Category: Music News

0 SARTORI Unveils New Single “We’re Rising” From Upcoming Album “Just An Illusion” Out Jan 2027

July 7, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Sartori

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 7, 2026

SARTORI Unveils New Single “We’re Rising” From Upcoming Album “Just An Illusion” Out Jan 2027

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “Just An Illusion”, the first single from SARTORI’s upcoming studio album “We’re Rising“, scheduled for January 29th, 2027, on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.

Following the debut album “Dragon’s Fire”, guitarist, composer and virtuoso Andy Sartori returns with a new chapter that expands the SARTORI sound into a more melodic, eclectic and old-school heavy metal direction. “We’re Rising” marks a different experience from the first album, driven by stronger melodic songwriting, the powerful vocal presence of Mark Boals, and a broader musical approach.

Inspired by the golden era of late-’80s hard rock and heavy metal, the album blends neo-classical guitar work, American power metal energy, AOR influences and the spirit of Yngwie Malmsteen’s Odyssey-era while retaining the refined arrangements and virtuoso musicianship that define Andy Sartori’s vision.

The album features legendary vocalist Mark Boals – known for his work with Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring of Fire and Royal Hunt – alongside Andy A. Sartori on guitars and keyboards, Andre Di Sao Thiago on bass guitar and Dino Castano on drums. “We’re Rising” was mixed by Kfir Gov at Evil Snail Studios in Austin, Texas, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum, assisted by Zach Kornhauser at Maor Appelbaum Mastering in California.

Opening the campaign is “Just An Illusion”, a melodic and uplifting track built around a positive message of perseverance: keeping faith, continuing to fight and believing that the effort is worth it. The song combines a European melodic metal feel with strong vocal hooks, powerful riffs and Andy Sartori’s neo-classical guitar identity, making it the perfect introduction to the sound and spirit of “We’re Rising“.

Speaking about the single, Andy Sartori comments:

“’Just An Illusion‘ is a positive ‘keep the faith and keep trying because it’s worth it’ kind of song. It also has a very European kind of style which gives it a special melodic character within the album.”

Discussing the new album, Sartori adds:

“We’re Rising is a different experience compared to the first album, starting with Mark Boals’ fantastic vocals and melodic approach. The new songs are also more eclectic than the ones from the first album, which makes this record a very important step forward for SARTORI.”

With its mix of classic heavy metal energy, melodic choruses and refined guitar work, “We’re Rising” is aimed at fans of Yngwie Malmsteen’s Odyssey era, Rainbow, Axel Rudi Pell, American power metal, ’80s heavy rock and neo-classical melodic metal.

LISTEN to “Just An Illusion” on all digital platforms – https://lnk.to/s8rJai

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU-CGsZ4BdQ

PRE-ORDER “We’re Rising” on CD: https://rockshots.eu/products/sartori-were-rising-cd

PRE-ORDER “We’re Rising” on LP: https://rockshots.eu/products/sartori-were-rising-lp

Track Listing:
1. An Army Of One
2. Just An Illusion
3. Little Aria In G Major Part II
4. Renaissance
5. Quest For Glory
6. Someone To Hold You
7. Solitude
8. Savage
9. My Eternal Fight
10. We’re Rising

Sartori Line-up:

Andy A. Sartori: Guitars
Mark Boals: Vocals
Andre Di Sao Thiago: Bass Guitars
Dino Castano: Drums

Biography:

SARTORI is an American virtuoso guitarist and songwriter whose music combines melodic hard rock, neo-classical influences, and traditional heavy metal with a contemporary production approach. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Axel Rudi Pell and the timeless sound of Rainbow, he delivers technically accomplished yet highly melodic compositions that balance instrumental virtuosity with memorable songwriting.

For more info:
https://rockshots.eu/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Sartori/100031570075980/

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0 LITTLE KING Shares New Single “Opus Perficit” To Kick Off July West Coast Tour!

July 7, 2026
by Asher
· Little King · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 7, 2026

LITTLE KING Shares New Single “Opus Perficit” To Kick Off July West Coast Tour!

L-R – Tony Bojorquez (Drums), Ryan Rosoff (Guitar, Vocals), David Hamilton (Bass, Cello)

Arizona’s Little King shares “Opus Perficit,” a haunting new standalone single that reveals a quieter, more introspective side of the progressive rock band as they celebrate 30 years of making music. Released just days before the group hits the road for a nine‑date Southwest and West Coast tour, the track offers a striking contrast to their heavier catalog while remaining unmistakably Little King, thoughtful, adventurous, and emotionally resonant.

Built around a hypnotic 5/4 pulse, “Opus Perficit” unfolds with slow‑burn intensity, pairing acoustic textures, layered vocals, and cinematic dynamics. Lyrically, songwriter Ryan Rosoff explores the creative obsession that drives artists forward, the tension between endless revision and completion, and the vulnerability of releasing one’s work into the world. References to “Osmium” and “20 Hz” nod to Rosoff’s long‑running lyrical universe, offering longtime fans a deeper thread to pull.

The recording features David Hamilton in a remarkable multi‑instrumental performance, providing both the expressive piano and melodic bass work that anchor the song’s emotional depth. Rather than relying on technical excess, “Opus Perficit” embraces space, restraint, and atmosphere, allowing every note to serve the story.

The single arrives in tandem with Little King’s nine‑date Southwest tour, marking the band’s second major run since releasing their 2025 album “Lente Viviente.” The trio Ryan Rosoff (guitar/vocals), Tony Bojorquez (drums), and Dave Hamilton (bass) will perform across key West Coast cities, bringing their acclaimed live energy back to the stage.

Earlier this year, Little King completed a successful string of shows across New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and even a surprise pop‑up performance in Mexico. Their full tour diary, including stories of power outages, ibuprofen, and gratitude, is available on their website.

Rosoff describes Little King’s live show as “meticulous, rehearsed, and RAGING with push‑and‑pull energy… PROS with experience.” Fans can expect high‑level musicianship, dynamic setlists, and a performance that’s both technically sharp and emotionally charged.

Released in September 2025, “Lente Viviente” represents a major creative leap for Little King. With Bojorquez and Hamilton joining the lineup, the band crafted what Rosoff calls “BY FAR our biggest release.” The album’s title, Spanish for Living Lens, ties into Rosoff’s video memoir company, LivingLens Memoirs, and sets the thematic tone for the record’s exploration of memory, identity, perception, and the shifting filters through which we understand ourselves.

Across tightly constructed “micro‑epics,” the album moves through themes of childhood and enduring friendship (“Catch and Release,” “Dawn Villa”), immigration and identity (“Who’s Illegal?”), aging and addiction (“Pass Through Filters”), and the balance between strength and vulnerability (“Kindness for Weakness”). Musically, the record blends progressive rock, hard rock, and melodic hooks with Little King’s trademark precision and dynamic push‑and‑pull.

For three decades, Little King has carved out a unique space in progressive rock, dynamic, melodic, and fiercely independent. Led by songwriter‑guitarist Ryan Rosoff, the band continues to evolve while maintaining the emotional honesty and musical precision that define their sound.

With “Opus Perficit,” Little King opens a new chapter, one that honors the past, embraces the present, and hints at the creative horizons still ahead.

Listen to the single at the following links:

Spotify (and all other digital platforms) – https://loousperficit.hearnow.com/opus-perficit

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZdBaP0GfyI

Little King – West Coast USA Tour 2026
July 10 – Ruidoso, NM – Downshift Brewery Riverside
July 12 – Tucson, AZ – Brick Box Brewery w/ The Crown Syndicate and Zold
July 14 – Tempe, AZ – Yucca Tap Room
July 15 – Anaheim, CA – The World Famous Doll Hut
July 17 – San Diego, CA – Tower Bar w/ Stretcher
July 18 – West Hollywood, CA – The Viper Room
July 19 – Pacifica, CA – Winters Tavern w/ The Wandering Jews and Melting Elephants
July 23 – Bisbee, AZ – Gene’s Place
July 25 – El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace

For more info: https://littlekingtunes.com/

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“Overall, this band showcased a sophisticated sense of melodies that were not overly complicated, but easy to assimilate as well. Not being familiar with them, I am surprised to learn of their longevity, and you wouldn’t know this was their eight album, because the drive and fire in them is very much alive in their music. 8/10” – Metal Temple

“Little King maintain high intensity from start to finish, achieving a rare balance between complexity and immediacy. Each track has its own identity and emotional range, and the musicianship and production are consistently top-tier. According to Rocky, Lente Viviente is essential listening for prog and heavy-rock fans who miss the spirit of Saga, Rush, and King’s X.” – Metalized

“Seven songs, clocking in at just over twenty-five minutes Little King pack a powerful and melodic cocktail of prog, rock and alternative. If Rush jammed with REM and King’s X it would sound a little like this. Impressive.” – Get Ready To Rock!

“Little King hasn’t just released an album; they’ve crafted an immersive, emotional journey that rewards every listen.” – Jace Media Music

“Long-running Progressive Rock outfit Little King is unveiling “Dawn Villa,” the second single from their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Lente Viviente! A sonic time capsule wrapped in staccato riffs and melodic crescendos, “Dawn Villa” is a heartfelt tribute to frontman Ryan Rosoff’s formative years in Mercer Island, Washington. The track comes from their eighth album Lente Viviente, which is available for pre-order/digital pre-save now at the links below, and releases September 26th, 2025. If you grew up obsessed with the classic seventies prog rock greats like Rush, King Crimson, and Pink Floyd, with a modern flare for drama such as Muse or Neal Morse, Little King deserves your attention! ” – Ghost Cult Magazine

“The album reflects a stylistic maturity that has strengthened over time and a layering of ideas that have, on this occasion, found a stable place. The project’s artistic perspective rests on very solid technical foundations and a strong will to celebrate the traditional principles of classic rock, while also flirting with progressive elements and ultimately making the most of a decidedly pronounced melodic inclination. An absolutely original point of view that has given rise to an elegant and refined sound, capable of effectively combining electric jolts and delicate harmonies in the spirit of a truly contagious passion.” – Rock Hard Italy

“Over nearly three decades, Little King has evolved from the El Paso roots of “Transmountain” to the intricate, personal soundscapes of “Lente Viviente,” blending complex arrangements, strong melodies, and lyrical depth.” – Progressive Rock Journal

“Lente Viviente is as striking as it is arousing and easy to suggest a must for all rock appetites. LITTLE KING seem to know how to feed every instinct and want with their eclectic enterprise and at the same time spring something strikingly new, the proof all there in Lente Viviente.” – The Ringmaster Review

“Tucson progressive rockers’ Little King are gearing up for the release of their 8th studio album, ‘Lente Viviente’ on Sept. 26th and have also just dropped their first single from the album, ‘Catch and Release’. This band truly pushes boundaries and yet makes modern prog rock very accessible. That is a difficult feat and a challenge many bands can’t overcome. But these fellas make it sound very simple, even though the music is quite complex. Similar to YES in that every instrument, including the vocals, all seem to be doing their own thing…but somehow it all works beautifully, and that is what good prog is about. Listen up for Little King on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“”Lente Viviente” is a great release, very short of course, but still atmospheric and moving. Overriding the higher-faster-further mentality in such a playful way deserves respect, and the men deserve it again with their eighth appearance overall.8/10″ – PowerMetal.de

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0 HELLMETALL Unveils New Single “Afrika” From Upcoming Album “Mgla” Out Sept 2026

July 3, 2026
by Asher
· HELLMETALL (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 3, 2026

HELLMETALL New Single “Afrika” From Upcoming Album “Mgla” Out Sept 2026

Italian heavy metal band HELLMETALL return with their new single “Afrika“, offering another glimpse into their forthcoming studio album, “Mgla” due out on September 4th, 2026, via Rockshots Records. Following the release of “Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore“, the band continues to explore the album’s thematic depth through music that blends classic heavy metal with thrash influences and a strong narrative approach.

Rather than portraying a geographical or historical account, “Afrika” uses its setting as a symbolic landscape where conflict, survival, and human instinct intersect. The song reflects on the recurring nature of violence and the fragile balance between civilization and primal impulses, reinforcing the conceptual thread that runs throughout “Mgla“. Musically, the track combines driving riffs, dynamic rhythms and melodic passages, remaining faithful to HELLMETALL‘s identity while expanding the atmosphere of the upcoming record.

Speaking about the song, the band comments:

“With ‘Afrika’ we wanted to tell a story that goes beyond a specific place. The setting becomes a metaphor for human nature, where fear, violence, and survival emerge in their purest form. It’s one of the songs that best represents the atmosphere and message behind ‘Mgla’.”

Produced as part of the sessions for “Mgla“, “Afrika” further showcases HELLMETALL‘s songwriting approach, combining aggressive energy with melodic arrangements and lyrics inspired by history, literature and reflections on the human condition. The single builds on the direction introduced by the band’s previous releases while revealing another facet of the album’s broader narrative.

With “Mgla“, HELLMETALL continue to develop the musical identity they have refined over the years, balancing traditional heavy metal roots with modern production and storytelling. Each song contributes to a wider conceptual journey where personal experiences, historical references, and symbolic imagery converge into a cohesive listening experience.

Listen to “Afrika”: https://lnk.to/m7rv8p

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EshrOIRwxus

“Mgla” will be released on September 4th, 2026.

Album Release Party – Trieste Rock Camp – Sept 4, 2026

PRE-ORDER “MGLA“: https://rockshots.eu/products/hellmetall-mgla-cd

HELLMETALL lineup (“Mgla” era / until October 2025):

Daniele Micelli: Vocals
Damiano Biasutto: Guitar
Matteo Cameran: Guitar
Luca Fumagalli: Bass
Gabriele Barbarino: Drums

Current lineup:

Daniele Micelli: Vocals
Damiano Biasutto: Guitar
Matteo Cameran: Guitar
Luca Fumagalli: Bass
Federico Zuin: Drums

More info:

https://www.rockshots.eu

https://www.instagram.com/hellmetall_official/

https://www.facebook.com/HellMetAll.Resia

About:
HELLMETALL is a Thrash/Death Metal band from Resia (Udine), a remote mountain valley located at the crossroads between Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. Since their formation, the band has developed a distinctive artistic identity by combining aggressive extreme metal with the cultural heritage and historical memory of their homeland. Their most recognizable trait is the use of Resian – the ancient Slavic language spoken in Val Resia – as the exclusive language for their lyrics, giving their music a unique and deeply authentic character.

Musically, HELLMETALL blend the violence and speed of Thrash Metal with the heaviness of Death Metal, enriched by dark melodic textures inspired by the blend of traditions of their valley. Originally featuring stronger folk elements and violin arrangements, the band has progressively evolved toward a heavier and darker sonic direction, incorporating stronger Death and Black Metal influences while preserving the melodic sensibility that has always defined their sound.

The lyrical concept behind HELLMETALL is deeply rooted in the history of Val Resia and the surrounding border territories. Their songs recount real events connected to the First and Second World Wars, drawing inspiration from local memories, stories passed down through generations, and the personal experiences of their ancestors. Through their uncompromising musical approach and the evocative power of the Resian language, the band transforms historical trauma and mountain folklore into a raw and visceral extreme metal experience.

HELLMETALL released their debut album “Sa Naso Semjo” in 2015, establishing the foundations of their aggressive and culturally distinctive sound. In early 2026, the band unveiled “Mgła“, the title track from their forthcoming second studio album “Mgla“, scheduled for release on September 4th, 2026. The new material marks a significant evolution in both songwriting and production, presenting a darker, more mature, and focused incarnation of the band.

Alongside an intense live activity throughout Italy, HELLMETALL has increasingly expanded its presence across Eastern Europe. Their 2026 schedule includes an Eastern European tour, an appearance at Austria’s Kaltenbach Open Air festival, and a dedicated Polish mini-tour later in the year, further strengthening the band’s growing reputation within the underground extreme metal scene.

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0 France’s KINGCROWN Shares New Video “Nothing” From Upcoming Album “Moonfall” Out Sept 2026

July 3, 2026
by Asher
· KINGCROWN (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 3, 2026

France’s KINGCROWN Shares New Video “Nothing” From Upcoming Album “Moonfall” Out Sept 2026

French melodic heavy/power metal band KINGCROWN return with “Nothing“, the second single taken from their forthcoming album “Moonfall” due for release on September 4th, 2026. Supported by an official music video, the new track further develops the album’s conceptual direction while showcasing the band’s blend of melodic heavy metal and European power metal.

After introducing the time-travel narrative of “Lost Horizon“, KINGCROWN now turn their attention to another central theme of “Moonfall” with “Nothing“. Conceived as a direct sequel to “Utopia Metropolis” from “Nova Atlantis“, the song explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the gradual replacement of genuine human relationships by increasingly sophisticated machines designed to replicate emotion without truly experiencing it.

Rather than presenting technology as either salvation or threat, “Nothing” reflects on the emotional consequences of a society where authentic human connections become progressively less frequent. The lyrics question whether convenience and technological progress may ultimately come at the expense of empathy, identity, and personal relationships, continuing KINGCROWN‘s interest in combining speculative themes with contemporary social reflections.

Musically, “Nothing” combines driving guitar riffs, twin-guitar harmonies, melodic vocal lines, and a memorable chorus supported by a modern and balanced production. The track reinforces the band’s melodic identity without losing the energy and precision that have characterized its most recent releases.

Produced by KINGCROWN and mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio, the single reflects the consistency of a lineup that continues to refine its musical identity with each release. Alongside Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), former members of Nightmare, the current lineup features Ced Legger and Bob Saliba on guitars and Sébastien Chabot on bass.

With “Nothing“, KINGCROWN continue to reveal new facets of “Moonfall“, an album built around interconnected stories exploring technological evolution, artificial intelligence and the future of humanity. While each song stands on its own, together they contribute to a broader narrative that continues to unfold ahead of the album’s release.

For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Symphony X, Powerwolf

LISTEN – https://lnk.to/TxF5ca
VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-EbQJn32Mo

ALBUM PRE-ORDER – https://rockshots.eu/products/kingcrown-moonfall-cd

Previous Single – Lost Horizon

LISTEN – https://lnk.to/4mhjvC
VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJjlw2AZuPs

Kingcrown Line-up:

Joe Amore: Vocals
Ced Legger: Guitars
Bob Saliba: Guitars
Seb Chabot: Bass, Guitars
David Amore: Drums

More info:

https://rockshots.eu/

https://linktr.ee/kingcrown_off

About:

Kingcrown is a French melodic heavy/power metal band founded by brothers Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), both former members of Nightmare.

The project traces its origins back to 2015 with the band Öblivïon, formed following their departure from Nightmare. After the release of Resilience, the group adopted the name Kingcrown in 2018, marking the beginning of a more defined artistic direction rooted in the European heavy/power metal tradition.

From the outset, Kingcrown established a sound built on strong melodic structures, dynamic riffing, and a clear emphasis on songwriting effectiveness. Drawing from the legacy of bands such as Iron Maiden, Helloween, and Gamma Ray, the band combines classic influences with a modern production approach, resulting in a sound that is both accessible and structurally solid.

Following the release of “A Perfect World” (2019) and “Wake Up Call” (2022), Kingcrown entered a new phase with “Nova Atlantis” (2024), released via Rockshots Records. The album marked a clear step forward in terms of cohesion, production quality, and conceptual direction, receiving strong feedback from both audiences and specialized media.

Building on this momentum, the band continues its collaboration with Rockshots Records for “Moonfall“, scheduled for release in 2026. The new album further develops Kingcrown’s identity through a more focused songwriting approach and a broader conceptual framework centered on dystopian themes, technological evolution, and temporal dislocation.

The first single, “Lost Horizon“, expands the narrative universe introduced in “Nova Atlantis“, acting as a direct sequel to “Endless Journey” and introducing a time-travel storyline in which a WWII B-17 pilot is propelled into the year 2045. This approach reflects the band’s growing interest in combining structured songwriting with narrative continuity.

Kingcrown’s current lineup – Jo Amore (vocals), David Amore (drums), Sébastien Chabot (bass), Bob Saliba (guitars), and Ced Legger (guitars) – has remained stable across recent releases, contributing to a consistent and cohesive musical direction.

With a steadily evolving discography and a clear artistic vision, Kingcrown has established itself as a credible presence within the European metal scene, balancing melodic immediacy, conceptual depth, and production precision.

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0 Reminder – IRON KINGDOM Kick Off Cross Canada Tour For Sixth Album “Shadows and Dust” Out Now! + Armstrong Metal Fest, Loud As Hell Open Air Fest

July 2, 2026
by Asher
· Iron Kingdom · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 2, 2026

Reminder – IRON KINGDOM Kick-Off Cross-Canada Tour For Sixth Album “Shadows and Dust” Out Now!

Cross-Canada Tour! and Armstrong Metal Fest, Loud As Hell Open Air Fest

L-R – Max Friesen (Drums), Chris Osterman (Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar), Megan Merrick (Lead Guitar), Leighton Holmes (Bass)

Photo Credit – Cailin Haley

Vancouver’s traditional heavy‑metal torchbearers Iron Kingdom are hitting the road for a massive cross‑Canada tour in support of their sixth studio album, “Shadows and Dust,” released June 6, 2026. Spanning more than 30 dates nationwide, the trek launches in Nanaimo, BC on July 2 and storms east all the way to Newfoundland before circling back to finish in Kelowna, BC. Along the way, the band will also appear at Armstrong Metal Fest and Loud As Hell Open Air Festival.

The band’s new album “Shadows and Dust” marks a significant evolution for Iron Kingdom. While rooted firmly in the classic heavy‑metal tradition they’ve championed since 2011, the album explores heavier emotional territory.

“The album explores a dark realm of topics, from death, hardship, and the lowest points of human emotion, balanced by music that offers hope and the will to fight on,” says bassist and lyricist Leighton Holmes.

Across its 10 new tracks and 48‑minute runtime, the album blends NWOBHM spirit, melodic storytelling, and the band’s signature twin‑guitar attack. Songs draw inspiration from history, mythology, literature, and personal reflection, ranging from the Battle of Gdansk (“Defenders”) to Malazan‑inspired fantasy (“Deadhouse Gates,” “Blood and Steel”) to philosophical meditations on time, compassion, and purpose.

Formed in Vancouver in 2011, Iron Kingdom has built a reputation for reviving the spirit of traditional heavy metal with unwavering authenticity. Inspired by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, Riot, and Savatage, the band delivers high‑energy performances, intricate melodies, and a stage presence reminiscent of metal’s golden era.

Iron Kingdom’s journey has taken them across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Brazil, with appearances at festivals such as Keep It True XVII and tours alongside acts like Night Demon and Blaze Bayley. Through lineup changes, near‑fatal touring accidents, and global disruptions, the band has remained committed to carrying the torch of classic heavy metal.

The current lineup, Chris Osterman (lead vocals/lead guitar), Leighton Holmes (bass), Megan Merrick (lead guitar), and Max Friesen (drums), represents the strongest incarnation of the band to date.

“Shadows and Dust” can be heard in full at the following links:

Album Stream – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYQzVXGtJXY

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/1E5IetyIvOdAt5CKG54gLw

Official Merch store: https://www.iron-kingdom.com/shop
Bandcamp: https://iron-kingdom.bandcamp.com/music

Music Video – Deadhouse Gates – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBE3s4WRlIw

Music Video – Defenders – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3k7tW5-9Os

Lyric Video – Blood and Steel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb8BIzHT3_Q

Mini‑Doc (Behind the scenes of Shadows and Dust) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSiSsMpY8pg

The album’s exclusive EU edition is available from Steel Shark Records (France), offering limited-edition 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.

True North Strong And Heavy Canadian Tour – Iron Kingdom, W.M.D.
https://www.iron-kingdom.com/tour-dates
July 2 – Nanaimo, BC – The Terminal
July 3 – Victoria, BC – Lucky Bar
July 4 – Cumberland, BC – The Waverley
July 5 – Powell River, BC – The Carlson Loft
July 17 – Armstrong, BC – AMF 2026
July 21 – Prince George, BC – Knox Performance Centre
July 23 – Whitehorse, YT – Lefty’s Well
July 24 – Dawson City, YT – Palace Grand Theatre
July 25 – Dawson City, YT – outside at The Pit
July 26 – Whitehorse, YT – The 98 Hotel
July 28 – Yellowknife, NT – The Underground
July 29 – Fort Smith, NT – Dirty O’ Fergie’s
July 30 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite
July 31 – Drumheller, AB – LAH 2026
Aug 1 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre
Aug 2 – Thunder Bay, ON – Bloom Bar + Lounge
Aug 3 – Sudbury, ON – The Lounge 390
Aug 4 – London, ON – Supply & Demand
Aug 5 – Waterloo, ON – Maxwells
Aug 6 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern
Aug 7 – Toronto, ON – Bovine
Aug 8 – Montréal, QC – Foufounes Électriques
Aug 9 – Sherbrooke, QC – Le Murdoch
Aug 11 – Woodstock, NB – Monteith Manor
Aug 12 – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub
Aug 14 – Corner Brook, NL – Retro
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 – Hamilton, ON – Doors Pub
Aug 21 – Saskatoon, SK – Black Cat Tavern
Aug 22 – Calgary, AB – Dicken’s
Aug 23 – Kelowna, BC – Jackknife Brewing

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

For more info:
https://www.iron-kingdom.com
https://www.facebook.com/ironkingdomofficial
https://www.instagram.com/iron_kingdom

About: Formed in 2011 in Vancouver, Iron Kingdom carries the flame of classic heavy metal inspired by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, The Scorpions, and Rush. Known for their high‑energy performances, intricate twin‑guitar work, and unwavering DIY ethos, the band has toured extensively across Canada, the USA, Europe, and Brazil, sharing stages with Night Demon, Blaze Bayley, and more.

Their discography includes “Curse of the Voodoo Queen” (2011), “Gates of Eternity” (2013), “Ride for Glory” (2015), “On the Hunt” (2019), and “The Blood of Creation” (2022). “Shadows and Dust” marks the next chapter in their evolution, an album that blends old‑school metal spirit with fresh energy and emotional depth.

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“Ten tracks leading to a beautiful journey you will wish to live forever. A masterpiece to own with pleasure. Iron Kingdom has arrived on the stardom stairs, and it’s worth it 100/100.” – The Metal Mag
“the entire album is rock-solid from start to finish. If you call yourself a metal fan, this is a mandatory addition to your playlist.” – Broken Neck Radio

“Iron Kingdom has really taken their stance with hard rock and heavy metal to a standstill, packed with amazement and shining glory in all of its wonder, but making sure the two genres between the NWOBHM and thrash eras are kept in their mighty epic book of ingredients to keep you coming back for more. What can I say? Shadows and Dust is the album we’ve been waiting for this upcoming summer of 2026.” – Echoes and Dust

“After countless tours, line-up changes and even after a serious accident, IRON KINGDOM seem stronger today than ever. With ‘Shadows And Dust’ they deliver exactly the album that traditionalists have been longing for for years. Powerful, melodic, anthemic and rousing, full of great guitar moments and an honest passion for classic heavy metal. If you love IRON MAIDEN, RIOT, HELLOWEEN or SAVATAGE, you should definitely grab it here. The release in all formats as well as via “Steel Shark Records” with vinyl for collectors also fits in with this.” – Saitenkult

“Now six albums into their career, the NWOTHM Canadians show that they are very much still firing on all cylinders! The band are all insanely talented players, for one, and it translates perfectly into some awesome songwriting throughout this nearly-50-minute release. Opener ‘Defenders’ is an absolute banger perfectly reminiscent of that 80s sound. Then you have the likes of ‘Dreamless Sea’, ‘Blood and Steel’ and ‘Dark Demands’ that are also big highlight. If you’re into all things Maiden, Priest or Hammerfall, this is absolutely the release for you. It’s a sound that has remained hugely popular across the decades since its inception, and honestly these guys do it just as good as anyone. How they aren’t a massive name by now I don’t know. Hopefully this is finally the album to push them to that level, as it’s a really great release! A very easy 8/10 from us!” – Overtone Magazine

“There are no weak tracks on the album, just kick ass traditional metal from start to finish. Queue this one up if you want a mix of mid-80s Iron Maiden and Malice with a hint of Arch-era Fates Warning.” – Metal Crypt

“This is exactly how traditional heavy metal stays vital. True believers like Iron Kingdom guard the flame while adding their own chapter to the story. Shadows and Dust doesn’t omly honour the legacy of the genre, it actually strengthens it. Heavy metal remains a lifestyle as much as a sound, and this album is a worthy soundtrack for those who live it. Essential listening for anyone who still believes in real heavy metal.” – Sentinel Daily

“With Shadows and Dust, Iron Kingdom enter a new era with sharpened purpose, renewed fire, and a sound that honors the past while forging boldly ahead. It’s a story of endurance, evolution, and the unbreakable power of Heavy Metal, and I’m sure that after Shadows and Dust we’ll see those Canadians rockin’ for many years to come no matter what. Best moments of the album: Deadhouse Gates, Line of Fire and Dark Demands.” – The Headbanging Moose

“If you only have one selection to convince someone whether they should invest time/money/effort into Iron Kingdom, play them “Shadow Of Time” as it locks into the classic sound they do so well. Winner!” – Mark Gromen – Bravewords

“Iron Kingdom’s sixth full-length continues the band’s upward trajectory in a way that is both concise and still varied. Every track has just enough difference between to make them all stand out from one another, while never feeling like they belong to a different artist. 2022’s “Blood of Creation” was an absolute clinic in modern metal perfection, and it would always be a tough act to follow but Iron Kingdom did so with gusto. Masterfully produced and even better performed, “Shadows and Dust” is one of the years best.” – The NWOTHM

“If you enjoy classic heavy metal and want more of that timeless sound, then ‘Shadows and Dust’ will feel very familiar in a good way… it is honest, energetic, and enjoyable from start to finish.” – AfterNoiz

“Shadows and Dust is therefore an album recommended for all fans of classic heavy and power metal… forty-plus minutes of sincere, energetic, and expertly played music. For those who love traditional sounds and are looking for something slightly off the beaten track of contemporary mainstream metal, Iron Kingdom have created one of the most interesting works of their recent career.” – Tempiduri

“this new ten‑track album from Iron Kingdom definitely caught our attention. What we hear is very traditional heavy metal, with history and mythology serving as the thematic backbone for their lyrics. The result is ten songs that are well‑constructed and well‑arranged. You’ll find everything the subgenre demands: power, melody, and catchiness.” – Musika

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0 Prog Innovator FERNANDO MOLINARI Unveils New Video “Minerva” ft. Marco Minnemann, Andre Nieri & Herbert Medeiros; New EP “NUMEN” Out Now!

July 2, 2026
by Asher
· Fernando Molinari · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 2, 2026

Prog Innovator FERNANDO MOLINARI Unveils New Video “Minerva” ft. Marco Minnemann, Andre Nieri & Herbert Medeiros

New EP “NUMEN” Out Now!

Featuring EP Guests – Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Steven Wilson), Andre Nieri (Virgil Donati Band), Mariko Muranaka (Hans Zimmer, Madonna), Joao Hanysz (Casagrande & Hanysz), Luigi Paraventi (Paleface Swiss), Chris Clark (Virgil Donati / Jon Anderson Band), Daniel Felix (Caravellus)

Brazilian prog‑fusion composer and bassist Fernando Molinari has released the stunning new performance video for “Minerva”, featuring an elite trio of world‑class musicians: drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Steven Wilson), guitarist Andre Nieri (Virgil Donati Band), and keyboardist Herbert Medeiros in support of his newly released EP “NUMEN.”

“Minerva” opens the EP with explosive energy, built on 5/4 time, five simultaneous layers, and a commanding melodic theme. The track blends prog, fusion, and heavy elements into a dense, immersive soundscape, brought vividly to life in the new video.

Minnemann’s virtuosic drumming, Nieri’s razor‑sharp guitar work, and Medeiros’ atmospheric keyboard textures elevate Molinari’s composition into a cinematic, high‑intensity performance that captures the EP’s core identity: deep, energetic, prog, fusion, and heavy.

Watch “Minerva” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gKhgWk1XlE

Out now on all streaming platforms, “NUMEN, mixed and mastered by Grammy Award winner Paulo Anhaia, is an instrumental EP inspired by Roman mythology. The term numen refers to a “divine presence” or manifestation of something sacred, an idea that became central to Molinari during one of the most challenging periods of his life.

“Music is a NUMEN in my life. A place where I find peace, joy, and a cure for my darkest moments,” adds Molinari.

The EP delivers a dense, atmospheric listening experience filled with layers, riffs, melodies, and emotional depth. Fans of progressive music and fusion will find a rich, immersive journey across all five tracks.

“NUMEN” features an exceptional roster of musicians from across the global prog and fusion scenes, including Marco Minnemann – Drums (The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Steven Wilson), Andre Nieri – Guitar (Virgil Donati Band), Mariko Muranaka – Piano (Hans Zimmer, Madonna), Joao Hanysz – Guitar (Casagrande & Hanysz), Luigi Paraventi – Guitar (Paleface Swiss), Chris Clark – Piano (Virgil Donati / Jon Anderson Band), and Daniel Felix – Keyboards (Caravellus).

Molinari’s writing approach is unconventional; he never begins with an instrument. Instead, he records vocal ideas on his phone and later transcribes them into full arrangements.

“I don’t want technique to box me in. I write for every instrument, and I want the tracks to stand as full band compositions, not just bass features,” adds Molinari.

This method results in compositions rich with simultaneous layers, harmonic depth, odd time signatures, recurring motifs, and intricate textures. From the opening track “Minerva”, a 5/4 prog‑fusion with five simultaneous layers and strong melodic themes, to “Netuno” and its heavy riffs, odd time signatures, and rich harmonies to “Mitra” a track with Flamenco‑influenced acoustic guitar, percussion, and piano to “Gemina” a fusion of prog metal, Middle Eastern textures, jazz fusion, cello, and piano to EP closer “Marte” a heavy, groovy trio performance with massive breakdowns. Fernando Molinari delivers his most ambitious and emotionally resonant work to date, an EP full of textures, strong melodies, killer riffs, and deep personality.

Recommended for fans of Al Di Meola, Egberto Gismonti, Avishai Cohen, The Aristocrats, Virgil Donati, Plini, and Mahavishnu Orchestra, “NUMEN” is available at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/1Ck6C4OH6pIFpD15Xkl62F

EP Stream – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMtSchHQL6o

Bandcamp – https://fernandomolinari.bandcamp.com/album/numen

Previous Videos:

Netuno – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kinvsBvIcB0

Gemina – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EKlGCfPQm8

Mitra – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlxeG-CCNvo

Track Listing:
1. Minerva – 5:47
2. Netuno – 4:36
3. Mitra – 4:49
4. Gemina – 5:32
5. Marte – 4:12
Album Length: 24:58

More Info:

https://www.facebook.com/FernandoMolinariPage

https://www.instagram.com/molinarifernando

About:

Brazilian bassist and composer Fernando Molinari has carved out a unique space in the modern prog and fusion world, building a career defined by creativity, precision, and fearless musical exploration. What began as a necessity, becoming a solo artist because no musicians in his hometown were interested in forming a band, has evolved into a signature artistic identity rooted in depth, energy, and genre‑blending innovation.

Molinari describes his sound in five words: deep, energetic, prog, fusion, and heavy. His latest EP, NUMEN, released June 19, 2026, embodies all of these qualities, offering listeners a dense, atmospheric journey filled with layers, riffs, melodies, and emotional weight. Fans of progressive music and fusion will find plenty to connect with, as the record balances technicality with storytelling and mood.

Album Recording Credits:
Written, produced and arranged by: Fernando Molinari
Fernando Molinari – Bass.
Marco Minnemann – Drums (Minerva, Netuno and Gemina)
Andre Nieri – Guitars (Minerva and Netuno)
Mariko Muranaka – Cello (Gemina)
Joao Hanysz – Acoustic and Electric guitars (Mitra and Marte)
Luigi Paraventi – Drums (Marte)
Chris Clark – Piano solo (Gemina)
Arthur Rezende – Drums (Mitra)
Daniel Felix – Electric piano, Keyboards and Effects (Netuno and Gemina)
Herbert Medeiros – Keyboards (Minerva)
Cristian Del Giorgio – Keyboards (Mitra)
Pascoal Molinari, Rosemary Molinari & Juliana Chimenes – Rhythmic Claps (Mitra)
Mixed and Mastered by Paulo Anhaia

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“Numen is a heavy-hitting progressive album that fuses metal, jazz, fusion, and flamenco. Molinari composed, arranged, and produced the five tracks and got a murderer’s row of musicians to bring it to life, including Marco Minnemann, Andre Nieri, Chris Clark, Daniel Felix, and more. He hammers out odd-time syncopations that will break your neck, then gets the fretless out to double a face-melting melody. Seriously, if you like heavy, adventurous music with outrageous bass playing, go listen to it right now.” – No Treble

“Fernando Molinari has a new album out that may be one of the year’s best prog and fusion records. Reaching Inside is packed with tantalizing riffs and grooves that the bassist has been honing over the past few years. His ideas came to fruition with a stellar cast of musicians including drummers Marco Minnemann and Arthure Rezende; guitarists Brunno Henrique, Davi Filho, and Kit Tang, and keyboardists Herbert Medeiros and Daniel Félix. If you’re like me, discovering new music is exciting, exhilarating, and rewarding! I can’t tell you how many times I hear “there’s no good music anymore”. You have got to be kidding, there are great bands/artists out there creating. Brazilian bassist Fernando Molinari’s latest ReachingInside is a wonderful piece of modern fusion, and had I known about this one prior to making my best of 2021 list, it would be on it.” – Sea of Tranquility – Pete Pardo

“I will choose “Reaching Inside” by Fernando Molinari. It’s amazing! Absolutely incredible! It’s short at 35 minutes long, Great melodies! This guy is a great songwriter! It’s evident from the first time you hear the album. As a bass player he is absolutely flawless! I love “Focus”, the album’s opening song. Beautiful guitars, I love the melodies “Mercurio” rocks! It has hints of progressive and is very intense! Great job by the whole band! I love the bass lines on this album, they’re really good. “Ocean Wind” is another great song, “Control” is amazing I mean, there are no errors. It’s a beautiful mix of times throughout the album, there’s a lot of variety! Killer album by a very talented guy!” – Sea of Tranquility – Pete Pardo (2021 – Reaching Inside)

“The bass player, FERNANDO MOLINARI, launched on December 2021 the CD, “Reaching Inside”, considered by critics as one of the best albums of Fusion/Progressive of the world.The new work records a journey of self-knowledge where Fernando, who is already a world reference for the bass, demonstrates all his dexterity as a composer creating riffs, grooves and themes that take turns the spotlight with a stellar team of musicians.” – MS METAL AGENCY

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0 Out Now! Canadian Extreme Metal METALADIAN’s Debut Album “Deaditation”

July 1, 2026
by Asher
· Metaladian · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 1, 2026

Out Now! Canadian Extreme Metal METALADIAN’s Debut Album “Deaditation”

L-R: Dan Brophy – Rhythm and Lead Guitars and Vocals, Andrew Brophy – Drums and Lead Vocals, Dustin Smith – Bass Guitar and Vocals, Ruth Guechtal – Rhythm Guitar and Vocals

Photo Credit – Andrew Brophy

Hamilton, Ontario’s extreme‑metal force Metaladian erupts onto the national stage with the release of their debut album “Deaditation” on July 1st (Canada Day), a ferocious, emotional, and meticulously crafted epic forged over more than two decades. Led by composer, drummer, and vocalist Andrew Brophy, the band delivers a chromatic, hypnotic, and punishingly heavy experience that merges thrash, death, progressive metal, and classical composition into something unmistakably their own.

Metaladian was born from Brophy’s early compositions dating back to 2003. Much of the band’s musical DNA was first sketched on classical guitar during his final year at Mohawk College, the foundation for “Deaditation” and two future albums already written.

“Metaladian is my passion, my main source of creativity and catharsis for years,” adds Brophy.

Metaladian’s sound draws from the ferocity of thrash pillars like Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer, the uncompromising weight of death‑metal giants such as Entombed, Morbid Angel, and Cryptopsy, and the shadowed intensity of classical composers Bartók, Penderecki, Stravinsky, and Mahler. What emerges is a dizzying fusion of chromatic riffing, lush harmonic movement, relentless double‑bass, and a four‑vocalist barrage unlike anything else rising from Canada’s metal landscape. Drummer and lead vocalist Andrew Brophy delivers melodic screams and long‑held harmonies, bassist Dustin Smith summons guttural, ogre‑like lows, guitarist Dan Brophy channels rabid, riot‑driven aggression, and guitarist Ruth Guechtal cuts through with ripping high‑end shrieks. Together, they create a single fractured psyche, one voice splintered into four extremes.

The album’s purpose is to drag listeners through spiralling darkness before clawing toward a bittersweet light.

“Deadiation is a journey of pain, retribution, and redemption… an overall arc that will leave listeners wanting to start the experience over and over again,” says Brophy.

Lyrically, the record blends personal experience, journaling, and testimonies from others who’ve lived through trauma. Musically, it’s dense, chromatic, harmonically rich, and rhythmically punishing, with each band member embodying a different vocal persona.

This album unfolds as a narrative told through multiple interconnected pairs of songs, each deepening the descent and eventual rise of its central arc. Opening track Left Hand Path unveils the journey by establishing the album’s bleak landscape with chromatic riffs and psychological torment, immediately followed by Deaditation, the retaliatory strike and explosive lead single. The mood then collapses into the slow, sludgy despair of No Worse Death Than the Loss of All Hope, a piece that sinks into hopelessness before ending with tolling bells and a grief‑stricken cry. Its counterpart, Confrontation With God, pushes that anguish further into panic, loss of faith, and an attempted suicide that closes on a flatlined final breath. The narrative shifts again with Cure for Judgement, a complex, arpeggiated reflection on sovereignty and hypocrisy, before culminating in Welcome to Your Holy Hell, a furious revenge anthem that ultimately breaks open into a moment of redemption, symbolized by the final recording of Brophy’s late dog, Adian, bringing the album’s emotional arc full circle.

Metaladian’s lineup is deeply rooted in Hamilton’s music community; all four also perform in the Hamilton extreme‑theatre metal act 30 Immolated; 16 Returned, and three members hold classical‑music degrees, including two doctorates in composition.

Metaladian’s live setup is unconventional; Brophy performs drums and lead vocals front‑and‑center, flanked by Dan and Ruth, with Dustin elevated behind. All four members contribute vocals, creating a massive, theatrical wall of sound that can be seen and heard this coming July 4th in Hamilton, as the band will host their album release show at Taco Joint & Metal Bar. Info – https://www.facebook.com/events/975391598594404

Recommended for fans of Strapping Young Lad, Metallica (early), Suffocation, Bela Bartók, and Ludwig Van Beethoven, METALADIAN’s “Deaditation” (released July 1st) is available at the following links:

Bandcamp – https://metaladian.bandcamp.com/

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/43R5cqEGN33XTG6XsP7fo1

Lyric Video for “Deaditation” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hjKm_7NoCs

Track Listing:
1. Left Hand Path – 9:44
2. Deaditation – 6:21
3. No Worse Death Than The Loss Of All Hope – (Wondering Why I Wonder Why) – 7:35
4. Confrontation With God – 11:59
5. Cure For Judgement – 6:51
6. Welcome To Your Holy Hell – 8:49
Album Length: 51:19

Band Line-up:
Andrew Brophy – Lead Vocals – Drums
Dan Brophy – Vocals – Rhythm, Lead and Classical Guitars
Ruth Guetchal – Vocals – Rhythm Guitars
Dustin Smith – Vocals – Bass Guitars

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/metaladian/

https://www.instagram.com/metaladian

https://www.tiktok.com/@metaladian

About: Metaladian is a new band formed in Hamilton, Ontario, led by composer, drummer, and vocalist Andrew Brophy. Musically, we belong in the metal genre, but are greatly influenced by classical composers, lending itself to the progressiveness and complexity. The overall feel of the music is drenched in violence and darkness, but with a hint of light that can be achieved through our musical journey. The lead vocals, performed by drummer Andrew Brophy, are both harsh and melodic, with soaring melodies and lush harmonies, which alternate with the more thrash-style vocals from the rest of the band. The drums themselves are virtuosic, complementing the crushing riffs and flowing chords. The debut album “Deaditation” from Metaladian is the culmination of 20+ years of work. There is a great deal of variation within the album in terms of musical content, tempo, and texture.

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Metaladian
• All songs written by: Andrew Brophy
• Produced by: Andrew Brophy
• Mixed by: Dan Brophy
• Mastered by: Andreas “Seidr Jonsson” Westholm of Dark Prod Mixing and Mastering
• Album Artwork by: Roberto Toderico of Roberto Toderico Art

-30-

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0 Prog Rock Innovators LUFEH Share Inspiring New Video “Live The New Today” From Latest Album “Overwhelmed”

June 28, 2026
by Asher
· Lufeh · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 28, 2026

Prog Rock Innovators LUFEH Share Inspiring New Video “Live The New Today” From Latest Album “Overwhelmed”

Photo Credit – Joao Pinheiro

Progressive rock innovators LUFEH have released their brand‑new music video for “Live The New Today,” a dynamic and emotionally charged track that showcases the band’s most ambitious musical evolution to date. The song is taken from their new album “Overwhelmed,” released May 29th, and stands as one of the record’s most musically rich and thematically uplifting moments.

A sweeping blend of serene atmospheres, explosive power‑metal grooves, and standout solos from bass, guitar, and violin, “Live The New Today” captures LUFEH at their most expressive. The track’s message centers on self‑reflection, honesty, and choosing to step into a renewed version of oneself, a theme that resonates deeply with the band’s own creative rebirth.

“Live The New Today” moves through a wide emotional spectrum, from calm introspection to full‑throttle progressive energy. Featured vocalist and electric violinist Ginny Luke delivers a soaring performance, adding a dramatic melodic layer that elevates the song’s message of letting go of the past and embracing personal truth.

The band describes the track as “the richest song on the album,” thanks to its shifting moods, intricate arrangements, and the rare combination of bass, guitar, and violin solos woven into a single composition.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Live The New Today” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW-5L9WaZzM

The release of “Live The New Today” follows the arrival of LUFEH’s new album “Overwhelmed” on May 29, recorded at the iconic Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. The album marks a major evolution for the band, shifting from the heavily technical approach of their 2020 debut “Luggage Falling Down” to a more melody‑driven, vocal‑focused sound, without sacrificing the sophisticated musicianship that defines their identity.

Across its eight tracks, “Overwhelmed” blends progressive rock, metal, fusion, and Brazilian influences, offering memorable choruses, intricate arrangements, and emotionally resonant themes. The band cites Dream Theater, Rush, Vola, Tool, and Haken as key inspirations, while carving out a sound unmistakably their own.

LUFEH’s lineup reflects a rare depth of history and chemistry. Founder and drummer Lufeh Batera reunited with long‑time collaborators Deio Tambasco (guitar) and Duca Tambasco (bass), musicians he has played with since 1993 in their earlier band Anno Domini. Keyboardist and producer Gera Penna completes the core lineup, shaping the album’s sonic identity with lush arrangements and fusion‑inspired textures.

The addition of Ginny Luke as featured vocalist and violinist brings a bold new dimension to the band’s sound. Known for her work with Foo Fighters, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, Miguel, and others, Luke appears on three tracks: “Overwhelmed,” “Feels Like I’m a Ghost,” and “Live The New Today.”

Despite their technical prowess, LUFEH emphasizes collaboration over ego. Their creative process is described as “a drawing that passes from hand to hand,” with each member adding depth, color, and personality.

Listen to “Overwhelmed” (released May 29th, 2026) at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/17TBW46gFIisvVekW4yyOW

Bandcamp – https://lufehband.bandcamp.com/

Track Listing:
1. He Commands The Sun and The Stars – 4:22
2. Breathe – 4:03
3. Double Dip – 4:39
4. Overwhelmed – 4:30
5. Feels Like I’m A Ghost – 5:43
6. Live The New Today – 4:50
7. War of Emotions – 3:50
8. End of the Tunnel – 4:18

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Duca Tambasco – bass and backing vocals
Deio Tambasco – guitar and backing vocals
Gera Penna – keyboard and backing vocals
Lufeh Batera – Drums
Ginny Luke – vocals (featuring)

More Info:

https://www.lufehband.com

https://www.facebook.com/lufehband

https://www.instagram.com/lufehband/

About:

LUFEH is a progressive rock/metal band blending technical precision with emotional depth and genre‑bending influences. Formed by drummer Lufeh after a long hiatus from music, the band now features guitarist Deio Tambasco, bassist Duca Tambasco, keyboardist/producer Gera Penna, and vocalist/violinist Ginny Luke. Their sound draws inspiration from Dream Theater, Rush, Vola, Tool, Haken, and Brazilian musical traditions.

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, Lufeh Batera, and Ginny Luke
• All songs written by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, and Lufeh Batera
• Produced by: Gera Penna
• Mixed by: Adair Daufembach
• Mastered by: Adair Daufembach
• Album Artwork by: Lufeh Batera

– 30 –

“Lufeh ‘s music is a beautiful piece of creation, flowing into your brain like one of the best album ever made. A brilliant singer who manage the melodies and different parts like she is the whole music. The intensity and power sounds like the band has been here for years. A masterpiece to own without thinking 100/100.” – The Metal Mag

“What grabbed me most on the album, besides the deeply personal approach to songwriting, was the level of talent the band has. We all know that talent isn’t the measuring stick to success, but it never hurts. This band has plenty, but they don’t let it overtake their sound. This was a feel good album with plenty of substance.” – Metal Temple (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“My take on the album: I do like that Lufeh do things their own way. For me this is an exceptional album with a fresh take on traditional metal. Ginny is a gem on vocals and the use of instruments is damn good. A flawless album that deserve nothing less than the perfect 10.” – Project Metal Music

“You need to take a listen here, and you’ll probably buy this album. Great!” – Melodic.net (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“If their debut consisted of showing their instrumental muscles, their next album Overwhelmed (released May 29) seems to focus on purely melodic choruses. It has the complexity of Haken or Rush, but with choruses that really stick in your head.” – Radio Papy Jeff (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“With a renewed lineup and a track record of progressive evolution, Lufeh delivers here a disciplined, technically formidable body of work that will satisfy those who take their Heavy Prog seriously.” – Progressive Rock Journal

“Very soulful breaks.Like the dynamics. The drummer is very powerful and precise. Like Rush if they were a soul band.” – CFRU 93.3 FM – Planet Groove (Guelph, ON, Canada)

“With „Overwhelmed“ LUFEH are opening a new chapter – more emotional, melodic and at the same time more powerful than ever. The title track of their upcoming album combines progressive virtuosity with haunting storytelling and marks an impressive evolution – an intense foretaste of what happened on March 29th. May 2026 is coming.” – Metalogy (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“Heavy prog shines with the new single ‘He Commands the Sun and the Stars’ from LUFEH. Dream Theater and Shadow Gallery fans will find a lot to love here including a spotlight performance from featured vocalist and electric violinist Ginny Luke. Musically the band doesn’t disappoint with soaring keys, complex percussion, driving riffs, strolling bass lines…all at a high level, which is what is demanded when you enter the sacred space of progressive rock. Just as much a beautiful performance as it is a breathtaking adventure, this track raises expectations for the new album “Overwhelmed” which can’t get here fast enough on May 29th. Catch LUFEH on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“Overwhelmed‘ may be born from pressure, but its greatest achievement is the way it turns that pressure into motion, melody, and release.” – Infrared Magazine (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“Great prog album, love Feels Like I’m A Ghost song” – The Chill dude on the Couch (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“”Overwhelmed” is a strong progressive rock album, full of skill, emotion and smart writing. Lufeh do not bury the listener under endless technical games, which is a good call. The songs have complex parts, odd rhythms, heavy passages and fusion touches, yet the main focus stays on melody and flow. That is where the album wins most of its points.” – Hevay Metal Darkness (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“Throw four talented musicians, the sound of Dream Theater and Rush, the songwriting craft of Aerosmith in their glory years, and a singing voice that is somewhere between Leslie Hunt (District 97) and Ann Wilson (Heart) in a blender and the result is ‘Overwhelming’. That is the very appropriate title of the second album by the American LUFEH.” – Progerweld

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0 Italian Symphonic Metal TALES AND LEGENDS Launch Crowdfunding Campaign For New Album!

June 27, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Tales and Legends (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 28, 2026

Italian Symphonic Metal TALES AND LEGENDS Launch Crowdfunding Campaign For New Album!

The Italian symphonic power metal band invites fans to become part of the next chapter of their story

Italian symphonic power metal band Tales and Legends has launched a crowdfunding campaign dedicated to the creation of their second album.

Following the release of their debut album Struggle of the Gods, the band is now ready to open a new chapter: a darker, deeper, and more cinematic concept-driven journey, where music, orchestral elements, and storytelling come together to create a fully immersive experience.

The upcoming album expands the creative world of Tales and Legends through songs conceived as pieces of a larger narrative, inspired by myth, destiny, and inner conflict. More than just a collection of tracks, the project is designed as a universe unfolding through sound.

The campaign accompanies the band’s new chapter with Rockshots Records, which will support the international release of the album. Through this initiative, Tales and Legends want to give fans the opportunity to enter the project from its early stages and become part of the journey behind the new record.

The crowdfunding campaign will help the band bring the project to life at its full potential, supporting recording and production, mixing and mastering, artwork, video and visual concept, and merchandise.

Supporters will gain access to exclusive rewards depending on their contribution, including the digital album and booklet, a signed CD digipack, exclusive extra content such as artworks, full concept material, and behind-the-scenes content, as well as the chance to have their name included in the official supporter list.

To introduce the campaign and present the vision behind the project, Tales and Legends have also released an official presentation video, available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-5TL5ptPjc&t=1s

Founded by songwriter Andrea Atzori, Tales and Legends were created with the aim of blending epic orchestral elements, powerful riffs, and memorable melodies, drawing inspiration from bands such as Rhapsody of Fire, Avantasia, and Stratovarius.

With their new album, the band continues to refine its epic, narrative, and cinematic identity, taking another step forward in its artistic journey.

The crowdfunding campaign is now live and will run until August 25th.

Become part of the legend.

Crowdfunding campaign: https://talesandlegends.vercel.app/

BAND LINE-UP:
Patrik J. Selleby – Vocals
Andrea Atzori – Keyboards
Carlo Figus – Guitars
Nicola Piras – Bass
Brantley Rogers – Drums

More info:
https://rockshots.eu
Tales and Legends online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talesandlegends.metal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesandlegends/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalesandLegends
X / Twitter: https://x.com/tales_legends
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-it/artist/6MstzoqIL79ktFbeWZM9ZK
Bandcamp: https://talesandlegends.bandcamp.com

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 VICTORIA K – New Single “Take It All” From Forthcoming Album “The Pleasure of Sorrow”

June 26, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Victoria K

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 26, 2026

VICTORIA K – New Single “Take It All” From Forthcoming Album “The Pleasure of Sorrow”

Australian gothic metal act Victoria K return with their new single “Take It All”, out June 26, 2026, taken from the band’s forthcoming third studio album, “The Pleasure of Sorrow“.

Following the release of “Oh So Weary”, the new track opens a darker and more vulnerable chapter in the world of “The Pleasure of Sorrow“. Seductively melancholic and deeply personal, “Take It All” moves through loss, memory, and the slow process of healing, shaping an emotional journey that feels intimate, atmospheric, and direct.

For fans of Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, and Spiritbox, Victoria K continues to evolve their gothic metal foundations through modern metalcore intensity, electronic textures, heavier dynamics, and layered sound design. The result is a sound that remains melodic and emotionally charged while pushing the band further into a darker, more contemporary space.

Speaking about the single, Victoria K explains:

“The song discusses a moment in time when a piece of yourself is taken from you. It may have been a piece of your character, of your youth, but it was a moment in time where you lost something of yourself in a way that felt as though it was out of your control.”

Written as a form of catharsis, “Take It All” unfolds like a distant memory resurfacing through sound, capturing the aftermath of loss, the uncertainty that follows, and the emotional spiral of trying to make sense of something that cannot be undone. Rooted in Victoria K’s love for gothic metal, with Evanescence as a key reference point, the track lets its atmosphere, vocal melodies, and recurring main riff carry the emotional weight, turning restraint into one of its greatest strengths.

The single arrives as part of Victoria K’s upcoming third studio album, “The Pleasure Of Sorrow”, a new chapter that sees the band expanding their gothic metal roots with darker atmospheres, modern heaviness, and subtle electronic textures. Further details regarding the album, including the release date, will be revealed in the coming months. Stay tuned!

Listen to “Take It All” here: https://lnk.to/kSaVux

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWj5Sr_Wbko

For fans of: Spiritbox, Evanescence, Lacuna Coil

VICTORIA K lineup:

Victoria Knight: Vocals
Charlie Curnow: Extreme Vocals
James Davies: Drums
Ethan Collusi: Bass

BIOGRAPHY:

Emerging from the sepulchral mists and haunted landscapes of ancient myth, Victoria K cast a lengthening shadow over Australia and beyond. Leading the Australian Gothic Metal charge with soaring vocals, expansive melodies, and bombastic songwriting that draws on the resonance of the oldest tales and fresh emotion.

Victoria K first came to the notice of listeners with their single “Lacuna,” which was distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Warner Music Group (Australia) and was an early taste of things to come with their debut album, “Essentia“.

Soon after the release of the 2019 single “Lacuna” ahead of the band’s first album, Victoria K were invited to support Swiss Folk Metal legends Eluveitie at Melbourne’s Croxton Bandroom. Though this was Victoria K’s first live outing, they took the crowd by storm and left them chanting for more. This entry into the live scene set the stage for the release of “Essentia” perfectly.

The diversity of music across the “Essentia” album is showcased across the four single/video releases – “Essentia“, “Forsaken“, “The Haunting“, and “Matrix“. While “Forsaken” reaches into the darker corners of Victoria K’s musical palette, “Matrix,” by contrast, is a fast and uplifting song guaranteed to get the blood pumping.

Just as Victoria K was about to play their first headline show, however, the world was plunged into the throes of lockdowns and the now-infamous pandemic. Even in the face of such a challenging time for the music industry, the band remained undeterred and performed a live show streamed directly from the studio, which was later released as the DVD “Essentia – Live Isolation Concert“.

By the time the world opened up again, Victoria K were ravenous for touring and embarked upon an extensive trek across the Great Southern Land that took in capital cities and regional towns alike, from their hometown of Melbourne to Whyalla.

Even as they toured, Victoria K showed no sign of slowing down in their songwriting, and 2023 saw the release of their sophomore album “Kore“. For this release, Knight drew on her own Greek heritage to weave an enchanting interpretation of the story of Persephone, including lyrics and chants sung in Ancient Greek to truly capture the epic tale.

The lineage from such luminaries of Gothic Metal as Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil, and Evanescence, as well as Prog/Power acts like Evergrey and Melbourne’s own Teramaze, to Victoria K is clear; however, with their latest release, Victoria K pays tribute to a more surprising inspiration, Madonna. In April 2024, Victoria K released their heavy rendition of the iconic 1998 ballad “Frozen“, running the gamut from heavy riffs to more dulcet moments, giving homage to the soulful and introspective nature of the song.

In addition to Knight’s majestic lead vocals, Victoria K’s current touring line-up includes Charlie Curnow tearing up the stage on harsh vocals, Ethan Colussi holding down the bottom end on bass, and the indomitable percussive machine of James Davies on drums.

Victoria K has amassed over 475,000 streams on Spotify and accumulated over 717,000 views on YouTube, averaging over 90 hours a month of watch time, with Matrix achieving over 150,000 views. They also boast over 6300 Facebook, 4000 Instagram, and 2700 TikTok followers, as well as over 6600 YouTube subscribers and 1000 monthly Spotify listeners primarily in Australia and the US.

With Victoria K leaning into epic and fantastical tales, it’s only fitting that they supported Blind Guardian at the Northcote Theatre on Friday, February 9, 2024, and Katatonia at The Croxton on Saturday, February 10, 2024.

Victoria K’s have recorded their 3rd studio album, “The Pleasure of Sorrow.” The details will be revealed in the coming weeks.

More info:
https://rockshots.eu/

https://www.instagram.com/victoria_k_official/

https://www.facebook.com/victoriakofficial/

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

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