February 21, 1994 – SCORPIONS performed at McNichols Sports Arena, in Denver, Colorado. Kings X opened the show. This was SCORPIONS’ Face The Heat Tour, supporting their 12th studio album: Face The Heat.
February 21, 2026 – Tickets go on sale for: Scorpions – Coming Home to Las Vegas. This residency will take place at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, from Thursday, Sept. 17th through Saturday, Oct. 3rd, 2026. Special guest Buckcherry will perform.
February 19, 2026 – POWERWOLF begins their Wake Up The Wicked Tour, in Copenhagen, Denmark, at K.B. Hallen. Supporting bands are HammerFall and Wind Rose.
February 19, 2012 – POWERWOLF performed at Garage in Saarbrücken, Germany. This was TheWolfsnächte Tour and POWERWOLF were supporting their fourth studio album Blood of the Saints. Supporting bands were: Mystic Prophecy, Stormwarrior and Lonewolf.
All-star heavy metal band DEATH DEALER and Massacre Records are deeply saddened to share difficult news concerning guitarist and founding member Ross “The Boss” Friedman.
The band has issued the following official statement: “We are devastated by the news that our brother, Ross the Boss, has been diagnosed with ALS.
From the very first day this band came together, we have operated as more than musicians, we are a brotherhood. That bond, that loyalty, and that respect for one another will never change.
This diagnosis, however, inevitably changes the road ahead for Death Dealer in terms of new music and live performances. Ross is not someone who can be replaced, nor would we ever try.
His contribution to heavy metal is monumental, timeless, and deeply woven into the fabric of this genre. His legacy stands on its own and will continue to inspire generations.
Right now, our focus is not on stages or studios, but on standing beside our brother as he faces this battle with the strength and courage that has always defined him.
We ask the metal community to keep Ross in your thoughts and to honour him the way he has always honoured the music, with passion, loyalty, and heart. We stand with Ross. Always.”
Massacre Records stands fully united with DEATH DEALER during this time. Ross “The Boss” Friedman is not only a legendary guitarist whose influence has shaped generations of heavy metal musicians worldwide, but also a respected artist whose dedication, integrity and passion embody the very spirit of the genre.
Digital Single/Music Video Online; On Tour This Month
From the forge. From the flame. From the will that does not bend.
Today, SILVER TALON unleashes “Iron” – a new single and music video forged in defiance and hardened in heavy metal. Listen now on all streaming/download platforms.
Built on thunderous riffs, soaring melodies, and steel-clad rhythm, “Iron” channels the spirit of classic heavy metal while striking with sharpened modern force. It is a battle hymn for the unbreakable, a soundtrack for those who refuse to yield when the pressure rises.
“This one has been a long time coming, and we’re proud to finally unleash it into the wild. As you might have guessed, ‘Iron’ is a song about cultivating strength, embracing pain, and crushing everything that stands in your way,” states guitarist Bryce VanHoosen.
The official music video for “Iron” is now live HERE – a visual embodiment of that fire and fury. Turn the volume high. Let it shake the walls. Let it remind you what heavy metal is meant to feel like.
With their foundation forged in steel, Silver Talon sharpens the blade once more. This is a preview of a new album being finalized, yet to be mixed/mastered, for release later this year. Spread the word. The forge is burning.
Tour Dates: 2/21 – High Water Mark – Portland, OR 2/22 – Shredder – Boise, ID 2/23 – Aces High Saloon – Salt Lake City, UT 2/24 – Ren’s Den – Albuquerque, NM 2/26 – Rockhouse – El Paso, TX 2/27 – Paper Tiger – San Antonio, TX 2/28 – Lost Well – Austin, TX
SILVER TALON: Wyatt Howell – Vocals Bryce VanHoosen – Guitar Devon Miller – Guitar Walter Hartzell – Bass Nick Van Dusen – Drums
History: Formed in 2017 from the ashes of acclaimed Pacific Northwest metal act Spellcaster, SILVER TALON emerged with a shared mission: keep the heavy metal flame burning bright.
Armed with a virtuosic triple-guitar attack, thunderous rhythm section, and the soaring vocals of Wyatt Howell (Sanctifyre), the band quickly established their sound with 2018 demo tracks “Devil Machine” and “Warrior’s End,” showcasing a potent mix of masterful hooks, lush melody, and technical firepower.
They expanded on that foundation with their self-released debut EP, ‘Becoming A Demon,’ featuring re-recorded demo tracks with producer Zack Ohren (Exmortus, Machine Head), three new originals, and a cover of Sanctuary’s “Battle Angels” with guest guitarist Jeff Loomis (Nevermore, Arch Enemy).
In May 2021, SILVER TALON released their M-Theory Audio debut, ‘Decadence and Decay’ — a masterclass in hook-driven, guitar-fueled heavy metal. Featuring cover art by renowned fantasy artist Gerald Brom and a guest appearance from King Diamond guitarist Andy La Rocque on “Resistance 2029,” the album drew widespread acclaim. Decibel wrote the band “sound absolutely immortal,” while Metal Injection praised their “killer” triple-guitar attack.
The band has since solidified their reputation as torchbearers of triumphant heavy metal with live performances alongside Exmortus, Savage Master, Unleash The Archers, Striker, Powerglove, Hatchet and more.
BELZEBONG, DOLA and SEKS W CZASACH WOJNY join the ranks for Szczecin’s debut edition
Early Bird tickets sold out – General weekend tickets available!
Szczecin, Poland; 12 February 2026: Hells Bells Festival has unveiled its third wave of band additions to its 2026 inaugural edition. Leading the charge is one of the most iconic voices in heavy metal history, Dirkschneider, who will bring a career-defining set of Accept classics to the Szczecin riverfront on 26-27 June 2026.
Dirkschneider will arrive in Szczecin with a very specific mission: a set comprised entirely of Accept’s greatest hits. While the performance will lean heavily on the legendary “Balls to the Wall” album, fans can expect other Accept anthems too.
In a move that deviates from typical festival hierarchies, the organisers have opted for a “Main Acts” philosophy. Rather than a single headliner, the debut edition will be driven by multiple headline shows. Dirkschneider joins the likes of Grave Digger, Cockney Rejects, Discharge, Furia, Vader and Dezerter.
Adding a heavy dose of fuzz to the lineup are Belzebong, who are widely regarded as one of Poland’s premier musical exports in the stoner/doom genre. Their hazy, riff-driven walls of sound have earned them a cult following across the international festival circuit, making them a perfect fit for the industrial atmosphere of Łasztownia.
The experimental side of the underground is represented by Dola. Over the last decade, the band has emerged as one of the most fascinating entities in Polish music, defying easy categorization. Their sound is a bleak and beautiful fusion of avant-garde black metal, ritual ambient, and sludge, occasionally punctuated by jazz and electronic elements. It is music that demands total focus and offers a unique, immersive experience.
Finally, the festival welcomes the raw energy of Seks W Czasach Wojny (transl.: Sex in Times of War). One of the most talked-about young punk crews in Poland, they have built a massive following through a strict DIY ethic and incendiary live shows that often outshine the veteran acts on the bill. Their inclusion brings a vital, fresh spirit to the 2026 lineup, proving that the future of the Polish punk scene is in safe hands.
Hells Bells Festival will take place in the heart of Szczecin, Poland, on 26-27 June 2026. The venue is the scenic Plac Gryfitów on Łasztownia, a historic island district in Szczecin known for its iconic “Craneosaurs” (historic port cranes) and stunning views of the Oder River. The festival will deliver a mix of international legends, top domestic acts and younger new bands.
Early bird weekend tickets have sold out but general weekend tickets are still available via the official festival website. In addition to standard passes, the festival offers reduced rates for minors (ages 13-18) and special family tickets (for children under 13 with a guardian).
“Great news! KK’S PRIEST is going to be returning to the US and Canada this September 2026! We will be teaming up together with metal legends W.A.S.P. and with over 40 shows, this is going to be an epic metal and steel tour featuring lots of Priest classics! We look forward to seeing you all again very soon so please get on board early, we do not want you to miss this one.” — K.K. Downing
WINTERSUN S/T – released back in 2004, via Nuclear Blast. Cover art by Kristian Wåhlin aka Necrolord.
Tobias Sammet’s AVANTASIA The Mystery Of Time – released back in 2013, via Nuclear Blast. Album cover art by Rodney Matthews.
Cinderella Long Cold Winter – released back in 1988, via Mercury Records. Yes, it’s surely been a long cold Winter.
SONATA ARCTICA Talviyö – released back in 2019, via Nuclear Blast. Cover photograph and editing by Finnish photographer Onni Wiljami. Layout by Janne Pitkänen.
Immortal At The Heart Of Winter – released back in 1999, via Osmose Productions. Cover artist: Jean Pascal Fournier. Graphic design by Grafik Sarl.
Thank you for visiting and checking out these album covers that scream Winter. I applaud all the artists that created the above album art! Stay safe out there and be kind to your fellow humans. – Stone
The Master Plan, the brand-new solo album from Michael Sweet, acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, and frontman of Christian rock icons Stryper, is releasing, via Frontiers Records, on April 3, 2026!
SCHATTENMANN usher in the new year with the release of “Endgegner”, the title track from their upcoming studio album. The song signals a decisive next step for the band and sets the tone for a new chapter in their musical journey.
With “Endgegner” [German for “Final Boss”], SCHATTENMANN present themselves sharper and more focused than ever. The track blends German-language metal with pronounced core elements, driven rhythms, and an unapologetic attitude. Crushing riffs, a powerful groove, and a commanding chorus turn the song into a statement piece that reflects both intensity and confidence.
As frontman Frank Herzig reveals: “This song was my ultimate final boss! Never before has a track driven me so crazy, challenged me so much, and demanded so much from me. In the entire history of Schattenmann, there hasn’t been a song that required so many versions and attempts. In the end, I am incredibly proud of it, especially because the path to the finished song was so rocky and because it offers so much both musically and lyrically. It grabs you immediately and doesn’t let go until the very end: hard, loud, emotional.”
Endgegner Track-List: 1. Endgegner 2. Besser als der Rest 3. Kamikaze 4. Einen Scheiß muss ich 5. Wir sind das Ende der Welt 6. Kein Kommando 7. Schna-na-naps 8. Unmensch 9. Echo 10. Auf die Zunge (Schattenmann Version) 11. Alter Ego 12. Gelegenheit macht Liebe
SCHATTENMANN are: Frank Herzig | vocals Jan Shook | guitars Luke Shook | bass Rorschach | drums
“Endgegner” Tour 2026 30.01.2025 DE Nuremberg – Schattenspiele (w/ AESTHETIC PERFECTION & INDUCTION) w/ special guests Böse Fuchs:
12.03.2026 DE Frankfurt – Das Bett 13.03.2026 DE Oberhausen – Kulttempel 14.03.2026 DE Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn 15.03.2026 DE Saarbrücken – Garage 19.03.2026 DE Hamburg – Knust 20.03.2026 DE Leipzig – Hellraiser 21.03.2026 DE Erfurt – From Hell 26.03.2026 DE Munich – Backstage (Halle) 27.03.2026 DE Cologne – Luxor 28.03.2026 DE Hanover – MusikZentrum 04.04.2026 DE Berlin – Hole 44 05.04.2026 DE Magdeburg – Factory 13.11.2026 AT Dornbirn – Conrad Sohm 14.11.2026 AT Vienna – Szene
About SCHATTENMANN: Founded in 2016, Nuremberg-based band SCHATTENMANN have entered the metal world by storm! Pinnacling with their top 10 album Día de muertos in 2023, the quartet – singer Frank Herzig, guitarist Jan Shook, bass player Luke Shook & drummer Rorschach paved their way with impactful songwriting and also with energizing live shows. A thrilling combination which has resonated with a wide range of (mostly) European metalheads so far. Sheer metal and continuous touring are the keys of why SCHATTENMANN have become one of the leading German ambassadors in the hard ‘n’ heavy universe within less than 10 years.
Silent night, ROARING night! CORELEONI loudly toll the bell for the festive season with their brand new digital offering:Live at Hallenstadion Zurich is out now via PERCEPTION – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music, and available for streaming on several platforms.
Following two singles – “Sick & Tired” & “Like It Or Not,” both taken from their first original album III [2022] – the international lion pride’s focus lays on a classic track today. “Firedance” is one out of seven GOTTHARD songs CORELEONI performed on July 3, 2025 for this release and kick-started the final third of their energizing set with unrivalled joy of playing.
“This is one of the most important ‘first GOTTHARD era’ songs: it’s a heavy and melodic mid-tempo track recalling strong 70s and 80s vibes. ‘Firedance’ delivers great vocal and musical parts, accompanied by one the heaviest and funniest guitar solo, which was catapulted into live heaven on this recording,”adds guitaristJgor Gianola.
Photo credit: Alexandre Zveiger L-R: Jgor Gianola (guitars), Leo Leoni (guitars), Eugent Bushpepa (vocals), Mila Merker (bass), Alex Motta (drums)
Live at Hallenstadion Zurich was recorded on July 3, 2025 at their show supporting the mighty JUDAS PRIEST and comprises 9 electrifying tracks. Including both covers of the rich GOTTHARD catalogue and tracks from III, CORELEONI’s first original album which came out in early 2022, this new recording is essential rock ‘n’ roll: raw yet heavily rocking.
These history-charged 40 minutes simply had to be captured for eternity, not only for the 7,000 attending fans to relive the event but also for CORELEONI’s and hard rock fans all over the world!
Track Listing: 01. Sister Moon 02. Standing In The Light 03. Downtown 04. Like It Or Not 05. Sick & Tired 06. Mountain Mama 07. Firedance 08. She Goes Down 09. Here Comes The Heat
Photo Credit – Rae Chatten Thunderor L-R: Jonny Nesta (Guitar) | JJ Tartaglia (Vocals, Drums) | Brycen Gunn (Bass)
+ Canadian Tour w/ Burning Witches & EU Tour w/ Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.)
Canadian heavy metal force Thunderor, fronted by JJ Tartaglia (vocals, drums, Skull Fist) and Jonny Nesta (guitar, ex-Skull Fist), alongside Brycen Gunn on bass, are igniting excitement with their high-octane new single “Pump Up The Volume.” The track offers the first glimpse of their forthcoming sophomore album,Bleed For It, slated for release at the end of March 2026. With their trademark fusion of Arena Rock Opera Heavy Metal, Thunderor deliver soaring vocals, massive choruses, and uplifting energy designed to inspire fans to live boldly and chase their dreams.
The single also doubles as the opening number from Thunderor The Musical, the band’s ambitious rock opera, which premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival 2025. Featuring a cameo from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow in the promotional clip, the track sets the tone for an album that promises both fun and depth.
“This one is a lot of fun. Turn up the music, pump up your life, Pump Up The Volume! It’s also the opening number for the Musical, and it sets the mood nicely. Although the rest of the album ventures to many different places. Special thanks to Olivia Chow and the City of Toronto for her cameo in the promo clip, super cool.” – JJ Tartaglia.
Following their acclaimed debut, Thunderor’s second album Bleed For It showcases significant growth in both songwriting and performance. The band highlights improved vocals and more expansive anthem-driven choruses, delivering a soundtrack that balances raw heavy metal energy with theatrical flair.
The upcoming album is a concept record, serving as the official soundtrack to Thunderor The Musical. Fans can expect a journey through uplifting themes of love, struggle, and perseverance, all wrapped in the band’s trademark high-energy sound.
Drawing inspiration from legends like Meat Loaf, Van Halen, Bruce Springsteen, The Darkness, H.E.A.T., Night Flight Orchestra, and their own roots in Skull Fist, Thunderor’s sound is a modern twist on classic heavy and hair metal.
In additional news, Thunderor will be hitting the road in 2026, supporting Burning Witches on their first Canadian Tour in April, followed by a Scandinavian Tour supporting Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.) in May (dates listed below).
Canada Tour 2026 with Burning Witches: April 20 – Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC April 21 – La Source De La Martiniere – Quebec City, QC April 22 – The Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON April 23 – The Garrison – Toronto, ON
Scandinavia Tour 2026 with HOLMES (The Sound of WASP): May 15 – Nordic Noise – Copenhagen, Denmark May 16 – Godset – Kolding, Denmark May 27 – The Abyss – Gothenburg, Sweden May 28 – Muskelrock – Blädinge, Sweden May 29 – Lokstallet – Skövde, Sweden May 30 – Gjerdrum Rock Club – Gjerdrum, Norway May 31 – Sjøboden Live Scene – Mandal, Norway
Metal fans, prepare for a sonic excavation. Destiny’s End, the influential US Power Metal supergroup featuring vocalist James Rivera (Helstar), has officially announced the upcoming release of Breathe Deep the Road’ (Live & Unreleased), a definitive collection capturing the band’s peak era. The album will be released on January 23, 2026.
Documenting the band’s legendary 1999 tour alongside Nevermore and Iced Earth, the album features six explosive live tracks, including the iconic “Breathe Deep in the Dark,” and a crushing medley of Judas Priest classics. In addition, the collection includes three never-before-heard studio tracks: a lost bonus track from the original 1998 sessions, a menacing King Diamond cover, and a powerful tribute to Dio. All tracks have been recently remastered for maximum impact by Andrew Lee.
To kick off the pre-order campaign, Destiny’s End will immediately release the first digital single, “Breathe Deep the Road.” Check it out here!
Destiny’s End was comprised of some of the most respected names in US Metal:
• James Rivera (Helstar, Vicious Rumors) – Vocals • Dan DeLucie (Crescent Shield, New Eden) – Guitar • Perry Grayson (Falcon, Isen Torr) – Guitar • Nardo Andi (New Eden) – Bass • Brian Craig (New Eden, Seven Witches) – Drums
Earlier this year, acclaimed Japanese metal vocalist and songwriter Saeko took a temporary step back from music to undergo major surgery. Now on a steady path to recovery, she is gradually returning to creative work and preparing to reintroduce her music to fans around the world.
While her long-anticipated mini-album, originally scheduled for release in 2025, has been postponed to early 2026, Saeko has released the 2025 Remastered Edition of her debut album Above Heaven Below Heaven, worldwide, on all digital platforms. The album was originally produced by Lars Ratz and Co-produced by Michael Ehré.
Due to the original multitrack recordings being unavailable, the remaster was carefully produced using the original CD source. Thanks to the expertise of V. Santura at Woodshed Studio (Germany), the new edition preserves the emotional core and sonic identity of the original while enhancing its overall balance and clarity.
Rather than a reconstruction or remix, this reissue offers listeners the chance to rediscover the work that launched Saeko’s international journey, a journey that saw her tour with Doro Pesch in 2004 and become the first Asian female artist to perform at Wacken Open Air in 2005.
Often hailed as a milestone for Japanese women in the global metal scene, Saeko’s debut album represents a unique cultural bridge between East and West, between deeply personal songwriting and the grandeur of European melodic power metal.
“It’s been over twenty years since I first recorded these songs,” Saeko shares. “Back then, touring with Doro and standing on the Wacken stage as a Japanese woman felt almost impossible, yet it happened. Now, after all these years, I wanted listeners to reconnect with that starting point before hearing how far these songs have evolved.”
Now, two decades later, it stands again as a bridge between the past and the future, leading to the upcoming mini-album that will feature three newly re-recorded tracks from this original work.
SAEKO line-up: Saeko Kitamae – Vocals Guido Benedetti – Guitars Alessandro Sala – Bass Michael Ehre – Drums
Nameless Grave Records is proud to announce the CD re-issue of Metal Caído Del Cielo, the seminal 1985 EP from Mexican heavy metal legends Luzbel. This crucial piece of Mexican metal history will be re-released on Friday, December 12th.
More than just a record, Metal Caído Del Cielo is a cultural cornerstone that established the blueprint for heavy metal in Mexico. Founded by guitarist Raúl Fernández Greñas, who honed his craft during a period in England where he was part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) band Red.
Greñas returned to Mexico in 1982 and founded Luzbel, instantly setting a new standard for heavy metal in the country. The 1985 EP, originally released on the Comrock/WEA label, solidified their status as pioneers, delivering a raw, electrifying sound that resonated with a generation eager for homegrown metal anthems.
This 4-track EP became an essential document in the history of Latin American metal. The re-issue serves as both a historical document and a vibrant tribute to the original lineup, featuring the dynamic vocal performance of the late, legendary frontman Arturo Huizar (R.I.P. 2020).
Nameless Grave Records is honored to bring this foundational heavy metal work back into circulation on CD, allowing both long-time fans to own a definitive physical version and a new generation of global metal enthusiasts to discover the power and influence of Luzbel.
Luzbel’s Metal Caído Del Cielo CD re-issue will be available for purchase and pre-order on December 12th via the Nameless Grave Records store.
Heavy metal titans DEATH DEALER are gearing up for a new chapter in their steel-forged legacy with the announcement of their upcoming full-length album Reign Of Steel, set for release on January 23, 2026 via Massacre Records. Packed with towering vocals, precision riffing, and a renewed sense of power, the album captures the band at their most focused and explosive.
Forged over five years of intense writing, recording, and relentless refinement, Reign Of Steel marks the band’s most ambitious, powerful and razor-sharp chapter to date. Built on the unshakable trio of Sean Peck, Ross “The Boss” Friedman, and Stu Marshall, and elevated by the crushing rhythm section of Mike LePond and Steve Bolognese. The album delivers ten tracks of uncompromising heavy metal fury, precision engineered for maximum impact.
To mark the beginning of this new era, DEATH DEALER unleash their brand-new single and video “Blast The Highway, a full-throttle anthem that merges the band’s signature intensity with an adrenaline-charged, cinematic sense of scale. Blazing guitars, unstoppable hooks, and a defiant spirit make the track a standout moment on Reign Of Steel.
The band comments: “Reign Of Steel represents the pinnacle of Death Dealer. The album is deep, intense and the result of thousands of hours making sure every song is the very best it can be.”
Ross The Bossadds: “Reign Of Steel is a crushing piece of metal delivered by a killer band.”
Sean Peckelaborates: “We wrote this album while locked down in a dystopian reality. It gave us the focus to create what may be our finest achievement yet.”
Stu Marshallconcludes: “We spent countless hours crafting this album. It may even contain the longest continuous high scream ever recorded…”
From a production standpoint, Reign Of Steel comes to life under the co-production of Stuart Marshall and Sean Peck, whose combined vision shaped the album’s aggressive precision and melodic grandeur. The sonic assault is further sharpened by Chris Themelco, who handled mixing and mastering at Monolith Studios, giving the record its massive, high-impact sound.
Visually, the album is defined by the striking artwork of Dusan Markovic, with additional design contributions from Aley Yarborough, completing an aesthetic as powerful as the music itself.
Track listing: 1. Assemble 2. Devil’s Triangle 3. Riding On The Wings 4. Bloodbath 5. Raging Wild And Free 6. Blast The Highway 7. Compelled 8. Dragon Of Algorath 9. Sleeping Prophet 10. Reign Of The Night
Reign Of Steel will be available as a CD Digipak and limited Vinyl LP. Pre-orders will start soon.
We’re thrilled to announce the release of our powerful new LIVE album – Live At Stonedead!
Earlier this year we wrapped up an epic UK tour with our final show at Stonedead Festival set in stone! For those of you who couldn’t be there, you can now relive the raw, high voltage energy of that night with the digital release of ‘Live At Stonedead’! This isn’t a polished studio album – it’s pure, unadulterated Daisies power and really captures the grit and atmosphere we know you guys love when we play live!
“We were pumped to wrap up a great UK Tour at the Stonedead Festival in Newark. It turned out to be such a great show we decided to release it for you guys. The audience was fired up and it was an awesome night of Rock! Hope you enjoy this and see ya again as soon as possible” – Doug Aldrich
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!
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"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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