On February 15, 1979: JUDAS PRIEST performed at Nakano Sun Plaza in Tokyo, Japan. This concert was recorded for their live album: Unleashed In The East. This live album was produced by Tom Allom. This was the last JUDAS PRIEST album that Les Binks performs on.
On February 15, 1981:JUDAS PRIEST performed at Forest National (aka) Vorst Nationaal in Brussels, Belgium, a stop on their 1981 World Wide Blitz Tour. The band were touring in support of their 7th studio album, released in 1981: Point Of Entry.
February 15, 1984: On Their Metal Conqueror Tour, JUDAS PRIEST performed in Kaunitz, West Germany at Ostwestfalenhalle, in support of their 9th studio album: Defenders Of The Faith.
On February 15, 1991: Ontheir Painkiller Tour, JUDAS PRIEST performed at Oberschwabenhalle in Ravensburg, Germany, supporting their 12th studio album Painkiller. This marked the first tour and studio album with drummer Scott Travis.
Thank you for visiting and looking back on some JUDAS PRIEST history! Metal be thy name – Stone.
Digital Single/Music Video Online; On Tour This Month
From the forge. From the flame. From the will that does not bend.
Today, SILVER TALON unleashes “Iron” – a new single and music video forged in defiance and hardened in heavy metal. Listen now on all streaming/download platforms.
Built on thunderous riffs, soaring melodies, and steel-clad rhythm, “Iron” channels the spirit of classic heavy metal while striking with sharpened modern force. It is a battle hymn for the unbreakable, a soundtrack for those who refuse to yield when the pressure rises.
“This one has been a long time coming, and we’re proud to finally unleash it into the wild. As you might have guessed, ‘Iron’ is a song about cultivating strength, embracing pain, and crushing everything that stands in your way,” states guitarist Bryce VanHoosen.
The official music video for “Iron” is now live HERE – a visual embodiment of that fire and fury. Turn the volume high. Let it shake the walls. Let it remind you what heavy metal is meant to feel like.
With their foundation forged in steel, Silver Talon sharpens the blade once more. This is a preview of a new album being finalized, yet to be mixed/mastered, for release later this year. Spread the word. The forge is burning.
Tour Dates: 2/21 – High Water Mark – Portland, OR 2/22 – Shredder – Boise, ID 2/23 – Aces High Saloon – Salt Lake City, UT 2/24 – Ren’s Den – Albuquerque, NM 2/26 – Rockhouse – El Paso, TX 2/27 – Paper Tiger – San Antonio, TX 2/28 – Lost Well – Austin, TX
SILVER TALON: Wyatt Howell – Vocals Bryce VanHoosen – Guitar Devon Miller – Guitar Walter Hartzell – Bass Nick Van Dusen – Drums
History: Formed in 2017 from the ashes of acclaimed Pacific Northwest metal act Spellcaster, SILVER TALON emerged with a shared mission: keep the heavy metal flame burning bright.
Armed with a virtuosic triple-guitar attack, thunderous rhythm section, and the soaring vocals of Wyatt Howell (Sanctifyre), the band quickly established their sound with 2018 demo tracks “Devil Machine” and “Warrior’s End,” showcasing a potent mix of masterful hooks, lush melody, and technical firepower.
They expanded on that foundation with their self-released debut EP, ‘Becoming A Demon,’ featuring re-recorded demo tracks with producer Zack Ohren (Exmortus, Machine Head), three new originals, and a cover of Sanctuary’s “Battle Angels” with guest guitarist Jeff Loomis (Nevermore, Arch Enemy).
In May 2021, SILVER TALON released their M-Theory Audio debut, ‘Decadence and Decay’ — a masterclass in hook-driven, guitar-fueled heavy metal. Featuring cover art by renowned fantasy artist Gerald Brom and a guest appearance from King Diamond guitarist Andy La Rocque on “Resistance 2029,” the album drew widespread acclaim. Decibel wrote the band “sound absolutely immortal,” while Metal Injection praised their “killer” triple-guitar attack.
The band has since solidified their reputation as torchbearers of triumphant heavy metal with live performances alongside Exmortus, Savage Master, Unleash The Archers, Striker, Powerglove, Hatchet and more.
“Great news! KK’S PRIEST is going to be returning to the US and Canada this September 2026! We will be teaming up together with metal legends W.A.S.P. and with over 40 shows, this is going to be an epic metal and steel tour featuring lots of Priest classics! We look forward to seeing you all again very soon so please get on board early, we do not want you to miss this one.” — K.K. Downing
POWERRAGE: Jacques Belanger – vocals John Ricci – guitars Todd Pilon – bass Lucas Dery – drums
BEAST – track-list: 01 Dark Wings 02 Cremation Damnation 03 Dragon Man 04 Haunted Hell 05 I Torture I Kill 06 The Devil is Screaming 07 Damned and Cursed 08 The Black Mass
The album was mixed and mastered by Dan Swano at Unisound.
Mystical metal warriors CASTLE RAT will embark on a monumental tour with AMON AMARTH and DETHKLOK this spring, and have now announced two special, headlining shows in Grand Rapids, MI at The Pyramid Scheme on April 26th (w/SACRED LEATHER) and in Anaheim, CA at House of Blues on May 24th (w/DEATH CHANT).
CASTLE RAT Tour Dates: Apr 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre Apr 17 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center At Tech Port Apr 18 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall Apr 20 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion Apr 21 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre Apr 22 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory Apr 24 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory Apr 25 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall Apr 26 – Grand Rapids, MI – The PyramidScheme(HEADLINE SHOW) Apr 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount Apr 29 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway May 1 – Toronto, ON – The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort May 2 – Montreal, QC – Centre Bell May 5 – Oxon Hill, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor May 7 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville Pre-Party (FESTIVAL) May 9 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy May 10 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle May 12 – Johnstown, PA – 1st Summit Arena May 13 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre Detroit May 16 – Milwaukee, WI – Landmark Credit Union Live May 17 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Art & Music (FESTIVAL) May 19 – Denver, CO – The Junkyard May 20 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center May 21 – Las Vegas, NV – Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino May 24 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues (HEADLINE SHOW)
July 29 – Bergen, NO – Beyond The Gates 2026 (FESTIVAL) Aug 6 – Jaroměř, CZ – Brutal Assault 2026 (FESTIVAL) Aug 8 – Kortrijk, BE – Alcatraz 2026 (FESTIVAL) Aug 15 – Eindhoven, NL – Dynamo Metal Fest 2026 (FESTIVAL)
With the new headlining shows comes the announcement of CASTLE RAT’s first cover feature with METAL HAMMER (UK). Behold the sword wielding Rat Queen in all her glory, as they continue to slay their way to the top! Purchase a copy now at: bit.ly/buyhammer.
CASTLE RAT is currently on the road in support of their critically acclaimed new album, The Bestiary, that’s available now from King Volume Records (US) and Blues Funeral Recordings (UK/Europe). Named one of 2025’s best metal albums by Rolling Stone, NPR, Decibel and All Music, The Bestiary is an epic tale of mysticism, magic and maleficence set in a mythical world and told through the heavy metal offerings of band members “The Rat Queen,” “The Count,” “The Plague Doctor” and “The All-Seeing Druid.”
PURCHASE THE BESTIARY: NORTH AMERICA – HERE EUROPE – HERE
1. PHOENIX I 2. WOLF I 3. WIZARD 4. SIREN 5. UNICORN 6. PATH OF MOSS 7. CRYSTAL CAVE 8. SERPENT 9. WOLF II 10. DRAGON 11. SUMMONING SPELL 12. SUN SONG 13. PHOENIX II
In less than 8 weeks we hit the road supporting Sabaton across the U.S. and Canada!
From Florida to California, from Texas to Nova Scotia, we’re embarking on a 32-date run, marking our first-ever major North American arena tour.
We can’t wait to bring Wings of Steel to cities we’ve had our eyes on since day one and finally deliver our music to the thousands of fans who’ve been eager to see us live.
Feb. 09 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – War Memorial Auditorium Feb. 10 – Tampa, FL – Yuengling Center Feb. 13 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall Feb. 14 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom Feb. 15 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port Feb. 18 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre Feb. 20 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum Feb. 21 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Feb. 24 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center Feb. 26 – Loveland, CO – Blue Arena Feb. 27 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha Feb. 28 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory Mar. 02 – Des Moines, IA – Vibrant Music Hall Mar. 03 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory Mar. 04 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed Mar. 07 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center Mar. 08 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit Mar. 10 – Pittsburgh, PA – UPMC Events Center Mar. 11 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark Mar. 12 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway Mar. 14 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome^ Mar. 15 – Washington, DC – The Theater at MGM National Harbor Mar. 17 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Special Events Center Mar. 18 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy Apr. 06 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre Apr. 09 – Laval, QC – Place Bell Apr. 11 – Toronto, ON – Great Canadian Toronto Apr. 14 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre Apr. 17 – Edmonton, AB – Edmonton Convention Centre Apr. 18 – Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Event Centre Apr. 20 – Vancouver, BC – PNE Forum
MIGHTY WARRIORS, READY YOUR HAMMERS! Next year we’ll be returning to Europe for a GIGANTIC TOUR across the continent in support of a BRAND NEW FULL LENGTH ALBUM!
We’ll be bringing an updated setlist that features songs from the new record as well as fan favourites, fresh production and of course all the energy and goblin-smashing antics that you’ve come to expect as we welcome you into the Gloryhammer universe once more.
As if that wasn’t enough, we’ll be joined by Swedish power metal pioneers MAJESTICA as well as Finnish melodic metal masters ARION as support. Truly a lineup of formidable strength!
Don’t miss the MIGHTIEST tour of 2026! Tickets on sale now.
Poster artwork by the legendary Dan Goldsworthy
16.10 🇫🇷 TOULOUSE – INTERFERENCE 17.10 🇪🇸 VILLAVA – SALA TOTEM ARETOA 18.10 🇪🇸 MADRID – SALA BUT 20.10 🇪🇸 BARCELONA – RAZZMATAZZ 2 21.10 🇫🇷 LYON – RAYONNE 23.10 🇩🇪 STUTTGART – LKA LONGHORN 24.10 🇩🇪 HAMBURG – DOCKS 25.10 🇳🇱 UTRECHT – TIVOLI VRENDENBURG 26.10 🇩🇰 COPENHAGEN – AMAGER BIO 28.10 🇫🇮 HELSINKI – TAVASTIA 30.10 🇸🇪 STOCKHOLM – FRYSHUSET 31.10 🇸🇪 GOTHENBURG – PUSTERVIK 01.11 🇳🇴 OSLO – ROCKEFELLER 03.11 🇩🇪 BERLIN – FESTSAAL KREUZBERG 04.11 🇵🇱 WARSAW – PROXIMA 05.11 🇨🇿 OSTRAVA – CLUB GARAGE 06.11 🇩🇪 HANNOVER – CAPITOL 07.11 🇩🇪 OBERHAUSEN – TURBINENHALLE 2 08.11 🇩🇪 SAARBRUCKEN – GARAGE 10.11 🇦🇹 VIENNA – ARENA 11.11 🇩🇪 NUREMBERG – HIRSCH 12.11 🇩🇪 FRANKFURT – BATSCHKAPP 13.11 🇩🇪 MUNICH – BACKSTAGE 14.11 🇩🇪 LEIPZIG – HELLRAISER 15.11 🇨🇭 PRATTELN – Z7 17.11 🇫🇷 PARIS – MACHINE DU MOULIN ROUGE 18.11 🇧🇪 ANTWERP – TRIX 20.11 🇬🇧 LONDON – ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL 21.11 🇬🇧 MANCHESTER – ACADEMY 2 22.11 🇬🇧 GLASGOW – GARAGE
Seattle (WA) – Fusing classic U.S. power metal, AOR and all things epic metal; Greyhawk returns with their third album of triumphant battle hymns!
Cruz Del Sur Music will release Warriors of Greyhawk on February 13, 2026 (North American physical product distribution on March 6). The album will be available on CD, Tape, Viny LP, and digital formats.
Refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for adventure; Greyhawk are back with their third album of epic, melodic power/heavy metal fused with an anthemic AOR angle. Shredding guitars, soaring vocals, powerful rhythms and songs that will stick with you are all a part of this majestic opus.
Grandiose and powerful vocals complete the mix, which is perfectly blended by Henrik Udd’s sublime production which is detailed and grandiose. Daniel Porta has provided artwork for this record and clearly the band have had a strong input on all aspects of the release to make sure the entire experience is gripping for you, the fans.
Not many bands blend the more traditional epic heavy/power metal glory with these AOR elements but Greyhawk do so marvellously, giving the music not only power but memorability, showing that on their third album, this will definitely stand the test of time. The musicianship is continually improving on all counts, from the crushing drumming to the mind-blowing guitar work to the operatic and stunning vocals. Lovers of all things fantastical, adventurous and metallic will be enchanted, enthralled and bedazzled by this stratospheric effort.
“This album is a return to the epic metal roots that we had on our debut album Keepers of the Flame”, says founding member Darin Wall. “It also features some faster songs where we explore our love for power metal, as well as some of the 80s AOR vibes we had on the last album Thunderheart. Songs about inner strength, overcoming obstacles in life, and triumphing in victory are all present here. Creating an experience where the listener can find inspiration from the lyrics and energy of the songs, or detach from reality a bit and get lost in some of the epic fantastical themes is the goal. Ronnie James Dio is the band’s biggest influence as far as lyrical themes go.”
Photo Credit: Ian Phares Photography
Line-Up:
Anthony Corso: Vocals Jesse Berlin: Lead Guitar Rob Steinway: Rhythm Guitar Darin Wall: Bass Guitar Nate Butler: Drums
For longtime fans of UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER, “Blindfold” feels like an old acquaintance: previously heard in an orchestral version on the 2020 We Are One album, the song now returns in a gripping new rock version. With its successful blend of emotion and classic heavy rock atmosphere, “Blindfold” is one of the most emotional moments on the current DATOG album Babylon, released on October 3rd, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).
Filmed entirely in stylish black and white, the music video captures the raw emotion and powerful interplay of the band perfectly, showing DATOG more intimate, direct, and sensitive than ever before.
Manuela’s heartfelt vocals and Mathias’ classical concert guitar turn “Blindfold” into a stirring rock ballad that reaches its ultimate climax in the final chorus with Udo’s unmistakable voice. With “Blindfold”, DATOG not only offer longtime Udo Dirkschneider fans a welcome reunion with this very special track, but will also win over many new fans through this video.
Metal fans, prepare for a sonic excavation. Destiny’s End, the influential US Power Metal supergroup featuring vocalist James Rivera (Helstar), has officially announced the upcoming release of Breathe Deep the Road’ (Live & Unreleased), a definitive collection capturing the band’s peak era. The album will be released on January 23, 2026.
Documenting the band’s legendary 1999 tour alongside Nevermore and Iced Earth, the album features six explosive live tracks, including the iconic “Breathe Deep in the Dark,” and a crushing medley of Judas Priest classics. In addition, the collection includes three never-before-heard studio tracks: a lost bonus track from the original 1998 sessions, a menacing King Diamond cover, and a powerful tribute to Dio. All tracks have been recently remastered for maximum impact by Andrew Lee.
To kick off the pre-order campaign, Destiny’s End will immediately release the first digital single, “Breathe Deep the Road.” Check it out here!
Destiny’s End was comprised of some of the most respected names in US Metal:
• James Rivera (Helstar, Vicious Rumors) – Vocals • Dan DeLucie (Crescent Shield, New Eden) – Guitar • Perry Grayson (Falcon, Isen Torr) – Guitar • Nardo Andi (New Eden) – Bass • Brian Craig (New Eden, Seven Witches) – Drums
Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest, proudly presented by Royalty Entertainment, is now accepting band submissions for its 2026 lineup! Applications are open until November 30th, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic event, taking place on August 9th at FRED MILNE PARK in Sooke, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island, Canada.
This all-day, open-air festival is a celebration of metal and hard rock, welcoming fans of all ages to a family-friendly atmosphere filled with heavy riffs and high energy. Mosh the Rock extends heartfelt thanks to the local community for their incredible support and can’t wait to bring the noise back to Sooke in 2026!
Bands from all subgenres of METAL are encouraged to apply. Send your EPK, including photos, music links, bios, and more to: MoshTheRock26[@]gmail[.]com.
Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural year in 2025, Mosh the Rock 2026 is already shaping up to be even bigger and louder!
Founded by Royal Savoie, event promoter, music manager, and host of THRASHCAN on 101.9 FM CFUV.CA in Victoria, BC, Mosh the Rock made its debut with a killer lineup featuring bands from across British Columbia, including: Torrefy (Victoria), Thirteen Goats (Vancouver), Yegg (Nanaimo), Mutual Trauma (Victoria), Dead After Dark (Penticton), Burnt Lung (Vancouver), Pharm (Kelowna), Cybörg (Victoria), Joker’s Revenge (Nanaimo), Blacktop Social (Nanaimo), and Wolf Venom (Sooke).
Get ready for Mosh the Rock2026 is coming, and it’s going to be louder than ever.
Mid-west Heavy Metal torchbearers SACRED LEATHER are back with the 3rd single, “Fallen Angel”, from their eagerly awaited, new album, Keep The Fire Burning, that’s due out December 12th via King Volume Records / Wise Blood Records. Forged in fire, the hellion five-piece have returned with a ferocious new song and video that delves into the mind of the prince of darkness.
Commenting on the track, bassist Magnus LeGrand says:
“When we wrote ‘Fallen Angel,’ it immediately felt like a callback to an era when metal songs had both hooks and teeth, something big, melodic, yet still dangerous. That track set the stage for what Keep the Fire Burning would become. Dee’s lyrics step inside Lucifer’s head, turning his fall from grace into something deeply human; the loneliness, the pride, and the weight of one’s own choices.
Visually, I wanted the video to conjure the haunting, biblical imagery found in the lyrics themselves, smoke, fire, and mystery, all wrapped in that classic ’80s metal grandeur. Think ‘Holy Diver’ meets ‘Dream Warriors,’ but filtered through our own world, with its own identity.”
SACRED LEATHER set the underground ablaze with their debut album, Ultimate Force. Seven years later the beast is back with a unrelenting, classic metal masterpiece that recalls a time when tight leather and heavy riffs ruled the world. The band recently released their explosive singles “Spitfire AtNight” and “PhantomHighways,” setting the tone for their headbanging followup.
1. Resurrection 2. Spitfire At Night 3. Phantom Highway (Hell Is Comin’ Down) 4. Wake Me Up 5. Fallen Angel 6. Flatline 7. Tear Out My Heart 8. Malevolent Eyes 9. Keep The Fire Burning 10. Mistress Of The Sun
Sacred Leather: Dee Wrathchild – Vocals Lynn St. Michaels – Lead Guitar Magnus Legrand – Bass Don Diamond – Drums Cvon Owens – Rhythmn Guitar
AboutSACRED LEATHER:
Forged in the fires of classic heavy metal and baptized in the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion, Sacred Leather stands as a defiant reminder that true metal never dies. Hailing from the American Midwest, the band delivers an unrelenting assault of twin-guitar fury, thunderous rhythms, and commanding vocals that channel the essence of leather, chains, and midnight highways.
Following their 2017 full-length debut Ultimate Force, which established them as torchbearers of traditional heavy metal’s resurgence, Sacred Leather return with their long-awaited sophomore album Keep the Fire Burning, due December 2025 through King Volume Records and Wise Blood Records. The album is both a declaration and a promise—rekindling the spirit that started it all while pushing their sound into sharper, more melodic, and more anthemic territory.
With Keep the Fire Burning, the band expands on their reputation for electrifying live performances and unflinching authenticity. Drawing from the steel-plated legacy of Judas Priest, Accept, and early W.A.S.P., Sacred Leather blend classic metal tradition with cinematic flair, evoking the neon glow of midnight highways and the danger of the unknown.
DANGEROUS TOYSDemolition will be releasing on December 12th, 2025, via Cleopatra Records. It’s been 30 years since a new studio album from DANGEROUS TOYS!
Amidst so much activity, and with the band’s long-awaited fifth album still in a state of gestation, fans can look forward to the arrival of Demolition, which features 10 tracks, all previously unreleased and recorded during the hiatus between the band’s second and third albums, 1991’s Hellacious Acres and 1994’s Pissed, as they continued refining their debut album’s unique concoction of Southern rock and driving metal.
Hand selected by DANGEROUS TOYS, “these old songs… obviously didn’t make the cut when choosing songs for official release,” the band remarks in the liner notes. All will be completely new to all the ears that hear them.
Demolition – Track-listing:
Rock Shock Cowboy Come Out Swinging Rattle My Cage Rhapsody in Barbed Wire One On One Live Burning Bridges Your Sister Backstreet Girl Shot To Hell SNAFU
One Band To Rule Them All! and Play Wacken Open Air!
One band to rule them all! Wacken Metal Battle Canada returns for 2026 battles across the country to send one independent metal band to play at Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s most prestigious and largest metal festivals.
Band submissions for Canada are now open until November 30th.
The national final for 2026 battles will be held in Montreal, QC.
“Canadian metal bands, this is your chance once again. This is the first step to a world of opportunity waiting for you. We invite you to play some great shows, expand your audience, and ultimately have your shot at playing Wacken Open Air,” adds WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia.
The 2026 WMBC champion will receive the following: – A slot at the 2026 Wacken Open Air Festival. – Full professional backline provided. – $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany. – VIP camping at the festival.
Canadian Battle Cities: Vancouver, BC Vancouver Island, BC BC Interior Edmonton, AB Toronto, ON Hamilton, ON Ottawa, ON Montreal, QC Quebec City, QC
Watch – Wacken Metal Battle 2025 – Aftermovie | Have You Heard the Future of Metal? – https://youtu.be/nCulXiLlaSw
The 2025 Canadian Battle Final took place on May 31st at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre, where Hamilton, Ontario’s KILLOTINE, the Ontario regional winner, delivered a standout performance that earned them the top national title. A panel of industry judges selected KILLOTINE to represent Canada at the prestigious International Wacken Battle, held during Wacken Open Air from July 30th to August 2nd in Wacken, Germany, where over 85,000 metal fans from around the globe gathered.
Joining KILLOTINE on stage at the Canadian final were fellow regional champions: SOULTHIEF (Eastern Canada Winner – Ottawa, ON), BEYOND SUFFERING(Alberta Winner – Calgary, AB), and YEGG (British Columbia Winner – Nanaimo, BC). The event also featured a special guest headliner: Vancouver’s Arrow In The Quiver, the 2024 BC Final winner.
The national judging panel included a lineup of respected figures from the Canadian metal and music industry: Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers), JJ Tartaglia (Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada), JJ Caithcart (Founder of SCRAPE Records and Host of Different Stages Radio), Kris Schulz (Founder of Empower Through Music and Owner of Horizon School of Music), Abelardo Mayoral (Founder and Operator of The Invisible Orange and OrangeTickets), Stan Schinners (Owner of Broken Neck Radio), Justin Dobbin (Owner and President of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios).
For the last 9 years of battles (2013-2016, 2018-2019, 2023-2025), Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to COVID, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled.
As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2026 will be the 35th edition of the festival and will be held from July 29th to August 1st. The 2026 event is nearly sold out with a line-up that includes Def Leppard, Lamb Of God, In Flames, Savatage, Powerwolf, Emperor, Sepultura, and Running Wild, among others. Details here.
Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among over 55 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade and give independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience, along with the chance to win multiple prizes.
How it works: Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter, where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final. The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2026 and compete against the winners of other participating countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.
Power metal visionaries INDUCTION continue their unstoppable rise with the release of the electrifying title track and video “Love Kills”, taken from their forthcoming studio album Love Kills!, due out February 6, 2026 via Reigning Phoenix Music.
Feel the surge: “Love Kills” is a fierce anthem pulsing with raw emotion and unstoppable energy. The track captures both the pain and power of love’s downfall, celebrating the resilience that endures even after the flame seems to die. With soaring vocals, thunderous riffs, and cinematic emotion, “Love Kills” reminds us that even in the darkest moments, love’s light never truly fades.
Guitarist and Songwriter Tim Kanoa Hansen shares:
“Love Kills… but it’s never gonna die.’ This simple motto inspired most of Induction’s upcoming third album, which is why it became the title track. It’s deeply personal, full of raw emotion, but it also delivers a message of strength: life always goes on, and we are the masters of our own fate. No matter how dark the days, love will always return. As C. Joybell once wrote, ‘Love, I’m convinced, is found in the darkness. It’s the candle in the night.’”
Tim adds: “For me, this album carries a lot of raw and personal emotion. Life always moved forward, and even in the darkest times, love always found its way back. With LOVE KILLS! we explore the beauty and cruelty of love in a futuristic power metal context. It’s Induction at our biggest, boldest, and most fun yet.”
Following a storm of milestones, including a series of live dates supporting the legendary SAVATAGE, a frenetically acclaimed debut at Wacken Open Air, and the release of fan-favorite singles “Beyond Horizons” and “Dark Temptation,” INDUCTION are firing on all cylinders.
Crafted at Chameleon Studios and Boogie Park Studios in Hamburg, the album was produced by Tim Kanoa Hansen and mixed and mastered by Eike Freese in collaboration with the guitarist. Love Kills! marks the beginning of a new era for INDUCTION, defined by musical evolution, emotional depth, and a fearless drive to push the boundaries of modern power metal!
1. Virtual Insanity 2. War Of Hearts 3. Dark Temptation 4. Steel And Thunder 5. Strangers To Love 6. Beyond Horizons 7. Gods Of Steel (physical release exclusive) 8. Love Kills 9. I Am Evil 10. The Veil of Affection 11. Empress
In support of the upcoming album, the band will join VISIONS OF ATLANTIS and WARKINGS on the 2026 “Pirates & Kings Over Europe” tour, hitting 20+ cities across the continent in February and March!
INDUCTION live: w/ VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, WARKINGS: 05.02.2026 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 06.02.2026 DE Saarbrücken – Garage 07.02.2026 DE Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle 08.02.2026 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 10.02.2026 UK Manchester – Academy 2 11.02.2026 UK London – O2 Academy Islington 12.02.2026 FR Paris – Élysée Montmarte 13.02.2026 NL Tilburg – 013 Poppodium 14.02.2026 DE Leipzig – Hellraiser 15.02.2026 DE Berlin – Columbia Theater 16.02.2026 PL Warsaw – Klub Proxima 18.02.2026 CZ Zlín – Masters of Rock Café 19.02.2026 DE Hanover – Capitol 20.02.2026 DE Hamburg – Markthalle 21.02.2026 DE Geiselwind – Musichall 26.02.2026 FR Villeurbanne (Lyon) – La Rayonne 27.02.2026 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Halle) 28.02.2026 DE Munich – Backstage (Werk) 05.03.2026 HU Budapest – Barba Negra 06.03.2026 AT Vienna – SiMM City 07.03.2026 AT Wörgl – VZ Komma
Iron Maiden have announced dates in the USA and Canada for the Run For Your Lives World Tour 2026. The tour includes huge shows in Montréal and the Alamodome in San Antonio, two of the biggest rock shows Maiden have played in North America. They will also headline Louder Than Life, which is America’s biggest Rock Festival!
These upcoming tour dates will mark 45 years since Iron Maiden first visited Canada and the USA on the 1981 Killer World Tour, and feature some of the biggest shows the band has ever played there. The return to BMO Stadium concert in Los Angeles on September 25th will be the 25th time the band has played in the City of Angels. A history-making tour for sure!
Very special guests Megadeth will appear at all headline shows, with the addition of Anthrax for the dates in Montréal, Harrison, LA and San Antonio.
Run For Your Lives North American Tour Dates:
August 2026 29 Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena * September 2026 03 Montréal, QC – Parc Jean-Drapeau *^ 05 Harrison, NJ – Sports Illustrated Stadium *^ 09 Boston, MA – TD Garden * 11 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live * 12 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion * 15 Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium * 17 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Festival 19 Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater * 22 Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre * 25 Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium *^ 29 San Antonio, TX – Alamodome *^
Megadeth ^ Anthrax
Fan Club presale will kick off on Tuesday October 28.
Headline shows go on general sale on Friday October 31.
Trooper VIP will be available across all headline shows. Eddie’s Pop-up Dive Bar experience will also come across the Atlantic for the very first time.
For the rest of the world – don’t worry, there are still more countries to be announced for the Run For Your Lives World Tour 2026!
Iron Maiden have announced a return to Mexico for the Run For Your Lives World Tour 2026!
October 02 – Estadio GNP Seguros, Mexico City – MEXICO
This upcoming show will mark 34 years since Maiden first visited Mexico on the Fear Of The Dark World Tour, and this show is the eighth time at this award- winning venue.
Special guests for this show will be announced in due course. Our popular Trooper VIP experience will be available in Mexico for the very first time.
Fan Club presale will begin on Monday October 27, before tickets go on sale to the public on Friday October 31.
Watch “Beware the Creatures” (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) HERE
Creatures were originally formed in the summer of 2019 in the city of Curitiba. Like most places in Brazil, the scene there is dominated by extreme metal. However, there are some small “pockets of resistance” carrying the torch for more of a traditional heavy metal sound and Creatures (along with a group called Trovão) is one of the most talented of the lot.
After having issued a few singles, Bart Gabriel offered the band a deal to release their debut album from 2021 through his former label, Iron Oxide Records. The follow-up Creatures II is now due to be released on High Roller Records.
Creatures II was recorded between September 2024 and March 2025 at Heavy Tron Studio, by Arthur Migotto (Hazy Hamlet). It was produced by Mateus Cantaleano and Migotto. Mateus Cantaleano wrote all the music and lyrics. The line-up on the recording was Marc Brito (vocals), Mateus Cantaleano (guitar), Ricke Nunes (bass), and Sidnei Dubiella (drums). There were also a few special guests, like Caio Vidal on keyboards and Arthur Migotto himself doing some additional vocals.
“Musically, I’d say the album is literally a mix of heavy metal and hard rock, with a darker, more evil vibe,” explains guitarist Mateus Cantaleano. “It carries what I believe is the essence of the band, dynamic songs that combine riffs with arpeggios, catchy choruses with darker minor melodies. Something like that, I think.”
Creatures were once described as a mixture of Dokken, Ratt and Judas Priest, a description Mateus Cantaleano can live with: “Absolutely, that’s true. Those bands, especially Dokken and Judas Priest, are very important in my life, and I carry their influence, even indirectly, in almost everything I do. Of course, I always aim for inspiration, not copying either of them exactly.”
ComparingCreatures IandCreatures II, the guitar player continues: “I’d say Creatures II is a bit heavier, darker, and a more mature album than its predecessor. While the first album was recorded just by me and Roberto, this time we had a full band involved. Both albums share the same essence – very dynamic songs, heavy tracks, power ballads, lots of vocal harmonies, catchy choruses, wild guitar solos, and so on. To me, ‘Beware The Creatures’ is the track that best sums up what I’m aiming for musically with Creatures.”
“Hypnotized” taken from REDSHARK’s forthcoming album Sudden Impact out on October 31st
Hypnotized” explores deception and how it can warp reality, creating a blurred line between truth and illusion, it is the story of a spell, inspired by Medusa and the Sirens in Greek mythology.
Watch the Visualizer Lyric Video for “Hypnotized” HERE
The brand new single “Hypnotized” is vailable on all platforms HERE
REDSHARK was founded in 2012 in Barcelona, Spain, by Philip Graves (guitar) with the aim of delivering Classic Pounding Heavy Speed Metal. Their traditional 80s metal influences may plunder the nostalgia circuit; yet REDSHARK are ruthlessly carrying the torch with great attitude, and powerful melodic songwriting.
Band line up: Pau Correas – Vocals Javier Bono – Guitars Philip Graves – Guitars Chris Carrest – Bass Alan Llano – Drums
Sudden Impact was produced & recorded by Jaume Perna “Jack Dark” at Capricorn Studios and mixed & mastered by Javi Félez at Moontower Studios. Recording drums by Edgar Beltri at La Atlántida Studio.
TRACK LISTING: 1 – Sudden Impact 2 – A Place for Disgrace 3 – Fire Raider 4 – Your Last Breath 5 – Hypnotized 6 – Rip your Bones 7 – Whispers of Time 8 – Beware of the Shark 9 – The Chase 10 – Fight the Rules of Power
Discography: Lights of Darkness Single (self released 2013) Rain of Destruction EP (self released 2016) Evil Realm EP (self released 2019) Digital Race (Listenable 2022) Sudden Impact (Listenable 2025)
After nearly a decade of silence, Montreal’s genre-defying metal band Fallstaf is back with a vengeance. Their long-awaited sophomore album, Ode to The Dead, is set for release this Fall 2025, and its first single, the title track, is streaming everywhere alongside a gripping lyric video.
Known as the pioneers of “brass metal,” Fallstaf made waves in 2011 with their debut ‘Bastard Son of a Pure Breed,’ produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope). Their signature sound is groove-heavy and progressive metal laced, with trombone, earning them cult status in the Quebec metal scene. Yet in 2016, tragedy struck when frontman IANN suffered a near-fatal accident, leading to the band’s dissolution.
Now, after years of recovery and reflection, Fallstaf has reunited, reignited, and reimagined their sound. Ode to The Dead is a powerful, autobiographical journey through survival, grief, and rebirth. Produced once again by Jardine, the album features seven new tracks that blend sludge, thrash and hardcore influences with melodic hooks and brass-driven chaos.
“This album wasn’t made to impress; it was made out of friendship. Music is therapeutic. Metal brings people together, and we missed that energy,” says the band.
The first single and title track is a tribute to the deceased.
“They are no longer physically here, but they are always in our thoughts; that is the reason for the phrase “they walk among us”. The riff of the chorus gave rise to the rest of the song,” adds the band.
Watch the lyric video for “Ode To The Dead” and experience the rebirth of one of Montreal’s most original metal acts:
Fallstaf’s live shows remain unforgettable: suits and ties, a masked brass player, and a frontman with a robotic leg. “People think we’re a ska band, until the first chord hits,” they laugh. Stay tuned. Fallstaf will be kicking ass live soon!
Ode to the Dead will be available on all major streaming platforms on November 14th, 2025, along with an exclusive interactive collectible coffin USB drive.
Album Credits: Songs performed by: FALLSTAF Songs written by: Ian Lavoie/Kevin Jardine Produced by: Kevin Jardine Mixed by: Kevin Jardine Mastered by: Kevin Jardine Album artwork by: Ian Lavoie MAPL – Canadian Content
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