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MYSTIC PROPHECY Announces New Album, In Metal, Slated For November 27, 2026, Via Perception

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on August 22, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

German heavy metal torchbearers MYSTIC PROPHECY have announced their brand-new studio album, In Metal, set for release on November 27, 2026, via PERCEPTION – Powered by Reigning Phoenix Music. Marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the band, the album announcement arrives alongside the release of its first single, “Robots,” accompanied by an official music video.

With more than two decades of history behind it, MYSTIC PROPHECY has long established itself as one of the driving forces of the German and international heavy metal scene. Following the success of its acclaimed albums Metal Division and Hellriot, the quintet surrounding charismatic frontman R.D. Liapakis, also known for his work as a vocalist with Michael Schenker, now returns with renewed energy, a strengthened lineup and a record built to hit with maximum impact.

The first taste of In Metal comes in the shape of “Robots,” a hard-hitting statement that turns its attention to one of the defining questions of our time: In an age increasingly shaped by technology, how much control over our own humanity are we willing to surrender?

Vocalist R.D. Liapakis and Dan Baune (guitars) comment on “Robots”:
“In this age of technology our future seems uncertain. We must ask ourselves: How do we keep/protect our humanity? Who decides for us? Or is it too late and we are all Robots already?”

Stream “Robots here: 

https://mysticprophecy.rpm.link/robots

Following Hellriot, MYSTIC PROPHECY is entering its next era with three powerful new additions to the fold. Tommy Gun takes over bass duties, while guitarist Dan Baune, known from NWOBHM act Monument, and drummer Christophe de Combe of Belgian metallers FireForce complete the renewed lineup. Together, they inject even more power, precision and fire into the unmistakable MYSTIC PROPHECY sound.

In Metal Tracklist:
01. Robots 
02. In Metal 
03. March or Die 
04. Don’t Run Away 
05. Warhead 
06. Angels Are Falling
07. When the Hammer Will Fall 
08. My Inner Innocence 
09. Devil’s Son 
10. Warrior of Asgard 

In Metal was produced by Dan Baune and R.D. Liapakis, with mixing and mastering handled by Henrik Udd. The album stays true to everything that has made MYSTIC PROPHECY a force for more than 20 years while pushing its sound firmly forward. Fans can expect powerful, concise hooks with instant shout-along appeal, technically brilliant riffs and a hard-hitting, monstrous sound. A modern production gives the songs weight, depth and unstoppable headbanging force without sacrificing the band’s classic heavy metal spirit.

In Metal will be released on November 27, 2026, via PERCEPTION. Pre-order the album at: https://mysticprophecy.rpm.link/inmetalPR

Whether on stage or on record, MYSTIC PROPHECY has always treated heavy metal as a passionate ultimate fight: no compromises, no holding back, just pure power. With In Metal, the band is ready to prove once again why it remains at the forefront of international heavy metal. In support of their upcoming album, MYSTIC PROPHECY will hit the road in late 2026, joined by special guests IRON SAVIOR and GENERATION STEEL. Find all dates listed below!

MYSTIC PROPHECY:
R.D. Liapakis – Vocals
Markus Pohl – Guitar
Dan Baune – Guitar
Tommy Gun – Bass
Christophe de Combe – Drums

MYSTIC PROPHECY live:
13.11. (DE) Siegburg | Kubana Live Club
26.11. (DE) Nürnberg | Hirsch
27.11. (DE) Lindau | Club Vaudeville
28.11. (DE) Freiburg | Crash
03.12. (DE) Aschaffenburg | Colos-Saal
04.12. (DE) Bochum | Matrix
05.12. (DE) Oldenburg | MTS
10.12. (BE) Kortrijk | DVG Club
11.12. (DE) Osnabrück | Hyde Park
12.12. (DE) Köln | MTC
13.12. (DE) Mannheim | 7er Club

Connect with MYSTIC PROPHECY:
https://www.mysticprophecy.net 

https://www.facebook.com/mysticprophecy 

https://www.instagram.com/mysticprophecy_official 

https://www.youtube.com/@MysticProphecy 

Source: C Squared Music

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Italian Thrashers HELLMETALL Unleash New Video For Title Track “Mgla” From Upcoming Album On September 4, 2026

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on August 20, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Italian Thrash/Death Metal band HELLMETALL has released the official video for “Mgła“, the title track of their forthcoming album, due out on September 4th, 2026 via Rockshots Records.

Originally released as a single on January 31st, 2026, “Mgła” introduced the darker direction of the band’s new material. Now, the song takes on a visual dimension through a video created and directed by Chiara Bettiga, translating its sombre atmosphere and historical subject into images. To date, “Mgła” is the only official video made for the record.

Meaning “fog”, “Mgła” draws inspiration from one of the darkest episodes of the First World War on the Italian-Austro-Hungarian front. The song recalls the gas attacks carried out by Austro-Hungarian and German forces against Italian soldiers during the battle near Plezzo, today Bovec in Slovenia.

The subject reflects the wider concept behind “Mgła“, an album built around events connected to the First and Second World Wars, including stories rooted in Val Resia and the surrounding borderlands, as well as memories handed down through generations. This historical dimension is closely tied to HELLMETALL‘s geographical and cultural background and to the band’s use of Resian, the local Slavic language.

Musically, “Mgła” represents the band’s move towards a darker blend of Thrash and Death Metal with elements drawn from Black Metal while retaining melodic references to the traditional music of Val Resia.

The new video brings the album campaign back to where it began with its title track. Since the release of “Mgła“, HELLMETALL has continued to reveal the record through “Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore” on May 18th and “Afrika” on July 3rd. Each track has offered a different perspective on the album and its historical narrative, with the focus now returning to “Mgła” as the full record approaches.

“Mgła” was written by HELLMETALL founder and vocalist Daniele Micelli, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Davide Zago, with drum engineering by Pablo De Biasi and cover artwork by Manuel Scapinello.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsbC26sjaVA

Listen to “Mgła”: https://lnk.to/plXcDvIU

“Mgła” will be released on September 4th, 2026.

Album Release Party – Trieste Rock Camp – Sept 4, 2026

PRE-ORDER “MGLA“: https://rockshots.eu/products/hellmetall-mgla-cd

Track Listing:
1. Mgla – 5:38
2. Afrika – 3:41
3. Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore – 5:00
4. Vojussa’s Blood – 4:14
5. The Curse Cave-Foibe – 3:03
6. Canin’s Ghost – 6:38
7. Go To Die – 5:25
8. Lest We Forget – 3:50
9. Beograd – 5:16
Album Length: 41:25

HELLMETALL lineup (“Mgla” era / until October 2025):

  • Daniele Micelli: Vocals
  • Damiano Biasutto: Guitar
  • Matteo Cameran: Guitar
  • Luca Fumagalli: Bass
  • Gabriele Barbarino: Drums

Current lineup:

  • Daniele Micelli: Vocals
  • Damiano Biasutto: Guitar
  • Matteo Cameran: Guitar
  • Luca Fumagalli: Bass
  • Federico Zuin: Drums

More info: 

​https://www.rockshots.eu

​https://www.instagram.com/hellmetall_official/​

​https://www.facebook.com/HellMetAll.Resia​

Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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AVRAK, The New Band Of DARKTHRONE’s TED SKJELLUM Join Peaceville Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on August 20, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo by Ketil Hardy)

THE TITANIC DEBUT SELF-TITLED STUDIO ALBUM OF HEAVY ROCK AND METAL TO BE RELEASED ON OCTOBER 9th, 2026

“UNBORN” THE DEBUT SINGLE & VIDEO OUT NOW!

Recently unveiled Norwegian Heavy Metal juggernaut-in-the-making AVRAK was founded in November 2023 by guitarists Anders Hegna (Nød, El Kayenne, Svidd Grevling) and Ted Skjellum; notable for being half of legendary duo, Darkthrone. The pair had known each other for many years, and with a mutual passion for old, classic rock and metal they finally embarked upon this new journey together under the banner of AVRAK.

It quickly became evident that both were on the same page, with AVRAK’s first compositions taking shape within just 5 days. Ted had declared from the beginning that he would not carry out main vocal duties in the band, and so it was Anders, with his own vocal grit a comfortable match anyway, who assumed the role. Several weeks later, Terje Kråbøl (Gjendød, Sarke, Faustcoven) was brought in on the drums and, from there-on, with his percussive presence backing up some thunderous riffing, the creative work accelerated, culminating in the self-titled, hook-laden and doom-laced rock debut, ‘AVRAK’.

(lyric video created by Matthew Vickerstaff)

“UNBORN” – THE DEBUT SINGLE – OUT NOW
STREAM / DOWNLOAD AND WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO HERE

Suitably and epically defined as a monumental “Heavy Metal voyage from the peak of the mountains to the depths of the seas”, and delivering themes relating to empowerment in the face of increasingly corrupt times, ‘AVRAK’ is a combination of a vast multitude of influences, as the eclectic, deceptively nuanced nine track offering features a classic heavy metal and doom rock backbone, with further experimentation including synth passages, and even some traces of black metal riffing in its DNA.

PRE-ORDER ‘AVRAK’  HERE

‘AVRAK’ was recorded, mixed and mastered in Mølla Studio by Knut Magne Valle, in February 2026.

AVRAK subsequently held its debut show in their local town of Porsgrunn in late April 2026, backed by new bassist & final piece of the puzzle, Steinar Gundersen (Khold, Sarke, Satyricon), with more live shows intended in future to support the release.

  1. Forever Mountain (04:45)
  2. Unborn (04:45)
  3. Long May The Lums Reek (05:22)
  4. Rot (01:07)
  5. Varde (04:31)
  6. Cloaks Of Power (03:45)
  7. The Lonely Shadow (05:32)
  8. The Rift (05:55)
  9. Hav (02:47)

AVRAK’ is to be released on 9thOctober on CD, classic black vinyl LP,
silver vinyl LP & digitally

PRE-ORDERS ARE AVILABLE NOW HERE

AVRAK:
Anders Hegna – Guitars, vocals, bass
Ted Skjellum – Guitars, Moog guitar/synthesizer, additional vocals, effects
Terje Kråbøl– Drums
Steinar Gundersen – bassuitars, vocals, bass
Ted Skjellum – Guitars, Moog guitar/synthesizer, additional vocals, effects
Terje Kråbøl– Drums
Steinar Gundersen – bass

FOLLOW AVARAK
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
AVRAK on the Peaceville website
More images available to download here

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INVINCIA Unveil “Unite”, The First Single From Their Debut Album Echoes From The Past

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on August 16, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

New album out September 25, 2026 via Escape Music

Finnish melodic heavy metal band Invincia unveil “Unite”, the first single taken from their forthcoming debut album, Echoes From the Past, scheduled for worldwide release on September 25, 2026 via Escape Music.

Watch the official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlSW00ARH9s

Listen to “Unite”: https://ffm.to/invincia-unite

Following the enthusiastic response to their independently released EP The Enemy Within, Invincia return with a song that show the essence of their musical identity, while opening the door to the band’s next chapter. Inspired by the Melodic Power and emotional depth of Savatage, Queensrÿche, Helloween, Judas Priest and Dio, “Unite” combines memorable songwriting with the unmistakable spirit of classic Heavy Metal, approached through a fresh and personal perspective.

The single is the first taste of Echoes From the Past, an album written over the last two years and conceived as a collection of songs where melody, atmosphere and storytelling take center stage. Rather than chasing trends, Invincia have focused on crafting music with lasting character, songs built to resonate beyond the first listen.

As with the band’s debut EP, Echoes From The Past was mixed and mastered by acclaimed producer Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse) at Mass Destruction Production, whose production enhances every nuance of the performances while preserving the band’s natural energy and approach.

Formed in Vaasa, Finland, in 2024, Invincia made an impressive debut with the independently released EP The Enemy Within. The release attracted attention from international media, earning reviews and interviews with publications including Sweden Rock Magazine and Kaoszine, while all the singles found their way onto Spotify’s official Finnish metal playlist Metallia Suomesta, helping the band reach listeners far beyond their home country.

With Escape Music now backing the release of their first full-length album, Invincia are ready to introduce their music to an even wider audience. “Unite” is an invitation to discover a band deeply rooted in the traditions of Melodic Heavy Metal, yet determined to write its own story.

Echoes From the Past will be released worldwide on September 25, 2026, via Escape Music.

TRACKLIST:

1. Prelude (00:54)

2. Unite (03:15)

3. Tonight We Ride (06:20)

4. Echoes From the Past (05:05)

5. Darkness In Us All (04:36)

6. Awakening (01:08)

7. Call Of The Wild (04:41)

8. Edge Of The Universe (06:17)

9. Time Flies (04:36)

10. Zeal (04:55)

11. A Wayfarers Toast (04:48)

12. After The Final War (06:45)

INVINCIA;
Kenneth Nylund – Lead Vocals
Joel Karlsson – Guitar
Alexander Södergård – Guitar
Oskar Packalén – Bass
Mikael Ahlholm – Drums

INVINCIA CONTACTS

invinciaband.com

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

ESCAPE MUSIC

https://www.escape-music.com/

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Finnish Black Thrash Metal Band BEATRIX Releases First Single From Their Upcoming Album ~ Sets Out To Finnish-Estonian Tour With Japanese BARBATOS

Posted in blackened thrash, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on August 13, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photographer: Aldis Jordans

BEATRIX is known as a furious and energetic live band in the Finnish underground, playing nightmarish black thrash metal, with skull crushing riffs, haunting melodies and demonic vocals.

After a successful Baltic tour with fellow maniacs JÄVELINand NIGHT SLASHER, a new song has been battle tested and is ready to be unleashed on the bleeding eardrums of the unsuspecting listeners. 

The self titled song “BEATRIX” is the first single from the upcoming full length concept album the band has been building on since it’s incarnation in 2019.

It’s about becoming something greater, a praying mantis queen born from human flesh, which also answers the question of where the band’s name comes from.

01. Beatrix
Composer: Aapo Härkönen
Lyrics: Markus Leppänen

Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Apple Music, Bandcamp etc.): https://push.fm/fl/beatrix-beatrix

The album will be released next year on Diabolic Might Records. In the meanwhile BEATRIX will join Japan’s BARBATOS on tour for 5 support shows in Finland and Estonia.

Tour dates & venues:
15.8 Oulu, Finland – Snooker Time
17.8 Tampere, Finland – Varjobaari
18.8 Tampere, Finland – Vastavirta (All ages)
20.8 Espoo, Finland – Olarin Ossi
21.8 Tallinn, Estonia – The Krypt

https://www.facebook.com/Beatrixblackthrash/

https://www.instagram.com/beatrixblackthrash/

https://beatrixblackthrash.bandcamp.com/

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HARLOTT Presents “The Joyful Stain” Video/Single ~ Exsequiis Full-Length From Australian Thrashers Releasing On September 11th, Via Metal Blade Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news, nfl football with tags , , , , , , on August 13, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Rob Brens

“The Joyful Stain” is the latest single from long-running Australian thrashers, HARLOTT. The track appears on the band’s upcoming Exsequiis full-length, set for release on September 11th via Metal Blade Records!

The band comments, “‘The Joyful Stain’ is a homage to ‘the lucky country’ that we call home; a second-rate first-world dystopia governed by corruption, stupidity, and indifference.”

Watch HARLOTT’s video for “The Joyful Stain” HERE.

Watch HARLOTT’s previously released video for “Trial By Liar”HERE.

After a six-year gap, Exsequiis marks the boldest leap forward in HARLOTT’s career. Denser, harsher and more confident than ever, a razor-sharp sound built on world-class guitar work. The death of the gods, delivered by thrash metal artisans in the prime of their lives.

“Detritus Of The Final Age (2020) was a great experience in digging out sounds and ideas that we would have been too trepidant to explore,” explains guitarist/vocalist Andrew Hudson. “For Exsequiis, we went further into that, but with the confidence that it would work as it had done before.”

When describing the band’s creative process on Detritus Of The Final Age, Hudson notes, “Whether it’s lyrics or riffs or breakdowns, I always make sure that every song has at least one bit that makes you go ‘fuck yeeeeah.’” With Exsequiis, Harlott tripled-down on this strategy, ensuring the “fuck yeeeeahs are continuously overlapping for 46 minutes.

Exsequiis – Track Listing:

1. Incipiam

2. Void

3. Messiah Simplex

4. Trial By Liar

5. The God That Knows No Name

6. Kleptogenesis

7. A Still More Glorious Dawn Awaits

8. The Joyful Stain

9. Endling

10. Vice Borne

11. Exsequiis

Although undoubtedly a band with their own intrinsic identity, there is still much fun for the dedicated thrasher in spotting specific inspirational moments, a pinch of Arise-era Sepultura here, a ‘90s Overkill groove there, the odd touch of Testament technicality or crossover gang chant. However, when asked what HARLOTT regards as thrash metal’s gold standard, the response is unequivocal: “Does anyone ever answer this question with something other than Reign In Blood?”

Rick Rubin’s razor-sharp, in-your-face production on Slayer’s 1986 benchmark release is a fair pointer to the sound of Exsequiis. Bassist/vocalist Tom Richard‘s bass is especially well served, with an interesting tonal dominance in certain passages, but every layer is rammed upfront for maximum head-caving impact.

HARLOTT’s Exsequiis will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variant:

“Coagulation” A Side B Side (EU – Ltd. 500)

Lyrics remain in the depressingly real world, the band preferring not to embroider some supernatural phantasmagoria but instead casting a jaundiced eye over our bitterly divided current climate. “It’s been a pretty interesting time to live through politically and socially,” admits Hudson. “Disinformation appears to be the new normal and a population obsessed with content creation and online participation has really exposed some things that I think we were all probably happier being ignorant of.”

HARLOTT Live:
9/11/2026 Juz – Burghausen, DE
9/12/2026 Nuclear Intervention Fest – Kadov u Blatné, CZ
9/13/2026 Garage Pub – Krakow, PL
9/15/2026 Music-House – Graz, AT
9/16/2026 Escape – Vienna, AT
9/18/2026 MK Bar – Esch-sur-Alzette, LU
9/19/2026 Namenlos – Bonn, DE
9/20/2026 Zentralcafe – Nuremberg, DE
9/23/2026 Bambi Galore – Hamburg, DE
9/24/2026 Mukkes – Leeuwarden, NL
9/25/2026 Musicon – The Hague,NL
9/26/2026 Hellfort – Bruges, BE
[For bookings contact: franziska@daggerbooking.com]

HARLOTT:
Andrew Hudson – guitar, vocals
Tom Richards – bass, vocals
Leigh Bartley – guitar
Glen Trayhern – drums

https://www.instagram.com/harlottofficial

https://www.youtube.com/user/HarlottOfficial

https://www.facebook.com/HarlottOfficial

https://harlottmetal.bandcamp.com/music

https://www.metalblade.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

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DAVE LOMBARDO And LUSTMORD FORM NEW PROJECT, LUSTMORD LOMBARDO

Posted in ambient music, Heavy Metal, Music, music news, news with tags , , , on August 11, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

DEBUT ALBUM, THE PULSE OF ATOMS, OUT OCT. 2 VIA IPECAC RECORDINGS

PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE NOW: https://lustmordlombardo.lnk.to/pulse

“Paleomagnetic Resonance” visualizer created by Displaced/Replaced.

Aug. 11, 2026 – Lustmord, the pioneer of modern ambient electronic music, and Dave Lombardo, one of heavy music’s most influential percussionists, have joined forces as Lustmord Lombardo.

The pair release their debut album, The Pulse of Atoms, on Oct. 2 via Ipecac Recordings, offering a taste of their new collaboration with today’s release of “Paleomagnetic Resonance” (https://youtu.be/E0lBb2i-t3Y). “Paleomagnetic Resonance” visualizer created by Displaced/Replaced.

“One thing about an album like this is that you can’t really point it out as being part of any specific genre or hopefully any specific period,” Lustmord explains. “Is it from last year? Is it from 10 years ago, is it from 20 years ago, is it from 5 years in the future? It’s trying to create something that has its own sound, not tapping into whatever musical language or history you’re familiar with. It goes way, way further back. This is the sound of planets dying or of stars being born. It’s about a bigger picture. It’s the sound of the birth of the universe and the death of the universe; it’s not rock and roll.”

The two musicians met backstage at a Fantômas show, introduced by mutual friend Buzz Osborne, around the time that Lustmord and Melvins released their collaborative album. Nearly two decades later, Lombardo and Lustmord convened as Lustmord Lombardo, crafting an album that is as cold and distant as it is frantic and engaging. The Pulse of Atoms showcases an unheard side of Lombardo and brings Lustmord back to his industrial roots.

Rather than composing songs in a traditional sense, Lustmord built evolving walls and vortices of sound, leaving room for Lombardo to add percussion and various synthesizer layers. Once the editing and arrangement was complete, Lustmord mixed and mastered the record, which was a balancing act between the two players’ large, loud musical presences.

“I’m very proud of this collaboration because it’s so different from anything else that I’ve done,” Lombardo adds. “And to create this body of work with Lustmord – this guy is legendary! He rattles the plaster off of venues.”

Album pre-orders, including a pair of limited-edition vinyl variants (Clear and Smoke), CD, and digital pre-saves, are available now: https://lustmordlombardo.lnk.to/pulse.

The Pulse of Atoms cover (photography and design by Stefan Alt.)

The Pulse of Atoms – tracklist:

  1. An Eternal Presence Part I: Unknown
  2. An Eternal Presence Part II: Relentless
  3. Paleomagnetic Resonance
  4. Beyond The Vast Cold Waste
  5. The Desolate Shore Part I: Submergence
  6. The Desolate Shore Part II: Emergence
  7. The Abyssal Deep
Photo courtesy of Lustmord Lombardo

About Lustmord

Lustmord is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of dark ambient and industrial music. Active since the early ‘80s, his work draws on field recordings, low-frequency drones, and cinematic sound design to create immersive, atmospheric pieces. Lustmord’s catalog spans dozens of solo releases and collaborations, and his influence extends into film and game scoring, as well as experimental electronic production.

About Dave Lombardo

Dave Lombardo is a GRAMMY Award-winning drummer whose playing style helped define the sound of thrash and extreme metal. He is also one of the most versatile percussionists in heavy music, known as a founding member of Slayer, as well as his work with Fantômas, Suicidal Tendencies, Dead Cross, Mr. Bungle, the Misfits, and a wide range of collaborations. In 2023, Lombardo released his debut solo album, Rites of Percussion, which NPR praised as “a very different side of one of metal’s most punishing drummers.”

Instagram.com/lustmord

Facebook.com/lustmord

Instagram.com/davelombardo

Facebook.com/davelombardo

Ipecac.com

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RAM: Swedish Heavy Metal Titans To Release Against Full-Length, On October 9th, via Metal Blade Records ~ New Video/Single Now Playing + Preorders Available

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on August 11, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Sanna Bäckström

Watch/stream RAM’s “Ghost Emperor” HERE: https://www.metalblade.com/ram/

Swedish heavy metal titans RAM will release their new full-length, titled Against, on October 9th, through Metal Blade Records.

It has been nearly seven years since The Throne Within, an album defined by its spiritual and metaphysical themes. With Against, RAM takes a more grounded approach, focusing on the experience of being pushed beyond reasonable limits and refusing to comply. The album captures that moment of resistance “that fire of defiance, which ultimately defines its title and message,” as the band collectively states.

For the production, RAM reunited with their longtime collaborator Johan Reiven, who had previously worked with the band on Lightbringer (2009). Without their own studio, having sold Black Path Studios the band recorded at Studio Recordia in Varberg, Sweden.

“At first, I wasn’t really comfortable not being in my own domain,” admits singer Oscar Carlquist. “But Johan is a far better sound tech than me and he did a wonderful job. We recorded the solos in a cool new way, as we set up two amps, one wet with a lot of effects and one dry with no effects. They were both mic’d up separately and they played into the enormous recording room in Recordia that is 150 square meters, where we placed two room mics (left and right).”

The approach resulted in a rich, organic sound that enhanced the album’s overall character. Musically, both guitarists continue to favor bridge pickups, maintaining a sharp and aggressive tone. The equipment used on Against reflects a classic approach, contributing to a sound that feels both timeless and direct. Sonically, Against was conceived as a return to classic recording philosophies.

Drawing inspiration from the early works of Dio, MSG, and Sweet, the goal was to create an honest and unpolished sound. What you hear is what you get! In a music landscape increasingly divided into countless subgenres, the band positions itself deliberately outside of categorization. The title Against, itself, reinforces the band’s longstanding identity as nonconformists, viewing heavy metal as a form of sonic rebellion.

“We do not give a fuck about all these new strange subgenres popping up. We try to play heavy metal in its purest form. We try to hang on to the center of that energy, and we are completely uninterested in 99% of the metal scene,” asserts Carlquist. 

As a precursor to the release, RAM delivers the record’s lead single, “Ghost Emperor” and an accompanying video.

Carlquist comments, “This is the opener of the album, a straightforward classic heavy metal song and pure RAM. Lyrically, it deals with how our power structures exist to conceal the true rulers, the ones we will never see or know, pulling the strings behind the curtain and controlling us all.”

Watch RAM’s “Ghost Emperor” video HERE.

RAM’s Against full-length will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:

180g Black
Clear Lilac Marbled
Purple Melt (Ltd. 300)
Crystal Clear Blackdust (Ltd. 300)
Silver Black Splatter (Ltd. 250)

Find preorders at: metalblade.com/ram.

Against – Track Listing:

1. Obsession

2. Ghost Emperor

3. One Vs. All

4. Abattoir

5. Out of Control

6. Leaving

7. Against

8. Night Blade

9. Rising Again

10. 1984

11. The Final Hour

RAM Live:
9/12/09/2026 Candelabrum Metalfest – León, MX
10/09/2026 TBA – Gothenburg, SE *Release Show
12/04/2026 Spectrum – Murcia, ES
12/05/2026 Peter Rock – Valencia, ES
12/06/2026 Upload – Barcelona, ES
12/07/2026 Urban – Vitoria, ES
3/12-13/2027 Heavy Metal Thunder Fest – Pisek, CZ
5/20-22/2027 Iron Fest – Ohmbachsee, DE

RAM:
Oscar Carlquist – vocals
Morgan Pettersson – drums
Harry Granroth – guitar
Martin Jonsson – guitar
Tobias Petterson – bass

https://ram-metal.com

https://www.facebook.com/RAMheavymetal

https://www.instagram.com/RAMheavymetal

https://www.metalblade.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

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AVATAR – Don’t Go In The Forest ‘27 | Latin America Tour Dates, Countries & Cities

Posted in groove metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on August 11, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

General on-sale begins Friday, August 14, at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Jan 10 • São Paulo, BR
Jan 12 • Montevideo, UY
Jan 13 • Buenos Aires, AR
Jan 15 • Santiago, CL
Jan 17 • Quito, EC
Jan 19 • Bogotá, CO
Jan 20 • San José, CR
Jan 22 • Guadalajara, MX
Jan 23 • Monterrey, MX
Jan 24 • San Luis Potosí, MX
Jan 26 • Querétaro, MX
Jan 27 • Puebla, MX

https://avatarcountry.com

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QUEMASANTOS Reveals The Complete Vision Behind Upcoming Concept Album Stranded In Hell ~ Out October 2026

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on August 6, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Eleven chapters. One descent. A concept album where every song becomes another step into an infernal world.

New York-based heavy/thrash metal project Quemasantos has unveiled the complete details surrounding its forthcoming second full-length album, Stranded In Hell, an ambitious concept record scheduled for release on October 9, 2026, through Digmetalworld & MVD Entertainment Group.

Conceived as an eleven-chapter journey, Stranded In Hell follows a protagonist descending through an infernal realm where fear, temptation, justice, isolation, and survival become interconnected parts of the same story.

Rather than presenting a collection of unrelated songs, the album unfolds as a continuous narrative in which every chapter reveals another layer of an unforgiving world. Musically, Stranded In Hell remains rooted in classic heavy and thrash metal, while embracing cinematic atmospheres and dynamic arrangements that give each composition its own identity.

Ignacio Orellana

For Ignacio Orellana, the album also represents an important personal milestone. Known primarily as a drummer throughout his musical career, Stranded In Hell marks the first time he steps forward as the band’s bassist while also composing, producing, recording, mixing, and mastering the entire album.

“I’ve been a drummer since I was fourteen, but I’ve always wanted to play bass and develop my own musical ideas. This album became the opportunity to finally do that. The music wasn’t written to fit a genre or follow trends; it simply reflects the records I’ve listened to throughout my life and everything I was experiencing while writing it.”

Nelson Diaz

Lyrically, the album was developed by longtime collaborator Nelson Díaz, whose storytelling transforms each composition into another chapter of the album’s descent through Hell. The only exception is “Burning The Black,” written by Orellana as a deeply personal reflection inspired by the illness and passing of his wife, Ximena Muñoz.

Adding another layer to the project, each song features a guest guitarist from across the international metal community, bringing together musicians from Chile, the United States, Brazil, and Colombia.

Track Listing:

  1. One Foot In Hell (Juancho Gómez – Masacre, Colombia)
  2. Burning The Black (Felipe Roa – Acaro, USA)
  3. Succubus (Héctor Guzmán – Distraught, Chile)
  4. Stalking Sharks (Marco Cusato, Chile)
  5. Nameless (Joe Sims – Axemaster, USA)
  6. Red Planet (Regisson Silva – Masterpiece, Brazil)
  7. Vampire (Richard Pilnik, Chile)
  8. The Oneironaut (Cristian Ira – Nimrod, Chile)
  9. Under The Moonlight (Sebastián Osorio – Reigning, Chile)
  10. Before The Law (Yanko Tolić – Massakre, Chile)
  11. Lex Talionis (Enrique Zúñiga – Atomic Aggressor, Chile)

The album was recorded at Oily Sound Studios (New York, USA), with vocal sessions taking place at Estudios Ultrasónico and Estudios Attic in Chile.

For collectors, Stranded In Hell will be available as limited deluxe digipak CDs, with vinyl editions also available through Digmetalworld.

Release Schedule:

  • September 1, 2026 – Digital pre-orders begin.
  • September 1, 2026 – Instant Grat track: “One Foot In Hell.”
  • September 15, 2026 – Exclusive Bandcamp Listening Party with Ignacio Orellana and Nelson Díaz, where fans will hear the complete album before its official release while interacting live with the creators.
  • October 9, 2026 – Official physical CD release.

The descent begins September 1.
Listening Party at Bandcamp

More info:

​https://quemasantos.com

​http://instagram.com/quemasantos1

​https://www.facebook.com/quemasantos

https://x.com/quemasantos1

Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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SIGH Share New Single + Video For “Unputenpu” Featuring Opeth’s MIKAEL ÅKERFELDT

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on August 6, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Poka

THE FIRST SINGLE TO BE TAKEN FROM THE NEW ALBUM GOH-KA – SET FOR RELEASE ON PEACEVILLE ON SEPTEMBER 4th

Japanese metal pioneers Sigh are back with ‘Unputenpu’, the first single to be taken from their upcoming new studio album ‘Goh-ka’, alongside a stunning new music video created by Costin Chioreanu.

Speaking about the new track, frontman and Sigh mastermind Mirai Kawashima said:

“Honestly, I have no idea at all how the song sounds to other people. Shuffle is the world-widely used rhythm and Japan is no exception. I’ve been using this rhythm in the songs like “Shikigami”, “Ecstatic Transformation”, and “Midnight Sun” but I guess I have completed my own Japanese style on “Unputenpu”. The guitar lead by Mikael Åkerfeldt from Opeth definitely gives another boost to the song.”

“Unputenpu expresses the idea that whether a person is blessed with good fortune or struck by misfortune is determined by God’s will, the will of heaven, fate or something totally beyond our control and we cannot do anything to change it. Anyone could die today or lose somebody you love. Life can be cruel any time. The song is based on my personal experience but I don’t want to talk about the details…”

WATCH THE NEW VIDEO FOR ‘UNPUTENPU’, CREATED BY COSTIN CHIOREANU

STREAM/DOWNLOAD ‘UNPUTENPU’

Music: Sigh

Lyrics: Mirai Kawashima

Mirai Kawashima: Vocals, Hammond, Shinobue, Hichiriki, Sheng

Dr. Mikannibal: Vocals

Nozomu Wakai: Electric and Acoustic Guitars

Mike Heller: Drums, Percussion

Yukiko Shibutani: Bass, Backing Vocals

Masayoshi Tanaka: Wadaiko, Surigane, Tebiragane

Mikael Åkerfeldt: Guitar Solo

Ginzaburo Abe: Shamisen

Goh-Ka is a new highlight of atmosphere, technical mastery, and meticulously arranged epics of metallic grandeur. Main-man Mirai Kawashima notes this as being as equally personal an album as ‘Shiki’, both musically and lyrically.

From a musical perspective, if you were to place the main ingredients of Celtic Frost, Voivod, Black Sabbath, horror movies and Japan into a cauldron and stir it, you will get ‘Goh-ka’. Numerous additional spices such as psychedelic rock, prog rock and classical music are also evident over the album’s close to one-hour duration.

The album title ‘Goh-ka’ has a triple meaning, being: 業火 infernal fire scorching sinners, 劫火 a huge fire that burns down the world at the end of time, and 業果 karma. The primary theme permeating the album is Kuso-zu; a series of Buddhist paintings or illustrations depicting the nine stages of a human body’s decomposition after death, created to encourage meditation on the impermanence of life, the inevitability of death, and the detachment from physical beauty and worldly attachment.

It openly shows the harsh reality that no matter how beautiful you are, you’ll be dead and rot sooner or later. And Kuso-shi is a poem based on these paintings. The artworks on the cover and in the booklet of ‘Goh-ka’ are therefore Kuso-zu themselves.

SIGH – GOH-KA

Kuso-shi 1, 2, and 3 – 09:11

Jigoku-Zoshi 1: Unkamusho – 03:55

Anzenshokon – 06:24

Kuso-shi 4, 5, and 6 – 07:21

Shoso – 00:56

Unputenpu – 05:41

Jinmenjushin – 06:14

Jigoku-Zoshi 2: Tokatsujigoku – 03:06

Kushukankyo – 01:47

Kuso-shi 7 – 01:56

Kuso-shi 8 and 9 / Mettaijakujo – 11:23

GOH-KA WILL BE RELEASED ON 4th SEPTEMBER ON A NUMBER OF COLOURED VINYL VARIANTS, CD AND DIGITALLY. PRE-ORDER HERE.

PRE-ORDERS OF THE ALBUM FROM THE PEACEVILLE STORE AND BAND STORE WILL COME WITH THE FREE ‘LEGACY OF HORRORS’ 10-TRACK SIGH SAMPLER.

Joining Mirai Kawashima and Dr Mikannibal along with guitarist Nozomu Wakai, are Frédéric Leclercq (Kreator) on bass, plus renowned US drummer Mike Heller.‘Goh-ka’ was recorded across multiple studios, and once again mixed and mastered by Lasse Lammert at LSD studios in Germany.

SIGH TOUR DATES:

EUROPE
09/03 PL Aleksandrow Lodzki Summer Dying Loud
09/04 PL Cracow Zaścianek
09/05 CZ Ostrava Metal III
09/07 DE Munich Hansa 39 @ Feierwerk
09/08 DE Leipzig Moritzbastei
09/09 DE Berlin Badehaus
09/10 DK Copenhagen Beta @ Amager Bio
09/11 DE Hamburg Betty
09/12 DE Oberhausen Death & Damnation Fest
09/13 NL Leeuwarden Neushoorn
09/14 NL Utrecht DB’s
09/15 FR Paris Backstage By The Mill

BUY TICKETS

Japanese metal pioneers Sigh formed in 1989/1990. Their genre-classic Black Metal debut Scorn Defeat arrived in 1993, and with a subsequent journey through the strange and the psychedelic, incorporating a whole eclectic mix of genre styles & ideas throughout their career, Sigh has remained a vital creative force in the avantgarde field whilst maintaining their old school roots, as witnessed on the 2022 album (and first for Peaceville Records), Shiki. This was followed by the remaking of their Hangman’s Hymn album as part of the band’s 35th anniversary celebrations, in the shape of I Saw the World’s End: Hangman’s Hymn MMXXV (2025).

FOLLOW SIGH
FOLLOW PEACEVILLE

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EXUMER – German Thrash Veterans Drop Waco, Texas Inspired New Single, “Allocated Savagery”

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on August 5, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Morgenrot Visions

Death Mask Messiah To See Release August 28th On Metal Blade Records

Watch/Stream EXUMER’s “Allocated Savagery” HERE: https://youtu.be/yv5ErP72Dkg

“Allocated Savagery” is the latest single from veteran German thrash legion, EXUMER. The track comes by way of the band’s latest studio album, Death Mask Messiah, set for release on August 28th through Metal Blade Records.

Death Mask Messiah is inspired conceptually by US politics of the last decade, the pandemic, the use of misinformation to stir up cultural divides, etc. Vocalist Mem V. Stein also explores the 30-year anniversary of Waco, Texas and the standoff with the Branch Davidians.

“‘Allocated Savagery’ delivers a brutal musical and lyrical account of the event,” comments Mem. “The track captures the intensity of the confrontation with the ATF, while reflecting on themes of misinformation and division that still resonate today.”

Stream EXUMER’s “Allocated Savagery” HERE. 

Watch EXUMER’s previously released video for “Death Mask Messiah”HERE.

Death Mask Messiah serves as EXUMER’s first new studio output in seven years and further cements the band’s legacy as a dauntless thrash metal institution. A logical and compelling progression from their three previous albums, the 11 ferocious songs, produced by Dominic Paraskevopoulos (Kreator, Caliban) and mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Soulfly, King Diamond), take a more brutal and direct musical approach.

Recorded from December 2025 through January 2026, Death Mask Messiah is also the first EXUMER LP recorded with the rhythm section of drummer Jerome Reil and bass player Alex Voss. “You can feel their young energy, coupled with our trademark aggression and experience,” says Mem. “The band sounds more focused and yet raw, thanks to their addition to the lineup.”

The sequencing of Death Mask Messiah mirrors the intended lyrical and conceptual narrative to the music guitarists Ray Mensh and Marc B. composed for the album. The result is an auditory and emotional rollercoaster ride worth repeating.

“I think we are heading toward a thrash renaissance, with legacy bands like us, Exodus and Kreator dropping new albums, and younger bands becoming very popular with younger fans,” Mem observes. While it’s been a few years since EXUMER’s last album, Death Mask Messiah is doubtless worth the wait, the band believes that, “it’s always quality over quantity for EXUMER, and we hope and believe people appreciate that approach.” 

As a bonus, Death Mask Messiah includes a guest and a cover song: Nasty Ronnie Galletti from American metal legends Nasty Savage sings on EXUMER’s version of his band’s track “Unchained Angel.” EXUMER supported the band in 1988 on their first European tour.

Death Mask Messiah features front art and layout by Björn Gooßes of Killustrations (Sodom, Vomitory) and will be released on CD-Digipak and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:

180g Black
“Galaxy” Red/Black
“Saturn” Grey/Brown Ripple (Ltd. 250)
“Onyx” Black Ice w/ White Splatter (Ltd. 250)

Find preorders at metalblade.com/exumer. 

Death Mask Messiah – Track Listing:

1. Death Mask Messiah

2. Blinding Skies

3. Sin Bleeder

4. Eradication

5. Ravishing Waste

6. Allocated Savagery

7. Serpent

8. Fratricide

9. Scorcher

10. Frozen Ground

11. Unchained Angel (Nasty Savage cover feat. Nasty Ronnie)

EXUMER Live:
10/23/2026 Nuclear Winter Festival 2026 – Hirschaid, DE
11/21/2026 Alcatraz & Pluto Festival – Deinze, BE
2/20/2027 Endzeit Festival 2027 – Essen, DE
7/26/2027 Nackenbrecher Open Air – Teuchern, DE

EXUMER:
Mem V. Stein – vocals
Ray Mensh – guitars
Marc B. – guitars
Alex Voss – bass
Jerome Reil – drums

https://www.facebook.com/exumerofficial

https://www.instagram.com/exumerofficial

https://www.metalblade.com

Source: EARSPLIT PR

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MEGADETH – Breakout: Hibernation Of The Nations 2027 Tour Dates UK & Europe

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , on August 3, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

MEGADETH Breakout: Hibernation Of The Nations 2027 tour dates:

Testament and Black Label Society support

March 09 – Belfast, UK @ The O2 Belfast
March 11 – London, UK @ OVO Arena Wembley
March 12 – Nottingham, UK @Motorpoint Arena
March 13 – Manchester, UK @ Co-op Live
March 15 – Cardiff, UK @ Utilita Arena
March 16 – Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro
March 18 – Birmingham, UK @ BP Pulse Live
March 19 – Leeds, UK @ First Direct Bank Arena
March 21 – Paris, France @ Zénith Paris – La Villette
March 23 – Brussels, Belgium @ Forest National
March 24 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ AFAS Live
March 25 – Düsseldorf, Germany @ Mitsubishi Electric Halle
March 27 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ K.B. Hallen
March 28 – Oslo, Norway @ Oslo Spektrum
March 30 – Hamburg, Germany @ Sporthalle
April 01 – Berlin, Germany @ Velodrom
April 02 – Kraków, Poland @ Tauron Arena
April 04 – Munich, Germany @ Zenith
April 05 – Bern, Switzerland @ Festhalle Bern
April 06 – Milan, Italy @ Unipol Forum
April 08 – Lyon, France @ Halle Tony Garnier
April 10 – Barcelona, Spain @ Olimpic Arena
April 12 – Madrid, Spain @ Movistar Arena
April 13 – Lisbon, Portugal @ Sagres Campo Pequeno

Presale starts Tuesday, August 4th @ 10am Local Time: https://www.megadeth.com/pages/cyber-army

General On Sale: Friday, August 7th @ 10am Local Time.

http://www.testamentlegions.com

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SINNER Release Boom Bang Goodbye Final Studio Album and New Video For “All Night Long”

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, music news with tags , , , , on August 2, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

With Boom Bang Goodbye, SINNER release their final studio album today, via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). After more than four decades, 19 studio albums and countless live shows, the band led by Mat Sinner bid farewell with a record that distils their entire career into eleven powerful songs. Alongside the album, SINNER have also released a new video for “All Night Long,” arguably the most carefree and life-affirming anthem on the record, featuring Ronnie Romero on vocals.

Watch/Listen to “All Night Long” here: https://youtu.be/DmrmqBBLeIs

What began as Mat Sinner’s vision in 1982 evolved over more than four decades into one of the most enduring and influential institutions of the German hard rock and metal scene. From their early classics to the chart success of Brotherhood (#12 in Germany, 2022), SINNER have always remained a band that refused to follow trends, instead forging their own path with passion, integrity and an unwavering love of rock ’n’ roll.

With Boom Bang Goodbye, this journey does not end quietly. Instead, SINNER bow out with an album that once again brings together everything the band have always stood for: soaring melodies, powerful guitars, anthemic choruses and genuine emotion. Produced by Mat Sinner and completed together with Alex Scholpp, the album spans an impressive range from classic hard rock and melodic metal to modern arena anthems.

Opening track “Dreams Can Come True” immediately sets the album’s emotional tone, telling a story of hope, perseverance and the courage to keep believing in your dreams despite every setback. Songs such as “Wait,” “Leave It All Behind” and “Turn The Page” reflect on farewells, the passing of time and inner strength, while “Hellbreaker” and “Under The Moonlight” deliver the riff-driven heaviness that has defined SINNER for decades.

To coincide with the album release, SINNER have also unveiled the video for “All Night Long.” With Ronnie Romero behind the microphone, the song becomes a musical journey back to the golden days of rock ’n’ roll. Memories of sweaty clubs, endless summer nights and unbreakable friendships meet an instantly infectious chorus.

The accompanying video captures exactly that spirit, packed with energy, good times and genuine rock ’n’ roll moments. “All Night Long” is the perfect feel-good soundtrack for the summer and, at the same time, one final collective toast to more than forty years of SINNER history. Because even though Boom Bang Goodbye marks the end of a chapter, one thing remains truer than ever: The party goes on.

For this final statement, Mat Sinner has once again assembled an impressive cast of longtime companions and outstanding musicians. Alex Scholpp (guitar) and Moritz Müller (drums) provide the album’s powerful foundation, joined by Jim Müller (KISSIN’ DYNAMITE), Lisa Müller, returning SINNER guitarist Mathias “Don” Dieth, and Magnus Karlsson, who has worked closely with Mat Sinner for many years.

Vocally, Boom Bang Goodbye also becomes an extraordinary meeting of remarkable voices. Ronnie Romero, Michael Bormann, Michael Sadler (SAGA), Björn “Speed” Strid (SOILWORK), Erik Mårtensson (ECLIPSE), Renan Zonta and Sascha Krebs each bring their own distinctive character to the songs, making the album a fitting farewell filled with exceptional vocal performances.

Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Boom Bang Goodbye combines modern power with the classic SINNER DNA. Every song bears Mat Sinner’s unmistakable signature as a musician, songwriter and one of the defining figures of the European hard rock and metal scene.

Boom Bang Goodbye is far more than simply the final SINNER album. It is an emotional legacy. A thank-you to the fans. And one last firework display of anthems, memories and passion. Or, as Mat Sinner himself puts it:
“The last one turns off the lights.”

Boom Bang Goodbye can be ordered or streamed here:
https://sinner.rpm.link/boomPR

See also:
SINNER – WAIT (Official Video)
 SINNER – LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND (Official Video)

reigningphoenixmusic.com

Source: C Squared Music

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SEVEN KINGDOMS To Support NINI MUSIC On Upcoming North American Tour

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on August 1, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Fresh off their successful Kickstarter campaign to fund their upcoming album Sono Sola, Florida power metal titans SEVEN KINGDOMS are pleased to announce they will embark on a US tour this fall with folk metal artist NINI MUSIC. 

Vocalist Sabrina Cruz comments, “We are honored to be invited to tour alongside NINI. I personally am so excited to branch out and tour with bands of different genres, especially as unique and culturally diverse as NINI. We look forward to playing new stages, meeting new faces, and seeing familiar faces in the crowd. See you soon!!”

Sono Sola will be released via Reigning Phoenix Music in 2027. More details will be announced soon.

NINI MUSIC w/ SEVEN KINGDOMS US Fall Tour:

Oct 10 – Orlando, FL – Conduit
Oct 11 – Tampa, FL – Orpheum
Oct 13 – Greensboro, NC – Hanger 1819
Oct 14 – Richmond, VA – Canal Club
Oct 15 – New York, NY – Woodshop
Oct 16 – Buffalo, NY – Mohawk Place
Oct 17 – Syracuse, NY – The Lost Horizon
Oct 18 – Millersville, PA – Phantom Power
Oct 20 – Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground
Oct 21 – Cleveland, OH – The Foundry
Oct 22 – Columbus, OH – Summit Music Hall
Oct 23 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle
Oct 24 – Chicago, IL – Cobra Lounge

About SEVEN KINGDOMS:

SEVEN KINGDOMS, a power metal band hailing from Deland, FL, was formed in 2007. After solidifying their lineup in 2009, the band signed with Nightmare Records and began gaining momentum in the metal scene. Their big break came in 2010 when they were handpicked by BLIND GUARDIAN to support their North American tour, which introduced SEVEN KINGDOMS to a wider audience.

Following this, they played notable tours and festivals, including ProgPower USA and the 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise, while releasing The Fire is Mine in 2012, which marked a pivotal moment in their career with its refined sound and strong reception.

In recent years, SEVEN KINGDOMS has continued to expand their reach with international tours alongside acts like STRATOVIRUS, AMARANTHE and EVERGREY. The band’s latest full-length album, Zenith (2022), was released through Distortion Music Group, further cementing their place in the power metal world where they were featured as the sole support for the first US Tour of POWERWOLF and then with WIND ROSE in the USA and Europe shortly after.

In 2024, they released their highly anticipated EP, The Square, under Reigning Phoenix Music which hit the stages in Europe with UNLEASH THE ARCHERS and again with BLIND GUARDIAN 15 years later in North America. With world-wide touring on the horizon, SEVEN KINGDOMS continues to elevate their status in the global metal scene.

Ferociously melodic in their approach, the quartet fuse high octane energy and intensity with compelling harmonies in their charismatic, modern take on power metal. With recording for the new album, Sono Sola, now complete, SEVEN KINGDOMS are gearing up to ignite this next chapter.

SEVEN KINGDOMS:

Sabrina Cruz – Vocals
Camden Cruz – Guitars
Kevin Byrd – Guitars
Keith Byrd – Drums

Connect With SEVEN KINGDOMS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SevenKingdomsOfficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sevenkingdomsofficial/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0PMYvG0U25tgSi8jQExPAC?si=Zd59_nhbQeKrYGN4dUI7Cg

Source: C Squared Music

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BLOOD OF THE EARTH Recruits Thy Will Be Done’s J. COSTA As Vocalist

Posted in Heavy Metal with tags , , , , , , on July 30, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

First Performances With New Lineup Revealed;
New Music Coming Soon

Tampa sludge/doom warriors BLOOD OF THE EARTH have officially welcomed J. Costa (THY WILL BE DONE) as the band’s vocalist, ushering in a bold new chapter for the heavy trio founded by Jeff Golden (ex-CROWBAR) and Katie Golden (ex-THE CONVALESCENCE).

Originally conceived as an instrumental project built around crushing riffs, towering atmosphere, and cinematic scope, BLOOD OF THE EARTH has evolved into a fully realized force with the addition of Costa, whose commanding voice adds a visceral new dimension to the band’s immense sonic weight. The lineup’s chemistry has already laid the foundation for a wealth of new material, with more details to be revealed soon.

Commenting on the addition of Costa, Jeff Golden says: 

“Blood of the Earth has been a vision of mine for over ten years. I first became friends with J. Costa in 2010 when I was playing bass for Thy Will Be Done, during my first U.S. and Canadian tour. When Katie and I started writing new music after our first instrumental EP, we immediately knew J. was the voice we’d been searching for. So I sent him some of the material, he sent back his vocal ideas, and we were blown away. J. brings so much power, and presence to Blood of the Earth.” 

Fans will also have their first opportunity to experience the band’s new lineup live as BLOOD OF THE EARTH announces its first two performances featuring Costa on vocals. The shows mark the live debut of this new era for the band and offer an early glimpse of what’s to come.

BLOOD OF THE EARTH Tour Dates:
Oct 2 – Wallingford, CT – Cherry Street Station
Oct 3 – Brooklyn, NY – Lucky 13

Additional news, music, and live dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

About BLOOD OF THE EARTH: 

Blood Of The Earth is the convergence of weight, intention, and atmosphere, founded by married duo Jeff Golden (ex-Crowbar) and Katie Golden (ex-The Convalescence), and completed by the commanding presence of vocalist J. Costa (Thy Will Be Done).

Forged from crushing sludge, doom, and post-metal, the band channels immense heaviness into songs built on tension, atmosphere, and emotional impact. Their music balances monolithic riffs with cinematic textures, creating an immersive listening experience that is both punishing and deeply evocative.

With J. Costa’s unmistakable voice now completing the lineup, Blood Of The Earth stands poised to unleash its most powerful and fully realized work to date.

Follow BLOOD OF THE EARTH: 
Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

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IRONFLAME Releases New Video “Dynasties” ~ New Studio Album, Worlds To Conquer, Releases on August 14th

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on July 28, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

SINGLES/ VIDEOS:
“Dynasties” (Official Video) watch HERE

“Legion Of Fire” (Lyric Video) watch HERE

IRONFLAME- Worlds To Conquer – Order Link: https://www.hrrecords.de/IRONFLAME

TRACK-LISTING:
01 Night Closes In
02 Legion of Fire
03 Dynasties Fall
04 Where Cauldrons Burn
05 Shadow Slave
06 Crimson Shores
07 Valhalla is Calling
08 Worlds to Conquer
09 Death’s Immortal Flame (Bonus Track)

LIVE & TOURING LINE-UP:
Andrew D’Cagna – vocals
Jesse Scott – guitar
Quinn Lukas – guitar
James Babcock – bass
Noah Skiba – drums

Andrew D’Cagna performed all the music and vocals.

Live guitarists, Quinn Lukas and Jesse Scott composed and recorded their own guitar solos.

Andrew D’Cagna is based in Eastern Ohio.

Source: High Roller Records

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MONOLORD Debut “Iodine” Video Featuring Behind-The-Scenes Footage From Hometown Show In Gothenburg

Posted in doom metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on July 27, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Photo credit: James Rexroad

U.S. TOUR RESUMES ON AUGUST 27

NEVERENDING OUT NOW VIA RELAPSE RECORDS: https://www.relapse.com/pages/monolord-neverending

July 27, 2026, Gothenburg, Sweden – Monolord, who return to the U.S. in late August, have released a live video for the song “Iodine” (https://youtu.be/ETIrrMVF5uw) from their recently released album, Neverending.

The video captures one of the band’s first performances supporting the Sylvia Massy-produced album, intercut with behind-the-scenes footage from their hometown show in Gothenburg.

 “Iodine” was inspired by 70s rock epics like Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” The Eagles’ “Hotel California,” and Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter.” “Even though it’s maybe not musically similar, I think the vibe is similar,” Thomas Jäger says. “And the opening riff is my tribute to Yob, because I’ve always really liked Mike [Scheidt]’s guitar playing. He does all these weird chords where his fingers are all over the fretboard at the same time. It’s for sure my favorite song on the album.”

Neverending has earned widespread acclaim, with Bandcamp naming it their “Album of the Day” upon release, Consequence declaring it “magical,” Revolver dubbing it “glorious” and New Noise saying the collection is “Monolord at the height of their powers.”

To create Neverending, Monolord traveled to Ashland, Oregon to record with legendary producer Massy (Tool, System of a Down, and Johnny Cash). The collaboration began when Massy asked vocalist/guitarist Thomas Jäger to send everything the band had ever written. “She asked me to send her everything we had, not just songs written for the album, but every stray riff and idea,” he says. “I even sent her stuff I’d written ten years ago. She listened to all of it and sent us a list of what she wanted to work on.”

The band rehearsed 12 songs, recorded 11, and ultimately selected eight for Neverending. The result is an album that expands the band’s sound without sacrificing the weight and creativity that define Monolord.

The album is streaming now, as well as available on vinyl, CD and cassette (https://www.relapse.com/pages/monolord-neverending).

Monolord U.S. tour dates:

August 27 Chicago, IL Thalia Hall
August 28 Louisville, KY Portal
August 29 Atlanta, GA Garden Club
August 30 Asheville, NC Eulogy
August 31 Columbia, SC New Brookland Tavern
September 2 Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts
September 3 Brooklyn, NY Elsewhere
September 4 Montague, MA RPM Fest
September 5 Baltimore, MD Labor Daze
September 6 Cookeville, TN Muddy Roots Festival
September 8 Columbus, OH Ace of Cups
September 9 Detroit, MI Sanctuary
September 10 Indianapolis, IN Black Circle
September 12 Austin, TX Levitation Festival

Khemmis opens on all U.S. headlining dates

European tour dates:

July 30 Ghimbav, RO Rockstadt Extreme Festival
August 7 Kortrijk, BE Alcatraz Festival
October 6 Hamburg, DE Bahnhof Pauli
October 7 Haarlem, NL Patronaat
October 8 Eindhoven, NL Effenaar
October 9 Sint-Niklaas, BE De Casino
October 10 Paris, FR La Maroquinerie
October 11 Nantes, FR Le Ferrailleur
October 12 Toulouse, FR Le Rex
October 13 Lyon, FR Jack Jack
October 14 Aarau, CH KIFF
October 15 Munich, DE Backstage
October 16 Osnabrück, DE Bastard Club
October 17 Cologne, DE Gebäude 9
November 4 Copenhagen, DK Stengade
November 5 Berlin, DE Columbia Theater
November 6 Dresden, DE Beatpol
November 7 Warsaw, PL Hydrozagadka
November 8 Krakow, PL Hype Park
November 9 Brno, CZ Kabinet Múz
November 10 Budapest, HU Dürer Kert
November 11 Vienna, AT Arena
November 12 Zagreb, HR Vintage Industrial Bar
November 13 Milan, IT Legend
November 14 Bologna, IT FreakOut
November 15 Karlsruhe, DE P8

Tickets for all dates are on-sale now via Monolord.com.

Few modern doom bands balance sheer weight and melody like Monolord. Formed in Gothenburg in 2013, the trio of guitarist/vocalist Thomas Jäger, drummer Esben Willems, and bassist Mika Häkki have become one of heavy music’s most introspective and nuanced bands. They have earned global acclaim through relentless touring, with unforgettable performances at Hellfest, Desertfest, Psycho Las Vegas, and Roadburn. Their records, Empress Rising (2014), Vænir (2015), Rust (2017), No Comfort (2019), Your Time To Shine (2021), and most recently, Neverending (2026), cemented their reputation for blending crushing fuzz with melodic undercurrents and immersive repetition.

Monolord.com

Monolord.bandcamp.com

Instagram.com/monolordofficial

Facebook.com/monolordsweden

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ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD – Release New Single And Video For “On The Wings Of Dragons”

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , on July 27, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Watch “On the Wings of Dragons” HERE! https://youtu.be/rcdrIoNrqec

Led by JD McGibney, L.A.’s ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD hark back to their roots with the new single release “On the Wings of Dragons“. The track began the project’s journey as its first release in 2013. Recrafted, rearranged and performed by a different line-up, “On the Wings of Dragons” initiates the next chapter for ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD. 

ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD delve into the meaning behind “On the Wings of Dragons”: “This song was written as an inspirational piece to invigorate and encourage audiences to believe in themselves, to listen to their instincts and not the nay-saying of others.”

The core characteristics of ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD‘s sound are present throughout “On the Wings of Dragons”. Passionate storytelling and world building are brought to life through progressive compositional arrangements that are interjected with catchy hooks. Dynamic production and technical prowess see ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD deliver an epic sonic display.

“On the Wings of Dragons” was produced by ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD. The track was recorded at Counter Communications and engineered, mixed and mastered by Chris Wirsig. Produced by ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD, the music video was directed and edited by Tom Flynn. 

ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD:
JD McGibney – Guitar
Jason Klein – Bass
Chris Wirsig – Keyboard/Orchestration
Eddie Trager – Drums

Connect with ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD:

Official Website: https://onthewingsofdragons.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelsOnTheBattlefieldBand/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angels_on_the_battlefield/ 

Source: C Squared Music

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ALPHA DESTROYER Announce Amped-Up Cover of “God of Thunder” ~ Single Available on Limited Edition 7″ Vinyl

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , on July 25, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

ALPHA DESTROYER are releasing a special-edition cover of the KISS classic, “God of Thunder.”

The band dug deep into the annals of KISStory to put their own unique stamp on the song. Guitarist Eric Sexton-Dorsett explains. “We based our version on Paul Stanley’s original demo version instead of the Bob Ezrin produced version everyone knows. Paul used 1/16 note high hats and a more upbeat tempo. We swapped those for double basses a la ‘Exciter’ from Judas Priest. Paul also used a more pop sensibility and falsetto vocals in the chorus, which we embraced fully.”

The single will be available as a hand-numbered, limited-edition, hand lathe-cut, clear vinyl 7″ that ships on August 11. Pre-order now at: necromanticpress.com

ALPHA DESTROYER is a high-octane collaboration featuring Martin Sweet (Crashdïet), Kelly LeMieux (Buckcherry), and Eric Sexton-Dorsett (Sleepless). The band’s debut album, Fast Lane, is available on physical formats via Necromantic Press Records, including limited-edition red splatter and standard black vinyl. Order now at this location.

Stream Fast Lane on Spotify and Apple Music

Watch additional videos from Fast Lane at: www.youtube.com/@Necromanticpress.

Follow ALPHA DESTROYER on Facebook and Instagram.

“This Isn’t a Band. It’s a Warning.”

Alpha Destroyer was born in 2022, shortly after trad/thrash metal band Sleepless released its debut LP. Looking for a new creative outlet, Sleepless guitarist Eric Sexton-Dorsett began writing a series of dissonant, groove-heavy tracks, something that channeled the high-powered spirit of bands like Def Leppard, while drawing on the chaos of Voivod and Morbid Angel.

After tracking initial guitar parts, Eric brought in drummer Ryan McPhaill to lay down drum tracks. The results exceeded expectations; every take locked in with the raw energy and precision the project demanded.

With a solid foundation in place, Eric filed the songs under the name Alpha Destroyer and started mapping out the next phase.

Soon after, on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, Eric met bassist Kelly LeMieux (Goldfinger, Buckcherry) through mutual friend Kevin Hahn (vocalist/lead guitarist for Sleepless and now a guitarist for Alpha Destroyer). Late-night conversations on the cruise led to a strong creative connection. Back in Portland, Kelly heard the early tracks and immediately added his signature, larger-than-life basslines. The songs, now three deep, began to take shape.

In 2024, another key moment happened on the same cruise. Eric met Martin Sweet (Crashdïet), a longtime influence. After staying in touch, Eric sent him the developing tracks, initially just to contribute guitar, yet Martin offered something more: vocals. His performance on the first completed track, “Straight into the Grind,” helped define the band’s sound and opened the door to a deeper collaboration. What was meant to be a four-song EP quickly expanded as the ideas flowed naturally.

The result is Fast Lane, a 10-track debut album that rides the line between doom-laced introspection and high-octane rock. The title track and first single, “Fast Lane,” kicks things off with a punk-edged urgency and Martin’s heavy yet melodic take on personal struggle.

With new music already in the works and plans for live dates in 2026, Alpha Destroyer is just getting started.

THE STORM IS BUILDING. ALPHA DESTROYER IS COMING.

Follow ALPHA DESTROYER on Facebook and Instagram

Source: ClawHammer PR

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