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”
Iconic Finnish hard rock monster squad LORDI live up to their name and present a frightening music video for their latest single “Hellizabeth” today. The track can also be found on LORDI’s upcoming 19th studio albumLimited Deadition, which will be released on March 21, 2025 via RPM.
Starring a ghost hunting duo searching for the obviously invisible main protagonist of the song, the new video guides fans into an abandoned, outlying house. The two explorers keep finding little hits of her haunting majesty – with a little surprise testing every watcher’s sturdiness – but never come to any proper result to prove her existence – to just end up being caught by Hellizabeth napping in the end. A cruel deed continuing her still unsolved mystery! Are YOU able to survive LORDI’s witching hour…?
Photo Credit: Marek Sabogal
L-R: Kone (guitars), Hiisi (bass), Mr Lordi (vocals), Mana (drums), Hella (keyboard)
Mr Lordi explains: “Hellizabeth is another typical LORDI song, both lyrically and musically. It’s styled in the vein of a horror film storyboard about a woman’s ghost house haunting experience. Musically, I think the main WOW moment is the weirdly progressive beginning of the song. It stems from childhood memories of trying to learn to play an instrument. It’s actually just the vocal melody of the verse being played in the style of a nine year-old, with the whole band playing the same thing in unison and nothing in between. That’s how at least my brain worked with music as a kid, before I realized ‘Oh, the vocal melody is different and the stuff in the background is supposed to give it harmony and chorus!”
Pre-orderLimited Deadition in your preferred format [digipak-CD, coloured vinyl, digital] or pre-save the album on your favourite digital streaming provider (DSP): https://lordi.rpm.link/limiteddeaditionPR
Known for their theatrical style and unique blend of 80s-inspired rock and heavy metal, LORDI’s latest creation is a nostalgic celebration of retro 80s toys, infused with a fresh and powerful energy. Building on the success of their 2023 albumScreem Writers Guild,Limited Deadition ventures into heavier riffs and faster tempos, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and invigorating.
‘Red Giant’ is taken from CHEMICIDE’s new album Violence Prevails, to be issued on Listenable on the 28th of February, 2025.
“The song is a metaphor on how the sun could exterminate all we call life in a single beam of light, just like some politicians do when they get to to power. They have ultimate control over their nations and can control everything and obliterate whatever they want on their path.”
Video credits: Andrea Mantelli Productions
WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO HERE and listen to DIGITAL HERE
Album Artwork by Ian Permana
TRACKLISTING: 01 – Do As I Say, Not As I Do 02 – Red Giant 03 – Systemic Decay 04 – Parasite 05 – Violence Prevails 06 – Prey of Failure 07 – Chokehold 08 – Supremacy 09 – That’s Right, We’re That Spic Band! 10 – 72 Seasons (CD Bonus track – Metallica Cover) 11 – Hear Nothing, Say Nothing (CD Bonus track – Discharge cover)
CHEMICIDE: Frankie – Vocals/guitar Sebastian – Lead guitar Kohke – Bass Chalo – Drums
Discography: Violence Prevails 2025 (Listenable) Common Sense 2022 Inequality 2019 The Act Of Retaliation 2017 Episodes Of Insanity 2016 Radioactive Annihilation 2010
Get ready to dive headfirst into the electrifying world of HELLOWEEN with their new live album Live At Budokan, a colossal release that immortalises their iconic performance at Tokyo’s legendary Nippon Budokan! Dropping on December 13, 2024 through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), this release will be available in a plethora of formats: 2CD-digipak, 3LP vinyl in trifold, Blu-ray, DVD and digital.
Each version is meticulously crafted to suit the metal community’s diverse tastes, ensuring every fan can relive the raw, unfiltered energy of HELLOWEEN. Pre-order/pre-save the album here: https://helloween.rpm.link/liveatbudokanPR
To tide fans over until Live At Budokanarrives, the band have launched the first single “Best Time (live)”. This electrifying live version of the hit single and most streamed track (more than 11 million streams on Spotify) from HELLOWEEN‘s self-titled reunion album [2021] can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT1ITfb76-0
Guitarist Sascha Gerstner comments: ‘“Best Time'” captures the energy and the moment when everything fits together perfectly and you leave everything negative behind. For me, this track is an anthem for all those nights when you’re heading towards the future. That’s why it conveys exactly this mood in concert as if you were living in a single great moment that lasts forever.”
This release celebrates the grand finale of HELLOWEEN‘s epic world tour from 2022 to 2023. Spanning over 30 countries on three continents, the tour was nothing short of a triumph, drawing massive crowds and showcasing the band’s undying appeal, the sold-out concert inTokyo is the crowning glory of the cycle.
Known for their explosive stage presence and high-voltage performances, HELLOWEEN‘s shows are fueled by the unique chemistry among the band members. Triple lead-guitar attacks from Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, and Sascha Gerstner alternate with goosebump inducing duets from vocalists Michael Kiske and Andi Deris, occasionally supported by Kai Hansen, the band’s original singer and third voice. He also takes the spectators on a journey back in time with a medley from the band’s early days, returning to the origins of their sound – HELLOWEEN, the godfathers of melodic speed metal.
Choosing the Nippon Budokan for this live recording was no coincidence. A venue rich in musical history, it has hosted countless legendary concerts and is an accolade for every music group that has played there. HELLOWEEN are the first German band ever to record a live album in the Nippon Budokan, and for the members it was a dream come true.
Lead vocalist Michael Kiske described the show as “surreal, with the electrifying fan energy creating a magical atmosphere.” Bassist Markus Grosskopf spoke of the venue’s profound personal and historical significance, expressing how humbling and inspiring it was to perform in a place that shaped their own musical journeys.
The live recording’s technical brilliance is another highlight. With 29 cameras capturing every nuance, the production team ensured that each moment of the concert is preserved in stunning detail. This attention to detail means the Blu-ray and DVD versions offer an immersive viewing experience, making fans feel like they are right there in the front row.
The setlist of this live album is a treasure trove of surprises, contains the entire 2-hour+ show and offers a fresh experience compared to previous releases like United Alive [2019]. This thoughtful song selection honors both the die-hard fans craving something new and the band’s rich musical legacy, showcasing their evolution and expansive repertoire.
This live album is more than just a concert recording; it’s a celebration of HELLOWEEN‘s enduring impact on the metal scene. It promises to bring the magic of an unforgettable performance straight into fans’ homes, offering a piece of music history that embodies the spirit and energy of a legendary band at their peak.
HELLOWEEN are: Michael Kiske – vocals Andi Deris – vocals Kai Hansen – guitars, vocals Michael Weikath – guitars Sascha Gerstner – guitars Markus Grosskopf – bass Daniel Löble – drums
ALTERIUM, the new Italian power metal quintet led by Nicoletta Rosellini (ex. Kalidia, Walk in Darkness), has revealed new details about their hotly-anticipated, first full-length studio album! “Of War And Flames” will be out on March 8, 2024 via AFM Records, the pre-sale is now available via: https://alterium.bfan.link/of-war-and-flames
Following previously-released, first album appetizers, “Siren’s Call”, “Drag Me To Hell” and the epic cover version of Sabaton‘s “Bismarck”, ALTERIUM have unleashed their powerful title track “Of War And Flames”!
Born in late 2022, ALTERIUM consists of vocalist Nicoletta and former bandmates Paolo Campitelli (guitars) and Dario Gozzi (drums) from Kalidia, soon joined by Alessandro Mammola (guitars, also in Draconicon) and Luca Scalabrin (bass, also in Altair).
After Kalidia parted ways, Nicoletta decided to take a different approach and finally unleashes her whole potential as both a singer and a songwriter. Produced by Lars Rettkowitz (Freedom Call), and featuring 9 original classy power metal tracks including the cover of “Bismarck”, “Of War and Flames” turns out to be a triumph of catchy choruses, terrific vocal lines, powerful sounds, strong guitar riffs, explosive drums, majestic choirs and captivating grooves, all skillfully mastered by Achim Koehler. Pre-order your album copy now, and get ready for new power metal hope ALTERIUM, when theywill take the metal scene by storm!
I’m 57 years old. I’ve been a metalhead since 8th grade. My thoughts below are based in fact. I lived the entire Metal movement. Call it The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Texas Metal, American Metal, Thrash Metal, 80s Hair Metal or what have you; I’ve seen and lived the “waves”. I saw Metallica, Slayer and Motörhead in small clubs, End. Of. Story.
Below are my personal statements that are truth about Metal. If anyone disagrees then you never grew up during the beginning of the Metal years and you need to go back to your ABBA albums.
1. I don’t wanna ever hear again that Blue Cheer started Heavy Metal. That’s bullshit. Black Sabbath started Heavy Metal. Black Sabbath. End of story.
2. Van Halen was Heavy Metal before the DiverDown album. Deal with it.
3. Cinderella was NOT Hair Metal.
4. Def Leppard was NOT part of The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. Sorry, all you “Rock historians”.
5. Iron Maiden is better than Metallica.
6. Metal never needed MTV’s Headbangers Ball,
7. Grunge never killed Metal. The radio stations and record companies thumbed their noses at Metal. However, Metal was just fine during the 90’s. Just look up the discographies of Overkill, W.A.S.P., Motörhead, Megadeth, Black Sabbath and DIO to name a short list.
8. Metalheads tape traded, demos especially. There was no internet to receive instant music or Metal news; we were socially interacting in person with one another to share our Metal and its news.
9. Heavy Metal parking lot. ‘Nuff said.
10. VENOM. ‘Nuff said.
11. 70s KISS is better than any other decade of KISS.
12. Back then, Kerrang! magazine wasn’t a bullshit magazine that featured crap like Twenty One Pilots.
13. People that wore concert tees back in the day actually went to the concerts and listened to the bands albums.
Atomic Fire Records is proud to announce the signing of Swedish cult metal band CEMETARY, one of the most exciting bands of the ’90s, capable of merging death metal with gothic and doom flavors. CEMETARY‘s founding member and mastermind Mathias Lodmalm is back to remind us that true legends never die.
Lodmalm comments: “After several decades in the wilderness, CEMETARY finally arrives home at Atomic Fire Records. For better or for worse, I have always gone my own way and rolled the bones as they may. Roughly a decade ago, I started crafting a sound that came to be the upcoming album Come To Ruin. Working with a label was never a thought, quite the opposite. But when I heard the rumblings from Donzdorf, it pulled me in, and what I saw was the finest team in metal today.
“To finally be able to work with people as passionate as myself is a true blessing. I am forever grateful. Old titles will come back to life with the highest production values possible. Not only one, but two new albums are being prepared to usher in the apocalypse with a ferocity never before heard from the band. This has been a long time coming – plans are best laid. Thanks to all who patiently waited and kept CEMETARY alive by tuning into the sound.”
Atomic Fire Records co-founder/A&R MarkusWosgien adds, “It was in 1993 when I discovered CEMETARY with their second album, Godless Beauty, which guided me into another world, similar as Tiamat (Clouds) and Paradise Lost (Shades Of God) did the year before. But CEMETARY was different, even more intense with more ‘corners and edges.’ Songs like ‘And Julie Is No More’ and ‘By My Own Hand’ stuck in my head and I can repeat every second even three decades later.
“Some months ago,” he continues, “Lake Of Tears mastermind Daniel Brennare introduced me to Mathias Lodmalm and we started to talk about the past and future. That’s why we kick off our cooperation with beautiful reissues of their ’90s albums, starting with An Evil Shade Of Grey and my all-time favorite, Godless Beauty, including individual interviews and new graphics. Mathias is also in the final steps of a brand new CEMETARY album and the demos we heard took us back to the band’s origin and breathe the mood of those first two cult records.”
Over twenty years have passed but now is the time to break the silence – a new incarnation of CEMETARY springs to life. In celebration of their return is a limited exclusive T-shirt, designed by Lodmalm himself. Featuring CEMETARY‘s logo, this collector’s item is limited to only thirty-four pieces worldwide to celebrate thirty-four years of the band’s existence!
About Cemetary: Based in Borås, Sweden, Mathias Lodmalm and his comrades immediately reaped recognition unleashing a stunning debut album titled An Evil Shade Of Grey (1992), shortly followed by their Godless Beauty (1993) masterpiece and Black Vanity (1994). CEMETARY incessantly dominated the extreme metal scene releasing two more records (1996’s Sundown and 1997’s Last Confessions) and touring all over Europe.
Following the band’s split in 1997, Lodmalm released his swansong, Phantasma, in 2005. Continually active within the metal underground, he reemerged as CEMETARY 1213 to create the science fiction inspired concept album The Beast Divine, showing a much colder and harder edge than its predecessors.
May 5, 2023 will see heavy speed metal giants SAVAGE GRACE return with a brand new studio album, entitled “Sign Of The Cross”, through Massacre Records!
On their forthcoming album, SAVAGE GRACE are not only introducing their new vocalist GabrielColon – who is described as a blend of the early Rob Halford and the young Ian Gillian – but creating and moving into a new dimension of metal while keeping true to their authentic roots. Guitarist Christian Logue assembled the most incredible musicians from across the world to create the most devastating version of SAVAGE GRACE yet.
Get a sneak peak of their upcoming offering, as the band has just unleashed a music video for first single ‘Automoton’! According to Logue, “Automoton is inspired by Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ and is very relevant to the events of the day.”
Forty years of metal experience went into crafting each of the new album songs into classics they will soon become. In addition, provocative, thought-inspiring lyrics and powerful topics weave their way through this mesmerizing collection of songs.
Christian Logue comments: “This album is my masterpiece and a grand addition to my legacy of universally acclaimed classic metal recordings. Every song on this album is powerful, there is not one weak track on this record.”
“Sign Of The Cross” was produced by Logue and was mixed and mastered by Roland Grapow at Grapow Studios. Slated for a release as CD, ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats on May 5, 2023 via Massacre Records, the pre-sale has just started at THIS LOCATION!
When it comes to defending the core values of timeless power metal and combining them with fresh stylistic variations and exciting stories, Swedish power metallers Bloodbound have always been fighting at the forefront. With nine studio albums in 16 years under their belt, the six-piece has proven their versatility and inventiveness countless times. Following the much acclaimed, latest record Creatures Of TheDark Realm (2021, AFM Records), Bloodbound have announced the release of their upcoming masterpiece, entitled Tales From The North!
“‘Tales From The North’ is very much a concept album about the viking era. About the lives of our ancestors up here in the dark, cold and unfriendly environments of the north,” explains lead guitarist Tomas Olsson and summarizes the content of their eleven songs: “Different legends and myths intertwine during the course of the songs, leading up to the epic battle of 1066, which marks the end of the viking era.” Those who already know the sound of Bloodbound can imagine the metallic force the band employs to evoke this story. Tales From The Northwill be released on July 7, 2023 via AFM/Soulfood as a 2-CD digipak including a live CD. As a special treat, it will also be released as a strictly limited box set as well as coloured vinyl LPs.
Give ear, as today, the band shared a lyric video for their first album single “Odin’s Prayer”! “Odin’s Prayer is a real banger of a song”, Fredrik Bergh comments. “It represents the new album well and I think it’s a great first taste of the new record. On Tales From The North we have gone back to the roots of bloodbound a bit and I think the bloodheads will like what they hear!“
Watch the Official Lyric Video for Odin’s Prayer HERE
Bloodbound have not only improved in terms of content, but also musically. Says Olsson: “The songs are more fast-paced and closer to some of our earlier stuff like ’Moria’ and ’Nosferatu’, but have more complex arrangements. Compared to the predecessor ‘Creatures Of The Dark Realm’ there are heavier guitars and some deeper sounding keyboards. We have also incorporated some traditional nordic folk music instruments to fit the concept of the album. It’s still pure power metal but we’re trying to take it to the next level.”
Tales From The North was produced by Bloodbound, and was mixed and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren (Amorphis, Overkill, Sabaton) at the Swedish ‘Black Lounge Studios’. The cover artwork was done by Péter Sallai (Hammerfall, Powerwolf & many more).
Tales From The North track listing: 01. Tales From The North 02. Drink With The Gods 03. Odin´s Prayer 04. The Raven´s Cry 05. Mimir`s Crystal Eye 06. Between The Enemy Lines 07. Land Of Heroes 08. Sail Among The Dead 09. Stake My Claims 10.Sword And Axe 11. 1066
BLOODBOUND: Tomas Olsson – lead guitar Fredrik Bergh – keyboards Patrik Selleby – vocals Henrik Olsson – rhythm guitar Anders Broman – bass Daniel Hansfeldt – drums
In support of their upcoming album, Bloodbound has announced an extensive headliner tour and to appear at several festivals such as Karmoygeddon, RockHarz, Masters of Rock, among others. Make sure to catch them live at the following dates this year:
04.02.2023 (SWE) MORA Lilla Helfvetet 28.02.2023 (GER) BERLIN Hole 44* 01.03.2023 (GER) MUNICH Backstage Halle* 02.03.2023 (CH) PRATTELN Z7* 03.03.2023 (FR) COLMAR Le Grillen* 04.03.2023 (BE) VORSELAAR De Dreef* 05.03.2023 (GER) NUREMBERG Hirsch* 06.03.2023 (GER) MANNHEIM 7er Club* 07.03.2023 (GER) ASCHAFFENBURG Colos-Saal* 08.03.2023 (GER) HAMBURG Bahnhof Pauli* 09.03.2023 GER SIEGBURG Kubana* 10.03.2023 (GER) ESSEN Turock* 11.03.2023 (NL) ENSCHEDE Metropool* 12.03.2023 (GER) KASSEL Goldgrube* 04.05.2023 (NOR) KOPERVIK Karmoygeddon Festival 08.07.2023 (GER) BALLENSTEDT RockHarz Festival 16.07.2023 (CZE) VIZOVICE Masters of Rock Festival
2022 proved to be another stellar year for Metal album releases. I’ve paired down my list to the 10 Metal albums that bestowed upon my Metal soul the best of Metal euphoria. What are your favorite Metal albums of 2022?
It’s never a perfect science in making a “best of” list and my deliberations are genuinely thought out over and over. I thank each band below for their incredible Metal creations. Feel free to comment! Happy Holidays and… Metal Be Thy Name! -Stone
1. DARKTHRONE – Astral Fortress2. QUEENSRYCHE – Digital Noise Alliance3. STRYPER – The Final Battle4. CORPSEGRINDER – S/T5. VENOM INC. – There’s Only Black6. INCITE – Wake Up Dead7. GOATWHORE – Angels Hung From the Arches ofHeaven8. HAMMERFALL – Hammer Of Dawn9. IRON KINGDOM – The Blood Of Creation10. DEMIRICOUS – III: Chaotic Lethal
Ronnie Romero has announced the upcoming release of ‘Raised On Heavy Radio’, a companion album of sorts to his first covers album, “Raised On Radio”, on January 27, 2023. This time out, Romero pays tribute to legendary artists from the metal world like Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept, Metallica, and more. Special guests on the album include Gus G. (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne), Chris Caffery (Savatage, Spirits Of Fire), Roland Grapow (Masterplan, Helloween), and more.
Romero’s voice and prolific musical activity have brought him to the forefront of the hard rock/metal scene where he can be seen/heard with Lords of Black, The Ferrymen, Sunstorm, Rainbow, and the Michael Schenker Group. Through his work fronting these acts, it is no stretch to see how the artists covered on this album have influenced Romero and understand how his voice is well suited to give them a proper tribute.
Ambitious and driven as always, this record is another special treat for fans while Romero continues work on his proper debut solo album of original material. Romero’s first solo covers album, “Raised On Radio”, featured covers of classics that meant something special to Romero over the years and helped forge this talented singer’s musical style. Songs by legendary acts like Survivor, Bad Company, Foreigner, Queen, Led Zeppelin, and more were given Romero’s talented vocal treatment. These classic rock and AOR covers showcased a different side of Romero’s musical influences and were executed with passion, charisma, and power. Now, with this second installment of covers, “Raised On Metal Radio”, Romero showcases his love of metal music, for which he is more widely known.
Through Romero’s career thus far, he has performed killer renditions of several rock and metal classics as part of his shows fronting legendary acts like Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group (MSG). He’s also covered classic songs by Journey, Queen, Rainbow, and more with Spanish metallers Lords Of Black. So, with trying his hand at covers by legendary artists being familiar territory already, both cover albums were waters that Romero was comfortable wading into.
“Raised On Metal Radio” Tracklisting: The Battle Rages On (Deep Purple cover) Metal Daze (Manowar cover) Turbo Lover (Feat. Nozomu Wakai) (Judas Priest cover) Hallowed Be Thy Name (Iron Maiden cover) Fast As A Shark (Accept cover) No More Tears (Feat. Gus G.) (Ozzy Osbourne cover) The Shining (Feat. Chris Caffery) (Black Sabbath cover) A Light In The Black (Rainbow cover) Kind Hearted Light (Feat. Roland Grapow) (Masterplan cover) You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget (Yngwie Malmsteen) The Four Horsemen (Metallica) Turbo Lover (Alternate Solo Version) (Judas Priest cover) Digital Bonus Track
Total length: 00.45.56
Line-Up: Ronnie Romero – vocals Jose Rubio – guitars Javi Garcia – bass Andy C – drums Alessandro Del Vecchio – keyboards
Additional Musicians:
Alfredo Alonso – Guitar solo on ‘Metal Daze’ Nozomu Wakai – Guitar solo on ‘Turbo Lover’ Gus G. – Guitar solo on ‘No More Tears’ Chris Caffery – All guitars on ‘The Shining’ Roland Grapow – Rhythm & lead guitars on ‘Kind Hearted Light’ Corina Minda – Backing vocals on ‘Metal Daze’, ‘Fast As A Shark’, and spoken vocals on ‘No More Tears’
Produced by: Alessandro Del Vecchio Executive Producer/A&R: Serafino Perugino
GOATWHORE will kick off the new year with a short run of US headlining shows through the Gulf States. The trek begins January 5th in Pensacola, Florida and runs through January 14th in Long Beach, Mississippi. Support will be provided by Caveman Cult, Herakleion, and others on select dates. The band’s latest live run serves as a precursor to their month-long European tour with Revocation, Alluvial, and Creeping Death. Tickets are on sale now! See all confirmed dates below.
GOATWHORE: 1/05/2023 The Handlebar – Pensacola, FL w/ Herakleion 1/06/2023 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL w/ Caveman Cult, Herakleion 1/07/2023 Gramps – Miami, FL w/ Caveman Cult, Herakleion 1/08/2023 The Haven – Orlando, FL w/ Caveman Cult, Herakleion 1/12/2023 Freetown Boom Boom Room – Lafayette, LA w/ Golgothan, Herakleion 1/13/2023 Twist Of Lime – Metairie, LA w/ Skulldozer, Cranial Sledge, Vatic Decryption 1/14/2023 Trax Bar – Long Beach, MS – w/ Skulldozer, Killhammer, Herakleion w/ Revocation, Alluvial, Creeping Death: 1/19/2023 Kulturzentrum Schlachthof – Wiesbaden, DE 1/20/2023 Matrix Bochum – Bochum, DE 1/21/2023 Doornroosje – Nijmegen, NL 1/22/2023 Logo Musik & Bier GmbH Veranstaltungsservice – Hamburg, DE 1/23/2023 Nefertiti på Valand (Jazzföreningen) – Gothenburg, SE 1/24/2023 John Dee – Oslo, NO 1/25/2023 Pumpehuset – Copenhagen, DK 1/27/2023 SO36 – Berlin , DE 1/28/2023 AJZ – Chemnitz, DE 1/29/2023 Hirsch – Nürnberg, DE 1/30/2023 Futurum – Prague, CZ 1/31/2023 Akvárium Klub – Budapest, HU
2/01/2023 Viper Room – Vienna, AT 2/02/2023 Backstagen Halle – Munich, DE 2/03/2023 Kofmehl – Solothurn, CH 2/04/2023 Alchemica Music Club – Bologna, IT 2/05/2023 Le Rex De Toulous – Toulouse, FR 2/06/2023 Bóveda – Barcelona, ES 2/07/2023 Copernico – Badrid, ES 2/08/2023 Stage Live – Bilbao, ES 2/10/2023 Travbendo – Paris, FR 2/11/2023 The Black Lab – Lille, FR 2/12/2023 Islington Assembly Hall – London, GB 2/13/2023 Rebellion – Manchester, GB 2/14/2023 Whelan’s – Dublin, IE 2/15/2023 Asylum – Birmingham, GB 2/16/2023 The Fleece – Bristol, GB 2/17/2023 Zappa – Antwerp, BG 2/18/2023 Kulturzentrum Faust – Hannover, DE
GOATWHORE will be touring in support of their Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven full-length, released in October via Metal Blade Records. Unquestionably their fiercest, most accomplished album to date in sound, concept, and execution, the twelve-track offering earned the #9 position on Billboard’s Current Hard Music Albums chart upon its first week of release and stands among the most volatile and plainly dangerous records to come out of 2022.
Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven was produced by Jarrett Pritchard (Exhumed, 1349) and tracked primarily at Studio In The Country in Bogalusa, Louisiana under pandemic restrictions. Additionally, the band recruited acclaimed producer Kurt Ballou (Converge, High On Fire, Gatecreeper, Code Orange) to mix the record with final mastering duties handled by Grammy-award winning engineer Ted Jensen (Ghost, Gojira, Cult Of Luna). The record is tied together by the art of longtime collaborator Jordan Barlow whose cryptic use of sigils holds deeper meaning to the record’s totality.
Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven is available on CD, digitally, and LP on multiple color variants. Preview and purchase yours today at:http://metalblade.com/goatwhore.
View the band’s previously released videos for “Born Of Satan’s Flesh” at THIS LOCATION and the title track at THIS LOCATION.
GOATWHORE: Louis B. Falgoust II – vocals Sammy Duet – guitars, vocals Zack Simmons – drums Robert “TA” Coleman – bass
New studio album “72 Seasons” releases on April 14, 2023. Album package conceived and art directed by David Turner and his team. Source: Metallica.com
The complete track listing for 72 Seasons is:
72 Seasons Shadows Follow Screaming Suicide Sleepwalk My Life Away You Must Burn! Lux Æterna Crown of Barbed Wire Chasing Light If Darkness Had a Son Too Far Gone? Room of Mirrors Inamorata
Founded by bassist MatSinner and vocalist Ralf Scheepers, and completed by guitarist Tom Naumann and drummer Klaus Sperling, German metal commandos PRIMALFEAR began to pave their way to the top of the scene in 1997. They’ve released thirteen studio albums and have played countless shows around the globe with relentless passion over the last twenty-five years. The band hit #7 of the German album charts (PRIMAL FEAR’s highest entry in their home country so far) and more top positions in other countries with their most recent offering, 2020’s Metal Commando. And there’s no end in sight as the band is already working on material for their next album.
Before the group enters the studio again and in celebration of their twenty-five-year anniversary, PRIMALFEAR will release a deluxe version of their highly-praised self-titled debut album from 1998 — remastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Denmark and featuring three bonus tracks as well as an extended booklet featuring liner notes and many photos from the band archives — on July 15th via AtomicFire.
As a first glimpse of the record’s refreshed sound, watch a brand-new lyric video for hit song “Chainbreaker” off PrimalFear, which was crafted by Gabriel Management, at THIS LOCATION. Stream and download the track HERE.
Preorder the album on CD, LP, and digitally at THIS LOCATION. Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube and listen to “Chainbreaker” in the AFR New Releases playlist HERE.
The album, which contains guest appearances by Kai Hansen (guitars; Helloween, Gammy Ray etc.) and Frank Rössler (additional keyboards), was originally recorded at House Of Music Studios, produced by founding member Mat Sinner, supported by Tom Naumann and Ralf Scheepers, and engineered by Achim Köhler. The iconic artwork was designed by Stephan Lohrmann who also cooperated with PRIMAL FEAR for their latest studio album and other parts of their back catalog.
Primal Fear (Deluxe Edition; Remastered) Track Listing:
Primal Fear
Chainbreaker
Silver & Gold
Promised Land
Formula One
Dollars
Nine Lives
Tears Of Rage
Speedking
Battalions Of Hate
Running In The Dust
Thunderdome Bonus Tracks:
Breaker (Accept Cover)
Chainbreaker (live)
Running In The Dust (live)
View PRIMAL FEAR’s previously released videos for “I Will Be Gone” [feat. Tarja Turunen] HERE, “The Lost & The Forgotten” HERE, “Hear Me Calling” HERE, “I Am Alive” HERE, and “Along Came The Devil” HERE.
PRIMALFEAR: Ralf Scheepers – vocals Mat Sinner – bass, vocals Tom Naumann – guitars Alexander Beyrodt – guitars Magnus Karlsson – guitars Michael Ehré – drums
Long-running Ohio volume abusers, BENEATH OBLIVION, will cut the masses down with their amp-driven depression next month on a near three-week live takeover. Set to commence on May 4th in Cincinnati, the band will crumble the stages of nineteen cities along the Eastern Seaboard, with the trek drawing to a close on May 21st in Richmond, Virginia.
Forged in 2003, BENEATH OBLIVION is a working class funeral doom collective hailing from a dying city in the Ohio River Valley. Fusing traditional doom elements with extreme metal and punk, BENEATH OBLIVION‘s sound conjurings are cold, dismal, and introverted. In addition to a variety of new releases in the works — including a split seven-inch with St. Louis sludge trio, Fister and a ten-inch split with Before The Eyewall as well as plans to record a new full-length with Billy Anderson in the Fall — the band recently recorded two brand new hymns. Set for release in cassette format, the as-yet-untitled tracks will be limited to fifty copies and available throughout the tour.
BENEATH OBLIVION:
5/04/2015 Rake’s End – Cincinnati, OH
5/05/2015 The Smiling Moose – Pittsburgh, PA
5/06/2015 The Acheron – Brooklyn, NY
5/07/2015 Ralph’s – Worcester, MA
5/08/2015 O’Briens – Boston, MA
5/09/2015 Koto Lounge – Salem, MA
5/10/2015 Geno’s – Portland, ME
5/11/2015 Nectars – Burlington, VT
5/12/2015 Cherry Street Station – Wallingford, CT
5/13/2015 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA
5/14/2015 The Pinch – Washington, DC
5/15/2015 The Milestone – Charlotte, NC
5/16/2015 Rain Dogs – Jacksonville, FL
5/17/2015 1982 Bar – Gainesville, FL
5/18/2015 Ashley Street Station – Valdosta, GA
5/19/2015 Atlanta Death Fest – Atlanta, GA
5/20/2015 Slim’s Downtown – Raleigh, NC
5/21/2015 25 Watt – Richmond, VA
The Age Of Nefarious will be released October 25, 2013. Coming as a 10” Vinyl in several colored versions, it will include the single track plus three live songs recorded at the Bloodstock Festival, 2013.
The bands current incarnation with Andy Sneap (guitar) and David Bower (vocals) joining original members Kev Bower (guitar and keys), TonySpeakman (bass) and Tim Bowler (drums) will release the follow-up to their highly acclaimed debut Human Remains(2011) on November 22nd 2013 via Nuclear Blast.
The track list of The Age Of Nefarious reads as follows:
Side A:
1. The Age Of Nefarious
Side B
1. On Earth As It Is In Hell (live)
2. Blasphemy And The Master (live)
3. The Oppressors (live)
Commented guitarist Kev Bower: “In a world dominated by conflict, disease, corruption, poverty, disaster and crime – much of which has religion at its source – this is truly the dawning of The Age Of Nefarious. The song was always going to be the perfect opener for the new Curse And Chapter album since it lays the foundation for everything which follows, but when we were approached by our friends at Nuclear Blast with the idea of producing a lead-off EP, we also decided that out of four possible EP album track candidates – this song should also be the one. It represents everything which HELL represents – it powers along in awe-inspiring majesty, but takes lots of unexpected twists and turns before reaching its inevitable conclusion. The artwork is once again the result of our collaboration with Dan Goldsworthy, and it shows just a tiny fraction of the artwork he has created for Curse AndChapter. With regard to the additional live tracks – where better to have recorded these than from the main stage at Bloodstock Open Air 2013 – the spiritual home of UK Metal, during one of the best shows we have ever played, and in front of 10,000 of the most dedicated Metal heads in the world. We are proud to be giving you a glimpse into the second Chapter……”
And don’t miss HELL on tour this fall along with label mates CARCASS and Swedish Death institution AMON AMARTH, invading Europe on the following dates:
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!
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