Mystical masters of heavy metal CASTLE RATT recently announced their latest epic The Bestiary will be unleashed on September 19th via King Volume Records (US) and Blues Funeral Recordings (UK/Europe).
Today, the otherworldly outliers introduce fans to the protagonist in their forthcoming saga, the “Wizard.” Available for streaming now, and accompanied by an enchanting video revealed at Decibel, “WIZARD” sets an ominous and heavy tone for one of metal’s most bewitching odysseys.
Regarding the new single, Charley Ruddell (Plague Doctor) states:
“Musically, ‘WIZARD’ was a big step in a new direction for us as a band. We found ourselves collaborating more closely with each other and piecing together ideas more intricately than on previous songs. We channeled the new wave of british heavy metal; the galloping drum break and harmonized guitar leads were largely inspired by Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Franco’s solo at the end, which was recorded in one take, was inspired by ‘Electric Eye.’”
Since their formation in 2019, CASTLE RAT have created a vivid labyrinth of fantasy lore led by “The Rat Queen” (AKA Riley Pinkerton). Together with “The Count,” “The Plague Doctor” and “The All-Seeing Druid,” the group has carried out countless battles against “The Rat Reaperess” with riffs, swords and spells on stages across the country.
Recorded by Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Wolves in the Throne Room, Björk) and mixed by Jonathan Nuñez (Torche, Restless Spirit), the band’s latest odyssey features 13 spellbinding tracks of epic carnage and mystical metal.
Commenting on the new album, The Rat Queen says:
“The Bestiary’ is a conceptual book of beasts containing a collection of mystical creatures from a world forgotten. The last remaining souls of each have been gathered and preserved by ‘The Wizard.’ Cautionary tales of each beast and The Wizard himself are woven through the power of traditional heavy metal song and spell.”
THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER! OUR NEW ALBUM, VIDEO SINGLE, TOUR DATES & COVER REVEALED!
2 years after the release of THE DARK TOWER, we are excited to introduce you to INQUISITION, our highly anticipated new album, that will be released on August 22nd, 2025 via Napalm Records.
Our new album cover painted for the band by our friend magicfingers Gyula Havancsák, the videoclip recorded by Dream Film Factory and for the recording and production, our old friend V.O.Pulver at Little Creek Studio in Switzerland!
Inquisition will be available on August 22, 2025 in the following formats:
1 CD Digipak
1 LP Black
1 LP Translucent Orange (GSA, CH – SWISS EDITION)
1 LP Translucent Orange Black Splatter
1 LP Cross Red Black
2 LP Die Hard Gold Black Marbled (feat. 1 LP Inquisition + 1 LP The Night Of The Witch LIVE Album, 8p Booklet)
BLACK RED Band Limited numbered to 200 edition with poster.
Deluxe Wooden Box (feat. CD + Live CD + Autograph Card + Pendant + Gloves + Patch)
Music Cassette
Digital Album
BURNING WITCHES Live – US Tour:
08/30/25 – Pompano Beach – FL – Piper’s Pub 08/31/25 – Clearwater – FL – Road House 09/02/25 – Atlanta – GA – Masquerade 09/04/25 – Covington – KY – Madison Live 09/05/25 – Westland – MI – Token Lounge 09/06/25 – Columbus – OH – The King Of Clubs 09/07/25 – Cleveland – OH – Beachland Ballroom 09/09/25 – Pittsburgh – PA – Crafthouse Stage & Grill 09/10/25 – Harrisburg – PA – Club XL 09/11/25 – Philadelphia – PA – City Winery 09/12/25 – Teaneck – NJ – The Debonair Music Hall 09/13/25 – New Bedford – MA – The Vault 09/14/25 – Hampton Beach – NH – Wally’s 09/17/25 – Annapolis – MD – Rams Head On Stage 09/18/25 – Virginia Beach – VA – Elevation 27 09/20/25 – Sanford – FL – West End Trading Co
Europe – WITCHES AND KINGS TOUR 2026:
09.01.26 Milano – Legend Club IT 10.01.26 Obertraubling – Airport DE 11.01.26 Zlin – Masters Of Rock Cafe CZ 13.01.26 Rubigen – Mühle Hunziken CH 14.01.26 Brugg – Salzhaus CH 15.01.26 Basel – Sudhaus CH 16.01.26 Langenthal – Old Capitol CH 17.01.26 Zug – Galvanik CH 18.01.26 St.Gallen – Grabenhalle CH 19.01.26 Glarus – Kulturzentrum Hölastei CH 20.01.26 Monthey – Pont Rouge CH 21.01.26 Wetzikon – Kulturfabrik CH 23.01.26 London – The Dome UK 24.01.26 Birmingham – The Asylum UK 25.01.26 Manchester – Academy 3 UK 27.01.26 Kortrijk – DVG Club BE 28.01.26 Paris – Backstage By The Mill FR 29.01.26 Essen – Turock DE 30.01.26 Kaiserslautern – Kammgarn DE 31.01.26 Aschaffenburg – Colos Saal DE 01.02.26 München – Backstage Halle DE 03.02.26 Nürnberg – Hirsch DE 04.02.26 Leipzig – Hellraiser DE 05.02.26 Hannover – Musikzentrum DE 06.02.26 Hamburg – Logo DE 07.02.26 Uden – De Pul NL 08.02.26 Heerlen – Nieuwe Nor NL 10.02.26 Lyon – Rock N Eat FR 11.02.26 Barcelona – Salamandra ESP 12.02.26 Murcia – Garaje ESP 13.02.26 Madrid – Revi Live ESP 14.02.26 Vitoria – Urban Rock ESP
ADDITIONAL DATES:
25.04.26 Reinhardshagen – Wezer Metal Meeting DE 03.05.26 Diest – Hell Open Air BEL 09.05.26 Rautheim DE Rock In Rautheim DE 26.06.26 Oschersleben – Rock & Metal Dayz DE
Montreal death metal juggernaut KATAKLYSM is proud to announce their co-headlining slot alongside Polish death metal pioneers VADER on the Carnival of Death 2025 North American tour. The tour brings with it a no-holds-barred lineup featuring the legendary MALEVOLENT CREATION and rising death thrashers SKELETAL REMAINS, guaranteeing a night of relentless brutality in every city. Get your tickets HERE.
The 26-date carnage kicks off October 1st in Bensalem, PA, and storms through major cities across the U.S. and Canada, including stops in Atlanta, Tampa, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and Brooklyn. Canadian fans will witness KATAKLYSM close out each show from Toronto through Montreal, ensuring a fitting home soil finale for the band.
🗓️ Oct 1 – Bensalem, PA – Broken Goblet 🗓️ Oct 2 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819 🗓️ Oct 3 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Heaven) 🗓️ Oct 4 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum 🗓️ Oct 6 – Ft. Worth, TX – Tulips 🗓️ Oct 7 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live 🗓️ Oct 8 – El Paso, TX – Rockhouse Bar & Grill 🗓️ Oct 9 – Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater 🗓️ Oct 10 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick 🗓️ Oct 11 – West Hollywood, CA – Whisky-A-Go-Go 🗓️ Oct 12 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge 🗓️ Oct 13 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post 🗓️ Oct 14 – Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar 🗓️ Oct 16 – Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater 🗓️ Oct 17 – Kansas City, MO – Warehouse on Broadway 🗓️ Oct 18 – Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theater – Studio B 🗓️ Oct 19 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s 🗓️ Oct 20 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge 🗓️ Oct 21 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace* 🗓️ Oct 22 – Ottawa, ON – Overflow* 🗓️ Oct 23 – Quebec City, QC – Salle Montaigne* 🗓️ Oct 24 – Montreal, QC – Fairmount Theatre* 🗓️ Oct 25 – Syracuse, NY – The Lost Horizon 🗓️ Oct 26 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Monarch *Kataklysm headlines all Canadian dates.
Tickets are on sale now. Don’t miss your chance to witness this once-in-a-generation tour of death metal dominance.
5RAND have officially signed with Art Gates Records for the release of their upcoming third album. This new alliance marks a significant step forward in the band’s evolution, as they continue to refine their signature blend of modern heaviness and cinematic atmosphere.
To celebrate the signing, the band has unveiled a brand-new single,“The Nihilist”, featuring Milofrom Fear Factory. The track delivers a fierce mix of punishing riffs, industrial undertones, and emotionally raw vocals, accompanied by a powerful music video that explores themes of identity loss and psychological inversion. “The Nihilist” offers a first glimpse into the darker, more introspective sound of their forthcoming record, due out in November 2025.
Hailing from Rome, Italy, 5RAND builds on a punishing modern metal foundation, layered with the cinematic depth of melodic death metal, creating an intense and emotionally immersive soundscape. Fronted by the dynamic dual vocals of Julia Elenoir, shifting seamlessly from visceral growls to haunting clean melodies, the band has carved out a distinctive place in the modern metal scene.
Founded by Pierluigi Carocci (guitar), Acey Guns (bass), Andrea De Carolis (drums), and Elenoir (vocals), 5RAND first made waves with their debut Sacred/Scared, followed by the critically acclaimed Dark Mother. The band has since toured extensively across Europe, sharing the stage with iconic acts such as Dark Tranquillity, Vader, Butcher Babies, Infected Rain, and many others.
In 2025, 5RAND will unveil their most ambitious work to date, a bold new album mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, featuring a powerful guest appearance by the new Fear Factory vocalist, Milo Silvestro. This upcoming release signals a sonic evolution: darker, more introspective, and conceptually daring.
The band’s name, drawn from a chance encounter with a shaman and a South African 5 Rand coin, symbolizes unexpected paths and transformative experiences. Their music explores themes of identity, emotional detachment, philosophy, and human resilience, all woven together through a multidisciplinary artistic vision that spans both sound and visuals.
Line-up:
Julia Elenoir – Voice Pierluigi Carocci – Guitar Acey Guns – Bass Andrea De Carolis – Drums
Legendary debut album Melancholia originally released by Cold Meat Industry in 1996, to receive new CD & Vinyl treatment after nearly 30 years
Melancholia Redux to feature re-recorded music, and rewritten English lyrics
Norwegian darkwave pioneers Penitent have released a new video for their track, “Beyond the Whispering Echoes“, as the band prepares for the anticipated release of Melancholia Redux, a profound re-imagining of their 1996 Cold Meat Industry debut, Melancholia.
“Beyond the Whispering Echoes” is now also streaming via all digital platforms, along with the single and video for “The Path of the Shadows” (YouTube)
Set for release on 30 May 2025 via The CircleMusic, Melancholia Redux is far more than a simple re-recording. Almost every element has been transformed, featuring entirely re-recorded music and rewritten English lyrics, offering fans a fresh and intense perspective on this seminal work.
Regarding the new video, Karsten Hamrecommented, “Creating the visual counterpart for ‘Beyond the Whispering Echoes’ allowed us to delve deeper into the atmosphere of Melancholia Redux. The video aims to reflect the introspective and melancholic journey of the track, bringing the re-imagined lyrics and music to life in a new dimension.”
Melancholia Redux will be available in a variety of exclusive formats, designed to appeal to collectors and audiophiles:
Digi CD with 12-page booklet: (Limited to 500 copies)
Clear & Black Splatter LP with Printed Inner Sleeve: (Limited to 250 copies)
Red & Turquoise Splatter LP with Printed Inner Sleeve: (Limited to 150 copies)
Luxurious LP/CD Box with Magnet Embossed in Gold: (Limited to 100 copies)
As previously announced, the release of Melancholia Redux marks the beginning of Penitent’s collaboration with The Circle Music. Plans are already in motion for further “Redux” versions of their extensive back catalogue, including The Beauty of Pain, As Life Fades Away, and Roses by ChaosSpawned, alongside exciting new, never-before-released material.
For over three decades, Karsten Hamre, the heart and soul of Penitent, has consistently crafted dark and eerie melodies to accompany his introspective poetry. His unique personal journey has fueled a creative output that feels revitalized, like a complete restart.
Penitent has been a significant name in dark music since the early 1990s, exploring themes of loss, pain, and melancholy through their distinctive musical art. Founded by Karsten Hamre in 1994 to combine his “mad poetry” with music, the band released their debut album Melancholia in 1996 on Cold Meat Industry, quickly establishing their unique sound of sad and somber synth music with spoken word. Over the years, Penitent has evolved, incorporating elements of neo-classical, martial industrial, and more, always driven by Hamre’s artistic vision.
Swedish metal outfit Stygian Fair return with a brand-new single titled “Abide Your Master”, now available on all digital platforms. The track offers a first taste of their forthcoming full-length album, The Hidden Realm slated for release via Rockshots Records.
With a strong discography that includes Panta Rei (2018), Nadir (2020), Equilibrium (2021) and the critically acclaimed Aradia (2023), Stygian Fair continue to carve out their own path, defying trends and embracing pure, emotionally resonant metal.
“Abide Your Master” takes on the dangers of blind obedience; of abandoning your conscience to follow a demagogue without question. Heavy, urgent and unflinching, it asks what happens when we stop thinking for ourselves… and start worshipping the very force that’s leading us over the edge.
While details about The Hidden Realm remain under wraps, the album sees Stygian Fair pushing further than ever before; more direct, more melodic, and more accessible without losing the edge that defines them. They’ve sharpened both their sound and their message; the songs hit faster, dig deeper, and speak louder.
Lyrically, The Hidden Realm explores everything from political collapse and mass delusion to natural disaster, ancient mysteries, and inner reckoning. It’s a record about the worlds we ignore, the truths we tend to bury, and the consequences of silence.
For fans of Tad Morose, Memento Mori, and those who long for metal with both weight and heart, “Abide Your Master” is a compelling invitation into the world of Stygian Fair. A world where music is crafted with intention, passion, and no compromises. We’re opening a door. Welcome inside
The Hidden Realmwill be released on July 11th, 2025, via Rockshots Records.
Track Listing: 1. The Hidden Realm 2. Abide Your Master 3. Into The Well 4. Peel The Layers Off 5. What You’re Fighting For 6. All Of Us 7. Dawn 8. Meteor 9. Anthem Of The Lost 10. Rise From The Shadows 11. Ferwor Of Fools
STYGIAN FAIR – Line Up: Andreas Stoltz: Vocals, Guitar Emil Holmqvist: Guitar Anders Hedman: Bass P-O Jonsson: Drums
All songs written by Andreas Stoltz, Emil Holmqvist, Per-Olov Jonsson and Anders Hedman. Produced by Stygian Fair and recorded at Ballerina Studios in Umeå. Mixed by Marcus Jidell and mastered by CJ Grimmark.
Today marks the epic convergence of three cultural titans: Diablo®, the critically acclaimed franchise that defined the Action RPG genre; acclaimed manga,Berserk; and Finnish heavy metal band, BEAST IN BLACK, who have collaborated to launch an exclusive track ‘Enter The Behelit.’ Releasing on limited-edition vinyl and worldwide digital distribution, a music video has debuted as well, to mark the unleashing of this unholy event.
The crossover event with Berserk – the beloved, classic manga written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura – will take place in Diablo® IV and its mobile instillation, Diablo Immortal, beginning May 6 and May 1 respectively. Both Diablo and Berserk explore themes of good versus evil against a backdrop of terrifying darkness, making this crossover a perfect match for fans.
The Maxi Single
The limited-edition maxi single will feature a brand-new song ‘Enter The Behelit’ from BEAST IN BLACK, inspired by Berserk and produced exclusively for the game, as well as remastered versions of fan favourite tracks ‘Die By The Blade’ from the album From Hell With Love, and ‘The Fifth Angel’ from the band’s debut album, Berserker.
With many songs taking inspiration from Berserk story and characters, the Finnish heavy metal band’s music often reflects the undercurrents of struggle, fighting against overwhelming odds, and battling inner demons – themes that are prevalent in the games of the Diablo franchise.
Two hundred maxi singles have been lathe cut on black and red marbled vinyl and feature artwork from Diablo IV and Diablo Immortal, all created hand in hand the Diablo art team and the Berserk IP holders. The front of the vinyl heroes Diablo IV, while the back features key art from Diablo Immortal. The vinyl also includes a turntable zoetrope slipmat, band stickers, behind the scenes negative photos and concept art from the Diablo IV development team behind the Berserk partnership.
“The essence that swells in boundless volumes from the juxtaposition of light and darkness, angels and demons, good and evil, the carnal and the spiritual, is the key that seamlessly binds together the aesthetics and narratives of Diablo, Berserk and Beast In Black’’, said Anton Kabanen, guitarist and songwriter on BEAST IN BLACK.
“To somewhat poetically reflect on this extraordinary yet congruous collaboration I can say it feels almost as if this newborn and destined-to-be trinity has been designed by the God Hand itself. On behalf of Beast In Black’s team I express our sincerest gratitude to the dedicated teams at Blizzard, Berserk and Nuclear Blast. Thank you for making this happen. And finally, my individual acknowledgement and bottomless gratitude goes – as always – to Kentaro Miura’’.
The track will be digitally distributed by Beast in Black’s record label, Nuclear Blast, and has gone live on streaming platforms on April 28th, with a music video being launched on Nuclear Blast’s YouTube.
Photo credits: Jarmo Katila, Toni Kilpinen, Dennis Båvenmark
‘Enter The Behelit’ is accompanied by a bespoke video from award winning director, Katri Ilona Koppanen, who also directed the music videos forBEAST IN BLACK tracks: ‘Moonlight Rendezvous’, ‘Hardcore’, ‘Power Of The Beast’ and ‘One Night In Tokyo’. The exclusive video features an animated trailer, inspired by Diablo and Berserk and incorporates the band’s love of the manga and gothic art of Diablo, bringing the story of ‘Enter The Behelit’to life.
Shot in Helsinki, Finland, the music video will also receive a behind the scenes making of video showcassing the collision of the dark worlds of Diablo x Berserk, with the support of Beast in Black.
Berserk Crossover in Diablo Games
Diablo IV Season 8: Belial’s Return, has launched on 29th April and heralds the return of Belial, one of Diablo’s Great Evils, and marks the continuation of Diablo’s dark storytelling in the form of challenging boss fights and even greater spoils.
For the month of May, Diablo players will have the chance to slaughter demons donning iconic Berserk-themed cosmetics. to date and incredible in-game content.
In Diablo IV, this includes the Berserker armour for the Barbarian, Skull Knight skin for the Necromancer, as well as the “Chimimoryo” as an in-game pet. Additional items can also be earned through gameplay or for purchase in the in-game shop.
In Diablo Immortal, players will be able to gear up in Guts’ Berserker armour or Griffith’s incarnated armour, play alongside a Golem as a familiar, and even face off against iconic characters from the Manga series. The crossover includes a boss fight with Nosferatu Zodd, one of the most formidable foes of the Berserk series, an eclipse inspired Survivor’s Bane mini-game and Griffith and Guts inspired cosmetics for every class of the game.
You can find out more details about Diablo IV: Belial’s Return and the Crossover between Diablo and Berserk here:
Photo Credit: Red Cain | L-R: Samuel Ridout, Evgeniy Zayarny, Taylor Gibson, Oman Tribuzy
Set to perform at this year’s Hyperspace Metal Festival in Vancouver, BC on April 10th, power prog storytellers RED CAIN are unveiling their new single “FWAB” (Fire Water, Air, Blood). With its heavy balalaika breakdown, downtuned heavy riffs, and soaring harmonized choruses among atmospheric industrial synth backing, “FWAB” hits hard and never lets go – a primeval ritual chant in front of cold stone, on a frozen steppe, among howling winds.
The band explains the story of the track in further detail:
“In the frozen Eastern European steppes, there stood a fell ancient god. Every ill word fed him, and every ill deed made him more potent. For millennia, he grew strong through kingship over mortal ill will, suffering, and pride, until his nourishment took a new form, unable to feed or strengthen. Without nourishment, the god was powerless, and without power, he slept. After millennia, fed full by ill words and ill deeds, searching for an awakening, the god demands the symbols of his power: Fire, Water, Air, Blood. Join the ritual sacrament of Chernobog. With this new release, the Slavic pagan ritual to call forth the “Black God” takes flight, asking the listener what they would be willing to change their fate.”
Red Cain will be performing on night one of this year’s Hyperspace Metal Festival in Vancouver, BC, on April 10th at The Cobalt alongside Glyph, Tower Hill, Serpent Rider, and Crüzer. Full details on the Hyperspace Metal Festival being held from April 10th to 12th can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival
Red Cain, from Calgary, Canada, is a modern progressive metal project with Eastern European roots. They have been making waves since their first release in 2016, with award-winning music videos and concept albums Kindred: Act I, Kindred: Act II, and NÄE’BLISS. The albums contained a ton of genre inspirations, from gothic rock to ambient electronica, power, black, and death metal, and were universally lauded for their inventiveness, variety, and strong conceptual content. They continue this momentum with forthcoming releases.
Red Cain: Evgeniy Zayarny – Vocals Samuel Ridout – Guitar Oman Costa – Guitar Taylor Gibson – Drums
Emerging from the historic shadows of Oslo’s Gallows Hill, the death metal-punk power trio GALGEBERG is set to release their explosive debut album Cerberus on March 28, 2025. Named after the infamous execution site turned intersection, GALGEBERG‘s music captures the site’s eerie resonance, transforming it into a blistering sound that’s as profound as the place’s dark past.
Cerberus, named for the mythological three-headed guard dog of Hades, is an album that embodies the beast’s ferocity. Recorded in a single, intense 16-hour session at Amber Studio, the album is a relentless fusion of death metal and punk, with lyrical themes that delve into the depths of societal decay, religious skepticism, and political corruption.
GALGEBERG, comprising seasoned musicians recognized from various influential bands, has crafted an album that not only challenges the norm but also offers a critical, enraged commentary on the current state of the world. The band’s raw, aggressive sound coupled with their sharp, insightful lyrics promise to make Cerberus a landmark release in the metal community.
The album features six tracks, each a heavy hitter in its own right. From the scathing critique of divine justice in “Epicurean Paradox” to the unsettling expose of the meat industry in “Unparalleled Suffering,” and the poignant homage to Sinéad O’Connor in “Ode to O’Connor,” GALGEBERG‘s debut promises a compelling mix of music and message.
About GALGEBERG:
Formed in the heart of Oslo, Norway, in 2022, GALGEBERG is a metal band that deftly combines the brute force of old-school death metal with the rebellious spirit of punk. The band consists of seasoned musicians Peter Vegem on guitars and lead vocals, Bård Eithun on drums, and Peter “Bosse” Boström on bass and backing vocals, each bringing a rich history from various influential bands in the metal scene, such as BLOOD TSUNAMI, DJEVEL, EMPEROR, MONGO NINJA, STUDFAUST, HELLRIDE, and BRUT BOOGALOO.
GALGEBERG’s music is characterized by its intense energy, complex lyrical themes, and the unmistakable growl of HM2 pedals that drive their sound. Their influences stretch across the Atlantic, nodding frequently towards the gritty, raw sounds of Stockholm death metal, yet they manage to infuse a unique flavor that sets them apart.
Named after a historical site in Oslo known for its dark past and mystical aura, GALGEBERG channels this intensity and mystique into their music, creating a powerful and immersive listening experience. Their commitment to addressing profound and often controversial themes, ranging from philosophical skepticism to societal injustices, demonstrates the band’s dedication not only to musical excellence but also to sparking conversation and reflection among their listeners.
With their debut album, Cerberus, GALGEBERG is set to cement their place in the metal world, promising to deliver a relentless assault on the senses paired with intellectually provocative lyrics. The band invites listeners into a world where music confronts the conventional and challenges the status quo, making GALGEBERG a standout act in the global metal community.
The wait is over! Modern metal powerhouse REEPER, led by multi-instrumentalist and visionary Elias Andrada, have released their new explosive single and music video “Circuit Collapse” available today, March 3rd, across all streaming platforms and YouTube.
The music video, directed by Iván Mulero (OTHERSIDE PRODUCTIONS), captures the intensity of the band’s modern metal sound through a unique visual approach and a powerful narrative.
Elias Andrada shared on the single: “Circuit Collapse is a dark and introspective journey through mental collapse and redemption in the midst of chaos. With a melancholic and tense atmosphere, the song explores the internal struggle against despair and the search for meaning in the darkness. Through immersive soundscapes and lyrics that paint a city in flames and paths with no return, REEPER delivers an intense, cinematic experience.”
Elias’ single Photo by Eduard Kelel
“Circuit Collapse is not just a reflection of anxiety and existential void, but also an anthem of resilience, embracing the darkness, surrendering to it, and learning to breathe again. This single marks the first glimpse into REEPER’s upcoming album, solidifying their powerful and atmospheric sound in the modern metal scene. Special thanks, to all the crew, and our friend vocal performer Luis Ribeiro, from Ashes in the Ocean!”
“This music video redefines metal energy with stunning visuals and a powerful sound.”
Credits: Producer: Elias Andrada Composed by: REEPER
Just recently REEPER released his highly anticipated The Butterfly Effect Deluxe Edition – available now across all major digital platforms. Order it here: https://acortar.link/I1hKOP.
Progressive metal supergroup ICEFISH is thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated cover of Rush’s classic track “Animate”. Recorded live in Chorzów, Poland, this stunning performance honors the legacy of Rush while delivering ICEFISH’s signature technical brilliance and modern progressive edge.
Featuring a lineup of world-class musicians, Andrea Casali (vocals and bass), Alex Argento (Virgil Donati, Corrado Rustici, Zucchero) – keyboards, Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie, PFM) – guitar, Virgil Donati (Planet X, Asia, Steve Vai) – drums, ICEFISH bring unparalleled precision and passion to this iconic song. Their rendition seamlessly blends the spirit of the original with their unique creative style, offering fans a fresh perspective on one of Rush’s most beloved tracks.
The live video, captured during the band’s powerful performance in Chorzów, Poland, premiered on YouTube, providing fans with a visual experience that showcases ICEFISH’s electrifying stage presence and exceptional musicianship.
Death metal gladiators EXDEO, the Juno-nominated project of KATAKYLSM frontman Maurizio Iacono, have unleashed their highly anticipated new EP Year Of the Four Emperorson Reigning Phoenix Music, via its partnership with Distortion Music Group. The album is out now digitally and on CD, with a limited edition vinyl to follow on March 14th, 2025. To celebrate, the band has also unveiled a stunning lyric video for the EP’s penultimate track “Vitellius”. The lyrics reveal a man driven by bloodlust, yet powerless to escape his fate. Vitellius’ violent end is portrayed with haunting finality, a reminder of Rome’s volatile power.
The band is also currently on tour in Europe in support of DARK FUNERAL and FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE. They will follow this up with a North American tour in the spring in support of SEPTICFLESH and VLTIMAS.
1/10 Burgos, SPA Sala Anden 1/11 Madrid, SPA Sala del Wizink 1/12 Barcelona, SPA Razzmatazz 2 1/14 Lyon, FRA La Ryaonne 1/15 Trezzo sull’Adda, ITA Live Club 1/16 Zurich, SWI Komplex 457 1/17 Munich, GER Backstage Werk 1/18 Budapest, HUN Barba Negra 1/19 Zagreb, CRO Boogaloo 1/21 Vienna, AUT Simm City 1/22 Kosice, SLO Colloseum 1/23 Wroclaw, POL A2 1/24 Prague, CZE Meet Factory 1/25 Leipzig, GER Hellraiser 26.01.2025 NL Utrecht – TivoliVredenburg * * w/ FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE only
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
2/10 Houston, TX White Oak Music Hall 2/11 Dallas, TX Granada Theater 2/12 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theater 2/13 Mesa, AZ Nile Theater 2/14 San Diego, CA Brick by Brick 2/15 San Francisco, CA DNA Lounge 2/16 Los Angeles, CA 1720 2/17 Las Vegas, NV Sinwave 2/19 Denver, CO The Oriental Theater 2/20 Lawrence, KS Granada Theater 2/21 St. Paul, MN Amsterdam Bar & Hall 2/22 Joliet, IL The Forge 2/23 Cleveland, OH TempleLive Cleveland @ Asylum 2/24 Toronto, ON Concert Hall 2/26 Ottawa, ON Overflow 2/27 Montreal, QC Le Studio TD 2/28 Worcester, MA The Palladium (upstairs) 3/1 Albany, NY Empire Live 3/2 New York, NY Gramercy Theater
Releasing On January 10th, 2025 on Reigning Phoenix Music via its partnership with Distortion Music Group
EX DEO, the Juno nominated project of KATAKYLSM frontman Maurizio Iacono, will unleash their EP Year of the Four Emperors. The EP is their first with Reigning Phoenix Music and will be released on January 10th, 2025 exclusively on tour and through the RPM webstores. Further physical editions, including exclusive vinyl, will be released February 14th. The band will also embark on a tour of Europe In January in support of DARK FUNERAL and FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE before heading to North America in the spring in support of SEPTICFLESH and VLTIMAS.
To commemorate the release announcement, the band has revealed the first single “Vespasian” along with a lyric video which can be watched HERE:
Maurizio comments about the song: “The EP’s closing track is an anthem of resilience and renewal. Vespasian emerges as a figure of stability amid the chaos, and the music reflects his calculated strength. Triumphant melodies intertwine with thunderous percussion, capturing his consolidation of power and the restoration of Rome’s fractured empire. The lyrics exalt Vespasian as the harbinger of a new era, culminating in a resounding declaration of victory and legacy. His reign ushers in the Flavian dynasty and a semblance of peace.”
1/2 Hamburg, GER Markthalle 1/3 Oberhausen, GER Turbinenhalle 2 1/5 St. Niklaas, BEL De Casino 1/7 London, UK O2 Academy Islington 1/8 Paris, FRA La Machine 1/9 Toulouse, FRA Bikini 1/10 Burgos, SPA Sala Anden 1/11 Madrid, SPA Sala del Wizink 1/12 Barcelona, SPA Razzmatazz 2 1/14 Lyon, FRA La Ryaonne 1/15 Trezzo sull’Adda, ITA Live Club 1/16 Zurich, SWI Komplex 457 1/17 Munich, GER Backstage Werk 1/18 Budapest, HUN Barba Negra 1/19 Zagreb, CRO Boogaloo 1/21 Vienna, AUT Simm City 1/22 Kosice, SLO Colloseum 1/23 Wroclaw, POL A2 1/24 Prague, CZE Meet Factory 1/25 Leipzig, GER Hellraiser 26.01.2025 NL Utrecht – TivoliVredenburg * * w/ FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE only
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
2/10 Houston, TX White Oak Music Hall 2/11 Dallas, TX Granada Theater 2/12 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theater 2/13 Mesa, AZ Nile Theater 2/14 San Diego, CA Brick by Brick 2/15 San Francisco, CA DNA Lounge 2/16 Los Angeles, CA 1720 2/17 Las Vegas, NV Sinwave 2/19 Denver, CO The Oriental Theater 2/20 Lawrence, KS Granada Theater 2/21 St. Paul, MN Amsterdam Bar & Hall 2/22 Joliet, IL The Forge 2/23 Cleveland, OH TempleLive Cleveland @ Asylum 2/24 Toronto, ON Concert Hall 2/26 Ottawa, ON Overflow 2/27 Montreal, QC Le Studio TD 2/28 Worcester, MA The Palladium (upstairs) 3/1 Albany, NY Empire Live 3/2 New York, NY Gramercy Theater
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.
Anima Inside, one of South America’s (Ecuadar) most dynamic and boundary-pushing rock bands, returns with their latest single, “Alien”.This track offers a mesmerizing preview of the band’s forthcoming album set to release in 2025. True to their spirit of innovation, the band describes “Alien” as one of their most unique creations. It captures the essence of their evolution, an ever-expanding fusion of styles that remains unmistakably their own.
With its hypnotic blend of influences, “Alien” delivers a fresh and timeless sound. The song features an intricate guitar solo, vibrant rhythmic layers, and an emotive message that resonates deeply with today’s listeners. As the band puts it, “It’s probably the strangest song we’ve ever created, but it has something that makes you want to hear it over and over. The fusion, the solo, the message; it’s very Anima Inside and incredibly current.”
Since their beginnings in 2006, Anima Inside has been known for its ability to blend progressive rock roots with modern, mainstream accessibility. “Alien” encapsulates this evolution perfectly, balancing technical prowess with a raw emotional edge. The song’s themes of alienation and introspection echo the band’s ongoing exploration of the human condition, a recurring motif in their music.
This single marks the next step in a career that has seen Anima Inside perform alongside legends like Ozzy Osbourne, Deep Purple, and KISS, and share stages at major festivals such as Hell and Heaven Fest Mexico and Domination MX. Their sound has always defied easy categorization, weaving elements of progressive rock, Andean rhythms, and Afro-Latin influences into a style that is distinctly their own.
“Alien” is a testament to the band’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries while staying true to their roots. It serves as both a standalone piece of art and a tantalizing introduction to the sonic journey their upcoming album promises to deliver. With its unforgettable hooks, striking instrumentation, and profound lyrics, the track is a perfect reflection of the versatility and artistry that define Anima Inside.
As the band prepares for the release of their next full-length record, “Alien”stands as a bold statement of intent, showcasing their ability to innovate while maintaining the essence of what has made them one of the most recognized names in South American rock. Keep an eye on Anima Inside as they gear up for what promises to be an extraordinary 2025, and don’t miss “Alien” now available on all major streaming platforms.
“Shattered Crosses is one of my favorite tunes on the new record,” says vocalist Jason McMaster, “and I could not be happier with the result of the writing and tone of the song. The lyrics are about the war efforts, the church efforts, and how governments send people off to war, seemingly only as a confusing way to make dealings of loss for big money.”
McMaster goes on to state that “the video is a step up in production from what we’ve done previously, including bigger cameras, a bigger venue, etc, which allowed us to really get the point across. We are a traditional heavy metal band and we want people to see and hear; we aren’t trying to rearrange or reinvent anything. It is straight-away classic metal and the video shows the world that intent.”
Photo Credit: Steve Miller
The video features camera work and visual production by PennyRock Productions. Budro Partida and the crew of PennyRock are quickly becoming nationally known for the company’s full feature documentary film, Bloody and Bruised – The Untold Story of the Back Room. The Back Room is a now defunct Rock and Metal venue in Austin, TX, which spawned a scene that attracted and hosted worldwide touring acts for over 30 years.
The stories told in the film are legendary, as local bands were discovered there and lifelong relationships made. Needless to say, the band is extremely proud to have had PennyRock produce the video.
“I’m a metal fan, so I was thrilled for the opportunity to work with a band the caliber of IGNITOR,” adds Partida. “Going into the shoot I knew that the visual tone of the video should be red-hot to match the ferocity of the song. I wanted the viewer to get a sun burn.”
“Shattered Crosses” is also available on all streaming outlets.
Horns and Hammers is available on Bandcamp via Metal on Metal Records, and in the United States onwww.revoltvinylrecords.com. Revolt Vinyl Records will make it available on CD and vinyl.
U.S. residents can order the CD directly from the band at ignitorband.com.
Line-up:
Stuart “Batlord” Laurence – Guitar Robert Williams – Guitar Jason McMaster – Vocals Billy “Chainsaw” Dansfiell – Bass Pat Doyle – Drums
Rising metal force LIONS AT THE GATE has just unveiled their latest single, “Silhouettes of Me,” a powerful new track that explores the personal and emotional battles with addiction and depression. This introspective release showcases the band’s signature mix of haunting melodies and hard-hitting riffs, anchored by vocalist Cristian Machado‘s gripping lyricism and raw vocal performance.
“‘Silhouettes of Me’ is a song close to our hearts, lyrically touching on the struggles of addiction and depression, and the changes that it took to find victory over them,” says Machado.
The track weaves together themes of resilience and reflection, showcasing LIONS AT THE GATE‘s ability to balance both aggression and vulnerability. The accompanying video captures the intensity of the band’s live energy in a monochrome red setting, balancing darkness and hope. Watch it HERE.
Additionally, LIONS AT THE GATE is set to hit the road this December, joining local Texas metal heavyweights UPON A BURNING BODY for the “Cold Nights Over Texas” tour. They’ll be joined by genre-bending support act VCTMS, creating a high-octane lineup ready to deliver an unforgettable experience across six cities in the Lone Star State.
Fans can expect a dynamic mix of powerful, high-energy performances as LIONS AT THE GATE brings “Silhouettes of Me” and other fan favorites from their debut album, The Excuses We Cannot Make, to the stage. Tickets are available HERE.
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.
Heavy metal enchantress WHITE CRONE has released her latest single “Prognosticator”. The hard-rocking single conjures up the magic of another time both in its lyrics and in its feel. The music recalls metal classics such as DIO and JUDAS PRIEST, while the lyrics whisk the listener into a world full of darkness and corruption. Vocalist and composer Lisa Mann howls her condemned protagonist’s tale with elegant fury.
About WHITE CRONE: Based out of Portland, Oregon, WHITE CRONE is the metal brainchild of award-winning blues artist and bassist/vocalist Lisa Mann. Growing up in the mosh pits of the 80s, she was inspired by bands such as IRON MAIDEN, MERCYFUL FATE, BLACK SABBATH, MANOWAR, DIO, and more. A mostly one-woman project, WHITE CRONE is a love letter to this grand era of metal, and a lyrical homage to mystical storytelling traditions of yore.
In 2020 she channeled all those influences and released her debut album as WHITE CRONE, the critically acclaimed The Poisoner. For the first time, she featured not only on bass guitar and vocals, but on 7-string guitar as well. Larry London provided most of the drums, save for one track featuring the legendary Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, DIO).
Now she is poised to release a follow-up album, of which the title track, “Prognosticator”, is the first single. The song “Prognosticator” is a fast-paced, prog-adjacent power metal romp which tells the preternatural origin story of the character WHITE CRONE, retaining the occult storytelling elements of the first album. It is the tale of a self-fulfilling astrological prophecy.
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