Today, thrash metal powerhouse HAVOK are proud to announce they have officially signed to BLKIIBLK. Bringing in a new era to their prolific career and marking their BLKIIBLK debut, the band shares their new single, "Fifth Generation Warfare," alongside an official lyric video, available below.

On signing to BLKIIBLK, the band comments:

GET HAVOK'S NEW EYES ON VINYL HERE: https://amzn.to/4wS0MTl

"We’re excited to sign with a new label that is hungry and eager to make a name for themselves, while still being led by a seasoned veteran. The music we’re releasing with BLKIIBLK is a continuation of HAVOK’s history of fast and tight heavy metal and we can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on."

On the new single, they add:

"'Fifth Generation Warfare' is the first release with our new guitarist, Brett Rechtfertig. The song showcases a wide variety of HAVOK sounds; incorporating guitar harmonies, punk attitude, pummeling drums, bass lines that deviate from the guitar parts, and a message about a gnarly topic, while still leaning into optimism. A lot of HAVOK lyrics discuss negative topics, but we always try to put a positive spin on things."

Mike Gitter, Global Head of A&R for Frontiers Label Group and BLKIIBLK Label Head, comments on the signing: "BLKIIBLK is proud to chart a new chapter for thrash metal as an international force with HAVOK. [HAVOK leader] David Sanchez continues to reenergize his music with the ferocity, technicality, and incisive lyrical word-fare that makes HAVOK not just accolytes but masters of their steely game." In addition to the new single, HAVOK recently announced tours in the United States, Latin America, and Europe. The carnage will begin with a pair of headline shows kicking off June 1st in Omaha, NE. Two days later on June 3rd in Detroit, MI, HAVOK joins up with Killswitch Engage, Machine Head, and Iron Reagan for a US tour. A complete list of dates can be found below.

We can only move forward when we understand what came before. HAVOK possess an airtight grasp on the fundamentals of thrash, enabling them to usher the genre into the fire of the future. The Colorado quartet lock and load throat-slicing guitars with breakneck rhythms and venomously vitriolic vocals. After piling up tens of millions of streams and earning acclaim from Metal Hammer, Loudwire, Consequence of Sound, and many more, the band ignited their first independent release, the ‘New Eyes’ EP, in 2024. HAVOK have never stopped pushing forward without apology. Thus far, they’ve unleashed a series of fan favorite albums, including ‘Burn’ [2009], ‘Time Is Up’ [2011], ‘Unnatural Selection’ [2013], ‘Conformicide’ [2017], and ’V’ [2020]. The latter represented a critical high watermark with Metal Hammer proclaiming, “HAVOK have nailed 21st century thrash.” Along the way, the group also lit up stages on tour around the world with the likes of Megadeth, Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies, Testament, Killswitch Engage, Exodus, Sepultura, Kreator, Children Of Bodom, and many more. Kickstarting this next era with worldwide touring and new music coming in 2026, HAVOK has enabled itself to move at a prolific pace. In the end, HAVOK are leveling up and taking thrash with them.

Today, Tarja releases "The Trace Outlives," the third single from her upcoming studio album Frisson Noir, which is set to arrive on June 12 — in less than three weeks. The track offers a glimpse into a more introspective and emotional side of Frisson Noir, while retaining the signature heaviness that defines Tarja's sound.

GET TARJA'S FRISSON NOIR ON VINYL HERE: https://amzn.to/4uAd8hh

Inspired by the Japanese phenomenon of "Johatsu" people who deliberately disappear from their lives, "The Trace Outlives" tells a story of vanishing without a trace, exploring the emotional weight of leaving one's identity behind to start anew in anonymity, while reflecting on regret, freedom, and the invisible marks that remain even in absence. Rooted in this concept, the song also incorporates the sound of the shamisen, a traditional Japanese instrument resembling a guitar but with a distinctly more percussive character, brought to life by the young talent Sayo Komada.

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Musically, "The Trace Outlives" blends crushing heaviness with sweeping symphonic arrangements and operatic elements, staying true to the signature sound we know and love from Tarja, while elevating it to an entirely new level, making it feel like a bold and refined next chapter of her artistry.

"I was looking for a sound that would take me to Japan and found a beautiful ancient instrument that resembles a guitar, but has a more percussive sound - the shamisen, traditionally used in puppet theaters. I invited the young talent Sayo Komada to blend her art with my song," Tarja shares.

The official music video, released alongside the single today, brings the song's atmosphere vividly to life through a cinematic visual language, unfolding like a uniquely crafted love story shaped by tension, longing, and emotional depth. With its carefully developed narrative and striking imagery, it translates the track’s intensity into a powerful on-screen experience, merging performance and storytelling into a compelling and immersive whole.

Frisson Noir reflects Tarja's ongoing dialogue between cinematic orchestration, classical heritage, and the power and intensity of contemporary metal. The album moves between intimate piano passages, dramatic orchestral textures, and
powerful, guitar-driven moments.

At the center of the soundscape is Tarja's distinctive voice, moving effortlessly between fragile emotional expression and operatic power. Around it, orchestral arrangements, choirs, and layered instrumentation create a cinematic world that constantly shifts between darkness and light, exploring deeply human themes such as fear, beauty, nostalgia, resilience, defiance, transformation, identity, disappearance, independence, trust, and perseverance.

Across 10 tracks, Tarja delivers intensity, emotion, and strength, joined by special guest Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth), Apocalyptica, Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish), and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers). Mixed by GRAMMY-winning producer Neal Avron (Linkin Park, Skillet, Disturbed), the album blends a modern, hard-hitting sound with the dramatic and emotional elements that define Tarja's unmistakable metal identity.

FRISSON NOIR TRACK LISTING:
"Frisson Noir"
"The Eternal Return"
"Leap Of Faith (Feat. Marko Hietala)
"At Sea" (Feat. Mervi Myllyoja + Niklas Pokki)
"Blaze Forever"
"The Trace Outlives" (Feat. Sayo Komada)
"Tango" (Feat. Apocalyptica)
"Anemoia" (Feat. Julián Bedmar + Valter Freitas)
"I Don't Care" (Feat. Dani Filth)
"Against The Odds" (Feat. Chad Smith)

FORMATS:
CD Digipak *
Black 2LP Gatefold (180g) *
Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g) *

Further exclusive formats including signed editions and a strictly limited Collectors Box Set available in the official album store HERE.

*First edition of all formats finished with high- quality copper foil and embossing.

ABOUT TARJA:
Since launching her solo career, Tarja has consistently charted internationally and built one of the most loyal fanbases in the genre, willing to follow Tarja in every new adventure.

Across more than two decades, Tarja has released a highly successful catalogue, reaching the Top 10 of multiple European album charts and establishing herself as an artist of rare consistency and presence. Her live performances have become a defining element of her career: touring worldwide and appearing as a celebrated guest at major metal festivals, Tarja creates a powerful and emotional connection with audiences, turning every show into a memorable experience.

Following the release, Tarja will embark on the International Frisson Live Tour 2026, launching 30th September 2026 in Berlin. Further dates to be announced. Full tour dates can be found below and HERE.

TARJA ON TOUR:
9/30 — Berlin, Germany — Huxleys Neue Welt
10/1 — Hamburg, Germany — Markthalle
10/2 — Rostock, Germany — M.A.U. Club
10/4 — Dresden, Germany — Parkhotel Ballsaal
10/5 — Jena, Germany — F-Haus
10/6 — Munich, Germany — Backstage Werk
10/8 — Innsbruck, Austria — Music Hall
10/9 — Pratteln, Switzerland — Z7
10/11 — Lindau, Germany — Club Vaudeville
10/12 — Cologne, Germany — Essigfabrik
10/13 — Frankfurt, Germany — Batschkapp
10/15 — Osnabrück, Germany — Hyde Park
10/16 — Gersthofen, Germany — Stadthalle
10/17 — Vienna, Austria — Szene