09.18 Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life ** 09.19 Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note 09.20 Tulsa, OK @ Boman Twin 09.21 Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live 09.22 San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger 09.23 Dallas, TX @ Trees 09.24 Kansas City, MO @ Warehouse on Broadway 09.25 Iowa City, IA @ Wildwood 09.26 McHenry, IL @ The Vixen 09.27 Sioux Falls, SD @ BIGs 09.29 Casper, WY @ Oil City Beer Company 09.30 Cheyenne, WY @ The Lincoln 10.01 Denver, CO @ Levitt Pavilion 10.02 Salt Lake City, UT @ Aces High 10.04 Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock** 10.05 San Jose, CA @ The Ritz 10.06 San Luis Obispo, CA @ SLO Brew 10.07 Palmdale, CA @ Transplants Brewery 10.08 West Hollywood, CA @ Whisky A Go-Go 10.09 Las Vegas, NV @ Swan Dive 10.10 Costa Mesa, CA @ The Wayfarer 10.11 Pomona, CA @ The Glass House Concert Hall 10.12 San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar 10.14 Yuma, AZ @ Arizona Marketplace 10.15 Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee ** SOULFLY only
A new chapter begins. German metal veterans BRAINSTORM have officially announced their brand-new studio album, Nightfall. The band’s forthcoming full-length will be released via Reigning Phoenix Music in Spring 2027, marking the next milestone in a career spanning more than three decades.
Following the critically acclaimed Plague Of Rats, BRAINSTORM continue to expand the lyrical universe inspired by Indian mythology while delivering the powerful songwriting, memorable hooks and unmistakable heaviness that have become the band’s trademark. At the same time, Nightfall will see the band embracing an even rawer and more dynamic approach, reaffirming the qualities that have made BRAINSTORM one of Germany’s most enduring metal acts.
Nightfall also introduces BRAINSTORM‘s current lineup, welcoming bassist Danij Perl and drummer Kevin Lütolf. Together with vocalist Andy B. Franck and guitarists Torsten Ihlenfeld and Milan Loncaric, the renewed lineup has forged an album that confidently looks ahead while staying true to the band’s unmistakable identity.
Andy B. Franck comments: “It’s been a while since you last heard from me, right? Well, buckle up because next year sees the release of our new album, Nightfall, which takes us even deeper into the realm of Indian mythology and more demonic realms.
Nightfall brings you to a world of beauty and grace, but also of death and despair. I’m so excited and can’t wait to drag you all down into these abysses with me, haha! I’m really keen to bring more of that raw, primal power back into the traditional sound. The result is going to blow your minds, and with my friend Seeb (Sebastian ‘Seeb’ Leverman\Orden Ogan) at the mixing desk, we can look forward to an awesome metal album in the spring of ’27! So, get ready for an incredible journey…”
Further details about Nightfall, including a first single and more info, will be revealed in the coming months.
CoreLeoni led by Gotthard founding member Leo Leoni, have announced the release of their new studio album Generection, set for release on September 11 via Reigning Phoenix Music. Marking the band’s fourth album since its formation in 2017 and the second featuring vocalist Gent Bushpepa, Generection sees CoreLeoni returning to their roots with their heaviest and hardest-hitting record to date.
Built on a foundation of unreleased tracks, the album showcases the powerhouse lineup of Alex Motta (drums), Mila Merker (bass), and Jgor Gianola (guitars), standing as unshakable pillars of the band’s sound.
While heavier and harder than its predecessors, Generection never sacrifices warmth or atmosphere, especially in its most intimate moments. With the entire band contributing more to the songwriting than ever before, the result aligns perfectly with Leo Leoni‘s unmistakable signature sound.
Of all the tracks on Generection, “Generation Rock” best captures the album’s generational spirit. The riff cuts like a knife, while the breakneck rhythm will have neck muscles tensing in anticipation of the inevitable headbanging.
Blending raw power with analog warmth, the song unites distant generations through a shared musical dream. The common thread is music itself, as Leo channels timeless emotions that still burn close to the heart. This first single perfectly embodies the album’s concept: just turn it up!
Generection – Track-list: 1. Last Goodbye 2. Generation Rock 3. Howling At The Moon 4. Sex On The Beach 5. Believe 6. Vision 7. Rock’n’Roll Rebel 8. Don’t Tell Me 9. I’m Afraid I’m In Love 10. Yearning 11. Lady Marmalade (Digital Album Only)
The analog mix is one of the defining characteristics of Generection, recreating the magic of ’70s and ’80s recordings while injecting a modern edge. Razor-sharp riffs, driving rhythms, and just the right touch of sweetness and dimension make this an album that opens a door to the past for younger listeners while reconnecting older rockers with their roots.
Since launching CoreLeoni in 2017, Leo Leoni has built the project into a celebrated hard rock force that bridges generations. With Gent Bushpepa once again delivering a commanding vocal performance and a band firing on all cylinders, Generection stands as a powerful statement of intent, honouring classic rock traditions while pushing confidently forward.
The Digipak CD edition also includes a bonus disc featuring the “Live At Hallenstadion” concert, recorded in Zürich, Switzerland, in July 2025 and previously available only as a digital release.
“Caught In A Spell” is the latest single from up-and-coming German melancholic heavy metal troupe, THE NIGHT ETERNAL. The track comes off the band’s upcoming Metal Blade debut, Cold Velvet, set to drop on August 21st.
Comments the band, “‘Caught In A Spell’ delivers the perfect heavy metal soundtrack for a night drive. Driven by a hypnotic groove and a powerful sing-along chorus, the song evokes images of endless highways and a restless sense of wanderlust, pulling the listener towards the unknown. Director Robert Piel underlines this atmosphere with a striking video clip, following a Harley-Davidson–riding knight through a cinematic road-movie journey.”
Watch THE NIGHT ETERNAL’s “Caught In A Spell” video HERE.
Watch THE NIGHT ETERNAL’s previously released video for “Where This World Ends”HERE.
Since their foundation in 2018, THE NIGHT ETERNAL have built themselves a serious reputation with their ‘70s and ‘80s guitar-driven sounds in their very own sinister guise. The band´s previous two full-lengths, Moonlit Cross (2021) and Fatale (2023), gained applause by fans and critics alike, which resulted in successful support tours (Blind Guardian, Michael Schenker Group, Angel Witch, Lucifer) and festival gigs (Wacken, Summer Breeze, Hellfest, Alcatraz) throughout Europe as well as a spot on the infamous Hell’s Heroes fest in Houston, Texas.
With Cold Velvet, the band ultimately carved out its own subgenre, weaving darkness, dreamlike unease and deep melancholy into a dramatic yet untainted heavy metal rock ’n’ roll attitude. Recurring trademarks such as hypnotic, ritualistic rhythms, mesmeric guitar riffs, melodies and irresistibly catchy choruses permeate every track drawing the listener into a trance-like state and unleashing a relentless surge of dark energy and dopamine.
The band is currently featured on the cover of Deaf Forever Magazine. Writes the esteemed publication, “Incredible, where is this band heading next? To the very top, of course. And it would take the devil himself to prevent Cold Velvet from finally catapulting THE NIGHT ETERNAL to the pinnacle of the European scene. Catchier yet even more mystical than before, the German band throws their entire talent into the ring across eight tracks, leaving behind everything else attempting to navigate the dynamic interplay of goth rock, gritty heavy metal, and anthemic hard rock (#1 in Soundcheck).”
Cold Velvet was recorded between May and December 2025, at Church Of Sound Studios in the greater area of Munich, Germany. Production, recording, and mixing duties were handled by Michael Zech, a guitarist of black metallers Secrets Of The Moon and a highly respected producer known for his work with Sulphur Aeon, Triptykon, and The Ruins Of Beverast, among others.
The record will be released on CD-digipak and digitally as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
180g black (US) Clear Purple w/ Black Smoke (EU – Ltd. 1000; includes 7”, slipmat, velvet bag, gas lighter) “Storm Cloud” Violet Blue Marbled (EU – Ltd. 700) Steel Grey Blue Marble (EU – Ltd. 500) Light Grey Blue Splatter (EU – Ltd. 300) “Black Dust” Crystal Clear (EU – Ltd. 200)
THE NIGHT ETERNAL Live: 7/18/2026 Baden in Blut Festival – Weil am Rhein, DE 8/20/2026 Goldgrube – Kassel, DE * Release Show 8/21/2026 Bambi Galore – Hamburg, DE * Release Show 8/22/2026 Nord Sommerfest – Essen, DE * Release Show 8/27/2026 Drums of War Festival – Barcelona, ES 9/25/2026 Delta Zinnober – Essen, DE w/ Messa: 10/27/2026 Le Dodu – Marseille, FR 10/28/2026 Sala Salamandra – Barcelona, ES 10/29/2026 Sala Copernico – Madrid, ES 10/30/2026 Antirouille – Montpellier, FR 10/31/2026 Rock Art Festival – Trier, DE * THE NIGHT ETERNAL only 11/01/2026 Petit Bain – Paris, FR 11/03/2026 Cathouse – Glasgow, UK 11/04/2026 Rebellion – Manchester, UK 11/05/2026 Rescue Rooms – Nottingham, UK 11/06/2026 Thekla – Bristol, UK 11/07/2026 The Garage – London, UK 11/09/2026 13 – Tilburg, NL 11/10/2026 Kavka – Antwerp, BE 11/12/2026 Franz Club – Berlin, DE 11/13/2026 Logo – Hamburg, DE 11/14/2026 Rockpalast – Bochum, DE 11/15/2026 Artheater – Cologne, DE 11/17/2026 Das Bett – Frankfurt, DE 11/18/2026 Backstage – Club Munich, DE 11/19/2026 Dynamo – Zurich, CH 11/20/2026 Sunset Bar – Martigny, CH 11/21/2026 Live Club – Trezzo sull’Adda, IT
THE NIGHT ETERNAL: Ricardo Baum – vocals Robert Richter – guitar Henry Käseberg – guitar Aleister Präkelt – drums
“Gloomy metal from my hometown. Beautiful!” – Mille Petrozza, Kreator
“With their new record, THE NIGHT ETERNAL cements even further, why they are the rightful defenders of the New Wave of German Heavy Metal and a staple of contemporary brutal night time rocking. Who let the bats out?!” – Johanna Sadonis, Lucifer
“Genuine emotions that sweep you back and forth, plunging you into the depths and soaring you to new heights. With this album, THE NIGHT ETERNAL fills the gaping void in my musical heart, the gap between rock-infused wave and rousing metal, like no one else can.” – Maik Weichert, Heaven Shall Burn
“If THE NIGHT ETERNAL have played Champions League with Fatale, Cold Velvet secures them a safe spot in the play offs right away. Huge songs, huge sound and maybe one of the best vocalists our generation has to offer. THE NIGHT ETERNAL is the next big thing!” – S. Castevet, Vulture
“Fresh on the heels of our successful tour with Alestorm and Twilight Force, we are now back home and ready to find a new, permanent singer for Greyhawk.
We are looking for someone who can sing cleanly with style and gravitas. Whatever your range is, we can work with it. But you need to be able to deliver the goods in that range, and be a dynamic singer both in the studio and on stage live. We are not just looking for a singer, we want someone to be the front person for this band.
Our plans include a new album, shows, tours, festivals, you name it! If you are looking to get on board with a band who wants to get out and do cool things as much as possible, then we are the band for you.
International tours are needed so a clean record and a passport is required as well as the availability to get on the road and tour for weeks on end.
Gender, location – all not deciding factors for us. Just be a cool human who wants to rock. All level of experience considered.
With “Leave It All Behind“, SINNER present the next single from their upcoming and final studio album, Boom Bang Goodbye, set for release on July 31, 2026, via RPM. The track begins with the atmosphere of a classic power ballad and gradually builds in intensity before culminating in a soaring, anthemic refrain. Combining ’80s-inspired melodies with a powerful modern sound, the song brings the kind of emotional dynamics that hard rock fans have always cherished.
Mat Sinner comments: “As a child of the 80s, this song fits perfectly into the soundscape I envisioned. 80s vibes and an ultra-fat, modern sound. Groovy, driving. It was a blast to make this song. My friend Ronnie Romero really outdid himself. What an incredible vocal performance, hats off to him!”
The accompanying video perfectly complements “Leave It All Behind”. Alongside Ronnie Romero and Mat Sinner, it features Alex Scholpp, Jim Müller, Leonie Jakobi, Sascha Krebs, as well as Thalia Bellazecca and André Hilgers (PRIMAL FEAR). Together, the performance footage captures exactly what “Leave It All Behind” is all about – emotion, energy and the visible joy of making music together.
Lyrically, “Leave It All Behind” looks back on times gone by while dealing with memories, transience and the act of letting go. Lines such as “Do you remember our wild days?” and “I leave it all behind” give the song a reflective touch without losing sight of what lies ahead.
With Ronnie Romero on vocals, “Leave It All Behind” delivers a fierce impact. His passionate performance carries the emotive tension between the calmer moments of the verses and the energetic peaks of the song, adding a fiery quality to the sound.
Once again, the album’s core musicians, Ronnie Romero (lead & backing vocals), Mat Sinner (bass & vocals), Alex Scholpp (guitars & lead guitars), Lisa Müller (keyboards) and Moritz Müller (drums), leave their unmistakable mark.
Following “Wait”, featuring Michael Bormann on vocals, “Leave It All Behind” is another taste of Boom Bang Goodbye; the final chapter of an extraordinary career. After more than four decades, 19 studio albums and countless international tours, Mat Sinner and his longtime companions are preparing one final musical statement.
(Photo Credit – Andrew Brophy) L-R: Dan Brophy – Rhythm and Lead Guitars and Vocals, Andrew Brophy – Drums and Lead Vocals, Dustin Smith – Bass Guitar and Vocals, Ruth Guechtal – Rhythm Guitar and Vocals
Hamilton, Ontario, extreme‑metal outfit METALADIAN erupt with the release of “Deaditation,” the ferocious and hypnotic title track single from their upcoming debut album out on Canada Day, July 1st, 2026. After more than twenty years of composing, refining, and shaping the band’s sound, composer, lead vocalist, and drummer Andrew Brophy finally unveils the first official chapter of METALADIAN’s long‑awaited recorded legacy.
“Deaditation” is METALADIAN’s most aggressive and unrelenting work, a dizzying, chromatic, multi‑vocal assault built on a three‑stage structure: plateau, ascension, descent. Each time the cycle restarts, the tempo subtly increases, dragging listeners deeper into a spiralling frenzy.
“The interplay between vocalists is quick, dizzying and hypnotizing… the music is incrementally and constantly gaining momentum, driving the track to a spiralling frenzy by the final descent,” adds Brophy.
Lyrically, the single paints a blackened world where victims reclaim power through a psychic retaliation, a Deaditation, forcing abusers to feel the pain they inflicted “100,000 fold.” Musically, it opens with riotous crowd samples, chromatic bass lines, droning harmonies, ripping feedback, and a tribal drum solo that launches the track into its relentless progression.
Fans of extreme metal, progressive death metal, and classical‑influenced metal will immediately recognize the ambition and precision behind the single.
Arriving July 1, 2026, “Deaditation”is the culmination of more than two decades of writing. Brophy began composing the framework on classical guitar in 2003, later expanding the material into a full three‑album arc.
Track Listing:
Left Hand Path – 9:44
Deaditation – 6:21
No Worse Death Than The Loss Of All Hope – (Wondering Why I Wonder Why) – 7:35
Confrontation With God – 11:59
Cure For Judgement – 6:51
Welcome To Your Holy Hell – 8:49 Album Length: 51:19
The debut album is a story‑driven descent and ascent, moving through spiteful violence, spiralling depression, suicidal ideation, confrontation with God, revenge, and finally, redemption.
“The album is drenched in violence and darkness, but with a hint of light that begins to show itself as the album progresses,” says Brophy.
Musically, the record is dense, chromatic, harmonically lush, and rhythmically punishing. Vocally, all four members contribute in a rapid‑fire call‑and‑response style: Andrew Brophy (drums, lead vocals) with melodic leads and rhythmic anchors, Dustin Smith (bass) brings guttural, ogre‑like lows, Dan Brophy (guitar) adds vicious, rabid‑dog riot vocals and Ruth Guechtal (guitar) exports ripping, high‑screeching screams. The result is a massive, layered vocal machine unlike anything in the Canadian metal landscape.
METALADIAN formed in Hamilton, Ontario, as the vehicle for Andrew Brophy’s intricate compositions, music that blends thrash, death, progressive, and technical metal with the darker works of classical composers such as Bartók, Penderecki, Mussorgsky, Stravinsky, Beethoven, and Mahler.
“Metaladian is my passion, my main source of creativity and catharsis for years,” adds Brophy.
Their sound is best described as complex, emotional, heavy, dark, and hypnotizing. The band’s lineup is deeply interconnected: Andrew and guitarist Dan are brothers, Ruth (guitar) is Dan’s wife, and Dustin (bass) is their “metal brother from another mother.”
All four also perform in the Hamilton extreme‑theatre metal act 30 Immolated; 16 Returned, and three members hold classical‑music degrees, including two doctorates in composition.
Recommended for fans of Strapping Young Lad, Metallica (early), Suffocation, Bela Bartok, and Ludwig Van Beethoven, METALADIAN’s “Deaditation” is available for pre-order at: https://metaladian.bandcamp.com/
Finnish melodic metal powerhouse ARION continue the rollout for their forthcoming fifth studio album with the release of their brand-new single and music video, “Into The Fire”, out now via RPM. Following the explosive first taste delivered by “Hurricane”, the band return with another high-energy anthem that combines towering melodies, crushing riffs, and an emotionally charged message about courage, trust, and stepping into the unknown.
Built around furious riffs, huge arrangements, intense vocals and a fiery guitar solo, “Into The Fire” captures the moment of overcoming fear and finding strength through connection. Guitarist and songwriter Iivo Kaipainen explains:
“A jump into the unknown may feel scary, yet sometimes there’s no option but to go. If only there was someone to help you make that decision, to take that leap and jump with you: You close your eyes, take their hand and now you feel strong enough. That’s what ‘Into The Fire’ is about.” The result is a powerful melodic metal track that further showcases ARION’s ability to blend modern heaviness with arena-sized hooks and heartfelt storytelling.
About ARION: ARION are among Finland’s most exciting modern melodic metal exports. Known for their high-impact songwriting, technical skill and engaging stage presence, the band continues to bridge the gap between classic and modern metal.
Over the years, ARION have toured extensively across Europe and Japan with acts such as Dream Theater, Gloryhammer, Battle Beast, Bloodbound and Sonata Arctica. They have also collaborated with renowned vocalists including Elize Ryd (Amaranthe), Noora Louhimo and Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum / Kamelot).
With tens of millions of streams to their name, including the standout track “At The Break Of Dawn” surpassing 20 million streams and achieving gold status in Finland, ARION have firmly established themselves as one of the most important new wave metal export acts from the country. Their continued evolution and international presence underline their growing importance in the global metal scene.
Raleigh, North Carolina traditional heavy metal band CRIMSON STEEL have released their new single “Dark Rider,” the second single from their forthcoming full-length album Show No Fear, out October 2, 2026 via Heaven and Hell Records.
“Dark Rider” charges forward with classic heavy metal intensity, galloping rhythms, sharp riffing, and apocalyptic imagery. The track captures CRIMSON STEEL in full command of their traditional metal foundation, pairing high-energy musicianship with a cinematic sense of dread and momentum.
Built around visions of plague, death, famine, destruction, and unavoidable catastrophe, “Dark Rider” descends like an omen. Relentless percussion, forceful bass, soaring vocals, and layered guitar harmonies drive the song with urgency, giving it the feeling of a warning carried on steel and thunder.
Show No Fear presents CRIMSON STEEL in a fully realized narrative landscape shaped by fear, transformation, power, sacrifice, and perseverance. Across the album, the band brings together traditional heavy metal force, cinematic atmosphere, progressive-minded arrangements, and emotionally charged performances. The record moves with the scope of dark fantasy while staying rooted in the human struggle to confront fear, endure conflict, and emerge with strength.
With Show No Fear, CRIMSON STEEL delivers an album built for listeners drawn to classic heavy metal storytelling, soaring vocals, driving rhythms, and dramatic musicianship. The production preserves warmth and organic energy while giving the record the clarity and impact of a modern heavy metal release.
Show No Fear was produced by Wendy Brancaccio and recorded and mixed at Vintage Noise Studio with Wendy Brancaccio and Bill Spears. The album was mastered by Anthony Focx. Cover artwork and design for Show No Fear isby Johnathan @gerardster.
CRIMSON STEEL:
Tina Langevin – Lead Vocals David Ryan – Guitars, Backing Vocals Joel McGee – Bass, Vocals Will Adkins – Drums, Backing Vocals
Seattle (WA) – Combining Groove, Thrash, and Death Metal, Tormenta has released their debut single, “Jungle Dead”! The song is taken from the band’s forthcoming debut album (details coming soon).
Tormenta brings a cyclonic storm from the mountains of Seattle, Washington! The trio blends chaotic, intense energy with catchy choruses and groovy riffs.
TIL THE END’s self-titled Lifeforce Records debut album will be released on September 11th and is up now for preorder/ presave.
New single Until the End up now on all digital platforms.
With their widely acclaimed debut EP Dark Kings, TIL THE END made an impressive entrance into the melodic death metal community last year, immediately winning over a broad audience. With the release of their first full‑length album, the band now takes the next major step. The self‑titled record on LIFEFORCE RECORDS is a clear statement: an expression of confidence, artistic determination, and an unwavering focus on what matters most – the music. And the music speaks for itself.
The line‑up of the group, founded in 2023, brings together four musicians firmly rooted in the international scene: vocalist Antony Hämäläinen (Nightrage, Armageddon), guitarist Kostas Sotos (Mystic Prophecy, Crystal Tears), drummer Márton Veress (Orgy, Armageddon), and bassist/rhythm guitarist Nic Svensson (Slaves For Scores, Swede Studios). TIL THE END is their shared vehicle to pay tribute to the legendary Gothenburg sound while simultaneously pushing it forward with modern energy and a contemporary artistic vision.
01. Form the Beginning (Genesis) 02. Lava 03. Dismal Paradise 04. These Little Voices 05. I’m Falling Apart 06. Awakening 07. Hybrid Fragments 08. Cemetery Trees 09. Higher and Beyond 10. Until the End
Album Artwork by Gustavo Sazes (Soilwork, Nightrage, Firewind, etc.)
Monolord, who are currently in the midst of a U.S. tour following the release of their new album, Neverending, have partnered with Dunable Guitars for a pair of signature model instruments: Dunable USA Custom Gnarwhal and R2 Bass.
Monolord have been great friends of Dunable Guitars for almost a decade, using the brand’s guitars and basses as weapons of choice for their torrential downpour of heavy tones and catchy hooks live and in the studio. Neverending is a perfect showcase of their mastery in blending loud metal with great songwriting, and similarly an encapsulation of what Dunable instruments were built for.
Artist signature models for Thomas Jäger and Mika Hakki are long overdue, and Dunable is happy to finally present their Dunable USA Custom Gnarwhal and R2 Bass signature instruments, limited to only six of each model.
“Mika and I have been playing our Dunables for a couple of years now and to get your own instrument with your own specifications, it’s pure magic,” Jäger says. “These instruments came out great and we’re absolutely stoked.”
Hakki adds: “After years of using and owning several Dunable Guitars, it’s a great privilege to be part of the Dunable team with this amazing instrument. When Sacha Dunable asked us what color options we wanted for the instruments, I just saw this sick scorched bass in my mind, and he got probably equally as stoked on the idea as we did. Great minds twist alike!”
These guitars and basses feature a custom Monolord Icon graphic on the headstock, tuxedo stripe pickguard, and a charred Swamp Ash body, giving a classy yet grizzled look to these weapons of doom.
The single High-Wind P90 pickup in Jäger’s Gnarwhal comes from Lollar Pickups, a company whose founder literally wrote the book on pickup winding. The P90 lends itself incredibly well to all applicable tones, from loud cleans to ultra heavy fuzz and distortion.
Hakki’s R2 Bass comes in two pickup variants – one with dual Dunable Katana pickups, for a hot output, but sharp attack, and one with a Dunable D-Split and D-J pickup combo, for a more traditional sound.
Grab one of these unique instruments while you can. Orders are live at this link: https://dunableguitars.com/
Dunable Gnarwhal – Thomas Jäger limited artist collab model
Scale length: 24.75″ Neck: mahogany Fingerboard: Ebony Frets: 22 Jumbo Nickel Inlay: none Side dots: luminlay side dots Body: charred swamp ash Finish: satin lacquer Nut: Graphtech Tusq Tuners: Graph Tech Ratio Bridge: Nashville TOM/Stop Tail Bridge Pickup: Lollar Soapbar P90 – High Wind Controls: 1 volume Setup: E standard 10-46 Case: hardcase
Dunable R2 Bass – Mika Hakki limited artist collab model (Katana variant)
Scale length: 35″ Neck: maple Fingerboard: Ebony Frets: 22 Jumbo Nickel Inlay: none Side dots: luminlay side dots Body: charred swamp ash Finish: satin lacquer Nut: Graphtech Tusq Tuners: Leo Quan Badass Clover Bridge: Leo Quan Badass Neck Pickup: Dunable Katana Single Black Foil Bridge Pickup: Dunable Katana Single Black Foil Controls: 2 volume 1 tone Setup: E standard 105-45 Case: hardcase
Dunable R2 Bass – Mika Hakki limited artist collab model (PJ variant)
Scale length: 35″ Neck: Maple Fingerboard: Ebony Frets: 22 Jumbo Nickel Inlay: none Side dots: luminlay side dots Body: charred swamp ash Finish: satin lacquer Nut: Graphtech Tusq Tuners: Leo Quan Badass Clover Bridge: Leo Quan Badass Neck Pickup: Dunable D-split Bridge Pickup: Dunable D-J Controls: 1 volume Setup: E Standard 105-45 Case: hardcase
Prominent progressive metal label Sensory Records proudly announces the signing of LAZARUS EFFECT, the new solo project of former Symphony X bassist Thomas Miller.
“I’m very excited to announce, after years of contemplating and eventually writing and recording my first solo project, the signing to Sensory Records,” Miller writes. “After speaking and collaborating with Ken Golden, I’ve decided it’s the perfect team to launch the CD and start the promotions for a Fall 2026 release. I met Ken in 1998, while still in Symphony X, and always had it in the back of my mind that, if I did decide to record and release an album, he’d be at the top of the list.”
“I hope everyone is as excited as I am. Between recording with some of my old friends and bandmates to finding the perfect match in Sensory Records to give it the proper attention and promotional care I was hoping for. So, the new chapter has begun, and I’m looking forward to a prosperous future relationship with Sensory Records and re-connecting with the old fans as well as new ones. Stay tuned.”
Label owner Ken Golden states, “I was a fan of Symphony X early on and met Thomas back in 1998. Those Symphony X albums were part of my introduction into the world of progressive metal and instantly won me over. Thomas was a vital part of the band’s sound, and I feel that the LAZARUS EFFECT project is going to surprise and excite fans of Symphony X and Thomas’ brilliant bass work.”
Thomas Miller started his music career in central New Jersey and played in numerous cover and original bands influenced by progressive bands from the 1970s and 1980s. In 1986, he met Michael Romeo, a local progressive and classically influenced guitarist, whom he then recorded and played out in several bands with. In 1994, they formed Symphony X and recruited the rest of the band members to complete the lineup and sign with Japanese record label, Zero Records.
After international critical acclaim for their albums Symphony X, Damnation Game, The Divine Wings Of Tragedy, Twilight In Olympus, and A Prelude To The New Millenium, they did various tour dates in Japan, Europe, and NYC. Shortly afterwards, due to personal issues, Thomas stepped away from the band.
Continually writing and recording on various projects and honing his writing skills, Miller collaborated on a recording project with vocalist Hollywood How Portney in 2017, who had recorded with several local bands and labels including Megaforce Records. After interactions with fans over the years and realizing his chemistry with How, he decided to start writing for the LAZARUS EFFECT project.
He then asked Michael Romeo and Michael Pinnella to lend their recording talents to the project, and then Eric Rachel, producer of Symphony X’s first six albums, to mix and master the album. The result is music and lyrics inspired by majestic themes, progressive metal, and various musical overtones.
With the album fully complete, Thomas is now starting to promote the release of the album and working in collaboration with The Lasers Edge Group’s distribution and promotional team. The LAZARUS EFFECT debut is currently being finalized for release early this Fall. Expect additional details, previews of the album, and more to begin posting during the Summer.
German power metal force STORMHAMMER have released a music video for their brand-new single “Scars Of The Abyss“. Combining crushing riffs, soaring melodies and a gripping atmosphere, the track delivers a powerful metal statement that perfectly showcases STORMHAMMER’s unmistakable sound.
Commenting on the song, bassist and backing vocalist Horst Tessmann states:
“Scars Of The Abyss is one of the songs that best reflects the blend of old-school power metal and modern heaviness that defines this album.”
With “Scars Of The Abyss”, STORMHAMMER unleash another impressive preview of their forthcoming studio album Wrath Of The Hammer, released on July 17 via ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. Blending anthemic choruses, dynamic musicianship and emotionally charged songwriting, the band once again demonstrates their ability to merge classic power metal traditions with contemporary heaviness and depth.
Track-list: 1. Beware 2. Wrath Of The Hammer 3. Ashes Of The Throne 4. Light In The Dark 5. Wheels Of Eternity 6. Guardians Of The Night 7. Veil Of Fire 8. Scars Of The Abyss 9. Shattered Dominion 10. The Dune
Five years ago today, (June 17), the iconic power metal pioneers HELLOWEEN released their self-titled studio album! I can never get enough of this band. Pumpkins United! 🎃🤘🏻
Photo credit: Trend PR
Today, Tuolumne, California’s NorthFork have released their new single: “Tell Me.” This song flat-out rocks! It’s a breakup song that’s relevant and is sure to please arena rock enthusiasts. NorthFork are worth checking out if you’re into rock country and/or rock music that’s blue-collar and not pretentious.
On June 17, 1977, the super legendary KISS released their sixth studio album, Love Gun, via Casablanca Records. This multi-platinum album includes the classics: I Stole Your Love, Love Gun, Plaster Caster and Shock Me (the first KISS song sung by Ace Frehley on album).
Shown: Camille of The Soap Girls – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Last Friday night on June 12th, my friends and I went to see the amazingly talented alternative rock band The Soap Girls! They performed at Cosmo Joe’s Atomic Lounge in downtown Dayton, Ohio. This was my third time seeing this electric rockin’ duo!
Sisters Noemie (bass) and Camille Debray (guitar) are from South Africa and were born to rock the stage, create chaos and take names! They’re both kind souls and I look forward to seeing them again!
Heavy, atmospheric, and built for maximum neck damage, SEA SLEEPER return with their new single, “Lunar Degenerates,” the latest preview of their forthcoming sophomore album, Burden of Antlers, set for release on September 18, 2026.
“Lunar Degenerates” captures the band at their most visceral and dynamic, fusing classic crunchy, bang-your-head riffage with the expansive progressive weight that has become a defining part of SEA SLEEPER’s sound. The track also leans into the band’s long-running Mastodon influence, particularly the Crack the Skye-esque textures that have surfaced across both of their albums.
The band calls “Lunar Degenerates” “easily the funnest song on the record to play,” pointing to its high-energy riffs, shifting atmosphere, and explosive return from an ambient passage back into the main riff as one of the song’s standout moments.
With its mix of brute force, spacey atmosphere, and locked-in rhythmic power, “Lunar Degenerates” offers another glimpse into the world of Burden of Antlers, an album that promises to expand SEA SLEEPER’s sonic range, while staying rooted in the crushing, riff-forward heaviness that first defined them.
Burden of Antlers – Track-list:
Machines of the Bombing Run
Manifestor
Lunar Degenerates
Abysmal Trench
Burden of Antlers
They’ll Miss You
Coma
Husk
About SEA SLEEPER:
With a passion for death and post metal, SEA SLEEPER infuse their heavy sound with an array of genre influences to produce something more dynamically extreme. The band formed in 2019 comprised of Jesse Cooley (guitar/lead vocals), Shane Cooley (drums/vocals), and Nick Kessler (bass/vocals), with Tony Spradlin (lead guitar/vocals) subsequently completing the line-up in 2022.
The debut EP Nihilism was released independently in 2019, followed by their acclaimed debut album Nostophobia. Released in 2021 via Metal Assault Records, Nostophobia garnered notable recognitionachieving the #7 spot for album of the year at GBHBL in 2021, as well as seeing the band become a Top Selling Bandcamp artist in the same year.
Tour Poster by Annick Giroux / Photo by Johnny DeLacy
Olympia (WA) – Cult Metallers Christian Mistress will hit the road this coming Thursday, June 18 for the first of four California dates with The Lord Weird Slough Feg!
Dates are as follows:
June 18 San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
w/ Tzimani
June 19 Los Angeles, CA @ Catch One – w/ Intranced and Dirty Tricks
June 20 Sacramento, CA @ The Colonial Theatre – w/ Anvil
June 21 San Francisco @ Bottom of the Hill – w/ Funeral Chant
Join 𝕮𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖆𝖙 as they 𝕾𝖚𝖒𝖒𝖔𝖓 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕭𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖘 in 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖆𝖑𝖒 nearest you:
Sep 23 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage Sep 25 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre Sep 26 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade Sep 28 – Dallas, TX – The Studio at The Bomb Factory Sep 30 – Mesa, AZ – The Nile Theater Oct 01 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco Oct 03 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre Oct 06 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater Oct 07 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox Market Oct 09 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory Oct 10 – Boise, ID – Shrine Social Club Oct 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Grand Oct 12 – Denver, CO – The Ogden Theatre Oct 14 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater Oct 15 – Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall Oct 16 – Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre Oct 17 – Toronto, ON – The Opera House Oct 19 – Montréal, QC – Théâtre Beanfield Oct 20 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium Oct 21 – New York, NY – Webster Hall
Spanish melodic death metal powerhouse BLOODHUNTER have officially released their brand-new studio album“Sons Of The Abandoned” via ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music.
Marking this milestone, the band are not only kicking off a run of Spanish live dates alongside CRYPTA today, but are also premiering a brand-new music video for “Masters Of Deceive”, one of the album’s most dynamic and emotionally charged tracks.
Guitarist Dani Arcos comments: “This song is insane. We mixed guttural and melodic vocals, slow and melodic choruses with the most extreme riffs on the album… and there’s even a recorded piano that you only realize has been there the whole time at the end of the song.”
Vocalist Diva Satánica adds: “This song includes my very first clean backing vocals in BLOODHUNTER. I really wanted to give it a try because it represented the eternal disappointment of people trying to pull out from me a different version of myself but which I didn’t really feel identified with as a vocalist. This song speaks about toxic environments and how hard is to step out from there to follow your own path. It was the first song that we wrote for this album: it goes from a very dramatic chorus to the most enraged verses, to represent the complex dynamics in a relationship.”
Formed in Galicia, BLOODHUNTER have steadily carved their name into the international extreme metal scene through relentless touring, uncompromising sound and a clear artistic vision. Fronted by Diva Satanica, the band blends extreme metal aggression with melodic depth, groove and narrative ambition, forging a sound that is both ferocious and emotionally charged.
Since their inception, BLOODHUNTER have stood out for their conceptual approach and strong identity. Their music has always balanced brutality with atmosphere, drawing from themes such as ancient civilizations, power, human conflict and transcendence. Over the years, the band has evolved naturally, refining their songwriting and pushing beyond genre boundaries without losing their aggressive core.
“Sons Of The Abandoned”, produced by Tue Madsen, marks a turning point in BLOODHUNTER’s career. It is their most personal and honest album so far, shifting the focus inward to explore identity, vulnerability, personal struggle and the cost of pursuing one’s own path.
For the first time, the lyrics speak directly from the heart, addressing inner demons, toxic environments, generational disconnection and the feeling of being lost in a world driven by individuality and superficial values. Musically, the album expands the band’s palette. Crushing riffs coexist with elegant grooves and striking melodic passages, while sharp contrasts define the songwriting: rage against beauty, speed against atmosphere, darkness against clarity.
With “Sons Of The Abandoned”, BLOODHUNTER solidify themselves as a band unafraid to evolve, challenge expectations and expose their own scars. This is not just another extreme metal album, it is a statement of identity, resistance and survival in a world that constantly demands compromise.
Track-list: 1. The Devil’s Own 2. The Outspoken 3. Threshold Of Hell 4. Ephemeral Youth 5. Sons Of The Abandoned 6. No One Beats Death 7. Code Aeternam 8. The Path That Never Ends 9. The Night Is Darker Before The Dawn 10. Masters Of Deceive 11. Human Insecticide
BLOODHUNTER Live, with CRYPTA: June 12 – Madrid @ Revi Live June 14 – Mos @ Sala Rebullón June 15 – Vitoria @ Urban Rock Concept June 16 – Valencia @ Sala Rock City June 17 – Badalona @ Sala Estraperlo
Mind Melting Metal Project Led By Ira Black (Vio-Lence, Lizzy Borden, Metal Church) Unveils First Glimpse Of Upcoming Full-Length Album
Created and fronted by veteran guitarist Ira Black (Vio-Lence, Metal Church, I Am Morbid, Lizzy Borden, Westfield Massacre), APOCÆLYPSE represents a bold new chapter in his career. Stepping beyond his celebrated role as a guitarist, Black takes center stage as vocalist, songwriter, and creative architect, delivering a sound that merges crushing modern metal with cinematic atmosphere and thought-provoking themes.
“INTELL-I-GENTS” serves as the band’s introduction and a statement of intent. Driven by towering riffs, industrial textures, and anthemic melodies, the song explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, and society’s increasingly complex relationship with technology. Equal parts cautionary tale and futuristic metal anthem, the track offers a glimpse into the conceptual depth that defines APOCÆLYPSE’s vision.
“INTELL-I-GENTS” Single Artwork
Commenting on the incendiary new song, Black states:
“Intell-I-Gents’ is my transmission from the edge of a world quietly handing its pulse to machines, where convenience becomes consent and intelligence starts writing the rules we live by. I fused Industrial/Metal weight with Electronic pulse to mirror that tension: a human heartbeat colliding with an algorithm that never sleeps. This song isn’t a warning from the future, it’s a mirror held to right now, asking who’s really in control as we cross the line.”
The accompanying music video, directed by Vicente Cordero of Industrialism Films and co-directed by Black, brings the song’s themes to life through a striking visual narrative that reflects the tension between humanity and the rapidly evolving digital world.
APOCÆLYPSE features a powerhouse lineup led by Ira Black alongside his son, guitarist Ira Black IV, whose classical training and technical prowess bring a unique dynamic to the band’s sound. Rounding out the lineup are bassist Matt Snell (formerly of Five Finger Death Punch) and drummer Lonny Pasillas (formerly of Deadsett and Kill Devil Hill). Together, the group blends decades of experience with a forward-thinking approach, crafting modern metal that is both crushingly heavy and ambitiously expansive.
Further elevating the band’s debut is acclaimed producer and mixer Kane Churko, whose work on “INTELL-I-GENTS” delivers the track’s massive sonic impact. Renowned for collaborations with Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch and Disturbed, Churko helps shape a sound that balances crushing heaviness with contemporary clarity and precision.
The song was then mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Rob Halford, Testament, Sabaton), whose expert touch brings additional depth, power, and polish to the final mix, ensuring “INTELL-I-GENTS” hits with maximum impact.
“INTELL-I-GENTS” is the first of several singles scheduled for release throughout the summer as APOCÆLYPSE prepares to unveil their forthcoming debut album. The ten-song record is expected to arrive across digital platforms later this year, with additional music videos, live appearances, and touring plans to be announced in the coming months.
With its combination of modern metal power, cinematic ambition, and fearless subject matter, APOCÆLYPSE emerges as a new force ready to challenge expectations and confront the future head-on.
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"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.