Horror Pain Gore Death Productions are set to unleash the new release from Philadelphia’s disgusting Death Metal devastators Caesarean. Wretched Decrepitude is up now for pre-order and will be released September 12th on CD and Digital formats, along with merch.
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions proudly welcomes Caesarean to the roster with their debut EP Wretched Decrepitude! Formed in Philadelphia in 2024, Caesarean plays Death Metal with influences ranging from 80’s Teutonic Thrash to 90’s Deathgrind. Wretched Decrepitude projectile vomits 6 tracks of brutal riffs, technical drums, thunderous bass, and a disgusting tri-vocal attack. Mastering for Wretched Decrepitude handled by Impaled’s Leon Del Muerte.
Death/Thrash Metal stalwarts AVENGER OF BLOOD released a new EP earlier this summer. Ripping and ruthless, Revenge Is My Name takes no prisoners in an all-out assault as the band pummels and crushes everything in its wake.
Now the group shine in darkness with the release of their first-ever music video “Unraveling,” which gives the impression of AVENGER OF BLOOD performing the tune. Watch HEREhttps://youtu.be/Rp6hDYkG_Uk
“We had a great time filming the video and wanted it to represent what we are. We went with the black and white type format because it felt right, and since the song is quite dark it pretty much sticks to that formula,” explains drummer Shannon Frye.
Revenge Is My Name features four new songs from the re-energized quintet released on limited (200 copies) throes of ash colored vinyl, CD and digital https://lnk.to/avengerofblood
Originally hailing from the Bay Area thrash scene, AVENGER OF BLOOD moved down to Las Vegas after recording a couple demos. Capturing a deal with JCM Records the group issued their debut ‘Complete Annihilation’ in 2005 which put AVENGER OF BLOOD on the map and conscience of thrash fans worldwide. Several opportunities presented themselves to perform at festivals like Minneapolis Mayhem, Millennium Music Conference, Monsters of Metal and the Northwest Deathfest
Two years later AOB appeared on the famous Speed Kills… Again compilation, which featured then unknown names like Warbringer, Toxic Holocaust, Enforcer and Merciless Death, setting the stage for the thrash revival. The same label, Heavy Artillery, signed AVENGER OF BLOOD and released the classic album Death Brigade in 2008, which even featured cover art from Joe Petagno (famous for Motorhead, in addition to works by Krisiun and Sodom).
Momentum was halted when singer/guitarist Eric Greaney and bassist Shawn Loureiro left the group, but Shannon and guitarist Marc Flores have persevered by bringing in new musicians to keep the dream alive recording various releases, such as a split 7” with Witchaven, Spawn of Evil EP (2012) and the On Slaying Ground full-length (2016).
Now having a stable line-up for the past years, rounded out by singer Sal Lalli, guitarist Chris Garcia, and bassist Corey Sorrenti, the group even re-recorded the band’s debut last year calling it ‘Completely Re-Annihilated’ and performing at Blades of Steel Fest, alongside Flotsam & Jetsam, Vio-lence, Exciter, Jag Panzer, Massacre, Artillery and Riot V; as well as supporting Death Angel and Ruthless on shows in NV and CA. AVENGER OF BLOOD is ready to punish you relentlessly on Revenge Is My Name and are already starting to lay down a full-length for 2026.
Stream TITHE’s “The Fruits Of Spiritual Apartheid” HERE.
Portland, Oregon-based TITHE will deliver their demoralizing third LP, Communion In Anguish, this September through Profound Lore Records, today unveiling the album’s details including its lead single, “The Fruits Of Spiritual Apartheid.”
TITHE draws influence from many dimensions of ominous, extreme music and themes to manifest their distinctive, hypnotic, grinding, death metal. Comprised of vocalist/guitarist Matt Eiseman, vocalist/bassist Alex Huddleston, and drummer Kevin Swartz, the trio converges to create an arrangement even larger than the sum of its parts.
photo by Christy Cather
Expanding upon their acclaimed 2023 released Inverse Rapture LP, with Communion In Anguish, TITHE amps up the aggression and doubles down on the unrelenting atmosphere of its predecessor. The new addition of Alex Huddleston’s lower register growls combines with Eiseman’s distressed wails and Swartz’ driving rhythms to push the band into new sonic territory. Featuring artwork by Mitchell Nolte and produced/engineered by Keith Merrow at Merrowsound Studios, Communion In Anguish is the culmination of TITHE’s previous work, and it delivers with a honed and lethal sound.
With the harrowing first preview of Communion In Anguish, “The Fruits Of Spiritual Apartheid,” the band states, “‘The Fruits Of Spiritual Apartheid’ tells the timeless story of mankind embracing idealistic beliefs to justify genocide and endless wars. Religious dogma and blatant racism conveniently dehumanize perceived enemies and diminish their suffering. Murder them all and steal their land. Build your temples and homes on the blood-soaked shallow graves of the innocent.”
TITHE’s harrowing “The Fruits Of Spiritual Apartheid” can now be streamed on all platforms found HERE.
Communion In Anguish will be released on LP, CD, MC, and digitally on September 19th. Find links to all preorders and presaves via Profound Lore Records HERE.
Additional previews of the album are to be expected shortly.
Communion In Anguish – Track Listing:
Nostrum
At The Altar Of Starving Children
Ostiary
The Fruits Of Spiritual Apartheid
Infected Blood
Shallow Grave Of Karmic Retribution
Burn The Throne Of God
TITHE is busy booking West Coast tour dates in support of the album, including a hometown show on September 18th with Conan and Mares Of Thrace, with much more to be announced shortly.
With the release of their new album on the horizon, CASTRATOR has launched a stream of “Fragments of Defiance,” the second single off of Coronation of the Grotesque.
Three years after their crushing debut Defiled in Oblivion, CASTRATOR returns with Coronation of the Grotesque, an album that not only exceeds all expectations but leaves them shattered in its wake, firmly cementing the band among the North American death metal elite.
Lyrically, Coronation of the Grotesque explores a range of historical and societal themes that reflect on injustice, victimization, and human suffering. Among the topics confronted are the tragic killing of Mahsa Amini, the ancient Sumerian practice of eunuchization, and seething condemnation of predator Naasón Joaquín García. Clarissa Badini’s exceptional vocals elevate the lyrics, delivering a powerful and precise expression of the album’s themes.
Dark Descent Records will release Coronation of the Grotesque August 15 on CD, vinyl, cassette, and digital formats. Pre-orders are now live at:
Watch the official music video for the album’s first single, “Covenant of Deciept,” (filmed by Immolation’s Bob Vigna) at youtu.be/dfih-aAsgVs?si=qoDDubtMnIaBE3Po
Photos credit: Ashley Taylor
CASTRATOR: Robin Mazen – Bass Carolina Perez – Drums Clarissa Badini – Vocals Sara Loerlein – Guitars
In December, the band will join the likes of Acid Bath, Blood Incantation, and more at the Decibel Magazine Metaland Beer Fest. The fest runs December 5 – 6 at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, CO, with the pre-fest set for December 4 at Ratio Beerworks. CASTRATOR will perform on December 5. Get the full lineup and tickets at this location.
Coronation of the Grotesque was recorded across multiple studios with key figures in the US death metal scene. Bass recording was engineered by John Tardy (Obituary) at Redneck Studios, guitars and vocals by Jordan Milner at Obsidian Audio, additional guitars by Taylor Nordberg (Deicide) at Smoke and Mirrors Productions, and drums by Noah Buchanan (Nunslaughter) at Mercinary Studios, where Buchanan also handled mixing and mastering. Cover art by John Zig.
Touring with the likes of Immolation, Exhumed, and Cattle Decapitation has cemented CASTRATOR’s reputation as a commanding live force, and concert announcements in support of Coronation of the Grotesque are imminent.
A new gathering in the Pacific Northwestern heavy metal community arrives, as the inaugural edition of SOLDIERS OF STEEL FESTIVAL comes to Seattle this Friday, August 1st and Saturday, August 2nd.
SOLDIERS OF STEEL FESTIVAL is a showcase of American Pacific Northwest traditional heavy metal and adjacent bands old and new. Its maiden edition will feature sets from The Lord Weird, Slough Feg, Leather Leone (Chastain set), Q5, Twisted Tower Dire, Danava, Greyhawk, Hammer Head (exclusive first reunion show), Taist Of Iron, and more! The festival is presented by NW MetalFest, NW Metalworx Music, Nameless Grave Records, and BabeFinder General LLC.
Brandon Corsair of Nameless Grave Records and more, one of the co-promoters of the event, states, “We – the NW Metalworx guys, Amy from Solicitor, and myself – felt like the region was really lacking in a suitable heavy metal centered festival post-COVID, with the last I can think of being NW Metalfest II and Eliminator Festival in 2019. We have such a rich scene – both of great modern bands and classic ones that are still active – that a festival like this felt almost like it had to happen, and so, SOLDIERS OF STEEL FESTIVAL was born! We can’t wait for everyone to headbang to the lineup that we put together for this first edition of the festival. See you there!”
SOLDIERS OF STEEL FESTIVAL will take place at Substation in Seattle, Washington. View the full festival lineup below. Tickets are available now at THIS LOCATION.
SOLDIERS OF STEEL FESTIVAL Lineup:
August 1st, 2025: Slough Feg Q5 Danava Taist Of Iron Serpent Rider Coven Blade Rope
August 2nd, 2025: Leather Twisted Tower Dire Greyhawk Hammer Head Hellslaught Solicitor Silver Talon Time Rift I Am The Intimidator Colony Drop
UK death metal architects INGESTED are pleased to welcome deathcore behemoths Distant and Crucifiction to their previously announced North American headlining tour this Fall! Evisceratour 2025 runs from November 6th in Fresno, California through December 6th in Pomona, California. Additional support will be provided by Ov Sulfur and Cell.
Drummer Lyn Jeffs comments,“Bringing Distant and Crucifiction on board rounds out a lineup we’re genuinely excited about. Alongside Ov Sulfur and Cell, this tour represents some of the most crushing and forward-thinking heavy bands out there right now. We can’t wait to get back out to North America and deliver these shows.”
Tickets are on sale now at ingested.co.uk. See all confirmed dates below.
INGESTED w/ Distant, Ov Sulfur, Cell, Crucifiction: 11/06/2025 Full Circle Brewing Co. – Fresno, CA 11/07/2025 Goldfield – Roseville, CA 11/08/2025 Dante’s – Portland, OR 11/09/2025 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 11/11/2025 Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC 11/13/2025 Dickens – Calgary, AB 11/14/2025 Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB 11/15/2025 Black Cat – Saskatoon, SK 11/16/2025 Park Theatre – Winnipeg, MB 11/18/2025 Skyway Theatre (Studio B) – Minneapolis, MN 11/19/2025 X-Ray Arcade – Cudahy, WI 11/20/2025 The Stache – Grand Rapids, MI 11/21/2025 The Hub – Kitchener, ON 11/22/2025 27 Club – Ottawa, ON 11/23/2025 La Source de la Martinière – Quebec City, QC 11/25/2025 The King of Clubs – Columbus, OH 11/26/2025 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA * No Ov Sulfur 11/28/2025 Black Circle – Indianapolis, IN 11/29/2025 The End – Nashville, TN 11/30/2025 Red Flag – St. Louis, MO 12/02/2025 Wave – Wichita, KS 12/03/2025 Beer City Music Hall – Oklahoma City, OK 12/04/2025 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM 12/05/2025 The Rosetta Room – Mesa, AZ 12/06/2025 The Glass House – Pomona, CA
Earlier this year, INGESTED introduced their reinvigorated lineup with a savage standalone single, “Altar Of Flesh.” Watch the video HERE.
Additionally, the band recently released a live studio session playthrough. Filmed in December 2024 at The Arch Recording Studio in Southport, UK, the session features two crushing tracks from the INGESTED back catalog — “Impending Dominance” (from Where Only Gods May Tread, 2020) and “Invidious” (from The Level Above Human, 2018). Watch the video HERE.
A longer live session will be available soon via the Metal Blade Records YouTube channel. Stay tuned.
INGESTED: Josh Davies – vocals Sean Hynes – guitars, backing vocals Lyn Jeffs – drums Andrew Virrueta – guitars, backing vocals Thomas O’Malley – bass
In May we introduced you to our latest announced signing KORYPHEUS. Hailing from the Ukraine, KORYPHEUS is a dynamic force in the progressive and alternative metal scenes blending intricate riffs with epic melodies, adding some metalcore and post-rock influences, creating a modern metal powerhouse. Today we share the second single and video from their forthcoming album. Please check out “Odysseus” on all streaming/download platforms, or watch the grand and bombastic clip created by Kenji Tsunami of Tsunami Films HEREhttps://youtu.be/tIicW04RxvM
“This composition tells the story of stoicism and love in the gruesome times of war and is inspired by my favorite epic The Odyssey,” explains singer Andy Gushin. “This composition was co-written by guitarist Oleg Kokotun and our friend Dima Filipchuk, with lyrics written by me.”
“Odysseus” follows first single “Icarus” and you’ll begin to grasp the majesty, power and melodic aggression KORYPHEUS wield. Both tracks come from the group’s forthcoming album giving fans a taste of what to expect. ‘Gilgamesh’ is an album filled with stories of times bygone and present. An album inspired by the heroic exploits of grand characters like Icarus, Gilgamesh, and Odysseus.
In stores and online Sept. 26th, ‘Gilgamesh’ is available for pre-order now http://lnk.to/korypheuson CD, limited-edition (300) solar wrath colored vinyl and digital.
“Sounds great” – Ray Hearne (Haken)
“I like what you are doing and wish you well” – Ian Gillan (Deep Purple)
“Sounds cool.” – Dan Watson (Enterprise Earth)
“Sounding Awesome! Great looking video clip” – Dale Prinsse (Caligula’s Horse)
‘Gilgamesh’ features artwork from the classic Russian painter Viktor Safonkin, who Killing Joke also used for album art, making for an impressive package with layouts courtesy of Marc Lopes (Metal Church, Ross the Boss). The album features a number of guest artists contributing throughout, including BURNING WITCHES singer Laura Guldemond, former SOEN bassist Oleksii Zlatoyar, former ORPHANED LAND co-founder/guitarist Yossi Sassi and Dmitry Kim (ex-JINJER) who plays all drums and also mixed the album. Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Amon Amarth, Stone Sour) mastered ‘Gilgamesh.’
L-R – Ignacio Orellana (Bass/Guitars/Drums) | Nelson Diaz (Vocals)
New York thrash QUEMASANTOS is turning up the heat with their scorching new lyric video ‘Burning the Black’, a vision accumulated through time turned into a metal track that was born from grief, rage, and love. It emerged from the pain of witnessing cancer’s devastating impact.
“In the past, vocalist Nelson Diaz has always come up with the concepts for the music they’ve been writing. This time, I asked him to work under my concept, which was based on what I was experiencing at the time (which was during the time before my wife’s passing). He kindly agreed to do it, and I’m just happy with the way he performed and used all the material I gave him. He’s a true friend and a master of metal interpretation. I love him,” adds Ignacio Orellana (Bass/Guitars/Drums).
‘Burning the Black’ is an analogy to the process of receiving chemotherapy, which burns the cancer cells in the body. The concept for the track came to Ignacio Orellana while watching his wife fight cancer for six years, which tragically ended with her dramatic death. The lyrics are narrated from the perspective of death, constantly reminding you that it will take you and that no matter what you do, it’s inevitable. The music encapsulates the life cycle of a person, beginning with the gradual and transformative changes life brings and concluding in a manner reminiscent of its inception.
“On a personal note, this has been a brutal and devastating time, as well as strange to lose my life partner of 31 years. It still feels unreal. This song is essentially what I can translate from the experience of being there next to her and witnessing her decline from good to bad. I genuinely hope that people can understand it the way I’m trying to convey it. I loved my wife, and she will always be with me,” says Orellana.
Quemasantos is Nelson Diaz (singer and concepts) & Ignacio Orellana (bass/guitar/drums).
The guest musician for this track was Felipe Roa, the lead guitarist for metal bands Acaro and Shadows Fall (touring member). With extensive studio recording and touring experience, Roa has also owned and operated Boston Guitar Tech, providing professional services such as guitar setups, fretwork, electronics, and online and in-person lessons.
Vocal tracks recorded at Studios Ultrasonico, Santiago, Chile. Felipe Roa’s tracks were recorded at his studio. Mixed and mastered at Oily Sound Studios in New York City by Ignacio Orellana.
Hessian Firm is proud to announce today’s reissue of Lord of Nightmare from Japanese Black Metal enigma, Endless Dismal Moan! Originally released in 2006, this masterwork of torment by sole member Chaos 9, who passed away in 2008, is available as a limited edition CD with 4-page booklet.
“It’s a black hole…a blood stained room that you can only see with a black light…and a face so ugly, it could turn you to stone.” – Metal Temple
“A sick cacophony that shatters the nerves with satanic lewdness.” – Apocalyptic Rites
“Endless Dismal Moan is the brainchild of Japanese musician Chaos 9 (R.I.P). Embracing the digital production and aesthetics of his era as well as incorporating the suffocating sensation of Japanese horror. Endless Dismal Moan provides a completely twisted take on the very idea of raw black metal that remains unsurpassed to this very day. We have been given permission by a live band member and close associate of Chaos 9 (R.I.P) to reissue this full length album.”
“Lord of Nightmare is not only aesthetically accomplished, but also innovative and significant within the history of underground music. With Lord of Nightmare, sole member Chaos 9 abandons the melancholic romanticism of early black metal in order to create a masterpiece of contemporary urban horror. The music on this album immerses the listener in a chaotic vortex of visceral despair, evoking the nightmarish visions often found in the Japanese cyberpunk movement. Lord of Nightmare stands as Chaos 9’s greatest accomplishment, a culmination of his artistic vision and a terrifying statement within a genre that was slowly repeating itself. It is an essential release for anyone interested in the later developments of black metal, or in truly extreme metal in general.”
Death metal juggernauts CASKET ROBBERY and GORGATRON have officially kicked off their co-headlining Northern Destruction tour. To mark the occasion, they’ve teamed up with metal-friendly eateries in select cities to unleash exclusive culinary creations that match the intensity of their live shows.
Toronto, ON – “The Northern Destruction Sandwich” at Slayer Burger
A beast of a bite: BBQ brisket, black and white sesame bun, pickled hot peppers, beet chutney, crispy shallots, and a fierce house-made destruction sauce. Available at Slayer Burger.
Denver, CO – “Casket Ro-Birria” at Brutal Poodle
This birria grilled cheese is a molten tribute to the pit: rich, spicy, and unapologetically heavy. Grab it while it lasts before CASKET ROBBERY and GORGATRON annihilate the stage at HQ.
These exclusive eats are part of the Northern Destruction experience, bringing brutal flavor to an already crushing lineup featuring special guests FRONTAL ASSAULT.
The full list of tour dates is as follows:
7/24 Minneapolis, MN @ Zhora Darling
7/25 Milwaukee, WI @ X Ray Arcade
7/26 Menomonie, WI @ Zymurgy Brewing
7/27 West Chicago, IL @ WC Social Club
7/28 Toronto, ON @ The Cave
7/30 Thunder Bay, ON @ Black Pirates Pub
7/31 Winnipeg, MB @ Sidestage
8/1 Saskatoon, SK @ Black Cat Tavern
8/2 Drumheller, AB @ Loud As Hell Fest
8/4 Missoula, MT @ The Show Room at the ZACC
8/5 Salt Lake City, UT @ Aces High Saloon
8/6 Denver, CO @ HQ
8/7 Rapid City, SD @ Abys
8/8 Sioux Falls, SD @ Downtown Sioux Falls @ Four Winds Music and Art Fest
8/9 Cedar Rapids, IA @ Iowa Metal Underground Fest
Obey the sickness within the flesh and witness the carnage yourself…
Finnish death metal force MALFORMED have unleashed debut full-length album, Confinement of Flesh, on U.S. label Dark Descent Records and European label Extremely Rotten Productions. The album is available on LP, CD, cassette, and digital formats.
Confinement of Flesh is a violent blend of classic American death metal, characterized by the brutality and musicianship of the genre’s originators; mixed with the gloominess of their Finnish contemporaries. MALFORMED draws influence from the eerie atmosphere that early Finnish death metal bands established and made a hallmark of the national scene.
From heavy grooves to frenzied blast beats, Confinement of Flesh pushes their sound even further. It’s a more refined and mature continuation of their earlier work, sure to satisfy existing fans and attract new ones. The album was recorded by MALFORMED, produced and engineered by Felix Pennanen (Disguised Malignance), and mastered to perfection by Lasse at Ballade Studios.
MALFORMED: Eetu Hyvönen – Lead Vocals & Guitars Akseli Lindroos – Guitar Pauli Niemi – Bass & Vocals Jani Seppi – Drums
Confinement of Flesh features an ominous cover painting by Icelandic artist Skadvaldur, offering a perfect visual representation of the darkness found within the album’s sound. This highly anticipated debut cements MALFORMED as one of the most promising bands in today’s death metal scene.
Formed in 2022 in the Finnish capital of Helsinki, MALFORMED released their debut demo Uncontrollable Malformity, digitally that same year. It was later picked up for physical release by U.S. record label Rotted Life and distributed worldwide.
The demo also led to a record deal and a follow-up EP with Danish underground death metal label Extremely Rotten Productions. The Gathering of Souls, released in 2023, further expanded the band’s international reach and led to several shows outside of Finland.
Denver, Colorado, a hot bed of underground metal in recent years, has birthed it’s latest breakout band, ARSON CHARGE. Melding thrash metal and hardcore punk, the five piece are selling out shows throughout the region as word spreads like wildfire across the country, without even releasing an album yet…until now. Today, the band announces the release of their debut record, A Dying Light, set for release on October 3rd with Anxious & Angry.
Commenting on the new record, vocalist Ben Roy says:
A Dying Light started off as an impromptu creative outlet for guitarist Justin Hackl after a series of serious health issues and extended hospital stays sidelined him for months. After working with comedian and musician Ben Roy on a couple of those tracks, both decided that there was the framework for an entirely new musical project. Enlisting the talents of drummer Cody Hull, guitarist Dave Sandoval and bassist Kris Hodgell, Arson Charge was born. Bringing together all their collective influences and styles, A Dying Light is a technical, aggressive and surprisingly cohesive meld of punk rock, thrash metal and hardcore. Lyrically it’s a catharsis; it’s a raw and real expression of the loss, self sabotage, fear and ultimately hope that we all experience, day in/day out, in our increasingly complicated existences. Again: Don’t fall in love. Get a pet or a fern or something.“
Along with the album’s announcement, ARSON CHARGE has revealed A Dying Light’s gripping first single, “A New Throne.”
Adding about the single, Roy states:
“‘A New Throne’ is about finally letting go of old friendships and endeavors that have ceased to be healthy and/or satisfying and setting out on your own in new and oftentimes, uncertain new directions. It’s about starting over in hopes of building something novel and more congruent with the self you wish to be.“
1. The Feeding Grounds 2. For The Damned 3. Cleanup On Aisle 10 4. One by One 5. A New Throne 6. There Was No Dog 7. 666 BC 8. The Aftermath 9. The Lark The Wolf and The Rabbit 10. Build a Fire 11. Bloodstains 12. A Dying Light
Arson Charge – Lineup: Ben Roy – Vocals Justin Hackl – Guitar Dave Sandoval – Guitar Kris Hodgell – Bass Cody Hull – Drums
About ARSON CHARGE: Rising up from Denver, Colorado’s prolific metal scene, Arson Charge is a five-piece behemoth made up of former members from mile-high area stalwarts Native Daughters, Chieftain, and Love Me Destroyer, and fronted by stand-up comedian, actor, and SPELLS lead singer, Ben Roy. Started with no intention beyond being the sum of its parts, Arson Charge is poised to turn heads with their unique blend of hardcore, thrash metal and punk rock. Keep an eye out for Arson Charge in your neck of the woods very soon.
Strap on your astronaut helmets and say sayonara to Japan! HELLOWEEN are blasting off, leaving behind the electrifying energy of their powerful lead single “This Is Tokyo” and setting a course for something even more spectacular: outer space.
Written by guitarist Sascha Gerstner, “Universe (Gravity For Hearts)” is a stunning, cinematic journey that does more than evoke the vast mystery of the cosmos. It reminds us of the boundless possibilities that lie beyond our world. The universe is an endless expanse, a place where it’s easy to get lost in thought, but also where we can tap into unknown energy and find the strength to overcome life’s greatest challenges.
HELLOWEEN’s latest single is a wild, emotional ride and a powerful reminder of something we too often forget: never stop dreaming.
“Everything in the universe is connected, and what looks like infinite stars could in reality be moments, hearts, and choices,”explains Gerstner.
L-R: Daniel Löble (drums), Michael Weikath (guitars), Markus Grosskopf (bass), Michael Kiske (vocals), Sascha Gerstner (guitars), Andi Deris (vocals), Kai Hansen (guitars, vocals)
“Universe (Gravity For Hearts)” opens with spacey guitar work and Michael Kiske’s signature high-pitched yet deeply soulful vocals, just before a thunderstorm of guitars, bass, and drums launches the 8.5-minute epic into full motion. It’s a high-speed musical escape from everyday life, crafted in the unmistakable style only the German metal legends can deliver.
Breathing room is a rare commodity in HELLOWEEN’s world, and their new track is no exception. With relentless drumming, intergalactic guitar tapping, and a jaw-dropping solo section, “Universe (Gravity For Hearts)” confidently joins the ranks of iconic long-form tracks like “Halloween”, “Keeper Of The Seven Keys”, and 2021’s “Skyfall.”
2LP in gatefold (various colours; incl. bonus track)
picture 2LP (incl. bonus track)
digital
“Giants & Monsters” – Track Listing: 01. Giants On The Run 02. Savior Of The World 03. A Little Is A Little Too Much 04. We Can Be Gods 05. Into The Sun 06. This Is Tokyo 07. Universe (Gravity For Hearts) 08. Hand Of God 09. Under The Moonlight 10. Majestic Bonus Track: 11. Out Of Control Additional Earbook Bonus Tracks: 12. Into The Sun [Andi Solo Version] 13. Into The Sun [Michi Solo Version] 14. Into The Sun [Acoustic Version Duet]
The mighty Cattle Decapitation announces their Fall 2025 North American tour; playing ‘Death Atlas’ in its entirety!
Bringing along Aborted, Frozen Soul and Tribal Gaze!
11/16 – Mesa, AZ – The Nile Theater 11/18 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom 11/19 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater * 11/20 – San Antonio, TX – Vibes Event Center 11/21 – Houston, TX – Bad Astronaut Brewing Co. 11/22 – Baton Rouge, LA – Chelsea’s Live 11/24 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade 11/25 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum 11/26 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live 11/28 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground 11/29 – Richmond, VA – The Canal Club 11/30 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage 12/02 – Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw 12/03 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium 12/05 – Montréal, QC – Club Soda 12/06 – Toronto, ON – Concert Hall 12/07 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall 12/09 – Chicago, IL – House Of Blues 12/10 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue 12/12 – Denver, CO – Summit 12/13 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge 12/15 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater 12/16 – Seattle, WA – Showbox Market 12/18 – Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades 12/19 – San Diego, CA – Observatory North Park 12/20 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
= No Frozen Soul
Additionally, the band will unleash a special tour-only Death Atlas 2xLP! The “Bring Back The Plague” variant, limited to 300 units, will only be available at the merch booth on the tour and only 10 units will be available per show, so get there early and get yours!
Speed Queen from Limburg in Belgium are not to be confused with the French band of the same name from the early 1980s. Founded in 2014, an initial demo was followed by two EPs, King Of The Road (Babylon Doom Cult Records, 2017) and their High RollerRecords debut, Still On The Road, in 2020. The band consists of Thomas Kenis (vocals, tambourine), Andreas Stieglitz (guitars, synths), Lander Savelkoul (bass) and Toon Driezen (drums).
“We started as a bunch of greasy teenagers discovering our dad’s record collection,”laughs bassist Lander Savelkoul talking about the early days of the band. “Like the youngsters we were, we found out we could get free entrance and beers at concerts by playing there, and when we saw people actually liked what we were doing, shit got real!”
Speed Queen have been together for more than ten years now and have played numerous festivals (from Wacken Open Air to the Alcatraz Festival) and did some tours with, amongst others, Night Demon. “We like to think that rock‘n’roll has to be fun and invigorating in the first place,” adds Lander, “and that’s what we try to bring to the stage. A fast, energetic show with no pauses. We’re bringing a whole new live show along with this new release.”
The new release we are talking about is …With a Bang!Speed Queen‘s full-length debut album (releasing on High Roller Records). “This album has been cooking for quite some time,” explains the bassist. “We started working on these songs after King Of The Road was released and in between live shows, after a pandemic and line-up change, we are finally ready to release them to the world. Also, it’s a cliché but we’ve grown as a band and you can hear that we’re more comfortable playing these songs.”
“With a Bang! is very much meant to be a powerful, ‘in-your-face record,” continues Lander. “The songs are different from our previous releases in the sense that they have more ‘oempf’, there is more variation and we don’t shy away from spicing this up with an extra layer here and there.”
Jonny Nesta of Thunderor and Skull Fist appears as a guest musician playing some guitar solos on the record. “Like Yngwie Malmsteen said: more is more,” muses Speed Queen’s bass player, “but for us it’s a heavy metal record, not a guitar record.“ – MATTHIAS MADER
Album track list: 01 5 6 7 8 02 Showdown 03 I Want It 04 Eye to Eye 05 Chasing Ghosts 06 I Walk Alone 07 Skygazers 08 The World Ends Tonight 09 Time to Go 10 Fire
Creepsylvania’s finest masked mutants, GHOUL, will return to the Earth’s surface on the Weapons Of Mosh Destruction 666 Tour later this Summer! The eight-date journey runs from August 30th through September 6th. Support will be provided by No/Mas and Spiter.
Comments Digestor, “Once again we set out across the ocean to the shores of your pathetic, crumbling nation to rob your tombs, kill your children, and sell lots and lots of merch. We are joined by the great No/Mas and Spiter, who will no doubt leave your corpses charred and blistered and ready to be devoured by our slavering jaws.”
Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
GHOUL w/ No/Mas, Spiter: 8/30/2025 RPM Fest
GHOUL w/ No/Mas, Spiter:
8/30/2025 RPM Fest – Montague, MA **
8/31/2025 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ
9/01/2025 No Class – Cleaveland, OH
9/02/2025 Mr. Smalls – Pittsburgh, PA
9/03/2025 The Warehouse – Richmond, VA
9/04/2025 Meadows – Brooklyn, NY
9/05/2025 Metro Gallery – Baltimore, MD
9/06/2025 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA w/ Crypta
** GHOUL Only
GHOUL released their Noxious Concoctions EP last year via Tankcrimes. The EP reaped critical accolades from humans nationwide, ultimately earning placement on various Billboard charts upon its first week of release including: #2 on the Current Hard Music chart, #5 on the Top New Artist chart, and #19 on the Independent Record Label chart.
All tracks on Noxious Concoctions were digested, dissected, fermented, and cremated by the members of GHOUL, except “1-900-DTH-LINE,” originally composed by Funerot. The EP was recorded by Scott Evans at Antisleep Audio and Sharkbite Studios, mastered by Dan Randall at Mammoth Sound Mastering, and includes gang vocals by The Moron Cavern Shakled Choir and “swamp hag” vocals by Laurie Sue Shanaman.
Noxious Concoctions is available on CD, vinyl, and digital formats. Find vinyl orders HERE, CD orders HERE, and digital orders HERE where the EP can be streamed.
Canada’s SCORCHING TOMB has officially signed to Time To Kill Records for the release of their long-awaited debut album.
After sharpening their blades through a series of well-received EPs and a crushing split, the band is now ready to make a bold statement on a larger scale. Their sound is a feral fusion of raw death metal and metallic hardcore, with zero tolerance for the plastic, overproduced gloss often associated with modern deathcore.
SCORCHING TOMB keeps both feet firmly planted in the filth and fury of old-school death metal and the uncompromising aggression of hardcore at its most hostile. The result is a punishing assault that’s sure to resonate with fans of Skinless, Fulci, Xibalba and Terminal Nation. More details on the album will be revealed soon.
SCORCHING TOMB emerged from the sewers of Montreal in 2018 with one clear mission: to fuse old-school death metal with modern hardcore in a city ruled by technical death metal. It didn’t take long for the band to make a name for themselves in the underground. Their blend of blistering old-school riffs, crushing mosh parts, and explosive live energy quickly caught the attention of the hardcore scene in particular.
Originally formed by tattoo artist Vincent P.L. (vocals) and guitarist Philippe Leblanc, SCORCHING TOMB has since solidified its most formidable lineup yet with the addition of Miguel Lepage (ex–Blind Witness, ex–Obey the Brave) on bass and Émile Savard (Profane Order, ex–Malebranche) on drums. With this new blood, the band has evolved from a local standout into a fully weaponized force.
Now, the time has come to follow in the footsteps of Cryptopsy, Quo Vadis, and Despised Icon, proving once again that Montreal remains a relentless, unyielding powerhouse in the world of death metal.
After years of silence and anticipation, Brazilian thrash metal masters VIOLATOR are officially back with a vengeance. Their long-awaited new albumUnholy Retribution will be released worldwide, on September 5th, 2025, via Kill Again Records.
The video of the album’s first single, “Chapel of the Sick”, will drop on August 1st.
True to their roots yet revitalized by a long and intense creative process, Unholy Retribution captures VIOLATOR at their most inspired and ferocious. The band delivers a powerful and uncompromising collection of songs that revisit their trademark thrash metal with renewed energy and purpose. This is not a reinvention, it’s a reaffirmation of everything that made VIOLATOR a cult force in the global underground.
From the raw aggression of their breakout EP Violent Mosh (2004) and the now-classic debut full-length Chemical Assault (2006), VIOLATOR made their mark with a youthful urgency that took no prisoners. That same intensity is alive and well on Unholy Retribution, but now it comes sharpened by experience and delivered through more dynamic, tightly constructed compositions. The fire hasn’t dimmed, it’s evolved.
Line-up:
Poney Ret Crucifier – Bass,Vocals Capaça Bloody Nightmare – Guitars Cambito Chains Killer – Guitars Batera Bone Crusher – Drums
Musically, the album bursts with blistering riffs, tight rhythmic precision and an unmistakable sense of urgency. Groove-laden catchiness and flashes of technical brilliance keep the track-list flowing like a furious tide; unpredictable, violent and cathartic. The production matches this ferocity with a sonic identity that’s both organic and clear, yet unpolished in just the right way: a raw, analog-flavored mix that enhances every snare hit and guitar bite without sacrificing the band’s gritty edge. It’s a sound that feels live, alive, and undeniably VIOLATOR.
Lyrically, the band stays loyal to its mission: confronting injustice, exposing corruption and shining a harsh light on the rot festering beneath the surface of modern society. With Unholy Retribution, VIOLATOR continue to use their music as both weapon and warning.
This is the record that fans of early Vio-Lence, Kreator and Dark Angel have been waiting for, a no-holds-barred thrash assault, deeply rooted in tradition yet bursting with contemporary urgency. The wait is over. The retribution is unholy. And it starts now.
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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