Behold the debut EP by this striking new Symphonic Metal project, crafted around the belief that the human touch of live performance remains essential, especially in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Led by composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Alex Luke, Chicago, Illinois-based Symphonic Metal project Eternal Recurrence offers an alternative take on the genre with orchestral arrangements that draw from chamber music. This deviation away from grand scale orchestration commonly associated with Symphonic Metal instead produces a more intimate take on the genre. That’s exactly what you’ll get in their forthcoming self-titled debut EP, prioritizing a focus on the sound of real musicians performing real orchestral instruments, preserving nuance, texture, and human imperfection in an increasingly digital landscape. Drawing influence from bands such as Opeth, Kamelot and Dream Theater, among others, and featuring guests Maciek Szczyciński on double bass, Steven Schumann on cello, German Dmitriev on violin, and Mordian and James Dorton on vocals alongside Alex, the music by Eternal Recurrence was crafted around the belief that the human touch of live performance remains essential, especially in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Mordian of Diamorte and Shield of Wings delivers a powerful alto performance during the chorus and bridge in the opening track Precious Stones, while James Dorton of Ne Obliviscaris contributes with his trademark harsh vocals, resulting in a metal aria that is as inspiring as it is vibrant, with the piano by Alex clashing beautifully with all guitars and drums. Then we face 8 by 8 and its poetic lyrics (“His forces lined up rank and file / My tactics, strategy: futile / My understanding’s like a child / I know not how to play”), written from the perspective of AlphaZero, a neural-network based chess-playing computer program that taught itself to play chess by playing against itself, while the music leans towards Progressive Rock and Metal; followed by Amor Fati, directly based on Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of “Eternal Recurrence,” the inspiration for the EP’s concept, where the dark yet delicate sounds of the bass, cello and violin bring a touch of finesse to the overall result.
The also breathtaking Relativity explores the perspective of one of the figures that inhabits Escher’s impossible, looping structures, questioning their motives and understanding of their unending path, while musically speaking the violin by German adds even more depth to Alex’s already powerful vocal lines. Then we have the title-track Eternal Recurrence, which features a reference to the credit music from “Star Wars: Ashoka” in the second part of its extended introduction. Moreover, Mordian returns in full force, bringing an ethereal quality as well as contributing to powerful harmonized duets, and an emotive lament in the song’s bridge, while Alex is on fire with his guitar and piano, resulting in a multi-layered, melancholic and touching composition that puts a stunning ending to the album.
Serving as both an introduction and a mission statement, presenting Symphonic Metal that values realism, restraint, and emotional detail without sacrificing heaviness or intensity, the EP looks to chamber music for inspiration rather than emulating 19th and 20th century symphonic traditions. This philosophy defines the sound of Eternal Recurrence, and if you’re curious to know more about such a unique endeavor in the world of heavy music you can find the project on Facebook and on Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel or stream their music on any platform like Spotify, and of course grab a copy of their excellent debut EP from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. Artificial intelligence might be useful for some specific things in life, but definitely not for heavy music, and Eternal Recurrence is among us armed with its debut EP to prove once and for all there’s nothing better than human emotions to make music excellent, and to give life to it.
Best moments of the album:Precious Stones and Eternal Recurrence.
These Progressive Thrash/Death Metal stalwarts are back with their sophomore full-length album, delivering faster speeds, deeper hooks, and even more dynamic twists than their fans have already come to expect.
Delivering a unique fusion of tight Thrash Metal riffing, noisy Punk Rock aggression, Progressive Rock ambition, and classic Heavy Metal grandeur, Baltimore, Maryland’s own Progressive Thrash/Death Metal stalwarts Nuclear Tomb are back as twisted and vicious as ever with their sophomore full-length album, titled Epoch Inhumane, following up on their 2024 opus Terror Labyrinthian. Engineered and mixed by Matt Michel at Viva Studio, mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, and showcasing a thrashing, apocalyptic artwork by Brad Moore, the new offering by Michael Brown on vocals and guitar, Matt Ibach also on the guitar, Amelia Morris on bass, and JD Lookabill on drums brings forward faster speeds, deeper hooks, and even more dynamic twists than their fans have already come to expect, being therefore perfect for fans of the music by Voivod, Pestilence, Coroner, and Atheist, just to name a few.
A cryptic warning sets the stage for the band’s maniacal thrashing feast titled Watch The Skies, with the harsh roars by Michael bringing even more adrenaline to their sound, followed by Falling Out The World Of Lies, a lesson in underground Progressive Thrash Metal by those American marauders with the rumbling bass and drums by Amelia and JD sounding absurdly heavy and vibrant. Unbowed / Averse is undoubtedly more experimental than its predecessors, led by the caustic and groovy riffs by Michael and Matt, whereas Faithless Continuum keeps the atmosphere as dark and visceral as possible, with JD once again sounding inhumane behind his drums. And they definitely know how to bring the intricacy of Progressive Metal to their core Thrash Metal insanity without slowing it down not even a bit, which is exactly the case in Broken Promise, Barren Essence.
Get ready to be caught in a nuclear mosh by Nuclear Tomb to the sound of Lifeless Transformation, where they speed things up and offer our avid ears their passion for the 80’s and 90’s infused with their progressive vein; followed by Butcher’s Lament, not their best effort to date, as it sounds a bit dissonant and out of place when compared to all other songs of the album. They get back on track with the razor-edged Terminally Emboldened, where their riffs and solos are effectively supported by the gigantic kitchen sounds crafted by Amelia and JD. The Coward’s Curse is another tune where they experiment with different sounds and tones while keeping blasting their killer thrashing core nonstop, whereas finally we face the multi-layered, rockin’ title-track Epoch Inhumane, showcasing the band’s undisputed dexterity until its eerie, grim finale.
Presenting songs that fearlessly rip and tear through warped tales of real world society’s impending collapse, Epoch Inhumane is a must-listen for fans of the weirdest side of Thrash Metal without forgetting the genre’s core aggression and speed, and if you want to know more about those American thrashers you can find them on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their caustic music on any platform like Spotify, and of course put your hands on such a striking album by purchasing it from the band’s own BandCamp or from Rotted Life Records. In other words, be prepared for the horror of the mind thrashing sonic nightmares blasted by Nuclear Tomb. You’ll never be able to sleep again after such a wild ride.
Best moments of the album:Falling Out The World Of Lies, Lifeless Transformation and Terminally Emboldened.
Worst moments of the album:Butcher’s Lament.
Released in 2026 Rotted Life Records
Track listing 1. Watch The Skies 3:17
2. Falling Out The World Of Lies 3:47
3. Unbowed / Averse 3:35
4. Faithless Continuum 3:56
5. Broken Promise, Barren Essence 3:58
6. Lifeless Transformation 3:02
7. Butcher’s Lament 3:30
8. Terminally Emboldened 2:25
9. The Coward’s Curse 3:53
10. Epoch Inhumane 5:02
Band members Michael Brown – vocals, guitar
Matt Ibach – guitar
Amelia Morris – bass
JD Lookabill – drums
Guest musician
Demir Soyer – additional lead guitars
Celebrating ten years of existence, this Swedish supergroup returns with their fourth studio album, standing as a statement of transformation as it does not mourn what was lost, but it proves that loss did not define the ending.
Celebrating ten years of existence now in 2026, Gothenburg, Sweden-based Melodic Groove Metal/Hard Rock ensemble Cyhra is releasing their explosive fourth studio effort, titled Requiem For A Pipe Dream, following up on their 2023 album The Vertigo Trigger. Produced by the band’s own Jake E and Euge Valovirta, with artwork by world renowned artist Gustavo Sazes, the new album by Jake E on vocals and keyboards, Euge Valovirta on the guitars, bass and keyboards, Jesper Strömblad on bass and guitars, Marcus Sunesson on the guitars, and Alex Landenburg on drums brings to our avid catchy hooks, atmospheric synths, fierce riffs and ferocious breakdowns, while the band opens up with deeper vulnerability in their lyrics. Written in the aftermath of lost momentum during the pandemic years, the record confronts uncertainty, frustration, and rebuilding after collapse.
Classic Swedish keys and beats set the tone in the opening song Bleed With Pride, with Jake’s melodious vocals walking hand in hand with the riffs by Euge, Jesper and Marcus; whereas Superman feels more like the band’s kryptonite, sounding too generic and radio-friendly when they could have delivered something way heavier. In Miss Me When I’m Gone, its keys bring an extra touch of epicness to their music while the bass lines sound utterly metallic, followed by Ghostbound, presenting an excellent fusion of Melodic Metal with Hard Rock and AOR. Needless to say, Jake is again flawless on vocals, which is also the case in In The Center Of A Miracle, an inspiring power ballad by Cyhra with Alex adding sheer stamina to their music with his fierce beats.
Skin From Bones is another very melodic display of their trademark Melodic Rock and Metal where all keys once again play an important part to keep the electricity flowing, followed by Ghost I’m Meant To Be, as radio-friendly as Superman, but in this case the formula works really well led by the slashing riffs by Euge, Jesper and Marcus. Mark Of My Sins flirts with other styles such as Progressive Metal, even presenting hints of Djent, giving the song an extra taste while Jake once again delivers endless power from his vocals; and Venom In Me keeps the progressiveness from the previous song pulsing strong, with Alex stealing the spotlight with his intricate drumming. Then back to a more straightforward sonority we have Box With Spirits, with their rockin’ riffs, soulful guitar solos and pounding drums putting a climatic ending to the album. Well, there’s also an excellent addition to any of the special editions of the album, the bonus track Hold Your Fire, featuring Finnish-Egyptian vocalist and guitarist Samy Elbanna of Lost Society, an electrifying tune for the masses.
“There was a moment when everything stopped. We had built momentum for years, and suddenly the future we were running toward felt unreachable. Requiem For A Pipe Dream came out of that silence – out of frustration, doubt, and the realization that nothing is guaranteed. At first it felt like loss. But it became something else,” commented frontman Jake about the album. You can get in touch with the guys from Cyhra and know more about their music on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel and stream their music on Spotify, and of course support them by purchasing their new album from the Reigning Phoenix Music webstore in the EU, US or UK. Requiem For A Pipe Dream stands as a statement of transformation as it does not mourn what was lost, but it proves that loss did not define the ending.
Best moments of the album:Bleed With Pride, Ghostbound and Mark Of My Sins.
Worst moments of the album:Superman.
Released in 2026 Reigning Phoenix Music
Track listing 1. Bleed With Pride 3:12
2. Superman 3:23
3. Miss Me When I’m Gone 3:13
4. Ghostbound 3:51
5. In The Center Of A Miracle 3:46
6. Skin From Bones 3:19
7. Ghost I’m Meant To Be 4:04
8. Mark Of My Sins 3:18
9. Venom In Me 3:17
10. Box With Spirits 3:21
Special Edition bonus track
Hold Your Fire 3:39
Band members Jake E – vocals, keyboards
Euge Valovirta – guitars, bass, keyboards
Jesper Strömblad – bass, guitars
Marcus Sunesson – guitars
Alex Landenburg – drums
Guest musician
Samy Elbanna – vocals on “Hold Your Fire”
The leaders of Heavy Psychedelic Rock take their years of experience and form their most engaging record to date, allowing seeds from outside the sphere of rock music to take root and bloom within their progressive framework.
Consisting of frontman and lead guitarist Nick DiSalvo, bassist Jack Donovan, guitarist and keyboardist Michael Risberg, and drummer Georg Edert, formed in Massachusetts, in the United States, but currently located in Berlin, Germany, Heavy Psychedelic Rock band Elder is back with their seventh studio album, titled Through Zero, the follow-up to their 2022 opus Innate Passage. Two decades into their existence, Elder remain an anomaly in the underground rock scene, a rare band with the ability to absorb and shed influences from a myriad of genres without falling into pastiche or losing their own identity, and their new record is a strong reaffirmation of a commitment to pushing boundaries in the world of Heavy Rock and cements the group’s status as leaders of the pack in Heavy Psychedelic Rock. Recorded in Berlin across several months between tours in 2025, and the first album which the band not only produced but also co-mixed together with longtime collaborator Richard Behrens, Through Zero sounds more like a full extension of the band’s creative intentions than ever before.
It’s always a bold move to kick off an album with a ten-minute song like Sigil To Ruin, I mean, will the listener stay hooked? Well, in this case I can guarantee you won’t get bored at all, with the bass by Jack hammering your heads mercilessly while Nick delivers delicate yet piercing vocals nonstop. Capture & Release is another very detailed and enfolding aria by those guys, with its whimsical start morphing into a feast of Progressive Rock and Metal led by the intricate beats and fills by Georg; while the title-track Through Zero brings to our avid ears an overdose of psychedelia flowing from the riffs by Nick and Mike, alternating between atmospheric passages and sheer progressive madness. Strata, the longest song of the album, kicks off to the classy bass by Jack while also presenting multiple layers and nuances, with Nick’s vocals overflowing energy and passion; and it’s time for the most psychedelic of all songs, titled Sight Unseen, while still presenting their Heavy Metal vein. Furthermore, Jack and Georg are relentless with their respective bass and drums. And lastly, we’re treated to the introspective outro Blighted Age, turning the ambience into fields of serenity thanks to the song’s soothing guitars and minimalist beats.
In their new album, Elder takes their years of experience and forms possibly their most immediate and engaging record to date, while allowing seeds from outside the sphere of rock music to take root and bloom within their progressive framework, being therefore highly recommended for fans of Earthless, Truckfighters, Electric Wizard, The Sword, Sleep, Kylesa, Pallbearer, Monolord, and YOB, among several others. If you want to join them in their unique journey through the lands of psychedelia and progressiveness, you can find them on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their music on Spotify, and put your hands on their new album via BandCamp or by clicking HERE. Rock N’ Roll has never been heavier and crazier, and we must thank bands like Elder for releasing albums like Through Zero and, therefore, for making our world a much more pleasant place.
Best moments of the album:Sigil To Ruin and Strata.
Worst moments of the album: None.
Released in 2026 Blues Funeral Recordings
Track listing 1. Sigil To Ruin 10:34
2. Capture & Release 8:48
3. Through Zero 9:06
4. Strata 10:48
5. Sight Unseen 8:51
6. Blighted Age 5:49
Band members Nick DiSalvo – vocals, guitars
Mike Risberg – guitars, keyboards
Jack Donovan – bass
Georg Edert – drums
This California-based Symphonic Metal entity returns with their most ambitious release to date, showcasing a broader dynamic range, heavier arrangements, and a more pronounced dramatic identity.
Founded in 2015 by vocalist and keyboardist Diego Valadez, and known for their distinctive theatrical approach and dynamic blend of Symphonic, Melodic, and Progressive Metal elements, Los Angeles, California-based outfit Anthea is back with their third full-length album, titled Beyond The Dawn, the follow-up to their 2022 sophomore opus Tales Untold. Recorded at Dream Vale Studios, produced, mixed and mastered by the band’s own Diego Valadez, displaying a stylish artwork by Dávid Busai of Mordiggian Art, and featuring “The Sirens” Mel Del Real and Astrid Anaya on backing vocals, the new album by Diego Valadez on clean vocals, keyboards and orchestration, Juan Pina on harsh vocals and guitars, Marcos Mejia also on the guitars, Gabby Hawk on bass, and Peter Vasquez on drums is undoubtedly their most ambitious release to date, showcasing a broader dynamic range, heavier arrangements, and a more pronounced dramatic identity highly recommended for fans of Dynazty, Kamelot, and Powerwolf.
The title-track Beyond The Dawn blends the finesse of Symphonic Metal with the darkness of Black Metal thanks to the stunning clash of the clean vocals by Diego with the devilish gnarls by Juan, followed by Phantom in the Masquerade, offering a more direct version of Symphonic and Melodic Metal, with Juan and Marcos extracting pure adrenaline from their stringed axes. The Lost Soul sounds as epic and imposing as its predecessors, with Peter adding endless fuel and heaviness to the music with his classic drumming; whereas Awakening (Song for Spring) leans towards the current music played by bands like Epica and Nightwish, with Diego’s vocals being nicely supported by “The Sirens.” And Bygone Age (Chicxulub) is a multi-layered tune that sounds pure Symphonic Metal at times, also venturing through Symphonic Black Metal lands to give it an extra kick.
From Shadows to Light is a cinematic creation by Anthea, showcasing another ass-kicking performance by Peter on drums, supported by the massive bass lines by Gabby, followed by Crystal Moon, a good instrumental tune that unfortunately gets a bit tiresome after a while. They get back on track with the incendiary Wanderer’s Quell, with the riffs and keys by Marcos and Juan transpiring Melodic Power Metal. And it’s time to slow things down and enjoy the dark power ballad Whispers of the Heart, with Diego’s vocals and Marcos’ solo sounding stunning. Duality of Gaia is a straightforward Melodic Metal tune presenting their trademark fusion of clean and harsh vocals, always supported by the classic kitchen by Gabby and Peter; while lastly, we’re treated to their cover version for Tahnee Caine and Tryanglz’s hit Burnin’ in the Third Degree (check the original version HERE, recorded for the 1984 film The Terminator, and featured prominently in the Tech Noir nightclub scenes). Needless to say, they turn the song’s techno essence into sheer metal madness.
“This record pushed us to explore every corner of our sound – from fast and heavy tracks to more emotional and melodic moments,” commented the band, presenting a mature and confident chapter in their journey, offering a cohesive yet varied listening experience shaped by themes of growth, transition, uncertainty, and renewal. Blending compelling melodies, powerful orchestration, and expressive songwriting, the album surely helps the band to establish themselves as a distinctive voice within modern Symphonic Metal. With that said, you can get to know more about Diego Valadez and his Anthea on Facebook an on Instagram, stream their classy music on any platform like Spotify, and of course grab you copy of Beyond The Dawn from Rockshots Records, letting the melodious and electrifying Symphonic Metal by those American metallers penetrate deep inside your metal heart.
Best moments of the album:Beyond The Dawn, From Shadows to Light and Wanderer’s Quell.
Worst moments of the album:Crystal Moon.
Released in 2026 Rockshots Records
Track listing 1. Beyond The Dawn 4:13
2. Phantom in the Masquerade 3:32
3. The Lost Soul 3:44
4. Awakening (Song for Spring) 4:16
5. Bygone Age (Chicxulub) 4:03
6. From Shadows to Light 4:40
7. Crystal Moon 4:11
8. Wanderer’s Quell 3:53
9. Whispers of the Heart 4:46
10. Duality of Gaia 4:12
11. Burnin’ in the Third Degree (Tahnee Caine and Tryanglz cover) 3:38
Band members Diego Valadez – lead vocals, keyboards, orchestration
Juan Pina – rhythm guitars, harsh vocals
Marcos Mejia – lead guitars
Gabby Hawk – bass
Peter Vasquez – drums
Guest musicians
Mel Del Real – backing vocals
Astrid Anaya – backing vocals
Toronto’s own arena-rock Heavy Metal trio returns with their ambitious sophomore album, igniting the next chapter of their high‑flying saga.
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Heavy Meta/Hard Rock power trio Thunderor ignites the next chapter of their high‑flying saga with the release of their sophomore opus, entitled Bleed For It, following up on their critically acclaimed 2022 debut Fire It Up. Produced by the band’s own JJ Tartaglia, mixed by Chris Snow, mastered by Kristian Montano, and featuring guest musicians Oscar Anesetti on bass, Anthony Pannozzo on keyboards, and Colin Grant on the fiddler, the new album by the aforementioned JJ Tartaglia on vocals, drums and keyboards alongside Jonny Nesta on the guitars, and Brycen Gunn on bass serves as the official soundtrack to “Thunderor The Musical”, the band’s ambitious rock opera production that debuted at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2025. Its artwork captures scenes from the stage show, setting the mood for a sweeping tale of adventure, danger, and heart. Set in an alternate 1992, the story follows Bowen, a washed‑up musician and biker, who finds renewed purpose through romance and one last grasp at glory.
The trio wastes no time and kicks off their rockin’ adventure with Pump Up the Volume, bringing forward JJ’s trademark soaring vocals and classic beats and fills, followed by the title-track Bleed For It, another round of their striking fusion of 70’s and 80’s Hard Rock, with Jonny stealing the spotlight with his electrifying riffs and solos. As a huge fan of live concerts I simply love the title of the song Take Me to the Show, offering us all more of their killer Rock N’ Roll sounds. The band then fires a Thrash and Speed Metal-infused tune titled Get ‘Em Counted, inspiring us to start a nice mosh pit to the nonstop beats by JJ, and get ready to prance around the fire pit together with Thunderor in Cape Breton Home, featuring guest Colin Grant on the fiddler, also presenting pure Hard Rock flowing from Jonny’s axe.
In Streets of Fire we see Thunderor again deliver a high-octane amalgamation of rock and metal, setting fire to the atmosphere to the crushing drums by JJ and Oscar’s rumbling bass, sounding as upbeat as it is heavy. One Chance is another song that sounds as if was taken from a classic album from the 80’s, showcasing those awesome soulful riffs we all love so much; and we then face the cinematic interlude DreamQuest, which also feels it’s from a movie or TV show from the 80’s, before their quest comes to an end with In the Fire O’ the Heat, where they also bring to our avid ears elements from Progressive Rock and Metal (exactly what a Rock Opera needs to become truly fun). Not only that, JJ’s vocals and Jonny’s guitars are in total sync, keeping the energy flowing majestically until the song’s horns raising finale.
With improved vocals, bigger choruses, and a cinematic concept, Bleed For It promises to be the band’s most ambitious and emotionally charged release yet, recommended for fans of The Darkness, Skull Fist, Ghost, and Night Flight Orchestra. If you crave escape, adventure, romance, and danger, the band invites you to ride with them into the storm, and you can do so by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, sby streaming their music on Spotify, and of course by purchasing the album from BandCamp, from Boonsdale Records (Canada and worldwide), from Cruz del Sur Music (Europe), or simply by clicking HERE. Having said all that, what are you waiting for to bleed together with Thunderor to the sound of their newborn electrifying album?
Best moments of the album:Bleed For It, Get ‘Em Counted and Streets of Fire.
Worst moments of the album: None.
Released in 2026 Boonsdale Records
Track listing 1. Pump Up the Volume 3:42
2. Bleed For It 4:04
3. Take Me to the Show 4:09
4. Get ‘Em Counted 3:19
5. Cape Breton Home 3:33
6. Streets of Fire 4:16
7. One Chance 3:40
8. DreamQuest 1:29
9. In the Fire O’ the Heat 4:19
Band members JJ Tartaglia – vocals, drums, keyboards
Jonny Nesta – guitars
Brycen Gunn – bass
Guest musicians
Oscar Anesetti – bass on “Take Me to the Show”, “Get ‘Em Counted”, “Cape Breton Home”, “Streets of Fire” and “One Chance”
Anthony Pannozzo – additional keyboards on “Take Me to the Show”, “Get ‘Em Counted” and “One Chance”
Colin Grant – fiddler on “Cape Breton Home”
France’s must-see Progressive and Cinematic Metal band returns with their striking third EP, exploring humanity’s collapse across cosmic, social, environmental, and mortal planes.
Led by the shape-shifting vocals by frontwoman Sofia Bortoluzzi, drifting from ethereal calm to visceral rupture, Rouen, France-based Progressive/Cinematic Metal band No Terror In The Bang returns with a new EP titled Existence, exploring humanity’s collapse across cosmic, social, environmental, and mortal planes. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Sébastien Langle, with photography by Aurélien Cardot and artwork by Louise Dumont, the follow-up to their 2024 album Heal hits hard and lingers longer, cinematic Progressive Metal where fragility and fury collide head-on, all masterfully crafted by the aforementioned Sofia Bortoluzzi alongside guitarists Étienne Cochin and Clément Bernard, bassist Brice Bouchard, and drummer and keyboardist Alexis Damien.
Sofia takes the lead with her she-wolf roars and delicate clean vocals in Moon, while Étienne and Clément follow her chameleon performance with their intricate riffs, kicking off the EP on a high note. Then we face Heroine, presenting the Djent-infused sounds by Jinjer while also adding their own share of heaviness to the music, with Brice’s metallic bass punching us hard in the head; followed by Goat, again presenting a wild hybrid of Progressive and Groove Metal with Djent where Sofia sounds utterly infuriated and rabid, supported by the demolishing drums by Alexis. Human Race Kills offers us all a more direct sonority, a good depiction of their core Cinematic Metal, with the intricacy flowing from their guitars, bass and drums sounding absolutely exciting; and lastly, let’s have a blast with Chasm, bringing forward more of the groovy and thunderous kitchen by Brice and Alexis while Sofia continues to shine with her undisputed vocal range.
Each track in Existence exposes a distinct layer of collapse, interrogating destiny, purpose, and the deeply rooted self-destructive impulses that define the human condition. With its dark atmospheres and strong narrative depth, the EP expands No Terror in The Bang’s musical language, reinforcing a sound that is both captivating and relentlessly powerful. Hence, if you’re a fan of the music by renowned acts the likes of Jinjer, Deftones, Gojira, and Devin Townsend, among others, you should check what the band is up to on Facebook and on Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel, stream their music on Spotify, and of course purchase Existence from BandCamp or from Klonosphere Records. Existence is not just bold and multi-layered, but also unsettling and thought provoking, leaving us eager for more of the music by those talented French metallers in the near future.
Best moments of the album:Moon and Human Race Kills.
Ciao, miei cari metallari! Are you ready to embark on a wild journey to the “Bel Paese” together with The Headbanging Moose to know more about our metal lady of this month of April? Not just a metal singer and songwriter, but she’s also a psychologist and psychotherapist, creating a strong connection between heavy music and mental health, or as she prefers to say, she talks to the community where loud music meets deep healing. Bridging metal, psychology, and visual art, shaping a voice and a vision that are both intense and deeply human, she’s the frontwoman for the up-and-coming Italian band 5RAND, and one of the must-see names of the new generation of growlers. Her name is Julia Eleonora, better known by her stage moniker Julia Elenoir, and she will kick your ass mercilessly with her undeniable talent, charisma and passion for all things Heavy Metal.
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Rome, Italy, Julia has been creating music since her childhood, having grown up surrounded by rock and metal. She started playing classical guitar at the age of 13, and formed her first band when she was 17, beginning to compose her earliest songs. Over the years, her musical style evolved naturally from lighter styles like Hard Rock to a heavier, more introspective metal sound, with Death Metal becoming her main style. “Because I love its edge, its rawness, the catharsis it creates. The extreme side lets me explore, push boundaries and channel aggression and vulnerability at the same time. With 5RAND we mix melodic death and deathcore …not to provoke, but to dig deeper,” she said when asked why she decided to follow such an extreme path with Death Metal.
Founded in 2015 in Rome, Italy by Julia on vocals and Pierluigi Carocci on the guitars (who was working on his own solo project), Riccardo Zito on bass, and Francesco Marroni on drums, but currently formed of Julia and Pierluigi alongside bassist Acey Guns and drummer Andrea De Carolis, the up-and-coming Melodic Death/Groove Metal act 5RAND builds on a punishing modern metal foundation layered with the cinematic depth of melodeath, creating an intense and emotionally immersive soundscape and, therefore, carving out a distinctive place in the modern metal scene. “The name 5RAND comes from a South African 5 Rand coin that Pierluigi once received from a shaman as a good-luck charm. It stayed with him and with us,” explained Julia in one of her interviews. “Musically, we live at the crossroads of aggression and melody. We play, we record, we move forward.”
Having since toured extensively across Europe, sharing the stage with iconic acts such as Dark Tranquillity, Vader, Butcher Babies, Infected Rain and many others, 5RAND alredy released their debut album Sacred / Scared in 2017, followed by their 2019 sophomore Dark Mother, and their excellent third installment Ordhalia, from 2025, a sonic evolution in their already solid career, sounding darker, more introspective, and conceptually daring. Furthermore, Julia has written all the lyrics for 5RAND and has co-composed the music for every song released by the band to date, showing how much she’s involved with 5RAND. Not only that, even Julia couldn’t give a precise answer when asked how she would label the music by 5RAND, just to give you an idea of how dynamic, fresh and unique their style can be. “That would be hard to say precisely, since we don’t fit exactly in only one subgenre, like many many modern bands don’t. We’ve got a bit of Thrash and Death Metal, but also Industrial Metal and a lot of melodies too.” And if you want to experience their music in loco you can find their albums on Spotify, and also visit YouTube to enjoy their official videos for songs like Old Angel Midnight, Paint of Pain, Erase, Several Injuries, Cordyceps, live versions of Preacher of Lies and Cordyceps, and many more.
Owner of such a powerful and versatile voice, it was obvious that we would see Julia as a guest vocalist for different bands and projects. For instance, you can find her doing all female vocals for the 2022 album Ex Mortis Gloria, by Bristol, England-based Technical Death Metal band Imperium; as a guest vocalist for the song A New One, from the 2018 album Liberation, by Italian Symphonic Heavy Metal band Infinita Symphonia; and also as a guest vocalist for the 2020 album Phagocity, by Italian Groove Metal outfit South of No North. Moreover, when asked about venturing on a solo project in the near future, she said that’s indeed a possibility. “I’m always open. For now, I’m focused on 5RAND, but I don’t rule out solo work or collaborations in the future. Art is fluid; it transforms. I’d especially like to do something acoustic with my own songs, but for now we’re working on the next release.”
As expected, Julia is highly influenced by some of the most important names in the history of heavy music. “Growing up, we’d say the classics: Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer… now the names are slightly different and more recent though, like Slipknot, Gojira, Fear Factory,” she commented. In addition, as one of the most promising female growlers of the current scene, Julia is also a huge admirer of the music by Arch Enemy and Jinjer. “I’ve been inspired by voices like Corey Taylor from Slipknot, and among the women I really admire Cristina Scabbia, Alissa White-Gluz, Tatiana Shmayluk, and other artists who know how to blend intensity and versatility. I admire anyone who can shake me to the core while destroying the stage.”
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Regarding her vocal technique, Julia said that she works a lot on her clean and growl dual-voice style. “It’s not about volume, but control, endurance, and intensity. You have to be able to express emotion even when the voice is rough. I always warm up, focus on breathing, and pay close attention to vocal health. Clean parts and growls require completely different mindsets.” She practices a lot everyday, always focusing on warmups and breathing exercises, saying that singing in a Death Metal and/or Metalcore style has its easy parts, as well as really hard ones. “The hard part is keeping vocal health and expressiveness. The ‘easy’ part or at least what becomes more natural with experience is letting emotion flow once technique is solid.”
If there’s one thing that Julia and the boys from 5RAND enjoy doing, that’s hitting the stages with their live concerts. After signing with Art Gates Records, the band started working on new dates, aiming at expanding their touring and reaching a wider audience. A very good reason why all of us should keep an eye on their social media, because if 5RAND are taking your city by storm anytime soon, you surely don’t want to miss it. Also, when asked which song she likes to sing live the most, she mentioned the excellent Cordyceps. “Cordyceps because the crowd goes particularly crazy with that song, but I love to sing all our songs.” Julia also has her “hobbies” behind the scenes during their tours. The rest of the band said they suspect Julia really enjoys watching people eat. “That’s why everything she cooks is in enormous quantity,” commented her fellow bandmates.
When questioned about the current metal scene in Italy, she said that Death Metal, as well as Progressive and Power Metal, might probably be the most appreciated genres by Italian fans, apart of course form the bigger bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica and so on, but she also said that the majority of the Italian people tend to be a bit “lazy” in their musical taste and aren’t that eager to discover new bands or genres. “People mostly like what they already know,” she commented. Furthermore, she also mentioned she’s proud to see a new generation of women participating in the scene in Italy. “We’re seeing more and more women in metal bands, which is obviously very good! Many of them are very talented, maybe they’re still a bit confined to the symphonic style and to singing (too few women play an instrument on stage), but we hope their number keeps growing; versatility will come eventually.” However, she also believes everyone should be treated equal in heavy music. “I don’t think a band should be considered just for its members’ sex. In a better world, the musicians’ sex shouldn’t be more important than the colour of their hair.”
As mentioned in the beginning of this tribute to our multi-talented Italian diva, Julia is also a professional psychologist, having studied Psychiatry, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (with a major in Psychology) at Sapienza Università di Roma, graduating in 2013, and having also got a major in Brief Strategic Therapy (BST) from Scuola di Specializzazione in Psicoterapia Breve Strategica, currently running her own initiative named “Harmony of Chaos”, offering a fusion of metal music and insights on mental health. Not only that, Julia seems to be a philomath, having also obtained a Master’s Degree in Web Marketing and ICT and a degree in Marketing, Management and Business Economy, both also at Sapienza Università di Roma. And when she’s not studying, she loves arts, books, and sports, especially outdoors and in nature, as well as cooking a lot and keeping fit. As you can see, Julian never stops, she’s always creating new things, always searching for something new, always broadening and deepening her knowledge, and may she keep condensing all that awesomeness in the music by 5RAND for many years to come, because it’s people like Julia who definitely contribute to a much better world.
“Joining 5RAND in 2015 was a big step. I’m also passionate about psychology… in fact, I’m a psychologist and later specialized as a psychotherapist with a metal soul. I love helping people overcome mental struggles.” – Julia Elenoir
Russia’s own Dark Cabaret Metal outfit returns with their third studio offering, blending their thoughtful songwriting, ironic lyricism, and aesthetic visuals with an authentic sound delivered with studio precision.
Formed in 2016 in Saint Petersburg, Russia (but apparently now located in Melbourne, Australia), the charming Avantgarde/Progressive Dark Metal/Rock known as Tardigrade Inferno, named after the resilient “slow walkers” (tardigrades) and the concept of a fiery hell (inferno), returns with another overdose of their “Dark Cabaret Metal” in their third full-length album, titled Hush. Produced by Vladimir Lehtinen at Blastbear Sound, and with a darkly delicate artwork by Milena Kress, the follow-up to their 2023 sophomore Burn the Circus is a compelling result of the evolving signature style by vocalist Darya Rorria, guitarist Alexander Pavlovich, bassist Maxim Belekhov, and drummer Andrew Drew, and the sheer power of their live performances, blending their thoughtful songwriting, ironic lyricism, and striking, highly aesthetic visuals with an authentic sound delivered with studio precision.
The album kicks off with the circus-like intro The Final Show, a work of madness by the band, hitting us hard in the head before we face Hide’n’Seek, starting in a tribalistic way to the hammering drums by Andrew and, therefore, inspiring us all to headbang like true maniacs while Darya delivers a Stygian vocal performance for our total delight. Deadly Fairytales is kinda like the epitome of “Dark Cabaret Metal”, as if Slipknot decided to hit the dance floor or start their own musical, with Alexander’s riffs adding an extra kick to the music; whereas All In Your Head is a song that should sound incredible live, leaning towards the Alternative Metal played by bands like Butcher Babies and Wednesday 13, followed by Dead Fish Smile, and I’m not sure if it’s a dark ballad or just a slower-than-usual song, but in the end it gets a bit generic.
They get back on track and put the pedal to the metal in the high-octane Subatomic Heist, with the guitars by Alexander walking hand in hand with Maxim’s thunderous bass lines; and their avantgarde and experimental vein pulses harder in I.C.D., while Darya screams the song’s wicked words like a mad queen. Goor keeps the energy flowing with its futuristic background elements and the always heavy artillery crafted by Maxim and Andrew, while the title-track Hush brings to our avid ears a striking fusion of Dark Metal with Metalcore and Alternative Rock and Metal, with Darya’s vocals and Alexander’s eerie guitar lines being in absolute sync. Finally, after the piano interlude Hypograph, we’re treated to six minutes of total metal madness titled I Am Eternal, focusing on Darya’s introspective, deep vocals while her bandmates make sure every single space in the air is filled with their heavy sounds.
Having always paid special attention to the visual side of their art, from stage costumes and characters to their album covers, Tardigrade Inferno are on absolute fire from start to finish in Hush, inviting us all for a wild and whimsical journey together with the band. You can find more information about Tardigrade Inferno, their music, tour dates, and plans for the future on Facebook, on Instagram, and on VKontakte, subscribe to their YouTube channel, stream their discography on any platform such as Spotify, and above all that, grab a copy of the striking Hush from BandCamp. With the release of Hush, it’s also the first time the band’s mascot, the Tardigrade, is absent from the artwork, symbolizing a kind of coming-of-age. The toys have been left behind in the nursery, and you better get ready as the band’s lunatic music found in Hush will mercilessly drag you to hell.
Best moments of the album:Hide’n’Seek, Subatomic Heist and Hush.
Worst moments of the album:Dead Fish Smile.
Released in 2026 Independent
Track listing 1. The Final Show 2:29
2. Hide’n’Seek 3:40
3. Deadly Fairytales 4:16
4. All In Your Head 4:12
5. Dead Fish Smile 5:01
6. Subatomic Heist 2:53
7. I.C.D. 5:29
8. Goor 5:55
9. Hush 3:38
10. Hypograph 0:44
11. I Am Eternal 6:28
Band members Darya Rorria – vocals
Alexander Pavlovich – guitars
Maxim Belekhov – bass
Andrew Drew – drums
Let’s raise the chalice of heavy music to the sophomore offering by this Helsinki, Finland-based Melodic Heavy Metal brigade.
Having quickly become a beacon of esoteric Heavy Metal since their inception in 2016, Helsinki, Finland-based Melodic Heavy Metal brigade Chalice raises their chalice of heavy music once again with their sophomore opus, entitled Divine Spear, the follow-up to their 2020 debut Trembling Crown. Forged in the freezing winds of the Finnish winter, the new offering by vocalist and guitarist Verneri Pouttu, guitarist and keyboardist Mikael Haavisto, bassist Joni Petander, and drummer Olli Törrönen is a carefully crafted, razor-sharp package that nevertheless reveals a bounty of sonic and psychic treasures, painting a picturesque landscape of both light and dark, offering deliverance to those seeking beyond the boundaries of the so-called “New Wave Of Traditional Metal” movement.
The acoustic intro Mare Imbrium gradually grows in intensity until it morphs into the bestial Dwell of a Stellar Trance, where the fast-paced, galloping rhythm crafted by Joni and Olli invites us all to join the band in battle in the best Heavy Metal style. In Hollow Curtain we’re treated to classic lyrics declaimed by Verneri (“Face the fate / Of the darkest pathways of time / Gone the tongues of man / Leave no stone unturned on your quest / The sign burns the skies the sand”) while his bandmates deliver sheer headbanging, horns raising epicness; followed by The Pact, a power ballad that sounds cheesy at times, not as exciting as the previous songs, and Age Ethereal, showcasing a more melodic, heavier and more gripping side of the band, piercing our ears with the striking riffage by Verneri and Mikael.
Divine Spear, the song that carries the name of the album, brings forward sheer adrenaline and harmonious riffs, therefore living up to the legacy of the 80’s, with Olli taking the lead with his stylish beats and fills; whereas another serene start to the sound of a crying flute evolves into a beautiful ballad titled Empyrean Liturgy, bringing an extra dosage of melancholy to the band’s journey through the lands of heavy music. In from the Cold sounds like it was taken from an album recorded in the 80’s, with their riffs and solos piercing our minds in great fashion while also flirting with Progressive Metal, and the album ends with the enfolding ballad Alioth, where the entire band is not only on their darkest mode, but Verneri also takes the lead with his soothing vocal lines.
Completed by a clean and crisp (and yet somehow warm and natural) production, Divine Spear dives into deeper depths than what meets the eye, and you can get to know more about the band and their new album by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, keeping an eye on their live performances, of course. Don’t forget to also stream their music on any platform such as Spotify, and to put your damned hands on Divine Spear by purchasing the album from the Dying Victims Productions’ BandCamp or webstore. In other words, it’s time to raise the chalice of Heavy Metal together with those Finnish warriors armed with the “divine spear” in their new album, ready to pierce the souls of the infidels in the name of good heavy music.
Best moments of the album:Dwell of a Stellar Trance, Divine Spear and Alioth.
Worst moments of the album:The Pact.
Released in 2026 Dying Victims Productions
Track listing 1. Mare Imbrium 1:59
2. Dwell of a Stellar Trance 3:31
3. Hollow Curtain 6:32
4. The Pact 4:50
5. Age Ethereal 8:31
6. Divine Spear 5:05
7. Empyrean Liturgy 6:33
8. In from the Cold 5:08
9. Alioth 6:14
Band members Verneri Pouttu – vocals, lead electric and acoustic guitars
Mikael Haavisto – lead electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards
Joni Petander – bass, backing vocals
Olli Törrönen – drums, percussions
Led by composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Alex Luke, Chicago, Illinois-based Symphonic Metal project Eternal Recurrence offers an alternative take on the genre with orchestral arrangements that draw from chamber music. This deviation away from grand scale orchestration commonly associated with Symphonic Metal instead produces a more intimate take on the genre. That’s exactly what you’ll get in their forthcoming self-titled debut EP, prioritizing a focus on the sound of real musicians performing real orchestral instruments, preserving nuance, texture, and human imperfection in an increasingly digital landscape. Drawing influence from bands such as Opeth, Kamelot and Dream Theater, among others, and featuring guests Maciek Szczyciński on double bass, Steven Schumann on cello, German Dmitriev on violin, and Mordian and James Dorton on vocals alongside Alex, the music by Eternal Recurrence was crafted around the belief that the human touch of live performance remains essential, especially in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Serving as both an introduction and a mission statement, presenting Symphonic Metal that values realism, restraint, and emotional detail without sacrificing heaviness or intensity, the EP looks to chamber music for inspiration rather than emulating 19th and 20th century symphonic traditions. This philosophy defines the sound of Eternal Recurrence, and if you’re curious to know more about such a unique endeavor in the world of heavy music you can find the project on Facebook and on Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel or stream their music on any platform like Spotify, and of course grab a copy of their excellent debut EP from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. Artificial intelligence might be useful for some specific things in life, but definitely not for heavy music, and Eternal Recurrence is among us armed with its debut EP to prove once and for all there’s nothing better than human emotions to make music excellent, and to give life to it.
THE HEADBANGING MOOSE 