Legendary guitarist George Lynch and his band Lynch Mob are set to release their highly anticipated final studio album Dancing with the Devil via Rat Pak Records due outon November 28, 2025, marking the final chapter in their storied career. Produced by Chris Collier, the album follows the success of their previous effort “Babylon” and showcases elements of classic Lynch Mob with a modern edge, fusing hard rock, blues, and soulful grooves with an unmistakable passion and energy.
Dancing with the Devil revisits the classic Lynch Mob sound: a potent mix of blues-based hard rock, razor-sharp guitar work, and soulful vocals, delivered with the swagger and confidence of a band that has nothing left to prove. Fans of the early Wicked Sensation era will find familiar fire here with this masterful completion of their musical legacy. Additionally, George Lynch has decided to extend the bands legacy further. Due to high demand for additional performances and the upcoming release of the final studio album Dancing with the Devil, George will continue to fly the Lynch Mob banner into the future with a trek of encore performances.
GOTTHARD literally keep riding the wave of success – and their new single confirms the band’s enduring high impressively! Just days after their latest TV appearance – this time at Germany’s popular Sunday noon program, ZDF’s ‘Rock im Garten’ – the Swiss hard rock icons have released a brand new single called “Ride The Wave“.
The track continues the way the group have taken with their 2025 milestone Stereo Crush (March 21 via Reigning Phoenix Music), and will surely sweeten the last weeks of the summer – and also above and beyond, of course!
Loosely yet boldly kick-started by massive guitar riffing and drums, the single brings an instant feel-good vision to the listeners minds: the sun is burning while you’re cruising through the desert or along the coast in your vintage cabriolet. With “Ride The Wave,” GOTTHARD invite you to have the time of your life leaving all negativity behind and build on the life-celebrating momentum they’ve created on Stereo Crush. Turn it up!
“Ride The Wave went through a couple of versions and recording sessions before we finally found the right vibe for the album. It has this raw, old-school rock energy with gritty guitar riffs and a powerhouse vocal performance of Nic Maeder,” adds guitarist Freddy Scherer.
Set to make additional impact, the new song will also be part of GOTTHARD’s upcoming mini album, aptly titled More Stereo Crush. Further details as well as pre-order options will be announced later this year with even more new music paving its way. Stay tuned!
Photo credit: Manuel Schütz
L-R: Flavio Mezzodi (drums), Marc Lynn (bass), Nic Maeder (vocals), Leo Leoni (guitars), Freddy Scherer (guitars)
With their latest offering Stereo Crush,GOTTHARD reached the top of the official album chart for the 17th time (and for the 13th time in a row!) in their home country Switzerland. The band’s Austrian (#7) and German (#11) fan bases also gave them plenty of reason to celebrate in recent days.
Stereo Crush was produced, recorded and mixed by long-time producer Charlie Bauerfeind, who’s known for his work with the likes of HELLOWEEN and BLIND GUARDIAN, alongside co-producer and founding member Leo Leoni at Yellowhouse Studio. Mastered by Sascha “Busy” Bühren (TrueBusyness), artwork was once again provided by Thomas Ewerhard (AVANTASIA etc.).
19.12.2025 CH Bern – Festhalle (w/ KROKUS) 20.12.2025 CH Zurich – The Hall (w/ KROKUS) 2026 live: 05. – 07.06.2026 CZ Pilsen – Metalfest Open Air *NEW* 03. – 06.07.2026 SE Knislinge – Time To Rock Festival *NEW* 16.07.2026 DE Schopfheim – Sommersound *NEW*
Massacre Records is proud to announce the worldwide signing of US-based heavy metal powerhouse DEATH DEALER!
Known for their uncompromising blend of traditional heavy metal, speed, and power, DEATH DEALER have been setting stages ablaze around the globe since their inception. The band’s relentless energy, razor-sharp riffs, and soaring vocals have earned them a loyal following and cemented their place among the most exciting acts in today’s metal scene.
The upcoming studio album, titled “Reign Of Steel”, will be released in early 2026 via Massacre Records. Fans can expect a full-on assault of classic heavy metal fury, forged in steel and delivered with the trademark intensity that DEATH DEALER are known for.
The band comments: “Death Dealer is thrilled to have signed with Massacre Records as they have a long and storied career in high quality releases. We are very glad to have a new home for ‘Reign Of Steel’. The album signifies a strong and united front of our efforts, Power, some thrash and face melting heavy metal”.
“Reign Of Steel is a crushing piece of metal delivered by a killer band“, adds Ross the Boss.
“We wrote this album while locked down in a covid fueled dystopian reality. It allowed us hours of quality time to focus on writing and recording perhaps our finest achievement yet as a band“, states Sean Peck.
“We spent countless hours crafting this album and are very excited to get it to everyone out there. I think it might even contain the longest continuous high scream recorded…“, enthuses Stu Marshall.
Massacre Records’ CEOThomas Hertlercomments: “We are proud to welcome Death Dealer to the Massacre Records family! The band’s all-star lineup and undeniable passion for true heavy metal make them a perfect fit for our roster. Their upcoming album ‘Reign Of Steel’ is a monster of a record that will thrill every fan of powerful, classic metal. The reign begins in 2026 and it will be glorious!“
Formed in 2012 by vocalist Sean Peck (Cage, The Three Tremors), legendary guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman (ex-Manowar, Ross the Boss Band), and guitarist Stu Marshall (ex-Dungeon, Empires of Eden), DEATH DEALER quickly established themselves as a force of pure steel. With the addition of world-class musicians Mike LePond (Symphony X) on bass and Steve Bolognese (ex-Into Eternity) on drums, the lineup represents a true all-star cast of heavy metal.
The band debuted with the acclaimed album War Master (2013), followed by Hallowed Ground (2015) and Conquered Lands (2020). Each release further solidified their reputation for powerful, uncompromising metal rooted in tradition yet brimming with modern fire.
Now, with their upcoming fourth album Reign Of Steel, DEATH DEALER are ready to unleash their most ambitious and crushing work to date, flying the flag of true heavy metal worldwide.
More details about Reign Of Steel, including cover artwork, tracklist, and the first single, will be revealed soon.Stay tuned for updates and prepare for battle, the reign begins in 2026!
Charleston, West Virginia metal veterans BYZANTINE are pleased to unveil their video for “Harbinger.” The track comes off the band’s latest full-length, Harbingers, released last June via Metal Blade Records.
Offers vocalist Chris Ojeda on the stop motion clip, “This video has taken months to curate. We wanted to continue our path of handmade original artwork for this new album. My daughter Mallory and I wrote the script for the story, hired a young Claymation artist from Mexico named Adrian Venti to hand build every scene out of clay and brought Holly Grayson with Screaming Butterfly Entertainment (Justinian Code, The Cicada Tree, The Agonies) to edit all the footage to make this beautiful music video about a boy who, after losing his father, searches for his importance in life, only to be lured in by a voracious Wolf who steers the boy down a path of greed and selfishness. The boy is eventually saved by one random act of kindness towards a lone Raven. Ravens never forget.
“Mallory and I are fans of all things stop motion. Movies like Fantastic Mr. Fox, Coraline, James And The Giant Peach, and music videos from Peter Gabriel, Bjork, Tool, and Primus. We modelled the main character after my six-year-old son, Henry. I hope you guys enjoy this labor of love and appreciate the amount of work and symbolism that has gone into the script, the Claymation, and the brilliant editing. Our team decided to push the creative aspect as far as we can and tell this story of a boy who just wants to be important.”
Watch BYZANTINE’s previously released videos for “Floating Chrysanthema”HERE and “The Unobtainable Sleep”HERE.
BYZANTINE’s “Harbinger” video comes in advance of the band’s US Fall tour which includes select shows with Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory, Pissing Razors, and more! For tickets, visit byzantinewv.com. See all confirmed dates below.
BYZANTINE Live:
9/20/2025 123 Pleasant St. – WV w/ Truckstop
9/21/2025 Sharkey’s – Liverpool, NY w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Sanguisugabogg, Enforced
9/23/2025 District Music Hall – Norwalk, CT w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory
9/24/2025 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Fear Factory
9/25/2025 Pierre’s – Fort Wayne, IN w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory
9/26/2025 Val-Air Ballroom – Des Moines, IA w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory
9/27/2025 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI w/ Fear Factory
9/28/2025 Red Flag – St. Louis, MO w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory
10/21/2025 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA w/ Fear Factory
10/23/2025 Work Play – Birmingham, AL w/ Fear Factory
10/24/2025 Twist Of Lime – New Orleans, LA w/ Woorms
10/25/2025 Club LA – Destin, FL w/ Fear Factory
10/26/2025 Beacham – Orlando, FL w/ Fear Factory
10/27/2025 Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL w/ Fear Factory
10/29/2025 Culture Room – Fort Lauderdale, FL w/ Fear Factory
11/01/2025 Broken Goblet – Bensalem, PA w/ Pissing Razors, Single Bullet Theory
11/02/2025 Mixers – Sabbatus, ME w/ Pissing Razors, Single Bullet Theory
11/03/2025 Gabes 252 – Westfield, MA w/ Pissing Razors, Single Bullet Theory
The album cover, designed by mixed-media artist Ashley Hoey, beautifully depicts Irene of Athens, the mother of Emperor Constantine and the first female empress of the Byzantine Empire. This focus on a maternal ruler eloquently ties into the album’s title, Harbingers, which means “ones who usher in great change.”
Produced by Peter Wichers (Soilwork, All That Remains, Nevermore), BYZANTINE’s Harbingers full-length delivers nine tracks totaling forty-five minutes of deep lyrical wisdom alongside equally hefty riffs delivered seamlessly by one of the most commanding and unsung lineups to emerge from the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal movement of the early-2000s.
Now a five-piece for the first time ever featuring founding frontman Chris “OJ” Ojeda, alongside former guitarist Tony Rohrbough, bassist Ryan Postlethwait, veteran guitarist Brian Henderson, and drummer Matt Bowles, with Harbingers, BYZANTINE is a crown jewel in their impressive seven album discography.
Rising rock force KALAMITY KILLS unleashes a bold and reverent take on “I Don’t Know” with their latest video release, featuring powerhouse drummer Ray Luzier (KORN) and legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, THE WINERY DOGS). This electrifying reinterpretation of the classic track pays homage to the enduring legacy of the Prince of Darkness himself: OZZY OSBOURNE.
The idea for the tribute was sparked after the band witnessed OZZY’s final performance at the Back to the Beginning Concert in Birmingham, England. Deeply moved, KALAMITY KILLS set out to honor the icon who shaped so much of their musical DNA.
Guitarist JAMEY PERRENOT, whose playing is deeply influenced by the late, great RANDY RHOADS, infused this version of “I Don’t Know” with both reverence and fire. Fans of OZZY will also hear subtle nods to other classics woven throughout: a sonic Easter egg hunt for the diehards.
Special thanks to Ray Luzier and Billy Sheehan for joining the sonic rebellion on this one.
The release also comes with news that the Expanded Edition of Kalamity Kills will be available on September 9, 2025. This edition will include brand-new tracks, alternate mixes, and exclusive content on CD in limited quantities. A candy apple red vinyl edition is set to follow in April 2026.
Track Listing:
Anthem
Dearest Enemy
What’s On Your Mind
Dark Secrets
The Chemistry of Meant To Be
ALIEN
Hellfire Honey
Burn
Sinners Welcome
I Still Believe
Amen
Bonus Tracks:
Afraid
Starry Skies (988) (feat. Aaron Gillespie from Underoath)
Dark Secrets (2025 Version)
Dearest Enemy (Pressure) (Scott Bush alt. Mix)
The Chemistry of Meant To Be (Kellan McGregor Radio Mix)
Jingle Bells (Slay)
About KALAMITY KILLS:
KALAMITY KILLS is a hard rock band forged in the heart of East Nashville, Tennessee. Formed in 2022 by vocalist Jamie Rowe and guitarist/producer Jamey Perrenot, the band emerged from the ashes of a solo project into a fully realized sonic assault; fueled by raw emotion, modern aggression and a deep respect for rock’s roots. With a sound that fuses the swagger of classic hard rock with the intensity and polish of modern metal, KALAMITY KILLS strikes a rare balance between power and vulnerability.
Best known for their debut self-titled album Kalamity Kills, the band quickly turned heads thanks to high-profile collaborations with members of KORN, 3 DOORS DOWN, LA GUNS, CONQUER DIVIDE, and UNDEROATH. Their music has earned national airplay on SIRIUSXM’s Octane, landed on the Billboard Active Rock charts, and crossed over into viral success without ever chasing trends.
More than just a studio project, KALAMITY KILLS is a growing force with a full live lineup, including bassist/vocalist Julia Lauren Bullock and drummer Rob Bodley. Their songs, ranging from explosive anthems to brutally honest ballads, tackle themes of faith, failure, hypocrisy, redemption, and the messy beauty of being human.
KALAMITY KILLS is for the outsiders, the misfits, the ones who’ve been burned and are still standing. Loud. Unapologetic. Unforgettable.
When William J. Tsamis, founder of legendary epic metal masters Warlord, sadly passed away on the 13th of May 2021, at the age of only 60, it looked as if the premature death of one of the most creative forces in American metal had come. However, Warlord bounced back in 2024, with a new line-up and a brand new highly acclaimed studio album entitled Free Spirit Soar (High Roller Records).
This was quickly followed by FromThe Ashes To The Archives – The Hot Pursuit Continues, a limited edition release to mark the occasion of the band’s festival appearances in 2024 with returning Warlord vocalist Giles Lavery. (who also sings for Jack Starr and Alcatrazz).
With a new studio album in the bag, it was time for the “reborn” Warlord to hit the road. In the summer of 2024, they appeared at Trveheim (Germany), Golden R Festival (Greece), Pyrenean Warriors (France) and Metalitalia (Italy).
It was the band’s idea to give their loyal following a something extra in return for their loyalty, as Giles Lavery explains: “We wanted to do something special and also something I don’t think anyone else has ever done before – release and “give away” an exclusive ‘free download’ song to mark each festival stop on the tour, four of them in one month. The reactions at these shows was again something that exceeded our expectations, people singing every word with us, the energy and response from the festival crowds was amazing.”
The songs we are talking about are “Golgotha (Place Of The Skull)”, “The Rainbow”, “Lost Archangel” and “Stygian Passage”. All four can be found now in physical form on Warlord‘s new release The Lost Archangel.
The singer goes into more detail: “They are brand new recordings: but ‘The Rainbow’ is an old Warlord demo from the very early 80s, which was recorded back then, so we re-recorded it in 2024. The other three songs were compositions Bill released on his Lordian Guard albums in the 90s, that we ‘Warlordized’ also in 2024. These were the last three Lordian Guard songs that we felt we could bring over to Warlord, so we thought why not release them this way as free downloads.”
“Almost directly after we released them free we were asked if we were going to issue these in physical format. Apart from these four new songs, The Lost Archangel also features a wealth of older and more recent live recordings as well several studio re-workings of historic Warlord material.”
Track-listing: The Lost Archangel: 01 Golgotha (The Place of the Skull) 02 The Rainbow 03 Lost Archangel 04 Stygian Passage 05 Enemy Mind (2025) 06 70,000 Sorrows (2013/2025) 07 Night of the Fury (2013/2025) 08 Father (Live in Athens 2013) 09 Glory (Live in Athens 2013) 10 Soliloquy (Live in Athens 2013) 11 Lucifer’s Hammer (Live 2024) 12 Black Mass (Live 2024) 13 Child of the Damned (Live 2024)
Produced by Giles Lavery, Thomas Mergler & Eric Juris
Note: The vinyl edition also includes the previously “CD only” bonus track “Twin” from the CD edition of Free Spirit Soar.
Warlord: Giles Lavery – Vocals 1-13 Eric Juris – Guitars 1-5 / 11-13 Diego Pires – Guitars 1-5 / 11-13 Jimmy Waldo – Keys 1-5 / 11-13 Philip Bynoe – Bass 1-13 William J Tsamis – Guitars 6-10 Mark Zonder – Drums
“Giants & Monsters bursts with energy and spirit, seasoned craftsmanship that embraces all eras of HELLOWEEN.” BRAVEWORDS (CA)
“The relentless experimentation of their ultimate seven-member line-up has finally reached the pinnacle with Giants & Monsters.” BURRN! (JP)
German metal icons HELLOWEEN have always been pioneers of the power metal scene: The godfathers of melodic speed metal are renowned for their brilliant records and unforgettable concerts. Giants & Monsters, the highly-praised follow-up to their self-titled No.1 album has finally arrived through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) and continues the band’s unparalleled legacy.
The long-awaited record will certainly be celebrated by the Pumpkinheads around the world on the band’s upcoming “40 Years Anniversary Tour.” The global tour will be more than exciting for the fans with a career-spanning set list and a brand-new live show, starting in Europe this autumn and followed by tours in Asia, North and Latin America.
Giants & Monsters is a truly impressive HELLOWEEN album: confident and bursting with vigor, the septet presents probably the most versatile album of their career. The album release is accompanied by a 90’s MTV style music video with “A Little Is A Little Too Much.” Under complete banishment of AI, it beams the viewer into a miniature doll house, making the artists not look like monsters, but GIANTS indeed.
Playing with optical illusions, the video captivates eyes, ears, and all other senses with HELLOWEEN’s trademark sense of humor and shows the fun within the band. The song itself is a veritable hit with a hook that carves its way into the fans’ minds and captivates immediately.
Photo credit: Mathias Bothor
L-R: Daniel Löble (drums), Michael Weikath (guitars), Markus Grosskopf (bass), Michael Kiske (vocals), Sascha Gerstner (guitars), Andi Deris (vocals), Kai Hansen (guitars, vocals)
Andi Deris comments on the song: “I wanted to write something about the last drop that causes a huge flooding – a little is a little too much. The story itself is a bit erotic. It’s about my first experiences when I was a teenager. You always dream about having sex and finally once you have it you realise: Okay, it took one second that something happened that you didn’t want in that moment. And here we go: A little is a little too much, better don’t move or don’t touch. But in the end, it is about all the minor things that get out of hand with this little bit more, and then it’s a little too much.”
Guitarist Sascha Gerstner, originator of the clip idea, adds: “HELLOWEEN have been known for going against the tide of heavy metal clichés since the 80’s. Think of music videos like ‘I Want Out’ or ‘Where The Rain Grows’, it always was about not taking yourself too seriously. With the music video for ‘A Little Is A Little Too Much,’ we wanted to pursue this spirit and connect the old days with the new era.”
Giants & Monsters – Track Listing: 01. Giants On The Run 02. Savior Of The World 03. A Little Is A Little Too Much 04. We Can Be Gods 05. Into The Sun 06. This Is Tokyo 07. Universe (Gravity For Hearts) 08. Hand Of God 09. Under The Moonlight 10. Majestic Bonus Track: 11. Out Of Control Additional Earbook Bonus Tracks: 12. Into The Sun [Andi Solo Version] 13. Into The Sun [Michi Solo Version] 14. Into The Sun [Acoustic Version Duet]
Following a series of live dates in support of iconic metallers SAVATAGE, their first-ever, frenetically-acclaimed appearance at Wacken Open Air and the previously-released single “Beyond Horizons,” INDUCTION strike again with their brand-new song “Dark Temptation” – a track that fuses razor-sharp riffs, symphonic fire, and high-octane hooks into a relentless storm of sound!
Alongside today’s release and new album harbinger comes a visually stunning video, set in a high-tech sci-fi universe that mirrors the song’s futuristic energy and dark allure. It’s a bold step that brings INDUCTION’s cinematic vision to the next level, combining crushing symphonic metal power with a world that feels larger than life! “Dark Temptation” cements INDUCTION’s reputation as one of the most exciting rising forces in modern power metal: epic, heavy, and unafraid to push boundaries.
Guitarist Tim Kanoa Hansen states: “With ‘Dark Temptation,’ we officially open the gates to our upcoming third album, Love Kills!, set for release in February 2026. This track marks the beginning of INDUCTION’s next chapter – where seduction meets danger, and love dances on the edge of the blade. It’s heavy, it’s dark, it’s sci-fi – and this is only the beginning. Let yourself be pulled into this forbidden tale and experience the thrill of ‘Dark Temptation,’ the first taste of what’s to come. You’ll be hungry for more!”
Crafted at Hamburg, Germany’s Chameleon Studios and Boogie Park Studios, the song was produced by Hansen and mixed and mastered by Eike Freese in collaboration with the guitarist. After regrouping in 2024, “Dark Temptation” marks the second track featuring singer Gabriele Gozzi, guitarist Justus Sahlman and drummer Markus “Maks” Felber in INDUCTION’s band history.
In support of their forthcoming studio offering, the quintet have been confirmed as supporting act of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS’ and WARKINGS’ 2026 “Pirates & Kings Over Europe” tour, taking them to 20+ cities across the continent in February/March. INDUCTION’s current itinerary can be found below!
INDUCTION live: w/ VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, WARKINGS 05.02.2026 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 06.02.2026 DE Saarbrücken – Garage 07.02.2026 DE Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle 08.02.2026 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 10.02.2026 UK Manchester – Academy 2 11.02.2026 UK London – O2 Academy Islington 12.02.2026 FR Paris – Élysée Montmarte 13.02.2026 NL Tilburg – 013 Poppodium 14.02.2026 DE Leipzig – Hellraiser 15.02.2026 DE Berlin – Columbia Theater 16.02.2026 PL Warsaw – Klub Proxima 18.02.2026 CZ Zlín – Masters of Rock Café 19.02.2026 DE Hanover – Capitol 20.02.2026 DE Hamburg – Markthalle 21.02.2026 DE Geiselwind – Musichall 26.02.2026 FR Villeurbanne (Lyon) – La Rayonne 27.02.2026 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Halle) 28.02.2026 DE Munich – Backstage (Werk) 05.03.2026 HU Budapest – Barba Negra 06.03.2026 AT Vienna – SiMM City 07.03.2026 AT Wörgl – VZ Komma
VIOLATOR‘s long-awaited comeback album, Unholy Retribution is due out September 5th, 2025 via Kill Again Records.
How do you introduce new elements into thrash metal without sounding too pretentious or “fluffy”? Sometimes, a careful look at the past can be the way to go, and “The Evil Order”, the second single from VIOLATOR‘s new album, is the embodiment of this dialectic.
Right off the bat, a macabre base with a guitar slur/slur that recalls the intro of Black Sabbath. Then, the dragging riff feeds back into primitive Brazilian metal, and the reference (homage?) to Sarcófago’s “Nightmare” is inevitable.
The reminiscences end there, because what follows is pure VIOLATOR juice, only more evil than ever. Perhaps the band has never sounded so malignant and creative. Despite this, the essence of old-school thrash is preserved, without deviation.
In its conclusion, “The Evil Order” returns to the “Sabbath-like” intro to complete the circle of revenge. The order of uniformed tyrants (“the uniform is a pathetic excuse”) is about to collapse.
True to their roots yet revitalized by a long and intense creative process, Unholy Retributioncaptures VIOLATOR at their most inspired and ferocious. The band delivers a powerful and uncompromising collection of songs that revisit their trademark thrash metal with renewed energy and purpose. This is not a reinvention, it’s a reaffirmation of everything that made VIOLATOR a cult force in the global underground.
Line-up:
Poney Ret Crucifier – Bass, Vocals Capaça Bloody Nightmare – Guitars Cambito Chains Killer – Guitars Batera Bone Crusher – Drums
From the raw aggression of their breakout EP “Violent Mosh” (2004) and the now-classic debut full-length “Chemical Assault” (2006), VIOLATOR made their mark with a youthful urgency that took no prisoners. That same intensity is alive and well on Unholy Retribution yet now it comes sharpened by experience and delivered through more dynamic, tightly constructed compositions. The fire hasn’t dimmed, it’s evolved.
Musically, the album bursts with blistering riffs, tight rhythmic precision and an unmistakable sense of urgency. Groove-laden catchiness and flashes of technical brilliance keep the tracklist flowing like a furious tide – unpredictable, violent and cathartic. The production matches this ferocity with a sonic identity that’s both organic and clear, yet unpolished in just the right way: a raw, analog-flavored mix that enhances every snare hit and guitar bite without sacrificing the band’s gritty edge. It’s a sound that feels live, alive, and undeniably VIOLATOR.
Lyrically, the band stays loyal to its mission: confronting injustice, exposing corruption and shining a harsh light on the rot festering beneath the surface of modern society. With Unholy Retribution, VIOLATOR continue to use their music as both weapon and warning.
This is the record that fans of early Vio-Lence, Kreator and Dark Angel have been waiting for – a no-holds-barred thrash assault, deeply rooted in tradition yet bursting with contemporary urgency. The wait is over. The retribution is unholy. And it starts now.
Track-list:
1. Hang The Merchants Of Illusion 2. Cult Of Death 3. Persecution Personality 4. Destroy The Altar 5. The Evil Order 6. Chapel Of The Sick 7. Rot In Hell 8. Vengeance Storm
New York, NY — Witches Brew, the premier underground metal label founded by Cheryl Schindler, is proud to announce an explosive onslaught of new music, with four highly-anticipated releases hitting the streets on Friday, August 22nd, 2025.
This coordinated strike showcases the label’s commitment to unearthing raw, authentic talent from across the globe, with new albums from FLESH STORM, IN YOUR BLOOD, MEGAHERA, and MENTAL DEVASTATION.
MENTAL DEVASTATION – The Delusional Mystery of the Self, Part II
Chile’s MENTAL DEVASTATION returns with the follow-up to their acclaimed work, The Delusional Mystery Of The Self Part II. This third album showcases the band’s mastery of technical and progressive thrash, blending violent precision with complex, philosophical themes. For fans of intricate, intelligent thrash in the vein of Coroner and Sadus, this album is a mind-bending journey that defies easy categorization.
Turning back the clock to a more anthemic era, MEGAHERA from Sardinia, Italy, proudly presents Back To The ‘80s. This album is a full-throated tribute to the golden age of heavy metal, with lyrical themes of rebellion, unity, and a defiant stand against authority. Back To The ‘80s is a nostalgic trip with a fresh perspective, a rallying cry for all true metal disciples.
From Toronto, Canada, newcomers IN YOUR BLOOD make their mark with their savage self-titled debut. A masterclass in modern thrash and crossover, In Your Blood is packed with aggressive, neck-snapping riffs that prove the genre is alive and well. For those who live and breathe thrash, this album is a mandatory addition to your collection.
The Costa Rican thrashers FLESH STORM deliver a relentless, fast-paced assault that has already been hailed as a complete energy bomb. This is raw, uncompromising thrash metal meant to ignite the mosh pit and leave listeners battered and bruised.
AUGUST Fri 22nd – House of Blues, Anaheim, CA, USA Sat 23rd – House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV, USA Mon 25th – Marquee Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, USA Tue 26th – Revel, Albuquerque, NM, USA Thu 28th – House of Blues, Houston, TX, USA Fri 29th – House of Blues, Dallas, TX, USA Sun 31st – Rocklahoma, Pryor, OK, USA *
SEPTEMBER Tue 2nd – House of Blues, New Orleans, LA, USA Thu 4th – Revolution, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA Sun 7th – The Town, Sao Paulo, Brazil * Wed 10th – Brooklyn Paramount, Brooklyn, NY, USA Thu 11th – House of Blues, Boston, MA, USA Sat 13th – Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Sun 14th – The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD, USA Tue 16th – HISTORY, Toronto, ON, Canada Thu 18th – MTELUS, Montreal, QC, Canada Sun 21st – Louder Than Life, Louisville, KY, USA * Tue 23rd – The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA, USA Thu 25th – The Fillmore, Detroit, MI, USA Sat 27th – Riviera Theatre, Chicago, IL, USA Sun 28th – Uptown, Minneapolis, MN, USA Tue 30th – Summit Music Hall, Denver, CO, USA
OCTOBER Fri 3rd – Aftershock, Sacramento, CA, USA* Sun 5th – The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Seattle (WA) – Sölicitör are bringing forth their sophomore studio album of classic 80s style speed metal fury! Enemy in Mirrors is ten songs of haunting, powerful and destructive metal mania.
Five years have passed since Spectral Devastation, Sölicitör’sdebut LP was unleashed. Now they are back with a bang. More leather-bound, more aggressive, more powerful and more metal than ever. From the powerful riffing and impressive drum work to the evocative vocals; it won’t take you long to fall in love with the classic and authentic sound of this new offering. Mixing heavy, speed and even some thrash metal elements to achieve a unique sound of powerful metallic excellence, none shall be spared on this ferocious new opus.
Fans will notice the more dynamic, emotive and varied approach on this album that still retains all of the power and fury of their previous efforts.
The band took a more DIY approach to the actual recording while re-amping, mixing and mastering was done by Chris Mannino to truly bring the electrifying takes to life. Speaking of DIY, the band’s vocalist Amy handled the artwork for this release, ensuring the bands vision was appropriately represented.
The band put this into words best: “This album was built on blood, sweat and struggle, personal catastrophes and triumphs, division and uncertainty – ultimately pulled together by dedication to a long term vision and determination above all odds to deliver performances that will surely outlast our previous offerings. We believe in the integrity of these songs, as a representation of our evolution and arrival to this point. This album is darker, more melodic, much more expressive, personal, and may take some by surprise for better or worse. Themes of the paranormal, revenge and retribution, betrayal, and a steadfast commitment to heavy metal and all that has come before us as we continue to pursue and mark our place in a drastically different and ever changing landscape.”
The album’s fiery first single, “Iron Wolves of War,” is streaming now on YouTube and Bandcamp.
Gates of Hell Records will release Enemy in Mirrors September 19 on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.
David Feinstein says: “World On Fire” is inspired by the state that our world is in right now. Wars, hunger, homelessness. It’s about having faith that our world will get better and asking, “What can we do to help make that happen?”
The Rods are back with “Wild Dogs Unchained“, a new album that combines reimagined classics from their past with masterfully crafted new songs.
Hooks, grooves, crafty, formidable, and rebellious are songwriting attributes that The Rods gladly embrace. On Wild Dogs Unchained, the veteran power trio continues their famed aural assault, with songs like “Eyes of a Dreamer” and “Tears for the Innocent,” revealing heretofore unrealized musical melodicism, while re-tooled classics, “Hurricane” and “Wild Dogs Unchained,” percolate with renewed vigor.
On Wild Dogs Unchained, the playing is harder, the grooving is heavier, and the singing more soulful than ever before. David “Rock” Feinstein (guitar/vocals), Freddy Villano (bass), and Carl Canedy (drums) have crafted a definitive Rods album aimed at pleasing die-hard fans and new audiences alike.
TRACK-LISTING: 1. Eyes Of A Dreamer 2. Rock And Roll Fever 3. Mirror Mirror 4. Tears For The Innocent 5. Wild Dogs Unchained 6. Time To Rock 7. Run Run Run 8. World On Fire 9. Make Me A Believer 10. Hurricane
LINE-UP: David “Rock” Feinstein – guitar/vocals Freddy Villano – bass Carl Canedy – drums Guest Musicians: Lonnie Park – keyboards & orchestration
Producer: The Rods Mixing / Mastering: Chris Collier @ CMC21 Productions, Las Vegas, USA Guitar & vocal tracks: Lonnie Park @ Barncastle Studio, Freeville, NY Bass tracks: Freddy Villano @ Flying V Studios, Ithaca, USA Drum tracks: Carl Canedy @ Nire Studios, Carbondale, USA Photos: Roger William Theise Artwork: Mark Rizzo
31/10/25 – Mexico City – Alicia 02/11/25 – Tegucigalpa – Radio House Casa Campo 04/11/25 – San José – Peppers 05/11/25 – Bogotá – Ace Of Spades 07/11/25 – Buenos Aires – El Teatrito 08/11/25 – Santiago – Teatro Cariola 09/11/25 – Montevideo – Live Era 11/11/25 – Brasília – Toinha 12/11/25 – Curitiba – Tork N Roll 14/11/25 – São Paulo – Carioca 15/11/25 – Limeira – Mirage
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 🇺🇸 We are coming for you next month together with Gloryhammer and Glyph! Where will we be seeing you? Get your tickets today at https://www.alestorm.net/
USA TOUR 2025: Sep 12 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Sep 13 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Sep 15 – Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw Sep 16 – Worcester, MA @ Palladium Sep 18 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Elevation Sep 19 – Louisville, KY @ Louder than Life Sep 20 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave II Sep 21 – Joliet, IL @ The Forge Sep 23 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Sep 24 – Lawrence, KS @ Granada Sep 26 – Denver, CO @ The Summit Sep 27 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex Sep 29 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox Downtown Sep 30 – Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory Oct 01 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Oct 03 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Oct 04 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco Oct 05 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues Oct 06 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre Oct 08 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater Oct 10 – Birmingham, AL @ Iron City Oct 11 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade Oct 12 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Oct 14 – Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall Oct 15 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
Powerhouse Group FIRSTBORNE are made up of drummer Chris Adler (Lamb of God/Megadeth), soft-shred guitarist Myrone and Girish Pradhan (Girish and the Chronicles/The End Machine) strike with the release of their full-length album, Lucky, now in stores on CD, Vinyl and online via digital streaming and download platforms HERE: http://lnk.to/firstborne
To commemorate the album release and promo the album further the band have created another unique and entertaining music video for the latest emphasis track “Rescue Me.” WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/Rht8ob6GyP4
“’Rescue Me’ was the first song we wrote in person after being penpals for four years,” explains guitarist Myrone. “For me it was this crazy feeling of anticipation as we had been working so hard to get into the same room and we finally did it, almost like a “dog catches car” moment. After we finished setting up Chris looked at me and was like “well what do you got?” and that opening riff is the first thing that fell out of me.”
The music video, directed/edited by Drew Kaufman with puppet design by Natalie Lewis, needs to be viewed to appreciate and follows previous clips – the also clever and entertaining “Wake Up” (also directed by Drew Kaufman) and the lyric video for “Again” a song which is currently enjoying quite a bit of radio airplay at commercial/active rock radio.
All three songs are taken from the full-length album Lucky which was produced by the recognized producer Machine (Clutch, King Crimson, Crobot). The album has been made available as a jewelcase CD and limited-edition (300) amber wave colored vinyl.
FIRSTBORNE features legendary drummer Chris Adler (Lamb of God, Megadeth), virtuoso guitarist Myrone (known by some as the originator of soft shred), and electrifying vocalist Girish Pradhan whose other band Girish and the Chronicles performed recently on America’s Got Talent https://www.facebook.com/reel/717507967417196
Formed in 2019, FIRSTBORNEblend high-energy riffs, soaring vocals, and thunderous rhythms to create a modern yet timeless sound rooted in classic metal, hard rock, and shred guitar. The band first gained attention through a series of independently released singles and EPs between 2020 and 2023, showcasing their signature fusion of melody, technical precision, and relentless groove.
Guitarist Myrone explains how the album came together: “When Chris, Girish, and I got connected in 2019 I said my number one goal in life was to get us all in the same room to jam. Four years later not only did we get in the same room, we went to Machine’s barn in Texas for a month to create 10 piping hot metal jams for the whole world to enjoy. I had written around 150 song ideas before stepping in the studio, and we ended up using none of them. What you hear on the record was entirely written and recorded in Texas.”
With Adler’s iconic drumming, Myrone’s signature guitar work, and Pradhan’s dynamic, powerhouse vocals, FIRSTBORNE are a force to be reckoned with in the hard rock and metal scene; delivering high-energy anthems that bridge the gap between old-school metal and modern intensity.
If you’ve been following the journey of “Babylon”, the highly anticipated debut full-length album from DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG, you already know what kind of powerhouse material this band delivers. Now, with the release of their fifth single, “Dead Man’s Hand“, the stakes are raised yet again. And if this is your first taste of the project, sit back, hit play, and enjoy this high-energy video clip pulled straight from the band’s studio sessions.
“Dead Man’s Hand” has a unique backstory: originally composed by Manuela Bibert on piano, the early demo featured only vocals and keys. From there, it was transferred note for note to guitar and Hammond organ. The results are unique: A pounding guitar riff meets a distorted, snarling organ line to form the backbone of a song that’s both driving and infectious.
Udo Dirkschneider, the iconic frontman and heavy metal legend, brings a vocal performance which by his own admission are exceptional for him. But the surprises don’t stop there: both Peter Baltes and Manuela step up with unexpected vocal highlights, adding rich texture and dimension to the track. And then there’s the chorus, a hands-in-the-air, stadium-sized refrain that just begs you to shout or sing along with.
With a “good time” spirit that perfectly balances the song’s grit and groove, “Dead Man’s Hand” showcases everything that makes DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG a thrilling new chapter in classic metal history. Watch the official video now, straight from the studio floor!
Set for release on October 3, 2025 by Reigning Phoenix Music, Babylonis now available for pre-order in a variety of stunning formats:
Limited Red, Gold & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl
Limited Red Opaque & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl
Gold Opaque Double Vinyl
Deluxe Earbook Edition with CD and enhanced 36-page booklet
“Sarcophagi Of The Soul” is the latest single from technical death metal artisans REVOCATION. The track comes by way of the band’s ferocious new full-length New Gods, New Masters, set for release on September 26th via Metal Blade Records.
On REVOCATION’s fifth record for Metal Blade, the quartet – spearheaded by founder/vocalist/guitarist Dave Davidson, delivers nine potent and portentous songs of brutal lyrical and musical significance.
Comments Davidson on today’s single and accompanying video, “‘Sarcophagi Of The Soul’ is about our addiction to technology, primarily our phones. We use these devices to create idealized avatars to present to the world, when in reality nothing is ever as perfect as it seems. As we continue to feed our vanity the lines start to blur between our identities and the false narratives we create as these digital twins slowly begin to usurp our lives. The music video for this track features the incredible artwork of Tony Guarladi-Brown who created an entire graphic novel as an accompaniment to the new album. The artwork for this comic book is truly amazing so we wanted to give our fans a sneak peak before it gets released alongside the record.”
Watch REVOCATION’s striking lyric video for “Sarcophagi Of The Soul” HERE.
Watch the band’s previously released video for “Cronenberged” HERE.
New Gods, New Masters was produced by Davidson and mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren (The Haunted, Spiritbox) with artwork by Paolo Girardi (Bell Witch, Mother Of Graves, Black Breath, Cryptopsy). The record includes guest appearances by Jonny Davy of Job For A Cowboy, Travis Ryan of Cattle Decapitation, Luc Lemay of Gorguts, and jazz guitarist Gilad Hekselman.
New Gods, New Masters will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
All Seeing (Amber Marbled – US) Gemini Parasite (Green / Blue Marbled – US) Unending Night (Blue Smoke – US Tour Exclusive) 180g Black (EU) Twilight Blue Marbled (EU) Crimson Red Marbled (EU – Ltd. 500) Lilac w/ Black Dust (EU – Ltd. 300)
Confines Of Infinity (feat. Travis Ryan of Cattle Decapitation)
Dystopian Vermin
Despiritualized
The All Seeing (feat. Gilad Hekselman)
Data Corpse
Cronenberged (feat. Jonny Davy of Job For A Cowboy)
Buried Epoch (feat. Luc Lemay of Gorguts)
Following the release of New Gods, New Masters, REVOCATION will kick off a month-long North American headlining tour. The journey begins on October 16th in Leesburg, Virginia and runs through November 15th in Raleigh, North Carolina. Support will be provided by Judiciary, Inferi, and Vomit Forth (on select dates).
REVOCATION w/ Judiciary, Inferi, Vomit Forth: 10/16/2025 Tally Ho – Leesburg, VA 10/17/2025 Brooklyn Monarch – New York, NY 10/18/2025 Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA 10/19/2025 Foufones – Montreal, QC 10/20/2025 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON 10/21/2025 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 10/22/2025 Reggies – Chicago, IL * 10/24/2025 HQ – Denver, CO 10/25/2025 Ace’s High – Salt Lake City, UT 10/26/2025 The Shredder – Boise, ID 10/27/2025 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 10/28/2025 Rickshaw – Vancouver, BC 10/29/2025 Dante’s – Portland, OR 10/31/2025 Neck Of The Woods – San Francisco, CA 11/01/2025 Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA 11/02/2025 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 11/04/2025 Rosetta Room – Mesa, AZ 11/05/2025 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM * 11/07/2025 RBC – Dallas, TX * 11/08/2025 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 11/09/2025 Scout Bar – Houston, TX * 11/11/2025 Orpheum – Tampa, FL 11/12/2025 Respectable Street – West Palm Beach, FL 11/13/2025 Conduit – Orlando FL 11/14/2025 The Radio Room – Greenville, SC 11/15/2025 Chapel Of Bones – Raleigh, NC *No Vomit Forth
Heavy rock all-stars ALPHA DESTROYER – featuring Martin Sweet (Crashdïet), Kelly LeMieux (Buckcherry), and Eric Sexton-Dorsett (Sleepless) – have shared the offical music video for “Straight into the Grind,” the second single off their upcoming debut album, Fast Lane.
The album’s opening and aptly-named track, “Straight into the Grind,” gives fans another offering of ALPHA DESTROYER‘s punk-tinged anthemic rock.
Fast Lane is due out this fall on Necromantic Press Records. Physical copies of Fast Lane, including limited-edition red splatter and standard black vinyl, will begin shipping on September 15. The album will be available on all streaming platforms on October 31. Pre-orders are available at this location.
ALPHA DESTROYER: Eric Sexton-Dorsett Martin Sweet Kelly Lemieux Ryan McPhaill Kevin Hahn
Alpha Destroyer was born in 2022, shortly after trad/thrash metal band Sleepless released its debut LP. Looking for a new creative outlet, Sleepless guitarist Eric Sexton-Dorsett began writing a series of dissonant, groove-heavy tracks; something that channeled the high-powered spirit of bands like Def Leppard while drawing on the chaos of Voivod and Morbid Angel.
After tracking initial guitar parts, Eric brought in drummer Ryan McPhaill to lay down drum tracks. The results exceeded expectations, every take locked in with the raw energy and precision the project demanded.
With a solid foundation in place, Eric filed the songs under the name Alpha Destroyer and started mapping out the next phase.
Soon after, on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, Eric met bassist Kelly LeMieux (Goldfinger, Buckcherry) through mutual friend Kevin Hahn (vocalist/lead guitarist for Sleepless) and now a guitarist for Alpha Destroyer. Late-night conversations on the cruise led to a strong creative connection. Back in Portland, Kelly heard the early tracks and immediately added his signature, larger-than-life basslines. The songs now three deep began to take shape.
In 2024, another key moment happened on the same cruise. Eric met Martin Sweet (Crashdïet), a longtime influence. After staying in touch, Eric sent him the developing tracks, initially just to contribute guitar, yet Martin offered something more: vocals. His performance on the first completed track, “Straight into the Grind,” helped define the band’s sound and opened the door to a deeper collaboration. What was meant to be a four-song EP quickly expanded as the ideas flowed naturally.
The result is Fast Lane, a 10-track debut album that rides the line between doom-laced introspection and high-octane rock. The title track and first single, “Fast Lane,” kicks things off with a punk-edged urgency and Martin’s heavy yet melodic take on personal struggle.
With new music already in the works and plans for live dates in 2026, Alpha Destroyer is just getting started.
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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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