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
Celebrating 15 Years of mountain moshing in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Armstrong MetalFest unveils its conquering 2025 lineup with BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM and lots more from across Canada and beyond.
All tickets provide general admission and grant access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 11, 2025, until 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Free camping is included.
Tickets will be mailed starting after March 1st if you have chosen the “Ticket Mailed” option.
Hosted on July 11th and 12th in Armstrong, BC at the Hassen Arena, this year’s two days of moshing, headbanging, and camping is a very special one as festival council members comment:
“The band council worked hard on this year’s lineup. I am so excited to have the Browning back. They were amazing on stage. I have been wanting to see Born of Osiris play live for years. I love them, and now I get to see them in my own little town.” – Heather Valstar, Vice President of West Metal Entertainment Society
“I’m really excited about the diversity of this year’s line-up. The selection team has really put in the work. There’s sure to be something for everyone: a great mix of trusted favorites and new additions to your playlist for the rest of the year!” – Kate Kutzner, President of West Metal Entertainment Society
“This year’s festival is a work of art! I can’t believe we are on the 15th year already. Time flies when you’re setting up a festival full of crushing riffs, soaring vocals and down right nasty beats. Life rules, bring on the summer!” – Festival Co-Founder / General Manager – Jessie Valstar.
Headlining opening night, Friday, July 11th, Denver thrashers HAVOK are no strangers to the mosh pits, these veterans have unleashed five studio albums – Burn (2009), Time Is Up (2011), Unnatural Selection (2013), Conformicide (2017), V (2020) – and recently surprised fans this past November with the EP “New Eyes”. Music Video – Death Is An Illusion – https://youtu.be/hkUgz-DeFAo
Also supporting the Friday night stage, the Pacific Northwest’s Glyph (ft. members fromGatekeeper, Greyhawk, Hjelvik), which is not just a heavy metal band, they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs, they’re building worlds and they bring it forth in their latest album “Honor, Power, Glory” released in March 2024. Lyric Video – March of the Northern Clan (feat. Nathan Harrison) – https://youtu.be/htSyUb25wD4
Another highlight for Friday is the screaming heavy metal from Calgary’s speed demons Riot City, who bring forth theirsteel, spikes and leather! A youthful band that represent the new face of Canadian metal. An amalgam of ripping and hot heavy metal, created in pure and youthful madness, they’re bullet belts feature two full lengths “Electric Elite” (2022), “Burn The Night” (2019) and their latest live album “Live in Newcastle” (2023). Album Stream – Electric Elite – https://youtu.be/j3hA1nrG7M0
Saturday, July 12th will be headlined by international tour de force, progressive deathcore titans, Chicago’s BORN OF OSIRIS. The group is signed to Sumerian Records and has released seven full lengths and two EPs. Their album, A Higher Place, reached number 73 on the Billboard 200. Their second full-length album, The Discovery, debuted at 87 on the Billboard 200. The band unveiled their latest single “In Desolation” this past August. Visualizer – In Desolation – https://youtu.be/9OyMRRAq9fI
Also featured on Saturday is AMF alumni Kansas City’s THE BROWNING who will be unleashing their unique eclectic blend of electronicore and deathcore. This past November, they released their sixth album “OMNI” that features 10 powerful tracks, including collaborations with Nik Nocturnal and the eponymous song with THE DEFECT. Music Video – OMNI (feat. THE DEFECT) – https://youtu.be/VhyuduP3MdY
Performing for the first time at AMF and adding to the nostalgia of Saturday night, VIRVUM, progressive / technical death metal all the way from Zürich, Switzerland that many in Canada have been waiting a long time to witness. There’s no better place to see them along with the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies than at AMF 2025. The Cypher Supreme – https://youtu.be/9W9Kp38I9yY
Other to be treasured highlights of this year’s fest not to miss is Montreal, QC up and coming thrashers DROWNING IN BLOOD, who are notorious pit mongrels and have made quite a name for themselves in Eastern Canada. Vancouver’s GRAVEMASS,they might be a new band, but they feature some serious experienced metalheads from Zimmers Hole, West of Hell, The Golers, Punch Drunk, 3 Inches of Blood and Revocation. Switzerland’s technical death/black metal Stortregn, they deliver a mix of charging riffs, blast beats and brutality that leaves the listener begging for more.
The Defect is an electronic rock/metal project created by husband and wife duo – Jonny McBee (The Browning) and Moon McBee. Their debut album “Death X Destiny” was recently released on Feb 7th, 2025 under record label FiXT. From the Salish lands of Spokane, WA, Hísemtuks Hími•n introduce their Indigenous melodic black metal of hard hitting riffs, fast paced drumming and a lot of melody. This project has strong roots in the Spokane Tribe/Nez Perce. Most songs are about Native American mythology, history, and folklore.
AMF 2025 Lineup: Havok (Denver, CO) Born of Osiris (Chicago, IL) Glyph (Seattle, WA) Riot City (Calgary, AB) The Browning (Kansas City, KS) Virvum (Zürich, Switzerland) Atavistia (Vancouver, BC) Drowning In Blood (Montreal, QC) Convictions (Fremont, OH) Scalding (Vancouver, BC) Syryn (Calgary, AB) Stortregn (Geneva, Switzerland) The Defect (Kansas City, KS) Gravemass (Vancouver, BC) Lover (Calgary, AB) Yegg (Vancouver Island, BC) Hísemtuks Hími•n (Spokane, WA) The Spruce Moose (Edmonton, AB) Volt (Fort McMurray, AB) Jisei (Vancouver, BC) Nomad (Okanagan Valley, BC) Planetkiller (Kelowna, BC) Shackled To The Throne (Edmonton, AB) The Cadavor Dog (High River, AB) Famous Strangers (Edmonton, AB) Valley of Despair (Edmonton, AB) Naitaka (Kelowna, BC) FloodGate (Kelowna, BC)
Partners: WCMFA AlumaPro Welding & Fabrication Ltd Vox and Hops Rancho Vignola Creative BC Province of BC Shepherds Hardware Askews Foods ACE Containers Asher Media Relations Staggs Head Sunbelt Rentals Bravewords V13 Metal-Rules Absolute Underground Mag Broken Neck Radio Ghost Cult Magazine This Day In Metal Valstar Electric Voets
MOONLIGHT HAZE will release the new record Beyond on May 23th 2025 through Scarlet Records.
Lead by sensational frontwoman Chiara Tricarico (currently one of the live vocalists of Avantasia and special guest on the Highlights From The Revenge Of Odysseus (2022 ManowarEP), MOONLIGHT HAZE has joined forces with extraordinary producer Sascha Paeth for their upcoming fourth studio album.
Beyond is a perfect mixture of heavy, melodic and super catchy songs recorded in the old fashioned way with little to no edits. MOONLIGHT HAZE went ʻorganicʼ this time, with a little help from Sascha Paeth, who was able to make some of the classic features of the band emerge and shine even more.
The Italian unit keeps delivering its trademark killer refrains while exploring new musical territory, further experimenting throughout ten tracks highlighted by yet another stellar vocal performance courtesy of Chiara Tricarico.
MOONLIGHT HAZE’s fourth record is a journey through time and space, galactic landscapes and earthly elements; a never-ending quest for a deeper reality and a purest inner truth. Soul searching symphonic power metal, if you please.
Produced by MOONLIGHT HAZE at Bridge Produzioni Audio and Studio & Sascha Paeth at Pathway Studio, and illustrated by the talented Beatrice Demori, Beyond will be released in the following formats:
CD digipack LP in vinile: 350 blu trasparente; 150 trasparenti (esclusiva mailorder) Digitale
01. Beyond 02. Tame The Storm 03. Crystallized 04. Chase The Light 05. Would You Dare? 06. L’Eco Del Silenzio 07. D.N.A. (Do Not Apologize) 08. Untold 09. Time To Go 10. Awakening 11. A Brand New Sky (bonus track CD) 12. Alive Again (bonus track vinile)
SUDDEN DEATH‘s fourth album,In Sinner Hate, is set for release on May 19th, 2025, via Time To Kill Records.
The title plays phonetically with the word “Incinerate”, but takes on the meaning of In the sinner’s hate, reflecting the dark and introspective themes that permeate the entire work. In this new effort, the band delves into concepts such as violence, monotony, loneliness, alienation, respectability, and hardship, while also tackling broader topics like war, pollution, and social isolation, exploring them in their most visceral form.
While maintaining the claustrophobic, minimalist, and massive approach that has always defined SUDDEN DEATH, the new material ventures into more intricate and elaborate directions. The band’s death metal carries a modern edge, yet retains clear nods to the old-school brutality of Cannibal Corpse and Sinister. The guitars intertwine constantly, layering different yet harmonized riffs before reconverging into a single, powerful sonic force, creating a complex and dynamic listening experience.
The first single “Human Death Machine” is now streaming HERE.
The album was mixed and mastered by Stefano “Saul” Morabito (Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hour Of Penance, Hideous Divinity), with additional recordings by Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono (Hour Of Penance, Shores Of Null) and Giuseppe Orlando (Novembre, Stormlord).
The band commented:
“Human Death Machine is a track whose themes draw inspiration from certain elements of cinematic works such as The Shining, reinterpreted from a more introspective and personal perspective. The protagonist, suffering from a dissociative disorder, experiences an identity crisis, undergoing what can be described as an authentic and progressive process of rationalizing his emotions. This leads him to a state in which, following the complete annihilation of his emotional side, only cynicism and inner emptiness remain. His distorted perception of reality drives him to see murder as the only possible solution. As a result, the protagonist transforms from a man into a kind of flesh-and-bone robot, a killing machine, a human death-machine”.
Line-up:
Luis Maggio – Vocals Giorgio “Giorgioni” Cifuni – Guitar Francesca Mancini – Guitar Giuseppe Ciurleo – Bass Emanuele Aleo – Drums
Track-list:
1. In Sinner Hate (Intro) 2. The Modern Pharisee 3. Destined to Fall 4. The World is Hate 5. Living Corruption 6. The Beast Awakening 7. Channelling Misery 8. The Torture Wheel 9. Acidic Ways of Parity 10. Human Death Machine 11. The Human Demise
Formed in 1997, SUDDEN DEATH are a death metal band hailing from Genzano (Rome). The band’s sound, initially inspired by the rawest old school death-thrash metal waves, slowly and progressively developed into a more brutal style, influenced by Cannibal Corpse and early Deicide. Nowadays the band set forth on a masterclass in technical and claustrophobic death metal with dense and intertwining guitars, sudden tempo and metric changes and more consistent and exasperated vocal parts.
So far the band has released three albums – Devoured Inside (self-produced) in 2001, Injection of Hate (Deadbang Records) in 2004, Monolith of Sorrow (Killerpool Records) in 2015 and the EP Stillborn (Art Gates Records) in 2018.
SUDDEN DEATH have played several shows throughout the Italian peninsula and around Europe, sharing the stage with important acts such as Suffocation, Gorgoroth, Vader, Napalm Death, Exodus, Dark Tranquility, Possessed, Pestilence and many others.
Emerging from the historic shadows of Oslo’s Gallows Hill, the death metal-punk power trio GALGEBERG is set to release their explosive debut album Cerberus on March 28, 2025. Named after the infamous execution site turned intersection, GALGEBERG‘s music captures the site’s eerie resonance, transforming it into a blistering sound that’s as profound as the place’s dark past.
Cerberus, named for the mythological three-headed guard dog of Hades, is an album that embodies the beast’s ferocity. Recorded in a single, intense 16-hour session at Amber Studio, the album is a relentless fusion of death metal and punk, with lyrical themes that delve into the depths of societal decay, religious skepticism, and political corruption.
GALGEBERG, comprising seasoned musicians recognized from various influential bands, has crafted an album that not only challenges the norm but also offers a critical, enraged commentary on the current state of the world. The band’s raw, aggressive sound coupled with their sharp, insightful lyrics promise to make Cerberus a landmark release in the metal community.
The album features six tracks, each a heavy hitter in its own right. From the scathing critique of divine justice in “Epicurean Paradox” to the unsettling expose of the meat industry in “Unparalleled Suffering,” and the poignant homage to Sinéad O’Connor in “Ode to O’Connor,” GALGEBERG‘s debut promises a compelling mix of music and message.
About GALGEBERG:
Formed in the heart of Oslo, Norway, in 2022, GALGEBERG is a metal band that deftly combines the brute force of old-school death metal with the rebellious spirit of punk. The band consists of seasoned musicians Peter Vegem on guitars and lead vocals, Bård Eithun on drums, and Peter “Bosse” Boström on bass and backing vocals, each bringing a rich history from various influential bands in the metal scene, such as BLOOD TSUNAMI, DJEVEL, EMPEROR, MONGO NINJA, STUDFAUST, HELLRIDE, and BRUT BOOGALOO.
GALGEBERG’s music is characterized by its intense energy, complex lyrical themes, and the unmistakable growl of HM2 pedals that drive their sound. Their influences stretch across the Atlantic, nodding frequently towards the gritty, raw sounds of Stockholm death metal, yet they manage to infuse a unique flavor that sets them apart.
Named after a historical site in Oslo known for its dark past and mystical aura, GALGEBERG channels this intensity and mystique into their music, creating a powerful and immersive listening experience. Their commitment to addressing profound and often controversial themes, ranging from philosophical skepticism to societal injustices, demonstrates the band’s dedication not only to musical excellence but also to sparking conversation and reflection among their listeners.
With their debut album, Cerberus, GALGEBERG is set to cement their place in the metal world, promising to deliver a relentless assault on the senses paired with intellectually provocative lyrics. The band invites listeners into a world where music confronts the conventional and challenges the status quo, making GALGEBERG a standout act in the global metal community.
The wait is over! Modern metal powerhouse REEPER, led by multi-instrumentalist and visionary Elias Andrada, have released their new explosive single and music video “Circuit Collapse” available today, March 3rd, across all streaming platforms and YouTube.
The music video, directed by Iván Mulero (OTHERSIDE PRODUCTIONS), captures the intensity of the band’s modern metal sound through a unique visual approach and a powerful narrative.
Elias Andrada shared on the single: “Circuit Collapse is a dark and introspective journey through mental collapse and redemption in the midst of chaos. With a melancholic and tense atmosphere, the song explores the internal struggle against despair and the search for meaning in the darkness. Through immersive soundscapes and lyrics that paint a city in flames and paths with no return, REEPER delivers an intense, cinematic experience.”
Elias’ single Photo by Eduard Kelel
“Circuit Collapse is not just a reflection of anxiety and existential void, but also an anthem of resilience, embracing the darkness, surrendering to it, and learning to breathe again. This single marks the first glimpse into REEPER’s upcoming album, solidifying their powerful and atmospheric sound in the modern metal scene. Special thanks, to all the crew, and our friend vocal performer Luis Ribeiro, from Ashes in the Ocean!”
“This music video redefines metal energy with stunning visuals and a powerful sound.”
Credits: Producer: Elias Andrada Composed by: REEPER
Just recently REEPER released his highly anticipated The Butterfly Effect Deluxe Edition – available now across all major digital platforms. Order it here: https://acortar.link/I1hKOP.
Sweden’s Viking metal heroes AMON AMARTH will join heavy metal legends Pantera for The Heaviest Tour Of The Summer! Produced by Live Nation, the US amphitheater tour begins on July 15th in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and will wind its way through over two dozen cities, coming to a close on September 13th in West Palm Beach, Florida. Not to be missed, AMON AMARTH will be armed with as much of their infamous theater production the stage can handle.
AMON AMARTH comments, “We are beyond excited to hit the road with the mighty Pantera! Their music has shaped metal as we know it, and sharing the stage with them is an absolute honor. Get ready for a tour of pure, unrelenting heavy metal!”
Tickets are on sale now at amonamarth.com/tour. See all confirmed dates below.
AMON AMARTH w/ Pantera: 7/15/2025 The Pavilion at Star Lake – Burgettstown, PA 7/17/2025 Pine Knob Music Theatre – Clarkston, MI 7/19/2025 Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre – Tinley Park, IL 7/22/2025 Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH 7/23/2025 Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH 7/25/2025 Hersheypark Stadium – Hershey, PA 7/26/2025 Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY 7/28/2025 Broadview Stage at SPAC – Saratoga Springs, NY 7/29/2025 BankNH Pavilion – Gilford, NH 7/31/2025 PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ 8/02/2025 Xfinity Center – Mansfield, MA 8/03/2025 Xfinity Theatre – Hartford, CT 8/06/2025 American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Milwaukee, WI 8/07/2025 Target Center – Minneapolis, MN 8/20/2025 Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre – Salt Lake City, UT 8/22/2025 White River Amphitheatre – Auburn, WA 8/23/2025 Cascades Amphitheater – Ridgefield, WA 8/26/2025 Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre – Phoenix, AZ 8/27/2025 Kia Forum – Inglewood, CA 8/29/2025 T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV 8/31/2025 Isleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM 9/02/2025 Germania Insurance Amphitheater – Austin, TX 9/03/2025 Dos Equis Pavillion – Dallas, TX 9/05/2025 Ruoff Music Center – Noblesville, IN 9/06/2025 Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO 9/08/2025 Coca-Cola Amphitheater – Birmingham, AL 9/10/2025 Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater – Virginia Beach, VA 9/11/2025 Coastal Credit Union Park at Walnut Creek – Raleigh, NC 9/13/2025 iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, FL
AMON AMARTH’s latest US journey follows their hugely successful Metal Crushes All Tour 2024 which included a monumental raid at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver plus arena stops in Portland, Vancouver, Quebec City, Asheville, Tampa, and Anaheim as well as 2022’s The Great Heathen Tour which saw the band bring their full European production to arena shows in Los Angeles, Montreal, and New York. The tour also marked the first time an extreme metal band headlined the iconic Kia Forum.
AMON AMARTH continues to tour in support of their critically adored The Great Heathen Army full-length. Recorded with esteemed studio guru Andy Sneap and released in 2022, the record represents another bold leap forward for the band, as their trademark sound undergoes yet another skillful, evolutionary overhaul, both lyrically and musically. From the noisily rabble-rousing “Find A Way Or Make One” and the pummeling, pugilistic “Get In The Ring” to the cinematic squall of the title track, The Great Heathen Army encapsulates the essence of this legendary band, while still allowing acres of space for new ideas.
Formed in Tumba, Sweden, in 1992, AMON AMARTH has forged an extraordinary legacy over three decades of thunderous, anthemic metal, all rich in the magical imagery of Viking history, folklore and culture. With albums like 2008’s widely acclaimed Twilight Of The Thunder God and 2016’s conceptual triumph Jomsviking, the Swedes have been consistent standard bearers for heavy metal as a life-affirming and communal experience, armed with a seemingly endless stream of instant classic songs.
Finland’s hard rocking Wishing Well have released new music for the first time after their Sin And Shame album, that came out in March 2023. “Boys Will Be Boys” is a simple good mood rocker, made seriously tongue-in-cheek and in good spirit to celebrate rock music and pure joy and camaraderie of playing in a band. This positive and cheerful song is a rare release from the band, who usually write more serious and complex songs. The song is released together with a music video, recorded at Magnusborg Studios in Porvoo, filmed and edited by Jussi Koskinen.
“Boys is an old song that goes way back but we wanted to release something in between albums and this song is perfect for that. First we thought it’s too simple and silly but when we worked on it and it took off like a rocket to the moon we decided to give it a go. Somebody then came up with the idea of asking previous Wishing Well vocalists to sing the gang vocals and when they agreed and even Graham Bonnet promised to join we knew it’ll work out great. We decided to shoot the video while in the studio and we had a great time. We’re pleased with the result and the song is also good fun to play live”, says Anssi Korkiakoski, guitar player and songwriter of the band.
“Things should not always be too serious, at the end of the day it’s all about doing what you love, together with your friends. We’re all old metalheads and hard rockers, we share the same thoughts and memories about music, from early years to ‘80s metal and beyond. It’s great that we can do our thing together and share it with each other and our audience as well. This song is a homage to all of us childlike rockers, music lovers and band musicians. There are many of us, naturally lots of girls and women too, despite the song title”, says Korkiakoski.
Composition & Lyrics by Anssi Korkiakoski
The song is released under Wishing Well & The Wheelers And Dealers, since the choir with its old school veterans plays an important role in the song.
At the moment the band is working on their fifth album, due to be released in the spring of 2026. Wishing Well will perform live at On The Rocks Club in Helsinki on the 27th of March. For more news updates visit their social media channels.
Wishing Well are: Pepe Tamminen – vocals Arto Teppo – Hammond-organ Matti Kotkavuori – bass Juha Kivikanto – drums Anssi Korkiakoski – guitar
Wheelers And Dealers choir are: Rick Becker Graham Bonnet Rafael Castillo Peter James Goodman
Set for release on March 28th, 2025, via Aesthetic Death, the fourth album by US doom noise entity THE SLUMBERING reaches an inevitable convergence, where the sinister, drone and hypnotic sound has merged with doomsday scenarios and an endtime conclusion.
The only glimmer of hope within their music is found in the prospect that humankind is quickly reaching its (un)natural end; that it can exact no further harm. There is an ultimate calm in the knowledge any clock will tick no more and that all we will see is what the next realm brings forth.
The track “Chapel Of The Damned” is now streaming at THIS LOCATION.
Italian melancholic dark metal SHORES OF NULL announce their first leg of of 2025 tour dates across Europe that will feature a combination of festival appearances and indoor shows between Italy and Germany.
Shores of Null 2025 Tour Dates: 03/01 • Journey Fest VI @ Spazio Webo – Pesaro w/ Deadly Carnage, Ghostheart Nebula, Built-in Obsolescence Band, Lilinanna 3/14 • Alchemica Music Club – Bologna w/ Deadly Carnage, Built-in Obsolescence Band, Eva Can’t 4/30 • Klubhaus – Saalfeld w/ Décembre Noir, Praise The Plague 5/1 • TBA 5/2 • Walpurgisnacht Vol. IV – Berlin w/ And Oceans, Heretoir, Décembre Noir 5/11 • Isola Rock – Verona w/ Dark Lunacy 6/15 • Arena Alpe Adria – Lignano Sabbiadoro w/ In Flames, Lacuna Coil
In additional news, Shores of Null will be unraveling a live album for May 2025. Entitled “Beauty Over Europe”,the live record features 10 tracks that were recorded during their monumental 2023 European tour with Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium. Throughout that tour, Shores of Null performed 35 shows across 18 countries, including Norway, Denmark, Germany, the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Hungary, bringing their critically acclaimed albumThe Loss Of Beauty to the stage.
The live recordings, captured in the cities of Leipzig, Munich, Aschaffenburg, Budapest, and Belfast, preserve the raw and emotive energy of their performances. Each track reflects the band’s ability to blend melancholic melodies with crushing heaviness, offering fans a visceral live experience.
“Beauty Over Europe” is both a celebration of the tour and a gift to all fans of the band. Exactly two years after that unforgettable journey, this live albumoffers a chance to relive the emotional intensity and true essence of Shores Of Null’s live performances.
Guitarist Gabriele Giaccari comments:
“This tour was an incredible journey, the longest in our career, and a true milestone for Shores Of Null. As the promotional tour for The Loss Of Beauty, our latest and most acclaimed album to date, it was an honor to bring these songs to life across 35 shows in 18 countries. Sharing the stage with monumental bands like Swallow The Sun and Draconian—huge inspirations for our music—was unforgettable. Despite the melancholy of their sound, they’re some of the most fun and genuine people we’ve met, and by the end of this epic journey, we were proud to call them friends.
We owe special thanks to our incredible crew—Petri, Matti, Mikko, and Tero—who ensured everything ran seamlessly and made this experience unforgettable. To pay homage to this extraordinary chapter, we decided to produce a live album. Recorded during key moments of the tour, it captures the essence of these unforgettable performances and is dedicated to all the people who supported us live and shared these magical moments with us.”
Watch a live video clip from their tour stop in Aschaffenburg, Germany performing “The Last Flower” – https://youtu.be/w-Hq69KG2RM
Setlist: 1. Transitory (Live intro) 2. Destination Woe (Live in Leipzig) 3. Nothing Left To Burn (Live in Leipzig) 4. Quiescent (Live in Munich) 5. The Last Flower (Live in Aschaffenburg) 6. Black Drapes For Tomorrow (Live in Budapest) 7. A Nature in Disguise (Live in Munich) 8. Darkness Won’t Take Me (Live in Belfast) 9. My Darkest Years (Live in Aschaffenburg) 10. Blazing Sunlight (Live Outro)
Live Recording: Matti Kynsijärvi Mixing and Mastering: Marco Mastrobuono at Bloom Recording Studios
The Loss of Beauty is Shores Of Null’s fourth album and follows the acclaimed “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)”, unanimously considered by fans and critics as one of the Doom Metal gems of recent years. The lyrics celebrate beauty in imperfection and transience and are meant to be an invitation to seek beauty in little things, especially those unexpected and ephemeral.
Stylistically, The Loss of Beauty continues along the sulcus set forth by “Quiescence” and “Black Drapes For Tomorrow”, its melancholic dark metal with a wide range of influences, from gothic metal to doom metal and melodic black/death metal, with frequent use of vocal harmonies and deep growls.
The album consists of 13 songs, while the LP version only contains 11, the two extra tracks are bonus tracks that can be found on the CD version as well as on the streaming platforms. Dark and heavy, tinged with feelings of despair and melancholy, The Loss Of Beauty was released on March 24th, 2023, and is recommended for fans of Swallow The Sun, Borknagar, and Paradise Lost.
We’re pleased to have a band like Haxprocess join the Transcending Obscurity family. Their brand of progressive death metal is both unconventional and unpredictable but nonetheless satisfying for any fan of death metal. They’ve taken their music to another level on their ambitious new album; their approach remains bold and innovative and fans looking for challenging yet heavy progressive death metal music won’t be disappointed in the least. Listen to their 11-min. album opener here – https://youtu.be/pNBT0I5aBHE
Band’s statement: “Haxprocess is thrilled to join Transcending Obscurity‘s amazing roster. Kunal is one of the most hard-working and passionate individuals in the world of extreme metal, and we are extremely happy to be working with him. This partnership will allow Haxprocess to fully convey our ideas of exploratory death metal like never before, and we are so excited for what’s to come! Again, big thanks to Kunal for everything he does.”
HAXPROCESS: Lothar Mallea – Guitar and vocals Shane Williamson – Guitar Davis Leader – Bass Adam Robinson – Drums
Artwork by Juanjo Castellano (Ritual Fog, Typhonian, Shrine of Denial)
Italian funeral death doom entity TETRAMORPHE IMPURE will unveil its debut album The Sunset of Being on April 18th 2025 via Aesthetic Death.
The album track “Night Chants” is now streaming HERE.
Hailing from the Alpine north of Italy, TETRAMORPHE IMPURE is the creation of Damien, an experienced musician and former member of Mortuary Drape. After a series of underground releases, TETRAMORPHE IMPURE emerge from years of dormancy to bring forth its first full-length creation.
Melding the profound weight of funeral doom, old school death metal and early doom-death. Monolithic and crushing in it’s sonic core,The Sunset of Being brings forth vast soundscapes draped in despondent, shuddering riffwork.
Both nostalgic and reflective in its essence, TETRAMORPHE IMPURE create a brooding, despondent atmosphere, evoking the spirit of the early 90’s through the lens of funeral death doom and old school death metal.
As Damien explains, “…this album is a procession through darker corners of human experience. We intend to submerge the listener in a meditative state where they can reflect on the transient nature of existence, its desolation and dread. Work on these songs has taken over two years, with a focus on intentionally capturing the right feel and atmosphere in each moment. I would spend days experimenting with sounds until every passage had the raw intensity that I was aiming for. Bands like Decomposed, Disembowelment, Dusk, Evoken, Mournful Congregation, and Esoteric have left a big mark on my way of making music. Yet the inspiration of bands such as Dead Can Dance (especially ‘Within the Realm of a Dying Sun’) and Swans, plus being a huge fan of early Swedish and Finnish death metal – Demigod, Demilich, Convulse, Abhorrence, Gorement, Crematory, etc – are quite evident in our new album, adding a contrasting and primal edge to the sound.”
Track-list:
1 – Forsaken Light 2 – Night Chants 3 – Spirit Of Gravity 4 – The Sunset Of Being
The Sunset of Being was co-produced, mixed and mastered by Alex Sedin.
For fans of: Evoken, early My Dying Bride, Decomposed
Following ten years of silence after the release of their debut album The Embers of the Stars and the untimely death of vocalist Steven, UK-based atmospheric black metal trio AHAMKARA returns with a new lineup and new album The Harrow of the Lost, an unflinching exploration of the transformative nature of grief.
The band has shared a stream for the album track “Our Scars Shall Abide in the Thaw.” The exclusive premiere for the song comes via Decibel Magazine. Listen to “Our Scars Shall Abide in the Thaw” now at this location.
The Harrow of the Lost is due out April 25 on BindruneRecords. Pre-order the album at: shop.bindrunerecordings.com
The Harrow of the Lost track listing:
The Circle of Remembrance
Our Scars Shall Abide in the Thaw
Channelling Grief
Ordeal of Ascension
AHAMKARA: Michael Blenkarn – Vocals. Guitars, Austin Lunn – Drums Alexandra Blenkarn-Durning – Synth
An emotionally charged and fiercely personal record, The Harrow of the Lost takes the AHAMKARA sound in a more complex and tormented direction, encompassing existential rage, nihilistic despair, and all in between. Both rawer and more organic in sound, intensified by the electrifying drum work of new member Austin Lunn (Panopticon), and scaling greater peaks of Emperial ambition than ever before.
The album integrates the expansive reach of the Cascadian black metal sound with the densely detailed savagery of classic Emperor and the aching melancholy of early Anathema to produce a deeply involving journey of genre-transcending atmospheric metal.
Completed by a heartfelt and uncompromising vocal performance from founder member Michael and the nuanced, evocative synth work of Alexandra (also of labelmates Nemorous), this is a journey into the scorched earth landscapes of bereavement that no follower of the Bindrune family should miss.
French power metal band Kingcrown is proud to announce the release of their exclusive new single, “Rockstar Dechue” today, February 28th, 2025 via Rockshots Records. Recorded as a special gift for the fans who backed their Nova Atlantis crowdfunding campaign, this mid-tempo track encapsulates the band’s signature blend of powerful riffs, soaring melodies and evocative storytelling.
What sets “Rockstar Dechue” apart is its exceptionally crafted lyrics in French; a rare and bold choice in Kingcrown’s discography. This unique element not only pays homage to the band’s roots but also infuses the track with an added layer of cultural depth and sophistication.
Exclusively created for their most dedicated supporters, “Rockstar Dechue” is both a heartfelt thank you and a statement of Kingcrown’s unwavering commitment to innovation and musical evolution. The track reaffirms their place in the metal scene, bridging epic tradition with a fresh, contemporary twist.
Moreover, the album Nova Atlantis continues to be a resounding success among critics and fans alike, even months after its release, proving the exceptional quality of Kingcrown’s material in today’s power metal landscape.
Track-list: 1. The Magic Stone 2. Nova Atlantis 3. Real or Fantasy 4. Guardian Angels 5. Letter to Myself 6. Judgement Day 7. A Long Way to Valhalla 8. Souls of Travelers 9. Utopia Metropolis 10. When Stars Are Aligned 11. Endless Journey
Produced by Simone Mularoni (DGM), Nova Atlantis represents a bold evolution for Kingcrown, blending their influences from Iron Maiden, Symphony X and Helloween with fresh energy and maturity. Each track takes listeners on a journey through myths, legends and reflections on human nature, making Nova Atlantis a must-hear album for fans of power and melodic metal.
With Nova Atlantis Kingcrown brings fans a sound that is both melodic and powerful, and a story that transports them to a realm of epic legends and timeless mysteries.
Stream “Rockstar Dechue” on all major platforms starting February 28th, 2025, and join Kingcrown on this exciting new chapter.
Canadian deathcore band, A Scar For The Wicked (ASFTW), have released a new guitar playthrough video for their latest track “Drowned In Gluttony,” off their 2024 album, Acolythus. This release follows the album’s success which hit the shelves last November 7th, and it continues to deliver the intense and raw energy that the band is known for.
The playthrough video, featuring the song’s third track, captures the thematic essence of gluttony and madness depicted in the song’s lyrics. It tells the haunting tale of a literary writer consumed by his past terrors, using Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling line, “I became insane with long intervals of horrible sanity,” to portray his dark descent into insanity. The video showcases the band’s guitarists blindfolded, a testament to their exceptional skill and the song’s intense emotion. Their blindfolded performance not only highlights their technical mastery but also adds a visual depth to the themes of blindness and madness that pervade the track.
Musically, “Drowned In Gluttony” kicks off with a potent, heavy riff setting a somber and powerful tone. It progresses into intricate guitar work and concludes with a compelling solo, emphasizing melodic complexity and the band’s signature sound. The track’s breakdown provides a gripping moment of contrast, enhancing the overall intensity of the composition.
Fans of A Scar For The Wicked can watch the new playthrough video HERE and experience the gripping combination of complex guitar riffs and deep thematic content that the band consistently brings to their music.
Line-Up: Nick Rodgers – Drums Joe Moon – Guitar Adam Semler – Guitar Andre Dubien – Vocals James Kassis – Bass
Track Listing: 1. Seven Wraiths – 3:15 2. The Ophidian Offspring – 3:24 3. Drowned In Gluttony – 3:27 4. Golden Touch Of Eternity – 3:50 5. Despicable Existence – 3:03 6. Acolythus – 4:21 7. Into A Coalescent Damnation – 3:25 8. Sacrificial Genocide – 5:03 9. Son Of Dawn – 4:10
Acolythus Credits: Producer: Joe Moon/Christian Donaldson Recording Studio: Dark Moon Productions / Christian Donaldson Engineer: Joe Moon / Christian Donaldson Mixing and Mastering: Christian Donaldson Album Cover Artist: Joe Moon
About A SCAR FOR THE WICKED: Based out of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, the ensemble formed in 2011, drawing primary influences from the likes of THE BLACK DHALIA MURDER, DIMMU BORGIR, THE ZENITH PASSAGE, and BELPHEGOR, and the gory blood-soaked realms of horror. The following year saw the release of the debut EP Scars, with subsequent EPs The Necrobutcher and The Unholy landing in 2014 and 2018 respectively. Across their career, the band have have brought their unyielding energy to festivals around their home state, and notably have shared stages with heavyweight acts including WHITECHAPEL, THY ART IS MURDER, BORN OF OSIRIS, ARCHSPIRE, and CHELSEA GRIN.
Photo credit: Linda Florin L to R: Andrey Smirnov (guitars), Udo Dirkschneider (vocals), Sven Dirkschneider (drums), Fabian “Dee” Dammers (guitars), Peter Baltes (bass)
40 years of Balls To The Wall: This milestone anniversary of ACCEPT’s iconic album simply couldn’t remain uncelebrated by DIRKSCHNEIDER, U.D.O.’s incarnation to pay tribute to the musical past of their frontman Udo Dirkschneider. Except for releasing two live albums, DIRKSCHNEIDER had never been a recording band, but that has changed today as they are releasing the reimagining of the mentioned cult album, titled Balls To The Wall Reloaded, through Reigning Phoenix Music. Gathering a top-notch selection of guest vocalists consisting of old companions but also of musicians from newer generations, the re-recording highlights the unbroken influence of the album on both old and young metalheads worldwide.
To celebrate, DIRKSCHNEIDER are not only performing the classic album in its entirety during their current European tour. Today, the group have even released a music video for the track “London Leatherboys,” which they could win no one better than British metal icon Biff Byford, the singer of SAXON, for. Complementing Udo as if it was the original version, Byford puts his stamp on the much-loved hit song with his unmistakable vocals. The accompanying video takes fans on the road and gives them an insight into DIRKSCHNEIDER’s ongoing Balls To The Wall anniversary tour, which also cements the continuous passion for Balls To The Wall, leading the group to many sold out and packed places across the continent.
“The re-recording of “London Leatherboys” with Biff Byford was something very special. Biff and I have a long history together – I’ve already been rocking the stages with him back in the 80s. It was great to work together again on this song. Biff’s powerful voice brings a new intensity to this classic, and it feels like we’re reviving our own heavy metal history,” states ‘the voice’ himself, Udo Dirkschneider.
01. Balls To The Wall [feat. Joakim Brodén of SABATON] 02. London Leatherboys [feat. Biff Byford of SAXON] 03. Fight It Back [feat. Mille Petrozza of KREATOR] 04. Head Over Heels [feat. Nils Molin of DYNAZTY/AMARANTHE] 05. Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had [feat. Michael Kiske of HELLOWEEN] 06. Love Child [feat. Ylva Eriksson of BROTHERS OF METAL] 07. Turn Me On [feat. Danko Jones] 08. Losers And Winners [feat. Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER] 09. Guardian Of The Night [feat. Tim “Ripper” Owens of KK’s PRIEST, formerly of JUDAS PRIEST] 10. Winter Dreams [feat. Doro Pesch]
Formats: – CD-digipak + patch bundle [RPM EU excl.] – CD-digipak – jewelcase-CD – various coloured 1LP vinyl (‘guardian of the night,’ ‘red hot marbled,’ ‘winter blue’) – digital
Avant-garde extreme metal act TRIPTYKON, the group fronted by singer/guitarist Tom Gabriel Warrior (Celtic Frost / Hellhammer / Triumph Of Death), announce long overdue vinyl re-press versions of their legendary first two albums EparisteraDaimones (2010) and MelanaChasmata (2014) via Prowling Death Records / Century Media Records.
Proven to be genre-redefining, modern milestones and more than ever relevant for the extreme Metal movement, the new TRIPTYKON vinyl versions will be available in their original packaging with cover art by H.R. Giger, as Gatefold 2LP editions on exclusive coloured 180g vinyl, each including two posters, printed inner sleeves (and 16 page LP booklet for Melana Chasmata) on May 2nd, 2025 in the following limited variants:
Megadeth Cyber Army – Presale tickets & VIP packages are on sale now! We’re stoked to join Disturbed for The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour this fall. We’ll be joining Disturbed for 17 dates across Europe & the UK, starting on September 28.
Public tickets go on sale this FRIDAY at 10am local.
DISTURBED With Special Guest MEGADETH 2025 European Tour Dates:
Sep 28: Copenhagen Royal Arena, Denmark Oct 01: Dusseldorf PSD Bank Dome, Germany Oct 03: Stuttgart Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Germany Oct 04: Zurich Hallenstadion, Switzerland Oct 06: Budapest Arena, Hungary Oct 07: Prague O2 Arena, Czech Republic Oct 10: Krakow Tauron Arena, Poland Oct 12: Paris Zenith, France Oct 14: Amsterdam Ziggo Dome, Netherlands Oct 15: Brussels Forest National Arena, Belgium Oct 17: Munich Olympiahalle, Germany Oct 18: Berlin Velodrome, Germany Oct 20: Birmingham Utilita Arena, UK
Oct 22: Dublin 3Arena, Ireland Oct 24: Manchester AO Arena, UK Oct 26: London The O2, UK Oct 28: Glasgow OVO Hydro, UK
Seattle metal outfit LACABRA – whose unique blend of blackened death metal and groove metal, release their third video for the new single “Enemy” taken from the group’s forthcoming debut album, out May 9.
Says vocalist Lance Neatherlin of the song, “’Enemy’ is basically a fuck you to cancel culture, but the concept is a Seraphim angel being cast out of heaven and being attacked by other angels for his beliefs. Everybody is entitled to their opinion, and we should focus on what we have in common instead of what we disagree on.” The video was directed by Zechariah Valette (M.O.B. Studios) and edited by Andrew Notsch (Hollowdusk) and can be seen HERE: https://youtu.be/_vvFCE7JcCI
The debut was produced by LACABRA and Gwen Kerjan (Loudblast, Anthares, Chaoseum) and mastered by King Diamond guitarist Andy LaRocque. The cover art was created by Nestor Avalos (Bloodbath, Rotting Christ, Hecate Enthroned) with band logo by Christian Spzajdel (Emperor, Borknagar, Moonspell). Lacabra is set for release May 9, 2025, and pre-orders are now available at https://lnk.to/lacabra including the Crystal-Clear Vinyl (limited to 300 copies) and CD.
The Seattle based metal outfit LACABRA, which rose from a previous band LOCISTELLER and out of the ashes of the Covid-19 pandemic, brings together the talents of Lance Neatherlin (Lead Vocals), Eric Snyder (Guitar/Vocals), Eric Weber (Bass), Michael Anthony (Guitar), and Richie Sather (Drums). The LOCISTELLER lineup transformed into LACABRA minus founding member Didier Almounzi (Dragonforce, Destroyer 666). Neatherlin and Snyder (also key members) knew this band was something special and couldn’t be wasted, thus went on to forge a more straightforward and punishing approach with the music. All of them have been tried and tested in other bands, but it’s fair to say that in LACABRA they’ve caught lightning in a bottle.
The band’s eclectic influences range from traditional heavy metal, dark wave, black metal as well as 1990’s melodic death metal, which they interweave seamlessly throughout their songs in a unique and purely original way. Their live shows are crushingly heavy and intense with dueling lead guitars and stage presence that rival any band out there today. Their performances and unique sound have garnered them a reputation as a must-see band in the Pacific Northwest (US) and beyond, having shared the stage with bands such as GOATWHORE, CRYPTA, DESTRUCTION, SWALLOW THE SUN, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, NERVOSA, and more.
After a very successful French tour with legendary French thrashers ANTHARES last year, LACABRA is setting up another French tour with them in October. On top of that, the band will be doing mini runs around the Pacific Northwest, including a show tonight with CAVALERA, NECROT, and DEAD HEAT. Many more touring plans are in the works so stayed tuned!
Tour Dates:
2/26 – El Corazon – Seattle, Washington (w/Cavalera, Necrot, Dead Heat)
3/1 – Kraken Bar – Seattle, WA w/ Vanishment
3/14 – El Corazon – Seattle, WA w/ Year of the Cobra
After thirteen years of silence, an unsettling sound that is strangely familiar yet somehow even more haunted re-emerges from the Arkansas depths. There is no mistake as to what this is. RWAKE has released a new transmission. The Return Of Magik, set for release on March 14th via Relapse Records, has arrived.
Today, RWAKE shares The Return Of Magik’s second single and opening track, “You Swore We’d Always Be Together.”
Watch a visualizer for the track HERE. Listen and presave it on all streaming platforms HERE.
Years have now fed into an album that reaches into a swirling, cosmic unknown –RWAKE has grown, and the perspective of the material has shifted accordingly. Overwhelming at its peak and haunting during moments of respite, The Return Of Magik is undeniably RWAKE. Every movement feels like an emotionally engrossing journey. Arrangements carefully and thoughtfully built in layers over a period of years lend mystique and a feeling of building toward a cathartic release. There is no box into which the material might fit other than one with the band’s name on it.
Watch the band’s previously released video for “The Return Of Magik” HERE.
The Return Of Magik will be released on CD, LP, and digital formats. Find preorders at Relapse.com HERE.
Additionally, RWAKE has announced their first shows of 2025 around the release of The Return Of Magik including a hometown release show on March 15th.
Recorded in early 2024 at East End Sounds in Hensley, Arkansas, The Return Of Magik introduces RWAKE’s new lead guitarist Austin Sublett with a barrage of shredded solos suited to the angular, progressive metal riffing of the album’s most jaw-clenching moments, while presenting a through-line of molten, immersive ambience. The opener “You Swore We’d Always Be Together” – already a fixture of live sets and the expansive sprawl of “Distant Constellations And The Psychedelic Incarceration” move with cruelty and grace alike. Foreboding, syncopated riffs sway against Moog-driven space and guttural bellows. The Return Of Magik’s songs stand alone as individualized post-metallic blends of genres.
RWAKE remains dually fronted; Chris Terry’s powerful vocals lay against Brittany Fugate’s visceral screams. Jeff Morgan returns to the drum kit, in addition to acoustic guitar and 12-string bass. Bassist/noisemaker Reid Raley, Sublett, and fellow guitarist John Judkins set an instrumental backdrop that is vast and engrossing in itself – quiet, contemplative passages often explode into gut-wrenching, doomed out distortions. The Return Of Magik, which features artwork by Loni Gillum of Minerva’s Menagerie and RWAKE, burns brighter and beyond the ferocity of the band’s already storied catalog.
Although the Magik may be bleak, the manner in which RWAKE revels in it can only be called a celebration.
RWAKE: C.T. – vocals, words, theme Reid – bass guitars, distortion John – guitars, lap + pedal steel, 12-string bass Austin – guitars Brittany – energy peddler, keys and a microphone Jeff – drums, acoustic guitar, 12-string bass
“…Psychedelic Incarceration” written and spoken by Jim “Dandy” Mangrum, February 17th, 2024 in Black Oak, Arkansas.
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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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