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

Finnish atmospheric black metal project Beyond Seventh Dimension will release its debut full‑length, Tähtien Ikuinen Suru, on 4 September via Inverse Records. Ahead of the album’s arrival, the...
Having performed at the annual German alternative‑music festival M'era Luna in early August, Canadian electronic rock/dark pop act The Birthday Massacre will return to Europe in late...
Swedish industrial metal institution Pain erupts back onto the scene with “I Don’t Give A Fukk”, a compact blast of mechanised fury that distils the confusion, hostility and absurdity of...
German gothic rock visionaries Merciful Nuns unveil their brand‑new video single “Vaeloria”, taken from the forthcoming album Nebulae, set for release on 12 November via Solar Lodge.
"Sometimes an album just falls into place, and Rapture is one of those albums. From the beginning, I felt that things were lining up and everything was flowing." - Ashley Dayour
"They wrote that we wanted to influence people's minds with our bagpipes so that they would be willing to attack the police." - Irdorath
"We only make an album when we feel genuinely inspired. You can't just say, "OK, I'm going to record a new album", because without inspiration, it would be boring." - Gregor Mackintosh
"The whole thing for us with the lore we have created is inspired by Greek Mythology and the stories of Atlantis." - Phil Primmer
