A cult chapter of Italian extreme metal history returns in its most complete form, as F.O.A.D. Records present the definitive archival collection of early material from LORD CRUCIFIER, Cataclism, now available as a gatefold 2xLP edition.
Cataclism – Gatefold 2xLP:
An 18-track descent into pure psychotic thrash metal, self-described by the band as “psychic metal,” capturing the unhinged vision of these Italian maniacs who relocated to England during the 1980s in search of total sonic extremity.
This comprehensive release brings together the band’s early demo legacy and unreleased material, fully remastered at Toxic Basement Studio:
Cataclism Demo (1985)
Myra’s Tape (1987)
Who Do You Trust (1989)
Unreleased 3-track rehearsal/demo (1990)
Across these recordings, LORD CRUCIFIER’s evolution is laid bare, from raw, dark thrash steeped in Venom and Celtic Frost influences to a more personal and deranged style defined by speed, fractured structures and psychotic riffing intensity.
Packaging:
The release comes as a deluxe gatefold 2xLP edition accompanied by a 24-page full-color booklet, designed by Rich M. Walker (The Metalchemist). The booklet includes rare photographs, flyers, scans of original demo tapes, and archival excerpts from underground magazines and fanzines.
A vital document of a band that turned chaos into identity, now unearthed and preserved by F.O.A.D. Records. Essential listening for devotees of extreme, unfiltered thrash in its most disturbed form.
L-R – Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars, Dave English – Drums, Max Capshaw – Vocals, Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars | Photo Credit: Another Demon
NYC’s rising thrash force Another Demon has announced the official re‑release of their debut EP As Above So Below, out now as of April 18th, 2026, via Ragebreed Records, with global digital distribution through Earache Records. Originally issued independently, the EP now returns with expanded reach and renewed momentum, cementing the band’s fast‑growing presence in the modern thrash landscape.
The re‑release also spotlights a major highlight from the original EP: a guest appearance by legendary guitarist James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) on the track “Drawn and Quartered.” Murphy’s contribution adds a historic stamp of extreme metal pedigree to the band’s already razor‑sharp sound.
Another Demon describes their sonic identity in five words: Powerful, Fast, Aggressive, Thrashing, Evil. The band believes the EP’s wider release will resonate strongly with new listeners:
“Those who haven’t heard it yet will feel instantly familiar with what we do, and instantly want more,” commentsguitaristFrank Tosi.
Crafted through years of dormant ideas and revived creative drive, As Above So Below blends classic thrash roots with atmospheric tension, horror‑driven storytelling, and a modern edge. The band’s goal is to give fans a listening experience that connects both on the surface and on a deeper, more cathartic level.
The six tracks on As Above So Below form a cohesive descent into horror, dystopia, and spiritual unraveling, each offering a different facet of the band’s dark, aggressive vision. From the frantic Evil Dead inspired chaos of “Reduced to Ash” to the crushing crisis‑of‑faith intensity of “Deaf Gods,” the EP moves through relentless riff‑driven aggression with “Skull Vessel” before hitting its standout moment, “Drawn and Quartered,” featuring a blistering guest performance from metal icon James Murphy.
Track Listing: 1. Reduced To Ash – 3:13 2. Deaf Gods – 3:05 3. Skull Vessel – 1:49 4. Drawn and Quartered ft. James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) – 5:42 5. War March – 5:44 6. As Above So Below – 5:45 EP Length: 25:20
The atmosphere shifts into ominous, cinematic territory with “War March,” a ritualistic march into looming destruction, before the title track As Above So Below ties the record together through themes of duality, chaos, and spiritual inversion.
Formed in 2023, Another Demon is built from decades of collective experience across the NY/NJ/CT heavy‑music scene. Max Capshaw (Bass/Vocals) is known for his work with Sick of It All, H2O, Murphy’s Law, Burn, and more.
Max brings a hardcore pedigree and commanding vocal presence. Frank Tosi (Lead Guitar) is the primary songwriter for the EP, shaping the band’s tight, riff‑forward thrash identity. Jun Takeshita (Lead Guitar) blends 80s thrash with Japanese punk/metal intensity, expanding the band’s melodic and technical range. Dave English (Drums), the engine of the band, delivers precision, power, and dynamic rhythmic control.
“The more we’ve played together, the deeper our musical bond has grown. We’ve become a unit that knows how to read each other extremely well,” adds Tosi.
With the EP’s global re‑release, Another Demon is preparing to push further into the U.S. metal circuit. Their next full‑length album is already in development, promising an even broader and more collaborative expression of the band’s identity.
“We write these songs to satisfy our personal tastes and hope the fans appreciate that. The full‑length will show even more of our mutual personality and the best of our brand,” says Tosi.
Recommended for fans of Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Overkill, and Immortal, As Above So Below is available on the following platforms.
EP Band Line Up: Max Capshaw – Vocals / Bass Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars Frank Vaturina – Session Drums
Live Band Line Up: Max Capshaw – Vocals Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars Fred Romer – Bass Guitar Dave English – Drums
Kansas City thrash masters HELLEVATE will unleash their sixth assault this spring!
Killicon Valley is relentless in execution. Eleven tracks of the bullshit-free, ‘thrash-or-be-thrashed’ attitude the band has cultivated over their nearly 20 years of existence. Today, that fury has escalated beyond the breaking point. The result is an album that true fans of old-school thrash can blast with pride.
Guitarist Dan Whitmer comments on Killicon Valley, “We couldn’t be more excited about this release! It’s the result of the last few years of a concentrated effort to expand our songwriting capabilities and deliver something for every kind of metal fan there is. Sonically, we’re going to places we haven’t been to before, and we’re trying out a lot of different approaches, sounds, and songwriting angles in our mission to make heads bang worldwide! Everyone involved has pushed themselves physically and mentally in their performances, and it’s all come together in a unique blend of melody and aggression, tackling every subject from our anger at the injustices in the world, to velociraptor attacks and Japanese spider demons. Grab a brace, because this album will make you wreck your neck!”
Get your first taste of Killicon Valley with the album’s lead single, “In the Long Grass.” Check out the official video at: youtu.be/4pvJtJcOrvo.
HELLEVATE will mark the release of Killicon Valley with an album release show at Warehouse on Broadway in Kansas City, MO. Support will come from Jackson Country 5, Meat Shank, and Bloodscent. Check the event page for details.
HELLEVATE is a thrash metal band from Kansas City, MO, known for their unique blend of melodic thrash, extreme metal, and power metal influences. Formed in the late 2000s by guitarist Dan Whitmer, HELLEVATE maintains a commitment to writing unforgettable music that hits hard and leaves a lasting impression.
Lyrically, the band continues to deliver powerful messages with directness and intensity. Together, they have crafted a sound that is both expansive and undeniably thrash, incorporating influences from speed metal, power metal, death metal, and hardcore to create something truly unique.
Photo credit: Kaitlyn Waggoner
Line-Up:
Robert Browne – Vocals Dan Whitmer – Guitar Joshua Cole – Guitar Zack Burke – Bass Ruben Lopez – Drums
HELLEVATE‘s discography includes their debut self-titled album (2012), Kill Confirmed (2014), Weapons Against Their Will (2016), The Purpose Is Cruelty (2023) and their newest album Killicon Valley (2026).
Since their debut in 2012, HELLEVATE has built a reputation for delivering electrifying live performances, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in metal, including EXODUS, KREATOR, ACCEPT, OVERKILL, DESTRUCTION, HAMMERFALL, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, GHOUL, VENOM INC., and DANZIG, among others.
Baltimore, MD’s weirdo thrash stalwarts, Nuclear Tomb, are back and as twisted and vicious as ever with their new full-length album Epoch Inhumane, out June 12th on Rotted Life Records!
The official video for the album’s first single, “Falling Out The World of Lies,” has been premiered at No Clean Singing! Check it out at:
Nuclear Tomb‘s unique fusion of tight thrash riffing, noisy punk aggression, progressive rock ambition, and classic heavy metal grandeur has brought comparisons to trailblazing metal mavericks such as Voivod, Pestilence, and Coroner.
Refusing to rest on their laurels, the band spent the last two years crafting new material, which they introduced and refined in front of audiences at gigs ranging as far as Texas to Quebec. With Epoch Inhumane, Nuclear Tomb are looking to up the ante: faster speeds, deeper hooks and even more dynamic twists than their fans have already come to expect. Songs that fearlessly rip and tear through warped tales of real world society’s impending collapse. Be prepared for the horror… Mind Thrashing Sonic Nightmares.
FFO: Voivod, Pestilence, Coroner, Atheist
Track Listing:
1. Watch The Skies
2. Falling Out The World of Lies
3. Unbowed & Averse
4. Faithless Continuum
5. Broken Promise, Barren Essence
6. Lifeless Transformation
7. Butcher’s Lament
8. Terminally Emboldened
9. The Coward’s Curse
10. Epoch Inhumane
Photo Credit: Travis Stone
Line-Up:
Michael Brown – Guitar/Vocals Matt Ibach – Guitar Amelia Morris – Bass JD Lookabill – Drums
Credits:
Album engineered and mixed by: Matt Michel at Viva Studio VA. Mastered by: Brad Boatright at Audiosiege. Additional lead guitar by Demir Soyer. Album art by Brad Moore.
“Wow! Amazing! Goliath has charted higher than anything we’ve ever done, this is just so epic on so many levels! Thanks to every single person who helped make this possible. 15 on the Billboard 200! And these other countries charts are off the hook! Squeezed our way in there with all the pop and rap and country, somehow we forced our way in! STOKED!!”
The relentless and legendary EXODUS have released their 13th studio album today: Goliath. I’ve streamed it on Spotify and will definitely buy a physical copy now, due to the fact it blistered my metal infested brain! Plus, vocalist Rob Dukes has returned and he sounds more pissed off than ever before! Long live EXODUS!
The MEGADETH newsletter has announced that the newest memoir from the remarkable Dave Mustaine releases on September 8th, 2026. Dave opens up about his courageous battle with cancer in his upcoming book. Yes, I’m pre-ordering a copy!
The prodigious Lamb Of God released their 10th studio album on March 13th and it can arguably be considered their best output of their existence! Not. Joking. All the metal bearings are spinning and blazing on Into Oblivion and I strongly urge you to stream, buy and get annihilated by LOGs’ auditory assault! Damn, I relish this LOG album!
Thank you for stopping by, have a safe and enjoyable weekend. Metal be thy name. – Stone
Debut festival edition expands to three stages as new ticket prices take effect
Szczecin, Poland; 19 March 2026: Hells Bells Festival continues its build-up toward 26-27 June 2026 with a dual band announcement and a major logistical expansion.
The festival has confirmed Northern Ireland thrashers Gama Bomb and Polish blackened punks Owls Woods Graves, while also revealing that the event will now span three distinct stages at the Plac Gryfitów site.
Gama Bomb are widely known for their speed, technicality, and fun-filled, high-octane live shows. Fans in Szczecin should prepare for a masterclass in headbanging as the band brings their signature “thrash metal bomb” to the Łasztownia waterfront. The band’s latest release is the EP “Necronomicon Automaton”.
The bill is further bolstered by Owls Woods Graves, a project conceived by The Fall & E.V.T. Their unique sound, self-described as “haunted woods hardcore”, blends black metal with raw punk energy and macabre storytelling inspired by witches and the Devil. The band is currently promoting their third album, “Strix”.
In a significant move for the festival’s scale, organisers have also confirmed that Hells Bells 2026 will now feature three stages. This expansion allows for a more diverse range of sounds and ensures that the performances are more spread out across the schedule, reducing time pressure and providing a better experience for both the artists and the audience.
Gama Bomb and Owls Woods Graves join an already stacked line-up that includes the likes of Dirkschneider, Grave Digger, Cockney Rejects, UK Subs, Vader, Possessed, Discharge, NunSlaughter, Furia, Dead Congregation, Last Resort, Dezerter, The Materia, Belzebong and Słoń.
As previously announced, the festival has entered its next pricing tier. This pool of tickets will be available only until 31 May 2026 (or until sold out): Full Weekend Pass (PLN 409), Friday Ticket (PLN 199), Saturday Ticket (PLN 229). The festival also continues to offer the discounted Youth Pass (ages 13-18) and Family Pass (adult with child under 13).
New Orleans thrash metal legends EXHORDER will return to stages next month on an Eastern US headlining tour. The Tour Of Unsound Minds begins on April 2nd in Morgantown, West Virginia and closes April 19th in Cadillac, Michigan. Support will be provided by Skinlab. The band’s latest trek follows their recent US headlining run with Luicidal, Ringworm, Phobia, and Slowhole.
Vocalist Kyle Thomas comments, “Here we go again – sleep is for rich people! We are looking forward to returning to some familiar places as well as getting out into new territory. Joining us on this run are West Coast stalwarts, Skinlab! By the time this tour begins, Spring will have sprung. Come on out while the weather is nice and let’s rage!”
Tickets are on sale now! See all confirmed dates below.
EXHORDER w/ Skinlab:
4/02/2026 – 123 Pleasant Street – Morgantown, WV
4/03/2026 – Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY
4/04/2026 – Empire – Albany, NY
4/05/2026 – Genos Rock Club – Portland, ME
4/06/2026 – Alchemy – Providence, RI
4/07/2026 – Jewell – Manchester, NH
4/08/2026 – Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT
4/09/2026 – AMH – Amityville, NY
4/10/2026 – Capital City Music Hall – Harrisburg, PA
4/11/2026 – Locals – Manalapan, NJ
4/12/2026 – Riffhouse – Chesapeake, VA
4/13/2026 – 529 – Atlanta, GA
4/14/2026 – Chapel Of Bones – Raleigh, NC
4/15/2026 – Tribbles – Piedmont, SC
4/16/2026 – BoneBar – Chattanooga, TN
4/17/2026 – Live At The Shop – Dunbar, WV
4/18/2026 – Reggie’s – Chicago, IL
4/19/2026 – The Venue – Cadillac, MI
Forged in 1986, EXHORDER’s journey has proven exciting, yet tumultuous. After a twenty-seven-year absence following their final Roadrunner Records release in 1992, EXHORDER re-entered the game with an album considered by many to be a contender for the “Best Comeback Album” category. The band released Mourn The Southern Skies in October of 2019 through Nuclear Blast Records.
Fraught with euphoric peaks and crippling valleys throughout its existence, lineup changes and the 2020-2021 pandemic, EXHORDER clawed back through the muck to release Defectum Omnium, the Latin phrase for “The Failure of All,” in 2024. “The world is a dumpster fire, and we are all complicit,” noted singer Kyle Thomas when elaborating on the title. Produced by EXHORDER and mixed by Jens Bogren, Defectum Omnium puts a foot back into the roots of the band’s inception.
My first taste of the invincible OVERKILL was their second studio album Taking Over. Released back in 1987, this masterpiece of thrash metal has stood the test of Metal time, for me. Taking Over should be filed under mandatory old-school Metal, if one is to create such a list.
I purchased this album first on vinyl at a regional record store chain called Strawberries Records & Tapes, while living in Connecticut. This retail chain no longer exists, closing its doors in 2006. Years later I bought Taking Over on CD. I never owned this gem on cassette.
My favorite song on Taking Over is the powerful thrash hym: In Union We Stand. To this very day, this song galvanizes my Metal soul and creates positive chills through my body. Electro-Violence encapsulates everything that a thrash song should be; speed, aggression, explosive and short guitar solos with a blistering rhythm section that induces moshing and head-banging madness.
Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth is still my favorite thrash vocalist of all-time. I always felt that his vocals are so unique that no other vocalist remotely sounds like him. This OVERKILL lineup, with Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth were truly pioneering and legendary, with drummer Rat Skates, bassist D. D. Verni and guitarist Bobby Gustafson.
• Taking Over is the last OVERKILL studio album that drummer Rat Skates would perform on.
ACT III U.S. Tour 2026 ~ Performing the album ACT III in its entirety:
5/1/26 – Phoenix, AZ – Marquee Theater 5/3/26 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom 5/5/26 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues 5/7/26 – Daytona, FL – Welcome to Rockville 5/10/26 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground 5/11/26 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel 5/12/26 – Hobart, IN – Hobart Theater 5/14/26 – Detroit, MI – St Andrews Hall 5/15/26 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom 5/16/26 – Norwalk, CT – District Music Hall 5/19/26 – Wilmington, DE – The Queen 5/20/26 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theater 5/21/26 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City 5/22/26 – Allentown, PA – Archer Music Hall 5/24/26 – Baltimore, MD – Maryland Deathfest 5/27/26 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade Hell 5/28/26 – Orlando, FL – The Abbey 5/29/26 – Ft Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room 5/30/26 – Tampa, FL – Orpheum 6/2/26 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl 6/3/26 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom 6/5/26 – Milwaukee, WI – MKE Metal Fest 6/6/26 – St Louis, MO – Red Flag 6/8/26 – Wichita, KS – Wave 6/9/26 – Greeley, CO – Moxi Theater 6/10/26 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep 6/11/26 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex 6/12/26 – Boise, ID – Shrine Ballroom 6/14/26 – Seattle, WA – Showbox 6/16/26 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater 6/17/26 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades 6/18/26 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theater 6/19/26 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory 6/20/26 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Music Hall 6/21/26 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalys
February 24, 1995 – OVERKILL performed at Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio. Their 15th studio album, W.F.O., was released in 1994.
February 24, 2006 – OVERKILL shared the stage with PRONG at Harpos Concert Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The bands’ 13th studio album, RELIXIV, was released a year earlier in 2005.
February 24, 2009 – OVERKILL performed at Markthalle in Hamburg, Germany. Exodus, Gama Bomb and Torture Squad were also on the bill. OVERKILL were touring in-between studio albums, with 2007’s Immortalis being their most recent at the time.
February 24, 2010 – OVERKILL performed at Wulfrun Hall in Wolverhampton, England, UK. Opening bands were: Suicidal Angels, Savage Messiah and Cripper. OVERKILL were touring in support of their 15th studio album: Ironbound.
February 24, 2013 – OVERKILL performed at Wooly’s in Des Moines, Iowa. The band were continuing to support their 2012 album release: The Electric Age.
February 24, 2017 – OVERKILL performed at Slim’s in San Francisco, California. They were touring to support their 18th studio album: The Grinding Wheel.
Australian death/thrash duo BATTLEGRAVE are set to return with their third and most devastating full-length release to date.
Enslavement delivers 10 tracks of unbridled and vitriolic, death-laden thrash metal. This relentless barrage of calculated venom, intense riffing, and punishing rhythmic precision further cements the band’s reputation for uncompromising extremity.
Lyrically tied to themes of violence and aggression, Enslavement weaves an interlocking narrative of a subterranean demon harvesting human souls to satiate its unending hunger. This conceptual core adds a sinister layer beneath the album’s sonic brutality.
Fans can experience a sample of what’s to come with the album’s first single, “Bonesaw.”
The band comments on the song: “Bonesaw’ delivers an aural assault on the listener, with all the power of a screwdriver plunged into the eardrum. Delving into the world of dismemberment, the track lyrically focuses on the evolution of medical tools in forensic pathology and features razor sharp riffage, a chaotic drum performance, two skin ripping solos and a vocal attack aimed directly for the jugular. Prepare to be taken apart piece by piece with the bonesaw.”
Watch the official music video for “Bonesaw” here.
The album was recorded by Clint Patzel of BATTLEGRAVE, mixed by Tim Shearman and mastered by Logan Mader. Session drums by Robin Stone.
Track-listing: 1) Soul Chasm
2) There Is Only Death
3) Bonesaw
4) Eyes Of Enslavement
5) Venom
6) The Grand Machine Of Despair
7) Asylum
8) Marked By Evil
9) Under The Banner We March
10) US Outpost 31
Line-up:
Rohan Buntine – Vocals, Lyrics
Clint Patzel – All Strings
BAND BIO:
BATTLEGRAVE are a two-piece death/thrash project from Melbourne, Australia, formed in 2017 following the release of their debut demo track, “Mortar Fire,” which quickly generated strong underground buzz.
The duo followed with the EP To Hellwith War (2017) and full-length albums Relics of a Dead Earth (2018) and Cavernous Depths (2022, via Bitter Loss Records), establishing a reputation for blending savage thrash intensity with punishing death metal weight. Their releases have received consistent acclaim across the global metal press and airplay on international radio platforms.
While primarily a studio-driven force, BATTLEGRAVE have also brought their music to the stage, recruiting respected musicians from Melbourne’s metal scene to deliver their blistering sound in a live setting.
Throughout their discography, the project has collaborated with world-class drummers including Kevin Talley, 66Samus, and most recently Robin Stone, further reinforcing the precision and power behind the band’s extreme sonic identity.
Aussie thrash stalwarts IN MALICE’S WAKE have announced the impending release of their long-awaited fifth studio album, The Profound Darkness.
Where previous albums have all progressively stepped downward into darker and more brutal territory over the years, The Profound Darkness conjures a demonic presence that feels closer than ever before. This album is an exploration of the darkness that awaits us all beyond the grave, a journey through the various forms that the great unknown may take, told through a collection of 9 carefully crafted stories.
An infernal blend of Death and Blackened Thrash metal, IN MALICE’S WAKE continue to prioritize crafting songs that stand the test of time, songs that speak with a haunting, iconic and truly recognizable voice.
IN MALICE’S WAKE calls the album a tribute to all the incredible people who have supported the band globally over the previous quarter of a century.
The Profound Darkness was mixed by Chris Themelco at Monolith Studio in Melbourne, Australia and mastered by Plec Johansson at Panic Room Mastering. Artwork by Shaun Farrugia of IN MALICE’S WAKE.
Line-up:
Mark Farrugia – Drums Shaun Farrugia – Vocals, Guitars Karl Watterson – Bass Leigh Bartley – Guitars
BIO:
IN MALICE’S WAKE are the unholy crossing of Death Metal, Thrash Metal and total darkness. Over two decades of savagery across countless stages and five studio albums have honed the band into the force it is today. Combining timeless songwriting with an infamously violent live show, IN MALICE’S WAKE have left a true impression throughout Australia and overseas.
IN MALICE’S WAKE have supported many of the greats, including TRIUMPH OF DEATH (CHE), POSSESSED (USA), BLOODBATH (SWE), DESTRUCTION (GER) and countless others. The haunting melodies and iconic songwriting are most present in the latest demonic opus – The Profound Darkness.
With release of this album, IN MALICE’S WAKE now extend their shadow to reach to an even greater audience, while celebrating this latest release with their incredible long-term supporter base.
Independent label powerhouse M-Theory Audio is thrilled to announce the signing of Long Island metal force EXTINCTION A.D. To kick off this new chapter, the band will release their fierce new single “Dead Men Running” on all streaming/download platforms setting the stage for an explosive year ahead.
“The band is excited to be working with M-Theory Audio because we have a very specific outline for the entirety of 2026 and how we want to attack the entire year. Finding the right group to be in the foxhole with us for this marathon was extremely important,” reveals singer/guitarist Rick Jimenez.
“Dead Men Running is all about diving headfirst into what you know is right for you despite all opposition from the outside world as well as internal conflict. The journey towards self-actualization is insanely difficult but there is no greater goal to seek.”
Fans should expect a blistering sonic attack and a message of resilience at the core of the track’s explosive energy.
Since forming in 2013 in Medford, Long Island from the ashes of This Is Hell, EXTINCTION A.D. has forged a reputation for relentless crossover thrash infused with hardcore urgency and socially charged themes. Over the past decade the band has grown from raw underground roots to sharing stages with respected acts and carving out a distinct voice in the modern metal landscape.
Critics and metal media have taken note of the band’s evolving ferocity and musical identity. Their 2018 single “Age of Revenge” was celebrated by MetalSucks as a “tornado track” with a chorus “menacing, anthemic, and catchier than a bear trap,” suggesting that “thrash’s future looks bright” with a band like EXTINCTION A.D. at the helm.
Earlier releases, on labels like Good Fight and Unique Leader, further showcased the band’s capability to merge fierce riff work with emotional and thematic depth. Their output has drawn comparisons to powerful East Coast thrash and hardcore hybrids, with critics praising their raw energy and ability to keep the classic thrash ethos alive while pushing it forward.
Thrashing just as hard as their predecessors, the band also break their surroundings down and deliver some heavy as hell riotous mosh; hitting that all-important sweet spot mixture of ‘80s thrash, ‘90s extreme metal and New York hardcore, all encompassed into one. Never afraid to speak their minds amidst a divisive world, EXTINCTION A.D. brings a decisive power to match their frenetic energy. The endgame is not just rebellion but revolution.
UPCOMING LIVE: 4/12 – OCNY Vets Center – New Windsor, NY 6/20 – Empire Underground – Albany, NY 6/27 – NJ Metalfest – Debonair Music Hall – Teaneck, NJ
EXTINCTION A.D. are: Rick Jimenez – vocals and guitar Ian Cimaglia – lead guitar and vocals Tom Wood – bass Mike Sciulara – drums
CYCLONE are an underrated cult favorite amongst metal fans having released two solid thrash albums in 1986 and 1990. The Belgian band has now added a new 5-song EP, Known Unto God, to their arsenal. Available online or in stores Known Unto God showcases immediately intense and infectious intensity throughout, sure to please fans of thrash, hardcore and traditional speed metal. Check out their new lyric video for “Nothing Is Real” for more proof.
Known Unto God is available as a limited (200) silver bullet colored vinyl (with download code) or as Digipak CD via M-Theory Audio. Order now at: www.m-theoryaudio.com
The 5 new songs were all written by core members singer Guido Gevels and guitarist Stefaan Daamen and recorded by Guido backed by a younger and invigorated lineup with vocal and drum production, along with mix and mastering handled by Martin Furia (Destruction, Nervosa, Evil Invaders). The artwork of Known Unto God is courtesy of Ivan S. Bragin (October Tide, The Gathering).
The first chapter of CYCLONE history dates back to 1980 when 5 teenagers obsessed with NWOBHM decided to start a band. Experience they have not, but enthusiasm aplenty. A few years later, and after a series of shows with then established Acid, the quintet release their In The Grip of Evil demo – a cornerstone of European extreme metal.
The demo is supported by opening slots for Anthrax, Overkill, Agent Steel, Kreator and Destruction which leads to label interest with the band choosing to sign with Roadrunner Records. The monstrous Brutal Destruction is released followed by tours supporting Metallica and Slayer.
Times change, people change and hard choices have to be made, resulting in Guido and Stefaan working with three new players on 1990’s ‘Inferior To None.’ A European tour with Blessed Death is made to support the album, followed by another continental run with Sadus, The Obsessed and The Accused but by 1993 CYCLONE decide to call it quits. Now with a new lease on life and today’s release CYCLONE continue to write their story.
Metal Church return with their 13th studio album, Dead to Rights, scheduled for release on April 10, 2026 via Rat Pak Records (America), Reaper (Europe/UK) and Rubicon (Japan).
The album marks the first release from the band’s latest lineup, featuring founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof alongside longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, joined by bass icon David Ellefson, powerhouse drummer Ken Mary, and dynamic new vocalist Brian Allen.
From the aggressive opening assault of “Brainwash Game” to the riff-driven finale “My Wrath,” Metal Church prove they still possess the same relentless drive that has earned them fans for over four decades. Tracks such as “Deep Cover Shakedown,” “The Show,” and “Wasted Time” deliver the signature sound the band has long been known for.
The album’s first single,“F.A.F.O.”, was released last November, with its accompanying video surpassing 400,000 views to date. Dead To Rights was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed and mastered by Zeuss at Planet Z.
“This new album is very special to me for one reason: the band was over, and I honestly didn’t see it being resurrected. But somehow, it brought itself back to life – again!” exclaims Kurdt Vanderhoof. “I’m incredibly proud of these new songs; they hit hard. Brian Allen brings the classic Metal Church sound to the vocals, and adding a rhythm section with musicians of the caliber of Dave Ellefson and Ken Mary makes this a force to be reckoned with. If you enjoy classic Metal Church, you’re going to love this record.”
The tremendous Testament begins their European Festival Summer 2026 Tour on June 29th in Antwerp, Belgium, at Middenvijver Park. Death Angel, Metal Church, Armored Saint and Hellripper join as guests on select dates!
06/29 – Antwerp, BEL @ Middenvijver 07/01 – Viveiro SPA @ Resurrection Fest 07/03 – Villaava, SPA @ Sala Totem Aretoa (feat. Hellripper) 07/04 – Barcelona, SPA @ Rock Fest 07/05 – Cartagena, SPA @ Rock Imperium Festival 07/07 – Zaragoza, SPA @ Teatro de las Esquinas (feat. Hellripper) 07/08 – Toulouse, FRA @ Le Bikini (feat. Hellripper) 07/29 – Bergen, NET @ Beyond The Gates Festival 07/31 – Rejmyre, SWE @ Skogsrojet Festival 08/01 – Gothenburg, SWE @ Pustervik (feat. Metal Church & Armored Saint) 08/02 – Lund, SWE @ Mejeriet (feat. Metal Church & Armored Saint) 08/04 – Kiel, GER @ Die Pumpe (feat. Metal Church) 08/05 – Leer, GER @ Zollhausverein (feat. Death Angel) 08/06 – Schlotheim, GER @ Party San 08/07 – Cologne, GER @ Essigfabrik (feat. Death Angel & Metal Church) 08/08 – Kortrijk, BEL @ Alcatraz Festival 08/09 – Derbyshire, UK @ Bloodstock Open Air 08/11 – Karlsruhe, GER @ Substage (feat. Death Angel & Metal Church) 08/12 – Obertraubling, GER @ Airport-Eventhall (feat. Death Angel & Metal Church) 08/13 – Krakow, POL @ Klub Studio (feat. Metal Church & Armored Saint) 08/14 – Moravsky Krumlov, CZE @ Rock Castle 08/15 – Dinkelsbuehl, GER @ Summer Breeze 08/16 – Eindhoven, NET @ Dynamo Metalfest
TESTAMENT:
Chuck Billy – vocals Eric Peterson – guitar Alex Skolnick – guitar Steve DiGiorgio – bass Chris Dovas – drums
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Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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