Swedish gothic metal/rock entity Ashen Sun, the studio project helmed by Johnny Hagel (Tiamat, Sundown, Sorcerer), has released a new single and accompanying video for “Worlock”, now streaming on all major platforms.
Originally penned by Skinny Puppy, the track is transformed here into a brooding, cinematic piece that leans heavily into gothic atmosphere rather than industrial abrasion. Hagel reshapes the song through layered sound design, slow‑burn pacing, and a strong emphasis on mood, echoing the spirit of 90s gothic rock while retaining a distinctly modern production aesthetic.
The single also features a guest appearance by Lucifer’s Aid, whose contribution deepens the track’s shadowy electronic undercurrent and sharpens its dynamic contrasts.
Ashen Sun remains a deliberately studio‑focused project. Hagel oversees composition and production while working with a rotating cast of vocalists, blending performances into a cohesive sonic identity. This fluid structure allows the project to evolve freely without the constraints of a fixed lineup.
Following the March release of the Velarium EP via Desert Plain Records, Ashen Sun continues its steady ascent toward a full‑length album expected later this year, alongside additional standalone material. Link
Dark pop/futurepop duo Platronic have unveiled their new track, “Fortress Of Fools”, drawing inspiration from artists and icons such as Anne Clark, Propaganda, VNV Nation, and Erasure.
Swedish industrial powerhouse Lizette & have dropped a modern reimagining of the Nine Inch Nails classic "The Becoming". The release marks a pointed return to the band's roots, following...
Russian atmospheric black metal force Malist have unveiled "Eternal Echo", the second track taken from their forthcoming full‑length, Eternal Echo Of The Fall. The accompanying video...
Belgium‑based darkwave/gothic outfit Velvet Mist have released their new single “Down”, taken from the band’s forthcoming concept EP The Shape Of Losing Light, scheduled for release...
"We were outsiders, and nobody knew what the fuck was going on. We just listened to this extreme music that nobody else liked, and that made us very strong..." - Mikael Stanne
"There were already bands doing small illustrations of symphonic metal, and I was thinking, why doesn't someone do this all the time?" - Christofer Johnsson
"I'm sort of asking questions - where are the heroes? Where's the defiance? Where are the people who oppose this?" - Alan "Nemtheanga" Averill
"We were kind of exploring dark subject matters and darker sounds. I really like that, and this is the direction we are going right now." - Larissa Vale
