Author: Editorial Team

Making another major move and breaking down walls once again, the Swedish masters of heavy metal Sabaton have joined forces with leading historically accurate naval multiplayer game, World of Warships, and released a brand new single and music video entitled “Yamato” — available in-game and on all DSPs now. It is being released by Better Noise Music on the heels of 2025’s Legends, which marked Sabaton’s first album for the label. “Crossing The Rubicon” (Feat. Nothing More) from the album was also the band’s first-ever Top 10 single on the Billboard Rock Chart.

This song notably marks the second World of Warships collaboration between the band and developer Wargaming following the mega-popular “Bismarck.” For the first time, a Sabaton-branded Yamato is also available in World of Warships in addition to dialogue by vocalist Joakim Brodén and bassist Pär Sundström. Along with different bespoke items in game, Joakim Brodén can take the helm of the ship while the standard battle soundtrack replaced by “Yamato” or “Bismarck”, transforming every engagement into an epic metal experience.

As history will tell you, “Yamato” was the name of a massive Japanese battleship constructed in-secret and unveiled during 1941 as the most dominant vessel of its kind. Designed to win at naval warfare, it represented the ultimate floating symbol of strength. In 1945, it famously hit the high seas on a suicide mission to defend Okinawa. Despite ceaseless fire from aircraft above and an opposing fleet of a far greater number on the water, the “Yamato” and its crew never gave up. Instead, they literally battled until the bitter end when a huge explosion rendered a deathblow to the ship. It sank in a blaze of glory…

As part of the alliance with World of Warships and Wargaming, the band filmed the accompanying music video in Belgrade, Serbia last October. Quite fittingly, it depicts Sabaton aboard the titular ship during its last stand, descending into the unforgiving ocean as the band hangs on for dear life. Waves consume the deck, but each member keeps playing his instrument even as the chaos swallows the guys up one-by-one.

Testing their mettle in real-life, the musicians faced brutally frigid temperatures, weathering a continuous blast of ice-cold water for the duration of the shoot. The band remained submerged in freezing waters with the help of ventilators. Pushing it to the max, the guys even wore weights beneath their stage clothes to truly evoke the sensation of sinking. Maintaining the highest level of safety protocol, professional divers assisted Sabaton throughout.

About the track, vocalist Joakim Brodén said: “Battleships are interesting and naval stories have, from time to time, been part of the Sabaton lore. ‘Bismarck’ was an exciting story for us to share and a fan favorite, and ‘Yamato’ is sort of a follow-up to that song. Our former guitarist, Tommy, wrote this song while he was still in the band. We only ‘Thobbefied’ it after guitar duties were returned to Thobbe!”

Bassist Pär Sundström added: “‘Bismarck’ was such an exciting song but it was never part of an album, and it felt that it was missing something. We always wanted to follow up on that story. Over the years, countless fans have asked us to write a song about ‘Yamato,’ and we knew that that would be a natural continuation of what we started with ‘Bismarck.’ We knew we wanted this song to have a totally different sound, and when Tommy was writing the music for this, we felt we had the appropriate, powerful song for this story. Once again, we are collaborating with World of Warships, and since our worlds are so close, it just feels so natural to continue this great partnership. Together, we once again created a legendary music video!”

The post SABATON Releases Battle-Ready New Single “Yamato” In Partnership With World Of Warships appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Today, legendary English rock supergroup Asia are thrilled to announce the release of their new live album Asia – Live In England, out now via Frontiers Music Srl and to celebrate, the band has also shared the official live video for “Wildest Dreams”.

Geoff Downes comments: “I had written a verse with the opening two lines: ‘They decorated all the generals, who fought the war behind the lines…’ It was, of course, a general observation of war inequalities between those in command and the rank-and-file servicemen. When I put it before John (Wetton), we started to extend this idea into more modern-day warfare, where technology plays an ever important role. Somewhat prophetic, I would say, bearing in mind recent events! The lyric continues along the lines of ‘who would believe this happening, no, not in my wildest dreams.

“The musical aspects of the song are a mixture of explosive beats and more poignant reflections – the juxtaposition of two contrasting moods. Kal Rudman, the founder of the famous ‘Friday Morning Quarterback,’ America’s radio bible and tipsheet at the time, hailed it as the greatest modern-day war lyric and song. Brian Lane, our then manager, thought we should leave it off the album by referring to it as ‘not much of a song, is it?’ You pick?!”, he added.

Asia are back and roaring in their new, exhilarating line-up! Recorded live on the first of three unforgettable nights at Trading Boundaries in Sussex in April 2025, this release captures the band performing their iconic 1982 debut album Asia in full, along with a selection of their greatest hits.

Featuring Geoff Downes on keys, Virgil Donati (ex-Planet X) on drums, John Mitchell (Arena, It Bites, etc.) on guitars, and the astonishing Harry Whitley on bass and vocals, this fresh incarnation of Asia brings both reverence for the classics and a thrilling new energy to the stage. The setlist includes fan favourites like “Heat Of The Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell,” “Sole Survivor,” “One Step Closer” and “Time Again,” alongside video-era and bonus tracks such as “Ride Easy,” “Video Killed The Radio Star,” “The Heat Goes On” and “Daylight” (video exclusive).

Geoff Downes shares: “Revisiting the entire first Asia album brought all the great memories flooding back from 43 years ago. In the studio with John, Steve, Carl, and, of course, the great Mike Stone at the production helm. I think at the time we knew we’d made a good album but could not have predicted the enormous success that followed, that made the band a household name across the world, and particularly in America. That said, it was a result of much hard work and effort from everyone involved. So, when I had the opportunity to put together the live album with the current and fantastic line-up of Asia and in collaboration with Frontiers Music, it was really a no-brainer.”

“I was reminded of what a collection of great songs and performances made up the album – variety and musical dynamics to the fore. When we recorded it again earlier this year, I was drawn to some of the less featured tracks and realized how much they played an important part of the overall album, in addition, of course, to the signature tracks such as ‘Heat Of The Moment,’ ‘Only Time Will Tell, ’ etc,” he continued. “We did this for you, the fans, and hope you really enjoy hearing these songs in the live setting performed in their entirety once again and enjoy it as much as we did creating and performing it”.

With Asia’s legacy spanning over 40 years – from multi-million selling albums like Asia, Alpha, and Astra to defining the sound of the MTV era – this new line-up is bringing those legendary songs to life for a whole new generation of fans.

This is just the first of three live releases from Trading Boundaries, each capturing a full classic album from their initial trilogy in concert in audio and video. Experience the magic of Asia, live, where past and present collide in a spectacular display of musicianship and passion.

Asia – Live In England is available to order here.

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Elegant Weapons, the hard rock and heavy metal powerhouse led by Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner, have released their new single “Bridges Burn,” the first track from the band’s forthcoming sophomore album Evolution, due April 24, 2026, on Exciter Records.

The album will be released digitally and on CD on April 24, 2026, with a special edition vinyl pressing to follow later in the year. The lead single “Bridges Burn” is available now, and you can watch the lyric video below.

Pre-save and pre-order the album Evolution here.

Elegant Weapons features a formidable lineup: Richie Faulkner (Judas Priest), vocalist Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, MSG), bassist Dave Rimmer (Uriah Heep), and drummer Christopher Williams (Accept). 

With Evolution, the band pushes its sound forward — combining razor-sharp riffing, arena-sized hooks, and technical precision with a chemistry forged through touring and collaboration. The album was co-produced by Faulkner alongside Andy Sneap (Judas Priest’s touring guitarist, who also produced Priest’s Invincible Shield), with the recording spanning Nashville, Europe, and France — a truly global effort reflecting the band’s international pedigree.

“This record represents growth in every sense,” said Richie Faulkner. “When the four of us come together, we sound like Elegant Weapons. We’ve spent time on the road, we’ve developed a chemistry, and you can hear that evolution in the performances. I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I’m excited to begin this next chapter with Exciter Records.”

For Exciter Records, the signing marks a strategic move into contemporary metal while reinforcing the label’s deep ties to the genre’s foundations. Exciter Records and its publishing affiliate Reach Music, recently acquired Judas Priest’s landmark early albums Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny, making the partnership with Richie Faulkner and Elegant Weapons a natural continuation of that legacy into a new era. 

“Richie Faulkner is not only one of the most respected guitarists as a member of Judas Priest, but he is also a leader in forming and developing Elegant Weapons,” said Michael Closter, Founder and President of Exciter Records. “Signing Elegant Weapons is a natural step for Exciter Records as we continue to honor metal’s heritage while investing in its future.”

The album features standout tracks including the opener “Evil Eyes,” the groove-driven anthem “Generation Me,” and the lead single “Bridges Burn,” alongside the instrumental “Rupture,” an emotionally charged composition inspired in part by Faulkner’s life-threatening onstage medical emergency in 2021.

With Evolution, Elegant Weapons solidify their identity as a band defined not simply by pedigree, but by forward momentum.

The post ELEGANT WEAPONS (Featuring Members Of JUDAS PRIEST, RAINBOW, URIAH HEEP & ACCEPT) Announce New Album “Evolution”, Stream First Single “Bridges Burn” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Adrian Smith has seen the upcoming Iron Maiden documentary — and says fans are in for a few surprises.

Speaking to Brazil’s Kazagastão, the guitarist weighed in on Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition, which hits theaters for a limited run starting 05/07. “Yeah, I have [seen it]. And I really enjoyed it, which might sound funny, but when there’s something on a big screen about you, it can be a bit — you wanna hide behind the chairs,” he said. “But I think it’s a good document of the band, and I think fans will enjoy it. There are a few things in there that have never come to light before, and it goes into depth on a few things. So I think people are really gonna enjoy it,” Smith said (via Blabbermouth)

Smith also touched on Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams – The Official Visual History, the hardcover book published globally in autumn 2025, covering the band’s first five decades. For Smith, the most compelling material is the mundane stuff — the kind that puts 100 million records sold into perspective.

“I love some of the old photos,” he said. “It’s almost like a different life back in the ’80s when I was in the band, a different person. But I love the stuff in it, like [Maiden founder] Steve Harris‘s diary, talking about getting just a couple of bucks to do a show and having to buy guitar strings and petrol and counting all the pennies. Stuff like that is priceless. It’s great that he’s kept that stuff.”

Asked whether he and Bruce Dickinson took the band to another level when they came on board, Smith deflected on his own behalf but was direct about Dickinson‘s impact. “I can’t really talk about myself, but Bruce definitely did, because as much as we love [former Iron Maiden singer] Paul [Di’Anno], I don’t think he had the same mindset as Bruce, the same determination to succeed, commitment,” he said.

“Bruce was all about commitment and professionalism, and he could sing night after night after night. And that’s what the band needed to do. They needed to go on the road — they needed to go on the road for six, eight months at a stretch. And that’s what rock bands have to do. No one’s gonna hand them success with, ‘Okay, we’ll play you on the radio. You’ll be stars.’ There’s none of that.”

On his own contributions, Smith pointed to his songwriting track record. “I’ve been a part of it. I think we all worked hard to get to another level. Maybe, hopefully, my contributions, writing-wise, helped,” he said. “A lot of the singles that we used, ‘Flight Of Icarus’ and ‘Wasted Years’ and stuff like that, were my ideas, my songs — ‘2 Minutes To Midnight’ — co-writes, really. So, I feel like I hopefully contributed in that way, or do contribute.”

Directed by Malcolm Venville (Churchill At War) and produced by Dominic Freeman (Spirits In The Forest – A Depeche Mode Film), Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition traces the band’s five-decade run and features on-camera appearances from Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich, and Chuck D.

The film arrives as Iron Maiden continues its two-year “Run For Your Lives” world tour, with over 50 shows planned for 2026 — including EddFest, a one-off celebration at Knebworth Park, England on 07/11.

The post ADRIAN SMITH Talks New IRON MAIDEN Documentary: “There’s A Few Things That Have Never Come To Light Before” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

The Pusciverse continues to expand with the arrival of the new comic “Tales From The Pusciverse #2: The Briefcase”. The new installment follows the immediate sell-out of the series’ debut issue, which introduced the character Bellendia Black and quickly moved through two printings.

The second issue centers on one of the longest-running mysteries in the Pusciverse… The Briefcase. For years, the object has appeared in Puscifer‘s videos and photographs, prompting the recurring question among fans: “What’s in the briefcase?”

Written by Maynard James Keenan, the new issue features artwork by Marlin Shoop (“Captain Action”, “G.I. Joe”, “Unprepped”) with lettering by Jack Morelli (“Afterlife With Archie”, “Peter Parker Annual”, Marvel Comics).

“The Briefcase has been part of the Puscifer mythology for years,” Keenan notes. “Everyone wonders what exactly is inside. This issue doesn’t necessarily answer the question… but it moves the story forward.”

“Issue #2 pulls you deeper into the mystery of the briefcase, and illustrates that chaos was half the fun,” Shoop shares.

Issue #2 also marks the Pusciverse comics debut of Major Douché, one of the earliest and most recognizable figures in the Pusciverse. The character first appeared ahead of Puscifer‘s 2009 Las Vegas residency, the band’s live debut, and later appeared in the “V Is For Versatile” concert film.

“Tales From The Pusciverse” comics are available exclusively via this location.

Puscifer‘s new album, Normal Isn’t, is out now via Puscifer Entertainment/Alchemy Recordings/BMG. The band’s North American tour launches on March 20.

The post PUSCIFER Releases “Tales From The Pusciverse #2: The Briefcase” Comics appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Nate Garrett is back with Spirit Adrift. Following his gothy 2024 side project Neon Nightmare, Garrett has returned to his main band with “Eternal Celestial Energy,” a new standalone single.

The track is a heavy, detuned dirge built around melodic low-end crush and Garrett‘s emotionally raw vocals — screaming and crooning through a storyline that cuts deep.

Garrett kept his comments on the song brief, but direct: “I can’t speak too much on this song, other than to say it’s probably the heaviest thing I’ve ever written, both sonically and emotionally. It was extremely difficult to make, but hopefully it will resonate with people who need some catharsis.”

He also confirmed that “Eternal Celestial Energy” is not tied to an upcoming album — but that one is coming.

Garrett added, “This is a standalone single. That said, the sixth and final Spirit Adrift album is approaching sooner than you realize. We will debut two brand new, never-before-heard songs at our upcoming show with Crowbar, Eyehategod, and Bl4ckm4gnet on 03/20. Thank you so much to all of you who made the show sell out. It will be Spirit Adrift‘s final performance. We look forward to the coolest possible farewell we could imagine, in one of the most metal cities in the world!”

Garrett closed with a nod to a recently lost legend: “In the words of our beloved Ozzy Osbourne… ✌🏻 ‘We love you all!’ ✌🏻”

The post SPIRIT ADRIFT Stream Crushing New Standalone Single “Eternal Celestial Energy”, Confirm Band’s Final Album Is In The Works appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Industrial metal veterans Fear Factory have announced a U.S. tour scheduled for November 2026. The run, titled the Cybernetic Domination tour, will feature support from Darkest Hour and Brotality. The shows will begin right after Fear Factory wraps up its upcoming co-headlining tour with Mushroomhead, the masked metal act from Cleveland, Ohio.

Guitarist Dino Cazares shared a short message about the upcoming dates: “We’re hitting places we haven’t played in a while, and we can’t wait to play with our friends in DarKest Hour and the newcomers Brotality.”

He continues: “The tour launches in Wichita, Kansas and ending in our hometown Los Angeles. To close it out, Fear Factory will perform TWO nights at the legendary Whisky A Go Go, two completely different albums in its entirety. First night Demanufacture, second night Obsolete (Los Angeles only).

“Pick up something at our merch table and we’ll gladly sign it and take photos with you after the show (wherever the venue allows it).”

The band also continues work around its next studio release. Fear Factory’s long-awaited new album is expected later this year through Nuclear Blast. The upcoming record will be the first to feature vocalist Milo Silvestro and drummer Pete Webber, both of whom have spent the past several years performing with the band on tour.

Cybernetic Domination Tour dates:

Nov. 13 – Wichita, KS @ Wave
Nov. 14 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater
Nov. 15 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep
Nov. 17 – Billings, MT @ Pub Station
Nov. 18 – Great Falls, MT @ The Newberry
Nov. 20 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
Nov. 21 – Portland, OR @ The Hawthorne Theatre
Nov. 22 – Boise, ID @ Shrine Social Club
Nov. 24 – Fresno, CA @ Strummers
Nov. 25 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
Nov. 27 – Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
Nov. 28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky A Go Go
Nov. 29 – Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky A Go Go

The post FEAR FACTORY Announces Fall 2026 U.S. Dates With DARKEST HOUR And BROTALITY appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

New York death metal legends Immolation are reaching a fever pitch as they prepare to unleash Descent. Their twelfth studio album arrives April 10th via Nuclear Blast Records, just as the band kicks off a North American tour alongside label mates Behemoth.

The band has release the second single, “Attrition”, a masterclass in tension. Defined by its crushing groove and volatile tempo shifts the track opens with a crawling, mid-paced groove that eventually gives way to stunning tempo shifts, culminating in a bone-shattering finale. This is dark death metal at its most cinematic—equal parts atmospheric depth and sheer, crushing brutality proving Immolation remains the gold standard of the genre.

Immolation comments: “We are excited to release, “Attrition”, another new track from our upcoming album, Decent. This song is a dark, powerful heavy track with plenty of intensity. “Attrition” has a dismal, hopeless atmosphere…as it focuses on the senseless wars and battles for territory that mankind seems to constantly repeat, no matter what the cost. The drum work by Steve Shalaty is a key component in this song as it emphasizes the overall emotion of the track, with not only a militant feel, but unique rhythmic cymbal work and other twists that bring the musical parts to life. “Attrition” is a good example of the diverse nature of Descent. A catchy, yet explosive track with all the Immolation elements. We hope you enjoy “Attrition””

Descent was captured across two locations: Justin Passamonte tracked guitars, bass, and vocals at Jpass Music, while drums were recorded at Mercinary Studios with Noah Buchanan. The production was a collaborative effort between the band and long-time engineer Zack Ohren, who also handled the mixing and mastering. The result is a muscular, high-fidelity production that captures the band’s most fiery and brooding moments with equal clarity. To call Descent “heavy” or “brutal” is an understatement; this is death metal with a unique, elevated voice that stands entirely alone.

Visually, the band has once again tapped Eliran Kantor to craft a haunting cover masterpiece—a true hallmark of the Immolation aesthetic— complemented by Santiago Jaramillo’s (Triple Seis Design) internal booklet illustrations. With this release, Immolation reinforces their status as one of the most enduring and vital forces in the genre.

Immolation will join headliners and label mates Behemoth on their The Godless IV 2026 Tour with Deicide and Rotting Christ.

04.14.2026 US San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park
04.15.2026 US San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
04.17.2026 US Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
04.18.2026 CAN Vancouver, BC @ The Vogue Theatre
04.19.2026 US Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo
04.21.2026 US Salt Lake City, UT @ Union Event Center
04.22.2026 US Denver, CO @ The Fillmore
04.24.2026 US Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
04.25.2026 US Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theatre
04.26.2026 US St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
04.28.2026 US Norfolk, VA @ The Norva
04.30.2026 US Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore ~
05.01.2026 US Worcester, MA @ The Palladium ^
05.02.2026 US New York City, NY @ The Palladium
05.04.2026 US Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo Riverworks
05.05.2026 US McKees Rock, PA @ The Roxian
05.09.2026 US Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
05.11.2026. CAN Toronto, ON @ History
05.12.2026 CAN Montreal, QC @ L’Olympia
05.14.2026 US Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple*
05.15.2026 US Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
05.16.2026 US Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
05.18.2026 US Dallas, TX @ The Bomb Factory
05.20.2026 US Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
05.21.2026 US Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium

~No Rotting Christ
^No Deicide
*Festival date

Festival Dates:

07.27 – 31.2026. RO. Brasov @ Rockstadt Extreme Fest
08.05 – 08.2026 CZ. Josefov @ Brutal Assault

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Swedish gothic doom outfit Draconian will release their new studio album In Somnolent Ruin on May 8 through Napalm Records. The record arrives as one of the band’s most personal works so far, unfolding across nine tracks that move through a dreamlike atmosphere while leaning on the poetic writing of vocalist Anders Jacobsson.

The album also marks the return of longtime singer Lisa Johansson, who handled vocals on the band’s first five albums. The first taste of the record is the single “Cold Heavens,” a track that deals with the idea of finding no comfort in heaven, where the line between life and death offers no relief.

Draconian guitarist, vocalist and keyboardist Johan Ericson explained how the song came together: “In need of a more up-tempo song, ‘Cold Heavens’ was the final piece written for In Somnolent Ruin. The intention was to create a simple, straightforward track to balance the album’s longer compositions and add versatility. Lisa’s laid-back vocals take center stage, guiding us through a bleak, cold landscape before giving way to Anders’ more spiteful and desperate delivery. The song ends with a sense of resignation, leading into the album’s next track.”

Six years have passed since Draconian released its previous album, Under A Godless Veil, which became the band’s most successful release to date. A lot has shifted since then while the band’s identity remains intact. Guitarist Niklas Nord (Myteri, Deathtrap, The Random Victims) joined in spring 2022, and the group later confirmed the return of Lisa Johansson, who once again shares vocal duties with Anders Jacobsson. Her comeback follows several festival appearances with the band in recent years. Johansson originally stepped away from Draconian in 2011 for personal reasons.

The current lineup also includes drummer Daniel Johansson (Antikult, ex-Wormwood), who became a full member in 2025 after Jerry Torstennson departed. Before that, Johansson had worked with the band as a session drummer starting in 2019. Another notable shift finds longtime member Daniel Arvidsson now handling bass after moving over from guitar in 2022. In Somnolent Ruin is the first Draconian album where he appears in that role.

With a career stretching back to the mid-1990s and a debut album, Where Lovers Mourn, released in 2003, Draconian have built a reputation for slow-burning doom arrangements, layered melodies and lyrics that read like bleak poetry. Their music often leans into themes of inner conflict and isolation, guiding listeners through dark emotional territory before offering a sense of release.

The journey on In Somnolent Ruin opens with “I Welcome Thy Arrow,” which sets the tone through haunting melodies and the interplay between Johansson’s and Jacobsson’s voices. Songs like “The Monochrome Blade” and “The Face Of God” raise the tempo while pushing the vocal dynamics further.

“Anima” brings in Swedish musician Daniel Änghede, adding extra emotional weight as the track explores darker impulses and the feeling of losing direction. “Asteria Beneath The Tranquil Sea” works as a short bridge between “I Gave You Wings” and “Cold Heavens,” the latter focusing on the uneasy space between life and death while delivering one of the album’s most intense vocal performances.

Later in the record, “Misanthrope River” begins with a long instrumental section and narration from Simon Bibby, slowing the pace while reflecting the grind of everyday struggles. The album closes with “Lethe,” named after the river of forgetfulness in Greek mythology. Those who drank from it would lose their memories. As Jacobsson delivers the final lines — “Oh, shooting star… Drown in me! Drink. Forget. Repeat.” — the album ends on a bleak but fitting note.

Even with that theme of forgetting, In Somnolent Ruin stands as the kind of record that lingers long after it ends. For Draconian, it continues a long-running exploration of darkness, emotion and atmosphere that has defined their sound for decades.

In Somnolent Ruin is available to pre-order here in the following formats:

• 2 CD 36-page Earbook incl. In Somnolent Ruin & Bonus CD with 2 Tracks only available with this format (exclusively available via Napalm Records Mailorder)
• 2 LP Gatefold Picture Vinyl incl 24 pages 12’’ booklet (exclusively available via Napalm Records Europe Mailorder)
• 2 LP Gatefold Splattered Black Smoke/White Orange Black Vinyl incl 24 pages 12’’ booklet (exclusively available via Napalm Records Mailorder)
• 2 LP Gatefold Gold Vinyl incl lyric sheet (exclusively available via Napalm Records Mailorder)
• 1 CD Digipak
• Digital Album

The post DRACONIAN Shares First Single “Cold Heavens” From Upcoming Album “In Somnolent Ruin” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

In just under a month, on April 10, OPVS Noir Vol. 3, the final part of Lord Of The Lost‘s OPVS Noir album trilogy, will be released. Today, the Hamburg-based band presents another preview in the form of their new single, “My Funeral,” which, as usual, cannot be pigeonholed into any genre and embodies the authenticity for which Lord Of The Lost are appreciated by fans and beyond. The lyrics declare black to be the “happy color” with a dose of irony and define pink as the new color of mourning, which is visually underlined by the accompanying music video.

With nearly half a million listeners on Spotify, their appearance at the Eurovision final in 2023, followed by a number-one album and international tours with Iron Maiden, Lord Of The Lost are proving themselves to be one of the most exciting and successful acts on the scene right now. OPVS Noir Vol. 3 represents the creative peak of a band whose repertoire leaves no room for stagnation. The year started with shows in the USA, Canada, and Australia, and now continues with the upcoming headline tour across Europe. The tour kicks off on Thursday, March 12, in Oslo, Norway.

Chris Harms shares thoughts about “My Funeral”: “The message of the song – that black is our ‘happy color’ and that I want my funeral guests to adhere to the ‘dress code: pink’ – is actually no joke. It’s a shame that when I eventually kick the bucket, I’ll only be able to attend this pink funeral service lifelessly.”

Lord Of The Lost bring their ambitious album trilogy to a brilliant finale with OPVS Noir Vol. 3. A direct continuation of OPVS Noir Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, which were both unveiled in 2025, it gloriously expands on the genre-defying band’s opus. The most out of the box of the three, the third and final part of their latest journey has the six-piece end this chapter of their career on a fulminant high note, intertwining heavy guitars and dark electronica with compassionate messages and cinematic orchestrals.

Following the captivating Blood & Glitter, which brought them to the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 and a #1 chart entry in their native Germany to go along with it, Lord Of The Lost once again demonstrate their unmatched diversity on OPVS Noir Vol. 3. Initiated by beautiful cello melodies, “Kill The Lights” is an overture like no other, setting a dark mood, but also unafraid to switch it up to make room for catchy and reassuring “I’m A Diamond.” Stomping “I Hate People” invites horror punk icon Wednesday 13 to an industrial duet about equality, after which gentle “The Shadows Within” hits twice as hard with its symphonic arrangement.

Next, Chris Harms and parting Kissin’ Dynamite frontman Hannes Braun deliver “La Vie Est Hell,” before going back to “Square One.” “When Did The Love Break?” is a heartfelt song of lost love – the addition of whimsical vocals by Ambre Vourvahis of Xandria drives the emotions of this universal topic right home. After “Your Love Is Colder Than Death,” Lord Of The Lost teams up with Damien Edwards of British glam rock band Cats In Space for the captivating duet “Take Me Far Away”, before the album closes with a ballad, “The Days Of Our Lives” – the sweeping track simultaneously being the closest Lord Of The Lost have ever been to a cinematic soundtrack. The happy ending is skipped, almost making it sound like a goodbye…

OPVS Noir Vol. 3 is available to pre-order here in the following formats:

• 1-LP Liquid Vinyl Purple-Black with 12-page booklet – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited) – SOLD OUT!
• 1-LP Gatefold Splattered Silver/Black with 12-page booklet – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited)
• 1-LP Gatefold Cristallo with 12-page booklet – LordShop exclusive (strictly limited)
• 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) – SOLD OUT!
• Digital Album
• Deep Dive Edition, containing OPVS Noir Vol. 3 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

The post LORD OF THE LOST Announces Album Trilogy Grand Finale “OPVS Noir Vol. 3” And Shares New Single “My Funeral” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.