SAEKO Announces “SAEKO Live In Japan 2026” And Reveals New EP Back To Life, Out On July 18, 2026

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

Buy tickets: https://linktr.ee/SaekoLive2026

Japanese power metal vocalist Saeko is set to return to the stage with two exclusive shows in Japan this May, under the banner “SAEKO LIVE IN JAPAN 2026”, while also revealing the upcoming release of her new EPBack to Life, scheduled for July 18, 2026.

The two special events will take place in Osaka (May 12, Panhead Groove) and Tokyo (May 14, SUNRIZE) and will feature a unique format combining a talk session and an exclusive live showcase, including the performance of two songs from the upcoming EP.

These concerts represent a rare and exciting collaboration between artists from different musical traditions, bringing together European melodic power metal and the rich heritage of Japanese neoclassical metal.

The live line-up for these shows includes: Saeko Kitamae on vocals, Guido Benedetti (Trick or Treat) on guitars, Masashi Okagaki on keyboards (Terra Rosa, Jill’s Project, Aphrodite) and Kaz Nakamura on bass (Kelly Simon’s Blind Faith, Rachel Mother Goose).

The presence of legendary keyboardist Masashi Okagaki, a key figure in Japan’s neoclassical metal scene and leader of Terra Rosa, adds a distinctive and historically significant element to the performances, while bassist Kaz Nakamura brings his experience and technical mastery to complete a powerful and dynamic line-up.

Saeko is widely recognized as a pioneering artist in the international metal scene. Originally from Osaka, she moved to Germany in the early 2000s to pursue her musical career, collaborating with prominent European musicians and releasing her debut album Above Heaven Below Heavenin 2004. That same year, she toured Europe with metal icon Doro Pesch, and in 2005 she made history as the first Asian female artist to perform at Wacken Open Air, the world’s largest heavy metal festival. Following her second album Life (2006), Saeko returned in 2021 with Holy Are We Alone, marking a powerful comeback after a long hiatus and reaffirming her unique artistic identity: Melodic Power Metal with emotional depth and a cross-cultural perspective.

Now, with the upcoming EP Back to LifeSaeko continues to build on her legacy, connecting past and present through a renewed creative vision.

EVENT DETAILS

OSAKA
May 12, 2026
Panhead Groove

Open: 18:30 / Start: 19:00

TOKYO
May 14, 2026
SUNRIZE

Open: 18:30 / Start: 19:00

Buy tickets: https://linktr.ee/SaekoLive2026

SAEKO ON THE WEB:

https://saekometal.info

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Wacken Celebrates Global Warm-Up Party! “One World One Stage,” 35 Shows Will Take Place In 35 Countries On A Single Day!

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal festivals, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on March 27, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Tickets for the Wacken Open Air are available here.

On April 18th, 2026, 35 Wacken warm-up concerts will rock the globe! Almost 24 hours will pass between the first show in Japan and the last in Mexico, all of them filled with the best heavy metal music, with celebrating fans coming together for this special event. A live experience carried by the legendary Wacken spirit.

The worldwide party is being organized by various promoters from the global community of the Wacken Metal Battle, the festival’s own band competition, which now includes 102 participating nations. Promoters from 35 of these countries have joined forces for the Wacken anniversary to celebrate the worldwide warm-up party.

“The core idea is to bring the world together and unite it through what we love most: music! That’s what the Metal Battle community stands for, that’s what we stand for, and that’s what Wacken Open Air has represented since day one,”emphasizes festival founder Thomas Jensen.

In Germany, the warm-up will be celebrated at Hamburg’s Betty club starting at 8 p.m. The Boston-based band Lansdowne will bring their hook-driven, energetic rock to the Hanseatic city. The international event “One World One Stage” is being organized by Salman U. Syed, who is responsible for the Metal Battle at W:O:A and has been shaping the global networking of the scene for years.

(Phantom Excaliver – Photo Credit: WOA Festival GmbH)

“The sense of unity within the metal scene is strong worldwide, and bands as well as promoters in the individual countries immediately threw themselves into setting a powerful sign of unity while celebrating 35 years of Wacken Open Air together with us!”

The event in Hamburg on April 18th, therefore, seamlessly joins the global chain of parties. The event stands for unity, passion, and heavy metal without borders.

Tickets and further information about the warm-up parties around the globe are available here

Additionally, impressions from the shows in all participating countries will be shared during the day via the social media channels of the Wacken Open Air. #oneworldonestage

Each country will present bands in a club selected by the local Metal Battle promoters.

For example, in Canada, Toronto, ON’s The Garrison will host the 2018 Canadian battle champions, Centuries of Decay as guest headliners for the Ontario Final along with Toronto round winners Dawn Vally, Gravearth, and Misothronos. More info here.

And in the USA, Tampa Bay, FL’s The Brass Mug will host the Southeast Regional Final with Endera (Savannah, GA), Nocturnal Dawn (Orlando, FL), Esca (GA / SC), ENDURUS (Tampa, FL), Dead Alive (Nashville, TN), Ramtha (St. Petersburg, FL) with guest co-headliner Psykotribe (Tampa, FL) and headliner Malevolent Creation (Tampa, FL). More info here.

In Tokyo, Phantom Excaliver will perform alongside three other Japanese bands. The musicians won the Wacken Metal Battle in 2023 and joyfully accepted their prize, after their singer briefly fainted. “The line-up at our warm-up party brings together the history, present, and future of the Japanese metal scene,” says Yutaro Shindo, Japan’s Metal Battle promoter.

Organizer Raúl Saavreda from Bogotá is also eagerly anticipating the event in his hometown“Our warm-up party will be insane! With Tribute2Wacken, the first tribute band dedicated to a festival will perform — playing only songs devoted to the Wacken Open Air.” Additional tribute bands will perform highlights of British Heavy Metal. Saavreda is also the founder of Wacken Latinos, an association of Latin American fans who visit the Holy Ground in northern Germany every year. “A year without W:O:A is unimaginable for me,” he states. “When I first went there in 2019, Wacken changed my life. On the fields, I recharge my batteries — it’s a special time when I reunite with friends and fully devote myself to metal. The festival is my religion.”

Stjepan Juras from Zagreb confirms that most globally active promoters share similarly close ties to W:O:A. The respected music manager, author, and Iron Maiden expert represents Wacken Open Air and Metal Battle in his native Croatia, where he also organizes the warm-up party. “Wacken is not just a festival. The spirit and the community set it apart from other festivals. That’s also thanks to founders Thomas Jensen and Holger Hübner, who celebrate among their fans, maintain close contact with visitors, and are truly part of the scene.”

Since the very beginning, the motto of both W:O:A organizers has been “By fans for fans!” and that naturally applies to the 35 warm-up shows on April 18, 2026, as well. “Normally, Wacken welcomes the world,” says founder Holger Hübner. “On this day, it’s the other way around: the world welcomes Wacken and together we celebrate a global heavy metal party.”

Tickets for the Wacken Open Air are available here.

Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

IRON SAVIOR Release New Album Awesome Anthems Of The Galaxy ~ Unveil Video for “Maniac”

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, music videos, news with tags , , , , , , , on March 27, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Hamburg-based power metal veterans IRON SAVIOR return today with their brand-new album, Awesome Anthems Of The Galaxy, out now via PERCEPTION–a division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. With this release, the band led by Piet Sielck transforms iconic ’80s hits into powerful, melodic metal anthems, blending nostalgia with the unmistakable IRON SAVIOR sound.

The album is receiving strong praise: Rock Magazine writes it’s “surprisingly packed with strong hit potential!”, while Break Out Magazine confirms: “Damn powerful anthems, brilliantly executed by IRON SAVIOR!”. Stormbringer adds: Awesome Anthems Of The Galaxy is an album that proves one thing: nostalgia can sound pretty damn heavy when you run it through the IRON SAVIOR engine!”

To celebrate the release, the band have also premiered a brand-new music video for their thunderous cover version of the Michael Sembello classic “Maniac”. The track perfectly showcases IRON SAVIOR’s ability to turn catchy pop structures into driving heavy metal, combining pulsating synth melodies with razor-sharp guitar riffs and a soaring, instantly memorable chorus. The result is an energetic reimagining that stays true to the spirit of the original while delivering a much heavier punch.

Watch the new video for “Maniac” now streaming here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVuLaJaKUEE

After reigniting their cosmic engines with Machine World – Reforged in 2025, IRON SAVIOR embark on their boldest mission yet. With Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy, IRON SAVIOR tap into the heart of ’80s pop culture, combining nostalgia, passion and the band’s trademark precision and fire, proving that the past can shine brighter than ever when reforged in metal.

Album Track Listing:
01. Fame
02. All I Need Is A Miracle
03. When The Rain Begins To Fall
04. Maniac
05. Take On Me
06. Relax
07. What A Feeling
08. Against All Odds
09. Separate Ways
10. Suburbia
11. Here Comes The Rain Again
12. She’s Like The Wind
13. (I Just) Died In Your Arms Tonight
14. Forever Young
15. Since You Been Gone
16. Call Me
17. Catch Me I’m Falling

“After the huge success of the 2002 Condition Red bonus track “Crazy” (SEAL), which was actually used in a HBO TV show, we have been asked by fans and medias almost constantly to do a complete cover tracks album,” Sielck recently said, and adds“So… two decades later here we are!” quotes frontman Piet Sielck“Awesome Anthems continues the transformation from pop-to-metal in IRON SAVIOR style as started with SEAL’s “Crazy” and EURYTHMICS’ “Sweet Dreams. We are absolutely proud of the outcome, which never loses the original vibe of the tracks but yet is 100% IRON SAVIOR. Just listen yourself… I guarantee a lot of smiles while doing so!” 

From the electrifying rush of A-HA’s “Take On Me” and the thunderous drama of Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds” to the cinematic pulse of Jermaine Jackson & Pia Zadora’s “When The Rain Begins To Fall” and the adrenaline-fueled “Maniac”, IRON SAVIOR turn pop classics into heroic, melodic metal anthems. With Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy, IRON SAVIOR prove once more that great songs never age, they just get heavier!

Order the album now at: https://ironsavior.rpm.link/awesomeanthemsPR

For More IRON SAVIOR:
Website | Facebook | Youtube

More on PERCEPTION:
perception.music | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Source: C Squared Music

LEATHERWITCH – Reveals Album Cover Artwork ~ Debut 7” Vinyl Single Out On April 23rd

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on March 27, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

From Marta Gabriel Facebook:

“Here’s the cover artwork of the Leatherwitch debut album, painted by the amazing Mario Lopez. That’s right: no AI, no computers, a real painting! I hope you will like it as much as I do!

The album, titled “First Spell”, is coming out on May 29 on Listenable Records. The first pressing on splattered vinyl will be limited to 666 (!) copies, there will also be a CD edition, and each version will include different bonus track.”

LEATHERWITCH debut 7” vinyl single out on April 23!

Pre-order limited edition bundle incl. logo patch, SIGNED PHOTO, beer coaster and see music videos: https://linktr.ee/leatherwitchofficial

SIDE A: “Beast Inside” w/ guitar solo by Giuseppe Taormina (ELLENDE, ex-CRYSTAL VIPER)

SIDE B: “Bound By The Night” w/ guitar solo by Tomohiro Hagi (Ginoir from SABBAT & METALUCIFER) – EXCLUSIVE SINGLE VERSION!

All vocals and instruments recorded by Marta Gabriel.

ARMORED SAINT To Release Ninth Studio Album, Emotion Factory Reset, On May 22nd Through Metal Blade Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on March 26, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Travis Shinn

“Close To The Bone” Video/Single Now Playing + Preorders Available

American heavy metal icons, ARMORED SAINT, are back with their anticipated new full-length, Emotion Factory Reset, set for release on May 22nd through Metal Blade Records.

Emotion Factory Reset, the lineup’s ninth studio album since 1984’s March Of The Saint, is a resurrection of sorts, a tearing down and a rebuilding in eleven songs of diverse musicality and lyrical themes. Produced, as were the previous four albums, by bassist Joey Vera and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour), the record finds the quintet challenging themselves.

Songs like “Close To The Bone,” “Hit A Moonshot,” and “Every Man-Any Man” have ARMORED SAINT honoring their past as one of the most respected and recognizable bands in heavy music while making forward-thinking music rooted in the present.

“Each ARMORED SAINT record, to me, is like a new skin for the band, a different chapter. I don’t think we’ve ever repeated ourselves,” says Vera. “Every album has been pretty different from the previous one, a snapshot in time. In 2026, Emotion Factory Reset is where our heads are at.”

Emotion Factory Reset – Track Listing:

1. Close To The Bone

2. Every Man-Any Man

3. Not On Your Life

4. Hit A Moonshot

5. Buckeye

6. Compromise

7. It’s A Buzzkill

8. Throwing Caution To The Wind

9. Ladders And Slides

10. Bottom Feeder

11. Epilogue  

“When we start coming up with songs, I always say we can do whatever we want,” notes vocalist John Bush. “Use all our influences through the years, diverse music that we listen to and love, and let that seep in and bring something new out of us. It leads to something more adventurous.”

Bush, one of music’s most respected vocalists, operates from a place of passion and presence in the studio and on stage. In fact, about 85% of his vocals from the last three ARMORED SAINT records are taken from the demo sessions, capturing the raw power.

While Vera is a granular and detailed writer, like Bush, the bassist says, “I try not to overthink and be right where I’m at that time. I really don’t look over my shoulder much, like, ‘what did I do in the past? What’s going on in the next lane?’ Once the ball starts rolling, I just sit back and let it happen.”

The collaborative nature of Emotion Factory Reset led to the album title, a phrase from guitarist Phil Sandoval. “To me, ‘Emotion Factory Reset’ means to reset yourself back to clarity. Take a pause and breathe before you respond or react. You can’t control outside events, but you can control your mind,” the guitarist says. “How you interpret things is what hurts you, not the event itself.” 

His brother, drummer Gonzo notes, “the world is going through a technological upswing/awakening. I look at our planet as the factory and in the most positive way we need to realign, reimagine, reset for our better selves.”

In advance of the record’s release, the band presents the first single and album opener, “Close To The Bone.” Comments Bush, “The first track on the record sounds like vintage ARMORED SAINT, yet vintage that comes out in 2026! How did we do that? The title of the record, Emotion Factory Reset appears as the first line of the bridge. Killer riffs, awesome rhythms and attacking vocals gets this train rolling.”

Bush continues, “the title implies the human response to withdraw and keep things to yourself instead of being confrontational; Something I believe we all struggle with as humans. Do you just say, ‘aww, whatever man,’ or do you say, ‘hey, fuck you!’ Depends on the moment, I guess.”

Adds Vera, “Musically, this song was inspired by my love and appreciation for metal that was coming out around the time of the NWOBHM, which is right when ARMORED SAINT was formed. As always, I try to reimagine my early influences by giving them a slight modern twist.”

Guitarist Jeff Duncan agrees, “I like to think that ARMORED SAINT doesn’t keep making the same album over and over. Emotion Factory Reset is another musical chapter for the band. When the five of us play together, we have a special chemistry and our first single ‘Close To The Bone’ demonstrates this perfectly; it’s musically sophisticated but still retains the ARMORED SAINT signature sound.”

Watch ARMORED SAINT’s video for “Close To The Bone,” directed by My Good Eye: Music Visuals, HERE.

The record will be released on CD digipack (w/ 20-page booklet) and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:

Amber Marble (US)
Orange and Red Marble (US)
Citron Smoke (US – Brutal Panda Exclusive)
180g Black (EU)
Beige Gray Marbled (EU)
Clear Black Gold Smoke (EU – Ltd. 500)
Metallic Gold Black Dust (EU – Ltd. 300)
Clear Gold Splatter (EU – Ltd. 200)

Additionally, a special European edition of the CD digipak includes the bonus track “One Chain (Don’t Make No Prison),” only available digitally until now.

A special European edition of the single gatefold LP comes w/ insert and DL card + 7” vinyl “One Chain (Don’t Make No Prison),” (only available digitally until now) w/ an etching on the B-side, a poster and slipmat.

Find all preorders at: metalblade.com/armoredsaint.

ARMORED SAINT’s Emotion Factory Reset was recorded across several studios including 606 Studios, Secret Hand Studios, Skullseven Studios, Constantine Studios, and Bridge Recording, engineered by Oliver Roman, Bill Metoyer, Joey Vera, and Jason Constantine, and features cover art by DDKing. 

Catch ARMORED SAINT live throughout the Spring and Summer months with more dates to be announced in the weeks to come. 

ARMORED SAINT Live:
4/19/2026 Rainbow Bar & Grill – West Hollywood, CA w/ L.A. Guns, Pentagram, Alien Ant Farm, Boy Hits Car
5/17/2026 San Luis Metal Fest – San Luis Potosí, MX
5/22/2026 Rock Hard Festival – Gelsenkirchen, DE
6/06/2026 Milwaukee Metalfest @ The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI
7/30/2026 Pumpehuset – Copenhagen, DK w/ Metal Church
7/31/2026 Skogsrojet Festival – Rejmyre, SE
8/01/2026 Pustervik – Gothenburg, SE w/ Testament, Metal Church
8/02/2026 Mejeriet – Lund, SE w/ Testament, Metal Church
8/05/2026 Brutal Assault – Jaroměř, CZ
8/07/2026 Alcatraz Festival – Dessel, BE
8/08/2026 Poppodium Boerderij – Zoetermeer, NL *ARMORED SAINT headlining show
8/09/2026 Keep It True Legions – Geiselwind, DE
8/11/2026 Progresja – Warsaw, PL w/ Savatage, Nevermore
8/12/2026 Collosseum – Kosice, SK w/ Vio-Lence
8/13/2026 Klub Studio – Krakow, PL w/ Testament, Metal Church
8/29/2026 Stonedead Festival – Newark, UK

https://www.armoredsaint.com

https://www.facebook.com/thearmoredsaint

https://www.instagram.com/thearmoredsaint

https://www.metalblade.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY Announces Western US/Canada Headlining Tour This July ~ Tickets On Sale Friday!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on March 26, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Danin Drahos

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY will head West this July for a two-week headlining tour with support provided by Whores and Crobot. The trek, which begins on July 6th in Houston, Texas and runs through July 22nd in Lincoln, Nebraska, serves as the second leg of their North American tour set to commence next month.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 27th at 10:00am local time at coc.com/pages/tour. See all confirmed dates below.

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY w/ Whores, Crobot:
7/06/2026 Scout Bar – Houston, TX
7/07/2026 Granada Theater – Dallas, TX
7/08/2026 The Far Out Lounge – Austin, TX
7/10/2026 The Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ
7/11/2026 The Regent Theater – Los Angeles, CA
7/12/2026 The Glass House – Pomona, CA
7/13/2026 Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA
7/15/2026 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
7/16/2026 The Crocodile – Seattle, WA
7/17/2026 Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC
7/18/2026 Knitting Factory – Spokane, WA
7/19/2026 Shrine Social Club – Boise, ID
7/21/2026 Federal Theatre – Denver, CO
7/22/2026 Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE

Previously announced dates: 

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY:
4/07/2026 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA *
4/08/2026 The Pyrle – Greensboro, NC *
4/09/2026 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ ^
4/11/2026 The Palladium – Worcester, MA ^
4/12/2026 Kodak Center Theater – Rochester, NY ^
4/14/2026 The Factory – Chesterfield, MO ^
4/15/2026 Manchester Music Hall – Lexington, KY ^
4/17/2026 VooDoo at Harrah’s Kansas City – North Kansas City, MO ^
4/18/2026 Anthem at Hard Rock Sioux City – Sioux City, IA **
4/19/2026 The District – Sioux Falls, SD ^
4/21/2026 Mesa Theater – Grand Junction, CO ^
4/22/2026 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT (COC only)
4/23/2026 Treefort Music Hall – Boise, ID ^
4/24/2026 Cargo Concert Hall – Reno, NV ^
4/25/2026 Sick New World – Las Vegas, NV Festival Date
4/27/2026 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM ^
4/28/2026 The Horseshoe – Midland, TX ^
4/29/2026 The Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX ^
5/01/2026 Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL ^
5/02/2026 The Signal – Chattanooga, TN ^
5/03/2026 The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC ^
5/05/2026 Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON *
5/06/2026 Fairmount Theatre – Montreal, QC *
5/07/2026 Le Poisson Rouge – New York, NY ***
5/08/2026 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA ***
5/09/2026 Mr. Smalls Theatre – Millvale, PA ***
5/10/2026 The Roxy – Lakewood, OH ***
5/12/2026 The Machine Shop – Flint, MI ***
5/13/2026 The Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI ***
5/14/2026 Outset – Chicago, IL ***
5/15/2026 Cannery Hall – Nashville, TN ***
5/16/2026 Tipitina’s – New Orleans, LA ***

  • w/ Whores
    ^ w/ Clutch, JD Pinkus
    *** w/ Whores, Crobot

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY will be touring in support of their mammoth new double album, Good God / Baad Man, set for release next Friday, April 3rd via Nuclear Blast!

Produced by Grammy award winner Warren Riker (Fugees, Down, Cathedral) and featuring cover art by famed New Orleans artist Scott GuionGood God / Baad Man was recorded at Blak Shak Studios in Riffissippi, USA, Dockside Studios in Maurice, Louisiana, and Bee Gee Barry Gibb’s home studio in Miami, Florida.  

Watch a video for the record’s first single, “Gimme Some Moore,” HERE and “You Or Me” HERE.

Good God / Baad Man will be released on digipak CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:

Gatefold 2xLP w/ Belly Strip – Black Vinyl (Retail)
2 Separate Jacket LPs w/ Belly Strip – LP 1 Blue/LP 2 Red (Mail Order + Band Exclusive)

Find all preorders at THIS LOCATION.

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY:
Pepper Keenan – guitar, vocals
Woody Weatherman – guitar
Stanton Moore – drums
Bobby Landgraf – bass

http://www.coc.com

http://www.instagram.com/coccabal

http://www.facebook.com/corrosionofconformity

http://www.nuclearblast.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

French Metal Force, SINS OF SHADOWS, Releasing The Last Frontier in May ~ New Single “Tell Me Why” Out Now!

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on March 26, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

French Heavy Metal band, Sins of Shadows, are set to release their third full-length album! The Last Frontier, which features Tasos Lazaris on vocals, will be released on May 5th. More direct and heavier than its predecessors, the album reflects the band’s evolution toward a sharper, more dynamic, yet still melodic sound, but with a renewed sense of urgency.

A music video for the album’s first single – “Tell Me Why” – is available at: youtu.be/XjetYq_v_bY

The song is also available on BandcampSpotifyApple Music, and Deezer.

Musically, Sins of Shadows draws from the energy of the NWOBHM (Iron Maiden, Saxon), the ambition of progressive and power metal (Symphony X, Iced Earth), and heavier bands like Megadeth or Testament. Their twin-guitar harmonies, echoing Thin Lizzy, bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to a sound that remains both personal and timeless. In short, the Sins of Shadows sound burns with modern intensity and a passion that ignites on every stage.

Pre-order:

sinsofshadows.bandcamp.com/album/the-last-frontier

FFO: Iron Maiden, Iced Earth, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Testament

Track Listing:

1. The Void
2. The Last Frontier
3. Walls of Past
4. Tell me Why
5. Rise Again
6. Prologue
7. As Darkness Falls
8. The End of the Road
9. One Last Journey

Band photo by Nicolas Jacon

Line-up:

Nicolas Jacon: All Guitars
Sebastien Normand: Bass
Rodolphe Plachesi: Drums

Featured vocals by Tasos Lazaris

Credits:

All music and lyrics by Nicolas Jacon.
Mixed and Mastered by Sebastien Normand at Aedonia Productions.
Artwork by Aleh.

BIO:

After releasing two EPs, Sins of Shadows (2014) and Today’s the Day (2016), the duo was joined by bassist Sebastien Normand (Esquys, ex-Nepenthys) in 2018, leading to the recording of their first full-length album, The Master’s Way. That album set the tone for the band’s blend of heavy and progressive influences.

With drummer Rodolphe Plachesi joining soon after, the band released Imperium, featuring Eric Casteglia as guest vocalist. Entirely self-produced like all their work, Imperium took a more conceptual and introspective direction, drawing inspiration from the philosophical writings of Spinoza and Frédéric Lordon.

Following ImperiumSins of Shadows released several singles, including one featuring Henning Basse (Metalium, ex-Firewind), further expanding their sound and collaborations.

facebook.com/sinsofshadows

open.spotify.com/artist/4BURfWxkVahALrSdEFJwcN

sinsofshadows.bandcamp.com

music.apple.com/fr/artist/sins-of-shadows/1510375225

youtube.com/@n.sinsofshadows826

Source: ClawHammer PR

RACHEL BOLAN Announced His First Solo Album: Gargoyle of the Garden State ~ Set for June 12th Release

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on March 26, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

From Skid Row Bandsintown:

ATTENTION SKID ROW FANS…

Rachel Bolan announces Gargoyle of the Garden State, his first-ever solo album, arriving June 12. First single, “At War With Myself” (feat. Danko Jones), is out now.

“Gargoyle of the Garden State is not a project, it is every bit of my soul,” says Bolan. “Like me, it knows when to be serious and also knows where the party is.”

Produced by Nick Raskulinecz, the album features an all-star lineup of friends including Corey Taylor, Danko Jones, Nuno Bettencourt, Damon Johnson, Steve Conte and of course Skid Row bandmates Scotti Hill, Snake Sabo, and Rob Hammersmith.

Single: https://BOLAN.lnk.to/AtWarWithMyself

Seattle Bangers, Telomyras, Delivering Full-Length Debut, Duskfall, on May 8th ~ “Attrition” Single Out Now!

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on March 25, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Seattle (WA) – Heavy Metal bangers TELOMYRAS are back! Three years after releasing their self-titled debut EP, the band is primed for the release of their first full-length album, Duskfall!

The album’s first single, “Attrition,” is available on YouTube and Bandcamp.

Since the release of their debut EPTelomyras have been hard at work honing their unique blend of classic heavy metal and extreme metal with the songs that make up DuskfallTelomyras delivers a riff driven metallic assault with aggressive guitars in the vein of bands like Sanctuary and Megadeth, and a dual lead guitar attack inspired by classic and progressive metal. 

Sammie Gorham’s classically trained opera vocal technique shines through the record with soaring highs, contrasted by her guttural screams that accentuate the brutality of the record. With the addition of the power and technique of new drummer Gavynn PetersonTelomyras is here to define a new era of heavy metal with Duskfall.

Duskfall will be released on May 8. Pre-order at:

telomyras.bandcamp.com/album/duskfall

FFO: Sanctuary, Metallica, Ignea, Crimson Glory, Death, Seven Spires

Track Listing:

  1. Reckoning
  2. Burden
  3. Witch
  4. Attrition
  5. The Altar
  6. Harbinger (…the Eternal Night)
  7. Duskfall
  8. Despondence
  9. Begin the End

Line-up:

Sammie Gorham – Vocals, Lyrics
Jack Schonher – Guitar
Ephraim Grimm – Guitar
Eric Thomas – Bass
Gavynn Peterson – Drums

Album Credits:

All music by Telomyras.

Vocals, guitars, and bass recorded by Telomyras.

Mixing, mastering and drum recording by Brad Kennaugh for Bradzilla Soundworks.

Duskfall cover art by Kenneth Yarus.

Logo and texturing by Eric Lough.

Photography by Samantha Jones.

facebook.com/Telomyras

instagram.com/telomyras

Telomyras on YouTube

Telomyras on Spotify

telomyras.bandcamp.com

Source: ClawHammer PR

Some 7” Vinyl I Uncovered While Spring Cleaning

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , on March 25, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

F.K.Ü.

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

METAL INQUISITOR (front)
METAL INQUISITOR (back)
HIRAX
HIRAX

Thank you for looking! Have a safe and fun week! Be kind out there, cuz our world really needs it. – Stone

Milwaukee’s RELIC Brings Death With “Iron Sacrament”

Posted in blackened death metal, Death Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on March 25, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

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.

Band Photo Credit: K Pro Creative 

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:

  1. The Void Between Gods
  2. Filth Of Rebirth
  3. Scavengers Daughter
  4. Iron Sacrament

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

facebook.com/RELICDM

instagram.com/RELIC.DM

Source: ClawHammer PR

FULCI: Italian Death Metal Crew to Release Risorsero Dalla Tomba E Fu… L’apocalisse! Film Score

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, horror, horror movies, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news, nu metal with tags , , , , , , , on March 24, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

photo by Lifeless One

—————————————————-

Vinyl Maxi-Single To Be Released May 1st On 20 Buck Spin + Decibel Magazine Tour Nears

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 KillingsFULCI 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.

photo by Alec Basse

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:

  1. Risorsero dDlla Tomba e Fu… L’apocalisse!
  2. Paura che Uccide
  3. Apoteosi Del Mistero

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://twitter.com/fulcicult

https://www.facebook.com/fulciband

https://www.20buckspin.com

https://listen.20buckspin.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

Canada’s IRON KINGDOM Unveils First Single “Defenders” ~ Sixth Album Shadows and Dust Out June 6th, 2026 via Steel Shark Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news, nu metal music with tags , , , , , , on March 24, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo Credit – Cailin Haley

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

DARKTHRONE Pre-Historic Metal – The New Studio Album Of Monumentally Primitive Metal From The Norse Cavemen Out May 8th On Peaceville Records

Posted in Black Metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal albums, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , on March 24, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

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.

Photo credit – Peer Olav Kittilsen

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”.

Photo credit – Peer Olav Kittilsen

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

  • A Deluxe box set special edition featuring:
    • Exclusive splatter 180gm heavyweight vinyl with gatefold sleeve & exclusive alternate cover artwork by Maciej Kamuda.
    • Exclusive cassette edition.
    • CD edition.
    • Booklet including an interview by Harald Fossberg on the making of ‘Pre-Historic Metal’.
    • 2 posters  
  • LP on black & white splatter vinyl – available exclusively at the Peaceville label stores
  • LP on purple marble vinyl – available at the Peaceville label stores + select stores worldwide
  • LP on classic black vinyl
  • LP on white vinyl (available exclusively in Germany)
  • LP on dark green vinyl (available exclusively in Norway)
  • LP on silver vinyl (available exclusively in Sweden)
  • LP on transparent orange vinyl (available exclusively in North America)
  • LP on coke bottle green (available at independent records stores in North America)
  • CD
  • Digital

Follow Darkthrone: 
Facebook / Instagram

Metal Icon ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ’s BLUE MEDUSA Unveils New Single “Checkmate”

Posted in Metal, Heavy Metal, Music, metal music, news, metal bands, music news with tags , , , , , on March 23, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo Credit: Jeremy Saffer

A BOLD NEW ERA OF EXPRESSION AND ARTISTRY

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-GluzAlyssa 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 streamCheckmatenow 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

TAMPA DEATH FEST – Announces Band Submissions For 2026 Lineup

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Extreme Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on March 23, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

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 deadlineTDF 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 – New Studio Album, Cruel Face Of War, Releases on May 15th

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on March 23, 2026 by Metal Odyssey


JUNGLE ROT Cruel Face Of War – Out May 15th

From Unique Leader Records Facebook:

New single “Apocalyptic Dawn” streaming everywhere now!

  1. Intro
  2. Apocalyptic Dawn
  3. Cruel Face of War
  4. Maniacal
  5. Suffer in Silence
  6. Radicalized
  7. Blade of Betrayal
  8. When the Elders Rise
  9. Horrors Vile (featuring David Ingram of Benediction)
  10. Legacy of the Damned
  11. Rot Riffs
  12. 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 – https://rowstore.uniqueleader.com/artist/jungle-rot/

BOUNDARIES – Return With “Skies cast amber black” via Sumerian Records

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, metalcore, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on March 22, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

“Skies cast amber black” video directed by Max Moore

IT’S ALL AROUND US NOW…

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

Photo credit: Sarah Holick

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.”

Boundariesct.com

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THE ABSOLUTION SEQUENCE Announce First Ever Full-Length, Dread Cycle, Out on August 14th ~ New Video Now Streaming

Posted in Death Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on March 21, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

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 DistributionDread 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

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WHO ON EARTH Announce New Album, It Takes The Village, Out May 8th ~ Stream The New Single/Video, “Any Other Way,” Now

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal albums, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on March 21, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

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.

StreamAny Other Way“: https://foundation-media.ffm.to/anyotherway

Pre-Save It Takes The Villagehttps://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