Celebrating eight years of showcasing some of the most debaucherous and brutal extreme metal to roll through the state of Florida, Tampa Death Fest returns for two nights of uncompromising extreme metal on September 5th and 6th, at the legendary Brass Mug in Tampa Bay, Florida.
The festival has announced it’s accepting band submissions to fill remaining slots for its 2026 lineup. Bands interested in performing at Tampa Death Fest are encouraged to submit their materials before the April 1st deadline. TDF welcomes extreme-metal acts of all styles and origins, with a commitment to curating a lineup that reflects the genre’s depth, diversity, and global reach.
Bands can apply their EPK at: tampabaymetalscene.booking@yahoo.com
Since launching in 2019, Tampa Death Fest has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the underground extreme‑metal community. Rooted in the city widely hailed as the Death Metal Capital of the World, TDF continues to unite bands, fans and local businesses under its guiding mantra: “Strength Through Unity, Unity Through Metal.”
Each year, TDF showcases a diverse roster of international, national, and regional acts, offering a platform for rising underground talent to share the stage with established legends. Past editions of TDF have hosted such notable acts as Satan, Venom, Inc, Ringworm, Diabolic, Leishmaniasis (Colombia), Repulsive Vision (UK), Massacre, Atheist, GraveHuffer, Blasphemation, Carpathian Funeral, Kill The Imposter, Sadistic Vision, Nibiru, Merciless Scum, Quiescent Mantis, MRSA, Pantheon, and more.
With an ever‑growing international presence, Tampa Death Fest continues to strengthen connections across Florida and beyond, fostering a spirit of collaboration and community engagement within the metal scene.
About Tampa Death Fest: Founded in 2019, Tampa Death Fest has grown into a premier event within the extreme metal world. The festival’s mission is to uplift artists, unite fans, and celebrate the culture of heavy music through a shared passion for brutality, creativity, and community.
New single “Apocalyptic Dawn” streaming everywhere now!
Intro
Apocalyptic Dawn
Cruel Face of War
Maniacal
Suffer in Silence
Radicalized
Blade of Betrayal
When the Elders Rise
Horrors Vile (featuring David Ingram of Benediction)
Legacy of the Damned
Rot Riffs
Hollow Husk
Dave Matrise (vocals, guitars) comments:
“Let’s start off by saying what an amazing accomplishment it is to hit 12 releases in my career. Never would I think I’d still be doing this 30+ years later. I guess be careful what you wish for. I’m very grateful to all of our fans that have supported us for so many years and for never giving up on us. To my bandmates for all of their hard work and dedication to me and JRot over all these years.
‘Cruel Face Of War’ will not disappoint. It’s full of crushing grooves and violent hooks that will surely break anyone’s neck.”
“Skies cast amber black” video directed by Max Moore
IT’S ALL AROUND US NOW…
Boundaries return with “Skies cast amber black” (https://bndrs.lnk.to/allaroundusnow), their first new music since 2024’s Death Is Little More, and a track that channels the current cultural climate into a crushing, cinematic storm.
“I have a deep desire in the pit of my making to surround and suffocate the growing plague of people’s self-interest,” vocalist Matthew McDougal says of the Drew Fulk produced track. “Given the chance, I’d remove every ego from the music landscape and burn it off for fuel to power blood hungry behemoths whose only goal is to crush and disable. This song is my plea to cleanse a community I adore of people who see it only as an opportunity or a stepping stone.”
Boundaries will spend much of 2026 on the road, joining The Amity Affliction and August Burns Red for a North American tour from April 10 to May 17, followed by a run of major European festivals including Rock Im Park, Rock Am Ring, Download, and Jera on Air. The band is also confirmed for spots at Warped Tour and Louder Than Life.
Boundaries Tour Dates:
April 10 Worcester, MA Palladium April 11 New Haven, CT College Street Music Hall April 12 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE April 14 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore Charlotte April 15 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle April 16 Lake Buena Vista, FL House of Blues Gear Shop Orlando April 18 New Orleans, LA Fillmore New Orleans April 19 Dallas, TX The Bomb Factory April 21 Houston, TX House of Blues April 22 San Antonio, TX Vibes Event Center April 24 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre April 25 San Diego, CA Soma April 26 Anaheim, CA House of Blues Gardenwalk Gear Shop April 28 Sacramento, CA Channel 24 April 29 Garden City, ID Revolution Concert Hall May 1 Salt Lake City, UT The Union Event Center May 2 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium May 3 Omaha, NE The Astro Theater May 5 Minneapolis, MN The Fillmore Minneapolis May 6 Milwaukee, WI The Rave/Eagles Club May 8 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre May 9 Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre May 10 Toronto, ON History May 12 Montreal, QC MTelus May 13 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Paramount May 15 Baltimore, MD Nevermore Hall May 17 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore Philadelphia June 5 Berlin, DE Hole44 * June 6 Nürnberg, DE Rock Im Park June 7 Nürburgring, DE Rock Am Ring June 8 Solothurn, CH Kofmehl ** June 9 Ljubljana, SI Center Urbane Kulture Kino Šiška *** June 10 Hradec Králové, CZ Rock For People June 11 Warsaw, PL Klub Hybrydy ****
June 14 Castle Donington, UK Download Festival June 15 Belfast, UK Limelight # June 16 Dublin, IE Academy # June 17 Cardiff, UK Y Plas * June 19 Norwich, UK Voodoos ## June 20 Exeter, UK Cavern ## June 22 Bremen, DE Aladin Music Hall # June 23 Karlsruhe, DE Substage ** June 25 Ysselsteyn, NL Jera on Air June 26 Leipzig, DE Impericon Festival June 27 Münster, DE Vainstream Festival July 25 – 26 Long Beach, CA Warped Tour September 19 Louisville, KY Louder Than Life
Boundaries is Cory Emond (guitar), Cody Delvecchio (guitar), Tim Sullivan (drums/vocals), Nathan Calcagno (bass/vocals) and Matthew McDougal (vocals).
The Hartford-based band have released three full-length albums: Death Is Little More (2024), Burying Brightness (2022) and Your RecedingWarmth (2020).
Revolver described their music as “a fascinating meld of crushing sounds,” New Noise said Boundaries are the “new standard-bearer” of metalcore going on to say that it’s rare for a band to have songs that “have a vibrancy and violence that is wonderfully contrasted with such gothic melody,” and Boolin Tunes said they are “a beacon for hardcore bands to look towards.”
Tasmanian devils THE ABSOLUTION SEQUENCE have set an August 2026 release date for their highly-anticipated full-length album, Dread Cycle.
Following a string of EPs and singles, the album promises to be the band’s most incendiary work yet. Slated for release via Bleeding Art Collective, with distribution by Blood Blast Distribution, Dread Cycle is set to solidify the band’s position as a premier name in contemporary technical death metal.
THE ABSOLUTION SEQUENCE is prepping fans for what’s to come with the release of the official music video for the album’s first single, “Ghost Mantra.”
The band comments on the song’s lyrical concept: ‘“Ghost Mantra’ is all about being surrounded and taunted by the apparitions of our ancestors, and the sacrifice of the lowly in order to maintain the status quo. What comes with these haunting feelings is the overwhelming presence of guilt, as we watch the poor die horribly and step over their bodies to see out our goals. ‘Ghost Mantra’ is a solemn bow to those who have suffered. A showing of respect and gratitude.”
Track-listing: 1) Despotic Ruin (Diet of Worms) 2) Idols of Confraternity 3) Ghost Mantra 4) The Sordid Miasma 5) The Nightlight Sigil 6) Promethean Pilferage 7) A Mire Caked in Nativity 8) Grinding the Sphere 9) The Diary of the Emaciated
Dread Cycle was produced by Chris Themelco and mastered by the world-renowned Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios. The album was written by THE ABSOLUTION SEQUENCE.
Line-up:
Stephen Cusato – Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals Steven Mason – Rhythm Guitar Alastair Boon – Bass/Backing Vocals Luke Tucker – Lead Guitar Nick Machin – Drums Luke Sanderson – Drums Shawn Wells – Lead Vocals
BIO:
Emerging from the isolated, unforgiving wilderness of Tasmania, THE ABSOLUTION SEQUENCE has carved out a unique identity within the Australian extreme metal scene. Their sound is a direct reflection of their homeland’s “dark isle” reputation, a place defined by a sinister history and a cold, remote landscape that stands in stark contrast to the Australian mainland.
The band has developed a signature style of Technical Death Metal that balances high-velocity musical prowess with a deeply immersive, atmospheric undertone. The band has earned a wide array of mainland and international support slots from Nile, Archspire, Thy Art is Murder to Psycroptic, Northlane, Make them Suffer and others.
They also competed in the “GOOD THINGS 2022” Band Competition in Victoria. Their proven consistent success in the Tasmanian Metal scene has garnered them a reputation as a reliable and sought after headlining act.
Ushering in a new wave of heavy metal, New Jersey hellraisers WHO ON EARTH have announced their forthcoming album, It Takes The Village. Set for release on May 8th, the band’s second full-length features 12 headbanging tracks of unfiltered, high-octane mayhem.
Commenting on the new album, bassist Pete Rizzi says:
“It Takes The Village is a true representation of the diversity of Who On Earth, demonstrating the lack of self-imposed boundaries in our music. Our brand-new material showcases our continued growth as songwriters, and we’ve also included a few reimagined versions of earlier tracks that feel fresh and more powerful than ever. After five years of building, this release is our way of saying, ‘This is Who On Earth.”
Coinciding with the announcement, WHO ON EARTH have unveiled their second single, “Any Other Way” – an anthemic rocker primed for the stage, arriving just ahead of the band’s upcoming U.S. tour with FOZZY.
Rizziadds:
“‘Any Other Way’ is a rearranged, re-recorded, remixed, and remastered version of ‘Black Swan’ from our debut album, Blame. It’s a song about accepting the events in our lives and the choices that brought us here. Regret has no place in that process, the past is the past. Would we do things differently? Of course. But maybe everything had to unfold exactly as it did. It’s about embracing where you are, learning from it, and ultimately saying, ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way.’”
The new single follows the previously released track “Vigilance,” which also appears on It Takes The Village.
1. Vigilance 2. Any Other Way 3. Shadows 4. Good Man Down 5. Closer 6. Too Close 7. Double or Nothing 8. Monster! 9. Oh, Set Me Free 10. We Don’t Belong Here 11. Ascension 12. The Unbeaten
Lineup: Coosh – Vocals Pete Rizzi – Bass Johnny James Barone – Guitar Jimmy Kocha – Guitar Howie Fallon – Drums
WHO ON EARTH Tour Dates w/FOZZY:
May 8 – Charlotte, NC – Amos’ Southend May 9 – Waynesboro, VA – The Foundry May 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts May 13 – Harrisburg, PA – Capitall City Music Hall May 15 – St. Charles, IL – Arcada Theatre May 16 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop
The relentless and legendary EXODUS have released their 13th studio album today: Goliath. I’ve streamed it on Spotify and will definitely buy a physical copy now, due to the fact it blistered my metal infested brain! Plus, vocalist Rob Dukes has returned and he sounds more pissed off than ever before! Long live EXODUS!
The MEGADETH newsletter has announced that the newest memoir from the remarkable Dave Mustaine releases on September 8th, 2026. Dave opens up about his courageous battle with cancer in his upcoming book. Yes, I’m pre-ordering a copy!
The prodigious Lamb Of God released their 10th studio album on March 13th and it can arguably be considered their best output of their existence! Not. Joking. All the metal bearings are spinning and blazing on Into Oblivion and I strongly urge you to stream, buy and get annihilated by LOGs’ auditory assault! Damn, I relish this LOG album!
Thank you for stopping by, have a safe and enjoyable weekend. Metal be thy name. – Stone
March 20, 2026 – OBEYER release their new EP, Pallor, on May 1st, via 3DOT Recordings. The news arrives with the release of “Nothing Exists Beyond Me” and an accompanying video: (https://youtu.be/bHz5gZOCwDE).
“The aim for Pallor was to concentrate our favourite elements from our debut album while ensuring we progressed and expanded our sound.,” the band shared, collectively. “We’re so happy with how these ideas have translated and grateful to have worked again with Sam Bloor at Lower Lane, who has helped bring our ideas to life over these four tracks. It’s a far more aggressive version of us, a natural progression from Chemical Well, lyrically a lot more vulnerable and overall a lot bleaker. We’re incredibly excited to be working once again with 3DOT Recordings for this release and can’t wait for everyone to hear these tracks on May 1st.”
The band released their debut album, Chemical Well, in the Fall of 2025. Revolver described their music as “progressively-pivoted, percussively jud-quaked rhythms with reckless abandon,” while MetalSucks said OBEYER is “sure to inspire all sorts of chaos in the pit.”
OBEYER tour dates:
March 25 Milton Keynes, UK Craufurd Arms * April 11 Bedford, UK Collison Fest June 13 Dublin, IE 3Olympia Theatre ** June 15 London, UK The Dome **
*-w/Employed To Serve **-w/Periphery
Pallor cover
Pallor track-listing:
Trauma Host
A Single Shade
Become Cold
Nothing Exists Beyond Me
OBEYER is Carl Brown (vocals), Jamie Steadman (guitar), David Bartlett (bass), and Lewis Niven (drums). The Northampton, U.K. foursome previously recorded under the name Lay Siege, releasing an EP and a full-length album that garnered praise from The Guardian and other notable British media. Re-invented as OBEYER, the group released their debut album, Chemical Well, in the Fall of 2025 via 3DOT Recordings.
All devotees to progressive, technical, and melodic death metal, tune in. Liminal Shrines, the second LP from Toronto-based quartet GUTVOID, is now streaming in its entirety, preceding its release on Profound Lore Records this Friday.
GUTVOID was formed by guitarist Daniel Bonofiglio and guitarist/vocalist Brendan Dean, followed shortly thereafter by bassist Justin Boehm and drummer D. W.Lee. Blending modern death and doom soundscapes with progressive rock and metal songwriting foundations, GUTVOID creates a monster seething with gut-wrenching riffs, cavernous vocals, and prog virtuosity. With the release of the Astral Bestiary EP in 2019, the debut album Durance Of Lightless Horizons in 2022, and the Breathing Obelisk EP in 2024, the band has continued to build on their sound, focusing on more elaborate yet intentional song structures while deepening the depth of their aggressiveness and technicality.
Now, GUTVOID delivers their incinerating second album, Liminal Shrines, which marks the first half of a two-part concept. Writhing with energy, the album showcases the band at their most intricate, aggressive, and creative thus far, further expanding and building on their cosmic horror infused atmospheres and origins through six immersive and devastating movements. Liminal Shrines was recorded at Boxcar Sound Recording, Mount Wexler Studio, and Dystonic Sounds, was mixed and mastered by Greg Dawson and BWC Studios, and features cover art by Kjell Åge Meland.
Immerse yourself in the world of GUTVOID and listen to the rapturous Liminal Shrines, now streaming at YouTube RIGHT HERE.
Liminal Shrines will be released on LP, CD, and digitally this Friday, March 20th. Preorders and presaves can be placed via Profound LoreHERE.
photos by Junaid Malik
GUTVOID will record the sister album to Liminal Shrines in the months ahead.
Debut festival edition expands to three stages as new ticket prices take effect
Szczecin, Poland; 19 March 2026: Hells Bells Festival continues its build-up toward 26-27 June 2026 with a dual band announcement and a major logistical expansion.
The festival has confirmed Northern Ireland thrashers Gama Bomb and Polish blackened punks Owls Woods Graves, while also revealing that the event will now span three distinct stages at the Plac Gryfitów site.
Gama Bomb are widely known for their speed, technicality, and fun-filled, high-octane live shows. Fans in Szczecin should prepare for a masterclass in headbanging as the band brings their signature “thrash metal bomb” to the Łasztownia waterfront. The band’s latest release is the EP “Necronomicon Automaton”.
The bill is further bolstered by Owls Woods Graves, a project conceived by The Fall & E.V.T. Their unique sound, self-described as “haunted woods hardcore”, blends black metal with raw punk energy and macabre storytelling inspired by witches and the Devil. The band is currently promoting their third album, “Strix”.
In a significant move for the festival’s scale, organisers have also confirmed that Hells Bells 2026 will now feature three stages. This expansion allows for a more diverse range of sounds and ensures that the performances are more spread out across the schedule, reducing time pressure and providing a better experience for both the artists and the audience.
Gama Bomb and Owls Woods Graves join an already stacked line-up that includes the likes of Dirkschneider, Grave Digger, Cockney Rejects, UK Subs, Vader, Possessed, Discharge, NunSlaughter, Furia, Dead Congregation, Last Resort, Dezerter, The Materia, Belzebong and Słoń.
As previously announced, the festival has entered its next pricing tier. This pool of tickets will be available only until 31 May 2026 (or until sold out): Full Weekend Pass (PLN 409), Friday Ticket (PLN 199), Saturday Ticket (PLN 229). The festival also continues to offer the discounted Youth Pass (ages 13-18) and Family Pass (adult with child under 13).
Our latest single “The Wretch” is out now and streaming everywhere. The final track from The Nothing That Is writing sessions is out now. Bleak, grim, and true to form. When the world keeps getting worse, sometimes the only comfort is watching it burn.
It Echoes In The Wild, the bizarre and unhinged second album by Vancouver-based black/death metal entity EGREGORE, will be released this Friday, through the formidable roster of 20 Buck Spin, who today unveils the entire album for advance streaming.
Here we find ourselves, among the Canadian miscreants EGREGORE – uniting members of Mitochondrion, Reversed, Ruinous Power, formerly of Auroch, and more, whereupon they return from whence the wind howls like a damned choir and the Earth knows no master, to chart a broader sonic wilderness via It Echoes In The Wild. And much as sea-rogues and freebooters sought fortune upon blackened waters, so too does EGREGORE venture musically into diabolic and ungoverned lands.
Presenting something more expansive, elemental, and untamed on It Echoes In The Wild, the early occult black death metal lunacy of EGREGORE embraces atmospheric breadth equally alongside primitive force to delve deep into not only geographic wilds, but the psychological, esoteric and spiritual hinterlands at the edges of complete madness. Dark invocations and secret tongues draw forth echoes from forest and fen, cave and cliff, tempting the temporally tethered to receive the curse, all the while driven by a primal, unknowable sardonic menace.
Though the voyage be perilous, to succumb to It Echoes In The Wild is to become ensconced in a lawless dominion of the soul in service of a higher call. Mirroring nature’s unbridled forces and the hidden echoes that dwell within, EGREGORE’s second album takes the band’s mystical insanity and magical perversion to the edge of the abyss and plunges forward.
It Echoes In The Wild was engineered and recorded by Mariessa McLeod, mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Blood Incantation, Dream Unending, Tomb Mold), and completed with cover art by Luciana Lupe Vasconcelos, illustration and layout by Dipayan Das, and logo by Karmazid. The result is an album prime for fans of Nocturnus, Morbid Angel, King Diamond, Samael, Superstition, Angelcorpse, Mortuary Drape, Necrophobic, Absu, and The Chasm.
From the EGREGORE cult: “There is no sight apart from the seen; no feeling beyond the felt; no independent capacity for knowledge outside of what is known.
“Self: a confluence of cause and condition. Consciousness: a triangulation of pre-requisite factors. When this is understood, there is no longer any boundary as to where you end and the infinite begins. Everything is connected. This is the word of the law, and it echoes in the wild.”
Sustain the malefic howl of EGREGORE’s It Echoes In The Wild early on YouTube RIGHT HERE, and view the videos for “Stair Into The Vortex” HERE and “Servants Of The Second Death” HERE.
20 Buck Spin will release It Echoes In The Wild on LP, CD, and digital platforms this Friday, March 20th. Preorders can be placed at the label webshop HERE and Bandcamp HERE.
Furthermore, effective immediately, EGREGORE is pleased to announce a partnership with Waste Management Bookings for all live engagements. Stand by for updates.
Album guests: Dylan Atkinson aka Exodus To Unukalhai – additional lead guitar Cuillen aka Axis i Arcana – vocals Lillian Liu aka Jaded Castigator of the Baleful Communion – lead synth Brayden Turenne aka Oracular Phantasm – electronics, ambient interludes Mashruk Huq aka Voice of the Dweller – spoken word on “Corsairs Of The Daath Gulf”
Swedish heavy metal force TUNGSTEN have unveiled the official music video for their powerful new single “The North Will Rise,” featuring a guest appearance from Tony Kakko of SONATA ARCTICA. Blending epic melodies, thunderous rhythms and soaring vocals, the track showcases the band’s signature mix of classic heavy metal spirit and modern precision.
Driven by an anthemic atmosphere and cinematic intensity, “The North Will Rise” stands as a perfect display of TUNGSTEN’s trademarks: powerful songwriting, massive hooks and a larger-than-life energy that feels tailor-made for festival stages. This track is a toast to the north, an electrifying hymn that captures the icy beauty and resilience of those lands. With Tony Kakko’s contagious melodies and Mike Andersson’s raw power, “The North Will Rise” is destined to be a loud, unifying call for all who love the north!
TUNGSTEN lead singer Mike Andersson says; “It’s such an honor to have Tony onboard on this song. He did a tremendous job. I think our voices fits perfectly together which makes “The North Will Rise” extra special. Lyrically it’s kind of a hymn to our part of the world in the north. We hope the metal community and the fans of Sonata Arctica and of course Tungsten will like this song and crank it LOUD!”
Tony Kakko adds; “Catchy like the cold in January on a viking ship crossing a nordic, half frozen sea! Truly a song to unite the people and friends of the North! Very proud and happy to join my friends in Tungsten singing together with Mike on this amazing new track. The melodies are just contagious……Consider yourself warned!”
Frontiers Music is proud to announce the signing of glam-metal trailblazers Zinny J. Zan and Harry Cody — founding members of Shotgun Messiah — reunited after 35 years. Welcome Zan/Cody to the family!
With a legacy built on rebellion, raw energy, and attitude, the duo is back in the studio, ready to pick up where they left off. Their 1989 self-titled debut helped define a generation of high-octane rock, and now they return with brand new music that stays true to their hard-hitting roots while embracing the grit of today’s rock landscape.
Expect swagger and uncompromising rock & roll spirit.
Following the release of their latest, much-acclaimed EP Celestial in January via Reigning Phoenix Music, Australian-Finnish dark metal outfit THE ETERNAL return with new visuals. Today, the band presents an official lyric video for the haunting track “Casting Down Shadows“.
Driven by melancholic melodies, brooding atmosphere, and the band’s signature blend of doom, gothic, and melodic metal, the song unfolds as a slowburning and emotionally charged journey. The track moves between haunting passages and powerful crescendos, capturing the reflective and cinematic mood that defines Celestial.
Speaking about the song’s lyrical themes, frontman Mark Kelson explains:
“The lyrics of ‘Casting Down Shadows’ evoke a journey through time, turmoil, and self-discovery, framed by imagery of storms, moons, and barren lands. They portray a struggle with loss, broken ties, and hidden desires, yet also a determination to face the tempest and carve a path forward despite fear. The recurring motif of ‘casting down shadows’ suggests confronting darkness while seeking truth and illumination, with the promise of renewal and return echoing throughout. Ultimately, the song captures the tension between despair and resilience, presenting an endless cycle of falling into shadow yet rising again to continue the search for meaning and fire.”
With the new lyric video, THE ETERNAL further highlight the emotional depth and introspective themes that run throughout Celestial, offering fans another way to experience one of the EP’s most evocative tracks. Watch the clip now streaming here:
Following the success of their 2024 album Skinwalker, the band’s new EP Celestial sees THE ETERNAL continue their signature fusion of melancholic atmospheres, doom-laden heaviness, and progressive depth. The progressive gothic metal collective once again delivers an emotive and cinematic journey through sound and spirit, unafraid to embrace both beauty and bleakness while charting new creative horizons.
With Mark Kelson (vocals/guitars) and Richie Poate (guitars) in Melbourne, joined by Niclas Etelävuori (bass, ex-Amorphis/Flat Earth) and Jan Rechberger (drums, Amorphis) in Helsinki, THE ETERNAL have solidified themselves as a truly international collaboration. Their music resonates with fans of acts such as KATATONIA, SWALLOW THE SUN, and ANATHEMA – dark yet luminous, heavy yet emotionally transcendent!
Celestial – Track Listing: 1. Absence Of Light 2. Celestial Veil 3. It All Ends 4. Bleeding Into Light 5. Casting Down Shadows 6. Everlasting MMXXVI
Celestial is available digitally and as a limited, eco-friendly recycled vinyl LP edition (exclusively available through the band’s official store and the RPM shop). Order your favorite choice of format at this location: https://theeternal.rpm.link/celestialPR
Explosive dinosaur mayhem continues as the band unveils another track from their upcoming album, World War Dinosaur, Arriving on April 17th via PERCEPTION!
German power metal warriors VICTORIUS have released the official music video for their brand-new single “Brachio Bazooka Battalion.” The track is taken from the band’s upcoming studio album WorldWar Dinosaur, set for release on April 17, 2026 via PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music.
Packed with massive hooks, pounding rhythms, and the band’s signature blend of tongue-in-cheek storytelling and thunderous power metal energy,“Brachio Bazooka Battalion”once again dives deep into VICTORIUS’ outrageous dinosaur battle universe.
Explosive power metal collides with full-scale dinosaur showdown in a blazing anthem of riffs, hooks, and chaos. Heroic, melodic, and unapologetically over the top, the track delivers pure VICTORIUS energy forged in fire and dino steel.
The band comments: “Brachio Bazooka Battalion was actually the first song we wrote for the new album. The title came first it sounded so absurdly epic that I immediately wanted to build everything around it. A catchy keyboard melody, a driving rhythm, it’s larger than life, fun and pure power metal madness. Exactly what VICTORIUS stands for!”
With its big chorus, soaring melodies, and cinematic atmosphere, the new single offers another glimpse into the high-octane world of World War Dinosaur. Brace for impact, the “Brachio Bazooka Battalion” is rolling into battle!
Album Track Listing: 01. Kingdom of the Strong 02. World War Dinosaur 03. Dino Race From Outer Space 04. Raptor Squad Attack 05. Brachio Bazooka Batalion 06. March to War 07. Evil Mean Megalodon 08. Dino Power Resistance 09. Prehistoric Panzer Power 10. Lazer Ninja Thunderstorm 11. Golden Glory 12. Lost Legacy
World War Dinosaur sees VICTORIUS unleash their most powerful and cinematic chapter yet. The mayhem between dinosaurs and ninjas enters its next stage – louder, larger, and more explosive than ever before! Across twelve new tracks, forged in cosmic steel and powered by pure imagination, the band invites you into a universe where power metal meets Saturday-morning-cartoon chaos.
“It’s the most epic and hymn-like album we’ve ever written,” the band adds.“100% Victorius, but bigger, tighter, and more intense. We’ve never worked this hard on an album before. ‘Only more is more’ and this time, we went all in!”
International Mesopotamian metal pioneers MELECHESH have unveiled their new single, “In Shadows, In Light,” taken from the band’s forthcoming digital EP Sentinels Of Shamash, scheduled for release on April 10th via Reigning Phoenix Music.
“In Shadows, In Light” continues MELECHESH’s tradition of weaving esoteric philosophy, ancient symbolism, and relentless sonic power into a singular musical experience. The track explores hidden cosmic knowledge and the subtle forces shaping perception and reality.
Speaking about the song, the band comments:
“‘In Shadows, In Light’ explores cosmic knowledge hidden in plain sight – parallel dimensions, sacred geometry, and veiled currents of existence revealed only through perception. Drawing on esoteric and Kabalistic thought, the song moves between concealment and revelation.
Structured as a journey with shifting acts and moods, it unfolds through tension, release, and transformation. Each passage reveals another layer of vision, where shadow and illumination coexist, and the unseen becomes ‘felt’ rather than explained.”
Musically, the track embodies MELECHESH’s hallmark fusion of blackened thrash, Middle Eastern scales, and hypnotic rhythmic patterns, guiding listeners through an evolving sonic landscape that mirrors the song’s philosophical themes. From atmospheric passages to ferocious riffs, “In Shadows, In Light” reflects the band’s ongoing exploration of myth, mysticism, and consciousness.
“In Shadows, In Light” was produced by Ashmedi and co-produced by Rob Caggiano and Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner. Bass lines and backing vocals on “In Shadows, In Light” were recorded by Rob Caggiano, who also contributed rearrangements. Drums were performed by Nikitas Mandolas, with engineering and mixing and mastering by Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner, and engineering and tracking by Daniel Claar.
Sentinels Of Shamash, stands as a ceremonial descent into ancient law, fire, and cosmic vigilance. Drawing from Mesopotamian myth and the solar judgment of Shamash, god of truth and justice, MELECHESH crafts an offering steeped in divine wrath and esoteric order. Each composition unfolds like a sacred inscription, invoking forgotten gods, fallen kings, and the eternal tension between chaos and balance.
Through commanding riffs, relentless rhythms, and a sonic architecture that bridges ancient cosmology with modern extremity, Sentinels Of Shamash delivers a mythological statement rooted in fire, judgment, ruin, and restoration. The sentinels stand eternal guard over fate itself.
Watch the official video for “Through The Storm” HERE
Power metal legends Masterplan have unleashed their new single and official video, “Through The Storm”, another taste of the upcoming new studio album, Metalmorphosis, set for release on June 26, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The band commented: “We absolutely love this one! It’s pure metal, straightforward, energetic, and fun in its own way. The song was inspired by our experience playing metal cruises last year, including one crazy show on deck during a storm with freezing wind and heavy waves. That wild energy is exactly what this track is about. The video captures that spirit perfectly – we’re just having fun, but even tough conditions can’t stop us from playing and enjoying what we do.”
Masterplan are also gearing up for their upcoming European tour, starting on April 12. For the full list of dates, go HERE.
Grapow expressed his enthusiasm for the record: the first new songs since “Novum Initium”, released in 2013: “Metalmorphosis” really captures what this album means to us: a transformation, but still true to the spirit of Masterplan. We’ve grown over the years, both as musicians and as people, and you can hear that in the new songs. Some ideas go back many years, and now they’ve finally come to life. It’s powerful, melodic, and emotional – classic Masterplan, but with a new energy”.
Masterplan stand among the most enduring and influential names in German power metal. Founded in 2001 by guitarist Roland Grapow and drummer Uli Kusch following their exit from Helloween, the band quickly established a distinctive identity built on strong melodies, technical precision, and an epic yet modern metal approach.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 2003, was met with widespread critical acclaim and immediate chart success, setting the standard for a career defined by consistency and evolution.
Over the years, Masterplan have released several highly regarded albums – including Aeronautics, MK II, Time To Be King and Novum Initium, each showcasing refined songwriting and a powerful balance between classic power metal energy and progressive elements.
Their work earned them international recognition, extensive touring across Europe and beyond, and industry accolades that confirmed their status as a leading force in the genre.
After a prolonged hiatus from studio releases, Masterplan has re-emerged with renewed creative drive. The band recently signed a new worldwide deal with Frontiers Music SRL, marking a significant milestone and the beginning of a new chapter in their career.
This partnership sets the stage for their long-awaited return with a brand-new studio album, Metalmorphosis, representing both transformation and continuity: a heavier, more aggressive edge combined with the melodic sophistication that has always defined Masterplan’s sound.
With renewed focus, sharpened songwriting, and decades of experience behind them, Masterplan are poised to reaffirm their relevance and deliver one of the most anticipated power metal releases of the year.
Metalmorphosis – Tracklist:
01. Chase The Light 02. Electric Nights 03. Shadow Man 04. Bound To Fall 05. Pain Of Yesterday 06. Metalmorphosis 07. Through The Storm 08. Ghostlight 09. The Call 10. Rise Again (Album vers.)
Line Up: Rick Altzi Roland Grapow Jari Kainulainen Axel Mackenrott Kevin Kott
METALMORPHOSIS OVER EUROPE TOUR – GET TICKETS HERE
June 26 and 27, 2026: Bringing Heavy Music, Independent Arts, and Community Together in Alberta
Western Canada’s underground metal community will once again come together this summer as Decimate Metalfest returns to the Millet Agriplex Arena on June 26 and 27, 2026, in Millet, AB.
What began as a grassroots gathering of heavy music fans has grown into a weekend-long celebration where heavy music, independent arts, and community come together in rural Alberta, welcoming fans, artists, and families of all ages.
This year’s festival lineup will feature Glyph, The Convalescence, Squidhammer, Famous Strangers, and Let It Rot, alongside a diverse roster of local and regional performers. Overall, 28 performing acts will take the stage over the two days, including touring artists, Canadian metal bands, youth performers, a featured DJ and specialty entertainers.
Friday evening launches the festival with a powerful night of heavy music, including a performance by the “Fundraiser Band”, a rotating act selected from bands who participate in Decimate fundraising events throughout the year, highlighting the festival’s community-driven spirit.
Saturday expands into a full-day festival experience featuring bands, youth artists, live performers, and interactive entertainment. With top-notch production, high-quality sound, professional staging, and access to convenient local amenities in Millet, the festival ensures an unforgettable experience for fans and families.
All performances take place at the Millet Agriplex Arena, with festival activities continuing throughout the weekend, including camping, breakfast events, interactive entertainment, and vendor booths by independent artists.
Event Details: Event: Decimate Metalfest 2026 Dates: June 26 and 27, 2026 Location: Millet Agriplex Arena, Millet, Alberta, Canada Format: All ages metal and arts festival
Friday, June 26, 2026: • The Convalescence (Ohio, USA) • Squidhammer (Wisconsin, USA) • Anomalyptic (Edmonton, AB) • Let It Rot (Michigan, USA) • Valley of Despair (Edmonton, AB) • Godfall (Calgary, AB) • TBA Fundraiser Band • Kilusan (Edmonton, AB)
Saturday, June 27, 2026: • Glyph (Seattle, USA) • Famous Strangers (Sherwood Park, AB) • Cries of Blood (Montreal, QC) • Thousand Frames (Colorado, USA) • Counterfeit (Calgary, AB) • From Beneath (Winnipeg, MB) • No Faith In Fortune (Vancouver, BC) • Femmes Voyous (Edmonton, AB) • Spineless (Winnipeg, MB) • Black Friday (Edmonton, AB) • Light Drawn In (Edmonton, AB)
Featured Performers: • DJ Alex Kayne (New York, USA) • Birthday Girl (Calgary, AB) • Damien Ghoul (Edmonton, AB) • Severina (Edmonton, AB) • Meatsack (Edmonton, AB) • Lust Dust (Calgary, AB)
Decimate Metalfest is about connection. The all-ages festival brings together musicians, visual artists, performers, and creators from across Canada, the United States, and beyond for two days of crushing riffs, artistic expression, unforgettable performances, and a shared love of underground culture.
The festival’s reach continues to expand each year. For the 2026 edition alone, performer submissions were received from 15 countries, eight Canadian provinces, and 25 US states, highlighting the growing international interest in the event and the strength of Western Canada’s metal community. From youth bands playing their first festival stage to international touring acts, Decimate Metalfest celebrates every generation of the metal and alternative community while creating opportunities for artists of many disciplines to showcase their work.
Decimate Metalfest has become known not only for its music lineup but also for the welcoming environment it creates. The festival brings together longtime metal fans, young families, artists, and first-time festivalgoers in a space that celebrates creativity and community.
Beyond the stage, the festival offers a full weekend experience that includes independent art vendors, free tented camping, fan-favorite air guitar contests for youth and adults, community gatherings, and the traditional Saturday pancake breakfast. Children under 10 attend free, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to accessibility and multi-generational participation.
Built by members of the metal community, for the metal community, and proudly organized and operated by women, Decimate Metalfest continues to challenge expectations while creating a space where everyone is welcome.
Reptilian Records presents a remastered vinyl repress of Human Abjection, the debut LP from infamous Miami sludge metal icons, CAVITY. The reactivated band is also back on the road, playing a string of shows across Florida this week, with Desertfest London coming up.
Formed in 1992, CAVITY is one of the primary acts responsible for pioneering the early sludge metal movement alongside the likes of Melvins, Eyehategod, Noothgrush, -16-, and others in the early 1990s underground, before the genre tag was a household term for most heavy music fans.
CAVITY dealt lumbering, low-end, scathing, slug-paced crushers, delivered through massive volume and sheer glacial force, releasing records through revered labels like Rhetoric Records, Man’s Ruin, Bacteria Sour, Hydra Head, and others over the years, including splits with Daisycutter, Bongzilla, and a four-way split with Cable, Jesuit, and Overcast as part of Hydra Head’s In These Black Days tribute series to Black Sabbath.
CAVITY disbanded in 2001, and its members went on to form Black Cobra, Floor, Torche, and more. After fifteen years apart, the band reformed briefly as Cavity A.D, from 2015 until pandemic/lockdown-stricken 2020, when they parted ways once again. In 2026, CAVITY returns with new live appearances and more.
In conjunction with the band’s reformation, long-running noise rock label Reptilian Records now revives CAVITY’s long-out-of-print 1995 debut album, Human Abjection, with a proper vinyl and digital reissue, nearly three-and-a-half decades after its initial arrival. The album will be available in a limited-edition gold nugget vinyl remaster with a poster insert.
CAVITY’s limited Human Abjection vinyl remaster, out May 29th, is now available for preorder at Reptilian Records’ Bandcamp HERE, US webshop HERE, and EU shop HERE.
The reissue is announced as CAVITY returns to the stage, with a run of dates through their hometown state of Florida, playing Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville this week, March 19th through 22nd. The band is also set to play Desertfest London – headlining the Black Heart stage, Friday 15th May – joining Clutch, Truckfighters, -16-, Deaf Club, and many others at the festival.
CAVITY will also play Emissions From The Monolith October 8th-11th in Youngstown, Ohio, alongside Today Is The Day, Rwake, Deadbird, Solace, Weedeater, Great Falls, Kowloonn Walled City, and countless others. Additional live plans and more are already in motion for later this year.
CAVITY: Dan Gorostiaga – bass Rene Barge – vocals Ed Matus – guitar Andrew McLees – guitar Pat Forrest – drums
CAVITY Live:
3/19/2026 The Brass Mug – Tampa, FL w/ Meatwound, No Fraud, Spanish Needles, Bunaand
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.