On October 7, 2023, approximately 6,000 terrorists infiltrated kibbutzim, moshavim, and Israeli Defense Forces bases near the Gaza border. Jonathan Savitsky, a dedicated soldier, gentleman, and Metalhead, fell heroically in the battle for the Kisufim outpost during its liberation. When the Egoz soldiers arrived, they found 32 female observers, three women, a baby, and 14 wounded Golani Brigade soldiers barricaded in the operations room.
The battle for the Kisufim outpost lasted about seven grueling hours. All 50 people in the operations room were rescued unharmed, but the cost was heavy: Jonathan and his comrades, Amit Peled and Elad Sasson, all 21 years old, were killed in action.
Days after Jonathan’s death, his sister Lina reached out to Metalist Magazine (https://www.metalist.co.il/) on Facebook. She shared that Jonathan was an avid fan of metal. After a few conversations, Metalist proposed with the magazine’s wide reach, that they can issue a “call to action” for Israeli bands interested in writing a song to honor Jonathan. The hope was to find one band willing to take on this important project. Instead, not one but five different songs were written!
The artists and bands who answered the call were Stormbound (Power Metal), Shiran Band (Modern Djent/Heavy metal), In Labyrinth (Death/Thrash), Yagon (doom metal), and D’arc Mother (Berlin based folk singer/pianist) featuring Yadin Moyal (guitarist).
The project was coordinated by Nimrod Friedrich, a music producer who oversaw all the musical materials and technical management. Mastering for the entire EP was handled by Maor Appelbaum, a top-tier professional who has worked with major rock and metal acts such as Sabaton, Faith No More, Rob Halford, Sepultura, Voivod, and many others.
All participants in the project volunteered their time and talents, driven by a genuine desire to honor Jonathan Savitsky’s memory – a metalhead and a hero.
Entitled“The Final Hours” (In Loving Memory of Jonathan Savitsky), the EP can be listened to at the following link: https://orcd.co/thefinalhours
POWERWOLF LIVE AT OVO ARENA WEMBLEY – THE METAL MASS IS COMING!
The gates to our exclusive metal mass at Wembley Arena in London with Hammerfall and Wind Rose are officially open! On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the pack will gather for a sacred night – you don’t want to be left behind! Secure your spot now before it’s too late! From which city or country will you join us?
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
North German power metallers MOB RULES have unveiled the first details about their eagerly awaited, new album Rise Of The Ruler, slated for a release on August 22, 2025 via ROAR!
The follow-up to 2018’s successful album Beast Reborn (which reached a sensational #37 in the German and #59 in the Swiss album charts) is not only a work brimming with creativity, wit and quality, but also the conceptual continuation of their two early albums Savage Land (1999) and Temple Of Two Suns (2000), with which MOB RULES laid the foundation for their career.
Both albums are linked by an exciting concept story about life in a dystopian, hostile end-time world in which resources are becoming scarce. This is exactly where the band’s new offeringRise Of The Ruler comes in and keyboardist Jan Christian Halfbrodt (who is responsible for all the lyrics) continues the thread.
In addition to the eleven-track standard album (available as CD digipak and colored vinyl), MOB RULES have also been working on a very special fan item over the last few months: The limited earbook edition ofRise Of The Ruler comes with an exclusive bonus CD containing five additional, brand new songs, as well as a spoken version of the concept story, an alternative version of “Dawn Of Second Sun” and the two video clips for “Back To Savage Land” and “Dawn Of Second Sun”! The large-format, hardcover book-style 48-page earbook extensively documents the creation of the album, video shoot, photo shoot and provides insights into the concept story.
A music video for the first album single, “Back To Savage Land”, is now premiering below! “Back To Savage Land” is programmatic in this context. The band around singer Klaus Dirks has succeeded in creating a true power metal anthem that will take the hearts of metal fans by storm with its speed, strong melodies, heaviness and catchiness.
The spectacular music video for “Back To Savage Land” is now premiering HERE
The first taste of Rise Of The Ruler perfectly sums up the band’s strengths in its compactness. In collaboration with director Rainer Fränzen (Orden Ogan, Grave Digger, among others), the most extensive video concept in the band’s history was created! Stream the track now on: https://mobrules.rpm.link/back2savagePR
MOB RULES: Klaus Dirks – Vocals Sven Lüdke – Guitar Florian Dyszbalis – Guitar Markus Brinkmann – Bass Jan Christian Halfbrodt – Keys Sebastian Schmidt – Drums
The visual design was created by French cover artist Stan W. Decker (Masterplan, Primal Fear etc.), who perfectly staged the post-apocalyptic scenery of Rise Of The Ruler.
Rise Of The Ruler – CD Tracklist: 01 – The Fall Of Dendayar 02 – Exiled 03 – Future Loom 04 – Dawn Of Second Sun 05 – Back To Savage Land 06 – Trial And Trail Of Fear 07 – Providence 08 – Nomadic Oasis 09 – Coast Of Midgard 10 – On The Trail 11 – Equilibrium (Rise Of The Ruler)
April 25, 2025 will see iconic heavy metal titans SACRED STEEL release their 10th studio album, entitled Ritual Supremacy, via ROAR. Available on CD, Vinyl and Digital formats.
You can pre-order your favorite format of choice at this location:
Following the previously-released album tracks, “The Watcher Infernal” and the heavy-as-hell title track “Ritual Supremacy”, today, SACRED STEEL unleash “Demon Witch Possession“, their latest furious single accompanied by an official music video!
“This little ditty is quite catchy! Even though it ́s fast and furious. We wanted for once to start a track with the chorus directly and that ́s what we did here”, Vocalist Gerrit P. Mutz reveals. “I recently watched the full season of “Ash vs. The Evil Dead” again and remembered that I once took the inspiration for the lyrics to this track from that phenomenal series. All hail metal! All hail Ash!”
SACRED STEEL: Gerrit P. Mutz – Vocals Jonas Khalil – Guitars Jörn Langenfeld – Guitars Toni Ieva – Bass Mathias Straub – Drums
For more than 25 years, SACRED STEEL have been offering metalheads a killer, trend-free alternative to bloated trigger drums, cheesy keyboards and boring cliché sounds that are hyped year after year as “the next big thing in metal”. SACRED STEEL have always remained true to themselves, constantly reinventing their traditional style and releasing some highly acclaimed classics, such as their legendary debut Reborn In Steel (1997 as the first German band ever signed to Metal Blade Records), the follow-up Wargods Of Metal” or their heaviest album to date: Slaughter Prophecy.”
The band’s fortchoming album release will be celebrated with a much-awaited performance at the 25th anniversary of the “Keep It True Festival” and many more shows this year. Find all upcoming dates listed below, with many more to be announced soon! Ritual Supremacy will also mark the first album to feature new members Toni Ieva (bass) and Jörn Langenfeld (guitar), who joined the band in 2023.
Get ready for the next chapter and let there be… SACRED STEEL, who are a trademark in the metal scene: All METAL with attitude, never everybody’s darling – and damn proud of it!
Ritual Supremacy – track listing: 01 – Ritual Supremacy 02 – Leather, Spikes & Chains 03 – The Watcher Infernal 04 – A Shadow In The Bell Tower 05 – Entombed Within The Iron Walls Of Dis 06 – Bedlam Eternal 07 – Demon Witch Possession 08 – Covenant Of Grace 09 – Omen Rider 10 – Let The Blackness Come To Me
Sacred Steel live: 11.04.2025 – Villingen-Schwenningen (GER) – Little Black Forest Festival
17.04.2025 – Oberhausen (GER) – THRASH SPEED BURN FEST
25. – 26.04.2025 – Lauda-Königshofen (GER) – KEEP IT TRUE Festival
30.04.2025 – Ludwigsburg (GER) – Scala – Album Releaseshow (+ ATTIC + KNIFE + UNDER RUINS)
03.05.2025 – Ochtendung (GER) – A Chance For Metal Festival
Pre-sale tickets for Korn Kanada 2025 are live now. Use Code: KANADA25 | http://kornofficial.com
9.17 – Ottawa, ON @ Canadian Tire Center 9.19 – Quebec City, QC @ Videotron Centre 9.20 – Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell 9.22 – London, ON @ Canada Life Place 9.25 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre 9.28 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome 9.29 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place 10.01 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
Critically acclaimed power thrashers LUTHARO have released a video for their track “Bonded To The Blade“. The video serves as a teaser for their highly anticipated return to Europe next week as support to power metallers FELLOWSHIP and power metal giants FROZEN CROWN. The tour is their first in Europe since the release of their album Chasing Euphoriawhich was released in March 2024.
Vocalist Krista Shipperbottom states: “Fate always has a way of finding you and now so does our music! “Bonded to the Blade” is ready to strike and is our final music video release from the Chasing Euphoria album cycle! You may even spot yourself rocking out in this one so get pumped!”
EUROPEAN TOUR DATES: 11.04.2025 – Memmingen, D @ Kaminwerk 12.04.2025 – Weinheim, D @ Cafe Central 13.04.2025 – Haarlem, NL @ Patronaat 15.04.2025 – Aschaffenburg, D @ ColosSaal 17.04.2025 – Regensburg, D @ Airport Obertraubling 18.04.2025 – Arnheim, NL @ Willemeen 19.04.2025 – Diest, B @ Hell 20.04.2025 – Hamburg, D @ Logo 22.04.2025 – Bochum, D @ Rockpalast/Matrix 23.04.2025 – Herford, D @ Kulturwerk 24.04.2025 – Wilhelmshaven, D @ Pumpwerk 26.04.2025 – Schirnding, D @ Gemeindehalle 27.04.2025 – Pratteln, CH @ Z7 29.04.2025 – München, D @ Backstage 01.05.2025 – Pamplona, ES @ Totem 02.05.2025 – Madrid, ES @ Revi Live 03.05.2025 – Barcelona, ES @ Wolf 07.06.2025 US Madison, WI – Mad With Power Fest 16.08.2025 DE Sonnewalde – Großbahrener Schwermetal Fest
RFK MEDIA signs Bad Marriage – Match Made In Hell album set for summer 2025 release. Bad Marriage has officially signed with Ron Keel’s RFK Media to deliver their new album Match Made In Hell this summer (2025). This powerhouse band out of Boston has been winning over the fans and the media for several years now and is well-positioned for the big time, with a collection of songs that embrace the spirit of their classic roots while capturing a modern active rock sound.
A relentless work ethic combined with a special chemistry between the band members and their fans has earned Bad Marriage a loyal and constantly growing audience, plus appearances on the Monsters Of Rock Cruise and the Monsters On The Mountain Festival, as well as opening slots on tour with Buckcherry, Tesla, Vandenberg and more.
“Bad Marriage has been on our radar for a while,” Keel explains. “I’ve been equally impressed by their aggressive pursuit of success and the aggressive admiration the fans have for this band and their music.”
“Trying to make it in rock n roll these days is like a heavyweight fight,” says BM guitarist Mike Fitz, “and we want people in our corner who aren’t ever going to throw in the towel. RFK Media has a proven track record and together we’re going the distance.” Former Tesla guitarist Tommy Skeoch, who joined Bad Marriage in 2023, echoes that vote of confidence: “I’ve known Ron Keel since the 80’s, and that guy never quits or backs down. It’s really cool how we’ve come full circle now and are all working together to take this band and this music to the next level.”
RFK Media Managing Partner Aaron Fischer signed Bad Marriage on the 2025 Monsters Of Rock Cruise; “There was no pre-nuptial agreement, we just eloped,” he says; “Bad Marriage and RFK Media are truly a match made in hell, built upon our love of the music and the fans.”
Bad Marriage is: Jonny Paquin (vocals) Mike Fitz (lead guitar), Tommy Skeoch (lead/rhythm guitar), Ian Haggerty (rhythm guitar), Todd Boisvert (bass), and Michael Delaney (drums).
New members are former Falling in Reverse guitarist Max Georgiev, bassist Jeff Salgado (Psychosomatic), drummer Nick Souza (Hatriot) with returning guitarist, the legendary Ira Black (Dio Disciples, former Bulletboys, etc.), fronted by long-time vocalistand metal warrior: Sean Killian.
Oppressing The Masses For 35 Years – United Kingdom – European 2025 Tour
4.10.25 – LAS VEGAS, NV at BACKSTAGE, BAR & BILLIARDS 4.11.25 – LOS ANGELES, CA at THE TERAGRAM BALLROOM 4.17.25 – CAMDEN, ENGLAND at THE UNDERWORLD 4.18.25 – BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND at CASTLE & FALCON 4.19.25 – PRESTON, ENGLAND at BLITZ 4.20.25 – GLASGOW, SCOTLAND at SLAY 4.21.25 – DUBLIN, IRELAND at OPIUM 4.22.25 – CHESTER, ENGLAND at THE LIVE ROOMS 4.23.25 – SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND at CORPORATION 4.24.25 – CRUMLIN NEWPORT, WALES at THE PATRIOT 4.25.25 – LAUDA- KÖNIGSHOFEN, GERMANY at KEEP IT TRUE FEST 4.26.25 – SEVILLA, SPAIN at SALA X 4.27.25 – VALLADOLID, SPAIN at PORTA CAELI 4.29.25 – BARCELONA, SPAIN at SALA BOVEDA 4.30.25 – VITORIA, SPAIN at URBAN ROCK CONCEPT 5.1.25 – MADRID, SPAIN at REVI LIVE 5.2.25 – MOS, SPAIN at SALA REBULLON 5.3.25 – LISBON, PORTUGAL at RCA CLUB 5.9.25 – BAHRAIN at DIGGERS
Time To Kill Records is thrilled to welcome Dublin based metallers THE RISEN DREAD to their roster. Their sophomore album, Death From Above, is set for release in the coming months.
Death From Above marks a significant shift towards a heavier and more aggressive sound. While retaining their signature blend of intensity and melody, the band has incorporated stronger thrash metal and melodic death metal influences, seeking a sharper and more relentless edge. More details about the album will be revealed soon – stay tuned.
Bio:
THE RISEN DREAD is a metal band from Dublin, Ireland. Since forming in 2019, they have risen from the Irish underground scene to become an international touring act, earning a reputation for their intense sound and energetic live performances.
Their debut EP, Delusions (2019), introduced them to the scene and set the stage for their first full-length album, Night Hag, released in January 2022. Written and recorded during the global pandemic, the album showcased the band’s evolution and featured guest appearances, including Andreas Kisser of Sepultura on the single “White Night”.
THE RISEN DREAD has made its mark on major stages, performing at Wacken Open Air in 2022 and joining Vader and Marduk for the United Titans tour across Europe and the UK.
In 2024, with the release of the single “Betrayal” and an extensive South American tour playing in Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil, the band continued to expand its reach. In January 2025, THE RISEN DREAD entered the studio to record their next album, promising a new chapter in their journey.
Line-up:
Marco Feltrin – Vocals William Ribeiro – Guitars Mat Maher – Bass Marcos Batata – Drums
PATCHWORK, the Rockford-based metal band known for its fierce and provocative music, have released “Divide,” the latest single from their upcoming album Scars. Featuring the distinctive vocals of Dallas Toler-Wade (NARCOTIC WASTELAND, ex-NILE) and the intricate guitar solos of Ronnie Parmer (BLOODMESSIAH, MALEVOLENT CREATION). “Divide” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
“Divide” ventures into the darker and more intense territory of death metal, marking a significant departure from PATCHWORK‘s typical sound. The song addresses the deep fractures within contemporary society, spotlighting the insidious influence of unseen powers that manipulate and distort public perception through Orwellian tactics.
Brad Carlson, guitarist and one of the primary songwriters for PATCHWORK, crafted the music and arrangement for “Divide,” utilizing a drop C tuning to create a heavier, more aggressive sound. The collaboration with Dallas Toler-Wade brought a new dimension to the track, with his experience in death metal bringing authenticity and intensity to the vocals.
Ronnie Parmer’s guitar work complements the song’s thematic depth. Known for his dynamic playing style, Parmer’s solos add a visceral edge to the track, enhancing its emotional and sonic impact.
“Divide” serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural and social battles being waged silently in everyday life. The song’s lyrics, written by Dave Caruana, reflect on the lasting consequences of these battles, suggesting a collective memory and a reckoning to come. The proverb “the axe forgets, but the tree remembers” underscores the enduring awareness and resilience of those affected by divisive tactics.
“Divide” both challenges the listener musically but also encourages a deeper reflection on the forces that shape our world. The single sets the stage for the release of Scars, scheduled for May 15, 2025, promising an album filled with powerful narratives and relentless metal craftsmanship.
Scars – Track Listing: You Have Failed (feat. Todd Paluzzi) Scars Fallout (feat. Bobby Gustafson) Relllik (feat. Kragen Lum) Ruined Methuselah Divide (feat. Dallas Toler-Wade, Ronnie Parmer) The Vulture Skies in Flames (feat. Michael Gilbert) The Empty Buried Alive (feat. Bobby Gustafson) Bitter Truth (feat. Dallas Toler-Wade) At The End (feat. Kragen Lum)
Tampere, Finland -based thrash metal act OSIRIS REX – led by US thrasher Superstar Joey Severance – have premiered their new single and official video ‘Arrival Of The New Dawn’, today, March 21st, exclusively via Bravewords. The track is taken from the band’s upcoming EP.
Superstar Joey Severance on ‘Arrival Of The New Dawn’: “It’s the story of an extra terrestrial entourage who descends upon the Earth with the sole mission of bringing law and order to the human populace. Do they come in peace? It’s certain that if any E.T.’s were to visit us, we would be their slaves and there wouldn’t be a single human made weapon that would be able to defend the species. Are they living among us right now? They could be…..”
Today marks the release of the new album by New England metal band AVERSED. Erasure of Color is now available on all streaming/download platforms, as well as jewelcase CD, and limited-edition smoked colored vinyl (300 copies) and cassette (100 copies) from supportive physical and online retailers, as well as Bandcamp and our webstore – Options HERE
Additionally, to celebrate today’s album release, AVERSED have premiered another fine music video highlighting the band’s ferocious live performance for the track “Burn.” Watch video HERE
“We shot the ‘Burn’ video at our home base venue – the Middle East in Cambridge, Massachusetts,” explains guitarist Sungwoo Jeong. “We unleashed our videographers into the packed crowd to brave the pit and capture the energy of the show and they survived! Happy to have captured that amazing show for all eternity
“The first iteration of ‘Burn’ originally came about when Sungwoo wanted to write an anthemic song for big stages,” reveals drummer Jeff Saltzman. “Naturally, when we finished arranging it together, it had a full-on rumba-clave section and a bass solo. And then I wrote lyrics espousing violent class revolution, not exactly typical anthem material! However, I think the final product is really a great picture of Aversed, combining a series of chaotic elements into a cohesive piece that is both catchy, and evocative.”
“Burn” joins two previous singles/videos “Lucid Decapitation”and “Cross to Bear” as samples of the group’s latest work showcasing the quintet’s intense, progressive, and blistering material.
Erasure of Color comes packaged with intriguing artwork from Adam Burke (Unto Others, Gatecreeper, Cloak) of Nightjar Illustration, and is self-produced by bassist Alden Marchand and guitarist Sungwoo Jeong with orchestrations composed/arranged by Vikram Shankar (Redemption, Silent Skies, Pain Of Salvation) with a mix by AJ Viana (Wormhole, Hath, Cognitive) and mastered by Brad Boatright (Code Orange, Obituary, 200 Stab Wounds).
AVERSED formed in Boston with guitarist Sungwoo Jeong and bassist Martin Epstein remaining the sole members from the early days. By 2016, with the additions of drummer Jeff Saltzman (currently on tour with Allegaeon) and guitarist Alden Marchand, the band released their impactful EP, Renewal, demonstrating their ambition and future promise.
Their blend of extreme instrumentation and tender melodicism was highlighted with 2021’s full-length CD, Impermanent, displaying further growth, musicianship and potential. Now joined by Sarah Hartman on vocals, AVERSED are armed with a new album full of rage and yearning. Erasure of Color presents a glimpse of hope and beauty on a backdrop of raging, mournful Gothic Extreme Metal.
Boom! We’re heading back to Europe to crush some summer festivals and play some shows with our buds in Sacred Reich! Get your tickets now and come rage with us!
March 21, 2025, AUSTIN – The Sword have announced their first European tour dates since 2015, with the recently reunited band slating a trio of intimate club performances alongside festival appearances, including Copenhell, Freak Valley, and Tons of Rock.
The Sword European Tour:
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
Tickets for the three exclusive club dates are on-sale now, with ticket links available via TheSwordOfficial.com.
The legendary Austin-based band announced their reunion earlier this year, bringing their signature blend of crushing heaviness and cosmic groove back to audiences who have long awaited their comeback. JD Cronise, in conversation with Revolver, discussed The Sword’s Levitation Festival performance as a turning point for the foursome, describing the experience as “like putting on a comfortable pair of sneakers.” Kyle Shutt added: “I can’t tell you what it means to see everyone’s positive reception. It feels so good to see people out there almost more enthusiastic about the band than ever – it’s something we’ll never take for granted.”
Prior to their European dates, the band will play a pair of Texas shows: April 10 at the Granada Theater (Dallas) and April 11 at Paper Tiger (San Antonio). Additional performances will be announced soon.
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).
“On No One’s Word” is taken from BARK‘s forthcoming album The Time has Come out on April 2025. Produced by Martin Furia (Destruction..). It is a death ‘n’ roll anthem for those who dare to stand on the flames of the fire stake. It may seem that you are alone, but you’re not. Times may change but the Man trying to rule you is a constant. If you sing the chorus of “On No One’s Word”you instantly grow an extra pair of balls to fight back.
For fans of: Entombed, Cro Mags, Dismember, Sepultura, Motörhead…
Recorded at their own studio Jurassic Recordings, under the guidance of guitarist Martin Furia (producer for Destruction, Nervosa, Toxik, Chemicide…) the album boasts a production that amplifies BARK’s signature sound while pushing their sonic boundaries even more to achieve their most brutal album to date.
BARK: The Time Has Come Album Track-listing: 1 Negativist 2 Shaman 3 Dodge the Bullet 4 On No One’s Word 5 Whisky Rivers 6 Faceless 7 Wanted Man 8 Seven 9 Wildheart 10 Lord Of The Skies 11 Wrath Unchained 12 The Curse From Above
LINE UP: Ron Bruynseels – Vocals Martin Furia – Guitar Toon Huet – Guitar Jorn Van der Straeten – Bass Ward Van der Straeten – Drums
DISCOGRAPHY: Bark ep (Self released – 2015) Voice of Dog (Sideburn – 2016) Like Humans Do (Sound of the Hound Records – 2017) Written in Stone (Sound of the Hound Records – 2020) Rambler of Aeons (Listenable – 2022) The Time has Come (Listenable – 2025)
Rockshots Records is proud to announce the signing of SECRET RULE, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the band’s decade-long journey.
With a refreshed lineup and a renewed artistic vision, SECRET RULE is gearing up to unleash its highly anticipated tenth studio album in 2025, slated for release after the summer.
Known for their unique ability to blend symphonic atmospheres with modern metal vibes, SECRET RULE is stepping into a bold new sonic era.
The upcoming album will showcase an evolved sound, a powerful fusion of influences, combining the cinematic edge of Within Temptation’s latest works with the raw energy of Falling In Reverse. From this new chapter, fans can expect a dynamic, high-energy sound, enriched with the band’s signature melodies and anthemic choruses.
With a fresh lineup, SECRET RULE continues to push boundaries, reaffirming its role as a driving force in modern metal. The album explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the battle against inner and external struggles, delivering an intense and immersive experience.
In the meantime, the band is currently on the road as a supporting act for Temperance and Induction, part of an intense 15-date European tour. SECRET RULE is also set to play some of the most prestigious summer festivals, including Masters Of Rock (Czech Republic), Rock Imperium Festival (Spain), and Laurus Nobilis (Portugal), with more dates and exciting news coming soon!
A brand new single will be unveiled very soon, giving fans a first taste of what’s to come.
“A new era begins, and we are ready to bring our energy to the stage! This March, we hit the road across Europe with Temperance and Induction, and we cannot wait to see you all! Plus, we are beyond excited to play at three incredible festivals this summer: Imperium Rock Festival, Masters of Rock, and Laurus Nobilis”.
After the triumphant release of their recent critically acclaimed EP Year of the Four Emperors, Canadian Death Metal gladiators EX DEO have just released a lyric video for “Galba“. The song is a ferocious opener for the EP that showcases exactly why they are considered to be at the forefront of the genre.
The band says about the track: “Galba rises from the ashes of Nero’s reign, a tyrant cloaked in the guise of savior. The track mirrors his ruthless ascent, dominated by unrelenting riffs and venomous proclamations of power. His insatiable hunger for wealth and domination sets the tone for the chaos to follow. As the walls of Rome close in, the Praetorian Guard turns against him in a violent crescendo, heralding his downfall. Galba’s story is a chilling testament to hubris and betrayal.”
The EP is currently available on both CD and as an extremely limited edition vinyl directly from Reigning Phoenix Music. Order/Listen to The Year Of The Four Emperors HERE: https://exdeo.rpm.link/yotfeP
Founded in 2023, Reigning Phoenix Music is truly the 100% independently owned vision of music industry professional Gerardo Martinez and avionics and tech entrepreneur, Sven Bogner. The blueprint is to continue to help heavy metal, extreme and hard music thrive by partnering with an array of well-established acts, new talent, and iconic artists by offering best services and practices in the industry. RPM’s paramount goal is to help the artists amplify their music and talent to a winning formula for success. The label recently opened a new office in London, UK.
CO-HEADLINING TOUR WITH NAPALM DEATH BEGINS APRIL 4
March 19, 2025, LOS ANGELES – Melvins 1983 – the lineup featuring Buzz Osborne and original drummer Mike Dillard, offer a second preview of Thunderball (out April 18, Ipecac Recordings) with today’s release of “King of Rome” (https://youtu.be/vmwNEPGw1QE).
The charging track once again features contributions from avant-electronic artists Void Manes and Ni Maîtres, with Osborne saying of the song “The ‘King of Rome!! Hot Cross Buns! This song is a hot little punk rock number. I hope all of you enjoy it and tell your friends.” The band previously released the near-10 minute long song “Victory of the Pyramids,” which Consequence declared a “minor epic.”
Album pre-orders are available now (https://themelvins.lnk.to/Thunderball), with Thunderball available on trio of vinyl variants including an indie exclusive “Smoke Is A Color” variant and an Ipecac webstore-only “Special Mustard Gas.” The album will also be available on CD and all digital formats.
The band kicks off a massive nine-week nationwide co-headlining tour with Napalm Death on April 4. Dubbed the “Savage Imperial Death March Part II,” the trek reunites the two iconic following the first “Savage Imperial Death March” tour of 2016. The Melvins’ current touring line-up features Osborne, Dale Crover, Steven McDonald, and Coady Willis. Tickets are available now at Ipecac.com/tours.
In an explosive return to the music scene, the iconic yet notorious band COLD SLITHER has released their first single “Cold Slither,” off their much-anticipated album. This project marks a groundbreaking fusion of real-world music and fictional narrative, bringing to life the villainous charm of the Cobra organization from the classic 1980sG.I. JOEseries.
In a dynamic collaboration, Hasbro and Reigning PhoenixMusic have teamed up to release “Cold Slither.” This partnership breathes new life into COLD SLITHER, a band once crafted as part of a nefarious plot and now reborn with a sound that mixes nostalgia with cutting-edge rock prowess. Helmed by the mysterious Zartan and his band of Dreadnoks, (Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer), the single reintroduces their heavy metal ferocity combined with a sinister, anarchist energy that upends the conventional music scene.
Bringing COLD SLITHER to life through our partnership with RPM has been an absolute dream come true! As a child watching this fictional band on my TV screen, I never imagined I’d one day help transform them from animated rockstars into a tangible, sonic reality. From the meticulously crafted figures you can hold in your hand to the face-melting album we’ve created, G.I. JOE fans worldwide are about to experience something truly revolutionary this summer. This project bridges nostalgia with innovation in ways that will leave the community speechless—prepare for a musical assault that would make Cobra Commander proud!”Shares Ben”BMac” MacCrae — Associate Brand Manager, Global Brand Development & Marketing at Hasbro.
Reigning Phoenix Music General Manager and Co-founder Gerardo Martinez comments: “It is a dream come true to be able to work on this amazing collaboration with my favorite, and one that happens to be one of the most iconic brands in the world: G.I.JOE! It is also a pleasure to work on this amazing project alongside some of my friends from Hasbro and be able to bring Cold Slither into reality in the most Heavy Metal way! Many of us have waited 40 years for this to happen but the wait is finally over. And a special thanks to Michael Charles Hill for writing the original COLD SLITHER episode back in 1985.”
“It’s programs like these that make Hasbro’s goal of creating Magic Moments truly come to life! What started out as a cult-classic episode from the 1985 series G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero has culminated into a fan program for the ages – inclusive of toys, comics, and of course, music. It could not have been made possible without amazing licensees like Reigning Phoenix Music who put their passion, expertise, and fandom into everything they create. We’re extremely excited for everyone to rock out to this single and we plan to reveal even more as we move closer to San Diego Comic Con. So, as the single echos, we hope… “you’ll be joining us soon!””says Alyse D’Antuono — Hasbro’s VP of Global Franchise Strategy & Management for Action Brands.
“Cold Slither” features bone-crushing riffs and an anthemic chorus, perfectly capturing the rebellious spirit of the ’80s and leading the charge in COLD SLITHER‘s resurgence. The infamous track, which initially captivated audiences as part of Cobra’s mind-control plot, is now reimagined with a compelling melody and legendary backstory, showcased in a newly released lyric video, animated by the legendary Costin Chioreanu.
Cold Slither burst onto the scene with their now classic single, “Cold Slither”, setting the stage for an even darker campaign with their upcoming album, “Cold Slither.” Helmed by the enigmatic Zartan and supported by his ruthless Dreadnoks—Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer—this band blends heavy metal ferocity with a sinister, anarchistic energy that upends the conventional music scene. Their signature sound unleashes a torrent of guttural guitars, boisterous bass, venomous vocals, and thunderous percussion, casting shadows across the musical landscape.
Each concert is a spectacle of chaos and brute force, with Cold Slither captivating hearts and demolishing instruments worldwide. Their music transcends generational divides, championing a dark new world order with each pulse-pounding beat. This band doesn’t just chase gold and platinum records; they aim to capture the minds and souls of their audience.
Conceived by Cobra Commander, Zartan and his Dreadnoks were transformed into Cold Slither, a heavy metal behemoth designed to captivate and influence America’s youth. With their cunning lyrics and compelling stage presence, they harness their music as a powerful tool for mass destruction and control.
Anticipation for their forthcoming album “Cold Slither” is building, with fans eager for a new chapter of anthems that promise not just to challenge but to change the industry. Prepare for an auditory onslaught that will resonate long after the lights fade. With Cold Slither, the revolution is not just televised, it’s an all-encompassing, reverberating force. Brace yourself to join their ranks and be changed. Their music doesn’t merely entertain; it indoctrinates.
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