ALCATRAZZ Respond to Graham Bonnet’s Recent Remarks Regarding the Band’s Current Lineup

Graham, thank you for the free PR... the Alcatrazz name has been trending quite nicely over the holidays. In a recent interview you seem to have had your say, so now we will have ours:

You claim our current line-up contains, in your opinion… a lack of musical merit, or that the musicians in our current line-up have no connection to, nor the right to perform or record as Alcatrazz... let’s look under the hood a bit to your reasoning as to why...

Despite the fact that we have two original founding members (whom you have willingly, and certainly when it suited you happily worked with more than once at numerous stages in your musical career), one of whom named the band “Alcatrazz” -- plus a guitarist that you yourself claimed in interviews at the time was “perfect for the Alcatrazz band”… someone that you yourself “fully endorsed” back in 2019 to record and co-write our “Born Innocent” album, when you were still in the band.

Perhaps you could check in with your apparent new friend Bruce Dickinson… as Bruce's own keyboard player Maestro Mistheria is currently in a band with our guitarist… Mr. Joe Stump… that band is called Tower Of Babel… small world isn't it?...we are sure Bruce likely has better things to do though.

The balance of your comments are also all a bit hypocritical, as aside from yourself not one member of your current solo band has any connection to these songs (nor to the songs of Rainbow or M.S.G. which you perform).

In fact many of the songs that you are known by: “Since You Been Gone” “All Night Long” “Night Games” “Warm Ride” “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue” “Only One Woman” (to name a few) you didn’t write a single part of any of them yourself… yet you continue to trade off this material whenever you perform live, on recent re-recordings, live albums and compilations of your work… How many more versions of Russ Ballard’s “Since You Been Gone” are you going to re-record?... as many as you like we assume, but your apparent faulty logic of  >writers being the only ones who have a right to perform a song<  doesn't compute.

Again; we have two original founding members in our line-up and a guitarist who has been in the band longer than any other guitarist previous.

The version of Rainbow that you were in bore little resemblance in sound or image of the original Rainbow band, yet in our opinion was no less valid... so by your logic as you didn't write anything with Rainbow, should you be dismissed in equal measure as some kind of imposter Rainbow member when you are out performing those songs? ...  You do seem to have a habit of shifting the rules around depending on what suits you best.

You have claimed that you have seen videos of our live show and deem us to be "terrible"... you have also made recent comments in the press that you also cannot listen to yourself on similar such videos as they also sound "terrible"... so we suppose, in your estimation, that there isn't much hope for any of us... God-Damned Video!

You also seem a bit “put-out” that Jimmy recently spoke to the press regarding your lip-synching and running of pre-recorded vocal tracks to cover for your vocal issues live (an absolute truth during Jimmy’s tenure both in your solo band and in Alcatrazz)...

Would you care to take a lie detector test to settle this once and for all? — as we would be happy to also do so... are you up for the challenge?... anytime!

There was of course no mention by you of the fact that you had no problem (for years) stating numerous falsehoods publicly about Jimmy Waldo… not least of all your ridiculous claim that he had “stolen” the main theme from the Alcatrazz song “Island In The Sun” directly from Van Halen’s “Jump” (?)… But wait!, we have a slight timeline problem there, as Jimmy wrote that piece while a member of New England in 1981… it was released in 1983, still some months prior to the release of the Van Halen song (the two songs have nothing in common by the way).

In reality it was Jimmy who would pitch correct your vocals on the records, prepare the pre-recorded live tracks for you to lip-synch to, and basically save your arse night after night — so it shouldn't come as a surprise that once you decided to take shots at our band and at Jimmy, that we decided (after THREE years of saying nothing about you at all) that enough was enough and he gave it back to you with both barrels fully loaded!.

Jimmy Waldo; as a member of New England, A-Z, Warlord and someone who has performed numerous sessions for the likes of Quiet Riot, Pretty Maids, WASP, and many more, doesn't need to make up stories about Graham Bonnet to get attention.

You make no mention of the fact that three international trademark courts dismissed your claim to the “Alcatrazz” trademark, for the simple fact that you quit-the-band (!) back in 2020 and that the band contractually was never ever your solo project… a narrative that you are still trying to push, proving once and for all that your ego is still your worst enemy.

Now conveniently enough you say that the Alcatrazz name is an embarrassment to you and you have no desire to be known by it any longer.

You didn't like Alcatrazz when the great Doogie White (ex Rainbow, Michael Schenker, Malmsteen) was singing for us, nor do you like it now that Giles Lavery (Warlord, Jack Starr, Dragonsclaw) is singing for us. Actually you told us you didn't like the music of Alcatrazz when YOU were a member either.
Which is fair enough... we quite liked your last solo album by the way... apart from that song "David's Mom" ... which was crap!... We all have opinions, so let’s let the fans make up their own minds.

You seem to make a big deal of the fact that our singer (Giles Lavery) is also our manager and was at one time your manager…a man of many talents indeed (but not in the kitchen!)... you make this comment in some kind of attempt to diminish his work as a vocalist (as mentioned above he also sings quite successfully as member of, and for: Warlord, Jack Starr’s band and Dragonsclaw).

Again, your hypocrisy is palpable — Your own bass player is your current manager, of course she is also your girlfriend (and driver, nurse and landlady)… and speaking of musical merit, she herself did not actually play the bass on the Graham Bonnet Band albums (you can ask your guitarist Conrado more about that!) ...Oh…did someone just say “Spinal Tap”…?

We continue to record and tour internationally quite successfully without you… so you do your thing and we will do ours.

Alcatrazz (with two Z's)

BraveWords Records releases PRIOR CONVICTIONS, the new album by Alcatrazz. PRIOR CONVICTIONS contains newly re-recorded versions of nine 1980s era Alcatrazz songs, all featuring new vocalist Giles Lavery. Plus two brand new band compositions “Transylvanian Requiem” and “Stand And Wait Your Turn”.

Brand new Alcatrazz song "Stand And Wait Your Turn" video: https://youtu.be/x1mJnQwPvw0

 

Stream or Purchase Alcatrazz "Prior Convictions": https://smarturl.it/PriorConvictions

Credits:

Produced Giles Lavery and Jimmy Waldo

Mixed & Mastered by Andy Haller

All songs recorded 2025

 

Giles Lavery - Vocals

Joe Stump - Guitars

Jimmy Waldo - Keyboards

Gary Shea - Bass

Mark Benquechea - Drums

https://www.alcatrazzofficial.com/

https://www.facebook.com/alcatrazzband/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnLCCQe68LpSPWIwm-Dx14w

https://twitter.com/AlcatrazzReal

https://www.instagram.com/alcatrazz_official/

https://www.bandsintown.com/a/57544-alcatrazz

SISTER KILL CYCLE Unleashes A Dark, Industrial Reckoning of CCR's Classic “BAD MOON RISING”

SISTER KILL CYCLE is back—and this time, they’re staring straight into the storm as they take the iconic Creedence Clearwater Revival classic song and is reborn as a crushing anthem for uncertain times.

The industrial rock provocateurs have released a ferocious new cover of “Bad Moon Rising,” transforming the legendary CCR anthem into a menacing, modern-day prophecy drenched in distortion, grit, and raw intensity. Where the original warned of trouble on the horizon, SISTER KILL CYCLE turns that warning into a full-scale sonic uprising.

From the first pulse to the final note,

“Bad Moon Rising” is reimagined through the band’s signature blend of industrial aggression, dark atmospheres, and unrelenting rhythm.

Grinding guitars collide with pounding electronics, while the vocals deliver the song’s ominous message with a snarling urgency that feels eerily relevant in today’s fractured world.

SISTER KILL CYCLE has long been known for pushing boundaries and refusing to play it safe, and this release is no exception. By taking a timeless rock classic and injecting it with industrial firepower, the band bridges generations—connecting the paranoia and unrest of the past with the volatile energy

of now.

Perfect for fans of hard-hitting industrial rock, dark alternative, and fearless reinterpretations, “Bad Moon Rising” stands as both a tribute and a warning: the moon is rising, the tension is building, and SISTER KILL CYCLE is here to soundtrack the fallout.

APPLE MUSIC

YOUTUBE

WISHER Unveils “AQUA DE VIDA” — A Bold, Immersive New Chapter That Flows Between Power, Emotion and Atmosphere

WISHER return with “Aqua De Vida,” a striking new single that surges with intensity, texture, and emotional weight—marking a powerful evolution for a band unafraid to let their sound expand, collide, and breathe. Translating loosely to “Water of Life,” the track lives up to its name, flowing between moments of restraint and release, calm and chaos, introspection and catharsis.

From its opening notes, “Aqua De Vida” pulls the listener under the surface. Shimmering atmospheres and hypnotic rhythms give way to crushing dynamics, layered guitars, and vocals that feel both urgent and vulnerable. WISHERblends heaviness with melody, crafting a song that feels cinematic in scope while remaining deeply human at its core.

About Aqua De Vida: 

Inspired by the quest for the Fountain of Youth in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, this track channels admiration for the characters Syrena & Phillip.

We wrote it for the Disney fans who love the world of Pirates of the Caribbean and metal listeners who enjoy strong riffs and a solid rhythm section.

Promotional photo by Jessica Van Hoose 

WISHER BIO: 

WISHER is inspired by the epic orchestral grandeur of Hans Zimmer, the twin-guitar influence of Avenged Sevenfold, and the vocal majesty of singers like Ronnie James Dio, Christina Aguilera, Ozzy Osborne and a vast variety of different music while the presence of classic heavy metal is always in us.

Our online merch store HERE

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

Moodring Share "Cannibal" Visualizer

Founded in Florida yet now based in Atlanta, Georgia, Moodring is a nu-metal x alt-rock project led by dynamic frontman Hunter Young.

The band's 2022 debut Stargazer captured attention from the tastemaker crowd, including a 4 out of 5 star review from Kerrang! The band recently signed to SharpTone Records. Today, Moodring have shared the visualizer for the new single "Cannibal." The track has a very late '90s and early '00s hard rock energy, with chunky riffs, kinetic synths, and the expected dark subject matter the Moodring are known for.

Watch it below.

"'Cannibal' was one of the last songs added to record, sonically focused on combining nu metal, alt rock, and industrial dance music," Young says. "The song takes the life and mating cycles of black widow spiders to compare and contrast intimate relationships of our own and how they can be 'cannibalistic,' nihilistic, and ultimately end in demise."

The song is also being used to in the trailer for the new season of the Crunchyroll series Clevatess. Watch it here.

Earlier this year, Moodring shared the video for "Half-Life." Watch it here.

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:
 

GORE. Go Back in Time With GOT-Inspired "Wrath" Video

Texas metal quartet GORE. — vocalist Haley Roughton, guitarist Alex Reyes, bassist Devin Birchfield, and drummer Wills Weller — dropped their latest EP, titled IF YOU DO NOT FEAR ME... earlier this year. Get it here.

The band has also shared the video for "Wrath." Watch it below. 

You will transported to a medieval moment in time, as singer Haley Roughton does battle with an archer and beyond in this gripping cinematic footage. It's giving Game of Thrones vibes.

"The 'Wrath' video is fully leaning into the 'Disney Princess Metal' vibe that the song brings," says Roughton. "I get to be a damsel in distress that gives her soul to a man that was supposed to save her, but ends up stealing her soul away for corruption. I haunt his every waking move afterwards, and eventually cause him to go mad and kill his comrades. This is by far one of the coolest music videos I've ever seen and I'm so grateful that it happens to be ours!"

"'Wrath' is the culmination of resentment, cynicism and fear that was made from the experiences in A Bud That Never Blooms," the band has said about the song. "Between the societal turmoil of 'Doomsday,' the death of romance in 'Babylon,' and the familial heartbreak in 'Heaven Is Above Me,' the human condition can wreak havoc on what was supposed to be stability and peace."

The new EP follows GORE.'s Spinefarm debut, the A Bud That Never Blooms EP (2024), which saw the band tipped as a "Band You Need To Know" by Revolverand described as "cutting-edge modern metal at its most vulnerable" by NME in their 2025 Essential Emerging Artists list.

ABOUT GORE.:
Haley Roughton leads the charge in Gore., a band that brings a distinctly feminine perspective to the heavy music scene. Debuted in 2023 with guitarist Alex Reyes, bassist Devin Birchfield, and now drummer Wills Weller, the Texas-based trio quickly made waves with their emotionally raw and unapologetically vulnerable sound. Their signing to Spinefarm solidifies their place in the industry. Gore.'s A Bud That Never Blooms EP serves as a deeply personal exploration of the complexities of femininity. Tracks like "Babylon" confront the painful realities of womanhood, while "Doomsday" reflects on the desensitization to violence and suffering in today's world. With plans for more music in 2025, Gore. are poised to continue challenging norms and expressing the full spectrum of feminine experience through their powerful sound.

Defeated Sanity Announce U.S. Headline Tour

Fresh from the aftermath of wrecking the road with Sanguisugabogg, Despised Icon and Corpse Pile, Defeated Sanity are announcing their first U.S. headline tour in support of Chronicles of Lunacy. The brutal innovators of technical death metal will perform their latest Billboard-crushing album in full on top of pit-slamming favorites from their early classics. 

"From the first blast-beat barrage, the tempo was merciless, the riffs jagged and precise, the breakdowns heavy enough to register physically", New Noise wrote about Defeated Sanity's recent stop in Chicago. "What stood out was how they balanced their signature technical flair, unexpected time changes and bursts of jazzy dissonance with sheer raw impact". 

Supporting Defeated Sanity for all 27 dates on next year's headlining coast-to-coast run of the U.S. are South African heavies Vulvodynia and New Zealand death metal slammers Organectomy. Excresence, Scasm and Horrific Vision will join on select dates.

"We can't wait to play all of our new album Chronicles of Lunacy to our U.S. fans", Defeated Sanity says. "Be sure to join us as we return to brutalize the U.S. once again". 

Get tickets for Defeated Sanity's 2026 U.S. Headlining Tour

https://defeatedsanity.com/

Defeated Sanity 2026 U.S. Tour Dates
with Vulvodynia and Organectomy + Excrescence, Scasm and Horrific Vision on select dates

April 16 - Anaheim, CA @ Parish (HOB)*
April 17 - Fresno, CA @ Fulton 55*
April 18 - Santa Rosa, CA @ The California*
April 19 - Sacramento, CA @ Starlet*
April 21 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon*
April 22 - Portland, OR @ Dante's*
April 23 - Boise, ID @ Shredder*
April 24 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Ace's High Saloon*
April 25 - Denver, CO @ HQ*
April 27 - Milwaukee, WI @ X-Ray Arcade*
April 28 - West Chicago, IL @ Social Club+
April 29 - Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle+
April 30 - Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop+
May 1 - Rochester, NY @ Montage Music Hall+
May 2 - Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz+
May 3 - Baltimore, MD @ Metro+
May 4 - Raleigh, NC @ Chapel of Bones+
May 5 - Jacksonville, FL @ The Albatross+
May 6 - Tampa, FL @ Orpheum+
May 7 - Orlando, FL @ Conduit+
May 8 - Pensacola, FL @ Handlebar^
May 9 - Houston, TX @ Pub 529^
May 11 - Dallas, TX @ Three Links^
May 12 - Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live^
May 13 - Lubbock, TX @ Jakes^
May 15 - Phoenix, AZ @ Nile Underground^
May 16 - Las Vegas, NV @ Backstage Bar^
* Excrescence 
+ Scasm
^ Horrific Visions

Chronicles of Lunacy is out now on Season of Mist.

Order the new limited-edition gold with black splatters vinyl variant.

https://orcd.co/defeatedsanitythecroniclesoflunacy

The Artery Foundation Signs Code:Words

THE ARTERY FOUNDATION WELCOMES CODE:WORDS TO THE ROSTER

BAND TO RELEASE NEW SINGLE "LIMERENCE" ON JANUARY 9

THE ARTERY FOUNDATION is pleased to announce that it has signed CODE:WORDS to its roster.

On January 9, the band will debut its new single "Limerence." Pre-save it hereand stay tuned for more.

When CODE:WORDS formed in Los Angeles in 2023, they did not arrive quietly. The band showed up with urgency and a sound that already felt lived in — like it had a past behind it, like they'd been a touring act for years before anyone was paying attention.

They first gained attention with "Wash the Blood," a debut that spread without a rollout or a manufactured moment. People found it on their own and kept passing it along. In just over a year, the band's catalog pushed toward two million streams — not on manufactured hype, but on repeat listens and slow-built loyalty.

Fronted by John Dillon, with Garrett Lowery and Max Codeco, CODE:WORDS write from uncomfortable places: Obsession. Shame. Control. Emotional exhaustion. Nothing is exaggerated. Nothing is softened. The music is meant to make you feel something raw, and it leaves you uneasy in the best way.

The band's sound was shaped alongside producer Hiram Hernandez (PINKNOISE, Magnolia Park, Dark Divine). The approach is deliberate. Clear, and concise with one objective; Give you everything until, you feel it all.

"We're beyond excited to be signing with the legends at Artery Foundation," the band says. "It feels like the right home for the band and a massive step forward for everything we've been building. This new chapter starts with our upcoming single 'Limerence,' which might just be our best song yet. We've poured so much of ourselves into shaping this next era and we can't wait for everyone to share this experience with us."

Eric Rushing, President of The Artery Foundation, echoed the sentiments, saying, "CODE:WORDS is one of those rare bands that arrived fully-formed, unapologetic, and already resonating with listeners in a way you can’t manufacture. Artery is excited to stand behind a band that is scratching the surface of something great."

"Limerence" is only just the beginning of what's on tap with Code:Words.

New Miserable Experience (Feat. Members of Rivers of Nihil, ex-Revocation, Rosetta) Share "The Devil We Know" Video —

New Miserable Experience, featuring an all-star cast with members of Rivers of Nihil, Rosetta, ex-Revocation, and Model Prisoner, have revealed their new single "The Devil We Know."

"The Devil We Know" is taken from the band's new album Gild The Lily, due January 23 via Pelagic Records.

Pre-order Gild The Lily and stream "The Devil We Know" here.

Watch the new video below:

New Miserable Experience are a Philadelphia-rooted collective that reshapes heavy-music rigor into expansive, melody-forward songs through alternative synth-rock. What started as a file-trading collaboration between vocalist/bassist David Grossman (ex-Rosetta) and multi-instrumentalist Joshua Mahesh Kost (Model Prisoner) expanded into a full band that now includes Rosetta drummer Bruce "B.J." McMurtrie Jr., technical-metal bassist Brett Bamberger (ex-Revocation), and guitarist Brody Uttley (Rivers of Nihil). 
  
Each member of New Miserable Experience contributes a distinctive sonic fingerprint. The vocals act as the emotional center, delivering lines that feel confessional and immediate; synths and guitars are constructed with shimmering arpeggios and decisive motifs; percussion and production choices blend groove and tension within electronic nuance; and bass work often functions as a countermelody, lifting refrains and anchoring transitions. Together the five players emphasize careful craft over spectacle, shaping a song that rewards patient listening.

Across the twelve tightly arranged tracks of third album Gild The Lily, the band pares its palette to essential elements: clear melodies, precise dynamics, and richly textured production. The album trades overt bombast for craft, building emotional weight through small gestures and patient arrangements rather than moments of spectacle.

Elements of Gild the Lily combine alternative synth rock with chorus-tinted guitars, and a rhythm section that alternates between taut propulsion and roomy, reverb-soaked space. Elements of artists as lauded and disparate as Crosses, Ulver, The Black Queen, and more combine to irresistible effect.

NEW MISERABLE EXPERIENCE ARE: 
Josh Kost — Multi-Instrumentalist
Brody Uttley — Guitar
Brett Bamberger —Bass
David Grossman —Vocals
BJ McMurtrie — Drums

Sound Fury Magazine Unleashes Vol. 3 – Winter 2025 Featuring Des Rocs on the Cover

Winter 2025

SOUND FURY MAGAZINE returns louder, bolder, and more defiant than ever with the release of Volume 3: Winter 2025, featuring rock firebrand Des Rocs on the cover. Packed with raw storytelling, fearless artists, and the pulse of today’s rock and metal underground, this issue cements Sound Fury Magazines mission to champion authenticity in a genre that thrives

on rebellion.

Des Rocs stands at the center of this explosive new issue—a symbol of rock and roll’s rebirth. In an in-depth, no-holds-barred cover interview, Des Rocs opens up about the evolution of his sound, the pressure of redefining modern rock, and the unrelenting drive that fuels his rise. It’s an unfiltered look at an artist who refuses to play it safe and continues to push the genre forward on his own terms.

Vol. 3 – Winter 2025 delivers more than just a cover story. The issue is loaded with exclusive interviews, artist features, scene spotlights, and editorial deep dives spanning rock, metal, alternative, and underground music. From rising independent voices to established acts carving new paths, Sound Fury Magazine once again proves it’s not chasing trends—it’s

documenting movements.

“We created Sound Fury Magazine to be a voice for artists who live and breathe their craft,” says founder Evan J. Thomas. “Putting

Des Rocs on the cover felt inevitable. He represents everything this magazine stands for—fearless creativity, grit, and the future

of rock music.”

This winter issue also reflects Sound Fury Magazines expanding influence as more than a magazine. Backed by TAG Publicity, Sound Fury Magazine continues to blur the lines between media, advocacy, and artist development—building a platform that supports musicians beyond the page.

Sound Fury Magazine – Vol. 3 Winter 2025 is available now in both physical and digital formats, with subscription options for fans who want year-round access to the underground

and beyond.

For those craving substance over hype, passion over polish, and music that still hits with purpose—this issue is required reading.

Also in this issue...

Mudvayne, Paul McCartney, Sevendust, Billy Corgan, From Ashes To New, Reddstar, Crobot along with music reviews, Top 5 Lists and more!


ABOUT SOUND FURY MAGAZINE

Sound Fury Magazine is a quarterly rock and metal publication dedicated to amplifying authentic voices, spotlighting fearless artists, and celebrating the culture that fuels heavy music. With a DIY spirit and industry insight, Sound Fury Magazine connects fans and artists through powerful storytelling, bold visuals, and uncompromising editorial vision.

MILWAUKEE METAL FESTIVAL 2026 Adds Special AGALLOCH Double Sets, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES + More Bands; Announces Day Splits

Milwaukee Metal Festival 2026 has announced day splits for its highly anticipated return to The Rave/Eagles Club, taking place June 5–7, 2026. In addition to previously announced headliners Acid Bath (Friday), Killswitch Engage (Saturday), and Ministry (Sunday), the festival has added Suicidal Tendencies and a wave of additional artists spanning the full spectrum of heavy music. The current day splits can be found below with more bands still TBA!

Milwaukee Metal Fest 2026 will once again showcase a wide range of metal styles, including death metal, doom, hardcore, metalcore, thrash, industrial, and underground extremity, with performances spread across multiple stages throughout the venue. In addition to live music, the festival will feature a dedicated floor for merchandise and collectibles, giving fans access to exclusive band merch, vinyl, rare items, and more throughout the weekend.

The Metal Fest Pre-Party kicks off the weekend on Thursday, June 4, hosted by Jamey Jasta and friends + special guests TBA. Pre-Party tickets are free with the purchase of a three-day pass.

Three-day passes, two-day passes, single-day tickets, and a limited number of reserved seats are on sale now. For the full lineup, ticket options, and festival updates can be found at THIS LOCATION.

The current day splits are as follows with more TBA:

Friday, June 5:

Acid Bath

Obituary

Agalloch (Retrospective Set)

Iron Reagan

Pallbearer

Hirax

NunSlaughter

Master

Weekend Nachos

Morta Skuld

Polkadot Cadaver

Dusk

Jeffrey Nothing

Thanatotic Desire

Eyes of the Living

Misery

+more TBA

 

Saturday, June 6:

Killswitch Engage

Suicidal Tendencies

Power Trip

Agalloch ('Ashes Against the Grain' Set)

After the Burial

NAILS

Havok

Prong

Internal Bleeding

Macabre

Belushi Speed Ball

Sworn Enemy

Casket Robbery

Human Artifacts

Brick by Brick

Threnody

Striking 13

+ more TBA

 

Sunday, June 7:

Ministry

All Shall Perish

Integrity

UADA

Cyco Miko

Deadguy

Incite

Dead by Wednesday

Texas Toast Chainsaw Massacre

Trip to the Morgue

Dark Horse Prophet

+ more TBA

Stay tuned for the next wave of bands - you don't wanna miss this!

ABOUT MILWAUKEE METAL FEST

Founded in 1987, Milwaukee Metal Fest is one of the longest-running and most influential metal festivals in the United States, with a rich history of showcasing groundbreaking artists across the heavy music spectrum. After establishing itself as a cornerstone of American metal through the late 1980s and 1990s, the festival was revived in 2023 under the direction of Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta, ushering in a new era while honoring its legacy. Today, Milwaukee Metal Fest continues to unite fans and artists for an uncompromising celebration of metal across the iconic stages of The Rave/Eagles Club.

Follow Milwaukee Metal Fest:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

X

Windswept Resurrect Historic Witch Trials on 'The Devil's Vertep'

In 2017, Roman Sayenko of Drudkh started a new band built on raw black metal. Now, Windswept are casting a cold spell over a dark moment in Ukrainian history with their upcoming third album The Devil’s Vertep.

The Devil’s Vertep come out Friday, December 12, 2026 on Season of Mist Underground Activists, but you can hear all six blazing tracks by listening to the full album stream at Black Metal Promotion.

Listen Below:

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/windsweptthedevilsvertep

Available Formats
CD Digipak
12” Vinyl Gatefold — Black
12” Colored Vinyl Gatefold — Red & Black

Across The Devil’s Vertep, Windswept retrace the witch trials that took place in Western Ukraine between 1753 and 1754. The album blisteringly unfolds across six acts: the grim discovery narrated in “Infanticide,” the escalating procedures of “Investigation” and “Torture & Confession,” the witchdoctor’s craft in “The Potion,” the broader networks of sorcery in “Nest of the Witches,” and the judicial reckoning in “Verdicts.” With a cold hard gaze, Windswept transform archival records into unflinching black-metal.

While The Devil’s Vertep marks Windswept’s first venture into Ukrainian demonology and witchcraft, these themes trace back much earlier in Roman Sayenko’s creative path. In the autumn of 1996, Sayenko began developing an unfinished project titled KOZLONOGYI (Goat-Footed):  a concept rooted in the same folkloric and mythological territory that would later resurface within The Devil’s Vertep. Although KOZLONOGYI never moved beyond a few rehearsals, its sketches and early riffs became the foundation for Windswept’s latest work. By reviving and re-working these ideas nearly three decades later, Sayenko bridges eras of black metal evolution, imbuing The Devil’s Vertep with a distinctly 1990s sensibility and reverence for the early traditions that shaped his artistic identity.

Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Viter Music with production handled internally, The Devil’s Vertep balances immediacy with conceptual cohesion. Its stark presentation reflects the gravity of the source material, while the cover art by Obsidian Bone situates the work in a visual landscape as unsettling as the music itself. By channelling the voices of the past, Windswept expand their raw black metal vision into a work of historical remembrance, turning archival fragments into a haunting artistic statement.

Line-up:
R. — Vocals & Guitars
T. — Bass
V. — Drums

Production Credits:
Recorded at Viter Music. Produced & engineered by R. & V. Mixed & Mastered by V. at Viter Music.

Cover Art:
Obsidian Bone

Edenbridge Release Lyric Video for "Set The Dark On Fire"

Austrian symphonic metal act Edenbridge have released a new digital single and lyric video.

It's the title track — "Set The Dark On Fire" — from the upcoming album out January 16.

Watch the lyric video below. 

With the title track, Edenbridge present one of their fastest songs ever. The band continues to convey confidence without denying dark themes. The songs are earthier and more emotional than ever before, and in many cases, even more aggressive — but never destructive. The transformative power of fire runs like a thread through the entire album, literally making the listener feel the sparks.

Sabine Edelsbacher says, "As a bridge-building force in the musical universe, we stand for transformation rather than escalation. We see ourselves as observers of external events and dedicate ourselves to the underlying issues — inner development and our own effectiveness."

In the gentle passages, the band members are concerned with inner peace and finding insights. These are then presented with full expressiveness.

"When chaos reigns outside, don't get entangled, but go to the zero point, the center," Edelsbacher continues. "The fiery power of the sun immediately rises within you as insight and inspiration. Connected to your inner sun, you rise like a phoenix from the ashes."

Set The Dark On Fire will be released on January 16 through Steamhammer as CD digipak, 2LP gatefold version and digital and can be pre-ordered here.

AGENBITE MISERY Announce Run Of New England Dates

New Hampshire experimental extreme-metal trio AGENBITE MISERY will embark on a four-date Northeastern tour this February in support of their forthcoming debut album Remorse of Conscience. The tour brings the band’s singular fusion of blackened sludge, dissonant death metal, post-punk, and ambient drone to four venues across New England and the Northeast.

  • 2/5 – Blue, Portland ME (with ERGI, INGRATE and BÜZEM)

  • 2/6 – Riverhill Grange, Concord NH (with IMIPOLEX, BENEATH PURGATORY and PERFECT SUFFERING)

  • 2/7 – AS220, Providence RI (with RHIZARIA, CAREGIVER and SATAN WEED)

  • 2/8 – O’Brien’s, Allston MA (with NORTH STAR THE WANDERER, GLOOMLURKER and HEXROT)

The tour is in support of their upcoming album, Remorse of Conscience. Remorse of Conscience adapts James Joyce's Ulysses into eight tracks that merge literary themes with extreme metal. Written in 2023 and recorded in 2024, the album was self-produced by the band with mixing by Eric Sauter and mastering by Brad Boatright. Each track reframes a chapter of the novel as aggressive, atmospheric sound. Highlights include “Telemachean Echoes,” a blast of power violence, “Cascara Sagrada,” a warped meditation on Bloom’s morning routine, and “A Charitable View of Temporary Insanity,” a funeral doom epic. The record concludes with “Mnesterophonia,” which transforms Molly Bloom’s final monologue into a cathartic crescendo.

Though rooted in dense literary reference, Remorse of Conscience aims beyond academia, toward the raw human experience at its core. With this album and their upcoming tour, AGENBITE MISERY present a project that refuses compromise or categorization, instead confronting the question of whether meaning can still be found amid the wreckage of modern life. Their answer is clear: Yes, we will. Yes.

About AGENBITE MISERY:
AGENBITE MISERY is a New Hampshire-based trio that fuses literary ambition with the visceral force of experimental metal. Formed in 2022 by guitarist Sam Graff, bassist Cam Netland, and drummer Adam Richards, the band emerged from a shared academic background in literature and a mutual devotion to the most extreme and boundary-pushing corners of heavy music.

At its core, AGENBITE MISERY is a project rooted in transformation. Their work doesn’t merely incorporate influences, it dismantles them, reshapes them, and recontextualizes them within a vision that is as cerebral as it is punishing. Their sound weaves together elements of black metal, sludge, death metal, post-punk, ambient, and noise rock, unified not by style but by intent: to confront, to immerse, and to challenge.

Individually, the members bring a history of musical experimentation: Sam Graff and Adam Richards were longtime collaborators in the avant-garde project UNDER GREEN SUNS and the Boston metalcore outfit VICARIUM, while Cam Netland previously fronted the Connecticut stoner/black metal band COAGULATE. Together, they’ve forged something entirely distinct, a collective voice that draws from their diverse histories but refuses to be defined by any one genre or scene.

AGENBITE MISERY exists at the edge of metal and the margins of modern art, translating abstract ideas into concrete sound with unrelenting force. Whether performing live or recording in isolation, their ethos remains constant: dig deeper, aim higher, and never repeat what has already been done.

AGENBITE MISERY is:
Sam Graff – Guitars / Vocals / Synth
Cam Netland – Bass / Vocals
Adam Richards – Drums / Vocals

Connect with AGENBITE MISERY:
Bandcamp: https://agenbitemisery.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574211514876#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agenbitemisery/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwjOZilhkqTRkZHpJJwlbhw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6dYQgCtNvpvNWwfQ06LQQZ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/agenbite-misery/1716987132
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@agenbite.misery
Ampwall: https://agenbitemisery.ampwall.com/

PARADISE LOST UNVEILS NEW VIDEO FOR 'SALVATION' FROM ACCLAIMED NEW ALBUM 'ASCENSION'

Icons of goth and doom, PARADISE LOST have revealed a new music video for the song ‘Salvation’ from the band’s widely acclaimed new album, Ascension. Directed by longtime collaborator Ash Pears, the stunning, cinematic portrayal of one of 2025’s most haunting tracks provides further evidence of their unyielding creative vision decades into the band’s legendary career.

Commenting on the song and video, vocalist Nick Holmes states:

"Salvation embraces the belief in a higher power and seeking forgiveness for a lifetime of transgression, typically prompted by the approach of death or a significant crisis. However, the video, and given that it is Christmas, takes perhaps a more optimistic view. It portrays the connection between two individuals committed to upholding a beacon, a symbol they will protect until their last breath and pass on for others to embrace. Whether this force is ultimately good or bad will always remain a mystery."

PARADISE LOST’s first album in 5 years, following 2020’s acclaimed Obsidian, was produced by the band’s revered guitarist Gregor Mackintosh and mixed/mastered by Lawrence Mackroryand is adorned with artwork by renowned British artist George Frederic Watts’ classic painting The Court of Death (1870-1902). Their latest, critically lauded masterpiece soaked in misery and grief, soars with song’s like ‘Tyrants Serenade,’ ‘Serpent on the Cross’ and ‘Silence Like The Grave,’ that take listeners on an unforgettable journey through morose despair forged in soundscape of massive riffs and searing solos.

PARADISE LOST will embark on the second leg of their “Ascension of Europe” tour in February. Tickets are on sale now at: https://tix.to/Ascension

Purchase/Stream Ascension: https://paradiselost.bfan.link/ascension

About PARADISE LOST:

More than three decades into their career, and with over two million albums sold, PARADISE LOST remain the undisputed kings of metal’s dark side. Formed in Halifax in 1988, the band quickly became noted as the pioneers of gothic metal through their early groundbreaking albums like 1991’s aptly-titled Gothic, a mixture of heaviness intertwined with shadowy melody and atmosphere.  

Never a group to remain creatively static, across their career they’ve explored a myriad of avenues of dark music, from sludgy doom-death roots, to conquering the metal mainstream with the enormous, lush sounds of 1995’s Draconian Times, to more experimental, electronic leanings, leaving an influence on a trail of artists as varied as CRADLE OF FILTH, HIM, GATECREEPER and CHELSEA WOLFE.  

Now, in 2025, the Yorkshire quintet return with their staggering 17th album, Ascension, a record that sees their crown continue to gleam as it underlines just how they attained their position. Produced by guitarist Gregor Mackintosh at Black Planet studios in East Yorkshire, with drums and vocals captured at NBS and Wasteland studios in Sweden, its 10 tracks traverse the multitude of sounds in the band’s arsenal, from full-bore heavy metal to sky-high melody, all the while keeping a minor-key melancholy that remains irresistible.

Follow PARADISE LOST:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Youtube | Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp

ZP Theart (ex-DragonForce, ex-Skid Row) Drops First New Single in 13 Years With "Dark to Light"

ZP Theart has carved out one of the most distinctive vocal paths in modern metal. He first exploded onto the scene as the founding voice of DragonForce, shaping the band's trademark blend of turbo-charged guitars and sky-high melodies. Across albums like Valley of the Damned, Sonic Firestorm, Inhuman Rampage, and Ultra Beatdown, his vocals became the backbone of a sound that pushed the power metal group into the global spotlight and to RIAA Gold and Platinum certification. The era-defining anthem "Through the Fire and Flames" became a worldwide phenomenon, appearing in video games Guitar Hero III, Fortnite, and even the movie Minions 4, while their single "Heroes of Our Time" earned a Grammy nomination, cementing Theart as one of metal's most recognizable frontmen.

After his departure from DragonForce in 2010, Theart launched I AM I, exploring a more hard-rock-driven sound, and briefly joined NWBHM veterans Tank, adding his intensity to their 2015 album Valley of Tears.

In 2016, he surprised many by stepping into American hard rock as the new vocalist for Skid Row. Initially touring with the band, he became their official frontman in 2017 and spent several years performing internationally, injecting fresh energy into their revered live shows. He also ventured into gaming-inspired metal, lending his voice to Riot Games' virtual band Pentakill as the character Karthus on their 2014 album Smite and Ignite, proving his versatility across mediums.

He now shares the video for his new single "Dark to Light," which first new music in 13 years. It was worth the wait. 

Watch the video below:

"This single marks my first solo release, and stepping into this new chapter has been incredibly energizing," Theart says. "I've been collaborating with the ridiculously talented Swiss writer and producer Syndrone and it has opened the door to a sound I've been wanting to explore for a long time. I'm beyond excited to reveal everything I have planned for you all in  2026. Merry fucking Christmas!"

From speed-metal pioneer to hard-rock frontman to digital-era metal icon, ZP Theart has spent more than two decades proving he can command any stage and any genre. His return isn’t just a comeback, it’s the next chapter in a legendary career built on relentless energy and intensity, a visceral force of vocal power and a presence that demands attention, ready to set the world on fire once again.

INDUCTION Premiere Music Video for Furious New Single "Steel And Thunder" from Upcoming Studio Album LOVE KILLS!

After the previously released single "Love Kills" - the album title track of their forthcoming, much-awaited studio offering - power metal frontrunners INDUCTION have shared a music video for the furious new single "Steel And Thunder"! The song is a thunderous tribute to the epic sci-fi classic "Terminator", infused with gritty energy and futuristic darkness, blending crushing guitar riffs with cinematic intensity.
 
“Seriously… who doesn’t love the Terminator series? “Steel And Thunder” is our tribute to exactly that," says INDUCTION guitarist and songwriter Tim Kanoa Hansen. "Terminator played a huge role in shaping my love for sci-fi and continues to inspire Induction both visually and musically. I think this song really captures that vibe. Crank it up and see for yourself, but don’t blame me if it feels like Judgment Day in your living room, and Skynet breathing down your neck.

Stream / Download "Steel And Thunder": https://induction.rpm.link/satPR 

Watch the video clip premiering below:

Following a storm of milestones, including a series of live dates supporting the legendary SAVATAGE, a frenetically acclaimed debut at Wacken Open Air, and the release of fan-favorite singles “Beyond Horizons” and “Dark Temptation”, INDUCTION are firing on all cylinders.

Crafted at Chameleon Studios and Boogie Park Studios in Hamburg, the new album was produced by Tim Kanoa Hansen, and was mixed and mastered by Eike Freese in collaboration with the guitarist. LOVE KILLS! marks the beginning of a new era for INDUCTION, defined by musical evolution, emotional depth, and a fearless drive to push the boundaries of modern power metal!

“For me, this album carries a lot of raw and personal emotion", Tim recently shared. "Life always moved forward, and even in the darkest times, love always found its way back. With LOVE KILLS! we explore the beauty and cruelty of love in a futuristic power metal context. It’s Induction at our biggest, boldest, and most fun yet.”

LOVE KILLS! will be released on February 6, 2026 via powerhouse label Reigning Phoenix Music. Pre-Save / Pre-Order the album now at: https://induction.rpm.link/lovekillsPR

ATAVISTIA Unveil Lyric Video For "Eternal Oceans (Reforged)"

Symphonic melodic death metal band ATAVISTIA return with their reimagined and re-recorded album The Winter Way (Reforged), unleashed today via Blood Blast Distribution. The Winter Way (Reforged) showcases ATAVISTIA’s ability to merge cinematic orchestrations with ferocious metal intensity to form a catalyst for their epic storytelling. The new album is accompanied with a lyric video for the dramatic and enthralling “Eternal Oceans (Reforged)”.

Engulfed in the lyrical theme of a vast, cosmic sea, “Eternal Oceans (Reforged)” sees the pacing become slower with lower-tuned guitars, but without lessoning the power and resonance of the arrangement. The track demanded extreme changes from its original incarnation; the band focused intently on removing unnecessary details so that the most important parts of the song could make the greatest impact. Although the arrangement remains long, the orchestration and atmosphere were completely overhauled, and a guitar solo was added for a sudden burst of energy. It is as dynamic and thrilling as the untamable nature of the open water. 

Originally released in 2020, The Winter Way marked a defining moment for ATAVISTIA’s ambitious fusion of extreme metal and orchestral soundscapes. However, founder Mattias Sippola felt that its execution and production did not live up to his vision for the album. While working on a brand new record, unforeseen delays arose and during this pause, Sippola decided to completely reconstruct The Winter Way from the ground up. This new version is not a remix or remaster but an entirely new recording, featuring reworked arrangements, modern production, and rewritten orchestral and atmospheric elements. Some of the original drum and bass recordings remain but have been refined for tighter performance. The addition of Spencer Budworth’s powerful growls brings an entirely new energy to the mix, elevating the album to new heights.

The Winter Way (Reforged) was produced, mixed, and mastered by Matthew Richard Sippola at Atavistic Studios with engineering support from Maximilian Sepulveda. The recording lineup includes Mattias Sippola on vocals, guitars, orchestrations, and production, Max Sepulveda on drums, Spencer Budworth on backing vocals, and D’wayne Murray on bass. The album artwork was created by Simo Häsänen.

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?

Capsize Share "The Fracture" Video

Last month, Capsize announced their return with "The Fracture," their first release since signing to Roux & Ruin Records.

The song, produced by Matt Good (From First To Last, Asking Alexandria), twists melody and misery into one — a dark anthem that reminds everyone why people can't seem to look away.

Now they share the official, self-shot video. Watch it Below.

"This song is about taking responsibility for everything in my life, even the things that are out of my control," Daniel Wand previously share about the song's meaning. "I've found holding myself accountable is the only way I've been able to make sense of the aftermath when things fall apart in any category of life. It's about feeling empty from it, and still trying to find some kind of light at the end of the tunnel by being candid about internal struggle. More than anything, I hope it connects with people who can find it relatable, who stuck in their own self-destructive cycles and helps them feel less alone in what they're going through and maybe taking on a similar route to process what they're are going through."

As for the accompanying visual, Wand says, "Maintaining full creative control has always been essential for us. By filming and editing 'The Fracture' ourselves, we were able to shape the visual identity exactly as we envisioned it. Although we've produced in-house content before, this video represents a new level of intention and execution, and we're incredibly proud to share it."

After several years of sporadic single drops, Capsize fans can look forward to a new physical release, on deck for 2026, with more details to be revealed shortly. The next release will be the band's first since A Reintroduction: The Essence Of All That Surrounds Me, which arrived in 2016 via Equal Vision Records.

For now, fans can revel in the melodic maelstrom of "The Fracture."

Caliban Drop "Dear Suffering" (Feat. Andreas Bjulver) Live in Cologne 2025" to Celebrate "Back From Hell (Deluxe Edition)"

Before embarking on the Darkness Over X-Mas tour, Caliban are releasing "Dear Suffering" (Feat. Andreas Bjulver of Cabal) Live in Cologne 2025 (Live Video)."

The song is part of the digital Back From Hell (Deluxe Edition). For the release, the band didn't only capture some songs from their home show in Cologne last summer, but also recorded "Anthem," a brand new song, as well as two cover versions: "You Only Live Once" and "Shout."

The band comments,"'Anthem' feels like the perfect final song in terms of message and vibe — but it's not a goodbye. It's the exact opposite. It's our message to you: A 'thank you' for every year, every moment, every step we've shared together… and for all the ones still to come. You're the reason this band exists. Without you, we're nothing."

Watch "Dear Suffering" (feat. Andreas Bjulver of Cabal) Live in Cologne 2025 (Live Video) below. 

Stream the deluxe edition here.

After a seven year break CALIBAN are also bringing back their very own Darkness Over X-Mas Tour 2025:
Special Guests: Mental Cruelty, Doomcrusher & Strength
12/27 — Saalfeld, DE – Klubhaus (low ticket warning!)
12/28 — Frankfurt, DE — Das Bett
12/29 — Oberhausen, DE — Kulttempel

For over two decades, Caliban has stood as one of the defining forces in metalcore. With their latest album Back From Hell the German band continues to evolve their sound while staying true to the intensity and emotion that have defined their career. Led by founding members Andreas Dörner (vocals) and Marc Görtz (guitar), the band’s current lineup includes new vocalist and bassist Iain Duncan, whose clean vocals, songwriting skills and diverse perspective and experience bring a fresh dimension to their already powerful dynamic. Complemented by longtime drummer Patrick Grün and guitarist Denis Schmidt, Caliban's formidable lineup is poised to deliver a relentless and emotionally charged experience that reaffirms their status as metalcore pioneers.

CALIBAN ARE:
Iain Duncan — Bass + Vocals
Patrick Grün — Drums
Andreas Dörner — Vocals
Marc Görtz — Guitar
Denis Schmidt — Guitar