Archive for February 9, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CYCLONE:

Guido Gevels – vocals

VIncent Heyman – bass

Gabriel Deschamps – drums

Max Deschamps – lead guitar 

Jesse Vandenbosshe – rhythm guitar

For more info:

FACEBOOK 

INSTAGRAM 

YOUTUBE

BANDCAMP

www.m-theoryaudio.com 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[photo credit: Mike Norgren]

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

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

More on TUNGSTEN:

Tungsten Official | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Youtube

More on PERCEPTION:
perception.music | Facebook | Instagram 

Source: C Squared Music

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