Category: news

Don’t look at me that way, my love
Cause I don’t want to lose you
The summer is over
And that feeling is not there anymore

There is a point, somewhere between the end of summer and the first honest chill of September, where romance becomes an idea you carry rather than a person you hold. Philadelphia’s Forest Circles locate that point and press on it gently, as if checking for a bruise.

Astronaut unfolds like a private transmission intercepted at dusk, Angel Ocaña’s voice light yet loaded, each phrase suspended in a thin atmosphere of doubt and desire. He remains bound to the one who has drifted away, and though time has passed, the body knows what pride attempts to conceal: the bones registering absence with forensic precision. Jealousy slips in almost imperceptibly, regret close behind, as the song circles separation without spectacle, moving patiently, carrying its memory with quiet insistence.

Ocaña’s elegant arrangement resists clutter. Synths swell in slow arcs, then recede, as though measuring breath. A grand piano appears not as decoration but as punctuation, striking clean, considered notes that open space rather than fill it. Rhythm here is less propulsion than presence, a soft insistence that the heart keeps time even when the future feels stalled. There is tenderness, and there is possession, and they coexist without resolution.

Who is to blame when love thins out? This track looks upward, toward stars that offer distance instead of direction. He looks sideways, toward the rival who now receives the kiss that once felt permanent. The conflict is intimate, almost domestic, yet it hints at something cosmic: endings that do not conclude but linger as altered states.

The black-and-white video enhances this suspended atmosphere. Static merges with memory. A sparkler ignites in the darkness; a hand traces a wooden fence; grain sways in the wind; the sound of a piano call echoes in a space that feels both current and remembered. These images seem ritualistic, like small ceremonies for a relationship already stored away. The style has a slight psychedelic quality, with a gentle distortion that hints at how memories reshape reality.

Watch below:

Fragility can certainly radiate, but in Astronaut, distance becomes a medium through which love is examined rather than erased. The result is a song that balances ache and acceptance, its orbit steady, its light low but constant.

Listen to Astronaut below and order the single here.

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The post Philadelphia Dreampop Act Forest Circles Launches into an Atmosphere of Desire and Doubt with “Astronaut” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

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 have 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 here:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhW3rdcyip4

Purchase tickets for the show HERE: 

https://www.bubilet.com.tr/istanbul/etkinlik/nevermore

More on RPM:

reigningphoenixmusic.com | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube

Source: C Squared Music

Tiger Lilly Marleen of Bonsai Kitten, Cecilia Boström of The Baboon Show, and Anne from Mad Lynx have joined forces for a new single, “Raise Your Glass”. The track is energetic and punchy, blending punk, metal, and swing, and is released with an official music video. It’s out today, February 12th, via Metalville Records.

Watch the music video below.

The post Bonsai Kitten’s Tiger Lilly Marleen joins The Baboon Show’s Cecilia and Mad Lynx’s Anne for new single ‘Raise Your Glass’ first appeared on FemMetal – Goddesses of Metal.

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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Serenity

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Energy

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Romance

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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