The Dark have dropped "Circles," a dynamic fusion of metal and disco that explores duality through tension, acceptance, and big questions. Packed with disco beats, heavy riffs, and acid bass, the track pushes boundaries both sonically and visually, featuring gritty, distorted aesthetics. "Circles" is a bold statement from a band redefining the limits of their sound.
"The whole song is about duality," says the band. "It's the heat of the moment, and it's the big picture. It's the sexual tension, and it's acceptance. It's asking the big questions and then ignoring them. It's metal and it's disco. Even when it came time to make the visuals, we said, 'Let's film it on the nicest camera I have and then run it through a cheap old TV and ruin it... that's perfect.
"'Circles' is probably my favorite track on the EP to produce. I got to check all my favorite boxes. The disco influence, the call and response verses, the riffs in the chorus, acid bass everywhere, the freaking innuendos... and then a massive inhale at the end... absolute blast."
Watch the video below.
Stream the song here.
LANDMVRKS Share Video For New Single - A Line in the Dust
French metalcore stars LANDMVRKS have unveiled their latest single, "A Line In The Dust" featuring Mat Welsh from While She Sleeps. A fiery and emotional anthem that continues to build anticipation for their forthcoming fourth album, The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been, set for release on April 25.
Following the explosive double single "Sulfur and Sombre" and "16," "A Line In The Dust" showcases the Marseille-based quintet's signature blend of punishing riffs, melodic hooks, and deeply personal lyricism. Frontman Florent Salfati's powerful vocals lead the charge in what is already being hailed as one of the band's most emotionally resonant tracks to date.
Known for pushing boundaries and captivating over 900,000 monthly Spotify listeners, LANDMVRKS continue to carve their name into the global metalcore scene. With pre-orders for The Darkest Place I've Ever Been now live, fans can expect the album to be their most ambitious and impactful release yet.
LANDMVRKS' relentless drive, paired with their world touring success in 2024 and past hits like "Creature," ensures that A Line In The Dust is another bold step in solidifying their legacy as a force to be reckoned with in modern metalcore.
A Line In The Dust continues to develop the story of the creature, who, in a moment of self-awareness, realizes who she truly is and that she is trapped in her own world.
The addition of Mat Welsh emphasizes the effect of duality and adds a universal dimension to this story.
Watch the video below.
Stream + download "A Line In The Dust" here.
LANDMVRKS ON TOUR:
3/8 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium
3/9 — Montreal, QC — L'Olympia
3/10 — Toronto, ON — History
3/11 — Cleveland, OH — The Agora
3/12 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore (scaled)
3/14 — Chicago, IL — The Riviera
3/15 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
3/16 — Minneapolis, MN — The Fillmore
3/18 — Denver, CO — The Ogden
3/19 — Albuquerque, NM — Sunshine Theater
3/21 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern
3/22 — San Diego, CA — Observatory Northpark
3/23 — Phoenix, AZ — Marquee (scaled)
3/25 — San Antonio, TX — The Aztect Theatre
3/26 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
3/28 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues
3/29 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade
3/30 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore
4/1 — Norfolk, VA — The NorVA
4/3 — Pittsburgh, PA — The Roxian
4/4 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore
4/5 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom
H.E.A.T Announce New Album "Welcome To The Future" + Share Video For New Track "Disaster"
Hard rock sensation H.E.A.T light up 2025 with the announcement of their brand-new studio album Welcome to the Future, set for release on April 25 on earMUSIC.
The first single "Disaster," which premiered yesterday on rock radio stations across Europe, is out today and guaranteed to snap listeners out of their winter sleep. The track comes with an explosive music video that merges '80s arcade aesthetics with metal madness, directed by the renowned Patric Ullaeus (known for his work with Europe, Arch Enemy, Children of Bodom, and many more rock superstars).
Welcome to the Future delivers everything that fans of the celebrated Swedish rock band love: an innovative, heavy, highly dynamic, and refreshingly melodic sound, the unmistakable vocals of frontman Kenny Leckremo, and an inimitable talent for catchy anthems that leave you hooked for days.
Welcome to the Future is now available for pre-order and will be released in multiple formats: CD jewel case, black vinyl, ltd. neon orange vinyl, and digital.
In support of the album, H.E.A.T will kick off their 2025 tour next week, bringing their breathtaking shows to stages across the UK, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru.
The fun is just beginning!
JOHN MORGAN’S DEBUT ALBUM, CAROLINA BLUE, AVAILABLE APRIL 25
Prolific #1 hit songwriter John Morgan’s highly anticipated debut album, Carolina Blue, will release Friday, April 25, as his debut radio single “Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean)” soars toward Top 10. Pre-order/pre-save/pre-add HERE and listen now to “Crickets.”
“With Carolina Blue, I hope there’s relatability in the songs we chose and that the lyrics within them strike a chord,” John shares of his excitement of the debut. “I’m a dad and married and in a different stage of life than I was when I first moved from North Carolina to Nashville. I don’t try to be anything I’m not. I’ve never been good at that and know folks can snuff that out pretty quick. I hope these songs give people a message that there’s value in whatever they are doing. Most of the people that hear this are working the blue collar jobs I’d be doing if this wasn’t working, and I want them to hear their stories and feel their worth in this album.”
Having “already established his bonafides in the songwriting realm” (Billboard), being lauded as an “accomplished songwriter” by People and “Music City Songwriting Star” by the Tennessean, the boldly gritty North Carolina native will deliver a tantalizing robust 12-track debut. A brilliantly curated collection of songs, the authentically humble and tenaciously driven powerhouse artist - who has “stadium-ready written all over him” (All Country News) - not only co-wrote every track on the project but also co-produced it alongside Brent Anderson.
Exploring the complex layers of relationships a man can have with women throughout his life - whether he’s yearning for momma’s cooking and a Smoky Mountain porch or going on-and-on about the one who caught his eye - the record includes the previously released “I Know Better,” the blue-collar, 18-wheeler anthem “Long Ride Home,” and today’s jaunty new track "Crickets” that boasts a tempo-ready groove proving that sometimes Mother Nature is the only soundtrack needed.
Heading out with Chase Matthew along with making his 2025 Stagecoach Festival debut, the tactful artist that Saving Country Music advised to “keep on your radar” just dropped the official music video for his rowdy party starter “Friends Like That.” Featuring Jason Aldean, the skillfully clever song is currently surging into the Top 10 at country radio and has received critical acclaim from Billboard, MusicRow, Tennessean and more.
About John Morgan:
With a style that’s defined by melodic grit and a craftsman’s approach to songwriting, John Morgan brings a blue-collar toughness to country that’s pulled straight from the only life he knows. Hailing from a tiny town called Sylva, deep in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, John grew up immersed in bluegrass tradition and even toured the festival circuit each summer in a family band, before diving into songwriting, inspired by six-string legends from Tony Rice to John Mayer. Now, “a Music City songwriting star” (Tennessean), he has earned cuts with Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch, Thomas Rhett and an outstanding 16 for Jason Aldean, including the superstar’s #1 songs - “Trouble With A Heartbreak” and the GRAMMY® nominated, ACM Single of the Year “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood, along with Aldean’s latest single at country radio “Whiskey Drink” currently climbing the charts. Praised by People as an “accomplished songwriter,” Aldean signed the sought-after, powerhouse artist “with guitar skills that will knock your cowboy boots off" (Nash News) to Night Train Records, his imprint with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Having made his Grand Ole Opry debut and logging hours on the road opening for Aldean, ERNEST, Riley Green, Nate Smith and Jameson Rodgers, his party starter smash "Friends Like That" - featuring Jason Aldean - is currently surging into the Top 10 at country radio. With the Tennessean praising the “live concert favorite whose banjo and steel underpinnings still allow room for a hard-rocking core,” John's breakout radio single has Billboard applauding, “Broken hearts aren’t typically pleasurable, although the breezy melody and pulsing guitars on ‘Friends Like That’ make loneliness sound attractive.” Giving fans a taste of new music with the jaunty “Crickets,” confident “I Know Better” and heartrendingly smooth “Long Ride Home,” John Morgan’s highly anticipated debut album, Carolina Blue, drops April 25.
BraveWords Records Announce the New Jack Starr Solo Album,"Out of the Darkness Part II" will be Released April 25, 2025
BraveWords Records is excited to announce the new Jack Starr solo album,"Out of the Darkness Part II" will be released April 25, 2025.
Jack Starr talking about the new album, “This is the album I always hoped I would make, one that would be filled with power and glory but also melodic and passionate at the same time. This is the sequel to my 1984 album Out of the Darkness, and it truly is a worthy successor that I believe will be embraced with the same affection that greeted the original. So yes, Out of the Darkness Part 2 is here, and I urge everyone to listen to it. Keep the metal burning.”
Video for "Rise Up" from the album Out of the Darkness Part II: Below
Giles Lavery - Vocals (Warlord / Alcatrazz)
Jack Starr - Lead Guitar
Eric Juris - Lead Guitar (Warlord)
Gene Cooper - Bass
Rhino - Drums (Ex Manowar)
Guests Mark Zonder - Drums (Warlord ex Fates Warning)
Jimmy Waldo - Keyboards (Alcatrazz / Warlord / New England)
Produced and mixed by Thomas Mergler
Co-Produced by Giles Lavery & Jack Starr
https://www.facebook.com/jackstarrofficialpage/
https://www.youtube.com/@stratluvr
https://www.instagram.com/jackstarrofficial/
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/184296
About Jack Starr:
Starr emerged on the rock and metal scene in 1981, forming, together with Joey Ayvazian, David DeFeis and Joe O’Rielly, the first incarnation of the heavy metal band Virgin Steele. The new band was selected in 1982 by Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records to appear on the label's compilation album U.S. Metal Volume 2. After only two albums, Virgin Steele of 1981 and Guardians of the Flame of 1982, Starr left Virgin Steele in 1983.
In 1984, Starr started his solo recording career with the album Out of the Darkness, featuring former Riot vocalist Rhett Forrester, members of The Rods and former Rainbow drummer Gary Driscoll. It was released in Europe by Music for Nations and was picked as one of the best albums of the year by the music magazines Kerrang! and Metal Forces.
Starr changed the name of his band to Jack Starr's Burning Starr and between 1984 and 1989 he produced albums, both solo and with the band. The music of those albums was classic American eighties heavy metal, a style between Poison and Metallica. In 1989 the band dissolved and Starr joined short-lived bands like Strider and Smoke Stack Lightning.
In the following years, Starr once again assembled a group of musicians for a new incarnation of Burning Starr, which performed at the Magic Circle Festival 2008 and released the album Defiance on Manowar's label Magic Circle Music in 2009. In 2011 they released Land of the Dead with Limb Music. The albums includes ex-Manowar guest musicians Ross the Boss and David Shankle. The band played at the 2013 Keep It True festival and recorded a DVD.
About BraveWords Records:
BraveWords Records has released albums by Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse, The Chris Slade Timeline, Rhett Forrester and Rob Robbins, Prophets of Addiction and future releases from Lillian Axe, Crimson Glory and ASKA.
There is a serious void which desperately needs to be filled, hard-working and creative bands that have yet to find a partnership and a mutual vision with a professional team. The music-fuelled minds behind BraveWords Records, Brian Adams, Giles Lavery, Tim Henderson and Michael Brandvold, have built the ultimate home for an artist that will take you where you want to be. Collectively, with nearly 100 years of music industry experience under our belts, the BraveWords Records team will take care of all the crucial aspects of your project from global distribution (digital and physical), publicity and media coverage (web, radio, visual), social media blanketing and streaming opportunities (such as Streaming For Vengeance). Where most labels have forgotten the concept of actually marketing a release sensibly, BraveWords Records will construct a viable and comprehensive marketing plan, including visibility at BraveWords.com, which attracts a million visitors monthly. BraveWords Records has all senses on high alert as the music industry continues its never-ending transitioning, so the artist will always be aware of new opportunities to build their brand and strive for world domination. BraveWords will also have a focus on licensing film and TV content, both contemporary and retrospective across many genres. As artists and labels transition to the many new mediums available today for their work, BraveWords intends to stay ahead of the curve in providing and actively seeking opportunities for our roster of clients.
With the rapid spread of the world wide web, BraveWords.com was born in 2000 and quickly became the CNN of heavy metal. With its team of global writers and photographers, the site flourished with 24/7 updated news, features, reviews, audio and video steams.
For nearly 30 years, BraveWords wears their metal heart loudly on their sleeve, as they celebrate the greatest genre of music with the most dedicated and passionate fans on the planet!
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DESTRUCTION Release Second Single "A.N.G.S.T." + Official Music Video Out Now
German Thrash-Teutons DESTRUCTION strike again with their second single, "A.N.G.S.T." As one of the biggest names in thrash metal with a 40+ year career, they unleash raw paranoia, shredding guitar solos, and Schmier's intense vocals while criticizing evil forces who prey on the weaknesses of others. Tackling fear, the song urges fans to confront their inner demons and break free from mental chains.
Taken from their 16th studio album, Birth Of Malice, out March 7, 2025 via Napalm Records, "A.N.G.S.T." proves fear is no match for thrash! The single is accompanied by an incredible music video that honors the horror genre and its iconic special FX – images taken from your deepest nightmares creeping in your head to stay.
Fans all over the world worship DESTRUCTION alongside fellow German thrash icons Sodom and Kreator, celebrating their influence on generations of bands worldwide. On Birth Of Malice, scene-legend and original member Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, while Randy Black blasts pummeling drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest Diabolical (2022), DESTRUCTION return with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound – resulting in addictive metal anthems for a new generation of thrashers!
DESTRUCTION on "A.N.G.S.T.":
"Our very first German song title is one of two very different tracks on this new album. I wanted to write a groovin' live track with staccato riffs, evil bloodcurdling vocals and dark atmosphere."
Watch the Official Music Video for "A.N.G.S.T." HERE.
Pre-Order Your Copy Of Birth Of Malice NOW!
German thrash metal legends strike again – get ready for DESTRUCTION's 16th face-smashing attack!
The band's newest onslaught is opened by the brutal "Destruction," with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band's 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title Birth Of Malice suggests, lyrically, Schmier delves deep in human errors ” like selfish behavior on "Greed" and "Evil Never Sleeps." A clear statement is made with carnage on "Scumbag Human Race," exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus "I will count your days!." The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging "No Kings – No Masters." DESTRUCTION also shifts to futuristic topics on the album, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on "Cyber Warfare." To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker "Fast As A Shark."
All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver, and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. DESTRUCTION mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world!
DESTRUCTION IS:
Schmier — Bass, Vocals
Martin Furia — Guitars
Randy Black — Drums
Damir Eskić — Guitars
The Great Old Ones Premiere 'Kadath'
It's been six long years since The Great Old Ones released their last cosmic chapter of Lovecraftian lore. Finally, the French band has returned with another batch of dark tales, though now with a new twist. On Kadath, the post-black scribes climb out of Cthulhu only to descend into the dark heart of the Dreamlands.
"Great stuff for metalheads who like their fiction the same way they like their metal - dark, heavy, and highly disturbing" Metal Trenches wrote in their 9/10 review of Kadath.
Kadath comes out tomorrow, Friday, January 24, but you can hear all seven transcendant songs today by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.
Listen to Kadath. below.
Pre-save & Pre-order
https://orcd.co/tgookadath
On Kadath, The Great Old Ones draws the listener deeper into the dream-haunted world of Lovecraft's strapping young hero. Always one to keep his head in the clouds, Randolph Carter embarks on a mind quest through the treacherous Dreamlands. But as the divine gods of old would have it, his nocturnal journey springs to life with otherworldly perils that push him to the brink of insanity.
The two-part epic "Me, The Dreamer" opens the album like an accursed bout with insomnia, tossing and turning amidst raging riffs. Just as Carter glimpses the stoned visage of the Gods on Mount Ngranek, "In the Mouth of Madness" sucks him into the grip of the nightgaunts with unflinching blast beats.
"Climbing the huge stone steps, seeing yellowish-red eyes, I’m running under, under the sign of Koth" vocalist Benjamin Guerry wails on "Under the Sigh of Koth" as the band tear through the very fabric that dreams are made of.
Recorded under the vigilant eye of Francis Caste at Studio Sainte-Marthe, Paris, Kadath's production is nothing short of sorcerous. Each note and whispers are imbued with the power to transport the listener, offering an escape into an epic, immersive universe. Benjamin Guerry’s haunting vocals and guitars, alongside the mesmerizing contributions of Aurélien Edouard and Alexandre Rouleau on guitars, the deep resonance of Gregory Vouillat's bass, and the relentless assault of Julian Deana's drums, forge an album of unmatched emotional depth and technical prowess.
Thus, behold the latest chapter in their eldritch saga, Kadath - their unyielding quest to explore the outer margins of reality and imagination. An invitation to journey beyond the familiar, into a world of cosmic dread and awe-inspiring beauty, where the ancient gods still roam and dreams bleed into reality.
Line-up:
Benjamin Guerry - Guitars, Vocals
Aurélien Edouard - Guitars
Hugo Bernart - Guitars
Gregory Vouillat - Bass
Julian Deana - Drums
Recording Studio:
Recorded at Studio Sainte-Marthe, Paris, France
Production Credits:
Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Francis Caste at Studio Sainte-Marthe, Paris, France
Biography:
The Great Old Ones, with additions by Sébastien Gamez
Cover Art:
Jakub Rebelka
Photographer:
Daphnea Doto & Solweig Wood
Pre-order & Pre-save: https://orcd.co/tgookadath
Follow The Great Old Ones:
Website:https://www.thegreatoldonesband.com/
Bandcamp:https://thegreatoldones.bandcamp.com/
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/thegreatoldones
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thegreatoldonesofficial/
YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/user/thegreatoldonesband
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/1U6VZQrgQ4CNXbS6FpP0QC
Deezer:https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/4377965
Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/artist/the-great-old-ones/596465875
Killswitch Engage Drop "I Believe" Video
Three-time Grammy-nominated hard rock heavyweights and platinum-selling band Killswitch Engage — Jesse Leach, vocals; Adam Dutkiewicz, guitar; Joel Stroetzel, guitar; Mike D'Antonio, bass; and Justin Foley, drums — are gearing up for the release of their new album THIS CONSEQUENCE out February 21 via Metal Blade. Pre-order it here.
Today, they have shared the video for the new single "I Believe." Watch it below.
"'I Believe' is about undying hope," shares Leach. "During difficult times perspective is everything. Knowing deep down that 'this too shall pass' has been a beacon of light for me. I do believe there is meaning behind suffering. If we are able to push through difficult times and come out the other side, there is a renewed sense of purpose."
He continues, "I know there are much more commonalities between all of us as humans than there are differences. The good far outweighs the bad. This is my message to anyone who's listening — things will get better! However, you have to believe that they will!. There is power in faith, there is power in manifestation and prayer! Keep the faith and push forward with the confidence of better days ahead. Do not let this world pull you down into despair. Tomorrow is a new day and a new possibility for change!"
Their upcoming winter headline tour features support from Kublai Khan TX, Fit For a King and Frozen Soul, and kicks off on March 5 in Nashville and runs through April 12 in Portland, Maine. The band has also announced dates for May, which will feature support from Shadows Fall, Fit for a King, and Boundaries. Tickets and VIP packages are available here.
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ON TOUR:
WITH KUBLAI KHAN TX, FIT FOR A KING, + FROZEN SOUL:
3/5 — Nashville, TN — The Pinnacle
3/6 — Chesterfield, MO — The Factory
3/8 — Fayetteville, AR — JJ's Live
3/9 — Oklahoma City, OK — The Criterion
3/11 — El Paso, TX — Don Haskins Center Arena
3/13 — Las Vegas, NV — The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
3/14 — Reno, NV — Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort
3/15 — Wheatland, CA — Hard Rock Live
3/17 — Garden City, ID — Revolution Concert House
3/18 — Seattle, WA — The Paramount
3/19 — Vancouver, BC — PNE Forum
3/21 — Penticton, BC — South Okanagan Events Centre
3/22 — Tsuut'ina, AB — Grey Eagle Resort & Casino
3/24 — Winnipeg, MB — Burton Cummings Theatre
3/27 — Peoria, IL — Peoria Civic Center
3/28 — Waukee, IA— Vibrant Music Hall
3/29 — La Vista, NE — The Astro
3/30 — Kansas City, MO — The Midland Theatre
4/1 — Grand Rapids, MI — GLC Live 20 Monroe
4/3 — Corbin, KY — The Corbin Arena
4/4 — Pittsburgh, PA — Stage AE
4/5 — Philadelphia, PA — Franklin Music Hall
4/6 — Greensboro, NC — Greensboro Special Events Center
4/8 — New Haven, CT — College Street Music Hall
4/9 — Buffalo, NY — Buffalo RiverWorks
4/11 — Laval, QC —Place Bell
4/12 — Portland, ME — Cross Insurance Arena
WITH SHADOWS FALL, FIT FOR A KING, + BOUNDARIES:
5/8 — Columbus, OH— Sonic Temple*
5/10 — Indianapolis, IN — Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre
5/11 — Memphis, TN — Minglewood Hall
5/13 — New Orleans, LA — The Fillmore New Orleans
5/14 — Birmingham, AL — Avondale Brewing Company
5/16 — Daytona Beach. FL — Welcome To Rockville*
5/17 — Myrtle Beach, SC — House of Blues
5/18 — Virginia Beach, VA — The Dome
*Festival Date
ABOUT KILLSWITCH ENGAGE:
Killswitch Engage first shook the structure of heavy music upon climbing out of snowy industrialized Western Massachusetts in 2000. A musical outlier, the band pioneered a union of thrashed-out European guitar pyrotechnics, East Coast hardcore spirit, on-stage hijinks, and enlightened lyricism that set the pace for what the turn-of-the-century deemed heavy. 2002's Alive Or Just Breathing became avowed as a definitive album, being named among "The Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of the Decade" by Decibel and celebrated by everyone from Metal Hammer to Revolver. Not only did they bust open the floodgates for dozens to follow, but they also garnered three GRAMMY® Award nominations in the category of "Best Metal Performance" in 2005, 2014, and 2019, respectively, a gold certification for The End of Heartache [2004], and a platinum certification for As Daylight Dies [2006]. The group landed three consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 with Killswitch Engage [2009], Disarm The Descent [2013], and their career high best bow at #6 with Incarnate [2016]. The latter two releases, along with 2019's Atonement, would also both capture #1 on the Top Rock Albums and Top Hard Rock Albums charts. The band's total streams are nearing 3 billion to date, while they've remained consummate road warriors who've sold out countless headline tours and have shared stages with everyone from Iron Maiden to Slipknot to Slayer to My Chemical Romance to Mastodon to Parkway Drive, which is a testament to their ability to cross genres and appeal to all fans of hard rock. KsE have remained a featured attraction at every major North American and European festival through the years. The band is celebrating an astonishing, 25-year career as one of the most vital and genre-defining bands of the '00s and continues its incredible legacy.
Paradise Slaves (Ex-36 Crazyfists, Diecast) Announce Debut Album "With Hell In His Eyes" + Share "Dreamer" Video
PARADISE SLAVES, the brand new band featuring former members of 36 CRAZYFISTS and DIECAST, will release their debut album With Hell In His Eyes on May 2 via Spinefarm.
Pre-order it here.
"To me, the overall concept of With Hell In His Eyes is to never surrender, continue to fight, and continue to be grateful for life," states singer Brock Lindow. "Those were my thoughts. I'm a 49-year-old man who has lived and learned a lot. No one is perfect. Coming to this realization, trying to be better each day is a definitely goal."
Today, the band has also shared the video for "Dreamers."
Watch the video, comprised of footage of the band in performance mode, here.
A chugging palm-muted riff slips into an airy verse punctuated a breathy melody. The rush climaxes on a chantable chorus "I would've traded everything, but it kept running from me."
"My wife is from South Africa, and we battled immigration for five years," Lindow explains, offering a deep look at the highly personal subject matter. "She couldn't leave the entire time, and her parents had gotten sick. It was really rough. It's about our situation, the personal struggle, the hardships we dealt with."
The Boston-by-way-of-Anchorage quartet cements an uncanny union between aforementioned vocal powerhouse Lindow (36 Crazyfists), solo artist and guitarist Tyler Stroetzel, guitarist Jon Kita (Diecast), bassist Brad Horion (Diecast), and drummer Ryan Manning (Pentagram, Blitzkid).
Mutual admiration and respect sparked the initial flame for Paradise Slaves, yet their newly forged friendship lit up their chemistry as brightly as a pyre. That same energy surges through their full-length debut album.
As the story goes, Killswitch Engage guitarist Joel Stroetzel shot a text over to Lindow mid-pandemic. As it turned out, his younger brother Tyler was putting together a solo album, Dark Verses, Vol. 1, and wanted Lindow to sing on a track. Right away, the duo hit it off as collaborators and buddies.
Following the first song, they continued to write and record. Given his longstanding friendship with Brock, Kita naturally fit in and joined the fold followed by Horion and Manning. Jamming away, they nodded to formative inspirations such as Soundgarden and Alice In Chains twisted up with just the right amount of hardcore grit and heavy metal eloquence. In between, they performed alongside the likes of Killswitch Engage, Fit For An Autopsy, and more. Eventually, the group congregated at Tin Bridge Studios in Massachusetts in order to record.
"This band is something I didn't expect," admits Lindow. "After it fell in my lap, I was making new music with new people and we became brothers, and for that, I'm so grateful. When you get a gift like this, you need to put your best foot forward and have some fire. I definitely still have the same fire and love for making music as I always had and it manifests in Paradise Slaves."
EMPLOYED TO SERVE Share New Single "Atonement" (Feat. Will Ramos of Lorna Shore) + Music Video Out Now!
Leading lights of British metal, EMPLOYED TO SERVE, take pride in their place on the heavy metal world stage as they return with a brand new single "Atonement" feat. Will Ramos of Lorna Shore. The band also shares the release date of April 25th for their long-awaited new studio album, ‘Fallen Star.’
“We want to fly the flag for heavy metal and the traditions that it holds,” offers guitarist and songwriter Sammy Urwin, “But at the same time we want to play our part in taking things forward.”
The track features Lorna Shore’s Will Ramos, who in addition to his guttural growls, offers clean vocals for the first time ever on an album feature. The song is built around distorted guitars, battering-ram rhythms, and a Judas Priest-style solo, before shooting into what vocalist Justine Jones describes as “an arena rock chorus!”
“'Atonement' takes aim at those who try to lord their power over you. The only way to defeat these people is by rising above their behaviour and pushing forward on your own path,”explains Sammy. “We wanted to lead with this single because it is the track that encompasses the ethos of EMPLOYED TO SERVE as a whole. We're strong believers of working hard and not letting life and the negative people in it affect your goals and aspirations.”
The music video was largely filmed in Scranton, PA, home of the American mockumentary sitcom, The Office (US).
Justine adds, "The studio was a shrine to the show, and Dwight, which was fun to explore in between filming! We wanted to portray someone in power/authority trying to wear down their captive through aggression. I found it very hard to keep a straight face while choking out Sammy, by take 15 or so I got more into it as the jetlag and hot weather made me feel more unhinged...”
Watch the video for "Atonement" feat. Will Ramos below.
Since meeting in their teens on the outskirts of London, vocalist Justine Jones and guitarist / co-vocalist Sammy Urwin have had their sights fixed on the road ahead. At first, it was all about standing with the local scene bands they admired, but before long they were forging a path of their own, lifers with a mission, evolving from the feral mathcore of their early EPs to detonating a full-throttle career high with 2021 album, ‘Conquering’.
And now there’s ‘Fallen Star’, an 11-track tour-de-force that sees the collective EMPLOYED TO SERVE vision refined to an even sharper degree.
Produced and mixed by Lewis Johns, a longstanding presence behind the desk, it features a number of special guests, including Killswitch Engage’s Jesse Leach on "Whose Side Are You On?" and Svalbard’s Serena Cherry on "Last Laugh".
‘Fallen Star’, the band’s third album via Spinefarm, is a record of dizzying diversity, yet also one that is utterly uncompromising. Taking a deliberately different path to the cathartic anger of fan favourite release, 'The Warmth of a Dying Sun' (2017), ‘Fallen Star’ focuses on positive themes, such as finding inner confidence, sticking fearlessly to beliefs and embracing the power that flows within a tight-knit group.
Today marks the start of the pre-order for ‘Fallen Star’, which will be available in various formats including a limited run of ‘black sunburst’ and ‘orange w/ black splatter’ vinyl. Pre-order'Fallen Star' HERE.
EMPLOYED TO SERVE have played every type of big show imaginable, from Bloodstockthrough to Glastonbury in the UK, and Hellfest, Wacken and Roskilde across Europe. On previous the album, ‘Conquering’, they pulverised arenas all over the UK and Europe in support of metal behemoths, Gojira.
In support of ‘Fallen Star’, EMPLOYED TO SERVE kick-off what is shaping up to be a mammoth touring schedule for 2025 with an April UK headline run, taking Celestial Sanctuaryand Burner along as special guests. The 5-date stint finishes with their biggest London appearance yet, at 02 Academy Islington.
Tickets go on sale @10am UK time on Friday, January 24th.
EMPLOYED TO SERVE will appear at a plethora of European summer festivals, including Graspop (Belgium), Jera On Air (The Netherlands) & 2000 Trees (UK). Details of further worldwide touring will be revealed in due time.
EMPLOYED TO SERVE have come, have seen, have conquered, and now reign supreme as one of Britain’s brightest stars, hell bent on forging their legacy of Heavy Metal Unity. Long may it continue.
EMPLOYED TO SERVE are:
Justine Jones – vocals
Sammy Urwin – guitar/vocals
David Porter – guitar
Nathan Pryor – bass
Casey McHale – drums
Extreme Metal Icons CRADLE OF FILTH Announce New Album "The Screaming Of The Valkyries" + Reveal New Single
GRAMMY Award-nominated extreme metal institution CRADLE OF FILTH is thrilled to unveil their upcoming 14th studio album, The Screaming Of The Valkyries, out March 21, 2025 via Napalm Records. Available for pre-order now, the album excels as a succinct summation of the ghosts of Cradle's past, while taking bold new steps into the future.
CRADLE OF FILTH reigns supreme as one of the most revered, formative and notorious names in music – from the depths of the extreme metal underground to the peaks of mainstream pop culture itself, and are responsible for breaking ground for many of today's top metal artists with their trademark mixture of blackened heaviness, macabre theatricality, and scintillating gothic style. Now, following the release of 2021's Existence Is Futile (#20 Billboard 200 with Hard Rock Genre), iconic frontman Dani Filth & Co. emerge again with a legacy-cementing opus.
Entrance yourself with a brand new CRADLE OF FILTH anthem for a new era – "To Live Deliciously" – out today. The track hits with rhythmic, menacing urgency built around a Libertine lyrical hook that twists and writhes with aggression, atmosphere and melody.
CRADLE OF FILTH master of ceremonies Dani Filth says about the new track:
"The song is about the celebration of life. Of indulging in everything unfettered from the conformities of religion, fashion or state. Free from guilt or constraint. As nature intended.
It could be read as a hedonistic life code. And a positive one if not done at the expense or the suffering of others.
To delight in simply 'being.' Being alive and free in the here and now."
Be one of the first to hear "To Live Deliciously"
On The Screaming Of The Valkyries, frontman Dani Filth's recognizable scream and equally identifiable growl stand mightily alongside twin guitar attacks, symphonic flourishes and explosive rhythm section, implemented by drummer Martin "Marthus" Skaroupka, bassist Daniel Firth, guitarists Marek "Ashok" Smerdaand Donny Burbage, and keyboardist/vocalist Zoe Federoff.
After album opener "To Live Deliciously" hits immediately, second track "Demagoguery" blends dark beauty, blast beats and slaytanic groove as only Cradle can combine. Across the album’s blunt and unforgiving yet inviting expanse, Cradle summons the succulent flavors of classic albums like Dusk And Her Embrace and Cruelty And The Beast with the galloping (but no less fierce) thunder of recent entries Hammer Of The Witches and Existence Is Futile. Flashes of early metal influences coalesce with carnivorous glee into unapologetic death 'n' roll. "White Hellebore" is CRADLE OF FILTH at its most devilishly straightforward, juxtaposing traditional heavy metal with blasts of thrashing fury, spinning back to operatic goth without sounding disjointed. Anchored by arguably the most mournful melody in their catalog, "Non Omnis Moriar" ("I shall not wholly die") could be a cousin to Paradise Lost or Anathema, inverted through Cradle's thorny prism. "You Are My Nautilus" is the darkest song Iron Maiden never wrote, spinning an epic tale with dueling guitars, while "Ex Sanguine Draculae" conjures Dusk-era atmosphere with imaginative new colors.
Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Scott Atkins at Grindstone Studios in Suffolk, England, The Screaming of the Valkyries beckons the brave into a new era of CRADLE OF FILTH misadventure, celebrating massive melancholic melody, blackened thrash, and apocalyptic existential dread with a grinning smattering of unbridled revelry. The Screaming of the Valkyries is a bloody dark love letter to the longtime legion of CRADLE OF FILTH faithful and a stunning entryway for fresh lambs to the sonic slaughter.
Pre-Order The Screaming of the Valkyries HERE.
CRADLE OF FILTH will co-headline the 2025 edition of the North American Chaos & Carnage tour, featuring fellow co-headliners Dying Fetus, as well as Fleshgod Apocalypse, Ne Obliviscaris, Undeath, Vomit Forth, and Corpse Pile. See below for all confirmed performance dates.
CHAOS & CARNAGE TOUR DATES:
4/17 — Berkeley, CA — UC Theatre
4/19 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern
4/20 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren
4/22 — Albuquerque, NM — El Rey Theater
4/24 — Dallas, TX — Granada Theater
4/26 — San Antonio, TX — Vibes Event Center
4/27 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
4/29 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl
5/01 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square
5/02 — Richmond, VA — The National
5/03 — Reading, PA — Reverb
5/04 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium
5/06 — Montreal, QC, CAN — L'Olympia
5/07 — Toronto, ON, CAN — Rebel
5/08 — Pontiac, MI — The Crofoot
5/09 — Chicago, IL — Radius
5/10 — Des Moines, IA — Val Air Ballroom
5/12 — Wichita, KS — TempleLive
5/14 — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium
CRADLE OF FILTH IS:
Dani Filth — Vocals
Marek "Ashok" Smerda — Guitars
Martin "Marthus" Skaroupka — Drums
Daniel Firth — Bass
Donny Burbage — Guitars
Zoe Federoff — Vocals, Keys
PERFECT PLAN Unveils New Single "Heart Of A Lion" + Music Video!
PERFECT PLAN unveils their new single and accompanying video “Heart Of A Lion”, the title track from the upcoming studio album, 'Heart Of A Lion', set for release on February 28th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Lead singer Kent Hilli describes the title track by saying:
“'Heart Of A Lion' is inspired by our Swedish football hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his story and career. A magnificent football player with a very inspiring story. I can relate to the struggles he had as a youth growing up in Sweden turning his setbacks and people talking him down to fuel for development and reaching higher. The passion, ambition and drive he has is truly one of a kind. He also has the Lion as his “spirit animal” which - together with his unique drive - inspired me for the lyrics and theme of the song”.
Talking about the album, he states:
“The new album is once again showcasing that we have developed and matured as a band in terms of songwriting and production. The melodies, riffs and hooks that we have created on this album are overall the best we’ve done so far. I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished. Although our main influences like Survivor, Foreigner, Europe, Whitesnakeare still shining through, there’s that unmistakable PERFECT PLAN sound that is the driving center of it all. And I think we have strengthened that sound and identity."
“With 'Brace For Impact' we wanted to discover a new heavier and “in your face” sound but on this album we are back to the sound of the first 2 albums, with more keyboards and bigger sound taking you back to the 80’s with a modern touch and feel. On this album we once again teamed up with Mårten Eriksson, whom we worked with on 'Time For A Miracle'”, Hilli adds.
“Mårten brought his extreme talent to the songs both co-producing with us and also did the mixing. Mårtens long experience as both songwriter and producer in the pop-industry brought so much to the table and the end result is simply fantastic. If you liked our previous albums, you are gonna love 'Heart Of A Lion!'."
Watch the New Video for "Heart Of A Lion"
PERFECT PLAN’s fourth studio album, 'Heart Of A Lion' marks the culmination of the band’s musical production to date. Over the course of their first trilogy of albums, 'All Rise', 'Time For A Miracle' and 'Brace for Impact', the Swedes have quickly established themselves as a new gold standard in not only the Scandinavian melodic rock genre, but the melodic rock genre as a whole.
Kent Hilli is a one of a kind singer that gained world reputation almost from the start. His class, range, tone and heartfelt expression caught the attention of his heroes Giant, who picked him to sing on their latest album 'Shifting Time', and saw Kent releasing 2 solo albums in 2021 ('The Rumble') and 2023 ('Nothing Left To Lose').
Completing the line up, Rolf Nordström, guitarist extraordinaire, Mats Byström, the music mastermind who plays bass and form a solid, rock hard base with drummer Fredrik Forsberg. The subtle textures, so important in AOR, come from Leif Ehlin’s keyboards.
'Heart Of A Lion' is a powerful statement from the band offering the absolute best songwriting and production ever: a strong offering, with roots very well planted in the 80’s AOR sound. Produced by the band in collaboration with Mårten Eriksson, the band was determined to top the musical results they reached until now and took a few months – from the end of 2024 – to come out with the right musical material.
Sometimes the stars align, and the result is absolutely stunning: a perfect balance of energy and unforgettable melodies is what you are going to find in 'Heart Of A Lion'.
PERFECT PLAN offers the “perfect” (pun intended) combination: a superb singer, a well-oiled band of experienced players, and a great songwriting talent with a knack for unforgettable melodies and driving rhythms.
With 'Heart Of A Lion,' PERFECT PLAN has crafted an outstanding piece of work which, while paying tribute to the obvious references to the sound of the classics (think Survivor,Foreigner, The Storm, Giant, etc) and Scandinavian AOR, has a recognizable identity and personal feel.
PERFECT PLAN are:
Kent Hilli – Lead Vocals
Leif Ehlin – Keyboards
Rolf Nordström – Guitar
Mats Byström – Bass
Fredrik Forsberg – Drums
ELUVEITIE - ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ÀNV
About one month ago ELUVEITIE released ‘Premonition’, the first new music after two long years. Today the band announce their new album Ànv, which will be released on April 25th, 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. ELUVEITIE also shares the second song 'The Prodigal Ones' from the upcoming album. After their own headliner tour 'ÁNV RISING – EUROPE', which starts in January 2025, the band will hit the road again together with ARCH ENEMY, AMORPHIS and GATECREEPER in October 2025. All dates are listed below.
ELUVEITIE frontman Chrigel Glanzmann comments: "Hard to express how excited we are to share this one with you all! Musically combining the heavy pounding Elu classics like "Luxtos", "Inis Mona" or even "King" with some new, maybe unexpected ideas, we feel that this song most of all comes like a punch in the face and we hope you'll enjoy it as much as we do! Lyrically it actually opens the big theme of ANV - these ancient words, several thousands of years old, our upcoming album is based on..."
Stream 'The Prodigal Ones' here: https://eluveitie.bfan.link/the-prodigal-ones
Watch the video for 'The Prodigal Ones' below:
Pre-order/Pre-save Ànv here: https://eluveitie.bfan.link/anv
About ELUVEITIE:
ELUVEITIE, formed in 2002 by Chrigel Glanzmann, has consistently merged modern metal with Celtic musical traditions. Originating from the Swiss Alps and deeply rooted in Celtic history, mythology, and spirituality, the band has become a cornerstone of the modern metal scene. Their debut, Vên (2004), set the stage for a unique blend of melodic death metal and traditional folk. Subsequent albums like Slania, Everything Remains (As It Never Was), Helvetios, and Origins solidified their reputation. The acoustic albums Evocation I – The Arcane Dominionand Evocation II – Pantheon showcased their versatility.
In 2022, ELUVEITIE released the singles 'Aidus' and 'Exile of the Gods,' marking a new chapter in their musical journey and thematical cycle pursuing the lyrical concept opened by their last studio album Ategnatos. These tracks were followed by the announcement of their upcoming album, ÀNV, set for release in April 2025. The first single sfrom this album, 'Premonition', and 'The Prodigal Ones' has just been unveiled, offering a glimpse into the band's evolving sound.
Over the years, ELUVEITIE has undergone lineup changes, including their latest addition with Lea-Sophie Fischer on violin in May 2024. Despite these changes, the band's essence and soul remains untouched. With nine studio albums, numerous tours all around the globe, and headline shows worldwide, ELUVEITIE continues to be a dynamic force in the metal genre.
As they approach the release of ÀNV, ELUVEITIE remains committed to their roots while exploring new musical horizons. Coming as one of their most profound and earnest albums, ÀNVpresents a result of more than 20 years of intense involvement with Celtic mythology and spirituality, translating deeply pagan knowledge for a modern generation. ELUVEITIE's journey reflects a dedication to authenticity and innovation, ensuring their place as a defining presence in modern metal.
ELUVEITIE are:
Chrigel Glanzmann - vocals, whistles, mandola, bagpipes, bodhran
Fabienne Erni - vocals, celtic harp, mandola
Alain Ackermann - drums
Rafael Salzmann - guitars
Jonas Wolf - guitars
Kay Brem - bass
Matteo Sisti - whistles, bagpipes, mandola
Lea-Sophie Fischer - fiddle
---
ELUVEITIE online:
Website http://www.eluveitie.ch/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/eluveitie
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eluveitie_official/
Twitter https://twitter.com/eluveitie
PHIL X & THE DRILLS Announce New Album 'POW! Right In The Kisser' Out March 28th via Frontiers Music Srl
PHIL X & THE DRILLS are back and ready to blow minds with their electrifying new album'POW! Right In The Kisser', set for release via Frontiers Music Srl on March 28th. Known for their unique fusion of punk, classic, and modern rock infused with guitar virtuosity, PHIL X & THE DRILLS have carved out a distinctive spot in the rock world—and they’re kicking it into high gear with this upcoming release.
To celebrate this announcement, the band shares the album's second single "Moving to California", following up "Don't Wake Up Dead", alongside a new visualizer available to view below. The track features Jeremy Spencer on drums.
On the new single, PHIL X comments:
"'Moving To California" was always a dream of mine when I was a young guitar player going up in Toronto, Canada. From a distance, it always seemed like the place to be. When I moved there in '97, a lot of the ROCK glamor was gone, but I stayed and stuck to my goals. The song is a reflection of my story & other stories I had heard along the way."
The band—featuring guitar hero PHIL X (Bon Jovi) on lead vocals and guitar and Daniel Spree on bass and backing vocals—is pulling out all the stops on 'POW! Right In The Kisser', with an all-star lineup of guest drummers including Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe), Ray Luzier(Korn), and Tico Torres (Bon Jovi), among others.
About the album, PHIL X shared:
"'POW! Right in the Kisser' was a good 10 years in the making. 'Battleship' was tracked in 2014. I just kept writing & we'd record & then kept the whole 'different drummer on every song' thing going. It became a very special collection of songs & vibes. It's very exciting for me to share something like that with the world."
Watch the New Visualizer for "Moving to California" below.
The journey of PHIL X & THE DRILLS is one of relentless passion and perseverance. From their early days stirring up the Hollywood rock scene in 2003, to their breakout EP 'Kick Your Ass in 17 Minutes' (2009), the band has always kept fans hooked with their high-energy sound and jaw-dropping performances. As PHIL X became a YouTube sensation through his work demoing vintage guitars for Fretted Americana, the band’s visibility skyrocketed, eventually evolving into the powerhouse known as PHIL X & THE DRILLS.
Over the years, the band has worked with an incredible roster of guest drummers, including Josh Freese ( Sting, Foo Fighters), Abe Laboriel Jr. (Paul McCartney), and Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), among others. Their most recent release, 'Stupid Good Lookings Vol. 1', showcased the band’s knack for pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable rock tracks.
In 2024, PHIL X & THE DRILLS hit a new career milestone, opening for Mötley Crüe at Summerfest in Springfield, IL, where their performance left 10,000 fans and industry professionals in awe. Now, with 'POW! Right in the Kisser', they’re set to take the next big step in their musical journey.
PHIL X & THE DRILLS:
Phil X - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Daniel Spree - Bass & Background Vocals
Brent Fitz - Drums & Background Vocals
Danish Doom Unit KATLA to Release Debut Album, "Scandinavian Pain," on March 21, 2025 Via Napalm Records!
Three-headed Danish doom monster KATLA is set to take 2025 by the throat with the release of their unmissable debut album, Scandinavian Pain, out March 21 via Napalm Records. After years of honing their colossal sound and live energy, the band delivers an unrelenting blend of raw emotion, gritty riffs, and subterranean sonic battery. The album not only marks a new chapter for the band, but also reflects their rise to acclaim — from humble beginnings at Copenhell Festival, to becoming a standout act in Denmark's heavy music underground. Witness this thunderstorm on European stages, when KATLA will support the mighty death metal force 1914 on their extensive tour starting end of February!
Scandinavian Pain also marks the debut of new KATLA bassist and vocalist Theis Thorgersen. His addition not only breathes renewed energy into the band itself, but imbues an evolved sound that is heavier, darker, and sharper than ever before. KATLA's meaningful yet uninhibited sound and high-energy live performances have positioned them as a force to be reckoned with.
KATLA on "Taurus":
"This was the first song that we created after the departure of our old bassist. We didn’t have a label or a clear plan of what we wanted to do besides making music. Taurus was our first step into the 'newer' sound of KATLA. After making the split 'Overdoser' and trying to up the tempo a bit to make it sound tougher and gritter, Taurus came naturally with the arrival of Theis on the bass and vocal parts, and the visions for the debut KATLA album."
Watch the official music video for "Taurus"
Scandinavian Pain is a cathartic exploration of personal struggles, mental health, and societal critique. Songs like "Dead Lover" and "Grim Jesus" dive deep into themes of overcoming inner darkness and rejecting oppressive systems, showcasing lyrics that resonate with the resilience of the human spirit. "Castle of Purity" is a searing anthem that calls out the abuse and hypocrisy in organized religion — a powerful statement about pushing back against injustice and finding strength in individuality. Produced by Lasse Ballade (known for his work with Solbrud, Alkymist, and Halshug), the record combines visceral sonic landscapes with a deeply personal narrative. Prepare to experience the raw power and unfiltered honesty of KATLA on Scandinavian Pain.
KATLA says about the album:
"Scandinavian Pain is an album about the shame of feeling depressed in a country that in many ways seems to be out of any misery or control of others. The inherent feeling of guilt, the despondent thoughts. The weight of cultural Christianity and being part of a system that is destroying both ours and other lives. It’s about watching the newest season of whatever decadent TV show is on while children are being murdered daily. All the songs are different, yet similar. This time, there’s an affirmation for you, who might need it, a story telling, a short grindy track, something with a blast beat, but of course also heavy sludgy doom. Welcome to the house of pain."
Pre-order your copy of Scandinavian Pain NOW.
KATLA IS:
Rasmus Bang — Drums + Vocals
Marc Lennart Christensen — Guitar
Theis Stenberg Thorgersen — Bass + Vocals
BLEED FROM WITHIN - Release Video For New Single 'A Hope In Hell'
Fresh off a monumental tour supporting genre greats SLIPKNOT across the UK and Europe, BLEED FROM WITHIN have released the video for their new single 'A Hope In Hell'. The latest cut from the new album Zenith, which is set for release on the 4th April via Nuclear Blast Records, is a brooding, anthemic slab of the kind of cutting-edge, modern metal that BLEEDhave become synonymous with.
On the new single, the band comment:
"'A Hope In Hell' is one of the more melodic cuts from our latest album and one that we all connected with early in the writing process. The evolution of this song is a great indicator of what we've explored on our latest release; we've pushed ourselves melodically but also found a dark and heavy groove that really underpins our sound. Looking at the lyrics, life doesn't get any easier and everyone you know is dealing with its challenges. We are caught in repeating cycles of adversity and hardship, but our perception can change once we accept that growth is on the other side of such things. Take from that what you will just know that we're rooting for you. Enjoy."
Pre-order and pre-save Zenith now at:
https://bleedfromwithin.bfan.link/zenith.ema
Bleed From Within - 'A Hope In Hell' (Official Music Video)
Catch BLEED FROM WITHIN across North America in 2025 supporting BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and TRIVIUM on 'The Poisoned Ascendancy' tour, before they return to the UK and Europe for 'The Zenith Tour', where they'll be joined by AFTER THE BURIAL and GREAT AMERICAN GHOST.
THE POISONED ASCENDANCY NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2025
supporting BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and TRIVIUM
19.04.25 - MO, Chesterfield - The Factory
20.04.25 - NE, Omaha - Steelhouse
22.04.25 - WI, Green Bay - Epic Event Center
23.04.25 - MI, Grand Rapids - GLC Live At 20 Monroe
26.04.25 - IL, Chicago - Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
27.04.25 - MI, Detroit - The Fillmore
29.04.25 - PA, Pittsburgh - Stage AE
30.04.25 - PA, Philadelphia - The Fillmore
02.05.25 - MA, Boston - MCM Music Hall At Fenway
03.05.25 - QC, Laval - Place Bell
04.05.25 - ON, Toronto - Great Canadian Resort Theatre
06.05.25 - DC, Washington - The Anthem
07.05.25 - NY, New York - The Rooftop At Pier 17
09.05.25 - PA, Bethlehem - Wind Creek Event Center
11.05.25 - TN, Nashville - The Pinnacle
13.05.25 - KY, Corbin - Corbin Arena
14.05.25 - GA, Atlanta - Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre
17.05.25 - NC, Charlotte - Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
18.05.25 - NC, Raleigh - Red Hat Amphitheater
2025 Festival Dates
15.06.25 - UK, Download Festival
26.06.25 - NO, Tons Of Rock
14.08.25 - DE, Reload Festival
Tickets for all dates are available now at bleedfromwithin.com
Bleed From Within are:
Scott Kennedy - Vocals
Craig Gowans - Lead Guitar
Steven Jones - Rhythm Guitar & Vocals
David Provan - Bass
Ali Richardson - Drums
This Gift Is A Curse Ascend into Darkness on New Single
Though they bonded together after a chance encounter, for the past 16 years, This Gift Is A Curse have pushed the confines of underground metal to violent extremes. On their upcoming fourth album, the Swedish band extend their all-encompassing reign with a cold, hard fist. Heir claims metal's crown of thorns behind an unruly arsenal of hardcore and sludge-encrusted black metal.
Today, This Gift Is A Curse are releasing the second single off Heir. "Ascension" serves as the album's harrowing finisher, summoning the darkness that dwells within us all.
Listen to "Ascension" below.
Heir comes out March 7, 2025 on Season of Mist.
Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/thisgiftisacurseheir
"Ascension" is a post-apocalyptic liturgy that delves into the arcane spectrum of the human soul. This Gift Is A Curse unleash a torrent of blackened riffs, cascading over relentless blast beats that echo the primordial chaos from which all darkness is spawned. Jonas A. Holmberg vocals tear through the soul with a visceral intensity, swallowing you inside a ritualistic trance. Livmødr's Laura Morgan's haunting chants weave through the aural onslaught, providing an otherworldly contrast that beckons the spirit to rise amidst the ashes and transcend into the realm of shadows.
This Gift Is A Curse defies the transient trends of music, instead choosing to carve its path with the bones of the fallen. Their forthcoming album, 'HEIR,' is a relentless pursuit of the extreme, a mosaic of human suffering and the dark beauty that lies within. As the album prepares to sear its mark upon the world, one thing is clear: There will be no heirs to the throne of darkness that This Gift Is A Curse occupies. The crown is theirs alone, forged in the fires of creation and destruction, a beacon for those who dare to walk the shadows.
Line-up
Jonas A. Holmberg - Vocals
Patrik Andersson - Guitars, Vocals
David Deravian - Guitars
Lars Gunnarsson - Bass
Christian Augustin - Drums
Recording Studio
The Overlook Studio, Gävle, Sweden
Production Credits
Produced, Engineered & Mixed by William Blackmon at The Overlook Studio.
Mastered by Magnus Lindberg at Redmount Studios, Stockholm, Sweden.
Guitars recorded at Laard studios and House of Inge Studio. Engineered by Daniel Noring and TGIAC.
Bass recorded at Cold Barn with the help of Daniel Noring.
Vocals recorded at Cold Barn by TGIAC.
Guest Musicians
Laura Morgan (of Livmødr) - Vocals on Kingdom (Track 1), Old Space (Track 9) & Ascension (Track 10).
Cover Art
Jonas A. Holmberg / House of No Light .317 (Instagram)
Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/thisgiftisacurseheir
Follow This Gift Is A Curse
Bandcamp: http://thisgiftisacurse.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thisgiftisacurse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisgiftisacurse/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7MoipbqoshfYNfckhzRtYC
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/this-gift-is-a-curse/405256386
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/1005843
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3813169
HANGMAN'S CHAIR - Release New Single 'In Disguise'
Ahead of their next studio album, Saddiction, due on 14th February 2025 via Nuclear Blast, French doom metal pioneers HANGMAN´S CHAIR are back with their new single 'In Disguise'. A haunting, slow-burning shoegaze doom track that drifts through layers of sorrowful distortion. Its mournful lyrics unravel the weight of depression, echoing the isolation and darkness that consumes the soul.
HANGMAN'S CHAIR comments about 'In Disguise': "Wheather, debts, long time since failure, low motivational level, the feeling of a need to take action… already depressed? January 20th, more commonly known as “Blue Monday”, what a perfect day to release our third single “In Disguise”. A last fix before the launching of SADDICTION on Valentine’s Day. Enjoy!"
About Saddiction: "SADDICTION is the contraction of 2 words, sadness, and addiction. It means the addiction to sadness. 7th effort of the band, for us, Saddiction is the second album of the new trilogy that started with A Loner back in 2022 and it’s the logical continuity. Keeping up with the cold, massively reverbed, and chorused atmosphere but now mixed with what Hangman’s Chair has been known for, the heaviness and the low-tuned sound, thanks to the magical sound engineer Francis Caste, once again. Valnoir of Metastazis designed the cover and resumed what the identity of Hangman’s Chair is all about in its purest form, concrete, pavement, bleakness, and ultra-modern solitude of the Parisian « banlieue ». Now, please don’t blame us for your saddiction. It has always been here. In your hearts, February 14th, 2025."
Pre-Order Saddiction here:
https://hangmanschair.bfan.link/saddiction.ema
Stream 'In Disguise' here:
https://hangmanschair.bfan.link/in-disguise
Watch the video for 'In Disguise' below.
About HANGMAN'S CHAIR:
HANGMAN'S CHAIR, formed in 2005 in Paris, are one of the most unique-sounding Doom Rock bands currently active. Through the years, they have found and fine-tuned their own sonic brand, somewhere at the crossroads between TYPE O NEGATIVE, LIFE OF AGONY, and SISTERS OF MERCY, to name a few, mixed with a certain street credibility connected to the group’s roots in hardcore. Each album takes its strength and essence from the band members’s life experiences, which they portray with unflinching honesty. Whether it is the loss of band members, drug overdoses, or the hardships of living in suburban Paris, all those human emotions resonate within each of their songs as they embrace the darkness and transform it into something beautiful, heavy, and melancholic.
HANGMAN'S CHAIR is:
Julien Chanut - Guitar
Cédric Toufouti - Guitar, Vocals
Mehdi Thepegnier - Drums
Clément Hanvic - Bass
CRAZY LIXX Unveils New Single “Hunt For Danger” + Video
Swedish hard rockers CRAZY LIXX unveil their new single “Hunt For Danger”, taken from their highly anticipated new studio album, titled 'Thrill Of The Bite' and set for release on February 14, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. A new video, available below, accompanies the track.
Guitarist Chrisse Olsson comments on the new track:
“I'm really excited about our next single and music video release for 'Hunt For Danger,' from our upcoming album 'Thrill Of The Bite.' To me, this song is the perfect result of drawing inspiration from all the music I grew up with and all those great bands that influenced me and my musicianship from an early age. A song with a vibe from a time and an era that really made a mark and shaped my life, and still inspires me to make music to this day. When I first pitched this song to the band, I was fairly convinced that they would like it just as much as I do, and I'm extremely proud of the result, and everybody's contribution in making this into what I feel has the potential to become a real CRAZY LIXX classic. An obvious choice for a single in my book, and I'm glad the label and the band agreed. This is a song that is sure to take you back in time.”
Watch the New Video for "Hunt For Danger" below.
Vocalist Danny Rexon expresses his enthusiasm for the new album, by saying:
“So stoked to finally reveal the news of our upcoming album, set to be released in February 2025. Even though we did release some new songs on the compilation album earlier this year, it has been quite a while since the fans got a proper full length studio album with all originals, but now we can finally announce that that time is soon upon us. And dare I say that this album is one really worth waiting for? Personally, I'm really proud and happy with how it came out and I think that the response to the two singles we've put out so far ('Call Of The Wild' and 'Little Miss Dangerous') gives us a clear indication that our fans seem to agree.”
Since the latest studio album release with 'Street Lethal' back in the winter of 2021, fans have been eager to hear new CRAZY LIXX material, and even though the compilation album 'Two Shots At Glory' (2024) gave the listeners some covers, fresh takes on old songs, and a couple of new tracks, this next studio album is what they have all been dying to hear.
'Thrill Of The Bite' promises to elevate CRAZY LIXX’s rock music to new heights. Following the success of their previous album 'Street Lethal' (2021), this new record is packed with powerful anthems, memorable riffs and melodies, electrifying guitar solos, and the larger-than-life sing-along energy that fans have come to expect from the band, delivering what is already shaping up to be one of the bands strongest works in their 20+ year career.
The album features tracks that highlight the band’s ability to balance their nostalgic, sleaze-metal roots with their love for the 80s and early 90s, drawing inspiration from the flamboyant heavy metal and movies of that era alike. CRAZY LIXX have teased a few tracks, suggesting a turn to a heavier, riff-driven style while maintaining their signature melodic choruses and glam-influenced attitude.
With 'Thrill Of The Bite', CRAZY LIXX are poised to continue their reign as one of Sweden’s premier retro hard rock bands, solidifying their legacy in the global scene while pushing their creative boundaries even further.
CRAZY LIXX are a Swedish heavy metal / hair metal / hard rock band hailing from Malmö, Sweden formed in 2002. Known for their energetic performances, catchy hooks, and an unapologetic revival of the glam metal sound from the late 80s, CRAZY LIXX has become a flagship of the New Wave of Swedish Sleaze Metal. The band draws inspiration from acts like Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Alice Cooper, RATT, Skid Row and Guns N’ Roses, creating a perfect blend of melodic hard rock with modern production values and a keen eye (and ear) for 80s and 90s nostalgia.
CRAZY LIXX first gained global recognition with their breakthrough albums 'Loud Minority' (2007), 'New Religion' (2010) and 'Crazy Lixx' (2014), including hits like “Blame It On Love”, “21 'Til I Die”, “Hell Raising Women” and “Girls Of The 80s”, who have all become favorites among the fans and classics in the modern hair metal community.
The band’s lineup has evolved over the years, but it is led by founder and frontman Danny Rexon, whose vocals, songwriting and music production skills are the driving force behind the group. Alongside him, the band currently consists of bassist and creative sidekick Jens Anderson, guitarists Jens Lundgren and Chrisse Olsson, and the newest addition in the form of drummer Robin Nilsson.
CRAZY LIXX are:
Danny Rexon - Vocals
Jens Lundgren - Guitar
Chrisse Olsson - Guitar
Jens Andersson - Bass
Robin Nilsson - Drums
SUMTHING STRANGE TEAMS UP WITH MICHAEL ASTON FOR A REIMAGINED VERSION OF “GORGEOUS,” OUT NOW VIA DEKO ENTERTAINMENT AND STREAMING EVERYWHERE.
Born out of a need for healing, in our world full of mixed emotions, Sumthing Strange came together to create a modern fusion of musical art. Together, we can all identify the illusions that we experience which has created fear and has poisoned our universe. We are all human and equal with distinction and the message of love and peace is clear. Through sound and spirit, we will live life without fear and help create a world where everyone has hope. This electric feeling of elation we have all known is the spirit within us all. Search your soul and journey with Sumthing Strange on an intergalactic ride through this existence.
Hailing from two different worlds Alex Prusmack (SmackJonez) and Johnny Santoro (Still Standing) have created and developed a sound that is shocking the music industry, and it is evident on their latest single “Gorgeous”. As they explain, ““Gorgeous” is an ode to celebrating our joy of how beautiful life can be. Originally done by the band Gene Loves Jezebel, Sumthing Strange produced this re-imagination with love, excitement and raw emotion and a big chorus with tons of energy which just makes you want to dance. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.”
Listen to “Gorgeous” below.
Sumthing Strange is preparing for their next full album release Parallel Worlds which is due to drop Spring of 2025.
For more information, visit
https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/sumthing-strange
Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value
