Route One Booking is proud to announce that New Orleans’ undisputed kings of Sludge Metal and ‘The Heaviest Band in the World’, the mighty Crowbar, will return to the UK & Ireland in February 2026!
Kirk & the boys will be bringing a killer package for support too. Legions Of Doom, (featuring members of Trouble / Saint Vitus / Pentagram / COC etc) will be main support and rising UK hardcore / metalcore stalwarts Silverburn (featuring Jimbob of Taint / Hark) will open each show so get there early!
Tickets will go on sale for all dates on Friday 12th September at 10.00am UK time.
FEBRUARY 2026:
12.02: Dolans warehouse, Limerick, IRE 13.02: Limelight 2, Belfast, N. IRE 14.02: Opium, Dublin, IRE 16.02: Cathouse, Glasgow, UK 17.02: University, Newcastle, UK 18.02: Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, UK 19.02: Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, UK 20.02: Phoenix, Exeter, UK 21.02: Rebellion, Manchester, UK 22.02: Waterfront, Norwich, UK 24.02: KK’s Steelmill, Wolverhampton, UK 25.02: The Globe, Cardiff, UK 26.02: Kola, Portsmouth, UK 27.02: Electric Ballroom, London, UK 28.02: Blitz, Preston, UK
Reigning Phoenix Music, in collaboration with Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, is thrilled to announce that COLD SLITHER, the reimagined heavy metal menace inspired by the infamous band from G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero, is preparing to take New York by storm. The show will take place on October 11th, the same weekend as NYC’s Comic Con, where the Gramercy Theatre will be conquered by an explosive sonic force that fuses nostalgia with a modern metal powerhouse. Get your tickets HERE.
Zartan comments on the forthcoming NYC show:
“Well, well, it seems as though there are several potential recruits whom have a desire to join our small but elite society of Dreadnoks… This time in New York City! Our services are once again called upon by Cobra Commander and Reigning Phoenix Music to melt minds with Cold Slither! So be it, my Dreadnoks and I will see you all October 11th… Come prepared…Cobraaaaa!!”
The show announcement follows the release of the self-titled debut album in June of this year via Reigning Phoenix Music. Also on the horizon, the G.I. Joe-stanning supergroup are set to join the Decibel Flexi Series with an exclusive new banger, “Cobra Island.”
Cold Slither is a declaration of war. Fronted by the enigmatic Zartan and his ruthless Dreadnok bandmates Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer, the band fuses old-school heavy metal with anarchic energy and unrelenting force. With tracks built on punishing riffs, venomous vocals, and apocalyptic atmosphere, COLD SLITHER resurrects the myth and turns it into a modern-day metal juggernaut.
Featuring 10 original tracks and a remastered version of their cult-classic single “Cold Slither,” the album plunges into dystopian metal with themes of swamp-born menace and Cobra-fueled power. The Cold Slither album is available across digital and vinyl formats.
“Taan ti le Xibalba” now available on all streaming/download platforms
Guadalajara-based Ancestral folk metal group CEMICAN – hailed by Revolver as “an ancient Mexican answer to The Hu or Heilung” – are proud to bring you their latest opus, ‘U_k’u’uk’ankil_Mayakaaj.’ Much anticipated, this album comes out Oct. 31st and the pre-order for it is here: http://lnk.to/cemican
Available on digital, as well as jewelcase CD with 20-page booklet and limited-edition colored 2LP gatefold vinyl featuring two variants – the N. American variant on K’Awiil (300 blue orange haze) representing the celestial fire/lightning and abundance or the European variant Itzamna (200 purple) for he who embodies the cosmos – the god of the heavens who taught the Mayan people language. We’ve even added the two singles released mid-cycle (one created for Adult Swim programming) as bonus tracks.
“Cemican’s new album, ’U k ‘u’ uk’ankil Mayakaaj’ (translated as the Mayan Resistance) is based on Mayan ideology, worldview, mysticism, and the universe. It contains various legends and stories of ancestral gods, the duality of life and death, as well as stories based on the band members, transformed with that touch that identifies us,” explainsdrummerTlipoca.
“The concept was taken as a way to revive what our warriors and their Mayan people were, honoring this great Mayan culture and representing the worldview and mysticism of this great ancestral empire.”
“The album contains a dark and aggressive atmosphere, as well as some songs with tranquil melodies. A sound that embodies that language of music with ancestral instruments that Cemican has achieved as its own unique and hallucinatory sound, fused with lyrics that blend Spanish with Yucatan Mayan. This new album is a tribute to our ancestral peoples, their stories and their customs, giving a valuable message of their language and their ancestral glory.”
Today, we also reveal the cover art to ‘U k ‘u’ uk’ankil Mayakaaj’ created and designed by Tlipoca.
“It depicts the great creation of the Mayan universe and the elements of life (water, fire, wind, and earth) by the great supreme Itzamnaaj… raising the great Temple of Kukulkan for the worship of the Mayan people. Among the immensity of the ocean, the first sacred man emerges, creating the inter-dimensional chaos between trails and nebula. In the right hand of the great Itzamnaaj, a black hole is born, representing the great infinite darkness. In his left hand, a whirlwind of fire represents the beginning of light or the dawn of life and the beginning of it. At the top, between an avalanche of meteors and stellar earth, two faces are drawn: that of a woman or mother, who gives life or the birth of humans; and on the other side, the face of death, representing the cycle of earthly man in his passage through this life.”
The album has been preceded by two single/music video releases: the thundering “Taan ti le Xibalba” and “KUKULKÁN WAKAH CHAN” with its corresponding epic music video.
The music of CEMICAN – whose name means “the duality of life and death” in the Aztecan language of Nahuatl (spoken by 2 million people in Central Mexico) – incorporates elements of the legends, mysticism and ideologies of ancient Mexican culture. Compared by Revolver to “Slipknot scoring Mel Gibson’s ‘Apocalypto,’” while praised by Brooklyn Vegan for “combining indigenous instrumentation with Headbanger’s Ball-worthy riffage” the group combine the modern instrumentation of a metal band with traditional pre-Hispanic instruments.
Since releasing their third album, In Ohtli Teoyohtica In Miquiztli, in 2019, and M-Theory Audio debut, CEMICAN have performed alongside some of metal’s top names (Amon Amarth, Korpiklaani, Ensiferum, Eluveitie, etc.) in their native Mexico.
In addition, the six-piece group became a regular fixture of European festivals like France’s Hellfest and the Paris edition of Download Festival, Germany’s Wacken Open Air, Spain’s Resurrection Fest and Leyendas Del Rock, as well multiple festival performances in their homeland – Hell & Heaven Fest, Force Fest, Mexico Metal Fest, Dragon Rojo Fest, Tattoo Fest, Knotfest and countless more; as well as appearances in Central and South America. CEMICAN have received regular airplay on Sirius XM Liquid Metal, and composed an original song, “Yóok ‘ol kaab Maya,” for the Adult Swim network. 2025 will mark more opportunities and breakthroughs are in store for the extremely original, creative and epic act.
Swedish metal band ELEINE simply can’t return to the stages unnoticed: embarking on a massive European tour as special guests to label mates PRIMAL FEAR, they simultaneously celebrate the release of their We Stand United EP through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). A strong title underlining the unparalleled bond ELEINE have built with their worldwide fan legions over the years, which becomes even thicker! An unreleased song as well as live and orchestral versions of selected ELEINE classics are now available for streaming and on limited CD and vinyl editions. Get your (signed) copy & listen to We Stand United here:
Vocalist Madeleine & guitarist/vocalist Rikard comment: “We wanted to give you something in between album cycles. A feel of what’s to come, where we stand right now and a closer look at our past. This is We Stand United – an EP dedicated towards our strong and loyal fans across the world including live tracks and something brand new! On this EP, w present you with live tracks on CD and vinyl for the first time ever! We enjoy the studio, but it will always be when performing LIVE that we truly thrive as a band. This is where we connect with the crowd, where we create beautiful and empowering memories together and where we get to live out the songs on stage. We Stand United is a 5-track EP carrying new heavy riffs, thundering live performances and a rawness we feel many will appreciate.”
Introduced by “Towards The Fields”, the release’s main focus lays on its brand new title track, which highlights the group’s magic touch for vibrant songwriting while still giving space to their soaringly uplifting and symphonic trademark moments. To give the We Stand United music video the attention it deserves, ELEINE are pleased to announce that they’ll witness its unveiling together with their main driving force – their fans – on Monday, September 8 @ 6PM CEST. Subscribe here & join the watch party: https://eleine.rpm.link/youtubePR
We Stand United – Track Listing: 01. Towards The Fields (Intro) 02. We Stand United 03. Never Forget [Live at Masters of Rock 2024] 04. We Are Legion [Live at Masters of Rock 2024] 05. Promise Of Apocalypse [Symphonic Version]
Photo credit: Timo Isoaho AMORPHIS @ Sonic Pump Studios (Helsinki, Finland)
L-R: Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine (bass), Tomi Koivusaari (guitars), Santeri Kallio (keyboards), Jan Rechberger (drums, percussion), Tomi Joutsen (vocals), Esa Holopainen (guitars)
Invited to Helsinki’s Sonic Pump Studios under a pretext, Finnish metal icons AMORPHIS have been decorated with gold records for sales of their 2022 studio album Halo by their label partners Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The band’s management, distribution and media partners gathered secretly earlier this week to witness the handover of the awards at the iconic Finnish recording studio, where the sextet crafted a number of much-loved albums over the years and even parts of Halo.
Still being busy with interviews to support their forthcoming offering Borderland, due out on September 26, 2025, as well as tour preparations, AMORPHIS were pleasantly surprised when the shiny vinyls were presented to them.
Guitarist Esa Holopainen states: “Achieving a gold record is far from being guaranteed in these days. We’re truly grateful to all listeners and fans who supported us along the way. ‘Halo’ wasn’t an easy album to make as the corona virus was challenging the world. Some parts of its production had to be done remotely, while at other times we were actually allowed to travel to our beloved neighbouring country Sweden. ‘Halo’ also isn’t the easiest album of the AMORPHIS catalogue, but it certainly has its special moments which will live on through people’s sound systems and our live shows.”
Originally released on February 11, 2022, AMORPHIS managed to hit the top of the official album chart in their home country for the sixth time in their eventful career with Halo. Many other notable global entries (Germany #3, Switzerland #4, Austria #7) completed this enormously successful launch under complicated circumstances.
Followed by a Finnish headline run and a European arena tour alongside ARCH ENEMY, ELUVEITIE and GATECREEPER, the group’s new album, Borderland, will become available in late September.
Pre-order Borderlandin your preferred physical format (ltd. box set & more) & stream it once out to possibly add yet another gold record to AMORPHIS’ treasure room:
The new music video from heavy rock all-stars ALPHA DESTROYER – featuring Martin Sweet (Crashdïet), Kelly LeMieux (Buckcherry), and Eric Sexton-Dorsett (Sleepless), is now streaming. “Lobotomized” marks the third single off the band’s upcoming debut album, Fast Lane.
A true ripper in every sense, “Lobotomized” anchors the album’s thematic momentum, cementing the band’s vision for sonic intensity in untamed fashion.
Fast Lane is due out this fall on Necromantic Press Records. Physical copies of Fast Lane, including limited-edition red splatter and standard black vinyl, will begin shipping on October 15. The album will be available on all streaming platforms on October 31. Pre-orders are available at this location.
Maggot Stomp is proud to announce the debut full-length album from death metal upstarts Dying Remains. Merciless Suffering is set for release on Friday, September 19th. The band has also unleashed a chilling new music video for the track “Hung and Drawn,” which can be viewed HERE.
Merciless Suffering is a masterclass in songwriting, delivering an uncompromising blend of crushing brutality and catchy, well-crafted moments that mold together into a monolithic force. This is death metal for those who appreciate the genre’s time-tested foundation. Dying Remains brings together seminal sounds reminiscent of acts like Morta Skuld, Jungle Rot, and Obituary while still keeping things fresh and exciting for a new generation of death metal to take root.
The video for “Hung and Drawn” was directed by Aron Diaz and serves as a visual companion to the album’s core lyrical themes. Drawing heavily from ’70s and ’80s B-grade gore films, the video is a short horror film that depicts one gruesome segment from the album’s over-arching story of a sprawling torture chamber. The band, all avid fans of the horror genre, wanted to bring this macabre vision to life, and the result is a truly unsettling and memorable piece of art.
DYING REMAINS TOUR DATES – Headline: 9/12 | Edmonton, AB | 99ten 9/13 | Calgary, AB | The Rock Shop 9/14 | Vancouver, BC | The Cobalt 9/15 | Seattle, WA | Belltown Yacht Club 9/16 | Olympia, WA | The Crypt 9/17 | Portland, OR | Twilight Cafe 9/19 | Sacramento, CA | The Starlet Room
w/ Gored Embrace: 9/20 | San Fernando, CA | Midnight Hour 9/21 | San Diego, CA | The Che Cafe 9/22 | Phoenix, AZ | Palo Verde Lounge 9/23 | Tuscon, AZ | 951 Calle Castile 9/25 | Houston, TX | Eighteen Ten Ojeman 9/26 | San Antonio, TX | O’Death 9/27 | Dallas, TX | Double Wide 9/28 | Kansas City, MO | Howdy 9/30 | Denver, CO | Seventh Circle 10/2 | Salt Lake City, UT | Black Lung Society 10/3 | Boise, ID | TBA 10/4 | Spokane, WA | The Big Dipper
w/ Mutilation Barbecue: 10/6 | Fargo, ND | The Aquarium 10/7 | Minneapolis, MN | Pillar Forum 10/8 | Milwaukee, WI | Cactus Club 10/9 | Chicago, IL | Reggies 10/10 | Cleveland, OH | No Class 10/11 | Fort Wayne, IN | Legion Post 241 10/12 | Louisville, KY | Magnolia Bar 10/13 | Springfield, MO | Lindbergs Tavern
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
Rising rock force KALAMITY KILLS unleashes a bold and reverent take on “I Don’t Know” with their latest video release, featuring powerhouse drummer Ray Luzier (KORN) and legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, THE WINERY DOGS). This electrifying reinterpretation of the classic track pays homage to the enduring legacy of the Prince of Darkness himself: OZZY OSBOURNE.
The idea for the tribute was sparked after the band witnessed OZZY’s final performance at the Back to the Beginning Concert in Birmingham, England. Deeply moved, KALAMITY KILLS set out to honor the icon who shaped so much of their musical DNA.
Guitarist JAMEY PERRENOT, whose playing is deeply influenced by the late, great RANDY RHOADS, infused this version of “I Don’t Know” with both reverence and fire. Fans of OZZY will also hear subtle nods to other classics woven throughout: a sonic Easter egg hunt for the diehards.
Special thanks to Ray Luzier and Billy Sheehan for joining the sonic rebellion on this one.
The release also comes with news that the Expanded Edition of Kalamity Kills will be available on September 9, 2025. This edition will include brand-new tracks, alternate mixes, and exclusive content on CD in limited quantities. A candy apple red vinyl edition is set to follow in April 2026.
Track Listing:
Anthem
Dearest Enemy
What’s On Your Mind
Dark Secrets
The Chemistry of Meant To Be
ALIEN
Hellfire Honey
Burn
Sinners Welcome
I Still Believe
Amen
Bonus Tracks:
Afraid
Starry Skies (988) (feat. Aaron Gillespie from Underoath)
Dark Secrets (2025 Version)
Dearest Enemy (Pressure) (Scott Bush alt. Mix)
The Chemistry of Meant To Be (Kellan McGregor Radio Mix)
Jingle Bells (Slay)
About KALAMITY KILLS:
KALAMITY KILLS is a hard rock band forged in the heart of East Nashville, Tennessee. Formed in 2022 by vocalist Jamie Rowe and guitarist/producer Jamey Perrenot, the band emerged from the ashes of a solo project into a fully realized sonic assault; fueled by raw emotion, modern aggression and a deep respect for rock’s roots. With a sound that fuses the swagger of classic hard rock with the intensity and polish of modern metal, KALAMITY KILLS strikes a rare balance between power and vulnerability.
Best known for their debut self-titled album Kalamity Kills, the band quickly turned heads thanks to high-profile collaborations with members of KORN, 3 DOORS DOWN, LA GUNS, CONQUER DIVIDE, and UNDEROATH. Their music has earned national airplay on SIRIUSXM’s Octane, landed on the Billboard Active Rock charts, and crossed over into viral success without ever chasing trends.
More than just a studio project, KALAMITY KILLS is a growing force with a full live lineup, including bassist/vocalist Julia Lauren Bullock and drummer Rob Bodley. Their songs, ranging from explosive anthems to brutally honest ballads, tackle themes of faith, failure, hypocrisy, redemption, and the messy beauty of being human.
KALAMITY KILLS is for the outsiders, the misfits, the ones who’ve been burned and are still standing. Loud. Unapologetic. Unforgettable.
“I Am The Primal Fear” is the perfect track to mark the release of German metal force PRIMAL FEAR’s new album, Domination. Out today via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), the 13-track record is a powerful statement of the band’s legacy and a showcase of their unmistakable sound.
Order Domination (excl. bundles, ltd. CD earbook, digipak-CD, jewel case-CD & various vinyl variants) & stream it here: https://primalfear.rpm.link/dominationPR
A future fan favourite and live anthem in the making, “I Am The Primal Fear” kicks off with a burst of solo drumming before the full PRIMAL FEAR engine roars to life, unleashing thunderous riffs and soaring melodic leads. The verses feel like an intense showdown, with vocalist Ralf Scheepers delivering a fierce performance, driven by the relentless rhythm section of bassist Mat Sinner and drummer André Hilger. Adding to the firepower is the band’s new guitar dream team, Thalìa Bellazecca and Magnus Karlsson, trading off with precision and power.
The intense call-and-response dynamic builds to a powerful, no-holds-barred chorus that sends a clear message: despite a few setbacks over the years, PRIMAL FEAR never considered calling it quits. The eagle was never gone, it was simply gathering strength, ready to soar once again and shake the metal world with an album that confidently claims its place among the top tier of heavy and power metal.
“Again, outta my way, I am the Primal Fear! No one can stop me and I’m gonna hunt you tonight, I’m your worst nightmare whenever you are trying to fool me!” states Scheepers.
Lyric video produced by Ingo Spörl (Omni Sensus Media)
Domination was recorded at Dennis Ward’s Kangaroo Studios (HELLOWEEN, ANGRA etc.) in autumn 2024, produced by Mat Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers as well as Magnus Karlsson. Rounded off by multiple PRIMAL FEAR mixing/mastering engineer Jacob Hansen (AMORPHIS, VOLBEAT etc.) at his own studios in Denmark, the album artwork was designed by Death.Milk.Designs.
Domination – Track Listing: 01. The Hunter 02. Destroyer 03. Far Away 04. I Am The Primal Fear 05. Tears Of Fire 06. Heroes And Gods 07. Hallucinations 08. Eden [feat. Melissa Bonny of AD INFINITUM] 09. Scream 10. The Dead Don’t Die 11. Crossfire 12. March Boy March 13. A Tune I Won’t Forget Bonus Track [physical only; excl. jewel case-CD] 14. Bridges Will Burn
L-R: André Hilgers (drums), Magnus Karlsson (guitars), Ralf Scheepers (vocals), Thalìa Bellazecca (guitars), Mat Sinner (bass, vocals)
PRIMAL FEAR live: Domination Tour 2025 w/ ELEINE Presented by Metal Hammer, musix, Rock Antenne, Rock It!, Break Out & ITM 05.09.2025 DE Hamburg – Markthalle 06.09.2025 DE Leipzig – Anker 07.09.2025 DE Bochum – Zeche 09.09.2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal
10.09.2025 DE Munich – Backstage 12.09.2025 DE Memmingen – Kaminwerk 13.09.2025 DE Mannheim – Capitol 14.09.2025 DE Regensburg-Obertraubling – Eventhall Airport 16.09.2025 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 18.09.2025 DE Berlin – Hole 44 19.09.2025 DE Naila – Frankenhalle 20.09.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Halle) 21.09.2025 BE Sint-Niklaas – De Casino 23.09.2025 NL Amstelveen – P60 25.09.2025 PL Warsaw – Stodola 26.09.2025 CZ Prague – MeetFactory 27.09.2025 CZ Zlín – Masters of Rock Café 30.09.2025 ES Madrid – Mon 01.10.2025 ES Murcia – Garaje 03.10.2025 ES Barcelona – Salamandra 04.10.2025 ES Pamplona – Sala Totem
Raleigh (NC) – U.S. Black ‘N Rollers, Valletta, have signed to Lifeforce Records and are set to release new EP, Bitter Lucid Truth, on October 24.
There’s a palpable sense of urgency in Bitter Lucid Truth. Valletta’s second proper release embraces what guitarist and singer Keenan Carroll describes as “anger, repulsion and intolerance toward the current political landscape.” But for all its confrontational inspiration, it’s also one of the year’s most thrilling metal releases.
With Bitter Lucid Truth, the Raleigh, N.C. quartet of Carroll, drummer Justin Valletta, bassist Cody Rogers, and guitarist/backing vocalist Will Goodyear, churn negative emotions into forceful, dynamic and “just genuinely pissed-off” outbursts that are equally searing and soaring.
This should come as no surprise from the veteran troupe, whose collective resume spans a heavy spectrum from sludge to prog to black metal, in bands including Lord Almighty, Barishi, Mo’ynoq, Prayer for Cleansing, and Between the Buried And Me. And, indeed, Valletta’s 2024 debut, Summer, (Forcefield Records), defined a compelling hybrid of anthemic melody and bitter vitriol. But while Summer slung big riffs and even bigger hooks, Bitter Lucid Truth wields them like weapons.
“Aggressor” and “Cold Death” fuses the melodic impulses that have drawn comparisons to Tribulation and Kvelertak with a harsher, more belligerent approach more akin to Tragedy’s bold and defiantly melodic neo-crust. This is perhaps most apparent in the EP’s closing salvo, “Spitting the Word,” which answers “Doing Well’s” comparatively reflective tone with a vicious exclamation point. Of the song’s intent, Carroll says, “It’s time to speak your mind. No more thought paralysis.”
Managing to capture a boiling rage with a more dynamic and expansive approach to songwriting, Bitter Lucid Truth is a massive leap forward for the already ascendant band. Expect to see these vicious anthems take on a new life when Valletta brings them to the stage.
Bitter Lucid Truth will be available on limited 12″ splatter vinyl, CD Digipak, ultra-limited cassette , and digital formats. Pre-order/Pre-save the EP at: https://orcd.co/valletta_blt
U.S. tours are planned for October of this year, surrounding the EP’s October release. In 2026, Valletta will accompany a European tour with a re-release of Summer also expected through Lifeforce Records.
Line-Up:
Justin Valletta – Drums Cody Rogers – Bass Keenan Carroll – Guitar & Lead Vocals Will Goodyear – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Cascading Misery, the suffocating and ominous debut album from Pittsburgh-based death metal quartet RITUAL MASS, is now streaming ahead of its release this Friday on 20 Buck Spin.
The debut full-length album from RITUAL MASS is more than a collection of songs, it’s a series of calculated assaults on the virtue of the holy. Evolving beyond earlier EP and demo releases, Cascading Misery encapsulates the bludgeoning infliction of pain and the slow peel of skin by flame, rife with both sonic chaos and extinguished hope.
From the outset of album opener “Obsidian Mirror,” the atmosphere is oppressive, thick with a suffocating malaise. There is a sense of something ceremonial at work but not in a way that seeks communion. Rather it’s ordeal as sacrament. Riffs strangle and churn into convulsive submission, oscillating from slow agony to psychotic break, over which a guttural lament so savage it freezes the blood is wrenched through dungeon stone.
Each track unfolds like time spent in isolation, bound by chains, the mind slowly unraveling and surrounded by memories of torment both real and imagined. By the time the epic 14-minute album closer “Disquiet” dissipates into a mass of formless static, RITUAL MASS has dragged you into a world where suffering is not an end but a condition of existence. Cascading Misery is music for the dissolution of hope, the terror of being, and the long march toward death.
Cascading Misery was engineered by Greg Wilkinson at Mr. Smalls Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, with vocal tracking engineered by John Kerr, and mixed/mastered by Wilkinson at his Earhammer Studios in Oakland (Ulthar, Autopsy, Undergang, Vastum). The cover painting, logo, and layout were done by RITUAL MASS’s P. Trona with additional artwork by Bo Orr and Erik Von Bartholomaus and 35mm photography by J. Adams.
Stream RITUAL MASS’ Cascading Misery in its consuming entirety early on YouTube RIGHT HERE.
The signing of RITUAL MASS to the 20 Buck Spin roster marks the first band from the label’s current base in Pittsburgh. For fans of Vastum, Krypts, Phrenelith, Master, Incantation, Abhorrence, Funebrarum, and Disembowelment, RITUAL MASS must be heard.
photos by J. Adams
Cascading Misery will be released on LP, CD, MC, and digitally this Friday, September 5th. Find preorder options at the 20 Buck Spin webshop HERE and Bandcamp HERE.
RITUAL MASS Live:
10/02/2025 Brillobox – Pittsburgh, PA *Cascading Misery record release show
RITUAL MASS is booking new dates in support of Cascading Misery, including a hometown release show for the album on October 2nd. Watch for further details and dates to be posted.
Today Texas metal legends HELSTAR unveil their new single, “The Devil’s Masquerade.” The track marks another powerful chapter in the band’s legacy of dark, heavy, and thought-provoking music.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, frontmanJames Riverareveals: “Such as the title track, The Devil’s Masquerade is about the movie Annabel and not the devil. However, in the third line of the last verse, it says ‘It’s 3 in the morning, your heart starts to race.’ What a lot of people don’t know is that 3 in the morning is the real evilest time of the night, when the devil or an entity of evil most likely will appear, not midnight.”
With haunting riffs, relentless rhythms, and Rivera’s unmistakable vocals, “The Devil’s Masquerade”showcases HELSTAR at their most intense and uncompromising. The video complements the song’s chilling atmosphere, delivering a visual journey as powerful as the music itself.
“The Devil’s Masquerade” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
HELSTAR will release their long-awaited 11th studio album, The Devil’s Masquerade on September 12th, 2025 through Massacre Records. The album will be available as a limited Mediabook, Ltd. Vinyl LP in various colors, and digital formats. Pre-orders: https://save-it.cc/massacre/the-devils-masquerade-album
Track listing: 1. Avernus 2. The Devil’s Masquerade 3 Stygian Miracles 4. Carcass For A King 5. The Staff Of Truth 6. Seek Out Your Sins 7. The Haunting Mirror 8. The Black Wall 9. Suerte De Muleta 10. I Am The Way
HELSTAR are set to unleash their power across Europe this winter with their new trek: The Devil’s Masquerade Tour 2025. Known for their fiery blend of classic heavy metal and thrash intensity, HELSTAR will bring their crushing live energy to fans in Greece, Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Spain.
Fronted by the iconic James Rivera, HELSTAR promises an unforgettable setlist spanning their storied career, packed with fan favorites and deep cuts alike. This tour marks another chapter in the band’s relentless mission to keep true heavy metal alive on European stages.
The Devil’s Masquerade Tour 2025: 28.11.2025 – Greece, Thessaloniki, Eightball 29.11.2025 – Greece, Athens, An Club 30.11.2025 – Greece, Agrinio, Metal Union 03.12.2025 – Slovenia, Medvode, Klub Jedro 04.12.2025 – Italy, Torino, El Barrio 06.12.2025 – Germany, Oberhausen, Helvete 07.12.2025 – Belgium, Diest, Hell 08.12.2025 – Germany, Munchen, Backstage 09.12.2025 – Germany, Stuttgart, Der Schwarze Keiler 11.12.2025 – Spain, Madrid, Sala Silikona 12.12.2025 – Spain, Valencia, Sala Zulu 13.12.2025 – Spain, Barcelona, Sala Lennon’s 14.12.2025 – Spain, Portugalete, Sala Groove
The Devil’s Masquerade marks a powerful return to the band’s roots, bringing back the classic creative chemistry between James Rivera (vocals) and Larry Barragan (guitars). The album was produced and mixed by Barragan at Hombre Malo Studios, and mastered by Robert Colwell at Colwell Mastering.
Lyrically, The Devil’s Masquerade dives deep into tales of vampirism, demonic possession, and mankind’s downfall – drawing inspiration from cult horror films and series such as Annabelle, Midnight Mass, The Exorcist: Pope, and even classic Twilight Zone episodes. Each track tells a story, blending myth, horror, and symbolism with HELSTAR’s trademark power.
The song “I Am The Way” features an all-star guest appearance by iconic Texas metal voices Robert Lowe, Jason McMaster, Travis Willis, George Call, Mike Soliz, Christopher Salinas, Drew Brown, Jeff Vandenburg, and Christian Larson.
FrontmanJames Riverastates: “All I can say is that this album is every Helstar fan’s dream come true. Larry and I went back to the old-school way of working together, and you can hear that energy from the very first track. We’ve taken the bull by the horns, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic we’ve always created.”
From their classic debut Burning Star (1984) to milestones like Nosferatu (1989), and more recent releases such as This Wicked Nest (2014) and Vampiro (2016), HELSTAR have carved a unique and enduring legacy in US heavy metal. With The Devil’s Masquerade, the band once again proves their legendary status, delivering a fierce and uncompromising new chapter.
HELSTAR are: James Rivera – vocals Larry Barragan – guitars Mikey Lewis – drums Garrick Smith – bass Alan DeLeon JR. – guitars
Fans at Tauron Arena were treated to a special moment on August 19th when Wacław “Vogg” Kiełtyka, guitarist of Polish death metal titans DECAPITATED, joined French metal juggernauts GOJIRA on stage. Vogg stepped in for a blistering performance of GOJIRA’s classic track “From The Sky.”
The collaboration electrified the audience, who erupted as the two forces of modern metal united in Kraków. GOJIRA, known for their crushing riffs and atmospheric intensity, welcomed Vogg with open arms, marking a powerful meeting between two of the most influential bands in contemporary heavy music.
“This was a truly unforgettable night,” said Vogg after the show. “I had the unimaginable pleasure and honor of performing From The Sky with my dear friends from the mighty Gojira. It was one of the most unforgettable and epic moments of my entire music life. I am still blown away by how amazing the time was with them in my hometown of Kraków. I will never forget this day.”
Gojira – “From The Sky” with Vogg (Live at TAURON Arena in Kraków, Poland, 19.08.2025):https://youtu.be/mpBt85iDN0Y
GOJIRA’s performance in Kraków was part of their ongoing tour, bringing their acclaimed sound to audiences across Europe with support from KERRY KING. The addition of Vogg highlighted the band’s close ties with the global metal community and underscored their mutual respect for one another’s artistry.
The night will be remembered as a milestone for Polish fans, witnessing a rare and monumental collaboration on home soil.
About DECAPITATED:
Across eight studio albums, DECAPITATED grew from the adolescent dream of teenagers from a small Central European town to one of the leaders of the metal genre. Each successive album further expands the band’s sound with genre-bending authenticity and integrity. As Metal Injection rightfully observed, “any self-respecting death metalhead knows the name well.”
DECAPITATED’s music is a weapon forged by four young men from a historic medieval-fortified town in Poland, which catapulted them to the top of a worldwide subculture. Like a rose in the devil’s garden, the DECAPITATED story builds triumph from tragedy. The gleeful grotesquery of extreme metal imagery and rifftastic bludgeoning beckons listeners to uncover broader truths.
Vogg and his younger brother, drummer Witold “Vitek” Kiełtyka, co-founded DECAPITATED in 1996. The rule-breaking ferocity and invention of their first four albums reinvigorated death metal. Sadly, this era came to a shocking end in late 2007, when the band’s bus collided with a large truck near the Russian border with Belarus. Vitek tragically passed away from his injuries. He was just 23.
Vogg summoned the courage to continue, in honor of his brother and what they created, and returned with a new incarnation of DECAPITATED and the fiercely adventurous comeback album, Carnival is Forever (2011). Anticult (2017) increased the musical diversity without sacrificing their signature sound.
The devoted supporters who traveled to see DECAPITATED on international tours with the likes of Lamb Of God, Meshuggah, and Soulfly over the years will recognize the ever-present pummeling backbone of Cancer Culture (2022). Driven by Vogg’s passion and integrity, the dual emphasis on invention and skill maintains DECAPITATED’s stature as genre-leaders in 2025 and beyond.
Rising Steel have released their new studio album Legion Of The Grave, out now via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate, they share the new single and accompanying visualizer, “Nightmare”, available now.
Watch the official visualizer for “Nightmare” HERE
Lead vocalist Emmanuelson described the new single by saying: “This third single from the new album transports us into a feeling between a sharp hard rock and the heavy of the 80’s revisited with Rising Steel sauce. This song is a perfect balance between power and melody, ultimately pure Rising Steel!”
About the album, the band commented: “Sharpened in both sound and spirit, we returned to a more old-school heavy metal approach – without losing the raw energy and intensity that have long defined our style. Every track hits with precision, driven by razor-sharp riffs, commanding vocals, and an organic production that channels the true passion of real metal.”
“The album explores darker and more introspective themes, focusing on lost identity, inner struggles, and the strength to rise again. With a mix of raw emotion and powerful imagery, we aim to take the listener on a journey through personal battles that reflect broader human experiences. It’s both a statement of resistance and a search for meaning”, they added.
Line Up: Emmanuelson – Vocals Steel Zard – Drums Tony Steel – Guitars Steff Leadmaster – Lead guitars Stone warrior – Bass
Rising Steel‘s new album, Legion Of The Grave is their fourth full-length studio effort and it sees the French metallers playing as ferociously as ever, while continuing to evolve their heavy and aggressive sound.
The album was recorded in France by Mathieu Gaud and Steel Zard at Studio de la Plaine (KNT) and Lezard Studio. Mixing duties were handled by Staffan Karlsson and Rickard Bengtsson at Sweetspot Studio in Sweden, known for their work with bands like Meshuggah and Arch Enemy. It was mastered by the renowned Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios in Finland, ensuring a production that’s as powerful and precise as the music itself.
Legion Of The Grave – Track-list:
1. Betrayer 2. King Of The Universe 3. Black Martin 4. Legion Of The Grave 5. Nightmare 6. Venomous 7. Messiah Of Death 8. Dead Mind 9. Trapped In A Soul’s Garden 10. Night Vision
Based in Grenoble, France, Rising Steel deliver a “not so” classical heavy metal experience, drawing strong influence from the ‘80s NWOBHM movement, as well as elements of hard rock and thrash. With nods to iconic bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, their music also appeals to fans of Metallica, Accept, Saxon, Grand Magus, Nevermore, and Slayer.
Following the release of their debut EP Warlord (2014) and the full-length album Return Of The Warlord (2016), the band gained traction by sharing stages with acts such as Jaded Heart, Sister Sin, Nightmare, ADX, Nashville Pussy, and Annihilator. This helped increase their international visibility.
Their second and third albums, Fight Them All and Beyond The Gates Of Hell, both released via Frontiers Music Srl, further cemented their reputation in the European metal scene.
Now, with Legion Of The Grave, Rising Steel return with an explosive offering full of crushing riffs, high-speed rhythms, and no-compromise heavy metal power. It’s a must listen for headbangers seeking pure, unfiltered metal mayhem.
The mystic Canadians Finnr’s Cane return with their self-titled fourth album, a haunting and introspective journey through the frozen landscapes of the mind. Available now, the album marks their debut with renowned Swedish label Nordvis Produktion, and is a powerful continuation of their unique blend of atmospheric black metal, doom, and ambient music.
Hailing from the icy expanse of Sudbury, Ontario, Finnr’s Cane has always operated on the fringes, letting their music speak for itself. The band has forged a distinctive sound by forgoing a traditional bass in favor of the melancholic, resonant tones of a cello. This unconventional instrumentation, combined with an improvisational songwriting approach, creates an organic, almost ritualistic quality to their music.
Their new album, arriving just in time for the end of summer and rise of the autumn, delves deep into themes of nature, introspection, and the spiritual connection to the land. It is an album that unfolds slowly, building from somber acoustic passages to powerful, distorted crescendos. The cello remains a central pillar, providing a deep, mournful resonance that sets their sound apart.
For fans of Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Fen. This record is a compelling exploration of liminal spaces and the sacred elements of the wilderness.
Finnr’s Cane is available worldwide on all major streaming platforms and Bandcamp now.
Physical Release Information:
Europe: The album is available for purchase now through the Silent Future Distribution web store at: https://shop.silentfuture.se.
Rest of the World: The physical release for non-European countries will follow on September 19th with the launch of a new official Nordvis store based in the United States. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.
When William J. Tsamis, founder of legendary epic metal masters Warlord, sadly passed away on the 13th of May 2021, at the age of only 60, it looked as if the premature death of one of the most creative forces in American metal had come. However, Warlord bounced back in 2024, with a new line-up and a brand new highly acclaimed studio album entitled Free Spirit Soar (High Roller Records).
This was quickly followed by FromThe Ashes To The Archives – The Hot Pursuit Continues, a limited edition release to mark the occasion of the band’s festival appearances in 2024 with returning Warlord vocalist Giles Lavery. (who also sings for Jack Starr and Alcatrazz).
With a new studio album in the bag, it was time for the “reborn” Warlord to hit the road. In the summer of 2024, they appeared at Trveheim (Germany), Golden R Festival (Greece), Pyrenean Warriors (France) and Metalitalia (Italy).
It was the band’s idea to give their loyal following a something extra in return for their loyalty, as Giles Lavery explains: “We wanted to do something special and also something I don’t think anyone else has ever done before – release and “give away” an exclusive ‘free download’ song to mark each festival stop on the tour, four of them in one month. The reactions at these shows was again something that exceeded our expectations, people singing every word with us, the energy and response from the festival crowds was amazing.”
The songs we are talking about are “Golgotha (Place Of The Skull)”, “The Rainbow”, “Lost Archangel” and “Stygian Passage”. All four can be found now in physical form on Warlord‘s new release The Lost Archangel.
The singer goes into more detail: “They are brand new recordings: but ‘The Rainbow’ is an old Warlord demo from the very early 80s, which was recorded back then, so we re-recorded it in 2024. The other three songs were compositions Bill released on his Lordian Guard albums in the 90s, that we ‘Warlordized’ also in 2024. These were the last three Lordian Guard songs that we felt we could bring over to Warlord, so we thought why not release them this way as free downloads.”
“Almost directly after we released them free we were asked if we were going to issue these in physical format. Apart from these four new songs, The Lost Archangel also features a wealth of older and more recent live recordings as well several studio re-workings of historic Warlord material.”
Track-listing: The Lost Archangel: 01 Golgotha (The Place of the Skull) 02 The Rainbow 03 Lost Archangel 04 Stygian Passage 05 Enemy Mind (2025) 06 70,000 Sorrows (2013/2025) 07 Night of the Fury (2013/2025) 08 Father (Live in Athens 2013) 09 Glory (Live in Athens 2013) 10 Soliloquy (Live in Athens 2013) 11 Lucifer’s Hammer (Live 2024) 12 Black Mass (Live 2024) 13 Child of the Damned (Live 2024)
Produced by Giles Lavery, Thomas Mergler & Eric Juris
Note: The vinyl edition also includes the previously “CD only” bonus track “Twin” from the CD edition of Free Spirit Soar.
Warlord: Giles Lavery – Vocals 1-13 Eric Juris – Guitars 1-5 / 11-13 Diego Pires – Guitars 1-5 / 11-13 Jimmy Waldo – Keys 1-5 / 11-13 Philip Bynoe – Bass 1-13 William J Tsamis – Guitars 6-10 Mark Zonder – Drums
With Emergence, this Seattle-based quartet blends intricate song structure with unbridled aggression for an album that makes one simple statement – URSAWRATH has arrived.
Watch the official music video for album opener “Thawed by Hell’s Flames” at: youtu.be/8ICs8eZZ7DA
Emergence – Track List:
1. Thawed By Hell’s Flames
2. Rot
3. Thrive in Destruction and Death
4. In the Abyss
5. Lies
6. And the Reckoning
7. Echo Chamber
8. Glass Tower
9. Sentenced to Life
10. Unstoppable
Emergence was recorded by USRAWRATH, and mixed and mastered by Max Barber of Singular Path Audio. Artwork by Riaj Gragoth (www.luciferiumwargraphics.com).
Photo Credit: Samantha (The Metal Witch) Jones
URSAWRATH was founded by vocalist and bassist Adam Schaefer in September 2023 after relocating to Seattle to pursue music and form a new band. To recruit members, Schaefer recorded a four-song demo featuring early versions of “Thawed by Hell’s Flames,” “In the Abyss,” “Echo Chamber” and “Sentenced to Life.”
Shortly after, guitarists DJ and Lucas Robertson joined the fold, and the trio began rehearsing and refining material. Drummer Maximilian Onsager completed the lineup in spring 2024.
With the full band in place, URSAWRATH began writing new material and reworking the demo tracks, adding guitar solos, updated arrangements, and new drum parts. They started performing live around Seattle in May 2024 to establish themselves in the local scene.
Album Artwork: Fernando Rojas B. (Abismo Black Arts)
German/Swedish Blackened Death Metal band, Shadows, have released their debut album, Miseria. Featuring former members of such notable acts as Visceral Bleeding, The Berzerker, Enshrined and Ominous, the quartet now proudly presents nine songs of unrelenting misanthropy.
Miseria aims to explore the vast uncaring nothingness and explore the dread of our futile existence. If you are looking for release or redemption you won’t find them here. The album is unmistakably rooted in the Scandinavian black and death metal but delivers it with its own signature. It is crushing and suffocating, yet also melodic and solemn.
Mixed and produced by Dejan Milenkovits & Mathias Lodmalm.
Mastered by Dejan Milenkovits & Mathias Lodmalm.
Session drums by Filip Gäddnäs.
Additional vocals by Mathias Lodmalm.
Guest solo on “Lamia” by Robert Ahrling.
Guest solo on “Delivered From Sin” by Andreas Hedberg.
Line-up:
Dejan Milenkovits – Vocals & Guitars Martin Bermheden – Guitars Andreas Holm – Bass Joél Cirera – Drums
BIO:
Shadows was established in 2021 by guitarist and vocalist Dejan Milenkovits as a solo project during the pandemic lockdown. What began as a recording of a handful of songs released in early 2022 quickly grew beyond its original intent. Consequently, Finnish session drummer Filip Gäddnäs was recruited to track drums and long-time friend and collaborator Mathias Lodmalm (Cemetary, Sundown) was invited to co-produce a full album.
The album was subsequently recorded during 2024. As the album continued to take shape, it became clear that Shadows had outgrown the confines of a solo project.
In early 2025, the band was expanded to include drummer Joél Cirera and guitarist Martin Bermheden, both of whom were former band members with DejanMilenkovits from the disbanded death metal band Enshrined. The trio was finally joined by Andreas Holm on bass, completing the permanent lineup.
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