Chicago, Illinois-based doom metal outfit ÇÖKÜŞ presents a new video for “Never Gone,” found on their debut record, An Hour Of Lies.
Influenced by the likes of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Trouble, Dio, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, and Kyuss, ÇÖKÜŞ – pronounced cho-koosh, which is Turkish for “decline” or “collapse” – was formed by several members of Earthen Grave upon its demise, carrying that band’s sound forward with a refocused energy. Following nearly a decade of creating songs remotely, the band put everything into the creation of An Hour Of Lies, which saw release in 2024 through Qumran Records.
An Hour Of Lies was recorded in three different states, the drums and vocals recorded by John E. Bohmher, Jr. at Berwyn Recording, the bass recorded by Patrick Green, and the guitars recorded by Jason Muxlow. The tracks were mixed by Chris Wozniak and mastered by Chris Hanzsek (Melvins, Soundgarden, Helms Alee), and the cover art/visuals were handled by Tom Denney (Soilent Green, Weedeater, Rwake).
ÇÖKÜŞ’ new video for “Never Gone” comes alongside the announcement of a lineup shift, which sees new bassist Paul DiPego (Salt Of The Earth, Maiden ’81) and new lead guitarist Mick Stone (Scare Machine, Sunset Empire) joining drummer Chris Wozniak (Vanishment, Earthen Grave, Lair Of The Minotaur), guitarist Steve Ligeza (Torg, Makahiya), and vocalist Mark Weiner (Earthen Grave).
The band writes, “Losing someone special to you, that you never knew in person, could make you lose yourself.”
Watch ÇÖKÜŞ’ video for “Never Gone” at THIS LOCATION.
An Hour Of Lies is out now on CD and digital via the Qumran Records webshop HERE and Bandcamp HEREand through all streaming apps. Watch the visualizers for “Wolf Moon,” “Midnight Sun,” and “Hit The Mattresses” HERE.
Having performed several Chicago-area shows last year in support of the album, ÇÖKÜŞ will take the tunes out to a wider live audience this year. The band confirmed a hometown show in Chicago on March 22nd, which will be livestreamed on the Reggies YouTube channel. They’ve also just announced a short eastward run late this Spring leading with a livestream from Stone Studios in Chicago June 18th – to be broadcast on the band’s YouTube channel with a limited live audience – followed by a set at Maryland Doom Fest 2025 on June 20th and a show in Pittsburgh June 21st. Additional performances are expected to be announced for later in the year as well.
ÇÖKÜŞ Live:
3/22/2025 Reggies Music Joint – Chicago, IL w/ Pale Horseman, Deepspacepilots
6/18/2025 Livestream from Stone Studios – Chicago, IL
Newfoundland, Canada’s black metal duo ARTACH announces the release of their latest album Morrigan…Goddess of War due out on March 21st, 2025 via Depressive Illusions Records. This third full length represents the band’s strongest material yet. It’s a relentless assault of blackened thrash metal that captures the intensity and fury the duo have always strived for. From crushing riffs to searing melodies, every track on this release is forged with raw passion.
“We’ve poured everything into this record, and we can’t wait for fans to experience the full force of Morrigan…Goddess of War.” adds Sruthán (Guitar/Bass).
Today, Artach unveils the lead single “Macha”, one of the three songs that are part of the Morrigan trilogy on the album with the songs that also includes “Badb”, and “Nemain”.
Sruthán (Guitar/Bass). explains further:
“Macha, one of the Morrígan, was known for her prophetic visions and her role as a fierce protector of warriors. She is sometimes considered one aspect of the Morrígan, a trio of war goddesses.
The three goddesses, and what elements they represent, that make up the Morrígan in Irish mythology are: Macha – War, sovereignty, horses. Badb – Battle, death, chaos. Nemain – Frenzy, panic, terror. Together, they represent different aspects of war, fate, and destruction in Celtic mythology.”
EP Credits: Cover art by: Awinita Alm Album mixed and mastered by Michael Small.
Track Listing:
Badb – 7:08
Macha – 6:06
Nemain – 5:17
Nefarious – 5:21
Nomad – 5:09
Hoarfrost – 4:29
Cloudminders – 4:46
Ride… Die… Immortality – 6:08 Album Length: 44:28
Artach is a two-man black metal band (Sruthán: Guitar/Bass, Fíochmhar: Battery/Vokills/Keys)based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. Being from the foggiest, snowiest, wettest, windiest, and gloomiest capital city in Canada, one should not be surprised that this fuels the creation of Black Metal. Their inspiration comes from the land, nature, the bleak weather of the Canadian North, and influential black metal bands.
Since the duo’s formation in the spring of 2019, Artach has been consistently releasing new music. The band’s debut album Chronicles of a Black Winter was released digitally during February 2020 and later unleashed on physical CD by Depressive Illusions Records.
In 2021, the band returned with their next offering Sworn To Avenge, a full-length scourge of raw and relentless bruting gloom. In 2024, Artach took an experimental direction with the EP Sgrios, which was a black metal spin on industrial metal sounds. Now in 2025, they unleash their third full length offering with Morrigan…Goddess of War for release in mid-March.
Discography: 2025 – Morrigan…Goddess of War (album) 2024 – Sgrios (EP) 2024 – From The Frozen Vault (EP) 2023 – Hell on Halloween (Single) 2021 – Countess Bathory (Single) 2021 – Sworn to Avenge (album) 2020 – Night Songs (single) 2020 – Chronicles of a Black Winter (album)
Today, New York heavy metal trio SANHEDRIN presents their latest single, “Let’s Spill Some Blood.” The track comes in advance of the band’s Heat Lightning full-length, set for release Friday, March 14th on Metal Blade Records!
Notes vocalist/bassist Erica Stoltz: “The lyrics of ‘Let’s Spill Some Blood’ reflect how fortunate the human race is that most people seek justice as opposed to revenge. There are many dark forces in the corridors of power pretending to be forces for good, and this song calls them out for what they are and urges the listener to stand up and fight for what’s right.”
The main guitar riff of the verse is hypnotically repeated over and over again, “symbolizing history repeating itself,” according to guitarist/vocalist Jeremy Sosville. This works its way into an inspired singalong chorus, a signature of the SANHEDRIN sound.
Watch SANHEDRIN’s “Let’s Spill Some Blood” video HERE.
Watch SANHEDRIN’s previously released video for “Blind Wolf” HERE and the visualizer for “Franklin County Line” HERE.
Heat Lightning was recorded and co-produced by Matt Brown (Life Of Agony, A Pale Horse Named Death) and Jerry Farley (Sick Of It All, Madball) at the legendary Utopia Bearsville studio in Woodstock, New York and features the striking hand-painted cover art of band friend and fervent supporter Johan Prenger.
The record will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
180g Black Violet Blue Marbled Ruby Red Marbled (Ltd. 500) White, Purple Splatter (Ltd. 200)
SANHEDRIN will make an appearance at this year’s edition of Hell’s Heroes Festival in Houston, Texas followed by a pair of one-off shows in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania respectively. In May, the band will head to Europe for a co-headlining tour with Savage Master. See all confirmed dates below.
SANHEDRIN Live: 3/20/2025 Hell’s Heroes Festival – Houston, TX 3/30/2025 Bangover Brunch – Tulsa, OK 4/26/2025 Mr. Smalls Playhouse – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Savage Master: 5/21/2025 P60 – Amstelveen, NL 5/22/2025 Schwarzer Keiler – Stuttgart, DE 5/23/2025 Sounddog – Breda, NL 5/25/2025 Hell – Diest, BE 5/26/2025 Logo – Hamburg, DE 5/28/2025 Klubb Fredagsmangel – Järfälla/Stockholm, SE 5/30/2025 The Abyss – Gothenburg, SE 5/31/2025 Muskelrock Festival – Alvesta, SE 6/03/2025 Nachtleben – Frankfurt, DE 6/05/2025 Goldgrube – Kassel, DE * 6/06/2025 Rock Hard Festival – Gelsenkirchen, DE * 6/07/2025 MTS Records – Oldenburg, DE * 6/08/2025 Cart & Horses – London, UK *
SANHEDRIN only
SANHEDRIN has spent the last decade at the forefront of the American heavy metal scene blending traditional metal and hard rock sounds with a fresh modern energy and perspective. With 2022’s critically lauded Lights On full-length, the band had created their most complete work to date. With their followup, Heat Lightning, the band delivers a diverse collection of songs that wholly captures their wide array of influences with an elevated level of production.
Heat Lightning gets its title from the second track of the same name. “Heat lightning is a flash of lightning from very far away, sometimes seen in a clear sky,” says Stoltz. “It is used as a metaphor for where we see ourselves at the moment in relation to climate change. Collectively we have moved further away from our direct relationship to nature and have adopted a paternal relationship with the natural world, as if we have control.” It was one of the first songs written for the album, and one of the most dynamic tracks the band has ever written.
“The Fight Of Your Life” is a tribute to those we call “lifers” in the music business. While “Franklin County Line” is the fastest song on the record, and inspired by Sosville’s hometown and surrounding area in northern New York State. Sosville recounts, “Erica and [drummer] Nathan [Honor] came up to visit me and work on new music. In the process, we wrote a song inspired by the local Amish population but with a naughty twist.”
Elsewhere, songs like “King Of Tides” see the band slow things down to a doom-ridden plod. The cinematic music sets the tone for a story of puritanical religious fanatics landing in the New World. “They are afraid to land because the people who live where they want to land are resisting with loud war cries,” says Sosville. “Striking fear in the minds of these Puritans, they interpret the interaction as a Satanic encounter.” The song climaxes with an epic rock solo section, which serves as one of Sosville’s “proudest moments as a lead guitar player.”
Finnish death metal act REFUSALhas signed a deal with Time To Kill Records for the release of their third album, Venomous Human Concept, set to drop in the coming months. Hailing from Helsinki, the band delivers a raw and unrelenting blend of death metal infused with grind and hardcore elements, striking a perfect balance between groove-driven intensity and razor-sharp precision.
While their sound remains visceral and direct, REFUSAL carefully crafts dynamic songwriting that keeps their relentless assault engaging and impactful. More details about the album, along with the first single, will be revealed soon.
REFUSAL is a Finnish death metal band 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 its 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.
For fans of: Napalm Death, Misery Index, Entombed, Rotten Sound
Juhani Paasipohja – Vocals Tero Pirhonen – Guitars Kalle Kuosmanen – Guitars Timo Pirhonen – Backing vocals and bass Aleksi Roitto – Drums
NO DIVINITY, the hardcore, metalcore adjacent outfit known for their intense and aggressive sound, is proud to announce their new release Winter Promo, available now in collaboration with Passing Time Records.
Winter Promo features three fast, powerful, and ear-catching tracks that showcase the band’s evolving sound and creative direction. As NO DIVINITY explains: “We’re excited to share this new release with our fans as a preview of what’s to come. We’ve got a lot up our sleeves, and we wanted to get something out there while we’re working on future records. This release reflects our constant drive to push our sound forward, and we believe this is a great example of where we’re heading.”
The new release exemplifies NO DIVNITY’s signature blend of hardcore and metalcore, with fast-paced riffs, raw energy, and intense vocal delivery. The band’s dynamic approach to writing continues to captivate audiences, delivering a message of aggression and resilience in every track. With Winter Promo, NO DIVINITY proves once again that they are a band unafraid to evolve and push boundaries.
NO DIVNITY’s previous release, Generation of Pain, received widespread acclaim for its powerful lyrics and relentless sound. With Winter Promo, they continue to carve their own path in the underground scene, drawing influences from bands like HARMS WAY, JUDICIARY, and DIVISION OF MIND, while adding their own creative spin to the mix.
International power metal act SAEKO, led by the dynamic Japanese singer Saeko Kitamae, has launched an exciting crowdfunding campaign to support the recording of the new mini-album and music video.
Join the campaign and be part of this exciting chapter by supporting athttp://kck.st/3PXwcDz.
This project will reimagine select tracks from her groundbreaking 2004 debut album, Above Heaven Below Heaven, giving them new life with the incredible musicianship of her internationally acclaimed band. SAEKO made history in 2005 as the first Asian female artist to perform at Wacken Open Air, setting the stage for a career built on perseverance, musical excellence, and international collaboration. After a 15-year hiatus, she returned in 2021 with Holy Are We Alone, an album that reaffirmed her status as one of power metal’s most passionate voices.
Born in Osaka, Japan, Saeko Kitamae’s musical journey started with a deep love for rock and metal, leading her to move to Germany in pursuit of her dream of becoming a power metal singer. She collaborated with renowned European musicians and quickly made a name for herself in the international metal scene. She has worked with some of the best in the industry, including Michael Ehre (Gamma Ray, The Unity), Lars Ratz (Metalium), and Guido Benedetti (Trick Or Treat). Her ability to seamlessly blend Japanese and Western metal influences has made her music unique and emotionally powerful. In addition to her studio work, she has toured with legendary artists such as Doro, bringing her powerful stage presence to audiences across Europe.
The band is composed of Saeko Kitamae on vocals, Guido Benedetti (Trick Or Treat) on guitars, Alessandro Sala (Rhapsody Of Fire) on bass, and Michael Ehre (Gamma Ray, The Unity) on drums. Together, they create an electrifying sound that combines powerful melodies, deep compositions, and the raw energy of metal.
It has been over three years since SAEKO’s last album, and her journey back has been an inspiring one. At the beginning of 2020, she successfully raised ¥2,000,000 (€15,400) in a crowdfunding campaign, allowing her to record Holy Are We Alone. However, just as she was ready to take the next step, COVID-19 disrupted everything, halting live performances, delaying plans, and ultimately affecting her ability to stay in Europe, forcing her return to Japan. Now, she is ready to push forward stronger than ever, with new music and a fresh vision that fans can be part of.
This crowdfunding campaign is an opportunity for fans to directly contribute to the making of a mini-album and a high-quality music video that will celebrate SAEKO’s past while looking ahead to an exciting future. The goal is not only to revisit and reinterpret some of her classic songs but also to create momentum for upcoming live performances and new creative projects. With the support of her dedicated fanbase, SAEKO is eager to continue her artistic journey and bring her music to audiences worldwide.
By joining this campaign, fans become an essential part of the process, helping to fuel the creative energy that makes SAEKO’s music so unique. This is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a way to actively participate in the evolution of an artist whose passion for metal knows no bounds. Every supporter plays a role in making this project a reality, and together, we can celebrate SAEKO’s music in a way that unites the global metal community. Join the campaign and be part of this exciting chapter by supporting at http://kck.st/3PXwcDz.
The wait is over — Sacramento, California’s Niviane unleash their powerful new album, Queen of Phantoms, released on March 7th, 2025! With a refined lineup, sharpened songwriting and a thunderous production, this release solidifies the band’s place at the forefront of modern power metal.
Crafted with precision over the past years, Queen of Phantoms represents Niviane’s strongest and most dynamic work to date. The album was written during the pandemic lockdowns and carefully shaped to highlight the band’s evolution, featuring a new rhythm section with drummer Isaiah AR and bassist Tyler Satterlee who inject fresh power into the music. Each of the 11 tracks offers a different shade of power metal, from blistering speed and aggression to uplifting melodies and dark atmospheres pushing beyond the genre’s conventions.
Featuring the commanding title track “Queen of Phantoms”, the emotionally charged “Tomorrow’s a New Day” and the thunderous “Under Black Flags” just to name a few, the album strikes a perfect balance between heaviness and melody. Queen of Phantoms showcases Niviane’s signature blend of intricate guitar work, anthemic choruses and cinematic storytelling, appealing to fans of Judas Priest, Queensrÿche, Primal Fear and Nevermore.
The album’s official lyric videos for “Queen of Phantoms” and “12 BC Legions” further bring its powerful themes to life, visually enhancing its dark, immersive storytelling. The latest official music video for “Tomorrow’s a New Day” explores deep and personal themes of mental health, setting it apart as one of the band’s most moving compositions.
With Queen of Phantoms, Niviane delivers a bold and unapologetic statement—this is power metal at its finest, evolved and redefined. Experience the full force of Niviane’s latest masterpiece now!
Track-list: 1. Queen of Phantoms 2. 12 BC: Legions 3. 12 BC: Germania 4. Beacon In The Darkness 5. Some Wounds… Never Heal 6. All Debts Repaid 7. Tomorrow’s A New Day 8. Event Horizon 9. Our Maze 10. Gunslingers & Graves 11. Under Black Flags
Band line up: Aaron Robitsch: Keys & Orchestration Gary Tarplee: Guitars Isaiah AR: Drums Mark Miner: Guitars Norman Skinner: Vocals Tyler Satterlee: Bass
Coinciding with their ongoing “Myths Of Fate” European tour, symphonic Viking horde LEAVES’ EYES are pleased to announce that their ship has landed at the shores of Reigning Phoenix Music. Making a pact with the subversive metal label, the leading German metallers have found a welcoming new home for their future musical endeavours.
LEAVES’ EYES founder/vocalist Alex Krull states: “We’re really happy to share such fantastic news: LEAVES’ EYES have signed a long-term record deal with Reigning Phoenix Music! Being united with many companions and friends makes working with RPM very special to me! We’re looking forward to entering the next level with Sven, Jochen, Gerardo and the whole RPM family, we couldn’t be more excited! The Southern German metal empire strikes back!”
“I’m enormously pleased to welcome Viking metal pioneers LEAVES’ EYES at RPM. The musical roots of Alex and me go back to Ludwigsburg’s Rockfabrik, a place where many bands and rock/metal projects kick-started their careers. Collaborating with friends is always special, and that’s definitely the case here,”comments label owner Sven Bogner.
RPM managing director Jochen Richert adds: “I’ve known Alex for almost 40 years since we’ve already been meeting regularly at local youth centres back in the day. Our work relationship also lasts for about 35 years now. That’s why I’m very happy that LEAVES’ EYES and Reigning Phoenix Music are walking a common path now. It’s a classic example of ‘What belongs together, comes together’!”
After their foundation in 2003, LEAVES’ EYES took the scene by storm: the group undeniably hit a nerve of the metal world with their refreshing mixture of symphonic metal and historic Norse elements. Over the course of nine studio albums, the band extended their ever-growing fan base, performed on five continents, played many own headline tours and entered the stages of some of the most prestigious metal festivals around the globe.
But there’s more: To bridge the gaps between their studio albums, LEAVES’ EYES mostly continue writing material and thereby released multiple EP’s with some of them showing rare musical sides, for example acoustic recordings, of the sextet. And the current time is now exception: following their current success album Myths Of Fate, which hit no. 17 of the official German well as no. 66 of the official Swiss album chart among others, they’re preparing a brand new EP, which is set for release later this year via Reigning Phoenix Music. What it contains shall remain a secret for now, but you can be sure that LEAVES’ EYES next output will be nothing but another exciting addition to their musical journey through the Nordic saga world. Pre-save it here: https://leaveseyes.rpm.link/ep2025PR
LEAVES’ EYES are: Elina Siirala | vocals Alexander Krull | vocals Florian Ewert | guitars Luc Gebhardt | guitars Dominik Prykiel | bass Nils Kreul | drums
As mentioned, the group have kicked off their 2025 European tour in Aalborg, Denmark, to gather symphonic and Viking fanatics once again. Also performing under the “Myths Of Fate” banner are promising support acts: NYTT LAND (Mar 6-21), ATER (Mar 6-21), PROJECT RENEGADE (Mar 6-13), VERDERBNIS (Mar 6-13) and HALLS OF OBLIVION (Mar 14-21). The second part of the run (Stuttgart, DE + 6 Iberian dates) will see local bands taking the stage to warm-up the crowds for LEAVES’ EYES.
“Myths Of Fate Tour 2025” Presented by The Flaming Arts Agency w/ NYTT LAND, ATER, PROJECT RENEGADE, VERDERBNIS 07.03.2025 NL Arnhem – Willemeen 08.03.2025 DE Weinheim – Café Central 09.03.2025 BE Ghent – Chinastraat 10.03.2025 DE Dortmund – JunkYard 11.03.2025 CH Aarburg – Musigburg 12.03.2025 IT Milan – Legend Club 13.03.2025 AT Vienna – Viper Room w/ NYTT LAND, ATER, HALLS OF OBLIVION 14.03.2025 RS Belgrade – Dom omladine 15.03.2025 RO Cluj-Napoca – FORM Space 16.03.2025 RO Bucharest – Quantic 17.03.2025 BG Sofia – Joy Station 18.03.2025 HU Budapest – Barba Negra 19.03.2025 PL Krakow – Hype Park 20.03.2025 PL Gdansk – Drizzly Grizzly 21.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Hydrozagadka w/ local supports 29.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Club) 01.04.2025 ES Barcelona – Sala Upload 02.04.2025 ES Portugalete – Estudios Groove 03.04.2025 PT Porto – Hard Club 04.04.2025 PT Lisbon – RCA Club 05.04.2025 ES A Coruña – Sala Maladiva 06.04.2025 ES Madrid – Sala Nazca
24.05.2025 DE Nordhorn – North Metal Night 25. – 27.06.2025 CZ Spálené Poříčí – Basinfirefest 28.06.2025 DE Oschersleben – Rock & Metal Day’z 05.07.2025 DE Mülheim an der Ruhr – Castle Rock 18.07.2025 DE Greifenstein – Celtic Rock
New Video/Single Now Playing + Preorders Available
LIK, the modern-day purveyors of classic Swedish death metal, gloriously return to action with their fourth album, Necro, on April 18th via Metal Blade Records.
Standing loud and proud over so many imitators, Necro is the musical equivalent of a classic shock-horror movie that’s drenched in blood and gore and packed with over-the-top extremities. Delve beyond the zombified cover art created by Stockholm-based tattooist and artist Jens Olsson (Ink Fanatics), Necro serves as a reminder of just how special and exciting the genre is: packed with blood-curdling fantasy stories about war, death, zombies, world apocalypse, and murder all stacked with disgustingly good, rotten riffs.
After recording and releasing their critically acclaimed third full-length, 2020’s Misanthropic Breed, during the pandemic, this time around getting back into the studio properly was paramount. And while Misanthropic Breed was recorded at the quartet’s rehearsal space where the band produced all their demos, LIK recorded Necro at NBS Studio (AKA Necromorbus Studio) in Söderfors, two hours from their home city.
Once again using uber-producer Lawrence Mackrory (Meshuggah, Katatonia, High Parasite, Decapitated), all music was recorded live over a three-day period, before vocalist/guitarist Tomas Åkvik headed to Uppsala to record his vocals at Mackrory’s Rorysound Studios. Mackrory has worked with LIK – whose name translates to “corpse” in Swedish – since their 2015 debut Mass Funeral Evocation and throughout their Metal Blade Records career that started with 2018’s Carnage.
Within Necro’s ten tracks, LIK has created a seamless album, diverse in tempo but without losing any of their blood-soaked intensity and relentless in-your-face-attitude listeners have come to expect. There are twists and turns that keep LIK on a progressive path without straying from their old-school trademark sounds inspired by the godfathers Dismember, At The Gates and, of course, Entombed.
“We didn’t really want to repeat ourselves, but of course we wanted the LIK sound,” explains Åkvik on the writing trajectory of Necro.
In advance of the record’s release, LIK unleashes first single, “War Praise.” Åkvik elaborates, “We had to write this track before we could even start working on the new album. A LIK track that felt just like LIK but with enough new stuff to make it interesting for us. Sadly enough the world is still plagued by wars so we had to write about the horrors of it.”
Necro, which features guest appearances by Nick Holmes (Paradise Lost, Bloodbath), Linnea Landstedt (Tyranex/Ice Age), and Lawrence Mackrory (F.K.Ü.), will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
180g Black Tombstone Grey Blue Marbled Dark Sky Red Marbled (Ltd. 500) Clear Violet Blue Marbled (Ltd. 300) Lilac/Blood Red Splatter (Ltd. 300) Lilac Blackdust (Ltd. 200) Violet Purple Splatter (Ltd. 200) Coffin Purple Black Splatter (Ltd. 300)
Dissonant as well as emotive death metal from Canada
Husband-wife duo Crown of Madness impressed many with their debut full length of melancholic and atmospheric dissonant death metal which many feel is reminiscent of their heralded label mates Devenial Verdict. After only a few days of their album coming out, they have unleashed their official video via the label’s channel which can be witnessed AT THIS LINK.
Crown of Madness have put out a slew of short-form releases, improving upon their sound with each one and culminating in this full length that sees the most evolved version of their music so far. As accomplished as it is, it also happens to be unique in the style of dissonant death metal – in that, it’s deeply personal and palpably emotive, and that poignant, introspective mood pervades their entire album. The music almost has a melodic albeit melancholic quality to it that is refreshing for a style of music that usually sounds harsh and detached. At the same time the music is driven; the hypnotic riffs are invariably interspersed with bursts of blasts and there is good momentum generated in this calculated, undulating pattern which becomes addictive. Memories Fragmented is a beautifully tempered album underpinned by unforgettable melodies, an ambitious release but one completely devoid of pretence, which is bound to be regarded as one of the standout albums in the style in the years to come.
For fans of: Ulcerate, Devenial Verdict, Dysgnostic, Gorguts
Artwork by Erskine Designs
Track listing: 1. Visions From A Past Life 2. Sovereign Blood 3. Burdened 4. Ashes of Mine 5. When I Don’t Remember You 6. Deafening 7. Sea of Fangs 8. Dreamless Nights No Longer 9. Hollow Thresher 10. The Grand Design
Montreal/Stockholm Progressive Metal Quartet, Voidchaser, have releasd their new EP Trust! Serving as an epilogue to critically acclaimed 2024 release Solace, the new EP completes the narrative and brings closure to the conceptual journey begun with their debut album.
Coinciding with the EP’s release, the band has also released a music video for opening track, “Time,” featuring Québec City’s Universe Effects (Gabriel Antoine Vallée, Francis Grégoire, and Gabriel Cyr). “Time” embarks on a reflective journey through loss and the fleeting nature of life. Emotionally charged and deeply introspective, the song continues the narrative arc that concluded Solace, resonating with the raw emotion of abandonment.
Following the impact of “Trust” (featuring Jim Grey of Caligula’s Horse) and the epic “Dogma” (with a guest appearance by The Anchoret), “Time” weaves a heartfelt exploration of impermanence and memory, brought to life through poignant lyrics and evocative melodies. This final chapter not only completes the EP’s narrative journey, but also reinforces Voidchaser‘s reputation for merging profound emotional storytelling with dynamic musical composition.
Trust solidifies Voidchaser’sreputation for heavy yet emotionally resonant progressive metal. The band is also gearing up for an international tour in 2025, with more details to be announced soon.
Line-Up:
Chad Bernatchez – Vocals, Back Vocals, Rhythm Guitar Jici LG – Bass Jimmy Montbriand – Lead Guitar Colin MacAndrew – Drums Mathieu Fiset – Keyboards
“Trust picks up directly after the events of Solace. Our protagonist is drifting across the vast emptiness of space, as the reserve oxygen tanks from the suit keeps him alive and scenes from his life pass them by. The first song, Time, depicts our protagonist having to say goodbye to someone who he was very close to. The second song, Dogma, depicts our protagonist having to make an impossible decision, resulting in leaving behind someone else he was very close to. Finally, the title track depicts our protagonist unapologetically committing his entire life to someone only to have his trust broken and their sense of self be lost in the process.
We collaborated with musicians from all around the world on this EP and it’s very cool to have had the opportunity to do that. We have a lot of love for the musicians that accepted to be on it and feel incredibly honored that we made something they wanted to be a part of.
This EP is very special to us because it marks the end of a chapter for Voidchaser. We are very proud of how far we have come since the band has started, and there is nothing we would have done differently. Everything has led to where we are today and we have learned a lot from the past two years and we are very grateful for everything that happened and everyone who was with us along the way.”
FFO: Devin Townsend, Haken, Dream Theater, Between the Buried and Me, Opeth, Caligula’s Horse.
Guest vocals by Gabriel Antoine Vallée (Time). Guest guitar solo by Gabriel Cyr (Time). Guest keyboard solo by Francis Grégoire (Time). Guest french horn by Tomás Figueiredo (Time). Guest violin/viola/cello by Oleh Mytrofanov, Kateryna Mytrofanova, Oleksiy. Zavgorodniy, Anastasia Boyko and Jana Malentzova (Time, Dogma). Guest saxophone solo by Laurent Barbier (Dogma). Guest oud solo by Asil Blek (Dogma). Guest bansuri solo by Rajat Prasanna (Dogma). Guest vocals by Jim Grey (Trust).
Lyrics and Songwriting by Chad Bernatchez. Production and Arrangements by Jici LG. Mixing and Mastering by Jason Poulin. Management by Metal Shed Productions. Artwork by Sam Harwood.
Drums recorded by Mackay Agellon at Borkum Riff Studios. Guest vocals recorded by Jared Adlam at Machine Lab Studios (Trust).
Special thanks to Eddy Levitsky (The Anchoret) for his implication in the track “Dogma”, to Dario and Van (The Progspace), and to Niko (Prog Sphere).
Watch MISS LAVA’s lyric video for “Under A Black Sun” HERE.
Like distant moons spitting fire, Lisbon, Portugal-based rock unit MISSLAVA forged their new album Under A Black Sun. Carrying a darker and heavier emotional weight than their previous outings, the band’s fifth album is set to be released through Small Stone Recordings on April 25th, today unveiling the record’s first single and preorders.
“It’s a pretty intense record,” says singer Johnny Lee. “Our life experiences over the past years have made us delve into a darker matter. We explored new territories and had a blast creating this album.”
The release of Under A Black Sun will celebrate the band’s longevity, marking their 20th anniversary. It’s sonic flame with many cosmic swirls that urges to be unleashed live. “It has been a hell of a ride since we started rehearsing in a small studio in Lisbon back in 2005,” confirms guitarist K. Raffah. “Having this record come out twenty years later with a partner like Small Stone is the best thing we could wish for. Now we just need to get out there and play these songs live everywhere we can!”
This mystical rite of creation was the first record with drummer Pedro Gonçalves, bringing a heavier vibe to the band. Under A Black Sun was recorded and engineered once again with Miguel “Veg” Marques, who handled the band’s previous record, Doom Machine, produced by MISS LAVA and Marques, mixed by Steve Lehane, and mastered by Chris Goosman.
In advance of the record’s release, today the band unveils, Under A Black Sun’s title track. Comments Lee, “This song is about falling under a dark influence and the duality of this situation. For some, it’s total absence of light, but others manage to orbit around it.”
Watch MISS LAVA’s lyric video for “Under A Black Sun” HERE.
Under A Black Sun includes guest keys on “Blue Sky On Mars,” “Dark Tomb Nebula,” “Elara,” “Evil Eye Of The Witch,” and “Woe Warrior” by Miguel “Veg” Marques, guest vocals on “Elara” by Alexandra Quintas “Bebé,” and artwork by João Filipe.
The record will be released on CD and digital formats as well as limited vinyl. Find all preorders on the official Small Stone Recordings Bandcamp page HERE.
Under A Black Sun – Track Listing:
1. Dark Tomb Nebula
2. Neon Gods
3. Evil Eye Of A Witch
4. Chaos Strain
5. Woe Warrior
6. The Bends
7. Fear In Overdrive
8. I Drown
9. Blue Sky On Mars (Bonus Track – CD/Digi)
10. Elara
11. Under A Black Sun
MISS LAVA: Johnny Lee – vocals K. Raffah – guitars P. Gonçalves – drums Ricardo Ferreira – bass Hugo Jacinto – guitars
Over the years, the band has played live in clubs and festivals in the UK, Spain, Germany, and of course Portugal. MISS LAVA even made a one-off appearance at the legendary Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles. The band has shared stages with the likes Of Queens Of The Stone Age, Slash, Graveyard, Ufomammut, Greenleaf, Kyuss Lives!, Fu Manchu, Valient Thorr, Entombed, Truckfighters, and many more. The band, now a five-piece with two guitar players, has confirmed shows throughout the Spring and Summer months with more to be announced in the weeks to come.
MISS LAVA Live: 4/26/2025 Lav – Lisboa, PT w/ Graveyard 4/30/2025 A Cofradia – Vilanova De Arousa, ES 5/01/2025 Grc Amigos De Seixas – Seixas, PT 5/02/2025 Pub Transylvania – Vigo, ES 5/03/2025 O Bar Queiro – Mañón, ES 6/06/2025 Bafo De Baco – Loulé, PT 6/07/2025 TBA – Oliveira De Frades, PT 6/26/2025 Wurlitzer – Madrid, ES 6/28/2025 Chatnoir – Badajoz, ES 7/02/2025 Antwerp Music City – Antwerp, BE 7/03/2025 Pitchers – Düsseldorf, DE 7/04/2025 Rare Guitar – Münster, DE 7/05/2025 Ostpol – Dresden, DE 7/06/2025 Dirty & Dancing – Osnabrück, DE
Artwork • “The Predator“ Jimmy Lindbergh / Mother Misery
Swedish Melodic Heavy Rockers MOTHER MISERY release their brand new single” The Predator” today, March 7th!
The band informs about the new single “The Predator“: “‘The Predator’ was recorded in the same session as our last album ‘From Shadow To Ghost’. We felt the track had a different vibe to the rest of the songs and decided to keep it for a special release. When we invited David ‘DaKe’ Isberg, known for Blood Of Jupiter and as a founding member of Opeth, to add some of his deep growl to the song, it felt complete and even more special. The song has a driving riff, a mellow verse and a melodic chorus, along with a nice breakdown in the middle.”
LINE-UP: John Hermansen • Vocals, Guitar Emil Ström • Guitar, Lead-Guitar Stiff Hell • Bass Jimmy Lindbergh • Drums, Percussions
DISCOGRAPHY: 2004 • Grandiosity • Full-length 2006 • For The Crows • EP 2007 • All Eyes On You • Full-length 2010 • Standing Alone • Full-length 2015 • Deadication • EP 2018 • Megalodon • Full-length 2023 • From Shadow To Ghost • Full-length 2025 • The Predator • Single
Norwegian heavy metal trio Coffin Storm have unveiled a brand-new video today for their blistering track ‘Open The Gallows’. The 10 minute epic, taken from their 2024 debut album Arcana Rising, comes alongside a brilliant new video by Matthew Vickerstaff steeped in medieval and supernatural brutality.
Featuring Kolbotn veterans Apollyon (Aura Noir, Lamented Souls) and Bestial Tormentor (Infernö, Lamented Souls), the lineup is completed by Fenriz of Darkthrone on vocals.
Speaking on the new video and his inspiration behind the track, Apollyon said, “Open The Gallows is the longest track I have ever made. Initially we were thinking instrumental old Metallica style with loads of guitar melodies and shit. Apart from the opening/ending though, there’s not much Metallica in there. The main riff is Kreator-inspired if anything. Fortunately, we ended up having Fenriz sing on it after all because the vocal lines are amazing.
This being an all Kolbotn project we invited Arild from Obliteration/Abhorration/Necromantheon/Black Viper to do a legendary long-ass guitar lead as well.
Either way I thought the song deserved a video and Mr Matthew Vickerstaff came up with this idea to use clips from old B-movies. He did a fantastic job with collecting and editing, making it an exciting 10 minutes plus watch. Enjoy!”
On the prospect of new material in the future, Apollyon says:
“Arcana Rising seemed to go down really well with people, and we have plenty of material left in the vaults for an album number two, and always new ideas coming also, so work is progressing slowly but surely amid all the other things we have going on currently. Keep your eyes peeled!”
Metal Hammer – “When riffs are this good, why not draw them out a bit? A career-best performance”
Powerplay – 10/10 “nothing less than greatness”
Metal Talk –“Coffin Storm’s debut is an album that every fan of Doom-tinged Metal should hear”
Metal Sucks – 4.5/5 – “Coffin Storm have created a whopper of an album …. This one comes highly recommended”
Reigning Phoenix Music proudly introduces PERCEPTION, its latest label imprint. Following the success of ROAR, a sub-label dedicated to emerging talents and artists, PERCEPTION is set to provide a strong foundation for regionally and stylistically leading bands with high growth potential.
Jochen Richert, managing director of RPM Europe, shares his vision for PERCEPTION: “My responsibilities at Reigning Phoenix Music have often taken me away from what I love most – working directly with bands, nurturing their growth, and helping them reach their full potential. With PERCEPTION, I now can dive back into artist development, which I’m truly excited about. Of course, my main mission remains unchanged: to help Reigning Phoenix Music to become one of the leading metal labels in the world.”
To celebrate the birth of RPM’s new sibling, PERCEPTION proudly announces its first signing – one that perfectly embodies the label’s core value of passion, professionalism, and ambition: SERIOUS BLACK.
More than 10 years of SERIOUS BLACK and highly melodic power metal with the license to create hymns: since 2014, the band led by bassist Mario Lochert, have been delighting fans not only by releasing six studio albums so far, but also by frequently playing much-lauded concerts and festival appearances, and that’s why PERCEPTION is even more proud to begin its journey by signing such a well-known act.
“We’re really happy, and we couldn’t have found a better partner than Reigning Phoenix Music as they greatly combine expertise and experience. We have a comfortable new surrounding, and re-connecting with old companions makes this new union even more special to us: Everything that belongs together comes together over and over again,”comments founding member Lochert.
Jochen Richert as PERCEPTION A&R adds: “Mario and Dominik [Sebastian; guitars] are incredibly passionate about SERIOUS BLACK, and that’s exactly what it takes to elevate this band even further. They are built for the top tier of power metal – with outstanding songwriting and an electrifying stage presence already in place. We’ll make sure they reach the level they truly belong to: the very top of the scene!”
On the heels of their latest album Rise Of Akhenaton [2024], SERIOUS BLACK are celebrating their 10th anniversary with an own headline tour this spring, following an enormously successful European run alongside SONATA ARCTICA, FIREWIND as well as TUNGSTEN. Special guests AUTUMN BRIDE, DRAGONY and RIGORIOUS will complete the line-up for the upcoming festivities.
Mario states: “10 years, 6 charting albums, over 250 concerts, festival shows and gigs worldwide. A look back that lets me indulge in many memories. Personally, I’m really looking forward to this tour, not only because it’s our birthday headline tour, but also because old friends like AUTUMN BRIDE, DRAGONY [Mar 18-30], and RIGORIOUS [Mar 11-18] will be joining us on this tour with new albums at their hands. Get your tickets and spend an unforgettable power metal party full of hard riffs and hymns with us!”
SERIOUS BLACK – live:
“Metalized” World Tour:
w/ AUTUMN BRIDE, RIGORIOUS (*), DRAGONY (^)
11.03.2025 DE Berlin – ORWOhaus *
12.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Logo *
13.03.2025 DE Herford – KulturWerk *
14.03.2025 DE Monheim – Sojus 7 *
15.03.2025 CZ Prague – Storm Club *
16.03.2025 HU Budapest – Analog Music Hall *
18.03.2025 AT Vienna – Szene */^
19.03.2025 IT Bologna – Alchemica Music Club ^ (w/ STRANGER VISION)
20.03.2025 FR Lyon – Rock n’Eat ^
21.03.2025 ES Zaragoza – Sala Lo Intento ^
22.03.2025 ES Madrid – Revi Live ^
23.03.2025 ES Vitoria-Gasteiz – Urban Rock Concept ^
24.03.2025 ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 3 ^
25.03.2025 FR Paris – La Boule Noire ^
26.03.2025 BE Kortrijk – CVG Club ^
27.03.2025 CH Lenzburg – Met-Bar ^
28.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Club) ^
29.03.2025 DE Schirnding – Gemeindehalle ^ (w/ CHAPTER ELEVEN)
Phoenix based groovers and thrashers INCITE are making waves with their explosive new stand-alone single, “Just A Rat.” This track infuses a fresh burst of energy into the metal scene, distinguishing itself with its unique vibe. Frontman Richie Cavalera hails this as the band’s most intense work yet, underscoring INCITE’s commitment to pushing the boundaries within the genre.
Featuring a powerful mix of thrashing rhythms and raw, visceral vocals, the song is poised to captivate and energize fans seeking something relentlessly unique and refreshing. The video accompanying the single is directed by Jim Louvau, known for his work with artists like KITTIE, LINKIN PARK, and JERRY CANTRELL.
Lyrically, the song speaks to anyone who has ever felt betrayed, with powerful lines like: “Tried to destroy me, won’t happen again. This was a part of your master plan, Figured it out so I ran.”
Richie comments: “Just a rat is our first single and it’s unique, heavy and, to me, moving metal into a whole new, fresh direction. I wanted the lyrical content to be very relatable and god knows we’ve all dealt with a rat at some point in our lives.”
Produced by Steve Evetts and mixed by Arthur Rizk, “Just A Rat” marks INCITE’s first release under Reigning Phoenix Music, offering a glimpse of what’s to come from this exciting new partnership. Stay tuned for more exciting news about INCITE in the coming weeks!
Photo credit Kim Hansen
About INCITE:
Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2004 by frontman Richie Cavalera, INCITE blends groove and thrash metal with a raw, relentless edge. With Lennon Lopez on drums and EL on bass, the band has honed its unyielding sound across multiple albums, evolving with each release. The addition of guitarist Layne Richardson has injected fresh energy, elevating both their live performances and songwriting.
Swedish all-female melodic death metal band FRANTIC AMBER is currently gearing up for the release of their much-awaited, third studio album, entitled Death Becomes Her, due out on April 4, 2025 via ROAR. Coming on CD, Vinyl and in Digital formats, you can now pre-order the band’s forthcoming rager right here: https://franticamber.rpm.link/deathPR
After FRANTIC AMBER just recently unleashed a first track taken offDeath Becomes Her, the furious “Jolly Jane”, now, the band is premiering a new video clip for their latest single “Hell’s Belle”
“Death Becomes Her is a concept album about female serial killers and includes different kinds of killers and categories of serial killers,”the band states. “Hell’s Belle Gunness was a particularly gruesome Black Widow type serial killer, who lured unsuspecting men to her Indiana farm with promises of love, only to poison and dismember them for their money. She also orchestrated multiple insurance frauds and many suspicious deaths, including those of her husbands and children. Her gruesome legacy, spanning from 1884 to 1908, left a trail of at least 14 confirmed victims, with estimates reaching as high as 40 murders.”
“Belle most probably faked her own death by burning down her farm, leaving behind a headless corpse and a farm full of buried body parts. The song Hell’s Belle has a lot of black metal inspiration and combines a waltz with blast beats giving it a ruthless sway. We also incorporated a lot of orchestra to set the mood and tone together with the guitar melodies and tremolo. The lyrics tell the story of Belle Gunness and her bloody activities on her farm. The writing style is brutal with a little tongue-in-cheek undertones and the vocals have a wide range going from vicious growls to a little sprinkle of clean classical vocals in a three-part-harmony.”
Hell’s Belle” is out now and available for streaming via all digital services at:
FRANTIC AMBER started in 2008 as a project in Stockholm by founding guitarist Mary Siebecke with the intention to form an all-female metal band. At first it was an experiment through various genres and with clean vocals. It wasn’t until 2010, with the recruitment of Danish ballet dancer Elizabeth Andrews on extreme/clean vocals and lyric writing, as well as Japanese vocal and guitar teacher Mio Jäger handling lead guitar and main songwriting, that the identity of FRANTIC AMBER started to take its shape into the melodic death metal beast they are known as today.
Their music can best be described as Melodic Brutal Death Metal with Thrash, Black, Progressive, Heavy Metal and Symphonic elements. The thunderous bass together with the technicality and power of the drums provide the backbone, while the guitar’s shredding and soaring melodies complete the soundscape together with the powerful and aggressive vocals.
FRANTIC AMBER’s first EP, Wrath Of Judgement was released in 2010 and landed them the opportunity to play live on national TV at the prestigious “P3 Guld” awards. Gaining momentum the band toured in Europe with SIX FEET UNDER among others, followed by releasing three videos for the songs “Wrath Of Judgement”, “Bleeding Sanity” and “Ghost”. In 2012 they won the Swedish Wacken Metal Battle and got to play a show at the huge W:O:A festival.
Death Becomes Her – track listing: 01 – El Orfanato (Intro) 02 – Bloodbath 03 – Black Widow 04 – Death Becomes Her 05 – Hell’s Belle 06 – Angel Maker 07 – Jolly Jane 08 – Gore Candy 09 – The Butcheress 10 – In The Garden Of Bones 11 – Epitaphium (Outro)
With two much-acclaimed full length records under their belt, “Burning Insight” and “Bellatrix”, several single releases and millions of streams and Youtube views, FRANTIC AMBER have played numerous festivals and toured all across Europe, Scandinavia as well as Japan, Russia and even played the largest festival in Colombia “Rock al Parque”. They have shared stages with bands like BEHEMOTH, EXODUS, SABATON, EXCITER, HAMMERFALL, CARACH ANGREN, DARK TRANQUILITY, UNLEASHED, TAAKE, INSOMNIUM, MYRKUR, AT THE GATES and TARJA to name just a few. In 2023, they were nominated by IMPALA as one of three Swedish acts to be included in the worldwide “100 Artists to watch” program that year.
Now, the time has finally come: On April 4th, FRANTIC AMBER will release their hotly-anticipated new album Death Becomes Her an incredible, unique and brutal beast, with eleven amazing tracks, that will definetly blow your speakers and minds! Pre-order the album HERE!
FRANTIC AMBER is: Mio Jäger – Guitars Elizabeth Andrews – Vocals Madeleine Gullberg Husberg – Bass Laura Hernandez – Drums
On April 25, 2025, Australia’s up-and-coming modern metal act GhostSeeker will release its much-awaited debut album, entitled Divergence via ROAR. Following the band’s first single, “Interment”, the extraordinary five-piece has just premiered a new music video for their latest album appetizer “Wake Up (Imposter)!”
“Wake Up (Imposter) is deeply personal song,” the band reveals. “Wake Up (Imposter)’s subject matter was a result of the writing of this album. A combination of writers block and self doubt led to this feeling of being an imposter. A certain confidence seemingly trapped in previous works. Not feeling up to what had been provided. Drawing inspiration from the Seraphim angels and their righteous purity, instead of crumbling, this was used as fuel to create what you hear with Wake Up.”
Emerging from the competitive Australian heavy music scene, GhostSeeker took the metal world by storm with their infectious debut EP, “Initium Novum”, which amassed almost a million streams across major platforms since its release in 2022. Playing frenetically-acclaimed shows across Australia, the band quickly built a strong local fanbase, now they are ready to conquer the world! After joining forces with powerhouse label ROAR, GhostSeeker are currently gearing up for the release of their hotly-anticipated, first full-length “Divergence” on April 25th.
Originally formed by ex-LETTERS TO AMARA guitarist Tim Campey, vocalist Celeste Bojczuk and guitarist Cory Walkeden, the band completed the line-up adding singer Daniel Breen (ex-STORM THE SKY) and Daniel Gay (ex-ANYONE ANYONE). Fans will be encapsulated by the unique aesthetic and soaring vocals provided by Celeste Bojczuk married together with the harsh yet melodic flow offered by Daniel Breen. The band’s sound greets a contrast that’s sure to command attention. Guitarists, Cory Walkeden and Tim Campey, effortlessly feed off one another creating a feeling and atmosphere which resonates with all listeners alike, whilst rhythm and bass provide perfectly complements and leads what GhostSeeker are and who are destined to become one of heavy music’s hottest bands!
Divergence – track listing: 01 – Internment 02 – The Looking Glass 03 – Wake Up (Imposter) 04 – Metempsychoses 05 – Cursed Till The End 06 – Glow In Decay 07 – Dissension 08 – A Reverie In Atonement 09 – Beta War 10 – The Prototype
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Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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