Psychedelic prog outfit ENSLAVED are currently on a 16-date European run in support of their latest album, “Heimdal,” taking the band across 10 different countries. The band’s support on the road is none other than British post-hardcore quartet SVALBARD and US-based metal act WAYFARER. On March 23rd, 2024, the tour stopped at Hole44 in Berlin. WAYFARER gave a very good account of themselves, putting on a solid, enjoyable set. Their Americana-infused black metal came to life with three-dimensional clarity, and both their sound and presence did the music justice. Concentrating on American Gothic ..read more

Why is it that the more successful bands get, the more they move towards a more direct, accessible, and commercial sound? Granted, for some bands, this streamlined approach isn’t such a big leap and actually works in their favor but for others, it’s not always easy to reconcile who they once were with who they currently are. I have been through this rollercoaster with the likes of WITHIN TEMPTATION, NIGHTWISH, and LORD OF THE LOST. Now I can add the Tunisian Oriental metal band MYRATH to the list, as they showcase a more aggressive and direct sound on “Karma.” The album releases on March 8th ..read more

Following the release of their latest, eleventh studio album, “Reader Of The Runes – Rapture” (released in April 2023 on AFM Records, order HERE!), heavy metal, pagan, folk, and melodic death metal fusionists ELVENKING have suprised fans with a stunning cover version of VENOM‘s “Prime Evil”! But, this isn’t just another cover, the ELVENKING version also features guest appearances of former VENOM singer and bassist Tony Dolan, and Snowy Shaw (ex-MERCYFUL FATE, ex-KING DIAMOND)! As ELVENKING revealed, “it is a special song in ..read more

FINNTROLL have celebrated the release of their seventh studio album last year, finally returning to the Finnish metal scene after a long break with their swampiest album since the 2003 EP, “Visor om slutet.” Yet 10 years ago, the band was delving into one of their folkiest releases to-date, “Jaktens Tid” [time of the hunt] which was released on this day a decade ago, September 18th, 2011. As such, we’re taking a look back on this fan-favorite’s sophomore album today for its decade-anniversary. A slow and ominous intro, “Krig,” starts “Jaktens Tid,” trollish in atmosphere and dark in tone. The ..read more

Following their massive German chart entry at #1 with their new studio album “Memento Mori” at the beginning of 2022, FEUERSCHWANZ have released an official video for what is likely their most personal song to date – “Das Herz eines Drachen” [en: The Heart of a Dragon]. The medieval folk rockers’ ballad shows a previously unknown side of the band with its evident seriousness. In a fire lit by burning guitar sounds and flute melodies, Captain Feuerschwanz mourns his fallen father with his head held high. A song that brings hope in dark times and once again underlines the cre ..read more

Italian folk power metal heroes ELVENKING have announced the re-releases of two early yet distinctive records, for the first time ever available on Vinyl, of the band’s impressive career! Both the 2001-debut “Heathenreel” and 2006’s classic “The Winter Wake” were remastered by Jacob Hansen (Amaranthe, Volbeat, Pretty Maids), and will be reissued as colored Vinyl Anniversary Editions on March 11, 2022, via powerhouse label AFM Records. [photo: Frater Orion] “We are relieved to finally be able to announce the Vinyl Anniversary Editions of two of our most import ..read more

With their incredible talent for storytelling and already impressive recognition as a band-to-watch, Ukrainian upstarts IGNEA are ready to share their highly-anticipated, thrilling next adventure! Mixing heavy riffs and epic lyricism with symphonic, electronic, and multicultural folk elements, the melodic metal five-piece will release their new concept album, “Dreams of Lands Unseen,” on April 28, 2023, via Napalm Records. IGNEA continues their sonic sojourn after previously impressing international metal fanbases with tracks like “Jinnslammer,” “Alga,” and  ..read more

Swedish folk metal trio LOMBOLO have released their new single, “Kung Agne,” on May 24th- today! The song features vocals from Raisa Ylinampa from the Finnish folk metal band, RIETAS. A playthrough video accompanies the release and a music video for the song will be published in June. “Kung Ange” is the final single from the band’s upcoming sophomore album, “Här och Där,” to be released in July 2023. Listen to the song here: https://youtu.be/P2T4XcW217o With “Kung Agne,” LOMBOLO aims to give a modern perspective to the traditionally heroic legendary Swedish king, Agne, whose huge burial ..read more

April 28, 2023, will see the masters of heavy metal, pagan, folk, and melodic death metal, ELVENKING, return to fantasy with their epic, new album “Reader Of The Runes – Rapture,” through AFM Records! The band’s eleventh studio album marks the sequel to their 2019 blockbuster record “Reader of the Runes – Divination.” ELVENKING set sail to horizons more distant than ever before, boldly taking the world by storm with their quintessentially unique approach to heavy, powerful music. As guitarist Aydan and vocalist Damna recently revealed, “Part 2 is darker, it needed to be tragic a ..read more

Storming the German charts with their previous #1 album, “Memento Mori,” the hottest German folk rock band FEUERSCHWANZ return – inviting fans on the most exciting journey through time. Presenting the greatest (and worst) earworms in the history of music, the spectacular covers album, “Todsünden,” will be released December 30, 2022, – exactly one year after the release of “Memento Mori” – via Napalm Records. The album includes two completely new songs, as well as the cover bonus tracks from their last two studio albums. The album’s newest single, the ban ..read more