UNEARTH – Rejoins Metal Blade Records + New Management, Booking Agency and Live Dates Announced

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on March 7, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo By Angel Mejia 

Metal Blade Records is pleased to announce their re-signing of UNEARTH

Nothing short of standard-bearers and keepers of the faith for American metalcore, UNEARTH was the band born in the breakdown who never wavered from their love of European death metal melodicism, supercharged by American thrash and hardcore. Now, nearly three decades into a career that’s seen the Massachusetts mob play innumerable gigs and massive festivals on six continents, sell hundreds of thousands of records, and inspire some of the most important bands in extreme metal today, they remain a force with which to contend. And their reunion with Metal Blade Records, their label from their halcyon days of the 2000s first decade, only increases the ferocity of that force.

UNEARTH’s change back then from hardcore-focused Eulogy Recordings to one with “Metal” literally in the name aligned with their sound’s sharpening into a more brutal “Blade.” This time it’s more about going home to the host of genre-defining albums like The Oncoming StormIII: In The Eyes Of Fire, and The March.

It’s not to say they haven’t made great albums (see Watchers Of Rule and the latest LP The Wretched; The Ruinous) with great partners MNRK Heavy – formerly eOne Music and Century Media, respectively and the lightning here has the chance to strike twice and UNEARTH are ready to ride it.

Comments vocalist Trevor Phipps, “Getting another shot at working with Metal Blade Records feels nothing short of coming home. We truly got our best chance at making a life of creating music and touring during our first run with Metal Blade from 2004 to 2011. Working with so many familiar faces we trust and appreciate is something we wholeheartedly welcome. The music we’re cooking is as heavy and boundary-pushing as we’ve ever been, and we look forward to sharing it with you all in 2027.”

They gave us our start; now, they’re part of our future,” says guitarist Peter Layman. “After fifteen years apart, we’re back with Metal Blade, the home of some of our defining records. With the writing process well underway, we felt Metal Blade was the perfect fit for us and the direction we’re headed. We’re thankful that they feel the same way and know that what comes next will be our best offering yet.”

Adds Michael Faley, Metal Blade Records A&R, “It is an honor to have UNEARTH back in the Metal Blade family. Our history with the band includes some truly incredible moments in this label’s catalog. Reconnecting with them now, at a time when both the band and the label have grown so much, is a massive win. We’ve always believed in their vision, and we’re honored to be the ones helping them tell the next chapter of their story. A new Storm is coming!” 

Additionally, UNEARTH is pleased to announce their new management home of AISAmusic and European booking agency, Cobra.

Says Phipps, “We are excited to team up with AISAmusic for a new era of UNEARTH. Simon Füllemann has been a friend, peer, and colleague of ours for almost 25 years, while Bradley Zorgdrager has proven to be an ally in this business in the few short years we’ve known him. With new music, tours, and partnerships coming, we are eager to get in the studio and back on the road to riff with you all.”

“We couldn’t be happier to join the AISAmusic team for management,” notes Layman. “Heading down a new path with Simon and Bradley at our side has instantly had a positive impact, and we know it’s only the beginning. Their professionalism, knowledge, experience, and level of planning gives us the best opportunity to be successful moving forward.”

Phipps continues, “We want to thank the good people at Cobra Agency for bringing us onto their killer roster for Europe and Asia. We look forward to spending a lot of time on the road with you all, starting this summer with a European festival and club run.”

Layman concurs, “We are incredibly proud to announce our partnership with Cobra Agency for booking throughout Europe and Asia. One of the best parts about being in a band is sharing your art while visiting incredible places around the world. We know that working with Cobra Agency gives us the best opportunity to continue doing this.”

UNEARTH’s nearly thirty year ride has been wild enough thus far. As one of the key bands of the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal (NWOAHM), they rose alongside the likes of Killswitch Engage, Lamb Of God, Shadows Fall, Darkest Hour and more. “It was a healthy competition between all of us,” recalls Phipps. “It made for some great music and opened up a new chapter in American metal.” And though the Wave ain’t so New anymore, the great music continues as UNEARTH opens a new chapter of their own.

UNEARTH Live:
7/25/2026 Barba Negra – Budapest, HU *
7/31/2026 Afdreiht Un Buten Festival – Goldenstedt, DE
8/01/2026 Full Rewind Festival – Löbnitz, DE
8/03/2026 Magnolia Open Air – Milan, IT ^
8/04/2026 Dynamo – Zurich, CH ^
8/05/2026 Brutal Assault Festival – Jeroměř, CZ
8/07/2026 Frischluft Open Air – Linz, AT ~
8/13/2026 Motocultor Festival – Carhaix, FR

  • w/ In Flames
    ^ w/ Of Mice & Men
    ~ w/ The Ghost Inside

https://unearthofficial.com

https://www.facebook.com/unearthofficial

https://www.instagram.com/unearthofficial

https://www.metalblade.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

BLOODHUNTER Unleash Video For New Single “The Outspoken”

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , on March 6, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Hot on the heels of “The Devil’s Own,” Spain’s BLOODHUNTER have unveiled the official music video for their new single “The Outspoken.”

This track hits hard. Fast-paced drums, razor-sharp melodic leads and crushing riffs collide with Diva Satanica’s commanding vocal delivery. The result is a relentless melodic death metal rager that balances aggression with sharp hooks and tight songwriting. “The Outspoken” doesn’t waste a second. It builds, strikes, and leaves its mark.

Lyrically, the song serves as a defining statement for the band. Vocalist Diva Satanica comments:

“It’s like a hymn that defines the identity of this band. We can be many things, but we will never stop being honest with other people and with ourselves. It’s a very powerful song that speaks about our own identity as a band over the years.”

With “The Outspoken,” BLOODHUNTER reaffirm their place in modern melodic death metal: intense, direct, and unapologetically honest and leave fans hungry for more music that will hopefully follow soon!

Listen: https://bloodhunter.rpm.link/outspokenPR

Watch the video premiering here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea8_IwSBJxQ

For More Info Visit: 

Official Sitehttps://bloodhunter.rpm.link/sitePR

Facebookhttps://bloodhunter.rpm.link/facebookPR

Instagramhttps://bloodhunter.rpm.link/instagramPR

TikTokhttps://bloodhunter.rpm.link/tiktokPR

Spotifyhttps://bloodhunter.rpm.link/spotifyPR

Apple Musichttps://bloodhunter.rpm.link/applePR

Visit RPM ROAR online:

Homepagehttps://www.roar-records.de

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/rpmroar

Source: C Squared Music

FLESHGOD – APOCALYPSE Announce North American Headline Dates 

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on March 6, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Italy’s FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are preparing to shroud stages across North America in their haunting, symphonic-infused death metal and have unveiled a series of headline dates for this spring. This follows the announcement that the band will be joining AVATAR on their “Don’t Go in the Forest 2026” tour with guests FROZEN SOUL

The band comments, “Could we come to North America and completely forget Dallas (TX), St. Louis (MO), Albany (NY), or let our Canadian friends in Montreal (QC) down? Of course we could not! That’s why we have added four exclusive headlining shows alongside the massive spring trek supporting Avatar this April and May. Expect a longer setlist, a bigger production, and some extra surprises! Our Texan friends FROZEN SOUL will be joining us for these dates, so you know exactly what to do. See you there folks!”

2026 Headline Dates:
4/21 – Dallas, TX – Granada*
4/27 – St. Louis, MO – Red Flag
5/17 – Albany, NY – Empire Live
5/18 – Montreal, QC – Beanfield Theatre

* no FROZEN SOUL

Purchase tickets HERE.

2026 Tour Dates with AVATAR and FROZEN SOUL:
4/16 Sacramento, CA Channel 24
4/17 Los Angeles, CA Novo
4/19 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theater
4/20 Albuquerque, NM Revel
4/22 San Antonio, TX Aztec
4/23 Oklahoma City, OK Criterion
4/25 Omaha, NE Steelhouse Omaha
4/26 Des Moines, IA Val Air
4/28 Lawrence, KS Liberty Hall
4/29 Moline, IL The Rust Belt
4/30 Grand Rapids, MI GLC Live at 20 Monroe
5/1 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Club Stage
5/2 Fort Wayne, IN The Clyde
5/4 Huntsville, AL VBC Mars Music Hall
5/5 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
5/6 Knoxville, TN Mill & Mine
5/7 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues
5/8 Daytona Beach, FL Welcome to Rockville
5/10 Raleigh, NC The Ritz
5/12 Richmond, VA The National
5/13 Philadelphia, PA Franklin Music Hall
5/14 Columbus, OH Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival 2026
5/15 New York, NY Palladium Times Square
5/16 Buffalo, NY Buffalo Riverworks
5/19 Wallingford, CT The Dome
5/20 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino

Opera Track – Listing:
1. Ode to Art (De’ Sepolcri)
2. I Can Never Die
3. Pendulum
4. Bloodclock
5. At War With My Soul
6. Morphine Waltz
7. Matricide 8.21
8. Per Aspera Ad Astra
9. Till Death Do Us Part
10. Opera

Source: C Squared Music

New Metal Songs Highly Endorsed By Metal Odyssey!

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on March 6, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Metal Church has released a couple of new songs from their upcoming studio album Dead to Rights. Let me just say that these songs are unbelievable thrash ecstasy! Metal Church is back with a vengeance! The songs are: “F.a.F.O,” and “Brainwash Game.”

Artillery returns! Their new single “Ghost In The Machine” is pure Thrash Metal glory, from start to finish! I have this song in my brain and it serves me right!

BATTLEGRAVE have released their new blistering single “BONESAW” and it’s an extreme metal gift from these metal warriors.

Broken and Blind” is a rather short yet killer song from the legendary Black Label Society. I love this song for its swift kick to my cranium. This song is on their forthcoming studio album Engines of Demolition, out on March 27th through MNRK Heavy / Spinefarm.

Thank you for checking these highly recommended metal song choices out! Stay safe out there and Metal be thy name. -Stone

Stoner/Sludge Trio STALEMATE OF WILLS Announce Debut Album: Existence Denied

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on March 5, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Pittsburgh-based three-piece wrecking ball STALEMATE OF WILLS is set to drop their debut full-length album, Existence Denied.

Following a string of singles, STALEMATE OF WILLS is ready to unleash an 8-track rager that embodies the American rust belt blight that surrounds them. True to the band’s mantra of “heavy riffs for a withering world,” Existence Denied is an amalgamation of doom metal, hardcore, New Orleans-style sludge metal, with flourishes of traditional 90s death metal.

Listeners can expect down-tuned, groove inflicted “meat and potatoes” riffing and drumming, that easily pivots into creepier and mellower territory. Lyrically, STALEMATE OF WILLS concentrates on the endless frustrations created by the hopelessness experienced throughout life, and the inability to change it but still survive.

Check out the album’s first single, “Two Worlds” at this location.

FFTC Records will release Existence Denied on April 26.

Track-list:
1) Visibility
2) Maximum Amounts of Woe
3) Existence Denied
4) Two Worlds
5) Let It Be Known
6) High Above
7) Unusual Character Profile
8) Light the Way

Stream more from STALEMATE OF WILLS on Bandcamp and Spotify.

Bio:

STALEMATE OF WILLS was formed in 2023 by guitarist/ vocalist Derek Kovacs as a one man studio project releasing the singles “Corrode” followed then by “Subside”, but it soon became clear that Stalemate of Wills needed to become a full band.

Not long after, scene veterans Jake Morris (Bass) and Bob McSherry (drums) were quickly recruited to fill the voids. STALEMATE OF WILLS embraces an ethos of self-reliance, releasing and recording their own music and began working on an 8-song full length entitled Existence Denied, to be released in Spring of 2026 on FFTC Records, an independent label run by Kovacs.

STALEMATE OF WILLS:
Derek Kovcas – guitar / vocals
Jake Morris – bass
Bob McSherry – drums

Website

Facebook

YouTube

Instagram

www.facebook.com/fftcrecords

Source: ClawHammer PR

COGNIZANCE – Return With In Light, No Shape on Willowtip in May! ~ Video for “Witness Marks” Single Out Now!

Posted in Death Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on March 5, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Leeds (UK) – Following 2024’s critically acclaimed LP PhantazeinCOGNIZANCE return with In Light, No Shape on May 1st, via Willowtip Records!

The official video for the album’s first single, “Witness Marks,” is available at:

youtu.be/LOhAHuT2zE8

The song is also available on the usual streaming platforms, including BandcampSpotify, and Apple Music.

Four LPs deep and a slew of EPs behind them, COGNIZANCE show no signs of restraining the pace of unrelenting inventive riffs and razor-sharp grooves. In Light, No Shape is a masterful Progressive Death Metal opus, rich in texture and atmospheric detail, delivering everything long-time listeners crave while channeling the mid-90s technical extremity of Death, Extol, and Meshuggah. This time, the band deliberately fractures the conventions of modern extreme production, opting instead for a more organic and visceral mix that sharpens the defining traits of their work. 

In Light, No Shape marks the first lineup shift in a decade, as the band sharpen from a quintet to a quartet with founding guitarist Alex Baillie stepping forward as vocalist while retaining guitar duties, following the 2023 departure of founding vocalist Henry “Big Mac” Pryce.

Band Photo Credit: Nadine Geuter 

Line-up:

Alex Baillie – Guitar/Vocals
Apostolis Karydis – Guitar
Chris Binns – Bass
David Diepold – Drums

“This record is a defining milestone for us. Taking on vocals has pushed us to re-engineer how we experiment with the blend of elements in our sound, unlocking new creative pathways to compliment the core identity of the band. What you will hear are four dudes all adding their flavours to the melting pot to create a body of work that felt completely natural to us.

Alex Baillie (Vocals/Guitar)

Pre-order:

https://bit.ly/inlightnoshape-willowtip

cognizance.bandcamp.com/album/in-light-no-shape

Track Listing:

1. Transient Fixations

2. Inflection Chants

3. A Game of Proliferation

4. Chasm

5. Vertical Illusion

6. A Reconfiguration

7. Witness Marks

8. Subterranean Incantation

9. Induced Contortions

10. The Zone

Credits:

Mix and Master by Ronnie Björnström (AEON, BLOOD RED THRONE).
Artwork by Jef Whitehead (NAILS, LEVIATHAN).
Produced by Alex Baillie and Apostolis Karydis.
Photography by Nadine Geuter.

instagram.com/cognizanceband

facebook.com/cognizanceband

willowtip.com

facebook.com/willowtip

willowtip.bandcamp.com

Texan Thrash Metalheads LIFE CYCLES Announces New EP, ‘No One Escapes Death,’ Out March 27th

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on March 5, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

NEW SINGLE/VIDEO, “FATAL PATH,” STREAMING NOW!
+
ON TOUR THIS SPRING W/BLEED FROM WITHIN & SYLOSIS

Texas’ incendiary crossover thrash metal band LIFE CYCLES is back with a new EP, No One Escapes Death, due out March 27th via 1126 Records. Following a string of relentless singles and EP’s and countless ferocious live shows over the last decade, the five-piece continues their warpath, showing no mercy on their latest release, comprised of 6 face-melting tracks that feature the band’s signature concoction of brutal thrash, hardcore and death metal. 

Commenting on the record, drummer Xavier Rios says:

“This record is an expansion of our crossover sound with a focus on groove and detail in the riffs. We really wanted to display the journey we’ve been on as a band the last couple of years through this project. The energy is on 10 and we have a little bit of new flavor this time around.

In late 2025, LIFE CYCLES gave fans a preview of the new EP with the massively heavy single, “The End Still Waits.” Today, the band ups the ante with another sonic assault, “Fatal Path,” accompanied by the music video below. 

Vocalist Luis Lopez Jr discusses the track’s lyrics:

‘Fatal Path’ is about the evil persuasive ways of lust. Letting it drag you to dark places, it tricks you into believing it’s more than just pleasure, ultimately pulling back the curtain and showing that it was all an illusion.

Pre-Order No One Escapes Death EPwww.1126records.com
Stream “Fatal Path“: https://1126.lnk.to/NoOneEscapesDeath

“FATAL PATH” MUSIC VIDEO: 
https://youtu.be/i8H7ywmsnQI

No One Escapes Death – Track List: 

1. Hell Beneath (ft. Josh Middleton of Sylosis)
2. Fatal Path
3. No Man’s Land
4. Mouth Of Doubt
5. Soul In Chains (ft. Matt Heafy of Trivium)
6. The End Still Awaits

LIFE CYCLES will join BLEED FROM WITHINSYLOSIS and GREAT AMERICAN GHOST on tour this spring, in support of the new EP, No One Escapes Death. Tickets are available now at: https://www.bleedfromwithin.com/tour-dates/

LIFE CYCLES Tour Dates w/BLEED FROM WITHIN SYLOSIS:

April 2 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
April 3 – Montreal, QC – Theatre Beanfield (SOLD OUT)
April 4 – Toronto, ON – Opera House
April 6 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of the Living Arts
April 7 – Lakewood, OH – The Roxy
April 8 – Millville, PA – Mr Smalls
April 10 – Detroit, MI – St Andrew’s Hall
April 11 – Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation
April 12 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
April 14 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theatre
April 15 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre
April 17 – Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre
April 19 – Boise, ID – Shrine Social Club
April 20 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
April 21 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
April 22 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
April 24 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theatre 
April 25 – Pomona, CA – The Glass House
April 26 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
April 28 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live
April 29 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater 
May 1 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
May 2 – Atlanta GA – The Masquerade (Hell)
May 3 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819
May 5 – Richmond, VA – Canal Club
May 6 – Baltimore, MD – Nevermore Hall
May 7 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre

About LIFE CYCLES
San Antonio thrash prodigies Life Cycles are doubling down on their classic Texas sound with 2026’s No One Escapes Death.

The crew’s take on classic Texas thrash is excellent, pairing mean riffs with technical precision while never losing sight of the infectious groove that dominates the sound.

“We write music that we genuinely like,” said vocalist Luis Lopez. “That we would listen to, instead of trying to be like something else. This group doesn’t operate in a box—we write the music that we like to hear.

The record perfectly captures the energy of the group’s live shows.

“It’s a party when we play,” explained drummer Xavier Rios. “I always tell people that don’t like metal ‘come to these shows’ because you’re going to have a good time.”

Follow LIFE CYCLES
Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – U.S. Tour June 2026 | With Machine Head, Iron Reagan & Havok | Dates, Cities & Venues Listed

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on March 4, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE on tour with MACHINE HEAD, IRON REAGAN and HAVOK:

June 03 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit
June 05 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore Minneapolis
June 07 – South Bend, IN @ Four Winds Field
June 09 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
June 11 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount
June 12 – Boston, MA @ Roadrunner
June 13 – Bethlehem, PA @ Wind Creek Event Center
June 16 – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
June 17 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
June 19 – Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom
June 20 – Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center
June 21 – San Antonio, TX @ Boeing Center at Tech Port
June 23 – Albuquerque, NM @ Revel Entertainment Center
June 24 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
June 25 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
June 27 – San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE are: Jesse Leach (vocals), Adam Dutkiewicz (guitar), Joel Stroetzel (guitar), Mike D’Antonio (bass) and Justin Foley (drums). 

https://www.killswitchengage.com/

SLOMOSA: Norwegian Riff Giants To Kick Off First Ever North American Headlining Tour, Later This Month 

Posted in Metal, Heavy Metal, Music, metal music, news, metal bands, music news with tags , , , , , on March 4, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Maria Helena Konttinen Nerhus

Norway’s sludge-fueled heavy groove titans SLOMOSA will bring their riffs to North American stages later this month! The Breaking Ice Tour 2026 will commence on March 26th at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City and close on May 1st at The Grog Shop in Cleveland. Support will be provided by The Mainliners. The journey marks the band’s first ever US/Canadian headlining tour.

Tickets are on sale now at slomosamusic.com/#tour with many shows already sold out! See all confirmed dates below.

SLOMOSA w/ The Mainliners:

3/26/2026 The Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY * Sold Out *
3/27/2026 Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA * Sold Out *
3/28/2026 Union Stage – Washington, DC
3/29/2026 Richmond Music Hall – Richmond, VA
3/31/2026 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC
4/01/2026 Eulogy – Asheville, NC
4/02/2026 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA
4/03/2026 The Blue Room – Nashville, TN * Sold Out *
4/06/2026 Club Dada – Dallas, TX
4/07/2026 Brushy Street Commons – Austin, TX
4/09/2026 The Rebel Lounge – Phoenix, AZ * Sold Out *
4/10/2026 El Rey – Los Angeles, CA * Sold Out *
4/11/2026 Bottom Of The Hill – San Francisco, CA * Sold Out *
4/12/2026 Harlow’s – Sacramento, CA
4/14/2026 Mission Theater – Portland, OR * Sold Out *
4/15/2026 Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA * Sold Out *
4/17/2026 Neurolux – Boise, ID
4/18/2026 Kilby Court – Salt Lake City, UT * Sold Out *
4/20/2026 The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
4/21/2026 Marquis – Denver, CO * Sold Out *
4/23/2026 The Record Bar – Kansas City, MO
4/24/2026 7th St. Entry – Minneapolis, MN * Sold Out *
4/25/2026 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL * Sold Out *
4/26/2026 El Club – Detroit, MI
4/28/2026 The Garrison – Toronto, ON * Sold Out *
4/29/2026 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA
4/30/2026 A&R Music Bar – Columbus, OH
5/01/2026 The Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH

Carved from a foundation of groove-rich heft, melodic bite, and frostbitten desert attitude, SLOMOSA’s sound channels the legendary Palm Desert scene mixed with the raw intensity of Nordic rock.

Since dropping their self-titled 2020 debut, the band has bulldozed through 350+ shows in 20+ countries, sharing stages with High On Fire, Mastodon, Alkaline Trio, Helmet, Elder and more, earning a reputation as one of the most commanding live acts in heavy music.

In April of 2025, SLOMOSA won the Spellemann Award (“Norwegian Grammys”) for Rock Album Of The Year with their critically acclaimed sophomore release, Tundra Rock (September, 2024). The album vaulted them into the global spotlight, solidifying their place as the new vanguard of Nordic heaviness. Last Summer, the band dropped a blistering 14-track live concert film, captured at the iconic USF Verftet in their hometown of Bergen, a high-decibel testament to their atmospheric, distortion-soaked live presence.

Their rise has earned the attention of bona fide rock royalty: Adam Jones (Tool) has publicly championed the band. At the same time, Brant Bjork and Nick Oliveri of Kyuss fame have both declared themselves fans of SLOMOSA’s crushing sonic force.

SLOMOSA:
Ben Berdous – vocals, guitar
Marie Moe – vocals, bass
Tor Erik Bye – guitar
Jard Hole – drum

https://www.slomosamusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/slomosa

https://www.facebook.com/slomosaband

Source: EARSPLIT PR

TWISTED SISTER – Announces Sebastian Bach as Vocalist for Handful of Dates

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on March 4, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

From Twisted Sister Facebook:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Twisted Sister members Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda are thrilled to announce that iconic vocalist and front man Sebastian Bach will be fronting the band for a handful of select dates this fall. These appearances do not affect or conflict with Sebastian’s current or future solo touring schedule, which remains fully intact.

HELD. (Featuring Members Of The Sleeping & Coheed And Cambria) Release “Constant Tension”

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on March 3, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo credit: Nick Karp

BROOKLYN LISTENING PARTY THIS THURSDAY AT SELVA

GREY ARRIVES MAY 15 VIA MNRK HEAVY

PRE-ORDERS: https://held.ffm.to/grey

March 3, 2026 – Held., the trio featuring Douglas Robinson and Sal Mignano of The Sleeping, alongside Coheed And Cambria’s Josh Eppard, have released “CONSTANT TENSION” (https://held.ffm.to/constanttension), the second preview from their forthcoming debut album, GREY (May 15, MNRK Heavy).

The five-minute track arrives on the heels of the band’s debut single, “NEW YOU ANTHEM FT. FRANK IERO,” which Revolver praised for its “lightning-strike guitar… and thunderous drums,” Alternative Press dubbed as “rousing,” and idobi called a “dazzling post-hardcore tune.”

Where Held.’s introduction leaned into catharsis through connection, “CONSTANT TENSION” presents a more unsettled dynamic. Directed by Adam Thomson, the accompanying video builds on the story arc introduced with “NEW YOU ANTHEM,” providing a sci-fi-esque visual companion to the themes behind GREY.

“CONSTANT TENSION’ stems from an everlasting battle within myself to embrace who I am via internal reflection,” Robinson explains. “It’s all of my strengths fighting against all of my weaknesses. There is a ‘constant tension,’ a violent push and pull within my mind every single day. I let myself down so much, to the point where I often feel like I have to somewhat abandon myself and step outside to try and see the bigger picture, but the hurt inside of me pulls me back into my own thoughts. I go completely blank to try and focus, which oddly enough resorts to more tension, and more clouded thoughts. It feels like an endless cycle. The lyrics to ‘CONSTANT TENSION’ mirror all of this.”

GREY tracklisting:

1.    Defending The Eearth

2.    NEW YOU ANTHEM (FT. FRANK IERO)

3.    CONSTANT TENSION

4.    Knifepoint (Ft. High Vis)

5.    Waves Of Fire

6.    Grey

7.    I And I Against You All

8.    Through The Cracks

9.    Broken Spacesuit (Decay And Sand)

10. Emptiness: A Side Effect

The band has also announced an intimate GREY listening party this Thursday, March 5, at Selva in Brooklyn. Held. will be on hand from 7 to 10 p.m. and no RSVP is required.

On GREY, Held. channel decades of collective experience into a debut that reflects both creative evolution and personal reckoning. “The album as a whole truly feels like it’s everything I have ever wanted to write in my time growing as a musician,” Robinson says. “This record has, in many ways, healed me…. or, it’s at least trying to.”

Produced and mixed by Jon Markson (Drug Church, Drain, The Story So Far), GREY was recorded at the Animal Farm in Flemington, N.J.

Album pre-orders, including multiple limited-edition vinyl variants, are available now: https://held.ffm.to/grey.

Held. is Douglas Robinson (vocals/guitar), Sal Mignano (bass) and Josh Eppard (drums)

Instagram.com/heldsounds

JUNGLE ROT – Back To The Old School EU Tour 2026 | Dates, Cities & Venues Listed

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on March 3, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

From Jungle Rot Facebook:

ATTENTION DEATHBANGERS!

Old School Death Metal is back in Europe!

JUNGLE ROT from the US will come back to Europe to celebrate the release of their new album out this spring 2026 with you guys!

Presented by WE-LIVE Agency, Deaf Forever, Unique Leader Records, metal.de

BACK TO THE OLD SCHOOL – EU Tour 2026

June (with KHNVM)

05.06.2026 Fri CZ Salvin Karpaty Festival*

06.06.2026 Sat NL Emmen Pitfest Festival*

07.06.2026 Sun DE Göttingen Musa

08.06.2026 Mon PL Bydgoszcz Over The Under Pub

09.06.2026 Tue LT Vilnius Narauti

10.06.2026 Wed LV Riga MCB Clubs

11.06.2026 Thu EE Tallin Paavli Kultuurvabrik

12.06.2026 Fri FI Turku Nirvana Fuusio

13.06.2026 Sat FI Tampere Varjobaari

14.06.2026 Sun FI Helsinki OnTheRocks

July (with RATS OF GOMORRAH)

03.07.2026 Fri CZ Trutnov Obscene Extreme Festival ***

04.07.2026 Sat AT Salzburg Rockhouse

05.07.2026 Sun AT Vienna Escape

06.07.2026 Mon RO Timisoara Nemesis Club

07.07.2026 Tue RO Bucarest Encore Club

08.07.2026 Wed RS Belgrade Zappa Barka

10.07.2026 Fri IT Val Resia eResia Festival

11.07.2026 Sat IT Erba Milano Centrale Rock Pup

12.07.2026 Sun FR Barberaz Brin de Zinc

13.07.2026 Mon CH Martigny SunsetBar

14.07.2026 Tue CH Basel Valhalla Bar

15.07.2026 Wed FR Lyon Rock n Eat

16.07.2026 Thu DE Weinheim Cafe Central

17.07.2026 Fri DE Bertingen RUDE Festival

18.07.2026 Sat DE Münster Tryptichon

August (with KHNVM)

01.08.2026 Sat DE Dortmund Deathfest***

02.08.2026 Sun BE Diest HellCafe

03.08.2026 Mon LU Esch Belval MK Bar

04.08.2026 Tue DE Stuttgart Schwarzer Keiler

05.08.2026 Wed DE Berlin Lido

06.08.2026 Thu DE Schwerin Club Zenith

07.08.2026 Fri DE Schlotheim Partysan Festival ***

08.08.2026 Sat BE Kortrijk Alcatraz Festival***

*** JUNGLE ROT ONLY!
WE – Live Agency
GHS Strings
Unique Leader Records

KAMELOT – Dark Asylum World Tour ~ North America PT 1 | Dates, Cities & Venues Listed

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

From KAMELOT Facebook:

North America, we’re coming for you, too! We will headline a North American tour of epic proportions, beginningAugust 28 in Orlando, FL and hitting a month of dates before ending in Silver Spring, MD on September 27.

Each night will feature very special guests Visions of Atlantis as direct support, with Frozen Crown opening each show.

https://kamelot.com

KAMELOT North America 2026 – w/ VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, FROZEN CROWN

08/28/26 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live

08/29/26 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Heaven)

08/31/26 – Dallas, TX – The Studio at the Factory

09/02/26 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

09/03/26 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues

09/04/26 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues

09/05/26 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore

09/07/26 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre

09/08/26 – Seattle, WA – Neptune

09/10/26 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell at The Complex

09/11/26 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall

09/12/26 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman

09/14/26 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

09/15/26 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave

09/17/26 – St. Charles, IL – The Arcada Theatre

09/18/26 – Cleveland, OH – Globe Iron

09/19/26 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre

09/20/26 – Montreal, QC – MTELUS

09/22/26 – Quebec City, QC – Theatre Capitole

09/24/26 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre

09/25/26 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium

09/26/26 – New York, NY – Palladium Times Square

09/27/26 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring

OVERKILL Taking Over – Revisiting A Thrash Metal Classic From 1987

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news, nu metal with tags , , , , , , , on March 2, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

My first taste of the invincible OVERKILL was their second studio album Taking Over. Released back in 1987, this masterpiece of thrash metal has stood the test of Metal time, for me. Taking Over should be filed under mandatory old-school Metal, if one is to create such a list.

I purchased this album first on vinyl at a regional record store chain called Strawberries Records & Tapes, while living in Connecticut. This retail chain no longer exists, closing its doors in 2006. Years later I bought Taking Over on CD. I never owned this gem on cassette.

My favorite song on Taking Over is the powerful thrash hym: In Union We Stand. To this very day, this song galvanizes my Metal soul and creates positive chills through my body. Electro-Violence encapsulates everything that a thrash song should be; speed, aggression, explosive and short guitar solos with a blistering rhythm section that induces moshing and head-banging madness.

Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth is still my favorite thrash vocalist of all-time. I always felt that his vocals are so unique that no other vocalist remotely sounds like him. This OVERKILL lineup, with Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth were truly pioneering and legendary, with drummer Rat Skates, bassist D. D. Verni and guitarist Bobby Gustafson.

• Taking Over is the last OVERKILL studio album that drummer Rat Skates would perform on.

Taking Over – Track List:

01. Deny The Cross

02. Wrecking Crew

03. Fear His Name

04. Use Your Head

05. Fatal If Swallowed

06. Powersurge

07. In Union We Stand

08. Electro-Violence

09. Overkill II (The Nightmare Continues)

Record Stores Nationwide Unite For Women In Vinyl’s International Women’s Day – 1% Drive On March 8th

Posted in charities, charity events, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , on March 2, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Participating retailers to donate 1% of March 8 sales to support mentorship, scholarships, and education in the vinyl industry

March 2, 2026 — This International Women’s Day (March 8), record stores across the country are coming together in support of Women in Vinyl through a one-day national fundraising initiative aimed at creating more access and opportunity within the vinyl and recorded music industries.

On Saturday, participating retailers will donate one percent of their in-store and online sales to Women in Vinyl, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and underrepresented communities working across vinyl production and the broader music ecosystem.

The Women in Vinyl 1% Drive is designed as a nationwide, virtual record store “block party,” giving independent retailers a simple way to make a tangible impact with funds raised directly supporting mentorship programs, scholarships, and educational initiatives that help create pathways into careers across the vinyl supply chain.

“Every opportunity starts with someone opening a door,” said Women in Vinyl founder Jenn D’Eugenio. “The Women in Vinyl 1% Drive helps us open more of those doors, creating clear pathways into the vinyl industry through community, education, mentorship, and support for people who may not otherwise see a place for themselves.”

Participating stores include Bull Moose, Vinyl Street Co., Musicology Co., Queen B Vinyl Café, Indie Earth, Streetlight Records (San Jose and Santa Cruz), Monster Music & Movies, and The Record Exchange, among others.

Throughout the day, stores will be celebrating in their own ways, from spotlighting women artists, running themed promotions, to sharing posts across social media in support of Women in Vinyl’s mission.

Women in Vinyl is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to support women and gender-expansive individuals in the vinyl record industry through mentorship, education, and advocacy.

For more information, visit: 

womeninvinyl.com/get-involved.

WomenInVinyl.com

Instagram.com/WomenInVinyl

Facebook.com/WomenInVinyl

KITTIE Legacy Of Fire Tour: 30 Years Of KITTIE ~ North America 2026 | Dates, Cities & Venues Listed

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

From Kittie Facebook:

We’re excited to announce our Legacy of Fire tour, celebrating 30 years of Kittie with special guests Kingdom Of Giants and Gore. The Band! Tickets on sale Friday, March 6th, at 10am local.

http://SOUNDRINK.CO/KITTIE

6/06 – St Louis, MO @ The Pageant
6/08 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
6/09 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
6/12 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
6/13 – Phoenix, AZ @ Nile Theater
6/15 – San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theatre
6/16 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
6/18 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
6/19 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
6/20 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
6/21 – Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
6/23 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
6/24 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
6/26 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
6/27 – Montreal, QC @ Théâtre Beanfield

KITTIE:

Morgan Lander – guitar, lead vocals

Mercedes Lander – drums

Tara McLeod – guitar

Ivy Jenkins – bass

Metal Odyssey Celebrates Its 17th Anniversary!

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

Yes, on March 1st, 2009, Metal Odyssey was launched. 17 years later, we’re still here! I want to thank EACH and EVERY human being that has subscribed and/or visited Metal Odyssey over these years! Without you, there’s no reason for this blog.

I also want to thank ALL the PR agencies, contributors, musicians and bands for your press releases, written articles, music and input. I live for Metal. Metal is a driving force in my life. Metal Odyssey will continue to spread the Metal word on underground and mainstream Metal for hopefully many more years to come. Metal be thy name – Stone.

SONATA ARCTICA – Release Brand-New Single “Freedom Concept”!

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

Stream / Download “Freedom Concept”: https://sonataarctica.rpm.link/freedomPR

Finnish power metal pioneers SONATA ARCTICA have unleashed a brand-new single titled “Freedom Concept.” The track arrives as a powerful statement in the band’s 30th anniversary year, followed by an extensive touring schedule, and delivers the melodic intensity and energy fans have come to expect.

“Freedom Concept” captures the signature blend of soaring melodies, driving rhythms and emotional depth that has defined SONATA ARCTICA for three decades. At the same time, the song explores a thoughtful and timely subject: the complex idea of freedom and the responsibility that comes with it.

Frontman Tony Kakko comments”Freedom Concept”, a song about understanding and misunderstanding the concept of freedom, often forgetting it comes paired with responsibility, and how what ever values and thoughts you may have are not automatically transferred to your offspring and how in most cases that’s an effin great thing…(breath in) has been sitting on my desk for a while and we figured this kind of melodic power metal blast we’re known of would be a good way to celebrate the 30th anniversary ”tourette” we’ve started at the end of January 2026 WHILST also working on our next studio album. This song’s NOT gonna be on it. So…extra special snack in between meals. Enjoy!”

Stream/Download “Freedom Concept”: https://sonataarctica.rpm.link/freedomPR

SONATA ARCTICA:
Tony Kakko (vocals)
Elias Viljanen (guitars)
Tommy Portimo (drums)
Henrik “Henkka” Klingenberg (keyboards)
Pasi Kauppinen (bass)

SONATA ARCTICA 30th Anniversary Tour:
28.02.2026 (FI) – Kemi – Kemi Areena
09.04.2026 (SE) – Johanneshov – Slaktkyrkan
10.04.2026 (SE) – Göteborg – Pustervik
11.04.2026 (DK) – Roskilde – Gimle – Epic Fest
23.04.2026 (IT) – Ciampino – Orion Live Club
24.04.2026 (IT) – Trezzo Sull’adda – Trezzo Sull’adda
12.06.2026 (FI) – Hyvinkää – Hyvinkään Vilatehdas – Hyvinkää Rock
13.06.2026 (FI) – Vaasa – Moottorikatu Vasikiluoto – Lisää Löylyä Festival
18.06.2026 (BE) – Dessel – Graspop Metal Meeting
19.06.2026 (HU) – Székesfehérvár – FEZEN Fesztivál
25.06.2026 (SK) – Snina – Rock Pod Kamenom
03.07.2026 (FI) – Oulu – Rokki Raikaa
09.07.2026 (DE) – Balingen – RV Bang Open Air Festival
10.07.2026 (FI) – Turku – Vauhti Kiihtyy! – Festivaali
24.07.2026 (FI) – Tampere – Rokki Raikaa
07.08.2026 (FI) – Vantaa – Vauhti Kiihtyy! – Festivaali, Vantaa
13.08.2026 (CZ) – Moravsky Krumlov – Rock Castle Open Air
14.08.2026 (FI) – Lahti – Vauhti Kiihtyy! – Festivaali, Lahti
28.08.2026 (FI) – Jyväskylä – Vauhti Kiihtyy! – Festivaali, Jyväskylä
29.08.2026 (FI) – Valkeakoski – Waltikan Venetsialaiset
09.09.2026 (MX) – Chihuahua – Pistoleros House Of Show
10.09.2026 (MX) – Torreón – Centro de Convenciones de Torreón
11.09.2026 (MX) – Monterrey – Cafe Iguana
12.09.2026 (MX) – Ciudad Obregón – Centro Magno
14.09.2026 (MX) – Ciudad de México – FORO TEAMBRO
16.09.2026 (MX) – Santiago de Querétaro – Foro Arpa
17.09.2026 (MX) – León – Teatro Manuel Doblado
18.09.2026 (MX) – Guadalajara – C3 Stage
20.09.2026 (CR) – Zapote – Pepper Disco Club
22.09.2026 (CO) – Bogotá – Ace Of Spades – Club
23.09.2026 (EC) – Quito – Teatro San Gabriel
24.09.2026 (EC) – Guayaquil – Auditorio Simón Bolivar – MAAC Cine
25.09.2026 (PE) – Lima – Centro de Convenciones Teatro Leguia
27.09.2026 (CL) – Santiago – Teatro Coliseo
29.09.2026 (AR) – Buenos Aires – El Teatro Flores
30.09.2026 (UY) – Montevideo – Live Era
02.10.2026 (BR) – Limeira – Studio Mirage Eventos
03.10.2026 (BR) – São Paulo – Audio
26.10.2026 (UK) – London – O2 Forum Kentish Town – w/ Beast In Black
27.10.2026 (BE) – Bruxelles – Ancienne Belgique – w/ Beast In Black
28.10.2026 (NE) – Tilburg – Poppodium 013 – w/ Beast In Black
29.10.2026 (DE) – Leipzig – Haus Auensee – w/ Beast In Black
31.10.2026 (AT) – Wien – Gasometer – w/ Beast In Black
01.11.2026 (HU) – Budapest – Barba Negra – w/ Beast In Black
02.11.2026 (CZ) – Zlín – NOVESTA SPORT, Ltd., Sports Hall Euronics – w/ Beast In Black
03.11.2026 (PL) – Gliwice – Prezero Arena Gliwice – w/ Beast In Black
05.11.2026 (DE) – Berlin – Columbiahalle – w/ Beast In Black
06.11.2026 (DE) – Hannover – Swiss Life Hall – w/ Beast In Black
07.11.2026 (DE) – Ludwigsburg – MHP Arena – w/ Beast In Black
08.11.2026 (DE) – Offenbach – Stadthalle Offenbach – w/ Beast In Black
09.11.2026 (FR) – Paris – L’Olympia – w/ Beast In Black
11.11.2026 (ES) – Barcelona – Razzmatazz 1 – w/ Beast In Black
12.11.2026 (ES) – Madrid – Sala Riviera – w/ Beast In Black
13.11.2026 (ES) – Bilbao – Sala Santana 27 – w/ Beast In Black
14.11.2026 (FR) – Ramonville-St-Agne – Le Bikini – w/ Beast In Black
15.11.2026 (FR) – Villeurbanne – Transbordeur – w/ Beast In Black
17.11.2026 (CH) – Zürich – Komplex AG – w/ Beast In Black
18.11.2026 (IT) – Milan – Alcatraz – w/ Beast In Black
20.11.2026 (DE) – München – Zenith – w/ Beast In Black
21.11.2026 (LU) – Esch-sur-Alzette – Rockhal – w/ Beast In Black
22.11.2026 (DE) – Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle – w/ Beast In Black
23.11.2026 (DE) – Hamburg – Inselparkhalle – w/ Beast In Black
24.11.2026 (SE) – Göteborg – Eriksbergshallen – w/ Beast In Black
25.11.2026 (SE) – Stockholm – Fryshuset – w/ Beast In Black

More on SONATA ARCTICA:
Websitehttps://www.sonataarctica.info

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/sonataarctica

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sonataarcticaofficial/

reigningphoenixmusic.com

Source: C Squared Music

BLACKWATER DROWNING Drops “Devour” Video ~ Obscure Sorrows Out Now On Bleeding Art Collective/Blood Blast

Posted in melodic death metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on February 28, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Maq Brown

North Carolina’s BLACKWATER DROWNING is pleased to present their video for “Devour.” The track comes off the band’s latest full-length, Obscure Sorrows, out today on Bleeding Art Collective and Blood Blast Distribution (Nuclear Blast Records/Believe).

Comments vocalist Morgan Riley, “I wrote the lyrics for ‘Devour’ in the midst of a breakdown of a long-term friendship. I realized this person had been taking advantage of my kindness and generosity for a long time, and when I started calling them out on certain behaviors as a friend, they got increasingly more adversarial. I realized they’d never take accountability for anything they did, instead preferring to immerse themselves in yes-men and substances. ‘Devour’ is about that feeling of realizing this person was never the friend I thought they were.”

Watch BLACKWATER DROWNING’s “Devour” video HERE.

Watch BLACKWATER DROWNING’s previously released video for “Eye Of The Storm” HERE and “The Sixth Omen” HERE.

Order Obscure Sorrows HERE. Find new merch items HERE.

BLACKWATER DROWNING recently wrapped up a short run of dates with Butcher Babies. The band will play alongside Filth in March and Infected Rain in May with more performances to be announced in the weeks to come. See all confirmed shows below.

BLACKWATER DROWNING Live w/ Filth:

3/06/2026 The Shop Live – Dunbar, WV

3/07/2026 Lurking Class Skate Shop – Salisbury, MD 

3/08/2026 The Canal Club – Richmond VA

3/09/2026 Zen West – Baltimore, MD

3/10/2026 Reggie’s 42nd Street – Wilmington, NC

3/11/2026 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC

w/ Infected Rain:

5/13/2026 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC

5/14/2026 Scandals Live – Virginia Beach, VA

5/15/2026 Zen West – Baltimore, MD

BLACKWATER DROWNING is a five-piece US melodic death metal/metalcore band from North Carolina. Forged by singer Morgan Riley and guitarist Jeremy Bennett, the band is completed by guitarist Ron Dalton Jr, bassist Aria Novi, and drummer Aamon Dalton. Since the band’s inception, BLACKWATER DROWNING has recorded two EPs and a debut album (Sonder//Satori) and has supported iconic acts such as Soulfly, Jinjer, Crypta, and many others.

The band now unleashes Obscure Sorrows. Mixed and mastered by Cryptopsy guitarist Christian Donaldson (Shadow Of Intent, Suffocation, Ingested), the album features guest solos by Greg Burgess of Allegaeon and Japanese guitar virtuoso Yo Onityan as well as stunning album art by Giannis Nakos (Emperor, The Agonist, Aborted).

BLACKWATER DROWNING:
Jeremy Bennett – guitar
Morgan Riley – vocals
Aamon Dalton – drums
Aria Novi – bass
Ron Dalton Jr. – guitar

https://www.blackwaterdrowning.com

https://www.facebook.com/blackwaterdrowning

https://www.instagram.com/blackwaterdrowning

https://www.bleedingartcollective.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

ØVI Release New Video For “Absolve” From EP Hedera Helix, Available Now

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

Watch “ABSOLVE” HERE: https://youtu.be/LTEEMJx92ig

ØVI unveil “Absolve,” the closing track from their new EP Hedera Helix, available today on all streaming platforms. Serving as the final statement of the four-track release, “Absolve” channels confrontation into clarity, presenting metal as a force of transformation rather than collapse.

Named after the ivy plant Hedera helix, a species known for relentless expansion and endurance, the EP reflects themes of growth through pressure and renewal through destruction. Across the record, ØVI examines toxic relationships, parasitic dynamics, and the reclamation of personal will. The music moves with intention, tracing the moment when survival becomes self-definition.

“Absolve” stands as the EP’s culmination. Anger becomes a refining element, burning away stagnation and sharpening purpose. The track mirrors ivy’s persistence. Structures that no longer sustain life are dismantled so growth can take hold. The recurring refrain, “Absolve, Rectify, Solidify,” functions as ritual language, a mantra aimed at severing attachment to decay and reinforcing forward motion.

The song closes Hedera Helix with momentum and resolve. Rather than yielding to exhaustion, ØVI push toward transcendence, choosing action, renewal, and evolution. The record ends in motion, advancing with deliberate force and unbroken focus.

Hedera Helix is out now.

OVI:

  • Michael Nolasco – Vocals/Guitar
  • Zed Amarin – Drums
  • Kevin McCombs – Bass
  • Brendan Collins – Guitar

About ØVI:

Influenced by NEOBLIVISCARIS, GOJIRA, DIMMU BORGIR, and NINE INCH NAILS, ØVI builds a sound that blends cinematic heaviness with electronic elements, evolving harmonic layers, and dynamic rhythmic structures. The result is an immersive, modern metal experience that balances aggression with emotion, density with clarity.

At its core, ØVI approaches metal as a narrative medium, using sound to explore power, guilt, and identity. Hedera Helix stands as both confrontation and metamorphosis, music that refuses to fade quietly, instead clawing toward self-definition and growth.

Connect With OVI:

Official Websitehttps://www.oviorder.com/

Bandcamphttps://oviorder.bandcamp.com/track/crucifixation

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554332926141

TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@oviorder

Source: C Squared Music