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Lithuanian modern progressive metal band Black Spikes released their highly anticipated second full-length album Ydos on August 28 via Napalm Records. The ten-track concept album explores the various flaws and vices inherent to humanity, weaving these themes through a complex blend of modern progressive metal. Following a recent nomination at their home country’s M.A.M.A. Music Awards, the breakout group utilizes this new release to hold a dark and philosophical mirror up to human existence by assigning a specific vice to each track.

Operating out of Lithuania, the quintet constructs a distinctively dark and heavy sound by anchoring their metal roots with electronic and futuristic elements. Guided by the dynamic vocal performance of frontwoman Agni, the band effortlessly shifts between soaring melodies, aggressive screams, and unexpected trap beats. Ydos serves as a meticulously crafted sonic journey, offering listeners a hauntingly beautiful and aggressive exploration of the demons we all carry within.

Read our interview with Agni, and our review for Ydos

The post Black Spikes Releases New Concept Album “Ydos” first appeared on FemMetal – Goddesses of Metal.

CzesLove’s Ethno Pulse dives into a hypnotic blend of tribal rhythms, oriental textures, dub influences, and organic instrumentation. Live percussion provides the track with a deep, physical pulse, while flute and guitar add earthy melodic colors that keep the arrangement constantly evolving. The production feels warm and immersive, balancing rhythmic intensity with a spacious, organic character that allows the individual instruments to breathe. CzesLove creates a strong sense of movement throughout, with the groove gradually pulling the listener deeper into its world. There is a natural festival energy here, but also a more meditative quality that makes the track work beyond the dancefloor. Ethno Pulse is an atmospheric meeting point between tradition, experimentation, and hypnotic rhythm.

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Sverre Stokland, better known as Blodstrup, has been a fixture in the Norwegian Black Metal underground for more than three decades. As vocalist and guitarist with Tulus, the band he co-founded in the early ’90s, he has helped forge a sound built on darkness, atmosphere and uncompromising riffing, while his parallel work as Gard in Khold has added another formidable chapter to his story. Lyrics for both bands are written by his wife Hildir. 

With Tulus still pushing forward and the 2026 album Morbid Desires proving there is plenty of fire left in the old darkness, Blodstrup steps into The MetalTalk Lowdown.

What’s the most Metal thing you’ve ever done off stage?
Attending business meetings in Metal shirts. Quite unusual in the pharmaceutical industry, at least.

What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played, and why?
Probably the second gig with my first band, Demon’s Eye. Our first gig was at our school, and we were quite pleased with ourselves. The second gig was at a big music competition, and I realised on stage just how godawful we actually were. [laughs]

What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
Void Moon live at Doom over Vienna last year. The live rebirth of the band closest to my heart. Everything was perfect, travel, performance, crowd response and merch sales. 

Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
Platinum record. I love to write music.

What’s your greatest fear?
Dying before I see my daughter grow up.

What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
My ability to hold a grudge longer than most other people.

What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?
Not showing respect to band members and/or fans

Describe yourself in three words.
Worrying. Calm. Creative.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Watching mindless comedy series.

What does a great riff feel like to write?
Like something otherworldly. If I stumble upon something I wrote that I think is great, I’m always surprised that I wrote it.

What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
That we sound better on record than live, and this was with Cult Of The Fox and the first abysmal record.

What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
That they started laughing when they heard the record.

If you were not in music, what would you be doing?
Writing books or poetry. Maybe programming games, which I did when I was young in the early ’90s.

What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
Old Ways – Neil Young

When did you last cry, and why?
Last year, when I had sort of a very serious health scare.

What keeps you awake at night?
Work.

Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
Recognition, the only thing I lack [laughs].

How do you want to be remembered?
As somebody doing his own thing, and who was not a complete idiot.

What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
Things work out, and if they don’t, do something different. Don’t beat a dead horse.

What happens when the music stops?
Hopefully, something else creative takes its place.

The post The MetalTalk Lowdown: Blodstrup – “Recognition, The Only Thing I Lack” first appeared on MetalTalk – Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews.

Tigertailz long awaited 5 CD Box Set ‘A Fist Full Of Dollarz (The Archives Vol 2: 1992 – 2011)‘ is available to Pre-order here It will be released via Cherry Red Records on November 27th, 2026. Following the success of their iconic early years, Welsh glam rock pioneers Tigertailz return with a massive deep-dive into their relentless, heavy-hitting […]

The post Tigertailz Release Box Set 2 – ‘A Fist Full Of Dollarz (The Archives Vol 2: 1992 – 2011)’ appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM.

Good Vibes Rollercoaster bring a punchier, punk-leaning attitude to I Don’t Care, combining energetic guitars, catchy hooks, and an unapologetic sense of fun. The British collective turns the track into an upbeat statement about embracing individuality rather than worrying about fitting in, with the lyrics giving the song its rebellious heart. Matt Walton’s vocal delivery adds plenty of personality, while the driving arrangement keeps everything moving with a lively rock’n’roll spirit. There is a refreshing balance between raw punk energy and accessible songwriting, allowing the track to feel immediate without losing its positive outlook. I Don’t Care is a spirited, feel-good rocker with enough attitude to make its message hit hard while keeping the good vibes firmly intact.

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Symphonic metal artist Talia Hoit released her highly anticipated second full-length album When The Skies Fall on August 28 via SAOL, a division of CMM GmbH. The ten track record blends intimate piano-driven songwriting with sweeping orchestral arrangements and crushing metal instrumentation. Thematically, the album explores deep concepts surrounding existential crisis, emotional survival, and finding hope when everything familiar begins to crumble.

At the core of her cinematic sound is a remarkably simple foundation built upon piano and voice. Operating as a solo artist she uses the massive scale of symphonic metal to amplify her deeply personal stories and emotional processing. Building upon the momentum of recent singles like “All You Want” and “Again” the new album delivers a dynamic listening experience that balances heavy devastation with profound resilience. When The Skies Fall is currently available across all major digital streaming platforms.

The post Talia Hoit Releases Second Album “When The Skies Fall” first appeared on FemMetal – Goddesses of Metal.

AMELIA WILDING’s PEACOCKS ARE VIRGOS is a fierce, restless collision of nu jazz, jazz fusion, and alternative experimentation. Built around an energetic and darker edge, the track refuses to settle into a predictable groove, instead moving through shifting rhythms, expressive instrumentation, and a distinctly raw performance style. The post-breakup subject matter gives the song an emotional tension that matches its more aggressive musical character, turning personal frustration and loss into something vibrant and confrontational. The collaboration with Ariel Days and jazz drummer Miles Pillinger adds further depth to the arrangement, bringing together musicians from different corners of London’s experimental scene. PEACOCKS ARE VIRGOS feels deliberately unpolished in the best possible way — adventurous, unpredictable, and driven by real musicianship.

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(EN) Every month, Still in Rock publishes a playlist with the best of Monday’s Delusions articles. Here is the one for August 2026. // (FR) Chaque mois, Still in Rock sort une playlist avec le meilleur des articles Delusions publiés chaque lundi matin. Voici celle d’août 2026.

(EN) Every month, Still in Rock publishes a playlist with the best of Monday’s Delusions articles. Here is the one for August 2026. // (FR) Chaque mois, Still in Rock sort une playlist avec le meilleur des articles Delusions publiés chaque lundi matin. Voici celle d’août 2026.

The post PLAYLIST Still in Rock – August 2026 appeared first on Still in Rock.

Savannah Jo Lack’s Hieronymus II is a powerful cinematic instrumental built around classical strings, transforming intimate violin playing into a much larger, orchestral-feeling soundscape. Layered textures gradually expand the composition, creating a sense of scale, movement, and emotional depth without relying on vocals. There is something inherently visual in the arrangement, with the strings carrying a dramatic narrative that feels perfectly suited to an imagined film sequence, a sweeping landscape, or a moment of personal transformation. The production balances delicacy with grandeur, allowing individual details to emerge while maintaining an expansive atmosphere. Hieronymus II ultimately feels inspirational and deeply cinematic, like the soundtrack to a story that has yet to be filmed.

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