WINTERSUN S/T – released back in 2004, via Nuclear Blast. Cover art by Kristian Wåhlin aka Necrolord.
Tobias Sammet’s AVANTASIA The Mystery Of Time – released back in 2013, via Nuclear Blast. Album cover art by Rodney Matthews.
Cinderella Long Cold Winter – released back in 1988, via Mercury Records. Yes, it’s surely been a long cold Winter.
SONATA ARCTICA Talviyö – released back in 2019, via Nuclear Blast. Cover photograph and editing by Finnish photographer Onni Wiljami. Layout by Janne Pitkänen.
Immortal At The Heart Of Winter – released back in 1999, via Osmose Productions. Cover artist: Jean Pascal Fournier. Graphic design by Grafik Sarl.
Thank you for visiting and checking out these album covers that scream Winter. I applaud all the artists that created the above album art! Stay safe out there and be kind to your fellow humans. – Stone
Those are demonic icicles that are growing off our home. I kill them and they grow again.
Here in Dayton Ohio, it’s like a scene from the 2004 motion picture The Day After Tomorrow. I’m not usually this dire in my comparisons. Our poorly plowed neighborhood and seeing many cars getting stuck in the snow, with temperatures reaching -9 degrees Fahrenheit during daytime hours is not an ideal dreamscape that I usually yearn for.
It’s been several days since a record 14 inches of snow fell here, last Saturday into Sunday, with no mercy from the record sub-freezing temperatures. I have been physically isolated from the outside world and getting quite cabin happy. My saving grace has been listening to Metal.
Image credit: WHIO Channel 7, Dayton Ohio
Yes, I do have family and my dog Ozzy to turn to as well; yet music is unique therapy that puts me at a level of ease like none other. I know I’m not alone. I know it could be worse. God help us all.
With that off my whiner list, here are a few select choices of Metal I’ve been listening to for mental wellness. CKY is not a total Metal pick yet the relation is there. Maybe these current favorites of mine can help you through any bullshit you’re dealing with. Please enjoy and thank you for spending time here!
RAGE A New World Rising was released last year. This album is an astonishing accomplishment from this German pioneering Power Metal band! Not. One. Dull. Microsecond.
Wednesday 13 and Lord Of The Lost have teamed-up to punch my brain repeatedly, with their new song: I Hate People. I love everything about this song and more.
Over the years, CKY has always been there for me, with their maturing melodic and melancholic sound. Their vocal harmonies also do the magic trick too. The newest CKY song Can’t Stop Running, from last October, checks all the boxes!
Stay warm, stay safe and be kind to your fellow human beings – Stone.
Switzerland’s rock heavyweights GOTTHARD return with a brand-new single, “Smiling in the Pouring Rain”, a stripped-down, heartfelt moment led by Nic Maeder’s warm, comforting voice. The song is about finding strength in hard times and remembering that the storm always passes.
The idea was to give it a positive vibe. Even if sometimes life could be sad, or sometimes even sadder. What you always have to keep in mind is that something good is always going to come sooner or later. So you have to keep believing in what you do, and especially in yourself. We’re trying to give a little bit of hope. That’s the idea behind this song.” — Leo Leoni
“This song is basically about life and the unexpected great things that can come out of bad times. Life can feel like a never-ending roller coaster, and this track is kind of our take on ‘Singing in the Rain’.” — Nic Maeder
“Smiling in the Pouring Rain” showcases once again GOTTHARD’s ability to craft emotionally resonant rock music that uplifts as much as it moves.
Nic Maeder (vocals), Leo Leoni (Guitar) Photo: Manuel Schütz
“Smiling in the Pouring Rain” will be included in GOTTHARD’s upcoming mini-album, More Stereo Crush, set for release on March 13, 2026, through RPM. Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Leo Leoni, mastered by Sascha “Busy” Bühren, and featuring artwork by Manuel Schütz and Thomas Ewerhard, the album continues to highlight the band’s signature mix of melodic hooks, powerful vocals, and rock-solid instrumentation.
More Stereo Crush – Tracklist:
Right Now
Ride The Wave
Liverpool [feat. Marc Storace]
Smiling In The Pouring Rain
Snafu
Don’t Miss The Call
Mayday
Burning Bridges [Radio Edit]
GOTTHARD Live:
06.06.2026, CH, Bellinzona, Nevermind Music Fest 07.06.2026, CZ, Plzen, Metalfest 03.07.2026, ES, Barcelona, Barcelona Rock Fest 05.07.2026, SWE, Knislinge, Time to Rock Festival 11.07.2026, BG, Mogilovo Village, Midalidare Rock 16.07.2026, D, Schopfheim, Sommersound 17.07.2026, A, Thüringerberg 18.07.2026, A, Innsbruck, Innsbruck Music Hall 23.07.2026, D, Tuttlingen, Honberg Sommer 24.07.2026, D, Mosbach, Rock FM Open Air 25.07.2026, D, Esslingen (Neckar), Burg Esslingen Open Air 22.08.2026, CH, Aarburg, Riverside 28.08.2026, CH, Arbon, SummerDays 29.08.2026, CH, Spiez, Seaside Festival 06.11.2026, CH, Fribourg, Bellarena
“Dear Fans, we have just received the very sad news that our longtime friend and bass player, Francis Buchholz, has passed away. His legacy with the band will live on forever, and we will always remember the many good times we have shared together. Our hearts go out to Hella, his family, and friends.” R.I.P. Francis. Klaus, Rudolf, Matthias
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Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family of Francis Buchholz, Scorpions, his friends and fans worldwide. Francis Buchholz was a true pioneer of early Heavy Metal and helped pave the road to what Metal has evolved into, to this very day. May Francis Buchholz rest and also rock in peace. – Stone
Even more headline dates added to the North American run with Sabaton. 2026 starts loud on the What Remains Tour. When we finally look up, will we see what we’ve become?
Tickets On Sale Friday • 10am Local.
Feb 12 – Biloxi, MS Apr 22 – Billings, MT Apr 24 – Dubuque, IA Apr 25 – East Moline, IL Apr 26 – Bloomington, IL Apr 28 – Kansas City, MO Apr 29 – Indianapolis, IN
Renowned as one of the most powerful live bands in modern metal, SEVENDUST are preparing to hit the road in support of One. Their U.S. headline tour kicks off April 16 in Carterville, IL, and runs through May 20, concluding in Knoxville, TN. Atreyu, Fire From The Gods, and American Adrenaline will join as support. The band will also open for Alter Bridge at two special U.S. dates: April 26 in Atlanta, GA, and May 21 in Nashville, TN. Additionally, Sevendust will appear at major festivals including Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple.
16.04.26 US – Carterville, IL / Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort 17.04.26 US – Riverside, IA / Riverside Casino & Golf Resort 18.04.26 US – Larchwood, IA / Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 20.04.26 US – Indianapolis, IN / Egyptian Room at Old National Centre 21.04.26 US – Lexington, KY / Manchester Music Hall 22.04.26 US – Birmingham, AL / Iron City 24.04.26 US – Mobile, AL / Soul Kitchen Music Hall 25.04.26 US – Destin, FL / Club LA 26.04.26 US – Atlanta, GA / Coca-Cola Roxy* 28.04.26 US – Dallas, TX / House of Blues 29.04.26 US – Oklahoma City, OK / Diamond Ballroom 01.05.26 US – Denver, CO / Summit 02.05.26 US – Albuquerque, NM / Sunshine Theater 04.05.26 US – Wichita, KS / The Cotillion 05.05.26 US – Springfield, MO / The Regency Live 06.05.26 US – Fayetteville, AR / Ozark Music Hall 08.05.26 US – Daytona Beach, FL / Welcome To Rockville 09.05.26 US – North Myrtle Beach, SC / House of Blues 11.05.26 US – Norfolk, VA / The NorVa 12.05.26 US – Harrisburg, PA / XL Live 14.05.26 US – McKees Rocks, PA / Roxian Theatre 15.05.26 US – Columbus, OH / Sonic Temple 16.05.26 US – Baltimore, MD / Nevermore Hall 17.05.26 US – Sayreville, NJ / Starland Ballroom 19.05.26 US – Charlotte, NC / The Fillmore 20.05.26 US – Knoxville, TN / The Mill & Mine 21.05.26 US – Nashville, TN / The Pinnacle*
The powerful new single is out now, taken from the upcoming album Phoenix, out April 10, 2026 via Art Of Melody Music / Burning Minds Music Group
Spanish melodic Hard Rock band XTASY open an exciting new chapter of their career with “Too Late”, their brand-new single out now on all digital platforms, together with the official lyric video.
“Too Late” is the first full statement from XTASY’s forthcoming studio album Phoenix, set for release on April 10, 2026, distributed worldwide by Art Of Melody Music / Burning Minds Music Group. The song perfectly captures the band’s renewed energy and sets the tone for what promises to be their most focused and ambitious release to date.
“Too Late” highlights everything that defines XTASY’s sound today. The track is co-written by Silvia Idoate, Carles Salse, Jorge Olloqui, and Erik Mårtensson, who also handled mixing and mastering at his Mass Destruction Studios in Sölleron, Sweden. The result is a song that combines emotional intensity with infectious hooks, representing what can be expected from the full album Phoenix.
Formed in Navarra, Spain, in 2011, XTASY have spent more than a decade building a solid international reputation across Europe and Japan through consistent releases, energetic live shows and a long-standing collaboration with Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse). Their upcoming album Phoenix represents the culmination of that journey: a collection of ten brand-new tracks, written during creative sessions in Sweden and showcasing a band at the peak of its creative confidence.
Phoenix also marks an important evolution in the band’s lineup, with the addition of Javi Herrero (Zenobia) on drums and David Zarzosa on bass, bringing fresh power, groove, and momentum to XTASY’s sound and live performances.
Following the success of their live CD/DVD Live of the Storm, which documented a 30+ date European tour, XTASY are now preparing to return to the stage with the Phoenix Tour, taking them across Europe throughout 2026. The tour will include festival appearances and club shows, further confirming XTASY as one of the most solid and exciting Melodic Hard Rock acts on the European Melodic Rock scene today.
Here are the first confirmed shows of the Phoenix tour:
21.02.26 – San Sebastian (ES) – Festival Heavy Jaia 14.05.26 – Barberaz (FR) – Brin de Zinc 15.05.26 – Basel (CH) – Valhalla Rock Bar 16.05.26 – Mels (St. Gallen) (CH) – Stage Am Bach 17.05.26 – Eisden-Maasmechelen (BE) – Ragnarok 19.05.26 – Dessau (DE) – Tbc 21.05.26 – Mörlenbach (DE) – Live Music Hall 22.05.26 – Aichach (DE) – Brandner Kaspar 23.05.26 – Lenzburg (CH) – Wisa Bar 16.10.26 – Vitoria (ES) – Urban Rock Concept 18.10.26 – Madrid (ES) – Rockville 21.11.26 – Pamplona (ES) – Canalla
With “Too Late” and Phoenix set for release on April 10, 2026, XTASY are ready to rise once again, stronger, sharper, and more determined than ever.
BOSTON & CHICAGO WE HEARD YOU. We have added a second night in Boston on June 4th at Leader Bank Pavillion. Tickets are on sale now. And our Chicago show has been upgraded to the ALLSTATE ARENA. All previous tickets bought for the Rosemont Theater will be honored.
2026 TRIUMPH 50th ANNIVERSARY NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:
CANADA:
April 22 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON @ GFL Memorial Gardens
April 24 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
April 25 – Hamilton, ON @ TD Coliseum
April 28 – Halifax, NS @ Scotiabank Centre
April 29 – Moncton, NB @ Avenir Centre
May 1 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell (Montreal)
May 2 – Ottawa, ON @ Canadian Tire Centre
May 5 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre
May 7 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place
May 8 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
UNITED STATES:
May 13 – Rosemont, IL @ ALLSTATE Arena (Chicago)
May 14 – Milwaukee, WI @ Miller High Life Theatre
May 16 – Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre
May 17 – St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
May 20 – Irving, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory (Dallas)
May 21 – San Antonio, TX @ Frost Bank Center
May 22 – Houston, TX @ Smart Financial Center at Sugar Land
May 24 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
May 26 – Atlanta, GA @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
May 28 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (Philadelphia)
May 30 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill (Detroit)
June 3 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater
June 4 – Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion
June 5 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell at Jones Beach Theater (New York)
The Master Plan, the brand-new solo album from Michael Sweet, acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, and frontman of Christian rock icons Stryper, is releasing, via Frontiers Records, on April 3, 2026!
After almost three years away, The Hollywood Vampires are finally coming back to tour the UK and Europe!! Joining us in the UK are special guests The Jesus And Mary Chain and The Damned with more guests TBA for our EU shows.
Our Artist Pre-Sale starts on Tuesday 20th January at 10AM local at:
https://www.hollywoodvampires.com/ **Password: boogieman (Please note this password will ONLY work for the artist pre-sale not any outside party pre-sales.)
General On Sales start Friday 23rd January at 10AM local at hollywoodvampires.com
Extra special VIP packages will also be available in select markets – for info visit superfan.live/hollywoodvampires
“We’re looking forward to incredible crowds, massive energy and more unforgettable nights. See you all soon!”
Black Label Society, Zakk Sabbath, Dark Chapel tour dates 2026: 2/27 San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port 2/28 Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory 3/01 Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom 3/03 Chesterfield, MO – The Factory at the District 3/04 North Kansas City, MO – VooDoo at Harrah’s Kansas City 3/06 Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom 3/07 Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center 3/09 Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center 3/10 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre 3/12 Funner, CA – Harrah’s Resort Southern California 3/13 Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater 3/14 San Francisco, CA – The Warfield 3/16 Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre 3/17 Vancouver, BC – Orpheum Theater 3/19 Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Event Centre 3/21 Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall 3/23 Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre 3/25 Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino 3/27 Madison, WI – The Sylvee 3/28 Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit 3/29 Toronto, ON – Queen Elizabeth Theatre 3/31 Montreal, QC – MTELUS 4/02 Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena 4/03 Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater 4/04 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway 4/06 Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia 4/07 Norfolk, VA – The NorVa 4/09 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle 4/10 Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte 5/10 North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues 5/11 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring 5/12 Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center 5/14 Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
We’re insanely proud to present the first single from our upcoming album. A clear step back to our classic sleaze sound. Full throttle. Dirty but big. Punky but heavy.
Do us a massive favor and pre-save “Satizfaction”. Let’s make this song huge together!
“Tales From The Pusciverse” #1 cover featuring artwork by Andy Belanger
“TALES FROM THE PUSCIVERSE” #1 DEBUTS BELLENDIA BLACK
Jan. 12, 2026 — The Pusciverse – Puscifer expands its universe with the launch of the band’s first comic book series, “Tales From The Pusciverse.” Issue #1 centers on Bellendia Black, a character first seen in the band’s “Pendulum” video.
Written by Maynard James Keenan, the debut issue features artwork by Marlin Shoop (“Captain Action,” “G.I. Joe,” “Unprepped”) and Andy Belanger (“Kill Shakespeare,” “Southern Cross,” “Friday the 13th”), with lettering by Jack Morelli (“Afterlife with Archie,” “Peter Parker Annual,” Marvel Comics).
“I remember how excited I was as an elementary school kid when Wolverine was first introduced in one of the Hulk issues. Called neighborhood dibs immediately (long before cosplay was a named thing),” Keenan shares. “Seeing Bellendia Black in print brings back all of those joyful school kid memories.”
“Puscifer’s leap into comics with Maynard Keenan isn’t merch or novelty – it’s an extension of their long-running conversation with the absurd,” says Shoop. “The book hums with the same tension as the music: satire wrapped in menace, humor sharpened into philosophy. I’m glad I could be a part of that and bring it to their vision.”
The introductory issue presents a conversation between Keenan and Bellendia Black, serving as both an introduction to the character and a gateway to the larger series, which will continue with future installments spotlighting Fanny Grey and The Synth Whisperer. Additional details and release dates will be announced soon.
“Tales From The Pusciverse” is available exclusively via Puscifer.com.
Puscifer’s new album, Normal Isn’t, arrives Feb. 6 via Puscifer Entertainment/Alchemy Recordings/BMG.
Photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey – Napalm Death, Bogart’s in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 15, 2025
I want to thank each visitor and loyal follower to Metal Odyssey! You have all kept my Metal faith burning this past year, as usual! Metal Odyssey celebrated its 17th consecutive year in 2025 and I have so much gratitude for all of your support over the years! Thank you, from the bottom of my Metal heart!
On a personal note, 2025 started off like a big bowl of horse shit, without getting into details. Let’s just say my family is healthy and that’s what matters most. With that out of the way, this past year did get better with each passing month for me.
Living in Dayton, Ohio, the Summer of 2025 had consistent rain forest weather and we currently have a total of 12.9” of total snowfall since November. Yesterday it hit 67 degrees Fahrenheit and today the high temp is forecasted for 26 degrees F. WTF. Bizarre, I know.
Once again, my severe arthritis never gave me an inch this past year. My knees and legs prevent me from going to Metal festivals and any outdoor festivities where lots of walking is required. Regardless, I still did get to see The Melvins, Exhumed, D.R.I., The Soap Girls and lots of local bands! I’m grateful for what I can do and experience!
My #1 favorite album of 2025, across all genres, is the unbelievably grand Alice Cooper – The Revenge Of Alice Cooper. If you haven’t checked out this album yet, my god almighty please do! This is as complete of a Hard Rock album that I’ve ever listened to!
My favorite Metal album of 2025 is a tie. I honestly cannot choose one over the other. Testament. Dream Theater. Both albums are musically pristine in every way for me; with both of their albums diving into the paranormal subject matter is a ginormous plus!!
I did, of course, continue to buy CDs and vinyl, while listening to Spotify and going down its Metal rabbit hole. I’ve found that streaming and playing physical mediums can co-exist in my Metal world.
My favorite “new” band, (although not entirely new) is Wings Of Steel. Their new album, Winds Of Time, is a masterful performance of Traditional Metal that engulfs my Metal soul with Metal euphoria! Their incredible Metal anthem, We Rise, is easily one of the best Metal songs I’ve experienced in the last 30 years!
Icons Ozzy Osbourne, Brian Wilson and Ace Frehley left us during 2025, along with many other legendary artists including Ray Davies of Supertramp and Brent Hinds of Mastodon. God Bless them all. It’s not fun getting old. Still, the memories that their music and concerts has given us all is priceless.
I tried my hardest to not watch the mainstream network and cable news, during 2025. The news headlines were awful enough. My 2 favorite MLB teams, the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees both made the playoffs and were eventually both eliminated. My Cincinnati Bengals, meanwhile, have forgotten how to make it to the playoffs, 3 years running.
I wish everyone a 2026 filled with the best of health, happiness and hopefully fortune. Ignore the haters and filter the mainstream news. Live like your life depends on it, while helping your neighbors and being kind to our fellow human beings. Spread the love and continue to defend the Metal faith. Metal be thy name. – Stone
Photo Credit – Mr. Cana Photography | L-R – Ben Chambert – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals, Florian Arnaud – Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals, Benjamin Folch – Lead Vocals, Cerise Pouillart – Bass, Backing Vocals, Romain Chambert – Drums
French hard rock powerhouse HighWay is back with a vengeance. After the acoustic detour of The Journey (2022), the band returns louder, bolder, and more electric than ever with their sixth studio album, Last Call for Rock’N’Roll, set for release on April 24th, 2026.
The first single, “Hi-Way”, is now streaming and immediately sets the tone for what fans can expect: unstoppable riffs, soaring vocals, and the kind of raw energy that has defined HighWay’s sound for over two decades.
“We realized we’d never written a song called HighWay! All the greats, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath, have their eponymous track. So why not us? Musically, it’s a return to the big rock song with a groovy verse, a spooky orchestral bridge, and a riff that fans will love,” explains frontman Ben Chambert.
The single’s accompanying video introduces HighWay’s new line-up, showcasing the band’s explosive live energy. Joining founding brothers Ben and Romain are bassist Cerise Pouillard(formerly of AC/DC tribute Ladies Ballbreaker) and guitarist Florian Arnaud, whose addition brings twin-guitar firepower and massive backing vocals to the band’s stage sound.
Produced, mixed and mastered by Brett Caldas-Lima (Ayreon, Devin Townsend, Megadeth), the album features 12 brand-new tracks that blend power, melody, and emotion in a timeless hard rock spirit. From high-octane anthems like “Bang Bang!” and “Go! Go! Go!” to intimate ballads like “Mayday”, the record explores life’s highs and lows with authenticity and passion.
Track Listing: 1. LAST CALL (FOR ROCK N’ ROLL) – 5:13 2. HI-WAY – 4:40 3. ¡ BANG BANG! – 3:47 4. NINETIES ACTION MOVIE – 5:16 5. PEACE OUT – 5:44 6. MAYDAY – 4:25 7. GO! GO! GO! – 5:48 8. LET ME – 4:54 9. D.K/D.C – 3:16 10. RAT RACE – 6:00 11. ACTION – 4:32 12. (DON’T) LOOK BACK – 5:09 Album Length: 58:48
“Fans will be blown away by this record. After the acoustic break of The Journey (2022), we’re back to pure rock—100% electric, high voltage, but still full of melody, vocals, and surprises. Writing and recording these songs was a passionate process, and with producer Brett Caldas-Lima, we refined every detail. The lyrics are more personal and intimate than ever, reflecting real-life experiences we wanted to share. We feel more mature as songwriters, and we’re proud of this album on every level, songwriting, sound, and production.” – HighWay
Formed in 1999 after being inspired by AC/DC’s “Live at Donington, HighWay has played over 500 European shows, sharing stages with legends like Michael Schenker Group, Gotthard, Jeff Scott Soto, and Nashville Pussy. With influences ranging from AC/DC and Queen to Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses, the band has carved out its place in the new wave of European Classic Hard Rock.
Now, with Last Call for Rock’N’Roll, HighWay is ready to take things to the next level, delivering a massive live sound, unforgettable hooks, and a renewed sense of purpose. Don’t miss the Last Call. HighWay is back and louder than ever.
Album Band Line Up: Ben Chambert: Lead guitar, Backing vocals Benjamin Folch: Vocals Sam Marshal: Bass Guitar, Backing vocals Romain Chambert: Drums
Live Band Line Up: Ben Chambert: Lead guitar, Backing vocals Florian Arnaud: Rhythm guitar, Backing vocals Benjamin Folch: Vocals Cerise Pouillart: Bass Guitar, Backing vocals Romain Chambert: Drums
In 2022 Sweden’s THE SONIC OVERLORDS unleashed a magnificent opus, Last Days of Babylon, that remains an underrated gem in our opinions. A combination of powerful doom riffs and epic, melodic majesty of late ’70s/early ’80s heavy rock. One of the songs on that album “Past The End of Time” is now available as a standalone single on all digital platforms or watch the video HERE: https://youtu.be/UFGuFs1sLMc?si=zKiZDJx1Oe8-ABZm.
What makes this exclusive variant version special is it’s a duet version between THE SONIC OVERLORDS vocalist Marcus Rubin and guest Tony Martin (Black Sabbath).
“A dream come true… to have Tony Martin guest on one of our songs. The first time I heard his voice on this track, I cried with happiness. The influence of his time in Black Sabbath is immense on both me and the band. And Tony is one of my top five vocalists of all time,” says guitarist Morgan Zocek.
Last Days of Babylon is still available on ltd vinyl (300), CD and across all digital platforms.
The album is timeless gem of dark and traditional metal with with classic influences from the likes of Dio/Martin-era Black Sabbath, Rainbow, early Candlemass, Yngwie J. Malmsteen/Rising Force, Scorpions and Michael Schenker Group. This feel and quality is heard on emphasis tracks “In My Darkest Room” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOk9v2ZwCUA“Utopia”https://youtu.be/75MzM8dGHA8 and “Eternal Heroes” https://youtu.be/upPbkn95pbw
In the meantime, “Past the End of Time” works as a bridge as THE SONIC OVERLORDS have begun work recording new material. So anticipate some new music in 2026.
THE SONIC OVERLORDS were founded in 2017 by Swedish rock guitarist Morgan Zocek. He began jamming with various musicians and writing songs inspired by classic hard rock of the late 1970s and early 1980s, but with a more modern approach to the production and sonics.
The full sound of THE SONIC OVERLORDS began to solidify with the addition in 2020 of vocalist Marcus Zachrisson Rubin, who had been playing with Zocek in an Ozzy Osbourne cover band for many years, and the rumbles of new bassist Daniel Ramírez.
Silent night, ROARING night! CORELEONI loudly toll the bell for the festive season with their brand new digital offering:Live at Hallenstadion Zurich is out now via PERCEPTION – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music, and available for streaming on several platforms.
Following two singles – “Sick & Tired” & “Like It Or Not,” both taken from their first original album III [2022] – the international lion pride’s focus lays on a classic track today. “Firedance” is one out of seven GOTTHARD songs CORELEONI performed on July 3, 2025 for this release and kick-started the final third of their energizing set with unrivalled joy of playing.
“This is one of the most important ‘first GOTTHARD era’ songs: it’s a heavy and melodic mid-tempo track recalling strong 70s and 80s vibes. ‘Firedance’ delivers great vocal and musical parts, accompanied by one the heaviest and funniest guitar solo, which was catapulted into live heaven on this recording,”adds guitaristJgor Gianola.
Photo credit: Alexandre Zveiger L-R: Jgor Gianola (guitars), Leo Leoni (guitars), Eugent Bushpepa (vocals), Mila Merker (bass), Alex Motta (drums)
Live at Hallenstadion Zurich was recorded on July 3, 2025 at their show supporting the mighty JUDAS PRIEST and comprises 9 electrifying tracks. Including both covers of the rich GOTTHARD catalogue and tracks from III, CORELEONI’s first original album which came out in early 2022, this new recording is essential rock ‘n’ roll: raw yet heavily rocking.
These history-charged 40 minutes simply had to be captured for eternity, not only for the 7,000 attending fans to relive the event but also for CORELEONI’s and hard rock fans all over the world!
Track Listing: 01. Sister Moon 02. Standing In The Light 03. Downtown 04. Like It Or Not 05. Sick & Tired 06. Mountain Mama 07. Firedance 08. She Goes Down 09. Here Comes The Heat
Swedish glam metal torchbearers CRASHDÏET are back with their seventh studio album, Art of Chaos, set for release on May 8th via Ninetone Records. The band describes it as “the ten sleaziest tracks we’ve written in ages” – a high-voltage return to the raw attitude, big hooks, and filthy swagger that defined their early sound.
Packed with big choruses, razor-sharp riffs, and that signature CRASHDÏET punch, Art of Chaos marks a fresh chapter for the band while staying true to the spirit that built their legacy.
You can pre-order the album on CD/LP directly from our shop today.
Photo Credit – Rae Chatten Thunderor L-R: Jonny Nesta (Guitar) | JJ Tartaglia (Vocals, Drums) | Brycen Gunn (Bass)
+ Canadian Tour w/ Burning Witches & EU Tour w/ Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.)
Canadian heavy metal force Thunderor, fronted by JJ Tartaglia (vocals, drums, Skull Fist) and Jonny Nesta (guitar, ex-Skull Fist), alongside Brycen Gunn on bass, are igniting excitement with their high-octane new single “Pump Up The Volume.” The track offers the first glimpse of their forthcoming sophomore album,Bleed For It, slated for release at the end of March 2026. With their trademark fusion of Arena Rock Opera Heavy Metal, Thunderor deliver soaring vocals, massive choruses, and uplifting energy designed to inspire fans to live boldly and chase their dreams.
The single also doubles as the opening number from Thunderor The Musical, the band’s ambitious rock opera, which premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival 2025. Featuring a cameo from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow in the promotional clip, the track sets the tone for an album that promises both fun and depth.
“This one is a lot of fun. Turn up the music, pump up your life, Pump Up The Volume! It’s also the opening number for the Musical, and it sets the mood nicely. Although the rest of the album ventures to many different places. Special thanks to Olivia Chow and the City of Toronto for her cameo in the promo clip, super cool.” – JJ Tartaglia.
Following their acclaimed debut, Thunderor’s second album Bleed For It showcases significant growth in both songwriting and performance. The band highlights improved vocals and more expansive anthem-driven choruses, delivering a soundtrack that balances raw heavy metal energy with theatrical flair.
The upcoming album is a concept record, serving as the official soundtrack to Thunderor The Musical. Fans can expect a journey through uplifting themes of love, struggle, and perseverance, all wrapped in the band’s trademark high-energy sound.
Drawing inspiration from legends like Meat Loaf, Van Halen, Bruce Springsteen, The Darkness, H.E.A.T., Night Flight Orchestra, and their own roots in Skull Fist, Thunderor’s sound is a modern twist on classic heavy and hair metal.
In additional news, Thunderor will be hitting the road in 2026, supporting Burning Witches on their first Canadian Tour in April, followed by a Scandinavian Tour supporting Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.) in May (dates listed below).
Canada Tour 2026 with Burning Witches: April 20 – Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC April 21 – La Source De La Martiniere – Quebec City, QC April 22 – The Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON April 23 – The Garrison – Toronto, ON
Scandinavia Tour 2026 with HOLMES (The Sound of WASP): May 15 – Nordic Noise – Copenhagen, Denmark May 16 – Godset – Kolding, Denmark May 27 – The Abyss – Gothenburg, Sweden May 28 – Muskelrock – Blädinge, Sweden May 29 – Lokstallet – Skövde, Sweden May 30 – Gjerdrum Rock Club – Gjerdrum, Norway May 31 – Sjøboden Live Scene – Mandal, Norway
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