August 15th will see Dutch metal frontrunners Martyr release their forthcoming studio offering entitled Dark Believer.
The album will be available on CD, Vinyl and Digital formats through the band’s label ROAR, pre-order your favorite choice of format now on: https://martyr.rpm.link/dbalbumPR
After Martyr just recently revealed their album title track, the five-piece band is now premiering a music video for their new single “Wrath of the Fallen”!
“The second single from our new album Dark Believer hits like a storm. Wrath of the Fallen doesn’t wait,it kicks in immediately with a crushing riff, pounding drums, and thunderous bass,”the band comments. “And it gets even heavier when the superb vocals tear through. From the first second to the last, it’s non-stop, punishing metal that refuses to let go. Lyrically, this track is about crawling through darkness and despair, only to rise again with rage in your heart and fire in your veins. When you’ve lost everything…When you’re surrounded by shadows… “Voices remind me I’m real.” This is the sound of the fallen fighting back. For the outcasts, the damned, the survivors, This is your battle hymn. This is Wrath of the Fallen.”
Album Track-list: 01 – Darkness Before Dawn 02 – Dark Believer 03 – Wrath of the Fallen 04 – Cemetery Symphony 05 – Insidious 06 – The Weight of Words 07 – Venoms Scent 08 – Harvest Of Souls 09 – Legions Of The Cross
MARTYR: Rop van Haren – Vocals Rick Bouwman – Guitars Justin Schut – Guitars Vinnie Wassink – Bass Elwin Molenaar – Drums
Less than three months before their new album Domination hits the shelves (September 5, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music), German metal frontrunners PRIMAL FEAR shift up another gear with “TheHunter“. The second single from the record tells a conceived story while it musically sounds the attack for the quintet’s upcoming record.
Being also the opening track of Domination, the track builds up tension with anthemic lead harmonies before bursting drums and guitars break through the idyll to set the tone for another highly melodic piece from PRIMAL FEAR’s musical forge. The single additionally cements the thoroughly positive impression the group left with first single “Far Away”, which saw them introduce their striking new line-up.
“Science fiction scenery, the beast is behind you, it’s me, I’m THE HUNTER, so better watch out, I smell your blood and I’m gonna get you!” warns vocalist Ralf Scheepers grinningly.
Photo credit: Heiko Roith
L-R: Mat Sinner (bass, vocals), André Hilgers (drums), Thalìa Bellazecca (guitars), Ralf Scheepers (vocals), Magnus Karlsson (guitars)
Picking up the dystopian theme of the single, director Patric Ullaeus (IN FLAMES, AMARANRATHE, EVERGREY etc.) placed the band — Scheepers, bassist/vocalist Mat Sinner, guitarists Thalìa Bellazecca and Magnus Karlsson, and drummer André Hilgers — in ruined environment to create a ‘metal as f**k’ music video where they find themselves surrounded by hellfire.
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
02.07.2025 DE Ballenstedt – Rockharz Open Air *SOLD OUT* 18.07.2025 IT Cremona – Luppolo in Rock 21.08.2025 DE Haddeby – Baltic Open Air 23.08.2025 UK Newark – Stonedead Festival *SOLD OUT*
“Domination” Tour 2025 w/ ELEINE 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
Right on time for another exciting live adventure, rising symphonic/power metallers INDUCTION have officially released their latest single through Reigning Phoenix Music today. The track titled ‘Beyond Horizons,’ which already celebrated its live premiere during the band’s most recent European tour, will be a part of their forthcoming record, and is their first sonic sign after regrouping themselves in late 2024, resulting in the addition of singer Gabriele Gozzi, guitarist Justus Sahlman and drummer Markus “Maks” Felber.
Also accompanied by a new music video, “Beyond Horizons” impressively shows the wide range of elements INDUCTION’s creative work is driven by: Forcing triplet drumming and riffing, backed by epically flourishing synths and choirs, build the ground of a track that is both profound and jubilant. Empowering melodies and rhythms make “Beyond Horizons” not only an anthem of the warm season and a perfect soundtrack to everyone’s next concert or festival trip. All aboard the INDUCTION train, metalheads, we’re just getting started!
Guitarist Tim Kanoa Hansen comments: “With ‘Beyond Horizons,’ we ring the bell for our long-awaited third album. And I believe it’s a mighty peek for what is to come: a story of love in twisted worlds and destiny. ‘Beyond Horizons’ is the perfect kick-off to show you what we’ve been up to and what to expect. Dive in and enjoy: I’m sure this song will be stuck in your head for quite some time.”
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 him. The design of the single artwork was a team effort by TheArchangel and Marius Rietze.
Beyond Horizons” will once again be presented live to massive crowds during INDUCTION’s five shows supporting the mighty SAVATAGE this June. Followed by the band’s first Wacken Open Air appearance, the quintet has been confirmed as the supporting act of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS and WARKING’s 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!
THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER! OUR NEW ALBUM, VIDEO SINGLE, TOUR DATES & COVER REVEALED!
2 years after the release of THE DARK TOWER, we are excited to introduce you to INQUISITION, our highly anticipated new album, that will be released on August 22nd, 2025 via Napalm Records.
Our new album cover painted for the band by our friend magicfingers Gyula Havancsák, the videoclip recorded by Dream Film Factory and for the recording and production, our old friend V.O.Pulver at Little Creek Studio in Switzerland!
Inquisition will be available on August 22, 2025 in the following formats:
1 CD Digipak
1 LP Black
1 LP Translucent Orange (GSA, CH – SWISS EDITION)
1 LP Translucent Orange Black Splatter
1 LP Cross Red Black
2 LP Die Hard Gold Black Marbled (feat. 1 LP Inquisition + 1 LP The Night Of The Witch LIVE Album, 8p Booklet)
BLACK RED Band Limited numbered to 200 edition with poster.
Deluxe Wooden Box (feat. CD + Live CD + Autograph Card + Pendant + Gloves + Patch)
Music Cassette
Digital Album
BURNING WITCHES Live – US Tour:
08/30/25 – Pompano Beach – FL – Piper’s Pub 08/31/25 – Clearwater – FL – Road House 09/02/25 – Atlanta – GA – Masquerade 09/04/25 – Covington – KY – Madison Live 09/05/25 – Westland – MI – Token Lounge 09/06/25 – Columbus – OH – The King Of Clubs 09/07/25 – Cleveland – OH – Beachland Ballroom 09/09/25 – Pittsburgh – PA – Crafthouse Stage & Grill 09/10/25 – Harrisburg – PA – Club XL 09/11/25 – Philadelphia – PA – City Winery 09/12/25 – Teaneck – NJ – The Debonair Music Hall 09/13/25 – New Bedford – MA – The Vault 09/14/25 – Hampton Beach – NH – Wally’s 09/17/25 – Annapolis – MD – Rams Head On Stage 09/18/25 – Virginia Beach – VA – Elevation 27 09/20/25 – Sanford – FL – West End Trading Co
Europe – WITCHES AND KINGS TOUR 2026:
09.01.26 Milano – Legend Club IT 10.01.26 Obertraubling – Airport DE 11.01.26 Zlin – Masters Of Rock Cafe CZ 13.01.26 Rubigen – Mühle Hunziken CH 14.01.26 Brugg – Salzhaus CH 15.01.26 Basel – Sudhaus CH 16.01.26 Langenthal – Old Capitol CH 17.01.26 Zug – Galvanik CH 18.01.26 St.Gallen – Grabenhalle CH 19.01.26 Glarus – Kulturzentrum Hölastei CH 20.01.26 Monthey – Pont Rouge CH 21.01.26 Wetzikon – Kulturfabrik CH 23.01.26 London – The Dome UK 24.01.26 Birmingham – The Asylum UK 25.01.26 Manchester – Academy 3 UK 27.01.26 Kortrijk – DVG Club BE 28.01.26 Paris – Backstage By The Mill FR 29.01.26 Essen – Turock DE 30.01.26 Kaiserslautern – Kammgarn DE 31.01.26 Aschaffenburg – Colos Saal DE 01.02.26 München – Backstage Halle DE 03.02.26 Nürnberg – Hirsch DE 04.02.26 Leipzig – Hellraiser DE 05.02.26 Hannover – Musikzentrum DE 06.02.26 Hamburg – Logo DE 07.02.26 Uden – De Pul NL 08.02.26 Heerlen – Nieuwe Nor NL 10.02.26 Lyon – Rock N Eat FR 11.02.26 Barcelona – Salamandra ESP 12.02.26 Murcia – Garaje ESP 13.02.26 Madrid – Revi Live ESP 14.02.26 Vitoria – Urban Rock ESP
ADDITIONAL DATES:
25.04.26 Reinhardshagen – Wezer Metal Meeting DE 03.05.26 Diest – Hell Open Air BEL 09.05.26 Rautheim DE Rock In Rautheim DE 26.06.26 Oschersleben – Rock & Metal Dayz DE
Four years since their latest, much-acclaimed studio offering Rage Of War, Belgian combat metal powerhouse FireForce returns with their brand new song “Battle of Ramadi”! The thunderous track blending all of the band’s trademarks of epic, raging heavy power metal inspired by historical events, war and mythology, comes with a music video that is now premiering below.
FireForcestates: “This one is about the battle between a regular army and opponents who act like ghosts between the ruins, and don’t fight by the normal rules of engagement. And the frustration and emotions of the soldiers involved.“
Salt Lake City (UT) – SLC Thrashers, DEATHBLOW, have partnered with New Noise Magazine for the exclusive premiere of “Deny, Defend, Dispose,” the second single from forthcoming EP, Open Season. Click to stream below!
DEATHBLOW are back and ferocious as ever with the release of another ripping EP! Open Season will be released June 16 on Sewer Mouth Records. The EP will be available on CD, vinyl, cassette, and digital formats!
The four-track Open Season EP is a scathing commentary aimed at the heart of the belligerent American Empire and its war machinery. Combining their classic thrash metal sound with an unrelenting crossover punk-infused gut punch, the EP is guaranteed to get the blood boiling!
“We always knew that no words or short recap videos could truly capture what we experienced together during the “Wolfsnächte 2024” tour. Every night was its own kind of magic – still, we wanted to find a way to hold on to those memories and share them in the most powerful way possible. That’s why we decided to record the full, massive, sold-out show at the Olympiahalle in Munich – to preserve just a piece of what we all felt on this tour.”
“Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle) will be released on March 6, 2026 on DVD/Blu-ray, in various beautiful audio formats and digitally. This is more than a live release. It’s a tribute and manifestation to the moments we created together.”
This tour marks 25 glorious years of Dawn of Victory — and we’re bringing you a legendary setlist filled with timeless anthems and powerful tracks from our latest albums!
Standing with us on this mighty journey are our fierce allies: Enforcer Witherfall Striker
Prepare for a night of symphonic power metal glory – see you in the front row!
9/5 – Austin, TX – Come and Take it Live 9/6 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater 9/8 – Mesa, AZ – The Rosetta Room 9/9 – Los Angeles, CA – 1720 9/10 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge 9/11 – Portland, OR – Nova PDX 9/12 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon 9/13 – Vancouver, BC – The Pearl 9/15 – Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall 9/16 – Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater 9/17 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck 9/18 – Joliet, IL – The Forge 9/19 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge 9/20 – Toronto, ON – The Garrison 9/22 – Montreal, QC – Le Studio TD 9/23 – Quebec City, QC – Salle Montaigne 9/24 – Boston, MA – Middle East Downstairs 9/25 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Monarch
In support of their latest, critically-acclaimed studio album Glory Or Nothing (released in March 2025 via ROAR at THIS LOCATION!),French hard ‘n’ heavy rockers OVERDRIVERS are premiering a brand new music video for the aptly self-titled, high-voltage track “Overdrivers”!
The band comments: “Overdrivers – the true story of small-town guys trying to conquer the world with their Rock ‘n’ Roll!”
Watch the new “OVERDRIVERS” clip, directed and edited by Julien Metternich, now premiering HERE
Since 2015, OVERDRIVERS have been tearing through the Northern Lands like a runaway freight train. Born from nowhere and fueled by pure rock rebellion, these four hard-hitting rockers bring the kind of thunder only cranked-up Marshall amps can deliver. With their amps on blast, they claimed every stage in their path, quickly earning a reputation for leaving chaos and converted fans behind them.
Once they’d conquered every inch of their homeland, the band set their sights on broader horizons, unleashing their electric storm on Spain and beyond. With relentless shows, OVERDRIVERS brought their raw, headbanging energy to rock lovers everywhere, proving that in the face of their All-Powerful Rock’N’Roll, resistance is futile!
Armed with a series of explosive releases, Rockin’ Hell (2016), She’s On Her Period (2018) and the Rock Out! EP, the band rallied thousands of followers and forged an unbreakable army of die-hard fans, while they have just unleashed their most powerful weapon yet: Glory Or Nothing! Their latest masterpiece dropped like a bombshell, reigniting their worldwide crusade and solidifying their place as a force in modern rock. Brace yourself and get ready to rock: OVERDRIVERS are here. Louder, fiercer, and more unstoppable than ever!
Glory Or Nothing – track listing: 01 – Kings of the Road 02 – Overdrivers 03 – Glory Or Nothing 04 – My Girlfriend Is a Pornstar 05 – Cobra Kai 06 – Guitar Playboy 07 – Bad Breath Girl 08 – Meet the Monsters 09 – Ready for the Rodeo 10 – We Are One 11 – Perfection Is My Name 12 – In Fear, Blood and Fire
OVERDRIVERS are: Adrien Desquirez – Lead vocals, rhythm guitar Anthony Clay – Lead guitar, backing vocals Florian Morgano – Drums, backing vocals Lion Das Neves – Bass
This is a major milestone for Finnish melodic heavy metal band Invincia, as they officially release their debut EP, The Enemy Within, across all digital platforms. At the heart of this powerful 3-track collection is the brand-new single “Moon”, a haunting ballad accompanied by an epic official music video, also out now.
Following the strong impact of their first two singles, “The Enemy Within” and “Act of Insurrection”, the band closes this first chapter with “Moon”, a track that reveals the emotional and atmospheric side of Invincia’s sound. Deeply influenced by the theatrical flair of Savatage and the early prog-metal mysticism of Queensrÿche, the song delivers soaring vocals, melancholic melodies, and an epic build that explodes into a powerful climax.
Tracklist – The Enemy Within EP: 1.The Enemy Within 2.Act of Insurrection 3.Moon
The EP was mixed and mastered by renowned producer Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse, W.E.T.) at Mass Destruction Production, ensuring a rich, polished sound that captures the band’s musical depth and dynamic range.
“It’s a mystic and emotional ballad inspired by the powerful nordic nature and a rich storytelling tradition.” says guitarist and founderJoel Karlsson
Despite being 100% independent, Invincia has already gained early recognition in the Nordic Metal scene, including both first 2 singles in Spotify’s official “Metallia Suomesta” playlist, and a growing global audience. The band’s blend of classic Heavy Metal influence, (Savatage, Helloween, Queensryche, Judas Priest, Dio), with contemporary emotions and storytelling is quickly making them one to watch.
INVINCIA are: Kenneth Nylund – Lead Vocals Joel Karlsson – Guitar Alexander Södergård – Guitar Jonas Öman – Bass Mikael Ahlholm – Drums
Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, in collaboration with Reigning Phoenix Music, have unleashed a series of epic announcements for Cold Slither, a newly reimagined heavy metal band based on the infamous fictional group from the iconic 1985 animated seriesG.I. JOE: A Real American Hero.
“This isn’t just an album, it’s a sonic strike straight from Cobra Command!” said Cold Slither. “We’re back, louder, heavier and deadlier than ever. We can’t wait for G.I. JOE fans and metalheads to experience the raw power of our music, culminating in our live debut at San Diego Comic-Con. Prepare your ears for total domination… Let’s Rock and Cobra Roll!”
Following the success of “Cold Slither” and “Knock Em Dread,” the band’s explosive new single, “Thunder Machine,” is now streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. The hard-hitting track, inspired by the Dreadnoks’ brutal battle rig, delivers cinematic riffs and raw energy; an explosive anthem forged from chaos, rebellion and heavy metal fury.
Coinciding with the single drop, preorders are now live for Cold Slither, the band’s full-length debut album, including a limited “Dreadnok Attack Orange” marble vinyl variant available via Reigning Phoenix Music and select retailers like Amazon, Amoeba and indie record stores.
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 arrivesJuly 25 across digital and vinyl formats, including San Diego Comic Con-exclusive “Zartan Chameleon Blue” and “Blood Moon Red” vinyl variants available only at the Hasbro and RPM booths, respectively.
LIVE DEBUT: SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
Cold Slither will make its explosive on-stage debut during San Diego Comic-Con with a one-night-only concert experience on Thursday, July 24, at San Diego’s Brick by Brick. Presented by Hasbro and Reigning Phoenix Music, this 21+ event promises a full-force blend of original metal mayhem and ‘80s nostalgia.
Event Details – Cold Slither Live @ SDCC:
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Time: Doors at 8 PM | Show at 9 PM
Venue: Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Merch: Limited-edition show-only gear including an exclusive t-shirts, posters, LPs, CDs and collectible pin sets
This high-octane live experience kicks off the biggest weekend in pop culture and gives fans a first taste of Cold Slither’s signature metal-fueled rebellion. A must-attend for any G.I. JOE fan who still lives by the battle cry: “Yo Joe!”
Stay tuned for more product details and reveals in the lead-up to Comic-Con. For the latest information on G.I. JOE, follow the official brand social channels on Instagram and Facebook.
DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG have released their third single and video, “Hellbreaker” – a thunderous, full-throttle anthem that delivers another fiery preview of their upcoming full-length album, Babylon, due out in October 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music.
With “Hellbreaker” the band pulls no punches, catapulting us straight into true heavy metal! Brutal guitar riffs, bold melodies and a driving power chorus complete the picture. “Udo growls and screams like there’s no tomorrow, while Manuela’s solo vocals put the icing on the cake towards the end of the song. Mathias’ unorthodox solo guitar work is a real treat for all guitar freaks and in no way inferior to the other highlights,”states the band.
Backed by a cinematic music video, “Hellbreaker” doesn’t just build anticipation, it kicks the doors wide open for what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases of the year.
Powerhouse Group Features Chris Adler, Myrone and Girish Pradhan
Today hard rock and heavy metal powerhouse FIRSTBORNE return with “Again” – the second single from the group’s awaited album. There’s an accompanying lyric video for the track viewable HERE:
“It’s an inner battle… choosing between sinking to their level or rising above the noise. When someone insults you without knowing who you are, it hurts. But the real strength lies in rising above the pettiness and channeling that energy into something greater… growth, purpose, and peace,” explains singer Girish Pradhan.
“Again” will be serviced to commercial/active rock radio and is the first cut off FIRSTBORNE’s new album, Lucky. It follows “Wake Up” which was a welcome introduction to the group’s penchant for infectious hard rock with a humorous and relatable twist, found especially entertaining by the first music video HERE: https://youtu.be/-vgQE4NKgds
The full-length, produced by the renown producer Machine (Clutch, King Crimson, Crobot) will be released on M-Theory Audio on August 8th. It will be available from all digital outlets, as well as on CD and limited-edition (300) amber wave colored vinyl. Pre-order now HERE: https://lnk.to/firstborne
FIRSTBORNE features legendary drummer Chris Adler (Lamb of God, Megadeth), virtuoso guitarist Myrone (known by some as the originator of soft shred), and electrifying vocalist Girish Pradhan who just performed last night on America’s Got Talent with his other band Girish and the Chronicles: https://www.facebook.com/reel/717507967417196
Formed in 2019, FIRSTBORNE blend high-energy riffs, soaring vocals, and thunderous rhythms to create a modern yet timeless sound rooted in classic metal, hard rock, and shred guitar. The band first gained attention through a series of independently released singles and EPs between 2020 and 2023, showcasing their signature fusion of melody, technical precision, and relentless groove.
Guitarist Myrone explains how the album came together: “When Chris, Girish, and I got connected in 2019 I said my number one goal in life was to get us all in the same room to jam. Four years later not only did we get in the same room, we went to Machine’s barn in Texas for a month to create 10 piping hot metal jams for the whole world to enjoy. I had written around 150 song ideas before stepping in the studio, and we ended up using none of them. What you hear on the record was entirely written and recorded in Texas.”
With Adler’s iconic drumming, Myrone’s signature guitar work, and Pradhan’sdynamic, powerhouse vocals, FIRSTBORNE are a force to be reckoned with in the hard rock and metal scene; delivering high-energy anthems that bridge the gap between old-school metal and modern intensity.
One band to rule them all! The final four bands from this year’s 2025 battles for Wacken Metal Battle Canada gathered in Vancouver, BC, forthe national final on May 31st at the Rickshaw Theatre. Only one unsigned Canadian band can walk away and be crowned champion to move on to perform at one of the world’s most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals, Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).
Crowning this year’s 2025 winner is Hamilton, ON’s KILLOTINE (Ontario Winner), who, after their performance, a panel of industry judges voted as Canada’s top band to play at the International Wacken Battle at Wacken Open Air. They performed alongside SOULTHIEF (Ottawa, ON – Eastern Canada Winner), BEYOND SUFFERING (Calgary, Alberta Winner), and YEGG (Nanaimo, British Columbia Winner). The special guest headliner was 2024 BC final winner, Vancouver’sArrow In The Quiver.
“What a finals we’ve just had in Vancouver. It’s so nice to see the level of the bands and the great performances from all of them. The result is that we’ve got something special this year: Killotine is the chosen one. This band has a career waiting for them, and the real beginning of that journey will be at Wacken Open Air. This really enforces what the Metal Battle is all about and how we are nurturing the next generation, the future of metal,” commentsCanadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada, JJ Tartaglia.
This year’s panel of national final judges consisted of BRITTNEY SLAYES (Unleash The Archers), JJ TARTAGLIA (Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada), JJ CAITHCART (Founder of SCRAPE Records and Host of Different Stages Radio), KRIS SCHULZ (Founder of Empower Through Music and Owner of Horizon School of Music), ABELARDO MAYORAL (Founder, Owner, and Operator of The Invisible Orange and OrangeTickets), STAN SCHINNERS (Owner of Broken Neck Radio), JUSTIN DOBBIN (Owner and President of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios).
Hamilton, ON’s KILLOTINE is the hammer that falls without warning: relentless, unforgiving, and all-consuming. Their riffs shred through the air like jagged steel, solos burn with a fury that can’t be tamed, and blasts hit like an explosion in your chest. They don’t care about trends or softening the blow. Every note is a direct attack, every show a brutal assault. Headbanging is inevitable, the adrenaline is relentless, and the chaos is total.
This is metal in its rawest, most savage form. With their “take everything, leave only metal” mentality, Killotine isn’t here to play nice. They deliver exactly what the maniacs demand: pure, unfiltered aggression. No filler, no fake. Just a full-throttle, all-out assault that doesn’t let up, leaving you wrecked and addicted to the chaos. KILLOTINE IS COMING. STAY OUT OF THE WAY OR GET DESTROYED.
5RAND have officially signed with Art Gates Records for the release of their upcoming third album. This new alliance marks a significant step forward in the band’s evolution, as they continue to refine their signature blend of modern heaviness and cinematic atmosphere.
To celebrate the signing, the band has unveiled a brand-new single,“The Nihilist”, featuring Milofrom Fear Factory. The track delivers a fierce mix of punishing riffs, industrial undertones, and emotionally raw vocals, accompanied by a powerful music video that explores themes of identity loss and psychological inversion. “The Nihilist” offers a first glimpse into the darker, more introspective sound of their forthcoming record, due out in November 2025.
Hailing from Rome, Italy, 5RAND builds on a punishing modern metal foundation, layered with the cinematic depth of melodic death metal, creating an intense and emotionally immersive soundscape. Fronted by the dynamic dual vocals of Julia Elenoir, shifting seamlessly from visceral growls to haunting clean melodies, the band has carved out a distinctive place in the modern metal scene.
Founded by Pierluigi Carocci (guitar), Acey Guns (bass), Andrea De Carolis (drums), and Elenoir (vocals), 5RAND first made waves with their debut Sacred/Scared, followed by the critically acclaimed Dark Mother. The band has since toured extensively across Europe, sharing the stage with iconic acts such as Dark Tranquillity, Vader, Butcher Babies, Infected Rain, and many others.
In 2025, 5RAND will unveil their most ambitious work to date, a bold new album mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, featuring a powerful guest appearance by the new Fear Factory vocalist, Milo Silvestro. This upcoming release signals a sonic evolution: darker, more introspective, and conceptually daring.
The band’s name, drawn from a chance encounter with a shaman and a South African 5 Rand coin, symbolizes unexpected paths and transformative experiences. Their music explores themes of identity, emotional detachment, philosophy, and human resilience, all woven together through a multidisciplinary artistic vision that spans both sound and visuals.
Line-up:
Julia Elenoir – Voice Pierluigi Carocci – Guitar Acey Guns – Bass Andrea De Carolis – Drums
CROWBAR will join their comrades in Eyehategod for a US co-headlining tour this Summer! The journey, which will commence on August 8th in Tampa, Florida and close on August 30th in their home city of New Orleans, Louisiana, includes a performance on the Rocks Off Concert Cruise in New York City.
Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
CROWBAR w/ Eyehategod: 8/08/2025 Brass Mug – Tampa, FL 8/09/2025 Respectable Street – West Palm Beach, FL 8/10/2025 Trolley Pub – Summerville, SC 8/11/2025 529 – Atlanta, GA 8/12/2025 Ground Zero – Spartanburg, SC 8/13/2025 Cobra Cabana – Richmond, VA 8/14/2025 Rocks Off Concert Cruise – New York City, NY [info] 8/15/2025 Phantom Power – Millersville, PA 8/16/2025 Geno’s – Portland, ME 8/17/2025 Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA 8/18/2025 Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT 8/19/2025 Lost Horizon – Syracuse, NY 8/20/2025 Preserving Underground – New Kensington, PA 8/21/2025 Black Circle – Indianapolis, IN 8/22/2025 Ace Of Cups – Columbus, OH 8/23/2025 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL 8/24/2025 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 8/25/2025 Red Flag – St. Louis, MO 8/26/2025 89th Street – Oklahoma City, OK 8/27/2025 Club Dada – Dallas, TX 8/28/2025 House Of Rock – Corpus Christi, TX 8/29/2025 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 8/30/2025 Southport Hall – New Orleans, LA
CROWBAR’s most recent studio offering, the critically acclaimed Zero And Below, was released in April 2022 via MNRK Heavy. Led by riff lord and vocalist Kirk Windstein, with guitarist Matt Brunson, bassist Shane Wesley, and drummer Tommy Buckley, songs like “Chemical Godz,” “It’s Always Worth The Gain,” and “Bleeding From Every Hole” are unapologetic emotional outpourings, with a bare-knuckle resolve alongside its soul-searching vulnerability, reliably delivered with crushing heaviness.
Produced, mixed, and mastered by Duane Simoneaux at OCD Recording And Production in Metairie, Louisiana, Zero And Below is the band’s most unforgivably doom-driven record since their 1998 landmark effort, Odd Fellows Rest.
Lexington, KY’s heaviest export, CROP, has announced the release of their highly anticipated sophomore album S.S.R.I, due out August 22, 2025 via Third House Communications. Alongside the announcement, the band has dropped the album’s first single, “Alone” – a soul-crushing breakup song that cuts deeper than heartbreak and settles into the kind of emotional void that never really closes.
“Alone” is a brutal meditation on what it means to lose someone twice; once in the relationship, and again in the realization that their presence offered no real solace.
Backed by thunderous guitars, unrelenting drums, and vocals that walk the line between raw power and quiet devastation, “Alone” captures the emotional core of S.S.R.I; an album steeped in grief, clarity, and the jagged edge of survival. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jason Groves, S.S.R.I builds on the massive sound CROP introduced with their self-titled 2021 debut, and dives even further into the chaos of identity, loss, and mental disintegration.
The seven-track record features emotionally heavy tracks like “Formaldehyde,” “10-56,” and “Break,” and pairs crushing riffs with deeply introspective lyrics, reflecting the band’s evolution from local underground staple to national force.
Known for their blistering live shows and rising reputation in the doom and heavy grunge scenes, CROP has performed at Maryland Doom Fest, RPM Fest, and shared stages with WEEDEATER, CONAN, REZN, BONGZILLA and more. With S.S.R.I, the band delivers not just an album, but a fully immersive psychological and sonic experience.
S.S.R.I – Track Listing:
“Flatline” – 1:00
“Formaldehyde” – 5:57
“Goddamn” – 6:37
“10-56” – 6:22
“Alone” – 7:02
“Breath” – 1:06
“Break” – 6:24
CROP:
Marc Phillips – Vocals
Zach Hunter – Guitar
Braun Dabney – Bass
Andrew Beauvier – Drums
For CROP, the music is a confrontation, a refusal to look away from the darkest corners of life, and an insistence that even pain deserves to be heard at full volume.
Photo credit: Sam Jamsen L-R: Esa Holopainen (guitars), Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine (bass), Tomi Joutsen (vocals), Santeri Kallio (keys), TomiKoivusaari (guitars), JanRechberger (drums & percussion)
AMORPHIS are back: After taking a brief creative hiatus from the scene, the iconic Finnish metal titans return with the announcement of their 15th studio album, Borderland, arriving on September 26, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music!
Guitarist Esa Holopainen shares the band’s excitement about the forthcoming album: “Borderland is the first AMORPHIS album produced in collaboration with Danish producer Jacob Hansen. Before that, we had made three amazing records at Jens Bogren’s studio. During the planning phase of the project, we strongly felt that it was time to explore something new and see what working with a different producer might bring to the table!”
As a first introduction to Borderland, the band is thrilled to reveal that a brand new single ‘Light And Shadow’ will be released on June 6, 2025. More details to follow shortly!
Borderland will be released in time for a massive headline tour in their home country as well as a trip as part of an arena-filling package with ARCH ENEMY, ELUVEITIE and GATECREEPER. All dates & ticket info can be found below!
European “Blood Dynasty” 2025 Tour w/ ARCH ENEMY, ELUVEITIE, GATECREEPER: 10.10.2025 DE Stuttgart – Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle 11.10.2025 DE Frankfurt – Jahrhunderthalle 12.10.2025 DE Munich – Zenith 14.10.2025 HU Budapest – Barba Negra 15.10.2025 AT Vienna – Gasometer 17.10.2025 DE Berlin – Columbiahalle 18.10.2025 CZ Prague – Sportovní hala Fortuna 19.10.2025 PL Gliwice – PreZero Arena 21.10.2025 CH Zurich – The Hall 22.10.2025 IT Milan – Alcatraz 23.10.2025 FR Lyon – Radiant-Bellevue 25.10.2025 ES Madrid – Palacio Vistalegre 27.10.2025 FR Paris – Zénith 28.10.2025 NL Amsterdam – AFAS Live 30.10.2025 UK Wolverhampton – Civic Hall 31.10.2025 UK Manchester – O2 Apollo 01.11.2025 UK London – eventim Apollo 03.11.2025 LU Esch-sur-Alzette – Rockhal 04.11.2025 BE Brussels – Ancienne Belgique 05.11.2025 DE Leipzig – Haus Auensee 07.11.2025 SE Gothenburg – Partille Arena 08.11.2025 SE Stockholm – Annexet 10.11.2025 FI Helsinki – Helsingin Jäähalli 12.11.2025 NO Oslo – Sentrum Scene 13.11.2025 DK Copenhagen – Poolen 14.11.2025 DE Hanover – Swiss Life Hall 15.11.2025 DE Dusseldorf – Mitsubishi Electric Halle
Borderland Tour 2025 Presented by Grey Beard Concerts & Management: 05.12.2025 FI Ikaalinen – Spa & Resort 06.12.2025 FI Kempele – Zemppi Areena 12.12.2025 FI Rauha – Saimaan Areena 13.12.2025 FI Kajaani – Kajaanihalli 18.12.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema 19.12.2025 FI Seinäjoki – Rytmikorjaamo 20.12.2025 FI Turku – Logomo 27.12.2025 FI Lahti – Möysän Musaklubi 31.12.2025 FI Lohja – Spa & Resort
“Hardening of the Heart” is about the emotional aftermath after a devastating loss. All that remains are shattered dreams and emptiness. The song represents the darker and personal side of GRACELESS.
Watch “Hardening Of The Heart ” (Official Video) HERE
Relentless powerhouse GRACELESS’ new album Icons Of Ruin out May 30th is the band’s most groundbreaking release to date! Massively produced, it boats crushing, unrelenting, large-scale, bombastic sonic destruction!
“Icons of Ruins is exactly what GRACELESS should sound like. This is us”, says drummer Marc Verhaar. The songs are destined to be more than just tracks; they are anthems, rallying cries for those who are also witnessing the world around them crumble and burn. “GRACELESS has become much more than a regular death metal band”, says Jasper. “We couldn’t be more proud of this album”, concludes frontman & founder David Kreft.
Listen to “Hardening Of The Heart” now available on all major digital platforms HERE
Graceless Icons Of Ruin – for fans of Bolt Thrower, Asphyx, Gorguts, Paradise Lost, Death, Bloodbath
GRACELESS – Icons Of Ruin Album Track-listing: 01 God Shines In Absence 4:11 02 Sanctified Slaughter 4:02 03 Lash Me To My Painful Death 4:50 04 Night Of The Slain 5:19 05 Hardening Of The Heart 5:17 06 Ungodliness 4:09 07 Rise Of The Blackest Sun 4:51 08 A King In The Filth 3:59 09 Beneath Starless Skies 5:47 10 Resurrection Of The Graveless 3:41
Band pics: Eus Straver
GRACELESS line up: Remco Kreft: Guitar, Vocals Marc Verhaar: Drums Jasper Aptroot: Bass Björn Brusse: Lead Guitar
Discography: Endless Spiral of Terror – split with Grond (Raw Skull – 2019) Deathbound – split with Revel in Flesh (War Anthem 2021) Shadowlands (Listenable reissue 2023) Where Vultures know your Name (Listenable reissue 2023) Chants of Purgatory (Listenable reissue 2023) Icons of Ruin (Listenable 2025)
Photo credit: Sami Teeri L-R: Jori Haukio (guitars,programming), Marko Tommila (drums), Ville Viljanen (vocals), Jarkko Kokko (guitars), Teemu Heinola (bass)
Finnish melodic death stalwarts MORS PRINCIPIUM EST announce their long-awaited ninth studio album, Darkness Invisible. Officially signed to PERCEPTION, the latest imprint of Reigning Phoenix Music, the band will once again embrace listeners with razor-sharp riffing, sweeping orchestration, melancholic harmonies, and relentless rhythmic precision – topped by Ville Viljanen’s unmistakable vocals.
Viljanen comments: “Joining PERCEPTION marks a powerful new chapter for us. We’re proud to be part of a label family that houses so many legendary titans. With their support, we’re ready to unleash our most furious, blistering and ambitious work yet. The future burns bright, shrouded in Darkness Invisible.”
“Throughout their career, MORS PRINCIPIUM EST have kept impressing me and the rest of the metal world with solid melodic death of the faster kind. Although they’ve never been the most active live band, they succeed in growing their following with each of their releases what underlines the masterfulness of their craft additionally…and in this case, ‘[Of] Death’ is really just the beginning. Welcome to PERCEPTION!”states label strategist Nils Wasko.
First single “Of Death,” also the opening track of their new record, a bone-shattering yet enormously melodic piece with a darkly majestic chorus, can be streamed here: https://mpe.rpm.link/ofdeathPR
Despite delivering MPE’s much-loved trademark elements, Darkness Invisible is not content to simply revisit old formulas, but it expands upon them: the arrangements are more cinematic than ever, layered with subtle electronic textures, ambient passages, and dynamic shifts that mirror the emotional weight carried within the lyrics – and the result is a work that feels both cathartic and devastating.
MPE are also not stingy with details above all: Darkness Invisible will finally be unleashed upon the world on September 26, 2025, and was once again self-recorded at Ansa Studio (Ulvila, Finland); Jens Bogren mixed and Tony Lindgren mastered the ten new tracks (plus CD / digital bonus song) at Örebro, Sweden’s Fascination Street Studios (AMORPHIS, SEPULTURA, KREATOR etc.). Alvaro Valverde Fernandez was hired to create artwork and layout.
01. Of Death 02. Venator 03. Monuments 04. Tenebrae Latebra 05. Summoning The Dark 06. Beyond The Horizon 07. The Rivers Of Avernus 08. In Sleep There Is Peace 09. An Aria Of The Damned 10. All Life Is Evil Bonus Track (digipak / digital only): 11. Makso Mitä Makso [ISAC ELLIOT Cover]
Formats:
digipak-CD
“Venator” turquoise 1LP vinyl
jewel case-CD
digital
MORS PRINCIPIUM EST live:
22. – 24.08.2025 PT Pindelo dos Milagres – Milagre Metaleiro 05.10.2025 TR Istanbul – IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş
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