This tour marks 25 glorious years of Dawn of Victory — and we’re bringing you a legendary setlist filled with timeless anthems and powerful tracks from our latest albums!
Standing with us on this mighty journey are our fierce allies: Enforcer Witherfall Striker
Prepare for a night of symphonic power metal glory – see you in the front row!
9/5 – Austin, TX – Come and Take it Live 9/6 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater 9/8 – Mesa, AZ – The Rosetta Room 9/9 – Los Angeles, CA – 1720 9/10 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge 9/11 – Portland, OR – Nova PDX 9/12 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon 9/13 – Vancouver, BC – The Pearl 9/15 – Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall 9/16 – Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater 9/17 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck 9/18 – Joliet, IL – The Forge 9/19 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge 9/20 – Toronto, ON – The Garrison 9/22 – Montreal, QC – Le Studio TD 9/23 – Quebec City, QC – Salle Montaigne 9/24 – Boston, MA – Middle East Downstairs 9/25 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Monarch
In support of their latest, critically-acclaimed studio album Glory Or Nothing (released in March 2025 via ROAR at THIS LOCATION!),French hard ‘n’ heavy rockers OVERDRIVERS are premiering a brand new music video for the aptly self-titled, high-voltage track “Overdrivers”!
The band comments: “Overdrivers – the true story of small-town guys trying to conquer the world with their Rock ‘n’ Roll!”
Watch the new “OVERDRIVERS” clip, directed and edited by Julien Metternich, now premiering HERE
Since 2015, OVERDRIVERS have been tearing through the Northern Lands like a runaway freight train. Born from nowhere and fueled by pure rock rebellion, these four hard-hitting rockers bring the kind of thunder only cranked-up Marshall amps can deliver. With their amps on blast, they claimed every stage in their path, quickly earning a reputation for leaving chaos and converted fans behind them.
Once they’d conquered every inch of their homeland, the band set their sights on broader horizons, unleashing their electric storm on Spain and beyond. With relentless shows, OVERDRIVERS brought their raw, headbanging energy to rock lovers everywhere, proving that in the face of their All-Powerful Rock’N’Roll, resistance is futile!
Armed with a series of explosive releases, Rockin’ Hell (2016), She’s On Her Period (2018) and the Rock Out! EP, the band rallied thousands of followers and forged an unbreakable army of die-hard fans, while they have just unleashed their most powerful weapon yet: Glory Or Nothing! Their latest masterpiece dropped like a bombshell, reigniting their worldwide crusade and solidifying their place as a force in modern rock. Brace yourself and get ready to rock: OVERDRIVERS are here. Louder, fiercer, and more unstoppable than ever!
Glory Or Nothing – track listing: 01 – Kings of the Road 02 – Overdrivers 03 – Glory Or Nothing 04 – My Girlfriend Is a Pornstar 05 – Cobra Kai 06 – Guitar Playboy 07 – Bad Breath Girl 08 – Meet the Monsters 09 – Ready for the Rodeo 10 – We Are One 11 – Perfection Is My Name 12 – In Fear, Blood and Fire
OVERDRIVERS are: Adrien Desquirez – Lead vocals, rhythm guitar Anthony Clay – Lead guitar, backing vocals Florian Morgano – Drums, backing vocals Lion Das Neves – Bass
This is a major milestone for Finnish melodic heavy metal band Invincia, as they officially release their debut EP, The Enemy Within, across all digital platforms. At the heart of this powerful 3-track collection is the brand-new single “Moon”, a haunting ballad accompanied by an epic official music video, also out now.
Following the strong impact of their first two singles, “The Enemy Within” and “Act of Insurrection”, the band closes this first chapter with “Moon”, a track that reveals the emotional and atmospheric side of Invincia’s sound. Deeply influenced by the theatrical flair of Savatage and the early prog-metal mysticism of Queensrÿche, the song delivers soaring vocals, melancholic melodies, and an epic build that explodes into a powerful climax.
Tracklist – The Enemy Within EP: 1.The Enemy Within 2.Act of Insurrection 3.Moon
The EP was mixed and mastered by renowned producer Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse, W.E.T.) at Mass Destruction Production, ensuring a rich, polished sound that captures the band’s musical depth and dynamic range.
“It’s a mystic and emotional ballad inspired by the powerful nordic nature and a rich storytelling tradition.” says guitarist and founderJoel Karlsson
Despite being 100% independent, Invincia has already gained early recognition in the Nordic Metal scene, including both first 2 singles in Spotify’s official “Metallia Suomesta” playlist, and a growing global audience. The band’s blend of classic Heavy Metal influence, (Savatage, Helloween, Queensryche, Judas Priest, Dio), with contemporary emotions and storytelling is quickly making them one to watch.
INVINCIA are: Kenneth Nylund – Lead Vocals Joel Karlsson – Guitar Alexander Södergård – Guitar Jonas Öman – Bass Mikael Ahlholm – Drums
Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, in collaboration with Reigning Phoenix Music, have unleashed a series of epic announcements for Cold Slither, a newly reimagined heavy metal band based on the infamous fictional group from the iconic 1985 animated seriesG.I. JOE: A Real American Hero.
“This isn’t just an album, it’s a sonic strike straight from Cobra Command!” said Cold Slither. “We’re back, louder, heavier and deadlier than ever. We can’t wait for G.I. JOE fans and metalheads to experience the raw power of our music, culminating in our live debut at San Diego Comic-Con. Prepare your ears for total domination… Let’s Rock and Cobra Roll!”
Following the success of “Cold Slither” and “Knock Em Dread,” the band’s explosive new single, “Thunder Machine,” is now streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. The hard-hitting track, inspired by the Dreadnoks’ brutal battle rig, delivers cinematic riffs and raw energy; an explosive anthem forged from chaos, rebellion and heavy metal fury.
Coinciding with the single drop, preorders are now live for Cold Slither, the band’s full-length debut album, including a limited “Dreadnok Attack Orange” marble vinyl variant available via Reigning Phoenix Music and select retailers like Amazon, Amoeba and indie record stores.
Featuring 10 original tracks and a remastered version of their cult-classic single “Cold Slither,” the album plunges into dystopian metal with themes of swamp-born menace and Cobra-fueled power.
The Cold Slither album arrivesJuly 25 across digital and vinyl formats, including San Diego Comic Con-exclusive “Zartan Chameleon Blue” and “Blood Moon Red” vinyl variants available only at the Hasbro and RPM booths, respectively.
LIVE DEBUT: SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
Cold Slither will make its explosive on-stage debut during San Diego Comic-Con with a one-night-only concert experience on Thursday, July 24, at San Diego’s Brick by Brick. Presented by Hasbro and Reigning Phoenix Music, this 21+ event promises a full-force blend of original metal mayhem and ‘80s nostalgia.
Event Details – Cold Slither Live @ SDCC:
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Time: Doors at 8 PM | Show at 9 PM
Venue: Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Merch: Limited-edition show-only gear including an exclusive t-shirts, posters, LPs, CDs and collectible pin sets
This high-octane live experience kicks off the biggest weekend in pop culture and gives fans a first taste of Cold Slither’s signature metal-fueled rebellion. A must-attend for any G.I. JOE fan who still lives by the battle cry: “Yo Joe!”
Stay tuned for more product details and reveals in the lead-up to Comic-Con. For the latest information on G.I. JOE, follow the official brand social channels on Instagram and Facebook.
Watch JOE STUMP’S TOWER OF BABEL’s “Days Of Thunder” video by Very Metal Art HERE.
JOE STUMP’S TOWER OF BABEL – the hard rock quintet who brings the finest European ingredients to their no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll – will release Days Of Thunder July 4th on Silver Lining Music.
JOE STUMP’s supreme six-string shredding skills are known throughout the rock and metal scenes, both as the lead guitarist of Alcatrazz and as the shred specialist associate professor at the Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Having torn new earholes with their 2017 debut Lake Of Fire, STUMP and company take it a step further and higher with ten glorious slices of riff-driven, Rainbow/Deep Purple-styled anthems.
Along with the soaring vocals of Jo Amore, the tight-fist-drumming of Mark Cross, the multi-dimensional Mistheria (aka The Maestro) on keyboards, and Nic Angileri nailing down the rhythms on bass guitar, STUMP has once again prevailed in bringing heavy, energetic, yet gloriously melodic music to the table with a style and panache rarely seen in 2025.
“All of my influences are the classic European hard rock masters, whether it’s Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker, or Gary Moore,” offers STUMP. “Naturally, the record gives a modern take on those classic sounds. I also love classical music of course, like Bach, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and I wear all those influences on my sleeve. I do have more of a metal background, and my touch is quite a bit more aggressive, but this Days Of Thunder record is more of a hard rock album than it is a metal record.”
The record’s title track and first single “Days Of Thunder” propels itself off with typically blistering STUMP riffs which shimmer with dazzling technique, Amore’s vocals helping to further evoke the classic era of ‘80s European rock. STUMP comments, “It’s a badass tune that has a Rainbow vibe to it but heavier and reminiscent of early ‘classic’ Dio, something you could hear on the Dream Evil or Holy Diver albums. The band just went for it and the track immediately took on a life of its own… Jo’s great vocals, Mark’s killer playing and of course The Maestro destroying on the keys; it all matches up perfectly!”
Watch JOE STUMP’S TOWER OF BABEL’s “Days Of Thunder” video by Very Metal Art HERE.
Days Of Thunder will be available on CD and digital formats. Find preorders HERE.
On Days Of Thunder, songs such as “Sacrifice” and “The Princess” dance at the edge of speed and classic fireball rocking, the latter allowing some outrageous solos to unfold from both Mistheria and, of course, STUMP, who proudly re-establishes his pedigree as one the world’s best axesmiths. The mysterious and hazy groove of hip-swinger “Alone In The Desert” is a smokey backbeat dragging you into its soulful swagger.
All in all, taking a ride with Days Of Thunder is a Jedi mind trick of vintage sounds with ultra-fresh and vibrant sensibilities that will transport you back to the Hammersmith Odeon and the days when unabashed hard rockin’ talent, power, color, and flare were celebrated and venerated.
Days Of Thunder Track Listing:
1. Dominum
2. Rules Of Silence
3. Days Of Thunder
4. Blind Are Your Eyes
5. Alone In The Desert
6. In The Heat Of The Night
7. Sacrifice
8. Black Knight’s Prelude
9. Trust Me
10. The Princess
Days Of Thunder was produced by Mark Cross, mixed by George Aspiotis and Mark Cross at Studio Aspiotis in Greece, and mastered by Ade Emsley at Table Of Tone Mastering in the UK.
Following their acclaimed comeback Here For None (2023), WARMEN turns the page with Band Of Brothers, their most powerful and cohesive album to date, set for release on August 15th via Reaper Entertainment.
In 2025, WARMEN presents themselves heavier, tighter, and more determined than ever before. The new record combines brutal heaviness, anthemic melodies, and cinematic atmosphere cementing the band’s evolution from a side project to a fully-fledged force in melodic death metal. “We really wrote this album together,” says band founder Janne “Warman” Wirman. “It feels like a real band, a true band of brothers.”
WARMEN’s Band Of Brothers was recorded at various locations across Finland and refined by Mikko Karmila (mixing) and Mika Jussila (mastering) at the legendary Finnvox Studios. Frontman Petri Lindroos (Ensiferum) delivers aggressive vocals and distinctive guitar solos, adding new energy and helping to define the band’s modern sound. The cover artwork was once again created by Aleh Zieliankievic, who also worked on Here For None.
The first single, the title track “Band Of Brothers,” will play a central role in the band’s 2025 live set. Following the album release, WARMEN will embark on an extensive touring schedule across Europe, including debut shows in Hungary and Switzerland, as well as a major headlining tour in Finland. The official album launch will kick off with a special release show at Summer Breeze Open Air on August 15th.
Band Of Brothers – Track Listing:
1. Band Of Brothers
2. One More Year
3. Nine Lives
4. When Doves Cry Blood
5. Out For Blood
6. Kingdom Of Rust
7. March Or Die
8. Untouched
9. Coup De Grâce
10. Dethroned
11. The Kiss Of Judas (Stratovarius Cover)
WARMEN: Janne “Warman” Wirman – keyboards Petri Lindroos – vocals Antti “Warman” Wirman – guitar Jyri Helko – bass Seppo Tarvainen – drums
Saty tuned for more on WARMEN’s Band Of Brothers to be announced in the weeks to come.
After nearly a decade since their debut, metal band PATCHWORK returns with the release of their powerful new album, Scars. The album is accompanied by the debut of a lyric video for the emotionally devastating closing track, “At The End,” available HERE.
Formed in 2010 by five longtime friends reuniting after years away from music, PATCHWORK has evolved from a thrash cover band into a formidable force of original songwriting. Scarsserves as a conceptual sequel to their 2015 debut Exit Wounds, digging deeper into the emotional and psychological aftermath of trauma. Where Exit Wounds explored the moment of impact, Scars lingers in its wake.
The album showcases PATCHWORK‘s signature fusion of thrash, power, and speed metal, sharpened by tighter songwriting, intense performances, and guest contributions from heavyweights like Bobby Gustafson, Kragen Lum, Michael Gilbert, Dallas Toler-Wade, and Ronnie Parmer. New vocalist Heith Gruner and bassist Liza Sanchez inject fresh energy into the band’s lineup, giving the record a modern edge while staying true to its roots.
Among Scars’ 13 tracks is the heart-wrenching closer, “At The End,” a tribute to late band member Mark Sheetz, who passed away from cancer in 2023. Featuring lyrics written by Dave Caruana, solos by Kragen Lum, and a final recorded message from Sheetz himself, the track stands as the album’s emotional core.
Scars was written over six years and recorded at multiple studios, including Scars Studio and The Junkyard, with reamping completed at TVR Studio. The album’s production mirrors its themes: raw, honest, and unrelenting. Scars is available for purchase HERE.
Dutch metal powerhouse Martyr has announced their brand new studio album entitled Dark Believer for an August 15th release on ROAR! A video clip for the band’s first single, the colossal album title track is now premiering below!
“The first single from our upcoming album Dark Believer is HERE. During the writing and recording process, this song evolved into something dark and mysterious,” the band states. “Embracing the shadows, where demons lurk, witches chant, and lost souls are drawn into the unknown. Heaviness meets melody. Crushing riffs. Epic vocals. Relentless bass and drums. It’s pure MARTYR metal. Dark Believer is your first descent into the abyss we’ve carved on our new album. A taste of evil, despair and hypocrisy that stains the soul of humanity.”
Watch the video clip for “Dark Believer” premiering HERE
Martyr is a metal band from the Netherlands, forging their legacy since 1982. The world first took notice in 1985 when their track En Masse (Stand Or Die) appeared on Metal Blade’s iconic Metal Massacre VI compilation alongside acts like Possessed, Dark Angel, and Nasty Savage. That same year, their debut album For The Universe became an instant classic, praised by Encyclopaedia Metallum for its superior songwriting.
MARTYR: Rop van Haren – Vocals Rick Bouwman – Guitars Justin Schut – Guitars & Synths Vinnie Wassink – Bass Elwin Molenaar – Drums
Now, on August 15, 2025, Martyr is set to unleash their seventh studio album, Dark Believer, through ROAR. With headline slots, festival appearances, and club shows on the horizon, Martyr continues to prove why they remain one of metal’s most enduring forces!
Album Track-list: 01 – Darkness Before Dawn 02 – Dark Believer 03 – Wrath of the Fallen 04 – Cemetery Symphony 05 – Insidious 06 – The Weight of Words 07 – Venoms Scent 08 – Harvest Of Souls 09 – Legions Of The Cross
French symphonic power metal band Fairyland are pleased to share their new single and official video “Karma”, taken from their new studio album The Story Remains, scheduled for June 13th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Bassist Willdric Lievin described the new single: “Karma is a song about the type of people who like using others. It’s a song about a selfish, egoistic, self-centered individual who only wants to please himself, without any consideration for other people. His hallmark: empty words, broken promises, words that are not followed by actions. He doesn’t know that by living like this, he hurts people around him. He doesn’t know that “what goes around comes around”. Musically it’s one of the most beautiful gems that Phil Giordana ever made. The majestic, epic, rich orchestrations make this song unique”.
Talking about the new record, Lievin stated: “After the passing of the Fairyland’s founder and mastermind Phil Giordana, we faced the challenge to finish the fifth album. Phil left plenty of material, but it required a lot of further work. It wasn’t easy but in the face of adversity we excelled and managed to complete the album. This, along with a new lineup, starts a new chapter in the history of Fairyland. It continues the symphonic, power metal quality that Fairyland is known for, but we decided to add some new elements to this musical landscape”.
“The Story Remains is richer and more versatile than previous albums, and we are exploring new musical and lyrical territory for the band. We are happy and proud of this new album, and we hope that listening to it will give you a lot of delight. Welcome back to Fairyland”, he continued.
The Story Remains perfectly incarnates the band’s trademark sound, and songs like “A New Dawn” or “Karma” are a perfect example of the amazing album that will make every symphonic metal freak’s heart beat with excitement!
The Story Remains – Track-list: 1. Downfall 2. To Stars And Beyond 3. Karma 4. A New Dawn 5. We Shall Hunt The Sun 6. Hopeless Still 7. Samsara 8. Unity 9. Council Of The Gods 10. The Chosen Ones 11. Unbreakable 12. Postscript 13. Suffering Ages (Feat. Elisa C. Martin)
Line Up: Archie Caine – Vocals Willdric Lievin – Guitars, bass, backing vocals Gideon Ricardo – Keyboards Brieuc De Groof – Guitars JB Pol – Drums
Emerging from New York’s vile, creature-infested underground, fantasy heavy metal band CASTLE RAT have announced details of their impending sophomore album, The Bestiary. Their follow-up to last year’s critically lauded debut, Into The Realm, The Bestiary will be collaboratively released on September 19th by King Volume Records (US) and Blues Funeral Recordings (UK/Europe).
Since their formation in 2019, CASTLE RAT have created a vivid labyrinth of fantasy lore led by “The Rat Queen” (AKA Riley Pinkerton). Together with “The Count,” “The Plague Doctor” and “The All-Seeing Druid,” the group has carried out countless battles against “The Rat Reaperess” with riffs, swords and spells on stages across the country.
Recorded by Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Wolves in the Throne Room, Björk) and mixed by Jonathan Nuñez (Torche, Restless Spirit), the band’s latest odyssey features 13 spellbinding tracks of epic carnage and mystical metal.
The Bestiery– Track-list:
1. PHOENIX I: Ardent 2. WOLF I: Tooth & Blade 3. WIZARD: Crystal Heart 4. SIREN: The Pull of Promise 5. UNICORN: Carnage and Ice 6. PATH OF MOSS 7. CRYSTAL CAVE: Enshrined 8. SERPENT: Coiled Figure 9. WOLF II: Celestial Beast 10. DRAGON: Lord of The Sky 11. SUMMONING SPELL 12. SUN SONG: Behold The Flame 13. PHOENIX II: Cinerous
Commenting on the album, The Rat Queen states:
“‘The Bestiary’ is a conceptual book of beasts containing a collection of mystical creatures from a world forgotten. The last remaining souls of each have been gathered and preserved by ‘The Wizard.’ Cautionary tales of each beast and The Wizard himself are woven through the power of traditional heavy metal song and spell.”
With the record’s announcement, CASTLE RAT have unveiled plans for “The Book of Beasts Tour” in late summer in support of The Bestiary. Purchase tickets here: https://bnds.us/jnqiyj
CASTLE RAT Tour Dates: Sep 5 – Boston, MA – Sonia Sep 6 – Elizabethtown, NY – Otis Sep 7 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar Sep 8 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace Sep 9 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups Sep 10 – Chicago, IL – Reggies Sep 12 – Kansas City, MO – The Ship Sep 13 – Colorado Springs, CO – What’s Left Fest Sep 14 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge Sep 16 – Seattle, WA – Clockout Lounge Sep 17 – Portland, OR – Star Theater Sep 18 – Austin, TX – Fantastic Fest Sep 20 – Berkeley, CA – Cornerstone Sep 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Zebulon Sep 22 – San Diego, CA – The Casbah Sep 23 – Phoenix, AZ – Last Exit Sep 24 – Albuquerque, NM – Sister Sep 27 – Houston, TX – Last Concert Sep 28 – New Orleans, LA – Gasa Gasa Sep 30 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl Oct 1 – Asheville, NC – Eulogy Oct 2 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel of Bones Oct 3 – Charlottesville, VA – Southern Cafe Oct 4 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar Oct 5 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
Castle Rat is a Medieval Fantasy Doom Metal band hailing from NYC, led by “The Rat Queen,” Riley Pinkerton, on rhythm guitar and lead vocals. On her mission to expand and defend “The Realm” from those who seek to destroy it, The Rat Queen is joined by “The Count” (Franco Vittore), on lead guitar and backing vocals; “The Plague Doctor” (Charley Ruddell), on bass and “The All-Seeing Druid” (Joshua Strmic) on drums. Together they face the relentless wrath of their archnemesis: Death, Herself — “The Rat Reaperess.”
Along their journey, Castle Rat have played in support of Monolord (SE), Acid King (CA), Green Lung (UK), and appeared at festivals including Desertfest NYC, RPM Fest and Hopsmoker, among others.
Since the band’s pre-plague inception in October 2019, Castle Rat have released their debut album, “Into The Realm,” with King Volume Records in April 2024, which has racked up over one million Spotify streams and held the post as the #1 Best-Selling Hard Rock/All Rock Album on Bandcamp upon its release.
The band has cultivated a fiercely loyal following by curating a riveting, interactive, lore-laden live performance, complete with a choreographed battle scene, recruiting fans who crave swords & sorcery, stoner & doom, battle-babes & beasts, Frazetta & Sabbath.
2025 began with an explosive start. Castle Rat launched a record-breaking Kickstarter to fund their second album, fully funding the campaign in just 37 minutes. The month-long fundraiser went on to be the most successful metal Kickstarter in over a decade, closing out at $139K.
“To commemorate 50 years louder, we’re pleased to announce ‘The Manticore Tapes’ will be released on 27th June. This ‘lost’ album from 1976 marks the first-ever studio recordings of the ‘three amigos’ line-up and has never been heard before, until now! Watch the new video for ‘Motörhead’ and preorder with merch bundles now.”
Available on a classic black 1LP, CD and as a deluxe expanded 2LP bookpack, all formats include additional alternate takes and instrumentals for a unique insight into the birth of this legendary band.
Additionally the deluxe bookpack comes with an extra bonus LP – the classic bonus Live: Blitzkrieg on Birmingham ‘77 as well as a bonus 7” featuring two previously unreleased tracks live at Barbarellas Birmingham in 1977.
There’s also a 24 page booklet with liner notes from long-time collaborator Kris Needs.
Release date: June 27th, 2025
Track-list: LP1 1 INTRO (INSTRUMENTAL) 2 LEAVIN’ HERE 3 VIBRATOR 4 HELP KEEP US ON THE ROAD 5 THE WATCHER 6 MOTÖRHEAD 7 WITCH DOCTOR (INSTRUMENTAL) 8 IRON HORSE / BORN TO LOSE (INSTRUMENTAL) 9 LEAVIN’ HERE (ALTERNATE TAKE) 10 VIBRATOR (ALTERNATE TAKE) 11 THE WATCHER (ALTERNATE TAKE)
LP2 — Live: Blitzkreig on Birmingham ’77 1 MOTÖRHEAD 2 VIBRATOR 3 KEEP US ON THE ROAD 4 THE WATCHER 5 IRON HORSE 6 LEAVIN’ HERE 7 ON PAROLE 8 I’M YOUR WITCH DOCTOR 9 TRAIN KEPT A-ROLLIN’ 10 CITY KIDS 11 WHITE LINE FEVER
7″ — Live at Barbarella’s Birmingham ’77 1 MOTÖRHEAD 2 KEEP US ON THE ROAD
Following the success of their debut single “The Enemy Within”, Finnish melodic heavy metal band Invincia returns with a vengeance. Their new single, “Act of Insurrection”, is out now on all digital platforms, accompanied by a powerful lyric video that dives deep into the rebellious spirit of the track.
“Act of Insurrection“ channels the adrenaline and fire of classic heavy metal, echoing the energy of Judas Priest, the galloping power of Iron Maiden, and the epic, melodic weight of Helloween and Savatage.
The track is the second release from their upcoming self-produced EP The Enemy Within, due out June 6, 2025. Once again, the band collaborated with Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse) at Mass Destruction Production for mixing and mastering, bringing top-tier clarity and punch to Invincia’s signature sound.
With two singles now out and more on the way, Invincia is proving themselves a rising force in melodic heavy metal, one that blends old-school power with fresh energy and an uncompromising DIY spirit.
INVINCIA are: Kenneth Nylund – Lead Vocals Joel Karlsson – Guitar Alexander Södergård – Guitar Jonas Öman – Bass Mikael Ahlholm – Drums
With “It Takes Six To Rock!” – the core message of their enthusiastically received latest single- still echoing in everyone’s heads, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG strike again. Only one month after “It Takes Two To Tango,” they’ve shortened the wait for their upcoming album Babylon, set for release in October 2025 on Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The second new track, “Time To Listen,” cranks up the anticipation even more and delivers another high-energy preview of what fans can look forward to.
The band describes the song as follows: “‘Time To Listen’ is an up-tempo song that once again shines with DATOG’s typically diversified lead vocals. A soaring guitar riff paves the way for a powerful Udo performance, accompanied by Peter’s harmony vocals and continues with Manuela’s sustained two-part vocals. The chorus, with its convincing power casts a spell over everyone. Here also, Mathias’ guitar solo is a marvel of ingenuity that ignores all convention and whips through the musical realms in an unconventional manner. The compact and powerful ending is just as uncompromising as the beginning of the song.”
Photo credits: Eddi Bachmann
With “Time To Listen,” DATOG once again highlight their unique identity and their commitment to making bold musical statements; energetic, authentic and with a signature sound that’s instantly recognizable. It’s time to listen – and time to rock!
Swedish metal outfit Stygian Fair return with a brand-new single titled “Abide Your Master”, now available on all digital platforms. The track offers a first taste of their forthcoming full-length album, The Hidden Realm slated for release via Rockshots Records.
With a strong discography that includes Panta Rei (2018), Nadir (2020), Equilibrium (2021) and the critically acclaimed Aradia (2023), Stygian Fair continue to carve out their own path, defying trends and embracing pure, emotionally resonant metal.
“Abide Your Master” takes on the dangers of blind obedience; of abandoning your conscience to follow a demagogue without question. Heavy, urgent and unflinching, it asks what happens when we stop thinking for ourselves… and start worshipping the very force that’s leading us over the edge.
While details about The Hidden Realm remain under wraps, the album sees Stygian Fair pushing further than ever before; more direct, more melodic, and more accessible without losing the edge that defines them. They’ve sharpened both their sound and their message; the songs hit faster, dig deeper, and speak louder.
Lyrically, The Hidden Realm explores everything from political collapse and mass delusion to natural disaster, ancient mysteries, and inner reckoning. It’s a record about the worlds we ignore, the truths we tend to bury, and the consequences of silence.
For fans of Tad Morose, Memento Mori, and those who long for metal with both weight and heart, “Abide Your Master” is a compelling invitation into the world of Stygian Fair. A world where music is crafted with intention, passion, and no compromises. We’re opening a door. Welcome inside
The Hidden Realmwill be released on July 11th, 2025, via Rockshots Records.
Track Listing: 1. The Hidden Realm 2. Abide Your Master 3. Into The Well 4. Peel The Layers Off 5. What You’re Fighting For 6. All Of Us 7. Dawn 8. Meteor 9. Anthem Of The Lost 10. Rise From The Shadows 11. Ferwor Of Fools
STYGIAN FAIR – Line Up: Andreas Stoltz: Vocals, Guitar Emil Holmqvist: Guitar Anders Hedman: Bass P-O Jonsson: Drums
All songs written by Andreas Stoltz, Emil Holmqvist, Per-Olov Jonsson and Anders Hedman. Produced by Stygian Fair and recorded at Ballerina Studios in Umeå. Mixed by Marcus Jidell and mastered by CJ Grimmark.
With the dust still settling following the release of their acclaimed Volume Six LP on Cursed Blessings Records in February, Ontario thrash metal veterans SACRIFICE have sanctioned several rare live performances this year in support of the album.
Already announced earlier this year is the rapidly approaching Modified Ghost Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia May 17th, where SACRIFICE will headline with support from Anciients, Bewitcher, and more, which will serve as the official release show for Volume Six.
SACRIFICE now expands the year’s live schedule with two more performances, including the band’s first hometown show in nine years – which also serves as their Toronto album release show, headlining The Concert Hall in Toronto on October 11th. SACRIFICE has also been added to the Chile Terrorfest in Santiago, Chile on December 6th with Triptikon, E-Force, and more.
SACRIFICE Live: 5/17/2025 Modified Ghost VII Festival @ Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver BC w/ Anciients, Bewitcher, more 10/11/2025 The Concert Hall – Toronto ON [tickets] 12/06-07/2025 Chile Terrorfest @ Teatro Caupolicán – Santiago, CL w/ Triptikon, E-Force, more
SACRIFICE’s sixth album, and first in over sixteen years, Volume Six features ten new originals and a cover paying homage to the Toronto scene from which they originally emerged. The songs on Volume Six run the gamut from speedy, breakneck thrash (“Comatose,” “Explode,” “We Will Not Survive”) to more nuanced, layered, metallic compositions (“Underneath Millenia,” “Your Hunger For War”).
Two instrumental tracks on the album show yet another side of the band’s songwriting while still clearly being SACRIFICE songs: “Lunar Eclipse” is a showcase for Rico and Urbinati’s excellent twin guitar leads, while “Black Hashish” is SACRIFICE at their most psychedelic. The album’s final track, “Trapped In A World,” is a cover of ‘80s Toronto hardcore band Direct Action, a group that had a massive influence on the members of SACRIFICE during their formative years. The song features guest vocals by Youth Youth Youth vocalist and Toronto music legend Brian Taylor, who operated the Diabolic Force label in the eighties and produced the band’s first three albums, bringing everything full-circle three decades later with his appearance here.
Working once again with engineer Darius Szczepaniak – who was also at the helm for SACRIFICE’s 2009 effort The Ones I Condemn – Volume Six was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Phase One Studios.
Stream SACRIFICE’s Volume Six everywhere including Bandcamp HERE, and watch the lyric videos for “Missile” HERE and “Antidote Of Poison” HERE.
Tracked over a period of sessions between September 2023 and May 2024, the record was produced by vocalist/guitarist Rob Urbinati and features the band’s original lineup, with lead guitarist Joe Rico, bassist Scott Watts and drummer Gus Pynn. They are one of, if not the only, 1980s thrash band that still has its original lineup intact and playing together, and on Volume Six, the band hits it out of the park. The stunning front cover artwork for Volume Six was painted by Propagandhi bassist and lifelong SACRIFICE fan Todd Kowalski.
Volume Six is out now on all digital platforms including Bandcamp HERE and on CD, MC, and LP in Blue, White, and Black variants through the Cursed Blessings Records webshop HERE. The record is available in Europe, Asia, and Australia through High Roller Records.
April 30, 2025, AUSTIN – Following their much-anticipated reunion, The Sword has announced their first slate of U.S. tour dates. The legendary Austin band heads west this summer, performing the epic Warp Riders album in its entirety to mark the record’s 15th anniversary.
“This is probably the only chance people will have to see us perform the entire album, so don’t miss out!” says JD Cronise.
Tickets are on-sale this Friday at 10 a.m. local time via TheSwordOfficial.com. Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol and Pink Fuzz will support on all dates.
A special, limited-edition reissue of Warp Riders was released for Record Store Day. Remastered by J. Robbins, the “Sea of Pyres” vinyl variant features an embossed mirror board jacket and sold out within hours.
Upon its 2010 release, the 10-track Warp Riders was praised by the BBC for its “level of fantastical grandeur… on par with the bands who built the power metal subgenre,” while The Quietuscalled it “brilliant,” and Pitchforkdubbed it “Camaro-ready riff-rock.”
Warp Riders 15th Anniversary Tour:
August 17 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom August 18 Albuquerque, NM Sister Bar August 19 Denver, CO Gothic Theatre August 20 Salt Lake City, UT Metro Music Hall August 22 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory August 23 Seattle, WA Neumo’s August 24 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theater August 25 Boise, ID Knitting Factory August 27 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall August 28 Pioneertown, CA Pappy & Harriet’s August 29 San Diego, CA Belly Up Tavern August 30 Los Angeles, CA The Bellwether
The Sword previously announced a run of European festival performances with headlining dates in the Netherlands and Sweden:
June 19 Copenhagen, DK Copenhell Festival June 21 Netphen, DE Freak Valley Festival June 22 Nijmegen, NL Doornroosje June 25 Gothenburg, SE Monument June 26 Stockholm, SE Slaktyrkan June 28 Oslo, NO Tons of Rock Festival
Photo credit: Dave Creaney The Sword is: JD Cronise (vocals, guitar), Bryan Richie (bass, keyboards), Kyle Shutt (guitar, vocals), and Santiago Vela (drums)
Following their 2003 inception, The Sword quickly became one of the most revered names in heavy music. With a blend of crushing riffs, intricate storytelling, and a sound that bridges classic metal and modern rock, The Sword has released six albums: Age of Winters (2006), Gods of the Earth (2008), Warp Riders (2010), Apocryphon (2012), High Country (2015) and Used Future (2018).
Some years ago, my Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale gifted me this fabulous Black Sabbath Born Again tour book. I thank him to this day!
The Black Sabbath Born Again World Tour began on August 7, 1983 and ended on March 4, 1984. The new lead vocalist for this Black Sabbath era was Ian Gillan of Deep Purple fame. Ian Gillan sang on the 1983 Born Again album as well. Of course, TonyIommi and Geezer Butler are on this tour. Geoff Nichols played keyboards on this tour.
Above: back cover
The one other band lineup change for this tour was the addition of Bev Bevan as drummer; famous for his tenure with Electric Light Orchestra. However, Bill Ward was the drummer on the Born Again album.
Above: inside back cover
Back in 1983, I was a junior in high school and very much a fan of both the Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio eras of Black Sabbath. I did not have the opportunity to see Black Sabbath on this tour and I would’ve loved to. Can’t see them all; yet it still sucks to miss that tour. Born Again has always been a favorite metal album of mine my entire life. I believe it’s a classic.
Above: tour credits page
I just really dig the dark and sinister vibes from the songs and it’s heavy as hell! My top 3 songs from Born Again are “Trashed,” Disturbing The Priest” and “Zero The Hero.” Yes, I’ve loved the album artwork since I first saw it. It’s f’n Metal, after all.
I didn’t show band photos from this tour book due to any potential copyright issues. Thank you for checking out my tour book and visiting! Stay safe and Metal be thy name. – Stone
Legendary heavy metal supergroup DOWN – featuring vocalist Philip H. Anselmo, guitarists Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein, drummer Jimmy Bower, and bassist Pat Bruders – is pleased to announce their official signing with Nuclear Blast Records! The band is currently in the final stages of recording their long-awaited new full-length, slated for release in 2026.
In a collective statement, Nuclear Blast comments, “Nuclear Blast is proud to be in the trenches with NOLA legends DOWN as their partner in their long overdue return to the metal world. In addition, we are excited to bring some of their key past catalog releases back into the spotlight, especially on the vinyl side. There are so many longtime DOWN fans at Nuclear Blast who are excited to be working with one of their all-time favorite bands. 2026 can’t come soon enough!”
Adds the band:
“It’s good to sign with Nuclear Blast Records. It’s a good label home and we’re ready to make some awesome recordings!” – Philip H. Anselmo
“Having already been a part of the Nuclear Blast family with Corrosion Of Conformity, it is an honor and a privilege to be here as well with my brothers in DOWN. The team at Nuclear Blast is a well-oiled machine and you can definitely tell they love what they do. We are in the right place.” – Pepper Keenan
“Nuclear Blast is a great label that put out some excellent records. It’s an honor to have them work our jams!” – Jimmy Bower
Updates on new DOWN music will be unveiled in the months to come. In the meantime, don’t miss DOWN when they headline night one of this year’s edition of Milwaukee Metal Fest. For more info, visit: therave.com/metalfest. The show follows the band’s recent Western US tour with Danzig.
DOWN Live:
5/16/2025 Milwaukee Metal Fest @ The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI
You know it’s DOWN as soon as you hear them. There’s no mistaking those gargantuan riffs, swamp blues leads, crashing drums, and hypnotic howls for absolutely anybody else under the sun. The band upholds a certain tradition that countless fans celebrate, expanding their own musical mythos as they leave its pillars intact and untouched.
Metal Blade Records is proud to announce the signing of Germany’s rising heavy metal force, THE NIGHT ETERNAL. Known for their electrifying fusion of ‘70s and ‘80s guitar-driven metal with a dark and unique edge, THE NIGHT ETERNAL has carved their name into the hearts of fans worldwide.
Formed in 2019, THE NIGHT ETERNAL quickly gained momentum with the release of their debut EP, followed by the critically acclaimed albums MoonlitCross (2021) and Fatale (2023). Their latest record not only resonated with their loyal fanbase but also secured top rankings in leading metal publications such as Deaf Forever (#1), Rock Hard (#1), and Metal Hammer (#2).
The band’s relentless passion and precision on stage have led them to major festival appearances at Wacken, Summer Breeze, and Party San Open Air, along with high-profile tours supporting legendary acts like Blind Guardian, Angel Witch, and Lucifer. In 2024 alone, they delivered an astonishing fifty-five shows, cementing their status as one of the most exciting forces in contemporary heavy metal.
Now, THE NIGHT ETERNAL is gearing up for the next thrilling chapter of their journey, joining the prestigious Metal Blade Records roster. With new material in the works and highly anticipated performances at Hellfest and Alcatraz Open Air, the band is set to unleash their most ferocious music yet.
The band comments, “It comes together what belongs together, we live for heavy metal with every fiber of our beings and are therefore very proud to announce that we signed with Metal Blade Records, a label that has been carrying heavy metal’s torch for the last forty-three years. What an honor! Expect nothing but bangers from this collaboration.”
With their signing to Metal Blade Records, THE NIGHT ETERNAL is poised to reach even greater heights, continuing to honor the legacy of heavy metal while forging a path that is uniquely their own.
THE NIGHT ETERNAL Live: 5/02/2025 A Chance for Metal – Ochtendung, DE 5/09/2025 Gazarte – Athens, GR 6/06/2025 Chronical Moshers Open Air – Hauptmannsgrün, DE 6/07/2025 Rock Hard Festival – Gelsenkirchn, DE 6/19-21/2025 Hellfest – Clisson, FR 7/18/2025 Kloster Open Air – Villingen- Schwenningen, DE 7/25/2025 Headbangers Open Air – Brande-Hörnerkirchen, DE 8/07-10/2025 Alcatraz – Kortrijk, BE 9/04/2025 Summer Dying Loud – Lodz, PL 9/06/2025 Palladium – Cologne, DE w/ Blind Guardian 11/27-11/29/2025 Metal Hammer Paradise – Weißenhäuser Strand, DE
I bought this Ronnie James Dio Funko Pop! Rocks a couple of weeks ago, at a store called Petez Popz located in Kettering, Ohio. This store is amazing if you are a collector of Funko collectibles. They also have a fine website & online store here: https://petezpopz.com/
My love for Ronnie James Dio has been well documented, over the years here on Metal Odyssey. I’m shocked that it took me this long to finally get a Pop! Rocks of RJD! There are other variations of a RJD Funko out there, I’m certain; for that’s pretty much the standard with how Funko produces any of their characters from across the pop culture universe.
Above: back cover of box
My first introduction to the vocals of RJD were with his first two albums with Black Sabbath: Heaven And Hell (1980), Mob Rules (1981). I quickly learned of his albums with Rainbow and I was forever hooked by RJD. This was back in the days when I thought having my own rotary phone in my bedroom was a privilege. Rotary phone, imagine that.
I later gobbled up all of RJD’s solo albums on vinyl, then to the CD versions. My biggest thrill was being able to see the iconic RJD and his band DIO in concert, during a stop on his Dream Evil tour in New Haven, Connecticut. Megadeth and Savatage were the opening bands for DIO on that magical evening of December 29th, 1987. Incredible. That old New Haven coliseum where I saw DIO perform was torn down back in January of 2007; yet the Metal memories remain!
Thank you for reading this and visiting Metal Odyssey. Stay safe out there and Metal be thy name! – Stone
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 
You must be logged in to post a comment.