you down when you needed them the most,” says guitarist David Strääf. “The song really keeps the tempo up with a big chorus, modern production and a very heavy, bouncy and genre bending breakdown!”
SOLENCE returns with fresh visuals, a new look, and a retrofitted sound that combines the best of their past with a look into the future for both the group and the genre. “For some reason, I’ve always felt like my time on earth is limited, as if I might die young,” frontman Markus Videsäter explains. “Our music is about making the most of life, relationships, and passion before heaven calls us home.”
Based out of Los Angeles and originally hailing from Sweden, SOLENCE’s lineup consists of frontman Markus Videsäter alongside guitarist David Strääf, keyboardist Johan Swärd, and drummer David “Viking” Vikingsson. They focus all its energy on uplifting anyone in a dark state of mind to a brighter place. “SOLENCE is all about having a good time,” Videsäter declares. “Our message to our existing fans and potential new ones is that we want to bring the fun back into rock n’ roll.”
“Storytelling is a lot of fun,” he continues. “I write about motivation and how to get myself up in the morning. So, yes, there’s still a lot of that. We bundle it up in a lot more energy and craziness. ANGELS CALLING is so cool. I love every single song. I’m so excited about how massive it feels.”
ANGELS CALLING is the follow-up to their EP BLUE MONDAY (Better Noise Music), released this past January with three new songs: “F**k The Bad Vibes,” “A Banger A Day Keeps The Doctor Away,” and “Who You Gonna Call? (Solence),” which Houston Chronicle highlighted in their “Top 50 Best Underground Music Videos of 2024” list. It also includes two remixed versions of their hit track, “Good F**king Music” by Swedish-based producer MVRE and L.A.-based producer kodeblooded (Asking Alexandria, Charlotte Sands). Stream and download BLUE MONDAY HERE.
The band have built a dedicated global audience on past tours opening for bands including Five Finger Death Punch, Ice Nine Kills, Electric Callboy, We Came As Romans, and The HU, in addition to festival appearances across Europe (Rock For People Festival, Graspop Metal Meeting, Resurrection Fest, Tuska Festival, Nova Rock Festival) and the U.S. (Aftershock, Louder Than Life, Blue Ridge Rock Fest). A SOLENCE performance is a participatory sport, with audiences encouraged to sing and bounce along.
Lauded as one of Pandora’s “Rising Rock Artists To Watch In 2023,” SOLENCE have to date garnered over 358 million cumulative streams over 940k monthly Spotify listeners, and over 96 million video views since their formation in 2012. The band started by releasing heavy renditions of well-known pop hits from the likes of Imagine Dragons, Fall Out Boy, Ed Sheeran, Britney Spears, and Queen before breaking out with their 2019 debut album BROTHERS. It was quickly followed by their sophomore album, DIRECTION, which saw them achieve their first Active Rock radio charting with “Animal In Me” which became SiriusXM Octane’s most-played track in 2020. Octane’s Sr. Director, Music Programming Vincent Usuriello described SOLENCE’s sound as “a dynamic fusion of rock, metal, and pop elements, with powerful vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and infectious melodies, creating an immersive sonic experience.” In 2021, SOLENCE released their third album, DEAFENING, which showed their range of inspirations from music to anime, gaming, sci-fi, and even philosophy and soon followed with their fourth album HOPE IS A CULT in 2023. Amidst writing new material for SOLENCE, Videsäter and Strääf have lent their songwriting skills to pop acts including Jason Derulo and Bebe Rexha.
In 2025, SOLENCE continues to spread its life-affirming message. “‘Until I hear the ‘Angels Calling’ reminds us that life is way too short to worry about doubt or making mistakes,” Markus Videsäter points out. “We never know when our time is up, so let’s make the most of it while we can!”
Here’s the track listing for ANGELS CALLING:
Angels Calling
Monsters In My Head
Where Were You..?
MESS
<alive
Dead_Alive
Wish You The Worst
Dangerous To Love
All of the Pain Must Go
Angels vs Demons
Check out SOLENCE’s tour with Nothing More at any of the following stops:
Fri 11/7 Tampere, Finland Tavara-Asema Sat 11/8 Helsinki, Finland Tavastia Mon 11/10 Stockholm, Sweden Göta Lejon Tue 11/11 Oslo, Norway Vulkan Arena Wed 11/12 Copenhagen, Denmark Amager Bio Fri 11/14 Hamburg, Germany Docks Sat 11/15 Berlin, Germany Astra Kulturhaus Sun 11/16 Warsaw, Poland Progresja Tue 11/18 Prague, Czeck Roxy Fri 11/21 Munich, Germany Backstage Sat 11/22 Stuttgart, Germany Lka Longhorn Sun 11/23 Zurich, Switzerland Komplex 457 Wed 11/26 Paris, France Elysee Montmarte Fri 11/28 Frankfurt Am Main, Germany Batschkapp Sat 11/29 Cologne, Germany Essigfabrik Sun 11/30 Antwerp, Belgium Trix Tue 12/2 Glasgow, Scotland SWG3 Galvanizers Thu 12/4 Manchester, U.K. O2 Ritz Fri 12/5 London, U.K. O2 Forum Kentish Town Sat 12/6 Bristol, U.K. O2 Academy
Chief Shock Video
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
Ads
Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 