Czechia OSDM beasts Sněť have officially unleashed their newest full-length, V bažinách vědomí.
Having annihilated the underground with their 2021 debut LP and kept things flowing with two splits in the interim, this promises to be an excellent slab of old-school death metal.
V bažinách vědomí is out now via Me Saco Un Ojo (vinyl and cassette) and Dark Descent Records (CD and cassette).
Watch the music video for album track “Kladivo ve tmě” at this location.
V bažinách vědomí kicks right in with ominous and eerie atmospherics coupled with some absolutely revolting grooves; it is clear these fiends mean business. It should be abundantly obvious that Sněť have been refining their craft to something precise and lethal.
Keeping those ’90s hallmarks intact while adding subtle touches that show they’ve found their own identity, the album delivers a gruesomeness and discomfort that reflects the band’s evolution without sacrificing any of its punishing intensity.
Consuming the listener with an eldritch atmosphere while piercing through the fog with pure rancidity, Sněť‘s new album boasts a massive production that crushes with total morbidity. Combining the mulch-like tones of death metal’s golden era with an even warmer, more classic sound creates a devastating mix.
Beyond its grotesque exterior lies a savage and gripping record, balancing memorable hooks with violent, chaotic passages. There is no pretence to Sněť, they simply play death metal the way they want to hear it, and that shines throughout V bažinách vědomí. If you love brutality, grooves, death and riffs, don’t miss this one.
V bažinách vědomí track list:
1) Tíha světů
2) Kladivo ve tmě
3) Natur
4) Ve stínu slunce
5) Apokalyptický smaragd budoucí doby
6) Moskyt
7) Jako každý
8) Nekončící koloběh snění a probouzení
9) Dřevěný kůl
10) Znetvořená panna
V bažinách vědomí was recorded at Golden Hive Studio by Amák Golden, and mixed and mastered by Greg Wilkinson at Earhammer Studios. Cover art by Řád Zdechlin (Tomáš Mitura).
Extreme metal juggernaut SLAUGHTERSUN present a tribute to CORONER with a cover of “Die By My Hand.” While striving to honor the sonic appeal of the original recording, SLAUGHTERSUN have injected elements of their own distinctive character into their interpretation.
“The original recording of Coroner’s ‘Die By My Hand’ is a relic of it’s time and a prime example of the legendary fidelity produced by Scott Burns at Morrisound in Tampa FL back in the 80’s and 90’s”, shares band leader Ben Karas. “In a time before drums were routinely gridded and productions were overly polished, the power trio Coroner proved that metal could be as groovy as it is dark and brutal. Moving the boundaries of recorded music, their virtuosic musicianship and infectious musical pocket solidified their place as an influence to Slaughtersun’s sound.
The technical side of the recording is also of interest as it is part of the roster of bands with Scott Burns’ unique production style. Burns’ goal was to preserve the primal energy of the music but present it in a way where all of the details could be heard. As all of Slaughtersun’s music is self produced and contains unconventional instruments, a similar attempt at innovation is present.”
Originally written and performed by CORONER, SLAUGHTERSUN‘s interpretation of “Die By My Hand” was recorded by sound engineers Ben Karas and Chris Alfano. The track was produced, mixed and mastered by Ben Karas at Frost Gauntlet Recording, Lyndhurst, NJ. Cover artwork for the single is by Slam Slabs.
About SLAUGHTERSUN:
Since 2023, SLAUGHTERSUN has been on a rampage to brand their trademark style in the realm of metal. Rooted in the sonic domain of death metal but traversing outward, band leader Ben Karas (WINDFAERER, THANK YOU SCIENTIST) is uncompromising in producing demented music unlike anything that exists by means of unorthodox instrumentation and infectious compositions.
Their critically acclaimed Black Marrow EP is proof that SLAUGHTERSUN is something unique, making album of the year lists in 2025 and leaving listeners bloodthirsty to hear the forthcoming debut full length album.
SLAUGHTERSUN: Chris Alfano – Sundowning Incantations Ben Karas – Treble Strings Cody McCorry – Bass Strings Jason Quinones – HammerBattalion
ABSOLUTE POWER have shared the title track of their forthcoming second album, “Needs Must When The Devil Drives”, due out on November 6, 2026 via Time To Kill Records. The song features former Judas Priest and Iced Earth vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens, contributing his unmistakable screams to one of the album’s most powerful statements.
For Shane Embury, the track is also deeply personal, looking back at the environment in which he and Simon Efemey grew up and the role heavy metal played during their formative years:
“This song, whilst being title track of our new record, also talks about how both Simon and I grew up in the West Midlands listening to heavy metal of 1980’s, all the classics as you would expect. The areas where we both came from were very much industrial areas! Working class families and for us, as teenagers, heavy metal was our escape from the everyday realities of our areas. You did what you had to, just to get by. Needs Must When the Devil Drives!”
Fifteen years after the release of their self-titled debut, the heavy metal project founded by vocalist and producer Simon Efemey and Napalm Death bassist Shane Embury returns with a powerful celebration of classic heavy metal.
Drawing inspiration from the timeless legacy of Judas Priest, Saxon, Black Sabbath, Dio and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, “Needs Must When The Devil Drives” combines old-school riffs, unforgettable melodies and larger-than-life songwriting, with the energy and attitude of a new era.
The world is in meltdown and we’re all going to hell in a handbasket. Thankfully, ABSOLUTE POWER are here to offer maximum-volume resistance to the madness, with their monumental second album, “Needs Must When The Devil Drives”.
ABSOLUTE POWER is the brainchild of vocalist and producer Simon Efemey and bassist/multi-instrumentalist Shane Embury, two heavy metal lifers who, between them, have left an indelible imprint on modern music.
Embury is the longtime bassist of grindcore pioneers Napalm Death, a band that began pushing music to its furthest extremes in the 1980s and has never stopped evolving. Efemey is one of the most influential British metal producers of his generation, having shaped the modern scene through his work with artists including Paradise Lost, The Wildhearts and Napalm Death, while also developing a reputation as one of the most charismatic figures behind the scenes.
Together, they spent five years crafting “Needs Must When The Devil Drives”, an exhilarating tribute to the classic heavy metal they grew up with, infused with the energy and attitude of 2026.
“I want people to have a good time in the old school way,” says Efemey of the album. “I want them to forget the mundane, boring or horrible parts of their jobs. I want them to forget themselves for a couple of hours. That’s what good music should allow us all to do.”
The album continues the vision that originally brought ABSOLUTE POWER together: a desire to recapture the sense of adventure, grandeur and excitement that defined the heavy metal of their youth.
“When we did the first album, we wanted to make songs like our heroes, Judas Priest, Saxon, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, everything we liked as kids,” explains Efemey. “When we were on tour buses, we’d have a few drinks and start blasting old-school heavy metal like Black Sabbath or Dio. One day we said we should write our own tunes like that.”
The debut album was embraced by fans of traditional metal, and “Needs Must When The Devil Drives” expands on that foundation, delivering a collection of songs built around powerful riffs, memorable hooks and a strong sense of identity. The title itself comes from an old proverb that Efemey and Embury would jokingly repeat to each other during the recording sessions.
Alongside the title track, “Saviour” the song “Kernschmelze” showcases the band’s most direct and energetic side, while “Mountain Of Hope” increases the epic dimension that’s always been central to ABSOLUTE POWER. “Within” temporarily strips away some of the heaviness in favor of a more atmospheric and hypnotic approach, recalling the psychedelic spirit of 1970s classics such as Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan”.
The album features a reinterpretation of Queen’s 1978 classic “Sheer Heart Attack”, preserving the original’s punk-driven energy while adding the unmistakable personality of ABSOLUTE POWER.
Efemey and Embury invited several respected musicians to contribute to the album’s expansive sound. Former Judas Priest and Iced Earth vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owensreturns after appearing on the first record, delivering his unmistakable screams on the title track. The Mission and Tricky guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite adds subtle layers and textures to several songs, expanding the band’s traditional metal foundation.
“I’ve known him for years,” says Efemey. “I recorded a demo for his old band years ago. I sent him some tracks and he put some magic on them. He added a little goth flavour to some of those tracks. It took it further than the first album, which was just straight-down-the-line traditional metal.”
Also appearing on the record are Napalm Death guitarist John Cooke and drummer Carl Stokes, whose career includes collaborations with bands such as Cancer and The Groundhogs.
At the heart of ABSOLUTE POWER, however, remains the partnership between Efemey and Embury. Both grew up in the West Midlands and shared formative experiences attending concerts at Birmingham’s legendary Odeon before following very different paths: Embury becoming one of extreme metal’s defining musicians, and Efemey establishing himself as a highly respected producer.
“Over the years our paths crossed, and we realized we had a similar love for music and a similar sense of humour – Monty Python, The Young Ones, really dark humour,” says Efemey.
Throughout his career, Efemey has worked with artists ranging from British indie heroes The Wonder Stuff to extreme metal pioneers Napalm Death, but his influence has always extended far beyond production. His larger-than-life personality and his approach to music have made him a unique figure within the British scene.
“You hear the stories from back in the day about these legendary bands and the mad stuff they’d get up to,” he says. “For me, that’s part of rock’n’roll. I never wanted to just be the guy sitting there in the studio nodding along with what bands say. It was more about entertaining people and entertaining ourselves.”
Yet behind all the chaos, Efemey has always remained focused on the most important element being the songs.
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we’re serious about the music,” he says of ABSOLUTE POWER. “We reject ideas that aren’t good enough. Every song needs a good riff and a catchy melody. I wouldn’t let anything go out that was just fodder. That approach has always been prevalent in my work.”
That philosophy defines “Needs Must When The Devil Drives”. The album carries the confidence of a band that knows exactly what it wants to achieve, embracing the foundations of classic heavy metal while sounding fully alive in 2026. As the world falls apart around them, ABSOLUTE POWER stand tall, armed with riffs, melodies and songs built to last.
“I can’t think of many new British bands doing what we do,” says Efemey. “I think people like our stuff because it’s old-school with melodies you can sing along to. We use the formula from the 70s and 80s because we know it works. We make this kind of music because we love it and we want people to sing along with us.”
Track-list:
1. Needs Must When the Devil Drives (feat. Tim “Ripper” Owens) 2. Saviour 3. Kernscmelze 4. Stand Up and Be Counted 5. Within 6. Mountain of Hope 7. Insanity 8. Hammer of Justice 9. Praise the Fire 10. Sheer Heart Attack 11. Orphans of the Storm
Line-up:
Simon Efemey – vocals Shane Embury – Bass, Additional Instruments
Guests musicians:
Tim “Ripper” Owens – vocals (ex Judas Priest, Iced Earth) Mark Gemini Thwaite – guitars (The Mission, Tricky) John Cooke – guitar (Napalm Death) Carl Stokes – drums (Cancer, The Groundhogs) Joe Taylor – drums Dominik Gryzbon – lead guitar Ilsa Nielson – lead guitar
ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD battle stigma with new single and music video, “Beauty in a Body Bag.” Led by JD McGibney, the L.A. based instrumental symphonic progressive metal band present a heavy and melodic offering in this track.
ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELDexplain the concept behind “Beauty in a Body Bag”:“This song was written to capture the dark and tormenting struggle that is so strongly associated with Borderline Personality Disorder. People with BPD often describe it as feeling like having an endless black hole of emptiness living inside of them, leaving them with an unstable and shifting self identity. As a result, BPD can be chaotic and terrifying.
‘Beauty in a Body Bag’ was written to give this darkness form, and allow those who are struggling to face that darkness head on in order to learn how to overcome it.”
“Beauty in a Body Bag” was a song that was originally written for JD McGibney’s old Long Island band and was subsequently rearranged for ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD. Instrumentally, the arrangement is more straightforward by design in order to highlight the band’s melodic capabilities.
“Beauty in a Body Bag”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.
About ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD:
Based out of Los Angeles, CA, ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD began as a side project for guitarist JD McGibney (ex-VOODOO KUNGFU) before augmenting to a full line-up in 2021. Alongside McGibney, the instrumental symphonic progressive metal band is now comprised of Jason Klein on bass (ex-BUTCHER BABIES), Eddie Trager on drums (ex-NEKROGOBLIKON) and Chris Wirsig on keyboards (award winning TV and film composer).
The ethos of the band is to empower listeners through music, to assist individuals who are fighting on their own battlefields and to help them find courage. ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD strive to improve awareness of and discourse around mental illness through the power of heavy metal. The band made their live debut at the 2022 “This Is My Brave” mental health fundraiser, where the band helped to raise around $30,000 to donate to local Los Angeles mental health charities.
Canadian melodic death thrash force INVICTA return with “Overthrow Divinity,” the first single from their upcoming EP Sapienomachy.
Active since 2017, INVICTA have carved out a reputation for aggressive old school riffing, sharp melodic hooks, and a modern approach to death and thrash metal. With one EP and two full-length albums already behind them, the Kitchener-Waterloo band now enter a new chapter with Sapienomachy, a concept-driven release that expands their sound into power metal, traditional metal balladry, and progressive storytelling.
Inspired by Greek mythology, Sapienomachy takes its name from mythic conflicts such as the Titanomachy and Gigantomachy. The EP reimagines the tale of Prometheus giving fire to humankind, following a story in which humanity turns that gift into a weapon and wages war against the gods, ultimately destroying their universe.
The EP’s artwork was created by legendary German artist Andreas Marschall. Drawing from Greek myth, the cover depicts Prometheus embedded in the mountain, offering his final flame to humankind.
“Overthrow Divinity” launches the EP with fast-paced power metal influence, twin harmony guitar leads, and relentless drumming. Lyrically, the song is told from the perspective of humanity rising against the gods after generations of oppression and restraint. Its story also speaks to modern anxieties: mankind given tools and technologies meant to help, only to turn them toward destruction in a relentless lust for power.
Sapienomachy also marks a unique creative moment for INVICTA. Originally written as part of a full-length album, these songs were set aside and shaped into their own standalone release, allowing the band to explore a more narrative, dynamic and mythological side of their writing.
About INVICTA:
INVICTA features Kyle Edissi on guitar and vocals, Jonah Kay on guitar, Reef Hassanien on drums, and Chip Tanner on bass. The band’s discography includes The Executioner EP, Halls of Extinction, and Triumph and Torment, alongside singles and covers including “Rising Force,” “Forces of Annihilation” and “Hatebreeder.”
INVICTA have toured across Canada and the United States, including runs supporting HEATHEN and FIRST FRAGMENT, and have shared stages with LICH KING, SOULFLY, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, NAPALM DEATH, and PRIMITIVE MAN.
“Overthrow Divinity” is the first glimpse into Sapienomachy, a release that pushes INVICTA into grander, more mythic territory while retaining the speed, aggression, and melodic bite that has defined the band since its earliest days.
Finnish metal visionaries AMORPHIS are set to join forces with melodic death metal pioneers INSOMNIUM for the North American co-headline tour, with support from US melodic death/doom metal act HINAYANA. Beginning in Boston, MA, on November 17, the bands prepare to bring powerful storytelling and haunting heaviness to audiences as the winter months draw near.
The tour sees AMORPHIS continue celebrations in aid of their latest full-length Borderland. Released via RPM in September 2025, the album marks a milestone in the band’s 35‑year evolution, blending melodic depth and dynamic narratives with a refreshed creative spark borne from their first collaboration with producer Jacob Hansen.
[Photo: Anne Swallow]
AMORPHIS x INSOMNIUM Tour Dates:
11/17 — Boston, MA — Paradise Rock Club 11/18 — Montreal, QC — Theatre Beanfield 11/19 — Toronto, ON — The Concert Hall 11/20 — Columbus, OH — The King of Clubs 11/21 — Detroit, MI — Magic Stick 11/23 — Chicago, IL — House of Blues 11/24 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater 11/25 — Lincoln, NE — Bourbon Theatre 11/27 — Denver, CO — The Gothic Theatre 11/28 — Salt Lake City, UT — Metro Music Hall 11/30 — Vancouver, BC — Rickshaw Theatre 12/01 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theatre 12/02 — Seattle, WA — The Showbox Market 12/04 — Berkeley, CA — The UC Theatre 12/05 — Los Angeles, CA — The Regent Theater 12/06 — Mesa, AZ — The Nile Theater 12/08 — Austin, TX — Come And Take It Live 12/09 — Dallas, TX — Granada Theater 12/11 — Orlando, FL — The Abbey 12/12 — Jacksonville, FL — The Albatross 12/13 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade 12/15 — Richmond, VA — The Canal Club 12/16 — Baltimore, MD — Baltimore Soundstage 12/18 — Reading, PA — Reverb 12/19 — New York, NY — Irving Plaza
Swedish heavy metal squad RAM presents their latest single and video for “Night Blade.” The track appears on their forthcoming new long player, Against, set to drop on October 9th through Metal Blade Records.
Comments vocalist Oscar Carlquist, “The return of the riff! Before writing this song, I had been contemplating about the fact that ‘70s and early ‘80s metal was a lot more about the riff than what you hear and have heard for a long time. I wanted to bring that back and wrote a typical super simple oldschool riff to carry the song. A perfect song to headbang to.”
Watch RAM’s previously released video for “Ghost Emperor” HERE.
It has been nearly seven years since RAM’s The Throne Within, an album defined by its spiritual and metaphysical themes. With Against, RAM takes a more grounded approach, focusing on the experience of being pushed beyond reasonable limits and refusing to comply. The album captures that moment of resistance, “that fire of defiance, which ultimately defines its title and message,” as the band collectively states.
Musically, guitarists Harry Granroth and Martin Jonsson continue to favor bridge pickups, maintaining a sharp and aggressive tone. The equipment used on Against reflects a classic approach, contributing to a sound that feels both timeless and direct. Sonically, Againstwas conceived as a return to classic recording philosophies.
Against Track Listing:
1. Obsession
2. Ghost Emperor
3. One Vs. All
4. Abattoir
5. Out of Control
6. Leaving
7. Against
8. Night Blade
9. Rising Again
10. 1984
11. The Final Hour
The album artwork, created by Carlquist himself, also reflects a conscious shift toward simplicity. In contrast to previous covers filled with symbolism, the focus is placed squarely on the band’s iconic ram-horned skull emblem, ensuring that the identity of the band remains unmistakable.
Drawing inspiration from the early works of Dio, MSG, and Sweet, the goal was to create an honest and unpolished sound. What you hear is what you get! In a music landscape increasingly divided into countless subgenres, the band positions itself deliberately outside of categorization. The title Against itself reinforces the band’s longstanding identity as nonconformists, viewing heavy metal as a form of sonic rebellion.
One of the most noticeable aspects of the record is its concise songwriting. Where earlier work may have leaned toward complexity, this album embraces clarity and precision. This evolution reflects a broader maturation, with the Swedes recognizing that restraint and focus can be more impactful than technical display.
RAM’s Against full-length will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
180g Black Clear Lilac Marbled Purple Melt (Ltd. 300) Crystal Clear Blackdust (Ltd. 300) Silver Black Splatter (Ltd. 250)
Ultimately, Against stands as a statement of intent, a reaffirmation of identity and purpose. Or, as they put it themselves: “Fear the return of the Heavy Metal Tyranny!”
In related news, after 17 years as the bassist for RAM, Tobias “Tobbe” Petterson has decided to step down from the band. Petterson has been a pivotal part of both RAM‘s recordings and live shows and his steadfast bass playing and ferocious stage presence will be missed.
The band comments, “Petterson will always remain a part of the RAM family and we part as brothers, still united by the power of heavy metal. But the heavy metal tyranny must proceed, new horizons await and these will be shared with our new bass player Desekrator of Voodus and Stormdeath fame. Desekrator has been close to the band for decades and through being a die hard fan he is already well versed with the true spirit of RAM. This combined with his bass skills makes him the perfect replacement for Tobbe. Onward Upon The Black Path!”
Petterson will perform his final show with RAM on October 9th in Gothenburg, the band’s record release show.
RAM Live: 9/12/09/2026 Candelabrum Metalfest – León, MX 10/09/2026 Skjulet – Gothenburg, SE *Record Release Show w/ Portrait 12/04/2026 Spectrum – Murcia, ES 12/05/2026 Peter Rock – Valencia, ES 12/06/2026 Upload – Barcelona, ES 12/07/2026 Urban – Vitoria, ES 3/12-13/2027 Heavy Metal Thunder Fest – Pisek, CZ 5/20-22/2027 Iron Fest – Ohmbachsee, DE
RAM Recording Lineup: Oscar Carlquist – vocals Morgan Pettersson – drums Harry Granroth – guitar Martin Jonsson – guitar Tobias Petterson – bass
German hard rock titans MAD MAX celebrate the record release of Stories Of Destiny with a brand-new music video for “Dulces Falsos.” The song marks a special first in the band’s history: it is the first MAD MAX track ever recorded with Spanish lyrics and presents their classic “Piece Of Candy” in a powerful new version.
With “Dulces Falsos,”MAD MAX pay tribute to their loyal fanbase in Latin America. New lyrics by Andreas Baesler and the Spanish vocals give the song a fresh character while preserving the energy and spirit of the original.
Band mastermindJürgen Breforthcomments: “Dulces Falsos” is the first song we ever recorded with Spanish lyrics. With this version of our classic “Piece Of Candy” we would like to say a very special thank you to all our fans in Latin America who have always stayed loyal to us and who have helped make the Mad Max comic a great success, especially in Colombia and Mexico.
Andreas Baesler has written a new and very up-to-date set of lyrics. The Spanish vocals give the song even more power, presence and raw energy. Many journalists see in “Dulces Falsos” an attitude and charisma reminiscent of bands such as HEROES DEL SILENCIO for example. That makes us very proud.”
Stories Of Destiny finds MAD MAX celebrating 45 years of history while continuing to push forward with new material. Packed with powerful guitar-driven anthems, memorable melodies and timeless hard rock spirit, it combines newly recorded material, long-awaited hidden gems and collaborations with some of the most respected names in the rock and metal world.
The album also introduces UK vocalist Alan Clark while welcoming original MAD MAX singer Andreas Baesler as a special guest for his first MAD MAX appearance in 45 years, creating a direct link between the band’s earliest days and its present.
Stories Of Destiny is out now via ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. Order your album copy now at this location:
Stories Of Destiny – Track-list: 1. Silver 2. Weapons Of Love 3. Keep You Alive 4. Far Behind 5. Piece Of Candy 6. ‘Til The End Of Time 7. Bullet 8. Mad Gone Blind 9. She Was Mine 10. Wings Of Freedom 11. Dulces Falsos
Founded in Münster, Germany in 1981 by guitarist, songwriter and bandleader Jürgen Breforth, MAD MAX have remained one of Europe’s most enduring melodic hard rock and heavy metal acts for more than four decades. Renowned for their unmistakable guitar-driven sound, strong melodies and classic hard rock attitude, the band have built a loyal international following through countless albums, tours and festival appearances.
Reflecting on an extraordinary career while embracing the future, Stories Of Destiny is built around songs Breforth had the honor to co-write with acclaimed musicians including Sascha Gerstner (Helloween), David Readman (Pink Cream 69), Andreas Broon (The Sisters Of Mercy) and Michael Voss, known from his work with Michael Schenker. Reimagined and newly recorded in unmistakable MAD MAX fashion, the album captures both the band’s musical roots and their continued evolution.
The visual world of Stories Of Destiny connects to the MAD MAX comic, created by Mexican comic artist Maestro ArturoSaid. The comic tells the story of the band from its founding days in 1981 through the 1980s and up to MAD MAX’s first shows in Colombia in 2023, making the album both a musical and visual celebration of the band’s legacy.
Artist Line-Up: Alan Clark – Vocals Andreas Baesler – Vocals On “Dulces Falsos” & Duet Vocals On “Piece Of Candy” Jürgen Breforth – Guitar Dethy Borchardt – Guitar Fabian Watermann – Bass Axel Kruse – Drums
Belorusian Death Metal Pack, Eximperitus, have released the official video for “Chalkionic Wandering Among the Wreckage of the Future,” a track from latest album Meritoriousness of Equanimity.
Willowtip Records released Meritoriousness of Equanimity on January 30, 2026, on vinyl, cassette, CD and digital formats.
Meritoriousness of Equanimity contains nine independent compositions united by the idea of searching for inner support in an era of turbulence. Exposure and scourging of social dogmas and morbid tendencies on the ruins of the old world…
“In times when despair overflows human hearts… when the chasm of strife between civilizations widens… when loyalty to ideologies tears blood ties apart… when the world stands still, poised for the final leap of prolonged self-destruction… We can draw strength solely from internal sources, which are filled only by the multifaceted power of Death Metal…”
I. One Step Long Infinity. II. Contemplation of the Plastic Fibers of Perfection at the Second Level of Reality. III. Twelve Centuries of Triumph of the Third Kingdom… IV. Finding Consistency in the Fourth Quadrant of Eternity. V. The Untimely Fruit of the Unsaid. VI. Golden Chains for the Construction of Individual Greatness. VII. Molecular Disintegration of an Unattainable Solitary Will in a Vessel of Wisdom… VIII. Chalkionic Wandering Among the Wreckage of the Future. IX. Standing at the Skirt of the Ruins of Human Nature (…on the Other Side of Man and Time).
Following the success of the singles “Checkmate” and “Flying Monkey,” BLUE MEDUSA, the band of metal icon Alissa White-Gluz, takes a step forward with “CROCODILE,” released on Friday, September 4th on all platforms.
Dark, tense, viscerally disturbing, “CROCODILE” explores that creeping feeling that danger is approaching, even when it remains invisible.
“‘CROCODILE’ speaks of that feeling of being watched… that instinctive fear when you know danger is lurking nearby, even without seeing it. The feeling that something is hiding just beneath the surface of what seems safe or familiar. It is in this tension, between what we perceive and what we sense, that the song lives.” – Alissa White-Gluz
The music video marks a new chapter in the visual collaboration between the singer and Vicente Cordero (Industrialism Films), with the two artists once again co-directing the video. It features the very first performance of Blue Medusa with the full band. Alissa plays a one-of-a-kind guitar, custom-made by Nik Huber Guitars as part of a three-way collaboration between Sea Shepherd, Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein and Blue Medusa. Equipped with Doyle-signed Von Frankenstein Monster Gear pickups and strings, and autographed by both artists, it will be auctioned to benefit Sea Shepherd’s marine conservation efforts.
Beatriz Mariano (Okkultist) also brings her creative touch: chilling visuals & saturated voice.
Alissa White-Gluz, a multifaceted artist and activist, was at Hellfest this year, where fans enjoyed a special acoustic set with Savage Lands, followed by a surprise appearance alongside Sepultura on “Kaiowas” during one of the Brazilian band’s final concerts.
Elsewhere, the singer has been involved in numerous collaborations: three different stages at Wacken Open Air , including “Our Kingdom,” the festival’s official anthem composed with Bear McCreary, two vocal performances with Dragonforce at Sonic Temple and Welcome to Rockville, whom she will rejoin this fall for the Inhumane Rampage anniversary tour in North America. Also, several surprise appearances with Ice Nine Kills in Europe, notably at Rock am Ring and Rock im Park, as well as Heavy Week-End in France!
This autumn, Louder Than Life and Aftershock will host Blue Medusa ‘s first-ever festival appearances, ahead of the band’s arrival in Europe in 2027. More announcements to follow…
BLUE MEDUSA TOUR DATES:
2026 Sept 18 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Festival Oct 2 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival
2027 July 28-31 – Wacken, DE – Wacken Open Air Aug 11-14 – Villena, ES – Leyendas Del Rock Aug 18-21 – Dinkelsbühl, DE – Summer Breeze Open Air
We are proud to announce that our seventh full-length album, ALL THE SHADOWS, will be released on October 30th via No Remorse Records.
This is Cirith Ungol in its purest form: eight songs of epic, dark and doom-filled Heavy Metal, forged with the same fire that has driven this band from the beginning. We believe this stands among the strongest albums we have ever made.
The title track “All The Shadows” is out now, along with a brand-new lyric video.
Portland, Maine death metal outfit WORM ALTAR will release their debut full-length album, Pillars of Eternal Dusk, on October 16th, 2026 via Dawnbreed Records and Gurgling Gore on LP and CD formats, limited to 300 and 400 copies, respectively. The cassette edition will be released as a co-release between Gurgling Gore and Contemn Light, featuring two limited label-exclusive shell color variants.
The first single “Watchers of the Gate” is streaming HERE.
There is something genuinely repulsive about the sound of WORM ALTAR. Crude, abrasive and seemingly dragged out of some damp, lightless corner of the underground, Pillars of Eternal Dusk refuses to polish away the rough edges that give its death metal such an unsettling presence. Yet beneath the layer of grime, the album reveals itself to be far more carefully constructed than its initial assault might suggest.
Great riffs emerge from the murk, memorable enough to stick in the head long after the noise has subsided. Subtle melodic details and understated atmospheric touches lurk beneath the surface, adding depth without ever compromising the album’s oppressive character. The rawness is therefore not an end in itself: it is the most appropriate vehicle for music that aims to feel uneasy, crawling and fundamentally diseased.
Drawing inspiration from Gorement, Phrenelith, Disembowelment, Coffins, Mortiferum, Grave Upheaval and Black Sabbath, WORM ALTAR operate in that particularly fertile territory where death metal becomes less a display of brute force than an exercise in atmosphere, physicality and dread.
Track-list:
Under the Shadow of Night…
Splaying the Offal
Watchers of the Gate
Virescent Fire
The Blind One
Dusk Eternal
Founded in late 2021 as the solo project of Scott M. (guitars, vocals), WORM ALTAR initially released the Demo 2022 tape through Acid Redux Productions and the Astral Scourge EP in 2023 via Gurgling Gore and Total Death Over Mexico.
After expanding into a full band, the lineup was completed by John S. on drums, Jon M. on bass and Rob C. on guitar. Jon M. is also a member of sludge/doom legends Come To Grief, while Rob C. handles guitar and vocals in progressive death metal outfit Shabti.
Pillars of Eternal Dusk was recorded largely live in just ten hours by Todd Hutchisen at Acadia Recording Company in the band’s hometown of Portland. Mixing was handled by Ethan Camp, whose credits include the debut albums of Mortiferum and Mephitic Corpse, while mastering was completed by Dan Lowndes at Resonance Sound Studio, known for work with Ancient Death, Blood Incantation, Cerebral Rot, Imprecation, Infester and Spectral Voice.
Following the release, WORM ALTAR will perform throughout New England and Canada, bringing the filth of Pillars of Eternal Dusk to the stage.
Wyrm Chasm is a feral force of black metal rising from Dallas, Texas. Formed in March 2015 by guitarist Eric Carrasco and bassist/vocalist Stephen Jeter, the band aimed to forge a cutting-edge sound rooted in raw atmospheres.
A blend of atmospheric and melodic black metal, Wyrm Chasm crafts a cold, oppressive atmosphere punctuated with emotionally charged riffing and furious percussion.
“We’ve crafted our eponymous album into a melodic, yet atmospheric release that fully represents our sound and attack.” – Wyrm Chasm
Wyrm Chasm will be released October 23 on vinyl, CD, and digital formats.
FFO: Winterfylleth, Wolves in the Throne Room, Emperor, Mgla
Finnish classic Gothenburg-style melodic death metal band, Morbid Intent, are set to release their debut EP Marionettes, later in 2026 via Inverse Records. The second single “Vitriol Shards” is unleashed today and it’s accompanied by a music video which can be seen here: https://youtu.be/i5AJooBpMYY
The band comments: “Vitriol Shards is diving into the destructive power of toxic words, psychological violence and bitterness. The track portrays how hatred and poisoned communication can shatter into fragments that slowly corrode the human mind, piece by piece.”
Morbid Intent is an upcoming melodic death metal act formed in Oulu, Finland. Looking to take the scene by storm, Morbid Intent will release their debut EP Marionettes in 2026.
The main inspiration for the band is the classic Göteborg-style melodic death metal mixed with a splash of modern extreme metal aggression. Fast blast beats, crushing riffs, and haunting melodies are to be expected.
The band members have experience playing in bands such as Mors Subita, Electric Deathbeat, Swansong, Se, Josta Ei Puhuta.
Morbid Intent – Vitriol Shards (single 2026)
Composed & arranged by Juha Väyrynen, Juho Näppä. Lyrics by Juha Väyrynen.
Single cover by Nikos Stavridakis (VisionBlack).
Marionettes will crush you, set you on fire, hit you like a truck, set you on fire again, and leave you wanting for more. This is a band and a debut that you will not want to miss.
New Album Ascension Of The Ineffable Out Oct 2026 via Gore House Productions
Traumatomy announces their fourth full‑length album, Ascension Of The Ineffable, due out on October 30th, 2026 via Gore House Productions. After two years of work, the upcoming record is their rawest, sharpest, and most brutal offering yet, elevated by the distinctive production of Konstantin Ogarkov, whose approach brought a uniquely savage edge to the album’s sound.
This next offering delivers a faster, rawer, and even more brutal evolution of Traumatomy’s sound while keeping their familiar lyrical themes intact. Each track highlights a different facet of their extremity. “Entropic Obliteration” sets the tone with full-force brutality, “Pervigilium of the Obsolesced Xenolith” pushes speed and blast beats to the limit, and “Endoneural Parasitosis” leans into sickening breakdowns. “Repugnant Coalescence” stands out as the drummer’s most balanced pick, while the title track “Ascension Of The Ineffable” embodies the album’s concept and atmosphere.
“Visceral Maceration” brings groove-heavy slam energy, “Autognathic Avulsion” blends grooves, blasts, and atmosphere, and “Xeno‑Homeostasis” closes the record with a perfectly structured finale. The cover art, created by legendary artist Jon Zig, captures the exact atmosphere and cosmic horror the band envisioned. As Traumatomy put it: SLAM IS THE ONLY WAY!
The first single to be unleashed, “Visceral Maceration”, was written specifically for fans of true slamming brutal death metal.
“This may be the most groovy heavy track on the record and shows that we can find a different approach to composing and structuring music,”adds guitarist Constantine.
Track Listing: 1. Entropic Obliteration (3:34) 2. Pervigilium of the Obsolesced Xenolith (3:26) 3. Endoneural Parasitosis (3:07) 4. Repugnant Coalescence (2:55) 5. Ascension Of The Ineffable (2:54) 6. Visceral Maceration (2:34) 7. Autognathic Avulsion (2:43) 8. Xeno-Homeostasis (3:07) Album Length: 24:15
Formed in 2012 by guitarist and main songwriter Constantine Chevardin (Disfigurement Of Flesh, Nauseating, Morphogenetic Malformation) and Haruka Kamiyama (ex‑Gorevent / Medic Vomiting Pus), Traumatomy quickly became a cult force in the brutal death metal underground. Their 2013 debut Transcendental Evisceration of Necrogenetic Beasts established their reputation for slammy, primitive, crushing extremity. Between 2012 and 2018, they released two albums and three EPs before evolving into a full touring band with the addition of bassist Leonid (Cephalic Impurity) and drummer Ivan.
Known for coordinated, intense performances and a relentless commitment to monolithic slam, Traumatomy continues to push their sound into increasingly brutal, higher‑quality territory with every release. Lyrically inspired by H.P. Lovecraft and criminal TV shows, and musically driven by riffs, beer, and cosmic horror.
Recommended for fans of Gorevent, Cerebral Incubation, Disgorge, Epicardiectomy, and Defeated Sanity,Ascension of the Ineffable is out on October 30th, 2026, fromGore House Productions.
From the darkest corners of the North, PAARA return to the surface with their third full-length album, Laulut tulen ja jään, set for release on October 30th, 2026 through Dusktone.
The first single “Pohjolan” is now streaming HERE.
For more than a decade, PAARA have cultivated a vision of Finnish black metal that feels deeply rooted in the landscape that surrounds them. Their music evokes the bleak winds sweeping across the fells, the thousands of lakes and the endless forests of Finland, drawing on the darkness of the old world while allowing moments of unexpected beauty to emerge from within it.
Formed around fifteen years ago, PAARA have developed into an entity that thrives on contradiction: brutal yet beautiful, harsh yet strangely comforting, black as the northern night yet capable of revealing flashes of warmth beneath its frozen surface. The band’s modern manifestations began with Yön olevainen puoli (2015) and Riitti (2018), establishing a distinctive approach to atmospheric black metal that balances aggression with a strong sense of melody and place.
After seemingly disappearing from view around 2019, PAARA were never truly gone. The entity had simply retreated into the wilderness, gathering strength and tracing the roots of its inspiration through the darkest reaches of Northern nature and the distant past. Now, in 2026, it emerges once again with Laulut tulen ja jään, most expansive and dynamic manifestation yet.
The album moves constantly between razor-sharp black metal assaults and more majestic passages, with clean vocals and choral arrangements often amplifying the grandeur of its most imposing moments. Yet PAARA refuse to settle into a predictable pattern. Their compositions are full of structural turns and unexpected developments, allowing delicate atmospheric passages to surface between the harsher sections.
A particularly important role is played by the guitars, with acoustic passages adding an unexpected fragility to the album and creating moments of stillness within its otherwise turbulent landscape. These quieter sections never feel ornamental: they become an integral part of the compositions, opening new perspectives before the music inevitably plunges back into darkness.
The songs on Laulut tulen ja jään are sharply defined and deliberately varied in their construction. Some unfold across more than ten minutes, patiently developing their ideas and allowing the atmosphere to evolve, while shorter pieces take a more concentrated approach, extracting their impact from carefully shaped moods and textures. Despite the breadth of ideas at work, the album remains remarkably fluid, with each composition finding its own path without disrupting the overall flow
Rich in detail but never cumbersome, Laulut tulen ja jään finds PAARA at their most expressive. Riffs, choirs, clean voices, acoustic guitars and atmospheric passages become different facets of the same northern vision, creating an album that can be both savage and majestic, intimate and imposing.
The old entity has returned. The darkness of the North has found another voice.
Laulut tulen ja jään produced by Zvartus & Helmouth. “Kirveenkantaja” composed by Paara & Iiro “Leper” Illman. Otherwise songs composed by Paara. Lyrics by Helmouth.
Acoustic guitars for “Kutsuu M.A.N.A.” recorded by Jussi Kraft. Drums recorded by Saku Moilanen at Deep Noise Studios. All other instruments and vocals recorded by Zvartus, Paara & Ville O. at Chef’s Room Studio, Helsinki. Album mixed by Zvartus except drums, rhythm guitars & bass mixed by S. Moilanen. Mastered by S. Moilanen. Cover art by David Thiérrée. Logo by Toni Hietomaa. Crest by Jussi Kandelin. Photo by Teppo Ristola. Layout by J.Pihlajaniemi.
Phoenix, Arizona heavy metal band JUPITER CYCLOPS will release their sophomore album, One Eye Opens, on November 20th, 2026 via Rockshots Records. Building on the foundations of their 2024 debut, Age of the UFOnaut, the band pushes its sound further into classic heavy metal and ’80s territory while retaining the heavy ’70s rock influences at the core of its identity. The album’s first single and opening track, “Who Are They Foolin’?”, is out now.
With One Eye Opens, Jupiter Cyclops expand on the sound established with their debut, bringing more of their ’80s influences to the surface. Across eight tracks, the album moves through traditional heavy metal and NWOBHM foundations while exploring proto-thrash, slower melodic songwriting and more atmospheric arrangements.
The album was written against a backdrop of what Jupiter Cyclops sees as a society increasingly shaped by manipulation, control, and fear. Those ideas inform both the title “One Eye Opens” and several of the songs, creating a thematic thread around awareness and the moment when accepted realities begin to be questioned.
Rather than following a single musical formula, the record moves between direct heavy metal, classic hard rock influences, and longer, more developed compositions. It culminates in the 7:39 “The Initiates” before closing with its title track, “One Eye Opens”.
Jupiter Cyclops comments:
“We are ready to unleash the tunes that we’ve been working on over the last couple of years. It will be bigger, heavier, with our most diverse songs yet. The album was written while watching the world lose its humanity in real time. Manipulation, control, fear, and the realization that modern life is built around keeping us asleep. If you follow us, you know we are about big riffs and hooks, and this album is stacked. The album is finally coming and we can’t wait to share it in full volume.”
Leading the album is its first single, “Who Are They Foolin’?”, a track that introduces the heavier side of the new material.
The song has roots that stretch considerably further back than the album itself. Its original idea was written by bassist Jake Melius when he was just 16 years old, before eventually being developed into its present form with Jupiter Cyclops. Written by Melius and guitarist Dustin Lyon with lyrics by Aaron Peltz, the track draws from early thrash while incorporating elements associated with Iron Maiden and Deep Purple.
Musically, “Who Are They Foolin’?” combines heavy riffing with melodic guitar work and Peltz’s commanding vocal delivery. Lyrically, the song functions as Jupiter Cyclops’ protest song, addressing power and the ability of a relatively small group of people to exercise a disproportionate degree of control over others. In that respect, the track provides a direct entry point into the wider themes explored on One Eye Opens.
“One Eye Opens” was recorded at The Ripper’s House, produced by Jupiter Cyclops and mixed by Dustin Lyon, with cover artwork by Mashai Fattahi.
Norwegian melodic black metal veterans ISKALD have unveiled the second official teaser for their upcoming sixth full-length album, Curse of the Mind, due out on September 25th via Dusktone. Following the first preview, this new teaser offers another glimpse into the album’s dark and expansive atmosphere, bringing together further excerpts from across the record.
Rather than revealing a single composition in isolation, the teaser highlights the different shades that shape Curse of the Mind from its melodic black metal foundations to its more imposing and atmospheric passages, offering a broader taste of what ISKALD have prepared for their return.
“For our second teaser we go deeper into the ritual. You will hear fragments from ‘Manifestation of Madness’, ‘A Burden of Hope’, ‘Curse of the Mind – Invocation II’, ‘The Sacrifice’ and ‘The Other Realm’. Where the first invocation opened the door, this one pulls you into the prison itself – isolation turning into doubt and psychological collapse. Helheim is not a place, it is the inner darkness taking shape, and the mind is the true battlefield. This passage leads directly to our first and only single before the album release, ‘The Other Realm'”.
Following the acclaimed Innhøstinga (2018), the new album marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band after signing with Dusktone in early 2026. Available on colored LP, black LP, CD Box and CD, Curse of the Mind was recorded during the summer of 2025 at Strand Studio in Beiarn, mixed and mastered by Hallstein Sandvin, and features artwork by SG7 Graphics.
For over two decades, ISKALD have stood among the leading names in Norwegian melodic black metal. Now performing as a five-piece, the band expands its trademark northern sound with its most ambitious and immersive work to date.
Built as a conceptual journey, Curse of the Mind unfolds through four interconnected chapters linked by ritualistic invocations, exploring themes of psychological torment, inner conflict, fragile hope and ultimate sacrifice. Framed within a stark, Norse-inspired vision of Helheim, the story is mythological in setting but deeply psychological at its core. Helheim is not merely a place, it is the shape taken by inner darkness. The true battlefield is the mind itself.
The album unfolds in four movements, connected by four ritual Invocations:
I. The Other Realm – The Descent Vast emptiness, fog and isolation.
II. Manifestation of Madness – The Prison Doubt, fragmentation and psychological collapse.
III. A Burden of Hope – The Fragile Light Strength found through accepting the darkness within.
IV. The Sacrifice – The Ritual Before the throne of Hela, suffering becomes meaningful.
Track-list:
Curse of the Mind – Invocation I
The Other Realm
Curse of the Mind – Invocation II
Manifestation of Madness
Curse of the Mind – Invocation III
A Burden of Hope
Curse of the Mind – Final Invocation
The Sacrifice
Line-up:
Aage Krekling – Vocals Simon Larsen – Guitars Ben Hansen – Guitars Isak Larsen – Drums Tobias Aubert – Bass
“Undone” is the latest single from alternative metallers ENTHEOS. The track comes by way of the band’s impending new studio offering, Empty On The Inside, set for release on October 23rd via Metal Blade Records. Serving as the definitive centerpiece of the record, the song effortlessly channels the untamed, emotional energy that characterizes the album as a whole.
Comments vocalist Chaney Crabb, “‘Undone’ is a dark, visceral song that’s about the confrontation of the guilt that you’ve become the person you always feared you’d be. It’s the grief of realizing that you cannot turn back time and change the things you’ve destroyed. Lyrically, it’s incredibly raw and we feel that musically, it matches the lyrical content perfectly.
“We’ve wanted to experiment with more of an industrial sound for a long time and writing this song came incredibly naturally to us. Though it may be one that surprises people who listen to our band, it’s one of the most ‘true to ourselves’ songs we’ve ever written. We can’t wait to expand even more in this sonic territory.”
Watch the band’s previously released video for “Golden Crown” HERE.
Empty On The Inside is the most ambitious and fully realized album of ENTHEOS‘ career. Featuring vocalist Chaney Crabb (voice actress for Jill Valentine in Dead By Daylight) and multi-instrumentalist Navene Koperweis (ex-Animals As Leaders, Animosity), alongside guitarists Scott Carstairs (Fallujah) and Michael Stancel (Allegaeon), the record captures the band at their most collaborative and creatively unified.
While earlier material often highlighted the technical brilliance of Crabb and Koperweis, this time all musicians came together as a true unit during the writing and recording process. The result is a more cohesive, focused, and dynamic album, one that still delivers the jaw-dropping musicianship, intricate performances, and progressive intensity the band is known for, while also embracing tighter songwriting, stronger hooks, and a deeper melodic presence. It’s ENTHEOS at their most refined, balancing technical mastery with memorable songwriting in a way the band never has before.
The band notes, “The album is about losing yourself in darkness, confronting that hopelessness and wondering if there’s any way back to being the person you used to be.”
Empty On The Inside was produced by Mark Lewis (The Black Dahlia Murder, Fallujah, Whitechapel) and mastered by Justin Sturtz at Sterling Sound. The album’s striking visual artwork was created by Zac Shiffer (Nine Inch Nails, Behemoth, Soundgarden).
Empty On The Inside will be available on CD jewel case and digitally across all digital platforms, as well as LP in a gatefold jacket w/ insert in the following color variants:
Bloodlust Red (US) Grey w/ Black Splatter (US) Neon Green + Yellow Marble (US – Metal Injection Exclusive) Green + Blue Marble (EU) White w/ Red Splatter (EU) Neon Pink w/ Black Dust (EU) Fluorescent Pink (Band Exclusive)
Following their wildly successful North American tour with Jinjer earlier this Summer, ENTHEOS has announced a special record release show in Nashville with more live dates to be announced in the weeks to come.
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!
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