Infinity Dream recently announced a new alliance with Nameless Grave Records for their upcoming album Silver Lining on October 17, 2025. To mark their return, the band has unleashed the album’s first single and music video, “Lost Embrace,” available HERE.
Silver Lining builds upon the band’s acclaimed 2022 debut, Memories, expanding their sound with greater atmosphere, soaring harmonies, and the seamless interplay of male and female vocals. The band members are no strangers to metal though, as they call have been part of the incredible power metal band WIDOW, who have released their work via Cruz del Sur and Pure Steel previously.
Formed in 2019, Infinity Dream draws from the dark grandeur of Tony Martin era Black Sabbath, the drama of Dio, and the mysticism of Warlord and Rainbow; all while crafting songs with their own voice and emotional weight. Their music blends the heaviness of doom with the melodic spirit of classic metal, making Silver Lining a compelling listen for both devoted underground fans and the new legion of fans who have come to love bands like Ghost and Witchcraft.
Silver Lining was recorded at Wootensound Studios with drums tracked at Sonark Studios, produced by John Wooten III and Chris Bennett, and mixed by Steven Raets of Sonark Media. The album’s striking artwork and visual design were created by Chris Harris.
Route One Booking is proud to announce that New Orleans’ undisputed kings of Sludge Metal and ‘The Heaviest Band in the World’, the mighty Crowbar, will return to the UK & Ireland in February 2026!
Kirk & the boys will be bringing a killer package for support too. Legions Of Doom, (featuring members of Trouble / Saint Vitus / Pentagram / COC etc) will be main support and rising UK hardcore / metalcore stalwarts Silverburn (featuring Jimbob of Taint / Hark) will open each show so get there early!
Tickets will go on sale for all dates on Friday 12th September at 10.00am UK time.
FEBRUARY 2026:
12.02: Dolans warehouse, Limerick, IRE 13.02: Limelight 2, Belfast, N. IRE 14.02: Opium, Dublin, IRE 16.02: Cathouse, Glasgow, UK 17.02: University, Newcastle, UK 18.02: Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, UK 19.02: Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, UK 20.02: Phoenix, Exeter, UK 21.02: Rebellion, Manchester, UK 22.02: Waterfront, Norwich, UK 24.02: KK’s Steelmill, Wolverhampton, UK 25.02: The Globe, Cardiff, UK 26.02: Kola, Portsmouth, UK 27.02: Electric Ballroom, London, UK 28.02: Blitz, Preston, UK
Reigning Phoenix Music, in collaboration with Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, is thrilled to announce that COLD SLITHER, the reimagined heavy metal menace inspired by the infamous band from G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero, is preparing to take New York by storm. The show will take place on October 11th, the same weekend as NYC’s Comic Con, where the Gramercy Theatre will be conquered by an explosive sonic force that fuses nostalgia with a modern metal powerhouse. Get your tickets HERE.
Zartan comments on the forthcoming NYC show:
“Well, well, it seems as though there are several potential recruits whom have a desire to join our small but elite society of Dreadnoks… This time in New York City! Our services are once again called upon by Cobra Commander and Reigning Phoenix Music to melt minds with Cold Slither! So be it, my Dreadnoks and I will see you all October 11th… Come prepared…Cobraaaaa!!”
The show announcement follows the release of the self-titled debut album in June of this year via Reigning Phoenix Music. Also on the horizon, the G.I. Joe-stanning supergroup are set to join the Decibel Flexi Series with an exclusive new banger, “Cobra Island.”
Cold Slither is a declaration of war. Fronted by the enigmatic Zartan and his ruthless Dreadnok bandmates Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer, the band fuses old-school heavy metal with anarchic energy and unrelenting force. With tracks built on punishing riffs, venomous vocals, and apocalyptic atmosphere, COLD SLITHER resurrects the myth and turns it into a modern-day metal juggernaut.
Featuring 10 original tracks and a remastered version of their cult-classic single “Cold Slither,” the album plunges into dystopian metal with themes of swamp-born menace and Cobra-fueled power. The Cold Slither album is available across digital and vinyl formats.
“Taan ti le Xibalba” now available on all streaming/download platforms
Guadalajara-based Ancestral folk metal group CEMICAN – hailed by Revolver as “an ancient Mexican answer to The Hu or Heilung” – are proud to bring you their latest opus, ‘U_k’u’uk’ankil_Mayakaaj.’ Much anticipated, this album comes out Oct. 31st and the pre-order for it is here: http://lnk.to/cemican
Available on digital, as well as jewelcase CD with 20-page booklet and limited-edition colored 2LP gatefold vinyl featuring two variants – the N. American variant on K’Awiil (300 blue orange haze) representing the celestial fire/lightning and abundance or the European variant Itzamna (200 purple) for he who embodies the cosmos – the god of the heavens who taught the Mayan people language. We’ve even added the two singles released mid-cycle (one created for Adult Swim programming) as bonus tracks.
“Cemican’s new album, ’U k ‘u’ uk’ankil Mayakaaj’ (translated as the Mayan Resistance) is based on Mayan ideology, worldview, mysticism, and the universe. It contains various legends and stories of ancestral gods, the duality of life and death, as well as stories based on the band members, transformed with that touch that identifies us,” explainsdrummerTlipoca.
“The concept was taken as a way to revive what our warriors and their Mayan people were, honoring this great Mayan culture and representing the worldview and mysticism of this great ancestral empire.”
“The album contains a dark and aggressive atmosphere, as well as some songs with tranquil melodies. A sound that embodies that language of music with ancestral instruments that Cemican has achieved as its own unique and hallucinatory sound, fused with lyrics that blend Spanish with Yucatan Mayan. This new album is a tribute to our ancestral peoples, their stories and their customs, giving a valuable message of their language and their ancestral glory.”
Today, we also reveal the cover art to ‘U k ‘u’ uk’ankil Mayakaaj’ created and designed by Tlipoca.
“It depicts the great creation of the Mayan universe and the elements of life (water, fire, wind, and earth) by the great supreme Itzamnaaj… raising the great Temple of Kukulkan for the worship of the Mayan people. Among the immensity of the ocean, the first sacred man emerges, creating the inter-dimensional chaos between trails and nebula. In the right hand of the great Itzamnaaj, a black hole is born, representing the great infinite darkness. In his left hand, a whirlwind of fire represents the beginning of light or the dawn of life and the beginning of it. At the top, between an avalanche of meteors and stellar earth, two faces are drawn: that of a woman or mother, who gives life or the birth of humans; and on the other side, the face of death, representing the cycle of earthly man in his passage through this life.”
The album has been preceded by two single/music video releases: the thundering “Taan ti le Xibalba” and “KUKULKÁN WAKAH CHAN” with its corresponding epic music video.
The music of CEMICAN – whose name means “the duality of life and death” in the Aztecan language of Nahuatl (spoken by 2 million people in Central Mexico) – incorporates elements of the legends, mysticism and ideologies of ancient Mexican culture. Compared by Revolver to “Slipknot scoring Mel Gibson’s ‘Apocalypto,’” while praised by Brooklyn Vegan for “combining indigenous instrumentation with Headbanger’s Ball-worthy riffage” the group combine the modern instrumentation of a metal band with traditional pre-Hispanic instruments.
Since releasing their third album, In Ohtli Teoyohtica In Miquiztli, in 2019, and M-Theory Audio debut, CEMICAN have performed alongside some of metal’s top names (Amon Amarth, Korpiklaani, Ensiferum, Eluveitie, etc.) in their native Mexico.
In addition, the six-piece group became a regular fixture of European festivals like France’s Hellfest and the Paris edition of Download Festival, Germany’s Wacken Open Air, Spain’s Resurrection Fest and Leyendas Del Rock, as well multiple festival performances in their homeland – Hell & Heaven Fest, Force Fest, Mexico Metal Fest, Dragon Rojo Fest, Tattoo Fest, Knotfest and countless more; as well as appearances in Central and South America. CEMICAN have received regular airplay on Sirius XM Liquid Metal, and composed an original song, “Yóok ‘ol kaab Maya,” for the Adult Swim network. 2025 will mark more opportunities and breakthroughs are in store for the extremely original, creative and epic act.
Swedish metal band ELEINE simply can’t return to the stages unnoticed: embarking on a massive European tour as special guests to label mates PRIMAL FEAR, they simultaneously celebrate the release of their We Stand United EP through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). A strong title underlining the unparalleled bond ELEINE have built with their worldwide fan legions over the years, which becomes even thicker! An unreleased song as well as live and orchestral versions of selected ELEINE classics are now available for streaming and on limited CD and vinyl editions. Get your (signed) copy & listen to We Stand United here:
Vocalist Madeleine & guitarist/vocalist Rikard comment: “We wanted to give you something in between album cycles. A feel of what’s to come, where we stand right now and a closer look at our past. This is We Stand United – an EP dedicated towards our strong and loyal fans across the world including live tracks and something brand new! On this EP, w present you with live tracks on CD and vinyl for the first time ever! We enjoy the studio, but it will always be when performing LIVE that we truly thrive as a band. This is where we connect with the crowd, where we create beautiful and empowering memories together and where we get to live out the songs on stage. We Stand United is a 5-track EP carrying new heavy riffs, thundering live performances and a rawness we feel many will appreciate.”
Introduced by “Towards The Fields”, the release’s main focus lays on its brand new title track, which highlights the group’s magic touch for vibrant songwriting while still giving space to their soaringly uplifting and symphonic trademark moments. To give the We Stand United music video the attention it deserves, ELEINE are pleased to announce that they’ll witness its unveiling together with their main driving force – their fans – on Monday, September 8 @ 6PM CEST. Subscribe here & join the watch party: https://eleine.rpm.link/youtubePR
We Stand United – Track Listing: 01. Towards The Fields (Intro) 02. We Stand United 03. Never Forget [Live at Masters of Rock 2024] 04. We Are Legion [Live at Masters of Rock 2024] 05. Promise Of Apocalypse [Symphonic Version]
Photo credit: Timo Isoaho AMORPHIS @ Sonic Pump Studios (Helsinki, Finland)
L-R: Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine (bass), Tomi Koivusaari (guitars), Santeri Kallio (keyboards), Jan Rechberger (drums, percussion), Tomi Joutsen (vocals), Esa Holopainen (guitars)
Invited to Helsinki’s Sonic Pump Studios under a pretext, Finnish metal icons AMORPHIS have been decorated with gold records for sales of their 2022 studio album Halo by their label partners Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The band’s management, distribution and media partners gathered secretly earlier this week to witness the handover of the awards at the iconic Finnish recording studio, where the sextet crafted a number of much-loved albums over the years and even parts of Halo.
Still being busy with interviews to support their forthcoming offering Borderland, due out on September 26, 2025, as well as tour preparations, AMORPHIS were pleasantly surprised when the shiny vinyls were presented to them.
Guitarist Esa Holopainen states: “Achieving a gold record is far from being guaranteed in these days. We’re truly grateful to all listeners and fans who supported us along the way. ‘Halo’ wasn’t an easy album to make as the corona virus was challenging the world. Some parts of its production had to be done remotely, while at other times we were actually allowed to travel to our beloved neighbouring country Sweden. ‘Halo’ also isn’t the easiest album of the AMORPHIS catalogue, but it certainly has its special moments which will live on through people’s sound systems and our live shows.”
Originally released on February 11, 2022, AMORPHIS managed to hit the top of the official album chart in their home country for the sixth time in their eventful career with Halo. Many other notable global entries (Germany #3, Switzerland #4, Austria #7) completed this enormously successful launch under complicated circumstances.
Followed by a Finnish headline run and a European arena tour alongside ARCH ENEMY, ELUVEITIE and GATECREEPER, the group’s new album, Borderland, will become available in late September.
Pre-order Borderlandin your preferred physical format (ltd. box set & more) & stream it once out to possibly add yet another gold record to AMORPHIS’ treasure room:
The new music video from heavy rock all-stars ALPHA DESTROYER – featuring Martin Sweet (Crashdïet), Kelly LeMieux (Buckcherry), and Eric Sexton-Dorsett (Sleepless), is now streaming. “Lobotomized” marks the third single off the band’s upcoming debut album, Fast Lane.
A true ripper in every sense, “Lobotomized” anchors the album’s thematic momentum, cementing the band’s vision for sonic intensity in untamed fashion.
Fast Lane is due out this fall on Necromantic Press Records. Physical copies of Fast Lane, including limited-edition red splatter and standard black vinyl, will begin shipping on October 15. The album will be available on all streaming platforms on October 31. Pre-orders are available at this location.
Rising rock force KALAMITY KILLS unleashes a bold and reverent take on “I Don’t Know” with their latest video release, featuring powerhouse drummer Ray Luzier (KORN) and legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, THE WINERY DOGS). This electrifying reinterpretation of the classic track pays homage to the enduring legacy of the Prince of Darkness himself: OZZY OSBOURNE.
The idea for the tribute was sparked after the band witnessed OZZY’s final performance at the Back to the Beginning Concert in Birmingham, England. Deeply moved, KALAMITY KILLS set out to honor the icon who shaped so much of their musical DNA.
Guitarist JAMEY PERRENOT, whose playing is deeply influenced by the late, great RANDY RHOADS, infused this version of “I Don’t Know” with both reverence and fire. Fans of OZZY will also hear subtle nods to other classics woven throughout: a sonic Easter egg hunt for the diehards.
Special thanks to Ray Luzier and Billy Sheehan for joining the sonic rebellion on this one.
The release also comes with news that the Expanded Edition of Kalamity Kills will be available on September 9, 2025. This edition will include brand-new tracks, alternate mixes, and exclusive content on CD in limited quantities. A candy apple red vinyl edition is set to follow in April 2026.
Track Listing:
Anthem
Dearest Enemy
What’s On Your Mind
Dark Secrets
The Chemistry of Meant To Be
ALIEN
Hellfire Honey
Burn
Sinners Welcome
I Still Believe
Amen
Bonus Tracks:
Afraid
Starry Skies (988) (feat. Aaron Gillespie from Underoath)
Dark Secrets (2025 Version)
Dearest Enemy (Pressure) (Scott Bush alt. Mix)
The Chemistry of Meant To Be (Kellan McGregor Radio Mix)
Jingle Bells (Slay)
About KALAMITY KILLS:
KALAMITY KILLS is a hard rock band forged in the heart of East Nashville, Tennessee. Formed in 2022 by vocalist Jamie Rowe and guitarist/producer Jamey Perrenot, the band emerged from the ashes of a solo project into a fully realized sonic assault; fueled by raw emotion, modern aggression and a deep respect for rock’s roots. With a sound that fuses the swagger of classic hard rock with the intensity and polish of modern metal, KALAMITY KILLS strikes a rare balance between power and vulnerability.
Best known for their debut self-titled album Kalamity Kills, the band quickly turned heads thanks to high-profile collaborations with members of KORN, 3 DOORS DOWN, LA GUNS, CONQUER DIVIDE, and UNDEROATH. Their music has earned national airplay on SIRIUSXM’s Octane, landed on the Billboard Active Rock charts, and crossed over into viral success without ever chasing trends.
More than just a studio project, KALAMITY KILLS is a growing force with a full live lineup, including bassist/vocalist Julia Lauren Bullock and drummer Rob Bodley. Their songs, ranging from explosive anthems to brutally honest ballads, tackle themes of faith, failure, hypocrisy, redemption, and the messy beauty of being human.
KALAMITY KILLS is for the outsiders, the misfits, the ones who’ve been burned and are still standing. Loud. Unapologetic. Unforgettable.
“I Am The Primal Fear” is the perfect track to mark the release of German metal force PRIMAL FEAR’s new album, Domination. Out today via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), the 13-track record is a powerful statement of the band’s legacy and a showcase of their unmistakable sound.
Order Domination (excl. bundles, ltd. CD earbook, digipak-CD, jewel case-CD & various vinyl variants) & stream it here: https://primalfear.rpm.link/dominationPR
A future fan favourite and live anthem in the making, “I Am The Primal Fear” kicks off with a burst of solo drumming before the full PRIMAL FEAR engine roars to life, unleashing thunderous riffs and soaring melodic leads. The verses feel like an intense showdown, with vocalist Ralf Scheepers delivering a fierce performance, driven by the relentless rhythm section of bassist Mat Sinner and drummer André Hilger. Adding to the firepower is the band’s new guitar dream team, Thalìa Bellazecca and Magnus Karlsson, trading off with precision and power.
The intense call-and-response dynamic builds to a powerful, no-holds-barred chorus that sends a clear message: despite a few setbacks over the years, PRIMAL FEAR never considered calling it quits. The eagle was never gone, it was simply gathering strength, ready to soar once again and shake the metal world with an album that confidently claims its place among the top tier of heavy and power metal.
“Again, outta my way, I am the Primal Fear! No one can stop me and I’m gonna hunt you tonight, I’m your worst nightmare whenever you are trying to fool me!” states Scheepers.
Lyric video produced by Ingo Spörl (Omni Sensus Media)
Domination was recorded at Dennis Ward’s Kangaroo Studios (HELLOWEEN, ANGRA etc.) in autumn 2024, produced by Mat Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers as well as Magnus Karlsson. Rounded off by multiple PRIMAL FEAR mixing/mastering engineer Jacob Hansen (AMORPHIS, VOLBEAT etc.) at his own studios in Denmark, the album artwork was designed by Death.Milk.Designs.
Domination – Track Listing: 01. The Hunter 02. Destroyer 03. Far Away 04. I Am The Primal Fear 05. Tears Of Fire 06. Heroes And Gods 07. Hallucinations 08. Eden [feat. Melissa Bonny of AD INFINITUM] 09. Scream 10. The Dead Don’t Die 11. Crossfire 12. March Boy March 13. A Tune I Won’t Forget Bonus Track [physical only; excl. jewel case-CD] 14. Bridges Will Burn
L-R: André Hilgers (drums), Magnus Karlsson (guitars), Ralf Scheepers (vocals), Thalìa Bellazecca (guitars), Mat Sinner (bass, vocals)
PRIMAL FEAR live: Domination Tour 2025 w/ ELEINE Presented by Metal Hammer, musix, Rock Antenne, Rock It!, Break Out & ITM 05.09.2025 DE Hamburg – Markthalle 06.09.2025 DE Leipzig – Anker 07.09.2025 DE Bochum – Zeche 09.09.2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal
10.09.2025 DE Munich – Backstage 12.09.2025 DE Memmingen – Kaminwerk 13.09.2025 DE Mannheim – Capitol 14.09.2025 DE Regensburg-Obertraubling – Eventhall Airport 16.09.2025 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 18.09.2025 DE Berlin – Hole 44 19.09.2025 DE Naila – Frankenhalle 20.09.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Halle) 21.09.2025 BE Sint-Niklaas – De Casino 23.09.2025 NL Amstelveen – P60 25.09.2025 PL Warsaw – Stodola 26.09.2025 CZ Prague – MeetFactory 27.09.2025 CZ Zlín – Masters of Rock Café 30.09.2025 ES Madrid – Mon 01.10.2025 ES Murcia – Garaje 03.10.2025 ES Barcelona – Salamandra 04.10.2025 ES Pamplona – Sala Totem
Raleigh (NC) – U.S. Black ‘N Rollers, Valletta, have signed to Lifeforce Records and are set to release new EP, Bitter Lucid Truth, on October 24.
There’s a palpable sense of urgency in Bitter Lucid Truth. Valletta’s second proper release embraces what guitarist and singer Keenan Carroll describes as “anger, repulsion and intolerance toward the current political landscape.” But for all its confrontational inspiration, it’s also one of the year’s most thrilling metal releases.
With Bitter Lucid Truth, the Raleigh, N.C. quartet of Carroll, drummer Justin Valletta, bassist Cody Rogers, and guitarist/backing vocalist Will Goodyear, churn negative emotions into forceful, dynamic and “just genuinely pissed-off” outbursts that are equally searing and soaring.
This should come as no surprise from the veteran troupe, whose collective resume spans a heavy spectrum from sludge to prog to black metal, in bands including Lord Almighty, Barishi, Mo’ynoq, Prayer for Cleansing, and Between the Buried And Me. And, indeed, Valletta’s 2024 debut, Summer, (Forcefield Records), defined a compelling hybrid of anthemic melody and bitter vitriol. But while Summer slung big riffs and even bigger hooks, Bitter Lucid Truth wields them like weapons.
“Aggressor” and “Cold Death” fuses the melodic impulses that have drawn comparisons to Tribulation and Kvelertak with a harsher, more belligerent approach more akin to Tragedy’s bold and defiantly melodic neo-crust. This is perhaps most apparent in the EP’s closing salvo, “Spitting the Word,” which answers “Doing Well’s” comparatively reflective tone with a vicious exclamation point. Of the song’s intent, Carroll says, “It’s time to speak your mind. No more thought paralysis.”
Managing to capture a boiling rage with a more dynamic and expansive approach to songwriting, Bitter Lucid Truth is a massive leap forward for the already ascendant band. Expect to see these vicious anthems take on a new life when Valletta brings them to the stage.
Bitter Lucid Truth will be available on limited 12″ splatter vinyl, CD Digipak, ultra-limited cassette , and digital formats. Pre-order/Pre-save the EP at: https://orcd.co/valletta_blt
U.S. tours are planned for October of this year, surrounding the EP’s October release. In 2026, Valletta will accompany a European tour with a re-release of Summer also expected through Lifeforce Records.
Line-Up:
Justin Valletta – Drums Cody Rogers – Bass Keenan Carroll – Guitar & Lead Vocals Will Goodyear – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Today Texas metal legends HELSTAR unveil their new single, “The Devil’s Masquerade.” The track marks another powerful chapter in the band’s legacy of dark, heavy, and thought-provoking music.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, frontmanJames Riverareveals: “Such as the title track, The Devil’s Masquerade is about the movie Annabel and not the devil. However, in the third line of the last verse, it says ‘It’s 3 in the morning, your heart starts to race.’ What a lot of people don’t know is that 3 in the morning is the real evilest time of the night, when the devil or an entity of evil most likely will appear, not midnight.”
With haunting riffs, relentless rhythms, and Rivera’s unmistakable vocals, “The Devil’s Masquerade”showcases HELSTAR at their most intense and uncompromising. The video complements the song’s chilling atmosphere, delivering a visual journey as powerful as the music itself.
“The Devil’s Masquerade” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
HELSTAR will release their long-awaited 11th studio album, The Devil’s Masquerade on September 12th, 2025 through Massacre Records. The album will be available as a limited Mediabook, Ltd. Vinyl LP in various colors, and digital formats. Pre-orders: https://save-it.cc/massacre/the-devils-masquerade-album
Track listing: 1. Avernus 2. The Devil’s Masquerade 3 Stygian Miracles 4. Carcass For A King 5. The Staff Of Truth 6. Seek Out Your Sins 7. The Haunting Mirror 8. The Black Wall 9. Suerte De Muleta 10. I Am The Way
HELSTAR are set to unleash their power across Europe this winter with their new trek: The Devil’s Masquerade Tour 2025. Known for their fiery blend of classic heavy metal and thrash intensity, HELSTAR will bring their crushing live energy to fans in Greece, Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Spain.
Fronted by the iconic James Rivera, HELSTAR promises an unforgettable setlist spanning their storied career, packed with fan favorites and deep cuts alike. This tour marks another chapter in the band’s relentless mission to keep true heavy metal alive on European stages.
The Devil’s Masquerade Tour 2025: 28.11.2025 – Greece, Thessaloniki, Eightball 29.11.2025 – Greece, Athens, An Club 30.11.2025 – Greece, Agrinio, Metal Union 03.12.2025 – Slovenia, Medvode, Klub Jedro 04.12.2025 – Italy, Torino, El Barrio 06.12.2025 – Germany, Oberhausen, Helvete 07.12.2025 – Belgium, Diest, Hell 08.12.2025 – Germany, Munchen, Backstage 09.12.2025 – Germany, Stuttgart, Der Schwarze Keiler 11.12.2025 – Spain, Madrid, Sala Silikona 12.12.2025 – Spain, Valencia, Sala Zulu 13.12.2025 – Spain, Barcelona, Sala Lennon’s 14.12.2025 – Spain, Portugalete, Sala Groove
The Devil’s Masquerade marks a powerful return to the band’s roots, bringing back the classic creative chemistry between James Rivera (vocals) and Larry Barragan (guitars). The album was produced and mixed by Barragan at Hombre Malo Studios, and mastered by Robert Colwell at Colwell Mastering.
Lyrically, The Devil’s Masquerade dives deep into tales of vampirism, demonic possession, and mankind’s downfall – drawing inspiration from cult horror films and series such as Annabelle, Midnight Mass, The Exorcist: Pope, and even classic Twilight Zone episodes. Each track tells a story, blending myth, horror, and symbolism with HELSTAR’s trademark power.
The song “I Am The Way” features an all-star guest appearance by iconic Texas metal voices Robert Lowe, Jason McMaster, Travis Willis, George Call, Mike Soliz, Christopher Salinas, Drew Brown, Jeff Vandenburg, and Christian Larson.
FrontmanJames Riverastates: “All I can say is that this album is every Helstar fan’s dream come true. Larry and I went back to the old-school way of working together, and you can hear that energy from the very first track. We’ve taken the bull by the horns, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic we’ve always created.”
From their classic debut Burning Star (1984) to milestones like Nosferatu (1989), and more recent releases such as This Wicked Nest (2014) and Vampiro (2016), HELSTAR have carved a unique and enduring legacy in US heavy metal. With The Devil’s Masquerade, the band once again proves their legendary status, delivering a fierce and uncompromising new chapter.
HELSTAR are: James Rivera – vocals Larry Barragan – guitars Mikey Lewis – drums Garrick Smith – bass Alan DeLeon JR. – guitars
Rising Steel have released their new studio album Legion Of The Grave, out now via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate, they share the new single and accompanying visualizer, “Nightmare”, available now.
Watch the official visualizer for “Nightmare” HERE
Lead vocalist Emmanuelson described the new single by saying: “This third single from the new album transports us into a feeling between a sharp hard rock and the heavy of the 80’s revisited with Rising Steel sauce. This song is a perfect balance between power and melody, ultimately pure Rising Steel!”
About the album, the band commented: “Sharpened in both sound and spirit, we returned to a more old-school heavy metal approach – without losing the raw energy and intensity that have long defined our style. Every track hits with precision, driven by razor-sharp riffs, commanding vocals, and an organic production that channels the true passion of real metal.”
“The album explores darker and more introspective themes, focusing on lost identity, inner struggles, and the strength to rise again. With a mix of raw emotion and powerful imagery, we aim to take the listener on a journey through personal battles that reflect broader human experiences. It’s both a statement of resistance and a search for meaning”, they added.
Line Up: Emmanuelson – Vocals Steel Zard – Drums Tony Steel – Guitars Steff Leadmaster – Lead guitars Stone warrior – Bass
Rising Steel‘s new album, Legion Of The Grave is their fourth full-length studio effort and it sees the French metallers playing as ferociously as ever, while continuing to evolve their heavy and aggressive sound.
The album was recorded in France by Mathieu Gaud and Steel Zard at Studio de la Plaine (KNT) and Lezard Studio. Mixing duties were handled by Staffan Karlsson and Rickard Bengtsson at Sweetspot Studio in Sweden, known for their work with bands like Meshuggah and Arch Enemy. It was mastered by the renowned Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios in Finland, ensuring a production that’s as powerful and precise as the music itself.
Legion Of The Grave – Track-list:
1. Betrayer 2. King Of The Universe 3. Black Martin 4. Legion Of The Grave 5. Nightmare 6. Venomous 7. Messiah Of Death 8. Dead Mind 9. Trapped In A Soul’s Garden 10. Night Vision
Based in Grenoble, France, Rising Steel deliver a “not so” classical heavy metal experience, drawing strong influence from the ‘80s NWOBHM movement, as well as elements of hard rock and thrash. With nods to iconic bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, their music also appeals to fans of Metallica, Accept, Saxon, Grand Magus, Nevermore, and Slayer.
Following the release of their debut EP Warlord (2014) and the full-length album Return Of The Warlord (2016), the band gained traction by sharing stages with acts such as Jaded Heart, Sister Sin, Nightmare, ADX, Nashville Pussy, and Annihilator. This helped increase their international visibility.
Their second and third albums, Fight Them All and Beyond The Gates Of Hell, both released via Frontiers Music Srl, further cemented their reputation in the European metal scene.
Now, with Legion Of The Grave, Rising Steel return with an explosive offering full of crushing riffs, high-speed rhythms, and no-compromise heavy metal power. It’s a must listen for headbangers seeking pure, unfiltered metal mayhem.
When William J. Tsamis, founder of legendary epic metal masters Warlord, sadly passed away on the 13th of May 2021, at the age of only 60, it looked as if the premature death of one of the most creative forces in American metal had come. However, Warlord bounced back in 2024, with a new line-up and a brand new highly acclaimed studio album entitled Free Spirit Soar (High Roller Records).
This was quickly followed by FromThe Ashes To The Archives – The Hot Pursuit Continues, a limited edition release to mark the occasion of the band’s festival appearances in 2024 with returning Warlord vocalist Giles Lavery. (who also sings for Jack Starr and Alcatrazz).
With a new studio album in the bag, it was time for the “reborn” Warlord to hit the road. In the summer of 2024, they appeared at Trveheim (Germany), Golden R Festival (Greece), Pyrenean Warriors (France) and Metalitalia (Italy).
It was the band’s idea to give their loyal following a something extra in return for their loyalty, as Giles Lavery explains: “We wanted to do something special and also something I don’t think anyone else has ever done before – release and “give away” an exclusive ‘free download’ song to mark each festival stop on the tour, four of them in one month. The reactions at these shows was again something that exceeded our expectations, people singing every word with us, the energy and response from the festival crowds was amazing.”
The songs we are talking about are “Golgotha (Place Of The Skull)”, “The Rainbow”, “Lost Archangel” and “Stygian Passage”. All four can be found now in physical form on Warlord‘s new release The Lost Archangel.
The singer goes into more detail: “They are brand new recordings: but ‘The Rainbow’ is an old Warlord demo from the very early 80s, which was recorded back then, so we re-recorded it in 2024. The other three songs were compositions Bill released on his Lordian Guard albums in the 90s, that we ‘Warlordized’ also in 2024. These were the last three Lordian Guard songs that we felt we could bring over to Warlord, so we thought why not release them this way as free downloads.”
“Almost directly after we released them free we were asked if we were going to issue these in physical format. Apart from these four new songs, The Lost Archangel also features a wealth of older and more recent live recordings as well several studio re-workings of historic Warlord material.”
Track-listing: The Lost Archangel: 01 Golgotha (The Place of the Skull) 02 The Rainbow 03 Lost Archangel 04 Stygian Passage 05 Enemy Mind (2025) 06 70,000 Sorrows (2013/2025) 07 Night of the Fury (2013/2025) 08 Father (Live in Athens 2013) 09 Glory (Live in Athens 2013) 10 Soliloquy (Live in Athens 2013) 11 Lucifer’s Hammer (Live 2024) 12 Black Mass (Live 2024) 13 Child of the Damned (Live 2024)
Produced by Giles Lavery, Thomas Mergler & Eric Juris
Note: The vinyl edition also includes the previously “CD only” bonus track “Twin” from the CD edition of Free Spirit Soar.
Warlord: Giles Lavery – Vocals 1-13 Eric Juris – Guitars 1-5 / 11-13 Diego Pires – Guitars 1-5 / 11-13 Jimmy Waldo – Keys 1-5 / 11-13 Philip Bynoe – Bass 1-13 William J Tsamis – Guitars 6-10 Mark Zonder – Drums
“Giants & Monsters bursts with energy and spirit, seasoned craftsmanship that embraces all eras of HELLOWEEN.” BRAVEWORDS (CA)
“The relentless experimentation of their ultimate seven-member line-up has finally reached the pinnacle with Giants & Monsters.” BURRN! (JP)
German metal icons HELLOWEEN have always been pioneers of the power metal scene: The godfathers of melodic speed metal are renowned for their brilliant records and unforgettable concerts. Giants & Monsters, the highly-praised follow-up to their self-titled No.1 album has finally arrived through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) and continues the band’s unparalleled legacy.
The long-awaited record will certainly be celebrated by the Pumpkinheads around the world on the band’s upcoming “40 Years Anniversary Tour.” The global tour will be more than exciting for the fans with a career-spanning set list and a brand-new live show, starting in Europe this autumn and followed by tours in Asia, North and Latin America.
Giants & Monsters is a truly impressive HELLOWEEN album: confident and bursting with vigor, the septet presents probably the most versatile album of their career. The album release is accompanied by a 90’s MTV style music video with “A Little Is A Little Too Much.” Under complete banishment of AI, it beams the viewer into a miniature doll house, making the artists not look like monsters, but GIANTS indeed.
Playing with optical illusions, the video captivates eyes, ears, and all other senses with HELLOWEEN’s trademark sense of humor and shows the fun within the band. The song itself is a veritable hit with a hook that carves its way into the fans’ minds and captivates immediately.
Photo credit: Mathias Bothor
L-R: Daniel Löble (drums), Michael Weikath (guitars), Markus Grosskopf (bass), Michael Kiske (vocals), Sascha Gerstner (guitars), Andi Deris (vocals), Kai Hansen (guitars, vocals)
Andi Deris comments on the song: “I wanted to write something about the last drop that causes a huge flooding – a little is a little too much. The story itself is a bit erotic. It’s about my first experiences when I was a teenager. You always dream about having sex and finally once you have it you realise: Okay, it took one second that something happened that you didn’t want in that moment. And here we go: A little is a little too much, better don’t move or don’t touch. But in the end, it is about all the minor things that get out of hand with this little bit more, and then it’s a little too much.”
Guitarist Sascha Gerstner, originator of the clip idea, adds: “HELLOWEEN have been known for going against the tide of heavy metal clichés since the 80’s. Think of music videos like ‘I Want Out’ or ‘Where The Rain Grows’, it always was about not taking yourself too seriously. With the music video for ‘A Little Is A Little Too Much,’ we wanted to pursue this spirit and connect the old days with the new era.”
Giants & Monsters – Track Listing: 01. Giants On The Run 02. Savior Of The World 03. A Little Is A Little Too Much 04. We Can Be Gods 05. Into The Sun 06. This Is Tokyo 07. Universe (Gravity For Hearts) 08. Hand Of God 09. Under The Moonlight 10. Majestic Bonus Track: 11. Out Of Control Additional Earbook Bonus Tracks: 12. Into The Sun [Andi Solo Version] 13. Into The Sun [Michi Solo Version] 14. Into The Sun [Acoustic Version Duet]
Known for their firebranded approach to songwriting and relentless energy, the Ohio-based torchbearers of thrash metal deliver an album true to their roots. This is raw, aggressive thrash with no filler, no compromise and no bullshit.
Whispers of Death follows acclaimed releases like United We Fall (2012) and Communal Decay (2021), and shows the band at their most focused and intense.
VINDICATOR will strike out on a four city trek in support of Whispers of Death with Indiana thrashers Graveripper. The Whispering Death tour dates are as follows:
August 28 @ The Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH August 29 @ The Hidden Gem – Dayton, OH August 30 @ Helltown Brewing – Mt. Pleasant, PA August 31 @ State Street Pub – Indianapolis, IN
Whispers of Death track-list:
1. Whispers of Death… Anxiety’s Grip
2. Charnel Pastures
3. Thirst for Violence
4. Your World Dies in Flame
5. Exhaustion
6. Novocain
7. Bleed Between the Lines
8. Merry Evenings Make Sad Mournings
9. Battle Box
10. Abominable Intelligence
11. Ripper Attack
12. Obsoletion Complete
Line-up:
M. Law – Vocals V. Stown – Rhythm Guitars/Backing Vocals B. Zahn – Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals E. Stephens – Bass G. Monturi – Drums
The album was produced by Vindicator and Ben Bennett, and engineered and mastered by Ben Bennett at Chop Daddy Ranch in Seattle, WA. Album art by Frank Walls.
BIO:
Cleveland, Ohio… A town where sports come to die and metal comes to live. A city that has seen its share of metal titans by their own rights. In 2005, the city would give birth to another bastard of speed and aggression. VINDICATOR continues to unleash their signature brand of thrash metal to die-hard fans of the genre and the unsuspecting alike.
Following a series of live dates in support of iconic metallers SAVATAGE, their first-ever, frenetically-acclaimed appearance at Wacken Open Air and the previously-released single “Beyond Horizons,” INDUCTION strike again with their brand-new song “Dark Temptation” – a track that fuses razor-sharp riffs, symphonic fire, and high-octane hooks into a relentless storm of sound!
Alongside today’s release and new album harbinger comes a visually stunning video, set in a high-tech sci-fi universe that mirrors the song’s futuristic energy and dark allure. It’s a bold step that brings INDUCTION’s cinematic vision to the next level, combining crushing symphonic metal power with a world that feels larger than life! “Dark Temptation” cements INDUCTION’s reputation as one of the most exciting rising forces in modern power metal: epic, heavy, and unafraid to push boundaries.
Guitarist Tim Kanoa Hansen states: “With ‘Dark Temptation,’ we officially open the gates to our upcoming third album, Love Kills!, set for release in February 2026. This track marks the beginning of INDUCTION’s next chapter – where seduction meets danger, and love dances on the edge of the blade. It’s heavy, it’s dark, it’s sci-fi – and this is only the beginning. Let yourself be pulled into this forbidden tale and experience the thrill of ‘Dark Temptation,’ the first taste of what’s to come. You’ll be hungry for more!”
Crafted at Hamburg, Germany’s Chameleon Studios and Boogie Park Studios, the song was produced by Hansen and mixed and mastered by Eike Freese in collaboration with the guitarist. After regrouping in 2024, “Dark Temptation” marks the second track featuring singer Gabriele Gozzi, guitarist Justus Sahlman and drummer Markus “Maks” Felber in INDUCTION’s band history.
In support of their forthcoming studio offering, the quintet have been confirmed as supporting act of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS’ and WARKINGS’ 2026 “Pirates & Kings Over Europe” tour, taking them to 20+ cities across the continent in February/March. INDUCTION’s current itinerary can be found below!
INDUCTION live: w/ VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, WARKINGS 05.02.2026 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 06.02.2026 DE Saarbrücken – Garage 07.02.2026 DE Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle 08.02.2026 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 10.02.2026 UK Manchester – Academy 2 11.02.2026 UK London – O2 Academy Islington 12.02.2026 FR Paris – Élysée Montmarte 13.02.2026 NL Tilburg – 013 Poppodium 14.02.2026 DE Leipzig – Hellraiser 15.02.2026 DE Berlin – Columbia Theater 16.02.2026 PL Warsaw – Klub Proxima 18.02.2026 CZ Zlín – Masters of Rock Café 19.02.2026 DE Hanover – Capitol 20.02.2026 DE Hamburg – Markthalle 21.02.2026 DE Geiselwind – Musichall 26.02.2026 FR Villeurbanne (Lyon) – La Rayonne 27.02.2026 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Halle) 28.02.2026 DE Munich – Backstage (Werk) 05.03.2026 HU Budapest – Barba Negra 06.03.2026 AT Vienna – SiMM City 07.03.2026 AT Wörgl – VZ Komma
VIOLATOR‘s long-awaited comeback album, Unholy Retribution is due out September 5th, 2025 via Kill Again Records.
How do you introduce new elements into thrash metal without sounding too pretentious or “fluffy”? Sometimes, a careful look at the past can be the way to go, and “The Evil Order”, the second single from VIOLATOR‘s new album, is the embodiment of this dialectic.
Right off the bat, a macabre base with a guitar slur/slur that recalls the intro of Black Sabbath. Then, the dragging riff feeds back into primitive Brazilian metal, and the reference (homage?) to Sarcófago’s “Nightmare” is inevitable.
The reminiscences end there, because what follows is pure VIOLATOR juice, only more evil than ever. Perhaps the band has never sounded so malignant and creative. Despite this, the essence of old-school thrash is preserved, without deviation.
In its conclusion, “The Evil Order” returns to the “Sabbath-like” intro to complete the circle of revenge. The order of uniformed tyrants (“the uniform is a pathetic excuse”) is about to collapse.
True to their roots yet revitalized by a long and intense creative process, Unholy Retributioncaptures VIOLATOR at their most inspired and ferocious. The band delivers a powerful and uncompromising collection of songs that revisit their trademark thrash metal with renewed energy and purpose. This is not a reinvention, it’s a reaffirmation of everything that made VIOLATOR a cult force in the global underground.
Line-up:
Poney Ret Crucifier – Bass, Vocals Capaça Bloody Nightmare – Guitars Cambito Chains Killer – Guitars Batera Bone Crusher – Drums
From the raw aggression of their breakout EP “Violent Mosh” (2004) and the now-classic debut full-length “Chemical Assault” (2006), VIOLATOR made their mark with a youthful urgency that took no prisoners. That same intensity is alive and well on Unholy Retribution yet now it comes sharpened by experience and delivered through more dynamic, tightly constructed compositions. The fire hasn’t dimmed, it’s evolved.
Musically, the album bursts with blistering riffs, tight rhythmic precision and an unmistakable sense of urgency. Groove-laden catchiness and flashes of technical brilliance keep the tracklist flowing like a furious tide – unpredictable, violent and cathartic. The production matches this ferocity with a sonic identity that’s both organic and clear, yet unpolished in just the right way: a raw, analog-flavored mix that enhances every snare hit and guitar bite without sacrificing the band’s gritty edge. It’s a sound that feels live, alive, and undeniably VIOLATOR.
Lyrically, the band stays loyal to its mission: confronting injustice, exposing corruption and shining a harsh light on the rot festering beneath the surface of modern society. With Unholy Retribution, VIOLATOR continue to use their music as both weapon and warning.
This is the record that fans of early Vio-Lence, Kreator and Dark Angel have been waiting for – a no-holds-barred thrash assault, deeply rooted in tradition yet bursting with contemporary urgency. The wait is over. The retribution is unholy. And it starts now.
Track-list:
1. Hang The Merchants Of Illusion 2. Cult Of Death 3. Persecution Personality 4. Destroy The Altar 5. The Evil Order 6. Chapel Of The Sick 7. Rot In Hell 8. Vengeance Storm
New York, NY — Witches Brew, the premier underground metal label founded by Cheryl Schindler, is proud to announce an explosive onslaught of new music, with four highly-anticipated releases hitting the streets on Friday, August 22nd, 2025.
This coordinated strike showcases the label’s commitment to unearthing raw, authentic talent from across the globe, with new albums from FLESH STORM, IN YOUR BLOOD, MEGAHERA, and MENTAL DEVASTATION.
MENTAL DEVASTATION – The Delusional Mystery of the Self, Part II
Chile’s MENTAL DEVASTATION returns with the follow-up to their acclaimed work, The Delusional Mystery Of The Self Part II. This third album showcases the band’s mastery of technical and progressive thrash, blending violent precision with complex, philosophical themes. For fans of intricate, intelligent thrash in the vein of Coroner and Sadus, this album is a mind-bending journey that defies easy categorization.
Turning back the clock to a more anthemic era, MEGAHERA from Sardinia, Italy, proudly presents Back To The ‘80s. This album is a full-throated tribute to the golden age of heavy metal, with lyrical themes of rebellion, unity, and a defiant stand against authority. Back To The ‘80s is a nostalgic trip with a fresh perspective, a rallying cry for all true metal disciples.
From Toronto, Canada, newcomers IN YOUR BLOOD make their mark with their savage self-titled debut. A masterclass in modern thrash and crossover, In Your Blood is packed with aggressive, neck-snapping riffs that prove the genre is alive and well. For those who live and breathe thrash, this album is a mandatory addition to your collection.
The Costa Rican thrashers FLESH STORM deliver a relentless, fast-paced assault that has already been hailed as a complete energy bomb. This is raw, uncompromising thrash metal meant to ignite the mosh pit and leave listeners battered and bruised.
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"
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