GREYHAWK – Call of the Hawk / Ride Out. True Metal. No Compromise.
Before they were Keepers of the Flame, Seattle’s GREYHAWK were busy forging the underground’s most infectious new anthems. Nameless Grave Records is thrilled to present a comprehensive compilation of the band’s two essential EPs, Call of the Hawk and Ride Out, appearing together for the first time on a single 12″ vinyl.
This collection captures the band at their most hungry and heroic. Side A features 2022’s Call of the Hawk, a release that elevated the band’s technicality and showcased the incredible speed of guitarist Jesse Berlin. Side B features the 2018 Ride Out debut, showcasing the band’s ability to blend world-class vocals with the soaring heroism of Manowar.
Driven by the elite baritone of Rev Taylor, whose operatic pedigree makes him one of the most capable singers in metal history and the blistering fretwork of Jesse Berlin, this compilation is the definitive way to experience the early chapters of a band that has become a cornerstone of modern heavy metal.
Track-list:
Side A: Call of the Hawk
Steelbound
Call of the Hawk
Demon Star
Shattered Heart
Take The Throne
Side B: Ride Out
Intro
The Abdication
Ride Out
Serpent King
Wisdom of the Wizard
Circle of Heroes
For Fans of: Manowar, Dio, Visigoth, Judas Priest, and Yngwie Malmsteen.
A new chapter has begun: Finnish melodic metal force ARION return with a bang, launching the album cycle for their upcoming fifth studio album with the brand-new single “Hurricane”, released via RPM. The track is a fast-paced, modern melodic metal anthem that stands out with its theme of cathartic empowerment, a massive chorus hook, and the band’s signature infectious riffing.
Driven by an arena-ready chorus and sharp songwriting, “Hurricane” initially feels like a classic hit in the making. Yet ARION add a clever twist, breaking away from predictable structures and injecting a fresh, modern edge that keeps listeners on their toes. More singles will follow throughout 2026, with the full album scheduled for release at the beginning of 2027, following their European tour with GLORYHAMMER and MAJESTICA in October 2026.
Guitarist Iivo Kaipainen comments:“We are happy to come back with this new fantastic single called ‘Hurricane’! The song features an especially massive and catchy chorus and infectious main riff, which are both long time trademarks for the band. Sounds like a traditional hit format song? WRONG! There’s a cool modern twist waiting to break the linear true and tried hit song formula that will definitely catch every listener off guard. See for yourself!”
[Photo Credit: Ville Juurikkala]
About ARION:
ARION are among Finland’s most exciting modern melodic metal exports. Known for their high-impact songwriting, technical skill and engaging stage presence, the band continues to bridge the gap between classic and modern metal.
Over the years, ARION have toured extensively across Europe and Japan with acts such as DREAM THEATER, GLORYHAMMER, BATTLE BEAST, BLOODBOUND and SONATA ARCTICA. They have also collaborated with renowned vocalists including Elize Ryd (AMARANTHE), Noora Louhimo and Melissa Bonny (AD INFINITUM / KAMELOT).
With tens of millions of streams to their name, including the standout track At The Break Of Dawn surpassing 20 million streams and achieving gold status in Finland, ARION have firmly established themselves as one of the most important new wave metal export acts from the country. Their continued evolution and international presence underline their growing importance in the global metal scene.
L-R: Max Friesen (Drums) | Chris Osterman (Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar) | Megan Merrick (Lead Guitar) | Leighton Holmes (Bass)
Headline Hometown Show in Vancouver + Cross Canada Tour! Plus Armstrong Metal Fest, Loud As Hell Open Air Fest
Vancouver, Canada’s traditional heavy metal torchbearers IRON KINGDOM proudly announce the release of “Defenders,” the first single and music video from their upcoming sixth studio album, “Shadows and Dust,” due out June 6, 2026. The album is also being released in partnership with Steel Shark Records (France), which will offer an exclusive EU edition limited to just 300 double‑CD copies.
Disc 1 will contain the full Shadows and Dust album, while Disc 2 will feature a “Best Of” collection highlighting tracks from Iron Kingdom’s previous five releases. In addition, the label will introduce a third vinyl colour (100 copies) available only to EU fans.
“Defenders” sets the tone for Shadows and Dust with a powerful blend of speed, emotion, and classic heavy metal grit. Inspired by the Battle of Gdansk, the track pays tribute to the Polish soldiers who held their ground for seven days against Nazi invasion, an act of courage that deeply resonates with vocalist/guitarist Chris Osterman, whose own family history is tied to the conflict.
“Being that my family is half Polish, this song strikes a chord for me. I imagined what my great‑grandfather experienced riding with the Polish cavalry in WWII, and I also imagined what people in Ukraine must be feeling right now. Even though the song is fast and heavy, it’s very emotional. It speaks to the courage of those who defend their families, their friends, and their way of life,” says Osterman.
Musically, “Defenders” channels the band’s signature blend of classic heavy metal, drawing influence from acts like Tyran Pace and Primal Fear, with soaring melodies, galloping riffs, and a relentless sense of urgency.
Shadows and Dust sees IRON KINGDOM exploring darker lyrical themes, death, hardship, impermanence, while maintaining the triumphant spirit and melodic fire that define their sound.
“This album plays in a dark realm of topics, but I think that’s what will make it accessible to people going through tough times. The music shows hope for a positive way out. It’s a journey from front to back,” adds Osterman.
Track Listing: 1. Defenders 2. Eternal Emperor 3. Dreamless Sea 4. Deadhouse Gates 5. Line Of Fire 6. Blood And Steel 7. Shadow Of Time 8. Dark Demands 9. Starlight 10. Sacred Fire
The album’s artwork by Alan Lathwell was inspired by the track “Blood and Steel” and the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson, depicting an army marching through a harsh, unforgiving landscape, a metaphor for perseverance through adversity.
IRON KINGDOM will celebrate the release of Shadows and Dust with a hometown headline show at the Rickshaw Theatre on June 5, delivering the high‑energy, classic‑metal stage show they’ve become known for. Info at: https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2127
Following the album launch, the band will hit the road across Western Canada with confirmed festival appearances at Armstrong Metal Fest and Loud As Hell Festival.
Album pre-order (release date June 6th, 2026) available at the following links:
June 05 – Vancouver, BC – The Rickshaw July 02 – Nanaimo, BC – The Globe July 03 – Victoria, BC – Lucky Bar July 04 – Cumberland, BC – The Waverley July 05 – Powell River, BC – The Carlson Loft July 17 – Armstrong, BC – Armstrong MetalFest July 21 – Prince George, BC – Knox Performance Centre July 23 – Whitehorse, YT – Lefty’s Well July 24 – Dawson City, YT – The Pit July 25 – Dawson City, YT – The Pit July 26 – Whitehorse, YT – TBD July 28 – Yellowknife, NT – The Underground July 29 – Fort Smith, NT – Dirty O’ Fergie’s July 30 – Edmonton, AB – Starlight July 31 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Open Air Festival Aug 01 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre Aug 02 – Thunder Bay, ON – Bloom Bar + Lounge Aug 03 – Sudbury, ON – The Lounge 390 Aug 04 – London, ON – Supply & Demand Aug 05 – Waterloo, ON – Maxwells Aug 06 – Hamilton, ON – TBC Aug 07 – Toronto, ON – Bovine Aug 08 – Montréal, QC – Foufounes Électriques Aug 09 – TBD – TBD Aug 10 – TBD – TBD Aug 11 – Woodstock, NB – Monteith Manor Aug 12 – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub Aug 14 – Corner Brook, NL – TBC Aug 15 – St. John’s, NL – The Rockhouse Aug 17 – Truro, NS – Marigold Cult. Centre (Lobby) Aug 18 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti Aug 19 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern Aug 21 – Saskatoon, SK – TBC Aug 22 – Calgary, AB – Dicken’s Aug 23 – Kelowna, BC – Jackknife Brewing
Formed in 2011, IRON KINGDOM have spent over a decade championing the classic heavy metal tradition, drawing influence from legends such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, Scorpions, and Rush. Known for their electrifying live performances, intricate musicianship, and unwavering dedication to the genre, the band has toured extensively across Canada, the USA, Europe, and Brazil, sharing stages with acts like Night Demon and Blaze Bayley.
Shadows and Dust marks the next chapter in their evolution, an album that blends old‑school metal spirit with fresh energy and emotional depth.
Ushering in a new wave of heavy metal, New Jersey hellraisers WHO ON EARTH have announced their forthcoming album, It Takes The Village. Set for release on May 8th, the band’s second full-length features 12 headbanging tracks of unfiltered, high-octane mayhem.
Commenting on the new album, bassist Pete Rizzi says:
“It Takes The Village is a true representation of the diversity of Who On Earth, demonstrating the lack of self-imposed boundaries in our music. Our brand-new material showcases our continued growth as songwriters, and we’ve also included a few reimagined versions of earlier tracks that feel fresh and more powerful than ever. After five years of building, this release is our way of saying, ‘This is Who On Earth.”
Coinciding with the announcement, WHO ON EARTH have unveiled their second single, “Any Other Way” – an anthemic rocker primed for the stage, arriving just ahead of the band’s upcoming U.S. tour with FOZZY.
Rizziadds:
“‘Any Other Way’ is a rearranged, re-recorded, remixed, and remastered version of ‘Black Swan’ from our debut album, Blame. It’s a song about accepting the events in our lives and the choices that brought us here. Regret has no place in that process, the past is the past. Would we do things differently? Of course. But maybe everything had to unfold exactly as it did. It’s about embracing where you are, learning from it, and ultimately saying, ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way.’”
The new single follows the previously released track “Vigilance,” which also appears on It Takes The Village.
1. Vigilance 2. Any Other Way 3. Shadows 4. Good Man Down 5. Closer 6. Too Close 7. Double or Nothing 8. Monster! 9. Oh, Set Me Free 10. We Don’t Belong Here 11. Ascension 12. The Unbeaten
Lineup: Coosh – Vocals Pete Rizzi – Bass Johnny James Barone – Guitar Jimmy Kocha – Guitar Howie Fallon – Drums
WHO ON EARTH Tour Dates w/FOZZY:
May 8 – Charlotte, NC – Amos’ Southend May 9 – Waynesboro, VA – The Foundry May 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts May 13 – Harrisburg, PA – Capitall City Music Hall May 15 – St. Charles, IL – Arcada Theatre May 16 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop
Debut festival edition expands to three stages as new ticket prices take effect
Szczecin, Poland; 19 March 2026: Hells Bells Festival continues its build-up toward 26-27 June 2026 with a dual band announcement and a major logistical expansion.
The festival has confirmed Northern Ireland thrashers Gama Bomb and Polish blackened punks Owls Woods Graves, while also revealing that the event will now span three distinct stages at the Plac Gryfitów site.
Gama Bomb are widely known for their speed, technicality, and fun-filled, high-octane live shows. Fans in Szczecin should prepare for a masterclass in headbanging as the band brings their signature “thrash metal bomb” to the Łasztownia waterfront. The band’s latest release is the EP “Necronomicon Automaton”.
The bill is further bolstered by Owls Woods Graves, a project conceived by The Fall & E.V.T. Their unique sound, self-described as “haunted woods hardcore”, blends black metal with raw punk energy and macabre storytelling inspired by witches and the Devil. The band is currently promoting their third album, “Strix”.
In a significant move for the festival’s scale, organisers have also confirmed that Hells Bells 2026 will now feature three stages. This expansion allows for a more diverse range of sounds and ensures that the performances are more spread out across the schedule, reducing time pressure and providing a better experience for both the artists and the audience.
Gama Bomb and Owls Woods Graves join an already stacked line-up that includes the likes of Dirkschneider, Grave Digger, Cockney Rejects, UK Subs, Vader, Possessed, Discharge, NunSlaughter, Furia, Dead Congregation, Last Resort, Dezerter, The Materia, Belzebong and Słoń.
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).
DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (DATOG) have released the video for “The Law Of A Madman,” taken from their acclaimed album Babylon, released by Reigning Phoenix Music in October 2025.
“The Law Of A Madman” treads the path of up-tempo metal shuffles. A true-metal guitar riff paves the way for aggressive vocals typical of Udo Dirkschneider, soon moving into a chorus reminiscent of the good old days. Following an ingenious guitar solo packed with twists and surprising harmonies, the song culminates in powerful final choruses highlighted by Manuela’s breathtaking solo vocals.
With this latest release, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG conclude their Babylon album video cycle, which has generated more than five million views across all of the individual videos, a strong testament to the project’s enduring appeal. The impressive response shows that DATOG has truly reached the hearts of the fans worldwide, resonating with listeners who continue to celebrate the band’s timeless rock and heavy metal spirit.
Photo: Eddi Bachmann Photography
Revisit Babylon on your favourite streaming platform, watch the videos, or order your physical copy if you haven’t already: https://datog.rpm.link/babylon
DATOG are:
Udo Dirkschneider | lead vocals
Peter Baltes | bass, lead & backing vocals
Manuela “Ella” Bibert | lead & backing vocals, keys
We’re excited to announce that we have another new song exclusively available on our website! It’s called “Midnight Gasoline”. Check it out and let us know what you think. Thanks for supporting FireHouse!
February 23, 2007 – MANOWARGods Of War was released first in Germany. The album cover was created by (the late) fantasy artist Ken Kelly. This was the last MANOWAR studio album to include (the late) Scott Columbus.
Gods Of War – Track-List:
01. Overture To The Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors 02. The Ascension 03. King Of Kings 04. Army Of The Dead, Part I 05. Sleipnir 06. Loki God Of Fire 07. Blood Brothers 08. Overture To Odin 09. The Blood Of Odin 10. The Sons Of Odin 11. Glory, Majesty, Unity 12. Gods Of War 13. Army of the Dead Part II 14. Odin 15. Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors 16. Die For Metal (bonus track)
MANOWAR – band lineup on Gods Of War:
Eric Adams – lead vocals
Joey DeMaio –bass guitars
Karl Logan – lead & rhythm guitar, keyboards
Scott Columbus – drums & percussion
Record label: Magic Circle Music, Ltd. Distributed by SPV GmbH in Europe and USA.
Arthur Pendragon Wilshire provided narration for the song “Glory Majesty Unity”.
Joe Rozler (composer) – orchestral and choir arrangements.
Gods Of War was recorded, engineered and edited at Haus Wahnfried in New York. Produced by Joey DeMaio. Mixed by Ronald Prent at Galaxy Studios in Mol, Belgium and mastered by Darcy Proper at Galaxy Mastering in Mol, Belgium.
The 16 pages of text for the album booklet was written in the runic alphabet.
Domination Tour 2026 – Europe Part II w/ RONNIE ROMERO Presented by Metal Hammer, musix, Rock Antenne, Rock It!, Break Out & ITM:
11.03.2026 UK London – O2 Academy Islington 12.03.2026 UK Wolverhampton – KK’s Steel Mill 14.03.2026 DE Marsberg – Metal Diver Festival * 15.03.2026 DE Lindau – Club Vaudeville 16.03.2026 DE Augsburg – Spectrum Club 17.03.2026 IT Paderno Dugnano (MI) – Slaughter Club 20.03.2026 NO Trondheim – Byscenen 21.03.2026 NO Gjerdrum – Kulturhus 22.03.2026 SE Stockholm – Kollektivet Livet 24.03.2026 FI Helsinki – Tavastia-klubi 25.03.2026 FI Tampere – Olympia-kortteli 27.03.2026 EE Tallinn – Helitehas 28.03.2026 LV Riga – Palladium 29.03.2026 LT Vilnius – Loftas * PRIMAL FEAR only
“Domination” Tour 2026 – South America:
16.04.2026 AR Buenos Aires – Teatro Flores 24.04.2026 BR São Paulo – Bangers Open Air Pre-Party 26.04.2026 BR São Paulo – Bangers Open Air
Festivals:
20.06.2026 BE Dessel – Graspop Metal Meeting 04.07.2026 ES Barcelona – Rock Fest 18.07.2026 CZ Vizovice – Masters of Rock 25.07.2026 DE Rengsdorf – Rock the Forest 21. – 23.08.2026 PT Pindelo dos Milagres – Milagre Metaleiro Open Air 27. – 29.08.2026 ES Fuengirola – Sun & Thunder 12.09.2026 DE Sinntal – Sinner Rock
26.09.2026 CH Olten – Schützi 02.10.2026 AT Telfs – Rathaussaal 03.10.2026 DE Geiselwind – Monster Festival 04.10.2026 FR Paris – Petit Bain 06.10.2026 FR Toulouse – Le Rex 07.10.2026 ES Burgos – Sala Andén 56 08.10.2026 ES Madrid – Wagon 10.10.2026 ES Pamplona – Sala Totem Aretoa 11.10.2026 ES Valencia – Roig Arena
Helsinki’s very own hard rocking quintet Wishing Well have today released a brand new “Valley Of Darkness”single off their new Playing With Fire album, out on March 13th. The song is a fast and furious opening track off their new album and a perfect example of classic Wishing Well sound, featuring Hammond organ, melodic guitar solos and strong vocals with haunting lyrics.
The song is released together with an effective black and white video, that greatly supports the song’s cinematic atmosphere. “Valley Of Darkness” was written by Anssi Korkiakoski, the guitarist of Wishing Well. The song and the album were recorded in Magnusborg studios in Porvoo by Marko Kataja. The music video was filmed and edited by Jussi Koskinen.
Playing With Fire is Wishing Well’s fifth album on Inverse Records and we’ve had a great journey together for ten years. The band have gotten better and better album by album and the new record is once again a solid proof of their motivation, skills and determination”, says Jaakko Tarvainen, A&R Producer of Inverse Records.
He continues, “Valley Of Darkness is a song that represents Wishing Well very well and the new album will open many new doors and bring new opportunities and more fans for the band, that’s for sure. I’m very happy that a band like Wishing Well is in our roster, we keep going full steam ahead together.”
Playing With Fire Tracklist:
Valley Of Darkness
Rise And Shine
Train Of Thoughts
Let Me See The Light
March In The Dark
War Cry
Light Of Love
Peace And Love And Rock’n’Roll
When The Money Starts Rollin’ In
Playing With Fire album will be released on March 13th, 2026 and the band will play a record release gig at Semifinal Club in Helsinki on March 20th, supported by Finnish Led Zeppelin tribute band Let’s Eppelin.
Wishing Well are: Juha Kivikanto – drums Anssi Korkiakoski – guitars Matti Kotkavuori – bass Pepe Tamminen – vocals Arto Teppo – Hammond organ
February 21, 1994 – SCORPIONS performed at McNichols Sports Arena, in Denver, Colorado. Kings X opened the show. This was SCORPIONS’ Face The Heat Tour, supporting their 12th studio album: Face The Heat.
February 21, 2026 – Tickets go on sale for: Scorpions – Coming Home to Las Vegas. This residency will take place at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, from Thursday, Sept. 17th through Saturday, Oct. 3rd, 2026. Special guest Buckcherry will perform.
February 19, 2026 – POWERWOLF begins their Wake Up The Wicked Tour, in Copenhagen, Denmark, at K.B. Hallen. Supporting bands are HammerFall and Wind Rose.
February 19, 2012 – POWERWOLF performed at Garage in Saarbrücken, Germany. This was TheWolfsnächte Tour and POWERWOLF were supporting their fourth studio album Blood of the Saints. Supporting bands were: Mystic Prophecy, Stormwarrior and Lonewolf.
All-star heavy metal band DEATH DEALER and Massacre Records are deeply saddened to share difficult news concerning guitarist and founding member Ross “The Boss” Friedman.
The band has issued the following official statement: “We are devastated by the news that our brother, Ross the Boss, has been diagnosed with ALS.
From the very first day this band came together, we have operated as more than musicians, we are a brotherhood. That bond, that loyalty, and that respect for one another will never change.
This diagnosis, however, inevitably changes the road ahead for Death Dealer in terms of new music and live performances. Ross is not someone who can be replaced, nor would we ever try.
His contribution to heavy metal is monumental, timeless, and deeply woven into the fabric of this genre. His legacy stands on its own and will continue to inspire generations.
Right now, our focus is not on stages or studios, but on standing beside our brother as he faces this battle with the strength and courage that has always defined him.
We ask the metal community to keep Ross in your thoughts and to honour him the way he has always honoured the music, with passion, loyalty, and heart. We stand with Ross. Always.”
Massacre Records stands fully united with DEATH DEALER during this time. Ross “The Boss” Friedman is not only a legendary guitarist whose influence has shaped generations of heavy metal musicians worldwide, but also a respected artist whose dedication, integrity and passion embody the very spirit of the genre.
Digital Single/Music Video Online; On Tour This Month
From the forge. From the flame. From the will that does not bend.
Today, SILVER TALON unleashes “Iron” – a new single and music video forged in defiance and hardened in heavy metal. Listen now on all streaming/download platforms.
Built on thunderous riffs, soaring melodies, and steel-clad rhythm, “Iron” channels the spirit of classic heavy metal while striking with sharpened modern force. It is a battle hymn for the unbreakable, a soundtrack for those who refuse to yield when the pressure rises.
“This one has been a long time coming, and we’re proud to finally unleash it into the wild. As you might have guessed, ‘Iron’ is a song about cultivating strength, embracing pain, and crushing everything that stands in your way,” states guitarist Bryce VanHoosen.
The official music video for “Iron” is now live HERE – a visual embodiment of that fire and fury. Turn the volume high. Let it shake the walls. Let it remind you what heavy metal is meant to feel like.
With their foundation forged in steel, Silver Talon sharpens the blade once more. This is a preview of a new album being finalized, yet to be mixed/mastered, for release later this year. Spread the word. The forge is burning.
Tour Dates: 2/21 – High Water Mark – Portland, OR 2/22 – Shredder – Boise, ID 2/23 – Aces High Saloon – Salt Lake City, UT 2/24 – Ren’s Den – Albuquerque, NM 2/26 – Rockhouse – El Paso, TX 2/27 – Paper Tiger – San Antonio, TX 2/28 – Lost Well – Austin, TX
SILVER TALON: Wyatt Howell – Vocals Bryce VanHoosen – Guitar Devon Miller – Guitar Walter Hartzell – Bass Nick Van Dusen – Drums
History: Formed in 2017 from the ashes of acclaimed Pacific Northwest metal act Spellcaster, SILVER TALON emerged with a shared mission: keep the heavy metal flame burning bright.
Armed with a virtuosic triple-guitar attack, thunderous rhythm section, and the soaring vocals of Wyatt Howell (Sanctifyre), the band quickly established their sound with 2018 demo tracks “Devil Machine” and “Warrior’s End,” showcasing a potent mix of masterful hooks, lush melody, and technical firepower.
They expanded on that foundation with their self-released debut EP, ‘Becoming A Demon,’ featuring re-recorded demo tracks with producer Zack Ohren (Exmortus, Machine Head), three new originals, and a cover of Sanctuary’s “Battle Angels” with guest guitarist Jeff Loomis (Nevermore, Arch Enemy).
In May 2021, SILVER TALON released their M-Theory Audio debut, ‘Decadence and Decay’ — a masterclass in hook-driven, guitar-fueled heavy metal. Featuring cover art by renowned fantasy artist Gerald Brom and a guest appearance from King Diamond guitarist Andy La Rocque on “Resistance 2029,” the album drew widespread acclaim. Decibel wrote the band “sound absolutely immortal,” while Metal Injection praised their “killer” triple-guitar attack.
The band has since solidified their reputation as torchbearers of triumphant heavy metal with live performances alongside Exmortus, Savage Master, Unleash The Archers, Striker, Powerglove, Hatchet and more.
BELZEBONG, DOLA and SEKS W CZASACH WOJNY join the ranks for Szczecin’s debut edition
Early Bird tickets sold out – General weekend tickets available!
Szczecin, Poland; 12 February 2026: Hells Bells Festival has unveiled its third wave of band additions to its 2026 inaugural edition. Leading the charge is one of the most iconic voices in heavy metal history, Dirkschneider, who will bring a career-defining set of Accept classics to the Szczecin riverfront on 26-27 June 2026.
Dirkschneider will arrive in Szczecin with a very specific mission: a set comprised entirely of Accept’s greatest hits. While the performance will lean heavily on the legendary “Balls to the Wall” album, fans can expect other Accept anthems too.
In a move that deviates from typical festival hierarchies, the organisers have opted for a “Main Acts” philosophy. Rather than a single headliner, the debut edition will be driven by multiple headline shows. Dirkschneider joins the likes of Grave Digger, Cockney Rejects, Discharge, Furia, Vader and Dezerter.
Adding a heavy dose of fuzz to the lineup are Belzebong, who are widely regarded as one of Poland’s premier musical exports in the stoner/doom genre. Their hazy, riff-driven walls of sound have earned them a cult following across the international festival circuit, making them a perfect fit for the industrial atmosphere of Łasztownia.
The experimental side of the underground is represented by Dola. Over the last decade, the band has emerged as one of the most fascinating entities in Polish music, defying easy categorization. Their sound is a bleak and beautiful fusion of avant-garde black metal, ritual ambient, and sludge, occasionally punctuated by jazz and electronic elements. It is music that demands total focus and offers a unique, immersive experience.
Finally, the festival welcomes the raw energy of Seks W Czasach Wojny (transl.: Sex in Times of War). One of the most talked-about young punk crews in Poland, they have built a massive following through a strict DIY ethic and incendiary live shows that often outshine the veteran acts on the bill. Their inclusion brings a vital, fresh spirit to the 2026 lineup, proving that the future of the Polish punk scene is in safe hands.
Hells Bells Festival will take place in the heart of Szczecin, Poland, on 26-27 June 2026. The venue is the scenic Plac Gryfitów on Łasztownia, a historic island district in Szczecin known for its iconic “Craneosaurs” (historic port cranes) and stunning views of the Oder River. The festival will deliver a mix of international legends, top domestic acts and younger new bands.
Early bird weekend tickets have sold out but general weekend tickets are still available via the official festival website. In addition to standard passes, the festival offers reduced rates for minors (ages 13-18) and special family tickets (for children under 13 with a guardian).
“Great news! KK’S PRIEST is going to be returning to the US and Canada this September 2026! We will be teaming up together with metal legends W.A.S.P. and with over 40 shows, this is going to be an epic metal and steel tour featuring lots of Priest classics! We look forward to seeing you all again very soon so please get on board early, we do not want you to miss this one.” — K.K. Downing
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
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!
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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