Rising metal force LIONS AT THE GATE has just unveiled their latest single, “Silhouettes of Me,” a powerful new track that explores the personal and emotional battles with addiction and depression. This introspective release showcases the band’s signature mix of haunting melodies and hard-hitting riffs, anchored by vocalist Cristian Machado‘s gripping lyricism and raw vocal performance.
“‘Silhouettes of Me’ is a song close to our hearts, lyrically touching on the struggles of addiction and depression, and the changes that it took to find victory over them,” says Machado.
The track weaves together themes of resilience and reflection, showcasing LIONS AT THE GATE‘s ability to balance both aggression and vulnerability. The accompanying video captures the intensity of the band’s live energy in a monochrome red setting, balancing darkness and hope. Watch it HERE.
Additionally, LIONS AT THE GATE is set to hit the road this December, joining local Texas metal heavyweights UPON A BURNING BODY for the “Cold Nights Over Texas” tour. They’ll be joined by genre-bending support act VCTMS, creating a high-octane lineup ready to deliver an unforgettable experience across six cities in the Lone Star State.
Fans can expect a dynamic mix of powerful, high-energy performances as LIONS AT THE GATE brings “Silhouettes of Me” and other fan favorites from their debut album, The Excuses We Cannot Make, to the stage. Tickets are available HERE.
Following ten years of silence after the release of their debut album The Embers of the Stars and the untimely death of vocalist Steven, Ahamkara return with a new lineup and new album The Harrow of the Lost, an unflinching exploration of the transformative nature of grief.
An emotionally charged and fiercely personal record, “The Harrow of the Lost” takes the Ahamkara sound in a more complex and tormented direction, encompassing existential rage, nihilistic despair and all in between. Both rawer and more organic in sound, intensified by the electrifying drum work of new member Austin Lunn (Panopticon).
Scaling greater peaks of Emperial ambition than ever before, the album integrates the expansive reach of the Cascadian black metal sound with the densely detailed savagery of classic Emperor and the aching melancholy of early Anathema to produce a deeply involving journey of genre-transcending atmospheric metal.
Completed by a heartfelt and uncompromising vocal performance from founding member Michael and the nuanced, evocative synth work of Alexandra (also of label mates Nemorous), this is a journey into the scorched earth landscapes of bereavement that no follower of the Bindrune family should miss.
It has been 4 years since the release of Independence to the Beast (2020) and during this time, Canis Dirus have been refining their savage, yet atmospheric black metal during what has been the most prolific era of their career. 2021 found the split release A Harmonious Unionof Vibration to surface with the project Crown of Asteria, where Canis Dirus contributed 2 new tracks that blended their own unique form of twisted blackness, along with an ambient influence. Was this a sign of things to come?
Armed with the fantastic drum work of CJ Yacoub (Escaping Aghartha, Neverdawn, ex-Amun), TMP (Guitars, bass, Synth) and RH (Vocals) have been hard at work on what has become the the bands finest work, By the Grace of Death. Atmosphere still reigns in the dark sonic sphere of Canis Dirus, but on this impending new album, the bands black metal essence is at the forefront of this nocturnal hunt.
TMP’s riff/playing style remains truly his own with atypical phrasing that co-exists with a more orthodox BM style. The BM side can make one feel isolated and attacked one moment, then calm and nurtured the next with colorful folk music that has become a vibrant element of CD’s sound. RH’s vocals contribute to the adventurous nature of By The Grace of Death with his most feral performance to date.
By the Grace of Death will be unleashed in the months to come on LP by Bindrune Recordings and on CD (containing a bonus track) by Canis Dirus themselves.
The new Steeler video – premiering November 15th on the RFK Media YouTube channel: http://RFKvideos.com
-———————————
1980: the dawn of the American Heavy Metal movement, and the birth of Steeler, one of the bands whose sound would define that cultural revolution. Shortly after the release of their iconic 1983 self-titled album, that supernova exploded into multiple bands and projects that would each carve their own places in that era’s history, leaving an undeniable impact on a metal generation.
This triumphant reunion puts a powerful exclamation point on that legacy with the band’s first new song in over 40 years, and their first-ever official music video: https://youtu.be/aKxfj6KOHmA
This brand new (2024) song and video prove that four decades have done nothing to diminish the power and the passion upon which the band was built. “Give Me Guitars (Or Give Me Death)” celebrates the glory of an era that may be gone but certainly not forgotten, combining all the elements that made 80’s metal the soundtrack of so many lives: an anthemic chorus, screaming lyrics that pay tribute to songs and stars that paved the street of dreams, loud powerful music and incendiary guitar pyrotechnics.
That music is provided by men who lived it, then and now: vocalist/guitarist Ron Keel, lead guitarist Mitch Perry, drummer Mark Edwards, bassist Rik Fox, and session drummer Dwain Miller. The song was written by Ron Keel specifically for Steeler and is featured on his new RFK Media album release Keelworld.
The video was directed and produced by David Pear (watch the full clip for credits at the end). A documentary film is now in production by David Pear which will tell the entire story behind the Steeler legacy – American Metal – The Story Of Steeler will be released in 2025.
Queensrÿche founding guitarist Michael “Whip” Wilton is set to release his highly anticipated solo album, Volume 1, due out on December 6, 2024 via Rat Pak Records. Along with powerhouse Seattle vocalist Mark Winterman, drummer Sonny Sudra and bassist “Hodgy”, Michael offers nine power packed songs reminiscent of the sound he is best known for.
Mixed and Mastered by “Zeuss” (Queensrÿche, Rob Zombie, Shadows Fall), Vol 1 captures Michael’s ability to think outside the box with flavorful riffs, catchy melodies and thoughtful solos while still maintaining his signature sound. From the opening chords of “People Suffer” to the closing track “Drowning at Daybreak”, it is clear that Michael Wilton’s trademark style lays the bedrock for this well crafted offering.
You can now pre-order the all-new release from Michael Wilton of Queensrÿche – Whip Volume 1. Check out all the details and get in on some exclusive LTD bundles at:
Celebrated Italian doom / black metal brigade PONTE DEL DIAVOLO unleash a powerful single from their forthcoming compilation Tre – The EP Collection. Stream “Scintilla” HERE.
The band commented: “‘Scintilla’ (transl. ‘Spark’) is a rough and violent track in which love is action, movement, Freedom. The ‘Spark’ is the Devil and the ceaseless movement of nature”.
Following on from the release of their acclaimed debut album Fire Blades from the Tomb (Season Of Mist), PONTE DEL DIAVOLO will re-issue their now hard to come by first three EPs in the form ofTre – The EP Collection. The compilation will be available in CD, LP, tape and digital formats on December 9th 2024 via Time To Kill Records.
Track-list:
01 – Mystery of Mystery 02 – I 03 – The Wickedest Woman In The World 04 – 13 05 – The Unborn 06 – Un Bacio a Mezzanotte 07 – III 08 – Scintilla 09 – AVE
PONTE DEL DIAVOLO bridges the gap between two separate worlds. The Italian band proposes a doom / black metal sound with old-school roots, adding a modern and outside the box background. The female voice – with strong dark wave influences – is the lyric cor pus of this strongly esoteric project. The solid presence of two bassists creates the massive foundation for the rhythmic guitar, everything marked by a raw and dynamic drumming.
Mystery of Mystery / Secret Live Session marked the quintet’s debut EP. It was recorded live and without editing at Dracma Studio with the producer L’Ossario in their home base of Turin in March 2020. “I” was released on the web by Iopan Records. It was soon followed by their second single, “The Wickedest Woman In the World”.
At the end of 2021, PONTE DEL DIAVOLO recorded their second EP, Sancta Menstruis at Deepest Sea Studio in Turin with Danilo Battocchio. The first single, “The Unborn”, arrived in February 2022.
The band’s third EP, Ave Scintilla! was also recorded in Turin. This time around, they reconvened at Dracma Studio with L’Ossario. Prepare to cross over into the Italian dark arts.
As 2024 draws to a close, Swedish hard rock and metal powerhouse DAYS OF JUPITER prepare to launch into an electrifying new chapter with the release of their latest single, “The Fix”. This powerful track marks another step toward the band’s highly anticipated fifth studio album, slated for release in early 2025 under Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).
“The Fix” combines humming basslines and soaring guitar leads, setting the stage for Janne Hilli’s raw, impassioned vocals, which carry an emotional intensity that crescendos in a chorus meant to turn the listener’s world upside down. With a rebellious and hopeful spirit, “The Fix” resonates as an anthem for those battling inner struggles and despair, offering a cathartic uplift and becoming a beacon for resilience.
DAYS OF JUPITER comment: “‘The Fix’ is a heavy punch in the face with powerful riffs, haunting melodies, and gripping lyrics. Join us as we unleash this captivating narrative that speaks to anyone who has faced their demons and emerged stronger on the other side.”
DAYS OF JUPITER are: Janne Hilli | vocals Marcus Lindman | guitars Johnny Grenwald | guitars Janne Karlsson | bass Magnus Larsson | drums
About DAYS OF JUPITER
With over 20 million streams on Spotify and widespread critical acclaim across four studio albums, DAYS OF JUPITER‘s journey began in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden in 2010. Their debut album, Secrets Brought To Life [2012], marked their entrance onto the global stage, followed by a performance at the prestigious Sweden Rock Festival. Their albums Only Ashes Remain and New Awakening helped expand their reach, landing them more live performances, including international shows. The band eventually supported DISTURBED in front of 10,000 fans in Estonia following the release of their fourth album, Panoptical [2018].
Now, with a strong new partnership with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), DAYS OF JUPITER are back with their upcoming fifth album, aiming to please their loyal fanbase and attract new metal fans worldwide.
Exciting things are underway: as they record the follow-up to their highly acclaimed 2021 self-titled album with producer Charlie Bauerfeind, metal legends HELLOWEEN treat fans to another preview from their upcoming Live At Budokan release. This high-octane rendition of their timeless classic, “Eagle Fly Free”, captures the unmistakable chemistry between the band and the spirited Japanese audience at Tokyo’s Budokan, elevating the track to an entirely new level.
“A song that is just as wonderful and popular today as it was when it was first released. It comes with an effective overture, has a great upbeat and a brilliant, fast-paced ending. “Eagle Fly Free” has the ultimate vibe and encourages you to sing along. It has everything you would expect from an ‘evergreen,’ I love playing it,” states guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen.
Pre-order Live At Budokan in your preferred physical format [digipak-2CD, 3LP (limited first edition in trifold), Blu-ray, DVD], pre-save it on your favourite digital service provider (DSP), or pre-order the album digitally to receive “Eagle Fly Free (live)” and “Best Time (live)” instantly: https://helloween.rpm.link/liveatbudokanPR
Blackened death metal quintet AOIDOS carve out a fusion of haunting melodies and atmospheres from the realms of black metal in conjunction with the power and groove of death. Storytelling is core to the band, whose name AOIDOS means bard in Ancient Greek. Light your fire, pour yourself a drink and prepare for dark and shadowy tales as the band present their new offering, “Trauma”. The single is the first to emerge ahead of the forthcoming album Oizys that is set for release on November 29th, 2024, via Nox Liberatio Records. Watch “Trauma” HERE.
Dynamically, AOIDOS sculpt a thrilling soundscape across “Trauma” which encounters high intensity with brief moments that are almost serene. Delicate piano melodies enthrall among the weight of the heavy instrumentation. “Trauma” includes lyrics in the band’s native language – Portuguese. “The chorus is totally in Portuguese”, the band explain, “and it sings the plea of ‘Trauma’, a force that sees itself not as an oppressor, but as a protector, a shield between the victim and the true extent of the tragedies they went through.”
Tracklist + Running Times:
Dieaed – 01:29
Thrall – 05:56
Fire – 06:26
Oizys – 06:28
Trauma – 05:50
Old Ballad – 01:48
The Wheels – 04:03
Black Swan – 06:06
From the Surface Grate – 05:10
Slumber – 01:53
All! Wherever! Always! – 04:27
Full Album Running Time: 49:26
About AOIDOS: AOIDOS came to be following a night of mead at the iconic Taberna 58, in Coimbra, Portugal, in 2019. Inspired by storytelling and the Aoidos, who were the bards and minstrels of Ancient Greece, the band bring this element into their heavy and ambient style.
Influenced musically by the likes of GOJIRA, BEHEMOTH and WATAIN, alongside classical piano compositions, AOIDOS strive to create a rich and textural soundscape that embraces the fierce energy of death and ethereality of black metal. To date, the band have taken to stages around South West Europe, including festival appearances at Bajonca Rock Fest, Rock dos Romanos, Mosher Fest, Melena Fest.
Most recently, AOIDOS shared the bill with VADER, SEPTICFLESH and MOONSPELL at Laurus Nobilis Music Festival 2024. With a number of single releases behind them, AOIDOS are now set to unveil their debut album Oizysthis November.
AOIDOS: João “Freitanás” Freitas (Vocals / Guitars) Ekid Marques (Vocals / Bass) Pedro Miguel (Drums) Ivo Resende (Guitars / Backing Vocals) Erlkönig (Piano)
Special Guests: Chris Barber (Drums)
Credits: Producer: João “Freitanás” Freitas Recording Studio: All tracks recorded at Home and our Rehearsal Space in Coimbra except Drums, which were recorded at Golden Jack Studios, Coimbra. Engineer: João “Freitanás” Freitas and João Dourado Mastering: João Dourado Mixing: João “Freitanás” Freitas Album Cover Artist: Sofya Alves Band Photos by: Ruben Lopo
Toronto-based hardcore/crossover thrash quartet, THE SLIME, are back with a brutal new double single offering, “Russian Roulette” and “Orange”, set to give listeners a raw taste of what’s to come from their upcoming album, Crab-Walk To Oblivion, releasing January 24th, 2025.
These two tracks showcase the band’s signature style: ferocious riffs, socially conscious lyrics, and an unrelenting intensity that has made THE SLIME a staple in the underground punk and metal scenes.
“Russian Roulette” is a harrowing dive into the psychological toll of war. Featuring a riff that predates the current lineup, this track has become a staple in the band’s live shows thanks to its hardcore breakdowns and thrashing momentum. Lyrically, the song offers a stark anti-war message, reflecting on the terror and trauma of killing from the impersonal height of an airplane. In a chilling nod to Motörhead’s Bomber, THE SLIME deliver a poignant line, “This ain’t no Bomber fantasy,” to drive home the brutal reality of modern warfare and the haunting specter of PTSD.
On the flip side, “Orange” is a short, fast ripper that keeps both the band and their listeners on edge. But behind its lightning pace lies a weighty, deeply serious message. The song confronts Canada’s shameful history of colonial violence, focusing specifically on the atrocities of the residential school system. With pointed lyrics, THE SLIME call out the systemic racism that allowed such atrocities to happen, challenging the white colonial collaborators who sought to erase Indigenous communities. It’s a blistering critique of a history that can no longer be swept under the rug.
With these two powerful singles, THE SLIME continues their tradition of pairing hard-hitting music with thought-provoking themes, offering their audience a sonic experience that is as cathartic as it is socially relevant.
Detroit (MI) – Detroit power metallers, DEMON BITCH, have premiered “Master of the Games,” the title track and second single from their long-awaited sophomore album!
Gates of Hell Records (a Cruz Del Sur Music sub-label) will release Master of the Games November 29 on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.
The sophomore effort from Detroit, Michigan pillars of classic metal Demon Bitch, Master of the Games is a nine-song effort that is unmatched and unpredictable!
An eight-year buffer between studio albums left Detroit true metallers Demon Bitch with one, singular option: To be as uncompromising as possible. While there was an assortment of lessons learned along the way, Demon Bitch used their time wisely to ensure their sophomore Master of the Games long-player turned out exactly like they wanted.
Recorded in Lansing, Michigan between 2022 and 2024 under the watchful eye of George Szegedy, Master of the Games evokes the raw, obscure feelings of underground power and classic metal and captures it throughout nine songs of timeless glory.
Demon Bitch features several members of the heralded White Magician within its ranks, including vocalist Logon Saton, the guitar tandem of Lord Mars and Solon Saton and Drummer Master Commander. The band is rounded out by returning bassist B. Beastmaster, who was featured on the 2014 Death is Hanging… EP.
At its core, Master of the Games is a chaotic offering of obscure and underground U.S. power metal and classic heavy metal with some eclectic moments ranging from 1970s sensibilities to more extreme influences.
The over-the-top approach found on the band’s Hellfiends debut remains, although Demon Bitch has injected several epic moments to make the album even more dynamic. And it’s all tied together by lyrical themes of fantasy, legends and lore, highly disputed claims about the world around us, mystery, secrecy and the unknown captured through ominous, esoteric and dark romantic expression. According to Logon, the stories told in the lyrics are “left pretty open for interpretation in most cases, but I certainly think there’s some interesting concepts for you to look into.”
The album’s artwork was handled by Logon, who wanted to complement some of the more esoteric and mysterious aspects that Master of the Games encompasses, both lyrically and musically. He was working on both the lyrics and the artwork around the same time period, so he spent a lot of time staring at the painting while writing and thinking of ideas. This helped to inspire some lyrical passages in songs like “Sentinel at the Spire,” “Tower of Dreams” and “Soldiers of Obscurity.”
The release of Master of the Games was preceded by Demon Bitch’s first-ever European dates. The band played Chaos Descends in Germany; a festival populated by some of the truest diehards in the metal scene.
Demon Bitch also played a few exclusive club shows in Vienna and Croatia. Not surprisingly, the response was universally positive. And, now, with the release of Master of the Games around the corner, the next phase of Demon Bitch’s career begins. Let the games begin!
Reading, Pennsylvania-based progressive death metallers RIVERS OF NIHIL will embark on a full European tour in February. Support comes from Prog legends CYNIC as well as BEYOND CREATION and labelmates DÅÅTH! Full dates below.
Comments RIVERS OF NIHIL: “We can’t wait to return to Europe on The Aggressive Progressive Tour this February. We are honored to have Cynic, Beyond Creation, and Dååth along with us for the ride. This lineup truly embodies both the ‘aggressive’ and ‘progressive’ nature of what this tour is all about. We can’t wait to see all of you, and who knows? Maybe even bring some new music along for the trip.”
THE AGGRESSIVE PROGRESSIVE EU/UK TOUR 2025 RIVERS OF NIHIL w/ CYNIC, BEYOND CREATION, DÅÅTH:
28.02.25 Germany Köln Essigfabrik 01.03.25 Belgium Antwerp Zappa 02.03.25 France Paris La Machine 04.03.25 UK Glasgow Slay 05.03.25 Ireland Dublin Academy 06.03.25 UK Bristol The Fleece 07.03.25 UK Southampton Engine Rooms 08.03.25 UK Manchester Club Academy 09.03.25 UK London Electric Ballroom 10.03.25 UK Birmingham XOYO 12.03.25 Netherlands Haarlem Patronaat 13.03.25 Germany Hamburg Gruenspan 14.03.25 Sweden Stockholm Fryshuset Klubben 16.03.25 Finland Helsinki Tavastia 18.03.25 Norway Oslo John Dee 19.03.25 Denmark Copenhagen Pumpehuset 21.03.25 Poland Warsaw Proxima 22.03.25 Germany Berlin Columbia Theater 23.03.25 Germany Nürnberg Z-Bau 24.03.25 Austria Wien Flex 25.03.25 Hungary Budapest Dürer Kert 26.03.25 Germany München Backstage 27.03.25 Italy Milan Slaughter Club 28.03.25 Switzerland Aarau Kiff 29.03.25 Germany Karlsruhe Substage
Ticketing details and further information can be found at: lnk.to/RON-EUROPE2025 – ticket sale starts October 25th at 11am CET.
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions are set to release the debut full length album from filthy, vicious Canadian Death Metal destroyers Immortal Force. Mystic Seance Unrealities is up now for pre-order and will be released November 22nd on CD and Digital formats along with merch.
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions welcome Immortal Force with their debut album Mystic Seance Unrealities! Hailing from Western Canada, this four-piece Death Metal band worships the old analog metal sound, the filthiest horror flicks of the ’80s, and anything bizarre, absurd, and menacing! On Mystic Seance Unrealities, these Canadian freaks forego false trends and instead create something timeless, as seen through an otherworldly lens, with themes such as heinous crimes committed without method; dissecting the prophesied departure from life; propagation of extraterrestrial lifeforms; life manifested and subsequently uncreated.
Mystic Seance Unrealities takes listeners through ten devilish tracks of obscure Thrashing Death Metal steeped in abstract ideas & peculiar affairs and features artwork by Paolo Girardi (Power Trip, Revocation, The Black Dahlia Murder). Immortal Force also unleashes two covers, one by the mighty Napalm Death and one by gore masters Carcass.
For congregants of all that’s unknown and macabre, Immortal Force‘s debut is a MUST-listen for fans of Master, Nunslaughter, Pestilence, Demilich, Impetigo, Mortician, Deicide, Timeghoul and all late 80’s/early 90’s EVIL!!
Narcotic Wasteland, fronted by ex-Nile guitarist/vocalist Dallas Toler-Wade along with drummer Joseph Howard (Fields of Elysium), Neuromorphic) and bassist Kenji Tsunami (Ontogeny), will be hitting the road with Long Island, NY old school death metallers Pyrexia for the“Cemetery Slam Tour” from November 15th to 23rd. Narcotic Wasteland will also perform at this year’s SwarmFest in Tampa Bay, FL following the tour (dates listed below).
Plus Fans who purchase tickets for Austin and Houston show dates will be automatically entered in the raffle to win a Jackson guitar signed by all the bands playing. Check out the Instagram videos below.
In additional news, the trio unveiled their new music video for the single “Barbarian” this past September and will be featured on their forthcoming album “Digital Cordyceps” out on Megaforce Records (release date TBD) to follow their 2017 breakout sophomore album “Delirium Tremens”.
Dallas Toler-Wade comments on the track:
“For me, Barbarian is a prime example of me doing the thing I love and that defines me the most. Continuously striving to improve my craft as a musician and a songwriter. But also the overall message of this song. Live!! Be free!! Find your own path!!! Question everything!!! And also we don’t need politicians or religion to shape our moral centers. In fact, It seems they distort the truth every chance they get. This whole album cycle has seemed to have this recurring theme about the narcissistic oligarchy that we have all fallen victim to. I Dallas Toler, Wade the barbarian, will fight this mockery until I leave the land of the living, and even after that, my powerful voice will echo through the halls of time!! Because I am a barbarian!!”
Pyrexia (Headliner) + Narcotic Wasteland Tour Dates: 11/15/2024 – Oklahoma City, OK – 89th Street 11/16/2024 – Fort Worth, TX – The Rail Club 11/17/2024 – San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger 11/18/2024 – Houston, TX – BFE Rock Club 11/19/2024 – Austin, TX – The 13th Floor 11/20/2024 – Tulsa, OK – The Vanguard 11/21/2024 – Corpus Christi, TX – Boozerz Friday 11/22/2024 – Shreveport, LA – Strange Brew 11/23/2024 – Long Beach, MS – TRAX Narcotic Wasteland only 11/24/2024 – Tampa, FL – Swarmfest – Brass Mug
Narcotic Wasteland is a relentless force in the metal realm, known for its infernal performances and unyielding sound. Led by former Nile guitarist Dallas Toler Wade, the band has forged an unholy covenant with legions of devoted followers, spreading chaos and devastation wherever they tread.
A face-melting experience, Narcotic Wasteland unleashesblistering guitar wails to heart-pounding drum onslaughts, with every track promising to be an infernal ritual that will leave metalheads possessed by the spirit of pure chaos. Prepare for sonic hellfire!
Costa Rican thrashers SHADOWS DECAY have shared the new single off their upcoming EP, Agent of Chaos.
Stream “Bringer of Death” now on the band’s Spotify page.
The sonic force of relentless thrash metal known as Shadows Decay is set to release its newest EP, Agent of Chaos. True to form, the band’s latest offering doles out six tracks of anthemic, jugular-slashing thrash in the vein of the old-school masters of the craft.
Hailing from the vibrant metal scene of Costa Rica, Shadows Decay has been a formidable presence in the thrash metal genre since their formation in 2008. Originally known as Preoptic Distortion, the band underwent a transformation both in name and sound, evolving into Shadows Decay; a name that embodies their music’s raw energy and dark intensity.
Drawing inspiration from the titans of thrash such as Slayer, Testament, Metallica, Anthrax, and Death Angel, Shadows Decay has cultivated a unique sound that honors the legacy of these pioneers while forging their path. The music is a relentless onslaught of powerful riffs, thunderous drums, and aggressive vocals, delivering a high-octane experience that resonates with metal fans worldwide.
Shadows Decay is more than just a band; they are a collective of passionate musicians driven by a shared vision of musical excellence. Their live performances are known for their electrifying energy and raw intensity, leaving audiences craving more. With every show, Shadows Decay solidifies their reputation as one of the most dynamic and powerful thrash metal bands in the region. As they look to the future, Shadows Decay is poised to take their music to new heights, with plans for new releases and more explosive live shows. Their journey is one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to delivering the pure essence of thrash metal.
Shadows Decay stands ready to spread their sonic devastation far and wide – because in the world of metal – decay never sounded so good.
Australia’s SARCOPHAGUM will release their debut full-length, The Grand Arc of Madness, on December 6th, 2024 through Nuclear Winter Records.
The album track “Feudal Futures” is now streaming at THIS LOCATION.
SARCOPHAGUM spawned to life in the early half of 2021, during the time of the plague as a new project featuring Golgothan Remains members past and present. The purpose being to provide a channel to explore new ideas and sounds in a studio-only setting.
The dark death metal realm remains the primary influence and a debut EP, Conduits to the Underworld, was released in 2022 through Nuclear Winter Records, followed swiftly by a stand alone single, “This Wrought Creation”. Now their full length debut is here,The Grand Arc of Madness. Poised to unleash a soundscape of disharmony and terror over the listener, the angular horror awaits…
Both a culmination of their already characteristic aesthetic and a whole new twist upon it, The Grand Arc of Madness sees SARCOPHAGUM fusing clanging angularity with haunting atmospherics, chaos with eerie melodicism, epic narrative with primal crush.
Mixed and mastered by Greg Chandler at Priory Recording Studios.
Cover art by Khaos Diktator.
Track list:
Ritual Pillars Burn
Feudal Futures
Vermiform
The Grand Arc of Madness
For fans of: Ulcerate, Immolation, Adversarial, Golgothan Remains
“Embrace The Lie” Video/Single Now Playing + Preorders Available
“I never intended to pick up with THE GATES OF SLUMBER ever again in 2014. While I did start the band and wrote most of the first album it was never intended to be a one man show.”
— Karl Simon, 2024
Indiana-based doom metal behemoths THE GATES OF SLUMBER return with their self-titled new full-length, set for release on November 29th via Svart Records. The record serves as the band’s first new output since 2011’s The Wretch and their sixth overall.
In advance of the record’s release, the band has unveiled a video for “Embrace The Lie,” an ode to lying news media outlets and political talking heads.
Watch THE GATES OF SLUMBER’s “Embrace The Lie” video at THIS LOCATION. Stream the track at THIS LOCATION.
The Gates Of Slumber will be available on CD and digitally as well as vinyl in the following color variants: Black/White Marble, Transparent Blue (limited), and Black. Find physical preorders HERE and digital preorders HERE.
THE GATES OF SLUMBER was formed by Karl Simon in 1998 and underwent various lineup incarnations between 1998 and 2001, when the Blood Encrusted Deth Axe demo was recorded with Jamie Walters aka Dr. Phibes/Athenar (Boulder, Midnight) on drums and bass. In 2003, Jason McCash took over all bass duties and was a long-time member of the band until his untimely passing in 2014, after which Simon decided it was time to call it quits.
That was until 2019 when renowned metal festival Hell Over Hammaburg wanted to bring the band back to the stage to perform at the festival’s 2020 edition. Simon reformed the band with its original drummer Chuck Brown and bassist Steve Janiak. “We’d been asked several times to play Hell Over Hammaburg. But there was no ‘we’ to play,” said Simon. “The germ of the idea started. We started re-learning songs from the first LP. It wasn’t too long into the rehearsals that we started coming up with new songs.”
Following a short reunion tour, the COVID pandemic decelerated the band’s writing process. Half of the album was written; however, the remaining half was left to stew in its juices. But they toiled on ultimately composing six wholly engrossing new hymns of true doom metal excellence. With chest quaking songs honoring such greats as Saint Vitus and Penance, straight forward bangers, lyrics inspired by the Black Death and John Carpenter’s The Fog, The Gates Of Slumber is a truly crushing work to behold.
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!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
You must be logged in to post a comment.