Finnish legends Cardinals Folly have released the official video for “Let The Posers Fall!” The song is the title track from the band’s forthcoming album on Cruz Del Sur Music.
Marking a bold new chapter with the debut of a new guitarist, the album showcases a powerful shift toward traditional, riff-driven heavy metal songwriting while retaining the band’s signature heavy footprint. Lyrically, Let the Posers Fall! delves deep into the macabre, drawing grim inspiration from notorious serial killers (“I Am The Zodiac”), the cosmic horror literature of H.P. Lovecraft (“Providence”) and vintage cult horror/exploitation cinema (“New York Ripper”, “Hitch-Hike”).
The band issued the following defiant statement regarding the album:
“In a world where trends come and go and authenticity is drowning in depravity, Cardinals Folly still rides the cultist highway, declaring the downfall of posers until the end. The Stallions Are Burning!”
Let The Posers Fall! will be available on vinyl LP, CD, and digital formats via Cruz Del Sur Music on October 9 in Europe and November 6 in North America.
Recorded and Mixed by Jani Snellman. Mastered by Roland Rodas at Cavern of Echoes. Cover art by Pedro Ruotsalainen. Band logo by Sebastian Lindberg. Organ in “Luchador” and “Cultist Highway” played by Jani Snellman. Backing choir in “Cultist Highway” is Cardinals Folly.
L-R – Justin Cournoyer – Bass, Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals, Zack Osiris – Drums, Jordan Barillaro – Guitar
Debut Album Pax Nocturna Out Now!
Montreal blackened thrash band Shroud has released a new cover of “Storm of the Reaper”, a fierce tribute to Swedish cult legends Nifelheim and a nod to one of the band’s earliest shared influences. The track arrives as Shroud continues to ride the momentum of their debut album Pax Nocturna, released this past June, and as they prepare to hit the road for their upcoming Canadian tour with Hellripper this coming November.
Shroud’s decision to cover “Storm of the Reaper” comes from deep admiration for Nifelheim’s legacy and the song’s impact on the band’s formation and identity.
“We wanted to pay homage to the legendary Blackened Thrash Metal band Nifelheim from Sweden. Storm of the Reaper is an absolute banger with old‑school heavy metal elements twisted into black metal, and it’s a huge influence on all of us in Shroud. It’s also a nod to lyricist Erik Danielsson, frontman of Watain, another major influence. We perform this live often and wanted to pay it forward with our own spin. It was a major song that Zack Osiris and I, Matteo Conti, bonded over when forming Shroud. Storm of the Reaper is legendary and a staple of Blackened Thrash Metal.”
The band’s rendition stays true to the track’s feral spirit while injecting Shroud’s signature intensity, razor‑edged riffs, venomous vocals, and the raw, ritualistic energy that has defined their rise in Canada’s extreme‑metal underground.
Shroud’s cover arrives on the heels of their debut full‑length Pax Nocturna, a blackened thrash assault praised for its speed, atmosphere, and conceptual depth. The album introduced listeners to the band’s evolving universe of dark, violent, and occult storytelling.
The release of “Storm of the Reaper” sets the stage for Shroud’s upcoming Canadian dates with Scotland’s speed‑metal powerhouse Hellripper for the “Goatkraft & Granite Canada Tour”. Fans can expect Shroud to perform the cover live, where it has already become a crowd igniting staple.
Listen to Shroud‘s cover version of “Storm of the Reaper” at the following links:
Recommended for fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, and Necrophobic.Pax Nocturna released on June 4th, 2026 and is available now on all digital platforms, CD, and vinyl.
Tour Dates: Hellripper w/ Shroud: Nov 25 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar Nov 26 – Quebec City, QC – La Source De La Martiniere Nov 27 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern (Capital Punishment Festival) Nov 28 – Toronto, ON – Supermarket Bar & Variety
Track Listing: 1. Pax Nocturna (0:43) 2. The Eternal Void (5:09) 3. The Zealot (5:15) 4. Merciless Tyrants (5:59) 5. Darkest Night (4:45) 6. Diablivion (5:28) 7. Death Blows Over (4:18) 8. All Creation (5:29) 9. Abaddon (7:55) Album Length: 45:05
Album and Live Band lineup: Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals Jordan Barillaro – Guitar Zack Osiris – Drums Justin Cournoyer – Bass
Album Recording Credits:
All songs performed by: Matteo Conti, Zack Osiris, Jordan Barillaro, Justin Cournoyer
All songs written by: Matteo Conti and Zack Osiris
Watch ARMORED SAINT’s “Not On Your Life” visualizer HERE.
ARMORED SAINT today presents their visualizer for “Not On Your Life.” The track comes by way of the band’s critically acclaimed new full-length, Emotion Factory Reset, released earlier this year on Metal Blade Records. The kaleidoscopic clip was created by Costin Chioreanu of TWILIGHT13MEDIA.
Comments vocalist John Bush, “The opening lyrics are, ‘You already know my name is John Doe / Yeah you already know but still give it a go.’ I think Phil [Sandoval] had the term, ‘you already know.’ Rhyming, I was, ‘oh, okay, this is cool, like, John Doe.’ There are a couple meanings to it: the cool guy from X is John Doe. It also means that you don’t know who this person is. It led to me thinking in terms of something a little vague, which sometimes I like to do. You already know, yet you don’t know at the same time.
Phil sent me the phrase ‘from dollars to donuts,’ and I got ‘Heavens to Betsy.’ My mom was named Betty, and it’s a little nod to [Bitch vocalist] Betsy Bitch because she’s on Metal Blade. I thought, ‘why not just have a little correlation here.’ It’s a cool, great rock song, and it seems to be some people’s favorite.
The lyrics ‘dollars to donuts’ sounds like something somebody said on the streets of Manhattan in 1950. I also used the phrase ‘lying on the floor in the drunk tank.’ ‘Drunk tank’ is another term people don’t really use in 2026.”
Watch ARMORED SAINT’s “Not On Your Life” visualizer HERE.
Watch the band’s previously released video for “Every Man-Any Man” HERE, “Close To The Bone” HERE, and “Hit A Moonshot” HERE.
ARMORED SAINT will kick off their North American co-headlining tour with Metal Church this November. The Metal Saint Tour 2026 begins on November 2nd in San Juan Capistrano, California and runs through November 21st in Agoura Hills, California with support provided by LiveKill.
Following the fiery response both bands received during their recent shows together in Europe and fans’ excitement for the upcoming Fall shows, a Spring 2027 leg of this killer metal package has also been announced. The journey will commence on March 19th in Austin, Texas and close on April 10th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Support will be provided by One Machine.
Offers ARMORED SAINT vocalist, John Bush, “Three weeks in the Fall just didn’t seem enough so we decided to do another run of the Metal Saint tour in the Spring of 2027. Celebrating two classic bands from the ‘80s who also have new records out in 2026 is a no-brainer for any metal fan. Plus, there is still a lot of the country to cover. See you at the show!”
Comments Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, “We are stoked to be heading back out on the road with our friends in ARMORED SAINT for another round of the Metal Saint Tour!”
Adds Metal Church drummer Ken Mary, “We are really looking forward to so many fans and friends on tour on this run and we are honored to be with our brothers in metal, ARMORED SAINT!”
ARMORED SAINT + METAL CHURCH w/ LiveKill: 11/02/2026 Coach House – San Juan Capistrano, CA 11/03/2026 The Glass House – Pomona, CA 11/04/2026 The Nile – Phoenix, AZ 11/06/2026 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM 11/07/2026 Sunshine Studios – Colorado Springs, CO 11/08/2026 The Federal – Denver, CO 11/10/2026 Neurolux – Boise, ID 11/11/2026 The Newberry – Great Falls, MT 11/13/2026 Dantes – Portland, OR 11/14/2026 Redwood Theater – Bremerton, WA 11/15/2026 Rickshaw Theater – Vancouver, BC 11/17/2026 Great America Music Hall – San Francisco, CA 11/18/2026 Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA 11/19/2026 The Whisky – Los Angeles, CA 11/20/2026 Observatory North San Diego – San Diego, CA 11/21/2026 Canyon Club – Agoura Hills, CA
ARMORED SAINT + METAL CHURCH w/ One Machine: 3/19/2027 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 3/20/2027 Hells Heroes – Houston, TX * 3/21/2027 Granada Theater – Dallas, TX 3/23/2027 Radio Room – Greenville, SC 3/24/2027 Chapel Of Bonus – Raleigh, NC 3/25/2027 Tally Ho Theater – Leesburg, VA 3/26/2027 Ridgefield Theater – Ridgefield, CT 3/27/2027 St. Vitus – Brooklyn, NY 3/3/29/2027 Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA 3/30/2027 Mercury – Lakewood, OH 4/01/2027 The Kings Of Clubs – Columbus, OH 4/02/2027 Machine Shop – Flint, MI 4/03/2027 Arcada Theater St – Charles, IL 4/04/2027 EPIC Events Center – Green Bay, WI 4/06/2027 Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA 4/07/2027 Matchbox – Omaha, NE 4/09/2027 Liquid Joe’s – Salt Lake City, UT 4/10/2027 House Of Blues – Las Vegas, NV
No One Machine
Emotion Factory Reset, ARMORED SAINT’s ninth studio album, is a resurrection of sorts, a tearing down and a rebuilding in eleven songs of diverse musicality and lyrical themes. Produced, as were the previous four albums, by bassist Joey Vera and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour), the record finds the quintet challenging themselves. Songs like “Close To The Bone,” “Hit A Moonshot,” and “Every Man-Any Man” have ARMORED SAINT honoring their past as one of the most respected and recognizable bands in heavy music while making forward-thinking music rooted in the present.
Emotion Factory Reset was recorded across several studios including 606 Studios, Secret Hand Studios, Skullseven Studios, Constantine Studios, and Bridge Recording, engineered by Oliver Roman, Bill Metoyer, Joey Vera, and Jason Constantine, and features cover art by DDKing.
STORMRULER has announced the forthcoming full length offering, Morning Nautical Twilight, will be released on December 4, 2026, via Distortion Music Group (DMG) – Powered by Reigning Phoenix Music. The U.S. hailing black metal duo weave epic narrative storytelling through the track list of Morning Nautical Twilight. Alongside the album announcement, the band presents the first single, “Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria.”
Vocalist and guitarist Jason Asberry comments on the new single release: “We chose ‘In The Eye Of Umbria’ as the first single off of our new album Morning Nautical Twilight for a few reasons. It’s the second chapter in the Imperial Chronicles but the first that takes place in present day Aurelia, a realm spanning several thousand years with a vast history and many conflicts. It immediately introduces the listener to a few important characters within the world and sets the stage for the rest of the story.
Secondly, it’s a very standout track amongst the record. We explore a few new corners of our sound that we haven’t in the past but do so in true STORM fashion. It has the raw and driving rhythms of our heavy metal heroes, the mountainous and soaring leads that are heavily laden throughout this record while also keeping true to the many folk sounds that we hold dearly. We’re very proud of this record and can’t wait for you all to explore the pages of Morning Nautical Twilight.”
Morning Nautical Twilight Track List: 00 Prologue: The Weary Traveler 01 Chapter I: The Sword, The Scepter & The Seal 02 Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria 03 Chapter III: Council Of The Nations 04 Chapter IV: Subterranean Sorcery 05 Chapter V: Lanuthor’s Lamentations 06 Chapter VI: Open The Gates! 07 Chapter VII Morning Nautical Twilight 08 Chapter VIII: The Siege Of Belgorath 09 Chapter IX: Shadows Of The Starcrest 10 Chapter X: Winds Of War 11 Chapter XI: When The White Horn Sounds 12 Chapter XII: Engulfed In The Flames Of Oaken Pyre 13 Epilogue: The Imperial Chronicles
Emerging from the gloom in a high-paced fury, “Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria” traverses through shadowy progressions in an untamable arrangement. Jason Asberry‘s intricate guitar leads entwine through the driving momentum while ferocious shrieks unleash soar above, piercing through Jesse Schobel‘s explosive percussion. Musically, “Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria” incorporates a stylistic shift into groove-led rhythms and folk-inspired melodies, situating the track firmly in the immersive fantasy worldbuilding of Morning Nautical Twilight.
Born out of St. Louis, MO, the ferocious black metal duo STORMRULER is comprised of guitarist and vocalist Jason Asberry and drummer Jesse Schobel. Captivated by fantasy realms, the band’s imagery and sonic design draw from this theme entwined with historical elements.
The debut album Under The Burning Eclipse emerged in 2021, released via Napalm Records. This full-length was followed in quick succession by the sophomore offering, Sacred Rites & Black Magick, also via Napalm Records in 2022.
In 2026, STORMRULER signed to Distortion Music Group (DMG) – Powered by Reigning Phoenix Music, releasing the standalone single “Dark Age Of Deception.” Plunging into a dark and immersive shroud of atmospheric layers and commanding intensity, “Dark Age Of Deception” signified the beginning of the band’s next incarnation.
With the unveiling of “Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria,” STORMRULER‘s forthcoming full length Morning Nautical Twilight delves further into epic fantastical realms placing powerful storytelling at the core of their music.
It took almost 15 years to make this collaboration possible, yet WOTAN and CRUZ DEL SURMUSIC are finally joining forces for the physical release of Carmina Barbarica – Alive In Athens!
In 2004 Carmina Barbarica marked the debut of WOTAN on the metal scene. Released by Eat Metal Records on both CD and Vinyl, the album is considered as one of the milestones of European Epic Metal with its Manowar flavored sound. Greece has always been their second home, if not even their first having played live in the country many times. It was therefore a natural result that band’s first live album should have been recorded in this wonderful metal nation.
Two years after their exhibition at the Into The Battle Festival, WOTAN and CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC are pleased to announce the release of Carmina Barbarica – Alive In Athens, which was recorded on that same night. This live album features “Carmina Barbarica” played in its entirety! Vinyl is expected to arrive in Janurary 2027, but from today the album is available digitally at all biggest platforms, including Bandcamp.
The LP comes on beautiful Χαῖρε Ἑλλάς (Hail Hellas) splatter vinyl and can be pre-ordered at:
Central American death-doom practitioners MORBID STENCH are now streaming their third full-length album Doom Metástasis in its entirety, with the record receiving an exclusive premiere through Death Metal Promotion. Due for release on October 2, 2026 via Nuclear Winter Records and Putrid Cult, the album represents the band’s most developed work to date, expanding their suffocating blend of slow, crushing passages and ominous atmospheres into a tightly conceived conceptual piece.
Deeply rooted in death-doom metal, the record broadens the group’s sonic palette through a more developed approach to songwriting, without losing the weight and darkness that have always defined their sound.
Conceived as a conceptual work, the album follows a process of transformation that moves from inner decay to complete propagation, blending biological imagery with reflections on identity, inevitability and the cyclical nature of existence. This narrative framework gives the album a strong sense of continuity, shaping a journey rather than a simple collection of individual tracks.
Musically, MORBID STENCH combine crushing slow-paced sections, oppressive atmospheres and carefully crafted arrangements, balancing immediacy and depth. With Doom Metástasis, the band expands its vision while remaining faithful to the raw spirit of Central American death-doom metal.
Track-list:
Necrotic from Within
The Morbid Waltz
Hyperbolic
Bizarre and Beyond
Narcissistic God
Crawling out of the Swamps
Formed in 2014 by veteran musicians The Master Butcher (Costa Rica), Morbid and Purulent (El Salvador), MORBID STENCH was created to explore the darkest and most putrid side of doom metal, enriched by a strong death metal influence.
With all members active in the extreme metal scene since the early ’90s, the band combines crushing heaviness, oppressive atmospheres and rotten melodies, drawing inspiration from the forgotten swamps of Central America.
Their debut EP The Stench of Doom was released in 2016 on cassette through Morbid Skull Recs (El Salvador) and Till You Fukkin Bleed (Poland), quickly selling out and followed by a short tour in El Salvador and Guatemala with CONCEIVED BY HATE. In 2017, the band released the split 7” EP The Bifid Tongue of Doom & Death with Costa Rican death metal act NECROGOD.
The debut full-length Doom & Putrefaction arrived in 2019 through Putrid Cult, Morbid Skull Recs and other international labels, receiving strong feedback from the underground scene. This was followed by the split 7” EP Ghospels of Necromancy with Dutch death metal band ANARCHOS in 2020, and the second album The Rotting Ways of Doom in 2022, further establishing the band’s reputation among doom/death enthusiasts.
Despite the members now living in three different countries, the creative chemistry within MORBID STENCH remains intact. The songwriting process begins with Morbid composing and recording guitar and bass parts at his “Víspera del Demonio” studio in San Salvador, creating raw demo versions that are shared with the band for feedback and development. Purulent then works on the drum arrangements, while The Master Butcher completes the songs with his lyrics and vocal performances.
Line-up:
The Master Butcher – Esophagus Morbid – Cosmic Chords of Doom Purulent – Barrels Full of Putrid Waste
Finnish death metal quartet HEKATOXEN have now premiered their debut full-length Obsidian Majesty in its entirety through Death Metal Promotion, ahead of its October 2 release on Nuclear Winter Records.
The band follow their 2022 Utter Darkness EP with a record steeped in the traditions of their homeland’s nineties death metal, yet shaped around a distinct sense of songwriting and atmosphere.
Across eight tracks, HEKATOXEN move between punishing guitar work, muscular rhythms and passages where the tension is allowed to build rather than simply explode, giving the album a strong internal pulse. The result is a collection that feels firmly connected to the Finnish underground while avoiding a purely retrospective approach.
Hailing from Tampere, HEKATOXEN return with a record that tightens every aspect of their sound, delivering a darker, sharper and more determined expression of death metal. Obsidian Majesty moves through a landscape of razor-edged riffs, where heaviness never comes at the expense of movement; the songs hit hard, but they also breathe, shift direction and reveal a band with a clear understanding of dynamics.
Rooted in the classic language of Finnish death metal, the album does not rely on mere repetition of familiar formulas. HEKATOXEN take inspiration from the genre’s foundations while shaping those elements into focused compositions built around memorable riffs, strong structures and a tangible sense of purpose. Every track feels designed to stand on its own, equally effective through headphones and on stage.
Avoiding unnecessary complexity, HEKATOXEN embrace the power of well-crafted songwriting: concrete, immediate and uncompromising. Obsidian Majesty captures a band refining its identity, balancing old school instincts with a contemporary edge and proving that tradition can still cut deep when handled with conviction.
Track list:
01 – Lost Souls Epitome 02 – I Am Them 03 – Spawns Of Darkness 04 – Haunting Ceremony 05 – Domus Vilomaxus 06 – Grave Reveries 07 – At Hellsrivers Pathway 08 – Vanguard The Dark
Line-up:
Jussi – vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar, synth Niko – rhythm guitar Risto – bass guitar Vesa – drums
For fans of: Demigod, Adramelech, early Sentenced, Funebrarum
Pacific Northwest Death Metal legion Paralicyst have released their debut EP, Destruction of Sanity! Drawing inspiration from titans like Obituary, Malevolent Creation, and Cannibal Corpse, the band blends punishing riffs, crushing rhythms, and savage vocal assaults into a sound that feels both nostalgic and devastatingly fresh.
The new EP packages a range of styles within a traditional death metal framework. Old school and thrashing death, shades of the blackened and slamming intensity, it’s all here and it’s all devastating!
Forged in the chaos of 2019, Paralicyst emerged from the PNW metal scene with a mission to channel the raw power and uncompromising spirit of classic death metal.
The band’s early formation included guitarist Ray Eversole (Cruciation, Tormentium), bassist Nik Harris (Digitalviolence, Monday With A Bullet, In The Name of God), and drummer Greg Kholer (Gods in Graves, Cruciation, Father Figure, CIA Hippie Mind Control). In 2022 the lineup solidified with Lou of Malevolent Supremacy and Lude joining on vocals, further sharpening the band’s sonic assault.
In 2024, Mikey Murderz (Sakrificer, Innocent Blood) stepped in to take command of vocal duties, bringing a vicious new edge to the band’s sound, while also handling the recording, mixing, and mastering duties on the EP
Now operating with their strongest lineup yet, Paralicyst is poised to carve their mark into the underground with an unrelenting barrage of riffs, blast beats, and infernal energy.
Stream Destruction of Sanity on your platform of choice:
Swedish melodic metal frontrunners METALITE celebrate the release of their brand-new studio album, Discovery, out now via PERCEPTION – Powered by Reigning Phoenix Music! Their critically acclaimed, futuristic sci-fi metal epic takes listeners on a fascinating journey, further expanding METALITE’s signature blend of soaring melodies, powerful riffs and modern electronic elements.
Coinciding with the album’s release, METALITE have also unveiled a brand-new music video for “Neon Rain,” one of the tracks featured on Discovery. Guitarist, producer, songwriter and founder Edwin Premberg comments:
“Neon Rain is one of our three singles accompanied by a beautifully produced video by Ted Lindén. The song captures a futuristic world drenched in neon lights and falling rain, a place where emotion and technology collide. It’s atmospheric, powerful, and melodic, painting a vivid picture of standing in the glow of a digital storm, searching for something real beneath the surface.”
Mixed and mastered by acclaimed Danish producer Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Evergrey, Amaranthe), Discovery pushes METALITE’s futuristic vision further than ever before. Across twelve dynamic tracks, the album explores themes of human evolution, technology, survival, liberation and hope in a universe shaped by digital realities and cosmic exploration in the year of 2058, three years after humanity left a collapsing Earth in search of a new beginning.
Building upon the sonic worlds established on their albums Heroes in Time (2017), Biomechanicals (2019), A Virtual World (2021) and Expedition One (2024), the band once again proves why they are regarded as pioneers of modern sci-fi-inspired melodic metal!
Discovery – Track-list: 1. Our Time Has Come 2. In Case Of Emergency 3. Into The Maze 4. Cyberspace 5. The Metal Elite 6. Neon Rain 7. Echoes Of You 8. Starchild 9. Wings Of Fire 10. Captive In The Past 11. Supremacy Of One 12. Triforce
METALITE: Erica Ohlsson – Vocals Edwin Premberg – Guitar/Additional Vocals/Programming Robert Örnesved – Guitar Erik Junttila Johansson – Drums Robert Majd – Bass
South Carolina stoner metal veterans CALUS are making their long-anticipated return with The Evolution of Social Exclusion.
This six-song EP marks CALUS’ first newly recorded work since 2006’s Spiritual Warfare. And the band hasn’t missed a step. At times sludgy, at times trippy and always heavy, The Evolution of Social Exclusion delivers non-stop, bottom-heavy groove, crushing riffs and a hazy Southern swagger.
CALUS has thus far released two singles off The Evolution of Social Exclusion – “No Curses,” a more aggressive cut that pushes the band’s attack into proggier territory, and the sludge-forward stomper “Perdition Anthem.”
The Evolution of Social Exclusion is due out October 2nd on digital and CD formats. Vinyl treatment for the album is coming soon.
For fans of Black Sabbath, Down, Crowbar, Entombed, Clutch, Alice in Chains, Eyehategod, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Acid Bath.
Track listing:
No Curses
Perdition Anthem
Stone Snake
Strange Gods
New World Opus
Under the Banner(of Attrition)
To mark their re-emergence, CALUS has recently pulled a batch of previously unreleased tunes from their vault. The EP, titled Australis Sacro Modus, is streaming here.
CALUS:
Chris Driggers — Bass Harold Smith — Drums, Vocals Dustin Holliday — Guitars Rodney Ervin — Guitars, Vocals Jeremy Aiken — Vocals
KING DIAMOND’s Halloween, the three-track LP picture disc originally released in 1986, will be re-released worldwide with new art by Mario Lopez on October 23rd via Metal Blade Records, just in time for the season!
The Halloween title track comes off KING DIAMOND‘s debut album, Fatal Portrait (1986), as does “The Candle,” which served as the opening track on Fatal Portrait, and was part of the early storytelling approach that would become central to KING DIAMOND‘s future discography. “The Lake,” while recorded during the same general period as Fatal Portrait and associated with those sessions, wasn’t included in the original nine-track album.
Halloween was produced by KING DIAMOND and Rune Höyer with production assistance by Michael Denner and engineered by Roberto Falcao.
Halloween LP Track Listing: A1. Halloween B1. The Candle B2. The Lake
KING DIAMOND Halloween Lineup: King Diamond – lead vocals, backing vocals Andy LaRocque – lead guitar Michael Denner – lead guitar Timi Hansen – bass guitar Mikkey Dee – drums
A KILLER’S CONFESSION have returned with “Roses,” a dark and defiant new single from the band’s forthcoming sixth studio album, Victim 3, due November 13th via MNRK Heavy. The song arrives today alongside an official music video directed and produced by Dusten Boles.
Led by vocalist Waylon Reavis, “Roses” turns feelings of disappointment, neglect and unfulfilled expectations into a statement about abandoning the need for outside approval. Rather than waiting for recognition that may never come, the track embraces the freedom of knowing your own reasons for the choices you make, even when no one else acknowledges them.
Reavis explains:
“Roses was written from a point of view of where everything that you have done was in vain. We’ve all been to that point of feeling unappreciated, but I feel like roses is a statement of it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you and only you know why you did it. In the end, never look for a pat on the back, because you’ll never get the acknowledgment that you’re seeking. There will be no roses on my grave.”
“Roses” follows the recent release of A KILLER’S CONFESSION’s haunting, stripped-back interpretation of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.” The unexpected cover showcased a different side of the band, dialing down the heaviness to put Reavis’ voice and the song’s underlying melancholy front and center.
The road to Victim 3 will also unfold onstage this fall as A KILLER’S CONFESSION embark on the “Everything Comes Full Circle Tour.” Joined by Dizasterpiece and Dead Things, the North American headline run kicks off November 4 and notably finds the band celebrating the release of Victim 3 from the road on November 13th.
Nov 4 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel of Bones Nov 5 – Baltimore, MD – Fish Head Cantina Nov 6 – Lowell, MA – Taffeta Music Hall Nov 7 – Pottstown, PA – Cosmic Arts Nov 8 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz Nov 10 – Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille Nov 11 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop Nov 12 – McHenry, IL – The Vixen Nov 13 – Louisville, KY – The Fox Den Nov 14 – Columbus, OH – The King of Clubs Nov 17 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck Nov 18 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre Nov 19 – Des Moines, IA – XBK Live Nov 20 – Sioux Falls, SD – Bigs Bar Nov 21 – Rapid City, SD – The Park Nov 22 – Denver, CO – HQ Nov 24 – Glendale, AZ – The 44 Sports Grill & Nightlife Nov 25 – West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go Nov 27 – Anaheim, CA – The Parish @ House of Blues Nov 28 – Murrieta, CA – Solaris Beer & Blending Nov 29 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge Dec 1 – Draper, UT – Leatherheads Sports Bar & Grill Dec 2 – Rifle, CO – The UTE Theater Dec 5 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge
About A KILLER’S CONFESSION:
Fronted by Waylon Reavis, A Killer’s Confession turn the darkest corners of the human psyche into a collision of crushing riffs, sinister atmosphere, infectious melodies and punishing grooves. Since forming in 2016, the band has generated tens of millions of streams with songs including “Numb” and “Angel On The Outside,” while collaborating with artists such as Brian “Head” Welch of Korn, Chad Gray of Mudvayne, Aaron Nordstrom of Gemini Syndrome and Reavis’ former Mushroomhead bandmate JMANN.
On their sixth full-length album, Victim 3 [MNRK Heavy], A Killer’s Confession brings their ambitious three-record narrative to its conclusion. Following Victim 1 and Victim 2, the new album finds its central character, a vigilante serial killer who targeted some of society’s worst offenders, finally facing the consequences of his actions on death row. What may have begun with a warped sense of justice has given way to something far more sinister, bringing the trilogy’s themes of morality, vengeance and accountability full circle.
Created around the core of Reavis, Evan McKeever and Dusty Boles during sessions in Nashville and Denver, Victim 3 expands both the sound and storytelling of its predecessors. From the dark electronic textures and haunting melodies of “Roses” to the violent grooves of “Meat Hook,” the unhinged aggression of “The One” and the final resignation of “Worth Saving,” the album follows its protagonist through the last stages of his descent and toward an ending from which there is no redemption.
For Reavis, the Victim trilogy has grown into something much larger than a series of records. “This is an art project of storytelling and madness,” he says. “It’s a collection of stories from different individuals in separate time periods with their own agendas. For me, it’s a big passion project. It’s closer to my heart than anything I’ve ever done. I’ve done great things in my career, but nothing compares to this. It gave me purpose. It gave me youth. It gave me fire. It gave me a universe.”
Stream THOMAS MILLER’S LAZARUS EFFECT’s “Closer To The Sun” HERE.
As THOMAS MILLER’S LAZARUS EFFECT, the new venture from former founding Symphony X bassist Thomas Miller, prepares to release its eponymous debut through Sensory Records in October, the label presents the album’s second single, “Closer To The Sun.”
Thomas Miller started his music career in central New Jersey and played in numerous cover and original bands influenced by progressive bands from the 1970s and 1980s. In 1986, he met Michael Romeo, a local progressive and classically influenced guitarist, with whom he then recorded and played in several bands. In 1994, they formed Symphony X and recruited the rest of the band members to complete the lineup and sign with Japanese record label, Zero Records.
After international critical acclaim for their albums Symphony X, Damnation Game, The Divine Wings Of Tragedy, Twilight In Olympus, and A Prelude To The New Millenium, they did various tour dates in Japan, Europe, and NYC. Shortly afterwards, due to personal issues, Thomas stepped away from the band.
Continually writing and recording on various projects and honing his writing skills, Miller collaborated on a recording project with vocalist Hollywood How Portney in 2017, and after interactions with fans over the years and realizing his chemistry with How, he decided to start writing for a new project, which would become THOMAS MILLER’S LAZARUS EFFECT.
Two former Symphony X bandmates, guitarist Michael Romeo and keyboardist Michael Pinnella, would also lend their talents to the project, and Eric Rachel – producer of Symphony X’s first six albums as well as Black Sabbath, The Black Dahlia Murder and countless others, was enlisted to mix and master the album, which is completed with art and design by Rodrigo Gudiña.
The result is an epic, forty-nine-minute progressive metal opus, inspired by majestic themes and various musical overtones. Fans of Symphony X, Dream Theater, Circus Maximus, Redemption, Kamelot, and other grand progressive metal acts should immediately check out THOMAS MILLER’S LAZARUS EFFECT.
Miller delves, “‘Closer To The Sun’ takes a more progressive direction than the first single, ‘When Darkness Falls.’ This song represents the combination of mythological lyrics, middle eastern tonalities and aggressive guitar and bass rhythms. I also liked the idea of acoustic guitar and violin to add another layer to the musical atmosphere, setting the story line as a buildup to the main rhythmic themes.”
THOMAS MILLER’S LAZARUS EFFECT’s “Closer To The Sun” is now playing on Bandcamp HERE and YouTube HERE.
Sensory Records will release Thomas Miller’s Lazarus Effect on CD, LP, and digital platforms on October 30th. Preorders are live at the label webstore HERE and on Bandcamp, the standard audio HERE and the 24-bit hi-res HERE.
Stand by a new video and more on the album to drop over the coming weeks.
Death metal veterans SINISTER Official return with their fifteenth studio album, “Lucid Nightmares”! Pre-order begins NOW!
It’s an absolute “must have” for all fans of traditional death metal. The album features ten tracks packed with catchy, memorable riffs and an incredibly brutal sound; combined, these elements open a new chapter in band’s career and elevate Sinister to even higher level.
New album Keeper Of The Light arrives January 29, 2027 via PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music
Following the recent announcement of their brand-new studio album, Keeper Of The Light, and its powerful first single “Last Man Standing,” power metal force SERIOUS BLACK are back with another new track. Today, the band has released the official music video for their new single “Party in the Sun,” taken from the upcoming record, which will arrive on January 29, 2027 via PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. In support of the release, the band will embark on an extensive tour throughout Europe with Rhapsody Of Fire and support bands; find all dates listed below!
Inspired by the incomparable atmosphere of Wacken Open Air and the worldwide heavy metal community, “Party in the Sun” is a celebration of everything that makes rock and metal culture so special: friendship, unity, live music and the unique bond shared by bands and fans across the globe. With its infectious energy and festival spirit, the song delivers a fitting soundtrack for everyone whose heart beats to the rhythm of heavy metal.
And if that chorus sounds like it was made for a rather big stage, SERIOUS BLACK happens to agree. The band have decided to throw their hat into the ring for the Eurovision Song Contest 2027, submitting “Party in the Sun” for consideration as Germany’s entry. Whether the road ultimately leads from the festival fields to the Eurovision stage remains to be seen, yet a song about bringing people together through music seems like a pretty good place to start.
Band mastermind Mario Lochert comments: “Party in the Sun” tells the story of the worldwide heavy metal family, people from all corners of the globe whose hearts beat to the same rhythm. It is a song about unity, friendship, and the unique bond between musicians and their audience that makes the rock and metal scene so special. Inspired by the incomparable atmosphere of Wacken Open Air, widely regarded as one of the world’s most iconic metal festivals, the song is a tribute to this unique way of life. At the same time, its message represents the entire festival and live concert culture, because wherever people come together to celebrate music, this extraordinary sense of unity and the magic of rock and metal comes to life.”
“Party in the Sun” is a summer party that celebrates metal, friendship and unity.”
Keeper Of The Light – Tracklist: 1. Last Man Standing 2. Final Ride 3. Guardian Of Eden 4. Majestica 5. Light Up the Sky 6. Keeper Of The Light 7. Party In The Sun 8. Little Bird Fly 9. Rise Of A Hero 10. Bad Surprise 11. Lords Of Metal
Since their formation, SERIOUS BLACK have established themselves as one of the leading names in modern power metal. Combining the experience of musicians from renowned metal acts with memorable songwriting, crushing guitars, anthemic choruses and emotionally charged melodies, the band has built a strong international reputation.
With multiple charting releases, more than 200 concerts worldwide, and acclaimed performances at major festivals and tours across Europe, Asia and beyond, SERIOUS BLACK continue to prove why they remain one of the genre’s most compelling live acts. Keeper Of The Light perfectly captures the band’s trademark blend of power, melody and passion while pushing their sound forward with renewed energy.
Marking the band’s next chapter, the album once again showcases everything fans have come to expect from SERIOUS BLACK: massive guitar riffs, driving rhythms, soaring melodies and the unmistakable vocals of Nikola Mijic, all wrapped in a powerful, modern production by Mario Lochert and Bob Katsionis.
All of the eleven songs on the album will see SERIOUS BLACK stylistically return to its roots. Straight, classic power metal. The sound the band once became known for reigns again.
“The return to what once characterized us was already indicated on “Vengeance Is Mine” and “Rise Of Akhenaton”,”Lochert explains the natural evolution of the band and adds: “Since joining five years ago, our singer Nikola Mijic has turned out to be a real jewel for us. Because of his expressive voice and his intuitive feeling for great melodies, the songs have gained more clarity and a more direct presence.”
SERIOUS BLACK Tour Dates: 07.01.27 – DE – ESSEN Turock 08.01.27 – NL – TILBURG O13 09.01.27 – DE – SIEGBURG Kubana 11.01.27 – UK – LONDON Underworld 12.01.27 – UK – MANCHESTER Rebellion 13.01.27 – UK – WOLVERHAMPTON KK’s Steel Mill 14.01.27 – FR – LILLE The Black Lab 15.01.27 – FR – VAUREAL Le Forum 16.01.27 – FR – LIMOGES CCM John Lennon 17.01.27 – FR – BORDEAUX Rocher de Palmer 19.01.27 – ES – MADRID Revi Live 20.01.27 – ES – BARCELONA Salamandra 21.01.27 – FR – MONTPELLIER Victoire 2 22.01.27 – FR – TOULOUSE Metronum 23.01.27 – FR – RIOM La Puce a L’Oreille 24.01.27 – FR – COLMAR Le Grillen 26.01.27 – DE – ERLENBACH Beavers 27.01.27 – CH – PRATTELN Z7 28.01.27 – FR – GRENOBLE L’Ilyade 29.01.27 – IT – MILANO Alcatraz 30.01.27 – DE – LINDAU Vaudeville 31.01.27 – DE – MUNICH Backstage 02.02.27 – HU – BUDAPEST Analog Music Club 03.02.27 – SK – NITRA JS Retro Bar 04.02.27 – CZ – PRAHA Futurum 05.02.27 – PL – KRAKOW Studio 06.02.27 – PL – WARSAW Stodola 07.02.27 – DE – LEIPZIG Hellraiser 08.02.27 – DE BERLIN Orwo Haus * 09.02.27 – DE HAMBURG Logo* 10.02.27 – BE KORTRIJK DVG Club* 11.02.27 – DE STUTTGART Wizemann * 12.02.27 – DE SELB Rockclub Nordbayern *
Headliner Shows without Rhapsody of Fire
SERIOUS BLACK: Nikola Mijic – Vocals Mario Lochert – Bass Dominik Sebastian – Guitar Maurus Mayer – Guitar, Keys Christian Widmann – Drums
Canadian modern metal band OSYRON present an electrifying offering in their new single release, “Higher.” Alongside the atmospheric track, the Canadians have launched their pre-sale for the forthcoming, self-titled, full length album. Osyronis scheduled for release on November 27, 2026, via Distortion Music Group (DMG) – Powered by Reigning Phoenix Music.
Guitarist Bobby Harley shares:
“We chose this song as the first single because we feel it’s a great representation of the band as we are now, and a good overall idea of the album. We wanted you to be able to sing the chorus right back to us after hearing it for the first time, but then leave you with a sore neck from the outro. It has all you love in an Osyron song – catchy chorus, heavy verses, dual guitar harmonies, drums, and even vocals.”
“Also, this is one of those tracks where the foundation is much older than you’d expect. The riffs and polyrhythmic patterns in the verses and outro were pulled from an idea Tyler wrote back in 2013. It finally felt like the right time to revive it, bringing it to life collaboratively with many more years of musical growth behind us.”
Of the DMG signing, the band also comments:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be joining the Distortion Music Group family for this next chapter of Osyron. After more than a decade of building this band, releasing four somewhat okay albums, playing shows across North America and Europe, developing our sound, and even having a Polish guy in the band, finding the right label for this record was extremely important to us.”
“DMG’s passion for heavy music, their international reach, and the connections they have throughout the metal community make them the perfect partner for what we want to accomplish with this album.”
“This album represents a huge step forward for us, and we couldn’t be more excited to have the babes at Distortion Music Group right there beside us as we enter this new era.”
Maurizio Iacono, General Manager of DMG, commented, “We are proud to introduce Osyron to the DMG family. The band is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets that will finally get the chance to shine on a world stage; We are happy to have them on board as they continue their journey through the progressive power metal world!”
Emerging out of an immersive atmospheric haze, “Higher” erupts into life with a ferocious brutality manifested through thunderous guitar rhythms and discordant harmonies. The track’s chorus soars with melodic intensity, while the heavy power remains relentlessly impactful. Through compelling vocal melodies to monstrous harsh, OSYRON demonstrate their prowess for balancing a sonic attack and ethereal soundscapes.
The mighty NEUROSIS continues to book new live performances in support of their mammoth An Undying Love For A Burning World LP, today announcing tour dates through the end of the year and into 2027.
Following the already announced San Francisco shows on October 16th and 17th, NEUROSIS has just announced two shows in Brooklyn on October 30th and 31st, two Chicago shows on November 21st and 22nd, two Portland shows on November 27th and 28th, a Seattle show November 29th, a set at Converge’s Saddest Day in Boston on December 12th, and a Los Angeles performance on January 2nd. They will also make their return to play two sets at Roadburn Festival in the Netherlands in April of 2027.
General ticket sales for the new shows begin this Friday, September 11th at 10am local time. Both San Francisco shows are sold out. Expect to see more NEUROSIS live announcements over the coming months.
photos by Bobby Cochran
NEUROSIS Tour Dates: 10/16/2026 The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA w/ Terry Gross [SOLD OUT] 10/17/2026 The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA w/ Kowloon Walled City [SOLD OUT] 10/30/2026 Warsaw – Brooklyn, NY w/ Uniform 10/31/2026 Warsaw – Brooklyn, NY w/ Primitive Man 11/21/2026 Metro – Chicago, IL w/ Mr. Phylzzz 11/22/2026 Metro – Chicago, IL w/ Primitive Man 11/27/2026 Revolution Hall – Portland, OR w/ special guests TBA, Great Falls 11/28/2026 Revolution Hall – Portland, OR w/ special guests TBA, Trigger Object 11/29/2026 Showbox SODO – Seattle, WA w/ special guests TBA, Great Falls 12/12/2026 Converge’s Saddest Day @ Roadrunner – Boston, MA w/ Converge, Coalesce, more 1/02/2027 The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA w/ Special Guests TBA 4/17/2027 Roadburn Festival – Tilburg, NL w/ Emma Ruth Rundle, more
The return of NEUROSIS and surprise release of their first new album in a decade, An Undying Love For A Burning World, tore a hole in the sky in March of this year. The album immediately became fan favorite in the band’s groundbreaking discography, heralded as one of the year’s best immediately upon its release.
An Undying Love For A Burning World was recorded by Scott Evans (Kowloon Walled City, Sumac, Great Falls) at Studio Litho in Seattle over three weekends this Winter and mixed in three days, just six weeks before release at Evans’ Antisleep Audio in Oakland.
Watch the FIREKEEPER ALLIANCE x NEUROSIS short film featuring the songs “We Are Torn Wide Open” and “Mirror Deep” HERE and stream the album HERE.
An Undying Love For A Burning World is available on LP in an array of variants, CD, cassette, and digital/streaming via the band’s own Neurot Recordings HERE.
Czechia OSDM beasts Sněť have officially unleashed their newest full-length, V bažinách vědomí.
Having annihilated the underground with their 2021 debut LP and kept things flowing with two splits in the interim, this promises to be an excellent slab of old-school death metal.
V bažinách vědomí is out now via Me Saco Un Ojo (vinyl and cassette) and Dark Descent Records (CD and cassette).
Watch the music video for album track “Kladivo ve tmě” at this location.
V bažinách vědomí kicks right in with ominous and eerie atmospherics coupled with some absolutely revolting grooves; it is clear these fiends mean business. It should be abundantly obvious that Sněť have been refining their craft to something precise and lethal.
Keeping those ’90s hallmarks intact while adding subtle touches that show they’ve found their own identity, the album delivers a gruesomeness and discomfort that reflects the band’s evolution without sacrificing any of its punishing intensity.
Consuming the listener with an eldritch atmosphere while piercing through the fog with pure rancidity, Sněť‘s new album boasts a massive production that crushes with total morbidity. Combining the mulch-like tones of death metal’s golden era with an even warmer, more classic sound creates a devastating mix.
Beyond its grotesque exterior lies a savage and gripping record, balancing memorable hooks with violent, chaotic passages. There is no pretence to Sněť, they simply play death metal the way they want to hear it, and that shines throughout V bažinách vědomí. If you love brutality, grooves, death and riffs, don’t miss this one.
V bažinách vědomí track list:
1) Tíha světů
2) Kladivo ve tmě
3) Natur
4) Ve stínu slunce
5) Apokalyptický smaragd budoucí doby
6) Moskyt
7) Jako každý
8) Nekončící koloběh snění a probouzení
9) Dřevěný kůl
10) Znetvořená panna
V bažinách vědomí was recorded at Golden Hive Studio by Amák Golden, and mixed and mastered by Greg Wilkinson at Earhammer Studios. Cover art by Řád Zdechlin (Tomáš Mitura).
ABSOLUTE POWER have shared the title track of their forthcoming second album, “Needs Must When The Devil Drives”, due out on November 6, 2026 via Time To Kill Records. The song features former Judas Priest and Iced Earth vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens, contributing his unmistakable screams to one of the album’s most powerful statements.
For Shane Embury, the track is also deeply personal, looking back at the environment in which he and Simon Efemey grew up and the role heavy metal played during their formative years:
“This song, whilst being title track of our new record, also talks about how both Simon and I grew up in the West Midlands listening to heavy metal of 1980’s, all the classics as you would expect. The areas where we both came from were very much industrial areas! Working class families and for us, as teenagers, heavy metal was our escape from the everyday realities of our areas. You did what you had to, just to get by. Needs Must When the Devil Drives!”
Fifteen years after the release of their self-titled debut, the heavy metal project founded by vocalist and producer Simon Efemey and Napalm Death bassist Shane Embury returns with a powerful celebration of classic heavy metal.
Drawing inspiration from the timeless legacy of Judas Priest, Saxon, Black Sabbath, Dio and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, “Needs Must When The Devil Drives” combines old-school riffs, unforgettable melodies and larger-than-life songwriting, with the energy and attitude of a new era.
The world is in meltdown and we’re all going to hell in a handbasket. Thankfully, ABSOLUTE POWER are here to offer maximum-volume resistance to the madness, with their monumental second album, “Needs Must When The Devil Drives”.
ABSOLUTE POWER is the brainchild of vocalist and producer Simon Efemey and bassist/multi-instrumentalist Shane Embury, two heavy metal lifers who, between them, have left an indelible imprint on modern music.
Embury is the longtime bassist of grindcore pioneers Napalm Death, a band that began pushing music to its furthest extremes in the 1980s and has never stopped evolving. Efemey is one of the most influential British metal producers of his generation, having shaped the modern scene through his work with artists including Paradise Lost, The Wildhearts and Napalm Death, while also developing a reputation as one of the most charismatic figures behind the scenes.
Together, they spent five years crafting “Needs Must When The Devil Drives”, an exhilarating tribute to the classic heavy metal they grew up with, infused with the energy and attitude of 2026.
“I want people to have a good time in the old school way,” says Efemey of the album. “I want them to forget the mundane, boring or horrible parts of their jobs. I want them to forget themselves for a couple of hours. That’s what good music should allow us all to do.”
The album continues the vision that originally brought ABSOLUTE POWER together: a desire to recapture the sense of adventure, grandeur and excitement that defined the heavy metal of their youth.
“When we did the first album, we wanted to make songs like our heroes, Judas Priest, Saxon, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, everything we liked as kids,” explains Efemey. “When we were on tour buses, we’d have a few drinks and start blasting old-school heavy metal like Black Sabbath or Dio. One day we said we should write our own tunes like that.”
The debut album was embraced by fans of traditional metal, and “Needs Must When The Devil Drives” expands on that foundation, delivering a collection of songs built around powerful riffs, memorable hooks and a strong sense of identity. The title itself comes from an old proverb that Efemey and Embury would jokingly repeat to each other during the recording sessions.
Alongside the title track, “Saviour” the song “Kernschmelze” showcases the band’s most direct and energetic side, while “Mountain Of Hope” increases the epic dimension that’s always been central to ABSOLUTE POWER. “Within” temporarily strips away some of the heaviness in favor of a more atmospheric and hypnotic approach, recalling the psychedelic spirit of 1970s classics such as Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan”.
The album features a reinterpretation of Queen’s 1978 classic “Sheer Heart Attack”, preserving the original’s punk-driven energy while adding the unmistakable personality of ABSOLUTE POWER.
Efemey and Embury invited several respected musicians to contribute to the album’s expansive sound. Former Judas Priest and Iced Earth vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owensreturns after appearing on the first record, delivering his unmistakable screams on the title track. The Mission and Tricky guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite adds subtle layers and textures to several songs, expanding the band’s traditional metal foundation.
“I’ve known him for years,” says Efemey. “I recorded a demo for his old band years ago. I sent him some tracks and he put some magic on them. He added a little goth flavour to some of those tracks. It took it further than the first album, which was just straight-down-the-line traditional metal.”
Also appearing on the record are Napalm Death guitarist John Cooke and drummer Carl Stokes, whose career includes collaborations with bands such as Cancer and The Groundhogs.
At the heart of ABSOLUTE POWER, however, remains the partnership between Efemey and Embury. Both grew up in the West Midlands and shared formative experiences attending concerts at Birmingham’s legendary Odeon before following very different paths: Embury becoming one of extreme metal’s defining musicians, and Efemey establishing himself as a highly respected producer.
“Over the years our paths crossed, and we realized we had a similar love for music and a similar sense of humour – Monty Python, The Young Ones, really dark humour,” says Efemey.
Throughout his career, Efemey has worked with artists ranging from British indie heroes The Wonder Stuff to extreme metal pioneers Napalm Death, but his influence has always extended far beyond production. His larger-than-life personality and his approach to music have made him a unique figure within the British scene.
“You hear the stories from back in the day about these legendary bands and the mad stuff they’d get up to,” he says. “For me, that’s part of rock’n’roll. I never wanted to just be the guy sitting there in the studio nodding along with what bands say. It was more about entertaining people and entertaining ourselves.”
Yet behind all the chaos, Efemey has always remained focused on the most important element being the songs.
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we’re serious about the music,” he says of ABSOLUTE POWER. “We reject ideas that aren’t good enough. Every song needs a good riff and a catchy melody. I wouldn’t let anything go out that was just fodder. That approach has always been prevalent in my work.”
That philosophy defines “Needs Must When The Devil Drives”. The album carries the confidence of a band that knows exactly what it wants to achieve, embracing the foundations of classic heavy metal while sounding fully alive in 2026. As the world falls apart around them, ABSOLUTE POWER stand tall, armed with riffs, melodies and songs built to last.
“I can’t think of many new British bands doing what we do,” says Efemey. “I think people like our stuff because it’s old-school with melodies you can sing along to. We use the formula from the 70s and 80s because we know it works. We make this kind of music because we love it and we want people to sing along with us.”
Track-list:
1. Needs Must When the Devil Drives (feat. Tim “Ripper” Owens) 2. Saviour 3. Kernscmelze 4. Stand Up and Be Counted 5. Within 6. Mountain of Hope 7. Insanity 8. Hammer of Justice 9. Praise the Fire 10. Sheer Heart Attack 11. Orphans of the Storm
Line-up:
Simon Efemey – vocals Shane Embury – Bass, Additional Instruments
Guests musicians:
Tim “Ripper” Owens – vocals (ex Judas Priest, Iced Earth) Mark Gemini Thwaite – guitars (The Mission, Tricky) John Cooke – guitar (Napalm Death) Carl Stokes – drums (Cancer, The Groundhogs) Joe Taylor – drums Dominik Gryzbon – lead guitar Ilsa Nielson – lead guitar
Canadian melodic death thrash force INVICTA return with “Overthrow Divinity,” the first single from their upcoming EP Sapienomachy.
Active since 2017, INVICTA have carved out a reputation for aggressive old school riffing, sharp melodic hooks, and a modern approach to death and thrash metal. With one EP and two full-length albums already behind them, the Kitchener-Waterloo band now enter a new chapter with Sapienomachy, a concept-driven release that expands their sound into power metal, traditional metal balladry, and progressive storytelling.
Inspired by Greek mythology, Sapienomachy takes its name from mythic conflicts such as the Titanomachy and Gigantomachy. The EP reimagines the tale of Prometheus giving fire to humankind, following a story in which humanity turns that gift into a weapon and wages war against the gods, ultimately destroying their universe.
The EP’s artwork was created by legendary German artist Andreas Marschall. Drawing from Greek myth, the cover depicts Prometheus embedded in the mountain, offering his final flame to humankind.
“Overthrow Divinity” launches the EP with fast-paced power metal influence, twin harmony guitar leads, and relentless drumming. Lyrically, the song is told from the perspective of humanity rising against the gods after generations of oppression and restraint. Its story also speaks to modern anxieties: mankind given tools and technologies meant to help, only to turn them toward destruction in a relentless lust for power.
Sapienomachy also marks a unique creative moment for INVICTA. Originally written as part of a full-length album, these songs were set aside and shaped into their own standalone release, allowing the band to explore a more narrative, dynamic and mythological side of their writing.
About INVICTA:
INVICTA features Kyle Edissi on guitar and vocals, Jonah Kay on guitar, Reef Hassanien on drums, and Chip Tanner on bass. The band’s discography includes The Executioner EP, Halls of Extinction, and Triumph and Torment, alongside singles and covers including “Rising Force,” “Forces of Annihilation” and “Hatebreeder.”
INVICTA have toured across Canada and the United States, including runs supporting HEATHEN and FIRST FRAGMENT, and have shared stages with LICH KING, SOULFLY, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, NAPALM DEATH, and PRIMITIVE MAN.
“Overthrow Divinity” is the first glimpse into Sapienomachy, a release that pushes INVICTA into grander, more mythic territory while retaining the speed, aggression, and melodic bite that has defined the band since its earliest days.
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!
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