TOP 5 HOLIDAY FEATURE


TOP 5 Holiday Music by Cammie Gilbert, Sylvaine, Vermilia, Mizuho Lin, Danielle Evans

Music is a special thing, as it most often relaxes and helps you cope with everyday life. A certain song makes the memories come back and you remember the moment you heard it for the first time. It makes you travel far away, live in the moment, think about the future,
It gives energy, this year more with jogging than with gigs.

This year has been particularly exceptional in many ways,
but the holidays remain and people spend them differently.
Often certain songs belong to certain moments and different styles of music make people relax in different ways.

We contacted five artists to ask about their top 5 recommendations for holiday music.
What kind of music is included in their holidays or what they have liked to listen to lately.

It’s also great to always find new music. That moment, that feeling when you find something new where you get shivers.

If you haven’t heard our featured artists yet, I recommend you to check out their versatile taste of music, but also the art they create, because you might find something new for your holidays.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Krzysztof Drabikowski Of Batushka (Poland) “There is only one true Батюшка.”


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Interview by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Polish black metal project Batushka was founded and created by guitarist and songwriter Krzysztof Drabikowski back in 2015. They caught the attention of metalheads and press alike with their successful debut release ‘Litourgiya’ and even went on to sign with popular label Metal Blade Records. The project also featured vocalist Bartłomiej “Bart” Krysiuk and drummer Marcin Bielemuk, to accompany Krzysztof however that is no longer the case as in December 2018 a shocking video was released from Krzysztof Drabikowski informing everyone that former vocalist Krysiuk had gone behind the creators back and essentially stolen his own band from him as Krzysztof had parted ways with the vocalist but Krysiuk turned the story around on Krzysztof instead. Currently, there are two sides claiming to be Batushka but there is only one true Batushka and we were lucky enough to speak to the real founder Krzysztof Drabikowski  to get the full details of this unbelievable and shocking deceptive story and get the truth out there…

Continue reading EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Krzysztof Drabikowski Of Batushka (Poland) “There is only one true Батюшка.”

AT THE GATES release new album ‘The Ghost of a Future Dead’


Swedish melodic death metal pioneers AT THE GATES are releasing their new studio album The Ghost of a Future Dead, worldwide today via Century Media Records.

The follow-up to 2021’s wildly adventurous The Nightmare of Being, this new AT THE GATES album The Ghost of a Future Dead marks a special tribute to frontman Tomas Lindberg, who tragically passed away in September 2025.

Continue reading AT THE GATES release new album ‘The Ghost of a Future Dead’

Folk metallers Eluveitie completes this year’s Hellsinki Metal Festival


The discerning fans of Hellsinki Metal Festival, which recently published its daily schedule, may have noticed one free spot on Saturday, and they were right on target – now the event’s second stage has also been finalized, with Swiss band Eluveitie confirming their appearance at this year’s Hellsinki Metal Festival!

Eluveitie, a masterful fusion of folk metal and death metal, released their Ànv album last spring, and the amazing 8-member band has been touring the world extensively since the release of their studio album. Eluveitie were last seen in Finland late last year as part of Arch Enemy’s European tour.

Continue reading Folk metallers Eluveitie completes this year’s Hellsinki Metal Festival

New electronic heavy goth rock duo ORDER takes listeners into a dark yet beautiful future with debut single ‘Terminal Phase’


A new act quietly in the making, ORDER – combining futuristic electronic elements with the darkness of heavy goth rock – released its debut single. ‘Terminal Phase’ was first refined together with Lauri Hämäläinen, known for his work with Poets of the Fall. The final polish was done by Stefan Brown at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios. Alongside this team, the duo is also working on new material with Jaani Peuhu, known for his work behind the scenes with Swallow the Sun and Lord of the Lost.

Continue reading New electronic heavy goth rock duo ORDER takes listeners into a dark yet beautiful future with debut single ‘Terminal Phase’

BLOODSTOCK shares M2TM finals, plus 24 bands for the New Blood & EMP Stages


Are you ready for the battle to end all battles (dinosaurs optional)?! Presented by Westons Stowford Press, the METAL 2 THE MASSES grand finals start in Cyprus on April 19th and roll through 30 locations across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Norway, as well as Cyprus! Every winner will perform a 30 minute slot on the Stowford Press New Blood Stage! Round up your mates and get along to your local night – help shape the line-up of the festival and support grassroots venues and bands.

Continue reading BLOODSTOCK shares M2TM finals, plus 24 bands for the New Blood & EMP Stages

Dirty. Groove. Rock. Crobot Unleash High-Octane New Single “Foot Off” From Upcoming Album Supermoon


With “Foot Off,” CROBOT doubles down on the groove that made them dangerous in the first place. The track plows forward on a bluesy bone tingling riff and a chorus built to cut through the roar of a vintage American muscle car. It’s a full-throttle return to the band’s Dirty Groove Rock roots—raw, electrified, and impossible to ignore.

Hard rock powerhouse CROBOT is back with a thunderous new single, “Foot Off,” offering fans another taste of the band’s upcoming album Supermoon. Known for their signature blend of groove-heavy riffs, explosive energy, and undeniable swagger, CROBOT once again proves why they remain one of the most electrifying bands in modern rock.

Foot Off” hits like a runaway freight train from the opening riff, combining crunchy guitar work, pounding drums, and the unmistakable powerhouse vocals of frontman Brandon Yeagley. The track delivers an adrenaline-fueled anthem built around the idea of pushing forward without hesitation—never slowing down and never taking your foot off the gas.

“Foot Off” puts us right back in the driver’s seat of charging our way through open highways at break neck speed with our destination set to our Dirty Groove Rock roots. This one is for the fans that have been with us from the beginning and fans that want to know exactly what we’re all about – still after 15 years of being a band.”  – Brandon Yeagley

“It’s somewhere between ZZ Top, Aerosmith, and Clutch. Right where I like to be baby. I’m happy we are back to funkin’. Ever since I was a wee little boy, that’s what’s always got my motor running.” – Bishop

Lyrically, the song channels themes of determination, rebellion, and relentless drive. It’s a track that captures CROBOT’S high-energy spirit while encouraging listeners to keep charging ahead no matter the obstacles in their path.

WORLDWIDE PANIC Unleashes Explosive New Album The Greatest Villain The World Has Ever Seen and Title Track Video


Hard rock powerhouse WORLDWIDE PANIC is set to make a thunderous statement with the release of their highly anticipated sophomore album, The Greatest Villain The World Has Ever Seen, arriving TODAY. The band is also releasing the album’s commanding title track, giving fans an early taste of what promises to be their most ambitious and sonically aggressive project to date.

Fueled by crushing riffs, cinematic storytelling, and unapologetic intensity, The Greatest Villain The World Has Ever Seen showcases WORLDWIDE PANIC pushing their creative and musical boundaries further than ever before. The album dives deep into themes of power, corruption, internal battles, and the complex nature of what truly defines a villain in today’s world.

“This album marks an exciting time in WORLDWIDE PANIC History. This is a very eclectic meaningful record. Filled with related themes and undeniable hooks this record takes the band to new heights.” – Lane Steele

Two singles from this album “Break Me Down” and “Below It All” have already charted on the SMR Top 40 (see videos below)

The title track stands as a bold centerpiece for the album, delivering relentless energy, thunderous percussion, and emotionally charged vocals that capture the band’s signature blend of melody and aggression. The song sets the tone for a record that balances raw hard rock grit with modern production and layered storytelling.

Throughout the album, listeners can expect a dynamic range of soundscapes — from anthemic stadium-ready choruses to darker, heavier moments that showcase the band’s evolution and versatility. Mixed and mastered by Bob Marlette (Salvia, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie) and Zuess (Hatebreed, White Chapel, Demon Hunter), the record reflects WORLDWIDE PANIC’S commitment to growth while staying true to the hard rock roots that built their rapidly expanding fanbase.

With The Greatest Villain The World Has Ever SeenWORLDWIDE PANIC aims to deliver not just an album, but an experience — one that invites listeners into a world where heroes and villains blur, and the soundtrack is loud, unapologetic, and unforgettable.

The Greatest Villain The World Has Ever Seen is available on all major streaming

Metal/ Rock Music News & Media