Wake Up The Wicked Tour 2026 w/ very special guest HammerFall & special guest Wind Rose:
19.02.26 DK – Copenhagen / K.B. Hallen 20.02.26 NO – Oslo / Unity Arena 21.02.26 SE – Stockholm / Hovet 23.02.26 FI – Helsinki / Ice Hall 25.02.26 SE – Gothenburg / Scandinavium 27.02.26 DE – Bremen / ÖVB Arena 28.02.26 DE – Düsseldorf / PSD Bank Dome 01.03.26 DE – Nürnberg / Arena Nürnberger Versicherung 03.03.26 DE – Leipzig / Quarterback Immobilien Arena 04.03.26 DE – Ulm / Ratiopharm Arena 05.03.26 DE – Mannheim / SAP Arena 07.03.26 UK – London / OVO Wembley Arena
HELLOWEEN, the legendary German metal band with 21 gold and platinum awards and over ten million records sold, will release their highly anticipated new album Giants & Monsters this August. The album, now available for pre-order, follows their self-titled #1 2021 record and promises to be the most versatile and dynamic release of their career. Mixed at the legendary Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands (IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, DEF LEPPARD etc.),Giants & Monstersreaffirms the band’s position at the pinnacle of the metal world.
Leading the charge is the album’s first single, “This Is Tokyo,” accompanied by a visual homage to Japan. The powerful, four-minute anthem features vocalists Andi Deris and Michael Kiske and delivers a chorus designed for stadium sing-alongs. The song holds personal significance for Deris: “I’ve always wanted to write this song. Japan plays a special role in my life because I had my first big successes there. I wanted to create a tribute to Japan for a while now and finally found the right lyrics. Because ‘Tokyo’ sounds better than ‘Japan,’ the city stands for a whole country that is very important to me.”
HELLOWEEN will celebrate four decades of metal mastery with a global 40th anniversary tour. The European leg begins in mid-October, with initial dates selling out quickly and additional shows in Madrid and Bochum already on sale. Featuring an ultimate set list packed with surprises, the tour will showcase the band’s unparalleled legacy and ongoing creative power.
Giants & Monsters pushes the boundaries of HELLOWEEN’s sound, thanks to the instincts of producers Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, as well as the band’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Per example, drummer Dani Löble recorded all tracks using three different drum kits to capture the perfect vibe for each song, a testament to their attention to detail and love of experimentation.
Photo credit: Mathias Bothor
L-R: Daniel Löble (drums), Michael Weikath (guitars), Markus Grosskopf (bass), Michael Kiske (vocals), Sascha Gerstner (guitars), Andi Deris (vocals), Kai Hansen (guitars, vocals)
The band’s chemistry continues to drive their success. “What keeps motivating us is the fact that we’re extremely different. It generates creative energy,” says guitarist Michael Weikath. Kai Hansen adds: “We try not to take ourselves and everything around us too seriously.”Deris sums it up: “In the end, we’re just seven guys who want to make music and enjoy the incomparable force that arises when we’re together. HELLOWEEN is way more powerful than the sum of its parts.”
With Giants & Monsters, HELLOWEEN boldly step into their fifth decade, proving once again why they remain one of the most influential and beloved bands in heavy metal.
Giants & Monsters – Track Listing: 01. Giants On The Run 02. Savior Of The World 03. A Little Is A Little Too Much 04. We Can Be Gods 05. Into The Sun 06. This Is Tokyo 07. Universe (Gravity For Hearts) 08. Hand Of God 09. Under The Moonlight 10. Majestic
August 15th will see Dutch metal frontrunners Martyr release their forthcoming studio offering entitled Dark Believer.
The album will be available on CD, Vinyl and Digital formats through the band’s label ROAR, pre-order your favorite choice of format now on: https://martyr.rpm.link/dbalbumPR
After Martyr just recently revealed their album title track, the five-piece band is now premiering a music video for their new single “Wrath of the Fallen”!
“The second single from our new album Dark Believer hits like a storm. Wrath of the Fallen doesn’t wait,it kicks in immediately with a crushing riff, pounding drums, and thunderous bass,”the band comments. “And it gets even heavier when the superb vocals tear through. From the first second to the last, it’s non-stop, punishing metal that refuses to let go. Lyrically, this track is about crawling through darkness and despair, only to rise again with rage in your heart and fire in your veins. When you’ve lost everything…When you’re surrounded by shadows… “Voices remind me I’m real.” This is the sound of the fallen fighting back. For the outcasts, the damned, the survivors, This is your battle hymn. This is Wrath of the Fallen.”
Album Track-list: 01 – Darkness Before Dawn 02 – Dark Believer 03 – Wrath of the Fallen 04 – Cemetery Symphony 05 – Insidious 06 – The Weight of Words 07 – Venoms Scent 08 – Harvest Of Souls 09 – Legions Of The Cross
MARTYR: Rop van Haren – Vocals Rick Bouwman – Guitars Justin Schut – Guitars Vinnie Wassink – Bass Elwin Molenaar – Drums
Less than three months before their new album Domination hits the shelves (September 5, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music), German metal frontrunners PRIMAL FEAR shift up another gear with “TheHunter“. The second single from the record tells a conceived story while it musically sounds the attack for the quintet’s upcoming record.
Being also the opening track of Domination, the track builds up tension with anthemic lead harmonies before bursting drums and guitars break through the idyll to set the tone for another highly melodic piece from PRIMAL FEAR’s musical forge. The single additionally cements the thoroughly positive impression the group left with first single “Far Away”, which saw them introduce their striking new line-up.
“Science fiction scenery, the beast is behind you, it’s me, I’m THE HUNTER, so better watch out, I smell your blood and I’m gonna get you!” warns vocalist Ralf Scheepers grinningly.
Photo credit: Heiko Roith
L-R: Mat Sinner (bass, vocals), André Hilgers (drums), Thalìa Bellazecca (guitars), Ralf Scheepers (vocals), Magnus Karlsson (guitars)
Picking up the dystopian theme of the single, director Patric Ullaeus (IN FLAMES, AMARANRATHE, EVERGREY etc.) placed the band — Scheepers, bassist/vocalist Mat Sinner, guitarists Thalìa Bellazecca and Magnus Karlsson, and drummer André Hilgers — in ruined environment to create a ‘metal as f**k’ music video where they find themselves surrounded by hellfire.
01. The Hunter 02. Destroyer 03. Far Away 04. I Am The Primal Fear 05. Tears Of Fire 06. Heroes And Gods 07. Hallucinations 08. Eden [feat. Melissa Bonny of AD INFINITUM] 09. Scream 10. The Dead Don’t Die 11. Crossfire 12. March Boy March 13. A Tune I Won’t Forget Bonus Track [physical only; excl. jewel case-CD] 14. Bridges Will Burn
02.07.2025 DE Ballenstedt – Rockharz Open Air *SOLD OUT* 18.07.2025 IT Cremona – Luppolo in Rock 21.08.2025 DE Haddeby – Baltic Open Air 23.08.2025 UK Newark – Stonedead Festival *SOLD OUT*
“Domination” Tour 2025 w/ ELEINE 05.09.2025 DE Hamburg – Markthalle 06.09.2025 DE Leipzig – Anker 07.09.2025 DE Bochum – Zeche 09.09.2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal 10.09.2025 DE Munich – Backstage 12.09.2025 DE Memmingen – Kaminwerk 13.09.2025 DE Mannheim – Capitol 14.09.2025 DE Regensburg-Obertraubling – Eventhall Airport 16.09.2025 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 18.09.2025 DE Berlin – Hole 44 19.09.2025 DE Naila – Frankenhalle 20.09.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Halle) 21.09.2025 BE Sint-Niklaas – De Casino 23.09.2025 NL Amstelveen – P60 25.09.2025 PL Warsaw – Stodola 26.09.2025 CZ Prague – MeetFactory 27.09.2025 CZ Zlín – Masters of Rock Café 30.09.2025 ES Madrid – Mon 01.10.2025 ES Murcia – Garaje 03.10.2025 ES Barcelona – Salamandra 04.10.2025 ES Pamplona – Sala Totem
Right on time for another exciting live adventure, rising symphonic/power metallers INDUCTION have officially released their latest single through Reigning Phoenix Music today. The track titled ‘Beyond Horizons,’ which already celebrated its live premiere during the band’s most recent European tour, will be a part of their forthcoming record, and is their first sonic sign after regrouping themselves in late 2024, resulting in the addition of singer Gabriele Gozzi, guitarist Justus Sahlman and drummer Markus “Maks” Felber.
Also accompanied by a new music video, “Beyond Horizons” impressively shows the wide range of elements INDUCTION’s creative work is driven by: Forcing triplet drumming and riffing, backed by epically flourishing synths and choirs, build the ground of a track that is both profound and jubilant. Empowering melodies and rhythms make “Beyond Horizons” not only an anthem of the warm season and a perfect soundtrack to everyone’s next concert or festival trip. All aboard the INDUCTION train, metalheads, we’re just getting started!
Guitarist Tim Kanoa Hansen comments: “With ‘Beyond Horizons,’ we ring the bell for our long-awaited third album. And I believe it’s a mighty peek for what is to come: a story of love in twisted worlds and destiny. ‘Beyond Horizons’ is the perfect kick-off to show you what we’ve been up to and what to expect. Dive in and enjoy: I’m sure this song will be stuck in your head for quite some time.”
Crafted at Hamburg, Germany’s Chameleon Studios and Boogie Park Studios, the song was produced by Hansen and mixed and mastered by Eike Freese in collaboration with him. The design of the single artwork was a team effort by TheArchangel and Marius Rietze.
Beyond Horizons” will once again be presented live to massive crowds during INDUCTION’s five shows supporting the mighty SAVATAGE this June. Followed by the band’s first Wacken Open Air appearance, the quintet has been confirmed as the supporting act of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS and WARKING’s 2026 Pirates & Kings Over Europe tour, taking them to 20+ cities across the continent in February/March. INDUCTION’s current itinerary can be found below!
THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER! OUR NEW ALBUM, VIDEO SINGLE, TOUR DATES & COVER REVEALED!
2 years after the release of THE DARK TOWER, we are excited to introduce you to INQUISITION, our highly anticipated new album, that will be released on August 22nd, 2025 via Napalm Records.
Our new album cover painted for the band by our friend magicfingers Gyula Havancsák, the videoclip recorded by Dream Film Factory and for the recording and production, our old friend V.O.Pulver at Little Creek Studio in Switzerland!
Inquisition will be available on August 22, 2025 in the following formats:
1 CD Digipak
1 LP Black
1 LP Translucent Orange (GSA, CH – SWISS EDITION)
1 LP Translucent Orange Black Splatter
1 LP Cross Red Black
2 LP Die Hard Gold Black Marbled (feat. 1 LP Inquisition + 1 LP The Night Of The Witch LIVE Album, 8p Booklet)
BLACK RED Band Limited numbered to 200 edition with poster.
Deluxe Wooden Box (feat. CD + Live CD + Autograph Card + Pendant + Gloves + Patch)
Music Cassette
Digital Album
BURNING WITCHES Live – US Tour:
08/30/25 – Pompano Beach – FL – Piper’s Pub 08/31/25 – Clearwater – FL – Road House 09/02/25 – Atlanta – GA – Masquerade 09/04/25 – Covington – KY – Madison Live 09/05/25 – Westland – MI – Token Lounge 09/06/25 – Columbus – OH – The King Of Clubs 09/07/25 – Cleveland – OH – Beachland Ballroom 09/09/25 – Pittsburgh – PA – Crafthouse Stage & Grill 09/10/25 – Harrisburg – PA – Club XL 09/11/25 – Philadelphia – PA – City Winery 09/12/25 – Teaneck – NJ – The Debonair Music Hall 09/13/25 – New Bedford – MA – The Vault 09/14/25 – Hampton Beach – NH – Wally’s 09/17/25 – Annapolis – MD – Rams Head On Stage 09/18/25 – Virginia Beach – VA – Elevation 27 09/20/25 – Sanford – FL – West End Trading Co
Europe – WITCHES AND KINGS TOUR 2026:
09.01.26 Milano – Legend Club IT 10.01.26 Obertraubling – Airport DE 11.01.26 Zlin – Masters Of Rock Cafe CZ 13.01.26 Rubigen – Mühle Hunziken CH 14.01.26 Brugg – Salzhaus CH 15.01.26 Basel – Sudhaus CH 16.01.26 Langenthal – Old Capitol CH 17.01.26 Zug – Galvanik CH 18.01.26 St.Gallen – Grabenhalle CH 19.01.26 Glarus – Kulturzentrum Hölastei CH 20.01.26 Monthey – Pont Rouge CH 21.01.26 Wetzikon – Kulturfabrik CH 23.01.26 London – The Dome UK 24.01.26 Birmingham – The Asylum UK 25.01.26 Manchester – Academy 3 UK 27.01.26 Kortrijk – DVG Club BE 28.01.26 Paris – Backstage By The Mill FR 29.01.26 Essen – Turock DE 30.01.26 Kaiserslautern – Kammgarn DE 31.01.26 Aschaffenburg – Colos Saal DE 01.02.26 München – Backstage Halle DE 03.02.26 Nürnberg – Hirsch DE 04.02.26 Leipzig – Hellraiser DE 05.02.26 Hannover – Musikzentrum DE 06.02.26 Hamburg – Logo DE 07.02.26 Uden – De Pul NL 08.02.26 Heerlen – Nieuwe Nor NL 10.02.26 Lyon – Rock N Eat FR 11.02.26 Barcelona – Salamandra ESP 12.02.26 Murcia – Garaje ESP 13.02.26 Madrid – Revi Live ESP 14.02.26 Vitoria – Urban Rock ESP
ADDITIONAL DATES:
25.04.26 Reinhardshagen – Wezer Metal Meeting DE 03.05.26 Diest – Hell Open Air BEL 09.05.26 Rautheim DE Rock In Rautheim DE 26.06.26 Oschersleben – Rock & Metal Dayz DE
This tour marks 25 glorious years of Dawn of Victory — and we’re bringing you a legendary setlist filled with timeless anthems and powerful tracks from our latest albums!
Standing with us on this mighty journey are our fierce allies: Enforcer Witherfall Striker
Prepare for a night of symphonic power metal glory – see you in the front row!
9/5 – Austin, TX – Come and Take it Live 9/6 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater 9/8 – Mesa, AZ – The Rosetta Room 9/9 – Los Angeles, CA – 1720 9/10 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge 9/11 – Portland, OR – Nova PDX 9/12 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon 9/13 – Vancouver, BC – The Pearl 9/15 – Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall 9/16 – Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater 9/17 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck 9/18 – Joliet, IL – The Forge 9/19 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge 9/20 – Toronto, ON – The Garrison 9/22 – Montreal, QC – Le Studio TD 9/23 – Quebec City, QC – Salle Montaigne 9/24 – Boston, MA – Middle East Downstairs 9/25 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Monarch
Emerging from New York’s vile, creature-infested underground, fantasy heavy metal band CASTLE RAT have announced details of their impending sophomore album, The Bestiary. Their follow-up to last year’s critically lauded debut, Into The Realm, The Bestiary will be collaboratively released on September 19th by King Volume Records (US) and Blues Funeral Recordings (UK/Europe).
Since their formation in 2019, CASTLE RAT have created a vivid labyrinth of fantasy lore led by “The Rat Queen” (AKA Riley Pinkerton). Together with “The Count,” “The Plague Doctor” and “The All-Seeing Druid,” the group has carried out countless battles against “The Rat Reaperess” with riffs, swords and spells on stages across the country.
Recorded by Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Wolves in the Throne Room, Björk) and mixed by Jonathan Nuñez (Torche, Restless Spirit), the band’s latest odyssey features 13 spellbinding tracks of epic carnage and mystical metal.
The Bestiery– Track-list:
1. PHOENIX I: Ardent 2. WOLF I: Tooth & Blade 3. WIZARD: Crystal Heart 4. SIREN: The Pull of Promise 5. UNICORN: Carnage and Ice 6. PATH OF MOSS 7. CRYSTAL CAVE: Enshrined 8. SERPENT: Coiled Figure 9. WOLF II: Celestial Beast 10. DRAGON: Lord of The Sky 11. SUMMONING SPELL 12. SUN SONG: Behold The Flame 13. PHOENIX II: Cinerous
Commenting on the album, The Rat Queen states:
“‘The Bestiary’ is a conceptual book of beasts containing a collection of mystical creatures from a world forgotten. The last remaining souls of each have been gathered and preserved by ‘The Wizard.’ Cautionary tales of each beast and The Wizard himself are woven through the power of traditional heavy metal song and spell.”
With the record’s announcement, CASTLE RAT have unveiled plans for “The Book of Beasts Tour” in late summer in support of The Bestiary. Purchase tickets here: https://bnds.us/jnqiyj
CASTLE RAT Tour Dates: Sep 5 – Boston, MA – Sonia Sep 6 – Elizabethtown, NY – Otis Sep 7 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar Sep 8 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace Sep 9 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups Sep 10 – Chicago, IL – Reggies Sep 12 – Kansas City, MO – The Ship Sep 13 – Colorado Springs, CO – What’s Left Fest Sep 14 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge Sep 16 – Seattle, WA – Clockout Lounge Sep 17 – Portland, OR – Star Theater Sep 18 – Austin, TX – Fantastic Fest Sep 20 – Berkeley, CA – Cornerstone Sep 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Zebulon Sep 22 – San Diego, CA – The Casbah Sep 23 – Phoenix, AZ – Last Exit Sep 24 – Albuquerque, NM – Sister Sep 27 – Houston, TX – Last Concert Sep 28 – New Orleans, LA – Gasa Gasa Sep 30 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl Oct 1 – Asheville, NC – Eulogy Oct 2 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel of Bones Oct 3 – Charlottesville, VA – Southern Cafe Oct 4 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar Oct 5 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
Castle Rat is a Medieval Fantasy Doom Metal band hailing from NYC, led by “The Rat Queen,” Riley Pinkerton, on rhythm guitar and lead vocals. On her mission to expand and defend “The Realm” from those who seek to destroy it, The Rat Queen is joined by “The Count” (Franco Vittore), on lead guitar and backing vocals; “The Plague Doctor” (Charley Ruddell), on bass and “The All-Seeing Druid” (Joshua Strmic) on drums. Together they face the relentless wrath of their archnemesis: Death, Herself — “The Rat Reaperess.”
Along their journey, Castle Rat have played in support of Monolord (SE), Acid King (CA), Green Lung (UK), and appeared at festivals including Desertfest NYC, RPM Fest and Hopsmoker, among others.
Since the band’s pre-plague inception in October 2019, Castle Rat have released their debut album, “Into The Realm,” with King Volume Records in April 2024, which has racked up over one million Spotify streams and held the post as the #1 Best-Selling Hard Rock/All Rock Album on Bandcamp upon its release.
The band has cultivated a fiercely loyal following by curating a riveting, interactive, lore-laden live performance, complete with a choreographed battle scene, recruiting fans who crave swords & sorcery, stoner & doom, battle-babes & beasts, Frazetta & Sabbath.
2025 began with an explosive start. Castle Rat launched a record-breaking Kickstarter to fund their second album, fully funding the campaign in just 37 minutes. The month-long fundraiser went on to be the most successful metal Kickstarter in over a decade, closing out at $139K.
Commanding, fierce, and & triumphing since 1997, there’s no better way to describe Germany’s premier power metal band, PRIMAL FEAR. The band have just unveiled details about their upcoming album Domination, set to drop on September 5, 2025 via RPM. Pre-orders are now open in a variety of physical formats and digital options here:
To celebrate this announcement, the lead single “Far Away” has officially landed on streaming platforms worldwide. Packed with all the signature elements of a classic PRIMAL FEAR anthem – soaring melodies, thunderous drums and bass, and a blistering twin-guitar solo – the track also carries a powerful sense of yearning, brought to life by Ralf Scheepers’ unmistakable vocals.
Filmed at Dennis Ward’s Kangaroo Studios in Karlsdorf-Neuthard, Germany, where the Domination recording sessions took place in late 2024, “Far Away” is also available now as a performance-style music video on YouTube.
Scheepers explains the meaning behind the single: “It’s an expression of faith and trust, no matter where or what. We all know this feeling of missing someone so much, not being able to see or hear him/her every day – especially as musicians whilst touring.”
Going strong for nearly three decades, the band founded and still led by Mat Sinner (bass, vocals) and Ralf Scheepers (vocals) have never let down their global fanbase. Relentless and constantly pushing their limits, PRIMAL FEAR ensure that no two albums ever sound the same. After Code Red [2023] hit some of the highest chart positions of their career, expectations for the next release were higher than ever.
Now joined by gifted guitarist Thalìa Bellazecca and former touring drummer André Hilgers, the quintet were more than up for the challenge. And as Domination makes clear, no obstacle is too great for PRIMAL FEAR’s powerhouse songwriting trio – Sinner, Scheepers, and guitarist Magnus Karlsson, who also rejoins the band’s live line-up after several years away.
From the hard-hitting opener “The Hunter” and first single “Far Away,” to the uplifting mid-tempo anthem “Tears Of Fire” and the epic ballad “Eden” – featuring a surprise guest appearance by AD INFINITUM’s Melissa Bonny, Domination delivers on all fronts. Add in neck-breakers like “Scream” and “Crossfire,” and the reflective, string-and-piano-driven closer “A Tune I Won’t Forget,” and it’s clear: PRIMAL FEAR aren’t here to reclaim the crown – they’re here to prove they’ve never left the throne of heavy/power metal royalty.
01. The Hunter 02. Destroyer 03. Far Away 04. I Am The Primal Fear 05. Tears Of Fire 06. Heroes And Gods 07. Hallucinations 08. Eden [feat. Melissa Bonny of AD INFINITUM] 09. Scream 10. The Dead Don’t Die 11. Crossfire 12. March Boy March 13. A Tune I Won’t Forget Bonus Track [physical only; excl. jewel case-CD] 14. Bridges Will Burn
Dominationwas recorded in autumn 2024, produced by Mat Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers as well as Magnus Karlsson. Rounded off by multiple PRIMAL FEAR mixing/mastering engineer Jacob Hansen at his own studios in Denmark, the album artwork was designed by Death.Milk.Designs.
Warming up at five select summer festivals, PRIMAL FEAR will return to the live front with their longest European tour since 2018. RPM label mates ELEINE have been confirmed as special guests. All dates & tickets can be found below!
09.05.2025 DE Braunschweig – Rock in Rautheim 02.07.2025 DE Ballenstedt – Rockharz Open Air SOLD OUT 18.07.2025 IT Cremona – Luppolo in Rock 21.08.2025 DE Haddeby – Baltic Open Air 23.08.2025 UK Newark – Stonedead Festival SOLD OUT
“Domination” Tour 2025 w/ ELEINE 05.09.2025 DE Hamburg – Markthalle 06.09.2025 DE Leipzig – Anker 07.09.2025 DE Bochum – Zeche 09.09.2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal 10.09.2025 DE Munich – Backstage 12.09.2025 DE Memmingen – Kaminwerk 13.09.2025 DE Mannheim – Capitol 14.09.2025 DE Regensburg-Obertraubling – Eventhall Airport 16.09.2025 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 18.09.2025 DE Berlin – Hole 44 19.09.2025 DE Naila – Frankenhalle 20.09.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Halle) 21.09.2025 BE Sint-Niklaas – De Casino 23.09.2025 NL Amstelveen – P60 25.09.2025 PL Warsaw – Stodola 26.09.2025 CZ Prague – MeetFactory 27.09.2025 CZ Zlín – Masters of Rock Café 30.09.2025 ES Madrid – Mon 01.10.2025 ES Murcia – Garaje 03.10.2025 ES Barcelona – Salamandra 04.10.2025 ES Pamplona – Sala Totem
Back in January, UK heavy metal veterans Orange Goblin announced that 2025 would mark their final year, capping an extraordinary 30-year journey that has seen them evolve from backroom bar rockers to one of the most respected names in British metal.
Now, Orange Goblin have shared details of the End Of Transmission 1995-2025 Tour, their final seven shows across the UK and Ireland:
“We are delighted to finally announce that Orange Goblin will do one last tour of the UK and Ireland in December 2025 before we call it a day! It’s going to be bittersweet performing at these last 7 shows, seven of the biggest shows we will have ever played! Although there will be sadness at this being the end, we are very happy to be able to bring along two amazing bands that we took out on their first ever tours, old and new.”
“From Sweden, we have the almighty power of GRAND MAGUS, a band that we toured Europe with way back in 2002, and then again in 2004. We have always remained friends and know what an amazing live act they are, every time they take to the stage. Opening up each night will be one of the best UK bands of the past 10 years, URNE, who we took on their first UK tour back in 2021. We were blown away with their modern take on metal and the soundscapes they create, mixing subtlety and aggression! These promise to be very special shows and will be your very last chance to come and drink, headbang and raise some hell with Orange ‘Fuckin’ Goblin Baby!’ We will be playing songs from throughout our 30-year career, so whether you’re an old die-hard or a new fan, there should be something for everyone.”
“We’ve been announcing final shows all over the world this year and have been reading the fans’ comments about doing one last trek around the UK and Ireland, so we didn’t want to disappoint them and feel that it will be fitting to end our journey in our hometown of London! One last Orange Goblin Christmas knees-up anyone? You know it makes sense!” – BenWard, Orange Goblin 2025
ORANGE GOBLIN – THE END OF TRANSMISSION TOUR Special Guests: Grand Magus Opening Band: Urne
10.12: The Garage, Glasgow, UK 11.12: The Button factory, Dublin, IRE 12.12: KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton, UK 13.12: Academy 2, Manchester, UK 14.12: SWX, Bristol, UK 16.12: The 1865, Southampton, UK 17.12: o2 Kentish Town Forum, London, UK
A Legacy of Metal Formed in 1995, Orange Goblin have cemented their place in the annals of heavy metal with 10 acclaimed studio albums, most recently 2024’s Science, Not Fiction, earning accolades from fans and peers alike. Known for their relentless touring and ability to transcend genres, the band have garnered a global following, performing at legendary festivals and venues across the world.
“Science, Not Fiction finds Orange Goblin on their strongest, most strident form in over a decade. That’s a fact.” – KERRANG
“London’s stoner metal titans deliver a masterpiece” – METAL HAMMER
“Orange Goblin have created one of the year’s best albums, let alone one of the strongest in their already impressive discography” – 10/10 FISTFUL OF METAL
Primal Fear – Domination Release date: September 5th
“THE EAGLES ARE BACK! Ladies & Gentlemen – here is the album cover of our new album DOMINATION – You can pre order the album from now on. The first single/video “FAR WAY” will be unleashed tomorrow at 18h CET. More details soon!”
Releasing via Reigning Phoenix Music. Album artwork was designed by Death.Milk.Designs.
Primal Fear: Ralf Scheepers (vocals), Mat Sinner (bass), Thalìa Bellazecca (guitar), André Hilgers (drums), Magnus Karlsson (guitars)
2025 does not only see German iconic metal institution Grave Digger celebrate its 45th anniversary, they also had the release of their 23rd chart success album Bone Collector at the beginning of the new year, via the band’s label partner ROAR.
Now, the heavy metal titans have shared a previously-unreleased song, taken off the songwriting session for Bone Collector! “Hellfire Crusade”, a track that is 100% tailored to every headbanger with a chorus that sticks in the ear canals after one listen, onceagain showcases the raw and unbridled side of the band.
45 years in the game and Grave Digger show no signs of slowing down, on the contrary, the band is in top form in 2025 and does not want to deprive the fans of this further piece of German heavy metal. In this song, the band performs at the highest level and once again shows all their class and experience. Metal as it should be. Raw, brutal, filigree and always 120% forward!
GRAVE DIGGER: Chris Boltendahl (Vocals) Jens Becker (Bass) Tobias Kersting (Guitar) Marcus Kniep (Drums)
Bone Collector was released as a CD digipak, picture vinyl, colored marbled vinyl, RPM exclusive splatter vinyl and digitally on January 17th through ROAR. At the RPM & ROAR Mailorder Shop, the limited splatter vinyl and the digipak are also available as a bundle with the exclusive “Old School” shirt. To order your copy of this must-have gem, one that belongs into every well-sorted heavy metal record collection, visit: https://gravedigger.rpm.link/bonecollectorpr
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨 We locked ourselves in a studio, summoned some giants, wrestled a few monsters, and somehow came out with a brand-new album:
GIANTS & MONSTERS (It also smells like victory and possibly dragon breath.)
The album is DONE. 🎃
And because we’re terrible at keeping secrets (and even worse at waiting)… Ready to enter the realm of riffs, roars, and ridiculous solos? Tracklist incoming. Brace yourselves. Or don’t. We’re not your parents.
Australia’s’ metal warriors TEMTRIS will be touring Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, the U.K. and Germany beginning on August 1st. Check out the tour mat above!
Polish female fronted Heavy Metal act CRYSTAL VIPER announce the release of a live album entitled The Live Quest. It was recorded during last year’s ‘The Silver Key Tour’ at live shows in Poland, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy, France, Belgium and Czech Republic. The Live Quest which will come out Friday June 27 on Listenable Records and will be available on Vinyl , CD and Digitally.
Cover artwork was painted by Mario Lopez, who is also responsible for the last two CRYSTAL VIPER studio albums artworks: The Cult and The Silver Key.
CRYSTAL VIPER is a band formed and led by Marta Gabriel – vocalist, bassist and guitarist. Their last studio album The Silver Key came out in 2024 on Listenable Records and was promoted on a full European Tour and Summer festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Hellfest. While due to Marta’s presence, the band is very often compared to such female fronted acts as WARLOCK, their style is a mixture of Heavy and Power Metal, inspired by bands such as IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST.
The Silver Key was once again inspired by the works of the father of Cosmic Horror, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, the album is a natural continuation of the previous full length release, The Cult (Listenable records – 2021).
It is without a doubt the most intense release that CRYSTAL VIPER ever recorded and the album received a roaring response from the press worldwide and featured Bathory and Misfits covers as bonus tracks.
The Live Quest first single “The Cult” live) will be released on Wednesday May 7th.
CRYSTAL VIPER are joining Riot IV on their 50th anniversary tour: 29/04 France, Grenoble, L’Ilyade 30/04 Italy, Milano, Legend 01/05 Italy, Rome, Traffic 02/05 Italy, Bologna, Alchemica 03/05 Slovenia, Medvode, Klub Jedro 04/05 Austria, Wien, Viper Room
CRYSTAL VIPER The Live Quest – Track-list:
Return To Providence (01:43)
Fever Of The Gods (4:27)
The Silver Key (4:44)
The Cult (4:54)
Metal Nation (5:48)
Night Of The Sin (4:35)
The Witch Is Back (4:45)
Still Alive (3:50)
The Last Axeman (6:00)
Band line up: Marta Gabriel – vocals, bass guitar, guitar, piano Lukasz ″Andy Wave″ Halczuch – lead and rhythm guitars Kuba Galwas – drums and percussion Eric Juris – lead and rhythm guitars
Discography: The Curse of Crystal Viper (Album – 2007) Metal Nation ( Album – 2009) Legends ( Album – 2010) Crimen Excepta ( Album – 2012) Possession ( Album – 2013) Queen of the Witches ( Album – 2017) Tales of Fire and Ice ( Album – 2019) The Cult ( Listenable Album – 2021) The Last Axeman (Listenable Album- 2022) The Silver Key ( Listenable Album – 2024)
USA, WE ARE BACK!! We are super happy to announce our next US run! It’s amazing to have this huge support from our American fans, and we are so excited to be rocking with you again. Keep your eyes peeled for some big surprises to be announced around the tour!
Ready to fight!!
BURNING WITCHES – USA Tour 2025:
08/30/25: Pompano Beach, FL @ Piper’s Pub 08/31/25: Clearwater, FL @ OCC Road House 09/02/25: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade Purgatory 09/04/25: Covington, KY @ Madison Live 09/05/25: Westland, MI @ Token Lounge 09/06/25: Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs 09/07/25: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom 09/09/25: Pittsburgh, PA @ Crafthouse Stage and Grill 09/10/25: Harrisburg, PA @ Club XL 09/11/25: Philadelphia, PA @ City Winery 09/12/25: Teaneck, NJ @ The Debonair Music Hall 09/13/25: New Bedford, MA @ The Vault Performing Arts 09/14/25: Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s 09/17/25: Annapolis, MD @ Ram’s Head On Stage 09/18/25: Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27 09/20/25: Sanford, FL @ West End Trading Co
One of the world’s most iconic music venues – the Sunset Strip’s Roxy Theatre – hosted a legendary 2024 gig by one of the world’s most iconic metal bands, CIRITH UNGOL. The one-night-only performance was an album release show for the band’s 2023 Dark Parade LP. It captured the lineup at the height of its considerable powers, performing Dark Parade in its entirety, along with a set of classic songs including “Join The Legion,” “Frost And Fire,” “Black Machine,” and “Atom Smasher.” The end result is a stellar live album and DVD.
There was no choice other than the Roxy for CIRITH UNGOL to record this momentous live collection. “It’s owned by a Hollywood music legend, Lou Adler,” notes cofounding drummer Rob Garven, “and is next door to the famous Rainbow Bar And Grill. It’s a landmark Hollywood club, which includes the Whisky and The Starwood [now gone] so every time we played one of these historic venues, it was a special occasion. It was great to see many of our friends and fans from all over the world at the show.”
Adds bassistJarvis Leatherby, “For years, there has been a live bootleg record famous in the underground from their last appearance there in1984 titled Cirith Ungol, Live At The Roxy. I felt it fitting for the band to return there 40 years later to officially document a live performance in a way the guys would be proud of. Metal Blade Records, The Adlers, Nanotear, and Goldenvoice all came together in support to actually make it happen.”
CIRITH UNGOL’s Live At The Roxy holds its own against other legendary live records. “The Who made an extremely powerful album with Live At Leeds, my favorite band of all time, Mountain, had several pretty spectacular live albums, and 1993’s Uriah Heep Live is another outstanding live album! It’s hard to accurately capture all the sound and feeling of a live concert. I think these bands achieved that, and I think our Live At The Roxy does also.”
Live At The Roxy will be released on April 25th via Metal Blade Records. In advance of its official unveiling, today the band presents a taste of the monumental event with video footage of “Down Below.”
Comments Garven, “This song strung together by the haunting acoustic guitar is a gift to all of you on this Doomed Planet! It was, and is, the culmination of all the pain and suffering absorbed into our being from the pandemic, the lost lives, cancelled shows, isolation, and stimuli deprivation. It features some of my best drumming and one of [guitarist] Jimmy [Barraza]’s best solos. As the song rises to the ultimate crescendo, all this pent-up emotion is unleashed on the listener with our final gasping breath. Truly a churning maelstrom of metal chaos descending!”
Live At The Roxy will be available digitally and as a 2xCD/DVD set or 2xLP/DVD set in the following color variants:
Green Black Marbled (US – Ltd. 500) 180g Black (EU) Light Blue Marbled (EU) Green Black Marbled (EU – Ltd. 500) Demon Blood Splatter (EU – Ltd. 300) White / Blue Splatter (Band Exclusive – Ltd. 200 available HERE)
CIRITH UNGOL – Live At The Roxy Lineup: Tim Baker – vocals Greg Lindstrom – guitar Robert Garven – drummer Armand John Anthony – guitar Jarvis Leatherby – bass
On May 16, 2025, powerhouse label ROAR will proudly reissue the first three, iconic records by Swedish thrash and speed metal legends Hexenhaus: A Tribute To Insanity (1988),The Edge Of Eternity (1990), and Awakening (1991)!
Available on CD, colored vinyl and digitally, the physical products will also come with new liner notes and an exclusive history text. All formats got remastered by Ronnie Björnström (Mezzrow a.o.). Find pre-order options listed below!
Depending on the path you chose, one could say that the story of Sweden’s best kept thrash metal secret starts all the way up in the northern parts of Sweden. In a city called Boden to be more precise. That’s where the metal force Maninnya Blade took it’s form during the middle of the 80:s. Their take on speed metal caught the interest of the young guitarist Mickael Vikström, better known as Mike Wead and later on the guitarist in both Mercyful Fate and King Diamond. He would start out as a fan of the band, but it didn’t take long until’ he was their new guitarist and the talk of the town.
“When I joined them they already had four great songs more or less done already. It was; “Requiem”, “The Dead Are Restless”, “Delirious” and “Eaten Alive”,“ Wead reveals. “The style was much heavier than the music we had done before and to mark the fresh start of the band, at least that’s how we saw it, we also decided to change the name from Maninnya to Hexenhaus. The name is German for witch’s house and is a reference to the Malefizhaus in Bamberg, Germany. A frightful place where hundreds of suspected witches were tortured and executed during the early 17:th century.”
To call the material “heavier than before” is an understatement. The music on the four songs that ended up on the today highly sought after demo cassette “Demo 1988” drew its inspiration from bands like Metallica, Slayer and Mercyful Fate. A stellar testimony of what was going around in the early thrash metal scene around that time. The lucky ones that possess the “Demo 1988” cassette got a true gem on their hands.
After signing with Axis Records, the band entered the studio to record their stellar debut album A Tribute To Insanity. Half of the album contains the four songs that made up the demo, as well as four more songs that seen the band combine ideas and trading riffs like never heard before on a Swedish metal album. A Tribute To Insanity was originally released on vinyl on the 17th of October 1988. Pre-order the ROAR reissue, a must-have that belongs into every well-sorted speed and thrash metal record collection, now on https://Hexenhaus.rpm.link/tributePR
The follow-up album, The Edge Of Eternity, was released on November 1st 1990. To pre-order this reissue from ROAR, visit: https://Hexenhaus.rpm.link/eternityPR
During the same time asThe Edge Of Eternity was released in the early 90’s, Megadeth released their classic album Rust In Peace, Exodus came out with “Impact Is Imminent” and Germany’s Mekong Delta (who also was a big influence on The Edge Of Eternity) came out with their most popular album Dances Of Death (And Other Walking Shadows). To say that the thrash scene was looking good is an understatement, it was boiling hot!
In the midst of it stood Hexenhaus just waiting for the big breakthrough. “We thought that we would get approached by different management and offered tours that would take us all over Europe but that never happened”, Mike Weadsighs. “We were amateurs when it came to promote ourselves and how could we be anything else? We didn’t know that we needed to do more than creating albums to get a breakthrough!”
When the offers didn’t come as expected, Mike and the band started to work on new material. But just like the last time it was with a new line-up who was more than ready to give their all for the band. Besides the broken bones, the blood and the gated reverbs, the recordings of Awakening went smooth. The album was released in August 1991 and much to the bands dismay nothing happened for them this time either.
“Once again we got great reviews from abroad”, Mike recalls. “Big and important magazines like Metal Hammer, Kerrang, Metal Forces and Aardschok gave us fantastic reviews! Even better than the ones we’ve received before, but we just couldn’t break through. We were still stuck in Sweden doing small shows put together by fans.” The band called it a quits in 1992.
International power metal act SAEKO, led by the dynamic Japanese singer Saeko Kitamae, has launched an exciting crowdfunding campaign to support the recording of the new mini-album and music video.
Join the campaign and be part of this exciting chapter by supporting athttp://kck.st/3PXwcDz.
This project will reimagine select tracks from her groundbreaking 2004 debut album, Above Heaven Below Heaven, giving them new life with the incredible musicianship of her internationally acclaimed band. SAEKO made history in 2005 as the first Asian female artist to perform at Wacken Open Air, setting the stage for a career built on perseverance, musical excellence, and international collaboration. After a 15-year hiatus, she returned in 2021 with Holy Are We Alone, an album that reaffirmed her status as one of power metal’s most passionate voices.
Born in Osaka, Japan, Saeko Kitamae’s musical journey started with a deep love for rock and metal, leading her to move to Germany in pursuit of her dream of becoming a power metal singer. She collaborated with renowned European musicians and quickly made a name for herself in the international metal scene. She has worked with some of the best in the industry, including Michael Ehre (Gamma Ray, The Unity), Lars Ratz (Metalium), and Guido Benedetti (Trick Or Treat). Her ability to seamlessly blend Japanese and Western metal influences has made her music unique and emotionally powerful. In addition to her studio work, she has toured with legendary artists such as Doro, bringing her powerful stage presence to audiences across Europe.
The band is composed of Saeko Kitamae on vocals, Guido Benedetti (Trick Or Treat) on guitars, Alessandro Sala (Rhapsody Of Fire) on bass, and Michael Ehre (Gamma Ray, The Unity) on drums. Together, they create an electrifying sound that combines powerful melodies, deep compositions, and the raw energy of metal.
It has been over three years since SAEKO’s last album, and her journey back has been an inspiring one. At the beginning of 2020, she successfully raised ¥2,000,000 (€15,400) in a crowdfunding campaign, allowing her to record Holy Are We Alone. However, just as she was ready to take the next step, COVID-19 disrupted everything, halting live performances, delaying plans, and ultimately affecting her ability to stay in Europe, forcing her return to Japan. Now, she is ready to push forward stronger than ever, with new music and a fresh vision that fans can be part of.
This crowdfunding campaign is an opportunity for fans to directly contribute to the making of a mini-album and a high-quality music video that will celebrate SAEKO’s past while looking ahead to an exciting future. The goal is not only to revisit and reinterpret some of her classic songs but also to create momentum for upcoming live performances and new creative projects. With the support of her dedicated fanbase, SAEKO is eager to continue her artistic journey and bring her music to audiences worldwide.
By joining this campaign, fans become an essential part of the process, helping to fuel the creative energy that makes SAEKO’s music so unique. This is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a way to actively participate in the evolution of an artist whose passion for metal knows no bounds. Every supporter plays a role in making this project a reality, and together, we can celebrate SAEKO’s music in a way that unites the global metal community. Join the campaign and be part of this exciting chapter by supporting at http://kck.st/3PXwcDz.
Norwegian heavy metal trio Coffin Storm have unveiled a brand-new video today for their blistering track ‘Open The Gallows’. The 10 minute epic, taken from their 2024 debut album Arcana Rising, comes alongside a brilliant new video by Matthew Vickerstaff steeped in medieval and supernatural brutality.
Featuring Kolbotn veterans Apollyon (Aura Noir, Lamented Souls) and Bestial Tormentor (Infernö, Lamented Souls), the lineup is completed by Fenriz of Darkthrone on vocals.
Speaking on the new video and his inspiration behind the track, Apollyon said, “Open The Gallows is the longest track I have ever made. Initially we were thinking instrumental old Metallica style with loads of guitar melodies and shit. Apart from the opening/ending though, there’s not much Metallica in there. The main riff is Kreator-inspired if anything. Fortunately, we ended up having Fenriz sing on it after all because the vocal lines are amazing.
This being an all Kolbotn project we invited Arild from Obliteration/Abhorration/Necromantheon/Black Viper to do a legendary long-ass guitar lead as well.
Either way I thought the song deserved a video and Mr Matthew Vickerstaff came up with this idea to use clips from old B-movies. He did a fantastic job with collecting and editing, making it an exciting 10 minutes plus watch. Enjoy!”
On the prospect of new material in the future, Apollyon says:
“Arcana Rising seemed to go down really well with people, and we have plenty of material left in the vaults for an album number two, and always new ideas coming also, so work is progressing slowly but surely amid all the other things we have going on currently. Keep your eyes peeled!”
Metal Hammer – “When riffs are this good, why not draw them out a bit? A career-best performance”
Powerplay – 10/10 “nothing less than greatness”
Metal Talk –“Coffin Storm’s debut is an album that every fan of Doom-tinged Metal should hear”
Metal Sucks – 4.5/5 – “Coffin Storm have created a whopper of an album …. This one comes highly recommended”
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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