Gluecifer Release "I'm Ready" Video

Twenty-one years after their last studio album, the Norwegians laid the foundation for their brand new album Same Drug New High (out January 16 via Steamhammer). Now, "I'm Ready" is the next taste of what's to come from the album.

Singer Biff Malibu says, "It's one of the last songs we wrote for the record. Captain Poon had worked out a chord structure that fell into place really fast, and that we felt had a kind of happy and positive ring to it. I threw in some lyrics on the same note, and the song sort of wrote itself from there." 
 
At a time when the world's inflationary desire for change seems to stop at nothing and no one, GLUECIFER appear to be the proverbial solid rock.

The Norwegian band, one of the most successful in its country, who immediately returned to its former strength after a reunion in spring 2018, continues to play a passionate melange of irresistible punk rock, traditional rock 'n' roll and dazzling glam elements — just the way the fans want to hear it. The new studio album, Same Drug New High, the group's first in more than 20 years, leaves no doubt that founding members Biff Malibu (vocals) and Captain Poon (guitar), plus long-standing bandmates Raldo Useless (guitar), Danny Young (drums), and Peter Larsson (bass), sound not only more mature and skilled, but also more versatile and determined than ever.

Watch the video for "I'm Ready" below. 

Stream the single and pre-order the new album Same Drug New High here. 

PRODUCT VERSIONS:

*Limited LP Edition / STEAMHAMMER exclusive - Limited to 300 copies
(incl. splattered red/black/white Vinyl and LP insert) - Order here
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(incl. gold Vinyl and LP insert) - Order here
*Limited LP Edition / EU & UK exclusive - Limited to 300 copies
(incl. translucent red Vinyl and LP insert)
*Limited LP Edition / NORDICS exclusive - Limited to 500 copies
(incl. translucent clear Vinyl and LP insert)
*Standard LP Edition 
(including black vinyl and LP insert)
*CD Edition
(in a Digipak)
*Digital Edition
(Stream & Download)

Since they got together in 1994, Gluecifer have played hundreds of shows and released a total of five albums plus countless singles, EPs, and compilations. After an extensive farewell tour, the band broke up in 2005. But Gluecifer have never been forgotten by their fans. As a result, their 2018 comeback was not only met with huge acclaim, but was also celebrated by numerous concerts throughout Europe, including appearances at renowned festivals such as the Azkena Festival in Spain, Hellfest in France, and Tons Of Rock in Norway. So it comes as no surprise that their extensive fanbase started to clamor for new songs and another studio album almost immediately. Gluecifer have fulfilled that request at last with Same Drug New High, which was composed, produced, and mixed in their hometown of Oslo.

The new recording will be supported by an extensive European tour in spring 2026 — scheduled to kick off in Sweden on the album’s release date — and take Gluecifer to Germany, Norway and Spain.

More info about Gluecifer's upcoming live shows here. 

GLUECIFER LINEUP:

Biff Malibu — Vocals
Captain Poon — Guitar 
Raldo Useless — Guitar
Danny Young — Drums
Peter Larsson — Bass

LAPTOP re-envisions TOM WAITS' holiday anthem "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis"

NYC artist Laptop presents their first holiday release: a winter transmission that sits oddly and perfectly within the band’s catalog. Tom Waits’ 1978 classic “Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis” is recreated as a deadpan jazz-robotic confession, equal parts heartbreak and smirk, performed as if a soul adrift at 2 AM in search of a payphone that still works. This feels like a postcard from every December that ever went wrong—and the small, stubborn hope that things might just go right anyway.

In the early 2000s, Laptop released three cult classic albums on Island Records, with frontman Jesse Hartman having got his start as a teenage Voidoid with Richard Hellbefore co-founding the indie rock band Sammy and releasing albums via Fire Records and Geffen Records. Hartman recently revived the band, driven by a dual-frontman dynamic with his son Charlie, this track reveals the intimate, lonely, late-night side of this project, sitting with you after the party ends and winter blows in under the door.

For Jesse Hartman, this song is personal. He has been playing this song since he was 13 years old at the family piano, long before Laptop existed, long before forming Sammy and long before joining Island Records. Hartman shares, “This was the first song that showed me you could mix sadness and humor in the same line. It basically formed me. This song is the blueprint for Laptop whether I knew it or not.”

While Laptop and Waits are both artists obsessed with doomed characters, disappointing heroes, and the poetry of failure, Hartman’s version is a departure from Waits’s gravel-and-whiskey delivery. This take leans into Laptop’s signature swing between warmth and machinery: jazz chords, cold synths, more groove, and Hartman’s dry, controlled, emotionally sideways vocal. It’s not whispered or fragile, it’s performed with the same unsentimental elegance that defined Laptop’s early-2000s covers (Billy Joel) and deep cuts (“We Never Made It to Venice”).

The basic tracks were recorded in Valencia in 2023, engineered by Iñaki Ariste Aznar, with Hartman on bass and drums by Mike Desmerais (Brian Eno, The Winkies). Upon their subtle, modern rhythmic bed beneath the retro-jazz harmony, Hartman finished the song in New York this Thanksgiving, pulling the performance into the present moment. Family members fill the edges of the arrangement with warmth: Odetta Hartman(backing vocals), Camellia Hartman (violin), Ben Jones (keyboards), and friend Billy Aukstik (trumpet). Just like a frozen street corner dressed in unexpected color.

“Waits wrote one of the great American monologues. This character isn’t just down on her luck, she’s inventing better versions of her life while she’s telling it. She’s lying, but she’s lying to survive. I didn’t want parody. I wanted to show the hope inside the hopelessness,” says Jesse Hartman.

This is standalone offering, outside the song cycle leading to their 2026 album “On This Planet”, which produced the singles “Indie Hero”, "Additional Animals", "I Don't Know" and “Weirder”. But it fits the themes Hartman has been exploring lately: aging, reinvention, myth-making, and the personal fictions we tell ourselves to get through the night. The holiday backdrop adds a chill: this is a Christmas song for people who can’t quite afford to believe in Christmas.

Musically, the track is Laptop stripped and rebuilt: a chiming electric piano, an icy synth pad, and a rhythm section that feels like a jazz band learning to operate inside a drum machine. Hartman delivers the lies, the hope, the heartbreak, and the punchline with the kind of detached affection that made Laptop an indie cult favorite. The final confession (“I need the money to pay my lawyer”) lands with dry humor and real ache.

As of December 12, this single can be found on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the band's latest singles are also available. Laptop's forthcoming album "On This Planet" is slated for release in Spring 2026 via Hurricane Cove Records.

CREDITS

Jesse Hartman - vocals, guitars, bass
Edward Douglas- keyboards, synths
Charlie Hartman - vocals
Odetta Hartman - vocals
Camellia Hartman - violin
Billy Aukstik - trumpet
Ben Jones - keyboards
Mike Desmarais - drums
Lluisen Capafons – congas, additional percussion
Recorded by Iñaki Ariste Aznar (Valencia), Edward Douglas (NYC), Jesse Hartman (NYC/Nevis)
Mixed by Jesse Hartman, Edward Douglas
Produced by Jesse Hartman
Engineered by Edward Douglas
Recorded in Valencia, Spain (Summer 2023), Final overdubs and edits in New York City (2025)
Written by Tom Waits (ASCAP)
Published by Jersey Girl Music (Admin by Wixen Music Publishing, Inc.)
Released by Hurricane Cove Records
Video concept, direction, cinematography & editing by Jesse Hartman
Cover artwork by Jesse Hartman & Scott Ratner
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

ESHTADUR Releases Epic Symphonic Melodeath Single, "Fire Above Mountain Below"

Colombian blackened melodic death metal force ESHTADUR has released their latest single, "Fire Above Mountain Below", off of their latest album, Symphonic Crows – Live at the Santiago Londoño’s Theater. Grandiose symphonic elements provide a powerful backdrop for ominous riffs and snarling vocals. In signature ESHTADUR fashion, "Fire Above Mountain Below" balances crushing heaviness with a catchy, cinematic earworm of a chorus.

Vocalist and guitarist Jorg August comments, "The shapes that can be explored with a symphonic orchestra reminds me of why I enjoy music so much: the character and the intensity of 40 people giving the music their all. That's very ritualistic and powerful. This new live album is something I wanted to do for so long."

Watch the official video for "Fire Above Mountain Below" below:

Symphonic Crows – Live at the Santiago Londoño’s Theater is out now on the ESHTADUR official Bandcamp page: https://eshtadur.bandcamp.com/album/symphonic-crows-live-album

About ESHTADUR: 

ESHTADUR was founded in the fall of 2005 by Jorg August, releasing the Timo Be Timo demo with a sound in the vein of COVENANT, DIMMU BORGIR, and OLD MAN’S CHILD. Since then, they have released a pair of EPs and four powerful full-length albums. ESHTADUR, meaning "the rebellion of angels," can be most closely likened to bands such as SEPTIC FLESH, BEHEMOTH, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, CARACH ANGREN, and the like. Like their scene counterparts, the band embodies a deathly melodic atmosphere that reaches into realms of darkness and despair through the decay of humanity. It seeks to rebel, in its darkened way, embracing the abject reality.

Their rich touring history includes performances across Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. They have shared the stage and toured with CRADLE OF FILTH, VADER, GRAVEWORM, SEPULTURA, ABORTED, and DECAPITATED, the last three at Rock al Parque 2016. Their 2017 release via Bleeding Music Records, Mother Gray, is an expression of planetary death and putrefaction. The scathing release saw the band touring eight countries in Europe through 2018, and then visiting the United States for the first time for the Gray America Tour, including dates in Mexico. The band’s latest album, From The Abyss, was released via Blood Blast Distribution and physically distributed by Hateworks in Latin America.

In 2022, the band toured in support of BATUSHKA and DIABOLICAL, visiting Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland. In 2023, ESHTADUR performed at 70000 Tons of Metal, being the only band from Colombia to do so. They then embarked on a North American tour with SUMMONER’S CIRCLE, visiting New York, Kentucky, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South and North Carolina, and Virginia.

After conquering 19 shows in the United States, ESHTADUR was invited as a guest of honor to the largest music festival in Latin America, Rock al Parque, supporting IN FLAMES from Sweden. The Crows from Colombia delivered a magnificent concert with Pereira’s Symphonic Orchestra at the Santiago Londoño Theater at the end of the year. This live concert was released on Pro Tape for collectors by Mutilated Records. 

In 2024, the band united forces with GRAVEWORM for a Latin American tour, visiting Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Colombia. ESHTADUR also performed at the 17th edition of Grita Fest in Manizales, Colombia, supporting HATE and EXODUS. Now the crows are gathering mist forces once again, ready to fill your soul with darkened despair at their next visit.

Bizarrekult Announces Absorbing New Album 'Alt Som Finnes'

True to the spirit of black metal, Roman V. started Bizarrekult as a lone wolf. Moving to the genre’s birthplace in Norway twenty odd years ago inspired him to bend but not break with tradition. Bizarrekult’s previous albums reflected on his childhood and changing place within the larger world, all while honing a grim yet luminar vision for the future. His upcoming third album also emerged from a deep personal crisis. Only this time, on Alt Som Finnes, he’s not alone in confronting all there is.

Today, Bizarrekult is announcing Alt Som Finnes by premiering the frighteningly tense video for the album’s lead single with No Clean Singing. While “Blikket Hennes” is tormented by never-ending self-doubt, Dødheimsgard vocalist Yusaf “Vicotnik” Parvez leads Roman out of its mental labryinthe - if only for a moment.  

“I was not ready for all of this”, Roman says about Alt Som Finnes. “None of us are, when the time comes. But at the end of this journey, it seems to have all been worth it. The music gave me hints as to where to go and what can be”.

Watch the video for “Blikket Hennes” below.

Alt Som Finnes comes out February 20, 2026 on Season of Mist Underground Activists.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/bizarrekultaltsomfinnes

Available formats

CD Jewelcase

12” Vinyl (Black)

12” Vinyl (Purple, black and white marbled)

In keeping with Norwegian tradition, Bizarrekult can be as cold and raw as early Darkthrone, as eerily melodic as Enslaved, or as blistering in its beauty as Borknagar. Alt Som Finnes (All There Is) upholds that classic, manic energy of old-school black metal. “Blikket Hennes” buzzes like a mind plagued, hounded by sharp twisting riffs, pained screams and a steady pounding of double bass.

“Your conscience never sleeps’”, Roman explains. “It judges and evaluates everything you do. You will never be able to get away from it; it will pierce you day and night, for good and bad”.

As the punishing headwinds behind “Blikket Hennes” signal a change in the atmosphere, like a break in the clouds, Dødheimsgard vocalist’s Yusaf Parvez appears from behind the torrential melody with soothing cleans. It’s a welcome respite before the mental fog returns.

The video for “Blikket Hennes”  was directed by Natalia Drepina (@mourneress). It stars Pavel V. Boldyrev (@somebodyawful) and Natalia Drepina.

No one emerges unscathed from Alt Som Finnes. But while riddled with regrets, album closer “Tomhet” breaks new ground as the first Bizarrekult song sung in English. “Am I alone like this? No, we are many”. It’s a damning realization, but also a call for all of us to become something greater.

Line-up
Roman V. — Vocals
Ignat P. — Guitars & Bass
Alexander P. — Drums

Production Credits
Recorded at Seaside Room.
Produced, mixed & mastered by Miguel Tereso at Demigod Recordings, Portugal.

Guest Musicians
Yusaf "Vicotnik" Parvez (Dødheimsgard) — Vocals on "Blikket Hennes"
Lina (Predatory Void / Cross Bringer) — Vocals on "Drøm”
Kim Song Sternkopf (Møl) — Vocals on "Tomhet"

Cover Art
Gravestench Art (https://www.instagram.com/gravestench_art/)

Photography
Radmila Volchenkova

Available Formats
CD Jewelcase

12” Vinyl (Black)

12” Vinyl (Purple, black and white marbled)

Pre-save & Pre-order 

https://orcd.co/bizarrekultaltsomfinnes

Follow Bizarrekult
Bandcamp: https://bizarrekult.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bizarrekult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizarrekvlt/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Cj4Bc1WpdNZhGcKyQfWci/
Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/artist/bizarrekult/1455860457 Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/11699593

GOATSILK Unleashes “SEPARATE” — A Devastating New Chapter In The Bands Future

“Separate” marks a powerful new chapter for GOATSILK, showcasing the band’s ability to blend aggression, atmosphere, and melody with a sense of urgency. The single dives into the emotional weight of breaking away from situations and relationships that no longer move you forward. Rather than leaning on shock value or theatrics, “Separate” focuses on raw honesty balancing heavy guitar work, a dense low-end pulse, and vocals that deliver intensity without sacrificing clarity.

The track highlights GOATSILK'S continued evolution, refining their sound into something heavier, sharper, and more intentional. “Separate” stands as both a personal statement and a preview of what’s coming next from the band — a louder, more defined identity built on conviction and craft.

For outlets seeking a modern heavy track with emotional depth and strong production, “Separate” delivers a compelling listen that resonates beyond its hooks and heaviness.

BIO:

GOATSILK is a modern heavy band blending metal and hard rock with a focus on powerful vocals, dynamic guitar work, and emotionally driven songwriting. Formed by vocalist/guitarist Jhode Romero, the band features members with a long history in the heavy music world, including former and current players from Motograter, Embryonic Autopsy, Flaw, Eva to Adam and Kobra and The Lotus  Known for their high-energy live shows and tight musicianship, GOATSILK consistently pulls 200–800 fans depending on the market. Their sound builds on raw intensity and modern heaviness while still keeping melody and atmosphere at the forefront.

Lineup

• Jhode Romero – Vocals / Guitars

• Jeremiah Bundy – Bass

• Rich Brown – Guitars

• Marcus Lee – Drums

Dragony Release Lyric Video for "Shadow and Flame" // Touring With Ensiferum + Freedom Call

After two albums on which Austrian Power Metal band Dragony took on fantastical interpretations of real-life historical events, it has now become time for the band to once again return to their pop-culture influences — and thus the new single "Shadow and Flame" was created over the summer of 2025.

For this song, the band took inspiration from the popular video game Elden Ring Brittney slayesand its DLC Shadow of the Erdtree. In order to properly pay tribute to such a monumental game, Dragony have not only expanded their own permanent lineup with the addition of new second lead singer Maria Nesh, but also received some additional support from the phenomenal Brittney Slayes (UNLEASH THE ARCHERS). Lasse Elkjear from Denmark was once again responsible for the epic orchestrations, and legendary producer Jacob Hansen took care of the sound 

Singer Siegfried Samer says, "As a longtime fan of the games published by Fromsoft, I of course also played Elden Ring passionately — and so it became time to release a third song inspired by the Fromsoft universe after our previous titles 'Kiln of the First Flame' and 'Lords of the Hunt' already took inspiration from Dark Souls and Bloodborne. So we are finishing off the trilogy with 'Shadow and Flame,' and in addition to a full-fledged new band member in the shape of our new second lead singer Maria Nesh, we also received some excellent support from the brilliant Brittney Slayes from UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, who adds another very distinctive touch to the song. 

"The cover artwork was once again created by Stan Decker for us, who already did the artwork for our album Hic Svnt Dracones. The very dark and somber image depicts an interpretation of the 'Scadutree' from the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC of Elden Ring, in combination with a fiery serpent, which symbolizes the character 'Messmer,' who plays a prominent part in the story of the game."

Watch the lyric video below;

Their current album Hic Svnt Dracones was released in 2024 worldwide through Steamhammer as CD digipak, 2LP gatefold version, download and stream here.

NECRONOMICON EX MORTIS Resurrect The Evil Dead Spirit With “Chopped Up and Burned”

NECRONOMICON EX MORTIS erupt with ferocious precision on their latest single, “Hungry For Brains,” taken from the forthcoming EP Zombie Blood Nightmare, arriving February 20, 2026.

A thrashy, smashy, in-your-face assault, “Hungry For Brains” showcases the band at their most unapologetically feral. Built entirely upon the half/whole diminished scale, the track spirals through symmetrical chaos and delivers a sound as unhinged and ravenous as its subject matter. Fans of technical metal will find plenty to chew on, especially when the track erupts into a blistering guitar solo performed by James Norton, former college roommate of guitarist Mike. His shredding adds an extra layer of necrotic flair.

Lyrically, the song dives headfirst into zombie carnage and grotesque undead imagery, continuing the band's love for cinematic horror and high-energy gore. “Hungry For Brains” embraces the spirit of classic zombie mayhem and sets the tone for the terror-laced chaos awaiting listeners on Zombie Blood Nightmare.

Produced, recorded, and mixed by Charlie Waymire at Ultimate Studios and mastered by Ernesto Homeyer, Zombie Blood Nightmare features six tracks of shred-heavy, horror-drenched chaos.

Zombie Blood Nightmare arrives February 20, 2026.

Ponte Del Diavolo Devilishly Charm on "Il Veleno della Natura"

Fresh off of leaving a mark on their fiery debut, Ponte Del Diavolo are fanning the flames with their upcoming second album. Drawing from the dark and dancing depths of the band’s dueling bassists and the raw spirit of their fiery live ritual, De Venom Natura delivers an all the more potent twist of blackened post-punk.

“[…]deliciously diabolical” No Clean Singing wrote in praise of the album’s spirited lead single. “Erba del Diavolo’s dramatically beautiful but spooky singing creates a key contrast as it soars and quavers above the music’s charging pulse”

Today, Ponte Del Diavolo are releasing the second advanced single from De Venom Natura. A skeleton key into the album, “Il veleno della Natura” distills its theme into a chilling science, where nature’s poison becomes not a threat but a source of life.  

Watch the music video for Il Veleno della Natura below;

De Venom Natura comes out February 13, 2026 via Season of Mist.

Pre-order & pre-save

https://orcd.co/pontedeldiavolovenomnatura

“Il Veleno della Natura” is an intoxicating surrender to the venom of existence. Within the hypnotic flow of De Venom Natura, the album’s latest single marks a feverish turning point, where its poisonous metaphor comes alive with a shock. As the guitars and drums snake with tension, Erba del Diavolo slithers between whispered confessions and a fervent invocation that sparks an ecstatic transformation.  

PONTE DEL DIAVOLO craft a focused blend of doom, black metal, post‐punk, and wave—an aesthetic they call “blackened post‐punk.” Wave‐tinged female vocals anchor the project’s flaming core, supported by an uncommon dual‐bass setup that grounds the rhythmic guitars and a raw, dynamic drum pulse.

The result is an immersive, tension‐driven sound. Following the initial release of three EPs, the band signed to Season of Mist and unveiled their first full-length album, Fire Blades from the Tomb.

After two years on the road - appearing at leading European festivals such as Roadburn and Inferno in support of their debut - Ponte del Diavolo return with “De Venom Natura,” a record that extends and refines their musical boundaries.

Line-up
Erba del Diavolo — Vocals
Khrura Abro — Bass
Kratom — Bass
Nerium — Guitar
Segale Cornuta — Drums

Production Credits
Recorded at The Deepest Sea, Turin, Italy.
Produced & Engineered by Danilo Battocchio.
Mixed by Danilo Battocchio at The Deepest Sea.
Mastered by Magnus Lindberg at Redmount Studios, Stockholm, Sweden.

Guest Musicians
Francesco Bucci
Sergio Bertani
Vittorio Sabelli
Gionata Potenti

Cover Art
Francesco Dossena (https://www.instagram.com/facciobruttefacce/)

Photography
Sergio Bertani

Pre-save & Pre-order

https://orcd.co/pontedeldiavolovenomnatura


Follow Ponte Del Diavolo
Bandcamp: https://pontedeldiavolo666.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PontedelDiavolo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pontedeldiavoloband/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pontedeldiavolo3847
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mAfr0B2wgIFbVBUAv9btD/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/ponte-del-diavolo/1639072320
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/179497657
Tidal: https://tidal.com/artist/33773763

COLD SLITHER Set the Season on Fire with New Single “Cobra Claws Are Coming To Town”

Reigning Phoenix Music, in collaboration with Hasbro, is proud to announce the most chaotic Christmas anthem ever to slither down a chimney: COLD SLITHER’s new single “Cobra Claws Are Coming To Town.” Fresh from the momentum of their self-titled album, released earlier this year, the Dreadnok-driven metal outfit returns with a holiday track packed with sleigh bells, sabotage, and seasonal pandemonium. The track is accompanied by a high-octane holiday video produced by none other than Torch himself (whose alter ego is known as Ross Sewage). 

As the band explains in their own words:

"Well... Along with the persistent pestering by Torch and Ripper, Cobra Commander now has a new scheme to ensnare the masses with a... Ugh... Christmas song.

“Cobra Claws Are Coming To Town” arrives as both a gift and a warning. This is holiday spirit the COLD SLITHER way: loud, unhinged, and ready to storm every playlist from now until the new year. Lock your chimneys. The Cobra Claws ride tonight.

Watch Below:

Listen HERE: https://coldslither.rpm.link/clawsPR

Fronted by the enigmatic Zartan alongside his ruthless Dreadnok bandmates Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer, COLD SLITHER is a declaration of war. Their sound combines old-school heavy metal with anarchic energy, venomous vocals, punishing riffs, and an atmosphere steeped in apocalyptic chaos. Also, a special thank you to Frank Todaro who serves as the enigmatic voice of Cobra Commander. 

Connect with COLD SLITHER:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X | RPM


Featuring 10 original tracks and a remastered version of their cult-classic single “Cold Slither,” the album plunges into dystopian metal with themes of swamp-born menace and Cobra-fueled power. TheCold Slither album is available across digital and vinyl formats.

Order HERE:
https://coldslither.rpm.link/albumPR

Chronicler of Ardul Announces New Single “To Arms!” From the Forthcoming Album Sounds of Ardul

CHRONICLER OF ARDUL presents “To Arms!,” a powerful new single that plunges listeners into the intensity of open conflict within the dark fantasy world of Ardul. Arriving ahead of the upcoming album Sounds of Ardul, due out April 10, 2026, the track highlights the project’s most dynamic orchestral writing yet, capturing the decisive moment when tension gives way to full-scale battle.

“To Arms!” surges with commanding brass, urgent strings, and relentless percussion, creating a vivid and cinematic sense of motion. Composer David Williams channels the spirit of classic video game battle themes while shaping a narrative turning point within the album’s broader emotional landscape. The piece expands on motifs that appear earlier in the record, transforming subtle melodic hints into a triumphant and volatile climax.

Serving as a counterpart to the more intimate “To Arms! (String Quintet),” the new single presents the full battle in its largest, boldest form. Where the quintet version evokes a duel or contained skirmish, “To Arms!” unleashes the full orchestra to paint a much grander conflict.

With Sounds of Ardul, CHRONICLER OF ARDUL deepens its commitment to immersive worldbuilding, weaving thematic motifs and emotional storytelling into every composition. “To Arms!” stands as one of the album’s defining moments, a track that invites listeners to feel the rush, fear, and determination of a hero forced to act.

About CHRONICLER OF ARDUL:
CHRONICLER OF ARDUL was started as a passion project by David Williams when he wanted to combine his love of metal music and dark fantasy to tell a story that spanned over songs and albums. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, he puts his skills to the test to create the music for a story he had been working on for 9 years. The debut EP called Myrewood released late 2023, with its written short story partner, Myrewood Part 1, published in May 2024. The following EP, Sword Of Virné arrived in the summer of 2024. Musically, CHRONICLER OF ARDUL draws from the likes of SHADOW OF INTENT and MENTAL CRUELTY in the metal world, while also taking inspiration from Japanese composer Nobuo Uematsu. 

CHRONICLER OF ARDUL IS:
David Williams – Music and Lyrics

Links:
Website: https://chroniclerofardul.com/
Bandcamp: https://chroniclerofardul.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chronicler_of_ardul/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicler_of_ardul

Myrath Share "The Funeral" Video

NEW ALBUM WILDERNESS OF MIRRORS OUT MARCH 27 — PRE-ORDER

"A CELEBRATION OF LIFE, DEATH, & BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY"

Tunisian–French metal innovators Myrath today release the video for new single "The Funeral," a track that approaches death with surprising brightness and emotional uplift. Instead of darkness, the band delivers a genre-blending anthem that transforms farewell into something empowering and beautiful. It's a seamless, masterfully crafted piece that feels destined, natural, and utterly breathtaking.

Alongside the single, Myrath present a cinematic video that expands the vast world of their upcoming album Wilderness of Mirrors. The production is bold, detailed, and effortlessly monumental.

"If you though that 2024’s Karma was a big step up in their theatrical desires, just wait until the jaw-dropping brilliance of Wilderness Of Mirrors launches itself the public domain! Put simply, and without wishing to be overly melodramatic, this is the most ambitious, most complete and most engaging set that Myrath have produced to date!" — FIREWORKS (UK)

Listen to the new single HERE. 

Watch the new music video Below.

Wilderness of Mirrors will be released March 27 and features 10 brand-new, emotionally charged tracks that continue Myrath's evolution of blending oriental influences with progressive and power metal. Fans can expect a journey through fantasy and reality, from haunting melodies to thunderous riffs and cinematic arrangements.

To celebrate the release, Myrath will embark on a major European tour starting in April 2026, bringing Wilderness of Mirrors to fans across 16 countries.

With millions of views on their cinematic music videos, critically acclaimed albums, and performances at festivals such as Hellfest, Wacken, and Sweden Rock, Myrath continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Wilderness of Mirrors represents the band at their most dynamic and authentic, a milestone in their journey toward becoming one of metal's most unique acts.

Pre-orders for Wilderness of Mirrors and tickets for the European tour are available now. Don't miss the next chapter in Myrath's epic musical journey.

Pre-order the new album HERE.

Tickets and more info about Myrath's 2026 European tour HERE.

HUMANNESS TEST announces the release of their newest single, "Prima Facie"

Progressive heavy outfit HUMANNESS TEST announces the release of their newest single, "Prima Facie," the seventh track to emerge from the ongoing Humanness Test project.

The phrase prima facie translates to “at first sight” or “based on first impressions,” a fitting lens through which the band invites listeners to experience the track. What will people think when they first hear it? For HUMANNESS TEST, the answer lies in a piece that stands firmly on its own, one that honors the foundation already built while opening the door to the project’s evolving future.

An instrumental composition written by Maurice Taylor and Chris Lucci, "Prima Facie" began with a bass riff that sparked deeper exploration. The dynamic interplay between bass and drums drove the track’s growth, expanding organically through layers of guitars and keyboards. The single features standout performances from international collaborators Francesco Finori (Italy) on keyboards and Pedro Ricardo (Portugal) on lead and rhythm guitars. Ultimately, the track reflects the creative partnership Taylor and Lucci have nurtured over three decades.

As Chris explains: “There’s definitely a synergy within progressive music, and this track is the result—something that truly sounds like us. You can hear the influence of other bands, but ultimately it’s a reflection of how we write.”

"Prima Facie" showcases the band’s distinctive blend of progressive sensibilities, heavy grooves, and collaborative musicianship, serving as a clear next step in the unfolding narrative of Humanness Test.

About HUMANNESS TEST
Having recently emerged into the heavy music scene in 2024, HUMANNESS TEST produces a dynamic sound that traverses progressive rock and metal realms while also drawing from more traditional heavy subgenres. RUSH, PORCUPINE TREE, and DREAM THEATER are but a few sources of influence and inspiration across the HUMANNESS TEST's musical direction. Appealing to audiophiles and musicians alike, HUMANNESS TEST celebrates the individual creativity and irreplaceable 'human' element of music created by those with a love for their craft. This feeds into the band's inclusion of a diverse array of musicians from around the globe throughout their releases. Beginning in 2024, and continuing over the course of 2025, HUMANNESS TEST are releasing a series of compelling and captivating singles. 

HUMANNESS TEST is:
Chris Lucci (Drums)
Maurice Taylor (Bass, Guitars) 

CREDITS
Music by Maurice Taylor and Chris Lucci
Produced by Chris Lucci and Maurice Taylor
Mixed and Mastered by Chris Lucci
Maurice Taylor (Bass, Guitars)
Chris Lucci (Drums, Guitars)
Guest Musicians: Francesco Finori (Keyboards)
Pedro Ricardo (Lead and Rhythm Guitars)

Links:
Website: https://www.humannesstest.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humannesstest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humannesstest/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@humannesstest
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HumannessTest

CLOCKTOWERS Present Emotive and Atmospheric Single "Genesis"

Thundering heaviness and atmospheric melodic elements intertwine seamlessly across CLOCKTOWERS' new single, "Genesis". The song is a deeply emotive reflection on fatherhood, and the delicate balance of wanting to provide protection from the chaos of our modern world. The single showcases the heart of the forthcoming full length, Genesis, set to arrive in early 2026. 

Rising modern rock outfit CLOCKTOWERS fuse together the ferocious power of metal and grit of rock into a dynamic modern sound. Conveying emotion through carefully crafted melodies, technical details add further dimension to the band's musical arrangements.

CLOCKTOWERS' "Genesis" sees classical-style riffs emerge through a haunting atmosphere before the darker intensity of the track takes form. This new offering contains catchy moments and memorable hooks that see it draw the listener further into CLOCKTOWERS' compelling narratives. 

About CLOCKTOWERS:

CLOCKTOWERS is a genre-blending rock/metal duo that proves lightning can strike twice—first in the past, then in the most unexpected moment years later. The band was officially born in 2022, but the story begins long before that.

Vocalist Tarek Puska and multi-instrumentalist Dakota Logan first crossed paths in an earlier metal outfit that spent five years grinding through shows, songwriting sessions, and the chaotic rhythm of band life. Life eventually pulled them in different directions—but fate clearly had other plans. Years later, in the unassuming town of Reily, Ohio, the two reconnected by chance at a local pizza joint. A quick conversation turned into a jam session. One riff became a song—“Spirit Junkie”—and by the end of that session, CLOCKTOWERS had begun.

What followed was a creative eruption. Tarek and Dakota fell into a regular routine, meeting 2 to 3 days per week to write, explore sounds, and record from the ground up in a DIY home studio setting. Over the next two years, this process grew into their debut full-length album, Genesis—a record that pulses with heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and the kind of authenticity that only comes from lived experience and musical trust.

At its core, CLOCKTOWERS thrives on contrast and chemistry. Tarek, born in 1969, brings a lifetime of hard-earned perspective and vocal power rooted in classic metal and rock traditions. Dakota, born in 1995, injects fresh energy, fearless experimentation, and a modern edge that pushes the sound into uncharted territory. Their 25-year age gap isn’t a limitation—it’s a superpower. It allows the band to seamlessly blend old-school grit with new-school fire, delivering music that’s nostalgic without being dated, current without being trendy.

CLOCKTOWERS draws inspiration from a wide palette of heavy music: the swagger and electricity of AC/DC, the doom-soaked weight of BLACK SABBATH, the eerie theatricality of GHOST, the brooding darkness of TYPE O NEGATIVE, the bombast of KISS, and the razor-sharp muscle of METALLICA. Yet, these aren’t just influences—they’re launch pads. CLOCKTOWERS takes what’s familiar and twists it into something personal and raw, layering in textures, emotions, and hooks that make their sound unmistakable.

The band’s songwriting is deeply intentional. Some tracks stem directly from personal experience—loss, growth, heartbreak, and perseverance—while others flow from instinct and emotion, letting the pen follow the pulse of the heart. The result is music that hits hard not just sonically, but emotionally. Big choruses, pounding grooves, and intricate guitar work are matched with lyrics that are introspective, honest, and often cathartic.

One of their standout tracks, “Ashes,” caught the attention of Jason Viebrooks, known for his work with HEATHEN, GRIP INC., and now EXHORDER. Viebrooks lent his talents on bass and guitar alongside Dakota for the single, while Todd J. Farler, a seasoned drummer from Cincinnati, added a thunderous groove that elevated the track even further. It’s the only track on the record that features guest musicians—every other note, riff, and lyric on Genesis comes straight from the two founding members. That was a deliberate decision. CLOCKTOWERS is about preserving a raw, undiluted vision. No filler. No compromises.

With Genesis, CLOCKTOWERS has positioned itself not just as a band, but as a statement—a declaration that real, passionate, no-bullshit rock and metal is alive, evolving, and still capable of hitting you straight in the soul. Whether you’re a lifer raised on vinyl and leather jackets, or a newcomer looking for authenticity in a crowded digital landscape, CLOCKTOWERS offers something that resonates.

This is music forged in connection. Fueled by memory. Driven by instinct. And played with the kind of conviction that can only come from two people who live and breathe it.

CLOCKTOWERS is:

  • Tarek Puska – Vocals

  • Dakota Logan – All instruments (guitars, bass, additional production)

A.A. WILLIAMS Releases New Single “Just A Shadow” and Announces Signing to Reigning Phoenix Music

Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) proudly announces the signing of acclaimed singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist A.A. WILLIAMS, whose work blends haunting melody with a distinctly heavy edge. This marks a powerful new chapter in the artist’s evolution. To inaugurate the partnership, WILLIAMS unveils her new single “Just A Shadow”, a work of stark intimacy and emotional gravity. The new single appears alongside a striking animated video by Costin Chioreanu, which can be viewed Below.

“Just A Shadow” descends into the quiet ache between light and dark, where WILLIAMS’ evocative voice becomes both a confession and a companion. It is an elegy for the self you cannot escape, a meditation on the beauty and terror of one’s own reflection. Rather than banishing the darkness, WILLIAMS meets it with open eyes in an act of understanding, an embrace of what shapes us, scars us, and ultimately helps define us.

In WILLIAMS’ own words: “‘Just A Shadow’ is an ode to the darkness inside. A part of you since you can remember, a cruel friend lurking just outside of view. A presence that you’ve accepted, its familiarity brings cold comfort. You’ve tried to resist it and step into the light, but you’re scared that you’re nothing without the dark.”

RPM co-founder Gerardo Martinez celebrates both the new release and the label’s partnership with WILLIAMS: “A.A. WILLIAMS is one of the most compelling voices in contemporary music. She is unafraid to explore vulnerability with a rare poetic depth. We’re honored to welcome her to the RPM family, and ‘Just A Shadow’ is a stunning introduction to what we’ll build together.”

“Just a Shadow” lands before her highly anticipated 2026 UK and EU tour. The tour kicks off on January 27 in Norwich and continues across the UK and Europe through March 7. Tickets are available HERE. 

About A.A. WILLIAMS:

Having made her debut live appearance at the prestigious Roadburn Festival in the Netherlands off the back of a self-titled EP, A.A. WILLIAMS has since toured across the globe with the likes of CULT OF LUNA, EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY, RUSSIAN CIRCLES, SLEEP TOKEN and THE SISTERS OF MERCY, as well as establishing herself as a headline artist - including a show at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Hall inside London’s Southbank Centre.

Standout festival appearances have dovetailed with two album releases - 2020’s Forever Blue and 2022’s As The Moon Rests, which both received widespread critical acclaim and put A.A. WILLIAMS firmly in the slipstream of the wave of female vocalists taking textured, epic and folk-rooted heavy music into new and progressive directions. A BBC session at the legendary Maida Vale Studios only bolstered WILLIAMS’ credentials.

Not one to rest on her laurels, she has also released a selection of ‘companion pieces’ - a collaborative single with Japanese post-rock titans MONO (“Exit In Darkness”); a solo covers collection recorded during 2020’s pandemic lockdown — Songs From Isolation — that garnered praise from THE CURE’s Robert Smith and SMASHING PUMPKINS' Billy Corgan for her unique take on their original songs; and perhaps most impressively, 2021’s arco saw the multi-instrumentalist completely rework her debut EP from rock instrumentation to a string ensemble, utilising her classical training and arrangement skills to stunning effect.

With new label partner Reigning Phoenix Music, 2026 will serve as a major milestone for A.A. WILLIAMS.

Connect With A.A. WILLIAMS:

  • Website: https://aawilliamsmusic.com

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

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

  • Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/aawilliamsmusic

  • YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aawilliamsmusic

  • Bandcamp: https://aawilliams.bandcamp.com

  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2U3NplWGZV4xH2ECA5oQ1i

  • Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/a-a-williams/1466249029

CARRION VAEL Premieres New Single “1912,” Inspired by the Villisca Axe Murders

Richmond, Indiana’s technical melodic death metal powerhouse CARRION VAEL returns with a vengeance with the release of their haunting new single “1912,” a fresh glimpse into their fifth studio album, Slay Utterly, arriving January 16, 2026 through Unique Leader Records.

Recorded across three sessions at The Armory Studios with engineers Jack Daniels and Elisha Mullins and mastered by Jeff Dunne, Slay Utterly is a concept-driven exploration of infamous murderers, slashers, and violent historical figures. Each track delivers a vivid depiction of humanity’s darkest corners through CARRION VAEL’s blend of technical precision, melodic intensity, and razor-edged aggression.

“1912” stands among the band’s most stylistically expansive works to date. Nearly theatrical in its opening moments, the song broadens and intensifies as it progresses, guiding the listener through shifting moods and escalating tension. The band notes that this track is “the most vast when it comes to styles” and was crafted to make the listener feel every stage of its growth.

Lyrically, “1912” centers on the still-unsolved Villisca axe murders, which shook the small town of Villisca, Iowa on a sweltering June night in 1912. Two adults and six children were brutally killed as they slept. The assailant moved silently through the home, leaving no survivors and vanishing without a trace. More than a century later, the case remains open to speculation, and the song explores several of the most discussed theories, from roving train-hopping sociopaths to disgruntled business associates to evangelical madmen. The truth remains unknown.

With “1912,” CARRION VAEL transforms one of America’s most chilling mysteries into a dynamic and emotionally charged melodic death metal narrative, setting the tone for the scope and ambition of Slay Utterly.

About CARRION VALE:
In 2017, brutal melodic death metal storytellers CARRION VAEL set out on a mission to understand disturbing events that may baffle the sane. Each album and each song explores an aspect of true crime history, often focusing on the stories of individual serial killers and their victims. Though this conceptual focus underpins CARRION VAEL's songwriting, they seek to fully utilize all of their skills and talents to ensure that each song develops the sound it needs to tell its story. The band released their first album, Resurrection of the Doomed, independently in 2017, then signed with HPGD Records and released their 2020 follow-up, God Killer. Subsequently, the band signed with Unique Leader Records and released Abhorrent Obsessions (2022) and Cannibals Anonymous (2024). 

With their fifth album, Slay Utterly, on the horizon, CARRION VAEL are set to continue this journey into the monstrous side of the human psyche. Vicious, but surprisingly poignant in just the right dose, Slay Utterly presents an anthology of serial killer stories from significant points in history. The album is certain to enthrall fans of horror, history, and true crime with its vivid portrayals of the minds of both murderers and victims. 

CARRION VALE is:
Travis Lawson Purcell - Vocals
Alex Arford - Bass
Trenton Limburg - Guitar
Ryan Kurder - Guitar
Matt Behner - Drums

RED SANDS Unleash “The Hunt”

Independent melodic metal band RED SANDS announces the release of their new single “The Hunt,”. The track appears on the band’s highly anticipated EP Evocations, set for worldwide release on January 30, 2026.

“The Hunt” serves as an energetic and subconscious tribute to one of RED SANDS’ favorite metal acts, Iced Earth. Written by Eric Novelo (bass), with arrangements and lyrics by Daniel Novelo, the song blends galloping riffs, urgent pacing, and a sharp melodic edge. Although it is the most traditional track on the EP, it stands out as one of the most vibrant due to its direct songwriting and fast, unrelenting momentum.

Lyrically, “The Hunt” immerses listeners in the brutality and fervor of medieval warfare. While its themes resonate with nearly any era of armed conflict, the song draws particular inspiration from the Battle of Hattin in 1187, where Saladin’s forces defeated the Crusaders and reclaimed Jerusalem. Arabesque guitar solos, atmospheric backing vocals, and intricate sound effects depicting clashing swords and firing trebuchets create a vivid, cinematic portrayal of chaos on the battlefield.

Evocations features six tracks that explore themes of mortality, memory, and transformation. From the ominous opening “Mors Vincit Omnia” to the commanding presence of “The Coven,” the aggression of “The Hunt,” and the introspective melancholy of “My Beloved Ghost,” the EP traces a cycle of creation and decay. At its center is “System,” a new song that confronts modern corruption with sharp lyrical intent and complex musicianship. The artwork, created by vocalist and visual artist Jonathan Corral, reflects the record’s themes through surreal imagery featuring a being made from memories and relics carrying a dying bird on a blank musical score, symbolizing both unfinished creation and impermanence.

RED SANDS is:
 

  • Jonathan “Jona” Corral – Vocals

  • Daniel Novelo – Rhythm & Lead Guitar

  • Eric Novelo – Bass

  • Juan Carlos “CJ” León – Piano & Keyboards

  • Ángel Asiain – Drums


Connect with RED SANDS:
 

THE ETERNAL unleash first video single “It All Ends” from new EP “Celestial”

Australian-Finnish dark progressive gothic metal collective THE ETERNAL have announced their upcoming EP Celestial, set for release on January 16, 2026 via Reigning Phoenix Music, and have dropped the first video single, "It All Ends".  

Pre-save / pre-order the EP, available on all major digital platforms and as an extremely limited-edition eco-friendly recycled vinyl:https://theeternal.rpm.link/celestialPR 

"It All Ends" marks the first preview of Celestial and sets the tone with a powerful mix of haunting atmosphere, melancholic weight, and progressive finesse. The track unfolds slowly and deliberately, pulling the listener into its storm of brooding riffs, somber melodies, and an emotional vocal performance that feels both intimate and colossal. The song’s dynamics build toward a towering, epic finale that showcases the band’s cinematic approach to heavy music.

Stream/Download the single: https://theeternal.rpm.link/itallendsPR

Watch the video clip Below;

Lyrically, "It All Ends" cuts deep. Vocalist and guitarist Mark Kelson, who also designed & edited the video, explains:

"The lyrics of “It All Ends” convey a stark meditation on betrayal, disillusionment, and the collapse of trust. Through the recurring imagery of “empty words” and “broken shards,” the song captures the futility of promises that have lost their meaning and the devastation left in their wake. The repetition of the phrase “it all ends” underscores the inevitability and finality of this unraveling, while the storm imagery reflects the emotional turbulence beneath the surface. At its core, the song portrays the painful recognition that fractured communication and faithlessness lead to irreversible endings, leaving behind a lingering sense of loss that feels both suffocating and inescapable."  

With Mark Kelson (vocals/guitars) and Richie Poate (guitars) in Melbourne, joined by Jan Rechberger (drums, Amorphis) and Niclas Etelävuori (bass, ex‑Amorphis/Flat Earth) in Helsinki, THE ETERNAL are proving themselves a genuinely international collaboration and with the forthcoming EP, fans and first-time listeners alike get a first taste of the band’s signature intensity and powerful new material.

THE ETERNAL is:
Mark Kelson / Guitar & Vocals
Richie Poate / Guitar
Niclas Etelävuori / Bass
Jan Rechberger / Drums & Percussion
 
More on THE ETERNAL:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TheEternal
 Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/theeternalofficial/
 X | https://www.twitter.com/theeternalband
 TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@theeternalofficial
 YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4vJAnrZbwUesT_FlY03mdw

Singer/Songwriter Leah Blevins Warns "Be Careful Throwing Stones" on New Track

On the heels of releasing her first taste of new music with “All Dressed Up,” the title track from her Dan Auerbach-produced album, singer/songwriter Leah Blevins releases her powerful new single “Be Careful Throwing Stones” today. 

Written with Auerbach and Daniel Tashian (Kacey Musgraves, Leon Bridges), “Be Careful Throwing Stones” continues to showcase Blevins’ piercing vocal clarity, storytelling and unflinching emotional honesty with a dash of ‘70s retro glamour and sheen.

The new track follows the recent release of “All Dressed Up,” named a “hot new track” by Barnburner, and marks the latest glimpse into the sonic landscape of her upcoming album. A timeless blend of Southern rock earthiness and pop-country shimmer, anchored by a twangy Karen Carpenter-esque vocal purity, listen to “Be Careful Throwing Stones” HERE. 

Pre-save All Dressed Up, set for release March 20, 2026, HERE.  

In addition to the song’s release, the official music video for “Be Careful Throwing Stones” premiered today exclusively with Holler, offering fans a visual interpretation of the track. Watch the video below;

“This song is about protecting the softest parts of yourself,” says Blevins. “Dan, Daniel and I were writing from that place where hope meets caution. It’s a reminder to move gently through love – with others and with yourself.”

“Be Careful Throwing Stones” expands on the fresh yet nostalgic sound Blevins introduced with “All Dressed Up,”pairing emotional intelligence and heartache with quiet strength. Raised on the bluegrass-stained Kentucky country of Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless, Dwight Yoakam and fellow Sandy Hook native Keith Whitley, Blevins continues a lineage of storytellers who understand the power of plainspoken truth.

“There are all kinds of emotions in this world,” Blevins says. “The best songs hold a few of them at once. Dan gets that. He knows how to let a feeling stretch out and take up space.”

“Be Careful Throwing Stones” also continues Blevins’ penchant for crafting songs and visuals that feel outside of time. Her work echoes the greats of the ‘60s and ‘90s while standing firmly in the present, resulting in a sound that will resonate just as deeply 30 years from now.

“Be Careful Throwing Stones” and the official video are available everywhere today. 

For the latest news and updates follow along on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook and online at leahblevinsmusic.com.

Benighted Unveil Freaky New Drummer on "The Spineless Freak"

Fresh from their latest full-length of psychological torment, Benighted are bringing a ripping new force into the band’s twisted folds. New single, “The Spineless Freak”, marks the official debut of the band’s new drummer Matthias Biechler with all his destructive force.  

“The whole story is pretty incredible,” explains Benighted’s vocalist Julien Truchan. “As we were casting other drummers, I got a message from my friend Eugene of Fleshgod Apocalypse who told me he had a student in Paris who learns incredibly fast and that I should contact him. Matthias came for the casting last July and he just amazed us by playing our fastest songs impeccably. He is only 22, has played drums for four years and we're officially his very first band as a drummer! I can't even imagine his level in two or three years. He is at the same time a machine and the nicest guy you can find. We're so happy to welcome him in the band!”

Watch Benighted’s new drummer show off his freakish speed and skill in the official drum playthrough for the band’s new single “The Spineless Freak”, Below;

Stream

https://benighted.fanlink.tv/TheSpinlessFreak

While he also plays bass, Matthias Biechler spent the last four years studying drums under the mentorship of Fleshgod Apocalypse drummer Eugene Ryabchenko. Matthias’ first-ever performance as a drummer took place live onstage while behind the kit for Benighted. The freakish phenom ripped through the band’s blistering songs with a sense of ease that stunned the audience and his new bandmates.  

“[…] it’s an honor for me to join Benighted behind the drums”, Matthias says. “This very band gave me the motivation five years ago to push myself and truly work hard on the drums, so joining them today as my first band as a drummer is beyond anything I ever imagined. I’ll give everything I have to live up to the band’s name and unleash all the violence you love so much. Thank you for welcoming me and your support. I can’t wait to share this journey with all of you!”  

Lineup:
Julien Truchan - Vocals
Emmanuel Dalle - Guitars
Pierre Arnoux - Bass
Matthias Biechler - Drums

Recording Studio:
Kohlekeller Studios, Germany (Powerwolf, Aborted, Crematory)

Producer, Sound, Mixing & Mastering Engineer:
Kristian Kohlmannslehner

Booking Contact:
France: Rage Tour - philippe@ragetour.com
Worldwide: Redback Promotion - ronny@redback-promotion.com

Follow Benighted:
Official Website: https://www.benighted.fr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brutalbenighted
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benighted_band/
Bandcamp: https://benighted.bandcamp.com/music
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/brutalbenighted
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benighted_band
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@_BENIGHTED
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dUwIwaPc6UukkCZTaaf7J
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/benighted/267088245
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3919180

EPICA - unveil new single 'Avatar - The Final Incarnation - ' in support of their upcoming European Tour

Symphonic metal titans EPICA proudly release their explosive new single 'Avatar – The Final Incarnation – ', a track that deals with the final incarnation (Avatar) to rid the world of unrighteousness and restore truth and purity. The single is accompanied by a stunning visualizer featuring artwork taken directly from the band’s forthcoming EPICA Oracle Card Set, launching worldwide on January 7th.

Stream the song of 'Avatar – The Final Incarnation – ' (created by Dave Letelier), here: https://epica.bfan.link/avatar-the-final-incarnation


Watch the video Below;

Mark Jansen shares insight into the inspiration behind the track:
“In Hindu philosophy, Kalki represents the final avatar who restores balance at the end of the age. That idea of breaking free from cycles—through self-realization, detachment from desires, and inner transformation—resonates deeply with me. ‘Avatar’ channels that journey toward liberation, something both powerful and universal.”

Simone Simons adds:
“We absolutely can’t wait to kick off the European tour. Sharing the stage with our incredible fans night after night is the heartbeat of what we do, and this new song will definitely warm you up for the journey we’re about to take together.”

From January till March, EPICA will embark on 'The Arcane Dimensions' European Tour with Amaranthe and Charlotte Wessels’ The Obsession, that brings three of the genre’s most dynamic forces together for an unforgettable live experience. See the full list of dates below and grab your tickets now!

But more is more: On January 7th, the band will release the 'Aspiral Oracle', a beautifully crafted deluxe boxset containing a 12 card oracle deck (one card per song title and one extra artist card called ‘The Map’), a handbook with an in-depth rulesheet and a stunning incense holder, all designed and sculpted by Hedi Xandt who previously created the artwork for Aspiral. This boxset is a true must have that will give you deeper insights into the meaning of all the Aspiral songs, but can also serve as a tool that can give you guidance in your personal journey.

Pre-order it here: https://geni.us/EpicaOracle

About EPICA:

The journey of growth follows a spiral, continuously widening and deepening with every cycle. 

By sticking to this spiritual principle, symphonic metal innovators EPICA have reinvented themselves on their ninth effort Aspiral, releasing a studio album that shows a band brimming with a newfound joy in their own skin – standing united as a team, where every band member brought inspiration, ideas and years of songwriting experience to the table. 

Aspiral bears testimony to this unity, but the band’s steep ascent within the past years was far from coincidental and required lots of hard work and combination of things happening after the release of their latest album Omega in the midst of a raging pandemic. After walking several steps off their usual path with their EP The Alchemy Project which saw them collaborating with artists such as Myrkur, Fleshgod Apocalypse or Uriah Heep, the band played a massive world tour and got invited by a certain band called Metallica for several dates, and played 4 sold out “Symphonic Synergy” shows with a massive orchestra and choir. 

After diving deep into hypothetical theories, metaphysical mysticism and themes that were touching the fabric of our existence in the infinity of the universe, EPICA ’s 9th studio effort Aspiral centres on the work of sculptor Stanisław Szukalski. During the first Covid lockdown, bassist Rob van der Loo saw the documentary ‘Struggle – The Life And Lost Art Of Stanislav Szukalski’ and felt so inspired by his work that he wanted to write soundtracks for some of his sculptures, simply because each and every detail in his works are artworks on their own and their stories go very deep. And this is where the path started. Aspiral was born as an instrumental soundtrack to this world, an initially separate project that over time metamorphosed into the new EPICA record.  

The title comes from a bronze statue Szukalski did in 1965. If you take a close look, you can see snails rebuilding elements out of the mud in cycles and this eventually leads to civilization and a woman reaching out to the sun. It stands for renewal and inspiration – keywords that define EPICA now.

For more than 20 years now, EPICA  have been standing tall. And while already their last efforts clearly showcased their commitment to the game, it is Aspiral that truly distils the very heart of their trademark sound.  

Follow Epica:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X | Youtube | Spotify | Apple Music | Deezer | Amazon Music | Tidal