Photo Credit: VDPictures

LORD OF THE LOST break out into yet another new direction with 'One Of Us Will Be Next', the latest single from their upcoming studio album OPVS NOIR Vol. 2, out 12th December 2025 via Napalm Records. Emotionally carried by gentle piano melodies, this ballad gifts a powerful soundtrack to an aspect of life most people tend to avoid: its end. 

Watch the video for 'One Of Us Will Be Next' here: https://youtu.be/F7zSemkSiM8

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

Taking a deep look at death itself, this thoughtful addition to LORD OF THE LOST’s expansive catalogue yet again manages to find hope even in the darkest of places. Chris Harms weaves his haunting vocals around the gloomy premise of our ultimate passing, turning it into an almost beautiful event – a track sure to make the upcoming OPVS NOIR Vol. 2 stand out as a worthy follow-up to the band’s summer release and trilogy opener, OPVS NOIR Vol. 1.

Chris Harms comments on 'One Of Us Will Be Next': “In the middle of a concert last year, I suddenly realized: one of us in this venue will be the next to go. On their way home that night, a few weeks later, maybe in a couple of months or years. But inevitably, one of us will be the next to die, and we will never come together again in the exact same constellation. The same goes for every family gathering, every party with friends, and even time spent as a couple. ‘One Of Us Will Be Next’ is a plea not to dwell on the past or search for happiness in a better future, but to be grateful for every moment, the present, and the company we find ourselves in at any given time—and to meet people with that very awareness. Because every word could be our last, at any moment.”

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).

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

With OPVS NOIR Vol. 2, the genre-fluid six-piece delves deeper into their melancholic take on unraveling their innermost selves and adds a hopeful new layer to the wonderfully dark panorama that was opened up by OPVS NOIR Vol. 1.

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. 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 Lostare:
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 track list:

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: Jaap Hubert

American blues-rock/metal guitarist and singer Eric Steckel signs to SPV Recordings and returns with new single 'When It Rains, It Pours'. 

Watch the video to 'When It Rains, It Pours' here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zW9uETIfMg

Stream the single here:
https://ericsteckel.lnk.to/whenitrainsitpours

"'When It Rains, It Pours', the first single from my upcoming 2026 album is my sonic declaration that storms are meant to be weathered, not avoided," says Eric Steckel. "It’s both a reflection of my own life and career as well as a testament to resilience and tenacity, even when - especially when - storms are on the horizon. It serves as a reminder to us all that we can find strength in the storm itself. When the rain comes, as it inevitably does, some seek shelter. Others choose to stand tall and let the storm reveal their inner strength. 'When It Rains, It Pours' is the musical reminder to channel that strength!“

The song starts with a powerful drum fill and continues to impress with a strong guitar riff, a screaming Hammond organ and a driving groove. Eric Steckel has toured worldwide sharing the billing with Steve Vai, Gregg Allman, Johnny Winter, John Mayall, Ray Charles, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, and others and was voted into Total Guitar magazine's list of "The 100 Greatest Blues Guitarists of All Time" and named one of "10 Future Blues Stars” by Guitar Player. 

Following the single release, Eric Steckel embarks on an extensive European tour. 

Catch Eric Steckel in the UK this month:

21.10. UK, Birmingham - Hare & Hounds
22.10. UK, Manchester - Castle Hotel
24.10. UK, Glasgow - Garage
26.10. UK, London - Omeara

In an era where pedal boards, laptops and samples have become commonplace, Eric Steckel goes against the grain and harkens his listeners back to the days when great guitars were played loudly through great amps. Hailed by many as the top rising star of blues/rock, Eric delivers a powerhouse performance that has left audiences in 30 countries (and counting) mesmerized.

He brings an energy and passion to the stage that never disappoints and his signature blend of blues-metal is a must see for fans of guitar-based rock. Eric has shared the stage with and/or opened for iconic legends such as Ray Charles, Steve Vai, Gregg Allman, B.B. King, John Mayall and Johnny Winter.

Road-tested and seasoned from 23 years on stage and in the studio, Eric delivers his signature blend of 'blues metal' to appreciative guitar lovers worldwide.
 

Eric Steckel online:
https://www.facebook.com/ericsteckelofficial
https://www.instagram.com/ericsteckelofficial
https://www.youtube.com/@steckeltube
https://www.tiktok.com/@ericsteckel
https://ericsteckel.com/

Photo Credit: Andy Ford

Released in 2015, Polaris marked a quiet shift for TesseracT - their third album, their first with Kscope, and the return of original vocalist Daniel Tompkins. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the landmark album, Kscope will be releasing a limited National Album Day 2025 edition of Polaris on clear vinyl, with new audio which has been half-speed remastered at Abbey Road Studios.

Pre-order Polaris 10th Anniversary Edition here: https://tesseractkscope.lnk.to/Polaris_10_LP

Alongside the new vinyl edition, TesseracT have also shared a new run of exclusive Polaris 10th Anniversary merchandise which includes a white t-shirt with logo print on front, a black t-shirt with front and back print, and a black hoody with front and back print.

Since the release of Polaris in 2015, TesseracT have solidified their position as a leading force in progressive metal. The album achieved notable chart success, hitting the US Billboard 200 and securing top 10 positions on various UK charts, including #9 on the Indie Albums and #7 on the Rock and Metal charts. Following this, the band embarked on extensive global tours, performing at major festivals such as Rock AM Ring, Download Festival, and headlining RADAR Festival. 

Their subsequent releases, including the critically acclaimed Sonder in 2018 and War of Being in 2023, have been praised for their innovation and depth, with War of Being described as “the bravest and boldest record they have made to date.”

TesseracT online:

https://www.tesseractband.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/tesseractband
https://www.instagram.com/tesseractband
https://twitter.com/tesseractband
https://open.spotify.com/artist/23ytwhG1pzX6DIVWRWvW1r
https://kscopemusic.com/artists/tesseract

TesseracT are:

Daniel Tompkins (vocals)
Acle Kahney (guitar)
James Monteith (guitar)
Amos Williams (bass) 
Jay Postones (drums)

TesseracT – Polaris 10th Anniversary Edition
A1 – Dystopia (6:51)
A2 – Hexes (5:18)
A3 -Survival (4:25)
A4 – Tourniquet (5:59)
B1 – Utopia (5:34)
B2 – Phoenix (3:54)
B3 – Messenger (3:35)
B4 – Cages (5:29)
B5 – Seven Names (5:40)

Swedish prog rock quintet Hällas are proud to announce their fourth full length Panaroma, which will be released on 30th January, 2026. The new album will be released via their own label Äventyr Records.

With their new album Panorama, Hällas both consolidates and expands the image of what the band is - but also what rock can be. This time, different perspectives in a scenario are explored regarding whether humanity is capable of understanding a viewpoint other than their own. It reflects our time but is, in typical Hällas fashion, staged in a fictional, distant world.

"In one way, Panorama sounds familiar: an imaginative hybrid of progressive 70s rock and heavy metal with echoes of both folk and psychedelia, along with conceptual content. In another sense, you have not quite heard a record like this from Hällas before. The self-confidence has never been as evident. Influences from different directions collide, and sometimes clash, contributing to the feeling that the expected instead culminates in wonder at what it is you're hearing."

In further news, the band have announced new Scandinavian tour dates in support of the release. A full list of confirmed dates can be found below.

06-02-2026 Korjaamo, Helsinki (FI)
13-02-2026 Rockefeller, Oslo (NO)
20-02-2026 Fållan, Stockholm (SE)
21-02-2026 Filmstudion, Gothenburg (SE)
28-02-2026 Amager Bio, Copenhagen (DK)

Tickets on sale here: https://hallasband.com/live

More news concerning the album (including pre-orders) will be announced soon!

Forget about everyday life and step into an adventurous fantasy world - that's what Hällas want for their audience to experience. The Swedish quintet craft epic fantasy-themed concept albums filled with adventurous twin guitars, vintage synths, and mystical storytelling, carving out their own genre of adventure rock.

Their upcoming album Panorama is Hällas' fourth full length release. While staying true to their signature sound and lyricism, it may very well be the most varied and complex so far.

Hällas were founded in 2011 and saw their initial breakthrough with their first full length album, Excerpts From A Future Past (2017), and its hit single 'Star Rider'. Building on their initial success, Hällas released their sophomore album Conundrum in 2020, garnering them a Swedish Grammy nomination. The album trifecta was complete with the release of Isle of Wisdom in 2022, widening their repertoire even further. 

With each release, the band has cultivated a cult following in the modern prog and hard rock scenes around the world. With their cinematic storytelling and timeless sound, Hällas have been touring far and wide-playing sold out shows all over Europe, as well as North and Latin America. Regardless of where, Hällas capture their audience with their own adventure rock universe coming to life on stage. 

With Panorama, the band writes yet another chapter in the story of Hällas. Tread carefully, friends.

Hällas are: 
Tommy Alexandersson: vocals, bass 
Rickard Swahn: guitar 
Marcus Petersson: guitar 
Nicklas Malmqvist: keyboards 
Kasper Eriksson: drums 

Follow Hällas: FACEBOOK · INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE

Photo Credit: Derek Bremner

UK mathcore dissonants Pupil Slicer have revealed their latest single, 'Nomad'. The ferocious new track comes by way of the band’s Fleshwork full-length, set for release on November 7th through Prosthetic Records.

Stream here: https://youtu.be/xdpLSLPaefA

Pre-order Fleshwork here: https://pupilslicer.ffm.to/fleshworkalbum

Describing Fleshwork as “conceptual” but specifically not a concept album, Pupil Slicer lean into creating an all-encompassing industrial hellscape; a perfect setting to explore the societal machinations that dehumanize and devalue the poor, disabled, queer, and people of colour for political and financial gain. Drawing on personal experience, vocalist and guitarist Kate Davies details the disconnect and discomfort of navigating this life, and the substantial human, day-to-day cost of doing so.

Of 'Nomad', Kate says, “‘Nomad’ is about living in a post truth society where people are living in entire echo chambers that allow them to get caught up in massive conspiracies and how much you can dehumanize other people. It’s about  naivety of masses to how malevolent and self-interested those in charge are and how to survive in this world that can just lie to justify actions that lead to the deaths of so many people; the idea of no one being safe besides those that make the rules in our society and that the internet is a wasteland of primarily disinformation and bad faith interactions.”

Watch the video for Pupil Slicer's previous single 'Fleshwork' here: https://youtu.be/ZD260l2fBuM

During the pandemic, Pupil Slicer offered up their debut album, Mirrors, a gnashing, feral affair that thrust them into the spotlight thanks to their discordant, angular DIY efforts. Sophomore album, Blossom, put more emphasis on songwriting and slicker production values as the Pupil Slicer show truly hit the road. Fleshwork deftly combines the best bits of their previous releases, retaining the hook-laden song structures yet refusing to compromise on the acerbic energy that lured eager fans in from the very beginning.

This iteration of Pupil Slicer ushers in new talent in the form of bass player, Luke Booth, whose contributions rounded out the writing process neatly. This rejuvenated lineup sought to retain the melodic elements of Blossom whilst simultaneously pushing their sonic boundaries to the extreme. The result is a more organic sound, energised by incandescent fury that embraces imperfections as a sign of life. Recording and mixing took place in early 2025 at Nø Studio in Manchester with producer Joe Clayton at the helm. Grant Berry handled mastering.

Over the course of the nine songs unfolding, the imagery of the oppressive machinery falls away to leave behind only the personal, human elements. What starts as the smallest of sparks roars into a chthonic inferno, demonstrating the impact of and on one solitary human as the weight of subjection turns to ash. Fleshwork serves as a cathartic conduit for those who are “othered” by a society distinctly lacking in empathy, as Pupil Slicer champion their own brand of “trans inclusive radical hatred". 

Whilst the band continues to draw influence from the likes of Nine Inch Nails and Oathbreaker, as well as lyrical and tonal inspiration from film, anime and video games (specifically Chainsaw Man, Mouthwashing and NieR among others), on Fleshwork they’ve created a monster entirely of their own design. This beast could only have been formed by the minds and bodies of those who have already walked the treacherous, dystopian path that they are now illuminating for others.

The band comment: “Fleshworkis a deconstruction of what it means to be human, the penchant for personal and society-wide self-destruction and systemic cruelty that seems all but guaranteed to rear its head as long as humans exist. It’s more grounded and emotionally charged than our previous work, with a stronger emphasis on the failings of our world to look after those who need it the most and our own ability to look after ourselves. How much pain can you inflict on yourself and others before you cease to be human? There is no limit; all of the worst things to happen to the human race have been caused by its own members.Fleshwork's new image ofPupil Slicer is one that's frayed around the edges, incinerated and burned to the ground; a survivor in a wasteland of loss and decay.”

This era ofPupil Slicer isn’t just a continuation: it’s a rupture, a scream from the margins, a refusal to be palatable, and it’s exactly what heavy music needs right now.

Watch the videos for the band's previous singles 'Heather' and 'Black Scrawl'. 

CatchPupil Slicerlive: 

Oct 4 – Lasher Fest, Aalborg, Denmark 
Nov 25 – The Basement at Bristol Exchange
Nov 26 – The Bodega, Nottingham
Nov 27  – Rebellion Manchester
Nov 28  – Slay!, Glasgow
Nov 29 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Nov 30 – The Underworld, Camden  

Pupil Slicer are:

Kate Davies – vocals, guitar
Josh Andrews – drums
Luke Booth – bass, backing vocals

Pupil Slicer online: 
Website||Facebook||Instagram||MNRK Heavy website

Tracklisting:
1. Heather
2. Gordian
3. Sacrosanct
4. Innocence
5. Black Scrawl
6. Nomad
7. Fleshwork
8. White Noise
9. Cenote

Colombian progressive rock band Argovia (Presagio Records) have released their new single 'Where Do We Go?', available on all platforms.

Stream: https://music.argoviaband.com/where-do-we-go
Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/3CdkPSKfgi0
 
'Where Do We Go?' raises existential questions about the meaning of life, the impact of our choices on others, and the uncertainty of what lies beyond. Musically, it reflects the band’s creative signature: a dynamic, heavy brand of progressive rock influenced by Anathema, Vola, and Steven Wilson. The track was produced by Germán Vergara (Aisles) and mastered by Steve Kitch (The Pineapple Thief).
 
“This was one of the first songs we had ready right after our previous EP Who We Are (2024) was released,” explains singer and multi-instrumentalist Ani Gillen. “It touches on mental health and the struggles of someone battling to find a reason to keep going while holding on to their sanity.”
 
This single sets the beginning of a series of releases leading up to Argovia’s new album, expected in 2026. It follows their acclaimed EP Who We Are, included in the Best EP of 2024 category by specialized prog outlet Nación Progresiva, cementing their status as rising stars in the region.

Founded in 2013 by multi-instrumentalist Ani Gillén (guitars, drums, bass, vocals) and keyboardist/music producer Carlos Arminio, Argovia are a progressive rock band from Bogotá, Colombia. Hailed as one of the most promising acts in Latin American prog, they are poised to make their mark on the international scene.

The band released their debut EP Lost Letters (2014), which earned them a nomination for EP of the Year at the Unión Rock Show awards. Three years later came their first full-length album Distant Present (2017), mastered by Tony Lindgren (Fascination Street Studios, Opeth, Leprous, Katatonia, and more). The record led them to tour several Colombian cities, including Cali and Medellín, and secured their participation in Prog in Motion 2017, the country’s only progressive rock festival.

In 2024, they released the EP Who We Are, which was mixed by Alejandro Londoño (Cultura Tres, Delain, Sepultura), mastered by Steve Kitch (The Pineapple Thief), and featuring drums by Felipe Candia (Aisles). With this release, the band moved away from symphonic and digital sounds, embracing a heavier, rawer, and more mature style, drawing inspiration from Riverside, The Gathering, VOLA, Steven Wilson, and Karnivool. The EP earned them an invitation to open for Norwegian band Circus Maximus during their Bogotá show in September 2024. In addition, vocalist Ani Gillén participated in the choral recording of the song 'Faceless' for Leprous, included in their album Melodies of Atonement.

The current lineup features Ani Gillén, Carlos Arminio, Mauricio Sanabria (drums), and Nicolás Paredes (bass).
 
Follow Argovia on: 
INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE

Photo Credit: Arising Empire

Germany’s fast-rising metalcore powerhouse From Fall to Spring present 'SIMULATION.EXE', marking the arrival of their brand-new album ENTRY WOUNDS. Fuelled by razor-sharp riffs, intense screams, and anthemic hooks, the track explores the suffocating cycle of a toxic relationship like a virus corrupting your very core & the desperate fight to finally break free! With ENTRY WOUNDS out now and a massive European headline tour set for October, this band are exploding.

Watch the visualiser here: https://youtu.be/yelKOm82fqg

Catch the band live:
ENTRY WOUNDS TOUR 2025 
Special Guest: Cyan Kicks
Support: Letters Sent Home

27.10.2025 UK-London, Downstairs At The Dome
28.10.2025 UK-Manchester, Night & Day Cafe
 
For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/From.Fall.to.Spring
https://www.instagram.com/from.fall.to.spring

Los Angeles modern rock/metalcore powerhouse The Dark return with their crushing new banger '[zippermouth]', picking up right where they left off on their highly anticipated self-titled debut EP. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/5p39O8DHt8I

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

Driven by the songwriting of Alan Ashby (Of Mice & Men) and Craig Johns Jr.'s massive vocals, the track blends searing riffs, pounding drums & an unforgettable chorus. It exposes the torment of being trapped in silence,  burdened by secrets and forced to “pretend” while slowly breaking inside.

For more information:
https://www.instagram.com/thedark.fm

Aviana continue their unstoppable ascent with the release of their brand-new single 'Worlds Pulse'.

'Worlds Pulse' features a breathtaking violin & vocal  performance by Imminence frontman Eddie Berg. The track marks the official launch of pre-orders for their highly anticipated new album VOID, set for release on 31st October.

Stream/Pre-order here: https://arisingempire.com/aviana

Fronted by Joel Holmqvist, Aviana has evolved into one of Europe’s most forward-thinking heavy acts, combining thunderous breakdowns, cinematic soundscapes, and raw emotion into a sound that is both punishing and unforgettable. Since their 2022 record Corporation, which has already surpassed 47.5 million streams worldwide, Aviana have released a relentless run of singles including 'Delirium', 'Father', 'Storm Ablaze' and 'Evermore'.

With VOID, Aviana are entering their boldest chapter yet, a record that channels despair and catharsis into an ambitious sonic universe.Following explosive tours across Europe, Australia, and North America alongside Imminence, Allt and Make Them Suffer, the band will return to European stages in November 2025 for their long-awaited headline run, delivering the raw intensity of their new era to audiences across the continent.
 
Catch the band live:
07/11 – London, UK – The Dome
08/11 – Glasgow, UK – Cathouse
09/11 – Manchester, UK – Rebellion
10/11 – Bristol, UK – The Fleece

For more information:
https://www.instagram.com/avianaswe/
https://www.facebook.com/avianaswe