SABOTØR Release Self-Titled Single from Upcoming Debut Album “Første Aksjon”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 22, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Ellen Dixon

With inspirations from the resistance movement in Norway during the 2nd World War, the young metal band Sabotør (Saboteur) offers you some hard-hitting and old-school metal.
 
Formed in 2024 by Rasmus Stenstadvolden Strømberg (bass and vocals), Andreas Remmen (guitar) and Mathilde Solemdal (drums), the trio started slamming out epic metal/punk tracks with the inspiration from bands like English Dogs, Brocas Helm and Warfare. All packed in the theme of the Norwegian resistance movement during the 2nd World War, with lyrics in Norwegian.
 
Their debut album, “Første Aksjon”, is set to be released on May the 8th. The album was recorded at Formkraft Produksjoner and the album was mixed by Remi André Nygård (Morax/Inculter).

The second single, “Sabotør”, was released on Friday the 20th February. You can check out the single here: https://orcd.co/sabotoer

Sabotør has this to say about the track:
This song tells the story of the Norwegian heavy water sabotage that took place near Rjukan, Telemark, in 1943. A group of saboteurs in the operations Grouse, Freshman and Gunnerside were deployed on the Hardanger Plateau, where they would take their way on ski to the Vemork power station. The objective was to destroy the plant and sabotage the German heavy water production, which was to be used in the development of nuclear weapons. The British glider assault, Operation Freshman, was unsuccessful, and all survivors were executed. Operations Gunnerside and Grouse managed to successfully land on the plateau, joined forces, and they infiltrated the Vemork plant and destroyed the production facility the night of 27 – 28. February, 1943.

The riffs are rolled in with barbed wire, and each song delivers dynamite, vandalism, espionage and sabotage!

​You can pre-order “Første Aksjon” on Limited Edtion black vinyl here:
Webshop: https://shop.karismarecords.no/
Bandcamp: https://sabotorbergen.bandcamp.com/album/f-rste-aksjon

For more information about Sabotør:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581330192678

VREID & DJERV Release New Single + Cinematic Music Video ‘Loving the Dead’, Feat. Jackass Icon Chris Pontius

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 22, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment
Photo: Jørn Veberg

Jackass icon Chris Pontius enters a dark, surreal metal universe in the cinematic music video for “Loving the Dead,” the new collaborative single from Vreid and Djerv, out February 20.

Some collaborations feel inevitable only in hindsight. A chance meeting, a shared fascination with the darker corners of art and culture, and a willingness to push beyond expectations have converged in Loving the Dead, resulting in a collaboration that stands out as one of the most unexpected metal releases of the year.

Listen to the single here:https://ffm.to/lovingthedead

A shared descent

Directed by Ulvar Gansum and filmed inside a church in Oslo, Loving the Dead blurs the line between music video and psychological short film. The song serves as the final single ahead of Vreid’s upcoming album The Skies Turn Black, merging the band’s raw, atmospheric sound with the haunting intensity of Djerv’s Agnete Kjølsrud.

Rather than a traditional guest appearance, the collaboration feels like a shared descent into the same shadowy landscape.

Inside the song

Co-Written and with vocals performed by Kjølsrud, Loving the Dead invites interpretation rather than explanation. The lyrics move through a surreal inner world where darkness and destructive self-talk dominate, touching on the moment where resistance gives way to survival instinct. Even so, there is a quiet counterweight running through the song. Love is still present, just harder to see.

Inspired in part by Vreid and Djerv’s shared fascination with David Lynch’s universe, the song is designed to leave space for the listener to create their own meaning.

A cinematic transformation

The music video follows Pontius’ character as he drifts from the chaos of a bar into a ritual-like world, drawn forward by Kjølsrud’s almost siren-like presence. Surrounded by masked figures, he is slowly transformed, eventually embracing the darkness and becoming part of it himself.

“We wanted to create something cinematic and unexpected,” says Vreid’s Jarle Kvåle. “Not just a performance video, but a visual journey.”

Pontius’ presence adds an unusual but natural crossover. Known globally for chaotic humor, he brings vulnerability and discomfort to the role, creating a striking contrast to both his public persona and the ritualistic setting.

“It didn’t feel strange at all,” Pontius says about his performance. “It felt natural.”

Blending atmosphere, heaviness and cinematic storytelling, Loving the Dead stands as the final single before Vreid’s upcoming album The Skies Turn Black.

FOLLOW VREID:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | HOMEPAGE

FOLLOW DJERV:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | HOMEPAGE

Nordic Melancholy Meets Modern Heaviness on DEPRESSURE’s New Album “Worst Is Yet To Come”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 22, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photographer: Teemu Rahkonen

DEPRESSURE released their new album Worst Is Yet To Come on February 20, 2026. Fusing modern alternative rock and metal with a cold Nordic atmosphere, the record delivers wide walls of guitars and melodic choruses. Its themes dive into human fragility, mortality, and finding yourself when everything feels uncertain.

“If I’m here no more when the time is right?”
“Do we have the strength to become what we want to be?”

Can heavy rock and guitar solos empower the soul? Depressure says yes. Trust instinct. Turn pain into power. Finish what you started — no matter how dark it gets.

Listen to the album on music streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Bandcamp etc.): https://push.fm/fl/depressure-worstisyettocome

Tracklist/ISRC-code:

  1. Leave Leave – FI3FC2552601
  2. Worst Is Yet To Come – FI3FC2552602
  3. Tied Together – FI3FC2552603
  4. Too Little Too Late – FI3FC2552604
  5. Live In Me – FI3FC2552605
  6. Blocked Rays Of Sun – FI3FC2552606
  7. Breach – FI3FC2552607
  8. Solitude Is Calling – FI3FC2552608

Depressure was founded in Joensuu, Finland in 2006. After releasing two demos and performing a handful of shows, the band fell silent for nearly a decade. In early 2018, the project was revived when guitarist-singer Antti Heikura resurrected the band and composed and recorded the debut album September, released on February 19, 2020.

A new chapter began after Antti relocated to Poland, where a fresh lineup formed and live performances resumed, including shows in Gdańsk. Recording sessions for the follow-up album began in autumn 2024, leading to the creation of Worst Is Yet To Come.

“You say you need me, you promise to stay. I’ve been waiting for you, the nights have been cold. Someday this all will be true.”

Depressure:
Antti Heikura – Vocals & Guitar
Paweł Kempa – Guitar
Tomasz Kacmajor – Drums
Konrad Piątkowski – Bass

https://www.facebook.com/Depressurekills
https://www.instagram.com/depressurekills

NONPOINT Announce ‘The Outta Control Tour’ with Special Guests SOiL & Sumo Cyco

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 22, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

NONPOINT have announced The Outta Control Tour, a high-energy U.S. run featuring special guests SOiL and Sumo Cyco. NONPOINT will be performing new material from their forthcoming album, giving fans an early taste of what’s next from the band while continuing to deliver the sound that has defined their career.

This tour marks SOiL’s first U.S. tour in two years, making it a highly anticipated return for the Chicago-based metal staples. SOiL is slated to have new material coming out later this year.

In addition, the run reunites Nonpoint with Sumo Cyco following their recent collaboration with frontman Elias Soriano.

Elias Soriano shares, “We’re gonna be playing some new tracks on this tour that are some of my favorites on the new record. One being our lead track ‘IS IT’. It’s about that internal conflict where you question getting too involved. Did I push too hard? Did I ask too much? It’s that feeling of wondering if doing what you thought was right actually meant being okay with hurting the people around you. We’re also performing our collab with Skye from Sumo Cyco, ‘RED YETI’. That one is gonna blow people away. Add the return of Soil to the stage after some time off in the US, new production and you got a night people are going to talk about.”

“During all the years SOiL and Nonpoint have been friends, we’ve never done an actual tour in the states together. I’m excited to see our two bands finally being brought together here. This will be a great tour for the fans,” adds Tim King.

Tickets and VIP packages will be available at https://nonpoint.com/pages/tour-dates

Painful. Powerful. Unforgettable. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

APRIL
25 Tampa, FL @ Ritz Ybor
26 Destin, FL @ Club LA
28 Greenville, SC @ Radio Room
29 Viginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27
30 Bensalem, Pa @ Broken Goblet SOiL only

MAY
1 Hartford, CT @ The Webster
2 Warrendale, PA @ Jergels
3 Harrisburg, PA @ XL Live
5 Asbury Park, NJ @ House Of Independents
6 Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho Theater
8 Daytona, FL @ Daytona INTL Speedway Welcome to Rockville, Nonpoint Only
9 Biloxi, MS @ Mississippi Coast Coliseum CPR Fest, Nonpoint Only
9 Pensacola, FL @ The Handlebar SOiL only
10 New Orleans, LA @ House Of Blues
12 Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
13 Bloomington, IL @ The Castle Theatre
14 Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
15 Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple SOiL only

South Florida-based rock band Nonpoint, has been captivating audiences with their energetic sound and passionate performances for over two decades. Formed in 1997, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of what modern rock can be, combining heavy metal, nu-metal, and hard rock into a unique and powerful musical force. Over the course of their 20-year career, Nonpoint has released several critically acclaimed albums and garnered a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the industry.

Throughout their career, Nonpoint has been celebrated for their signature sound and powerful lyrics, which often tackle social and political issues. Their hard-hitting sound and emotional live performances have earned them a dedicated fanbase, as well as recognition from the music industry. Nonpoint has received multiple award nominations and has been praised by publications such as Rolling Stone, Revolver, and Alternative Press.

Nonpoint is:
Elias Soriano (Lead Vocals)
Robb Rivera (Drums)
Rasheed Thomas (Guitar /Backing Vocals)
Adam Woloszyn (Bass)
Jason Zeilstra (Lead Guitar)

For More Information Please visit:

NONPOINT: Official Website – Facebook – X – Instagram – YouTube – TikTok – 361 Degrees Records

SOiL: Official Website – Facebook – X – Instagram – YouTube

SUMO CYCO: Official Website – Facebook – X – Instagram – YouTube

DISPYRIA Celebrate Release of New Album “Redemption Part 1 – Twisted World” with Video for ‘The Revelation’, Feat. Zak Stevens

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 22, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

DISPYRIA release their fourth album, “Redemption Part 1 – Twisted World,” embodying story metal at its finest! A magnificent dark fantasy story is told with extraordinary voices (including Savatage singer Zak Stevens, Carsten “Lizard” Schulz, and Rob Lundgren (Mentalist, Reveal)) and musicians (Markus Pfeffer, Markus Teske, Sven Sommer, Mario Walther).

Of course, an album like this is only suitable for “casual listening” to a limited extent; rather, it reveals its true greatness when you let the whole story sink in, experience it, and empathize with it.

Jürgen Walzer has created a masterpiece with the Dispyria saga. What began as an autobiographical work developed into a dark fantasy story that should really be on Netflix!
Jürgen is not only a gifted songwriter, but also impresses with his great storytelling, which makes DISPYRIA unique in its kind and complexity.

And: more good news!

Dispyria unleashes Zak Stevens!
On the release date of Dispyria’s “Redemption Part 1 – Twisted World,” the wait is finally over for fans:
“The Revelation” is one of three songs by the Savatage singer, who has become much more than just a guest vocalist for Dispyria: he identifies fully with the albums and the story, and Zak’s wife Katherine is one of the lyricists. Sit back and enjoy!

Digital: 
https://save-it.cc/epr/redemption-part-1-twisted-world or directly on Spotify

The complete album is available as a digipack at: dispyria.epr.rocks 

Tracklist:
01 – After Dawn
02 – I Am Nothing
03 – Master Of Mirrors
04 – The Revelation
05 – Father
06 – David’s Nightmare
07 – The First Of Its Kind
08 – Light Of A Dream
09 – Red Requiem
10 – Twisted World

Cover by Timo Wuerz!

Biography:

Juergen Walzer comes from Kaiserslautern and is a versatile media designer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and the creative mind behind DISPYRIA. His musical journey began in 1986 with the founding of the band Superior—inspired by greats such as Iron Maiden, Ayreon, and Savatage.

DISPYRIA was launched in 2012 and also marked a personal turning point: Suffering from severe depression, Juergen Walzer found an outlet for his inner pain in music and in the fictional story of Josh Devon. The first two albums in particular are closely interwoven with his own experiences – such as the ballad “Tears of an Angel,” which deals with the loss of a miscarriage.

Line-up:
Juergen Walzer – Guitars, Bass, Programming
Zak Stevens (Lead Vocals on 1, 4, 8)
Sabrina Roth (Lead Vocals on 1, 2)
Damiano Libianci (Lead Vocals on 2)
Carolina Padron (Lead Vocals on 3,6)
Carsten “Lizard” Schulz (Lead Vocals on 5, 10)
Rob Lundgren (Lead Vocals on 7)
Dennis Ohler (Lead Vocals on 9)

Sven Sommer (Fretless Bass) on 2
Markus Pfeffer (Leadguitars on 1, 4, 5, 7) Markus Teske (Synth-Lead on 10)

Discography DISPYRIA:
Dispyria – A Dream Therapy (2012, Self-Release)
Dispyria – The Journey to Aelyrea (2019, Self-Release)
Dispyria – The Story of Marion Dust (2023, El Puerto Records)

More Info:
http://www.dispyria.com/
http://www.facebook.com/dispyria
ww.instagram.com/dispyria

KNEEL BEFORE THE DEATH Release New Single ‘The Weight of Truth’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 22, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Petri Inkinen

Having released their self-titled debut album last June — which also climbed onto Finland’s official physical albums chart — KNEEL BEFORE THE DEATH now unveil their highly anticipated new single, “The Weight of Truth.” The track simultaneously launches a new chapter in the band’s saga.

“‘The Weight of Truth’ is possibly our favorite track from our catalog so far. The song is built around a beautiful yet massive melody that also forms the core of the chorus. With this release, we wanted to push our sound in a more aggressive and electronic direction. We drew inspiration from hard techno and incorporated sharp, high-frequency elements to create an intense and chaotic atmosphere,” the band explains, continuing:

“Jonathan Dolese, who mixed the track, did an outstanding job bringing our vision to life by blending the extreme heaviness of deathcore with elements of electronic music.”

Kneel Before The Death have spent the beginning of the year largely on the road. Their Finnish shows have included support slots for Austrian deathcore outfit Spire of Lazarus, and the band is already eagerly anticipating the biggest festival summer of their career so far.

“2026 has kicked off at full speed in the KBTD camp. We have several spring shows in support of our debut album, culminating in major festival appearances next summer at Tuska and Nummirock. Our debut landing on the Official Finnish Charts and the sold-out album release show were true highlights of last summer. However, our focus is firmly on the upcoming body of releases, which we’re extremely excited about. 2026 will continue right where we left off last year — big things are coming for Kneel Before The Death!”

Already announced Kneel Before The Death shows:
March 12, 2026 – Torvi, Lahti, FI
March 14, 2026 – Tiivistämö, Helsinki, FI
June 17–20, 2026 – Nummirock, Nummijärvi, FI
June 26, 2026 – Tuska, Helsinki, FI

Kneel Before The Death online