The Kings of Rock DANKO JONES Celebrate Release of New Studio Album “Leo Rising”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 23, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo credit: Ole Martin Wold]

The kings of no compromise rock, DANKO JONES, celebrate the release of their critically-acclaimed, twelfth studio album Leo Rising, out now through PERCEPTION – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music and Sonic Unyon (Canada)! 

Stream / Order Leo Rising now at: https://dankojones.rpm.link/leorisingPR

The international music press is buzzing with praise for the album:

“Danko Jones prove themselves to be one of the consistent bands in the business. If you have liked or loved any of their previous albums, then this will provide satisfaction guranteed!” – 9/10 – POWERPLAY MAGAZINE, UK

“All the things I like in rock/metal, that is strong melodies, comprehensible arrangements, grooving rhythms, cool vibes, and intelligent lyrics, all come together in LEO RISING!” – Album Soundcheck #4 – METAL HAMMER, Germany

“If you haven’t been won over by DANKO JONES yet, there is still time. But whether people embrace this six-legged force for musical good or not, “Leo Rising” is so lean, mean and magnificent that the naysayers are only denying themselves a guaranteed good time. It’s only rock ‘n’ roll, baby, and no one does it better!” –  9/10 – BLABBERMOUTH, USA

“With Leo Rising, Danko Jones unleash their most electrifying and defiant record to date – a high-octane sermon of swagger, sweat, and unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll fury. This is a feral, full-throttle reminder that real rock lives, and its heart beats louder than ever!” – 9/10 VIVE LE ROCK, UK

“Danko Jones delivers exactly what the trio is praised for: pure rock without fuss, made for the stage!” – 8,5/10 – ROCK TRIBUNE, Belgium

“A strong record that makes you want a sweaty DANKO JONES concert night!” – Album Soundcheck #2 – ROCK HARD MAGAZINE, Germany

“This band has never missed the mark, and Leo Rising is no exception. If you crave high-octane, unapologetic rock ’n’ roll, this record gives you exactly “What You Need”. True to form, it’s full throttle from start to finish — no brakes, no filler, just pure energy!” – MIDWEST REWIND, USA

“With Danko Jones as your soundtrack, every day does indeed feel like a Saturday night. “Leo Rising” is the trio’s 12th studio album. It feels like they are just getting started!” – ROPPONGI ROCKS, Japan

“A more than exciting, highly motivated, and passion-packed album that effortlessly fits into DANKO JONES’ strong discography and once again proves who rules the genre!” – 8/10 – EARSHOT, Austria

Produced to perfection by longtime collaborator Eric Ratz, the trio’s new studio offering Leo Rising is a masterclass in sweat-soaked, no-nonsense rock. Packed with razor-sharp riffs, thunderous rhythms, and infectious hooks, the album reaffirms that DANKO JONES are keeping rock alive by doing it better than anyone else.

John Calabrese laid down bass tracks from Finland, Rich Knox flew to Toronto to record drums, and Danko worked with producer Eric Ratz in the same city to capture vocals and guitars. Despite recording separately once again, the band’s chemistry is unmistakable. The result is pure DANKO JONES: tight, loud, and built for the stage. Leo Rising may be their most electrifying and uplifting record yet, a jolt of high-octane rock made for packed clubs, open highways, and everything in between! 

Speaking of live: The band has just kicked-off their “Danko Jones Is What You Need” European Tour 2025, with TUK SMITH & THE RESTLESS HEARTS supporting on most dates:
26.11.2025 DE Osnabrück – Hyde Park (SOLD OUT)
27.11.2025 LU Luxembourg – Den Atelier
28.11.2025 NL Amsterdam – Melkweg (SOLD OUT)
29.11.2025 UK London – The Underworld Camden (FEW TICKETS)
30.11.2025 UK Porthcawl – Planet Rockstock *
03.12.2025 BE Antwerp – Trix (Main Hall)
04.12.2025 FR Paris – Le Trabendo
06.12.2025 IT Milan – Legend Club
08.12.2025 DE Mannheim – Alte Feuerwache (SOLD OUT)
09.12.2025 AT Salzburg – Rockhouse (SOLD OUT)
10.12.2025 DE Munich – Backstage – Werk (SOLD OUT)
11.12.2025 DE Cologne – Carlswerk Victoria (SOLD OUT)
12.12.2025 DE Berlin – Astra (SOLD OUT)
13.12.2025 DE Hamburg – Docks (SOLD OUT)
*DANKO JONES only

Canada Tour:

01/30/2026 (CAN) Toronto – The Mod Club
01/31/2026 (CAN) London – London Music Hall
02/04/2026 (CAN) Winnipeg-The Park Theatre
02/05/2026 (CAN) Regina Casino Regina
02/06/2026 (CAN) Sherwood Park Festival Place
02/07/2026 (CAN) Vancouver The Pearl

Tickets: https://www.dankojones.com/tour

Festival Shows 2026:

06/05/2026 (DE) Rock Am Ring
06/07/2026 (DE) Rock im Park
07/17/2026 – 07/19/26 (UK) Maidstone – Maid Of Stone Festival
11/06/2026 (UK) Great Yarmouth – Hard Rock Hell 19

About DANKO JONES

Every time someone announces the death of rock ‘n’ roll, Canada’s most incendiary power trio roll with the punches and keep rocking with maximum commitment to the cause. DANKO JONES are a three-piece rock ‘n’ roll band from Toronto. They never sleep. They sweat blood. And they are keeping rock alive by doing it better than anyone else.

On duty since 1996, these unstoppable road-hogs have devoted their lives to rousing the people with blistering, no-bullshit, all-action rock. They have rallied a global army of rock-hungry fans, and blown them away with a steady stream of explosive, anthem-packed albums and an absurd number of live shows. From early underground smashes like “We Sweat Blood” [2003] and “Sleep Is The Enemy” [2006], to the band’s recent, triumphant triumvirate of “A Rock Supreme” [2019], “Power Trio” [2021] and “Electric Sounds” [2023], DANKO JONES have been a relentless force for rock ‘n’ roll good, both in the studio and on the road. And they have absolutely no intention of stopping.

“You know what? I like the routine of recording, touring, writing, and repeat,” states singer/guitarist, Danko Jones himself. “I can do that till I’m dead! It may sound boring, but it’s so hard for a band to achieve. I don’t take this lightly. Also, it’s a page out of the MOTÖRHEAD handbook so it works! Since “Electric Sounds” we’ve been touring and touring. We managed to play in Mexico and Greece for the first time, and we even played Prince Edward Island, a province in Canada we’d never been to before. Other than that, it’s been a life of gigs and writing more songs to play more gigs!”

Proving that their time was well-spent, Danko, bassist John Calabrese and drummer Rich Knox have conjured yet another blazing banquet of nourishing rock goodness on their 12th studio record Leo Rising, that is out now on PERCEPTION.

DANKO JONES are:
Danko Jones | vocals, guitars
John Calabrese | bass
Rich Knox | drums

More on DANKO JONES: dankojones.com | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X | Spotify | Apple Music

ELECTRIC BOYS Unleash new EP “Shady Side Of Town”, Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 23, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Gabrielle Holmberg

After the explosive energy of their 2023 album “Grand Explosivos”, Sweden’s groove-rock veterans ELECTRIC BOYS are back today with a brand-new EP, “Shady Side Of Town”. Bursting with the same swagger, melody, and funk-driven hard rock that made them cult favorites, these songs were born during the “Grand Explosivos” sessions, but were simply too good to be left behind. Now, fully unleashed, they reveal another side of the Electric Boys’ timeless blend of attitude, rhythm, and rock ’n’ roll spirit.

“During the recording of our latest album “Grand Explosivos” a lot of songs were written, but since we don’t like records being too long, all of them wouldn’t fit timewise”, the band comments. “In hindsight, we felt that these other tracks were too good not to be released, so here goes. Hope you dig ’em!”

“Shady Side Of Town” is out now on all streaming services, via Mighty Music. It can be streamed via this link.

“Shady Side Of Town” tracklist:

1. Head Honcho 
2. Grand Explosivos 
3. Looking For Vajayay 
4. Keep It Dark 

Formed in Stockholm in 1987, Electric Boys quickly made a name for themselves with their debut “Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride”, produced by Bob Rock (Metallica, Mötley Crüe, The Cult), and the MTV hit “All Lips ’N’ Hips”. Blending 70s groove rock with 60s psychedelia and infectious pop hooks, the band became a unique voice in the rock scene. 

After classic releases like “Groovus Maximus” and “Freewheelin’”, the band briefly disbanded before reuniting in 2009. Since then, Electric Boys have delivered a series of acclaimed albums: “And Them Boys Done Swang”, “Starflight United”, “The Ghost Ward Diaries”, “Ups!de Down”, and most recently “Grand Explosivos”, proving that their signature funky hard rock is as vibrant, catchy, and joyfully rebellious as ever.

Lineup:
Conny Bloom – guitar, lead vocals
Andy Christell – bass, backing vocals
“Slim” Martin – guitar, backing vocals (lead vocals on “Keep It Dark”)
Jolle Atlagic – drums

–Digital: https://electricboys.lnk.to/shady
–Webshop: https://bit.ly/eboys-shop

Web:
Facebook
Instagram
Bandcamp
Spotify
Apple Music
YouTube Music
Tidal
Qobuz
Deezer
Soundcloud

FIREWIND Sign Deal with BLKIIBLK + Announce Major Lineup Updates, New Concept Album Coming

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 23, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Akis Douzlatzis

BLKIIBLK is thrilled to announce the signing of Greek power metal band FIREWIND. Led by guitar virtuoso Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Dream Evil), the band have evolved into a powerhouse band with a devoted international fanbase and a string of acclaimed albums.

As the band enter this exciting new era, Firewind also announce major lineup updates. After his departure in late 2019, powerhouse vocalist Henning Basse is officially returning to the band. Basse’s history with the group goes back to 2007, when he first stepped in as a touring vocalist on the Allegiance tour, and later became a defining voice during Firewind’s post-hiatus era from 2016 to 2019, leaving a lasting imprint on the acclaimed album “Immortals”.

At the same time, Firewind announce that Herbie Langhans is stepping down from vocal duties. 
“We “borrowed” Herbie from Avantasia for as long as we could, but our schedules and needs kept clashing, with all the increasing touring obligations. We understand Herbie’s situation and we thank him for his time in the band, the awesome music we made together and wish him all the best”, the band commented.

Gus G. expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, by saying: “We’re all very excited, as we commence work on the upcoming concept album that will be the biggest and most epic thing we’ve ever done. And for this, we couldn’t have imagined a better label partner other than Frontiers Records new imprint label, BLKIIBLK. We’re honored to be label mates with Metal titans such as Megadeth and Biohazard and we can’t wait to unleash the new music to the world. Please stay tuned for more details on that and we will be seeing you on the road in 2026!”

Aldo Lonobile, Head Of A&R Europe at Frontiers Label Group, added: “We are truly excited and proud to welcome Firewind to BLKIIBLK. Over the years, I’ve crossed paths with Gus G on several occasions, and now we finally have the opportunity to work more closely together. Beyond being one of my favorite guitar players, he is a brilliant songwriter, and Firewind have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting metal acts in the scene. We can’t wait to be part of the next chapter in their career!”

Blazing a trail across the global metal scene for over two decades, Firewind stand as a pillar of modern melodic power metal. Combining anthemic choruses, dazzling guitar work, and soaring vocals, Firewind bridge the gap between classic heavy metal and modern power metal sensibilities. With influences ranging from Rainbow and Judas Priest to Helloween and Symphony X, their sound is as timeless as it is energetic.

The band’s discography includes standout releases like “Allegiance” (2006), “The Premonition” (2008), and “Immortals” (2017), each demonstrating Firewind’s knack for fusing melody and technical mastery. Their 2020 self-titled album marked a rebirth of sorts – introducing new vocalist Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Sinbreed) and delivering a heavier, more aggressive edge without sacrificing the band’s signature hooks.

At the center of it all is Gus G., whose explosive yet lyrical guitar style has earned him global recognition and endorsements, from playing stadiums with Ozzy Osbourne to headlining clubs with Firewind. Known for his precision, tone, and deep-rooted love for heavy metal, Gus G. is both the heart and architect of Firewind’s sound.

Firewind continue to tour worldwide, captivating audiences with their electrifying live performances and unwavering dedication to the genre. With new material on the horizon and their legacy firmly cemented, Firewind remain a vital force in the metal world – bold, melodic, and unstoppable.

Firewind will head on tour next year, with the following dates already confirmed and more to be announced soon.

FIREWIND Festival dates 2026:

29.01-02.02 US – 70K Tons of Metal Cruise
09.05 DE – Rock in Rautheim
06.06 DE – Hard N Heavy Open Air
13.06 ES – Kabiefest
08.08 BE – Alcatraz Festival
29.08 DK – Næstved Metalfest 

WILDSTREET Release Lyric Video for New Single ‘When It’s Gone’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 23, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

For nearly two decades, New York City hard rock icons Wildstreet have been rallying rock fans worldwide, and the band have now released their massive new single ‘When It’s Gone’.

Stream here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/wildstreet/when-its-gone

‘When It’s Gone’ is an anthemic rock ballad with honest lyrics, legendary guitar solos, massive drums, and everything both new and longtime fans would expect of Wildstreet, and is the first release for this current lineup. 
Eric states: “The new single was written with Todd Long (Ghosts of Sunset), he and I made a demo of the track and I revised and reworked the production throughout. I wanted to incorporate elements of Wildstreet’s debut album (Wildstreet 2009) and add in the live band, and attitude of the lineup in the present. Dylan and I tracked live drums in NYC at Virtue & Vice Studios with Anthony Gallo Engineering which is where we tracked drums for Wildstreet III. We did a handful of drum takes that were later edited by Wildstreet’s longtime producer/mixer and cowriter Kyle Kelso. After that my bandmates and I reworked all our parts and this is now the first song that features our current lineup. It’s an honest Arena Rock Ballad and all rock! 😉 “

‘When It’s Gone’ (Eric Jayk, Todd Long (Verve Pipe, Ghosts of Sunset)
–Produced by Eric Jayk, Anthony Gallo (Virtue & Vice Studios) https://virtueandvicestudio.com
–Kyle Kelso (Kygo, Parachute, Breaking Benjamin) https://www.kylekelso.net
–Jonathan Wyman (The Pretty Reckless, Enter the Haggis) https://www.thissoundsgood.com
–Mixing: Jonathan Wyman
–Mastering: Howie Weinberg https://www.howieweinbergmastering.com

In 2025, Wildstreet performed alongside legends at the Monsters of Rock Cruise and had songs featured on the HBO Max series ‘Peacemaker’ while recording their next release from all over the world. They headed out on tour in Canada for three shows including a show at Piranha Bar Montreal, CA on Nov 21. 

Remaining Canada show:
23rd Nov, The Brass Monkey, Ottawa, ON

Wildstreet will return to Europe for their ‘20th Anniversary Tour’ in March 2026 and have tour and festival dates booked in the USA, including Monsters On The Mountain.

They return to the studio later this year to record more songs so expect exciting new releases in 2026!

Wildstreet:
Eric Jayk: Vocals, guitar
Wrath Starz: Guitar, vocals
Kevin R. Scarf: Bass, Vocals
Dylan David: Drums, Vocals

https://www.wildstreetmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wildstreetnyc/
https://x.com/wildstreet
https://www.instagram.com/wildstreetofficial
https://www.tiktok.com/@wildstreetofficial
https://www.youtube.com/@wildstreet
SPOTIFY

GÍSLI GUNNARSSON Shares Music Video for ‘Aska’, Feat. Real Footage of Gríndavik Eruption

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 23, 2025
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Icelandic composer GÍSLI GUNNARSSON shares a music video for the song “Aska” featuring real footage from the eruptions and evacuation in Gríndavik, Iceland. The video is a collaboration with videographer Björn Steinbekk. The song is taken from the recently released album ‘Úr Öskunni’.

“Aska was born of destruction”, says the Icelandic composer.  “As I watched my neighbours houses burn down live on the webcams from Grindavík I couldn’t help but feel completely powerless. From this sense of hopelessness came this track.”

‘Úr Öskunni’, translates to “From the Ashes,” is a deeply personal work born out of destruction. The emotional weight of the evacuation, the loss of home, and the psychological toll of this period became the canvas of the new full-length. The album is out via By Norse on all digital streaming platforms and on physical audio carriers HERE.

Hailing from the atmospheric landscapes of Iceland, Gísli Gunnarsson is a visionary composer and multi-instrumentalist whose work blurs genre boundaries—merging cinematic modern classical with the raw intensity of post-rock, black metal, and shoegaze.

It was the volcanic eruptions in his hometown of Grindavík that left the deepest mark on his new album ‘Úr Öskunni’. The forced evacuation, the destruction of his home, and the psychological aftermath of months of earthquakes and instability became the canvas of the new full-length. Music, during this time, became more than expression—it became refuge.

Whether confronting grief or escaping it, Gísli Gunnarsson crafts sonic experiences that serve as a diary—never explicitly literal, but always deeply felt. This approach became central to his latest body of work, shaped by profound personal upheaval.

“Heima”, was written shortly after Gísli was forced to relocate to a remote summerhouse provided by the Red Cross.

“Isolation and trauma were starting to set in. The message and emotions behind the song are simply the grief and yearning for home,” he explains.

A quiet elegy to familiarity, “Heima” evokes the grief and disorientation of losing a lifelong anchor point—place, identity, and safety.

Offering a more hopeful tone, “Glókolla”, is named after a term of endearment for bright-haired children, it was inspired by the overwhelming support Gísli received from loved ones and the broader Icelandic community.

“My girlfriend at the time was the initial spark for this song. I had been calling her Glókolla because of her blonde hair—it’s a word we often use fondly. But it became something much bigger. Iceland really came together to support the people of Grindavík, and this song reflects that collective love.”

“Andlitin í Berginu” (The Faces in the Rock), dives deep into Icelandic folklore.

“Like many Icelanders, I see trolls in the lava fields. There were two trolls in particular on top of Þorbjörn, a mountain near Grindavík. I called them the King and the Servant. I grew up hiking there and loved them.”

Both formations collapsed during the earthquakes, a loss Gísli processed through music. The track imagines the world from their ancient gaze—stoic witnesses to the land’s shifting fury, now silenced.

With ‘Úr Öskunni’, Gísli also shifts his approach to music as a solo composer whereas he has previously become known for his collaborative works. In 2023, the artist released the collaborative album Mementos, a series of emotionally resonant musical snapshots that earned acclaim for their depth and intimacy. Featuring contributions from Georg Holm (Sigur Rós), Mat McNerney (Hexvessel, Grave Pleasures), and Laufey Soffía (Kælan Mikla), the album was named to Bandcamp’s New & Notable list.

Following Mementos, Gísli collaborated with one of his formative influences—Alcest. Their joint 2024 single, “Wings of Glass”, featured Neige and Winterhalter, paving the way for Gísli’s contributions to Alcest’s Les Chants de l’Aurore, where he provided choral vocals, arrangements, and production elements.

Whether collaborating with revered artists or composing in solitude amid volcanic trauma, Gísli Gunnarsson’s music is shaped by landscape, loss, and love—an evolving reflection of the forces, both natural and emotional, that continue to define him.

FROZEN FACTORY Sign with WormHoleDeath for Release of Fourth Album “Apocalypse Inc.”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 23, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Finnish progressive metal rock sensations FROZEN FACTORY have officially inked a deal with Wormholedeath for the release of their highly anticipated fourth album, ‘Apocalypse Inc.’, due out on January 16th, 2026. Get ready for a profound dive into the heavy!

The band expressed their excitement about joining the Wormholedeath roster:
“FROZEN FACTORY are proud to join forces with the passionate team at WormHoleDeath to digitally and physically release our fourth – and most intense – installment of dramatic metal slash prog-adjacent rock, ‘Apocalypse Inc.’”.

About Apocalypse Inc.

Like FROZEN FACTORY’s previous releases, Apocalypse Inc. takes listeners on a journey through wide-ranging and unorthodox soundscapes, while delivering gritty, thought-provoking lyrics. The album explores themes such as the consequences of handing over control of our destiny to money-driven powers, among other life-and-death matters. Fans of meaningful metal with deep storytelling and unexpected twists — as well as admirers of influences like Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Alice in Chains, and Depeche Mode — will find plenty to engage with in Apocalypse Inc…

Tracklist:

  1. Apoca-Lip-Sync
  2. Can’t Fight The Spiral
  3. Call Off The Firing Squad
  4. Get More Stupid
  5. The Nothing I Want More
  6. Burning The Butterflies
  7. Slip Into Bed
  8. I Am But One
  9. Petrov’s Light
  10. There Are No Words
  11. Interstellar
  12. Out Of Office
  13. Reach Through The Waves (Feat. Riina Rinkinen)
  14. Happy Ending Not Included

“Apocalypse Inc.” Album Teaser:

FROZEN FACTORY immerses listeners in a unique heavy rock soundscape, blending diverse prog-adjacent metal with themes of good and evil, truth and deceit, mystery and wonder. Drawing inspiration from Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Alice in Chains, Depeche Mode, and more, the band delivers a moody, meaningful listening experience, showcasing technical and musical maturity both in the studio and on stage.

Formed in December 2018 as four unattached musicians, FROZEN FACTORY immediately hit the studio, producing three tracks that caught the attention of British/Finnish vocalist Stephen Baker. After connecting with bandleader Tomi Hassinen, Stephen wrote and recorded lyrics for “The Truth is So Dead” in a single day, solidifying a deeper, more cohesive sound.

Their debut album, Planted Feet, themed around social and environmental crises, was followed by their live debut in January 2020 at Finland’s iconic Vernissa venue (full show available on YouTube). In 2021, powerhouse drummer Marianne Heikkinen joined the lineup, and the band released The First Liquidation EP, an unorthodox 8-track project bridging to their second full-length album, Of Pearls & Perils (2022), which earned high-profile radio play, including Germany’s SWR1.

With the addition of lead guitarist Zsolt Szilagyi (Dreamtale, After Infinity), the band released several singles in 2023–2024, including a collaboration with Silentium singer Riina Rinkinen.

FROZEN FACTORY Line-Up:
Stephen Baker – Lead Vocals
Tomi Hassinen – Bass
Zsolt Szilagyi – Lead Guitar
Johnny Koivumäki – Rhythm Guitar
Marianne Heikkinen – Drums.

Connect with FROZEN FACTORY:
frozenfactorymusic.com
instagram.com/frozenfactorymusic
facebook.com/frozenfactorymusic
youtube.com/frozenfactorymusic