OCTOPLOID Launch ‘Siren’s Lament’ Single & Lyric Video, 2025 Headline Tour in Finland Kicks Off Today

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo credit: Pete Voutilainen

OCTOPLOID, the Finnish 70s death prog outfit led by Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine, are about to embark on their 2025 Finland tour in support of their debut album “Beyond The Aeons,” which saw the light of day on July 5, 2024 through Reigning Phoenix Music. In their excitement of these nine headline dates, the group have now premiered a single titled ‘Siren’s Lament,’ which is accompanied by a brand new lyric video.

After the enormously well reception of “Beyond The Aeons,” Oppu continued writing material for its follow-up what – mercifully for all of us – resulted in this early new tune, showcasing the heavier aspects of OCTOPLOID’s heavenly varied soundscape. The song was recorded by bass player Laine alongside known band members Peter Salonen (guitars) and Mikko Pietinen (drums), who mixed the single before it was sent off to receive its mastering treatment by prestigious engineer Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Denmark (AMORPHIS, VOLBEAT, PRIMAL FEAR, AMARANTHE etc.). Lead vocal duties were taken over by Marko Neuman (CONVOCATION, SUM OF R) for the first time in OCTOPLOID’s history; rounding off ‘Siren’s Lament’ is keyboard wizardry by Antti Myllynen (a BARREN EARTH mate of Laine), who’s also a part of the group’s current touring line-up and skilfully complements Salonen’s solo parts.

“‘Siren’s Lament’ tells of a chaotic mind, isolation and loneliness. Despite its dark theme, the subject is viewed in a positive light: grief may linger, but it also allows space for acceptance and growth, offering hope that from a new beginning can rise from despair. Musically, the song incorporates influences from death metal, stoner rock, and even big arena rock choruses. It’s a groovy song with a lot of vibe, that’s why I can’t wait for us to play the song live!” states Oppu.

Stream the single: https://octoploid.rpm.link/sirenslamentPR

OCTOPLOID live:

“Beyond The Aeons” Tour – Finland 2025
Presented by Fullsteam Agency

04.04.2025 FI Lahti – Ravintola Torvi
05.04.2025 FI Espoo – Kannusali
25.04.2025 FI Tampere – Olympia-kortteli
26.04.2025 FI Kouvola – House Of Rock Bar
01.05.2025 FI Helsinki – On the Rocks LOW TICKETS
02.05.2025 FI Jyväskylä – Lutakko
03.05.2025 FI Turku – Apollo Live Club
09.05.2025 FI Kuopio – Sawohouse Underground
10.05.2025 FI Oulu – 45 Special

29.06.2025 FI Helsinki – Tuska Festival NEW

Tickets & Info: https://fullsteam.fi/fi/artists/detail/octoploid/

Artwork by Orion Landau

Order/stream “Beyond The Aeons”: https://octoploid.rpm.link/beyondtheaeonsPR

More from “Beyond The Aeons”:
‘Human Amoral [feat. Tomi Joutsen]’ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b28tz6kKXyQ

‘The Dawns In Nothingness [feat. Mikko Kotamäki]’ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hVrS9w_Ej0

‘The Hallowed Flame [feat. Mikko Kotamäki]’ OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXXNtXDH8i0

‘A Dusk Of Vesk [feat. Jón Aldará]’ OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qq5rKFxu-o

‘Monotony [feat. Petri Eskelinen]’ OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl0dsZN8vWQ

‘Coast Of The Drowned Sailors [feat. Tomi Koivusaari]’ OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOMRLBquO_c

About OCTOPLOID

OCTOPLOID, the solo band of Olli-Pekka Laine (bassist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist, known for his work with AMORPHIS, BARREN EARTH, and MANNHAI), was established in 2022. This venture has culminated in “Beyond The Aeons,” the act’s debut album which was released on July 5, 2024 through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). OCTOPLOID’s music merges elements of 90s death/black metal, 70s prog rock, and 90s psychedelic rock, carving a distinct niche in the music landscape. The sound of OCTOPLOID has aptly been described as “classic death prog.”

The core band includes Mikko Pietinen on drums, Peter Salonen on lead/rhythm guitars and Antti Myllynen on keyboards. Pietinen is a well seasoned and diverse drummer, bringing experience from stoner rock (MANNHAI) to Finnish mainstream pop-rock (KASMIR etc.), and Salonen is a fresh face in the scene, recently known from THE KINKY THING, who play covers of the Finnish psych rock legends KINGSTON WALL, while Myllynen is known from melodic death metal supergroup BARREN EARTH.

More on OCTOPLOID: Bio | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music | RPM 

DRAGGED UNDER Snap Back into Action with New Single + Video ‘AlgoRHYTHM’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 4, 2025
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Photo (c) Monte Legaspi

Seattle hardcore band Dragged Under have dropped their full-throttle new single “AlgoRHYTHM.” Check out the video HERE. Listen HERE.
 
“AlgoRHYTHM” smashes together all of the elements that make Dragged Under such a formidable force and returns to their roots of their breakout debut album The World Is In Your Way – crushing riffs, whiplash hooks, raging hardcore vocals and pinpoint social observations. “AlgoRHYTHM is a commentary on the current meta of music promotion,” says vocalist Tony Cappocchi.

Continuing he adds, “Scrolling endlessly on artist accounts online only to see the same uninspired dancing and lip syncing to their newest song until inevitably it hits and goes viral or they move on. It almost feels as if artists don’t have to write good music, or don’t challenge themselves to create something they’re actually interested in, instead they’re writing FOR the Algorithms, with the end goal being “success at any cost”. 

Talking about the social media formatted video, he continues, “We tried to make a video that captures the absurdity and chaos that is the social media algorithm, you never know what you’ll see next or why, and we wanted to mirror that sentiment with the visuals”  

“AlgoRHYTHM” follows their previous single, 2023’s  “Mad Punks” in which the band challenged authenticity. This was hot on the heels of their 2022 album, ‘Upright Animals’ which was released on Mascot Records – the band have already clocked up an incredible 70 million streams. Since the release of that album, they have played crushing festival sets at Louder Than Life (US), Aftershock (US),  Slam Dunk (UK), Download (UK), 2000Trees (UK), Hellfest (France) and Full Force (Germany).

They joined Bless The Fall in the US in support of their ‘Hollow Bodies’ 10th Anniversary Tour as well as runs with Beartooth, Sleeping with Sirens, Pierce the Veil, The Used, 10 Years, From Ashes to New, The Word Alive along with several headline tours across North America. They also tore through the UK and Europe, touring with The Ghost Inside, Landmvrks, as well as their own headline tour.

Their journey so far has seen them pick up support from SiriusXM Octane, Alternative Press, Metal Injection, BBC Radio 1, Rock Sound, Kerrang magazine, Metal Hammer,  Kerrang Radio, as well as Amazon, Apple and Spotify playlisting and, 2025’s line-up of Tony Cappocchi [vocals], Sean Rosario [guitar], and new drummer Dylan Roy, [also of Canadian metalcore heroes Oni] are a snarling beast ready to be let off the leash.

More information at https://www.facebook.com/DraggedUnder

LAURENNE/LOUHIMO Share New Video ‘Falling Through Stars’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Robert Franko

Laurenne/Louhimo – the collaboration between powerhouse Finnish vocalists Noora Louhimo (Battle Beast) and Netta Laurenne (Smackbound) – are pleased to share their new single and accompanying music video, “Falling Through Stars”, the title track of their sophomore album set for release on April 18th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. 

Pre-order “Falling Through Stars” HERE

Talking about the new single, Netta Laurenne commented: “Being both the title track and the opening track of the album, “Falling Through Stars” is a melodic heavy metal song that sets a strong tone to what’s coming and what can be expected of the album. The song is about taking chances and trusting yourself. To stand up to what you believe in even if no one else does”.

About the album, she said: “Falling Through Stars” is our second collaborative album with Noora, and it gave us the opportunity to step in and out of our comfort zones to meet halfway. We had a great time writing and recording the album, which I co-produced with my husband, Nino Laurenne”.

“This album takes us on a journey through both the past and future of metal. We’ve aimed to incorporate styles, instruments, and emotions spanning from the ’70s to the present day. It’s a dynamic album that showcases both raw power and delicate moments, and we’re excited to share it with everyone”, continued Laurenne.

Laurenne/Louhimo is one of the most exciting projects on Frontiers Music Srl and, in this second chapter, delivers a full force metal assaults with the power to blow you away. 

Laurenne/Louhimo offers listeners a mix of heavy metal and hard rock tracks that explores the variety of the genre, while maintaining a straightforward, easy-to-enjoy appeal.

“Falling Through Stars” has shades of all eras of Rainbow here and there as well as Judas Priest and many other 80’s icons of the style, all these influences are expertly filtered into Netta and Noora way of composing music. 

The idea about the possible collaboration between Netta and Noora came to reality once the pandemic started and cleared out calendars for both the artists, it felt like a perfect time to start the project and share all the common things they have, from the same original town to the similar idols and influences.

The main highlights of the album are, naturally, the vocal melodies created and shared by Netta Laurenne and Noora Louhimo.

The album has been once again produced at the Sonic Pump studio under the guidance of Nino Laurenne (that also played the guitars and contributed to the songwriting) and the production is clear, powerful and gives the deserved value to the two stars here.
 
Songs like “Falling Through Stars”, “Damned”, “Loud And Clear” or “Wait” are just few of the highlights of a great album that will please all the melodic metal fans!

“Falling Through Stars” Tracklist:

1.    Falling Through Stars
2.    Damned
3.    To The Dark
4.    All For Sale
5.    The Cradle
6.    Rotten Gold
7.    FTS
8.    Let The Light Be Free
9.    Loud And Clear
10.    Wait
11.    David Bowie & Clyde

Line Up:
Netta Laurenne – Lead & Backing Vocals
Noora Louhimo – Lead & Backing Vocals
Sampo Haapaniemi – Drums
Pasi Heikkilä – Bass
Vili Itäpelto – Keyboards & Programming
Mikko Kosonen – Solo/Acoustic/Lead & Additional Guitars
Nino Laurenne – Rhythm & Solo Guitars

Follow LAURENNE/LOUHIMO:
Facebook
Instagram

LYCANTHRO Release New Video Single ‘The Great Masquerade’, Feat. Laura Guldemond

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 4, 2025
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Canadian power metal band Lycanthro has released a brand-new single and accompanying music video for The Great Masquerade featuring the incredible vocal talents of Laura Guldemond, powerhouse frontwoman of Swiss heavy metal titans Burning Witches. This electrifying track serves as the second single from Lycanthro’s highly anticipated new album Remnants of Rapture, which is set for release May 23rd on Psychomanteum Records.

The Great Masquerade is an epic heavy metal duet showcasing the soaring, dynamic interplay between Lycanthro’s signature sound – a high-energy fusion of power metal, thrash, and traditional heavy metal – and Laura Guldemond’s commanding vocal presence. This song delivers a powerful narrative, weaving grandiose melodies, thunderous riffs, and blistering solos into an unforgettable metal anthem.

An accompanying music video captures the intensity and theatrical essence of the song, with a visually striking aesthetic that brings the lyrics to life. The collaboration between Lycanthro and Guldemond marks a thrilling moment for fans of both bands, as they unite to deliver a song that is both ferocious and anthemic.

The new Lycanthro album Remnants of Rapture will be released on May 23rd:
Pre-order CD
Pre-save digital

Track listing for Remnants of Rapture:

Iris
Far Beyond the Walls
Remnants of Rapture
Cry Silver
Prison Eyes
In Demon Light
The Great Masquerade
Night of the Parasite
Rain Queen
Lost Jerusalem (Instrumental)
Solaris (Memories in Time)

About Lycanthro

Lycanthro is an enigmatic power metal band hailing from Ottawa, Canada. Their unique fusion of power, thrash, and traditional metal delivers an epic soundscape that’s as bold as it is unforgettable. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Savatage, W.A.S.P., Blind Guardian and more, Lycanthro proudly hunt in the world of true metal. Calling out to the realms of classic horror, pop culture, and mythology, their music is a journey through the imagination via tales of personal struggle and howling victory.

After an early demo and EP, Lycanthro’s critically acclaimed full-length album Mark of the Wolf (2021), showcased powerful storytelling, dynamic arrangements, and even collaborations with a chamber choir. Lycanthro have hunted on stages such as ‘Power Metal Quest Fest’ in the UK, and ‘Legions of Metal’ in Chicago, inviting a worldwide audience to join their pack.

Now, after joining US-based metal label Psychomanteum Records, the wolven-metal outlanders are set to release their anticipated second album Remnants of Rapture in May 2025. With every note, Lycanthro prove that the howl never dies, the hunt never ends, and the night is never quiet.

IN METAL WE TRUST!

Visit Lycanthro online:
lycanthrometal.com
https://www.facebook.com/Lycanthrokills/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1gu6xNtakT2XfJr76o4AsN
https://www.instagram.com/lycanthro_metal/

LINX Release First Single And Video ‘Dead’ from Upcoming Debut Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 4, 2025
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LINX release “Dead”, the first single from the upcoming debut album “Annihilation” (Metalville Records – August 15th 2025).

“Dead” is a rock-alternative song with a heavy edge and fun energy. It’s about reviving emotions after coping with numbness and embracing the good things that make us grateful. The track blends heavy riffs with punk rock elements. Part of the upcoming album’s concept and inspired by personal experiences, the music video premiere will mark the long awaited debut, perfectly introducing the band. This track embodies power, unity, and gratitude, welcoming listeners across various shades of rock.

The band from Montreal is a female-fronted Industrial-Rock duo formed by versatile singer/guitarist/bassist/keyboardist Zenab Jaber (nicknamed “Zee”), and by drummer/keyboardist/programmer Frederic Gauthier. Their music is a groovy, heavy, moody, poetic, electric and powerful blend of pure originality and influences in genres such as metal, prog, rock, Industrial, cultural and soundtracks. 

Linx’s raw charisma and hypnotic stage presence, combined with the sheer power of their sound, are already building a devoted fan base and a formidable reputation. Their long-awaited, 13-track debut album, Annihilation, is more than living up to the hype surrounding this extraordinary band. Their music is bold, expansive, and electrifying, with lyrics that are smart, introspective, and, at times, pure poetry.

Zee is:

A self-taught musician and songwriter. Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboarding. Lead woman of LINX and the ex-Bass player of the Toronto based punk band The Anti-Queens. Her musical style knows no bounds. Her influences range from movie soundtracks, classic music, grunge, metal, and alternative rock, with each genre leaving its mark on her compositions. Her Middle Eastern background adds a unique depth to her work, blending cultural elements seamlessly with her diverse musical taste.

An actress, a filmmaker, a certified IATSE lightning tech and stage rigger, who has been featured and worked on productions such as Jack Ryan, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Scream VI, Seaside, La Recette du Bonheur etc. 
She also creates and directs Linx’s videos (Crystal Jellyfish, Dream Watcher, One Step, Dead)

A free spirit who enjoys traveling, challenges, working hard, and hates routine.

Fred is:

A trained Musician who graduated from Music College. A drummer, keyboardist, and programmer, he is a master at creating new sounds and sonic textures.

He was part of the “Rock n Road Drummer” TV show 2008, and a touring live drummer for bands such as DOT and Projekt F.

A creative force with great work ethics.

TRACK LISTING

01 – The Prey
02 – The Hunter
03 – Crystal Jellyfish
04 – Lost In Between
05 – Li3
06 – Periodic dance
07 – Fox N’ Crow
08 – Dream Watcher
09 – Dead
10 – One Step
11 – Love Virus
12 – Them
13 – 11.13

https://www.facebook.com/linxband
https://www.instagram.com/linxmtl/
https://www.youtube.com/@linxband
https://www.tiktok.com/@linxmtl
https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/2M4JigW1pcb4ynbPoAAgh1

MAGIC PIE Release New Single And Video ‘Someone Else’s Wannabe’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Jørn Mortensen

The long-awaited sixth full-length album from Norwegian Prog Rockers MAGIC PIE is on its way.  Titled “Maestro”, it is set to be released on Karisma Records on the 16th of May on CD, LP and Digital formats.

As for the three previous Pie albums with Eirikur on vocals, Kim has composed the music for “Maestro”, and Eirikur have done the lyrics and the melodies on top of it. But Kim has his saying on the melodies and sometimes he has some parts already written out. Eirikur explains: To me, the essence of our co-work lies in the fact that he knows his Prog while my main influence is heavy metal, along with some flirting with “The Beatles” and “maestro” David Bowie. This creates something unique (I hope) and gives us a special approach within the prog-rock industry. I have even managed to squeeze in a Beatles title in one of our songs, – look for it!

The new single from the album is released today (03.04) and it’s for the track “Someone Else’s Wannabe”. The band has this to say about it:
 
Our new single “Someone Else’s Wannabe” has all the high-lighted Magic Pie elements you can ask for. Fast finger-skills, complex vocal-arrangements, along with a little touch of sweet romance. Who could ask for more? Enjoy…

“Someone Else’s Wannabe” can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at: https://orcd.co/magicpie-wannabe

The band has a special welcome this time to the new drummer Martin Utby who has given them new energy with his energetic playing. Mixed by Jacob Holm-Lupo and mastered by Rich Mouser, who tragically lost his home and studio in the fierce fires in the Los Angeles area some few weeks back. The master of the new album delivered from Rich just 2-3 days before the fire. Our thoughts are with you Rich!

With artwork and design by Kim Stenberg, tracklisting on “Maestro” is as follows:
 
1. Opus Imperfectus Pt.1 – The missing chord
2. By the smoker’s pole
3. Name it to tame it
4. Kiddo
5. Someone else’s wannabe
6. Everyday hero
7. Opus Imperfectus Pt.2 – Maestro

“Maestro”  is now available to pre-order at:
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/artists/magic-pie/ 
Bandcamp: https://magicpie.bandcamp.com/album/maestro 
US shop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/pre-orders 

More information about MAGIC PIE, whose lineup is comprised of Kim Stenberg on Guitars and Vocals, Lars Petter Holstad on  Bass and Vocals, Eirikur Hauksson on Lead Vocals, Martin Utby on  Drums, Eirik Hanssen on Vocals and Erling Henanger on Keyboards and  Vocals, can be found at  https://www.magicpie.no/ or on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MagicPieOfficial/