#newwaveoftraditionalheavymetal — Public Fediverse posts

Thunderor unleash new single “Pump Up The Volume”

Canadian heavy metal outfit Thunderor, led by JJ Tartaglia (vocals, drums, Skull Fist) and Jonny Nesta (guitar, formerly of Skull Fist), with Brycen Gunn on bass, have unleashed their electrifying new single “Pump Up The Volume.” This track marks the first preview of their forthcoming second album Bleed For It, scheduled for release in March 2026. Known for their signature blend of arena rock, opera, and heavy metal, Thunderor deliver soaring vocals, powerful choruses, and an energy that encourages fans to embrace life with passion and courage.

The single also serves as the opening number for Thunderor The Musical, the band’s ambitious rock opera that debuted at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2025. The promotional video even features a cameo appearance from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, adding a unique touch to the release.

“This one is a lot of fun. Turn up the music, pump up your life, Pump Up The Volume! It’s also the opening number for the Musical, and it sets the mood nicely. Although the rest of the album ventures to many different places. Special thanks to Olivia Chow and the City of Toronto for her cameo in the promo clip, super cool.” – JJ Tartaglia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfEG-0n0iz4&feature=youtu.be

Following their acclaimed debut, Thunderor’s second album “Bleed For It” demonstrates growth in both songwriting and performance. The record features stronger vocals, expansive choruses, and a balance of raw heavy metal energy with theatrical storytelling. As a concept album, it doubles as the official soundtrack to Thunderor The Musical, guiding listeners through themes of love, struggle, and perseverance.

The band draws inspiration from icons such as Meat Loaf, Van Halen, Bruce Springsteen, The Darkness, H.E.A.T., Night Flight Orchestra, and their own roots in Skull Fist, creating a modern spin on classic heavy and hair metal.

“Bleed For It” will be released on March 27th, 2026, with a limited vinyl bundle available for pre-order:

Vinyl Bundle Pre-Order

Tour Dates

Canada Tour 2026 with Burning Witches

• April 20 – Piranha Bar, Montreal QC
• April 21 – La Source De La Martiniere, Quebec City QC
• April 22 – The Brass Monkey, Ottawa ON
• April 23 – The Garrison, Toronto ON

Scandinavia Tour 2026 with Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.)

• May 15 – Nordic Noise, Copenhagen Denmark
• May 16 – Godset, Kolding Denmark
• May 27 – The Abyss, Gothenburg Sweden
• May 28 – Muskelrock, Blädinge Sweden
• May 29 – Lokstallet, Skövde Sweden
• May 30 – Gjerdrum Rock Club, Gjerdrum Norway
• May 31 – Sjøboden Live Scene, Mandal Norway

More info: Boonsdalerecords.com/thunderor | Facebook | Instagram | Music Nova Scotia

About Thunderor

Formed in 2020 by multi-JUNO-nominated musicians JJ Tartaglia and Jonny Nesta, Thunderor deliver hook-filled anthems that channel the spirit of arena rock while weaving in heavy metal, hair metal, and rock opera influences.

Their debut album “Fire It Up” (2022) reached #1 on Earshot’s National Loud Chart in Canada, cementing their reputation as a rising force in the global metal scene. Extensive tours across Europe, Canada, Mexico, and South America followed, with Thunderor sharing stages with acts such as Airbourne, U.D.O., Enforcer, and Night Demon.

In May 2024, their single “Get ‘Em Counted” surpassed 230K views on YouTube, building anticipation for their next chapter. In summer 2025, Thunderor premiered Thunderor The Musical at the Toronto Fringe Festival, a bold rock opera featuring unreleased material that now forms the foundation of their upcoming album.

Set for release in March 2026, “Bleed For It” will feature the high-energy single “Pump Up The Volume,” a track that captures the band’s uplifting spirit and theatrical edge. With enhanced vocals, bigger choruses, and a concept-driven narrative, the album promises to be both a soundtrack to the musical and a standalone heavy metal experience.

#1 #arenaRock #bleedForIt #glamRock #hardRock #HeavyMetal #musical #NewSingle #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #PumpUpTheVolume #SkullFist #thenwothm #Tnunderor

Helvetets Port: Tomas Ericson on inspiration vs influence

The Nwothm

I am sometimes asked the question of what has inspired or influenced Helvetets Port’s music. I am sure these terms are interchangeable to some, but to me the question has made my brain rev up to a higher degree than I expected. Perhaps because I have felt there is a difference that I should take more seriously in order to answer the question. In this article I would like to make a distinction between inspiration and influence: the former is something that can act as a “muse”, or something which you strive for, even if it is not necessarily heard in your music. Whereas influence is something that could be more clearly heard, or an “inspiration that has broken through” if you will. Let us start with five sources of inspiration and why it stays on that side of the fence:

Thor (CAN) – Unchained (1983) and Only the Strong (1985)

This is peak efficiency in songwriting. The songs are straightforward and catchy without being cheerful or predictable. I often see my songs getting out of hand when it comes to complexity and abstruseness at the writing stage, and then I try to think “more Thor”. No one could do it quite like them though. They could get seriously epic and heavy with the same simplicity in songs like When Gods Collide and Ride of the Chariots, and it is genius level.

Killen (USA) – Restless is the Witch (1989)

This is perhaps not so much a direct musical inspiration, rather a “heavy metal-philosophical” one. On this cassette, particularly on the two songs that are unique for this release – Birth of a King and The Resurrection/Vampire – Killen demonstrate the ways in which you can warp heavy metal to its limits while still being impervious of accusations of deviating from trueness. And, check out the video of “Scream in the Night” on Youtube for some serious overall coolness inspiration. Their full-length album from 1987 is also a major lesson in giving zero fucks.

Witch Cross (DEN) – Fit for Fight (1984)

In heavy metal there are two overarching themes with their respective moods, from which all sub-themes stem. The old and the new (well, 80s new). The old is the ancient or medieval; fantasy, the epic stuff. The new is the (80s) contemporary, nightlife, street level stuff. And although Witch Cross can excel in the former (especially on some older demo stuff) it is in the “new” category where they truly set the ultimate mood. The first minute of “Light of a Torch” and “Face of a Clown” is like the equivalent of 100 Stranger Things first seasons. It’s all you need if you want to get in the mood to make neon light music – but never to be equalled.

Tyrant (Gloucester, UK) and Tyrant (Mansfield, UK)

For two bands with the same name from the same country to be inseparable regarding the same kind of inspiration is a cosmic fluke. But there they stand, as the two most important bastions of the medieval sub-theme of the “old” category. One of them only having recorded two songs. Listen to a few Tyrant songs and you have bathed yourself in enough medieval melancholy to subtract a few hundred years from the atmosphere of the music you write next. Highlights if I have to choose: “Day of the Knight” and “Shadows of the Night”.

Overkill (Winnenden, GER) – Demo (1984)

It is difficult to be directly musically influenced by these Germans, perhaps because all the songs are so different from each other, but each superb in their own way. Heavy Metal Forces, the catchy anthem; The Iron Sword, the medieval epic song and Killers in the Dawn, a number that surpasses the meanness of all thrash metal while being classic heavy metal. They are a major inspiration when it comes to varying your songs without losing the core, and also to try and change your vocal colour depending on the song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBxKivzih7I

And here are five sources of influence and it turns out to be a somewhat patriotic list:

Gotham City (SWE)

The elephant in the room, the influence of all influences! Notwithstanding the music, the sharp-sighted can probably tell that our logo and the artwork to our first single are heavily influenced by Gotham City. They are the main reason I got into obscure heavy metal and the main influence to start Helvetets Port. Their music has the perfect blend of coolness, quirkiness and regalness. Right now I am working on a song which is especially influenced by them, called “We Played Heavy Metal”.

Heavy Load (SWE)

There is always a bit, small or big, of Heavy Load and especially Ragne Wahlquist in one’s guitar playing, singing and songwriting. It is as though their work is the template for heavy metal. When you sit down with a guitar, there is always this little quick subconscious process in your head of “what is guitar playing all about?” in order to get your bearings as to what you are about to do with that strange object in your lap. And that subconscious backdrop is made by Heavy Load. The melancholy and earnestness, the E minor riffs that can always lead to greatness.

Kim Sixx (DEN) – Demo 1984

Kim Sixx in my opinion have the most commendable mix of guitar playing “tools” out of any band. There is perfect division of riffs, rhythm, licks, solos and melodies. Of course not only the division but the way it is played. This, and the fact that they might be the most true template of a classic heavy metal band imaginable, is a huge influence and inspiration. On a song like “Ruled with an Iron Hand”, I tried to summon the guitar practices of Kim Sixx.

Rising (SWE) – The Show is Over (song from the “Just One Bite …” demo 1984)

Now I am going to talk about a couple of songs that have distinct parts that have left an everlasting impression and which I feel I can never really fully explore, an itch that never goes away. For this Rising song it is about the very end, where it is almost like they are starting a new, awesome song and then it stops. It is the ultimate risky “kill your idols” technique in songwriting, creating a yearning that you as a songwriter want to almost fulfill but not quite. This I tried to recreate in the ending of “Cry of the Night”.

Zone Zero (SWE) – Evil Dream (B side from the “Heavy Metal” 7″ 1982)

With the Zone Zero song it is a similar deal in changing parts, but a more abrupt change and preferably more in the middle of the song. The time I first heard the tempo change in Evil Dream might be the most significant listening experience in my life and I get goosebumps just thinking about it. It shows that if you have written a cool part you can just brute force it into whatever place your heart feels like. Having it become as mind-blowing as in Evil Dream is a different matter though. Some places where I have attempted it is for example in “The Invincible” when the lone riff starts, and “Stan Brinner” when the final kind of chorus starts, and many more. Basically, whenever there is a part change that is not very “natural”, the spirit of Evil Dream looms over it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPgrKjyJrqM

Conclusion by TheNwothm

For Tomas Ericson, Helvetes Port is shaped by inspiration that sparks imagination and influence that leaves its mark in sound. Together they create a vision that balances tradition with individuality, keeping the old spirit of heavy metal alive in a unique way.

How do you see it? Does heavy metal thrive more on unseen muses or on the influences we can clearly hear? Let us know!

Photo Credit: Sabrina (Visual_Evidence) 

#heavyMetal #helvetetsPort #inspirationVsInfluence #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothm #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #tomasEricson #tradMetal #traditionalHeavyMetal

Interview: Midnight Sorcery (Mexico)

The Nwothm

Midnight Sorcery emerged from the shadows of Mexico City, conjuring epic heavy metal steeped in mysticism, prehispanic ritual, and fantasy lore. With cloaks, candles, and names like Sorcerer of the Black Sun, their debut demo Tales from the Dark channels both Tolkien-inspired myth and local spiritual depth. In this interview, TheNwothm explores the band’s origins, their arcane inspirations, and the spellbinding path ahead.

Interview

TheNwothm: Midnight Sorcery — the name alone conjures spells and shadows. Can you tell us where you’re from and how this mystic fellowship came together?

Midnight Sorcery: We believe in obscurity, in the arcane and in the epic where darkness and light are faced together in an eternal battle, we’re four sorcerers who share similar ideas to create something new, something mystic forged by steel and evil spells.

TheNwothm: What arcane ritual (or coffee-fuelled jam session) led to choosing the name Midnight Sorcery? Was there a long list of other magical monikers?

Midnight Sorcery: Everything was revealed in front of our eyes one night when we gathered, at the time we were only three members, and had a conversation about having a band with an obscure and epic touch to their sound and when it came to thinking names for what we wanted and it came to be “Midnight Sorcery”. Which at the same time according to the lunar phases and astronomical events there was a blood moon happening at that time and made perfect sense to the moment adding a bit of mysticism to the name. 

TheNwothm: Being based in the heart of Mexico City, a place pulsing with history, myth, and chaos, how has the city’s atmosphere seeped into your music?

Midnight Sorcery: Well, one of our band members (Sorcerer Of The Black Sun) is into Mexican prehispanic culture and  he has the deepest interests in our Mexican history which is celebrating life, celebrating death, joining energies with nature through chants and dances.

This at the same time is also a way to connect with music through mind and soul where you channel yourself and let your mind and feelings take you to a place you’ve never been away from everything. During our rehearsals we can say that all four of us are connected in some way, that even the way our music was created flows naturally between us.

TheNwothm: Mexico has a rich legacy of both indigenous mysticism and heavy music. Do you draw inspiration from local legends or spiritual beliefs in your lyrics and themes?

Midnight Sorcery: Our member Sorcerer Of The Black Sun is more fond of this topic, although speaking about inspiration the short answer is YES! We have all sorts of ideas coming from different artists from different periods in Mexico and history and not only related to Heavy Metal music.

In this case one of the ideas we have for future songs are acoustic intros/outros similar to our ending of your Demo (Takes from The Dark), but in this case we would even like to use prehispanic instruments like a Huehuetl (A drum-like handheld percussion instrument).

At the same time this will add to the mysterious atmosphere we want to create to keep our listeners on the edge.

TheNwothm: Is there anything about the Mexican metal scene that you feel the rest of the world doesn’t quite understand yet?

Midnight Sorcery: Yes, it is quite different from elsewhere. Not because of economic possibilities but instead I believe that whoever has the will and determination to create music they will find a way to do it. Here in Mexico not only in the metal scene we see constant street musicians and people cherish them! Sometimes you never know when you’re having a bad day and the musician might cheer you up!

We believe this could be one of the problems and solutions to the metal scene in Mexico, in the same place you can find people who listen and play metal music for a hobby, some because it’s in their family, others because they enjoy it and others because it’s their escape to the real world…

A majority of the metal scene in Mexico speaks about how hard it is really to be a musician fighting against anything really, sometimes music is the only thing we have to face up and make your stand and at the same time it makes us strong. The Mexican metal scene is not just music, it is about resistance and being true to yourself.

TheNwothm: Growing up were there any bands or musicians growing up that you truly idolised — posters-on-the-wall level obsession?

Midnight Sorcery: Definitely! Our Heavy Metal heroes will always be Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Heavy Load, Manilla Road, Saint Vitus, Witchfinder General! Classic Heavy Metal to the vein that will live forever as long as our music goes to 11!

TheNwothm: “Tales from the Dark” is your debut! What was the very first spark that set the concept in motion?

Midnight Sorcery: The idea came from the songs that made it to the demo, it was originally going to have 4 songs but each of the three songs are different from each other, different style, different mood and different vocal techniques were involved. This was done in order to make this as a small compilation of the fantasy world we want to create.

TheNwothm: The title “Tales from the Dark” feels like opening a cursed storybook. Are these tales drawn from personal myth, fantasy, or a blend of both?

Midnight Sorcery: It’s a compound of both, we all admire J.R.R. Tolkien’s work and fables so we decided to add a little bit of our own to our music, based on this we created the songs on the Demo which tell the story of creatures inside Tolkien’s tales making it “Takes from The Dark”

TheNwothm: If you had to pick one of the three trucks which would be your favourite and why?

Midnight Sorcery: Without any doubt “Evil Sorcerers” is our favorite since it was the first song we as a band created and forged the musical path we took until these days.

TheNwothm: With names like “The Dark Steel Sorcerer” and “Sorcerer of the Black Sun,” it begs the question; if you had real magical powers, what spell would you cast first?

Midnight Sorcery: Hahahaha you can’t name Houdini as a magician without magic, right? Once I thought of having magical powers to twist time and space at my will and also teletransportation.

TheNwothm: Outside of music, what’s something totally unexpected each of you is passionate about? (Taxidermy? Competitive chess? Dragon breeding?)

Midnight Sorcery: Surprisingly Sorcerer Of The Black Sun is a Mexica Dancer(Aztec Dancer) who is in constant touch with mystic energies that make ancient Mexico sacred.

Along with this The Dark Steel Sorcerer, Sorcerer Of the Dark Throne and The Sorcerer Of The Black Forest have interests in the occult generalizing all types of magic it involves, this feeding the band’s interest in topics about the occult, sorcery, alchemy, all types of magic, wizardry, spells, atmosphere, visuals, etc… all comes into place.

TheNwothm: Will your live shows channel theatrical or magical elements to match your epic themes; cloaks, candles, incantations?

Midnight Sorcery: Yes! In fact we are already planning a debut show which will feature us dressed in black cloaks, candles like our promo photos, rituals, smoke, swords, the visual aspects are a MUST when speaking about Midnight Sorcery.

TheNwothm: What realms will Midnight Sorcery venture into next musically? Are there any whispers of a full-length album on the horizon?

 Midnight Sorcery: At this time finishing the upcoming songs for the first full-length album and while we do this we are also planning our first gig to debut, these new songs are in the vein of the same style as the ones from the Demo.

While we’re at this, we’re joining forces with an Italian Record label for a Pro re-release of our “Tales From The Dark” Demo as our physical promo copies are long sold out.

TheNwothm: Are there any sacred or cursed lands you’re dying to tour first? Maybe a dream venue that screams “Midnight Sorcery must play here”?

Midnight Sorcery: Of course! Mexico City being our home town, our debut will be honored there although one of the places we would love to play would be Keep it True Festival in Lauda-Konigshofen, Germany along with Italy, Greece and USA were who best reacted to our demo and we would love to be at places like Up The Hammers Festival in Athens, Greece or even Hell’s Heroes in the USA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM6OLOaTRBM

TheNwothm: How can our readers buy your music and merch?

Midnight Sorcery: They would gladly be able to purchase our merch through our BandCamp website or by messaging is directly through social media or send us an email to [email protected]

TheNwothm: Where can fans follow you online?

Midnight Sorcery: We’re available on Facebook as Midnight Sorcery, on Instagram as @4sorcerersms, on BandCamp as Midnight Sorcery

TheNwothm: Anything else you would like to mention?

Midnight Sorcery: We would like to thank Thenwothm.com for this interview!

We would also like to thank Thenwothmfullalbums youtube channel for the opportunity for upcoming bands to show the world what they’re made of! Also this would not be possible thanks to all you Metal Merchants and Heavy Metal Maniacs that keep this alive! 

It was a surprise to us how far our demo went to lands like Mexico, USA, Canada, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, England, Wales, Spain, Germany, Italy, Greece and Portugal, thanks again for the amazing response and to the people we me personally and gave our demo to them in their hands and special thanks to the people to gave the demo a listen on digital platforms.

On the other hand we want to thank Father Sorcerer and Mother Sorceress for motivating us and always having faith in us, as your children your legacy will always be carried on and we will forever  remember you in our hearts with much love and happiness as you gave to us…

Special Thanks to: Ed On Fire Designs for the design for the inlay J-card of our demo, Open Sepulcre for drawing our demo cover artwork, Khert Nether for designing our logo 

PS: Special Special thanks to Bri (Spectral City, A Ferro E Fuoco – Underground Metal Circle) and Demonolatry for supporting us and for our upcoming demo re-release… more to be announced soon… 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidnightSorcery

Bandcamp: https://midnightsorcery.bandcamp.com/album/tales-from-the-dark

#arcaneHeavyMetal #heavyMetal #mexicanHeavyMetal #midnightSorcery #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothmfullalbums #sorcererOfTheBlackSun #talesFromTheDark #thenwothm #thenwothmCom

Live roundup #37

We are back with another live roundup showing you some of the best gigs and festivals coming up in the near future! Buying in advance both supports bands and festivals helping to make sure shows go ahead! So what are you waiting for, go and grabs some tickets!

What your gig featured?

If you would like to have your gig featured here please drop us a message on our socials or email [email protected]!

#1 Blast From The Past

More info: https://www.facebook.com/bftpfestival

#2 Cherekee

More info: https://www.instagram.com/cherokee_hardrock/

#3 Metal Invaders

More info: https://www.instagram.com/metalinvadersperu/

#4 Portrait

More info: https://www.facebook.com/portraitsweden

#5 Heavy Agger

More info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057666780412

#6 Triumpher with Scavenger

More info:https://www.instagram.com/scavengerofficialband/

#7 Blizzard Hunter

More info: https://www.facebook.com/BlizzardHunter

#8 Cobra Spell

More info: https://www.facebook.com/cobraspell

#9 Nightbound at K-23 ATTACK

More info: https://www.facebook.com/NightboundOfficial

#10 Arena Headbangers 2026

More info: https://www.facebook.com/creaturesheavymetal

#1 #10 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #adx #arenaHeadbanger2026 #blastFromThePast #BlizzardHunter #Cherokee #CobraSpell #creatures #HeavyAgger #HeavyMetal #k23Attack #liveRoundup #MedievalSteel #metalInvaders #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #Nightbound #NWOTHM #portrait #scavenger #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #thorium #Toxikull

Band of the day: Acid Blade (Germany)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkXF7rPI2uI

Band:Acid Blade

Country: Germany

Label: Jawbreaker Records

Members:

Julez (ex-thriller) – vocals
Luke – guitars
Alvin – guitars
Sci-Man – bass
Artur – drums

EP: Shooting Star EP

Track Info: 1. Shooting Star 00:00 2. Mercy of the Wind 04:19 3. Weeping Willow 07:39 4. Rise From the Grave 11:38

Acid Blade is a heavy metal band from Dresden, Germany, delivering raw and honest music rooted in the spirit of 1980s heavy metal. Formed by former members of Angel Blade, the band emerged with a clear vision to carry forward the legacy of traditional heavy metal, drawing heavily from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. After releasing a demo in 2021, they signed with Jawbreaker Records and launched their debut album, “Power Dive,” in 2022, followed by the EP “Shooting Star” in 2023.

Links

Bandcamp: https://acidblade.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acidblade.rock

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acidblade.rock/

Label: Jawbreaker Records

#AcidBlade #HeavyMetal #JawbreakerRecords #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #PowerDIve #shootingStar #thenwothm #thrillerBand