French melodic heavy/power metal band Kingcrown return with “Lost Horizon“, the first single taken from their forthcoming album Moonfall, due for release on September 4th, 2026, via Rockshots Records.
Following the strong reception of “Nova Atlantis“, the band opens a new chapter with a track that immediately reinforces their identity while expanding the narrative framework introduced in previous releases.
“Lost Horizon” serves as a direct sequel to “Endless Journey“, continuing a storyline rooted in time distortion and speculative fiction. The track follows a WWII B-17 pilot suddenly caught in a temporal vortex and propelled into the year 2045, merging amazing storytelling with a tightly constructed heavy/power metal framework.
Musically, the single is driven by fast-paced riffing, dynamic vocal delivery, and an anthemic, hook-oriented chorus, balancing immediacy with structural precision. The band’s approach remains firmly grounded in the European heavy/power metal tradition. At the same time, the production handled by Kingcrown and refined through mixing and mastering by Simone Mularoni (Domination Studio) delivers clarity, weight, and definition across the entire sonic spectrum.
Founded by brothers Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), former members of Nightmare, Kingcrown have progressively built a cohesive and recognizable identity within the European metal landscape. The current lineup – Jo Amore, David Amore, Sébastien Chabot (bass), Bob Saliba (guitars) and Ced Legger (guitars) – continues to operate with a strong sense of continuity, a key factor in the band’s increasingly focused sound.
With Moonfall, Kingcrown further develops a conceptual direction centered on dystopian themes, technological evolution and the fragility of human existence. Within this context, “Lost Horizon” stands as a fundamental entry point, introducing both the narrative scope and the sonic approach that define the album.
German heavy metal veterans MOB RULES have announced Stories From The Verdant Vale, set for release on August 21 via ROAR – A Division Of Reigning PhoenixMusic. To mark the announcement, the band unveil the first single, “Master Of The Black Crow”, a high-energy track that pulls no punches!
Driven by a striking, Celtic-inspired guitar hook, the song stands out for its uncompromising compactness. In its direct approach and razor-sharp structure, the track recalls the raw energy of Black Sabbath’s classic Paranoid: not a single ounce of excess, no detours: the song gets straight to the point and unleashes its full impact in the shortest possible time.
With Stories From The Verdant Vale, MOB RULES return to the narrative world introduced with their latest album Rise Of The Ruler (2025), which was widely praised and marked a major milestone in the band’s career. The material originates from songs written during the final stages of those sessions, now presented as a special standalone release.
As vocalist Klaus Dirks explains: “During the final stages of completing the album, we discussed possible bonus material for the earbook edition with the label. We were reluctant to use demo versions or similar material. This motivated us to write a few new songs. We were well aware of what we were getting ourselves into, but we also wanted to challenge ourselves a little.”
The songs reveal a slightly more direct and compact approach compared to Rise Of The Ruler while staying true to the band’s signature blend of melodic power metal, atmosphere and storytelling. Expanding the original concept from a different perspective, the material forms a natural extension of Rise Of The Ruler, while each track also stands strong on its own.
Originally conceived in part as exclusive material, Stories From The Verdant Vale now receives a proper release on vinyl and digital platforms. The record was mixed by Markus Teske, with artwork created by Stan W. Decker.
Coast To Coast (2014 Version, feat. Chity Somapala)
End Of All Days (2014 Version, feat. Amanda Somerville)
Broken
MOB RULES: Klaus Dirks – Vocals Sven Lüdke – Guitar Florian Dyszbalis – Guitar Markus Brinkmann – Bass Jan Christian Halfbrodt – Keys Sebastian Schmidt – Drums
About MOB RULES Formed in Northern Germany in the early 1990s, MOB RULES have established themselves as a constant force in melodic power metal. Known for their concept-driven albums, strong melodies and atmospheric depth, the band has built a loyal international following over the decades.
With ten studio albums to date, including the critically acclaimed Rise Of The Ruler, MOB RULES have continuously refined their sound while staying true to their roots. Their blend of classic heavy metal influences and modern production has secured them a lasting place within the genre.
“Wow! Amazing! Goliath has charted higher than anything we’ve ever done, this is just so epic on so many levels! Thanks to every single person who helped make this possible. 15 on the Billboard 200! And these other countries charts are off the hook! Squeezed our way in there with all the pop and rap and country, somehow we forced our way in! STOKED!!”
In a year marking the 40th anniversary of their initial formation, under the moniker Black Death, 2026 sees the return of the imperishable Norwegian duo and influential genre legends Fenriz and Nocturno Culto and their new studio album Pre-Historic Metal, set for release on May 8th via Peaceville Records.
Following swiftly on from the recently released The Fist in the Face of God boxset covering the band’s revered early Black Metal period, it is time for the Norwegian riff-meisters to emerge from their caves once more, for their new opus of high calibre old metal, under the banner of Pre-Historic Metal.
As Fenriz himself proclaims of the title’s symbolic origin, “Prehistoric is a loose term.I just figure it’s our VIBE, our take on things and it’s more a statement that we use old style to create something new”.
A continuation of 2024’s stellar ‘It Beckons Us All’, ‘Pre-Historic Metal’ is a ferocious slab of primal epics & gargantuan riffs with organic sound, graced with the ever-present permeating spirit of the 70s and 80s. This next chapter in Darkthrone’s unyielding saga presents a vast odyssey through the sonic landscapes of Thrash, Black, Heavy and Doom Metal and, adorned with a punishing and “in your face” guitar presence, Darkthrone stirs the cauldron of savage creativity with a nod to the writing methods which were indicative of their earlier works of the late 80s, but with a more refined craft.
Photo credit – Peer Olav Kittilsen
Summarizing what the album represents, Fenriz explains: “It means that we are metal. With very loud guitars. “Frightfully barbaric but not without finesse”, I call it. We collaborated in the studio more than ever, who’s playing what is still in a purple haze, but last but not least it was a sort of hardening of the arteries – we decided to tighten the tourniquet and do 8 effective songs brimming with riffs instead of the airy plodding we so much enjoy usually”.
Photo credit – Peer Olav Kittilsen
Pre-Historic Metal was recorded at Chaka Khan Studios, Oslo, with production work conducted by Ole Øvstedal, Silje Høgevold & Mads Luis. Mastering was carried out by Jack Control at Enormous Door, and Maor Appelbaum Mastering.
Pre-Historic Metal – Track listing: 1. They Found One Of My Graves (05:17) 2. Pre-Historic Metal (04:19) 3. Siberian Thaw (06:45) 4. Deeply Rooted (04:58) 5. The Dry Wells Of Hell (06:12) 6. So I Marched To The Sunken Empire (03:21) 7. Eat Eat Eat Your Pride (04:51) 8. Eon 4 (05:24)
Ushering in a new wave of heavy metal, New Jersey hellraisers WHO ON EARTH have announced their forthcoming album, It Takes The Village. Set for release on May 8th, the band’s second full-length features 12 headbanging tracks of unfiltered, high-octane mayhem.
Commenting on the new album, bassist Pete Rizzi says:
“It Takes The Village is a true representation of the diversity of Who On Earth, demonstrating the lack of self-imposed boundaries in our music. Our brand-new material showcases our continued growth as songwriters, and we’ve also included a few reimagined versions of earlier tracks that feel fresh and more powerful than ever. After five years of building, this release is our way of saying, ‘This is Who On Earth.”
Coinciding with the announcement, WHO ON EARTH have unveiled their second single, “Any Other Way” – an anthemic rocker primed for the stage, arriving just ahead of the band’s upcoming U.S. tour with FOZZY.
Rizziadds:
“‘Any Other Way’ is a rearranged, re-recorded, remixed, and remastered version of ‘Black Swan’ from our debut album, Blame. It’s a song about accepting the events in our lives and the choices that brought us here. Regret has no place in that process, the past is the past. Would we do things differently? Of course. But maybe everything had to unfold exactly as it did. It’s about embracing where you are, learning from it, and ultimately saying, ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way.’”
The new single follows the previously released track “Vigilance,” which also appears on It Takes The Village.
1. Vigilance 2. Any Other Way 3. Shadows 4. Good Man Down 5. Closer 6. Too Close 7. Double or Nothing 8. Monster! 9. Oh, Set Me Free 10. We Don’t Belong Here 11. Ascension 12. The Unbeaten
Lineup: Coosh – Vocals Pete Rizzi – Bass Johnny James Barone – Guitar Jimmy Kocha – Guitar Howie Fallon – Drums
WHO ON EARTH Tour Dates w/FOZZY:
May 8 – Charlotte, NC – Amos’ Southend May 9 – Waynesboro, VA – The Foundry May 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts May 13 – Harrisburg, PA – Capitall City Music Hall May 15 – St. Charles, IL – Arcada Theatre May 16 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop
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
February 23, 2007 – MANOWARGods Of War was released first in Germany. The album cover was created by (the late) fantasy artist Ken Kelly. This was the last MANOWAR studio album to include (the late) Scott Columbus.
Gods Of War – Track-List:
01. Overture To The Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors 02. The Ascension 03. King Of Kings 04. Army Of The Dead, Part I 05. Sleipnir 06. Loki God Of Fire 07. Blood Brothers 08. Overture To Odin 09. The Blood Of Odin 10. The Sons Of Odin 11. Glory, Majesty, Unity 12. Gods Of War 13. Army of the Dead Part II 14. Odin 15. Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors 16. Die For Metal (bonus track)
MANOWAR – band lineup on Gods Of War:
Eric Adams – lead vocals
Joey DeMaio –bass guitars
Karl Logan – lead & rhythm guitar, keyboards
Scott Columbus – drums & percussion
Record label: Magic Circle Music, Ltd. Distributed by SPV GmbH in Europe and USA.
Arthur Pendragon Wilshire provided narration for the song “Glory Majesty Unity”.
Joe Rozler (composer) – orchestral and choir arrangements.
Gods Of War was recorded, engineered and edited at Haus Wahnfried in New York. Produced by Joey DeMaio. Mixed by Ronald Prent at Galaxy Studios in Mol, Belgium and mastered by Darcy Proper at Galaxy Mastering in Mol, Belgium.
The 16 pages of text for the album booklet was written in the runic alphabet.
February 20, 1996 – SEPULTURA released in Europe, their sixth studio album,viaRoadrunner Records: Roots. Album artwork by Michael Whelan.
February 20, 1996 – IN FLAMES released their second studio album: The Jester Race. Album artwork by Andreas Marschall.
February 20, 2006 – Swedish death metal warriors DISMEMBER released their seventh studio album, The God That Never Was, via Candlelight Records. Album cover artwork is by Dan Seagrave.
February 20, 2008 – LOUDNESS had their 21st studio album, Metal Mad, released only in their home country of Japan. Album cover artwork by Katz-Miyake.
February 20, 2012 – The menacing AUTOPSY saw their EP compilation album, AllTomorrow’s Funerals, released via Peaceville Records. Album cover artwork by Matt Cavotta.
February 20, 2026 – SYLOSIS have their seventh studio album, The New Flesh, released today via Nuclear Blast. Artwork & layout by Snakehed.
By no means is this list complete! There are many, many more Metal albums that have been released on February 20th. Feel free to comment your addition to this list!
Thank you for visiting Metal Odyssey, be kind to animals and your fellow humans. Metal be thy name – Stone.
“Cryogenically Frozen” is the latest single from UK progressive death metallers CRYPTIC SHIFT. The track comes off the band’s Overspace & Supertime full-length, set to drop on February 27th through Metal Blade Records.
Issues vocalist/guitarist Alexander Bradley:
“Contrasting the prolonged, cinematic opening of our previous album [Visitations From Enceladus] ‘Cryogenically Frozen’ wastes no time by bursting into a flurry of jazz fusion-esque movements as if metal had an alternate timeline progressing from the lineage of masters like Cynic, Pestilence, and Allan Holdsworth, whilst still remaining true to our death/thrashing tendencies with lightning riffs tailor-made for the headbangers and circle pitters! Simultaneously, all aspects of our songwriting propel our new character, ‘The Recaller,’ through her sci-fi adventures, beginning with a cybertronic shootout and meditations in dreams and consciousness. Being one of the shorter songs on the album defined by a pulsing verse and chorus, it ends with a moment of calm before the true centerpiece of Overspace & Supertime begins with the 29-minute ‘Stratocumulus Evergaol’ which we can’t wait for all Astrodeath freaks to explore on February 27th.”
Watch CRYPTIC SHIFT’s previously released video for “Hexagonal Eyes (Diverity Trepaphymphaszym)” HERE.
While not commonly known as an extraterrestrial hotspot, Leeds faced an encounter of another kind in 2015 when Bradley and drummer Ryan Sheperson set out to accomplish a project embodying their joint passion for the art of science fiction and heavy metal music. The band unveiled their debut full-length, Visitations From Enceladus, in 2020. The offering received critical acclaim for its adventurous, progressive technical death thrash compositions, a twisted form of extreme metal simply referred to as the “Phenomenal Technological Astrodeath.”
Overspace & Supertime continues the conceptual and musical themes of their debut and delivers a new standard of technical thrash/death metal showmanship, including returning influences of progressive writing, harmonized with their fantastical storytelling.
“The concept of Overspace & Supertime plays as an alternative reality to the happenings of Visitations From Enceladus, taking our character into new dimensions filled with both greater adventures and more bizarre encounters,” notes Sheperson.
“Whilst the concept themes of our sci-fi tale have grown, so have our efforts in synthesizing it with the ultimate Astrodeath soundscape. The record takes the listener on a deeper journey through the fusion of our influences, with some exciting twists and turns along the way.”
CRYPTIC SHIFT: Alexander Bradley – vocals, guitars Joss Farrington – guitars John Riley – bass Ryan Sheperson – drums
Overspace & Supertime was produced by Jack Helliwell and mastered by Greg Chandler (Esoteric, My Dying Bride) and features the stunning artwork of Jesse Jacobi.
The record will be released on CD and digital formats as well as 2xLP in the following color variants:
180g Black
Cloudscape Orange Vinyl (Orange Red Marbled) – (Ltd. 600)
Ancient Storm Swirl Vinyl (Violet Blue W/ Black, Blue & Red Smoke) – (Ltd. 250)
Ice Cauldron Blue Vinyl (Blue/Purple Merged) – (Ltd. 250)
2/28/2026 Boston Music Rooms – London, UK * Record Release Show
5/21-24/2026 Maryland Deathfest – Baltimore, MD
In an advance 9/10 review of the record, Metal Hammer UK writes, “CRYPTIC SHIFT are operating on a higher plane of prog metal consciousness, and Overspace & Supertime is a potentially life-changing act of artistic audacity.”
Deaf Forever Germany concurs with a 9.5/10 rating, “In the future, all technical thrash/death bands from the Vektor/Voivod/Blood Incantation school will be measured against this record!”
Adds Sweden Rock Magazine with a 9/10 score, “This is already a candidate for the year’s, if not the best, then definitely the most ambitious work.”
CYCLONE are an underrated cult favorite amongst metal fans having released two solid thrash albums in 1986 and 1990. The Belgian band has now added a new 5-song EP, Known Unto God, to their arsenal. Available online or in stores Known Unto God showcases immediately intense and infectious intensity throughout, sure to please fans of thrash, hardcore and traditional speed metal. Check out their new lyric video for “Nothing Is Real” for more proof.
Known Unto God is available as a limited (200) silver bullet colored vinyl (with download code) or as Digipak CD via M-Theory Audio. Order now at: www.m-theoryaudio.com
The 5 new songs were all written by core members singer Guido Gevels and guitarist Stefaan Daamen and recorded by Guido backed by a younger and invigorated lineup with vocal and drum production, along with mix and mastering handled by Martin Furia (Destruction, Nervosa, Evil Invaders). The artwork of Known Unto God is courtesy of Ivan S. Bragin (October Tide, The Gathering).
The first chapter of CYCLONE history dates back to 1980 when 5 teenagers obsessed with NWOBHM decided to start a band. Experience they have not, but enthusiasm aplenty. A few years later, and after a series of shows with then established Acid, the quintet release their In The Grip of Evil demo – a cornerstone of European extreme metal.
The demo is supported by opening slots for Anthrax, Overkill, Agent Steel, Kreator and Destruction which leads to label interest with the band choosing to sign with Roadrunner Records. The monstrous Brutal Destruction is released followed by tours supporting Metallica and Slayer.
Times change, people change and hard choices have to be made, resulting in Guido and Stefaan working with three new players on 1990’s ‘Inferior To None.’ A European tour with Blessed Death is made to support the album, followed by another continental run with Sadus, The Obsessed and The Accused but by 1993 CYCLONE decide to call it quits. Now with a new lease on life and today’s release CYCLONE continue to write their story.
Scottish progressive metal band DVNE announces the release of their powerful performance at Hellfest Open Air 2023. Live At Hellfest features a selection of songs exclusively from DVNE’s acclaimed album Etemen Ænka, showcasing the band’s crushing heaviness, atmospheric depth, and commanding live presence. Recorded in front of a massive festival audience, the release captures the raw energy and immersive sound that has made DVNE one of the most compelling acts in modern progressive metal.
Live At Hellfest arrives as DVNE prepares to hit the road as support for Igorrr, marking an exciting new chapter for the band and offering fans a raw snapshot of their live presence.
Formed in Edinburgh in 2013 by displaced Frenchman Victor Vicart and native Scot Dudley Tait, post-metal prog-sludge artisans DVNE have been building a powerful head of steam since their second album, 2021’s kaleidoscopically mesmerizing Etemen Ænka. Their first release for the legendary Metal Blade Records label, the LP was a concerted hike up the greasy pole for this enigmatic outfit, enabling DVNE to embark on UK and European headline tours and win spots at such discerning festivals as Hellfest, ArcTanGent, Desertfest, Damnation, and Resurrection. Then the stunning third album Voidkind in 2024 propelled this expanded five-piece lineup (welcoming Maxime Keller on keyboards) to the top of their game.
Certainly, Voidkind succeeds in finding new modes of expression for DVNE. The songs are more pointed, direct and memorable, but the soundscape still has a radiant, evolving, hypnotic flow, the effect achieved with fewer layers of sonic ornamentation, consciously urging closer to DVNE’s incendiary live sound.
The band will embark on their European tour as support for labelmates Igorrr today:
DVNE w/ Igorrr, Thoughtcrimes:
2/05/2026 La Boite Noire – Meisenthal, FR
2/06/2026 Im Wizemann Hall – Stuttgart, DE
2/07/2026 Backstage Werk – Munich, DE
2/08/2026 Alcatraz – Milan, IT
2/10/2026 Kino Siska – Ljubljana, SI
2/11/2026 Gasometer – Vienna, AT
2/12/2026 Roxy – Prague, CZ
2/13/2026 Barba Negra – Budapest, HU
2/14/2026 Progresia – Warsaw, PL
2/16/2026 Loftas – Vilnius, LT
2/17/2026 Helitehas – Tallinn, EE
2/18/2026 Kulttuuritalo – Helsinki, FI
2/20/2026 Fryshuset – Stockholm, SE
2/21/2026 Rockefeller – Oslo, NO
2/22/2026 Amager Bio – Copenhagen, DK
2/24/2026 Metropol – Berlin, DE
2/25/2026 FZW – Dortmund, DE
2/26/2026 Tivoli – Utrecht, NL
2/27/2026 L’Aeronef – Lille, FR
2/28/2026 Le 106 – Rouen, FR
DVNE: Victor Vicart – guitars, vocals Daniel Barter – guitars, vocals Dudley Tait – drums Alexandros Keros – bass Maxime Keller – keys
WINTERSUN S/T – released back in 2004, via Nuclear Blast. Cover art by Kristian Wåhlin aka Necrolord.
Tobias Sammet’s AVANTASIA The Mystery Of Time – released back in 2013, via Nuclear Blast. Album cover art by Rodney Matthews.
Cinderella Long Cold Winter – released back in 1988, via Mercury Records. Yes, it’s surely been a long cold Winter.
SONATA ARCTICA Talviyö – released back in 2019, via Nuclear Blast. Cover photograph and editing by Finnish photographer Onni Wiljami. Layout by Janne Pitkänen.
Immortal At The Heart Of Winter – released back in 1999, via Osmose Productions. Cover artist: Jean Pascal Fournier. Graphic design by Grafik Sarl.
Thank you for visiting and checking out these album covers that scream Winter. I applaud all the artists that created the above album art! Stay safe out there and be kind to your fellow humans. – Stone
SLAYER’s iconic second studio album, Hell Awaits, is set to receive a 40th anniversary edition reissue via Metal Blade Records next Spring!
Formed in 1981, SLAYER assaulted the world with a new hybrid of metal and punk – heavier, faster, and darker than the rest and set a new standard, defining not only a genre, but an attitude. Throughout SLAYER‘s history, the band never faltered in unleashing their extreme and focused aural assault, and repudiating temptations, SLAYER always chose to remain crushing and brutal, steadfastly refusing to cater to the mainstream.
“It’s the record where SLAYER became SLAYER.” That’s what Kerry King says about Hell Awaits. He knows of what he speaks. As the band’s guitarist, co-songwriter, and co-lyricist, he was in the trenches with vocalist/bassist Tom Araya, guitarist Jeff Hanneman (R.I.P.) and drummer Dave Lombardo, creating what has become one of heavy metal’s greatest albums.
A significant departure from SLAYER’s 1983 debut, Show No Mercy and every SLAYER album that came after it, Hell Awaits is both an outlier and a solidification of form. Show No Mercy was the mission statement, but Hell Awaits is a more developed and intricate execution of SLAYER’s speed, chops and aggression.
Released in April of 1985 by Metal Blade Records, Hell Awaits was the pinnacle of an action-packed thrash year that saw debut albums from the likes of Megadeth, Exodus, Kreator, Possessed, Destruction, Hirax, and Overkill. Heavily influenced by Mercyful Fate, the longer, more progressive arrangements on Hell Awaits marked a new era for SLAYER. Whereas most of the songs on Show No Mercy were less than four minutes long, three of Hell Awaits’ seven tracks go beyond the six-minute mark.
“Jeff and I were still trying to figure out who we were as musicians, and we were both infatuated with Mercyful Fate’s Melissa album during the writing process for Hell Awaits,” King says. “That’s why there’s so few songs and most of ‘em are pretty long. That’s the only time anything like that ever happened with us.”
Tom Araya’s performance is similarly impressive. The vocalist spat lyrics a mile a minute on the likes of “Kill Again” and “Praise Of Death.” “I don’t recall the songs being hard to sing,” he says. “Singing fast and clearly has always been something that I strived for.”
The reissue arrives May 15th, 2026 in three physical formats and digitally. Preorders are available now at: metalblade.com/slayer.
Find all details below:
3 LPs total: 7-track Hell Awaits + 18-track live bonus audio (Live From Bochum 1985):
– 60-page book (12” size)
– Hell Awaits album (in gatefold sleeve, 1xLP) mastered and restored from original 1985 production tapes by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony in February 2025. Vinyl color = Fire Splatter
– Live From Bochum 1985 (in gatefold sleeve, 2xLP) – 18 live tracks never before released physically or digitally
“Ghoul Infested Mausoleum”is the latest single from blackened death thrash project MORBIKON. The harrowing new hymn comes by way of the band’s Lost Within The Astral Crypts full-length set for release on November 21st via Tankcrimes.
The creative effort of guitarist/bassist Phil “Landphil” Hall (Municipal Waste, Cannabis Corpse, Iron Reagan) with Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns (Finntroll, …And Oceans) on vocals, MORBIKON is guided by the second wave of Scandinavian black metal and melodic death metal scenes of the ‘90s. The band released their debut full-length, Ov Mournful Twilight, in 2022 via Tankcrimes.
“This album feels like some of my darkest material yet,” says Hall of Lost Within The Astral Crypts. “I filled these songs to the brim with atmosphere and riffs. There are moments during the album that truly feel soaked in classic ‘90s underground blasphemy.”
Of today’s single, Hall elaborates, “‘Ghoul Infested Mausoleum’ takes the technicality up a notch and grinds out some super-fast shredding along with the dark melodic attack.”
MORBIKON’s Lost Within The Astral Crypts was written by Phil Hall with lyrics by Quotidius, vocals by Mathias Lillmåns and Quotidius, drums by Pierce Williams (Aenigmatum, ex-Skeletal Remains), solos by Blake Hibberd (Unburier), and additional instrumentation by Adam Gilliams (guitar, Cannabis Corpse) and Thomas Saltman (synths). The record was mixed by Rob Cauldwell, mastered by Alan Douches, and features cover art by Par Oloffson.
Lost Within The Astral Crypts – Track Listing:
Heavens That Burn And Eons Divided
Unending Legions Of Ball
Flames That Bind And Shadows Cast
Numeric Portal Ascendency
Sworn To Their Beheaded King
Masters Of Eternal Night
Ghoul Infested Mausoleum
Lost Within The Astral Crypts
Lost Within The Astral Crypts will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
Liquid Filled (Ltd. 75) Crystal Clear (Ltd. 90 x Decibel Magazine Exclusive) Neon Violet w/ Black Splatter (Ltd. 250) Metallic Blue (Ltd. 500)
Find CD preorders HERE, vinyl preorders HERE and digital orders at Bandcamp HERE where first single, “Heavens That Burn And Eons Divided,” can be streamed.
And if the release of Lost Within The Astral Crypts isn’t enough cause for celebration, MORBIKON supplied Decibel Magazine’s Flexi Series with an exclusive cover of Aura Noir’s classic “Gaping Grave Awaits” off of 2008’s Hades Rise! Want to hear the track yourself? Be sure to sign up for a deluxe Decibel subscription by Friday, October 31st at noon ET HERE to secure this ripping testament to the power of black thrash. Oblivion’s pendulum is swaying, so don’t wait!
Enveloped in shadow, German sextet DER ROTE MILAN create intense, melodic, riff-driven sounds inspired by nature, historical wars in Central Europe, anti-religion and inner conflict. The band explore a strange sense of beauty that emerges from despair through the multi-faceted nature in which loss is experienced.
The new album, Verlust, follows the2023 EP Schlund and seesDER ROTE MILAN develop further their atmospheric sound and lyrical depth. Verlustwill be released on December 12th, 2025, via Unholy Conspiracy Deathwork.
As the first single, and opening track to Verlust, “Aus der Finsternis” establishes the mood for the album. Through a sonic manifestation, DER ROTE MILAN focus on the initial shock, the first stage of loss in this track.
The powerful and heavy instrumentation reveals a sense of destruction, of desolation, as the reality of the loss hits. Through the melodic elements, there is fragility but also a very faint touch of hope hidden amongst the gloom.
Track Listing:
Aus der Finsternis
Où allez-vous
Skepsis der Existenz
Verlust
Der letzte Rubin
Full Album Running Time: 22:54
Verlust is steeped in a deep sense of humanity – of indulging in the human condition, even those parts many may wish to avoid. DER ROTE MILAN encourage us to sit with the discomfort, with the pain and acknowledge that change is certain, but it is not hopeless.
DER ROTE MILAN: I (guitar) II (synth, mix) III (vocals) V (guitar) VI (drums) VII (bass)
Credits: Produced by DER ROTE MILAN Recorded at Klangschmiede Studio E (Markus Stock) Mixed and Mastered by Klangschmiede Studio E (Markus Stock) Album Cover Artist: Matt Prison
Today Texas metal legends HELSTAR unveil their new single, “The Devil’s Masquerade.” The track marks another powerful chapter in the band’s legacy of dark, heavy, and thought-provoking music.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, frontmanJames Riverareveals: “Such as the title track, The Devil’s Masquerade is about the movie Annabel and not the devil. However, in the third line of the last verse, it says ‘It’s 3 in the morning, your heart starts to race.’ What a lot of people don’t know is that 3 in the morning is the real evilest time of the night, when the devil or an entity of evil most likely will appear, not midnight.”
With haunting riffs, relentless rhythms, and Rivera’s unmistakable vocals, “The Devil’s Masquerade”showcases HELSTAR at their most intense and uncompromising. The video complements the song’s chilling atmosphere, delivering a visual journey as powerful as the music itself.
“The Devil’s Masquerade” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
HELSTAR will release their long-awaited 11th studio album, The Devil’s Masquerade on September 12th, 2025 through Massacre Records. The album will be available as a limited Mediabook, Ltd. Vinyl LP in various colors, and digital formats. Pre-orders: https://save-it.cc/massacre/the-devils-masquerade-album
Track listing: 1. Avernus 2. The Devil’s Masquerade 3 Stygian Miracles 4. Carcass For A King 5. The Staff Of Truth 6. Seek Out Your Sins 7. The Haunting Mirror 8. The Black Wall 9. Suerte De Muleta 10. I Am The Way
HELSTAR are set to unleash their power across Europe this winter with their new trek: The Devil’s Masquerade Tour 2025. Known for their fiery blend of classic heavy metal and thrash intensity, HELSTAR will bring their crushing live energy to fans in Greece, Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Spain.
Fronted by the iconic James Rivera, HELSTAR promises an unforgettable setlist spanning their storied career, packed with fan favorites and deep cuts alike. This tour marks another chapter in the band’s relentless mission to keep true heavy metal alive on European stages.
The Devil’s Masquerade Tour 2025: 28.11.2025 – Greece, Thessaloniki, Eightball 29.11.2025 – Greece, Athens, An Club 30.11.2025 – Greece, Agrinio, Metal Union 03.12.2025 – Slovenia, Medvode, Klub Jedro 04.12.2025 – Italy, Torino, El Barrio 06.12.2025 – Germany, Oberhausen, Helvete 07.12.2025 – Belgium, Diest, Hell 08.12.2025 – Germany, Munchen, Backstage 09.12.2025 – Germany, Stuttgart, Der Schwarze Keiler 11.12.2025 – Spain, Madrid, Sala Silikona 12.12.2025 – Spain, Valencia, Sala Zulu 13.12.2025 – Spain, Barcelona, Sala Lennon’s 14.12.2025 – Spain, Portugalete, Sala Groove
The Devil’s Masquerade marks a powerful return to the band’s roots, bringing back the classic creative chemistry between James Rivera (vocals) and Larry Barragan (guitars). The album was produced and mixed by Barragan at Hombre Malo Studios, and mastered by Robert Colwell at Colwell Mastering.
Lyrically, The Devil’s Masquerade dives deep into tales of vampirism, demonic possession, and mankind’s downfall – drawing inspiration from cult horror films and series such as Annabelle, Midnight Mass, The Exorcist: Pope, and even classic Twilight Zone episodes. Each track tells a story, blending myth, horror, and symbolism with HELSTAR’s trademark power.
The song “I Am The Way” features an all-star guest appearance by iconic Texas metal voices Robert Lowe, Jason McMaster, Travis Willis, George Call, Mike Soliz, Christopher Salinas, Drew Brown, Jeff Vandenburg, and Christian Larson.
FrontmanJames Riverastates: “All I can say is that this album is every Helstar fan’s dream come true. Larry and I went back to the old-school way of working together, and you can hear that energy from the very first track. We’ve taken the bull by the horns, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic we’ve always created.”
From their classic debut Burning Star (1984) to milestones like Nosferatu (1989), and more recent releases such as This Wicked Nest (2014) and Vampiro (2016), HELSTAR have carved a unique and enduring legacy in US heavy metal. With The Devil’s Masquerade, the band once again proves their legendary status, delivering a fierce and uncompromising new chapter.
HELSTAR are: James Rivera – vocals Larry Barragan – guitars Mikey Lewis – drums Garrick Smith – bass Alan DeLeon JR. – guitars
New York, NY — Witches Brew, the premier underground metal label founded by Cheryl Schindler, is proud to announce an explosive onslaught of new music, with four highly-anticipated releases hitting the streets on Friday, August 22nd, 2025.
This coordinated strike showcases the label’s commitment to unearthing raw, authentic talent from across the globe, with new albums from FLESH STORM, IN YOUR BLOOD, MEGAHERA, and MENTAL DEVASTATION.
MENTAL DEVASTATION – The Delusional Mystery of the Self, Part II
Chile’s MENTAL DEVASTATION returns with the follow-up to their acclaimed work, The Delusional Mystery Of The Self Part II. This third album showcases the band’s mastery of technical and progressive thrash, blending violent precision with complex, philosophical themes. For fans of intricate, intelligent thrash in the vein of Coroner and Sadus, this album is a mind-bending journey that defies easy categorization.
Turning back the clock to a more anthemic era, MEGAHERA from Sardinia, Italy, proudly presents Back To The ‘80s. This album is a full-throated tribute to the golden age of heavy metal, with lyrical themes of rebellion, unity, and a defiant stand against authority. Back To The ‘80s is a nostalgic trip with a fresh perspective, a rallying cry for all true metal disciples.
From Toronto, Canada, newcomers IN YOUR BLOOD make their mark with their savage self-titled debut. A masterclass in modern thrash and crossover, In Your Blood is packed with aggressive, neck-snapping riffs that prove the genre is alive and well. For those who live and breathe thrash, this album is a mandatory addition to your collection.
The Costa Rican thrashers FLESH STORM deliver a relentless, fast-paced assault that has already been hailed as a complete energy bomb. This is raw, uncompromising thrash metal meant to ignite the mosh pit and leave listeners battered and bruised.
LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2025 – The Melvins cap off 2025 with the “Stop Your Whining Tour,” a six-week outing with special guests Redd Kross for a double shot of underground rock royalty.
Known for their crushing riffs, genre-defying experiments, and off-kilter sense of humor, the Melvins continue to defy expectations four decades into their career. The band, currently featuring Buzz Osborne, Dale Crover, Steven McDonald (also of Redd Kross), and Coady Willis, remains one of the most influential and unpredictable forces in heavy music. Their recently released album, Thunderball (https://themelvins.lnk.to/Thunderball), delivers the “most irresistible, huge-sounding tunes” (Kerrang!) and as AllMusic said, is as “utterly uncompromised and full of swampy vigor” as ever.
Joining them for the full tour are L.A. icons Redd Kross, whose kaleidoscopic blend of punk, retro glam, and garage rock has earned them a cult following since the early ’80s. Redd Kross were recently the subject of both a book (Now You’re One Of Us: The Incredible Story of Redd Kross) and documentary (Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story).
Tickets are on-sale this Friday, May 16 at 10 a.m. local time, with an exclusive artist pre-sale beginning Wednesday, May 14 at 10 a.m. local time (code: VENUS). Tickets are available via Ipecac.com/tours.
The Melvins, photo credit: Toshi Kasai
Stop Your Whining Tour:
September 9 Flagstaff, AZ Yucca North September 10 Santa Fe, NM Meow Wolf September 12 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre September 13 Fort Collins, CO Aggie Theatre September 15 Sioux Falls, SD Bigs Bar September 16 Moorhead, MN Harold’s On Main September 18 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon September 19 Davenport, IA The Raccoon Motel September 20 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue September 22 Columbus, OH A&R Music Bar September 23 Huntington, WV The Loud September 24 Morgantown, WV 123 Pleasant Street September 25 Toledo, OH Frankie’s September 26 Buffalo, NY Electric City September 27 Brooklyn, NY CBGB Festival September 29 Providence, RI Fete Music Hall September 30 Hamden, CT Space Ballroom October 1 Asbury Park, NJ The Stone Pony October 2 Bethlehem, PA Musikfest Café at the ArtsQuest October 3 Lancaster, PA Tellus 360 October 4 Washington, DC Black Cat October 6 Raleigh, NC Lincoln Theatre October 7 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel October 8 Knoxville, TN Bijou Theatre October 10 Pensacola, FL Vinyl Music Hall October 11 Jackson, MS Duling Hall October 12 Memphis, TN Minglewood Hall October 13 Little Rock, AR Revolution! Music Room October 14 Tulsa, OK Cain’s Ballroom October 15 Oklahoma City, OK Beer City Music Hall October 17 San Antonio, TX Paper Tiger October 19 Roswell, NM The Liberty October 21 Tucson, AZ Club Congress
A European leg precedes the U.S. dates with performances slated at the ArcTanGent, Rock Im Wald, and the Blue Moon Festival:
July 18 Brighton, UK Chalk July 20 Liege, BE Reflektor July 21 Frankfurt, DE Batschkapp July 23 Athens, GR Technopolis July 25 Michelau, DE Rock Im Wald July 26 Cottbus, DE Blue Moon Festival July 27 München, DE Technikum July 30 Rome, IT EUR Social Park July 31 Milan, IT Magnolia Estate August 1 Feldkirch, AT Poolbar Festival August 2 Bagnes, CH Palp Festival August 5 Lokeren, BE Lokerse Fessten August 6 Köln, DE Live Music Hall August 7 Berlin, DE Huxleys Neue Welt August 8 Hamburg, DE Große Freiheit 36 August 9 Utrecht, NL Tivoli/Vredenburg August 11 Norwich, UK Waterfront August 12 London, UK Electric Ballroom August 13 Manchester, UK Manchester Club Academy August 14 Bristol, UK ArcTanGent Festival August 15 Birmingham, UK XOYO August 16 Sheffield, UK Leadmill August 18 Dublin, IE Vicar Street
The Melvinsare currently on the road withNapalm Death, co-headlining the “Savage Imperial Death March II” tour:
May 13 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection May 15 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s May 16 Louisville, KY Mercury Ballroom May 17 Nashville, TN Brooklyn Bowl Nashville May 18 St. Louis, MO Red Flag May 19 Chicago, IL Metro May 20 Milwaukee, WI The Rave II May 22 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue – Main room May 23 Des Moines, IA Wooly’s May 24 Kansas City, MO Madrid Theatre May 25 Omaha, NE The Waiting Room May 27 Denver, CO Summit May 29 Salt Lake City, UT Metro Music Hall May 31 Bozeman, MT The ELM June 1 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory Spokane June 2 Seattle, WA The Showbox June 3 Portland, OR Revolution Hall June 4 Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre June 6 Reno, NV Virginia Street Brewhouse June 7 Berkeley, CA Cornerstone Berkeley
Norwegian heavy metal trio Coffin Storm have unveiled a brand-new video today for their blistering track ‘Open The Gallows’. The 10 minute epic, taken from their 2024 debut album Arcana Rising, comes alongside a brilliant new video by Matthew Vickerstaff steeped in medieval and supernatural brutality.
Featuring Kolbotn veterans Apollyon (Aura Noir, Lamented Souls) and Bestial Tormentor (Infernö, Lamented Souls), the lineup is completed by Fenriz of Darkthrone on vocals.
Speaking on the new video and his inspiration behind the track, Apollyon said, “Open The Gallows is the longest track I have ever made. Initially we were thinking instrumental old Metallica style with loads of guitar melodies and shit. Apart from the opening/ending though, there’s not much Metallica in there. The main riff is Kreator-inspired if anything. Fortunately, we ended up having Fenriz sing on it after all because the vocal lines are amazing.
This being an all Kolbotn project we invited Arild from Obliteration/Abhorration/Necromantheon/Black Viper to do a legendary long-ass guitar lead as well.
Either way I thought the song deserved a video and Mr Matthew Vickerstaff came up with this idea to use clips from old B-movies. He did a fantastic job with collecting and editing, making it an exciting 10 minutes plus watch. Enjoy!”
On the prospect of new material in the future, Apollyon says:
“Arcana Rising seemed to go down really well with people, and we have plenty of material left in the vaults for an album number two, and always new ideas coming also, so work is progressing slowly but surely amid all the other things we have going on currently. Keep your eyes peeled!”
Metal Hammer – “When riffs are this good, why not draw them out a bit? A career-best performance”
Powerplay – 10/10 “nothing less than greatness”
Metal Talk –“Coffin Storm’s debut is an album that every fan of Doom-tinged Metal should hear”
Metal Sucks – 4.5/5 – “Coffin Storm have created a whopper of an album …. This one comes highly recommended”
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
You must be logged in to post a comment.