AMBERIAN DAWN – Welcome to the Temptation’s Gates now

Finnish symphonic metal band Amberian Dawn ushers in a new era with their ninth album, Temptation’s Gates, introducing new vocalist Nicole Willerton and a noticeably heavier, guitar-driven sound. Packed with soaring melodies, symphonic grandeur and infectious hooks, the album delivers an energetic collection of memorable anthems from start to finish. Discover more on Dave’s review!
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TARJA – A guaranteed frisson noir down your spine

With Frisson Noir, her tenth studio album and sixth metal release, Tarja Turunen again proves why she remains a defining force in symphonic metal. Surrounded by high-profile guests yet never overshadowed, she glides between orchestral pomp, cinematic ballads, and harder-edged tracks with undimmed confidence and charisma.
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EPICA – Celebrating 25 years in a sensational way

Few Dutch metal bands have built a career quite like Epica. In this special and exclusive interview, conducted in Dutch, I speak with Coen Janssen about the upcoming anniversary celebrations, the evolution of Epica’s sound over the years, and the challenge of continuing to innovate after nearly a quarter-century as a band.
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CATALYST CRIME – Empowering a new challenge

Fresh off the announcement of their upcoming album Acquired Immunity, symphonic metal powerhouse Catalyst Crime is once again pushing musical and conceptual boundaries. Singer Zoe Marie Federoff (during her first show of her EU tour in Dordrecht) joined us to share insight into the band’s latest single — the blazing title track Acquired Immunity — and the creative process behind the record.
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MYSTFALL – The secrets of the embers of a dying world

Mystfall return with Embers of a Dying World — a breathtaking journey through Mediterranean symphonic metal grandeur. Guided by Marialena Trikoglou’s soaring soprano, the album blends operatic power, cinematic darkness, and Celtic elegance into ten epic tracks that will enchant fans of Nightwish and Epica alike.
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SHATTERHEART – Floundering through this infernal symphony now

The symphonic metal scene may be crowded, but every so often a band emerges that completely captivates. Sweden’s Shatterheart does just that with their debut album Infernal Symphony — a powerful blend of melody, drama, and gothic grandeur. With production by Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Architects), this thrilling release proves the genre still has fresh fire to offer.
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CORONATUS – Unlock this amazing and dreadful waters

After a long wait and several unexpected delays, symphonic metal band Coronatus is finally ready to release their long-anticipated album Dreadful Waters. In this interview, drummer and band leader Mats takes us behind the scenes of Dreadful Waters, discussing the creative process, the elemental themes that connect it to the band’s previous work Atmosphere,
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BEYOND THE BLACK – Breaking the vibrant silence out

The upcoming opus from Beyond the Black is called Break the Silence which will be released via Nuclear Blast on Janaury 9, 2025. It is a project that blends powerful storytelling, cinematic soundscapes, and a meaningful reflection on what it means to communicate in today’s divided world.
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ELEINE – Together we are better

While Swedish symphonic metal masters ELEINE are embarked on a massive European tour as special guests to their label mates PRIMAL FEAR. Their brand-new EP “We Stand United” is OUT NOW on Reigning Phoenix Music – a gift to their legions of fans!
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