Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG Release New Single And Video ‘Time To Listen’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DATOG, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG. Leave a comment

With “It Takes Six To Rock!” – the core message of their enthusiastically received latest single- still echoing in everyone’s heads, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG strike again. Only one month after ‘It Takes Two To Tango,’ they’ve shortened the wait for their upcoming album “Babylon,” set for release in October 2025 on Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The second new track, ‘Time To Listen,’ cranks up the anticipation even more and delivers another high-energy preview of what fans can look forward to.

The band describes the song as follows: “‘Time To Listen’ is an up-tempo song that once again shines with DATOG’s typically diversified lead vocals. A soaring guitar riff paves the way for a powerful Udo performance, accompanied by Peter’s harmony vocals and continues with Manuela’s sustained two-part vocals. The chorus, with its convincing power casts a spell over everyone. Here also, Mathias’ guitar solo is a marvel of ingenuity that ignores all convention and whips through the musical realms in an unconventional manner. The compact and powerful ending is just as uncompromising as the beginning of the song.”

With ‘Time To Listen,’ DATOG once again highlight their unique identity and their commitment to making bold musical statements – energetic, authentic, and with a signature sound that’s instantly recognisable.

It’s time to listen – and time to rock!

Stream ‘Time To Listen’: https://datog.rpm.link/timetolistenPR

More from DATOG:
‘It Takes Two To Tango’ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meb1xvWHBEo

About DATOG

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (DATOG) was originally launched in 2020 as a one-off charity project, but quickly developed a momentum of its own and formed into a band consisting of Udo Dirkschneider (vocals; ACCEPT/U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER), Peter Baltes (bass, vocals; ACCEPT/U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER), Stefan Kaufmann (guitar; ACCEPT/U.D.O.), Mathias “Don” Dieth (guitar; SINNER/U.D.O.), Sven Dirkschneider (drums; U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER) and Manuela “Ella” Bibert (vocals). Between 2020 and 2021 their first three singles attracted a lot of attention, whereupon the band wrote more songs and recorded their debut album. With a unique vocal concept of three voices, powerful riffs and stylistic complexity, DATOG combine classic heavy metal with a modern, powerful production.

THE RASMUS to Play Charity Gig in Ukraine @ Atlas Festival

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: THE RASMUS. Leave a comment

One of Finland’s most internationally known bands, The Rasmus, will play a charity gig in Ukraine this summer on July 19th as the headliner of the Atlas Festival, as the only foreign artist at the event.

The band wants to do their part to help Ukraine.

“It’s scary to play in the middle of war, but we want to show our support for the Ukrainian people. We have a massive fan base in Ukraine and we’ve also previously done a joint song with the Ukrainian Eurovision winner Kalush Orchestra” – frontman Lauri Ylönen.

Over 60,000 people are expected to arrive at the festival. The festival has a comprehensive security system and the event is prepared to evacuate the audience and performers in just a few minutes if necessary.

Last year, the festival raised over two million euros for charity. The artists can choose to direct their charitable funds to any Ukraine-related cause, such as supporting children’s hospitals, purchasing ambulances, or helping combat medical personnel.

The Rasmus recently released the electrifying new single “Creatures of Chaos” released via Better Noise Music and Playground Music. With their signature blend of dark atmospheres and anthemic melodies, the band once again proves why they remain a force to be reckoned with in the rock world. In their native Finland, where they are the reigning #1 rock band, The Rasmus stands at #1 on Spotify, YouTube, Instagram and Deezer as far as followers, views, likes and streams.

The video for “Creatures of Chaos” can be seen on the band’s official YouTube page HERE.

The Rasmus is currently on tour in the United States.

ABOUT ATLAS FESTIVAL

The first edition of Atlas festival dates back to 2015 and ran successfully until 2019. In 2024 the organisers bravely brought it back, creating the biggest music event to take place in Ukraine since the invasion started, with 63,000 people in 3 days. The festival had a robust safety framework to ensure the artists’ and audience’s safety. The new venue – Blockbuster Mall – has the biggest underground parking in all of Ukraine (50000 m2), which can quickly become a shelter. In fact, in case of alarm, the entire festival can be evacuated to the shelter in a matter of minutes. The organisers worked and continue to work with the State Emergency Services, regional military administration and city administration to ensure the mitigation of all risks and the preparation for any threats without any danger to the people.

The festival entirely revolves around a big charity goal – to raise 100mln UAH (2.3 M EUR) to help the country. In 2024 Atlas Festival reached the goal with the help of its audience, artists, influencers and everyone who was involved. The whole festival was built around raising these funds with the help of our artist, sponsors, audience and all the country’s volunteers, influencers and opinion leaders.

FASTER PUSSYCAT to Release New Single ‘Motorbike’ on May 16th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 7, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: FASTER PUSSYCAT. Leave a comment

Legendary rockers Faster Pussycat are shifting into high gear and revving things up with their brand new single ‘Motorbike,’ which officially drops May 16th. The adrenaline-fueled track is available to pre-save today on all major streaming platforms.

In true Faster Pussycat fashion, ‘Motorbike’ captures the gritty, fast-lane energy that has made the band icons of the late-‘80s hard rock scene, delivering a roaring joy ride of sleaze, swagger and attitude.
“Sex, rock and roll and motorcycles! The lyrics are tongue in cheek, you can take them how you want to…” raves Faster Pussycat founder and frontman Taime Downe of the single. “I started writing ‘Motorbike’ about a decade ago, then the pandemic happened and… I’m slow…” he trails with a laugh. “We actually recorded this a couple times before, I finally felt like we got it right.”

Pre-save ‘Motorbike’ HERE

Fans will be thrilled to learn that a limited edition 7-inch of ‘Motorbike’ printed on “Pussycat Purple” vinyl is also available to order now, with the same May 16 release date. For collectors, an even more limited number of 7-inches signed by Taime Downe are available exclusively at www.fasterpussycat.com.

As was the case with the band’s previous two single releases, the vinyl b-side is a cover that has Downe just as excited as his Faster original – a fuel-injected and grease-splattered take on the INXS classic ‘Don’t Change.’

“I’ve been a big fan of INXS for years – I even hung out with Michael Hutchence, Iggy Pop and Debbie Harry after an awards show, which was a night I’ll never forget,” waxes the frontman. “I’ve always wanted to do an INXS cover – they have so many great songs, but this is one of my favorites. We’ve been playing it on and off for years, and it’s obviously in the set when we play Australia. I’m psyched to finally get it recorded and out there with our own spin. It’s INXS meets the Sex Pistols, as only Faster Pussycat can.”

As Taime appropriately sings on ‘Motorbike,’ “hold on tight and enjoy the ride!”

Pre-order ‘Motorbike / Don’t Change’ on vinyl HERE

Faster Pussycat rose from the depths of the mid-‘80s Hollywood rock scene and took the Sunset Strip by storm with a sound that wasn’t glam and wasn’t punk, but blistered somewhere in between. With an attitude and swagger all its own, their self-titled debut featured the instant classics “Babylon,” “Bathroom Wall,” “Cathouse” and “Don’t Change that Song,” and its follow-up ‘Wake Me When It’s Over’ climbed even higher with the radio hit “House of Pain,” “Poison Ivy” and “Where There’s a Whip There’s a Way.”

Despite sales in excess of two million records worldwide, Faster Pussycat defied the mainstream mold and always followed their frontman’s underground sensibilities. The accolades are nice, but Taime considers his greatest accomplishment longevity. “The only number that really matters to me is the number 40. Four decades later, Faster Pussycat are still rocking, and it feels as fresh as it did in 1986.”

Look no further than new releases ‘Motorbike’ and ‘Don’t Change’ – Faster Pussycat are as virile and tenacious as ever.

https://www.facebook.com/fasterpbandofficial
https://x.com/fasterpussycat
https://www.instagram.com/fasterp_ssycat/
https://www.fasterpussycat.com/
https://goldenrobotrecords.com/golden-robot-records/faster-pussycat/

CANNIBAL CORPSE Announce North American Headlining Tour This Fall

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 6, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: CANNIBAL CORPSE. Leave a comment

Death metal icons CANNIBAL CORPSE are pleased to announce their North American headlining tour this Fall. The journey will commence on September 15th in Nashville, Tennessee and make its way through over two dozen cities, the tour drawing to a close on October 22nd in Charlotte, North Carolina. Support will be provided by Municipal Waste and Fulci. The tour follows the band’s recent North America run with Meshuggah.

Blabbermouth and Knotfest pre-sales begin Wednesday, May 7th at 10:00am local time. Local/promoter pre-sales begin Thursday, May 8th at 10:00am local time.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 9th at 10am local time at: cannibalcorpse.net

CANNIBAL CORPSE w/ Municipal Waste, Fulci:
9/15/2025 Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN
9/17/2025 The Mill & Mine – Knoxville, TN
9/18/2025 Louder Than Life – Louisville, KY
9/19/2025 The Roxian – Pittsburgh, PA
9/20/2025 NE Metal and Hardcore Fest – Worcester, MA
9/22/2025 Buffalo RiverWorks – Buffalo, NY
9/23/2025 The Agora – Cleveland, OH
9/24/2025 The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
9/26/2025 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
9/27/2025 Epic Event Center – Green Bay, WI
9/28/2025 First Ave – Minneapolis, MN
9/29/2025 The Truman – Kansas City, MO
9/30/2025 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK
10/02/2025 Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ
10/03/2025 Ventura Theater – Ventura, CA
10/04/2025 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA
10/05/2025 Soma – San Diego, CA
10/07/2025 Rialto Theater – Tucson, AZ
10/09/2025 The Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX
10/10/2025 House Of Blues – Houston, TX
10/11/2025 The Hall – Little Rock, AR
10/12/2025 Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL
10/14/2025 The Ritz – Raleigh, NC
10/15/2025 The National – Richmond, VA
10/17/2025 The Paramount – Long Island, NY
10/18/2025 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ
10/19/2025 The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
10/21/2025 The Norva – Norfolk, VA
10/22/2025 The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC

CANNIBAL CORPSE released their critically adored Chaos Horrific full-length in 2023 via Metal Blade Records. Produced again by guitarist Erik Rutan, who has now produced six of the band’s albums, Chaos Horrific is, without question, a full-on, CANNIBAL-style death metal outing, straight down to the themes, which include zombie warfare, resetting the human race through mass mutilations, and the violent revenge of victims of human trafficking, and its cover art by longtime collaborator Vince Locke. Wrote Decibel Magazine upon its release, “Chaos Horrific manages to be easily digestible while also being honeycombed with nuance and is a nearly perfect record.” Revolver concurred noting, “They’re one of the hardest working bands in the game, their sound has never gotten a drop less brutal, and their coolness factor has never waned.” Added Metal Hammer, “This band is an imperious, tweaked-to-perfection wrecking machine at this point.”

Chaos Horrific slaughtered Billboard charts upon its first week of release, earning the #7 position on the Billboard Album Sales chart, #2 on the Hard Music Albums chart, #3 on the Rock Albums chart, #5 on the Independent Label Albums chart, and more!

The record is available on digipak CD, cassette, and digital formats as well as vinyl in multiple limited color variants.

Secure your copy today at the CANNIBAL CORPSE store at: cannibalcorpse.store and Metal Blade at: metalblade.com/cannibalcorpse

http://www.cannibalcorpse.net
https://www.facebook.com/cannibalcorpse
https://www.instagram.com/cannibalcorpseofficial
https://x.com/corpseofficial

ARKONA Unveil Eerie New Single + Official Music Video ‘Cectpa’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 6, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Arkona. Leave a comment

Following the critically acclaimed release of their apocalyptic concept album Kob’ (2023), pagan folk metal visionaries ARKONA return with a mesmerizing new single, “Cectpa” (English: Sister). Unveiling a darker, more introspective side, the track conjures a haunting atmosphere through solemn organ melodies, doom-tinged riffs, and the ethereal voice of frontwoman Masha Scream. Accompanied by an official music video, “Cectpa” weaves an emotional tale of inner grief and spiritual reckoning, continuing ARKONA’s tradition of blending folkloric mysticism with metal’s raw intensity.

After a successful 2023 that included a tour with labelmates Patriarkh (ex-Batushka) and a well-received appearance at Summer Breeze Open Air in 2024, ARKONA now set out on their Summer Rituals tour across Europe. From intimate venues to major festival stages, the band continues to bring their intense blend of Slavic pagan tradition, blackened metal, and theatrical performance to devoted audiences. With over two decades of evolution behind them, ARKONA remain a commanding force—fierce, emotional, and spiritually resonant.

ARKONA about the new single “Cectpa”:
“The song ‘Cectpa’ (Sister) is a non-album single, which was spontaneously written by Maria specifically for the student who is learning vocal skills from her.
Conceptually, the song tells about the deep mental anguish of a person who is on the verge of going into oblivion with the help of fire, which is eating away at the exhausted body from the inside. Sestra is the anguish which acts as a twin sister, the personification of her own internal mental suffering, and the heroine of the song has a dialogue with her, and ultimately says goodbye to her when death finally captures the heroine in its arms.

The single cover artwork, created by the artists Rotten Fantom, fully reflects the concept of the song, visualizing its content in dark philosophical tones.

The musical accompaniment is extraordinarily doom metal, closely echoing the melodic line and folk choral voices of traditional Arkona. It’s recommended for those who loved the songs such as ‘Strela’, ‘Oh, Pechal’-Toska’, ‘Zimushka’.”

ARKONA Summer rituals over Europe:
26.06.25 CZ – Spálené Poříčí / Basinfire Fest
27.06.25 RO – Timișoara / Road Patrol Open Air
28.06.25 RO – Cluj-Napoca / Machines Venue
29.06.25 RO – Bucharest / Quantic
04.07.25 HU – Budapest / Rock Maraton Fest
05.07.25 BE – Ghent / Litha Fest
06.07.25 DE – Weinheim / Café Central
17.07.25 FR – Montpellier / Secret Place
18.07.25 PT – Vila Nova de Famalicão / Laurus Nobilis Fest
19.07.25 NL – Amstelveen / P60

ARKONA are:
Masha “Scream” – Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion
Sergei “Lazar” – Guitars
Ruslan “Kniaz” – Bass
Vladimir “Volk” – Wind Instruments
Alexander Smirnov – Drums

ARKONA online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
NAPALM RECORDS

A-Z Share New Single ‘I Am Numb’ from Forthcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 6, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: A-Z. Leave a comment

Hard rock band A-Z recently announced their return and sophomore album ‘A2Z²‘ with the powerful single “Nothing Is Over.” Now, the band are pleased to share the track “I Am Numb,” the second single from the forthcoming full-length release, which is due out on June 6th, 2025 via Metal Blade Records.

“I Am Numb” is an aggressive, in-your-face exploration of the emotional detachment most humans experience in life. The somber moniker is highlighted with an undeniable chorus hook and is balanced with hope and the promise tomorrow holds. Sonically, the track features energy like Rainbow‘s “Kill the King” with full-throttle riffs and post-rock effected long notes, which allow the drums to be exceptionally creative. The counter rhythms bring the listener on a whirlwind journey.

Spearheaded by legendary drummer Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord) and along with former Fates Warning bandmate Ray Alder on vocals, ‘A2Z²‘ builds on the groundwork laid on the acclaimed 2022 self-titled debut album. The writing for the album began when Zonder and guitarist Nick Van Dyk (Redemption) started working with vocalist Alder on the album’s first single and de facto statement “Nothing Is Over,” showcasing the band’s commitment to making heavy music that’s sophisticated but hooky and accessible. Helping achieve those aural goals are bassist Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai/Ring of Fire/Warlord), Italian guitarist Simone Mularoni (A2Z² mixing/mastering, DGM) and keyboard player Jimmy Waldo (Alcatrazz/New England).

A2Z² Tracklist:
01. Fire Away (4:37)
02. Running in Place (4:58)
03. Nothing Is Over (4:18)
04. A Wordless Prison (6:04)
05. Reaching Out (4:16)
06. The Remedy (5:06)
07. I Am Numb (4:03)
08. This Chaotic Symphony (5:10)
09. Learning to Fly (4:38)
10. Now I Walk Away (5:39)

Watch the video for previously released single “Nothing Is Over” HERE.

Pre-order A2Z² now at: metalblade.com/a-z

The band known as A-Z began when Zonder started working on material in early 2020 with a clear vision for the band he wanted to put together: “I was thinking beer commercials, car commercials and Cobra Kai. I wanted a very accessible band that would appeal to the masses,” he says. The band’s name – standing for Alder thru Zonder – was an easy choice that would never pigeonhole the lineup’s sound. “What I liked is that it did not limit what someone would think of the band,” says Zonder. “If we named the band Scary Serpent it would give a certain direction and didn’t want people to prejudge us.”

The band members are legendarily prolific, which allows for an amazing dynamic where, as Zonder explains, “when you find the right guys, you just let them do whatever they want. Everybody’s a seasoned pro and all the different ingredients come together, make it what it is. That live and recording experience allows A-Z to instinctively know how not to step on each other musically.“

“We’re all about the songs, the band, not what each of us does in it. It’s simple,” they all agree. “It’s about the music as a whole,” says Zonder, “I guarantee you everybody’s into something completely different musically, and that’s where the magic to me comes from, taking different influences and everybody doing what they do to create A-Z. We’re not 20-year-old kids. We’re at the point where if you’re gonna go, just go big. And that’s what we’ve done on A2Z².“

A-Z lineup:
Ray Alder – Lead and Backing Vocals
Philip Bynoe – Bass Guitar
Nick Van Dyk – Guitars
Simone Mularoni – Lead Guitars
Jimmy Waldo – Keyboards
Mark Zonder – Drums

A-Z online:
http://www.a-zband.com
https://www.facebook.com/AthruZBand
https://twitter.com/AthruZBand
https://www.instagram.com/athruzband