On February 28th, VOIVOD launched their 2024 North American Tour with PRONG, in Columbus, Ohio, at The King of Clubs. I was accompanied by my buddy Troy, who helped guide me along in the trenches due to my now using a cane to get around.
I’ve waited my entire life to see this legendary, pioneering, Canadian Metal band and I was left in awe; reminded at just how fabulous they are as musicians. Honestly, watching and hearing Michel “Away” Langevin was a treat in itself. His drumming was simply captivating.
Michel “Away” Langevin – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Away is a founding member of VOIVOD and I’ve always yearned to hear and see his drumming on the live stage. Mission accomplished!
Michel “Away” Langevin – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Fronted by vocalist and founding member Denis “Snake” Bélanger, VOIVOD had their fans ecstatic the entire night; inviting us all into the Sci-Fi themed world of their progressive thrash.
VOIVOD played songs that spanned their deep catalog of albums, (see set-list below). Snake stalked the stage, adding humor with his mannerisms to the Sci-Fi sound effects and speaking to the crowd between songs.
Snake’s vocals were sound and he worked the stage like a true Metal warrior. Snake even did a tribute to late founding member and guitarist Denis “Piggy” D’Amour, with VOIVOD playing their first ever song for him. The crowd chanted “Piggy” and it made for a memorable moment.
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Lead guitarist, Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain was on fire the entire show! His playing is top-tier for Metal guitarists, in my Metal opinion. I was caught fixated on his shredding and so were many, many around me; if he could’ve heard the adoration! Chewy has become a fixture of VOIVOD over these years.
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain and Away – photo credit: Stone/Metal OdysseyDominic “Rocky” Laroche – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Bassist Dominic “Rocky” Laroche was head banging while playing nearly the entire set it seemed, it looked like he felt every note he played go through his body and so did the crowd of fans! He and Away fit together perfectly on the rhythm section.
In summary, if you get any chance to see VOIVOD on their current tour or live in the future then GO! Truly one of the very best of Metal bands ever and they delivered a memorable show to brag about! Metal be thy name! – Stone
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
SETLIST:
Forgotten in Space Condemned to the Gallows Holographic Thinking Rise Pre-Ignition Nuclear War Fall Tribal Convictions The End of Dormancy Fix My Heart Encore: Voivod
Chilean Thrashers Critical Defiance are set to release new album The Search Won’t Fall… March 22 on CD via UnspeakableAxeRecords and vinyl LP via Dying VictimsProductions. The album will also be available digitally on the usual platforms.
Critical Defiance has released a lyric video for “44 Minds” and an official video for the title track, both of which are available below:
The Chilean metal force known as Critical Defiance has something for every thrash fan out there. Not in the sense of being homogenized and generic, but in their alchemical and nearly magical melding of blitzkrieg tempos, dizzying technicality, aggressive shouts and gang vocals, and rarest of all for a post-1990 thrash act – a healthy dose of actual, memorable melody. They have added a new element to the mix: just a taste of the eerie melancholy and harsh melodrama of black metal.
Their release schedule has been nearly as fast as their music, with the debut (Misconception) coming in 2019, and its follow-up (No Life Forms) in 2022. They have let even less time elapse from then until this new platter’s arrival, taking line-up changes in stride and pushing forward relentlessly regardless.
The addition of Mauricio Toledo on guitar (just prior to their previous album) has pushed their music in new directions. That black metal aspect, some tremelo riffing, some blastbeats, bits of a distinctly new melodic sensibility–lends the album an updated feeling that sets it apart from its predecessors, while by no means abandoning the thrash foundation that has served them so well.
All of this ambition is well-served by a terrific production job that balances just the right amount of rawness and polish. Three albums in, Critical Defiance are poised to deliver their most ferocious work yet. Angry yet uplifting, full of the spirit of true metal both old and new, it’s a record that only these guys could make.
Exclusive Special Limited Edition 2LP Gatefold Colored Vinyl Reissue With Personal Liner Notes
Record Store Day began in 2008, and since many fans and retailers look forward to the annual event celebrating independent record stores and the numerous exclusive releases issued on the special day. This year RSD will be April 20th and M-Theory Audio is proud to represent again with a special vinyl reissue and we are pleased to bring you a limited edition 2LP colored vinyl reissue from Bay Area Thrashers FORBIDDEN for their 2010 comeback album, ‘Omega Wave.’
Limited to 1000 copies, this double album will be presented on clear vinyl, one with blue splatter and the other record red splatter, to reflect the colors in Kent Mathieu’s (Exodus, Possessed, Autopsy) stunning artwork of the crystal skull with the red and blue flying skulls reminiscent of his work on FORBIDDEN’s 1988 debut.
Additionally, this gatefold 2LP will include a 4-page insert featuring lengthy and personal liner notes from guitarist Craig Locicero recalling the era when the band reformed, wrote and recorded this cherished effort along with an extra band photo from Alex Solca and revamped layout by FORBIDDEN fan and Metal Church/Ross the Boss singer Marc Lopes.
‘Omega Wave’ marks a significant time as it was FORBIDDEN’s first comeback as original members Craig Locicero, bassist Matt Camacho and singer Russ Anderson regrouped and created a new album, their first since 1997’s ‘Green,’ with new members guitarist Steve Smyth (Testament, Nevermore, Vicious Rumors) and drummer Mark Hernandez (Vio-lence, Heathen, Defiance), which saw the group sign to Nuclear Blast Records and tour to support the album before hibernating again. Many regard ‘Omega Wave’ as an unheralded masterpiece and a record worth further investigation hence the value of bringing the effort back and making it available once more.
“In our opinion, ‘Omega Wave’ may be Forbidden’s strongest and most complete effort. That’s no disrespect to our first four offerings and the amazingly talented musicians that contributed to them. Those are all untouchable in their time,” states guitarist Craig Locicero. “After the years off, we had clear perspective and a new inspiration to make the best possible thrash record we could. We feel that we accomplished it.”
“Now we are very excited to have ‘Omega Wave’ re-released with a special two record, colored vinyl release and new packaging though M-Theory Audio. This ultra-limited special edition will be available on 4-20-24. Record Store Day! Get yours while you can.”
Additionally the timing of this is even more apparent considering FORBIDDEN premiered again in 2023 with a series of live shows and a further revamped lineup now featuring Craig, Matt, Steve and new singer Norman Skinner (Niviane, Imagika) and drummer Chris Kontos (Machine Head, Testament, Verbal Abuse). The group has met with tremendous renewed interest and performed several prestigious live dates with many more high-profile festivals on this year’s calendar including Hell’s Heroes, OmegaFest, Maryland Deathfest and Brutal Assault. Writing continues on FORBIDDEN’s forthcoming sixth album.
‘Omega Wave’ will be exclusively at indie record stores as part of the Record Store Day celebration. Check in with your local retailer and let them know you’re interested. Find stores and more information at recordstoreday.com
34 years since their latest album “Violent By Nature”, released in 1990, Tucson, Arizona-based thrash metal titans ATROPHY return with a brand new album! “Asylum” will be unleashed on March 15, 2024 via Massacre Records, the pre-sale is now available at https://lnk.to/atrophyasylum
“Asylum” marks the next evolutionary step for ATROPHY. Keeping the speed of “Socialized Hate” and the grooves of “Violent By Nature”, this album adds a big dose of heaviness to the mix resulting in a satisfying aural kick in your face! Today, the iconic band has premiered a lyric video for their first single, the album opening track “Punishment For All”, watch the clip now streaming HERE.
““Punishment For All” was inspired by the attempted insurrection on January 6 (2021) with Covid-19 restrictions still in play. To sit in my living room and watch this unfold was almost too much to bear. Americans were at each other‘s throats, calling people traitors, or trying to undermine democracy and not believing in the results of the election, following the myriad conspiracy theories that were swirling around at the time.” Frontman Brian Zimmerman comments.
“I thought to myself what if they were successful? What are we, as a country divided, going to do then? Take down everything we have built together as a country? What are we putting in place? Are we just going to do whatever the loudest people tell us to do? The whole thing was just absolutely crazy.”
“Asylum” was produced, mixed and mastered by Alex Parra at Second Sight Studio. The album tracklist will read as follows:
Punishment For All
High Anxiety
Seeds Of Sorrow
Distortion
Bleeding Out
American Dream
Close My Eyes
The Apostle
Five Minutes ‘Til Suicide
Album Lineup: Brian Zimmerman – Vocals Nathan Montalvo – Lead Guitar Mark Coglan – Rhythm Guitar Josh Gibbs – Bass Guitar Jonas Shütz – Drums
GUEST MUSICIANS: Kragen Lum – Lead Guitar on “American Dream” Justin Stear – Bass Guitar on “American Dream”, “Close My Eyes”, “Distortion”
Danish thrash metal icons ARTILLERY are pleased to announce a North American headlining tour celebrating their 40th anniversary! The journey, initially scheduled to take place last Fall but postponed due to visa issues, begins March 27th in Austin, Texas, closes April 20th in Toronto, Ontario, and includes a performance at 2 Minutes To Tulsa Festival in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Support will be provided by Vapor and Potential Threat.
ARTILLERY guitarist Michael Stutzer comments, “We are really excited to get back to North America to celebrate 40 years of ARTILLERY‘s thrash metal. We had an amazing time on our last tour and can’t wait to meet our diehard fans again.”
Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
ARTILLERY w/ Vapor, Potential Threat: 3/27/2024 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 3/28/2024 The Compound – Houston, TX 3/29/2024 2 Minutes To Tulsa Festival @ Vanguard – Tulsa, OK 3/30/2024 Feed N Seed – Lafayette, LA 3/31/2024 Midcity Ballroom – Baton Rouge, LA 4/01/2024 Siberia – New Orleans, LA 4/02/2023 Conduit – Winter Park, FL 4/03/2024 Brass Mug – Tampa, FL 4/04/2024 Boggs Social – Atlanta, GA 4/05/2024 Ridgeville Roadhouse – Ridgeville, SC 4/06/2024 Ground Zero – Spartanburg, SC 4/07/2024 Another Round – Richmond, VA 4/08/2024 Preserving Underground – New Kensington, PA 4/09/2024 Cactus Club – Milwaukee, WI 4/10/2024 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 4/11/2024 Sherman Showcase – Stroudsburg, PA 4/12/2024 Sammy’s Patio – Boston, MA 4/13/2024 Meadows – Brooklyn, NY 4/14/2024 Alchemy – Providence, RI 4/15/2024 Timeless Babez (The Pit) – Buffalo, NY 4/16/2024 L’Anti Bar And Spectacles – Quebec City, QC 4/18/2024 Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC 4/19/2024 Dominion Tavern – Ottawa, ON 4/20/2024 Hard Luck – Toronto, ON
In the mid-1980s, Denmark’s ARTILLERY established themselves as being at the cutting edge of the thrash movement. Four decades later, they continue to destroy. The band’s most recent studio offering – the aptly titled, ‘X’ — was released in 2021 via Metal Blade Records. ‘X’ was tracked in Medley Studio in Copenhagen, Denmark with producer Søren Andersen, who the band have worked with on every record since 2009’s ‘When Death Comes’.
Formed in 2017, DEVASTATOR is a four-piece Black Thrash band from the county of Derbyshire in the United Kingdom . They released their debut album ‘Baptised in Blasphemy’ in 2019 on UK label Clobber records. The album was reissued remixed and remastered with 8 bonus tracks in November 2023 on Listenable. DEVASTATOR will release their brand new album ‘Conjurers of Cruelty’ on the 1st of March, 2024.
Expanding on the raucous Black ‘n’ Roll attitude of the band’s debut and turning up the Black Metal to cacophonous levels, DEVASTATOR‘s sophomore release ‘Conjurers of Cruelty’ differs in many aspects without losing the spirit and power of the band’s debut, harnessing other avenues in Extreme Metal and presenting a multilayered and expansive record which explores both Black Metal and Death Metal, whilst still delivering the furious Thrash Metal assault and NWOBHM drenched force that the band has become known for.
Ritual Abuse (Evil Never Dies) – Official Lyric Video watch HERE
The band comments on the new single : ‘Ritual Abuse (Evil Never Dies)’:
“We are proud to present the first offering from our long awaited new album ‘Conjurers of Cruelty’, when writing the material for this record we wanted to not only expand on the formula of our previous effort but also implement a stronger contemporary Black Metal approach which the first album only merely touched upon. This quickly became very natural to us and added to the new album’s overall themes of ritual sacrifice and ceremonial conjurations. ‘Ritual Abuse (Evil Never Dies)’ is a perfect example of our influences in complete and total display, from straight forward-no nonsense-Teutonic-styled Thrash, to pure Celtic Frost worship, topped off with a grim Black Metal outro”.
DEVASTATOR ’s new album ‘ Conjurers of Cruelty’ was recorded at Godhand Studios in Derbyshire with producer Ben ‘Audiomage’ Gaines who also remixed and remastered ‘Baptised in Blasphemy’.
DEVASTATOR – Conjurers of Cruelty’ Album track-listing: 1) Beyond the Gate. 1:06 2) Conjurers of Cruelty 5:01 3) Black Witchery. 5:02 4) Ritual Abuse (Evil Never Dies) 4:51 5) Walpurgisnacht 4:17 6) Necromantic Lust 3:13 7) Deathspell Defloration 5:58 8) Bestial Rites. 2:46 9) Sharpen the Blade. 4:10 10) Rabid Morbid Death 7:50 11) Liar in Wait 3:52 * 12) Death Forever 3:14 * (*CD bonus tracks )
DEVASTATOR: T. Nachtghul – Bass Guitar & Lead Vocals R. Amun – Lead Guitar C. W. Wolfgang – Rhythm Guitar J. Scarlett – Drums
Bay Area thrash icons VIO-LENCE will return to the stage this April for a special eight-date headlining tour featuring the band performing their classic 1988-released debut full-length Eternal Nightmare in its entirety!
The tour runs from April 5th in Cambridge, Massachusetts through April 13th in Chicago, Illinois. Support will be provided by Exhorder, Deceased, and Mortal Wound. Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
VIO-LENCE w/ Exhorder, Deceased, Mortal Wound: 4/05/2024 Middle East / Downstairs – Cambridge, MA 4/06/2024 Monarch – Brooklyn, NY 4/07/2024 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA 4/08/2024 The Ottobar – Baltimore, MD 4/10/2024 The Winchester – Cleveland, OH 4/11/2024 Legends Bar & Venue – Cincinnati, OH 4/12/2024 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 4/13/2024 Reggies – Chicago, IL
Formed in 1985, Oakland thrashers VIO-LENCE helped define and refine what came to be known as the Bay Area sound, dropping three seminal albums before splitting in 1993. Leaving behind a heady legacy, they briefly reformed a handful of times in the intervening years before becoming a full-time band once more in 2019.
After playing a string of successful shows, the quintet delivered Let The World Burn in 2022, a five-song EP showcasing their first new material in twenty-nine years. Delivering on the classic VIO-LENCE sound, Let The World Burn was tracked in Trident Studios in Pacheco, California by Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Exodus), mixed by Tue Madsen (Dark Tranquillity, Heaven Shall Burn), and mastered by Ted Jensen (Alice In Chains, Death Angel).
LISTENABLE is bloody chuffed signing UK thrash metal legends XENTRIX again for a new multi album deal.
Kristian Havard (Guitar) comments: “Xentrix are extremely excited to continue our relationship with Listenable records by signing with them once again. Listenable is a label that is run by people who are incredibly focused, knowledgeable and more importantly, massively passionate about metal music. And it’s these differences that made it a no brainer when it came time to for the band to choose a label for new music.”
Hailing from the North West of England, XENTRIX was formed in 1985 by guitar player Chris Astley. After numerous changes to the line up XENTRIX signed to Roadrunner records and entered the studio to record their first album ‘Shattered Existence’ with producer John Cuniberti (Vio-lence, Forbidden, Joe Satriani). XENTRIX have been one of the leading lights of the British thrash metal movement. They had music videos which all had regular air time on MTV’s Headbangers Ball.
Gaining global notoriety, XENTRIX had many high energy performances with audiences of thousands.
Mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap, XENTRIX ’s comeback album ‘Bury the Pain’ was released in 2019 on Listenable records, with production from Andy Sneap and Mastering by Russ Russell. This new recording showed the band sounding heavier than ever, while still retaining their signature sound.
Latest and 7th studio album “Seven Words” released in late 2022 remains a crushing compendium of all that has made this band what it is today.
BAND LINE UP: Jay Walsh – Vocals/Guitar Kristian Havard – Guitar Chris Shires – Bass Dennis Gasser – Drums
DISCOGRAPHY: Shattered existence (1989) Ghostbusters (1990) For Whose Advantage? (1990) Dilute to Taste (1991) The Order of Chaos (1992) Kin (1992 ) Scourge (1996) Bury the Pain (2019) Seven Words (2022)
The band will make their triumphant return to Latin America for 10 shows, with the first stop in Lima, Peru on Saturday, April 6. In addition to Peru, upcoming stops include Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil and México. Presale tickets for Mexico will be available for Cyber Army members beginning Saturday, November 11 at 10AM local time. Presales for the rest of the tour dates are listed below and coming soon.
“April of 2024 Megadeth returns to South America to support our latest record, The Sick, The Dying, And The Dead!, and I always get excited because there is something truly different about South America. I don’t know what it is… but whatever IT is, they come by it naturally,” shared frontman Dave Mustaine. “We are also planning a really big surprise for where “Aguante Megadeth” all started in Buenos Aires, too! So… if you can, DO NOT MISS THAT SHOW!”
Ticket and VIP Package Presales begin Saturday, November 11, 2023 in select markets.
Today, US thrash metal legends SACRED REICH release MC re-issues of their classic albums “Surf Nicaragua” (1988) and “The American Way” (1990) via Time To Kill Records. Order your copies now at:
SACRED REICH is an American thrash metal band based in Phoenix, Arizona, that was formed in 1985. The band split in 2000, but reunited in 2006. They have been credited, along with Testament, Destruction, Death Angel and Dark Angel, for leading the second wave of thrash metal in the late 1980s.
In 2019, SACRED REICHreleased their first record in twenty-three years: “Awakening”. Showcasing everything a fan would expect and hope for from the Phoenix, Arizona unit, “Awakening” is a timeless collection comprised of blistering thrash, crushing grooves, meticulous solos, and socially conscious lyrics. The return of Dave McClain, who manned the drum throne from 1991 to 1997, and the addition of twenty-two-year old guitarist Joey Radziwill, alongside original members guitarist Wiley Arnett and vocalist/bassist Phil Rind, are integral facets of the record.
“Awakening” was produced by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Cavalera Conspiracy), engineered by John Aquilino, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Halford, Armored Saint).
Salt Lake City (UT) – SLC Thrashers DEATHBLOW have partnered with Ghostcult for the exclusive premiere of forthcoming EP, Rotten Trajectory! Stream the EP below!
DEATHBLOW will release Rotten Trajectory on September 29th via Sewer Mouth Records!
On the aptly-named Rotten Trajectory, the band serves up three new ripping thrash metal songs with death metal and punk influences. The EP can be considered an appetizer for the full metal meal coming in the near future!
DEATHBLOW will embark on the ‘Rotten Tour-jectory’ tour in October, which will take them to Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Arizona.
Dates are as follows:
10/13 – Denver, CO (Lost Lake Lounge) 10/14 – Tulsa, OK (The Whittier Bar) 10/15 – Arlington,TX (The Sunshine Bar) 10/16 – Houston,TX (Black Magic) 10/17 – Austin, TX (The Lost Well) 10/18 – San Antonio, TX (Hi-Tones) 10/19 – El Paso, TX (TBA) 10/20 – Tucson, TX (House Show) 10/21 – Tempe (Metalheads MC)
ETERNAL EVIL release new video for the album title track ‘The Gates Beyond Mortality’ set to be released on October 27th! Watch It HERE!
The New single ‘The Gates Beyond Mortality’ is out now on all digital stores and you can also preorder the album in Limited edition Digipack CD , Fire Amber vinyl of 500 copies worldwide & cassette with full cooler print on the shell.
Influenced by Thrash Metal Royalties Slayer, Kreator, Destruction and Exodus’earlier works, ETERNAL EVIL was formed in Stockholm – Sweden in 2019. The band has intended to carry on the legacy of early High energy early Classic Thrash insanity.
Their quickly sold out ‘Rise of Death’ self released demo recorded in band leader Adrian Tobar’s garage and It was later eissued by Iron Fist and Redefining Darkness records.
Shortly after the demo release, the world was hit by a pandemic and during those restrictive years, the band worked on in silence and brought in Norrland guitarist Tobias Lindström. Recorded at Studio Humbucker by Robert Pehrsson, the band’s full length debut ‘The Warriors Awakening… Brings The Unholy Slaughter’ got released in November 2021.
Now with two new members, the band is ready with its follow-up album “The Gates beyond Mortality” to be released in October 2023. With lyrical themes from Occult Practice to the violent nature of warfare the band has crafted an album that has broken all the rules and standards from previous times, which makes this album sound darker than anything they have released prior.
Having kickstarted with an indestructible enthusiasm conjuring malicious Old School Metal powers, ETERNAL EVIL are destined to make that head bang forever!
The Gates beyond Mortality’ Tracklisting: 1) Depths a of a New Eternity 2:07 2) Guerilla Warfare 3:32 3) The Gates Beyond Mortality 5:30 4) Funeral Prayers 4:05 5) Signs of Ancient Sin 4:40 6) Desecration of Light 3:30 7) The Astral Below 6:00 8) Immolation 4:08 9) The Cursed Trilogy 7:29
ETERNAL EVIL (new band line up): Adrian Tobar – Vocals and Lead Guitar Tobias Lindström – Lead Guitar Niklas Saari – Bass Guitar Adam Schmidt – Drums
Oakland, California-based melodic death/thrash metal quartet GLACIER EATER emerges with their second album, Tempest, confirming the record for release through Glacier Recordings at the end of October, and issuing the cover art, track listing, preorders, and the title track as the lead single.
Bursting out of the thrash mecca of the Bay Area like an alien thrash baby tearing through your stomach, GLACIER EATER again delivers their shredding alloy of metals with the long-awaited follow-up to their 2015-relesed eponymous debut, Tempest. Acting as a prequel to Glacier Eater, Tempest reveals an odyssey of turmoil and tragedy through the lyrics and vocals of Keith Welch and Ryan Hansen. Each song is another chapter in a story about the struggles of trying to create a better life, the self-inflicted tortures we pull ourselves out of, and the lessons learned through the reflections of the journey endured.
Lifted off the shoulders of guitarists/vocalists Keith Welch (Sworn Vengeance, Murder Practice) and Ryan Hansen (Light This City, ESP Guitars artist), GLACIER EATER introduces new drummer Trey Derbes (Heartsounds) and bassist Bret Fontaine on the new album. With eight crushing tracks, Tempest is reminiscent of the 2000s Swedish melodic death metal sound, showcasing virtuoso guitar solos and decimating riffs delivered at breakneck speed.
Tempest was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the legendary Zack Ohren (Machine Head, Cattle Decapitation, All Shall Perish) at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, and completed with artwork by Trey Derbes.
The first single from Tempest is the album’s title track. Ryan Hansen writes about the song, “‘Tempest’ was a great song to be the title track of the album because I think we really hit one of the highest peaks of intensity for the record on this one. The song describes a ship getting tossed around and badly damaged in a wild storm at sea, so I wanted the riffs and melodies to feel like a real flurry of notes at times. Also making it one of the biggest pains in the ass to perform! It’s really the only song on the album with a proper chorus making it just feel right to be the leadoff single.”
Keith Welch adds, “The part of ‘Tempest’ I wrote the lyrics for and sing on the record are a self-reflection an individual is having about their own failed attempts to outgrow and overcome their past issues. These thoughts detonate in their head as they feel like they are being punished for their failures to vanquish their past issues while being hurled through a storm at sea.”
Listen to GLACIER EATER’s “Tempest” now at THIS LOCATION.
Glacier Recordings will release “Tempest” digitally on October 27th with a physical version to follow. Find preorders at Bandcamp HERE.
L-R – Colin Ryley – Guitars, Marlee Ryley – Vocals, Ryan Idris – Drums, Jon Power – Bass Photo Credit – Caitlin Delaplace
Hyperia is a Canadian melodic thrash metal band known for wailing vocals, shredding guitars, and fast, heavy drums. Formed in 2018, Hyperia combines elements of aggressive thrash with intricate guitar melodies alongside a wide variety of vocal styles, which have been showcased on an EP and two albums thus far, with the third full-length slated for release this November. The first single off “The Serpent’s Cycle” is the blistering “Prophet Of Deceit”, which takes a more serious tone than the other tracks on the album. The band comments:
“This track brings us back into a serious mood, it is a quite melodic and technical song starting off with blistering guitar into a full-force attack of drums. The working title for this song was “Shredlord Supreme”, which should give you an idea of what to expect. This song is about the problems we have with certain members of society and gaslighting. It’s a hard-hitting track that is full of energy throughout.”
This album “The Serpent’s Cycle” has a wide variety of riffs, ones that will remind listeners of the 80s and also ones that usher in the new era of modern thrash. Song order was intentionally chosen to ensure that each song is given its space between different songs and makes the album continue feeling fresh throughout. Hyperia expects “The Serpent’s Cycle” to be received very well by fans as everyone who has heard it so far agrees it’s by far the best album they’ve made. It has all the usual elements of a Hyperia album, just amplified and refined. They think it’s a huge step up from their previous releases and hope the reception for it proves that.
The melodic and aggressive 11-track album that includes a cover of Heart‘s “Crazy On You” comes out on November 17, 2023, and is a perfect mix of old-school sensibilities and modern experimentation. It is recommended for fans of Exmortus, Municipal Waste, and Havok.
Track Listing: 1. Ego Trip (4:41) 2. Automatic Thrash Machine (4:02) 3. Prophet of Deceit (4:16) 4. Psychosomatic (4:29) 5. The Serpent’s Cycle (5:04) 6. Trapped in Time (3:58) 7. Spirit Bandit (4:04) 8. Eye for an Eye ( 4:47) 9. Binge & Surge (3:44) 10. Deathbringer (5:31) 11. Crazy On You [Heart Cover] (5:03) Album Length: 49:41
Watch and listen to “Prophet Of Deceit” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.
San Antonio (TX) – Hot on the heels of their debut single, “Across Again,” Texas scorchers MYTHOLOGIK are proud to announce the September 20 release of their self-titled debut EP on CD, vinyl, and digital formats!
A lyric video for the EP’s second single, “Todesgeist,” is available now at: youtu.be/1PFoADSymkk.
MYTHOLOGIK is a scorching new Heavy Metal band has emeged from the blistering heat of Texas! Featuring multi-instrumentalist Bryan Eckermann (Solo Artist, Scars of the Flesh, Wings of Abaddon) on all instruments and Joe Gregory (Valkyrie TX) on Vocals. Mixing the Melodic Death Metal tendencies of Eckermann with the 80’s thrash vocals of seasoned veteran Gregory, MYTHOLOGIK are looking to break genre boundaries; bridging dark melodic atmosphere, Thrashing riffs, and Epic symphonic passages with aggressive/soaring vocals. Like a Nuclear Assault/Slayer/King Diamond mash-up, their debut EP goes straight for the jugular and does not let up!
Track Listing:
1 – Across Again 2 – Eroded 3 – Todesgeist 4 – Heir Apparent
The previously released lyric video for “Across Again” is available at: youtu.be/CeYs4sQm_Bo.
Long-running Sacramento, California thrash metal crew PSYCHOSOMATIC announces their first East Coast tour dates in years as they prepare to launch Escaping The Prison Tour 2023 this October.
The upcoming trek marks PSYCHOSOMATIC’s first tour since the release of their crushing seventh LP, The Invisible Prison, which saw release through Nefarious Industries at the height of the pandemic lockdowns to rave reviews but no touring. Escaping The Prison Tour 2023 runs from October 5th through 14th with shows in Atlantic City, Brooklyn, Boston, Cape Cod, Providence, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chesapeake, Richmond, and Raleigh. The band will be joined throughout the run by Chicago-based grinding hardcore outfit and Nefarious Industries labelmates Nequient as well as Boston thrash metal act Black Mass. See the confirmed routing below.
PSYCHOSOMATIC Escaping The Prison Tour 2023: 10/05/2023 Anchor Rock Club – Atlantic City, NJ w/ Black Mass 10/06/2023 Bootleg Bar – Brooklyn, NY w/ Nequient, Black Mass 10/07/2023 O’Brien’s Pub – Boston, MA w/ Nequient, Black Mass 10/08/2023 Arcade Bar – Cape Cod, MA w/ Nequient, Black Mass 10/09/2023 Dusk – Providence, RI w/ Nequient 10/10/2023 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA w/ Nequient 10/11/2023 The Depot – Baltimore, MD w/ Nequient 10/12/2023 RiffHouse Pub – Chesapeake, VA w/ Nequient 10/13/2023 Bandito’s – Richmond, VA w/ Nequient 10/14/2023 Chapel of Bones – Raleigh, NC w/ Nequient
PSYCHOSOMATIC is working on their eighth LP for release in 2024. In the meantime, multiple earlier and out of print titles are in the process of being reissued through Nefarious Industries in the months ahead. Stand by for further updates to post over the weeks ahead.
PSYCHOSOMATIC has released seven studio albums, two EPs, and more since their inception in 1988, during the California thrash metal overthrow. With more than three decades of touring the US and Canada under their belt, the band has played over a thousand shows canvasing the North American tapestry with the likes of Exodus, Vio-lence, Death Angel, M.O.D., Havok, D.R.I., Fear, Possessed, Arsis, Warbringer, Exmortus, Black Breath, Ghoul, Possessed, Phobia, The Accused, Eat The Turnbuckle, Hammer Fight, Deathwish, Wartorn, Dr. Know, Verbal Abuse, Attitude Adjustment, Hirax, and countless others.
Unloading twelve tracks of classic thrash/crossover shred, PSYCHOSOMATIC’s The Invisible Prison was produced, engineered, and mixed by David Sanchez of Havok at Riffs Or Die Recordings, and mastered by Mark Lewis (Chimaira, Trivium, The Black Dahlia Murder) at MRL Studios. The record is completed with art by the band’s founding bassist/vocalist Jeff Salgado, coloring by Vincent Pizarro, layout by Greg Meisenberg, and photography by Michael Alvarez, and includes a cover of “Serial Killer” by Vio-lence.
Find The Inevitable Prison on LP, CD, CS, and digital formats including merch bundles alongside several videos from the album and more at Nefarious Industries HERE.
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions are set to release the debut album from Denmark’s vicious Thrash assassins Destabilizer. Violence Is The Answer! is up now for pre-order and will be released September 22nd on CD and Digital formats along with merch.
Formed in 2020 in Denmark, Destabilizer perform vicious and uncompromising chaotic Thrash metal. With lyrics that provoke and challenge, Violence Is The Answer! delves into the darkest recesses of the human psyche, with a fast-paced and guitar-driven sound that is a furious storm of intensity, accompanied by blistering solos that ignite the senses.
Destabilizer deliver a relentless sonic assault that pushes the boundaries of aggression… a chilling atmosphere that transports listeners to a darker realm. Violence Is The Answer! showcases ten tracks of explosive Thrash complimented by the gory and satanic imagery of renowned artist Mario Lopez, which adds a visually striking dimension to the work.
For fans of Exodus, Exumer, Kreator, Razor, Rigor Mortis, Slayer, Sodom, Tankard, Vio-lence and Voivod
Brutal thrash four-piece INTENT are following up their 2022 full-length Exile with an equally bloodthirsty offering. The upcoming EP, Sins ofthe Pastthat will be released on September 1st, breathes new life into a selection of tracks originally released on their debut record Vox Populi. The new single “Number 12 (Looks Just Like You)” is streaming now.
“We wanted to record these tracks because when we recorded our first album, our budget and other resources were very limited. In the end we felt we didn’t do the songs justice. Years later, now that we have more experience producing our own records, we thought it would be fun to take some of our favorite tracks from our debut and do them the way they were intended.”
Sins of the Past – Track List:
Number 12 (Looks Just Like You)
Insight
Network Failure
Kicking off with “Number 12 (Looks Just Like You)”, INTENT deliver a ferocious onslaught of high speed rhythms and thundering percussion. The incessant crushing bass drum hits and heavy rhythms are utterly relentless. Continuing to inject a monumental display of power, “Insight” brings a vicious attack of unceasing riffs, aggressive chugs and menacing vocals. Entering into foreboding realms, “Network Failure” begins with intriguing groove bass lines and rhythmic percussion, before bursting into a full on offensive strike of raging heavy.
About INTENT: Formed in 2015, the Arizona based INTENT subsequently underwent a number of line-up changes and spent time developing their sound before heading into the live scene. The outfit soon began opening up for bands like OVERKILL, DRI, and HAVOK to name a few. 2018 saw the release of their debut album Vox Populi, and in 2022 the release of Exile showcased the thrashers’ hard work as they cultivated the next era of their sound. The upcoming EP sees the quartet continue on that trajectory.
INTENT: Jeremy Lambert – vocals/guitar Alec Trow – Guitar Patrick Murphy – bass Garrett Loper (Rest in Peace) – drums
Danish/American hyperthrash band TERMINALIST today unleashes a new video for “Mutating Fractures,” the second single from their impending second LP, “The Crisis As Condition”, out in early September on Indisciplinarian.
Just as on their debut album, TERMINALIST teamed up with producer Lasse Ballade, “The Crisis As Condition” recorded and mixed at Ballade Studios in Copenhagen and mastered by V. Santura (Triptykon, Dark Fortress) at Woodshed Studios in Germany. Also, the same as the first album, British painter Ryan T. Hancock is again responsible for the unique artwork, and photography is handled by Theis Wilmer Poulsen.
The disturbing video for “Mutating Fractures” was created in cooperation with videographer Johan Von Bülow. TERMINALIST vocalist, lyricist, and guitarist Emil Hansen elaborates on the song theme, stating, “The crises we face affect and worsen each other. Whether we’re talking climate, war, or inequality, these issues each play a part in a larger whole. ‘Mutating Fractures’ is an attempt to convey this message through imagery inspired by the Covid crisis where the crises resemble fractures constantly mutating, presenting new problems along the way. It’s a deeply pessimistic track which, although catchy and riffy, also itself mutates, diverting from the original theme before the last reprise.”
Watch the video for the new TERMINALIST single “Mutating Fractures” RIGHT HERE and stream the single HERE.
“The Crisis As Condition” will be released September 8th on LP – gatefold with 100 on Orange Vinyl and 300 on Black Vinyl – as well as CD, CS, and digital formats via Indisciplinarian. physical formats can now be preordered at the label webshop HERE. Also watch the video for the album’s title track HERE.
TERMINALIST has just supported sci-fi legends Voivod in Copenhagen, where the band will also play its release show at Loppen, Christiania on September 8th with support from power thrashers Exelerate. Additional live excursions are to be expected following the album’s release.
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