With “What We Leave Behind”, BRYMIR turn cinematic Melodic Death Metal into their darkest and most outspoken statement yet, confronting a world shaped by vanity, conflict, and existential dread. METAL KAOZ connected with Jarkko Niemi to discuss why their fifth studio album took so long, why Metal can be better than therapy, and why AI still cannot headbang. From their worst review and the strange reality of Finnish Metal shows to touring America and still feeling at the beginning after 20 years, Jarkko reflects with honesty and openness.

With “Fænix”, APOCÆLYPSE mark a defining new chapter for Ira Black, bringing his voice, vision, and years of hard-earned experience to the front. METAL KAOZ connected with Black for a hearty, in-depth discussion about stepping into the spotlight as a frontman, putting his “soul on a platter,” and creating his own worst critic. From jail time to global tours, maturity as knowing when not to play, and the four levels of manifestation, Ira reflects on resilience, discipline, and why success is never just luck.

With “Netherworlds”, INSOMNIUM open their tenth chapter by descending deeper into Finnish melancholy, where darkness, beauty, and crushing melodic Death Metal move as one. METAL KAOZ connected with Markus Vanhala to discuss the album’s emotional weight, the dark truth behind its title, and why northern people seem naturally drawn to sorrowful music. From a song about being locked out to die to Metal elitism, favorite lyrics, and why INSOMNIUM’s music was never meant for the beach, Markus reflects with honesty and dry humor.

With “The Allfather Awakens”, AMON AMARTH open a new world of heroic tales, and even a first-ever acoustic moment. METAL KAOZ connected with drummer Jocke Wallgren to discuss the band’s new songwriting approach, “winging” a hit, and finally feeling he no longer has to prove himself. From the hardest drum parts to play live to the world’s only eight-legged horse and AMON AMARTH’s most “naked” song, Jocke admits he has the best seat in the house.