“To commemorate 50 years louder, we’re pleased to announce ‘The Manticore Tapes’ will be released on 27th June. This ‘lost’ album from 1976 marks the first-ever studio recordings of the ‘three amigos’ line-up and has never been heard before, until now! Watch the new video for ‘Motörhead’ and preorder with merch bundles now.”
Available on a classic black 1LP, CD and as a deluxe expanded 2LP bookpack, all formats include additional alternate takes and instrumentals for a unique insight into the birth of this legendary band.
Additionally the deluxe bookpack comes with an extra bonus LP – the classic bonus Live: Blitzkrieg on Birmingham ‘77 as well as a bonus 7” featuring two previously unreleased tracks live at Barbarellas Birmingham in 1977.
There’s also a 24 page booklet with liner notes from long-time collaborator Kris Needs.
Release date: June 27th, 2025
Track-list: LP1 1 INTRO (INSTRUMENTAL) 2 LEAVIN’ HERE 3 VIBRATOR 4 HELP KEEP US ON THE ROAD 5 THE WATCHER 6 MOTÖRHEAD 7 WITCH DOCTOR (INSTRUMENTAL) 8 IRON HORSE / BORN TO LOSE (INSTRUMENTAL) 9 LEAVIN’ HERE (ALTERNATE TAKE) 10 VIBRATOR (ALTERNATE TAKE) 11 THE WATCHER (ALTERNATE TAKE)
LP2 — Live: Blitzkreig on Birmingham ’77 1 MOTÖRHEAD 2 VIBRATOR 3 KEEP US ON THE ROAD 4 THE WATCHER 5 IRON HORSE 6 LEAVIN’ HERE 7 ON PAROLE 8 I’M YOUR WITCH DOCTOR 9 TRAIN KEPT A-ROLLIN’ 10 CITY KIDS 11 WHITE LINE FEVER
7″ — Live at Barbarella’s Birmingham ’77 1 MOTÖRHEAD 2 KEEP US ON THE ROAD
Italian Giallo horror-inspired death metal henchmen FULCI have been announced as support for Cannibal Corpse and Municipal Waste on a massive US tour. The trek runs from September 15th in Nashville, Tennessee, ripping through more than two dozen cities, ending on October 22nd in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The news of the impending tour comes as FULCI embarks on their latest North American tour, beginning this Saturday, May 10th. FULCI will crush audiences in Pittsburgh, Columbus, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Worcester, and Brooklyn from May 10th through 17th with support from Mutilation Barbecue, the tour including a set at Sonic Temple.
Tickets for FULCI’s upcoming performance can be found HERE.
FULCI – Duck Face Killings Tour w/ Mutilation Barbecue: 5/10/2025 Preserving – Pittsburgh, PA 5/11/2025 Sonic Temple – Columbus, OH 5/12/2025 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL 5/14/2025 The Garrison – Toronto, ON 5/15/2025 Théâtre Fairmont – Montréal, QC 5/16/2025 The Palladium Upstairs – Worcester, MA 5/17/2025 Meadows – Brooklyn, NY
FULCI w/ Cannibal Corpse, Municipal Waste: 9/15/2025 Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN 9/17/2025 The Mill & Mine – Knoxville, TN 9/18/2025 Louder Than Life – Louisville, KY 9/19/2025 The Roxian – Pittsburgh, PA 9/20/2025 NE Metal and Hardcore Fest – Worcester, MA 9/22/2025 Buffalo RiverWorks – Buffalo, NY 9/23/2025 The Agora – Cleveland, OH 9/24/2025 The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI 9/26/2025 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI 9/27/2025 Epic Event Center – Green Bay, WI 9/28/2025 First Ave – Minneapolis, MN 9/29/2025 The Truman – Kansas City, MO 9/30/2025 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK 10/02/2025 The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ 10/03/2025 Ventura Theater – Ventura, CA 10/04/2025 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA 10/05/2025 Soma – San Diego, CA 10/07/2025 Rialto Theater – Tucson, AZ 10/09/2025 The Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX 10/10/2025 House Of Blues – Houston, TX 10/11/2025 The Hall – Little Rock, AR 10/12/2025 Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL 10/14/2025 The Ritz – Raleigh, NC 10/15/2025 The National – Richmond, VA 10/17/2025 The Paramount – Huntington, NY 10/18/2025 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ 10/19/2025 The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD 10/21/2025 The Norva – Norfolk, VA 10/22/2025 The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
FULCI continues to tour in support of their 20 Buck Spin released fourth LP, Duck Face Killings. The infamous Italian director Lucio Fulci created many of horror and exploitation cinema’s most memorable and vivid visions of the supernatural, sadistic and salacious. Zombi 2, The Beyond, City Of The Living Dead, The House By The Cemetery, and more left an indelible impression on the minds of impressionable youths.
Death metal band FULCI was so possessed by their countryman’s work, they named the band after him, with each album being a concept and tribute based on one of his films. For the band’s fourth bloodthirsty full-length, and first for 20 Buck Spin after a steadily growing profile in the death metal underground over the last several years, FULCI presents Duck Face Killings, a homage to one of Lucio’s most depraved and reviled films, The New York Ripper.
Musically, FULCI unleashes a barrage of captivatingly gruesome riffs, gory pummeling, murderous slams, low-pitched guttural vocal patterns, and eerie intros and interludes. The band’s songwriting is consciously fixated on creating the most violent and sharpened music possible to convey the film’s extreme savagery, imagining a soundtrack for the most grisly and cynical slasher flick ever made.
There’s a lot of luscious meat on these bones, dripping with hooks and all the colors of Lucio Fulci’s eccentric cinema of cruelty, while the psychotic killer hunts his victims with remorseless perversity and sick gratification, inexplicably quacking in a duck’s voice throughout…
Duck Face Killings is available on LP, CD, MC, and digital at the 20 Buck Spin webshop HERE and Bandcamp HERE.
FULCI’s Duck Face Killings was recorded at Till Deaf Recording Studios, engineered and mixed by Ando Ferraiulo with assistant engineer Angelo Guierriero, with vocal recording and engineering handled by Stefano Santi at SPVN Studio, and was mastered by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Cavalera Conspiracy, Tomb Mold).
The cover artwork was crafted by Wes Benscoter (Autopsy, Sinister, Mortician, Broken Hope, Nile), conceptualized by Dome Diego and Fiore Stravino, the layout handled by Ascionemagro, and photography was handled by Chiara Meierhofer Muscarà. The album features guest vocal appearances by Lord Goat of legendary hip-hop act Non Phixion on “Knife” and Sherwood Webber of infamous death henchmen Skinless on “Human Scalp Collection,” and saxophone on “Il Miele Del Diavolo” by Mario Luce.
We’re stoked to finally announce our EU/UK tour this fall!
We kick things off in September across Europe for the first six shows with our friends in Fit for an Autopsy, Decapitated & Employed to Serve for the first six shows.
Then in October we head to the UK/ Ireland for nine shows with Hatebreed, Fit for an Autopsy & Decapitated.
Finally, we’re back in Europe with Fit for an Autopsy, Decapitated & Employed to Serve hitting up 10 cities for a killer finale! See you in the pit🤘
👉Presale for most markets starts NOW — check your local listings for more information.
Following the success of their debut single “The Enemy Within”, Finnish melodic heavy metal band Invincia returns with a vengeance. Their new single, “Act of Insurrection”, is out now on all digital platforms, accompanied by a powerful lyric video that dives deep into the rebellious spirit of the track.
“Act of Insurrection“ channels the adrenaline and fire of classic heavy metal, echoing the energy of Judas Priest, the galloping power of Iron Maiden, and the epic, melodic weight of Helloween and Savatage.
The track is the second release from their upcoming self-produced EP The Enemy Within, due out June 6, 2025. Once again, the band collaborated with Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse) at Mass Destruction Production for mixing and mastering, bringing top-tier clarity and punch to Invincia’s signature sound.
With two singles now out and more on the way, Invincia is proving themselves a rising force in melodic heavy metal, one that blends old-school power with fresh energy and an uncompromising DIY spirit.
INVINCIA are: Kenneth Nylund – Lead Vocals Joel Karlsson – Guitar Alexander Södergård – Guitar Jonas Öman – Bass Mikael Ahlholm – Drums
Finnish death metal act REFUSALhave unleashed a brand-new single, “Congregation of the Eyeless”, offering a new glimpse into their upcoming third album Venomous Human Concept, due out on June 6th 2025 via Time To Kill Records.
The track showcases the band’s trademark blend of grind-infused death metal and hardcore aggression, combining groove-laden riffs with unrelenting intensity and surgical precision. With this latest offering, REFUSAL continue to push their sound forward, delivering a brutal yet meticulously crafted assault that underscores their status as one of Finland’s most ferocious underground forces.
“Congregation of the Eyeless is the ninth song on the album. The song was heavily influenced by Deicide. Heavy blastbeats and catchy riffs dominate this song. Lyrically the song delves into the selfish nature of people, and their lack of bravery to step up when they witness coercion and foul play”.
Track-list:
1. Scholar of Perversion 2. Venomous Human Concept 3. The Grip Tightens 4. Insatiable God 5. War of Nothing 6. Dehumanize 7. We Are the Undead 8. Sleeping Leviathan 9. Congregation of the Eyeless 10. Eternal Refrain
Juhani Paasipohja – Vocals Tero Pirhonen – Guitars Kalle Kuosmanen – Guitars Timo Pirhonen – Backing vocals and bass Aleksi Roitto – Drums
REFUSAL formed in Helsinki, Finland, in early 2008. Over its 17-year history, the band has evolved its sound, incorporating grindcore elements into its death metal foundation.
In their early years, REFUSAL released seven demos, paving the way for their debut album. In 2016, the band unleashed We Rot Within, marking their first full-length record. Following its release, the band toured extensively across Finland and embarked on a brief European tour.
In 2019, REFUSAL released their second album, Epitome of Void, followed by an extensive European tour, during which they performed in nine countries.
Their latest release has been in development since the release of their second album. After enduring the pandemic years and undergoing line-up changes, REFUSAL is now set to return with their evolved sonic chaos on Venomous Human Concept.
June 6, 2025 will see the German iconic black/death metal duo MYSTIC CIRCLE release an extended new edition of KriegsgötterMMXXV via ROAR, featuring 8 tracks and furious cover versions of classics such as from BATHORY, CELTIC FROST, POSSESSED,ACHERON, or the previously-released, completely re-recorded cover version of IRON MAIDEN’s “Afraid To Shoot Strangers”.
On selected tracks, the band welcomes back British soprano Sarah Jezebel Deva on guest vocals, who has already made guest appearances with CRADLE OF FILTH,THE KOVENANT andTHERION, among others. The track “Cry Little Sister” also features Karo Hafke, singer of the dark wave gothic band Umbra Et Imago.
Today, MYSTIC CIRCLE have unleashed a new single taken off Kriegsgötter MMXXV, their blistering cover version of theBATHORYclassic “One Rode To Asa Bay“!
“One Rode To Asa Bay” is a track from the fifth BATHORY album “Hammerheart”, which is a favourite of us two,” A. Blackwar reveals. “The band was a huge influence for us back then, but also today. You hear that in our early works and in general for our love of atmospheric parts. When Sarah heard the song in the studio, she went to the cabin and started to sing – which wasn’t planned at all. We looked at each other with a devilish smile in our face and said: that was the missing part! This song is pure epic!”
Let’s go back a quarter of a century to the year 2000: MYSTIC CIRCLE were at their peak at the time after the release of their third studio epic Infernal Satanic Verses and were rightly regarded as Germany’s leading black metal band.
In the summer after the turn of the millennium, the Ludwigshafen-based band followed up with the 5-track EP Kriegsgötter II, a compilation of cover versions and new recordings.
The founding line-up broke up during this phase and A. Blackwar left the band. Only his return in 2020 and the reunion with vocalist Beelzebub conjured up the spirit of that time again, resulting in the two great new records Mystic Circle (2022) and Erzdämon (2023), closing the infamous circle (or pentagram?) again.
“It was inevitable for me to end my time with MYSTIC CIRCLE with Kriegsgötter II. The long break was necessary, we lost the connection to each other back then, which is stronger than ever today,” summarizes A. Blackwar and looks back with a teary eye, but also with a smile, because as so often in life, everything happens for a reason.
Album Track-list: 01 – One Rode To Asa Bay (feat. Sarah Jezebel Deva) 02 – Die Götter der Urväter 03 – Azazel’s Soulfly 04 – Cry Little Sister (Theme from The Lost Boys, feat. Karo Hafke of Umbra Et Imago) 05 – Afraid To Shoot Strangers (feat. Sarah Jezebel Deva) 06 – Death Metal 07 – Acheron (Medley) 08 – Circle Of The Tyrants
MYSTIC CIRCLE is: Beelzebub – Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards A. Blackwar – Drums, Guitars, Keyboards
With “It Takes Six To Rock!” – the core message of their enthusiastically received latest single- still echoing in everyone’s heads, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG strike again. Only one month after “It Takes Two To Tango,” they’ve shortened the wait for their upcoming album Babylon, set for release in October 2025 on Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The second new track, “Time To Listen,” cranks up the anticipation even more and delivers another high-energy preview of what fans can look forward to.
The band describes the song as follows: “‘Time To Listen’ is an up-tempo song that once again shines with DATOG’s typically diversified lead vocals. A soaring guitar riff paves the way for a powerful Udo performance, accompanied by Peter’s harmony vocals and continues with Manuela’s sustained two-part vocals. The chorus, with its convincing power casts a spell over everyone. Here also, Mathias’ guitar solo is a marvel of ingenuity that ignores all convention and whips through the musical realms in an unconventional manner. The compact and powerful ending is just as uncompromising as the beginning of the song.”
Photo credits: Eddi Bachmann
With “Time To Listen,” DATOG once again highlight their unique identity and their commitment to making bold musical statements; energetic, authentic and with a signature sound that’s instantly recognizable. It’s time to listen – and time to rock!
Death metal icons CANNIBAL CORPSE are pleased to announce their North American headlining tour this Fall. The journey will commence on September 15th in Nashville, Tennessee and make its way through over two dozen cities, the tour drawing to a close on October 22nd in Charlotte, North Carolina. Support will be provided by Municipal Waste and Fulci. The tour follows the band’s recent North America run with Meshuggah.
Blabbermouth and Knotfest presales begin Wednesday, May 7th at 10:00am local time. Local/promoter presales begin Thursday, May 8th at 10:00am local time.
General on sale date is Friday, May 9th at 10:00am local time at cannibalcorpse.net. See all confirmed dates below.
CANNIBAL CORPSE w/ Municipal Waste, Fulci: 9/15/2025 Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN 9/17/2025 The Mill & Mine – Knoxville, TN 9/18/2025 Louder Than Life – Louisville, KY 9/19/2025 The Roxian – Pittsburgh, PA 9/20/2025 NE Metal and Hardcore Fest – Worcester, MA 9/22/2025 Buffalo RiverWorks – Buffalo, NY 9/23/2025 The Agora – Cleveland, OH 9/24/2025 The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI 9/26/2025 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI 9/27/2025 Epic Event Center – Green Bay, WI 9/28/2025 First Ave – Minneapolis, MN 9/29/2025 The Truman – Kansas City, MO 9/30/2025 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK 10/02/2025 The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ 10/03/2025 Ventura Theater – Ventura, CA 10/04/2025 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA 10/05/2025 Soma – San Diego, CA 10/07/2025 Rialto Theater – Tucson, AZ 10/09/2025 The Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX 10/10/2025 House Of Blues – Houston, TX 10/11/2025 The Hall – Little Rock, AR 10/12/2025 Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL 10/14/2025 The Ritz – Raleigh, NC 10/15/2025 The National – Richmond, VA 10/17/2025 The Paramount – Huntington, NY 10/18/2025 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ 10/19/2025 The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD 10/21/2025 The Norva – Norfolk, VA 10/22/2025 The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
CANNIBAL CORPSE released their critically adored Chaos Horrific full-length in 2023 via Metal Blade Records. Produced again by guitarist Erik Rutan, who has now produced six of the band’s albums, Chaos Horrific is, without question, a full-on, CANNIBAL-style death metal outing, straight down to the themes, which include zombie warfare, resetting the human race through mass mutilations, and the violent revenge of victims of human trafficking, and its cover art by longtime collaborator Vince Locke.
Chaos Horrific slaughtered Billboard charts upon its first week of release, earning the #7 position on the Billboard Album Sales chart, #2 on the Hard Music Albums chart, #3 on the Rock Albums chart, #5 on the Independent Label Albums chart, and more!
The record is available on digipak CD, cassette, and digital formats as well as vinyl in multiple limited color variants.
Nashville (TN) – U.S. Melodic Black Metal horde, Lenax, have unleashed “Throne of the Forsaken“, the third and final single from forthcoming full-length debut album, Infection. Click to stream below!
For fans of Watain, Immortal, and Enslaved, Lenax presents a style of melodic black metal infused with just the right amount of black n roll to land themselves in a rather unique position within the genre. “Throne of the Forsaken” tells a fantasy story of an ancient god-king who awakens back to flesh in order to return to the material world. No messiah, he returns with a heart thirsty for vengeance to bring the earth under his submission.
With lyrical themes based around esotericism, individuality, and cosmic horror, Infectionpaints either a picture of destruction and horror, or one of death and rebirth, depending on the stance of the listener. In all, this is a solid 40 minutes of modern black metal with enough DNA to show the band’s roots in the early second wave, while managing to craft something unique in their delivery.
Photo Credit: Draco Bailey
Lenax:
Venomous (Vocals, Guitar)
Mordred (Guitar, Backing Vocals)
Bones (Drums)
Additional Musicians:
Hephaestus (Bass)
Maikon (Drums)
The band proudly returned to work with mix engineer Ilarion Ivanenko, who produced the previous singles in 2024. Mastering was completed by ØysteinBrun at Crosound Studios in Norway. With a long history and a solid reputation in extreme music, including his band Borknagar, Øysteinbrought out the fine tuning needed to make this record shine.
Infection will be released June 25th on all digital platforms.
The band will also be launching a Kickstarter campaign to support a future vinyl release in the fall or winter of this year. Album pre-orders coming soon. Cover art by David DeFigueredo.
Track Listing:
1 – Worship Hymn 2 – Leeches 3 – Chains 4 – Crossroad Black 5 – Hive Mind Apocalypse 6 – We Are Legion 7 – Plague Bringer 8 – Overdrive 9 – Throne of the Forsaken
Rockshots Records and Secret Rule are thrilled to announce the release of the band’s brand new single called “Just A Sacrifice” available on all digital platforms starting today, May 2nd, 2025, and accompanied by a music video. The track offers the first glimpse into the band’s highly anticipated tenth studio album, due for release later this year.
“Just A Sacrifice” is a powerful anthem about the cost of staying true to oneself in a world that demands conformity. Blending heavy guitars, intense vocals, and a bold, wide-open chorus, the song captures both the emotional toll and the inner strength that come with resisting societal pressure.
“This song is about the price we pay for thinking freely, speaking our truth, and refusing to follow the crowd,” the band comments. “It’s deeply personal but also a quiet political statement.”
In recent weeks, Secret Rule completed an intense 15-date European tour alongside Temperance and Induction, showcasing their renewed energy and connection with audiences across the continent. The band is now preparing to take part in prestigious summer festivals including Masters of Rock (Czech Republic), Rock Imperium Festival (Spain), and Laurus Nobilis (Portugal).
Entering 2025 with a refreshed lineup and a renewed artistic vision, Secret Rule is ready to push their sound even further. The upcoming album promises a dynamic and immersive experience fusing the cinematic edge of Within Temptation’s recent work with the raw energy of Falling In Reverse.
“Just A Sacrifice” marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Secret Rule, one built on resilience, individuality and a sound more powerful than ever.
SECRET RULE:
ANGELA DI VINCENZO: Vocals ANDY ‘MENARIO’ MENARINI: Guitar SOFIA BASILI: Bass ANDREA MIAZZETTO: Drums
SUMMER FESTIVALS: 27.06.25 ES – Imperium Rock Festival 10-13.07.25 CZ – Masters of Rock 20.07.25 PT – Laurus Nobilis
Metal Blade Records is proud to announce the signing of GRADIENCE, the uncompromising Danish metal act forging a bold new path with their explosive fusion of black metal, deathcore, metalcore, and trap rap.
With their critically acclaimed debut EP Ironsight, produced by Chris Kreutzfeldt (Cabal, MØL), GRADIENCE has already turned heads for their fearless genre experimentation and raw, personal storytelling tackling themes of alienation and the inner turmoil that comes from being seen as an outsider.
Just ahead of today’s announcement, the band independently released their latest single “Lucid.” A collaborative effort with Danish progressive metalcore powerhouse Ghost Iris, “Lucid expands GRADIENCE’s sound with towering vocals, pummeling grooves, and a heightened sense of emotional urgency.
“We’re beyond excited to welcome GRADIENCE to the Metal Blade family,” says EU label manager Markus “Bart” Grasseck. “Their innovation, intensity, and fearless creativity embody everything we stand for. The future of heavy music runs through bands like this.”
The band’s debut EP Ironsight, praised by Metal Hammer UK as, “a tease of GRADIENCE’s grizzly potential” — was nominated for “EP Of The Year” at the 2024 Danish Heavy Awards, with GRADIENCE also recognized as a nominee for the “Hope Of The Year” award. Earlier this year, the band performed at the exclusive When Copenhell Freezes Over showcase hosted by Copenhell at the legendary VEGA venue in Copenhagen.
Metal Hammer UK also hailed their debut single “This Abyss” as, “Astounding… GRADIENCE are exactly that, the Danish duo mixing hip hop and explosive black metal with both elements delivered to the highest quality.”
Following impactful collaborations with Hexis (“Crushed By The Tide”) and UK’s Love Is Noise (“Save Me”), GRADIENCE continues to break boundaries with each release. Now, under the wing of Metal Blade Records, their next chapter is set to be their most ferocious yet.
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:
Portland blackened death-metal band DROUTH has unveiled the title track from their impending album, The Teeth of Time, that’s out May 16th from Eternal Warfare Records.
Commenting on the single, the band states:
“‘The Teeth of Time’ was an obvious choice for us to make the title track and centerpiece of the album, as it encapsulates the lyrical and musical themes most central to Drouth at this moment. It is the fullest realization of our artistic ambition yet, and having our friends Laurie Sue and Christy Cather contribute guest vocals was truly an honor. Their projects, Ludicra in particular, are huge sources of inspiration for us and we knew their distinctive styles would fit perfectly with the song.“
The face-melting and mind-bending torrential new song was first revealed at DecibelMagazine.com and follows the previously released track “False Grail.”
Adding about the record, the band has said:
“We are proud to present The Teeth of Time, a culmination of several years of blood, sweat and pain. It is a nightmare made manifest, and we are both eager to share our creative work and grateful to the many people who helped make it possible.”
The Teeth of Time Tracklist: 1. Hurl Your Thunderbolt Even Unto Death 2. False Grail 3. The Teeth of Time 4. Through a Glass, Darkly 5. Exult, Ye Flagellant
Drouth: Matt Stikker: Guitar, vocals, lyrics Patrick Fiorentino: Drums John Edwards: Guitar, vocals Matt Solis: Bass
AboutDROUTH: Portland’s Drouth formed in 2012, originally under the name Contempt before changing their moniker following the release of their 2014 EP Skinwalker. The band stirred the local scene with their potent mixture of black metal, death metal, doom, and crust, and went on to release another EP, Vast, Loathsome (2015) and two albums Knives, Labyrinths, Mirrors (2017) and Excerpts From a Dread Liturgy (2020).
Their follow up, The Teeth of Time was recorded and mixed with legendary engineer Billy Anderson (Neurosis, Cattle Decapitation) and mastered by Justin Weis (Agalloch, Hammers of Misfortune) and features five tracks of vicious, melodically adventurous black/death metal, spread across 40 unrelenting minutes.
The theme of the album revolves around the title, as it explores the mindset of a person who has been pushed to the edge mentally, with no way out. The lyrics, as usual, touch on the darker side of life, but also address the current state of the world. The compositions on the album are somewhat darker than those on the previous release, Shattered. There is also a song on the album, titled “The Creator,” which is a bit different from the band’s usual style. Falling From Grace‘s characteristic energy and aggression are also present on this release.
At The Edge combines various genres of metal, with a focus on groove metal and melodic death metal. The songwriting is once again handled by the band’s guitarist Timi Tonteri.
Nils Courbaron (Sirenia, Bloodorn, T.A.N.K.) is featured on the album’s last track “The Creator.”
“With At The Edge, we’ve taken a step forward from the last album and incorporated elements we haven’t used before. The timing of the album release is perfect, with Tuska Festival just around the corner, where we will also perform.”
Album cover by Sami Leppäaho
Falling From Grace – At The Edge – Track list:
1. At The Edge 2. Final Hour 3. Downfall 4. Egoistic 5. Poseur 6. Crawling Back To The Dark 7. The Abyss 8. Shadow 9. Revolt Unleashed 10. The Creator
Time To Kill Records is thrilled to announce the release of Overtime, the brand-new EP from Italian hardcore outfit RESPECT FOR ZERO, set to drop on June 30th, 2025.
Following the announcement of their signing, Overtime marks a bold return for the band; an explosive statement of intent that sharpens their identity with renewed precision. The EP delivers crushing grooves and relentless intensity, staying true to the band’s hardcore foundation while embracing a tighter, more dynamic production. RESPECT FOR ZERO prove once again that aggression and authenticity can evolve without compromise.
“‘Born Again’ explores the experience of existential stagnation, a loss of strength and emotion but ultimately urges a reaction, a personal awakening in the face of despair. The lyrics capture a moment of profound inner struggle and emotional paralysis, where hope seems to vanish. Yet, they deliver a powerful message of perseverance, framing every obstacle as an opportunity for renewal. The song underscores the importance of taking action and refusing to let life slip away, reminding us that every hardship holds the potential for a comeback. At its heart, ‘Born Again’ is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of starting anew”.
Tracklist:
1. Reaching Death 2. Mirrors 3. Sagnol 4. Born Again
RESPECT FOR ZERO is a hardcore band from Sant’Elpidio a Mare, on Italy’s east coast, active since 2013. Their name doesn’t stand for “respect for nothing” but rather for respect for those who are treated like zero compared to corrupt politicians and the authorities who exploit us.
The band channels the rage of a generation raised in the suburbs, without comfort, and under the repression of the global underground culture, constantly stifled by the church and a bigoted mindset. The band stands firmly against fascism.
photo credit: Time To Kill Records
RESPECT FOR ZERO has shared the stage with bands such as Terror, Ratos de Porão, Expire, No Turning Back, WarCry, Bent Life, Trash Talk, Comeback Kid, H2O, Impact, Bull Brigade, Meet the Storm, Strength Approach, Slander, Straight Opposition, Face Your Enemy, Mud, Chains, and many more!
Discography:
Clenched Punches demo (2014) The Truth Remains full-length (2015) My Sacrifice full-length (2019, Indelirium Records)
Pillars Of Creation pays tribute to the elephant trunks of interstellar gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula photographed by the Hubble Telescope from NASA on April 1, 1995. The EP’s lyrical themes include space exploration, artificial intelligence, human consciousness and death. The sound of the EP blends the varied metal influences of members Damien and Simone. The music contains a mix of of influences from bands such as Aborted, All Shall Perish and Dying Fetus, while Simone’s growling vocals are largely influenced by bands like Cannibal Corpse and Suffocation.
All music and lyrics by Damien. All arrangements by Encelado. Recorded and Mixed at Umbra Studio (Italy). Band logo by Damien. Artwork layout by Damien.
BIO: ENCELADO is a project created by two old time friends sharing a passion for extreme metal. Between the end of 2023 and 2024, Simone (vocals) and Damien (guitars, bass guitars) started to work on some demo material that resulted in debut EP Pillars Of Creation.
With the dust still settling following the release of their acclaimed Volume Six LP on Cursed Blessings Records in February, Ontario thrash metal veterans SACRIFICE have sanctioned several rare live performances this year in support of the album.
Already announced earlier this year is the rapidly approaching Modified Ghost Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia May 17th, where SACRIFICE will headline with support from Anciients, Bewitcher, and more, which will serve as the official release show for Volume Six.
SACRIFICE now expands the year’s live schedule with two more performances, including the band’s first hometown show in nine years – which also serves as their Toronto album release show, headlining The Concert Hall in Toronto on October 11th. SACRIFICE has also been added to the Chile Terrorfest in Santiago, Chile on December 6th with Triptikon, E-Force, and more.
SACRIFICE Live: 5/17/2025 Modified Ghost VII Festival @ Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver BC w/ Anciients, Bewitcher, more 10/11/2025 The Concert Hall – Toronto ON [tickets] 12/06-07/2025 Chile Terrorfest @ Teatro Caupolicán – Santiago, CL w/ Triptikon, E-Force, more
SACRIFICE’s sixth album, and first in over sixteen years, Volume Six features ten new originals and a cover paying homage to the Toronto scene from which they originally emerged. The songs on Volume Six run the gamut from speedy, breakneck thrash (“Comatose,” “Explode,” “We Will Not Survive”) to more nuanced, layered, metallic compositions (“Underneath Millenia,” “Your Hunger For War”).
Two instrumental tracks on the album show yet another side of the band’s songwriting while still clearly being SACRIFICE songs: “Lunar Eclipse” is a showcase for Rico and Urbinati’s excellent twin guitar leads, while “Black Hashish” is SACRIFICE at their most psychedelic. The album’s final track, “Trapped In A World,” is a cover of ‘80s Toronto hardcore band Direct Action, a group that had a massive influence on the members of SACRIFICE during their formative years. The song features guest vocals by Youth Youth Youth vocalist and Toronto music legend Brian Taylor, who operated the Diabolic Force label in the eighties and produced the band’s first three albums, bringing everything full-circle three decades later with his appearance here.
Working once again with engineer Darius Szczepaniak – who was also at the helm for SACRIFICE’s 2009 effort The Ones I Condemn – Volume Six was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Phase One Studios.
Stream SACRIFICE’s Volume Six everywhere including Bandcamp HERE, and watch the lyric videos for “Missile” HERE and “Antidote Of Poison” HERE.
Tracked over a period of sessions between September 2023 and May 2024, the record was produced by vocalist/guitarist Rob Urbinati and features the band’s original lineup, with lead guitarist Joe Rico, bassist Scott Watts and drummer Gus Pynn. They are one of, if not the only, 1980s thrash band that still has its original lineup intact and playing together, and on Volume Six, the band hits it out of the park. The stunning front cover artwork for Volume Six was painted by Propagandhi bassist and lifelong SACRIFICE fan Todd Kowalski.
Volume Six is out now on all digital platforms including Bandcamp HERE and on CD, MC, and LP in Blue, White, and Black variants through the Cursed Blessings Records webshop HERE. The record is available in Europe, Asia, and Australia through High Roller Records.
US band playing thick, groovy, bludgeoning death metal
After offering various kinds of death metal on the label this year – blackened death, dissodeath, tech death, prog death, post-punk death – we’re happy to offer a more brutish form of death metal and Thorn doesn’t disappoint in that regard. Their corpulent grooves are sure to satiate your primal cravings. Check out two of their songs from their latest album AT THIS LINK.
Thorn – Nebulous Womb of Eternity (Death Metal)
Thorn has a knack of churning out punchy, rotten death metal hymns rife with some nasty, lurching grooves. The album will have the listener rocking back and forth in its asphyxiating grasp like a pin-pricked voodoo ragdoll. The stench of sickness is thick and pervades the entire recording.
Brennen has come up with meatier, denser, chuggier songs on this record while retaining the band’s primal essence and there is more death metal than doom found on this recording. There are still moments where gleaming leads come in and brighten up the proceedings but it remains a dark, fetid and glutinous affair through and through.
The corpulent grooves stand out the most and form the bulk of this recording. If you like the idea of death metal sounding massive, ponderous, and packed with heaving, earth-rumbling parts, this album is most certainly meant for you.
For fans of: Mortician, Fumes, Wharflurch, Fluids, Intestine Baalism, Retching
Line up info – Cover illustration by Arifullah Ali (KanvasKarat). Mixing/Mastering by Daniel Bonofiglio (Fumes, Gutvoid, Intestinal Hex, Grotesque Mass, Internal Infestation).
All music and lyrics written by Thorn*
*Guest solo written and performed by Daniel Bonofilgio on track 4 *Guest vocals performed by Ryan Fairfield on track 7
SCREENING, Q&A AND MEET & GREET TO BE HELD IN BROOKLYN, NY ON MAY 8TH – ONLY 60 TICKETS AVAILABLE
TesseracT proudly announce the premiere screening of Live at Radar — their full headline performance filmed at Radar Festival 2024, taking place at Nitehawk Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY on Thursday, May 8th.
Following the screening, guests will be invited to a Q&A and meet-and-greet, where each attendee will receive a signed, personalized souvenir print.
Presented in collaboration with Metal Injection, this exclusive screening offers fans an early look at the show ahead of its wider release via streaming and Blu-ray in late 2025. The event coincides with TesseracT’s 2025 U.S. tour, which includes dates across North America and select performances with Devin Townsend.
TESSERACT ‘LIVE AT RADAR’ PREMIERE SCREENING VIP EVENT TICKET PRICE: $100 – LIMITED TO 60 TICKETS TIME: 18:30 – 22:30, Thursday May 8th VENUE: NITEHAWK WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN NY
Speaking on the upcoming event, TesseracT songwriter and bassist Amos Williams shared the following – “Radar was a huge event for us. It felt like the culmination of not just TesseracT’s ambition, but also Radar Festival’s vision. Drawing from not only War Of Being, but also our entire back catalogue, we had such a great time exploring and expanding upon these songs, aided by the phenomenal Choir Noir. Their involvement allowed us to bring an extra dimension to the show unlike anything we have ever experienced before.
To then have our longtime collaborator Richard Oakes from Dark Fable Media there to film and produce the resulting movie was perfect.
So we are once again privileged to bring this film to a cinema for the North American premiere, for our friends in the US to enjoy along with us. Radar is a step up for TesseracT, and a small hint at the journey that lies before us.”
North America shows with Devin Townsend: May 2 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works May 3 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle May 4 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues (Orlando) May 6 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s May 7 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz May 9 – New York, NY – Palladium Times Square May 10 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring May 11 – Boston, MA – House of Blues May 13 – Montreal, QC – MTELUS May 14 – Toronto, ON – Queen Elizabeth Theatre May 16 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Cathedral Theatre May 19 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theatre May 21 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre May 23 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
The War of Being World Tour closes out in North America with a run of intimate West Coast shows this May and June. TesseracT will be joined by special guests Daedric for these shows.
To celebrate 15 years of Concealing Fate, the EP that started it all, TesseracT will be hosting a special VIP experience before each show, where they will perform Concealing Fate: Perfection, Epiphany, and Origin.
The VIP is limited to just 15 tickets per night and is a chance for fans to become part of Concealing Fate history.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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