My buddy Troy and I took a drive over to Ace of Cups in Columbus, Ohio, to see BIOHAZARD and DYING FETUS, on Saturday, May 16th. This was a Sonic Temple Official Aftershow. The Sonic Temple festival is huge, spanning 4 days in Columbus, Ohio, at the Historic Crew Stadium, featuring all genres of Metal and hard rock bands.
Before the show, Troy and I went to Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace for some chow and beer. We then went to Ledo’s Tavern to watch the Reds game and enjoy more beverages.
This is doginator. Bacon wrapped, BBQ sauce, topped with brisket, cheddar & onion rings. I ate it all. A beautiful Thin Lizzy wood-cut work of art at Dirty Frank’s.Had to capture this creepy bar decor! 👀Ledo’s Tavern wall decor.
Troy and I didn’t attend Sonic Temple, as to why we bought our tix for this show. My bad knees and legs are no longer music festival fit, for the foreseeable future anyways. I squared up pretty close to the stage for BIOHAZARD, right up against the merch area. The stage at Ace of Cups is to the very right of the front door. There is an expansive outdoor patio and a fine bar there as well.
I was able to bounce around standing in place, raising my cane in blissful defiance, while shouting out limited lyrics such as: “fuck the system!” I am elated by my experiencing BIOHAZARD and DYING FETUS live and have the metal memories forever! Metal be thy name – Stone
Billy Graziadei (rhythm guitarist)Evan Seinfeld (left) & Bobby Hambel (right)Evan Seinfeld (bass & lead vocals)Bobby Hambel (lead guitarist)Online ad for the show. Credit: Ace of Cups
Thank you for visiting and checking out my metal experience and Metal Odyssey! I greatly appreciate every visit! – Stone \m/
Santa Rosa (CA) – Strap in for an inter-dimensional journey through space and time, fueled by catchy riffs and heavy metal melodies! Coffin Hunters are back! The band is set to release their third full-length album, Cosmic Dawn, on July 17 via Bitter End Records.
A lyric video for the album’s first single, “Skeleton Key,” is available now at:
Known for passionate and energetic live performances and songwriting, Coffin Huntersdraw inspiration from traditional heavy metal, science fiction and fantasy. On Cosmic Dawn, the band explores themes of death, existentialism, and mythology. Blending classic Rock and Roll hooks and melodies with Heavy Metal energy and attitude, Coffin Hunters are ready to take you from the depths of the grave to the the pinnacles of the cosmos.
“A chill, fist-bangin’ time will be had by all, as Cosmic Dawnskilfully blends 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s influence into a sleek heavy metal/hard rock hybrid. The biggest musical references are Blue Öyster Cult, Uriah Heep, Manilla Road, Angel Witch, Tank, and a helpful dose of Death for good measure.” – Decibel
Photo Credits: Noelle Brennan and Eric Harriman
Cosmic Dawn will be available on limited edition vinyl LP (250) and CD (500), as well as on digital format.
Vocals – Sean Rivera Guitars – Eric “Swede” Harriman Bass – Brian Crites Drums – Brennan Kunkel
FFO: Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple, Dio, Crypt Sermon, Night Demon, Blue Oyster Cult
Album Credits:
All songs written and performed by Coffin Hunters. All lyrics by Sean Rivera. Engineered, Mixed, and Mastered by Greg Wilkinson at Earhammer Studios, Oakland, CA.
Watch UNDER AUBURN SKIES’ “The Pale King” video HERE.
Denver, Colorado-based metalcore group UNDERAUBURN SKIES will release their blazing new EP, Diminisher Of Hope, on July 17th, unveiling the record’s cover art, track listing, preorders, and a video for its lead single, “The Pale King.”
UNDER AUBURN SKIES carves their own sonic territory through a tempest of pummeling riffs and soaring melodies, drawing comparisons to the raw power of Polaris and the untamed intensity of Make Them Suffer. Through their 2018 Afterimage debut, subsequent 2021-released Invention Of Reason EP, and more, the band has spent the past several years dominating their local scene.
Beyond the studio, the band is known for their ferocious live energy on stage, having supported international acts including Born Of Osiris, Norma Jean, Darkest Hour, Entheos, Mouth For War, Carnifex, Enterprise Earth, Fallujah, and many others.
photos by Gustavo Diaz
Now, UNDER AUBURN SKIES is poised for a breakout with their upcoming Diminisher Of Hope, the EP displaying a band firing on all cylinders. With a bleaker sound and more dejected lyrics, their newest material showcases a darker side of the band, while simultaneously raising the bar on their individual performances across the record’s six incinerating tracks.
Diminisher Of Hope’s drums were recorded by Nick Nodurft at Rusty Sun Studios, the guitars and bass by Emilio Lujan, and the vocals and additional guitars by Jaxon Stunden at The Blasting Room. The EP was mixed and mastered by Chris Wiseman at Chris Wiseman Recordings and completed with artwork by Róbert Horváth at Holo Dreamz Designs.
With a new release on the horizon and an unyielding drive to connect with fans, UNDER AUBURN SKIES is ready to unleash their sound upon the world.
The EP’s lead single, “The Pale King,” arrives through a bold video directed by Luke Ostermiller of Loste Films. Guitarist Oscar Morales writes, “The video was a blast to film! We drove up north from Denver to a mostly abandoned cemetery that has graves from the 1700s and 1800s, so it was cool to see a huge jump in time from a lot of the tombstones we walked through. We also filmed this during the beginning of Fall last year for a fitting scenery that is a bit fitting with the theme of the song.”
Tune in and watch UNDER AUBURN SKIES’ “The Pale King” video now playing HERE.
Diminisher Of Hope will be released digitally and on CD on July 17th. Find preorders at Bandcamp HERE, and presaves at Spotify HERE.
Diminisher Of Hope – Track Listing:
First Blood
World-Eater
The Pale King
Gravemind
Dathomir
Final Sin
UNDER AUBURN SKIES is actively booking live events across their local region, including a set at Thank You Fest V with The Extortionist and many others on May 30th, and a show November 14th opening for Fear Factory and Darkest Hour, with record release shows and tour dates in the planning stages.
UNDER AUBURN SKIES Live: 5/30/2026 Thank You Fest V @ The Brutal Poodle – Denver, CO w/ The Extortionist 11/14/2026 The O – Denver, CO w/ Fear Factory, Darkest Hour
UNDER AUBURN SKIES: Sebastian Gorklo – vocals Oscar Morales – guitar Zach Morgan – guitar Jose Morales – bass Martin Pasillas – drums
Additional videos and previews of Diminisher Of Hope will drop alongside new tour updates over the weeks ahead.
IGORRR will return to North American stages this Fall and on a month-long headlining tour! The journey begins on September 18th in Worcester, Massachusetts and runs through October 20th in Toronto, Ontario. Support will be provided by American experimentalists Secret Chiefs 3, led by guitarist/composer Trey Spruance (Mr. Bungle) and Osaka-based experimental electronic black metal group VMO (AKA Violent Magic Orchestra).
Comments IGORRR mastermind Gautier Serre, “We’ve been waiting to come back to the US for a long time now. The last tour was so intense that we’ve been extremely impatient for the opportunity to play for the people there again. We’ll see you on the road, very excited for that!”
Tickets are on sale now at igorrr.com. See all confirmed dates below:
IGORRR w/ Secret Chiefs 3, VMO:
9/18/2026 The Palladium – Worcester, MA 9/19/2026 Wally’s – Hampton Beach, NH 9/21/2026 Roxian Theatre Presented By Citizens – McKees Rocks, PA 9/22/2026 The Vic Theatre – Chicago, IL 9/23/2026 First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN 9/25/2026 Gothic Theatre – Denver, CO 9/27/2026 Treefort Music Hall – Boise, ID 9/28/2026 Neptune Theatre – Seattle, WA 9/29/2026 Vogue Theatre – Vancouver, BC 9/30/2026 Roseland Theater – Portland, OR 10/03/2026 Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA 10/04/2026 The Novo – Los Angeles, CA 10/05/2026 Nile Theater – Phoenix, AZ 10/07/2026 Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX 10/08/2026 The Studio At The Bomb Factory – Dallas, TX 10/09/2026 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK 10/10/2026 Warehouse Live – Houston, TX 10/12/2026 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA 10/13/2026 The Underground – Charlotte, NC 10/14/2026 Nevermore Hall – Baltimore, MD 10/16/2026 Webster Hall – New York, NY 10/17/2026 Reverb – Reading, PA 10/18/2026 MTELUS – Montréal, QC * No VMO 10/20/2026 The Concert Hall – Toronto, ON
IGORRR will be touring in support of the outfit’s chart topping fifth album, Amen, released last Fall via Metal Blade Records.
French multi-instrumentalist and producer Gautier Serre has been operating under the name IGORRR for 20 years now, yet each new record still resounds with a startling freshness and radical vitality. Gautier’s steadfastly unclassifiable and stunning Amen full-length maintains this impact, blindsiding the listener with a new set of exploratory curveballs and continuing to surprise and unnerve even the most attuned enthusiast. The record includes guest appearances by Scott Ian (Anthrax), Trey Spruance (Mr. Bungle), and Mike Leon (CKY, ex-Soulfly).
Watch IGORRR‘s previously released videos for “Daemoni,” “Headbutt,” “Blastbeat Falafel,” “ADHD,” and “Limbo”HERE.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – American heavy metal powerhouse A Sound of Thunder has officially announced its upcoming new full-length album, The Golden Hourglass, with a fan-powered crowdfunding campaign launching May 19 onBackerKit.
The band describes The Golden Hourglass as “a melodic heavy metal album to raise your spirits and empower you to keep hope alive through adversity,” blending soaring vocals, epic storytelling, and emotionally charged songwriting into what the group calls its most ambitious and personal work to date.
Written during one of the most difficult periods in the band’s history, The Golden Hourglass explores themes of resilience, perseverance, and finding hope in dark times. The album tells the story of the Izena, an advanced civilization facing world ending catastrophe, while simultaneously reflecting the band’s own struggles and rebirth.
“This album is an expression of all of our feelings throughout the past few years,” shared vocalist Nina Osegueda. “There’s a little fear, some anxiety about what’s to come, but ultimately there’s a lot of hope for the future.”
The Golden Hourglass will be the first full-length album to feature drummer Justin Finger, whose technical precision and explosive energy helped inspire what the band considers its strongest material yet. (A Sound of Thunder)
Artist Steve Stone, best known for his work on Iron Maiden’sBrave New World and Stephen King’s Dark Tower series, provides the album’s sweeping exterior and interior gatefold cover art featuring the band’s signature hourglass symbol. The album will present the cover art without title or logos to enhance its impact.
The campaign marks the band’s transition from Kickstarter toBackerKit, continuing the fully independent, fan-funded model that has sustained A Sound of Thunder for more than 15 years.
The crowdfunding campaign will feature a wide range of exclusive collector rewards, including splatter and colored vinyl editions, variant cassettes, CDs, apparel, enamel pins, embroidered patches, signed memorabilia, executive producer credits, and other limited-edition items created exclusively for supporters.
Fans can preview music from the album and pre-order now:
About A Sound of Thunder: Founded in Washington, D.C., A Sound of Thunder has built an international following through its blend of traditional heavy metal, power metal, and hard rock. Known for its independent spirit, dynamic live performances, and ambitious concept releases, the band has spent more than a decade cultivating a fiercely loyal fanbase known as the Legion of Thunder.
FORSMÁN, one of the most promising new names to emerge from Iceland’s black metal underground, today release their new song “Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt.” The track serves as the opener on the band’s debut album, Brenndar Rústir & Fuðrandi Fjörur, set for release on June 26th via Vesperian through Metal Blade Records worldwide.
“Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt” opens the album with severity and intent. Vicious, cold, and extreme, the song still reveals a strong sense of detail: intricate riffing, shifting dynamics, and a dense atmosphere give FORSMÁN’s black metal a demanding, fully formed character. Rooted in Iceland’s contemporary tradition, the band already appear less like followers than a new voice within it.
Stream “Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt” HERE. Watch the visualizer HERE.
The album’s cover artwork was created by Paolo Girardi, known for his work with Power Trip, Revocation, Sulphur Aeon, and many others.
FORSMÁN is a black metal band from Kópavogur, Iceland. After their debut EP Dönsum í logans ljóma, the members, all only in their early twenties, have been working intensively on new material. FORSMÁN (pronounced “fors-mown”) stands in the line of modern Icelandic black metal associated with Svartidauði, Sinmara, and Misþyrming, combining a dense atmosphere with focused, forward-driving songwriting.
FORSMÁN: V. – bass, vocals H. – guitar O. – guitar, vocals M. – drums
Greek modern metal force SCAR OF THE SUN are set to return to the European stage this May. Joining Japanese samurai metal pioneers WHISPERED as direct support, SCAR OF THE SUN will also share the stage with TORCHIA and CEREMONY for a relentless run of shows across Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
Known for their crushing blend of atmospheric heaviness, metalcore intensity, and djent-driven precision, SCAR OF THE SUN continue to push the boundaries of modern metal with a sound that is both cinematic and devastatingly aggressive. Formed in London in the late ‘00s and now based in Athens, Greece, the band has steadily evolved into one of Europe’s most distinctive heavy acts.
The Return of the Shogunate tour will see SCAR OF THE SUN bring their explosive live performance to audiences across ten cities, delivering material from across their acclaimed catalog.
“Return of the Shogunate” European Tour 2026:
22.05.2026 – DE – Berlin – Die Spirale 23.05.2026 – DE – Hamburg – Stellwerk 24.05.2026 – DK – Copenhagen – Stengade 25.05.2026 – DE – Oberhausen – Helvete 26.05.2026 – CH – Aarburg – Musigburg 27.05.2026 – CH – Yverdon – Les Citrons Mosque 28.05.2026 – BE – Kortrijk – Club DVG 29.05.2026 – DE – Leipzig – Hellraiser 30.05.2026 – CZ – Prague – Subzero 31.05.2026 – PL – Krakow – Club Gwarek
SCAR OF THE SUN is a Modern Metal band from Athens, Greece. Formed in London in the late ‘00s as a Modern Atmospheric Metal outfit, they progressively evolved and distilled their sound into an eclectic mix of Metalcore and Djent.
German power metal veterans MOB RULES have unveiled their brand-new single, “Above the Maelstrom,” taken from the forthcoming studio album Stories From The Verdant Vale, set for release on August 21 via ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music.
With “Above the Maelstrom,” the band presents a profound, melancholic ballad of exceptional beauty. Amid the otherwise concise and dynamic overall feel of the album, the song deliberately provides a moment of calm, creating a powerful atmospheric contrast that adds an additional emotional layer.
Their much-waited new studio offering Stories From The Verdant Valesees MOB RULES return to the narrative world introduced with their latest album Rise Of The Ruler (2025), which was widely praised and marked a major milestone in the band’s career. The material originates from songs written during the final stages of those sessions, now presented as a special standalone release.
As vocalist Klaus Dirks recently said: “During the final stages of completing the album, we discussed possible bonus material for the earbook edition with the label. We were reluctant to use demo versions or similar material. This motivated us to write a few new songs. We were well aware of what we were getting ourselves into, but we also wanted to challenge ourselves a little.”
The songs reveal a slightly more direct and compact approach compared to Rise Of The Ruler, while staying true to the band’s signature blend of melodic power metal, atmosphere and storytelling. Expanding the original concept from a different perspective, the material forms a natural extension of Rise Of The Ruler, while each track also stands strong on its own.
Originally conceived in part as exclusive material, Stories From The Verdant Vale will now receive a proper release on vinyl and digital platforms due to high demand. The record was mixed by Markus Teske, with artwork created by Stan W. Decker.
Tracklist: Side A: 1. Savage Land Reprise 2. Master Of The Black Crow 3. Masquerade Ball 4. Above The Maelstrom 5. Balance Of Power
Side B (Bonus Tracks) 6. Celebration Day (2014 Version, feat. Bernhard Weiß) 7. Insurgeria (2014 Version, feat. Udo Dirkschneider) 8. Coast To Coast (2014 Version, feat. Chity Somapala) 9. End Of All Days (2014 Version, feat. Amanda Somerville) 10. Broken
MOB RULES: Klaus Dirks – Vocals Sven Lüdke – Guitar Florian Dyszbalis – Guitar Markus Brinkmann – Bass Jan Christian Halfbrodt – Keys Sebastian Schmidt – Drums
About MOB RULES:
Formed in Northern Germany in the early 1990s, MOB RULES have established themselves as a constant force in melodic power metal. Known for their concept-driven albums, strong melodies and atmospheric depth, the band has built a loyal international following over the decades.
With ten studio albums to date, including the critically acclaimed Rise Of The Ruler, MOB RULES have continuously refined their sound while staying true to their roots. Their blend of classic heavy metal influences and modern production has secured them a lasting place within the genre.
German power metal force STORMHAMMER have released the official music video for their brand-new single“Wrath Of The Hammer”, the title track of the band’s upcoming studio offering.
With “Wrath Of The Hammer”, STORMHAMMER deliver a powerful first glimpse of their forthcoming album and once again prove why they remain one of the most consistent and exciting acts in the European power metal scene. The title track combines massive riffs, epic melodies and the band’s unmistakable energy into a modern metal anthem rooted in classic heavy metal spirit.
Phil Meyer (guitar, backing vocals) comments: “Tracks like Wrath of the Hammer perfectly represent the album’s direction, aggressive downstrokes, fast power chords and epic melodic moments coming together in a very classic yet modern Heavy Metal way.”
Drummer Ashley Guest confirms: “Wrath of the Hammer maintains the spirit of classic StormHammer while pushing the sound forward with a sharper and more aggressive edge.”
Following the acclaimed album Seven Seals,STORMHAMMER open a new chapter with Wrath Of The Hammer.The album combines traditional heavy metal roots with thrash-driven guitars, epic melodies and progressive elements while staying true to the band’s unmistakable identity.
“Wrath of the Hammer reflects all generations of Heavy Metal,”Phil Meyer says. “The old school, the melodic, the anthemic and the modern. That’s exactly who StormHammer are as a band today. We didn’t want the album to be purely melodic power metal. StormHammer has always had a more raw side, and we wanted to push that further by bringing in thrash elements, modern metal and even some ’90s punk roots without losing the band’s heavy metal identity.”
Vocalist M.Nox adds: “We went into this album with the idea that we didn’t want to play it safe. We mixed in elements of Thrash, Symphonic and Classic Metal while keeping it true to StormHammer’s Power Metal roots. With this album, you will hear StormHammer in a way you have not heard before.”
Recorded at Mastersound Studio with producer Alexander Krull, the album delivers a massive production, atmospheric arrangements and renewed creative energy throughout, showcasing a band that continues to evolve while remaining a vital force in modern power metal!
Horst Tessmann (bass, backing vocals) reveals: “Recording with Alex Krull was fantastic because we shared the same vision for how these songs should sound. He delivered a powerful and outstanding production. Wrath of the Hammer combines traditional Power Metal with Thrash Metal elements in a way that feels natural and energetic. The older I get, the faster and heavier I want the music to be.”
“This album feels honest and alive,” guitarist Christos Efstathiou states. “We challenged ourselves creatively while staying true to what StormHammer is about. There’s power, emotion and adventure in these songs.”
Track-list: 1. Beware 2. Wrath Of The Hammer 3. Ashes Of The Throne 4. Light In The Dark 5. Wheels Of Eternity 6. Guardians Of The Night 7. Veil Of Fire 8. Scars Of The Abyss 9. Shattered Dominion 10. The Dune
LEFT TO DIE has signed to Relapse Records and today announce their debut full-length, Initium Mortis, set for release on July 17th!
Death alumni Rick Rozz and Terry Butler joined forces with gore metal pioneer Matt Harvey and Gruesome drummer Gus Rios to form LEFT TO DIE. Their new album, Initium Mortis, pays homage to the brutal beginnings of Death.
Initium Mortis sees the supergroup – including original Death members Terry Butler (Obituary) and Rick Rozz (Massacre) – joining Harvey (Exhumed, Gruesome) and Gus Rios (Gruesome) to capture the morbid depths of Death‘s early catalog.
Members of LEFT TO DIE comment on the new album:
Matt Harvey: “After Gus and I performed Spiritual Healing in its entirety with Terry and James [Murphy], Rick wondered if people might want to hear something similar, but with him joining the three of us to perform Leprosy. Of course, I leapt at the chance to do it, and we quickly threw together a tour which surpassed everyone’s expectations, especially in terms of how much fun we were having playing together.”
“As we continued to tour throughout the US, Europe, Latin America, Australia, and Asia, people kept asking if we were going to record or write anything. After going back and forth on the topic, we felt that (ahem) exhuming some of these old tracks made the most sense for us, after all, we’re not gonna top Leprosy.”
“I gleefully combed through the myriad Death/Mantas demos and rehearsals looking for stuff that would make sense for a record, and we ended up going with tunes that we felt would make the most cohesive album, hence why ‘Skill To Kill’ and ‘Back From The Dead’ sadly didn’t make the cut. I look at Initium Mortis as a kind of ‘alternate-universe’ version of the Scream Bloody Gore track list, as so many of these tunes were circling around the many Death lineups and rehearsals from ’83-’87.”
“In fact, Chuck [Schuldiner] and Chris [Reifert] recorded a version of ‘Legion Of Doom’ for Scream Bloody Gore that never got completed. In revisiting these songs, it was crystal-clear to me that Rick’s fingerprints are all over the Mantas stuff and tunes like ‘Slaughterhouse,’ so with that connection, the songs where his style really shone through immediately made sense to include on Initium Mortis.”
Terry Butler: “Left To Die went from a thought to doing a full US tour in about three months! Pretty remarkable. We wanted to play the early material for the fans that couldn’t see the first albums in a live setting. There are many young fans at our shows that are hearing the foundation that Death stands on to this day live for the first time! With Matt channeling the best Chuck Schuldiner out there and Gus playing the material perfectly and respectfully, we hit the road and haven’t looked back!”
“For Initium Mortis, we wanted Death fans who never heard these demo songs to hear them with good production. Most of these early demos were recorded on a boom box, so by the time someone got their demo through tape trading it was almost inaudible!”
“We think these tracks are a good representation of the birth of Mantas/Death. This is ground zero, where it all started: three 15-year-old kids creating Death Metal history, and even within these choice cuts from the demo days you can hear the evolution of the music. ‘Archangel’ is a great way to introduce this album. It’s controlled chaos at its finest, catchy and riffy with a killer evil-sounding middle section!”
Rick Rozz: “First, I would like to thank Gus, Matt, and Terry for making LEFT TO DIE happen. It’s been an honor and pleasure working with them for the past few years and beyond. It’s really cool to be able to hear these tunes from 1984 properly! The old school Death fans are going to dig this release.”
Gus Rios: “The band started simply because Rick called me and asked if I’d be into it… Which I very promptly replied by referencing bears, shit, and woods. I then called Matt and Terry and the rest is history. Death’s Leprosy record is my favorite death metal album, let alone Death album. To be given this unbelievable opportunity to play those songs with Rick and Terry across the globe is an honor and a blessing I find hard to put in words. Matt and I are living our 14-year-old selves’ death metal fantasy!”
“And now, to make an album with the guys, is flat out surreal. I’m a pretty solid Death fan if I do say so myself, and yet these songs were all new to me. I never really gave the Mantas stuff much of a listen because I’m just not a ‘demo’ production fan. To hear these songs with clean and solid, yet classic analog style production for me is like getting new Death songs… Which rules!”
Featuring tracks like “Archangel,” “Witch Of Hell,” and “Legion Of Doom” expertly executed in the now, Initium Mortis is a must-have for Death fans and collectors alike. Ultimately, LEFT TO DIE celebrates a seminal band and the camaraderie of the genre’s most extreme corner of music.
Initium Mortis will be released on CD, LP, cassette, and digital formats. Find preorders at Relapse.com HERE.
Initium Mortis – Track Listing:
1. Legion Of Doom
2. Archangel
3. Power Of Darkness
4. Zombie
5. Witch Of Hell
6. Rise Of Satan
7. Summoned To Die
8. Mantas
9. Slaughterhouse
10. Death By Metal
See LEFT TO DIE live throughout Europe this August and Latin America in September! A full list of confirmed dates is available below. Stay tuned for more tour announcements in the weeks to come.
LEFT TO DIE w/ Livlos: 7/31/2026 Rockstadt Extreme Festival – Brasov, RO 8/02/2026 Colosseum – Kosice, SK 8/03/2026 Drizzly Grizzly – Gdansk, PL 8/04/2026 Hype Park – Krakow, PL 8/05/2026 Zescianek – Berlin, DE 8/06/2026 Alcatraz Festival – Kortrijk, BE 8/07/2026 Bastard Club – Osnabrück, DE 8/08/2026 Brutal Assault Festival – Jaromer, CZ 8/09/2026 Backstage Halle (Free & Easy) – Munich, DE 8/10/2026 Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, DE 8/11/2026 Turock – Essen, DE 8/12/2026 Bahnhof Paul – Hamburg, DE 8/13/2026 Dynamo Metalfest Pre-Party– Eindhoven, NL End Tour 9/02/2026 São Luis, BR 9/03/2026 Teresina, BR 9/04/2026 Fortaleza, BR 9/05/2026 João Pessoa, BR 9/06/2026 Recife, BR 9/09/2026 São Paulo, BR 9/11/2026 Puerto Montt, CL 9/12/2026 Santiago, CL 9/13/2026 Concepción, CL 9/15/2026 Montevideo, UY 9/17/2026 Rosário, AR 9/18/2026 Buenos Aires, AR 9/20/2026 Córdoba, AR 9/22/2026 Lima, PE 9/24/2026 Medellín, CO 9/25/2026 Pereira, CO 9/26/2026 Bogotá, CO 9/27/2026 Cali, CO 9/29/2026 San Salvador, SV 9/30/2026 Ciudad de México, MX
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions are set to release the new EP from Lansdale Pennsylvania’s L.M.I. – V is up now for pre-order and will be released June 19th on CD and Digital formats along with merch.
L.M.I. return to Horror Pain Gore Death Productions with the new EP V! Following up on 2024’s album Failed To Feel It, Lansdale, Pennsylvania’s L.M.I. unleash five new tracks showcasing the band’s uniquely intense blend of Sludge Metal, Hardcore Punk and Math Rock.
V will leave you in a daze of riffage and pummel you with it’s ripping guttural vocals, along with experimental dynamics and song structure, which makes the listener rethink what Hardcore Punk can contort and morph itself into.
For fans of Portrayal Of Guilt, early Mastodon, Neurosis, Imperial Triumphant, Drive Like Jehu, Napalm Death and Kylesa.
Take a look at this original DEMON 7” red translucent vinyl I bought many years ago! This was the debut single from DEMON, released back on August 5th, 1980, via Clay Records. (My source for the release date is from The Metal Archives website). The pressing amount for this DEMON debut vinyl single was 5,000!
“Liar” side
DEMON originated back in 1979, in Leek, Staffordshire, England. They are considered as one of the pioneering bands of NWOBHM.
From my research, the original members of DEMON, beginning in 1979, were: Dave Hill (vocals), Mal Spooner (guitars), Clive Cook (guitars), Paul Riley (bass) and John Wright (drums). Vocalist Dave Hill has been the only constant member over the decades and still present with DEMON.
Back cover sleeve“Wild Woman” side
DEMON have existed across 6 decades, with their most recent studio album, Invincible, releasing back on May 17th, 2024. A bonafide, persevering and legendary metal band! Metal be thy name! – Stone
Vancouver (BC) – Canadian Thrashers W.M.D. (When Minds Develop) will release Against All Warnings, the band’s second full-length album, June 5th, on vinyl, CD and digital formats.
A music video for the album’s first single, “Eyes of a Killer,” is available at:
Thematically, Against All Warnings concerns the constant human need for more, where nothing ever feels good enough, and people ignore every warning sign until everything starts to collapse. The album is also a reflection of W.M.D.‘s experience during the last few years: refusing to quit, getting angry at what the world really is, and trying to find their place in the middle of all of it. Every song comes from a different perspective on the chaos and pressure people are living through every day.
“The songs were built in the jam room first, so what you’re hearing is the exact pace, feel, and weight of what we created, while feeding off each other’s energy in the room. We wanted it to feel alive, raw, and honest. We’re proud of this record and stoked to finally share it with you.” – W.M.D.
Skyler Mills – Vocals/Guitars Jon Power – Bass Ryan Idris – Drums
Guest Guitar Solos: “Post Human Predator,” “The Thin Red Line, and “Painful Vengeance” performed by Casey Trask. “Against All Warnings” performed by Kai Sakaguchi.
In other W.M.D. news, the band will join countrymates Iron Kingdom on the True North Strong and Heavy Canadian Tour 2026 in June!
Produced by Skyler Mills. Co-Produced by W.M.D. Mixed & Mastered by Adair Daufembach. Pre-Production by Ryan Idris & Skyler Mills. Drums recorded by Dan Yakimow at Monarch Studios, Vancouver, BC. Assisted by Aaron Klassen. Guitars & Bass recorded by Skyler Mills & Adair Daufembach. Vocals recorded by Adair Daufembach @ Daufembach Studios, Los Angeles. CA & Colin Ryley @ Singularity Sound Studios, Vancouver, BC. Sound Design by Skyler Mills.
Artwork by Alex Malakmadze. W.M.D logo by The Pit Forge. Band Photography by Shimon Karmel. All songs written and performed by W.M.D. Independently released by W.M.D.
May 18, 2026, Gothenburg, Sweden – Monolord shares a final preview of their forthcoming album Neverending (May 29, Relapse Records) with today’s release of “It’s Neverending,” featuring guest vocalist Jörgen Sandström of Grave, formerly of Entombed.
“I did the growling on the demo, but it took me forever to record,” vocalist/guitarist Thomas Jäger explains. “It was more like to illustrate the idea. But Jörgen’s voice is so powerful, and his performance on the song is really great.”
The finished track is a deathly-doom epic. “When we got the vocals finally in place, I remember I just burst into laughter,” bassist Mika Häkki adds. “That was just my sincere reaction to how happy that end result made me. Jörgen must have opened some new portal of some kind with those screams!”
To create Neverending, Monolord decamped to Ashland, Oregon to record with legendary producer/engineer Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of a Down, and Johnny Cash). The collaboration began when Massy asked vocalist/guitarist Thomas Jäger to send everything the band had ever written.
“She asked me to send her everything we had, not just songs written for the album, but every stray riff and idea,” he says. “I even sent her stuff I’d written ten years ago. She listened to all of it and sent us a list of what she wanted to work on.”
The band rehearsed 12 songs, recorded 11, and ultimately selected eight for Neverending. The result captures a focused but expansive version of Monolord’s sound.
The band announced the new album with a video for “You Bastard,” which captured moments from their studio sessions with Massy. Revolver said the four-plus minute track is “glorious” and Consequence, who named it their “heavy song of the week,” described it as “a hefty and quite melodic piece of doom metal,” while simultaneously declaring Monolord the “Swedish titans of doom.”
They offered a second preview with the recently released song “Oozing Wound,” which MetalSucks noted is “a major change for the band, as it’s the first time they’ve tuned wayyy down for maximum heavy.”
*features vocals by Jörgen Sandström (Grave, ex-Entombed)
The band’s U.S. tour begins on June 11. Mizmor opens the Western U.S. dates, Khemmis opens on all Eastern U.S. dates with the exception of the Muddy Roots Festival. Tickets for all dates are on-sale now via Monolord.com.
Monolord U.S. tour dates:
Mizmor opens on all Western U.S. dates:
June 11 San Diego, CA Casbah
June 12 Santa Cruz, CA The Catalyst
June 13 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
Copenhagen grinders MELTIFICATION have arrived with their blistering, self-titled debut album. Reminiscent of the late 80s/early 90s era of Earache Records bands, MELTIFICATION unleash a fast and aggressive breed of grindcore with shares of hardcore punk and thrash metal.
Meltification delivers 18 rapid-fire anthems of obliteration aimed right at the throats of old-school fans of extreme metal and grindcore.
Meltification will be released by Extremely Rotten Productions on all physical formats and digital on Friday May 29th 2026.
Track-list:
1) Turmoil
2) Midian
3) Assembly Line Of Horror
4) Nuclear Death Threat
5) Leech
6) River Of Torment
7) Raw Hate Inferno
8) Hellscape
9) A.I.mageddon
10) Hellscape Part 2
11) Memento Gory
12) Wargod
13) Doomsday Horde Caravan
14) Fragments
15) Mass Hypnosis
16) Lycanthropic Brutality
17) Calculated Demise
18) Final Ritual
MELTIFICATION was formed by veteran of the Copenhagen hardcore scene, Tue Sprogø (Death Token, Asbest, Deformation). Sprogø’s passion for classic grindcore lead him to team with ex-Imperious Mortality drummer Thomas Rindom. The band gives life to an absolute bulldozer of an album, marked with fast, hectic blastbeats and crushingly heavy grooves.
In addition to writing the music, and recording all of the guitars, bass and vocals, Sprogø also illustrated the album’s artwork.
Meltification was recorded, mixed and mastered by Lasse Ballade at Ballade studios in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Check out my autographed band photo of METAL CHURCH!! From left to right: Rick Van Zandt (lead guitar), Kurdt Vanderhoof (rhythm guitar), Mike Howe (vocals), Jeff Plate (drums) and Steve Unger (bass). They signed my photo after the show! The only autograph missing is Jeff Plate, due to him being with some friends chatting.
I went to see METAL CHURCH back on September 16, 2016, at Oddbody’s Music Lounge, In Dayton, Ohio. Was an incredible night! An all-time Metal memory I cherish!!
It was the second time I saw METAL CHURCH play live. The first time I saw them was back in 1985, when they opened for METALLICA at the West Hartford Ballroom, in West Hartford, Connecticut! (The late) David Wayne was the lead singer for METAL CHURCH back in 1985.
On this night (the late) Mike Howe was the lead singer and he lit up the stage! I was chest against the front stage, living my best Metal life, that night, back in 2016! See the photo below of Mike Howe and myself, taken after the show.
Stone and (the late) Mike Howe.
METAL CHURCH on that night were so gracious and humble, signing their band photo for free, while chatting away and accepting photo requests by many jubilant fans! I couldn’t thank them enough, then and now. – Stone
L-R – Andres Martinez Torres (Drakar) – Voices, Lead Guitar, Bass – Michel Amyot – Rhythm Guitar / Photo Credit – Patrick Auger
Eternal Drak, the long‑running extreme metal force originally from Latin America and now based in Quebec City, Canada, known for its evolving blend of black, thrash, and death metal, announces the arrival of its sixth full‑length album, The Violence of Time, a work that reframes time itself as the enemy of human meaning and will be released on July 17th, 2026, on Canadian label FirstWave. Alongside the announcement, the band unveils the album’s first single, “We Force It To Speak.”
Born, as the band puts it, “in the middle of a drunk among friends,” Eternal Drak has spent years forging a sound defined by varied rhythm and catchy aggression, shaped by decades within the metal underground. With this new album, the band reaches its most cohesive and intense expression to date.
The Violence of Time is not a concept album in the traditional sense; it is a philosophical assault. Lyrically and musically, the record presents time as a hostile, eroding force that distorts memory, identity, and causality. The songs function as “violent theses,” each dismantling a human assumption about how time works.
The band explains:
“Time does not accompany human beings; it subdues them. It does not flow; it imposes. It does not advance; it erodes.”
Every track reflects fragments of a larger narrative inspired by a short story written for the album, an exploration of how attempts to understand time only warp it further.
Track Listing:
1. We Force It To Speak – 5:15 2. The Unborn Paths Rot – 3:51 3. Me Hice Simultaneo – 3:30 4. The Blasphemy of Time – 3:35 5. Chaos Is the Law – 3:34 6. Where Cause Is Buried – 3:55 7. Across the Watching Veils – 3:53 8. Breathing Once Again – 3:45 9. The Cosmos Rejects You – 4:09 10. No Direction Total War – 2:57 Album Length: 38:24
Serving as the album’s opening strike, “We Force It To Speak” captures the essence of Eternal Drak’s new era. Rooted in black metal yet enriched with acoustic textures and dense atmospheric layering, the track establishes the album’s emotional and conceptual tone.
Lyrically, it confronts the human obsession with explanation, how the act of observing or defining reality alters it beyond recognition. The band describes it as a reflection on “how the more we search for answers, the more certainty slips away.”
Eternal Drak’s evolution has been shaped by decades of experimentation, from analog distortion and classic pedals to modern digital textures. With The Violence of Time, the band believes it has finally crystallized its definitive sound: aggressive, cohesive, and uncompromising.
Listen to “We Force It To Speak” at the following links:
Influences such as Dimmu Borgir, Watain, Kreator, Motörhead, and Desaster echo throughout the record, yet the album stands firmly in its own identity, extreme metal sharpened by introspection and conceptual depth.
Album Band Line Up: Andres Martinez Torres (Drakar) – Voices, Lead Guitar, Bass Michel Amyot – Rhythm Guitar
One year after the release of the HERTA debut album Crossing The Illusion, we proudly present The Illusion Alive.
“The Illusion Alive” is the band’s first ever self-produced headline show in their hometown, Athens, Greece, on December 21, 2025 with special appearances by Sakis Tolis (Rotting Christ), Fotis Benardo (Septicflesh, Nightrage) and George Prokopiou (Poem, Mother of Millions).
“A huge thank you to everyone who supported this show, all the bands and musicians involved, and every single person we had the pleasure of working with throughout this journey.”
Shape this world to be saved.
HERTA’s sound is characterized by groove- and rhythm-driven compositions that continually offer surprises and fresh impressions. Despite the complexity and technical prowess of their music, the songs remain accessible and catchy. The band’s keen sense of atmosphere and melody shines through, creating eventful tracks that captivate listeners from start to finish.
01. Tribal (live) 02. Eyes of Sorrow (live) 03. The Snake Devours the Wolf (live) 04. The Labyrinth feat. Fotis Benardo (live) 05. Beyond the Dead (live) 06. Monolith feat. Sakis Tolis (live) 07. My Demise (live) 08. River to the Abyss feat. George Prokopiou (live) 09. The Path (live) 10. Incarnation (live) 11. Control (live)
French heavy metal force Seven Metal Sins return with “Eternal Downfall”, the new single taken from the band’s forthcoming debut album Legacy Of Chaos, set for release in June 2026.
Following the release of “Hypocrisy” and the recent unveiling of “Wolves Of The Last Dawn”, the new track further consolidates the band’s uncompromising approach to heavy and power metal, combining razor-sharp riffing, commanding vocals, and an atmosphere fueled by tension, urgency, and raw intensity.
Formed in 2024 by former Manigance rhythm section Stéphane Lacoude and Patrick Soria, Seven Metal Sins was born from the desire to return to a more direct, personal, and aggressive vision of metal songwriting. The lineup was later completed by guitarist Antton Iriart, vocalist Claw-G. and guitarist Fred Auclerc, forging a sound rooted in classic heavy metal, power metal, and old-school speed metal traditions while embracing a sharper contemporary edge.
Lyrically, “Eternal Downfall” perfectly reflects the dystopian and socially conscious vision at the core of Legacy Of Chaos. Inspired by environmental collapse, authoritarianism, greed, and humanity’s destructive trajectory, the band channels its frustration and rage into a heavy metal framework enriched by dark futuristic imagery and apocalyptic undertones.
The band describes its sound as “powerful – strong – heavy – sharp – huge”, delivering “pure, hard-hitting metal in the vein of cult bands that have marked different eras”.
Track Listing: 1. The Fall (Intro) – 0:57 2. Scars of Injustice – 4:35 3. No Sanctuary – 4:22 4. Hypocrisy – 4:07 5. Eternal Downfall – 4:57 6. Feel the Steel – 4:20 7. Wolves of the Last Dawn – 4:36 8. Beyond the Breaking Point – 4:01 9. Sun Eaters – 5:00 10. Rise of the Phoenix – 3:55 11. King of Sorrow – 6:25
Produced by Seven Metal Sins, Legacy Of Chaos was mixed by Jérémie Garat at Reseda Prod and mastered by Simon Capony at Basalte Studio, while the album artwork and layout were created by Marco Orlando.
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