Octolab photo gallery by ©Krichan Wihlborg

German metal rarely comes with as much theatre, attitude and visual madness as Hämatom. On 23 October, the Bavarian quartet brings its Gagamania Tour 2026 to Turbinenhalle Oberhausen, promising a night where heavy riffs, industrial grooves and larger-than-life stage theatrics collide. Formed in Franconia in the mid-2000s, Hämatom have built their identity around a distinctive blend of Neue Deutsche Härte, …

Australian blues and roots powerhouse Ash Grunwald is heading back to New Zealand this November, bringing his electrifying one-man show to venues across the country. Following sold-out performances in 2025 and earlier in 2026, the acclaimed musician is ready to reconnect with Kiwi audiences for another run of raw, guitar-driven blues, infectious grooves and high-energy storytelling. Grunwald has spent more …

Photos by Richard Bloom. Metal Church at Pustervik in Gothenburg on 1 August. Richard’s gallery page.

Few New Zealand artists have crossed as many musical boundaries as Tiki Taane. A singer, producer, sound engineer, live performer and experimentalist, Taane has spent more than three decades shaping the sound of Aotearoa, becoming an influential figure in the development of the country’s bass and electronic music culture. Taane first hit the stage in 1991 and became closely associated …

Photos by Richard Bloom. Armored Saint at Pustervik in Gothenburg on 1 August. Richard’s gallery page.

Photos by Richard Bloom. Testament at Pustervik in Gothenburg on 1 August. Richard’s gallery page.