20TH AND 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR OF TO THE PAIN & STATEMENT
Nonpoint will be playing a handful of shows in January 2025, celebrating the 20th anniversary of To The Pain and the 25th anniversary of Statement. With special guests Crobot and Heartsick, this month-long run kicks off January 10th in Lakewood, Ohio. Tickets and VIP are now on sale at nonpoint.com!
1/10 – Lakewood, OH – The Roxy 1/11 – Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground 1/12 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom 1/14 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819 1/15 – North Chattanooga, TN – Barrelhouse Ballroom 1/17 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live 1/18 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room 1/19 – Orlando, FL – The Beacham 1/21 – Greenville, SC – Radio Room 1/22 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27 1/23 – Fredericksburg, VA – Hard Times Cafe/Four Mile Fork 1/25 – Columbus, OH – The King of Clubs
Another hot contender for taking the longest time to release new music, Hamburg’s own progressive rock/metal outfit EDEN CIRCUS are back with their new single ‘Cynics of Life‘.
10 years have now passed since the last album “Marula” by the five-piece northern German post-prog rockers EDEN CIRCUS. Since then, events have accelerated. First the band has to say goodbye to both guitarists, because Andi is leaving the band and guitarist Nils is moving to the Krupps. Not only are two important driving forces lost, but also the previous songwriting process.
After Waik and Dennis joined the band, they finally played a few gigs again and worked on the new album. Even before Covid paralyzes the entire music landscape, numerous other events turn the band’s everyday life upside down: people move, build houses and 2 1/2 recording studios, start families and new bands. Sometimes the five of them don’t see each other for weeks. But there was never any talk about quitting.
Because the rare rehearsals always clearly show that the band can still deliver. In addition, the new record is finished and, despite all the new commitments, no one has lost the joy of presenting their songs to an audience that celebrates their music on sweaty, beer-soaked club evenings. So here’s to something new!
Fresh off a massively successful North American headlining tour, KING DIAMOND offers up a brand new single, “Spider Lilly.”
“Spider Lilly” is the first single and video taken from KING DIAMOND’s forthcoming new Horror Trilogy, of which part one is titled Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920. A first-time mixing collaboration with Arthur Rizk, who also mastered “Spider Lilly,” has produced an incredibly powerful sound picture, as clear and dynamic as a full moon on a star filled black night. The music and lyrics are written by KING DIAMOND.
The lineup is still the same with King Diamond handling lead and backing vocals plus playing the Hammond Organ, Andy La Rocque and Mike Wead on guitars, Pontus Egberg on the bass, and Matt Thompson on drums. There is also a special guest appearance by Danish female vocalist Myrkur with some amazing additional backing vocals.
Part of the new “Spider Lilly” video was filmed at the very haunted Pennhurst Asylum outside of Philadelphia on a travel day during the band’s recent North American tour, two days before Halloween. It was only King himself and actress Jodi Cachia who could participate on that specific day, together with producer David Brodsky, Allison Woest, and their killer crew.
Watch KING DIAMOND’s video for “Spider Lilly,” directed by My Good Eye Visuals, HERE.
“What a dark but great experience,” King says, “Hopefully that was not the last video we will be able to film there.”
There are already several tales waiting to be told about all that has happened before, during, and after the birth of the song “Spider Lilly”…
About KING DIAMOND:
KING DIAMOND is quite possibly the most recognizable and prolific personality ever in heavy metal. Revered by icons as big as Metallica and Pantera and inspiring newer upstarts globally, KING DIAMOND, the man and the band, have left an indelible mark on the history, and now again, the future of heavy metal.
In August of 2008, KING DIAMOND joined Metallica on stage at Ozzfest in Dallas to perform the Mercyful Fate medley made famous from the Garage, Inc. album. Additionally, KING DIAMOND was featured alongside Motӧrhead’s Lemmy Kilmister as a playable character in Guitar Hero: Metallica in 2009.
By 2012, KING DIAMOND was prepared to return to the stage for a select number of shows. The band’s triumphant return to the stage were the highlights of both the Hellfest and Sweden Rock festivals in France and Sweden. Fans at these festivals were treated to the largest and most involved stage production in the band’s storied history. Horror concepts from multiple albums were used in the décor; fans can rest assured that this show will only get larger and more impressive at future performances.
KING DIAMOND continued to hit the stage from 2013 to 2018 including performances at Rock Hard Festival (DE), Copenhell (DK), Graspop (BE), Metal Days (SI), Bloodstock Open Air (UK), Loudpark (JP), Wacken Open Air (DE), a 2014 North American tour with Jess And The Ancient Ones, Fun Fun Fun Fest (US), toured as a part of the 2015 Mayhem Festival in the Summer (US), a Fall 2015 North American tour with Exodus as special guests, Sweden Rock fest (SE), Hellfest (FR),and Psycho Las Vegas (US).
In 2019, after the release of KING DIAMOND’s first new single in twelve years, “Masquerade Of Madness,” the band hit the road with a series of live shows in Europe including stops at Summer Breeze festival (DE), Graspop (BE), Hellfest (FR), Rock Fest (ES), and with Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats and Idle Hands as special guests for nineteen dates across North America.
KING DIAMOND’s thirty+ year musical career is one of the most storied in the history of heavy metal, but the tale is not yet over. The most recent release, 2007′s Grammy nominated album Give Me Your Soul…Please, stands as one of the most critically acclaimed albums in an already iconic discography. Future albums will feature entirely new horror stories, concepts, haunting orchestrations, and the band’s signature brand of heavy metal from the mind of KING DIAMOND and the talented group of musicians: guitarists Andy La Rocque and Mike Wead, bassist Pontus Egberg, and drummer Matt Thompson. Many more albums, tours, and ventures lay ahead.
“The Plague That Burns The Sky” BRAINSTORM + ARION Co-Headline Tour 2025 w/ STRANGER VISION Presented by Rock Hard, musix, metal.de, powermetal.de, Decibel-Touring & RPM
27.02.2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal 28.02.2025 CH Solothurn – Kulturfabrik Kofmehl 01.03.2025 DE Essen – Turock 02.03.2025 DE Mannheim – 7er Club 03.03.2025 DE Munich – Backstage (Halle) 04.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Bahnhof Pauli 05.03.2025 DE Hanover – MusikZentrum 06.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann
08.03.2025 NL Harderwijk – Estrado 09.03.2025 NL Gouda – StudioGonz 05. – 08.06.2025 DE Oettingen i. Bay. – Camping Battleground Festival 24.08.2025 PL Pindelo dos Milagres – Milagre Metaleiro Open Air
About BRAINSTORM:
BRAINSTORM boasts an unparalleled career: since their 1997 debut, Hungry, the band has continued to evolve and solidify their position in the international metal scene with standout albums like Metus Mortis (2001), Soul Temptation (2003), Liquid Monster (2005), and more recent releases such as Midnight Ghost (2018) and Wall of Skulls (2021). Having toured worldwide and achieved impressive chart positions in recent years, BRAINSTORM remains as determined as ever to set new milestones instead of resting on their laurels.
MARCH TREK PRECEDES MONUMENTAL “SAVAGE IMPERIAL DEATH MARCH PART II” TOUR WITH NAPALM DEATH
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16, 2024 – The Melvins, who only recently announced a staggering number of U.S. tour dates for 2025, have slated a March trek across the Golden State, with the Los Angeles-based outfit playing six shows across California, dubbed the “Spring Break” Tour.
Tickets for the newly announced dates are on-sale this Friday at 10 a.m. pacific time, with an artist pre-sale (code: SPRINGBREAK!) starting on Wednesday at 10 a.m. pacific. CNTS and Desslok open on all dates.
Buzz Osborne shared: “California! Here we go! There’s no better time to crisscross the state. Let’s do it!”
The Melvins, photo credit: Chris Casella
The trek sees the Melvins touring as a four-piece with Dale Crover returning after a medical emergency sidelined him in 2023. Joining Crover behind the kit is Big Business’ Coady Willis joining Crover for a rare double-drum extravaganza.
The Melvins’ previously announced “Savage Imperial Death March Part II” sees the addition of two dates: April 12 at Swan Dive in Las Vegas and May 11 at Globe Iron in Cleveland. Tickets for the full run of “Death March” dates are on-sale now. Openers include Weedeater (April 4-May 5), Titan To Tachyons featuring Mr. Bungle’s Trevor Dunn (May 7- 20), The Hard-Ons with Jerry A (May 22-June 7), and Shane Embury’s Dark Sky Burial, who will perform on all dates.
The Spring Break Tour:
March 1 Bakersfield, CA The Nile Theater March 2 Fresno, CA Strummer’s March 3 Sacramento, CA Goldfield Trading Post March 4 Santa Cruz, CA The Catalyst Atrium March 5 San Luis Obispo, CA SLO Brew Rock March 7 Pioneertown, CA Pappy & Harriet’s
Marking the 40th anniversary of ACCEPT’s iconic album, Balls To The Wall, founding member and former frontman Udo Dirkschneider is reinterpreting this classic with a fresh and star-studded twist. Far from a simple remake, this project was born out of countless conversations with prominent artists across the global rock and metal scene, who frequently asked: “Are you planning anything special for the 40th anniversary of Balls To The Wall?”
These discussions sparked the idea to re-record the album’s legendary tracks alongside a stellar lineup of guest musicians, transforming the project into a heartfelt tribute. For both Dirkschneider and the participating artists, this endeavor is more than a celebration – it’s a homage to one of heavy metal’s most groundbreaking albums.
The reimagined Balls To The Wall features an impressive roster of talent, breathing new life into each track:
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, formerly of JUDAS PRIEST] 10. Winter Dreams [feat. Doro Pesch]
This ambitious reinterpretation not only revitalises the original tracks but also underscores their timeless impact on the metal genre. More than a revival, this project serves as a celebration of the album’s enduring legacy, enriched by the enthusiasm and contributions of some of metal’s most influential voices.
“Re-recording “Balls To The Wall” was a big challenge for me. The album is a milestone of my career, of course, that’s why it was even more important to me to make the original songs shine in a new light without losing their initial essence. All guests have put their individual stamps on these classic tracks, and collaborating with such outstanding vocalists has moved them into a fresh and exciting dimension. The result is a powerful homage to all fans but also an invitation to the next generation to experience the songs not minorly passionate than I was when I recorded them back in the day. It’s a never-ending personal journey for me – “Balls To The Wall” will always be a part of me,” states Udo.
RPM managing director Jochen Richert expresses his excitement: “This masterpiece has accompanied me for almost my entire life. When Udo first told me about his idea, my initial thought was, ‘Can this really work?’ But as soon as he mentioned the first guest singers, I knew it would be great. When I finally got to hear the tracks, I was blown away. My nostalgic side cautioned me, ‘No, you can’t like this better than the original.’ But there’s no use denying it, I have to admit it’s at least as good as the 1983 recordings – if not better! Accordingly, it’s an incredible honour to be able to contribute to this opus.”
This reimagined Balls To The Wall is a fitting tribute to heavy metal history, proving that its power and influence remain as potent today as they were four decades ago. Don’t miss your chance to own this extraordinary celebration of a true classic. Pre-order here: https://dirkschneider.rpm.link/bttwrPR
We are very pleased to give you our 2025 show schedule so far:
16 Apr // BR, Brasília // Arena of Rock 19 Apr // BR, São Paulo // Monsters of Rock 24 Apr // CL, Santiago // Masters of Rock 30 Apr // CO, Cota // Monsters of Rock
24 May // NO, Kopervik // Kopervik Festival 07 Jun // FR, Maxeville // Heavy Weekend 21 Jun // NO, Steinkjer // Steinkjer Festival 28 Jun // SE, Nyköping // Hamnplan 03 Jul // SE, Borlänge // Alive Festival 06 Jul // ES, Chiclana // Concert Music Festival 08 Jul // ES, Marbella // Starlite Festival 10 Jul // ES, Murcia // Plaza de Toros de Murcia 15 Jul // IT, Bologna // Sequioe Music Park 16 Jul // IT, Altidona // Wondergate Music Festival 25 Jul // SE, Vadstena // Vadstena Slott 26 July // NO, Tønsberg // Foynhagen Concert Series Honørbrygga 01 Aug // SE, Karlskrona // Karlskrona Skärgårdsfest 02 Aug // SE, Arvika // Hamnfest
WHITECHAPEL will return to North American stages this Spring on a month-long headlining tour! The Hymns In Dissonance Tour runs from March 18th in Raleigh, North Carolina through April 19th in Atlanta, Georgia. Support will be provided by Brand Of Sacrifice, 200 Stab Wounds, and Alluvial. The journey follows WHITECHAPEL’s recent sold out run with Lorna Shore.
Comments WHITECHAPEL’s Alex Wade, “We are excited to announce the Hymns In Dissonance Tour taking place in Spring of 2025. This will be our first headlining tour on our new album cycle and we are looking forward to playing some new songs live for everyone. The lineup is diverse with upcoming modern deathcore band Brand Of Sacrifice, 200 Stab Wounds bringing the old school death metal flavor, and Alluvial contributing a heavy progressive sound to the tour. Grab your tickets now and witness as we embark on a new chapter for WHITECHAPEL.”
Local presales begin on Thursday, December 19th at 10:00am local time. General on sale date is Friday, December 20th at 10:00am local time. See all confirmed dates below.
WHITECHAPEL w/ Brand Of Sacrifice, 200 Stab Wounds, Alluvial: 3/18/2025 The Ritz – Raleigh, NC 3/19/2025 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 3/20/2025 Theatre Of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA 3/21/2025 The Palladium – Worcester, MA 3/22/2025 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ 3/24/2025 L’Olympia – Montreal, QC 3/25/2025 Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, ON 3/26/2025 Saint Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI 3/28/2025 House Of Blues – Chicago, IL 3/29/2025 Varsity Theater – Minneapolis, MN 3/30/2025 Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE 4/01/2025 Summit – Denver, CO 4/02/2025 The Grand @ The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT 4/04/2025 The Palace Theatre – Calgary, AB 4/05/2025 Union Hall – Edmonton, AB 4/07/2025 The Pearl – Vancouver, BC 4/08/2025 Roseland Theater – Portland, OR 4/09/2025 The Showbox – Seattle, WA 4/11/2025 Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA 4/12/2025 The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA 4/13/2025 Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ 4/15/2025 The Studio @ The Factory – Dallas, TX 4/16/2025 Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX 4/18/2025 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 4/19/2025 The Masquerade (Heaven) – Atlanta, GA
WHITECHAPEL released their standalone single, “A Visceral Retch,” in September. Relentlessly slamming, ominous, and punishing, the track delivers a dark, twisted theme about gluttonous overlords who test the lengths to which humans will go to survive and join their cult.
WHITECHAPEL: Phil Bozeman – vocals Ben Savage – lead guitar Alex Wade – rhythm guitar Zach Householder – guitar Gabe Crisp – bass Brandon Zackey – drums
We can’t wait to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ‘Balls to the Wall’ together with you in 2025! This will be a historic and electrifying event so make sure to grab your tickets now before they are gone!
“Balls To The Wall” – 40th Anniversary Tour w/ CROWNSHIFT, ALL FOR METAL Presented by Contra Promotion & Metal Hammer 25.02.2025 HR Zagreb – Boogaloo * NEW 26.02.2025 AT Vienna – SiMM City 27.02.2025 DE Munich – Backstage LOW TICKETS 28.02.2025 DE Leipzig – Haus Auensee LOW TICKETS 01.03.2025 CZ Prague – SaSaZu 02.03.2025 HU Budapest – Barba Negra 04.03.2025 RO Bucharest – Quantic Club 06.03.2025 PL Kraków – Klub Studio 07.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Progresja 08.03.2025 LT Vilnius – Kablys 09.03.2025 EE Tallinn – Helitehas NEW 10.03.2025 FI Helsinki – Kulttuuritalo 11.03.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema 13.03.2025 NO Oslo – Rockefeller 14.03.2025 SE Gothenburg – Trädgår’n 16.03.2025 DE Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt 17.03.2025 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 18.03.2025 BE Antwerp – Trix 19.03.2025 FR Paris – Le Trabendo 21.03.2025 ES Pamplona – Sala Totem 22.03.2025 ES Madrid – Mon MOVED 23.03.2025 ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 2 25.03.2025 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 26.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn SOLD OUT 27.03.2025 DE Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle 28.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Große Freiheit 36 29.03.2025 DE Geiselwind – Eventhalle LOW TICKETS 30.03.2025 DE Geiselwind – Eventhalle NEW 08.04.2025 GR Athens – Fuzz Live Music Club * NEW 09.04.2025 GR Thessaloniki – Principal Club Theater * NEW 11.04.2025 TR Istanbul – IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş * NEW 12.04.2025 BG Sofia – Hristo Botev Hall * NEW
DIRKSCHNEIDER only
30.07. – 02.08.2025 DE Wacken – Wacken Open Air SOLD OUTNEW
Faroe Islands-based folk metal collective TÝR will return to North American stages this Winter on the second leg of the Battle Ballads tour! The journey will commence on February 13th in Brooklyn, New York and close on March 5th in Joliet, Illinois. Additional support will be provided again by Æther Realm.
Comments TÝR vocalist/guitarist Heri Joensen, “If it were only up to us, the band, we’d play for you all, everywhere, in a heartbeat, if only we could. On our last North American run, we got a lot of requests about playing in this and that city that was not on our route. We’re very happy that this time we get to do a second round visiting a lot of those cities that our dear fans requested. Get your tickets early. It would be a shame if we miss you. And since the VIP upgrade experience went down well last time, we decided to do it again, so we can hang out together and play an acoustic show for you.”
TÝR w/ Æther Realm: 2/13/2025 Brooklyn Monarch – Brooklyn, NY 2/14/2025 Broken Goblet – Bensalem, PA 2/15/2025 Hooligans – Jacksonville, NC 2/16/2025 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 2/18/2025 Southport Hall – New Orleans, LA 2/19/2025 House Of Rock – Corpus Christi, TX 2/20/2025 89th Street Collective – Oklahoma City, OK 2/21/2025 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM 2/22/2025 The Marquis – Denver, CO 2/26/2025 Constellation Room – Santa Ana, CA 2/27/2025 Whisky-A-Go-Go – West Hollywood, CA 2/28/2025 Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA 3/01/2025 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT 3/02/2025 The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO 3/03/2025 The Granada – Lawrence, KS 3/04/2025 Amsterdam Bar & Hall – St. Paul, MN 3/05/2025 The Forge – Joliet, IL
Battle Ballads, TÝR’s outstanding ninth full-length studio album, was released earlier this year on Metal Blade Records.
A crushing, soaring, batch of classical embellished songs that conjure images of galloping steeds, clashing swords, and hard-fought victories, with Battle Ballads, TÝR has composed an album that resounds with their trademark Viking metal sound. At the same time, the band has experimented with new writing styles and musical techniques and created songs that are structurally simpler, yet musically more variegated. There’s no escaping the masterfully meticulous blend of melody and savagery on Battle Ballads.
TÝR: Heri Joensen – vocal, guitar Hans Hammer – guitar Gunnar Helmer “Gunz” Thomsen – bass Tadeusz “Tad” Rieckmann – drums
Finnish hard rock and metal legends LORDI are set to release their highly anticipated 19th studio album, Limited Deadition, on March 21, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The album is spearheaded by the electrifying lead single, “Syntax Terror,” a track that thrusts listeners into a game-like world with spacy melodies, thunderous riffs, and irresistibly catchy hooks.
Mr Lordi comments: “The writing of this song started out with its main keyboard riff. I played around with those mono sounds, trying to come up with something with a very 80s action movie opening score feel. ‘Syntax Terror’ actually almost became the album title, but then it was discovered that other people have had the same idea way before I did. On the verses I was thinking of JUDAS PRIEST, on the chorus of MANOWAR and – as icing on the cake – Udo Dirkschneider-type of screams to belch out the title. Don’t ask what the lyrics are about. ‘Syntax Terror’ is a very 80s heavy metal style song, painting abstract pictures with every line!”
Already generating excitement among fans, the single promises to be a highlight in LORDI‘s monstrous catalog. Pre-orders are available here: https://lordi.rpm.link/limiteddeaditionPR
Known for their theatrical style and unique blend of 80s-inspired rock and heavy metal, LORDI‘s latest creation is a nostalgic celebration of retro 80s toys, infused with a fresh and powerful energy. Building on the success of their 2023 album Screem Writers Guild,Limited Deadition ventures into heavier riffs and faster tempos, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and invigorating.
Recorded at IluSound Studio and Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Limited Deaditionwas produced by Mr Lordi, mixed by Ilkka Herkman, and mastered by Pauli Saastamoinen. As always, Mr Lordi took charge of the album’s striking artwork and layout, channeling his passion for 80s memorabilia into every detail. “It’s some kind of sibling album to its predecessor,” Mr Lordi explains. “We’re still walking the path of AOR-inspired music, but this time, with a more metal touch in terms of riffs and tempo. We’ve always written what felt right and natural, and this album is no exception.”
The thematic heart of Limited Deadition lies in Mr Lordi’s lifelong obsession with collecting, inspired by the action figures and toys of his childhood. “The album topic of 80s toys is actually just a loose theme, but it’s been accompanying me since I was little. I’ve always been a collector of various stuff, and I’m even some kind of a hoarder. I can’t even remember which my first own toy was, but my obsession basically started with “Muppet Show” dolls, followed by “Star Wars” and “E.T.” figures, with the latter actually being my favourite movie of all time.”
The album opens with “SCG XIX The Hexecutioners,” setting the stage for an exciting blend of cinematic and melodic heavy rock. Tracks like “Legends Are Made Of Clichés” and “Skelephant In The Room” highlight LORDI‘s knack for creating larger-than-life anthems. Meanwhile, the poignant ballad “Collectable” reflects on the fleeting value of physical objects in a digital world, while the title track, Limited Deadition, makes a bold statement celebrating collectors and their passion.
To support the release, LORDI will embark on a global Limited Deadition tour, beginning in Finland and expanding internationally. Fans can expect a monstrous spectacle, complete with new tricks and surprises.
Limited Deadition will be available on all major streaming platforms and in physical formats on March 21, 2025. Pre-orders for the album and tour tickets are now live. With the explosive single “Syntax Terror” already setting the tone, fans can prepare for an unforgettable addition to the LORDIverse.
Get ready to unleash the monster within – Limited Deadition is coming!
LORDI are: Mr Lordi | vocals Kone | guitars Hiisi | bass Hella | keyboard Mana | drums
LORDI live:
21.03.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema 22.03.2025 FI Helsinki – Tavastia-klubi 25.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Progresja 26.03.2025 PL Gdansk – B90 28.03.2025 NL Amstelveen – P60 29.03.2025 NL Drachten – Poppoadium Iduna 30.03.2025 NL Sittard – Poppodium Volt 02.04.2025 UK Wolverhampton – Wulfrun Hall 03.04.2025 UK Newcastle – NX 05.04.2025 UK Manchester – Academy 2 06.04.2025 UK Glasgow – Galvanizers SWG3 08.04.2025 UK London – Islington Assembly Hall 09.04.2025 UK Bristol – SWX 11.04.2025 FR Savigny-le-Temple – L’Empreinte 12.04.2025 FR Saint-Lô – Le Normandy 13.04.2025 BE Sint-Niklaas – De Casino 15.04.2025 FR Lyon (Villeurbanne) – La Rayonne 16.04.2025 FR Strasbourg (Ostwald) – Le Point d’Eau 17.04.2025 FR Montbéliard – L’Axone
MOB RULES continues with their flagship German power metal, they’ve been known for in the scene! Founded in 1994, since their legendary debut album “Savage Land” (1999) and its glorious successor “Temple Of Two Suns”, they have been delivering anthemic and highly melodic power metal that has taken on symphonic and progressive traits over the years. Their discography, which now comprises nine studio albums, contains highlights throughout, above all the hit-packed “Among The Gods”, the epic “Radical Peace” with the long track “The Oswald File” and their chart-breaker “Beast Reborn”, which pushed MOB RULES to #37 in the German album charts. Most recently, the band around frontman Klaus Dirks thrilled with the best-of compilation “Celebration Day – 30 Years Of Mob Rules” including some new recordings and cover versions of IRON MAIDEN, GHOST, DIO and others.
MOB RULES are currently back in the recording studio, working under the direction of Markus Teske (Symphony X, Vanden Plas, U.D.O. and others) on their tenth, as yet untitled studio album, which is scheduled for release in late summer 2025. However, they would like to release a first forerunner at the beginning of next year. “All the songs have been written and large parts of them have already been recorded,” reveals the frontman and goes into even more detail: ”You can look forward to an album that is special in many respects, with which we have managed to build a bridge between yesterday and today. In other words, our own band history partly served as inspiration. The material is multi-layered and conceptually structured.
This much can already be revealed: In addition to the CD and vinyl, there will be an additional physical product of the album, in which we have brought in all our creativity and spared no expense or effort to offer the fans the ultimate experience of the new record. More will be revealed in due course, but we can already tell you that the first single will be called “Back To Savage Land”.”
MOB RULES are also expecting a breath of fresh air from their new label partner ROAR (Grave Digger, Mystic Prophecy, Sacred Steel and others). “We were very pleased about the great interest and the resulting signing of MOB RULES with the newly established label ROAR,” comments singer Klaus Dirks and adds: “As a band, we find everything we could wish for there, both structurally and in terms of know-how and the human component. We have a long-standing relationship of trust with some of the employees there. Among them is Markus Wosgien, who has followed MOB RULES with great interest for a long time and whose perseverance and creative input have convinced us. We are looking forward to working together, but would also like to take this opportunity to thank the SPV/Steamhammer crew once again for their trusting cooperation over the last 10 years.”
The record company is just as happy. “Mob Rules have been with me for 25 years now. In the nineties, as a power metal fan you could blindly buy anything with the “Limb Music” seal of approval. I remember the first pre-release tapes of brand-new acts like Angra, Rhapsody, Eldritch, Abraxas and Mob Rules! Limb Schnoor had a special knack in this area and since then Mob Rules have been a musical companion that has surprised and inspired me time and time again. Now it has finally worked out and we can forge new plans together, which include the upcoming studio albums as well as numerous reissues and surprises of some back-catalog titles,” states ROAR A&R Markus Wosgien.
Poised to be one of the breakout acts of 2025, Canadian metal visionary ONI is capping off the year with a new video for his latest single, “Realign.” Shot on the recent tour with POP EVIL and BAD WOLVES, the video catches mastermind Jake Oni and supporting live bandmates, including guitar phenom Jared Dines, performing in their natural habitat in front of thousands of rabid fans across North America.
Co-produced by Oni and Josh Gilbert (SPIRITBOX), “Realign” is found on ONI’s upcoming EP, Genesis, that’s out January 24th. The record will feature 5 tracks including recent singles “Deja Vu,” “Walk Away” and “Control” and the unreleased song “Erase.”
AboutONI: Formed in 2014 by vocalist Jake Oni, ONI quickly became one of Canada’s most promising metal artists with his distinct amalgam of experimental progressive songwriting, brute metalcore savagery and cathartic melody. ONI roared to life with the release of his 2016 debut album, Ironshore, which was produced by Josh Wilbur (Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Dillinger Escape Plan) and featured guest vocals by Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe on the song “The Only Cure.”
ONI followed up with a monstrous Alone EP in 2019, and returned with his critically lauded second full-length, Loathing Light in 2022, that boasted guests Iggy Pop and Blythe on the song “Secrets” and “Heart To Stone,” which was featured on Spotify’s Best of Kickass Metal 2022 playlist.
Along his meteoric rise in the metal scene, ONI has shared the stage with acts like Megadeth, Gojira, Bullet for My Valentine, Starset, Children of Bodom, Rob Zombie, Death Angel and The Devin Townsend Project.
ONI released his third full-length album, “The Silver Line,” in 2023. The metal artist’s most dynamic yet cohesive album yet was produced, mixed, and mastered by the duo of Spiritbox bassist Josh Gilbert and Joe McQueen (As I Lay Dying, Light The Torch, Bad Wolves). “The Silver Line” is as ambitious as it is catchy and incisive. A quick perusal of the guests featured on ONI’s third album reveals the wide range of his appeal.
“Silence In a Room of Lies” pairs ONI with YouTuber and musician Jared Dines. “Underneath My Skin” features Sleeping With Sirens frontman Kellin Quinn. “Aura” boasts Gilbert and ex-Killswitch Engage singer Howard Jones. Pop-punk-resurgence star Sueco lends his voice to “Spark.” “The Silver Line” ups the ante once more, adding another full-length chapter to ONI’s ever-expanding songbook.
Legendary Swedish cult act MEZZROW returns to the thrash metal scene with their new single, “As Fear Unfolds”! A music video for the first harbinger of a new album to follow in 2025, is now premiering below.
The band comments: “Recorded during the Summon Thy Demons-sessions and one of the first songs we wrote back in early 2021 (The lyrics were actually written for another song way back in 1992). It kind of stands out from the other songs on the album with its proggy approach! Within the band we call it our ”Mercyful Fate-song”, with all its different tempo changes and technical vibes going on. This is also the first studio recording featuring Alvaro ”Alvis” Svanerö on drums.”
MEZZROW built themselves a name in the thrash metal scene during the late eighties with their critically acclaimed demo tapes, “Frozen Soul” and “Cross of Tormention”. In 1990 they released their classic debut album “Then Came the Killing” through Active Records (Candlemass a.o.), a subsidiary of Music for Nations. The album is still today considered as one of the best, if not the best, thrash metal releases from Sweden and Scandinavia.
During 2021 MEZZROW rose from the ashes, when bass player Conny Welén (ex-Hexenhaus) and singer Uffe Pettersson (ex-Rosicrucian) decided to make a new mark in the thrash metal world of today, together with new guitarists Magnus Söderman (Nightrage) and Ronnie Björnström (ex-Defiatory, ex-Aeon), as well as drummer Alvaro “Alvis” Svanerö (Imperial Domain).
Following their comeback album “Summon Thy Demons” (2023, Fireflash Records) and the much-acclaimed ”Keep It True – Live” record, MEZZROW are currently busy writing new material for a next album to be released in the hopefully not so distant future through ROAR. Twelve new songs are now ready for recording and this process has slightly begun. As the first single “As Fear Unfolds” proves, fans can expect a killer album with high intense Bay Area thrash with a Swedish melodic touch. 2025 – get ready for some new MEZZROW Thrash Metal!
LISTENABLE records are delighted to welcome Belgium’s most ferocious offspring COFFIN FEEDER.
The band features members of Aborted, Leng Tch’e, When Plagues Collide and Fleddy Melculy, spew forth a high energy blend of groove laden death metal, grind and hardcore. Since its inception in 2021, COFFIN FEEDER unleashed 2 EP’s (‘Stereo Homicide’, ‘Over the top’) and played a ton of club shows through Europe. With already some festivals in Europe under their belt such as Brutal Assault & Summer Breeze, the band is continuing to take names and kick ass worldwide.
Hot on the heels of ’The Beast against Beast’ European tour this past November, with their brothers Benighted and Baest, COFFIN FEEDER have now been focusing on the release of their forthcoming album and we can only urge everyone to be ready for some Big Trouble!
BAND LINE UP: Sven De Caluwe: Vocals Bart Govers: Guitar/vocals Jeroen Camerlynck: Guitar/vocals Jan Halbert: Bass Siebe Hermans: Drums
Sven De Caluwe (Vocals) comments: “We’re thrilled to be joining the ranks for Listenable Records for our debut full-length album BIG TROUBLE that will be out somewhere next spring! Listenable has been the home of many quality acts throughout the years and also marked the beginnings of Aborted so in a way it’s like coming home for that nice sundae to tickle your tonsils. Get ready for a massive onslaught of blasts and grooves to run you over like a bulldozer. The whole thing has been mixed and mastered by the mighty Dave Otero (Aborted, Archspire, Cattle Decapitation, Shadow of Intent) so you know it’s gonna be finger licking good! Alongside that we have a few other very neat surprises, so stay tuned for more!”
DISCOGRAPHY: Stereo Homicide (ep – 2022) A Good Supply of Body Bags (Digital 2022) Over the Top (ep – 2022)
Quebec stoner rock sensations SONS OF ARRAKIS have been confirmed to headline Day 3 of the Rhüne Mountain Festival which will be held in Stoney Creek, Ontario, from June 26th to 28th, 2025. Created by Ryan Hilton of Black Throne Productions and Paul Cameron of Toten Industries, with assistance from Tarantula Tapes, members of AAWKS, Z Hollow Studios, Fuzzed and Buzzed, and Bonecrusher Presents, the festival was born from a desire to fill a void in Ontario’s stoner rock and doom scene. It offers fans a unique festival experience with camping and multiple stages.
The organizers comment: “We’re excited to finally be gearing up for next June with an incredible team of Ontario record labels, promoters, tour bookers, sound engineers, local businesses, investors and project managers to bring this idea to life.
This is where talent and creativity meet. Immerse yourself, camp out for the weekend and discover new music while making memories in the Ontario music scene. Be a part of what’s sure to be the biggest event in Dunnville, Ontario in 2025 – don’t miss it!”
Anima Inside, one of South America’s (Ecuadar) most dynamic and boundary-pushing rock bands, returns with their latest single, “Alien”.This track offers a mesmerizing preview of the band’s forthcoming album set to release in 2025. True to their spirit of innovation, the band describes “Alien” as one of their most unique creations. It captures the essence of their evolution, an ever-expanding fusion of styles that remains unmistakably their own.
With its hypnotic blend of influences, “Alien” delivers a fresh and timeless sound. The song features an intricate guitar solo, vibrant rhythmic layers, and an emotive message that resonates deeply with today’s listeners. As the band puts it, “It’s probably the strangest song we’ve ever created, but it has something that makes you want to hear it over and over. The fusion, the solo, the message; it’s very Anima Inside and incredibly current.”
Since their beginnings in 2006, Anima Inside has been known for its ability to blend progressive rock roots with modern, mainstream accessibility. “Alien” encapsulates this evolution perfectly, balancing technical prowess with a raw emotional edge. The song’s themes of alienation and introspection echo the band’s ongoing exploration of the human condition, a recurring motif in their music.
This single marks the next step in a career that has seen Anima Inside perform alongside legends like Ozzy Osbourne, Deep Purple, and KISS, and share stages at major festivals such as Hell and Heaven Fest Mexico and Domination MX. Their sound has always defied easy categorization, weaving elements of progressive rock, Andean rhythms, and Afro-Latin influences into a style that is distinctly their own.
“Alien” is a testament to the band’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries while staying true to their roots. It serves as both a standalone piece of art and a tantalizing introduction to the sonic journey their upcoming album promises to deliver. With its unforgettable hooks, striking instrumentation, and profound lyrics, the track is a perfect reflection of the versatility and artistry that define Anima Inside.
As the band prepares for the release of their next full-length record, “Alien”stands as a bold statement of intent, showcasing their ability to innovate while maintaining the essence of what has made them one of the most recognized names in South American rock. Keep an eye on Anima Inside as they gear up for what promises to be an extraordinary 2025, and don’t miss “Alien” now available on all major streaming platforms.
Canadian melodic metal titans LUTHARO are returning to Europe this spring as support to symphonic metallers FELLOWSHIP and power metal giants FROZEN CROWN. All dates are in support of their critically acclaimed album Chasing Euphoria which was released in March 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music.
Guitarist Victor Bucer comments: “EUROPE HERE WE COME! We could not be more ecstatic to be joining FROZEN CROWN and FELLOWSHIP on the road starting April 2025! Cant wait to head bang with you all! See YOU there!”
Nestled in the badlands of Drumheller, AB, one of Canada’s loudest decibel-breaking open-air extreme music events, LOUD AS HELL FESTIVAL will host its 13th annual festivities from August 1st to 3rd, 2025.
Showcasing the best up-and-coming Canadian and international talent to roar through the country’s largest dinosaur fossil grounds, LAH has launched its early bird weekend passes.
This weekend pass grants you full access to all the headbanging, moshing, and metal mayhem that Loud As Hell Open Air has to offer. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer!
The early bird weekend pass price is $140 CAD (this includes camping on-site). The weekend pass full price of $175 CAD will be in effect when the festival 2025 lineup is announced in the new year.
In additional news, LAH has revamped their website www.LoudAsHell.ca with a fresh new look and design, along with online shopping of LAH merch, pictures, and videos to reminisce of years past along with updated festival Information and FAQ section.
About: LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has hosted hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually since 2012 with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During its decade of showcasing Canadian and international bands, the festival has grown into a pilgrimage for metalheads from across the country.
LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL 2025 will be celebrating its thirteenth festival event presented by Loud As Hell Productions, Jurassic Ink Custom Tattoo, Prairie Fire Events, and Asher Media Relations. LAH always works its hardest to deliver the best lineup in the West ready to melt your face off. Featuring bands from across Canada and beyond, you won’t want to miss any of it. And don’t forget about their freak shows, burlesque dancers, clinics, vendors, and dinosaurs!
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
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