Critically acclaimed power thrashers LUTHARO have released a video for their track “Bonded To The Blade“. The video serves as a teaser for their highly anticipated return to Europe next week as support to power metallers FELLOWSHIP and power metal giants FROZEN CROWN. The tour is their first in Europe since the release of their album Chasing Euphoriawhich was released in March 2024.
Vocalist Krista Shipperbottom states: “Fate always has a way of finding you and now so does our music! “Bonded to the Blade” is ready to strike and is our final music video release from the Chasing Euphoria album cycle! You may even spot yourself rocking out in this one so get pumped!”
EUROPEAN TOUR DATES: 11.04.2025 – Memmingen, D @ Kaminwerk 12.04.2025 – Weinheim, D @ Cafe Central 13.04.2025 – Haarlem, NL @ Patronaat 15.04.2025 – Aschaffenburg, D @ ColosSaal 17.04.2025 – Regensburg, D @ Airport Obertraubling 18.04.2025 – Arnheim, NL @ Willemeen 19.04.2025 – Diest, B @ Hell 20.04.2025 – Hamburg, D @ Logo 22.04.2025 – Bochum, D @ Rockpalast/Matrix 23.04.2025 – Herford, D @ Kulturwerk 24.04.2025 – Wilhelmshaven, D @ Pumpwerk 26.04.2025 – Schirnding, D @ Gemeindehalle 27.04.2025 – Pratteln, CH @ Z7 29.04.2025 – München, D @ Backstage 01.05.2025 – Pamplona, ES @ Totem 02.05.2025 – Madrid, ES @ Revi Live 03.05.2025 – Barcelona, ES @ Wolf 07.06.2025 US Madison, WI – Mad With Power Fest 16.08.2025 DE Sonnewalde – Großbahrener Schwermetal Fest
RFK MEDIA signs Bad Marriage – Match Made In Hell album set for summer 2025 release. Bad Marriage has officially signed with Ron Keel’s RFK Media to deliver their new album Match Made In Hell this summer (2025). This powerhouse band out of Boston has been winning over the fans and the media for several years now and is well-positioned for the big time, with a collection of songs that embrace the spirit of their classic roots while capturing a modern active rock sound.
A relentless work ethic combined with a special chemistry between the band members and their fans has earned Bad Marriage a loyal and constantly growing audience, plus appearances on the Monsters Of Rock Cruise and the Monsters On The Mountain Festival, as well as opening slots on tour with Buckcherry, Tesla, Vandenberg and more.
“Bad Marriage has been on our radar for a while,” Keel explains. “I’ve been equally impressed by their aggressive pursuit of success and the aggressive admiration the fans have for this band and their music.”
“Trying to make it in rock n roll these days is like a heavyweight fight,” says BM guitarist Mike Fitz, “and we want people in our corner who aren’t ever going to throw in the towel. RFK Media has a proven track record and together we’re going the distance.” Former Tesla guitarist Tommy Skeoch, who joined Bad Marriage in 2023, echoes that vote of confidence: “I’ve known Ron Keel since the 80’s, and that guy never quits or backs down. It’s really cool how we’ve come full circle now and are all working together to take this band and this music to the next level.”
RFK Media Managing Partner Aaron Fischer signed Bad Marriage on the 2025 Monsters Of Rock Cruise; “There was no pre-nuptial agreement, we just eloped,” he says; “Bad Marriage and RFK Media are truly a match made in hell, built upon our love of the music and the fans.”
Bad Marriage is: Jonny Paquin (vocals) Mike Fitz (lead guitar), Tommy Skeoch (lead/rhythm guitar), Ian Haggerty (rhythm guitar), Todd Boisvert (bass), and Michael Delaney (drums).
New members are former Falling in Reverse guitarist Max Georgiev, bassist Jeff Salgado (Psychosomatic), drummer Nick Souza (Hatriot) with returning guitarist, the legendary Ira Black (Dio Disciples, former Bulletboys, etc.), fronted by long-time vocalistand metal warrior: Sean Killian.
Oppressing The Masses For 35 Years – United Kingdom – European 2025 Tour
4.10.25 – LAS VEGAS, NV at BACKSTAGE, BAR & BILLIARDS 4.11.25 – LOS ANGELES, CA at THE TERAGRAM BALLROOM 4.17.25 – CAMDEN, ENGLAND at THE UNDERWORLD 4.18.25 – BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND at CASTLE & FALCON 4.19.25 – PRESTON, ENGLAND at BLITZ 4.20.25 – GLASGOW, SCOTLAND at SLAY 4.21.25 – DUBLIN, IRELAND at OPIUM 4.22.25 – CHESTER, ENGLAND at THE LIVE ROOMS 4.23.25 – SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND at CORPORATION 4.24.25 – CRUMLIN NEWPORT, WALES at THE PATRIOT 4.25.25 – LAUDA- KÖNIGSHOFEN, GERMANY at KEEP IT TRUE FEST 4.26.25 – SEVILLA, SPAIN at SALA X 4.27.25 – VALLADOLID, SPAIN at PORTA CAELI 4.29.25 – BARCELONA, SPAIN at SALA BOVEDA 4.30.25 – VITORIA, SPAIN at URBAN ROCK CONCEPT 5.1.25 – MADRID, SPAIN at REVI LIVE 5.2.25 – MOS, SPAIN at SALA REBULLON 5.3.25 – LISBON, PORTUGAL at RCA CLUB 5.9.25 – BAHRAIN at DIGGERS
Time To Kill Records is thrilled to welcome Dublin based metallers THE RISEN DREAD to their roster. Their sophomore album, Death From Above, is set for release in the coming months.
Death From Above marks a significant shift towards a heavier and more aggressive sound. While retaining their signature blend of intensity and melody, the band has incorporated stronger thrash metal and melodic death metal influences, seeking a sharper and more relentless edge. More details about the album will be revealed soon – stay tuned.
Bio:
THE RISEN DREAD is a metal band from Dublin, Ireland. Since forming in 2019, they have risen from the Irish underground scene to become an international touring act, earning a reputation for their intense sound and energetic live performances.
Their debut EP, Delusions (2019), introduced them to the scene and set the stage for their first full-length album, Night Hag, released in January 2022. Written and recorded during the global pandemic, the album showcased the band’s evolution and featured guest appearances, including Andreas Kisser of Sepultura on the single “White Night”.
THE RISEN DREAD has made its mark on major stages, performing at Wacken Open Air in 2022 and joining Vader and Marduk for the United Titans tour across Europe and the UK.
In 2024, with the release of the single “Betrayal” and an extensive South American tour playing in Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil, the band continued to expand its reach. In January 2025, THE RISEN DREAD entered the studio to record their next album, promising a new chapter in their journey.
Line-up:
Marco Feltrin – Vocals William Ribeiro – Guitars Mat Maher – Bass Marcos Batata – Drums
PATCHWORK, the Rockford-based metal band known for its fierce and provocative music, have released “Divide,” the latest single from their upcoming album Scars. Featuring the distinctive vocals of Dallas Toler-Wade (NARCOTIC WASTELAND, ex-NILE) and the intricate guitar solos of Ronnie Parmer (BLOODMESSIAH, MALEVOLENT CREATION). “Divide” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
“Divide” ventures into the darker and more intense territory of death metal, marking a significant departure from PATCHWORK‘s typical sound. The song addresses the deep fractures within contemporary society, spotlighting the insidious influence of unseen powers that manipulate and distort public perception through Orwellian tactics.
Brad Carlson, guitarist and one of the primary songwriters for PATCHWORK, crafted the music and arrangement for “Divide,” utilizing a drop C tuning to create a heavier, more aggressive sound. The collaboration with Dallas Toler-Wade brought a new dimension to the track, with his experience in death metal bringing authenticity and intensity to the vocals.
Ronnie Parmer’s guitar work complements the song’s thematic depth. Known for his dynamic playing style, Parmer’s solos add a visceral edge to the track, enhancing its emotional and sonic impact.
“Divide” serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural and social battles being waged silently in everyday life. The song’s lyrics, written by Dave Caruana, reflect on the lasting consequences of these battles, suggesting a collective memory and a reckoning to come. The proverb “the axe forgets, but the tree remembers” underscores the enduring awareness and resilience of those affected by divisive tactics.
“Divide” both challenges the listener musically but also encourages a deeper reflection on the forces that shape our world. The single sets the stage for the release of Scars, scheduled for May 15, 2025, promising an album filled with powerful narratives and relentless metal craftsmanship.
Scars – Track Listing: You Have Failed (feat. Todd Paluzzi) Scars Fallout (feat. Bobby Gustafson) Relllik (feat. Kragen Lum) Ruined Methuselah Divide (feat. Dallas Toler-Wade, Ronnie Parmer) The Vulture Skies in Flames (feat. Michael Gilbert) The Empty Buried Alive (feat. Bobby Gustafson) Bitter Truth (feat. Dallas Toler-Wade) At The End (feat. Kragen Lum)
Tampere, Finland -based thrash metal act OSIRIS REX – led by US thrasher Superstar Joey Severance – have premiered their new single and official video ‘Arrival Of The New Dawn’, today, March 21st, exclusively via Bravewords. The track is taken from the band’s upcoming EP.
Superstar Joey Severance on ‘Arrival Of The New Dawn’: “It’s the story of an extra terrestrial entourage who descends upon the Earth with the sole mission of bringing law and order to the human populace. Do they come in peace? It’s certain that if any E.T.’s were to visit us, we would be their slaves and there wouldn’t be a single human made weapon that would be able to defend the species. Are they living among us right now? They could be…..”
Today marks the release of the new album by New England metal band AVERSED. Erasure of Color is now available on all streaming/download platforms, as well as jewelcase CD, and limited-edition smoked colored vinyl (300 copies) and cassette (100 copies) from supportive physical and online retailers, as well as Bandcamp and our webstore – Options HERE
Additionally, to celebrate today’s album release, AVERSED have premiered another fine music video highlighting the band’s ferocious live performance for the track “Burn.” Watch video HERE
“We shot the ‘Burn’ video at our home base venue – the Middle East in Cambridge, Massachusetts,” explains guitarist Sungwoo Jeong. “We unleashed our videographers into the packed crowd to brave the pit and capture the energy of the show and they survived! Happy to have captured that amazing show for all eternity
“The first iteration of ‘Burn’ originally came about when Sungwoo wanted to write an anthemic song for big stages,” reveals drummer Jeff Saltzman. “Naturally, when we finished arranging it together, it had a full-on rumba-clave section and a bass solo. And then I wrote lyrics espousing violent class revolution, not exactly typical anthem material! However, I think the final product is really a great picture of Aversed, combining a series of chaotic elements into a cohesive piece that is both catchy, and evocative.”
“Burn” joins two previous singles/videos “Lucid Decapitation”and “Cross to Bear” as samples of the group’s latest work showcasing the quintet’s intense, progressive, and blistering material.
Erasure of Color comes packaged with intriguing artwork from Adam Burke (Unto Others, Gatecreeper, Cloak) of Nightjar Illustration, and is self-produced by bassist Alden Marchand and guitarist Sungwoo Jeong with orchestrations composed/arranged by Vikram Shankar (Redemption, Silent Skies, Pain Of Salvation) with a mix by AJ Viana (Wormhole, Hath, Cognitive) and mastered by Brad Boatright (Code Orange, Obituary, 200 Stab Wounds).
AVERSED formed in Boston with guitarist Sungwoo Jeong and bassist Martin Epstein remaining the sole members from the early days. By 2016, with the additions of drummer Jeff Saltzman (currently on tour with Allegaeon) and guitarist Alden Marchand, the band released their impactful EP, Renewal, demonstrating their ambition and future promise.
Their blend of extreme instrumentation and tender melodicism was highlighted with 2021’s full-length CD, Impermanent, displaying further growth, musicianship and potential. Now joined by Sarah Hartman on vocals, AVERSED are armed with a new album full of rage and yearning. Erasure of Color presents a glimpse of hope and beauty on a backdrop of raging, mournful Gothic Extreme Metal.
Boom! We’re heading back to Europe to crush some summer festivals and play some shows with our buds in Sacred Reich! Get your tickets now and come rage with us!
March 21, 2025, AUSTIN – The Sword have announced their first European tour dates since 2015, with the recently reunited band slating a trio of intimate club performances alongside festival appearances, including Copenhell, Freak Valley, and Tons of Rock.
The Sword European Tour:
June 19 Copenhagen, DK Copenhell Festival June 21 Netphen, DE Freak Valley Festival June 22 Nijmegen, NL Doornroosje June 25 Gothenburg, SE Monument June 26 Stockholm, SE Slaktyrkan June 28 Oslo, NO Tons of Rock Festival
Tickets for the three exclusive club dates are on-sale now, with ticket links available via TheSwordOfficial.com.
The legendary Austin-based band announced their reunion earlier this year, bringing their signature blend of crushing heaviness and cosmic groove back to audiences who have long awaited their comeback. JD Cronise, in conversation with Revolver, discussed The Sword’s Levitation Festival performance as a turning point for the foursome, describing the experience as “like putting on a comfortable pair of sneakers.” Kyle Shutt added: “I can’t tell you what it means to see everyone’s positive reception. It feels so good to see people out there almost more enthusiastic about the band than ever – it’s something we’ll never take for granted.”
Prior to their European dates, the band will play a pair of Texas shows: April 10 at the Granada Theater (Dallas) and April 11 at Paper Tiger (San Antonio). Additional performances will be announced soon.
Photo credit: Dave Creaney
The Sword is JD Cronise (vocals, guitar), Bryan Richie (bass, keyboards), Kyle Shutt (guitar, vocals), and Santiago Vela (drums). Following their 2003 inception, The Sword quickly became one of the most revered names in heavy music. With a blend of crushing riffs, intricate storytelling, and a sound that bridges classic metal and modern rock, The Sword has released six albums: Age of Winters (2006), Gods of the Earth (2008), Warp Riders (2010), Apocryphon (2012), High Country (2015) and Used Future (2018).
“On No One’s Word” is taken from BARK‘s forthcoming album The Time has Come out on April 2025. Produced by Martin Furia (Destruction..). It is a death ‘n’ roll anthem for those who dare to stand on the flames of the fire stake. It may seem that you are alone, but you’re not. Times may change but the Man trying to rule you is a constant. If you sing the chorus of “On No One’s Word”you instantly grow an extra pair of balls to fight back.
For fans of: Entombed, Cro Mags, Dismember, Sepultura, Motörhead…
Recorded at their own studio Jurassic Recordings, under the guidance of guitarist Martin Furia (producer for Destruction, Nervosa, Toxik, Chemicide…) the album boasts a production that amplifies BARK’s signature sound while pushing their sonic boundaries even more to achieve their most brutal album to date.
BARK: The Time Has Come Album Track-listing: 1 Negativist 2 Shaman 3 Dodge the Bullet 4 On No One’s Word 5 Whisky Rivers 6 Faceless 7 Wanted Man 8 Seven 9 Wildheart 10 Lord Of The Skies 11 Wrath Unchained 12 The Curse From Above
LINE UP: Ron Bruynseels – Vocals Martin Furia – Guitar Toon Huet – Guitar Jorn Van der Straeten – Bass Ward Van der Straeten – Drums
DISCOGRAPHY: Bark ep (Self released – 2015) Voice of Dog (Sideburn – 2016) Like Humans Do (Sound of the Hound Records – 2017) Written in Stone (Sound of the Hound Records – 2020) Rambler of Aeons (Listenable – 2022) The Time has Come (Listenable – 2025)
Rockshots Records is proud to announce the signing of SECRET RULE, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the band’s decade-long journey.
With a refreshed lineup and a renewed artistic vision, SECRET RULE is gearing up to unleash its highly anticipated tenth studio album in 2025, slated for release after the summer.
Known for their unique ability to blend symphonic atmospheres with modern metal vibes, SECRET RULE is stepping into a bold new sonic era.
The upcoming album will showcase an evolved sound, a powerful fusion of influences, combining the cinematic edge of Within Temptation’s latest works with the raw energy of Falling In Reverse. From this new chapter, fans can expect a dynamic, high-energy sound, enriched with the band’s signature melodies and anthemic choruses.
With a fresh lineup, SECRET RULE continues to push boundaries, reaffirming its role as a driving force in modern metal. The album explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the battle against inner and external struggles, delivering an intense and immersive experience.
In the meantime, the band is currently on the road as a supporting act for Temperance and Induction, part of an intense 15-date European tour. SECRET RULE is also set to play some of the most prestigious summer festivals, including Masters Of Rock (Czech Republic), Rock Imperium Festival (Spain), and Laurus Nobilis (Portugal), with more dates and exciting news coming soon!
A brand new single will be unveiled very soon, giving fans a first taste of what’s to come.
“A new era begins, and we are ready to bring our energy to the stage! This March, we hit the road across Europe with Temperance and Induction, and we cannot wait to see you all! Plus, we are beyond excited to play at three incredible festivals this summer: Imperium Rock Festival, Masters of Rock, and Laurus Nobilis”.
After the triumphant release of their recent critically acclaimed EP Year of the Four Emperors, Canadian Death Metal gladiators EX DEO have just released a lyric video for “Galba“. The song is a ferocious opener for the EP that showcases exactly why they are considered to be at the forefront of the genre.
The band says about the track: “Galba rises from the ashes of Nero’s reign, a tyrant cloaked in the guise of savior. The track mirrors his ruthless ascent, dominated by unrelenting riffs and venomous proclamations of power. His insatiable hunger for wealth and domination sets the tone for the chaos to follow. As the walls of Rome close in, the Praetorian Guard turns against him in a violent crescendo, heralding his downfall. Galba’s story is a chilling testament to hubris and betrayal.”
The EP is currently available on both CD and as an extremely limited edition vinyl directly from Reigning Phoenix Music. Order/Listen to The Year Of The Four Emperors HERE: https://exdeo.rpm.link/yotfeP
Founded in 2023, Reigning Phoenix Music is truly the 100% independently owned vision of music industry professional Gerardo Martinez and avionics and tech entrepreneur, Sven Bogner. The blueprint is to continue to help heavy metal, extreme and hard music thrive by partnering with an array of well-established acts, new talent, and iconic artists by offering best services and practices in the industry. RPM’s paramount goal is to help the artists amplify their music and talent to a winning formula for success. The label recently opened a new office in London, UK.
CO-HEADLINING TOUR WITH NAPALM DEATH BEGINS APRIL 4
March 19, 2025, LOS ANGELES – Melvins 1983 – the lineup featuring Buzz Osborne and original drummer Mike Dillard, offer a second preview of Thunderball (out April 18, Ipecac Recordings) with today’s release of “King of Rome” (https://youtu.be/vmwNEPGw1QE).
The charging track once again features contributions from avant-electronic artists Void Manes and Ni Maîtres, with Osborne saying of the song “The ‘King of Rome!! Hot Cross Buns! This song is a hot little punk rock number. I hope all of you enjoy it and tell your friends.” The band previously released the near-10 minute long song “Victory of the Pyramids,” which Consequence declared a “minor epic.”
Album pre-orders are available now (https://themelvins.lnk.to/Thunderball), with Thunderball available on trio of vinyl variants including an indie exclusive “Smoke Is A Color” variant and an Ipecac webstore-only “Special Mustard Gas.” The album will also be available on CD and all digital formats.
The band kicks off a massive nine-week nationwide co-headlining tour with Napalm Death on April 4. Dubbed the “Savage Imperial Death March Part II,” the trek reunites the two iconic following the first “Savage Imperial Death March” tour of 2016. The Melvins’ current touring line-up features Osborne, Dale Crover, Steven McDonald, and Coady Willis. Tickets are available now at Ipecac.com/tours.
In an explosive return to the music scene, the iconic yet notorious band COLD SLITHER has released their first single “Cold Slither,” off their much-anticipated album. This project marks a groundbreaking fusion of real-world music and fictional narrative, bringing to life the villainous charm of the Cobra organization from the classic 1980sG.I. JOEseries.
In a dynamic collaboration, Hasbro and Reigning PhoenixMusic have teamed up to release “Cold Slither.” This partnership breathes new life into COLD SLITHER, a band once crafted as part of a nefarious plot and now reborn with a sound that mixes nostalgia with cutting-edge rock prowess. Helmed by the mysterious Zartan and his band of Dreadnoks, (Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer), the single reintroduces their heavy metal ferocity combined with a sinister, anarchist energy that upends the conventional music scene.
Bringing COLD SLITHER to life through our partnership with RPM has been an absolute dream come true! As a child watching this fictional band on my TV screen, I never imagined I’d one day help transform them from animated rockstars into a tangible, sonic reality. From the meticulously crafted figures you can hold in your hand to the face-melting album we’ve created, G.I. JOE fans worldwide are about to experience something truly revolutionary this summer. This project bridges nostalgia with innovation in ways that will leave the community speechless—prepare for a musical assault that would make Cobra Commander proud!”Shares Ben”BMac” MacCrae — Associate Brand Manager, Global Brand Development & Marketing at Hasbro.
Reigning Phoenix Music General Manager and Co-founder Gerardo Martinez comments: “It is a dream come true to be able to work on this amazing collaboration with my favorite, and one that happens to be one of the most iconic brands in the world: G.I.JOE! It is also a pleasure to work on this amazing project alongside some of my friends from Hasbro and be able to bring Cold Slither into reality in the most Heavy Metal way! Many of us have waited 40 years for this to happen but the wait is finally over. And a special thanks to Michael Charles Hill for writing the original COLD SLITHER episode back in 1985.”
“It’s programs like these that make Hasbro’s goal of creating Magic Moments truly come to life! What started out as a cult-classic episode from the 1985 series G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero has culminated into a fan program for the ages – inclusive of toys, comics, and of course, music. It could not have been made possible without amazing licensees like Reigning Phoenix Music who put their passion, expertise, and fandom into everything they create. We’re extremely excited for everyone to rock out to this single and we plan to reveal even more as we move closer to San Diego Comic Con. So, as the single echos, we hope… “you’ll be joining us soon!””says Alyse D’Antuono — Hasbro’s VP of Global Franchise Strategy & Management for Action Brands.
“Cold Slither” features bone-crushing riffs and an anthemic chorus, perfectly capturing the rebellious spirit of the ’80s and leading the charge in COLD SLITHER‘s resurgence. The infamous track, which initially captivated audiences as part of Cobra’s mind-control plot, is now reimagined with a compelling melody and legendary backstory, showcased in a newly released lyric video, animated by the legendary Costin Chioreanu.
Cold Slither burst onto the scene with their now classic single, “Cold Slither”, setting the stage for an even darker campaign with their upcoming album, “Cold Slither.” Helmed by the enigmatic Zartan and supported by his ruthless Dreadnoks—Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer—this band blends heavy metal ferocity with a sinister, anarchistic energy that upends the conventional music scene. Their signature sound unleashes a torrent of guttural guitars, boisterous bass, venomous vocals, and thunderous percussion, casting shadows across the musical landscape.
Each concert is a spectacle of chaos and brute force, with Cold Slither captivating hearts and demolishing instruments worldwide. Their music transcends generational divides, championing a dark new world order with each pulse-pounding beat. This band doesn’t just chase gold and platinum records; they aim to capture the minds and souls of their audience.
Conceived by Cobra Commander, Zartan and his Dreadnoks were transformed into Cold Slither, a heavy metal behemoth designed to captivate and influence America’s youth. With their cunning lyrics and compelling stage presence, they harness their music as a powerful tool for mass destruction and control.
Anticipation for their forthcoming album “Cold Slither” is building, with fans eager for a new chapter of anthems that promise not just to challenge but to change the industry. Prepare for an auditory onslaught that will resonate long after the lights fade. With Cold Slither, the revolution is not just televised, it’s an all-encompassing, reverberating force. Brace yourself to join their ranks and be changed. Their music doesn’t merely entertain; it indoctrinates.
Line-up: Thomas Girardello – Vocals, Bass Mirko Marchesini – Guitars Francesco Tresca – drums
Italian death metallers SONUM are now premiering their new single, “In This Void We Dwell”. The track is taken from their upcoming second album, The Obscure Light Awaits, set for release on April 11th, 2025, via Dusktone. With this song, SONUM open the gates to a dark and relentless sonic journey, blending sharp riffs and oppressive atmospheres into an uncompromising assault.
Following the critical acclaim of their debut, Visceral Void Entropy (2022), SONUM delve deeper into the labyrinthine realms of dissonance and atmosphere. The Obscure Light Awaits is an ambitious work that simultaneously pushes boundaries and honours the roots of the genre.
The album eschews unnecessary complexity in favour of a tight focus on songwriting, weaving together intricate, sibylline passages with a raw, unrelenting power that shows the influence of the pioneering works of old and contemporary death metal legends such as Gorguts, Morbid Angel, Execration and Artificial Brain.
A true testament to SONUM’s evolution, The Obscure Light Awaits presents a sonic journey defined by dark, otherworldly textures and relentless energy. The band’s ability to merge atmospheric depth with crushing riffs showcases their commitment to creating music that is both immersive and uncompromising. It’s an exploration of contrasts, between the abstract and the visceral, the chaotic and the structured.
Fans of progressive and atmospheric death metal will find The Obscure Light Awaits to be a landmark release that stands tall amidst this year’s most formidable works.
Stay tuned for more singles and further announcements as we approach the release date.
Track-list:
01. Due To Inner Mess… 02. In This Void We Dwell 03. Famine 04. Trapped In The Labyrinth of Aberration 05. Ad Mortem (Iter Est) 06. Beyond The Gate… 07. The Obscure Light Awaits 08. Nobody Is Innocent 09. Messenger Of Cosmic Dread 10. Deliver Us (Final Trip)
All songs produced by SONUM and Mixed & Mastered by Luca Dal Lago.
On May 16, 2025, powerhouse label ROAR will proudly reissue the first three, iconic records by Swedish thrash and speed metal legends Hexenhaus: A Tribute To Insanity (1988),The Edge Of Eternity (1990), and Awakening (1991)!
Available on CD, colored vinyl and digitally, the physical products will also come with new liner notes and an exclusive history text. All formats got remastered by Ronnie Björnström (Mezzrow a.o.). Find pre-order options listed below!
Depending on the path you chose, one could say that the story of Sweden’s best kept thrash metal secret starts all the way up in the northern parts of Sweden. In a city called Boden to be more precise. That’s where the metal force Maninnya Blade took it’s form during the middle of the 80:s. Their take on speed metal caught the interest of the young guitarist Mickael Vikström, better known as Mike Wead and later on the guitarist in both Mercyful Fate and King Diamond. He would start out as a fan of the band, but it didn’t take long until’ he was their new guitarist and the talk of the town.
“When I joined them they already had four great songs more or less done already. It was; “Requiem”, “The Dead Are Restless”, “Delirious” and “Eaten Alive”,“ Wead reveals. “The style was much heavier than the music we had done before and to mark the fresh start of the band, at least that’s how we saw it, we also decided to change the name from Maninnya to Hexenhaus. The name is German for witch’s house and is a reference to the Malefizhaus in Bamberg, Germany. A frightful place where hundreds of suspected witches were tortured and executed during the early 17:th century.”
To call the material “heavier than before” is an understatement. The music on the four songs that ended up on the today highly sought after demo cassette “Demo 1988” drew its inspiration from bands like Metallica, Slayer and Mercyful Fate. A stellar testimony of what was going around in the early thrash metal scene around that time. The lucky ones that possess the “Demo 1988” cassette got a true gem on their hands.
After signing with Axis Records, the band entered the studio to record their stellar debut album A Tribute To Insanity. Half of the album contains the four songs that made up the demo, as well as four more songs that seen the band combine ideas and trading riffs like never heard before on a Swedish metal album. A Tribute To Insanity was originally released on vinyl on the 17th of October 1988. Pre-order the ROAR reissue, a must-have that belongs into every well-sorted speed and thrash metal record collection, now on https://Hexenhaus.rpm.link/tributePR
The follow-up album, The Edge Of Eternity, was released on November 1st 1990. To pre-order this reissue from ROAR, visit: https://Hexenhaus.rpm.link/eternityPR
During the same time asThe Edge Of Eternity was released in the early 90’s, Megadeth released their classic album Rust In Peace, Exodus came out with “Impact Is Imminent” and Germany’s Mekong Delta (who also was a big influence on The Edge Of Eternity) came out with their most popular album Dances Of Death (And Other Walking Shadows). To say that the thrash scene was looking good is an understatement, it was boiling hot!
In the midst of it stood Hexenhaus just waiting for the big breakthrough. “We thought that we would get approached by different management and offered tours that would take us all over Europe but that never happened”, Mike Weadsighs. “We were amateurs when it came to promote ourselves and how could we be anything else? We didn’t know that we needed to do more than creating albums to get a breakthrough!”
When the offers didn’t come as expected, Mike and the band started to work on new material. But just like the last time it was with a new line-up who was more than ready to give their all for the band. Besides the broken bones, the blood and the gated reverbs, the recordings of Awakening went smooth. The album was released in August 1991 and much to the bands dismay nothing happened for them this time either.
“Once again we got great reviews from abroad”, Mike recalls. “Big and important magazines like Metal Hammer, Kerrang, Metal Forces and Aardschok gave us fantastic reviews! Even better than the ones we’ve received before, but we just couldn’t break through. We were still stuck in Sweden doing small shows put together by fans.” The band called it a quits in 1992.
The rise of darkness has finally come! Today, darkened power metal force BLACK & DAMNED celebrates the release of their epic new studio album, Resurrection that is out now on ROAR!
Available on CD, vinyl and in digital formats. You can order your favorite choice of format right here:
The band writes: “Hello metalheads! Today we are releasing our third album! We can proudly say that we have done everything possible to produce a great album for all our fans! That’s why we are very relieved that the pressure of the preparations can now fall off and we leave it up to you how the album will be received!”
A music video for their latest single, the furious “Injustice”, is now premiering below! Says the band: “With “Injustice” the fourth video from the new album is released today. This song is a little different from the first three singles. Here we show you the drama in our world! If you like it, we’d be happy if you bought the album on CD or vinyl! Cheers B&D!”
“In the four years since their much-acclaimed debut, BLACK & DAMNED have made a first-class name for themselves, sharing the stage with Vicious Rumors, Rage and Tankard, among others, and earning great reviews in the local magazines. “Black & Damned manage the balancing act between heaven and hell with flying colors”, attests Metal Hammer, while Breakout Magazine indulges: ”best stuff for all power metallers with heart.”
It is now clear that the band from the Stuttgart area can be described as a real enrichment of the heavy metal world and so they took no prisoners, used the energy of past live shows and composed ten new neckbreakers, which they recorded in the fall of 2024 under the aegis of ex-Primal Fear guitarist Stefan Leibing. Once again, this gripping melancholy hovers over the entire work, which is incredibly captivating and addictive.
Resurrection – track listing: 01. Silence Breaker 02. Ruthless Wrath 03. Red Heavens 04. Bound By The Moon 05. Circle Of Amnesia 06. Injustice 07. Searing Flames 08. Shadows 09. Reborn In Solitude 10. Navigate Me To The Sun
BLACK & DAMNED: Roland “Bobbes” Seidel – Vocals Michael Vetter – Guitar Aki Reissmann – Guitar Pappe Lee – Bass Axel Winkler – Drums
Finnish thrash veterans BLOODRIDE are back in the studio, forging their fifth album into a relentless sonic onslaught. Fueled by raw energy and precision, the band promises a thrash metal assault that will push boundaries and leave no neck unthrashed.
Now, BLOODRIDE unveils the album title: Deafening – a name as intense as the music itself! In their latest Studio Confessions from the Heart of the Metal Storm, guitarist Teemu Vähäkangas and bassist Esa Pennala share insights into the process:
Teemu: “The votes for the album title were bloody, but here we go, it’s Deafening! Everyone can interpret that as they wish. And as you can see from the tracklist, our songs still aren’t about kittens or sunny spring days…”
Esa: “Yeah, we’re sooo brutal! We’re also starting work on videos now. The hardest part was choosing which songs to feature. Since we try to be a democratic band, there was some voting involved.”
Teemu: “Not an easy task, because on this album, there are no fillers, only killers! Haha!”
Track-list for Deafening:
1 Sardonic Grin (Intro) 2 Kill without Hate 3 Come in Peace 4 Hindsight Einstein 5 Ashes Remain 6 Holy Simplicity 7 King of Pain 8 The Dark Triad 9 Simply Complicated 10 Death Sentinel 11 Erase and Replace 12 Fear Cage
More details, including release dates and video premieres, will be revealed soon. Stay tuned for the next wave of BLOODRIDE’s thrash fury!
Long-running heavy metal supergroup DOWN – featuring vocalist Philip H. Anselmo, guitarists Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein, drummer Jimmy Bower, and bassist Pat Bruders will return to the stage for six special shows supporting Danzig. The journey begins March 21st in Las Vegas, Nevada and runs through March 30th in Phoenix, Arizona. Additional support will be provided by Abbath and Cro-Mags.
Comments Anselmo, “We’ve known Glenn Danzig for a long time and when he comes a-callin’, we always try and jump at the chance to play with our Elder Master, therefore I’m looking forward to the gigs! Plus, my man Abbath and Cro-Mags?! This should be fun!”
Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
DOWN w/ Danzig, Abbath, Cro-Mags: 3/21/2025 The Virgin Theater @ Virgin Hotels – Las Vegas, NV 3/22/2025 Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, CA 3/25/2025 Wamu Theater – Seattle, WA 3/26/2025 Moda Center – Theatre Of The Clouds – Portland, OR 3/29/2025 Kia Forum – Los Angeles, CA 3/30/2025 Arizona Financial Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
On June 20th of last year, DOWN was scheduled to perform a special one-off show at the Inn Of The Mountain Gods in Mescalero, New Mexico, their first in nearly two years. The show was postponed due to rapidly growing wildfires which were converging on a village inside a tribal reservation in the state. Thousands of residents in southern New Mexico were ordered to evacuate their homes. As a result, DOWN played two pop-up shows in Louisiana. Portions of the proceeds from each of those shows were donated to the Mescalero Apache Nation – South Fork Fire relief fund.
The Mescalero show was rescheduled for September 27th. Prior to the performance, Blue Shendo, Tribal Administrator of the Apache Mescalero Tribe, and Councilwoman Euphrasia Platta, as well as Miss Mescalero honored the band with two gifting ceremonies where they presented blankets as a sign of The Mescalero Apache Tribe’s appreciation to DOWN for raising awareness and their contribution of funds after the fires.
Recalls Anselmo, “To play a show for the music/metal fans from Mescalero was an absolute honor. The beautiful presentation from the local Apache Tribe was humbling, surreal, and strong. I’d play there again in a heartbeat.”
Adds Bower, “When we were invited to play the Inn Of The Mountain Gods, we knew from the start it would be special. Almost canceled due to wildfires, we played two shows in Louisiana to help raise funds for the locals in Mescalero. The show was rescheduled and we flew out the next month. Before the show, we were presented with embroidered native wool blankets in appreciation for our donation which was an absolute honor. The show was amazing. It was truly a special weekend.”
A short film documenting the event, shot by Metal Dave Media, can be viewed at THIS LOCATION.
You know it’s DOWN as soon as you hear them. There’s no mistaking those gargantuan riffs, swamp blues leads, crashing drums, and hypnotic howls for absolutely anybody else under the sun. The band upholds a certain tradition that countless fans celebrate, expanding their own musical mythos as they leave its pillars intact and untouched.
Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) is proud to announce the signing of one of the most influential and relentless forces in thrash metal: ONSLAUGHT! The UK-based band, known for their unwavering aggression and decades of iconic anthems, has joined forces with the exciting new label to embark on a thrilling new chapter in their storied career.
Founding guitarist and songwriter Nige Rockett states: “Signing with RPM is the start of an incredible new chapter for ONSLAUGHT. We’ve always pushed ourselves to create the most intense and aggressive music possible, and with RPM behind us, we’re taking things to a whole new level. ‘Origins Of Aggression’ is just the beginning, get ready for absolute carnage!”
Reigning Phoenix Music is equally excited about the new partnership: “ONSLAUGHT is a cornerstone of thrash metal history, and we are honoured to welcome them to the RPM family. Their legacy of pure aggression and unrelenting energy aligns perfectly with our vision, and we are eager to bring their music to new heights together.”
To kick off this promising new union, ONSLAUGHT will release a special double album titled Origins Of Aggression, celebrating not only the 40th anniversary of their debut album Power From Hell, but also the pivotal beginnings of the band and thrash metal itself.
Set for release on May 23, 2025, the forthcoming offering will include a staggering 22 tracks, including re-recordings of the group’s most important and defining songs from their early years as well as a collection of punk and metal covers that deeply influenced ONSLAUGHT’s conception and development. The track list includes songs that were originally jammed during the band’s early rehearsals and served as a huge inspiration for the members to pick up their instruments and to create the ferocious music that has shaped them into legends.
ONSLAUGHT’s contribution to the thrash metal genre cannot be overstated: from their debut album Power From Hell (1985), which is being honoured with this new release, to their celebrated performances across the globe, they remain an untouchable force in the world of heavy metal. With over 40 years of history, the quintet has steadily continued to evolve, delivering relentless riffs and neck-breaking anthems, and cementing their place as pioneers of the British thrash scene.
Alongside Origins Of Aggression, fans can brace themselves for an electrifying preview of what’s ahead with the release of “Iron Fist”, ONSLAUGHT’s crushing take on the MOTÖRHEAD classic, which will arrive on March 27.
The metal world can additionally look forward to their 2025 world tour, where the band will promote Origins Of Aggression and celebrate the 40th Power From Hell anniversary; including stops in Europe, the USA, Mexico, and Australia. Expect more exciting news in the near future. See you in the pit!
ONSLAUGHT are: David Garnett | vocals, guitars Nige Rockett | guitars Wayne Dorman | guitars Jeff Williams | bass James Perry | drums
ONSLAUGHT live:
21.03.2025 US Houston, TX – Hell’s Heroes 19.04.2025 PT Odemira – Mira Fest
w/ TORANAGA LUXERA: 24.04.2025 UK Aberdeen – Krakatoa 25.04.2025 UK Edinburgh – The Mash House 26.04.2025 UK Glasgow – Audio
w/ CRYPTOSIS: 29.05.2025 DE Oldenburg – MTS Records 30.05.2025 DE Wittstock – Metal Power Open Air * 31.05.2025 DE Essen – Turock 01.06.2025 BE Diest – Hell 03.06.2025 FR Dijon – La Vapeur 04.06.2025 IT Paderno Dugnano (MI) – Slaughter Club 05.06.2025 IT Bologna – Alchemica Music Club 06.06.2025 AT Vienna – Escape Metalcorner 07.06.2025 DE Hauptmannsgrün – Chronical Moshers Open Air * 08.06.2025 AT Salzburg – Rockhouse 10.06.2025 DE Stuttgart – Schwarzer Keiler 11.06.2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal 12.06.2025 DE Leipzig – Hellraiser 13.06.2025 PL Byczyna – Black Silesia Open Air Festival * 14.06.2025 DE Selb – Rockclub Nordbayern
26.07.2025 IT Bolotana – Rock and Bol Metal Fest 23.08.2025 FR Champtoceaux – Barbeuk Metal Fest 29.08.2025 GR Rethymno – Rethymno Rocks 08./09.11.2025 UK Manchester – Damnation Festival
14.11.2025 AU Perth – Rosemount Hotel 15.11.2025 AU Adelaide – Lion Arts Factory 19.11.2025 AU Canberra – The Baso 20.11.2025 AU Sydney – The Underground 21.11.2025 AU Brisbane – Soapbox Brewery 22.11.2025 AU Melbourne – Corner Hotel
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.