USA, WE ARE BACK!! We are super happy to announce our next US run! It’s amazing to have this huge support from our American fans, and we are so excited to be rocking with you again. Keep your eyes peeled for some big surprises to be announced around the tour!
Ready to fight!!
BURNING WITCHES – USA Tour 2025:
08/30/25: Pompano Beach, FL @ Piper’s Pub 08/31/25: Clearwater, FL @ OCC Road House 09/02/25: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade Purgatory 09/04/25: Covington, KY @ Madison Live 09/05/25: Westland, MI @ Token Lounge 09/06/25: Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs 09/07/25: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom 09/09/25: Pittsburgh, PA @ Crafthouse Stage and Grill 09/10/25: Harrisburg, PA @ Club XL 09/11/25: Philadelphia, PA @ City Winery 09/12/25: Teaneck, NJ @ The Debonair Music Hall 09/13/25: New Bedford, MA @ The Vault Performing Arts 09/14/25: Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s 09/17/25: Annapolis, MD @ Ram’s Head On Stage 09/18/25: Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27 09/20/25: Sanford, FL @ West End Trading Co
POWERWOLF LIVE AT OVO ARENA WEMBLEY – THE METAL MASS IS COMING!
The gates to our exclusive metal mass at Wembley Arena in London with Hammerfall and Wind Rose are officially open! On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the pack will gather for a sacred night – you don’t want to be left behind! Secure your spot now before it’s too late! From which city or country will you join us?
North German power metallers MOB RULES have unveiled the first details about their eagerly awaited, new album Rise Of The Ruler, slated for a release on August 22, 2025 via ROAR!
The follow-up to 2018’s successful album Beast Reborn (which reached a sensational #37 in the German and #59 in the Swiss album charts) is not only a work brimming with creativity, wit and quality, but also the conceptual continuation of their two early albums Savage Land (1999) and Temple Of Two Suns (2000), with which MOB RULES laid the foundation for their career.
Both albums are linked by an exciting concept story about life in a dystopian, hostile end-time world in which resources are becoming scarce. This is exactly where the band’s new offeringRise Of The Ruler comes in and keyboardist Jan Christian Halfbrodt (who is responsible for all the lyrics) continues the thread.
In addition to the eleven-track standard album (available as CD digipak and colored vinyl), MOB RULES have also been working on a very special fan item over the last few months: The limited earbook edition ofRise Of The Ruler comes with an exclusive bonus CD containing five additional, brand new songs, as well as a spoken version of the concept story, an alternative version of “Dawn Of Second Sun” and the two video clips for “Back To Savage Land” and “Dawn Of Second Sun”! The large-format, hardcover book-style 48-page earbook extensively documents the creation of the album, video shoot, photo shoot and provides insights into the concept story.
A music video for the first album single, “Back To Savage Land”, is now premiering below! “Back To Savage Land” is programmatic in this context. The band around singer Klaus Dirks has succeeded in creating a true power metal anthem that will take the hearts of metal fans by storm with its speed, strong melodies, heaviness and catchiness.
The spectacular music video for “Back To Savage Land” is now premiering HERE
The first taste of Rise Of The Ruler perfectly sums up the band’s strengths in its compactness. In collaboration with director Rainer Fränzen (Orden Ogan, Grave Digger, among others), the most extensive video concept in the band’s history was created! Stream the track now on: https://mobrules.rpm.link/back2savagePR
MOB RULES: Klaus Dirks – Vocals Sven Lüdke – Guitar Florian Dyszbalis – Guitar Markus Brinkmann – Bass Jan Christian Halfbrodt – Keys Sebastian Schmidt – Drums
The visual design was created by French cover artist Stan W. Decker (Masterplan, Primal Fear etc.), who perfectly staged the post-apocalyptic scenery of Rise Of The Ruler.
Rise Of The Ruler – CD Tracklist: 01 – The Fall Of Dendayar 02 – Exiled 03 – Future Loom 04 – Dawn Of Second Sun 05 – Back To Savage Land 06 – Trial And Trail Of Fear 07 – Providence 08 – Nomadic Oasis 09 – Coast Of Midgard 10 – On The Trail 11 – Equilibrium (Rise Of The Ruler)
The rise of darkness has finally come! Today, darkened power metal force BLACK & DAMNED celebrates the release of their epic new studio album, Resurrection that is out now on ROAR!
Available on CD, vinyl and in digital formats. You can order your favorite choice of format right here:
The band writes: “Hello metalheads! Today we are releasing our third album! We can proudly say that we have done everything possible to produce a great album for all our fans! That’s why we are very relieved that the pressure of the preparations can now fall off and we leave it up to you how the album will be received!”
A music video for their latest single, the furious “Injustice”, is now premiering below! Says the band: “With “Injustice” the fourth video from the new album is released today. This song is a little different from the first three singles. Here we show you the drama in our world! If you like it, we’d be happy if you bought the album on CD or vinyl! Cheers B&D!”
“In the four years since their much-acclaimed debut, BLACK & DAMNED have made a first-class name for themselves, sharing the stage with Vicious Rumors, Rage and Tankard, among others, and earning great reviews in the local magazines. “Black & Damned manage the balancing act between heaven and hell with flying colors”, attests Metal Hammer, while Breakout Magazine indulges: ”best stuff for all power metallers with heart.”
It is now clear that the band from the Stuttgart area can be described as a real enrichment of the heavy metal world and so they took no prisoners, used the energy of past live shows and composed ten new neckbreakers, which they recorded in the fall of 2024 under the aegis of ex-Primal Fear guitarist Stefan Leibing. Once again, this gripping melancholy hovers over the entire work, which is incredibly captivating and addictive.
Resurrection – track listing: 01. Silence Breaker 02. Ruthless Wrath 03. Red Heavens 04. Bound By The Moon 05. Circle Of Amnesia 06. Injustice 07. Searing Flames 08. Shadows 09. Reborn In Solitude 10. Navigate Me To The Sun
BLACK & DAMNED: Roland “Bobbes” Seidel – Vocals Michael Vetter – Guitar Aki Reissmann – Guitar Pappe Lee – Bass Axel Winkler – Drums
International power metal act SAEKO, led by the dynamic Japanese singer Saeko Kitamae, has launched an exciting crowdfunding campaign to support the recording of the new mini-album and music video.
Join the campaign and be part of this exciting chapter by supporting athttp://kck.st/3PXwcDz.
This project will reimagine select tracks from her groundbreaking 2004 debut album, Above Heaven Below Heaven, giving them new life with the incredible musicianship of her internationally acclaimed band. SAEKO made history in 2005 as the first Asian female artist to perform at Wacken Open Air, setting the stage for a career built on perseverance, musical excellence, and international collaboration. After a 15-year hiatus, she returned in 2021 with Holy Are We Alone, an album that reaffirmed her status as one of power metal’s most passionate voices.
Born in Osaka, Japan, Saeko Kitamae’s musical journey started with a deep love for rock and metal, leading her to move to Germany in pursuit of her dream of becoming a power metal singer. She collaborated with renowned European musicians and quickly made a name for herself in the international metal scene. She has worked with some of the best in the industry, including Michael Ehre (Gamma Ray, The Unity), Lars Ratz (Metalium), and Guido Benedetti (Trick Or Treat). Her ability to seamlessly blend Japanese and Western metal influences has made her music unique and emotionally powerful. In addition to her studio work, she has toured with legendary artists such as Doro, bringing her powerful stage presence to audiences across Europe.
The band is composed of Saeko Kitamae on vocals, Guido Benedetti (Trick Or Treat) on guitars, Alessandro Sala (Rhapsody Of Fire) on bass, and Michael Ehre (Gamma Ray, The Unity) on drums. Together, they create an electrifying sound that combines powerful melodies, deep compositions, and the raw energy of metal.
It has been over three years since SAEKO’s last album, and her journey back has been an inspiring one. At the beginning of 2020, she successfully raised ¥2,000,000 (€15,400) in a crowdfunding campaign, allowing her to record Holy Are We Alone. However, just as she was ready to take the next step, COVID-19 disrupted everything, halting live performances, delaying plans, and ultimately affecting her ability to stay in Europe, forcing her return to Japan. Now, she is ready to push forward stronger than ever, with new music and a fresh vision that fans can be part of.
This crowdfunding campaign is an opportunity for fans to directly contribute to the making of a mini-album and a high-quality music video that will celebrate SAEKO’s past while looking ahead to an exciting future. The goal is not only to revisit and reinterpret some of her classic songs but also to create momentum for upcoming live performances and new creative projects. With the support of her dedicated fanbase, SAEKO is eager to continue her artistic journey and bring her music to audiences worldwide.
By joining this campaign, fans become an essential part of the process, helping to fuel the creative energy that makes SAEKO’s music so unique. This is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a way to actively participate in the evolution of an artist whose passion for metal knows no bounds. Every supporter plays a role in making this project a reality, and together, we can celebrate SAEKO’s music in a way that unites the global metal community. Join the campaign and be part of this exciting chapter by supporting at http://kck.st/3PXwcDz.
The wait is over — Sacramento, California’s Niviane unleash their powerful new album, Queen of Phantoms, released on March 7th, 2025! With a refined lineup, sharpened songwriting and a thunderous production, this release solidifies the band’s place at the forefront of modern power metal.
Crafted with precision over the past years, Queen of Phantoms represents Niviane’s strongest and most dynamic work to date. The album was written during the pandemic lockdowns and carefully shaped to highlight the band’s evolution, featuring a new rhythm section with drummer Isaiah AR and bassist Tyler Satterlee who inject fresh power into the music. Each of the 11 tracks offers a different shade of power metal, from blistering speed and aggression to uplifting melodies and dark atmospheres pushing beyond the genre’s conventions.
Featuring the commanding title track “Queen of Phantoms”, the emotionally charged “Tomorrow’s a New Day” and the thunderous “Under Black Flags” just to name a few, the album strikes a perfect balance between heaviness and melody. Queen of Phantoms showcases Niviane’s signature blend of intricate guitar work, anthemic choruses and cinematic storytelling, appealing to fans of Judas Priest, Queensrÿche, Primal Fear and Nevermore.
The album’s official lyric videos for “Queen of Phantoms” and “12 BC Legions” further bring its powerful themes to life, visually enhancing its dark, immersive storytelling. The latest official music video for “Tomorrow’s a New Day” explores deep and personal themes of mental health, setting it apart as one of the band’s most moving compositions.
With Queen of Phantoms, Niviane delivers a bold and unapologetic statement—this is power metal at its finest, evolved and redefined. Experience the full force of Niviane’s latest masterpiece now!
Track-list: 1. Queen of Phantoms 2. 12 BC: Legions 3. 12 BC: Germania 4. Beacon In The Darkness 5. Some Wounds… Never Heal 6. All Debts Repaid 7. Tomorrow’s A New Day 8. Event Horizon 9. Our Maze 10. Gunslingers & Graves 11. Under Black Flags
Band line up: Aaron Robitsch: Keys & Orchestration Gary Tarplee: Guitars Isaiah AR: Drums Mark Miner: Guitars Norman Skinner: Vocals Tyler Satterlee: Bass
Reigning Phoenix Music proudly introduces PERCEPTION, its latest label imprint. Following the success of ROAR, a sub-label dedicated to emerging talents and artists, PERCEPTION is set to provide a strong foundation for regionally and stylistically leading bands with high growth potential.
Jochen Richert, managing director of RPM Europe, shares his vision for PERCEPTION: “My responsibilities at Reigning Phoenix Music have often taken me away from what I love most – working directly with bands, nurturing their growth, and helping them reach their full potential. With PERCEPTION, I now can dive back into artist development, which I’m truly excited about. Of course, my main mission remains unchanged: to help Reigning Phoenix Music to become one of the leading metal labels in the world.”
To celebrate the birth of RPM’s new sibling, PERCEPTION proudly announces its first signing – one that perfectly embodies the label’s core value of passion, professionalism, and ambition: SERIOUS BLACK.
More than 10 years of SERIOUS BLACK and highly melodic power metal with the license to create hymns: since 2014, the band led by bassist Mario Lochert, have been delighting fans not only by releasing six studio albums so far, but also by frequently playing much-lauded concerts and festival appearances, and that’s why PERCEPTION is even more proud to begin its journey by signing such a well-known act.
“We’re really happy, and we couldn’t have found a better partner than Reigning Phoenix Music as they greatly combine expertise and experience. We have a comfortable new surrounding, and re-connecting with old companions makes this new union even more special to us: Everything that belongs together comes together over and over again,”comments founding member Lochert.
Jochen Richert as PERCEPTION A&R adds: “Mario and Dominik [Sebastian; guitars] are incredibly passionate about SERIOUS BLACK, and that’s exactly what it takes to elevate this band even further. They are built for the top tier of power metal – with outstanding songwriting and an electrifying stage presence already in place. We’ll make sure they reach the level they truly belong to: the very top of the scene!”
On the heels of their latest album Rise Of Akhenaton [2024], SERIOUS BLACK are celebrating their 10th anniversary with an own headline tour this spring, following an enormously successful European run alongside SONATA ARCTICA, FIREWIND as well as TUNGSTEN. Special guests AUTUMN BRIDE, DRAGONY and RIGORIOUS will complete the line-up for the upcoming festivities.
Mario states: “10 years, 6 charting albums, over 250 concerts, festival shows and gigs worldwide. A look back that lets me indulge in many memories. Personally, I’m really looking forward to this tour, not only because it’s our birthday headline tour, but also because old friends like AUTUMN BRIDE, DRAGONY [Mar 18-30], and RIGORIOUS [Mar 11-18] will be joining us on this tour with new albums at their hands. Get your tickets and spend an unforgettable power metal party full of hard riffs and hymns with us!”
SERIOUS BLACK – live:
“Metalized” World Tour:
w/ AUTUMN BRIDE, RIGORIOUS (*), DRAGONY (^)
11.03.2025 DE Berlin – ORWOhaus *
12.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Logo *
13.03.2025 DE Herford – KulturWerk *
14.03.2025 DE Monheim – Sojus 7 *
15.03.2025 CZ Prague – Storm Club *
16.03.2025 HU Budapest – Analog Music Hall *
18.03.2025 AT Vienna – Szene */^
19.03.2025 IT Bologna – Alchemica Music Club ^ (w/ STRANGER VISION)
20.03.2025 FR Lyon – Rock n’Eat ^
21.03.2025 ES Zaragoza – Sala Lo Intento ^
22.03.2025 ES Madrid – Revi Live ^
23.03.2025 ES Vitoria-Gasteiz – Urban Rock Concept ^
24.03.2025 ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 3 ^
25.03.2025 FR Paris – La Boule Noire ^
26.03.2025 BE Kortrijk – CVG Club ^
27.03.2025 CH Lenzburg – Met-Bar ^
28.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Club) ^
29.03.2025 DE Schirnding – Gemeindehalle ^ (w/ CHAPTER ELEVEN)
MOONLIGHT HAZE will release the new record Beyond on May 23th 2025 through Scarlet Records.
Lead by sensational frontwoman Chiara Tricarico (currently one of the live vocalists of Avantasia and special guest on the Highlights From The Revenge Of Odysseus (2022 ManowarEP), MOONLIGHT HAZE has joined forces with extraordinary producer Sascha Paeth for their upcoming fourth studio album.
Beyond is a perfect mixture of heavy, melodic and super catchy songs recorded in the old fashioned way with little to no edits. MOONLIGHT HAZE went ʻorganicʼ this time, with a little help from Sascha Paeth, who was able to make some of the classic features of the band emerge and shine even more.
The Italian unit keeps delivering its trademark killer refrains while exploring new musical territory, further experimenting throughout ten tracks highlighted by yet another stellar vocal performance courtesy of Chiara Tricarico.
MOONLIGHT HAZE’s fourth record is a journey through time and space, galactic landscapes and earthly elements; a never-ending quest for a deeper reality and a purest inner truth. Soul searching symphonic power metal, if you please.
Produced by MOONLIGHT HAZE at Bridge Produzioni Audio and Studio & Sascha Paeth at Pathway Studio, and illustrated by the talented Beatrice Demori, Beyond will be released in the following formats:
CD digipack LP in vinile: 350 blu trasparente; 150 trasparenti (esclusiva mailorder) Digitale
01. Beyond 02. Tame The Storm 03. Crystallized 04. Chase The Light 05. Would You Dare? 06. L’Eco Del Silenzio 07. D.N.A. (Do Not Apologize) 08. Untold 09. Time To Go 10. Awakening 11. A Brand New Sky (bonus track CD) 12. Alive Again (bonus track vinile)
French power metal band Kingcrown is proud to announce the release of their exclusive new single, “Rockstar Dechue” today, February 28th, 2025 via Rockshots Records. Recorded as a special gift for the fans who backed their Nova Atlantis crowdfunding campaign, this mid-tempo track encapsulates the band’s signature blend of powerful riffs, soaring melodies and evocative storytelling.
What sets “Rockstar Dechue” apart is its exceptionally crafted lyrics in French; a rare and bold choice in Kingcrown’s discography. This unique element not only pays homage to the band’s roots but also infuses the track with an added layer of cultural depth and sophistication.
Exclusively created for their most dedicated supporters, “Rockstar Dechue” is both a heartfelt thank you and a statement of Kingcrown’s unwavering commitment to innovation and musical evolution. The track reaffirms their place in the metal scene, bridging epic tradition with a fresh, contemporary twist.
Moreover, the album Nova Atlantis continues to be a resounding success among critics and fans alike, even months after its release, proving the exceptional quality of Kingcrown’s material in today’s power metal landscape.
Track-list: 1. The Magic Stone 2. Nova Atlantis 3. Real or Fantasy 4. Guardian Angels 5. Letter to Myself 6. Judgement Day 7. A Long Way to Valhalla 8. Souls of Travelers 9. Utopia Metropolis 10. When Stars Are Aligned 11. Endless Journey
Produced by Simone Mularoni (DGM), Nova Atlantis represents a bold evolution for Kingcrown, blending their influences from Iron Maiden, Symphony X and Helloween with fresh energy and maturity. Each track takes listeners on a journey through myths, legends and reflections on human nature, making Nova Atlantis a must-hear album for fans of power and melodic metal.
With Nova Atlantis Kingcrown brings fans a sound that is both melodic and powerful, and a story that transports them to a realm of epic legends and timeless mysteries.
Stream “Rockstar Dechue” on all major platforms starting February 28th, 2025, and join Kingcrown on this exciting new chapter.
Epic power metal warriors Braveride return with “Executioner”, the first single from their upcoming album The Great Awakening set for release on April 18th, 2025, via Rockshots Records. A battle hymn of unstoppable force, “Executioner” delivers soaring melodies, galloping riffs, and a thunderous rhythm section embodying the band’s signature blend of symphonic and epic power metal.
Alongside the release, Braveride has unveiled an official lyric video, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the song’s powerful themes while following the evocative storytelling of the lyrics. Designed to bring the narrative and emotion of “Executioner” to life, the lyric video enhances the track’s epic and cinematic nature, reinforcing the battle-driven intensity of the song. With striking visuals and a compelling lyrical flow, the video serves as the perfect gateway into the world of The Great Awakening, setting the tone for the album’s mythical journey.
Blending the grandiosity of symphonic orchestrations, classic guitar finesse, and a relentless drive, “Executioner” is a perfect showcase of Braveride’s artistic vision, where raw power meets intricate composition. As part ofThe Great Awakening, the track fits seamlessly into the album’s overarching fantasy concept where every song contributes to a mythical world of battles, heroes, and destiny.
With this new chapter, Braveride further solidifies its place in the epic power metal scene, making “Executioner” the perfect introduction to an album set to resonate deeply with fans of Rhapsody of Fire, Blind Guardian, and Manowar.
Track Listing: 1. Twilight 2. Executioner 3. Nightmares are Real 4. Souls are Marching 5. Temple of the Unholy Reign 6. The Gate 7. Delfekor 8. Gionis 9. Unspoken Terror 10. The Final Confrontation
Braveride – Line Up: Marios Christakis: Guitars, Orchestrations, Lyrics and all music compositions Marcello Vieira: Vocals, Vocal Additional Arrangements, Additional Lyrics Antonis Gerogiorgos: Drums Wolf De Iuliis: Bass
Founded in 2004 by Marios Christakis, Braveride was created with the vision of blending epic power metal with symphonic elements and a cinematic approach to storytelling. Over the years, the band has evolved refining their sound from the raw energy of their debut Heroic Deeds (2006) to the grandeur, more complex compositions featured in The Great Awakening (2025).
Inspired by fantasy literature, sword-and-sorcery tales, and epic battles, Braveride’s music transports listeners into mythical worlds. With soaring vocals, galloping rhythms, intricate orchestrations, and classical guitar passages, their sound stands out as a powerful force within the epic power metal landscape. Their ability to balance complexity and melody, creating both immersive full-album experiences and standalone anthems, has earned them a dedicated following among fans of Rhapsody of Fire, Blind Guardian and Manowar.
Some of you may have already come across it, but we’re excited to share that a new strictly limited 7” picture vinyl for “Kyrie Klitorem” is on the way! These special collector’s editions tend to go fast, so we wanted to give you a heads-up. It’s set for release on February 28th and is available now through EMP (Europe) and Napalm Records (worldwide).
One simply couldn’t find better words to describe what 2025 has in store for HELLOWEEN. While the German metal legends are finishing the highly anticipated follow-up to their self-titled no. 1 album, they have launched yet another snippet of their prestigious live album Live At Budokan. The classic “Future World” from their genre-defining album Keeper Of The Seven Keys, Pt. 2 successfully keeps up the memories of this remarkable night the pumpkins experienced at Tokyo’s Budokan Arena in September 2023.
Singer Michael Kiske comments: “I love the positive message of this song. Our future will be bright, but it won’t fall into our laps. We all have to find our own way to future world. Musically, it’s one of the highlights and guarantees a great atmosphere every night.”
Live At Budokan has been released worldwide as 2CD set, limited 3LP “deluxe edition” (trifold first pressing), Blu-ray, DVD, but is also available on all major streaming platforms. Purchase/listen: https://helloween.rpm.link/liveatbudokanPR
Seattle (WA) – Powerhouse Action-Metal band, Hyperstrike, is back with an explosive new single, “Savage Sword,” on all digital platforms!
Serving as the ultimate rallying cry for those who know we live in a simulation, this track challenges listeners to confront the fabric of reality itself. “Savage Sword” tells the story of a world trapped in an artificial construct controlled by an evil deity broadcasting illusions from Saturn. Hyperstrike asks the provocative question: what if everything you see is a lie? The song’s protagonist wields the savage sword, a symbol of truth and rebellion, to sever the deceptive veil and spark a revolt against this cosmic oppressor.
“Savage Sword” follows close behind debut single, “Warning Shot.” Both cuts will appear on the band’s long-awaited debut album, High Risk, a ten-track thrill ride that drops this spring, delivering an unrelenting assault of melody, power, and precision.
Each of the album’s songs plunges listeners into a high-stakes narrative, from the devastating chaos of “Meltdown (Stop the Reactor)” to the primal defiance of “Steel Heart” and the warrior’s anthem “King of the Slain.” The album captures the sound of rebellion with blistering guitar solos, thunderous rhythms, and vocals that alternate between soaring and savage. Recorded in the heart of Seattle’s legendary metal scene, High Risk cements Hyperstrike’s reputation as a band that dares to push boundaries while delivering unforgettable hooks. Brace yourselves for the countdown to the most electrifying release of 2025 is on!
“Savage Sword” is available at the following links:
Lyrics and music by Hyperstrike. Mixed and mastered by Joe Cincotta at Full Force Studios. Drums recorded at One Shot Studios – Engineered by Josh Richins. Produced by Ben Bennett. Artwork by Ilya (Siberian Claw) Ignatov. Logo by Dipayandas Arts.
Prepare for the rise of darkness – BLACK & DAMNED are ready to set the metal community ablaze! With their unique blend of epic power metal and dark, atmospheric sounds, the South German formation is now releasing their third album, which is set to be released on March 14, 2025 under the auspicious title “Resurrection”. The band captivates with thunderous guitar riffs, intense rhythms and gripping vocals that whisk you away into a world full of myths and inner conflicts. Their music is a storm of power and emotion, perfect for anyone who wants to experience the ultimate metal rush!
“Resurrection” will be released on ROAR (Grave Digger, Mystic Prophecy, Crematory and others), with whom BLACK & DAMNED have just recently signed a new record deal. The album pre-sale has just started at this location:
A music video for the band’s first single release, the captivating track “Ruthless Wrath”, is now premiering below! Stream the song on all digital providers at:
“The content addresses the current situation of humanity,” the band comments. “That people react more and more with anger to events and statements. And this anger is then responded to with anger from the other side. Until one side escalates with volatile anger!”
It is now clear that the band from the Stuttgart area can be described as a real enrichment of the heavy metal world and so they took no prisoners, used the energy of past live shows and composed ten new neckbreakers, which they recorded in the fall of 2024 under the aegis of ex-Primal Fear guitarist Stefan Leibing. Once again, this gripping melancholy hovers over the entire work, which is incredibly captivating and addictive. BLACK & DAMNED have grown together as a unit and with “Resurrection” the band created a profound, melodic and melancholic heavy metal album with lasting anthems!
“Resurrection” track listing: 01. Silence Breaker 02. Ruthless Wrath 03. Red Heavens 04. Bound By The Moon 05. Circle Of Amnesia 06. Injustice 07. Searing Flames 08. Shadows 09. Reborn In Solitude 10. Navigate Me To The Sun
“The Plague That Burns The Sky” BRAINSTORM + ARION Co-Headline Tour 2025 w/ STRANGER VISION Presented by Rock Hard, musix, metal.de, powermetal.de, Decibel-Touring & RPM
27.02.2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal 28.02.2025 CH Solothurn – Kulturfabrik Kofmehl 01.03.2025 DE Essen – Turock 02.03.2025 DE Mannheim – 7er Club 03.03.2025 DE Munich – Backstage (Halle) 04.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Bahnhof Pauli 05.03.2025 DE Hanover – MusikZentrum 06.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann
08.03.2025 NL Harderwijk – Estrado 09.03.2025 NL Gouda – StudioGonz 05. – 08.06.2025 DE Oettingen i. Bay. – Camping Battleground Festival 24.08.2025 PL Pindelo dos Milagres – Milagre Metaleiro Open Air
About BRAINSTORM:
BRAINSTORM boasts an unparalleled career: since their 1997 debut, Hungry, the band has continued to evolve and solidify their position in the international metal scene with standout albums like Metus Mortis (2001), Soul Temptation (2003), Liquid Monster (2005), and more recent releases such as Midnight Ghost (2018) and Wall of Skulls (2021). Having toured worldwide and achieved impressive chart positions in recent years, BRAINSTORM remains as determined as ever to set new milestones instead of resting on their laurels.
MOB RULES continues with their flagship German power metal, they’ve been known for in the scene! Founded in 1994, since their legendary debut album “Savage Land” (1999) and its glorious successor “Temple Of Two Suns”, they have been delivering anthemic and highly melodic power metal that has taken on symphonic and progressive traits over the years. Their discography, which now comprises nine studio albums, contains highlights throughout, above all the hit-packed “Among The Gods”, the epic “Radical Peace” with the long track “The Oswald File” and their chart-breaker “Beast Reborn”, which pushed MOB RULES to #37 in the German album charts. Most recently, the band around frontman Klaus Dirks thrilled with the best-of compilation “Celebration Day – 30 Years Of Mob Rules” including some new recordings and cover versions of IRON MAIDEN, GHOST, DIO and others.
MOB RULES are currently back in the recording studio, working under the direction of Markus Teske (Symphony X, Vanden Plas, U.D.O. and others) on their tenth, as yet untitled studio album, which is scheduled for release in late summer 2025. However, they would like to release a first forerunner at the beginning of next year. “All the songs have been written and large parts of them have already been recorded,” reveals the frontman and goes into even more detail: ”You can look forward to an album that is special in many respects, with which we have managed to build a bridge between yesterday and today. In other words, our own band history partly served as inspiration. The material is multi-layered and conceptually structured.
This much can already be revealed: In addition to the CD and vinyl, there will be an additional physical product of the album, in which we have brought in all our creativity and spared no expense or effort to offer the fans the ultimate experience of the new record. More will be revealed in due course, but we can already tell you that the first single will be called “Back To Savage Land”.”
MOB RULES are also expecting a breath of fresh air from their new label partner ROAR (Grave Digger, Mystic Prophecy, Sacred Steel and others). “We were very pleased about the great interest and the resulting signing of MOB RULES with the newly established label ROAR,” comments singer Klaus Dirks and adds: “As a band, we find everything we could wish for there, both structurally and in terms of know-how and the human component. We have a long-standing relationship of trust with some of the employees there. Among them is Markus Wosgien, who has followed MOB RULES with great interest for a long time and whose perseverance and creative input have convinced us. We are looking forward to working together, but would also like to take this opportunity to thank the SPV/Steamhammer crew once again for their trusting cooperation over the last 10 years.”
The record company is just as happy. “Mob Rules have been with me for 25 years now. In the nineties, as a power metal fan you could blindly buy anything with the “Limb Music” seal of approval. I remember the first pre-release tapes of brand-new acts like Angra, Rhapsody, Eldritch, Abraxas and Mob Rules! Limb Schnoor had a special knack in this area and since then Mob Rules have been a musical companion that has surprised and inspired me time and time again. Now it has finally worked out and we can forge new plans together, which include the upcoming studio albums as well as numerous reissues and surprises of some back-catalog titles,” states ROAR A&R Markus Wosgien.
HELLOWEEN are turning up the heat as they gear up for their monumental 40th anniversary world tour in 2025/2026 and tease a brand-new studio album! But before diving into the next chapter, the metal legends are giving their fans one last epic thrill from their chart-topping self-titled album with the release of Live At Budokan on December 13, 2024 (RPM).
Today, they’ve unleashed a blistering live version of “Save Us,” a track that catapults us back to their groundbreaking Keeper Of The Seven Keys era – a defining moment in their storied career. This electrifying single forges a powerful bridge between their glorious past and their unstoppable present. Get ready, Pumpkins United fans – this is just the beginning!
Bassist Markus Grosskopf notes: “‘Save Us’ is unfortunately still relevant or more relevant than ever before. The natural disasters, our own ignorance, hardly any possibilities to escape from all threats – the song is a desperate plea for rescue…a heavy, but thought-provoking piece with crushing reality.”
Pre-order Live At Budokan in your preferred physical format [digipak-2CD, 3LP (limited “deluxe edition” first press in trifold), Blu-ray, DVD], pre-save it on your favourite digital service provider (DSP), or pre-order the album digitally to receive “Save Us (live),” “Eagle Fly Free (live)” and “Best Time (live)” instantly: https://helloween.rpm.link/liveatbudokanPR
🎃 Get ready, pumpkinheads! Helloween’s “40 YEARS ANNIVERSARY TOUR” kicks off October 2025 with special guests Beast In Black. Don’t miss this epic power metal extravaganza celebrating four decades of pumpkin madness! The upcoming tour will be bigger, better and more impressive than ever!
Oct. 17 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, Rockhal Oct. 18 🇳🇱 Tilburg, 013 Oct. 20 🇬🇧 London, Eventim Apollo Oct. 22 🇫🇷 Paris, Le Zénith Oct. 24 🇨🇿 Prague, O2 Arena Oct. 25 🇸🇰 Zvolen, Tiposbet Arena Oct. 26 🇭🇺 Budapest, Papp Laszlo Arena Oct. 28 🇵🇱 Katowice, Spodek Oct. 31 🇩🇪 Bochum, Ruhrcongress Nov. 01 🇩🇪 Hamburg, Barclays Arena Nov. 03 🇳🇴 Oslo, Sentrum Scene Nov. 04 🇳🇴 Oslo, Sentrum Scene Nov. 06 🇫🇮 Helsinki, Ice Hall Nov. 08 🇸🇪 Gothenburg, Partille Arena Nov. 13 🇵🇹 Lissabon, Campo Pequeno Nov. 15. 🇪🇸 Madrid, La Cubierta des Leganés Nov. 19 🇮🇹 Mailand, Forum Nov. 20 🇨🇭Zürich, The Hall Nov. 22 🇩🇪 Stuttgart, Schleyerhalle
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
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"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.