After delivering a powerful preview of their upcoming album Phantom of Reality with the singles Scream and Istanbul, modern metal force CHONTARAZ now drops the title track itself — releasing Phantom of Reality as both a single and a full-length album, out since yesterday May 9, 2025. Buckle up and brace yourself to be captivated by their daring soundscapes and engrossing narratives as the uncompromising dark quartet leads you on an exhilarating adventure unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
The new single Phantom of Reality is a haunting audiovisual journey that blurs the line between illusion and truth. Drenched in deep purples and eerie light, the video unfolds like a waking nightmare: creeping forward with evil undertones and hypnotic momentum. Kaleidoscopic visuals fracture reality, mirroring the song’s disorienting pull between phantasm and fact. The track pulses with intense vocals, heavy guitars, as well as trance-like rhythms and as the distortion builds and the world distorts, Phantom of Reality invites you into CHONTARAZ’s dark, immersive universe – where nothing is quite as it seems.
CHONTARAZ makes a bold impression in the modern music scene by combining raw intensity with melodic sophistication. Their sound is driven by powerful, cutting riffs, enriched with electronic elements and eerie ambiance, drawing listeners into a dystopian realm where hope and hopelessness intertwine. For the new album, CHONTARAZ welcomed Fotis Benardo as both producer and drummer – and it’s undeniable that his role in shaping the sound and rhythm enriches Phantom of Reality with a powerful, immersive sonic landscape. This collaboration launches CHONTARAZ into new, uncharted realms, unleashing metal in its purest, most intense form. And the band has brought even more well-known guest musicians on board, such as Sakis Tolis (Rotting Christ) as guest vocalist on Scream, George Nerantzis for keys and industrial add-ons on all tracks, Kjetil “DeadBit” Lindløkken on additional keys for Spin The Wheel, Prayer To The Masses, and Dressed To Kill, and Noxaerias (Kostas Mexis) on bass for live performances and music videos.
CHONTARAZ delivers a sound that strikes with force while stirring deep emotions, drawing you into a strong, shadowy experience that’s bigger, and more powerful than yourself. It’s a musical voyage through places where unfiltered intensity meets modern technology, and heartfelt passion merges with darkness.
Yesterday, on Friday 9th May, Canadian Roots, Rock, and Soul band Bywater Call released SUNSHINE, their first single of 2025 and their first official live release. The single is released ahead of the band’s November 2025 headline UK tour. Tickets are on sale now at THEGIGCARTEL.COM and BYWATER CALL.
A joyous blast of energy, “Sunshine” (Live), is available on all streaming platforms HERE. The music video for the new single is available to watch on YouTube HERE. The song is their first official live track, and title track from their brand-new live album, set to be released later this year. The new album will be available at shows starting earlier this summer and available online and in stores at a date soon to be announced.
Musically, “Sunshine” is an upbeat funk, soul, electric blues tune that simultaneously shows off the emotive, sometimes quirky, powerful vocals of lead singer Meghan Parnell and the skilled yet spirited, inter-play between the band.
“Lyrically, Sunshine paints a vivid picture of two people, each chasing their own version of a brighter future, however flawed it may be, and holding onto that vision even when things fall apart,” observes Parnell. “It captures the resilient human spirit, reminding us that no matter how tough things get, there is a glimmer of hope just waiting to break through.”
“Sunshine” was recorded live on tour in 2024 at Arlington Arts in Newbury, UK and mixed by Bywater drummer Bruce McCarthy in Toronto, Canada. The video was shot by Lightning House Media over the course of two sold-out shows at the historic Rivoli in Toronto in December.
In August 2024, Bywater Call released their third album Shepherd which featured the singles “Everybody Knows,” “Holler,” “Colours,” “As If,” “Roll,” and “For All We Know.” “Everybody Knows” and Holler” were championed and put on high rotation on Planet Rock; the UK’s popular classic rock radio station.
In their August 2024 issue, Henry Yates of Classic Rock Magazine made Shepherd his Album of the Month in his Blues Roundup, and said it was “an inventive and uncommonly catchy record,” and added, “the sense of a band on the brink is unmistakable.” The album was also selected as the Top Blues Album of the Year in the magazine’s year-end round up.
Often transcending genres, Bywater Call is known for their dynamic, emotional live shows, featuring powerful vocals and exciting interplay between all band members.
“Bywater Call have melded blues, rock, roots, soul, and country into an infectious, powerful, enveloping sound. Live, they take these sweet vibes to an electrifying, intoxicating level.” – Get Ready to Rock
NEWCASTLE, ANARCHY BREW SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2025, Tickets: The Gig Cartel Benfield Business Park, Unit A1, Benfield Rd, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE6 4NQ www.anarchybrewco.com/events
CANADA/ USA: MAY/JUNEMAY 10 | ERIN, ON | The Bushholme *SOLD OUT MAY 16 | CARLETON PLACE, ON | Carleton Place Town Hall Auditorium MAY 17 | SARANAC LAKE, NY | The Waterhole MAY 18 | PORTSMOUTH, NH | Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues MAY 20 | NORTHAMPTON, MA | Iron Horse MAY 22| MAYNARD, MA | Sanctuary MAY 23 | PLYMOUTH, MA | The Spire Centre MAY 24 | NEW YORK, NY | Groove *2 SHOWS MAY 25 | PAWLING, NY | Daryl’s House MAY 27 | SELLERSVILLE, PA | Sellersville Theatre *LIVE STREAM TIX AVAILABLE MAY 28 | SAINT GEORGES, DE | Saint Georges Country Store MAY 29 | HAGERSTOWN, MD | Live at Hib City Vinyl MAY 30 | ARKVIILLE, NY | Paulie’s New Orleans Jazz & Blues Festival at the Ark Bowl JUNE 6 | CALGARY, AB l Mikey’s Juke Joint JUNE 7 | BOW ISLAND, AB | Blues at the Bow
EUROPE: JUNE/JULY
6. 13 Sneek | NL | Bolwerk 6. 14 Heist-op-den-Berg | BE | Hnita Jazz Club 6. 15 Amen | NL | Cultureel Café De Amer 6. 16 Ruiselede | BE |Banana Peel 6. 17 Köln | DE | Deutschlandfunk Kammermusiksaal 6. 18 Verviers | BE | Spirit of 66 6. 19 Paris | FR | L’Empreinte 6. 20 Aurillac | FR | Le Sismographe 6. 22 Le Thor | FR | Sonograf 6. 23 Chambery FR | Brin de Zinc 6. 25 Bremen | DE | Meisenfrei 6. 26 Dortmund | DE | Musiktheater Piano 6. 27 Torgau | DE | Kulturbastion 6. 28 Dolgelin | DE | Feldsteinkirche Dolgelin 6. 29 Rheinberg | DE | To Hoop 7. 1 Enschede | NL |Het Laadperron 7. 3 Grésivaudan | FR | Grésiblues Festival 7. 4 Diepenbeek | BE | Hookrock 7. 5 Basel | CH | Stedtli Blues Festival 7. 7 Rimsting | DE | Feuerwehrhaus 7. 9 Aschaffenburg | DE | Colos-Saal 7. 10 Den Haag | NL | Paard 7. 11 Oberhausen | DE | Static Roots Festival 7. 12 Krefeld | DE | Kulturrampe 7. 13 Weert | NL | Bospop 7. 18 Lichtenvoorde | NL | Zwarte Cross Festival
CANADA/USA: JULY/AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER
JULY 19 | BÉCANCOUR, QC | Au Son De Moulin Blues et Gin JULY 25 | FORT LANGLEY, BC | Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival JULY 26 & 27 | SALMON ARM, BC | Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival JULY 31 | MAMMOTH LAKES, CA | Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza AUG 9 | SAN JOSE, CA | San Jose Jazz Festival AUG 15 | MADISON, IN | Madison Ribberfest AUG 16 | OMAHA, NE | Playing with Fire Festival
EU/UK: OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER 25.10 | Erfurt, DE | Winter Blues Festival 26.10 | Weert, NL | De Bosuil 27.10 | Utrecht, NL | Tivoli 28.10 | Verviers, BE | Spirit of 66 29.10 | Zwickau, DE | St. Barbara 30.10 Isernhagen, DE | Blues Garage 31.10 Joldelund, DE | Gerd’s Juke Joint 1.11 | Joldelund, DE | Gerd’s Juke Joint 2.11 | Bonn, DE | Harmonie 3.11 | Solothurn, CH | Kofmehl 5.11 | Barcelona, ES | Sala Wolf 6.11 | Zaragoza, ES | Rock and Blues Cafe 7.11 | Valencia, ES | Loco Club 8.11 | Granada, ES | Sala Tren 9.11 | Jerez, ES | La Guarida del Angel 11.11 | A Coruña, ES | Sala Mardi Gras 12.11 | Madrid, ES | Sala Copernico 14.11 | Landerneau, FR | Centre Culturel Le Family 15.11 | Penmarch, FR | Cap Caval 19.11 | London, UK | The Garage 20.11 | Southend, UK | Chinney’s 21.11 | Gloucester, UK | Guild Hall 22.11 | Newcastle, UK | Anarchy Brew Co 23.11 | Glasgow, UK | Oran Mor 25.11 | Leeds, UK | Nath Brudenell 26.11 | Manchester, UK | Band on the Wall 27.11 | Porthcawl, UK | Planet Rockstock 28.11 | Southampton, UK | The Brook 29.11 | Faversham, UK | The Old Brewery Store
ABOUT BYWATER CALL Often transcending genres, Bywater Call is known for their dynamic, emotional live shows, featuring powerful vocals and exciting interplay between all band members.
A powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots rock outfit from Toronto, Canada; the band is comprised of Meghan Parnell (vocals), Dave Barnes (guitar), Bruce McCarthy (drums), Mike Meusel (bass), newest member, John Kervin (keys), Stephen Dyte (trumpet) and Julian Nalli (tenor sax).
Bywater Call was nominated for the 2025 UK Blues Award for International Blues Artist of the year for the second straight year, alongside artists such as Beth Hart and Walter Trout.
The band has also received multiple Independent Blues and Canadian Maple Blues Award nominations including Entertainer, Electric Act and Best Female Vocalist for the 2024 Awards Season.
In March, Bywater Call played their second Joe Bonamassa Keeping the Blues Alive (KTBA) cruise, featuring headliners Big Head Todd and the Monsters and Larkin Poe. Also in 2025, they will play the Netherland’s BOSPOP festival alongside the Black Keys, Snow Patrol, Beth Hart and Melissa Ethridge.
The band has opened for Canadian award-winning musicians Whitehorse and Tom Cochrane and singer Meghan has joined renowned pedal-steel guitarist Robert Randolph on stage at his request.
Their current studio album Shepherd has garnered rave reviews from fans and media alike and was selected as the Blues Album of the Year by UK’s Classic Rock Magazine. Band leaders Meghan Parnell and Dave Barnes were featured on the cover of Blues in Britain in January of 2025.
In 2024 alone, the band played 140 shows across 10 countries.
Bywater Call’s music is an exploration of life’s highs and lows. From intimate ballads that lay bare the complexities of human emotion to electrifying anthems that demand to be played at full volume, their catalogue is a journey through human experience, featuring influences from the likes of The Band, The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Otis Redding, Little Feat, Sly and the Family Stone, and many more.
The big family of Wanikiya Record/Promotion welcomes a new, powerful musical force: LIBRA.
LIBRA blends energy, authenticity, and passion into a hard-hitting, multi-faceted Hard Rock sound. The collaboration kicks off with “Follow The Light”, a work that fully represents the spirit and vision of this trio from Viterbo.
Formed at the end of 2021, LIBRA are: 🎤🎸 Luca “Deline” Fochetti – Vocals, rhythm and lead guitar 🎸 Valerio “Blade” Silvestri – Backing vocals, bass, rhythm and lead guitar 🥁 Fabio “Shock” Nunzi – Drums and backing vocals
The three musicians, with extensive live experience from previous projects, quickly captivated audiences with their intense and engaging shows. Starting with carefully chosen and personally rearranged cover songs, they simultaneously began crafting a series of original tracks that take listeners on a musical journey through powerful and timely themes such as love, friendship, war, personal growth, and self-discovery.
“Follow The Light” is a sincere, visceral album, born from the urgency to communicate and the desire to shape a project based on friendship, sharing, and expressive freedom. Each song stems from an inner need — a drive to tell stories in which many will recognize themselves, finding reflection, emotion, and moments of escape.
With this new collaboration, Wanikiya Record/Promotion will support LIBRA on a journey of promotion, exposure, and artistic growth, bringing their music to radios, webzines, festivals, and stages both in Italy and internationally.
Get ready: LIBRA are about to shine their light on every corner of the rock world!
Out of the darkness and on the heels of their Mortal Deluxe Album announcement Daedric returns with “Night Mother”, the first single from their upcoming full-length sophomore album.
“Night Mother” was the first track to go into production for the sophomore album, and it set the tone in the most chaotic way possible. Creative differences, technical issues, and behind-the-scenes struggles made the process feel more like a disaster than a starting point. “It was like walking into a party, and instead of someone handing you a drink, they hit you in the mouth with a lamp,” the band recalls. But through the turmoil, they knew they had something special. Rob’s initial track idea was inspiring, and Kristyn’s vocal approach brought fresh energy to the song. The struggle was worth it—the final result was so powerful that “Night Mother” became the album’s first single.
Lyrically, Night Mother explores themes of deception, blind trust, and painful disillusionment. It tells the story of someone who placed complete faith in another, only to realize they had been manipulated. “I fully trusted you. I thought everything you wanted for me was good, that I should follow everything you say because you have all this knowledge and power and authority,” Kristyn Hope explains. The chorus delivers one of the album’s most haunting lines: “I’m so naïve I would burn in a fire if you told me to stay.”
The song balances anger toward the deceiver with an underlying sense of shame and self-blame. “It sounds like all the anger is directed at someone else, but honestly, it’s more like, ‘Damn, I was so dumb,’” the band admits.
Originally titled Nails, “Night Mother” also took inspiration from Chinese opera. While some of the high-pitched vocal elements were toned down in the final mix, remnants of that stylistic influence remain. Sonically, the track serves as a bridge between Daedric’s debut album and their evolving sound, blending dark electronic elements with a modern metalcore edge.
At its core, “Night Mother” ties into the album’s overarching theme of free will versus fate. Was the protagonist truly making their own choices, or were they unknowingly controlled? The song captures the weight of that realization, blending betrayal, loss of autonomy, and self-awareness into one of the album’s most emotionally charged moments.
Daedric is an alternative rock and metal project led by vocalist and artist, Kristyn Hope, alongside producers, Clay Schroeder and Geoff Rockwell.
Daedric draws inspiration from an eclectic array of sources including the open world role-playing game series Elder Scrolls, from which the Daedric name is derived. The musical soundscape can best be described as “all killer, no filler” (according to Metal Epidemic) with a dance of hypnotic synths, elaborate grooves, and intensely dynamic vocals.
Kristyn launched the Daedric project in 2021 through a partnership with electronic rock label FiXT. With the debut full-length album, Mortal, under Daedric’s belt, the project has solidified its hold on the line between rock and metal, with promises to tighten its grip on listeners’ ears. The band continues forward with a new album slated for release in late 2025.
Daedric has collaborated with labelmates Celldweller, Fight The Fade, Andromida, Void Chapter, and Kaixo for a gamut of well received singles that have also pulled in more fans across the world. After dropping a variety of singles, music videos, and collaborations Daedric has amassed over 300K followers across all platforms, scored mentions on Louder Sound, Punk Rocker, Metal Hammer, and Metal Injection. They’ve also gained notoriety on the Daedric Official Tik Tok Account covering the hit single “This Is Halloween,” and Daedric’s track “Abandon,” a collaborative effort with Andromida, found its way into the spotlight when Ubisoft chose it for inclusion in a promotional trailer for Rainbow Six Siege.
Upon Daedric’s inception in late 2020, they had a goal to create a dark synthwave project that established a modern fantasy element that was lacking across the dystopian-filled genre. With Geoff’s captivating production, Clay’s syncopated riffs and Kristyn’s hypnotic vocal delivery, “Wretched” was forged and set forth an inevitable sound. More importantly, it opened the doors for true exploration. Over the next year Daedric would expand their writing across multiple genres, blending metal drums and industrial grooves with an amalgamation of synth, guitar and orchestration, all leading to a diverse soundscape to showcase Kristyn’s immense vocal range.
‘Fame’ explores the complex and often destructive pursuit of notoriety. We all crave it to some degree – some chase it relentlessly, some stumble into it by accident. But ‘Fame‘ digs into the darker side of the fame game: the people who will do anything to get it, burning bridges and ignoring advice unless it feeds their ego. It’s about those who want the spotlight but fear what comes with it. They’re running full speed… but from what, they’re not even sure.
Driven by raw riffs, soaring vocals, and the band’s signature blend of classic and modern rock energy, ‘Fame‘ is a track that cuts through the noise with its unapologetic truth. It’s loud, it’s honest, and it’s very, very real. Stonetrip continue to make waves with their no-holds-barred approach to songwriting and electric live performances, and ‘Fame‘ is another bold step forward for a band that isn’t afraid to call it like they see it.
Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Melbourne, Stonetrip is a powerhouse rock band known for their electrifying performances and raw, authentic sound. Signed to Golden Robot Records, the band blends classic rock influences with modern flair, creating a dynamic and unforgettable auditory experience.
In 2021, Stonetrip released their self-titled EP, showcasing their talent and versatility. This release solidified their reputation and garnered significant attention within the rock community. The band’s music, characterized by powerful vocals, driving rhythms, and intricate guitar work, reflects their passion and commitment to rock n roll.
2023 saw the release of Stonetrip’s debut album “Run Free,” featuring six singles and six accompanying video clips. The album has been well-received globally, further enhancing their international presence. Despite a few lineup changes out of their control, Stonetrip entered 2024 with renewed vigor and new music. Their first release of the year, “Beautiful You,” was a testament to their evolving sound and dedication to their craft.
Stonetrip has had the honour of supporting legendary bands such as Rose Tattoo, The Screaming Jets, and Baby Animals, further cementing their status as a formidable force on stage. With a reputation for high-energy shows and a dedication to their craft, Stonetrip has quickly risen to prominence, captivating audiences and earning a loyal fanbase. They continue to make waves in the industry, promising to be a mainstay in the rock genre for years to come.
Vocals / Mark Ritchie Guitars / Mick Malusa Bass / Sebastian Barahona Guitars / Simon Croft Drums / Brett Spicer
With six records since their formation in 2008, four consecutive number #1 albums, and the strongest line-up the Finnish power/symphonic metal group ever had, today BATTLE BEAST release their brand new single. The song ‘Last Goodbye‘ is the first taste from the band’s seventh album, set to release later this year.
Eero Sipilä quotes excited: ”The spark for Last Goodbye was lit in the least rock ’n roll place imaginable: a hospital. In 2020, I spent a few weeks there and met an older woman battling cancer—a fight she’d been waging on and off since 1985. It made me wonder: how much can a person take before they give up? But she never did. She kept showing up, kept pushing through the treatments, kept being around. Last Goodbye is a tribute to that human fighting spirit—the will to rise every time life knocks you down. As long as you’re breathing, you’re still in the game.”
BATTLE BEAST´s european tour starts with a bang on October 17th with their biggest German headline show to date at Hamburg’s Inselpark Arena, the tour will keep the band on the road until mid-December. To complete the bill with melodic metal superiority, DOMINUM will join the tour as their special guest and Sweden’s rising power metal force MAJESTICA as their opening act. All tourdates are listed below.
Tourdates: 17-Oct-25 Germany, Hamburg – Inselpark Arena 18-Oct-25 Germany, Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt 19-Oct-25 Netherlands, Eindhoven – Effenaar 21-Oct-25 England, Birmingham – O2 Institute 22-Oct-25 England, Manchester – O2 Ritz 23-Oct-25 England, Bristol – O2 Academy 24-Oct-25 England, London – O2 Shepherd´s Bush Empire 25-Oct-25 France, Paris – Elysee Montmartre 26-Oct-25 France, Toulouse – Bikini Toulouse 28-Oct-25 Spain, Madrid – Sala La Riviera 29-Oct-25 Spain, Barcelona – Sala Apolo 30-Oct-25 France, Lyon – Transbordeur 31-Oct-25 Germany, Filderstadt – FILharmonie 01-Nov-25 Germany, Wiesbaden – Schlachthof 02-Nov-25 Belgium, Antwerp – Trix 04-Nov-25 Germany, Hannover – Capitol 05-Nov-25 Denmark, Roskilde – Gimle 06-Nov-25 Sweden, Huskvarna – Folkets Park 07-Nov-25 Sweden, Gothenburg – Trädgårn 08-Nov-25 Sweden, Stockholm – Fryshuset Arenan 09-Nov-25 Norway, Oslo – Rockefeller Music Hall 28-Nov-25 Germany, Leipzig – Felsenkeller – Ballsaal 29-Nov-25 Germany, Nuremberg, Löwensaal 30-Nov-25 Austria, Vienna – Arena Wien 01-Dec-25 Slovakia, Bratislava – Majestic Music Club 02-Dec-25 Hungary, Budapest – Barba Negra Red Stage 03-Dec-25 Slovenia, Ljubljana – Cvetlicarna d.o.o. 05-Dec-25 Germany, Munich – TonHalle 06-Dec-25 Switzerland, Pratteln – Z7 Konzertfabrik 07-Dec-25 Italy, Trezzo sull’Adda – Live Club 09-Dec-25 Switzerland, Lausanne – Metropole 10-Dec-25 Germany, Saarbrücken – Garage 12-Dec-25 Germany, Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle 13-Dec-25 Czech Republic, Zlin – Sports Hall Datart 14-Dec-25 Poland, Warsaw – Progresja
Finland Tour 2025: 14-Nov-25 Finland, Oulu – Tullisali 15-Nov-25 Finland, Helsinki – Icehall 20-Nov-25 Finland, Turku – Logomo 21-Nov-25 Finalnd, Tampere – Nokia Arena
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 ) 