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.
For more than 25 years, SACRED STEEL have been offering metalheads a killer, trend-free alternative to bloated trigger drums, cheesy keyboards and boring cliché sounds that are hyped year after year as “the next big thing in metal”. SACRED STEEL have always remained true to themselves, constantly reinventing their traditional style and releasing some highly acclaimed classics, such as their legendary debut “Reborn In Steel”, the follow-up “Wargods Of Metal”, or their heaviest album “Slaughter Prophecy”.
In April 2025, the band will release their 10th album “Ritual Supremacy”, which will be celebrated with a performance at the 25th anniversary of the “Keep It True Festival” and many more shows. The album is also the first to feature new members Toni Ieva (bass) and Jörn Langenfeld (guitar), who joined the band in 2023.
“Ritual Supremacy” will be released by their new label partner ROAR (Grave Digger, Mystic Prophecy, Holy Moses and others), whose managing director Jochen Richert, Markus Wosgien (label management) and Lambros Kokkinos (product management) are long-time scene veterans. “These are people we’ve known for ages and who have been supplying you and us with the stuff we all can’t and don’t want to live without for at least as long: high-quality heavy metal releases,” the band is pleased to say, adding: ”When the label A&R first had his entire Sacred Steel record collection signed at the meeting with the band, we just knew: this is the right place for us! With ROAR behind us, we are now ideally positioned to finally release our new album “Ritual Supremacy” worldwide and on a broad basis after more than 8 years since the last release.”
“As a native Swabian and friend of pure heavy metal, you are inevitably connected to Sacred Steel. You can sing along to their classics in your sleep and with a raised metal fist, and of course share unforgettable memories with the band, which has always remained true to themselves, yet continues to develop and, above all, still has something to say. “Ritual Supremacy” is a statement and will blow the mind of every true metalhead. The first single will be released in mid-January and the album will go on sale. Dress warmly,” states Markus Wosgien from ROAR.
SACRED STEEL is a trademark in the metal scene: METAL with attitude, never everyone’s favorite and damn proud of it!
Sacred Steel – live: 11.04.2025 – Villingen-Schwenningen (GER) – Little Black Forest Festival 17.04.2025 – Oberhausen (GER) – Thrash Speed Burn Festival 25. – 26.04.2025 – Lauda-Königshofen (GER) – Keep It True Festival 02.- 03.04.2025 – Ochtendung (GER) – A CHANCE FOR METAL Festival
Boston (MA) – U.S. Doom-Tinged Heavy Metal outfit, The Watcher, has released Out of the Dark on Cruz Del Sur Music. The band’s first full-length album is available now on CD, vinyl, and digital formats! Fans of Iron Maiden, Trouble, and Satan should take note!
The 2021 release of The Watcher’s debut Your Turn to Die EP was the culmination of delays, false starts and good, old-fashioned patience. The 2016 creation of guitarist/bassist Max Furst, The Watcher was not intended to have such a prolonged gestation for its first release into the metal world, but the wait proved to be worth it.
Physical copies of Your Turn to Die sold out upon its release, signaling to Furst, vocalist Paden Reed and drummer Chris Spraker that there would be demand for their distinctive brand of NWOTHM with elements of doom. Alas, that moment has arrived in the form of the eight-song “Out of the Dark.”
Out of the Dark was recorded in the autumn months of late 2023 with engineer Sasha Stroud at Artifact Audio in Maspeth, Queens, New York. The Watcher went to great lengths to ensure that the songs worked within the context of the album format with an organic flow of ideas and intentional peaks and valleys to ensure listener engagement. As a result, Out of the Dark expands on what The Watcher started on Your Turn to Die. From urgent, heads-down ‘bangers to festival-ready chorus all the way to the climactic closing track, “Thy Blade, Thy Blood,” the band’s growth is readily apparent.
The Watcher will be gigging around the East Coast and parts of Canada in support of Out of the Dark (ex-Malleus guitarist Nelson Ribas and Demon Chrome guitarist Dylan Kulpa have since completed The Watcher’s live lineup.) More importantly, the band hopes to arrive on European shores sometime in the near future. For the present, though, Out of the Dark emerges as a compelling LP that unifies classic metal and the darkness of doom, fortified through the spirit of three metallic diehards who never say die.
Nearly five years after the release of #13, Swiss rockers GOTTHARD are making a powerful comeback with their highly anticipated new album, Stereo Crush, set to release on March 21, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).
To mark the announcement, the band has unveiled their latest single, “Boom Boom“. This high-energy anthem not only celebrates the album announcement but also offers a dynamic preview of the signature sound fans can expect from Stereo Crush.
Guitar duo Leo Leoni and Freddy Scherer ignite the track with heavy riffs that haven’t been heard in the GOTTHARD realm for quite some time. The remarkable rhythm section, powered by bassist Marc Lynn and drummer Flavio Mezzodi, propels the Swiss express forward with relentless energy, while frontman Nic Maeder masterfully commands the journey through hard rock territory with his powerful and charismatic vocals. Building up to an irresistibly catchy chorus, it’s clear to all that this is a new GOTTHARD classic in the making.
Leo Leoni explains the personal meaning of the song: “I wrote it when I found out that we were expecting a child. The birth of my son Gabriel was a moment that completely changed my life. When I hold him in my arms, look into his eyes or see his smile, I feel an indescribable love and deep gratitude. This song is my way of expressing all these feelings for him.”
Produced and mixed by long-time partner Charlie Bauerfeind, who’s known for his work with the likes of HELLOWEEN and BLIND GUARDIAN, alongside founding member Leo Leoni at Yellowhouse Studio, and mastered by Sascha “Busy” Bühren (TrueBusyness), Stereo Crush promises to set new standards which will additionally come to shine on the band’s forthcoming touring cycle.
GOTTHARD will open it with a tour in May, accompanied by special guests Y&T, before the quintet head to select festivals as well as the stages of their home country at the end of 2025. The band’s current live schedule and ticket info can be found below!
Photo credit: Manuel Schütz
L-R: Freddy Scherer (guitars), Marc Lynn (bass) Nic Maeder (vocals), Flavio Mezzodi (drums), Leo Leoni (guitars)
Fans should also mark January 17 of next year in their calendars as Stereo Crush pre-orders will officially be launched on that date. One thing’s for sure: Even in 2025, there won’t be a way around GOTTHARD for the worldwide hard rock community!
“Stereo Crush” Tour 2025 Special Guests: Y&T Presented by Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, musix, Rock Antenne & powermetal.de
23.05.2025 DE Bochum – RuhrCongress 24.05.2025 DE Geiselwind – Music Hall 25.05.2025 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 27.05.2025 DE Hamburg – Große Freiheit 36 29.05.2025 DE Munich – Circus Krone 30.05.2025 DE Filderstadt – FILharmonie 31.05.2025 AT Telfs – Rathaussaal
More upcoming GOTTHARD live dates:
27.06.2025 CH Basel – Summerstage *NEW* 22.07.2025 DE Regensburg – Piazza im Gewerbepark *NEW* 12. – 14.06.2025 ES Zamora – Z! Live Rock 19.12.2025 CH Bern – Neue Festhalle *NEW* 20.12.2025 CH Zurich – The Hall *NEW*
Tickets for the exclusive shows in Toulouse, Lyon, Lille, Rostock, Huskvarna, Uppsala, Łódź and Saarbrücken will go on sale on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM (CET).
POWERWOLF are an undisputed phenomenon! The band has managed to inspire fans and critics alike like no other band at the moment, exceeding high expectations with apparent ease. Each successful tour resembles a true triumphant procession, with the interim highlight being the almost completely sold-out Wolfsnächte 2024 headline tour through the biggest arenas in Europe.
POWERWOLF delivered an impressive and infernal show of highest standards, leaving critics and fans speechless and thrilled. There’s no rest for the wicked as POWERWOLF announce another big highlight, the Summer Of The Wicked 2025 European headline tour! Featuring huge festival performances and headline shows all over the continent, the tour begins only one month after their 2025 Latin American Crusade headline tour. The wolves are ready to conquer the biggest stages worldwide once again!
Summer Of The Wicked Tour 2025 06.06.25 FR – Nancy / Heavy Week-End 07.06.25 DE – Nuremberg / Rock im Park 08.06.25 DE – Nurburg / Rock am Ring 10.06.25 FR – Toulouse / Zenith (+ Dragonforce 11.06.25 FR – Lyon / Halle Tony Garnier (+ Dragonforce ) 13.06.25 AT – Nickelsdorf / Nova Rock 15.06.25 NL – Leeuwarden / Into The Grave 17.06.25 FR – Lille / Zenith (+ Dragonforce ) 20.06.25 DE – Rostock / Stadthalle (+ Dragonforce ) 21.06.25 DK – Copenhagen / Copenhell 22.06.25 SE – Huskvarna / Folkets Park (+ Amaranthe & Dragonforce ) 24.06.25 SE – Uppsala / Fyrishov (+ Amaranthe & Dragonforce ) 25.06.25 NO – Oslo / Tons Of Rock 27.06.25 EE – Tallinn / Tallinn Rock Festival 28.06.25 FI – Helsinki / Tuska Festival 30.06.25 PL – Lodz / Atlas Arena (+ Epica & Dragonforce ) 02.07.25 HU – Dunaujvaros /Rockmaraton 04.07.25 DE – Ballenstedt / Rockharz Festival 11.07.25 DE – Saarbrücken / E-Werk Open Air (+ Warkings ) 13.07.25 CZ – Vizovice / Masters Of Rock 02.08.25 RO – Rasnov / Rockstadt Extreme Fest 09.08.25 ES – Villena / Leyendas Del Rock
Latin American Crusade 2025 23.04.25 MX – Mexico City / Auditorio BB 24.04.25 MX – Guadalajara / Guanamor Teatro Estudio 25.04.25 MX – Monterrey / Showcenter 27.04.25 CR – San Jose / Peppers Club 29.04.25 SV – San Salvador / Museo Marte 01.05.25 CO – Bogota / Royal House 02.-04.05.25 BR – Bangers Open Air 05.05.25 CL – Santiago / Teatro Cariola 07.05.25 AG – Buenos Aires / El Teatro Flores
The mighty VENOM INC. will be touring the USA this January and February, with Salems Childe supporting. Check out the tour schedule below for a show nearest you.
01-08 – Santa Ana, CA – Observatory OC 01-09 – W. Hollywood, CA – Whiskey A Go Go 01-10 – Brentwood, CA – Brentwood Emporium 01-11 – Fresno, CA – Full Circle 01-12 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge 01-14 – Denver, CO – Oriental Theater 01-16 – McHenry, IL – The Vixen 01-17 – Chesterfield, MI – Diesel Concert Lounge 01-18 – Columbus, OH – The King of Clubs 01-19 – Cleveland, OH – No Class 01-20 – West Chicago, IL – WC Social Club 01-22 – Cambridge, MA – Middle East 01-23 – Brooklyn, NY – The Meadows 01-24 – Waterbury, CT – Elite 23 01-25 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz 01-26 – Newark, DE – Halftime Sports Bar 01-28 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade 01-30 – W. Palm Beach, FL – Banyan Live 01-31 – Mount Dora, FL – Mt. Dora Music Hall 02-01 – Tampa, FL – Brass Mug 02-04 – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord 02-06 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live Midtown 02-07 – Dallas, TX – Trees 02-08 – Corpus Christi, TX – House of Rock 02-10 – Albuquerque, NM – Sister 02-11 – Glendale, AZ – The 44 02-12 – Las Vegas, NV – Usual Place 02-14 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post 02-15 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Libertine Brewing 02-16 – San Diego, CA – Brick by Brick
2025 will see German metal institution, Grave Digger, celebrate its 45th anniversary. Founded in 1980 in Gladbeck, they set out to conquer the world; who would have thought that 45 years later Grave Digger would be one of the most important, consistent and influential metal bands from Germany. With the release of their ground-breaking debut Heavy Metal Breakdown in 1984, an unprecedented career began that will find its logical continuation with their forthcoming, 23rd studio albumBone Collector, slated for a release on January 17, 2025 via ROAR!
Following the previously-released, first album appetizer “Kingdom Of Skulls”, the heavy metal titans are today premiering a video clip for their brand new single “Killing is my Pleasure”!
Band leader Chris Boltendahl reveals: “There it is – the new Grave Digger single, “Killing is My Pleasure”… It’s based on a riff created by bassist Jens Becker in collaboration with guitarist Tobi Kersting. The song’s lyrics are inspired by the infamous mafia contract killer Richard Kuklinski, who was believed to have committed over 200 murders before his death in 2006. Known as the “Iceman” due to his cold-blooded nature, Kuklinski had a family with three children and would leave his home every day like any ordinary “nine-to-five” worker.
Musically, the new single is a piece of pure heavy metal – no frills, just direct and uncompromising. The chorus drills into your head and it’s hard to get the song out of your mind!”
Produced, mixed and mastered by Chris Boltendahl, optically set in scene by Brazilian artist Wanderley Perna,Bone Collector marks a work of art that heralds a new era.
“Here it is at last, our new studio album, true to the motto: #gravediggeroldschool. With Tobi Kersting in the band, we have focused on the essentials of our sound again after many years with numerous concept albums: Concise straightforward metal songs that burn themselves into your brain stems after the first listen. “Bone Collector” doesn’t sound like off-the-shelf stuff, but highly energetic, fresh and you’ll notice that we had a lot of fun with the songs. We’re looking forward to your reaction, the release of the album in January and 45 years of Grave Digger live with you,”Boltendahl recently said.
Bone Collector will be released as a CD digipak, picture vinyl, colored marbled vinyl, RPM exclusive splatter vinyl and digitally. At the RPM & ROAR Mailorder Shop, the limited splatter vinyl and the digipak are also available as a bundle with the exclusive “Old School” shirt.
Bone Collector Tracklist: 01. Bone Collector 02. The Rich The Poor The Dying 03. Kingdom Of Skulls 04. The Devil’s Serenade 05. Killing Is My Pleasure 06. Mirror Of Hate 07. Riders Of Doom 08. Made Of Madness 09. Graveyard Kings 10. Forever Evil & Buried Alive 11. Whispers Of The Damned
GRAVE DIGGER: Chris Boltendahl (Vocals) Jens Becker (Bass) Tobias Kersting (Guitar) Marcus Kniep (Drums)
“Shattered Crosses is one of my favorite tunes on the new record,” says vocalist Jason McMaster, “and I could not be happier with the result of the writing and tone of the song. The lyrics are about the war efforts, the church efforts, and how governments send people off to war, seemingly only as a confusing way to make dealings of loss for big money.”
McMaster goes on to state that “the video is a step up in production from what we’ve done previously, including bigger cameras, a bigger venue, etc, which allowed us to really get the point across. We are a traditional heavy metal band and we want people to see and hear; we aren’t trying to rearrange or reinvent anything. It is straight-away classic metal and the video shows the world that intent.”
Photo Credit: Steve Miller
The video features camera work and visual production by PennyRock Productions. Budro Partida and the crew of PennyRock are quickly becoming nationally known for the company’s full feature documentary film, Bloody and Bruised – The Untold Story of the Back Room. The Back Room is a now defunct Rock and Metal venue in Austin, TX, which spawned a scene that attracted and hosted worldwide touring acts for over 30 years.
The stories told in the film are legendary, as local bands were discovered there and lifelong relationships made. Needless to say, the band is extremely proud to have had PennyRock produce the video.
“I’m a metal fan, so I was thrilled for the opportunity to work with a band the caliber of IGNITOR,” adds Partida. “Going into the shoot I knew that the visual tone of the video should be red-hot to match the ferocity of the song. I wanted the viewer to get a sun burn.”
“Shattered Crosses” is also available on all streaming outlets.
Horns and Hammers is available on Bandcamp via Metal on Metal Records, and in the United States onwww.revoltvinylrecords.com. Revolt Vinyl Records will make it available on CD and vinyl.
U.S. residents can order the CD directly from the band at ignitorband.com.
Line-up:
Stuart “Batlord” Laurence – Guitar Robert Williams – Guitar Jason McMaster – Vocals Billy “Chainsaw” Dansfiell – Bass Pat Doyle – Drums
The new Steeler video – premiering November 15th on the RFK Media YouTube channel: http://RFKvideos.com
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1980: the dawn of the American Heavy Metal movement, and the birth of Steeler, one of the bands whose sound would define that cultural revolution. Shortly after the release of their iconic 1983 self-titled album, that supernova exploded into multiple bands and projects that would each carve their own places in that era’s history, leaving an undeniable impact on a metal generation.
This triumphant reunion puts a powerful exclamation point on that legacy with the band’s first new song in over 40 years, and their first-ever official music video: https://youtu.be/aKxfj6KOHmA
This brand new (2024) song and video prove that four decades have done nothing to diminish the power and the passion upon which the band was built. “Give Me Guitars (Or Give Me Death)” celebrates the glory of an era that may be gone but certainly not forgotten, combining all the elements that made 80’s metal the soundtrack of so many lives: an anthemic chorus, screaming lyrics that pay tribute to songs and stars that paved the street of dreams, loud powerful music and incendiary guitar pyrotechnics.
That music is provided by men who lived it, then and now: vocalist/guitarist Ron Keel, lead guitarist Mitch Perry, drummer Mark Edwards, bassist Rik Fox, and session drummer Dwain Miller. The song was written by Ron Keel specifically for Steeler and is featured on his new RFK Media album release Keelworld.
The video was directed and produced by David Pear (watch the full clip for credits at the end). A documentary film is now in production by David Pear which will tell the entire story behind the Steeler legacy – American Metal – The Story Of Steeler will be released in 2025.
Finnish hard rock band Rimbacher released their debut album High Hopes On The Rocks on November 1st via Inverse Records. The album presents classic AOR vibes, 80’s stadium rock sized attitude and also some hard straighforward rock and roll. The skillful band seasons their music with spices like powerful vocal harmonies, catchy melodies and classical art of guitar heroism.
“High Hopes On The Rocks is a very traditional classic rock album including tight brawl and love songs. The atmosphere revolves around big riffs and guitar heroism combined with very melodic and harmonic vocals. The lyrical themes are either timeless stories about the struggles of a sensitive narrator as well as having fun. The soundscape itself has very high energy and spirit throughout the whole album and the songs are delightfully diverse compared to each other. However the the core essence stays solid and the band’s enthusiasm is well heard.”
Guitar player Osku “Sticky” Kilpi continues:
”This album is what we think rock ’n’ roll is all about: plain, simple and straightforward hard rock with all the ups and downs of a typical rock album. No politics, no exceptions, no bulls**t.”
Exciting things are underway: as they record the follow-up to their highly acclaimed 2021 self-titled album with producer Charlie Bauerfeind, metal legends HELLOWEEN treat fans to another preview from their upcoming Live At Budokan release. This high-octane rendition of their timeless classic, “Eagle Fly Free”, captures the unmistakable chemistry between the band and the spirited Japanese audience at Tokyo’s Budokan, elevating the track to an entirely new level.
“A song that is just as wonderful and popular today as it was when it was first released. It comes with an effective overture, has a great upbeat and a brilliant, fast-paced ending. “Eagle Fly Free” has the ultimate vibe and encourages you to sing along. It has everything you would expect from an ‘evergreen,’ I love playing it,” states guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen.
Pre-order Live At Budokan in your preferred physical format [digipak-2CD, 3LP (limited first edition in trifold), Blu-ray, DVD], pre-save it on your favourite digital service provider (DSP), or pre-order the album digitally to receive “Eagle Fly Free (live)” and “Best Time (live)” instantly: https://helloween.rpm.link/liveatbudokanPR
Detroit (MI) – Detroit power metallers, DEMON BITCH, have premiered “Master of the Games,” the title track and second single from their long-awaited sophomore album!
Gates of Hell Records (a Cruz Del Sur Music sub-label) will release Master of the Games November 29 on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.
The sophomore effort from Detroit, Michigan pillars of classic metal Demon Bitch, Master of the Games is a nine-song effort that is unmatched and unpredictable!
An eight-year buffer between studio albums left Detroit true metallers Demon Bitch with one, singular option: To be as uncompromising as possible. While there was an assortment of lessons learned along the way, Demon Bitch used their time wisely to ensure their sophomore Master of the Games long-player turned out exactly like they wanted.
Recorded in Lansing, Michigan between 2022 and 2024 under the watchful eye of George Szegedy, Master of the Games evokes the raw, obscure feelings of underground power and classic metal and captures it throughout nine songs of timeless glory.
Demon Bitch features several members of the heralded White Magician within its ranks, including vocalist Logon Saton, the guitar tandem of Lord Mars and Solon Saton and Drummer Master Commander. The band is rounded out by returning bassist B. Beastmaster, who was featured on the 2014 Death is Hanging… EP.
At its core, Master of the Games is a chaotic offering of obscure and underground U.S. power metal and classic heavy metal with some eclectic moments ranging from 1970s sensibilities to more extreme influences.
The over-the-top approach found on the band’s Hellfiends debut remains, although Demon Bitch has injected several epic moments to make the album even more dynamic. And it’s all tied together by lyrical themes of fantasy, legends and lore, highly disputed claims about the world around us, mystery, secrecy and the unknown captured through ominous, esoteric and dark romantic expression. According to Logon, the stories told in the lyrics are “left pretty open for interpretation in most cases, but I certainly think there’s some interesting concepts for you to look into.”
The album’s artwork was handled by Logon, who wanted to complement some of the more esoteric and mysterious aspects that Master of the Games encompasses, both lyrically and musically. He was working on both the lyrics and the artwork around the same time period, so he spent a lot of time staring at the painting while writing and thinking of ideas. This helped to inspire some lyrical passages in songs like “Sentinel at the Spire,” “Tower of Dreams” and “Soldiers of Obscurity.”
The release of Master of the Games was preceded by Demon Bitch’s first-ever European dates. The band played Chaos Descends in Germany; a festival populated by some of the truest diehards in the metal scene.
Demon Bitch also played a few exclusive club shows in Vienna and Croatia. Not surprisingly, the response was universally positive. And, now, with the release of Master of the Games around the corner, the next phase of Demon Bitch’s career begins. Let the games begin!
CATEGORY 7, featuring John Bush (Armored Saint, Anthrax), Phil Demmel (Kerry King, Machine Head), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob), Jack Gibson (Exodus), and Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Overkill), today announces their 2025 first ever tour in support of their self-titled Metal Blade debut.
The fourteen-show trek commences on March 6th in Baltimore, Maryland and runs through March 23rd in Atlanta, Georgia. Direct support on all shows will be provided by Exhorder (except Milwaukee). Additional support will be provided by Hand Of The Tribe on all dates, as well as Dead By Wednesday on the first four dates, and Engineered Society Project on the remainder of the tour, starting in Warrendale.
Comments vocalistJohn Bush, “Looking forward to CATEGORY 7 blowing off the roofs of some venues on the East Coast and Midwest in March of 2025. This will be the first time the band will be playing live so come and check out some killer musicianship. Playing songs from the debut record should be fun. See ya there!”
Adds guitaristPhil Demmel, “Batten down your hatches because the C7tempest is about to touch ground in the US this March! We are all so thrilled to launch this band and bring our show through the states! See you in the eye of the storm!”
Presales on Blabbermouth.net and Knotfest.com will begin tomorrow, October 9th with the general on sale beginning Friday, October 11th. VIP upgrades will be available for all shows at category7official.com. The VIP purchase does not include the show ticket. See all confirmed dates below.
CATEGORY 7 w/ Exhorder, Dead By Wednesday, Hand Of The Tribe: 3/06/2025 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 3/07/2025 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ 3/08/2025 Middle East – Downstairs – Cambridge 3/09/2025 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA w/ Exhorder, Engineered Society Project, Hand Of The Tribe: 3/11/2025 Jergel’s – Warrendale, PA 3/12/2025 The Asylum At Temple Live – Cleveland, OH 3/14/2025 The Machine Shop – Flint, MI 3/15/2025 The Forge – Joliet, IL 3/16/2025 The Rave II – Milwaukee, WI ** 3/18/2025 Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN 3/19/2025 Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE 3/21/2025 Pop’s – St. Louis, MO 3/22/2025 Exit/In – Nashville, TN 3/23/2025 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA ** w/ H1Z1, Misfire, Engineered Society Project, Hand Of The Tribe (no Exhorder)
Category 7 was released on July 26th to worldwide critical acclaim and debuted at #8 on the Billboard Rock Chart. The band has released four videos to date for the tracks “In Stitches,” “Exhausted,” “Mousetrap,” and “Apple of Discord.” The band has received major support from the Sirius XM channel Liquid Metal.
Category 7 was produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Mike Orlando at Sonic Stomp Studios with art and layout by Carlos Fides at Artside Studio (Angra, Evergrey, Kamelot). Stream and purchase the record at: metalblade.com/category7.
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