βEmbrace The Lieβ Video/Single Now Playing + Preorders Available
βI 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.β
— 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 bandβs first new output since 2011βs The Wretch and their sixth overall.
In advance of the recordβs release, the band has unveiled a video for βEmbrace The Lie,β an ode to lying news media outlets and political talking heads.
Watch THE GATES OF SLUMBERβs “Embrace The Lieβ 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 festivalβs 2020 edition. Simon reformed the band with its original drummer Chuck Brown and bassist Steve Janiak. βWeβd been asked several times to play Hell Over Hammaburg. But there was no βweβ to play,β said Simon. βThe germ of the idea started. We started re-learning songs from the first LP. It wasnβt too long into the rehearsals that we started coming up with new songs.”
Following a short reunion tour, the COVID pandemic decelerated the bandβs 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 Carpenterβs The Fog, The Gates Of Slumber is a truly crushing work to behold.
ALBUM NEWS ARRIVES WITH PREMIERE OF βWITNESSβ VIDEO
Oct. 18, Northampton, U.K. β OBEYER, who recently announced their signing to 3DOT Recordings, have set a Nov. 15 release date for their debut album, Chemical Well.
News of the album comes alongside the third preview of the forthcoming album, with todayβs release of βWitnessβ and its accompanying video: https://go.mhe.fm/obeyer_witness.
βWitness is a song that was incredibly important for us during the writing of this album, representing both an evolution in our sound and a shift in approach to songwriting,β the band shared, referencing their previous work as Lay Siege. βThe song single-handedly laid the foundation for the rest of the album and has always felt like the natural choice to open Chemical Well with.β
The British band previously released a two-song digital single, featuring βSecond Sunβ and βRadiant,β as well as a clip for βSecond Sun.β
Chemical Well was recorded at Lower Lane Studios with producer Sam Bloor (Graphic Nature, Black Coast). The band praised Bloorβs βinnate ability to draw the very best from a performance created an environment that allowed us to achieve a sound that felt both authentic and true to our vision. We wanted to ensure the album acknowledged our influences but also pushed our own boundaries both musically and lyrically. Chemical Well explores the impact technology has on our day to day lives, having the world at your fingertips is both a blessing and a curse.β
3DOT Recordings co-founder and Periphery guitarist Misha Mansoor expressed his excitement for the album, saying: βThe early support for OBEYER has been amazing and we want to thank everyone for checking them out. We think fans will only be further impressed as they hear more.β
OBEYER is Carl Brown (vocals), Jamie Steadman (guitar), David Bartlett (bass), and Lewis Niven (drums). The Northampton, U.K. foursome previously recorded under the name Lay Siege, releasing an EP and a full-length album that garnered praise from The Guardian and other notable British media. Newly re-formed as OBEYER, the group is set to release their debut album, Chemical Well, on Nov. 15 through 3DOT Recordings.
Dusktone welcomes Germany’s ALTAR OV ASTERIA to the label’s roster, announcing their entrancing debut album Γna for November release.
The first single, “Kataklysm”, is now streaming at THIS LOCATION.
Established by two girls from the Dresden area, Satyra and Melpomene, both heavily involved in the rich local underground, ALTAR OV ASTERIA was envisioned and formed through its members’ shared influence of black metal. The goal of the band’s material, embodied in their Γna debut, is to balance visceral energy with enveloping atmosphere and dark melody, creating a sound both rooted in black metal tradition and expansive new avantgarde sounds.
βImagine you would wake up in a world full of mysteries and realities woven into each other, like in a story book of the past centuries of Dante Alighieri or Homer. Two black-robed mysteries in gold-snake masks wake you up from the heavy dorm with blackened sirens crushing your ears, mesmerizing your mind to sense the allegories of humankind existence. Youβve got an invitation to a storybook of hellish Sodom, chapter by chapter illustrating thy and foreign dystopia”.
Dusktone will release Γna on CD and all digital platforms on November 25th, 2024.
Oct. 15, 2024, LOS ANGELES β Jerry Cantrellβs new album, I Want Blood, arrives this Friday, and to celebrate its arrival the iconic musician has announced a North American tour of the same name.
The trek kicks off on Jan. 31 in Niagara Falls and makes its way across the country, concluding in Cantrellβs home state of Washington.
Tickets go on-sale this Friday at 10 a.m. local time with an exclusive artist pre-sale starting Wednesday at 10 a.m. For ticket information, visit jerrycantrell.com/tour. Filter supports on all dates.
β[This album] packs a punch and it hits you in the face,β Cantrell shared in a recent interview with Loudwire adding, βI couldnβt think of a more impactful title than I Want Blood.β
Ahead of the albumβs release, Cantrell has been featured on the cover of Revolver, participated in a career-spanning conversation with Rick Beato, and has received widespread praise album for the collectionβs heavier sound. Metal Hammer described I Want Blood as having an βiconic sound, sludgy guitars and soulful vocals.β
I Want Blood was recorded at Joe Barresiβs JHOC Studio in Pasadena, Calif., and features contributions from Duff McKagan (Guns NβRoses), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Greg Puciato (Better Lovers, ex-Dillinger Escape Plan), Gil Sharone (Team Sleep, Stolen Babies), and Lola Colette.
Jerry Cantrell tour dates:
October 17 Pioneertown, CA Pappy & Harrietβs SOLD OUT
November 8 Huechuraba, Chile Fauna Primavera November 10 Comuna 15, Argentina C Complejo Art Media November 12 SΓ£o Paulo, Brazil Audio
January 31 Niagara Falls, ON Fallsview Casino Resort February 1 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom February 2 Portland, ME Aura February 4 Boston, MA Citizens House of Blues Boston February 5 New York, NY Irving Plaza February 7 Silver Spring, MD The Fillmore β Silver Spring February 8 Bensalem, PA Parx Xcite Center February 11 Huntington, NY The Paramount February 12 Norfolk, VA The NorVa February 14 Raleigh, NC The Ritz February 15 Atlanta, GA Buckhead Theatre February 16 Louisville, KY Mercury Ballroom February 18 Columbus, OH The Bluestone February 19 Indianapolis, IN Murat Egyptian Room at Old National Centre February 22 St. Louis, MO The Hawthorn February 23 Chicago, IL The Vic Theatre February 25 Tulsa, OK Tulsa Theater February 26 Houston, TX House of Blues Houston February 27 San Antonio, TX The Aztec Theatre March 1 Mesa, AZ The Nile Theater March 2 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues Las Vegas March 4 Los Angeles, CA The Belasco March 5 Ventura, CA The Majestic Ventura Theater March 7 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory – Spokane March 8 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom March 9 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre
I Want Blood is available on CD, digitally, and multiple 2LP vinyl variants: https://bio.to/JerryCantrell. A bonus spoken word version of each song on I Want Blood is included with each vinyl release.
Photo credit: Darren Craig
Jerry Cantrell is an iconic American troubadour, celebrated for his distinctive guitar playing, soulful vocals and profound songwriting. Known for his work in both Alice In Chains and as a solo artist, the GRAMMY-nominated musician has sold in excess of 30 million albums, has been named one of the greatest guitar players of all time by both Guitar World and Rolling Stone, and has been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern rock music. Over his career, he has released six studio albums with Alice in Chains, three solo full-lengths, has had his music featured in films from Cameron Crowe, Judd Apatow and Ben Stiller and made cameos in βDeadwoodβ and βJerry Maguire.β
Metal Blade Records is very pleased to welcome Italian doomsters MESSA to its worldwide roster!
MESSA plays evoking doom metal with Middle Eastern vibes. Deliciously haunting female vocals, β70s guitars, and Arabian Oud combine to conjure a sound that is entirely their own. With influences as diverse as Dead Can Dance, Om, Swans, Killing Joke, Electric Wizard, Thergothon, and Current 93, the band has moved from the first occult then noir-tinged doom metal of their previous works to an innovative atmospheric Mediterranean sound. The evolution is clearly showcased in their latest studio album, Close.
MESSA emerged on the first day of 2014. Guitarist/bassist Marco and vocalist Sara began to develop the basic concept while writing the first songs. Later, guitarist Alberto and drummer Rocco joined the band. The extreme diversity of their musical backgrounds immediately proved to be essential in the construction of their sound. In 2016, their first opus, Belfry, was released, and MESSA embarked on several tours across Europe and the US.
By 2018, their second work, Feast For Water, brought the band on tour even more extensively. Their latest studio work, Close, released in 2022, was lauded by critics and defined as, “the sound of a band fleshing out their place in doom metal’s past, present, and future” by Metal Injection. MESSA appeared on such illustrious festivals as Hellfest Open Air, Roadburn, and Desert Fest. The bandβs latest record, Live At Roadburn, was released on April 7th, 2023, offering their main-stage triumph, joined by a unique constellation of musicians and instruments. Seeming to both embrace and defy everything it means to be a metal band, MESSA meshes Mediterranean sounds with crushing doom riffs, with an emphasis on atmosphere and an unusual use of instrumentation.
Comments MESSA, βWe’re glad to announce we’ve joined forces with the legendary Metal Blade Records. We are beyond stoked to become part of the incredible legacy of this label, marking their catalog with our music. Since 1982, Metal Blade has put fundamental metal artists on the map, and being in this label’s roster is a big honor for us. We can’t wait to share some glimpses of what we are working on! In the meantime, you can catch our live shows in the following European cities.β
MESSA Live: 10/17/2024 Sunset β Martigny, CH 10/18/2024 Artik Club β Freiburg, DE 10/19/2024 Kufa Haus β Braunschweig, DE 10/20/2024 Desertfest β Antwerp, BE 10/21/2024 AZ β Aachen, DE 10/22/2024 Cassiopeia β Berlin, DE 10/23/2024 VooDoo β Warsaw, PL 10/24/2024 2Progi β Poznan, PL 10/25/2024 AJZ β Chemnitz, DE 10/26/2024 Lazy Bones β Hamburg, DE 10/27/2024 Samhain Festival β Maastricht, NL 11/09/2024 Catania Tattoo Convention β Catania, IT 12/13/2024 Kapu β Linz, AT 12/14/2024 Hellgart Festival β Stuttgart, DE
MESSA: Sara β vocals Marco β guitars, bass Alberto β guitars Rocco β drums
New Orleansβ finest riff bringers, CROWBAR, will close out the year with a final run of US shows. The journey begins on November 5th with a special performance in Houston with Soulfy and makes its way across nearly two dozen cities through November 29th in New Orleans. Support will be provided by Morbid Visionz. Tickets are on sale now at crowbarnola.com/tour. See all confirmed dates below.
CROWBAR w/ Morbid Visionz: 11/05/2024 Warehouse Live Midtown β Houston, TX w/ Soulfly, Eyehategod, Mutilation Barbecue, Skinflint, Will To Live, Stone Nomads 11/06/2024 Paper Tiger β San Antonio, TX 11/07/2024 Lowbrow Palace β El Paso, TX 11/08/2024 The Rock β Tucson, AZ 11/09/2024 Backstage Bar & Billiards β Las Vegas, NV 11/10/2024 Tarros Chicali β Yuma, AZ 11/12/2024 The Casbah β San Diego, CA 11/13/2024 Chain Reaction β Anaheim, CA 11/14/2024 Harlowβs β Sacramento, CA 11/15/2024 Senator Theatre β Chico, CA 11/16/2024 Danteβs β Portland, OR 11/17/2024 El Corazon β Seattle, WA 11/19/2024 Urban Lounge β Salt Lake City, UT 11/21/2024 Black Sheep β Colorado Springs, CO 11/22/2024 HQ β Denver, CO 11/23/2024 TempleLive β Wichita, KS 11/24/2024 Revolution Music Room β Little Rock, AR 11/25/2024 Workplay β Birmingham, AL 11/26/2024 The Earl β Atlanta, GA 11/27/2024 Soul Kitchen β Mobile, AL 11/29/2024 Southport Music Hall β New Orleans, LA
CROWBARβs most recent studio offering, the critically acclaimed Zero And Below, was released in April 2022 via MNRK Heavy. Led by riff lord and vocalist Kirk Windstein, with guitarist Matt Brunson, bassist Shane Wesley, and drummer Tommy Buckley, songs like βChemical Godz,β βItβs Always Worth The Gain,β and βBleeding From Every Holeβ are unapologetic emotional outpourings, with a bare-knuckle resolve alongside its soul-searching vulnerability, reliably delivered with crushing heaviness.
Produced, mixed, and mastered by Duane Simoneaux at OCD Recording And Production in Metairie, Louisiana, Zero And Below is the bandβs most unforgivably doom-driven record since their 1998 landmark effort, Odd Fellows Rest.
Zero And Below is available on CD, LP, cassette, and digitally. Preview and purchase the record at THIS LOCATION.
Watch the videos for βChemical Godzβ HERE and βBleeding From Every Holeβ HERE.
1/15/25 – San Francisco, CA – Regency Ballroom 1/17/25 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Live Casino 1/18/25 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo 1/19/25 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater 1/20/25 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore 1/22/25 – Calgary, AB – Palace Theatre 1/23/25 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall 1/25/25 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre 1/26/25 – Minneapolis, MN – Fillmore 1/28/25 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave 1/30/25 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre 1/31/25- Cleveland, OH – House of Blues 2/01/25 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall 2/02/25 – Montreal, QC – Olympia 2/04/25 – Boston, MA – Royale 2/05/25 – Philadelphia, PA – TLA 2/07/25 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza 2/08/25 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage 2/10/25 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre 2/11/25 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live 2/13/25 – Houston, TX – House of Blues 2/14/25 – Austin, TX – Emo’s 2/15/25 – Dallas, TX – Studio at the Factory 2/17/25 – Denver, CO – The Ogden 2/18/25 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater 2/19/25 – Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater 2/21/25 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda 2/22/25 – Las Vegas, NV – HOB Vegas
Get ready to dive headfirst into the electrifying world of HELLOWEEN with their new live album Live At Budokan, a colossal release that immortalises their iconic performance at Tokyo’s legendary Nippon Budokan! Dropping on December 13, 2024 through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), this release will be available in a plethora of formats: 2CD-digipak, 3LP vinyl in trifold, Blu-ray, DVD and digital.
Each version is meticulously crafted to suit the metal communityβs diverse tastes, ensuring every fan can relive the raw, unfiltered energy of HELLOWEEN. Pre-order/pre-save the album here: https://helloween.rpm.link/liveatbudokanPR
To tide fans over until Live At Budokanarrives, the band have launched the first single “Best Time (live)”. This electrifying live version of the hit single and most streamed track (more than 11 million streams on Spotify) from HELLOWEEN‘s self-titled reunion album [2021] can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT1ITfb76-0
Guitarist Sascha Gerstner comments: ββBest Time'” captures the energy and the moment when everything fits together perfectly and you leave everything negative behind. For me, this track is an anthem for all those nights when you’re heading towards the future. That’s why it conveys exactly this mood in concert as if you were living in a single great moment that lasts forever.”
This release celebrates the grand finale of HELLOWEEN‘s epic world tour from 2022 to 2023. Spanning over 30 countries on three continents, the tour was nothing short of a triumph, drawing massive crowds and showcasing the band’s undying appeal, the sold-out concert inTokyo is the crowning glory of the cycle.
Known for their explosive stage presence and high-voltage performances, HELLOWEEN‘s shows are fueled by the unique chemistry among the band members. Triple lead-guitar attacks from Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, and Sascha Gerstner alternate with goosebump inducing duets from vocalists Michael Kiske and Andi Deris, occasionally supported by Kai Hansen, the band’s original singer and third voice. He also takes the spectators on a journey back in time with a medley from the band’s early days, returning to the origins of their sound – HELLOWEEN, the godfathers of melodic speed metal.
Choosing the Nippon Budokan for this live recording was no coincidence. A venue rich in musical history, it has hosted countless legendary concerts and is an accolade for every music group that has played there. HELLOWEEN are the first German band ever to record a live album in the Nippon Budokan, and for the members it was a dream come true.
Lead vocalist Michael Kiske described the show as “surreal, with the electrifying fan energy creating a magical atmosphere.” Bassist Markus Grosskopf spoke of the venue’s profound personal and historical significance, expressing how humbling and inspiring it was to perform in a place that shaped their own musical journeys.
The live recording’s technical brilliance is another highlight. With 29 cameras capturing every nuance, the production team ensured that each moment of the concert is preserved in stunning detail. This attention to detail means the Blu-ray and DVD versions offer an immersive viewing experience, making fans feel like they are right there in the front row.
The setlist of this live album is a treasure trove of surprises, contains the entire 2-hour+ show and offers a fresh experience compared to previous releases like United Alive [2019]. This thoughtful song selection honors both the die-hard fans craving something new and the bandβs rich musical legacy, showcasing their evolution and expansive repertoire.
This live album is more than just a concert recording; it’s a celebration of HELLOWEEN‘s enduring impact on the metal scene. It promises to bring the magic of an unforgettable performance straight into fans’ homes, offering a piece of music history that embodies the spirit and energy of a legendary band at their peak.
HELLOWEEN are: Michael Kiske – vocals Andi Deris – vocals Kai Hansen – guitars, vocals Michael Weikath – guitars Sascha Gerstner – guitars Markus Grosskopf – bass Daniel LΓΆble – drums
CATEGORY 7, featuring John Bush (Armored Saint, Anthrax), Phil Demmel (Kerry King, Machine Head), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob), Jack Gibson (Exodus), and Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Overkill), today announces their 2025 first ever tour in support of their self-titled Metal Blade debut.
The fourteen-show trek commences on March 6th in Baltimore, Maryland and runs through March 23rd in Atlanta, Georgia. Direct support on all shows will be provided by Exhorder (except Milwaukee). Additional support will be provided by Hand Of The Tribe on all dates, as well as Dead By Wednesday on the first four dates, and Engineered Society Project on the remainder of the tour, starting in Warrendale.
Comments vocalistJohn Bush, βLooking forward to CATEGORY 7 blowing off the roofs of some venues on the East Coast and Midwest in March of 2025. This will be the first time the band will be playing live so come and check out some killer musicianship. Playing songs from the debut record should be fun. See ya there!β
Adds guitaristPhil Demmel, βBatten down your hatches because the C7tempest is about to touch ground in the US this March! We are all so thrilled to launch this band and bring our show through the states! See you in the eye of the storm!β
Presales on Blabbermouth.net and Knotfest.com will begin tomorrow, October 9th with the general on sale beginning Friday, October 11th. VIP upgrades will be available for all shows at category7official.com. The VIP purchase does not include the show ticket. See all confirmed dates below.
CATEGORY 7 w/ Exhorder, Dead By Wednesday, Hand Of The Tribe: 3/06/2025 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 3/07/2025 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ 3/08/2025 Middle East – Downstairs – Cambridge 3/09/2025 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA w/ Exhorder, Engineered Society Project, Hand Of The Tribe: 3/11/2025 Jergel’s – Warrendale, PA 3/12/2025 The Asylum At Temple Live – Cleveland, OH 3/14/2025 The Machine Shop – Flint, MI 3/15/2025 The Forge – Joliet, IL 3/16/2025 The Rave II – Milwaukee, WI ** 3/18/2025 Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN 3/19/2025 Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE 3/21/2025 Pop’s – St. Louis, MO 3/22/2025 Exit/In – Nashville, TN 3/23/2025 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA ** w/ H1Z1, Misfire, Engineered Society Project, Hand Of The Tribe (no Exhorder)
Category 7 was released on July 26th to worldwide critical acclaim and debuted at #8 on the Billboard Rock Chart. The band has released four videos to date for the tracks βIn Stitches,β βExhausted,β βMousetrap,β and βApple of Discord.β The band has received major support from the Sirius XM channel Liquid Metal.
Category 7 was produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Mike Orlando at Sonic Stomp Studios with art and layout by Carlos Fides at Artside Studio (Angra, Evergrey, Kamelot). Stream and purchase the record at: metalblade.com/category7.
Europe – English Friendsβ¦we have a handful of Headline Shows to end the year and we are dragging our Old Friends and California Thrash Metal legends SADUS with us! Where will WE meet YOU? Tickets OnSale Friday!!
Floridaβs own power metal force, SEVEN KINGDOMS, is thrilled to announce their signing with Reigning Phoenix Music. This exciting partnership marks a new chapter for the band, kicking off with the highly anticipated release of their upcoming EP, The Square, on November 8th, 2024
In celebration of this announcement, SEVEN KINGDOMS has dropped a brand-new single and accompanying music video for the EPβs title track, “The Square.” The song delivers the band’s signature blend of high-energy riffs, soaring vocals, and epic power metal melodies, while the video brings the track to life with a captivating, cinematic experience that fans are sure to love. Watch the video for “The Square” HERE.
Guitarist Camden Cruz comments: “Itβs an honor and privilege to join the RPM family alongside bands like Helloween, Kerry King, Meshuggah, Sonata Arctica and many more! Weβve been independent for some time, and weβre thrilled to join a team where that independence can coexist with a proper label. With this EP we have best of both worlds behind us and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship here with Reigning Phoenix Music!β
βThe Square is our latest offering. In this EP we deliver a sampling of what sounds and feels we are aiming to bring to the next full release which will also come out on RPM late next year! We hope you love it as much as we do, and we will bring this material on our North American Headlining tour with Striker and Lutharo in November and December and also to Europe when we support Unleash The Archers in February and March 2025!β
Reigning Phoenix Music states: “RPM is very excited to start our new partnership with DMG (Distortion Music Group) and Maurizio Iacono, and offering a new song from Seven Kingdoms is a great way to kick it off!”
Manager Maurizio Iacono further adds: “With the new firepower that RPM will be providing to DMG artists, you can bet that American power metal sensation Seven Kingdoms will be making a lot of noise in the coming year. The Floridians are one of the fastest-rising heavy metal bands from North America, and we expect them to make waves worldwide with their virtuoso guitar skills, impressive vocal range, catchy anthems, and entertaining live shows.”
Sabrina Cruz – Vocals Camden Cruz – Guitars Kevin Byrd – Guitars Keith Byrd -Drums
In addition to the EP’s release, SEVEN KINGDOMS will embark on an extensive touring schedule. The band will kick off with a North American headlining tour in November and December, joined by STRIKER, LUTHARO, and OSYRON for select dates. Following that, they will support power metal legends UNLEASH THE ARCHERS on a European tour in February and March 2025.
11/9 – Boozers Rock Bar – Corpus Christi, TX 11/10 – Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 11/11 – Haltom Theater – Haltom, TX 11/12 – 89th Street – Oklahoma City, OK 11/13 – Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM 11/14 – Vultures – Colorado Springs, CO 11/16 – Last Exit Live – Phoenix, AZ 11/17 – Sinwave – Las Vegas, NV 11/18 – Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 11/19 – Knucklehead – Los Angeles, CA 11/20 – DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA 11/21 – Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR 11/22 – El Corazon – Seattle, WA 11/23 – Jacknife – Kelowna, BC 11/25 – Dickenβs – Calgary, AB # 11/26 – The Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB # 11/27 – The Black Cat – Saskatoon, SK # 11/28 – Sidestage – Winnipeg, MB # 11/30 – Reggies – Chicago, IL 12/1 – Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 12/3 – Meadows – Brooklyn, NY 12/4 – Metro – Baltimore, MD 12/5 – Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC 12/6 – The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA 12/7 – The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 12/8 – Conduit – Orlando, FL
# = Osyron Joins
European Tour Supporting UNLEASH THE ARCHERS:
12.02 – Substage – Karlsruhe, DE 13.02 – Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, DE 14.02 – Live Music Hall – Cologne, DE 15.02 – De Kreun – Kortrijk, BE 16.02 – The Underworld – London, GB 17.02 – La Machine – Paris, FR 19.02 – Dynamo – Zurich, CH 20.02 – Legend Club – Milan, IT 21.02 – Backstage – Munich, DE 22.02 – Masters Of Rock Cafe – Zlin, CZ 23.02 – Barba Negra – Budapest, HU 25.02 – Szene – Vienna, AT 26.02 – Kwadrat – Cracow, PL 27.02 – Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE 28.02 – Rockhal – Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU 01.03 – Kronensaal – Hamburg, DE 02.03 – Patronaat – Haarlem, NL
International Deathcore/Power Metal dynamos, DRAGONCORPSE, are back and armed with a vibrant new EP, The Fall of House Abbarath! Set for a November 1 release on Shattered Earth Records, the EP is nothing short of a game changer for the quintet.
On the new EP, the band took its already innovative, energetic sound, created through the fusion of deathcore and power metal, and sharpened it to a fine point on The Fall of House Abbarath. DRAGONCORPSE took the feedback gathered from the release of debut EP, The Drakketh Saga, to heart and used it to refine their approach.
βFor new fans, I believe we’ve added more elements of deathcore and power metal while adding more excitement into the music for an authentic listening experience like no other band,” bassist Noah Nikolas Laidlaw explains. “We put a lot of emphasis on the atmosphere of the music,” adds drummer Justin Gogan. “Throughout the entire EP there is a medieval theming that resonates in the music that keeps the tracks feeling refreshing and fun. With the addition of Mark on keys/orchestration, he brought with him a completely different approach to songwriting that I am sure fans are going to appreciate!”
FFO: Dragonforce, 3 Inches of Blood, Nekrogoblikon, Lorna Shore, Brand of Sacrifice
All songs performed by: DRAGONCORPSE. All songs written by: DRAGONCORPSE. Produced by: DRAGONCORPSE and Matt Schmidt. Mixed by: Matt Schmidt. Mastered by: Matt Schmidt. Album artwork by: Avellustration.
BAND BIO:
DRAGONCORPSE is a death metal band that fuses power metal and deathcore, creating a unique sound marked by operatic vocals and guttural screams. They stand out with their symphonic elements, adding depth and creativity to their music. The band, with members across Canada, the U.S., and Australia, maintains a cohesive, powerful sound despite the distance.
Known for their humor, they embrace memes and use the term “DRAGUSSY” to playfully reference their love for dragons in power metal culture. DRAGONCORPSE offers a dynamic and distinctive experience for fans of death metal, power metal, or deathcore.
Progressive deathcore giants WITHIN THE RUINS will kick off a short run of Southwestern headlining shows next week with support provided by Gore. Later this month, the band will head East for another round of shows in the US and Canada. Support will be provided by Dreamwake. In December, the band will join Shadows Fall for their 20th anniversary celebration of The War Within at the historic Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Tickets for all shows are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below and stay tuned for additional WITHIN THE RUINS shows to be announced in the weeks to come.
WITHIN THE RUINS w/ Gore.: 10/09/2024 Jakeβs β Lubbock, TX 10/10/2024 Roxy Theater β Denver, CO 10/11/2024 89th Street β Oklahoma City, OK 10/12/2024 RBC β Dallas, TX 10/13/2024 Vibes Underground β San Antonio, TX
w/ Dreamwake: 10/23/2024 The Foundry β Lakewood, OH 10/24/2024 The Pike Room β Pontiac, MI 10/25/2024 Leeβs (Cave) β Toronto, ON 10/26/2024 Foufounes β Montreal, QC 10/27/2024 Webester Underground β Hartford, CT End Tour
12/21/2024 The Palladium — Worcester, MA w/ Shadows Fall, Unearth, E-Town Concrete, Jasta, Brick By Brick
Phenomena II is available on CD, LP, and digital formats. Find orders at THIS LOCATION.
Watch WITHIN THE RUINSβ videos for βThe Last Sonβ HERE, βCastle In The Sky,β HERE, and βDemon Killerβ HERE.
Evolution drives longevity. WITHIN THE RUINS relentlessly pushes forward, incinerating complacency and innovating out of its ashes. The Western Massachusetts quartet β Joe Cocchi (guitar), Kevin McGuill (drums), Paolo Galang (bass, clean vocals), and Steve Tinnon (lead vocals) β razes convention with a sonic sensory onslaught anchored by polyrhythmic bludgeoning, head-nodding grooves, viscerally evocative vocals, and vivid storytelling.
Their controlled chaos has resulted in tens of millions of streams (a rarity for acts this uncompromisingly heavy), packed houses on tour, and widespread acclaim courtesy of Alternative Press, American Songwriter, Loudwire, Metal Injection, Phoenix New Times, and many more.
Now, they continue to evolve on their seventh full-length offering, Phenomena II. βWhen you listen to us, we hope you feel like you found some fresh metal,β notes Cocchi. βAfter doing anything for a long time, itβs easy to get stuck in your ways. So, we always try to present something you havenβt heard before β and you arenβt going to get anywhere else.β
βWe couldnβt be happier Phenomena II is finally out for everyone to hear,β adds Tinnon. βWeβre extremely proud of how it turned out, and we hope you all enjoy the characters and songs as much as we enjoyed making it!β
Featuring Cameos from Members of Metal Church, Manowar and Immortal Guardian
Austin (TX) – Returning with their latest call-to-arms, Texas metal warlords IGNITOR are once again battle-ready with the release of their new album, Horns and Hammers.
Another storm-the-gates, metal onslaught, Horns and Hammersdelivers all the dramatic power and fury that landed previous albums Haunted by Rock βNβ Roll and The Golden Age of Black Magick in the hallowed realms of Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Raven, Dio, Accept and other legendary keepers of the metal creed.
From the title trackβs speed-metal war cry and the Maiden-esque βImperial Bloodlinesβ to the cowbell-driven βShattered Crossesβ and the 70s-inspired heavy metal of βFerocious the Martyrsβ (featuring guest keyboardist Gabriel Guardian of Immortal Guardian) the 11-track Horns and Hammers a mighty mix of classic heavy metal spiked with NWOBHM, thrash, power metal and the atmospheric textures of prog-metal and fantasy.
Photo Credit: Steve Miller
βWe raised the bar high with our last two albums so we couldnβt settle for anything less than a full-on metal assault,β said founding guitarist Stuart βBatlordβ Laurence. βWeβve always honored our influences, but weβre also very insistent that our music β first and foremost β sounds like IGNITOR. With Horns and Hammers, weβve covered the spectrum of metal and taken Ignitor to a whole new level.β
Fronted by the soaring vocals of Jason McMaster (Watchtower, Dangerous Toys, Broken Teeth), IGNITOR’s strength is further forged by guitarist Robert Williams, bassist Billy βChainsawβ Dansfiell and drummer Pat Doyle. Whether charging and pounding like clashing titans (βDark Horse,β βChaos Maximus Eternalβ) or luring the listener into gothic tales of doom and deceit (βSuicide Anthem,β βTaken Up With Serpentsβ), IGNITOR delivers with shuddering impact.
Check out the promotional video for music, interviews, and album info at: youtu.be/ip1xGHaGH_4.
βRobert brought a ton of songs and riff ideas to the table and Billy had some great ideas that blossomed into full-blown songs,β Laurence said. βOnce we started jamming with Patβs pummeling backbeat, we knew we had something special.β
βAs the arrangements started coming together, I found myself completely immersed and inspired to come up with the lyrical themes and characters to carry the songs to completion,β McMaster added. βIβm really proud of the bandβs individual and collective contributions, and I think we all agree that Horns and Hammers is a triumph by any measure.β
The albumβs stunning cover art β featuring a medieval warrior and his mighty steed surveying a hellish killing field β comes courtesy of renowned fantasy/sci-fi artist Claudio Bergamin, whose credits include Judas Priest (Firepower), Burning Witches (The Witch of the North), Cassius King (Field Trip) and Klassik β78 (Phantoms), among others.
Produced and mastered by Stuart βBatlordβ Laurence at Emphatic Audio in Austin, TX, Horns and Hammers was mastered for vinyl by Cris Burns. βHell Shall Be Your Homeβ was recorded live in Austin TX at Kick Butt Coffee in 2019, and engineered by Ernie Basaldua with mixing by Stuart “Batlord” Laurence.
U.S. residents can pre-order the CD directly from the band at ignitorband.com/merch. Orders will ship no later than October 15.
Track Listing:
1. Horns And Hammers 2. Imperial Bloodlines 3. Dark Horse 4. Cyber Crush 5. Shattered Crosses 6. Taking Up With Serpents 7. Ferocious The Martyrs 8. Suicide Anthem 9. Chaos Maximus Eternal 10. Machine Gun (Saxon cover)* 11. Terminous
Note: βHell Shall Be Your Homeβ appears on the Metal On Metal Records version.
All songs written, recorded and performed by Ignitor, except *βMachine Gun,β originally written, recorded and performed by Saxon, Carrere Music Ltd 1980.
Vinyl and CD versions wil be distributed through Revolt Vinyl Records in North and South America in November. This version will include a bonus track of the Saxon classic βMachine Gun,β featuring guest appearances by Ross The Boss (Manowar, Dictators), Marc Lopes (Metal Church, Let Us Prey, Ross The Boss) and Gabriel Guardian (Immortal Guardian). Look for the companion video of that song very soon. This version will soon be available for streaming and purchase on all digital platforms.
The vinyl version of Horns and Hammers will be released on Metal World Records in Europe.
ENEMY INSIDE is back with a vengeance, releasing their new single, “Should Have Known Better.”
The modern metal outfit delivers a track that blends fierceness and finesse, unafraid to challenge and redefine the genre. The lyrics drive this message home with a steadfast resolve, showcasing the band’s knack for blending introspective storytelling with raw emotion and heavy-hitting energy, digging deep into themes of betrayal and resilience. “It’s a reminder that you cannot look into someone’s head and should watch out for those uninterested in your success and well-being,”the band explains. “It’s for all the fake friends talking behind your back or only sticking around in your best moments but not at your worst. You tried to play the wrong person – you should have known better.”
The accompanying music video mirrors the song’s fierce narrative. Frontwoman Nastassja Giulia takes on the role of a high-society icon, confidently dominating a high-stakes gambling table. The video, crafted by Nastassja alongside creative collaborator and guitarist Evan K, and mixed and mastered by Christoph Wieczorek, seamlessly intertwines sophistication and defiance. It captures the essence of the songβs message β standing strong in the face of betrayal, reclaiming power, and serving a taste of karma to those who have underestimated you.
About ENEMY INSIDE: Defiant. Empowered. Unstoppable. Enemy Inside has cemented themselves as a force in the modern metal scene, blending haunting melodies with intense, aggressive riffs. Their music captures the struggle of battling inner demons, resonating with a growing fanbase worldwide.
Garnering over 9 million streams on Spotify and 3 million YouTube views, their previous albums, Phoenix and Seven, have solidified their reputation for delivering as thought-provoking as hard-hitting music while sharing stages with some of the biggest names in metal and performing at festivals like Wacken Open Air, Full Metal Cruise, Nummirock and Dynamo Metal Fest.
Watch more: “What We Used To Be” – YouTube “Sayonara” – YouTube
The Mighty Saxon are pleased to announce the extensive βHell, Fire And Steelβ European tour. The Tour will see us perform our classic album Wheels of Steel in its entirety on what will be its 45th anniversary, plus all the hits, fan favourites and songs from our new album Hell Fire and Damnation.
This is a Saxon tour like no other and one you are not going to want to miss! The βHell, Fire And Steelβ tour kicks off in Bremen in Germany on February 4th, a listing of dates are below.
Tickets are available via general on sale Friday 4th October with various pre-sales prior, with Sweden general on sale Monday 7th October.
Tickets on sale for Milan and Tilburg as of Tuesday 1st October ** Tickets on sale for Copenhagen, Prague, KrakΓ³w, Vienna and Warsaw as of Wednesday 2nd October
FEB 04 – Aladin Music Hall, Bremen (DE) FEB 06 – Amager Bio, Copenhagen (DK)** FEB 07 – Conventum, Orebro (SE) FEB 08 – VΓ€rmekyrkan, NorrkΓΆping (SE) FEB 09 – Slagthuset, MalmΓΆ (SE) FEB 11 – Rockefeller, Oslo (NO) FEB 13 – TrΓ€dgΓ€r’n, Gothenburg (SE) FEB 14 – Folkets Park, Huskvarna (SE) FEB 15 – Cirkus, Stockholm (SE) FEB 17 – Docks, Hamburg (DE) FEB 19 – Lucerna Music Bar, Prague (CZ)** FEB 20 – Studio, KrakΓ³w (PL)** FEB 21 – Gasometer, Vienna (AT)** FEB 23 – Progresja, Warsaw (PL)** FEB 25 – Muffathalle, Munich (DE) FEB 26 – Live Club, Milan (IT)* FEB 28 – Volkshaus, Zurich (CH) MAR 01 – Central, Erfurt (DE) MAR 02 – 013, Tilburg (NL)* MAR 04 – Huxleys, Berlin (DE) MAR 05 – Haus Auensee, Leipzig (DE)
βWe’ve entered the studio and we can choose from a pool of about 25 songs! We’re absolutely happy!β smiles founding member Mat Sinner (bass, vocals). Produced by Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers and Magnus Karlsson, the new offering will be mixed and mastered by the group’s confident partner Jacob Hansen at his Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark by the end of this year.
Long-time guitarist Magnus Karlsson, who has recently returned to the PRIMAL FEAR live touring crew, is once again a vital part of the creative process as well. He adds: “I can’t wait to hit the stage with PRIMAL FEAR again! It’s going to be an incredible ride! We’re going to create something truly special together, both live and in the studio, and I’m so grateful to share this journey with all you metalheads! Metal is forever!β
The metal titans are determined to outdo themselves once again and to surpass the success of their recent album Code Red, which achieved the highest chart notations in the band’s history. Their efforts are progressing exceptionally well. Vocalist Ralf Scheepers states about the current process: βI haven’t felt as great in a long time as I did singing some of the new songs!”
But that’s not all: behind the scenes, preparations are in full swing, and PRIMAL FEAR fans should mark September 5, 2025 on their calendars. This date not only marks the release of Domination but also the launch of a European tour, starting in Hamburg, Germany, and spanning eight countries to celebrate the album’s debut. The tour will be preceded by several festival appearances (more details to be announced soon, so stay tuned!), with their first performance featuring the highly energized new line-up set for Rock in Rautheim next May. Contact: ITM.
Today, Venice death metallers MEMBRANCE announce the release of their new EP Undead Remains out October 11th. With the announcement, the Italian band drops the first single “Corpse For Sale”, alongside a music video. Watch it HERE.
The band commented: β’Corpse For Sale’ is a metaphor of Venice seen as an abandoned corpse adrift, continuously stripped and plundered both by the worms that infest the city (Venetian people willing to sell it off to make money) and by those passing beasts (tourists) who just snatch a filthy morsel before leaving. A carcass that everyone is willing to see before it finally rots awayβ.
On the EP, MEMBRANCE say:βUndead Remains showcases whatβs left from the sessions of our last album Undead Island; these are older and slightly more experimental tracks that the band was still working on during the recording of the full-length. For this reason they were not included in the album, as we wanted to give them more exposure in a subsequent release.
In addition to ‘Corpse For Sale’, among the new tracks with a more experimental style there is ‘Vengeance’s Price’, which features Sara Tacchetto, singer of Vallorch, on vocals. This song is inspired by Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice. Each verse is an act with a different character. The collaboration with Sara was born by entrusting her with two acts in which the protagonist is a woman.
To close this release, we have included a cover that is very dear to us, both for the themes covered and for its impact in the live setting, and a couple of live recordings of our most ferocious and punishing songs. The artwork was painted by Francesco Cagali in the style of his previous work for us, while the mastering of the EP was handled by Luca Cocconi of Audiocore Studio, precisely to link these songs with the latest full-length Undead Islandβ.
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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