The historic performance will take place on November 7th at the Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu, featuring special national and international guests in a definitive celebration […]
Some albums simply play in the background, and then there are albums like Leviathan that completely absorb you into their world. Sri Lanka craft a darkwave gothic rock experience filled with nocturnal tension, hypnotic grooves, and cinematic atmospheres that feel nostalgic and modern at the same time.
The album opens with “Solstice,” and the rhythm pulls you right away into a mysterious late-night atmosphere. It is one of those songs that makes you want to get in the car and disappear into the empty streets of a sleeping city. The contrast between the title and the mood fascinated me instantly. Sri Lanka introduce their gothic rock identity right away, surrounding the listener with tension and intrigue.
“The Haunting” continues this dark journey with another deeply mysterious composition. What impressed me most was how naturally this band creates dystopian atmospheres. Every track feels like part of a larger, shadowy story unfolding in the dark. In their songwriting, I could hear echoes of Depeche Mode, The Cure, and even Type O Negative, yet the band never sounds derivative. Their music balances hypnotic melodies with a monstrous emotional weight that becomes addictive after only a few songs.
Leviathan – A Ritualistic Darkwave Experience
“Deep Inside” begins with a riff that almost feels ceremonial. The groove immediately locks into your body and makes you tap your foot to the rhythm. The guitar solo that introduces the song pulls you directly into the band’s sonic universe. Sri Lanka demonstrate remarkable compositional maturity throughout the record. The songs are solid, carefully constructed, and filled with contagious ‘80s-inspired textures. Their sound constantly shifts between electronic elements, alternative rock, gothic atmospheres, and darkwave energy, creating something unique and immersive.
The title track “Leviathan” moves with a slow and sly groove driven by industrial vibes and a deep bassline that feels constantly suspended in tension. Once the vocals enter, the song transforms into something almost ritualistic. The singer delivers the lyrics in a spoken, prophetic style, like some dark oracle emerging from the shadows. The low vocal tone combined with the haunting backing vocals creates one of the most captivating atmospheres on the album.
One of my favorite moments arrives with “Eventide.” The song pushes into psychedelic darkwave territory and genuinely made me feel like I was standing inside a hidden Berlin nightclub late at night, completely lost inside the music. Sri Lanka have a rare ability to make their songs feel visual and cinematic, almost like scenes from an unreleased noir film.
Leviathan – Hypnotic Grooves and Gothic Atmospheres
The album briefly slows down with “Interlude,” an instrumental piece that feels almost like a mirage. It allows the listener to breathe while still remaining hypnotized by the refined sound design and pulsing groove. “Endless Nights” follows with a darker and deeper atmosphere, surrounding everything with a sinister emotional weight that perfectly fits the album’s identity.
Closing the album is “Elegy,” perhaps the most cinematic piece on the record. The track opens with a stunning arpeggio accompanied by atmospheric keys that transport the listener into another dimension. The vocals only arrive after the 2:20 mark, making the buildup feel incredibly emotional and immersive. The reverberated voice drifts through the arrangement like a ghost moving through abandoned corridors. By the end of the song, you almost instinctively want to press play again and relive the entire experience from the beginning.
With Leviathan, Sri Lanka deliver an album that feels immersive, mysterious, and emotionally hypnotic. It is a release capable of transporting listeners into a parallel nocturnal universe filled with dark beauty and haunting grooves. If you love gothic rock, darkwave, or cinematic alternative music, this album deserves your attention.
Experimental post-rock outfit Abrasive Trees are poised to release their highly anticipated debut studio album, Light Remaining, via Argonauta Records. In a special pre-release event, we are incredibly proud to present an exclusive full stream of the entire record right here on The Moshville Times, a full two days before it officially drops. Taking their … Continue reading Exclusive Album Preview: Abrasive Trees – ‘Light Remaining’
The end of an era has an official date, and the metal world is holding its collective breath. After 42 years of sonic warfare, Sepultura has announced their final-ever concert will take place on November 7, 2026, at the Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu.
While the band is framing the night as a “grand celebration” featuring legends like Mike Portnoy and David Ellefson, there is only one question dominating the headlines: Will Max and Iggor Cavalera finally step onto the stage for a final goodbye? With guitarist Andreas Kisser refusing to “rule anything out,” the stakes for this historic night in São Paulo have just reached nuclear levels.
A Legendary Circle Closes: Back to Pacaembu
The choice of the Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu is deeply symbolic. This is the hallowed ground where Sepultura established their dominance in the early ’90s. Decades after the iconic Praça Charles Miller concert that put Brazilian metal on the global map, the band returns to the same dirt to bury the name.
The lineup for the “Final Ritual” is already a “who’s who” of heavy metal royalty:
Metal Allegiance: Featuring Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Alex Skolnick and Chuck Billy (Testament), Phil Demmel, and Troy Sanders (Mastodon).
Krisiun & Sacred Reich: Providing the thrash and death metal foundations.
The Alumni: Confirmed appearances by Jairo Guedz and Jean Dolabella.
The Elephant in the Room: The Cavalera Reunion Rumors
Despite the star-studded guest list, the global metal community is fixated on a potential reconciliation with founding brothers Max and Iggor Cavalera. For years, the divide seemed unbridgeable, but 2026 has brought a shift in tone.
In a recent bombshell interview with Metal On Tap, Andreas Kisser was asked point-blank about a reunion. His response was anything but a “no.”
“Dude, I don’t rule anything out,” Kisser stated. “The important thing is that we’re gonna stop now… possibilities are always open. I don’t think we have the power to do eight farewell tours, but who knows? You see KISS, Mötley Crüe, and Slayer. It’s okay to rest and go out a little bit.”
40 Songs for 40 Years: The Massive Live Compilation
While the live show will be the physical end, Sepultura is ensuring their recorded legacy is immortal. Kisser confirmed the band has been recording every single set since drummer Greyson Nekrutman joined in 2024. The plan? A massive, old-school live album akin to KISS ‘Alive II’.
“We want to bring that vibe back,” Kisser explained. “In times of Artificial Intelligence, vinyl is back with full power. This is something organic and human—more connected to something real.”
When and where is the last Sepultura show? The final concert is scheduled for November 7, 2026, at the Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu in São Paulo, Brazil.
Have Max and Iggor Cavalera been confirmed for the show? Not officially. However, the band has confirmed that “former members connected to Sepultura’s history” will join the stage. Andreas Kisser’s refusal to rule out a reunion has made this the primary focal point of the event.
Is this really the end of the band? While billed as the “Last-Ever Concert,” Kisser noted that “Sepultura is not gonna die” and referenced other bands like Slayer and Scorpions who returned after farewell tours, suggesting a “hiatus” might be a more accurate term.
Sepultura will play their final concert on November 7, 2026, in São Paulo. The show features Metal Allegiance and Krisiun, but rumors of a Max and Iggor Cavalera reunion are driving massive fan speculation after Andreas Kisser refused to rule out a surprise appearance. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 29.
Does a Sepultura finale without the Cavalera brothers even count as a true ending, or has the current lineup earned the right to close the book on their own terms? Let us know in the comments.
If you aren’t already exciting for knitting’s album Souvenir, this new single might get you there. “I Wasn’t Fully Cooked” follows “Here Comes” and “I Want To Remember Everything.” The rhythmic foundation on this one is firm and relentless, all pounding drums and fervent strums, colored by guitar parts that hit like flashes of light…
The single “The Great Refusal” by Motihari Brigade starts with a cool rhythm. It carries a sense of uplifting energy that feels somewhat retro and psychedelic. From the start, this track ignites a spark of energy. The driving beat pulls listeners in, encouraging movement and engagement.
This song has a sharp edge, combining an exciting sound with an air of mystery. It seeks to awaken consciousness in its listeners. The rhythmic swagger is undeniable. The lyrics do not hold back; instead, they confront listeners with stark truths. Lines like “The Great Refusal is upon us, and karma’s gonna be a challenge” deliver a powerful message about the influence of artificial intelligence on society today.
“The Great Refusal” captures the rebellious spirit of rock music from days gone by. It resonates with a sense of irreverence that feels timely. Around the three-minute and forty-second mark, listeners are treated to a fantastic guitar solo. This section beautifully channels the essence of Hendrix while providing a fresh take on the classic rock sound.
Following the electric guitar solo, the track transitions into a Hammond organ solo that elevates the experience. This organ melody catapults listeners’ imaginations, urging them to raise their hands toward the sky. It’s a moment of pure musical joy, capturing the essence of the song’s energetic vibe.
The Great Refusal – Sound and Atmosphere
As the guitar solo continues, listeners are drawn toward the concluding moments of this vibrant piece. The final sections of “The Great Refusal” reinforce the themes established earlier. This is a track that not only entertains but also compels reflection on contemporary issues.
The fusion of retro sounds with modern themes makes this single remarkable. The engaging rhythm and sharp lyrics create an effective commentary on the world today. For fans of classic rock and newcomers, this song offers an inviting experience.
The Great Refusal – Performance and Production
Motihari Brigade has crafted a work that resonates on multiple levels. It reflects individual and collective challenges posed by the increasing role of technology in daily life.
“The Great Refusal” is a reminder of rock’s power to challenge, provoke, and entertain. This is a song that demands to be heard, experienced, and felt deeply.
Former Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen has released the official music video for “The Trace Outlives,” the third single from her upcoming album Frisson Noir, which is due June 12 via earMUSIC. Frisson Noir has been described as “the heaviest record of her career and a powerful statement of identity, strength and belonging.”
Inspired by the Japanese phenomenon of “Johatsu,” people who deliberately disappear from their lives, “The Trace Outlives” tells a story of vanishing without a trace, exploring the emotional weight of leaving one’s identity behind to start anew in anonymity, while reflecting on regret, freedom, and the invisible marks that remain even in absence. Rooted in this concept, the song also incorporates the sound of the shamisen, a traditional Japanese instrument resembling a guitar but with a distinctly more percussive character, brought to life by the young talent Sayo Komada.
Musically, “The Trace Outlives” blends crushing heaviness with sweeping symphonic arrangements and operatic elements, staying true to the signature sound we know and love from Tarja, while elevating it to an entirely new level, making it feel like a bold and refined next chapter of her artistry.
“I was looking for a sound that would take me to Japan and found a beautiful ancient instrument that resembles a guitar, but has a more percussive sound – the shamisen, traditionally used in puppet theaters. I invited the young talent Sayo Komada to blend her art with my song,” Tarja shares.
The official music video, released alongside the single today, brings the song’s atmosphere vividly to life through a cinematic visual language, unfolding like a uniquely crafted love story shaped by tension, longing, and emotional depth. With its carefully developed narrative and striking imagery, it translates the track’s intensity into a powerful on-screen experience, merging performance and storytelling into a compelling and immersive whole.
Following the release, Turunen will embark on the international “Frisson” live tour 2026, launching Sept. 30 in Berlin.
Frisson Noir reflects Tarja‘s ongoing dialogue between cinematic orchestration, classical heritage, and the power and intensity of contemporary metal. The album moves between intimate piano passages, dramatic orchestral textures, and powerful, guitar-driven moments.
At the center of the soundscape is Tarja‘s distinctive voice, moving effortlessly between fragile emotional expression and operatic power. Around it, orchestral arrangements, choirs, and layered instrumentation create a cinematic world that constantly shifts between darkness and light, exploring deeply human themes such as fear, beauty, nostalgia, resilience, defiance, transformation, identity, disappearance, independence, trust, and perseverance.
Across 10 tracks, Tarja delivers intensity, emotion, and strength, joined by special guest Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth), Apocalyptica, Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish), and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers). Mixed by GRAMMY-winning producer Neal Avron (Linkin Park, Skillet, Disturbed), the album blends a modern, hard-hitting sound with the dramatic and emotional elements that define Tarja‘s unmistakable metal identity.
The album will be available in retail as CD Digipak, Black 2LP Gatefold and Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold. The first pressing of all formats is finished with high-quality copper foil and logo embossing. Further exclusive formats as signed editions and a strictly limited Collectors Box Set (incl. Black 2LP Gatefold (180g) with 24-page vinyl size booklet of illustrations, photographs, and lyrics, CD Digipak with 28-page booklet, Box Set exclusive 7″ vinyl single with “I Don’t Care (Tarja Solo Version)” and “I Don’t Care (Dani Mix)”, four Box Set exclusive animal print postcards, Box Set exclusive DIN A2 Frisson Noir poster, and a fine art print signed by Tarja) will be available in the official album store.
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The album opens with “Nebula Voyage,” immersing listeners in an intense atmospheric journey. This piece conveys a sense of universal energy. Ethereal pads and resonant guitars envelop the audience in an ancestral embrace that feels expansive and intimate. One cannot overlook the depth of emotion that pours forth from this opening track.
Following is “Flute Ocean Peace.” This composition introduces a soothing melody that caresses the senses. The sound evokes the sensation of ocean breezes on the skin. It feels as if one is drifting into a serene landscape, painted in hues of blue. The gentle flow of the music creates an experience that is therapeutic for your soul.
“Home At Last,” presents a more ethnic instrumentation. True to its title, this track resembles a return to one’s roots. It carries a pastoral quality that connects listeners with nature. The imagery of a meadow gently swaying in the wind comes to life. The delicate dance of willow branches adds to the serenity of the piece.
Total Tranquility – Sound and Atmosphere
One of my favourite tracks is “Moonlight Walk.” This piece encapsulates the feeling of wandering through a forest at night. The soft illumination of the moon guides the way. It possesses an element of mystery that resonates deeply. The emotion conveyed here is haunting and beautiful, creating a sense of reflective solitude.
The artist showcases a remarkable range of instruments throughout the album. These include analog synthesizers, acoustic and electric guitars, piano, acoustic bass, and numerous others. The variety of sounds employed enriches each piece’s emotional landscape. From the soothing tones of the pandrum to the gentleness of the Native American flute, the artist adjusts sonic textures according to the feelings intended for each song.
Every track in this album serves as a healing gift for the soul. The next tune, “Faraway,” evokes feelings of calm and nostalgia. It transports listeners to a suspended realm, reminiscent of a mirage in the desert. The emotion captured within fosters deep introspection.
Total Tranquility – Performance and Production
Following this is “Cosmic Resonance.” With this piece, one can visualize endless galaxies and fly above unknown planets. The musical arrangement instills a sense of wonder about the vastness that surrounds us. It simultaneously conveys the loneliness experienced within that expanse. The contrasts presented in the composition enhance the feeling of connectivity and isolation.
The album concludes with “Circle of Life.” This track opens with piano notes expanding and reverberating like drops on a lake. The sound creates infinite ripples that carry the listener away. An angelic voice sings in harmony, elevating the ambient atmosphere. It feels delicate and ethereal, reminiscent of Heraclitus’ philosophy of life’s continuous flow and recreation.
“Total Tranquility” is a fantastic album with profound emotional depth. Each piece invites the audience into an introspective voyage. It balances serene moments with reflections on vastness and connection to nature. The artist’s skillful use of diverse instruments adds layers to the listening experience. This album is highly recommended for those seeking a peaceful escape through music.