HELLS BELLS FESTIVAL 26-27 June 2026 Plac Gryfitów, Łasztownia
Three winners to join the billing; Important schedule update for the live final in Szczecin
Hells Bells Festival has opened the public voting phase for the Hit The Bell band contest. With hundreds of applications arriving from around the world, the festival is now handing over the power to fans to help decide which acts will join the 2026 lineup on the banks of the Oder River.
A total of three emerging bands will secure a spot at the debut edition. The selection process is as follows:
One band will be selected directly by the fans through online voting
One band will be chosen by a professional jury during the live final at Dom Kultury Słowianin
One band will be hand-picked by the festival jury as a “Wild Card” entry, based on artistic merit rather than vote count or final performance
The festival has also announced that, due to technical reasons beyond the organisers’ control, the date for the “Hit The Bell” Grand Final at Dom Kultury Słowianin has been moved. The live showdown will now take place on Saturday, 30 May, with five finalists competing for the Jury Prize at one of Szczecin’s most iconic cultural venues.
The “Hit The Bell” winners will join a line-up that covers heavy metal, punk, rock and extreme metal. Across three stages, the festival will deliver everything from the traditional heavy metal of the legendary Dirkschneider and Grave Digger to the extreme of Possessed, Vader, NunSlaughter, and Dead Congregation. The thrash metal contingent is bolstered by the technical assault of Gama Bomb and the legendary FrankBlackfire, while the fuzz-drenched riffage of Belzebong provides a stoner-doom counterpoint.
The punk and hardcore legacy of Discharge, UKSubs, Cockney Rejects, TheLastResort, and local icons TheAnalogs and Dezerter stands alongside the horrorcore energy of Słoń and the avant-garde darkness of Furia and Dola. Furthermore, the festival remains a vital platform for the new generation, showcasing the rising power of The Materia, The Stubs, Owls Woods Graves, Hamulec, My Own Abyss, Seks W Czasach Wojny, Pretensje, Drowned In Silver and Diving Stove.
Above: Possessed
As previously announced, the festival has entered its next pricing tier. This pool of tickets will be available only until 31 May 2026 (or until sold out): Full Weekend Pass (PLN 409), Friday Ticket (PLN 199), Saturday Ticket (PLN 229). The festival also continues to offer the discounted Youth Pass (ages 13-18) and Family Pass (adult with child under 13).
Vio-lence is set to return to the global stage with their Summer 2026 tour, “Eruption of Screams.” Kicking off on July 20 in Gdańsk and July 21 in Warsaw, Poland, opening for Biohazard. As a pioneering Bay Area thrash band that emerged in the late 1980s, Vio-lence built a reputation for their aggressive sound and influential releases, helping define the genre’s intensity and edge.
The tour marks another chapter in the band’s legacy as they bring their high-energy performances across Europe, the United Kingdom, Russia and Asia, including a return to Brutal Assault, where they previously performed in 2022.
“We’re excited to get back to Europe and the UK, and visit Russia, China, Japan, Taipei and South Korea for the first time.” — Sean Killian
The run will include select dates alongside fellow FM Music Management artists, including Armored Saint, Cutthroat, and Angelus Apatrida. Following the European and UK leg, the tour will continue through Russia and multiple stops across Asia, ultimately concluding on August 28 in Seoul, South Korea.
The current lineup features founding frontman Sean Killian, guitarists Ira Black (Dio Disciples, Metal Church, Lizzy Borden) and Claudeous Creamer (Possessed), bassist Jeff Salgado (Psychosomatic), and drummer Nick Souza (Hatriot), all of who have been performing with Vio-lence across multiple recent tours.
Vio-lence is set to release new music in 2027.
Tour Dates: 20/07/26 – Gdańsk, PL – B90 21/07/26 – Warsaw, PL – Progresja 24/07/26 – Porto, PT – Hard Club 25/07/26 – Lisbon, PT – República de Música 28/07/26 – Antwerp, BE – Kid’s 29/07/26 – Plymouth, UK – The Depo 30/07/26 – London, UK – The Underworld 31/07/26 – Bridgwater, UK – The Cobblestones 01/08/26 – Preston, UK – Blitz 02/08/26 – Dublin, IE – Grand Social 03/08/26 – Belfast, NI – The Limelight 04/08/26 – Glasgow, UK – Audio 05/08/26 – Cardiff, UK – The Globe 07/08/26 – Jaroměř, CZ – Brutal Assault (Festival) 08/08/26 – Vienna, AT – Viper Room 09/08/26 – Munich, DE – Backstage 12/08/26 – Košice, SK – Colosseum 13/08/26 – Salzburg, AT – Rockhouse 14/08/26 – Zabok, HR – Cuk Regenerator
Russia & Asia: 16/08/26 – Moscow, RU – Pravda Club 17/08/26 – Saint Petersburg, RU – Kosmonavt 20/08/26 – Shanghai – Cave Art Venue 21/08/26 – Wuhan – Three Live 22/08/26 – Tianjin – Liu Li Space 23/08/26 – Taipei – Pipe Live House 24/08/26 – Tokyo – Koenji High 25/08/26 – Tokyo – Koenji High 28/08/26 – Seoul – JS Art Hall
More dates TBA.
For more information, visit Vio-lence’s official social media pages: Instagram (@vio_lence_official) and Facebook (Vio-lence).
ANVILplay songs from their first 3 albums only: Hard N Heavy, Metal On Metal, and Forged In Fire.
ANVIL Pounding The Past 2026 – North America Tour Dates With Midnite Hellion As Support:
June 03 – Syracuse, NY – The Song & Dance June 04 – Lakewood, OH – The Foundry June 05 – Chicago, IL – WC Social Club June 06 – St Louis, MO – Off Broadway June 07 – Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck June 10 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live June 12 – El Paso, TX – Rockhouse June 13 – Tucson, AZ – Club Congress June 14 – Las Vegas, NV – The Tuscanny June 17 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick June 18 – Los Angeles, CA – The Moroccan Lounge June 19 – Palmdale, CA – Transplants Brewing June 20 – Santa Rosa, CA – Arlene Francis Center June 21 – Sacramento, CA – Cafe Colonial June 24 – Portland, OR – Dante’s June 25 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon June 26 – Chilliwack, BC – The Chill House June 27 – Vancouver, BC – Astoria June 28 – Victoria, BC – The Phoenix July 01 – Calgary, AB – Palomino July 02 – Edmonton, AB – The Dive Bar July 03 – Saskatoon, SK – Black Cat Tavern July 05 – Winnipeg, MB – The Park Theatre July 08 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry July 09 – Madison, WI – Crucible July 10 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle July 11 – Toledo, OH – Frankies Inner-City
Traditional heavy metal force SULPHUR AND MERCURY unveil their new single “Sulphur Eternal”, marking another step forward in the band’s evolving path.
Built upon their unmistakable foundation of occult-tinged classic metal, the track carries a renewed sense of purpose, shaped by the band’s reconfigured line-up and a sharpened creative direction.
“Sulphur Eternal” blends brooding atmospheres with riff-driven intensity, drawing from the spirit of late ’80s heavy metal while forging a distinct identity. The result is a dark, immersive composition that balances melody, weight, and arcane mood, reaffirming SULPHUR AND MERCURY as a compelling force for those drawn to the more esoteric side of traditional metal.
The band comments:
“‘Sulphur Eternal’ is our anthem – an unabashed affirmation of our dedication to the trade and task of sonic metallurgy. We wanted to make a triumphant ode to the classics of metal’s yesteryear, but also a song we could call ‘our own’ – a battle cry of sorts. Melodic passages and exultant choruses combine to make it an instant call to arms. Under the fist of Mercury, the sulphur legions unite!”.
Finnish folk metal goliaths ENSIFERUM will return to US and Canadian stages on a two-week headlining tour. The Winter Storm Over North America tour begins on September 9th with their appearance at this year’s edition of ProgPower USA in Atlanta, Georgia and runs through September 27th in Seattle, Washington. Support will be provided by Firewind.
The band comments, “We are very excited to come back to North America for this tour with Firewind in September. We’ll bring the Winter Storm on the stages! See you guys in the pit!”
Tickets for all shows are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
ENSIFERUM w/ Firewind: 9/09/2026 ProgPower USA – Atlanta, GA 9/11/2026 Exit/In – Nashville, TN 9/12/2026 Century Music Hall – Fort Wayne, IN 9/13/2026 Thunderbird Music Hall – Pittsburgh, PA 9/14/2026 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 9/16/2026 The Roxy @ Mahalls – Cleveland, OH 9/17/2026 Blades Of Steel – Madison, WI 9/18/2026 Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA 9/20/2026 Park Theatre – Winnipeg, MB 9/22/2026 Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB 9/23/2026 Arrowhead – Calgary, AB 9/25/2026 Wise Hall – Vancouver, BC 9/26/2026 Hawthorne – Portland, OR 9/27/2026 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
ENSIFERUM will be touring in support of their Winter Storm full-length, out now on Metal Blade Records. A grandiose and heroic offering, Winter Storm centers itself on a fantasy concept narrative penned by bassist Sami Hinkka.
ENSIFERUM’s Winter Storm was produced by Janne Joutsenniemi, mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren, and includes guest appearances by Lassi Logrén on Nyckelharpa and violin and Mikko Mustonen on orchestration as well as Eleine’s Madeleine Liljestam who provides all vocals on “Scars In My Heart.”
Watch ENSIFERUM’s previously released videos for “Winter Storm Vigilantes,” “Long Cold Winter Of Sorrow And Strife,” “Fatherland,” and “The Howl,” which, when viewed consecutively, create a short movie, HERE.
ENSIFERUM: Petri Lindroos – vocals, guitars Markus Toivonen – guitars, vocals Sami Hinkka – bass, vocals Janne Parviainen – drums Pekka Montin – keyboards, vocals
Swedish modern metal force METALITE continue their forward momentum with the release of a stunning new music video for their latest single, “Starchild.” Following their recent signing with PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning PhoenixMusic and the high-energy introduction of the previously released track “Our Time Has Come,” the band now dives deeper into the sonic universe of their upcoming concept album Discovery.
“Starchild” showcases METALITE’s signature blend of soaring melodies, powerful riffs, and futuristic soundscapes. Driven by epic arrangements and shimmering synth layers, the track pulls listeners straight into the heart of the album’s narrative, offering a glimpse into the story unfolding within their ambitious new record.
With the accompanying video, METALITE bring the world of “Starchild” to life, visually expanding the band’s sci-fi inspired concept and underlining their dynamic and modern approach to power metal.
Guitarist, producer, songwriter and founderEdwin Prembergcomments: “Starchild is a key piece of the concept behind our upcoming album Discovery. It’s a classic Metalite track, packed with high energy and soaring melodies but with some new influences. I wanted to create something heavier, a song that’s truly headbang-friendly with a chorus everyone will be singing along to.”
ABOUT METALITE Formed in 2015 by guitarist Edwin Premberg and vocalist Emma Bensing, the band quickly gained recognition for its fresh and modern take on melodic metal and their 2017 debut album Heroes in Time set the stage for METALITE’s rise.
With millions of streams and a growing global fanbase, METALITE continues to redefine the future of melodic metal. Their fusion of cutting-edge sound design, anthemic choruses, and sci-fi-inspired storytelling has set them apart, proving that their journey is far from over. Stay tuned, a new discovery awaits!
With zero intention of playing it safe, ENEMY INSIDE return with their explosive new single “R.I.P.“, a track that doesn’t just close a chapter, it sets the whole damn book on fire.
“R.I.P.” is at its core about letting go, burying what no longer serves you, and moving on with clarity and intent. Armed with razor-edged riffs, industrial textures, and anthemic hooks, the band steps into a darker, heavier, and more uncompromising sonic identity than ever before — a bold evolution that signals the dawn of a new era.
“‘R.I.P.’might be one of the heaviest ENEMY INSIDE songs yet. A farewell to the past and everything that once tried to hold you back.” Evan K. & Nastassja Giulia
Driven by the mantra “you cannot control me,” the track cuts deep, lyrically and sonically. Lines like “used to be the echo now I am the scream” perfectly capture the band’s transformation: louder, sharper, and impossible to ignore.
Musically, “R.I.P.” pushes ENEMY INSIDE into heavier territory, combining their signature modern sound with heightened force, especially through more aggressive vocal delivery and powerful, cutting screams that underline the song’s emotional weight.
“R.I.P.” also arrives with a high-end, cinematic music video, continuing the band’s tradition of visually striking productions that amplify their sonic intensity.
The single offers a first glimpse into the band’s upcoming album (set for release via RPM), dialing their already uncompromising sound up to a whole new level of intensity.
To bring this new chapter to the stage, ENEMY INSIDE will join SMASH INTO PIECES as special guests on their April and May 2026 tour, delivering their high-energy live show across Europe.
This isn’t just a release.
It’s a burial. And ENEMY INSIDE are the ones holding the shovel.
“Wild ‘N’ Loud” is DEMONESSA at full power ready to take on the world!
All the songs on this album are an embodiment of the ‘80s heavy metal we all know and love. While every song on the album is brand new, they also have a familiar feel that fits right into any playlist, like they’ve always been there.
There are 12 songs, racking up to almost one hour of straight hard-rocking future classics, which really makes it like an all-you-can-eat buffet for heavy metal fans, there’s something for pretty much everyone in there. From arena filling anthems to speeding tickets guaranteeing high-speed hits and emotional ballads, the album covers the full spectrum of classic heavy metal.
Album cover art by Toni Nurmi
Track-listing: Till Death Do Us Part High Voltage Renegade M.A.D. Wild ‘N’ Loud Queen of Pain Livin’ Out of Spite Slowly Losing My Mind In Decay In the Depths of Hell You’ll Burn We Rule the Night I Stand Alone A Knife to a Gunfight
The band shared: “This track was chosen for a lyric video due to the high energy it delivers and the clear strong visual potential to match the outlawish lyrics. The video was created by MVS Visual, known for his work with various artists, most notably Manowar, making him an obvious choice for the project.”
To celebrate the release of the album there are several gigs coming up in Finland that are part of a so-called “Worldwide ‘N’ Loud Tour”, which kicks off on 8th of May in Boothill bar in Helsinki. Following that, there will be some shows in Tampere and Hämeenlinna as well and obviously many more to come, all the necessary information can be found on the band’s social media.
More on Demonessa: Demonessa is a heavy metal band from Tampere, Finland, carving its path with pure power and attitude. Formed in 2019, the band combines the explosive force of 80’s heavy metal with the spectacle of glam metal creating an experience that must be witnessed live.
Line-up: Senja – Vocals John Creweholm – Guitars Hugo M. Raze – Guitars Peet von Rowanskerry – Bass Jones “Pugnax Vehemens” Tervas – Drums
Following the recent release of their first single “Galactic Rebirth”, Swedish melodic metal force PRIME CREATION present a brand new music video today. The band now unveil the title track of their forthcoming studio album, Souls Of The Fallen, offering a deeper glimpse into the sonic and thematic core of the record.
Slated for a release on June 26, 2026, via ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music.
With the premiere of the title track “Souls Of The Fallen”, PRIME CREATION dive into darker and more intense territory, both musically and lyrically. The song captures the emotional weight of conflict and resilience, combining powerful riffs with a cinematic atmosphere that reflects the album’s overarching narrative.
“This song is about being pushed into war when there’s no longer any choice but to fight back,” the band reveals. “It focuses on finding inner strength and courage while facing darkness, rage, and moral conflict on the battlefield. There’s a strong sense of honoring fallen allies and carrying their sacrifice forward. Overall, it’s about enduring the tide of war, struggling with its cost, and still pushing toward survival and eventual triumph.”
Souls Of The Fallen Track-list: 1. Galactic Rebirth 2. Ghosts 3. Blood Harvest 4. Souls of the Fallen 5. Alliance 6. Lost Legacy 7. Legends Never Die 8. Ashes of Trust
Formed in Sweden in 2015, PRIME CREATION quickly established themselves as a driving force in modern melodic heavy metal. Rising from the ashes of the power metal band MORIFADE, the group brought together skilled and experienced musicians with a clear vision: combine technical precision with powerful songwriting and a contemporary edge.
Following their self-titled debut in 2016 and the critically acclaimed Tears Of Rage (2019), the band continued to evolve, culminating in Tell Freedom I Said Hello (2023), which gained strong international attention.
Known for their dynamic live presence, PRIME CREATION have toured across Europe and shared stages with acts like MASTERPLAN and appeared at festivals alongside Europe and W.A.S.P
With Souls Of The Fallen, produced by Niels Nielsen (GHOST, IN FLAMES), the band take another decisive step forward, pushing their sound into darker, more progressive territory while staying true to their melodic roots.
PRIME CREATION: Esa Englund – Vocals Robin Arnell – Lead Guitar Rami Tainamo – Rhythm Guitar Henrik Weimedal – Bass Guitar Kim Arnell – Drums
Having made their back catalog available to a wider public via High Roller Records, Mexican speed and thrash metal force Phantom will release their third full-length assault Not Midnight Yet via the label. Recorded and mixed once again with Héctor “Northen” Ibarra at Nehtron Studios in Guadalajara and mastered by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony in Germany, this new album captures the band at their most technical and dynamic.
“I am never fully satisfied with my records and I try to push forward and expand our boundaries with every new material, without changing the soul and core of what Phantom stands for: Old School Heavy Metal,“explains mastermind J.C. García. “This record puts together very well everything that we are. Because of that, I think this is a juggernaut of an album”.
Tracks such as ‘Hordes Of Bats’ deliver relentless speed and riff-driven aggression, while ‘Dracula’s Curse’ and the title track lean into powerful midtempo dynamics and complex structures. ‘The Pale Remains Of Time’ stands out as one of the album’s most ambitious moments, combining melodic vocals, clean guitar interludes and subtle progressive touches.
“I try to break the established formula and add more textures and layers while keeping the old school spirit,” J.C. states. “It’s a very personal record and a work I’m very proud of. I think this is the most solid Phantom record to date”. With Not Midnight Yet, Phantom sharpen their identity and deliver a powerful, atmospheric statement, proof that the night is far from over.
ALBUM TRACK-LIST: 01 Hordes of Bats 02 Out of the Mausoleum 03 Dracula’s Curse 04 Morgenstern / Iron Strike 05 The Pale Remains of Time 06 Summoned to Kill 07 Not Midnight Yet 08 Solomonari 09 Sepulchral Majesty 10 Curse Your Name 11 A Trail Full of Sorrows 12 Echoes from the Fights
PHANTOM: Harel O. – Guitars J.C. García – Vocals, Guitars Raír Tavizón – Bass J.P. Alatorre – Drums
BELUSHI SPEED BALL – Cosmo Joe’s Atomic Lounge, Dayton, Ohio – My buddy Troy and I took a short ride to downtown Dayton, Ohio to take in the fun from Kentucky’s very own BELUSHI SPEED BALL, last Friday night. Cosmo Joe’s Atomic Lounge became a welcomed free-for-all, with fans doing whatever the hell they wanted, to the crossover thrash of this good-times band.
No humans or animals were hurt in this joyous melee of airborne rolls of toilet paper, red solo cups, corrugated boxes, plastic bags and pool noodles. I did get involved myself and needed to be extra aware due to my terrible knees. I probably lost 50 calories, which is a plus. BELUSHI SPEED BALL kept their loyal fans (obviously) actively involved and elated to throw shit, non-stop, while laughs and smiles were contagious.
Vinny Castellano was a lively and charismatic frontman and should be proud of his band’s performance. We live during an unstable time right now and to be a part of this entertaining, comedic and thrash-tastic camaraderie is just what I have been yearning for! Metal be thy name – Stone
SouvenirSkull Head Big Boy (behind bar)
BELUSHI SPEED BALL Live footage – Cosmo Joe’s Atomic Lounge ~ April 17th, 2026
The Boar Metal beasts of BOARZOY have launched the official music for “Agency (Is Necessary),” the first single off their upcoming new album, The Great Fires.
The song perfectly encapsulates the band’s sludge-fueled, groove-forward brand of metal. Imagine a boar running roughshod through the pit at a DIY show and you’ve got BOARZOY.
The band comments on the song, “This track is about doing the right thing, especially in the present moment. It’s also our first release with a music video, so we really wanted to capture the intense energy we bring to shows. It’s a display of our ‘Boar Metal’ sound – aggressive, eclectic and hits hard.”
Watch the video for “Agency (Is Necessary)” now at this location.
Their debut album, Ever Watchful Hateful Eye is available at: boarzoy.bandcamp.com.
BIO: “From Boston, BOARZOY has forged their own genre, ‘Boar Metal’ – a balance of raw heaviness, eclectic styles, and intense live energy. Known for their high-energy shows, the band is preparing to move to New York City later this year to further expand their reach”.
Born out of a shared and deep respect for acts such as Motörhead, Venom, and Sodom, Chäinfist is exactly what it sounds like: fast, noisy, heavy rock at its meanest.
Behind the project are two names well embedded in the Nordic extreme music underground. Trigger is the alias of Owe Inborr, founding member of the Finnish black metal outfit Ondfødt and noise punks Dispyt, the man behind Wolfthrone Studios, the Ostrobothnian recording studio that has become one of the most sought-after rooms in Nordic extreme music, having shaped records for the likes of …And Oceans, Kvaen, Azaghal, Moonlight Sorcery, Morbikon, and dozens more.
On the other side of the room, Bullet, aka Marco Luponero, the frontman known from Luponero and previously Terrorwheel and Altaria, handles lead vocals and shares instrument duties with Trigger across the entire record.
Bullet recalls: “I called up Trigger one day and said ‘look, I’m charting new territory with my own music, but I think it would be nice to have some sort of project where I could still channel my Motörhead-style spirit. Trigger understood the drill straight away, didn’t hesitate for a second.”
The two have collaborated on several of Luponero’s releases before, so the chemistry was already there. “We aren’t trying to reinvent anything with Chäinfist”, explains Trigger. “We’re just two guys who feel the need to play very fast and very loud. The songs basically write themselves.”
Listeners got a first taste of what the duo’s been up to in March of 2026, when Chäinfist released their eponymous first single. Now they drop the entire debut album, also titled Chäinfist. Leading the release is the single “The Tomb Is Burning“, accompanied by a music video.
Released by Finnish label Stormbound Records, Chäinfist is available to stream and is also available in two physical formats exclusively from Stormbound’s online store: the label’s proprietary Beatjaxx format and a strictly limited cassette run.
A cult chapter of Italian extreme metal history returns in its most complete form, as F.O.A.D. Records present the definitive archival collection of early material from LORD CRUCIFIER, Cataclism, now available as a gatefold 2xLP edition.
Cataclism – Gatefold 2xLP:
An 18-track descent into pure psychotic thrash metal, self-described by the band as “psychic metal,” capturing the unhinged vision of these Italian maniacs who relocated to England during the 1980s in search of total sonic extremity.
This comprehensive release brings together the band’s early demo legacy and unreleased material, fully remastered at Toxic Basement Studio:
Cataclism Demo (1985)
Myra’s Tape (1987)
Who Do You Trust (1989)
Unreleased 3-track rehearsal/demo (1990)
Across these recordings, LORD CRUCIFIER’s evolution is laid bare, from raw, dark thrash steeped in Venom and Celtic Frost influences to a more personal and deranged style defined by speed, fractured structures and psychotic riffing intensity.
Packaging:
The release comes as a deluxe gatefold 2xLP edition accompanied by a 24-page full-color booklet, designed by Rich M. Walker (The Metalchemist). The booklet includes rare photographs, flyers, scans of original demo tapes, and archival excerpts from underground magazines and fanzines.
A vital document of a band that turned chaos into identity, now unearthed and preserved by F.O.A.D. Records. Essential listening for devotees of extreme, unfiltered thrash in its most disturbed form.
Inspired by Robin Williams’ quote, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about,” BLACK SITES have released their new single “Silent Wars“. The single lands ahead of the forthcoming full length, For Eternity. The album is set to release independently on July 17, 2026.
BLACK SITESfounderMark Sugarcomments on “Silent Wars”: “This track is one of my favorites. While there’s some blatant Jake E. Lee homages, a lot of the song was inspired by Americana artist Jason Isbell, of all people. The guitar bit at the very end was recorded as I wrote it, the take that’s on the record is the first time I ever played it.”
Heavy driving rock ‘n’ roll rhythms kick off “Silent Wars” with high energy. Drawing from traditional rock and metal styles, the track delivers a powerful message through moody verse arrangements and a catchy chorus hook.
For Eternity was produced by Mark Sugar & Chris Black, recorded at I Can’t Believe It’s Not Mace Street Studios, with mixing and mastering by Dan Swano. Drums on For Eternity were recorded by Vladimir Ružičić at Kebac Recording Studio.
About BLACK SITES: Based out of Chicago, IL, USA, BLACK SITES was founded in 2016, initially as a studio project, by vocalist and guitarist Mark Sugar. Sugar was later joined by members John Picillo (bass), Ryan Bruchert (guitar) and Chris Avgerin (drums). BLACK SITES combines old school metal with guitar harmonies, melodic/clean vocals and progressive elements, primarily drawing inspiration from the likes of VOIVOD, BLACK SABBATH, and KING’S X.
For Eternity Track Listing:
When It Calls (5:09)
Aquarius Betrayed (5:05)
Above Soil, Beneath Sky (4:47)
Giving Up The Ghost (6:43)
Blades (For The Chosen Ones) (4:51)
Silent Wars (4:51)
When Prophecy Fails (5:49)
Unanswered For Eternity (6:54)
BLACK SITES released their debut In Monochrome in 2017 (Mascot/Provogue Records), followed by Exile in 2019. 2021 saw the release of Untrue that was produced by Sanford Parker and awarded Record Of the Year by Dr. A.N. Grier at AngryMetalGuy.com. BLACK SITES ventured to The Promised Land? with their 2024 full-length that featured Tom Draper. (Ex-CARCASS/SPIRIT ADRIFT) on the track “Chasing Eternity”.
Now, in 2026, Mark Sugar is joined by new members Jose Salazar (bass), Lee Smith (guitar) and Chris Black (drums). The forthcoming album For Eternity is set to release independently on July 17, 2026.
BLACK SITES: Mark Sugar (vocals, guitar) Jose Salazar (bass) Lee Smith (guitar) Chris Black (drums)
Acclaimed vocalist RUSSELL ALLEN, best known as the powerhouse frontman of progressive metal legends Symphony X, has released a deeply personal new ballad titled “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” in recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The heartfelt track offers an intimate glimpse into Allen’s experience as a father raising a daughter on the autism spectrum, delivering a moving message of empathy, acceptance, and unconditional love. 💙
“Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” reflects the emotional journey of watching his daughter grow, navigate social challenges, and find her place in the world. The song blends Allen’s signature vocal intensity with a tender, vulnerable performance, resulting in one of the most personal recordings of his career.
“The song was written over several years navigating the evolution of our daughter’s life on the spectrum,” Allen explains. “Observing her behaviors that most would consider quirky became normal to me and my family. It became increasingly difficult for her to make friends in her life, though we tried several groups and activities for her to explore. Her social anxiety would overwhelm her senses and she would just retreat into her ‘world’ and stim a lot.”
Allen continues, “The heartbreaking moment for me was when she came home from school and asked, ‘Why are the kids playing and having fun but not with me?’ The fact that she was so aware of her situation was both enlightening and difficult for us, because we knew she couldn’t change who she was for acceptance of her peers. But why should she? So the song became my wish, a father’s wish, for my daughter to find a world full of people who would accept her and love her the way we do.” ❤️
Released during Autism Awareness Month, the track aims to shine a light on the experiences of families navigating life on the spectrum while encouraging compassion and understanding. Through “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song),” Allen hopes to foster greater awareness and celebrate the beauty of individuality.
“Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Listeners interested in learning more about autism and how to support individuals and families in their communities are encouraged to explore resources from organizations such as the Autism Society of America and Autism Speaks. These groups provide educational materials, support networks, and guidance on advocacy, inclusion and understanding life on the autism spectrum.
About RUSSELL ALLEN:
Russell Allen is an American heavy metal vocalist celebrated for his powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and exceptional versatility across progressive metal, power metal, and hard rock. Born on July 19, 1971, in Long Beach, California , Allen has earned international recognition as one of the most respected and influential singers in modern metal.
Allen is best known as the longtime frontman of Symphony X, which he joined in 1995. With Allen at the helm, the band achieved global acclaim through landmark albums such as The Divine Wings of Tragedy (1997), V: The New Mythology Suite (2000), The Odyssey (2002), and Paradise Lost (2007). His commanding vocal range and emotive delivery have been central to the band’s signature blend of technical precision and melodic intensity.
Beyond Symphony X, Allen has showcased his versatility through numerous collaborations and side projects. He formed the melodic metal supergroup Allen/Lande alongside Norwegian vocalist Jørn Lande, releasing several critically acclaimed albums that highlighted his ability to balance power with melody. He also fronted the hard rock band Adrenaline Mob, further demonstrating his adaptability across heavier and groove-oriented styles.
In addition to his work in the metal and rock scenes, Allen has captivated audiences worldwide as a vocalist with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). Known for its elaborate live productions and symphonic rock sound, TSO has provided Allen with a platform to reach millions of fans through extensive arena tours, particularly during the holiday season. His performances with the orchestra showcase not only his vocal power but also his theatrical presence and emotional expressiveness.
Continuing to evolve artistically, Russell Allen is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the launch of a new rock-focused project. This venture marks a return to his hard rock roots, emphasizing powerful melodies, blues-infused vocals, and high-energy songwriting while retaining the intensity and passion that have defined his career.
Allen’s vocal style is often compared to legendary singers such as Ronnie James Dio, characterized by its rich tone, emotional depth, and commanding presence. His lyrics frequently explore themes of mythology, philosophy, and personal struggle, contributing to the epic and narrative-driven nature of his music.
With a career spanning decades, Russell Allen continues to influence the metal and rock communities through his recordings and electrifying live performances. His dedication to his craft and unmistakable voice have solidified his status as one of the premier vocalists in the genre.
EMBERS OF DAWN venture further into realms of doom and gothic metal in the new single, “The Passing“. A touching tribute to TYPE O NEGATIVE and Peter Steele, the rich atmosphere and doom-laden heaviness center the darkness of this introspective track.
EMBERS OF DAWN explain, “At its core, the lyrics reflect mortality, loneliness, and the inevitability of death. The song emphasizes emptiness, futility, and indifference… and if that wasn’t dreary enough, the nihilistic elements of the lyrics are apparent as the song suggests life and death might go unnoticed and that the universe really offers no inherent significance.”
The haunting introduction of “The Passing” soon builds into a rhythmic arrangement of chugging guitars, metallic percussion hits and industrial electronics. Somber, low vocal melody lines contribute to the song’s gothic style, while powerful bursts add further character.
“The Passing” showcases the band’s ability to craft intense sonic offerings that unveil an all-encompassing heavy sound, and was produced, mixed and mastered by Richii Wainwright.
About EMBERS OF DAWN:
Formed in 2022, EMBERS OF DAWN is a genre-defying metal project born out of Jacksonville, Florida and Santa Barbara, California. The band blends elements of industrial, gothic, melodic death metal, and cyber-metal to create a sound that is both cinematic and punishing. Known for their thematic focus on alienation, modern decay, and emotional detachment, EMBERS OF DAWN delivers music that is as introspective as it is aggressive.
Spanish melodic death metal band BLOODHUNTER have revealed new details on their highly-anticipated studio album, entitled Sons Of The Abandoned, that is set for release on June 12, 2026 via ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. Pre-orders have started today.
Accompanying the album announcement, BLOODHUNTER step it up with the release of a music video for their latest single “Threshold Of Hell”, featuring Fernando Ribeiro of Portuguese dark metal legends MOONSPELL! Leaning on crushing riffs, a commanding groove, brutal vocals and a dense, shadowy atmosphere, the track is elevated by Ribeiro’s unmistakable voice, adding depth and gravitas.
Guitarist Dani Arcos comments: “I think it’s the most complete song on the album. We worked really hard on it, both musically and in terms of sound effects, the collaboration with Fernando Ribeiro… and it also has a great groove.”
Vocalist Diva Satanica adds: “It’s an anti-war song that dissects the mysteries of human behaviour and how it seems we didn’t evolve at all, making the same mistakes of the past. We wanted to emphasize this contradiction of being an anti-war song but using the typical sounds in this context, so we created our own military march shaking some spoons inside of a cooking pot (there is even a video of us recording it).”
1. The Devil’s Own 2. The Outspoken 3. Threshold Of Hell 4. Ephemeral Youth 5. Sons Of The Abandoned 6. No One Beats Death 7. Code Aeternam 8. The Path That Never Ends 9. The Night Is Darker Before The Dawn 10. Masters Of Deceive 11. Human Insecticide
Formed in Galicia, Spain, BLOODHUNTER have steadily carved their name into the international extreme metal scene through relentless touring, uncompromising sound and a clear artistic vision. Fronted by Diva Satanica, the band blends extreme metal aggression with melodic depth, groove and narrative ambition, forging a sound that is both ferocious and emotionally charged.
With Sons Of The Abandoned, BLOODHUNTER solidify themselves as a band unafraid to evolve, challenge expectations and expose their own scars. This is not just another extreme metal album, it is a statement of identity, resistance and survival in a world that constantly demands compromise.
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