Gallagher (WV) – U.S. Thrash Metal quartet, Executionist, have released full-length debut album, Sacrament of the Sick, on CD and digital formats! In the four years since the release of their debut EP, Executionist has sharpened the blades of its attack, both in terms of songwriting and performance!
Sacrament of the Sick is a monumental step forward from Executionist’s previous material. Improved production, performances, and writing have made the Executionist sound nearly unrecognizable compared to the band’s debut EP, Destined for Destruction.
Each track was meticulously crafted and poured over in Executionist’s home studio, and the final product shows that it was worth every ounce of attention. With a clear focus on melody and tighter songwriting, Sacrament of the Sick is a sonic journey sure to leave a lasting impact on the listener.
Vocals/Guitar – Brett Ash Drums – Tristan Ash Bass – Austin Rose Guitar – Mike Kinder
Credits:
Music written by Brett & Tristan Ash Lyrics written by Brett Ash Vocals, guitar, bass – Brett Ash Drums – Tristan Ash Produced by Brett & Tristan Ash Engineered & Mixed by Tristan Ash Mastered by Colin Davis of Imperial Mastering Album Artwork by Mitchell Nolte Logo by ModBlackMoon & HermanTwo
Dutch metal powerhouse Martyr has announced their brand new studio album entitled Dark Believer for an August 15th release on ROAR! A video clip for the band’s first single, the colossal album title track is now premiering below!
“The first single from our upcoming album Dark Believer is HERE. During the writing and recording process, this song evolved into something dark and mysterious,” the band states. “Embracing the shadows, where demons lurk, witches chant, and lost souls are drawn into the unknown. Heaviness meets melody. Crushing riffs. Epic vocals. Relentless bass and drums. It’s pure MARTYR metal. Dark Believer is your first descent into the abyss we’ve carved on our new album. A taste of evil, despair and hypocrisy that stains the soul of humanity.”
Watch the video clip for “Dark Believer” premiering HERE
Martyr is a metal band from the Netherlands, forging their legacy since 1982. The world first took notice in 1985 when their track En Masse (Stand Or Die) appeared on Metal Blade’s iconic Metal Massacre VI compilation alongside acts like Possessed, Dark Angel, and Nasty Savage. That same year, their debut album For The Universe became an instant classic, praised by Encyclopaedia Metallum for its superior songwriting.
MARTYR: Rop van Haren – Vocals Rick Bouwman – Guitars Justin Schut – Guitars & Synths Vinnie Wassink – Bass Elwin Molenaar – Drums
Now, on August 15, 2025, Martyr is set to unleash their seventh studio album, Dark Believer, through ROAR. With headline slots, festival appearances, and club shows on the horizon, Martyr continues to prove why they remain one of metal’s most enduring forces!
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
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions are set to release the new collection from Spain’s old school Death/Doom Metal destroyers BOCC. Obrint El Taüt is up now for pre-order and will be released June 13th on CD and Digital formats, along with merch.
BOCC make their Horror Pain Gore Death Productions debut with the compilation Obrint El Taüt! Formed in 2019, BOCC hail straight from the sewers of Barcelona, Spain and perform Death/Doom Metal in the ways of the old. Obrint El Taut, which translates to Opening The Coffin, presents the band’s three EPs: Al La Forca, Santa Eulàlia, and La Forja Dels Cranis… twelve tracks totaling 75+ minutes of bone-crushing brutality!
For fans of Autopsy, Bolt Thrower, Coffins, Cianide, Disma, Hooded Menace, Undergang and Winter.
Akron, Ohio-based sludge metal merchants in RADIAN continue their Spring 2025 tour actions this week. Following a trio of shows, including a set at Legalize Lex Fest in April, the main tour launches this Friday in Fort Wayne, Indiana and runs through the end of the month, hitting a good portion of the mid-Atlantic and Southeast, followed by a one-off show in June. See all currently confirmed tour dates below, with more new shows expected to be announced throughout the months ahead.
RADIAN Tour Dates: 5/16/2025 O’Sullivan’s – Fort Wayne, IN 5/17/2025 Southgate House – Newport, KY 5/18/2025 Blind Bobs – Dayton, OH 5/19/2025 Mag Bar – Louisville, KY 5/20/2025 Cherry St Tavern – Chattanooga, TN 5/21/2025 The Odd – Asheville, NC 5/22/2025 Snug Harbor – Charlotte, NC 5/23/2025 Tribble’s – Piedmont, SC 5/24/2025 Flicker Theatre – Athens, GA 5/25/2025 529 – Atlanta, GA 5/27/2025 Banditos – Richmond, VA 6/17/2025 Westside Bowl – Youngstown, OH
RADIAN emerged in the winter of 2017, founded by guitarist Mike Burns (ex-Rue, Fistula, Sofa King Killer). Their vision to merge groove with grime culminated in the roaring, sludgy assault of their independent debut LP, Chapters (2019), praised by The Obelisk as delivering, “that extra bit of aggression one finds underlying the most satisfying of sludge metals.” Fueled by a growing response from the heavy metal community, the dynamic four-piece embraced their DIY roots, building a steady following throughout the Midwest.
photos by Ed Battes
This momentum led to the writing and release of their punishing sophomore album, Discordian, on Burns’ own El Burno Records in December 2021. Relentless shows and touring in support of Discordian brought both growth and turbulence, with multiple lineup shifts along the way. By Fall 2022, drummer Derek Vaive (Ommnus) joined the ranks, followed by vocalist Corey Staley (A Damn Shame) solidifying the new lineup in Fall 2024. Now armed with fresh material and a renewed sense of purpose, RADIAN is set to hit the road again in Spring 2025, delivering their brand of sludgy doom with unrelenting force.
RADIAN is currently in the later stages of completing work on their third LP. Stand by for updates as the album is prepared for release in the months ahead.
UK death metal outfit INGESTED will return to North America this Fall on a month-long headlining tour. Evisceratour 2025 runs from November 6th in Fresno, California through December 6th in Pomona, California. Support will be provided by Ov Sulfur, Cell, and more still to be announced.
Drummer Lyn Jeffs comments, “It’s been a long time coming, but we’re beyond ready to tear through the US and Canada once again on our first headlining tour in two years on Evisceratour 2025. This time, we’re hitting cities we rarely get to play, and in some cases, places we’ve never set foot in. Every night is going to be a statement. We’re not just showing up, we’re proving why we’ve been doing this at full throttle for nearly two decades. If you’ve seen us before, you already know we don’t hold back. And if you haven’t, don’t miss this! These shows will be violent, intense, and unforgettable.”
Tickets are on sale now at ingested.co.uk. See all confirmed dates below.
INGESTED w/ Ov Sulfur, Cell, + More TBA: 11/06/2025 Full Circle Brewing Co. – Fresno, CA 11/07/2025 Goldfield – Roseville, CA 11/08/2025 Dante’s – Portland, OR 11/09/2025 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 11/11/2025 Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC 11/13/2025 Dickens – Calgary, AB 11/14/2025 Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB 11/15/2025 Black Cat – Saskatoon, SK 11/16/2025 Park Theatre – Winnipeg, MB 11/18/2025 Skyway Theatre (Studio B) – Minneapolis, MN 11/19/2025 X-Ray Arcade – Cudahy, WI 11/20/2025 The Stache – Grand Rapids, MI 11/21/2025 The Hub – Kitchener, ON 11/22/2025 27 Club – Ottawa, ON 11/23/2025 La Source de la Martinière – Quebec City, QC 11/25/2025 The King of Clubs – Columbus, OH 11/26/2025 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA * No Ov Sulfur 11/28/2025 Black Circle – Indianapolis, IN 11/29/2025 The End – Nashville, TN 11/30/2025 Red Flag – St. Louis, MO 12/02/2025 Wave – Wichita, KS 12/03/2025 Beer City Music Hall – Oklahoma City, OK 12/04/2025 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM 12/05/2025 The Rosetta Room – Mesa, AZ 12/06/2025 The Glass House – Pomona, CA
Earlier this year, INGESTED introduced their reinvigorated lineup with a savage new standalone single, “Altar Of Flesh.” Watch the video HERE and stay tuned for more INGESTED news in the weeks to come!
INGESTED: Josh Davies – vocals Sean Hynes – guitars, backing vocals Lyn Jeffs – drums Andrew Virrueta – guitars, backing vocals Thomas O’Malley – bass
French symphonic power metal band Fairyland are pleased to share their new single and official video “Karma”, taken from their new studio album The Story Remains, scheduled for June 13th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Bassist Willdric Lievin described the new single: “Karma is a song about the type of people who like using others. It’s a song about a selfish, egoistic, self-centered individual who only wants to please himself, without any consideration for other people. His hallmark: empty words, broken promises, words that are not followed by actions. He doesn’t know that by living like this, he hurts people around him. He doesn’t know that “what goes around comes around”. Musically it’s one of the most beautiful gems that Phil Giordana ever made. The majestic, epic, rich orchestrations make this song unique”.
Talking about the new record, Lievin stated: “After the passing of the Fairyland’s founder and mastermind Phil Giordana, we faced the challenge to finish the fifth album. Phil left plenty of material, but it required a lot of further work. It wasn’t easy but in the face of adversity we excelled and managed to complete the album. This, along with a new lineup, starts a new chapter in the history of Fairyland. It continues the symphonic, power metal quality that Fairyland is known for, but we decided to add some new elements to this musical landscape”.
“The Story Remains is richer and more versatile than previous albums, and we are exploring new musical and lyrical territory for the band. We are happy and proud of this new album, and we hope that listening to it will give you a lot of delight. Welcome back to Fairyland”, he continued.
The Story Remains perfectly incarnates the band’s trademark sound, and songs like “A New Dawn” or “Karma” are a perfect example of the amazing album that will make every symphonic metal freak’s heart beat with excitement!
The Story Remains – Track-list: 1. Downfall 2. To Stars And Beyond 3. Karma 4. A New Dawn 5. We Shall Hunt The Sun 6. Hopeless Still 7. Samsara 8. Unity 9. Council Of The Gods 10. The Chosen Ones 11. Unbreakable 12. Postscript 13. Suffering Ages (Feat. Elisa C. Martin)
Line Up: Archie Caine – Vocals Willdric Lievin – Guitars, bass, backing vocals Gideon Ricardo – Keyboards Brieuc De Groof – Guitars JB Pol – Drums
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.
“To commemorate 50 years louder, we’re pleased to announce ‘The Manticore Tapes’ will be released on 27th June. This ‘lost’ album from 1976 marks the first-ever studio recordings of the ‘three amigos’ line-up and has never been heard before, until now! Watch the new video for ‘Motörhead’ and preorder with merch bundles now.”
Available on a classic black 1LP, CD and as a deluxe expanded 2LP bookpack, all formats include additional alternate takes and instrumentals for a unique insight into the birth of this legendary band.
Additionally the deluxe bookpack comes with an extra bonus LP – the classic bonus Live: Blitzkrieg on Birmingham ‘77 as well as a bonus 7” featuring two previously unreleased tracks live at Barbarellas Birmingham in 1977.
There’s also a 24 page booklet with liner notes from long-time collaborator Kris Needs.
Release date: June 27th, 2025
Track-list: LP1 1 INTRO (INSTRUMENTAL) 2 LEAVIN’ HERE 3 VIBRATOR 4 HELP KEEP US ON THE ROAD 5 THE WATCHER 6 MOTÖRHEAD 7 WITCH DOCTOR (INSTRUMENTAL) 8 IRON HORSE / BORN TO LOSE (INSTRUMENTAL) 9 LEAVIN’ HERE (ALTERNATE TAKE) 10 VIBRATOR (ALTERNATE TAKE) 11 THE WATCHER (ALTERNATE TAKE)
LP2 — Live: Blitzkreig on Birmingham ’77 1 MOTÖRHEAD 2 VIBRATOR 3 KEEP US ON THE ROAD 4 THE WATCHER 5 IRON HORSE 6 LEAVIN’ HERE 7 ON PAROLE 8 I’M YOUR WITCH DOCTOR 9 TRAIN KEPT A-ROLLIN’ 10 CITY KIDS 11 WHITE LINE FEVER
7″ — Live at Barbarella’s Birmingham ’77 1 MOTÖRHEAD 2 KEEP US ON THE ROAD
Following the success of their debut single “The Enemy Within”, Finnish melodic heavy metal band Invincia returns with a vengeance. Their new single, “Act of Insurrection”, is out now on all digital platforms, accompanied by a powerful lyric video that dives deep into the rebellious spirit of the track.
“Act of Insurrection“ channels the adrenaline and fire of classic heavy metal, echoing the energy of Judas Priest, the galloping power of Iron Maiden, and the epic, melodic weight of Helloween and Savatage.
The track is the second release from their upcoming self-produced EP The Enemy Within, due out June 6, 2025. Once again, the band collaborated with Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse) at Mass Destruction Production for mixing and mastering, bringing top-tier clarity and punch to Invincia’s signature sound.
With two singles now out and more on the way, Invincia is proving themselves a rising force in melodic heavy metal, one that blends old-school power with fresh energy and an uncompromising DIY spirit.
INVINCIA are: Kenneth Nylund – Lead Vocals Joel Karlsson – Guitar Alexander Södergård – Guitar Jonas Öman – Bass Mikael Ahlholm – Drums
With “It Takes Six To Rock!” – the core message of their enthusiastically received latest single- still echoing in everyone’s heads, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG strike again. Only one month after “It Takes Two To Tango,” they’ve shortened the wait for their upcoming album Babylon, set for release in October 2025 on Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The second new track, “Time To Listen,” cranks up the anticipation even more and delivers another high-energy preview of what fans can look forward to.
The band describes the song as follows: “‘Time To Listen’ is an up-tempo song that once again shines with DATOG’s typically diversified lead vocals. A soaring guitar riff paves the way for a powerful Udo performance, accompanied by Peter’s harmony vocals and continues with Manuela’s sustained two-part vocals. The chorus, with its convincing power casts a spell over everyone. Here also, Mathias’ guitar solo is a marvel of ingenuity that ignores all convention and whips through the musical realms in an unconventional manner. The compact and powerful ending is just as uncompromising as the beginning of the song.”
Photo credits: Eddi Bachmann
With “Time To Listen,” DATOG once again highlight their unique identity and their commitment to making bold musical statements; energetic, authentic and with a signature sound that’s instantly recognizable. It’s time to listen – and time to rock!
Death metal icons CANNIBAL CORPSE are pleased to announce their North American headlining tour this Fall. The journey will commence on September 15th in Nashville, Tennessee and make its way through over two dozen cities, the tour drawing to a close on October 22nd in Charlotte, North Carolina. Support will be provided by Municipal Waste and Fulci. The tour follows the band’s recent North America run with Meshuggah.
Blabbermouth and Knotfest presales begin Wednesday, May 7th at 10:00am local time. Local/promoter presales begin Thursday, May 8th at 10:00am local time.
General on sale date is Friday, May 9th at 10:00am local time at cannibalcorpse.net. See all confirmed dates below.
CANNIBAL CORPSE w/ Municipal Waste, Fulci: 9/15/2025 Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN 9/17/2025 The Mill & Mine – Knoxville, TN 9/18/2025 Louder Than Life – Louisville, KY 9/19/2025 The Roxian – Pittsburgh, PA 9/20/2025 NE Metal and Hardcore Fest – Worcester, MA 9/22/2025 Buffalo RiverWorks – Buffalo, NY 9/23/2025 The Agora – Cleveland, OH 9/24/2025 The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI 9/26/2025 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI 9/27/2025 Epic Event Center – Green Bay, WI 9/28/2025 First Ave – Minneapolis, MN 9/29/2025 The Truman – Kansas City, MO 9/30/2025 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK 10/02/2025 The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ 10/03/2025 Ventura Theater – Ventura, CA 10/04/2025 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA 10/05/2025 Soma – San Diego, CA 10/07/2025 Rialto Theater – Tucson, AZ 10/09/2025 The Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX 10/10/2025 House Of Blues – Houston, TX 10/11/2025 The Hall – Little Rock, AR 10/12/2025 Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL 10/14/2025 The Ritz – Raleigh, NC 10/15/2025 The National – Richmond, VA 10/17/2025 The Paramount – Huntington, NY 10/18/2025 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ 10/19/2025 The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD 10/21/2025 The Norva – Norfolk, VA 10/22/2025 The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
CANNIBAL CORPSE released their critically adored Chaos Horrific full-length in 2023 via Metal Blade Records. Produced again by guitarist Erik Rutan, who has now produced six of the band’s albums, Chaos Horrific is, without question, a full-on, CANNIBAL-style death metal outing, straight down to the themes, which include zombie warfare, resetting the human race through mass mutilations, and the violent revenge of victims of human trafficking, and its cover art by longtime collaborator Vince Locke.
Chaos Horrific slaughtered Billboard charts upon its first week of release, earning the #7 position on the Billboard Album Sales chart, #2 on the Hard Music Albums chart, #3 on the Rock Albums chart, #5 on the Independent Label Albums chart, and more!
The record is available on digipak CD, cassette, and digital formats as well as vinyl in multiple limited color variants.
Nashville (TN) – U.S. Melodic Black Metal horde, Lenax, have unleashed “Throne of the Forsaken“, the third and final single from forthcoming full-length debut album, Infection. Click to stream below!
For fans of Watain, Immortal, and Enslaved, Lenax presents a style of melodic black metal infused with just the right amount of black n roll to land themselves in a rather unique position within the genre. “Throne of the Forsaken” tells a fantasy story of an ancient god-king who awakens back to flesh in order to return to the material world. No messiah, he returns with a heart thirsty for vengeance to bring the earth under his submission.
With lyrical themes based around esotericism, individuality, and cosmic horror, Infectionpaints either a picture of destruction and horror, or one of death and rebirth, depending on the stance of the listener. In all, this is a solid 40 minutes of modern black metal with enough DNA to show the band’s roots in the early second wave, while managing to craft something unique in their delivery.
Photo Credit: Draco Bailey
Lenax:
Venomous (Vocals, Guitar)
Mordred (Guitar, Backing Vocals)
Bones (Drums)
Additional Musicians:
Hephaestus (Bass)
Maikon (Drums)
The band proudly returned to work with mix engineer Ilarion Ivanenko, who produced the previous singles in 2024. Mastering was completed by ØysteinBrun at Crosound Studios in Norway. With a long history and a solid reputation in extreme music, including his band Borknagar, Øysteinbrought out the fine tuning needed to make this record shine.
Infection will be released June 25th on all digital platforms.
The band will also be launching a Kickstarter campaign to support a future vinyl release in the fall or winter of this year. Album pre-orders coming soon. Cover art by David DeFigueredo.
Track Listing:
1 – Worship Hymn 2 – Leeches 3 – Chains 4 – Crossroad Black 5 – Hive Mind Apocalypse 6 – We Are Legion 7 – Plague Bringer 8 – Overdrive 9 – Throne of the Forsaken
Rockshots Records and Secret Rule are thrilled to announce the release of the band’s brand new single called “Just A Sacrifice” available on all digital platforms starting today, May 2nd, 2025, and accompanied by a music video. The track offers the first glimpse into the band’s highly anticipated tenth studio album, due for release later this year.
“Just A Sacrifice” is a powerful anthem about the cost of staying true to oneself in a world that demands conformity. Blending heavy guitars, intense vocals, and a bold, wide-open chorus, the song captures both the emotional toll and the inner strength that come with resisting societal pressure.
“This song is about the price we pay for thinking freely, speaking our truth, and refusing to follow the crowd,” the band comments. “It’s deeply personal but also a quiet political statement.”
In recent weeks, Secret Rule completed an intense 15-date European tour alongside Temperance and Induction, showcasing their renewed energy and connection with audiences across the continent. The band is now preparing to take part in prestigious summer festivals including Masters of Rock (Czech Republic), Rock Imperium Festival (Spain), and Laurus Nobilis (Portugal).
Entering 2025 with a refreshed lineup and a renewed artistic vision, Secret Rule is ready to push their sound even further. The upcoming album promises a dynamic and immersive experience fusing the cinematic edge of Within Temptation’s recent work with the raw energy of Falling In Reverse.
“Just A Sacrifice” marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Secret Rule, one built on resilience, individuality and a sound more powerful than ever.
SECRET RULE:
ANGELA DI VINCENZO: Vocals ANDY ‘MENARIO’ MENARINI: Guitar SOFIA BASILI: Bass ANDREA MIAZZETTO: Drums
SUMMER FESTIVALS: 27.06.25 ES – Imperium Rock Festival 10-13.07.25 CZ – Masters of Rock 20.07.25 PT – Laurus Nobilis
Swedish metal outfit Stygian Fair return with a brand-new single titled “Abide Your Master”, now available on all digital platforms. The track offers a first taste of their forthcoming full-length album, The Hidden Realm slated for release via Rockshots Records.
With a strong discography that includes Panta Rei (2018), Nadir (2020), Equilibrium (2021) and the critically acclaimed Aradia (2023), Stygian Fair continue to carve out their own path, defying trends and embracing pure, emotionally resonant metal.
“Abide Your Master” takes on the dangers of blind obedience; of abandoning your conscience to follow a demagogue without question. Heavy, urgent and unflinching, it asks what happens when we stop thinking for ourselves… and start worshipping the very force that’s leading us over the edge.
While details about The Hidden Realm remain under wraps, the album sees Stygian Fair pushing further than ever before; more direct, more melodic, and more accessible without losing the edge that defines them. They’ve sharpened both their sound and their message; the songs hit faster, dig deeper, and speak louder.
Lyrically, The Hidden Realm explores everything from political collapse and mass delusion to natural disaster, ancient mysteries, and inner reckoning. It’s a record about the worlds we ignore, the truths we tend to bury, and the consequences of silence.
For fans of Tad Morose, Memento Mori, and those who long for metal with both weight and heart, “Abide Your Master” is a compelling invitation into the world of Stygian Fair. A world where music is crafted with intention, passion, and no compromises. We’re opening a door. Welcome inside
The Hidden Realmwill be released on July 11th, 2025, via Rockshots Records.
Track Listing: 1. The Hidden Realm 2. Abide Your Master 3. Into The Well 4. Peel The Layers Off 5. What You’re Fighting For 6. All Of Us 7. Dawn 8. Meteor 9. Anthem Of The Lost 10. Rise From The Shadows 11. Ferwor Of Fools
STYGIAN FAIR – Line Up: Andreas Stoltz: Vocals, Guitar Emil Holmqvist: Guitar Anders Hedman: Bass P-O Jonsson: Drums
All songs written by Andreas Stoltz, Emil Holmqvist, Per-Olov Jonsson and Anders Hedman. Produced by Stygian Fair and recorded at Ballerina Studios in Umeå. Mixed by Marcus Jidell and mastered by CJ Grimmark.
Today marks the epic convergence of three cultural titans: Diablo®, the critically acclaimed franchise that defined the Action RPG genre; acclaimed manga,Berserk; and Finnish heavy metal band, BEAST IN BLACK, who have collaborated to launch an exclusive track ‘Enter The Behelit.’ Releasing on limited-edition vinyl and worldwide digital distribution, a music video has debuted as well, to mark the unleashing of this unholy event.
The crossover event with Berserk – the beloved, classic manga written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura – will take place in Diablo® IV and its mobile instillation, Diablo Immortal, beginning May 6 and May 1 respectively. Both Diablo and Berserk explore themes of good versus evil against a backdrop of terrifying darkness, making this crossover a perfect match for fans.
The Maxi Single
The limited-edition maxi single will feature a brand-new song ‘Enter The Behelit’ from BEAST IN BLACK, inspired by Berserk and produced exclusively for the game, as well as remastered versions of fan favourite tracks ‘Die By The Blade’ from the album From Hell With Love, and ‘The Fifth Angel’ from the band’s debut album, Berserker.
With many songs taking inspiration from Berserk story and characters, the Finnish heavy metal band’s music often reflects the undercurrents of struggle, fighting against overwhelming odds, and battling inner demons – themes that are prevalent in the games of the Diablo franchise.
Two hundred maxi singles have been lathe cut on black and red marbled vinyl and feature artwork from Diablo IV and Diablo Immortal, all created hand in hand the Diablo art team and the Berserk IP holders. The front of the vinyl heroes Diablo IV, while the back features key art from Diablo Immortal. The vinyl also includes a turntable zoetrope slipmat, band stickers, behind the scenes negative photos and concept art from the Diablo IV development team behind the Berserk partnership.
“The essence that swells in boundless volumes from the juxtaposition of light and darkness, angels and demons, good and evil, the carnal and the spiritual, is the key that seamlessly binds together the aesthetics and narratives of Diablo, Berserk and Beast In Black’’, said Anton Kabanen, guitarist and songwriter on BEAST IN BLACK.
“To somewhat poetically reflect on this extraordinary yet congruous collaboration I can say it feels almost as if this newborn and destined-to-be trinity has been designed by the God Hand itself. On behalf of Beast In Black’s team I express our sincerest gratitude to the dedicated teams at Blizzard, Berserk and Nuclear Blast. Thank you for making this happen. And finally, my individual acknowledgement and bottomless gratitude goes – as always – to Kentaro Miura’’.
The track will be digitally distributed by Beast in Black’s record label, Nuclear Blast, and has gone live on streaming platforms on April 28th, with a music video being launched on Nuclear Blast’s YouTube.
Photo credits: Jarmo Katila, Toni Kilpinen, Dennis Båvenmark
‘Enter The Behelit’ is accompanied by a bespoke video from award winning director, Katri Ilona Koppanen, who also directed the music videos forBEAST IN BLACK tracks: ‘Moonlight Rendezvous’, ‘Hardcore’, ‘Power Of The Beast’ and ‘One Night In Tokyo’. The exclusive video features an animated trailer, inspired by Diablo and Berserk and incorporates the band’s love of the manga and gothic art of Diablo, bringing the story of ‘Enter The Behelit’to life.
Shot in Helsinki, Finland, the music video will also receive a behind the scenes making of video showcassing the collision of the dark worlds of Diablo x Berserk, with the support of Beast in Black.
Berserk Crossover in Diablo Games
Diablo IV Season 8: Belial’s Return, has launched on 29th April and heralds the return of Belial, one of Diablo’s Great Evils, and marks the continuation of Diablo’s dark storytelling in the form of challenging boss fights and even greater spoils.
For the month of May, Diablo players will have the chance to slaughter demons donning iconic Berserk-themed cosmetics. to date and incredible in-game content.
In Diablo IV, this includes the Berserker armour for the Barbarian, Skull Knight skin for the Necromancer, as well as the “Chimimoryo” as an in-game pet. Additional items can also be earned through gameplay or for purchase in the in-game shop.
In Diablo Immortal, players will be able to gear up in Guts’ Berserker armour or Griffith’s incarnated armour, play alongside a Golem as a familiar, and even face off against iconic characters from the Manga series. The crossover includes a boss fight with Nosferatu Zodd, one of the most formidable foes of the Berserk series, an eclipse inspired Survivor’s Bane mini-game and Griffith and Guts inspired cosmetics for every class of the game.
You can find out more details about Diablo IV: Belial’s Return and the Crossover between Diablo and Berserk here:
With the dust still settling following the release of their acclaimed Volume Six LP on Cursed Blessings Records in February, Ontario thrash metal veterans SACRIFICE have sanctioned several rare live performances this year in support of the album.
Already announced earlier this year is the rapidly approaching Modified Ghost Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia May 17th, where SACRIFICE will headline with support from Anciients, Bewitcher, and more, which will serve as the official release show for Volume Six.
SACRIFICE now expands the year’s live schedule with two more performances, including the band’s first hometown show in nine years – which also serves as their Toronto album release show, headlining The Concert Hall in Toronto on October 11th. SACRIFICE has also been added to the Chile Terrorfest in Santiago, Chile on December 6th with Triptikon, E-Force, and more.
SACRIFICE Live: 5/17/2025 Modified Ghost VII Festival @ Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver BC w/ Anciients, Bewitcher, more 10/11/2025 The Concert Hall – Toronto ON [tickets] 12/06-07/2025 Chile Terrorfest @ Teatro Caupolicán – Santiago, CL w/ Triptikon, E-Force, more
SACRIFICE’s sixth album, and first in over sixteen years, Volume Six features ten new originals and a cover paying homage to the Toronto scene from which they originally emerged. The songs on Volume Six run the gamut from speedy, breakneck thrash (“Comatose,” “Explode,” “We Will Not Survive”) to more nuanced, layered, metallic compositions (“Underneath Millenia,” “Your Hunger For War”).
Two instrumental tracks on the album show yet another side of the band’s songwriting while still clearly being SACRIFICE songs: “Lunar Eclipse” is a showcase for Rico and Urbinati’s excellent twin guitar leads, while “Black Hashish” is SACRIFICE at their most psychedelic. The album’s final track, “Trapped In A World,” is a cover of ‘80s Toronto hardcore band Direct Action, a group that had a massive influence on the members of SACRIFICE during their formative years. The song features guest vocals by Youth Youth Youth vocalist and Toronto music legend Brian Taylor, who operated the Diabolic Force label in the eighties and produced the band’s first three albums, bringing everything full-circle three decades later with his appearance here.
Working once again with engineer Darius Szczepaniak – who was also at the helm for SACRIFICE’s 2009 effort The Ones I Condemn – Volume Six was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Phase One Studios.
Stream SACRIFICE’s Volume Six everywhere including Bandcamp HERE, and watch the lyric videos for “Missile” HERE and “Antidote Of Poison” HERE.
Tracked over a period of sessions between September 2023 and May 2024, the record was produced by vocalist/guitarist Rob Urbinati and features the band’s original lineup, with lead guitarist Joe Rico, bassist Scott Watts and drummer Gus Pynn. They are one of, if not the only, 1980s thrash band that still has its original lineup intact and playing together, and on Volume Six, the band hits it out of the park. The stunning front cover artwork for Volume Six was painted by Propagandhi bassist and lifelong SACRIFICE fan Todd Kowalski.
Volume Six is out now on all digital platforms including Bandcamp HERE and on CD, MC, and LP in Blue, White, and Black variants through the Cursed Blessings Records webshop HERE. The record is available in Europe, Asia, and Australia through High Roller Records.
April 30, 2025, AUSTIN – Following their much-anticipated reunion, The Sword has announced their first slate of U.S. tour dates. The legendary Austin band heads west this summer, performing the epic Warp Riders album in its entirety to mark the record’s 15th anniversary.
“This is probably the only chance people will have to see us perform the entire album, so don’t miss out!” says JD Cronise.
Tickets are on-sale this Friday at 10 a.m. local time via TheSwordOfficial.com. Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol and Pink Fuzz will support on all dates.
A special, limited-edition reissue of Warp Riders was released for Record Store Day. Remastered by J. Robbins, the “Sea of Pyres” vinyl variant features an embossed mirror board jacket and sold out within hours.
Upon its 2010 release, the 10-track Warp Riders was praised by the BBC for its “level of fantastical grandeur… on par with the bands who built the power metal subgenre,” while The Quietuscalled it “brilliant,” and Pitchforkdubbed it “Camaro-ready riff-rock.”
Warp Riders 15th Anniversary Tour:
August 17 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom August 18 Albuquerque, NM Sister Bar August 19 Denver, CO Gothic Theatre August 20 Salt Lake City, UT Metro Music Hall August 22 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory August 23 Seattle, WA Neumo’s August 24 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theater August 25 Boise, ID Knitting Factory August 27 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall August 28 Pioneertown, CA Pappy & Harriet’s August 29 San Diego, CA Belly Up Tavern August 30 Los Angeles, CA The Bellwether
The Sword previously announced a run of European festival performances with headlining dates in the Netherlands and Sweden:
June 19 Copenhagen, DK Copenhell Festival June 21 Netphen, DE Freak Valley Festival June 22 Nijmegen, NL Doornroosje June 25 Gothenburg, SE Monument June 26 Stockholm, SE Slaktyrkan June 28 Oslo, NO Tons of Rock Festival
Photo credit: Dave Creaney The Sword is: JD Cronise (vocals, guitar), Bryan Richie (bass, keyboards), Kyle Shutt (guitar, vocals), and Santiago Vela (drums)
Following their 2003 inception, The Sword quickly became one of the most revered names in heavy music. With a blend of crushing riffs, intricate storytelling, and a sound that bridges classic metal and modern rock, The Sword has released six albums: Age of Winters (2006), Gods of the Earth (2008), Warp Riders (2010), Apocryphon (2012), High Country (2015) and Used Future (2018).
Some years ago, my Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale gifted me this fabulous Black Sabbath Born Again tour book. I thank him to this day!
The Black Sabbath Born Again World Tour began on August 7, 1983 and ended on March 4, 1984. The new lead vocalist for this Black Sabbath era was Ian Gillan of Deep Purple fame. Ian Gillan sang on the 1983 Born Again album as well. Of course, TonyIommi and Geezer Butler are on this tour. Geoff Nichols played keyboards on this tour.
Above: back cover
The one other band lineup change for this tour was the addition of Bev Bevan as drummer; famous for his tenure with Electric Light Orchestra. However, Bill Ward was the drummer on the Born Again album.
Above: inside back cover
Back in 1983, I was a junior in high school and very much a fan of both the Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio eras of Black Sabbath. I did not have the opportunity to see Black Sabbath on this tour and I would’ve loved to. Can’t see them all; yet it still sucks to miss that tour. Born Again has always been a favorite metal album of mine my entire life. I believe it’s a classic.
Above: tour credits page
I just really dig the dark and sinister vibes from the songs and it’s heavy as hell! My top 3 songs from Born Again are “Trashed,” Disturbing The Priest” and “Zero The Hero.” Yes, I’ve loved the album artwork since I first saw it. It’s f’n Metal, after all.
I didn’t show band photos from this tour book due to any potential copyright issues. Thank you for checking out my tour book and visiting! Stay safe and Metal be thy name. – Stone
Legendary heavy metal supergroup DOWN – featuring vocalist Philip H. Anselmo, guitarists Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein, drummer Jimmy Bower, and bassist Pat Bruders – is pleased to announce their official signing with Nuclear Blast Records! The band is currently in the final stages of recording their long-awaited new full-length, slated for release in 2026.
In a collective statement, Nuclear Blast comments, “Nuclear Blast is proud to be in the trenches with NOLA legends DOWN as their partner in their long overdue return to the metal world. In addition, we are excited to bring some of their key past catalog releases back into the spotlight, especially on the vinyl side. There are so many longtime DOWN fans at Nuclear Blast who are excited to be working with one of their all-time favorite bands. 2026 can’t come soon enough!”
Adds the band:
“It’s good to sign with Nuclear Blast Records. It’s a good label home and we’re ready to make some awesome recordings!” – Philip H. Anselmo
“Having already been a part of the Nuclear Blast family with Corrosion Of Conformity, it is an honor and a privilege to be here as well with my brothers in DOWN. The team at Nuclear Blast is a well-oiled machine and you can definitely tell they love what they do. We are in the right place.” – Pepper Keenan
“Nuclear Blast is a great label that put out some excellent records. It’s an honor to have them work our jams!” – Jimmy Bower
Updates on new DOWN music will be unveiled in the months to come. In the meantime, don’t miss DOWN when they headline night one of this year’s edition of Milwaukee Metal Fest. For more info, visit: therave.com/metalfest. The show follows the band’s recent Western US tour with Danzig.
DOWN Live:
5/16/2025 Milwaukee Metal Fest @ The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI
You know it’s DOWN as soon as you hear them. There’s no mistaking those gargantuan riffs, swamp blues leads, crashing drums, and hypnotic howls for absolutely anybody else under the sun. The band upholds a certain tradition that countless fans celebrate, expanding their own musical mythos as they leave its pillars intact and untouched.
Nothing can beat the thrill of thrash at its best, and no one is keeping the spirit and sound of the genre alive quite like Berlin’s SPACE CHASER. With the release of their new single, “Ignite The Skies,” we see the beginning of a new chapter with the German thrash metallers! Guitarist Leo Schacht has taken on vocal duties in addition to guitars, which finds the band heading into a new direction; more razor-sharp, defined, and rougher than ever before. SPACE CHASER had been aiming for something darker and more brutal than on previous releases. From the ashes they will rise!
Watch SPACE CHASER’s video for “Ignite The Skies” HERE. Stream the track HERE.
SPACE CHASER is set to perform live at a series of festivals in Germany this Spring and Summer. See all confirmed dates below.
SPACE CHASER Live: 4/25/2025 Stockrock Festival – Hagen, DE 4/26/2025 Bangers & Maniacs – Schwerin, DE 5/02/2025 Goldgrube – Kassel, DE 5/03/2025 Skullcrusher Festival – Freiburg, DE 5/31/2025 Turock – Essen, DE 7/19/2025 Rude Open Air – Bertingen, DE 7/23/2025 Headbangers Open Air – Brande-hörnerkirchen, DE 8/12/2025 Summer Breeze – Dinkelsbühl, DE
SPACE CHASER: Leo Schacht – guitars, vocals Martin Hochsattel – guitars, backing vocals Matthias Scheuerer – drums Sebastian Kerlikowski – bass
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!
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