“The Plague That Burns The Sky” BRAINSTORM + ARION Co-Headline Tour 2025 w/ STRANGER VISION Presented by Rock Hard, musix, metal.de, powermetal.de, Decibel-Touring & RPM
27.02.2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal 28.02.2025 CH Solothurn – Kulturfabrik Kofmehl 01.03.2025 DE Essen – Turock 02.03.2025 DE Mannheim – 7er Club 03.03.2025 DE Munich – Backstage (Halle) 04.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Bahnhof Pauli 05.03.2025 DE Hanover – MusikZentrum 06.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann
08.03.2025 NL Harderwijk – Estrado 09.03.2025 NL Gouda – StudioGonz 05. – 08.06.2025 DE Oettingen i. Bay. – Camping Battleground Festival 24.08.2025 PL Pindelo dos Milagres – Milagre Metaleiro Open Air
About BRAINSTORM:
BRAINSTORM boasts an unparalleled career: since their 1997 debut, Hungry, the band has continued to evolve and solidify their position in the international metal scene with standout albums like Metus Mortis (2001), Soul Temptation (2003), Liquid Monster (2005), and more recent releases such as Midnight Ghost (2018) and Wall of Skulls (2021). Having toured worldwide and achieved impressive chart positions in recent years, BRAINSTORM remains as determined as ever to set new milestones instead of resting on their laurels.
MARCH TREK PRECEDES MONUMENTAL “SAVAGE IMPERIAL DEATH MARCH PART II” TOUR WITH NAPALM DEATH
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16, 2024 – The Melvins, who only recently announced a staggering number of U.S. tour dates for 2025, have slated a March trek across the Golden State, with the Los Angeles-based outfit playing six shows across California, dubbed the “Spring Break” Tour.
Tickets for the newly announced dates are on-sale this Friday at 10 a.m. pacific time, with an artist pre-sale (code: SPRINGBREAK!) starting on Wednesday at 10 a.m. pacific. CNTS and Desslok open on all dates.
Buzz Osborne shared: “California! Here we go! There’s no better time to crisscross the state. Let’s do it!”
The Melvins, photo credit: Chris Casella
The trek sees the Melvins touring as a four-piece with Dale Crover returning after a medical emergency sidelined him in 2023. Joining Crover behind the kit is Big Business’ Coady Willis joining Crover for a rare double-drum extravaganza.
The Melvins’ previously announced “Savage Imperial Death March Part II” sees the addition of two dates: April 12 at Swan Dive in Las Vegas and May 11 at Globe Iron in Cleveland. Tickets for the full run of “Death March” dates are on-sale now. Openers include Weedeater (April 4-May 5), Titan To Tachyons featuring Mr. Bungle’s Trevor Dunn (May 7- 20), The Hard-Ons with Jerry A (May 22-June 7), and Shane Embury’s Dark Sky Burial, who will perform on all dates.
The Spring Break Tour:
March 1 Bakersfield, CA The Nile Theater March 2 Fresno, CA Strummer’s March 3 Sacramento, CA Goldfield Trading Post March 4 Santa Cruz, CA The Catalyst Atrium March 5 San Luis Obispo, CA SLO Brew Rock March 7 Pioneertown, CA Pappy & Harriet’s
Marking the 40th anniversary of ACCEPT’s iconic album, Balls To The Wall, founding member and former frontman Udo Dirkschneider is reinterpreting this classic with a fresh and star-studded twist. Far from a simple remake, this project was born out of countless conversations with prominent artists across the global rock and metal scene, who frequently asked: “Are you planning anything special for the 40th anniversary of Balls To The Wall?”
These discussions sparked the idea to re-record the album’s legendary tracks alongside a stellar lineup of guest musicians, transforming the project into a heartfelt tribute. For both Dirkschneider and the participating artists, this endeavor is more than a celebration – it’s a homage to one of heavy metal’s most groundbreaking albums.
The reimagined Balls To The Wall features an impressive roster of talent, breathing new life into each track:
01. Balls To The Wall [feat. Joakim Brodén of SABATON] 02. London Leatherboys [feat. Biff Byford of SAXON] 03. Fight It Back [feat. Mille Petrozza of KREATOR] 04. Head Over Heels [feat. Nils Molin of DYNAZTY/AMARANTHE] 05. Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had [feat. Michael Kiske of HELLOWEEN] 06. Love Child [feat. Ylva Eriksson of BROTHERS OF METAL] 07. Turn Me On [feat. Danko Jones] 08. Losers And Winners [feat. Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER] 09. Guardian Of The Night [feat. Tim “Ripper” Owens, formerly of JUDAS PRIEST] 10. Winter Dreams [feat. Doro Pesch]
This ambitious reinterpretation not only revitalises the original tracks but also underscores their timeless impact on the metal genre. More than a revival, this project serves as a celebration of the album’s enduring legacy, enriched by the enthusiasm and contributions of some of metal’s most influential voices.
“Re-recording “Balls To The Wall” was a big challenge for me. The album is a milestone of my career, of course, that’s why it was even more important to me to make the original songs shine in a new light without losing their initial essence. All guests have put their individual stamps on these classic tracks, and collaborating with such outstanding vocalists has moved them into a fresh and exciting dimension. The result is a powerful homage to all fans but also an invitation to the next generation to experience the songs not minorly passionate than I was when I recorded them back in the day. It’s a never-ending personal journey for me – “Balls To The Wall” will always be a part of me,” states Udo.
RPM managing director Jochen Richert expresses his excitement: “This masterpiece has accompanied me for almost my entire life. When Udo first told me about his idea, my initial thought was, ‘Can this really work?’ But as soon as he mentioned the first guest singers, I knew it would be great. When I finally got to hear the tracks, I was blown away. My nostalgic side cautioned me, ‘No, you can’t like this better than the original.’ But there’s no use denying it, I have to admit it’s at least as good as the 1983 recordings – if not better! Accordingly, it’s an incredible honour to be able to contribute to this opus.”
This reimagined Balls To The Wall is a fitting tribute to heavy metal history, proving that its power and influence remain as potent today as they were four decades ago. Don’t miss your chance to own this extraordinary celebration of a true classic. Pre-order here: https://dirkschneider.rpm.link/bttwrPR
WHITECHAPEL will return to North American stages this Spring on a month-long headlining tour! The Hymns In Dissonance Tour runs from March 18th in Raleigh, North Carolina through April 19th in Atlanta, Georgia. Support will be provided by Brand Of Sacrifice, 200 Stab Wounds, and Alluvial. The journey follows WHITECHAPEL’s recent sold out run with Lorna Shore.
Comments WHITECHAPEL’s Alex Wade, “We are excited to announce the Hymns In Dissonance Tour taking place in Spring of 2025. This will be our first headlining tour on our new album cycle and we are looking forward to playing some new songs live for everyone. The lineup is diverse with upcoming modern deathcore band Brand Of Sacrifice, 200 Stab Wounds bringing the old school death metal flavor, and Alluvial contributing a heavy progressive sound to the tour. Grab your tickets now and witness as we embark on a new chapter for WHITECHAPEL.”
Local presales begin on Thursday, December 19th at 10:00am local time. General on sale date is Friday, December 20th at 10:00am local time. See all confirmed dates below.
WHITECHAPEL w/ Brand Of Sacrifice, 200 Stab Wounds, Alluvial: 3/18/2025 The Ritz – Raleigh, NC 3/19/2025 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 3/20/2025 Theatre Of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA 3/21/2025 The Palladium – Worcester, MA 3/22/2025 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ 3/24/2025 L’Olympia – Montreal, QC 3/25/2025 Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, ON 3/26/2025 Saint Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI 3/28/2025 House Of Blues – Chicago, IL 3/29/2025 Varsity Theater – Minneapolis, MN 3/30/2025 Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE 4/01/2025 Summit – Denver, CO 4/02/2025 The Grand @ The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT 4/04/2025 The Palace Theatre – Calgary, AB 4/05/2025 Union Hall – Edmonton, AB 4/07/2025 The Pearl – Vancouver, BC 4/08/2025 Roseland Theater – Portland, OR 4/09/2025 The Showbox – Seattle, WA 4/11/2025 Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA 4/12/2025 The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA 4/13/2025 Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ 4/15/2025 The Studio @ The Factory – Dallas, TX 4/16/2025 Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX 4/18/2025 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 4/19/2025 The Masquerade (Heaven) – Atlanta, GA
WHITECHAPEL released their standalone single, “A Visceral Retch,” in September. Relentlessly slamming, ominous, and punishing, the track delivers a dark, twisted theme about gluttonous overlords who test the lengths to which humans will go to survive and join their cult.
WHITECHAPEL: Phil Bozeman – vocals Ben Savage – lead guitar Alex Wade – rhythm guitar Zach Householder – guitar Gabe Crisp – bass Brandon Zackey – drums
We can’t wait to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ‘Balls to the Wall’ together with you in 2025! This will be a historic and electrifying event so make sure to grab your tickets now before they are gone!
“Balls To The Wall” – 40th Anniversary Tour w/ CROWNSHIFT, ALL FOR METAL Presented by Contra Promotion & Metal Hammer 25.02.2025 HR Zagreb – Boogaloo * NEW 26.02.2025 AT Vienna – SiMM City 27.02.2025 DE Munich – Backstage LOW TICKETS 28.02.2025 DE Leipzig – Haus Auensee LOW TICKETS 01.03.2025 CZ Prague – SaSaZu 02.03.2025 HU Budapest – Barba Negra 04.03.2025 RO Bucharest – Quantic Club 06.03.2025 PL Kraków – Klub Studio 07.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Progresja 08.03.2025 LT Vilnius – Kablys 09.03.2025 EE Tallinn – Helitehas NEW 10.03.2025 FI Helsinki – Kulttuuritalo 11.03.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema 13.03.2025 NO Oslo – Rockefeller 14.03.2025 SE Gothenburg – Trädgår’n 16.03.2025 DE Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt 17.03.2025 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 18.03.2025 BE Antwerp – Trix 19.03.2025 FR Paris – Le Trabendo 21.03.2025 ES Pamplona – Sala Totem 22.03.2025 ES Madrid – Mon MOVED 23.03.2025 ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 2 25.03.2025 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 26.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn SOLD OUT 27.03.2025 DE Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle 28.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Große Freiheit 36 29.03.2025 DE Geiselwind – Eventhalle LOW TICKETS 30.03.2025 DE Geiselwind – Eventhalle NEW 08.04.2025 GR Athens – Fuzz Live Music Club * NEW 09.04.2025 GR Thessaloniki – Principal Club Theater * NEW 11.04.2025 TR Istanbul – IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş * NEW 12.04.2025 BG Sofia – Hristo Botev Hall * NEW
DIRKSCHNEIDER only
30.07. – 02.08.2025 DE Wacken – Wacken Open Air SOLD OUTNEW
Faroe Islands-based folk metal collective TÝR will return to North American stages this Winter on the second leg of the Battle Ballads tour! The journey will commence on February 13th in Brooklyn, New York and close on March 5th in Joliet, Illinois. Additional support will be provided again by Æther Realm.
Comments TÝR vocalist/guitarist Heri Joensen, “If it were only up to us, the band, we’d play for you all, everywhere, in a heartbeat, if only we could. On our last North American run, we got a lot of requests about playing in this and that city that was not on our route. We’re very happy that this time we get to do a second round visiting a lot of those cities that our dear fans requested. Get your tickets early. It would be a shame if we miss you. And since the VIP upgrade experience went down well last time, we decided to do it again, so we can hang out together and play an acoustic show for you.”
TÝR w/ Æther Realm: 2/13/2025 Brooklyn Monarch – Brooklyn, NY 2/14/2025 Broken Goblet – Bensalem, PA 2/15/2025 Hooligans – Jacksonville, NC 2/16/2025 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 2/18/2025 Southport Hall – New Orleans, LA 2/19/2025 House Of Rock – Corpus Christi, TX 2/20/2025 89th Street Collective – Oklahoma City, OK 2/21/2025 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM 2/22/2025 The Marquis – Denver, CO 2/26/2025 Constellation Room – Santa Ana, CA 2/27/2025 Whisky-A-Go-Go – West Hollywood, CA 2/28/2025 Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA 3/01/2025 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT 3/02/2025 The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO 3/03/2025 The Granada – Lawrence, KS 3/04/2025 Amsterdam Bar & Hall – St. Paul, MN 3/05/2025 The Forge – Joliet, IL
Battle Ballads, TÝR’s outstanding ninth full-length studio album, was released earlier this year on Metal Blade Records.
A crushing, soaring, batch of classical embellished songs that conjure images of galloping steeds, clashing swords, and hard-fought victories, with Battle Ballads, TÝR has composed an album that resounds with their trademark Viking metal sound. At the same time, the band has experimented with new writing styles and musical techniques and created songs that are structurally simpler, yet musically more variegated. There’s no escaping the masterfully meticulous blend of melody and savagery on Battle Ballads.
TÝR: Heri Joensen – vocal, guitar Hans Hammer – guitar Gunnar Helmer “Gunz” Thomsen – bass Tadeusz “Tad” Rieckmann – drums
Finnish hard rock and metal legends LORDI are set to release their highly anticipated 19th studio album, Limited Deadition, on March 21, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The album is spearheaded by the electrifying lead single, “Syntax Terror,” a track that thrusts listeners into a game-like world with spacy melodies, thunderous riffs, and irresistibly catchy hooks.
Mr Lordi comments: “The writing of this song started out with its main keyboard riff. I played around with those mono sounds, trying to come up with something with a very 80s action movie opening score feel. ‘Syntax Terror’ actually almost became the album title, but then it was discovered that other people have had the same idea way before I did. On the verses I was thinking of JUDAS PRIEST, on the chorus of MANOWAR and – as icing on the cake – Udo Dirkschneider-type of screams to belch out the title. Don’t ask what the lyrics are about. ‘Syntax Terror’ is a very 80s heavy metal style song, painting abstract pictures with every line!”
Already generating excitement among fans, the single promises to be a highlight in LORDI‘s monstrous catalog. Pre-orders are available here: https://lordi.rpm.link/limiteddeaditionPR
Known for their theatrical style and unique blend of 80s-inspired rock and heavy metal, LORDI‘s latest creation is a nostalgic celebration of retro 80s toys, infused with a fresh and powerful energy. Building on the success of their 2023 album Screem Writers Guild,Limited Deadition ventures into heavier riffs and faster tempos, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and invigorating.
Recorded at IluSound Studio and Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Limited Deaditionwas produced by Mr Lordi, mixed by Ilkka Herkman, and mastered by Pauli Saastamoinen. As always, Mr Lordi took charge of the album’s striking artwork and layout, channeling his passion for 80s memorabilia into every detail. “It’s some kind of sibling album to its predecessor,” Mr Lordi explains. “We’re still walking the path of AOR-inspired music, but this time, with a more metal touch in terms of riffs and tempo. We’ve always written what felt right and natural, and this album is no exception.”
The thematic heart of Limited Deadition lies in Mr Lordi’s lifelong obsession with collecting, inspired by the action figures and toys of his childhood. “The album topic of 80s toys is actually just a loose theme, but it’s been accompanying me since I was little. I’ve always been a collector of various stuff, and I’m even some kind of a hoarder. I can’t even remember which my first own toy was, but my obsession basically started with “Muppet Show” dolls, followed by “Star Wars” and “E.T.” figures, with the latter actually being my favourite movie of all time.”
The album opens with “SCG XIX The Hexecutioners,” setting the stage for an exciting blend of cinematic and melodic heavy rock. Tracks like “Legends Are Made Of Clichés” and “Skelephant In The Room” highlight LORDI‘s knack for creating larger-than-life anthems. Meanwhile, the poignant ballad “Collectable” reflects on the fleeting value of physical objects in a digital world, while the title track, Limited Deadition, makes a bold statement celebrating collectors and their passion.
To support the release, LORDI will embark on a global Limited Deadition tour, beginning in Finland and expanding internationally. Fans can expect a monstrous spectacle, complete with new tricks and surprises.
Limited Deadition will be available on all major streaming platforms and in physical formats on March 21, 2025. Pre-orders for the album and tour tickets are now live. With the explosive single “Syntax Terror” already setting the tone, fans can prepare for an unforgettable addition to the LORDIverse.
Get ready to unleash the monster within – Limited Deadition is coming!
LORDI are: Mr Lordi | vocals Kone | guitars Hiisi | bass Hella | keyboard Mana | drums
LORDI live:
21.03.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema 22.03.2025 FI Helsinki – Tavastia-klubi 25.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Progresja 26.03.2025 PL Gdansk – B90 28.03.2025 NL Amstelveen – P60 29.03.2025 NL Drachten – Poppoadium Iduna 30.03.2025 NL Sittard – Poppodium Volt 02.04.2025 UK Wolverhampton – Wulfrun Hall 03.04.2025 UK Newcastle – NX 05.04.2025 UK Manchester – Academy 2 06.04.2025 UK Glasgow – Galvanizers SWG3 08.04.2025 UK London – Islington Assembly Hall 09.04.2025 UK Bristol – SWX 11.04.2025 FR Savigny-le-Temple – L’Empreinte 12.04.2025 FR Saint-Lô – Le Normandy 13.04.2025 BE Sint-Niklaas – De Casino 15.04.2025 FR Lyon (Villeurbanne) – La Rayonne 16.04.2025 FR Strasbourg (Ostwald) – Le Point d’Eau 17.04.2025 FR Montbéliard – L’Axone
MOB RULES continues with their flagship German power metal, they’ve been known for in the scene! Founded in 1994, since their legendary debut album “Savage Land” (1999) and its glorious successor “Temple Of Two Suns”, they have been delivering anthemic and highly melodic power metal that has taken on symphonic and progressive traits over the years. Their discography, which now comprises nine studio albums, contains highlights throughout, above all the hit-packed “Among The Gods”, the epic “Radical Peace” with the long track “The Oswald File” and their chart-breaker “Beast Reborn”, which pushed MOB RULES to #37 in the German album charts. Most recently, the band around frontman Klaus Dirks thrilled with the best-of compilation “Celebration Day – 30 Years Of Mob Rules” including some new recordings and cover versions of IRON MAIDEN, GHOST, DIO and others.
MOB RULES are currently back in the recording studio, working under the direction of Markus Teske (Symphony X, Vanden Plas, U.D.O. and others) on their tenth, as yet untitled studio album, which is scheduled for release in late summer 2025. However, they would like to release a first forerunner at the beginning of next year. “All the songs have been written and large parts of them have already been recorded,” reveals the frontman and goes into even more detail: ”You can look forward to an album that is special in many respects, with which we have managed to build a bridge between yesterday and today. In other words, our own band history partly served as inspiration. The material is multi-layered and conceptually structured.
This much can already be revealed: In addition to the CD and vinyl, there will be an additional physical product of the album, in which we have brought in all our creativity and spared no expense or effort to offer the fans the ultimate experience of the new record. More will be revealed in due course, but we can already tell you that the first single will be called “Back To Savage Land”.”
MOB RULES are also expecting a breath of fresh air from their new label partner ROAR (Grave Digger, Mystic Prophecy, Sacred Steel and others). “We were very pleased about the great interest and the resulting signing of MOB RULES with the newly established label ROAR,” comments singer Klaus Dirks and adds: “As a band, we find everything we could wish for there, both structurally and in terms of know-how and the human component. We have a long-standing relationship of trust with some of the employees there. Among them is Markus Wosgien, who has followed MOB RULES with great interest for a long time and whose perseverance and creative input have convinced us. We are looking forward to working together, but would also like to take this opportunity to thank the SPV/Steamhammer crew once again for their trusting cooperation over the last 10 years.”
The record company is just as happy. “Mob Rules have been with me for 25 years now. In the nineties, as a power metal fan you could blindly buy anything with the “Limb Music” seal of approval. I remember the first pre-release tapes of brand-new acts like Angra, Rhapsody, Eldritch, Abraxas and Mob Rules! Limb Schnoor had a special knack in this area and since then Mob Rules have been a musical companion that has surprised and inspired me time and time again. Now it has finally worked out and we can forge new plans together, which include the upcoming studio albums as well as numerous reissues and surprises of some back-catalog titles,” states ROAR A&R Markus Wosgien.
Poised to be one of the breakout acts of 2025, Canadian metal visionary ONI is capping off the year with a new video for his latest single, “Realign.” Shot on the recent tour with POP EVIL and BAD WOLVES, the video catches mastermind Jake Oni and supporting live bandmates, including guitar phenom Jared Dines, performing in their natural habitat in front of thousands of rabid fans across North America.
Co-produced by Oni and Josh Gilbert (SPIRITBOX), “Realign” is found on ONI’s upcoming EP, Genesis, that’s out January 24th. The record will feature 5 tracks including recent singles “Deja Vu,” “Walk Away” and “Control” and the unreleased song “Erase.”
AboutONI: Formed in 2014 by vocalist Jake Oni, ONI quickly became one of Canada’s most promising metal artists with his distinct amalgam of experimental progressive songwriting, brute metalcore savagery and cathartic melody. ONI roared to life with the release of his 2016 debut album, Ironshore, which was produced by Josh Wilbur (Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Dillinger Escape Plan) and featured guest vocals by Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe on the song “The Only Cure.”
ONI followed up with a monstrous Alone EP in 2019, and returned with his critically lauded second full-length, Loathing Light in 2022, that boasted guests Iggy Pop and Blythe on the song “Secrets” and “Heart To Stone,” which was featured on Spotify’s Best of Kickass Metal 2022 playlist.
Along his meteoric rise in the metal scene, ONI has shared the stage with acts like Megadeth, Gojira, Bullet for My Valentine, Starset, Children of Bodom, Rob Zombie, Death Angel and The Devin Townsend Project.
ONI released his third full-length album, “The Silver Line,” in 2023. The metal artist’s most dynamic yet cohesive album yet was produced, mixed, and mastered by the duo of Spiritbox bassist Josh Gilbert and Joe McQueen (As I Lay Dying, Light The Torch, Bad Wolves). “The Silver Line” is as ambitious as it is catchy and incisive. A quick perusal of the guests featured on ONI’s third album reveals the wide range of his appeal.
“Silence In a Room of Lies” pairs ONI with YouTuber and musician Jared Dines. “Underneath My Skin” features Sleeping With Sirens frontman Kellin Quinn. “Aura” boasts Gilbert and ex-Killswitch Engage singer Howard Jones. Pop-punk-resurgence star Sueco lends his voice to “Spark.” “The Silver Line” ups the ante once more, adding another full-length chapter to ONI’s ever-expanding songbook.
Legendary Swedish cult act MEZZROW returns to the thrash metal scene with their new single, “As Fear Unfolds”! A music video for the first harbinger of a new album to follow in 2025, is now premiering below.
The band comments: “Recorded during the Summon Thy Demons-sessions and one of the first songs we wrote back in early 2021 (The lyrics were actually written for another song way back in 1992). It kind of stands out from the other songs on the album with its proggy approach! Within the band we call it our ”Mercyful Fate-song”, with all its different tempo changes and technical vibes going on. This is also the first studio recording featuring Alvaro ”Alvis” Svanerö on drums.”
MEZZROW built themselves a name in the thrash metal scene during the late eighties with their critically acclaimed demo tapes, “Frozen Soul” and “Cross of Tormention”. In 1990 they released their classic debut album “Then Came the Killing” through Active Records (Candlemass a.o.), a subsidiary of Music for Nations. The album is still today considered as one of the best, if not the best, thrash metal releases from Sweden and Scandinavia.
During 2021 MEZZROW rose from the ashes, when bass player Conny Welén (ex-Hexenhaus) and singer Uffe Pettersson (ex-Rosicrucian) decided to make a new mark in the thrash metal world of today, together with new guitarists Magnus Söderman (Nightrage) and Ronnie Björnström (ex-Defiatory, ex-Aeon), as well as drummer Alvaro “Alvis” Svanerö (Imperial Domain).
Following their comeback album “Summon Thy Demons” (2023, Fireflash Records) and the much-acclaimed ”Keep It True – Live” record, MEZZROW are currently busy writing new material for a next album to be released in the hopefully not so distant future through ROAR. Twelve new songs are now ready for recording and this process has slightly begun. As the first single “As Fear Unfolds” proves, fans can expect a killer album with high intense Bay Area thrash with a Swedish melodic touch. 2025 – get ready for some new MEZZROW Thrash Metal!
LISTENABLE records are delighted to welcome Belgium’s most ferocious offspring COFFIN FEEDER.
The band features members of Aborted, Leng Tch’e, When Plagues Collide and Fleddy Melculy, spew forth a high energy blend of groove laden death metal, grind and hardcore. Since its inception in 2021, COFFIN FEEDER unleashed 2 EP’s (‘Stereo Homicide’, ‘Over the top’) and played a ton of club shows through Europe. With already some festivals in Europe under their belt such as Brutal Assault & Summer Breeze, the band is continuing to take names and kick ass worldwide.
Hot on the heels of ’The Beast against Beast’ European tour this past November, with their brothers Benighted and Baest, COFFIN FEEDER have now been focusing on the release of their forthcoming album and we can only urge everyone to be ready for some Big Trouble!
BAND LINE UP: Sven De Caluwe: Vocals Bart Govers: Guitar/vocals Jeroen Camerlynck: Guitar/vocals Jan Halbert: Bass Siebe Hermans: Drums
Sven De Caluwe (Vocals) comments: “We’re thrilled to be joining the ranks for Listenable Records for our debut full-length album BIG TROUBLE that will be out somewhere next spring! Listenable has been the home of many quality acts throughout the years and also marked the beginnings of Aborted so in a way it’s like coming home for that nice sundae to tickle your tonsils. Get ready for a massive onslaught of blasts and grooves to run you over like a bulldozer. The whole thing has been mixed and mastered by the mighty Dave Otero (Aborted, Archspire, Cattle Decapitation, Shadow of Intent) so you know it’s gonna be finger licking good! Alongside that we have a few other very neat surprises, so stay tuned for more!”
DISCOGRAPHY: Stereo Homicide (ep – 2022) A Good Supply of Body Bags (Digital 2022) Over the Top (ep – 2022)
Canadian melodic metal titans LUTHARO are returning to Europe this spring as support to symphonic metallers FELLOWSHIP and power metal giants FROZEN CROWN. All dates are in support of their critically acclaimed album Chasing Euphoria which was released in March 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music.
Guitarist Victor Bucer comments: “EUROPE HERE WE COME! We could not be more ecstatic to be joining FROZEN CROWN and FELLOWSHIP on the road starting April 2025! Cant wait to head bang with you all! See YOU there!”
Nestled in the badlands of Drumheller, AB, one of Canada’s loudest decibel-breaking open-air extreme music events, LOUD AS HELL FESTIVAL will host its 13th annual festivities from August 1st to 3rd, 2025.
Showcasing the best up-and-coming Canadian and international talent to roar through the country’s largest dinosaur fossil grounds, LAH has launched its early bird weekend passes.
This weekend pass grants you full access to all the headbanging, moshing, and metal mayhem that Loud As Hell Open Air has to offer. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer!
The early bird weekend pass price is $140 CAD (this includes camping on-site). The weekend pass full price of $175 CAD will be in effect when the festival 2025 lineup is announced in the new year.
In additional news, LAH has revamped their website www.LoudAsHell.ca with a fresh new look and design, along with online shopping of LAH merch, pictures, and videos to reminisce of years past along with updated festival Information and FAQ section.
About: LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has hosted hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually since 2012 with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During its decade of showcasing Canadian and international bands, the festival has grown into a pilgrimage for metalheads from across the country.
LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL 2025 will be celebrating its thirteenth festival event presented by Loud As Hell Productions, Jurassic Ink Custom Tattoo, Prairie Fire Events, and Asher Media Relations. LAH always works its hardest to deliver the best lineup in the West ready to melt your face off. Featuring bands from across Canada and beyond, you won’t want to miss any of it. And don’t forget about their freak shows, burlesque dancers, clinics, vendors, and dinosaurs!
For more than 25 years, SACRED STEEL have been offering metalheads a killer, trend-free alternative to bloated trigger drums, cheesy keyboards and boring cliché sounds that are hyped year after year as “the next big thing in metal”. SACRED STEEL have always remained true to themselves, constantly reinventing their traditional style and releasing some highly acclaimed classics, such as their legendary debut “Reborn In Steel”, the follow-up “Wargods Of Metal”, or their heaviest album “Slaughter Prophecy”.
In April 2025, the band will release their 10th album “Ritual Supremacy”, which will be celebrated with a performance at the 25th anniversary of the “Keep It True Festival” and many more shows. The album is also the first to feature new members Toni Ieva (bass) and Jörn Langenfeld (guitar), who joined the band in 2023.
“Ritual Supremacy” will be released by their new label partner ROAR (Grave Digger, Mystic Prophecy, Holy Moses and others), whose managing director Jochen Richert, Markus Wosgien (label management) and Lambros Kokkinos (product management) are long-time scene veterans. “These are people we’ve known for ages and who have been supplying you and us with the stuff we all can’t and don’t want to live without for at least as long: high-quality heavy metal releases,” the band is pleased to say, adding: ”When the label A&R first had his entire Sacred Steel record collection signed at the meeting with the band, we just knew: this is the right place for us! With ROAR behind us, we are now ideally positioned to finally release our new album “Ritual Supremacy” worldwide and on a broad basis after more than 8 years since the last release.”
“As a native Swabian and friend of pure heavy metal, you are inevitably connected to Sacred Steel. You can sing along to their classics in your sleep and with a raised metal fist, and of course share unforgettable memories with the band, which has always remained true to themselves, yet continues to develop and, above all, still has something to say. “Ritual Supremacy” is a statement and will blow the mind of every true metalhead. The first single will be released in mid-January and the album will go on sale. Dress warmly,” states Markus Wosgien from ROAR.
SACRED STEEL is a trademark in the metal scene: METAL with attitude, never everyone’s favorite and damn proud of it!
Sacred Steel – live: 11.04.2025 – Villingen-Schwenningen (GER) – Little Black Forest Festival 17.04.2025 – Oberhausen (GER) – Thrash Speed Burn Festival 25. – 26.04.2025 – Lauda-Königshofen (GER) – Keep It True Festival 02.- 03.04.2025 – Ochtendung (GER) – A CHANCE FOR METAL Festival
Album art by Adam Burke. Logo design by Chris Hurst.
U.S. Traditional Heavy Metal quintet, Prehistoria, will release Cryptic Halo, their first full-length album, on February 11, 2025 via StormSpell Records. The album follows the 2022 release of debut EP, Cursed Lands.
“We are thrilled to announce the completion of our debut album, Cryptic Halo. This project has been a true labor of love, forged through countless hours of passion, dedication, and focused effort. Rooted in traditional heavy metal, Cryptic Halo weaves in elements of power, thrash, and black metal to create a sound that’s both classic and dynamic. Crafted by devoted fans of heavy metal, for heavy metal fans, it stands as a celebration of the genre we hold so dear. It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey, and we can’t wait to share this milestone with you as we prepare for its release.”
Alonso “Zo” Donoso – Vocals Shaun Cothron – Guitar Max Otworth – Guitar Ian Bender – Bass Cody Johns – Drums
Track Listing:
Futile Invocation of Cosmic Acknowledgement
Rise
Salvation Denied
Obsidian Gateways
Everlasting Legacy
Paradise Lost
Crown of the Resolute
Crucible of Shadows
Dreamchaser
BAND BIO:
Prehistoria is a traditional heavy metal band hailing from the American Midwest, combining the raw power of classic metal with influences from power, thrash, and black metal. Their sound is steeped in the genre’s roots, delivering crushing riffs and soaring melodies with a sharp, modern edge that feels both familiar and new.
Cryptic Halo Credits:
All songs (except “Futle Invocation…”) written and performed by Prehistoria.
“Futile Invocation of Cosmic Acknowledgement” written and produced by Dan Wagoner.
Lyrics by Alonso Donoso.
Produced, tracked, and engineered by Dan Wagoner.
Drums recorded by Joe Viers at Sonic Lounge Studios. Additional guitars recorded by Ethan Vawter. Bass recorded by Ian Bender.
Mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio.
Additional design by Alonso Donoso and Ian Bender.
Get ready for one of the most highly anticipated tours of 2025! Swedish metal juggernauts MESHUGGAH will make their triumphant return to North American stages, bringing their genre-defying, mind-bending sound to fans across the U.S. and Canada. Joining them on this monumental trek, produced by Live Nation, are the fellow legendary acts Cannibal Corpse and Carcass, making this THE tour of the year for metal fans.
Tickets: Tickets will be available starting with Citi and Artist presales beginning today, December 3rd at 12pm ET / 9 am PT. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, December 6th at 10am local time at livenation.com.
Presale: Citi is the official card of the MESHUGGAH tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning today at 12:00pm ET through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit citientertainment.com. The artist presale will also begin today at 2:00pm ET.
MESHUGGAH w/ Special Guests Cannibal Corpse And Carcass:
Friday, March 28, 2025 – Quebec City, QC – Videotron Centre Tickets
Saturday, March 29, 2025– Toronto, ON – Great Canadian Resort Toronto Tickets
Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit Tickets
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom Tickets
Wednesday, April 2, 2025– St. Louis, MO – The Pageant Tickets
Friday, April 4, 2025 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium Tickets
Saturday, April 5, 2025 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex Tickets
Sunday, April 6, 2025 – Boise, ID – Revolution Concert House and Event Center Tickets
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic Tickets
Wednesday, April 9, 2025– Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum Tickets
Thursday, April 10, 2025 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort Tickets
Friday, April 11, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV – The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Tickets
Sunday, April 13, 2025 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre Tickets
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 – Austin, TX – ACL Live – Moody Theater Tickets
Wednesday, April 16, 2025– Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom Tickets
Friday, April 18, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy Tickets
Saturday, April 19, 2025 – Tampa, FL – Yuengling Center Tickets
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE Tickets *
Wednesday, April 23, 2025– National Harbor, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor Tickets
Thursday, April 24, 2025 – New York, NY – The Theater at Madison Square Garden Tickets
*Non-Live Nation Date
MESHUGGAH continues to redefine heavy music with their latest album, Immutable. Recorded at Sweetspot Studios in Halmstad, Sweden, and mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Vlado Meller, Immutable showcases the band’s unparalleled musicianship and innovation. Featuring tracks like “The Abysmal Eye,”“I Am That Thirst,” and “Broken Cog,”Immutable has been hailed by critics as a masterclass in progressive metal.
New Single/Video ‘Path Of Our Disease’ Streaming Now!
Southern California metalcore giants BLEEDING THROUGH are back! After much anticipation, the band has announced their long-awaited, ninth full length album, NINE, will be released on February 14th via SharpTone Records.
Following the release of eviscerating singles, ‘Our Brand Is Chaos‘ and ‘Dead But So Alive‘, BLEEDING THROUGH emerges six years after the release of Love Will Kill All, for one of the most vicious and unrelenting records of their celebrated career, NINE.
Commenting on the impending record, vocalist Brandan Schieppati says:
“There’s so much passion and aggression on this album. If you’re a fan of us, you won’t be let down. This is everything we’ve been working towards. This is the culmination of 25 years. This is Bleeding Through in its purest form.”
Today, the band reveals the album’s next merciless single, ‘Path Of Our Disease‘, which is accompanied by the music video below.
Adding about the new single, Schieppati says:
“Path Of Our Disease’ is a song about the disgusting social climate of the world. We are becoming a species that is never satisfied. We think the grass is always greener and are forgetting what loyalty is. We are being led be liars and fakes down a path of disappointment. It’s time to break free.”
BLEEDING THROUGH Tour Dates: (w/GOD FORBID, NEKROGOBLIKON, I DECLARE WAR, CARNIFEX) Dec 14 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues Dec 15 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park
1. Gallows 2. Our Brand Is Chaos 3. Dead, But So Alive 4. Hail Destruction 5. Lost In Isolation (Feat. Doc Coyle/God Forbid) 6. Last Breath 7. Path Of Our Disease 8. I Am Resistance (Feat. Andrew Neufeld/Comeback Kid) 9. Emery 10. War Time (Feat. Brian Fair/Shadows Fall) 11. Unholy Armada
After 25 years, eight albums, and countless gigs, Bleeding Through persist as a tried-and-true outlier in heavy music and culture.
Italian pagan/folk metal outfit and recent Reaper Entertainment signees ELVENKING have unveiled their latest single, “Throes Of Atonement.” The release is accompanied by a striking lyric video crafted by acclaimed artist René Berthiaume and perfectly captures the dark and emotional essence of the track.
The band comments, “‘Throes Of Atonement’ reflects a big part of the atmospheres and the mood of this third and final chapter of the Reader Of The Runes concept trilogy. It pays tribute to the epic power metal of the ‘90s, a significant influence for our early days to the extent that it could almost come out of our first album Heathenreel.
This album delves into the past of the characters in this story, revealing the reasons behind the Reader Of The Runes‘ wrath in the previous chapter. ‘Throes Of Atonement’ focuses on two characters, exploring adolescent jealousy and narrow-mindedness that ultimately leads to hatred and betrayal. For all the harm inflicted, whether intentional or unintentional, the ultimate punishments were penance and death.”
With “Throes Of Atonement,” ELVENKING once again showcases their mastery in storytelling, blending epic melodies with profound themes.
Watch ELVENKING’s video for “Throes Of Atonement” HERE. Stream the track HERE.
2025 will bring ELVENKING to stages across Europe when they join forces with Alestorm, Ensiferum, Týr, and Heidevolk to resurrect the legendary Paganfest trek. See all confirmed dates below.
ELVENKING w/ Alestorm, Ensiferum, Týr, Heidevolk: 1/08/2025 Grosse Freiheit – Hamburg, DE 1/09/2025 Oosterpoort – Groningen, NL 1/10/2025 Filharmonie – Stuttgart, DE 1/11/2025 Turbinenhalle – Oberhausen, DE 1/12/2025 Huxley’s – Berlin, DE 1/13/2025 Congress Centre – Roskilde, DK 1/14/2025 Aladin – Bremen, DE 1/16/2025 O2 Academy – Birmingham, UK 1/17/2025 O2 Academy – Edinburgh, UK 1/18/2025 O2 Victoria Warehouse – Manchester, UK 1/19/2025 O2 Academy Brixton – London, UK 1/20/2025 Ancienne Belgique – Brussels, BE 1/21/2025 Schlachthof – Wiesbaden, DE 1/22/2025 Zenith – Paris, FR 1/23/2025 Z7 Konzertfabrik – Pratteln, CH 1/24/2025 Eventzentrum – Geiselwind, DE 1/25/2025 Backstage – Munich, DE 1/26/2025 OM – Liege, BE 1/28/2025 Alcatraz – Milan, IT 1/29/2025 Transbordeur – Lyon, FR 1/30/2025 Salle Metropole – Lausanne, CH 1/31/2025 Halle Verrière – Meisenthal, FR 2/01/2025 Felsenkeller – Leipzig, DE 2/02/2025 013 Poppodium – Tilburg, NL 2/03/2025 Capitol – Hannover, DE 2/05/2025 Studio – Krakow, PL 2/06/2025 Progresja – Warsaw, PL 2/07/2025 Hala Datart – Zlín, CZ 2/08/2025 Barba Negra – Budapest, HU 2/09/2025 Tvornica – Zagreb, HR
Stand by for further info on ELVENKING’s upcoming new full-length.
The new album from Sweden’s melodic death trio AGAINST I is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Songs for the Dying picks up where Destruction Lullaby – released in May 2024 – left off. The album offers lethal doses of aggressive and melodic death tinged with shades of industrial and atmospheric metal.
Order Songs for the Dying and the band’s entire discography at tfreco.bandcamp.com
Track-listing for Songs for the Dying:
1. Bound in Blood
2. Depraved Lust
3. A Hymn for the End
4. Crimson Queen
5. Eternal Slumber
6. From the Beyond
7. Father of Lies
8. Judgement of the Damned
9. Praise the Dead
10. Scorched Earth
11. The Blackest Night
AGAINST I was founded in 2022 by Fredrik Keith Croona, known as vocalist and founder of Cynical Existence and ex-vocalist of Menschdefekt. Together with Mathias Back (guitars) and Anders Ström (drums), they fuse elements of metal and hints of electronic parts into a cacophony of aggression and melodies.
In 2023 the band released their debut album Carnival of Excess on Advoxya Records. 2024 saw the release of two EPs, Perfect Smile and the follow-up Destruction Lullaby, which took the band in an entirely new direction.
Line-Up: Fredrik Keith Croona – vocals Mathias Back – guitars Anders Ström – drums
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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"
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