DIRKSCHNEIDER to Perform All ACCEPT Set at HELLS BELLS FESTIVAL 2026

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 12, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

BELZEBONG, DOLA and SEKS W CZASACH WOJNY join the ranks for Szczecin’s debut edition

Early Bird tickets sold out – General weekend tickets available!

Szczecin, Poland; 12 February 2026: Hells Bells Festival has unveiled its third wave of band additions to its 2026 inaugural edition. Leading the charge is one of the most iconic voices in heavy metal history, Dirkschneider, who will bring a career-defining set of Accept classics to the Szczecin riverfront on 26-27 June 2026.

Dirkschneider will arrive in Szczecin with a very specific mission: a set comprised entirely of Accept’s greatest hits. While the performance will lean heavily on the legendary “Balls to the Wall” album, fans can expect other Accept anthems too. 

In a move that deviates from typical festival hierarchies, the organisers have opted for a “Main Acts” philosophy. Rather than a single headliner, the debut edition will be driven by multiple headline shows. Dirkschneider joins the likes of Grave Digger, Cockney Rejects, Discharge, Furia, Vader and Dezerter. 

Adding a heavy dose of fuzz to the lineup are Belzebong, who are widely regarded as one of Poland’s premier musical exports in the stoner/doom genre. Their hazy, riff-driven walls of sound have earned them a cult following across the international festival circuit, making them a perfect fit for the industrial atmosphere of Łasztownia. 

The experimental side of the underground is represented by Dola. Over the last decade, the band has emerged as one of the most fascinating entities in Polish music, defying easy categorization. Their sound is a bleak and beautiful fusion of avant-garde black metal, ritual ambient, and sludge, occasionally punctuated by jazz and electronic elements. It is music that demands total focus and offers a unique, immersive experience.

Finally, the festival welcomes the raw energy of Seks W Czasach Wojny (transl.: Sex in Times of War). One of the most talked-about young punk crews in Poland, they have built a massive following through a strict DIY ethic and incendiary live shows that often outshine the veteran acts on the bill. Their inclusion brings a vital, fresh spirit to the 2026 lineup, proving that the future of the Polish punk scene is in safe hands.

Hells Bells Festival will take place in the heart of Szczecin, Poland, on 26-27 June 2026. The venue is the scenic Plac Gryfitów on Łasztownia, a historic island district in Szczecin known for its iconic “Craneosaurs” (historic port cranes) and stunning views of the Oder River. The festival will deliver a mix of international legends, top domestic acts and younger new bands.

Early bird weekend tickets have sold out but general weekend tickets are still available via the official festival website. In addition to standard passes, the festival offers reduced rates for minors (ages 13-18) and special family tickets (for children under 13 with a guardian). 

Secure your entry now: https://hellsbells.pl/

Hells Bells online 
FB: https://www.facebook.com/hellsbellsfestival

FB Event: https://fb.me/e/7cujCjrCo

IG: https://www.instagram.com/hellsbellsfestival

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hellsbellsfestival

Official teaser: https://youtu.be/TybhrrUbNF4?si=s5V9NNRZ4t1JV499

Source: 3nation

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Street Metal Gang, TOTAL MANIAC, Return With Love Overdrive in March! | New Single “Drinkin’ Our Way to Hell” Streaming Now!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on February 12, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Baltimore (MD) – Street Metal gang, Total Maniac, are set to release sophomore album, Love Overdrive, on March 27!

The album’s first single, “Drinkin’ Our Way To Hell,” is streaming now at: youtu.be/Ylq6yZNyOdg. The song is also available on Bandcamp.

With Love Overdrive, Total Maniac has upped the ante! The quintet’s music can veer from ripping thrash to sleazy hard rock, from d-beat menace to anthemic choruses. Capturing the wild energy and irreverent humor of their live shows and packed with their strongest, most memorable material yet, the album is sure to catch the attention of heshers and open even more doors for the band!

FFO: Inepsy, Motorhead, Judas Priest, BAT 

Love Overdrive will be available on 12″ vinyl LP and digital formats.

Pre-order: 

totalmaniac.bandcamp.com/album/love-overdrive

Track Listing:

1. Love Overdrive

2. Devil In Plain Sight

3. Drinkin’ Our Way To Hell

4. Just Another

5, Early Grave

6. Rock ‘N’ Roll

7. Set Fire To The Sun

8. Flatline

Photo Credit: Marie Machin

Line-up:

Diamond Dustin – Vocals
Mike Brown – Guitar
Nick Etson – Guitar
Ben Martin – Bass
Vaughn Volkman – Drums

Album engineer: Kevin Bernsten at Developing Nations Studio.

Mastered by: Brad Boatright at Audiosiege.

Catch Total Maniac at these upcoming shows:

March 27 at Metro in Baltimore, MD – LP Release Show – with Hirax, Savage Master, Desolus, and Devil Lust

April 18 at Ottobar in Baltimore, MD – Grim Reefer Fest

BAND BIO:

Gutter dwellin’ rock n roll from Baltimore, MD!

Formed in 2018 by members of Nux Vomica, Deathammer, and Raw Filth who wanted to strike a sound somewhere between their love of 80’s metal and rock n roll swagger with punk grit. Months of gigging and developing their style led them to comparisons with classic bands straddling those same lines such as Motörhead and Venom, with their self released demo in 2019.

After some lineup changes and higher profile gigs opening for BAT, Poison Ruin, and a spot on Maryland Deathfest, they released their self-titled full length in 2022. Total Maniac sets apart from their contemporaries by authentically not giving a fuck about fitting into a narrow box.

Several more high profile gigs, festivals, and DIY tours followed. It’s not uncommon to find them on a bigger stage opening for major metal acts such as Midnight or Sodom one night, and then a sweaty packed dive bar playing alongside crust punk bands the next month. 

instagram.com/totalmaniacband

facebook.com/Totalmaniac

totalmaniac.bandcamp.com

open.spotify.com/artist/55yFXvPFYp9OLnRUsA02Tw

Source: ClawHammer PR

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METAL CHURCH – Dead To Rights Tour 2026 | Dates, Countries, Cities, Venues & Festivals Listed

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on February 12, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Dead To Rights Tour 2026:

Sun, May 17 – San Luis Potosí, Mexico @ San Luis Metal Fest 

Thu, July 30 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Pumpehuset (w/ Armored Saint)

Fri, July 31 – Ostergotland – Sweden @ Skogsröjet Festival 

Sat, Aug 1 – Gothenburg, Sweden @ Pustervik (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)

Sun, Aug 2 – Lund, Sweden @ Mejeriet (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)

Tue, Aug 4 – Kiel, Germany @ Die Pumpe (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)

Wed, Aug 5 – Josefov, Czech @ Brutal Assault Festival

Fri, Aug 7 –  Cologne, Germany @ EssigFabrik (w/ Testament & Death Angel)

Sat, Aug 8 – Kortrijik, Belgium @ Alcatraz Festival

Sun, Aug 9 – Geiselwind, Germany @ Keep It True Festival

Tue, Aug 11 – Karlsruhe, Germany @ Substage (w/ Testament & Death Angel)

Wed, Aug 12 – Obertraubling, Germany @ Eventhall Airport (w/ Testament & Death Angel)

Thu, Aug 13 –  Krakow, Poland @ Klub Studio (w/ Testament & Armored Saint)

Fri, Aug 14 – Leipzig, Germany @ Parkbuhne (w/ Black Label Society)

Fri, Sept 18 – Westland, MI @ The Token Lounge 

Sat, Sept 19 – Madison, WI @ Blades of Steel Metal Festival

More Metal Church: https://www.metalchurchofficial.com/

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W.A.S.P. 1984 To Headless 2026 U.S. Tour | Special Guests KK’s PRIEST | Dates, Cities, Venues & Info Listed

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 11, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

From KK’s Priest Facebook:

“Great news! KK’S PRIEST is going to be returning to the US and Canada this September 2026! We will be teaming up together with metal legends W.A.S.P. and with over 40 shows, this is going to be an epic metal and steel tour featuring lots of Priest classics! We look forward to seeing you all again very soon so please get on board early, we do not want you to miss this one.” — K.K. Downing

General on sale is FRIDAY, FEB 13th at 10 am EST. For tickets: http://www.waspnation.com

09-10 – El Cajon, CA – The Magnolia

09-11 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern

09-12 – Riverside, CA – Fox Performing Arts Center

09-13 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theater

09-14 – Santa Fe, NM – Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino

09-16 – Austin, TX – Emos

09-17 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater

09-18 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues

09-19 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theater

09-20 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues

09-22 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckard Hall

09-23 – Daytona, FL – Peabody Auditorium

09-24 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theater

09-25 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz

09-26 – Jim Thorpe, PA – Penn’s Peak

09-27 – Portland, ME – Aura

09-29 – Boston, MA – House Of Blues

09-30 – Hampton, NH – Hampton Beach Casino

10-01 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre

10-02 – New York, NY – The Palladium

10-03 – Carteret, NJ – Carteret Performing Arts Center

10-05 – Montreal, QC – Mtelus

10-06 – Ottawa, ON – Hard Rock Casino

10-07 – Pickering, ON – Pickering Casino Resort

10-09 – Des Plaines, IL – Des Plaines Theater

10-10 – St Charles, IL – Arcada Theater

10-11 – St Charles, IL – Arcada Theater

10-13 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre

10-14 – Harrisburg, PA – Capitol City Music Hall

10-15 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theater

10-16 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater

10-17 – Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center

10-19 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre

10-21 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall

10-22 – Calgary, AB – The Palace Theater

10-23 – Coquitlam, BC – Great Canadian Casino Vancouver

10-25 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theater

10-27 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic

10-29 – Rancho Mirage, CA – The Show @ Agua Caliente

10-30 – Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues

10-31 – Anaheim, CA – The Grove

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MELVINS & NAPALM DEATH Form Hybrid Group For New Album, SAVAGE IMPERIAL DEATH MARCH, Out April 10th

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on February 11, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

VIA IPECAC RECORDINGS

PRE-ORDER: https://themelvins.lnk.to/savage

“Tossing Coins Into The Fountain Of Fuck” visualizer: https://youtu.be/keJ3HDQgYDw

Feb. 11, 2026 – The Melvins and Napalm Death join forces for Savage Imperial Death March (April 10, Ipecac Recordings), a true collaboration – not a split, but a new album featuring members of both bands.

The album shares its name with the bands’ Savage Imperial Death March tours from 2016 and 2025, but marks their first full-length studio collaboration under the moniker.

Yesterday, the first track from the album, “Tossing Coins Into The Fountain Of Fuck,” premiered with Jose Mangin on SiriusXM’s Liquid Metal.

The album was recorded at the Melvins’ Los Angeles studio, with Buzz Osborne (vocals/guitar) and Dale Crover (drums) joined by Napalm Death’s Barney Greenway (vocals), Shane Embury (bass), and John Cooke (guitar).

“I have loved the Melvins forever and their outlook on music,” Embury explains. “A chance to make an album of eclectic musical madness with them was truly an honour and a whole lot of fun, which surely is the whole point! Let’s do another one soon.”

“Napalm Death are one of my favorite bands ever,” Osborne says. “It was an absolute pleasure and a dream come true to do this collaboration with them. We wrote songs together. I would write a riff and we would learn it and record it right there. They wrote stuff and we would learn it immediately as well. It was truly a 50/50 partnership.”

“Funny how life turns out sometimes… collecting hard-to-find Melvins 7-inches on Bleecker Street in 1989 and then touring twice and doing an album with them within the following 35 years,” Greenway adds. “Had a great time with it all, and nice to work with fellow travellers in the Melvins who also couldn’t care about pandering to ‘demographics.’ I felt myself almost babbling lyrically during the recording, and that alone made for very fun recording times.”

Savage Imperial Death March pre-orders are available now (https://themelvins.lnk.to/savage). The eight-song album will be released on CD, digitally, and across four limited-edition vinyl variants: Black As Your Soul, Indie Exclusive Obnoxious Orchid, Ipecac Exclusive Absurd Aqua, and Revolver Exclusive Neon Coral.

An abbreviated version of the album was released during the band’s 2025 tour as a hyper-limited vinyl/CD edition. This iteration features new Mackie Osborne-created artwork and two new tracks (“Awful Handwriting” and “Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy”).

Savage Imperial Death Marchcover, art by Mackie Osborne

1.    Tossing Coins Into The Fountain Of Fuck

2.    Some Kind Of Antichrist

3.    Awful Handwriting

4.    Nine Days Of Rain

5.    Rip The God

6.    Stealing Horses

7.    Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy

8.    Death Hour

Separately, the Melvins play Sick New World this Spring, with a pair of California headlining dates surrounding the festival appearance. Napalm Death are currently on tour in Europe ahead of their North American trek later this Spring.

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Folk Metal Duo FORGOTTEN SHRINE Release Haunting Version Of BREAKING BENJAMIN’s “Crawl”

Posted in folk metal, folk rock, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on February 11, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Listen to “Crawl” HERE: https://youtu.be/mXHdzDese5I

Emerging out from the shadows, folk metal ensemble FORGOTTEN SHRINE, comprised of Josh Alexander and Sofia Frasz (EXILED HOPE), present an explosive and thrilling cover of BREAKING BENJAMIN’s “Crawl”. 

Sofia Frasz comments: “BREAKING BENJAMIN was the soundtrack to my middle school and high school years, and remains one of my favorite bands to this day. A few months ago, I was feeling nostalgic and wanted to cover a song that no one else seemed to pay much attention to. I had a specific idea for a cinematic cover of ‘Crawl’ in my head, and it turned out so beautifully that we couldn’t wait to release it. I’m my own worst critic and almost never listen to my own music, but I’ve had this one on repeat on and off since we finished it back in November. I’m proud to have put such a special new twist on what I consider to be an underrated classic.“

Josh Alexander shares: “BREAKING BENJAMIN brings me back to a much simpler time of Halo LAN parties and hard rock, which we now call ‘dad rock’. When Sofia approached me with the idea I was very excited because this song has almost no covers to be found online. And being that we are FORGOTTEN SHRINE, we had to put our own spin on things as far as the arrangement, both vocally and musically, evoking an almost horror vibe. I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks!”

FORGOTTEN SHRINE create an eerie atmosphere in “Crawl” from the off with ethereal traditional instruments and haunting choir voices building into the heavy riffs. Enchanting folk parts, along with both Frasz and Alexander’s clean vocals, are powerfully juxtaposed with heavy distortion and their fierce harsh. It’s an enchanting and charismatic take on a noughties fan favorite. 

Stream “Crawl” here: https://youtu.be/mXHdzDese5I?si=CtZG5W8qkQrJUPg5

“Crawl” follows the previously released original singles: “Terror! At The Ballroom” (2025), “Where Shadows Lie” (2024) , “Hero” (2024) and “The Parting Glass” (2024) . 

FORGOTTEN SHRINE is: 
Josh Alexander (Pennsylvania, USA) – Guitar, Bass, Hurdy Gurdy, Irish Bouzouki, Additional Instruments, Backing Vocals, Composition.

Sofia Frasz (Maryland, USA) – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Lyrics, Composition.

Links: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555238025771&mibextid=ZbWKwL

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0q7rFp0yxvWoxGWqIt21nI?si=p5jz0YOOROOHFy5jxHAW6A

Source: C Squared Music

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CRYPTIC SHIFT: UK Progressive Death Metallers Release “Cryogenically Frozen” Single | Overspace & Supertime To Drop On February 27th Through Metal Blade Records

Posted in Metal, metal albums, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on February 10, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Murry Deaves

“Cryogenically Frozen” is the latest single from UK progressive death metallers CRYPTIC SHIFT. The track comes off the band’s Overspace & Supertime full-length, set to drop on February 27th through Metal Blade Records.

Issues vocalist/guitarist Alexander Bradley:

“Contrasting the prolonged, cinematic opening of our previous album [Visitations From Enceladus] ‘Cryogenically Frozen’ wastes no time by bursting into a flurry of jazz fusion-esque movements as if metal had an alternate timeline progressing from the lineage of masters like Cynic, Pestilence, and Allan Holdsworth, whilst still remaining true to our death/thrashing tendencies with lightning riffs tailor-made for the headbangers and circle pitters! Simultaneously, all aspects of our songwriting propel our new character, ‘The Recaller,’ through her sci-fi adventures, beginning with a cybertronic shootout and meditations in dreams and consciousness. Being one of the shorter songs on the album defined by a pulsing verse and chorus, it ends with a moment of calm before the true centerpiece of Overspace & Supertime begins with the 29-minute ‘Stratocumulus Evergaol’ which we can’t wait for all Astrodeath freaks to explore on February 27th.”

Stream CRYPTIC SHIFT’s “Cryogenically Frozen” HERE. 

Watch CRYPTIC SHIFT’s previously released video for “Hexagonal Eyes (Diverity Trepaphymphaszym)” HERE.

While not commonly known as an extraterrestrial hotspot, Leeds faced an encounter of another kind in 2015 when Bradley and drummer Ryan Sheperson set out to accomplish a project embodying their joint passion for the art of science fiction and heavy metal music. The band unveiled their debut full-length, Visitations From Enceladus, in 2020. The offering received critical acclaim for its adventurous, progressive technical death thrash compositions, a twisted form of extreme metal simply referred to as the “Phenomenal Technological Astrodeath.” 

Overspace & Supertime continues the conceptual and musical themes of their debut and delivers a new standard of technical thrash/death metal showmanship, including returning influences of progressive writing, harmonized with their fantastical storytelling.

“The concept of Overspace & Supertime plays as an alternative reality to the happenings of Visitations From Enceladus, taking our character into new dimensions filled with both greater adventures and more bizarre encounters,” notes Sheperson.

“Whilst the concept themes of our sci-fi tale have grown, so have our efforts in synthesizing it with the ultimate Astrodeath soundscape. The record takes the listener on a deeper journey through the fusion of our influences, with some exciting twists and turns along the way.”

CRYPTIC SHIFT:
Alexander Bradley – vocals, guitars
Joss Farrington – guitars
John Riley – bass
Ryan Sheperson – drums

Overspace & Supertime was produced by Jack Helliwell and mastered by Greg Chandler (Esoteric, My Dying Bride) and features the stunning artwork of Jesse Jacobi.

The record will be released on CD and digital formats as well as 2xLP in the following color variants:

180g Black

Cloudscape Orange Vinyl (Orange Red Marbled) – (Ltd. 600)

Ancient Storm Swirl Vinyl (Violet Blue W/ Black, Blue & Red Smoke) – (Ltd. 250)

Ice Cauldron Blue Vinyl (Blue/Purple Merged) – (Ltd. 250)

Find preorders at: metalblade.com/crypticshift. 

CRYPTIC SHIFT Live:

2/28/2026 Boston Music Rooms – London, UK * Record Release Show

5/21-24/2026 Maryland Deathfest – Baltimore, MD

In an advance 9/10 review of the record, Metal Hammer UK writes, “CRYPTIC SHIFT are operating on a higher plane of prog metal consciousness, and Overspace & Supertime is a potentially life-changing act of artistic audacity.”

Deaf Forever Germany concurs with a 9.5/10 rating, “In the future, all technical thrash/death bands from the Vektor/Voivod/Blood Incantation school will be measured against this record!”

Adds Sweden Rock Magazine with a 9/10 score, “This is already a candidate for the year’s, if not the best, then definitely the most ambitious work.”

https://www.facebook.com/crypticshift

https://www.instagram.com/crypticshift.ufo

https://www.metalblade.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

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Corinne Westbrook Announces First Horror Novel: The Hollow One

Posted in books, horror, horror books, horror novels, horror stories with tags , , , , , on February 10, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

No stranger to the dark and macabre, The Hollow One is the debut novel from writer and horror-devotee Corinne Westbrook. With a combined interest in the shadowy side of art, music and literature, Westbrook has written for metal music outlets, notably Metal Injection and Knotfest, and is well acquainted with strange and uncanny storytelling.

Set for publication on May 26th, 2026, via Permuted Press, The Hollow One is a truly bloodcurdling psychological horror. Following the days of a young girl named Ellie, amidst the struggles of an absent mother, a baby brother and poverty, something more sinister soon takes hold of her life. When one evening her estranged father knocks on her bedroom window, what seems like a comforting dream begins to turn sour as this familial figure is perhaps not so familiar after all.

Told through the eyes of a child trying to make sense of a world that’s forgotten her, The Hollow One is a literary horror story about longing, memory, and the quiet danger of being unseen. Atmospheric, intimate, and deeply unsettling, this is a ghost story where the scariest things are not what lurk in the dark, but what’s already inside the house.

Pre Order The Hollow One:
Author signed copy: https://corinnewestbrook.com/product/the-hollow-one-corinne-westbrook-autographed-copy-pre-order/

Pre-order from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hollow-One-Corinne-Westbrook/dp/B0FWZZ3LB3/

Pre-order from Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hollow-one-corinne-westbrook/1148560675

Stay Up To Date: 
Instagram | TikTok | Facebook

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POWERRAGE Debut Album BEAST, Out April 24th – First Single “Dark Wings” Out Now!

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on February 10, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Watch “Dark Wings” Lyric Video HERE

Pre-Order at: 

https://www.hrrecords.de/POWERRAGE

POWERRAGE:
Jacques Belanger – vocals
John Ricci – guitars
Todd Pilon – bass
Lucas Dery – drums

BEAST – track-list:
01 Dark Wings
02 Cremation Damnation
03 Dragon Man
04 Haunted Hell
05 I Torture I Kill
06 The Devil is Screaming
07 Damned and Cursed
08 The Black Mass

The album was mixed and mastered by Dan Swano at Unisound.

Album artwork by Mario Lopez.

On-Line:
https://www.facebook.com/PowerrageBeast

https://powerrage.bandcamp.com/album/beast

https://www.hrrecords.de/

Source: High Roller Records

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Astronaut Skulls As Album Cover Art – Let’s Take A Glance!

Posted in album covers, albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on February 9, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Above: FILTER – The Algorithm: Ultra Edition (2025) Artwork by Dana MacKenzie and photography by Derick Smith.

It’s no surprise that I love album cover artwork and design. Over the years we’ve covered here, on Metal Odyssey, album cover art from UFOs to Christmas with snakes in-between. This edition features astronauts portrayed as skeletons; or skulls to be more precise.

I have no idea when the first astronaut skull appeared on an album cover; that would be a rabbit hole I’d rather not dive into. Anyone have that answer please share it here!

There are five examples of astronaut skulls shown here. Enjoy!

I wasn’t gonna miss out on posting this IRON MAIDEN gem of cover art! The Final Frontier (2010). Cover artist: Melvyn Grant

I still can’t believe ORANGE GOBLIN disbanded. I’ll always listen to this band! Back from the Abyss released back in 2014. Cover artist: CAVUM

I stumbled on this album from THE COSMIC DEAD. I’m gonna give it a listen!

Dead Astronauts EP 2.0 – I found this one by just browsing for astronaut skulls on the web.

I’m certain there’s more astronaut skull covers out there. Please share any that you’re aware of here! Thank you for visiting! Stay safe out there and respect your fellow human beings as best you can. – Stone

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Legendary Belgian Thrashers CYCLONE Release Comeback EP Known Unto God | New Video “Nothing Is Real” Online Now

Posted in Metal, metal albums, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on February 9, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

CYCLONE are an underrated cult favorite amongst metal fans having released two solid thrash albums in 1986 and 1990. The Belgian band has now added a new 5-song EP, Known Unto God, to their arsenal. Available online or in stores Known Unto God showcases immediately intense and infectious intensity throughout, sure to please fans of thrash, hardcore and traditional speed metal. Check out their new lyric video for “Nothing Is Real” for more proof. 

Known Unto God is available as a limited (200) silver bullet colored vinyl (with download code) or as Digipak CD via M-Theory Audio. Order now at: www.m-theoryaudio.com

The 5 new songs were all written by core members singer Guido Gevels and guitarist Stefaan Daamen and recorded by Guido backed by a younger and invigorated lineup with vocal and drum production, along with mix and mastering handled by Martin Furia (Destruction, Nervosa, Evil Invaders). The artwork of Known Unto God is courtesy of Ivan S. Bragin (October Tide, The Gathering). 

The first chapter of CYCLONE history dates back to 1980 when 5 teenagers obsessed with NWOBHM decided to start a band. Experience they have not, but enthusiasm aplenty. A few years later, and after a series of shows with then established Acid, the quintet release their In The Grip of Evil demo – a cornerstone of European extreme metal.

The demo is supported by opening slots for Anthrax, Overkill, Agent Steel, Kreator and Destruction which leads to label interest with the band choosing to sign with Roadrunner Records. The monstrous Brutal Destruction is released followed by tours supporting Metallica and Slayer.

Times change, people change and hard choices have to be made, resulting in Guido and Stefaan working with three new players on 1990’s ‘Inferior To None.’ A European tour with Blessed Death is made to support the album, followed by another continental run with Sadus, The Obsessed and The Accused but by 1993 CYCLONE decide to call it quits. Now with a new lease on life and today’s release CYCLONE continue to write their story.

CYCLONE:

Guido Gevels – vocals

VIncent Heyman – bass

Gabriel Deschamps – drums

Max Deschamps – lead guitar 

Jesse Vandenbosshe – rhythm guitar

For more info:

FACEBOOK 

INSTAGRAM 

YOUTUBE

BANDCAMP

www.m-theoryaudio.com 

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TUNGSTEN Release Video For Brand New Single “Bite My Tongue”

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on February 9, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Swedish metal force TUNGSTEN are back with an official video for their brand-new single “Bite My Tongue”! Fueled by muscular riffs and driving grooves, the track highlights the band’s ability to balance raw heaviness with strong melodic hooks. 

Formed by drummer Anders Johansson alongside his sons Karl and Nick, TUNGSTEN have quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about acts in the modern metal scene. With a sound rooted in classic heavy metal but sharpened by a contemporary edge, the band has built a reputation for powerful songwriting, a clear identity and relentless forward momentum, earning growing attention well beyond their Scandinavian home base.

“Bite My Tongue” is a groove-heavy, riff-driven mid-tempo rocker that builds steadily before exploding into a hook-laden chorus. According to vocalist Mike Andersson, the lyrics explore “how people often voice their opinions about various things loudly without hesitation, but when you hold a different view, it’s sometimes better to stay silent to keep the peace which can be quite frustrating at times.”

Watch the video clip for “Bite My Tongue” premiering here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al2qFJnQvkQ

About TUNGSTEN:
TUNGSTEN made a strong entry into the metal scene in 2019 with the release of their debut album We Will Rise. The band quickly built momentum, releasing three further albums over the following years (Tundra, Bliss, and The Grand Inferno). 

Originally formed in 2016, TUNGSTEN soon solidified their lineup with the addition of lead vocalist Mike Andersson. Since then, the band has established a strong live reputation, touring extensively across Europe alongside acts such as BLOODBOUND, FIREWIND, SONATA ARCTICA, ALL FOR METAL, and others.

[photo credit: Mike Norgren]

TUNGSTEN have also appeared at numerous major festivals, including Sweden Rock Festival, Leyendas Del Rock (Spain), Midalidare Metal Fest (Bulgaria), Riverside Rock Fest (Switzerland), among many others. In July 2026, the band is confirmed to perform at Germany’s RockHarz Festival, with additional festival appearances currently in the works. Between touring and live performances, TUNGSTEN focuses on writing material for their upcoming album, aiming to create a powerful follow-up to 2024’s The Grand Inferno.

TUNGSTEN are:
Mike Andersson – Lead Vocals
Karl Johansson – Bass, Keyboards, Vocals
Nick Johansson – Guitar
Anders Johansson – Drums

More on TUNGSTEN:

Tungsten Official | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Youtube

More on PERCEPTION:
perception.music | Facebook | Instagram 

Source: C Squared Music

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CASTLE RAT Announce Special Spring Headline Shows | On Tour This Spring With AMON AMARTH & DETHKLOK

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on February 8, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

METAL HAMMER COVER FEATURE REVEALED!

Mystical metal warriors CASTLE RAT will embark on a monumental tour with AMON AMARTH and DETHKLOK this spring, and have now announced two special, headlining shows in Grand Rapids, MI at The Pyramid Scheme on April 26th (w/SACRED LEATHER) and in Anaheim, CA at House of Blues on May 24th (w/DEATH CHANT). 

Tickets are available now at: https://castlerat.com/

CASTLE RAT Tour Dates:
Apr 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Apr 17 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center At Tech Port
Apr 18 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
Apr 20 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
Apr 21 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
Apr 22 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
Apr 24 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
Apr 25 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall
Apr 26 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Pyramid Scheme (HEADLINE SHOW)
Apr 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
Apr 29 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
May 1 – Toronto, ON – The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort
May 2 – Montreal, QC – Centre Bell
May 5 – Oxon Hill, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor
May 7 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville Pre-Party (FESTIVAL)
May 9 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
May 10 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle
May 12 – Johnstown, PA – 1st Summit Arena
May 13 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre Detroit
May 16 – Milwaukee, WI – Landmark Credit Union Live
May 17 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Art & Music (FESTIVAL)
May 19 – Denver, CO – The Junkyard
May 20 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center
May 21 – Las Vegas, NV – Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
May 24 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues (HEADLINE SHOW)

July 29 – Bergen, NO – Beyond The Gates 2026 (FESTIVAL)
Aug 6 – Jaroměř, CZ – Brutal Assault 2026 (FESTIVAL)
Aug 8 – Kortrijk, BE – Alcatraz 2026 (FESTIVAL)
Aug 15 – Eindhoven, NL – Dynamo Metal Fest 2026 (FESTIVAL)

With the new headlining shows comes the announcement of CASTLE RAT’s first cover feature with METAL HAMMER (UK). Behold the sword wielding Rat Queen in all her glory, as they continue to slay their way to the top! Purchase a copy now at: bit.ly/buyhammer.

Photo Credit: Courtney Hall (@light_witch)

CASTLE RAT is currently on the road in support of their critically acclaimed new album, The Bestiary, that’s available now from King Volume Records (US) and Blues Funeral Recordings (UK/Europe). Named one of 2025’s best metal albums by Rolling Stone, NPR, Decibel and All Music, The Bestiary is an epic tale of mysticism, magic and maleficence set in a mythical world and told through the heavy metal offerings of band members “The Rat Queen,” “The Count,” “The Plague Doctor” and “The All-Seeing Druid.” 

PURCHASE THE BESTIARY: 
NORTH AMERICA – HERE
EUROPE – HERE

STREAM THE BESTIARY: 
lnkfi.re/thebestiary

The Bestiary – Track-list: 

1. PHOENIX I
2. WOLF I
3. WIZARD
4. SIREN
5. UNICORN
6. PATH OF MOSS
7. CRYSTAL CAVE 
8. SERPENT
9. WOLF II
10. DRAGON
11. SUMMONING SPELL
12. SUN SONG
13. PHOENIX II

“WIZARD” Music Video

“WOLF I” Music Video

“SERPENT” Audio Stream

Follow CASTLE RAT:
Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
King Volume Records | Blues Funeral

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GRAVE DIGGER, COCKNEY REJECTS, THE STUBS & HAMULEC Join HELLS BELLS FESTIVAL 2026 Line-up

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on February 8, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Debut edition set for 26-27 June 2026 in the historic port city of Szczecin, Poland

Limited Early Bird weekend tickets still available

Szczecin, Poland; 6 February 2026: Hells Bells Festival has has unveiled a further four band additions to its inaugural 2026 edition. Joining the previously announced Vader, Discharge, Furia and Dezerter, this second wave of artists brings a lethal injection of German heavy metal, British street punk, and high-energy Polish rock’n’roll to the Oder riverfront.

Leading the announcement are German heavy metal titans Grave Digger. With a career spanning over four decades, the German heavy metal legends remain one of the most prolific and respected forces in the genre. Known for their iconic concept albums and the unmistakable grit of Chris Boltendahl’s vocals, the band continues to prove their relevance; their recent studio effort, Bone Collector (2025), saw them revisiting the crusader themes that made them household names in the 80s. 

Joining them are the originators of street punk, Cockney Rejects. Emerging from the East End of London in the late 70s, the band famously gave the “Oi!” subgenre its name and provided the soundtrack for generations of underground fans. Still possessing the same pugnacious energy that defined their early years, the Rejects bring a legacy of anthems that bridge the gap between terrace culture and raw punk rock.

The addition of two Polish acts also bolsters the line-up. The Stubs will bring their self-described “low-budget rock’n’roll” to the stage. Widely considered one of the finest garage-rock bands Poland has produced, they deliver a raw, high-octane sound that will perfectly counterpoint the festival’s metal offerings.

Rounding out the announcement is Hamulec, a band currently riding a massive wave of popularity in the Polish underground. Blending thrash metal aggression with a punk spirit, Hamulec has quickly become one of the most sought-after live acts in the country.

Hells Bells Festival will take place in the heart of Szczecin, Poland, on 26-27 June 2026. The venue is the scenic Plac Gryfitów on Łasztownia, a historic island district in Szczecin known for its iconic “Craneosaurs” (historic port cranes) and stunning views of the Oder River. The festival will deliver a mix of international legends, top domestic acts and younger new bands.

Early bird weekend tickets are available via the official festival website until 9 February or until they sell out.

In addition to standard passes, the festival offers reduced rates for minors (ages 13-18) and special family tickets (for children under 13 with a guardian). 

Secure your entry now: https://hellsbells.pl/

Hells Bells online:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/hellsbellsfestival
FB Event: https://fb.me/e/7cujCjrCo
IG: https://www.instagram.com/hellsbellsfestival

Source: 3nation

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New Jersey Hellraisers WHO ON EARTH Are Back With New Single “Vigilance” | New Tour With FOZZY Announced

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , on February 8, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

New Jersey rock/metal torchbearers WHO ON EARTH return with a vengeance, unleashing their blistering new single “Vigilance,” accompanied by an incendiary official music video. The release follows the momentum of the band’s critically praised 2025 EP Smoke & Mirrors and signals the next chapter in their quest for world domination!

Commenting on the single, bassist Pete Rizzi says:

“Vigilance’ was written for one reason and one reason only: to deliver both a warning and a call to unity. As we become more divided as a country, the elite continue to gain wealth and power at our expense, unabated. This is a “we’ve had enough” cry from the urban streets of Trenton, NJ!“

“Vigilance” delivers a crushing preview of what WHO ON EARTH have in store for 2026: sharp riffs, thunderous rhythms, and unflinching intensity. The single arrives ahead of the band’s upcoming spring tour supporting FOZZY, where fans can experience the new material live. Tour dates and tickets are available now at: whoonearththeband.com/shows.

Stream “Vigilance“: 

https://found.ee/WhoOnEarthVIGILANCE

“VIGILANCE” MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6bcU4PPcEM

Follow the band for additional updates in the coming weeks!

WHO ON EARTH Tour Dates w/FOZZY:

May 8 – Charlotte, NC – Amos’ Southend
May 9 – Waynesboro, VA – The Foundry
May 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
May 13 – Harrisburg, PA – Capitall City Music Hall
May 15 – St. Charles, IL – Arcada Theatre
May 16 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop

Lineup:
Coosh – Vocals
Pete Rizzi – Bass
Johnny James Barone – Guitar
Jimmy Kocha – Guitar
Howie Fallon – Drums

Follow WHO ON EARTH:
Website | Facebook |Instagram | TikTok | Youtube | Spotify | Apple Music

Source: Secret Service Publicity

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Stephen Pearcy – The Undercover Tour 2026 | Dates, Cities & Venues Listed

Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on February 7, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Stephen Pearcy The Undercover Tour 2026:

^ Thursday, February 26 – Highland, CA – Rockageddon at Yaamava’ Theater
+ Saturday, May 9 – Tulare, CA – Adventist Health Amphitheater
+ Friday, May 29 – Davenport, IA – River City Casino
+ Sunday, May 31 – Lake Charles, LA – L’Auberge Casino Resort
+ Saturday, Jun 13 – West Salem, WI – Maple Grove Venue
^ Friday, Aug 21 – Gatlinburg, TN – Gatlinburg
^ Sunday, Aug 23 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Café

+ STEPHEN PEARCY SOLO

^ PEARCY/DEMARTINI

More info: HERE.

VIP Experience info: HERE.

Source: Official Stephen Pearcy Facebook

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METAL CHURCH – New Studio Album, Dead To Rights, Releasing on April 10th

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

Metal Church return with their 13th studio album, Dead to Rights, scheduled for release on April 10, 2026 via Rat Pak Records (America), Reaper (Europe/UK) and Rubicon (Japan).

The album marks the first release from the band’s latest lineup, featuring founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof alongside longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, joined by bass icon David Ellefson, powerhouse drummer Ken Mary, and dynamic new vocalist Brian Allen.

From the aggressive opening assault of “Brainwash Game” to the riff-driven finale “My Wrath,” Metal Church prove they still possess the same relentless drive that has earned them fans for over four decades. Tracks such as “Deep Cover Shakedown,” “The Show,” and “Wasted Time” deliver the signature sound the band has long been known for.

The album’s first single,“F.A.F.O.”, was released last November, with its accompanying video surpassing 400,000 views to date. Dead To Rights was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Zeuss at Planet Z.

“This new album is very special to me for one reason: the band was over, and I honestly didn’t see it being resurrected. But somehow, it brought itself back to life – again!” exclaims Kurdt Vanderhoof. “I’m incredibly proud of these new songs; they hit hard. Brian Allen brings the classic Metal Church sound to the vocals, and adding a rhythm section with musicians of the caliber of Dave Ellefson and Ken Mary makes this a force to be reckoned with. If you enjoy classic Metal Church, you’re going to love this record.”

Pre-order Metal Church Dead to Rights here: https://lnk.to/Metal-Church  

Source: Rat Pak Records

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DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG Strike Back with “Batter The Power” Music Video

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

Watch the video here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKHq7W5iPHY

Another new video has arrived from the already released album Babylon by DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (released in October 2025, RPM).

Following the strong impact of previous clips, with “It Takes Two To Tango” and “Hellbreaker” each surpassing one million views, the band now present the video for “Batter The Power”, continuing the visual journey through their latest release.

“Batter The Power” is a classic heavy shuffle driven by a true metal riff and an anthem-like sing-along chorus that instantly evokes the spirit of “old times.” What initially appears to be a deliberately straightforward and repetitive verse structure is given a sharper edge by the accusatory vocal interplay between Udo Dirkschneider and Peter Baltes, adding tension and attitude to the song’s message.

Photo: Eddi Bachmann Photography

Manuela “Ella” Bibert puts the icing on the cake with her distinctive solo vocal interludes during the final choruses, while Mathias Dieth’s extraordinary guitar solo breaks free from any convention, unapologetically bold and perfectly in line with the band’s uncompromising approach. Why should we care about rules?

Lyrically, “Batter The Power” draws on classic heavy metal imagery of battle, resistance and liberation. Lines like “we’ll die to be free” and “never surrender” underline the song’s central message: relentlessly challenging oppressive power in the name of freedom and justice.

With the “Batter The Power” video, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG once again highlight the timeless strength of classic heavy metal, reinforcing Babylon as an album that proudly bridges the past and present with experience, conviction and raw power.

Listen to Babylon on your favourite streaming platform or get your CD/LP/Earbook here: https://datog.rpm.link/babylon

DATOG are:

Udo Dirkschneider | lead vocals

Peter Baltes | bass, lead & backing vocals

Manuela “Ella” Bibert | lead & backing vocals, keys

Stefan Kaufmann | guitars, backing vocals

Mathias “Don” Dieth | guitars, backing vocals

Sven Dirkschneider | drums, backing vocals

More on DATOG:

datog.de | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | RPM

Source: C Squared Music

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KREATOR – UK And Europe 2026 | Special Guests: CARCASS, EXODUS & NAILS | Dates, Cities & Venues Listed

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

From KREATOR Facebook:

“Hordes! Don’t forget that we’re bringing this INCREDIBLE line-up to the UK and Europe, this March…

Kreator, Carcass, Exodus & Nails! You don’t want to miss this! Get your tickets and VIP upgrades now!”

KREATOR ticket info: https://www.kreator-terrorzone.de/

3/20 – Lisbon, Portugal MEO Arena
3/22 – Madrid, Spain Palacio Vistalegre
3/24 – Paris, France Zenith Paris
3/25 – Brussels, Belgium Ancienne Belgique
3/27 – London, UK O2 Academy Brixton
3/28 – Manchester, UK O2 Apollo Manchester
3/29 – Glasgow, UK O2 Academy Glasgow
3/31 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg Rockhal
4/1 – Zürich, Switzerland Halle 622
4/3 – Den Bosch, Netherlands Mainstage Brabanthallen
4/4 – Essen, Germany Grugahalle
4/5 – Frankfurt, Germany Jahrhunderthalle
4/7 – Milan, Italy Alcatraz
4/8 – Ljubljana, Slovenia Media Center
4/9 – Vienna, Austria Gasometer
4/10 – Ludwigsburg, Germany MHP Arena
4/11 – Munich, Germany Zenith
4/12 – Karlín, Czechia Forum Karlín
4/13 – Budapest, Hungary Barba Negra
4/15 – Warsaw, Poland COS Torwar
4/17 – Hamburg, Germany Inselparkhalle
4/18 – Berlin, Germany Uber Eats Music Hall
4/20 – Riga, Latvia Palladium Riga
4/21 – Helsinki, Finland Black Box Finland Oy
4/23 – Stockholm, Sweden Annexet
4/24 – Oslo, Norway Sentrum Scene
4/25 – Copenhagen, Denmark Poolen

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CASKET ROBBERY – 10 Years of Evolution of Evil Tour | Dates, Cities & Venues Listed

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

From Casket Robbery Facebook:

“We are stoked to be hitting the road in March to celebrate the 10th Year Anniversary of our album Evolution Of Evil. Join us and catch a special set list of old and unreleased tracks. We will have special VIP upgrades available for this tour!”

Grab advanced tix and VIP upgrades now!! 

3.17 – Lincoln, NE at Witches Brew
3.20 – Reno, NV at Club Underground
3.21 – Las Vegas, NV at Vegas UnAlive Festival w/ Decrepit Birth
3.22 – Salt Lake City, UT at Aces High Saloon
3.24 – Denver, CO at The Roxy
3.26 – Cedar Rapids, IA at Black Hole
3.27 – Kansas City, MO at SK8 Bar
3.28 – Sioux Falls, SD at Club David

http://casketrobbery.com/tour

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