Hello, it’s stone. I want to clear things up about something that’s important to me. If you’re a band or solo artist that does or doesn’t live in the USA and want to spread your hateful political agenda through press releases and social media you can go kick rocks.
Especially to those that don’t live in the USA. You shall receive NO free publicity on Metal Odyssey for your idealistic bullshit and hate. The PR agencies should know better. I can care less who I offend with my ZERO tolerance for hateful political agendas.
I started this blog as a non political forum and it will stay that way. Worry about your own country or political party without bitching here. Go. Kick. Rocks.
Metal and music in general is supposed to unite, not divide. I can care less about your sad and ignorant agenda. I make ZERO money from Metal Odyssey and I’M THE BOSS. Deal with it.
I have this blog for the love I have for music, especially Metal, Hard Rock and Classic Rock. If you don’t like how I feel then go cry me a river. – Stone
Spain’s ferocious melodic death metal act BLOODHUNTER are back with a vengeance. Following their recent signing with ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music, the band now present the first grim taste of what’s to come: their brand-new video single “The Devil’s Own”!
Forged in Galicia, BLOODHUNTER have carved out a strong position within the international extreme metal scene through uncompromising songwriting, intense live performances and a clear artistic vision. Fronted by the unmistakable Diva Satanica, the band fuse razor-sharp riffing, massive grooves and sweeping melodies with a fierce vocal attack and strong conceptual identity.
“The Devil’s Own” shows BLOODHUNTER pushing beyond familiar territory. The track blends oppressive heaviness with haunting melodic lines, creating an atmosphere that feels both brutally aggressive and eerily beautiful. It is darker, more personal and more daring than anything the band have released so far, while still hitting with unmistakable BLOODHUNTER force.
Visually, the accompanying video mirrors the song’s inner conflict and darkness, underlining the emotional weight of the track while embracing the band’s extreme-metal aesthetic.
Diva Satanica explains the intense personal background behind the song: “I wrote the lyrics while being on my last tour in South America with another band. It was a very intense period of my life when I had to take some of the hardest decisions in my career, so it speaks about that. It was one of our faves since the beginning because it’s very different from what we’ve done so far: it’s pure evil but with lots of beautiful melodies.”
After joining forces withROAR, “The Devil’s Own”serves as a first harbinger of BLOODHUNTER’s upcoming new album, which will be released in the hopefully not-too-distant future. If this single is any indication, the next record will be the band’s most fearless and uncompromising statement yet!
“Dear Fans, we have just received the very sad news that our longtime friend and bass player, Francis Buchholz, has passed away. His legacy with the band will live on forever, and we will always remember the many good times we have shared together. Our hearts go out to Hella, his family, and friends.” R.I.P. Francis. Klaus, Rudolf, Matthias
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Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family of Francis Buchholz, Scorpions, his friends and fans worldwide. Francis Buchholz was a true pioneer of early Heavy Metal and helped pave the road to what Metal has evolved into, to this very day. May Francis Buchholz rest and also rock in peace. – Stone
Swedish progressive metal legends OPETH return with a powerful new performance video for “§7,” a key track from their critically acclaimed album The Last Will and Testament.
The video captures the band in raw, commanding form, spotlighting the precision, atmosphere, and emotional weight that define OPETH at this stage of their career. Focused and unembellished, the performance highlights the band’s musical chemistry and the intensity at the heart of the track.
The release arrives ahead of OPETH’s upcoming U.S. tour, which kicks off in two weeks and will see the band bringing the music of The Last Will and Testament to stages across the country alongside fan favorites from their storied catalog.
Mikael Åkerfeldt comments: “That track was scary to play live at first. Most of our songs are challenging, I suppose, and this one is no exception. I believe we all love playing this one. There are a myriad of details that could go wrong though, but it’s fun. It keeps you on your toes. And of course, then there’s Ian Anderson’s narrations, which is the only thing in our set that isn’t ‘live’. Since we don’t play to a click-track, it’s dragging or pushing depending on the tempo of the evening. Again, it’s fun and I love the unforeseeable character of this song in a live setting. That’s a bit odd since I normally want to feel completely secure and really know what I’m doing. I generally don’t like surprises on stage.”
“§7” serves as a pivotal moment within the album’s broader narrative, which has been widely praised for its cinematic flow, depth, and fearless exploration of light and shade. By stripping the song back to its essence, the new video reinforces OPETH’s ability to balance technical mastery with emotional resonance – a duality Mikael Åkerfeldt has often highlighted in the band’s work.
Following the U.S. run, OPETH will also perform select dates across Europe later this year.
Fans old and new are encouraged to revisit the album in full, streaming “§7” alongside its other chapters to experience the complete arc as intended. From its haunting opening moments to its powerful conclusion, the record rewards deep listening.
Watch the performance video for “§7” now, listen to The Last Will and Testament on all major platforms, and catch Opeth live where tickets remain available.
5 Feb. US Montclair, The Wellmont Theater – Low Tickets 6 Feb. US Boston, Orpheum Theater – Low Tickets 7 Feb. US Philadelphia, The Filmore Philadelphia – SOLD OUT 10 Feb. US Detroit, Masonic Temple Theater 11 Feb. US Chicago, Riviera Theater 12 Feb. US St. Louis, The Pageant – Low Tickets 14 Feb. US Dallas, The Bomb Factory 15 Feb. US Houston, Bayou Music Center 16 Feb. US San Antonio, Majestic Theater 18 Feb. US Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Center 20 Feb. US Las Vegas, Pearl Concert Theater At Palms 21 Feb. US Riverside, Riverside Municipal Auditorium – Low Tickets 22 Feb. US Sacramento, Channel 24 24 Feb. US Seattle, Paramount Theater – Low Tickets 25 Feb. CA Vancouver, Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
EUROPE:
11 Jun. ES Zamora, Z Live Rock Fest 19 Jun. FR Clisson, Hellfest 10 Jul. IT Pompei, Amphitheatre Of Pompeii – SOLD OUT 11 Jul. IT Bologna, Sequoie Music Park 1 Aug. UK Halifax, The Piece Hall 2 Aug. IR Dublin, Bord Gáis Energy Theater – Low Tickets 5 Aug. NL Utrecht, TivoliVredenburg – Low Tickets 7 Aug. DE Gelsenkirchen, Amphitheater Gelsenkirchen 8 Aug. FI Helsinki, Hellsinki Metal Festival 29 Aug. SE Rättvik, Dalhalla – Low Tickets
Even more headline dates added to the North American run with Sabaton. 2026 starts loud on the What Remains Tour. When we finally look up, will we see what we’ve become?
Tickets On Sale Friday • 10am Local.
Feb 12 – Biloxi, MS Apr 22 – Billings, MT Apr 24 – Dubuque, IA Apr 25 – East Moline, IL Apr 26 – Bloomington, IL Apr 28 – Kansas City, MO Apr 29 – Indianapolis, IN
LEAVES’ EYES open a new chapter in 2026 with the release of their upcoming EP Song Of Darkness! The band now unveils the title track and EP opener together with an epic new video, offering the first full glimpse into this next creative cycle.
Recorded at Mastersound Studio under the production of band mastermind Alexander Krull, the EP expands the group’s trademark fusion of orchestral depth and metallic intensity. It captures LEAVES’ EYES at a moment of artistic strength, balancing sweeping symphonic arrangements with an earthy, human pulse.
Lyrically, Song Of Darkness travels along the shifting borders between myth, magic, and history. The title track itself draws inspiration from the medieval Icelandic saga of Gisli the Outlaw, leading listeners into a world of murder, intrigue, guilt-ridden dreams, and the hope for redemption.
The LEAVES’ EYES vocalists share about the new single: “Our Song of Darkness transports you to a world of dark dreams and inner turmoil, where mystical spirits from ancient times guide your destiny,” says Alexander Krull, and adds it’s: “A tragic love story, but no happy ending.”
Elina Siirala comments: “Song of Darkness is like a play with contrasts…it combines the mysterious and dark with light and angelic. In the midst of a dark story, there’s a feeling of hopefulness! The opposing elements create once again a perfect canvas and drama for a Leaves’ Eyes song!”
Each track on Song Of Darkness unfolds like a chapter in a saga, cinematic in scale yet personal in emotion. Elina Siirala’s commanding performance brings the stories to life, illuminating the storm of sound around her, while Krull’s growls ground the music with raw force.
Towering choirs and strings rise beside crushing riffs, with folk-inspired melodies weaving through the dark. From the orchestral grandeur of its opening moments to the final echo of its closing refrain, the EP builds an atmosphere defined by tension, release, and the timeless pull of legend.
With its mix of mythic storytelling, emotional depth, and powerful symphonic metal, Song Of Darkness showcases LEAVES’ EYES at full strength. The EP arrives March 6, 2026 via Reigning Phoenix Music. In support of Song Of Darkness, the band will be playing a series of European and UK dates with special guests CATALYST CRIME, and many more dates to follow. Find all upcoming shows listed below!
Vancouver Island is set to shake when Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest 2026 takes over Fred Milne Park in Sooke, BC on Sunday, August 9, 2026. This all-ages, family-friendly outdoor metal festival brings together a stacked lineup of international, national, and regional talent for a full day of crushing riffs, pit energy, and community spirit on the West Coast.
Headlining the festival are Vancouver’s Multiple Juno Award–winning metal heavyweights Anciients. Joining them as co-headliners are Arrow In The Quiver (Vancouver), The Rising Fall (Chicago, IL), and Squidhammer (Watertown, PA), delivering a powerful blend of progressive, extreme, and modern metal.
The day will also showcase a strong lineup of West Coast metal acts, including: Wolf Venom (Sooke, BC) The Grundles (Duncan, BC) Dead Rights (Victoria, BC) Overditch (Victoria, BC) Neveranother (Vancouver, BC) Conjure Hand (Victoria, BC) As Ash Fell (Nanaimo, BC) Mutual Trauma (Victoria, BC)
With a world-class headliner, international acts, and a powerful lineup of Vancouver Island talent, Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated metal events of the summer.
In addition to the music, festival-goers can enjoy food trucks, local vendors, and a licensed beer garden, making it a full festival experience in a scenic coastal setting. This is an all-ages, family-friendly event.
Event Details: Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026 Location: Fred Milne Park, Sooke, BC Gates Open: 11:00 AM First Band: 12:00 PM Ticket Information: Advance Tickets: $50 Gate Tickets: $65 Youth (12–17): $25 Children (11 & under): FREE with adult ticket
Hard Copy Advance Tickets Available At: Phoenix Bar and Grill Cavity Curiosity Shop Long & McQuade Sooke Forbes IDA Sooke Pharmasave
Renowned as one of the most powerful live bands in modern metal, SEVENDUST are preparing to hit the road in support of One. Their U.S. headline tour kicks off April 16 in Carterville, IL, and runs through May 20, concluding in Knoxville, TN. Atreyu, Fire From The Gods, and American Adrenaline will join as support. The band will also open for Alter Bridge at two special U.S. dates: April 26 in Atlanta, GA, and May 21 in Nashville, TN. Additionally, Sevendust will appear at major festivals including Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple.
16.04.26 US – Carterville, IL / Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort 17.04.26 US – Riverside, IA / Riverside Casino & Golf Resort 18.04.26 US – Larchwood, IA / Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 20.04.26 US – Indianapolis, IN / Egyptian Room at Old National Centre 21.04.26 US – Lexington, KY / Manchester Music Hall 22.04.26 US – Birmingham, AL / Iron City 24.04.26 US – Mobile, AL / Soul Kitchen Music Hall 25.04.26 US – Destin, FL / Club LA 26.04.26 US – Atlanta, GA / Coca-Cola Roxy* 28.04.26 US – Dallas, TX / House of Blues 29.04.26 US – Oklahoma City, OK / Diamond Ballroom 01.05.26 US – Denver, CO / Summit 02.05.26 US – Albuquerque, NM / Sunshine Theater 04.05.26 US – Wichita, KS / The Cotillion 05.05.26 US – Springfield, MO / The Regency Live 06.05.26 US – Fayetteville, AR / Ozark Music Hall 08.05.26 US – Daytona Beach, FL / Welcome To Rockville 09.05.26 US – North Myrtle Beach, SC / House of Blues 11.05.26 US – Norfolk, VA / The NorVa 12.05.26 US – Harrisburg, PA / XL Live 14.05.26 US – McKees Rocks, PA / Roxian Theatre 15.05.26 US – Columbus, OH / Sonic Temple 16.05.26 US – Baltimore, MD / Nevermore Hall 17.05.26 US – Sayreville, NJ / Starland Ballroom 19.05.26 US – Charlotte, NC / The Fillmore 20.05.26 US – Knoxville, TN / The Mill & Mine 21.05.26 US – Nashville, TN / The Pinnacle*
Sepultura have announced their final ‘Celebrating Life Through Death’ North American tour. This farewell run will feature an explosive lineup, including special guests, thrash legends Exodus , hardcore heavyweights Biohazard and newcomers Tribal Gaze, promising a powerful celebration across North America.
Tickets will go on sale on January 23rd at 10:00 local time and VIP packages are on sale now from: http://www.sepultura.com.br/tour
SEPULTURA – Celebrating Life Through Death North American Tour 2026 With Exodus, Biohazard, Tribal Gaze:
Apr-29 Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater May-01 Montreal, QC – MTELUS May-02 London, ON – London Music Hall May-04 Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre May-05 Louisville, KY – Old Forester’s Paristown Hall May-06 Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl May-07 Atlanta, GA – The Masquarade May-08 New Orleans, LA – The Civic Theatre May-10 Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville* May-11 Charleston, SC – Music Farm May-12 Greensboro, NC – Piedmont Hall May-13 Reading, PA – Reverb May-15 Chicago, IL – Ramova Theatre May-16 Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple* May-17 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave May-19 Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom May-21 Denver, CO – The Ogden Theatre May-22 Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot May-23 Boise, ID – Shrine Social Club May-25 Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues May-26 San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park May-28 Berkeley, CA – UC Theatre May-29 Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern *Festival Date
American heavy metal icons CORROSION OF CONFORMITY will return to stages this Spring on a North American headlining tour with support provided by Whores and Crobot!
The journey commences with a pair of headlining shows on April 7th and April 8th in Atlanta and Greensboro respectively, with Whores. From there, the band will head to Sayreville on April 9th to join Clutch for a run of dates through May 3rd in Asheville (with additional support by JD Pinkus). CORROSION OF CONFORMITY reconvenes with Whores on May 5th in Toronto and May 6th in Montreal with Crobot joining the caravan for all remaining dates through May 16th in New Orleans.
Comments the band, “To all the CORROSION free thinkers and beer drinkers, we are beyond stoked on this tour announcement and our upcoming new record(s). The Alice Cooper/Judas Priest tour lit us on fire. See you on the horizon… up the hammers! First single coming soon.”
Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 23rd at 10:00am local time. See all confirmed dates below.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY Live: 4/07/2026 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA * 4/08/2026 The Pyrle – Greensboro, NC * 4/09/2026 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ ^ 4/11/2026 The Palladium – Worcester, MA ^ 4/12/2026 Kodak Center Theater – Rochester, NY ^ 4/14/2026 The Factory – Chesterfield, MO ^ 4/15/2026 Manchester Music Hall – Lexington, KY ^ 4/17/2026 VooDoo at Harrah’s Kansas City – North Kansas City, MO ^ 4/18/2026 Anthem at Hard Rock Sioux City – Sioux City, IA ** 4/19/2026 The District – Sioux Falls, SD ^ 4/21/2026 Mesa Theater – Grand Junction, CO ^ 4/22/2026 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT (COC only) 4/23/2026 Treefort Music Hall – Boise, ID ^ 4/24/2026 Cargo Concert Hall – Reno, NV ^ 4/25/2026 Sick New World – Las Vegas, NV Festival Date 4/27/2026 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM ^ 4/28/2026 The Horseshoe – Midland, TX ^ 4/29/2026 The Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX ^ 5/01/2026 Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL ^ 5/02/2026 The Signal – Chattanooga, TN ^ 5/03/2026 The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC ^ 5/05/2026 Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON * 5/06/2026 Fairmount Theatre – Montreal, QC * 5/07/2026 Le Poisson Rouge – New York, NY *** 5/08/2026 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA *** 5/09/2026 Mr. Smalls Theatre – Millvale, PA *** 5/10/2026 The Roxy – Lakewood, OH *** 5/12/2026 The Machine Shop – Flint, MI *** 5/13/2026 The Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI *** 5/14/2026 Outset – Chicago, IL *** 5/15/2026 Cannery Hall – Nashville, TN *** 5/16/2026 Tipitina’s – New Orleans, LA ***
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY will be touring in support of their upcoming new double album, set for release later this year via Nuclear Blast Records.
Last Fall, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY released a special rendition of “Fire And Water” by English rock band, Free. The classic track was originally released in 1970 on the album of the same name.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY’s version came spontaneously in the studio during some downtime while recording the upcoming full-length and serves as the first of the Riffissippi Studio Jam Sessions, a special collection of jammed out interpretations of songs by some of the band’s favorite artists.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY: Pepper Keenan – guitar, vocals Woody Weatherman – guitar Stanton Moore – drums Bobby Landgraf – bass
Forged in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY has woven their distinct riffs deep into the fabric of heavy metal for over four decades. Across ten landmark, critically acclaimed albums, the band has continued evolving. From the early days of thrash to their more recent, blues-infused metal, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY has managed to progress with each release keeping fans and critics alike guessing.
Stay tuned for more news from CORROSION OF CONFORMITY in the weeks to come.
The powerful new single is out now, taken from the upcoming album Phoenix, out April 10, 2026 via Art Of Melody Music / Burning Minds Music Group
Spanish melodic Hard Rock band XTASY open an exciting new chapter of their career with “Too Late”, their brand-new single out now on all digital platforms, together with the official lyric video.
“Too Late” is the first full statement from XTASY’s forthcoming studio album Phoenix, set for release on April 10, 2026, distributed worldwide by Art Of Melody Music / Burning Minds Music Group. The song perfectly captures the band’s renewed energy and sets the tone for what promises to be their most focused and ambitious release to date.
“Too Late” highlights everything that defines XTASY’s sound today. The track is co-written by Silvia Idoate, Carles Salse, Jorge Olloqui, and Erik Mårtensson, who also handled mixing and mastering at his Mass Destruction Studios in Sölleron, Sweden. The result is a song that combines emotional intensity with infectious hooks, representing what can be expected from the full album Phoenix.
Formed in Navarra, Spain, in 2011, XTASY have spent more than a decade building a solid international reputation across Europe and Japan through consistent releases, energetic live shows and a long-standing collaboration with Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse). Their upcoming album Phoenix represents the culmination of that journey: a collection of ten brand-new tracks, written during creative sessions in Sweden and showcasing a band at the peak of its creative confidence.
Phoenix also marks an important evolution in the band’s lineup, with the addition of Javi Herrero (Zenobia) on drums and David Zarzosa on bass, bringing fresh power, groove, and momentum to XTASY’s sound and live performances.
Following the success of their live CD/DVD Live of the Storm, which documented a 30+ date European tour, XTASY are now preparing to return to the stage with the Phoenix Tour, taking them across Europe throughout 2026. The tour will include festival appearances and club shows, further confirming XTASY as one of the most solid and exciting Melodic Hard Rock acts on the European Melodic Rock scene today.
Here are the first confirmed shows of the Phoenix tour:
21.02.26 – San Sebastian (ES) – Festival Heavy Jaia 14.05.26 – Barberaz (FR) – Brin de Zinc 15.05.26 – Basel (CH) – Valhalla Rock Bar 16.05.26 – Mels (St. Gallen) (CH) – Stage Am Bach 17.05.26 – Eisden-Maasmechelen (BE) – Ragnarok 19.05.26 – Dessau (DE) – Tbc 21.05.26 – Mörlenbach (DE) – Live Music Hall 22.05.26 – Aichach (DE) – Brandner Kaspar 23.05.26 – Lenzburg (CH) – Wisa Bar 16.10.26 – Vitoria (ES) – Urban Rock Concept 18.10.26 – Madrid (ES) – Rockville 21.11.26 – Pamplona (ES) – Canalla
With “Too Late” and Phoenix set for release on April 10, 2026, XTASY are ready to rise once again, stronger, sharper, and more determined than ever.
BOSTON & CHICAGO WE HEARD YOU. We have added a second night in Boston on June 4th at Leader Bank Pavillion. Tickets are on sale now. And our Chicago show has been upgraded to the ALLSTATE ARENA. All previous tickets bought for the Rosemont Theater will be honored.
2026 TRIUMPH 50th ANNIVERSARY NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:
CANADA:
April 22 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON @ GFL Memorial Gardens
April 24 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
April 25 – Hamilton, ON @ TD Coliseum
April 28 – Halifax, NS @ Scotiabank Centre
April 29 – Moncton, NB @ Avenir Centre
May 1 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell (Montreal)
May 2 – Ottawa, ON @ Canadian Tire Centre
May 5 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre
May 7 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place
May 8 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
UNITED STATES:
May 13 – Rosemont, IL @ ALLSTATE Arena (Chicago)
May 14 – Milwaukee, WI @ Miller High Life Theatre
May 16 – Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre
May 17 – St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
May 20 – Irving, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory (Dallas)
May 21 – San Antonio, TX @ Frost Bank Center
May 22 – Houston, TX @ Smart Financial Center at Sugar Land
May 24 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
May 26 – Atlanta, GA @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
May 28 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (Philadelphia)
May 30 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill (Detroit)
June 3 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater
June 4 – Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion
June 5 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell at Jones Beach Theater (New York)
The Master Plan, the brand-new solo album from Michael Sweet, acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, and frontman of Christian rock icons Stryper, is releasing, via Frontiers Records, on April 3, 2026!
After almost three years away, The Hollywood Vampires are finally coming back to tour the UK and Europe!! Joining us in the UK are special guests The Jesus And Mary Chain and The Damned with more guests TBA for our EU shows.
Our Artist Pre-Sale starts on Tuesday 20th January at 10AM local at:
https://www.hollywoodvampires.com/ **Password: boogieman (Please note this password will ONLY work for the artist pre-sale not any outside party pre-sales.)
General On Sales start Friday 23rd January at 10AM local at hollywoodvampires.com
Extra special VIP packages will also be available in select markets – for info visit superfan.live/hollywoodvampires
“We’re looking forward to incredible crowds, massive energy and more unforgettable nights. See you all soon!”
We have fantastic news for our Chinese fans in Beijing: we will be back for our third time on February 8th. The permit for the concert took a little time, that is why the announcement comes in so late but YES the rumors were true.
Bay Area thrash legends FORBIDDEN have officially joined forces with BLKIIBLK!
Melding classic thrash metal with melodic and progressive leanings, FORBIDDEN’s recent return to both the stage and studio is a rebirth for the Bay Area legends.
Joining founding guitarist Craig Locicero and bassist Matt Camacho are drummer Chris Kontos (formerly of Machine Head and Attitude Adjustment), guitarist Jeremy Von Epp and vocalist Norman Skinner (ex-Imagika and Niviane).
States the band: “When Forbidden was ‘reborn’ in 2023, we knew we were going to write new music. That excited us. We also knew that we were in no rush to be signed or obligated to anything that didn’t feel ideal. Well… that situation has finally revealed itself. We are elated to announce that Forbidden has joined forces with BLKIIBLK as one of their inaugural signings.”
Mumbai, India extreme metal force GUTSLIT return with their blistering new single “I, Berzerker”, marking the band’s first release since 2023’s Carnal and the beginning of a new chapter in their relentless evolution. Released independently, the track showcases a sharpened, ferocious sound that reaffirms GUTSLIT’s position as one of the most uncompromising bands in modern death metal.
“I, Berzerker” is a raw declaration of intent. Written as a defiant response to the notion of mellowing with age, the song captures GUTSLIT at their most primal and focused. Blistering riff work, punishing rhythms, and guttural vocals collide in a tightly constructed assault that balances precision with unrestrained aggression.
The track draws inspiration from the myth of the Berzerker, the warrior consumed by battle rage, and reinterprets it as a metaphor for creative freedom. Lyrically, the song explores instinct, release, and total immersion in the act of creation. Violence and fury become symbols of purpose, expression, and identity.
“I, Berzerker” also marks an important turning point for the band. Now operating as a five piece, GUTSLIT feature the dual guitar lineup of Ishwar Hariharan and Aditya Swaminathan, bringing a renewed melodic edge and dynamic interplay to the band’s signature brutality. The core foundation remains as vicious as ever, with Aditya Barve on vocals, Gurdip SinghNarang on bass, and Aaron Pinto on drums driving the chaos forward.
Produced by GUTSLIT, the single was recorded across Gray Spark Studio for drums and Altar Studio for guitars and bass. Engineering was handled by Saurabh Lodha, with vocals engineered by Ashwin Shriyan. Mixing and mastering were completed by Mendel Bij de Liej of EX-ABORTED, delivering a crushing yet refined sonic impact. The single artwork was created by drummer Aaron Pinto, under his visual alias Kidsquidy.
About GUTSLIT:
Formed in Mumbai, India in 2007, GUTSLIT is one of the country’s most formidable extreme metal exports. With a history spanning nearly two decades, the band blend brutal death metal and grindcore with elements of thrash and punk, delivering a sound defined by precision, intensity, and relentless aggression.
GUTSLIT have toured and performed across 25 countries worldwide, appearing at major festivals including Obscene Extreme, Brutal Assault, PartySan, Summer Breeze, and Deathfeast Open Air, and sharing stages with bands such as DYING FETUS, NILE, BENIGHTED, and ABORTED. Known for their ferocious live performances and global ambition, GUTSLIT continue to push modern death metal forward without compromise.
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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