Above: FILTER – The Algorithm: Ultra Edition(2025) Artwork by Dana MacKenzie and photography by Derick Smith.
It’s no surprise that I love album cover artwork and design. Over the years we’ve covered here, on Metal Odyssey, album cover art from UFOs to Christmas with snakes in-between. This edition features astronauts portrayed as skeletons; or skulls to be more precise.
I have no idea when the firstastronaut skull appeared on an album cover; that would be a rabbit hole I’d rather not dive into. Anyone have that answer please share it here!
There are five examples of astronaut skulls shown here. Enjoy!
I wasn’t gonna miss out on posting this IRON MAIDEN gem of cover art! The Final Frontier (2010). Cover artist: Melvyn Grant
I still can’t believe ORANGE GOBLIN disbanded. I’ll always listen to this band! Back from the Abyss released back in 2014. Cover artist: CAVUM
I stumbled on this album from THE COSMIC DEAD. I’m gonna give it a listen!
Dead Astronauts EP 2.0 – I found this one by just browsing for astronaut skulls on the web.
I’m certain there’s more astronaut skull covers out there. Please share any that you’re aware of here! Thank you for visiting! Stay safe out there and respect your fellow human beings as best you can. – Stone
CYCLONE are an underrated cult favorite amongst metal fans having released two solid thrash albums in 1986 and 1990. The Belgian band has now added a new 5-song EP, Known Unto God, to their arsenal. Available online or in stores Known Unto God showcases immediately intense and infectious intensity throughout, sure to please fans of thrash, hardcore and traditional speed metal. Check out their new lyric video for “Nothing Is Real” for more proof.
Known Unto God is available as a limited (200) silver bullet colored vinyl (with download code) or as Digipak CD via M-Theory Audio. Order now at: www.m-theoryaudio.com
The 5 new songs were all written by core members singer Guido Gevels and guitarist Stefaan Daamen and recorded by Guido backed by a younger and invigorated lineup with vocal and drum production, along with mix and mastering handled by Martin Furia (Destruction, Nervosa, Evil Invaders). The artwork of Known Unto God is courtesy of Ivan S. Bragin (October Tide, The Gathering).
The first chapter of CYCLONE history dates back to 1980 when 5 teenagers obsessed with NWOBHM decided to start a band. Experience they have not, but enthusiasm aplenty. A few years later, and after a series of shows with then established Acid, the quintet release their In The Grip of Evil demo – a cornerstone of European extreme metal.
The demo is supported by opening slots for Anthrax, Overkill, Agent Steel, Kreator and Destruction which leads to label interest with the band choosing to sign with Roadrunner Records. The monstrous Brutal Destruction is released followed by tours supporting Metallica and Slayer.
Times change, people change and hard choices have to be made, resulting in Guido and Stefaan working with three new players on 1990’s ‘Inferior To None.’ A European tour with Blessed Death is made to support the album, followed by another continental run with Sadus, The Obsessed and The Accused but by 1993 CYCLONE decide to call it quits. Now with a new lease on life and today’s release CYCLONE continue to write their story.
Swedish metal force TUNGSTEN are back with an official video for their brand-new single “Bite My Tongue”! Fueled by muscular riffs and driving grooves, the track highlights the band’s ability to balance raw heaviness with strong melodic hooks.
Formed by drummer Anders Johansson alongside his sons Karl and Nick, TUNGSTEN have quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about acts in the modern metal scene. With a sound rooted in classic heavy metal but sharpened by a contemporary edge, the band has built a reputation for powerful songwriting, a clear identity and relentless forward momentum, earning growing attention well beyond their Scandinavian home base.
“Bite My Tongue” is a groove-heavy, riff-driven mid-tempo rocker that builds steadily before exploding into a hook-laden chorus. According to vocalist Mike Andersson, the lyrics explore “how people often voice their opinions about various things loudly without hesitation, but when you hold a different view, it’s sometimes better to stay silent to keep the peace which can be quite frustrating at times.”
Watch the video clip for “Bite My Tongue” premiering here:
About TUNGSTEN: TUNGSTEN made a strong entry into the metal scene in 2019 with the release of their debut album We Will Rise. The band quickly built momentum, releasing three further albums over the following years (Tundra, Bliss, and The Grand Inferno).
Originally formed in 2016, TUNGSTEN soon solidified their lineup with the addition of lead vocalist Mike Andersson. Since then, the band has established a strong live reputation, touring extensively across Europe alongside acts such as BLOODBOUND, FIREWIND, SONATA ARCTICA, ALL FOR METAL, and others.
[photo credit: Mike Norgren]
TUNGSTEN have also appeared at numerous major festivals, including Sweden Rock Festival, Leyendas Del Rock (Spain), Midalidare Metal Fest (Bulgaria), Riverside Rock Fest (Switzerland), among many others. In July 2026, the band is confirmed to perform at Germany’s RockHarz Festival, with additional festival appearances currently in the works. Between touring and live performances, TUNGSTEN focuses on writing material for their upcoming album, aiming to create a powerful follow-up to 2024’s The Grand Inferno.
TUNGSTEN are: Mike Andersson – Lead Vocals Karl Johansson – Bass, Keyboards, Vocals Nick Johansson – Guitar Anders Johansson – Drums
Mystical metal warriors CASTLE RAT will embark on a monumental tour with AMON AMARTH and DETHKLOK this spring, and have now announced two special, headlining shows in Grand Rapids, MI at The Pyramid Scheme on April 26th (w/SACRED LEATHER) and in Anaheim, CA at House of Blues on May 24th (w/DEATH CHANT).
CASTLE RAT Tour Dates: Apr 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre Apr 17 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center At Tech Port Apr 18 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall Apr 20 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion Apr 21 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre Apr 22 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory Apr 24 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory Apr 25 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall Apr 26 – Grand Rapids, MI – The PyramidScheme(HEADLINE SHOW) Apr 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount Apr 29 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway May 1 – Toronto, ON – The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort May 2 – Montreal, QC – Centre Bell May 5 – Oxon Hill, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor May 7 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville Pre-Party (FESTIVAL) May 9 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy May 10 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle May 12 – Johnstown, PA – 1st Summit Arena May 13 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre Detroit May 16 – Milwaukee, WI – Landmark Credit Union Live May 17 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Art & Music (FESTIVAL) May 19 – Denver, CO – The Junkyard May 20 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center May 21 – Las Vegas, NV – Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino May 24 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues (HEADLINE SHOW)
July 29 – Bergen, NO – Beyond The Gates 2026 (FESTIVAL) Aug 6 – Jaroměř, CZ – Brutal Assault 2026 (FESTIVAL) Aug 8 – Kortrijk, BE – Alcatraz 2026 (FESTIVAL) Aug 15 – Eindhoven, NL – Dynamo Metal Fest 2026 (FESTIVAL)
With the new headlining shows comes the announcement of CASTLE RAT’s first cover feature with METAL HAMMER (UK). Behold the sword wielding Rat Queen in all her glory, as they continue to slay their way to the top! Purchase a copy now at: bit.ly/buyhammer.
CASTLE RAT is currently on the road in support of their critically acclaimed new album, The Bestiary, that’s available now from King Volume Records (US) and Blues Funeral Recordings (UK/Europe). Named one of 2025’s best metal albums by Rolling Stone, NPR, Decibel and All Music, The Bestiary is an epic tale of mysticism, magic and maleficence set in a mythical world and told through the heavy metal offerings of band members “The Rat Queen,” “The Count,” “The Plague Doctor” and “The All-Seeing Druid.”
PURCHASE THE BESTIARY: NORTH AMERICA – HERE EUROPE – HERE
1. PHOENIX I 2. WOLF I 3. WIZARD 4. SIREN 5. UNICORN 6. PATH OF MOSS 7. CRYSTAL CAVE 8. SERPENT 9. WOLF II 10. DRAGON 11. SUMMONING SPELL 12. SUN SONG 13. PHOENIX II
Debut edition set for 26-27 June 2026 in the historic port city of Szczecin, Poland
Limited Early Bird weekend tickets still available
Szczecin, Poland; 6 February 2026: Hells Bells Festival has has unveiled a further four band additions to its inaugural 2026 edition. Joining the previously announced Vader, Discharge, Furia and Dezerter, this second wave of artists brings a lethal injection of German heavy metal, British street punk, and high-energy Polish rock’n’roll to the Oder riverfront.
Leading the announcement are German heavy metal titans Grave Digger. With a career spanning over four decades, the German heavy metal legends remain one of the most prolific and respected forces in the genre. Known for their iconic concept albums and the unmistakable grit of Chris Boltendahl’s vocals, the band continues to prove their relevance; their recent studio effort, Bone Collector (2025), saw them revisiting the crusader themes that made them household names in the 80s.
Joining them are the originators of street punk, Cockney Rejects. Emerging from the East End of London in the late 70s, the band famously gave the “Oi!” subgenre its name and provided the soundtrack for generations of underground fans. Still possessing the same pugnacious energy that defined their early years, the Rejects bring a legacy of anthems that bridge the gap between terrace culture and raw punk rock.
The addition of two Polish acts also bolsters the line-up. The Stubs will bring their self-described “low-budget rock’n’roll” to the stage. Widely considered one of the finest garage-rock bands Poland has produced, they deliver a raw, high-octane sound that will perfectly counterpoint the festival’s metal offerings.
Rounding out the announcement is Hamulec, a band currently riding a massive wave of popularity in the Polish underground. Blending thrash metal aggression with a punk spirit, Hamulec has quickly become one of the most sought-after live acts in the country.
Hells Bells Festival will take place in the heart of Szczecin, Poland, on 26-27 June 2026. The venue is the scenic Plac Gryfitów on Łasztownia, a historic island district in Szczecin known for its iconic “Craneosaurs” (historic port cranes) and stunning views of the Oder River. The festival will deliver a mix of international legends, top domestic acts and younger new bands.
Early bird weekend tickets are available via the official festival website until 9 February or until they sell out.
In addition to standard passes, the festival offers reduced rates for minors (ages 13-18) and special family tickets (for children under 13 with a guardian).
Metal Church return with their 13th studio album, Dead to Rights, scheduled for release on April 10, 2026 via Rat Pak Records (America), Reaper (Europe/UK) and Rubicon (Japan).
The album marks the first release from the band’s latest lineup, featuring founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof alongside longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, joined by bass icon David Ellefson, powerhouse drummer Ken Mary, and dynamic new vocalist Brian Allen.
From the aggressive opening assault of “Brainwash Game” to the riff-driven finale “My Wrath,” Metal Church prove they still possess the same relentless drive that has earned them fans for over four decades. Tracks such as “Deep Cover Shakedown,” “The Show,” and “Wasted Time” deliver the signature sound the band has long been known for.
The album’s first single,“F.A.F.O.”, was released last November, with its accompanying video surpassing 400,000 views to date. Dead To Rights was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Zeuss at Planet Z.
“This new album is very special to me for one reason: the band was over, and I honestly didn’t see it being resurrected. But somehow, it brought itself back to life – again!” exclaims Kurdt Vanderhoof. “I’m incredibly proud of these new songs; they hit hard. Brian Allen brings the classic Metal Church sound to the vocals, and adding a rhythm section with musicians of the caliber of Dave Ellefson and Ken Mary makes this a force to be reckoned with. If you enjoy classic Metal Church, you’re going to love this record.”
Another new video has arrived from the already released album Babylon by DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (released in October 2025, RPM).
Following the strong impact of previous clips, with “It Takes Two To Tango” and “Hellbreaker” each surpassing one million views, the band now present the video for “Batter The Power”, continuing the visual journey through their latest release.
“Batter The Power” is a classic heavy shuffle driven by a true metal riff and an anthem-like sing-along chorus that instantly evokes the spirit of “old times.” What initially appears to be a deliberately straightforward and repetitive verse structure is given a sharper edge by the accusatory vocal interplay between Udo Dirkschneider and Peter Baltes, adding tension and attitude to the song’s message.
Photo: Eddi Bachmann Photography
Manuela “Ella” Bibert puts the icing on the cake with her distinctive solo vocal interludes during the final choruses, while Mathias Dieth’s extraordinary guitar solo breaks free from any convention, unapologetically bold and perfectly in line with the band’s uncompromising approach. Why should we care about rules?
Lyrically, “Batter The Power” draws on classic heavy metal imagery of battle, resistance and liberation. Lines like “we’ll die to be free” and “never surrender” underline the song’s central message: relentlessly challenging oppressive power in the name of freedom and justice.
With the “Batter The Power” video, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG once again highlight the timeless strength of classic heavy metal, reinforcing Babylon as an album that proudly bridges the past and present with experience, conviction and raw power.
“We are stoked to be hitting the road in March to celebrate the 10th Year Anniversary of our album Evolution Of Evil. Join us and catch a special set list of old and unreleased tracks. We will have special VIP upgrades available for this tour!”
Grab advanced tix and VIP upgrades now!!
3.17 – Lincoln, NE at Witches Brew 3.20 – Reno, NV at Club Underground 3.21 – Las Vegas, NV at Vegas UnAlive Festival w/ Decrepit Birth 3.22 – Salt Lake City, UT at Aces High Saloon 3.24 – Denver, CO at The Roxy 3.26 – Cedar Rapids, IA at Black Hole 3.27 – Kansas City, MO at SK8 Bar 3.28 – Sioux Falls, SD at Club David
If you haven’t seen the teaser regarding an OZZFEST 2027, look no further than the above graphic. I took this from the Ozzfest Twitter. I truly hope it’s pulled off!
I’ve put the song “Don’t Go In The Forest” by AVATAR into my current rotation on Spotify. I find it dark, sinister and groovy, man!
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The elitist Grammys🖕🏻can kiss my ass. Dream Theater should have won for “Night Terror” – a no brainer. The other Pop bubble gum group that won “Best Metal Performance” (category is a joke now) can go back to their mommy’s basements and pretend they’re “Metal”.
With Regrets, Twisted Sister Cancels 50th Anniversary Celebration Performances Due to the sudden and unexpected resignation of Twisted Sister’s lead singer Dee Snider brought on by a series of health challenges, the band has been forced to cancel all shows scheduled, beginning April 25th in Sao Paulo Brazil and continuing through the summer. The future of Twisted Sister will be determined in the next several weeks.
Stay tuned for updates, Jay Jay French/Eddie Ojeda French Management Enterprises
A lifetime of legendarily aggressive performing has taken its toll on Dee Snider’s body and soul. Unbeknownst to the public (until now) Snider (70) suffers from degenerative arthritis and has had several surgeries over the years just to keep going, able to only perform a few songs at a time in pain.
Adding insult to injury, Dee has recently found out the level of intensity he has dedicated to his life’s work has taken its toll on his heart as well. He can no longer push the boundaries of rock ‘n’ roll fury like he has done for decades. Says Snider, “I don’t know of any other way to rock. The idea of slowing down is unacceptable to me. I’d rather walk away than be a shadow of my former self.”
In the immortal words of Dirty Harry, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” Sadly, Dee Snider now knows his.
God Bless Dee Snider. We Love You At Metal Odyssey.
Scottish progressive metal band DVNE announces the release of their powerful performance at Hellfest Open Air 2023. Live At Hellfest features a selection of songs exclusively from DVNE’s acclaimed album Etemen Ænka, showcasing the band’s crushing heaviness, atmospheric depth, and commanding live presence. Recorded in front of a massive festival audience, the release captures the raw energy and immersive sound that has made DVNE one of the most compelling acts in modern progressive metal.
Live At Hellfest arrives as DVNE prepares to hit the road as support for Igorrr, marking an exciting new chapter for the band and offering fans a raw snapshot of their live presence.
Formed in Edinburgh in 2013 by displaced Frenchman Victor Vicart and native Scot Dudley Tait, post-metal prog-sludge artisans DVNE have been building a powerful head of steam since their second album, 2021’s kaleidoscopically mesmerizing Etemen Ænka. Their first release for the legendary Metal Blade Records label, the LP was a concerted hike up the greasy pole for this enigmatic outfit, enabling DVNE to embark on UK and European headline tours and win spots at such discerning festivals as Hellfest, ArcTanGent, Desertfest, Damnation, and Resurrection. Then the stunning third album Voidkind in 2024 propelled this expanded five-piece lineup (welcoming Maxime Keller on keyboards) to the top of their game.
Certainly, Voidkind succeeds in finding new modes of expression for DVNE. The songs are more pointed, direct and memorable, but the soundscape still has a radiant, evolving, hypnotic flow, the effect achieved with fewer layers of sonic ornamentation, consciously urging closer to DVNE’s incendiary live sound.
The band will embark on their European tour as support for labelmates Igorrr today:
DVNE w/ Igorrr, Thoughtcrimes:
2/05/2026 La Boite Noire – Meisenthal, FR
2/06/2026 Im Wizemann Hall – Stuttgart, DE
2/07/2026 Backstage Werk – Munich, DE
2/08/2026 Alcatraz – Milan, IT
2/10/2026 Kino Siska – Ljubljana, SI
2/11/2026 Gasometer – Vienna, AT
2/12/2026 Roxy – Prague, CZ
2/13/2026 Barba Negra – Budapest, HU
2/14/2026 Progresia – Warsaw, PL
2/16/2026 Loftas – Vilnius, LT
2/17/2026 Helitehas – Tallinn, EE
2/18/2026 Kulttuuritalo – Helsinki, FI
2/20/2026 Fryshuset – Stockholm, SE
2/21/2026 Rockefeller – Oslo, NO
2/22/2026 Amager Bio – Copenhagen, DK
2/24/2026 Metropol – Berlin, DE
2/25/2026 FZW – Dortmund, DE
2/26/2026 Tivoli – Utrecht, NL
2/27/2026 L’Aeronef – Lille, FR
2/28/2026 Le 106 – Rouen, FR
DVNE: Victor Vicart – guitars, vocals Daniel Barter – guitars, vocals Dudley Tait – drums Alexandros Keros – bass Maxime Keller – keys
Vancouver – April 16-17 (The Cobalt), April 18 (Rickshaw Theatre)
Vancouver, B.C.’s leading melodic and power metal festival, HYPERSPACE METAL FEST, is gearing up for its 7th edition after another year packed with unforgettable, high‑energy performances.
Taking place at The Cobalt on April 16 and 17, and at the Rickshaw Theatre on April 18, the festival has unveiled its full lineup of 2026 performers, which includes: SANCTUARY, EDGE OF PARADISE, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, OWLBEAR, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE, and more.
“The full lineup for Hyperspace Metal Festival VII is here! Sanctuary will be performing a Canadian exclusive performance of Into The Mirror Black in its entirety! Atavistia will be headlining night 1, which will have a heavy emphasis on melodic death metal. Night two headliner Edge of Paradise will cap off a night of epic symphonic and melodic power metal! After this year, the festival will be going on indefinite hiatus, so if you’ve been wanting to make it to Hyperspace, this could be your last chance. Let’s rage together at the Rickshaw and the Cobalt one last time!” adds festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions.
Day One– April 16 Atavistia Inpathos Hyperstrike Ravensun Kayas
Day Two – April 17 Edge of Paradise The Scepter Lycanthro Ophelia Falling Valley of Despair
Day Three – April 18 Sanctuary – (Performing Into The Mirror Black in its entirety) Owlbear – Canadian Debut Artificial Language – (Canadian Debut) Voidchaser Witchkiller
This year’s HMF headliner, Sanctuary, will make their exclusive Canadian appearance unforgettable by performing their acclaimed 1990 album Into the Mirror Black in full.
Formed in Seattle in 1985, Sanctuary quickly became a major force in the city’s metal scene, driven by the soaring vocals of the late Warrel Dane. Their debut, Refuge Denied (1988), produced by Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), put them on the global metal map, followed by the darker and more refined Into the Mirror Black in 1990. The rise of grunge paused the band’s momentum, leading members to form Nevermore, but Sanctuary reunited in 2011 and returned to major festival stages worldwide.
They released The Year the Sun Died in 2014 and the archival collection Inception in 2017. After Dane’s passing later that year, the band continued with Joseph Michael on vocals, earning strong support from fans. Today’s lineup features Michael, original members Lenny Rutledge and Dave Budbill, plus bassist George Hernandez, with a second guitarist joining them live.
Sanctuary will perform special sets of Refuge Denied and Into the Mirror Black at select 2026 festivals and is currently working on a new album, Transmutation. The band is ready to bring fresh music and a powerful new show back to Europe and beyond. See you on the road!
Swedish progressive metal icons OPETH have announced their highly anticipated return to Latin America in 2026, bringing “The Last Will and Testament Latin American Tour – Part 2” to audiences across the region.
Renowned for their fearless creativity and uncompromising live performances, OPETH’s relationship with Latin American audiences has long been defined by passion and intensity. Over the years, the band has cultivated an exceptionally devoted fanbase across the continent, with live shows consistently delivering electrifying and unforgettable experiences.
Latin American fans can expect a powerful and immersive live experience, featuring material from the band’s latest album The Last Will and Testament alongside the defining tracks that have shaped their legacy.
The Last Will and Testament Latin American Tour – Part 2 Dates:
1 November 2026 – Movistar Arena, Santiago, Chile
3 November 2026 – Teatro Gran Rivadavia, Buenos Aires, Argentina
6 November 2026 – Espaço Unimed, São Paulo, Brazil
8 November 2026 – Teatro Royal Center, Bogotá, Colombia
11 November 2026 – Arena Ciudad de México, Mexico City, Mexico
The tremendous Testament begins their European Festival Summer 2026 Tour on June 29th in Antwerp, Belgium, at Middenvijver Park. Death Angel, Metal Church, Armored Saint and Hellripper join as guests on select dates!
06/29 – Antwerp, BEL @ Middenvijver 07/01 – Viveiro SPA @ Resurrection Fest 07/03 – Villaava, SPA @ Sala Totem Aretoa (feat. Hellripper) 07/04 – Barcelona, SPA @ Rock Fest 07/05 – Cartagena, SPA @ Rock Imperium Festival 07/07 – Zaragoza, SPA @ Teatro de las Esquinas (feat. Hellripper) 07/08 – Toulouse, FRA @ Le Bikini (feat. Hellripper) 07/29 – Bergen, NET @ Beyond The Gates Festival 07/31 – Rejmyre, SWE @ Skogsrojet Festival 08/01 – Gothenburg, SWE @ Pustervik (feat. Metal Church & Armored Saint) 08/02 – Lund, SWE @ Mejeriet (feat. Metal Church & Armored Saint) 08/04 – Kiel, GER @ Die Pumpe (feat. Metal Church) 08/05 – Leer, GER @ Zollhausverein (feat. Death Angel) 08/06 – Schlotheim, GER @ Party San 08/07 – Cologne, GER @ Essigfabrik (feat. Death Angel & Metal Church) 08/08 – Kortrijk, BEL @ Alcatraz Festival 08/09 – Derbyshire, UK @ Bloodstock Open Air 08/11 – Karlsruhe, GER @ Substage (feat. Death Angel & Metal Church) 08/12 – Obertraubling, GER @ Airport-Eventhall (feat. Death Angel & Metal Church) 08/13 – Krakow, POL @ Klub Studio (feat. Metal Church & Armored Saint) 08/14 – Moravsky Krumlov, CZE @ Rock Castle 08/15 – Dinkelsbuehl, GER @ Summer Breeze 08/16 – Eindhoven, NET @ Dynamo Metalfest
TESTAMENT:
Chuck Billy – vocals Eric Peterson – guitar Alex Skolnick – guitar Steve DiGiorgio – bass Chris Dovas – drums
The new studio album, Coronach, from Scotland’s Hellripper, will be released on CD, vinyl, cassette and digital formats by Century Media Records on March 27th 2026.
Boston-based progressive death metal band GRAVEBORN are set to return this spring with the release of their fifth full-length album Metempsychosis.
In the five years since the release of 2021’s Transmigrator, GRAVEBORN has been meticulously crafting their newest magnum opus – an 11-track concept album about continuity in the face of collapse.
Throughout the course of Metempsychosis, GRAVEBORN challenges themselves and the listener to stare into an internal and external abyss. Moving from inner psychological fracture to societal and species-wide decline, the album rejects narratives of tragedy or triumph, treating destruction as a necessary mechanism of transmission. Metempsychosis asks one question and refuses to soften the answer- what remains when everything else is gone?
Hear part of this journey with the album’s new single and final track, “Orthologs.” Watch the lyric video now at youtu.be/rdi995yM6pw.
Photo Credit: Totem Coast Photography
Reggie Lewis – Bass Jesse Blanchette – Guitars Chris Ramusiewicz – Guitars John LeBlanc – Vocals Marc Brennan – Drums
Vocalist John Leblanc describes the track as the album’s closing statement – a reflection on consciousness as continuity, and the nature of self-evolution.
“‘Orthologs’ is about what survives after annihilation, not as hope, but as function. It’s evolution under pressure. Forced transformation. The essential self persists, but the form changes radically. I don’t return to who I was. I don’t heal into the old shape. I become something else because survival requires it. Like orthologous genes, the structure diverges, but the core purpose remains intact. This isn’t triumphant. It’s real. It’s not a victory lap. It’s the moment after the maw, when something still stands. Not because it’s unbroken, but because it adapted.”
This song means: continuity is not comfort. Continuity is persistence. I am changed. I am not whole. But something essential still functions, still moves forward, still exists.
Not healed. Not restored. Still here.
And that is enough.”
Stream the album’s first two singles, “Ember of Existence” and “Temporal Sands” on Spotify and Apple Music.
Formed in 2013 in Boston, MA, Graveborn serves up an ethereally heavy strain of progressive death metal. Over the last decade, they have released 4 albums Samsara (2014), Seeds Of Life (2016), The Athenaeum (2018) and Transmigrator (2021). Graveborn performed throughout the Northeast US with the likes of Fallujah, Rivers of Nihil, Cognitive, Ghost Bath, Ov Sulfur, and others. Graveborn weaves the themes of self-evolution and introspection through their lyrics, and embodies this ethos in their collaborations.
WINTERSUN S/T – released back in 2004, via Nuclear Blast. Cover art by Kristian Wåhlin aka Necrolord.
Tobias Sammet’s AVANTASIA The Mystery Of Time – released back in 2013, via Nuclear Blast. Album cover art by Rodney Matthews.
Cinderella Long Cold Winter – released back in 1988, via Mercury Records. Yes, it’s surely been a long cold Winter.
SONATA ARCTICA Talviyö – released back in 2019, via Nuclear Blast. Cover photograph and editing by Finnish photographer Onni Wiljami. Layout by Janne Pitkänen.
Immortal At The Heart Of Winter – released back in 1999, via Osmose Productions. Cover artist: Jean Pascal Fournier. Graphic design by Grafik Sarl.
Thank you for visiting and checking out these album covers that scream Winter. I applaud all the artists that created the above album art! Stay safe out there and be kind to your fellow humans. – Stone
Melodic deathcore band THE JOTUNN have released their newest single, “The Departure,” the final track on the upcoming physical edition of their album Summoner, available now. The song serves as both a closing statement for this chapter of the band and a powerful step toward what comes next.
Originally introduced as a three-song release, Summoner Part I established the foundation of the band’s current era. The physical edition expands the album with Part II, which includes “Blood Flower,” the band’s cover of “Suicide Nation,” and now the intense and cinematic closer, “The Departure.”
The track was recorded in Michigan with producer Josh Wickman, known for his work with WITHIN THE RUINS, KING 810 and WAKING THE CADAVER. The result is a sharpened and fully realized version of THE JOTUNN’s sound, combining punishing heaviness with dark melody and atmosphere. The song highlights a band that has refined its identity and emerged stronger than ever.
An official video for “The Departure” was filmed by Tom Stumpf, who also worked on the band’s previous two records. The visual continues THE JOTUNN’s tradition of pairing their music with unsettling and cinematic imagery that deepens the emotional impact of their work.
Lyrically, “The Departure” explores the disturbed mind of Ed Gein, focusing on psychological horror and mental unraveling rather than glorification. The band uses the story as a narrative lens to examine darkness, instability, and inner torment, matching the song’s intense and oppressive atmosphere.
With this release, THE JOTUNN bring the Summoner era to a powerful close while signaling a new beginning. “The Departure” represents the band at its most focused and evolved, offering a glimpse of an even heavier and more ambitious future.
About THE JOTUNN: Based out of Cleveland and Columbus Ohio, THE JOTUNN formed in 2021 after guitarist and songwriter Shawn Kahan presented a number of demos to Paul Kahan. Soon producer Cole Martinez (ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, WHITECHAPEL, ABORTED) was on board taking up the role of bassist and producer of their music.
Nick Amato (ATOMIC WITCH) performed drums on the band’s debut album Graveworshipper (2022), prior to Adam Biats joining the line-up. The outfit was awarded the Columbus Artist Grant in 2023, and subsequently in 2025.Cole left the band in June 2025 on good terms, leading to the arrival of Leo Debevc on guitar and Londyn Snow on bass.
Credits: Recording Studio: Dreadcore Productions Produced, Engineered, Mixed and Mastered: Josh Wickman Drum Pre-Production: Nick Hawkins Lyrics, Song and Performance by The Jötunn
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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