Still Dusk was formed in December, 2018 by the previous guitarist of the band, Nafsika Kardomatea and they started their live appearances in Athens the following year. After a lot of changes in the main line-up and a pause due to COVID-19 pandemic, Yannis Kemenides joined the band.
They recorded their first EP in January 2023 and it was out the next month. The EP gained recognition in the Greek underground scene and also in the international music community, receiving excellent reviews from web magazines like Music Arena GH.
And on June 11 they will release their first full length album “Chronicles of Dystopia” via Dutch label Rock Company!
Check out the video for the single “Insidious” that was released on May 9!
Line up
Ina Damianidou – Vocals
John Kemenides- Guitars/Backingvocals
Konstantinos Stavrou- Bass/BackingVocals
Yannis Tarasis- Drums
Tracklist
1. 0.003
2. Born To Believe
3. Into Fractions
4. Eigengrau
5. Disobedience
6. Black Water
7. Midnight Run
8. Insidious
9. Sugar
Recorded at Made in Hell Studio by David Prudent
Mixing and Mastering in Sound abuse productions by Psychon Nyne
Freeze The Fall Unleash Heaviest Cut Yet “Oubliette” Out Now Ahead of The Red Garden EP Due June 18 Stream “Oubliette” Here “Oubliette” the latest single from Kelowna power trio FREEZE THE FALL, now streaming, is a tightly crafted cut blending aggressive riffs, soaring melodies and intense lyrical themes. The track marks a significant step forward for the metallers showcasing their ability to write songs that are both blistering and emotionally resonant. “Oubliette” has a certain je ne sai quoi with its use of secret French language messages encoded throughout the song. This hard-hitting progressive piece, sends audiences into a twisted Parisian silent film of a bygone era with its accompanying visualizer. The single comes off the group’s EP, The Red Garden, out everywhere June 18th via 604 Records. Reminiscent of acts like ARCHITECTS, SPIRITBOX, and early BRING ME THE HORIZON, the EP is produced, mixed and mastered by Jordan Chase and engineered by Colton Douglas at Oo-de-lally Recordings in British Columbia, Canada.
“Oubliette” is a reflection of longing for a simpler time, a past version of oneself, or of one’s innocence. “Don’t we all wish to immortalize a younger version of ourselves in some way?” explains the band.
The song’s powerful, bursting chorus provides clarity that directly contrasts the heavier chaotic verse, making the track instantly replayable and anthemic. It explores themes of isolation, inner conflict and emotional release, mirroring the song’s title reference. “Oubliette” refers to, “a dungeon of forgetting”. The raw and melodic vocals performed by frontwoman Quinn Mitzel paired with the haunting harmonies between backing vocalist and bassist Aria Becker, enhances the tension between despair and resilience. This duality speaks to the band’s deeper message about acknowledging pain, yet refusing to stay buried in it. The tight musicianship and precise transitions reflect a group that’s not only technically skilled but also emotionally in tune with their message.
“Oubliette”, added to CBC Music’s Canadian Metal, follows The Red Garden’s first three singles, “Aurora”, “Hypothermia”, and “VHS” which represent an intense, raw, and emotional shift. The Red Garden is an evolution both in sound and storytelling. Leaning into themes of nostalgia, emotional distance, the EP is marked by its cold, isolating atmosphere and heavy, almost post-metal textures. It combines elements of melding introspective and poetic lyricism with soaring, anthemic instrumentation. Adding to a sense of grandeur and emotional release.
With still so many secrets and hidden truths to be revealed, The Red Garden feels like a defining moment for FREEZE THE FALL, showcasing their ability to craft deeply moving, high-impact music. It is a promising collection of songs that expands on their signature sound.
Despite only releasing their debut EP Thrones, last summer FREEZE THE FALL has built an incredibly passionate and dedicated fanbase, dubbed The Cold Front across Patreon, Discord and YouTube, which includes over 500 YouTube Reactions. Within the past month, FREEZE THE FALL received thousands of fan votes to have the group play Laketown Ranch which will see the trio share the stage with mega acts like NICKELBACK, THE GLORIOUS SONS and SAM ROBERTS BAND to name a few. In addition to this, “Hypothermia” was added to Revolver Magazine’s “6 Best New Songs”, adding to their already impressive accolades. Given the trio’s quick-rising success. it’s clear that they’ve got talent and stage-presence in spades.
FREEZE THE FALL Tour Dates: Tickets & Info: https://freezethefallband.com/upcoming-shows May 17 – Spring Fever @ The Biltmore – Vancouver, BC June 14 – NXNE @ Handlebar – Toronto, ON June 27 – EP Release Party @ The Fox Cabaret – Vancouver, BC August TBD – Laketown Ranch – Lake Cowichan, BC
More on FREEZE THE FALL: Welcome to The Cold Front. You say “loud” FREEZE THE FALL says, “How loud?”. These hard rockers are not playing when it comes to their music or their artistry. With an acumen for storytelling their fans are already theorizing what comes next. The band consists of Quinn Mitzel on guitar and lead vocals, Aria Becker on bass and backup vocals, and Jonah Goncalves on drums. They write original music based on angsty guitar riffs, wildly technical bass lines, and powerful drum fills. All tied together with soulful melodies.
“We write songs about life, all of it, and we hope you love listening,”.
This week has been one of the busiest weeks in music releases in a long time. It’s been a whirlwind of some of the heaviest music and diverse songs. It is hard to keep up as usual. Below are some of my favorites of the week and some you might have missed.
What has everyone been listening to lately? I have been catching up on thirty years of Death Metal, studying up on my Women’s Music history, and listening to new albums from Messa, Kardashev, and Eluveitie. Let me know what I should check out next.
One of My Favorite Metalcore Bands Drops New Deatchore-like Single
Sigh. I wonder how much of Modern Metal is going to sound like Lorna Shore and Slaughter to Prevail. I love Parkway, and I like this song, but it’s a little too predictably Modern Metal. What happened to melody in Modern Music?
Swedish Gothic Death Metal band Returns with Absolutely Amazing New Single
I’ve never heard this band before, so I didn’t know what to expect. I expected classic Death Metal, but this is much more diverse and beautiful than I expected.
Pagan Metal Quintet ARKONA Surprise with Eerie New Single “Cectpa” | Watch the Official Music Video HERE!
Order Your Copy of the Latest Album, Kob’ | Save Your Copy HERE!
[photo credit: Edaliana Rennenkampf]
Following the critically acclaimed release of their apocalyptic concept album Kob’ (2023), pagan folk metal visionaries ARKONA return with a mesmerizing new single, “Cectpa” (English: Sister). Unveiling a darker, more introspective side, the track conjures a haunting atmosphere through solemn organ melodies, doom-tinged riffs, and the ethereal voice of frontwoman Masha Scream. Accompanied by an official music video, “Cectpa” weaves an emotional tale of inner grief and spiritual reckoning, continuing ARKONA’s tradition of blending folkloric mysticism with metal’s raw intensity.
After a successful 2023 that included a tour with labelmates Patriarkh (ex-Batushka) and a well-received appearance at Summer Breeze Open Air in 2024, ARKONA now set out on their Summer Rituals tour across Europe. From intimate venues to major festival stages, the band continues to bring their intense blend of Slavic pagan tradition, blackened metal, and theatrical performance to devoted audiences. With over two decades of evolution behind them, ARKONA remain a commanding force—fierce, emotional, and spiritually resonant.
ARKONA about the new single “Cectpa”: “The song ‘Cectpa’ (Sister) is a non-album single, which was spontaneously written by Maria specifically for the student who is learning vocal skills from her. Conceptually, the song tells about the deep mental anguish of a person who is on the verge of going into oblivion with the help of fire, which is eating away at the exhausted body from the inside. Sestra is the anguish which acts as a twin sister, the personification of her own internal mental suffering, and the heroine of the song has a dialogue with her, and ultimately says goodbye to her when death finally captures the heroine in its arms.
The single cover artwork, created by the artists Rotten Fantom, fully reflects the concept of the song, visualizing its content in dark philosophical tones.
The musical accompaniment is extraordinarily doom metal, closely echoing the melodic line and folk choral voices of traditional Arkona. It’s recommended for those who loved the songs such as ‘Strela’, ‘Oh, Pechal’-Toska’, ‘Zimushka’.”
Halestorm will waste no time supporting their upcoming sixth studio album, Everest, booking a seven month world tour that includes a lengthy run in the U.S. and Canada between July and October. This is what Halestorm does best, endlessly tour and make sure their millions of fans have multiple chances to see them.
I am intrigued by the first single of Everest, as it sounds more like “Into the Wildlife” style writing and production.
The band recently revealed the first single from their new album titled “Darkness Always Wins” and now we have the full details of their forthcoming release.
Halestorm on the album:
“Our album Everest is a story of our journey as a band, full of beautiful endings and new beginnings. We weave a tangled web of melancholy, frustration, anger, and the vast purgatory of love and love lost. It is a rollercoaster of epic musical detours, great songwriting and completely unhinged twists and turns. EVEREST is an auditory representation of the 4 pillars of Halestorm. Let us introduce ourselves and invite you into our world…if you dare.”
The album is titled Everest and it’s currently on track for an Aug. 8 release date through Atlantic Records. The group worked with producer Dave Cobb on the set.
Check out the album artwork and track listing below and make sure to get in on the album pre-orders.
Halestorm, Everest Album Artwork + Track Listing
Atlantic Records
Fallen Star Everest Shiver Like A Woman Can Rain Your Blood On Me Darkness Always Wins Gather The Lambs WATCH OUT! Broken Doll K-I-L-L-I-N-G I Gave You Everything How Will You Remember Me?
Halestorm Touring Everest
As stated, Halestorm have a heavy tour cycle ahead of them. The group’s 2025 NEverest touring includes dates supporting Iron Maiden and Volbeat, while the band also has shows that feature Apocalyptica, Lindsey Stirling, Bloodywood and Kelsey Karter and the Heroines.
In addition, Halestorm will be one of the bands playing a set at the Ozzy Osbourne / Black Sabbath Back to the Beginning all-day concert on July 5 in Birmingham, England.
Along with the previously announced North American dates supporting Volbeat, the band just revealed a U.S. and Canada headline run featuring Lindsey Stirling and Apocalyptica. Tickets for the run will go on sale this Friday (May 2) at 10AM local time. Check out all the stops below and get ticketing information through the Halestorm website.
Halestorm 2025 Touring
May 15 – Daytona Beach, Fla. @ Welcome To Rockville (festival date) May 17 – Ocean City, Md. @ Boardwalk Rock (festival date)
European & U.K. Tour Dates
May 27-28 – Budapest @ Sportarena (supporting Iron Maiden) May 31 – Prague, Czechia S Letany Airport (supporting Iron Maiden) June 1 – Bratislava, Slovakia @ O’Nepelu Arena (supporting Iron Maiden) June 3 – Leipzig, Saxony @ Felsenkeller Leipzig (headline date) June 5 – Trondheim, Norway @ Trondheim Rocks (festival date) June 7 – Stavanger, Norway @ Viking Stadium (supporting Iron Maiden) June 9 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Royal Arena (supporting Iron Maiden) June 12-13 – Stockholm, Sweden @ 3Arena (supporting Iron Maiden) June 16 – Helsinki, Finland @ Olympic Stadium (supporting Iron Maiden) June 18 – Tallinn, Estonia @ Helitehas (headline date) June 19 – Riga, Latvia @ Palladium Riga (headline date) June 23 – Lille, France @ Aeronef (headline date) June 25 – Dublin, Ireland @ Malahide Castle (supporting Iron Maiden) June 28 – London, UK @ London Stadium (supporting Iron Maiden) July 1 – Lausanne, Switzerland @ Les Docks (headline date) July 2 – Eindhoven @ Effenaar (headline date) July 5 – Birmingham, U.K. @ Villa Park (supporting Black Sabbath)
North American Dates
July 17 – Denver, Colo. @ Ball Arena (supporting Volbeat) July 19 – Salt Lake City, Utah @ Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat) July 21 – Auburn, Wash. @ White River Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat) July 22 – Ridgefield, Wash. @ Cascades Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat) July 24 – Wheatland, Calif. @ Toyota Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat) July 25 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ Kia Forum (supporting Volbeat) July 26 – Phoenix, Ariz. @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat) July 28 – Irving, Texas @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory (supporting Volbeat) July 29 – Houston, Texas @ 713 Music Hall (supporting Volbeat) July 31 – Rogers, Ark. @ Walmart AMP (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 2 – Franklin, Tenn. @ FirstBank Amphitheater (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 3 – Alpharetta, Ga. @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 4 – Tampa, Fla. @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 6 – Charlotte, N.C. @ PNC Music Pavilion (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 7 – Bristow, Va. @ Jiffy Lube Live (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 9 – Camden, N.J. @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 10 – Holmdel, N.J. @ PNC Bank Arts Center (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 12 – Bangor, Maine @ Maine Savings Amphitheater (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 13 – Gilford, N.H. @ Bank NH Pavilion (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 14 – Mansfield, Mass. @ Xfinity Center (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 16 – Hershey, Pa. @ GIANT Center (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 17 – Cincinnati, Ohio 2 Riverbend Music Center (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 19 – Clarkston, Mich. @ Pine Knob Music Center (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 21 – Noblesville, Ind. @ Ruoff Music Center (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 22 – Tinley Park, Ill. @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat) Aug. 23 – Marshfield, Wis. @ Central Wisconsin State Fair (headline date) Sept. 11 – Salem, Va. @ Salem Civic Center (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Sept. 12 – Cherokee, N.C. @ Harrah’s Cherokee (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Sept. 14 – Bridgeport, Ct. @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Sept. 16 – Syracuse, N.Y. @ Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Sept. 18 – Laval, Quebec @ Place Bell (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Sept. 19 – Toronto, Ontario @ Budweiser Stage (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Sept. 21 – Madison, Wis. @ Breese Stevens Field (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Sept. 23 – St. Louis, Mo. @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Sept. 24 – Cedar Rapids, Iowa @ Alliant Energy PowerHouse (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Sept. 26 – Welch, Minn. @ Treasure Island Amphitheater (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Sept. 27 – Duluth, Minn. @ AMSOIL Arena (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Sept. 29 – Bonner Springs, Kan. @ Azura Amphitheater (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Oct. 1 – Sioux City, Iowa @ Tyson Events Center (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Oct. 2 – Grand Forks, N.D. @ Alerus Center (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Oct. 4 – Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Canada Life Centre (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Oct. 5 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan @ SaskTel Centre (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Oct. 7 – Calgary, Alberta @ Scotiabank Saddledome (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Oct. 8 – Penticton, British Columbia @ South Okanagan Events Centre (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Oct. 10 – Vancouver, British Columbis ! Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) Oct. 11 – Spokane, Wash. @ Spokane Arena (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
European & U.K. Dates
Oct. 22 – Wiesbaden, DE @ Schlachthof (with Bloodywood) Oct. 23 – Oberhausen, DE @ Turbinehalle 2 (with Bloodywood) Oct. 25 – Hamburg, DE @ Inselpark Arena (with Bloodywood) Oct. 27 – Stockholm SE @ Fållan (with Bloodywood) Oct. 28 – Copenhagen, DK @ The Grey Hall (with Bloodywood) Oct. 30 – Warsaw, PL @ COS Torwar (with Bloodywood) Nov. 1 – Berlin, DE @ Columbiahalle (with Bloodywood) Nov. 3 – Prague, CZ @ Lucerna Velkỳ Sàl (with Bloodywood) Nov. 5 – Vienna, AT @ Gasometer (with Bloodywood) Nov. 6 – Budapest, HU @ Barba Negra (with Bloodywood) Nov. 8 – Munich, DE @ Zenith (with Bloodywood) Nov. 9 – Zurich, CH @ Komplex457 (with Bloodywood) Nov. 11 – Milan, IT @ Alcatraz (with Bloodywood) Nov. 12 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz 1 (with Bloodywood) Nov. 14 – Pamplona, ES @ Totem (with Bloodywood) Nov. 15 – Madrid, ES @ La Riviera (with Bloodywood) Nov. 17 – Paris, FR @ Olympia (with Bloodywood) Nov. 18 – Amsterdam, NL @ AFAS Live (with Bloodywood) Nov. 20 – Cardiff, UK @ Utilita Arena (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines) Nov. 21 – Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines) Nov. 23 – Birmingham, UK @ bp pulse LIVE (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines) Nov. 24 – Manchester, UK @ AO Arena (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines) Nov. 26 – London, UK @ O2 Arena (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines)
May 27 – June 28: Supporting Iron Maiden (where noted) July 5: supporting Black Sabbath July 17 – August 22: Supporting Volbeat (where noted) September 11 – October 11: (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) October 22 – November 26: Support from Bloodywood November 20 – November 26: Support from Kelsy Karter & The Heroines
If you’re looking for Halestorm meets ‘Foo Fighters meets Fleetwood Mac, Ginger Evil are right in your wheelhouse. Their new single of off their latest album “The Way It Burns” has soul, blues, jazz, and southern rock flavors that died out sadly in the 1970s. The new wave of this Rock is back in 2025 with some killer offers, and Ginger Evil is a catalyst!
BUY/STREAM HERE Finnish female-fronted rock sensations Ginger Evil are pleased to unveil their new single and official lyric video “Better Get In Line”, taken from their debut album, “The Way It Burns”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.
The band described the themes of the new track: “Better Get In Line” tells everything essential that is wrong in the world and what is wrong with people. We are now witnessing democratic countries taking their first steps towards dictatorships, led by multimillionaires who are blinded by their own greed and needs. People who care about nothing but themselves and their own delusional reality. Can’t we prevent this? Everyone needs to make personal choices to ensure that such things do not thrive in any country. Small actions have a big impact when the group is large enough. Do we want to gamble with our future?”
Ginger Evil began as Moonshine Inc. in 2005, in a rehearsal room in Helsinki, Finland. After a couple of years of rehearsal and composing, a fruitless search for a singer meant the songs were put on ice.
Meanwhile, guitarist Tomi Julkunen and bassist Veli Palevaara continued gigging in Finland with The Milestones, including arena shows with Deep Purple and Whitesnake. In the aftermath of their fifth album, those Moonshine Inc. songs from a decade back emerged from hibernation, so the search began again for a vocalist.
The powerful voice of Ella Tepponen was known to Tomi and Veli from many theatre and music projects, and drummer Toni Mustonen was already familiar to everyone. Jamming together found a shared musical passion, and a group creative process soon flourished. Ginger Evil was born.
“From Foo Fighters to Fleetwood Mac”, is how the band hears their music, with singer Ella bringing a whole new kind of twist to their rock expression. Once the band got together and songs were taking shape, on board jumped music producer and film director Richard Stanley, known for his work with The Who and John Lennon, heard demos of Ginger Evil and was inspired to co-write lyrics.
In 2022 Ginger Evil signed a deal with Frontiers Music Srl. (Def Leppard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, TOTO, Whitesnake, Skunk Anansie). Debut album “The Way It Burns” was released on February 14, 2025. Organic and fresh sounding album was something that rock fans had been waiting for since the 90’s; something familiar, something new, something that got their asses shaking once more!
“The Way It Burns” Tracklist:
1. Rainmaker 2. Dead On Arrival 3. Shame Old 4. Flames 5. Hands Move To Midnight 6. Arrowhead 7. Better Get In Line 8. Black Waves 9. Whispers 10. Not Your Fool 11. Last Frontier 12. Wake Me
Line Up: Ella Tepponen – vocals Tomi Julkunen – guitars Veli Palevaara – bass Toni Mustonen – drums
SINGLES/ VIDEOS: “Deep in the Woods” (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) watch HERE
TRACKLISTING: 01 Intro 02 Night Stalker 03 Deep in the Woods 04 Living in Sin 05 Blue Sky 06 Eat You Alive 07 Turn Me on 08 Killer Machine 09 Cold is the Fire
INFO: Consisting of vocalist Therese Damberg, her brother Marcus Damberg on guitar, Hampus Steenberg on bass and Kent Svensson behind the drums, Teaser Sweet have already made some waves in the Swedish metal scene.
They originally started out in 2013, when Marcus Damberg asked his sister and former bass player Christoffer Cardell “shouldn’t we start a band?” The initial line-up was completed by Kalle Krantz on drums. Before writing their own material, they used to be playing Kiss cover songs. After recording a demo, they took to the stage and eventually releasing three albums and an EP: »Hit And Run« (2015), »In The Night« (EP, 2017), »Hypnotized« (2018) and »Monster« (2020).
For the new album »Night Stalker« the band has now inked a deal with High Roller Records. Therese Damberg’s powerful yet melodic vocals at times sound like a cross between Acid’s Kate, Leather Leone and Johanna of Lucifer. However, she herself sees it in a different light: “If I must name a female singer, it is Doro Pesch that I love to listen to. Otherwise, it’s male singers that catch my attention, such as Rob Halford with his great feeling and attitude in his vocals.”
When asked about the big number of high-class female-fronted or all-female hard rock and metal bands in Sweden – from Crucified Barbara and Slingblade to Thundermother and The Gems –, the singer searches for an explanation: “Hard to say what the reason is for that. My guess is that Swedish women probably have an ear for hard rock and a confidence to follow their own path. ABBA laid the foundation for female singers from Sweden, and it is natural that hard rock bands have female singers just as there are bands with only men.”
Apart from being influenced by the music of Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Dio and even latter-day Europe, a song like “Deep In The Woods”, with its galloping bass work, owes a lot to Iron Maiden. Therese laughs: “You have a really good ear, that’s correct!” Elsewhere, numbers such as “Cold Is The Fire” and “Turn Me On” are also full of great hooks, making »Night Stalker« the band’s best album so far. MATTHIAS MADER.
Night Stalker is a throwback for the ages, mirroring the melodic power anthems of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Pat Benatar. This is such a great time for an album like this. I enjoyed this album a lot. I think it has great tone, specifically in the guitars. Marcus is a great guitarist. I just discovered this band and they’re fantastic musicians. I felt that the vocals could be stronger compared to the rest of the musicianship. The vocals are at times too much like Lita Ford’s 80s sound, which I do not care for. The bass could be louder too for more of a dynamic range. Overall,Night Stalker has some great high points and rawness that is definitely worth checking out.
LINE-UP: Therese Damberg – vocals Marcus Damberg – lead guitar Hampus Steenberg – bass & background vocals Kent Svensson – drums
Here are ten new releases you should check out for the weekend!
Ànv by Eluveitie
Ànv is finally here! Eluveitie fans have been waiting since 2019’s Ategnatos, which is one of my favorite Metal albums. It’s hard to follow up such an incredible album, but I think they achieved a similar magic with Ànv. Expect soaring Folk Melodies, haunting vocals from the incomparable Fabienne Erni, even more crazy technical Heavy Metal solos, and more violin epics. This album is just MORE of everything I love about Eluveitie. It’s heavier, darker, catchier, more complex, faster, and more layers of the Folk sound. This album plays loud, so that you can hear all eight musicians individually. The addition of Lea-Sophie Fischer on Violin and Hurdy Gurdy is spectacular. She restores the fast paced technicality on Violin that attributes to so much of Elu’s unique sound. Her playing on this album is mind-blowing. Rafael Salzmann and Jonas Wolf exceed expectations for me on guitars. The solos are crisp, the accents are disturbingly eerie, and the rhythm is so paralyzingly fast. Everything is so well constructed and put together, definitely credited to Jonas’s writing ability. It doesn’t get boring or stale. It captures you, like only Eluveitie can, and it doesn’t let go.
Truth be told, I didn’t expect to love this album, and I absolutely do. I don’t know how they keep raising the bar and stay pure Folk Metal. There’s no formula, but you know it’s authentically Eluveitie. It’s yet another dark and beautiful album from them. The talent of this band is unmatched and legendary, and Ànv is a testament to everything they’ve contributed to music. I love the complexity of it. It’s not predictable in any way. Each song is unique and incredibly emotive. This album is definitely on my list of a Best of 2025.
My Favorite songs: Taranoias, The Prodigal Ones, Awen, The Harvest, All Is One, Aeon of the Crescent Moon
The track is taken from the band’s newest album ‘Ànv.’ Out on all music platforms and in various physical formats via: https://eluveitie.bfan.link/anv.yde
Rivers of Nihil Stun with new single
Their self-titled album out May 25th via Nuclear Blast Records may be my album of the year. Based upon the three singles that I have heard, this album is devastatingly good. I’ve heard songs from them in the past, but none compare to the impact of Water & Time. This new song is one of the best songs I have ever heard in my entire life. This song is a masterclass in composition. They went above and beyond on this song. The full body chills I get when I listen to this song are unmatched. This song is worth tens of thousands of reaction videos. I wish I would’ve filmed my reaction to hearing this song for the first time. My Jaw was on the floor. It took everything I had to keep from tearing up. I said “oh my god” multiple times at every change. Then, the Saxophone solo hit, and I was utterly blown away. You have to sit down and experience this song.
Halestorm Release New Dark Single
So, I am really torn on this one. I really want to like this song. It’s overall a great song, maybe one of their most epic songs ever made. The problem I have with the song, is the obvious similarity of “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins in the intro. I don’t know if it’s a purposeful sampling, but it’s similar enough to make me wonder. I’m not against lawful sampling, but if it’s done without clearly stating, it bothers me. Regardless, this is a great song and well written. A lot of their writing in the past ten years has been a little stale for me, this is something different.
Fit For a King blaze with new track
One of my favorite Metalcore bands of all time is back with a new extremely heavy dramatic track. It’s a bit predictable, considering about 80% of Metalcore sounds exactly like this right now. I like it, it’s just a bit bland and sounds like anything from Volumes, Bury Tomorrow, Bring Me the Horizon, Memphis May Fire, Architects, Devil Wears Prada, I could go on. I like a lot of songs by these bands, I have nothing against Metalcore. I love Metalcore, but the genre is getting extremely watered down and stale to me. What do you think about Fit For a King and the state of Metalcore?
Ozark Based Etched In Embers Releases All That Remains style track
This song really surprised me. I didn’t expect such good melodic vocals and excellent song progression. These guys only started in 2020, so they’re fairly new. I am interested to see where they go with this style.
Heavy Metallers AMBUSH Combine Old Sounds for New Speedy Track
If you like Hammerfall, Helloween, Blind Guardian, Man O War, and Dream Evil, this band is definitely up your alley. This guy’s range is stunning. The solo is reminiscent of Vivian Campbell on Holy Diver. I like it and can’t wait to check out more of their catalog.
French Prog Metalcore Stun With A dual Language Track
This is one of my favorite songs they have ever released. I’ve been listening to them for a couple years now. I love their chaotic and technical style. I think they’re an underrated band in the genre, along with brothers and sister band Novelists. This is a super emotive song, reminding me of my favorite song by them “Alive”. Love the dynamics and the choir style vocals towards the end. We need a Landmvrks/Novelists tour in the USA.
Portuguese Dark Symphonic Death Metal GODIVA is back!
The legendary Dimmu Borgir adjacent band is back with a new video for blazing track “All Seeing Eye” off of Hubris in 2023. The band formed in 1999, but hasn’t been very active. Hopefully, this video marks a new return for the band. I want more of this. If you like old Dimmu, this is right up your alley
All Girl Trio Blows it Out of the Water
Welsh band Häxan brings a new kind of Rock with absolutely stunning vocals that soar with precision. I have never heard of Häxan, but these girls are spectacular musicians. The guitar solo is tasteful and gorgeously melodic. The bass, like with any power trio, is excellently heard and booming. The song is perfectly constructed. Häxan is the next big thing in Hard Rock, I truly believe they have huge potential
American Family Goes Symphonic Rock With Brand new Epic
LILIAC is a Romanian-American Heavy Metal band made up of members of the Cristea family. I’ve been following this band’s career for awhile now, and I think this is their best song yet. Being that their parents are from Romania, they classify their music as “Vamp Metal” which had me hooked right away. This song was a punch in the face that I need to listen to this band a lot more.
I want to start a new tradition on here and socials! I want to share some of my favorite femme metal and rock songs every Friday! I listen to music six to ten hours every day, and a lot of my listening habits are made up of women in bands, which is my ultimate bias. Whether it’s new or not or just new to me, I have my favorite tracks of the week. This week, the theme is “COVERS”. Below is some of my all-time favorite covers featuring a female lead singer! Many of these covers I prefer to the original, because there’s something about the different heavier take on these songs that make it exciting. Some people don’t enjoy covers, but I think it’s a fun way to tribute influences or get a band’s name out there by doing an original take on an old favorite. Despite beliefs, covers are incredibly difficult to do well, and the covers below are some of the best I have ever heard.
Please share your favorite covers in the comments below or go to X and let me know!
Happy Femme Metal Friday! What is your favorite cover song by a band with a female lead?
On Metal Valkyrie, I have been determined for a decade to share the absolute best of Women in Rock and Metal. Now there’s more women than ever in heavy music, and many bands are dominating the scene. Bands like Lacuna Coil, Halestorm, Evanescence, Spiritbox, Jinjer, Linkin Park, and The Warning are at the top of their game. If you haven’t heard this bands, you probably live under a rock and resemble a mushroom at this point, but there are so many bands that aren’t receiving the same press or play volume as those pinnacle bands. So in honor of Women’s History Month (which was actually last month) I decided to make an ultimate guide of 50 great bands with women in them that are pretty new or just relatively unheard. It took hours and hours to come up with a good diverse list, because there’s so much out there, but sadly there is very little promo for most of these bands. Please Record Companies, start picking up and promoting these bands! They all have the “IT” factor in multitudes of ways and deserve more marketing value. The future is female!
50. Vulvarine: An All Girl Hard Rock Throwback from Vienna.
49. Cobra Spell; All Girl Spain Based Heavy Metal band, Dio would be proud!
48. Dawn of Ouroboros; A Jazz Black Metal Atmospheric blend from Oakland California
47. MESSA; Italian Doom Metal/Rock Brings Some Jazzy Atmospheric to Desolate riffs and Vocals
46. PLUSH: All Girl rock band all under the age of 28 brings 90s Hard Rock and Soulful Chris Cornell Vox. The most underrated Rock band on the planet.
45. Heathen Heretic; Swiss Black Death Atmospheric Metal with Soaring Melodies and Folky Goodness.
44. SCARDUST: Israeli Insane Progressive Power Band With one of the most dynamic Vocalists
43. Frantic Amber: All girl Melodic Death Metal from Stockholm with Serial Killer themes
42. Glimmer Void: Italian Alternative Rock band with Prog Influences
41. LINX: An Industrial Rock band from Canada Bringing Fresh sounds to a 90s Genre
40. Pave: An Alt Rock Pop Band Bringing some Pvris sounds with punchy drums
39. Beyond the Black: German Symphonic Metal band fuses Modern Rock with Arena rock and great riffs
38. Rolling Quartz: Korean Rock band with funky riffs and technical guitar solos
37. Infinitas: Swiss Fantasy Symphonic Metal band with soaring melodies
36. Frozen Crown: Italian Power Metal with insane technicality akin to Unleash the Archers and Sonata Arctica
35. Eleine: Swedish Dark Symphonic Metal with Black Metal bleakness and Arch Enemy riffs
34. DOGMA: An American based All Girl version of Ghost with profane and occult themes
33. Ankor: A Spanish/Greek Alternative Metal Powerhouse with a dynamic female lead and one of the best female drummers of all time
32. Miss Krystal; Insanely good Industrial Rock and Pop composer from Phoenix, Arizona
31. Phantom Elite; Modern Metal Powerhouse from Netherlands/Germany with chuggy guitars and soaring high vocals
30. Novelists; Camille Contreras breathes new life into famous Prog Metalcore from France. One of the best bands on this list, in my opinion
29. Oceans of Slumber; Texas Southern Doom Metal with Blues and Soul from below. One of my absolute favorite bands of all time
28. The Beaches: Canadian Alt-Rock with a throwback 1970s to 1980s sound
27. The Last Dinner Party: Fantastic Alt-Rock band with Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, and Blondie sounds and a great vocalist.
26. Elysion; A Greek Gothic Metal band akin to Lacuna Coil, Moonspell, and Tiamat. They released one of my favorite albums of the decade a couple years ago
25. Ad Infinitum: Swiss Modern Metal band with Symphonic aspects and constantly evolving their sound
24. About Monsters: German Alt-Rock Post-Hardcore band with modern metal breakdowns and lower pitched vox
23. MEER: 8 Piece Pop Progressive Orchestra With Dynamic Dual Female and Male Vocals. The talent in this band is staggering
22. Pure Reason Revolution: Prog Rock group from Great Britain with Chloe Alper on backing vocals, keyboard, and bass
21. Calva Louise: A British Metal/Electronic/Alternative Rock Group that keeps you guessing
20. Walk In Darkness: Italian Symphonic Metal with premium technical vocals and Beauty and the Beast dueling vocalists
19. Too Hot For Leather: Nashville based Southern Rock band with gorgeous well-controlled vocals.
18. Eva Under Fire: Chicago Based Hard Rock band with some of the best vocals I’ve ever heard
17. Fortune Teller; A UK Based Power Metal band with no bs
16. Seven Kingdoms: Florida based Power Metal band with great 80s Arena Rock sound. One of my favorite bands of all time. Hits you right in the feels
15. Lutharo: Canadian Heavy Metal band with Arch Enemy influences. One of the best bands I have ever seen live
14. LYRRE: Polish 4 piece band with a lead singer who’s an expert on the Hurdy Gurdy
13. Seven Spires: American Symphonic Metal band with Dimmu Borgir influences and Berkelee College of Music Graduates
12. As December Falls: UK Alt-Rock Prog Metal band brings some interesting touches from J-Metal
11. Holy Wars; American Alt-Rock Indie band brings teeth to Pop hooks
10. Conquer Divide; American All-girl Rock Band turns it up to Metalcore on staggeringly good new record. They’re like a much heavier Modern Metal version of Tonight Alive
9. Meerkat: Dutch Rock band with Proggy drums and immense groove
8. Solarcycles; Dutch Symphonic Folk Metal band with modern and smooth delivered vocals, reminds of old Within Temptation
7. Never Obey Again: Absolutely incredible Italian Modern Metal band. So glad I discovered these guys! The influence of Lacuna Coil is rarely talked about, but it’s evident in most of the Metal bands on this list.
6. Black Spikes- A Lithuanian female fronted Modern Metal band fusing Alt-Metal, Death, and Black Metal for a unique sound
5. Illumisade; A Swiss Symphonic Metal band with metalcore riffs and classically composed songs with Eluveitie’s Dynamic female vocalist Fabienne Erni. I have no idea why this band isn’t enormously famous. There’s nothing else like them on the planet
4. The Birthday Massacre; Canadian Dark Wave Gothic Rock band with entrancing synths and vocals
3. BRUTUS; French band fronted by a female drummer. A power post-hardcore trio of the ages. One of my absolute favorite bands on this list.
2.Infected Rain; Modern Heavy Metal band with dynamic vocalist Lena Scissorhands and impossibly fast chuggy bassist Alice Lane. Fantastic band formed in Moldova in 2008. Love this band.
Number 1, Last One for now: Alt- Metal Electronic band with Elder Scrolls lore
That’s 50 insanely awesome Rock and Metal bands featuring Women! Who should I add to the list and who are your favorites? Comment below and let me know if I made an oversight on a great band.
Introducing my brand new @discord server! Join Metal Valkyries on Discord to Discuss and share your favorite Metal bands, your favorite front women in Metal, and share your own blog posts and sites here.
Metal Valkyrie 