Topeka, Kansas brutal death metal horde UNMERCIFUL has posted live video footage of two yet-to-be-released new songs – “The Reaping” and “Malice Unbound.”
The footage was shot during the band’s recent performance at the Lawrence, Kansas date of the Ancient Unholy Uprising Tour, headlined by SUFFOCATION and INCANTATION.
UNMERCIFUL is currently working on material for the follow-up to 2020’s WrathEncompassed. The band is expected to hit the studio soon and is targeting a 2024 release for the new album.
Polish heavy metal act CRYSTAL VIPER are releasing music video for “In The Haunted Chapel” single, which came out digitally earlier this year. It’s the first CRYSTAL VIPER video featuring Marta Gabriel on vocals and bass guitar (who played rhythm guitar between 2009 and 2022), and drummer Jakub Galwas, who joined CRYSTAL VIPER last year.
“The music video is one thing, but we have some other cool news to share as well” says CRYSTAL VIPER front woman and founder, Marta Gabriel. “We started to work on a new studio album, which will come out in the Summer of 2024 on Listenable Records. We’re very proud of what we achieved on our latest album, “The Cult”, so from one side you can expect its natural continuation – especially when it comes to lyrics, which once again are inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft – but from the other side, we prepared few surprises and we will explore some new territories. I think all CRYSTAL VIPER fans will be very happy, and I believe the album might be interesting for people who never listened to us” she adds.
Crystal Viper Discography: The Curse of Crystal Viper (Album – 2007) Metal Nation (Album – 2009) Legends (Album – 2010) Crimen Excepta (Album – 2012) Possession (Album – 2013) Queen of the Witches (Album – 2017) Tales of Fire and Ice (Album – 2019) The Cult (LISTENABLE Album – 2021) The Last Axeman (LISTENABLE Album- 2022)
Brooklyn power trio SANHEDRIN will close out the year with their first ever Texas shows! The trio of dates will run through Austin, San Antonio, and Houston with support provided by Temple Of Love.
Comments guitarist Jeremy Sosville, “In our nine years as a band, we have travelled many times across America and across the Atlantic. Somehow, we’ve never been able to make it to Texas… until now! This November 30th, December 1st, and 2nd as we finally make our way to the Lone Star state. We know that Texas has some of the most dedicated rock and metal fans in the world, and we are psyched to finally make this trek south. These shows will be the final shows of 2024 for us, as we will be hunkering down this winter to work on our next album. Speaking of, we will be sharing a few of these new songs for the first time ever during these shows. We look forward to seeing you there!”
Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
SANHEDRIN w/ Temple Of Love: 11/30/2023 The Lost Well – Austin, TX w/ Ungrieved, Monte Luna 12/01/2023 The Mix – San Antonio, TX w/ ManEaters Of Tsavo 12/02/2023 Black Magic Social Club – Houston, TX w/ Doomstress
SANHEDRIN does metal the old-school way, channeling the greats that preceded them to create something that is instantly familiar yet with a new, modern energy to it. The band released their Lights On full-length last year via Metal Blade Records.
Tracked, mixed, and co-produced by Colin Marston at his studio Menegroth, The Thousand Caves in Queens, New York, Lights On refers to the many events of the last few years that have exposed larger societal issues long hidden or ignored. Notes the band, “In a time where the world around you feels like it’s aflame, when our heavy metal heroes are beginning to disappear to failing health or changing social norms, we, stand here as a shining light through the dark. We are prepared to fly the flag of heavy metal in these trying and uncertain times and have only begun to show the world what we are capable of.”
LISTENABLE is bloody chuffed signing UK thrash metal legends XENTRIX again for a new multi album deal.
Kristian Havard (Guitar) comments: “Xentrix are extremely excited to continue our relationship with Listenable records by signing with them once again. Listenable is a label that is run by people who are incredibly focused, knowledgeable and more importantly, massively passionate about metal music. And it’s these differences that made it a no brainer when it came time to for the band to choose a label for new music.”
Hailing from the North West of England, XENTRIX was formed in 1985 by guitar player Chris Astley. After numerous changes to the line up XENTRIX signed to Roadrunner records and entered the studio to record their first album ‘Shattered Existence’ with producer John Cuniberti (Vio-lence, Forbidden, Joe Satriani). XENTRIX have been one of the leading lights of the British thrash metal movement. They had music videos which all had regular air time on MTV’s Headbangers Ball.
Gaining global notoriety, XENTRIX had many high energy performances with audiences of thousands.
Mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap, XENTRIX ’s comeback album ‘Bury the Pain’ was released in 2019 on Listenable records, with production from Andy Sneap and Mastering by Russ Russell. This new recording showed the band sounding heavier than ever, while still retaining their signature sound.
Latest and 7th studio album “Seven Words” released in late 2022 remains a crushing compendium of all that has made this band what it is today.
BAND LINE UP: Jay Walsh – Vocals/Guitar Kristian Havard – Guitar Chris Shires – Bass Dennis Gasser – Drums
DISCOGRAPHY: Shattered existence (1989) Ghostbusters (1990) For Whose Advantage? (1990) Dilute to Taste (1991) The Order of Chaos (1992) Kin (1992 ) Scourge (1996) Bury the Pain (2019) Seven Words (2022)
After a successful return of Milwaukee Metal Festival in 2023, the iconic midwestern, multi-day event is now revealing the first wave of bands for what is already shaping up to be a diverse and hard hitting lineup!
MKE Fest co-organizer and Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta comments, “We’re extremely excited to have Milwaukee Metal Fest not only coming back for another insane year but this time around we have added power metal, more black metal, more doom and some other surprise elements that were not logistically possible last year. This is just the first of many announcements on the horizon and I can’t wait to see everyone in Milwaukee next May!”
Sound Talent Group’s Tim Borror adds, “Milwaukee Metal Fest 2023 was so awesome but more importantly, it’s a stake in the ground of how important and vital metal music is. Especially extreme metal! 2024 is going to be even more incredible. Come hang with us in May”
The current bands who will appear at next year’s edition are as follows:
MR. BUNGLE
BLIND GUARDIAN
SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL
IN FLAMES
HATEBREED
DEICIDE
KATATONIA
KAMELOT
MARDUK
POSSESSED
METAL CHURCH
INCANTATION
SKINLESS
THE RED CHORD
HEATHEN
INTERNAL BLEEDING
EMBRYONIC AUTOPSY
EYES OF THE LIVING
& MANY MORE!
The festivities will kick off with a pre-party on May 16while the main festival will run May 17 – 19 at The Rave/Eagles Club in Milwaukee, WI and is promised to have bigger headliners, more food, vendors, live podcasts and other surprises!
The festival returned to prominence in 2023 under the watchful eye of Hatebreed frontman and podcaster Jamey Jasta and Sound Talent Group’s Tim Borror, as well as the team at The Rave / Eagles Club, where so many of the original festivals took place.
Early bird tickets are on sale now and available for a limited time! 1, 2 & 3 day options zero interest payment plans available at Etix.com
Fans can visit the official Milwaukee Metal Fest site and sign up for the mailing list for first access to information and exclusive content HERE.
Hard rock power metal titans FIREWIND, who just recently announced their brand new studio offering, entitled Stand United, for a release on March 1, 2024 via AFM Records, have not only revealed a brand new single, but a US headlining tour kicking off in the Spring of 2024! Find all upcoming FIREWIND live dates listed below. Tickets are on sale now! More US dates TBA.
Following “Salvation Day”, the previously-released, first track taken off the band’s forthcoming offering, now, FIREWIND have shared a lyric video for their new, powerful singe “Come Undone”. Their new album,Stand United will be available as CD, LP Vinyl, digital formats and highly collectable bundles including an autographed card, a FIREWINDcat patch plus a ticket for the band’s upcoming European tour with MASTERPLAN. For every ticket bundle purchase, fans will also get the chance to win a Meet & Greet. The album pre-sale is available at: https://firewind.bfan.link/stand-united
The video clip for the new FIREWINDsingle, “Come Undone”, is now streaming HERE
Since more than twenty years, FIREWIND enthrall heavy music fans with their exciting blend of hard rock and power metal. Razor-sharp riffs by guitar legend Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil), big hooks and solos meet the incredible vocal skills of charismatic singer Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Radiant, Seventh Avenue, amongst others), who joined the band in 2019.
Stand United, features nine brand new songs produced with Dennis Ward (Magnum, Unisonic), as well as a cover of the 80s pop rock classic ‘Talking in Your Sleep’, originally recorded by The Romantics but giving it a metal twist in the style of FIREWIND. Their forthcoming, tenth studio album also bears testament to the band’s sheer enthusiasm and lyrical topics that could not be more relevant.
FIREWIND: Gus G. (guitars) Herbie Langhans (vocals) Petros Christo (bass) Jo Nunez (drums)
“I wouldn’t exactly call ‘Stand United’ a classic concept album, but the album title indicates what we’re about thematically,” explains Gus G, who has also contributed with more lyric ideas on this one than any album before. “This world seems to be getting more and more out of balance, what with environmental disasters, the pandemic, the wars currently raging all over the globe. In such times, it’s more important than ever for mankind to stand close together instead of fighting each other. That’s what ‘Stand United’ is about!”
In support of Stand United and among a European tour with MASTERPLAN early next year, FIREWIND have announced to tour the US in the Spring of 2024.
Says Gus G: “We’re proud and excited to bring our new album “Stand United” World Tour to America! In 2022 we made our comeback tour after a 9 year absence from American shores. We vowed to return as soon as possible. With a new album release ahead of us, we’re gonna do a full headline set for our American fans which will feature new songs and a best of setlist from our whole catalogue that’s been long overdue! We’re also very happy to have Edge of Paradise and Immortal Guardian with us. This is gonna be a Power Metal night to remember. We hope to see you all there!
FIREWIND – STAND UNITED IN AMERICA 2024 – Special guests: EDGE OF PARADISE and IMMORTAL GUARDIAN
04.12 MANCHESTER, NH – ANGERL CITY MUSIC HALL 04.13 READING, PA – REVERB 04.14 PITTSBURGH, PA – CRAFTHOUSE 04.16 WESTLAND, MI – TOKEN LOUNGE 04.17 HOBART, IN – HOBART ART THEATER 04.20 PEORIA, IL – REVIVAL MUSIC HALL 04.21 JOLIET, IL – THE FORGE 04.23 DENVER, CO – HQ 04.25 SAN DIEGO, CA – BRICK BY BRICK 04.26 ANAHEIM, CA – THE PARISH @ HOUSE OF BLUES 04.27 W. HOLLYWOOD – WHISKY A GO GO 04.28 SAN FRANCISCO – DNA LOUNGE 05.01 AUSTIN, TX – COME AND TAKE IT LIVE 05.02 DALLAS, TX – GRANADA THEATER (SUNDOWN ROOM) 05.03 SAN ANTONIO, TX – ROLLING OAKS EVENT CENTER 05.06 HOUSTON, TX – WAREHOUSE LIVE
MASTERS OF FIRE TOUR 2024 || FIREWIND & MASTERPLAN LIVE Tickets on sale at: https://bnds.us/663bll
29.02 🇩🇪 – Frankfurt, Das Bett 01.03 🇩🇪 – Bochum, Matrix 02.03 🇳🇱 – Uden, De Pul 03.03 🇫🇷 – Savigny Le Temple, L’Empreinte 06.03 🇪🇸 – Barcelona, Sala Wolf 07.03 🇪🇸– Madrid, Shoko 08.03 🇪🇸 – Pamplona, Totem 11.03 🇩🇪 – Munich, Backstage Halle 12.03 🇦🇹 – Wien, Szene 13.03 🇸🇰 – Bratislava, Randal Club 14.03 🇨🇿 – Zlin, Masters of Rock Cafe 15.03 🇵🇱 – Lublin, Studio im. Budki Suflera 16.03 🇵🇱 – Zabrze – CK Wiatrak 17.03 🇩🇪 – Leipzig – Hellraiser 20.03 🇳🇴 – Oslo, John Dee 21.03 🇸🇪 – Malmö, Plan B 22.03 🇸🇪 – Gothenburg, Surr Arena 23.03 🇸🇪 – Gävle, Gasklockorna 24.03 🇸🇪 – Stockholm, Biblioteket Live
Faroe Islands-based folk metal collective TÝR will return to North American stages next Spring. The Battle Ballads headlining tour, named in honor of their upcoming new full-length of the same name, begins March 28th in Baltimore, Maryland and makes its way through over two dozen cities, coming to a close on April 26th in Greensboro, North Carolina. Support will be provided by Trollfest, ÆtherRealm, and The Dread CrewOf Oddwood. The tour marks TÝR’s first North American run since 2019.
Comments the band, “It is with great joy that we announce our return to the US and Canada. It’s been too long, and we have missed the people, the cities, and the vast landscapes dearly. It warms our heathen hearts to think that we will soon see all your familiar faces again, and probably, hopefully, a few people we have not seen before. We will bring our lighthearted neighbors, Trollfest from Norway, with us, as well as your metal compatriots, Æther Realm, and The Dread Crew Of Oddwood. See you soon!”
Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 24th, at 12:00pm EST/9:00am PST. See all confirmed dates below.
More info on TÝR’s Battle Balladsalbum, set for release in the Spring of 2024, will be unveiled in the weeks to come. In the meantime, view the cover art by Gyula Havancsak.
TÝR w/ Trollfest, Æther Realm, The Dread Crew Of Oddwood: 3/28/2024 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 3/29/2024 Gramercy Theater – New York, NY 3/30/2024 Middle East Downstairs – Boston, MA 3/31/2024 La Source De La Martinière – Quebec City, QC 4/01/2024 Studio TD – Montreal, QC 4/02/2024 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON 4/03/2024 Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON 4/04/2024 The Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 4/05/2024 Reggies – Chicago, IL 4/06/2024 Skyway Theater – Minneapolis, MN 4/07/2024 Park Theater – Winnipeg. MB 4/08/2024 The Exchange – Regina, SK 4/09/2024 Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB 4/10/2024 Dickens – Calgary, AB 4/12/2024 The Rickshaw – Vancouver, BC 4/13/2024 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 4/14/2024 Bossanova Ballroom – Portland, OR 4/15/2024 Cornerstone – Berkeley, CA 4/16/2024 1720 – Los Angeles, CA 4/17/2024 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 4/18/2024 Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ 4/19/2024 TBC 4/20/2024 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 4/21/2024 The Granada – Dallas, TX 4/22/2024 White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX 4/24/2024 Conduit – Orlando, FL 4/25/2024 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA 4/26/2024 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC
Last March, TÝR released A Night At The Nordic House (With The Symphony Orchestra Of The Faroe Islands), a special event recorded in February of 2020. “Working with the Symphony Orchestra was without a doubt one of the highlights of our careers,” noted vocalist Heri Joensen. “The feeling of sheer sophisticated power behind us was extraordinarily uplifting. We were awed by how well the songs worked in a symphonic setting. We are very excited to finally release a live [double] DVD, CD and LP, and even with the incredible new artwork by Gyula Havancsák, that excellently captures the epic atmosphere of the event.”
The Iron Maidens made their Tennessee debut in Knoxville on Nov. 11th. The world’s only female tribute to Iron Maiden brought the beast to The Concourse along with openers Kamenar and Skyway 61. A crowd of Maiden shirts waited as the doors to the venue opened.
Kamenar hit the stage first, hyping the crowd up right away. Kamenar is made up of twin brothers Sean (vocals,guitar,andbass) and John Kamenar (drums). The two young boys from Florida put the duo in dynamic duo and prove that the younger generation will not let the sound of the 80’s die. With obvious influences from many of the bands they have opened for like Warrant, LA Guns, and Bret Michaels, the Kamenar twins show passion for their music. Playing originals and covers, both boys shined, but what really set them apart was something not many can say they can do, a twin drum solo. The Kamenar twins destroyed the drum kit together and defiantly gained some new fans that night.
Skyway 61 took to the stage next decorating it in a way that could only be best described as Steven Tyler’s closet. While setting up, the whole band was engaging with the audience making sure that when the first note hit the crowd would already be screaming. Lead singer Alden Duren had more energy than most bands on the rise. With nonstop movement, he excited every inch of the venue. Vocally Duren has his own unique style but with hints of Axl Rose and Robert Plant especially with the higher notes. The whole band fed off the cheers of the crowd but Duren ate it up the most. Towards the end of the show Duren had let both the music and the cheers from the crowd power him and ended up not only taking off his shirt but also his shoes and throwing them side stage. It takes more than just looking the part to be a rockstar and together Skyway 61 has created their own upbeat sound that everyone could feel.
As Skyway 61 left the stage, the crew began to set up for the Maidens. The little details that the girls add to their performance, like Nicko’s friend Sooty proudly displayed on Linda Mcdonald’s drum set and Eddie’s head mounted on a street sign depicting Transylvania and Acacia Ave, really heightened the experience. The show started as many Iron Maiden shows have with Churchill’s Speech and leader Kirsten Rosenberg taking the stage to the high powered intro of Aces High. Rosenberg lives up to her stage name, Bruce Chickinson, in both appearance and her exceptional vocals. Not only did she take on the vocals styling of Dickinson but also of Paul Di’Anno. Rosenberg could easily add Paula Di’Anno to her list of nicknames. From Dickinson’s high end screams to DiAnnos’ punk low end Rosenberg hit it all, while still adding her own twist.
Maiden is known for having one of the most iconic guitar duos in metal and the Maidens kept that legacy alive. Nikki Stringfield takes on the role of Dave Murrary while newest addition Shani Kimelman fills the role of Adrian Smith. Both guitarists played with such ease like they were a born to do this. While talking with a fan, Kimelman stated that her guitar is an extension of her hand. She also mentioned that she keeps her setup as close to Smith’s to get the authentic sound. It is safe say that she succeeded. Stringfield dominates every one of Murray’s solos. Her hand moves up and down the neck of her very own signature guitar with such grace; almost like a flutter but never missing a note.
Bass player Wanda Ortiz had big burgundy and blue wrist bands to fill but from the first strum it was apparent she was the right woman to represent founding member Steve Harris. Standing firm up front proudly displaying the West Ham logo on her bass, Ortiz perfected the 3 finger gallop that Maiden fans have come to love. While each song shows off the bass in its own way, Ortiz truly shined during Wrathchild and Phantom of the Opera. Drummer Linda Mcdonald is basically the female Nicko McBrain. She is nothing but smiles as she attacks the drum set. Mcbrain has a much larger kit but Mcdonald was able to get the point across with her own setup. Ortiz and Mcdonald make up the perfect rhythm section.
A few surprise guests also took the stage with the Maidens. Kinelman defeated A Stranger in a Strange Land (Cyborg Eddie) and his ray gun with her epic shredding. Rosenberg went face to face with the devil himself and Ortiz defended the stage from Eddie the Head. Eddie, while not a musician, still has a vital role in Maiden history. Keeping him in the show is extremely important to have a true Maiden moment, and they go above and beyond with multiple versions of the beloved mascot.
The Iron Maidens are a must see for every Maiden fan and are a great way to hold you over till your next Iron Maiden show. Whether it’s Maidens alum Nita Strauss or new comer Shani Kimelman, every woman to step on that stage under the Maidens name knows and understands the importance of Iron Maiden to everyone in their crowd. – Tanis Enos
Heavy metal icons PANTERA will return to the stage this February on the second leg of their North American headlining tour. The journey follows the band’s massively successful twenty-city run this past Summer, a tour which stood as one of the most anticipated tours of 2023, as well as their dates supporting Metallica. Featuring classic members, vocalist Philip H.Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, alongside guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante, the latest stretch of live dates continues the celebration of the lives of late founding members, drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell.
The trek, which will commence on February 3rd in Sunrise, Florida, runs through fourteen cities, coming to a close on February 27th in Quebec City, Quebec. The band will again be joined by special guest, acclaimed metal powerhouse Lamb Of God, with additional support acts to be announced in the weeks to come.
Comments Anselmo, “Looking forward to jamming with everybody! These shows mean a lot and we aim to kick ass! Love y’all!”
Adds Brown, “We’re really excited to announce new dates in 2024. Looking forward to bringing the show to some cities we missed in 2023. Come jam!”
Ticket presales and VIP upgrades begin Tuesday, November 14th at 10:00am local time. General on sale date is Friday, November 17th at 10:00am local time at Pantera.com.
PANTERA was recently confirmed to play the 2024 edition of Download Festival. The performance will mark the band’s first UK appearance in three decades! Additionally, fans can catch PANTERA supporting Metallica on the remaining dates of their North American stadium tour this August. See all confirmed dates below.
PANTERA w/ Special Guest Lamb Of God: 2/03/2024 Amerant Bank Arena – Sunrise, FL 2/05/2024 Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL 2/07/2024 Rupp Arena – Lexington, KY 2/09/2024 Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN 2/10/2024 FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN 2/13/2024 T-Mobile Center – Kansas City, MO 2/14/2024 Pinnacle Bank Arena – Lincoln, NE 2/16/2024 Canada Life Centre – Winnipeg, MB 2/18/2024 Resch Center – Green Bay, WI 2/20/2024 Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI 2/22/2024 Madison Square Garden – New York, NY 2/24/2024 CFG Bank Arena – Baltimore, MD 2/26/2024 Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON 2/27/2024 Centre Vidéotron – Québec City, QC End Tour 6/14-16/2024 Download Fest @ Donington Park – Derby, UK #festival 8/02/2024 Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA ** 8/09/2024 Soldier Field – Chicago, IL ** 8/16/2024 US Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN ** 8/23/2024 Commonwealth Stadium – Edmonton, AB ** 8/30/2024 Lumen Field – Seattle, WA **
** PANTERA supporting Metallica
Creators of the “power groove,” PANTERA got their start in Arlington, Texas with its best-known lineup, consisting of founding members and brothers, drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell, with bassist Rex Brown and vocalist Philip H. Anselmo. The group would become one the most successful and influential bands in heavy metal history. To date, PANTERA has sold 20 million records worldwide and has received four Grammy nominations along with sold out arena tours across the globe.
This past week the news broke of Slipknot notifying drummer Jay Weinberg that his service was no longer needed. After 10 years with Slipknot, contributing to 3 studio albums and touring, the loyalty factor went dark on Jay Weinberg for obviously no sufficient reason. “Slipknot is intent on evolving” is basically an excuse taken out of the handbookof cheap excuses to fire someone. Please. Slipknot evolving? Into what? A folk band? Bluegrass ensemble? Whatever.
Below are the press releases as released by Slipknot and Jay Weinberg. Granted, I don’t know every detail behind the scenes here; however, if it quacks like a duck and looks like a duck… then it’s a duck. I wish nothing but the very best of Metal success for Jay Weinberg for he deserves to rise above this nonsense. -Stone
The band will make their triumphant return to Latin America for 10 shows, with the first stop in Lima, Peru on Saturday, April 6. In addition to Peru, upcoming stops include Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil and México. Presale tickets for Mexico will be available for Cyber Army members beginning Saturday, November 11 at 10AM local time. Presales for the rest of the tour dates are listed below and coming soon.
“April of 2024 Megadeth returns to South America to support our latest record, The Sick, The Dying, And The Dead!, and I always get excited because there is something truly different about South America. I don’t know what it is… but whatever IT is, they come by it naturally,” shared frontman Dave Mustaine. “We are also planning a really big surprise for where “Aguante Megadeth” all started in Buenos Aires, too! So… if you can, DO NOT MISS THAT SHOW!”
Ticket and VIP Package Presales begin Saturday, November 11, 2023 in select markets.
Today, US thrash metal legends SACRED REICH release MC re-issues of their classic albums “Surf Nicaragua” (1988) and “The American Way” (1990) via Time To Kill Records. Order your copies now at:
SACRED REICH is an American thrash metal band based in Phoenix, Arizona, that was formed in 1985. The band split in 2000, but reunited in 2006. They have been credited, along with Testament, Destruction, Death Angel and Dark Angel, for leading the second wave of thrash metal in the late 1980s.
In 2019, SACRED REICHreleased their first record in twenty-three years: “Awakening”. Showcasing everything a fan would expect and hope for from the Phoenix, Arizona unit, “Awakening” is a timeless collection comprised of blistering thrash, crushing grooves, meticulous solos, and socially conscious lyrics. The return of Dave McClain, who manned the drum throne from 1991 to 1997, and the addition of twenty-two-year old guitarist Joey Radziwill, alongside original members guitarist Wiley Arnett and vocalist/bassist Phil Rind, are integral facets of the record.
“Awakening” was produced by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Cavalera Conspiracy), engineered by John Aquilino, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Halford, Armored Saint).
German heavy metal veterans U.D.O. who were recently forced to postpone their planned 2023 North American tour, are pleased to reveal the rescheduled dates for Fall 2024. The journey will commence on September 6th in Frenchtown, New Jersey and makes its way through two dozen cities, closing on October 12th in Manchester, New Hampshire. Tickets, as well as VIP upgrades which include a meet and greet with U.D.O., a photo-op, autographs, and more are available at: national-acts.com/UDO.
Tickets purchased for the previous 2023 shows will be honored on their respective rescheduled dates. See all confirmed dates below.
U.D.O. Touchdown US/Canada Tour: 9/06/2024 Artie’s – Frenchtown, NJ 9/07/2024 The Vault – New Bedford, MA 9/08/2024 Reverb – Reading, PA 9/11/2024 Southport Music Hall – Jefferson, LA 9/12/2024 Rise Rooftop – Houston, TX 9/14/2024 Rolling Oaks Event – San Antonio, TX 9/15/2024 Trees – Dallas, TX 9/17/2024 Rockhouse – El Paso, TX 9/18/2024 The 44 – Glendale, AZ 9/20/2024 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA 9/21/2024 Stages – Santa Ana, CA 9/22/2024 Whisky A Go Go – West Hollywood, CA 9/23/2024 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 9/25/2024 Rickhouse – Denver, CA 9/27/2024 The Vixen – Mchenry, IL 9/28/2024 The Forge – Joliet, IL 10/01/2024 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON 10/02/2024 Foufounes Electriques – Montreal, QC 10/03/2024 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON 10/04/2024 Token Lounge – Westland, MI 10/05/2024 Q & Z Expo – Ringle, WI 10/06/2024 Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI 10/09/2024 Blue Note – Harrison, OH 10/12/2024 Angel City Music Hall – Manchester, NH
U.D.O. released their latest studio album, Touchdown, in August via Atomic Fire Records. The record, which marks the musical reunion of singer Udo Dirkschneider and bassist Peter Baltes (ex-Accept) who joined the U.D.O. ranks earlier this year, continues to reap critical accolades globally and entered the official German album charts at #4 upon its first week of release marking the highest charting result in their homeland in their long-running career!
THE RODS are a storied heavy metal band that rocked their way through the ‘80s with a powerful, raw energy that had fans and critics alike calling them “The American Motörhead.” Once the go-to opening act for some of the biggest metal bands in the world, THE RODS toured throughout the ‘80s with the likes of Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, and Iron Maiden, among others. Along with contemporaries like Anvil and Raven, THE RODS are an integral part of what is commonly recognized today as Heavy Metal’s “golden age,” and emerged during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
Following their latest, much acclaimed 2019-album Brotherhood of Metal, now, THE RODS have announced their signing with Massacre Records,and are currently gearing up for the release of their forthcoming studio offering, entitled “Rattle The Cage”! The album will be available as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats on January 12, 2024, the pre-sale has just started at: https://therods.bfan.link/rattlethecage
Drummer Carl Canedy comments: “THE RODS are thrilled to have signed with Massacre Records! The staff and the label’s commitment to Metal is second to none. We feel our new album, “Rattle The Cage”, is one of our best ever. We’re looking forward to working with everyone at Massacre to help make this album as successful as it deserves to be. The Rods have always been about bringing their music to the fans. We will be doing just that in 2024! “
To share a first appetizer, today, THE RODS are presenting their upcoming album title track! “Rattle The Cage”is now available on all digital streaming services at THIS LOCATION, a music video is now premiering HERE!
“In preparation for this new album, I received a message from Carl stating that he had an idea for a new song,“ vocalist and guitarist, David “Rock” Feinstein, reveals.“He sent me the title, and some lyric ideas, and of course I thought the title and concept he formed was great. He then left it to me and my imagination to add more lyric ideas, and complete the musical work. The song is about the everyday person who feels trapped at what they might be doing in their life. No matter what the job may be, the need for relief was in need. It’s also about freedom, and about standing up for what you feel is right, and not being taken advantage of. Rattle the cage, and be heard. Let your feelings be known, and stand up for your rights. It really applies to everyone’s life.“
Heavy, dark, deep, insightful, and maybe even a bit more inciteful than ever before: “Rattle The Cage”is THE RODS at their incendiary best! Lyrically, they’ve taken a cue from David “Rock” Feinstein’s cousin, Ronnie James Dio, providing the listener with a similar sense of hope and resiliency in the face of an ever-changing world. Musically, the band is tighter than ever! Founding members David “Rock”Feinstein and Carl Canedy are joined by new bassist Freddy Villano (Quiet Riot, Widowmaker), and the results are simply sublime: The songs are rhythmically tighter, yet more musically unbound, the grooves heavier, and the melodies more dynamic.
Mixed and mastered by Chris Collier, “Rattle The Cage” benefits from his masterful, modern touch, with the kind of sound that will simultaneously appeal to core fans as well as new generations of listeners! THE RODS epitomize the term power-trio, and the word “power” has never been more evident in their music than it is now. 2024 will markTHE RODS’ 45th anniversary, in support, they will be playing many special dates and performances to commemorate 45 years together. With such an impressive history firmly notched in their collective belt, THE RODS are still firing on all cylinders, and as eager as ever to crank it up, louder than loud!
Rattle The Cage” track listing:
Now And Forever
Wolves At The Door
Cry Out Loud
Rattle The Cage
Can’t Slow Down
Metal Highways
Hell Or High Water
Play It Loud
Shockwave
Hearts Of Steel
THE RODS: David “Rock” Feinstein – Guitar, Lead Vocals Freddy Villano – Bass, Vocals Carl Canedy – Drums, Vocals
Iconic heavy metal outfit ARMORED SAINT will return to the stage this Spring supporting Queensrÿche! The trek, which commences on March 27th, 2024 in Anaheim, California and runs through May 21st, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, includes several ARMORED SAINT headlining shows scattered throughout.
Comments ARMORED SAINT vocalist John Bush, “Hello SAINT fans, We are happy to announce that we will be hitting the road again in March 2024 to team up with our good friends and one amazing band, the mighty Queensrÿche! Playing shows with Eddie [Jackson], Michael [Wilton], Todd [La Torre], Casey [Grillo], and Mike [Stone] is always inspiring and a lot of fun. The tour hits lots of cities we haven’t played in a while including dates in Canada! Come on out and watch two classic metal bands bring the house down every night! If it’s anything like the 2016 tour we did together, it’s gonna be one hell of a ride! Until then, we are writing brand new music which is sounding amazing! Thanks as always to our loyal fan base. We’ll see ya soon!”
Tickets go on sale Friday, November 10th at 10:00am local time with VIP upgrades available at THIS LOCATION. See all confirmed dates below.
Additionally, ARMORED SAINT will appear at this year’s edition of Life After Death Horror Fest in Mexico City, Mexico December 3rd followed by a special show with KK’s Priest in Bogota, Columbia on December 5th. The band will also take part in the Monsters Of Rock Cruise which departs from Miami, Florida on March 2nd, 2024, and sails for five days with stops in Jamaica and the Bahamas.
ARMORED SAINT: John Bush – vocals Jeff Duncan – guitars Phil Sandoval – guitars Joey Vera – bass Gonzo Sandoval – drums
ARMORED SAINT: 12/03/2023 Life After Death Horror Fest – Mexico City, MX [info] 12/05/2023 Royal Center – Bogota, CO w/ KK’s Priest 3/02/2024 Monsters Of Rock Cruise – Miami, FL [info] w/ Queensrÿche: 3/27/2024 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA 3/28/2024 Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA 3/29/2024 Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA ** 3/31/2024 Neptune Theater – Seattle, WA 4/02/2024 Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO 4/03/2024 Gothic Theater – Englewood, CO 4/05/2024 Barnato – Omaha, NE ** 4/06/2024 Delmar Hall – St Louis, MO 4/07/2024 Paramount – Cedar Rapids, IA 4/09/2024 Coronado Performing Arts Center – Rockford, IL 4/10/2024 Peoria Civic Center – Peoria, IL 4/11/2024 The King Of Clubs – Columbus, OH ** 4/12/2024 The Vogue – Indianapolis, IN 4/13/2024 State Theater – Kalamazoo, MI 4/14/2024 Majestic – Detroit, MI 4/16/2024 Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH 4/17/2024 House Of Blues – Cleveland, OH 4/19/2024 Phoenix Theater – Toronto, ON 4/20/2024 Theater Beanfield – Montreal, QC 4/21/2024 Elements – Kitchener, ON 4/23/2024 Tally Ho Theater – Leesburg, VA ** 4/24/2024 The Roxian – Pittsburgh, PA 4/26/2024 Empire Live – Albany, NY 4/27/2024 Palladium – Worcester, MA 4/28/2024 Toad’s – New Haven, CT 4/30/2024 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ 5/01/2024 Keswick Theater – Glenside, PA 5/02/2024 Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY ** 5/03/2024 The Paramount – Huntington, NY 5/04/2024 Lovedrafts – Mechanicsburg, PA ** 5/05/2024 The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC 5/07/2024 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA 5/09/2024 Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL 5/10/2024 The Plaza Live – Orlando, FL 5/11/2024 Culture Room – Ft Lauderdale, FL 5/12/2024 The Ranch – Ft Myers, FL 5/15/2024 Scout Bar – Houston, TX ** 5/16/2024 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX ** w/ Dangerous Toys 5/17/2024 Granada Theater – Dallas, TX ** w/ Dangerous Toys 5/18/2024 The Shrine – Tulsa, OK ** 5/20/2024 Nile Theater – Phoenix, AZ ** 5/21/2024 Count’s Vamp’d – Las Vegas, NV ** ** ARMORED SAINT headlining show
ARMORED SAINT’s most recent studio album, Punching The Sky, was released in 2020. The critically lauded full-length hit worldwide record charts including #4 on Billboard’s Current Hard Music Albums chart, #6 on the Top New Artists chart, #16 on the Top Independent Albums chart, and #17 on the Current Rock Albums chart upon its first week of release.
Metal Blade Records labelmates RIVERS OF NIHIL and ENTHEOS will support Lorna Shore’s trio of holiday shows this December. The short run, dubbed 3 Nights Of A Lorna Shore Christmas, will see the tour package playing Worcester, Long Island, and Sayreville December 20th, 21st, and 22nd. In addition to RIVERS OF NIHIL and ENTHEOS, additional support will be supplied by Currents and Varials.
RIVERS OF NIHIL guitarist Brody Uttley states, “We are stoked to be doing a few dates on the East Coast with our pals in Lorna Shore. These shows will undoubtedly crush, and we can’t wait to bring some old and new favorites to the stage to warm you all up for the holiday season.”
ENTHEOSvocalist Chaney Crabb adds, “We’re excited to be joining Lorna Shore’s Christmas shows this year alongside Currents, Rivers Of Nihil, and Varials. Each night will be one to remember and we’re looking forward to celebrating the holiday with three of the best crowds in the country. See you all soon.”
Tickets for all shows are available now. See all dates below.
3 Nights Of A Lorna Shore Christmas w/ Currents, Rivers Of Nihil, Varials, Entheos:
12/20/2023 The Palladium – Worcester, MA [tickets]
12/21/2023 The Paramount – Long Island, NY [tickets]
In March 2023, Reading, Pennsylvania-based RIVERS OF NIHIL wrapped up a recording session that saw the now four-piece band birth a considerable amount of new music featuring their previous bassist/backup vocalist Adam Biggs as the new lead vocalist/bassist. This recording session also marked the first appearance of new guitarist Andy Thomas (ex-Black Crown Initiate), whose vocals also play prominently in the music as a member of RIVERS OF NIHIL. These new singles are the first to showcase the band’s new lineup in full-on collaboration, and demonstrate that while this is a new, brave sound with tons of potential, it also carries the band’s classic energy.
Watch/listen to RIVERS OF NIHIL’s new singles “Hellbirds” HERE and “The Sub-Orbital Blues” HERE.
ENTHEOS photo by Daniel Alvarado
Pushing progressive death metal in ever more imaginative directions, ENTHEOS continues to stand apart from the pack. Incorporating elements drawn from myriad genres – including death metal, groove, grunge, electronica, slam, gothic rock, jazz, prog and more – they have evolved with every release. Having stripped down to a two-piece in 2020 has helped to streamline the band and allow the core members to make the music they want to with no compromise, which is clearly to their betterment. Earlier this year the band released the diverse and exhilarating “Time Will Take Us All” full-length, and in recent weeks released a new single, the Drumcorps remix of the Time Will Take Us All song “The Interior Wilderness.”
Watch/listen to ENTHEOS’ Time Will Take Us All and the Drumcorps remix of “The Interior Wilderness”HERE.
BERZERKER LEGION was founded in 2016 by guitarists Tomas Elofsson (Hypocrisy) and Alwin Zuur (Asphyx) with a vision to create death metal of the most belligerent quality, they recruited a line-up of solid well-known musicians consisting of James Stewart (Vader) on drums, Jonny Pettersson (Wombbath) on vocals and Fredrik Isaksson (Dark Funeral) on bass to complete the Legion.
Alwin Zuur (guitars/songwriter) comments: “During the recent years Tomas and I met each other at shows and festivals regularly. Much of our conversations were about music and styles. During these meetings we found out that we really had a lot of common musical interests .
Music wise our debut album ‘Obliterate the Weak’ displays the perfect balance between brutality, melody and harmony. Being a fan of the early 90’s Swedish Gothenburg style, with bands like At The Gates, Eucharist, A Canorous Quintet, as well as being a die-hard fan of brutal old school death metal style with bands like Bolt Thrower, Obituary, I have always wanted to write songs showing a mix of such different death metal genres.
With our new album “Chaos Will Reign” we have further developed ourselves in our typical musical mix of melody and brutality. “Chaos Will Reign” sounds more professional, complete, massive and powerful thanks to Jonas Kjellgren’s production. It has become the logical successor, a huge step forward compared to our debut album “Obliterate the Weak”.
Saying the album songs transpire massively produced invigorating heavy death metal is an understatement. BERZERKER LEGION knock out with warlike triumphant, powerfully addictive harmonies that will turn them into an unstoppable beast in a live situation and on record.
Brace yourself, Austin! The city known for its vibrant music scene is about to get a new blitzkrieg of a bash. Announcing the first ever Austin Death Fest, a two-day death metal extravaganza set to reverberate through Austin on April 27th and 28th, 2024 at the Mohawk.
Today, the festival has announced WITCH VOMIT, MORTUOUS, MAUL, CIVEROUS, TORTURE RACK and LUNAR CHAMBER will be joining thepowerhouse lineup. Previously, headliners MORTIFERUM, OUTER HEAVEN, TOMB MOLD, and PHOBOPHILIC were announced.
The festival founder, Jason Dahlke, shares his vision: “The goal with Austin Death Fest is to showcase the best contemporary bands in the genre on one of the coolest stages Austin has to offer. So many of the bands on the lineup are churning out some of the best records in modern death metal and grinding it out in clubs or DIY venues, playing for the die hard fans of the culture. Paying homage to previous Austin festivals such as Chaos in Tejas, I wanted to bring back a festival that got people excited for what’s happening currently in the scene and hopefully inspire them to start up their own bands, start attending more local shows, and putting their passion into the scene to help it further grow.”
Austin Death Fest not only offers a platform to the greatest in contemporary death metal but also hopes to revive and grow the love for the genre within Austin’s eclectic community of music enthusiasts.
Mark your calendars, gather your crew, and prepare for a weekend of headbanging, electrifying riffs, and the raw energy that is the essence of death metal. Austin Death Fest is coming!
Currently, weekend passes are on sale at Early Bird pricing. Tickets can be purchased HERE. All Early Bird passes cover the entire weekend – two days of solid death metal! Single day passes will be made available at a later date.
About Austin Death Fest:
Founded by Jason Dahlke of LEFT TO ROT, Austin Death Fest is a new festival aiming to celebrate and grow the death metal community in Austin, Texas. With an inaugural lineup that promises a sensational experience, the festival seeks to be a cornerstone event for all death metal enthusiasts.
November 24, 2023 sees German death/thrash metal band BURDEN OF GRIEF release their much-awaited, eighth studio album, titled “Destination Dystopia”, via Masssacre Records. Coming as CD, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats, the pre-sale is available at: https://lnk.to/destinationdystopia
It’s the band’s first offering in more than five long years. Five years, in which so much has happened in the world that BURDEN OF GRIEF were forced to refer to it lyrically and musically. Reinforced by the two new members Dominik Hellmuth (guitars) and Manuel Lüke (drums), they now present the strongest, heaviest and most varied album in the almost 30-year band history.
Following a previously-released, first album appetizer “Fevered Dreams”, now, BURDEN OF GRIEF are premiering a music video for their new single “A Daydream Of Sorrow”!
“On each of our albums we have 2-3 songs that break out of our usual musical context, mostly by being significantly slower,” the band comments. “This is enormously important to keep the music as varied as possible. “A Daydream Of Sorrow” is one of those songs that is particularly catchy, not least because of the slowing down of the tempo, and also has an extended solo part. In the studio it has already turned out that this song clearly stands out from the overall material. But fans of our heavier stuff don’t have to worry, most of the other songs are much faster.”
Watch the new BURDEN OF GRIEF video now streaming HERE
On “Destination Dystopia”, BURDEN OF GRIEF accomplished to focus on their years of experience, to combine their strengths and to put them into 10 riff monsters that are bursting with energy, great melodies and pure heaviness. First and foremost, you’ll get the thrash and melodic death treatment, but you’ll also find a plethora of elements that go way beyond what these musical drawers are all about. Expect killer grooves, classic twin-guitar solos as well as the return of the old-school Hammond organ.
Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner and his assistant Daniel Claar took care of the drum recordings, mixing and mastering of the album at the Kohlekeller Studios (Hämatom, Powerwolf, Aborted, etc.), and they made sure that “Destination Dystopia” is the tightest and heaviest album BURDEN OF GRIEF has ever released!
BURDEN OF GRIEF: Mike Huhmann – Vocals Philipp Hanfland – Guitars Dominik Hellmuth – Guitars Florian Bauer – Bass Manuel Lüke – Drums
“Destination Dystopia” track listing:
World Under Attack
A Daydream Of Sorrow
Exposed To The Dark
Downfall
Fevered Dreams
The Devil’s Bride
Mass Murder Society
Destination Dystopia
Fall Into Oblivion
My Suicide
DISCOGRAPHY: 2000 – Haunting Requiems 2001 – On Darker Trails 2004 – Fields Of Salvation 2007 – Death End Road 2009 – Haunting Requiems (Re-Release) 2010 – Follow The Flames 2014 – Unchained 2018 – Eye Of The Storm 2023 – Destination Dystopia
The follow-up to 2021’s “Embrace the Unknown” (released by Germany’s Pure Steel Records), “Deception” features five tracks of prog-infused thrash highlighted by the band’s signature melodic vocals and hook-laden approach to songwriting.
Deception is set for release on November 10. Pre-order and pre-save the EP at linktr.ee/lower13official
Tracklist: 1) More Time 2) Your Love’s a Curse 3) The One to Blame 4) Holding on to Misery 5) You Just Left Her
LOWER 13 was formed in Parma, Ohio in March 2006 and is comprised of Eric Kruger (drums), Sean Balog (bass, vocals), and Patrick Capretta (guitars, vocals). Lower 13 strives to carve their own identity in the metal scene, blending styles and pulling from their various influences. They create their own brand of metal laced with crushing riffs, grooves, and dual vocal harmonies.
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