Category: news

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.

The post NEVERMORE Announce New Line-Up, Signs Record Deal With REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC & Share Rehearsal Footage appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Featured photo credits: by Vanessa Housieaux

General Information

Personnel:

Kimberley Jongen – vocals
Robert Tangerman – guitar
Maarten Jungschläger – guitar
Renate de Boer – keyboards
Rutger Klijn – bass
Michal Gis – drums

Release Date: February 6, 2026

Production: Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen

Setting the Scene

The Force of Nature is Epinikion’s second full-length album, and it clearly shows how much the Dutch band has evolved since their ambitious debut. The band has carved out a recognizable symphonic metal sound that pairs sweeping orchestration with heavy guitars and lively arrangements. Completed with a refreshed line-up in 2024, the album highlights their growth as musicians while holding firmly onto the epic, cinematic spirit at the heart of their music.

First Impression

From the opening cinematic moments, the album pulls you in with its sweeping orchestration and impressive sense of scale. Songs burst with melodic energy, and the way heavy riffs, orchestral sections, and soaring vocals move together keeps things constantly engaging. By the second and third tracks, it becomes obvious that Epinikion have created something both ambitious and immersive, packed with moments that invite you back for another listen.

Similar Sounds

If you’re into any of these artists, this album should be on your radar.

EpicaNightwishEmrei’sDelain

Visual Vibes

The cover artwork shows a feminine figure on horseback, captured in motion and dramatic lighting that radiates strength and determination. It reflects the album’s core idea, as the music channels resilience and momentum, shifting from grand, cinematic passages into heavy, melodic sections that surge ahead with an almost unstoppable energy.

Track on Repeat

“Monsters in My Head” gave me one of those “this is why I love symphonic metal” moments. Right from the opening seconds it feels epic, with orchestration and metal working in perfect sync, the vocals first moving like another instrument before stepping confidently into the spotlight, and that soaring solo pushing the track completely over the edge. I did question the nine minute runtime at first, but by the time it ended, I was honestly disappointed it was already over.

In-depth Notes

Musical Shape 🎸

On The Force of Nature, the heavy and melodic elements are tightly woven, pushing each other forward rather than competing for space. Guitars and Kimberley Jongen’s keyboards move in sync, adding layers that feel both powerful and intricate, while solos arrive exactly where the songs need them. Faster tracks like “The Force of Nature” and “Monsters in My Head” drive the album ahead, while “Two Hearts” eases the pace without disrupting the flow, giving the record a clear sense of direction.

Vocal Performance 🎤

Kimberley Jongen’s vocals shine in both powerful, expressive choruses and softer, more emotional moments. She stands out in the heavier, anthemic sections while showing subtle control on gentler tracks like “Two Hearts.” Her phrasing stays closely tied to the music, letting the vocals blend with the orchestration or step forward when needed, keeping the album cohesive and engaging from start to finish.

Production Quality 🎧

The production keeps every layer clear, letting guitars, drums, and orchestral parts stand out without crowding each other. The track order flows naturally, moving from energetic highs to quieter, reflective moments and back again, which keeps the album engaging throughout. Small details, like cinematic motifs and instrumental flourishes, add extra depth and show the band’s careful attention to the music.

Themes and Concepts 💭

The Force of Nature delves into themes of resilience, personal struggle, and triumph, with both the lyrics and the music reflecting these ideas. The album moves between intense, driving tracks and more reflective, melodic passages, capturing the sense of a journey from challenge to empowerment that the band brings to life through their storytelling.

Final Verdict

★★★★★★★★☆☆

The Force of Nature is a powerful symphonic metal album that combines cinematic orchestration, heavy riffs, and expressive vocals, showcasing Epinikion’s growth and ambition as a band.

Mood Meter

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Perfect For…

 

Emotional turmoil	Driving	Working in flow
Enjoying nature		Working on art

Get the Album

Band's Official Website

The post Album Review: Epinikion – “The Force of Nature” first appeared on FemMetal – Goddesses of Metal.

Pre-Save / Pre-Order Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment here: https://powerpaladin.rpm.link/enchantmentPR

Icelandic heavy metal force POWER PALADIN have unveiled a brand-new lyric video for their latest single “Glade Lords Of Athel Loren.” Following the recent release of their first album teaser single “Sword Vigor,” the band now delivers another powerful taste of what’s to come.

The song is taken from POWER PALADIN’s highly anticipated new album Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment, set for release on March 27 via ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music, and sees the band embracing classic heavy metal and epic power metal influences, fueled by dynamic riffs, melodic leads and a commanding, larger-than-life atmosphere.

Guitarist and songwriter Atli Guðlaugsson comments: “Glade Lords of Athel Loren is a roaring power metal anthem that chronicles the exploits of the Lords of Laurelorn and their heroic struggle to extinguish the masters of rock and iron.”

Stream / Download “Glade Lords Of Athel Loren”: https://powerpaladin.rpm.link/gladelordsPR

Watch the video clip streaming here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chp9L5WEAzU

With their new offering Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment, POWER PALADIN take the next step in their musical journey. The album features eight epic tracks, each unfolding like a chapter in a sweeping saga of power, mystery and adventure.

Building on the success of their debut With the Magic of Windfyre Steel, the band delivers a more mature and refined sound while fully retaining the energy and spirit that defined their early days. The album was mixed by Haukur Hannes (AUÐN, DYNFARI) and mastered by Frank de Jong (BLEEDING GODS), resulting in a production that is both powerful and crystal clear.

Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment – Track-list:

1. Sword Vigor
2. Glade Lords Of Athel Loren
3. The Royal Road
4. The Arcane Tower
5. Aegis Of Eternity
6. Camelot Rock City
7. Keeper Of The Crimson Dungeon
8. Valediction

Once again, POWER PALADIN pay homage to their influences, IRON MAIDEN, DIO and HELLOWEEN, while confidently carving out their own place in the modern power metal landscape. The album artwork, created by James Child (Astral Clock Tower Studios), perfectly captures the adventurous and fantastical essence of the record, that promises to be a bold and immersive next chapter for POWER PALADIN!

POWER PALADIN:

Atli Guðlaugsson (vocals)

Bjarni Þór Jóhannsson (guitars)

Ingi Þórisson (guitars)

Einar Karl Júlíusson (drums)

Bjarni Egill Ögmundsson (keyboards)

Kristleifur Þorsteinsson (bass)

About POWER PALADIN:

Formed in Iceland, POWER PALADIN emerged from a shared passion for classic heavy metal, soaring melodies and fantasy-driven storytelling. Since their inception, the band has blended the spirit of traditional power metal with the raw edge of NWOBHM influences, forging a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Their debut album With the Magic of Windfyre Steel quickly established POWER PALADIN as a rising force in the international power metal scene. With Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment, the band further expands their musical and lyrical universe, proving their dedication to epic songwriting, strong hooks and timeless metal values.

More on POWER PALADIN:

Website: https://www.powerpaladin.is/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerpaladinice

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerpaladinice/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@powerpaladin

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PowerPaladinOfficial

Source: C Squared Music

As a primary member of Arena and Pendragon, keyboardist/composer Clive Nolan has been an instrumental force in neo-prog for over 40 years. That said, even those projects hint at the kind of rock opera/musical theatre foundation that’s dominated Nolan’s own career since at least 2013’s Alchemy. Therefore, only those who’re unfamiliar with his solo work will be surprised at the direction Nolan takes on The Mortal Light, a nearly two-and-a-half-hour Broadway-esque spectacle reminiscent of Ayreon’s Transitus and Gandalf’s Fist’s The Clockwork Fable.

In fact, both musically and narratively, The Mortal Light is the direct follow-up to Alchemy and 2017’s King’s Ransom (hence the similar artwork). Nolan describes it as continuing “the ongoing journey of [Samuel] King and his friends as they navigate the dangers and challenges of this colourful Steampunk Victorian ‘Universe.’” Specifically, “old allies” and “old enemies” return as King and company fight to conquer “his biggest threat yet,” Makaria, “a malevolent demigod” who lives in Norway.

Supported by major or minor contributions from dozens of people – such as drummer Scott Higham; vocalist Laura Piazzai; and modern prog legends John Mitchell, Peter Jones, and Damian Wilson– The Mortal Light is a damn good addition to Nolan’s catalog. It can feel a bit repetitive and extraneous at times (which, let’s be honest, is partially inherent to the style), and misguided listeners looking for something traditionally [prog] rock might bail before long. Yet, those who know what they’re in for and can give the LP the time and attention it deserves will find plenty to enjoy.

By its nature, “Overture” is a highlight from an instrumental perspective, with its radiantly complex and majestic vibe cascading over you as traditional and symphonic rock timbres collide. In a sense, it’s what might happen if you merged Songs from the Wood era Jethro Tull with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and its imaginative cinematic empowerment will surely put a smile on your face.

Of course, the rest of the disc upholds that core DNA, with many other tracks (including “Crime,” “Threat,” “Escape,” and “Siege”) falling under the same umbrella in either more robust and intricate – or more subtle and nuanced – ways. Elsewhere, “Cavalry,” “Escape,” and “Convergence” tap the most into Nolan’s keyboard-driven prog rock past, and multiple tunes (such as “Wedding,” “Magician,” and “Tovenaar”) enhance the immersion with operatic narration and scene-setting ambiance.

The album isn’t without conventionally engrossing melodies and song structures, either. For instance, it’s easy to get hooked on the intersecting male/female verses and angelic harmonies of the brooding “Fade,” just as the jovial folksiness of “Guidelines” and the catchy chaos of “Makaria” can’t help but appeal even to those who’re otherwise not into the overarching musical theatre aesthetic.

On that note, and despite being intentionally histrionic, The Mortal Light is a lot to take at once. That’s true not only because of its extensive length but also because of its frequent (and at times, meandering) over-the-top vocals and production. Like Dream Theater’s The Astonishing, it can feel self-indulgent and monotonous, with singers singing and players playing in the same ways across the set (to the point that it becomes difficult to differentiate which song is which). Admittedly, you kind of sign up for those elements when you listen to an album like this, but it’s hard to deny that the LP would benefit from wider-ranging blueprints and a shortened runtime.

Those gripes aside, The Mortal Light undeniably accomplishes its goals with flying colors, further cementing Nolan as a master of his craft who can still charm fans of this style. Whether it tops the other two entries in the “Alchemy” trilogy is debatable, but it certainly earns its place alongside them by continuing the storyline(s) and genres that made them so beloved by fans. If you’re already a fan of this sort of thing, The Mortal Light is sure to delight, and even followers of Nolan’s other endeavors will get some enjoyment out of it.

Release Date: February 15th, 2026
Record Label: Crime Records / We Låve Rock
Genre: Rock Musical

Musicians:

• Clive Nolan / Keyboards, orchestration, additional percussion
• Scott Higham / Drums
• Arnfinn Isaksen / Bass
• Mirko Sangrigoli / Guitar

Cast:

• Clive Nolan / Professor Samuel King
• Gemma Ashley / Eva Bonaduce
• Robbie Gardner / Tom Worthy
• Christine Ekeberg / Alice Hyde
• Natalie Barnett / Lady Agatha Gill
• Ryan Morgan / Father Caleb/Tovenaar
• Andy Sears / Lord Henry Jagman
• Chris Lewis / Edwin Deeks
• Laura Piazzai / Makaria
• Guy Barnes / William Gardelle
• Verity White / Dr. Josephine Kendrick
• Ross Andrew / Master of Ceremonies

The Mortal Light Track-list:

Act One:

1. Wedding
2. Overture
3. Demigod
4. Prophecy
5. Magician
6. Decisions
7. Cavalry
8. Fade
9. Escape
10. Guidelines
11. Conversation
12. Guardians
13. Promise
14. Unbowed
15. Makaria

Act Two:

1. Port
2. Confession
3. Crime
4. Spy
5. Thunder
6. Agreement
7. Witch
8. Portal
9. Wings
10. Threat
11. Satisfactory
12. Justice
13. Arrival
14. Seduction
15. Tovenaar
16. Siege
17. Trust
18. Convergence
19. Explosion
20. Sunset

Order The Mortal Light here

The post CLIVE NOLAN – The Mortal Light (Album Review) appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.