Today, darkwave and synthpop powerhouse Brittany Bindrim drops her new full-length Counterpoison, a record that radiates cinematic tension, propulsive beats, and raw emotion. This latest release marks a fierce, faster-paced evolution from her 2024 debut Velella Velella, diving headfirst into the shadows of duality, resistance, and renewal.
🔥 A Transformation Through Sound At its core, Counterpoison is a story of transformation — an antidote for the toxins that corrode us both personally and collectively. The album embodies the concept of art as alchemy, turning pain, betrayal, and societal decay into fuel for empowerment and rebirth.
🎛 Sonic Craftsmanship Written and performed by Bindrim herself, the album was produced and mixed by Matt McJunkins (A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, Eagles of Death Metal, Poppy) and mastered by Ken “Hiwatt” Marshall. The result? A visceral, high-voltage soundscape pulsing with cinematic grandeur and industrial precision.
💿 Out Now Counterpoison is available today on limited edition vinyl, CD, and across all digital and streaming platforms. Bindrim will also bring the album’s dark energy to life through select performances in Seattle, Portland, and Los Angeles.
London-based artist RAY NOIR has just released his most personal and unapologetic effort to date, the EP Against The Machine. This EP is a blend of industrial rock, goth, and electro-metal, and explores love, loss, and defiance from the perspective of a queer person fighting to be seen.
Against The Machine features a guest appearance from Grammy-winning guitarist Steve Stevens and was produced by Jon Cass. The project is described by Noir as “romantic, violent, tender, and angry all at once,” a scream from the margins for those who have always been told they don’t deserve love.
Along with the EP, Ray Noir has released a music video for the single “Mad World.” The video for this politically charged ballad, which you can watch here, strips everything back to expose the stark reality of living in a world dictated by power and corruption.
You can stream or download Against The MachineHERE
A Deluxe Edition of the EP is set to follow in December 2025, featuring exclusive remixes by Tension Control, Verona on Venus, Junkie Kut, and Die Kur. The EP will also be released on vinyl and CD at a later date.
New England metal band DEATH RATTLE continues to build momentum with the release of their powerful new single and music video, “The Darkness,” available today, June 2nd, 2025. This release comes as anticipation builds for their forthcoming album, The Moral Chokehold, now set to drop on July 11th, 2025, due to a manufacturing delay.
Check out “The Darkness” on all streaming/download digital platforms or watch the music video here.
“’The Darkness’ is collectively one of, if not our most favorite song from the ‘Moral Chokehold,” states guitarist Ryan Vanderwolk. “Not only is it the closer for the record, but also the closer for our live sets. Born from a couple of riff ideas, it quickly grew to a much larger, and diverse song as everyone put their fingerprints on it. There are the elements of the groove, and aggression Death Rattle does well, but also has more relaxed moments, a huge catchy chorus, and a very progressive climax. ‘Rage against the dying of the light’ and enter ‘The Darkness.’”
Building on recent tours with diverse acts like Left To Die, Gorgoroth, and Aeturnus, and gaining traction on Liquid Metal radio, DEATH RATTLE showcases their blend of groove, melody, and aggression, as previously heard in tracks like “Malthusian Dependency”, “Immersed in Black,” and “Nietzsche, and the Fall” (featuring Bjorn “Speed” Strid of SOILWORK/THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA).
Pre-order The Moral Chokehold now for a limited edition 300 “Philosopher’s Moon” colored vinyl, CD, and Digital formats at http://lnk.to/deathrattle.
The Moral Chokehold boasts a powerful sound, thanks to production by Kevin Billingslea (Lamb of God, Trivium), mixing/mastering by Jens Bogren (Amon Amarth, Kreator), and stunning artwork from Tamer Azab of The Dark Art in Dubai.
“We are beyond stoked to release ‘The Moral Chokehold.’ For us, this album has been almost four years in the making. We had a blast writing and recording it, but for the last year we have been in the trenches making content and releasing things to hype up the release. It is the grind of the music business. It feels so good to finally get back to what we are passionate about – the music. Releasing these songs to the world and touring to support them is what this whole venture is all about. Creatively, this was a giant step forward for us. We experimented with writing more in the studio environment and playing with different melody structures. It has brought out a new energy in our live show. When a group of songs inspires the band to begin writing the next album before the music is even released, you know you have made something special. That is how we feel about ‘…Chokehold.’ We cannot wait for you all to hear this thing all the way through.”
Hailing from New England, a region known for producing influential metal acts, DEATH RATTLE aims to follow in those footsteps. They have already released two independent albums, toured the US four times (including supporting The Convalescence), and toured Japan twice, supporting acts like Cattle Decapitation, Revocation, Ne Obliviscaris, and Wolfheart. They have also played regionally with Hatebreed, Soulfly, Unearth, Crowbar, Allegaeon, Philip H Anselmo and the Illegals, Let Us Prey, and appeared at festivals like Mayhem Fest, Summer Slaughter, New England Metal and Hardcore Fest, and the Tattoo & Music Festival.
Prepare to be drawn into a realm of shadowy allure as the Portuguese darkwave collective, Order In Chaos, unveils their latest single, “Wicked Paradise,” across all major digital platforms on Tuesday, May 21st, 2025, at 6:00 PM (your local time may vary, adjust your sundials accordingly!). Simultaneously, the band will premiere the captivating music video for “Wicked Paradise” on YouTube, offering a visual gateway into their darkly romantic world.
Hailing from Portugal, Order In Chaos crafts a sonic tapestry woven from a rich array of influences, seamlessly blending the melancholic beauty of gothic rock and darkwave with the driving energy of alternative rock and the shimmering textures of new wave and synthpop. Hints of post-punk’s introspective edge also permeate their sound, creating a unique auditory landscape that is both familiar and strikingly original.
The music of Order In Chaos is more than just a collection of notes and rhythms; it’s an immersive journey into a vividly imagined world, one where romance and eroticism intertwine with shadows and a profound sense of melancholy. Their songs paint sonic portraits of moonlit trysts and heartbroken whispers, all set against a backdrop of elegant decay and yearning desire. “Wicked Paradise” promises to be another compelling chapter in this ongoing narrative, beckoning listeners to explore the intoxicating beauty found within the darkness.
Mark your digital calendars and prepare to surrender to the alluring embrace of “Wicked Paradise” on May 21st. Order In Chaos is poised to deliver a single and video that will linger in your thoughts long after the final notes fade.
Set your coordinates for “Wicked Paradise”: [Links to digital platforms and YouTube video will be active on May 21st]
Today, three epic forces collide: Diablo®, the legendary Action RPG; Berserk, the iconic manga by Kentaro Miura; and Finnish heavy metal band BEAST IN BLACK! 🤘 They’ve joined forces to unleash ‘Enter The Behelit,’ an exclusive new track! 🎶 The song is available on limited-edition vinyl and digitally worldwide, accompanied by a brand-new music video! 🎬
The Berserk crossover event begins in Diablo® IV on May 6th and in Diablo Immortal on May 1st. Both Diablo and Berserk explore the eternal struggle between good and evil, making this a perfect match for fans! 😈
The Maxi Single 💿
The limited-edition maxi single includes ‘Enter The Behelit,’ a brand-new track inspired by Berserk, plus remastered versions of ‘Die By The Blade’ and ‘The Fifth Angel.’ Beast In Black’s music often mirrors Berserk’s themes of struggle and battling inner demons, a perfect fit for the Diablo universe.
Limited to 200 copies, the vinyl features artwork from Diablo IV and Diablo Immortal, created in collaboration with the Diablo art team and the Berserk IP holders. It also includes a turntable zoetrope slipmat, band stickers, behind-the-scenes photos, and concept art.
“The essence that swells in boundless volumes from the juxtaposition of light and darkness, angels and demons, good and evil, the carnal and the spiritual, is the key that seamlessly binds together the aesthetics and narratives of Diablo, Berserk and Beast In Black’’, said Anton Kabanen, guitarist and songwriter on BEAST IN BLACK.
“To somewhat poetically reflect on this extraordinary yet congruous collaboration I can say it feels almost as if this newborn and destined-to-be trinity has been designed by the God Hand itself. On behalf of Beast In Black’s team I express our sincerest gratitude to the dedicated teams at Blizzard, Berserk and Nuclear Blast. Thank you for making this happen. And finally, my individual acknowledgement and bottomless gratitude goes – as always – to Kentaro Miura’’.
The track is digitally distributed by Nuclear Blast.
The Music Video 🎥
The ‘Enter The Behelit’ music video, directed by Katri Ilona Koppanen, blends the worlds of Diablo, Berserk, and Beast In Black. It features an animated trailer inspired by Diablo and Berserk, bringing the song’s story to life.
A behind-the-scenes “making of” video will also be released.
Berserk Crossover in Diablo Games 🎮
Diablo IV Season 8: Belial’s Return launches on April 29th, bringing back Belial and continuing Diablo’s dark storyline.
Throughout May, Diablo players can acquire Berserk-themed cosmetics, including Berserker armour for the Barbarian, a Skull Knight skin for the Necromancer, and the “Chimimoryo” pet in Diablo IV. Diablo Immortal players can gear up in Guts’ or Griffith’s armour, fight alongside a Golem, and even face off against Nosferatu Zodd.
This masterpiece of modern metal masterfully combines melodic death metal with Celtic traditions. Eluveitie will hit the road again with Arch Enemy, Amorphis & Gatecreeper in October 2025. All dates are listed below. 📅
Eluveitie commented: “And along comes – on this special day – our brand new single and video clip off ANV: TARANOÍAS! It’s the opening track of the album and pretty much wrapping up the entire essence on which the album is based in one single song! It’s quite a hard and dark track and surely one of these roller-coaster-feeling songs, like “Rebirth” or “Aidus”, for instance. What we’ve tried when writing this track is to create a song that in itself becomes some kind of a dark entity that comes upon you with the first note of it! Enjoy the ride!”
Eluveitie – Taranoias Emerge Taranoías The Prodigal Ones Ànv Premonition Awen Anamcara The Harvest Memories of Innocence All Is One Aeon of the Crescent Moon The Prophecy
Eluveitie – Taranoias Emerge Taranoías The Prodigal Ones Ànv Premonition Awen Anamcara The Harvest Memories of Innocence All Is One Aeon of the Crescent Moon The Prophecy
EUROPEAN BLOOD DYNASTY TOUR 2025 🇪🇺 ARCH ENEMY w/ special guests AMORPHIS / ELUVEITIE & GATECREEPER
10.10.2025 Schleyerhalle, Stuttgart 11.10.2025 Jahrhunderthalle, Frankfurt am Maiz 12.10.2025 Zenith, Munich 14.10.2025 Barba Negra, Budapest 15.10.2025 Gasometer, Vienna 17.10.2025 Columbiahalle, Berlin 18.10.2025 Sportovni Hala Fortuna, Prague 19.10.2025 PreZero Arena Gliwice, Gliwice 21.10.2025 The Hall, Zurich 22.10.2025 Alcatraz, Milan 23.10.2025 Radiant Bellevue, Lyon 25.10.2025 Vistalegre, Madrid 27.10.2025 Zenith, Paris 28.10.2025 AFAS Live, Amsterdam 30.10.2025 Civic Hall, Wolverhampton 31.10.2025 O2 Apollo, Manchester 01.11.2025 Eventim Apollo, London 03.11.2025 Rockhal, Esch sur Alzette 04.11.2025 Ancienne Belgique, Brussels 05.11.2025 Haus Auensee, Leipzig 07.11.2025 Partille Arena, Gothenburg 08.11.2025 Annexet, Stockholm 10.11.2025 Ice Hall, Helsinki 12.11.2025 Sentrum Scene, Oslo 13.11.2025 Poolen, Copenhagen 14.11.2025 Swiss Life Hall, Hannover 15.11.2025 Mitsubishi Electric Hall, Duesseldorf
ELUVEITIE:
ELUVEITIE, formed in 2002 by Chrigel Glanzmann, has consistently merged modern metal with Celtic musical traditions. Originating from the Swiss Alps and deeply rooted in Celtic history, mythology, and spirituality, the band has become a cornerstone of the modern metal scene. Their debut, Vên (2004), set the stage for a unique blend of melodic death metal and traditional folk. Subsequent albums like Slania, Everything Remains (As It Never Was), Helvetios, and Origins solidified their reputation. The acoustic albums Evocation I – The Arcane Dominion and Evocation II – Pantheon showcased their versatility.
In 2022, ELUVEITIE released the singles ‘Aidus’ and ‘Exile of the Gods,’ marking a new chapter in their musical journey and thematical cycle pursuing the lyrical concept opened by their last studio album Ategnatos. These tracks were followed by the announcement of their upcoming album, ÀNV, set for release in April 2025. The first single sfrom this album, ‘Premonition’, and ‘The Prodigal Ones’ has just been unveiled, offering a glimpse into the band’s evolving sound.
Over the years, ELUVEITIE has undergone lineup changes, including their latest addition with Lea-Sophie Fischer on violin in May 2024. Despite these changes, the band’s essence and soul remains untouched. With nine studio albums, numerous tours all around the globe, and headline shows worldwide, ELUVEITIE continues to be a dynamic force in the metal genre.
As they approach the release of ÀNV, ELUVEITIE remains committed to their roots while exploring new musical horizons. Coming as one of their most profound and earnest albums, ÀNV presents a result of more than 20 years of intense involvement with Celtic mythology and spirituality, translating deeply pagan knowledge for a modern generation. ELUVEITIE’s journey reflects a dedication to authenticity and innovation, ensuring their place as a defining presence in modern metal.
New Single/Video, “A Dream About Starving To Death,” Streaming Now
From the shadowy crypts of New York comes the malevolent new band, BLOOD VULTURE. Created by Jordan Old (2 Minutes To Late Night), this gothic sludge metal entity lures listeners in with a mesmerizing blend of romanticism, metallic vibes, and brutal reckoning on their debut album, Die Close, which will be released on June 27th via Pure Noise Records.
Today, BLOOD VULTURE reveals the video for their first single, “A Dream About Starving To Death.” Jordan Olds comments on the track:
“’A Dream About Starving To Death’ is a song I wrote about a vampire who realizes he is about to watch the world end. He has lived past the extinction of humanity and lost count of how many days he has been hungry, and he realizes that soon there won’t be an earth anymore. He’s not sure whether it will explode or just rot and crumble, and he’s curious about whether he’ll disintegrate or just float forever in space.
The music video was inspired by the “Freddy coming through the wall” scene from “A Nightmare On Elm Street.” I then built it around a sleep paralysis narrative and had a lot of fun creating a Gullermo Del Toro style Hat Man and a goopy void reminiscent of Aliens and the symbiote from Spiderman alongside one of my main visual collaborators for this project, Kelly Harris. She also built and designed “Montague” the puppet from the “Blood Vault” segment at the beginning of the video. She’s a genius.”
Deep in the heart of a dark, mythical land (New York) in a bygone era (2025), BLOOD VULTURE has awakened ominous, morose tales of mortality, grief, madness and obsession. The self-described “Gothic sludge” project is the brainchild of Jordan Olds (Two Minutes to Late Night.) On his debut LP, DIE CLOSE (Pure Noise), Olds melds the emotive vocal stylings of grunge’s golden era with death metal, goth rock, and doom metal through a vampiric lens. The album tells the story of a reclusive vampire long locked away as he grapples with what it means to live forever in a world of impermanence. Blood Vulture’s songs are deeply personal, filtering real life ruminations through fantastical set pieces as tracks like “A Dream About Starving To Death” and the three-part “Die Close” suite ask: What good is immortality if there’s no one to share it with? What’s the true cost of isolation?
UK dark synth band Massive Ego, fresh off the heels of their February single “(My) Death Song,” have dropped their latest high-octane track, “Hit The Kerb Running,” from their upcoming album. This song is a dark-wave, post-punk infused anthem about facing life’s challenges head-on, even when you stumble, with the confidence to keep running towards victory.
Approaching their 30th anniversary in 2026, Massive Ego is back with new music and performances. They are scheduled to perform at Germany’s M’era Luna festival (August 9-10th, 2025) and Hellsinki Industrial Festival (November 6-8th, 2025).
The song’s message echoes the spirit of 1976 Punk: “too fast to live / we’re too young to die.” It’s about picking yourself up and persevering despite setbacks.
“Hit The Kerb Running” includes two remixes: a harder club mix by Germany’s XTR Human and a vocal-led dark remix by Portuguese duo IAMTHESHADOW.
The music video features fast cuts and edits, reflecting the song’s theme of running towards and away from danger, symbolized by the color red.
Massive Ego continues to break rules, defying genres and trends.
Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann has released his latest solo single, “Meine Welt”, marking a bold and thought-provoking addition to his growing catalog of solo work. Initially launched digitally on December 20, 2024, the single has now been made available in physical formats as of March 14, 2025, through Out of Line Music.
“Meine Welt” (translated as My World) showcases Lindemann’s signature deep, commanding vocals paired with an intense, cinematic arrangement. The track dives into themes of personal identity, defiance, and resilience, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most expressive and provocative artists in modern German music.
A Sonic and Visual Statement
The single arrives alongside a visually striking music video that reflects Lindemann’s dark, avant-garde artistic vision. With haunting imagery and cryptic symbolism, the video echoes the song’s theme of constructing one’s own reality despite external pressures.
“Meine Welt” was composed by German musician Nicolas Ludwig and produced with a distinct fusion of industrial rock, orchestral elements, and electronic flourishes. Its release comes at a pivotal moment in Lindemann’s career, following a turbulent period of public scrutiny, which the song appears to confront head-on.
A Special Edition Release
Fans can now purchase “Meine Welt” in multiple physical formats, including:
Standard CD Single
Limited Edition Picture Minimax CD
7-Inch Vinyl (Regular and Limited Edition Picture Vinyl)
These collectible versions highlight the track’s stark and confrontational aesthetic, with cover art featuring “Kill Till” spelled in Cyrillic, an apparent reference to past controversies.
A Remix from Avenged Sevenfold’s Zacky Vengeance
Adding a unique twist to the single, Lindemann enlisted Zacky Vengeance of Avenged Sevenfold to craft an exclusive remix of “Meine Welt,” injecting a fresh, aggressive dimension into the track. The collaboration merges Lindemann’s theatrical style with Vengeance’s hard-hitting guitar work, creating an electrifying reinterpretation.
The “Meine Welt” Tour: A Grand Spectacle Awaits
The release of “Meine Welt” sets the stage for Lindemann’s highly anticipated Meine Welt Tour 2025, kicking off on October 29, 2025, in Leipzig, Germany. The extensive tour will see Lindemann perform across multiple European cities, delivering his signature mix of industrial metal, theatrical storytelling, and boundary-pushing performances.
Deep Dive into the Universe of Till Lindemann
For more information on “Meine Welt”, tour dates, and exclusive merchandise, visit:
With “Meine Welt”, Till Lindemann reaffirms his artistic independence and unapologetic vision, proving once again that his world—his music, his storytelling, and his raw, unfiltered emotions—belong solely to him.
The wait is over! Elektrikill, the powerhouse of hard-hitting sound and raw energy, has just released their latest music video, and it’s already sparking excitement across the music scene. The video is now live on YouTube: Watch Here.
This visually captivating and sonically intense masterpiece embodies Elektrikill’s signature style—an electrifying fusion of relentless riffs, thunderous beats, and dynamic storytelling. With stunning cinematography and a performance that captures the essence of their unstoppable energy, this video is set to solidify Elektrikill as a force to be reckoned with.
“This project is a testament to our passion for music and our fans,” said Steven Vil “We’ve poured our hearts into every frame and every note, and we can’t wait for the world to experience it.”
The release marks a new chapter for Elektrikill, following [mention a previous successful release, tour, or milestone, if applicable]. Fans can expect more music, shows, and surprises in the coming months as the band continues their journey to redefine modern [genre of music].
Don’t miss the action—stream the video now and share it with your crew.
VV & The Void has released a mesmerizing video for the track “It Is Happening Again”, taken from their spellbinding album The Cage, which debuted earlier this year. Frontwoman and visionary Valentina Veil describes the track as “a love song with a bittersweet feel—the last dance of hearts once in sync. Love fades, leaving empty spaces, and it’s hard to escape. Perhaps, in the end, we don’t really want to.” With poignant lyrics like “your lips still warm, the kiss before the fall”, the song captures a lingering sadness alongside a nostalgic yearning for what could have been.
The surreal and otherworldly video, created by LA-based filmmaker Sarah Bitely, perfectly complements the track’s emotional weight. Through striking phantasmagoric imagery, the video explores a realm where time and space defy logic, mirroring the song’s themes of love, loss, and longing.
Formed in Melbourne, Australia, VV & The Void made a powerful debut in 2018 with the critically lauded album The Upper Room. Known for their ethereal, gothic, and minimal-drone sound, their music explores the balance between grace and disproportion. Now based in Berlin, Valentina Veil has continued to carve an impressive path in the darkwave genre with a string of standout releases, frequent European performances, and collaborations with Metropolis Records artists like Night Nail.
Their latest album, The Cage, is available via Paris-based Icy Cold Records on vinyl, CD, and all major digital platforms.
Sapphira Vee, the rising female star in the realm of dark, trippy music with an industrial edge, has just dropped a compelling remix single, “Stand Together,” accompanied by an official video masterfully assembled by Jim Marcus (Die Warzau/Go Fight). The track, drawn from the album ‘Fortune,’ is more than just a musical endeavor; it’s a powerful statement that champions unity. Sapphira Vee’s intentional release on Martin Luther King Jr Day, 2024, through Distortion Productions on all digital and streaming platforms, adds an extra layer of significance.
In a recent statement, Sapphira Vee emphasized the importance of solidarity, saying, “No matter which oppressed group with which you most closely identify, we get nowhere if we can’t stand together.” This ethos is reflected not only in the lyrics but also in the diverse remixes featured on the single, crafted by LGBTQ and women artists including Eva X, Morgue VVitch, Stabbed by Prongs, and Wandering Whispers.
Sapphira Vee is known for raw and honest lyrics exploring introspection, transformation, and societal critique. Described as an “electro vixen” with a commanding stage presence and unapologetic sound, and many positive reviews for originality and emotional depth.
Primarily dance/electronic, heavily influenced by industrial, dark wave, and trip hop. Sound: Driving beats, dark atmospheres, and evocative vocals create a powerful and often introspective listening experience. Collaborations: Notably with Chris Connelly on “The Unknowing Muse,” showcasing her versatility and willingness to explore different sounds.
KIRLIAN CAMERA, the avant-garde musical innovators, are offering a tantalizing preview of their highly anticipated album, ‘Radio Signals for the Dying.’ This sneak peek comes in the form of the single “Il Tempo Profondo (Radio Signal Version)” and its visually immersive counterpart, the video for “Il Tempo Profondo (Dark Psychedelia Vision).” Lead vocalist Elena Alice Fossi guides us into the profound concept of ‘deep time,’ portraying it as the expansive temporal dimension where humanity is intricately interwoven with Earth and geological forces.
In her insightful commentary, Fossi delves into the intricate layers of this concept, highlighting it as the vast canvas upon which human experience unfolds. The focus is on liberation from the cyclic patterns of existence, a wheel perpetuated by the self-centered desires of humanity. Within this framework, “Il Tempo Profondo” becomes more than a song; it emerges as a sonic exploration of the human condition, grappling with notions of hatred, craving, and delusion that persist within the intricate tapestry of existence.
This single, “Il Tempo Profondo,” is not just a standalone release but the herald of a larger musical narrative. It stands as the lead track from the much-anticipated double album, “Radio Signals for the Dying.” For eager listeners, this transformative musical journey is available for pre-order on CD and limited vinyl through Dependent Records. The album is poised for a grand unveiling on February 23rd, 2024, promising an immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional musical expression.
As KIRLIAN CAMERA continues to push the boundaries of sonic artistry, “Il Tempo Profondo” beckons listeners to embark on a unique odyssey, exploring the depths of time and the human psyche. The accompanying video, “Il Tempo Profondo (Dark Psychedelia Vision),” adds a visual dimension to this sonic exploration, creating a multi-sensory experience that captivates and challenges perceptions. With this release, KIRLIAN CAMERA once again establishes themselves as pioneers of avant-garde sound, inviting audiences to step beyond the ordinary into a realm of musical transcendence.
Ohio thrashers, War Curse, are set to release their third full-length album, “Confession,” via Blacklight Media on October 20th. The band, known for their thrash-oriented metallic attack, has built a dedicated fan base over the years.
“Confession” marks a new chapter for War Curse. The album showcases their evolution as musicians, focusing on songwriting, groove, dynamics, and melody, while retaining their signature brutal style. The first single, “Miracle Broker,” combines bludgeoning death metal with unconventional riffing, reminiscent of legendary experimentalists like Cynic, Atheist, and Gorguts.
Guitarist Justin Roth explains, “We experimented with new sounds, old sounds, took in new influences, old influences, and let the songs come together as organically as possible. If I lose my thrash card for it, oh well, I’ll hand in my battle vest.”
The pandemic disrupted their extensive touring plans in 2020, pushing the band to channel their energy into creating this album. It took a year to write and record, with each song meticulously crafted. The result is an album that stands as a cohesive musical journey.
“Confession” features the vocal contributions of Blaine Gordon, who brings a newfound confidence and melodic direction to the band’s sound. The album includes a cover of Grip Inc.’s “Rusty Nail” as a tribute to their former bassist, Jason Vie Brooks.
War Curse has released the first single, “Miracle Broker,” along with an accompanying video. The song takes aim at corrupt religious figureheads who manipulate their followers through brainwashing campaigns.
Arizona death metallers JOB FOR A COWBOY return after a near decade long hiatus with their brand new single and accompanying video for [“The Agony Seeping Storm”](insert video link). The track comes by way of the band’s first new full-length in a decade, set for release in 2024 via Metal Blade Records!
JOB FOR A COWBOY released their Sun Eater full-length in 2014. The record received an overwhelmingly positive response, with [Decibel Magazine](insert Decibel Magazine website link) confessing, “Fuck it, I can admit when I’m wrong… while I was busy pointedly not paying attention to them, these deathcore progenitors actually became a pretty damn good band.” In a 4.5/5 review, [Alternative Press](insert Alternative Press website link) championed, “a full-on progressive death metal band… the songs have progressive sweep and epic power, at times recalling Opeth’s heavier work,” adding, “Sun Eater is one of 2014′s best metal albums, period,” while [Metal Injection](insert Metal Injection website link) hailed an album, “that will be a solid brick in the foundation of the death metal genre with no gimmicks or trends to back it up.”
Ten years later, the band returns with their most volatile work to date. The as-yet-untitled full-length is at once musically multifaceted, unabashedly brutal, and compellingly conceptual. First single, [“The Agony Seeping Storm”](insert video link), is a mathematically mind-blowing hybrid of bludgeoning death metal specializing in unconventional riffing that echoes the resemblance of legendary experimentalists like Cynic, Atheist, and Gorguts. A newly refreshed and reinspired lineup – vocalist Jonny Davy, guitarists Tony Sannicandro and Al Glassman, bassist Nick Schendzielos, and drummer (since 2020) Navene Koperweis – seamlessly pick up the mantle where Sun Eater left off.
Issues Davy, “‘The Agony Seeping Storm’ gives a slice of our upcoming concept record. Regarding the video, the band collaborated extensively with director K. Hunter Lumar (Digital Mile), while our bassist, Nick Schendzielos, co-directed. The concept was inspired by a close friend who embarked on a relentless quest for profound enlightenment through the incessant abuse of hallucinogenic drugs. However, as they delved deeper into their religious-like experimentation they began exhibiting symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. They came to believe that they could access an alternate, esoteric reality through hallucinogenic intoxication, where they encountered gnostic and biblical figures and imagery. These songs reflect their thoughts, ideas, and experiences.”
Further info on JOB FOR A COWBOY’s new full-length will be revealed in the coming weeks. Stay alert!
JOB FOR A COWBOY’s official comeback show will take place at this year’s edition of Blue Ridge Rock Fest with additional live dates to be announced soon.
JOB FOR A COWBOY Live: 9/08/2023 Blue Ridge Rock Fest – Alton, VA
JOB FOR A COWBOY hails from Glendale, Arizona. Formed in 2003, the band’s debut album, Genesis, was released in 2007, peaking at #54 on the US Billboard 200 and selling 13,000 copies in its first week of release. The second album, 2009’s Ruination, sold 10,600 copies in the United States in its first week to debut at position #42 on the Billboard 200 chart! The band has been described by [The New York Times](insert The New York Times website link) as “an Arizona band with a guttural, brute-force sound descended (indirectly) from hardcore punk,” and a, “straightforwardly brutal act,” by [Rolling Stone Magazine](insert Rolling Stone Magazine website link). The band has appeared on numerous music festivals both stateside and abroad, including Sounds Of The Underground, Download Festival, Mayhem Festival, Summer Slaughter, Graspop Metal Meeting, and Wacken Open Air, among others.
Photo by Tom Couture
JOB FOR A COWBOY: Jonny Davy – vocals Al Glassman – guitar Nick Schendzielos – bass Tony Sannicandro – guitar
OCEANS makes an emphatic return, marking their resurgence since the release of their second studio album “Hell Is Where The Heart Is” last November. The German nu-metal ensemble presents their latest single, a cover of SYSTEM OF A DOWN’s timeless classic ‘Chop Suey’. True to their signature style, OCEANS imparts their distinctive touch to the song, crafting a darker rendition of this legendary track as a homage to their musical origins.
Accompanying the new single, OCEANS treats fans to an insightful behind-the-scenes video, offering a glimpse into their creative process. Watch it here: Behind-the-Scenes Video
Timo Rotten, the band’s vocalist, comments on the endeavor: “Toxicity was one of my favorite albums when it came out, but I hadn’t heard it in a while. Then Thomas dug it up again a few weeks ago and the question immediately came to my mind: How would this sound with growls? And whether I could do it at all. We just had to try it out. Did I get it right? I think you have to decide for yourselves.”
About OCEANS: From their inception, the emerging German outfit OCEANS has captured attention with a sound that defies easy categorization, straddling nu-metal, progressive, post, and death metal, all while prioritizing mental health themes. Renowned for their innovation and experimentation within their genre, they’ve covered songs by artists like Alessia Cara and collaborated with notable musicians, including MACHINE HEAD’s Robb Flynn and CALIBAN’s Andy Dörner. With a string of releases, from EPs to full albums, OCEANS, led by visionary Timo Rotten, has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s most dedicated and prolific bands. Their triumvirate album “Hell Is Where The Heart Is,” consisting of parts I, II, and III, stands as a testament to their constant evolution.
For decades, the name Lizzy Borden has been synonymous with top-tier heavy metal music. Now, Lizzy Borden returns with his first original music since the widely praised album My Midnight Things from 2018, presenting the digital single “Death of Me” – out now!
This new single was meticulously crafted, engineered, produced, mixed, and mastered by none other than Kane Churko (known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, Papa Roach, Five Finger Death Punch, In This Moment).
Reflecting on the new track, Lizzy Borden commented: “Death of Me was a fantastic experiment! Kane Churko was Dr. Frankenstein, and I was the monster roaring in the vocal booth as he injected bolts of electricity over and over, seeking the ideal vocal performance. Collaborating with individuals who can push me beyond my comfort zone has been a constant pursuit. As a result, I’ve never recorded two albums that sound the same. Every song I write represents an opportunity to explore new territory. In my initial conversation with Kane about working together, he remarked that he didn’t know how to do what I do, just as I hadn’t spent much time in his world. He asked, ‘Are you sure you want to give this a shot?’ I saw it as a challenge!”
Lizzy continued, “Our first two hours in the studio were spent in conversation. Kane was trying to grasp the kind of song I wanted to create with him. After producing numerous albums and performing worldwide throughout the decades, the word that resonated was perseverance. While our approaches to music may seem worlds apart, navigating life’s challenges one obstacle at a time is a universal theme… and that’s the essence of the song I aimed to compose. ‘Death of Me’ embodies the spirit of never surrendering, of refusing to let anyone drag you down. It celebrates the realization that this journey won’t be easy, yet we’re committed to overcoming it. You can cut me until I bleed, but you won’t be my demise.”
Regarding the music video, Lizzy added: “Working with Robert Graves was reminiscent of my collaboration with a young Zack Snyder (known for his work on Superman, Batman vs Superman, Justice League) on the ‘Love Is a Crime’ video from the Master of Disguise album. Their directing styles align closely, and filming felt like we were crafting a movie rather than a music video. Robert listened to the song and after a brief phone conversation, he devised this storyline. Filming this gothic horror tale was an absolute delight. A boy stalks a girl, she ensnares him like a spider capturing a fly, and too late, the boy realizes he was the victim all along; a story as old as time itself. I hope the audience has as much fun watching this video as we did creating it. See you on the other side.”
Experience, Listen, and Purchase “Death of Me” Here: metalblade.com/lizzyborden
Lizzy Borden has lined up these live dates for 2023/2024:
December 03, 2023 – Mexico City, MX @ Life After Death Horror Fest
February 23, 2024 – Hollywood, CA @ The Whisky a Go Go
Arizona’s death-crusters, GO AHEAD AND DIE, are gearing up to release their blistering sophomore album, “Unhealthy Mechanisms,” on October 20th via Nuclear Blast Records. Crafted from the fervent minds of Igor Amadeus Cavalera (HEALING MAGIC) and Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY), this latest addition to the band’s dystopian discography delves deeply into society’s madness and the mental pollution plaguing our minds.
The album’s first glimpse arrives in the form of the single ‘Tumors.’ This headbanging track serves as a resounding call-out to the toxic elements of life, often likened to “tumors,” which, if left unchecked, can metastasize into a cancerous existence. The accompanying animated video, brilliantly created by Romanian artist Costin Chioreanu, amplifies the song’s powerful message.
Max Cavalera enthuses, “The new G.A.A.D. is on its way! More brutal, feral, extreme, and intense than ever before! The album goes in a deep dive into the mental health subject and it’s produced by Igor A! It’s by far the most anarchist record I’ve ever been a part of in my entire career!”
Igor Amadeus Cavalera adds, “I’m so excited to release this monster of a record! This album will take you through the darkened madness of declining mental health. It is definitely the heaviest record I’ve ever created, and I can’t wait to unleash it on the masses! G.A.A.D.!”
“Unhealthy Mechanisms” Production Details: Produced by Igor Amadeus Cavalera, the album’s recording took place at John Aquilino’s Platinum Underground Studio, enveloped in the mystic ambience of the Superstition Mountains’ foothills. The mixing and mastering were deftly handled by Arthur Rizk (CAVALERA, SOULFLY, TURNSTILE ). The eerie artwork, in perfect harmony with the album’s title, was envisioned by Santiago Jaramillo of Triple Seis Design. The record stands as GO AHEAD AND DIE’s testament to the global struggle of deteriorating mental health, serving as a reminder that our pain is shared. The mind may be lost, but the fuse is lit, ready to ignite everything in its path.
“Unhealthy Mechanisms” Track Listing:
Desert Carnage
Split Scalp
Tumors
Drug-O-Cop
No Easy Way Out
M.D.A. (Most Dangerous Animal)
Chasm
Cyber Slavery
Blast Zone
Unhealthy Mechanisms
“Unhealthy Mechanisms” Formats: • CD Jewel • Red Cassette (Limited to 400) • Vinyl o Red with Black Splatter o White with Black Splatter
GO AHEAD AND DIE Lineup:
Max Cavalera | Vocals, Guitar
Igor Amadeus Cavalera | Vocals, Guitar, Bass
Johnny Valles | Drums
As GO AHEAD AND DIE prepares to unleash “Unhealthy Mechanisms,” fans can anticipate an electrifying array of thrash-infused mayhem and thought-provoking themes, once again asserting the band’s unyielding presence in the realm of metal.
A-Z, the progressive metal band, has unveiled the lyric video for their song “Window Panes.” This release marks the band’s 10th video from their debut self-titled album, which was launched on August 12, 2022.
The origins of this song date back to before the formation of A-Z, as it was initially penned by Viv. However, when A-Z came into existence, the band decided to give it their unique sound and feel, with the help of Mark Zonder and others.
Mark Zonder, the band’s drummer, expressed, “We had planned to do a video for every song on the record and this is number 10 out of 11. We thought it was important, as we are currently in the process of recording the new album, to let the fans know we are moving forward and will be out with a record soon. Yes, there will be the all-important video 11 as well!”
For fans of A-Z, the band’s debut self-titled album is available for streaming in its entirety on Metal Blade Records.
A-Z Tracklist:
Trial by Fire (Official Video)
The Far Side of the Horizon (Lyric Video)
The Machine Gunner (Official Video)
Rise Again (Official Video)
Window Panes (Lyric Video)
Run Away (Official Video)
Stranded (Official Video)
At the Waters Edge (Official Video)
Borrowed Time (Lyric Video)
Sometimes
The Silence Broken [Bonus Track] (Official Video)
A-Z continues to showcase their musical prowess with each release, and “Window Panes” is another testament to their talent and creativity. As they work on their new album, fans can eagerly anticipate more music and visuals from this promising band.
Mexican death grind band BRUJERIA unveils the world of cartels and ritualistic murder with a brutal power akin to the impact of NWA on pop culture in Compton. Their fifth full-length album, Esto Es Brujeria, is set to be unleashed on September 15th via Nuclear Blast Records. ‘Bruja Encabronada’ serves as the second single from the upcoming album, accompanied by a music video featuring live footage captured by Roel Verscheure (GRIMM Gent) and Emerik Siimessalmi.
Esto Es Brujeria was recorded across various studios worldwide, including Dog Run Studio in Riverside, CA; Total Annihilation Studios in East Los Angeles, CA; Robanna’s in Birmingham, UK; and Audiocustom in Santiago, Chile. The album’s production was helmed by the band, with engineering being a collaborative effort between Eddie Casillas, Eddie Rivas, and Miguel Seco. Seba Puente handled the mixing and mastering, also contributing to the engineering team. The album’s artwork was designed by Gary Ronaldson. The ferocious album cover features the return of the metal mascot Coco Loco.
Esto Es Brujeria will be available digitally and in the following formats:
CD Jewelcase
Orange Cassette (Limited to 550)
2LP
Orange with Red & Black Splatter (Limited to 3,000)
Orange and Red Split Vinyl (EU Limited to 500)
On November 2nd, BRUJERIA will embark on their ‘Esto Es Tour 2023‘ starting in Yuma, Arizona. The tour will comprise 29 dates, including stops in Dallas, Boston, and Seattle, concluding in Pomona on December 10th. Joining them on this tour are PIÑATA PROTEST and NO/MÁS.
BRUJERIA’s Juan Brujo comments, “Al fin Esto Es… Brujeria!”
Tickets for the tour are available for purchase at: Get tour tickets
Confirmed dates for BRUJERIA’s ‘Esto Es tour 2023’ with PIÑATA PROTEST and NO/MÁS include:
11.02. U.S. – Yuma, AZ – Red Moon Ale House
11.03. U.S. – Tucson, AZ – The Rock
11.04. U.S. – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
11.06. U.S. – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater
11.07. U.S. – Lubbock, TX – Jakes Sports Cafe
11.08. U.S. – Oklahoma City, OK – 89th Street Collective
11.09. U.S. – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
11.10. U.S. – Houston, TX – Houston Vert Ramp
11.11. U.S. – Brownsville, TX – Outdoors at The Kraken Lounge
11.14. U.S. – Orlando, FL – Conduit
11.15. U.S. – Atlanta, GA – The Loft at Center Stage
11.16. U.S. – Asheville, NC – Asheville Music Hall
11.17. U.S. – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27
11.18. U.S. – Mechanicsburg, PA – Lovedrafts
11.19. U.S. – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
11.21. U.S. – Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus
11.22. U.S. – Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground
11.24. U.S. – Cleveland Heights, OH – Grog Shop
11.25. U.S. – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s
11.28. U.S. – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
11.29. U.S. – Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall
12.01. U.S. – Seattle, WA – Substation
12.02. U.S. – Portland, OR – Bossanova Ballroom
12.05. U.S. – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
12.06. U.S. – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
12.07. U.S. – San Jose, CA – The Ritz
12.08. U.S. – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
12.09. U.S. – Las Vegas, NV – The Usual Place
12.10. U.S. – Pomona, CA – The Glass House Concert Hall
Four years after their last studio album “No Halos in Hell,” CYHRA proudly presents their new album “The Vertigo Trigger.” The Swedes’ third full-length has been released today, and it reflects exactly what the melodic metal band stands for: ear-splitting riffs, catchy choruses, and plenty of melodies that make the band truly stand out.
The band, based around singer Jake E (ex-AMARANTHE) and guitarists Jesper Strömblad (THE HALO EFFECT/ex-IN FLAMES) Euge Valovirta (ex-SHINING), drummer Alex Landenburg (KAMELOT), and guitarist Marcus Sunesson (ex-THE CROWN / ex-ENGLE), demonstrate that they haven’t slowed down. With “The Vertigo Trigger,” CYHRA has not only further developed their distinctive sound but also proven how diverse they are. The best example of this is the latest single “Ashlight,” which combines hard-hitting elements with a gentle attitude. And if that wasn’t enough, the Swedes also deliver a new music video for the latest single to celebrate the album release.
Vocalist Jake E comments: “It feels amazing to FINALLY have new music to release again! We put a lot of effort into finding out what the future of Cyhra’s music was to be, and I must say I am overwhelmed with the result. Both with the album and also the songwriting! I think that we have made a fantastic follow-up to both of our first two albums, but also at the same time, we’ve managed to modernize the songwriting. I can assure you that no Cyhra fan will be disappointed!”
Drummer Alex Landenburg adds: “To me, this is a perfect successor to our first two records. It has all the Cyhra trademarks, but it’s a bit more Rock’n’Roll, more raw, in the way we recorded it. And on top of that, Euge’s great mix and Jacob Hansen’s mastering are a wicked combination!”
Guitarist Euge Valovirta about the new song: “This is the first album we produced by ourselves, and it turned out to be just like I heard it in my head before we even started to record it. We still wanted to have (long-time producer) Jacob Hansen’s input on it, so he did the mastering, and I did the mixing. I’m very proud of it. And us. Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.”
Marcus Sunesson adds: “It’s the first of the three Cyhra albums that I played guitar on and also contributed to the songwriting. It was a fun and very creative process but also challenging since we wanted to break new ground to make the best Cyhra album possible. I am so happy and proud of this beast of an album! This time we took a deep breath and dove down to explore a slightly darker, more progressive, and modern side of ourselves. Yet still sounding like the Cyhra you all know and love. This album will definitely turn some heads. You will love it!”
Jesper Strömblad comments as well: “It’s so great to have a new album around the corner. We have kept the essential Cyhra sound, but at the same time, upgraded and updated it a bit. I love what Euge has done to the mix, and I know you are not gonna be disappointed!”
Recorded in the summer/autumn of 2022, “The Vertigo Trigger” is the band’s darkest album to date. The album was entirely self-produced and mixed by guitarist Euge Valovirta, while the mastering was handled by long-term producer Jacob Hansen. This new album offers fans the classic CYHRA sound, full of the band’s trademarks but fresh and refined. The Swedes have modernized their songwriting, meaning that no CYHRA fan will be disappointed, making “The Vertigo Trigger” a more than worthy successor to their first two albums.
And although guitarist Jesper Strömblad isn’t a part of CYHRA’s live shows currently, he was deeply involved in the writing and recording process of the album. Therefore, the band can hardly wait for his return as soon as he is ready again.
“The Vertigo Trigger” tracklisting:
Ready To Rumble
Let’s Have My Story Told
Live A Little
1.000.000 Fahrenheit
Buried Alive
The Voice You Need To Hear
Life Is A Hurricane
IF I
Fear Of Missing Out
Ashlight
Too Old For Fairy Tales
“The Vertigo Trigger” formats:
“The Vertigo Trigger” CD (Jewelcase)
“The Vertigo Trigger” LP (Transparent Orange Vinyl)
Distortion Productions is thrilled to announce the addition of Charlotte, North Carolina’s IIOIOIOII (pronounced IO or eye-oh). IIOIOIOII has been an active band since 2012 and is best described as dark and atmospheric electronic synthpop taking inspiration from classic New Wave and Industrial music. IIOIOIOII takes on lush soundscapes and heavy melodic elements and combines them with hard-hitting beats. The single “Frozen Sea” along with the accompanying video is the first taste of their forthcoming album “Dreaming,” slated for release in the Fall of 2023 on Distortion Productions.
“Aggressive and contemptuous of division and dysfunction, ‘Goliath’ is also everything you could want and expect from a Kataklysm record, marrying thrash, punk, and melodeath into a lean muscular whole.” Metal Hammer (UK)
“Unique, powerful, and uncompromising sound! With ‘Goliath’, Kataklysm confirms once again its status of one of the best devastated Metal bands ever!” Metallian (FR)
“Violent, searing, frenzied cadence, dense and limpid sound. ‘Goliath’ is as uncompromising as it is memorable!” Loud TV (FR)
“KATAKLYSM set a big, fat example with their most exciting piece since ‘Waiting For The End To Come’.” Metal Hammer (GER) (Album of the Month #1 Soundcheck position)
“‘Goliath’ is a loud and powerful statement from a band showing no signs of slowing down yet (literally or figuratively).” Metal Storm (US)
For almost three decades, the US/French Canadian-based melodic death metal syndicate KATAKLYSM has delivered unapologetic waves of powerful sound across the entire globe. The band’s fifteenth full-length studio album, Goliath, is now available for the masses via Nuclear Blast Records.
08.16. DE Dinkelsbühl – Summer Breeze Open Air 2023
08.17. DE Munich – Backstage Halle
Goliath was recorded at JFD Studios in Dallas, TX and Studio City, CA as well as The Cabin in Orlando, FL by J-F Dagenais, who also produced and engineered the album. For the mixing and mastering, the band returned to Chris Clancy with assistance from Colin Richardson. The cover artwork required an image that captured the iconic battle of David versus Goliath theme that is echoed throughout the album while matching the power of the music. The band enlisted renowned Berlin metal illustrator Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE) to create the artwork which took the KATAKLYSM look and gave it a macabre filter that compliments the brooding sense of uneasiness that was felt during the writing and recording of the album.
Below is the tracklisting for Goliath:
Dark Wings Of Deception
Goliath
Die As A King
Bringer Of Vengeance
Combustion
From The Land Of The Living To The Land Of The Dead
Progressive death metal band The Zenith Passage has achieved remarkable success with their latest album, Datalysium, as it debuted at the #4 position on Billboard’s Top New Artists Albums chart during its first week of release. The album also secured notable positions on several other Billboard charts:
Datalysium features a revamped lineup, including original guitarist/keyboardist/backing vocalist Justin McKinney, guitarist Christopher Beattie (Dreamer), vocalist Derek Rydquist (ex-The Faceless, John Frum), and bassist Brandon Giffin (ex-The Faceless, Cynic). The album showcases a fusion of diverse influences, resulting in a captivating sound. It marries technical prowess, atmospheric elements, melodic intricacies, and dynamic shifts, captivating the listener’s full attention from start to finish. Songs like “The Axiom Of Error,” “Synaptic Depravation,” and the closing title track epitomize the band’s creative force and penchant for pushing sonic boundaries.
Datalysium was recorded at Justin McKinney’s home studio and Derek Rydquist’s apartment. Some vocals were tracked at Flatline Audio with Dave Otero (Cattle Decapitation, Wake), who also mixed the album. Ryan Williams (The Black Dahlia Murder, John Frum) contributed to bass and vocals production.
The album is available in various formats, including standard LP, limited-edition LP, CD, and digital versions, and can be acquired through metalblade.com/thezenithpassage.
The Zenith Passage’s music video releases for “Divinertia II,” “Lexicontagion,” and “Datalysium” offer captivating visuals to complement their music.
Critical Acclaim for “Datalysium”:
Decibel Magazine: “…creepy, gangly manner…”
Metal Injection: “…one of 2023’s greatest tech death metal opuses.”
Distorted Sound: “…enthralling experience…”
No Clean Singing: “…surgical precision…”
Wall Of Sound: “…progressive death metal record of 2023.”
Metal Temple: “…top-notch musicianship…”
Metal Wani: “…near-perfect technical death metal record…”
The Weekend Sport: “A triumphant return.”
Ave Noctum: “…technical death metal interesting…”
Toilet Ov Hell: “Super tight instrumental work…”
Technical Music Review: “…better tech death albums of the last decade.”
Musipedia Of Metal: “…taken to a new state…”
Ghost Cult: “…the band’s best work to date…”
Teeth Of The Divine: “…tightest and best-performed albums…”
Deep Dive into the universe of The Zenith Passage:
Hanno Klänhardt, the band’s member, shares his thoughts: “Valhalla Hammering is one of those songs that immediately resonated with us, even though it didn’t make it onto the album last year. It’s not a track you write to create an ‘instant classic,’ but rather to amuse yourself as a songwriter. Though it’s about 7 minutes long, we aimed to include the catchiest, most impactful songs on the last album, which is why it didn’t find its place.
I was already aware that it probably wouldn’t end up on the album as I was writing it. In fact, I had planned to release it some time AFTER we had released ‘Pain Is Forever And This Is The End,’ in order to present something entirely different as our next move. It’s always good to keep things intriguing.
The first two minutes pay homage to our early days when Doom as a genre held significant importance for us. You can hear similar elements in the last song of our debut album titled ‘March Of The Crowes.’ People often noted that slow, ultra-heavy sound suited us well. With ‘Valhalla Hammering,’ we managed to bring the best of both worlds – a slow, heavy groove and a catchy, almost mesmerizing hook. We even threw in a flute solo around the 5-minute mark. This might just be the peak of our songwriting career.
The music video for the song is as mind-bending as the song itself. Inspired by a documentary from Amsterdam-based artist Willehad Eilers, also known as Wayne Horse, creating the visuals went beyond the usual video shoot. To be frank, some aspects of it are better left unexplained. Even if we tried, we couldn’t fully explain it. Enjoy the enigmatic journey.”
Formed in 2012, Mantar has become a prominent force in the realm of extreme metal over the past decade. Garnering love from fans and critics alike, the band made a significant impact with their distinct sound, leading them to secure a spot in the Top 10 of the official German album charts with their 2018 release, ‘The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze,’ and selling out shows across Europe.
Mantar’s latest full-length album, ‘Pain Is Forever And This Is The End,’ hit the scene through Metal Blade Records on July 15, 2022. The album achieved impressive chart positions in the US and Europe, including reaching #2 on the Official German Album Charts, #43 on the Top 100 Swiss Album Charts, #60 on the Current Hard Music (Billboard USA), and #69 on the Top 75 Austria.
Both stateside and internationally, the album has garnered praise. Decibel Magazine refers to it as a “burning Molotov cocktail of black metal, sludgy hardcore, and classic metal hooks.” Rock Hard notes its ability to balance between “brute destructive fury and dense atmosphere,” and Metal Injection applauds its “thicker grooves, anthemic refrains, head-nodding rhythms, and a greater exploitation of fist-in-the-air-ology school of songwriting.”
Mantar is set to perform at various events including Party.San, Desertfest, and more. Check out their full list of tour dates below.
Mantar Live 2023: Europe 08/11 – Schlotheim, DE – Party.San Festival
Pain Is Forever And This Is The End Tour:
South America
09/02 – Bogota, COL – Herbívoro w/ Assassin
09/03 – Pereira, COL – Rock Plaza w/ Assassin
09/06 – Montevideo, URU – Live Era w/ Assassin
09/07 – Asuncion, PARA – PRF w/ Assassin
09/09 – Santiago, CHIL – Teatro Cariola w/ Assassin
09/10 – São Paulo, BRZL – Setembro Negro Festival
North America
09/13 – Morelia Michoacan, MX – Cactus Bar
09/14 – Mexico City, MX – Sala Sangriento
09/16 – New York, NY – Desertfest
Europe
09/29 – Frankfurt, DE – Zoom Club w/ Slope
09/30 – Leipzig, DE – UT Connewitz w/ Slope
10/01 – Pratteln, CH – Up In Smoke
10/07 – München, DE – Keep It Low
10/08 – Nürnberg, DE – Z-Bau w/ Slope
10/13 – Dortmund, DE – Junkyard w/ Slope
10/14 – Secret Show
10/21 – Antwerp, BE – Desertfest
10/22 – Oignies, FR – Tyrant Fest
Photo by Matthis Van DerMeulen
Mantar is composed of: Hanno Klänhardt – guitars, vocals Erinc Sakarya – drums
Cannibal Corpse Unleashes “Summoned for Sacrifice” Video / Single
Chaos Horrific Full-Length Nears Release Via Metal Blade Records
Legendary death metallers CANNIBAL CORPSE today unleash their latest single and accompanying video for “Summoned For Sacrifice.” The pulverizing new hymn comes by way of the band’s sixteenth studio album, Chaos Horrific, set for release on September 22nd via Metal Blade Records.
Since their 1988 inception, CANNIBAL CORPSE has remained at the forefront of death metal, shaping and defining the genre. In 2021, they raised the bar again with their Violence Unimagined offering. And in celebration of their thirty-fifth anniversary, this year’s monolithic Chaos Horrific full-length, written shortly after the conclusion of the Violence Unimagined sessions, continues the trajectory.
While the band is notorious for technicality and complex songwriting, that doesn’t define where the writing process takes them. With Chaos Horrific, CANNIBAL CORPSE had no master strategy, approaching each track with an open mind, intent on simply composing the best songs possible. Produced again by guitarist Erik Rutan, who has now produced six of the band’s albums, starting with 2006’s Kill, (Chaos Horrific marks Rutan’s second release as a full-fledged member, since officially joining the band in 2020), the record is, without question, a full-on, CANNIBAL-style death metal outing, straight down to the themes, which include zombie warfare, resetting the human race through mass mutilations, and the violent revenge of victims of human trafficking, and its cover art by longtime collaborator Vince Locke.
Of the band’s second single, “Summoned For Sacrifice,” themed around the selection of an individual to be dismembered, drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz elaborates, “One person is randomly selected to die. Thirteen people are randomly selected to kill this person by violently removing pieces of his body until he breathes no more.”
Chaos Horrific will be available on digipak CD, deluxe box set (Dried Blood Marbled vinyl, 24p 12″ booklet, puzzle, pin, poster, and art print – limited to 1500 copies), cassette (limited to 500 copies), digitally, and on vinyl in the multiple variants:
Coinciding with the release of Chaos Horrific, CANNIBAL CORPSE will embark on a month-long North American co-headlining tour with Mayhem. The trek will commence on September 22nd in Nashville, Tennessee and run through October 21st in Louisville, Kentucky. Support will be provided by special guests, Gorguts and Blood Incantation! Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
CANNIBAL CORPSE Tour w/ Mayhem, Gorguts, and Blood Incantation
9/22/2023: Marathon Music Hall – Nashville, TN
9/23/2023: The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
9/24/2023: The Mill & Mine – Knoxville, TN
9/26/2023: Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA
9/27/2023: Rebel – Toronto, ON
9/28/2023: L’Olympia – Montreal, QC
9/29/2023: The Palladium – Worcester, MA
9/30/2023: Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY
10/02/2023: The Royal Oak – Detroit, MI
10/03/2023: Hard Rock Live – Gary, IN
10/04/2023: The Fillmore – Minneapolis, MN
10/06/2023: Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO
10/07/2023: The Complex Salt – Lake City, UT
10/09/2023: Temple Theatre – Tacoma, WA
10/10/2023: Knitting Factory – Spokane, WA
10/11/2023: Knitting Factory – Boise, ID
10/13/2023: The Warfield – San Francisco, CA
10/14/2023: SOMA – San Diego, CA
10/17/2023: The Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX
10/18/2023: The Factory – Dallas, TX
10/20/2023: The Eastern – Atlanta, GA
10/21/2023: Paristown Hall – Louisville, KY
Photo by Alex Morgan
CANNIBAL CORPSE: George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher – vocals Erik Rutan – guitar Rob Barrett – guitar Alex Webster – bass Paul Mazurkiewicz – drums
Canadian extreme-metal pioneers CRYPTOPSY have unveiled their depraved and merciless new single, “Flayed The Swine,” today! This track is part of the band’s first full-length album in over a decade, titled “As Gomorrah Burns,” scheduled for release on September 8th via Nuclear Blast Records. The latest single, “Flayed The Swine,” is both accessible and face-melting, taking listeners on a dark and demented journey into madness. Accompanying the track is a gruesome and blood-soaked video that is sure to haunt viewers’ nightmares.
Vocalist Matt McGachy comments on the new single:
“‘Flayed the Swine’ is one of the catchiest Cryptopsy songs I have ever written. It is brutal, filled with massive groove sections and extremely vulgar. Lyrically, it concentrates on a mental breakdown, an utter loss of control. We all have dark intentions, but we rarely act upon them. The protagonist by the end of the track most certainly wishes they hadn’t.”
The album “As Gomorrah Burns” underscores the ferocity of fan-favorite releases like “None So Vile” (1996) and the technical precision of “And Then You’ll Beg” (2000) while incorporating a sinister and strikingly dark vibe.
Conceptually, “As Gomorrah Burns” juxtaposes the story of Sodom and Gomorrah from the Bible with the modern-day Internet, exploring its dual nature as both a birthplace of invention and a cesspool of exploitation. Cryptopsy commissioned Italian artist Paolo Girardi to create the cover art, resulting in a stunning visual representation of the album’s themes.
With “As Gomorrah Burns,” Cryptopsy unleashes a new chapter of their death metal legacy, combining brutality and thoughtfulness. This album, featuring tracks like “In Abeyance,” “Flayed the Swine,” and “Lascivious Undivine,” delves into the depths of extremity, piercing mundanity thoroughly and relentlessly.
CRYPTOPSY, formed in 1992, have released eight full-length albums to date. With their first album for Nuclear Blast, “As Gomorrah Burns,” the Montreal-based quartet—featuring founding member/drummer Flo Mounier, guitarist Christian Donaldson, vocalist Matt McGachy, and bassist Olivier “Oli” Pinard—continue to push their signature Northern power as they celebrate over 30 years of extremity.
“We are back,” says McGachy. “Yes, we have had massive cult favorite albums, but we are creating modern and relevant extreme music 30 years later. We’re so proud of As Gomorrah Burns, and we can’t wait for you to hear it!”
The inception of SHOCKER dates back to 2018, with the seeds of the idea planted long before in the minds of Sammy and Koen. However, due to various challenges and obligations in their daily lives, the concept was put on hold.
Drawing from diverse musical backgrounds, SHOCKER embarked on a quest to discover common ground, and it was in this shared space that their distinctive sound began to take shape.
Unfettered by genre boundaries, SHOCKER thrives on mixing genres and styles, exploring the vast expanse of possibilities that lies ahead.
Amidst the waves of the pandemic, SHOCKER found a fortunate window to enter the studio. The debut EP was meticulously crafted at closed sessions recording studio, with Kristof Maes at the controls. Upon its release in March 2021, the EP garnered a slew of promising reviews.
From that creative fire, emerged new compositions, embracing a weightier and darker tone. It is with pride that SHOCKER announces their full album, titled “Fractured Visions Of The Mind,” accompanied by the revelation of its cover art.
The album’s recording and mixing took place at Shellshock Studios under the guidance of Pieter Nyckees, and its mastering was deftly handled by Frederik Dejongh at Jerboa Mastering.
SCHOCKER IS:
Vocal: Sammy Peleman (ex After All, ex September sin)
Bass/Backing: Koen Vanassche (ex Gea Bolga, ex wapenspraak & drinkgelag..)
Guitar/Keys: Chris Dedeurwaerder (ex Phoenix Rebellion)
Guitar: David Vandewalle (ex Anesthesy, exArtrach)
Swedish viking metal powerhouse, AMON AMARTH, continues its triumphant reign with the release of a captivating music video for their epic Valhalla anthem “Heidrun,” featured on their chart-topping album “The Great Heathen Army.” Additionally, AMON AMARTH presents an exclusive 4-track digital single of “Heidrun,” which includes a newly remixed version of the single, two exhilarating live bonus tracks, and a unique “goat remix” featuring actual goat vocals. Immerse yourself in the immersive music video for “Heidrun”
Frontman Johan Hegg casts light on the mythological significance of “Heidrun”:
“Heidrun is an interesting mythological character, it’s a goat that stands on the roof of Valhalla eating the leaf of the big tree Lärad. The milk that she gives is the honey/mead that the warriors in Valhalla drink each night. The lyrics themselves are both about Vikings traveling the world but also metaphorically what it is to be a touring musician.”
“Heidrun” Digital Single Track List:
Heidrun (2023 Remix)
Heidrun (Live at Graspop, 2023)
Put Your Back into the Oar (Live at Hellfest, 2023)
Heidrun (Goat Remix)
Continuing their relentless onslaught, AMON AMARTH is currently blazing across the US alongside Ghost in the ‘Re-Imperatour USA 2023’ tour, comprising 25 monumental dates. This powerful tour also includes two extraordinary headline shows in Omaha, NE on August 10th with Creeping Death and 200 Stab Wounds, as well as Riverside, CA on September 9th with Gatecreeper. Arm yourselves for this sonic battle and secure your Tickets Here.
As an exclusive treat, AMON AMARTH has partnered with SET.Live to offer attending Vikings a chance to win a special, limited edition Viking drinking horn at each show. Fans can simply scan the QR codes found near the official tour merch stands in the venues to enter the contest. This opportunity also includes access to future exclusive experiences. SET.Live is available only to those in attendance, so secure your tickets and embrace this unique chance.
Amon Amarth + Ghost 2023 U.S. Tour Dates:
Aug. 04 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Aug. 05 – Airway Heights, WA – BECU Live at Northern Quest
Aug. 07 – West Valley City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
Aug. 08 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Aug. 11 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Aug. 10 – Omaha, NE, The Admiral*
Aug. 12 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Aug. 14 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Aug. 15 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Aug. 16 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center
Aug. 18 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
Aug. 19 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Aug. 20 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Aug. 22 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
Aug. 23 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Aug. 24 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Aug. 25 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Aug. 27 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
Aug. 29 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
Aug. 30 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
Aug. 31 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sep. 02 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Sep. 03 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Sep. 05 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Sep. 07 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Sep. 08 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Sep. 09 – Riverside, CA – Riverside Municipal Auditorium** (*Amon Amarth Headline show with Creeping Death and 200 Stab wounds, **Amon Amarth headline show with Gatecreeper)
About Amon Amarth: Originating in Tumba, Sweden, in 1992, Amon Amarth has reigned supreme as Viking heavy metal royalty. The band’s legacy spans over three decades of thunderous, anthemic metal infused with the rich imagery of Viking history and culture. From their groundbreaking debut ‘Once Sent From The Golden Hall’ (1998) onward, Amon Amarth has relentlessly delivered their unique sound, combining various epic elements of metal to create anthems that captivate audiences. Through albums like 2008’s acclaimed ‘Twilight Of The Thunder God’ and 2016’s conceptually intricate ‘Jomsviking,’ the band stands as a steadfast standard-bearer for the unifying spirit of heavy metal, offering a cascade of instant classic tracks.
Photo Credit: Tomas Gidén and Henryk Michaluk / Composite Jake Scheinberg
In 2020, while navigating the global pause, Amon Amarth channeled their creative energy to craft “The Great Heathen Army,” their most monumental and heroic album yet. This release was an embodiment of years of hard work, resulting in an album that resonated with crushing power both lyrically and musically. Amon Amarth’s impact is magnified in their dynamic live performances, with notable achievements including headlining festivals across Europe and joining Slayer’s final US tour in 2019. Through their unwavering dedication to their Viking roots and their relentless pursuit of innovation, Amon Amarth have solidified their position as one of the world’s foremost heavy metal acts.
eyond The Black, the German symphonic metal rising stars, continue their meteoric rise with the release of their latest single, ‘Call My Name.’ Following the success of their self-titled album earlier this year, the band delights their fans with this brand new track, while also revealing the much-anticipated ‘Dancing In The Dark’ Tour scheduled for 2024.
Lead vocalist Jennifer Haben shares her thoughts on the new single: “With ‘Call My Name,’ we aimed to create a song that will make you bang your head real hard. It’s organic, honest, and in your face. Drawing inspiration from Stephen King’s ‘The Dark Tower,’ we melded its elements with our own to tell a fresh tale of yearning, perseverance, and the enduring wounds of human existence.”
Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of Call My Name
Call My Name
Watch the captivating music video for ‘Call My Name’ To purchase the album Beyond the Black
‘Dancing In The Dark Tour 2024’ Dates: 05.04. DE Munich, TonHalle 06.04. DE Memmingen, Kaminwerk 07.04. CZ Brno, Sono Centrum 09.04. AT Vienna, Arena Wien (big hall) 10.04. HU Budapest, Barba Negra Blue Stage 12.04. DE Geiselwind, Music Hall 13.04. DE Hannover, Capitol 14.04. NL Haarlem, Patronaat 16.04. FR Paris, Trabendo 17.04. DE Wiesbaden, Schlachthof 19.04. CH Zurich, Komplex 457 20.04. DE Stuttgart, Wagenhallen 21.04. DE Saarbrücken, Garage 23.04. PL Krakow, Kamienna12 24.04. DE Berlin, Astra Kulturhaus 26.04. BE Antwerp, Trix 27.04. DE Oberhausen, Turbinenhalle
Exclusively on sale at Eventim starting July 31st, 2023, at 11 AM CET Everywhere else starting August 2nd, 2023, at 11 AM CET
Tracklisting for ‘Beyond The Black’:
Is There Anybody Out There
Reincarnation
Free Me
Winter Is Coming
Into The Light
Wide Awake
Dancing In The Dark
Raise Your Head
Not In Our Name
I Remember Dying
Bonus Tracks:
I Remember Dying (Stranger Reprise)
Wide Awake (Piano Version)
Raise Your Head (String Version)
Beyond The Black’s remarkable journey began with the release of their debut album ‘Songs Of Love And Death’ in 2015, catapulting them into the German Top 15 and earning them the Metal Hammer Award for “Best Debut.” Their following album ‘Lost In Forever’ achieved a chart position of #4 in Germany and led to extensive tours worldwide. Since then, the band has graced prestigious stages, playing at major Metal festivals like Wacken Open Air and supporting renowned bands like Aerosmith, Korn, Scorpions, and Within Temptation. With a string of acclaimed tracks and successful album releases, Beyond The Black continues to enthrall audiences with their symphonic metal prowess.
PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS have released a video for their new single ‘Hammer And Dance’. The new track is the second song to be taken from their upcoming third album, Kings Of The Asylum, which will be released on 1st September via Nuclear Blast Records.
Phil Campbell comments, “Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for hammer and dance.”
In case you missed it, check out the video for the first single from Kings Of The Asylum, titled ‘Schizophrenia’ here.
PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS are set to head out on an extensive UK and European tour later this year in support of the new album. Full dates can be found below.
Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons Kings Of The Asylum Tour 2023:
19.09.23 UK – Brighton / The Arch 20.09.23 BE – Sint-Niklaas / De Casino 21.09.23 DE – Essen / Turock 22.09.23 DE – Neuenstadt am Kocher / Stadthalle Neuenstadt 23.09.23 DE – Aachen / Musikbunker 24.09.23 FR – Paris / Petit Bain 26.09.23 ES – Barcelona / Salamandra 27.09.23 FR – Lyon / Marché Gare 28.09.23 IT – Ranica / Druso Club 29.09.23 DE – München / Backstage Werk 30.09.23 CH – Düdingen / Bad Bonn 01.10.23 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal 03.10.23 PL – Lublin / Radio Lublin 04.10.23 CZ – Prague / Storm 05.10.23 DE – Hamburg / Uebel & Gefährlich 06.10.23 DE – Berlin / Frannz 07.10.23 DE – Münster / Sputnikhalle 08.10.23 NL – Uden / De Pul 10.10.23 ES – Santanyi (Mallorca) / Full Metal Holiday 02.11.23 UK – Great Yarmouth / Hard Rock Hell 18.11.23 DE – Weißenhäuser Strand / Metal Hammer Paradise 21.11.23 UK – Stoke-on-Trent / The Sugarmill 22.11.23 UK – Glasgow / Garage 23.11.23 UK – Leeds / Warehouse 24.11.23 UK – Manchester / The Bread Shed 25.11.23 UK – Derby / The Hairy Dog 26.11.23 UK – Oxford / O2 Academy Oxford 28.11.23 UK – Exeter / Phoenix 29.11.23 UK – London / O2 Academy Islington 30.11.23 UK – Porthcawl / Planet Rockstock 01.12.23 UK – Southampton / Engine Rooms 02.12.23 UK – Birmingham / O2 Institute2
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