EMBERS OF DAWN Announce New Single “Shadow of Her Veil” From Their Forthcoming Album Due Later in 2026

EMBERS OF DAWN unveil their newest single “Shadow of Her Veil” a track that walks the line between heavy gothic rock and doom metal with a sound that feels both timeless and unrelenting. Early listeners have compared it to a modern day SISTERS OF MERCY tune, capturing a haunting blend of gothic atmosphere and doom driven weight. Echoes of TYPE O NEGATIVE and PARADISE LOST also pulse through the track, creating a dark immersive soundscape that lingers long after the final note.

“Shadow of Her Veil” explores themes of sorrow, reflection, and heavy beauty. Lyrically, the song delves into the feeling of being haunted by the past by memories by expectations and by the versions of people we hold onto even when they are no longer present. It is a meditation on loss and identity, portraying the struggle of living with memory and expectation, and the sense of being followed by someone’s lingering presence while trying to understand oneself in the aftermath.

With its brooding atmosphere and powerful emotional weight “Shadow of Her Veil” stands as one of EMBERS OF DAWN’s most evocative works to date and offers a compelling preview of what awaits on their forthcoming album arriving in 2026.

About EMBERS OF DAWN:

Formed in 2022, EMBERS OF DAWN is a genre-defying metal project born out of Jacksonville, Florida and Santa Barbara, California. The band blends elements of industrial, gothic, melodic death metal, and cyber-metal to create a sound that is both cinematic and punishing. Known for their thematic focus on alienation, modern decay, and emotional detachment, EMBERS OF DAWN delivers music that is as introspective as it is aggressive.

The band’s music features cold, mechanical precision layered with dark melodic textures, drawing influence from acts like PAIN, DARK TRANQUILLITY, MINISTRY, FEAR FACTORY, RAMMSTEIN, STATIC-X, ROB ZOMBIE, ARCH ENEMY, and TYPE O NEGATIVE. With each release, they continue to explore new sonic territory, balancing technicality with atmosphere, brutality with beauty.

Their upcoming debut album Infernal Culture features drums by ADRIAN ERLANDSSON (AT THE GATES, CRADLE OF FILTH, PARADISE LOST, THE HAUNTED), adding an explosive edge to their already dynamic sound.
 

EMBERS OF DAWN is:

  • Cliff Ross – guitars, programming

  • Scott Van Horn – bass, programming

  • Graves- Vocals

STEVE GORDON MIA RELEASES EXPLOSIVE NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR “BROKEN” FEAT. RAY WEST (SPREAD EAGLE)

Rock/Metal Guitarist, Producer, Mixer, and longtime industry veteran “Steve Gordon MIA” has officially released the music video for his breakout single “BROKEN”, featuring powerhouse vocalist Ray West of Spread Eagle. The track has already made major noise at radio currently at #22 on Metal Contraband Radio Charts--and the new visual brings the song's emotional intensity, modern heaviness, and cinematic atmosphere to life.

“BROKEN” marks the second collaboration between Gordon and West, following their acclaimed single “We Go To War,”that climbed to #18 on the Metal Charts and continues the sonic blueprint Gordon has spent years crafting: classic metal emotion delivered with hard hitting modern production.

The new video is the most fully realized chapter of the “Steve Gordon MIA” visual universe so far. Combining gritty cinematics, emotional narrative, and Gordon’s signature heavy aesthetic, the “BROKEN” video plunges viewers into the darker themes behind the song—pain, recovery, addiction, rebirth,survival and the razor-thin line between destruction and redemption. Ray West’s soaring performance is on fire, backed by Gordon’s relentless guitar work and massive mix, delivering a modern metal anthem—but unmistakably stamped with Gordon’s veteran sonic identity.

STEVE GORDON MIA “Broken” Official Music Video below:

 

Listen to BROKEN: https://hypeddit.com/stevegordonmia/broken

About Steve Gordon MIA

With deep New York roots, Steve Gordon MIA is a guitarist, songwriter, producer, and mixer. His sound merges the brutality of modern Metal with the precision and musicality only decades of top-tier experience can create.

STEVE GORDON MIA may be a newer solo name to many fans, but his fingerprints are all over the rock world & radio worldwide. A Grammy-nominated engineer, a 50+ Gold & Platinum guitarist, and a behind-the-scenes force across rock, metal, pop, R&B, and film, Gordon has played guitar for, Produced or Mixed:

Bon Jovi, Wu-Tang Clan, Rod Stewart, Phil Collins, Prince, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra, Morgan Wallen, Rob Thomas, Motley Crew/2 Live Crew (HanginWith The Homeboys Movie Soundtrack), Regina Belle, Matt Kramer (Saigon Kick), Inner Circle, and Tito Jackson, Phyllis Hyman, Betty Wright, Gregory Abbott, Dr. John, Rita Marley, Kirk Whalum, Najee, Walter Beasley, David Sanborn, Donell Jones, Aretha Franklin, Howard Hewitt, Natalie Cole, Bad Company (Brian Howe) & more.  

In addition to his recording and session work, Gordon has placed over 30 songs in major films and soundtracks, including “The Little Things” starring Denzel Washington, “80 For Brady” starring Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Rita Moreno, Lily Tomlin, and NFL legend Tom Brady, and “Mafia Mama” starring Toni Collette and Monica Bellucci. His work also extends to Disney movies & soundtracks, as well as placements across Netflix, HBO, and Paramount & Showtime, showcasing his versatility and wide-reaching impact. After decades shaping the sound of Icons & other artists, Gordon is now carving out his own lane—leading into the upcoming full-length album “In The Blink Of An Eye” that features world class internationally known Hard Rock Metal singers in the Hard Rock / Metal arena coming out January 2026). Gordon is also a Grammy-nominated engineer credited for the“Betty Wright & The Roots’ song titled “Surrender”.

 
Links to Website and All Socials 

https://stevegordonmia.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576615768613

https://www.instagram.com/stevegordon_mia

https://youtube.com/@stevegordon1562

SUNSWARM Unleashes Debut Single “Sunswarm”: A Bleak, Crushing Immersion Into Modern Industrial Noise

SUNSWARM, the emerging industrial noise act from Southampton, UK, has announced the release of its self-titled debut single, “Sunswarm.” Newly formed, the band arrives with a fully articulated vision that leans into heaviness not as spectacle, but as an unavoidable truth. Their sound is shaped by the weight and desolation of GODFLESH, the spiritual intensity of AMENRA, the confrontational extremity of THE BODY, and the cosmic dread of ORANSSI PAZUZU. SUNSWARM draw from these influences without imitation, creating an approach that is defined by early 90s industrial sampling techniques, scorched guitar textures, and vocals shaped by black-metal intensity, all fused into rhythms that feel more like movements of pressure than traditional song structures.

The single “Sunswarm” serves as the first expression of this identity. Its lyrics are minimal and ritualistic, functioning less as narrative and more as invocation: “Sunswarm. How to die. Sunswarm. Look into the light.” These words sit within an atmosphere that feels both claustrophobic and vast, the kind of sound designed to confront rather than reassure. The track is built to feel like a moment suspended between collapse and revelation, a tone that reflects the band’s view of the modern world and the emotional weight they aim to channel.

About SUNSWARM:

SUNSWARM is led by vocalist and bassist Rich Lee-Davis and vocalist and guitarist Neil Sutton, joined by additional contributors who extend the band’s sonic and visual reach. Together they construct an immersive environment where sound, light, and texture collide. Their creative world is defined by sensory overload, stark monochrome imagery, disorienting strobe work, and the feeling of being enclosed within an atmosphere that is both vast and hostile. Everything they create is intended to overwhelm, to blur the line between performance and encounter.

From their earliest ideas, SUNSWARM have operated from a place of complete self-definition, shaping a language of heaviness that goes beyond impact or aggression. They approach weight and intensity as emotional terrain, a landscape shaped by pressure, absence, and the darker edges of lived experience. Their debut single, “Sunswarm,” marks the first reveal of this landscape, a glimpse into the bleak and immersive world the band is building.

SUNSWARM is: 

Rich Lee-Davis - vocals, bass
Neil Sutton - vocals, guitar
Additional contributors (live and studio) - to be announced

Connect with SUNSWARM:

Website: https://sunswarm.bandcamp.com/
Bandcamp: https://sunswarm.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunswarmband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunswarmband/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SUNSWARM

LEVELS Drop "Black Dove" Video

Central Arkansas-based, cyber-industrial x metal quartet LEVELS — Kolby Carignan [vocals], Jager Felice [guitar], Jacob Hubbard [bass], and Dalton Kennerly [drums] — have come roaring out of the gates to close out the year with the video for the new single "Black Dove."

Watch it below.

The song, with its glitchy riffs, deep grooves, and kinetic vocals, will take up real estate in your brain for days on end. And the balls-out breakdown will leave you seeing stars.

"'Black Dove' is a requiem for lost faith and forbidden love, a haunting prayer that drifts through the ruins of devotion to ghosts born in the mind," the band explains

The new track follows "Covert One," which arrived over the summer.  Watch the video here.

LEVELS are known for fusing heavy music with elements of pop, electronic, and drum and bass. Since forming in 2016, they have independently amassed millions of streams, drawing influence from artists as diverse as Billie Eilish, The Prodigy, Static-X, and The Weeknd.

Following the success of their 2023 EP PULSE on SharpTone Records, which surpassed 1 million streams, LEVELS aren't adding to the noise, they're building something new, sharp, and unapologetically their own. Their sound fuses digital grit with raw emotion; dark, distorted, and built to break through the static. LEVELS have built their rise on a fierce DIY ethic, steadily growing from small rooms to bigger stages, playing alongside bands such as: Kittie, ERRA, Beartooth, The Devil Wears Prada, and more.

LEVELS are more than a band. Their ever evolving world is built from cinematic visuals, visceral performances, and immersive storytelling, standing out in a hyper-connected yet emotionally disconnected era. With each track, they seek to reignite authentic connection. As they continue to carve their path through the metal landscape, their mission remains clear: Don't bury emotion. Embrace it. Channel it. And turn it into something that makes you feel again.

DROP DEAD, GORGEOUS Share "Sink Your Teeth" Video

Drop Dead, Gorgeous emerged in the mid-2000s with an emotionally charged take on post-hardcore that helped define the era. As teenagers from Denver, their 2006 debut In Vogue became a landmark for Rise Records, blending synth-laced breakdowns, theatrical flair, and raw vulnerability. Follow-up albums like Worse Than a Fairy Tale and The Hot N' Heavy cemented their place in the scene, influencing a wave of bands that followed.

The tastemakers at VICE tipped the band as that which helped to "perfect a style of post-hardcore that other bands would model themselves after. Where other bands in the scene would regurgitate the same testosterone-tinged bro-rock, Drop Dead, Gorgeous made their mark by putting [emotional] vulnerability into song."

After a decade-long hiatus, core members Daniel "Stills" Stillman, Danny Cooper, and Jake Hansen returned in 2024 with a string of surprise shows and, in 2025, released their first new music in years with the single "Six Feet." The followup "Burn" continued that momentum.

Now, the band is issuing the new single "Sink Your Teeth," which signals that Drop Dead, Gorgeous aren't chasing the past, they’re building something new: Heavier, sharper, and just as honest as ever. 

Watch the video Below:

"'Sink Your Teeth' is a dark, introspective track that turns personal struggle into resilience," says Stillman. "Through vivid imagery and raw emotion, it explores confronting destructive patterns and finding strength in facing the darkness head-on."

It's incredibly fitting that Drop Dead, Gorgeous have partnered with Artery. Both the band and the label were industry titans of the '00s and '10s metalcore explosion. 

The Artery Foundation is a familiar name to hard rock fans. In 2025, the brand has rebooted and is a full service company. It's a label, artist management and producer management firm, among other things. During its 2010s heyday, the brand helped author the burgeoning metalcore scene, having been responsible for singing and breaking genre titans.

From the sweaty chaos of basements and VFW halls to the world's biggest festivals, Artery has helped guide talent from local notoriety to global recognition. The list of heavy music cornerstone acts that started with Artery speaks for itself" A Day To Remember, Motionless In White, Dance Gavin Dance, Beartooth, Sleeping With Sirens, The Amity Affliction, Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada, Our Last Night, Memphis May Fire, Fit For A King, The Plot In You, Attila, Attack Attack!, and more. 

In 2010, the company launched Artery Recordings, a label imprint that gave rise to breakout acts like Chelsea Grin and Kublai Khan TX. As Artery continued to expand, founder Eric Rushing concurrently deepened his influence on Sacramento's music and nightlife culture. His handiwork is evident in various live venues, restaurants, and bars.

Teen Metal Band Chained Saint Live Drop "Live at the Whisky A Go Go" EP

Teen metal band CHAINED SAINT — comprised of Ethan Kahn (guitar), Sebastian De Avila (bass), Cameron Cottrell (drums) and Sean Sterling (vocals) — were one of the most surprising musical discoveries of 2024 and their growth spurt further intensified in 2025. 

 Revolver, Guitar World, Loudwire, Metal Injection, Miami New Times, and Judas Priest legend Rob Halford all praised the band for their chops. SiriusXM's Liquid Metal added the band to their playlist, and their debut single "Animosity" served as the theme song for the WWE 2K24 DLC 4 trailer. Ahead of their first tour in the summer of 2025, Chained Saint shared the brand new single "1000 Tons." Watch the lyric video below:

Chained Saint appeared at several festivals through the rest of the year, including Welcome to Rockville, Rocklahoma, Louder Than Life, and VANS Warped Tour. Weather caused their set at LTL to be canceled, but Slaughter to Prevail personally invited Sterling on stage to perform with them in a moment of metallic magic.

Today, Chained Saint share their Live at the Whisky a Go GO EP, which was recording on August 15 of this year. It marked the band's second performance at the legendary L.A. venue and shows off the kind energy that can only be expended by youth, along with their serious skills.

Watch the full performance here.

Listen to and download the EP here and here.

"We love playing in Los Angeles and love playing at the Whisky a Go Go," the band says. "Besides being an iconic venue, it's intimate, and the energy is great. And there's nothing like playing in front of a packed house. We talked about releasing a live EP between the Blindside album and the new music we're releasing early next year. The August 15 show at the Whisky provided the perfect opportunity to show what it's like to see us live. We were also able to capture the set on video, for all of the people who haven't had the opportunity to see us live yet."

Born in a South Florida garage back in the summer of 2022, Chained Saint's recently released debut album, Blindside (out via independent label Patriark Records) combines the raw, organic riffery of the best old-school '80s thrash metal with a dash of modern-day brutality befitting the many challenges confronting the youth of 2024. The past and present collide, resulting in modern, metallic maelstrom made by a bunch of kids who play with fire in their veins — and their hands! Blindside, produced by William DuVall of Alice In Chains, focuses that fury into a powerfully concise, eight-song LP. The album was recorded and mixed to analog tape with no computers involved whatsoever in the recording sessions. No AI. No studio trickery. No bullshit. Just real riffs made by real players.

KALAMITY KILLS Releases Explosive New Single "Help!" Today, a Hard Rock Reimagining of THE BEATLES Classic

East Nashville hard rock breakout KALAMITY KILLS has released its brand new single "HELP!" today through Pero Recordings. Recorded live in the studio with choice overdubs for impact, the track delivers a fierce reinterpretation of THE BEATLES classic. The band has rebuilt the song with their trademark intensity, emotional depth, and modern heaviness.

Produced and mixed by guitarist Jamey Perrenot, this new version of "HELP!" captures the urgency and vulnerability of the original while pushing it into a darker and more electrified space. Soaring vocals, heavy guitars, tight harmonies, and driving rhythms create a sound that feels both familiar and completely refreshed.

A new performance video also debuts today. The visual showcases the full band performing the track with raw energy and conviction, giving fans a direct look at the chemistry and spirit behind the release.

About KALAMITY KILLS

KALAMITY KILLS is a hard rock band forged in the heart of East Nashville, Tennessee. Formed in 2022 by vocalist Jamie Rowe and guitarist/producer Jamey Perrenot, the band emerged from the ashes of a solo project into a fully realized sonic assault—fueled by raw emotion, modern aggression, and a deep respect for rock’s roots. With a sound that fuses the swagger of classic hard rock with the intensity and polish of modern metal, KALAMITY KILLS strikes a rare balance between power and vulnerability.

Best known for their debut self-titled album Kalamity Kills, the band quickly turned heads thanks to high-profile collaborations with members of KORN, 3 DOORS DOWN, LA GUNS, CONQUER DIVIDE, and UNDEROATH. Their music has earned national airplay on SIRIUSXM’s Octane, landed on the Billboard Active Rock charts, and crossed over into viral success without ever chasing trends.

More than just a studio project, KALAMITY KILLS is a growing force with a full live lineup, including bassist/vocalist Julia Lauren Bullock and drummer Rob Bodley. Their songs—ranging from explosive anthems to brutally honest ballads—tackle themes of faith, failure, hypocrisy, redemption, and the messy beauty of being human.

KALAMITY KILLS is for the outsiders, the misfits, the ones who’ve been burned and are still standing. Loud. Unapologetic. Unforgettable.
KALAMITY KILLS is:

  • Jamie Rowe – Lead Vocals

  • Jamey Perrenot – Guitar / Producer

  • Julia Lauren Bullock – Bass / Vocals (Live)

  • Rob Bodley – Drums (Live)

Connect with KALAMITY KILLS:

  • Website: https://kalamitykills.com

  • Facebook: https://facebook.com/kalamitykills

  • Instagram: https://instagram.com/kalamitykills

  • X (Twitter): https://x.com/kalamitykills

  • Jamie Rowe on X: https://x.com/jamierowe

  • YouTube: https://youtube.com/kalamitykills

  • TikTok: https://tiktok.com/kalamitykills

  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Q7zrZUeUnTrX0OC2FvTqU?si=qZPINKoURFONBasOc9iB3g

  • Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kalamity-kills/1636401395

Rotting Christ Release Live Video of "Under the Name of Legion"

After 35 years of evil existence, Rotting Christ still stand the test of time. Sakis Tolis, his brother Themis and their Greek brothers-in-arms have risen from the Athenian underground to become one of the metal world's most reliable forces, backed by a pantheon discography that has both defined and defied black metal. 

As they prepare for what's building up to be a monumental 2026, today, Rotting Christ are releasing a new live video from the upcoming Blu-Ray edition of  35 Years of Evil Existence - Live in Lycabettus. Though a familiar inclusion among the band's setlist, when performed in front of a sold-out crowd at their historic home theater, "Under the Name of Legion" raises the banner for Hellenic black metal to new heights.        

Watch Rotting Christ perform "Under the Name of Legion" Live in Lycabettus below:

The Blu-Ray edition of 35 Years of Evil Existence - Live in Lycabettus comes out this Friday, December 12, 2025 on Season of Mist. 


Pre-order

https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/RottingChrist35YearsLive

When Rotting Christ stepped onto the stage at the historic Lycabettus Hill Theater for the first time last summer, Sakis, Themis, Kostis Fouk and Kostas "Spades" Heliotis treated 7,000 devout followers to a two-hour set that spanned the band's entire career. Picking one song to close such a monumental evening is no easy feat, especially among their pantheon-level discography. But "Under the Name of Legion" gave them the perfect send-off. 

Originally, "Under the Name of Legion" appeared as the closing track on Genesis, Rotting Christ's seventh full-length album. While the song is still blessed with the band's enchanting gothic melodies, it's mighty opening chant recalls the unflinching pact they forged with metal legions during their earliest years. "Love of darkness signifies the enlightened life eternally". Beating from inside Lycabettus' ancient halls, Rotting Christ's true metal spirit echoed beyond the ages.  

"We are proud that our new live album will now be available on Blu-Ray", says Sakis. "Thanks to all our metal brothers and sisters for your attention, support and dedication over all these years. You can be sure that we will be at the frontline of the battlefield until the end. Non Serviam!"

The footage from 35 Years of Existence - Live in Lycabettus was directed by Yiannis Margetousakis & Thanos Liberopoulos.

Additional video credits

Camera operators
Thanos Liberopoulos
Giorgos Margetousakis
Manolis Rizikos
Roxani Varela
Phillip Daskas
Spirodon Flouretzou
Mike Kochiev

Drone operator
Yiannis Margetousakis

Editors
Evaggelia Tsiliakou
Yiannis Margetousakis

Coloring
Yiannis Margetousakis

Catch Rotting Christ next year during appearances at major summer festivals. More dates announcing soon!

Rotting Christ 2026 Summer Festivals
May 22 - Baltimore, Maryland @ Maryland Death Fest (Exclusive 1989-1995 Set) [TICKETS] 
June 19 - Clisson, France @ Hellfest [TICKETS]
July 19 - Bergen, Norway @ Beyond the Gates [TICKETS]

Line-up:
Sakis Tolis - Guitar, Vocals
Themis Tolis - Drums
Kostas "Spades" Heliotis - Bass
Kostis Fouk - Guitar

Video production credits

Camera operators
Thanos Liberopoulos
Giorgos Margetousakis
Manolis Rizikos
Roxani Varela
Phillip Daskas
Spirodon Flouretzou
Mike Kochiev

Drone operator
Yiannis Margetousakis

Editors
Evaggelia Tsiliakou
Yiannis Margetousakis

Coloring
Yiannis Margetousakis

Biography:
Sébastien J. Gamez

Follow Rotting Christ:
Official Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/athanatoieste
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RottingChristOfficia
Bandcamp: https://rottingchristofficial.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/artist/rotting-christ/id28441629
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ

THE VICE Release Music Video for "Waltz de Anima"; New 3-track EP "The Red Tape Sessions" out now via Noble Demon!

Stockholm-based dark metal four-piece THE VICE have unveiled the music video for "Waltz de Anima", the epic closing track from their newly released 3-track EP "The Red Tape Sessions". The EP is available now via Noble Demon. 

About the track, the band comments: "Waltz de Anima", in my opinion is definitely our most 'epic' song to date. The chorus was the first segment written and it immediately felt like one of the 'big choruses' we'd wanted to write for a long time, but it just hadn't come to us yet. But from the first demo-recording of the song we knew that this was one for the books. It has a very majestic, regal tone to it which we kept close in mind when writing the rest of the song. And with the strange, smoke-drenched, early 1900's jazz-club-vibe in the intro and the interlude reminiscing of parties of the bourgeoisie in huge ballrooms centuries ago, or some twisted night at the Royal Opera or Ballet even, I think we did quite well in highlighting that mood throughout the entire song."

Watch the video for "Waltz de Anima" Below;

Listen to "The Red Tape Sessions" in full HERE

 

From the very beginning, THE VICE has followed their own crooked path, driven by a desire to carve out a place of their own within the scene.

And that grimy, wildhearted, metal/rock/pop fusion, with one foot firmly planted in the windswept, frozen North and the other cemented to the concrete of the streets, sure sounds like nothing else. Dark, blackened metal, ferocious rock 'n' roll, posh punk and harsh, hardcore attitude; mixed with a huge dose of the cultural colossi of the 90's such as Guns & Roses, Pantera, Prince, Grunge, Oasis, Neometal, Fight Club, The Matrix and Terminator 2 to name a few. All of that - and everything in between - comes close to describing the very essence of THE VICE.

 

Three full-length albums and numerous EPs into their career, the band stands as a confident, adrenaline-pumping unit - a bunch of loose cannons at the starting blocks, ready to commence the next chapter in THE VICE saga.

"The Red Tape Sessions" - a striking collection that builds upon the foundations of March’s "A Great Unrest" (Noble Demon), elevating both the production and songwriting while drenching it all in a strange, electrifying neon glow - is out now and available for purchase HERE.

 

The Vice are:
Rickard - Vocals & Guitars 
Charlie - Bass 
Petter - Drums
Joel Öhman - Guitar

For more info visit:
https://www.facebook.com/TheViceOfficial/  
https://www.instagram.com/theviceofficial/  
https://theviceonline.bandcamp.com/  
https://linktr.ee/nobledemon    

The Virgos Sign with Season of Mist

Season of Mist is proud to welcome The Virgos!

Following a decade of setting the standard for hardcore and metal as a member of Bad Seed, Harm's Way and Nails, vocalist and guitarist Andy Saba banded together with kindred spirits Danni Crockett and Eli Gerrity over an addiction to all things heavy. Channeling thick Sabbathian rhythms, Manowar's majesty and the hypnotic ass-shaking of Queens of the Stone Age, the Wilkes-Barre power trio have declared a new age for true heavy metal.

"We decided it was time to let the Apocalyptically loud horses of metal run free again, and shine a light on every color of the Dark Rainbow of Metal", Saba says.   

This year, The Virgos released their third and finest full-length. "Lord Have Mercy is a triumph in multiple heavy musical styles", writes Swim to the Sound. "Fans of everything from melodic hardcore to goth rock to stoner metal will be able to find something to love here". While familiar to lovers of Heaven and Hell, Into Glory Ride, Type O Negative and Lucio Fulci, the album's full-throttled blast of psychedelic pyrotechnics is unlike anything you've heard before or since. 

"The theme of Lord Have Mercy is that we missed out on the future", explains Saba. "Utopia isn't happening. We're going backwards now. Superstition, devilry, war, plagues, revolution...it's the Dark Ages again. So let's get with the times. Medieval times call for Medieval responses. If you want to understand the headspace I was in while writing this album, watch Fulci's 1983 movie Conquest several dozen times. It's all in there". 

Watch the video for "Yes", the heavy, hard and horny single from Lord Have Mercy below.

The Virgos entire discography is now available on digital streaming platforms through Season of Mist. 

https://orcd.co/thevirgoslordhavemercy       

Catch The Virgos on tour with Superheaven and White Reaper next week across the Northeast. 

The Virgos 2025 + 2026 U.S. Tour Dates 
with Superheaven and White Reaper

December 11 - Baltimore, Maryland @ Baltimore Soundstage [TICKETS]
December 12 - Rutherford, New Jersey @ Black Box [TICKETS]
December 13 - Amityville, New York @ Amityville Music Hall [TICKETS]
December 27 - Kingston, PA @ Doug's Boardroom [TICKETS]*
January 9 - Washington, D.C. @  Songbyrd [TICKETS]
*with Planning For Burial, If Kansas Had Trees

More dates for 2026 to be announced soon. 

The video for "Yes" was directed by Kyle Barber. 

Additional video credits
Assistant Director / Prop Master - Dana Lakacs
Wizard - Martin Glick
Witch - Demitria Saba
Dog Man - Nick Sedeski
PAs - Noah Gerrity, Kelsey Frank, James Platt, Nick Sedeski and Jordyn Thompson

Special thanks to Katie at Moxie Femme Studio, Gear Rental Tribe Productions, LLC, Indie Iron & Steel Industry and BUDK Knives & Swords

Familiar to lovers of True Heavy Metal, but unlike anything you’ve ever heard before or will again, now is the age of The Virgos, Pennsylvania’s Heaviest Band.   

Lineup
Andy Saba (ex-Bad Seed, ex-Harms Way, ex-Nails) - Vocals, Guitars
Danni Crockett (Rosary Guild) - Bass, Vocals
Eli Gerrity - Drums

Guest musicians
Chelsea Collins (Sower) - Vocals, Piano and Synth on "Babylon (Live)"
Pat Brier - Drums on "Hey Majesty" and "The Hypnotist (March of the Pseudoscientists)"

Recording credits
Recorded by Joe Loftus at JL Studios

Production credits
Produced and engineered by Taylor Young
Mixed by Taylor Young at The Pit in Los Angeles, California
Mastered by Brad Boatwright at Audiosiege

Booking Agent
Doomstar - luc@doomstarbookings.com

Download & Stream
https://orcd.co/thevirgoslordhavemercy

Follow The Virgos
Bandcamp:https://thevirgos.bandcamp.com/
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/1F7lqL76K5oMIhpwkiqGiA
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theevirgos/?hl=en
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-virgos/1581051952  
Bandsintown:https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15609690-the-virgos?came_from=250&utm_medium=web&utm_source=artist_event_page&utm_campaign=artist

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: New Song From Lost In Hollywood

Hamburg-based breakout act Lost in Hollywood continue their rise with the release of their brand-new single "Like A River," featuring powerful guest appearance by Of Virtue. Listen Below.
 

After turning heads with a string of successful recent singles and rapidly growing their fanbase across Europe and beyond, the band now takes thei next major step forward with an international collaboration that underlines their momentum.
 

With "Like A River," Lost in Hollywood sharpen their modern sound even further, blending emotional intensity and heavy-hitting energy with the vocal presence of Of Virtue. The result is a high-impact release that bridges scenes and audiences.
 

Following the strong performance of their latest releases and a steadily expanding live footprint, the collaboration marks a new step in Lost in Hollywood's evolution — louder, more confident, and more globally connected than ever before.


"Like A River" doesn't just add another chapter to their story — it raises the bar for what's coming next.

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: New Song From Vicious Rain

Swiss metalcore force Vicious Rain return with full intensity on "Silent Therapy," marking the powerful next step toward their upcoming album The Anatomy of Surviving, set for release on March 13.

 

 Following the momentum of their previous singles "IKIGAI" and "Spitting Blood Again," both of which firmly established the band as an exciting, modern heavy act, Vicious Rain now dive even deeper.


With the release of "Silent Therapy," Vicious Rain have officially launched the pre-orders for their new album The Anatomy of Surviving. The record promises to be their most personal and dynamic work to date, capturing the struggle, resilience, and emotional weight that define both the band and their growing international fanbase.
 

From the spiritual drive of "IKIGAI" to the ferocious outburst of "Spitting Blood Again" and now the haunting depth of "Silent Therapy," Vicious Rain continue to sharpen their identity — uncompromising, emotional, and built to endure.

Kreator Release Video for Scorching New Single "Satanic Anarchy"

Metal titans KREATOR have unleashed "Satanic Anarchy," the brand new single from their highly anticipated sixteenth full-length, Krushers Of The World, which will be out on January 16 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The song bears all the hallmarks of KREATOR's best material of the last few decades — fast-paced thrash riffs, a catchy, anthemic chorus, and a masterful guitar solo — all wrapped into three-and-a-half minutes. 

After paying homage to Dario Argento's cult horror classic Suspiria with their last single "Tränenpalast" and its corresponding video, KREATOR further prove their affinity for the horror genre by referencing another classic movie in the music video for "Satanic Anarchy." Released 10 years after Suspiria, Clive Barker's Hellraiser (1987) is known for being just as influential and groundbreaking for modern horror by combining intense psychological thrills with graphic gore.

Mille Petrozza comments, "Hordes! I hope you'll like our brand new video for the song 'SATANIC ANARCHY' off our new album KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD. The lyrics speak about a divine revolt of the mind: Breaking the spell of obedience, standing together against tyranny, and igniting change where fear once ruled. The narrative part of the video takes us back to the cinematic masterpiece Hellraiser by the great Clive Barker, This isn't a remake or a sequel — it's an echo. A tribute to the raw imagination of '80s horror, where pleasure, pain, and chaos shared the same key. Enjoy!"

Pre-order/Pre-save Krushers of the World HERE.

Stream the single "Satanic Anarchy" HERE.

U.S, FESTIVALS:
5/8 — Daytona Beach, FL — Rockville 2026 
5/16 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple
5/21 — Baltimore, MD — Maryland Deathfest 2026

LIONS AT THE GATE Ignite a New Era With “Burn The Candle” and Bold Label Debut

Metal powerhouse LIONS AT THE GATE proudly announce the release of their explosive new single, “Burn The Candle,” which arrives alongside a visually striking music video directed by Vicente Cordero. This marks the band’s first official unveiling since signing with Reigning Phoenix Music. The track delivers a sharpened edge, renewed urgency, and a bold declaration of what fans can expect from the band’s next era, set to unfold in 2026.

🎧 Stream “Burn The Candle” now: https://latg.rpm.link/burnthecandlePR

With its searing riffs, thunderous rhythm section, and impassioned vocal performance, “Burn The Candle” stands as a rallying cry for unity amid division, a theme at the heart of the band’s creative vision.

Frontman Cristian Machado shares powerful insight into the song’s meaning:

“Burn The Candle is a song about the divide being driven into our societies. Hatred is being normalized right in front of our eyes. No one is immune to it, we are being fed constant direction to build fortresses around our hearts because it’s a war out there, and so lead your ego into battle. This song yells out to people, divided we are like sheep waiting to be led to a slaughter. So proudly we wave the triple-edged sword driven into the side of humanity: greed, pride, lust. I know eventually we open our eyes, but for how much longer will we burn the candle at both ends.”

Of the signing, Reigning Phoenix Music co-founder Gerardo Martinez states: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Lions at the Gate to the roster. With their deep-rooted legacy, fearless sound and bold vision, they embody exactly the kind of creative force we’re proud to support. Their debut album showed what happens when raw emotion meets uncompromising craftsmanship and we could not be more excited to help amplify what’s coming next."

The partnership with Reigning Phoenix Music marks a milestone moment for LIONS AT THE GATE, who enter this new phase with sharpened purpose and an unrelenting creative fire. “Burn The Candle” serves as the first spark of what is to come as the band builds toward an ambitious release cycle in 2026.

Adding fuel to the momentum, LIONS AT THE GATE are currently on tour with the legendary DEATH ANGEL, bringing their ferocious live energy to stages across the country and giving fans an early taste of their revitalized sound.

With a new label home, a blistering new single, and a vision focused firmly on the future, LIONS AT THE GATE are poised to make 2026 their most defining year yet.

FULL TOUR DATES:
12/7 – Reading, PA – Reverb
12/10 – Dallas, TX – Southside Ballroom
12/11 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Midtown
12/12 – Corpus Christi, TX – House of Rock
12/13 – San Antonio, TX – Vibes
12/15 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
12/16 – Tucson, AZ – 191 Toole
12/17 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco

Tickets are available HERE.

About LIONS AT THE GATE:

Nestled in the creative heart of Los Angeles, LIONS AT THE GATE features an ensemble of seasoned musicians, including vocalist Cristian Machado, formerly of ILL NIÑO, alongside guitarists Diego Verduzco and Ahrue Luster, whose past stints with ILL NIÑO and MACHINE HEAD have seasoned their artistry. They are joined by drummer Josh Cuadra. Together, they burst onto the music scene with their electrifying debut single "Not Even Human," which rocketed to #3 on the Apple Metal charts, followed by "Bed of Nails," celebrated for its widespread acclaim on Billboard. Their debut album, The Excuses We Cannot Make, launched in August 2023, marking a bold new chapter and debuting on Billboard's Top 100, Top New Artists, and Heatseekers charts. LIONS AT THE GATE have shared stages with icons like LACUNA COIL and NITA STRAUSS.

As they leave their past projects behind, these artists fully embrace their creative freedom and fresh inspiration. Machado's vocals are at their peak, masterfully blending grace and aggression, while the expert instrumentation of Verduzco, Luster, and Cuadra add dynamic layers and enhance the emotional impact of each note. The band maintains its signature heavy dynamics, anchored by powerful choruses that perfectly complement the robust rhythms of their music.

LIONS AT THE GATE is: 

Cristian Machado — vocals 
Diego Verduzco — rhythm guitar 
Ahrue Luster — lead guitar 
Josh Cuadra — drums / percussion

Connect with LIONS AT THE GATE:

Official Website
Instagram
Youtube
Tiktok
Twitch
Facebook
Twitter
Spotify
Apple Music
Deezer
Amazon Music
Tidal

RAIBARD Unveils New Single “Still Your Name,” a Haunting Meditation on Reincarnation and Lost Memory

Progressive rock group RAIBARD announces the release of their new single “Still Your Name,” an evocative exploration of reincarnation, fragmented memory, and the quiet ache of something lost but not forgotten. The song centers on the experience of feeling a connection to a life once lived, even when the details have faded beyond reach.

“Still Your Name” asks a striking question: What if you cannot remember the specifics, but you remember the feeling? The lyrics speak from the edge of recollection, lingering in the emotional space where a previous life seems close enough to touch, yet impossible to name. Lines such as “I miss your face, are you still there somewhere?” and “Where are you now? I’ve missed me somehow”capture the sense of searching for someone, or even an earlier self, that exists only in memory’s periphery.

Musically, the track blends melancholy with a sense of mystery. Guest keyboardist Jeff Kolter adds atmospheric textures that shimmer through the arrangement, while a dual tracked ESP guitar routed through a twenty year old Soldano amplifier creates a layered harmonic richness. The production allows the song to feel at once intimate and expansive, mirroring the emotional themes at its core.

Arriving on March 6th, RAIBARD’s new album Postscript builds on the band’s progressive foundations with a wide range of stylistic influences. Despite this variety, the album remains cohesive. Each track shares a common musical DNA, rooted in melodically centered writing in which implied harmonies elevate even simple progressions and heighten their emotional impact.

The rhythmic identity of Postscript also reflects RAIBARD’s established sound. Melodies and harmonies routinely anticipate the downbeat, giving drummer Phil MacKay a dynamic canvas for inventive performance. On bass, Greg Dellaria provides a central layer of connective energy. His lines bridge harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic roles with subtle but unmistakable mastery.

Postscript was recorded across three locations. MacKay and Dellaria contributed their parts remotely, sending material to Daniel for editing, mixing, and mastering. Daniel’s own performances were captured in either his living room or an isolation booth, creating a blend of immediacy and precision that underscores the album’s emotional and musical depth.

RAIBARD is:
Daniel Gil – Guitar and vocals
Greg Dellaria – Bass
Phil MacKay – Drums and percussion

Connect with RAIBARD:
Website: https://raibard.com
Bandcamp: https://raibard.bandcamp.com
Store: https://raibard.com/collections/all
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raibard
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raibard
X (Twitter): https://x.com/raibardband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raibard8886

Varials Announce "Where The Light Leaves" Out 2/27 + Band Shares Video for Title Track

Philadelphia's VARIALS — Skyler Conder, vocals; Shane Lyons, guitar; Mike Foley, bass; Sean Rauchut, drums — re-entered the chat and in a metallically massive way in September. The band shared the video "I'll Find the Dark," its first new track since 2022. It's an impenetrable and intimidating wall of sound. Watch the video below. It was also the first track to feature formidable new frontman Conder.

Varials up the ante yet again by announcing their new album WHERE THE LIGHT LEAVES. It arrives February 27 via Fearless Records. Pre-order it here.

The band has also shared the video for the title track, which is another hulking slab of metal. 

Watch it below:

"'Where The Light Leaves' is the key introduction to the overall idea of the album itself," says Conder. "Through many emotions in my life, I found myself always feeling trapped within my mind, in a sense of purgatory and as if my mental state was a nightmare. The video and song are meant to elaborate, lyrically and visually, what it feels like being stuck there and unable to leave — eventually just accepting it and learning to live with it."

There's a distinct irony to "Where The Light Leaves." It sounds like a live demolition. The earth-shaking percussion and blast beats are like slabs of concrete, tumbling from the sky, while Conder spits violent verses that could've erupted from the center of the earth. It's plate-shifting collision of riffs and roars. Ultimately, what comes down goes right back up — the track is just another instance of Varials erecting a wall of metallic chaos with each new song.

Varials deliver hardcore ferocity, monstrous breakdowns, and nu-metal groove with an adventurous atmosphere and unapologetic purpose. Born in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, Varials embody East Coast attitude and determination, pouring every ounce of struggle into their songs. Their fourth album, Where the Light Leaves, arrives with explosive energy and focus. Varials first established their place in the modern heavy landscape with Pain Again (2017) and In Darkness (2019). Tracks like "Romance," "Empire of Dirt," and "Anything to Numb" became anthems, blending metalcore strength with raw honesty that deeply resonated with audiences. Scars for You to Remember (2022) expanded that vision, further cementing their reputation as one of the most emotionally intense acts of the modern era. Produced by longtime collaborator Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, Dayseeker, The Plot In You), Where the Light Leaves signifies a new chapter. An often chaotic and experimental process—creating dozens of demos—resulted in 13 songs that capture Varials at their most powerful and creatively ambitious. The performances are deliberately raw, embracing imperfections to forge an immediate, human connection. Guttural heaviness paired with new melodic textures delivers a sound that is both punishing and expansive. As demonstrated on tours with Knocked Loose, Wage War, and Kublai Khan TX, among others, Varials are a fierce and formidable live band, and that energy is reflected in Where The Light Leaves.

Nate Vickers Jumps Headfirst On Brand New EP & Video For Title Track "Don't Look Down"!

Alt rock's breakout act to watch, Nate Vickers, ushers in a new chapter with his brand new EP, "Don't Look Down", out mow via Oxide Records. Embracing a bolder, rock edge, today's release is led by the anthemic title track, "Don't Look Down", and it's brand new music video, watch below.

Channeling the rush and collapse of a love that once felt live-saving, "Don't Look Down" captures the freefall of the aftermath. Anchored by a towering chorus, the EP as whole leans into Nate's heavier rock instincts while still leaving space for his vulnerable, confessional moments at the core of his writing.

To further celebrate the release, Nate Vickers is bringing "Don't Look Down" and the rest of his acclaimed discography to the stage for an intimate run in his home state of Texas. These debut headline dates mark a full circle moment for the Houston-based artist, serving as his first shows since joining Jared Leto and Thirty Seconds To Mars on stage for a one-time performance of "The Kill", a moment sparked by his viral cover. Tickets are available HERE.

Digging into the meaning of "Don't Look Down," Nate Vickers reflects:

"This song comes from the moment you realize love isn't saving you anymore-it's slowly killing you. It's about holding on to someone who keeps letting you fall, and burying the pain until you can't hide it anymore."

Speaking on today's EP release and finally taking these songs on the road, Nate continues:

"‘Don’t Look Down’ is my way of ending the year strong, while also closing this chapter of my career. I’m extremely excited for my debut headlining shows and all the new, heavier music I’ll be dropping in 2026."

With his smash hit "A Little Too Late" cementing Nate Vickers as a breakout voice and his previous single "Parasite" pushing his sound into a darker, more visceral territory, latest singles "Falling Away From Heaven" and "Deja Vu" build on that rising momentum. Seeing Vickersblending gritty guitars with pain and the pursuit of healing, his latest EP, "Don't Look Down" captures an artist unafraid to bare his scars while reaching for something greater.

Inspired by icons such as Linkin Park, Three Days Grace, and Bad Omens, Nate Vickers has crafted a sound that is unmistakably his own, drawing more than 1.5 million followers to his TikTok and 540K to his Instagram. Between viral, late-night covers and playlist-dominating originals, Vickers has also earned his place as a standout favorite on Pandora and Sirius XM's Octane. What began as a spark has now become an alt-rock wildfire.

Be sure to stay tuned for more Nate Vickers news coming soon.

Nate Vickers

2026 Headline Tour

April 24 - Houston, TX - The Bronze Peacock @ House of Blues

May 3 - Dallas, TX - The Cambridge Room @ House of Blues

May 16 - San Antonio, TX - Vibes Underground

Tickets are available HERE.

DIRKSCHNEIDER &THE OLD GANG Continue The Creative Momentum Of Their Current Album Babylon With The Release Of The New Video "Blindfold"

For longtime fans of UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER, "Blindfold" feels like an old acquaintance: previously heard in an orchestral version on the 2020 We Are One album, the song now returns in a gripping new rock version. With its successful blend of emotion and classic heavy rock atmosphere, "Blindfold" is one of the most emotional moments on the current DATOG album Babylon, released on October 3rd, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).

Filmed entirely in stylish black and white, the music video captures the raw emotion and powerful interplay of the band perfectly, showing DATOG more intimate, direct, and sensitive than ever before.

Manuela’s heartfelt vocals and Mathias’ classical concert guitar turn "Blindfold" into a stirring rock ballad that reaches its ultimate climax in the final chorus with Udo’s unmistakable voice. With "Blindfold", DATOG not only offer longtime Udo Dirkschneider fans a welcome reunion with this very special track, but will also win over many new fans through this video.

Listen to "Babylon" on your favourite streaming platform or get your CD/LP/Earbook here: https://datog.rpm.link/babylon

About DATOG:

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (DATOG) was originally launched in 2020 as a one-off charity project, but quickly developed a momentum of its own and formed into a band consisting of Udo Dirkschneider (vocals; ACCEPT/U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER), Peter Baltes (bass, vocals; ACCEPT/U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER), Stefan Kaufmann (guitar; ACCEPT/U.D.O.), Mathias “Don” Dieth (guitar; SINNER/U.D.O.), Sven Dirkschneider (drums; U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER) and Manuela “Ella” Bibert (vocals). Between 2020 and 2021 their first three singles attracted a lot of attention, whereupon the band wrote more songs and recorded their debut album. With a unique vocal concept of three voices, powerful riffs and stylistic complexity, DATOG combine classic heavy metal with a modern, powerful production.
 

DATOG are:

Udo Dirkschneider | lead vocals
Peter Baltes | bass, lead & backing vocals
Manuela “Ella” Bibert | lead & backing vocals, keys
Stefan Kaufmann | guitars, backing vocals
Mathias “Don” Dieth | guitars, backing vocals
Sven Dirkschneider | drums, backing vocals


More on DATOG:

datog.de | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | RPM