New Metal Music Friday!

April 25, 2025 / metalvalkyrie2014 / Leave a comment

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.

THE DARKEST PLACE I’VE EVER BEEN, out now! Stream and order: https://arisingempire.com/landmvrks

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

Pre-order here: https://haxan.co.uk

Listen and download here: https://linktr.ee/haxanband

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.

➣ Website: https://www.liliacband.com/music

Ultimate Guide To Women In Rock and Metal

April 8, 2025May 5, 2025 / metalvalkyrie2014 / Leave a comment

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.

https://discord.gg/J4vxcC7z

Modern Hard Rock Act WUCAN Return With Video for New Single “Irons In The Fire”

March 24, 2025 / metalvalkyrie2014 / Leave a comment

LONG BRANCH RECORDS
NEWS
Modern Hard Rock Act WUCAN Return With New Single + Video
“Irons In The Fire”

Watch the Official Music Video HERE[Photo Credit: Edgar Kohn]

“WUCAN have the best rock singer in the universe right now, completely original songs, unparalleled energy, more joy playing music than all Scandinavian snot rock bands combined, intelligent lyrics, great charisma – and the absolutely perfect production for this kind of music.” — DEAF FOREVER

“Original, exciting and challenging at the same time. Open your ears!” — ROCK HARD

“The band is so juiced up rock-wise that no one could get the idea that there are Germans at work here”— AUDIOThree years after the release of their latest studio album Heretic Tongue, modern hard rock act WUCAN returns with new single and video “Irons in the Fire”.

In good old WUCAN fashion, musically, the band is moving forward with heavy beats, loud guitars, and epic vocals, ensuring that no rock fan can stand still. The new single is an undeniable headbanger that still holds surprises for longtime fans and leaves no wishes unfulfilled in terms of sound diversity. All in all, a song for all music lovers and, as always, with a touch of surprise that makes WUCAN songs… WUCAN songs.

Singer Francis Tobolsky comments:
“I wrote ‘Irons in the Fire’ as a little toast to all those who refuse to be beaten down by the adversities of the world and keep pushing forward,”

Watch the Official Music Video for “Irons In The Fire” HERE

Francis continues:
“How does the saying go? ‘Diamonds are made under pressure?’ It sometimes feels like that when you pursue a goal and have to overcome obstacles and hurdles to fulfill your dream. Every setback shapes us, every defeat carries a chance within it, and it takes iron will and a good dose of passion to withstand this pressure,”

“‘Irons in the Fire’ was the first song we wrote for our upcoming album. We recorded it in 2024 with our homeboy Max Power in a studio in Berlin. After Heretic Tongues, we floated through jams for a while and were still unsure where the journey with the new album should go. When Tim brought this riff to a rehearsal, we let ourselves be carried away by it. At a certain point, one part flowed organically into the next. It felt really good when the song was finished and already hinted at the direction the new album would take.”

Stream “Irons In The Fire” HERE

The band says:
“For the video shoot, we rented an old glass factory in Weißwasser, DE and an old brewery in Medingen near Dresden, DE, capturing the cold and raw atmosphere that these professions bring with them”

“In the glass factory, we shot the performance scenes with cold hands in the shadow of the large old machines,” the band furthers. “In Medingen, we went all out and literally smashed TVs, dishes, tables, and even a toilet. The images and scenes that emerged show the fun we had! The video was once again produced by Armin from Massengrab Records, to whom we have entrusted our projects since Heretic Tongues. This time, his colleague Hans and photographer Edgar Kohn were also involved. We would like to thank Hafenstube Telux and the Ostpol team for providing the filming locations. Also, thanks to Massengrab Records, Ravierfilms, and Edgar Kohn for the production.”

CATCH WUCAN LIVE:
June 19 — Netphen, DE — Freak Valley Festival

WUCAN are:
Francis Tobolsky – Vocals / Guitar / Flute / Theremin
Tim George – Guitar
Philip Knöfel – Drums
Alexander Karlisch – Bass WUCAN online:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIK TOK
WEBSITE

Discover New Metal 3/18/25

March 18, 2025March 18, 2025 / metalvalkyrie2014 / Leave a comment

Looking for new bands or songs to freshen up your music rotation? I’ve got you covered with this week’s Rock and Metal report! If you’re anything like me, I tend to get stuck on the same bands (Ankor) or albums for a month straight. So, here’s some newer music you may not have heard before!

What have you been listening to lately?

German Eurovision Stars Release New Single

Norse Folk Metal band You Probably Haven’t Heard

Female Fronted Jazz Death Metal, something I never thought I’d Say

Steven Wilson Pays Homage to Pink Floyd in the Epic “The Overview”

Melodic Rock From Sweden Drop New Anthemic Single

80s Stars Giant Are Back With Whitesnake-esque Power Ballad

Legendary Cradle of Filth Are Back with a Vengeance

Swiss Fantasy Metal Band Are Growly but Chill

Italian Noir Band Bring Doom, Jazz, and Ambient sounds together. Love this band!

All Female Hard Rock Band rivals Doro, Dorothy, Burning Witches

All Girl Melodeath Band Releases New Serial Killer Inspired Song

Female Fronted Black Metal Stuns with Folky new Song

Slovenian Speed/Heavy Metal With Gorgeous Hansi-like Vocals

My Favorite Song right now, and a top ten of all time favorite. Have to end it with Ankor

CANDLEMASS Celebrates 40th Anniversary With New EP, “Black Star”, Out May 9, 2025

March 17, 2025March 17, 2025 / metalvalkyrie2014 / Leave a comment

Swedish godfathers of epic doom CANDLEMASS celebrate their 40th anniversary of pioneering the genre with a four-track EP, Black Star. Packed with craterous riffs, this celebration of doom metal mastery is set for release on May 9, 2025 via Napalm Records.

With Black Star, the genre-defying band unveils two brand-new songs alongside two cover versions of timeless classics. The EP will be available in various formats, including a strictly limited vinyl edition featuring a 12-page vinyl booklet, an A3 poster, and a tote bag.

CANDLEMASS mastermind Leif Edling comments:
“Not all bands get to see their 40th birthday and it certainly hasn’t been an easy ride. But many ups and downs later, we stand here as survivors, veterans even… a bit scarred perhaps? Still ready though to unleash another piece of doom-laden metal upon an unsuspecting world. You have to do something when you turn 40, right? Anyway, as always, it’s been fun recording some new stuff as well as covering a couple of old favorites.”

Title track, “Black Star”, blends haunting melodies with deeply introspective lyrics, brought to life by the dark, romantic voice of vocalist Johan Länquist. Songwriter Leif Edling’s lyrics delve into themes of existential struggle, temptation, and the allure of darkness — creating an intense atmosphere imbued with CANDLEMASS’ signature sound. The second new track, “Corridors Of Chaos”, marks a true old school instrumental containing both classic metal riffing and stunning guitar playing by Lars Johansson, showcasing the band’s mastery of dynamics. Adding to this tribute, CANDLEMASS delivers a cover of Black Sabbath’s iconic “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”, taking listeners back to 1973. This is followed by their rendition of Pentagram’s classic “Forever My Queen”, further cementing CANDLEMASS’ remarkable contribution to shaping the genre into what it is today.

Prepare for 40 years of epic doom and watch the
anniversary trailer NOW:

Black Star tracklist:
1. Black Star
2. Corridors Of Chaos
3. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
4. Forever My Queen
Black Star will be available in the following formats:
1LP Gatefold BLACK ORANGE SPLATTER (incl. vinyl booklet (12pp), A3 poster, tote bag) – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive, strictly limited to 400 copies
1LP Gatefold BLACK
1CD Digisleeve
Digital Album

[1LP Gatefold BLACK ORANGE SPLATTER (incl. vinyl booklet (12pp), A3 poster, tote bag) –
Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive, strictly limited to 400 copies]

Get your copy of Black Star HERE:

CANDLEMASS Live 2025
20.-21.06.25 DE – Daun Rengen / Der Detze Rockt
25.06.25 NO – Oslo / Tons of Rock
04.07.25 TR – Istanbul / Headbangers Weekend
20.07.25 IT – Cremona / Luppolo In Rock Festival
30.07.-02.08.25 NO – Bergen / Beyond the Gates Festival
08.-09.08.25 FI – Helsinki / Helsinki Metal Festival
08.-10.08.25 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz
12.-13.09.25 GR – Athens / Rock Hard Festival
01.11.25 SE – Stockholm / Berns
06.12.25 UK – Wolverhampton / Bloodstock Winter Gathering

CANDLEMASS are:
Johan Länquist – Vocals
Lars Johansson – Lead Guitar
Mappe Björkman – Rhythm Guitar
Leif Edling – Bass
Janne Lind – Drums

CANDLEMASS online:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
WEBSITE
NAPALM RECORDS

Press Release: VISIONS OF ATLANTIS Announce Physical Edition of Live Album, Armada Live Over Europe, out July 4, 2025 via Napalm Records

March 17, 2025 / metalvalkyrie2014 / Leave a comment

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS Announce Physical Edition of Live Album, Armada Live Over Europe, out July 4, 2025 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order HERE!

Electrifying Live Video for “Armada” Unveiled | Watch HERE!

On Extended North America Tour in April!

Pirates never rest, nor do the raging seas! Following the triumphant release of Pirates II – Armada and the ongoing success of their Armada Live Over Europe series, international symphonic metal frontrunners VISIONS OF ATLANTIS set sail once again with their brand-new live video, “Armada”, recorded during their electrifying performance in Graz, Austria. The new video is part of their exciting the digital live series Armada Live Over Europe. By releasing live songs and videos over the past weeks, the quintet has kept excitement levels at an all-time high. Now, the digital series culminates in the live album Armada Live Over Europe set for release via Napalm Records on July 4, 2025. The live album captures the explosive energy of a VISIONS OF ATLANTIS live show, allowing listeners to relive the incomparable spirit of their recent tour from the comfort of home.

2024 was a triumphant year for the international symphonic metal frontrunners VISIONS OF ATLANTIS. The release of their latest full-length album, Pirates II – Armada, marks the band’s most successful record to date, climbing to top positions on international charts, including #5 on the German and Austrian Official Album Charts, #4 on the UK Rock & Metal Charts, and #2 on the US Hard Music Album Charts, to name a few. The summer and fall were filled with extensive touring, enchanting their devoted fans across Europe and the UK.

For fans in North America, the live album will be the perfect way to warm up for VISIONS OF ATLANTIS’ upcoming tour, taking place in April 2025. Tickets for this adventurous ride are on sale now, and fans won’t want to miss the unique VIP upgrade, which includes an exclusive acoustic set performed for a small audience before the show—creating memories to last a lifetime!

Pirate Queen Clémentine states:
“Today we end this wonderful live series with our battle chant! For so many weeks, we have had great pleasure gathering online with our sailors, sharing memories and anecdotes from our latest European Armada tour. Now, we are looking ahead to the next adventure appearing on the horizon: the North American Armada tour! We’re very excited to bring our tales again to the other side of the Atlantic. See you very soon!”

“High drama, hard-hitting heaviness, and gentle, spinetingling beauty. Visions of Atlantis have proven that ‘pirate metal’ is much more than a silly gimmick.”
– Metal Hammer, 2024 VISIONS OF ATLANTIS deliver tales of high-seas adventure through cinematic symphonic metal anthems, swiftly rising as high as a Jolly Rancher flag since the band’s humble beginnings in August 2000. Since the band’s inception, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS has boasted dual vocal power from a male and female vocalist, co-captained today with Clémentine Delauney and Michele Guaitoli at the helm. Both possess captivating range, seamlessly switching from intimate melody to soaring operatic thunder.

Christian Douscha’s guitar work helps forge a brilliant future for the symphonic metal genre. Nintendo-obsessed Herbert Glos punctuates the proceedings with bass lines as rhythmic as the sea. Steady band cofounder and drummer Thomas Caser anchors the sound with powerful percussion.

Songs like “Melancholy Angel”, “Clocks”, “Legions of the Seas” and “Master of the Hurricane” helped establish the band as symphonic metal royalty. Through their pair of critically acclaimed masterworks, Pirates (2022) and Pirates II—Armada (2024), the band took listeners on immersive adventures. Each swashbuckling track serves as a metaphor for perseverance, passion, and emotion.

The Pirates era is majestically celebrated across the multipart Armada Live Over Europe (2025). Culled from professional recordings captured at multiple tour stops, the collection showcases VISIONS OF ATLANTIS’ visceral prowess, power, and dynamic connection to its loyal audience.

Kicking off with its title track and standout song, “Return to Lemuria”, The Deep & The Dark (2018) introduced Delauney, Douscha, and Glos to fans worldwide. Guaitoli completed the band’s best-known lineup on Wanderers (2019), which featured massive fan-favorite anthems, including “Heroes of the Dawn,” “A Journey to Remember” and “Nothing Lasts Forever.”

The new era began in earnest with Pirates. “They build the perfect musical platform for one of the finest dual vocal performances I have ever heard,” wrote Metal Rules in a 5/5 review. Praise for Pirates II – Armada was similarly enthusiastic from Metal Hammer and Distorted Sound. “Over 25 years and eight studio albums, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS have established themselves as the pristine epitome of symphonic metal,” wrote Blabbermouth. “Setting sail has seldom been more entertaining.”

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS continue to captivate Europe and North and South America with each successive trek- whether headlining or performing at major festivals like Wacken, Bloodstock, ProgPower USA, the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise, and the Sabaton Cruise. Armada LIVE Over Europe is a masterclass in performance and a harbinger of the adventures to come for VISIONS OF ATLANTIS. All aboard!

Vocalist Clémentine about the album:
“We’re delighted to keep the magic of our live shows alive with this long-awaited release! Now, everyone who has attended one or more shows on our 2024 ARMADA tour can relive the experience at home. We love how our songs from our latest albums are energized and empowered by the live conditions and how the crowd becomes a part of the show, singing and chanting with us all along. This was definitely a tour to remember for us, and we are very happy to have this record as a lifetime souvenir.”

Make sure to pre-order your copy (physical edition) of Armada Live Over Europe HERE!

[Earbook 36p]VISIONS OF ATLANTIS live:
Armada Over North America
02.04.25 US – Mechanicsburg / Lovedrafts
03.04.25 US – Baltimore / Ottobar
04.04.25 US – Pittsburgh / Preserving Underground
05.04.25 US – New York / Meadows
06.04.25 US – Cambridge / Middle East
08.04.25 CA – Quebec City / La Source Martinière
09.04.25 CA – Toronto / Lee’s Palace
10.04.25 US – Detroit / The Sanctuary
11.04.25 US – Joliet / The Forge
12.04.25 US – St. Paul / Turf Club
14.04.25 CA – Edmonton / Starlite
15.04.25 CA – Calgary / Dickens
16.04.25 US – Seattle / El Corazon
17.04.25 US – Portland / The Bossanova Ballroom
18.04.25 US – San Francisco / DNA Lounge
19.04.25 US – Los Angeles / Whisky A Go Go
21.04.25 US – San Diego / Brick By Brick
24.04.25 US – Las Vegas / The Usual Place
25.04.25 US – Phoenix / The Rebel Lounge
26.04.25 US – Salt Lake City / Soundwell
27.04.25 US – Denver / Oriental Theater
28.04.25 US – El Paso / Rockhouse Bar & Grill
29.04.25 US – Dallas / Granada Theater

VIP Upgrades are available for every show!
Tickets & VIP Upgrades available HERE

European Summer Shows:
16-17.05.25 DE – Runkel / Pirate Fest
26-28.06.25 RO – Mangalia / Odyssea Rock Fusion Fest
28.06.25 CH – Grenchen / Summerside Festival
30.06.25 IT – San Polo d’Enza / Bilbao*
03.07.25 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch*
02-05.07.25 DE – Ballenstedt / RockHarz Festival
06.07.25 NL – Helmond / Pirate Metal Party
08.07.25 DE – Memmingen / Kaminwerk*
09.07.25 SI – Ljubljana / Kino Siska*
14-16.08.25 CZ – Moravský Krumlov / Rock Castle Festival
16.08.25 DE – Regensburg / Summerstage Eventhall
30.08.25 AT – Graz / Metal on the Hill
24.09.25 FI – Tampere / Olympia
25.09.25 FI – Helsinki / Korjaamo
(* supporting Gloryhammer)

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS are:
Clémentine Delauney – Vocals
Michele Guaitoli – Vocals
Christian Douscha – Guitars
Herbert Glos – Bass
Thomas Caser – Drums

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS online:
NAPALM RECORDS
WEBSITE
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
X

All-Female Melodic Death Metal act FRANTIC AMBER premieres “Hell’s Belle” video single taken off upcoming studio album “Death Becomes Her”!

March 11, 2025March 10, 2025 / metalvalkyrie2014 / Leave a comment

Pirate Metal Heroes ALESTORM Announce Eighth Studio Album

March 10, 2025 / metalvalkyrie2014 / Leave a comment

The ultimate pirate metal adventure is about to set sail!
Hoist the sails, sharpen your cutlasses, and fill your tankards—ALESTORM is back with their brand-new album, The Thunderfist Chronicles, set for release on June 20, 2025 via Napalm Records! The Scottish party pirates return with their eight album, containing eight new anthems packed with blistering riffs, wild shanty-driven riffs, and utterly ridiculous lyrics—taking the high seas of metal to new depths.

The Thunderfist Chronicles arrives as the successor to ALESTORM’s epic seventh studio album, Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum, which peaked at #5 on both the US Current Hard Music and Top New Artist Albums charts, #7 on the German Album charts, and many more. After the release of last year’s Voyage of the Dead Marauder EP and extensive touring, the band returns for more! With The Thunderfist Chronicles, ALESTORM proves once again why they are the undisputed rulers of the Seven Metal Seas. So, grab your nearest jug of rum—this is going to be loud, chaotic, and absolutely legendary!

Christopher Bowes on the new album:
“This album is weird and full of difficult riffs that I already regret. There’s a bunch of fun things to discover on the record though – we’ve got a cover of a song by our friends in Nekrogoblikon, a whole lot of other heavy stuff, plus the longest song I’ve ever written (over 17 minutes long) which features guest vocals from Patty Gurdy (everyone’s favorite hurdy gurdy player) and Sir Russel Allen (Symphony X singer and my favorite vocalist of all time).”

The Thunderfist Chronicles track listing:
1. Hyperion Omniriff
2. Killed to Death by Piracy
3. Banana
4. Frozen Piss 2
5. The Storm
6. Mountains of the Deep
7. Goblins Ahoy!
8. Mega-Supreme Treasure of the Eternal Thunderfist

The Thunderfist Chronicles will be available in the following formats:
1 LP Gatefold Liquid (Poster, Lyric Sheet, Hand-numbered Certificate, Booklet 16p) – Napalm mailorder (RoW) exclusive – strictly limited
1 LP Gatefold Translucent Lime Green (Poster, Lyric Sheet) – Napalm mail order exclusive – strictly limited
1-LP Gatefold Splattered Orange/Black (Poster, Lyric Sheet, Booklet 16p) – Napalm mail order exclusive – strictly limited
1 LP Gatefold Black
2-CD Mediabook, 24p (Album + Live Album)
1-CD Mediabook, Digisleeve (Instrumental Album), 7″ Single (2-Tracks) – (deluxe wooden box, flag) – Napalm mailorder exclusive – strictly limited
1-CD Jewel Case

Pre-Order the The Thunderfist Chronicles NOW!

Experience ALESTORM live:
18.04.25 NL – Schijndel / Paaspop
04.05.25 JP – Tokyo / Shibuya WWWX
05.05.25 JP – Tokyo / Shibuya WWWX
06.05.25 JP – Osaka / Ruido
07.06.25 CZ – Plzeň / Metalfest
13.06.25 ES – Zamora / Z! Live Rock Fest
19.06.25 BE – Dessel / Graspop
21.06.25 FI – Nummijärvi / Nummirock
25.06.25 NO – Oslo / Tons of Rock
27.06.25 CH – Grenchen / Summerside
29.06.25 ES – Barcelona / Rockfest
01.08.25 RO – Rasnov / Rockstadt Extreme
22.08.25 PT – Pindelo dos Milagres / Milagre Metaleiro
24.08.25 FR – Chateau Gontier / V & B Festival
19.09.25 US – Louisville / Louder than Life
19.10.25 NL – Den Bosch / The Rock Circus

ALESTORM are:
Christopher Bowes – Vocals, Keytar
Gareth Murdock – Bass
Máté Bodor – Guitar
Peter Alcorn – Drums
Elliot Vernon – Keyboard

ALESTORM online:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Napalm Records

The band ALESTORM poses in a vibrant green setting, showcasing their energetic pirate metal style. [photo credit: Niek van de Vondervoort] — The band ALESTORM poses in a vibrant green setting, showcasing their energetic pirate metal style. *[photo credit: Niek van de Vondervoort]*

New Music Discoveries: Metal and Rock Releases You Can’t Miss

February 27, 2025 / metalvalkyrie2014 / Leave a comment

Here’s a short list of new singles and videos to check out! It’s approaching spring which is always a big release time of the year. A lot has been coming out, it’s hard to keep track of it all. There are new releases from Lacuna Coil, Killswitch Engage, All That Remains, and many more that I’ve been delving into. I am considering sharing my thoughts in a Review sampler once in awhile. Right now, I am working on “Part 2” of my Favorite Heavy Metal Album list, but life stresses have made it difficult for me to focus. I plan to finish it next week. That’ll be one of the last lists for awhile

So, here’s a list of new music and my latest discoveries!

Awesome Orchestral Cover of Metallica

American Melodic Metal Releases New Collab single, Algorithm Recommendation To Me

Modern Progressive Metal Band Shocks with new Groove Oriented Track

American Progressive Metal Band Releases New Single. Killer song with great riffs and vocals

KSE is back and tackling the System. I want to like this new record, but the mix killed it. What do you think?

Papa Roach Drop New Compelling Single, Bringing back the 2000s Rock with good hooks

Italian Heavy Metal band Deathless Legacy Drops Gorgeous New Emotive Single

French Metalcore band LANDMVRKS and Mat Welsh from While She Sleeps

My Second Most Streamed song of February, New Prog Metalcore Discovery

The Ocean – Unconformities an instrumental Prog Track gets vocals

Top New Metal and Rock Songs to Check Out

February 13, 2025 / metalvalkyrie2014 / Leave a comment

These past two weeks have been a complete whirlwind with music releases and tour announcements. Hard to keep up with everything, especially while having the flu for nearly 10 days, I made a list of new releases that are a MUST LISTEN! Let me know what you’re listening to in the comments. I am currently also working on “My Favorite Metal albums of all time” list as well as a mast list of my favorite Rock songs of all time. So, keep posted here on the site for more comprehensive reads.

Battle Beast Tease Circus of Doom LIVE