Legendary heavy metal powerhouse Nevermore have signed with Reigning Phoenix Music. The band also welcomes to the line-up Jack Cattoi on guitar, Semir Özerkan on bass, and new vocalist Berzan Önen. To showcase the new lineup, Nevermore‘s first live appearance will take place on April 1st, 2026, in Istanbul, Turkey.
On this new chapter, guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams share:“We are thrilled to announce that Nevermore has officially signed with Reigning Phoenix Music! It was obvious from the start that they were the perfect partner for the new era of Nevermore. Their passion for metal music, combined with the extensive industry pedigree of their team, made the choice easy. We can’t wait to get back on stage in front of our fans in Istanbul on April 1st, and we are just as excited to finish writing and putting together the new Nevermore album!”
Reigning Phoenix Music Co-Founder Gerado Martinez comments on Nevermore joining the RPM roster: “There are no words to describe how proud and excited RPM is at the prospect of being part of Nevermore‘s next chapter. Having been a fan since 1995 when I saw them on tour with Death, I’ve followed them on their entire musical journey and cannot wait for what is yet to come.”
Directed and produced by Ola Englund, Nevermore has released a documentary film showcasing their rehearsals in January of this year at Swans Neck Soundworks in Väderstad, Sweden. Featuring powerful, raw performances of their tracks, including “The River Dragon Has Come”, “Engines of Hate”, and “The Heart Collector”, it offers a thrilling insight into the band’s new era.
The film also sees guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams discuss their decision to bring Nevermore back, introduce the new members, and reveal their thoughts throughout the audition process. Additionally, Loomis and Williams share news of forthcoming festival appearances across 2026 and future plans for Nevermore. Watch it below.
After making a strong impact with its first edition last year, Bloodstock’s Winter Gathering is set to return for another full day of indoor metal mayhem. The event takes over KK’s Steelmill in Wolverhampton on Saturday, December 5, bringing the festival spirit back into a more intimate setting — but with no shortage of volume.
The venue sits about a 20-minute walk from Wolverhampton station, with cheap all-day parking close by. Food will be available throughout the day, along with a fully stocked bar accepting cash, card, and contactless payments. A cloakroom will also be on hand for anyone arriving bundled up for December weather.
Doors open at 2 PM, with bands running from 3 PM through 11 PM across two stages, locking in eight straight hours of live metal.
Headlining the main stage are Greek extreme metal veterans Rotting Christ, bringing decades of black metal atmosphere and commanding live presence.
Also on the bill are Ukrainian blackened death outfit 1914, known for their World War I-inspired intensity, and Leeds crossover thrash crew Pest Control, who deliver fast, sharp aggression.
Slam chaos merchants Party Cannon are also confirmed, alongside theatrical riff-heavy fantasy pirates Red Rum. Doom fans can expect something darker from classic heavyweights Witchsorrow, while punk-tinged prog starters Square Wild open the day’s main stage action.
The second stage will be topped by UK thrash bruisers Shrapnel, backed by doom/death heavy hitters The Crawling, epic metal storytellers Moon Reaper, and Staffordshire punk wrecking crew Head Dent.
Winter Gathering will once again feature the added touches that helped make last year stand out, including S’tanta’s Grotto, band signing sessions, giveaways, and the return of the event’s snow machine.
“Last year’s Winter Gathering was honestly such a blast — it reminded us exactly why Bloodstock began as an indoor event in the first place. The atmosphere was so intimate and felt just like those early days. We’ve got loads of fun things planned for 2026 and we’d love to see as many of you there as possible. It’s basically our Bloodstock Christmas party!”
Tickets for Bloodstock’s Winter Gathering are already on sale. For updates and full event details, fans should keep an eye on the official Winter Gathering website.
Gothenburg’s masterminds of melancholia, Evergrey, will offer up another outburst of beautiful darkness and turn their inner fire into something unstoppable: their intense fifteenth album, Architects Of A New Weave, will be released on June 5, 2026 via Napalm Records, just days before the band takes the stage as special guest to the undisputed kings of heavy metal, Iron Maiden, for two shows on their Run For Your Lives World Tour.
This is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed: a plunge into thinning air, burning worlds, and lingering guilt—only to break free with fierce momentum. The album refuses to wallow. It ascends—fast, heavy, and cinematic. But it refuses to hide in the dark. It rises: quick, fierce, and utterly transformative.
Frontman Tom S. Englund shared how difficult it was to narrow down the album’s standout tracks, which, for the band, is a good sign: “We’ve literally never had this much trouble picking singles. And honestly? That’s the best problem we could possibly have. Every song on this record is fighting to be the one you hear first — because we poured everything into making an album we’re flat-out obsessed with. Like always, there are no fillers, no compromises, just twelve tracks we’re stupidly proud of and will be for the rest of our lives. Pre-order the album now and join the weave!”
Fans can expect a mix of massive hooks and crushing weight across tracks like “The World Is On Fire”, “Leaving The Emptiness”, “Heaven”, and “The Prophecy”, along with the title anthem “Architects Of The New Weave”.
The album leans into huge choruses and sharp-edged riffs, with Englund delivering vocals packed with honesty and bite. There’s also a major moment in the second half of the record, when Gothenburg icon Mikael Stanne of Dark Tranquillity, The Halo Effect, Grand Cadaver, and Cemetery Skyline joins Englund on vocals for “A Burning Flame”, bringing two scene veterans together in one track.
Architects Of A New Weave was produced by Tom S. Englund and Vikram Shankar, with mixing handled by Adam “Nolly” Getgood, a name well known for delivering modern heaviness with clarity.
Along with standard formats, the release includes a bonus album packed with extra material. That includes bonus tracks “Heights” and “One Heart”, plus an album mix of the previously released single “Oxygen!” (2025).
Listeners will also find a demo version of “Longing”, instrumental versions of “Leaving The Emptiness”, and a live take on “Falling From The Sun”, a standout track from the previous album, Theories Of Emptiness (2024).
The bonus content even continues the thread from “Ominous”, originally featured on A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament) (2022), giving longtime fans more connective tissue across the band’s recent era.
Finnish metal force Lost Society give fans another powerful taste of their upcoming album Hell Is A State Of Mind, set for release on March 6th via Nuclear Blast Records, with the brand-new single “Is This What You Wanted”.
An emotional and thrilling anthem, the track opens with a grand, cinematic intro driven by strings and acoustic guitars before exploding into a storm of raw, screamed-out emotion. Vocalist SamyElbanna delivers a visceral performance that cuts deep under the skin, capturing both vulnerability and rage in equal measure. Accompanied by an intense music video, “Is This What You Wanted” visually underlines the song’s anthemic core and emotional weight, further setting the tone for what promises to be Lost Society’s most compelling release to date.
Frontman Samy Elbanna comments on the song: “This song comes from the feeling when you’ve worked tirelessly for years on your dream to come true and come to life, and you have these sudden realizations of how many important moments you’ve missed and how big the sacrifices have been that you’ve made along the way. A truly bittersweet feeling, because in the end of the day – they’ve been necessary to ensure your focus on your dreams. Nonetheless, it hurts. This comes from the heart and we hope it speaks to you and makes you remember that your loved ones would always have hoped for you to go after your dreams.”
You can now pre-order the album Hell Is A State Of Mindhere. The album comes in following formats:
CD jewel case with 12-page booklet
1 LP sleeve transparent red
1 LP sleeve transparent blue with red splatter
Kicking off in March 2026, right after the album release, Lost Society embark on a European tour, hitting cities throughout the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Scandinavia. Fans can expect a high-voltage set packed with fan favourites, ferocious riffs, and the band’s unmistakable adrenaline-charged energy. Supporting the run is the Finnish alternative metal outfit Awake Again.
After the sold-out 2024 Deluxe Edition release of This Strange Engine, Marillion and earMUSIC are delighted to announce the next chapter in the band’s reissue series, celebrating one of their most distinctive and forward-thinking releases.
Originally launched as an independent statement of artistic freedom, Marillion.Com captures the band at a moment of bold reinvention, embracing expansive songwriting, atmospheric depth, and an openness to global musical influences. The album moves effortlessly between cinematic arrangements, emotional storytelling, and moments of intimate reflection, offering a richly textured listening experience that continues to resonate with fans old and new.
To be released as deluxe 3CD+Blu-ray media book and 5LP box-set editions, both sets include a version of the original studio album newly mixed and mastered, a previously unreleased complete recording of the band’s 1999 performance recorded in London at the Shepherds Bush Empire, and also accompanied by illustrated booklets containing rare photos, new artwork, memorabilia and an essay that’s digging deep into the album’s story. The bonus Blu-ray, which is included in the media book, contains the album in hi-res and surround sound, demos & early versions of the album tracks, a Marillion.Com documentary and the “Shot In The Dark (Zodiac)” concert video. In stores June 19.
German progressive metal innovators Obscura have released a brand-new music video for the track “Stardust”, taken from their critically acclaimed album A Sonication, which arrived in February 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. The visually striking clip sets the stage for the band’s upcoming global trek and offers fans a first glimpse into the sonic and thematic direction of the next touring cycle.
Serving as a cinematic prelude to the A Sonication World Tour 2026, the “Stardust” video captures the cosmic atmosphere and technical intensity that define Obscura‘s latest chapter, blending futuristic imagery with the band’s signature musicianship.
Kicking off later this year, the A Sonication World Tour 2026 will see Obscura performing across North America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, bringing their most ambitious live production to audiences worldwide.
Mastermind Steffen Kummerer comments: “We are pleased to present our new music video, created once again in collaboration with our long-time director Mirko Witzki. “Stardust”, taken from our latest album A Sonication, reveals a more melodic, fragile, and atmospheric side of the record. Join us on the road across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia as part of the A Sonication World Tour (2025–2028).”
A new supergroup is taking shape in the world of rock and metal: Masters Of Voices brings together four legendary vocalists on a single stage, each defining generations of the genre. The lineup features Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman, Journey, Yngwie Malmsteen), Edu Falaschi (Angra, Almah), and Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth) performing a set of iconic hits, backed by an all-star band.
To deliver arena-worthy performances, the supporting band consists of internationally acclaimed musicians with strong ties to Latin audiences. Felipe Andreoli (Angra) handles bass, while guitars are shared by Marcelo Barbosa (Angra, Almah) and Leo Mancini (Tempestt, Spektra, Shaman). Drums are played by Edu Cominato (Mr. Big, Soto, Spektra), providing a solid foundation for the vocalists to revisit the highlights of their careers.
Producer and promoter Paulo Baron explained the vision: “The idea of bringing all these musicians together was to unite the greatest hits of the music I love with a top-tier team of musicians. From there, I started calling up my friends and thinking about the best way to make it happen. To my surprise, in less than five hours, the band was complete, everyone ready. Now we’re kicking off this new adventure, starting with a few dates in Latin America.
“This is not a simple project. In fact, it really depends on everyone’s schedules—it’s very hard to organize because of each musician’s commitments. So this is a chance for audiences to enjoy the best of Judas Priest, Mr. Big, Angra, Almah, Journey, Talisman, and more. All these artists have a history with those bands.”
Representing Brazil, Edu Falaschi brings his career-spanning repertoire from Angra, Almah, and his solo work, celebrating 35 years in music while revisiting defining stages of his journey. He invites fans to the shows: “I’m here to announce that I’ll be part of an amazing project and tour called Masters Of Voices. Myself, Eric Martin, Jeff Scott Soto, and ‘Ripper’ together, singing the classics of our careers. Accompanied by Marcelo Barbosa, Edu Cominato, Felipe Andreoli, and Leo Mancini—an all-star team—we’ll tour several South American countries. And, of course, it will also happen in Brazil. So, I’ll see you on the road!”
Eric Martin brings the classic, radio-friendly rock voice of Mr. Big, delivering worldwide hits and unforgettable choruses. He added: “My friends, rock and heavy metal fans! This is Eric Martin from Mr. Big! I’ve got some amazing news to share with you: Masters Of Voices! This summer, I’ll be touring across Latin America alongside Jeff Scott Soto, Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, and Edu Falaschi. It’s going to be a show packed with hits — the very best from each vocalist! It’s going to be absolutely unforgettable!”
Tim “Ripper” Owens, known for his historic work with Judas Priest and Iced Earth, contributes the heaviness and vocal range that made him a global metal icon. He said: “How exciting is this! Hitting the road in South America with great friends, playing great music! I personally can’t wait! And all of this being put together by the great master of shows, Paulo Baron! It’s time to celebrate.”
Finally, Jeff Scott Soto, synonymous with versatility and a global stage presence, will cover his career highlights including Talisman and collaborations with Yngwie Malmsteen: “I’m so happy to finally share this amazing news. I’m coming back to South America in 2026. But I’m not coming alone—I’m bringing three friends with me. That’s right: Eric Martin from Mr. Big, Edu Falaschi from Angra, and Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens from KK’s Priest and former Judas Priest. Four singers—the Masters Of Voices—coming to South America in 2026. And with our band: two guys from Spektra, Leo and Edu, and two from Angra, Felipe and Marcelo. We’ll be playing all your favorite songs, covering the careers of all four singers. It’s going to be insane. Masters Of Voices—here we go!”
This landmark collaboration promises to bring together decades of rock and metal history in a single, electrifying tour across Latin America.
Former Kamelot and current Conception vocalist Roy Khan is set to stage a one-night-only, deeply personal event this fall in Oslo, Norway.
On November 27 at Rockefeller Music Hall, Khan will perform Kamelot’s legendary live album One Cold Winter’s Night in its entirety, marking the 20th anniversary of one of the most celebrated live releases in symphonic power metal history.
Originally recorded in Oslo in 2006, One Cold Winter’s Night captured a defining moment in both Khan’s career and the wider genre. The album has since become a reference point for live performance, emotional intensity, and musical craftsmanship.
Now, two decades later, Khan returns to the city where the album was recorded, aiming to honor the legacy of that night — not as nostalgia, but as a sincere reflection on artistry and personal significance.
Khan shared his thoughts on the event: “Coming back home to Oslo to perform One Cold Winter’s Night in full is something I never imagined I would do again.
“This particular show represents a very special moment in my life, both artistically and personally. To stand on that stage again, here at home, fills me with gratitude and pride. This is not about recreating the past, but about honoring it in an honest and meaningful way.
“I know that what will happen this night will be unique. If you come to share the experience with me, you will witness something truly special.”
The performance will feature the complete original setlist, alongside special guest appearances and a full production designed exclusively for this night, making it a one-time event fans will not want to miss.
In parallel, Khan is working on a solo album, produced by Sascha Paeth, a key figure in European metal known for shaping classic Kamelot albums like The Fourth Legacy, Karma, Epica, and The Black Halo, as well as projects with Avantasia, Epica, and Angra.
The solo album is also co-produced by Caio Kehyayan (Firewing) and Adrienne Cowan (Seven Spires), who have been deeply involved in songwriting. Additional contributions come from Bill Hudson, known for his work with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, I Am Morbid, and Circle II Circle. These collaborative sessions have helped define the album’s musical direction and early structure, highlighting a focused pre-production phase.
Though still untitled and without a confirmed release date, Khan’s solo work promises to explore new territory while balancing a personal identity with the experience he has gained through Kamelot and Conception. More details on recordings, guest musicians, and future announcements will follow as the project progresses.
The exclusive presale at the Rockefeller Music Hall will start on February 12, 2026 at 11 AM, CET here. The general on sale will start on February 13, 2026 at 9 AM, CET here.
Metallica have shared an update following their recent performances:
“Between the F1 gigs, we were lucky enough to experience another first, this time with the Metallica Family in Bahrain. Massive thanks to all of you who brought incredible energy to Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre.
Listen to the complete set mixed by the MetallicaAudio Team now on nugs or pre-order the CD in The Metallica Store here.”
Fans who attended can relive the performance through the official recordings, while those who missed it can still experience the Bahrain show via streaming or CD pre-order.
This marks another memorable moment for Metallica, continuing their streak of unique experiences connecting with fans around the world.
Grammy Award-winning rock icons The Smashing Pumpkins are celebrating the 35th anniversary of their influential debut, Gish, with new vinyl releases hitting stores on May 29, timed with the anniversary week.
Fans can grab multiple variants, including a special color vinyl edition housed in the original 1991 packaging. This limited-edition pressing features gray 180-gram vinyl accented with pink and purple splatter, evoking the classic album cover. A standard Black 180-gram vinyl in its original packaging will also be available. Billy Corgan’s Madame ZuZu’s and other independent record stores will carry the releases. Pre-orders for Gish are open now.
Recorded at Smart Studios in Madison, WI with producer Butch Vig, Gish fused elements of rock, metal, psychedelia, pop, and shoegaze into a distinct alternative sound that set The Smashing Pumpkins apart from anything else at the time. Released on May 28, 1991, the album became one of the most successful independent releases of its era, eventually reaching Platinum status. Standout tracks include “I Am One,” “Siva,” “Rhinoceros,” and more.
The impact of Gish has only grown over time. Billboard praised the album, saying: “There’s cryptic poetry, jarring dynamic shifts, mammoth riffs, and moments of startling beauty — everything fans around the world would love about the Pumpkins once they grew into themselves.”
Rolling Stone also recognized the album’s importance, including it among the “50 Greatest Grunge Albums” and noting: “Gish featured 10 dense, ornately crafted tracks — from the intensity of ‘Siva’ and ‘Tristessa’ to the subtle, surreal build-up of lead single, ‘Rhinoceros’ — that showcased the band’s musical ambition.”
The anniversary reissues give fans a chance to experience the record on vinyl, honoring a release that helped define an era and continues to influence generations of rock and alternative musicians.
