Metal Church has released a couple of new songs from their upcoming studio album Dead to Rights. Let me just say that these songs are unbelievable thrash ecstasy! Metal Church is back with a vengeance! The songs are: “F.a.F.O,” and “Brainwash Game.”
Artillery returns! Their new single “Ghost In The Machine” is pure Thrash Metal glory, from start to finish! I have this song in my brain and it serves me right!
BATTLEGRAVE have released their new blistering single “BONESAW” and it’s an extreme metal gift from these metal warriors.
“Broken and Blind” is a rather short yet killer song from the legendary Black Label Society. I love this song for its swift kick to my cranium. This song is on their forthcoming studio albumEngines of Demolition, out on March 27th through MNRK Heavy / Spinefarm.
Thank you for checking these highly recommended metal song choices out! Stay safe out there and Metal be thy name. -Stone
Pittsburgh-based three-piece wrecking ball STALEMATE OF WILLS is set to drop their debut full-length album, Existence Denied.
Following a string of singles, STALEMATE OF WILLS is ready to unleash an 8-track rager that embodies the American rust belt blight that surrounds them. True to the band’s mantra of “heavy riffs for a withering world,” Existence Denied is an amalgamation of doom metal, hardcore, New Orleans-style sludge metal, with flourishes of traditional 90s death metal.
Listeners can expect down-tuned, groove inflicted “meat and potatoes” riffing and drumming, that easily pivots into creepier and mellower territory. Lyrically, STALEMATE OF WILLS concentrates on the endless frustrations created by the hopelessness experienced throughout life, and the inability to change it but still survive.
Check out the album’s first single, “Two Worlds” at this location.
FFTC Records will release Existence Denied on April 26.
Track-list: 1) Visibility 2) Maximum Amounts of Woe 3) Existence Denied 4) Two Worlds 5) Let It Be Known 6) High Above 7) Unusual Character Profile 8) Light the Way
Stream more from STALEMATE OF WILLS on Bandcamp and Spotify.
Bio:
STALEMATE OF WILLS was formed in 2023 by guitarist/ vocalist Derek Kovacs as a one man studio project releasing the singles “Corrode” followed then by “Subside”, but it soon became clear that Stalemate of Wills needed to become a full band.
Not long after, scene veterans Jake Morris (Bass) and Bob McSherry (drums) were quickly recruited to fill the voids. STALEMATE OF WILLS embraces an ethos of self-reliance, releasing and recording their own music and began working on an 8-song full length entitled Existence Denied, to be released in Spring of 2026 on FFTC Records, an independent label run by Kovacs.
STALEMATE OF WILLS: Derek Kovcas – guitar / vocals Jake Morris – bass Bob McSherry – drums
The song is also available on the usual streaming platforms, including Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Four LPs deep and a slew of EPs behind them, COGNIZANCE show no signs of restraining the pace of unrelenting inventive riffs and razor-sharp grooves. In Light, No Shape is a masterful Progressive Death Metal opus, rich in texture and atmospheric detail, delivering everything long-time listeners crave while channeling the mid-90s technical extremity of Death, Extol, and Meshuggah. This time, the band deliberately fractures the conventions of modern extreme production, opting instead for a more organic and visceral mix that sharpens the defining traits of their work.
In Light, No Shape marks the first lineup shift in a decade, as the band sharpen from a quintet to a quartet with founding guitarist Alex Baillie stepping forward as vocalist while retaining guitar duties, following the 2023 departure of founding vocalist Henry “Big Mac” Pryce.
Band Photo Credit: Nadine Geuter
Line-up:
Alex Baillie – Guitar/Vocals Apostolis Karydis – Guitar Chris Binns – Bass David Diepold – Drums
“This record is a defining milestone for us. Taking on vocals has pushed us to re-engineer how we experiment with the blend of elements in our sound, unlocking new creative pathways to compliment the core identity of the band. What you will hear are four dudes all adding their flavours to the melting pot to create a body of work that felt completely natural to us.”
Mix and Master by Ronnie Björnström (AEON, BLOOD RED THRONE). Artwork by Jef Whitehead (NAILS, LEVIATHAN). Produced by Alex Baillie and Apostolis Karydis. Photography by Nadine Geuter.
NEW SINGLE/VIDEO, “FATAL PATH,” STREAMING NOW! + ON TOUR THIS SPRING W/BLEED FROM WITHIN & SYLOSIS
Texas’ incendiary crossover thrash metal band LIFE CYCLES is back with a new EP, No One Escapes Death, due out March 27th via 1126 Records. Following a string of relentless singles and EP’s and countless ferocious live shows over the last decade, the five-piece continues their warpath, showing no mercy on their latest release, comprised of 6 face-melting tracks that feature the band’s signature concoction of brutal thrash, hardcore and death metal.
Commenting on the record, drummer Xavier Rios says:
“This record is an expansion of our crossover sound with a focus on groove and detail in the riffs. We really wanted to display the journey we’ve been on as a band the last couple of years through this project. The energy is on 10 and we have a little bit of new flavor this time around.”
In late 2025, LIFE CYCLES gave fans a preview of the new EP with the massively heavy single, “The End Still Waits.” Today, the band ups the ante with another sonic assault, “Fatal Path,” accompanied by the music video below.
Vocalist Luis Lopez Jr discusses the track’s lyrics:
“‘Fatal Path’ is about the evil persuasive ways of lust. Letting it drag you to dark places, it tricks you into believing it’s more than just pleasure, ultimately pulling back the curtain and showing that it was all an illusion.“
1. Hell Beneath (ft. Josh Middleton of Sylosis) 2. Fatal Path 3. No Man’s Land 4. Mouth Of Doubt 5. Soul In Chains (ft. Matt Heafy of Trivium) 6. The End Still Awaits
LIFE CYCLES will join BLEED FROM WITHIN, SYLOSIS and GREAT AMERICAN GHOST on tour this spring, in support of the new EP, No One Escapes Death. Tickets are available now at: https://www.bleedfromwithin.com/tour-dates/.
LIFE CYCLES Tour Dates w/BLEED FROM WITHIN & SYLOSIS:
April 2 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium April 3 – Montreal, QC – Theatre Beanfield (SOLD OUT) April 4 – Toronto, ON – Opera House April 6 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of the Living Arts April 7 – Lakewood, OH – The Roxy April 8 – Millville, PA – Mr Smalls April 10 – Detroit, MI – St Andrew’s Hall April 11 – Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation April 12 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues April 14 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theatre April 15 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre April 17 – Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre April 19 – Boise, ID – Shrine Social Club April 20 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile April 21 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre April 22 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post April 24 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theatre April 25 – Pomona, CA – The Glass House April 26 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom April 28 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live April 29 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater May 1 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum May 2 – Atlanta GA – The Masquerade (Hell) May 3 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819 May 5 – Richmond, VA – Canal Club May 6 – Baltimore, MD – Nevermore Hall May 7 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre
About LIFE CYCLES: San Antonio thrash prodigies Life Cycles are doubling down on their classic Texas sound with 2026’s No One Escapes Death.
The crew’s take on classic Texas thrash is excellent, pairing mean riffs with technical precision while never losing sight of the infectious groove that dominates the sound.
“We write music that we genuinely like,” said vocalist Luis Lopez. “That we would listen to, instead of trying to be like something else. This group doesn’t operate in a box—we write the music that we like to hear.”
The record perfectly captures the energy of the group’s live shows.
“It’s a party when we play,” explained drummer Xavier Rios. “I always tell people that don’t like metal ‘come to these shows’ because you’re going to have a good time.”
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE on tour with MACHINE HEAD, IRON REAGAN and HAVOK:
June 03 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit June 05 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore Minneapolis June 07 – South Bend, IN @ Four Winds Field June 09 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz June 11 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount June 12 – Boston, MA @ Roadrunner June 13 – Bethlehem, PA @ Wind Creek Event Center June 16 – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live June 17 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle June 19 – Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom June 20 – Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center June 21 – San Antonio, TX @ Boeing Center at Tech Port June 23 – Albuquerque, NM @ Revel Entertainment Center June 24 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee June 25 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium June 27 – San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE are: Jesse Leach (vocals), Adam Dutkiewicz (guitar), Joel Stroetzel (guitar), Mike D’Antonio (bass) and Justin Foley (drums).
Norway’s sludge-fueled heavy groove titans SLOMOSA will bring their riffs to North American stages later this month! The Breaking Ice Tour 2026 will commence on March 26th at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City and close on May 1st at The Grog Shop in Cleveland. Support will be provided by The Mainliners. The journey marks the band’s first ever US/Canadian headlining tour.
Tickets are on sale now at slomosamusic.com/#tour with many shows already sold out! See all confirmed dates below.
SLOMOSA w/ The Mainliners:
3/26/2026 The Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY * Sold Out * 3/27/2026 Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA * Sold Out * 3/28/2026 Union Stage – Washington, DC 3/29/2026 Richmond Music Hall – Richmond, VA 3/31/2026 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC 4/01/2026 Eulogy – Asheville, NC 4/02/2026 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA 4/03/2026 The Blue Room – Nashville, TN * Sold Out * 4/06/2026 Club Dada – Dallas, TX 4/07/2026 Brushy Street Commons – Austin, TX 4/09/2026 The Rebel Lounge – Phoenix, AZ * Sold Out * 4/10/2026 El Rey – Los Angeles, CA * Sold Out * 4/11/2026 Bottom Of The Hill – San Francisco, CA * Sold Out * 4/12/2026 Harlow’s – Sacramento, CA 4/14/2026 Mission Theater – Portland, OR * Sold Out * 4/15/2026 Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA * Sold Out * 4/17/2026 Neurolux – Boise, ID 4/18/2026 Kilby Court – Salt Lake City, UT * Sold Out * 4/20/2026 The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO 4/21/2026 Marquis – Denver, CO * Sold Out * 4/23/2026 The Record Bar – Kansas City, MO 4/24/2026 7th St. Entry – Minneapolis, MN * Sold Out * 4/25/2026 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL * Sold Out * 4/26/2026 El Club – Detroit, MI 4/28/2026 The Garrison – Toronto, ON * Sold Out * 4/29/2026 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA 4/30/2026 A&R Music Bar – Columbus, OH 5/01/2026 The Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH
Carved from a foundation of groove-rich heft, melodic bite, and frostbitten desert attitude, SLOMOSA’s sound channels the legendary Palm Desert scene mixed with the raw intensity of Nordic rock.
Since dropping their self-titled 2020 debut, the band has bulldozed through 350+ shows in 20+ countries, sharing stages with High On Fire, Mastodon, Alkaline Trio, Helmet, Elder and more, earning a reputation as one of the most commanding live acts in heavy music.
In April of 2025, SLOMOSA won the Spellemann Award (“Norwegian Grammys”) for Rock Album Of The Year with their critically acclaimed sophomore release, Tundra Rock (September, 2024). The album vaulted them into the global spotlight, solidifying their place as the new vanguard of Nordic heaviness. Last Summer, the band dropped a blistering 14-track live concert film, captured at the iconic USF Verftet in their hometown of Bergen, a high-decibel testament to their atmospheric, distortion-soaked live presence.
Their rise has earned the attention of bona fide rock royalty: Adam Jones (Tool) has publicly championed the band. At the same time, Brant Bjork and Nick Oliveri of Kyuss fame have both declared themselves fans of SLOMOSA’s crushing sonic force.
SLOMOSA: Ben Berdous – vocals, guitar Marie Moe – vocals, bass Tor Erik Bye – guitar Jard Hole – drum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Twisted Sister members Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda are thrilled to announce that iconic vocalist and front man Sebastian Bach will be fronting the band for a handful of select dates this fall. These appearances do not affect or conflict with Sebastian’s current or future solo touring schedule, which remains fully intact.
March 3, 2026 – Held., the trio featuring Douglas Robinson and Sal Mignano of The Sleeping, alongside Coheed And Cambria’s Josh Eppard, have released “CONSTANT TENSION” (https://held.ffm.to/constanttension), the second preview from their forthcoming debut album, GREY (May 15, MNRK Heavy).
The five-minute track arrives on the heels of the band’s debut single, “NEW YOU ANTHEM FT. FRANK IERO,” which Revolver praised for its “lightning-strike guitar… and thunderous drums,” Alternative Press dubbed as “rousing,” and idobi called a “dazzling post-hardcore tune.”
Where Held.’s introduction leaned into catharsis through connection, “CONSTANT TENSION” presents a more unsettled dynamic. Directed by Adam Thomson, the accompanying video builds on the story arc introduced with “NEW YOU ANTHEM,” providing a sci-fi-esque visual companion to the themes behind GREY.
“CONSTANT TENSION’ stems from an everlasting battle within myself to embrace who I am via internal reflection,” Robinson explains. “It’s all of my strengths fighting against all of my weaknesses. There is a ‘constant tension,’ a violent push and pull within my mind every single day. I let myself down so much, to the point where I often feel like I have to somewhat abandon myself and step outside to try and see the bigger picture, but the hurt inside of me pulls me back into my own thoughts. I go completely blank to try and focus, which oddly enough resorts to more tension, and more clouded thoughts. It feels like an endless cycle. The lyrics to ‘CONSTANT TENSION’ mirror all of this.”
The band has also announced an intimate GREY listening party this Thursday, March 5, at Selva in Brooklyn. Held. will be on hand from 7 to 10 p.m. and no RSVP is required.
On GREY, Held. channel decades of collective experience into a debut that reflects both creative evolution and personal reckoning. “The album as a whole truly feels like it’s everything I have ever wanted to write in my time growing as a musician,” Robinson says. “This record has, in many ways, healed me…. or, it’s at least trying to.”
Produced and mixed by Jon Markson (Drug Church, Drain, The Story So Far), GREY was recorded at the Animal Farm in Flemington, N.J.
Album pre-orders, including multiple limited-edition vinyl variants, are available now: https://held.ffm.to/grey.
Held. is Douglas Robinson (vocals/guitar), Sal Mignano (bass) and Josh Eppard (drums)
North America, we’re coming for you, too! We will headline a North American tour of epic proportions, beginningAugust 28 in Orlando, FL and hitting a month of dates before ending in Silver Spring, MD on September 27.
Each night will feature very special guests Visions of Atlantis as direct support, with Frozen Crown opening each show.
My first taste of the invincible OVERKILL was their second studio album Taking Over. Released back in 1987, this masterpiece of thrash metal has stood the test of Metal time, for me. Taking Over should be filed under mandatory old-school Metal, if one is to create such a list.
I purchased this album first on vinyl at a regional record store chain called Strawberries Records & Tapes, while living in Connecticut. This retail chain no longer exists, closing its doors in 2006. Years later I bought Taking Over on CD. I never owned this gem on cassette.
My favorite song on Taking Over is the powerful thrash hym: In Union We Stand. To this very day, this song galvanizes my Metal soul and creates positive chills through my body. Electro-Violence encapsulates everything that a thrash song should be; speed, aggression, explosive and short guitar solos with a blistering rhythm section that induces moshing and head-banging madness.
Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth is still my favorite thrash vocalist of all-time. I always felt that his vocals are so unique that no other vocalist remotely sounds like him. This OVERKILL lineup, with Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth were truly pioneering and legendary, with drummer Rat Skates, bassist D. D. Verni and guitarist Bobby Gustafson.
• Taking Over is the last OVERKILL studio album that drummer Rat Skates would perform on.
Participating retailers to donate 1% of March 8 sales to support mentorship, scholarships, and education in the vinyl industry
March 2, 2026 — This International Women’s Day (March 8), record stores across the country are coming together in support of Women in Vinyl through a one-day national fundraising initiative aimed at creating more access and opportunity within the vinyl and recorded music industries.
On Saturday, participating retailers will donate one percent of their in-store and online sales to Women in Vinyl, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and underrepresented communities working across vinyl production and the broader music ecosystem.
The Women in Vinyl 1% Drive is designed as a nationwide, virtual record store “block party,” giving independent retailers a simple way to make a tangible impact with funds raised directly supporting mentorship programs, scholarships, and educational initiatives that help create pathways into careers across the vinyl supply chain.
“Every opportunity starts with someone opening a door,” said Women in Vinyl founder Jenn D’Eugenio. “The Women in Vinyl 1% Drive helps us open more of those doors, creating clear pathways into the vinyl industry through community, education, mentorship, and support for people who may not otherwise see a place for themselves.”
Participating stores include Bull Moose, Vinyl Street Co., Musicology Co., Queen B Vinyl Café, Indie Earth, Streetlight Records (San Jose and Santa Cruz), Monster Music & Movies, and The Record Exchange, among others.
Throughout the day, stores will be celebrating in their own ways, from spotlighting women artists, running themed promotions, to sharing posts across social media in support of Women in Vinyl’s mission.
Women in Vinyl is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to support women and gender-expansive individuals in the vinyl record industry through mentorship, education, and advocacy.
We’re excited to announce our Legacy of Fire tour, celebrating 30 years of Kittie with special guests Kingdom Of Giants and Gore. The Band! Tickets on sale Friday, March 6th, at 10am local.
6/06 – St Louis, MO @ The Pageant 6/08 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre 6/09 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot 6/12 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues 6/13 – Phoenix, AZ @ Nile Theater 6/15 – San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theatre 6/16 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues 6/18 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl 6/19 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade 6/20 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore 6/21 – Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage 6/23 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza 6/24 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium 6/26 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall 6/27 – Montreal, QC @ Théâtre Beanfield
Yes, on March 1st, 2009, Metal Odyssey was launched. 17 years later, we’re still here! I want to thank EACH and EVERY human being that has subscribed and/or visited Metal Odyssey over these years! Without you, there’s no reason for this blog.
I also want to thank ALL the PR agencies, contributors, musicians and bands for your press releases, written articles, music and input. I live for Metal. Metal is a driving force in my life. Metal Odyssey will continue to spread the Metal word on underground and mainstream Metal for hopefully many more years to come. Metal be thy name – Stone.
Finnish power metal pioneers SONATA ARCTICA have unleashed a brand-new single titled “Freedom Concept.” The track arrives as a powerful statement in the band’s 30th anniversary year, followed by an extensive touring schedule, and delivers the melodic intensity and energy fans have come to expect.
“Freedom Concept” captures the signature blend of soaring melodies, driving rhythms and emotional depth that has defined SONATA ARCTICA for three decades. At the same time, the song explores a thoughtful and timely subject: the complex idea of freedom and the responsibility that comes with it.
Frontman Tony Kakko comments: ”Freedom Concept”, a song about understanding and misunderstanding the concept of freedom, often forgetting it comes paired with responsibility, and how what ever values and thoughts you may have are not automatically transferred to your offspring and how in most cases that’s an effin great thing…(breath in) has been sitting on my desk for a while and we figured this kind of melodic power metal blast we’re known of would be a good way to celebrate the 30th anniversary ”tourette” we’ve started at the end of January 2026 WHILST also working on our next studio album. This song’s NOT gonna be on it. So…extra special snack in between meals. Enjoy!”
SONATA ARCTICA: Tony Kakko (vocals) Elias Viljanen (guitars) Tommy Portimo (drums) Henrik “Henkka” Klingenberg (keyboards) Pasi Kauppinen (bass)
SONATA ARCTICA 30th Anniversary Tour: 28.02.2026 (FI) – Kemi – Kemi Areena 09.04.2026 (SE) – Johanneshov – Slaktkyrkan 10.04.2026 (SE) – Göteborg – Pustervik 11.04.2026 (DK) – Roskilde – Gimle – Epic Fest 23.04.2026 (IT) – Ciampino – Orion Live Club 24.04.2026 (IT) – Trezzo Sull’adda – Trezzo Sull’adda 12.06.2026 (FI) – Hyvinkää – Hyvinkään Vilatehdas – Hyvinkää Rock 13.06.2026 (FI) – Vaasa – Moottorikatu Vasikiluoto – Lisää Löylyä Festival 18.06.2026 (BE) – Dessel – Graspop Metal Meeting 19.06.2026 (HU) – Székesfehérvár – FEZEN Fesztivál 25.06.2026 (SK) – Snina – Rock Pod Kamenom 03.07.2026 (FI) – Oulu – Rokki Raikaa 09.07.2026 (DE) – Balingen – RV Bang Open Air Festival 10.07.2026 (FI) – Turku – Vauhti Kiihtyy! – Festivaali 24.07.2026 (FI) – Tampere – Rokki Raikaa 07.08.2026 (FI) – Vantaa – Vauhti Kiihtyy! – Festivaali, Vantaa 13.08.2026 (CZ) – Moravsky Krumlov – Rock Castle Open Air 14.08.2026 (FI) – Lahti – Vauhti Kiihtyy! – Festivaali, Lahti 28.08.2026 (FI) – Jyväskylä – Vauhti Kiihtyy! – Festivaali, Jyväskylä 29.08.2026 (FI) – Valkeakoski – Waltikan Venetsialaiset 09.09.2026 (MX) – Chihuahua – Pistoleros House Of Show 10.09.2026 (MX) – Torreón – Centro de Convenciones de Torreón 11.09.2026 (MX) – Monterrey – Cafe Iguana 12.09.2026 (MX) – Ciudad Obregón – Centro Magno 14.09.2026 (MX) – Ciudad de México – FORO TEAMBRO 16.09.2026 (MX) – Santiago de Querétaro – Foro Arpa 17.09.2026 (MX) – León – Teatro Manuel Doblado 18.09.2026 (MX) – Guadalajara – C3 Stage 20.09.2026 (CR) – Zapote – Pepper Disco Club 22.09.2026 (CO) – Bogotá – Ace Of Spades – Club 23.09.2026 (EC) – Quito – Teatro San Gabriel 24.09.2026 (EC) – Guayaquil – Auditorio Simón Bolivar – MAAC Cine 25.09.2026 (PE) – Lima – Centro de Convenciones Teatro Leguia 27.09.2026 (CL) – Santiago – Teatro Coliseo 29.09.2026 (AR) – Buenos Aires – El Teatro Flores 30.09.2026 (UY) – Montevideo – Live Era 02.10.2026 (BR) – Limeira – Studio Mirage Eventos 03.10.2026 (BR) – São Paulo – Audio 26.10.2026 (UK) – London – O2 Forum Kentish Town – w/ Beast In Black 27.10.2026 (BE) – Bruxelles – Ancienne Belgique – w/ Beast In Black 28.10.2026 (NE) – Tilburg – Poppodium 013 – w/ Beast In Black 29.10.2026 (DE) – Leipzig – Haus Auensee – w/ Beast In Black 31.10.2026 (AT) – Wien – Gasometer – w/ Beast In Black 01.11.2026 (HU) – Budapest – Barba Negra – w/ Beast In Black 02.11.2026 (CZ) – Zlín – NOVESTA SPORT, Ltd., Sports Hall Euronics – w/ Beast In Black 03.11.2026 (PL) – Gliwice – Prezero Arena Gliwice – w/ Beast In Black 05.11.2026 (DE) – Berlin – Columbiahalle – w/ Beast In Black 06.11.2026 (DE) – Hannover – Swiss Life Hall – w/ Beast In Black 07.11.2026 (DE) – Ludwigsburg – MHP Arena – w/ Beast In Black 08.11.2026 (DE) – Offenbach – Stadthalle Offenbach – w/ Beast In Black 09.11.2026 (FR) – Paris – L’Olympia – w/ Beast In Black 11.11.2026 (ES) – Barcelona – Razzmatazz 1 – w/ Beast In Black 12.11.2026 (ES) – Madrid – Sala Riviera – w/ Beast In Black 13.11.2026 (ES) – Bilbao – Sala Santana 27 – w/ Beast In Black 14.11.2026 (FR) – Ramonville-St-Agne – Le Bikini – w/ Beast In Black 15.11.2026 (FR) – Villeurbanne – Transbordeur – w/ Beast In Black 17.11.2026 (CH) – Zürich – Komplex AG – w/ Beast In Black 18.11.2026 (IT) – Milan – Alcatraz – w/ Beast In Black 20.11.2026 (DE) – München – Zenith – w/ Beast In Black 21.11.2026 (LU) – Esch-sur-Alzette – Rockhal – w/ Beast In Black 22.11.2026 (DE) – Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle – w/ Beast In Black 23.11.2026 (DE) – Hamburg – Inselparkhalle – w/ Beast In Black 24.11.2026 (SE) – Göteborg – Eriksbergshallen – w/ Beast In Black 25.11.2026 (SE) – Stockholm – Fryshuset – w/ Beast In Black
North Carolina’s BLACKWATER DROWNING is pleased to present their video for “Devour.” The track comes off the band’s latest full-length, Obscure Sorrows, out today on Bleeding Art Collective and Blood Blast Distribution (Nuclear Blast Records/Believe).
Comments vocalist Morgan Riley, “I wrote the lyrics for ‘Devour’ in the midst of a breakdown of a long-term friendship. I realized this person had been taking advantage of my kindness and generosity for a long time, and when I started calling them out on certain behaviors as a friend, they got increasingly more adversarial. I realized they’d never take accountability for anything they did, instead preferring to immerse themselves in yes-men and substances. ‘Devour’ is about that feeling of realizing this person was never the friend I thought they were.”
Watch BLACKWATER DROWNING’s previously released video for “Eye Of The Storm” HERE and “The Sixth Omen” HERE.
Order Obscure Sorrows HERE. Find new merch items HERE.
BLACKWATER DROWNING recently wrapped up a short run of dates with Butcher Babies. The band will play alongside Filth in March and Infected Rain in May with more performances to be announced in the weeks to come. See all confirmed shows below.
BLACKWATER DROWNING Live w/ Filth:
3/06/2026 The Shop Live – Dunbar, WV
3/07/2026 Lurking Class Skate Shop – Salisbury, MD
3/08/2026 The Canal Club – Richmond VA
3/09/2026 Zen West – Baltimore, MD
3/10/2026 Reggie’s 42nd Street – Wilmington, NC
3/11/2026 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC
w/ Infected Rain:
5/13/2026 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC
5/14/2026 Scandals Live – Virginia Beach, VA
5/15/2026 Zen West – Baltimore, MD
BLACKWATER DROWNING is a five-piece US melodic death metal/metalcore band from North Carolina. Forged by singer Morgan Riley and guitarist Jeremy Bennett, the band is completed by guitarist Ron Dalton Jr, bassist Aria Novi, and drummer Aamon Dalton. Since the band’s inception, BLACKWATER DROWNING has recorded two EPs and a debut album (Sonder//Satori) and has supported iconic acts such as Soulfly, Jinjer, Crypta, and many others.
The band now unleashes Obscure Sorrows. Mixed and mastered by Cryptopsy guitarist Christian Donaldson (Shadow Of Intent, Suffocation, Ingested), the album features guest solos by Greg Burgess of Allegaeon and Japanese guitar virtuoso Yo Onityan as well as stunning album art by Giannis Nakos (Emperor, The Agonist, Aborted).
BLACKWATER DROWNING: Jeremy Bennett – guitar Morgan Riley – vocals Aamon Dalton – drums Aria Novi – bass Ron Dalton Jr. – guitar
ØVI unveil “Absolve,” the closing track from their new EP Hedera Helix, available today on all streaming platforms. Serving as the final statement of the four-track release, “Absolve” channels confrontation into clarity, presenting metal as a force of transformation rather than collapse.
Named after the ivy plant Hedera helix, a species known for relentless expansion and endurance, the EP reflects themes of growth through pressure and renewal through destruction. Across the record, ØVI examines toxic relationships, parasitic dynamics, and the reclamation of personal will. The music moves with intention, tracing the moment when survival becomes self-definition.
“Absolve” stands as the EP’s culmination. Anger becomes a refining element, burning away stagnation and sharpening purpose. The track mirrors ivy’s persistence. Structures that no longer sustain life are dismantled so growth can take hold. The recurring refrain, “Absolve, Rectify, Solidify,” functions as ritual language, a mantra aimed at severing attachment to decay and reinforcing forward motion.
The song closes Hedera Helix with momentum and resolve. Rather than yielding to exhaustion, ØVI push toward transcendence, choosing action, renewal, and evolution. The record ends in motion, advancing with deliberate force and unbroken focus.
Hedera Helix is out now.
OVI:
Michael Nolasco – Vocals/Guitar
Zed Amarin – Drums
Kevin McCombs – Bass
Brendan Collins – Guitar
About ØVI:
Influenced by NEOBLIVISCARIS, GOJIRA, DIMMU BORGIR, and NINE INCH NAILS, ØVI builds a sound that blends cinematic heaviness with electronic elements, evolving harmonic layers, and dynamic rhythmic structures. The result is an immersive, modern metal experience that balances aggression with emotion, density with clarity.
At its core, ØVI approaches metal as a narrative medium, using sound to explore power, guilt, and identity. Hedera Helix stands as both confrontation and metamorphosis, music that refuses to fade quietly, instead clawing toward self-definition and growth.
Experience the electrifying documentary charting the band’s rise from small pubs to the world’s largest stadiums in IRON MAIDEN: BURNING AMBITION!
Exclusively in theaters May 7th for a limited time only. Tickets on sale March 18th. Sign up for more info at: http://www.ironmaidenfilm.com
With unprecedented access to official band archives, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition charts five decades of one of the most iconic journeys in music history.
Featuring interviews with the band and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, this electrifying film offers an intimate look at their uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their global army of fans.
Inspired by classic Japanese monster films and Lovecraftian mythology, DISSENTIENCE are left to fend for themselves and escape a destructive, nameless beast in their latest release Kaiju. Based out of Bethlehem, PA, the progressive death-thrash unit unleash a devastatingly brutal onslaught accompanied with their humorous take on a B-movie video style, available HERE.
“While we take the music side of DISSENTIENCE very seriously, the Kaiju video was a great excuse to have some fun with the whole concept.” The band shares. “The last thing the world needs is another ‘band in a warehouse’ or ‘live on stage’ music video, so we wanted to do things a little differently. Keeping the monster off-screen, we leaned into the B-Movie aspect of our inspiration as it seemingly picks us off one by one. Running around on a freezing day in northeast PA was absolutely brutal, but Sarah from Novro Studios absolutely nailed the edit and made all the frostbite worth it!”
“Kaiju” is the title track and narrative climax of their newly released four-track concept EP. The song’s lyrics describe grotesque scenes of bloodshed and helplessness, as the unseen terror rips through the last remnants of resistance. Sonically, brutal gutturals, riffs and rhythmic fury build with intensity throughout as the sense of urgency and impending doom escalates.
Kaiju was produced by the band alongside Corey Pierce, the record was engineered by Matt Menafro at Peach Pie Sound, mixed by Zeuss, and mastered by Alan Douches. The music video for “Kaiju” was shot and edited by Sarah Novroski & Novro Studios. The full EP is released independently and available on digital and CD formats.
Kaiju – Track-list:
Obsidian Tomb
Chaos Absolute
Kaiju
Death Shroud
About DISSENTIENCE:
Formed in 2013 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, DISSENTIENCE is a progressive death-thrash metal band that combines the technical precision of death metal with the relentless energy of thrash.
The lineup features Connor Valentin on guitar and vocals, James Vitale on guitar, Sean Langer on bass, and Nick Scherden on drums. Known for their intense live performances and refusal to be confined to a single subgenre, the band continuously pushes their sound in new directions. Their music balances chaos and melody while exploring dark themes through a modern lens.
After releasing their debut EP Mask of Pretense in 2018 and their full-length album Empire Anatomy in 2022, DISSENTIENCE returned with the concept EP Kaiju in 2026.
Swedish modern power metal force METALITE have officially signed a worldwide contract with PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music, marking a major new milestone in the band’s rapidly ascending career!
Following the signing, the band have unleashed their brand-new single, “Our Time Has Come”, a high-energy anthem that showcases everything fans have come to expect from METALITE: massive melodies, driving riffs, and a futuristic edge wrapped in razor-sharp production.
Guitarist, producer, songwriter and founder Edwin Premberg comments: “We’re beyond excited to finally share our new single Our Time Has Come with you. This song kicks off a powerful new chapter for METALITE and marks the beginning of our upcoming concept album ‘Discovery’ where the story continues on a new planet and humanity begins a new life. It’s a classic METALITE track – full of high energy, soaring melodies, and that unmistakable METALITE sound. This is only the beginning, and we can’t wait to take this journey together with you”.
With its soaring vocal lines, pounding rhythm section, and cinematic synth layers, “Our Time Has Come” captures METALITE at full throttle. The track blends melodic precision with modern production punch, delivering an arena ready chorus that’s impossible to ignore.
Formed in 2015 by guitarist Edwin Premberg and vocalist Emma Bensing, the band quickly gained recognition for its fresh and modern take on melodic metal and their 2017 debut album Heroes in Time set the stage for METALITE’s rise.
In 2019, the band entered a new era with Biomechanicals, marking the debut of vocalist Erica Ohlsson. Their evolution continued with A Virtual World in 2021, an album that expanded on their sci-fi themes while delivering massive soundscapes and powerful melodies.
With Expedition One (2024), METALITE embarked on their most ambitious project to date. A visionary concept album set in the year 2055, it tells the story of a renegade team searching for a new world, exploring themes of human evolution, technology, and survival.
In 2024, the band welcomed drummer Erik Junttila to the lineup, bringing new energy and power to their sound. His premiere gig with the band took place in Linköping at the beginning of 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in METALITE’s journey.
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.