4 SINGLES
The GIANT ROBOTS: Spooky Signs (60s garage rock)DATURA4: I'm A Man (psych/garage rock, 60s covers)
AXEMASTER: Murder Of Crows (U.S. heavy metal)
ARHAT: Sto Dzerkal (mid-tempo groove/death metal)
NEW SINGLE WITH ERADICATOR
German thrashers ERADICATOR release the new single "Ruins Of Rome" today (May 29) via Metalville Records.Other news is that recording for album number 7 is scheduled for fall 2026, with a release to follow in 2027.
youtube.com/watch?v=LDPsGd_nlUU | eradicator.de | metalville-shop.com
NEW SINGLE WITH BESEECH
Borås, Sweden goth metal veterans BESEECH deliver another single, "Hesitation", through Despotz Records. The song is from their upcoming new album, "Future. Present. Past", to be released on August 28.found.ee/hesitation | facebook.com/beseechofficial | despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/beseech
NEW SINGLE WITH GRIMNER
Swedish folk metallers GRIMNER unveil their new single "Stormvingar" via Despotz Records, which is the third glimpse of their upcoming fifth full-length album with the same title, to be released on September 4.found.ee/stormvingar | facebook.com/Grimnerswe | despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/grimner
NEW SINGLE WITH METALITE
Swedish melodic metal band METALITE returns with their most ambitious and cinematic chapter yet, the new album "Discovery!", set for release on September 25 via Perception - A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. And they celebrate this with the release of their brand new single, "In Case Of Emergency".metalite.rpm.link/emergencyPR | metalite.rpm.link/discoveryPR | metalite.se | perception.music
NEW SINGLE WITH STRYPER
STRYPER returns with a new single, "I'm Alright (I'm Okay)".Following the release of the new single, STRYPER is excited to be hitting the road beginning on June 5 in Anaheim, CA at the Grove of Anaheim.
youtu.be/mYYevYt6Ffg?si=heRcuPQgX3t7wBp3 | stryper.com
PAIN CONFIRMED FOR SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL
With short notice, PAIN have been confirmed for Sweden Rock Festival, which happens in Sölvesborg, Sweden on June 3-6.swedenrock.com
TOM MORELLO HAVE A FESTIVAL
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello has announced that he will be putting on a festival called Power To The People on October 3 at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, USA. Among the confirmed artists are Tom himself, as well as Bruce Springsteen, FOO FIGHTERS, Joan Baez, Jack Black, DROPKICK MURPHYS, CYPRESS HILL, Serj Tankian, Taylor Momsen, The LINDA LINDA'S etc.powertothepeoplefest.com
TOOL, SOCIAL DISTORTION, BAD RELIGION, IGGY POP AND SEX PISTOLS CONFIRMED FOR RIOT FEST
BAD RELIGION
TOOL, SOCIAL DISTORTION, BAD RELIGION, DESCENDENTS, PENNYWISE, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, SEX PISTOLS, PUBLIC IMAGE LTD, GWAR, The CHATS, The FLATLINERS etc. have been confirmed for Riot Fest, which happens on September 18-20 at Douglass Park in Chicago, USA.
riotfest.org
THE DARTS ANNOUNCES SHORT U.S. TOUR IN AUGUST
American garage rockers The DARTS are going on a short U.S. tour through some of their favorite places in August.Tickets: thedartsus.com
PIRATE BAY LEAKS NEW PIRATE QUEEN ALBUM
Bermuda heavy metal pirates PIRATE QUEEN will release their second album, "Sailing Around The World", on September 4 through Despotz Records. But someone uploaded the album to Pirate Bay before release. The album was swiftly taken down from the infamous site, but instead of sending anyone to walk the plank, PIRATE QUEEN decided to give something back to their loyal crew around the world. To celebrate the chaos, the band has now released a brand-new music video for the song "William Kidd".youtu.be/uKurQeLR6Ts?si=9ifBf_1zJBWiTrfj | facebook.com/piratequeenofficial | despotz.se
3 SINGLES AND 2 ALBUMS
Thomas Carlsen's TRANSMISSION: Starchaser (traditional melodic heavy metal)CHÄINFIST: Chäinfist (noisey hard rock n roll)
DANCE COMMANDER: Nighttrippin' (sleazy Scandinavian rock)
CRIMSON DAY: Dark Dimension (classic heavy metal)
DRAKKAR: Invasion (thrash/speed metal)
PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED ALBUM WITH THE CRAMPS TO BE RELEASED IN AUGUST
American psychobilly/punk legends The CRAMPS will release the album "Gravest Gravy", on August 21. It's a never-before released recording from 1977, and it will be available on vinyl, CD and digital.More info and pre-order: thecramps.com
PAUL Di'ANNO's BATTLEZONE CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY OF DEBUT ALBUM
In 1986, legendary vocalist Paul Di'Anno - who was the voice behind IRON MAIDEN's formative years - launched a bold new chapter with the release of "Fighting Back", the explosive debut album from BATTLEZONE.4 decades later, "Fighting Back" remains an essential document of 1980s heavy metal, and to celebrate this 40th anniversary, Deko Entertainment has remastered and repackaged this landmark release from the former IRON MAIDEN frontman. It will be available in August on 180-gram vinyl in 2 limited edition colors, CD, and contains the bonus track "Rising Star".
SEPULTURA ANNOUNCES LAST SHOW
After more than 4 decades of bringing heavy music to the world's biggest stages, Brazilian/American metallers SEPULTURA have announced the final show of their career. The historic performance will take place on November 7, 2026 at the Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu in São Paulo, Brazil. They will be joined by METAL ALLEGIANCE, KRISIUN and SACRED REICH. And additional special guests will be announced soon..NEW SINGLE WITH ÅSKVÄDER ON FRIDAY
Swedish rock band ÅSKVÄDER will release a new single, "Farewell", on Friday, May 29. It's the first taste of their upcoming third album, and their first release through the label Icons Creating Evil Art. This track also marks the beginning of a new chapter together with new singer/guitarist Saga Flygare Täll.found.ee/farewellsingle | linktr.ee/askvaderband | icea.se
HAVOK SIGNS WITH BLKIIBLK
Colorado thrash quartet HAVOK have officially signed to BLKIIBLK. Their debut on the label is the new single, "Fifth Generation Warfare"."Fifth Generation Warfare" is also the first release with their new guitarist, Brett Rechtfertig.
In addition to the new single, HAVOK recently announced tours in the United States, Latin America, and Europe.
youtu.be/IqeKU0_xh78?si=oB7neOCkLFsa96ta
SLADE's DAVE HILL TO RELEASE SOLO ALBUM
SLADE member Dave Hill will release a new solo album, "Dirty Foot Lane", in October.More details: facebook.com/OfficialSladeBand
ARMORED SAINT AND METAL CHURCH ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN CO-HEADLINING TOUR
ARMORED SAINT will join METAL CHURCH for a North American co-headlining tour this fall. "The Metal Saint Tour 2026" will commence on November 2 in San Juan Capistrano, California and run through November 21 in Agoura Hills, California. Additional support will be provided by LIVEKILL.Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 29.
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM RELEASES NEW MUSIC VIDEO
American thrash metal pioneers FLOTSAM AND JETSAM have released the official music video for the title track of their upcoming album, "Rats In The Temple", which is due on August 28 via Napalm Records.youtu.be/DLwxt85T3u0?si=2MtRKt4r1MKLVmB-
TARJA TURUNEN SHARES NEW MUSIC VIDEO
Former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen has released the official music video for the song "The Trace Outlives". The track features a guest appearance by Sayo Komada, a shamisen player fluent in both the Tsugaru and Nagauta styles, and is the third single from Tarja's upcoming metal album "Frisson Noir", which is due out on June 12 via earMUSIC.youtu.be/QHjoCeUVzpc?si=hBxgl6vxoBe16JzO
LEX LEGION ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER LIVE SHOW
Mikkey Dee
LEX LEGION, the new band featuring 4/5 of KING DIAMOND's classic late 80s lineup, will play its first-ever concert on November 28 at Filmstudion in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The band features Andy La Rocque (guitar), Mikkey Dee (drums), Pete Blakk (guitar) and Hal Patino (bass), alongside vocalist Nils K. Rue (PAGAN'S MIND).
LEX LEGION's self-titled debut album will be released in June via MNRK Music Group.
NEW SINGLE WITH MOONSPELL
Portuguese dark metal pioneers MOONSPELL return with the next haunting chapter from their forthcoming studio album, "Far From God". The band have released the official music video for their brand new single, the album opening track "Cross Your Heart"."Far From God" will arrive on July 3 via Napalm Records.
youtu.be/YxNpXNKU0aE?si=URnkQM8Rl8CnULZ_ | lnk.to/Moonspell-FarFromGod | moonspell.com
MIXED FEELINGS
Press photo of MANDY MANALA
MANDY MANALA: Something Wicked (heavy rock/stoner rock)
The SCALAR PROCESS: Agnomysticism (progressive/technical death metal)
ACACIA AVENUE: Chapter V (melodic hard rock/AOR)
HELLSINGLAND UNDERGROUND TO CELEBRATE 20th ANNIVERSARY
Press photo
Swedish rock band HELLSINGLAND UNDERGROUND will celebfrate their 20th anniversary at Rosehills in Ljusdal, Sweden on July 30. They will play the entire debut album from start to finish.
The group is currenlty working on a new album.
facebook.com/hellsinglandunderground
DRAGONFORCE ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
Epic power metal veterans DRAGONFORCE are inviting fans to join them on their largest North American tour in more than 2 decades. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of their album "Inhuman Rampage", the cross-country run will bring the band to 22 cities this November and December, with support from ENSIFERUM and RHAPSODY OF FIRE.Beginning at San Diego's Observatory on Friday, November 13, dates will stretch from New York City's Palladium Times Square to Chicago's Riviera Theatre, Los Angeles's Wiltern and beyond. Public on-sale begins this Friday, May 29, with Citi and artist presales starting today (May 26).
dragonforce.com
THE BOYS ARE IN THE STUDIO
British/Swedish punk rock veterans The BOYS are currently in a studio here in Sweden to record a new album, which will be released in December.
ATTENTAT RECORDING NEW ALBUM
Swedish punk rock veterans ATTENTAT are currently in the studio to record a new album, which seems to be titled "Pilsner, Punk & Poesi". And there will be a release party at Musiken Hus in their hometown Göteborg on October 23 with special guests GATUPLAN.
facebook.com/AttentatGBG
HÄLLAS ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN TOUR
Swedish adventure rockers HÄLLAS are going on a European tour together with their friends EARTH TONGUE in October.facebook.com/haellas
NEW EP WITH KNIFVEN ON FRIDAY
Swedish punk trio KNIFVEN will release a new 6-track EP, "Negativ Positiv", on Friday, May 29. It will be released digitally through their own label Røv Records.METAL AND PSYCH ROCK
NARNIA: X (melodic metal)ELDER: Through Zero (progressive psych rock adventure)
CROCELL: Swarm Of Insects (death/black metal)
FURNACE: Echoes Of A Distant Future (melodic death metal)
RAUNCHY: Frameworker (modern/melodic/death metal)
MASTERPLAN SHARES NEW MUSIC VIDEO
Power metal veterans MASTERPLAN, who are led by former HELLOWEEN guitarist Roland Grapow, will release their new studio album, "Metalmorphosis", on June 26 via Frontiers Music Srl. The official music video for the LP's 4th single, "The Call", is out now.youtu.be/_Wabn62f8PU?si=9__pqXsw_6p_SKQx | ffm.bio/metalmorphosis
GATANS LAG, SMÅJÄVLAFÖTTER AND BOB MALMSTRÖM CONFIRMED FOR PUNKPARKEN
Punkparken is a punk festival at Mariebergsparken in Kinna (a few miles outside Borås), Sweden on July 3-4. Confirmed acts for this summer's edition are GATANS LAG, DEATH BY HORSE, SMÅJÄVLAFÖTTER, VET HUT, BOB MALMSTRÖM, SKARABÉ, PÄRLOR OCH SVINN, DOSMER, SYSTEMKOLLAPS, RAKA RØR etc. They will also show the ANTI CIMEX documentary "Jawbreaker".
punkparken.se
SLUTSTATION TJERNOBYL BASSIST IS DEAD
Swedish trallpunk band SLUTSTATION TJERNOBYL has lost their bassist, Michael Edström, who passed away yesterday (May 23).facebook.com/SlutstationTjernobyl
3 SINGLES AND A SPLIT
FIMBUL WINTER: Crowned In Ash (melodic death metal)EXHUMED/IRON REAGAN (reissue) (gore metal/hardcore punk/crossover)
DRAKKAR: 666 'n' Rock 'n' Roll (Tribute To Them) (speed/heavy metal)
CRIMSON DAY: Song Of Fire (heavy metal)
BOMBUS WORKING ON NEW ALBUM
Swedish metal band BOMBUS are currently working on a new album, which they plan to release in early 2027. They are also booking a European tour for spring 2027.facebook.com/bombusmusic
CRYSTAL EYES DONE WITH NEW ALBUM
The recordings of local (Borås, Sweden) power metal veterans CRYSTAL EYES's 9th album is complete. Now they will mix and master it at Studio Fredman before it's ready to be released.
facebook.com/crystaleyessweden
DIMMU BORGIR RELEASES NEW MUSIC VIDEO
Norwegian symphonic black metallers DIMMU BORGIR have released a cinematic music video for "As Seen In The Unseen", the latest single from their new album, "Grand Serpent Rising", which was released yesterday (Friday, May 22) via Nuclear Blast Records.youtu.be/x1K4gVUQkDU?si=WuWYlxqz6v8xNoqo
AVATAR ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN TOUR
Swedish theatrical metal band AVATAR have announced a headline tour across Europe in the end of the year.The tour kicks off on November 20 in Wolverhampton, U.K. and runs through until December 19 in Wrocław, Poland. The Danish death metal band NECKBREAKKER will be support on all dates. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, May 26 at: avatarmetal.com
MIKKEY DEE WITH FRIENDS at Liseberg in Göteborg, Sweden on May 22, 2026
Swedish drummer Mikkey Dee (SCORPIONS, LEX LEGION, ex-MOTÖRHEAD, KING DIMAOND, DOKKEN) played some MOTÖRHEAD songs at the tivoli Liseberg last night together with 2 guys from action rockers The DRIPPERS. You should have been there!
Read all about it and see some photos
HARDCORE SUPERSTAR ANNOUNCES SCANDINAVIAN TOUR
In October/November, Swedish street hard rockers HARDCORE SUPERSTAR are going on their biggest Scandinavian tour in years. The "Dirty Halo Tour" is hitting 21 venues across Sweden, Finland and Estonia before continuing into Europe and the rest of the world during 2027.
Tickets go on sale this Monday, May 25 at: hardcoresuperstar.com/tour
THE CASUALTIES ADD DATES IN ITALY AND GERMANY
American punk veterans The CASUALTIES has added a date in Italy and 3 more in Germany to their upcoming European summer tour.Tickets and dates: thecasualtiesofficial.com/tour
NEW SINGLE WITH MOLIOR SUPERUM
Swedish retro hard rockers MOLIOR SUPERUM have released a new single, "Spegeln".moliorsuperum.bandcamp.com/track/spegeln
NEW SINGLE WITH STRÖM
Swedish-singing hard rockers STRÖM have released the second single, "Mer Ström Åt Folket", from an upcoming album that will be released in early October.youtu.be/PMMHtCogvLY?si=CSYTy_okoiVv-EV0 | facebook.com/TidenSjunger
NEW SONG WITH THE SOLAR LODGE
Swedish goth/rock veterans The SOLAR LODGE have also released a new single, "Skiter I".solarlodge.lnk.to/YvUDrU | facebook.com/thesolarlodgesthlm
ERIK GRÖNWALL ANNOUNCES JAPANESE DATES
Swedish hard rock singer Erik Grönwall (MSG, ex-SKID ROW, H.E.A.T) are going to Japan in November for his first solo dates there.There will be 2 shows:
Nov. 4 - Tokyo, Ebisu Gardens Hall
Nov. 5 - Osaka, Umeda Club Quattro
linktr.ee/erikgronwall
OZZY BECOMES A.I. AVATAR
On Wednesday (May 20), Sharon and Jack Osbourne announced the creation of an A.I. avatar of Ozzy Osbourne during a talk called "The Enduring Legacy Of A Rock Icon And His Family: Ozzy Osbourne And The Osbournes" on the License Global main stage at Licensing Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The digital Ozzy is coming to life through a partnership between Hyperreal, the digital human technology company behind the patented Digital DNA process, and Proto Hologram. Together they will enable the avatar to have conversations with fans and move, speak and respond as Ozzy would.Digital Ozzy will appear in Proto Luma units - described as life-size, patented holoportation devices that can display live or pre-recorded content with its 86-inch multi-touch volumetric display, 4K resolution, high fidelity speakers, and spatial computing / conversational A.I. capabilities - in the U.K. and U.S. beginning late summer.
THE DARKNESS RELEASES THEME SONG FOR NEW "Masters Of The Universe" MOVIE
British rockers The DARKNESS have released "Masters Of The Universe", the theme tune to this year's long-awaited He-Man movie "Masters Of The Universe", which premiered earlier this week at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.youtu.be/G_lonD5RUVY?si=wz2PA76b_Dmix8J9
NOFX TO RELEASE SOUNDTRACK TO NEW DOCUMENTARY
American punk rock veterans NOFX have released a video for their song "40 Years of Fuckin' Up". The song appears in their documentary of the same name, which is screening in select theatres around the world, and you can see a complete list of upcoming screenings here: 40yearsoffuckinup.com/tickets.The song is also on the official soundtrack and score album which will be out on August 28 via Fat Wreck Chords. The album features 26 songs in total, including new original score songs, 2 unreleased singles - "40 Years of Fuckin' Up" and "We Did It Our Way" - rare demos and covers, and live versions of NOFX songs.
THIS ROCKS
US: Yo-Yo Revolution (rock)VACUM: Bensin Och Låtsaspengar (punk rock/post-punk)
64 FUNNYCARS: Happy Go Lucky (teaser) (power pop/pop punk)
TAXI GIRLS: Say It! (punk anthem)
NEW SINGLE WITH FINNTROLL SINGER LILLMÅNS
Last year, Mathias Lillmåns - recognized by most as vocalist "Vreth" in Finnish folk metal institution FINNTROLL - dug through his personal vaults and released "Remains", a 17-track collection spanning 3 decades of his work with different bands. And now he returns with his first solo single, "In Glorious Black and White", under the name LILLMÅNS.ffm.to/in-glorious-black-and-white
TWIN PIGS CONFIRMED FOR VRÅLET
TWIN PIGS, DEATH BY UNGA BUNGA and VET HUT! have been confirmed for the punk and rock festival Vrålet!, which happens at Filmstudion in Göteborg, Sweden on November 6-7.
vralet.se
3 AT THE GATES ALBUMS TO BE RE-RELEASED ON CD
3 albums with Swedish death metal legends AT THE GATES will be re-released as remastered CD editions this Friday, May 22. The albums are "The Red in the Sky is Ours", "With Fear I Kiss the Burning Darkness", and "Terminal Spirit Disease".
Peaceville.lnk.to/At_The_Gates | facebook.com/AtTheGatesOfficial
METAL CHURCH GOES TO JAPAN
American metal veterans METAL CHURCH are going to Japan for 3 shows at Holiday Shinjuku in Tokyo on October 9-11.linktr.ee/metalchurchofficial
NEW SINGLE WITH SKID ROW BASSIST RACHEL BOLAN
As you might know, SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan will release his debut solo album, "Gargoyle Of The Garden State", on June 12 via earMUSIC. The official music video for the LP's third single, "Memory", is out now.youtu.be/7ZNqpC1KPtQ?si=Ob2ZqbTD32yxSjfV
ADRIAN VANDENBERG ANNOUNCES U.S. CO-HEADLINE TOUR WITH VINNIE MOORE AND MARCO MENDOZA
Dutch guitarist Adrian Vandenberg (VANDENBERG, WHITESNAKE) is bringing a powerhouse night of classic hard rock to U.S. audiences this August with "My Whitesnake Years" tour. The tour features an all-star lineup including acclaimed guitarist Vinnie Moore and veteran bassist/vocalist Marco Mendoza, celebrating decades of iconic rock music spanning WHITESNAKE, THIN LIZZY, UFO, Ted Nugent and beyond.Tickets and a VIP meet-and-greet packages are available for purchase here: vandenbergband.com/tour
OUT ON FRIDAY (May 22)
NORTHBORN: Northborn (melodic death metal)MöTT: Best Is Yet To Come (classic American hard rock)
NEW SINGLE WITH MOB RULES
German power metal veterans MOB RULES have unveiled their brand-new single "Above The Maelstrom", taken from the forthcoming studio album, "Stories From The Verdant Vale", set for release on August 21 via ROAR - A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music.mobrules.rpm.link/maelstromPR | mobrules.rpm.link/storiesPR | facebook.com/mobrulesband
ARCH ENEMY ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WITH THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
ARCH ENEMY and The BLACK DAHLIA MURDER will return to North American stages this fall on a co-headlining tour. The "Wrath Across America 2026" tour runs from October 5 through November 19. Additional support will be provided by SEPTICFLESH, CRYPTA and THROWN INTO EXILE.
More info: archenemy.live
KAM LEE TO FRONT BENEDICTION FOR LATIN AMERICAN TOUR
MASSACRE frontman Kam Lee, who was a member of an early version of DEATH as well as the pre-DEATH band MANTAS alongside guitarist/vocalist Chuck Schuldiner and guitarist Rick Rozz, will handle lead vocals for British death metal veterans BENEDICTION during their November 2026 tour of Latin America.Lee's addition to BENEDICTION's touring lineup comes 1 week after it was announced that BENEDICTION vocalist Dave Ingram was stepping down from the band due to ongoing health issues. BENEDICTION confirmed that Ingram will still appear at select shows throughout 2026, depending on his health. BENEDICTION will also play other concerts with fill-in vocalists, including Oscar Rilo and returning frontman Dave Hunt.
GOOD AND BAD
DEEP PURPLE: Arrogant Boy (classic hard rock)DESECRESY: The Secret Of Death (dark death metal)
FATAL VISION: Four Sides To Every Story (melodic rock)
LION'S SHARE RELEASES NEW VIDEO
Swedish heavy metal band LION'S SHARE have released the new video for "We Are What We Are", celebrating the song's milestone of over 1 million Spotify streams.The band released their latest album, "Inferno", in March this year. It was their first studio album in 17 years, and "We Are What We Are" has become one of the standout songs on the album.
youtube.com/watch?v=CU-yIM4XUIE | lionsshare.org
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