Swedish heavy metal force TUNGSTEN have unveiled the official music video for their powerful new single “The North Will Rise,” featuring a guest appearance from Tony Kakko of SONATA ARCTICA. Blending epic melodies, thunderous rhythms and soaring vocals, the track showcases the band’s signature mix of classic heavy metal spirit and modern precision.
Driven by an anthemic atmosphere and cinematic intensity, “The North Will Rise” stands as a perfect display of TUNGSTEN’s trademarks: powerful songwriting, massive hooks and a larger-than-life energy that feels tailor-made for festival stages. This track is a toast to the north, an electrifying hymn that captures the icy beauty and resilience of those lands. With Tony Kakko’s contagious melodies and Mike Andersson’s raw power, “The North Will Rise” is destined to be a loud, unifying call for all who love the north!
TUNGSTEN lead singer Mike Andersson says; “It’s such an honor to have Tony onboard on this song. He did a tremendous job. I think our voices fits perfectly together which makes “The North Will Rise” extra special. Lyrically it’s kind of a hymn to our part of the world in the north. We hope the metal community and the fans of Sonata Arctica and of course Tungsten will like this song and crank it LOUD!”
Tony Kakko adds; “Catchy like the cold in January on a viking ship crossing a nordic, half frozen sea! Truly a song to unite the people and friends of the North! Very proud and happy to join my friends in Tungsten singing together with Mike on this amazing new track. The melodies are just contagious……Consider yourself warned!”
Frontiers Music is proud to announce the signing of glam-metal trailblazers Zinny J. Zan and Harry Cody — founding members of Shotgun Messiah — reunited after 35 years. Welcome Zan/Cody to the family!
With a legacy built on rebellion, raw energy, and attitude, the duo is back in the studio, ready to pick up where they left off. Their 1989 self-titled debut helped define a generation of high-octane rock, and now they return with brand new music that stays true to their hard-hitting roots while embracing the grit of today’s rock landscape.
Expect swagger and uncompromising rock & roll spirit.
Explosive dinosaur mayhem continues as the band unveils another track from their upcoming album, World War Dinosaur, Arriving on April 17th via PERCEPTION!
German power metal warriors VICTORIUS have released the official music video for their brand-new single “Brachio Bazooka Battalion.” The track is taken from the band’s upcoming studio album WorldWar Dinosaur, set for release on April 17, 2026 via PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music.
Packed with massive hooks, pounding rhythms, and the band’s signature blend of tongue-in-cheek storytelling and thunderous power metal energy,“Brachio Bazooka Battalion”once again dives deep into VICTORIUS’ outrageous dinosaur battle universe.
Explosive power metal collides with full-scale dinosaur showdown in a blazing anthem of riffs, hooks, and chaos. Heroic, melodic, and unapologetically over the top, the track delivers pure VICTORIUS energy forged in fire and dino steel.
The band comments: “Brachio Bazooka Battalion was actually the first song we wrote for the new album. The title came first it sounded so absurdly epic that I immediately wanted to build everything around it. A catchy keyboard melody, a driving rhythm, it’s larger than life, fun and pure power metal madness. Exactly what VICTORIUS stands for!”
With its big chorus, soaring melodies, and cinematic atmosphere, the new single offers another glimpse into the high-octane world of World War Dinosaur. Brace for impact, the “Brachio Bazooka Battalion” is rolling into battle!
Album Track Listing: 01. Kingdom of the Strong 02. World War Dinosaur 03. Dino Race From Outer Space 04. Raptor Squad Attack 05. Brachio Bazooka Batalion 06. March to War 07. Evil Mean Megalodon 08. Dino Power Resistance 09. Prehistoric Panzer Power 10. Lazer Ninja Thunderstorm 11. Golden Glory 12. Lost Legacy
World War Dinosaur sees VICTORIUS unleash their most powerful and cinematic chapter yet. The mayhem between dinosaurs and ninjas enters its next stage – louder, larger, and more explosive than ever before! Across twelve new tracks, forged in cosmic steel and powered by pure imagination, the band invites you into a universe where power metal meets Saturday-morning-cartoon chaos.
“It’s the most epic and hymn-like album we’ve ever written,” the band adds.“100% Victorius, but bigger, tighter, and more intense. We’ve never worked this hard on an album before. ‘Only more is more’ and this time, we went all in!”
International Mesopotamian metal pioneers MELECHESH have unveiled their new single, “In Shadows, In Light,” taken from the band’s forthcoming digital EP Sentinels Of Shamash, scheduled for release on April 10th via Reigning Phoenix Music.
“In Shadows, In Light” continues MELECHESH’s tradition of weaving esoteric philosophy, ancient symbolism, and relentless sonic power into a singular musical experience. The track explores hidden cosmic knowledge and the subtle forces shaping perception and reality.
Speaking about the song, the band comments:
“‘In Shadows, In Light’ explores cosmic knowledge hidden in plain sight – parallel dimensions, sacred geometry, and veiled currents of existence revealed only through perception. Drawing on esoteric and Kabalistic thought, the song moves between concealment and revelation.
Structured as a journey with shifting acts and moods, it unfolds through tension, release, and transformation. Each passage reveals another layer of vision, where shadow and illumination coexist, and the unseen becomes ‘felt’ rather than explained.”
Musically, the track embodies MELECHESH’s hallmark fusion of blackened thrash, Middle Eastern scales, and hypnotic rhythmic patterns, guiding listeners through an evolving sonic landscape that mirrors the song’s philosophical themes. From atmospheric passages to ferocious riffs, “In Shadows, In Light” reflects the band’s ongoing exploration of myth, mysticism, and consciousness.
“In Shadows, In Light” was produced by Ashmedi and co-produced by Rob Caggiano and Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner. Bass lines and backing vocals on “In Shadows, In Light” were recorded by Rob Caggiano, who also contributed rearrangements. Drums were performed by Nikitas Mandolas, with engineering and mixing and mastering by Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner, and engineering and tracking by Daniel Claar.
Sentinels Of Shamash, stands as a ceremonial descent into ancient law, fire, and cosmic vigilance. Drawing from Mesopotamian myth and the solar judgment of Shamash, god of truth and justice, MELECHESH crafts an offering steeped in divine wrath and esoteric order. Each composition unfolds like a sacred inscription, invoking forgotten gods, fallen kings, and the eternal tension between chaos and balance.
Through commanding riffs, relentless rhythms, and a sonic architecture that bridges ancient cosmology with modern extremity, Sentinels Of Shamash delivers a mythological statement rooted in fire, judgment, ruin, and restoration. The sentinels stand eternal guard over fate itself.
Watch the official video for “Through The Storm” HERE
Power metal legends Masterplan have unleashed their new single and official video, “Through The Storm”, another taste of the upcoming new studio album, Metalmorphosis, set for release on June 26, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The band commented: “We absolutely love this one! It’s pure metal, straightforward, energetic, and fun in its own way. The song was inspired by our experience playing metal cruises last year, including one crazy show on deck during a storm with freezing wind and heavy waves. That wild energy is exactly what this track is about. The video captures that spirit perfectly – we’re just having fun, but even tough conditions can’t stop us from playing and enjoying what we do.”
Masterplan are also gearing up for their upcoming European tour, starting on April 12. For the full list of dates, go HERE.
Grapow expressed his enthusiasm for the record: the first new songs since “Novum Initium”, released in 2013: “Metalmorphosis” really captures what this album means to us: a transformation, but still true to the spirit of Masterplan. We’ve grown over the years, both as musicians and as people, and you can hear that in the new songs. Some ideas go back many years, and now they’ve finally come to life. It’s powerful, melodic, and emotional – classic Masterplan, but with a new energy”.
Masterplan stand among the most enduring and influential names in German power metal. Founded in 2001 by guitarist Roland Grapow and drummer Uli Kusch following their exit from Helloween, the band quickly established a distinctive identity built on strong melodies, technical precision, and an epic yet modern metal approach.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 2003, was met with widespread critical acclaim and immediate chart success, setting the standard for a career defined by consistency and evolution.
Over the years, Masterplan have released several highly regarded albums – including Aeronautics, MK II, Time To Be King and Novum Initium, each showcasing refined songwriting and a powerful balance between classic power metal energy and progressive elements.
Their work earned them international recognition, extensive touring across Europe and beyond, and industry accolades that confirmed their status as a leading force in the genre.
After a prolonged hiatus from studio releases, Masterplan has re-emerged with renewed creative drive. The band recently signed a new worldwide deal with Frontiers Music SRL, marking a significant milestone and the beginning of a new chapter in their career.
This partnership sets the stage for their long-awaited return with a brand-new studio album, Metalmorphosis, representing both transformation and continuity: a heavier, more aggressive edge combined with the melodic sophistication that has always defined Masterplan’s sound.
With renewed focus, sharpened songwriting, and decades of experience behind them, Masterplan are poised to reaffirm their relevance and deliver one of the most anticipated power metal releases of the year.
Metalmorphosis – Tracklist:
01. Chase The Light 02. Electric Nights 03. Shadow Man 04. Bound To Fall 05. Pain Of Yesterday 06. Metalmorphosis 07. Through The Storm 08. Ghostlight 09. The Call 10. Rise Again (Album vers.)
Line Up: Rick Altzi Roland Grapow Jari Kainulainen Axel Mackenrott Kevin Kott
METALMORPHOSIS OVER EUROPE TOUR – GET TICKETS HERE
June 26 and 27, 2026: Bringing Heavy Music, Independent Arts, and Community Together in Alberta
Western Canada’s underground metal community will once again come together this summer as Decimate Metalfest returns to the Millet Agriplex Arena on June 26 and 27, 2026, in Millet, AB.
What began as a grassroots gathering of heavy music fans has grown into a weekend-long celebration where heavy music, independent arts, and community come together in rural Alberta, welcoming fans, artists, and families of all ages.
This year’s festival lineup will feature Glyph, The Convalescence, Squidhammer, Famous Strangers, and Let It Rot, alongside a diverse roster of local and regional performers. Overall, 28 performing acts will take the stage over the two days, including touring artists, Canadian metal bands, youth performers, a featured DJ and specialty entertainers.
Friday evening launches the festival with a powerful night of heavy music, including a performance by the “Fundraiser Band”, a rotating act selected from bands who participate in Decimate fundraising events throughout the year, highlighting the festival’s community-driven spirit.
Saturday expands into a full-day festival experience featuring bands, youth artists, live performers, and interactive entertainment. With top-notch production, high-quality sound, professional staging, and access to convenient local amenities in Millet, the festival ensures an unforgettable experience for fans and families.
All performances take place at the Millet Agriplex Arena, with festival activities continuing throughout the weekend, including camping, breakfast events, interactive entertainment, and vendor booths by independent artists.
Event Details: Event: Decimate Metalfest 2026 Dates: June 26 and 27, 2026 Location: Millet Agriplex Arena, Millet, Alberta, Canada Format: All ages metal and arts festival
Friday, June 26, 2026: • The Convalescence (Ohio, USA) • Squidhammer (Wisconsin, USA) • Anomalyptic (Edmonton, AB) • Let It Rot (Michigan, USA) • Valley of Despair (Edmonton, AB) • Godfall (Calgary, AB) • TBA Fundraiser Band • Kilusan (Edmonton, AB)
Saturday, June 27, 2026: • Glyph (Seattle, USA) • Famous Strangers (Sherwood Park, AB) • Cries of Blood (Montreal, QC) • Thousand Frames (Colorado, USA) • Counterfeit (Calgary, AB) • From Beneath (Winnipeg, MB) • No Faith In Fortune (Vancouver, BC) • Femmes Voyous (Edmonton, AB) • Spineless (Winnipeg, MB) • Black Friday (Edmonton, AB) • Light Drawn In (Edmonton, AB)
Featured Performers: • DJ Alex Kayne (New York, USA) • Birthday Girl (Calgary, AB) • Damien Ghoul (Edmonton, AB) • Severina (Edmonton, AB) • Meatsack (Edmonton, AB) • Lust Dust (Calgary, AB)
Decimate Metalfest is about connection. The all-ages festival brings together musicians, visual artists, performers, and creators from across Canada, the United States, and beyond for two days of crushing riffs, artistic expression, unforgettable performances, and a shared love of underground culture.
The festival’s reach continues to expand each year. For the 2026 edition alone, performer submissions were received from 15 countries, eight Canadian provinces, and 25 US states, highlighting the growing international interest in the event and the strength of Western Canada’s metal community. From youth bands playing their first festival stage to international touring acts, Decimate Metalfest celebrates every generation of the metal and alternative community while creating opportunities for artists of many disciplines to showcase their work.
Decimate Metalfest has become known not only for its music lineup but also for the welcoming environment it creates. The festival brings together longtime metal fans, young families, artists, and first-time festivalgoers in a space that celebrates creativity and community.
Beyond the stage, the festival offers a full weekend experience that includes independent art vendors, free tented camping, fan-favorite air guitar contests for youth and adults, community gatherings, and the traditional Saturday pancake breakfast. Children under 10 attend free, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to accessibility and multi-generational participation.
Built by members of the metal community, for the metal community, and proudly organized and operated by women, Decimate Metalfest continues to challenge expectations while creating a space where everyone is welcome.
Louisville thrash metal miscreants BELUSHI SPEED BALL have announced their fourth album, Toxic Waste Was Everywhere In The ’80s, arriving June 5, just in time for the band to celebrate by terrorizing audiences the following day at Milwaukee Metal Fest.
The band’s latest shameless cash grab features artwork by Andrei Bouzikov (known for his work with Municipal Waste, Toxic Holocaust, and High on Fire) and packs 12 ball-busting tracks guaranteed to leave your jaw broken while you claw your way out of the pit at some questionably ventilated basement show.
Commenting on the record, vocalist Vinny Castellano says:
“We are so excited to drop our strongest album to date! Toxic Waste Was Everywhere in the ‘80s is guaranteed to melt faces into a plutonium level pizza pit. For context: We will have to release a blank greatest hits album prior to this drop. We ain’t had a hit yet, and this entire album will be nothing but banger hits after banger hits. In addition, we are proud to announce Belushi’s newest additions: Bassist, Justin McClure and drummer, Ben Cotton (Rose Funeral, SIDS) will be joining the chaos for their recording debut. Making this LP a must have for any crossover thrash fan.”
First revealed at Lambgoat, BELUSHI SPEED BALL has also unleashed the album’s first single and video, “I Ought Not Know.” The song serves as a deeply philosophical dissertation examining one of modern music’s most pressing questions: how exactly did Dave Coulier respond to Alanis Morissette’s immortal breakup anthem “You Oughta Know”? The band may not have the answer, but they’re more than happy to thrash about it for three minutes anyway.
Castellano adds about the song:
“Allegedly, this is the song Dave Coulier would have wrote (if he liked Pizza, Thrash, and had musical talent). At least pretty sure this is the response to Alanis writing “You Oughta Know”. Which has been the highlight of Uncle Joey’s career up until this point. We also want to congratulate Dave Coulier on his recent cancer remission. Proudly, Belushi Speed Ball, presents a music video with stop motion clay chaos, thanks to artist Adam Laughlin. And before anyone asks, No AI has been used! Enjoy.”
Toxic Waste Was Everywhere In The 80’s – Track List:
01. I Ought Not Know 02. How Tough Am I? 03. That’s a Mighty Fine Wayne Gretzky 04. What’s Funnier Than 24? 05. All Pete’s Exes 06. Kellaway’s Wife 07. D.E.N.N.I.S. System 08. It’s a Green Day (You Know… Still Like Stocks) 09. Terminator Lava Factory 10. I’m Not Your Buddy, Guy 11. Belushi Speed Ball 12. Captain Planet Still Can’t Stop Us
Fans can catch Belushi Speed Ball live this spring. Tickets available HERE.
BELUSHI SPEED BALL – Tour Dates: April 17 – Dayton, OH @ Cosmo Joe’s Atomic Lounge April 18 – Atlanta, GA @ 529 June 6 – Milwaukee, WI @ Milwaukee Metal Fest
Photo Credit: Brittenay Johnson
Belushi Speed Ball Lineup:
Vinny Castellano – Vocals Brian Desper – Additional Vocals Jamison Land – Guitar Derrek Tipton – Guitar Justin McClure – Bass Ben Cotton – Drums
About BELUSHI SPEED BALL:
Belushi Speed Ball is a Kentucky-based band founded in 2013 as a studio project amongst friends with a penchant for cliché crossover thrash. Their first live performances came soon after, enthralling a rapidly growing fanbase with a uniquely interactive brand of theatrics and unorthodox approach to releases and merch.
Dubbed “one of the funniest fucking things I have heard this year” by The Needle Drop’s Anthony Fantano, Belushi Speed Ball are inspired by bands from Toxic Holocaust and Anthrax to Gwar and Municipal Waste, to whom they simultaneously play homage and satirize a mean comment from a fan in their song “Ripping off Municipal Waste”, which was voted one of Leo Magazine’s top 20 songs of 2022. With a reputation for both trashing venues and meticulously cleaning them up after each individually themed performance, Belushi Speed Ball are masters of executing the unthinkable.
From playing out of a Mad Max-esque moving van and starting Terminator-inspired 300-person Nerf gun fights to releasing entire albums in N64… or Furby… formats, nothing is sacred as they continue evolving as, in the words of Metalsucks, “a freakshow of blistering thrash dedicated to laughing its ass off at blistering thrash.”
We cannot believe we’re saying this… it is with profound sadness that we have to say Philip Anthony Campbell has passed.
He was Motörhead’s guitarist for 31 years (the longest serving member aside from Lemmy) having joined in 1984. After Lemmy’s passing, he was blessed to form Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons with his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla, which recorded and toured together for years.
Phil was a wonderful guitarist, writer, performer, and musician who had Motörhead in his veins. He always led with his gift of guitar, and carried a great sense of humour, but most of all, Phil led with his heart. You could not be around him without a chuckle or twenty, because quite simply, Phil loved life and lived it with great joy.
There will be plenty of time for us to share stories -tales of Campbell glory- and some damn good jokes together; for now, please send love and positive energy to Gaynor and the boys while affording them time, space, and privacy.
Much love and RIP Phil. The world has just lost an enormous beam of light, and we are devastated.
God Bless the soul of Phil Campbell. Love and light to the entire Campbell family.
German gothic metal pioneers CREMATORY have announced the release of their Greatest Hitsalbum containingEnglish Hymns & Deutsche Hymnen, set to arrive on May 15, 2026 via ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. The release celebrates 35 years of the band’s influential career and will be available as an expansive three-CD edition as well as limited double-vinyl versions.
The 3-CD set will feature CD1 English Hymns, CD2 Deutsche Hymnen, and CD3 Engulfed in Darkness Demo. In addition, the LP vinyl editions will be available as a Neon Green double vinyl containing the English Hymns selection and a Turquoise double vinyl featuring theDeutsche Hymnen selection.
Alongside the announcement, the band has unveiled a video clip for the the track “Born,” which is available now on all major streaming platforms! Built around a haunting refrain “I was born in a wrong time / wrong world,” and carried by heavy guitars and atmospheric synth layers, the track captures the emotional depth that has defined the band’s sound for decades.
Frontman Felix Stass explains: “‘Born’ is about feeling out of place in your own time and world. It’s for everyone who has ever felt they don’t belong – yet keeps standing.”
Greatest Hits – Vinyl Track Listing: LP English Hymns: The Eyes Of Suffering Shadows Of Mine Tears Of Time Lost In Myself For Love Fly The Fallen Greed Pray Shadowmaker Ravens Calling Rise and Fall Inglorious Darkness Destination The Future Is A Lonely Place Born (Exclusive Bonus Track) Wrong Side of the Mirror (Exclusive Bonus Track)
LP Deutsche Hymnen: Ist Es Wahr Ewigkeit Tick Tack Kaltes Feuer Höllenbrand Kein Liebeslied Auf Der Flucht Haus mit Garten Falsche Tränen Kommt Näher Virus Tränen der Zeit Trümmerwelten Welt Aus Glas Das Letzte Ticket Blind (Exclusive Bonus Track) Flammenmeer (Exclusive Bonus Track)
Formed in 1991 in Mannheim, Germany, CREMATORY have become one of the most enduring and influential acts in European gothic metal. Over more than three decades, the band evolved from their early death metal roots into a distinctive style combining heavy riffs, melodic keyboards, industrial textures, and contrasting vocal approaches.
Throughout their career, CREMATORY have explored themes of life, pain, introspection, and atmosphere, often blending deep growls with clean vocals to create a sound both powerful and haunting. Their growth in the 1990s brought them recognition across Europe through relentless touring and festival appearances.
The upcoming Greatest Hits album reflects the band’s bilingual legacy. English Hymns & Deutsche Hymnen gathers key tracks from across their catalogue in both languages and also includes the band’s earliest demo recordings, offering fans a comprehensive retrospective of CREMATORY’s long and influential journey.
In support of the release, the band will embark on an extensive European run throughout 2026.
With 35 years of history, countless tours, and a legacy that helped shape European gothic, death and industrial metal, Greatest Hits stands as both a celebration of CREMATORY’s past and a powerful reminder that the band remains as vital as ever!
CREMATORY: Felix Stass – Vocals Rolf Munkes – Guitar Oliver Revilo – Bass Katrin Jüllich – Keyboards, Samples Markus Jüllich – Drums, Programming
Kansas-based death metal horde UNMERCIFUL has announced string of US tour dates in support of their latest release, Devouring Darkness. The trek will center around the band’s inaugural performance at the 2026 Maryland Deathfest.
The “Infernally Conquering Tour 2026” will feature a new lineup that includes the recently announced addition of James “Freight Train” Lee (ex-Origin) on vocals. Lee’s unmistakable intensity and legacy within extreme metal make this collaboration a historic moment for both the band and fans alike.
Confirmed dates are as follows: 5/20 – Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge 5/21 – Detroit, MI @ The Sanctuary 5/22 – TBA 5/23 – Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz 5/24 – Baltimore, MD @ Maryland Deathfest 5/25 – Harrisburg, PA @ Capital Music Hall 5/26 – Lakewood, OH @ Mercury Music Lounge 5/27 – Indianapolis, IN @ State Street 5/28 – Kansas City, MO @ Warehouse on Broadway
UNMERCIFUL 2026 live lineup: Jeremy Turner– guitar/ vocals Clint Appelhanz– guitar/ vocals James “Freight Train” Lee – vocals Andy Vincent – drums Steve Giddens – bass
Devouring Darkness, marks a new era of relentless violence and sonic brutality! With ten tracks of scorching intensity and distorted vengeance, the album is filled with blistering blast beats, intricate kick drum patterns, and destructive riffing.
Devouring Darkness is out now on CD, digital, and vinyl formats on Willowtip Records.
Devouring Darkness sees the return of longtime member Jeremy Turner to guitar and introduces Josh Riley as the band’s new vocalist, further intensifying the group’s punishing sound.
The album was engineered and produced by Clinton Appelhanz at Waveworks Studio, with mastering handled by the legendary Alan Douches (Cannibal Corpse, Hate Eternal, etc.). Artwork by Santiago Francisco Jaramillo.
Heavy metal doom giants SPIRIT ADRIFT have returned with a cathartic, crushing new single, “Eternal Celestial Energy,” out today via 20 Buck Spin.
The long-awaited new music from revered songwriter and frontman Nate Garrett follows the band’s critically acclaimed 2023 album Ghost at the Gallows and arrives ahead of their March 20th appearance in San Antonio at Paper Tiger alongside Crowbar and Eyehategod.
Marking their first new release in three years, “Eternal Celestial Energy” signals SPIRIT ADRIFT’s highly anticipated return to the forefront of doom and offers a glimpse of what lies ahead in the band’s next monumental chapter.
About SPIRIT ADRIFT: Spirit Adrift’s music is an alchemical sonic melting pot that combines classic doom, traditional heavy metal, and the intensity of old school thrash, forging a unique and forward-thinking sound. Led by founder, multi-instrumentalist, and frontman Nate Garrett, the band has built a reputation for towering riffs, anthemic songwriting, and emotionally charged performances rooted in both personal struggle and defiant perseverance.
Since emerging in 2016, Spirit Adrift has released a string of critically acclaimed albums as Chained to Oblivion, Curse of Conception, Divided by Darkness, Enlightened in Eternity, and Ghost at the Gallows, while earning praise from outlets such as Decibel, Revolver, Metal Hammer, and Kerrang!, who ranks the band among the best of the decade.
Spirit Adrift has toured and shared stages with the likes of High on Fire, Yob, Crowbar, Corrosion of Conformity, Midnight and has appeared at major festivals such as Download, Hellfest, and Psycho Las Vegas. Their live shows are visceral and cathartic, equal parts power and conviction.
Chicago’s savage trio LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR will deliver their monstrous fifth album – their first in sixteen years – unveiling the merciless I HAIL I, confirmed for release through The Grind-House Records on May 1st.
Formed in 2003 and signed to Southern Lord Recordings just one month after their first show, the death-doom metal warriors LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR have released four LPs, three EPs, and an array of singles, all interconnected with concepts based on the bloodier tales of Greek mythology. The band has toured extensively across North America and Europe, crushing all in their path with their own brand of heavy fucking metal that has been likened to being beat to death with a spiked club. In the words of Maximum Metal, “If there is a [band] heavier than this, then I have simply never heard it.”
While the past several years saw the band emerging with several new singles, they’ve not released an album since 2010’s acclaimed Evil Power. That all changes this year with the incoming I HAIL I. LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR’s lineup on this merciless new record sees founding guitarist/vocalist Steven Rathbone (7000 Dying Rats) reunited with longtime drummer Chris Wozniak (Cöküs, Vanishment) and joined by new bassist Sanford Parker (Twilight, Minsk, Black Cross Hotel).
I HAIL I dispatches ten tracks in barely thirty minutes, including a monstrous reenvisioning of Ethel Cain’s “Family Tree.” The album was recorded and mixed by longtime recording engineer, and now bassist, Sanford Parker (Yob, Eyehategod, Darkthrone) in Chicago at Jamdek Studios and Hypercube, and is completed with stark cover art by Dieofsuffering666.
I HAIL I marks the second album released independently on the band’s The Grind-House Records. The label’s first release was LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR’s Evil Power, the band’s best-selling album, and features their most popular and most streamed song, “Let’s Kill These Motherfuckers,” hailed by Henry Rollins as, “One of the greatest songs I have ever heard.”
The new album’s title track arrives as the lead single, with Rathbone stating, “The title track ‘I HAIL I’ is a rebellious declaration from Prometheus to defy the Gods and bring fire to humanity. This song is what LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR is all about: A loud and proud, punch in the guts. Meant to be played at maximum volume.”
Dispatch your enemies with LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR’s “I HAIL I” as the soundtrack, the song streaming at Bandcamp HERE, Spotify HERE, and Apple Music HERE.
LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR will independently release I HAIL I digitally on May 1st, with physical versions to follow. Watch for preorders, a new video, and more to post shortly.
I HAIL I – Track Listing:
1. Emperor Of Dis
2. I HAIL I
3. Enthroned In Violence
4. Fucked Inside Out
5. Deepest Hell
6. Saturnus Reign
7. Prowler Twin Sister
8. Family Tree (Ethel Cain Cover)
9. Vulture Worship
10. Tartarus Apocalypse
The band recently joined the roster at Waste Management Booking. Agency co-founder Stavros Giannopoulos (The Atlas Moth, Motherless) explains, “When starting Waste Management Booking, the idea was to work with bands who we not only loved but felt the world would love as well. LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR was always a band we had at the top of that list. We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of their new record and their legendary history, not only in Chicago but worldwide.”
LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR is making their second appearance at Maryland Deathfest, on Thursday, May 21st, performing at Nevermore Hall with Bongzilla, Rwake, Avernus, and Black Lung. The band has also just booked a hometown record release show on July 10th with Primal Code, Inoculation, and Motherless. Additional tour dates will be announced shortly.
LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR Live:
5/21/2026 Nevermore Hall – Baltimore, MD @ Maryland Deathfest w/ Bongzilla, Rwake, Avernus, Black Lung
7/10/2026 The Hideout – Chicago, IL * Record Release Show w/ Primal Code, Inoculation, Motherless
LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR: Steven Rathbone – guitar, vocals, synth Chris Wozniak – drums Sanford Parker – bass
Today, German power metal force BRAINSTORM are kicking off their upcoming tour run and celebrate the moment with a special release: their cover version of “Celebrate Youth” is now available digitally for the very first time! The track was previously only available as an exclusive CD bonus track on their latest studio album Plague Of Rats, released via RPM in 2025.
“With ‘Celebrate Youth,’ we chose a song that meant a lot to me personally in my early Youth,”Andy B. Franck reveals. “Yes, not a metal song but a song that perfectly reflected that era and my feeling as a young person of wanting to achieve a lot. Listening to the younger generation, giving them a voice… I don’t think I’ve ever really matured that much deep down, I’ve retained that feeling and still think and feel like a young guy. This thing rocks, and we had a lot of fun recording it. The Youth, then and now, needs to be heard and understood. This song is the perfect statement about that topic.”
The digital release follows the overwhelming response to the band’s cover of Don Henley‘s classic “Boys Of Summer”, which was released in August last year and quickly gained strong traction across streaming platforms.
Released in early 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music, Plague Of Rats marks another milestone in BRAINSTORM’s long career. The album combines the band’s trademark sound – powerful riffs, soaring melodies and gripping choruses, with a renewed intensity and modern production. With over nearly three decades of history, worldwide touring and numerous chart placements, BRAINSTORM remain one of the most consistent and respected acts in German metal. Order Plague Of Rats here: https://brainstorm.rpm.link/plagueofratsPR
BRAINSTORM: Andy B. Franck (Vocals) Torsten Ihlenfeld (Guitars) Milan Loncaric (Guitars) Danij Perl (Bass) Kevin Lütolf (Drums)
BRAINSTORM Tour Dates supporting ANGUS McSIX – Album Release Tour w/ Bloodbound
New CRANIAL RAT INFESTATION EP Linked to “Evan Torn” Comic Book Series
Where comics and metal meet…
Jesse Lemons, the multi-faceted mad scientist behind the very prolific one-man band CRANIAL RAT INFESTATION is flexing his creative muscles and entering into the realm of comics with the upcoming serial, Evan Torn.
A dark and twisted revenge thriller, Evan Torn follows the tale of a kidnapping victim left brutally mutilated after his wealthy father refuses to pay his ransom. Betrayed, broken and reborn as a masked vigilante. Evan Thorne sets out on a mission to hunt down those who destroyed him. His quest leads to the discovery that survival can cost more than flesh.
When the kindhearted son of a rich, sleazy defense attorney is kidnapped and held for ransom, his father, William Thorne, refuses to pay. The kidnappers send a message—in the form of flesh.
Still, William says no.
Piece by piece, Evan Thorne is taken apart, his father leaving him to die. When Evan’s mother, Anna, discovers the unpaid ransom, she is horrified. She blackmails her husband with his own criminal dealings and forces his hand. Evan is brought home alive but shattered, hollowed out, and forever changed.
Cast aside by the man who abandoned him, Evan chooses a new purpose: revenge. He hunts down everyone who helped rip him apart, fully embracing the name Evan Torn.
A story this intense demands a soundtrack. This is where CRANIAL RAT INFESTATION steps in. Struck by a lightning bolt of musical inspiration while penning the comic, Lemons picked up his guitar and laid down a collection of wildly eclectic tracks of progressive, djent-tinged deathcore titled Scorned. Torn. Mourn. Reborn. – The Misadventures, Death and Rebirth of Evan Torn. Listeners can expect an explosive dose of metal that expands upon the Evan Torn story with violent grace.
The EP will be released digitally and on limited-run CD. A bonus edition will the available (25 copies only) with a fifth track, titled “Forlorn.”
Track list: Scorned Torn Mourn Reborn (instrumental) Forlorn (Bonus track on limited-edition CD only)
Both the comic and EP are set for a May 2026 release.
About CRANIAL RAT INFESTATION:
CRANIAL RAT INFESTATION is the brainchild of Jesse Lemons, a one-man collision of heavy metal, industrial chaos, and raw emotion. Every scream, riff, and mix comes straight from his home studio. No band, no budget, no limits.
The project began over a decade ago, when Jesse wrote a batch of melodic deathcore songs with no lyrics, no vocals, and no idea what they’d become. Life took a hard turn. Grief, addiction, silence and the music sat untouched for years. When he returned, clean and clear-headed, he found himself collaborating with his younger self, finishing what they started together.
Now, CRANIAL RAT INFESTATION exists somewhere between past and present, where rage meets reflection, and noise becomes therapy. Each release blends heaviness with atmosphere, brutality with vulnerability. It’s not about touring or fame; it’s about craft, catharsis, and creation for its own sake — proof that you can rebuild from ruin and still make something that screams.
Chinese Mongolian progressive metal outfit NINE TREASURES will join Mushroomhead and Fear Factory this Fall for a month-long US run of live dates. The Soul Of A New War Machine Tour begins October 13th in New Haven, Connecticut and runs through November 11th in Nashville, Tennessee. The journey marks NINE TREASURES’ first ever US tour!
Comments the band, “We’re very excited and grateful for the opportunity to tour in the United States. It has such a deep rock and metal culture, and many of the bands that inspired us come from there. We’re also honored to share the stage with Mushroomhead and Fear Factory. It means a lot to bring our music and culture to American fans, and we’re looking forward to sharing the energy and spirit of NINE TREASURES with everyone on this tour.”
NINE TREASURES w/ Mushroomhead, Fear Factory: 10/13/2026 Toad’s Place – New Haven, CT 10/14/2026 Aura – Portland, ME 10/15/2026 Wally’s – Hampton Beach, NH 10/16/2026 Capitol City Music Hall – Harrisburg, PA 10/17/2026 Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA 10/18/2026 Tally Ho – Leesburg, VA 10/20/2026 Keswick Theater – Glenside, PA 10/21/2026 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA 10/22/2026 The Blue Note – Harrison, OH 10/23/2026 Arcada Theater – St. Charles, IL 10/24/2026 Epic Events Center – Green Bay, WI 10/25/2026 Apollo Theater – Belvidere, IL 10/27/2026 The Art Theatre – Hobart, IN 10/28/2026 Venue Event Center – Cadillac, MI 10/29/2026 Machine Shop – Flint, MI 10/31/2026 Agora Theater – Cleveland, OH 11/01/2026 Pierre’s – Ft. Wayne, IN 11/03/2026 Manchester Music Hall – Lexington, KY 11/05/2026 Scout Bar – Houston, TX 11/06/2026 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 11/07/2026 Brewster Icehouse – Corpus Christi, TX 11/08/2026 AM/FM – Dallas, TX 11/10/2026 Pop’s – Sauget, IL 11/11/2026 Basement East – Nashville, TN
NINE TREASURES will be touring in support of their Seeking The Absolute full-length, released in December via Metal Blade Records.
Formed by vocalist/guitarist Askhan in 2010 in the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia in China, NINE TREASURES delivers a unique combination of heavy metal and traditional Mongolian instrumentation, utilizing both conventional vocals and Mongolian throat singing. Guitars, bass, and drums collide with indigenous string instruments including the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), the tovshuur, and the balalaika, resulting in a sonic kaleidoscope that follows no set template.
Photo by Hattoo
NINE TREASURES moves easily from a straight-up headbanging style to the more atmospheric progressive style. Guitar-wise, Askhan infuses a lot of Mongolian playing techniques and songwriting logic into his playing and is excited for the “fresh blood” it adds to the band’s sound. The quintet’s varied approaches and universal messaging will allow them to tour with any musically progressive band, be it Amon Amarth or Tool.
Playing 100-plus festival shows and headlining gigs per year in Asia, to audiences of up to 50,000, and with four albums to their name, NINE TREASURES are at the top of their proverbial game and ready to conquer the Western world. Seeking The Absolute is their first record for Metal Blade, and first LP to have a worldwide release.
New Orleans thrash metal legends EXHORDER will return to stages next month on an Eastern US headlining tour. The Tour Of Unsound Minds begins on April 2nd in Morgantown, West Virginia and closes April 19th in Cadillac, Michigan. Support will be provided by Skinlab. The band’s latest trek follows their recent US headlining run with Luicidal, Ringworm, Phobia, and Slowhole.
Vocalist Kyle Thomas comments, “Here we go again – sleep is for rich people! We are looking forward to returning to some familiar places as well as getting out into new territory. Joining us on this run are West Coast stalwarts, Skinlab! By the time this tour begins, Spring will have sprung. Come on out while the weather is nice and let’s rage!”
Tickets are on sale now! See all confirmed dates below.
EXHORDER w/ Skinlab:
4/02/2026 – 123 Pleasant Street – Morgantown, WV
4/03/2026 – Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY
4/04/2026 – Empire – Albany, NY
4/05/2026 – Genos Rock Club – Portland, ME
4/06/2026 – Alchemy – Providence, RI
4/07/2026 – Jewell – Manchester, NH
4/08/2026 – Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT
4/09/2026 – AMH – Amityville, NY
4/10/2026 – Capital City Music Hall – Harrisburg, PA
4/11/2026 – Locals – Manalapan, NJ
4/12/2026 – Riffhouse – Chesapeake, VA
4/13/2026 – 529 – Atlanta, GA
4/14/2026 – Chapel Of Bones – Raleigh, NC
4/15/2026 – Tribbles – Piedmont, SC
4/16/2026 – BoneBar – Chattanooga, TN
4/17/2026 – Live At The Shop – Dunbar, WV
4/18/2026 – Reggie’s – Chicago, IL
4/19/2026 – The Venue – Cadillac, MI
Forged in 1986, EXHORDER’s journey has proven exciting, yet tumultuous. After a twenty-seven-year absence following their final Roadrunner Records release in 1992, EXHORDER re-entered the game with an album considered by many to be a contender for the “Best Comeback Album” category. The band released Mourn The Southern Skies in October of 2019 through Nuclear Blast Records.
Fraught with euphoric peaks and crippling valleys throughout its existence, lineup changes and the 2020-2021 pandemic, EXHORDER clawed back through the muck to release Defectum Omnium, the Latin phrase for “The Failure of All,” in 2024. “The world is a dumpster fire, and we are all complicit,” noted singer Kyle Thomas when elaborating on the title. Produced by EXHORDER and mixed by Jens Bogren, Defectum Omnium puts a foot back into the roots of the band’s inception.
After more than a decade at the forefront of modern metal, internationally acclaimed vocalist Alissa White-Gluz is entering a powerful new chapter with the launch of her new band, BLUE MEDUSA.
Known for her commanding voice, unmistakable stage presence, and trailblazing role in extreme metal, White-Gluz has built a career defined by momentum and reinvention. Widely recognized as one of the longest-serving female death metal vocalists, she has spent two decades performing on the world’s biggest stages and earning a reputation as one of the genre’s most electrifying frontwomen.
White-Gluz was at the forefront of Arch Enemy’s most successful years in the band’s history, expanding their global audience and performing on the world’s biggest metal stages. Across multiple bands, collaborations and projects throughout her career, White-Gluz has consistently helped push heavy music into new territory. Now, with BLUE MEDUSA, White-Gluz sets her sights on pushing that legacy even further.
Fans can expect the same signature ferocity, theatrical energy and vocal firepower that have defined White-Gluz’s career, now unleashed in a fresh, expansive and electrifying setting.
“Blue Medusa is the next evolution of everything I’ve been building toward for years,” says White-Gluz. “It’s my creative melting pot. Everything fans enjoy about the energy, intensity, and performance they’ve always experienced on stage with me over the past two decades is still here, even stronger. That is me, that is who I am and who I’ve always been. And now it’s amplified and unleashed in a fully sovereign artistic vision. Our music has blazing guitar solos, crushing riffs, brutal vocals, fast and aggressive drums, thoughtful melodies and most importantly (to me), really cogitative lyrics.”
Known for pairing ferocious vocals with thoughtful and introspective lyricism, White-Gluz’s writing channels catharsis, resilience, philosophy and intellectual and emotional depth.
BLUE MEDUSA consists of a trio of world-class musicians; White-Gluz has guitarists Alyssa Day and Dani Sophia at her sides. “The musical chemistry I feel with these women is really bringing me back to life. It is so refreshing and exciting,” says White-Gluz of her fellow gorgons. On stage, on drums and bass, White-Gluz hints that two women at the top of their musical game will be joining her; Delaney Jaster and Alicia Vigil respectively.
“I specifically chose to share this news on International Women’s Day because building stronger platforms for women in heavy music is something I care deeply about. I am brewing up a lot of ideas right now, my brain is in full creative flow. I’ve been carving my own path in this genre for a long time, and I want to help pave the way for the next generation of women who love metal as much as I do. Medusa turned people to stone… I want to pave the road in sapphire.”
With new music coming very soon and live performances already lining up with the band’s live debuts at Louder Than Life and Aftershock festivals, BLUE MEDUSA is taking off like lightning and marks the beginning of an exciting new era for metal fans.
Phoenix groovers/thrashers INCITE are set to join DEATH ANGEL in support of their “Act III US Tour 2026” alongside VIO-LENCE. INCITE will be obliterating stages performing tracks taken from their critically acclaimed 2025 album Savage New Times, releasedvia Reigning Phoenix Music.
Frontman Richie Cavalera comments, “Metalheads we are beyond fired up to be touring with metal legends DEATH ANGEL and VIO-LENCE on the upcoming Act III US tour! We’ll be bringing our new album Savage New Times to the stage and to the pit for the first time since its release!!! Get those tickets today and get ready for an insane night of heavy metal.”
DEATH ANGEL “Act III” US Tour 2026 W. VIO-LENCE & INCITE Dates:
5/01 – Phoenix, AZ – Marquee Theater 5/03 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom 5/05 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues 5/07– Daytona, FL – Welcome To Rockville (not ACT III set) 5/10 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground 5/11 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel 5/12 – Hobart, IN – Hobart Theater 5/13 – Columbus, OH – The King Of Clubs 5/14 – Detroit, MI – St Andrews Hall 5/15 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom 5/16 – Norwalk, CT – District Music Hall 5/19 – Wilmington, DE – The Queen 5/20 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theater 5/21 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City 5/22 – Allentown, PA – Archer Music Hall 5/24 – Baltimore, MD – Maryland Deathfest 5/27 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade Hell 5/28 – Orlando, FL – The Abbey 5/29 – Ft Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room 5/30 – Tampa, FL – Orpheum 6/02 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl 6/03 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom 6/05 – Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Metal Fest 6/06 – St Louis, MO – Red Flag 6/08 – Wichita, KS – Wave 6/09 – Greeley, CO – Moxi Theater 6/10 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep 6/11 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex 6/12 – Boise, ID – Shrine Ballroom 6/14 – Seattle, WA – Showbox 6/16 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater 6/17– Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades 6/18 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theater 6/19 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory 6/20 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Music Hall 6/21 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
Savage New Times – Track Listing: 1. Lies 2. Feel This Shit (I’m Fired Up) 3. Just A Rat 4. Chucked Off 5. Doubts and the Fear 6. Dolores 7. No Mercy No Forgiveness 8. Used and Abused 9. Never Die Once 10. Savage New Times
After the successful release of their latest studio album Forever in October 2025 via PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music, followed by an extensive European tour with ALL FOR METAL, metal superheroes GRAILKNIGHTS are back with a new surprise for their fans. Today, the band unleashes the album bonus track: an epic power metal version of the timeless ABBA classic “Super Trouper!”
Known for their high-energy sound, heroic storytelling, and unmistakable style, GRAILKNIGHTS transform the iconic pop anthem into a thunderous metal spectacle. Driving guitars, powerful drums, and soaring vocals give the beloved song a completely new dimension while preserving the spirit that made it a global hit. With this release, the band once again proves that even legendary pop songs can be reborn in the world of superhero metal.
“We’re paying tribute to one of the greatest pop anthems of all time with Super Trouper – the Superhero Metal way!” comments Count Cranium (guitars, vocals). “We took this ABBA classic out of the disco and turned it into a powerful metal version that keeps the melody and its unmistakable identity, but reinterprets it with heavy riffs, epic energy, and a tongue-in-cheek sense of heroic pathos. A cover that builds bridges between genres, the dancefloor, and the mosh pit.”
Packed with anthemic choruses, powerful riffs, and the band’s trademark mix of heroism and humor, the bands latest studio offering, Forever, marks the Knights’ most dynamic and unifying chapter yet. With songs made for the moshpit and the gym alike, the album delivers everything fans love about GRAILKNIGHTS: catchy power metal, epic storytelling, and a dose of tonguein-cheek self-awareness that turns every show into a celebration.
Forever is out via PERCEPTION and available on all digital platforms and in physical formats.
Forever – Track Listing: 01. Yes Sire 02. Grail Gym 03. Necronomicon 04. Weekend Ninja 05. In The Eyes Of The Enemy 06. Snow In Bordeaux 07. Grailforce One 08. Mighty Metal Maiden 09. Animated Love [excl. jewel case-CD] 10. Powerlift 11. Forever Bonus Track: 12. Super Trouper [ABBA Cover]
GRAILKNIGHTS are: Sir Optimus Prime | vocals Sovereign Storm | guitars, vocals Count Cranium | guitars, vocals Duncan MacLoud | bass, vocals Lord Drumcules | drums
GRAILKNIGHTS Live: 08/09.05.2026 DE Braunschweig – Rock in Rautheim
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