The wait is over — Sacramento, California’s Niviane unleash their powerful new album, Queen of Phantoms, released on March 7th, 2025! With a refined lineup, sharpened songwriting and a thunderous production, this release solidifies the band’s place at the forefront of modern power metal.
Crafted with precision over the past years, Queen of Phantoms represents Niviane’s strongest and most dynamic work to date. The album was written during the pandemic lockdowns and carefully shaped to highlight the band’s evolution, featuring a new rhythm section with drummer Isaiah AR and bassist Tyler Satterlee who inject fresh power into the music. Each of the 11 tracks offers a different shade of power metal, from blistering speed and aggression to uplifting melodies and dark atmospheres pushing beyond the genre’s conventions.
Featuring the commanding title track “Queen of Phantoms”, the emotionally charged “Tomorrow’s a New Day” and the thunderous “Under Black Flags” just to name a few, the album strikes a perfect balance between heaviness and melody. Queen of Phantoms showcases Niviane’s signature blend of intricate guitar work, anthemic choruses and cinematic storytelling, appealing to fans of Judas Priest, Queensrÿche, Primal Fear and Nevermore.
The album’s official lyric videos for “Queen of Phantoms” and “12 BC Legions” further bring its powerful themes to life, visually enhancing its dark, immersive storytelling. The latest official music video for “Tomorrow’s a New Day” explores deep and personal themes of mental health, setting it apart as one of the band’s most moving compositions.
With Queen of Phantoms, Niviane delivers a bold and unapologetic statement—this is power metal at its finest, evolved and redefined. Experience the full force of Niviane’s latest masterpiece now!
Track-list: 1. Queen of Phantoms 2. 12 BC: Legions 3. 12 BC: Germania 4. Beacon In The Darkness 5. Some Wounds… Never Heal 6. All Debts Repaid 7. Tomorrow’s A New Day 8. Event Horizon 9. Our Maze 10. Gunslingers & Graves 11. Under Black Flags
Band line up: Aaron Robitsch: Keys & Orchestration Gary Tarplee: Guitars Isaiah AR: Drums Mark Miner: Guitars Norman Skinner: Vocals Tyler Satterlee: Bass
Coinciding with their ongoing “Myths Of Fate” European tour, symphonic Viking horde LEAVES’ EYES are pleased to announce that their ship has landed at the shores of Reigning Phoenix Music. Making a pact with the subversive metal label, the leading German metallers have found a welcoming new home for their future musical endeavours.
LEAVES’ EYES founder/vocalist Alex Krull states: “We’re really happy to share such fantastic news: LEAVES’ EYES have signed a long-term record deal with Reigning Phoenix Music! Being united with many companions and friends makes working with RPM very special to me! We’re looking forward to entering the next level with Sven, Jochen, Gerardo and the whole RPM family, we couldn’t be more excited! The Southern German metal empire strikes back!”
“I’m enormously pleased to welcome Viking metal pioneers LEAVES’ EYES at RPM. The musical roots of Alex and me go back to Ludwigsburg’s Rockfabrik, a place where many bands and rock/metal projects kick-started their careers. Collaborating with friends is always special, and that’s definitely the case here,”comments label owner Sven Bogner.
RPM managing director Jochen Richert adds: “I’ve known Alex for almost 40 years since we’ve already been meeting regularly at local youth centres back in the day. Our work relationship also lasts for about 35 years now. That’s why I’m very happy that LEAVES’ EYES and Reigning Phoenix Music are walking a common path now. It’s a classic example of ‘What belongs together, comes together’!”
After their foundation in 2003, LEAVES’ EYES took the scene by storm: the group undeniably hit a nerve of the metal world with their refreshing mixture of symphonic metal and historic Norse elements. Over the course of nine studio albums, the band extended their ever-growing fan base, performed on five continents, played many own headline tours and entered the stages of some of the most prestigious metal festivals around the globe.
But there’s more: To bridge the gaps between their studio albums, LEAVES’ EYES mostly continue writing material and thereby released multiple EP’s with some of them showing rare musical sides, for example acoustic recordings, of the sextet. And the current time is now exception: following their current success album Myths Of Fate, which hit no. 17 of the official German well as no. 66 of the official Swiss album chart among others, they’re preparing a brand new EP, which is set for release later this year via Reigning Phoenix Music. What it contains shall remain a secret for now, but you can be sure that LEAVES’ EYES next output will be nothing but another exciting addition to their musical journey through the Nordic saga world. Pre-save it here: https://leaveseyes.rpm.link/ep2025PR
LEAVES’ EYES are: Elina Siirala | vocals Alexander Krull | vocals Florian Ewert | guitars Luc Gebhardt | guitars Dominik Prykiel | bass Nils Kreul | drums
As mentioned, the group have kicked off their 2025 European tour in Aalborg, Denmark, to gather symphonic and Viking fanatics once again. Also performing under the “Myths Of Fate” banner are promising support acts: NYTT LAND (Mar 6-21), ATER (Mar 6-21), PROJECT RENEGADE (Mar 6-13), VERDERBNIS (Mar 6-13) and HALLS OF OBLIVION (Mar 14-21). The second part of the run (Stuttgart, DE + 6 Iberian dates) will see local bands taking the stage to warm-up the crowds for LEAVES’ EYES.
“Myths Of Fate Tour 2025” Presented by The Flaming Arts Agency w/ NYTT LAND, ATER, PROJECT RENEGADE, VERDERBNIS 07.03.2025 NL Arnhem – Willemeen 08.03.2025 DE Weinheim – Café Central 09.03.2025 BE Ghent – Chinastraat 10.03.2025 DE Dortmund – JunkYard 11.03.2025 CH Aarburg – Musigburg 12.03.2025 IT Milan – Legend Club 13.03.2025 AT Vienna – Viper Room w/ NYTT LAND, ATER, HALLS OF OBLIVION 14.03.2025 RS Belgrade – Dom omladine 15.03.2025 RO Cluj-Napoca – FORM Space 16.03.2025 RO Bucharest – Quantic 17.03.2025 BG Sofia – Joy Station 18.03.2025 HU Budapest – Barba Negra 19.03.2025 PL Krakow – Hype Park 20.03.2025 PL Gdansk – Drizzly Grizzly 21.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Hydrozagadka w/ local supports 29.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Club) 01.04.2025 ES Barcelona – Sala Upload 02.04.2025 ES Portugalete – Estudios Groove 03.04.2025 PT Porto – Hard Club 04.04.2025 PT Lisbon – RCA Club 05.04.2025 ES A Coruña – Sala Maladiva 06.04.2025 ES Madrid – Sala Nazca
24.05.2025 DE Nordhorn – North Metal Night 25. – 27.06.2025 CZ Spálené Poříčí – Basinfirefest 28.06.2025 DE Oschersleben – Rock & Metal Day’z 05.07.2025 DE Mülheim an der Ruhr – Castle Rock 18.07.2025 DE Greifenstein – Celtic Rock
New Video/Single Now Playing + Preorders Available
LIK, the modern-day purveyors of classic Swedish death metal, gloriously return to action with their fourth album, Necro, on April 18th via Metal Blade Records.
Standing loud and proud over so many imitators, Necro is the musical equivalent of a classic shock-horror movie that’s drenched in blood and gore and packed with over-the-top extremities. Delve beyond the zombified cover art created by Stockholm-based tattooist and artist Jens Olsson (Ink Fanatics), Necro serves as a reminder of just how special and exciting the genre is: packed with blood-curdling fantasy stories about war, death, zombies, world apocalypse, and murder all stacked with disgustingly good, rotten riffs.
After recording and releasing their critically acclaimed third full-length, 2020’s Misanthropic Breed, during the pandemic, this time around getting back into the studio properly was paramount. And while Misanthropic Breed was recorded at the quartet’s rehearsal space where the band produced all their demos, LIK recorded Necro at NBS Studio (AKA Necromorbus Studio) in Söderfors, two hours from their home city.
Once again using uber-producer Lawrence Mackrory (Meshuggah, Katatonia, High Parasite, Decapitated), all music was recorded live over a three-day period, before vocalist/guitarist Tomas Åkvik headed to Uppsala to record his vocals at Mackrory’s Rorysound Studios. Mackrory has worked with LIK – whose name translates to “corpse” in Swedish – since their 2015 debut Mass Funeral Evocation and throughout their Metal Blade Records career that started with 2018’s Carnage.
Within Necro’s ten tracks, LIK has created a seamless album, diverse in tempo but without losing any of their blood-soaked intensity and relentless in-your-face-attitude listeners have come to expect. There are twists and turns that keep LIK on a progressive path without straying from their old-school trademark sounds inspired by the godfathers Dismember, At The Gates and, of course, Entombed.
“We didn’t really want to repeat ourselves, but of course we wanted the LIK sound,” explains Åkvik on the writing trajectory of Necro.
In advance of the record’s release, LIK unleashes first single, “War Praise.” Åkvik elaborates, “We had to write this track before we could even start working on the new album. A LIK track that felt just like LIK but with enough new stuff to make it interesting for us. Sadly enough the world is still plagued by wars so we had to write about the horrors of it.”
Necro, which features guest appearances by Nick Holmes (Paradise Lost, Bloodbath), Linnea Landstedt (Tyranex/Ice Age), and Lawrence Mackrory (F.K.Ü.), will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
180g Black Tombstone Grey Blue Marbled Dark Sky Red Marbled (Ltd. 500) Clear Violet Blue Marbled (Ltd. 300) Lilac/Blood Red Splatter (Ltd. 300) Lilac Blackdust (Ltd. 200) Violet Purple Splatter (Ltd. 200) Coffin Purple Black Splatter (Ltd. 300)
Dissonant as well as emotive death metal from Canada
Husband-wife duo Crown of Madness impressed many with their debut full length of melancholic and atmospheric dissonant death metal which many feel is reminiscent of their heralded label mates Devenial Verdict. After only a few days of their album coming out, they have unleashed their official video via the label’s channel which can be witnessed AT THIS LINK.
Crown of Madness have put out a slew of short-form releases, improving upon their sound with each one and culminating in this full length that sees the most evolved version of their music so far. As accomplished as it is, it also happens to be unique in the style of dissonant death metal – in that, it’s deeply personal and palpably emotive, and that poignant, introspective mood pervades their entire album. The music almost has a melodic albeit melancholic quality to it that is refreshing for a style of music that usually sounds harsh and detached. At the same time the music is driven; the hypnotic riffs are invariably interspersed with bursts of blasts and there is good momentum generated in this calculated, undulating pattern which becomes addictive. Memories Fragmented is a beautifully tempered album underpinned by unforgettable melodies, an ambitious release but one completely devoid of pretence, which is bound to be regarded as one of the standout albums in the style in the years to come.
For fans of: Ulcerate, Devenial Verdict, Dysgnostic, Gorguts
Artwork by Erskine Designs
Track listing: 1. Visions From A Past Life 2. Sovereign Blood 3. Burdened 4. Ashes of Mine 5. When I Don’t Remember You 6. Deafening 7. Sea of Fangs 8. Dreamless Nights No Longer 9. Hollow Thresher 10. The Grand Design
Montreal/Stockholm Progressive Metal Quartet, Voidchaser, have releasd their new EP Trust! Serving as an epilogue to critically acclaimed 2024 release Solace, the new EP completes the narrative and brings closure to the conceptual journey begun with their debut album.
Coinciding with the EP’s release, the band has also released a music video for opening track, “Time,” featuring Québec City’s Universe Effects (Gabriel Antoine Vallée, Francis Grégoire, and Gabriel Cyr). “Time” embarks on a reflective journey through loss and the fleeting nature of life. Emotionally charged and deeply introspective, the song continues the narrative arc that concluded Solace, resonating with the raw emotion of abandonment.
Following the impact of “Trust” (featuring Jim Grey of Caligula’s Horse) and the epic “Dogma” (with a guest appearance by The Anchoret), “Time” weaves a heartfelt exploration of impermanence and memory, brought to life through poignant lyrics and evocative melodies. This final chapter not only completes the EP’s narrative journey, but also reinforces Voidchaser‘s reputation for merging profound emotional storytelling with dynamic musical composition.
Trust solidifies Voidchaser’sreputation for heavy yet emotionally resonant progressive metal. The band is also gearing up for an international tour in 2025, with more details to be announced soon.
Line-Up:
Chad Bernatchez – Vocals, Back Vocals, Rhythm Guitar Jici LG – Bass Jimmy Montbriand – Lead Guitar Colin MacAndrew – Drums Mathieu Fiset – Keyboards
“Trust picks up directly after the events of Solace. Our protagonist is drifting across the vast emptiness of space, as the reserve oxygen tanks from the suit keeps him alive and scenes from his life pass them by. The first song, Time, depicts our protagonist having to say goodbye to someone who he was very close to. The second song, Dogma, depicts our protagonist having to make an impossible decision, resulting in leaving behind someone else he was very close to. Finally, the title track depicts our protagonist unapologetically committing his entire life to someone only to have his trust broken and their sense of self be lost in the process.
We collaborated with musicians from all around the world on this EP and it’s very cool to have had the opportunity to do that. We have a lot of love for the musicians that accepted to be on it and feel incredibly honored that we made something they wanted to be a part of.
This EP is very special to us because it marks the end of a chapter for Voidchaser. We are very proud of how far we have come since the band has started, and there is nothing we would have done differently. Everything has led to where we are today and we have learned a lot from the past two years and we are very grateful for everything that happened and everyone who was with us along the way.”
FFO: Devin Townsend, Haken, Dream Theater, Between the Buried and Me, Opeth, Caligula’s Horse.
Guest vocals by Gabriel Antoine Vallée (Time). Guest guitar solo by Gabriel Cyr (Time). Guest keyboard solo by Francis Grégoire (Time). Guest french horn by Tomás Figueiredo (Time). Guest violin/viola/cello by Oleh Mytrofanov, Kateryna Mytrofanova, Oleksiy. Zavgorodniy, Anastasia Boyko and Jana Malentzova (Time, Dogma). Guest saxophone solo by Laurent Barbier (Dogma). Guest oud solo by Asil Blek (Dogma). Guest bansuri solo by Rajat Prasanna (Dogma). Guest vocals by Jim Grey (Trust).
Lyrics and Songwriting by Chad Bernatchez. Production and Arrangements by Jici LG. Mixing and Mastering by Jason Poulin. Management by Metal Shed Productions. Artwork by Sam Harwood.
Drums recorded by Mackay Agellon at Borkum Riff Studios. Guest vocals recorded by Jared Adlam at Machine Lab Studios (Trust).
Special thanks to Eddy Levitsky (The Anchoret) for his implication in the track “Dogma”, to Dario and Van (The Progspace), and to Niko (Prog Sphere).
Norwegian heavy metal trio Coffin Storm have unveiled a brand-new video today for their blistering track ‘Open The Gallows’. The 10 minute epic, taken from their 2024 debut album Arcana Rising, comes alongside a brilliant new video by Matthew Vickerstaff steeped in medieval and supernatural brutality.
Featuring Kolbotn veterans Apollyon (Aura Noir, Lamented Souls) and Bestial Tormentor (Infernö, Lamented Souls), the lineup is completed by Fenriz of Darkthrone on vocals.
Speaking on the new video and his inspiration behind the track, Apollyon said, “Open The Gallows is the longest track I have ever made. Initially we were thinking instrumental old Metallica style with loads of guitar melodies and shit. Apart from the opening/ending though, there’s not much Metallica in there. The main riff is Kreator-inspired if anything. Fortunately, we ended up having Fenriz sing on it after all because the vocal lines are amazing.
This being an all Kolbotn project we invited Arild from Obliteration/Abhorration/Necromantheon/Black Viper to do a legendary long-ass guitar lead as well.
Either way I thought the song deserved a video and Mr Matthew Vickerstaff came up with this idea to use clips from old B-movies. He did a fantastic job with collecting and editing, making it an exciting 10 minutes plus watch. Enjoy!”
On the prospect of new material in the future, Apollyon says:
“Arcana Rising seemed to go down really well with people, and we have plenty of material left in the vaults for an album number two, and always new ideas coming also, so work is progressing slowly but surely amid all the other things we have going on currently. Keep your eyes peeled!”
Metal Hammer – “When riffs are this good, why not draw them out a bit? A career-best performance”
Powerplay – 10/10 “nothing less than greatness”
Metal Talk –“Coffin Storm’s debut is an album that every fan of Doom-tinged Metal should hear”
Metal Sucks – 4.5/5 – “Coffin Storm have created a whopper of an album …. This one comes highly recommended”
Reigning Phoenix Music proudly introduces PERCEPTION, its latest label imprint. Following the success of ROAR, a sub-label dedicated to emerging talents and artists, PERCEPTION is set to provide a strong foundation for regionally and stylistically leading bands with high growth potential.
Jochen Richert, managing director of RPM Europe, shares his vision for PERCEPTION: “My responsibilities at Reigning Phoenix Music have often taken me away from what I love most – working directly with bands, nurturing their growth, and helping them reach their full potential. With PERCEPTION, I now can dive back into artist development, which I’m truly excited about. Of course, my main mission remains unchanged: to help Reigning Phoenix Music to become one of the leading metal labels in the world.”
To celebrate the birth of RPM’s new sibling, PERCEPTION proudly announces its first signing – one that perfectly embodies the label’s core value of passion, professionalism, and ambition: SERIOUS BLACK.
More than 10 years of SERIOUS BLACK and highly melodic power metal with the license to create hymns: since 2014, the band led by bassist Mario Lochert, have been delighting fans not only by releasing six studio albums so far, but also by frequently playing much-lauded concerts and festival appearances, and that’s why PERCEPTION is even more proud to begin its journey by signing such a well-known act.
“We’re really happy, and we couldn’t have found a better partner than Reigning Phoenix Music as they greatly combine expertise and experience. We have a comfortable new surrounding, and re-connecting with old companions makes this new union even more special to us: Everything that belongs together comes together over and over again,”comments founding member Lochert.
Jochen Richert as PERCEPTION A&R adds: “Mario and Dominik [Sebastian; guitars] are incredibly passionate about SERIOUS BLACK, and that’s exactly what it takes to elevate this band even further. They are built for the top tier of power metal – with outstanding songwriting and an electrifying stage presence already in place. We’ll make sure they reach the level they truly belong to: the very top of the scene!”
On the heels of their latest album Rise Of Akhenaton [2024], SERIOUS BLACK are celebrating their 10th anniversary with an own headline tour this spring, following an enormously successful European run alongside SONATA ARCTICA, FIREWIND as well as TUNGSTEN. Special guests AUTUMN BRIDE, DRAGONY and RIGORIOUS will complete the line-up for the upcoming festivities.
Mario states: “10 years, 6 charting albums, over 250 concerts, festival shows and gigs worldwide. A look back that lets me indulge in many memories. Personally, I’m really looking forward to this tour, not only because it’s our birthday headline tour, but also because old friends like AUTUMN BRIDE, DRAGONY [Mar 18-30], and RIGORIOUS [Mar 11-18] will be joining us on this tour with new albums at their hands. Get your tickets and spend an unforgettable power metal party full of hard riffs and hymns with us!”
SERIOUS BLACK – live:
“Metalized” World Tour:
w/ AUTUMN BRIDE, RIGORIOUS (*), DRAGONY (^)
11.03.2025 DE Berlin – ORWOhaus *
12.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Logo *
13.03.2025 DE Herford – KulturWerk *
14.03.2025 DE Monheim – Sojus 7 *
15.03.2025 CZ Prague – Storm Club *
16.03.2025 HU Budapest – Analog Music Hall *
18.03.2025 AT Vienna – Szene */^
19.03.2025 IT Bologna – Alchemica Music Club ^ (w/ STRANGER VISION)
20.03.2025 FR Lyon – Rock n’Eat ^
21.03.2025 ES Zaragoza – Sala Lo Intento ^
22.03.2025 ES Madrid – Revi Live ^
23.03.2025 ES Vitoria-Gasteiz – Urban Rock Concept ^
24.03.2025 ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 3 ^
25.03.2025 FR Paris – La Boule Noire ^
26.03.2025 BE Kortrijk – CVG Club ^
27.03.2025 CH Lenzburg – Met-Bar ^
28.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Club) ^
29.03.2025 DE Schirnding – Gemeindehalle ^ (w/ CHAPTER ELEVEN)
Phoenix based groovers and thrashers INCITE are making waves with their explosive new stand-alone single, “Just A Rat.” This track infuses a fresh burst of energy into the metal scene, distinguishing itself with its unique vibe. Frontman Richie Cavalera hails this as the band’s most intense work yet, underscoring INCITE’s commitment to pushing the boundaries within the genre.
Featuring a powerful mix of thrashing rhythms and raw, visceral vocals, the song is poised to captivate and energize fans seeking something relentlessly unique and refreshing. The video accompanying the single is directed by Jim Louvau, known for his work with artists like KITTIE, LINKIN PARK, and JERRY CANTRELL.
Lyrically, the song speaks to anyone who has ever felt betrayed, with powerful lines like: “Tried to destroy me, won’t happen again. This was a part of your master plan, Figured it out so I ran.”
Richie comments: “Just a rat is our first single and it’s unique, heavy and, to me, moving metal into a whole new, fresh direction. I wanted the lyrical content to be very relatable and god knows we’ve all dealt with a rat at some point in our lives.”
Produced by Steve Evetts and mixed by Arthur Rizk, “Just A Rat” marks INCITE’s first release under Reigning Phoenix Music, offering a glimpse of what’s to come from this exciting new partnership. Stay tuned for more exciting news about INCITE in the coming weeks!
Photo credit Kim Hansen
About INCITE:
Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2004 by frontman Richie Cavalera, INCITE blends groove and thrash metal with a raw, relentless edge. With Lennon Lopez on drums and EL on bass, the band has honed its unyielding sound across multiple albums, evolving with each release. The addition of guitarist Layne Richardson has injected fresh energy, elevating both their live performances and songwriting.
Swedish all-female melodic death metal band FRANTIC AMBER is currently gearing up for the release of their much-awaited, third studio album, entitled Death Becomes Her, due out on April 4, 2025 via ROAR. Coming on CD, Vinyl and in Digital formats, you can now pre-order the band’s forthcoming rager right here: https://franticamber.rpm.link/deathPR
After FRANTIC AMBER just recently unleashed a first track taken offDeath Becomes Her, the furious “Jolly Jane”, now, the band is premiering a new video clip for their latest single “Hell’s Belle”
“Death Becomes Her is a concept album about female serial killers and includes different kinds of killers and categories of serial killers,”the band states. “Hell’s Belle Gunness was a particularly gruesome Black Widow type serial killer, who lured unsuspecting men to her Indiana farm with promises of love, only to poison and dismember them for their money. She also orchestrated multiple insurance frauds and many suspicious deaths, including those of her husbands and children. Her gruesome legacy, spanning from 1884 to 1908, left a trail of at least 14 confirmed victims, with estimates reaching as high as 40 murders.”
“Belle most probably faked her own death by burning down her farm, leaving behind a headless corpse and a farm full of buried body parts. The song Hell’s Belle has a lot of black metal inspiration and combines a waltz with blast beats giving it a ruthless sway. We also incorporated a lot of orchestra to set the mood and tone together with the guitar melodies and tremolo. The lyrics tell the story of Belle Gunness and her bloody activities on her farm. The writing style is brutal with a little tongue-in-cheek undertones and the vocals have a wide range going from vicious growls to a little sprinkle of clean classical vocals in a three-part-harmony.”
Hell’s Belle” is out now and available for streaming via all digital services at:
FRANTIC AMBER started in 2008 as a project in Stockholm by founding guitarist Mary Siebecke with the intention to form an all-female metal band. At first it was an experiment through various genres and with clean vocals. It wasn’t until 2010, with the recruitment of Danish ballet dancer Elizabeth Andrews on extreme/clean vocals and lyric writing, as well as Japanese vocal and guitar teacher Mio Jäger handling lead guitar and main songwriting, that the identity of FRANTIC AMBER started to take its shape into the melodic death metal beast they are known as today.
Their music can best be described as Melodic Brutal Death Metal with Thrash, Black, Progressive, Heavy Metal and Symphonic elements. The thunderous bass together with the technicality and power of the drums provide the backbone, while the guitar’s shredding and soaring melodies complete the soundscape together with the powerful and aggressive vocals.
FRANTIC AMBER’s first EP, Wrath Of Judgement was released in 2010 and landed them the opportunity to play live on national TV at the prestigious “P3 Guld” awards. Gaining momentum the band toured in Europe with SIX FEET UNDER among others, followed by releasing three videos for the songs “Wrath Of Judgement”, “Bleeding Sanity” and “Ghost”. In 2012 they won the Swedish Wacken Metal Battle and got to play a show at the huge W:O:A festival.
Death Becomes Her – track listing: 01 – El Orfanato (Intro) 02 – Bloodbath 03 – Black Widow 04 – Death Becomes Her 05 – Hell’s Belle 06 – Angel Maker 07 – Jolly Jane 08 – Gore Candy 09 – The Butcheress 10 – In The Garden Of Bones 11 – Epitaphium (Outro)
With two much-acclaimed full length records under their belt, “Burning Insight” and “Bellatrix”, several single releases and millions of streams and Youtube views, FRANTIC AMBER have played numerous festivals and toured all across Europe, Scandinavia as well as Japan, Russia and even played the largest festival in Colombia “Rock al Parque”. They have shared stages with bands like BEHEMOTH, EXODUS, SABATON, EXCITER, HAMMERFALL, CARACH ANGREN, DARK TRANQUILITY, UNLEASHED, TAAKE, INSOMNIUM, MYRKUR, AT THE GATES and TARJA to name just a few. In 2023, they were nominated by IMPALA as one of three Swedish acts to be included in the worldwide “100 Artists to watch” program that year.
Now, the time has finally come: On April 4th, FRANTIC AMBER will release their hotly-anticipated new album Death Becomes Her an incredible, unique and brutal beast, with eleven amazing tracks, that will definetly blow your speakers and minds! Pre-order the album HERE!
FRANTIC AMBER is: Mio Jäger – Guitars Elizabeth Andrews – Vocals Madeleine Gullberg Husberg – Bass Laura Hernandez – Drums
On April 25, 2025, Australia’s up-and-coming modern metal act GhostSeeker will release its much-awaited debut album, entitled Divergence via ROAR. Following the band’s first single, “Interment”, the extraordinary five-piece has just premiered a new music video for their latest album appetizer “Wake Up (Imposter)!”
“Wake Up (Imposter) is deeply personal song,” the band reveals. “Wake Up (Imposter)’s subject matter was a result of the writing of this album. A combination of writers block and self doubt led to this feeling of being an imposter. A certain confidence seemingly trapped in previous works. Not feeling up to what had been provided. Drawing inspiration from the Seraphim angels and their righteous purity, instead of crumbling, this was used as fuel to create what you hear with Wake Up.”
Emerging from the competitive Australian heavy music scene, GhostSeeker took the metal world by storm with their infectious debut EP, “Initium Novum”, which amassed almost a million streams across major platforms since its release in 2022. Playing frenetically-acclaimed shows across Australia, the band quickly built a strong local fanbase, now they are ready to conquer the world! After joining forces with powerhouse label ROAR, GhostSeeker are currently gearing up for the release of their hotly-anticipated, first full-length “Divergence” on April 25th.
Originally formed by ex-LETTERS TO AMARA guitarist Tim Campey, vocalist Celeste Bojczuk and guitarist Cory Walkeden, the band completed the line-up adding singer Daniel Breen (ex-STORM THE SKY) and Daniel Gay (ex-ANYONE ANYONE). Fans will be encapsulated by the unique aesthetic and soaring vocals provided by Celeste Bojczuk married together with the harsh yet melodic flow offered by Daniel Breen. The band’s sound greets a contrast that’s sure to command attention. Guitarists, Cory Walkeden and Tim Campey, effortlessly feed off one another creating a feeling and atmosphere which resonates with all listeners alike, whilst rhythm and bass provide perfectly complements and leads what GhostSeeker are and who are destined to become one of heavy music’s hottest bands!
Divergence – track listing: 01 – Internment 02 – The Looking Glass 03 – Wake Up (Imposter) 04 – Metempsychoses 05 – Cursed Till The End 06 – Glow In Decay 07 – Dissension 08 – A Reverie In Atonement 09 – Beta War 10 – The Prototype
Celebrating 15 Years of mountain moshing in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Armstrong MetalFest unveils its conquering 2025 lineup with BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM and lots more from across Canada and beyond.
All tickets provide general admission and grant access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 11, 2025, until 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Free camping is included.
Tickets will be mailed starting after March 1st if you have chosen the “Ticket Mailed” option.
Hosted on July 11th and 12th in Armstrong, BC at the Hassen Arena, this year’s two days of moshing, headbanging, and camping is a very special one as festival council members comment:
“The band council worked hard on this year’s lineup. I am so excited to have the Browning back. They were amazing on stage. I have been wanting to see Born of Osiris play live for years. I love them, and now I get to see them in my own little town.” – Heather Valstar, Vice President of West Metal Entertainment Society
“I’m really excited about the diversity of this year’s line-up. The selection team has really put in the work. There’s sure to be something for everyone: a great mix of trusted favorites and new additions to your playlist for the rest of the year!” – Kate Kutzner, President of West Metal Entertainment Society
“This year’s festival is a work of art! I can’t believe we are on the 15th year already. Time flies when you’re setting up a festival full of crushing riffs, soaring vocals and down right nasty beats. Life rules, bring on the summer!” – Festival Co-Founder / General Manager – Jessie Valstar.
Headlining opening night, Friday, July 11th, Denver thrashers HAVOK are no strangers to the mosh pits, these veterans have unleashed five studio albums – Burn (2009), Time Is Up (2011), Unnatural Selection (2013), Conformicide (2017), V (2020) – and recently surprised fans this past November with the EP “New Eyes”. Music Video – Death Is An Illusion – https://youtu.be/hkUgz-DeFAo
Also supporting the Friday night stage, the Pacific Northwest’s Glyph (ft. members fromGatekeeper, Greyhawk, Hjelvik), which is not just a heavy metal band, they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs, they’re building worlds and they bring it forth in their latest album “Honor, Power, Glory” released in March 2024. Lyric Video – March of the Northern Clan (feat. Nathan Harrison) – https://youtu.be/htSyUb25wD4
Another highlight for Friday is the screaming heavy metal from Calgary’s speed demons Riot City, who bring forth theirsteel, spikes and leather! A youthful band that represent the new face of Canadian metal. An amalgam of ripping and hot heavy metal, created in pure and youthful madness, they’re bullet belts feature two full lengths “Electric Elite” (2022), “Burn The Night” (2019) and their latest live album “Live in Newcastle” (2023). Album Stream – Electric Elite – https://youtu.be/j3hA1nrG7M0
Saturday, July 12th will be headlined by international tour de force, progressive deathcore titans, Chicago’s BORN OF OSIRIS. The group is signed to Sumerian Records and has released seven full lengths and two EPs. Their album, A Higher Place, reached number 73 on the Billboard 200. Their second full-length album, The Discovery, debuted at 87 on the Billboard 200. The band unveiled their latest single “In Desolation” this past August. Visualizer – In Desolation – https://youtu.be/9OyMRRAq9fI
Also featured on Saturday is AMF alumni Kansas City’s THE BROWNING who will be unleashing their unique eclectic blend of electronicore and deathcore. This past November, they released their sixth album “OMNI” that features 10 powerful tracks, including collaborations with Nik Nocturnal and the eponymous song with THE DEFECT. Music Video – OMNI (feat. THE DEFECT) – https://youtu.be/VhyuduP3MdY
Performing for the first time at AMF and adding to the nostalgia of Saturday night, VIRVUM, progressive / technical death metal all the way from Zürich, Switzerland that many in Canada have been waiting a long time to witness. There’s no better place to see them along with the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies than at AMF 2025. The Cypher Supreme – https://youtu.be/9W9Kp38I9yY
Other to be treasured highlights of this year’s fest not to miss is Montreal, QC up and coming thrashers DROWNING IN BLOOD, who are notorious pit mongrels and have made quite a name for themselves in Eastern Canada. Vancouver’s GRAVEMASS,they might be a new band, but they feature some serious experienced metalheads from Zimmers Hole, West of Hell, The Golers, Punch Drunk, 3 Inches of Blood and Revocation. Switzerland’s technical death/black metal Stortregn, they deliver a mix of charging riffs, blast beats and brutality that leaves the listener begging for more.
The Defect is an electronic rock/metal project created by husband and wife duo – Jonny McBee (The Browning) and Moon McBee. Their debut album “Death X Destiny” was recently released on Feb 7th, 2025 under record label FiXT. From the Salish lands of Spokane, WA, Hísemtuks Hími•n introduce their Indigenous melodic black metal of hard hitting riffs, fast paced drumming and a lot of melody. This project has strong roots in the Spokane Tribe/Nez Perce. Most songs are about Native American mythology, history, and folklore.
AMF 2025 Lineup: Havok (Denver, CO) Born of Osiris (Chicago, IL) Glyph (Seattle, WA) Riot City (Calgary, AB) The Browning (Kansas City, KS) Virvum (Zürich, Switzerland) Atavistia (Vancouver, BC) Drowning In Blood (Montreal, QC) Convictions (Fremont, OH) Scalding (Vancouver, BC) Syryn (Calgary, AB) Stortregn (Geneva, Switzerland) The Defect (Kansas City, KS) Gravemass (Vancouver, BC) Lover (Calgary, AB) Yegg (Vancouver Island, BC) Hísemtuks Hími•n (Spokane, WA) The Spruce Moose (Edmonton, AB) Volt (Fort McMurray, AB) Jisei (Vancouver, BC) Nomad (Okanagan Valley, BC) Planetkiller (Kelowna, BC) Shackled To The Throne (Edmonton, AB) The Cadavor Dog (High River, AB) Famous Strangers (Edmonton, AB) Valley of Despair (Edmonton, AB) Naitaka (Kelowna, BC) FloodGate (Kelowna, BC)
Partners: WCMFA AlumaPro Welding & Fabrication Ltd Vox and Hops Rancho Vignola Creative BC Province of BC Shepherds Hardware Askews Foods ACE Containers Asher Media Relations Staggs Head Sunbelt Rentals Bravewords V13 Metal-Rules Absolute Underground Mag Broken Neck Radio Ghost Cult Magazine This Day In Metal Valstar Electric Voets
MOONLIGHT HAZE will release the new record Beyond on May 23th 2025 through Scarlet Records.
Lead by sensational frontwoman Chiara Tricarico (currently one of the live vocalists of Avantasia and special guest on the Highlights From The Revenge Of Odysseus (2022 ManowarEP), MOONLIGHT HAZE has joined forces with extraordinary producer Sascha Paeth for their upcoming fourth studio album.
Beyond is a perfect mixture of heavy, melodic and super catchy songs recorded in the old fashioned way with little to no edits. MOONLIGHT HAZE went ʻorganicʼ this time, with a little help from Sascha Paeth, who was able to make some of the classic features of the band emerge and shine even more.
The Italian unit keeps delivering its trademark killer refrains while exploring new musical territory, further experimenting throughout ten tracks highlighted by yet another stellar vocal performance courtesy of Chiara Tricarico.
MOONLIGHT HAZE’s fourth record is a journey through time and space, galactic landscapes and earthly elements; a never-ending quest for a deeper reality and a purest inner truth. Soul searching symphonic power metal, if you please.
Produced by MOONLIGHT HAZE at Bridge Produzioni Audio and Studio & Sascha Paeth at Pathway Studio, and illustrated by the talented Beatrice Demori, Beyond will be released in the following formats:
CD digipack LP in vinile: 350 blu trasparente; 150 trasparenti (esclusiva mailorder) Digitale
01. Beyond 02. Tame The Storm 03. Crystallized 04. Chase The Light 05. Would You Dare? 06. L’Eco Del Silenzio 07. D.N.A. (Do Not Apologize) 08. Untold 09. Time To Go 10. Awakening 11. A Brand New Sky (bonus track CD) 12. Alive Again (bonus track vinile)
SUDDEN DEATH‘s fourth album,In Sinner Hate, is set for release on May 19th, 2025, via Time To Kill Records.
The title plays phonetically with the word “Incinerate”, but takes on the meaning of In the sinner’s hate, reflecting the dark and introspective themes that permeate the entire work. In this new effort, the band delves into concepts such as violence, monotony, loneliness, alienation, respectability, and hardship, while also tackling broader topics like war, pollution, and social isolation, exploring them in their most visceral form.
While maintaining the claustrophobic, minimalist, and massive approach that has always defined SUDDEN DEATH, the new material ventures into more intricate and elaborate directions. The band’s death metal carries a modern edge, yet retains clear nods to the old-school brutality of Cannibal Corpse and Sinister. The guitars intertwine constantly, layering different yet harmonized riffs before reconverging into a single, powerful sonic force, creating a complex and dynamic listening experience.
The first single “Human Death Machine” is now streaming HERE.
The album was mixed and mastered by Stefano “Saul” Morabito (Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hour Of Penance, Hideous Divinity), with additional recordings by Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono (Hour Of Penance, Shores Of Null) and Giuseppe Orlando (Novembre, Stormlord).
The band commented:
“Human Death Machine is a track whose themes draw inspiration from certain elements of cinematic works such as The Shining, reinterpreted from a more introspective and personal perspective. The protagonist, suffering from a dissociative disorder, experiences an identity crisis, undergoing what can be described as an authentic and progressive process of rationalizing his emotions. This leads him to a state in which, following the complete annihilation of his emotional side, only cynicism and inner emptiness remain. His distorted perception of reality drives him to see murder as the only possible solution. As a result, the protagonist transforms from a man into a kind of flesh-and-bone robot, a killing machine, a human death-machine”.
Line-up:
Luis Maggio – Vocals Giorgio “Giorgioni” Cifuni – Guitar Francesca Mancini – Guitar Giuseppe Ciurleo – Bass Emanuele Aleo – Drums
Track-list:
1. In Sinner Hate (Intro) 2. The Modern Pharisee 3. Destined to Fall 4. The World is Hate 5. Living Corruption 6. The Beast Awakening 7. Channelling Misery 8. The Torture Wheel 9. Acidic Ways of Parity 10. Human Death Machine 11. The Human Demise
Formed in 1997, SUDDEN DEATH are a death metal band hailing from Genzano (Rome). The band’s sound, initially inspired by the rawest old school death-thrash metal waves, slowly and progressively developed into a more brutal style, influenced by Cannibal Corpse and early Deicide. Nowadays the band set forth on a masterclass in technical and claustrophobic death metal with dense and intertwining guitars, sudden tempo and metric changes and more consistent and exasperated vocal parts.
So far the band has released three albums – Devoured Inside (self-produced) in 2001, Injection of Hate (Deadbang Records) in 2004, Monolith of Sorrow (Killerpool Records) in 2015 and the EP Stillborn (Art Gates Records) in 2018.
SUDDEN DEATH have played several shows throughout the Italian peninsula and around Europe, sharing the stage with important acts such as Suffocation, Gorgoroth, Vader, Napalm Death, Exodus, Dark Tranquility, Possessed, Pestilence and many others.
Emerging from the historic shadows of Oslo’s Gallows Hill, the death metal-punk power trio GALGEBERG is set to release their explosive debut album Cerberus on March 28, 2025. Named after the infamous execution site turned intersection, GALGEBERG‘s music captures the site’s eerie resonance, transforming it into a blistering sound that’s as profound as the place’s dark past.
Cerberus, named for the mythological three-headed guard dog of Hades, is an album that embodies the beast’s ferocity. Recorded in a single, intense 16-hour session at Amber Studio, the album is a relentless fusion of death metal and punk, with lyrical themes that delve into the depths of societal decay, religious skepticism, and political corruption.
GALGEBERG, comprising seasoned musicians recognized from various influential bands, has crafted an album that not only challenges the norm but also offers a critical, enraged commentary on the current state of the world. The band’s raw, aggressive sound coupled with their sharp, insightful lyrics promise to make Cerberus a landmark release in the metal community.
The album features six tracks, each a heavy hitter in its own right. From the scathing critique of divine justice in “Epicurean Paradox” to the unsettling expose of the meat industry in “Unparalleled Suffering,” and the poignant homage to Sinéad O’Connor in “Ode to O’Connor,” GALGEBERG‘s debut promises a compelling mix of music and message.
About GALGEBERG:
Formed in the heart of Oslo, Norway, in 2022, GALGEBERG is a metal band that deftly combines the brute force of old-school death metal with the rebellious spirit of punk. The band consists of seasoned musicians Peter Vegem on guitars and lead vocals, Bård Eithun on drums, and Peter “Bosse” Boström on bass and backing vocals, each bringing a rich history from various influential bands in the metal scene, such as BLOOD TSUNAMI, DJEVEL, EMPEROR, MONGO NINJA, STUDFAUST, HELLRIDE, and BRUT BOOGALOO.
GALGEBERG’s music is characterized by its intense energy, complex lyrical themes, and the unmistakable growl of HM2 pedals that drive their sound. Their influences stretch across the Atlantic, nodding frequently towards the gritty, raw sounds of Stockholm death metal, yet they manage to infuse a unique flavor that sets them apart.
Named after a historical site in Oslo known for its dark past and mystical aura, GALGEBERG channels this intensity and mystique into their music, creating a powerful and immersive listening experience. Their commitment to addressing profound and often controversial themes, ranging from philosophical skepticism to societal injustices, demonstrates the band’s dedication not only to musical excellence but also to sparking conversation and reflection among their listeners.
With their debut album, Cerberus, GALGEBERG is set to cement their place in the metal world, promising to deliver a relentless assault on the senses paired with intellectually provocative lyrics. The band invites listeners into a world where music confronts the conventional and challenges the status quo, making GALGEBERG a standout act in the global metal community.
The wait is over! Modern metal powerhouse REEPER, led by multi-instrumentalist and visionary Elias Andrada, have released their new explosive single and music video “Circuit Collapse” available today, March 3rd, across all streaming platforms and YouTube.
The music video, directed by Iván Mulero (OTHERSIDE PRODUCTIONS), captures the intensity of the band’s modern metal sound through a unique visual approach and a powerful narrative.
Elias Andrada shared on the single: “Circuit Collapse is a dark and introspective journey through mental collapse and redemption in the midst of chaos. With a melancholic and tense atmosphere, the song explores the internal struggle against despair and the search for meaning in the darkness. Through immersive soundscapes and lyrics that paint a city in flames and paths with no return, REEPER delivers an intense, cinematic experience.”
Elias’ single Photo by Eduard Kelel
“Circuit Collapse is not just a reflection of anxiety and existential void, but also an anthem of resilience, embracing the darkness, surrendering to it, and learning to breathe again. This single marks the first glimpse into REEPER’s upcoming album, solidifying their powerful and atmospheric sound in the modern metal scene. Special thanks, to all the crew, and our friend vocal performer Luis Ribeiro, from Ashes in the Ocean!”
“This music video redefines metal energy with stunning visuals and a powerful sound.”
Credits: Producer: Elias Andrada Composed by: REEPER
Just recently REEPER released his highly anticipated The Butterfly Effect Deluxe Edition – available now across all major digital platforms. Order it here: https://acortar.link/I1hKOP.
Sweden’s Viking metal heroes AMON AMARTH will join heavy metal legends Pantera for The Heaviest Tour Of The Summer! Produced by Live Nation, the US amphitheater tour begins on July 15th in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and will wind its way through over two dozen cities, coming to a close on September 13th in West Palm Beach, Florida. Not to be missed, AMON AMARTH will be armed with as much of their infamous theater production the stage can handle.
AMON AMARTH comments, “We are beyond excited to hit the road with the mighty Pantera! Their music has shaped metal as we know it, and sharing the stage with them is an absolute honor. Get ready for a tour of pure, unrelenting heavy metal!”
Tickets are on sale now at amonamarth.com/tour. See all confirmed dates below.
AMON AMARTH w/ Pantera: 7/15/2025 The Pavilion at Star Lake – Burgettstown, PA 7/17/2025 Pine Knob Music Theatre – Clarkston, MI 7/19/2025 Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre – Tinley Park, IL 7/22/2025 Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH 7/23/2025 Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH 7/25/2025 Hersheypark Stadium – Hershey, PA 7/26/2025 Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY 7/28/2025 Broadview Stage at SPAC – Saratoga Springs, NY 7/29/2025 BankNH Pavilion – Gilford, NH 7/31/2025 PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ 8/02/2025 Xfinity Center – Mansfield, MA 8/03/2025 Xfinity Theatre – Hartford, CT 8/06/2025 American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Milwaukee, WI 8/07/2025 Target Center – Minneapolis, MN 8/20/2025 Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre – Salt Lake City, UT 8/22/2025 White River Amphitheatre – Auburn, WA 8/23/2025 Cascades Amphitheater – Ridgefield, WA 8/26/2025 Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre – Phoenix, AZ 8/27/2025 Kia Forum – Inglewood, CA 8/29/2025 T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV 8/31/2025 Isleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM 9/02/2025 Germania Insurance Amphitheater – Austin, TX 9/03/2025 Dos Equis Pavillion – Dallas, TX 9/05/2025 Ruoff Music Center – Noblesville, IN 9/06/2025 Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO 9/08/2025 Coca-Cola Amphitheater – Birmingham, AL 9/10/2025 Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater – Virginia Beach, VA 9/11/2025 Coastal Credit Union Park at Walnut Creek – Raleigh, NC 9/13/2025 iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, FL
AMON AMARTH’s latest US journey follows their hugely successful Metal Crushes All Tour 2024 which included a monumental raid at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver plus arena stops in Portland, Vancouver, Quebec City, Asheville, Tampa, and Anaheim as well as 2022’s The Great Heathen Tour which saw the band bring their full European production to arena shows in Los Angeles, Montreal, and New York. The tour also marked the first time an extreme metal band headlined the iconic Kia Forum.
AMON AMARTH continues to tour in support of their critically adored The Great Heathen Army full-length. Recorded with esteemed studio guru Andy Sneap and released in 2022, the record represents another bold leap forward for the band, as their trademark sound undergoes yet another skillful, evolutionary overhaul, both lyrically and musically. From the noisily rabble-rousing “Find A Way Or Make One” and the pummeling, pugilistic “Get In The Ring” to the cinematic squall of the title track, The Great Heathen Army encapsulates the essence of this legendary band, while still allowing acres of space for new ideas.
Formed in Tumba, Sweden, in 1992, AMON AMARTH has forged an extraordinary legacy over three decades of thunderous, anthemic metal, all rich in the magical imagery of Viking history, folklore and culture. With albums like 2008’s widely acclaimed Twilight Of The Thunder God and 2016’s conceptual triumph Jomsviking, the Swedes have been consistent standard bearers for heavy metal as a life-affirming and communal experience, armed with a seemingly endless stream of instant classic songs.
Set for release on March 28th, 2025, via Aesthetic Death, the fourth album by US doom noise entity THE SLUMBERING reaches an inevitable convergence, where the sinister, drone and hypnotic sound has merged with doomsday scenarios and an endtime conclusion.
The only glimmer of hope within their music is found in the prospect that humankind is quickly reaching its (un)natural end; that it can exact no further harm. There is an ultimate calm in the knowledge any clock will tick no more and that all we will see is what the next realm brings forth.
The track “Chapel Of The Damned” is now streaming at THIS LOCATION.
Italian melancholic dark metal SHORES OF NULL announce their first leg of of 2025 tour dates across Europe that will feature a combination of festival appearances and indoor shows between Italy and Germany.
Shores of Null 2025 Tour Dates: 03/01 • Journey Fest VI @ Spazio Webo – Pesaro w/ Deadly Carnage, Ghostheart Nebula, Built-in Obsolescence Band, Lilinanna 3/14 • Alchemica Music Club – Bologna w/ Deadly Carnage, Built-in Obsolescence Band, Eva Can’t 4/30 • Klubhaus – Saalfeld w/ Décembre Noir, Praise The Plague 5/1 • TBA 5/2 • Walpurgisnacht Vol. IV – Berlin w/ And Oceans, Heretoir, Décembre Noir 5/11 • Isola Rock – Verona w/ Dark Lunacy 6/15 • Arena Alpe Adria – Lignano Sabbiadoro w/ In Flames, Lacuna Coil
In additional news, Shores of Null will be unraveling a live album for May 2025. Entitled “Beauty Over Europe”,the live record features 10 tracks that were recorded during their monumental 2023 European tour with Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium. Throughout that tour, Shores of Null performed 35 shows across 18 countries, including Norway, Denmark, Germany, the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Hungary, bringing their critically acclaimed albumThe Loss Of Beauty to the stage.
The live recordings, captured in the cities of Leipzig, Munich, Aschaffenburg, Budapest, and Belfast, preserve the raw and emotive energy of their performances. Each track reflects the band’s ability to blend melancholic melodies with crushing heaviness, offering fans a visceral live experience.
“Beauty Over Europe” is both a celebration of the tour and a gift to all fans of the band. Exactly two years after that unforgettable journey, this live albumoffers a chance to relive the emotional intensity and true essence of Shores Of Null’s live performances.
Guitarist Gabriele Giaccari comments:
“This tour was an incredible journey, the longest in our career, and a true milestone for Shores Of Null. As the promotional tour for The Loss Of Beauty, our latest and most acclaimed album to date, it was an honor to bring these songs to life across 35 shows in 18 countries. Sharing the stage with monumental bands like Swallow The Sun and Draconian—huge inspirations for our music—was unforgettable. Despite the melancholy of their sound, they’re some of the most fun and genuine people we’ve met, and by the end of this epic journey, we were proud to call them friends.
We owe special thanks to our incredible crew—Petri, Matti, Mikko, and Tero—who ensured everything ran seamlessly and made this experience unforgettable. To pay homage to this extraordinary chapter, we decided to produce a live album. Recorded during key moments of the tour, it captures the essence of these unforgettable performances and is dedicated to all the people who supported us live and shared these magical moments with us.”
Watch a live video clip from their tour stop in Aschaffenburg, Germany performing “The Last Flower” – https://youtu.be/w-Hq69KG2RM
Setlist: 1. Transitory (Live intro) 2. Destination Woe (Live in Leipzig) 3. Nothing Left To Burn (Live in Leipzig) 4. Quiescent (Live in Munich) 5. The Last Flower (Live in Aschaffenburg) 6. Black Drapes For Tomorrow (Live in Budapest) 7. A Nature in Disguise (Live in Munich) 8. Darkness Won’t Take Me (Live in Belfast) 9. My Darkest Years (Live in Aschaffenburg) 10. Blazing Sunlight (Live Outro)
Live Recording: Matti Kynsijärvi Mixing and Mastering: Marco Mastrobuono at Bloom Recording Studios
The Loss of Beauty is Shores Of Null’s fourth album and follows the acclaimed “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)”, unanimously considered by fans and critics as one of the Doom Metal gems of recent years. The lyrics celebrate beauty in imperfection and transience and are meant to be an invitation to seek beauty in little things, especially those unexpected and ephemeral.
Stylistically, The Loss of Beauty continues along the sulcus set forth by “Quiescence” and “Black Drapes For Tomorrow”, its melancholic dark metal with a wide range of influences, from gothic metal to doom metal and melodic black/death metal, with frequent use of vocal harmonies and deep growls.
The album consists of 13 songs, while the LP version only contains 11, the two extra tracks are bonus tracks that can be found on the CD version as well as on the streaming platforms. Dark and heavy, tinged with feelings of despair and melancholy, The Loss Of Beauty was released on March 24th, 2023, and is recommended for fans of Swallow The Sun, Borknagar, and Paradise Lost.
We’re pleased to have a band like Haxprocess join the Transcending Obscurity family. Their brand of progressive death metal is both unconventional and unpredictable but nonetheless satisfying for any fan of death metal. They’ve taken their music to another level on their ambitious new album; their approach remains bold and innovative and fans looking for challenging yet heavy progressive death metal music won’t be disappointed in the least. Listen to their 11-min. album opener here – https://youtu.be/pNBT0I5aBHE
Band’s statement: “Haxprocess is thrilled to join Transcending Obscurity‘s amazing roster. Kunal is one of the most hard-working and passionate individuals in the world of extreme metal, and we are extremely happy to be working with him. This partnership will allow Haxprocess to fully convey our ideas of exploratory death metal like never before, and we are so excited for what’s to come! Again, big thanks to Kunal for everything he does.”
HAXPROCESS: Lothar Mallea – Guitar and vocals Shane Williamson – Guitar Davis Leader – Bass Adam Robinson – Drums
Artwork by Juanjo Castellano (Ritual Fog, Typhonian, Shrine of Denial)
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