Mad About Rock

  Having wrapped up their vast Arcane Dimensions Tour earlier this year, symphonic metal powerhouse EPICA have now unveiled a soul-stirring live version of their track 'Sirens - Of Blood And Water', featuring the formidable Alissa White-Gluz, Elize Ryd and Charlotte Wessels. This spine-tingling version which was also captured on video, was recorded early this year at EPICA's biggest headline show to date - a sold-out night at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome in front of 10,000 fans. Watch the video for 'Sirens - Of Blood And Water (Live At Ziggo Dome Amsterdam)' here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrHXFY3Gzs8 Listen to 'Sirens - Of Blood And Water (Live At Ziggo Dome Amsterdam)' here: https://epica.bfan.link/sirens-of-blood-and-water EPICA - TOUR DATES 29.06.26 | Middenvijver Park | Antwerp, BE w/ Iron Maiden 17.07.26 | John Smith Rock Festival | Laukaa, FI 23.07.26 | Hills of Rock | Plovdiv, BG w/ Sabaton & Savatage 25.07.26 | Release Athens | Athens, GR w/ S...

  Early 2026, symphonic metal pioneers EPICA and metal powerhouse AMARANTHE will unite on their European “Arcane Dimensions Tour”. With rotating co-headline slots, the trek will take them to 26 cities across 13 countries. As this will be the first tour in Europe in support of their new album “Aspiral” (out April 11th), which has been labelled as “a masterclass in storytelling, grandeur, and timeless melodies”, you can expect EPICA to bring yet another mesmerizing new live show. Inspired by their multiple sold-out “The Symphonic Synergy” experiences and supporting METALLICA in 2023, Simone Simons & Co are eager to bring you the majestic trademarks that propelled them to the top of the metal world. Buckle up, cause this band’s on fire! Formed in 2008, AMARANTHE have always walked their own path from the start. With absurdly catchy and crushing pop-metal anthems and euphoric live performances all over the globe, their impact on the scene has been immediate. Their latest album “T...

  Symphonic metal titans EPICA are excited to announce that their 9th studio album Aspiral will be out on April 11th, via Nuclear Blast Records. The album title is derived from the eponymous bronze sculpture made by Polish sculptor and painter Stanisław Szukalski back in 1965 and stands for renewal and inspiration – keywords that define EPICA in 2025. In Szukalski’s work every detail is a piece of art in its own right, and there’s always more to the story than you initially think. The band saw this as the perfect analogy for the creation of this 9th album: each song stands on its own with a distinctive vibe and meaning, while together they enforce each other into a monumental effort. The album, featuring stunning cover artwork by Hedi Xandt (Rammstein, Ghost, Parkway Drive), is now available for pre-order in the below mentioned formats. The special editions even include the BluRay and audio recordings of the full monumental “Symphonic Synergy” performance in Amsterdam that the ban...

  Hidden wisdom, long-lost secrets, and esoteric knowledge—with 'Arcana,' the frontrunners of symphonic metal, EPICA, herald a new chapter in their two-decade-long band history. This is the band’s first new release since their chart-topping album Omega and their collaboration EP The Alchemy Project. It offers a glimpse into the band’s future music, coming in 2025. “Arcana guides you through the universal stages of spiritual evolution in life. It leads the way to a higher consciousness and spiritual self-awareness,” the band comments. “Writing this song was a spontaneous effort, so it came together quickly, which felt so natural that it wrote itself. The music contains classic Epica elements but has some vibes that might remind you of 80s alternative rock or modern metal.” The single is now available on all streaming platforms. It also includes 'The Ghost in Me', a special collaboration with the Netherlands’ most popular theme park, de ‘Efteling’. The music video, direct...

  Dare to dance with the dead! Dutch symphonic metal titans EPICA have unleashed their eeriest creation yet, the spine-chilling music video for 'The Ghost in Me (Danse Macabre),' a haunting track that lures listeners into a world where shadows dance and the afterlife whispers. This song is a unique collaboration with Europe’s second-most visited theme park, Netherlands’s magical De Efteling, and their much-anticipated new attraction, Danse Macabre. Drenched in ghostly imagery, the video mirrors the unsettling thrill of De Efteling’s new ride, which opens its gates on October 31st, right in time for this Halloween season. Ever since their childhood, every member of EPICA has loved this theme park that welcomes over 5 million visitors per year. Therefore, this collaboration was a true match made in the otherworld. Submerge yourself now in the music video which was filmed right inside and in front of the new attraction - and as if this wasn’t already exciting enough, the band even...

  Dutch symphonic metal titans, EPICA, are thrilled to announce a special livestream event for one of their highly anticipated "The Symphonic Synergy" shows, set to take place in Amsterdam with a full orchestra and choir. This unique sold out performance, scheduled for September 20th at 20:00 CEST (19:00 LONDON, 15:00 SAO PAULO, 14:00 NEW YORK, 12:00 MEXICO CITY and 11:00 AM LOS ANGELES TIME), will showcase the band’s signature fusion of their greatest hits and secret fan favourites with soaring orchestral arrangements, guest performers and plenty of surprises including new music! Fans from all around the world who are unable to attend the show in person will now have the opportunity to experience the concert in real time through a professional multicam livestream. The band comments: "We’re beyond excited to bring this special show to every Epican anywhere in the world! 'The Symphonic Synergy' is more than just a concert—it's a celebration of everything Epica...

  The wait is over. Italian Symphonic Death Metal maestros FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE have returned with their massively anticipated album, Opera, today! Available for stream and purchase now from Nuclear Blast Records, the baroque operatic band’s 6th record is a ferocious collection of intense, volatile tracks directly inspired by frontman Francesco Paoli’s 2021 near fatal mountain climbing accident. Today, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE unveils the turbulent video for the opus ‘Morphine Waltz’; a turbulent glimpse at the band’s raging stage show. Commenting on the track Paoli says: “‘Morphine Waltz’, THE visionary song par excellence, has a much deeper meaning, which goes beyond its lysergic atmosphere. It’s actually a true anthem to science, which once again has proved itself to be the only reality that counts. But this track is also a perfect demonstration that our new line-up is on a whole new level, showcasing Veronica’s amazing versatility besides Eugene’s and Fabio’s insane technical skills...

  On April 5, 2024, Within Temptation will release their brand-new song 'A Fool’s Parade', which marks an impressive collaboration with the talented Ukrainian producer Alex Yarmak. ‘A Fool’s Parade' highlights Russia's pretense regarding the war, and condemns its lies, ongoing crimes and brutal intentions. The song, released as a harbinger of the much-anticipated 'Bleed Out 2024 Tour', is a powerful expression of Within Temptation’s commitment to continue shedding light on the ongoing existential struggle that Ukraine is facing against Russia's cruel invasion. Music video recorded in Kyiv For the recording of the accompanying music video of 'A Fool’s Parade', Sharon den Adel – the frontwoman of Within Temptation – is currently in Kyiv, Ukraine. The music video is being directed by renowned Ukrainian video director Indy Hait. With involvement in initiatives such as the Ukraine Aid OPS foundation, Within Temptation aims to keep drawing attention to E...

  Within Temptation, the renowned Dutch symphonic metal band, are set to captivate fans with their eighth studio album Bleed Out on October 20, 2023. Bleed Out signifies a bold leap forward for the band. From contemporary, hard-hitting djenty riffs to soaring melodies displaying their symphonic roots, Within Temptation have created a sonic journey that fuses diverse musical styles and thought-provoking themes. This is an album that is as epic as it is unflinchingly outspoken, and now more than ever, this is a band who aren’t afraid to make a stand on issues they care about. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Within Temptation have shifted their focus from writing about personal emotions and societal subjects to tackling global injustices and reflecting the tumultuous state of the world in a way that other artists seem unable or unwilling to do. Vocalist Sharon den Adel states, “The war in Ukraine has influenced us a lot. As artists we are inspired by the world, and we have t...

  M.E.L.T米爾特from Taiwan announces the release of their debut self-titled album on August 16, 2023. Combining symphonic and power metal elements with modern influences, M.E.L.T. incorporates melodic female vocal lines and male brutal screams with growling guitar riffs and soaring symphonic layers to display their unique aura. Formed in 2021, M.E.L.T. derives their name from four characters in the literature by Albert Camus, Samuel Beckett, Arthur Miller and Charles Dickens. Despite being a relatively new band, they’ve received rapid domestic recognition in Taiwan by performing alongside Nightwish during a leg of their Asia tour in 2023. M.E.L.T’s eponymous debut album strikes a balance between traditional and modern metal music timbre. Exquisite symphonic layers and synthesized sound effects are crucial elements in the album to contrast with the iconic bass slapping & tapping and heavy walls of electric guitar sound that are ubiquitous throughout the whole album. The concept o...

  Band announces: "Hey Europe, we've got some surprise for you: We are touring the EU once again - and we are starting in 2 months! This time we will ride through Slovenia, France, Germany, Switzerland and Netherlands. Happy to finally announce to you - the LOST WORLDS UNLEASHED TOUR 2023! Dates: 09/09 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Metal Witch Open Air 17/09 - Paris, France - La Boule Noir 18/09 - Lyon, France - Rock'n'Eat 28/09 - Weinheim, Germany - Cafe Central 29/09 - Oberhausen, Germany - Killerz Fest 01/10 - Munich, Germany - Backstage 05/10 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7 06/10 - Sittard, Netherlands - Poppodium Volt 14/10 - Terneuzen, Netherlands - De PIT More shows might be announced later. The tour is presented by our new booking agency Nine Lives Entertainment GmbH! (Avantasia, Rhapsody Of Fire, Hammerfall, Stratovarius, Lacrimosa etc.) Tickets and VIP upgrades are already available here ! (VIP upgrades are strictly limited to 10 per show and are not available on fes...

  IMPERIAL AGE: "We will be playing a special Homecoming Acoustic Concert in London on the 16th of August 2023. For those who don't live in London, there will be a special Online Livestream - so that you can join from any part of the world! After protesting and leaving our native Russia as soon as its aggression against Ukraine began and living for a year in Turkey, we were eventually endorsed by Arts Council England as "Exceptional Talents". We were granted UK residency under the Global Talent Programme and moved to Britain on 17th April 2023. Following 2 months of searching we finally settled in Northamptonshire and, after almost 1.5 years of peril and uncertainty, are now ready to continue doing what we are best at - music. To celebrate our new home, we will play an acoustic concert on the 16th of August at London's legendary Cart & Horses - the birthplace of Iron Maiden. This will be our first ever acoustic show, featuring our songs in a smaller setting, ...

  From the shadows of Ye Olde England comes “Devil's Dawn,” the latest single from the symphonic/prog extreme metal titans, Ghosts Of Atlantis (aka GOA). Featuring James Dorton (The Faceless, Black Crown Initiate) on guest narration and Finchman on electronic synths, the track serves as the official single of the upcoming supernatural thriller/horror movie Witch. “Devil's Dawn” depicts a tale of witchcraft, religious ignorance, and humanity's constant struggle to find itself. Today (31 October 2022), GOA unveils the music video for “Devil’s Dawn” to celebrate Halloween. The single will be available on all digital media platforms this Friday, 04 November 2022. When speaking of the single and film, guitarist Colin says: “‘Witch’ is a phenomenal film with twists and turns, immaculate and thought-provoking script writing, and a cast of superb talent. This film is a real gem, and the single had to be crafted to meet the feel of the Movie. “The song itself, is a departure from th...

  Bring to Bear is a symphonic folk metal band from the UK, on an adventure of making metal with meaning and looking to inspire others along the way. The idea came to life during lockdown in May 2020 by long-time friends and bandmates Hristo Nikolov and Ian Tarboton. They quickly put together their first material and set about expanding the clan. One by one the band came together, each with the same desire and a unique set of skills and stories. Bring to Bear combines the ethereal tones of lead singer Izabela Smyt with the harsh growls of keyboard-accordionist Ian Tarboton, using the raw power of drummer Simon Jones as the backbone for a solid metal pack comprising guitarists Hristo Nikolov and Nik Rotas, and bassist Richard Knight. Guitars swap between lead and rhythm, often play-fighting with accordion, to create strong melodies and plenty of opportunities to head-bang. Bring to Bear seeks authenticity and meaning through music that gives a feeling of adventure, discovery, and ...

  The Sacramento-based quintet GRAVESHADOW – who deftly mixes symphonic/gothic metal with elements of doom, thrash and epic progressive power metal – have unveiled “The Swordsman,” the latest single from their forthcoming album, “The Uncertain Hour.” The band's third album will be released July 15, 2022. “The Swordsman” is also special as it features guest vocals from Chelsea Murphy (Dawn of Ouroboros, Cailleach Calling, Tegmentum). GRAVESHADOW will also begin their West Coast tour on the same day at Barmadeggon in Tulare, CA, performing alongside Pacific Northwest blackened progressive-metal group VINTERSEA on “The Uncertain Hour Tour 2022” through Saturday, July 23rd at Cafe Colonial in Sacramento, CA. Full tour dates are below. In the meantime, the streaming audio visualized for “The Swordsman” can be viewed at https://youtu.be/WnFOUN9S4aw Pre-orders for CD and limited-edition (200) vinyl copies of GRAVESHADOW's upcoming third album, “The Uncertain Hour,” are available at ...

  Malacoda has released their brand new lyric video "The Year Walk". Check out the video below: Malacoda adds - "The Year Walk gives a good glimpse as to what the rest of this EP is about. It's aggressive, ridiculously over the top, and really friggin' dark. This is probably my favourite of all the songs we've released this year. Working with Michael Farina again behind the kit on this song was great- he always brings wacky ideas to the table that we have to try." Releasing December 3rd 2021 Dark Symphonic Metal Originally a recording project of multi-instrumentalist and music producer Lucas Di Mascio, Malacoda has persevered and grown throughout the years. Now a trio, the band is ready to unleash the conclusion to their trilogy of EP's that was written and recorded before the pandemic. Embark on the Year Walk.... EP Details: The Year Walk is the third EP Malacoda will release in 2021. Four more songs which build upon the band's symphonic sound...

  Rockshots Records is proud to announce their latest signing of Italian symphonic metallers Eternal Silence for the release of their next album "Timegate Anathema" due out in October 2021. The band comments: "We hope fans will be excited as we are for this new record. It is the most complete and refined album we made so far, and we think that the introduction of new elements and musical inspirations will attract new ones. We plan for it to be a heavy and romantic experience." Recorded at The Groove Factory (Udine, Italy) and Line/Out Studio (Milano, Italy) with mixing and mastering by Michele Guaitoli (Visions of Atlantis, Temperance, Kaledon), "Timegate Anathema" will feature ten tracks of symphonic and power prog metal plus will see the band introduce new elements and experimentation into their sound. The album goes from power metal songs like "The Way Of Time" and "My Soul Sad Until Death" to heavy and dark ones like "Rain and ...

  On December 23, 2020, the Bulgarian Symphonic Metal Band METALWINGS released the first single from the new upcoming album and now they have released the video of this single. Check out the video from the song "Monster In The Mirror" below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBOaR4L_tQs&t=2s ! Stela Atanasova also participated in the WOMEN ROCK Project from Belgian Jasper. This project was made by Jasper de Man for Belgian Jasper YT-channel to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th 2021. From that day on he published the whole week, from Monday 8th till Friday 12th over 30 interviews and video compilations. The video from Stela was published on Friday March 12 and you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_QQVyxuofQ “MONSTER IN THE MIRROR”! The single was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios. Music and Lyrics by Stela Atanasova. Extreme Vocals by Ivo Kalyonski! This song combines angelic and extreme vocals with the sound...

  On February 20th, 2021, the Finnish/Greek symphonic metal band Scarlet Desire released their new single “Maiden of Snow”. An official lyric video of the single “MAIDEN OF SNOW” is now available on their official YouTube channel. Check out the video below: SCARLET DESIRE's music is dark, romantic gothic metal with symphonic elements like symphonic orchestration and powerful female opera vocals. The female vocalist Danae Komodromou has a classical background and she is an educated soprano. Her vocals are very powerful and she has a very big vocal range (3 and half octaves) and she can also sing extremely high notes and different styles when needed. The result is very classical-sounding powerful symphonic metal with a dark and unique sound. The song was originally recorded a long time ago, but was changed, produced and enhanced along the way to be what it is now. Oliver Palotai, keyboardist from Kamelot, brought beautiful orchestrations to the song and Heikki Pöyhiä from Finland d...