Photo Credit: Stefán Ari Stefánsson

After joining forces with OPETH’s Mikael Åkerfeldt on their previous single 'Philosopher', Icelandic retro-fuelled prog rock trio THE VINTAGE CARAVAN have released new single 'Crossroads', taken from their forthcoming studio album, Portals, due out on 26th September 2025 via Napalm Records.  The track showcases THE VINTAGE CARAVAN's signature fusion of classic hard rock, blues, and psychedelia, with a thunderous blend of 70s-inspired riffs and modern energy.

Watch the video for 'Crossroads' here: https://youtu.be/7a5loP5tjp8

Stream the single and pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/TheVintageCaravan-Portals

Bassist Alexander Örn Númason commented: "We are very happy to present to you our new single 'Crossroads'! The song, which is a slight departure from our previous work, almost ended up on our album Monuments. Ultimately we felt like the time wasn’t right but fast forward a few years, we had a few playthroughs and finally we felt like we were able to do the song justice.

"This album is very much about trying out new styles and techniques and this was the perfect fit for this diverse catalog of songs. At this point in our career we feel like we can really try completely new things and just allow songs to be what they are without having to adhere to a certain style and I think it really shows with this album.

"Lyrically the song was written when I was at a certain crossroads in my life. It reflects on that through the lens of being lost in a forest at nighttime and your mind racing at every sound and sight. The cherry on top for this song were the guest vocals from Icelandic powerhouse singer Eyþór Ingi, who happened to be in Porto at the time.

"We sincerely hope you enjoy and thanks for listening!"

Portals is another testament to THE VINTAGE CARAVAN’s endlessly creative, modern take on the psychedelic retro rock sound, cementing the band’s leading position in the scene. The band’s previous studio album, Monuments, hit #21 on the German charts, marking a milestone in their evolution, and the new offering – which also features a stunning guest performance by Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt on the soulful album opener 'Philosopher' – continues to solidify THE VINTAGE CARAVAN’s reputation as torchbearers of contemporary classic rock. Aside from their critically acclaimed releases, the band’s electrifying live performances have mesmerized audiences at major festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Hellfest, as well as on international tours both as headliners and as support for the likes of progressive metal giants Opeth. THE VINTAGE CARAVAN will be celebrating the release of Portals with extensive headline tours in mainland Europe and the UK, announced for autumn 2025.

Catch the band on the following dates:

25/10/2025 UK Margate - Margate Rock Festival, Margate
26/10/2025 UK London - Camden Assembly
27/10/2025 UK Brighton - Dust
28/10/2025 UK Southampton - The 1865
29/10/2025 UK Bristol - Exchange
30/10/2025 UK Birmingham - Mama Roux
31/10/2025 UK Newcastle - Think Tank
01/11/2025 UK Glasgow - Classic Grand

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN are:
Stefán Ari Stefánsson - Drums, backing vocals, percussion
Óskar Logi Águstsson - Electric guitars, vocals, acoustic guitars, flute
Alexander Örn Númason - Bass guitars, backing vocals, synthesizers, Farfisa

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
X
YOUTUBE
SPOTIFY
NAPALM RECORDS

Track list:
1. Philosopher (ft. Mikael Åkerfeldt)
2. Portal I
3. Days Go By
4. Portal II
5. Here You Come Again
6. Current
7. Give and Take
8. Portal III
9. Crossroads
10. Alone
11. Portal IV
12. Freedom
13. Riot
14. Electrified
15. Portal V
16. My Aurora
17. This Road

Formats:

- 1 CD Digipak
- 2LP Black Vinyl
- 2LP Solid Silver
- 2LP Splattered Milk / Black Orange
- 2LP  Marbled Green Yellow Black
- Digital Album

Photo Credit: Sofia Ruda

Ukrainian blackened death/doom metal unit 1914 return with unrelenting power on their fourth studio album, Viribus Unitis, out 14th November via Napalm Records. 

Alongside the album announcement, the band have revealed their first single, '1916 (The Südtirol Offensive)', a despairing blackened doom anthem of defiance. 

Watch the video for '1916 (The Südtirol Offensive)' here: https://youtu.be/n-QDGBnCqoQ

Pre-order Viribus Unitis here: http://lnk.to/1914-ViribusUnitis/napalmrecords

Viribus Unitis, which is Latin for 'With United Forces', is more than just the personal motto of Franz Joseph I, the former emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire - this title directly speaks to 1914's resilience through war, loss, and upheaval; a powerful symbol of survival and solidarity. The new album builds on the band’s acclaimed conceptual approach, reaching new emotional depths and musical intensity.
 
Continuing their chronicle of World War I, 1914 shift their focus from the raw portrayal of death and destruction, to exploring themes of camaraderie, endurance and the emotional landscapes of those who endured the horrors of trench warfare. While previous releases like The Blind Leading the Blind (2018) and Where Fear and Weapons Meet (2021) centred on the futility and finality of war, Viribus Unitis exemplifies the interpersonal bonds forged under fire and the strength of those warriors who made it home: broken, changed, yet still alive.
                                                                                             
The first single to be taken from the album, '1916 (The Südtirol Offensive)', is a despairing blackened doom anthem of defiance, recounting the brutal Battle of Asiago in grim, poetic detail. With thunderous riffs and crushing walls of sound, 1914 make the Austro-Hungarian attack on Italy tangible, bringing another piece of history to life through sound, relentlessly and uncompromisingly.
 
k.u.k. Galizisches IR Nr.15, Gefreiter, Ditmar Kumarberg about '1916 (The Südtirol Offensive)':
“From May 15 to June 10, 1916, the Italian Front saw one of its most intense clashes: the Battle of Asiago, also known as the Trentino Offensive. The Austro-Hungarian army launched a massive surprise attack, hoping to crush Italian forces and break into the Venetian plains. Nearly 200 battalions and 2000 guns, including 280 heavy artillery pieces, were amassed in Trentino. The Italians, caught off guard, were pushed back – but held the line with fierce resistance. The combined toll of 230,000 casualties on both sides underscores the staggering human cost of the campaign. A brutal reminder of the mountain warfare that defined this front.”

Musically, 1914 remain true to their identity, a brutal mixture of blackened death metal, slow-burning doom, and ambient war soundscapes. This time, however, their sound gains a broader dynamic range, with soaring melodic leads, orchestral textures, and haunting clean vocals that provide dramatic contrast to the crushing heaviness. 
 
1914 about Viribus Unitis: "Viribus Unitis is about shared strength and the idea that true power lies in unity. Alone, one may fall, together, we can prevail and achieve our goals: Defeat the enemy, escape captivity, survive and return to your family. We return with a new story. A story of life and military valor of a soldier who encountered the Great War in his native city of Lviv and went through it all. Side by side, with joint efforts of Ukrainians, Poles, Hungarians, Slovenes, Czechs, Slovaks, Jews, Croats, Bosniaks, Germans – all the peoples who made up the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire. Empires did not count people – they threw them into meat grinders where survival was only possible through unity. By helping one another. By sacrificing yourself for the sake of your loved ones and comrades.
 
"This is a story of being blinded by war and the grandeur of the empire, of the heat of battle, realisation and acceptance of reality, awakening, changing values, captivity, and liberation. It is a story of unbreakable will to live and hope amidst a terrifying and bloody war. It is a story of a new little life that changes all the rules and forces one to see the familiar from a different perspective. It is a story of love. It is a story of loss and death. Viribus Unitis is when pain, death, loss, loneliness and fear encircle you. But you’re still unbroken!"

One of the album’s highlights is a collaboration with Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride and High Parasite on '1918 Pt. 3: ADE (A Duty to Escape)', whose mournful voice adds a solemn, almost liturgical quality to this elegy of grief and brotherhood on the front lines. Viribus Unitis deepens 1914’s commitment to historical authenticity, both lyrically and conceptually. Told through real events and personal accounts of a Ukrainian soldier in the K.u.K. Army, the album traces a timeline from 1914 to 1919, painting a grim journey through the war’s rise, climax, and hollow aftermath. From the brooding opener 'War In' to the bleak closer 'War Out (The End?)', each track captures a moment in time: the brutal '1914 (The Siege of Przemyśl)', the frostbitten '1915 (Zwinin Ridge)', the crushing Alpine combat of '1916 (Südtirol Offensive)', and the madness of '1918 Pt. 2: POW (Prisoner of War)' featuring Christopher Scott of Precious Death. The album ends with '1919 (The Home Where I Died)', featuring Rome’s Jerome Reuter, a haunting portrait of a soldier who survived the war, but not its shadow. This emotional song deals with the soldier's will to live and his family values, seeing him escape from captivity to finally return home to embrace his wife and daughter. 1914 fuse blackened death metal, doom, and atmospheric textures with dramatic flourishes and guest vocals, creating their most dynamic and emotionally resonant record to date.

1914 are:
K.K. LIR. Lemberg Nr.19 Fähnrich, Rostislaw Potoplacht – Drums
k.u.k. Galizisches IR Nr.15, Gefreiter, Ditmar Kumarberg – Vocals
K.K. LIR Czernowitz Nr.22 Oberleutnant, Witaly Wyhovsky – Guitar
K.K. LIR Stanislau Nr.20 Zugsführer, Oleksa Fisiuk – Guitar
k.u.k. Galizisch-Bukowina’sches IR Nr.24, Feldwebel, Armen Howhannisjan – Bass

1914 online:
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
NAPALM RECORDS

Viribus Unitis track list:

1. War In (The Beginning of the Fall)
2. 1914 (The Siege of Przemyśl)
3. 1915 (Easter Battle for the Zwinin Ridge)
4. 1916 (The Südtirol Offensive)
5. 1917 (The Isonzo Front)
6. 1918 Pt 1: WIA (Wounded in Action)
7. 1918 Pt 2: POW (Prisoner of War)
8. 1918 Pt 3: ADE (A duty to escape)
9. 1919 (The Home Where I Died)
10. War Out (The End?)

Viribus Unitis will be available in the following formats

- 2-LP Gatefold Vinyl Hardcover Book MARBLED ORANGE/BLACK/RED, incl. 72p Booklet – strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide
- 3-LP Gatefold Vinyl MARBLED CRISTALLO/GOLD, incl. Bonus Vinyl* – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide (Napalm Records Mailorder only)
- Wooden Box Edition, incl. Digipack, Bonus CD*, Flag, Pendant, 4 Cards – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide (Napalm Records Mailorder only)
- 2-LP Gatefold BLACK
- Black Vinyl & Shirt Bundle (Napalm Records Mailorder only)
- Digipack & Shirt Bundle (Napalm Records Mailorder only)
- 4 Page Digipack
- Digital Album
 
*incl. the following bonus tracks:
1 War In
2 Die Karpathenschlacht (Rework 2025)
3 Die Karpathenschlacht (Ship Her Son RMX)
4 8 × 50 mm R. Infanterie Repetiergewehr M.95 (Rework 2025)
5 8 × 50 mm R. Infanterie Repetiergewehr M.95 (Kadaitcha RMX)
6 War out

Blending singer-songwriter sensibilities with modern progressive rock, Our Oceans' music resonates with listeners who seek a soul-stirring experience, offering both catharsis and hope. Today, the trio - singer and guitarist Tymon Kruidenier and his former Exivious bassist Robin Zielhorst and drummer Yuma van Eekelen - have released their new single and video 'Lost In Blue'. The song is the second single from Our Oceans' new studio album Right Here, Right Now, to be released on 24th October 2025 via Long Branch Records.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/d4fzQev32rE

Pre-order Right Here, Right Now here: https://ouroceans.lnk.to/righthererightnow

"'Lost In Blue' is a much more introspective and personal song, reminiscent of our debut album," comments band leader Tymon Kruidenier. "I prefer not to divulge too much about my lyrics; I’d rather let the listener form their own interpretation. So, staying true to that, I’ll leave the meaning open-ended and instead focus on the music. The musical embryo for this song actually came from Robin, specifically the alternating C major to B major progression. I built the rest of the song around that idea. For the instrumental section, I wanted to try something we hadn’t done before: a dual bass/guitar solo. In line with the song’s lyrical theme, I envisioned the bass and guitar parts dancing around each other, creating a sense of entanglement and interplay. It ultimately didn’t end up sounding much like a traditional solo, but I love how it turned out regardless."

On Right Here, Right Now, Our Oceans unveil a brighter, more exhilarating sonic landscape while maintaining the evocative emotional depth that has become their hallmark. Inspired by the "bright quality of the now," the band from the Netherlands crafts a richly layered musical journey filled with lush harmonies and uplifting atmospheres. The album captures the vibrancy of the present moment, blending intricate musicianship with an infectious sense of optimism.

"I’m incredibly proud of our previous album, but it’s a bit of a bitter pill to swallow," continues singer and guitarist Tymon Kruidenier. "This time around, I also felt the need to return to the creative philosophy behind the first Our Oceans album: simply letting things flow. Instead of steering the process or clinging to preconceived ideas of what the music should be, I wanted to trust in an open and unrestricted creative approach, allowing the songs to take shape naturally. It all started with the chorus for what became the album’s first track, 'Golden Rain'. From there, everything came together in what felt like one effortless flow state that lasted for a month or two. I think this resulted in a collection of songs that feel balanced and cohesive, yet diverse and playful."

Our Oceansare:
Tymon Kruidenier - Vocals, Guitars
Robin Zielhorst - Bass
Yuma van Eekelen - Drums

FollowOur Oceans:
https://www.youtube.com/c/ouroceansband
https://www.instagram.com/ouroceansband
https://www.facebook.com/OurOceans
https://www.tiktok.com/@ouroceansband

Tracklist:
1 Golden Rain
2 Lost In Blue
3 Leave Me Be
4 Untamed
5 Just Like You
6 Drifting In The Drops
7 Sun Stained Waters
8 If Only...
9 Abloom

Photo Credit: Simon Volz

Photo Credit: RiccardoCenciMedia

German pop-punk rising stars Indecent Behavior and their British emo pop-punk label mates Air Drawn Dagger are releasing a joint single today, entitled 'Give Me Everything'. 

After performing at Rock am Ring, Rock im Park and touring with Neck Deep, Zebrahead and the Donots, Indecent Behavior have their fourth studio album, SICK, in the pipeline, due for release on 26th September. Air Drawn Dagger released their debut album 'A Guide For Apparitions' in April, produced by Neil Kennedy (Creeper, Boston Manor), recently toured with Halocene and Crushed By Waves, and performed at Glastonbury Festival.

"The new single 'Give Me Everything' is for all those who want to break free from a toxic relationship – confidently and looking forward," says Indecent Behavior singer Henrik Bergmann. "People are different – what is completely normal for one person can mean the exact opposite for another. When two fundamentally different personalities come together in a relationship, it often gets complicated – sometimes even painful. 'Give Me Everything' is a liberating blow. The song is about the moment when you realise: 'I don't want this anymore – I'm worth more than this and I won't let myself be manipulated any longer. It's not about settling scores with anger, but consciously drawing a line under things – without resentment, but with a clear view of the future. Maisie from Air Drawn Dagger brings a second perspective to the song. Because even if at first glance it seems as if there is a clear 'guilty' person, it is often simply a question of fundamentally different views on life and on each other."

Watch the video to 'Give Me Everything' here: https://youtu.be/tREWyzJd1sU

Stream the single and pre-order the album SICK by Indecent Behavior here: https://indecentbehavior.lnk.to/sick

In November, the two bands will also be performing together on stage, as Air Drawn Dagger will be accompanying Indecent Behavior on their SICK tour through Germany from 20 to 28 November. Let's go!

We live in a world full of impressions. What seems like an ocean full of possibilities to some is incredibly overwhelming, oppressive and unfair to others. There is no escape from the mass of unfiltered information that rains down on us every day. No light at the end of the dark news tunnel. No clear way out of the labyrinth of options, which instead of freedom only brings excessive demands. SICK was created precisely from these thoughts and is an album for everyone for whom it sometimes just gets too much. Who feel like they are living in a world that they simply don't understand. For all people who are looking for a place where they can feel understood and comfortable.

Product versions:
LP Edition in sleeve with marbled white/translucent red vinyl and LP insert
Limited to 500 copies
LP Edition in sleeve with splattered dark black smoke/yellow vinyl and LP insert
Band exclusive / Limited to 300 copies
CD Edition in Digipak
Standard Stream & Download

Indecent Behavior are:
Henrik Bergmann – Vocals
Christian Noß – Guitar, Vocals
Denis Selzer – Bass, Vocals
Florian Heintz – Drums

Indecent Behavior online:
https://www.instagram.com/indecentbehaviorofficial
https://www.facebook.com/IndecentBehavior

Track list:

1 Grown Up
2 Not In A Lifetime
3 Chaos
4 Sick
5 Give Me Everything (ft. Air Drawn Dagger)
6 I Fell In Love Every Weekend
7 Shoot
8 Pointless
9 Black Water
10 No Direction
11 If I Had Two Lives
12 The Story Never Ends (ft. All To Get Her)

Photo Credit: Napalm Records

Swiss heavy metal powerhouse Burning Witches have unleashed their brand new single, 'Soul Eater', taken from their upcoming album, Inquisition, out this Friday, 22nd August via Napalm Records.

Watch the video for 'Soul Eater' here: https://youtu.be/BmT0l47wpV0

Pre-order Inquisition here: https://napalmrecords.com/burning-witches

The all-female force blends classic heavy metal with the raw intensity of ’80s thrash, as 'Soul Eater' delivers a relentless assault of pounding drums, razor-sharp riffs and soaring vocals, all anchored by an unforgettable chorus.

"This is the sound of Burning Witches, which represents our soul, mood and ravenous character in the love of Heavy Metal," the band comment. "Fast, heavy, screamy  - just how we like it! So play it as loud as you can, metalheads!"

On their sixth studio offering, the band return with a darker, more thunderous brew - diving headfirst into the themes of medieval persecution, religious oppression, and the unbreakable spirit of resistance. Featuring 12 brand-new tracks, the album marks a bold new era: forged in the flames of power/heavy metal, sharpened by anthemic songwriting and epic instrumentation.

Catch the band in the UK on the following dates:

23.01.26  London - The Dome UK
24.01.26  Birmingham - The Asylum  UK
25.01.26  Manchester - Academy 3 UK

When Burning Witches take the stage, the world trembles beneath their firestorm of heavy metal might! Following the classic heavy metal tones of their previous record, The Dark Tower (2023), Inquisition delivers tight production and an unrelenting onslaught of burning riffs, crushing drums, and vocal sorcery, driven by producers Damir Eskic (Destruction) and V.O. Pulver (Little Creek Studio, Pro-Pain, Destruction), and shaped by the songwriting of founding guitarist Romana Kalkuhl.

With Inquisition, Burning Witches unleash their most focused and ferocious album yet, honoring classic heavy metal roots while diving into darker, more powerful territory. From mystical ballads to breakneck shred-fests, the album channels both the sacred and profane, the melodic and the menacing - a testament to a band unafraid to evolve, fight, and enchant.

"As we celebrate our 10 Year Anniversary in 2025, I am very happy as well to announce our sixth album with pride and satisfaction. I am extremely happy to start the next chapter of our metal journey with my girls. The album Inquisition is for those of you who are into legends like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Slayer. Full of power, melodies, double bass drums, heavy riffs and speedy guitar solos, Inquisition is not only our style and lifestyle, it's our life! From the beginning to the end, it's the best of us,” Romana Kalkuhl comments.

"We and our label Napalm Records are a huge supporter of vinyl records, so with passion and joy we chose some great editions to add to your collectables. Now it’s your time to pick your Inquisition!"

Burning Witches are:
Romana Kalkuhl - Guitar
Laura Guldemond - Vocals
Courtney Cox - Guitar
Jay Grob - Bass
Lala Frischknecht - Drums

Burning Witches online:
https://www.facebook.com/burningwitches666
https://twitter.com/burningwitches_
https://www.instagram.com/burningwitchesofficial
https://www.burningwitches.ch
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuba8pbIQpqiM58ULyQczzw
https://www.tiktok.com/@burningwitches1   

Tracklist:

1. Sanguini Hominum
2. Soul Eater
3. Shame
4. The Spell Of The Skull
5. Inquisition
6. High Priestess Of The Night
7. Burn In Hell
8. Release Me
9. In For The Kill
10. In The Eye Of The Storm
11. Mirror, Mirror
12. Malus Maga

Formats:

- 1 CD Digipak
- 1 LP Black
- 1 LP Translucent Orange (GSA, CH)
- 1 LP Translucent Orange Black Splatter
- 1 LP Cross Red Black
- 2 LP Die Hard Gold Black Marbled (feat. 1 LP Inquisition + 1 LP The Night Of The Witch, 8p Booklet)
- Deluxe Wooden Box (feat. CD + Live CD  + Autograph Card + Pendant + Gloves + Patch)
- Music Cassette
- Digital Album

Lord of the Lost continue their journey: on 12th December 2025, the genre-fluid six-piece will unveil the next chapter of their ongoing album trilogy with OPVS NOIR Vol. 2 (Napalm Records). This second part delves deeper into their melancholic take on unravelling their innermost selves and adds a hopeful new layer to the wonderfully dark panorama that was opened up by OPVS NOIR Vol. 1.

OPVS NOIR Vol. 2 adds another 11 songs to the trilogy and will be released in several editions, among them strictly limited collectibles.

Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/LOTL-OPVSNOIR

Following their enchantingly colourful 'Blood & Glitter', which earned them participation in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 and a #1 chart entry in their native Germany, Lord of the Lost reinvent themselves yet again. With OPVS NOIR Vol. 2, another 11 heartfelt songs join the three-part cycle, tying seamlessly into Vol. 1.

Once again produced by frontman Chris Harms in the historic Chameleon Studios, it is yet another stirring example of the Hamburg-based band’s unparalleled versatility. Opening with dark yet catchy 'The Fall From Grace', Lord of the Lost immediately showcases their way with grand ballroom choruses weaved into grave melodies that will continue to sit enthroned on all the varied tracks until the last note of the ballad 'Sharp Edges'.

Joining in are guests ranging from scene favourites to top-tier musicians outside the metal genre. First up is Infected Rain’s Lena Scissorhands, who refines the pitch-black 'Would You Walk With Me Through Hell?' with the full range of her fierce, yet fragile vocals. Similarly, Anna Brunner of rising melodic metal stars League Of Distortion and symphonic metal band Exit Eden lends her energetic voice to 'Please Break The Silence', inducing goosebumps - every talent is an important scene in OPVS NOIR’s grimly colorful movie for the ears. Unexpectedly, yet fittingly, Finnish rap artist KÄÄRIJÄ, runner-up at Eurovision 2023, turns 'Raveyard' into a dancefloor with a mix of industrial, gothic, and Finnish rap - as if heralding the dawn of a new genre. The most moving collaboration is the opulent 'What Have We Become', in which experimental artist IAMX meets Chris Harms for a cathartic duet.

Completely fearless, Lord of the Lost have long since playfully risen above genre conventions and expectations. OPVS NOIR Vol. 2 mercilessly opens new doors in the band’s musical palace, yet still feels 100% at home for fans from the very beginning!

Lord Of The Lost will tour the UK in November with support from UK metal outfit Skarlett Riot and the synth-rock pioneers JULIEN-K (featuring Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh of ORGY) from the US. Dates:

30.10.25 UK - Wolverhampton / KK’S Steel Mill
31.10.25 UK - Manchester / O2 Ritz
01.11.25 UK - Whitby / All Tomorrows Ghosts
02.11.25 UK - Glasgow / Garage
04.11.25 UK - Belfast / Limelight 1
05.11.25 UK - Dublin / Academy
07.11.25 UK - Bristol / The Prospect Building - Crane
08.11.25 UK - London / Electric Ballroom
09.11.25 UK - Southampton / Engine Rooms

Lord Of The Lost are:
Chris Harms – Vocals, Guitar
Pi Stoffers – Guitar
Class Grenayde – Bass
Gared Dirge – Piano, Synths, Percussion, Guitar
Niklas Kahl – Drums

Lord Of The Lost online:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Tiktok 
Napalm Records 

OPVS NOIR Vol. 2 will be available in the following formats:
- 1-LP VINYL DELUXE Edition Splattered Translucent Turquoise/White, Black
With 12-page booklet. Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 200 copies worldwide)
 
- 1-LP Liquid Vinyl Turquoise, Black
with 12-page booklet. Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 200 copies worldwide)
 
- 1-LP Gatefold Cristallo
With 12-page booklet. LORDSHOP exclusive (strictly limited to 200 copies worldwide)
 
- 1-LP Gatefold Recycled Black
 
- 1-CD in paper sleeve for everyone that already own a OPVS NOIR Collectors Edition (= Earbook or Wooden Box Set)
 
- 1-CD 6-page Digisleeve
with 16-page booklet
 
- Music Cassette Noir with silver print
Napalm Records Mailorder & LORDSHOP exclusive (strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide)
 
- Digital Album
 
- DEEP DIVE Edition, containing OPVS NOIR Vol. 2 Digisleeve with 16-page booklet, USB Stick incl. 8 so called “audio stems” per song, so you can deep dive into listening to the vocals only, the guitars only, the drums only, and so on. Also perfect for musicians to create your own playthrough versions or for audio engineers to create remixes. CD and USB stick bundled in a cloth bag – Napalm Records Mailorder Europe & LORDSHOP exclusive
 
AUDIO STEMS per song:
01 Drums, Percussion and Beats
02 Bass, Bass Synths
03 Rhythm Guitars
04 Additional Guitars
05 Piano
06 Orchestra, Choir, Organ
07 Synths
08 Vocals
+ Audio Click
+ MIDI Track containing all tempo and time signature changes
 
Audio format:
WAV, 44.1 kHz, 24 Bit

OPVS NOIR Vol. 2 tracklist:

1. The Fall From Grace
2. Would You Walk With Me Through Hell? (feat. Infected Rain)
3. One Of Us Will Be Next
4. Walls Of Eden
5. Raveyard (feat. Käärijä)
6. The Last Star
7. What Have We Become (feat. IAMX)
8. Winter’s Dying Heart
9. Scarlight
10. Please Break The Silence (feat. Anna Brunner)
11. Sharp Edges

Photo Credit: A Killer's Confession

A Killer's Confession have unveiled their new single 'Heart Shaped Box', from their forthcoming album Victim 2, out 19th September via MNRK Heavy.
 
'Heart Shaped Box' is a cover from Nirvana that appeared on their final studio album In Utero.
 
Stream 'Heart Shaped Box' here: https://ffm.mnrkheavy.com/heartshapedbox
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/P1Wr4TUvGfU

Pre-order Victim 2 here: https://akillersconfession.myshopify.com

In discussing the latest single, Waylon Reavis said, "I've always loved Nirvana. Kurt Cobain was a huge influence in my youth, and I felt that he helped shape the music that we create today and I wanted to do something that would honor his memory. We had been tossing around the idea of doing a cover song, but I needed it to fit into the concept. I felt like a 'Heart Shaped Box' was the right choice. So I thought to myself what if this was the song that was playing in the killer's head and maybe it's a song that started to change him for the better."

As the frontman and mastermind for A Killer's Confession, Waylon Reavis has delved into the light and dark sides of mankind on albums like The Indifference of Good Men and Unbroken. But it is his current Victim trilogy where he delves deeper into that concept and which truly lives up to the band’s name. The new Victim 2 (MNRK Heavy), the group’s fifth album, continues the story of a serial killer who wants to bring horrific criminals to justice. But, as he's learning, there are consequences for his misguided deeds, even if he thinks they are the right thing to do.
 
“I write this stuff for people to understand that we all have these thoughts,” Reavis says. “Like the devil's advocate – you’ve always got that devil on your shoulder, or that impulse, that little scratch on the side of your head that says, I want to do that. I've always been intrigued with that.”
 
After his booking agent Andrew Goodfriend planted the seed of the album’s concept in his mind, Reavis found further inspiration in the 2001 horror movie Frailty, in which the “God’s Hand” serial killer murders people that he believes to be demons and that he is doing God’s will. The antagonist of the Victim trilogy follows a similar path. In Victim 1, he went after people who had committed one of the Seven Deadly Sins, particularly those preying on young, innocent victims. In this sequel, he is reveling in his murder spree too much and faces a crisis of conscience. 
 
Like the psyche of this album’s antagonist, the sonic realm of A Killer’s Confession is also split into two different worlds, but for artistic reasons. Guitarist/drummer Dusten “Dusty” Boles and vocal producer Evan McKeever are Reavis’ studio songwriting partners, while his touring band features different members. The frontman likes to oversee everything in the creative process of the band from the studio to the stage, and he works with the people he think will thrive in each environment and deliver the best work to the musical project.
 
“I don't like doing the same thing over and over,” Reavis admits. “I like to experiment. I like to try to invent something new, take something that you know and mix it with modern metal. I'm not trying to create a new genre, but I like to be challenged and hear new things. If it rings in the ears and it makes you bob your head, it's good. It don't matter what style it is. I think a true artist should be interested in expanding themselves and where they can do anything they want. That's where AKC really excels.”

A Killer's Confession are:
Waylon Reavis - vocals
JP Cross - bass
James Skritch - guitar
Kegan King - drums
 
A Killer's Confession  online:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
YOUTUBE

Victim 2 tracklist:

Hopeless Gray
(In Case Of Emergency (ft. JMANN)
Hollow
Facts
Heart Shaped Box (Nirvana cover)
Headstone
Baptized By The Fire
Darkside
The Suffering
Endless Silence
Hand of God

Renowned modern guitarist Connor Kaminski has revealed 'Bloodline', the second single from his debut LP Tapestry, due for release 5th September. 

'Bloodline', which features Aleksandra Djelmash (Sordid Pink) can be streamed here: https://ffm.to/ckbloodline

And watch the video here: https://youtu.be/cKkYjlHV0jY

Pre-order Tapestry here: https://ffm.to/cktapestry

Connor comments: "Sometimes there's topics in music that you can convey without words, and sometimes there's topics you can't. 'Bloodline' is one of those, and it's a very personal track for me. It's all about not knowing my origin story, where I'm truly from, and not having much of a clue as to the origins of my name. It features one of my favourite vocalists, Alex Djelmash (Sordid Pink, Destiny Potato, David Maxim Micic), and she really shines and brings this track to life. I wanted her to be the focus, and I couldn't be happier with the final result. I think 'Bloodline' might just be my favourite track on the album."

Following hot on the heels of Connor's collaborative EP with KEYAN, Tapestry is a tour de force of progressive, technical guitar wizardry, featuring some of the scene's best and brightest - including Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Plini, Olly Steele (ex-Monuments), Tramaine, Aleksandra Djelmash (Sordid Pink), RO1 and strings sensation ThatViolaKid.

UK-based composer, producer, and technical guitar virtuoso Connor Kaminski has built a reputation for his intricate guitar work and innovative approach to modern prog metal. Influenced by Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, and Intervals, Connor has honed his craft as a guitarist and cultivated a strong following online. This growth helped him establish relationships with .strandberg*, D’Addario, Neural DSP, GetGood Drums, and even allowed him to design and release his dream signature guitar with .strandberg* at the young age of 27 last October.

Inspired by intricate guitar lines, extended song structures, and technical musicianship, Connor has crafted a modern take on the new wave of guitar music.

For more:

https://www.instagram.com/connor.kaminski
https://www.youtube.com/@ConnorKaminski

Tracklisting:

1 Corporeal Prelude (ft. ThatViolaKid)
2 Tarnished (ft. David Maxim Micic)
3 Bloodline (ft. Aleksandra Djelmash)
4 Bergamot (ft. Plini & RO1)
5 Eleven Years
6 On The Fringes (ft. Jordan Rudess & Tramaine)
7 Within Walking Distance
8 Godtuner (ft. Olly Steele)

Berlin’s promising force in modern metalcore and rock, Vianova, drop their brand-new banger 'Obsolete', and it hits like a heavy curveball.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/nfXihQCsOnc?si=f-5JidgJxhbyKhxQ

Stream the single here: https://arisingempire.com/obsolete

What begins smooth and mellow soon erupts into a powerful burst of energy, driven by Alexander Kerski’s (known from The Voice of Germany) standout vocal performance and the band’s explosive instrumental work that demands headbanging. It's an existential reflection on human value in a world shaped by automation, societal pressure, and emotional detachment.

Catch the band live:
14-17.08.2025 – Dinkelsbühl, Summer Breeze Festival
04-06.10.2025 – Köln, Euroblast Festival
07.02.2026 – Königsbrunn, Matrix (Raptor Metalcore Festival)

During the 2020 pandemic, Vianova reinvented their musical and visual identity, evolving their sound with the arrival of bassist Raoul Zillani. This new phase embraced a more technical, aggressive, and imaginative style, culminating in their EP Looking For... and the follow-up, ...A Way Out, released in 2023. These efforts garnered international attention and led to management by Lukas Magyar (Veil of Maya) in mid-2023. The band has since performed extensively across Germany, solidifying their position as a rising force in the metalcore genre.

Now back with fresh music, Vianova push their sound even further. This new chapter aims for a raw, fierce, and dynamic approach in both mixing and songwriting. Influences from genres outside metalcore - such as soul, jazz, R&B, and 80's synths - reflect their commitment to breaking genre boundaries. Accompanying this sonic evolution is a vibrant visual transformation, characterised by a focused and youthful energy that injects fun into a metalcore landscape often perceived as stagnant.
 

Vianova are:
Alexander Kerski | Vocals
Felix Vogelsang | Guitar
Raoul Zillani | Bass
Paul Vogelsang | Drums

Vianova online:
https://www.instagram.com/vianova.band
https://www.tiktok.com/@vianova.band
https://www.facebook.com/vianova.band
https://x.com/vianova.band