Category: news

Get details on new tours featuring Metallica, Oasis and The Warning among otehrs. Continue reading…

High fantasy invades the land of country music.

Sometimes a fresh start begins with reaching for something outside of one’s own neighborhood, or even one’s own country, in the case of Nashville, Tennessee-born symphonic power metal newcomers Valkyrie’s Fire. Though not the first metal act to hail from the same city that gave rise to legends like Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson and the recently departed Dolly Parton, one can’t help but note the uncanny resemblance this sextet’s sound carries to that of nearly every prominent 2^nd wave European band to put an elaborate orchestration behind a blend of Helloween and Blind Guardian influences. Yet when considering the massive, 71-minute-plus extravaganza that this band has unleashed in their debut LP Out Of Darkness, something a bit more nuanced and multifaceted emerges than the onslaught of Rhapsody Of Fire emulators that came streaming out of southern and western Europe a little over two decades ago.

Perhaps the most curious aspect of the arrangement at work behind each of these high octane, melodically rich anthems is just how straightforward it comes off; approximating something a bit closer to a Deep Purple-like instrumentation. Guitarist Joey Grimaldi stands as the lone six-string surgeon of the flock, bringing a surprisingly traditional metallic lead assault more comparable to Ritchie Blackmore and Vivian Campbell to complement the usual assortment of speed metal riffs and neoclassical harmonic progressions.

Recently acquired keyboardist and cellist Salem Belladonna delivers the cinematic factor masterfully and shapes a generally textbook power metal foundation into something quite lofty. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Dave Hale and drummer Ryan Metroka, comes off as the most typical element at work, playing things mostly straight and allowing the voices at the foreground to soar. The dueling vocal work of Adam Sanders and Betty Floyd is where the mystique factor truly comes into play, as the latter’s boisterous operatic soprano invites comparisons to icons like Sharon Den Adel and Simone Simmons, contrasting brilliantly with Sanders’ more standard tenor.

In storybook fashion, Valkyrie’s Fire ushers in their maiden full-length studio voyage with a gallant instrumental prelude featuring Belladonna’s cello work and recalling the classics of the subgenre that ushered in the current century. Immediately after setting the stage, the first majestic foray arrives in “Evermore”, spearheaded by a riveting neoclassical guitar harmony right out of the Luca Turilli playbook and laying on the early Rhapsody of Fire stylings really thickly.

Subsequent banger entries like the band’s eponymous anthem “Valkyrie’s Fire” and “Skylark” blaze a similarly triumphant musical trail, trading the aforementioned early Italian symphonic power influences for a lighter tone in line with that of Fairyland and Hamka. Even the more radio-friendly entry “Cascade” avoids becoming too grounded despite leaning into more of a mid-paced stride and keeping the melodic hooks sing-along friendly. A more aggressive tone is struck with the riff blitzkrieg “Burning Sky”, throwing some harsher vocal elements into the mix to complement a heavier presentation that flirts heavily with the melodic death territory of Children Of Bodom and Skyfire, but the general power metal tone remains the lynchpin.

As this extended auditory journey progresses, a more progressive element takes root and finds this band membership’s classical training becoming more pronounced. The first hints of this come with the more rhythmically nuanced and mixed up “Shattered”, which functions as more of a quasi-ballad in comparison to the first half of the album and really plays up Belladonna’s cello and piano chops, to speak nothing of Floyd’s expansive vocal chops.

The extended power ballad “I See The Angels Fly” treads a similar stylistic path at an even slower tempo, and also sees Grimaldi’s old-school blues, rock, and metal tendencies paraded out over a brilliantly executed series of guitar solos. The mixed-meter romp “Labyrinth” goes heavy on the spacey synthesizers and odd time riffs and drum work, essentially blurring the lines between Nightwish and Dream Theater. “Nocturne” stands as the only overt nod back to the fast-paced power metal thunder of this album’s earlier entries, but also throws plenty of stylistic twists and turns before calling it a day. A trio of extended epics round out the final moments of this towering affair, and between the folk-infused cinematic excursion “Bone And Thorn”, the darker progressive showcase “Dark Moon” and the grueling 10 minute final hurrah “I Will Rise Again”, this Nashville upstart successfully blurs the line between ambitious songwriting and showing off without overdoing it.

Contrary to popular opinion, the American metal scene remains alive and well, even if it’s a bit spread out and still largely underground compared to the cultural hegemony of pop and country. For their part, Valkyrie’s Fire presents an extremely potent and effective alternative to the latter genre that has typified their hometown for the better part of a century, not to mention a quality of sound that can stand toe to toe with European and American staples like Kamelot, Delain, Epica, Rhapsody of Fire, and Powerwolf.

The only real Persian Flaw to exist in this magic carpet ride of fantasy-oriented power metal with a cinematic edge is that there’s so much material contained within that it becomes overwhelming to all but the most seasoned fans of the subgenre. They are definitely a band to watch as the latter half of the 2020s progresses, and hopefully a sign of a coming renaissance of power metal on the west of the Atlantic.

Release Date: September 18, 2026
Record Label: Eclipse Records
Genre: Symphonic Power Metal

Musicians:

• Dave Hale / Bass
• Ryan Metroka / Drums
• Joey Grimaldi / Guitars
• Adam Sanders / Vocals
• Bettie Floyd / Vocals
• Salem Belladonna / Keyboards, Cello, and Vocals

Out Of Darkness Tracklist:

1. In Spirit, In Shadow
2. Evermore
3. Valkyrie’s Fire
4. Cascade
5. Burning Sky (Ft. Mikael Sehlin)
6. Shattered
7. I See the Angels Fly
8. Skylark
9. Labyrinth
10. Bone and Thorn
11. Dark Moon
12. Nocturne
13. I Will Rise Again

Order the album here.

The post VALKYRIE’S FIRE – Out Of Darkness (Album Review) appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

VANA has shared another captivating single, continuing her current winning streak in visceral style.

The track is titled ‘Bleeding Heart’ and follows the arrival of previous singles ‘Pray’ and ‘In Your Name’.

Continuing the gradual build of VANA’s expansive cinematic universe, the haunting new track whisks you away to a whole other dimension. Creating a rich soundscape and drawing you in deeper with every note, the ambitious music video also furthers the lore surrounding this project, adding to the mystery surrounding her forthcoming debut album.

Speaking on what ‘Bleeding Heart’ means to her, VANA shared:

“The song began with the flower itself, ‘Bleeding Heart’ or ‘Lamprocapnos spectabilis’. This song showcases how feelings grow like flowers do; beautiful but destined to wither. Perhaps that’s pessimistic, but flowers blossom just to die in winter, and they do it every year. I think there’s a sort of beauty in that. This song and video further explores a world of oppression and betrayal. Adah can’t hold us both. Hail Mara.”

Having completed her first headline run of the US earlier this year, VANA still has a handful of stateside shows lined up for the remainder of 2026, including Louder Than Life, Riot Fest, Vans Warped Tour Orlando and a slot on the returning Taste Of Chaos tour.

The post VANA Drops Visceral New Track ‘Bleeding Heart’ appeared first on Rock Sound.

News from the band Dim Gray, who released the brilliant album ‘Shards’ last year.

For the past four years, Dim Gray has consisted of five band members. Drummer Tom Ian Klungland has been a band member since the very beginning of Dim Gray, and together with bassist Kristian Kvaksrud and multi-instrumentalist Milad Amouzegar (who both joined in 2022), he has helped shape the band into what it is today.  Tom Ian, Kristian and Milad have recently moved on from Dim Gray, leaving Oskar Holldorff and Håkon Høiberg as the remaining members.

“We have shared unforgettable experiences, created music we’re incredibly proud of, and played lots of shows together. We are deeply grateful to each of them for their dedication, musicianship, amazing recordings, live performances, and everything else they have brought to the band over the years. They all leave Dim Gray as our friends and with our very best wishes for the future.

As we move forward, Dim Gray will continue as a duo.

While this marks the end of one chapter, it is also the beginning of another.

Today we launch a Kickstarter campaign in order to raise funds to record and release what will be our fourth studio album. We’ve written loads of new songs that we are extremely excited about, and we think the record will take us in a very interesting direction. www.kickstarter.com/projects/dimgray/dim-gray-the-fourth-studio-album

The increased relative costs for just the two of us making a record means we’re reliant on financial support to make the album a reality. On the Kickstarter, you can purchase the album in advance, get exclusive access to stems and demo versions, get your name in the liner notes and have the opportunity to be inside and outside the studio with us, among many other things. Head to the website to see everything we offer.

Stay tuned for a new song very soon.”

– Oskar Holldorff and Håkon Høiberg

The post Dim Gray to continue as duo – Launch Kickstarter campaign to fund new album appeared first on The Prog Report.

Posted on September 18th 2026, 1:23pm

Imminence have revealed that they have made a new film to sit alongside their upcoming album ‘Axis Mundi’.

With the album set to arrive on October 02, a series of theatrical screenings of the film will take place on September 29 in the US and October 01 across the UK, Europe and Australia.

Released in collaboration with Sumerian Pictures, the ‘Axis Mundi’ film will invite fans inside the album’s complete world, with the one-night-only screenings set to feature tracks from the album, including unheard music and never-before-seen visuals that bring the story to its conclusion.

Created in parallel to form two parts of the same world, the album and film are intended to be experienced together.

Teaming up with longtime visual collaborator and album artist Jakob Koc to establish the world and its mythology, before bringing in scriptwriter Juan Felipe Zul and director Pavel Trebukhin to turn it into a fully realised film, this is Imminence on a whole new level to how you’ve seen them before.

Speaking on the announcement, guitarist Harald Barrett has shared:

“Someone told us: ‘You’re such a cinematic band, you should take it to the next step and make a movie.’ You can’t just say that to a band like IMMINENCE.“

Below you can find a list of screenings that have already been confirmed, with more information available here.

September 29 – US

TEMPE, AZ: Harkins Tempe Marketplace
DALLAS, TX: SMG Spring Valley
ATLANTA, GA: SMG North Point

October 01 – UK / Europe / Australia

LONDON: VUE West End
MANCHESTER: Flix Screening Den
AMSTERDAM: Melkweg
SYDNEY: Dendy Newtown
MELBOURNE: Cinema Nova
BRISBANE: Dendy Coorparoo

The post Imminence Announce Details Of New ‘Axis Mundi’ Film appeared first on Rock Sound.

Google listed the Piano Man as having passed on Sept. 17 – but his publicist confirms he’s still alive. Continue reading…

You picked Buddy Miller – Buddy Miller as your favorite new release for the week of September 11, 2026.

Founded by multi-instrumentalists Nicolò and Federico Vese, Italian progressive metal duo Asymmetric Universe has carved out a distinct space in the modern instrumental scene with a sound that seamlessly blends the aggressive intensity of metal with the rich harmonies and improvisational spirit of jazz fusion.

One year on from the release of their most recent studio album ‘A Memory And What Came After’, the band is pleased to release a deluxe digital version featuring 3 reimaginings of select tracks.

Stream it now here: https://asymmetricuniverse.lnk.to/AMemoryandWhatCameAfter-DeluxeEdition

Federico comments: “In the latest year we had the chance of playing it live in some live shows and connecting with so many people both at the shows and online, all of this thanks to this record. We are so happy to celebrate the first anniversary of our debut album releasing a new version of some selected songs. As artists we are always evolving and it felt natural to give a new interpretation of some of the album music, enhancing some of the characteristics of the original versions or completely changing the aesthetic while still retaining the same vibes and feelings. Maybe you will listen to the original versions in a different way after having listened to the new ones!”

Asymmetric Universe will play with Temic & Kingcrow on the 15th October at Slaughter Club in Milan, Italy.

The band’s latest full-length reflects a refined vision and deeper maturity. “We have grown a lot since, both as artists and as human beings,” says Federico. “We always liked to blend genres… and we believe that now we have reached a clear vision of the balance of these genres.”

Earlier work often fused genres section-by-section, but now, with more confidence, the duo began each track with hybrid intentions, resulting in a more cohesive and expressive sound. “All the different arrangements and melodies are working together towards the same goal: convey the message and feeling that was at the base of each song,” Federico adds.

Their latest work features saxophone prominently, a decision inspired in part by a BILMURI live show. “We always loved adding trumpets and saxophones… In this album we changed the balance with these instruments again, focusing on saxophone as we felt it was fitting perfectly with the vibe of the album,” says Federico.

The album was mixed by Sebastian Sendon, with Adam “Nolly” Getgood also providing assistance with drum recording, which took place in the UK at Middle Farm Studios.

A Memory And What Came After will be available as a Ltd CD Digipak, Ltd. Blue-Black Marbled LP & as Digital Album.
Pre-order now here: https://asymmetricuniverse.lnk.to/AMAWCA-Album

The full track-listing for the deluxe edition is as follows:

1.Coquelicot (feat. Richard Henshall of Haken)
2.Fair Enough
3.Don’t Go Too Early
4.Reaction – Overthrow (feat. Jared Yee of Sungazer)
5.Reaction – Thirst For Stars
6.Feather On A Glass
7.Dancing Through Contradictions
8.Opaco
9.Those Who Stay
10.Coquelicot – A Distorted Memory
11.Reaction – An Imperfect Memory
12.Recovery – A Starless Memory

The post Italian progressive-metal duo Asymmetric Universe celebrate 1 year of ‘A Memory And What Came After’ with deluxe digital edition appeared first on The Prog Report.

Rock n’ roll trailblazers Dirty Honey are returning with their third full-length album, ‘Catch My Butterfly‘, arriving January 15th. The announcement comes alongside the release of the album’s first two singles, ‘Lights Out‘ and ‘Butterfly’, kicking off the next chapter with a dynamic, dangerous sound that proves Dirty Honey aren’t slowing down. Produced by John Feldmann […]

The post Dirty Honey Announce New Album ‘Catch My Butterfly’ appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM.