Above photo: Ian Hill of Judas Priest trading card (1991/Impel)
From Judas Priest Instagram:
It is with heavy hearts that we are sending out this personal message from our Ian….he has been the backbone of Judas Priest for so long and will be greatly missed by us all….we wish him well in his retirement and welcome Davey into the Priest Family….
“Hello everyone, for a long time now, when asked “how long can you continue” – I’ve always answered “until my performances suffer”…. I hate to say it, but that time has come.
For some years now, I’ve been struggling with the onset of the evil arthritis, which is now in an advanced state in my left shoulder and right hand, established in my right shoulder, and present in both knees. I’ve been fighting this with painkilling pills, gels, and recently with cortisone injections in my shoulder and hand.
Although, I was able to put bass lines to the songs for the new album, there were questions whether I’d be able to complete the recent European tour without incident, so we asked our good friend Davey Rimmer from Uriah Heep, and of course Elegant Weapons, to learn the set list to stand in for me if I had to pull out, which I did for the London show. This was due to me snapping a tendon in my left shoulder (as if I didn’t have enough problems with it!) just before the encores during the Brussels show two days before. This led to me not being able to lift my arm enough to reach the neck of my bass. So we had to call Davey to stand in for me, who put in an incredible performance at such short notice!
I’ve seen specialists, who suggest I might get away without surgery, but even if I don’t there’s no guarantee either way that I’ll have enough strength in my shoulder/arm to complete a whole stage show.
In view of all this, and the fact that I’ve neglected my family life for fifty seven years, I’ve decided to retire and spend the remaining years making up for it, and doing things with them before it involves one of ‘em pushing me around in a wheelchair.
The obvious choice for my replacement is Davey. He’s a great bassist, and a genuinely nice bloke who’ll fit the job perfectly, and I wish him the very best of luck!
There’s not a day goes by where I don’t give thanks for the incredible journey I’ve lived through, and it just remains for me to say that I love you all, and thank you for the life you’ve let me live.” X
Norwegian titan, Mork, was created by Thomas Eriksen in 2004, with the debut album Isebakke eventually surfacing in 2013. Since then, Mork has been ceaselessly rising through the echelons of Black Metal, and on the heels of 2024’s intense and groundbreaking Syv opus – which has resulted in the band branching out with tours in the Far East & Australia – Eriksen continues on this evolutionary path with the new album, and what is undoubtedly set to be a new benchmark, MONOLITT, set for release on Peaceville on June 19th. Today, Mork has shared the second single from the album, titled “TORDEN” alongside a new video produced by Matthew Vickerstaff.
Photo Credit: V for 5
Following the release of their formidable latest album Monolitt, Norwegian black metal titans Mork are set to embark on an extensive headline European tour this week, taking in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and beyond. Mork mastermind Thomas Eriksen said the following:
“MORK is heading out on our first-ever European headline tour. After years of playing individual club shows and festivals across Europe, it’s time for a full run.
Join us this October alongside Soulburn and the other bands sharing the stages with us along the way.
With MONOLITT released earlier this year, this tour will be a celebration of the new album. To mark the tour’s kick-off, we’re also releasing a new music video for SKRØMT through Peaceville Records.
MORK – MONOLITT Under Vekten Av Verden [05:57] Ødelagt [05:20] Torden [03:52] Skrømt [05:06] Ferdamann [04:47] Inn i en annen sfære [06:34] Martyr [04:27] Jutul [04:48] Utryddelse [05:50]
“Powerful, purposeful and utterly compelling, Monolitt is a new high-water mark” METAL HAMMER UK
Monolitt was recorded and performed primarily by Thomas Eriksen, with Asgeir Mickelson supplying drums, plus additional vocals coming from fellow Mork member Øyvind Kaslegard. The album was mixed at Toproom Studio by Børge Finstad (Mayhem), before being mastered by Jack Control at Enormous Door (Darkthrone), and at Appelbaum Mastering by Maor Appelbaum (Sepultura). The bold and striking cover image was created by Norwegian artist Kjell Åge Melland.
Italian epic/power metal band EMBRACE OF SOULS returns with a new official live video for “The Plague”, taken from their latest album The Battle Of The Dead, released on May 22nd, 2026, via Rockshots Records.
As the third track on the album, “The Plague” plays a central role in the story behind The Battle Of The Dead. Set in a medieval world divided into several kingdoms, the fantasy concept follows the spread of a mysterious plague that affects people’s souls, gradually pushing the continent towards a conflict between the living and the dead.
Captured during a live performance, the new video shows EMBRACE OF SOULS performing “The Plague” on stage, reflecting the direct and energetic approach of the band’s live shows, with keyboards played by Simone Fornasini.
Drawing from classic heavy and power metal of the ’80s and ’90s, as well as the epic and symphonic metal tradition of the early 2000s, “The Battle Of The Dead” combines melodic and theatrical elements with the contrast between Giacomo Rossi’s vocals and the operatic voice of Martina Mazzeo, playing a key role in the band’s sound.
The Battle Of The Dead was mixed and mastered by Alessio Garavello at Rogue Studios in London and features Morby (Domine) as a special guest vocalist on “The War”.
EMBRACE OF SOULS will return to the stage on October 24th, 2026, at Dedolor, performing alongside HEAVENFALL for the next Rockshots Night.
October 24th, 2026 ROCKSHOTS NIGHT EMBRACE OF SOULS + HEAVENFALL @ Dedolor
The band is expected to play live at these 2 shows:
Saturday 14th November @ Revolver Club in S.Donà di Piave with special guest: Arcana Opera – A.W. and opening act Lenity Lake
Sunday 29th November @ Druso Bergamo at the Malpaga Winter Night
Recommended for fans of Rhapsody of Fire, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish,The Battle Of The Dead was released on May 22nd, 2026, in digital format and digipak CD edition, and it’s available to be ordered at the following links:
Track Listing: 1. The Battle Of The Dead 2. Eversun 3. The Plague 4. The Gathering 5. Spine 6. Who Can Save Us 7. Betrayal 8. The Dark Lord 9. The War (feat. Morby) 10. Sacrifice 11. Desolate Lands
Line-up: Giacomo Rossi – Vocals Martina Mazzeo – Vocals Edward De Rosa – Guitars Xavier Rota – Bass Davide Baldelli – Keyboards Michele Olmi – Drums
PROGPOWER USA will return to Atlanta, Georgia, September 9–11, 2027, ushering in a new chapter for one of North America’s longest-running and most distinctive progressive and power metal festivals.
Following the retirement of founder and longtime promoter Glenn Harveston, co-promoter Milton Mendonça will take the helm of PROGPOWER USA, carrying forward the festival and the community that has grown around it for more than two decades.
The 2027 edition will move to a three-day format while retaining the identity and approach that have defined PROGPOWER USA throughout its history. The newly announced lineup features ELUVEITIE, WIND ROSE, NEVERMORE, H.E.A.T, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, LYNCH MOB, MASTERPLAN, METAL CHURCH, VISION DIVINE, TRIOSPHERE, EINAR SOLBERG, SILENT SKIES, IHLO, ROYAL SORROW, POWER PALADIN and ADVENT HORIZON, with one additional band remaining to be announced.
For Mendonça, taking over the festival is deeply personal. He first attended PROGPOWER USA 24 years ago before eventually becoming part of the team himself.
“Twenty-four years ago, I attended ProgPower USA for the first time, and I remember what it felt like the moment I walked into the venue. It was a feeling of belonging. I decided then that this was the place I needed to be every year, and I would do whatever I could to attend. Years later, as a co-promoter, I started having first-time attendees come up to me and share that same feeling. To me, that says everything about the atmosphere of this festival and why it has endured for so long,” says Mendonça.
“ProgPower has been part of most of my life. I met some of my best friends there, and I know people who met their best friends, their spouse and people who first came as teenagers and now bring their kids. It’s the one weekend our community looks forward to every year. It means that much to a lot of people, and there was no way I could let that end.”
As PROGPOWER USA enters this next era, Mendonça says preserving what Harveston built remains his priority.
“The most important thing to me is honoring Glenn’s legacy. Other than scaling the festival down to three days, my goal is to keep everything the same. The blueprint stays. Regardless of who is at the helm, ProgPower USA will always be ProgPower USA. There is nothing else like it anywhere.”
Since its inception, PROGPOWER USA has built its reputation by bringing together internationally established acts, sought-after North American appearances and emerging artists from across the progressive and power metal worlds. Just as importantly, the festival has developed a community that extends far beyond the stage, with generations of attendees returning to Atlanta year after year.
PROGPOWER USA 2027 takes place September 9–11, 2027 at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia continuing the almost 3-decade tradition of the festival being hosted at Center Stage.
For festival updates, ticket information and additional announcements, visit: https://progpowerusa.com/
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions are set to release the debut album Long Island New York’s old school Death Metal/Slam savages Sarcosuchus. De-Extinction is up now for pre-order and will be released November 13th on CD and Digital formats along with merch.
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions welcome Sarcosuchus to the roster with the debut album De-Extinction! Hailing from Long Island New York, Sarcosuchus combine the essence of old school Death Metal with modern styles of Slam. De-Extinction unleashes nine tracks of sheer brutality and savage sickness that is not for the faint of heart.
For fans of Internal Bleeding, Suffocation, Pyrexia, Shortbus Pileup, Lamb Of God, Black Dahlia Murder, No Retreat, Peelingflesh, Irate, Dying Fetus and Death.
The legendary SOULFLY are entering the final stretch of their U.S. tour with NAILBOMB and INCITE. With multiple dates already sold out, the remaining shows in California, Nevada and Arizona are quickly approaching.
These final dates mark a monumental moment, as NAILBOMB are touring the U.S. for the first time since their formation in 1993. Bringing together the Cavalera legacy across SOULFLY, NAILBOMB, and INCITE, this tour stands as a rare and historic gathering, and will serve as the final 2026 performances for all three bands.
10/5/26 San Jose, CA – The Ritz 10/6/26 San Luis Obispo, CA – SLO Brew 10/7/26 Palmdale, CA – Transplants Brewery 10/8/26 Los Angeles, CA – Whisky A Go-Go 10/9/26 Las Vegas, NV – Swan Dive 10/10/26 Costa Mesa, CA – The Wayfarer 10/11/26 Pomona, CA – The Glass House 10/12/26 San Diego, CA – Soda Bar 10/14/26 Yuma, AZ – Arizona Marketplace 10/15/26 Tempe, AZ – The Marquee Theatre
Milan, Italy-based post-metal veterans RISE ABOVE DEAD have unveiled “Drowning Slowly”, the first single and official video taken from their forthcoming new album Voidmass, due out November 27, 2026, via Argonauta Records.
With Voidmass, RISE ABOVE DEAD open a new chapter in their story, bringing together the crushing weight, atmospheric depth and cinematic dimension that have shaped their music over the years with renewed vocal intensity following the return of original singer Andrea Rondanini.
“Drowning Slowly” offers the first glimpse into this new incarnation of the band. Built around oppressive post-metal dynamics, haunting atmospheres and a steadily intensifying sense of tension, the track captures the emotional and sonic weight at the core of Voidmass.
The accompanying video further expands the song’s dark and immersive character, introducing listeners to the visual world surrounding the band’s new album.
Voidmass features six tracks that move through crushing riffs, expansive atmospheres and emotionally charged passages, balancing the band’s heavier instincts with a more vocal-driven approach. From the opening impact of “Annihilation/Rebirth” to the closing “Through Zenith”, the album unfolds as a continuous journey through darkness, transformation and emotional disintegration.
The album marks the band’s first release with Argonauta Records and represents a significant new step for RISE ABOVE DEAD, reconnecting the band’s early intensity with the expansive sonic language developed throughout their later work.
Track-list:
Annihilation/Rebirth
Drowning Slowly
Voices Fade Away
Fragile Ground
Event Horizon
Through Zenith (Feat. Emtu)
Line-up:
Andrea Rondanini – Voice Matteo Sala – Guitars Andrea Pesapane – Guitars Carlo Carbone – Drums Andrea Galliverti – Bass
Release party:
Friday, December 4, 2026 ARCI Blob | Arcore, MB, Italy with Baratro + Magnitudo In collaboration with Striade Production
Finnish legends Cardinals Folly have released the official video for “Let The Posers Fall!” The song is the title track from the band’s forthcoming album on Cruz Del Sur Music.
Marking a bold new chapter with the debut of a new guitarist, the album showcases a powerful shift toward traditional, riff-driven heavy metal songwriting while retaining the band’s signature heavy footprint. Lyrically, Let the Posers Fall! delves deep into the macabre, drawing grim inspiration from notorious serial killers (“I Am The Zodiac”), the cosmic horror literature of H.P. Lovecraft (“Providence”) and vintage cult horror/exploitation cinema (“New York Ripper”, “Hitch-Hike”).
The band issued the following defiant statement regarding the album:
“In a world where trends come and go and authenticity is drowning in depravity, Cardinals Folly still rides the cultist highway, declaring the downfall of posers until the end. The Stallions Are Burning!”
Let The Posers Fall! will be available on vinyl LP, CD, and digital formats via Cruz Del Sur Music on October 9 in Europe and November 6 in North America.
Recorded and Mixed by Jani Snellman. Mastered by Roland Rodas at Cavern of Echoes. Cover art by Pedro Ruotsalainen. Band logo by Sebastian Lindberg. Organ in “Luchador” and “Cultist Highway” played by Jani Snellman. Backing choir in “Cultist Highway” is Cardinals Folly.
L-R – Justin Cournoyer – Bass, Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals, Zack Osiris – Drums, Jordan Barillaro – Guitar
Debut Album Pax Nocturna Out Now!
Montreal blackened thrash band Shroud has released a new cover of “Storm of the Reaper”, a fierce tribute to Swedish cult legends Nifelheim and a nod to one of the band’s earliest shared influences. The track arrives as Shroud continues to ride the momentum of their debut album Pax Nocturna, released this past June, and as they prepare to hit the road for their upcoming Canadian tour with Hellripper this coming November.
Shroud’s decision to cover “Storm of the Reaper” comes from deep admiration for Nifelheim’s legacy and the song’s impact on the band’s formation and identity.
“We wanted to pay homage to the legendary Blackened Thrash Metal band Nifelheim from Sweden. Storm of the Reaper is an absolute banger with old‑school heavy metal elements twisted into black metal, and it’s a huge influence on all of us in Shroud. It’s also a nod to lyricist Erik Danielsson, frontman of Watain, another major influence. We perform this live often and wanted to pay it forward with our own spin. It was a major song that Zack Osiris and I, Matteo Conti, bonded over when forming Shroud. Storm of the Reaper is legendary and a staple of Blackened Thrash Metal.”
The band’s rendition stays true to the track’s feral spirit while injecting Shroud’s signature intensity, razor‑edged riffs, venomous vocals, and the raw, ritualistic energy that has defined their rise in Canada’s extreme‑metal underground.
Shroud’s cover arrives on the heels of their debut full‑length Pax Nocturna, a blackened thrash assault praised for its speed, atmosphere, and conceptual depth. The album introduced listeners to the band’s evolving universe of dark, violent, and occult storytelling.
The release of “Storm of the Reaper” sets the stage for Shroud’s upcoming Canadian dates with Scotland’s speed‑metal powerhouse Hellripper for the “Goatkraft & Granite Canada Tour”. Fans can expect Shroud to perform the cover live, where it has already become a crowd igniting staple.
Listen to Shroud‘s cover version of “Storm of the Reaper” at the following links:
Recommended for fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, and Necrophobic.Pax Nocturna released on June 4th, 2026 and is available now on all digital platforms, CD, and vinyl.
Tour Dates: Hellripper w/ Shroud: Nov 25 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar Nov 26 – Quebec City, QC – La Source De La Martiniere Nov 27 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern (Capital Punishment Festival) Nov 28 – Toronto, ON – Supermarket Bar & Variety
Track Listing: 1. Pax Nocturna (0:43) 2. The Eternal Void (5:09) 3. The Zealot (5:15) 4. Merciless Tyrants (5:59) 5. Darkest Night (4:45) 6. Diablivion (5:28) 7. Death Blows Over (4:18) 8. All Creation (5:29) 9. Abaddon (7:55) Album Length: 45:05
Album and Live Band lineup: Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals Jordan Barillaro – Guitar Zack Osiris – Drums Justin Cournoyer – Bass
Album Recording Credits:
All songs performed by: Matteo Conti, Zack Osiris, Jordan Barillaro, Justin Cournoyer
All songs written by: Matteo Conti and Zack Osiris
Watch ARMORED SAINT’s “Not On Your Life” visualizer HERE.
ARMORED SAINT today presents their visualizer for “Not On Your Life.” The track comes by way of the band’s critically acclaimed new full-length, Emotion Factory Reset, released earlier this year on Metal Blade Records. The kaleidoscopic clip was created by Costin Chioreanu of TWILIGHT13MEDIA.
Comments vocalist John Bush, “The opening lyrics are, ‘You already know my name is John Doe / Yeah you already know but still give it a go.’ I think Phil [Sandoval] had the term, ‘you already know.’ Rhyming, I was, ‘oh, okay, this is cool, like, John Doe.’ There are a couple meanings to it: the cool guy from X is John Doe. It also means that you don’t know who this person is. It led to me thinking in terms of something a little vague, which sometimes I like to do. You already know, yet you don’t know at the same time.
Phil sent me the phrase ‘from dollars to donuts,’ and I got ‘Heavens to Betsy.’ My mom was named Betty, and it’s a little nod to [Bitch vocalist] Betsy Bitch because she’s on Metal Blade. I thought, ‘why not just have a little correlation here.’ It’s a cool, great rock song, and it seems to be some people’s favorite.
The lyrics ‘dollars to donuts’ sounds like something somebody said on the streets of Manhattan in 1950. I also used the phrase ‘lying on the floor in the drunk tank.’ ‘Drunk tank’ is another term people don’t really use in 2026.”
Watch ARMORED SAINT’s “Not On Your Life” visualizer HERE.
Watch the band’s previously released video for “Every Man-Any Man” HERE, “Close To The Bone” HERE, and “Hit A Moonshot” HERE.
ARMORED SAINT will kick off their North American co-headlining tour with Metal Church this November. The Metal Saint Tour 2026 begins on November 2nd in San Juan Capistrano, California and runs through November 21st in Agoura Hills, California with support provided by LiveKill.
Following the fiery response both bands received during their recent shows together in Europe and fans’ excitement for the upcoming Fall shows, a Spring 2027 leg of this killer metal package has also been announced. The journey will commence on March 19th in Austin, Texas and close on April 10th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Support will be provided by One Machine.
Offers ARMORED SAINT vocalist, John Bush, “Three weeks in the Fall just didn’t seem enough so we decided to do another run of the Metal Saint tour in the Spring of 2027. Celebrating two classic bands from the ‘80s who also have new records out in 2026 is a no-brainer for any metal fan. Plus, there is still a lot of the country to cover. See you at the show!”
Comments Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, “We are stoked to be heading back out on the road with our friends in ARMORED SAINT for another round of the Metal Saint Tour!”
Adds Metal Church drummer Ken Mary, “We are really looking forward to so many fans and friends on tour on this run and we are honored to be with our brothers in metal, ARMORED SAINT!”
ARMORED SAINT + METAL CHURCH w/ LiveKill: 11/02/2026 Coach House – San Juan Capistrano, CA 11/03/2026 The Glass House – Pomona, CA 11/04/2026 The Nile – Phoenix, AZ 11/06/2026 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM 11/07/2026 Sunshine Studios – Colorado Springs, CO 11/08/2026 The Federal – Denver, CO 11/10/2026 Neurolux – Boise, ID 11/11/2026 The Newberry – Great Falls, MT 11/13/2026 Dantes – Portland, OR 11/14/2026 Redwood Theater – Bremerton, WA 11/15/2026 Rickshaw Theater – Vancouver, BC 11/17/2026 Great America Music Hall – San Francisco, CA 11/18/2026 Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA 11/19/2026 The Whisky – Los Angeles, CA 11/20/2026 Observatory North San Diego – San Diego, CA 11/21/2026 Canyon Club – Agoura Hills, CA
ARMORED SAINT + METAL CHURCH w/ One Machine: 3/19/2027 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 3/20/2027 Hells Heroes – Houston, TX * 3/21/2027 Granada Theater – Dallas, TX 3/23/2027 Radio Room – Greenville, SC 3/24/2027 Chapel Of Bonus – Raleigh, NC 3/25/2027 Tally Ho Theater – Leesburg, VA 3/26/2027 Ridgefield Theater – Ridgefield, CT 3/27/2027 St. Vitus – Brooklyn, NY 3/3/29/2027 Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA 3/30/2027 Mercury – Lakewood, OH 4/01/2027 The Kings Of Clubs – Columbus, OH 4/02/2027 Machine Shop – Flint, MI 4/03/2027 Arcada Theater St – Charles, IL 4/04/2027 EPIC Events Center – Green Bay, WI 4/06/2027 Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA 4/07/2027 Matchbox – Omaha, NE 4/09/2027 Liquid Joe’s – Salt Lake City, UT 4/10/2027 House Of Blues – Las Vegas, NV
No One Machine
Emotion Factory Reset, ARMORED SAINT’s ninth studio album, is a resurrection of sorts, a tearing down and a rebuilding in eleven songs of diverse musicality and lyrical themes. Produced, as were the previous four albums, by bassist Joey Vera and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour), the record finds the quintet challenging themselves. Songs like “Close To The Bone,” “Hit A Moonshot,” and “Every Man-Any Man” have ARMORED SAINT honoring their past as one of the most respected and recognizable bands in heavy music while making forward-thinking music rooted in the present.
Emotion Factory Reset was recorded across several studios including 606 Studios, Secret Hand Studios, Skullseven Studios, Constantine Studios, and Bridge Recording, engineered by Oliver Roman, Bill Metoyer, Joey Vera, and Jason Constantine, and features cover art by DDKing.
In continued support of their cruel debut album, Insatiable Lust For Death, released through Profound Lore Records in the Summer of 2025, New Jersey/Washington DC-based KONTUSION will again put their dismal death metal on display this Fall.
The East Coast Tour MMXXVI will see KONTUSION and their allies in Hedonist hitting the East Coast US for a week of dates, running through Harrisonburg, Richmond, Baltimore, New Brunswick, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Boston from November 30th through December 6th.
For these shows, the core band duo of drummer Chris Moore and vocalist/guitarist Mark Bronzino will again be joined by Shar Clay on second guitar, and for the first time, by Erika Osterhout on bass.
KONTUSION East Coast Tour MMXXVI w/ Hedonist: 11/30/2026 Wizard Mode – Harrisonburg, VA 12/01/2026 Bandito’s – Richmond, VA 12/02/2026 Peabody Heights – Baltimore, MD 12/03/2026 Cinco de Mayo – New Brunswick, NJ 12/04/2026 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA 12/05/2026 The Broadway – Brooklyn, NY 12/06/2026 Middle East – Boston, MA
KONTUSION’s riffs, blasts, and walls of feedback reflect the darkness of a world marred by chaos, where large scale atrocities run amok. Last year, the band delivered the scathing, decimating, rapid-fire attack of their vile debut LP, Insatiable Lust For Death, its ten tracks immersing the listener in a cavernous, hellish tone, while the relentless riffs and percussion remain impeccably tight.
Recorded by Chris Pierce at Volume IV Studios with additional tracking done at Damaged City Studios, Insatiable Lust For Death was mixed by Kevin Bernsten at Developing Nations, mastered by Nick Townsend at Townsend Mastering, and finished with artwork by Rotting Reign and layout by Aaren Molder.
KONTUSION’s Insatiable Lust For Death is out now on LP, CD, and digitally, streaming and available to purchase where the “Subjugation” video is also streaming at Profound Lore Records HERE.
“It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we share the news that Conrad “Cronos” Lant has passed away.
For more than four decades, Conrad’s voice, bass and vision were at the heart of VENOM.
From the first dark rumblings of Welcome to Hell, through Black Metal, At War With Satan, Possessed and beyond, he created something that changed heavy music forever.
VENOM never followed the rules. They forged their own path.
And Conrad was there at the centre of it all — uncompromising, fearless and unmistakable.
The Legions have always been an important part of VENOM. To everyone who stood with the band through the years, bought the records, came to the shows, wore the shirts, shared the music and kept the flame burning — Cronos was always grateful for your loyalty and support.”
A message from Nathan, Conrad’s son:
“I want to thank all of the Legions for all of the support you have given my dad over the years. I know he really appreciated you all. He has laid down his soul, and his music will live on. The legend of Cronos will never die.”
“His music will never die. His voice will never fade.
And the legacy of VENOM will live on through the music he created and through the Legions around the world who continue to carry that flame.
Thank you, Conrad. Thank you, Cronos. Thank you for the music. Thank you for the memories.
Our deepest love and condolences go to Nathan & Hel, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
REST IN PEACE, CONRAD
THE LEGEND LIVES ON
🖤
VENOM
Rest and also rock in peace, Conrad “Cronos” Lant. Condolences to the family, friends, Venom and fans of Cronos. Long live the legacy of Cronos and Venom.
STORMRULER has announced the forthcoming full length offering, Morning Nautical Twilight, will be released on December 4, 2026, via Distortion Music Group (DMG) – Powered by Reigning Phoenix Music. The U.S. hailing black metal duo weave epic narrative storytelling through the track list of Morning Nautical Twilight. Alongside the album announcement, the band presents the first single, “Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria.”
Vocalist and guitarist Jason Asberry comments on the new single release: “We chose ‘In The Eye Of Umbria’ as the first single off of our new album Morning Nautical Twilight for a few reasons. It’s the second chapter in the Imperial Chronicles but the first that takes place in present day Aurelia, a realm spanning several thousand years with a vast history and many conflicts. It immediately introduces the listener to a few important characters within the world and sets the stage for the rest of the story.
Secondly, it’s a very standout track amongst the record. We explore a few new corners of our sound that we haven’t in the past but do so in true STORM fashion. It has the raw and driving rhythms of our heavy metal heroes, the mountainous and soaring leads that are heavily laden throughout this record while also keeping true to the many folk sounds that we hold dearly. We’re very proud of this record and can’t wait for you all to explore the pages of Morning Nautical Twilight.”
Morning Nautical Twilight Track List: 00 Prologue: The Weary Traveler 01 Chapter I: The Sword, The Scepter & The Seal 02 Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria 03 Chapter III: Council Of The Nations 04 Chapter IV: Subterranean Sorcery 05 Chapter V: Lanuthor’s Lamentations 06 Chapter VI: Open The Gates! 07 Chapter VII Morning Nautical Twilight 08 Chapter VIII: The Siege Of Belgorath 09 Chapter IX: Shadows Of The Starcrest 10 Chapter X: Winds Of War 11 Chapter XI: When The White Horn Sounds 12 Chapter XII: Engulfed In The Flames Of Oaken Pyre 13 Epilogue: The Imperial Chronicles
Emerging from the gloom in a high-paced fury, “Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria” traverses through shadowy progressions in an untamable arrangement. Jason Asberry‘s intricate guitar leads entwine through the driving momentum while ferocious shrieks unleash soar above, piercing through Jesse Schobel‘s explosive percussion. Musically, “Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria” incorporates a stylistic shift into groove-led rhythms and folk-inspired melodies, situating the track firmly in the immersive fantasy worldbuilding of Morning Nautical Twilight.
Born out of St. Louis, MO, the ferocious black metal duo STORMRULER is comprised of guitarist and vocalist Jason Asberry and drummer Jesse Schobel. Captivated by fantasy realms, the band’s imagery and sonic design draw from this theme entwined with historical elements.
The debut album Under The Burning Eclipse emerged in 2021, released via Napalm Records. This full-length was followed in quick succession by the sophomore offering, Sacred Rites & Black Magick, also via Napalm Records in 2022.
In 2026, STORMRULER signed to Distortion Music Group (DMG) – Powered by Reigning Phoenix Music, releasing the standalone single “Dark Age Of Deception.” Plunging into a dark and immersive shroud of atmospheric layers and commanding intensity, “Dark Age Of Deception” signified the beginning of the band’s next incarnation.
With the unveiling of “Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria,” STORMRULER‘s forthcoming full length Morning Nautical Twilight delves further into epic fantastical realms placing powerful storytelling at the core of their music.
It took almost 15 years to make this collaboration possible, yet WOTAN and CRUZ DEL SURMUSIC are finally joining forces for the physical release of Carmina Barbarica – Alive In Athens!
In 2004 Carmina Barbarica marked the debut of WOTAN on the metal scene. Released by Eat Metal Records on both CD and Vinyl, the album is considered as one of the milestones of European Epic Metal with its Manowar flavored sound. Greece has always been their second home, if not even their first having played live in the country many times. It was therefore a natural result that band’s first live album should have been recorded in this wonderful metal nation.
Two years after their exhibition at the Into The Battle Festival, WOTAN and CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC are pleased to announce the release of Carmina Barbarica – Alive In Athens, which was recorded on that same night. This live album features “Carmina Barbarica” played in its entirety! Vinyl is expected to arrive in Janurary 2027, but from today the album is available digitally at all biggest platforms, including Bandcamp.
The LP comes on beautiful Χαῖρε Ἑλλάς (Hail Hellas) splatter vinyl and can be pre-ordered at:
Central American death-doom practitioners MORBID STENCH are now streaming their third full-length album Doom Metástasis in its entirety, with the record receiving an exclusive premiere through Death Metal Promotion. Due for release on October 2, 2026 via Nuclear Winter Records and Putrid Cult, the album represents the band’s most developed work to date, expanding their suffocating blend of slow, crushing passages and ominous atmospheres into a tightly conceived conceptual piece.
Deeply rooted in death-doom metal, the record broadens the group’s sonic palette through a more developed approach to songwriting, without losing the weight and darkness that have always defined their sound.
Conceived as a conceptual work, the album follows a process of transformation that moves from inner decay to complete propagation, blending biological imagery with reflections on identity, inevitability and the cyclical nature of existence. This narrative framework gives the album a strong sense of continuity, shaping a journey rather than a simple collection of individual tracks.
Musically, MORBID STENCH combine crushing slow-paced sections, oppressive atmospheres and carefully crafted arrangements, balancing immediacy and depth. With Doom Metástasis, the band expands its vision while remaining faithful to the raw spirit of Central American death-doom metal.
Track-list:
Necrotic from Within
The Morbid Waltz
Hyperbolic
Bizarre and Beyond
Narcissistic God
Crawling out of the Swamps
Formed in 2014 by veteran musicians The Master Butcher (Costa Rica), Morbid and Purulent (El Salvador), MORBID STENCH was created to explore the darkest and most putrid side of doom metal, enriched by a strong death metal influence.
With all members active in the extreme metal scene since the early ’90s, the band combines crushing heaviness, oppressive atmospheres and rotten melodies, drawing inspiration from the forgotten swamps of Central America.
Their debut EP The Stench of Doom was released in 2016 on cassette through Morbid Skull Recs (El Salvador) and Till You Fukkin Bleed (Poland), quickly selling out and followed by a short tour in El Salvador and Guatemala with CONCEIVED BY HATE. In 2017, the band released the split 7” EP The Bifid Tongue of Doom & Death with Costa Rican death metal act NECROGOD.
The debut full-length Doom & Putrefaction arrived in 2019 through Putrid Cult, Morbid Skull Recs and other international labels, receiving strong feedback from the underground scene. This was followed by the split 7” EP Ghospels of Necromancy with Dutch death metal band ANARCHOS in 2020, and the second album The Rotting Ways of Doom in 2022, further establishing the band’s reputation among doom/death enthusiasts.
Despite the members now living in three different countries, the creative chemistry within MORBID STENCH remains intact. The songwriting process begins with Morbid composing and recording guitar and bass parts at his “Víspera del Demonio” studio in San Salvador, creating raw demo versions that are shared with the band for feedback and development. Purulent then works on the drum arrangements, while The Master Butcher completes the songs with his lyrics and vocal performances.
Line-up:
The Master Butcher – Esophagus Morbid – Cosmic Chords of Doom Purulent – Barrels Full of Putrid Waste
Finnish death metal quartet HEKATOXEN have now premiered their debut full-length Obsidian Majesty in its entirety through Death Metal Promotion, ahead of its October 2 release on Nuclear Winter Records.
The band follow their 2022 Utter Darkness EP with a record steeped in the traditions of their homeland’s nineties death metal, yet shaped around a distinct sense of songwriting and atmosphere.
Across eight tracks, HEKATOXEN move between punishing guitar work, muscular rhythms and passages where the tension is allowed to build rather than simply explode, giving the album a strong internal pulse. The result is a collection that feels firmly connected to the Finnish underground while avoiding a purely retrospective approach.
Hailing from Tampere, HEKATOXEN return with a record that tightens every aspect of their sound, delivering a darker, sharper and more determined expression of death metal. Obsidian Majesty moves through a landscape of razor-edged riffs, where heaviness never comes at the expense of movement; the songs hit hard, but they also breathe, shift direction and reveal a band with a clear understanding of dynamics.
Rooted in the classic language of Finnish death metal, the album does not rely on mere repetition of familiar formulas. HEKATOXEN take inspiration from the genre’s foundations while shaping those elements into focused compositions built around memorable riffs, strong structures and a tangible sense of purpose. Every track feels designed to stand on its own, equally effective through headphones and on stage.
Avoiding unnecessary complexity, HEKATOXEN embrace the power of well-crafted songwriting: concrete, immediate and uncompromising. Obsidian Majesty captures a band refining its identity, balancing old school instincts with a contemporary edge and proving that tradition can still cut deep when handled with conviction.
Track list:
01 – Lost Souls Epitome 02 – I Am Them 03 – Spawns Of Darkness 04 – Haunting Ceremony 05 – Domus Vilomaxus 06 – Grave Reveries 07 – At Hellsrivers Pathway 08 – Vanguard The Dark
Line-up:
Jussi – vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar, synth Niko – rhythm guitar Risto – bass guitar Vesa – drums
For fans of: Demigod, Adramelech, early Sentenced, Funebrarum
Pacific Northwest Death Metal legion Paralicyst have released their debut EP, Destruction of Sanity! Drawing inspiration from titans like Obituary, Malevolent Creation, and Cannibal Corpse, the band blends punishing riffs, crushing rhythms, and savage vocal assaults into a sound that feels both nostalgic and devastatingly fresh.
The new EP packages a range of styles within a traditional death metal framework. Old school and thrashing death, shades of the blackened and slamming intensity, it’s all here and it’s all devastating!
Forged in the chaos of 2019, Paralicyst emerged from the PNW metal scene with a mission to channel the raw power and uncompromising spirit of classic death metal.
The band’s early formation included guitarist Ray Eversole (Cruciation, Tormentium), bassist Nik Harris (Digitalviolence, Monday With A Bullet, In The Name of God), and drummer Greg Kholer (Gods in Graves, Cruciation, Father Figure, CIA Hippie Mind Control). In 2022 the lineup solidified with Lou of Malevolent Supremacy and Lude joining on vocals, further sharpening the band’s sonic assault.
In 2024, Mikey Murderz (Sakrificer, Innocent Blood) stepped in to take command of vocal duties, bringing a vicious new edge to the band’s sound, while also handling the recording, mixing, and mastering duties on the EP
Now operating with their strongest lineup yet, Paralicyst is poised to carve their mark into the underground with an unrelenting barrage of riffs, blast beats, and infernal energy.
Stream Destruction of Sanity on your platform of choice:
Swedish melodic metal frontrunners METALITE celebrate the release of their brand-new studio album, Discovery, out now via PERCEPTION – Powered by Reigning Phoenix Music! Their critically acclaimed, futuristic sci-fi metal epic takes listeners on a fascinating journey, further expanding METALITE’s signature blend of soaring melodies, powerful riffs and modern electronic elements.
Coinciding with the album’s release, METALITE have also unveiled a brand-new music video for “Neon Rain,” one of the tracks featured on Discovery. Guitarist, producer, songwriter and founder Edwin Premberg comments:
“Neon Rain is one of our three singles accompanied by a beautifully produced video by Ted Lindén. The song captures a futuristic world drenched in neon lights and falling rain, a place where emotion and technology collide. It’s atmospheric, powerful, and melodic, painting a vivid picture of standing in the glow of a digital storm, searching for something real beneath the surface.”
Mixed and mastered by acclaimed Danish producer Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Evergrey, Amaranthe), Discovery pushes METALITE’s futuristic vision further than ever before. Across twelve dynamic tracks, the album explores themes of human evolution, technology, survival, liberation and hope in a universe shaped by digital realities and cosmic exploration in the year of 2058, three years after humanity left a collapsing Earth in search of a new beginning.
Building upon the sonic worlds established on their albums Heroes in Time (2017), Biomechanicals (2019), A Virtual World (2021) and Expedition One (2024), the band once again proves why they are regarded as pioneers of modern sci-fi-inspired melodic metal!
Discovery – Track-list: 1. Our Time Has Come 2. In Case Of Emergency 3. Into The Maze 4. Cyberspace 5. The Metal Elite 6. Neon Rain 7. Echoes Of You 8. Starchild 9. Wings Of Fire 10. Captive In The Past 11. Supremacy Of One 12. Triforce
METALITE: Erica Ohlsson – Vocals Edwin Premberg – Guitar/Additional Vocals/Programming Robert Örnesved – Guitar Erik Junttila Johansson – Drums Robert Majd – Bass
WEST COAST TOUR – SEP./OCT. 2026 – w/ SCATTERED GUTS: 09.29.26 – POMONA, CA – FLYWAY 09.30.26 – MURRIETA, CA – SOLARIS 10.01.26 – RIDGECREST, CA – JOSHUA HALL 10.02.26 – PALMDALE, CA – TRANSPLANTS 10.03.26 – SAN DIEGO, CA – SODA BAR 10.04.26 – LOS ANGELES, CA – 1720 DTLA w/ PENTAGRAM 10.06.26 – VENTURA, CA – VAQUERO Y MAR 10.07.26 – BAKERSFIELD, CA – JERRY’S PIZZA 10.08.26 – MORRO BAY, CA – THE SIREN 10.09.26 – SANTA CRUZ, CA – BLUE LAGOON 10.10.26 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA – NECK OF THE WOODS 10.13.26 – SANTA ROSA, CA – ARLENE FRANCIS CNTR 10.14.26 – GRANTS PASS, OR – SOUND LOUNGE 10.15.26 – EUGENE, OR – WOW HALL 10.16.26 – PORTLAND, OR – TBA 10.17.26 – SEATTLE, WA – EL CORAZON
Music icon to be honoured for a half-century of sound innovation, raw expression and landmark studio collaborations
Joins 2026 award recipients Bogdan Kondradcki and Ziemowit Kosmowski
Soundedit International Music Producers Festival returns in its 18th year from 23-27 October 2026 in Łódź, Poland
Łódź, Poland; The godfather of punk rock, a music icon, and one of the most influential artists in history, Iggy Pop is going to be awarded the prestigious “Man with the Golden Ear” award. The ceremony will take place at the 18th edition of the Soundedit International Music Producers Festival in Łódź, Poland.
For over five decades, Iggy Pop has been doing what he does best: playing his own way. As the lead singer of The Stooges, he helped define the raw sound of punk rock. In his solo career, he has created songs that have become permanent fixtures in the musical canon. His collaboration with David Bowie and subsequent projects with leading artists have cemented his status as one of the most charismatic figures on the global music scene.
The Man with the Golden Ear Award is an honour bestowed upon creators who boldly reshape the face of music: producers, sound engineers, and artists who pioneer new sonic directions. Iggy Pop will receive it for his exceptional expressiveness, artistic uncompromising spirit, and immense influence on the history of recording.
Reflecting on the announcement, Maciej Werk, director of Soundedit Festival, said:“This is a historic moment for us. After all, we’re talking about a man who defined the raw essence of punk both in the studio and on stage. His collaboration with David Bowie has become an absolute classic of music production. By awarding him the Man with the Golden Ear, we’re paying tribute to a giant whose legacy resonates perfectly with this year’s other honorees: Bogdan Kondracki and Ziemowit Kosmowski. Each of them, in their own way, proves that what matters most in music is one’s own inimitable style.”
Iggy Pop is the third honoree announced for this year’s festival. Bogdan Kondracki and Ziemowit Kosmowski were previously honoured. Bogdan Kondracki is a highly regarded music producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and sound engineer. His body of work includes more than fifty albums by Polish artists, including Dawid Podsiadło, Brodka, Kortez, and sanah. Ziemowit Kosmowski, frontman of the bands Brak and Rendez-Vous, is one of the most important figures in Łódź’s punk and new wave scene. For decades, his work has combined musical rebellion with independence and a unique style. Three winners, three different musical journeys. What unites them is their courage in exploring new sounds and the unmistakable character of their work.
The “Man with the Golden Ear” Award has been presented since 2009 at the Soundedit International Music Producers Festival in Łódź. Past recipients include Brian Eno, Sir George Martin, John Cale, Daniel Lanois, Tony Visconti, Grzegorz Ciechowski, and Wojciech Waglewski.
The 18th edition of the festival will take place October 23–27, 2026. The program will include concerts, a gala, workshops, and lectures. There will also be sessions focused on music production and new audio technologies.
Passes covering three days of festival concerts and events cost 499 zł. Single-day tickets for select days are also available.
Day tickets, full festival passes, and workshop registration details are available now via Ticketmaster, Eventim, and official ticketing partners.
Soundedit is the only festival in the world that celebrates the hard work and creativity of the people behind the final sound of the songs we listen to: music producers, sound designers and sound engineers.
Since 2009, Łódź has been the gathering place for the biggest stars of the global and Polish music scenes, as well as thousands of enthusiasts for whom sound is a true art form. It is a place where studio and live sound technology meets artistic vision, and a passion for sound becomes a shared language.
The festival was established by music producer, composer and radio broadcaster, Maciej Werk, who is best known as the founder and frontman of pioneering Polish rock band Hedone. Using his decades-long experience, he set up the festival to bring the focus of attention to the creators of music records.
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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