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After a little over four years, Sirenia is returning to Močvara to celebrate the band’s twenty-five years! The brilliant Norwegians are more than well-known to the Zagreb audience, and fans of the darker symphonic metal will once again get their fill, especially when it comes to such a lovely occasion. Along with the latest single “Nightside Den” on May 3rd. On May 3rd, they will also perform a selection from their rich career featuring their greatest hits. As guests at this splendid concert, the gothic metal band The Countess from Croatia and Meteora, a symphonic metal band from Budapest, will perform.

 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/sirenia

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYJK3fn_7xk

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sireniabandofficial/

SP: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FXMcILCOMjljRTV6cLoiE

Sirenia is a Norwegian gothic/symphonic metal band from Stavanger, founded in January 2001. year. The driving force behind the whole story is Morten Veland, guitarist, vocalist, composer, and producer, following his departure from the band Tristania. From the very beginning, Sirenia was envisioned as an authorial project with a clear vision of dark, melancholic, and atmospheric metal, where heavy guitars, rich orchestrations, choirs, female vocals, and rougher male vocals blend together, along with occasional electronic elements. The original name of the project was Masters of Sirenia, inspired by the sirens from Greek mythology, which was clearly reflected in the lyrics and overall atmosphere of the music.

The debut album At Sixes and Sevens (2002) brought complex and strongly orchestrated gothic metal and is now considered one of the key releases of the genre. The next album, An Elixir for Existence (2004), further solidified the band’s status and defined their recognizable dark and emotional expression. Over the years, Sirenia has become known for the frequent changes in female vocals, among which Henriette Bordvik, Monika Pedersen, and Ailyn have stood out, with each bringing a different dynamic and character to the band’s sound. The album Nine Destinies and a Downfall (2007) marked a more melodic and accessible turn, while later works continued to balance between symphonic richness and more modern metal influences.

In the band’s newer phase, Emmanuelle Zoldan joins as the vocalist, with whom Sirenia releases several notable albums and further refreshes their sound. Lyrically, the band continuously engages with introspective themes such as existential sorrow, inner conflicts, depression, and spiritual searching. Despite numerous lineup changes, Sirenia has maintained a strong and recognizable identity thanks to Veland’s consistent artistic vision, and it remains one of the longest-lasting and most influential names in the gothic metal scene, known for its powerful, emotionally charged concert performances across Europe and the world, which the Croatian audience is well aware of. The day after, the band will perform at Zappa Bar in Belgrade, also organized by Hangtime.

 

FB: https://web.facebook.com/meteorabandhungary

IG: https://www.instagram.com/meteorabandhungary/

SP: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0rxSHNlmLq0XLwIukwDYsW

YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIG3zXdjfjQ…

Meteora is a symphonic metal band from Budapest that was formed in 2010. which in their music combines elements of death, power, and gothic metal, enriched with lavish orchestral arrangements. A distinctive feature of the band is the presence of three vocalists, which gives their songs a dynamic and layered sound. It is precisely this combination of clean vocals, growls, and symphonic parts that creates an atmosphere that will appeal to fans of bands like Epica, Therion, or Nightwish. The band consists of vocalist Noémi Holló, vocalist and keyboardist Atilla Király, bassist and growl vocalist Máté Fülöp, guitarists Dániel Baranya and Dániel Schreiber, and drummer Gábor Kása. Meteora builds a recognizable sound thru a powerful combination of metal energy and symphonic breadth, balancing between dark and epic melodies. So far, they have played with bands such as Visions of Atlantis, Lord of the Lost, Tarja, and Sirenia, and they have four releases behind them, the latest of which, the album “Darkest Light,” they will promote on this occasion at Močvara.

 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecountessband

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@thecountessband437

IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_countess_official/

The Countess is a gothic band from Sinj, founded in 2017. years inspired by fantasy literature and the sound of gothic metal veterans from the late last millenium. The band’s sound is defined by neoclassical melodies, powerful riffs, an energetic rhythm, and a combination of deep male and high female vocals, inspired by Nightwish, Therion, and Theater of Tragedy. From the very beginning, they have been active in concerts, performing in numerous clubs and festivals, and it is worth noting that they are the winners of the Metal Days New Forces competition. Last year, they participated in the Fairy Folk Tour in the Polish cities of Czestochowa, Katowice, Poznań, and Wrocław alongside many other European bands. The Countess released their long-awaited album titled “Sacramental” in early May 2023. released their long-awaited album titled “Sacramental,” which was entirely recorded and produced by the band members in their home studio in Sinj. As a preview of the album, the band filmed a music video for the song “MWC,” and in May 2024, they filmed a music video for the song “Send the Raven.” a music video was filmed for the song “Send the Raven.” The debut album “Sacramental” has been well received by both critics and audiences from various parts of the world.

 

This dark symphonic night of metal is delivered by Hangtime agency.

Sunstone’s I Thank You is a quietly powerful R&B slow-burn that trades clichés for conscience. Rooted in a deep, soulful groove, the track unfolds from a rarely explored perspective, giving voice to invisibility with grace and restraint. Its minimalist arrangement allows the emotional weight to breathe, while warm vocals carry both gratitude and lingering pain. There’s no overstatement here—just honest storytelling wrapped in subtle, late-night textures. Sunstone manage to turn social commentary into something intimate and انسانی, delivering a moving piece that resonates long after its final note fades.

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Posted on April 27th 2026, 12:32p.m.

Sludge purveyors Armed for Apocalypse have little interest in fitting neatly into a scene or pandering to an audience. They lack both the time and the inclination. What they do have is relentless drive, a mountain of riffs, and a spirit forged through lived experience and hard-earned endurance. The Portland-by-way-of-Chico quartet has learned its lessons the hard way over 17 years and 3 LPs, cutting their teeth on the road, betting on Kickstarter campaigns to fund tours, and grinding it out night after night. That pathos bleeds through every pore of their music. 2022’s Ritual Violence was a distortion-soaked, relentlessly heavy effort rooted in the likes of Eyehategod, even if its uniformity somewhat blunted its impact. Fourth LP, The Earth is Breathing Beneath Me, is no different, thriving on sheer physicality and a firm commitment to a clearly defined approach that remains Armed for Apocalypse’s bread and butter.

If you’re in the mood for a good ol’ fashioned chug-fest, Armed for Apocalypse is here to deliver. The Earth is Breathing Beneath Me locks into its identity early, delivering big, lumbering grooves that bulldoze the listener with sheer physical force. “Fists Like Feathers” and “Ashes of the Night” announce their arrival immediately with huge down-tuned riffs and distorted drawls dipped in djenty flavors, while “Spellbound,” “Keep Up Appearances” and “Lost Without a Light” pick up the pace with simple but effective Converge-esque hooks and breakdowns that feel designed to move bodies. Drummer Nick Harris absolutely hammers his kit, driving this sludgernaut¹ forward with obliterating momentum. Nate Burman’s vocals split the difference between Greg Puciato’s (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Better Lovers) unhinged howls and Phil Anselmo’s tough‑guy roar, never wavering from his acrid delivery or venturing from his tonal range. You won’t find any flash or frills here, just straight, unchecked fury, and these lads execute it with confidence.

While The Earth is Breathing Beneath Me maintains an intense, uncompromising core, its narrow scope limits its upside. Fueled largely by rigid structures and an overreliance on recurring songwriting formulas, Armed for Apocalypse’s consistency can be appealing in short bursts, but over time, the group’s approach causes tracks to blur together. From “Lost Without A Light” through “Lurk,” the record delivers a run of pit-inducing cuts that are lean, direct, and effective, but repeated, tropey breakdowns funnel each track back into the chug factory. It reinforces the sense that The Earth is Breathing Beneath Me could have benefited from bolder, more creative risks. Penultimate song “Bathed in a Tepid Pool of My Own Filth,” functions as a four-minute interlude of resonant, open string drones, offering little relief from the textural wash percolating throughout, particularly after tracks like “Beyond the Mirage” or “Immortal” have already bludgeoned you into submission with similar through-lines.

However, scattered moments of variety across The Earth is Breathing Beneath Me provide evidence that Armed for Apocalypse aren’t purely one-trick. Crestfallen verses and brief melodic passages (“Immortal”) and moments of vulnerability (“Beyond the Mirage,” the title track) suggest more nuanced songwriting, but they surface too sparingly to lift the record from its murky haze. Elsewhere, “Fist Like Feathers” shows the group’s songwriting chops with a strong bout of riffs and hooks that are memorable from the start, while “Lurk” cycles Nails-like assaults before predictably reverting to metalcore breakdowns. Kurt Ballou’s (Converge) production gives everything a massive, polished heft,² emphasizing Armed for Apocalypse’s crunchy, blue‑collar ethos and ensures that each pummeling section does its best to batter you until you’re bloodied and broken.

The Earth is Breathing Beneath Me isn’t a record that invites deep emotional attachment so much as it aims for raw force. When Armed for Apocalypse allows themselves room to experiment, The Earth Is Breathing Beneath Me hints at something more. Those moments underline that Armed for Apocalypse has the talent and discipline to push beyond sheer heaviness. Their yeoman identity, relentless energy, and willingness to get in and get out without excess flash work to their advantage in many respects, and that authenticity can be enough to satisfy. But I can’t help but crave more. Regardless of my desires, The Earth is Breathing Beneath Me never pretends to be more (or less) than what it is and is ultimately content to stop right there.

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Rating: Mixed
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: Church Road Records
Websites: armedforapocalypse.bandcamp.com | armedforapocalypse.com | facebook.com/armedforapocalypse
Releases Worldwide: April 24th, 2026

The post Armed for Apocalypse – The Earth is Breathing Beneath Me Review appeared first on Angry Metal Guy.

Posted on April 27th 2026, 12:10p.m.

Before their new full-length Proving Grounds officially comes out next week, May 6th, US heavy metal act Mamorlis offer in listening two new songs.
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All .

The post All For Metal announce new co-lead vocalist Amerigo Vitiello first appeared on Sleaze Roxx.

It is a bitter fact in the world of music that some bands never seem to achieve the level of success or popularity that they deserve. On the back of their fantastic album Void, Newport’s Godsticks surely deserve more than the paltry smattering that attended this show at Bunkhouse, Swansea.

Godsticks – Karmen Field – Antarctica – Painted As Monsters

Bunkhouse, Swansea – 25 April 2026

Words And Photography: Paul Hutchings

Now, I am not in any way having a pop at those who did make the effort. But God damn, this was something special which was crying out for a full room.

As it was, those present will be part of the concert filmed by the band, and we witnessed them in magnificent form.

Behind the highly amusing between-song banter from singer/guitarist Darran Charles (who surely has a career in stand-up should he want it) lies a phenomenally talented band who make complex look easy.

There is something mesmerising watching musicians of this calibre flow through song after song whilst laughing, smiling and generally having fun.

Darran told me recently in our interview that he loves playing live, and it shows. Taking the proverbial out of bassist Francis George for wanting London as the location to record rather than Swansea, “He said Swansea was a shithole,” laughs Darran to roars from the audience.

Darran barracks the crowd for turning up just to be on the video. “You’re all bastards,” he quips. It is brilliant banter, and something that we have come to expect as the band deliver their particular brand of Progressive Metal which crosses many boundaries.

They pull a good selection from VOiD, including the raucous lead single MIA, Hold Back and Hope Is Burning. One wag shouts, “I’m not leaving until you play Masterplan,” another from the album. “You’ll be chucked out later then,” retorts Darran.

It is this humour that enhances the show. But the new album is superb, and the band easily transfer the studio to the live experience. The songs are magnificent.

For me, there are few better bands around today than Godsticks. As they deliver the grandstand finale of Unforgiveable and Exit Stage Left, I reflect on their unique style.

They are heavy, yes, but they do not bring it in an extreme way. Instead, the sheer intensity of their music makes it so. They may not pull the vast crowds they deserve, but in a selfish way, that makes them even more special.

It is a secret I would be happy to share.

Karmen Field

Having been around for over a decade, Karmen Field are slowly but surely making a name for themselves. Stalwarts of the local scene, the band appear to be performing almost every weekend according to the local listings.

That can only be a good thing, for the Karmen Field of 2026 is a more polished and complete act than I had seen when they first appeared.

Singer Molly McBreen continues to channel the spirit of Joplin and Bush through her performance, whilst the band around her are tighter and more complete than I had seen before. 

The band’s sound remains an alternative mix of ’90s grunge and pop, with social commentary running through some of their songs. It is not all serious stuff, though, with a new track about space Vikings (or something) bringing a smile.

Big riffs, throbbing bass lines and vocals that can penetrate deeply, Karmen Field proved their inclusion on the night was the correct choice. 

Antarctica

Five-piece Antarctica are slightly out of kilter with the rest of the bill, but the Cardiff outfit play their Post-Hardcore with heart and feeling and provided an entertaining 30 minutes which kept the audience involved.

Surely that’s all you can ask? A big set, with some big riffs and a nice balance of songs, means that they are worth another look sometime soon.

Painted As Monsters

Opening the evening, Painted As Monsters are a Progressive three-piece who have also been around for a few years. Their music sits very much in a rocky Muse style, with Rhys Evans combining vocal and guitar duties with his usual excellence.

Their alternative sound fits in neatly with the other bands on the bill, especially the headliners, and with a new single due out by the time you read this, there is much more to come from the band.

Godsticks / Darran Charles On Prog, Patience And Live Energy

The post Godsticks Turn Intimate Swansea Gig Into Something Extraordinary first appeared on MetalTalk – Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews.

Interview by Kris Peters Sydney’s genre-defying rock titans, HELLIONS, are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their ARIA-nominated, career-defining album, Opera Oblivia, with a massive Australian tour in May 2026. Opera Oblivia is the album that smashed expectations, redefined the boundaries of Australian heavy music, and delivered a phenomenal #4 debut on the ARIA Charts. Declared […]

This summer, Canadians Protest The Hero will be heading out to Europe where they will perform 5 headline club shows, 1 support show and be part of 3 festivals.
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