In Theory is not your average rock band; they are a powerhouse of sound, emotion, and creativity, redefining the boundaries of the genre with their unique and electrifying sound. Hailing from diverse musical backgrounds, this dynamic group of talented players has come together to forge a path that is distinctly their own. Formed in the heart of a bustling music scene, bringing together a group of talented individuals who shared a passion for pushing the limits of rock music. Their journey began in Muscle Shoals where they honed their craft, and their chemistry as a band quickly became evident.
Now, In Theory have just released their new single “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” with special guest Eric Gales in tribute to one the greatest rock bands – Led Zeppelin. The single is powerful, emotional collaboration with guitar legend Eric Gales and Mike Mostert bringing down the house. This exciting dramatic version showcases the incredible vocalist Tony Covino, along with a special all-star cast of Glen Sobel-Drums (Alice Cooper/ Hollywood Vampires/ Motley Crue), Jimbo Hart- Bass (Jason Isbell), and Clayton Ivey- Keys (Swamper/Fame Gang). As Mostert states, “We created a unique dark, dramatic version of a classic with tension, passion which takes the listener through an emotional journey that transcends the body and soul”.
The song landed on both the New In Rock and Breaking Hard Rock playlists on Apple Music and the Gibson Guitar Rock playlist. Covino continues his thoughts on the track, “A passionate remake of a classic song for the modern era filled with blazing guitars from two powerhouse players. 10 out of 10!”. Sobel, comments, “Mike and In Theory know how to take classic rock and infuse it with a modern edge. Creating something sounding both familiar and fresh at the same time. It was a pleasure to work with them!”. Lastly, Gales adds, “I am very proud and honored to be a guest on this rendition of such a legendary song, done by my guy Mike Mostert. Great playing all the way around. Love it. “
You can get a Limited Edition CD Single Bundle (100 copies) with the bonus track “Raise Me Up” and insert signed by both Mike Mostert and Tony Covino while supplies last here: https://bit.ly/InTheoryBand
BUNDLE INCLUDES: 1-CD Single featuring Eric Gales 1-Melanie Watts Artwork signed by Mike Mostert & Tony Covino 5-Guitar Picks
Out today on all digital platforms, ‘Aniconic Superstar’ is the brand-new single by Italian hard rock band TWELVE BACK STONES, a project that blends rebellious attitude and modern vision into a sharp and meaningful track. Released by Volcano Records & Promotion, ‘Aniconic Superstar’ is a declaration against the decline of icons and superstars in today’s society.
The lyrics explore the loss of meaning behind symbolism and the media-driven collapse of iconic figures, replaced by shallow and fleeting attention. With a powerful sound inspired by legends like Velvet Revolver, Cult and L.A. Guns, Twelve Back Stones offer a blend of gritty energy and conceptual depth that hits hard both sonically and intellectually. The track is supported by an official music video now available on YouTube, a strong visual interpretation that echoes the track’s message.
Listen to Aniconic Superstar now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms.
Finnish death metal act REFUSAL will release their third album, “Venomous Human Concept”, on June 6th 2025 via Time To Kill Records.
Hailing from Helsinki, the band delivers a raw and unrelenting blend of death metal infused with grind and hardcore elements, striking a perfect balance between groove-driven intensity and razor-sharp precision. While their sound remains visceral and direct, REFUSAL carefully crafts dynamic songwriting that keeps their relentless assault engaging and impactful.
The album title track, “Venomous Human Concept”, is available now. Watch the video below.
The band commented:
“‘Venomous Human Concept’, the first song composed for the third album, also became the album’s title. The song combines the elements of the whole album in one song. As the eponymous song, it sets the tone for the lyrical theme of the album. It tells a story of rising up against the ruling class, and the ones who hold the wealth and power”.
Tracklist:
1. Scholar of Perversion 2. Venomous Human Concept 3. The Grip Tightens 4. Insatiable God 5. War of Nothing 6. Dehumanize 7. We Are the Undead 8. Sleeping Leviathan 9. Congregation of the Eyeless 10. Eternal Refrain
REFUSAL is a Finnish death metal band formed in Helsinki, Finland, in early 2008. Over its 17-year history, the band has evolved its sound, incorporating grindcore elements into its death metal foundation. In its early years, REFUSAL released seven demos, paving the way for their debut album. In 2016, the band unleashed “We Rot Within”, marking their first full-length record. Following its release, the band toured extensively across Finland and embarked on a brief European tour.
In 2019, REFUSAL released their second album, “Epitome of Void”, followed by an extensive European tour, during which they performed in nine countries.
Their latest release has been in development since the release of their second album. After enduring the pandemic years and undergoing line-up changes, REFUSAL is now set to return with their evolved sonic chaos on “Venomous Human Concept”.
For fans of: Napalm Death, Misery Index, Entombed, Rotten Sound
Line-up:
Juhani Paasipohja – Vocals Tero Pirhonen – Guitars Kalle Kuosmanen – Guitars Timo Pirhonen – Backing vocals and bass Aleksi Roitto – Drums
Since rising up from Athens’ underground in 1991, Nightfall have stood as pillars for Greek metal alongside current and former Season of Mist label mates Rotting Christ and Septicflesh.
Like their brothers-in-arms, captain Efthimis Karadimas and his Athenian rebels sculpt towering gothic melodies from fiery blackened death metal. Their monumental eleventh full-length is bolstered by a powerful message and the mightiest production in the band’s pantheon-level discography. The latest single from Children of Eve charges into the heat of battle with the same vengeance that fueled their rise, but “Seeking Revenge” is spearheaded by the biggest hell-raising chorus on an album full of crowd-pleasers.
“We wrote this song in retaliation for the vengeful teachings that the catechism practices on us”, Efthimis says. “It seeks revenge for the expelled ones, the traders of anathema, who have the outlandish desire to disobey Christian Svengali”.
Though they stand proudly among the unholy trinity of Greek metal, Nightfall have always separated themselves from the pack. They were the first band in the country’s history to sign an international record deal and perform at Wacken Open Air. “Well, here is one of the rare, original bands”, wrote Angry Metal Guy about one of their more astronomical concept albums.
Read the tracklist out loud and it’s clear that the message behind Children of Eve is aimed at overzealous devils. But even though the band have sharpened their attack, “Seeking Revenge” shows that Nightfall still have a flare for the dramatic. Operatic vocals climb like a fallen angel over Fotis Benardo’s coliseum-shaking drum fills and what sounds like a dark, alien strobe of light.
“I bought a Yamaha synthesizer secondhand in 2000”, says Efthimis. “What you hear at the beginning of this song is the same riff that I recorded on that synth 25 years ago”.
While their fearsome frontman does wield a cloak and dagger onstage, when “Seeking Revenge” hits the chorus, Nightfall go straight for the kill. Guitarist Kostas Kyriakopoulos down-picks chug like an army of horses. “I am the fire in your eyes“, Efthimis growls, stoked by the smoldering bass of Vasiliki Biza and synths that don’t shimmer but pierce across the sky.
Living under the Eastern Orthodox Church over the past three decades has only deepened Nightfall’s disdain for overzealous rulers. “Anger was the root”, Efthimis says when asked what birthed Children of Eve. But while their latest rebellion was spurred by the ongoing rise of so-called “holy wars” around the globe, the album’s message is personal. When the band retreated amongst the shadows during their 2010’s hiatus, Efthimis was diagnosed with depression. He now wears a black mask that covers half of his face to show what it’s like to live under the invisible veil of mental illness.
Cover Art by Eliran Kantor — Art Concept: Efthimis Karadimas
“Mental illness can lead to self-isolation”, says Efthimis, a stigma he’s now fighting through his new initiative Metal Music against Depression. “We can talk about this. We can sing about it. We can build a community that’s based on understanding”.
To amplify the message behind their new album, Nightfall boosted the production for Children of Eve. Once again, Efthimis and drummer Fotis Benardo took charge of the production with a guiding hand from InnerWish guitarist Thimios Krikos. But the album was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, who’s helped Volbeat, Amaranthe and The Black Dahlia Murder crank their metallic fury to arena levels. With its beastly crescendo, “Seeking Revenge” will incite the blackened masses to raise their horns when Nightfall bless the world stage with Children of Eve.
“We’re excited to play this album live”, Efthimis says. “The songs sound massive. The choruses are huge. And there’s a clear message that comes through”.
The video for “Seeking Revenge” was created by Instagoodpromotions (@instagoodpromotion).
Tracklist 1. I Hate (6:05) [WATCH] 2. The Cannibal (3:36) [WATCH] 3. Lurking (4:08) 4. Inside My Head (4:51 5. Seeking Revenge (3:47) [LISTEN] 6. For The Expelled Ones (5:07) 7. The Traders Of Anathema (3:15) 8. With Outlandish Desire To Disobey (3:25) 9. The Makhaira Of The Deceiver (4:21) 10. Christian Svengali (4:43) Full runtime: 43:22
For more than three decades, Nightfall have stood alongside Rotting Christ and Septicflesh as the pioneering trinity of Greek metal. The legendary Athenian death metal band sound as vengeful as ever. But backed by monumental production and a powerful message, their eleventh studio album stands as their darkest and most epic creation yet. Children of Eve is here to unite blackened souls everywhere.
“I love how this album came out”, Nightfall’s founder Efthimis Karadimas says. “We’re excited to play these songs live. The sound is massive. The choruses are huge. And there’s a message that comes through. It’s an album about how we come through pain, how we live with pain, and how we die in pain”.
A Living Legacy of Greek Metal
Since their formation in 1991, Nightfall have remained a beacon for Greek metal. “Well, here is one of the rare, original bands”, wrote Angry Metal Guy. Like the scorching sun over their homeland, the Athenians rose from the underground alongside Rotting Christ and Septicflesh, though they were the first to sign an international record deal.
“Nightfall proves with “Children of Eve” that they’re fairly considered as one of the pioneers of the Hellenic Metal scene” says Rotting Christ frontman Sakis Tolis. “The fact that they create wonderful albums like this one make them legends that still have things to say! Congratulations for this new creation!”
Over the years, the crew around Efthimis has changed frequently. But while Nightfall did enjoy a short but successful stint with Metal Blade Records in the early 2010s, their strong bond with Holy Records during the ’90s established a deep connection between the Greek and French metal scenes. That legacy continues with the band’s current label Season of Mist.
“Nightfall deserve great credit for persistence and determination”, Blabbermouth wrote upon the eve of At Night We Prey. “For fans of face-ripping gloom, [their] sizeable catalogue remains eminently worthy of exploration”.
Monumental Production
Like their contemporaries, Nightfall weave gothic melodies into blackened death metal. Children of Eve features the most infectious collection of hooks that the band has ever created, though their disdain for the dominance of the Eastern Orthodox Church has only deepened over the years. The ongoing rise across the globe of so-called “holy wars” fueled their latest rebellion.
“Anger was the root”, Efthimis explains about the inspiration behind Children of Eve. The band’s veteran leader commands the stage with cloak and dagger, but the album’s lead single pulls no punches. “I am the son of night, notorious bastard”, he roars as an eerie choir echoes like the call of a siren. As if summoned from Olympus, former Septicflesh drummer Fotis Benardo unleashes his attack like a swarm of venomous arrows.
“Faith is a personal matter”, Efthimis continues, “but it can become a dirty business”.
To amplify their message, Nightfall enhanced the entire production of Children of Eve. Efthimis and Fotis took charge of the production with assistance from InnerWish guitarist Thimios Krikos. Meanwhile, Jacob Hansen – who worked with Volbeat, Amaranthe and The Black Dahlia Murder – handled the mixing and mastering. For the artwork, the band turned to Eliran Kantor, who’s renowned paintings have graced the covers of albums by Testament, Kreator and Helloween.
A Powerful Message
Look at the tracklist and it’s evident that “I Hate” takes aim at the consistent influence of organized religion. “The Traders of Anathema” raises its axe in honor of Judas Iscariot, featuring two blistering guitar solos from Kostas Kyriakopoulos. However, Children of Eve wouldn’t bear the mark of Nightfall without a deeper message.
“Death’s Spiritual Healing deeply influenced me”, Efthimis says. “At the time, its social message was so advanced for the genre”. While “The Cannibal” bursts with divine tremolo picking, its lyrics explore how religious structures and fanaticism can devour you. “I hold the power / to explain your screams“, Efthimis howls with chilling intensity.
During Nightfall’s most recent hiatus, Efthimis was diagnosed with depression. Now, he wears a black mask to cover half of his face, symbolizing what it’s like to live under the invisible veil of mental illness. “When you have demons in your mind, you’re not always an ideal companion”, he admits. “That stigma can lead to isolation”.
Now, Nightfall are encouraging fellow metalheads to speak up. The band have launched a new initiative called Metal Music Against Depression (MMaD), which is supported by European Alliance Against Depression in Germany. “We can talk about this. We can sing about it. We can build a community that’s based on understanding”, Efthimis says.
With Children of Eve, Nightfall return from the shadows to unite blackened souls everywhere with their darkest and most epic creation yet.
Recording Credits: Recorded at Devasoundz Studios, Athens, Greece Produced by Efthimis Karadimas with Fotis Benardo & Thimios Krikos Engineered by Fotis Benardo & Thimios Krikos Mixed & Mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Ribe, Denmark
Production Credits: Produced by Efthimis Karadimas & Engineered by Fotis Benardo Mixed & Mastered in Hansen Studios, Denmark by Jacob Hansen
Valkenrag was formed in 2006 as a side project, but became an active live band in 2013. Their music blends melodic death metal with elements of black metal, while the lyrical themes draw heavily from pagan traditions – especially Slavic and Norse mythology.
The band released two full-length albums: “Twilight of Blood and Flesh” (2015) and “Chasing the Gods” (2018), as well as the demo “Nord Wind” and the self-titled EP “Valkenrag“. In 2025, they released a new EP titled “Fury Untamed“, and are currently working on their next full-length record.
“Fury Untamed” is the latest EP by Valkenrag, delivering a raw and relentless strike straight into the heart of chaos, fury, and the fight for identity. Across five tracks, the band explores a range of moods and themes – from mythological reflections to personal reckonings with loss, vengeance, and resistance.
Track by track by band leader, Lorghat: “The title track “Fury Untamed” draws symbolic inspiration from the Norse myth of Fenrir breaking free from his chains – a metaphor for an unstoppable force rising beyond control. Though not named explicitly, the spirit of Fenrir and Tyr looms large over the song. “Retribution” channels rage and sorrow into a tale of revenge. “Unreachable Horizon” contemplates the endless pursuit of meaning and purpose – the horizon that always seems just out of reach. “Descendant of Chaos” brings a darker, more haunting tone, evoking the presence of an unseen predator lurking in the night. The EP closes with “Bleed to Be” – a battle cry for heritage, bloodline, and defiance against imposed beliefs.“
Lyrically, the EP weaves together Norse mythology, personal experience, and cultural commentary. Musically, it remains firmly rooted in heavy, aggressive metal – blending elements of death, black, and epic melodic metal, drawing inspiration from the likes of Amon Amarth, Bathory, and Behemoth.
The cover artwork depicts Fenrir at the moment of breaking free – a visual reflection of the unleashed fury that defines this release.
TRACKLIST:
1. Fury Untamed 2. Retribution 3. Unreachable Horizon 4. Descendant of Chaos 5. Bleed to Be
EP “Fury Untamed” was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Mariusz Konieczny at Heavy Gear Studio (Hellspawn, Odium Humani Generis, Warfist). Cover artwork was done by Katarzyna Jakubska, whereas booklet design by Aleksandra Krucza. Band photo session by Maria Niemczycka.
EP will be released April 25, 2025 with cooperation of Polish label Art of the Night Productions (pre-order).
Watch the video “Descendant of Chaos“:
For promotional purposes of upcoming record, Valkenrag is going to play some live shows in Poland. The tour dates are as follows:
Australian Prog Metal Masters TERAMAZE have released a brand new visualiser for the final single and title track of new album “The Harmony Machine”, out today, on April 18th.
The Harmony Machine is the ultimate culmination of everything we set out to achieve on this album. It’s our most adventurous progressive track on the album, pushing the boundaries of our sound while showcasing the strength and evolution of our songwriting. Nathan and Dean deliver a powerful dual vocal performance that brings the entire journey to an unforgettable close.”
Mixed / Produced By Dean Wells (Melbourne, Australia), out Through Wells Music.
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
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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 ) 