After a decade of conquest in the industrial landscape, ESOTERIK returns to ignite a new era with their highly combustible single, “Cycles.” Marking a significant sonic evolution, the track introduces a “gasoline-drenched” brand of grunge metal that perfectly bridges the gap between industrial precision and nu-metal aggression.
While “Cycles” features massive guitars and the raw vocal delivery expected of the genre, it remains grounded in the carefully crafted hooks that have become the band’s signature. The result is a high-octane anthem designed to resonate with both die-hard metalheads and the band’s long-time industrial following.
Formed in 2013 and led by Allison Eckfeldt and Brady Bledsoe, ESOTERIK has been a consistent powerhouse in the alternative scene. Having toured extensively across the U.S. and Europe supporting heavyweights like COMBICHRIST, Priest (Ex-GHOST), GRENDEL, and PIG (Ex-KMFDM), the band recently reached new heights in April 2024 when their single “Trickster” breached the Top 10 on the Deutsche Alternative Charts.
“We wanted to do something different on this next album and go back to the roots of what got us interested in picking up an instrument back in the ’90s,” says the band regarding the new direction. “It’s been a breath of fresh air, and the shift feels quite natural for us. It’s a big evolution, and we’re excited to bring that energy into our live show both visually and sonically.”
“Cycles” serves as the first glimpse into the forthcoming full-length album, Nü Skin. The title is a nostalgic nod to an era of raw, unfiltered energy; a time of wild mosh pits and carefree camaraderie. With several singles planned for release leading up to the album, ESOTERIK is positioning themselves as a formidable new contender in the 2026 metal scene.
About ESOTERIK:
Based in the U.S., ESOTERIK is an alternative metal/industrial duo comprised of Allison Eckfeldt and Brady Bledsoe. Since 2013, they have blended dark electronic textures with aggressive rock sensibilities. Following years of international touring and chart success in Europe, their highly anticipated new album Nü Skin marks their official transition into the world of metal.
Chilean death metallers ROTTEN TOMB are now streaming their entire new album Vestiges of Tortured Souls in an exclusive premiere hosted by Death Metal Promotion, ahead of its official release on June 6th, 2026 via Nuclear Winter Records.
With Vestiges of Tortured Souls, ROTTEN TOMB take a significant step forward in their artistic development, delivering what is arguably their most accomplished and cohesive work to date. While remaining firmly rooted in the raw intensity and dark atmosphere that have characterized the band since its inception, the album reveals a more confident and deliberate songwriting approach, built around memorable structures and a stronger sense of identity.
Across its tracklist, each composition stands out through its own distinct character, allowing the record to maintain a compelling sense of variety without sacrificing cohesion. From relentless death metal aggression to darker and more atmospheric passages, Vestiges of Tortured Souls unfolds as a carefully crafted journey that highlights the band’s growing maturity as songwriters. The result is a powerful and distinctive statement that further solidifies ROTTEN TOMB’s position within the contemporary underground death metal scene.
Line-up:
Deathbringer – Guitar, vocals C. – Guitar A. Prophaner – Drums Utukku – Bass
Formed in 2016 in Iquique, ROTTEN TOMB have steadily risen as one of the most compelling acts within the South American extreme metal scene, blending death metal with doom-laden atmospheres and occult undertones. Following the strong impact of Visions of a Dismal Fate (2022) and the equally praised The Relief of Death (2024), the band now returns with their most ambitious and fully realized work to date.
Vestiges of Tortured Souls stands as one of the most anticipated death metal releases of the year. On this new record, ROTTEN TOMB refine their sonic identity without sacrificing intensity or authenticity. The riffs are sharper and more cohesive, while the melodies take on a more prominent role, painting soundscapes that feel more sorrowful and evocative than ever before.
Without losing any of the crushing heaviness and sense of decay that defined their earlier material, the band now delivers songs with an immediate and lasting impact. Each track strikes a balance between overwhelming force and carefully crafted lead guitar work, resulting in compositions that are both memorable and devastating.
Track-list:
01. Horror Manifestations 02. Condemned Reality 03. Lost Memories 04. Waiting, Dying 05. Mortified 06. Mind of Chaos 07. Here Lies Death 08. Ancestral Preservation 09. Human Pyre
The album channels the oppressive weight of the genre’s darkest pioneers alongside a deeply mournful and introspective atmosphere, while still maintaining a distinct and personal voice. This duality allows ROTTEN TOMB to push their sound forward, achieving a level of songwriting maturity that marks a clear evolution from their previous efforts.
Vestiges of Tortured Souls represents a major step forward for ROTTEN TOMB, solidifying their position at the forefront of Chile’s increasingly renowned extreme metal scene and extending their reach far beyond national borders.
For fans of: Incantation, early Paradise Lost, Krypts, Sonne Adam
With special guests: Defeated Sanity, Fuming Mouth, and Weeping.
09/10 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium 09/11 – Montreal, QC @ Foufounes 09/12 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Place 09/13 – Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary 09/15 – St. Paul, MN @ Amsterdam Bar 09/16 – Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre 09/17 – Regina, SK @ The Exchange 09/18 – Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room 09/19 – Calgary, AB @ Dickens 09/20 – Kelowna, BC @ The Revelry 09/22 – Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw 09/23 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon 09/24 – Portland, OR @ Dante’s 09/25 – San Jose, CA @ The Ritz 09/26 – Los Angeles, CA @ 1720 09/27 – Mesa, AZ @ Nile Underground 09/28 – Las Vegas, NV @ Backstage Bar 09/30 – Denver, CO @ HQ 10/01 – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room 10/02 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies 10/03 – Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups 10/04 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving Underground 10/06 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In 10/07 – Asheville, NC @ Eulogy 10/08 – Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club 10/09 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg 10/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
Brazilian metal veterans Eminence return with “Silent March,” the crushing new single and music video that introduce the band’s heaviest and most uncompromising era to date. The track serves as the title song for their upcoming EP, arriving later this year, and features a special guest performance from Andreas Kisser of Sepultura, whose unmistakable guitar work elevates the band’s already explosive sound.
Recorded at Denmark’s legendary AntFarm Studios with world‑renowned producer Tue Madsen, “Silent March” marks a defining moment in Eminence’s nearly three‑decade career, a fusion of Brazilian metal identity, modern heaviness, and global production excellence.
The creation of the new EP began in late 2024, sparked by bassist Davidson Mainart, whose early riffs for “Silent March” allowed the band to complete the track in just two weeks. By early 2025, Eminence entered pre‑production at Audio One Studios in Belo Horizonte, collaborating remotely with Madsen in Denmark to shape the EP’s sonic direction.
Guitarist and founding member Alan Wallace describes the release as the band’s most intense work yet:
“I feel like we’ve captured the essence of Eminence while bringing in a heavier, more modern vibe. The guitars are especially intense on this one. The theme of the EP itself exposes structures, questions symbols and confronts the idea that faith, power and truth walk hand in hand. Here, there are no kings. There are no gods. Only the constant sound of humanity marching, in silence, through its own ruin.”
Lyrically and thematically, the single and title track “Silent March” is a brutal portrait of corrupted faith, blind obedience, and violence transformed into a system. The song depicts a voiceless procession marching under power structures built on lies, gold, and suffering, a world where martyrdom becomes industrial, and pain is mass‑produced.
Musically, it blends industrial metal, thrash, metalcore and death metal, delivering a modern, groove‑driven assault shaped by Wallace’s songwriting and the band’s collaborative approach.
The single includes a standout guest appearance from Andreas Kisser, whose contribution adds a layer of legacy and intensity to the track. His involvement reflects Eminence’s long‑standing connection to the Brazilian metal lineage and its ongoing role in shaping its future.
The “Silent March” music video expands the EP’s themes through stark, symbolic imagery, a world where identity dissolves, faith becomes a weapon and humanity marches toward its own collapse. The visuals mirror the EP’s narrative arc: the system collapses into mutation, a cycle with no clear beginning or end.
The single’s artwork, created by Brazilian designer Rafael Moco, continues the band’s tradition of powerful visual storytelling. Known for his work on Dark Echoes, Moco delivers another striking concept that reflects the EP’s themes of corruption, dehumanization, and transformation.
Recommended for fans of Machine Head, Slipknot, Gojira, Sepultura, and Architects. Watch and listen to the music video for “Silent March” featuring Sepultura’s Andrea Kisser at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy_uNvGff3o
Lineup: Alan Wallace – Guitars & Synths Bruno Paraguay – Vocals Davidson Mainart – Bass Thiago Caeiro – Drums
About: Formed in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Eminence has spent nearly 30 years forging a sound that blends extreme heaviness, technical nuance, and modern aggression while honoring the legacy of the Brazilian metal scene. Led by guitarist Alan Wallace, the band has completed over 30 international tours, performing across Europe, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Their resume includes appearances at Rock in Rio, Woodstock Festival (Poland), SXSW, CMJ, Summer Breeze Brazil, Knotfest Brazil, Rock Al Parque, and a historic invitation to join Sepultura’s farewell tour.
Eminence has shared stages with Motörhead, Sepultura, Amon Amarth, Mercyful Fate, Immolation, Krisiun, Nervosa, and many more.
Seattle (WA) – Combining Groove, Thrash, and Death Metal, Tormenta will release its debut single, “Jungle Dead,” for mass/mosh consumption on June 12! The song is taken from the band’s forthcoming debut album, the details for which will be released in the coming weeks.
Tormenta brings a cyclonic storm from the mountains of Seattle, Washington! The trio blends chaotic, intense energy with catchy choruses and groovy riffs.
Scarborough, UK, June 2026: Norwegian black metal pioneers Emperor have been confirmed as the first headlining act for the fifth anniversary of Fortress Festival set to take place on 29-30 May 2027 at the Scarborough Spa in North Yorkshire.
This will be Emperor’s only and exclusive UK performance in 2027.
Gary Stephenson, Fortress Festival founder, said: “It’s our fifth anniversary of Fortress in 2027 and we’re pulling no punches this time. Emperor, one of the biggest names in black metal, will close the festival with a headlining performance to show why this band is still such a phenomenon 20 years after their last studio album. We’ve sold out every edition of Fortress so far, and we expect no less to happen in 2027. So secure those tickets, and we will drop another dozen or so worldwide live debuts, UK exclusives and eye-watering bookings very soon for you all.”
Formed in 1991, Emperor are one of the most important and influential black metal bands. They are known for blending traditional black metal with atmospheric and symphonic elements. Landmark releases such as “In the Nightside Eclipse” and “Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk” introduced complex song structures and orchestral keyboards to the genre. Following an initial dissolution in 2001, the group’s live appearances became incredibly scarce. Their later reunion has been strictly limited to select festival slots and rare special engagements, making this upcoming Fortress Festival performance a highly anticipated UK event.
The news follows the sold-out fourth edition of the festival this weekend, which boasted a stacked line-up of exclusive and rare performances, including Old Man’s Child, Gallowbraid, Dødheimsgard, Akercocke, Whoredom Rife, Abigail Williams, Vinterland and many more.
Given the festival’s established track record of completely selling out every previous iteration, demand for the 2027 weekend tickets is anticipated to be very high.
Invictus Productions is proud to announce July 31, 2026, as the official release date for Crucificial Imprecations, the second full-length album from Miami death metal tyrants HEXORCIST.
Formed in 2019, Hexorcist immediately established themselves as a “total death” entity, channeling the spirit of the early 90s Florida scene with surgical precision. Crucified Imprecations continues this descent into the abyss, offering ten tracks of relentless, blasphemous intensity that eschews modern trends for total sonic warfare.
To coincide with the new album, Invictus will also reissue the band’s long sold-out debut, Evil Reaping Death. This definitive version features exclusive bonus demo material, providing a complete look at the band’s early path of destruction.
Two open-air stages, an indoor stage, and full details for Szczecin’s metal and punk weekend
HELLS BELLS FESTIVAL 26-27 June 2026 Plac Gryfitów, Łasztownia
Hells Bells Festival hhas unveiled the running order and stage times for its inaugural edition on 26-27 June 2026. Heavy music fans can now plan their weekend as 31 international and domestic acts prepare to descend upon Plac Gryfitów on Szczecin’s historic Łasztownia island.
Concerts will run across three distinct areas. The Main Stage and Frozen Stage will dominate the outdoor waterfront, while the Illusion Stage will find its home indoors within the atmospheric walls of the CKE Stara Rzeźnia cultural centre.
The event also has a great visual identity, with Rafał “Too Many Skulls” Wechterowicz responsible for the design and logo.
The Szczecin festival is located on Łasztownia, specifically at Plac Gryfitów—a square best known for its Paprykarz monument. This waterfront area is accessible via beautiful boulevards, and visitors will also have easy access to the Holiday Park amusement park and the beach on Grodzka Island. The festival grounds will feature a restaurant with a substantial menu (including pork chops and paprykarz) as well as food trucks. There will be plenty of additional attractions, such as a tattoo zone and a merch market.
VIP tickets are still available, which, in addition to gifts, provide access to the VIP area with a separate bar and VIP restrooms. It’s also worth noting the family pass option and discounted tickets for minors.
Hells Bells Fest boasts a line-up that covers heavy metal, punk, rock and extreme metal. Across three stages, the festival will deliver everything from the traditional heavy metal of Dirkschneider and Grave Digger to the extreme of Possessed, Vader, NunSlaughter, and Dead Congregation. The thrash metal contingent is bolstered by the technical assault of Gama Bomb and the legendary FrankBlackfire, while the fuzz-drenched riffage of Belzebong provides a stoner-doom counterpoint.
The punk and hardcore legacy of Discharge, UKSubs, Cockney Rejects, TheLastResort, and local icons TheAnalogs and Dezerter stands alongside the horrorcore energy of Słoń and the avant-garde darkness of Furia and Dola. Furthermore, the festival remains a vital platform for the new generation, showcasing the rising power of The Materia, The Stubs, Owls Woods Graves, Hamulec, My Own Abyss, Seks W Czasach Wojny, Pretensje, Drowned In Silver and Diving Stove.
Dark black metal duo Hulder and Necreon return with their most expansive work to date, a nine-track album steeped in ancient language, pagan mythology, and the weight of the land
“[…] one of the most talked-about names in contemporary black metal.” — Portland Mercury
HULDER, the dark black metal outfit from the USA, will release their new album Verbolgen on August 7th, 2026, in a co-release with 20 Buck Spin, who will handle North America exclusively, while Season of Mist will cover the World ex-North America territories. Spanning nine tracks and just over forty-eight minutes, Verbolgen is HULDER’s most fully realised statement to date, drawing on themes of ancestral memory, natural sovereignty, and ancient ritual across lyrics written in English, Flemish, and Proto-Germanic.
Rooted in the traditions of Scandinavian black metal while reaching toward something more atmospheric and ceremonial, Verbolgen moves between driving, riff-driven passages and slower, more meditative stretches, with acoustic instrumentation and hurdy gurdy woven into the fabric of the record.
The multilingual approach to the lyrics is not merely ornamental; it reflects the album’s sustained engagement with the mythological and folkloric traditions of the pre-Christian world, from the Germanic lowlands to the Celtic fringes of northwestern Europe.
The album marks a significant shift in the band’s structure. Long positioned as the solo project of HULDER, Verbolgen formally brings Necreon into the fold as a full creative partner, following several releases in which he contributed as a session musician.
The record also features contributions from Keld (Majesties, Obsequiae, Celestiial) on hurdy gurdy, electric guitars, and keys, as well as drum performances split between Vapula, the band’s touring drummer, and Vrolok (Aeternus, Gorgoroth). Session flute is performed by Ianuaria.
Verbolgen Track-list:
1. Drie Raven (Intro) (2:18) 2. The Crowning (6:28) 3. Thy Binding Oath (5:38) 4. Verbolgen (4:01) 5. …And We Shall Sing (6:01) 6. In Blood and In Earth (7:09) 7. Den Nacht Zijn Lied (6:45) 8. View From Nemeton (5:23) 9. The Glow of Dawn (4:48)
Full runtime: 48:33
In support of the forthcoming release, HULDER will embark on an extensive European summer tour, taking in headline shows and major festival appearances across Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Spain, Portugal and beyond. The run includes stops at Graspop Metal Meeting, Hellfest, Resurrection Fest and more. Full dates below.
HULDER – Europe Summer 2026 Dates:
05 June: Mulfingen, DE @ Boarstream Open Air 06 June: Gdansk, PL @ Mystic Festival 08 June: Berlin, DE @ Mikropol 09 June: Munich, DE @ Backstage Club 11 June: Wiesbaden, DE @ Kesselhaus 12 June: Munster, DE @ Zappenduster Fest 13 June: Nijmegen, NL @ Waalhalla 14 June: Neunkirchen, DE @ Gebläsehalle 17 June: Tilburg, NL @ Lucky Devil 18 June: Haarlem, NL @ Patronaat* 19 June: Dessel, BE @ Graspop Metal Meeting 20 June: Clisson, FR @ Hellfest 21 June: Aarau, CH @ Kiff** 22 June: Milan, IT @ Legend Club** 23 June: Salzburg, AT @ Rockhouse** 24 June: Vienna, AT @ Viper Room** 25 June: Kosice, SK @ Collosseum 26 June: Mártély, HU @ Lowland Festival 27 June: Spalene Porici, CZ @ BasinFireFest 29 June: Chambery, FR @ BrindeZinc 30 June: Marseille, FR @ Le Molotov 03 July: Galicia, ES @ Ressurection Fest 04 July: Lisbon, PT @ RCA Club 08 July: Stuttgart, DE @ JuHa West 09 July: Torgau, DE @ In Flammen Open Air
SEVEN KINGDOMS has launched their crowdfunding campaign for their sixth full-length album, Sono Sola. The forthcoming release was recorded at Morrisound Recording during April and May 2026 alongside producer Jim Morris (SAVATAGE, WARRANT, DEATH). Francesco Cavalieri (WIND ROSE, V.B.O.) also joined the project as co-producer.
The album artwork for Sono Sola was designed and created by Bo Bradshaw. Further details including Sono Sola‘s track list will be revealed once the crowdfunding campaign closes on June 26, 2026.
Vocalist Sabrina Cruz comments on the crowdfunding campaign launch:“Today is the day we unveil all the cool things we have that will support the release of the new album! Because we choose crowdfunding, we as a band get to be very hands on with the products that we produce for the release of this album. We are making sure that everything you see on the page is made at the highest quality and it looks really great. Our merch is my favorite clothing because of how nice it is!
We can’t wait for all of you to receive these beautiful, limited edition items that will support and contain the best music we have ever produced. I’m proud of all of us for the hard work we’ve put into this and I’m immensely grateful to the fans who have supported us album after album. They are the reason why we exist.”
“Surbile”, the new single by STEFANIA SISTU released through Volcano Records, is available now on all digital platforms. Accompanied by an official concept visualizer available on YouTube, the track represents an intense emotional journey suspended between modern rock sounds, dark atmospheres and a strong introspective component.
Drawing influences from the melodic pathos of Evanescence, the gothic suggestions of Within Temptation and the emotional depth of Lacuna Coil, Stefania Sistu builds a personal and recognizable sonic identity, capable of alternating fragility and power within an intense and cinematic musical dimension.
“Surbile” develops through a solid yet evocative sound, where guitars and emotional tension accompany a deep and visceral narrative. At the center of the song lies the figure of the “Surbile”, a dark creature from Sardinian folklore, a disturbing and mysterious presence connected to nightmares, ancestral fears and inner shadows.
Stefania Sistu transforms this ancient folk symbol into a contemporary metaphor for emotional torment, anguish and the fragilities hidden within the deepest dimension of the human soul. The result is an intense story suspended between myth and introspection, where folklore becomes a tool to explore universal anxieties.
Written by Stefania Sistu and composed by Daniele Pireddu, the song focuses on contrasting emotions and the need to confront one’s inner demons, turning music into a space of liberation and self-awareness. The artist’s voice moves through dark and vibrant atmospheres with great personality, delivering an intense and engaging performance.
Listen to “Surbile” on Spotify, Apple Music and all major digital platforms, and watch the official concept visualizer on YouTube, here: https://youtu.be/bBpDx-RmbxU
Gates Of Hell Records proudly presents Metallic Torments, the second full length album from French heavy/speed metal tyrants, Iron Slaught!
On Metallic Torments, Iron Slaught inject their heavy/speed metal attack with a more extreme edge! This is an adrenaline shot of pure old school fury and passion that will surge through your veins and ignite the spirit with total metallic torment.
Formed in 2011 in Bigorra (South-West France), Iron Slaught is an old-school speed/thrash metal band with some death/black metal influences while remaining deeply rooted in traditional heavy metal. Driven by a true passion for underground metal, Iron Slaught blends different old-school metal scenes into a unique and sincere approach focused on epic songwriting, efficient riffing and dark atmospheres.
Line-Up:
Iron Jérémy – Guitars & Vocals
Nikrass – Bass
Stéphane Hellkine – Drum Programming
With 11 years passing since their debut LP and eight since their split with fellow French metallers Tentation, Metallic Torments is a record that many underground dwellers have been waiting for. The new album is conceived as a collection of “Metallic Torments”, each song telling its own tragic story through themes such as obsession, vengeance, witchcraft, medieval battles and devotion to metal itself.
Weaving sharp guitars and thick, heavy bass lines atop programmed but powerful drums to cast a spell of arcane metal magic; Iron Slaught manage to combine the best eras of metal’s long and diverse history into something unique and oh so potent.
Soaring lead work and intricate riffs balance the epic and the intense in such a way that will keep you enthralled until the end. Harnessing the thrashing rage and fuelling the fire with touches of black and death metal, while keeping the molten core of pure heavy metal mania; these French barbarians offer music only for the truest of the true.
A lyric video for the album’s first single, “Soldier of Fortune” is available at: youtu.be/jrUKYOpIXzw
THE SECOND STUDIO ALBUM FROM THE NORWEGIAN EXTREME METAL PIONEERS, COMPRISING MEMBERS OF ARCTURUS, THORNS, MAYHEM & 1349
Mortem return with a new ode to the dark: Mørketid. Combining brooding, mid-paced monumental riffs with bursts of hyperspeed black metal, the album is set for release via Peaceville on July 3rd, marking a clear progression from their 2019 debut, Ravnsart. Across eight tracks of savage, eerie, and often epic black metal, the band is joined by the indomitable keyboard textures of Sverd, Hellhammer’s unmistakable percussive prowess, and the vicious returning snarls of vocalist Marius Vold.
Mørketid [06:04] The Mighty Odious [04:43] Skyggeånd [07:34] Blodvassen grunn [05:44] Aftermath [04:09] Den sanne Gud [05:22] Mørkets Ormebol [05:52] Ditt ødes ære [05:10]
LIMITED OXBLOOD RED VINYL EDITION + CLASSIC BLACK VINYL EDITION
Mortem was originally known as the Norwegian cult band which preceded Arcturus. Formed by Marius Vold & Steinar Sverd Johnsen in 1989, Mortem was one of the first black metal bands to crawl out of the woodwork in Norway, releasing the highly coveted and brutal ‘Slow Death’ demo, with Euronymous & Dead of Mayhem acting as producer and cover artist respectively (whilst also featuring Hellhammer on session drums).
After the release of ‘Slow Death’, the band was laid to rest, with members going on to form and feature in acclaimed titans such as Arcturus and Thorns, both of which would become mainstays in the black metal scene and beyond.
Above: Ravnsvart album cover
It wasn’t until 2019, when Mortem’s studio debut ‘Ravnsvart’ was released, and the magic of old undoubtedly returned with that same spirit and brutality of the original incarnation, whilst injecting new elements to form an opus of ferocious yet atmospheric horror. This was followed soon after by the fully re-recorded and re-worked ‘Slow Death’ tracks.
Mørketid was recorded at Toproom Studio in Norway, by Børge Finnstad & Kevin Kleiven.
DOWN will return to North American stages this Summer for a two-week headlining tour with support provided by Helmet and Spirit In The Room! The Strap It Down tour begins in Atlanta, Georgia on August 15th and closes in Shakopee, Minnesota on September 4th with a special previously announced performance as direct support to Slayer. The journey also includes slots on the 2026 installment of Zakk Wylde’s Berzerkus Festival featuring Lamb Of God, Black Label Society, and others on August 28th in Scranton, Pennsylvania and August 29th in Wantagh, New York.
Artist presales began Wednesday, May 27th at 12:00pm ET (PW: DOWN2026). Knotfest.com and Blabbermouth presales begin Thursday, May 28th at 12:00pm ET. General on sale date is Friday, May 29th at 10:00am local time.
Limited DOWN VIP ticketless packages will be available, featuring a soundcheck experience, meet & greet, photo opportunity, signed poster, and exclusive merch item. Visit down-nola.com/tour to secure yours. See all confirmed dates below.
DOWN w/ Helmet, Spirit In The Room: 8/15/2026 The Eastern – Atlanta, GA 8/16/2026 Piedmont Hall – Greensboro, NC 8/19/2026 House Of Blues – Cleveland, OH 8/20/2026 Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA 8/22/2026 Royal Oak Music Theatre – Royal Oak, MI 8/23/2026 HISTORY – Toronto, ON 8/25/2026 MTELUS – Montreal, QC 8/26/2026 The Palladium – Worcester, MA 8/28/2026 The Pavilion @ Montage Mountain – Scranton, PA * Berzerkus Fest w/ Lamb Of God, Black Label Society, more… 8/29/2026 Northwell @ Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY * Berzerkus Fest w/ Lamb Of God, Black Label Society, more… 8/30/2026 The Fillmore Silver Spring – Silver Spring, MD 9/01/2026 Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH 9/02/2026 Ramova Theatre – Chicago, IL 9/04/2026 Mystic Lake Amphitheater – Shakopee, MN * w/ Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, Hatebreed End Tour 10/03/2026 Aftershock – Sacramento, CA 10/24/2026 Sick New World Texas – Fort Worth, TX 12/05/2026 Decibel Metal And Beer Fest – Denver, CO
No Helmet, Spirit In The Room
Last month, Nuclear Blast Records announced the release of a remastered edition of Over The Under. Initially issued in the Fall of 2007, DOWN’s third studio album was produced by Warren Riker and served as a true moment in time, delivering over 60 heartfelt minutes of sonic frustration with songs addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and personal turmoil.
The 2026 edition of Over The Under features remastered audio by Eric Koondel (Soilwork, Cynic, Malevolent Creation, Death) and marks the first time the LP will be officially available in the US market. Additionally, the CD and digital versions include bonus track “Invest In Fear” (the first time the track will be available on a US physical release and on Digital Service Providers worldwide).
DOWN’s Over The Under remaster will be available on CD, LP, and digital formats on June 19th. Find preorders HERE.
Additionally, DOWN’s special cover of Dr. John’s “Right Place, Wrong Time,” initially released in video form to celebrate Mardi Gras earlier this year, is currently available on all streaming platforms!
New Orleans native Dr. John was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. His music combined New Orleans blues, jazz, R&B, soul, and funk. “Right Place, Wrong Time” was the first single from Dr. John’s 1973 album, In the Right Place, and became the most popular single of his career. The song has been featured in various films and television shows, including “Dazed And Confused” and “American Horror Story: Coven”. DOWN’s cover of “Right Place, Wrong Time” is an homage to Dr. John and his appearances on The Midnight Special TV series, a late-night musical variety show that aired from 1972 to 1981.
Stream DOWN’s rendition of Dr. John’s “Right Place, Wrong Time” HERE.
You know it’s DOWN as soon as you hear them. Featuring vocalist Philip H. Anselmo, guitarists Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein, drummer Jimmy Bower, and bassist Pat Bruders, there’s no mistaking those gargantuan riffs, swamp blues leads, crashing drums, and hypnotic howls for absolutely anybody else under the sun. The band upholds a certain tradition that countless fans celebrate, expanding their own musical mythos as they leave its pillars intact and untouched.
With a collective resume encompassing Pantera, Corrosion Of Conformity, Crowbar, and EyeHateGod, the quintet puffed out its first haze of sonic smoke from the belly of gritty old New Orleans on the 1995 platinum-selling classic, NOLA. At that moment, they naturally summoned something akin to a ritual, continually partaking in it with critically revered offerings – Down II: A Bustle In Your Hedgerow in 2002, Down III: Over The Under in 2007, Down IV – Part One in 2012, and Down IV – Part Two in 2014.
Their shows built a certain live lore with unforgettable runs alongside Metallica and Heaven & Hell, as well as coveted spots on iconic festivals like Download, Soundwave, Ozzfest, and so many others, forever delivering passionate, powerful, pure heavy music you can feel deep down in your soul.
Stand by for updates on new DOWN music in the months to come.
ARMORED SAINT will join Metal Church for a North American co-headlining tour this Fall! The Metal Saint Tour 2026 will commence on November 2nd in San Juan Capistrano, California and runs through November 21st in Agoura Hills, California. Additional support will be provided by LiveKill.
Comments ARMORED SAINT vocalist John Bush, “Two classic metal bands from the ‘80s on tour together doing headline sets and both with brand new awesome records out [ARMORED SAINT with Emotion Factory Reset and Metal Church with Dead To Rights]. If you call yourself a metalhead and you don’t come to this show when we roll into your town, you better have a damn good excuse. AS and MC. Let’s do this!”
Comments Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, “It’s incredibly exciting to be getting back on the road with our friends and an honor to be sharing the stage with one of America’s finest metal bands! Definitely a show you won’t want to miss!”
Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 29th at 10:00am local time. VIP upgrades will be available at:
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
Additionally, ARMORED SAINT has performances confirmed throughout the Spring and Summer months both Stateside and abroad, including a special meet-and-greet at Grill ‘Em All in Long Beach, California. Set to take place on May 28th, the event is in celebration of the band’s Emotional Factory Resetfull-length, released last week on Metal Blade Records. The night will feature photo opps, raffles, ARMORED SAINT-inspirited fries, and more!
ARMORED SAINT Live: 5/28/2026 Grill ‘Em All – Long Beach, CA * Meet-and-Greet Event * 6/06/2026 Milwaukee Metalfest @ The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI 7/30/2026 Pumpehuset – Copenhagen, DK w/ Metal Church 7/31/2026 Skogsrojet Festival – Rejmyre, SE 8/01/2026 Pustervik – Gothenburg, SE w/ Testament, Metal Church 8/02/2026 Mejeriet – Lund, SE * w/ Testament, Metal Church 8/05/2026 Brutal Assault – Jaroměř, CZ 8/07/2026 Alcatraz Festival – Dessel, BE 8/08/2026 Poppodium Boerderij – Zoetermeer, NL *ARMORED SAINT headlining show 8/09/2026 Keep It True Legions – Geiselwind, DE 8/11/2026 Progresja – Warsaw, PL w/ Savatage, Nevermore 8/12/2026 Collosseum – Kosice, SK w/ Vio-Lence 8/13/2026 Klub Studio – Krakow, PL w/ Testament, Metal Church 8/29/2026 Stonedead Festival – Newark, UK
Emotion Factory Reset, ARMORED SAINT’s ninth studio album since 1984’s March Of The Saint, 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.
The record is available now on CD digipack (w/ 20-page booklet) and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
Amber Marble (US) Orange and Red Marble (US) Citron Smoke (US – Brutal Panda Exclusive) 180g Black (EU) Beige Gray Marbled (EU) Clear Black Gold Smoke (EU – Ltd. 500) Metallic Gold Black Dust (EU – Ltd. 300) Clear Gold Splatter (EU – Ltd. 200)
Additionally, a special European edition of the CD digipak includes the bonus track “One Chain (Don’t Make No Prison),” only available digitally until now!
A special European edition of the single gatefold LP comes w/ insert and DL card + 7” vinyl “One Chain (Don’t Make No Prison),” (only available digitally until now!) w/ an etching on the B-side, a poster, and slipmat.
ARMORED SAINT: John Bush – vocals Joey Vera – bass Jeff Duncan – guitars Gonzo Sandoval – drums Phil Sandoval – guitars
Italian death metal act GORGE has officially signed with Time To Kill Records for the release of their forthcoming debut full-length album, marking a decisive step forward for one of the most exciting new names to emerge from the Italian underground.
Formed in 2025, GORGE was born from an idea by Edoardo Nicoloso (Fulci, Jorelia, TV-Crimes) and Roberto Sava (Jorelia), with a clear intent to strip death metal down to its most essential and violent form. The project pays tribute to raw two-piece acts such as Retch, Mortician and Christ Denied, as well as solo assaults in the vein of Putrid Pile, while channeling the spirit of ’90s American death metal.
The band’s approach is rooted in a direct, riff-driven philosophy that draws heavily from the foundational era of Suffocation, Dying Fetus, Gorguts and Malevolent Creation, updated with just the right amount of modern weight without compromising its original identity.
GORGE blends death metal with a gritty hardcore sensibility, resulting in a groovy yet ferocious sound that avoids overused slam dynamics in favour of tighter songwriting and internal rhythmic variation. At the centre of everything lies the riff, treated as the primary narrative force across all compositions, supported by a constant attention to structural tension and release.
Further details regarding the album, tracklist and first single will be revealed in the coming months as GORGE prepare to fully introduce their debut statement.
High-octane crossover hardcore/thrash powerhouse EXTINCTION A.D. release their fourth single in as many months today. “Center Of Zero” online now at all digital streaming/download platforms, as well as a lyric video.
“I spent some time reflecting on what I learned growing up in music, and not just the ideals that shaped me and the band but the friendships and bonds that were created through the metal and hardcore scenes,” states singer/guitarist Rick Jimenez. “That also brings about the thoughts of who and what to avoid when creating something as pure as music should be. Usually XAD is exploring the negatives and how to survive through them but this was a reflection on how friendship through music has enriched my life.”
“Center Of Zero” includes a blistering mix of crossover thrash metal, metallic hardcore, and even groove metal musically connecting to ‘90s heavy hitters (think Sepultura, Vision of Disorder and Machine Head) seamlessly blending with aggressive, New York hardcore-style gang vocals and stomp-heavy breakdowns.
The four songs are testament to their evolutionary step forward, EXTINCTION A.D. are making proving that a decade into their career, their output is fresher, heavier, and more venomous than ever.
EXTINCTION A.D. is currently hitting the road in support of the new music, with several upcoming festival appearances and regional dates:
6/27 – NJ Metalfest – Debonair Music Hall – Teaneck, NJ
9/18 – Within These Walls 2026 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Nile (with Outta Pocket, Skin Ticket, Die Young, Will To Live)
Formed on Long Island, New York breaking off of THIS IS HELL, EXTINCTION A.D. is a bridge between the worlds of ‘80s thrash metal and ‘90s hardcore. Known for their explosive live shows and unrelenting work ethic, the band continues to redefine the crossover genre for a new generation of metalheads.
Since 2013 the band has grown from raw underground roots to sharing stages with respected acts and carving out a distinct voice in the modern metal landscape forging a reputation for relentless crossover thrash infused with hardcore urgency and socially charged lyrics.
Earlier releases, on labels like Good Fight and Unique Leader, further showcased the band’s capability to merge fierce riff work with emotional and thematic depth. Their output has drawn comparisons to powerful East Coast thrash and hardcore hybrids, with critics praising their raw energy and ability to keep the classic thrash ethos alive while pushing it forward.
Thrashing just as hard as their predecessors, the band also break their surroundings down and deliver some heavy as hell riotous mosh; hitting that all-important sweet spot mixture of ‘80s thrash, ‘90s extreme metal and New York hardcore, all encompassed into one. Never afraid to speak their minds amidst a divisive world, EXTINCTION A.D. brings a decisive power to match their frenetic energy. The endgame is not just rebellion but revolution.
EXTINCTION A.D. is: Rick Jimenez – vocals and guitar Ian Cimaglia – lead guitar and vocals Tom Wood – bass Mike Sciulara – drums
Modern metal unit GUNDRIVER have released the first single off of their upcoming new album, Give War a Chance.
“One Man Army” puts GUNDRIVER‘s no-frills, hook-heavy approach to metal at the front and center. The song is not only a preview of what the band has in store with Give War a Chance, the track is an unapologetic deceleration of intent.
Due out this fall, Give War a Chance – featuring Ronnie Romero on vocals, promises to be one of 2026’s most unforgettable albums.
GUNDRIVER is a hard-hitting modern metal force built on precision, power, and intensity. Led by founding members Tom Potter (Guitars) and Alex Rivas (Drums), the band features Ronnie Romero (Vocals), and Rev Jones (Bass).
The band blends elite musicianship with a raw, confrontational edge. Their sound is equal parts war cry and warning, driven by massive riffs, soaring vocals, and a relentless rhythm section. GUNDRIVER isn’t chasing trends, they’re delivering a statement.
For fans of: Metallica, Pantera, Black Label Society, Godsmack, Disturbed, Rainbow, UFO, Anthrax and A7X.
BIO:
GUNDRIVER is a modern metal project engineered for impact and built by seasoned musicians who understand both the craft and the cost of doing it right. Combining elite-level talent with a deliberate, no-compromise approach, the band is positioned to cut through an increasingly crowded heavy music landscape.
At the core of the project is founding members Tom Potter and Alex Rivas, who drive the vision, direction, and execution of GUNDRIVER as both a band and a broader creative platform.
The band’s name refers to attack helicopter pilots, drawing from Potter’s experience as a U.S. Army combat veteran who flew Apache helicopters.
The lineup features internationally recognized vocalist Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Elegant Weapons), whose commanding voice brings both melody and force to the band’s sound, while bassist Rev Jones (Michael Schenker, Leslie West, Paul Gilbert) anchors the low end with decades of professional touring and recording experience.
GUNDRIVER’s music is defined by massive riffs, tight arrangements, and a tone that blends classic heavy metal influence with modern aggression. Lyrically and thematically, the band leans into confrontation, challenging listeners rather than accommodating them.
With releases like “Give War a Chance,” GUNDRIVER signals its intent clearly: this is not passive listening. It’s a direct, high-volume statement.
Operating independently through its own infrastructure, the band maintains full creative control, allowing it to move faster, push harder, and deliver music without dilution.
GUNDRIVER is a band built on chemistry, vision, and a record that speaks for itself.
AITTALA Lineup – Gary ‘Smith’ Zeus (Drums), Eric Aittala (Guitar/Vox), Dane Taylor (Bass)
New EP Ill-Gotten Gains Out Now via Exitus Stratagem Records
AITTALA (pronounced EYE‑tah‑la) has released the official performance video for “Blacklisted,” the third track from their second EP of 2025, Ill‑Gotten Gains, out now on Exitus Stratagem Records.
The clip marks a milestone for the long‑running metal project; it is the first video to feature new bassist Dane Taylor, joining Eric Aittala (guitars/vocals) and Gary “Zeus” Smith (drums). The trio’s chemistry is on full display, delivering a tight, groove‑driven performance that captures the grit and weight of the track.
A groove‑ and sludge‑inspired standout, “Blacklisted” serves as the thematic counterpoint to the EP’s opening tracks “Isolation” and “Ill‑Gotten Gains.” Where those songs explore the chaos created by self‑serving actions, “Blacklisted” flips the perspective, calling out the people who manipulate, exploit, and leave destruction in their wake.
Musically, the song leans into thick riffs, a grinding mid‑tempo pulse, and the band’s signature blend of heaviness and melody. It’s a concise, punishing statement that reinforces why AITTALA’s sound remains difficult to categorize, and impossible to ignore.
Watch the video via its premiere on Metal Addicts HERE.
Released this past November,Ill‑Gotten Gains continues AITTALA’s tradition of blurring metal subgenres, pulling from traditional metal, doom, groove, progressive elements, and more to create a cohesive, emotionally charged experience.
The EP’s lyrics trace a path from chaos to consequence to the search for redemption, examining how people create disorder for personal gain, face the fallout of those choices, and grapple with whether forgiveness is still possible.
Each track sharpens that arc: “Isolation” delivers doomy heaviness and shifting time signatures as it confronts consequences; “Ill‑Gotten Gains” rides a bouncing 8‑string riff into the mindset of exploiting chaos; “Blacklisted” uses groove‑sludge grit to call out manipulative behavior; “Ever After” offers a modern metal ballad of internal struggle and uncertain redemption; and “Ashes” leans into traditional heavy metal as it follows someone spiraling downward and pulling others with them.
The EP cover features an updated version of Frank, AITTALA’s long‑running mascot, a cartoon pig head inside a pentagram, created in 2014 for the album “Effigy.” Frank represents the shady figure who helps acquire “ill‑gotten gains”…for the right price. His return on the cover ties directly into the EP’s themes of corruption, consequence, and moral decay.
Track Listing:
Isolation – 4:22
Ill Gotten Gains – 4:20
Black Listed – 3:35
Ever After – 4:29
Ashes – 3:50 EP Length: 20:37
AITTALA’s sound resists simple labels, blending classic heavy metal, doom, groove, progressive and power metal, thrash, and hard rock into a style that’s distinctly their own. Lyrically, Eric Aittala pulls from the darker edges of human experience, crafting songs that balance heaviness with introspection.
Founded in 1991 in the Netherlands, AITTALA quickly became a staple of the Dutch metal scene, even opening for The Gathering and Sadist after releasing their 1993 EP “Selling Heaven.”
After disbanding and later resurrecting the project in 2008, AITTALA released six full‑length albums between 2009 and 2022, followed by the Machines EP (2025). Each release showcases the band’s evolution while preserving their unmistakable core sound.
Recommended for fans of Mastodon, Eyehategod, Baroness, Crowbar, Katatonia, live music enthusiasts can catch AITTALA at the following show dates below.
Aittala Tour Dates (WV, VA, TN, NC): May 21 – Tilty McFlipperz – Martinsburg, WV May 22 – The Spot on Kirk – Roanoke, VA May 23 – Capones – Johnson City, TN Jun 19 – Cannonball Music Hall – Raleigh, NC Jul 31 – The Den | Winston – Salem, NC Aug 7- White Rabbit Pub – Fayetteville, NC Aug 29 – Scandals Live – Virginia Beach, VA
Watch UNDER AUBURN SKIES’ “The Pale King” video HERE.
Denver, Colorado-based metalcore group UNDERAUBURN SKIES will release their blazing new EP, Diminisher Of Hope, on July 17th, unveiling the record’s cover art, track listing, preorders, and a video for its lead single, “The Pale King.”
UNDER AUBURN SKIES carves their own sonic territory through a tempest of pummeling riffs and soaring melodies, drawing comparisons to the raw power of Polaris and the untamed intensity of Make Them Suffer. Through their 2018 Afterimage debut, subsequent 2021-released Invention Of Reason EP, and more, the band has spent the past several years dominating their local scene.
Beyond the studio, the band is known for their ferocious live energy on stage, having supported international acts including Born Of Osiris, Norma Jean, Darkest Hour, Entheos, Mouth For War, Carnifex, Enterprise Earth, Fallujah, and many others.
photos by Gustavo Diaz
Now, UNDER AUBURN SKIES is poised for a breakout with their upcoming Diminisher Of Hope, the EP displaying a band firing on all cylinders. With a bleaker sound and more dejected lyrics, their newest material showcases a darker side of the band, while simultaneously raising the bar on their individual performances across the record’s six incinerating tracks.
Diminisher Of Hope’s drums were recorded by Nick Nodurft at Rusty Sun Studios, the guitars and bass by Emilio Lujan, and the vocals and additional guitars by Jaxon Stunden at The Blasting Room. The EP was mixed and mastered by Chris Wiseman at Chris Wiseman Recordings and completed with artwork by Róbert Horváth at Holo Dreamz Designs.
With a new release on the horizon and an unyielding drive to connect with fans, UNDER AUBURN SKIES is ready to unleash their sound upon the world.
The EP’s lead single, “The Pale King,” arrives through a bold video directed by Luke Ostermiller of Loste Films. Guitarist Oscar Morales writes, “The video was a blast to film! We drove up north from Denver to a mostly abandoned cemetery that has graves from the 1700s and 1800s, so it was cool to see a huge jump in time from a lot of the tombstones we walked through. We also filmed this during the beginning of Fall last year for a fitting scenery that is a bit fitting with the theme of the song.”
Tune in and watch UNDER AUBURN SKIES’ “The Pale King” video now playing HERE.
Diminisher Of Hope will be released digitally and on CD on July 17th. Find preorders at Bandcamp HERE, and presaves at Spotify HERE.
Diminisher Of Hope – Track Listing:
First Blood
World-Eater
The Pale King
Gravemind
Dathomir
Final Sin
UNDER AUBURN SKIES is actively booking live events across their local region, including a set at Thank You Fest V with The Extortionist and many others on May 30th, and a show November 14th opening for Fear Factory and Darkest Hour, with record release shows and tour dates in the planning stages.
UNDER AUBURN SKIES Live: 5/30/2026 Thank You Fest V @ The Brutal Poodle – Denver, CO w/ The Extortionist 11/14/2026 The O – Denver, CO w/ Fear Factory, Darkest Hour
UNDER AUBURN SKIES: Sebastian Gorklo – vocals Oscar Morales – guitar Zach Morgan – guitar Jose Morales – bass Martin Pasillas – drums
Additional videos and previews of Diminisher Of Hope will drop alongside new tour updates over the weeks ahead.
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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