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.
Following their acclaimed comeback Here For None (2023), WARMEN turns the page with Band Of Brothers, their most powerful and cohesive album to date, set for release on August 15th via Reaper Entertainment.
In 2025, WARMEN presents themselves heavier, tighter, and more determined than ever before. The new record combines brutal heaviness, anthemic melodies, and cinematic atmosphere cementing the band’s evolution from a side project to a fully-fledged force in melodic death metal. “We really wrote this album together,” says band founder Janne “Warman” Wirman. “It feels like a real band, a true band of brothers.”
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.
The first single, the title track “Band Of Brothers,” will play a central role in the band’s 2025 live set. Following the album release, WARMEN will embark on an extensive touring schedule across Europe, including debut shows in Hungary and Switzerland, as well as a major headlining tour in Finland. The official album launch will kick off with a special release show at Summer Breeze Open Air on August 15th.
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
Saty tuned for more on WARMEN’s Band Of Brothers to be announced in the weeks to come.
The theme of the album revolves around the title, as it explores the mindset of a person who has been pushed to the edge mentally, with no way out. The lyrics, as usual, touch on the darker side of life, but also address the current state of the world. The compositions on the album are somewhat darker than those on the previous release, Shattered. There is also a song on the album, titled “The Creator,” which is a bit different from the band’s usual style. Falling From Grace‘s characteristic energy and aggression are also present on this release.
At The Edge combines various genres of metal, with a focus on groove metal and melodic death metal. The songwriting is once again handled by the band’s guitarist Timi Tonteri.
Nils Courbaron (Sirenia, Bloodorn, T.A.N.K.) is featured on the album’s last track “The Creator.”
“With At The Edge, we’ve taken a step forward from the last album and incorporated elements we haven’t used before. The timing of the album release is perfect, with Tuska Festival just around the corner, where we will also perform.”
Album cover by Sami Leppäaho
Falling From Grace – At The Edge – Track list:
1. At The Edge 2. Final Hour 3. Downfall 4. Egoistic 5. Poseur 6. Crawling Back To The Dark 7. The Abyss 8. Shadow 9. Revolt Unleashed 10. The Creator
Melodic death band CHIAROSCURO has given release to their self-titled debut EP. Chiaroscuro showcases this young, Baltimore-based band’s ability to weave complexity, melody, and extremity into a cohesive, immersive experience.
“Chiaroscuro is a converging point of careful study and artistic impulse, conducted through an interpretation of melodic extreme metal forms” -Cassiopeia, vocalist/lyricist
Chiaroscuro is now available on digital and limited-edition CD via Unholy Anarchy Records.
The band is set to hit the road in support of the EP. Tour dates are as follows:
4/03 @ Bonk’s Bar – Philadelphia, PA (w/ Bastard Cross & Frog Myst) 4/04 @ Ralph’s Rock Diner – Worcester, MA (w/ Caregiver & The Outlourdes) 4/05 @ El Bunker Del Diablo – Queens, NY (Del Diablo Fest) 4/06 @ Quinnz Pinz – Middletown, NY (w/ Grave Heist & Ape Metro) 4/07 @ Wax Atlas – Baltimore, MD (w/ Fear Agent & Julia Set)
Vocalist/lyricist Cassiopeia and guitarist/songwriter Nick Temoshok met during their brief stint in a local Baltimore band. The two soon pulled away from that project in a vie for a firm establishment of their collective creative endeavors.
Thus came CHIAROSCURO, by way of a self-produced demo quietly released in 2024. A full live ensemble was arranged shortly thereafter, playing multiple shows in and around the Baltimore area.
CHIAROSCURO: Cassiopeia: Vocals Nick Temoshok: Guitars/songwriting Adam Smith: Percussion Ben Baris: Bass Clay Baucom: live rhythm guitarist
Drums for Chiaroscuro were recorded at The Sludge Factory in Baltimore, MD, with vocal tracking done at Eternal Rapture Studio. The EP was produced by Wes Walker at Eternal Rapture Studio in Aberdeen, MD.
Art by George Cruikshank, of “The Drunkard’s Children” series, Plate VIII (1848) “The Maniac Father and the Convict Brother are Gone — The Poor Girl, Homeless, Friendless, Deserted, Destitute, and Gin Mad, Commits Self Murder.”
Apocryphal sign to The Circle Music for the release of their first album since 1999’s “Black Dreams of Silence”
Melodic death metal outfit Apocryphal have signed to The Circle Music for the release of their new album, and their first since the 1999 debut Black Dreams of Silence. The new album will feature the powerhouse vocals of Soilwork‘s legendary frontman, Björn “Speed” Strid.
After crafting ten tracks of pure melodic death metal mayhem, Apocryphal knew they needed the perfect voice to bring their vision to life. Enter Björn “Speed” Strid, whose aggressive yet melodic delivery has cemented him as one of the genre’s most respected vocalists.
“All we needed was a singer to complete the line-up and take this LP to another level,” says the band. “Finally, the mighty Björn “Speed” Strid completed the line-up and recorded the vocals for the upcoming album.“
The album is now ready, boasting stunning cover artwork by Valnoir of Metastazis and mastered at Skull Tone Studios by Nino Helfric.
The band said: “Our new album may come as a surprise to those who know us, but all the ingredients that make us unique are there. Perhaps less atmospheric, but more effective, the mix of melody and aggression will make every song stick in your head from the first time you listen to it.”
“We are convinced that our decision is the best one to spread our next LP worldwide,” added Apocryphal. “The Circle Music is the perfect record label for our new start.”
Formed in 1992 as Post At Funerals, Apocryphal found their current name and sound by 1994. Their early releases, including the 1995 demo From Depths, showcased their blend of death metal, atmospheric, and progressive influences. After a period of inactivity following the release of their 1999 album Black Dreams Of Silence, the band reformed in 2022 and their new album is set for release in 2024.
Philadelphia’s MALPHAS return with the second single/video off their sophomore full-length. Listen to “Leviathan’s Moonlit Sanctum” at all streaming/download platforms now. In addition, the band has also premiered a new music video HERE .
“Leviathan’ marks the point in the story where Malphas returns to the real world. He and his demons murder the power elite figures on the island, but then travel to a nearby village and subjugate the people there,” explains singer/guitarist Paul DeSanctis. “The main character has a vision where he sees a demonic totalitarian government on the other side of the portal; he realizes he’s left the door wide open for them to take over.”
Both songs continue the tale and concept revolving around the demon Malphas and his encounters with people in life and death that the melodic death/black metal band began telling on their debut ‘The 39th Spirit’ released on Poland’s Via Nocturna in 2018.
’Portal’ takes place chronologically two hundred years prior to the events of ‘The 39th Spirit,’ explains Paul. “The album explores new themes like politics, economics, and historical events in fleshing out how the dystopian world in ‘The 39th Spirit’ comes to be.
‘Portal’ was recorded, mixed and mastered by Chris Kelly (Ice Nine Kills, Baby Metal, Galactic Empire). The new album, ‘Portal,’ will be released on CD and digital platforms March 29th and is available for preorder now HERE.
About MALPHAS: Founded by Paul DeSanctis and drummer Eric Dunleavy in 2012, guitarist Damian DiFrancesco and bassist Joshua DeJesus joined the lineup in 2014 and 2019 respectively. Appealing to fans of CHILDREN OF BODOM, WINTERSUN, DIMMU BORGIR, SEPTIC FLESH, and IMMORTAL, MALPHAS produce a sound comprised of symphonic melodic death and black metal.
The band debuted with their EP The ‘Conjuring’ in 2015 followed by their first full-length, ‘The 39th Spirit’ in 2018. MALPHAS have toured Europe supporting Norway’s Keep of Kalessin and Finland’s Shade Empire, with US runs opening for Tengger Cavalry, Felix Martin, and Helsott.
Upcoming Record Release shows:
3/29 – Our Wicked Lady – Brooklyn, NY
3/30 – Record Release Show – The Nail – Ardmore, PA
International melodic death metal project ACT OF DENIAL has dropped the lyric video for their latest single ‘Unbury The Hatchet’, which bring you back to 90 and early 2000 with some old school Gothenburg vibe. The single has a new guest on drums, Eugene Ryabchenko (best known as drummer of FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE).
“We are extremely happy that we have a new song out after almost 3 years together with a new lyric video. Once again video is done by our buddy Wanderley Perna who did also our 1st lyric video for ‘Your Dark Desires’ from our debut album and he did an amazing job as always. Thx bro!!
We are also satisfied that we are recording again since it is very difficult for us at this point. People we are working with, are very busy already with their own bands and it is hard to find any time for some side projects. 1st album was made during Covid time when everyone was stuck at home, so they had time, now is completely different situation but somehow we’re still managing.
Also thanks every AOD fans and supporters for making this happen. What everyone is wondering and asking us lately, will there be a new album from AOD soon? Unfortunately I can’t confirm anything about that topic, as already said, some of the guys already started their tours or they will start it soon, but I can give a hint about a new song that is in the works with some cool guests, and not only 1 but a few, but we will leave that aside for now.
We will be updating all on our socials when time comes. Stay tuned, healthy and beautiful. As always Rock on!!”
Unbury The Hatchet’ line-up: Voi Cox – Lead guitar, programming Luger – Rhythm guitar Bjorn Speed Strid – Vocals, backing vocals Steve Di Giorgio – Fretless bass Eugene Ryabchenko – Drums John Lönnmyr – Keyboards
Echoes of the Future closes a trilogy that began with The Silent Witness, which explored the greatness and resilience of nature and the danger to which we submit its fragile balance, and the band’s second release The Negationist, developed in a present-day in which we refuse to see how the human being has affected and threatened that balance.
On Echoes of the Future AEOLIAN embarks on a journey through the next centuries and puts us in the shoes of our counterparts from a not-so-distant future who will guide us on a journey through the difficulties and great dilemmas of humanity to survive on an increasingly inhospitable planet.
Echoes of the Future was mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound studio.
Black Lion Records will release Echoes of the Future on November 10. Pre-order the album at: aeolianblacklion.bandcamp.com.
Tracklist: 1 – Hominis Obscura 2 – Dreams or Reality 3 – The Miracle 4 – Her Grief 5 – Like a Blackened Sun 6 – Into the Flames 7 – Lords of Greed 8 – Echoes of the Future 9 – Chronicles of the Fall
Guests musicians: Piano on “Her Grief” by Valentín Moldovan Trumpets on “Echoes of the Future” by Jaume Blàzquez Bonnín Speakers on Wastelands by Lea Tasala, Justus Toivonen, Katharina Suckfüll and Tony Christopher Martinson
WARMEN — the Finnish powerhouse featuring Janne Wirman (Children Of Bodom) — will unleash their Here For None full-length worldwide August 18th via ReaperEntertainment. In advance of the record’s release, today the band releases their second single, “Hell On Four Wheels.”
Bassist Jyri Helko comments on the track and accompanying video, “‘Hell On Four Wheels’ is a fast and furious combination of the new, heavier WARMEN and the older albums’ melodic style, including the Wirman brothers’ epic solo battle! We also shot WARMEN’s first real music video to this song. The camera was operated by Petri Inkinen of Guilty Visuals, and the director was non other than Ykä Järvinen, who is the man behind, for instance, Children Of Bodom’s classic videos ‘Downfall’ and ‘Sixpounder.’”
Watch WARMEN‘s “Hell On Four Wheels” video at THIS LOCATION. Stream the track on all major streaming platforms.
Watch WARMEN’s previously released video “Warmen Are Here For None” at THIS LOCATION.
“Here For None” will be released on vinyl, digipak CD, and digital formats. Find preorders at THIS LOCATION.
“Here For None” heralds a new era. True to the motto, “The king is dead, long live the king,” WARMEN is not only headed towards heavier shores musically due to the band’s updated lineup, but it can also be said with justification that WARMEN is taking on the musical legacy of Wirman’s former band in a spectacular way.
“I will always be Janne from Bodom. That’s okay with me. I’m happy about it and I don’t have to hide my past. I also see that as a positive thing for WARMEN,” Wirman notes of his good reputation and the attention he gets within the metal scene. Together with his brother Antti Wirman and longtime friend Jyri Helko, the trio has recuited Seppo Tarvainen on drums as well as Petri Lindroos (Ensiferum) on vocals to make “Here ForNone” a true masterpiece of melodic death metal.
WARMEN will present this legacy live at select events including a release show at this year’s Summer Breeze Open Air. Stand by for further details.
WARMEN: Janne Wirman – keyboards Petri Lindroos – vocals Antti Wirman – guitar Jyri Helko – bass Seppo Tarvainen – drums
Every path encounters a river too arduous to cross. Its flowing water wash away the burden and cleanses what cannot be carried away. What secrets could be unlocked, what could possible be discovered when one encounters the source?”
The positive reception of their debut serves as an impetus for the southern European group to continue to improve and present an even stronger sophomore album. AETHERIAN do not rest on their laurels. No sooner said than done.
In 2016 they recorded a new single alongside a video clip called “The Rain” which drew attention and signified the beginning of their journey. ”The Rain” made a huge impact in a very short time on social media and the underground scene, currently reaching 3.5 million views on YouTube.
Listening to “At Storm’s Edge”, one notices several things: the musicians individually act both more precisely and more playfully. At the same time, the group play sounds even more exciting and distinctive. Especially the majestic melodic guitar leads, the driving drumming and the throaty growls stand out.
In the compositional area AETHERIAN apply their storyteller approach variable and song-serving. Despite considerable playing times, the album’s eight tracks come across as focused and urgent. Acoustic accents and a fine feeling for special atmospheres additionally distinguish the playing of the five Greeks.
NEW ALBUM AT STORM’S EDGE JULY 14TH
The second full length of the band from Athens is called “At Storm’s Edge” and was recorded at Devasoundz studios and produced by Fotis Benardo (Nightfall, ex- Septic Flesh). AETHERIAN are not content with a spectator role on the sidelines, but pushes forward into the center in every respect and goes into full swing. Melo-Death fans beware – don’t be caught off guard again!
TRACK LIST:
Forgotten Oaths Army of Gaia ΠΥΡ ΑΕΝΑΟΝ At Storm’s Edge Advent Dreams Astral Breath Soulriver Starlit Shores
Italian melodic death metallers CULTØ have launched their new lyric video of “Frost”. The song is featured on the band’s debut album, “Of the Sun”, out now via Time To Kill Records. Watch the clip HERE or below:
CULTØ was born from an idea of mastermind Dave, who, in a very short time span, nmanaged to put together a line-up made up of well-known musicians from the Lombardy underground scene (Ghostheart Nebula, Vide, Perfidious, etc.) and record an album of nine songs.
The style of “Of The Sun” comes straight from the Gothenburg sound of the 90s (In Flames, Dark Tranquility, etc.) opening on to more aggressive musical tones. The album is not only a personal interpretation of this music style, but revolves around a message on the awakening of generative consciousness and on the power of artistic expression.
The concept of the lyrics is focused on the awareness of the artist and his creative abilities, through the metaphor of a star that, following a flare, becomes a creator and destroyer god in search of himself and his kind.
Line-up:
Dave – Vocals Panta – Drums Ema – Guitars BT – Bass John Pino Lisi – Guitars
CULTØ combine a number of genres and influences, ranging from In Flames to Bloodbath and Septicflesh, filtered through a prism of metallic extremity. The result is fierce melodic death metal, mixing the best of old and new school into their own sound.
Tracklist:
1. Flare 2. Experiment 1 3. Excrete 4. Frost 5. The Desert Of Shadows 6. Void 7. The Ashes Of Annihilation 8. Darkness Leads To Light 9. Fire From Inside
Finnish melodic death metal band Admire the Grim is set to release their debut EP Rogue Five on January 13th 2023 via Inverse Records. The first single Rogue Five was released earlier with a music video. The second single The Flood is released today and it’s available on all essential streaming platforms: https://push.fm/fl/atg-flood
Vocalist Katri Snellman comments on The Flood Single:
“The Flood was the first song that we wrote together. Jani came up with the idea for the instruments and I wrote the vocal and lyric lines. The lyrics are about the feeling of drowning into your own thoughts, described with a lot of metaphors”.
Guitarist Jani Loikkanen comments on Rogue Five Single:
“My goal was to write a song that has a catchy chorus and lead parts. There’s good energy and spirit for a sweet party. I wrote the intro riff first and that set the song up for a fast paced guitar riffage. And to be honest, this is definitely a song for guitar maniacs”.
Line-up: Katri Snellman (vocals) Jani Loikkanen (guitar) Sirja Ojaniemi (guitar) Kalle Raatikainen (bass) Tommi Vante (drums)
Single cover by Katri Snellman
Admire the Grim – The Flood (single) 2022
Composed by Katri Snellman & Jani Loikkanen. Lyrics by Katri Snellman
Single cover by Anssi Kuivalainen
Admire the Grim – Rogue Five (single) 2022
Composed by Katri Snellman, Jani Loikkanen & Tommi Vante. Lyrics by Katri Snellman
BIOGRAPHY:
Admire the Grim is a melodic death metal band from Lappeenranta, Finland. The group was formed by five friends in early 2021. In May 2022 the band released its first single ‘Storm the Barricade’ and in September 2022 music video and single for ‘Rogue Five’ saw the daylight. In November 2022 the second single ‘The Flood’ from ‘Rogue Five’ -EP was released and the EP itself is published on January 2023 via InverseRecords.
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