I won’t get long winded on this, promise! While doing a bit of Spring cleaning a couple weeks ago or so, I found a small box with these 7” vinyls inside! Metal! I honestly put this box away and forgot about it for some time. I’ll let the pics do the talking. Metal be thy name! – Stone
Thank you for looking! Have a safe and fun week! Be kind out there, cuz our world really needs it. – Stone
Crown of Flies is out April 3rd, on CD and digital formats.
Milwaukee (WI) – New Blackened Death Metal entity, RELIC, has launched a stream of “Iron Sacrament,” the second single from their forthcoming debut EP, Crown of Flies!
“Iron Sacrament” is available at: youtu.be/klxSrWh8jJQ
The song is also streaming on Ampwall and Bandcamp.
Delivering Death Metal’s dissonant punishing riffage with Black Metal’s relentless chaotic speed. RELIC builds a new monument on the foundation of those that came before. Comprised of seasoned Milwaukee metal scene veterans with a history of making tight and focused music.
Their debut EP, Crown Of Flies, is a blistering slab of Midwest 90s Blackend Death Metal worship. Delivered with malintent for its listeners. No frills, no scene drama, or gimmicks used by so many bands today. Pure underground Death Metal that is in your face and out for blood.
The EP’s first single, “Scavengers Daughter,” is available at youtu.be/JHYByItCdFE, as well as on Bandcamp and Ampwall.
RELIC:
Kevin Forsythe (Jungle Rot, Emblazoned) – Guitar / Bass
Jeff Plewa (Micawber, Emblazoned) – Vocals
Alex “Pulverizer” Pulvermacher (Decrescent, Emblazoned) – Drums
Vinny Alvarez (A Night At The Chalet, Slam Pig) – Guitar
Pre-order:
relicdm.bandcamp.com/album/crown-of-flies
Track Listing:
FFO: Belphegor, Sanguisuabogg, 200 Stab Wounds, Diocletian, Behemoth, Angelcorpse, Devourment, Dead Congregation, Immolation
Credits:
Recorded at Belle City Sound in Racine WI, November 2025.
Produced by Chris Wisco.
Mixed and Mastered by Billy Diamond.
Album Cover: Sant V. Schreiber
Logo Design by Christophe Szpajde
Source: ClawHammer PR
—————————————————-
Stream FULCI’s Risorsero Dalla Tomba E Fu… L’apocalisse! HERE.
Coming on the heels of the band’s most successful LP, 2024’s Duck Face Killings, FULCI return with a special 12” maxi-single serving as the soundtrack to the short film Risorsero dalla Tomba e Fu… L’Apocalisse! (“They Rose From the Tomb and It Was… The Apocalypse!”).
Created in collaboration with director Domenico Montixi, the 30-minute film merges paranormal horror with Spaghetti Western atmosphere, drawing direct inspiration from Lucio Fulci’s City Of The Living Dead and Four Of The Apocalypse. The film is set to begin its international festival run soon, with a trailer premiering at FULCICON 2 in Milan, the event organized by the band FULCI to celebrate Lucio Fulci and Italian genre cinema.
The maxi-single features a suite of new FULCI compositions that drift between eerie, cinematic soundscapes evoking the Lovecraftian aura of Fulci’s films, and the band’s signature gore-giallo death metal.
It also includes a special cover of Fabio Frizzi’s “Apoteosi Del Mistero” from City Of The Living Dead. Risorsero dalla Tomba e Fu… L’Apocalisse! further expands the band’s cinematic universe where extreme music and cult horror collide, serving as a uniquely atmospheric release bridging Duck Face Killings, the band’s relentless touring schedule, and the eventual arrival of their fifth full-length album.
Produced by FULCI, recorded at Spvn, mixed and mastered by Stefano Santi, and completed with cover art by Lucas Ruggieri, title card by Caterina Solinas, and layout/design by ascionemagro, the record features guest vocals on “Apoteosi Del Mistero” by Nate Garrett (Spirit Adrift, Neon Nightmare). This is a must-hear release for fans of Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, Merauder, Suffocation, Madball, Goblin, Fabio Frizzi, and Slayer.
FULCI’s Risorsero dalla Tomba e Fu… L’Apocalisse! is now streaming everywhere including YouTube HERE and Bandcamp HERE.
Risorsero dalla Tomba e Fu… L’Apocalisse! will be released as a one-sided 12” vinyl maxi-single on May 1st. Preorder options can be found at the 20 Buck Spin webshop HERE and Bandcamp HERE.
Risorsero Dalla Tomba E Fu… L’apocalisse! Track Listing:
FULCI is also preparing to return to North America as part of this year’s Decibel Magazine Tour, joining Necrot, Blood Monolith, and headliners Cryptopsy performing their seminal None So Vile album in its entirety. The tour runs from April 30th to May 28th.
FULCI Live:
The Decibel Magazine Tour 2026 w/ Cryptopsy, Necrot, Blood Monolith [tickets/info]:
4/30/2026 Palladium Upstairs – Worcester, MA
5/01/2026 Brooklyn Monarch – Brooklyn, NY
5/02/2026 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD
5/03/2026 Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest – Philadelphia, PA
5/05/2026 Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA
5/07/2026 White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX
5/08/2026 The Studio – Dallas, TX
5/09/2026 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX
5/12/2026 The Regent – Los Angeles, CA
5/13/2026 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
5/14/2026 Cornerstone – Berkeley, CA
5/16/2026 Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR
5/17/2026 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
5/20/2026 Oriental Theater – Denver, CO
5/22/2026 Fine Line Music Café – Minneapolis, MN
5/23/2026 Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL
5/24/2026 Crofoot Ballroom – Detroit, MI
5/25/2026 The Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH
5/26/2026 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA
5/27/2026 Lee’s Place – Toronto, ON
5/28/2026 Fairmount Theatre – Montreal, QC
FULCI:
Jason Dahlke – vocals
Fiore Stravino – vocals
Klem Diglio – bass
Edo Nicoloso – drums
Dom Diego – lead guitar, synth
Ando Ferraiuolo – acoustic and rhythm guitar
https://www.instagram.com/fulcicult
https://fulcicult.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/fulciband
Source: EARSPLIT PR
L-R: Max Friesen (Drums) | Chris Osterman (Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar) | Megan Merrick (Lead Guitar) | Leighton Holmes (Bass)
Headline Hometown Show in Vancouver + Cross Canada Tour! Plus Armstrong Metal Fest, Loud As Hell Open Air Fest
Vancouver, Canada’s traditional heavy metal torchbearers IRON KINGDOM proudly announce the release of “Defenders,” the first single and music video from their upcoming sixth studio album, “Shadows and Dust,” due out June 6, 2026. The album is also being released in partnership with Steel Shark Records (France), which will offer an exclusive EU edition limited to just 300 double‑CD copies.
Disc 1 will contain the full Shadows and Dust album, while Disc 2 will feature a “Best Of” collection highlighting tracks from Iron Kingdom’s previous five releases. In addition, the label will introduce a third vinyl colour (100 copies) available only to EU fans.
“Defenders” sets the tone for Shadows and Dust with a powerful blend of speed, emotion, and classic heavy metal grit. Inspired by the Battle of Gdansk, the track pays tribute to the Polish soldiers who held their ground for seven days against Nazi invasion, an act of courage that deeply resonates with vocalist/guitarist Chris Osterman, whose own family history is tied to the conflict.
“Being that my family is half Polish, this song strikes a chord for me. I imagined what my great‑grandfather experienced riding with the Polish cavalry in WWII, and I also imagined what people in Ukraine must be feeling right now. Even though the song is fast and heavy, it’s very emotional. It speaks to the courage of those who defend their families, their friends, and their way of life,” says Osterman.
Musically, “Defenders” channels the band’s signature blend of classic heavy metal, drawing influence from acts like Tyran Pace and Primal Fear, with soaring melodies, galloping riffs, and a relentless sense of urgency.
Watch and listen to the music video for “Defenders” at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3k7tW5-9Os
Album Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmWn8pKOyh0
Shadows and Dust sees IRON KINGDOM exploring darker lyrical themes, death, hardship, impermanence, while maintaining the triumphant spirit and melodic fire that define their sound.
“This album plays in a dark realm of topics, but I think that’s what will make it accessible to people going through tough times. The music shows hope for a positive way out. It’s a journey from front to back,” adds Osterman.
Track Listing:
1. Defenders
2. Eternal Emperor
3. Dreamless Sea
4. Deadhouse Gates
5. Line Of Fire
6. Blood And Steel
7. Shadow Of Time
8. Dark Demands
9. Starlight
10. Sacred Fire
The album’s artwork by Alan Lathwell was inspired by the track “Blood and Steel” and the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson, depicting an army marching through a harsh, unforgiving landscape, a metaphor for perseverance through adversity.
IRON KINGDOM will celebrate the release of Shadows and Dust with a hometown headline show at the Rickshaw Theatre on June 5, delivering the high‑energy, classic‑metal stage show they’ve become known for. Info at: https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2127
Following the album launch, the band will hit the road across Western Canada with confirmed festival appearances at Armstrong Metal Fest and Loud As Hell Festival.
Album pre-order (release date June 6th, 2026) available at the following links:
Official Merch store: https://www.iron-kingdom.com/shop
Bandcamp: https://iron-kingdom.bandcamp.com/music
True North Strong And Heavy Canadian Tour – Iron Kingdom, W.M.D.
https://www.iron-kingdom.com/tour-dates
June 05 – Vancouver, BC – The Rickshaw
July 02 – Nanaimo, BC – The Globe
July 03 – Victoria, BC – Lucky Bar
July 04 – Cumberland, BC – The Waverley
July 05 – Powell River, BC – The Carlson Loft
July 17 – Armstrong, BC – Armstrong MetalFest
July 21 – Prince George, BC – Knox Performance Centre
July 23 – Whitehorse, YT – Lefty’s Well
July 24 – Dawson City, YT – The Pit
July 25 – Dawson City, YT – The Pit
July 26 – Whitehorse, YT – TBD
July 28 – Yellowknife, NT – The Underground
July 29 – Fort Smith, NT – Dirty O’ Fergie’s
July 30 – Edmonton, AB – Starlight
July 31 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Open Air Festival
Aug 01 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre
Aug 02 – Thunder Bay, ON – Bloom Bar + Lounge
Aug 03 – Sudbury, ON – The Lounge 390
Aug 04 – London, ON – Supply & Demand
Aug 05 – Waterloo, ON – Maxwells
Aug 06 – Hamilton, ON – TBC
Aug 07 – Toronto, ON – Bovine
Aug 08 – Montréal, QC – Foufounes Électriques
Aug 09 – TBD – TBD
Aug 10 – TBD – TBD
Aug 11 – Woodstock, NB – Monteith Manor
Aug 12 – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub
Aug 14 – Corner Brook, NL – TBC
Aug 15 – St. John’s, NL – The Rockhouse
Aug 17 – Truro, NS – Marigold Cult. Centre (Lobby)
Aug 18 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti
Aug 19 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern
Aug 21 – Saskatoon, SK – TBC
Aug 22 – Calgary, AB – Dicken’s
Aug 23 – Kelowna, BC – Jackknife Brewing
Formed in 2011, IRON KINGDOM have spent over a decade championing the classic heavy metal tradition, drawing influence from legends such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, Scorpions, and Rush. Known for their electrifying live performances, intricate musicianship, and unwavering dedication to the genre, the band has toured extensively across Canada, the USA, Europe, and Brazil, sharing stages with acts like Night Demon and Blaze Bayley.
Shadows and Dust marks the next chapter in their evolution, an album that blends old‑school metal spirit with fresh energy and emotional depth.
For more info:
https://www.iron-kingdom.com
https://www.facebook.com/ironkingdomofficial
https://www.instagram.com/iron_kingdom
Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
NEW SINGLE & VIDEO FOR THE TITLE TRACK RELEASED!
“The old school never gets old” Fenriz
In a year marking the 40th anniversary of their initial formation, under the moniker Black Death, 2026 sees the return of the imperishable Norwegian duo and influential genre legends Fenriz and Nocturno Culto and their new studio album Pre-Historic Metal, set for release on May 8th via Peaceville Records.
Following swiftly on from the recently released The Fist in the Face of God boxset covering the band’s revered early Black Metal period, it is time for the Norwegian riff-meisters to emerge from their caves once more, for their new opus of high calibre old metal, under the banner of Pre-Historic Metal.
As Fenriz himself proclaims of the title’s symbolic origin, “Prehistoric is a loose term. I just figure it’s our VIBE, our take on things and it’s more a statement that we use old style to create something new”.
Video created by Matthew Vickerstaff
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE TITLE TRACK “PRE-HISTORIC METAL” HERE
STREAM/DOWNLOAD THE SINGLE ON DIGITAL SERVICES HERE
A continuation of 2024’s stellar ‘It Beckons Us All’, ‘Pre-Historic Metal’ is a ferocious slab of primal epics & gargantuan riffs with organic sound, graced with the ever-present permeating spirit of the 70s and 80s. This next chapter in Darkthrone’s unyielding saga presents a vast odyssey through the sonic landscapes of Thrash, Black, Heavy and Doom Metal and, adorned with a punishing and “in your face” guitar presence, Darkthrone stirs the cauldron of savage creativity with a nod to the writing methods which were indicative of their earlier works of the late 80s, but with a more refined craft.
Summarizing what the album represents, Fenriz explains: “It means that we are metal. With very loud guitars. “Frightfully barbaric but not without finesse”, I call it. We collaborated in the studio more than ever, who’s playing what is still in a purple haze, but last but not least it was a sort of hardening of the arteries – we decided to tighten the tourniquet and do 8 effective songs brimming with riffs instead of the airy plodding we so much enjoy usually”.
Pre-Historic Metal was recorded at Chaka Khan Studios, Oslo, with production work conducted by Ole Øvstedal, Silje Høgevold & Mads Luis. Mastering was carried out by Jack Control at Enormous Door, and Maor Appelbaum Mastering.
Pre-Historic Metal – Track listing:
1. They Found One Of My Graves (05:17)
2. Pre-Historic Metal (04:19)
3. Siberian Thaw (06:45)
4. Deeply Rooted (04:58)
5. The Dry Wells Of Hell (06:12)
6. So I Marched To The Sunken Empire (03:21)
7. Eat Eat Eat Your Pride (04:51)
8. Eon 4 (05:24)
Pre-Historic Metal will be released on 8th May on these formats:
Pre-orders are available now
Follow Darkthrone:
Facebook / Instagram
Internationally acclaimed vocalist Alissa White-Gluz returns with “Checkmate,” a striking new single that marks a powerful evolution in both sound and creative vision.
Beloved for her commanding presence in extreme metal, White-Gluz steps forward here with a renewed sense of freedom, fully embracing the breadth of her vocal range and artistic identity. “Checkmate” showcases a dynamic fusion of melody, heaviness, and razor-sharp precision, delivering a track that is as catchy as it is emotionally resonant. The crushing new single was written by Alissa White-Gluz, Alyssa Day and Dani Sophia, and mixed and mastered by Kile Odell.
“This is a song where everything just clicked,” says White-Gluz. “Checkmate is an extremely cathartic song for me. It was created in one of those flow states where the lyrics and melodies and rhythms just write themselves and you get the feeling that you’re onto something powerful. It’s probably the heaviest thing I’ve written in terms of lyrics, and probably the lightest of what we have cooking in terms of sound. I wanted to share the intensity of these feelings with fans and give them something to hold onto. I’m so happy to see so much support for Blue Medusa already; fans can look forward to more dark, heavy, brutal and haunting music very soon.”
Beyond the music, “Checkmate” also highlights White-Gluz’s expanding role as a visual storyteller. Co-directing the music video with Vicente Cordero of Industrialism Films – whom she previously collaborated with on high-ranking videos for “The Wolf You Feed” with Nita Strauss and “I Am a Machine” with Kat Von D – she brings a cinematic, detail-driven approach that elevates the track into a fully immersive experience. Built around a unique, outside-the-box concept developed by White-Gluz, the video unfolds within a game of chess, where each move carries deliberate allegory and layered symbolism.
“CHECKMATE” MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T21hSKREXGk
“I know what every frame is for,” jokes White-Gluz. “I’ll share that someday, but for now, I welcome fans to dive deeper into the meaning and develop their own interpretations. That’s what makes videos and movies fun and interesting, in my opinion.”
Fans can stream “Checkmate” now at:
bluemedusa.com/checkmate
The result is a release that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, bridging the gap between longtime fans of her work and listeners discovering her for the first time. “Checkmate” balances melody with intensity, offering a thought-provoking and emotionally charged entry point into what promises to be a bold new chapter.
Blue Medusa will also appear at major U.S. festivals this year, including Louder Than Life and Aftershock Festival.
With “Checkmate,” Alissa White-Gluz sets the tone for what lies ahead: fearless, expansive, and entirely her own.
Follow BLUE MEDUSA:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X | Youtube
Celebrating eight years of showcasing some of the most debaucherous and brutal extreme metal to roll through the state of Florida, Tampa Death Fest returns for two nights of uncompromising extreme metal on September 5th and 6th, at the legendary Brass Mug in Tampa Bay, Florida.
The festival has announced it’s accepting band submissions to fill remaining slots for its 2026 lineup. Bands interested in performing at Tampa Death Fest are encouraged to submit their materials before the April 1st deadline. TDF welcomes extreme-metal acts of all styles and origins, with a commitment to curating a lineup that reflects the genre’s depth, diversity, and global reach.
Bands can apply their EPK at: tampabaymetalscene.booking@yahoo.com
Since launching in 2019, Tampa Death Fest has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the underground extreme‑metal community. Rooted in the city widely hailed as the Death Metal Capital of the World, TDF continues to unite bands, fans and local businesses under its guiding mantra: “Strength Through Unity, Unity Through Metal.”
Each year, TDF showcases a diverse roster of international, national, and regional acts, offering a platform for rising underground talent to share the stage with established legends. Past editions of TDF have hosted such notable acts as Satan, Venom, Inc, Ringworm, Diabolic, Leishmaniasis (Colombia), Repulsive Vision (UK), Massacre, Atheist, GraveHuffer, Blasphemation, Carpathian Funeral, Kill The Imposter, Sadistic Vision, Nibiru, Merciless Scum, Quiescent Mantis, MRSA, Pantheon, and more.
With an ever‑growing international presence, Tampa Death Fest continues to strengthen connections across Florida and beyond, fostering a spirit of collaboration and community engagement within the metal scene.
About Tampa Death Fest:
Founded in 2019, Tampa Death Fest has grown into a premier event within the extreme metal world. The festival’s mission is to uplift artists, unite fans, and celebrate the culture of heavy music through a shared passion for brutality, creativity, and community.
More Info:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577052471967
Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
JUNGLE ROT Cruel Face Of War – Out May 15th
From Unique Leader Records Facebook:
New single “Apocalyptic Dawn” streaming everywhere now!
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 – https://rowstore.uniqueleader.com/artist/jungle-rot/
Boundaries return with “Skies cast amber black” (https://bndrs.lnk.to/allaroundusnow), their first new music since 2024’s Death Is Little More, and a track that channels the current cultural climate into a crushing, cinematic storm.
“I have a deep desire in the pit of my making to surround and suffocate the growing plague of people’s self-interest,” vocalist Matthew McDougal says of the Drew Fulk produced track. “Given the chance, I’d remove every ego from the music landscape and burn it off for fuel to power blood hungry behemoths whose only goal is to crush and disable. This song is my plea to cleanse a community I adore of people who see it only as an opportunity or a stepping stone.”
Boundaries will spend much of 2026 on the road, joining The Amity Affliction and August Burns Red for a North American tour from April 10 to May 17, followed by a run of major European festivals including Rock Im Park, Rock Am Ring, Download, and Jera on Air. The band is also confirmed for spots at Warped Tour and Louder Than Life.
Boundaries Tour Dates:
April 10 Worcester, MA Palladium
April 11 New Haven, CT College Street Music Hall
April 12 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
April 14 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore Charlotte
April 15 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
April 16 Lake Buena Vista, FL House of Blues Gear Shop Orlando
April 18 New Orleans, LA Fillmore New Orleans
April 19 Dallas, TX The Bomb Factory
April 21 Houston, TX House of Blues
April 22 San Antonio, TX Vibes Event Center
April 24 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
April 25 San Diego, CA Soma
April 26 Anaheim, CA House of Blues Gardenwalk Gear Shop
April 28 Sacramento, CA Channel 24
April 29 Garden City, ID Revolution Concert Hall
May 1 Salt Lake City, UT The Union Event Center
May 2 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium
May 3 Omaha, NE The Astro Theater
May 5 Minneapolis, MN The Fillmore Minneapolis
May 6 Milwaukee, WI The Rave/Eagles Club
May 8 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre
May 9 Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre
May 10 Toronto, ON History
May 12 Montreal, QC MTelus
May 13 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Paramount
May 15 Baltimore, MD Nevermore Hall
May 17 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore Philadelphia
June 5 Berlin, DE Hole44 *
June 6 Nürnberg, DE Rock Im Park
June 7 Nürburgring, DE Rock Am Ring
June 8 Solothurn, CH Kofmehl **
June 9 Ljubljana, SI Center Urbane Kulture Kino Šiška ***
June 10 Hradec Králové, CZ Rock For People
June 11 Warsaw, PL Klub Hybrydy ****
June 14 Castle Donington, UK Download Festival
June 15 Belfast, UK Limelight #
June 16 Dublin, IE Academy #
June 17 Cardiff, UK Y Plas *
June 19 Norwich, UK Voodoos ##
June 20 Exeter, UK Cavern ##
June 22 Bremen, DE Aladin Music Hall #
June 23 Karlsruhe, DE Substage **
June 25 Ysselsteyn, NL Jera on Air
June 26 Leipzig, DE Impericon Festival
June 27 Münster, DE Vainstream Festival
July 25 – 26 Long Beach, CA Warped Tour
September 19 Louisville, KY Louder Than Life
*w/Kublai Khan TX
**w/Bury Tomorrow
***w/Kublai Khan TX & Malevolence
****w/Malevolence
#w/The Plot In You
##/co-headline with Heriot
Boundaries is Cory Emond (guitar), Cody Delvecchio (guitar), Tim Sullivan (drums/vocals), Nathan Calcagno (bass/vocals) and Matthew McDougal (vocals).
The Hartford-based band have released three full-length albums: Death Is Little More (2024), Burying Brightness (2022) and Your Receding Warmth (2020).
Revolver described their music as “a fascinating meld of crushing sounds,” New Noise said Boundaries are the “new standard-bearer” of metalcore going on to say that it’s rare for a band to have songs that “have a vibrancy and violence that is wonderfully contrasted with such gothic melody,” and Boolin Tunes said they are “a beacon for hardcore bands to look towards.”
Tasmanian devils THE ABSOLUTION SEQUENCE have set an August 2026 release date for their highly-anticipated full-length album, Dread Cycle.
Following a string of EPs and singles, the album promises to be the band’s most incendiary work yet. Slated for release via Bleeding Art Collective, with distribution by Blood Blast Distribution, Dread Cycle is set to solidify the band’s position as a premier name in contemporary technical death metal.
THE ABSOLUTION SEQUENCE is prepping fans for what’s to come with the release of the official music video for the album’s first single, “Ghost Mantra.”
The band comments on the song’s lyrical concept: ‘“Ghost Mantra’ is all about being surrounded and taunted by the apparitions of our ancestors, and the sacrifice of the lowly in order to maintain the status quo. What comes with these haunting feelings is the overwhelming presence of guilt, as we watch the poor die horribly and step over their bodies to see out our goals. ‘Ghost Mantra’ is a solemn bow to those who have suffered. A showing of respect and gratitude.”
Watch the video now at this location.
Follow THE ABSOLUTION SEQUENCE on Spotify.
Track-listing:
1) Despotic Ruin (Diet of Worms)
2) Idols of Confraternity
3) Ghost Mantra
4) The Sordid Miasma
5) The Nightlight Sigil
6) Promethean Pilferage
7) A Mire Caked in Nativity
8) Grinding the Sphere
9) The Diary of the Emaciated
Dread Cycle was produced by Chris Themelco and mastered by the world-renowned Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios. The album was written by THE ABSOLUTION SEQUENCE.
Line-up:
Stephen Cusato – Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals
Steven Mason – Rhythm Guitar
Alastair Boon – Bass/Backing Vocals
Luke Tucker – Lead Guitar
Nick Machin – Drums
Luke Sanderson – Drums
Shawn Wells – Lead Vocals
BIO:
Emerging from the isolated, unforgiving wilderness of Tasmania, THE ABSOLUTION SEQUENCE has carved out a unique identity within the Australian extreme metal scene. Their sound is a direct reflection of their homeland’s “dark isle” reputation, a place defined by a sinister history and a cold, remote landscape that stands in stark contrast to the Australian mainland.
The band has developed a signature style of Technical Death Metal that balances high-velocity musical prowess with a deeply immersive, atmospheric undertone. The band has earned a wide array of mainland and international support slots from Nile, Archspire, Thy Art is Murder to Psycroptic, Northlane, Make them Suffer and others.
They also competed in the “GOOD THINGS 2022” Band Competition in Victoria. Their proven consistent success in the Tasmanian Metal scene has garnered them a reputation as a reliable and sought after headlining act.
Source: ClawHammer PR
theabsolutionsequence.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/theabsolutionsequence
instagram.com/theabsolutionsequence
Ushering in a new wave of heavy metal, New Jersey hellraisers WHO ON EARTH have announced their forthcoming album, It Takes The Village. Set for release on May 8th, the band’s second full-length features 12 headbanging tracks of unfiltered, high-octane mayhem.
Commenting on the new album, bassist Pete Rizzi says:
“It Takes The Village is a true representation of the diversity of Who On Earth, demonstrating the lack of self-imposed boundaries in our music. Our brand-new material showcases our continued growth as songwriters, and we’ve also included a few reimagined versions of earlier tracks that feel fresh and more powerful than ever. After five years of building, this release is our way of saying, ‘This is Who On Earth.”
Coinciding with the announcement, WHO ON EARTH have unveiled their second single, “Any Other Way” – an anthemic rocker primed for the stage, arriving just ahead of the band’s upcoming U.S. tour with FOZZY.
Rizzi adds:
“‘Any Other Way’ is a rearranged, re-recorded, remixed, and remastered version of ‘Black Swan’ from our debut album, Blame. It’s a song about accepting the events in our lives and the choices that brought us here. Regret has no place in that process, the past is the past. Would we do things differently? Of course. But maybe everything had to unfold exactly as it did. It’s about embracing where you are, learning from it, and ultimately saying, ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way.’”
The new single follows the previously released track “Vigilance,” which also appears on It Takes The Village.
Stream “Any Other Way“: https://foundation-media.ffm.to/anyotherway
Pre-Save It Takes The Village: https://foundation-media.ffm.to/ittv
“ANY OTHER WAY” MUSIC VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/oKV28iAiGCM
It Takes The Village – Track List:
1. Vigilance
2. Any Other Way
3. Shadows
4. Good Man Down
5. Closer
6. Too Close
7. Double or Nothing
8. Monster!
9. Oh, Set Me Free
10. We Don’t Belong Here
11. Ascension
12. The Unbeaten
Lineup:
Coosh – Vocals
Pete Rizzi – Bass
Johnny James Barone – Guitar
Jimmy Kocha – Guitar
Howie Fallon – Drums
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
Follow WHO ON EARTH:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Youtube | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
The relentless and legendary EXODUS have released their 13th studio album today: Goliath. I’ve streamed it on Spotify and will definitely buy a physical copy now, due to the fact it blistered my metal infested brain! Plus, vocalist Rob Dukes has returned and he sounds more pissed off than ever before! Long live EXODUS!
The MEGADETH newsletter has announced that the newest memoir from the remarkable Dave Mustaine releases on September 8th, 2026. Dave opens up about his courageous battle with cancer in his upcoming book. Yes, I’m pre-ordering a copy!
The prodigious Lamb Of God released their 10th studio album on March 13th and it can arguably be considered their best output of their existence! Not. Joking. All the metal bearings are spinning and blazing on Into Oblivion and I strongly urge you to stream, buy and get annihilated by LOGs’ auditory assault! Damn, I relish this LOG album!
Thank you for stopping by, have a safe and enjoyable weekend. Metal be thy name. – Stone
March 20, 2026 – OBEYER release their new EP, Pallor, on May 1st, via 3DOT Recordings. The news arrives with the release of “Nothing Exists Beyond Me” and an accompanying video: (https://youtu.be/bHz5gZOCwDE).
“The aim for Pallor was to concentrate our favourite elements from our debut album while ensuring we progressed and expanded our sound.,” the band shared, collectively. “We’re so happy with how these ideas have translated and grateful to have worked again with Sam Bloor at Lower Lane, who has helped bring our ideas to life over these four tracks. It’s a far more aggressive version of us, a natural progression from Chemical Well, lyrically a lot more vulnerable and overall a lot bleaker. We’re incredibly excited to be working once again with 3DOT Recordings for this release and can’t wait for everyone to hear these tracks on May 1st.”
The band released their debut album, Chemical Well, in the Fall of 2025. Revolver described their music as “progressively-pivoted, percussively jud-quaked rhythms with reckless abandon,” while MetalSucks said OBEYER is “sure to inspire all sorts of chaos in the pit.”
OBEYER tour dates:
March 25 Milton Keynes, UK Craufurd Arms *
April 11 Bedford, UK Collison Fest
June 13 Dublin, IE 3Olympia Theatre **
June 15 London, UK The Dome **
*-w/Employed To Serve
**-w/Periphery
Pallor track-listing:
OBEYER is Carl Brown (vocals), Jamie Steadman (guitar), David Bartlett (bass), and Lewis Niven (drums). The Northampton, U.K. foursome previously recorded under the name Lay Siege, releasing an EP and a full-length album that garnered praise from The Guardian and other notable British media. Re-invented as OBEYER, the group released their debut album, Chemical Well, in the Fall of 2025 via 3DOT Recordings.
Stream GUTVOID’s Liminal Shrines HERE.
All devotees to progressive, technical, and melodic death metal, tune in. Liminal Shrines, the second LP from Toronto-based quartet GUTVOID, is now streaming in its entirety, preceding its release on Profound Lore Records this Friday.
GUTVOID was formed by guitarist Daniel Bonofiglio and guitarist/vocalist Brendan Dean, followed shortly thereafter by bassist Justin Boehm and drummer D. W. Lee. Blending modern death and doom soundscapes with progressive rock and metal songwriting foundations, GUTVOID creates a monster seething with gut-wrenching riffs, cavernous vocals, and prog virtuosity. With the release of the Astral Bestiary EP in 2019, the debut album Durance Of Lightless Horizons in 2022, and the Breathing Obelisk EP in 2024, the band has continued to build on their sound, focusing on more elaborate yet intentional song structures while deepening the depth of their aggressiveness and technicality.
Now, GUTVOID delivers their incinerating second album, Liminal Shrines, which marks the first half of a two-part concept. Writhing with energy, the album showcases the band at their most intricate, aggressive, and creative thus far, further expanding and building on their cosmic horror infused atmospheres and origins through six immersive and devastating movements. Liminal Shrines was recorded at Boxcar Sound Recording, Mount Wexler Studio, and Dystonic Sounds, was mixed and mastered by Greg Dawson and BWC Studios, and features cover art by Kjell Åge Meland.
Immerse yourself in the world of GUTVOID and listen to the rapturous Liminal Shrines, now streaming at YouTube RIGHT HERE.
Liminal Shrines will be released on LP, CD, and digitally this Friday, March 20th. Preorders and presaves can be placed via Profound Lore HERE.
GUTVOID will record the sister album to Liminal Shrines in the months ahead.
https://www.facebook.com/gutvoidofficial
https://www.instagram.com/gutvoid
https://www.profoundlorerecords.bandcamp.com
Source: EARSPLIT PR
Debut festival edition expands to three stages as new ticket prices take effect
Szczecin, Poland; 19 March 2026: Hells Bells Festival continues its build-up toward 26-27 June 2026 with a dual band announcement and a major logistical expansion.
The festival has confirmed Northern Ireland thrashers Gama Bomb and Polish blackened punks Owls Woods Graves, while also revealing that the event will now span three distinct stages at the Plac Gryfitów site.
Gama Bomb are widely known for their speed, technicality, and fun-filled, high-octane live shows. Fans in Szczecin should prepare for a masterclass in headbanging as the band brings their signature “thrash metal bomb” to the Łasztownia waterfront. The band’s latest release is the EP “Necronomicon Automaton”.
The bill is further bolstered by Owls Woods Graves, a project conceived by The Fall & E.V.T. Their unique sound, self-described as “haunted woods hardcore”, blends black metal with raw punk energy and macabre storytelling inspired by witches and the Devil. The band is currently promoting their third album, “Strix”.
In a significant move for the festival’s scale, organisers have also confirmed that Hells Bells 2026 will now feature three stages. This expansion allows for a more diverse range of sounds and ensures that the performances are more spread out across the schedule, reducing time pressure and providing a better experience for both the artists and the audience.
Gama Bomb and Owls Woods Graves join an already stacked line-up that includes the likes of Dirkschneider, Grave Digger, Cockney Rejects, UK Subs, Vader, Possessed, Discharge, NunSlaughter, Furia, Dead Congregation, Last Resort, Dezerter, The Materia, Belzebong and Słoń.
As previously announced, the festival has entered its next pricing tier. This pool of tickets will be available only until 31 May 2026 (or until sold out): Full Weekend Pass (PLN 409), Friday Ticket (PLN 199), Saturday Ticket (PLN 229). The festival also continues to offer the discounted Youth Pass (ages 13-18) and Family Pass (adult with child under 13).
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
From Fit For An Autopsy Bandsintown:
Our latest single “The Wretch” is out now and streaming everywhere. The final track from The Nothing That Is writing sessions is out now. Bleak, grim, and true to form. When the world keeps getting worse, sometimes the only comfort is watching it burn.
We hope this one’s that oasis for you.
Listen now at: https://geni.us/ffaa-thewretch
Stream EGREGORE’s It Echoes In The Wild HERE.
It Echoes In The Wild, the bizarre and unhinged second album by Vancouver-based black/death metal entity EGREGORE, will be released this Friday, through the formidable roster of 20 Buck Spin, who today unveils the entire album for advance streaming.
Here we find ourselves, among the Canadian miscreants EGREGORE – uniting members of Mitochondrion, Reversed, Ruinous Power, formerly of Auroch, and more, whereupon they return from whence the wind howls like a damned choir and the Earth knows no master, to chart a broader sonic wilderness via It Echoes In The Wild. And much as sea-rogues and freebooters sought fortune upon blackened waters, so too does EGREGORE venture musically into diabolic and ungoverned lands.
Presenting something more expansive, elemental, and untamed on It Echoes In The Wild, the early occult black death metal lunacy of EGREGORE embraces atmospheric breadth equally alongside primitive force to delve deep into not only geographic wilds, but the psychological, esoteric and spiritual hinterlands at the edges of complete madness. Dark invocations and secret tongues draw forth echoes from forest and fen, cave and cliff, tempting the temporally tethered to receive the curse, all the while driven by a primal, unknowable sardonic menace.
Though the voyage be perilous, to succumb to It Echoes In The Wild is to become ensconced in a lawless dominion of the soul in service of a higher call. Mirroring nature’s unbridled forces and the hidden echoes that dwell within, EGREGORE’s second album takes the band’s mystical insanity and magical perversion to the edge of the abyss and plunges forward.
It Echoes In The Wild was engineered and recorded by Mariessa McLeod, mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Blood Incantation, Dream Unending, Tomb Mold), and completed with cover art by Luciana Lupe Vasconcelos, illustration and layout by Dipayan Das, and logo by Karmazid. The result is an album prime for fans of Nocturnus, Morbid Angel, King Diamond, Samael, Superstition, Angelcorpse, Mortuary Drape, Necrophobic, Absu, and The Chasm.
From the EGREGORE cult: “There is no sight apart from the seen; no feeling beyond the felt; no independent capacity for knowledge outside of what is known.
“Self: a confluence of cause and condition. Consciousness: a triangulation of pre-requisite factors. When this is understood, there is no longer any boundary as to where you end and the infinite begins. Everything is connected. This is the word of the law, and it echoes in the wild.”
Sustain the malefic howl of EGREGORE’s It Echoes In The Wild early on YouTube RIGHT HERE, and view the videos for “Stair Into The Vortex” HERE and “Servants Of The Second Death” HERE.
20 Buck Spin will release It Echoes In The Wild on LP, CD, and digital platforms this Friday, March 20th. Preorders can be placed at the label webshop HERE and Bandcamp HERE.
Furthermore, effective immediately, EGREGORE is pleased to announce a partnership with Waste Management Bookings for all live engagements. Stand by for updates.
EGREGORE:
Shawn Haché aka Essentia Collapse – drums, vocals, acoustic guitars
Sebastian Montesi aka Catastrophe Saturna – lead guitars, acoustic guitars, vocals, synth
Phil Fiess aka Helios Thread – bass, vocals
Album guests:
Dylan Atkinson aka Exodus To Unukalhai – additional lead guitar
Cuillen aka Axis i Arcana – vocals
Lillian Liu aka Jaded Castigator of the Baleful Communion – lead synth
Brayden Turenne aka Oracular Phantasm – electronics, ambient interludes
Mashruk Huq aka Voice of the Dweller – spoken word on “Corsairs Of The Daath Gulf”
https://egregore137.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/egregore137
https://www.facebook.com/Egregore137
Source: EARSPLIT PR
Stream “The North Will Rise”:
https://tungsten.rpm.link/thenorthPR
Swedish heavy metal force TUNGSTEN have unveiled the official music video for their powerful new single “The North Will Rise,” featuring a guest appearance from Tony Kakko of SONATA ARCTICA. Blending epic melodies, thunderous rhythms and soaring vocals, the track showcases the band’s signature mix of classic heavy metal spirit and modern precision.
Driven by an anthemic atmosphere and cinematic intensity, “The North Will Rise” stands as a perfect display of TUNGSTEN’s trademarks: powerful songwriting, massive hooks and a larger-than-life energy that feels tailor-made for festival stages. This track is a toast to the north, an electrifying hymn that captures the icy beauty and resilience of those lands. With Tony Kakko’s contagious melodies and Mike Andersson’s raw power, “The North Will Rise” is destined to be a loud, unifying call for all who love the north!
TUNGSTEN lead singer Mike Andersson says; “It’s such an honor to have Tony onboard on this song. He did a tremendous job. I think our voices fits perfectly together which makes “The North Will Rise” extra special. Lyrically it’s kind of a hymn to our part of the world in the north. We hope the metal community and the fans of Sonata Arctica and of course Tungsten will like this song and crank it LOUD!”
Tony Kakko adds; “Catchy like the cold in January on a viking ship crossing a nordic, half frozen sea! Truly a song to unite the people and friends of the North! Very proud and happy to join my friends in Tungsten singing together with Mike on this amazing new track. The melodies are just contagious……Consider yourself warned!”
Stream “The North Will Rise”:
https://tungsten.rpm.link/thenorthPR
Watch the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXgL4ng0eG4
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 | TikTok
Source: C Squared Music
From Frontiers Music srl facebook:
NEW SIGNING ALERT: ZAN/CODY!
Frontiers Music is proud to announce the signing of glam-metal trailblazers Zinny J. Zan and Harry Cody — founding members of Shotgun Messiah — reunited after 35 years. Welcome Zan/Cody to the family!
With a legacy built on rebellion, raw energy, and attitude, the duo is back in the studio, ready to pick up where they left off. Their 1989 self-titled debut helped define a generation of high-octane rock, and now they return with brand new music that stays true to their hard-hitting roots while embracing the grit of today’s rock landscape.
Expect swagger and uncompromising rock & roll spirit.
New music coming soon!
Watch the clip now streaming here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJv_7tbp1vE
Following the release of their latest, much-acclaimed EP Celestial in January via Reigning Phoenix Music, Australian-Finnish dark metal outfit THE ETERNAL return with new visuals. Today, the band presents an official lyric video for the haunting track “Casting Down Shadows“.
Driven by melancholic melodies, brooding atmosphere, and the band’s signature blend of doom, gothic, and melodic metal, the song unfolds as a slowburning and emotionally charged journey. The track moves between haunting passages and powerful crescendos, capturing the reflective and cinematic mood that defines Celestial.
Speaking about the song’s lyrical themes, frontman Mark Kelson explains:
“The lyrics of ‘Casting Down Shadows’ evoke a journey through time, turmoil, and self-discovery, framed by imagery of storms, moons, and barren lands. They portray a struggle with loss, broken ties, and hidden desires, yet also a determination to face the tempest and carve a path forward despite fear. The recurring motif of ‘casting down shadows’ suggests confronting darkness while seeking truth and illumination, with the promise of renewal and return echoing throughout. Ultimately, the song captures the tension between despair and resilience, presenting an endless cycle of falling into shadow yet rising again to continue the search for meaning and fire.”
With the new lyric video, THE ETERNAL further highlight the emotional depth and introspective themes that run throughout Celestial, offering fans another way to experience one of the EP’s most evocative tracks. Watch the clip now streaming here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJv_7tbp1vE
Following the success of their 2024 album Skinwalker, the band’s new EP Celestial sees THE ETERNAL continue their signature fusion of melancholic atmospheres, doom-laden heaviness, and progressive depth. The progressive gothic metal collective once again delivers an emotive and cinematic journey through sound and spirit, unafraid to embrace both beauty and bleakness while charting new creative horizons.
With Mark Kelson (vocals/guitars) and Richie Poate (guitars) in Melbourne, joined by Niclas Etelävuori (bass, ex-Amorphis/Flat Earth) and Jan Rechberger (drums, Amorphis) in Helsinki, THE ETERNAL have solidified themselves as a truly international collaboration. Their music resonates with fans of acts such as KATATONIA, SWALLOW THE SUN, and ANATHEMA – dark yet luminous, heavy yet emotionally transcendent!
Celestial – Track Listing:
1. Absence Of Light
2. Celestial Veil
3. It All Ends
4. Bleeding Into Light
5. Casting Down Shadows
6. Everlasting MMXXVI
Celestial is available digitally and as a limited, eco-friendly recycled vinyl LP edition (exclusively available through the band’s official store and the RPM shop). Order your favorite choice of format at this location: https://theeternal.rpm.link/celestialPR
More on THE ETERNAL:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TheEternal
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/theeternalofficial/
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@theeternalofficial
More on RPM:
reigningphoenixmusic.com | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
Source: C Squared Music
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