GREYHAWK – Call of the Hawk / Ride Out. True Metal. No Compromise.
Before they were Keepers of the Flame, Seattle’s GREYHAWK were busy forging the underground’s most infectious new anthems. Nameless Grave Records is thrilled to present a comprehensive compilation of the band’s two essential EPs, Call of the Hawk and Ride Out, appearing together for the first time on a single 12″ vinyl.
This collection captures the band at their most hungry and heroic. Side A features 2022’s Call of the Hawk, a release that elevated the band’s technicality and showcased the incredible speed of guitarist Jesse Berlin. Side B features the 2018 Ride Out debut, showcasing the band’s ability to blend world-class vocals with the soaring heroism of Manowar.
Driven by the elite baritone of Rev Taylor, whose operatic pedigree makes him one of the most capable singers in metal history and the blistering fretwork of Jesse Berlin, this compilation is the definitive way to experience the early chapters of a band that has become a cornerstone of modern heavy metal.
Track-list:
Side A: Call of the Hawk
Steelbound
Call of the Hawk
Demon Star
Shattered Heart
Take The Throne
Side B: Ride Out
Intro
The Abdication
Ride Out
Serpent King
Wisdom of the Wizard
Circle of Heroes
For Fans of: Manowar, Dio, Visigoth, Judas Priest, and Yngwie Malmsteen.
Seattle (WA) – Cruz Del Sur Music has released new Greyhawk album, Warriors of Greyhawk. The official video for the title track is out as well and available at: youtu.be/fa44hjT_qq4
Greyhawk will hit the road in May with Alestorm and Twilight Force for the Mostly Canadian Tour 2026. Tour dates are as follows:
May 19 – Montreal, QC @ Place Bell May 22 – Toronto, ON @ Rebel May 23 – Sudbury, ON @ The Grand May 25 – Thunder Bay, ON @ NV Music Hall May 26 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre May 28 – Edmonton, AB @ Midway Music Hall May 29 – Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall May 31 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
Fusing classic U.S. power metal, AOR and all things epic metal; Greyhawk returns with their third album of triumphant battle hymns!
Refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for adventure; Greyhawk are back with their third album of epic, melodic power/heavy metal fused with an anthemic AOR angle. Shredding guitars, soaring vocals, powerful rhythms and songs that will stick with you are all a part of this majestic opus.
From the very beginning you will be met with soaring guitars, pounding riffs and a classic heavy/power metal attack from the instrumentals. Grandiose and powerful vocals complete the mix, which is perfectly blended by Henrik Udd’s sublime production which is detailed and grandiose. Daniel Porta has provided artwork for this record and clearly the band have had a strong input on all aspects of the release to make sure the entire experience is gripping for you, the fans.
Mid-west Heavy Metal torchbearers SACRED LEATHER are back with the 3rd single, “Fallen Angel”, from their eagerly awaited, new album, Keep The Fire Burning, that’s due out December 12th via King Volume Records / Wise Blood Records. Forged in fire, the hellion five-piece have returned with a ferocious new song and video that delves into the mind of the prince of darkness.
Commenting on the track, bassist Magnus LeGrand says:
“When we wrote ‘Fallen Angel,’ it immediately felt like a callback to an era when metal songs had both hooks and teeth, something big, melodic, yet still dangerous. That track set the stage for what Keep the Fire Burning would become. Dee’s lyrics step inside Lucifer’s head, turning his fall from grace into something deeply human; the loneliness, the pride, and the weight of one’s own choices.
Visually, I wanted the video to conjure the haunting, biblical imagery found in the lyrics themselves, smoke, fire, and mystery, all wrapped in that classic ’80s metal grandeur. Think ‘Holy Diver’ meets ‘Dream Warriors,’ but filtered through our own world, with its own identity.”
SACRED LEATHER set the underground ablaze with their debut album, Ultimate Force. Seven years later the beast is back with a unrelenting, classic metal masterpiece that recalls a time when tight leather and heavy riffs ruled the world. The band recently released their explosive singles “Spitfire AtNight” and “PhantomHighways,” setting the tone for their headbanging followup.
1. Resurrection 2. Spitfire At Night 3. Phantom Highway (Hell Is Comin’ Down) 4. Wake Me Up 5. Fallen Angel 6. Flatline 7. Tear Out My Heart 8. Malevolent Eyes 9. Keep The Fire Burning 10. Mistress Of The Sun
Sacred Leather: Dee Wrathchild – Vocals Lynn St. Michaels – Lead Guitar Magnus Legrand – Bass Don Diamond – Drums Cvon Owens – Rhythmn Guitar
AboutSACRED LEATHER:
Forged in the fires of classic heavy metal and baptized in the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion, Sacred Leather stands as a defiant reminder that true metal never dies. Hailing from the American Midwest, the band delivers an unrelenting assault of twin-guitar fury, thunderous rhythms, and commanding vocals that channel the essence of leather, chains, and midnight highways.
Following their 2017 full-length debut Ultimate Force, which established them as torchbearers of traditional heavy metal’s resurgence, Sacred Leather return with their long-awaited sophomore album Keep the Fire Burning, due December 2025 through King Volume Records and Wise Blood Records. The album is both a declaration and a promise—rekindling the spirit that started it all while pushing their sound into sharper, more melodic, and more anthemic territory.
With Keep the Fire Burning, the band expands on their reputation for electrifying live performances and unflinching authenticity. Drawing from the steel-plated legacy of Judas Priest, Accept, and early W.A.S.P., Sacred Leather blend classic metal tradition with cinematic flair, evoking the neon glow of midnight highways and the danger of the unknown.
Bologna (IT) – Italian metal act HyperioN return with new LP, Cybergenesis, a dark sci-fi concept album for fans of traditional Heavy Metal. Fighter Records will release the album on January 15, 2026.
The aptly titled album opener, “Deafening,” is the album’s first single and is available now at youtu.be/U57MUq5Bf8A.
Cybergenesis, HyperioN’s third full-length album, is eight tracks of powerful, dynamic Heavy Metal!
The concept of Cybergenesis fits seamlessly with the fiery heavy metal therein. A daring expedition into a space-time rift ends in disaster, awakening the Choir, an ancient alien hive mind from an alternate dimension, and plunging humanity into a desperate war for survival. On an Earth enslaved by the Choir’s army of cyborgs, a former commander is reborn as the Rhizome Rider, leading a rebellion from within and sacrificing himself to free humanity.
Rooted in classic sci-fi, from Star Trek to Ghost in the Shell, Cybergenesis tells a story of resistance and sacrifice, where the human spirit defies impossible odds.
Davide Cotti – Guitars Francesco Madonna – Drums Max Morelli – Vocals Simone “Nega” Cauli – Bass Francis Dipasquale – Guitars
The album’s striking cover artwork was hand-painted on canvas by English artist Ryan T. Hancock, renowned for his work with bands such as Seven Sisters, Blood Star, and Stormborn. HyperioN chose a handcrafted, non-AI artwork to give Cybergenesis a tangible and authentic visual identity.
Polish female fronted Heavy Metal act CRYSTAL VIPER announce the release of a live album entitled The Live Quest. It was recorded during last year’s ‘The Silver Key Tour’ at live shows in Poland, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy, France, Belgium and Czech Republic. The Live Quest which will come out Friday June 27 on Listenable Records and will be available on Vinyl , CD and Digitally.
Cover artwork was painted by Mario Lopez, who is also responsible for the last two CRYSTAL VIPER studio albums artworks: The Cult and The Silver Key.
CRYSTAL VIPER is a band formed and led by Marta Gabriel – vocalist, bassist and guitarist. Their last studio album The Silver Key came out in 2024 on Listenable Records and was promoted on a full European Tour and Summer festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Hellfest. While due to Marta’s presence, the band is very often compared to such female fronted acts as WARLOCK, their style is a mixture of Heavy and Power Metal, inspired by bands such as IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST.
The Silver Key was once again inspired by the works of the father of Cosmic Horror, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, the album is a natural continuation of the previous full length release, The Cult (Listenable records – 2021).
It is without a doubt the most intense release that CRYSTAL VIPER ever recorded and the album received a roaring response from the press worldwide and featured Bathory and Misfits covers as bonus tracks.
The Live Quest first single “The Cult” live) will be released on Wednesday May 7th.
CRYSTAL VIPER are joining Riot IV on their 50th anniversary tour: 29/04 France, Grenoble, L’Ilyade 30/04 Italy, Milano, Legend 01/05 Italy, Rome, Traffic 02/05 Italy, Bologna, Alchemica 03/05 Slovenia, Medvode, Klub Jedro 04/05 Austria, Wien, Viper Room
CRYSTAL VIPER The Live Quest – Track-list:
Return To Providence (01:43)
Fever Of The Gods (4:27)
The Silver Key (4:44)
The Cult (4:54)
Metal Nation (5:48)
Night Of The Sin (4:35)
The Witch Is Back (4:45)
Still Alive (3:50)
The Last Axeman (6:00)
Band line up: Marta Gabriel – vocals, bass guitar, guitar, piano Lukasz ″Andy Wave″ Halczuch – lead and rhythm guitars Kuba Galwas – drums and percussion Eric Juris – lead and rhythm guitars
Discography: The Curse of Crystal Viper (Album – 2007) Metal Nation ( Album – 2009) Legends ( Album – 2010) Crimen Excepta ( Album – 2012) Possession ( Album – 2013) Queen of the Witches ( Album – 2017) Tales of Fire and Ice ( Album – 2019) The Cult ( Listenable Album – 2021) The Last Axeman (Listenable Album- 2022) The Silver Key ( Listenable Album – 2024)
One of the world’s most iconic music venues – the Sunset Strip’s Roxy Theatre – hosted a legendary 2024 gig by one of the world’s most iconic metal bands, CIRITH UNGOL. The one-night-only performance was an album release show for the band’s 2023 Dark Parade LP. It captured the lineup at the height of its considerable powers, performing Dark Parade in its entirety, along with a set of classic songs including “Join The Legion,” “Frost And Fire,” “Black Machine,” and “Atom Smasher.” The end result is a stellar live album and DVD.
There was no choice other than the Roxy for CIRITH UNGOL to record this momentous live collection. “It’s owned by a Hollywood music legend, Lou Adler,” notes cofounding drummer Rob Garven, “and is next door to the famous Rainbow Bar And Grill. It’s a landmark Hollywood club, which includes the Whisky and The Starwood [now gone] so every time we played one of these historic venues, it was a special occasion. It was great to see many of our friends and fans from all over the world at the show.”
Adds bassistJarvis Leatherby, “For years, there has been a live bootleg record famous in the underground from their last appearance there in1984 titled Cirith Ungol, Live At The Roxy. I felt it fitting for the band to return there 40 years later to officially document a live performance in a way the guys would be proud of. Metal Blade Records, The Adlers, Nanotear, and Goldenvoice all came together in support to actually make it happen.”
CIRITH UNGOL’s Live At The Roxy holds its own against other legendary live records. “The Who made an extremely powerful album with Live At Leeds, my favorite band of all time, Mountain, had several pretty spectacular live albums, and 1993’s Uriah Heep Live is another outstanding live album! It’s hard to accurately capture all the sound and feeling of a live concert. I think these bands achieved that, and I think our Live At The Roxy does also.”
Live At The Roxy will be released on April 25th via Metal Blade Records. In advance of its official unveiling, today the band presents a taste of the monumental event with video footage of “Down Below.”
Comments Garven, “This song strung together by the haunting acoustic guitar is a gift to all of you on this Doomed Planet! It was, and is, the culmination of all the pain and suffering absorbed into our being from the pandemic, the lost lives, cancelled shows, isolation, and stimuli deprivation. It features some of my best drumming and one of [guitarist] Jimmy [Barraza]’s best solos. As the song rises to the ultimate crescendo, all this pent-up emotion is unleashed on the listener with our final gasping breath. Truly a churning maelstrom of metal chaos descending!”
Live At The Roxy will be available digitally and as a 2xCD/DVD set or 2xLP/DVD set in the following color variants:
Green Black Marbled (US – Ltd. 500) 180g Black (EU) Light Blue Marbled (EU) Green Black Marbled (EU – Ltd. 500) Demon Blood Splatter (EU – Ltd. 300) White / Blue Splatter (Band Exclusive – Ltd. 200 available HERE)
CIRITH UNGOL – Live At The Roxy Lineup: Tim Baker – vocals Greg Lindstrom – guitar Robert Garven – drummer Armand John Anthony – guitar Jarvis Leatherby – bass
“‘No Sins To Confess’ rocks without ballads and if I did not know better, I would have thought the album was an unknown gem from 1988!” HARDLINE MAGAZINE
You want it true, heavy and loud? You love the 80s and you would die for pure fuckin’ Heavy Metal? Then LÖANSHARK is your band! You will find everything your metal heart is beating for within their traditional sound, that takes no prisoners!
The Barcelona-based heavy metal trio unleashes their scorching, first full-length studio album No Sins To Confess! Out today via ROAR, No Sins To Confessis now available at this location: https://loanshark.rpm.link/nosinspr
Everything about LÖANSHARK is old-school and like a flashback into the early 80s metal scene. “This is what we feel and what we are, so it’s kinda impossible for us to not sound old-school, because it is in our DNA”,bassist Aless recently said. You will find that spirit within their sound, artwork, their logo or their look.
“For the cover artwork, we wanted that 80’s movie atmosphere, something eye catchy, dangerous, exciting and sexy! So we have choosen a smoky alley as the setting, long and sexy female legs, that hide a lethal weapon behind them, and there we are, about to die at the hands of this hitwoman who already has “another man in the trunk”. We want to maintain that “mafia” atmosphere in our work, we want it to be our identifying seal, in accordance with the name we chose for the band.”
LÖANSHARK was founded as a power-trio in 2017, in the heart of Barcelona and is currently taking the scene by storm as an uprising star on the NWOTHM heaven, just alongside Spanish fellow acts such as HITTEN, SAVAGED, WITCHTOWER or IRON CURTAIN. Following their 2018 debut EP “The Warning Session” and two singles – including their Underground hit “Fast, Heavy, Loud’N Proud” – which were all featured on the “The Gangland Tapes” CD in 2021. Now, LÖANSHARK has finally released their long-awaited No Sins To Confess.
The album also features re-recorded, early tracks “Machine Gunner” and “Heavy Metal Addicts” as well as a cover version of NWOBHM cult band MARSEILLE and their track “Open Fire”. In the end you will get ten exciting tracks of a young band, that is obviously on fire.
“I think we managed to sound fresh within the genre”, summarises Aless. “Obviously we play traditional heavy metal and that aura is going to reach you when you hear it, but at the same time we try to ensure that no riff reminds you explicitly of any other song. Another virtue we have is, that we are what you hear on the album. We try not to be pretentious with the production and when you see us live you will get a very similar experience. People are usually surprised by our live sound, created by just three crazy people.”
No Sins To Confess – track listing: 01. Electric Shockin’ Waves 02. Machine Gunner 03. The City Goes Fast 04. Another Man In The Trunk 05. Backstabber 06. Wet n’ Wild 07. Midnight Shooter 08. Bad Guys Don’t Lose 09. Open Fire 10. Heavy Metal Addicts
Haunt hits the road this spring with the mighty Hitten from Spain. March and April of 2025 will feature Haunt’s return to both Hell’s Heroes in Houston, 2 Minutes To Tulsa in Oklahoma, as well as several other cities throughout the U.S. Tickets available through venue websites. GET STOKED⚡️
⛓️Spring Break 25 w/ Hitten⛓️ 3/14 LOS ANGELES, CA – KNUCKLEHEAD 3/15 OCEANSIDE, CA – POUR HOUSE 3/16 LAS VEGAS, NV – SINWAVE 3/17 ALBUQUERQUE, NM – LAUNCHPAD 3/19 AUSTIN, TX • MOHAWK 3/20 SAN ANTONIO, TX – 502 BAR 3/21 HOUSTON, TX – HELL’S HEROES 3/23 NEW ORLEANS, LA • SIBERIA 3/24 PENSACOLA, FL • HANDLEBAR 3/25 ORLANDO, FL • CONDUIT 3/27 ATLANTA, GA – ALTAR AT MASQUERADE 3/28 LITTLE ROCK, AR • STICKYZ 3/29 TULSA, OK • 2 MINUTES TO TULSA 3/31 MILWAUKEE, WI – X-RAY ARCADE 4/1 CHICAGO, IL • LIVE WIRE 4/2 LAWRENCE, KS • BOTTLENECK 4/3 DENVER, CO – HQ 4/4 SALT LAKE CITY, UT • ACES HIGH 4/5 RENO, NV • CELLAR STAGE 4/6 SAN FRANCISCO, CA – BOTTOM OF THE HILL
HOLY MOTHER presents the follow-up to Face ThisBurn and their overall seventh studio album: Rise. Slated for a release on June 7, 2024 via Massacre Records, the album pre-sale for HOLY MOTHER‘s “Rise” – releasing as a CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats has just started at https://lnk.to/holymotherrise. A video clip for the band’s first single, the furious album opening track “Fire” is now premiering below!
“This song is about a toxic love addiction that’s never ending and keeps haunting you forever. What inspired me to write this song was knowing people who just can’t get out of their relationship, and finally put an end to their misery.” HOLY MOTHER singer Mike Tirelli comments.
“Also, at the very start of this song is the eeriness of my daughter Violet’s voice, who was only 14 years old at the time. Her voice really set the musical tone, and mood that inspired me to write that specific vocal melody; like a cry of agony and pain.”
The new HOLY MOTHER song “Fire” is now available on all digital streaming providers via https://holymother.bfan.link/fire. Watch the video clip premiering HERE.
In a career that spans from the 1990’s until the present day, HOLY MOTHER has delivered some of the most blistering American, fist-pumping music of their genre and pulls no punches with its heaviest and most powerful release to date.
New album anthems like “Rise”, “Power”, “Fire”, “Rain”, “Jeremiah”, and “Hex” will have you banging your head and stomping your feet, and the classic “Live To Die” from the critically acclaimed Toxic Rain album of HOLY MOTHER‘s past is brought to new life, channeling the spirit of the late, great HOLY MOTHER co-founder Randy Coven.
This album will melt your face, compel you to raise your fists and rebel and as HOLY MOTHER intend to lead the force of metal followers to their destiny with the driving force of the amazing Ronnie James Dio-style vocals of Mike Tirelli, the blistering shredding of the young guitar prodigy Mickey Lyxx, the pounding in-your- face drumming of powerhouse James Harris, and the blazing bass of the Brit, Wayne Banks. Don’t be left in the dust! Pick up HOLY MOTHER‘s “Rise” and join the metal community in the rise of HOLY MOTHER!
Rise – tracklist:
Fire
The Elevator
Jeremiah
Power
Rise
Down
Interventionist
Hex
Live To Die
Rain
Album Line-Up: Mike Tirelli – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitars, Bass Guitar Mickey Lyxx – Lead / Rhythm Guitar Wayne Banks – Bass Guitar James Harris – Drums, Backing Vocals, second lead vocals on “Rise”
HOLY MOTHER Live: 23.08.2024 FR Champtoceaux – Barbeuk Metal Festival 24.08.2024 FR La Rochelle – Crossroad
New Haven (CT) – Traditional heavy metal band ENTIERRO have partnered with Invisible Oranges for the lyric video premiere of “The Gates of Hell,” the title track from the forthcoming album! Check it out at the following link:
The Gates of Hell not only marks a return to the studio where they recorded their self-titled full length album, but also introduces a new period for the band, as this incarnation of the unit has grown into a solid force in songwriting and collaboration.
Most bands take time to grow into their own sound. For ENTIERRO, this growth has become more evident on their forthcoming release, The Gates of Hell. Building on the momentum of their previous offering, El Camazotz, the band has refined their sound and continues to create their own musical identity within the world of traditional heavy metal.
While many bands seem to continually rehash the work of those that came before them, on The Gates of Hell, ENTIERRO have put more focus into a version of this artform that is all their own. While still borrowing influence from such luminaries as Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate and Rainbow, the band has expanded their palette to also reflect a more melodic direction than they have in the past. This brings the ENTIERRO twin guitar attack of Victor Arduini and Christopher Begnal into a new light, exploring longer harmony lines and really pushing a new melodic sense to the forefront of their songwriting.
The same can also be said for vocalist Christopher Taylor Beaudette, whose performance is far more varied and explorational than on El Camazotz. Of course, laying down the structural foundation for all of this to happen is drummer Dave Parmelee, who continues to push the band with his driving rhythms. This, in conjunction with their already punishing old-school metal style, brings their collective sound into new sonic territory and further illustrates the development of their own distinctive style as a unit. The Gates of Hell have opened and unleashed a more mature and focused sound for one of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal’s most exciting new bands.
The Gates of Hell was recorded at Dexter’s Lab Studio in Milford, Connecticut under the watchful eye of engineer Nick Bellmore. Timothy Smith – Additional Vocals and Alejandro Chavez – Additional Vocals.
Photography by Jason Mannello. Cover Artwork created by Metal Cover Art. All songs written & arranged by Entierro. Produced by Entierro. instagram.com/entierrometal
Los Angeles (CA) – Traditional Heavy Metal stalwarts RESISTANCE have released long-awaited new album SkullsofMyEnemy on CD and digital formats via Pure Steel Records. Written and recorded during the darkest days of the pandemic, Skulls Of My Enemy offers eight new songs (plus the Intro) that are an ode to Heavy Metal.
SkullsofMyEnemy is streaming on most major digital platforms, including YouTube and Spotify.
RESISTANCE have crossed swords once more to call down the thunder with their finest album to date. SkullsofmyEnemy is an anthem-laced call to arms, which will rally the metal legions worldwide. RESISTANCE have captured the sound and energy of their live performance with a sonic battle cry from the stage straight through your skull. SkullsofmyEnemy delivers on all things you expect from The Los Angeles Metal Machine.
Since their 2000 inception, RESISTANCE have become one of the standout bands carrying the torch of the NWOTHM. Through years of writing, recording and touring through North America, South America, Europe and the Mediterranean, RESISTANCE have forged and refined their brand of American Power Metal. The quintet has released four prior studio albums and have now ridden into battle with its fifth release on Pure Steel Records.
Skulls Of My Enemy was recorded at the band’s own studio, The Metal Room. It was mixed and mastered by Ronald Sandoval at Rev Studios in Chino CA.
Skulls Of My Enemy is the culmination of all things RESISTANCE and it will hit you like a hammer strike to an anvil! Hail to the Horns!
Track Listing:
Call to Arms (Intro)
Valhalla has Locked its Doors
On Dragon Wings
Earthshaker
Nordic Witch
Empires Fall
Templar’s Creed
Awaken the Necromancer
Metallium
Line-Up:
Robbie Hett – vocals Dan Luna – guitars Nano Lugo – guitars PaulShigo – Bass MattOhnemus – Drums
If you are serious about Heavy Metal, then CRYSTAL VIPER most likely doesn’t need introduction. The band was founded by Marta Gabriel on vocals/guitar and released their debut album in 2007. Since then, they toured in more than 15 countries, played in both tiny clubs and at huge open air festivals, released 8 studio albums and a bunch of singles. They have proved to be one of the most hard working and most determined bands of their generation.
The band’s latest studio album entitled ‘The Cult’ was released in 2021 and brought CRYSTALVIPER back to their traditional and pure Heavy Metal roots. The band couldn’t tour properly to promote their new album due to the pandemic, so they decided to record more material instead of sitting and waiting for better times hence the thrilling ’The Last Axeman’ release to be issued on March 25th.
It vigorously starts with a re-recorded version of good old fan favorite ’The Last Axeman’, then brand new song “In The Haunted Chapel’ rips in, lyrically inspired by an H.P. Lovecraft story like all songs on ’The Cult’ album . The band knows their brand of Metal very well, so included is a surprise cover song: a remake of “Ulitsa Roz”, originally written by Russian Heavy Metal heroes ARIA. All 3 songs are exclusive to ‘The Last Axeman’ release.
Follows is a cover of über classic headbanger ‘It’s Electric’ written by NWOBHM heroes DIAMOND HEAD, joined by four ‘Live in the Studio’ (as part of the #RockOutSessions series) recordings of songs initially featured on “The Cult’. Those new, stripped down and rough versions of ‘The Cult’, ‘Asenath Waite’, ‘Whispers From Beyond’ and ‘Flaring Madness’ show the band’s pure and untamed energy.
#RockOutSessions live in studio was also released on youtube on Listenable channel. Watch HERE.
CRYSTALVIPER are genuinely passionate about Heavy Metal and represent the Metal Nation! “The Last Axeman” is set to be released on March 25th, 2022.
CRYSTALVIPER are: Marta Gabriel – vocals, guitars AndyWave – guitars Eric Juris – guitars Blaze Grygiel – bass CederickForsberg – drums
Tracklisting: 1 The Last Axeman 03:49 2 In The Haunted Chapel 04:21 3 Ulitsa Roz (ARIA cover) 05:49 4 It’s Electric (DIAMOND HEAD cover) 03:36 5 The Cult (RockOutSessions) 04:38 6 Asenath Waite (RockOutSessions) 04:45 7 Whispers From Beyond (RockOutSessions) 04:48 8 Flaring Madness (RockOutSessions) 05:04
Discography: The Curse of Crystal Viper (Album – 2007) Metal Nation (Album – 2009) Legends (Album – 2010) Crimen Excepta (Album – 2012) Possession (Album – 2013) Queen of the Witches (Album – 2017) Tales of Fire and Ice (Album – 2019) The Cult (LISTENABLE Album – 2021) The Last Axeman (LISTENABLE Album- 2022)
Toronto heavy metal unit SKULLFIST has more guts and balls than the police allow. Since their leg-busting beginnings in 2006, dungeon keeper Zach Schottler and his shredding gang of reckless accomplices have released three archetypal heavy metal almanacs, eaten more dust than is good for their health, endured hardships, and propped up countless beers in countless bars in countless cities. Now, after fifteen years on behalf of steel, the trio signs a worldwide record deal with Atomic Fire Records.
Schottler comments, “Pretty stoked about this. The world and music industry is sketchy as hell so its nice to be working with someone that isn’t considering stabbing me for a few bucks. Markus and Flori are rad dudes and so far, the rest of their team are genuinely more interested in music than dollars. It’s nice to see, so let’s see.”
Florian Milz, label manager of Atomic Fire Records, adds. “I’ve known Zach and the band for a long time and have worked with them in the past. I love their music and am very happy that we get to release the new upcoming album through Atomic Fire Records. The Fist is the law!”
The new SKULLFIST album will be released this April with further details to be announced in the coming weeks.
SKULL FIST Discography: 2006: No False Metal (Demo) 2010: Heavier Than Metal (EP, Self-Release) 2011: Head Öf The Pack 2014: Chasing The Dream 2018: Way Of The Road
NamelessGraveRecords presents CrestOfTheMartyrsDemos, an alternate/demo version of TWISTEDTOWERDIRE’s adored third album, making the recordings available for the first time.
In the days of olde, after classic heavy metal was supplanted by extreme music and before the current reignition of interest that the genre has enjoyed, Northern Virginia’s TWISTED TOWER DIRE tirelessly defended true heavy metal in all forms as they sought to breathe new light into a then largely dead genre. By the time their now-legendary third album Crest Of The Martyrs was written they were on top of the world, having played Wacken for the first time a couple years earlier and having released two full-lengths on The Miskatonic Foundation, run by Rich Walker of Solstice fame, as well as a wide array of EPs, splits, compilation tracks, and more.
Crest Of The Martyrs was the next step: a bigger power metal label, sleeker production, and TWISTED TOWER DIRE’s biggest hooks and choruses yet. Underneath the gleaming power metal edge provided by the production provided by the label and studio still lurked the same triumphing true metal band, however, and for the first time, Nameless Grave Records is proud to present Crest Of The Martyrs the way the band originally intended it: as a devastating, lean set of heavy metal bangers untouched by modern power metal production, and alternate studio decisions.
Old fans of the band can rejoice to have this different set of recordings available for the first time, and new fans can marvel at the powerhouse of one of America’s finest bands playing at their best. Highly recommended for fans of Visigoth, Pharaoh, and Omen.
Recorded in 2002 at Killabrew Studios, produced by Matt Crooks and TWISTED TOWER DIRE, and mastered by Dan Lowndes at Resonance Sound Studios, Crest Of The Martyrs Demos is completed with artwork personally done for this release by guitarist Scott Waldrop. The CD version features bonus tracks not included on the vinyl, including a second demo as well as a live track from Wacken 2003, and both the CD and vinyl editions bear liner notes from the band. The LP will be pressed in a total run of 500 copies, including 300 on Black and 100 on Silver. No Remorse Records (Greece) will have an exclusive 100 copies on Light Blue vinyl.
Stream the previously unreleased version of TWISTED TOWER DIRE’s “Some Other Time, Some Other Place” RIGHT HERE.
Crest Of The Martyrs Demos will be released through Nameless Grave Records on March 3rd. Find preorders at Bandcamp HERE and the label webshop HERE.
Crest Of The Martyrs Demos Track Listing:
At Night
Some Other Time, Some Other Place
Axes And Honor
To Be A Champion
Infinitum
Fight To Be Free
Transfixed
Guardian Bloodline
The Reflecting Pool
TWISTED TOWER DIRE Crest Of The Martyrs lineup: Tony Taylor – vocals Scott Waldrop – guitar David Boyd – guitar Marc Stauffer – drums Jim Hunter – bass
“2021 wasn’t an easy year. We released new studio album “The Cult”, but we managed to play literally 3 live shows only, as our other festival appearances and the European Tour on which we were supposed to promote new album were either postponed or cancelled. So instead, we did few new studio recordings, including full #RockOutSessions recording, where we played 4 songs from “The Cult” in the live, stripped down versions. We decided to release the video version for free – it’s our way of saying thank you to all the fans who are supporting us in those weird times, who bought the new album. The same material will be later released as Side-B of our special Mini Album, which will be released in the next few months, and which will include few rather big surprises!”.
CRYSTAL VIPER’s latest studio album “The Cult”, as well as Marta Gabriel’s first solo album “Metal Queens” were released in 2021 by Listenable Records.
One of the very first Italian heavy metal bands returns with its first full-length album in eight years, Metal Shock! Trailblazing and traditional metal ensemble TIR will release Metal Shock May 10th on Gates of Hell Records. The album’s first single is streaming below.
Metal Shock is the band’s second full-length in a career that dates back to 1980. Metal Shock is an album that challenges the old-school metal status quo by having lyrics sung entirely in Italian.
Recorded at Trick Studio in Rome in late 2018/early 2019, Metal Shock is sung entirely in Italian, giving TIR yet another angle in a career that has been marked by going against the grain. Several of the songs found on Metal Shock date all the way back to the band’s halcyon ’80s period and were subsequently re-written and tinkered with until the members of TIR were satisfied. This type of meticulous detail shines throughout the album, where TIR’s penchant for knifing twin guitar melodies, hefty gallops and the multi-faceted vocal capabilities of Cialone are pure touchstones of metal’s undisputed glory era.
Traditional metal fans will instantly heed the call of TIR’s melody-dominated style and taut songwriting approach. Metal Shock marks a new beginning for a band, who, even as they are approaching the four-decade mark, are playing some of their most inspired material to date. TIR shows with Metal Shock that there is nothing stronger than conviction.
A year away from their 40th anniversary, Italian traditional metal outfit TIR remains one of the best-kept secrets in the underground. Formed in 1980 by the guitar tandem of Sergio Bonelli and Danilo Antonini, TIR opted for the path of most resistance: Instead of releasing studio albums and seeking major label assistance, they preferred to perform live shows. Their performances soon became can’t-miss events in Rome. Aided by fire, pyrotechnics and even live snakes, TIR’s reputation spread like wildfire (no pun intended) in their home city, catapulting their lone release of the decade, 1984’s self-titled demo, into the frenzied world of underground tape trading. However, while the metal scene waited for TIR to record a proper full-length album, the band stuck to their guns and simply kept playing live.
TIR would split in 1986, only to reform two years later. It wasn’t until 2011 that the band saw fit to release an album of original material, the appropriately titled Heavy Metal. Eight years later, TIR (who, in addition to Bonelli and Antonini, comprise long-time bassist Dino Gubinelli, vocalist Giuseppe Cialone and drummer Piero Arioni) return with Metal Shock, their first release for Gates of Hell Records.
Witch Cross have parted company with drummer Lars Bjørnstad. The band wish him good luck with his new adventures and thank him for all the fun we have had over the last 4 years.
Witch Cross are delighted to welcome new drummer Jesper Haugaard who is also a member of Danish Rock band Crime Club.
Jesper will make his live debut with Witch Cross when they play at The Ultimate Revenge of Heavy Metal Festival in Finland on March 4th.
Jesper Haugaard
Bass player and founding member Jan ‘Little John’ says: “Jesper is the right person for Witch Cross and we look forward to gigging and recording with him in 2016.”
The band is currently working on their third album, set to be released later this year.
Band Leaving Static Tension One Month After Signing
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Britain’s Kaine have announced that Saxon Davids will be joining the band on guitar permanently. Saxon recently filled in for Anthony Murch on the band’s tour across Britain and Ireland with Mordred.
The band will now move forward as a 5 piece with Rage Sadler on rhythm guitars and vocals, Dan Mailer on bass and vocals, Anthony Murch on lead guitar, Saxon Davids on rhythm & lead guitars and Chris MacKinnon on drums.
Band founder Rage Sadler said: “We are very happy to welcome Saxon to the Kaine family. Saxon did a great job with us on tour; he showed absolute professionalism in learning and performing the songs live in such a short space of time. Personality wise he was a perfect fit for the band and after the reviews we had from our London show we thought why not?”
Saxon commented: “I’m very happy to become a full-time member of Kaine and I am looking forward to what the future holds for the band as a 5 piece Metal machine! Rage approached me pretty much straight after the Islington O2 Academy gig and discussed with me the possibility of this happening. That tour was one of the best experiences of my life from a personal and musical perspective, so to be asked to join the guys permanently is a great pleasure.”
Kaine has also departed its American record label Static Tension less than a month after signing with them. This was due to the label being reluctant to print physical releases for the band as it didn’t believe it had the ability to sell copies. The band believes that remaining with the label is pointless as a result. This is the second record label the band have left this year.
Rage stated: “Unfortunately Static Tension were unable to commit to creating physical materials. If a label doesn’t have the confidence in its own ability to market and sell a band just weeks after signing it, then there is really no point in continuing.”
Kaine will not be looking for another label in the near future and will continue along the DIY route unless an offer of significance comes the bands way.
ZERO DOWN: Lenny Burnett – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Vocals, Matt Fox – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Vocals, Ron E. Banner – Bass, Vocals, Chris Gohde – Drums, Mark “Hawk” Hawkinson – Lead Vocals & Screams
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Seattle trad-metallers ZERO DOWN have signed to Minotauro Records and a fall/winter release is set for the release of their fourth album, tentatively titled No Limit to the Evil. Stay tuned for the release date.
After releasing their last CD independently, ZERO DOWN is now set and excited to release their next ripper on Minotauro Records in the Fall/Winter of 2014. Once again the band will be reuniting with Martin Feveyear (QOTSA, SCREAMING TREES, DUFF MCKEAGAN’S LOADED, etc) at Jupiter Studios in Seattle to lay down this beast and packaging will include artwork by the master of Metal art, Ed Repka (MEGADETH, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, DEATH, MISFITS, etc). Tentatively titled No Limit To The Evil, this new opus will feature ten new cuts and sure to be Minotauro’s heaviest release to date, so scream for me motherfuckers!
Formed in 2002, ZERO DOWN consists of five veteran musicians from the Seattle Metal/Punk Rock scene that cast iron 70’s Arena Rock with classic NWOBHM guitar riffs to bring the old school Metal traditions to the present! Over the past decade ZERO DOWN have released three scorching slabs of their Metal Rock (Old Time Revival, Good Times At The Gates of Hell and Looking To Start A Riot) and shared the stage with a variety of national acts including UFO, MOTLEY CRUE, DIAMOND HEAD, Y&T, RAVEN, ACCEPT, GODSMACK, THE ACCUSED, THE SUPERSUCKERS, UDO, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, PRONG and PAUL DIANNO.
Critical Praise:
“Hands, er, down, Seattle’s Zero Down are America’s best unsigned band, and to be that, you gotta have more than one beer-bongin record of clanging rock God-ness, and well, Zero Down have two, 2005’s Old Time Revival and now this Ed Repka-painted ripper!”
– Martin Popoff (BWBK Magazine & Hard Radio.com)
“Chock full of bombastic blues-rock riffs and cocksure swagger. Imagine how Zeke, Scissorfight and Airbourne might sound if they got drunk and jammed together. It’s classic without sounding dated and reverential without sounding copyist.” – Caren Gibson (Metal Hammer Magazine)
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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"
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