Rising Italian metalcore quartet Hopsydian bring their A Graceful Sin EP to life in physical format10/10/2026  Following its digital arrival earlier this year, Italian rising metalcore force Hopsydian have given their striking debut EP "A Graceful Sin" a physical form. The EP is out now via Arising Empire on both gold vinyl and CD formats, accompanied by exclusive new merchandise. In celebration, Hopsydian have released a new video for the track 'Heavenly'. Watch 'Heavenly' here: https://youtu.be/pDpfduTaErs Stream/order A Graceful Sin here: https://arisingempire.com/hopsydian Already surpassing one million streams, A Graceful Sin introduced Hopsydian as one of the most intriguing new names emerging from the European heavy scene. Across five tracks, the Milan-based band create a world that feels as much like a ceremony as a conventional metalcore record. Epic, dark and deeply atmospheric, A Graceful Sin exists in the space between worship and transgression. Its songs explore devotion, love, obsession, sin and the seductive desire to transcend human limitations, constantly playing with opposing forces: holiness and corruption, light and shadow, beauty and brutality. The gold that dominates the record’s visual identity becomes a symbol of the divine, while something darker continually lurks beneath its surface. https://www.instagram.com/hopsydianofficial https://www.tiktok.com/@hopsydianofficial
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Italian groove metal crew Hellcowboys sign with Octopus Rising and drop new single “Ghiaccio”15/9/2026  Octopus Rising, the division of Argonauta Records dedicated to the discovery and development of uncompromising new heavy acts, is proud to announce the signing of Hellcowboys, the Italian four-piece bringing a dirty, crushing and groove-driven take on Southern metal. Formed in 2014, Hellcowboys return with a new line-up and a musical direction that is more focused and powerful than ever. Their sound sits at the crossroads of Southern groove metal, stoner metal, sludge and classic heavy metal, combining massive guitar riffs, pounding drums, thick bass lines and a raw Southern attitude. It is heavy music built around groove and impact, with enough grit and swagger to hit hard without losing its sense of melody and dynamics. At the helm is founding member Cris “Comaante” on vocals and guitar, now joined by Warner (Rainspawn, Mamöt) on lead guitar, Steve Russian (The Core, AGAIN – AiC tribute) on drums and backing vocals, and Val (Hellbow, Fugue) on bass. This renewed line-up marks the beginning of a new era for Hellcowboys, and the band wastes no time making its intentions clear. Now, Hellcowboys unveil “Ghiaccio”, the first single and official video from their upcoming third album, “Renew, Reborn, Return”. The track delivers a first taste of the band's new incarnation, driven by muscular riffs, a relentless groove and a distinctly gritty approach that places Hellcowboys firmly in the territory where Southern metal meets the darker side of stoner and sludge. “Renew, Reborn, Return” will be released on December 11, 2026, via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records, available on CD and digital. The new album will also be brought to the stage with a series of live dates kicking off with the official release party in Rome, followed by further shows across Italy: HELLCOWBOYS LIVE December 19, 2026 – Rome, Defrag - Release Party Show January 15, 2027 – Rome, Questa è Roma, CSA Intifada March 12, 2027 – Frosinone, Metropolis March 13, 2027 – TBC More live dates will be announced soon. After more than a decade of evolution, Hellcowboys are back with a heavier sound, a renewed lineup and a clear mission: turn the volume up, lock into the groove and leave the ground shaking. https://www.facebook.com/hellcowboysband https://www.instagram.com/hellcowboysband https://www.argonautarecords.com/  Milan, Italy based post metal veterans Rise Above Dead are proud to announce their signing with Argonauta Records and the release of their new full-length album, Voidmass, this Autumn, opening a new chapter in the band's uncompromising journey through heaviness, atmosphere and dark introspection. “We've always admired Argonauta Records for their dedication to the underground scene and their commitment to heavy, independent music, so we couldn't be happier to join their roster and begin this new chapter together.” Born in the depths of Milan's underground scene, Rise Above Dead began their journey in 2010 with the Human Disintegration EP, establishing a raw and visceral sound shaped by crust and dark hardcore influences. Their evolution continued with the 2012 full length Stellar Filth, before Heavy Gravity in 2015 marked a decisive move into fully instrumental territory and increasingly expansive, cinematic soundscapes. The band's artistic evolution reached a major turning point with Ulro in 2020. Inspired by the visionary work of William Blake, the psychedelic concept album explored alienation, society and inner collapse, pushing Rise Above Dead further into immersive and conceptual territory. The album featured artwork by Solo Macello and was mastered by Magnus Lindberg of Cult of Luna. Following the pandemic and subsequent lineup changes, 2026 marks the return of original vocalist Andrea Rondanini. After years of instrumental exploration, his comeback brings the human voice back to the band's sound, opening a more intense and vocal driven direction while retaining the atmospheric depth and crushing dynamics that have defined Rise Above Dead over the years. With a renewed line-up and fresh creative energy, Rise Above Dead are now preparing to unleash Voidmass, a six-track journey through crushing post-metal, cinematic sludge and haunting emotional landscapes. The band will also return to the stage, with a strong focus on live performances and a renewed presence within the European underground. The new era of Rise Above Dead begins now. More news, including the first single and video coming soon. https://www.facebook.com/riseabovedead https://www.instagram.com/riseabovedead https://www.argonautarecords.com/  Italian Christian power-prog metal veterans Metatrone announce their fifth studio album “Sangueacqua”, set for release on March 13, 2026 via Rockshots Records. Following a period of silence that deeply challenged the band’s path, “Sangueacqua” emerges not simply as a comeback but as a statement of survival, identity and artistic consolidation. Blending the drive of European power metal with progressive structures and modern rhythmic precision, the album showcases Metatrone at their most focused, aggressive and cohesive. Riffs are tighter and more assertive, grooves more grounded and impactful while melodic lines retain the crystalline character that defines the band’s sound. The production balances analogue warmth with contemporary clarity, pushing the band toward a more direct and powerful sonic identity. The line-up marks a highly anticipated reunion with historic frontman Jo Lombardo returning on lead vocals, alongside founding members Stefano “Ghigas” Calvagno (guitars, bass) and David Brown (keyboards, vocals), joined by drummer Simone Alberti, whose performance combines technical precision with visceral energy. At its core, “Sangueacqua” explores the concept of identity and belonging - artistic, personal and spiritual. The album confronts imitation and conformity in “Facsimile”, reflects on collective oppression in “Stato Infame” and challenges the idolatry of power and wealth in “Fuori dal Tempio”. Spiritual identity remains central, expressed as a call to action as well as a mystical root in “Anima Christi” based on an ancient Latin prayer. The title itself evokes endurance through suffering: blood and water as symbols of struggle, resilience and rebirth. The album artwork, created by Nello Dell’Omo (ArtForMusic Studio) based on a concept by Ghigas and David Brown, visually translates these themes into a powerful and evocative imagery.
Guitarist Stefano “Ghigas” Calvagno comments: “There are very few words that can explain how much I love this album. One of them is ‘resistance.’ There were moments when we thought we had reached our endpoint. But the flame was still burning. ‘Sangueacqua’ is our blood, our life, our legacy.” Keyboardist David Brown adds: “This album is filled with energy and soul. Jo’s return and Simone’s entrance were crucial. It sounds more direct and aggressive, yet completely true to who we are.” Frontman Jo Lombardo states: “I’m excited for this album because I came back to my beloved place, among old friends and with incredible songs to sing. Metal music is still flowing in my veins.” Drummer Simone Alberti concludes: “It’s not a new beginning nor an ending point but a continuous line drawn by passion, blood and sweat. I can’t wait to play this album live.” Produced by the band, recorded and mixed by Luigi Scuderi at DigiVintage Studios (Italy) and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Hansen Studios, Denmark), “Sangueacqua” stands as Metatrone’s most defined and cohesive work to date. “Sangueacqua” will be available in physical format as CD digipak starting March 13th, 2026. The band will present the album live with a special release show on March 15th at the Elements Of Rock Festival (Switzerland). Pre-orders are now available via the Rockshots Records official store https://rockshots.eu/products/metatrone-sangueacqua-cd  Italian Thrashers Ural fire the first missile in the form of their new single, unveiling the details of their devastating fourth studio album, “Anthropic Genetic Involution”. The new record will be released on April 23rd through Xtreem Music on CD and across digital platforms, and promises= to take their explosive blend of Old School Thrash and Crossover attitude to a new level of intensity. Listen to the first advance single as a video-clip:
Xtreem Music continues its collaboration with Italian Thrash / Crossover force Ural, one of the most consistent and hard-hitting acts in today’s European old school scene. Formed in Turin in 2010, the band has steadily built its reputation since their self-titled demo (2011) and the “Wasteland” EP (2013), followed by the full-length albums “Party With the Wolves” (2016) and “Just For Fun” (2019), establishing a sharp and aggressive sound deeply rooted in ’80s Thrash with clear Voivod influences. In 2022, Ural released the “Cyber Requiem” EP, produced by Davide “BrutalDave” Billia (Antropofagus, Beheaded, Hour Of Penance) with artwork by Luca SoloMacello. The same team handled their third full-length album, “Psychoverse” (2023), which marked the band’s signing with Xtreem Music for worldwide promotion and distribution. After two years of intense live activity across Italy and Europe, URAL completed their fourth album in 2025, once again produced by Davide Billia. Titled “Anthropic Genetic Involution”, the album is scheduled for release 23rd April 2026 through Xtreem Music.
Delivering razor-sharp, uncompromising Thrash Metal that channels the spirit of the ’80s Bay Area while blending dissonant Voivod-inspired riffs with raw Crossover energy, URAL firmly establish themselves as a powerful force within the New Wave of Old School Thrash Metal. Release date for "While Everything Collapses" will be April 23rd through Xtreem Music on CD & Digital formats. www.facebook.com/uralwolfteam Italian Folk Metallers Aexylium unveil "Eclissi" lyric video; taken from 'Myth Of Mankind'11/2/2026  Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of the new lyric video for “Eclissi”, taken from "Myth of Mankind", the third full-length album by Italian Folk Metal act Aexylium. The lyric video will premiere today February 11, 2026 on Rockshots Records’ official YouTube channel. “Eclissi” marks a defining moment in Aexylium’s artistic journey. Musically rooted in the band’s unmistakable fusion of modern metal intensity and traditional folk instrumentation, the track stands out as the first song in the band’s career written entirely in Italian, a deliberate and meaningful choice that reinforces its emotional impact and narrative depth. Layered choirs, wide melodic lines and a carefully balanced orchestral framework make “Eclissi” one of the most evocative compositions on "Myth of Mankind" while also enhancing its strong potential in a live setting where audience interaction becomes an integral part of the song’s identity. Commenting on the track, the band explains that “Eclissi fits perfectly with the musical lines of the album and represents a new expressive space for us. Writing in Italian allowed the lyrics to flow more naturally, strengthening the emotional connection between words and music while the choirs make it especially powerful during live performances.” The album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Davide Tavecchia at Twilight Studio, ensuring a powerful yet detailed production that highlights both the band’s metallic core and its rich instrumental textures. "Myth of Mankind" represents the most mature and personal chapter in Aexylium’s discography, addressing introspective and abstract themes while consciously stepping beyond genre stereotypes without losing sight of the band’s roots. The lyric video for “Eclissi” offers listeners and media partners a focused insight into one of the album’s most distinctive tracks, highlighting both its linguistic uniqueness and its role within the conceptual and musical framework of "Myth of Mankind". “Myth of Mankind” has been released with artwork created by renowned artist Gustavo Sazes (Arch Enemy, Machine Head, Amaranthe). ORDER & LISTEN to the album "Myth Of Mankind" here: lnk.to/koGz58 Compared to the last studio album, the band has welcomed Alberto Mezzanotte (drums), Luca Perrone (Guitar) and the frontman Sam Biganzoli into its line-up. Aexylium’s partners include Solar Guitars, Footblaster, Liuteria Cocopelli and Firebird Strumenti Musicali. https://www.instagram.com/aexylium_official https://it-it.facebook.com/aexylium Aexylium on Spotify Rockshots.eu   Rockshots Records announces the release of “Bodyless”, the brand new single by Italian metal act Dust, out now on all digital platforms. “Bodyless” is taken from Dust’s upcoming second full-length album "Thoughts Of A Falling Man", scheduled for release on April 3rd, 2026 and represents a pivotal chapter within the record’s overarching concept. The song delves into a stark and uncompromising vision of judgment and damnation, portraying a liminal space where souls, stripped of identity and status, await their final sentence beyond life and time. Lyrically, “Bodyless” explores the idea that, at the end of earthly existence, wealth, power and social distinction lose all meaning. What remains is the weight of one’s actions and the inescapable confrontation with guilt, memory and consequence. The track embodies one of the album’s central themes: a near-death journey in which the main character is forced to face unresolved sins and inner demons in a realm suspended between eternity and oblivion. Commenting on the single, the band states: “‘Bodyless’ represents a moment of total suspension. It’s the point where every mask falls away and nothing can be hidden anymore. We wanted to describe a place where there is no time, no memory and no privilege - only judgment. It’s one of the most direct and unsettling tracks we’ve written, both lyrically and emotionally.” Musically, “Bodyless” highlights Dust’s evolved and more cohesive sound combining aggressive death and groove metal foundations with sharp riffing, oppressive atmospheres and tightly controlled dynamics. The band’s approach is raw and uncompromising, reinforcing the song’s sense of suffocation and inevitability while maintaining a strong sense of structure and impact. This sonic direction reflects the broader evolution of "Thoughts Of A Falling Man", which marks a significant step forward in terms of heaviness, focus and expressive depth compared to the band’s debut. Expanding on the album’s vision, the band adds: “This new record is heavier, darker and more introspective than anything we’ve done before. Each track represents a spiritual stage of a single journey, and ‘Bodyless’ is one of the moments where the listener is forced to stop and confront the consequences of a life lived without escape.” “Bodyless” stands as a key chapter within "Thoughts Of A Falling Man", a concept-driven album conceived as a near-death experience unfolding between life and eternity. Through its relentless sound and uncompromising narrative, the single offers a clear glimpse into Dust’s renewed artistic direction and the darker, more mature identity shaping this new era." DIGITAL: lnk.to/M2crIo New album “Thoughts Of A Falling Man” out April 3rd, 2026 PRE ORDER "Thoughts Of A Falling Man": https://rockshots.eu/products/dust-thoughts-of-a-falling-man Instagram: Dust  Italian Power Metal bards Embrace Of Souls have officially joined the Rockshots Records. Embrace Of Souls have forged a solid identity within the Italian power metal scene by blending classic ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal foundations with epic and symphonic influences. After the releases of "The Number Of Destiny" and "Forever Part Of Me", the band reached a natural turning point, choosing to move forward with renewed focus, strengthened artistic vision and fresh creative energy. This new chapter is also marked by an updated line-up compared to previous albums. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in earlier recordings, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist joined by Martina Mazzeo as soprano vocalist. Their combined vocal approach broadens the band’s expressive range reinforcing the balance between driving power metal intensity and refined symphonic elegance that defines Embrace Of Souls’ current sound. The journey continues with “Desolate Lands”, the upcoming single taken from the new concept album "The Battle Of The Dead". Pre-save “Desolate Lands”: lnk.to/7wfF6l Embrace Of Souls are an Italian power metal band founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, conceived with the aim of bringing together talented musicians around a shared vision rooted in collaboration, brotherhood and a deep passion for classic metal. Initially born as a studio project, the band took shape with the release of their debut album "The Number Of Destiny" in 2021 receiving positive feedback on an international level and notable acclaim in Japan. Drawing inspiration from ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal, as well as the epic and symphonic metal of the early 2000s, Embrace Of Souls developed a sound characterized by powerful riffs, epic atmospheres and strong melodic sensibility. Over time, the project evolved into a full live band allowing the group to further consolidate its artistic identity and deepen its expressive range. In 2024, Embrace Of Souls returned with their second full-length album "Forever Part Of Me" marking a significant step forward in terms of maturity and songwriting. This phase also introduced important changes within the line-up bringing renewed energy and a broader musical perspective to the band’s sound. A key element of this evolution is the current vocal pairing. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in previous releases, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist while Martina Mazzeo, an accomplished soprano vocalist, adds a symphonic and operatic dimension to the band’s music. Together, their voices embody the duality that defines Embrace Of Souls: light and darkness, power and elegance, intensity and emotion. Having shared the stage with renowned acts such as Domine, Vision Divine, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica and Rhapsody Of Fire, Embrace Of Souls continue to refine their identity while looking toward the future. The band is now working on new material, further developing their epic and narrative-driven approach with the goal of solidifying their presence on the international power metal scene. Follow Embrace Of Souls: Instagram: Embrace Of Souls Facebook: Embrace Of Souls  After 5 years from our latest album, we are finally proud to release our brand-new single: "The Aftertaste"! It’s really been an infinite work, starting from a music idea created by guitarist Mattia “The Skeptic”, back in 2018. We changed the first draft many times in the following months, at the end turning it into a yet melodic and catchy but also harsh and powerful prog-rock song. For such reason, we decided to release this very song, "The Aftertaste", as the first official single of our new upcoming album, Fractals: a Light among Shadows. "The Aftertaste" talks about the passing of time, through the eyes of a worn-out, broken man who looks back at his life and tries to get the meaning of it. As he goes back through time in his mind, seasons such as “spring” and “autumn” metaphorically represent “youth” and “adulthood” respectively, as he is now approaching the “winter” of his life. But, unlike it happened too often in the past, this time something is different: he is now wiser, stronger and with much more self-consciousness that he is ready to face head-on whatever comes. Watch "The Aftertaste" here: https://youtu.be/nO-zCHc1cKw Frozen Sand is Alternative Prog. Metal band from Italy, active since 2010. They narrate concepts and stories through Time and Space by means of modern alternative / progressive metal. THE NARRATORS:
 The Sunrise sign their second record deal with WormHoleDeath. For the second time in two years, the Venetian band is outlining the details of the record agreement that will allow them to work with the international metal specialists again. Their sophomore album "Rising Loop" will be released on November 4th, 2022. The band stated: “If the first time was a bet, now we really want to show what we are made of”; These are the words of Tommaso, the guitarist, and spokesperson of the band, who does not spare himself in reiterating how much the Progressive / Hard-Rock band from Chioggia (VE) is determined to take place in the current Rock and Metal scene. After almost a year of hard work, punctuated by interruptions and extensions, due to the current condition we live in, Rising In Loop will finally see the light. A committed, structurally rich, and conceptual album that differs from the previous record “Brand New Disorder” both in terms of timing, arrangement, and sound; if previously the critics were divided on the lack of intelligibility of the musical identity of the band, this time the progressive matrix is unequivocal. The theme of the production recalls the style of the concept album, the core of the story is religions, the intertwining of cultures and populations of the past, present, and future created in order to give the listener a vision and a representation of the critical thinking of the band regarding the folklore and events, which have become absolute legends of the world crime news. “Rising Loop”, in fact, proposes, by tackling “historically” the development and consolidation of the mythological and religious thought of mankind, to weave a historical and legendary plot in time and space as a legacy, a warning that something has changed; "We will bring you on a journey that you will hardly forget, unlike the stories we all know, this one will not have a happy ending"
The Sunrise is a Progressive / Hard-Rock band based in Venice (Italy), born in 2018, after the first phase of experimentation and publication of a self-produced EP entitled "RISE" (2019 EP) finally finds an artistic binder represented by the conscious mix of different musical genres such as Pop - Rock Progressive and Metal, thanks to which it arrives at the agreement with the US label WormHoleDeath® in conjunction with the signing of the contract and the subsequent publication of the album "Brand New Disorder" in 2020. The turning point for the band was the possibility, during the following years of making his music known to the public by participating in various competitions and achieving good placings such as the participation as Headliners at the 2021’s National Music Day in Treviso (Italy) and the participation to the semi-final phase of the Hybryd Venice Constest 2021, competition held in the beautiful scenario of Bissuola Park’s Theater in Mestre (VE). “The stage has always been a place for us to express and externalize thoughts, concepts, and music without filters, in direct line with the listeners,” says Tommaso, the group's spokesperson. The new album will be released in 2022, but preceded by the video clip of the first single extract entitled “TakeTime / WasteTime”; forget the Amarcord sweetness of the romantic songs of “Brand New Disorder”, this time the atmosphere will be very different, more gloomy and reflective, the subtle voices, the painful harmonies, and the overbearing rhythm will dominate; you will find yourself in the middle of a storm.
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