“Embrace The Lie” Video/Single Now Playing + Preorders Available
“I never intended to pick up with THE GATES OF SLUMBER ever again in 2014. While I did start the band and wrote most of the first album it was never intended to be a one man show.”
— Karl Simon, 2024
Indiana-based doom metal behemoths THE GATES OF SLUMBER return with their self-titled new full-length, set for release on November 29th via Svart Records. The record serves as the band’s first new output since 2011’s The Wretch and their sixth overall.
In advance of the record’s release, the band has unveiled a video for “Embrace The Lie,” an ode to lying news media outlets and political talking heads.
Watch THE GATES OF SLUMBER’s “Embrace The Lie” video at THIS LOCATION. Stream the track at THIS LOCATION.
The Gates Of Slumber will be available on CD and digitally as well as vinyl in the following color variants: Black/White Marble, Transparent Blue (limited), and Black. Find physical preorders HERE and digital preorders HERE.
THE GATES OF SLUMBER was formed by Karl Simon in 1998 and underwent various lineup incarnations between 1998 and 2001, when the Blood Encrusted Deth Axe demo was recorded with Jamie Walters aka Dr. Phibes/Athenar (Boulder, Midnight) on drums and bass. In 2003, Jason McCash took over all bass duties and was a long-time member of the band until his untimely passing in 2014, after which Simon decided it was time to call it quits.
That was until 2019 when renowned metal festival Hell Over Hammaburg wanted to bring the band back to the stage to perform at the festival’s 2020 edition. Simon reformed the band with its original drummer Chuck Brown and bassist Steve Janiak. “We’d been asked several times to play Hell Over Hammaburg. But there was no ‘we’ to play,” said Simon. “The germ of the idea started. We started re-learning songs from the first LP. It wasn’t too long into the rehearsals that we started coming up with new songs.”
Following a short reunion tour, the COVID pandemic decelerated the band’s writing process. Half of the album was written; however, the remaining half was left to stew in its juices. But they toiled on ultimately composing six wholly engrossing new hymns of true doom metal excellence. With chest quaking songs honoring such greats as Saint Vitus and Penance, straight forward bangers, lyrics inspired by the Black Death and John Carpenter’s The Fog, The Gates Of Slumber is a truly crushing work to behold.
ALBUM NEWS ARRIVES WITH PREMIERE OF “WITNESS” VIDEO
Oct. 18, Northampton, U.K. – OBEYER, who recently announced their signing to 3DOT Recordings, have set a Nov. 15 release date for their debut album, Chemical Well.
News of the album comes alongside the third preview of the forthcoming album, with today’s release of “Witness” and its accompanying video: https://go.mhe.fm/obeyer_witness.
“Witness is a song that was incredibly important for us during the writing of this album, representing both an evolution in our sound and a shift in approach to songwriting,” the band shared, referencing their previous work as Lay Siege. “The song single-handedly laid the foundation for the rest of the album and has always felt like the natural choice to open Chemical Well with.”
The British band previously released a two-song digital single, featuring “Second Sun” and “Radiant,” as well as a clip for “Second Sun.”
Chemical Well was recorded at Lower Lane Studios with producer Sam Bloor (Graphic Nature, Black Coast). The band praised Bloor’s “innate ability to draw the very best from a performance created an environment that allowed us to achieve a sound that felt both authentic and true to our vision. We wanted to ensure the album acknowledged our influences but also pushed our own boundaries both musically and lyrically. Chemical Well explores the impact technology has on our day to day lives, having the world at your fingertips is both a blessing and a curse.”
3DOT Recordings co-founder and Periphery guitarist Misha Mansoor expressed his excitement for the album, saying: “The early support for OBEYER has been amazing and we want to thank everyone for checking them out. We think fans will only be further impressed as they hear more.”
OBEYER is Carl Brown (vocals), Jamie Steadman (guitar), David Bartlett (bass), and Lewis Niven (drums). The Northampton, U.K. foursome previously recorded under the name Lay Siege, releasing an EP and a full-length album that garnered praise from The Guardian and other notable British media. Newly re-formed as OBEYER, the group is set to release their debut album, Chemical Well, on Nov. 15 through 3DOT Recordings.
Dusktone welcomes Germany’s ALTAR OV ASTERIA to the label’s roster, announcing their entrancing debut album Éna for November release.
The first single, “Kataklysm”, is now streaming at THIS LOCATION.
Established by two girls from the Dresden area, Satyra and Melpomene, both heavily involved in the rich local underground, ALTAR OV ASTERIA was envisioned and formed through its members’ shared influence of black metal. The goal of the band’s material, embodied in their Éna debut, is to balance visceral energy with enveloping atmosphere and dark melody, creating a sound both rooted in black metal tradition and expansive new avantgarde sounds.
“Imagine you would wake up in a world full of mysteries and realities woven into each other, like in a story book of the past centuries of Dante Alighieri or Homer. Two black-robed mysteries in gold-snake masks wake you up from the heavy dorm with blackened sirens crushing your ears, mesmerizing your mind to sense the allegories of humankind existence. You’ve got an invitation to a storybook of hellish Sodom, chapter by chapter illustrating thy and foreign dystopia”.
Dusktone will release Éna on CD and all digital platforms on November 25th, 2024.
Straight from the oven, through your eardrums hits a newborn called Cardinal Fleet! This quartet from Finland was formed to explore music without any genre limitations – with a focus on the heavier soundscape of course.
Their first release “The Heat”is influenced by the early 2000s skate punk style, taking you straight back to the Tony hawk’s pro skater-era. So, now it’s time to turn up the volume, grab your old skateboard and take it for a ride!
Singer and bass player Samuli Rasmus tells about the song:
“Even though glimmers of light may seem distant in times of darkness, they may shine brighter momentarily than you can imagine. And that’s the story ‘The Heat’ wants to tell you. So, take your first steps on the path of deserted dreams, which is all too familiar for most of us. Don’t worry, you won’t need a map. It would just misguide you.”
Oct. 15, 2024, LOS ANGELES – Jerry Cantrell’s new album, I Want Blood, arrives this Friday, and to celebrate its arrival the iconic musician has announced a North American tour of the same name.
The trek kicks off on Jan. 31 in Niagara Falls and makes its way across the country, concluding in Cantrell’s home state of Washington.
Tickets go on-sale this Friday at 10 a.m. local time with an exclusive artist pre-sale starting Wednesday at 10 a.m. For ticket information, visit jerrycantrell.com/tour. Filter supports on all dates.
“[This album] packs a punch and it hits you in the face,” Cantrell shared in a recent interview with Loudwire adding, “I couldn’t think of a more impactful title than I Want Blood.”
Ahead of the album’s release, Cantrell has been featured on the cover of Revolver, participated in a career-spanning conversation with Rick Beato, and has received widespread praise album for the collection’s heavier sound. Metal Hammer described I Want Blood as having an “iconic sound, sludgy guitars and soulful vocals.”
I Want Blood was recorded at Joe Barresi’s JHOC Studio in Pasadena, Calif., and features contributions from Duff McKagan (Guns N’Roses), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Greg Puciato (Better Lovers, ex-Dillinger Escape Plan), Gil Sharone (Team Sleep, Stolen Babies), and Lola Colette.
Jerry Cantrell tour dates:
October 17 Pioneertown, CA Pappy & Harriet’s SOLD OUT
November 8 Huechuraba, Chile Fauna Primavera November 10 Comuna 15, Argentina C Complejo Art Media November 12 São Paulo, Brazil Audio
January 31 Niagara Falls, ON Fallsview Casino Resort February 1 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom February 2 Portland, ME Aura February 4 Boston, MA Citizens House of Blues Boston February 5 New York, NY Irving Plaza February 7 Silver Spring, MD The Fillmore – Silver Spring February 8 Bensalem, PA Parx Xcite Center February 11 Huntington, NY The Paramount February 12 Norfolk, VA The NorVa February 14 Raleigh, NC The Ritz February 15 Atlanta, GA Buckhead Theatre February 16 Louisville, KY Mercury Ballroom February 18 Columbus, OH The Bluestone February 19 Indianapolis, IN Murat Egyptian Room at Old National Centre February 22 St. Louis, MO The Hawthorn February 23 Chicago, IL The Vic Theatre February 25 Tulsa, OK Tulsa Theater February 26 Houston, TX House of Blues Houston February 27 San Antonio, TX The Aztec Theatre March 1 Mesa, AZ The Nile Theater March 2 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues Las Vegas March 4 Los Angeles, CA The Belasco March 5 Ventura, CA The Majestic Ventura Theater March 7 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory – Spokane March 8 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom March 9 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre
I Want Blood is available on CD, digitally, and multiple 2LP vinyl variants: https://bio.to/JerryCantrell. A bonus spoken word version of each song on I Want Blood is included with each vinyl release.
Photo credit: Darren Craig
Jerry Cantrell is an iconic American troubadour, celebrated for his distinctive guitar playing, soulful vocals and profound songwriting. Known for his work in both Alice In Chains and as a solo artist, the GRAMMY-nominated musician has sold in excess of 30 million albums, has been named one of the greatest guitar players of all time by both Guitar World and Rolling Stone, and has been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern rock music. Over his career, he has released six studio albums with Alice in Chains, three solo full-lengths, has had his music featured in films from Cameron Crowe, Judd Apatow and Ben Stiller and made cameos in “Deadwood” and “Jerry Maguire.”
Metal Blade Records is very pleased to welcome Italian doomsters MESSA to its worldwide roster!
MESSA plays evoking doom metal with Middle Eastern vibes. Deliciously haunting female vocals, ‘70s guitars, and Arabian Oud combine to conjure a sound that is entirely their own. With influences as diverse as Dead Can Dance, Om, Swans, Killing Joke, Electric Wizard, Thergothon, and Current 93, the band has moved from the first occult then noir-tinged doom metal of their previous works to an innovative atmospheric Mediterranean sound. The evolution is clearly showcased in their latest studio album, Close.
MESSA emerged on the first day of 2014. Guitarist/bassist Marco and vocalist Sara began to develop the basic concept while writing the first songs. Later, guitarist Alberto and drummer Rocco joined the band. The extreme diversity of their musical backgrounds immediately proved to be essential in the construction of their sound. In 2016, their first opus, Belfry, was released, and MESSA embarked on several tours across Europe and the US.
By 2018, their second work, Feast For Water, brought the band on tour even more extensively. Their latest studio work, Close, released in 2022, was lauded by critics and defined as, “the sound of a band fleshing out their place in doom metal’s past, present, and future” by Metal Injection. MESSA appeared on such illustrious festivals as Hellfest Open Air, Roadburn, and Desert Fest. The band’s latest record, Live At Roadburn, was released on April 7th, 2023, offering their main-stage triumph, joined by a unique constellation of musicians and instruments. Seeming to both embrace and defy everything it means to be a metal band, MESSA meshes Mediterranean sounds with crushing doom riffs, with an emphasis on atmosphere and an unusual use of instrumentation.
Comments MESSA, “We’re glad to announce we’ve joined forces with the legendary Metal Blade Records. We are beyond stoked to become part of the incredible legacy of this label, marking their catalog with our music. Since 1982, Metal Blade has put fundamental metal artists on the map, and being in this label’s roster is a big honor for us. We can’t wait to share some glimpses of what we are working on! In the meantime, you can catch our live shows in the following European cities.”
MESSA Live: 10/17/2024 Sunset – Martigny, CH 10/18/2024 Artik Club – Freiburg, DE 10/19/2024 Kufa Haus – Braunschweig, DE 10/20/2024 Desertfest – Antwerp, BE 10/21/2024 AZ – Aachen, DE 10/22/2024 Cassiopeia – Berlin, DE 10/23/2024 VooDoo – Warsaw, PL 10/24/2024 2Progi – Poznan, PL 10/25/2024 AJZ – Chemnitz, DE 10/26/2024 Lazy Bones – Hamburg, DE 10/27/2024 Samhain Festival – Maastricht, NL 11/09/2024 Catania Tattoo Convention – Catania, IT 12/13/2024 Kapu – Linz, AT 12/14/2024 Hellgart Festival – Stuttgart, DE
MESSA: Sara – vocals Marco – guitars, bass Alberto – guitars Rocco – drums
Anticipated New Album Out January 17th Pre-Order Now
HAZZERD, one of thrash metal’s most exciting young contenders, have released the new single and lyric video for “Deathbringer” – the first taste of their awaited new album. Check out “Deathbringer” now on all streaming/download platforms, or watch the video, created by Raf Orteaga, HEREhttps://youtu.be/-_C6HBXaq-U
“Deathbringer” comes from the Canadian band’s forthcoming album, The 3rd Dimension, which is scheduled for release January 17th on CD and limited-edition colored vinyl variants (300 copies) including Mars Attacks and Angry Sea, as well as 100 limited run of cassettes.
The 3rd Dimension is the anticipated follow-up to 2020’s Delirium, one of the best and consistent sellers at M-Theory Audio that even received a nod from Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine who championed the group as a promising thrash hopeful, alongside Power Trip.
“Following the release of our second album, Delirium, an album which focused heavily on darker subject matter such as human agony, insanity, death and disease. This time we wanted the album to be less involved in the darker side of humanity, and made it a goal to make it much more fast-paced and to the point,” notes drummer/singer Dylan Westendorp.
“The 3rd Dimension portrays our human influences through media. Whether that be television, movies, music, or video games. Each song tells its own story through a narrative inspired by something created in the 3rd Dimension (3D media),” explains Dylan. “We’re also depicting the continuing decay of our mascot Mitsy, with his new Cyberpunk aesthetic brought to life by the one and only Andrei Bouzikov! We can’t wait for you all to decipher the tracks and tell us how you interpret them!”
The 3rd Dimension will be released January 17thand pre-orders launch today at our webstore and at Bandcamp https://lnk.to/hazzerd with more EU and retail outlets and a digital pre-save adding as we near release date.
“Thank you all for being so patient with us while we worked on the band as a whole and the new album over the last few years,” states Dylan. “We really can’t wait for you to hear it. This is for you — the fans, the underground.”
HAZZERD was initially formed by Westendorp and guitarist Brendan Malycky, two Calgary teens who were inspired by the early work of thrash legends such as Overkill, Metallica and Anthrax. After solidifying their lineup with the addition of lead guitarist Toryin Schadlich (also of Traveler) and bassist David Sprague, the group recorded their full-length debut, Misleading Evil, which was released via Canada’s World War Now Records.
HAZZERD caught the attention of M-Theory Audio who snapped up the promising outfit and released Delirium in 2020 taking the band to the next level. The album, like The 3rd Dimension, was mastered by Johnny Gasparic (Into Eternity) and features cover artwork once again by Andrei Bouzikov (Municipal Waste, Toxic Holocaust, Skeletonwitch).
Earlier this year, HAZZERD were invited to contribute two exclusive songs, “Skin Peeler” and “Stella Screams,” in collaboration with author Julie Hiner from Killers & Demons for her horror book project, Thrash Track. HAZZERD wrote the music to Julie’s lyrics for an experimental side adventure.
In recent years, HAZZERD has performed alongside the likes of Hatchet, Striker, Vicious Rumors, Archspire, Spellcaster and Grim Reaper in addition to playing noted Canadian festivals such as Loud As Hell and Armstrong MetalFest.
HAZZERD 2024: Drums/lead vocals: Dylan Westendorp Lead Guitar: Toryin Schadlich Bass: David Sprague Rhythm Guitar: Nick Schwartz Rhythm guitar on the album recorded by: Brendan Malycky
JUST BEYOND THE LIGHT: Making Peace with the Wars Inside Our Head cover
JUST BEYOND THE LIGHT: Making Peace With The Wars Inside Our Head – Arrives on February 18, 2025
NEW YORK – Oct. 10, 2024 – Grand Central Publishing (GCP) is pleased to announce the forthcoming publication of JUST BEYOND THE LIGHT: Making Peace with the Wars Inside Our Head by D. Randall (Randy) Blythe, which is scheduled for publication on February 18, 2025.
In his gripping, bestselling debut memoir Dark Days, Lamb of God vocalist D. Randall (Randy) Blythe unflinchingly wrote about some of the most harrowing episodes of his past.
Now, in his highly anticipated follow-up “Just Beyond the Light,” Blythe shares how he works daily to maintain positivity in a world that feels like it is spinning out of control. In his own words, “Just Beyond the Light” is a “tight, concise roadmap of how I have attempted to maintain what I believe to be a proper perspective in life, even during difficult times.”
Written with a scathing balance of hard-edged reality offset by a knowing humor and a razor-sharp wit, voiced in in his inimitable, conversational, everyman-philosopher style, Blythe clearly breaks down his approach to life, which is a personal and idiosyncratic mix of sobriety, art, and surfing.
He writes movingly of his childhood in the South, of fallen friends, of what he’s learned touring the world as the vocalist of a successful heavy metal band, and of the very real ways he is doing what he can to leave the world a better place. Above all, he offers readers hope that balance, real balance, is possible, even (or especially) when things seem hopeless.
Compelling, compassionate, and refreshingly honest, “Just Beyond the Light” ultimately reminds readers that “as long as we keep our feet (and minds) planted firmly on the ground that is reality, the sky isn’t falling— it never has been, and it never will.”
“For me, the single most gratifying aspect of being an artist is learning that your work has been useful to others in some way. I’ve been told by lots of readers that my last book, ‘Dark Days,’ helped them – I hope ‘Just Beyond the Light’ does the same,” says Randy Blythe, about this highly anticipated follow-up memoir.
“In chaotic times, Randy’s outlook is a bulwark against despair. His perspective is hard-earned, and ‘Just Beyond the Light’ reminds us that we can all work daily to achieve balance in our lives and strive to implement it in the world,” says Ben Schafer, Executive Editor, Grand Central Publishing.
D. Randall Blythe is a writer, photographer, actor, and musician best known for fronting the metal band Lamb of God. He is also the author of ‘Dark Days.’ He lives in Richmond, Va.
New Orleans’ finest riff bringers, CROWBAR, will close out the year with a final run of US shows. The journey begins on November 5th with a special performance in Houston with Soulfy and makes its way across nearly two dozen cities through November 29th in New Orleans. Support will be provided by Morbid Visionz. Tickets are on sale now at crowbarnola.com/tour. See all confirmed dates below.
CROWBAR w/ Morbid Visionz: 11/05/2024 Warehouse Live Midtown – Houston, TX w/ Soulfly, Eyehategod, Mutilation Barbecue, Skinflint, Will To Live, Stone Nomads 11/06/2024 Paper Tiger – San Antonio, TX 11/07/2024 Lowbrow Palace – El Paso, TX 11/08/2024 The Rock – Tucson, AZ 11/09/2024 Backstage Bar & Billiards – Las Vegas, NV 11/10/2024 Tarros Chicali – Yuma, AZ 11/12/2024 The Casbah – San Diego, CA 11/13/2024 Chain Reaction – Anaheim, CA 11/14/2024 Harlow’s – Sacramento, CA 11/15/2024 Senator Theatre – Chico, CA 11/16/2024 Dante’s – Portland, OR 11/17/2024 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 11/19/2024 Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT 11/21/2024 Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO 11/22/2024 HQ – Denver, CO 11/23/2024 TempleLive – Wichita, KS 11/24/2024 Revolution Music Room – Little Rock, AR 11/25/2024 Workplay – Birmingham, AL 11/26/2024 The Earl – Atlanta, GA 11/27/2024 Soul Kitchen – Mobile, AL 11/29/2024 Southport Music Hall – New Orleans, LA
CROWBAR’s most recent studio offering, the critically acclaimed Zero And Below, was released in April 2022 via MNRK Heavy. Led by riff lord and vocalist Kirk Windstein, with guitarist Matt Brunson, bassist Shane Wesley, and drummer Tommy Buckley, songs like “Chemical Godz,” “It’s Always Worth The Gain,” and “Bleeding From Every Hole” are unapologetic emotional outpourings, with a bare-knuckle resolve alongside its soul-searching vulnerability, reliably delivered with crushing heaviness.
Produced, mixed, and mastered by Duane Simoneaux at OCD Recording And Production in Metairie, Louisiana, Zero And Below is the band’s most unforgivably doom-driven record since their 1998 landmark effort, Odd Fellows Rest.
Zero And Below is available on CD, LP, cassette, and digitally. Preview and purchase the record at THIS LOCATION.
Watch the videos for “Chemical Godz” HERE and “Bleeding From Every Hole” HERE.
1/15/25 – San Francisco, CA – Regency Ballroom 1/17/25 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Live Casino 1/18/25 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo 1/19/25 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater 1/20/25 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore 1/22/25 – Calgary, AB – Palace Theatre 1/23/25 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall 1/25/25 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre 1/26/25 – Minneapolis, MN – Fillmore 1/28/25 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave 1/30/25 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre 1/31/25- Cleveland, OH – House of Blues 2/01/25 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall 2/02/25 – Montreal, QC – Olympia 2/04/25 – Boston, MA – Royale 2/05/25 – Philadelphia, PA – TLA 2/07/25 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza 2/08/25 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage 2/10/25 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre 2/11/25 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live 2/13/25 – Houston, TX – House of Blues 2/14/25 – Austin, TX – Emo’s 2/15/25 – Dallas, TX – Studio at the Factory 2/17/25 – Denver, CO – The Ogden 2/18/25 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater 2/19/25 – Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater 2/21/25 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda 2/22/25 – Las Vegas, NV – HOB Vegas
Get ready to dive headfirst into the electrifying world of HELLOWEEN with their new live album Live At Budokan, a colossal release that immortalises their iconic performance at Tokyo’s legendary Nippon Budokan! Dropping on December 13, 2024 through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), this release will be available in a plethora of formats: 2CD-digipak, 3LP vinyl in trifold, Blu-ray, DVD and digital.
Each version is meticulously crafted to suit the metal community’s diverse tastes, ensuring every fan can relive the raw, unfiltered energy of HELLOWEEN. Pre-order/pre-save the album here: https://helloween.rpm.link/liveatbudokanPR
To tide fans over until Live At Budokanarrives, the band have launched the first single “Best Time (live)”. This electrifying live version of the hit single and most streamed track (more than 11 million streams on Spotify) from HELLOWEEN‘s self-titled reunion album [2021] can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT1ITfb76-0
Guitarist Sascha Gerstner comments: ‘“Best Time'” captures the energy and the moment when everything fits together perfectly and you leave everything negative behind. For me, this track is an anthem for all those nights when you’re heading towards the future. That’s why it conveys exactly this mood in concert as if you were living in a single great moment that lasts forever.”
This release celebrates the grand finale of HELLOWEEN‘s epic world tour from 2022 to 2023. Spanning over 30 countries on three continents, the tour was nothing short of a triumph, drawing massive crowds and showcasing the band’s undying appeal, the sold-out concert inTokyo is the crowning glory of the cycle.
Known for their explosive stage presence and high-voltage performances, HELLOWEEN‘s shows are fueled by the unique chemistry among the band members. Triple lead-guitar attacks from Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, and Sascha Gerstner alternate with goosebump inducing duets from vocalists Michael Kiske and Andi Deris, occasionally supported by Kai Hansen, the band’s original singer and third voice. He also takes the spectators on a journey back in time with a medley from the band’s early days, returning to the origins of their sound – HELLOWEEN, the godfathers of melodic speed metal.
Choosing the Nippon Budokan for this live recording was no coincidence. A venue rich in musical history, it has hosted countless legendary concerts and is an accolade for every music group that has played there. HELLOWEEN are the first German band ever to record a live album in the Nippon Budokan, and for the members it was a dream come true.
Lead vocalist Michael Kiske described the show as “surreal, with the electrifying fan energy creating a magical atmosphere.” Bassist Markus Grosskopf spoke of the venue’s profound personal and historical significance, expressing how humbling and inspiring it was to perform in a place that shaped their own musical journeys.
The live recording’s technical brilliance is another highlight. With 29 cameras capturing every nuance, the production team ensured that each moment of the concert is preserved in stunning detail. This attention to detail means the Blu-ray and DVD versions offer an immersive viewing experience, making fans feel like they are right there in the front row.
The setlist of this live album is a treasure trove of surprises, contains the entire 2-hour+ show and offers a fresh experience compared to previous releases like United Alive [2019]. This thoughtful song selection honors both the die-hard fans craving something new and the band’s rich musical legacy, showcasing their evolution and expansive repertoire.
This live album is more than just a concert recording; it’s a celebration of HELLOWEEN‘s enduring impact on the metal scene. It promises to bring the magic of an unforgettable performance straight into fans’ homes, offering a piece of music history that embodies the spirit and energy of a legendary band at their peak.
HELLOWEEN are: Michael Kiske – vocals Andi Deris – vocals Kai Hansen – guitars, vocals Michael Weikath – guitars Sascha Gerstner – guitars Markus Grosskopf – bass Daniel Löble – drums
Freya, the veteran hardcore/metal band hailing from Syracuse, USA, is set to drop their newest single “Blood Thirst”. This powerful track showcases the band’s unique blend of hardcore intensity and thrash metal fury that they have been perfecting for over two decades. The single is a straightforward banger, drummer Ethan D. Henry comments on the track:
“I’m not vegan or anything but I was just thinking of this concept of some trophy hunters entering the forest killing and taking what they wanted and leaving the corpses of their victims to rot. I imagined a grizzly bear being fed up finding rotten deer, turkey, and whatever else on his daily trek. Full of rage, he is forced to fight back and chase the men out of the forest. Like Batman haha. But a pissed-off grizzly bear.”
Drawing inspiration from the hard-hitting, old-school hardcore vibe of bands like Biohazard, the song opens with a memorable riff that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. As the track progresses, Freya seamlessly shifts into a thrash metal assault reminiscent of Slayer, showcasing the band’s ability to blend genres with precision and intensity.
Henry also comments that he wanted this track to crank and hit hard, “it’s about capturing that raw energy that makes hardcore and thrash so powerful”. “Blood Thirst” will appeal to both hardcore and metal fans alike, especially those with an interest in Earth Crisis, Terror, and Hatebreed.
Listen to “Blood Thirst” via its premiere on NoEcho HERE.
FEAT. SPECIAL GUESTS BILLY DUFFY, LITA FORD & CHARLIE STARR PRE-ORDER HERE
NEW SINGLE ‘DON’T LEAVE ME IN THE DARK’ FEAT. LITA FORD WATCH THE VIDEO HERE | LISTEN HERE
Ricky Warwick has announced the release of his new solo album Blood Ties, which will be out on March 14th via Earache Records. You can pre-order the album here.
To coincide with the announcement, Ricky Warwick will release his new single ‘Don’t Leave Me In The Dark’ which sees legendary The Runaways guitarist & famed solo artist Lita Ford joining on vocals duties.
About the single, Ricky comments, “This was the first song written for the album and details the intricacies of love and the battles we fight to stay in it. When you put everything into a relationship and the significant other doesn’t reciprocate, there’s always a huge mental toll, a price to pay on commitment.”
About the duet Rickycontinues, “Lita Ford is a true hardcore rocker, she’s the real deal in every way. The attitude, energy and professionalism she brought to the video shoot was inspiring on every level…She also brought her famous original Hamer Guitar that dates way back to her time in The Runaways. When I wrote the lyrics for ‘Don’t Leave Me In The Dark’ I knew right away the song needed to be performed as a duet. Lita instantly sprang to mind. I’m honoured that she agreed to be a part of it. She absolutely nailed it sonically and visually as I knew she would.”
Lita Ford adds, “When I first got the call to record a duet with Ricky Warwick my first thought was about the legacy that this man carries. From our beloved early Thin Lizzy days up to today, Ricky carries that torch. An era that is close to my soul. Ricky’s image and voice is as dark and mysterious as his black leather and black Les Paul, but at the same time, a super cool and mega-talented artist. When I heard the song ‘Don’t Leave Me In The Dark’ I felt that it would be a killer duet because our vocal styles and images would complement each other.I really enjoyed working with someone who is so talented, down to earth, and has real grit and determination!”
Ricky dug deep for Blood Ties and by doing so has made this one of his most personal records yet. Big cathartic guitar sounds and life-affirming, often joyous assessments of where he is in life right now have made it a standout body of work in a career that has spanned over four decades at the coalface of rock’n’roll.
“I mined a deep seam to make this record, it’s in the darkest, most uncharted of places where the real energy is to be found.” Ricky notes. “There comes a time in everyone’s life when the game is afoot, and the decision is taken to face down and exorcise personal demons. The situation finally seemed right to deal with these and try to express my feelings, fears and anxieties in as uplifting a way as possible, turning negativity into positivity. To do that I had to make sure the guitars were turned up way beyond driven.”
As a solo artist and an esteemed singer/songwriter in his own right, Ricky Warwick has also collaborated with some of the finest musicians on the planet and with Blood Ties, has enlisted some notable guests including the aforementioned Lita Ford, Billy Duffy (The Cult) and Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke).
Blood Ties Album Artwork
The album was produced by Ricky’s friend and creative compadre Mr Keith Nelson (Buckcherry). The cover of the Blood Ties was also designed and drawn by Ricky’s stepdaughter Zoe Hinton.
Ricky Warwick remains undoubtedly one of the hardest working men in rock’n’roll and his creativity continues to roar with Blood Ties being as much a celebration of his stellar songwriting as it is his ethos towards doing the best he can for himself and for the fans.
“If people can connect with this album, musically, lyrically, its artwork, or better still all three then that is all I can really ask and hope for. If it means as much to someone else as it does to me then I feel my work is done.”
“For me, it’s all about what other people think!! What’s the point in creating art if you don’t share and care!”
Blood Ties is out on 14th March 2025 via Earache Records and is available to pre-order here.
CATEGORY 7, featuring John Bush (Armored Saint, Anthrax), Phil Demmel (Kerry King, Machine Head), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob), Jack Gibson (Exodus), and Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Overkill), today announces their 2025 first ever tour in support of their self-titled Metal Blade debut.
The fourteen-show trek commences on March 6th in Baltimore, Maryland and runs through March 23rd in Atlanta, Georgia. Direct support on all shows will be provided by Exhorder (except Milwaukee). Additional support will be provided by Hand Of The Tribe on all dates, as well as Dead By Wednesday on the first four dates, and Engineered Society Project on the remainder of the tour, starting in Warrendale.
Comments vocalistJohn Bush, “Looking forward to CATEGORY 7 blowing off the roofs of some venues on the East Coast and Midwest in March of 2025. This will be the first time the band will be playing live so come and check out some killer musicianship. Playing songs from the debut record should be fun. See ya there!”
Adds guitaristPhil Demmel, “Batten down your hatches because the C7tempest is about to touch ground in the US this March! We are all so thrilled to launch this band and bring our show through the states! See you in the eye of the storm!”
Presales on Blabbermouth.net and Knotfest.com will begin tomorrow, October 9th with the general on sale beginning Friday, October 11th. VIP upgrades will be available for all shows at category7official.com. The VIP purchase does not include the show ticket. See all confirmed dates below.
CATEGORY 7 w/ Exhorder, Dead By Wednesday, Hand Of The Tribe: 3/06/2025 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 3/07/2025 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ 3/08/2025 Middle East – Downstairs – Cambridge 3/09/2025 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA w/ Exhorder, Engineered Society Project, Hand Of The Tribe: 3/11/2025 Jergel’s – Warrendale, PA 3/12/2025 The Asylum At Temple Live – Cleveland, OH 3/14/2025 The Machine Shop – Flint, MI 3/15/2025 The Forge – Joliet, IL 3/16/2025 The Rave II – Milwaukee, WI ** 3/18/2025 Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN 3/19/2025 Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE 3/21/2025 Pop’s – St. Louis, MO 3/22/2025 Exit/In – Nashville, TN 3/23/2025 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA ** w/ H1Z1, Misfire, Engineered Society Project, Hand Of The Tribe (no Exhorder)
Category 7 was released on July 26th to worldwide critical acclaim and debuted at #8 on the Billboard Rock Chart. The band has released four videos to date for the tracks “In Stitches,” “Exhausted,” “Mousetrap,” and “Apple of Discord.” The band has received major support from the Sirius XM channel Liquid Metal.
Category 7 was produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Mike Orlando at Sonic Stomp Studios with art and layout by Carlos Fides at Artside Studio (Angra, Evergrey, Kamelot). Stream and purchase the record at: metalblade.com/category7.
Europe – English Friends…we have a handful of Headline Shows to end the year and we are dragging our Old Friends and California Thrash Metal legends SADUS with us! Where will WE meet YOU? Tickets OnSale Friday!!
Florida’s own power metal force, SEVEN KINGDOMS, is thrilled to announce their signing with Reigning Phoenix Music. This exciting partnership marks a new chapter for the band, kicking off with the highly anticipated release of their upcoming EP, The Square, on November 8th, 2024
In celebration of this announcement, SEVEN KINGDOMS has dropped a brand-new single and accompanying music video for the EP’s title track, “The Square.” The song delivers the band’s signature blend of high-energy riffs, soaring vocals, and epic power metal melodies, while the video brings the track to life with a captivating, cinematic experience that fans are sure to love. Watch the video for “The Square” HERE.
Guitarist Camden Cruz comments: “It’s an honor and privilege to join the RPM family alongside bands like Helloween, Kerry King, Meshuggah, Sonata Arctica and many more! We’ve been independent for some time, and we’re thrilled to join a team where that independence can coexist with a proper label. With this EP we have best of both worlds behind us and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship here with Reigning Phoenix Music!”
“The Square is our latest offering. In this EP we deliver a sampling of what sounds and feels we are aiming to bring to the next full release which will also come out on RPM late next year! We hope you love it as much as we do, and we will bring this material on our North American Headlining tour with Striker and Lutharo in November and December and also to Europe when we support Unleash The Archers in February and March 2025!”
Reigning Phoenix Music states: “RPM is very excited to start our new partnership with DMG (Distortion Music Group) and Maurizio Iacono, and offering a new song from Seven Kingdoms is a great way to kick it off!”
Manager Maurizio Iacono further adds: “With the new firepower that RPM will be providing to DMG artists, you can bet that American power metal sensation Seven Kingdoms will be making a lot of noise in the coming year. The Floridians are one of the fastest-rising heavy metal bands from North America, and we expect them to make waves worldwide with their virtuoso guitar skills, impressive vocal range, catchy anthems, and entertaining live shows.”
Sabrina Cruz – Vocals Camden Cruz – Guitars Kevin Byrd – Guitars Keith Byrd -Drums
In addition to the EP’s release, SEVEN KINGDOMS will embark on an extensive touring schedule. The band will kick off with a North American headlining tour in November and December, joined by STRIKER, LUTHARO, and OSYRON for select dates. Following that, they will support power metal legends UNLEASH THE ARCHERS on a European tour in February and March 2025.
11/9 – Boozers Rock Bar – Corpus Christi, TX 11/10 – Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 11/11 – Haltom Theater – Haltom, TX 11/12 – 89th Street – Oklahoma City, OK 11/13 – Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM 11/14 – Vultures – Colorado Springs, CO 11/16 – Last Exit Live – Phoenix, AZ 11/17 – Sinwave – Las Vegas, NV 11/18 – Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 11/19 – Knucklehead – Los Angeles, CA 11/20 – DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA 11/21 – Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR 11/22 – El Corazon – Seattle, WA 11/23 – Jacknife – Kelowna, BC 11/25 – Dicken’s – Calgary, AB # 11/26 – The Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB # 11/27 – The Black Cat – Saskatoon, SK # 11/28 – Sidestage – Winnipeg, MB # 11/30 – Reggies – Chicago, IL 12/1 – Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 12/3 – Meadows – Brooklyn, NY 12/4 – Metro – Baltimore, MD 12/5 – Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC 12/6 – The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA 12/7 – The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 12/8 – Conduit – Orlando, FL
# = Osyron Joins
European Tour Supporting UNLEASH THE ARCHERS:
12.02 – Substage – Karlsruhe, DE 13.02 – Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, DE 14.02 – Live Music Hall – Cologne, DE 15.02 – De Kreun – Kortrijk, BE 16.02 – The Underworld – London, GB 17.02 – La Machine – Paris, FR 19.02 – Dynamo – Zurich, CH 20.02 – Legend Club – Milan, IT 21.02 – Backstage – Munich, DE 22.02 – Masters Of Rock Cafe – Zlin, CZ 23.02 – Barba Negra – Budapest, HU 25.02 – Szene – Vienna, AT 26.02 – Kwadrat – Cracow, PL 27.02 – Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE 28.02 – Rockhal – Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU 01.03 – Kronensaal – Hamburg, DE 02.03 – Patronaat – Haarlem, NL
International Deathcore/Power Metal dynamos, DRAGONCORPSE, are back and armed with a vibrant new EP, The Fall of House Abbarath! Set for a November 1 release on Shattered Earth Records, the EP is nothing short of a game changer for the quintet.
On the new EP, the band took its already innovative, energetic sound, created through the fusion of deathcore and power metal, and sharpened it to a fine point on The Fall of House Abbarath. DRAGONCORPSE took the feedback gathered from the release of debut EP, The Drakketh Saga, to heart and used it to refine their approach.
“For new fans, I believe we’ve added more elements of deathcore and power metal while adding more excitement into the music for an authentic listening experience like no other band,” bassist Noah Nikolas Laidlaw explains. “We put a lot of emphasis on the atmosphere of the music,” adds drummer Justin Gogan. “Throughout the entire EP there is a medieval theming that resonates in the music that keeps the tracks feeling refreshing and fun. With the addition of Mark on keys/orchestration, he brought with him a completely different approach to songwriting that I am sure fans are going to appreciate!”
FFO: Dragonforce, 3 Inches of Blood, Nekrogoblikon, Lorna Shore, Brand of Sacrifice
All songs performed by: DRAGONCORPSE. All songs written by: DRAGONCORPSE. Produced by: DRAGONCORPSE and Matt Schmidt. Mixed by: Matt Schmidt. Mastered by: Matt Schmidt. Album artwork by: Avellustration.
BAND BIO:
DRAGONCORPSE is a death metal band that fuses power metal and deathcore, creating a unique sound marked by operatic vocals and guttural screams. They stand out with their symphonic elements, adding depth and creativity to their music. The band, with members across Canada, the U.S., and Australia, maintains a cohesive, powerful sound despite the distance.
Known for their humor, they embrace memes and use the term “DRAGUSSY” to playfully reference their love for dragons in power metal culture. DRAGONCORPSE offers a dynamic and distinctive experience for fans of death metal, power metal, or deathcore.
Progressive deathcore giants WITHIN THE RUINS will kick off a short run of Southwestern headlining shows next week with support provided by Gore. Later this month, the band will head East for another round of shows in the US and Canada. Support will be provided by Dreamwake. In December, the band will join Shadows Fall for their 20th anniversary celebration of The War Within at the historic Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Tickets for all shows are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below and stay tuned for additional WITHIN THE RUINS shows to be announced in the weeks to come.
WITHIN THE RUINS w/ Gore.: 10/09/2024 Jake’s – Lubbock, TX 10/10/2024 Roxy Theater – Denver, CO 10/11/2024 89th Street – Oklahoma City, OK 10/12/2024 RBC – Dallas, TX 10/13/2024 Vibes Underground – San Antonio, TX
w/ Dreamwake: 10/23/2024 The Foundry – Lakewood, OH 10/24/2024 The Pike Room – Pontiac, MI 10/25/2024 Lee’s (Cave) – Toronto, ON 10/26/2024 Foufounes – Montreal, QC 10/27/2024 Webester Underground – Hartford, CT End Tour
12/21/2024 The Palladium — Worcester, MA w/ Shadows Fall, Unearth, E-Town Concrete, Jasta, Brick By Brick
Phenomena II is available on CD, LP, and digital formats. Find orders at THIS LOCATION.
Watch WITHIN THE RUINS’ videos for “The Last Son” HERE, “Castle In The Sky,” HERE, and “Demon Killer” HERE.
Evolution drives longevity. WITHIN THE RUINS relentlessly pushes forward, incinerating complacency and innovating out of its ashes. The Western Massachusetts quartet — Joe Cocchi (guitar), Kevin McGuill (drums), Paolo Galang (bass, clean vocals), and Steve Tinnon (lead vocals) — razes convention with a sonic sensory onslaught anchored by polyrhythmic bludgeoning, head-nodding grooves, viscerally evocative vocals, and vivid storytelling.
Their controlled chaos has resulted in tens of millions of streams (a rarity for acts this uncompromisingly heavy), packed houses on tour, and widespread acclaim courtesy of Alternative Press, American Songwriter, Loudwire, Metal Injection, Phoenix New Times, and many more.
Now, they continue to evolve on their seventh full-length offering, Phenomena II. “When you listen to us, we hope you feel like you found some fresh metal,” notes Cocchi. “After doing anything for a long time, it’s easy to get stuck in your ways. So, we always try to present something you haven’t heard before — and you aren’t going to get anywhere else.”
“We couldn’t be happier Phenomena II is finally out for everyone to hear,” adds Tinnon. “We’re extremely proud of how it turned out, and we hope you all enjoy the characters and songs as much as we enjoyed making it!”
Featuring Cameos from Members of Metal Church, Manowar and Immortal Guardian
Austin (TX) – Returning with their latest call-to-arms, Texas metal warlords IGNITOR are once again battle-ready with the release of their new album, Horns and Hammers.
Another storm-the-gates, metal onslaught, Horns and Hammersdelivers all the dramatic power and fury that landed previous albums Haunted by Rock ‘N’ Roll and The Golden Age of Black Magick in the hallowed realms of Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Raven, Dio, Accept and other legendary keepers of the metal creed.
From the title track’s speed-metal war cry and the Maiden-esque “Imperial Bloodlines” to the cowbell-driven “Shattered Crosses” and the 70s-inspired heavy metal of “Ferocious the Martyrs” (featuring guest keyboardist Gabriel Guardian of Immortal Guardian) the 11-track Horns and Hammers a mighty mix of classic heavy metal spiked with NWOBHM, thrash, power metal and the atmospheric textures of prog-metal and fantasy.
Photo Credit: Steve Miller
“We raised the bar high with our last two albums so we couldn’t settle for anything less than a full-on metal assault,” said founding guitarist Stuart “Batlord” Laurence. “We’ve always honored our influences, but we’re also very insistent that our music – first and foremost – sounds like IGNITOR. With Horns and Hammers, we’ve covered the spectrum of metal and taken Ignitor to a whole new level.”
Fronted by the soaring vocals of Jason McMaster (Watchtower, Dangerous Toys, Broken Teeth), IGNITOR’s strength is further forged by guitarist Robert Williams, bassist Billy “Chainsaw” Dansfiell and drummer Pat Doyle. Whether charging and pounding like clashing titans (“Dark Horse,” “Chaos Maximus Eternal”) or luring the listener into gothic tales of doom and deceit (“Suicide Anthem,” “Taken Up With Serpents”), IGNITOR delivers with shuddering impact.
Check out the promotional video for music, interviews, and album info at: youtu.be/ip1xGHaGH_4.
“Robert brought a ton of songs and riff ideas to the table and Billy had some great ideas that blossomed into full-blown songs,” Laurence said. “Once we started jamming with Pat’s pummeling backbeat, we knew we had something special.”
“As the arrangements started coming together, I found myself completely immersed and inspired to come up with the lyrical themes and characters to carry the songs to completion,” McMaster added. “I’m really proud of the band’s individual and collective contributions, and I think we all agree that Horns and Hammers is a triumph by any measure.”
The album’s stunning cover art – featuring a medieval warrior and his mighty steed surveying a hellish killing field – comes courtesy of renowned fantasy/sci-fi artist Claudio Bergamin, whose credits include Judas Priest (Firepower), Burning Witches (The Witch of the North), Cassius King (Field Trip) and Klassik ’78 (Phantoms), among others.
Produced and mastered by Stuart “Batlord” Laurence at Emphatic Audio in Austin, TX, Horns and Hammers was mastered for vinyl by Cris Burns. “Hell Shall Be Your Home” was recorded live in Austin TX at Kick Butt Coffee in 2019, and engineered by Ernie Basaldua with mixing by Stuart “Batlord” Laurence.
U.S. residents can pre-order the CD directly from the band at ignitorband.com/merch. Orders will ship no later than October 15.
Track Listing:
1. Horns And Hammers 2. Imperial Bloodlines 3. Dark Horse 4. Cyber Crush 5. Shattered Crosses 6. Taking Up With Serpents 7. Ferocious The Martyrs 8. Suicide Anthem 9. Chaos Maximus Eternal 10. Machine Gun (Saxon cover)* 11. Terminous
Note: “Hell Shall Be Your Home” appears on the Metal On Metal Records version.
All songs written, recorded and performed by Ignitor, except *“Machine Gun,” originally written, recorded and performed by Saxon, Carrere Music Ltd 1980.
Vinyl and CD versions wil be distributed through Revolt Vinyl Records in North and South America in November. This version will include a bonus track of the Saxon classic “Machine Gun,” featuring guest appearances by Ross The Boss (Manowar, Dictators), Marc Lopes (Metal Church, Let Us Prey, Ross The Boss) and Gabriel Guardian (Immortal Guardian). Look for the companion video of that song very soon. This version will soon be available for streaming and purchase on all digital platforms.
The vinyl version of Horns and Hammers will be released on Metal World Records in Europe.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
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