Colombian blackened melodic death metal force ESHTADUR has released their latest single, “Fire Above Mountain Below“, off of their latest album, Symphonic Crows – Live at the Santiago Londoño’s Theater.
Grandiose symphonic elements provide a powerful backdrop for ominous riffs and snarling vocals. In signature ESHTADUR fashion, “Fire Above Mountain Below” balances crushing heaviness with a catchy, cinematic earworm of a chorus.
Vocalist and guitarist Jorg August comments: “The shapes that can be explored with a symphonic orchestra reminds me of why I enjoy music so much: the character and the intensity of 40 people giving the music their all. That’s very ritualistic and powerful. This new live album is something I wanted to do for so long.”
Italian melodic death metal force KARMIAN open a new and uncompromising chapter with the release of their first single, “Beastmaster of the Void”, taken from the forthcoming full-length Horror Vacui. The track arrives accompanied by an official visualizer published on the Rockshots Records YouTube channel.
“Beastmaster of the Void” stands among the album’s most direct and unrelenting compositions – a surge of sharp riffing, relentless pacing, and psychological intensity. Drawing from the real-life crimes tied to the Bestie di Satana case, the song transforms adolescent alienation, obsession, and spiritual distortion into a violent descent through the existential void that defines the entire record. Here, the band channels the chaos, confusion, and moral collapse at the heart of the narrative, turning true events into stark allegory.
The single also offers a first glimpse into the conceptual breadth of Horror Vacui: a collection of nine songs, each inspired by a different Italian murderer, revealing how psychological emptiness, social disintegration, and spiritual vacuum mutate into violence.
Rather than glorifying crime, the album examines the roots of human collapse – the internal abyss that corrodes empathy, identity, and meaning. Musically, it merges the ferocity of melodic death metal with narrative tension and introspective depth, confirming the band’s distinctive approach to extreme music.
Horror Vacui was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Luca Cocconi and Simone Sighinolfi at Audiocore Studio, with artwork and the new Karmian logo created by Sheila Franco. All songs were written by Andrea Baraldi and Nicholas Badiali, with lyrics by Andrea Bertolazzi and arranged collectively by Karmian.
Karmian Line-Up: Andrea Bertolazzi – Vocals Andrea Baraldi – Guitars Michele Perla – Guitars Luca Marmi – Bass Nicholas Badiali – Drums
With a career stretching from their early beginnings in 2005 to their present incarnation, Karmian have become one of the most distinctive voices of Italian melodic death metal, known for merging aggression, drama, and conceptual storytelling. Their upcoming full-length marks their most mature and introspective work to date, deepening the psychological and existential focus that has defined their evolution.
For fans of: The Haunted, Kataklysm, Heaven Shall Burn, At The Gates, early Dark Tranquillity, and early In Flames.
LIK, the modern-day purveyors of classic Swedish death metal, return to glorious action with a video for “They.” Taken from their latest full-length Necro, which was released last April via Metal Blade Records, the video was directed by the band’s own Joakim Antman.
LIK will return to stages next March when they kick off the Necrofeeling Over Europe Tour 2026! The band comments, “In March and April we drag Necro across European soil, a procession of stinking, rotten, and unspeakable volume. Join the march or be buried beneath it.”
LIK Live – Necrofeeling Over Europe 2026: 3/26/2026 Brewgata – Oslo, NO 3/27/2026 Östgötaslakt – Linköping, SE 3/29/2026 Monument – Gothenburg, SE 3/31/2026 Voodoo – Warsaw, PL 4/01/2026 Zascianek – Krakow, PL 4/03/2026 Kabinet Muz – Brno, CZ 4/04/2026 Modra Vopize – Prague, CZ 4/05/2026Dark Easter MetalMeeting – Munich, DE 4/07/2026 Urban Spree – Berlin, DE 4/09/2026 Stengade – Copenhagen, DK 4/11/2026 BD Riots – Borlänge, SE 4/12/2026 Kollektivet Livet – Stockholm, SE
Other festivals: 8/14-15/2026 Blasphemy Festival – Slnečné Skaly, SK
Standing loud and proud over so many imitators, LIK’s Necro is the musical equivalent of a classic shock-horror movie that’s drenched in blood and gore and packed with over-the-top extremities. Delve beyond the zombified cover art created by Stockholm-based tattooist and artist Jens Olsson (Ink Fanatics), Necro serves as a reminder of just how special and exciting the genre is: packed with blood-curdling fantasy stories about war, death, zombies, world apocalypse and murder all stacked with disgustingly-good rotten riffs.
Once again using uber-producer Lawrence Mackrory (Meshuggah, Katatonia, High Parasite, Decapitated), all music was recorded live over a three-day period, before vocalist/guitarist Tomas Åkvik headed to Uppsala to record his vocals at Mackrory’s Rorysound Studios. Mackrory has worked with LIK – whose name translates to “corpse” in Swedish, since their 2015 debut Mass Funeral Evocation and throughout their Metal Blade Records’ career that started with 2018’s Carnage.
Within Necro‘s ten tracks, LIK has created a seamless album, diverse in tempo but without losing any of their blood-soaked intensity and relentless in-your-face attitude listeners have come to expect. There are twists and turns that keep LIK on a progressive path without straying from their old-school trademark sounds inspired by the godfathers Dismember, At The Gates and of course, Entombed.
“We didn’t really want to repeat ourselves, but of course we wanted the LIK sound,” explains Åkvik on the writing trajectory of Necro.
LIK: Tomas Åkvik – vocals, guitar Niklas “Nille” Sandin – guitar Chris Barkensjö – drums Joakim Antman – bass
Helsinki-based progressive melodic death metal band NUMENTO unleashes their new single “Wrath” from their upcoming EP, a relentless, hard-hitting track exploring the dark side of human nature. Inspired by people forming abusive “relationships” with AI chatbots, the lyrics take the abuser’s perspective to question empathy, control, and violence in the digital age.
Listen to the single on music services: (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music etc.) – https://push.fm/fl/numento-wrath
The band’s guitarists, Atte Asikainen and Aleksi Vehmassalo, tell a bit more about the new single. Aleksi states the following about composing and producing the song: “We started writing the song with the idea of making Numento’s heaviest song to date, one that would showcase our death metal influences. That’s what the song turned out to be, but we also added a few clean vocal phrases, albeit doubled with growls. Still, the song is our most aggressive song to date.”
Atte Asikainen continues about the production: “We continued the production together with German producer Chris Herrle to ensure that the world-class quality and impact familiar from our third album would also be present in the new music. However, this time we used less synths and focused more on the core sound of the band.”
01. Wrath
Composers: Atte Asikainen, Katri Hiovain-Asikainen, Simo Mattila, Aleksi Vehmassalo, Mikko Virtanen
BLOOD OF ANGELS returns with their powerful new single “Minds of the Broken,” offering a gripping preview of their upcoming concept album Les Agnst ov Thanatou. Known for their dynamic fusion of melodic death metal, blackened atmospheres, and thought provoking lyrical themes, the band continues to expand their creative vision while delivering the intensity that has earned them international acclaim.
Their forthcoming album was written during a period marked by uncertainty, isolation, and widespread loss, and its emotional gravity can be felt throughout every track. Les Agnst ov Thanatou explores the universal human struggle with mortality, the rituals surrounding death, and the emotional aftermath that binds the living to the departed.
Each song examines a different aspect of how we experience grief and the ways death shapes the human psyche. From orchestral tension to dissonant melodic textures, the album blends brutality with introspection and dives into new musical terrain for the band.
“Minds of the Broken,” written by vocalist Randy Reyes, focuses on the internal devastation carried by soldiers returning from the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. Reyes drew inspiration from friends who survived the battlefield yet continue to struggle with the psychological toll of war. The song captures insomnia, survivor’s guilt, and the haunting memories of fallen comrades.
Crushing riffs collide with tense, atmospheric passages that mirror the instability of a mind fighting battles long after the war has ended. Percussion patterns evoke the sudden shock of flashbacks while layered melodies summon memories that refuse to fade. Reyes delivers a vocal performance shaped by despair, anger and the quiet torment of those living with invisible scars.
The album was tracked at Underground Studios in Tampa, Florida with engineer Bob Noxious, whose punk background added a fresh edge to the recording process. Mixing was handled by Preston DiCarlo at Mastersound Studios and the final mastering touch was completed at Soundlab Studios in New York City, giving the record its polished and immersive sound.
“Minds of the Broken” stands as one of the most emotionally charged moments on Les Agnst ov Thanatou, a reminder that some battles never truly end. BLOOD OF ANGELS invites listeners to confront the darkest corners of the human experience and to emerge transformed. The full album is set for release in the summer of 2026.
“After 12 years in Arch Enemy, we have parted ways. I am forever thankful to the thousands of amazing fans I have met along the way. Thank you, Beastlings! I can’t wait to share what I have been working on with you all (with some big surprises in store). Stay tuned for big news in 2026 and see you very soon.”
From Alissa White-Gluz Facebook, regarding her new solo music video:
“I hope you love this first offering from my upcoming solo album. You can watch the whole video on my YouTube Channel.”
“The Room Where She Died is a song that feels truly satisfying to me; like I get to express myself in so many ways that have been dormant for years. This upcoming album is diverse; and I love the idea of opening up this new chapter with this song and video, which I wrote the script for.”
“Can’t wait to share more with you!”
The Room Where She Died by Alissa White-Gluz and Oliver Palotai
Vocals performed, recorded and written by Alissa White-Gluz Music by Oliver Palotai Video script by Alissa White-Gluz Video by iCode
Watch Alissa White-Gluz perform in her newly released music video for her new solo song “The Room Where She Died” here: https://youtu.be/MvnKywEnTZI
Photographer: João Fitas (@joao.fitas) L-R – Bruno Martins (Bass), Daniel Rodrigues (Drums), Ricardo Pereira (Lead Vocals), Pedro Quelhas (Guitar), Luís Dias (Guitar)
Cover EP Angels, Blood And Enemies Out In Feb 2026
Portuguese melodic death metal force Moonshade has unveiled their latest single, a thunderous, emotionally charged cover of Stromae & Pomme’s “Ma Meilleure Ennemie.”Accompanied by a lyric video, the track will be featured on their upcoming three-song EP,Angels, Blood And Enemies, set for release in February 2026.
Inspired by an unforgettable scene from the Netflix series Arcane, Moonshade’s cover strips away the original’s trip-hop shell and rebuilds it with their signature blend of epic, brutal, and atmospheric metal. The band’s connection to Arcane and League of Legends runs deep, with members Pedro and Ricardo being longtime Stromae fans.
Watch the lyric video for “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” created by Jöel Martins from Titanforged Productions (Wolfheart, Analepsy, Dark Oath).
“We annoyed the rest of the band to exhaustion to make this cover happen. But they’re always tolerant of our eccentricities, and now we have a metal version of this brilliant Belgian trip-hop artist. We wanted to highlight the song’s emotional intensity using our own sonic palette. We’ve never done covers before, and there’s probably not much overlap between our fanbase and Stromae’s. But we had fun, we’re proud of it, and that’s what matters. Moonshade’s fans are open-minded and adventurous, traits that make this cover EP a natural fit,” says vocalist Ricardo Pereira, who also performs clean vocals alongside drummer Daniel, adding layers to the song’s theme of love-hate duality.
The single’s artwork, designed by Rui Carneiro (Lorna Shore, Polaris, Chelsea Grin), draws from Guido Reni’s Archangel Michael Defeating Satan, visually anchoring the EP’s title, Angels, Blood And Enemies. Carneiro also created the remaining two artworks for the EP, whose tracklist remains a mystery for now.
With Angels, Blood And Enemies,Moonshade invites fans into a new chapter, one of fearless reinterpretation, emotional depth, and genre-defying creativity.
If you love Insomnium, Heaven Shall Burn, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, or Omnium Gatherum, Moonshade’s sound will feel like home.
The neoclassical melodic death force BURNED IN EFFIGY has released the official music video for “The Racking,” the third single off their forthcoming new album, Tyrannus Aeternum.
The world premiere for the official music video for “The Racking” comes via The Circle Pit. Watch the video now at this location.
Rising from the heart of the Midwest metal scene, this Chicago-based quintet has announced a fall release for their much-anticipated second full-length, Tyrannus Aeternum. Following the 2022 release of their debut album, Rex Mortem, BURNED IN EFFIGY has sharpened their sound to a lethal edge. The result is an 11-track onslaught that blends the band’s skillful musicianship and technicality with volcanic brutality.
Tracklist:
1) Befouled Benefaction
2) Retribution
3) Masquerade
4) Procession
5) Wage of Exile
6) Sacrificial Seance
7) Monstrosity Reborn
8) Gallows Hymn
9) The Racking
10) Crown Crusher
11) Citadel
Line-up:
Mark “Smedy” Smedbron – Vocals Steve Bacakos – Guitar Mike Hisson – Guitar Matt Watkins – Bass Eddie Dec – Drums
Tyrannus Aeternum was recorded at Beal Audio and Bricktop Recording, with production, engineering and mixing by Jordan Beal. Orchestration and keyboards on the album were provided by Graham Southern. Album artwork by Timon Kokott.
Finnish melodic death metal band Bloody Moon is set to release their second studio album Lost & Damned on October 31st 2025 via Inverse Records. The third single “I’ll Torn ‘Em Apart” is unleashed today and the music video is available here: https://youtu.be/XBsHpi7YNBU
“I’ll Torn ‘Em Apart is one of the first songs we composed for the upcoming album. It’s arguably the most intense track on the record, both musically and lyrically, the title alone speaks of tearing things to pieces. The lyrics capture that extreme rush of adrenaline you can only experience while performing live on stage.
BassistNisse Nurminenshares: “This one’s never boring to play, there’s definitely no shortage of energy. Also, the track features a 5-string bass on the album, which we used to bring more depth to the song. We spent a while searching for the right bass tone, and once we found it, I was finally able to lay down the take.”
BIOGRAPHY: Bloody Moon is a metal band from Laitila, Finland, that has been active since 2021. The band’s music is characterized by tearing riffs and catchy choruses, accompanied by a thunderous rhythm section.
On their latest album Lost & Damned, these ingredients come together to create a tight and energetic whole that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
Intense Indifference, the latest full-length from Swedish melodic death/thrash metal outfit VITTRA, is out today!
Intense Indifference follows VITTRA’s critically lauded debut, Blasphemy Blues, released in 2022, and centers on one’s own emotional journey, soul searching while simultaneously fighting an inner battle, all while presenting an untroubled, almost indifferent attitude. Inevitably, it all cracks.
In celebration of the release, the band has unleashed a video for opening track, “MOFO.” Comments guitarist Johan Murmester, “‘MOFO’ is the opening track of the new album and it sort of sets the tone for the whole creation. You got some thrash, death, and folk music vibes, and that music is about having fun!
“In the building where the recording studio is located,” he continues, “there used to be a research lab, now abandoned, that to some extend has turned into a film studio, where they do all sorts of movies and TV series. We got the opportunity to explore this environment with the amazing Snovonne during two days and the outcome is the video for ‘MOFO!’”
Watch the band’s previously released video for “The Leap” HERE.
Intense Indifference was recorded and engineered by Simon Johansson (Soilwork, Wolf), produced by Johan Murmester, and mixed and mastered by Lawrence Mackrory (Lik, Bloodbath, Katatonia).
The record includes several guest appearances including John Lönnmyr (Night Flight Orchestra) who adds piano to “Transylvanian Buffet,” Bastian Thusgaard (Soilwork) who contributes the shaker on “Burn(h)er” and vibra-slap on “Transylvanian Buffet,” and Linus Öhrn (Valkyrja) who contributes backing vocals on several tracks. Cover art for Intense Indifference was created by Hjules (Accept, Destruction, Jungle Rot) and based on his own interpretations of the record’s lyrics.
Intense Indifference is available on LP and digital formats. Stream/order the record at THIS LOCATION.
Intense Indifference – Track Listing:
1. MOFO
2. Reign Supreme
3. Burn(h)er
4. Transylvanian Buffet
5. Soul Searcher
6. The Leap
7. Bound By Blood
8. Hate
9. End To It
10. Piece By Piece
VITTRA: Alex Smith – drums David Döragrip – vocals Gustav Svensson – bass Johan Murmester – guitars Lars Elofsson – lead guitar
Originally called Vildvittra, based on the characters created by Astrid Lindgren as part of Ronja Rövardotter [Swedish for Ronia, The Robber’s Daughter, a children’s fantasy book first published in 1981], their name later evolved into VITTRA, inspired by the mythical creatures appearing in Swedish folk stories. And while Swedish folk is a recurring theme weaving in and out of their music, the band is firmly rooted in melodic death and thrash metal in the vein of At The Gates, Dissection, and Megadeth.
Chicago (IL) – Long-running Blackened Melodic Death Metal quartet, Withering Soul, are set to release their fifth album, Passage of the Arcane, November 14 on Liminal Dread Productions!
Passage of the Arcane is a convergence of blackened atmospheres and sweeping song structures. A mystifying journey that exceeds boundaries while remaining fun and exciting. The overall theme of the album involves human experiences traversing into cursed oblivion. Each song explores its own story, ranging from unexplained disappearances to the supernatural.
While variation is abundant within the soundscapes, it is with a cohesive direction. Each chapter takes on its own “passage” through channels of cursed lore and harrowing experiences of the past. A seamless balance of crushingly heavy riffs and chilling melodies.
The album’s first single, “Attrition Horizon,” is available at: youtu.be/3PG2Ul77B_A
FFO: Dark Fortress, Windir, Hypocrisy, Dissection, God Dethroned.
Track Listing:
Intro
Attrition Horizon
Grievance Eludes the Light
The Monolith Embodied
Gallery of the End
Trajectory
Among Covetous Eyes
Burden of the Valiant
Credits:
Guest guitar solo on “Trajectory” by Nick “Exhul” Morgan. | Drums recorded and engineered by Vince Ippolito at Swift Road Studios. | Album mixed and mastered by Dennis Israel at Clintworks Audio. | Cover art by Adam Burke / Nightjar Illustration.
Photo Credit: Dark Oracle Arts
Line-up:
Christopher – Vocals, Guitar Frank G. – Guitar Joel – Bass Guitar Rick – Drums
Cold Flare Eternal, the new full-length from Finnish melodic death metal veterans BEFORE THE DAWN, is out now on Reaper Entertainment!
A work of stark contrasts and emotional depth, Cold Flare Eternal blends crushing heaviness with soaring melancholy, delivering a sound both devastating and deeply human. It’s an album shaped by clarity of vision, cinematic atmosphere, and the unmistakable Scandinavian sense of darkness and beauty.
Released alongside the album is the powerful new video for the track “Stronghold.” Comments the band, “It’s like a punch in the face delivered with love and powered with anvil heavy guitars, profoundly massive growls, hammering drums, and beyond epic melody. That is ‘Stronghold;’ the musical embodiment of straightforward bone bounding metal.”
Watch BEFORE THE DAWN’s video for “Stronghold” HERE.
Watch BEFORE THE DAWN’s previously released video for “Fatal Design” HERE, “As Above, So Below” HERE, “Stellar Effect” HERE, and “Shockwave” HERE.
Cold Flare Eternal weaves together massive riffs, introspective melodies, and a haunting emotional weight that lingers long after the final note fades. After the band’s celebrated return with Stormbringers and a year of intense touring, Cold Flare Eternal is more than a followup, it’s a statement of purpose. A record that doesn’t just demand to be heard but be felt.
Recorded once again at guitarist Juho Räihä’s studio, the album brings together crushing heaviness, soaring melodies, and the atmospheric beauty of Finland’s dark landscapes.
Cold Flare Eternal features core art by Gogo Melone (Wolfheart, Insomnium, Xandria, Omnium Gatherum) and is available on CD, LP, and digital formats.
BEFORE THE DAWN will join Wolfheart for an extensive European tour later this month. Tickets are available at btdmetal.com. See all confirmed dates below.
BEFORE THE DAWNw/ Wolfheart, Suotana, Full House Brew Crew: 9/20/2025 Koba Live – Abadiño, ES ** 9/21/2025 Revi Live – Madrid, ES ** 9/22/2025 Wolf, Barcelona – ES ** 9/25/2025 De Helling – Utrecht, NL 9/26/2025 Kulturwerk – Herford, DE 9/27/2025 Kubana – Siegburg, DE 9/29/2025 Backstage By The Mill – Paris, FR 9/30/2025 DVG Club – Kortrjik, BE 10/01/2025 Logo – Hamburg, DE 10/02/2025 Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE 10/03/2025 Turock – Essen, DE 10/04/2025 Café Central – Weinheim, DE 10/05/2025 Analog Music Hall – Budapest, HU 10/06/2025 Klub Zaścianek – Krakow, PL 10/07/2025 Collosseum – Košice, SK 10/08/2025 Rock Café – Prague, CZ 10/09/2025 Orto Bar – Ljubljana SI 10/10/2025 Slaughter Club – Milan, IT 10/11/2025 Chollerhalle – Zug, CH 10/12/2025 Club Vaudeville – Lindau, DE 10/13/2025 Backstage – Munich, DE ** BEFORE THE DAWN + Wolfheart only
BEFORE THE DAWN – Finnish Headlining Dates: 9/05/2025 Tavastia – Helsinki, FI 9/06/2025 Olympia – Tampere, FI 9/13/2025 Möysän Musaklubi – Lahti, FI 10/24/2025 Logomo Teatro – Turku, FI 10/25/2025 House of Rock – Kouvola, FI 11/07/2025 Monde – Rovaniemi, FI 11/08/2025 Kantakrouvi – Oulu, FI
BEFORE THE DAWN: Tuomas Saukkonen – guitar Paavo Laapotti – vocals Juho Räihä – guitar Pyry Hanski – bass
The official release of Band Of Brothers, the new full-length from Finnish melodic death metal force WARMEN, is out now via Reaper Entertainment! The highly anticipated record highlights a new peak in the band’s evolution fusing cinematic atmospheres, razor-sharp riffs, and unrelenting aggression into their most intense and cohesive work to date.
To celebrate the release, WARMEN has also dropped a new video for the track “Untouched,” showcasing their signature blend of melody and ferocity in full force.
The band comments, “With Band Of Brothers, we’re taking things to the next level, heavier, tighter, and more united than ever before. This album is a true reflection of who WARMEN are today, a real band of brothers. We poured everything into these songs, and we’re proud to finally share it with the world.”
Watch the band’s previously released video for “Band Of Brothers” HEREand “Nine Lives” HERE.
WARMEN’s Band Of Brothers was recorded at various locations across Finland and refined by Mikko Karmila (mixing) and Mika Jussila (mastering) at the legendary Finnvox Studios. Frontman Petri Lindroos (Ensiferum) delivers aggressive vocals and distinctive guitar solos, adding new energy and helping to define the band’s modern sound. The cover artwork was once again created by Aleh Zieliankievic, who also worked on Here For None.
WARMEN’s Band Of Brothers is available on CD, LP and digital formats. Find orders HERE.
Band Of Brothers – Track Listing:
1. Band Of Brothers
2. One More Year
3. Nine Lives
4. When Doves Cry Blood
5. Out For Blood
6. Kingdom Of Rust
7. March Or Die
8. Untouched
9. Coup De Grâce
10. Dethroned
11. The Kiss Of Judas (Stratovarius Cover)
WARMEN: Janne “Warman” Wirman – keyboards Petri Lindroos – vocals Antti “Warman” Wirman – guitar Jyri Helko – bass Seppo Tarvainen – drums
The neoclassical melodic death force known as BURNED IN EFFIGY is set to unleash their newest razor-edged assault.
Rising from the heart of the Midwest metal scene, this Chicago-based quintet has announced a fall release for their much-anticipated second full-length, Tyrannus Aeternum. Following the 2022 release of their debut album, Rex Mortem, BURNED IN EFFIGY has sharpened their sound to a lethal edge. The result is an 11-track onslaught that blends the band’s skillful musicianship and technicality with volcanic brutality.
An early glimpse into the conceptual and sonic intensity of Tyrannus Aeternum comes with the album’s first single, “Befouled Benefaction.”
Tyrannus Aeternum is set for release on October 31. Pre-orders are coming soon.
Track-list:
1) Befouled Benefaction
2) Retribution
3) Masquerade
4) Procession
5) Wage of Exile
6) Sacrificial Seance
7) Monstrosity Reborn
8) Gallows Hymn
9) The Racking
10) Crown Crusher
11) Citadel
Tyrannus Aeternum was recorded at Beal Audio and Bricktop Recording, with production, engineering and mixing by Jordan Beal. Orchestration and keyboards on the album were provided by Graham Southern. Album artwork by Timon Kokott.
Line-up:
Mark “Smedy” Smedbron – Vocals Steve Bacakos – Guitar Mike Hisson – Guitar Matt Watkins – Bass Eddie Dec – Drums
Band Bio:
BURNED IN EFFIGY’s roots date back to 2017. In January 2022, the band independently released its debut album Rex Mortem, which was highly acclaimed by leading heavy music media and led to the band sharing the stage with iconic acts such as ORBIT CULTURE, OBSCURA, and REVOCATION.
A must for listeners of acts such as THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER and INFERI, with the band’s attention to virtuosity and intensity in equal measure, the effort and accomplishment of the band’s debut led to being talent scouted. With work on the band’s sophomore album complete, BURNED IN EFFIGY aims to take its signature melodic death metal sound across the US, and in time, the world. The search for total conquest continues.
Finnish melodic death metal outfit WARMEN are pleased to unveil their latest single, “Nine Lives.” The track comes by way of their upcoming album Band Of Brothers, due out on August 15th via Reaper Entertainment.
Following the melodic and anthemic title track, “Nine Lives” takes things to a heavier and more aggressive level blending razor-sharp riffs, blistering drums, and Petri Lindroos’ unmistakable growls into a relentless sonic assault. The song demonstrates WARMEN’s ability to push their sound into darker, more extreme territory without losing the signature melodies that define them.
The single once again proves that Band Of Brothers is shaping up to be the most intense and cohesive album in WARMEN’s career; a record that blends cinematic atmosphere with raw aggression and precision.
Watch WARMEN’s “Nine Lives” video HERE. Stream the track HERE.
Watch the band’s previously released video for “Band Of Brothers” HERE.
WARMEN’s Band Of Brothers was recorded at various locations across Finland and refined by Mikko Karmila (mixing) and Mika Jussila (mastering) at the legendary Finnvox Studios. Frontman Petri Lindroos (Ensiferum) delivers aggressive vocals and distinctive guitar solos, adding new energy and helping to define the band’s modern sound. The cover artwork was once again created by Aleh Zieliankievic, who also worked on Here For None.
WARMEN’s Band Of Brothers will be released on CD, LP (including Splatter and limited Crystal Yellow Vinyl), and digital formats. Find exclusive bundles featuring brand new WARMEN merch and more at warmen-band.com/products.
Band Of Brothers – Track Listing:
1. Band Of Brothers
2. One More Year
3. Nine Lives
4. When Doves Cry Blood
5. Out For Blood
6. Kingdom Of Rust
7. March Or Die
8. Untouched
9. Coup De Grâce
10. Dethroned
11. The Kiss Of Judas (Stratovarius Cover)
WARMEN: Janne “Warman” Wirman – keyboards Petri Lindroos – vocals Antti “Warman” Wirman – guitar Jyri Helko – bass Seppo Tarvainen – drums
Cold Flare Eternal Full-Length To See Release September 5th Via Reaper Entertainment
Finnish melodic death metal giants BEFORE THE DAWN will release their new studio album, Cold Flare Eternal, on September 5th via Reaper Entertainment.
Today the band unveils latest single, “Stellar Effect,” and its accompanying video. “Stellar Effect” is more than just a single, it’s a haunting anthem for those who walk the line between darkness and light. A sonic journey through sorrow, strength, and self-reflection.
Comments guitarist Tuomas Saukkonen, “‘Stellar Effect’ is a perfect combination of oldschool BEFORE THE DAWN and the band we are in 2025, somber gothic metal influences colliding with melodic death metal grandeur. Also, this song truly underlines the massive range that [vocalist] Paavo [Laapotti] has with his vocals.”
Watch BEFORE THE DAWN’s “Stellar Effect” video HERE. Stream the track HERE.
Watch BEFORE THE DAWN’s previously released video for “Fatal Design” HERE and “As Above, So Below” HERE.
“To create, one must destroy.” This has long been the guiding mantra of Tuomas Saukkonen, one of Finland’s most prolific and influential metal musicians. Over the past two decades, he has shaped the scene through projects like Wolfheart, Dawn Of Solace, and of course, BEFORE THE DAWN.
Following their critically acclaimed Stormbringers full-length in 2023, Cold Flare Eternal captures the momentum of a band reborn. Recorded once again at guitarist Juho Räihä’s studio, the album brings together crushing heaviness, soaring melodies, and the atmospheric beauty of Finland’s dark landscapes.
With Cold Flare Eternal, BEFORE THE DAWN delivers a masterclass in modern melodic death metal – raw, refined, and deeply resonant; an intense, emotional, and atmospheric journey into the depths of Nordic metal.
Cold Flare Eternal features core art by Gogo Melone (Wolfheart, Insomnium, Xandria, Omnium Gatherum) and will be available on CD, LP, and digital formats.
BEFORE THE DAWN: Tuomas Saukkonen – guitar Paavo Laapotti – vocals Juho Räihä – guitar Pyry Hanski – bass
BEFORE THE DAWN will join Wolfheart for an extensive European tour this Fall. Tickets are available at btdmetal.com. See all confirmed dates below.
BEFORE THE DAWN w/ Wolfheart, Suotana, Full House Brew Crew: 9/20/2025 Koba Live – Abadiño, ES ** 9/21/2025 Revi Live – Madrid, ES ** 9/22/2025 Wolf, Barcelona – ES * 9/25/2025 De Helling – Utrecht, NL 9/26/2025 Kulturwerk – Herford, DE 9/27/2025 Kubana – Siegburg, DE 9/29/2025 Backstage By The Mill – Paris, FR 10/01/2025 Logo – Hamburg, DE 10/02/2025 Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE 10/03/2025 Turock – Essen, DE 10/04/2025 Café Central – Weinheim, DE 10/05/2025 Analog Music Hall – Budapest, HU 10/06/2025 Klub Zaścianek – Krakow, PL 10/07/2025 Collosseum – Košice, SK 10/08/2025 Rock Café – Prague, CZ 10/09/2025 Orto Bar – Ljubljana SI 10/10/2025 Slaughter Club – Milan, IT 10/11/2025 Chollerhalle – Zug, CH 10/12/2025 Club Vaudeville – Lindau, DE 10/13/2025 Backstage – Munich, DE ** BEFORE THE DAWN + Wolfheart only
BEFORE THE DAWN – Finnish Headlining Dates: 6/20/2025 Nummirock Festival – Kauhajoki, FI * 9/05/2025 Tavastia – Helsinki, FI 9/06/2025 Olympia – Tampere, FI 9/13/2025 Möysän Musaklubi – Lahti, FI 10/24/2025 Logomo Teatro – Turku, FI 10/25/2025 House of Rock – Kouvola, FI 11/07/2025 Monde – Rovaniemi, FI 11/08/2025 Kantakrouvi – Oulu, FI
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
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
Following the haunting release of “Seaweed Braids” Italian all-female melodic death metal band Hellfox returns with a powerful new chapter: “Atlas,” the second single from their upcoming album The Spectrum Of Human Gravity, due out via Rockshots Records.
Combining heavy melodic death metal foundations with modern textures and acidic synths, “Atlas” is a crushing and introspective anthem. Lyrically, the song draws on the myth of the Titan condemned to bear the weight of the sky; a metaphor for the emotional burdens we carry and the silent expectations imposed by society. “We have no control over what happens around us,” the band explains, “but letting go of that weight may be the most liberating act of all.”
Hellfox’s music thrives on contrast: dual female vocals (melodic and growled), distorted layers, and atmospheric electronics merge into an emotional and immersive sound. With influences ranging from Amorphis and In Flames to Dark Tranquillity, the band has forged a distinctive identity that breaks away from traditional tropes, embracing vulnerability, rage, beauty, and discomfort in equal measure.
Cover art by Eva Marabotti
The Spectrum of Human Gravity” is a conceptual journey into the depths of the human psyche. It explores difficult yet universal emotions of loneliness, self-doubt and alienation, through allegorical storytelling and striking visual metaphors. Each song gives voice to a different “face of the self,” capturing the chaos and coherence that define our inner worlds.
With “Atlas“, Hellfox once again demonstrates their ability to balance emotional weight with sonic power, delivering a track that is as crushing as it is cathartic.
Hellfox Line Up: Greta Hammonia Antico: vocals Priscilla Poe Foresti: bass and vocals Gloria Naflekt Kaps: guitars Federica Fedi Piscopo: drums
TRACK LISTING:
Nautilus – Seaweed Braids
Empty
Water On The Ceiling
Pareidolia
Atlas
Six Times Lighter
The Centipede
The Warrior, The Child, The Healer
Voices
To celebrate the release ofThe Spectrum of Human Gravity, HELLFOX will perform a series of live shows. Dates have already been announced, and many more are on the way. Stay tuned for a full tour schedule that will soon be revealed!
06/06/2025 – Release Party at Dedolor Music Headquarters, Rovellasca (Co), Italy 07/06/2025 – with Folkstone and Vallorch at Tatoo Nerd Fest / Fiera di Parma, Italy 07/07/2025 – with Broken By The Scream at the Legend Club, Milan, Italy 18/07/2025 – with Genus Ordinis Dei at Have A Drink On Me Day 5 Fest, Brembate di Sopra (Bg,) Italy
CREDITS: Recorded at Eden Studio by Alessio Lucatti Mixed and Mastered by Domination Studio by Simone Mularoni. Cover art by Eva Marabotti.
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