Lifeforce Records is thrilled to welcome international Melodic Death Metal band TIL THE END to its family!
TIL THE END, formed in 2023, boasts a lineup of battle-tested musicians: Antony Hämäläinen (Nightrage, Armageddon) on vocals, Kostas Sotos (Mystic Prophecy, Crystal Tears) on guitar, Márton Veress (Orgy, Armageddon) on drums, and Nic Svensson (Slaves For Scores) on bass/rhythm guitar.
The band shared their excitement about the signing:
“After three years of dedication and countless late nights in the studio, we’ve found the perfect partners at LifeForce Records. We’re incredibly proud to join the family! Get ready for an exciting new chapter!”
Vocalist Antony Hämäläinen added, “Returning to LifeForce feels like coming home! I’ve always valued the passionate culture Stefan fosters here, and I’m excited to contribute another amazing release to the label’s legacy.”
TIL THE END offers razor-sharp melodies, relentless energy, and a deep understanding of what makes melodic death metal truly captivating. Fans of Slaughter of the Soul-era At the Gates, early In Flames, and modern Arch Enemy will find TIL THE END’s sonic assault incredibly familiar.
The Lifeforce Records debut album is scheduled for release in September 2026, with the first single dropping on June 19th.
In the meantime, please check out the band’s already released singles on your favorite streaming platform or the band’s YouTube channel.
L-R: Accursed Current Line Up | Rob Casucci (Guitar) | Dave Lee (Guitar) | Will Devereaux (Vocals) | Chris Dwyer (Bass) | Ethan Puetzer (Drums) Photographer Credit – Mia Palazzo
Melodic death metal outfit Accursed has released their powerful new single “Sever the Horizon,” a track that not only expands the band’s sonic identity but also serves as the creative catalyst for their forthcoming debut full‑length album. The LP is currently in pre‑production and scheduled to begin recording this summer, with a release date to be announced.
“Sever the Horizon” marks a pivotal moment for Accursed, musically, lyrically, and creatively. Built on intricate guitar work, shifting dynamics, and a heightened sense of compositional precision, the single represents the band’s most ambitious material to date.
“This single is a step forward for us. It’s more technical, more layered, and more deliberate in its composition. It pushes our sound into new territory while staying true to what defines us, and it really sets the tone for where we’re headed with the album,” says guitarist and primary songwriter Dave Lee.
Though written over a year ago, “Sever the Horizon” became the creative spark that shaped the rest of the album. Lyrically, the track explores the story of Richard “Sky King” Russell and the Horizon Air Incident of August 10, 2018, approached through an interpretive and human‑focused lens.
Rather than recounting events or glorifying actions, the band chose to explore the emotional and psychological space Russell may have occupied in his final moments, capturing the surreal beauty, fear, and uncertainty of a widely discussed tragedy.
“We intentionally avoided direct callouts or any attempt to explain or glorify his actions. The focus is on perspective and human experience. It’s a story that resonated with a lot of people when it happened, and we hope that the song connects similarly, maybe offering listeners something to reflect on and relate to in their own struggles,” adds Dave.
Accursed’s upcoming debut album sits at the intersection of melodic death metal, technical death metal, and deathcore, though the band emphasizes that the record is far more cohesive than a list of influences suggests.
Lyrically, the record will span mythology, historical practices, real‑world trauma, horror‑inspired concepts, and politically charged themes. The planned result is a body of work that is intense, unflinching, and intentional, with each track contributing to a larger sense of narrative tension and thematic purpose.
“Once we finalized ‘Sever the Horizon,’ everything else clicked. The songs that made the cut all share a certain weight and atmosphere; they feel like they belong in the same world,” says Dave.
Recommended for fans of The Black Dahlia Murder, At The Gates, Revocation, Wretched, and Angelmaker, “Sever the Horizon” can be heard at the following links:
Accursed is a Connecticut‑based melodic death metal band formed in 2019. Their sound fuses atmospheric melody, technical aggression, and modern heaviness, resulting in a style that is both familiar and forward‑thinking. Lyrically, the band explores themes of consequence, internal fracture, mythology, trauma, and the quiet violence of everyday existence. With a sharpened lineup and an uncompromising creative vision, Accursed are poised to make a distinct mark on the melodic death metal landscape.
STREAM THE NEW SINGLE/VIDEO, “OF RADIANCE AND LEVITATION,” NOW!
New England’s revered and fast-rising melodic death metal band FIRES IN THE DISTANCE will release their eagerly awaited third full-length album, Circadian Promise, on June 12 via Prosthetic Records.
Serving as the follow-up to 2023’s acclaimed Air Not Meant For Us, Circadian Promisesees FIRES IN THE DISTANCE refining their melancholy, synth-embroidered sound to cathartic new heights. The result is a record that is both virtuosic and visceral, progressive yet authentic, further establishing the band as one of the genre’s most compelling emerging forces.
Circadian Promise also ushers in an exciting new chapter for the band, introducing vocalist/guitarist Brendan Hayter. He joins founding songwriter, lyricist, and guitarist Yegor Savonin, bassist Craig Breitsprecher, and drummer Jordan Rippe.
Commenting on the forthcoming record, Hayter states:
“I think this is the album the band was destined to make. When I heard the demos, the word ‘timeless’ continuously came to mind. All four of us pulled out all the stops to make Circadian Promise exactly what it wanted to be. For me personally, as a new member and a vocalist, I thought the music was begging for new expressions through the human element—clean vocals and different timbres of screaming to channel various stages of the emotional process. Thankfully everyone embraced the vocal diversity, and it’s been an honor to push myself to new limits on this record.”
Today, the band has unleashed the album’s lead single, “Of Radiance and Levitation,” alongside an accompanying music video directed by Jayson Cessna.
Adding about the crushing new track, Savonin says:
“As the introduction to the new record, this track encapsulates the essence of what’s to come and brings forward new elements of melodic vocals to complement a variety of themes, including loss, abandonment, healing, reprieve, and determination.”
By This Time Tomorrow (Feat. Johan Reinholdz of Dark Tranquillity)
Once the Silence Takes Your Place
Agonal Dreaming
Originally conceived in 2016 as founding guitarist Yegor Savonin’s solo project, FIRES IN THE DISTANCE quickly evolved into a full band, earning acclaim with 2020’s Echoes From Deep November and 2023’s Air Not Meant For Us. Following a high-profile 2024 North American tour, the group reunited with producer Dave Kaminsky and orchestrator Randy Slaugh, while welcoming new vocalist/guitarist Brendan Hayter. The resulting six-track album—some songs stretching beyond nine minutes, is their bleakest yet most embracing work, blending cinematic orchestration, organic production, and dynamic vocal contrasts.
Lyrically and thematically, Circadian Promiseexplores spiritual erosion, mortality, and the search for acceptance, balancing existential weight with hard-won optimism. Recorded in Connecticut and North Carolina, the album retains a resonant human warmth even in its most technical passages, pairing atmospheric strings and expansive leads with Hayter’s serrated growls and somber cleans.
Singles like “Of Radiance and Levitation,” “To You, Author of My Fade,” and “By This Time Tomorrow” reflect deeply personal meditations on depression, self-awareness, and grief, while showcasing the band’s cinematic scope and emotional intensity. With touring planned for 2026 and beyond, Circadian Promise continues FIRES IN THE DISTANCE’s decade-long pursuit of catharsis, melding Savonin’s introspective vision with powerful songwriting, immersive arrangements, and evolving musical ambition.
FIRES IN THE DISTANCE: Lineup: Yegor Savonin – guitar/lyrics/songwriting Brendan Hayter – vocals/guitar/additional lyrics Craig Breitsprecher – bass/backing vocals Jordan Rippe – drums
North Carolina’s BLACKWATER DROWNING is pleased to present their video for “Devour.” The track comes off the band’s latest full-length, Obscure Sorrows, out today on Bleeding Art Collective and Blood Blast Distribution (Nuclear Blast Records/Believe).
Comments vocalist Morgan Riley, “I wrote the lyrics for ‘Devour’ in the midst of a breakdown of a long-term friendship. I realized this person had been taking advantage of my kindness and generosity for a long time, and when I started calling them out on certain behaviors as a friend, they got increasingly more adversarial. I realized they’d never take accountability for anything they did, instead preferring to immerse themselves in yes-men and substances. ‘Devour’ is about that feeling of realizing this person was never the friend I thought they were.”
Watch BLACKWATER DROWNING’s previously released video for “Eye Of The Storm” HERE and “The Sixth Omen” HERE.
Order Obscure Sorrows HERE. Find new merch items HERE.
BLACKWATER DROWNING recently wrapped up a short run of dates with Butcher Babies. The band will play alongside Filth in March and Infected Rain in May with more performances to be announced in the weeks to come. See all confirmed shows below.
BLACKWATER DROWNING Live w/ Filth:
3/06/2026 The Shop Live – Dunbar, WV
3/07/2026 Lurking Class Skate Shop – Salisbury, MD
3/08/2026 The Canal Club – Richmond VA
3/09/2026 Zen West – Baltimore, MD
3/10/2026 Reggie’s 42nd Street – Wilmington, NC
3/11/2026 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC
w/ Infected Rain:
5/13/2026 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC
5/14/2026 Scandals Live – Virginia Beach, VA
5/15/2026 Zen West – Baltimore, MD
BLACKWATER DROWNING is a five-piece US melodic death metal/metalcore band from North Carolina. Forged by singer Morgan Riley and guitarist Jeremy Bennett, the band is completed by guitarist Ron Dalton Jr, bassist Aria Novi, and drummer Aamon Dalton. Since the band’s inception, BLACKWATER DROWNING has recorded two EPs and a debut album (Sonder//Satori) and has supported iconic acts such as Soulfly, Jinjer, Crypta, and many others.
The band now unleashes Obscure Sorrows. Mixed and mastered by Cryptopsy guitarist Christian Donaldson (Shadow Of Intent, Suffocation, Ingested), the album features guest solos by Greg Burgess of Allegaeon and Japanese guitar virtuoso Yo Onityan as well as stunning album art by Giannis Nakos (Emperor, The Agonist, Aborted).
BLACKWATER DROWNING: Jeremy Bennett – guitar Morgan Riley – vocals Aamon Dalton – drums Aria Novi – bass Ron Dalton Jr. – guitar
Spain’s ferocious melodic death metal act BLOODHUNTER are back with a vengeance. Following their recent signing with ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music, the band now present the first grim taste of what’s to come: their brand-new video single “The Devil’s Own”!
Forged in Galicia, BLOODHUNTER have carved out a strong position within the international extreme metal scene through uncompromising songwriting, intense live performances and a clear artistic vision. Fronted by the unmistakable Diva Satanica, the band fuse razor-sharp riffing, massive grooves and sweeping melodies with a fierce vocal attack and strong conceptual identity.
“The Devil’s Own” shows BLOODHUNTER pushing beyond familiar territory. The track blends oppressive heaviness with haunting melodic lines, creating an atmosphere that feels both brutally aggressive and eerily beautiful. It is darker, more personal and more daring than anything the band have released so far, while still hitting with unmistakable BLOODHUNTER force.
Visually, the accompanying video mirrors the song’s inner conflict and darkness, underlining the emotional weight of the track while embracing the band’s extreme-metal aesthetic.
Diva Satanica explains the intense personal background behind the song: “I wrote the lyrics while being on my last tour in South America with another band. It was a very intense period of my life when I had to take some of the hardest decisions in my career, so it speaks about that. It was one of our faves since the beginning because it’s very different from what we’ve done so far: it’s pure evil but with lots of beautiful melodies.”
After joining forces withROAR, “The Devil’s Own”serves as a first harbinger of BLOODHUNTER’s upcoming new album, which will be released in the hopefully not-too-distant future. If this single is any indication, the next record will be the band’s most fearless and uncompromising statement yet!
Best known for their destructive death metal, KATAKLYSM‘s Maurizio Iacono joins Chef Brian Tsao at Mission Sandwich Social in Brooklyn, NY, to craft the most menacing heavy metal sandwich. Drawing inspiration from Maurizio’s Italian heritage and from Salt Bae, the result is a fiery offering, best enjoyed with a beer and KATAKLYSM‘s brutal sound.
Chef Brian Tsao is best known for winning “Beat Bobby Flay” and leading the kitchen of Mission Sandwich Social, alongside his YouTube channel. Tsao has also appeared on numerous other programs including Good Day New York, CBS This Morning, Food Network’s “Chopped” & hosted Metal Injection’s “Taste of Metal”. Away from the kitchen, Tsao is the lead guitarist and bandleader of the metalcore act LOSS BECOMES.
The juggernaut from Montreal will soon be unleashing their devasting death metal on audiences across Europe, joined by VADER and BLOOD RED THRONE for the Freedom Or Death Tour 2026. The onslaught begins on February 18th, in Paris, France. Get your tickets HERE.
KATAKLYSM:
Maurizio Iacono – Vocals
Jean-François Dagenais – Guitars
James Payne – Drums
Stéphane Barbe – Bass
KATAKLYSM – FREEDOM OR DEATH TOUR 2026 w/ VADER and BLOOD RED THRONE:
🗓️ 18.02.2026 (FR) PARIS – La Machine du Moulin Rouge 🗓️ 20.02.2026 (GB) WOLVERHAMPTON – KK’s Steel Mill 🗓️ 21.02.2026 (GB) GLASGOW – Slay 🗓️ 22.02.2026 (GB) MANCHESTER – Academy 2 🗓️ 23.02.2026 (GB) LONDON – O2 Academy Islington 🗓️ 25.02.2026 (FR) RENNES – L’Etage 🗓️ 26.02.2026 (FR) TOULOUSE – Le Bikini 🗓️ 27.02.2026 (ES) MADRID – Sala Mon 🗓️ 28.02.2026 (ES) PAMPLONA – Sala Totem 🗓️ 01.03.2026 (ES) BARCELONA – Razzmatazz 2 🗓️ 03.03.2026 (CH) GENEVE – L’Usine 🗓️ 04.03.2026 (IT) MILAN – Legend Club 🗓️ 05.03.2026 (SI) LJUBLJANA – Kino Siska 🗓️ 06.03.2026 (CZ) BRNO – Fleda 🗓️ 07.03.2026 (SK) KOSICE – Colloseum 🗓️ 08.03.2026 (HU) BUDAPEST – Barba Negra Blue Stage 🗓️ 10.03.2026 (AT) VIENNA – SimmCity 🗓️ 11.03.2026 (DE) MUNICH – Backstage Werk 🗓️ 12.03.2026 (DE) HEIDELBERG – Halle 02 🗓️ 13.03.2026 (DE) MEMMINGEN – Kaminwerk 🗓️ 14.03.2026 (CH) PRATTELN – Z7 🗓️ 15.03.2026 (DE) TRIER – Forum 🗓️ 17.03.2026 (BE) ANTWERP – Trix 🗓️ 18.03.2026 (DE) HAMBURG – Markthalle 🗓️ 19.03.2026 (DK) COPENHAGEN – Pumpehuset 🗓️ 20.03.2026 (DE) BERLIN – Festsaal Kreuzberg 🗓️ 21.03.2026 (DE) LEIPZIG – Hellraiser 🗓️ 22.03.2026 (DE) BOCHUM – Zeche 🗓️ 24.03.2026 (DE) FRANKFURT – Batschkapp 🗓️ 25.03.2026 (DE) BRAUNSCHWEIG – Westand 🗓️ 26.03.2026 (NL) LEIDEN – Gebr. De Nobel 🗓️ 27.03.2026 (DE) BAMBERG – Brose Arena
Colombian blackened melodic death metal force ESHTADUR has released their latest single, “Fire Above Mountain Below“, off of their latest album, Symphonic Crows – Live at the Santiago Londoño’s Theater.
Grandiose symphonic elements provide a powerful backdrop for ominous riffs and snarling vocals. In signature ESHTADUR fashion, “Fire Above Mountain Below” balances crushing heaviness with a catchy, cinematic earworm of a chorus.
Vocalist and guitarist Jorg August comments: “The shapes that can be explored with a symphonic orchestra reminds me of why I enjoy music so much: the character and the intensity of 40 people giving the music their all. That’s very ritualistic and powerful. This new live album is something I wanted to do for so long.”
Italian melodic death metal force KARMIAN open a new and uncompromising chapter with the release of their first single, “Beastmaster of the Void”, taken from the forthcoming full-length Horror Vacui. The track arrives accompanied by an official visualizer published on the Rockshots Records YouTube channel.
“Beastmaster of the Void” stands among the album’s most direct and unrelenting compositions – a surge of sharp riffing, relentless pacing, and psychological intensity. Drawing from the real-life crimes tied to the Bestie di Satana case, the song transforms adolescent alienation, obsession, and spiritual distortion into a violent descent through the existential void that defines the entire record. Here, the band channels the chaos, confusion, and moral collapse at the heart of the narrative, turning true events into stark allegory.
The single also offers a first glimpse into the conceptual breadth of Horror Vacui: a collection of nine songs, each inspired by a different Italian murderer, revealing how psychological emptiness, social disintegration, and spiritual vacuum mutate into violence.
Rather than glorifying crime, the album examines the roots of human collapse – the internal abyss that corrodes empathy, identity, and meaning. Musically, it merges the ferocity of melodic death metal with narrative tension and introspective depth, confirming the band’s distinctive approach to extreme music.
Horror Vacui was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Luca Cocconi and Simone Sighinolfi at Audiocore Studio, with artwork and the new Karmian logo created by Sheila Franco. All songs were written by Andrea Baraldi and Nicholas Badiali, with lyrics by Andrea Bertolazzi and arranged collectively by Karmian.
Karmian Line-Up: Andrea Bertolazzi – Vocals Andrea Baraldi – Guitars Michele Perla – Guitars Luca Marmi – Bass Nicholas Badiali – Drums
With a career stretching from their early beginnings in 2005 to their present incarnation, Karmian have become one of the most distinctive voices of Italian melodic death metal, known for merging aggression, drama, and conceptual storytelling. Their upcoming full-length marks their most mature and introspective work to date, deepening the psychological and existential focus that has defined their evolution.
For fans of: The Haunted, Kataklysm, Heaven Shall Burn, At The Gates, early Dark Tranquillity, and early In Flames.
Helsinki-based progressive melodic death metal band NUMENTO unleashes their new single “Wrath” from their upcoming EP, a relentless, hard-hitting track exploring the dark side of human nature. Inspired by people forming abusive “relationships” with AI chatbots, the lyrics take the abuser’s perspective to question empathy, control, and violence in the digital age.
Listen to the single on music services: (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music etc.) – https://push.fm/fl/numento-wrath
The band’s guitarists, Atte Asikainen and Aleksi Vehmassalo, tell a bit more about the new single. Aleksi states the following about composing and producing the song: “We started writing the song with the idea of making Numento’s heaviest song to date, one that would showcase our death metal influences. That’s what the song turned out to be, but we also added a few clean vocal phrases, albeit doubled with growls. Still, the song is our most aggressive song to date.”
Atte Asikainen continues about the production: “We continued the production together with German producer Chris Herrle to ensure that the world-class quality and impact familiar from our third album would also be present in the new music. However, this time we used less synths and focused more on the core sound of the band.”
01. Wrath
Composers: Atte Asikainen, Katri Hiovain-Asikainen, Simo Mattila, Aleksi Vehmassalo, Mikko Virtanen
BLOOD OF ANGELS returns with their powerful new single “Minds of the Broken,” offering a gripping preview of their upcoming concept album Les Agnst ov Thanatou. Known for their dynamic fusion of melodic death metal, blackened atmospheres, and thought provoking lyrical themes, the band continues to expand their creative vision while delivering the intensity that has earned them international acclaim.
Their forthcoming album was written during a period marked by uncertainty, isolation, and widespread loss, and its emotional gravity can be felt throughout every track. Les Agnst ov Thanatou explores the universal human struggle with mortality, the rituals surrounding death, and the emotional aftermath that binds the living to the departed.
Each song examines a different aspect of how we experience grief and the ways death shapes the human psyche. From orchestral tension to dissonant melodic textures, the album blends brutality with introspection and dives into new musical terrain for the band.
“Minds of the Broken,” written by vocalist Randy Reyes, focuses on the internal devastation carried by soldiers returning from the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. Reyes drew inspiration from friends who survived the battlefield yet continue to struggle with the psychological toll of war. The song captures insomnia, survivor’s guilt, and the haunting memories of fallen comrades.
Crushing riffs collide with tense, atmospheric passages that mirror the instability of a mind fighting battles long after the war has ended. Percussion patterns evoke the sudden shock of flashbacks while layered melodies summon memories that refuse to fade. Reyes delivers a vocal performance shaped by despair, anger and the quiet torment of those living with invisible scars.
The album was tracked at Underground Studios in Tampa, Florida with engineer Bob Noxious, whose punk background added a fresh edge to the recording process. Mixing was handled by Preston DiCarlo at Mastersound Studios and the final mastering touch was completed at Soundlab Studios in New York City, giving the record its polished and immersive sound.
“Minds of the Broken” stands as one of the most emotionally charged moments on Les Agnst ov Thanatou, a reminder that some battles never truly end. BLOOD OF ANGELS invites listeners to confront the darkest corners of the human experience and to emerge transformed. The full album is set for release in the summer of 2026.
The neoclassical melodic death force BURNED IN EFFIGY has released the official music video for “The Racking,” the third single off their forthcoming new album, Tyrannus Aeternum.
The world premiere for the official music video for “The Racking” comes via The Circle Pit. Watch the video now at this location.
Rising from the heart of the Midwest metal scene, this Chicago-based quintet has announced a fall release for their much-anticipated second full-length, Tyrannus Aeternum. Following the 2022 release of their debut album, Rex Mortem, BURNED IN EFFIGY has sharpened their sound to a lethal edge. The result is an 11-track onslaught that blends the band’s skillful musicianship and technicality with volcanic brutality.
Tracklist:
1) Befouled Benefaction
2) Retribution
3) Masquerade
4) Procession
5) Wage of Exile
6) Sacrificial Seance
7) Monstrosity Reborn
8) Gallows Hymn
9) The Racking
10) Crown Crusher
11) Citadel
Line-up:
Mark “Smedy” Smedbron – Vocals Steve Bacakos – Guitar Mike Hisson – Guitar Matt Watkins – Bass Eddie Dec – Drums
Tyrannus Aeternum was recorded at Beal Audio and Bricktop Recording, with production, engineering and mixing by Jordan Beal. Orchestration and keyboards on the album were provided by Graham Southern. Album artwork by Timon Kokott.
Emerging from the shadows with ferocious intent, EMBERS OF DAWN delivers their most intense and emotionally charged track yet with “Eden Unknown.” The single marks the band’s first release from their forthcoming debut album, and showcases the group’s evolution into a darker, heavier and more immersive sonic territory.
From the first crushing riff, “Eden Unknown” hits with the force of a digital apocalypse. It is a visceral fusion of melodic death metal and cyber-metal, laced with gothic undertones that amplify the song’s mood of despair and transcendence. With Cliff Ross (guitars/programming), Scott Van Horn (bass/programming), and Kyle Sweeny (drums) at the helm, EMBERS OF DAWN crafts a sound that is both technically precise and emotionally raw.
The lyrics delve into themes of detachment, emotional numbness, and the search for authentic connection. Set in a world where people are digitally linked but emotionally absent, “Eden Unknown” paints a vision of a paradoxical paradise. It tells of a modern Eden that is cold, empty, and stripped of genuine feeling.
About EMBERS OF DAWN:
Formed in 2022, EMBERS OF DAWN is a genre-defying metal project born out of Jacksonville, Florida and Santa Barbara, California. The band blends elements of industrial, gothic, melodic death metal, and cyber-metal to create a sound that is both cinematic and punishing. Known for their thematic focus on alienation, modern decay, and emotional detachment, EMBERS OF DAWN delivers music that is as introspective as it is aggressive.
The band’s music features cold mechanical precision, layered with dark melodic textures, drawing influence from acts like PAIN, DARK TRANQUILLITY, MINISTRY, FEAR FACTORY, RAMMSTEIN, STATIC-X, ROB ZOMBIE, ARCH ENEMY, and TYPE O NEGATIVE.
Their upcoming debut album Infernal Culture features drums by ADRIAN ERLANDSSON (AT THE GATES, CRADLE OF FILTH, PARADISE LOST, THE HAUNTED), adding an explosive edge to their already dynamic sound.
Finnish melodic death metal act Obscure Fate is about to release their debut album Shades of a Dying World. The release date will be announced later by Inverse Records. The first single “Age of Delusion” is unleashed today and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/obscure-fate-age-of-delusion
The band comments: “Age of Delusion is a dystopian and cynical view of the modern world. It criticizes those in power (politicians, the media, religion) who manipulate the masses with lies, fear, and illusions. The truth is lost and freedom is just an illusion. The song is both a warning and an accusation. Who benefits from all this, and why are people blind to it?”
Obscure Fate – Age of Delusion (single 2025) Single cover by Jarno Lahti
Credits:
Composed by Kaleva Kovalainen & Antti Möttönen Lyrics by Tapio Möttönen
Mixed by Tero “TeeCee” Kinnunen and Mastered by Mika Jussila, Finnvox Studiot Oy
BAND BIOGRAPHY:
Obscure Fate was originally formed in 2008 in Paltamo, Finland, as the solo project of guitarist and songwriter Kaleva Kovalainen. In 2009, drummer Jari Keränen and bassist Petri Möttönen joined, giving the songs their first real band form. Shortly after, guitarist Joni Moisanen and vocalist Tapio Möttönen became official members, and together the group arranged dozens of tracks for full band performances. From the very beginning, Tapio handled the lyrics, with Petri contributing to the song Spectral Exile.
The current lineup was completed in 2019 when bassist Antti Möttönen replaced Petri. Musically, Obscure Fate is rooted in traditional melodic death metal, though elements of thrash and classic heavy metal also find their way into the band’s sound. Kaleva’s prolific songwriting provided a strong foundation for the band, while the lyrics explore themes of social criticism, fictional storytelling, and inner struggles.
In 2021, Obscure Fate released their first EP. Recording sessions for their debut full-length album began soon after, but due to various setbacks the process turned into a long and seemingly endless project. Finally, in April 2025, the band reached the final stages of completing the album, marking an important milestone in their journey. The debut album Shades of a Dying World is set to be released later in 2026 via Inverse Records.
Finnish melodic death metal band Bloody Moon is set to release their second studio album Lost & Damned on October 31st 2025 via Inverse Records. The third single “I’ll Torn ‘Em Apart” is unleashed today and the music video is available here: https://youtu.be/XBsHpi7YNBU
“I’ll Torn ‘Em Apart is one of the first songs we composed for the upcoming album. It’s arguably the most intense track on the record, both musically and lyrically, the title alone speaks of tearing things to pieces. The lyrics capture that extreme rush of adrenaline you can only experience while performing live on stage.
BassistNisse Nurminenshares: “This one’s never boring to play, there’s definitely no shortage of energy. Also, the track features a 5-string bass on the album, which we used to bring more depth to the song. We spent a while searching for the right bass tone, and once we found it, I was finally able to lay down the take.”
BIOGRAPHY: Bloody Moon is a metal band from Laitila, Finland, that has been active since 2021. The band’s music is characterized by tearing riffs and catchy choruses, accompanied by a thunderous rhythm section.
On their latest album Lost & Damned, these ingredients come together to create a tight and energetic whole that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
Intense Indifference, the latest full-length from Swedish melodic death/thrash metal outfit VITTRA, is out today!
Intense Indifference follows VITTRA’s critically lauded debut, Blasphemy Blues, released in 2022, and centers on one’s own emotional journey, soul searching while simultaneously fighting an inner battle, all while presenting an untroubled, almost indifferent attitude. Inevitably, it all cracks.
In celebration of the release, the band has unleashed a video for opening track, “MOFO.” Comments guitarist Johan Murmester, “‘MOFO’ is the opening track of the new album and it sort of sets the tone for the whole creation. You got some thrash, death, and folk music vibes, and that music is about having fun!
“In the building where the recording studio is located,” he continues, “there used to be a research lab, now abandoned, that to some extend has turned into a film studio, where they do all sorts of movies and TV series. We got the opportunity to explore this environment with the amazing Snovonne during two days and the outcome is the video for ‘MOFO!’”
Watch the band’s previously released video for “The Leap” HERE.
Intense Indifference was recorded and engineered by Simon Johansson (Soilwork, Wolf), produced by Johan Murmester, and mixed and mastered by Lawrence Mackrory (Lik, Bloodbath, Katatonia).
The record includes several guest appearances including John Lönnmyr (Night Flight Orchestra) who adds piano to “Transylvanian Buffet,” Bastian Thusgaard (Soilwork) who contributes the shaker on “Burn(h)er” and vibra-slap on “Transylvanian Buffet,” and Linus Öhrn (Valkyrja) who contributes backing vocals on several tracks. Cover art for Intense Indifference was created by Hjules (Accept, Destruction, Jungle Rot) and based on his own interpretations of the record’s lyrics.
Intense Indifference is available on LP and digital formats. Stream/order the record at THIS LOCATION.
Intense Indifference – Track Listing:
1. MOFO
2. Reign Supreme
3. Burn(h)er
4. Transylvanian Buffet
5. Soul Searcher
6. The Leap
7. Bound By Blood
8. Hate
9. End To It
10. Piece By Piece
VITTRA: Alex Smith – drums David Döragrip – vocals Gustav Svensson – bass Johan Murmester – guitars Lars Elofsson – lead guitar
Originally called Vildvittra, based on the characters created by Astrid Lindgren as part of Ronja Rövardotter [Swedish for Ronia, The Robber’s Daughter, a children’s fantasy book first published in 1981], their name later evolved into VITTRA, inspired by the mythical creatures appearing in Swedish folk stories. And while Swedish folk is a recurring theme weaving in and out of their music, the band is firmly rooted in melodic death and thrash metal in the vein of At The Gates, Dissection, and Megadeth.
Chicago (IL) – Long-running Blackened Melodic Death Metal quartet, Withering Soul, are set to release their fifth album, Passage of the Arcane, November 14 on Liminal Dread Productions!
Passage of the Arcane is a convergence of blackened atmospheres and sweeping song structures. A mystifying journey that exceeds boundaries while remaining fun and exciting. The overall theme of the album involves human experiences traversing into cursed oblivion. Each song explores its own story, ranging from unexplained disappearances to the supernatural.
While variation is abundant within the soundscapes, it is with a cohesive direction. Each chapter takes on its own “passage” through channels of cursed lore and harrowing experiences of the past. A seamless balance of crushingly heavy riffs and chilling melodies.
The album’s first single, “Attrition Horizon,” is available at: youtu.be/3PG2Ul77B_A
FFO: Dark Fortress, Windir, Hypocrisy, Dissection, God Dethroned.
Track Listing:
Intro
Attrition Horizon
Grievance Eludes the Light
The Monolith Embodied
Gallery of the End
Trajectory
Among Covetous Eyes
Burden of the Valiant
Credits:
Guest guitar solo on “Trajectory” by Nick “Exhul” Morgan. | Drums recorded and engineered by Vince Ippolito at Swift Road Studios. | Album mixed and mastered by Dennis Israel at Clintworks Audio. | Cover art by Adam Burke / Nightjar Illustration.
Photo Credit: Dark Oracle Arts
Line-up:
Christopher – Vocals, Guitar Frank G. – Guitar Joel – Bass Guitar Rick – Drums
Nameless Grave Records is proud to announce the signing and upcoming release of Apocryphal Verse, the highly anticipated new album from death metal powerhouse ADUANTEN. Featuring members of acclaimed acts Obsequiae, Vex, Panopticon, and Horrendous, ADUANTEN delivers a blistering yet sorrowful masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Apocryphal Verse is set for release on October 24th.
Born from a desire to explore the darker, more aggressive side of melodic death metal, ADUANTEN‘s music is a relentless storm of punishing riffs and intricate melodies. While the band’s sonic foundation is built on ferocity, their sound is imbued with a profound sense of melancholic beauty, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. The band’s lineage, including drummer Eoghan McCloskey of Obsequiae, ensures a level of musicianship and compositional depth that will immediately resonate with fans of sophisticated extreme metal.
On Apocryphal Verse, ADUANTEN masterfully blends the searing aggression of classic death metal with the atmospheric introspection of melodic black metal. Tracks on the album weave a narrative of decay and despair, driven by a maelstrom of intricate guitar work and a pummeling rhythm section. The album’s lyrical themes of destruction, sorrow, and hopelessness are perfectly mirrored in its dynamic and emotionally charged soundscapes.
Apocryphal Verse will be available on all major streaming platforms, as well as physical formats, on October 24th.
Fans of Dissection, Sacramentum, and Obsequiae will find ADUANTEN‘s new offering to be an essential addition to their collection.
Cold Flare Eternal, the new full-length from Finnish melodic death metal veterans BEFORE THE DAWN, is out now on Reaper Entertainment!
A work of stark contrasts and emotional depth, Cold Flare Eternal blends crushing heaviness with soaring melancholy, delivering a sound both devastating and deeply human. It’s an album shaped by clarity of vision, cinematic atmosphere, and the unmistakable Scandinavian sense of darkness and beauty.
Released alongside the album is the powerful new video for the track “Stronghold.” Comments the band, “It’s like a punch in the face delivered with love and powered with anvil heavy guitars, profoundly massive growls, hammering drums, and beyond epic melody. That is ‘Stronghold;’ the musical embodiment of straightforward bone bounding metal.”
Watch BEFORE THE DAWN’s video for “Stronghold” HERE.
Watch BEFORE THE DAWN’s previously released video for “Fatal Design” HERE, “As Above, So Below” HERE, “Stellar Effect” HERE, and “Shockwave” HERE.
Cold Flare Eternal weaves together massive riffs, introspective melodies, and a haunting emotional weight that lingers long after the final note fades. After the band’s celebrated return with Stormbringers and a year of intense touring, Cold Flare Eternal is more than a followup, it’s a statement of purpose. A record that doesn’t just demand to be heard but be felt.
Recorded once again at guitarist Juho Räihä’s studio, the album brings together crushing heaviness, soaring melodies, and the atmospheric beauty of Finland’s dark landscapes.
Cold Flare Eternal features core art by Gogo Melone (Wolfheart, Insomnium, Xandria, Omnium Gatherum) and is available on CD, LP, and digital formats.
BEFORE THE DAWN will join Wolfheart for an extensive European tour later this month. Tickets are available at btdmetal.com. See all confirmed dates below.
BEFORE THE DAWNw/ Wolfheart, Suotana, Full House Brew Crew: 9/20/2025 Koba Live – Abadiño, ES ** 9/21/2025 Revi Live – Madrid, ES ** 9/22/2025 Wolf, Barcelona – ES ** 9/25/2025 De Helling – Utrecht, NL 9/26/2025 Kulturwerk – Herford, DE 9/27/2025 Kubana – Siegburg, DE 9/29/2025 Backstage By The Mill – Paris, FR 9/30/2025 DVG Club – Kortrjik, BE 10/01/2025 Logo – Hamburg, DE 10/02/2025 Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE 10/03/2025 Turock – Essen, DE 10/04/2025 Café Central – Weinheim, DE 10/05/2025 Analog Music Hall – Budapest, HU 10/06/2025 Klub Zaścianek – Krakow, PL 10/07/2025 Collosseum – Košice, SK 10/08/2025 Rock Café – Prague, CZ 10/09/2025 Orto Bar – Ljubljana SI 10/10/2025 Slaughter Club – Milan, IT 10/11/2025 Chollerhalle – Zug, CH 10/12/2025 Club Vaudeville – Lindau, DE 10/13/2025 Backstage – Munich, DE ** BEFORE THE DAWN + Wolfheart only
BEFORE THE DAWN – Finnish Headlining Dates: 9/05/2025 Tavastia – Helsinki, FI 9/06/2025 Olympia – Tampere, FI 9/13/2025 Möysän Musaklubi – Lahti, FI 10/24/2025 Logomo Teatro – Turku, FI 10/25/2025 House of Rock – Kouvola, FI 11/07/2025 Monde – Rovaniemi, FI 11/08/2025 Kantakrouvi – Oulu, FI
BEFORE THE DAWN: Tuomas Saukkonen – guitar Paavo Laapotti – vocals Juho Räihä – guitar Pyry Hanski – bass
The official release of Band Of Brothers, the new full-length from Finnish melodic death metal force WARMEN, is out now via Reaper Entertainment! The highly anticipated record highlights a new peak in the band’s evolution fusing cinematic atmospheres, razor-sharp riffs, and unrelenting aggression into their most intense and cohesive work to date.
To celebrate the release, WARMEN has also dropped a new video for the track “Untouched,” showcasing their signature blend of melody and ferocity in full force.
The band comments, “With Band Of Brothers, we’re taking things to the next level, heavier, tighter, and more united than ever before. This album is a true reflection of who WARMEN are today, a real band of brothers. We poured everything into these songs, and we’re proud to finally share it with the world.”
Watch the band’s previously released video for “Band Of Brothers” HEREand “Nine Lives” HERE.
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.
WARMEN’s Band Of Brothers is available on CD, LP and digital formats. Find orders HERE.
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
The neoclassical melodic death force known as BURNED IN EFFIGY is set to unleash their newest razor-edged assault.
Rising from the heart of the Midwest metal scene, this Chicago-based quintet has announced a fall release for their much-anticipated second full-length, Tyrannus Aeternum. Following the 2022 release of their debut album, Rex Mortem, BURNED IN EFFIGY has sharpened their sound to a lethal edge. The result is an 11-track onslaught that blends the band’s skillful musicianship and technicality with volcanic brutality.
An early glimpse into the conceptual and sonic intensity of Tyrannus Aeternum comes with the album’s first single, “Befouled Benefaction.”
Tyrannus Aeternum is set for release on October 31. Pre-orders are coming soon.
Track-list:
1) Befouled Benefaction
2) Retribution
3) Masquerade
4) Procession
5) Wage of Exile
6) Sacrificial Seance
7) Monstrosity Reborn
8) Gallows Hymn
9) The Racking
10) Crown Crusher
11) Citadel
Tyrannus Aeternum was recorded at Beal Audio and Bricktop Recording, with production, engineering and mixing by Jordan Beal. Orchestration and keyboards on the album were provided by Graham Southern. Album artwork by Timon Kokott.
Line-up:
Mark “Smedy” Smedbron – Vocals Steve Bacakos – Guitar Mike Hisson – Guitar Matt Watkins – Bass Eddie Dec – Drums
Band Bio:
BURNED IN EFFIGY’s roots date back to 2017. In January 2022, the band independently released its debut album Rex Mortem, which was highly acclaimed by leading heavy music media and led to the band sharing the stage with iconic acts such as ORBIT CULTURE, OBSCURA, and REVOCATION.
A must for listeners of acts such as THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER and INFERI, with the band’s attention to virtuosity and intensity in equal measure, the effort and accomplishment of the band’s debut led to being talent scouted. With work on the band’s sophomore album complete, BURNED IN EFFIGY aims to take its signature melodic death metal sound across the US, and in time, the world. The search for total conquest continues.
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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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