French progressive rock band Nine Skies unveils an acoustic version of “The Explorer”, accompanied by a new video, offering the first taste of their forthcoming release, A Whisper Called Home (Acoustic Sessions), due out on 11 December 2026.
Nine Skies return with a fresh perspective on “The Explorer”, originally featured on their acclaimed studio album The Lightmaker. Reimagined in an acoustic arrangement, the track takes on a new dimension, highlighting a different side of the band’s music.
The accompanying video was created by Stefan Altzar of PreHistoric Animals, bringing a visual dimension to this intimate reworking and offering fans the first glimpse of A Whisper Called Home (Acoustic Sessions).
Riccardo Romano says: “Nine Skies are creators of emotional intensity through melody—the focal point and cornerstone of every choice they make. It is a musical project that sets no boundaries for itself, save for those of an aesthetic nature, and refuses to be confined to any single genre or cliché. While this was already clear to me in their rock-oriented work, the acoustic format has only strengthened this conviction. Sometimes, stripping a song down actually enriches it with new meaning, heightening its inherent alchemy and mystery.
The natural timbres of acoustic instruments have imbued these compositions with an unexpected sweetness, intimacy, and truth. I consider this an essential album for understanding the band’s universe; it is a precious work—akin to seeing something you have always known as if for the very first time. As a singer, I discover unexpected spaces and new room to breathe. These are the same songs, yet they feel entirely different. Rarely has music I was already familiar with gained so much from a new arrangement. This album deserved to see the light of day.”
Originally scheduled for release on 20 November, A Whisper Called Home (Acoustic Sessions) will now arrive on 11 December 2026. The physical CD edition will be presented in a 2-panel digipak with a 4-page booklet.
The release will also be available via the band’s Bandcamp page.
Pre-orders are now open via the FTF-Music shop here.
Nine Skies are a French progressive rock band known for their ambitious compositions, atmospheric soundscapes and emotionally driven songwriting. Across their discography, the band have explored a broad musical landscape, combining intricate arrangements with a strong sense of melody and narrative.
Nine Skies are:
Riccardo Romano / Vocals Alexandre Lamia / Guitars, piano, and arrangements David Darnaud / Guitars Léo Lebrun / Piano and keyboards Anne-Claire Rallo / Keyboards Alexis Bietti / Bass Johnny Marter / Drum
Finnish melodic metal band After Infinity have released their sophomore album, Beyond Eternity, on October 23, 2026, through Rockshots Records. Following their self-titled debut in 2024, the nine-track record combines power metal, progressive metal, orchestral arrangements, and melodic ballads. The album also features six guest vocalists, including Paolo Ribaldini (Delain, Leverage), Nitte Valo (Dreamtale, ex-Battle Beast), Sara Strömmer (Shereign), Mika Tauriainen (Entwine), Aitor Arrastia (Metal de Facto), and Leonard F. Guillan (ex-King Company).
The album’s focus track, “Crooked Carnival,” features Aitor Arrastia and tells a darkly humorous horror story about a sinister carnival that kidnaps children, combining a music-box introduction with orchestral elements and heavy guitar riffs. Other highlights include “Eternal Resentment,” a fast-paced power metal track featuring Nitte Valo, and “Hands of Time,” an almost twelve-minute progressive composition exploring time, the origins of the universe, and human existence. Produced by guitarist and founder Zsolt Szilagyi, Beyond Eternity explores emotions ranging from anger and sorrow to joy and hope, expanding the band’s sound through its varied compositions and guest performances.
Manga Experience Murcia Once Again Turns the Cuartel de Artillería into a Meeting Point for Geek Culture
Over the weekend, Murcia’s Cuartel de Artillería once again became the setting for Manga Experience, an event dedicated to manga, anime, video games, collectibles and cinema. Across two days, the programme brought together activities for fans of different generations, ranging from meet-and-greets with international actors to tournaments, demonstrations, presentations and creative workshops.
One of the main attractions of this year’s event was the appearance of two actors associated with the Harry Potter film universe: Josh Herdman and Nick Moran. Both took part in meet-and-greets with fans, as well as autograph and photo sessions, giving attendees the opportunity to get closer to one of the most popular fantasy franchises in cinema.
Josh Herdman, known for playing the iconic Gregory Goyle, one of Draco Malfoy’s inseparable companions alongside Vincent Crabbe, was one of the event’s standout guests. His character, a member of Slytherin House and a regular companion of Malfoy throughout the saga, is a familiar face among fans of the films. In addition to his acting career, Herdman also ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA), where he competed as a fighter.
Actor and director Nick Moran, who played Scabior, one of the Snatchers in the Harry Potter films, also met with fans. Alongside his role in the magical saga, Moran is known for other notable performances throughout his career, including Eddie in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and his appearance in The Musketeer.
Spanish-language dubbing was another major highlight of the programme. Manga Experience brought together several well-known voice actors from the industry, including José Luis Siurana, Luis Posada, José Posada, Raúl Llorens, Amparo Valencia, Iván Jara, José Escobosa and Majo Montesinos. These professionals gave audiences a closer look at the work behind some of the most recognisable characters in animation and entertainment.
Among the featured characters and franchises were Scooby-Doo, the Joker, Dexter and Pokémon—series and characters that have accompanied different generations of viewers. The sessions highlighted the role of dubbing in giving personality and life to characters that have become hugely popular on television and in film.
The programme included several activities dedicated to Dragon Ball, one of the best-known manga and anime franchises. Highlights included the presentation of the book El legado de Dragon Ball (The Legacy of Dragon Ball), featuring Saencsa and Shelron Z, and a round-table discussion on the past, present and future of the saga, with Saencsa, Shelron Z and Juanka Collector.
Collecting also had a prominent place at the event, with an exclusive Dragon Ball product unboxing and a presentation dedicated to Droiz Toys, focusing on figures and collectible items.
The artistic and literary programme offered visitors the chance to discover new projects and works by creators connected to comics and illustration. One of the highlights was the presentation of Limón Pool, the new comic by Salva Espín, a Murcian illustrator known for his work in the comic-book industry. Writer L. W. Veider also attended to present her novels and introduce her stories to readers.
These activities were joined by contributions from Mario Domínguez and other participants, broadening a programme in which drawing, literature and creativity shared the spotlight with manga, anime and collecting.
Cosplay once again played a major role at Manga Experience, with characters from a wide range of cinematic, fantasy and video game universes. Among the participants who caught the public’s attention were Aarón Caballero, known as Ace Cosplayer, dressed as Jack Sparrow, and Asier, who presented costumes of Hellboy and Iron Man.
Dune Cosplay also stood out, adding to a diverse showcase of characters and designs that demonstrated the variety and creativity of the cosplay community. The event also featured Obi Dan Kenobi, dressed as one of the Nazgûl from The Lord of the Rings, bringing the dark aesthetic of J. R. R. Tolkien’s spectral riders to the venue.
Another eye-catching appearance came from Isma González, who stepped into the shoes of Dora the Explorer, bringing a playful and familiar character to the event. These costumes helped make cosplay one of the most visually striking parts of the gathering, showcasing an impressive variety of characters.
Beyond talks and presentations, Manga Experience offered a varied programme of hands-on activities. Video games featured free-play areas, tournaments and activities dedicated to titles such as Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, Dragon Ball Z and Mario Kart, alongside virtual reality experiences.
There were also activities inspired by the Star Wars universe, including the Jedi School, as well as professional wrestling and historical fencing demonstrations. These attractions broadened the event beyond manga and anime, incorporating different forms of entertainment and interactive experiences.
Creative workshops rounded out the programme with arts, crafts and building activities. These included making anime-inspired accessories, creating felt dolls and building with LEGO bricks. Exhibitions of miniatures, illustrations and collectibles were also scheduled, alongside spaces dedicated to art and specialist retailers.
And remember: if you’re eager to find out which special guests will be attending future events, all you have to do is take a close look at the event poster. As is often the case, it always contains a clue that could reveal who the next special guests will be. So keep your eyes peeled!
Manga Experience Murcia vuelve a convertir el Cuartel de Artillería en un punto de encuentro para la cultura friki
El Cuartel de Artillería de Murcia volvió a convertirse durante el fin de semana en el escenario de la Manga Experience, un evento dedicado al manga, el anime, los videojuegos, el coleccionismo y el cine. A lo largo de dos jornadas, la programación reunió propuestas para los aficionados de distintas generaciones, desde encuentros con actores internacionales hasta torneos, exhibiciones, presentaciones y talleres creativos.
Uno de los grandes atractivos de esta edición fue la presencia de dos actores vinculados al universo cinematográfico de Harry Potter: Josh Herdman y Nick Moran. Ambos participaron en encuentros con el público y sesiones de firmas y fotografías, acercando a los asistentes a una de las sagas fantásticas más populares del cine.
Josh Herdman, conocido por interpretar al icónico Gregory Goyle, uno de los inseparables compañeros de Draco Malfoy junto a Vincent Crabbe, fue uno de los invitados destacados del evento. Su personaje, integrante de la casa Slytherin y habitual acompañante de Malfoy a lo largo de la saga, es uno de los rostros reconocibles entre los seguidores de las películas. Además de su carrera como actor, Herdman también se adentró en el mundo de las artes marciales mixtas (MMA), donde llegó a competir como luchador.
Por su parte, el actor y director Nick Moran, que interpretó a Scabior, uno de los carroñeros de las películas de Harry Potter, también protagonizó encuentros con los aficionados. Además de su participación en la saga mágica, Moran es conocido por otros papeles destacados de su trayectoria, como el de Eddie en Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels y su participación en The Musketeer.
El doblaje en español fue otro de los grandes protagonistas de la programación. La Manga Experience reunió a reconocidas voces del sector, entre ellas José Luis Siurana, Luis Posada, José Posada, Raúl Llorens, Amparo Valencia, Iván Jara, José Escobosa y Majo Montesinos. Los profesionales acercaron al público al trabajo que hay detrás de algunos de los personajes más reconocibles de la animación y el entretenimiento.
Entre los universos y personajes destacados figuraron Scooby-Doo, el Joker, Dexter y Pokémon, franquicias que han acompañado a distintas generaciones de espectadores. Los encuentros permitieron poner en valor el papel del doblaje a la hora de dar personalidad y vida a personajes que han alcanzado una gran popularidad en la televisión y el cine.
La programación incluyó varias actividades dedicadas a Dragon Ball, una de las franquicias más reconocidas del manga y el anime. Entre ellas destacaron la presentación del libro El legado de Dragon Ball, con Saencsa y Shelron Z, y una mesa redonda sobre el pasado, el presente y el futuro de la saga, con la participación de Saencsa, Shelron Z y Juanka Collector.
El coleccionismo también tuvo un espacio destacado, con un unboxing exclusivo de productos de Dragon Ball y una presentación dedicada a Droiz Toys, centrada en las figuras y los objetos de colección.
El apartado artístico y literario permitió descubrir nuevos proyectos y trabajos de creadores vinculados al mundo del cómic y la ilustración. Entre las citas destacadas estuvo la presentación de Limón Pool, el nuevo cómic de Salva Espín, ilustrador murciano conocido por su trabajo en el mundo del cómic. La escritora L. W. Veider también participó para presentar sus novelas, acercando sus historias a los lectores asistentes.
A estas propuestas se sumaron las intervenciones de Mario Domínguez y otros participantes del encuentro, que contribuyeron a ampliar una programación en la que el dibujo, la literatura y la creatividad compartieron espacio con el manga, el anime y el coleccionismo.
El cosplay volvió a ocupar un lugar destacado en la Manga Experience, con personajes procedentes de diferentes universos cinematográficos, fantásticos y de videojuegos. Entre los participantes que más llamaron la atención se encontraron Aarón Caballero, conocido como Ace Cosplayer, caracterizado como Jack Sparrow, y Asier, que presentó caracterizaciones de Hellboy e Iron Man.
También destacó Dune Cosplay, que se sumó a una representación de personajes y propuestas que demostraron la variedad de estilos y la creatividad de esta afición. El evento contó asimismo con la presencia de Obi Dan Kenobi, caracterizado como uno de los Nazgûl de El Señor de los Anillos, trasladando al recinto la oscura estética de los jinetes espectrales de la obra de J. R. R. Tolkien.
Otra de las intervenciones llamativas fue la de Isma González, que se metió en la piel de Dora la Exploradora, aportando un toque desenfadado y reconocible para el público. Estas caracterizaciones contribuyeron a convertir el cosplay en uno de los elementos más visuales de la cita, con representaciones de personajes muy distintos entre sí.
Más allá de las conferencias y presentaciones, la Manga Experience ofreció un programa variado de actividades participativas. Los videojuegos contaron con zonas de juego libre, torneos y propuestas dedicadas a títulos como Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, Dragon Ball Z y Mario Kart, además de experiencias de realidad virtual.
A ello se sumaron actividades relacionadas con el universo Star Wars, como la Escuela Jedi, así como exhibiciones de lucha libre y esgrima histórica. Estas propuestas ampliaron la oferta del evento más allá del manga y el anime, incorporando distintas formas de entretenimiento y recreación.
Los talleres creativos completaron la programación con actividades de manualidades y construcción. Entre las propuestas figuraban la elaboración de complementos inspirados en el anime, la creación de muñecos de fieltro y las construcciones con piezas LEGO. También se programaron exposiciones de miniaturas, ilustraciones y objetos de colección, junto con espacios dedicados al arte y al comercio especializado.
Y recordad: si tenéis muchas ganas de descubrir qué invitados especiales estarán presentes en las próximas ediciones, solo tenéis que observar detenidamente el cartel de cada evento. Porque, como ya es habitual, siempre esconde alguna pista que puede desvelar quiénes serán los próximos protagonistas. ¡Habrá que estar muy atentos!
Los Angeles pop-metal band S8NT ELEKTRIC have released their new single, “The Fall,” on October 23, announcing that all royalties generated by the song will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The decision comes from deeply personal experiences within the band, with vocalist Bri Carbajal and drummer Trey Baker both having lost family members to suicide. The song is accompanied by a music video created with the participation of fans who have experienced similar losses.
Earlier this year, Carbajal lost her 18-year-old cousin, Noah James Perez, who died by suicide in April 2026. Baker also shared the story of his uncle, Russell Andrew Baker, who died by suicide before the drummer was born, as well as a close friend he lost in 2020. These experiences have had a lasting impact on both musicians and their families, inspiring them to use their music to support suicide prevention and help others dealing with grief.
Rather than approaching the subject only through the lyrics, S8NT ELEKTRIC invited fans to contribute photographs and videos of loved ones they had lost to suicide. These submissions became part of the official music video for “The Fall,” honoring those who have died while giving their families and friends an opportunity to share their memories. Through the song and its accompanying video, the band hopes to encourage people to talk openly about grief, seek support, and remember that they are not alone.
“The Fall” is the second single from S8NT ELEKTRIC’s upcoming EP, Expose the Feeling, scheduled for release on December 3, 2026. Formed in 2021, the trio combine heavy metal riffs with pop melodies and alternative rock influences. Their debut album, Off the Edge, was released on March 20, 2026, following appearances at festivals including Welcome to Rockville and BottleRock, as well as a European tour with Wolfmother.
For anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or coping with the loss of someone to suicide, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides information and support resources. In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline also offers free, confidential support by phone or text.
Scott Hepple & The Sun Band are proud to announce their new album Wyrd Seasons, set for release on October 30th via Rise Above/Popclaw. To mark the announcement, the band shares the first single, “Stranger,” alongside a musc video, available below.
Scott Hepple & The Sun Band returns with Wyrd Seasons, a new album that spans intense hard rock, psychedelia, and woozy ballads, with memorable hooks and solos throughout. Inspired by the world around them rather than specific musical influences, the record finds the quartet exploring its heaviest, moodiest and most introspective material to date.
Since early 2025, the band has consisted of Scott Hepple (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Sam Taylor (guitar), Alfred Annable (bass) and Luc Hindmarch (drums). After touring widely and drawing on influences ranging from the Beatles and Neil Young to Black Sabbath, Pentangle and Uncle Acid, the group has developed a more personal sound. Compared to their previous album, English Mustard, Wyrd Seasons takes a more grounded approach while retaining elements of 1970s songwriting and production.
Recorded on an 8-track tape machine at their Newcastle studio over the summer and autumn of 2025, Wyrd Seasons captures the band’s power and immediacy. The album’s varied songwriting includes “Kailash,” their heaviest song to date, and “Stranger,” written on an Omnichord. Much of the material came together spontaneously in the early hours of the morning, lending the record an introspective atmosphere best suited to nighttime listening.
That’s all I need to say about this record and you should be rushing to your local emporium to pick up a copy. The godfather of heavy metal returns a year after the emotional triumph that was Back To The Beginning, with a new solo record.
His last solo record, Fused in 2006 featured Iommi alongside Kenny Arnoff on drums and Glenn Hughes on bass/vocals, it also stands out of one of my favourite records of this century.
I go back to it often and every time I play it front to back and just let those riffs wash over me, more modern in production, the style and skill of the Riff Master General still so obvious, like I said for me it’s a modern masterpiece.
From The Dark has been a long time coming, between the two albums Sabbath has reformed and disbanded twice, released their own new music and of course played their final show last year in Birmingham at Back To The Beginning, reuniting the original line up one final time alongside a star studded list of musicians for one glorious day of heavy metal.
With the added finality of Ozzy’s passing, it has become one final, loud, bittersweet note in the legacy of Black Sabbath, however Tony (and Geezer) have, like Ozzy, been creative outside of Sabbath and with a cast of top tier musicians Iommi brings From The Dark to life.
Co-written alongside vocalist Jorn Lande (one of my favourite singers in rock/metal), these songs maintain that dark atmosphere invented by Sabbath all those years ago.
As Iommi peels off the riffs from his Gibson SG, the production of himself alongside longtime creative partner Mike Exeter, gives this record a similar audio quality to Fused, modern, metallic and cavenous, you may argue that it should sound more like the old days but Iommi has always been a sonic scientist, just remember how many things Sabbath innovated yeah?
With Jorn he has the perfect vocals foil, a man who many consider to be the heir to Dio, his gutsy, soulful performance balances perfectly with the heavy rock riffs from Iommi, more Heaven And Hell than Paranoid, the songs on this album feel bigger and a bit more cinematic, keys/synths linger in the background for atmosphere but mainly it’s the four musicians here flexing their muscles.
Behind the Iommi and Jorn dream team, Karl Brazil takes up the drum stool, the West Midlands based session man pounds the skins in Feeder and for James Blunt and Robbie Williams (don’t tell Jimmy Page!) but here he’s hitting harder than on any project before, he’s a heavy metal drummer on From The Dark and brings veteran instinct and power to his performance.
On bass is probably one of the UK music scenes best examples of hard work paying off as Becky Baldwin has been playing in bands since she was young, be it IDestroy, Triaxis or Control The Storm, recently she’s been laying down the foundation for my beloved Fury and Delilah Bon and as if splitting time between those two bands isn’t enough she’s officially the bassist for Mercyful Fate and now Iommi as well.
I actually jumped in the air with pride when I saw Becky announced as the bassist as it always great to see someone you know living out their dream. On From The Dark she offers the low end thump in conjunction with the legend himself, bringing the thunder to all of these tracks, from the orchestral Beyond The Dead to the marching chug of Stormwatcher and beyond.
So a band made of three musicians with strong links to The West Midlands and one Norwegian, sounds like a party right? Let’s get into the record properly and find out whether my initial assumption that this would be one of my AOTY was apt.
Kicking off with Over The Violent Sun and it’s exactly what I wanted, that guitar, playing those riffs, it’s an epic heavy rock beginning which has familiarity but don’t sound stale or rehashed. It’s just the way Iommi plays, he invented that down tuned style, and when he starts to peel them off you can’t help but grin as a metal fan.
The pace driven by Karl and Becky, it’s a proper Dio-era rocker to open Jorn already going all in vocally like a crazed preacher, that’ll definitely do, a hangover from Fused in the best way.
As things get better from there as Black Times is the first one to bring the shadow of Sabbath, still in the Dio era, all dressed in a evil, theatrical, pomp and one of those creeping riffs that Iommi pioneered that shifts into a sprawling solo section.
This sets the table for propulsive single World Alone. I deliberately didn’t listen to anything from this album before it was released as I wanted to hear it all for the first time, but I can see why this was chosen as the first single, it’s the perfect distillation of what Iommi is about.
The classic guitar tone, the constant forward motion, a top tier band backing him, all in that modern sound perfected on Fused, it’s the best way to announce this project.
With the hard rock blast of World Alone displaying the fun the band had recording this album, Beyond The Dead as I said is metal in as more dramatic fashion. Featuring orchestration, and a sinister feel that comes from the self titled Black Sabbath album but has been shaped by years in the business, if they formed now, this is what they’re sound like, those evil riffs emboldened by strings and those vocals.
As Beyond The Dead is Sabbath worship, Stormwatcher reminds me more of Deep Purple, MKIII, (you know the one with Glenn Hughes), all it needs is some Hammond Organ, and it’s there, standing as a testament to the longevity of the heavy metal sound as at some point all these musicians have played with each other, so it obvious why Iommi would wanna play a track that Gillian and Hughes would be proud of.
From The Dark then is not just a celebration of Tony Iommi and if course Black Sabbath but British heavy metal, from it’s dinosaur beginnings of monolithic riffs, just wrapped in a modern sheen howeverit’s not long before the spectre of Sabbath retuns on Death Wake, another sinister, funeral march, hooked on the drums and bass, slow burning and building into a supernatural spectacle all about quiet and loud dynamics.
With just two songs remaining (on the standard edition), From The Dark offers a little suprise on Return Of The Arbalist with what I’d consider a heavy rocker, screaming guitars throughout, underpinned by Baldwin and Brazil’s rhythms, this one’s got more more of a bluesy Motorhead-meets-Magnum vibe to it as vocally Jorn gives us full Coverdale and there’s even some great use of wah.
The finale is Legacy and it’s of course one that could have been a Sabbath track, playing with light and shade throughout the 6+ minutes, there’s tolling bells, filthy bass grooves, histrionic vocal shouts, massive drums and of course as always THOSE riffs played by the man who invented it all.
Heavy metal is his Legacy, their Legacy and there’s something to be extremely proud about if you’re from the UK as we were the epicenter of it all! Emerging From The Dark and into the light, this is record that celebrates the past and embraces the future. Worship at the altar of Iommi. All Hail The Riff Lord. 10/10
