The new song and lyric video from NYC doom trio PRECIOUS BLOOD is now streaming. “Old Man Abaddon” is the second single off the band’s full-length debut album, False Prophets.
False Prophets is set for release on October 29th.
Fully formed in 2024, PRECIOUS BLOOD brings together three veterans of the NYC scene: AJ – guitar, vocals (Jesus Knevil, Snake Canyon), Dave Kramer – bass, vocals (Blood Feast, Suaka, Stanley), and Grace Perez – drums, vocals (The Wickedexorcist). The band’s shared love of doom and underground metal is expressed in an unholy concoction of rum-soaked riffs, brutal lyrics, and mystical tribal sounds.
Photo Credit: Rigo Diaz
With a signature sound best described as Blackened Caribbean Doom, PRECIOUS BLOOD delivers a unique blend of doom and thrash metal influenced tone, mixed with lyrical themes that draw profound inspiration from the enduring spirit of the Caribbean, shaped by brutal history of colonization, unwavering resilience of its people, and exploration of the darker aspects of human existence, including death, contemplation of mortality and the complexities of human suffering.
For fans of monstrous riffs, horror-inspired visuals, and genre-bending metal.
Track-list:
1) False Prophets
2) Bludgeoned & Charred
3) Footsteps of Babylon
4) Shadow of the Cross
5) Cemetery Burn
6) Old Man Abaddon
7) El Muerte
8) Whore’s Grave
False Prophets was recorded and mixed by Joe Hogan at Captain’s Cove Catskills Studios with mastering and additional engineering by AJ Tissian (The Wave Lab). The album was produced by Joe Hogan and PRECIOUS BLOOD. Album cover photo by Mia. Cover layout by PRECIOUS BLOOD.
VINTERSEA return with another fantastic new song and video for their latest composition “Become The Wave.” The Portland-based outfit, fronted by new vocalist Kayla Dixon, are currently one of the most inspiring and adventurous groups bubbling under.
“If ‘Celestial Abscission’ was our big bang out of the gate to show the world what VINTERSEA can do with our new vocalist (Kayla Dixon), ‘Become the Wave’ is a statement about where VINTERSEA is headed and what we want our music to represent,” states guitarist Riley Nix. “In some ways it is a return to form – melodic, brutal, groovy, and inspiring – but it is also different from anything you have heard from us before. Kayla brought huge energy, heartfelt performances, and some really unique tones that drove the song in a fresh direction from the outset.“
Listen to “Become the Wave” and “Celestial Abscission” now on all streaming/download platforms or watch the stunning music video crafted by bassist Karl Whinnery.
“I am super excited for people to scope out the video for ‘Become the Wave.’ We built a unique set in my garage, explored epic locations at the Oregon Coast, and tried a few things we have never done before,” explains Karl. “This is classic VINTERSEA, but with some new moves. Kayla crushed the vocal performance, and used techniques I’ve never heard before. We’ve played this song live on our last couple of tours, and it kills every show. I can’t wait for you all to hear what we can do.“
Become The Wave” was engineered and mixed by Gabe Johnston (Unto Others, Silver Talon) at Falcon Recording Studio and mastered by Troy Glessner (Devin Townsend, Underoath, Moonsorrow) at SPECTRE Mastering. The two singles are the beginnings of a new VINTERSEA album.
In the meantime, the band’s catalog – The Gravity of Fall (2017), Illuminated (2019) and Woven Into Ashes (2023) are all available at our webstore or Bandcamp here: https://vintersea.bandcamp.com/
VINTERSEA: Kayla Dixon – Vocals Riley Nix – Guitar Jorma Spaziano – Guitar Karl Whinnery – Bass Jeremy Spencer – Drums
VINTERSEA create a unique fusion of majestic progressive metal with harsh blackened death and post-metal beauty which draws inspiration from the darkened skies of their Pacific Northwest home. VINTERSEA delivers heavy, emotionally powerful and technically intriguing music that is undeniably inspired by the majesty of their surroundings.
The group built an organic and devoted following through impeccable and illustrious music videos (with combined views of over 5 million), social media outreach and tours with Moonspell, Eleine, Oceans of Slumber, Dawn of Ouroboros, Graveshadow, Voices of Ruin, as well as playing regionally opening for Bloodywood, Lord Dying, Anciients, Cyborg Octopus, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Obscura, Thulcandra, Wolfheart, Ne Obliviscaris, Jinger, The Ocean, Arkona and Sirenia.
BEAST EAGLE return with a vengeance, dropping their fierce new single “Send Me Down”, a high-voltage anthem that rages from the shadows and commands the darkness. The track is the first offering from their highly anticipated EP Sorceress, set for release on November 21st, 2025 via Golden Robot Records.
A ferocious ride of thunderous drums, razor-sharp riffs, and an unrelenting chorus made for unison chants in the night, “Send Me Down” tells the tale of a witch cast into exile. But instead of succumbing, she rises, claiming the dark realm as her own. This is her kingdom now, and BEAST EAGLE’s sound embodies that fiery transformation: wild, wicked, and unstoppable.
With Sorceress, BEAST EAGLE sharpen their identity into a weapon of blistering riffs, primal rhythm, and anthemic firepower. Fans can expect a full-throttle experience that blurs the line between raw rock energy and supernatural storytelling.
Album Cover Artist: Austin L’Ecuyer
Sorceress – Track Listing:
Sharp Tongue – 3:16
The Dead Follow – 3:40
Send Me Down – 3:14
Witch Hunt – 4:50
The Demonstration – 4:28
Line Up: Kate Lewis (Vocals) Austin L’Ecuyer (Guitarist) August Sievering (Drums) Toby Wandel (Bassist)
About BEAST EAGLE: Soaring out ofOmaha, Nebraska, heavy quartet BEAST EAGLE evoke a powerful take on hard rock driven by rock ‘n’ roll sensibilities. Influenced by the likes of KYUSS, HE IS LEGEND, and MASTODON, the band’s huge sound is spearheaded by a fury of riffs and unyielding vocals.
Since forming in 2019, BEAST EAGLE unleashed their first full length Loud at Flat Black Studios in 2021 with the self-titled EP following in 2023. Most recently, BEAST EAGLE were bestowed the title of Omaha Entertainment Award Association Best Hard Rock Band 2025. The forthcoming guitar-led, blues influenced offering, Sorceress is set to be unveiled onNovember 21st, 2025, via Golden Robot Records.
EP Credits: Producer: Rick Carson Recording Studio: Make Believe Studio Engineer: Ryan Harvey Mastering: Rick Carson Mixing: Rick Carson Album Cover Artist: Austin L’Ecuyer
Following a substantial Springtime tour, Akron, Ohio-based sludge metal crew RADIAN continues to book new tour dates as they complete work on their impending third album.
RADIAN’s Fall tour schedule sees them playing Female Feature Fest in Erie on September 27th as the band welcomes their new full-time bassist Carly Allman to the lineup. Several weeks later, the band heads back out on another run through the Eastern/Midwest states, with shows in Indianapolis, Columbus, Akron, Rochester, Brooklyn, and Louisville between November 1st and 17th.
RADIAN has completed work on their monstrous third album, which is being finalized for release in early 2026. Details for the album will be issued in the weeks ahead, alongside new tour announcements and more.
RADIAN Autumn 2025 Tour: 9/27/2025 Female Feature Fest @ Centennial Hall – Erie, PA 11/01/2025 State Street Pub – Indianapolis, IN 11/02/2025 Spacebar – Columbus, OH 11/03/2025 Musica – Akron, OH 11/04/2025 Bug Jar – Rochester, NY 11/05/2025 Lucky 13 Saloon – Brooklyn, NY 11/17/2025 Mag Bar – Louisville, KY
Founded by guitarist Mike Burns (formerly of Rue, Fistula, Sofa King Killer), RADIAN emerged in the Winter of 2017. Their vision to merge groove with grime culminated in the roaring, sludgy assault of their independent debut LP, Chapters (2019), praised by The Obelisk as delivering, “that extra bit of aggression one finds underlying the most satisfying of sludge metals.” Fueled by a growing response from the heavy metal community, the dynamic four-piece embraced their DIY roots, building a steady following throughout the Midwest.
This momentum led to the writing and release of their punishing sophomore album, Discordian, on Burns’ own El Burno Records in December 2021. Relentless shows and touring in support of Discordian brought both growth and turbulence, with multiple lineup shifts along the way. RADIAN’s new lineup sees Burns joined by drummer Derek Vaive (Ommnus), vocalist Corey Staley (A Damn Shame), and bassist Carly Allman. Armed with fresh material and a renewed sense of purpose, RADIAN will continue to expand upon the dissemination of their sludgy doom with unrelenting force to everyone they can.
Legendary death metal band DEICIDE has recruited Jadran “Conan” Gonzalez (EXMORTUS) to replace long-time guitarist Kevin Quirion. Conan will be making his first appearance on the band’s upcoming tour with BEHEMOTH in Latin America.
Conan comments: “I’m thrilled and honored to jam amongst such legends as Glen and Steve and to hang with the rest of the team. I thank them for having me on board. I’m looking forward to unleashing hell in Latin America on this tour.”
The death metal masters’ most recent album, Banished By Sin, was released to rave reviews in April 2024 via rising record label Reigning Phoenix Music.
THE UNHOLY TRINITY LATIN AMERICA 2025 TOUR (With BEHEMOTH and NIDHOGG)
09/19 Curitiba, Brazil @ Tork N’ Roll 09/21 Brasilia, Brazil @ Toinha 09/23 Belo Horizonte, Brazil @ Mister Rock 09/26 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil @ Sacadura 154 09/30 Buenos Aires, Argentina @ El Teatro Flores 10/02 Santiago, Chile @ Teatro Caupolican 10/05 Bogota, Colombia @ Movistar Arena 10/07 San Jose, Costa Rica @ Pepper Club 10/09 Monterrey, Mexico @ Showcenter Complex 10/11 Mexico City, Mexico @ Pabellon Oeste
About Deicide:
The legendary death metal band formed in Tampa, Florida in 1987 by current and surviving members, drummer/composer Steve Asheim, and bassist/vocalist/lyricist Glen Benton. The band rose to mainstream success in 1992 with their second album Legion, and is credited as the second-best-selling death metal band of the Soundscan Era.
Since their debut album in 1990, Deicide has released twelve studio albums, one live album, two compilation albums and two live DVDs. In November 2003, their first two albums, Deicide and Legion, were ranked second and third place respectively in best-selling death metal albums of the SoundScan era.
Deicide is known for being uncompromising and crafting some of the best, most punishing Death Metal music in their three decade-plus of existence. The band is currently putting the finishing touches on their thirteenth album. Expect the most intense, brutal and savagely catchy slab of Florida Death Metal!
CLOCKTOWERS have released their new single “Ashes,” the centerpiece of their upcoming debut record Genesis. Formed in 2022 by Tarek Puska and Dakota Logan after a chance reunion in Reily, Ohio, the band quickly rediscovered the chemistry built during their years together in a previous metal project. What began as an impromptu jam soon became a focused writing partnership, leading to a record that merges generations of influence into a sound that is unmistakably their own.
“Ashes” showcases that identity with striking clarity. The song begins with a hypnotic riff before crashing into full force, weaving articulate guitars, a driving rhythm, and vocals that carry both grit and vulnerability. The track shifts between moments of groove and intensity, giving it a dynamic edge that feels alive and unpredictable.
The lyrics pull directly from experience. Written during the aftermath of a decade-long marriage, “Ashes” confronts separation, regret, and the possibility of reconciliation. Its emotional weight is underscored by a performance that refuses to hide behind artifice. The words, the delivery, and the music all carry the same unfiltered honesty.
For the single, CLOCKTOWERS were joined by Jason Viebrooks (HEATHEN, GRIP INC., EXHORDER) on bass and guitar alongside Dakota, and Todd J. Farler on drums, whose sharp, swinging energy adds another layer of urgency. While the record Genesis remains a two-man effort with Tarek on vocals and Dakota on instruments, these contributions brought “Ashes” into sharper focus without diluting the band’s vision.
Genesis – Track Listing:
Spirit Junkie
Ashes
Eye
Bend The Snake
Clocktowers
Curse The Reflection
Genesis
Dark Mother
The accompanying video captures the song’s intimacy and intensity, with Tarek performing the lyrics directly to his wife off-camera. The single artwork, portraying a redhead, continues that personal thread, grounding the release in the story that inspired it.
With Genesis soon to follow, “Ashes” marks the arrival of CLOCKTOWERS with a sound that is bold, urgent, and entirely their own.
At its core, CLOCKTOWERS thrives on contrast and chemistry. Tarek, born in 1969, brings a lifetime of hard-earned perspective and vocal power rooted in classic metal and rock traditions. Dakota, born in 1995, injects fresh energy, fearless experimentation, and a modern edge that pushes the sound into uncharted territory. Their 25-year age gap isn’t a limitation – it’s a superpower. It allows the band to seamlessly blend old-school grit with new-school fire, delivering music that’s nostalgic without being dated, current without being trendy.
Time To Kill Records is set to unleash Zombie Chronicles Vol. 1, the highly anticipated debut album from horror-obsessed death metal collective SEASON OF THE DEAD, on November 14th, 2025.
The first single “Then We’ll Rise” is now available:
“This track is inspired by Romero’s masterpiece ‘Day of the Dead’, featuring related audio contributions. Continuing the tradition started by Killjoy, whom we take inspiration from, the lyrics are entirely dedicated to the film’s imagery extreme violence and near-realism. The invitation ‘EAT…’ recalls one of the final scenes that made the movie so iconic. Of course, this also embraces the great director’s vision of awakening consciences, a hallmark of his cinematic legacy”.
SEASON OF THE DEAD is a visceral, cinematic extreme metal project born from the twisted minds of Titta Tani (former drummer of Necrophagia and Goblin), Giacomo Anselmi (former Goblin guitarist and current member of Goblin Legacy), and Enrico Giannone, founder and owner of Time To Kill Records, acting as producer and visionary behind the entire concept.
The idea is as brutal as it is clear: to resurrect the blood-soaked legacy of horror-infused death metal, channeling the rotten spirit of bands like Necrophagia, Mortician, and Fulci, while paying tribute to the grotesque imagery and raw energy of cult underground horror films. Influences range from Killjoy to City of the Living Dead, The Beyond, and Cannibal Holocaust, creating a soundscape that feels like a soundtrack to a lost VHS splatter nightmare.
The project boasts an all-star lineup from the international extreme music scene:
2. Then We’ll Rise | J. McEntee: vocals / C. Sherwood: bass / Titta Tani: drums / Giacomo Anselmi: guitar
3. Voodoo Ritual | J. McEntee: vocals / C. Sherwood: bass / Titta Tani: drums / Giacomo Anselmi: guitar
4. Events Of Flesh | F. Stravino: vocals / D. Neabore: bass / Titta Tani: drums / Giacomo Anselmi: guitar
5. Open The Gates | F. Stravino: vocals / D. Neabore: bass / Titta Tani: drums / Giacomo Anselmi: guitar
6. The Other Side | J. McEntee: vocals / C. Sherwood: bass / Titta Tani: drums / Giacomo Anselmi: guitar
7. Burning Moon Sickness | J. McEntee: vocals / C. Sherwood: bass / Titta Tani: drums / Giacomo Anselmi: guitar
8. Bloodfreak | J. McEntee: vocals / C. Sherwood: bass / Titta Tani: drums / Giacomo Anselmi: guitar
Across its running time, the album delivers a relentless assault of death metal brutality, layered with cinematic tension and ritualistic atmospheres. Dual vocal performances, crushing basslines, and necro-sounding guitar work create a soundscape where zombies, decay and gore come to life in audio form.
Chicago (IL) – Long-running Blackened Melodic Death Metal quartet, Withering Soul, are set to release their fifth album, Passage of the Arcane, November 14 on Liminal Dread Productions!
Passage of the Arcane is a convergence of blackened atmospheres and sweeping song structures. A mystifying journey that exceeds boundaries while remaining fun and exciting. The overall theme of the album involves human experiences traversing into cursed oblivion. Each song explores its own story, ranging from unexplained disappearances to the supernatural.
While variation is abundant within the soundscapes, it is with a cohesive direction. Each chapter takes on its own “passage” through channels of cursed lore and harrowing experiences of the past. A seamless balance of crushingly heavy riffs and chilling melodies.
The album’s first single, “Attrition Horizon,” is available at: youtu.be/3PG2Ul77B_A
FFO: Dark Fortress, Windir, Hypocrisy, Dissection, God Dethroned.
Track Listing:
Intro
Attrition Horizon
Grievance Eludes the Light
The Monolith Embodied
Gallery of the End
Trajectory
Among Covetous Eyes
Burden of the Valiant
Credits:
Guest guitar solo on “Trajectory” by Nick “Exhul” Morgan. | Drums recorded and engineered by Vince Ippolito at Swift Road Studios. | Album mixed and mastered by Dennis Israel at Clintworks Audio. | Cover art by Adam Burke / Nightjar Illustration.
Photo Credit: Dark Oracle Arts
Line-up:
Christopher – Vocals, Guitar Frank G. – Guitar Joel – Bass Guitar Rick – Drums
Under the canopy of a darkening forest, the album, Diabolic Formation is preparing to manifest in its final material form on November 28, 2025, via Black Throne Productions. As it’s arrival approaches, the Canadian stoner/doom/heavy psych outfit PALE HORSE RITUAL provide a further taste of what is to come with the new single, “Bloody Demon“. Listen HERE.
PALE HORSE RITUAL evoke the occult sound of the ’70s with a seductive yet deadly twist. An enticing rock ‘n’ roll spirit lies within “Bloody Demon”. Groove rhythms are accompanied with the band’s staple offering consisting of distortion, lashings of fuzz and a memorable hook. The electric opening riff soon settles into a fully immersive, rhythmic momentum that carries throughout the song’s duration. Its guitar-driven shadowy appeal doesn’t let up.
Track Listing:
Deflowered (5:58)
Wickedness (5:03)
Holy Lies (5:46)
Save You (3:13)
Bloody Demon (5:02)
DED (6:50)
A Beautiful End (6:55)
About PALE HORSE RITUAL:
Steeped in mysticism, PALE HORSE RITUAL create an spellcasting blend of doom, occult rock and vintage metal. Based out of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the band formed in 2024 and their sound is driven by gritty vocals, sludgy riffs, and pounding rhythms that channel the spirit of 1970s heavy music with a modern, gothic edge. Following their alluring 2024 EP titled Enchantress, the quartet are preparing to unveil the full-length, Diabolic Formation on November 28, via Black Throne Productions.
Line Up: Paco (Bass/Vocals) James Matheson (Lead Guitar) Will Adams (Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals) Jonah Santa-Barbara (Drums)
Guest Musicians: Dom Valela – Keys, Vocals Doom Valhalla – Italian Preacher
Album Credits: Producer: Will Adams Recording Studio: Green Mountain Ranch Engineer: Will Adams at Tell Me About It… Records Mastering: Zack Hollow at Z Hollow Studios Mixing: Will Adams
Massacre Records is proud to announce the worldwide signing of US-based heavy metal powerhouse DEATH DEALER!
Known for their uncompromising blend of traditional heavy metal, speed, and power, DEATH DEALER have been setting stages ablaze around the globe since their inception. The band’s relentless energy, razor-sharp riffs, and soaring vocals have earned them a loyal following and cemented their place among the most exciting acts in today’s metal scene.
The upcoming studio album, titled “Reign Of Steel”, will be released in early 2026 via Massacre Records. Fans can expect a full-on assault of classic heavy metal fury, forged in steel and delivered with the trademark intensity that DEATH DEALER are known for.
The band comments: “Death Dealer is thrilled to have signed with Massacre Records as they have a long and storied career in high quality releases. We are very glad to have a new home for ‘Reign Of Steel’. The album signifies a strong and united front of our efforts, Power, some thrash and face melting heavy metal”.
“Reign Of Steel is a crushing piece of metal delivered by a killer band“, adds Ross the Boss.
“We wrote this album while locked down in a covid fueled dystopian reality. It allowed us hours of quality time to focus on writing and recording perhaps our finest achievement yet as a band“, states Sean Peck.
“We spent countless hours crafting this album and are very excited to get it to everyone out there. I think it might even contain the longest continuous high scream recorded…“, enthuses Stu Marshall.
Massacre Records’ CEOThomas Hertlercomments: “We are proud to welcome Death Dealer to the Massacre Records family! The band’s all-star lineup and undeniable passion for true heavy metal make them a perfect fit for our roster. Their upcoming album ‘Reign Of Steel’ is a monster of a record that will thrill every fan of powerful, classic metal. The reign begins in 2026 and it will be glorious!“
Formed in 2012 by vocalist Sean Peck (Cage, The Three Tremors), legendary guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman (ex-Manowar, Ross the Boss Band), and guitarist Stu Marshall (ex-Dungeon, Empires of Eden), DEATH DEALER quickly established themselves as a force of pure steel. With the addition of world-class musicians Mike LePond (Symphony X) on bass and Steve Bolognese (ex-Into Eternity) on drums, the lineup represents a true all-star cast of heavy metal.
The band debuted with the acclaimed album War Master (2013), followed by Hallowed Ground (2015) and Conquered Lands (2020). Each release further solidified their reputation for powerful, uncompromising metal rooted in tradition yet brimming with modern fire.
Now, with their upcoming fourth album Reign Of Steel, DEATH DEALER are ready to unleash their most ambitious and crushing work to date, flying the flag of true heavy metal worldwide.
More details about Reign Of Steel, including cover artwork, tracklist, and the first single, will be revealed soon.Stay tuned for updates and prepare for battle, the reign begins in 2026!
Alternative rock collective KING ULTRAMEGA, featuring members of ALICE IN CHAINS, ANTHRAX, MASTODON, and SOUNDGARDEN, have returned with a haunting instrumental rendition of the AUDIOSLAVE classic, “Be Yourself“. This new single release once again aims to celebrate Chris Cornell’s musical genius while raising funds and awareness for MusiCares. MusiCares is the Recording Academy’s nonprofit that provides mental health, addiction recovery, and emergency services to those in the music community.
“Be Yourself”features legendary guitarist Joe Satriani on lead guitar, echoing vocalist Chris Cornell’s melodic motifs and building on the song’s phrasings. Though following in Cornell’s footsteps on a different instrument sounds like a tall order, Satriani rose to the challenge, proud to show his love for a fallen hero.
Expertly replicating the essence of the song with crystal-clear lead tones, tasteful vibrato, and subtle pedal effects, Satriani lets his guitar sing with all the passion and tenderness that the song’s lyrics originally conveyed. This loving instrumental homage proves that the message and power behind AUDIOSLAVE’s composition transcends words.
Satriani comments, “[Chris Cornell] was a brilliant vocalist and communicator. He often used his voice like an instrument, shaping the tone of his voice like a guitarist would finesse riffs and phrases. I took a deep dive into his magical sensibilities and came up with a multi-tracked guitar production approach that I felt would pay proper homage to his brilliance.”
The concept for an instrumental rendition of “Be Yourself” originated with the bassist, producer, and mastermind of KING ULTRAMEGA, Mark Menghi. As a producer, he envisioned a version of the song that deftly balanced the art of paying respect to the original, while also reimagining the song with a unique musical voice from Satriani. As a bassist, Menghi strove to keep the bass parts nearly identical to the original song, allowing Satriani the freedom to lend his own voice to the music.
Renowned drummer Kenny Aronoff, who has been named one of the greatest drummers of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, and has toured and recorded with a who’s who of legendary artists such as THE ROLLING STONES, THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, PAUL MCCARTNEY, JOHN FOGERTY and many more, provides the laid-back, but emotionally-resonant groove of “Be Yourself”, laying the foundation with Menghi for Satriani’s melodies to shine.
Menghi comments, “I remember like it was yesterday, I was on a run through some crazy trail, just zoning out and the original song came on through my headphones… as I was running, I remember hearing Chris sing ‘to be yourself is all that you can do’ it was like he was talking to me… then thought to myself ‘I can totally hear this as an instrumental a-la Satch style’… My hope is that whomever is listening to this song hears Chris over Joe’s guitar and understands that we are paying homage to Chris with our take on this tune.”
Aronoff comments, “I listened to ‘Be Yourself’ over and over again, absorbing the lyrics and the feel and vibe of this song, then I recorded my drums. Their recording had an emotional impact on me and that had a big effect on my performance.”
CHICAGO – Black Cross Hotel, the Chicago-based industrial post-punk outfit featuring members of The Atlas Moth and Stabbing Westward, release Songs for Switches on Oct. 31 via Someoddpilot Records.
A preview of Songs for Switches have arrived with the release of “The House God Doesn’t Visit” and its accompanying video. The track recalls Wax Trax-era industrial music; growling bass and gnarled guitars collide with icy synths and a pounding chorus, serving as the perfect introduction to the album’s dark, exhilarating sound.
“This record is not all salacious fantasy; there’s a practical side to maintaining any well-run subculture,” explains vocalist Dee DeEmme. “The album is a collection of lessons learned, from the joy of finding someone who truly gets you to the importance of asking for what you want and preserving a part of yourself in the process.”
“Some of us are horror junkies and our favorite movies often serve as the backdrop and inspiration for our songs,” Andrew Ragin (also of The Atlas Moth) shares. “Most songs start as a sort of alternate movie score and then we let all of our various influences and interests take hold without gearing towards any specific genre. With a foot planted firmly in the dark and spooky, everyone gets to play with these themes and styles, which makes for an eclectic blend of metal, dark wave, punk, ’90s alternative and even hair metal.”
Initially conceived during the pandemic as a horror-inspired industrial-metal side project from synth alchemist Andrew Ragin (The Atlas Moth) and guitarist Marcus Eliopulos (Stabbing Westward), the project quickly evolved into a full band with Mike Miczek (Earthburner, Broken Hope, The Atlas Moth) on drums, producer/engineer Sanford Parker (Minsk, Corrections House) on bass, and DeEmme (Whipped) on vocals.
Photo credit: Chris Eichenseer
Songs for Switches was recorded at Electrical Audio studio (once owned and operated by the late Steve Albini) and completed at Parker’s own Hypercube studio, both in Chicago. The album arrives via Someoddpilot Records, an offshoot of the acclaimed Chicago branding studio responsible for creative campaigns and logos for Pitchfork, Lollapalooza, Empty Bottle, and other cornerstones of the city’s music culture.
Black Cross Hotel tour dates:
October 29 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle
October 30 Indianapolis, IN Healer
October 31 Tolono, IL Loose Cobra
November 1 Athens, OH The Union
November 2 Pittsburgh, PA Spirit
November 3 Baltimore, MD Ottobar
Oct. 29 through Nov. 2 dates are with Blood Lemon. Tickets for all shows are available now.
The Chicago based quintet released HEX, a DIY-debut, in 2022, with the Chicago Reader describing the eight-song release as “a shivery delight.”
Birmingham (AL) – Ten years after its initial release and in honored celebration of the band’s fifteenth anniversary of existence, Boris Records is proud to announce today’s exclusive vinyl reissue of Ectovoid’s long out of print sophomore full-length album, Dark Abstraction. The limited reissue comes in two versions – plain black and marbled purple.
The band’s most recent full length recording and tragically the last to feature the band’s late founding guitarist Michael Stewart, Dark Abstraction, was originally released in 2015 on CD by Polish label Hellthrasher Productions and LP by Swedish label Blood Harvest Records. A massive step forward in every way from the outfit’s well regarded if unpolished debut album, Dark Abstraction represented an energetic, riff-focused, and creative spin on the cavernous blackened death metal sound that was flooding the scene in copious amounts in the mid-2010’s.
Band photo by Amber Slanders
With eight varied and memorable tracks, a greatly improved production, and an ever-advancing sense of expression and craftsmanship from all instruments, this was the sound of a young band stepping out of their formative beginnings and emerging confidently as the established and respected outfit they are known as today.
Boris Records is excited to bring this under-appreciated work of death metal darkness back to the public consciousness. Ectovoid’s exhumation from the forgotten graves is long overdue.
Track Listing:
1. Obscure Altars
2. Visions of Reflective Decay
3. Mental Netherworlds
4. Precipice of Absolute Chaos
5. Rituals of Hallucination
6. The Expanse Between Slumber and Death
7. A Prisoner of Paradox
8. Spawned from Unending Mystery
Ectovoid:
C.B. – Bass/Vocals M.S. – Guitar C.M. – Drums
Recorded in Autumn 2014 by Joshua Freemon at Dead Sound Studios. Mixed by Joshua Freemon. Mastered by Damian Herring at Subturranean Watchtower Studios. Cover art by Bartlomiej Kurzok.
Denver, Colorado’s stadium crust act VICTIM OF FIRE kick off their North American tour today in their home city at the Seventh Circle. Throughout September, stages across North America and Canada will be set ablaze in support of their newly released album, The Old Lie, out via Human Future Records/Return Trip Records.
2025 Tour Dates: 9/12 – Denver, CO – Seventh Circle 9/13 – Colorado Springs, CO – Vultures (What’s Left Fest 2025) 9/17 – Cheyenne, WY – Thrashzone 9/18 – Bozeman, MT – Gallatin Labor Temple 9/19 – TBD 9/20 – Calgary, AB – The MLB 9/21 – Saskatoon, SK – RCAF Hall 9/22 – Winnipeg, MB – Handsome Daughter 9/23 – Fargo, ND – Aquarium 9/24 – Minneapolis, MN – Flying V Music 9/25 – Milwaukee, WI – MKE Ultra 9/26 – Chicago, IL – West Town Bikes 9/27 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle 9/28 – Springfield, IL – Dumb Records 9/29 – St Louis, MO – Sinkhole 9/30 – Kansas City, MO – Howdy
The Old Lie – Track Listing: 1. The Old Lie 04:27 2. Apocalyptic Inclination 03:20 3. Wayward Light 02:21 4. Nightmares of Ceasefire 03:43 5. Soldiers Dream 04:03 6. Discordance 03:21 7. Barren Path 02:36 8. Front Towards Enemy 02:40 9. Disharmonist 07:04 10. Aces High (Iron Maiden) 04:13
VICTIM OF FIRE: Austin (Guitar/Vocals) Dustin (Bass) Emily (Guitar) Marc (Drums)
About VICTIM OF FIRE: Initially formed in 2016, the Denver hailing blackened crust ensemble began as a side project filling in a creative gap and available studio time. Now, almost a decade later, the quartet are preparing to unearth their third studio album, The Old Lie, and bring their explosive sound to the masses around the US and Canada.
Inspired by the likes of TRAGEDY, DISFEAR, IN FLAMES, DISMEMBER and IRON MAIDEN, Austin reveals his creative influences: “harmonized guitars have always been my favorite part of music ever since I discovered IRON MAIDEN at the age of 16, and I’ve just been trying to recreate it in my bands wherever I can. Also not being afraid to take a risk with a song of musical style to see if it connects. We aren’t trying to be the crustiest crust band, we want to blend a bunch of styles together to make something fun and energetic to play live.”
Album Credits: Producer: Austin Minney Recording Studio: All Aces Studios, Evergroove Engineer: Austin Minney Mastering: Brad Boatright (Audiosiege) Mixing: Austin Minney Album Cover Artist: Dan Bones
The gates of the dark kingdom have swung open, and the haunting has commenced once again. CEMETERY MOON has returned with a new album, a culmination of intensive composing, rehearsing, and performing its singular style of black metal art. Apparition’s vocals have coalesced into a ghostly voice of terror, while Langeloth joins the fray on “Smoke Trails at Vespers” to display his own call from the grave.
Likewise, the two guitarists attack the sonic landscape like two dragons, one baring its teeth in a ferocious growl, the other scorching the listener in waves of fire. Meanwhile, Astoroth’s bass lines quake the earth below, reinforced by the thunderstorm of Usurper’s merciless drumming.
The album displays the band’s ability to capture a variety of moods and motifs: from the soaring and heroic melodies on “Triumphant Spirit,” to the death metal-infused brutality of “Cultus Mortem.” Fans of pure, straightforward black metal will find much to praise on “Lunar Grave,” “House of Usher,” and “Boundless Heresy,” while fans of more progressive and unorthodox approaches have room to explore on “Temporal Bloodletting” and “The Wretched City.” Finally, there is the song that brings it all together, the band’s ultimate statement of purpose: “The Black Keep.”
Track Listing: 1. The Wretched City 2. Boundless Heresy 3. House of Usher 4. Temporal Bloodletting 5. The Sorting of Souls 6. Cultus Mortem 7. Lunar Grave 8. Triumphant Spirit 9. Smoke Trails at Vespers 10. The Black Keep
About CEMETERY MOON CEMETERY MOON began as a Connecticut based one-man project, dedicated to raw, blistering black metal. Over the ensuing years of stylistic development, CEMETERY MOON would expand into a fully formed band with a self-titled debut album in 2023.
The band’s live performances are known to overwhelm audiences with the sheer ferocity and musicianship on display, from Apparition’s scorching vocal delivery and his dual guitar riff barrage with Langeloth, to Astoroth and Usurper’s expert-level displays of rhythmic punishment. Now with a second full-length on the way, the band stands to continue its conquests and expand its dark kingdom’s borders ever further!
Technical death metal architects COGNITIVE are pleased to unveil their outstanding cover of Slipknot classic, “People=Shit.”
The stand-alone single comes in conjunction with the band’s upcoming US tour supporting Nile. The Underground Awaits Tour 2025 begins on September 12th in Raleigh, North Carolina and runs through October 11th in Indianapolis, Indiana. Additional support will be provided by Cryptopsy and labelmates, The Last Ten Seconds Of Life.
In a collective statement, COGNITIVE comments, “Here we go again mother fuckers! We have been hard at work writing our next album and prepping for tour but decided to spend some time having fun and recorded a cover of ‘People=Shit’ by the almighty Slipknot! We wanted to have fun with something that wasn’t exactly death metal, but still in the extreme realm! The world is an awful place, and humanity doesn’t make it any better, so to us the Slipknot math and song title added up correctly! We hope you enjoy and see you on the road with Nile, Cryptopsy, and The Last Ten Seconds Of Life.”
The digital single will be available for purchase on Monday, September 15th at: metalblade.com/cognitive.
COGNITIVE w/ Nile, Cryptopsy, The Last Ten Seconds Of Life: 9/12/2025 Chapel of Bones – Raleigh, NC 9/13/2025 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA 9/14/2025 Tally Ho – Leesburg, VA 9/16/2025 Brooklyn Monarch – Brooklyn, NY 9/17/2025 Wally’s – Hampton, NH 9/18/2025 Webster Hall – Hartford, CT 9/19/2025 Mickey’s Black Box – Lititz, PA 9/20/2025 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ 9/21/2025 Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY 9/22/2025 Mercury – Cleveland, OH 9/24/2025 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 9/25/2025 Hobart Art Theatre – Hobart, IN 9/26/2025 The Annex – Madison, WI 9/27/2025 Studio B @ Skyway – Minneapolis, MN 9/28/2025 Apollo Theater – Belvidere, IL 9/29/2025 Bigs Bar – Sioux Falls, SD 10/01/2025 Pub Station – Billings, MT 10/03/2025 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 10/04/2025 Knitting Factory – Spokane, WA 10/05/2025 Knitting Factory – Boise, ID 10/06/2025 Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT 10/07/2025 Oriental Theater – Denver, CO 10/09/2025 Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA ** 10/10/2025 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL ** 10/11/2025 Hi-Fi Annex – Indianapolis, IN ** ** No The Last Ten Seconds Of Life
COGNITIVE will be touring in support of their most recent full-length, Abhorrence, released last Spring via Metal Blade Records. The record finds the New Jersey powerhouse quintet at their brutal best. Abhorrence carries on band tradition with its a maniacal fusion of relentless riffs and thoughtful, devastating lyrics making for a raging, draining, and ultimately fulfilling experience.
COGNITIVE: Rob Wharton – guitars Harry Lannon – guitars Shane Jost – vocals Tyler Capone-Vitale – bass AJ Viana – drums
“Reptile Dysfunction” is the latest single from Chicago riff conjurors MOTHERLESS. The track comes by way of the band’s Do You Feel Safe? full-length, set for release on Friday, September 12th via Prosthetic Records.
Rooted deep within the city’s longstanding tradition of doom and riff-driven metal, MOTHERLESS is comprised of StavrosGiannopoulos and Alex Klein of The Atlas Moth, with Gary Naples and Anthony Cwan of Without Waves.
Together they manifest a raw, unfiltered sound that prioritizes weight and atmosphere over theatrics, combining elements of punk and hardcore with a bleak, driving intensity that reflects both personal darkness and industrial urban weight. There’s no gimmick here, just thick tones, sharp songwriting, and a commitment to keeping heavy music honest: “No fog, no light show, just riffs.”
Comments Giannopoulos on the band’s latest single, “‘Reptile Dysfunction’ was the last track we wrote for the record and is probably the most organic and natural song I’ve ever written. It came together so easily and the lyrics really sum up everything I felt this record was about. It’s a mission statement about feeling left behind, forgotten and returning to the music scene. The song title was actually thought up by my girlfriend Dee, who coincidentally stars in the video as well, which makes it even more special to me!”
Watch MOTHERLESS’ “Reptile Dysfunction” video HERE. Stream the track HERE.
Stream the band’s previously released single, “Weaponized Goodwill,”HERE. Watch the lyric videoHERE.
Do You Feel Safe? features artwork by Rosario Scimeca and was produced by Sanford Parker with vocals produced by Stavros Giannopoulos, mixed by Sanford Parker, and mastered by Brad Boatright.
The record will be available across all streaming services. Find preorders HERE.
Do You Feel Safe? – Track Listing:
Reptile Dysfunction
Abrupt Violence
You Seem So Damn Sure
Darling, You Don’t Look Well
Weaponized Goodwill
Christian Math
Insect Politics
The New Romance
As they continue to carve out their place in Chicago’s storied metal landscape, MOTHERLESS stands as a reminder that in a city built on grit, the heaviest voices often rise from the underground. Fans of Intronaut, The Ocean, Kylesa, ISIS, High on Fire, and the like, pay heed.
Nameless Grave Records is proud to announce the signing and upcoming release of Apocryphal Verse, the highly anticipated new album from death metal powerhouse ADUANTEN. Featuring members of acclaimed acts Obsequiae, Vex, Panopticon, and Horrendous, ADUANTEN delivers a blistering yet sorrowful masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Apocryphal Verse is set for release on October 24th.
Born from a desire to explore the darker, more aggressive side of melodic death metal, ADUANTEN‘s music is a relentless storm of punishing riffs and intricate melodies. While the band’s sonic foundation is built on ferocity, their sound is imbued with a profound sense of melancholic beauty, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. The band’s lineage, including drummer Eoghan McCloskey of Obsequiae, ensures a level of musicianship and compositional depth that will immediately resonate with fans of sophisticated extreme metal.
On Apocryphal Verse, ADUANTEN masterfully blends the searing aggression of classic death metal with the atmospheric introspection of melodic black metal. Tracks on the album weave a narrative of decay and despair, driven by a maelstrom of intricate guitar work and a pummeling rhythm section. The album’s lyrical themes of destruction, sorrow, and hopelessness are perfectly mirrored in its dynamic and emotionally charged soundscapes.
Apocryphal Verse will be available on all major streaming platforms, as well as physical formats, on October 24th.
Fans of Dissection, Sacramentum, and Obsequiae will find ADUANTEN‘s new offering to be an essential addition to their collection.
Charleston, West Virginia metal veterans BYZANTINE are pleased to unveil their video for “Harbinger.” The track comes off the band’s latest full-length, Harbingers, released last June via Metal Blade Records.
Offers vocalist Chris Ojeda on the stop motion clip, “This video has taken months to curate. We wanted to continue our path of handmade original artwork for this new album. My daughter Mallory and I wrote the script for the story, hired a young Claymation artist from Mexico named Adrian Venti to hand build every scene out of clay and brought Holly Grayson with Screaming Butterfly Entertainment (Justinian Code, The Cicada Tree, The Agonies) to edit all the footage to make this beautiful music video about a boy who, after losing his father, searches for his importance in life, only to be lured in by a voracious Wolf who steers the boy down a path of greed and selfishness. The boy is eventually saved by one random act of kindness towards a lone Raven. Ravens never forget.
“Mallory and I are fans of all things stop motion. Movies like Fantastic Mr. Fox, Coraline, James And The Giant Peach, and music videos from Peter Gabriel, Bjork, Tool, and Primus. We modelled the main character after my six-year-old son, Henry. I hope you guys enjoy this labor of love and appreciate the amount of work and symbolism that has gone into the script, the Claymation, and the brilliant editing. Our team decided to push the creative aspect as far as we can and tell this story of a boy who just wants to be important.”
Watch BYZANTINE’s previously released videos for “Floating Chrysanthema”HERE and “The Unobtainable Sleep”HERE.
BYZANTINE’s “Harbinger” video comes in advance of the band’s US Fall tour which includes select shows with Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory, Pissing Razors, and more! For tickets, visit byzantinewv.com. See all confirmed dates below.
BYZANTINE Live:
9/20/2025 123 Pleasant St. – WV w/ Truckstop
9/21/2025 Sharkey’s – Liverpool, NY w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Sanguisugabogg, Enforced
9/23/2025 District Music Hall – Norwalk, CT w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory
9/24/2025 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Fear Factory
9/25/2025 Pierre’s – Fort Wayne, IN w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory
9/26/2025 Val-Air Ballroom – Des Moines, IA w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory
9/27/2025 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI w/ Fear Factory
9/28/2025 Red Flag – St. Louis, MO w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory
10/21/2025 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA w/ Fear Factory
10/23/2025 Work Play – Birmingham, AL w/ Fear Factory
10/24/2025 Twist Of Lime – New Orleans, LA w/ Woorms
10/25/2025 Club LA – Destin, FL w/ Fear Factory
10/26/2025 Beacham – Orlando, FL w/ Fear Factory
10/27/2025 Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL w/ Fear Factory
10/29/2025 Culture Room – Fort Lauderdale, FL w/ Fear Factory
11/01/2025 Broken Goblet – Bensalem, PA w/ Pissing Razors, Single Bullet Theory
11/02/2025 Mixers – Sabbatus, ME w/ Pissing Razors, Single Bullet Theory
11/03/2025 Gabes 252 – Westfield, MA w/ Pissing Razors, Single Bullet Theory
The album cover, designed by mixed-media artist Ashley Hoey, beautifully depicts Irene of Athens, the mother of Emperor Constantine and the first female empress of the Byzantine Empire. This focus on a maternal ruler eloquently ties into the album’s title, Harbingers, which means “ones who usher in great change.”
Produced by Peter Wichers (Soilwork, All That Remains, Nevermore), BYZANTINE’s Harbingers full-length delivers nine tracks totaling forty-five minutes of deep lyrical wisdom alongside equally hefty riffs delivered seamlessly by one of the most commanding and unsung lineups to emerge from the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal movement of the early-2000s.
Now a five-piece for the first time ever featuring founding frontman Chris “OJ” Ojeda, alongside former guitarist Tony Rohrbough, bassist Ryan Postlethwait, veteran guitarist Brian Henderson, and drummer Matt Bowles, with Harbingers, BYZANTINE is a crown jewel in their impressive seven album discography.
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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