ROCK HARD FESTIVAL GREECE 2025 -team is very happy to announce the final bands that will play at the first edition of Rock Hard Festival Greece, taking place on the 12th and 13th of September in Athens, Greece.
Full lineup:
CANDLEMASS ft. MESSIAH MARCOLIN (Sweden) – WORLD EXCLUSIVE REUNION PERFORMANCE
OVERKILL (USA)
GUS G. & FRIENDS (Greece)
INNERWISH (Greece)
THE CRYPT (Sweden)
BATTLEROAR (Greece)
ROY KHAN & TORE ØSTBY of CONCEPTION (Sweden) – ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE EXCLUSIVE TO V.I.P. TICKET HOLDER
DANIEL GILDENLÖW & JOHAN HALLGREN of PAIN OF SALVATION (Sweden) – ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE EXCLUSIVE TO V.I.P. TICKET HOLDER
Available for purchase NOW are: 2-Day standard tickets (only 3700 tickets available) 2-Day VIP tickets (only 300 tickets available)
Ukraine’s glam/heavy metallers STAR CRYSTAL have released a new single ‘Power of Love’, stream it below.
Star Crystal was formed in Ukraine in 2012 by Sussana Radimovskaya, playing glam/hard rock from the 80’s. The band has released two albums and toured the EU in France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Austria, Slovenia (Metal Days fest), Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia, and Italy.
Emerging from the shadows and into the spotlight, Izzy Reign has crafted an electrifying collection of tracks that push boundaries into a compelling and emotionally charged sonic experience. This debut record is a culmination of Izzy’s raw power and genre-defying artistry, reflecting personal struggles, societal critiques, and a hauntingly raw beautiful dive into the human psyche. Boundaries will be crossed, genres will be pushed, crushed, and turned inside out. All hail the Queen.
Each track, an artistic blending of metalcore, alternative metal, and hard rock, stands as a testament to her ability to seamlessly merge brutal instrumentals with atmospheric elements, making this album a must-listen for fans of innovative rock and metal. From “Your Entertainer” a concept track tackling the mental toll of fame to “Into Oblivion” inspired by the Egyptian goddess Ammit, this alternative pop-metal track delves into Izzy’s personal struggles with religious-induced OCD and intrusive thoughts. “Pandora’s Box” is a dichotic experience of chaos and introspection drifting between sensual to brutal. “The Sunken Place” is inspired from the psychological horror movie Get out, exploring manipulation and survival instincts through a raging soundscape. The electrifying album manages to capture the essence of various genres while smashing through each and ultimately bending them to her will. No subject is too small, no corner of humanity too dark.Izzy Reign is a deep dive into not just her own struggles but humanity’s as well.
Releasing with the album is “Bird of Prey” which premiered last week at Revolver Mag. The song captures the perspective of an antihero, someone who doesn’t shy away from confronting harmful people head-on. With a cynical yet powerful tone, the track explores the concept of necessary evils, where the protagonist serves as the consequence for others’ harmful actions. Reign emphasizes the importance of standing up for the voiceless and holding others accountable, delivering a taunting message that there is no escape from the paths people choose.
“‘Bird Of Prey’ was written from the viewpoint of the villain’s Villain. The not quite a hero but more of an anti hero. I grew up with the standard of a zero tolerance for crappy people. That if I saw someone causing harm, I would cause said person double the amount. I made it clear that I would never be the cause, but always the result. Is it the best way to go about things? Probably not, but sometimes, a necessary evil is a good thing. Really wanted to portray a powerful yet semi cynical vibe in this song. A more taunting feeling of saying, there’s no escape. That you chose this path, now here are the consequences. I encourage people to always stand up for those who do not have a voice of their own and hold them accountable. Always have and always will. Sometimes, the right thing to do, IS to make it your problem.” – Izzy Reign
Bold. Eclectic. Rebellious. Izzy Reign thrives on originality and thinking outside the box. Her music is nothing short of a reflection of this. She grew up singing to Alanis Morissette, Jewel, and Madonna. Inspired by Enter Shikari’s music video “Sorry You Are Not A Winner” and the musical stylings of Imogen Heap, Izzy took the plunge into the industry and played her first live show when she was 15 years old.
Since then she’s taken a deeper dive into production, songwriting and performing, working with a variety of artists that come through the production house she shares with producers Jon Eberhard (I Prevail, Skillet, Sleeping With Sirens) and Nick Matzkows (Wind Walkers, Until I Wake, ENMY, Attack! Attack!). Over the past four years she has released a myriad of covers, originals and music videos on her YouTube channel racking up millions of views. She has received notable attention for her popular The Nightmare Before Christmas cover of “This Is Halloween”, which has over 10 million streams across Spotify and YouTube along with 73,200 videos using the sound on TikTok.
In 2023 Izzy came to the attention of the US-based record label FiXT, through the discovery of her independent release, “Broken By Design”, which showcased a new edge to Izzy’s sound. Signing on for a multi-album deal, Izzy Reign is now set to release her debut album with FiXT in 2025.
Rising Sheffield based band Harri Larkin is set to release their powerful new single, ‘Too Close to the Sun’ on March 28. The track, fronted by singer-songwriter Harri Tape, is an emotional and deeply personal reflection on loss, grief, and the journey of healing.
Written in the wake of losing a close friend to an accidental overdose, ‘Too Close to the Sun‘ channels raw emotion into soaring melodies and honest lyricism. The track balances vulnerability with strength, offering an anthemic tribute to those who have struggled with loss while carrying a message of resilience: we do recover.
Blurring the lines between indie, funk, and grunge, Harri Larkin has carved out a signature sound that is both eclectic and unmistakably their own. Their debut album gained widespread acclaim, with BBC Introducing broadcasting it in full, and in 2023, they won Tramline’s “Apply to Play” competition, securing them slots at multiple major UK festivals including Tramlines, Victorious, Isle Of Wight and more.
With national radio play (including on BBC Radio 6, BBC Intro, Radio X & Amazing radio) and a growing reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting rising acts, Harri Larkin is a band on the brink of something special.
New single ‘Too Close to the Sun,’ delivers one of their most poignant releases to date – a cathartic and deeply human anthem for anyone who has ever lost someone too soon.
Harri Tape – Guitar, vocals Abi Middleton – Backing vocals Tom Wylie – Guitar Oscar South – Bass Danton Laromani – Drums
BLACK YET FULL OF STARS have released new album ‘In Glorious Red’, out now, new single ‘Halom Schacor’ also released with video.
Acclaimed composer Carlo M. Dini unveils a striking new chapter in his orchestral metal journey with, ‘In Glorious Red’, the extended orchestral version of ‘Dark Wing Gospel’
Amsterdam-based Italian composer Carlo M. Dini, the mastermind behind the genre-blending orchestral metal project Black Yet Full of Stars, is back with a powerful new instrumental album, ‘In Glorious Red’, alongside the release of the official video for its opening track, Halom Schacor.
Following the success of Dark Wing Gospel in its original form, this new instrumental edition strips away the vocals, allowing Dini’s masterful compositions to take centre stage. This version offers listeners an even deeper immersion into the intricate layers of orchestral grandeur, progressive metal complexity, and cinematic intensity that define Black Yet Full of Stars.
A NEW DIMENSION TO ‘DARK WING GOSPEL. A project renowned for pushing musical boundaries, Black Yet Full of Stars thrives in its seamless fusion of symphonic, progressive, and power metal elements. In Glorious Red is a testament to Dini’s expertise in both metal and film scoring, weaving together massive string sections, choral arrangements, and dramatic orchestration with thunderous guitar riffs and intricate compositions. The instrumental edition of the album further showcases Dini’s meticulous craftsmanship, highlighting the grandeur of his arrangements while offering a fresh perspective on the album’s dark, alchemic themes.
Written and produced entirely by Dini, the album features an array of top-tier musicians, including Michiel van der Plicht (Pestilence, God Dethroned, Carach Angren) on drums and Ludovico Cioffi (Delain, Modern Age Slavery, Nightland) on bass, amongst other exceptional guests. Dark Wing Gospel was mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni (Rhapsody, Vision Divine, Michael Romeo), with re-amping handled by Stefano Morabito (Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hideous Divinity).
ABOUT CARLO M. DINI Carlo M. Dini has been crafting his unique blend of orchestral and metal music since founding Black Yet Full of Stars in Italy. A self-taught composer and guitarist, Dini shifted from classical to electric guitar during his university years before fully embracing orchestration. His passion for cinematic composition led him to establish a career in film scoring, with Black Yet Full of Stars serving as his experimental musical playground.
Following the release of the project’s self-titled debut in 2016, Dini relocated to Amsterdam, where he continued refining his fusion of classical orchestration and metal. His work is influenced by a diverse range of artists, from Nightwish to Peter Gabriel, resulting in a sound that is as personal as it is epic. With Dark Wing Gospel, Dini continues to break new ground, proving once again that Black Yet Full of Stars is a force to be reckoned with in the world of symphonic and progressive metal.
For more information on Black Yet Full of Stars, please connect on the following links: Facebook Instagram Bandcamp
Legendary duo Jack Russell and Tracii Guns helmed the mighty RUSSELL / GUNS up until Jack’s untimely passing in August of 2024. They were accompanied by Johnny Martin, Shane Fitzgibbon, and Alessandro del Vecchio, and in January of 2024 released their debut LP, ‘Medusa.’
Never before produced in vinyl format, this Record Store Day issue of ‘Medusa’ is the perfect opportunity to honor Jack and give the fans something special in his memory.
About the collaboration, Tracii shared the following:
“Jack was one of the greatest rock voices of our generation. It was a total honor to play guitar on this, his final studio record.”
Record Store Day 2025 is on April 12th – visit your favorite local vinyl purveyor to score a copy!
For Jack Russell, this RUSELL / GUNS project represented a long-awaited return to recording and new music, coming seven years after the release of ‘He Saw It Comin” with Jack Russell’s Great White. Without dwelling on the past and attempting to recreate the storied origins of the multi-platinum hard rock entity, Jack was excited to be moving forward and collaborating with the mighty Tracii Guns, an artist who has been experiencing a creative resurgence of his own.
On ‘Medusa,’ Jack and Tracii discovered a common thread in a collection of songs that draw from the bluesy power and heavy energy of their most celebrated material and roots yet were infused with a fresh, energetic drive and modern metallic production.
About the album, Jack previously commented,
“It was so great making a record with Tracii! Initially, I had reservations about making this record, but in the end, it kicks ass.”
‘Medusa’ is an album that showcases inspired artistic integrity and commitment to rock’n’roll from two extraordinary rock stars of the 80s and 90s.
‘Medusa’ Track List:
1) Next In Line 2) Tell Me Why 3) Coming Down 4) Where I Belong 5) For You 6) Give Me the Night 7) Living A Lie 8) In And Out of Love 9) Medusa 10) Back Into Your Arms again 11) I Want You
In 1984, Jack Russell burst onto the scene as the frontman for Great White, a prominent presence in the Los Angeles music scene. The band’s self-titled debut, along with platinum-selling albums like 1987’s ‘Once Bitten…’ and 1989’s ‘…Twice Shy,” sold over 8 million copies worldwide. Their rock legacy continued into the 21st century, and in 2011, Russell went on to form Jack Russell’s Great White.
Tracii Guns is a legend in his own right. He founded LA Guns in 1983, which later merged with another group called Hollywood Rose, laying the foundation for one of the true giants of rock: Guns N’ Roses. After departing the band and reuniting with former Girl lead vocalist Phil Lewis to reform LA Guns, he signed with Vertigo Records and released 14 studio albums with the band. He also ventured into various side projects, including Contraband (with Michael Schenker and others), Sunbomb (with Michael Sweet of Stryper), and more recently, Blackbird Angels with Todd Kerns (of Slash & The Conspirators).
Ultimately, RUSSELL / GUNS’ ‘Medusa’ is a gift to the millions of fans who have steadfastly supported both Tracii Guns and Jack Russell throughout the years. It’s everything they were waiting for, and this RSD vinyl issue is the perfect monument to a great rock ‘n’ roll partnership.
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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 ) 