Denmark’s Empire Drowns is set to captivate listeners with the release of “Endless Nights,” a full-length album that drags listeners into a soundscape where beauty and despair are inextricably entwined. This latest offering showcases the band’s mastery of melodic, dark, and doom-laden tracks, blending genres to create a hauntingly atmospheric and heavy sonic landscape. “Endless Nights” is distinguished by its immersive and dark ambiance, elevated by melodic guitar work, haunting keys, pounding bass and drums, and powerful growling vocals. Each track boasts a unique character while contributing to a cohesive and introspective album.
Comprising experienced musicians from renowned bands such as Aurora, Urkraft, Withering Surface, Thorium, Meridian, Saturnus, and A Sun Traverse, Empire Drowns brings a wealth of experience to this project.
Lineup
Michael Hvolgaard Andersen – vocals
Thomas Birk – guitars
Anders Ro Nielsen – keys
Marco Angioni – guitars
Kim Jørgensen – drums
FURY are challenging the barriers of hard rock and metal genres once again with their exciting new album “Interceptor”. From the reassuringly old-school fast riffing and anthemic vocals the long lasting fans know from Fury, to the carefully composed, introspective auditory treats that might surprise listeners who expect metal bands to sit neatly in their box.
Since their previous album, “Born To Sin” (2022), Fury have moved into the territory of dual lead vocals, opening up a new soundscape for the band to explore. With the release of every album since their debut in 2014, vocal melody and harmony have become an increasingly significant part of their sound. Until no longer could the band remain a four-piece, and the powerhouse Nyah Ifill joined alongside founding member Julian Jenkins on co-lead vocals. The pairing of their two distinctive vocal timbres build a wall of sound on the “Interceptor” album, and doesn’t let up the intensity for their roaring live shows.
2022 was also a big year for Fury bassist Becky Baldwin, who found herself meeting heavy metal idols Mercyful Fate on their first tour in 23 years, and was invited by King Diamond to tour the USA, Canada and Mexico with Mercyful Fate in the absence of their bassist, Joey Vera. After taking this opportunity, Becky was invited to join Mercyful Fate permanently in January 2024. With frequent gaps in the touring schedule to allow King Diamond his many projects, Becky found herself busy with Fury, on the road and recording the high-energy new album “Interceptor”.
“Interceptor” also marks another sonic change for the band, bringing in the production expertise of Todd Campbell of Stompbox Studios. Fury met Todd while touring Europe supporting Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons in 2023, and it became clear that someone so close to Motörhead and Lemmy would understand the energy, rawness and dirty guitar and bass tones that Fury craved for their fifth studio album.
Since the band’s formation in 2010, Fury’s line up has undergone many transformations, but it is undoubtedly clear that Fury have found their stride in recent years, reflecting in their expansion into touring mainland Europe and a growing online following worldwide. Gig highlights include festivals such as Download (UK), Bloodstock Open Air (UK), UrRock (CH) and supporting bands such as Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, Firewind and Florence Black.
The West Midlands of the UK have produced many excellent heavy bands, and with a shift from unapologetically DIY to signing with Danish label Mighty Music, perhaps this is another album from Birmingham to shake up the airwaves again!
“Interceptor” will be released on LP (black vinyl limited to 200 copies and purple vinyl limited to 300 copies), CD and digital on 05.09.2025, via Mighty Music.
Lineup
Julian Jenkins – guitars, vocals
Nyah Ifill – vocals
Becky Baldwin – bass
Tom Fenn – drums
Tom Atkinson – guitars
The Danish doom/gothic metal combo BLAZING ETERNITY is back with a new album. “A Certain End Of Everything” – to be released on April 19th, 2024 – is the first new album since 2003 from one of Denmark’s pioneer bands within the melodic doom/goth metal genre.
“A Certain End Of Everything” consists of seven new tracks, including the already released first single “One Thousand Lights”. The music has the well-known Blazing Eternity atmosphere and fingerprint – a melancholic, epic and atmospheric doom/gothic metal mix with weeping guitars and harsh vocals. The album is bleak and melancholic, but with a certain beauty shining in the darkness – and with very personal lyrics dealing with death, depression, and personal tragedies. But with a gleam of hope in the end…
Will appeal to fans of early Katatonia, My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost.
“A Certain End Of Everything” was written and arranged by original members Peter Mesnickow, Morten Kroll Lybecker and Lars Riis Korsholm – with additional synth arrangements by Flemming Kaspersen from electronic act Delayscape.
Blazing Eternity was formed in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1993 and released two successful demo tapes in 1996 and 1998 leading to a deal with German Prophecy Productions. This resulted in the two albums ”Times And Unknown Waters” (2000) and ”A World To Drown In” (2003) as well as performances on big festivals such as Roskilde Festival and Wave Gotik Treffen.
After 2004, the band was not active anymore – until 2011/2012 when Blazing Eternity reformed for four concerts in Denmark and Germany.
After this, the band went into hiatus but secretly started working on new material in 2018. But with big challenges in the process. First the death of vocalist Peter Mesnickow’s long-time wife Lilja, and secondly the death of Blazing Eternity live-keyboardist Jens Hansen. Two events that have affected the new songs a lot – but at the end leading to the brand-new album “A Certain End Of Everything”. to be released in April 2024.
Recorded with Jacob Gundel (Withering Surface, Invocator etc). Mixed and mastered by Markus Stock Schwadorf (Empyrium, The Vision Bleak, Alcest, etc), who also produced the first two albums by Blazing Eternity.
Blazing Eternity is confirmed for Metal Magic Festival (DK) and Næstved Metal Fest (DK) in 2024, but more live performances will be announced later.
“I absolutely loved to mix and master this album of my old friends Blazing Eternity. Not just because of reasons of nostalgia but because it is an absolutely beautiful and soulful album that lives in the past and the here and now“ Markus Stock Schwadorf.
“A Certain End Of Everything” is out now on LP (black vinyl), digipack CD and digital formats via Mighty Music.
Lineup
Peter Mesnickow – vocals
Morten Kroll Lybecker – guitars, bass, synths
Lars Riis Korsholm – drums
Additional live members: Kim Larsen – guitars
Magnus Ringling – bass
Anders Ro Nielsen – keyboards
With their upcoming, fourth studio album “Daenacteh”, Norwegian melodic death metal band DECEPTION are broadening their creative songwriting. The result is a bigger sound with more experimental passages and more harmonic content than ever before in the Stavanger collective, while they’re looking to dive deeper into the international market to expand their audience.
With lyrics and music of taking you the listener on a journey through the desert following a young woman trying to care for her family in a brutalitarian state during a national emergency, “Daenacteh” hits the spot on grandiose, epic melodic death metal with the right amount of symphonic influences.
Drawing inspiration from bands like Wintersun, Septicflesh and Blood Red Throne, Deception create brutal, hard hitting, technical music surrounded by dark, beautiful and majestic soundscapes with the use of orchestral instruments and synths. After two initial full-lengths, “The Mire” (2021) was the first album going in this direction and was well received both nationally and internationally. Throughout their career, Deception have toured abroad, headlined multiple national tours and have supported acts such as Hypocrisy, Insomnium, Testament and Entombed among others.
Recently, the band got an extra spotlight after singer/guitarist Sindre Wathne Johnsen was announced as Blood Red Throne’s new singer.
“Daenacteh” will be released on LP (black vinyl, limited to 300 copies) and digital formats via Mighty Music on March 22nd, 2024.
Lineup
Sindre Wathne Johnsen – guitar, vocals & orchestration
Hans Jakob Bjørheim – guitar
Einar Hasselberg Petersen – drums
Marius Ofstad – bass
After a very promising EP released back in 2021 and a handful of singles that sparked folk metal fans’ enthusiasm – especially the Scandinavian strain – VANSIND has finally released its debut album, “Mørket”. With their feet planted firmly in the Danish soil, the band provides a solid soundtrack for battle, chain dance and raised horns with melodies inspired by folk music that meets solid metal, rumbling growls, and clean female singing. The lyrical themes are inspired by the darker side of Nordic mythology and Scandinavian history.
Where the glimmer of the eye meets the glimpse of the sword you’ll find Vansind. And, if you enter the dance, maybe you’ll get a glimpse of Valhal too.
Vansind was formed in the summer of 2019 as a folk-inspired metal band. The band is based in Slagelse, Denmark, though the members are from all over the country. Just as the members’ geographical difference their musical background is also vastly different (with members of Panzerchrist, Iron Fire, Vanir, Detest and Mindmare gracing the lineup), they share their love for the music and a wish to add something special to the Danish folk scene. This year alone they graced festivals such as Næstved Metalfest, Asgaard Rock Festival, Warhorns Festival (UK), Hörnerfest (DE) and Burning Q Festival (DE) and they’re now set sailing for a bigger conquering trip with their amazing debut studio album.
“Mørket” is out now on LP (black vinyl, limited to 300) and digital formats via Mighty Music.
Line-up
J. Asgaard – vocals
Line Burglin – vocals
Gustav Solberg – guitar
Thor Hansen – guitar
Morten Lau – bass
Rikke Klint Johansen – keyboards, tinwhistle, bagpipes
Danni Lyse Jelsgaard – drums
Motivated by a desire to explore their own artistic style and venture into new territories, SYLVATICA embarked on the creation of their third album, titled “Cadaver Synod”. This album delves into the dark tales of the Middle Ages, incorporating elements such as the haunting sounds of church organs, theremin, and Gregorian chants. The result is a set of gloomy and atmospheric compositions, enriched by the addition of Hammond organs and synthesizers, evoking a nostalgic 70s vibe with occasional doom influences. The production on this album is intentionally rawer compared to their previous works, emphasizing the organic and atmospheric aspects while embracing a more playful approach. Despite these changes, the band’s distinctive classic sound remains present, revitalized with a fresh and exciting twist.
Sylvatica has been creating captivating melodies and delivering breathtaking solos since 2009 when the band was formed by a group of childhood friends who were enamored with the folk-metal movement of the late 2000s. The band made their debut with the folk-infused EPs “Sagn & Sagaer” and “Mosemanden,” followed closely by the melodic death metal-inspired album “Evil Seeds.” During this period, they embarked on tours with renowned Danish folk-metal bands.
Having gained extensive experience from numerous concerts and studio sessions, the band released their refined album “Ashes and Snow” in 2021, receiving accolades from both Danish and international music publications. This album showcased exceptional Finnish-inspired melodic death metal, marking a significant milestone in Sylvatica’s career. Until now, when “Cadaver Synod” comes like a hurricane into Sylvatica’s discography.
“Cadaver Synod” is out now on LP (black vinyl, limited to 300) and digital formats via Mighty Music on October 20th, 2023.
Line-up
Jardén Schlesinger – vocals, guitars
Thomas Haxen – bass, backing vocals
Jacques Harm Brandt Hauge – drums
Christian Christiansen – guitars
Manticora was formed in 1997 by Lars F. Larsen (vocals), Kristian Larsen (guitars) and Mads Volf (drums) – the young guys laying the foundation of the Manticora-trademark sound; hard hitting progressive power metal with both epic and thrash elements. In the early days the band was a foursome but with a round of line-up changes, the band, which includes long-time members Kasper Gram (bass) and Stefan Johansson (guitars) were established as a five-piece.
In 1999 the debut full-length disc, “Roots Of Eternity” was released, and received a tremendously good response from both media and fans around the world. Since then, eight more critically acclaimed albums were released over the following two decades, establishing Manticora as one of the most respected bands in the European progressive power metal scene.
Over the years, the band has played countless tours and has stepped on the biggest festivals’ stages, including Wacken Open Air, Sweden Rock Festival and Copenhell.
After their grandiose, critically acclaimed two-album concept from 2018/2020 plus a 334-page novel (written by the band’s singer Lars F. Larsen), which the albums were based on – the Danes have scaled down a bit and written another majestic concept album, but this time only spanning a 48-minute mark, in total.
“Mycelium”, the new opus (and their first one to be released by Mighty Music), is less symphonic and with an angrier, raw approach, with aggressiveness as the main focus. Manticora has created a DIY album, where the only outside influence has been the mastering (done by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios). Everything else is crafted by the band: concept, lyrics, music, production, artwork – you name it, Manticora provides.
High-octane metal, which is only recommended for the strong at heart.
“Mycelium” is out now on CD, LP (black vinyl, limited to 500) and digital formats via Mighty Music.
Line-up
Kristian Larsen – guitars
Lars F. Larsen – vocals
Stefan Johansson – guitars
Kasper Gram – bass
Lawrence Dinamarca – drums
With a number of successful singles already released, British/Danish rock singer MICHAEL CATTON released his debut solo album “Point Of No Return” on November 10, 2023 on Mighty Music. Catton’s album promises to deliver the energy and flamboyance of the 80’s, with renowned producer and guitarist Soren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, Electric Guitars) bringing a powerful and punchy production to this modern masterpiece of rock.
“This album has been growing inside of me for the past 15 years, since I first got hooked on rock music as a teenager; the energy, the attitude, the bravado – all my influences rolled into a single album. I can’t wait to unleash it,” says Catton. As the frontman of Danish rock band Tainted Lady, Catton became widely recognised as the standout singer of the modern rock scene, being compared to the likes of Steven Tyler, Ian Gillan and Bruce Dickinson. “After Tainted Lady had split, I quickly realised that I had to make my own way as an artist. It was a heart-wrenching experience, but it gave me the space to find my own feet and the opportunity to work with some of the most experienced and talented musicians on the Danish rock scene”.
Having already collaborated with Catton, producing Tainted Lady’s widely acclaimed albums “How The Mighty Have Fallen” and “Sounds Like Freedom // Feels Like War”, Andersen is guitarist, producer and co-writer on the album. “There aren’t many Michael Cattons out there,” says Andersen. “He’s the whole package, and he knows it. That’s why I got hold of him as soon as I heard that Tainted Lady had split up. We dived straight into the songwriting and quickly had ten bangers ready. We attempted to keep the production as if we had tracked on tape in 1987 – not too many overdubs or Pro Tools tricks; just focusing on the songs, performance and lyrics, and I think it shows. I’m very proud of the result and I’m excited to see the reaction”.
Also co-writer on the album and playing keys is Michael’s brother Chris Catton (Boys From Heaven). “Music is what really brought us together growing up, and this was a fantastic opportunity to finally work on a project together.” The Catton brothers spent countless late nights in the Boys From Heaven frontman’s studio writing and recording demos, before recording the album in full with Andersen in the legendary Medley Studios in the heart of Copenhagen.
“The whole process unfolded while I was touring with my Guilty Pleasures trio consisting of myself, drummer Allan Tschicaja (Pretty Maids) and bassist Michael Gersdorff (Superfuzz)”, says Andersen. “It made perfect sense to record the album with them – there isn’t a rhythm section in all of Denmark that can match Tschicaja and Gersdorff”.
The style of hard rock that Catton embodies has slowly been on the rise in the past few years, and he has already made his mark with album features and live performances with the likes of Steel Panther and glam metal icon Kip Winger. “I was born in the 90’s”, Catton declares. “I grew up after most of my favourite bands released their best material, and rock music has rarely hit those highs since. I wanted to make the album that I myself was longing to hear as a teenager. This is the album that has been missing from the record stores, the songs that have been missing from rock bar playlists, the passion that has been absent in so much music in recent years. With this album, I hope to carry the torch for the next generation of rock”.
“Point Of No Return” is out now on CD, LP (black vinyl, limited to 300) and digital formats via Mighty Music.
The origin of Big Sun goes back to the beginning of the 19th century and refers to a secret lodge founded by Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte, also known as Karl Johan the 14th of Sweden, who before he ascended the throne of Sweden, was field marshal under Napoleon. After much internal strife, Jean Baptiste and Napoleon were reconciled in 1804, and he swore allegiance to Napoleon’s famous quote: “If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god“.
After the Swedish coronation, Karl Johan created a secret lodge for Scandinavian and North German nobles, powerful lords, and future industrial magnates – Loge du Grand Soleil, which over a number of years held secret meetings in castles and manors throughout Scandinavia. The Lodge sought to be a kind of shadow cabinet and exercise their power on a political, cultural, and artistic level. The lodge was ruled with a heavy hand by a Grand Master who was the guardian of the lodge’s secrets and who was given “carte blanche” to protect and spread the message of The Big Sun to the chosen ones.
Big Sun’s members are all direct descendants of the absolute pinnacle of the Loge du Grand Soleil’s heyday and are now ready to lift the lodge’s vision of a return of the big truth and true art – borne forth in the essence of music – under the new lodge name Big Sun. “In the beyond, when the sun goes out – music, the invisible thread of the universe, continues in eternity“
Big Sun is a heavy rock force of nature driven by the vision of a tribute to creation. Knife-sharp precision and heaviness make up the big sun’s enormous musical powerhouse. The musical lodge creates a melodic expression with sky-high ambitions, while staring into the abyss and the animal impulses are given free rein. Big riffs, melodic choruses, and virtuosic instrumental passages consistently seek to complement the vocals and the songs’ messages.
Big Sun’s debut album “Rite De Passage” is out now on all streaming services, via Mighty Music.
Following three acclaimed studio albums and recording sessions in iconic locations like Abbey Road, NIGHTHAWK return in 2025 with a bold new chapter. Their latest album, “Six Three O”, was captured at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales – where classics by Queen and Oasis were once born – and once again brings together a stellar lineup of Swedish rock powerhouses.
Led by Robert Majd (Captain Black Beard, Metalite) on guitars, Nighthawk features Björn Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra) on vocals, John Lönnmyr (The Night Flight Orchestra) on keyboards, Rasmus Ehrnborn (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra) on bass, and Magnus Ulfstedt (Black Paisley) on drums. The album was produced by Sverker Widgren (Portal, October Tide), continuing the trusted collaboration that shaped their previous Mighty Music release “Prowler” (2023).
From the soaring melodies of “Home Tonight” – built around a long-held riff that finally found its moment – to the energetic pulse of “Angel of Mine”, “Six Three O” is an album that combines musical finesse with heartfelt expression. On “Can’t Say Goodbye”, the band’s chemistry shines through as Björn spontaneously crafted a pre-chorus that elevates the track on the spot. Meanwhile, “Too Good To You” delivers a tight, no-frills blast of classic rock’n’roll, driven by fiery performances from all involved.
What started as a creative outlet has grown into a fully realized band, uniting some of Sweden’s finest rock musicians under one banner. After “Prowler”, “Six Three O” cements Nighthawk’s reputation as one of the most compelling melodic rock bands of the moment – honoring the past while forging ahead with passion and power.
“Six Three O” will be released on LP (black vinyl limited to 100 copies, green vinyl limited to 200), CD and digital on 01.08.2025, via Mighty Music.
Line-up
Robert Majd – guitar
Björn Strid – vocals
John Lönnmyr – keyboards
Magnus Ulfstedt – drums
Rasmus Ehrnborn – bass
