BELPHEGOR Announce "Praise The Beast" North American Tour

The gates open once more.

With the release of “Scarlet Beast – Leviathan,” BELPHEGOR return at their most menacing and deliberate, delivering a track that moves with the force of an advancing colossus. Built upon lumbering, monolithic riffs and a suffocating sense of inevitability, the single embodies a towering presence, vast, unrelenting, and absolute.

“Scarlet Beast – Leviathan” does not chase speed; it commands submission. Favoring tension, density, and sheer authority over velocity, the song fuses ritualistic black metal atmosphere with the crushing weight of death metal. The result is a sonic behemoth, oppressive, deliberate, and unstoppable, advancing through scorched terrain with death trailing in its wake.

The single arrives as BELPHEGOR kick off their North American “Praise The Beast” tour, carrying this new chapter directly onto the stage. The track’s immense weight and deliberate pacing translate into a live experience built on tension and command, setting the tone for a run that promises ritual intensity across the continent.

Accompanying the single is a stark and uncompromising music video that captures the essence of true darkness. Gritty and raw in execution, the visual counterpart strips away artifice and embraces ritualistic imagery, shadow, and decay. It is not spectacle, but invocation.

With “Scarlet Beast – Leviathan,” BELPHEGOR once again prove their mastery of controlled devastation. The beast does not rush. It advances. And nothing stands in its path.

Praise The Beast North American Tour 2026

02/19 - Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn Monarch  
02/20 - Lowell, MA, Taffeta Music Hall  
02/21 - Montreal, QC, Le Studio TD  
02/22 - Toronto, ON, Lee's Palace  
02/23 - Lakewood, OH, Mercury Music Hall  
02/24 - Joliet, IL, The Forge  
02/26 - Denver, CO, HQ  
02/27 - Albuquerque, NM, Launchpad  
02/28 - Haltom City, TX, Haltom Theater  
03/01 - Houston, TX, Scout Bar  
03/02 - San Antonio, TX, Paper Tiger  
03/05 - Mesa, AZ, The Rosetta Room  
03/06 - San Diego, CA, Brick by Brick  
03/07 - San Francisco, CA, DNA Lounge  
03/08 - Roseville, CA, Goldfield Trading Post  
03/09 - Los Angeles, CA, 1720  
03/10 - Anaheim, CA, The Observatory

Purchase tickets HERE: https://www.belphegor.at/present.htm

About BELPHEGOR:

Since their formation in 1993 in Austria, BELPHEGOR have stood as one of the most brutal and transgressive forces in black death metal. Founded by vocalist and guitarist Helmuth Lehner, the band has spent over three decades refining a sound forged in fire and sacrilege, merging the violent precision of death metal with the ritualistic darkness of black metal.

Their musick is an invocation of infernal power, a soundwall of relentless blasphemy.

From the raw intensity of early releases like The Last Supper (1995), Blutsabbath(1997), and Necrodaemon Terrorsathan (2000), to the increasingly sophisticated compositions found on albums such as Lucifer Incestus, Bondage Goat Zombie, Pestapokalypse VI, and Totenritual, BELPHEGOR have continually pushed the boundaries of extreme musick. Each release marks a further descent into forbidden territory.

The band’s thematic focus with ritual magick, religious inversion, and arcane symbolism is matched by their technical mastery, multilingual lyrics, and sonic experimentation.

With their twelfth studio album The Devils (2022), BELPHEGOR delivered one of their most punishing and ambitious records to date.

Recorded at Fascination Street Studios with producer Jens Bogren, the album features nine meticulously crafted compositions that shift seamlessly between feral aggression and solemn majesty.

Tracks such as Glorifizierung des Teufels and Virtus Asinaria - Prayer incorporate choral passages and ritualistic structure, while Damnation - Höllensturz unfolds with a dynamic complexity that further amplifies the band’s compositional vision.

Lyrically, the album weaves together German, Latin, and English to cast incantations of death, desecration, and rebellion against sacred order. Accompanied by visionary artwork from Seth Siro Anton, The Devils stands as a high point in Belphegor’s canon and underscores their continued relevance in the global extreme metal landscape.

Following the success of The Devils, BELPHEGOR were honored with the 2023 Amadeus Austrian Music Award in the Hard and Heavy category, a rare moment of formal recognition in Austria for a band that has long walked a path far removed from mainstream acceptance. This accolade acknowledges their artistic legacy and highlights the contrast between their recognition and the transgressive nature of their craft.

Renowned for their intense live rituals, BELPHEGOR have toured relentlessly across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australia, and beyond. They have appeared at Wacken Open Air, Knotfest, Bloodstock, Hellfest, Tons Of Rock, Sweden Rock, and numerous other prestigious metal festivals. Their stage presence is more than a performance, it is a ceremony of magick and infernal theatre, where sound, smoke, blood, and fire converge in a communion with darkness.

Now, as the band approaches its thirteenth studio album, a deeper and more arcane force begins to stir. The number thirteen bears ancient meaning: endings, thresholds, and the passage into the unknown. Rooted in primordial doctrine, the thirteenth seal is said to bind the final veil between worlds, the last barrier between order and chaos.

With this upcoming release, BELPHEGOR prepares to break that seal, not to follow, but to lead. To summon what lies beyond even their own previous creations: something more primal, more ritualistic, more devastating.

Early glimpses of new material point to a continuation of the dark artistic path begun with The Devils, now delving even deeper. The upcoming album takes shape as a focused ritual: precise, uncompromising, and rooted in the band’s unmistakable vision, the glorification of the Devil.

Prepare. The next chapter is imminent. 

More from BELPHEGOR:

www.belphegor.at | Facebook | Instagram | X | Youtube

LIGHTNING STRIKES Release New Album, The King Is Victorious, February 18th!

Los Angeles–based heavy metal outfit Lightning Strikes return with their long-awaited new full-length album, The King Is Victorious, out today, February 18th.

 

The album features eight powerful new tracks and showcases a truly international lineup of elite musicians. The majority of The King Is Victorious was recorded by Lightning Strikes co-founder Maksudian, alongside Japanese guitar virtuoso Norifumi Shima (Concerto Moon), American bass legend Barry Sparks (Michael Schenker Group, Yngwie Malmsteen), and rising Argentinian vocalist Mariano Gardella. Rounding out the album is a special guest appearance by keyboard maestro Derek Sherinian (Black Country Communion, Sons Of Apollo), who also appeared on the band’s debut release.

 

Karpis Maksudian shares:

 

They said heavy metal was just noise.

They said the wait was too long.

They said the fire fades with time.

 

They were wrong.

 

This album isn’t just music — it’s years of pressure, pain, growth, and hunger forged into sound. Every riff hits harder. Every drum feels like thunder. Every scream carries everything I’ve been holding back.

 

This is the heavy metal you’ve been waiting for.

Superstar-level heaters. No fillers. No limits.

Just raw power.

 

I didn’t come back quietly.

I came back louder. Stronger. Hungrier.

 

When this drops, it’s not just an album release — it’s a takeover.

 

Turn your speakers up.

Tell the world heavy metal is alive.

And get ready… because once this is out, there’s no turning back.

 

And I also as a producer want to take this moment to speak from the heart.

 

From the bottom of my soul, thank you to every single person who was part of this powerful journey. This album was built on passion, fire, and brotherhood — and I’m beyond grateful to the warriors who stepped into the storm with me.

 

A special, thunderous thank you to the legends who played on the title track “The King Is Victorious” without hesitation, without conditions — just pure love for the music and the metal spirit:

 

Rowan Robertson, Mark Zavon, Craig Goldy, Norifumi Shima, Takehiko "Shake" Kogure, Dario Mollo, Mariano Gardella, Rob Math, Barry Sparks, Derek Sherinian, Michael T. Ross and the Moscow Symphony Orchestra. 

 

Your talent, your energy, your riffs, your solos, your power — you helped turn this song into a battlefield anthem. This wasn’t just collaboration… this was unity. This was heavy metal brotherhood at its finest.

 

The King is Victorious because of all of you.

 

Let the world hear it.

Originally formed in 1984, Lightning Strikes made history as the first heavy metal band with an all Armenian-American lineup, predating the emergence of System Of A Down by more than a decade. After disbanding, Maksudian revived the Lightning Strikes name more than 25 years later, assembling a new lineup to record the band’s self-titled debut album in 2016.

 

That release featured Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes (Sinistra, Hangar), drummer Rob Math, Derek Sherinian, and legendary former Black Sabbath vocalist Tony Martin, who sang on and penned lyrics for standout tracks “Death Valley” and “301 AD (Sins Of Our Fathers).” Mixed by renowned producer Roy Z, the album was met with strong critical acclaim and peaked at #6 on Japan’s Burrn! Magazine import charts.

Poison the Well Drop Video for New Single "EVERYTHING HURTS"

POISON THE WELL will release PEACE IN PLACE, their first album in 16 years, on March 20 via SharpTone Records. Pre-order it here. 

Today, they share the video for new single "EVERYTHING HURTS." Watch it below.

The song hones in on PTW's patented and signature quiet/loud dynamics, and it's a perfectly executed mix of moody and metallic. In the video, we follow singer Jeffrey Moreira in an almost voyeuristic way. The tension in both the song and the accompanying visual builds steadily. Tune in to see where they start and where they end, and pay attention to some easter eggs along the way.

"'Everything Hurts' is about the patience and effort it takes to keep relationships alive," says Moreira. "I care deeply about the people in my life, but even the people you love can be frustrating sometimes. And it's important to remember that we can be just as frustrating to them. We all have our moments — and I have my moments too. The ones that stick around are the ones you have a unique connection with. You can't put up with everyone's shit, so the people you keep close are the ones whose shit you actually want to deal with."

POISON THE WELL ARE:
Jeffrey Moreira — Vocals 
Ryan Primack — Guitar
Vadim Taver — Guitar 
Christopher Hornbrook — Drums 
Noah Harmon — Bass 

PTW recently announced their Spring 2026 headline tour. Converge will support with Balmora, SPY, The Armed, and The Barbarians of California appearing on different segments. Tickets and more information are available here. All dates are below.

POISON THE WELL ON TOUR:
4/2 — Cleveland, OH — House of Blues*
4/3 — Chicago, IL — Concord Music Hall*
4/4 — Pontiac, MI — The Crofoot*
4/6 — Pittsburgh, PA — Preserving Underground*
4/7 — Toronto, ON — HISTORY*
4/9 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium*
4/10 — Queens, NY — Knockdown Center*
4/11 — Philadelphia, PA — Fillmore*
4/12 — Baltimore, MD — Nevermore Hall*
4/25 — Las Vegas, NV — Sick New World%
5/7 — Denver, CO — Summit&
5/9 — Austin, TX — Stubb’s Outdoors&
5/10 — Houston, TX — House of Blues&
5/12 — Phoenix, AZ — Nile Theater&
5/13 — Los Angeles, CA — The Belasco&
5/15 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues&
5/16 — San Diego, CA — The Observatory North Park&
5/17 — San Francisco, CA — The Regency Ballroom&
%Festival Date
*SPY and Balmora
&The Armed and The Barbarians of California

ABOUT POISON THE WELL:
In the space of barely a breath, Poison The Well pacify fits of jarring brutality with moments of fragile beauty. Their unmistakable melodic hardcore gently dilutes the effects of trauma, betrayal, depression, and loss with hard-won wisdom and diligently earned self-acceptance. For as much force as they commit to the riffs and the breakdowns, there’s an equal amount of naked emotion encoded in their relatable hooks. At this point, they are unassumingly, yet undeniably embedded in the DNA of modern metal and hardcore. Poison The Well’s 1999 debut, The Opposite of December… A Season of Separation has claimed spots on BrooklynVegan's 15 '90s Metalcore Albums That Still Resonate Today; KERRANG!'s 21 Best U.S. Metalcore Albums of All Time; Loudwire's 25 Best Metalcore Albums of All Time; and Revolver's 10 Most Influential Metalcore Albums of All Time. Stereogumput it best, "The Opposite of December… A Season of Separation influenced a whole generation of metalcore bands." Meanwhile, 2003's You Come Before You remains regarded among Metal Hammer's 100 Greatest Metal Albums of the 21st Century and Rock Sound's 250 Greatest Albums of Our Lifetime. Despite going on hiatus following 2009's The Tropic Rot, the group's influence has only expanded over the years (as evidenced by over 100 million streams across their catalog). After touring in 2015 and 2021, they've commemorated milestone birthdays of both You Come Before You and The Opposite of December... with in-demand headline jaunts. Once again, the members felt an intense need to create as a unit. Rallying together, the guys channeled the spirit of their most celebrated material through a prism of new experience on their sixth full-length offering, Peace In Place.

Johnny O’Neil Releases “Live at Le Musique Room” Featuring “Lover” a Brand New Track from an Upcoming Album

Johnny O'Neil announces his new live album “Live at Le Musique Room”, out now on Bearded Maggie Records. The live album features a live performance of a brand new song “Lover” that will be released on his upcoming new studio album.

JOHNNY O’NEIL “Lover” Official Music Video from the Album “Johnny O’Neil Live at Le Musique Room”: https://youtu.be/9NtXsFZSHVg
 
You can stream and purchase “Live at Le Musique Room” at: https://linktr.ee/johnnyoneil

Talking about the new live album, Johnny O’Neil said, “Our new live album was recorded in a very intimate theater setting at Le Musique Room, opening for our good friends, Bobby Jensen and the Dead Cowboys. The album represents a true inflection point for our band. After our former guitarist, John Funk, informed us last spring that, “I just have no passion to play hard rock anymore,” we had to decide whether to replace him with another second guitarist. We very briefly considered holding auditions, but rather than going through the agony (and time!) of that process, we elected to forge ahead as a three-piece, and have never looked back or regretted our decision. 

 

The album features songs from our first two studio albums, as well as a brand new track, “Lover,” a tune I wrote about a fellow who has watched a woman being mistreated by someone from afar, and tells her to “leave him – c’mon with me”! “Lover” is the first single from our upcoming third studio album, which again will be co-produced, recorded, and mixed by Johnny’s “Blood Brother,” the incomparable Brian Bart. We cannot wait for our fans to hear us get back to our hard rock roots - this time as a three-piece!”

Band Members:
Johnny O’Neil: Lead Vocals, All Guitars
Benny Craig: Bass Guitar and Background Vocals
Joachim Baecker: Drums and Background Vocals
 
JOHNNY O'NEIL:
O’Neil has been in practice as a Ph.D.-level clinical psychologist for over two decades, quite a feat considering he dropped out of high school at 16 to focus on his burgeoning music career. After more than a decade of achieving many of his musical dreams, including the ‘80s with Dare Force, O’Neil decided to go back to school at the age of 28 to get his GED. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, followed by a Master’s degree and eventually a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from The Ohio State University.

Now a solopreneur in private practice as a forensic psychologist, O’Neil conducts Independent Psychological Evaluations (IPEs) of claimants involved in workers' comp and personal injury cases, and provides courtroom testimony as an expert witness – a fascinating occupation to be sure. In fact, he found himself interviewing dozens of Minneapolis police officers who filed disability claims due to PTSD in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Not surprisingly, for O’Neil, playing music is an invaluable form of therapy and expressing his emotions. “I don’t have a choice, I have to play music,” he says. “It’s how I’m wired and how I preserve my sanity. It’s therapy for me. I’ll be performing until my last gasp.”

O’Neil fell in love with music at the age of five, begging his parents to buy him a guitar after seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show, which they finally did when he turned eight years old. The stars aligned when his future Dare Force bandmate, Brian Bart, moved in across the street when he was nine. “We had a tussle over something silly in the front yard, then my mom invited us in for a piece of cake; we’ve been thick as thieves ever since,” O’Neil says.

O’Neil and Bart immediately bonded over their mutual love of music (including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Winter, Steppenwolf, and Creedence Clearwater Revival), and quickly formed a band together. One of their first gigs was at Sunny Hollow Elementary School in 6th grade, where Bob Dylan’s younger brother, David Zimmerman, was their music teacher and introduced their band to an audience of 500-some fellow classmates.

Infusing his songwriting with his personal values of tolerance, compassion and empathy throughout his career, O’Neil believes that an important part of an artist’s job is to not only reflect what’s going on in the world, but also to comment on it and influence it. To this end, O’Neil’s driving rock tunes go beyond being simply upbeat, feel-good rock ‘n roll, to songs that really have something to say to the world.

MICHAEL MONROE NEW VIDEO/ SINGLE ‘SHINOLA’ OUT NOW UPCOMING ALBUM – OUTERSTELLAR – NEARS RELEASE

Wednesday February 18th, 2025 –

Michael Monroe unleash the unapologetic and electrifying third single ‘Shinola’, taken from the PRE-ORDER AT THIS LOCATION forthcoming studio album Outerstellar, due for release this Friday, February 20th via Silver Lining Music.

For Pre-orders go to THIS LOCATION.

‘Shinola’ takes aim at a morally corrupt emotional leech who exploits everyone in their orbit, only to reap the isolation they’ve sown. It’s a razor- sharp, crowd-rallying anthem that transforms collective exasperation into raw, liberating release.

“‘Shinola’ was obviously originally written about a certain jerk but unfortunately most of us can relate as we know a lot of them” comments Michael Monroe. “There’s a lot of negative, ignorant idiots in the world and sometimes it’s good to vent frustrations by singing about it. And Karma always

gets us in the end anyway!"

Watch/Listen to ‘Shinola’ below – video by Paul M Green.

The new album Outerstellar is an experience as much as a collection of great songs, a sweet smelling, leathery, glitter-shimmered, sweat-soaked raunch and punch wrapped in one of the great voices in rock ‘n’ roll. From loud crashing guitars to harmonicas, to gorgeous acoustic moments, you’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll shiver, you’ll shake, and you’ll smell this wonderful exhilarating record in all its weathered biker jacket incense-coated glory and you’ll also realize that whatever the hell is going on in the world right now, when you put this album on, it’s an instant escape to carefree days and an emancipation from worries, fears and woes.

Listen to the first and second video and singles from Outerstellar – ‘Rockin’ Horse’ and ‘Disconnected’ – and watch the videos here – videos by Leigh Brooks.

Outerstellar will see a whole burst of life when

Michael Monroe and band bring it to stages internationally over the course of the year. The first glimpse will happen on the Buckcherry UK co-headline tour, kicking off in Southampton on February 24, where fans will get to experience some of these new tracks live for the very first time. For a full list of upcoming shows and tickets visit: michaelmonroe.com

Outerstellar is out this Friday, February 20. To celebrate its release Michael Monroe and band will host a series of exclusive HMV in-store signing sessions across the UK, giving fans the opportunity to meet the band up close, have their albums signed and capture the moment with photos.

Outerstellar is available on Limited Edition 12” White Vinyl, 12” Turquoise Vinyl, 12” Black Vinyl, CD Digipak, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles.

Pre-order/stream now at this location

Band Line-Up:

Michael Monroe - Lead vocals, Harmonica

Steve Conte - Guitars, Vocals

Rich Jones - Guitars, Vocals

Karl Rockfist - Drums

Sami Yaffa - Bass, Vocals

Follow Michael Monroe:

www.facebook.com/michaelmonroeofficial

www.x.com/michaelmonroe

www.instagram.com/michaelmonroeofficial

www.michaelmonroe.com/web/

www.tiktok.com/@officialmichaelmonroe

ROMAN CANDLE Confronts Industry Disillusionment With New Single "Bite Harder Than You Bleed"

Las Vegas screamo quartet Roman Candle have dropped brand new single, "Bite Harder Than You Bleed", today. A razor-edged confession about industry pressure, false worship, and the hollow egos hiding beneath the surface. Self-aware and unflinching it's the band's most striking release yet. Watch the official music video BELOW and stream the track on DSPs HERE.

Written in isolation and chasing emotional truth over polish, the track fuses serrated guitar work with Piper Ferrari's commanding vocal intensity and lyrics that refuse comfort whilst capturing the contradiction of writing your own playbook in a world that demands conformity. Speaking further on the inspiration for writing the track Piper shares

"Bite Harder Than You Bleed came from this place of being completely jaded with the music industry—the pressure to act the same, think the same, and worship the same idols. It's that 'kill your idols' moment where you realize even the people you look up to are just as hollow, anxious, and bruised as you are. Lines like 'falsely shallow, hollow, refusing to follow' and 'your idols hate you too' were me processing how disheartening it can feel, but also how freeing it is to acknowledge it. The song is basically my reminder that you have to bite harder than you bleed—push back, stay sharp, and refuse to let the world wear you down."

Since their breakout EP Discount Fireworks, Roman Candle spent the next few years refining their sound and expanding their reach. "Fire In The Night Sky Forever.", "This Band Has Led Me To Places I Wouldn't Go With A Gun," and "Nothing Is Original" each showcasing their ability to balance chaos with clarity. January's "Can We Watch Something Happy?", rooted in Piper's personal experiences, further cemented their reputation for unfiltered storytelling. Last October's sold-out Las Vegas hometown show marked a defining moment, proof of swelling local and national attention. To date, the band has amassed 2.8 million streams across all platforms and 400,000 YouTube views, steadily building a devoted following through relentless live performances and emotionally resonant songwriting.

With a full-length album on the horizon, Roman Candle continues to position themselves at the forefront of a new generation of screamo acts. Raw, intentional, and resonant in a way that cuts straight to the bone.

"Bite Harder Than You Bleed" is out now via Sumerian Records and can be streamed here: sumerian.lnk.to/bhtyb

ABOUT ROMAN CANDLE

Hailing from the desert underground of Las Vegas - Roman Candle - Piper Ferrari, Jonas Vece, Sergio Lopez, and Alex Dupuis - form one of the most emotionally raw and compelling new voices in modern screamo.

What began as a creative spark between Piper and Jonas has evolved into a fully realized four-piece, blending serrated aggression with vulnerable lyricism and a deep sense of place within the current hardcore landscape.

Onstage, the band operates with total commitment. Piper's commanding vocal presence, Jonas's tense and dynamic guitar work, Sergio's driving low end, and Alex's explosive percussion combine into a live experience that feels both communal and cathartic. Their hometown support has swelled alongside national attention, positioning them firmly at the forefront of a new generation of screamo artists.

Roman Candle Are

Piper Ferrari - Vocals

Jonas Vece - Guitar

Alex Dupis - Drums

Sergio Lopez - Bass

Moodring Share "Anywhere But Here"

The musical entity's name hints at volatility — color, emotion, and temperature in flux. Nowhere is that more evident than in death fetish, a defining album for a haunting and defiant new chapter. For founder and frontman Hunter Young, this is more than a record.

It's survival, reflection, and metamorphosis. It is art made from the raw materials of pain, purpose, and persistence.

The album, steeped in nu metal, alt, and industrial influences, arrives on March 27 via SharpTone Records. Pre-order it here.

Moodring have just dropped the visualizer for "ANYWHERE BUT HERE." Watch it below.

With its moody, quiet-loud dynamics, rich layers, and palpable sonic tension, the song is another thrill ride in which listeners can ride sidecar. It's the perfect execution of industrial ambience and metallic edge. 

"'Anywhere But Here' is about the breakdown of a relationship where a shared creative world became a source of manipulation and envy," shares Young. "The chorus lyric is coming from a place of irony, but also represents a longing for freedom and steadiness."

The Moodring origin story puts the timber and tone of the music in clear view.

Young conceived Moodring alone, in his bedroom, an exercise in catharsis through art. The resulting debut EP, 2021's Showmetherealyou, resonated with a surprising number of diverse listeners. That connection inspired Moodring to evolve into a creative outlet that transcended its simple origins.  Both sensual and suffocating, the Stargazer album followed in 2022. In a glowing review, Kerrang! praised the full-length as "hefty from the get-go" and likened it to "a cool wave of water lapping over you." The album's "vivacious" vocal work and vibe made new Moodring fans around the world.

The following year's EP, Your Light Fades Away, expanded the palette further, fusing ferocity, shimmering melody, and nü-metal groove into something equally cinematic and claustrophobic.  The "black-velvet nu-metal melodies and bleak-booming breakdowns" (Revolver) of 2025's "half-life" were, sadly, inspired by a life-changing medical diagnosis that left Young unable to tour with Moodring or his accomplished deathcore outfit, SharpTone Records labelmates PSYCHO-FRAME.

Unable to tour and unwilling to compromise, Young focused on writing and recording new music. death fetish  is the sound of transcendence—an artist refusing to disappear, even as the light fades.

For all its darkness, death fetish is not a surrender. It's a reclamation. It’s Young taking back control of his narrative — body failing, mind racing, still creating, still here. "I just wanted to make a dark, honest record," he says. "And if people don't like it, I don't really care. I had to do it for myself."

Moodring, once a more traditional "band," now exists as something far more elusive and infinite: A vessel for transformation, a mirror for mortality, and a living testament to pain and creation.

STATE OF ILLUSION Release New Single and Lyric Video “Wasted Life," From the Upcoming Re-Release of Pluto’s Ghost Out 4/17

STATE OF ILLUSION return with “Wasted Life,” a crushing progressive metal statement and the latest single from the upcoming re-release of Pluto’s Ghost, arriving April 17.

Driven by jagged, angular rhythms and percussive drop G chugs, “Wasted Life” delivers urgency and weight through intricate riffing and relentless momentum. Lyrically, the song confronts the haunting realization of unrealized potential and existential doubt.

The song’s origin was immediate and undeniable. One morning, founder and songwriter Jacob Porter woke up with the main riff fully formed in his head and recorded it on the spot. What followed became one of the most challenging writing processes of his career. The chorus proved elusive and was rewritten 17 times over several months before the final version came together. That persistence paid off. “Wasted Life” has since become a live favorite and currently closes STATE OF ILLUSION’s set with explosive intensity.

“Wasted Life” is taken from the re-release of Pluto’s Ghost, a record born from isolation, persistence, and an unwillingness to let go. Written and produced by Jacob Porter, founder, vocalist, and primary songwriter behind STATE OF ILLUSION, the album unfolds as a deeply personal journey through isolation, grief, and endurance. Blending expansive atmosphere with intricate instrumentation and emotionally driven songwriting, Pluto’s Ghost showcases the band’s dynamic range across progressive rock and metal landscapes.

With the release of the “Wasted Life” lyric video, STATE OF ILLUSION invite listeners deeper into the emotional core of the record, where heaviness meets honesty and self doubt transforms into clarity.

Goblin Metal Ikons NEKROGOBLIKON Return with "The Boiling Sea" EP + Share "Secret Elephant" (Feat. Reel Big Fish) Video + Touring💚

Goblin metal's least likely legends are back. After nearly two decades of chaos, cult stardom, and the viral mayhem of "No One Survives," Nekrogoblikon return with The Boiling Sea — the feral new EP that ushers in a historic era for the band. It arrives on April 17. Pre-order it here. 

Today, the goblin metallers drop the video for "The Secret Elephant" (Feat. Reel Big Fish).

Watch the video, directed by Brandon Dermer, below:

For the first time ever, the goblin throne is shared. Former mascot-turned-frontman (and beloved host of the number one comedy podcast "RIGHT NOW"), John Goblikon steps fully into the spotlight with soaring melodic vocals, while extreme metal phenom Dickie Allen (of Infant Annihilator) unleashes the kind of throat-shredding brutality usually reserved for apocalyptic events.

"I've been asked to give a statement on our new song 'Secret Elephant' and after strong consideration, I've decided I'm not quite sure know what that means. But what I DO know is secrets don't make friends… unless that secret is, of course, an elephant who you happened to befriend. Yhey also say an elephant never forgets, but goblins definitely do, because I literally can't remember where I put my phone! I had it earlier and then I got distracted by this email asking me for a quote about our new song 'Secret Elephant,' which is such a banger by the way. Ooh, that reminds me I gotta look for my phone!" — Sent from John's iPhone.

"It was so much fun filming ourselves being goofballs," says Allen. "Also, has anyone seen my beer?"

Produced and mixed by metal mastermind Jason Suecof (Job for a Cowboy, The Black Dahlia Murder), The Boiling Sea is a high-octane proving ground for the band's new dual-vocal onslaught, first teased by the 2025 double-feature videos for "Show Me Your Goblin" and "Fiend."

On the upcoming release, guitarist Alex Alereza offers, "Writing for this release began in the midst of constant touring and right after bringing on a new vocal duo, so we found ourselves in new territories both in terms of pace and creative process. And that ended up being a good thing! We had a blast making this together and hope everyone enjoys these songs as much as we do. And for the Nekro fans that have been with us for a very long time, we decided to include live recordings of five Nekro classics!"

The goblin horde won't stay submerged for long. Nekrogoblikon will hit the road on an electrifying tour alongside Japan's genre-smashing metal force Hanabie., giving fans the chance to witness the premier goblin metal spectacle live and scream along to their favorite anthems. Get tickets here.

Nearly 20 years in, Nekrogoblikon aren't just surviving — they're boiling over.

NEKROGOBLIKON ON TOUR:
3/05—Salt Lake City, UT — Metro #
3/06—Colorado Springs, CO — Black Sheep # [SELLING FAST]
3/08—Wichita, KS — Wave #
3/09—Springfield, MO — The Regency Live #
3/10—Nashville, TN — Exit/In # [SELLING FAST]
3/12—Allentown, PA — Arrow # [SELLING FAST]
3/13—Boston, MA — Big Night Live ^ [LOW TIX]
3/14—New York, NY — Brooklyn Bowl ^ [LAST TIX]
3/15—Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore ^
3/17—Montreal, QC — Beanfield Theatre ^ [LAST TIX]
3/18—Toronto, ON — Danforth Music Hall ^ [LOW TIX]
3/20—McKees Rocks, PA — Roxian Theatre ^
3/21—Philadelphia, PA — TLA ^ [LOW TIX]
3/22—Norfolk, VA — The NorVa +
3/23—Raleigh, NC — The Ritz ^
3/24—Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theatre ^
3/25—Chattanooga, TN — Barrelhouse Ballroom %
3/27—Cleveland, OH — House of Blues ^ [LOW TIX]
3/28—Fort Wayne, IN — Piere’s Entertainment Center +
3/29—Detroit, MI — St. Andrews ^ [LAST TIX]
3/30—Chicago, IL — House of Blues ^ [LOW TIX]
3/31—Sauget, IL — Pop’s +
4/01—Minneapolis, MN — The Fillmore ^
4/03—Dallas, TX — House of Blues ^
4/04—Houston, TX — House of Blues ^
4/06—Austin, TX — Emo's ^
4/07—Phoenix, AZ — Van Buren ^
4/09—San Diego, CA — House of Blues ^ [LOW TIX]
4/10—San Francisco, CA — August Hall ^ [SOLD OUT]
4/11—Los Angeles, CA — Belasco ^ [SOLD OUT]
4/12—Los Angeles, CA — Belasco ^

# Headlining w/ Enterprise Earth and Wretched
^ Supporting Hanabie w/ Enterprise Earth
+ Headlining w/ Enterprise Earth
% Headlining w/ local support

Saint Agnes Release "Good Boy Video — WATCH // New Album "Your God Fearing Days Are About to Begin" Out 5/29

London's Saint Agnes release the video for the new single "Good Boy," the third track from the forthcoming album, Your God Fearing Days Are About To Begin.

Frontperson Kitty A. Austen explains, "'Good Boy' was written to be a scathing critique of obedient, subservient men who uphold the capitalist death cult, feed the machine, and call it a virtue. It’s a snarling takedown of the so-called 'good boys' who suck corporate dick and wear their complicity like a badge."

Kitty's voice, vision, and volatility shape every inch of the band's evolving world, and she is ably partnered by co-founding member Jon James Tufnell. Together, they form the creative axis. Fusing raw industrial power, dark elegance, and hedonistic, body-moving intensity, Saint Agnes have created a sound made for sweat-soaked goth club dancefloors. Inspired by the intensity of Nine Inch Nails, the genre-bending chaos of Poppy and the euphoric, cinematic storytelling of Lorde, this is music for the club, the stage and the void inside. Self-confessed "control freaks," Saint Agnes obsessively curate all aspects of their art and their music; this time, however, they utilized the mixing skills of Jim Pinder (Sleep Token, BMTH), the result being "our best sounding record to date, and the truest to our vision," according to Kitty.

Having recently played shows with Last Train (in France) and Ghostkid (in Germany).

SAINT AGNES 2026 LIVE APPEARANCES:

WITH LAST TRAIN:
2/19 — Rouen, France — Le 106
2/20 — Besancon, France — La Rodiala
2/21 — Clermont-Ferrand, France — The May Cooperative

WITH INME:
3/26 — Norwich, UK — Waterfront
3/27 — Newcastle, UK — The Grove
3/28 — Manchester, UK — Breadshed
3/29 — Nottingham, UK — Rescue Rooms
3/31 — Bristol, UK — Thekla
4/1 — Milton Keynes, UK — Craufurd Arms
4/2 — Oxford, UK — Academy 2
4/4 — Portsmouth, UK — Takedown Festival

ABOUT SAINT AGNES:
Saint Agnes have built a loyal following off the back of two EPs, two critically acclaimed studio albums, and over 12 million Spotify streams. With strong support from BBC Radio 1 and explosive mainstage sets at Download, 2000trees, and Hellfest, as well as appearances at Rock for People, IOW Festival, Great Escape, Boomtown, Takedown, and Reeperbahn Festival, the band has proven its power live, including at sold-out, riotous headline shows around the UK.

SAINT AGNES ARE:
Kitty A. Austen — Vocals, Guitar
Jon James Tufnell — Vocals, Guitar, Synths, Programming 
Andrew Head — Drums

JASON ALDEAN TAKES “HOW FAR DOES A GOODBYE GO” ALL THE WAY TO NUMBER ONE AT COUNTRY RADIO, HIS 31ST CAREER CHART-TOPPER

Multi-platinum award-winning artist and reigning country powerhouse Jason Aldean lands his 31st number one at Country Radio topping both the Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts with his latest single “How Far Does A Goodbye Go” via Broken Bow Records. On the Billboard Country Airplay chart, Aldean now ties George Strait, Alan Jackson and Luke Bryan for the fourth-most No. 1s since the chart began in 1990. This single served as the first preview of Aldean’s new album Songs About Us, dropping April 24. Pre-add, pre-save, pre-order HERE.

“Man, I thought 30 was a milestone…now we’re sitting at 31 number one songs. That’s pretty wild. Thank you to country radio, my team, our streaming partners, the songwriters and every one of y’all who’ve listened and turned these songs into something bigger than we ever imagined,” says Aldean.

The chart topping success coincides with Aldean’s Full Throttle World Tour return to Australia and his first time headlining New Zealand this week with shows kicking off on Thursday. Aldean is also a two-time nominee at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards — Country Artist of the Year and Country Song of the Year for his 30th number one hit “Whiskey Drink.” 

The ACM Artist of the Decade has been sharing new music with his fans since the November announcement of Songs About Us and the surprise drop of “Help You Remember,” “Hard To Love You,” and “Lovin’ Me Too Long,” along with the chart topping “How Far Does A Goodbye Go.” He shared a second batch of songs last month when he premiered “Easier Gone” featuring Brittany Aldean, “Her Favorite Color” and “What’s A Little Heartache.” Songs About Us follows Highway Desperado, an album that earned him his first career Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping hit and his 30th career number one at country radio.

Over the past two decades, Aldean has built a remarkable career with 13 Top 10 country albums, 31 number one hits at country radio and a SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award for being one of the most-streamed artists of all time.

For more information on Songs About Us, Full Throttle tour dates, and other Aldean updates, visitwww.JasonAldean.com.

About Jason Aldean:

Grammy-nominated, Multi-Platinum award winning entertainer Jason Aldean is one of country’s most successful touring powerhouses and influential musical icons of the 21st century. With 31 number one singles, nearly 20B streams, and over 20M albums sold, Aldean’s name is synonymous with country music. Since exploding onto the scene with his 2005 self-titled debut, Aldean has carved out a reputation for delivering hard-hitting, emotionally resonant anthems that blend small-town storytelling with stadium-powered energy. He’s remained a steadfast and defining voice, with a fanbase that spans generations and continues to grow. The Georgia native recently released his album 30 Number One Hits, marking his 13th top 10 country album in 20 years with its #4 debut on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart (10/10). His 11th studio album, Highway Desperado (2023), featured his 30th number one single and garnered his first career number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Known for his electrifying live shows and breakout crossover hits, Aldean is currently igniting stages across the globe on the Full Throttle Tour, a high-octane experience that reinforces his place as a legendary live performer. The Full Throttle World Tour kicks off its international leg in 2026, following an extensive US headlining run, hitting New Zealand and Australia. Aldean made his 31st run to the top of the charts with “How Far Does A Goodbye Go,” the first preview he shared with his fans of his new album, Songs About Us, out April 24.

KEEP UP WITH JASON ALDEAN

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | X

Dirty Heads Are Getting a Jump on Summer With New Single "Seven Seas"

RIAA Platinum certified band DIRTY HEADS return with their new single, "Seven Seas" — a warm, melodic track that blends reggae, hip-hop, and alternative pop, which is the band's signature style. 

The release marks the band's first new music since the deluxe edition of 2023's Midnight Control and it continues the focus on connection, resilience, and community.

"Seven Seas" reflects on the importance of showing up for one another during challenging times, pairing laid-back grooves with reflective lyrics. The song underscores the band's ability to balance feel-good energy with emotional depth, an approach that has remained central to their sound for over two decades.

Listen here. 

Watch "Seven Seas" below.

"It feels like the universe is throwing some heavy waves our way right now," says singer Jared Watson. "A lot of people close to me, including myself, have been feeling it. But every time I connect with my friends, I'm reminded that no matter what we're each carrying, there's always room to support one another. 'Seven Seas' is about that bond — being there for your friends and family, through anything."

Formed in 2000, DIRTY HEADS have built a dedicated global following by seamlessly fusing reggae, hip-hop, alternative rock, and pop. Their reach expanded significantly when the platinum-certified single "Vacation" found renewed popularity through viral culture, introducing the band to a new generation of listeners. The group later earned a No. 1 Alternative Radio hit with "Rescue Me," further solidifying their place in the genre and scene.

With over 3 billion career streams worldwide and collaborations spanning artists such as Travis Barker, Nick Hexum, Matisyahu, Slash, and more, DIRTY HEADS continue to evolve — while staying true to the spirit that defines their music. "Seven Seas" signals the beginning of a new chapter, one rooted in connection, optimism, and forward momentum.

More music and tour news from Dirty Heads will be announced soon.

DIRTY HEADS ARE:
Jared Watson — Vocals
Dustin "Duddy B" Bushnell — Vocals + Guitar
Jon Olazabal — Percussion
Matt Ochoa — Drums
Dave Foral — Bass

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: Venues Release New Single

After the impact of "Duality" — a single that marks the band's next chapter — German metalcore force VENUES now unveil their next strike with "Hollow Walls."

But this isn't just another release.

"Hollow Walls" picks up where "Duality" left off. Visually and emotionally. The new music video acts as a direct sequel, continuing the narrative thread and expanding the atmosphere into darker territory. What began as tension now escalates into confrontation. The cracks in the surface are no longer subtle — they're breaking wide open.

Watch the video below.

Sonically, VENUES lean further into contrast: Fragile moments collide with explosive weight, cinematic tension meets razor-sharp heaviness. "Hollow Walls" feels urgent, restless, and uncomfortably honest — like standing in a room that’s slowly collapsing while you’re still inside it.

If "Duality" was the warning shot, "Hollow Walls" is the fallout.

This isn't a reset.

It's the next chapter.

Lowlives Return With Cover of Garbage's "Only Happy When It Rains"

LOWLIVES aren't so much about carefully stoking the embers as pouring on gasoline with merry impetuosity. The band was founded on a shared love of '90s alternative and grunge, and a shared desire to make music for little more than the love of doing so.  

They capture that musical spirit and mission statement wholly with their cover of the '90s alt x pop x rock smash "Only Happy When It Rains" by Garbage.

Watch the official video below. 

For this cover, the band has cranked up the guitars and sprinkled some additional grit, giving it the Lowlives' treatment, while remaining true to the spirit of the original.

"We've had a list of songs we’ve been wanting to cover for years, and 'Only Happy When It Rains' has always been at the top of it," the band states. "The song is about finding comfort in misery, and that's a theme that runs through a lot of what we write, so covering this song felt less like stepping outside our world and more like reinforcing it."

LOWLIVES ARE:
Lee Downer — Vocals/Guitar
Jaxon Moore — Guitar
Steve Lucarelli — Bass
Luke Johnson — Drums

NYC Heavy Metal Icons PRONG Release Live Video for Classic "Snap Tour Fingers, Snap Your Neck"

Metal greats PRONG have released a live version of their classic track "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck" as a single and video. The song is taken from the upcoming live album Live And Uncleansed. 

Tommy Victor says, "This live version of 'Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck"' is raw, high energy, and unpolished. If you want to get exposed to Prong or you want to get a taste of the explosive live show, this song is a must!"

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW.
 

 Live And Uncleansed is out on March 6 and will be available on Steamhammer as CD Digi, LP, stream, and for digital download HERE.

PRONG LIVE IN 2026:
3/5 — Osnabrück, Germany — Hyde Park
3/6 — Cologne, Germany — Gebäude 9
3/7 — Sint-Niklaas, Belgium — De Tijdloze
3/8 — Deventer, Netherlands — Burgerweeshuis
3/9 — Leuven, Belgium — Het Depot
6/6 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave/Eagles Club

Get tickets HERE.

idle threat Announce "you'll forget the sun" Out 5/8 + Share "evermind" Video —

Nashville quintet idle threat — Ernie Fabian [guitar, vocals], Zeke McKinney[bass, vocals], Justin Jones [drums], Nathan Moe [guitar], and Dylan Winstead [guitar] — have announced their new album you'll forget the sun, out May 8 via Tooth & Nail. Pre-order it here.

The band has shared the video for first single "evermind."

Watch it below.

 "'evermind' attempts to express the shock and grief that accompany losing a loved one far too young," the band says. "It asks deep questions that aren’t always met with answers on this earth."

The album features guest appearances from Haste the Day's Stephen Keech and Silent Planet's Garrett Russell on separate tracks, among others.

idle threat aim to dim the darkness and let the light in through the emotional and hopeful lyrics found in each song they meticulously craft. The Nashville rock band not only gives you the space to scream next to them; they also offer up hopeful hooks you can hum along to. The quintet writes the kinds of songs that recognize how tough life is, but still help you get through it with your body, mind, and spirit intact. 
 
As such, their second full-length album, you’ll forget the sun [Tooth & Nail], provides a reminder to keep going no matter what.

"There's a two-part meaning to you'll forget the sun," Fabian reveals. "On one hand, the days can be so dark that you forget the sun exists. On the other hand, when we step into the presence of God—whose glory is so radiant and bright—the sun will pale in comparison. We're pondering this dichotomy from a perspective informed by our faith and experiences. All of the hard things will eventually fade away, and we'll be left in the presence of light."
 
idle threat have uplifted listeners with a combination of cathartic energy and open-hearted honesty since 2016's Grown Tired EP. They deepened their connection with an ardent audience on blurred visions in 2021 highlighted by "no turning back," "driftwood" [feat. Cory Brandan of Norma Jean], and many others. They toured with everyone from Make Sure, Distend, Meadows, and Roy Sullivan to Norma Jean, Emery, Aaron Gillespie, and Watashi Wa, in addition to appearing at Furnace Fest twice. 
 
Throughout the spring of 2025, the musicians recorded you'll forget the sun in Nashville with Haste The Day frontman Stephen Keech behind the board as producer. In the studio, they made major creative leaps as a collective, honing their sound in the process.

VCTMS Release Video for New Single "devil's // speak" Feat. Fox Lake

VCTMS return with a dark, aggressive nu-metal x metalcore track fueled by revenge and emotional exploitation. Blending crushing riffs with raw intensity, the song confronts betrayal head-on, cutting out every memory until the past is dead. Hell is still in other people and the devil speaks in absolutes. 

To top it all off, they have teamed up with fellow metalcore rising star, Nathan Johnson of Fox Lake, for a truly in-your-face track. Stay tuned for more new music and announcements from VCTMS in 2026.

Listen to the new track here.

Watch the video below.

The band shares more insight on their reinvigorated energy and collaboration on the new track, stating, "devil's/speak is one of the most energetic songs of the release — blending hip-hop elements, groove metal, and a catchy one liner that is sure to get people moshing. It caters to what fans have always loved about VCTMS: Relatable lyrics, a killer guest feature, and aggressive riffs. Nathan Johnson'a performance on the track gives it that 'all gas, no breaks' attitude that really shines from beginning to the end. devil's/speak is fun and an easily relatable song for those that are going through heartbreak and want to put that anger towards good use."

ABOUT VCTMS:
VCTMS — hellbent on groovy, chaotic, blistering and depressive noise — carry the banner of Illinois’ noisy, frenzied and manic take on alternative metal solely on their capable shoulders, coupled with an unshakable work ethic and unwavering dedication to their sprawling fanbase. 

From their first release, through cross-country tours and leviathan collaborations with the likes of Spite's Darius Tehrani, Emmure's Frankie Palmeri, and Paleface Swiss’ Marc Zelli, VCTMS have an immense discography consisting of five full-length records: Sickness Vol. 1 through their most recent LP, Vol. V: The Hurt Collection and an EP. With each release, VCTMS sound becomes more and more refined, but also more whimsical and effervescent, incorporating splashes of hip-hop, darkwave, industrial, post-hardcore and more to create something that defies simple genre classification—but remains, at its core, the same rapidly-cycling, depressive and devastating brand of metalcore that screams Chicago with a raw throat and swollen lungs. With lyrical content that oscillates from harshly introspective to immolating and homicidal, the band is as relatable as they come—which lends considerably to their overwhelming popularity on the road, touring alongside acts like Crystal Lake, Paleface Swiss, 156/Silence, Veil Of Maya, Cane Hill and more—just within the last few years. The band only continues to grow with each release.

VCTMS are experienced, crushingly heavy, startlingly innovative and, above all else, work in a way many of their peers can hardly fathom, making them a stand-out band where not just metalcore—but rather all of heavy music—is concerned. Welcome to the bad luck crew. It's bad luck season. 

Life of Agony Release Live Video for "Don't You (Forget About Me)" — A Darker Reimagining of Iconic "Breakfast Club" Hit

Brooklyn, NY's Metal Hall of Famers Life of Agony have released a powerful new live music video capturing their emotionally charged cover of "Don't You (Forget About Me)," the Simple Minds anthem made famous by its appearance in the 1985 John Hughes film The Breakfast Club.

Watch the video BELOW. 

See the exclusive premiere via SPIN here.

Filmed during the band's 30 Years of Ugly anniversary tour in Europe, the video captures Life of Agony at a defining moment in their career. While honoring the spirit of the original, the band delivers a distinctly Life of Agony–sounding interpretation — darker, heavier, and more emotionally weighty than the original recording, transforming the song into something raw, brooding, and deeply personal.

The video was filmed and directed by Leigh Brooks of Firebelly Films, a longtime visual collaborator who has also directed several Life of Agony music videos, as well as the band's acclaimed documentary The Sound of Scars. Brooks' immersive live-performance approach places viewers directly inside the venue, capturing the intense connection between band and crowd.

Audio for the performance was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Life of Agony guitarist Joey Zampella, delivering incredible clarity while preserving the grit and immediacy of the live experience.

"Even though our studio version of 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' appears on Ugly, we had never performed the song live until the 30 Years of Ugly anniversary tour," bassist Alan Robert shares. "Bringing it to the stage after all these years — and experiencing the live energy of the crowd — made the song one of the highlights of the set every night."

Originally released in 1985, "Don't You (Forget About Me)" defined a broken generation through The Breakfast Club, symbolizing youth, alienation, and connection — themes that have long aligned with Life of Agony's own body of work. This live rendition underscores the song’s enduring relevance while showcasing the band’s ability to fully claim and transform familiar material through their own uncompromising lens.

The live music video is available now across Life of Agony’s official platforms.

ABOUT LIFE OF AGONY:
For more than 30 years, Life of Agony have remained one of heavy music's most distinctive and emotionally resonant bands, revered for their vulnerability, authenticity, and genre-defying sound. Their landmark 1993 debut, River Runs Red, was named by Rolling Stone as one of the Greatest Metal Albums of All Time, cementing its legacy as a defining release of the era and an enduring influence on generations of artists across rock and metal.

Continuing to shape the landscape of heavy music decades into their career, Life of Agony was inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame in 2025, recognizing the band’s lasting cultural impact and contribution to the genre. Known for their powerful live performances and deeply personal songwriting, the band maintains a rare and deeply felt connection with audiences worldwide — one that has only strengthened over time.

ATAVISTIA Unleash New Single and Video "Mystic Tavern," Announce Upcoming Album Old Gods Awaken Out May 15th, 2026

TAVISTIA raise their horns and throw open the tavern doors with the release of “Mystic Tavern,” the first single from their forthcoming full length album Old Gods Awaken, set for release on May 15th, 2026 via Blood Blast Distribution.

“Mystic Tavern” showcases a bold and spirited side of the band. Centered around the concept of a never ending celebration, the track blends blistering blast beats, shifting time signatures, and an irresistibly folktouched bridge built to move crowds. It is epic, mischievous, and technically sharp in equal measure.

“Mystic Tavern” was the first song written for Old Gods Awaken and set the tone for the album’s direction. The record embraces shorter, catchier, and more straightforward songwriting while retaining the ferocity and progressive ambition that define ATAVISTIA’s identity. Folk metal textures weave seamlessly into blackened intensity, reflecting the band’s instinct driven approach to composition.

The single arrives alongside an official music video, bringing the song’s celebratory chaos to life and offering fans their first glimpse into the world of Old Gods Awaken.

Due out May 15th, 2026, Old Gods Awaken runs 43 minutes and 21 seconds and represents the uplifting first chapter of a two album concept. Incorporating Swedish and Finnish lyrics for the first time in the band’s catalog, the album draws from Nordic heritage and mythic atmosphere while delivering some of ATAVISTIA’s most memorable hooks to date. From tavern revelry to forest mysticism and epic progressive climaxes, the record marks a confident evolution in their sound.

With “Mystic Tavern” now unleashed, ATAVISTIA invite listeners to step inside, raise a horn, and prepare for the awakening.

ATAVISTIA lineup:

Mattias Sippola - Guitar, Vocals, Composition, Production
Max Sepulveda - Drums, Engineering
Elia Baghbaniyan - Guitar
Spencer Budworth - Bass, Vocals

About ATAVISTIA:

Formed in 2017 in Vancouver, Canada, ATAVISTIA takes their fans on a spellbinding journey though vast sonic landscapes of snow covered forests, desolate tundras, and permafrost-laden landscapes. Fans of WINTERSUN, ENSIFERUM, DIMMU BORGIR, and XANTHOCHROID will be enthralled by the elements of melodic death metal, black metal, and Scandinavian folk that is intricately woven together throughout their diverse soundscape.

Taking inspiration from the majestic natural landscapes of their homeland, earthly seasons, and ancient Norse culture, ATAVISTIA’s grandiose sound matches these lyrical themes in an impressive symphony of destruction. Their debut EP, One With The Sun (2017) introduced their unique blend of beauty and ferocity, which they followed up with a stormy full-length in 2020 through The Winter Way. The next two releases, the full-length Cosmic Warfare (2023) and the EP Inane Duncam (2024), saw the band spreading their wings and exploring a wider variety of influences. Through it all, ATAVISTIA balances graceful melodies with a brutal rhythmic cacophony, swirling elegance and fury together like a ferocious northern blizzard.

On stage, ATAVISTIA is a force of nature, like waves crashing against a rocky shore. Their music washes over audiences worldwide, leaving them gasping for more long after the last note has faded. They have toured Europe twice alongside notable acts such as SKÁLMÖLD, METSATÖLL, and SEVEN SPIRES, and have opened locally for MOONSPELL, ELEINE, and OCEANS OF SLUMBER. ATAVISTIA has firmly established its presence in a niche among a wide swath of metal genres.

Are you ready to lose yourself in the juxtaposition of lush and arid, the dichotomy of hope and despair, and welcome the inevitable and beautiful end?

CELESTIAL DEATH Release New Single “Death of an Empire”

Atlanta, Georgia blackened death metal band CELESTIAL DEATH have released their new single, “Death of an Empire.” The track marks a defining step forward for the band and solidifies their identity within the modern extreme metal underground. 

“Death of an Empire” delivers a fierce combination of tremolo-picked triplet arpeggios, relentless blast beats, and groove-driven black metal melody. The song opens with waltz-like tremolo phrasing before erupting into rapid-fire percussion and layered death metal riffing. From its first moments through its closing passages, the track moves with cinematic intensity and calculated aggression, showcasing the band’s fully realized sound.

Lyrically, “Death of an Empire” explores the collapse of powerful systems through the perspective of a lone survivor walking through the ruins of a devastated city. The imagery is vivid and confrontational, focusing on urban decay, environmental destruction, and the consequences of unchecked power. Opening lines such as, “The ruins of this city speak to me, in a language only I can understand,” set the tone for a narrative steeped in post-apocalyptic reflection.

The single addresses themes of ecological strain, corporate manipulation, warfare, and societal division. Jessup emphasizes collective responsibility and awareness, urging listeners to consider the long-term consequences of exploitation and polarization. The track functions as both a reflection and a warning.

About CELESTIAL DEATH:

Rising from the Atlanta metal underground, CELESTIAL DEATH was forged in 2023 by guitarist and vocalist Forrest Jessup and drummer Matthew Carmichael. The band began under the name IMPERII with a different lineup but underwent a rebirth when Matt took over on drums. This marked a turning point where Forrest decided to rename, rebrand, and reimagine the project as CELESTIAL DEATH, channeling a darker and more atmospheric vision. Soon after, guitarist Jason Schwartzwalder joined the fold, bringing with him years of experience from acts such as MOTHER’S TOMB, KHAOTIKA, and BRUTALITY. The band rounded off their lineup with the addition of new bassist Robbie Marsh in early 2026. 

CELESTIAL DEATH craft a sound that merges the bleak ferocity of black metal with a melodic and cinematic atmosphere. Drawing influence from bands like WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM, CATTLE DECAPITATIONS, FALLUJAH, and SKELETONWITCH, the group shapes a sonic landscape that is at once suffocatingly heavy and hauntingly vast. The music is raw in execution yet deliberate in its storytelling, each track serving as a descent into themes of cosmic horror, existential collapse, and apocalyptic rebirth.

The band’s debut single “Anti-Preacher,” released December 13, 2024, marked the first official offering under the CELESTIAL DEATH name. It set the tone for the project’s sound, combining blackened chaos with melodic undertones, and hinted at the larger creative arc the band continues to develop. Their most recent single “Aeons,” written during Forrest’s most turbulent years, explore Lovecraftian imagery and catastrophic narratives that have become central to the band’s identity.

CELESTIAL DEATH’s music is built on foundations of atmosphere and intent, stripped to core instrumentation of guitars, drums, bass, and venomous vocals while retaining a cinematic scope. Their songs unfold like parables, grim yet reflective, destructive yet transformative. This ethos reflects Forrest’s own journey, from personal darkness and addiction to sobriety and clarity, with CELESTIAL DEATH becoming both a vessel for catharsis and a statement of purpose.

With a steadily growing presence in Atlanta’s extreme metal scene, CELESTIAL DEATH stand poised to carve their name into the modern blackened metal pantheon. The band represents not just heaviness but vision, not just destruction but creation. For those who seek music that feels apocalyptic in scale and deeply human in spirit, CELESTIAL DEATH is a name to remember.


CELESTIAL DEATH is:
Jay Crash - Guitar, vocals
Jason Schwartzwalder - Lead guitar
Matthew Carmichael - Drums

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