Haarlem (NL) – Thorndale, the Netherlands-based stoner/doom metal powerhouse, have released the official video for “Battles Fought in Vain,” the second single from forthcoming sophomore album, Spiritual Chains.
Comprised of seasoned musicians from notable acts such as Adarrak, Killing Darlings, Embers of Oblivion, Epinikion, and Primal Charge, their unique blend of heavy, stoner, and doom metal has resonated with fans worldwide, setting the stage for Spiritual Chains to be a significant release.
Rising progressive metal acts Nospūn and Voidchaser are proud to announce their European debut tour this fall, taking place from October 3 to 11, following their appearance at the legendary ProgPower Europe 2025.
This tour marks the first-ever European performances for both bands; an exceptionally rare opportunity for European fans to catch two of the most exciting new names in progressive metal live. With a lineup that’s sure to appeal to fans of the most promising new voices in progressive rock and metal, this run offers a diverse range of shows, from an iconic festival to underground clubs and renowned venues. This is one tour you won’t want to miss.
The full tour routing is as follows:
October 3–5 – Baarlo, Netherlands (ProgPower Europe) along with Threshold, The Dear Hunter, Extol, Kyros, Kingcrow, Major Parkinson, Mayfire, Tiberius, and more.
October 7 – Cologne, DE (MTC Cologne) w/ Soulsplitter October 8 – Hamburg, DE (Bambi Galore) w/ Soulsplitter October 9 – Copenhagen, DK (Underwerket) w/ Soulsplitter and Belief Control October 11 – Stockholm, SE (The Node)
The Stockholm show is a special edition presented by ProgStorm Festival, featuring Swedish headliners Vulkan, Quantum, and a special performance from Norway’s Sungoose.
This tour is orchestrated by Metal Shed Productions, with the support of Infinity Presents, The Progspace, Ormsby Guitars, Brainstorm Productions, Betreutes Proggen, and the incredible local bands and managers making it all possible.
About Nospūn:
Nospūn is an American progressive metal band from North Carolina (United States of America). Their 2023 debut album Opus, made a major impact, hailed by The Prog Report as “one of the more impressive prog metal debut albums you’re likely to hear,” combining virtuosic instrumentation, emotional depth and intricate storytelling.
In March 2025, Nospūn followed up with Ozai, a brilliant new EP that reimagines select tracks from Opus with renewed energy and fresh arrangements
Voidchaser, formed in 2023 between Montreal (Canada) and Stockholm (Sweden), has quickly emerged as a promising new act in progressive metal. Their 2024 debut album Solace received critical acclaim for its mix of heavy riffs, cinematic atmosphere, and emotionally charged themes. The album charted among the top metal releases on Apple Music and iTunes in Canada, Sweden, and several countries across Europe and South America.
Today marks the official release of ‘The Moral Chokehold.’ New England’s DEATH RATTLE has been making some noise and drawing attention to themselves for this release building up anticipation through four previous singles/music videos and touring the US, Japan and Europe, garnering radio support including SiriusXM’s Liquid Metal, all leading up to this moment.
‘The Morale Chokehold’ has a powerful, large sound courtesy of the production work of Kevin Billingslea (Lamb of God, Trivium) with mix/mastering by Jens Bogren (Amon Amarth, Kreator) and stunning artwork from Tamer Azab of The Dark Art in Dubai. Available on jewel case CD and limited edition (300) philosopher’s moon colored vinyl, in addition to digital.
Recently, DEATH RATTLE have announced their next European tour opening for Atheist and Origin this Sept/Oct (tour dates below). This is the quartet’s second trip to Europe after supporting Gorgoroth and Aeturnus earlier this year. Watch for more US shows soon.
DEATH RATTLE have built quite a nice arsenal of tracks showcasing different elements of the group’s sound blending groove, melody and aggression as evidenced by emphasis songs like “Malthusian Dependency,” “Immersed in Black,” “The Darkness” and “Nietzsche, and the Fall” the latter featuring vocal contributions from Bjorn “Speed” Strid of SOILWORK/THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA fame.
“We are beyond stoked to release ‘The Moral Chokehold.’ For us, this album has been almost four years in the making. We had a blast writing and recording it, but for the last year we have been in the trenches making content and releasing things to hype up the release. It is the grind of the music business. It feels so good to finally get back to what we are passionate about – the music. Releasing these songs to the world and touring to support them is what this whole venture is all about. Creatively, this was a giant step forward for us. We experimented with writing more in the studio environment and playing with different melody structures. It has brought out a new energy in our live show. When a group of songs inspires the band to begin writing the next album before the music is even released, you know you have made something special. That is how we feel about ‘…Chokehold.’ We cannot wait for you all to hear this thing all the way through.”
DEATH RATTLE: Trey Holton (vocals) Ryan Vanderwolk (guitar) Justin Brown (bass) Chris Morin (drums)
Hailing from the New England area, a spot which has a long history of producing some of the most influential metal acts in modern metal, DEATH RATTLE hope to follow in the footsteps of those that came before them. DEATH RATTLE have already released two albums independently, toured the US four times including a run supporting The Convalescence and went to Japan twice previously in support of such luminaries as Cattle Decapitation, Revocation, Ne Obliviscaris and Wolfheart. All this in addition to regional plays supporting Hatebreed, Soulfly, Unearth, Crowbar, Allegaeon, Philip H Anselmo and the Illegals, Let Us Prey plus appearing at local festival plays on Mayhem Fest, Summer Slaughter, New England Metal and Hardcore Fest and the Tattoo & Music Festival.
UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS DEATH RATTLE EU tour with Atheist/Origin 04.09.2025: Warszawa, Poland @ Proxima 05.09.2025: Kraków, Poland @ Kwadrat 06.09.2025: Ostrava, Czech Republic @ Barrak Music Club 07.09.2025: Wien, Austria @ Viper Room 09.09.2025: Ljubljana, Slovenia @ Orto Bar 10.09.2025: Munich, Germany @ Backstage 11.09.2025: Trier, Germany @ Forum 12.09.2025: Amstelveen, The Netherlands @ P60 13.09.2025: Essen, Germany @ Turock 14.09.2025: Bristol, UK @ The Fleece 16.09.2025: London, UK @ Underworld 17.09.2025: Paris, France @ Glazart 18.09.2025: Kotrijk, Belgium @ DVG Club 19.09.2025: Helmond, The Netherlands @ Cacaofabriek 20.09.2025: Drachten, The Netherlands @ Iduna 21.09.2025: Hamburg, Germany @ Logo 23.09.2025: Erfurt, Germany @ Club From Hell 24.09.2025: Mannheim, Germany @ MS Connexion Complex 25.09.2025: Luzern, Switzerland @ Shuur 26.09.2025: Milan, Italy @ Legend 27.09.2025: San Dona di Piave, Italy @ Revolver 28.09.2025: Graz, Austria @ Explosiv
Four years since their latest studio album, Rage Of War, Belgian combat metal powerhouse FireForce has returned with new song material. Following the previously-released single, “The Battle Of Ramadi”, today, the band is premiering a video clip for their new song “Living On The Edge”!
This blast beast of a track, featuring razorsharp riffs, epic vocals and raging heavy metal power, tells the story “of a jet fighter pilot and his everyday flirting with death,” the band comments. “Dedicated to Pavlo Ivanov, a Ukrainian Air Force F-16 fighter jet pilot, who was killed in action on Saturday, 12 April 2025.”
The Brazilian extreme progressive metal group ABSTRACTED – whose sound blends blistering technicality with melodic and atmospheric moments – usher in their comeback with a slamming new single for “Languish,” the first taste of the band’s next album.
“We are very excited to present new music with our single ‘Languish.’ This song is a chaotic trip that catches up with everything Abstracted has been doing so far, with a modern twist. Sharp riffs, and plenty of odd time signatures for all the Prog lovers out there, and last, but not least, the guest vocals of one of the most powerful voices in Modern Metal – Chaney Crabb from Entheos. Our new phase is about to begin, and we will drop tons of crazy stuff for you in the upcoming months. Stay tuned!“
“Languish” is the first sample of the group’s next album, Hiraeth, coming early 2026 on M-Theory Audio. It will be almost 4 years since their last release, the band’s album Atma Conflux.
Since the band’s core trio – vocalist Rosano Pedro Matiusi, bassist Riverton Alves and keyboardist Carol Lynn – have been joined by 3 new members – guitarists Leonardo Brito and José Consani along with drummer Fernando Pollon. The revamped lineup have been writing during the downtime and drawing in influences old and new to create something pleasurable and challenging
“Hiraeth is ABSTRACTED’s third release. After Atma Conflux we faced lots of lineup changes and that evidently reflected in our way of making music. Hiraeth, in some ways, is more grounded, musical and nuanced,” continues singer Rosano. “Atmosphere is the thing we pursued the most on this record. We are very proud of what we built, keeping the fast paced music, but reinventing what we are already known for.”
ABSTRACTED is a six-piece Extreme Progressive Metal band from Brazil that draws influences from the most prominent modern metal acts like Opeth, Vildhjarta and Between the Buried and Me. Their music goes from total utter chaos to jazz fusion influenced passages. On their upcoming release Hiraeth ABSTRACTED draw strength from the past and project their 11 year experience into a blend of feelings, heaviness and complexity. Watch for pre-orders soon.
In addition to their previously announced support dates with SYMPHONY X, the legendary Finnish power metal band SONATA ARCTICA are pleased to announce five headlining dates on their upcoming North American Tour. Joining the band as openers on all dates will be the American instrumental band POWERGLOVE.
The band comments: “It’s been awhile since we last toured the US & Canada so it’s gonna be really awesome to come back and kick some ass once again. With our new album we made a return to Power Metal so you can expect to hear some favourites from the past that we haven’t played in years as well as some new stuff. See you all soon! “
All dates are in support of their critically acclaimed album Clear Cold Beyond, which was released in 2024.
CLEAR COLD BEYOND NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE DATES:
🇨🇦 Sep 29 – Toronto, ON – The Mod Club 🇨🇦 Sep 30 – Montreal, QC – Théâtre Beanfield 🇺🇸 Oct 1 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre 🇺🇸 Oct 2 – Boston, MA – Royale 🇺🇸 Oct 4 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
NORTH AMERICAN DATES IN SUPPORT OF SYMPHONY X: Sep. 04 – Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater Sep. 08 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater Sep. 10 – Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Sep. 11 – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick Sep. 12 – Pomona, CA @ The Glass House Sep. 13 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre Sep. 14 – San Francisco, CA @ August Hall Sep. 16 – Portland, OR @ Dante’s Sep. 17 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune Sep. 18 – Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre Sep. 20 – Calgary, AB @ The Palace Theatre Sep. 21 – Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room Sep. 23 – Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre Sep. 24 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Sep. 25 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave II Sep. 26 – Joliet, IL @ The Forge Sep. 27 – Cleveland, OH @ Globe Iron Sep. 29 – Red Bank, NJ @ The Vogel
Today, progressive metal legends QUEENSRŸCHE are excited to announce they’ll be hitting the road this coming fall on the “Volume and Vengeance Tour” alongside special guests ACCEPT. The tour will kick off on November 7th in Denver, CO at Summit and will conclude on December 20th in Temecula, CA at Pechanga Theater Casino.
Ticket pre-sales begin tomorrow and the general on-sale is Friday. For a full list of dates, please see below.
Vocalist Todd La Torre shares on the tour: “We are extremely excited to announce our upcoming 2025 U.S. fall tour with metal legends Accept!
For years and years both bands have discussed wanting to do a proper tour together, and the time has finally arrived. And while we both have our unique stylistic approaches, both bands continue to have a deep and revered history, shared by an amazing fan-base that is sure to enjoy this moment in time.
So it is with great pleasure that we invite you to experience the “Volume and Vengeance Tour” with QUEENSRŸCHE and Accept, and be part of metal musical history with us! See you soon!!!
The cool artwork you see was created by my good friend and friend of the band, Joe Helm.”
11/16: Columbus, OH @ TempleLive at the Columbus Athenaeum
11/18: Greensburg, PA @ Palace Theater
11/19: Wilkes-Barre, PA @ Kirby Center
11/21: Somerville, MA @ Somerville Theatre
11/22: Hartford, CT @ The Webster
11/23: Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
11/25: Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
11/26: Harrisburg, PA @ Capitol City Music Hall
11/28: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL @ Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
11/29: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
12/02: Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues
12/03: Tampa, FL @ Jannus Live
12/05: Rocky Mount, VA @ Harvester Performance Center
12/06: Charles Town, WV @ Hollywood Casino
12/09: Fort Smith, AR @ Commandry at TempleLive
12/11: Houston, TX @ House of Blues
12/14: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
12/16: Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
12/18: Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
12/19: San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
12/20: Temecula, CA @ Pechanga Theater Casino
VIP Packages Include:
Pre-Show Meet & Greet
Photo-Op with band
VIP Laminate and Lanyard
VIP Bottle Opener Key-chain
VIP Koozie
VIP Ticket Magnet
Vinyl Tri-Ryche Sticker
Knit Beanie
Tour Guitar Pick Set
One personal item signed Please note: VIP packages do not include a ticket! Bring your camera/phone for the photo op. VIP Packages available here starting Friday July 11: https://www.national-acts.com/queensryche
We, at Listenable records are huge thrash metal fans, and we are extremely delighted to welcome Canada’s TERRIFIER to our roster!
TERRIFIER is a thrash metal band based in Vancouver, Canada. With strong 80s thrash/speed metal influences and an extra edge of brutality and precision, they have made their name known in recent years in the “new wave of old school thrash metal” scene and continue to bring a relentless onslaught of blistering metal to legions of fans across the world.
Although the band originally started in 2003 under the name of SKULL HAMMER, their first TERRIFIER release, a three song EP entitled Metal or Death in 2012 really gave birth to their sound. In 2017, they started gaining international recognition with the release of their first full length album Weapons of thrash destruction, showcasing impressive technicality and songwriting abilities proving they stand out amongst the crowd.
They continued crushing everything in their path whith their 2023 release Trample the Weak, Devour the Dead, coming out with a heavier yet more redefined sound showing they’re more than just another overdone throwback 80s thrash metal band.
Now with their sights set on international touring and a new record in process, TERRIFIER is determined to bring their pummeling brand of thrash to your doorstep and continue pushing the boundaries to keep you begging for more.
TERRIFIER are working on their brand new album to be issued on Listenable in 2026.
Catch the band live this Summer: July 26th The Kingsway club in Vancouver B.C Canada July 26th August 10th Alcatraz festival Kortrijk, Belgium August 11th The Reset club Berlin, Germany with Chemicide August 17th Dynamo Festival Eindhoven, Netherlands August 17th
Live video for ‘Perpetual Onslaught’ (taken from the album ‘Trample The Weak, Devour The Dead’):
Watch Terrifier – Perpetual Onslaught live @ Loud as Hell Open Air 2024 HERE
After setting the tone with “It Takes Two To Tango”,“Time To Listen” and “Hellbreaker”,DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (DATOG) unveil their most heartfelt release yet: “Strangers In Paradise”.
“Strangers In Paradise” is a true goosebump-inducing rock ballad that gets under your skin, an extraordinary song in every respect. Manuela’s soulful voice opens the track as she accompanies her own vocals on piano, with a haunting beauty, before Peter joins in with a longing and emotional vocal delivery. The song then rises into a powerful chorus where Udo sings more clearly, deeply, and emphatically than ever before, a true vocal highlight for all fans.
Mathias’ virtuoso guitar solo in flamenco style adds a stunning twist before leading into the grand finale, complete with the signature DATOG harmonic choruses. “Strangers In Paradise” is not only a standout track on the upcoming album Babylon, but is also a love letter to life’s journey itself. Even in moments of doubt about the future, it reminds us that being alive is a miracle and is worth every struggle.
Anything but strangers to the rock and metal world, Udo Dirkschneider, Peter Baltes, Stefan Kaufmann, Mathias Dieth, Sven Dirkschneider and Manuela Bibert deliver a tight, dynamic, and passionately crafted performance throughout the album Babylon, that was superbly captured within the walls of the legendary Dierks Studios.
Set for release on October 3, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music, Babylon is now available for pre-order in a variety of stunning formats:
Limited Red, Gold & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl
Limited Red Opaque & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl
Gold Opaque Double Vinyl
Deluxe Earbook Edition with CD and enhanced 36-page booklet
Digipak CD featuring a 24-page booklet
Jewelcase CD featuring a 24-page booklet
Pre-orders are available now – secure your copy of this powerful statement from one of metal’s most iconic voices and this extraordinary band: https://datog.rpm.link/babylonPR
Babylon – Track Listing: 01. It Takes Two To Tango 02. Babylon 03. Hellbreaker 04. Time To Listen 05. Strangers In Paradise 06. Dead Man’s Hand 07. The Law Of A Madman 08. Metal Sons 09. Propaganda 10. Blindfold 11. Batter The Power 12. Beyond The End Of Time
Six years after Sacrifice Your Future, Bavarian thrash metal force White Mantis return with their second album Arrows at the Sun. Many things happened in the years after their critically acclaimed debut full-length, not least significant changes within the group’s line-up.
After having parted with guitarist Andre Krimbacher on friendly terms, Matthias Mizera stepped into the fold and was eventually replaced by Enrico Pertoso, “a killer lead guitarist who already played on the The Iron Curse EP in 2022” according to bass player Jan Strobl.
Watch new video “Nekrotornado” HERE Order new album Arrows at the SunHERE
Putting more complex material into focus, Arrows at the Sun continues on the path the band has followed ever since drummer Thomas Taube and bassplayer Jan Strobl joined in 2016 and 2018 respectively. “Based on a traditional thrash metal foundation, the new songs also display some weird, chaotic and progressive influences,” the bassist explains. “Given the members’ different musical backgrounds, we are always open to diverse songwriting.”
As a consequence, White Mantis have refined their sophisticated style of lyric writing even further. The album deals with sociopolitical issues, technocriticism and scepticism towards progress but also spirituality and death as a mystery of life. “Our interpretation of the title describes the struggle between mind and matter, with the sun symbolizing the destruction of causality and the withdrawal of all life.” This is captured in the artwork by Velio Josto, which also sees the return of the mantis as the band’s mascot.
Track-listing: 01 Nekrotornado 02 Arrows at the Sun 03 Pass the Torche 04 Divide and Kill 05 Atavistic Power 06 Over Your Pale Bones 07 Toxic Sniper 08 Roboticator 09 Reality Exists 10 Altar of Technology
It’s easy to hear influences from Voivod or early Megadeth on “Arrows at the Sun,” yet for the most part, White Mantis are very much themselves, with songs such as ‘Reality Exists” or the title track encapsulating their own brand of thrash: crushing melodies, frantic rhythms and multiple turns, all without sacrificing their catchiness.
Given the huge potential of the band, Jan’s final words seem almost too modest: “Self-assessment is always a double-edged sword,” he says. “We know our strengths and therefore prefer to let others assess our significance within the current thrash scene.”
Line-Up: Matthias Pletz – Vocals, Guitar Enrico Pertoso – Guitar Jan Strobl – Bass Thomas Taube – Drums
Time To Kill Records is proud to welcome SLYTHER, a young and ferocious Italian thrash metal band, to its roster.
With a solid foundation of live experience already under their belt, SLYTHER stand out for their ability to revisit thrash metal tradition with energy and freshness, blending the classic attitude of bands like Metallica and Overkill with the irreverent crossover edge of acts such as Municipal Waste.
Their debut album is set to be released in the coming months via Time To Kill Records. Full details will be revealed soon – stay tuned!
Biography:
SLYTHER is a young thrash/crossover band hailing from Pescara, Italy, and active since 2020. Formed by musicians born between 2005 and 2007, the group delivers a direct, high-energy sound rooted in modern thrash with strong crossover influences.
Since 2022, SLYTHER has been active on the live circuit, performing at major events such as the Day 0 of Frantic Fest 2023 and sharing the stage with well-known names in the Italian underground for Game Over and Fingernails. Among their first releases is the single “Shut The Fuck Up” (July 2023), which has surpassed 10,000 streams and offers a taste of the debut album currently in the works.
Line-up:
Marco Aquino – Vocals, rhythm guitar Federico Pavese – Drums Federico Pistilli – Lead guitar Giovanni De Bonis – Bass
Finnish melodic death metal outfit WARMEN are pleased to unveil their latest single, “Nine Lives.” The track comes by way of their upcoming album Band Of Brothers, due out on August 15th via Reaper Entertainment.
Following the melodic and anthemic title track, “Nine Lives” takes things to a heavier and more aggressive level blending razor-sharp riffs, blistering drums, and Petri Lindroos’ unmistakable growls into a relentless sonic assault. The song demonstrates WARMEN’s ability to push their sound into darker, more extreme territory without losing the signature melodies that define them.
The single once again proves that Band Of Brothers is shaping up to be the most intense and cohesive album in WARMEN’s career; a record that blends cinematic atmosphere with raw aggression and precision.
Watch WARMEN’s “Nine Lives” video HERE. Stream the track HERE.
Watch the band’s previously released video for “Band Of Brothers” HERE.
WARMEN’s Band Of Brothers was recorded at various locations across Finland and refined by Mikko Karmila (mixing) and Mika Jussila (mastering) at the legendary Finnvox Studios. Frontman Petri Lindroos (Ensiferum) delivers aggressive vocals and distinctive guitar solos, adding new energy and helping to define the band’s modern sound. The cover artwork was once again created by Aleh Zieliankievic, who also worked on Here For None.
WARMEN’s Band Of Brothers will be released on CD, LP (including Splatter and limited Crystal Yellow Vinyl), and digital formats. Find exclusive bundles featuring brand new WARMEN merch and more at warmen-band.com/products.
Band Of Brothers – Track Listing:
1. Band Of Brothers
2. One More Year
3. Nine Lives
4. When Doves Cry Blood
5. Out For Blood
6. Kingdom Of Rust
7. March Or Die
8. Untouched
9. Coup De Grâce
10. Dethroned
11. The Kiss Of Judas (Stratovarius Cover)
WARMEN: Janne “Warman” Wirman – keyboards Petri Lindroos – vocals Antti “Warman” Wirman – guitar Jyri Helko – bass Seppo Tarvainen – drums
A new force is rising from the hard rock underground, and it’s coming for blood. ALPHA DESTROYER, the explosive new band featuring Martin Sweet (Crashdïet), Kelly LeMieux (Buckcherry), and Eric Sexton-Dorsett (Sleepless), has officially announced their formation and the impending release of their debut album Fast Lane, coming later this year on Necromantic Press.
Forged over four years of late-night riffs, shared stories, and mutual respect aboard the Monsters of Rock Cruise, ALPHA DESTROYER is a five-headed beast that fuses the muscle of modern heavy metal with a razor-sharp melodic edge. Rounding out the lineup are guitarist/producer Kevin Hahn and drummer Ryan McPhaill, both of whom bring decades of high-calibre experience and intensity to the fold.
Watch the teaser video for Fast Lane at this location.
With influences rooted in heavy rock, classic metal, and progressive doom, Fast Lane is a ten-track juggernaut that kicks down the door from the opening riff. From the high-octane charge of opener “Straight Into the Grind” to the brooding stomp of “Manic Messiah”, ALPHA DESTROYER weaves stories of struggle, power, and survival with a sound that’s both brutal and anthemic.
The track listing for ALPHA DESTROYER‘s Fast Lane album is as follows:
1 – Straight Into the Grind
2 – Masterplan
3 – Dirt in the Ground
4 – Lobotomized
5 – Transmission
6 – Fast Lane
7 – Sweet Dreams From Oblivion
8 – Manic Messiah
9 – Conspiracy
10 – The Prophet
ALPHA DESTROYER is not here to ask permission, they’re here to make noise. Follow the band online and join the inner circle before the fuse is lit.
Paradise Lost formed in Halifax, West Yorkshire in 1988 and are known for being the founders of the Gothic Death/Doom Metal genre; a style fully brought into existence with their genre-defining second album, the highly influential Gothic.
Having released 2 albums, including Gothic for the UK’s Peaceville Records and later helping to establish Peaceville as home to the finest trio of UK doom bands (alongside My Dying Bride and Anathema), Paradise Lost then signed with fellow UK label, Music For Nations which eventually led to the band breaking through to mainstream rock and metal audiences as their style evolved, becoming one of the UK’s most essential metal exports around the globe in the process.
Lost Paradise was the band’s debut album, released in 1990 and one of the early highlights in the formative years of Peaceville. Featuring more death metal influences, Paradise Lost created a dark and atmospheric style of death metal as opposed to one based on speed, with the sombre guitar leads of Gregor Mackintosh permeating through the compositions.
Lost Paradise was recorded at the famous Academy Studios (My Dying Bride, Anathema, Cradle of Filth) in Yorkshire, England, and stands as an undeniable classic of UK death/doom metal.
JOE STUMP’S TOWER OF BABEL, the hard rock quintet who brings the finest European ingredients to their no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll, are pleased unveil their high-octane video for “Rules Of Silence.” The track is taken from the new album Days Of Thunder, set for release Friday, July 4th on Silver Lining Music.
‘“Rules Of Silence’ feels to me like one of those old up-tempo Rainbow songs, such as ‘Lost In Hollywood’ or ‘Fire Dance,’” explains Stump. “It’s one those ‘driving’ tracks, and it’s one of my favourite riffs on the record. I love the balls of something that rocks like that, it’s got a lot more vibe and it’s fun to play.”
Watch JOE STUMP’S TOWER OF BABEL’s “Rules Of Silence” video, directed by David Amore and Esther W. Pink, HERE.
Watch the band’s previously released “Days Of Thunder” video, by Very Metal Art, HERE.
Joe Stump’s supreme six-string shredding skills are known throughout the rock and metal scenes, both as the lead guitarist of Alcatrazz and as the shred specialist associate Professor at the Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and having torn new earholes with their 2017 debut Lake Of Fire, Stump and company take it a step further and higher with ten glorious slices of riff-driven, Rainbow/Deep Purple-styled anthems on Days Of Thunder.
Along with the soaring vocals of Jo Amore, the tight-fist-drumming of Mark Cross, the multi-dimensional Mistheria (aka The Maestro) on keyboards, and Nic Angileri nailing down the rhythms on bass guitar, Stump has once again prevailed in bringing heavy, energetic, yet gloriously melodic music to the table with a style and panache rarely seen in 2025.
Days Of Thunder was produced by Mark Cross, mixed by George Aspiotis and Mark Cross at Studio Aspiotis in Greece and mastered by Ade Emsley at Table Of Tone Mastering in the UK.
A new gathering in the Pacific Northwestern heavy metal community has been unveiled, as the inaugural edition of SOLDIERS OF STEEL FESTIVAL has been confirmed for the first weekend of August in Seattle.
SOLDIERS OF STEEL FESTIVAL is a showcase of American Pacific Northwest traditional heavy metal and adjacent bands old and new. Its maiden edition will feature sets from The Lord Weird, Slough Feg, Leather Leone (Chastain set), Q5, Twisted Tower Dire, Danava, Greyhawk, Hammer Head (exclusive first reunion show), Taist Of Iron, and more! The festival is presented by NW MetalFest, NW Metalworx Music, Nameless Grave Records, and BabeFinder General LLC.
Brandon Corsair of Nameless Grave Records and more, one of the co-promoters of the event, states, “We – the NW Metalworx guys, Amy from Solicitor, and myself – felt like the region was really lacking in a suitable heavy metal centered festival post-COVID, with the last I can think of being NW Metalfest II and Eliminator Festival in 2019.
We have such a rich scene – both of great modern bands and classic ones that are still active – that a festival like this felt almost like it had to happen, and so, SOLDIERS OF STEEL FESTIVALwas born! We can’t wait for everyone to headbang to the lineup that we put together for this first edition of the festival. See you there!”
SOLDIERS OF STEEL FESTIVAL will take place August 1st and 2nd at the Substation in Seattle, Washington. View the full festival lineup below. Tickets are available now at THIS LOCATION.
SOLDIERS OF STEEL FESTIVAL Lineup:
August 1st, 2025: Slough Feg Q5 Danava Taist Of Iron Serpent Rider Coven Blade Rope
August 2nd, 2025: Leather Twisted Tower Dire Greyhawk Hammer Head Rick Pierce Group Solicitor Silver Talon Time Rift I Am The Intimidator Colony Drop
Giles Lavery is best known as the vocalist of Warlord, Alcatrazz and Jack Starr. On top of that, he is also a highly prolific band manager, record producer and label co-owner.
DRAGONSCLAW is the name one of the first bands Giles Lavery co-formed with Ben Thomas in 2010, while still residing in Sydney, Australia. Their debut album Prophecy was quickly recorded in 2011, followed by Judgement Day (2013). And now, a record breaking twelve years later, it’s time for the follow-up.
Apart from Giles Lavery on vocals, Moving Target features Australian citizens Ben Thomas (guitars) and Aaron Thomas (bass) as well Warlord members Mark Zonder (drums) and Jimmy Waldo (keyboards).
“For me the direction on Moving Target was intended to be if Judas Priest had made an album somewhere in 1985 between Defenders Of The Faith and Turbo,” describes the vocalist on the sound of the new DRAGONSCLAW album, “with some of the second Fifth Angel album in there too.”
Keyboards are prominently featured on Moving Target, which was actually the original plan of the band: “I think for this album the keyboards are very important, they create the needed atmosphere and drama. I would say that we used them in a similar way that Virgin Steele did on Age Of Consent, namely to build atmosphere. I really like that haunting effect keyboards can have when used right. Like Tony Banks from Genesis does, or Tony Carey on his Planet P Project albums. Jimmy Waldo is one of those guys too.”
Probably the fastest and most upbeat number on Moving Target is called “Shadowfire”. And it comes with a surprise: “’Shadowfire’ reminded me of a current-day Riot song, so I asked Todd Michael Hall to sing on it with me and he was kind enough to do so!”
TRACKLISTING: 01 The Road Beneath Your Wheels 02 Survival 03 Cry Wolf 04 Don’t Break the Silence again 05 Back on the Streets 06 Ghost Soldiers 07 Shadowfire 08 (Tell me) All Your Lies 09 Raise Your Fist
LINE-UP: Giles Lavery – Vocals Ben Thomas – Guitar Aaron Thomas – Bass Jimmy Waldo – Keys Mark Zonder – Drums
Produced by Giles Lavery & Ben Thomas with Thomas Mergler Mixed and Mastered by Thomas Mergler at Tom’s Soundranch Artwork: All Things Rotten
After the chart-smashing success of their latest album, Bone Collector, followed by an extensive touring schedule, German iconic heavy metal force Grave Digger returns with a brand new, stand-alone banger that bites hard and howls louder! “Bark to Hell”, the band’s latest single, is a fiery descent into chaos, crowned by the king of torment himself.
Obey the call… or be dragged under, Grave Digger’s new track is out now on all digital services at this location: https://gravedigger.rpm.link/bthPR
Grave Digger frontman Chris Boltendahlcomments: “Hey folks, we’re back! And we’ve brought you our brand-new single: “Bark to Hell”! For us, this track is the final exclamation mark to close out our celebrated Bone Collector session with a bang. With “Bark to Hell,” we’ve packed in everything that defines Grave Digger, raw energy, dark atmosphere, and no-compromise power.
Hellish guitar riffs, pounding drums, and my unmistakable vocals are driving this beast forward. This one’s a true headbanger, no playlist should be without it! But let me make one thing clear: this isn’t a farewell. “Bark to Hell” is a triumphant afterburner, dark, loud, and gripping to the very last note. To all our die-hard fans: this one’s for you. Grave Digger still bites – hard.”
This year does not only see German iconic metal institution Grave Digger celebrate its 45th anniversary, but also their 23rd, chart success album Bone Collector, released in January 2025 via ROARhere).
Founded in 1980 in Gladbeck, they set out to conquer the world; who would have thought that 45 years later Grave Digger would be one of the most important, consistent and influential metal bands from Germany. With the release of their ground-breaking debut Heavy Metal Breakdown in 1984, an unprecedented career began that will find its logical continuation more than four decades later with their latest, new masterpiece Bone Collector, an album that sees the band going back to their old school roots.
New Jersey Thrash Metal quartet, Condition Critical, are set to release their third full-length album (and first since 2016’s Operational Hazard). Their most intense and complete effort to date, Degeneration Chamber will be released on September 5th.
A music video for the album’s first single, “Cryonic Intestinal Preservation,” is available at: youtu.be/dl3Oj-GUpHI
Unapologetically true to their roots, the new album pushes the band’s sound to new extremes. It is heavier, faster, slower, and more technically unrelenting. Every track is sharpened for maximum impact, delivering a refined yet feral evolution of their signature thrash assault.
This is not just another record, it’s the definitive Condition Critical statement: uncompromising, chaotic, and forged in pure aggression.
FFO: Slayer, Demolition Hammer, Vio-lence, Kreator, Exodus, Devastation and Pestilence.
Track Listing:
Wretched Aggression
Deconstructive Horrors
Cranial Dissolution
Hydroponic Mutation
Postmortal Simulation
Psychological Epidemic
Incubation Disposal
Cryonic Intestinal Preservation
Excarnation
Credits:
Mixed & Mastered by Mike Low. Guitars & Bass engineered by Tony Barhoum. Drums engineered by James Suprenant & Big Goon Studios. Vocals engineered by Apollo. Artwork by Andrei Bouzikov. CD Layout design by Tom Martin. All music written and produced by Condition Critical.
Photo Credit: Aura
Line-Up:
Ryan Taylor – Vocals / Guitar Tony Barhoum – Lead Guitar Mike Dreher – Bass Ryan Donato – Drums
BIO:
Formed in 2010, Condition Critical delivers high-intensity, no-bullshit thrash metal in the tradition of the genre’s most violent pioneers. Described as “a literal war of sound that attacks you with deadly perfection” (New Wave of Thrash Zine), they’ve built a reputation on relentless riffage, vicious stage presence, and tours across the U.S., Europe, and Russia.
They’ve shared stages with notable acts such as Obituary, Demolition Hammer, Napalm Death, Morbid Saint, Revocation, and Havok.
Wake Up The Wicked Tour 2026 w/ very special guest HammerFall & special guest Wind Rose:
19.02.26 DK – Copenhagen / K.B. Hallen 20.02.26 NO – Oslo / Unity Arena 21.02.26 SE – Stockholm / Hovet 23.02.26 FI – Helsinki / Ice Hall 25.02.26 SE – Gothenburg / Scandinavium 27.02.26 DE – Bremen / ÖVB Arena 28.02.26 DE – Düsseldorf / PSD Bank Dome 01.03.26 DE – Nürnberg / Arena Nürnberger Versicherung 03.03.26 DE – Leipzig / Quarterback Immobilien Arena 04.03.26 DE – Ulm / Ratiopharm Arena 05.03.26 DE – Mannheim / SAP Arena 07.03.26 UK – London / OVO Wembley Arena
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.