In less than 8 weeks we hit the road supporting Sabaton across the U.S. and Canada!
From Florida to California, from Texas to Nova Scotia, we’re embarking on a 32-date run, marking our first-ever major North American arena tour.
We can’t wait to bring Wings of Steel to cities we’ve had our eyes on since day one and finally deliver our music to the thousands of fans who’ve been eager to see us live.
Feb. 09 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – War Memorial Auditorium Feb. 10 – Tampa, FL – Yuengling Center Feb. 13 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall Feb. 14 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom Feb. 15 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port Feb. 18 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre Feb. 20 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum Feb. 21 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Feb. 24 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center Feb. 26 – Loveland, CO – Blue Arena Feb. 27 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha Feb. 28 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory Mar. 02 – Des Moines, IA – Vibrant Music Hall Mar. 03 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory Mar. 04 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed Mar. 07 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center Mar. 08 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit Mar. 10 – Pittsburgh, PA – UPMC Events Center Mar. 11 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark Mar. 12 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway Mar. 14 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome^ Mar. 15 – Washington, DC – The Theater at MGM National Harbor Mar. 17 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Special Events Center Mar. 18 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy Apr. 06 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre Apr. 09 – Laval, QC – Place Bell Apr. 11 – Toronto, ON – Great Canadian Toronto Apr. 14 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre Apr. 17 – Edmonton, AB – Edmonton Convention Centre Apr. 18 – Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Event Centre Apr. 20 – Vancouver, BC – PNE Forum
Italy-based computer metal project MASTER BOOT RECORD (MBR) will return to US and Canadian shores this coming Spring for an extensive North American headlining tour after completing their very successful European tour with labelmates Igorrr plus openers Imperial Triumphant! The group’s North American journey begins on April 24th in Cambridge, Massachusetts and runs through May 30th in Queens, New York.
MASTER BOOT RECORD outputs: “Computer metal strikes back in North America with a full coast-to-coast tour. We’ll return to many of the cities we’ve played before, while finally hitting several cities for the first time. The show will feature brand-new synced visuals and a full set, including ‘Tenebre Rosso Sangue’ by Keygen Church, as already performed during our European tour supporting Igorrr. We can’t wait to see you all. SPREAD THE CODE.”
Tickets are on sale now at: mbrserver.com. See all confirmed dates below.
MASTER BOOT RECORD Live: 4/24/2026 Sonia – Cambridge, MA 4/25/2026 Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC 4/27/2026 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON 4/28/2026 Sanctuary – Hamtramck, MI 4/29/2026 The Foundry – Columbus, OH 4/30/2026 Reggies – Chicago, IL 5/01/2026 X-Ray Arcade – Milwaukee, WI 5/02/2026 Zhora Darling – Minneapolis, MN 5/03/2026 Slowdown – Omaha, NE 5/05/2026 HQ – Denver, CO 5/07/2026 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT 5/09/2026 Rickshaw – Vancouver, BC 5/10/2026 Star Theater – Portland, OR 5/12/2026 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 5/14/2026 Café Colonial – Sacramento, CA 5/15/2026 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA 5/16/2026 Zebulon – Los Angeles, CA 5/17/2026 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 5/19/2026 The Rosetta Room – Mesa, AZ 5/22/2026 Empire Control Room – Austin, TX 5/23/2026 Siberia – New Orleans, LA 5/24/2026 Garden Club – Atlanta, GA 5/26/2026 Chapel Of Bones – Raleigh, NC 5/27/2026 Richmond Music Hall – Richmond, VA 5/28/2026 Metro Gallery – Baltimore, MD 5/29/2026 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA 5/30/2026 TV Eye – Queens, NY
MASTER BOOT RECORD will be touring in support of their HARDWAREZ full-length, released in 2024 via Metal Blade Records.
HARDWAREZ explores the duality of technology. The LP, which follows 2022’s Personal Computer and 2020’s Floppy Disk Overdrive, comes from the expansive mind of multi-instrumentalist and MBR mastermind Vittorio D’Amore (aka Victor Love), an Italian producer who emerged from the underground as an anonymous project in 2016 to create the soundtrack for the cyberpunk point-and-click adventure game VirtuaVerse. The project seamlessly evolved into a standalone entity, releasing over fourteen albums in just a few years.
To create HARDWAREZ, the technologist worked by live streaming his desktop on YouTube while composing new music. Everything is programmed via MIDI. Intensive touring augmented with live musicians helped Love make the decision to include real guitars to achieve a massive sound and boost the enhanced frequency spectrum of the instrument. Additionally, the tracks feature sections without overdubs and with updated drum samples and a new mixing approach, creating a more vibrant and punchy drum sound.
HARDWAREZ earned the #3 spot on Billboard’s Current Electronic Albums chart upon its first week of release. Elsewhere, the record took the #11 position on the Current Hard Music Albums chart, #17 on the Top New Artists Albums chart, and more!
Portuguese power duo SOUL OF ANUBIS will release their new album, Ritual, on February 20th, 2026 via Time To Kill Records. After more than a decade of intense activity, relentless touring and a steadily growing reputation across Europe, the band returns with a record that captures the full scope of their signature sound.
“’Incarnation’ represents the rebirth into a new cycle to enter the path of peace after the conflicted struggle in life. It is the story of a man who, after his death, gets on the boat to head towards the perfect world and who faces difficult struggles during his crossing. Along the way, he must leave behind oppression, starvation, pain and mind, leading him to immortality”.
Line-up:
Hugo Ferrão – Guitar, Vocals Rui Silva – Drums
Formed in 2010 in Northern Portugal, SOUL OF ANUBIS have carved out a distinct place within the European underground thanks to their explosive fusion of thrash, sludge, doom and post-metal. Their sound channels the raw urgency of Mantar, the primal energy of early Mastodon, and the relentless drive of High On Fire and Black Cobra, yet remains unmistakably their own, a visceral blend of aggression and dynamic shifts that refuses to be confined to a single genre.
On stage, the duo are known for their fierce and magnetic performances, delivering an unfiltered surge of heaviness that connects with audiences on a deeply physical level. Over the years, they have performed extensively across Portugal and beyond, building a loyal following through their intensity and authenticity.
The upcoming album promises to push their sonic boundaries even further, expanding upon their trademark blend of massive riffs, dark groove, and emotional gravity, while highlighting a newfound sense of urgency and compositional versatility.
Track list:
1. Ritual 2. Mind Crusher (feat Keijo Niinimaa from Rotten Sound) 3. Incarnation 4. Vermin 5. Dead Cult 6. God’s Burial 7. Human Torch 8. Unholy Tomb
German progressive death metal masters, OBSCURA, are set to return to the U.S. this spring for the ‘Stardust Tour.’ The 18-date run begins on March 15th at the legendary Whisky-A-Go-Go in Hollywood, includes key stops in Austin, Philadelphia, and Detroit, and concludes on April 3rd in Roseville, CA. They will be joined by ALLEGAEON, COGNITIVE, and CRYPTOSIS.
Tickets for the tour will be available on Friday, December 19th at 10:00 PST.
Confirmed dates for OBSCURA‘s ‘Stardust’ US 2026 tour with ALLEGAEON, COGNITIVE, and CRYPTOSIS are:
03.13.2026 USA Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky-A-Go-Go 03.14.2026 USA Tucson, AZ @ The Rock 03.15.2026 USA El Paso, TX @ Rockhouse Bar & Grill 03.16.2026 USA Austin, TX @ Come And Take It Live 03.17.2026 USA Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th Street Collective 03.18.2026 USA Haltom City, TX @ Haltom Theater 03.23.2026 USA Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts 03.24.2026 USA Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows 03.25.2026 USA Hamden, CT @ Space Ballroom 03.26.2026 USA Rochester, NY @ Photo City Music All 03.27.2026 USA Lakewood, OH @ Mercury Music Lounge 03.28.2026 USA Detroit, MI @ The Sanctuary 03.29.2026 USA Joilet, IL @ The Forge 03.30.2026 USA Kansas City, MO @ Warehouse On Broadway 03.31.2026 USA Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep 04.01.2026 USA Salt Late City, UT @ Aces High Saloon 04.02.2026 USA Reno, NV @ Club Underground 04.03.2026 USA Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
A double-dose of Blade smackin’ you ALL UP with 200 Stab Wounds and INGESTED alongside a stacked lineup with the likes of Thy Art Is Murder, Bodysnatcher, Carnifex, Gates to Hell and Bodybox!
General tickets on sale this Friday at 10AM local time.
5/2 Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren 5/3 Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey Theater 5/5 San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center 5/6 Houston, TX @ House of Blues 5/8 Nashville, TX @ Brooklyn Bowl 5/10 Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome To Rockville* 5/12 Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore 5/13 Baltimore, MD @ Nevermore Hall 5/14 Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple* 5/15 Reading, PA @ Reverb 5/16 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium* 5/17 Brooklyn, NY @ The Brooklyn Monarch 5/19 Chicago, IL @ Ramova Theatre 5/20 Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom 5/22 Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre 5/23 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Rockwell 5/24 Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Hall 5/26 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo 5/27 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater 5/29 Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre 5/30 Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern 5/31 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
Haunt will be touring the United States w/ the great and powerful Intranced this coming Spring. Tickets now on sale for announced shows. More dates TBA. Ticket links in bio and story. SHRED TIL DEATH Art by @thejohngee
The Extraordinary Tour USA 2026 w/ Intranced
MARCH 14 • DENVER, CO • BLACK SKY BREWING MARCH 15 • OMAHA, NE • THE SYDNEY MARCH 18 • CUDHAY, WI – X-RAY ARCADE MARCH 19 • CHICAGO, IL • REGGIES w/ @viciousrumorsband MARCH 20 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN • BLACK CIRCLE MARCH 21 • COLUMBUS, OH • THE SPACEBAR MARCH 22 • PHILADELPHIA, PA – MILKBOY MARCH 24 • BROOKLYN, NY • THE WOOD SHOP MARCH 25 • BALTIMORE, MD • METRO GALLERY MARCH 26 • RALEIGH, NC • THE POUR HOUSE MARCH 27 • ASHEVILLE, NC • THE ODD MARCH 29 • LOUISVILLE, KY • PORTAL APRIL 4 • SIERRA VISTA, AZ • PC’s LOUNGE
Metalitalia.com, in collaboration with MC² Live and Live Club, is pleased to announce the first confirmations for the thirteenth edition of the Metalitalia Festival, set to take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026 at the Live Club in Trezzo sull’Adda (Milan). As always, the event will be preceded by an exclusive Warm Up Party on Friday 25th September at the legendary Bloom in Mezzago, with full details to be revealed in the coming months.
True to tradition, the festival will once again offer a full-scale experience, featuring a rich musical programme packed with international acts and exclusive performances. Fans can also look forward to the ever-popular free meet & greets with all artists, a wide metal market, and the return of Metalitalia Ink, the area entirely dedicated to tattoo and body-art culture.
Below are the first bands confirmed for this edition:
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Headlining the Saturday bill will be PARADISE LOST. It is a true honour for us to welcome a band that has shaped our tastes as listeners and written a defining chapter in European metal history. The pioneers of gothic metal for this occasion will present a special “by request” show, with a setlist chosen by the fans. Additional information about the voting system will be announced later.
Also performing on Saturday are AMENRA, one of the leading forces in the post-metal landscape. The Belgian collective typically cathartic and visceral performance is set to take on an even more monumental form within the Live Club.
Completing this first announcement are the Ukrainians 1914, one of the most compelling contemporary acts in the European extreme metal scene. Known for their dynamic fusion of black, death, and doom metal with their concept entirely rooted in World War I, they promise a deeply immersive live experience.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Sunday’s headliners will be CORONER, the legendary Swiss techno-thrash formation now stronger than ever thanks to the widespread acclaim of their impressive comeback album Dissonance Theory. It will be an honour to welcome them back to the Live Club for what promises to be a masterful performance.
As co-headliners, we are equally proud to confirm Florida’s CYNIC, pioneers of all things technical and avant-garde within the death–thrash spectrum. Paul Masvidal’s band will perform a special show focused on their first two full-length albums: the seminal Focus and the equally celebrated Traced in Air – an elegant journey into their early legacy.
Also joining Sunday’s programme are SADIST. With two headliners of such calibre, it felt natural to extend the invitation to a group that has helped shape the history of Italian death metal and is widely regarded as a cult name internationally. For the occasion, Tommy, Trevor and company will perform a set dedicated to their masterpiece Tribe, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026.
Many more bands, exclusive shows and full details about all the additional festival features will be announced in the coming weeks!
At a time when everything seems to be getting more expensive and the cost of living keeps rising, we are proud to highlight that – despite the current situation – ticket prices for the festival have remained unchanged from last year. It’s a concrete commitment to keeping the Metalitalia Festival accessible to all fans, without compromising on the quality and ambition that have always defined the event.
DAY 1 – Saturday 26 September 2026 PARADISE LOST – Special show “by request” AMENRA Tba Tba 1914 Tba Tba Tba
DAY 2 – Sunday 27 September 2026 CORONER CYNIC – “Focus” & “Traced in Air” Special show Tba SADIST – “Tribe” Special show Tba Tba Tba Tba
Tickets:
Single-Day Ticket: Pre-sale €49 + fees | At the door €60
2-Day Pass + Warm-Up Party: Pre-sale €79 + fees | At the door €90
Reigning Phoenix Music, in collaboration with Hasbro, is proud to announce the most chaotic Christmas anthem ever to slither down a chimney: COLD SLITHER’s new single “Cobra Claws Are Coming To Town.”
Fresh from the momentum of their self-titled album, released earlier this year, the Dreadnok-driven metal outfit returns with a holiday track packed with sleigh bells, sabotage, and seasonal pandemonium. The track is accompanied by a high-octane holiday video produced by none other than Torch himself (whose alter ego is known as Ross Sewage).
“Well… Along with the persistent pestering by Torch and Ripper, Cobra Commander now has a new scheme to ensnare the masses with a… Ugh… Christmas song.
I, being the consummate professional, and of course gold being an easy persuader, was only too happy to oblige the dear Commander with the most shredding of holiday mayhem you’ll ever hear! I give you, “Cobra Claws are Coming Town”. You all remember the siege upon Keystone City right?! Hahahaha!!!” – Zartan
“All’s I wanted for Xmas was to see the USS Flagg sink like a stone into the briny deep – well, that and maybe a new piledriver, but instead, the boss wanted us to sing a Christmas song, of all things! Then I thought, who am I to refuse our legions of screaming fans a little ‘oliday brainwa- er ‘eadbanging!” – Ripper
“It’s a bloomin’ treat to once again show the yobbos why we’re the best heavy metal band in the world!! Bludgers thought we was washed up, but we put out the best album of 2025! Didn’t think we could nail a Chrissie song, and we turn in a bloody ripper! And wait till you read the lyrics!! Least, I’ve heard they’re good. Reading ain’t me strong suit.” – Torch
“Ehh, he’s not really a Joe guy like us. Maybe just something like “I likes me choo choo train… And me chainsaw too!” Ross, is that what you have him playing at the beginning of the video?” – Buzzer
“Cobra Claws Are Coming To Town” arrives as both a gift and a warning. This is holiday spirit the COLD SLITHER way: loud, unhinged, and ready to storm every playlist from now until the new year. Lock your chimneys. The Cobra Claws ride tonight.
Featuring 10 original tracks and a remastered version of their cult-classic single “Cold Slither,” the album plunges into dystopian metal with themes of swamp-born menace and Cobra-fueled power. The Cold Slither album is available across digital and vinyl formats.
General On Sale: Friday, December 19th @ 10:00 AM LOCAL
Thrash of the Titans USA 2026:
Mar 14 – Portland, OR – Roseland theater Mar 15 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall Mar 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell at the Complex Mar 18 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall Mar 20 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave Mar 21 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Mar 22 – Chicago, IL – Ramova Theatre Mar 24 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall Mar 25 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom Mar 27 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium Mar 28 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom Mar 29 – Reading, PA – Club Reverb Mar 31 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theater Apr 01 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live Apr 03 – Houston, TX – House of Blues Apr 04 – Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory Apr 05 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theatre Apr 08 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren Apr 09 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco Apr 10 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre (No Overkill)
Milwaukee Metal Festival 2026 is pleased to now reveal the headliner day splits! ACID BATH will conquer Friday, followed by KILLSWITCH ENGAGE on Saturday with newly added headliner MINISTRY to close out the weekend! In addition, the festival has announced over 20 new additions, which can be found below!
All single day, 2-day and 3-day ticketing options can be found HERE.
The festival will now take place June 5 – 7, 2026, with the pre-party kicking off on June 4! The festival will take place once again at The Rave/Eagles Ballroom.
Co-organizer Jamey Jasta comments: “2026 is shaping up to be our best year yet and we’re just getting started! More bands, more stages, more vendors, more food, more signings, it’s gonna be the best weekend EVER! See you in the good the land!”
The current lineup is now as follows with more TBA:
ACID BATH KILLSWITCH ENGAGE MINISTRY OBITUARY POWERTRIP AGALLOCH AFTER THE BURIAL ALL SHALL PERISH NAILS IRON REAGAN HAVOK NUNSLAUGHTER HIRAX INTEGRITY PRONG INTERNAL BLEEDING UADA DEADGUY MASTER WEEKEND NACHOS MORTA SKULD POLKADOT CADAVER SWORN ENEMY BELUSHI SPEEDBALL INCITE CASKET ROBBERY DUSK JEFFREY NOTHING BRICK BY BRICK DEAD BY WEDNESDAY HUMAN ARTIFACTS THANATOTIC DESIRE EYES OF THE LIVING MISERY STRIKING 13 TRIP TO THE MORGUE DARK HORSE PROPHET & OVER 40 MORE ARTISTS / BANDS TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Accabadora will see their 3 song debut EP, Mazzolu, release on February 1st. This is Doom Metal from another doom dimension! Heavy? Try to imagine hearing the initial ground splitting of a super volcano, in a manner of speaking heavy! Maurice de Jong on bass and vocals is a monster! His barbarous voice alone is a welcomed ear blowing experience to perceive.
Guitarist Raoul Dumas showcases both clamorous riffs and sedative melodies that meld together like yin-yang, a sonic doom force all his own. Drummer Nico Beemster exhibits the sonic doomsday whomps, adding that end of days homage to the unearthly and spellbinding rhythm section.
Do yourself a metal favor and experience this Doom Metal EP from Accabadora for your own good this February 1st. Metal be thy name. – Stone
Tracklist: 1 – Grasp the light 2 – Monstrous God 3 – Wrath
Accabadora is a Dutch doom band, founded in 2024. The band name comes from Sardinian mythology and refers to the woman who would relieve the sick and elderly from their suffering – at night, with a wooden hammer. It serves as a poetic metaphor for the themes of suffering, release, and death that shape the band’s music. Musical reference points include Conan, Primitive Man, and Amenra: crushingly heavy, slow, but dynamic.
The debut EP “Mazzolu” was recorded in the autumn of 2025 in a rehearsal room the band converted into a studio for the occasion, with engineer Maik Snippe at the controls. The result is a recording that stays close to the band’s live energy.
The EP will be released on February 1st, 2026, on all streaming platforms. A series of shows will follow in the spring; dates to be announced.
Accabadora consists of:
Maurice de Jong – bass and vocals (known from Gnaw Their Tongues)
Photo Credit – Rae Chatten Thunderor L-R: Jonny Nesta (Guitar) | JJ Tartaglia (Vocals, Drums) | Brycen Gunn (Bass)
+ Canadian Tour w/ Burning Witches & EU Tour w/ Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.)
Canadian heavy metal force Thunderor, fronted by JJ Tartaglia (vocals, drums, Skull Fist) and Jonny Nesta (guitar, ex-Skull Fist), alongside Brycen Gunn on bass, are igniting excitement with their high-octane new single “Pump Up The Volume.” The track offers the first glimpse of their forthcoming sophomore album,Bleed For It, slated for release at the end of March 2026. With their trademark fusion of Arena Rock Opera Heavy Metal, Thunderor deliver soaring vocals, massive choruses, and uplifting energy designed to inspire fans to live boldly and chase their dreams.
The single also doubles as the opening number from Thunderor The Musical, the band’s ambitious rock opera, which premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival 2025. Featuring a cameo from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow in the promotional clip, the track sets the tone for an album that promises both fun and depth.
“This one is a lot of fun. Turn up the music, pump up your life, Pump Up The Volume! It’s also the opening number for the Musical, and it sets the mood nicely. Although the rest of the album ventures to many different places. Special thanks to Olivia Chow and the City of Toronto for her cameo in the promo clip, super cool.” – JJ Tartaglia.
Following their acclaimed debut, Thunderor’s second album Bleed For It showcases significant growth in both songwriting and performance. The band highlights improved vocals and more expansive anthem-driven choruses, delivering a soundtrack that balances raw heavy metal energy with theatrical flair.
The upcoming album is a concept record, serving as the official soundtrack to Thunderor The Musical. Fans can expect a journey through uplifting themes of love, struggle, and perseverance, all wrapped in the band’s trademark high-energy sound.
Drawing inspiration from legends like Meat Loaf, Van Halen, Bruce Springsteen, The Darkness, H.E.A.T., Night Flight Orchestra, and their own roots in Skull Fist, Thunderor’s sound is a modern twist on classic heavy and hair metal.
In additional news, Thunderor will be hitting the road in 2026, supporting Burning Witches on their first Canadian Tour in April, followed by a Scandinavian Tour supporting Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.) in May (dates listed below).
Canada Tour 2026 with Burning Witches: April 20 – Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC April 21 – La Source De La Martiniere – Quebec City, QC April 22 – The Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON April 23 – The Garrison – Toronto, ON
Scandinavia Tour 2026 with HOLMES (The Sound of WASP): May 15 – Nordic Noise – Copenhagen, Denmark May 16 – Godset – Kolding, Denmark May 27 – The Abyss – Gothenburg, Sweden May 28 – Muskelrock – Blädinge, Sweden May 29 – Lokstallet – Skövde, Sweden May 30 – Gjerdrum Rock Club – Gjerdrum, Norway May 31 – Sjøboden Live Scene – Mandal, Norway
With their third album Exequiae (Latin for “funeral rites”), Lone Wanderer from Freiburg im Breisgau/Germany makes a striking statement in the realm of Funeral Doom. The band’s High Roller debut continues the thematic line of its predecessor The Faustian Winter, from the end of Faustian culture to inner grief and existential despair.
“Thematically and musically, we’ve never been closer to the core of Funeral Doom than with these five songs,” explains songwriter and guitarist Bruno Schotten. The tracks, including the nearly 25-minute centerpiece ‘To Rest Eternally’, combine majestic slowness, dense harmonies, and overwhelming heaviness. “The extended length of this track wasn’t intentional, but a logical necessity of the theme.”
Musically, Exequiae marks a high point in the band’s development: “Despite extensive excursions into elaborate harmonies, a red thread runs through the album. Including some more death-doomy passages, it sounds darker and more cryptic than ever.” The artwork, in keeping with the quartet’s tradition, is by Romantic painter Ernst Ferdinand Oehme, whose ‘Procession in the Fog’ captures the album’s grave stillness.
“We oversaw every step of the production, from the first guitar note to the final mix. This album is completely our work,” Schotten emphasizes. Exequiae is a funeral mass in slow motion, majestic, despairing, uncompromising – and stands as the band’s most compelling statement to date, treating Funeral Doom as a true art form.
TRACK-LISTING: 01 Anhedonia’ 02 Epistemology of the Passed 03 Existence Nullified 04 Life’s Lost Vanity 05 To Rest Eternally
LINE-UP: Bruno Schotten – Vocals Guitar Jonas Weber – Guitar Simon Brooker – Bass Jakob Zeblin – Drums
DISCOGRAPHY: Principles (EP, 2014) The Majesty of Loss (2016) The Faustian Winter (2020) Exequiae (2026)
MIGHTY WARRIORS, READY YOUR HAMMERS! Next year we’ll be returning to Europe for a GIGANTIC TOUR across the continent in support of a BRAND NEW FULL LENGTH ALBUM!
We’ll be bringing an updated setlist that features songs from the new record as well as fan favourites, fresh production and of course all the energy and goblin-smashing antics that you’ve come to expect as we welcome you into the Gloryhammer universe once more.
As if that wasn’t enough, we’ll be joined by Swedish power metal pioneers MAJESTICA as well as Finnish melodic metal masters ARION as support. Truly a lineup of formidable strength!
Don’t miss the MIGHTIEST tour of 2026! Tickets on sale now.
Poster artwork by the legendary Dan Goldsworthy
16.10 🇫🇷 TOULOUSE – INTERFERENCE 17.10 🇪🇸 VILLAVA – SALA TOTEM ARETOA 18.10 🇪🇸 MADRID – SALA BUT 20.10 🇪🇸 BARCELONA – RAZZMATAZZ 2 21.10 🇫🇷 LYON – RAYONNE 23.10 🇩🇪 STUTTGART – LKA LONGHORN 24.10 🇩🇪 HAMBURG – DOCKS 25.10 🇳🇱 UTRECHT – TIVOLI VRENDENBURG 26.10 🇩🇰 COPENHAGEN – AMAGER BIO 28.10 🇫🇮 HELSINKI – TAVASTIA 30.10 🇸🇪 STOCKHOLM – FRYSHUSET 31.10 🇸🇪 GOTHENBURG – PUSTERVIK 01.11 🇳🇴 OSLO – ROCKEFELLER 03.11 🇩🇪 BERLIN – FESTSAAL KREUZBERG 04.11 🇵🇱 WARSAW – PROXIMA 05.11 🇨🇿 OSTRAVA – CLUB GARAGE 06.11 🇩🇪 HANNOVER – CAPITOL 07.11 🇩🇪 OBERHAUSEN – TURBINENHALLE 2 08.11 🇩🇪 SAARBRUCKEN – GARAGE 10.11 🇦🇹 VIENNA – ARENA 11.11 🇩🇪 NUREMBERG – HIRSCH 12.11 🇩🇪 FRANKFURT – BATSCHKAPP 13.11 🇩🇪 MUNICH – BACKSTAGE 14.11 🇩🇪 LEIPZIG – HELLRAISER 15.11 🇨🇭 PRATTELN – Z7 17.11 🇫🇷 PARIS – MACHINE DU MOULIN ROUGE 18.11 🇧🇪 ANTWERP – TRIX 20.11 🇬🇧 LONDON – ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL 21.11 🇬🇧 MANCHESTER – ACADEMY 2 22.11 🇬🇧 GLASGOW – GARAGE
Seattle (WA) – Fusing classic U.S. power metal, AOR and all things epic metal; Greyhawk returns with their third album of triumphant battle hymns!
Cruz Del Sur Music will release Warriors of Greyhawk on February 13, 2026 (North American physical product distribution on March 6). The album will be available on CD, Tape, Viny LP, and digital formats.
Refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for adventure; Greyhawk are back with their third album of epic, melodic power/heavy metal fused with an anthemic AOR angle. Shredding guitars, soaring vocals, powerful rhythms and songs that will stick with you are all a part of this majestic opus.
Grandiose and powerful vocals complete the mix, which is perfectly blended by Henrik Udd’s sublime production which is detailed and grandiose. Daniel Porta has provided artwork for this record and clearly the band have had a strong input on all aspects of the release to make sure the entire experience is gripping for you, the fans.
Not many bands blend the more traditional epic heavy/power metal glory with these AOR elements but Greyhawk do so marvellously, giving the music not only power but memorability, showing that on their third album, this will definitely stand the test of time. The musicianship is continually improving on all counts, from the crushing drumming to the mind-blowing guitar work to the operatic and stunning vocals. Lovers of all things fantastical, adventurous and metallic will be enchanted, enthralled and bedazzled by this stratospheric effort.
“This album is a return to the epic metal roots that we had on our debut album Keepers of the Flame”, says founding member Darin Wall. “It also features some faster songs where we explore our love for power metal, as well as some of the 80s AOR vibes we had on the last album Thunderheart. Songs about inner strength, overcoming obstacles in life, and triumphing in victory are all present here. Creating an experience where the listener can find inspiration from the lyrics and energy of the songs, or detach from reality a bit and get lost in some of the epic fantastical themes is the goal. Ronnie James Dio is the band’s biggest influence as far as lyrical themes go.”
Photo Credit: Ian Phares Photography
Line-Up:
Anthony Corso: Vocals Jesse Berlin: Lead Guitar Rob Steinway: Rhythm Guitar Darin Wall: Bass Guitar Nate Butler: Drums
THE AMONKLOK CONQUEST: North America 2026 co-headline tour featuring Amon Amarth and Dethklok with special guests Castle Rat.
Tickets on-sale Friday, December 12th.
04.15 – Phoenix, AZ | Arizona Federal Theatre 04.17 – San Antonio, TX | Tech Port Center + Arena 04.18 – Houston, TX | 713 Music Hall 04.20 – Oklahoma City, OK | The Criterion 04.21 – Kansas City, MO | The Midland Theatre 04.22 – Chesterfield, MO | The Factory 04.24 – Minneapolis, MN | The Armory 04.25 – Waukee, IA | Vibrant Music Hall 04.28 – New York, NY | Brooklyn Paramount 04.29 – Boston, MA | MGM Music Hall at Fenway 05.01 – Toronto, ON | The Great Canadian Casino 05.02 – Montreal, QC | Centre Bell 05.05 – National Harbor, MD | MGM National Harbor 05.09 – Atlanta, GA | Coca-Cola Roxy 05.10 – Nashville, TN | The Pinnacle 05.12 – Johnstown, PA | 1st Summit Arena 05.13 – Detroit, MI | Fox Theatre 05.14 – Bethlehem, PA | The Wind Creek Event Center 05.16 – Milwaukee, WI | Landmark Credit Union Live 05.19 – Denver, CO | The JunkYard 05.20 – Salt Lake City, UT | The Union Event Center 05.21 – Las Vegas, NV | Planet Hollywood
The seventh edition of FOREVER DEAF FEST will descend upon Chicago on April 10th and 11th, 2026!
What began as a showcase for local talent back in 2018 has become one of the premier festivals on Chicago’s annual metal calendar. Forever Deaf Productions aims to bring the heaviest riffs to venues across the city and hosts FOREVER DEAF FEST each Spring.
Sponsored by Still Austin, Five Star HVAC, Kuma’s Corner, and Emperor Cabinets, this year’s festivities will take place at Sleeping Village and Avondale Music Hall with a special after show party at Live Wire Lounge.
The monumental weekend will include sets by Atomic Rule (featuring members of Every Time I Die, Dry Kill Logic, The Acacia Strain, and Eternal Sleep), See You Next Tuesday, Motherless (featuring members of The Atlas Moth and Without Waves), Weekend Nachos performing their only Chicago area show of 2026, Scalp, Year Of The Knife, Plague Bringer (their first show in a decade), Hewhocorrupts, and Mellow Harsher.
Saturday headliners Pig Destroyer will be blazing through their monumental Prowler In The Yard full-length, in its ravaging entirety (a 25-year album anniversary celebration and their only Midwest show). A very special Friday headliner is to be announced still!
To commemorate the event, renowned heavy metal themed burger restaurant Kuma’s Corner will bring back the FOREVER DEAF FEST Burger as well as DJ sets and preview events a week prior to the fest’s kick off.
Additionally, Forever Deaf Productions will donate $1 per ticket towards Head Bang For Science, an annual scholarship award program for high school seniors, undergrads, and grad students who are pursuing a career in healthcare and/or the physical sciences. It’s the first scholarship foundation to directly provide financial aid to metalheads, and was founded by SiriusXM curator/host and former pharmacy grad student Jose “Metal Ambassador” Mangin in 2021.
The FOREVER DEAF FEST lineup and ticketing info is available below. Secure your tickets now! This will sell out!
Friday, April 10th, 2026: Sleeping Village – 21+ ($24 + fees) Headliner TBD Atomic Rule See You Next Tuesday Motherless
Saturday, April 11th, 2026: Avondale Music Hall – 17+ ($49 + fees) Pig Destroyer Weekend Nachos Scalp Year Of The Knife Plague Bringer Hewhocorrupts Mellow Harsher
For longtime fans of UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER, “Blindfold” feels like an old acquaintance: previously heard in an orchestral version on the 2020 We Are One album, the song now returns in a gripping new rock version. With its successful blend of emotion and classic heavy rock atmosphere, “Blindfold” is one of the most emotional moments on the current DATOG album Babylon, released on October 3rd, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).
Filmed entirely in stylish black and white, the music video captures the raw emotion and powerful interplay of the band perfectly, showing DATOG more intimate, direct, and sensitive than ever before.
Manuela’s heartfelt vocals and Mathias’ classical concert guitar turn “Blindfold” into a stirring rock ballad that reaches its ultimate climax in the final chorus with Udo’s unmistakable voice. With “Blindfold”, DATOG not only offer longtime Udo Dirkschneider fans a welcome reunion with this very special track, but will also win over many new fans through this video.
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"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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