Having made their back catalog available to a wider public via High Roller Records, Mexican speed and thrash metal force Phantom will release their third full-length assault Not Midnight Yet via the label. Recorded and mixed once again with Héctor “Northen” Ibarra at Nehtron Studios in Guadalajara and mastered by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony in Germany, this new album captures the band at their most technical and dynamic.
“I am never fully satisfied with my records and I try to push forward and expand our boundaries with every new material, without changing the soul and core of what Phantom stands for: Old School Heavy Metal,“explains mastermind J.C. García. “This record puts together very well everything that we are. Because of that, I think this is a juggernaut of an album”.
Tracks such as ‘Hordes Of Bats’ deliver relentless speed and riff-driven aggression, while ‘Dracula’s Curse’ and the title track lean into powerful midtempo dynamics and complex structures. ‘The Pale Remains Of Time’ stands out as one of the album’s most ambitious moments, combining melodic vocals, clean guitar interludes and subtle progressive touches.
“I try to break the established formula and add more textures and layers while keeping the old school spirit,” J.C. states. “It’s a very personal record and a work I’m very proud of. I think this is the most solid Phantom record to date”. With Not Midnight Yet, Phantom sharpen their identity and deliver a powerful, atmospheric statement, proof that the night is far from over.
ALBUM TRACK-LIST: 01 Hordes of Bats 02 Out of the Mausoleum 03 Dracula’s Curse 04 Morgenstern / Iron Strike 05 The Pale Remains of Time 06 Summoned to Kill 07 Not Midnight Yet 08 Solomonari 09 Sepulchral Majesty 10 Curse Your Name 11 A Trail Full of Sorrows 12 Echoes from the Fights
PHANTOM: Harel O. – Guitars J.C. García – Vocals, Guitars Raír Tavizón – Bass J.P. Alatorre – Drums
A long-lost relic of Eastern European extreme metal resurfaces in definitive form, as F.O.A.D. Records present a newly remastered edition of FANTOM’s seminal demo material, now available on vinyl.
Remastered by Patrick Engel, this upgraded version captures the raw essence of one of Hungary’s earliest and most obscure black/thrash entities, often regarded as even darker and more sinister than their contemporaries.
This official reissue includes the band’s classic 1987 demo Lucifer jelenj meg!, now expanded with 7 additional tracks taken from a rare 1987 session not featured in the previous 2016 vinyl edition. The material has been re-transferred from a rediscovered tape – the best sounding source in existence – and meticulously remastered for vinyl by Patrick Engel at Temple Of Disharmony.
Drawing influence from bands such as Bathory, Possessed, Hellhammer, Venom and Slayer, FANTOM forged a primitive yet highly distinctive sound. Their songwriting is direct and unrefined, but steeped in a uniquely oppressive atmosphere of darkness, malevolence and occult tension.
The release comes as a silver laminated LP, including two inserts featuring lyrics, rare photographs and original artwork, preserving the band’s visual and sonic identity in full detail.
A crucial document of early black/thrash from behind the Iron Curtain: raw, obscure and essential for collectors and devotees of the genre’s darkest origins.
Europe! This summer will be unforgettable. In addition to the dates already announced with Kittie and Sepultura, we’ll be touring with Slaughter To Prevail and playing for the first time in some countries like Turkey and Greece. This will be a very special tour for us to say goodbye to Shades of Sorrow. Where will we see you?
Shades of Sorrow: Final Rites – European Summer Tour 2026
05.06.26 DE – Duisburg / Rage against Racism Open Air 06.06.26 DE – Kirchdorf / Bavarian Battle Open Air 07.06.26 CZ – Plzen / Metalfest Open Air 08.06.26 DE – Berlin / Cassiopeia 10.06.26 NL – The Hague / Musicon 12.06.26 ES – Madrid /Revi Live 13.06.26 PT – Lisbon /Lx Extreme 14.06.26 ES – Mos /Sala Rebullón 15.06.26 ES – Vitoria /Urban Rock Concept 16.06.26 ES – Valencia / Sala Rock City 17.06.26 ES – Badalona /Sala Estraperlo 19.06.26 FR – Clisson / Hellfest 21.06.26 TR – Istanbul / Paribu Art 23.06.26 DE – Oldenburg / Cadillac 24.06.26 DE – Dresden / Beatpol 26.06.26 CH – Hauteville / Abyss Festival 27.06.26 DE – Karlsruhe / Stadtmitte 30.06.26 DE – Weinheim / Cafe Central 01.07.26 DE – Düsseldorf / Ratinger Hof 02.07.26 DE – Osnabrück / Bastard Club 03.07.26 DE – Hamburg / Logo 04.07.26 DE – Ballenstedt / Rockharz Open Air 24.07.26 GR – Athens/ Floyd – (w/ Slaughter to Prevail) 25.07.26 GR – Thessaloniki/ Moni Lazariston – (w/ Slaughter to Prevail) 27.07.26 BG – Sofia/ Yunak – (w/ Slaughter to Prevail) 28.07.26 SRB – Belgrade / Zappa Barka 30.07.26 AT – Wien / Viper Room 31.07.26 AT – Salzburg / Rockhouse 01.08.26 DE – Saarbruecken/ Garage – (w/ Slaughter to Prevail) 02.08.26 BE – Kortrijk / DVG Club 04.08.26 DE – Aschaffenburg Colos-Saal (w/ Kittie) 05.08.26 DE – München Backstage (Free & Easy Festival) (w/ Kittie) 06.08.26 DE – Nürnberg / Hirsch 07.08.26 DE – Köln / Gebäude 9 (w/ Kittie) 09.08.26 IE – Dublin / 3Arena (w/ Sepultura) 10.08.26 UK – Glasgow/ SWG3 Galvanizers – (w/ Slaughter to Prevail) 11.08.26 UK – Carlisle / The Brickyard 12.08.26 UK – Bristol/ O2 Academy – (w/ Slaughter to Prevail) 13.08.26 UK – Southampton /The 1865 14.08.26 UK – Birmingham / Asylum 15.08.26 UK – London /The Dome
OFFICER LUCIFER‘s transmission continues with the new single and video, “Swallow“. The track presents an uncompromising criticism of manufactured misinformation that is designed to confuse and disorientate perceptions of reality. “Swallow” follows the release of “Far From Right” featuring Page Hamilton of HELMET.
Guitarist David Coloma comments: “‘Swallow’ is a direct confrontation with blind obedience.A track about submission, manipulation, and the systems that thrive when people stop thinking for themselves.”
OFFICER LUCIFER‘s sound is rooted in raw aggression born from a fusion of genres including metal, punk, grunge, and Latin rhythms. “Swallow” unleashes an anguished-fueled attack of gritty distortion, driving rhythms, and melodic vocal melodies performed by Yves Myr. The song exists within OFFICER LUCIFER‘s narrative world where engineered hybrids rise up against their human creators, mirroring real-world cycles of control, corruption, and resistance.
The lyrics for “Swallow” expose a cycle of bombardment; the continuous exposure to lies, biased perspectives and fear mongering. The song confronts the unquestioned consumption and ingestion of these fabrications that leads to a perspective of existence and selfhood that is an illusion.
Drums and bass for “Swallow” were performed by Andrés Benavides and Pancho Tomaselli and recorded by Daniel Pasquel at La Increible Sociedad – Quito, Ecuador. The track was mixed by Jesse Gander at Rain City Recorders and mastered by Jamie King.
About OFFICER LUCIFER:
OFFICER LUCIFER is a conceptual heavy music project built on confrontation, storytelling, and sonic collision. Drawing from metal, punk, grunge, and Latin rhythmic traditions, the project creates an aggressive and immersive sound that refuses genre boundaries.
Each release exists within a dystopian narrative framework where engineered half-animal, half-machine beings turn against their human creators, reflecting themes of control, resistance, and collapse in the modern world.
The project first revealed its universe with the debut single “Uncivil War”, establishing a raw and cinematic atmosphere where chaos is not background noise but the driving force. The music is designed to feel physical and urgent, pairing crushing instrumentation with a sense of narrative tension and unrest.
OFFICER LUCIFER operates as a collective rather than a traditional band. The core creative vision is shaped by Pancho Tomaselli, David Coloma, and Andrés Benavides, musicians whose international careers span diverse projects, scenes, and stages.
Their combined experience fuels a foundation that is both disciplined and volatile. As the project evolves, additional collaborators are brought in to expand the sound, introducing new textures, voices, and perspectives without diluting the central vision.
Beyond the music, OFFICER LUCIFER functions as a fully realized world. Band members are portrayed as hybrid soldiers assigned distinct military-style ranks, reinforcing a shared identity rooted in rebellion, unity, and defiance. The result is not just a collection of songs, but a living mythos designed to confront listeners and challenge complacency.
Mexican death metal force NECROCCULTUS have made their upcoming full-length album The Afterdeath Blackness available for exclusive streaming in advance via Death Metal Promotion, offering listeners a complete immersion into their latest work ahead of its official release.
Set to be unleashed on April 24th, 2026, through Terror From Hell Records, the album stands as a powerful reaffirmation of the band’s unwavering dedication to pure and uncompromising death metal. Across its eight tracks, The Afterdeath Blackness delivers a carefully balanced blend of crushing riffs, intricate songwriting, and a dense, ritualistic atmosphere that reflects decades of underground commitment.
Proud standard-bearers of the purest and most solemn death metal tradition, NECROCCULTUS return with a record that both honors and revitalizes the genre’s roots. Forged through years of underground militancy and unwavering dedication to the death metal cause, the band channels its accumulated experience into an album that feels timeless yet fiercely alive. The Afterdeath Blackness stands as a statement of intent: death metal in its most essential, uncompromising form.
Track-list:
I. Intro (The Highest Sphere Of The Dead) II. Slaughter Of Bestiality III. Transition To The Tortuous Reign IV. Unburied Hellish Presences V. Dread Midnight Entities VI. Multiform Devourer Of Souls VII. Old Coffin Miasma VIII. The Afterdeath Blackness
Across eight tracks, the album showcases everything that has defined NECROCCULTUS since their inception: massive riffs, carefully crafted songwriting and a dark atmosphere rooted in ritualistic heaviness. The compositions are elaborate without ever becoming self-indulgent, balancing complexity with raw impact and maintaining a natural flow that keeps the listener immersed from beginning to end. A constant sense of menace runs through the record, while a subtle veil of epic grandeur elevates the material beyond mere brutality.
Rather than chasing trends or modern gimmicks, NECROCCULTUS embrace the spirit of classic death metal, filtering it through decades of underground commitment and artistic growth. The result is an album that sounds both reverent and commanding, a work that speaks directly to devoted followers of the old ways while reaffirming the band’s place among today’s torchbearers of authentic death metal.
NECROCCULTUS was formed in 2003 as a five-piece band consisting of César (guitar), Omar (bass), Chago (guitar), Daniel (drums), and Isaías (growls). During the following three years, this original line-up recorded several releases, including the brutal full-length Encircling The Mysterious Necrorevelation (2005) for Sempiternal Productions (US), a 7” EP for Blood Harvest Records (Sweden), a three-way split CD with Sanctifier and Throneum on Warfuck Records (Colombia), and a split LP with Shub-Niggurath released by Iron Bonehead Productions (Germany).
In 2024, founding member Isaías H. reactivated NECROCCULTUS alongside a new line-up: Roel (guitar), Néstor (bass), Alex (guitar), Dante (drums), and Isaías (growls). After performing several live shows, the band entered the studio between July and October 2025 to record their new abominable full-length, The Afterdeath Blackness, featuring eight tracks of bestial, unholy death metal.
The Afterdeath Blackness was recorded, mixed and mastered at MAT Studio. Vocals has been recorded at The Cave Home Studio, between July and October 2025. Engineering by Alex Méndez Music by NECROCCULTUS Lyrics by Isaías H. Keyboards session on tracks 1, 6 and 8 by Astarot Cover artwork by Thomas (Necromaniac) Layout by Lorenzo Santini Executive Production by Terror From Hell Recs
BELUSHI SPEED BALL – Cosmo Joe’s Atomic Lounge, Dayton, Ohio – My buddy Troy and I took a short ride to downtown Dayton, Ohio to take in the fun from Kentucky’s very own BELUSHI SPEED BALL, last Friday night. Cosmo Joe’s Atomic Lounge became a welcomed free-for-all, with fans doing whatever the hell they wanted, to the crossover thrash of this good-times band.
No humans or animals were hurt in this joyous melee of airborne rolls of toilet paper, red solo cups, corrugated boxes, plastic bags and pool noodles. I did get involved myself and needed to be extra aware due to my terrible knees. I probably lost 50 calories, which is a plus. BELUSHI SPEED BALL kept their loyal fans (obviously) actively involved and elated to throw shit, non-stop, while laughs and smiles were contagious.
Vinny Castellano was a lively and charismatic frontman and should be proud of his band’s performance. We live during an unstable time right now and to be a part of this entertaining, comedic and thrash-tastic camaraderie is just what I have been yearning for! Metal be thy name – Stone
SouvenirSkull Head Big Boy (behind bar)
BELUSHI SPEED BALL Live footage – Cosmo Joe’s Atomic Lounge ~ April 17th, 2026
The Boar Metal beasts of BOARZOY have launched the official music for “Agency (Is Necessary),” the first single off their upcoming new album, The Great Fires.
The song perfectly encapsulates the band’s sludge-fueled, groove-forward brand of metal. Imagine a boar running roughshod through the pit at a DIY show and you’ve got BOARZOY.
The band comments on the song, “This track is about doing the right thing, especially in the present moment. It’s also our first release with a music video, so we really wanted to capture the intense energy we bring to shows. It’s a display of our ‘Boar Metal’ sound – aggressive, eclectic and hits hard.”
Watch the video for “Agency (Is Necessary)” now at this location.
Their debut album, Ever Watchful Hateful Eye is available at: boarzoy.bandcamp.com.
BIO: “From Boston, BOARZOY has forged their own genre, ‘Boar Metal’ – a balance of raw heaviness, eclectic styles, and intense live energy. Known for their high-energy shows, the band is preparing to move to New York City later this year to further expand their reach”.
Born out of a shared and deep respect for acts such as Motörhead, Venom, and Sodom, Chäinfist is exactly what it sounds like: fast, noisy, heavy rock at its meanest.
Behind the project are two names well embedded in the Nordic extreme music underground. Trigger is the alias of Owe Inborr, founding member of the Finnish black metal outfit Ondfødt and noise punks Dispyt, the man behind Wolfthrone Studios, the Ostrobothnian recording studio that has become one of the most sought-after rooms in Nordic extreme music, having shaped records for the likes of …And Oceans, Kvaen, Azaghal, Moonlight Sorcery, Morbikon, and dozens more.
On the other side of the room, Bullet, aka Marco Luponero, the frontman known from Luponero and previously Terrorwheel and Altaria, handles lead vocals and shares instrument duties with Trigger across the entire record.
Bullet recalls: “I called up Trigger one day and said ‘look, I’m charting new territory with my own music, but I think it would be nice to have some sort of project where I could still channel my Motörhead-style spirit. Trigger understood the drill straight away, didn’t hesitate for a second.”
The two have collaborated on several of Luponero’s releases before, so the chemistry was already there. “We aren’t trying to reinvent anything with Chäinfist”, explains Trigger. “We’re just two guys who feel the need to play very fast and very loud. The songs basically write themselves.”
Listeners got a first taste of what the duo’s been up to in March of 2026, when Chäinfist released their eponymous first single. Now they drop the entire debut album, also titled Chäinfist. Leading the release is the single “The Tomb Is Burning“, accompanied by a music video.
Released by Finnish label Stormbound Records, Chäinfist is available to stream and is also available in two physical formats exclusively from Stormbound’s online store: the label’s proprietary Beatjaxx format and a strictly limited cassette run.
A cult chapter of Italian extreme metal history returns in its most complete form, as F.O.A.D. Records present the definitive archival collection of early material from LORD CRUCIFIER, Cataclism, now available as a gatefold 2xLP edition.
Cataclism – Gatefold 2xLP:
An 18-track descent into pure psychotic thrash metal, self-described by the band as “psychic metal,” capturing the unhinged vision of these Italian maniacs who relocated to England during the 1980s in search of total sonic extremity.
This comprehensive release brings together the band’s early demo legacy and unreleased material, fully remastered at Toxic Basement Studio:
Cataclism Demo (1985)
Myra’s Tape (1987)
Who Do You Trust (1989)
Unreleased 3-track rehearsal/demo (1990)
Across these recordings, LORD CRUCIFIER’s evolution is laid bare, from raw, dark thrash steeped in Venom and Celtic Frost influences to a more personal and deranged style defined by speed, fractured structures and psychotic riffing intensity.
Packaging:
The release comes as a deluxe gatefold 2xLP edition accompanied by a 24-page full-color booklet, designed by Rich M. Walker (The Metalchemist). The booklet includes rare photographs, flyers, scans of original demo tapes, and archival excerpts from underground magazines and fanzines.
A vital document of a band that turned chaos into identity, now unearthed and preserved by F.O.A.D. Records. Essential listening for devotees of extreme, unfiltered thrash in its most disturbed form.
Inspired by Robin Williams’ quote, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about,” BLACK SITES have released their new single “Silent Wars“. The single lands ahead of the forthcoming full length, For Eternity. The album is set to release independently on July 17, 2026.
BLACK SITESfounderMark Sugarcomments on “Silent Wars”: “This track is one of my favorites. While there’s some blatant Jake E. Lee homages, a lot of the song was inspired by Americana artist Jason Isbell, of all people. The guitar bit at the very end was recorded as I wrote it, the take that’s on the record is the first time I ever played it.”
Heavy driving rock ‘n’ roll rhythms kick off “Silent Wars” with high energy. Drawing from traditional rock and metal styles, the track delivers a powerful message through moody verse arrangements and a catchy chorus hook.
For Eternity was produced by Mark Sugar & Chris Black, recorded at I Can’t Believe It’s Not Mace Street Studios, with mixing and mastering by Dan Swano. Drums on For Eternity were recorded by Vladimir Ružičić at Kebac Recording Studio.
About BLACK SITES: Based out of Chicago, IL, USA, BLACK SITES was founded in 2016, initially as a studio project, by vocalist and guitarist Mark Sugar. Sugar was later joined by members John Picillo (bass), Ryan Bruchert (guitar) and Chris Avgerin (drums). BLACK SITES combines old school metal with guitar harmonies, melodic/clean vocals and progressive elements, primarily drawing inspiration from the likes of VOIVOD, BLACK SABBATH, and KING’S X.
For Eternity Track Listing:
When It Calls (5:09)
Aquarius Betrayed (5:05)
Above Soil, Beneath Sky (4:47)
Giving Up The Ghost (6:43)
Blades (For The Chosen Ones) (4:51)
Silent Wars (4:51)
When Prophecy Fails (5:49)
Unanswered For Eternity (6:54)
BLACK SITES released their debut In Monochrome in 2017 (Mascot/Provogue Records), followed by Exile in 2019. 2021 saw the release of Untrue that was produced by Sanford Parker and awarded Record Of the Year by Dr. A.N. Grier at AngryMetalGuy.com. BLACK SITES ventured to The Promised Land? with their 2024 full-length that featured Tom Draper. (Ex-CARCASS/SPIRIT ADRIFT) on the track “Chasing Eternity”.
Now, in 2026, Mark Sugar is joined by new members Jose Salazar (bass), Lee Smith (guitar) and Chris Black (drums). The forthcoming album For Eternity is set to release independently on July 17, 2026.
BLACK SITES: Mark Sugar (vocals, guitar) Jose Salazar (bass) Lee Smith (guitar) Chris Black (drums)
APOSTLE unveils their latest single, “Illusion of Loss,” a dynamic and emotionally charged composition that offers a glimpse into the band’s forthcoming full-length album, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon, arriving June 5, 2026 via Terminus Hate City.
“Illusion of Loss” begins with a sharp, brief breath before an angular and moody guitar and bass melody settles over a plodding, swinging half-time drum groove. Murice White‘s vocal cadence moves fluidly within the arrangement, locking into the rhythm as the song unfolds. A sudden, deliberate drop in intensity introduces an arpeggiated and introspective passage driven by a rolling snare, gradually building toward a release carried by a mid-tempo blast beat.
The track expands in scope as Murice’s tremolo-picked lead cuts through with urgency while his vocals rise in intensity. Michael’s bass provides a steady melodic anchor, shaping the mood beneath shifting textures. A discordant, arpeggiated lead slices through the mix while Evan’s drumming shifts into a driving double bass pattern that pushes the song forward before returning to a reprise of its opening movement. The closing moments feature a distorted spoken sample describing barely livable conditions in a city, extending the song’s thematic reach outward.
“Illusion of Loss” reflects on the fragility of life, the isolation that can accompany grief, and the internal changes that follow. The song draws from the experience of personal loss and the emotional weight that lingers in its wake. It considers how loss reshapes identity, how it brings forward buried parts of oneself, and how memory can guide purpose moving forward. The connection between individual grief and shared human experience remains central throughout.
The album title references Carl Jung’s description of humanity as a “splinter in the infinite deity,” framing the record as an exploration of spiritual duality, grief, and self-examination. Across six tracks and 27 minutes, the band move through themes of loss, mortality, internal conflict, and eventual healing. The record serves as both a meditation on the human condition and a deeply personal tribute shaped by grief and remembrance.
Produced, engineered, and mixed by Connor Ray at Sobek Sound and mastered by Erol Ulug at Bright Lights, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon presents APOSTLE in their most refined and expansive form.
APOSTLE:
Murice White – vocals, guitar Michael Thomas – bass, vocals Evan Price – drums
Summer Slaughter Tour part 1 w/ Hatebreed, Devourment, Incantation (on select dates) & many more is on sale now & Hatebreed VIP M&G’s are available at https://bnds.us/5wwyae
02 – July – Reading, PA Reverb 03 – July – Virginia Beach, VA Elevation 27 05 – July – Worcester, MA The Palladium 07 – July – Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s 08 – July – Nashville, TN Brooklyn Bowl 09 – July – New Orleans, LA Tipitina’s 10 – July – Houston, TX House of Blues 11 – July – Austin, TX Emo’s 12 – July – Tulsa, OK Cain’s Ballroom 14 – July – Denver, CO Summit Music Hall 15 – July – Omaha, NE The Admiral 19 – July – Saginaw, MI The Vault 21 – July – St. Louis, MO Pop’s Nightclub 22 – July – Fort Wayne, IN Piere’s Entertainment Center 23 – July – Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theatre 24 – July – Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom
Includes Appearances in China, Japan, Australia, India & More!
June 9 – June 28, 2026
US Death Metal Legends INCANTATION has officially announced the 2026 “Onward to Asia and Down Under” Tour!
The June 2026 three-week trek will take the group through East Asia, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. This tour marks a major milestone in the band’s long-running career, featuring their first-ever appearances in China, India, and Turkey. The run is set to begin on June 9 in Tokyo, Japan, and includes stops in other major markets such as South Korea, Australia, and Singapore, before wrapping up with the debut shows in Bengaluru and Istanbul.
“Extremely pumped to be hitting Asia and Australia again!” says founding member John McEntee. “We have a powerful set of dark death metal ready for you. We’re hitting many spots we haven’t seen in years, and in some places, it will be our first time ever. Come out, hang with us, and show your support for some brutal grinding death metal!”
Tickets and venue information are available now through local promoters and INCANTATION’s official channels. More info at https://www.incantation.com/
Incantation Tour Dates: 09.06 | Tokyo, Japan – Holiday Shinjuku 10.06 | Osaka, Japan – Ruido 11.06 | Taipei, Taiwan – Jack Studio 12.06 | Shanghai, China – Cave Art Venue (First time in China) 13.06 | Tianjin, China – Pingpong Space 14.06 | Seoul, South Korea – JS Art Hall 16.06 | Sydney, Australia – Crowbar 17.06 | Melbourne, Australia – Northcote Social Club 18.06 | Singapore – Aliwal Arts Centre 19.06 | Bangkok, Thailand – Speakerbox 20.06 | Manila, Philippines – Mang Rudy’s 21.06 | TBA, Philippines – To Be Announced 26.06 | Bengaluru, India – The Humming Tree (First time in India) 27.06 | Dubai, UAE – To Be Announced 28.06 | Istanbul, Turkey – The Wall Saloon (First time in Turkey)
About Incantation: Formed in 1989, Incantation is a pioneering force in the American death metal scene. Over a career spanning more than three decades, the band has released numerous influential studio albums and maintained a steady global touring presence, remaining dedicated to the underground extreme metal community.
L-R – Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars, Dave English – Drums, Max Capshaw – Vocals, Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars | Photo Credit: Another Demon
NYC’s rising thrash force Another Demon has announced the official re‑release of their debut EP As Above So Below, out now as of April 18th, 2026, via Ragebreed Records, with global digital distribution through Earache Records. Originally issued independently, the EP now returns with expanded reach and renewed momentum, cementing the band’s fast‑growing presence in the modern thrash landscape.
The re‑release also spotlights a major highlight from the original EP: a guest appearance by legendary guitarist James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) on the track “Drawn and Quartered.” Murphy’s contribution adds a historic stamp of extreme metal pedigree to the band’s already razor‑sharp sound.
Another Demon describes their sonic identity in five words: Powerful, Fast, Aggressive, Thrashing, Evil. The band believes the EP’s wider release will resonate strongly with new listeners:
“Those who haven’t heard it yet will feel instantly familiar with what we do, and instantly want more,” commentsguitaristFrank Tosi.
Crafted through years of dormant ideas and revived creative drive, As Above So Below blends classic thrash roots with atmospheric tension, horror‑driven storytelling, and a modern edge. The band’s goal is to give fans a listening experience that connects both on the surface and on a deeper, more cathartic level.
The six tracks on As Above So Below form a cohesive descent into horror, dystopia, and spiritual unraveling, each offering a different facet of the band’s dark, aggressive vision. From the frantic Evil Dead inspired chaos of “Reduced to Ash” to the crushing crisis‑of‑faith intensity of “Deaf Gods,” the EP moves through relentless riff‑driven aggression with “Skull Vessel” before hitting its standout moment, “Drawn and Quartered,” featuring a blistering guest performance from metal icon James Murphy.
Track Listing: 1. Reduced To Ash – 3:13 2. Deaf Gods – 3:05 3. Skull Vessel – 1:49 4. Drawn and Quartered ft. James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) – 5:42 5. War March – 5:44 6. As Above So Below – 5:45 EP Length: 25:20
The atmosphere shifts into ominous, cinematic territory with “War March,” a ritualistic march into looming destruction, before the title track As Above So Below ties the record together through themes of duality, chaos, and spiritual inversion.
Formed in 2023, Another Demon is built from decades of collective experience across the NY/NJ/CT heavy‑music scene. Max Capshaw (Bass/Vocals) is known for his work with Sick of It All, H2O, Murphy’s Law, Burn, and more.
Max brings a hardcore pedigree and commanding vocal presence. Frank Tosi (Lead Guitar) is the primary songwriter for the EP, shaping the band’s tight, riff‑forward thrash identity. Jun Takeshita (Lead Guitar) blends 80s thrash with Japanese punk/metal intensity, expanding the band’s melodic and technical range. Dave English (Drums), the engine of the band, delivers precision, power, and dynamic rhythmic control.
“The more we’ve played together, the deeper our musical bond has grown. We’ve become a unit that knows how to read each other extremely well,” adds Tosi.
With the EP’s global re‑release, Another Demon is preparing to push further into the U.S. metal circuit. Their next full‑length album is already in development, promising an even broader and more collaborative expression of the band’s identity.
“We write these songs to satisfy our personal tastes and hope the fans appreciate that. The full‑length will show even more of our mutual personality and the best of our brand,” says Tosi.
Recommended for fans of Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Overkill, and Immortal, As Above So Below is available on the following platforms.
EP Band Line Up: Max Capshaw – Vocals / Bass Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars Frank Vaturina – Session Drums
Live Band Line Up: Max Capshaw – Vocals Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars Fred Romer – Bass Guitar Dave English – Drums
Acclaimed vocalist RUSSELL ALLEN, best known as the powerhouse frontman of progressive metal legends Symphony X, has released a deeply personal new ballad titled “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” in recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The heartfelt track offers an intimate glimpse into Allen’s experience as a father raising a daughter on the autism spectrum, delivering a moving message of empathy, acceptance, and unconditional love. 💙
“Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” reflects the emotional journey of watching his daughter grow, navigate social challenges, and find her place in the world. The song blends Allen’s signature vocal intensity with a tender, vulnerable performance, resulting in one of the most personal recordings of his career.
“The song was written over several years navigating the evolution of our daughter’s life on the spectrum,” Allen explains. “Observing her behaviors that most would consider quirky became normal to me and my family. It became increasingly difficult for her to make friends in her life, though we tried several groups and activities for her to explore. Her social anxiety would overwhelm her senses and she would just retreat into her ‘world’ and stim a lot.”
Allen continues, “The heartbreaking moment for me was when she came home from school and asked, ‘Why are the kids playing and having fun but not with me?’ The fact that she was so aware of her situation was both enlightening and difficult for us, because we knew she couldn’t change who she was for acceptance of her peers. But why should she? So the song became my wish, a father’s wish, for my daughter to find a world full of people who would accept her and love her the way we do.” ❤️
Released during Autism Awareness Month, the track aims to shine a light on the experiences of families navigating life on the spectrum while encouraging compassion and understanding. Through “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song),” Allen hopes to foster greater awareness and celebrate the beauty of individuality.
“Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Listeners interested in learning more about autism and how to support individuals and families in their communities are encouraged to explore resources from organizations such as the Autism Society of America and Autism Speaks. These groups provide educational materials, support networks, and guidance on advocacy, inclusion and understanding life on the autism spectrum.
About RUSSELL ALLEN:
Russell Allen is an American heavy metal vocalist celebrated for his powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and exceptional versatility across progressive metal, power metal, and hard rock. Born on July 19, 1971, in Long Beach, California , Allen has earned international recognition as one of the most respected and influential singers in modern metal.
Allen is best known as the longtime frontman of Symphony X, which he joined in 1995. With Allen at the helm, the band achieved global acclaim through landmark albums such as The Divine Wings of Tragedy (1997), V: The New Mythology Suite (2000), The Odyssey (2002), and Paradise Lost (2007). His commanding vocal range and emotive delivery have been central to the band’s signature blend of technical precision and melodic intensity.
Beyond Symphony X, Allen has showcased his versatility through numerous collaborations and side projects. He formed the melodic metal supergroup Allen/Lande alongside Norwegian vocalist Jørn Lande, releasing several critically acclaimed albums that highlighted his ability to balance power with melody. He also fronted the hard rock band Adrenaline Mob, further demonstrating his adaptability across heavier and groove-oriented styles.
In addition to his work in the metal and rock scenes, Allen has captivated audiences worldwide as a vocalist with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). Known for its elaborate live productions and symphonic rock sound, TSO has provided Allen with a platform to reach millions of fans through extensive arena tours, particularly during the holiday season. His performances with the orchestra showcase not only his vocal power but also his theatrical presence and emotional expressiveness.
Continuing to evolve artistically, Russell Allen is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the launch of a new rock-focused project. This venture marks a return to his hard rock roots, emphasizing powerful melodies, blues-infused vocals, and high-energy songwriting while retaining the intensity and passion that have defined his career.
Allen’s vocal style is often compared to legendary singers such as Ronnie James Dio, characterized by its rich tone, emotional depth, and commanding presence. His lyrics frequently explore themes of mythology, philosophy, and personal struggle, contributing to the epic and narrative-driven nature of his music.
With a career spanning decades, Russell Allen continues to influence the metal and rock communities through his recordings and electrifying live performances. His dedication to his craft and unmistakable voice have solidified his status as one of the premier vocalists in the genre.
PIG’S BLOOD are going scorched earth with their inaugural release under the Dark Descent Records banner. Destroying the Spiritsees the band reach a new level of relentless, blackened brutality. An unholy barrage of volcanic riffing and abyssal hostility, Destroying the Spirit is violence incarnate.
Hailing from Milwaukee, PIG’S BLOOD have spent the last decade-plus unleashing their unrepentant strain of death metal upon the underground. While often grouped under the banner of war metal, their sound stretches far beyond any single label.
PIG’S BLOOD: Bubba Nitz – Bass Chris Ellis – Vocals Brian Serzynski – Drums Mike Gamm – Guitars Paul Mirenda – Guitars
Drawing from the raw, militant fury of bands like Revenge and Blasphemy, PIG’S BLOOD fuses that chaotic savagery with a backbone indebted to early ’90s American legends such as Deicide, Order from Chaos, and Incantation.
The result is a malformed yet deliberate hybrid, bludgeoning battle hymns delivered with a sharp, serrated edge. Through sheer force and conviction, PIG’S BLOOD continue carving out their own brutal stronghold within the death metal underground.
Chilean death metallers ROTTEN TOMB proudly announce the release of their third full-length album, Vestiges of Tortured Souls, set for June 6th, 2026 via Nuclear Winter Records. The album will be available on LP, CD and cassette formats, further cementing the band’s commitment to the underground tradition.
The first single “Mortified” is now streaming HERE.
Formed in 2016 in Iquique, ROTTEN TOMB have steadily risen as one of the most compelling acts within the South American extreme metal scene, blending death metal with doom-laden atmospheres and occult undertones. Following the strong impact of Visions of a Dismal Fate (2022) and the equally praised The Relief of Death (2024), the band now returns with their most ambitious and fully realized work to date.
Vestiges of Tortured Souls stands as one of the most anticipated death metal releases of the year. On this new record, ROTTEN TOMB refine their sonic identity without sacrificing intensity or authenticity. The riffs are sharper and more cohesive, while the melodies take on a more prominent role, painting soundscapes that feel more sorrowful and evocative than ever before.
Without losing any of the crushing heaviness and sense of decay that defined their earlier material, the band now delivers songs with an immediate and lasting impact. Each track strikes a balance between overwhelming force and carefully crafted lead guitar work, resulting in compositions that are both memorable and devastating.
The album channels the oppressive weight of the genre’s darkest pioneers alongside a deeply mournful and introspective atmosphere, while still maintaining a distinct and personal voice. This duality allows ROTTEN TOMB to push their sound forward, achieving a level of songwriting maturity that marks a clear evolution from their previous efforts.
Vestiges of Tortured Souls represents a major step forward for ROTTEN TOMB, solidifying their position at the forefront of Chile’s increasingly renowned extreme metal scene and extending their reach far beyond national borders.
For fans of: Incantation, early Paradise Lost, Krypts
Track-list:
Horror Manifestations
Condemned Reality
Lost Memories
Waiting, Dying
Mortified
Mind of Chaos
Here Lies Death
Ancestral Preservation
Human Pyre
Line-up:
Deathbringer – Guitar, vocals C. – Guitar A. Prophaner – Drums Utukku – Bass
Horrors Vile (featuring David Ingram of Benediction)
Legacy of the Damned
Rot Riffs
Hollow Husk
Dave Matrise (vocals, guitars) comments:
“Let’s start off by saying what an amazing accomplishment it is to hit 12 releases in my career. Never would I think I’d still be doing this 30+ years later. I guess be careful what you wish for. I’m very grateful to all of our fans that have supported us for so many years and for never giving up on us. To my bandmates for all of their hard work and dedication to me and JRot over all these years.
“‘Cruel Face Of War’ will not disappoint. It’s full of crushing grooves and violent hooks that will surely break anyone’s neck.”
Preorder now from our webstore – ORCD.CO/CRUELFACEOFWAR
EMBERS OF DAWN venture further into realms of doom and gothic metal in the new single, “The Passing“. A touching tribute to TYPE O NEGATIVE and Peter Steele, the rich atmosphere and doom-laden heaviness center the darkness of this introspective track.
EMBERS OF DAWN explain, “At its core, the lyrics reflect mortality, loneliness, and the inevitability of death. The song emphasizes emptiness, futility, and indifference… and if that wasn’t dreary enough, the nihilistic elements of the lyrics are apparent as the song suggests life and death might go unnoticed and that the universe really offers no inherent significance.”
The haunting introduction of “The Passing” soon builds into a rhythmic arrangement of chugging guitars, metallic percussion hits and industrial electronics. Somber, low vocal melody lines contribute to the song’s gothic style, while powerful bursts add further character.
“The Passing” showcases the band’s ability to craft intense sonic offerings that unveil an all-encompassing heavy sound, and was produced, mixed and mastered by Richii Wainwright.
About EMBERS OF DAWN:
Formed in 2022, EMBERS OF DAWN is a genre-defying metal project born out of Jacksonville, Florida and Santa Barbara, California. The band blends elements of industrial, gothic, melodic death metal, and cyber-metal to create a sound that is both cinematic and punishing. Known for their thematic focus on alienation, modern decay, and emotional detachment, EMBERS OF DAWN delivers music that is as introspective as it is aggressive.
Spanish melodic death metal band BLOODHUNTER have revealed new details on their highly-anticipated studio album, entitled Sons Of The Abandoned, that is set for release on June 12, 2026 via ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. Pre-orders have started today.
Accompanying the album announcement, BLOODHUNTER step it up with the release of a music video for their latest single “Threshold Of Hell”, featuring Fernando Ribeiro of Portuguese dark metal legends MOONSPELL! Leaning on crushing riffs, a commanding groove, brutal vocals and a dense, shadowy atmosphere, the track is elevated by Ribeiro’s unmistakable voice, adding depth and gravitas.
Guitarist Dani Arcos comments: “I think it’s the most complete song on the album. We worked really hard on it, both musically and in terms of sound effects, the collaboration with Fernando Ribeiro… and it also has a great groove.”
Vocalist Diva Satanica adds: “It’s an anti-war song that dissects the mysteries of human behaviour and how it seems we didn’t evolve at all, making the same mistakes of the past. We wanted to emphasize this contradiction of being an anti-war song but using the typical sounds in this context, so we created our own military march shaking some spoons inside of a cooking pot (there is even a video of us recording it).”
1. The Devil’s Own 2. The Outspoken 3. Threshold Of Hell 4. Ephemeral Youth 5. Sons Of The Abandoned 6. No One Beats Death 7. Code Aeternam 8. The Path That Never Ends 9. The Night Is Darker Before The Dawn 10. Masters Of Deceive 11. Human Insecticide
Formed in Galicia, Spain, BLOODHUNTER have steadily carved their name into the international extreme metal scene through relentless touring, uncompromising sound and a clear artistic vision. Fronted by Diva Satanica, the band blends extreme metal aggression with melodic depth, groove and narrative ambition, forging a sound that is both ferocious and emotionally charged.
With Sons Of The Abandoned, BLOODHUNTER solidify themselves as a band unafraid to evolve, challenge expectations and expose their own scars. This is not just another extreme metal album, it is a statement of identity, resistance and survival in a world that constantly demands compromise.
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Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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