VANISH release digital live triple pack “Live In Solace” with selected songs from their latest album, recorded live at Kaminwerk Memmingen.
Drummer Ralf Nopper: “The three songs from our latest album, “A Hint of Solace”—Crowdpiercer, Voyage in Suffering, and Act/Live/Resolve—have developed so strongly live that they have long since become fixtures in our set. They always carry the energy of the audience forward—that’s why we wanted to capture that moment and recorded them live. For us, this is the most honest way to present Vanish.”
Also available a live video to accompany the release.
Bastian Rose (vocals, keys) adds: “Vanish is first and foremost a live band, and it’s very important to us to thrill every fan and concertgoer and captivate them with our energy. The three songs on the live EP really showcase that. They show what Vanish is all about—power, emotion, and goosebumps.”
VANISH formed in 2000 and have released three albums so far. Since then they have been on tour with Queensryche, Michael Schenker, Rage, Ross the Boss or Brainstorm among others and are also known at festivals like Rock of Ages (DE), Rock The Ring (CH) or Baltic Open Air (DE).
Tourdates: Mar. 14, 2026 Härter.Lauter.Live Geislingen An Der Steige, Germany Mar. 21, 2026 Mammut Festival 2026 Königsbrunn, Germany May. 9, 2026 This is Heavy Metal IV Mackendorf, Germany Oct. 24, 2026 Metal im Adler Horb Am Neckar, German
Line-up: Bastian Rose – Vocals, Keys Ralf Nopper – Drums Philipp Schönle – Guitars Andreas Armbruster – Bass Ben Galster – Guitars
Speed Stroke has signed a multi-album deal with Scarlet Records and is currently putting the final touches to the new studio album to be released in summer 2026.
«We are beyond excited to join the Scarlet Records family and start a new chapter with people who have shaped the Italian and international metal landscape for over 26 years!
Now the lethal dose of hard’n’heavy madness we’ve been keeping in store for quite some time is finally ready to reach the ears of both longtime supporters and newfound friends, spreading like a disease.
Huge thanks to the whole team for believing in us and giving us a home where we can raise hell together.» — (Speed Stroke)
Hailing from Imola, Italy, and founded in 2010, Speed Stroke revitalized the contemporary hard rock scene with the thrilling albums “Speed Stroke” (2013), “Fury” (2016), and “Scene Of The Crime” (2020).
A hot and exciting live band, over the years Speed Stroke shared the stage with the likes of Backyard Babies, Hardcore Superstar, Crashdiet, H.E.A.T, Steel Panther, and many more.
Speed Stroke is now ready to unleash a new collection of powerful sleazy hard rock anthems, and bring their wet party all over the world!
Speed Stroke are: Jack – vocals D.B – guitar Michael – guitar Fungo – bass Maddy – drums
Twenty-five years ago, the seminal post-hardcore act BREACH released the album ‘Kollapse’ and promptly imploded. The silence that followed was not empty; it was incubating. Now, from the wreckage, GORMA emerges. This is not a reunion. It is a mutation.
Marking the first musical collaboration between drummer/producer Per Nordmark and vocalist Tomas Liljedahl since the turn of the millennium, GORMA is a project shaped by time, erosion, and a refusal to retrace old steps.
“I felt that we had something more,” says Nordmark on the decision to return. “I really missed the other guys, but as life turned out, doing music together again as Breach would be impossible. I wanted to make metal music again, and I love how Tomas sings. It is a kind of searching and traveling where you don’t know where you are going, but we do.“
The debut single, “They Wait” (releasing March), abandons the frenetic speed of the pair’s history for a sound that is slow, heavy, and suffocatingly patient. Drawing direct inspiration from the surrealist dream logic of Lucio Fulci’s The Beyond, the production seeks to bridge the gap between beauty and terror.
“I always wanted metal that doesn’t sound like ordinary hard music,” Nordmark explains. “I use a lot of distorted pianos, beats, and analog sounds that I push. I wanted it to sound like Fabio Frizzi’s melodies, but translated into ugliness, where beauty and scary sounds coexist.”
The band’s name itself – GORMA – is an old Swedish dialect word meaning ‘to scream’. It captures the project’s intent: a primal, manic state of mind captured on tape. The production philosophy is stripped of ego, replaced by a visceral physicality. “Always play your instrument like it owes you money. Treat the instruments and the production with a passive-aggressive attitude.” –Per Nordmark
Lyrically and thematically, GORMA moves through a landscape that is less about Vikings or mythology, and more akin to the bleak, American gothic expanse of Cormac McCarthy. It is a journey into the interior of the self. Nordmark says: “It can be frightening and dark, but at the same time beautiful. I want Gorma to exist in that space.“
“They Wait” will be released exclusively on Bandcamp on March 6th, followed by a wider DSP release via Trust No One Recordings on March 27th.
Tim Bertilsson of TNO Recordings says:
“Even though Gorma is it’s own entity, there’s undeniable traces back to Breach which was very
important both for me personally and for TNO as a record label. Breach were one the first ‘bigger’ bands I had the honor of doing vinyl releases for in the late 90’s and the ‘It’s Me God’ LP, ‘Venom’ LP and ‘Last Rites/Amen’ 7″ really helped the label to grow in reaching more listeners and prolific bands to work with. So having Gorma join the TNO roster really feels like a full circle moment.“
DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (DATOG) have released the video for ‚The Law Of A Madman,’ taken from their acclaimed album “Babylon”, released by Reigning Phoenix Music in October 2025.
‘The Law Of A Madman’ treads the path of up-tempo metal shuffles. A true-metal guitar riff paves the way for aggressive vocals typical of Udo Dirkschneider, soon moving into a chorus reminiscent of the good old days. Following an ingenious guitar solo packed with twists and surprising harmonies, the song culminates in powerful final choruses highlighted by Manuela’s breathtaking solo vocals.
With this latest release, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG conclude their “Babylon” album video cycle, which has generated more than five million views across all of the individual videos, a strong testament to the project’s enduring appeal. The impressive response shows that DATOG has truly reached the hearts of the fans worldwide, resonating with listeners who continue to celebrate the band’s timeless rock and heavy metal spirit.
Revisit Babylon on your favourite streaming platform, watch the videos, or order your physical copy if you haven’t already: https://datog.rpm.link/babylon
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.
DATOG are: Udo Dirkschneider | lead vocals Peter Baltes | bass, lead & backing vocals Manuela “Ella” Bibert | lead & backing vocals, keys Stefan Kaufmann | guitars, backing vocals Mathias “Don” Dieth | guitars, backing vocals Sven Dirkschneider | drums, backing vocals
Montreal’s MISERERE LUMINIS have explored a stridently emotive and richly-layered strand of anguished Black Metal since their 2008 formation. Extraordinary new album “Sidera” finds the band completing the journey set by 2023 predecessor (“Ordalie“). Embracing a pristine production with just enough grit in the machine, the band utilise soaring leads and hypnotic arpeggiated guitar patterns – redolent of both lush post-rock and stark DSBM – rhythmic ingenuity, dynamic piano passages and sweeping strings to bolster an all-pervading vocal performance of heart-on-sleeve poignancy, bursting with tragedy and rage.
The cover artwork for “Sidera“, painted by Adam Burke, is an important conceptual summation of the album’s narrative – and that of predecessor “Ordalie” – as Neptune from MISERERE LUMINIS relays:
“The cover art for “Sidera” comes from a very specific inspiration. The idea of fire comes up a lot in the conceptual and symbolic realm of MISERERE LUMINIS. To me it represents some sort of ambiguity, a wild force whose purpose can be altered or moulded through intention; for example, inflicting pain or warming oneself. It can also symbolise trial or transformation. A similar ambiguity can be seen in the cover art of “Sidera“; a silhouette falling and engulfed in flames or being uplifted by celestial fire. This shift in potential and perspective is the core thematic content of the album.
Personally, I like having some sort of consistency from album to album, I love when parallels can be made between different works of Art, and since “Ordalie” and “Sidera” form a single poetic arc (lyrically at least), it made perfect sense for us to work with Adam again for “Sidera“. For both albums, we gave Adam very clear inspirations and references.“
“Sidera” is now officially released and can be consumed in its entirety via Bandcamp and YouTube:
“Sidera” continues to receive high praise from the metal press and beyond:
“Some albums impress. Some albums move you. Very few envelop you entirely, demanding you surrender to their world. “Sidera” belongs firmly in that last category. It is not merely another entry in the discography of the band — it is a defining statement.” (Metal Epidemic)
“So don’t let this one pass you by … or you’ll be missing out on one of the most captivating albums of the year.” (No Clean Singing)
“With “Ordalie“, MISERERE LUMINIS had already revealed the full extent of their potential, yet “Sidera” unquestionably represents an unexpected leap in quality.” (Metalitalia)
“Sidera” is available on CD and vinyl – including a special t-shirt design – via DMP’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.
At the beginning of April, MISERERE LUMINIS will embark upon a European tour alongside Austrian Black Metal band DÉTRESSE – discover all dates here:
SIDERA TOUR 2026 – MISERERE LUMINIS + DÉTRESSE
04/04 – Munich, DE – Dark Easter Metal Meeting* 06/04 – Prague, CZ – Modrá Vopice 07/04 – Kraków, PL – Klub Gwarek 08/04 – Wrocław, PL – Klub Muzyczny Liverpool 09/04 – Leipzig, DE – Hellraiser 10/04 – Erfurt, DE – Bandhaus 11/04 – Namur, BE – Belvédère 12/04 – Paris, FR – Glazart 13/04 – Nantes, FR – Cold Crash 14/04 – Bordeaux, FR – Salem Bar 15/04 – Lyon, FR – Rock ’n’ Eat 17/04 – Basel, CH – Valhalla 18/04 – Mannheim, DE – 7er Club
MISERERE LUMINIS are an unorthodox, atmospheric Black Metal band who hail from Montreal and are born from the minds behind GRIS and SOMBRES FORÊTS, two prime-movers in the Québécois underground Black Metal scene. The band’s eponymous debut album was released in late 2009 on Sepulchral Productions, after which the band returned to the shadows. MISERERE LUMINIS was resurrected in 2018 for the creation of acclaimed second opus, “Ordalie“, which was unleashed in June 2023. Various live gigs – including an expansive Autumn 2024 tour through Europe with GIVRE – followed and demonstrated the band’s move towards a more luminous presence in future.
Hotly-tipped UK rocker Dan Byrne has unveiled his new single ‘Praise Hell’, a tantalising peek at his highly-anticipated debut record This Is Where the Show Begins (22nd May, Frontiers).
Dan comments: “Praise Hell brings a new flavour to my upcoming debut album. It’s a funky, blues-driven track with a laid-back swagger. I built this song around a killer bass line and quite a soulful, rhythmic pulse. It’s still unmistakably me, but this time through a more emotional and groove-based lens.
‘Praise Hell’ is true to being ironic in both its title and style, playing with stereotypes and spinning it in a lighter, more celebratory tone. The phrase “Praise Hell” came from the tongue-in-cheek idea of turning something viewed inherently negative into a triumph, in this instance, celebrating the freedom of escaping a toxic situation. It’s about finding gratitude in the chaos and dancing your way out of the fire, so to speak.
“The hook came from the idea of flipping the phrase “Praise Hell” into something positive, like being thankful I got out of a situation that wasn’t good for me. I liked the thought of celebrating that escape instead of mourning it. It’s bluesy, soulful and I wrote it as a reminder that you can rise above something heavy and still have fun doing it.
It’s the first song I’ve written in this style, and I love that it surprises people. The journey of writing this album has been a reminder that I can move between worlds and still sound like myself. My voice is the thread that ties it all together, and this track proves that you can be unapologetic and playful at the same time as being authentic.”
Dan will be touring his debut album in March and April. Full dates:
Headline tour Mar 21 Wolverhampton KK’s Steel Mill Mar 22 Manchester Deaf Institute Mar 24 Chester The Live Rooms Mar 26 Newcastle The Cluny Mar 27 Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms Mar 28 Glasgow The Attic Mar 29 Blackpool Waterloo Music Bar Apr 01 Sheffield Corporation Apr 03 Nottingham Bodega Apr 04 Southampton The Joiners Apr 05 Bristol Exchange Apr 10 London The Lower Third Apr 11 Crumlin The Patriot
Jul 25 Ebbw Vale Steelhouse Festival
Dan Byrne swept in off the Mersey, announcing himself as a solo artist in 2023 with his debut EP, Beginnings. His powerhouse, soul-inflected vocal and deftly-executed, yet hugely accessible songcraft has quickly marked him out as an artist on the rise. Blending contemporary edge with classic influence, Byrne’s music is powerful, honest, and deeply emotive – widescreen in scope yet intimate at its core. It rocks, without question, but what truly sets him apart is the courage to weave sensitivity and vulnerability through the intensity. This isn’t just rock music – it has the heart and authenticity to connect with an audience beyond any one genre.
In just two years Dan has toured the UK three times, delivered standout performances at multiple festivals and found overwhelming support from Planet Rock – the UK’s leading rock station – where his first four singles amassed an impressive 25 weeks on the playlist. With that foundation firmly in place, Byrne now turns his focus to the release of his long-awaited debut solo album, marking the next powerful step in his evolution as an artist.
This Is Where The Show Begins – Dan’s debut album – is full of joy and confidence. There’s a swagger alongside the sensitivity, a further broadening of musical scope. But at the centre of it, is that voice – as powerful as it is vulnerable, as emotive as it is strong.
The lead single, ‘Saviour’ – the perfect album opener – bursts to life with attention-grabbing hard-rock stabs and pile-driving riffs. Its verses simmer with drama before the tension breaks in a chorus that makes it clear we’re in for one hell of a ride. It struts, it shimmies and it absolutely rocks. “Light ’em up,” indeed. There’s no let up as we barrel headlong into ‘She’s the Devil’ – Dan weighing in with a colossal vocal punctured by gonzo guitar gymnastics, the sheer euphoria spilling forth here is palpable.
Elsewhere, we’re taken to church with ‘Praise Hell’, and ‘Sober’ is stained with regret. We even perhaps get a glimpse of where Byrne is heading next with album closer ‘Home’ – a sprawling, soaring, shapeshifting piece of alt-rock which essentially is never in danger of losing its soul. It’s what Glenn Hughes and 30 Seconds To Mars might come up if they ever combined their superpowers. This Is Where The Show Begins is the culmination of what has been an incredible journey so far. It’s a marker for what can happen when you back yourself, a calling card for following your gut. Bursting with ambition, diversity and authenticity, this is where it may truly begin for Dan, the exciting thing for us to ponder is where it should lead to next.
Tracklisting: 1. Saviour 2. She’s The Devil 3. Praise Hell 4. Sober 5. Cherry & Leather 6. Death Of Me 7. Temple 8. Pulling Me Under 9. Hate Me 10. Home
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 ) 