ÆNIGMATUM: Portland Progressive Death Metal Band Drops Third LP, Infinitude’s Passage, Out Now Digitally On 20 Buck Spin + Physical Preorders Posted

Posted in Death Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on August 2, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

photo by Devin Tolman

Stream ÆNIGMATUM’s Infinitude’s Passage HERE.

20 Buck Spin has surprise-released Infinitude’s Passage, the blistering new album from progressive death metal force ÆNIGMATUM, now streaming everywhere.

Infinitude’s Passage marks the third full-length statement from Portland’s death metal seers ÆNIGMATUM. Taking the intricate mastery of previous album Deconsecrate as a point of departure, the band’s union of technical precision, dark melody, and unrelenting force draws us ever further into a world where revelation and annihilation become indistinguishable.

Sudden turns, fractured rhythms, and spiraling harmonies color a landscape of seemingly elaborate complexity, yet ÆNIGMATUM serves a larger, deeper structure with an exacting sense of purpose and focus. Frenetic eruptions of speed give way to passages of melodious clarity and dissonant turbulence allowing the compositions to remain in constant motion and expand idiosyncratically upward and outward.

Cerebral without sacrificing physical impact, majestic without surrendering menace, and progressive without loosening its vigorous command, Infinitude’s Passage rejects easy categorization within death metal’s exceedingly vast parameters. Its visceral impact, incandescent melody, and aura of perpetual discovery place ÆNIGMATUM at the threshold of the boundless.

The drums on Infinitude’s Passage were engineered by Charlie Koryn at Elektric City, pre-production and guitar/vocal recording was handled by Pierce Williams, bass and bass clarinet recordings were engineered by Brian Rush, and the saxophone recording was engineered by Patrick Corona. The recordings were reamped, mixed, and mastered by Colin Marston at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves (Krallice, Gorguts) with additional reamping by Keith Merrow at Merrowsound Studios, and the album was completed with artwork by Daniel Hermosilla, liner art by Marcus Kempton, logo by Logan Williams/Connie Wang, and layout by Matt Oien.

ÆNIGMATUM – Infinitude’s Passage (Full Album) 20 Buck Spin: https://youtu.be/S0nDnmfXuro

If you frequent the works of Stargazer, Eucharist, The Chasm, Krallice, Death, VoidCeremony, Innana, Atheist, At The Gates, Dark Tranquillity, Necrophobic, Atrocity or Opeth, do not miss ÆNIGMATUM’s Infinitude’s Passage.

ÆNIGMATUM’s Infinitude’s Passage is out now on all streaming platforms as well as 20 Buck Spin’s Bandcamp HERE and YouTube HERE.

CD and LP editions of Infinitude’s Passage will be released on September 4th and preorders can be found on Bandcamp HERE and at the 20 Buck Spin webshop HERE.

Infinitude’s Passage – Track Listing:

  1. Pitiless Mechanism
  2. Inseverable
  3. Architects Of The Fated
  4. A Tarnished Nexus
  5. Nocturne Of Ageless Reverie
  6. Infinitude’s Passage

ÆNIGMATUM:
Kelly McLaughlin – vocals, guitar, bass clarinet
Eli Lundgren – guitar
Brian Rush – bass, backing vocals
Pierce Williams – drums, synths, backing vocals
Patrick Corona – saxophone
Danny Quetzal – backing vocals

https://aenigmatum.bandcamp.com

https://www.instagram.com/aenigmatum_pdx

http://www.20buckspin.com

https://listen.20buckspin.com

http://www.facebook.com/20buckspin

Source: EARSPLIT PR

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SINNER Release Boom Bang Goodbye Final Studio Album and New Video For “All Night Long”

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, music news with tags , , , , on August 2, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

With Boom Bang Goodbye, SINNER release their final studio album today, via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). After more than four decades, 19 studio albums and countless live shows, the band led by Mat Sinner bid farewell with a record that distils their entire career into eleven powerful songs. Alongside the album, SINNER have also released a new video for “All Night Long,” arguably the most carefree and life-affirming anthem on the record, featuring Ronnie Romero on vocals.

Watch/Listen to “All Night Long” here: https://youtu.be/DmrmqBBLeIs

What began as Mat Sinner’s vision in 1982 evolved over more than four decades into one of the most enduring and influential institutions of the German hard rock and metal scene. From their early classics to the chart success of Brotherhood (#12 in Germany, 2022), SINNER have always remained a band that refused to follow trends, instead forging their own path with passion, integrity and an unwavering love of rock ’n’ roll.

With Boom Bang Goodbye, this journey does not end quietly. Instead, SINNER bow out with an album that once again brings together everything the band have always stood for: soaring melodies, powerful guitars, anthemic choruses and genuine emotion. Produced by Mat Sinner and completed together with Alex Scholpp, the album spans an impressive range from classic hard rock and melodic metal to modern arena anthems.

Opening track “Dreams Can Come True” immediately sets the album’s emotional tone, telling a story of hope, perseverance and the courage to keep believing in your dreams despite every setback. Songs such as “Wait,” “Leave It All Behind” and “Turn The Page” reflect on farewells, the passing of time and inner strength, while “Hellbreaker” and “Under The Moonlight” deliver the riff-driven heaviness that has defined SINNER for decades.

To coincide with the album release, SINNER have also unveiled the video for “All Night Long.” With Ronnie Romero behind the microphone, the song becomes a musical journey back to the golden days of rock ’n’ roll. Memories of sweaty clubs, endless summer nights and unbreakable friendships meet an instantly infectious chorus.

The accompanying video captures exactly that spirit, packed with energy, good times and genuine rock ’n’ roll moments. “All Night Long” is the perfect feel-good soundtrack for the summer and, at the same time, one final collective toast to more than forty years of SINNER history. Because even though Boom Bang Goodbye marks the end of a chapter, one thing remains truer than ever: The party goes on.

For this final statement, Mat Sinner has once again assembled an impressive cast of longtime companions and outstanding musicians. Alex Scholpp (guitar) and Moritz Müller (drums) provide the album’s powerful foundation, joined by Jim Müller (KISSIN’ DYNAMITE), Lisa Müller, returning SINNER guitarist Mathias “Don” Dieth, and Magnus Karlsson, who has worked closely with Mat Sinner for many years.

Vocally, Boom Bang Goodbye also becomes an extraordinary meeting of remarkable voices. Ronnie Romero, Michael Bormann, Michael Sadler (SAGA), Björn “Speed” Strid (SOILWORK), Erik Mårtensson (ECLIPSE), Renan Zonta and Sascha Krebs each bring their own distinctive character to the songs, making the album a fitting farewell filled with exceptional vocal performances.

Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Boom Bang Goodbye combines modern power with the classic SINNER DNA. Every song bears Mat Sinner’s unmistakable signature as a musician, songwriter and one of the defining figures of the European hard rock and metal scene.

Boom Bang Goodbye is far more than simply the final SINNER album. It is an emotional legacy. A thank-you to the fans. And one last firework display of anthems, memories and passion. Or, as Mat Sinner himself puts it:
“The last one turns off the lights.”

Boom Bang Goodbye can be ordered or streamed here:
https://sinner.rpm.link/boomPR

See also:
SINNER – WAIT (Official Video)
 SINNER – LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND (Official Video)

reigningphoenixmusic.com

Source: C Squared Music

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HEKATOXEN – Finnish Death Metal Stalwarts Announce New Album, Obsidian Majesty, on Nuclear Winter Records

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, mystery, news with tags , , , , , , on August 1, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

After introducing their vision with the Utter Darkness EP, Finnish death metal outfit HEKATOXEN are ready to strike with their first full-length album, Obsidian Majesty, set for release on October 2nd, 2026 on LP and CD format via Nuclear Winter Records.

The first single “Lost Souls Epitome” is now streaming HERE.

Hailing from Tampere, HEKATOXEN return with a record that tightens every aspect of their sound, delivering a darker, sharper and more determined expression of death metal. Obsidian Majesty moves through a landscape of razor-edged riffs, where heaviness never comes at the expense of movement: the songs hit hard, but they also breathe, shift direction and reveal a band with a clear understanding of dynamics.

Rooted in the classic language of Finnish death metal, the album does not rely on mere repetition of familiar formulas. HEKATOXEN take inspiration from the genre’s foundations while shaping those elements into focused compositions built around memorable riffs, strong structures and a tangible sense of purpose. Every track feels designed to stand on its own, equally effective through headphones and on stage.

Avoiding unnecessary complexity, HEKATOXEN embrace the power of well-crafted songwriting: concrete, immediate and uncompromising. Obsidian Majesty captures a band refining its identity, balancing old school instincts with a contemporary edge and proving that tradition can still cut deep when handled with conviction.

Track-list:

01 – Lost Souls Epitome
02 – I Am Them
03 – Spawns Of Darkness
04 – Haunting Ceremony
05 – Domus Vilomaxus
06 – Grave Reveries
07 – At Hellsrivers Pathway
08 – Vanguard The Dark

Line-up:

Jussi – vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar, synth
Niko – rhythm guitar
Risto – bass guitar
Vesa – drums

For fans of: Demigod, Adramelech, early Sentenced, Funebrarum.

HEKATOXEN:

https://hekatoxen.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Hekatoxen

https://www.instagram.com/hekatoxen/

Nuclear Winter Records:

https://nuclearwinterrecords.bandcamp.com/

https://nuclearwinterrecords.com/

https://www.facebook.com/martyrdoomproductions/

https://www.instagram.com/nuclearwinterrecords/

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MORBID STENCH – Central American Death-Doom Practicioners Announce New Album Doom Metástasis

Posted in Death Metal, doom metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on August 1, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Central American death-doom practitioners MORBID STENCH will release their third full-length album, Doom Metástasis, on October 2nd, 2026 through Nuclear Winter Records and Putrid Cult. The album will be available on LP, CD and cassette formats.

Deeply rooted in death-doom metal, the record broadens the group’s sonic palette through a more developed approach to songwriting, without losing the weight and darkness that have always defined their sound. Conceived as a conceptual work, the album follows a process of transformation that moves from inner decay to complete propagation, blending biological imagery with reflections on identity, inevitability and the cyclical nature of existence. This narrative framework gives the album a strong sense of continuity, shaping a journey rather than a simple collection of individual tracks.

Musically, MORBID STENCH combine crushing slow-paced sections, oppressive atmospheres and carefully crafted arrangements, balancing immediacy and depth. With Doom Metástasis, the band expands its vision while remaining faithful to the raw spirit of Central American death-doom metal.

The first single “Hyperbolic” is now streaming HERE.

Track-list:

  1. Necrotic from Within
  2. The Morbid Waltz
  3. Hyperbolic
  4. Bizarre and Beyond
  5. Narcissistic God
  6. Crawling out of the Swamps

Formed in 2014 by veteran musicians The Master Butcher (Costa Rica), Morbid and Purulent (El Salvador), MORBID STENCH was created to explore the darkest and most putrid side of doom metal, enriched by a strong death metal influence. With all members active in the extreme metal scene since the early ’90s, the band combines crushing heaviness, oppressive atmospheres and rotten melodies, drawing inspiration from the forgotten swamps of Central America.

Their debut EP The Stench of Doom was released in 2016 on cassette through Morbid Skull Recs (El Salvador) and Till You Fukkin Bleed (Poland), quickly selling out and followed by a short tour in El Salvador and Guatemala with CONCEIVED BY HATE. In 2017, the band released the split 7” EP The Bifid Tongue of Doom & Death with Costa Rican death metal act NECROGOD.

The debut full-length Doom & Putrefaction arrived in 2019 through Putrid Cult, Morbid Skull Recs and other international labels, receiving strong feedback from the underground scene. This was followed by the split 7” EP Ghospels of Necromancy with Dutch death metal band ANARCHOS in 2020, and the second album The Rotting Ways of Doom in 2022, further establishing the band’s reputation among doom/death enthusiasts.

Despite the members now living in three different countries, the creative chemistry within MORBID STENCH remains intact. The songwriting process begins with Morbid composing and recording guitar and bass parts at his “Víspera del Demonio” studio in San Salvador, creating raw demo versions that are shared with the band for feedback and development. Purulent then works on the drum arrangements, while The Master Butcher completes the songs with his lyrics and vocal performances.

In 2026, MORBID STENCH will release their third full-length album, Doom Metástasis, a conceptual work that continues the band’s exploration of decay, darkness and the oppressive atmosphere of their signature doom/death metal.

Line-up:

The Master Butcher – Esophagus
Morbid – Cosmic Chords of Doom
Purulent – Barrels Full of Putrid Waste

MORBID STENCH:

https://morbidstench.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/morbidstench

Nuclear Winter Records:

https://nuclearwinterrecords.bandcamp.com/

https://nuclearwinterrecords.com/

https://www.facebook.com/martyrdoomproductions/

https://www.instagram.com/nuclearwinterrecords/

Putrid Cult:

https://putridcultproductions.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/putrid_cult/

https://www.facebook.com/PutridCult/

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SEVEN KINGDOMS To Support NINI MUSIC On Upcoming North American Tour

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on August 1, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Fresh off their successful Kickstarter campaign to fund their upcoming album Sono Sola, Florida power metal titans SEVEN KINGDOMS are pleased to announce they will embark on a US tour this fall with folk metal artist NINI MUSIC. 

Vocalist Sabrina Cruz comments, “We are honored to be invited to tour alongside NINI. I personally am so excited to branch out and tour with bands of different genres, especially as unique and culturally diverse as NINI. We look forward to playing new stages, meeting new faces, and seeing familiar faces in the crowd. See you soon!!”

Sono Sola will be released via Reigning Phoenix Music in 2027. More details will be announced soon.

NINI MUSIC w/ SEVEN KINGDOMS US Fall Tour:

Oct 10 – Orlando, FL – Conduit
Oct 11 – Tampa, FL – Orpheum
Oct 13 – Greensboro, NC – Hanger 1819
Oct 14 – Richmond, VA – Canal Club
Oct 15 – New York, NY – Woodshop
Oct 16 – Buffalo, NY – Mohawk Place
Oct 17 – Syracuse, NY – The Lost Horizon
Oct 18 – Millersville, PA – Phantom Power
Oct 20 – Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground
Oct 21 – Cleveland, OH – The Foundry
Oct 22 – Columbus, OH – Summit Music Hall
Oct 23 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle
Oct 24 – Chicago, IL – Cobra Lounge

About SEVEN KINGDOMS:

SEVEN KINGDOMS, a power metal band hailing from Deland, FL, was formed in 2007. After solidifying their lineup in 2009, the band signed with Nightmare Records and began gaining momentum in the metal scene. Their big break came in 2010 when they were handpicked by BLIND GUARDIAN to support their North American tour, which introduced SEVEN KINGDOMS to a wider audience.

Following this, they played notable tours and festivals, including ProgPower USA and the 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise, while releasing The Fire is Mine in 2012, which marked a pivotal moment in their career with its refined sound and strong reception.

In recent years, SEVEN KINGDOMS has continued to expand their reach with international tours alongside acts like STRATOVIRUS, AMARANTHE and EVERGREY. The band’s latest full-length album, Zenith (2022), was released through Distortion Music Group, further cementing their place in the power metal world where they were featured as the sole support for the first US Tour of POWERWOLF and then with WIND ROSE in the USA and Europe shortly after.

In 2024, they released their highly anticipated EP, The Square, under Reigning Phoenix Music which hit the stages in Europe with UNLEASH THE ARCHERS and again with BLIND GUARDIAN 15 years later in North America. With world-wide touring on the horizon, SEVEN KINGDOMS continues to elevate their status in the global metal scene.

Ferociously melodic in their approach, the quartet fuse high octane energy and intensity with compelling harmonies in their charismatic, modern take on power metal. With recording for the new album, Sono Sola, now complete, SEVEN KINGDOMS are gearing up to ignite this next chapter.

SEVEN KINGDOMS:

Sabrina Cruz – Vocals
Camden Cruz – Guitars
Kevin Byrd – Guitars
Keith Byrd – Drums

Connect With SEVEN KINGDOMS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SevenKingdomsOfficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sevenkingdomsofficial/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0PMYvG0U25tgSi8jQExPAC?si=Zd59_nhbQeKrYGN4dUI7Cg

Source: C Squared Music

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DECONSEKRATED – Chilean Occult Death Metal Force to Release Sophomore Album: The Inexorable Transcendence of Death

Posted in Death Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on July 31, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Nuclear Winter Records proudly announces the release of DECONSEKRATED‘s sophomore album, The Inexorable Transcendence of Death, set for release on October 2, 2026 on LP, CD, and MC formats.

The first single “Under the Rotten Shroud” is now streaming HERE.

Over the past decade, Chile has established itself as one of the world’s premier breeding grounds for uncompromising death metal, and DECONSEKRATED are poised to further strengthen that reputation with an album that fully embraces the darkest corners of the genre. The Inexorable Transcendence of Death is a relentless collection of dense, hostile compositions built on crushing intensity, oppressive atmosphere and an abundance of memorable riffs.

While its roots firmly lie within the classic death metal tradition, the band’s songwriting reaches beyond mere homage, weaving intricate arrangements, unexpected tempo changes and subtle twists into every track. Rather than attempting to reinvent the style, DECONSEKRATED explore its vast creative potential, crafting songs that unfold organically and reveal new layers with each listen.

Powerful, immersive and meticulously constructed, “The Inexorable Transcendence of Death” stands as a bold new statement from one of Chile’s most promising death metal acts.

Track-list:

  1. Purgative Procession
  2. Drowned in the Deep Waters of Phlegethon
  3. Terrifyng Manifestation of Malevolence
  4. Towards the Veil of Heretic Plagues
  5. Poisoned Flesh (Mark of the Sinister Path)
  6. Under the Rotten Shroud
  7. Oracula Sanguinis (Obsidian Mirrors)
  8. Through the Graves’ Portals

DECONSEKRATED is an occult death metal band hailing from the cold, rain-soaked south of Chile. Founded in 2020 by guitarist Agorh Skullptor, the project initially began as the vision of three like-minded “black souls” before evolving into a full five-piece lineup. The band’s music explores themes of death, the desecration of Christian dogma, and spiritual transmutation, translating these concepts into a dark and uncompromising sonic identity.

Line-up:

Agorh Skullptor – Guitar and bass
Gül Evokator – Vocals
Padaviast – Guitar
Rigor Mortis – Drums

In 2024, DECONSEKRATED released the EP Ascension in the Altar of Condemned, issued on CD by Iron Blood and Death (Mexico), on vinyl by Futhark Records (Canada), reissued on CD by Alkolik Holocaust Records (Argentina) and released on cassette by Ancient Sounds of Madness Productions (Poland) and Infernal South Productions (Chile).

The band has shared the stage with renowned acts such as Master, Malevolent Creation, and Morta Skuld, while also performing in Argentina and at the now legendary Ossum Total Death Festival in Mexico City. Drawing inspiration from the early masters of death metal, DECONSEKRATED continue to follow a path of darkness, death, and the desecration of humanity.

For fans of: Dead Congregation, Krypts, Grave Miasma, Rotten Tomb

DECONSEKRATED:

https://deconsekrated1.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/deconsekrated_oficial

Nuclear Winter Records:

https://nuclearwinterrecords.bandcamp.com/

https://nuclearwinterrecords.com/

https://www.facebook.com/martyrdoomproductions/

https://www.instagram.com/nuclearwinterrecords/

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BLOOD OF THE EARTH Recruits Thy Will Be Done’s J. COSTA As Vocalist

Posted in Heavy Metal with tags , , , , , , on July 30, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

First Performances With New Lineup Revealed;
New Music Coming Soon

Tampa sludge/doom warriors BLOOD OF THE EARTH have officially welcomed J. Costa (THY WILL BE DONE) as the band’s vocalist, ushering in a bold new chapter for the heavy trio founded by Jeff Golden (ex-CROWBAR) and Katie Golden (ex-THE CONVALESCENCE).

Originally conceived as an instrumental project built around crushing riffs, towering atmosphere, and cinematic scope, BLOOD OF THE EARTH has evolved into a fully realized force with the addition of Costa, whose commanding voice adds a visceral new dimension to the band’s immense sonic weight. The lineup’s chemistry has already laid the foundation for a wealth of new material, with more details to be revealed soon.

Commenting on the addition of Costa, Jeff Golden says: 

“Blood of the Earth has been a vision of mine for over ten years. I first became friends with J. Costa in 2010 when I was playing bass for Thy Will Be Done, during my first U.S. and Canadian tour. When Katie and I started writing new music after our first instrumental EP, we immediately knew J. was the voice we’d been searching for. So I sent him some of the material, he sent back his vocal ideas, and we were blown away. J. brings so much power, and presence to Blood of the Earth.” 

Fans will also have their first opportunity to experience the band’s new lineup live as BLOOD OF THE EARTH announces its first two performances featuring Costa on vocals. The shows mark the live debut of this new era for the band and offer an early glimpse of what’s to come.

BLOOD OF THE EARTH Tour Dates:
Oct 2 – Wallingford, CT – Cherry Street Station
Oct 3 – Brooklyn, NY – Lucky 13

Additional news, music, and live dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

About BLOOD OF THE EARTH: 

Blood Of The Earth is the convergence of weight, intention, and atmosphere, founded by married duo Jeff Golden (ex-Crowbar) and Katie Golden (ex-The Convalescence), and completed by the commanding presence of vocalist J. Costa (Thy Will Be Done).

Forged from crushing sludge, doom, and post-metal, the band channels immense heaviness into songs built on tension, atmosphere, and emotional impact. Their music balances monolithic riffs with cinematic textures, creating an immersive listening experience that is both punishing and deeply evocative.

With J. Costa’s unmistakable voice now completing the lineup, Blood Of The Earth stands poised to unleash its most powerful and fully realized work to date.

Follow BLOOD OF THE EARTH: 
Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

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NORTH SEA ECHOES: “I’ll Leave A Light On” Video From Project Featuring Ray Alder and Jim Matheos Of Fates Warning – Now Playing

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on July 29, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

How To Cast A ShadowFull-Length Out Now On Metal Blade Records!

Watch NORTH SEA ECHOES’ “I’ll Leave A Light On” video HERE.

NORTH SEA ECHOES – featuring progressive metal pioneers, singer Ray Alder and guitarist Jim Matheos, of Fates Warning – today deliver their video for “I’ll Leave A Light On.” The track appears on the band’s latest studio album, How To Cast A Shadow, out now on Metal Blade Records!

Comments Alder, “’I’ll Leave a Light On’ is much heavier than anything on [2024’s] Really Good Terrible Things, the first NORTH SEA ECHOES album. It has a darker, melancholic feel that fits well on this record. I loosely based the lyrics on a character from my favorite sci-fi series. I won’t say which, but they do use the quote ‘out there in the black.’”

Watch NORTH SEA ECHOES’ “I’ll Leave A Light On” video HERE. 

Watch NORTH SEA ECHOES’ previously released video for “Enjoy The View” HERE.

On NORTH SEA ECHOES’ Really Good Terrible Things full-length, Alder and Matheos garnered rave reviews for songs that possessed, “liberating sonic space and emotional vulnerability… from somnambulant electro-fog to gritty, overdriven disquiet, to the quietly devastating (Blabbermouth).” With How To Cast A Shadow, the band’s identity is further expanded upon and explored.

“This record is a bit heavier,” asserts Matheos, “with several more songs featuring real drums, played by Dennis Leeflang. It wasn’t necessarily intentional or planned, just the way things shaped up and how they emerged this time.”

How To Cast A Shadow – Track Listing:

1. A Time of Innocence and Purpose

2. Enjoy the View

3. Good Enough

4. I’ll Leave a Light On

5. All Fall Away

6. Revenge

7. Villains or Saints

8. What is and What Was

10. All That Comes After

11. How to Cast a Shadow

The duo’s shared and separate histories help to forge a fresh creative opus. Alder has been the vocalist and main co-writer for prog metal heroes Fates Warning for 37 years, recording ten albums between 1988 (No Exit) and 2020 (Long Day Good Night). Rounding out his discography are seven albums with Redemption, two solo records, and the band A-Z, which debuted in 2022.

Revered guitarist and producer Matheos is a cofounder of Fates Warning, the lineup debuting with 1984’s Night On Bröcken on Metal Blade. In addition to thirteen albums with Fates Warning, Matheos launched several solo albums, four LPs alongside former Dream Theater keyboardist Kevin Moore under the name OSI, and Kings Of Mercia, which launched in 2022.

From the radio-ready rock of “All That Comes After” and the intimate, escalating “A Time Of Innocence And Purpose” to the powerful, timeless ballad “Villains Or Saints,” How To Cast A Shadow cohesively crosses genres and challenges aural preconceptions.

How To Cast A Shadow is out now on CD and digital formats. Preview/purchase the record at: metalblade.com/northseaechoes.

If Really Good Terrible Things kickstarted NORTH SEA ECHOES’s career with “hovering subtleties, introspective thoughtful reflections” and lyrics with “wisdom and authenticity,” How To Cast A Shadow ups the promise of its predecessor. Provocative words of hope, sorrow and consciousness are paired with Matheos’ equally emotive, varied and deeply moving guitar work.

https://northseaechoes.com

https://www.metalblade.com/us/artists/north-sea-echoes

https://www.metalblade.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

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ONLY ECHOES Present New Single And Video For “Born Adrift” Ahead Of Upcoming Full-Length

Posted in Hard Rock, Metal, Music, music news, music videos, news with tags , , , , on July 29, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Watch “Born Adrift” HERE: https://youtu.be/Kqd1QdFLebE

Denver-based instrumental post-metal band ONLY ECHOES present the title track of their forthcoming full-length Born Adrift. The album isscheduled to arrive on August 14, 2026, via Braeburn Records.

“As a whole, this song really feels like you are lost at sea and fighting for your life, but that you haven’t given up yet”. Share ONLY ECHOES. 

“That is kind of the idea behind the title and the theme of the album to an extent. It is a heavy emotion, but not a claustrophobic one. It’s the idea that this fight is difficult and it’s going to stay difficult for the rest of the journey, but that it is still worth taking”. 

ONLY ECHOES deliver “Born Adrift” with a striking impact. Wave after wave of intense heaviness brings the track’s concept to life. Rhythmic shifts, catchy lead hooks, and uplifting moments not only provide movement but also a sense of anticipation. Shadowy passages feel weighted and inescapable but they are not dwelled upon without hope for too long. 

Born Adrift Track-list:

  • Born Adrift – 5:48
  • Tempest – 8:41
  • So Tightly Bound – 6:12
  • Inter – 2:05
  • Steps Ahead Of Drowning – 7:09
  • Shimmering Death – 5:14

Alternating between light and shade, ONLY ECHOES deploy carefully curated changes in the track’s pace as well as through their instrumental layering. The structure of “Born Adrift”, while exploring periods of turmoil and relief, is emotionally complex as the music rises and falls before meeting an abrupt end. 

Watch “Born Adrift” HERE: https://youtu.be/Kqd1QdFLebE

“Born Adrift” encapsulates key aspects of the band’s sound that are also explored elsewhere across the album’s track list. With this single release, ONLY ECHOES demonstrate their darker side as this is the heaviest offering found on the forthcoming Born Adrift. 

Born Adrift was produced, engineered, and mixed by guitarist Austin Minney at All Aces Studio, with mastering handled by Brad Smalling at Evergroove.

The album artwork features an original 1876 engraving by Gustave Doré, reimagined with color and illustration work by Celeste Hayes (@chayesart). Born Adrift arrives August 14, 2026 via Braeburn Records.

ONLY ECHOES:

Austin Minney – Guitar
Dustin Yourishin – Guitar
Ben Rosenberg – Bass
Zach Sirotkin – Drums

Connect with ONLY ECHOES:

Official Website: https://www.onlyechoesmusic.com

Bandcamp: https://onlyechoes.bandcamp.com/album/sunsickness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onlyechoesdenver

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/only_echoes_denver/?hl=en

Source: EARSPLIT PR

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AGNOSTIC FRONT Announce North America Tour Dates With BÉTON ARMÉ And RESTRAINING ORDER This October

Posted in hardcore, hardcore bands, hardcore metal, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , on July 29, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Preparing to launch a brutal assault for the senses, NYC’s hardcore pioneers AGNOSTIC FRONT will set stages ablaze alongside fierce punk act BÉTON ARMÉ and rising hardcore punk collective RESTRAINING ORDER. This run of show dates across North America kicks off in Pittsburgh, PA, on October 10, 2026.

Vocalist Roger Miret shares: “We are excited to do this quick short run with Baton Armé and Restraining Order to wrap up this years busy World Wide Tour in support of our new record Echoes In Eternity”

BÉTON ARME

Having obliterated stages and festivals around Europe over the summer months, AGNOSTIC FRONT are back on home soil for a short and intense run this fall. The dates see AGNOSTIC FRONT‘s unmissable authentic raw aggression unleashed alongside a line up that showcases a hard-hitting sonic display of hardcore punk from around the US.

RESTRAINING ORDER

AGNOSTIC FRONT October Tour Dates With BÉTON ARMÉ And RESTRAINING ORDER:

Sat. Oct. 10 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Crafthouse
Sun. Oct. 11 – Huntington, WV – West Edge Factory
Mon. Oct. 12 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
Tue. Oct. 13 – Lakewood, OH – Mahall’s
Wed. Oct. 14 – Buffalo, NY – Rec Room
Thu. Oct. 15 – Syracuse, NY – The Song & Dance
Fri. Oct. 16 – Cheshire, CT – Counterweight Brewing

About AGNOSTIC FRONT:
Founded in 1982, AGNOSTIC FRONT stand among the most esteemed pioneers of the hardcore genre. No band comes close in sonic and socio authenticity and sincerity, where the struggles of survival on the streets have quite literally given life to a sound that remains as impactful today as it was over four decades ago.

AGNOSTIC FRONT‘s battering, socially critical sounds serve as the foundation of true New York hardcore and helped initiate the emergence of crossover thrash. Following a slew of pummeling offerings, the band, led by the inimitable roar of Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma‘s legendary charismatic guitar playing, continue to showcase unapologetically honest lyrics and signature aggression in Echoes in Eternity. 

Connect With AGNOSTIC FRONT:

https://www.agnosticfront.com/ | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

Source: C Squared Music

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IRONFLAME Releases New Video “Dynasties” ~ New Studio Album, Worlds To Conquer, Releases on August 14th

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on July 28, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

SINGLES/ VIDEOS:
“Dynasties” (Official Video) watch HERE

“Legion Of Fire” (Lyric Video) watch HERE

IRONFLAME- Worlds To Conquer – Order Link: https://www.hrrecords.de/IRONFLAME

TRACK-LISTING:
01 Night Closes In
02 Legion of Fire
03 Dynasties Fall
04 Where Cauldrons Burn
05 Shadow Slave
06 Crimson Shores
07 Valhalla is Calling
08 Worlds to Conquer
09 Death’s Immortal Flame (Bonus Track)

LIVE & TOURING LINE-UP:
Andrew D’Cagna – vocals
Jesse Scott – guitar
Quinn Lukas – guitar
James Babcock – bass
Noah Skiba – drums

Andrew D’Cagna performed all the music and vocals.

Live guitarists, Quinn Lukas and Jesse Scott composed and recorded their own guitar solos.

Andrew D’Cagna is based in Eastern Ohio.

Source: High Roller Records

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VAAJA Releases “Abalon” – Nordic Gothic Dark Metal Rooted In A Horror-Fantasy Book

Posted in dark metal, gothic metal, gothic rock, Hard Rock, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , on July 28, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Promo picture by VOR

Finnish band VAAJA have released their second single Abalon on July 17. The music video will follow on July 31. The song is an epic, atmospheric gothic metal track drawing from Finnish mythology and tied to an upcoming original VAAJA dark horror-fantasy novel series.

LISTEN to the Abalon single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/vaaja-abalon 

The single is an explosive track, taking its name from a central character in the upcoming first book: Abalon, the elven ancestor of foxes. The lyrics delve into how Abalon steps in as a surprise ally to turn the tide for the story’s main protagonist, a vulnerable young vampire, and his human friends.

“All songs of Vaaja are designed to carry Finnish mythology with a unique horror-fantasy twist beyond Finland’s borders,” says Malphas Miserable, the lead singer, songwriter and author of VAAJA.

VAAJA is a fully realised concept. Music is the first chapter of a larger dark fantasy universe that spans both the band’s work and forthcoming novels set in the same world. The band and the books are one universe. “I carried the idea of VAAJA for many years, but it was not until 2025 that I started to write the first book. After that, everything happened very fast and effortlessly.“, Malphas Miserable explains.

Sonically, Abalon occupies the space between the emotional depth of Sleep Token, the atmospheric darkness of HIM, and the devotional, theatrical identity of Opeth and Ghost.

Vaaja – Abalon (Single 2026)
Cover art by Malphas Miserable

Composed & lyrics by Malphas Miserable 
-Arranged by Malphas Miserable, Garn Eir, Fenris Fuzz, Vor, Magni 
-Recorded, Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Malphas Miserable

“We think the category of “Nordic gothic dark metal” fits us the best, but we are very flexible in a wide array of musical genres. However, with VAAJA, we don’t want to restrict ourselves too much musically. Instead, aiming to maintain a playful, even blasphemous spirit-just like the old gods. The old gods are dear to us, and we feel that Finnish mythology is one of the richest yet still most underrepresented mythologies in metal,” the band states.

“Vaaja is not Viking imagery borrowed from our neighbours. It is ours, ancient, magical, and largely unknown to the world – until now.“

The Band:
Vocals: Malphas Miserable
Guitar: Garn Eir (The Sorcerer)
Guitar: Fenris Fuzz (The Berserker)
Drums: Magni (The Seer)
Bass: Vor (The Warrior)

Links: 

https://linktr.ee/vaaja

https://vaajaofficial.com

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MONOLORD Debut “Iodine” Video Featuring Behind-The-Scenes Footage From Hometown Show In Gothenburg

Posted in doom metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on July 27, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo credit: James Rexroad

U.S. TOUR RESUMES ON AUGUST 27

NEVERENDING OUT NOW VIA RELAPSE RECORDS: https://www.relapse.com/pages/monolord-neverending

July 27, 2026, Gothenburg, Sweden – Monolord, who return to the U.S. in late August, have released a live video for the song “Iodine” (https://youtu.be/ETIrrMVF5uw) from their recently released album, Neverending.

The video captures one of the band’s first performances supporting the Sylvia Massy-produced album, intercut with behind-the-scenes footage from their hometown show in Gothenburg.

 “Iodine” was inspired by 70s rock epics like Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” The Eagles’ “Hotel California,” and Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter.” “Even though it’s maybe not musically similar, I think the vibe is similar,” Thomas Jäger says. “And the opening riff is my tribute to Yob, because I’ve always really liked Mike [Scheidt]’s guitar playing. He does all these weird chords where his fingers are all over the fretboard at the same time. It’s for sure my favorite song on the album.”

Neverending has earned widespread acclaim, with Bandcamp naming it their “Album of the Day” upon release, Consequence declaring it “magical,” Revolver dubbing it “glorious” and New Noise saying the collection is “Monolord at the height of their powers.”

To create Neverending, Monolord traveled to Ashland, Oregon to record with legendary producer 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 is an album that expands the band’s sound without sacrificing the weight and creativity that define Monolord.

The album is streaming now, as well as available on vinyl, CD and cassette (https://www.relapse.com/pages/monolord-neverending).

Monolord U.S. tour dates:

August 27 Chicago, IL Thalia Hall
August 28 Louisville, KY Portal
August 29 Atlanta, GA Garden Club
August 30 Asheville, NC Eulogy
August 31 Columbia, SC New Brookland Tavern
September 2 Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts
September 3 Brooklyn, NY Elsewhere
September 4 Montague, MA RPM Fest
September 5 Baltimore, MD Labor Daze
September 6 Cookeville, TN Muddy Roots Festival
September 8 Columbus, OH Ace of Cups
September 9 Detroit, MI Sanctuary
September 10 Indianapolis, IN Black Circle
September 12 Austin, TX Levitation Festival

Khemmis opens on all U.S. headlining dates

European tour dates:

July 30 Ghimbav, RO Rockstadt Extreme Festival
August 7 Kortrijk, BE Alcatraz Festival
October 6 Hamburg, DE Bahnhof Pauli
October 7 Haarlem, NL Patronaat
October 8 Eindhoven, NL Effenaar
October 9 Sint-Niklaas, BE De Casino
October 10 Paris, FR La Maroquinerie
October 11 Nantes, FR Le Ferrailleur
October 12 Toulouse, FR Le Rex
October 13 Lyon, FR Jack Jack
October 14 Aarau, CH KIFF
October 15 Munich, DE Backstage
October 16 Osnabrück, DE Bastard Club
October 17 Cologne, DE Gebäude 9
November 4 Copenhagen, DK Stengade
November 5 Berlin, DE Columbia Theater
November 6 Dresden, DE Beatpol
November 7 Warsaw, PL Hydrozagadka
November 8 Krakow, PL Hype Park
November 9 Brno, CZ Kabinet Múz
November 10 Budapest, HU Dürer Kert
November 11 Vienna, AT Arena
November 12 Zagreb, HR Vintage Industrial Bar
November 13 Milan, IT Legend
November 14 Bologna, IT FreakOut
November 15 Karlsruhe, DE P8

Tickets for all dates are on-sale now via Monolord.com.

Few modern doom bands balance sheer weight and melody like Monolord. Formed in Gothenburg in 2013, the trio of guitarist/vocalist Thomas Jäger, drummer Esben Willems, and bassist Mika Häkki have become one of heavy music’s most introspective and nuanced bands. They have earned global acclaim through relentless touring, with unforgettable performances at Hellfest, Desertfest, Psycho Las Vegas, and Roadburn. Their records, Empress Rising (2014), Vænir (2015), Rust (2017), No Comfort (2019), Your Time To Shine (2021), and most recently, Neverending (2026), cemented their reputation for blending crushing fuzz with melodic undercurrents and immersive repetition.

Monolord.com

Monolord.bandcamp.com

Instagram.com/monolordofficial

Facebook.com/monolordsweden

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ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD – Release New Single And Video For “On The Wings Of Dragons”

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , on July 27, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Watch “On the Wings of Dragons” HERE! https://youtu.be/rcdrIoNrqec

Led by JD McGibney, L.A.’s ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD hark back to their roots with the new single release “On the Wings of Dragons“. The track began the project’s journey as its first release in 2013. Recrafted, rearranged and performed by a different line-up, “On the Wings of Dragons” initiates the next chapter for ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD. 

ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD delve into the meaning behind “On the Wings of Dragons”: “This song was written as an inspirational piece to invigorate and encourage audiences to believe in themselves, to listen to their instincts and not the nay-saying of others.”

The core characteristics of ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD‘s sound are present throughout “On the Wings of Dragons”. Passionate storytelling and world building are brought to life through progressive compositional arrangements that are interjected with catchy hooks. Dynamic production and technical prowess see ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD deliver an epic sonic display.

“On the Wings of Dragons” was produced by ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD. The track was recorded at Counter Communications and engineered, mixed and mastered by Chris Wirsig. Produced by ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD, the music video was directed and edited by Tom Flynn. 

ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD:
JD McGibney – Guitar
Jason Klein – Bass
Chris Wirsig – Keyboard/Orchestration
Eddie Trager – Drums

Connect with ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD:

Official Website: https://onthewingsofdragons.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelsOnTheBattlefieldBand/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angels_on_the_battlefield/ 

Source: C Squared Music

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Finnish Atmospheric Metal Band Beyond Seventh Dimension Released a New Single ‘Eternal Love For The Unreachable’

Posted in Black Metal, black metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on July 26, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Promo picture Image Credit: Hubble, NASA, ESA; Processing & License: Judy Schmidt

The Finnish atmospheric black metal band Beyond Seventh Dimension are set to release the debut album Tähtien ikuinen suru on September 4th 2026 via Inverse Records. The new single ‘Eternal Love For The Unreachable‘ is unleashed now and it’s available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/b7thd-eternal-love

The band comments:
“This song is for all those who have lost someone you can never stop loving.

It tells what it’s like when you can’t touch anymore, but you can’t let go either.”

BIOGRAPHY:

Beyond Seventh Dimension is an atmospheric metal project from Finland that started as a one-man instrumental project in 2025 and quickly escalated. Vocals were added to the concept right after the first song, and suddenly there was talk of an EP or a full-length album. Now there is an album, and there has also been talk of making a proper band out of this at some point, but time will tell.

LISTEN to previous single ‘Silurian Seas’: https://push.fm/fl/b7thd-silurian-seas 

Beyond Seventh Dimension – “Eternal Love For The Unreachable” (single 2026)

Track list:
01. Eternal Love For The Unreachable

Single cover by Beyond Seventh Dimension

Album cover by Tiina Törmänen

Track list:

  1. Tähtien ikuinen suru
  2. Blazing Tears of Nebulae
  3. Silurian Seas
  4. Eternal Love For The Unreachable
  5. Dawn of Extinction
  6. Ancient Worlds of Cosmos Redshift 7
  7. Rogue Planet – Symbol Of Depression

Composed & lyrics by Beyond Seventh Dimension

Mixed & mastered by Saku Moilanen (Deep Noise Studios)

Links: 

https://www.facebook.com/B7thD/

https://www.instagram.com/beyondseventhdimension

https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.seven.dime

https://beyondseventhdimension.bandcamp.com

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ESHTADUR Unveils Music Video “Into The Woods” From New Album In Darkness All Shadows Gone ~ Out Oct 2026

Posted in Black Metal, Death Metal, melodic death metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on July 25, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Listen to “Into The Woods”:
https://lnk.to/N8qobN

Watch the official video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewIYMme4L1c

Colombian melodic black/death metal band ESHTADUR announce their new full-length album, In Darkness All Shadows Gone, due for release on October 2nd, 2026 through Rockshots Records.

The announcement is accompanied by “Into The Woods”, the first single and official video introducing the musical and conceptual journey behind the record.

Developed over four years, In Darkness All Shadows Gone consists of twelve compositions combining melodic black and death metal, symphonic arrangements, layered vocals, Tuvan throat singing and atmospheric passages. Recorded with the Caldas Symphonic Orchestra, the album expands the band’s established sound while maintaining the combination of heavy riffing, dark melodies and orchestral textures that has shaped its identity.

The album follows a conceptual journey through mysticism, transformation and inner transmutation. At the centre of the narrative stands The Crow, a shamanic figure moving between existence, death, emptiness and the unknown. Acting as both master and apprentice, The Crow guides the listener through a process of isolation, self-discovery and spiritual awakening, where darkness becomes not only an oppressive force but also a path towards understanding the self.

Across the record, ESHTADUR explore the relationship between darkness and the light contained within each individual. The songs draw upon occult symbolism, cosmic philosophy, ancestral knowledge and human emotion, forming a continuous narrative rather than a collection of disconnected tracks. Musically, black and death metal alternate as leading forces throughout the album, supported by melodic writing, cinematic orchestration and folk-rooted elements.

Jorg August comments on the creation of the album:

“We worked on this material for four years. It is a long album with twelve tracks, symphonic arrangements, a real orchestra, many vocal layers and Tuvan voices. At times, it felt like a giant puzzle, but everything finally came together. We are proud of the result and grateful to everyone who helped us build it. A crow is calling.”

The first single, “Into The Woods,” represents the call to initiation and the first step into the album’s inner world. The listener is invited to leave behind external noise and enter the forest alone, confronting silence, memory, and self-delusion. Inspired by contemplative philosophies and the idea of returning to nature as a means of self-discovery, the song presents the forest as both a physical place and a metaphorical descent into consciousness.

Musically, “Into The Woods” combines fast melodic and aggressive guitar riffs, alternate-picked passages, dark orchestration, dissonant elements, ancestral chants and forceful vocals. The track establishes the balance between aggression, melody and atmosphere that continues throughout the album, while its lyrics address inner turmoil, past trauma and the need to confront fear before transformation can begin.

The accompanying official video focuses on frontman Jorg August, who is guided by the symbolic Crow into the forest and towards the first dimension of the album’s narrative. The visual interpretation reinforces the song’s themes of solitude, initiation and departure, presenting the journey as an individual mission in search of a deeper understanding of the self.

Listen to “Into The Woods”:
https://lnk.to/N8qobN

Watch the official video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewIYMme4L1c

Track Listing:​
1. Age of Antumbra – 2:00
2. Into The Woods – 4:41
3. Umbra – 6:22
4. August’s Burdens – 4:59
5. Fire Above Mountain Below – 5:08
6. Old Shaman Blind – 5:08
7. Thunderground – 3:40
8. Ruler of the Lake – 5:14
9. A Black Winged Waltz – 9:23
10. Nebulae (Virgo) – 5:09
11. Omen of Millennia – 3:56
12. Soy Real – 5:11

In Darkness All Shadows Gone will be available from October 2nd, 2026 through Rockshots Records. The album can be pre-ordered now from the Rockshots Records store at:
https://rockshots.eu/cuhb5ys9ncs1ndx

ESHTADUR are:
Jorg August – Vocals, guitars
Camilo Barbosa – Lead guitars
Andres Gonzalez – Bass
David Lopez – Drums

The album was produced by Jorg August, who also wrote the music, lyrics, compositions, and orchestral arrangements. The recordings took place at RockStar Studios Colombia, while the orchestra was recorded at Batuta’s Theater in Manizales, Colombia. The album was mixed and mastered by Tomasz “Zed” Zalewski, with additional mixing and mastering by Chris Clancy on “Fire Above Mountain Below” and “Umbra.” The cover artwork was created by Valesia Obscura.

For fans of: Septicflesh, Dissection, At The Gates.

More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

​https://www.facebook.com/EshtadurOfficial/​

https://www.instagram.com/eshtadur/

Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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ALPHA DESTROYER Announce Amped-Up Cover of “God of Thunder” ~ Single Available on Limited Edition 7″ Vinyl

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , on July 25, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

ALPHA DESTROYER are releasing a special-edition cover of the KISS classic, “God of Thunder.”

The band dug deep into the annals of KISStory to put their own unique stamp on the song. Guitarist Eric Sexton-Dorsett explains. “We based our version on Paul Stanley’s original demo version instead of the Bob Ezrin produced version everyone knows. Paul used 1/16 note high hats and a more upbeat tempo. We swapped those for double basses a la ‘Exciter’ from Judas Priest. Paul also used a more pop sensibility and falsetto vocals in the chorus, which we embraced fully.”

The single will be available as a hand-numbered, limited-edition, hand lathe-cut, clear vinyl 7″ that ships on August 11. Pre-order now at: necromanticpress.com

ALPHA DESTROYER is a high-octane collaboration featuring Martin Sweet (Crashdïet), Kelly LeMieux (Buckcherry), and Eric Sexton-Dorsett (Sleepless). The band’s debut album, Fast Lane, is available on physical formats via Necromantic Press Records, including limited-edition red splatter and standard black vinyl. Order now at this location.

Stream Fast Lane on Spotify and Apple Music

Watch additional videos from Fast Lane at: www.youtube.com/@Necromanticpress.

Follow ALPHA DESTROYER on Facebook and Instagram.

“This Isn’t a Band. It’s a Warning.”

Alpha Destroyer was born in 2022, shortly after trad/thrash metal band Sleepless released its debut LP. Looking for a new creative outlet, Sleepless guitarist Eric Sexton-Dorsett began writing a series of dissonant, groove-heavy tracks, something that channeled the high-powered spirit of bands like Def Leppard, while drawing on the chaos of Voivod and Morbid Angel.

After tracking initial guitar parts, Eric brought in drummer Ryan McPhaill to lay down drum tracks. The results exceeded expectations; every take locked in with the raw energy and precision the project demanded.

With a solid foundation in place, Eric filed the songs under the name Alpha Destroyer and started mapping out the next phase.

Soon after, on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, Eric met bassist Kelly LeMieux (Goldfinger, Buckcherry) through mutual friend Kevin Hahn (vocalist/lead guitarist for Sleepless and now a guitarist for Alpha Destroyer). Late-night conversations on the cruise led to a strong creative connection. Back in Portland, Kelly heard the early tracks and immediately added his signature, larger-than-life basslines. The songs, now three deep, began to take shape.

In 2024, another key moment happened on the same cruise. Eric met Martin Sweet (Crashdïet), a longtime influence. After staying in touch, Eric sent him the developing tracks, initially just to contribute guitar, yet Martin offered something more: vocals. His performance on the first completed track, “Straight into the Grind,” helped define the band’s sound and opened the door to a deeper collaboration. What was meant to be a four-song EP quickly expanded as the ideas flowed naturally.

The result is Fast Lane, a 10-track debut album that rides the line between doom-laced introspection and high-octane rock. The title track and first single, “Fast Lane,” kicks things off with a punk-edged urgency and Martin’s heavy yet melodic take on personal struggle.

With new music already in the works and plans for live dates in 2026, Alpha Destroyer is just getting started.

THE STORM IS BUILDING. ALPHA DESTROYER IS COMING.

Follow ALPHA DESTROYER on Facebook and Instagram

Source: ClawHammer PR

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KING DIAMOND Welcomes Legendary Guitarist Gus G. To The Band!

Posted in Heavy Metal, horror, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on July 24, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Akis Douzlatzis

KING DIAMOND is thrilled to announce the addition of guitar virtuoso Gus G. (Firewind, ex-Ozzy Osbourne) to the band’s lineup. Gus G. joins as guitarist and will compose, record, and tour with KING DIAMOND going forward, marking an exciting new chapter in the band’s storied history.

The band extends their deepest gratitude and utmost respect to Andy LaRocque, whose extraordinary 40-year contribution to KING DIAMOND has left a permanent and irreplaceable mark on the band’s legacy and on heavy metal as a whole. Andy’s musicianship, dedication, and artistry have been an essential part of what makes this band what it is, and that will never be forgotten.

Comments KING DIAMOND, “It’s a big honor for me to welcome Gus G. as our new guitarist. Gus will still continue with all his current projects, Firewind, solo project, etc. No restrictions, just careful planning. We are already working with Gus and I simply can’t wait for you to hear all the new KING DIAMOND music with him playing guitar on it! STAY HEAVY — King.”

One of heavy metal’s most celebrated and in-demand guitarists, Gus G., born Konstantinos Karamitroudis in Thessaloniki, Greece, has built one of the most impressive resumes in the genre. As founder and driving force behind Firewind for over two decades and ten studio albums, and as Ozzy Osbourne’s lead guitarist from 2009 to 2017, contributing to the Grammy-nominated album Scream (2010), Gus G. has proven himself to be one of the most versatile and technically gifted players in metal.

A celebrated solo artist with six albums to his name, he has also appeared as a guest on records by Bruce Dickinson, Arch Enemy, Doro Pesch, In This Moment, and many more. He has graced the covers of Guitar World, Total Guitar, Metal Hammer, and Young Guitar, and earned accolades including Metal Hammer’s Golden God Award for Best Shredder. His addition to KING DIAMOND represents a pairing of two of heavy metal’s most iconic forces.

KING DIAMOND and Gus G. are already deep in the creative process together, working on what promises to be one of the most anticipated new chapters in the band’s career. Fans can expect new music from the full lineup in the future. Stay tuned for further announcements.

Follow Gus G.:

https://www.gusgofficial.com

https://www.instagram.com/gusgofficial

http://www.youtube.com/firetv

About KING DIAMOND:

KING DIAMOND is quite possibly the most recognizable and prolific personality ever in heavy metal. Revered by icons as big as Metallica and Pantera and inspiring newer upstarts globally, KING DIAMOND, the man and the band, have left an indelible mark on the history, and now again, the future of heavy metal.

In August of 2008, KING DIAMOND joined Metallica on stage at Ozzfest in Dallas to perform the Mercyful Fate medley made famous from the Garage, Inc. album. Additionally, KING DIAMOND was featured alongside Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister as a playable character in Guitar Hero: Metallica in 2009.

By 2012, KING DIAMOND was prepared to return to the stage for a select number of shows. The band’s triumphant return were the highlights of both the Hellfest and Sweden Rock festivals in France and Sweden. Fans were treated to the largest and most involved stage production in the band’s storied history. 

KING DIAMOND continued to hit the stage from 2013 to 2018 including performances at Rock Hard Festival (DE), Copenhell (DK), Graspop (BE), Bloodstock Open Air (UK), Loudpark (JP), Wacken Open Air (DE), and Psycho Las Vegas (US), among many others.

In 2019, after the release of KING DIAMOND‘s first new single in twelve years, “Masquerade Of Madness,” the band hit the road with a series of live shows across Europe and North America.

In 2024, KING DIAMOND completed a massively successful North American headlining tour, during which they premiered new material live for the first time in years, including the brand-new track “Electro Therapy,” before an ecstatic fanbase. On December 17th, 2024, the band released “Spider Lilly,” their first new single in five years and the first single and video taken from their forthcoming new Horror Trilogy, of which part one is titled Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920.

Mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk and directed by David Brodsky of My Good Eye Visuals, with footage filmed at the notoriously haunted Pennhurst Asylum outside of Philadelphia, the single features a special guest appearance by Danish vocalist Myrkur. Written entirely by KING DIAMOND, “Spider Lilly” was met with an enthusiastic global response, reaffirming the band’s place at the forefront of heavy metal and whetting fans’ appetites for the full trilogy to come.

KING DIAMOND‘s 40+ year musical career is one of the most storied in the history of heavy metal, but the tale is not yet over. The most recent album, 2007’s Grammy-nominated Give Me Your Soul…Please, stands as one of the most critically acclaimed albums in an already iconic discography. Future albums will feature entirely new horror stories, concepts, haunting orchestrations, and the band’s signature brand of heavy metal. Many more albums, tours, and ventures lay ahead.

KING DIAMOND Lineup:
King Diamond – vocals
Gus G. – guitars
Mike Wead – guitars
Pontus Egberg – bass
Matt Thompson – drums

https://kingdiamondcoven.com

https://www.instagram.com/kingdiamond

https://www.facebook.com/kingdiamond

https://www.metalblade.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

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RIPPER’s Towards Rebirth Out Now

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on July 24, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Your patience has been rewarded. Chilean death squad RIPPER returns with their first full-length since 2016’s Experiment of Existence.

Towards Rebirth contains the band’s most violent work to date. Razor sharp guitar work, intense drumming and well-crafted songs are still there… only more concise, more vicious.

Towards Rebirth is available via Dark Descent Records on CD, vinyl and digital formats.

Order and stream Towards Rebirth at:

www.darkdescentrecords.com/shop

www.ddmsuo.eu

www.darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com

The last decade has seen RIPPER refine their attack into a lethal blend of old-school death metal and thrash-or-be-thrashed aggression. The band has undeniably earned a reputation as one of South America’s premiere extreme metal exports.

Stream album track “The Source Exterminator” at: youtu.be/J_QqGRoVQ2Q?si=BafNTXKHy5hO3jOz

Towards Rebirth was recorded, mixed and mastered by Pablo Clares at DM6 Studio. Artwork by Paolo Girardi.

Stream more from RIPPER on Spotify.

RIPPER:
Patricio Spalinger – Vocals/Lead and Rhythm Guitars
Javier Buzeta – Drums
Tomas Barriga – Bass
Nicolas Young – Lead and Rhythm Guitars

facebook.com/ripperchileoficial

instagram.com/ripper.chile

ripperdeathrashchile.bandcamp.com

www.darkdescentrecords.com

darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com

Source: ClawHammer PR

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MALEFIC Unleashes Provocative New Music Video for “Blood of the Throne” From Latest Album Impermanence

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , on July 24, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Jeri Mize IG@529jeri IG@vizions_of_mize.llc

L-R – Andy McGraw – Bass, Aaron Baumoel – Drums and Vocals, Jason Davila – Guitars, Sam Williams – Guitars

Atlanta blackened death/thrash unit Malefic has dropped the official music video for “Blood of the Throne”, the explosive opening track from their latest album Impermanence, released this past February via Terminus Hate City. The video marks a bold visual departure for the band, one that drummer/vocalist Aaron Baumoel calls “another form of artistic expression; another layer of depth to add to the media.”

“Blood of the Throne” has long been one of Malefic’s most popular tracks, a blistering blackened thrash assault built on high‑speed precision picking, ornate drumming, and a soaring melodic break. The new video juxtaposes the band’s extreme‑metal identity with Atlanta’s dominant hip‑hop cultural influence, an intentional contrast that reflects the city they call home.

Watch the “Blood of the Throne” music video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fnnqfysxxo

Baumoel acknowledges that some viewers may misinterpret the imagery. Despite anticipating criticism, the band stands firmly behind the concept and the talented women who helped bring it to life. The track itself explores the crushing realities of capitalism and modern power structures.

“People will always judge based on their preconceived notion of things without ever digging in below the surface. This is part of the sickness in our society. We all know who the real demons of our society are; we just don’t agree on what the solution is,”adds Baumoel.

Following the video’s release, Malefic continues to push their latest album Impermanence, a 40‑minute whirlwind of thrash‑driven drumming, melodic black‑metal atmospheres, technical death‑metal precision, progressive rhythmic shifts, and lyrics rooted in personal struggle, societal pain, and existential reflection. Mixed by Alex Parra, the record rejects the sterile, overly‑compressed production dominating modern metal, instead embracing nuance, dynamics, and human imperfection.

“We wanted something that still showcased the nuances in the guitar work, the dynamics in the drumming, and allowed for mistakes. It just needed to feel human. The personal struggles, the current socio‑political issues, and the societal struggles all seemed extremely relatable… they tell the tale of the ever‑changing nature of life as a whole,” says Baumoel.

Track Listing:

  1. Blood of the Throne – [3:33]
  2. In Darkest Dreams (the Reaping) – [3:44]
  3. Of Gods and Man – [4:14]
  4. Idiocracy – [3:56]
  5. Deserter – [3:53]
  6. Disembodiment – [4:39]
  7. Obsidian Earth – [4:37]
  8. Echoes of Silence – [4:45]
  9. It Haunts – [4:01]

Formed in 2007, Malefic set out to push blackened metal into a modern direction while preserving its weight and emotional gravity. Their current lineup features Aaron Baumoel (drums/vocals), Jason Davila (guitar), Doug Rosander (bass), and Sam Williams (Guitar) (also of Cemetery Filth, Jaeger). The band’s collective experience across Atlanta’s metal scene fuels their razor‑tight live performances.

Watch the “Blood of the Throne” music video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fnnqfysxxo

Recommended for fans of Old Man’s Child, Carcass, Testament, Dissection, and The Black Dahlia Murder, Impermanence (released Feb 13, 2026) is available at the following links:

Vinyl – https://www.terminushatecity.com/shop

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/3d9ZKsvOYoYC2gi0Jrqy6Y

Album Band Line-up:
Aaron Baumoel – Drums and Vocals
Devin Autry – Guitars
Jason Davila – Bass and Lead Guitars
Sam Williams – Lead Guitars

Live Band Line-up:
Aaron Baumoel – Drums and Vocals
Jason Davila – Guitars
Sam Williams – Guitars
Doug Rosander – Bass

More info: https://linktr.ee/malefic

Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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