In addition to their previously announced support dates with SYMPHONY X, the legendary Finnish power metal band SONATA ARCTICA are pleased to announce five headlining dates on their upcoming North American Tour. Joining the band as openers on all dates will be the American instrumental band POWERGLOVE.
The band comments: “It’s been awhile since we last toured the US & Canada so it’s gonna be really awesome to come back and kick some ass once again. With our new album we made a return to Power Metal so you can expect to hear some favourites from the past that we haven’t played in years as well as some new stuff. See you all soon! “
All dates are in support of their critically acclaimed album Clear Cold Beyond, which was released in 2024.
NORTH AMERICAN DATES IN SUPPORT OF SYMPHONY X: Sep. 04 – Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater Sep. 08 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater Sep. 10 – Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Sep. 11 – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick Sep. 12 – Pomona, CA @ The Glass House Sep. 13 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre Sep. 14 – San Francisco, CA @ August Hall Sep. 16 – Portland, OR @ Dante’s Sep. 17 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune Sep. 18 – Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre Sep. 20 – Calgary, AB @ The Palace Theatre Sep. 21 – Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room Sep. 23 – Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre Sep. 24 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Sep. 25 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave II Sep. 26 – Joliet, IL @ The Forge Sep. 27 – Cleveland, OH @ Globe Iron Sep. 29 – Red Bank, NJ @ The Vogel
Wake Up The Wicked Tour 2026 w/ very special guest HammerFall & special guest Wind Rose:
19.02.26 DK β Copenhagen / K.B. Hallen 20.02.26 NO β Oslo / Unity Arena 21.02.26 SE β Stockholm / Hovet 23.02.26 FI β Helsinki / Ice Hall 25.02.26 SE β Gothenburg / Scandinavium 27.02.26 DE β Bremen / ΓVB Arena 28.02.26 DE β DΓΌsseldorf / PSD Bank Dome 01.03.26 DE β NΓΌrnberg / Arena NΓΌrnberger Versicherung 03.03.26 DE β Leipzig / Quarterback Immobilien Arena 04.03.26 DE β Ulm / Ratiopharm Arena 05.03.26 DE β Mannheim / SAP Arena 07.03.26 UK β London / OVO Wembley Arena
Italian melodic power metal force ALTERIUM is set to return with the brand-new EP Stormrage, further cementing the bandβs place among the most promising names in the new wave of European power metal.
Stormrage, a powerful chapter that bridges their acclaimed debut Of War And Flames and their upcoming full-length work, will be released on July 25, 2025.
The EP will be available in exclusive physical formats:
Digipack CD, limited to 500 hand-numbered copies, featuring two bonus tracks
7β Vinyl, released in three colored variants, each limited to 100 hand-numbered copies
1. Stormrage 2. Sui 3. Paradise Lost (Symphony X cover) β available only on the CD version 4. Of War and Flames (Orchestral version) β available only on the CD version
To support the release, ALTERIUM will embark on a series of select shows and festivals across Europe and will make their highly anticipated US debut at the ProgPower festival in Atlanta.
This new chapter sees the band sharpening their songwriting and delivering a fresh burst of adrenaline that both longtime fans and newcomers will appreciate. Epic, melodic, and unrelentingly driven,Stormragereaffirms ALTERIUMβs mission to carry the torch of European metal with pride and power.
Featuring two brand-new singles, Stormrage continues the bandβs tradition of blending agile riffs, epic atmospheres, and battle-hardened energy. With soaring vocals, blazing guitar work, and a heroic spirit running through the music, the EP captures the essence of classic power metal while pushing ALTERIUMβs sound into exciting new territory.
Upcoming Shows:
28/6/2025 – Odyssea Rock Fusion Fest (Romania) 05/7/2025 – Spluga Celtica – Campodolcino (Italy) 12/7/2025 – Festa dell’Unicorno – Vinci (Italy) 29/8/2025 β Forest Metal Festival β Bad WΓΆrishofen (Germany) 04/9/2025 β ProgPower USA β Atlanta (USA)
Right on time for another exciting live adventure, rising symphonic/power metallers INDUCTION have officially released their latest single through Reigning Phoenix Music today. The track titled βBeyond Horizons,β which already celebrated its live premiere during the bandβs most recent European tour, will be a part of their forthcoming record, and is their first sonic sign after regrouping themselves in late 2024, resulting in the addition of singer Gabriele Gozzi, guitarist Justus Sahlman and drummer Markus βMaksβ Felber.
Also accompanied by a new music video, “Beyond Horizons” impressively shows the wide range of elements INDUCTIONβs creative work is driven by: Forcing triplet drumming and riffing, backed by epically flourishing synths and choirs, build the ground of a track that is both profound and jubilant. Empowering melodies and rhythms make “Beyond Horizons” not only an anthem of the warm season and a perfect soundtrack to everyoneβs next concert or festival trip. All aboard the INDUCTION train, metalheads, weβre just getting started!
Guitarist Tim Kanoa Hansen comments: βWith βBeyond Horizons,β we ring the bell for our long-awaited third album. And I believe itβs a mighty peek for what is to come: a story of love in twisted worlds and destiny. βBeyond Horizonsβ is the perfect kick-off to show you what weβve been up to and what to expect. Dive in and enjoy: Iβm sure this song will be stuck in your head for quite some time.β
Crafted at Hamburg, Germanyβs Chameleon Studios and Boogie Park Studios, the song was produced by Hansen and mixed and mastered by Eike Freese in collaboration with him. The design of the single artwork was a team effort by TheArchangel and Marius Rietze.
Beyond Horizons” will once again be presented live to massive crowds during INDUCTIONβs five shows supporting the mighty SAVATAGE this June. Followed by the bandβs first Wacken Open Air appearance, the quintet has been confirmed as the supporting act of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS and WARKINGβs 2026 Pirates & Kings Over Europe tour, taking them to 20+ cities across the continent in February/March. INDUCTIONβs current itinerary can be found below!
βWe always knew that no words or short recap videos could truly capture what we experienced together during the “WolfsnΓ€chte 2024” tour. Every night was its own kind of magic – still, we wanted to find a way to hold on to those memories and share them in the most powerful way possible. Thatβs why we decided to record the full, massive, sold-out show at the Olympiahalle in Munich – to preserve just a piece of what we all felt on this tour.β
βWildlive (Live at Olympiahalle) will be released on March 6, 2026 on DVD/Blu-ray, in various beautiful audio formats and digitally. This is more than a live release. Itβs a tribute and manifestation to the moments we created together.β
This tour marks 25 glorious years of Dawn of Victory β and we’re bringing you a legendary setlist filled with timeless anthems and powerful tracks from our latest albums!
Standing with us on this mighty journey are our fierce allies: Enforcer Witherfall Striker
Prepare for a night of symphonic power metal glory – see you in the front row!
9/5 – Austin, TX – Come and Take it Live 9/6 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater 9/8 – Mesa, AZ – The Rosetta Room 9/9 – Los Angeles, CA – 1720 9/10 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge 9/11 – Portland, OR – Nova PDX 9/12 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon 9/13 – Vancouver, BC – The Pearl 9/15 – Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall 9/16 – Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater 9/17 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck 9/18 – Joliet, IL – The Forge 9/19 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge 9/20 – Toronto, ON – The Garrison 9/22 – Montreal, QC – Le Studio TD 9/23 – Quebec City, QC – Salle Montaigne 9/24 – Boston, MA – Middle East Downstairs 9/25 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Monarch
French symphonic power metal band Fairyland are pleased to share their new single and official video βKarmaβ, taken from their new studio album The Story Remains, scheduled for June 13th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Bassist Willdric Lievin described the new single: βKarma is a song about the type of people who like using others. It’s a song about a selfish, egoistic, self-centered individual who only wants to please himself, without any consideration for other people. His hallmark: empty words, broken promises, words that are not followed by actions. He doesn’t know that by living like this, he hurts people around him. He doesn’t know that βwhat goes around comes aroundβ. Musically it’s one of the most beautiful gems that Phil Giordana ever made. The majestic, epic, rich orchestrations make this song uniqueβ.
Talking about the new record, Lievin stated: βAfter the passing of the Fairyland’s founder and mastermind Phil Giordana, we faced the challenge to finish the fifth album. Phil left plenty of material, but it required a lot of further work. It wasn’t easy but in the face of adversity we excelled and managed to complete the album. This, along with a new lineup, starts a new chapter in the history of Fairyland. It continues the symphonic, power metal quality that Fairyland is known for, but we decided to add some new elements to this musical landscapeβ.
βThe Story Remains is richer and more versatile than previous albums, and we are exploring new musical and lyrical territory for the band. We are happy and proud of this new album, and we hope that listening to it will give you a lot of delight. Welcome back to Fairylandβ, he continued.
The Story Remains perfectly incarnates the bandβs trademark sound, and songs like βA New Dawnβ or βKarmaβ are a perfect example of the amazing album that will make every symphonic metal freakβs heart beat with excitement!
The Story Remains – Track-list: 1. Downfall 2. To Stars And Beyond 3. Karma 4. A New Dawn 5. We Shall Hunt The Sun 6. Hopeless Still 7. Samsara 8. Unity 9. Council Of The Gods 10. The Chosen Ones 11. Unbreakable 12. Postscript 13. Suffering Ages (Feat. Elisa C. Martin)
Line Up: Archie Caine – Vocals Willdric Lievin β Guitars, bass, backing vocals Gideon Ricardo – Keyboards Brieuc De Groof – Guitars JB Pol β Drums
Rockshots Records and Secret Rule are thrilled to announce the release of the band’s brand new single called “Just A Sacrifice” available on all digital platforms starting today, May 2nd, 2025, and accompanied by a music video. The track offers the first glimpse into the band’s highly anticipated tenth studio album, due for release later this year.
βJust A Sacrifice” is a powerful anthem about the cost of staying true to oneself in a world that demands conformity. Blending heavy guitars, intense vocals, and a bold, wide-open chorus, the song captures both the emotional toll and the inner strength that come with resisting societal pressure.
βThis song is about the price we pay for thinking freely, speaking our truth, and refusing to follow the crowd,β the band comments. βItβs deeply personal but also a quiet political statement.β
In recent weeks, Secret Rule completed an intense 15-date European tour alongside Temperance and Induction, showcasing their renewed energy and connection with audiences across the continent. The band is now preparing to take part in prestigious summer festivals including Masters of Rock (Czech Republic), Rock Imperium Festival (Spain), and Laurus Nobilis (Portugal).
Entering 2025 with a refreshed lineup and a renewed artistic vision, Secret Rule is ready to push their sound even further. The upcoming album promises a dynamic and immersive experience fusing the cinematic edge of Within Temptationβs recent work with the raw energy of Falling In Reverse.
βJust A Sacrifice” marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Secret Rule, one built on resilience, individuality and a sound more powerful than ever.
SECRET RULE:
ANGELA DI VINCENZO: Vocals ANDY βMENARIOβ MENARINI: Guitar SOFIA BASILI: Bass ANDREA MIAZZETTO: Drums
SUMMER FESTIVALS: 27.06.25 ES – Imperium Rock Festival 10-13.07.25 CZ – Masters of Rock 20.07.25 PT – Laurus Nobilis
Commanding, fierce, and & triumphing since 1997, thereβs no better way to describe Germanyβs premier power metal band, PRIMAL FEAR. The band have just unveiled details about their upcoming album Domination, set to drop on September 5, 2025 via RPM. Pre-orders are now open in a variety of physical formats and digital options here:
To celebrate this announcement, the lead single “Far Away” has officially landed on streaming platforms worldwide. Packed with all the signature elements of a classic PRIMAL FEAR anthem – soaring melodies, thunderous drums and bass, and a blistering twin-guitar solo – the track also carries a powerful sense of yearning, brought to life by Ralf Scheepersβ unmistakable vocals.
Filmed at Dennis Wardβs Kangaroo Studios in Karlsdorf-Neuthard, Germany, where the Domination recording sessions took place in late 2024, “Far Away” is also available now as a performance-style music video on YouTube.
Scheepers explains the meaning behind the single: βItβs an expression of faith and trust, no matter where or what. We all know this feeling of missing someone so much, not being able to see or hear him/her every day – especially as musicians whilst touring.β
Going strong for nearly three decades, the band founded and still led by Mat Sinner (bass, vocals) and Ralf Scheepers (vocals) have never let down their global fanbase. Relentless and constantly pushing their limits, PRIMAL FEAR ensure that no two albums ever sound the same. After Code Red [2023] hit some of the highest chart positions of their career, expectations for the next release were higher than ever.
From the hard-hitting opener “The Hunter” and first single “Far Away,” to the uplifting mid-tempo anthem “Tears Of Fire” and the epic ballad “Eden” – featuring a surprise guest appearance by AD INFINITUMβs Melissa Bonny, Domination delivers on all fronts. Add in neck-breakers like “Scream” and “Crossfire,” and the reflective, string-and-piano-driven closer “A Tune I Wonβt Forget,” and itβs clear: PRIMAL FEAR arenβt here to reclaim the crown – theyβre here to prove theyβve never left the throne of heavy/power metal royalty.
01. The Hunter 02. Destroyer 03. Far Away 04. I Am The Primal Fear 05. Tears Of Fire 06. Heroes And Gods 07. Hallucinations 08. Eden [feat. Melissa Bonny of AD INFINITUM] 09. Scream 10. The Dead Donβt Die 11. Crossfire 12. March Boy March 13. A Tune I Wonβt Forget Bonus Track [physical only; excl. jewel case-CD] 14. Bridges Will Burn
Dominationwas recorded in autumn 2024, produced by Mat Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers as well as Magnus Karlsson. Rounded off by multiple PRIMAL FEAR mixing/mastering engineer Jacob Hansen at his own studios in Denmark, the album artwork was designed by Death.Milk.Designs.
Warming up at five select summer festivals, PRIMAL FEAR will return to the live front with their longest European tour since 2018. RPM label mates ELEINE have been confirmed as special guests. All dates & tickets can be found below!
09.05.2025 DE Braunschweig – Rock in Rautheim 02.07.2025 DE Ballenstedt – Rockharz Open Air SOLD OUT 18.07.2025 IT Cremona – Luppolo in Rock 21.08.2025 DE Haddeby – Baltic Open Air 23.08.2025 UK Newark – Stonedead Festival SOLD OUT
Primal Fear – Domination Release date: September 5th
βTHE EAGLES ARE BACK! Ladies & Gentlemen – here is the album cover of our new album DOMINATION – You can pre order the album from now on. The first single/video βFAR WAYβ will be unleashed tomorrow at 18h CET. More details soon!β
Releasing via Reigning Phoenix Music. Album artwork was designed by Death.Milk.Designs.
π¨ BREAKING NEWS π¨ We locked ourselves in a studio, summoned some giants, wrestled a few monsters, and somehow came out with a brand-new album:
GIANTS & MONSTERS (It also smells like victory and possibly dragon breath.)
The album is DONE. π
And because weβre terrible at keeping secrets (and even worse at waiting)β¦ Ready to enter the realm of riffs, roars, and ridiculous solos? Tracklist incoming. Brace yourselves. Or donβt. Weβre not your parents.
POWERWOLF 2025 North American Tour Dates w/ DRAGONFORCE:
Wednesday, September 17 β Toronto, ON @ Rebel Thursday, September 18 β Detroit, MI @ Masonic Cathedral Friday, September 19 β Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life Saturday, September 20 β St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant Monday, September 22 β Grand Rapids, MI @ GLC Live Tuesday, September 23 β Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Ballroom Wednesday, September 24 β St Paul, MN @ Myth Live Friday, September 26 β Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Convention Centre Saturday, September 27 β Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Monday, September 29 β Vancouver, BC @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre Tuesday, September 30 β Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre Wednesday, October 1 β Portland, OR @ The Keller Auditorium Saturday, October 4 β Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival
USA, WE ARE BACK!! We are super happy to announce our next US run! Itβs amazing to have this huge support from our American fans, and we are so excited to be rocking with you again. Keep your eyes peeled for some big surprises to be announced around the tour!
Ready to fight!!
BURNING WITCHES – USA Tour 2025:
08/30/25: Pompano Beach, FL @ Piper’s Pub 08/31/25: Clearwater, FL @ OCC Road House 09/02/25: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade Purgatory 09/04/25: Covington, KY @ Madison Live 09/05/25: Westland, MI @ Token Lounge 09/06/25: Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs 09/07/25: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom 09/09/25: Pittsburgh, PA @ Crafthouse Stage and Grill 09/10/25: Harrisburg, PA @ Club XL 09/11/25: Philadelphia, PA @ City Winery 09/12/25: Teaneck, NJ @ The Debonair Music Hall 09/13/25: New Bedford, MA @ The Vault Performing Arts 09/14/25: Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s 09/17/25: Annapolis, MD @ Ram’s Head On Stage 09/18/25: Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27 09/20/25: Sanford, FL @ West End Trading Co
POWERWOLF LIVE AT OVO ARENA WEMBLEY β THE METAL MASS IS COMING!
The gates to our exclusive metal mass at Wembley Arena in London with Hammerfall and Wind Rose are officially open! On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the pack will gather for a sacred night – you donβt want to be left behind! Secure your spot now before itβs too late! From which city or country will you join us?
North German power metallers MOB RULES have unveiled the first details about their eagerly awaited, new album Rise Of The Ruler, slated for a release on August 22, 2025 via ROAR!
The follow-up to 2018’s successful album Beast Reborn (which reached a sensational #37 in the German and #59 in the Swiss album charts) is not only a work brimming with creativity, wit and quality, but also the conceptual continuation of their two early albums Savage Land (1999) and Temple Of Two Suns (2000), with which MOB RULES laid the foundation for their career.
Both albums are linked by an exciting concept story about life in a dystopian, hostile end-time world in which resources are becoming scarce. This is exactly where the band’s new offeringRise Of The Ruler comes in and keyboardist Jan Christian Halfbrodt (who is responsible for all the lyrics) continues the thread.
In addition to the eleven-track standard album (available as CD digipak and colored vinyl), MOB RULES have also been working on a very special fan item over the last few months: The limited earbook edition ofRise Of The Ruler comes with an exclusive bonus CD containing five additional, brand new songs, as well as a spoken version of the concept story, an alternative version of βDawn Of Second Sunβ and the two video clips for βBack To Savage Landβ and βDawn Of Second Sunβ! The large-format, hardcover book-style 48-page earbook extensively documents the creation of the album, video shoot, photo shoot and provides insights into the concept story.
A music video for the first album single, βBack To Savage Landβ, is now premiering below! βBack To Savage Landβ is programmatic in this context. The band around singer Klaus Dirks has succeeded in creating a true power metal anthem that will take the hearts of metal fans by storm with its speed, strong melodies, heaviness and catchiness.
The spectacular music video for βBack To Savage Landβ is now premiering HERE
The first taste of Rise Of The Ruler perfectly sums up the band’s strengths in its compactness. In collaboration with director Rainer FrΓ€nzen (Orden Ogan, Grave Digger, among others), the most extensive video concept in the band’s history was created! Stream the track now on: https://mobrules.rpm.link/back2savagePR
MOB RULES: Klaus Dirks β Vocals Sven LΓΌdke β Guitar Florian Dyszbalis β Guitar Markus Brinkmann β Bass Jan Christian Halfbrodt β Keys Sebastian Schmidt β Drums
The visual design was created by French cover artist Stan W. Decker (Masterplan, Primal Fear etc.), who perfectly staged the post-apocalyptic scenery of Rise Of The Ruler.
Rise Of The Ruler – CD Tracklist: 01 – The Fall Of Dendayar 02 – Exiled 03 – Future Loom 04 – Dawn Of Second Sun 05 – Back To Savage Land 06 – Trial And Trail Of Fear 07 – Providence 08 – Nomadic Oasis 09 – Coast Of Midgard 10 – On The Trail 11 – Equilibrium (Rise Of The Ruler)
The rise of darkness has finally come! Today, darkened power metal force BLACK & DAMNED celebrates the release of their epic new studio album, Resurrection that is out now on ROAR!
Available on CD, vinyl and in digital formats. You can order your favorite choice of format right here:
The band writes: “Hello metalheads! Today we are releasing our third album! We can proudly say that we have done everything possible to produce a great album for all our fans! That’s why we are very relieved that the pressure of the preparations can now fall off and we leave it up to you how the album will be received!”
A music video for their latest single, the furious “Injustice”, is now premiering below! Says the band: βWith “Injustice” the fourth video from the new album is released today. This song is a little different from the first three singles. Here we show you the drama in our world! If you like it, we’d be happy if you bought the album on CD or vinyl! Cheers B&D!”
βIn the four years since their much-acclaimed debut, BLACK & DAMNED have made a first-class name for themselves, sharing the stage with Vicious Rumors, Rage and Tankard, among others, and earning great reviews in the local magazines. βBlack & Damned manage the balancing act between heaven and hell with flying colorsβ, attests Metal Hammer, while Breakout Magazine indulges: βbest stuff for all power metallers with heart.β
It is now clear that the band from the Stuttgart area can be described as a real enrichment of the heavy metal world and so they took no prisoners, used the energy of past live shows and composed ten new neckbreakers, which they recorded in the fall of 2024 under the aegis of ex-Primal Fear guitarist Stefan Leibing. Once again, this gripping melancholy hovers over the entire work, which is incredibly captivating and addictive.
Resurrection – track listing: 01. Silence Breaker 02. Ruthless Wrath 03. Red Heavens 04. Bound By The Moon 05. Circle Of Amnesia 06. Injustice 07. Searing Flames 08. Shadows 09. Reborn In Solitude 10. Navigate Me To The Sun
BLACK & DAMNED: Roland “Bobbes” Seidel β Vocals Michael Vetter β Guitar Aki Reissmann β Guitar Pappe Lee β Bass Axel Winkler β Drums
International power metal act SAEKO, led by the dynamic Japanese singer Saeko Kitamae, has launched an exciting crowdfunding campaign to support the recording of the new mini-album and music video.
Join the campaign and be part of this exciting chapter by supporting athttp://kck.st/3PXwcDz.
This project will reimagine select tracks from her groundbreaking 2004 debut album, Above Heaven Below Heaven, giving them new life with the incredible musicianship of her internationally acclaimed band. SAEKO made history in 2005 as the first Asian female artist to perform at Wacken Open Air, setting the stage for a career built on perseverance, musical excellence, and international collaboration. After a 15-year hiatus, she returned in 2021 with Holy Are We Alone, an album that reaffirmed her status as one of power metalβs most passionate voices.
Born in Osaka, Japan, Saeko Kitamaeβs musical journey started with a deep love for rock and metal, leading her to move to Germany in pursuit of her dream of becoming a power metal singer. She collaborated with renowned European musicians and quickly made a name for herself in the international metal scene. She has worked with some of the best in the industry, including Michael Ehre (Gamma Ray, The Unity), Lars Ratz (Metalium), and Guido Benedetti (Trick Or Treat). Her ability to seamlessly blend Japanese and Western metal influences has made her music unique and emotionally powerful. In addition to her studio work, she has toured with legendary artists such as Doro, bringing her powerful stage presence to audiences across Europe.
The band is composed of Saeko Kitamae on vocals, Guido Benedetti (Trick Or Treat) on guitars, Alessandro Sala (Rhapsody Of Fire) on bass, and Michael Ehre (Gamma Ray, The Unity) on drums. Together, they create an electrifying sound that combines powerful melodies, deep compositions, and the raw energy of metal.
It has been over three years since SAEKOβs last album, and her journey back has been an inspiring one. At the beginning of 2020, she successfully raised Β₯2,000,000 (β¬15,400) in a crowdfunding campaign, allowing her to record Holy Are We Alone. However, just as she was ready to take the next step, COVID-19 disrupted everything, halting live performances, delaying plans, and ultimately affecting her ability to stay in Europe, forcing her return to Japan. Now, she is ready to push forward stronger than ever, with new music and a fresh vision that fans can be part of.
This crowdfunding campaign is an opportunity for fans to directly contribute to the making of a mini-album and a high-quality music video that will celebrate SAEKOβs past while looking ahead to an exciting future. The goal is not only to revisit and reinterpret some of her classic songs but also to create momentum for upcoming live performances and new creative projects. With the support of her dedicated fanbase, SAEKO is eager to continue her artistic journey and bring her music to audiences worldwide.
By joining this campaign, fans become an essential part of the process, helping to fuel the creative energy that makes SAEKOβs music so unique. This is more than just a fundraiser; itβs a way to actively participate in the evolution of an artist whose passion for metal knows no bounds. Every supporter plays a role in making this project a reality, and together, we can celebrate SAEKOβs music in a way that unites the global metal community. Join the campaign and be part of this exciting chapter by supporting at http://kck.st/3PXwcDz.
The wait is over β Sacramento, California’s Niviane unleash their powerful new album, Queen of Phantoms, released on March 7th, 2025! With a refined lineup, sharpened songwriting and a thunderous production, this release solidifies the bandβs place at the forefront of modern power metal.
Crafted with precision over the past years, Queen of Phantoms represents Nivianeβs strongest and most dynamic work to date. The album was written during the pandemic lockdowns and carefully shaped to highlight the bandβs evolution, featuring a new rhythm section with drummer Isaiah AR and bassist Tyler Satterlee who inject fresh power into the music. Each of the 11 tracks offers a different shade of power metal, from blistering speed and aggression to uplifting melodies and dark atmospheres pushing beyond the genreβs conventions.
Featuring the commanding title track “Queen of Phantoms”, the emotionally charged “Tomorrowβs a New Day” and the thunderous “Under Black Flags” just to name a few, the album strikes a perfect balance between heaviness and melody. Queen of Phantoms showcases Nivianeβs signature blend of intricate guitar work, anthemic choruses and cinematic storytelling, appealing to fans of Judas Priest, QueensrΓΏche, Primal Fear and Nevermore.
The albumβs official lyric videos for “Queen of Phantoms” and “12 BC Legions” further bring its powerful themes to life, visually enhancing its dark, immersive storytelling. The latest official music video for “Tomorrowβs a New Day” explores deep and personal themes of mental health, setting it apart as one of the bandβs most moving compositions.
With Queen of Phantoms, Niviane delivers a bold and unapologetic statementβthis is power metal at its finest, evolved and redefined. Experience the full force of Nivianeβs latest masterpiece now!
Track-list: 1. Queen of Phantoms 2. 12 BC: Legions 3. 12 BC: Germania 4. Beacon In The Darkness 5. Some Woundsβ¦ Never Heal 6. All Debts Repaid 7. Tomorrowβs A New Day 8. Event Horizon 9. Our Maze 10. Gunslingers & Graves 11. Under Black Flags
Band line up: Aaron Robitsch: Keys & Orchestration Gary Tarplee: Guitars Isaiah AR: Drums Mark Miner: Guitars Norman Skinner: Vocals Tyler Satterlee: Bass
Reigning Phoenix Music proudly introduces PERCEPTION, its latest label imprint. Following the success of ROAR, a sub-label dedicated to emerging talents and artists, PERCEPTION is set to provide a strong foundation for regionally and stylistically leading bands with high growth potential.
Jochen Richert, managing director of RPM Europe, shares his vision for PERCEPTION: βMy responsibilities at Reigning Phoenix Music have often taken me away from what I love most – working directly with bands, nurturing their growth, and helping them reach their full potential. With PERCEPTION, I now can dive back into artist development, which Iβm truly excited about. Of course, my main mission remains unchanged: to help Reigning Phoenix Music to become one of the leading metal labels in the world.β
To celebrate the birth of RPMβs new sibling, PERCEPTION proudly announces its first signing – one that perfectly embodies the labelβs core value of passion, professionalism, and ambition: SERIOUS BLACK.
More than 10 years of SERIOUS BLACK and highly melodic power metal with the license to create hymns: since 2014, the band led by bassist Mario Lochert, have been delighting fans not only by releasing six studio albums so far, but also by frequently playing much-lauded concerts and festival appearances, and thatβs why PERCEPTION is even more proud to begin its journey by signing such a well-known act.
βWeβre really happy, and we couldnβt have found a better partner than Reigning Phoenix Music as they greatly combine expertise and experience. We have a comfortable new surrounding, and re-connecting with old companions makes this new union even more special to us: Everything that belongs together comes together over and over again,βcomments founding member Lochert.
Jochen Richert as PERCEPTION A&R adds: βMario and Dominik [Sebastian; guitars] are incredibly passionate about SERIOUS BLACK, and thatβs exactly what it takes to elevate this band even further. They are built for the top tier of power metal – with outstanding songwriting and an electrifying stage presence already in place. Weβll make sure they reach the level they truly belong to: the very top of the scene!β
On the heels of their latest album Rise Of Akhenaton [2024], SERIOUS BLACK are celebrating their 10th anniversary with an own headline tour this spring, following an enormously successful European run alongside SONATA ARCTICA, FIREWIND as well as TUNGSTEN. Special guests AUTUMN BRIDE, DRAGONY and RIGORIOUS will complete the line-up for the upcoming festivities.
Mario states: β10 years, 6 charting albums, over 250 concerts, festival shows and gigs worldwide. A look back that lets me indulge in many memories. Personally, I’m really looking forward to this tour, not only because it’s our birthday headline tour, but also because old friends like AUTUMN BRIDE, DRAGONY [Mar 18-30], and RIGORIOUS [Mar 11-18] will be joining us on this tour with new albums at their hands. Get your tickets and spend an unforgettable power metal party full of hard riffs and hymns with us!β
SERIOUS BLACK – live:
βMetalizedβ World Tour:
w/ AUTUMN BRIDE, RIGORIOUS (*), DRAGONY (^)
11.03.2025 DE Berlin – ORWOhaus *
12.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Logo *
13.03.2025 DE Herford – KulturWerk *
14.03.2025 DE Monheim – Sojus 7 *
15.03.2025 CZ Prague – Storm Club *
16.03.2025 HU Budapest – Analog Music Hall *
18.03.2025 AT Vienna – Szene */^
19.03.2025 IT Bologna – Alchemica Music Club ^ (w/ STRANGER VISION)
20.03.2025 FR Lyon – Rock nβEat ^
21.03.2025 ES Zaragoza – Sala Lo Intento ^
22.03.2025 ES Madrid – Revi Live ^
23.03.2025 ES Vitoria-Gasteiz – Urban Rock Concept ^
24.03.2025 ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 3 ^
25.03.2025 FR Paris – La Boule Noire ^
26.03.2025 BE Kortrijk – CVG Club ^
27.03.2025 CH Lenzburg – Met-Bar ^
28.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Club) ^
29.03.2025 DE Schirnding – Gemeindehalle ^ (w/ CHAPTER ELEVEN)
MOONLIGHT HAZE will release the new record Beyond on May 23th 2025 through Scarlet Records.
Lead by sensational frontwoman Chiara Tricarico (currently one of the live vocalists of Avantasia and special guest on the Highlights From The Revenge Of Odysseus (2022 ManowarEP), MOONLIGHT HAZE has joined forces with extraordinary producer Sascha Paeth for their upcoming fourth studio album.
Beyond is a perfect mixture of heavy, melodic and super catchy songs recorded in the old fashioned way with little to no edits. MOONLIGHT HAZE went Κ»organicΚΌ this time, with a little help from Sascha Paeth, who was able to make some of the classic features of the band emerge and shine even more.
The Italian unit keeps delivering its trademark killer refrains while exploring new musical territory, further experimenting throughout ten tracks highlighted by yet another stellar vocal performance courtesy of Chiara Tricarico.
MOONLIGHT HAZEβs fourth record is a journey through time and space, galactic landscapes and earthly elements; a never-ending quest for a deeper reality and a purest inner truth. Soul searching symphonic power metal, if you please.
Produced by MOONLIGHT HAZE at Bridge Produzioni Audio and Studio & Sascha Paeth at Pathway Studio, and illustrated by the talented Beatrice Demori, Beyond will be released in the following formats:
CD digipack LP in vinile: 350 blu trasparente; 150 trasparenti (esclusiva mailorder) Digitale
01. Beyond 02. Tame The Storm 03. Crystallized 04. Chase The Light 05. Would You Dare? 06. L’Eco Del Silenzio 07. D.N.A. (Do Not Apologize) 08. Untold 09. Time To Go 10. Awakening 11. A Brand New Sky (bonus track CD) 12. Alive Again (bonus track vinile)
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!
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