BLACK SEA OF TREES Unveil Their New Single “Servant to the Sun” From the Upcoming Album Cult of the Sun

Melbourne progressive metal visionaries BLACK SEA OF TREES return with their powerful new single “Servant to the Sun”. Known for blending death metal ferocity with atmospheric folk textures and immersive storytelling, the band now presents one of the most commanding and accessible tracks of their career.

“Servant to the Sun” captures the moment in the album’s narrative where the protagonist fully surrenders to a radiant sun god and embraces a euphoric sense of divine purpose. The song opens with driving rhythms and a strong feeling of forward momentum, evoking the sense of marching toward destiny. Its soaring choruses, confident vocal presence and hypnotic guitar harmonies express both the exhilaration and the blindness that accompany total devotion. A spacious middle section offers a moment of trance-like bliss before the track returns to an authoritative and resolute declaration of faith.

Lyrically, the single explores the dangerous joy that comes from unquestioning belief. The protagonist feels liberated from doubt and burden, convinced that divine selection has granted them enlightenment and purpose. 

Musically, “Servant to the Sun” showcases BLACK SEA OF TREES at their most focused and anthemic. The band leans into rhythmic precision, deep commanding vocals and euphoric melodic phrasing that reflects the spiritual high of the character’s transformation. The track draws influence from OPETH, GOJIRA, KATATONIA and CULT OF LUNA while maintaining the distinct identity that has shaped the band’s evolving sound.

Listen Below:

About BLACK SEA OF TREES:
Based out of Melbourne and Victoria in Australia, the progressive metal ensemble composes their music around the narrative of their releases. BLACK SEA OF TREES formed in 2018. The debut album, The Spiritual Beast, materialized in the spring of 2023. The band's forthcoming sophomore full-length is an exploration of spirituality, folklore and philosophy, with death metal, folk and ambient elements incorporated into the soundscapes. "A Red Dawn" marks the beginning of this next chapter for BLACK SEA OF TREES, introducing this next album's concept: the protagonist is chosen by god to overthrow an old kingdom in a spiritual revolution. It's a narrative that is heavily influenced by the Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh, Akhenaten and his life’s journey.

BLACK SEA OF TREES bring to life their themes and concepts through dark atmospheric tones, strong full voiced melodies, falsetto and deep growls. With songs ranging from intense 8-minute long walls of sound to 3-minute atmospheric/acoustic passages, BLACK SEA OF TREES draw inspiration from the likes of OPETH, KATATONIA, CULT OF LUNA, RUSSIAN CIRCLES, and KARNIVOOL. A wide array of styles is entwined into the outfit's distinctive and compelling sound. 

BLACK SEA OF TREES is:
Samuel Exton - Vocals/Guitar
Jan Schotting - Drums
Francesco Adami - Bass
Chris Schwinghamer - Lead Guitar

Connect with BLACK SEA OF TREES:
Bandcamp: https://blackseaoftreesofficial.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackseaoftrees
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC24GQ_gVO_PPBR5TJqmdZpQ
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3zogtBHiOCIaGsOfy7y6oS
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/au/artist/black-sea-of-trees/946433249

VESSELES Reveal New Single "Perpetual Chasm of Black Mirrors"

Symphonic black metal project VESSELES has released their new song "Perpetual Chasm of Black Mirrors". The song is from their upcoming release Home, which will be released on January 16, 2026. "Perpetual Chasm of Black Mirrors" highlights the deepening mental decay as Valira sinks deeper into her own internal torment. 

Listen BELOW:

Pre-order Home: https://vesseles.myshopify.com/

About VESSELES:
Founded in 2023, VESSELES is the sonic vessel through which Valira speaks the language of her origins. As composer, orchestrator, and architect, she crafts bleak, incantatory soundscapes that fuse serrated guitars with haunted symphonic textures. Her voice, at once seething and spectral, now rises with increasing clarity, layered across both backing and lead roles in studio and on stage. This is not performance. It is possession. Through sound, she casts off the human shell and steps fully into her true form: demon, exile, survivor. VESSELES unveiled the debut EP I Am A Demon in 2024, a liturgy of identity dysphoria, rage, and revelation. "Eternally Within Us" follows the recently released 2025 single, "Flesh Throne".

Credits:
Composed by Valira Pietrangelo.
Performed by VESSELES. 

VESSELES Is:
Valira Pietrangelo - guitar and backing vocals
J Burial (Joel Ferry) - vocals
Ron Graves - bass
Nick Brown - drums

Links: 
Bandcamp: https://vesseles.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vesseles/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Vesseles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vesseles666/
Music and merch: https://linktr.ee/vesseles

ATAVISTIA Unleash New Single “Through The Hollow Raven’s Eyes (Reforged)” from The Winter Way (Reforged)

Symphonic melodic death metal band ATAVISTIA return with renewed ferocity on their upcoming single “Through The Hollow Raven’s Eyes (Reforged),” set for release on November 14, 2025 via Blood Blast Distribution. The track serves as the second offering from their completely reimagined and re-recorded album The Winter Way (Reforged), arriving December 12, 2025.

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 admits the band was never satisfied with its production or execution, saying, “It was simply not even close enough to being ready. From fat trimming, performance during the recording stage, and the overall production, it just wasn’t there.” After the original release, the album became a forgotten and dark chapter until the idea of reforging it brought it new life.

While working on a brand new album, unforeseen delays left a void in ATAVISTIA’s creative path. 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.

“Through The Hollow Raven’s Eyes (Reforged)” stands as the fastest and most complex composition on the record. Trimmed and refined to sharpen its impact, the song features adjusted vocal melodies and lyrics that better match the pacing and atmosphere of the updated arrangement. The result is a dynamic and emotionally charged piece that captures ATAVISTIA’s evolution as both musicians and producers.

The Winter Way (Reforged) showcases ATAVISTIA’s ability to merge cinematic orchestrations with ferocious metal intensity. It 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?

CLOCKTOWERS Unleash Explosive New Single "Spirit Junkie," A Soul-Baring Anthem of Pain, Power, and Redemption

Rising modern rock outfit CLOCKTOWERS have released their new single “Spirit Junkie,” from their forthcoming album Genesis, alongside a striking new music video. 

Blending the aggressive edge of modern metal with the soul and grit of 1970s rock, CLOCKTOWERS continue to define their sound as one of the most dynamic forces in today’s rock scene.

“Spirit Junkie” opens with full force, featuring powerful guitars, bass, and drums locked into a driving groove built for the stage. The track showcases the band’s signature combination of raw energy and precision, leading into a standout wah-infused guitar solo that closes the song with intensity and purpose.

Lyrically, “Spirit Junkie” tells the story of a man consumed by his inner demons and the pull of addiction. Written from a self-reflective point of view, the song explores denial, self-deception, and the search for relief from personal torment. The music video for the track visually represents this struggle, creating a stark and emotional counterpart to the song’s message.

At 3 minutes and 17 seconds, “Spirit Junkie” delivers a straightforward dose of modern rock that captures both the heaviness and heart of CLOCKTOWERS’ sound. With its sharp hooks, driving rhythm, and emotional depth, the single sets the tone for what’s to come on Genesis.

About CLOCKTOWERS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLOCKTOWERS is:

  • Tarek Puska – Vocals

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

DISSENTIENCE Unleashes "Chaos Absolute," A Frantic Descent into Power and Destruction

Progressive death-thrash band DISSENTIENCE has announced the release of “Chaos Absolute,” the second single from their forthcoming concept EP Kaiju, due out February 20, 2026.

Kicking off with a high-tension, syncopated intro, “Chaos Absolute” roars into life with a massive groove that is both ferocious and unexpectedly infectious. True to DISSENTIENCE’s trademark blend of precision and chaos, the track fuses dissonant harmonies, razor-sharp riffs, and relentlessly driving drums into a controlled sonic detonation.

Exploring the human element behind cataclysmic destruction, “Chaos Absolute” shifts focus from the towering monsters of Kaiju to the turmoil unfolding in the world’s halls of power. Through the lens of a desperate roundtable of world leaders, the song paints a chilling portrait of collapse, both political and psychological, as civilization spirals toward ruin.

A haunting clean section midway through the track offers a brief reprieve before the band drops one of the heaviest riffs on the entire record. The refrain “Fall into chaos absolute” encapsulates both the listener’s experience and the conceptual heart of the song, capturing the unstoppable disintegration of order.

“Chaos Absolute” also showcases blistering guitar solos from Connor Valentin and Jimmy Vitale, culminating in a climactic return to the thrash-driven frenzy that defines the track. The result is a piece that is as intellectually engaging as it is devastatingly heavy, an unflinching look at humanity’s role in its own undoing.

With Kaiju, DISSENTIENCE continues to push the boundaries of modern metal storytelling, blending technical mastery with cinematic scope. Fans can expect an immersive experience when the full EP drops February 20, 2026.

Kaiju is a four-track concept EP inspired by Japanese monster cinema and Lovecraftian horror. Produced by the band alongside Corey Pierce, the record was engineered by Matt Menafro at Peach Pie Sound, mixed by Zeuss, and mastered by Alan Douches. The full EP will be released independently on digital and CD formats.

About DISSENTIENCE: 

Formed in 2013 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, DISSENTIENCE is a progressive death-thrash metal band that combines the technical precision of death metal with the relentless energy of thrash. Rejecting retro imitation and genre stagnation, the band creates forward-thinking metal that is both aggressive and dynamic. Drawing influence from bands like TRIVIUM, REVOCATION, SYLOSIS, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DEATH, and LAMB OF GOD, DISSENTIENCE forges a sound built on sharp riffs, crushing rhythms, and inventive songwriting.

The lineup features Connor Valentin on guitar and vocals, James Vitale on guitar, Sean Langer on bass, and Nick Scherden on drums. Known for their intense live performances and refusal to be confined to a single subgenre, the band continuously pushes their sound in new directions. Their music balances chaos and melody while exploring dark themes through a modern lens.

After releasing their debut EP Mask of Pretense in 2018 and their full-length album Empire Anatomy in 2022, DISSENTIENCE returned with the concept EP Kaiju in 2026. The record blends the devastation of giant monster cinema with the dread of Lovecraftian horror, showcasing the band’s evolution in sound and narrative depth. DISSENTIENCE has earned a reputation as one of the most compelling rising forces in heavy music. Their mission is clear: to make metal that is uncompromising, inventive, and unapologetically intense.

Progressive Rock Trio RAIBARD Unveils Single, "Postscript"

Progressive rock trio RAIBARD present the new single "Postscript", the title track from their upcoming album Postscript set to arrive in early 2026. In "Postscript", RAIBARD explore the quiet tension between self-expression and concealment. Musically, two distinctive sonic qualities intermittently intersperse and contest each other.  

"Postscript" opens with a gentle guitar melody that evokes a dreamy mood. Daniel Gil's warm vocals complement that brightness of the clean guitar tone, and the two melodies entwine before the track opens into a full band arrangement. The stylistic shift sees "Postscript" traverse through dream states and grounded progressive moments, with strings enhancing the textural layers later in the track. The song draws to a close with the same introductory lead melody, revealing the cyclical nature of this emotive internal struggle. 

Watch the lyric video for "Postscript" below.

About RAIBARD:
RAIBARD began in March 2016 in the Boston area, three musicians from different corners of rock who heard the same call. Daniel Gil brought a songwriter’s poetry and a composer’s ear. Phil MacKay arrived with a drummer’s intuition and a love of pulse. Greg Dellaria carried the weight and warmth that only a bassist who has lived in heavy music can summon. Together they set out to build songs that lift the listener. The goal was simple and stubborn. Make music that feels like an internal elevation. Offer an alternative to the hyper technological churn and return people to presence.

The sound they forged is rooted in alternative and progressive rock. You can hear the charge of LED ZEPPELIN and DEEP PURPLE, the adventurous spirit of RUSH and KANSAS, the acoustic intimacy that runs through JETHRO TULL and GOMEZ, the grand contours that fans of KING CRIMSON and THE GATHERING recognize. Listeners have compared the band to PEARL JAM, TALKING HEADS, DINOSAUR JR., SOUNDGARDEN, and RUSH, yet RAIBARD lands in its own space. Earth toned. Melodic. Unafraid of risk. Never a nostalgia trip.

That identity comes from process. The trio practices daily on their own, writes through open ended explorations, then meets weekly to do both hard work and flow work. One rehearsal is spent solving problems and tightening parts. The next leans into the moment to let the music breathe. Onstage the band is focused and quietly intense. Interaction happens between songs, and during them the communication moves inward. The energy stays high, the execution stays honest, and the chemistry stays locked.

Key songs have become touchstones for fans. “Angel of the Clockwork” twists from hushed reflection to sky opening release. “Dark Realm of the Daylight” paints in shadow and brass light. “Forest of Song” is a slow build that rewards patience. “The False Prophet” carries a warning and a wall of sound. On the current album, Postscript, “Still Your Name” expands the palette with a guest turn from keyboardist Jeff Kolter.

The three members broaden the canvas beyond RAIBARD as well. Greg plays in OXBLOOD FORGE. Greg and Phil both cut their teeth in ICHABOD. Daniel is also a classical composer whose work has been released on record, and his string quartet earned first round consideration in the 66th Grammy Awards for Contemporary Classical Composition. Those threads feed back into the band, adding grit, scope, and nuance.

RAIBARD writes for people who still crave direct sound and real ideas. The music asks you to set the news cycle down, to loosen the grip on strict computation, to listen with immediate human awareness. These songs are built for rooms where strangers become an audience and an audience becomes a choir. Not machines. Not algorithms. Just three players and a shared current, inviting you to rise.

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

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

Epic Metal Project WHEEL OF TIME Unleashes Their Ambitious Debut Album 'Asymmetry'

WHEEL OF TIME, the brainchild of Beijing-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Jimmie Hong, has now unleashed their debut full-length album, Asymmetry. Named after one of Hong's favorite fantasy novels, WHEEL OF TIME blends the technical precision of progressive metal with melodic power metal, symphonic grandeur, and subtle Eastern melodic elements. The album was composed entirely by Hong, produced and engineered by Tom MacLean (ex-HAKEN), and recorded in collaboration with an international lineup of musicians.

Hong launched the project in 2022 while participating in the mentorship program of ex-MEGADETH guitarist Kiko Loureiro. Inspired by the collaborative spirit of projects like TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, Hong envisioned a progressive power metal project that would bring together top musicians from around the world, working remotely across continents and time zones. The band draws from influences such as METALLICA, DREAM THEATER, STRATOVARIUS, PINK FLOYD, LED ZEPPELIN, LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT, OPETH, and SYMPHONY X, while forging a sound uniquely its own.

Throughout the process, Hong was guided by a philosophy of narrative-driven songwriting, using technical mastery and emotional depth to explore themes of time, destiny, and the self. He titled the album Asymmetry because life, music, and creation are rarely symmetrical; and that is where their beauty lies. Hong worked with musicians across five continents and more than ten time zones, while independently writing, arranging, and producing the entire album from his home studio in Beijing. Notably, WHEEL OF TIME will be used as a case study at the Institute of Popular Music at the University of Liverpool in 2025, highlighting new models of high-quality independent album production.

With Asymmetry, WHEEL OF TIME delivers one of the year's most ambitious and emotionally resonant progressive metal releases. This is a sonic journey that transcends borders, genres, and expectations.

Watch the lyric video for "Blind Sight" Below.

Listen to Asymmetry HERE: https://ditto.fm/asymmetry_8c85bdcb

About WHEEL OF TIME:

WHEEL OF TIME is a progressive power metal project founded by Beijing-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Jimmie Hong. Blending the technical precision of progressive metal with the melodic strength of power metal and symphonic elements, WHEEL OF TIME creates expansive, narrative-driven music that crosses genres and borders. The project features collaborations with world-renowned musicians including Derek Sherinian, Tony MacAlpine, Michele Luppi, and Timo Tolkki. With a truly international lineup and a sound that integrates subtle Eastern melodic influences, WHEEL OF TIME explores themes of time, destiny, and self-discovery. The debut full-length album Asymmetry releases November 12, 2025.

AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN Announce Repress of 'Misty Woman'

The psychedelic desert rock ensemble AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN evoke an expansive and immersive soundscape in their acclaimed album Misty Woman. This December, the band's debut full-length release returns including a brand new bonus track on cyan and magenta vinyl, as well as on CD, via Black Throne Productions. 

The album was thoroughly shaped by the landscape traversed in its making. The San Diego, CA, based psychedelic desert rock trio road tripped from San Diego, CA, to Austin, TX, to record the album at Electric Deluxe Recorders with Grammy-award winning producer Adrian Quesada. The sun-scorched and mirage-laden Texas environment of the record’s creation sets the tone for the music therein.    

Misty Woman will be unleashed on December 19th, 2025. The vinyl is available for pre-order via Black Throne Productions HERE. AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN has recently signed with Atomic Music Group.

About AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN:
AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN is comprised of San Diego’s Brennan Justice (guitar, lead vocals), Anthony DeFreitas (bass, vocals) and Jeremy Luvaas (drums, percussion). Beginning as a duo, Justice and DeFreitas' previous time in a surf rock ensemble saw the pair develop their signature Western tones with an excessive use of spring reverb, translating now to the ethereal, dusty sound of psychedelic desert rock. The band’s name is born from a fictional 1970s murder mystery novel dreamt up by the trio on a drunken night, capturing their embrace of “strange and heavy”, aptly fitting of the uncanny elements entwined in their music. AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN produce an neo-psychedelic style that carries an eerie quality. The sonic atmosphere envelopes each listener with nostalgia. 

The trio began as a self-recording band with a home-brew analog-meets-digital rig set up. The DIY approach was left behind in 2019 when the outfit ventured from their hometown of San Diego, CA to Austin, TX to record Misty Woman in a studio they felt would best fit the vibe of their new compositions. Working with producer Adrian Quesada (The Black Pumas, 7-time Grammy-nominee) at Electric Deluxe Recorders, the very sun-beaten landscape that surrounds the studio fed into the quality and mood of the recordings. 

Initially released by Nasoni Records in February of 2020, the enthralling textures and captivating character of AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN's Misty Woman returns including the new track "Magic Touch", on vinyl and CD via Black Throne Productions on December 19th, 2025.

AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN is:
Brennan Justice (guitar, lead vocals)
Anthony DeFreitas (bass, vocals)
Jeremy Luvaas (drums, percussion)

REDIVIDER Unleashes “Quartered & Devoured," A Vicious Salvo of Fury and Ritual

Death metal powerhouse REDIVIDER returns with “Quartered & Devoured”, the first single from their upcoming full-length album Sounds of Malice, arriving January 9, 2026 through Third House Communications.

A feral introduction to the chaos that defines Sounds of Malice, “Quartered & Devoured” captures the pure essence of brutality with a lingering feeling of entrapment. The track tells the story of the first humans in Dungeons & Dragons lore, a wild and violent race despised by the gods for their aggression. The lyrics depict a ritual of defiance, where these humans perform a hanging, drawing, and quartering as a sacrificial act against the divine powers that tried to erase them from existence.

Musically, REDIVIDER wastes no time pulling punches. “Quartered & Devoured”hits hard as the opening track, setting the tone for the record with relentless rhythms, haunting tension, and grooves that refuse to let go. The band fuses precision and chaos to create an atmosphere that is both crushing and unforgettable. Each riff lands with weight, every hook sinks deep, building a sense of unease that never lets up. Groove remains the pulse that ties the track together, a foundation of violence that demands attention.

Sounds of Malice marks REDIVIDER’s most intense and immersive work to date, diving headfirst into themes of rebellion, destruction, and the ancient hunger that drives humanity to endure.

About REDIVIDER:

REDIVIDER is a death metal band from Louisville, Kentucky, formed in 2021 by vocalist Jacob Spencer and guitarist Paul Nunavath. Joined by guitarist Jake Atha and bassist Alexander Farrington, the band draws influence from the early Florida death metal scene and bands like CANNIBAL CORPSE, MORBID ANGEL, DEATH, and GORGUTS. With a sound rooted in old school brutality and layered with modern aggression, REDIVIDER combines guttural vocals, dissonant riffs, and relentless groove to create music that is both violent and immersive.

The band made their live debut in 2022 and quickly gained recognition in the underground scene, sharing stages with acts such as CREEPING DEATH, CRYPTA, MASACRE, COGNITIVE, and SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY. Their debut album Sounds of Malice is a conceptually rich, sonically punishing record that blends fantasy-driven storytelling with crushing heaviness. Written with live performance in mind, REDIVIDER’s music thrives on tension, rhythm, and unapologetic intensity, death metal built to be felt as much as heard.

REDIVIDER Lineup:
 

  • Jacob Spencer – Vocals

  • Paul Nunavath – Guitar

  • Jake Atha – Guitar

  • Alexander Farrington – Bass

  • Mike Hargrave – Drums (live)

KING ULTRAMEGA - The Day I Tried To Live (Single)

To commemorate the induction of the legendary SOUNDGARDEN into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, alternative rock collective KING ULTRAMEGA have unleashed a powerful new rendition of "The Day I Tried To Live", featuring SOUNDGARDEN's Kim Thayil, with Alissa White-Gluz of ARCH ENEMY, Mark Menghi of METAL ALLEGIANCE, and Charlie Benante of ANTHRAX. "The Day I Tried To Live" is also featured on a 2-song LP release that also features KING ULTRAMEGA's rendition of the SOUNDGARDEN classic "Rusty Cage". KING ULTRAMEGA crafted this single in loving memory of legendary vocalist Chris Cornell, while raising funds and awareness for MusiCares, which is the Recording Academy’s nonprofit that provides mental health, addiction recovery, and emergency services to those in the music community.

Kim Thayil welcomed this unique opportunity to rediscover his relationship with the song, outside of the familiar context of performing it as a SOUNDGARDEN member. Though the process of sharing his original contributions and interpretations of his guitar performances with other musicians was challenging, Thayil found it to be personally cathartic, capturing the essence of "The Day I Tried To Live", while still bringing a fresh power and beauty to the song.

Thayil comments, "I believe that the personal exploration that came out of my accepting the invitation from Mark, and King Ultramega, to participate in these recordings, allowed me to open myself up to the creative risks of sharing an emotive and artistically intimate experience with other creative individuals, and that this has proved to be rewarding and encouraging, for me, of future similar collaborations."

While Thayil's smooth, soulful lead guitar performance shines on top, bassist and KING ULTRAMEGA creative visionary Mark Menghi keeps the groove of the song true to form. Menghi's precise bass performance gives Thayil a familiar foundation to build upon so that together, KING ULTRAMEGA can do justice to Chris Cornell's legacy.

Menghi comments, "It was a bit nerve racking for me to go in and record this track knowing Kim was going to be on this song, as it's his band's song to begin with. In addition, it was equally important for me to keep it true to the original so Alissa had a strong foundation to deliver her magic. 'What would Chris think?' was the question that kept repeating in my head over and over."

As a longtime SOUNDGARDEN fan, vocalist Alissa White-Gluz cites Chris Cornell's work as highly influential and inspirational to her own, through all of his projects. Her energetic performance carries the song through a range of emotional peaks and valleys, from smooth, dark verses to gritty, soaring choruses. The use of subtle dynamics and textures shows meticulous attention to detail, demonstrating White-Gluz's intent to craft a tribute that remains true to Chris Cornell's style and delivery.

"I felt that I needed to try to embody his unique power and swagger when delivering the vocals here," she comments. "He has always had such a remarkable way of wording things; 'I stole a thousand beggars’ change and gave it to the rich' - just so, so good. He always managed to grab our attention with narrative and keep our interest with thoughtful word choice and intriguing messages."

Finally, drummer Charlie Benante of ANTHRAX lays the beat down with care and intention, closely matching the dynamic structure of the original song. Always playing slightly behind the beat, Benante alternates lighter and heavier playing to recreate the signature sound of "The Day I Tried To Live". 

"This is one of my favorite Soundgarden songs," Benante comments. "I just love everything about the song. I especially love the ending, I never expected it to end the way it ends. It's just a beautiful piece of music. Matt’s playing on this tune really compliments the song so much. I just tried to stay true to that."

The LP featuring "The Day I Tried To Live" and "Rusty Cage" is available exclusively on the Reigning Phoenix Music webstore, SOUNDGARDEN webstore, and KING ULTRAMEGA webstore. 

A limited run of 500 purple vinyls (available to US purchasers) and 300 lilac vinyls (available to European purchasers) will go on sale beginning November 7, to commemorate SOUNDGARDEN's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The vinyl will be available on the Soundgarden, Reigning Phoenix Music and King Ultramega stores.

About KING ULTRAMEGA:

For Menghi and his collaborators, KING ULTRAMEGA is both a deeply personal labor of love and one of the greatest honors of their musical lives. "To be here thirty-plus years later paying tribute to whom I believe was the king of those times is one of the greatest musical honors of my life."

Lineup for "The Day I Tried To Live":
Kim Thayil - Guitar
Alissa White-Gluz - Vocals
Mark Menghi - Bass
Charlie Benante - Drums



Connect with King Ultramega:
kingultramega.com | Apple Music | Spotify | Deezer | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok | X

OVERT ENEMY Unleash New Lyric Video for “Psychotic Episode,” A Brutal Reflection on the Collapse of Mental Health in America

Texas metal juggernauts OVERT ENEMY have released the lyric video for “Psychotic Episode,” a relentless track from their latest album Insurrection, available now.

“Psychotic Episode” channels pure aggression into a blistering critique of the broken mental health system in America. The song dives into the chaos of a fractured mind, told through one person with three distinct voices. The concept draws inspiration from the psychological tension of films like Split and Glass.

The track is a prime example of OVERT ENEMY’s collaborative lyric writing, blending Leo Ortiz’s visceral storytelling with Hahn’s raw emotional delivery. Musically, “Psychotic Episode” is a storm of precision drumming, razor-sharp riffs, and guttural vocals. It is an aural descent into madness that is as technically impressive as it is thematically intense.

Insurrection pushes the band’s boundaries while staying true to their thrash metal roots, merging face-melting riffs, conceptual storytelling, and unrelenting energy across a diverse tracklist. The album cements OVERT ENEMY’s reputation as one of the most powerful forces in modern thrash.

About OVERT ENEMY:

Formed in 2013 in the heart of Mission, Texas, OVERT ENEMY has become a formidable presence in the global metal scene, known for their raw intensity, technical precision, and relentless pursuit of musical evolution. What began as a tribute to SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman quickly grew into something much larger, as the band developed their own unique sound, blending Texas groove with thrash metal’s speed and aggression. Drawing influence from titans like SLAYER, PANTERA, FEAR FACTORY, and SEPULTURA, OVERT ENEMY has crafted a musical identity that pays homage to these greats while pushing the boundaries of modern metal.

At the core of the band’s sound is a dedication to the power of the riff. Whether it’s the crushing, groove-laden guitar work or their innovative dual-lead guitar harmonies, OVERT ENEMY delivers a high-energy, brutal assault that fans of traditional thrash, groove metal, and even modern progressive metal will appreciate. Their triple vocal approach, featuring vocals from Leo Ortiz, Laura Ortiz, and Robert Hahn, sets them apart from many other bands, giving them a diverse range of vocal textures that perfectly complement their hard-hitting instrumentation.

The band's journey has been fueled not only by their passion for music but also by a deep sense of resilience. Despite personal challenges—including Leo “Lizard” Ortiz’s battle with chronic back issues, Laura “Slayerella” Ortiz’s triumph over cancer, and other life-altering obstacles—the members of OVERT ENEMY have continually pushed forward, proving that their commitment to their craft is unwavering. This tenacity is reflected in their live performances, which have earned them the admiration of heavyweights like MAX CAVALERA of SOULFLY, DINO CAZARES of FEAR FACTORY, and ICE-T of BODY COUNT. OVERT ENEMY has also built a cult following through their tireless dedication to engaging with fans, using every opportunity to connect with their audience on and off stage.

The band’s early work, including the critically acclaimed Inception EP (2018) and Possession EP (2019), laid the groundwork for what was to come, demonstrating their ability to blend thrash’s raw energy with groove metal’s more deliberate, headbanging pace. Their commitment to the old-school metal ethos combined with a modern, forward-thinking approach has made OVERT ENEMY one of the most exciting underground metal bands in the post-pandemic era.

While thrash metal certainly runs through their veins, OVERT ENEMY refuses to be confined by genre. The release of Insurrection marks a new chapter for the band, as they delve into broader sonic landscapes and thematic complexity. The album reflects their growth both musically and personally, touching on themes ranging from personal struggle and mental health to global political unrest and conceptual sci-fi narratives. Every track offers something unique, showing the band’s ability to experiment with diverse sounds and ideas without losing their aggressive edge.

Outside of the studio, OVERT ENEMY has built a reputation as a DIY powerhouse, handling much of their own production, marketing, and fan engagement. Their strong DIY ethic has earned them endorsements from leading brands like Sawtooth Guitars, Emperor Cabs, FU-Tone, and GODPS Music. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the band has used their time wisely, staying connected with their fans through live streams, social media, and consistent content releases. Their music has also found its way into independent films, further expanding their reach beyond the metal scene.

As they look to the future, OVERT ENEMY remains committed to creating music that not only reflects their personal experiences but also resonates with fans around the world. They are driven by faith, family, and a passion for their art, and they continue to be a beacon of the metal resurgence, blazing their own trail in the genre.

OVERT ENEMY is:

  • Leo “Lizard” Ortiz – Guitar/Vocals

  • Laura “Slayerella” Ortiz – Bass/Vocals

  • Robert Hahn – Guitar/Vocals

  • Saul Castillo – Drums

DEAD ANIMAL ASSEMBLY PLANT Ignite Revolution With “The Only Good Dictator Is A Dead Dictator”

DEAD ANIMAL ASSEMBLY PLANT has released their new single “The Only Good Dictator Is a Dead Dictator” via Armalyte Industries. The Portland-based industrial outfit returns with one of their most ferocious and politically charged tracks to date, blending crushing industrial metal, seething electronics, and the band’s signature horror aesthetic into an unflinching statement about power, fear, and human complicity.

Recorded at Primal Studios and produced, mixed, and engineered by Fernando Ruiz, “The Only Good Dictator Is a Dead Dictator” captures DEAD ANIMAL ASSEMBLY PLANT at their most intense and focused. The single was mastered by Nicky Howard, with cover art by guitarist Rebecca Wager. A one-shot live performance video filmed at Wasteland Weekend premiered today at noon PST on YouTube. You can see the video below.

"This song is aggressive from tonality to message. The song underlines society’s complicity towards totalitarianism and how we are controlled through fabricated fears and toxic vitriol spewed by those in power. The cyclical nature of humans falling for the lies and promises of dictators. It’s a tale we’ve spun over and over and yet it continues to happen. Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. In the end - the only good dictator no matter who or where - is a dead dictator. Anyone who desires that much abusive power is a blight on humanity and the world is better off without tyrants." - Zach "Dead" Wager

About DEAD ANIMAL ASSEMBLY PLANT:
Formed in 2007, the Portland OR, USA, act began as a solo project by Zach Wager before evolving into a full band in 2011. Drawing inspiration from the likes of SLIPKNOT, PIG, NINE INCH NAILS, and ROB ZOMBIE, DEAD ANIMAL ASSEMBLY PLANT allow themselves to be experimental with their creative direction. The band use these influences along with a wide array of instruments and styles to create a distinctive sound, "I think the unique elements of our sound really stem from not trying to write any conventionally genre specific song. So whether it’s using theremins, sampling high tension wires, or anything we feel can add some personality to the song - nothing is off limits."

Over the course of their career to date, DEAD ANIMAL ASSEMBLY PLANT's notable appearances include Knotfest (2015), Wasteland Weekend (2018-2022, 2024), as support for COMBICHRIST on the Only Death is Immortal North American Tour (2024), along with headlining Hellfire Tour (2018, West Coast/Southwest Run) and Bring Out The Dead North American Tour (2019). DEAD ANIMAL ASSEMBLY PLANT have also created/performed multiple soundscapes for Belgian surrealist photographers, Mothmeister, at their art exhibits. 

DEAD ANIMAL ASSEMBLY PLANT is: 
Zach ‘Dead’ Wager (Vocals)
Rebecca ‘Buzz’ Wager (Guitars)
Nick ‘Nix’ Snyder (Bass)
Jason ‘Skorn’ Moore (Drums)

Links:
Bandcamp: https://deadanimalassemblyplant.bandcamp.com/album/bring-out-the-dead-2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadanimalassemblyplant 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deadanimalassemblyplant
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/deadanimalassemblyplant
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/deadanimalassemblyplant
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/deadanimalassemblyplant

Melodic Metal Band RED SANDS Announce New EP Evocations

Independent melodic metal band RED SANDS have announced the release of their highly anticipated EP Evocations, arriving worldwide on January 30, 2026. The record captures the group’s evolution into a symphonic, emotionally charged sound that merges power, melody, and atmosphere into a single vision.

Evocations presents six tracks that explore mortality, memory, and transformation. From the ominous opening “Mors Vincit Omnia” to the commanding presence of “The Coven,” the ferocity of “The Hunt” featuring Stu Block, and the reflective melancholy of “My Beloved Ghost,” the EP traces a cycle of creation and decay. A new song, “System,” stands at the heart of the release, confronting the corruption and chaos of modern existence with sharp lyrical force and complex musicianship.

Produced by Daniel Novelo and featuring contributions from acclaimed engineers and guest artists, Evocations embodies the precision and emotion that define RED SANDS. The band’s sound draws from the intensity of ICED EARTH and IRON MAIDEN, the symphonic depth of NIGHTWISH and THERION, and the introspection of OPETH and DRACONIAN, forming a unique expression of melodic and symphonic metal rooted in Mexico City’s creative scene.

The artwork, created by vocalist and visual artist Jonathan Corral, mirrors the album’s lyrical themes through surreal imagery: a creature made of memories and relics, carrying a dying bird on a blank musical score. It serves as both a metaphor for unfinished creation and a meditation on impermanence.

About RED SANDS:

RED SANDS formed in Mexico City in 2012 when brothers Daniel and Eric Novelo joined forces with their cousin Juan Carlos León. What began as a family project soon developed into one of Mexico’s most distinctive melodic metal acts. Over the years, the group shaped its identity through precise musicianship, layered compositions, and a deep sense of atmosphere. After a brief hiatus, the band returned in 2022 with a renewed focus and a new vocalist, Jonathan Corral, whose operatic range and theatrical presence expanded the band’s sound into symphonic territory. Drummer Ángel Asiain completed the current lineup, bringing power and control to the rhythm section.

The members of RED SANDS draw from contrasting musical backgrounds that converge in their songwriting. Daniel’s passion for classic heavy and power metal, influenced by ICED EARTH, IRON MAIDEN, and OPETH, intertwines with Jonathan’s symphonic and gothic inspirations from acts such as NIGHTWISH, THERION, and DRACONIAN. Together they create songs that blend melody, intensity, and emotional storytelling. Their lyrics often explore death, spirituality, and the human condition, while the arrangements combine soaring vocal lines, intricate riffs, and cinematic keyboards.

Since regrouping, RED SANDS have released a series of acclaimed singles, “My Beloved Ghost,” “The Hunt” featuring Stu Block, and “The Coven,” each of which expanded their audience and earned praise from critics and metal outlets across Latin America and Europe. Their work has been featured in the Top 100 Mexican Metal list, nominated for the Kalani Metal Awards, and included in international compilations such as Hell Spawn Vol. 8.

Beyond the stage, members of the band remain active in Mexico’s metal culture. Eric and Daniel host the podcast Metalópolis, dedicated to promoting the national scene and connecting audiences with emerging artists. This sense of community and independence continues to define RED SANDS, whose music stands as both a personal statement and a contribution to the evolution of Latin American metal.

RED SANDS is:
 

  • Jonathan “Jona” Corral – Vocals

  • Daniel Novelo – Rhythm & Lead Guitar

  • Eric Novelo – Bass

  • Juan Carlos “CJ” León – Piano & Keyboards

  • Ángel Asiain – Drums

CoreLeoni Live At Hallenstadion Zurich

Swiss hard rock veterans CORELEONI, featuring members of GOTTHARD, are proud to unleash their new live album, Live At Hallenstadion Zurich, via Perception. Featuring a mix of classic GOTTHARD tracks and new favorites from CORELEONI’s latest studio album, III, Live At Hallenstadion Zurich documents a pivotal night in the CORELEONI saga.

One hot summer evening on July 3rd 2025, CORELEONI supported heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST at Zurich’s Hallenstadion, performing in front of 7,000 rock and metal fans. The show took the audience on a wild ride through classic GOTTHARD tracks and newer songs from III. An instant success, III had reached #2 on the Swiss album charts and found a place in the hearts of fans around the world. New tracks such as “Like It Or Not” and “Sick & Tired” became staple crowd-pleasers, right alongside beloved fan favorites such as “Sister Moon”, “Mountain Mama”, and “Standing In The Light”.

On Live At Hallenstadion Zurich, the band delivers nine songs in total and kicks off the show with two high-energy classics, “Downtown” and “Firedance”. “We wanted to go out and rock the shit out of our body”, explains guitarist Leo Leoni. Fellow guitarist Igor Gianola adds, “It seems we succeeded. The crowd was fantastic and we were able to deliver a great performance, as we wanted.”

CORELEONI’s energy and the audience’s passion electrified the show. “The night was fantastic”, remembers Leoni. “There was this special magic in the air, Zürich is always fantastic for us to play, but this was somehow a night to remember.”

The band also recalls fond memories of the bonds they forged with metal veterans JUDAS PRIEST, making the show a particularly notable highlight in CORELEONI’s career. “At the Hallenstadion we met Scott Travis on stage, who was there the whole show, and he spent some very nice words about our performance. He’s a great guy and a fantastic drummer, so we appreciated and proved our effort to get it right to the point”, recalls Gianola.

“It was an honour for us to support Judas Priest, they are one of the most important metal bands and I follow them also since I was a kid. It wasn’t the first time we played together, but especially in this location, it was like a mythos”, comments Leo Leoni.

Experience the magic of this unforgettable night right through your speakers or headphones.

Digital release only, available worldwide on December 19th, 2025 on all major digital music platforms.

About CORELEONI
Founded by guitarist Leo Leoni in 2018, CORELEONI started reviving the early GOTTHARD days successfully with their album duo consisting of The Greatest Hits - Part 1 and II. The band also convinced fans and critics alike with their high-energy performances all over Europe, making the five-piece write their very own material. The result titled III was finally released in early 2022 and saw the addition of gifted Albanian singer Eugent Bushpepa to CORELEONI’s powerful line-up, which is completed by guitarist Jgor Gianola (ex-GOTTHARD, ex-U.D.O.), bass player Mila Merker and drummer Alex Motta. The group’s latest record hit the official Swiss album chart at no. 2 and thereby cemented the high demand for their captivating craft. Of course, III guided the quintet’s way across the continent once again while making one thing even clearer: CORELEONI are more than just a studio band and need to be experienced (a)live to understand their vision in full. So what are you waiting for? Feel the magic & enjoy their second live offering, Live at Hallenstadion Zurich!

CORELEONI are:
Eugent Bushpepa | vocals
Leo Leoni | guitars
Jgor Gianola | guitars
Mila Merker | bass
Alex Motta | drums
 

More on CORELEONI:
coreleoni.com | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

Danko Jones - Leo Rising

Toronto’s most determined and hardest‑working power trio, DANKO JONES, let out a mighty roar in Leo Rising, an eleven-track masterclass in sweat-soaked, no-nonsense rock ’n’ roll. The album – produced to red‑hot perfection by long‑time collaborator Eric Ratz – lands on 21 November 2025 via Perception - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music and Sonic Unyon (for Canada).

“You know the sound every kid makes with their mouth when they play air guitar?”Danko asks. “That’s still the sound I want to put on every album we make. If we can come close to that sound, that’s an album worth releasing. Eric Ratz produced this album and he knows this about me. I have complete faith in the guitar tones he manages to capture. There weren’t any changes in recording. We still did it all apart from one another, like our previous two albums. JC recorded in Finland, Rich flew in from Prince Edward Island to Toronto to record his drums, and I worked with Eric in Toronto on guitars and vocals.”

Leo Rising is another triumph from one of the most consistent bands in the business. Above all, it showcases the fizzing, electrified chemistry between the three members of this explosive powerhouse. Operating as a stable and harmonious unit since 2013, DANKO JONES join forces on stage every night, united in their love for riffs, melodies, and a raucous, sweat-drenched good fucking time.

“This is the line-up I wish we had from the start,” Danko concludes. “I’m not just saying that because time has already proven it. First and foremost, we all get along with each other onstage and offstage. The mood is always light and nobody’s ego gets in the way. When it comes to writing and recording, we are all on the same page and we service the songs, always!”

Leo Rising may just be the most uplifting and inspirational DANKO JONES album to date. A thunderous display of high octane guitar-driven rock awaits, from the thrill seeking opener "What You Need" to the blues infused seductive delight, "Too Slick For Love". Also lying in wait on Leo Rising is the power-pop hit "Everyday Is Saturday Night" which brings the party vibes with a catchy lyrical hook you'll find yourself repeating everyday of the week. "It's A Celebration" sees the energy continue flowing with fiery rhythms across the dynamic track. Unafraid to reveal a grittier side as the distortion is turned up a notch, the sleaze-metal leaning "Pretty Stuff" is followed by the edgy "Gotta Let It Go". 

DANKO JONES are:
Danko Jones | vocals, guitars
John Calabrese | bass
Rich Knox  | drums

AGENBITE MISERY Release “A Charitable View of Temporary Insanity”

Experimental metal trio AGENBITE MISERY have released “A Charitable View of Temporary Insanity,” the latest track from their forthcoming debut album Remorse of Consciousness, due out February 6, 2026.

Serving as the emotional centerpiece of the record’s first half, the song is a sprawling meditation on death, memory, and inner turmoil. It adapts the “Hades” episode from James Joyce’s Ulysses, in which protagonist Leopold Bloom journeys through Dublin to attend a funeral while reflecting on personal loss. With lyrics drawn directly from Bloom’s internal monologue, the band translates Joyce’s psychological density into a massive, genre-warping composition.

The track unfolds with a gentle, ambient intro that evokes the quiet tension of a city morning. Subtle field recordings and bass harmonics set the scene before a crushing sludge riff drops in, anchoring the song’s emotional gravity. From there, the composition drifts between suffocating heaviness and moments of haunted clarity. Elements of funeral doom, acoustic interludes, blackened chaos, and harsh noise are woven together with meticulous intent.

One of the track’s most jarring moments comes when the instrumentation falls away completely, leaving only sparse percussion and a raw, grief-stricken vocal. The lyrics, drawn from Bloom’s thoughts about his deceased infant son, strike with an emotional immediacy that few metal bands attempt, let alone deliver with this level of conviction.

“A Charitable View of Temporary Insanity” is a clear statement of purpose from a band committed to exploring the limits of what heavy music can express. While dense and ambitious, the song remains grounded in thoughtful, evocative songwriting that rewards close listening.

Remorse of Consciousness adapts each chapter of Ulysses into a standalone piece, forming a concept album that bridges literary complexity with sonic extremity. With this single, AGENBITE MISERY continues to carve out a space entirely their own, where literature and extreme metal converge with startling clarity.

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/

IRON SAVIOR: New Single “Fame” Out Now!

Hamburg’s power metal masters IRON SAVIOR return with a blazing new single: “Fame”, their take on the iconic 80s anthem by Irene Cara!

With roaring guitars, soaring vocals and a cinematic sense of grandeur, “Fame” perfectly captures the spirit of ambition and energy that defined an era, and sets the tone for what’s to come on the band’s upcoming album Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy, due for release in March 2026 via PERCEPTION - A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music.
 
Listen to Fame, below.
 
After reigniting their cosmic engines with Machine World – Reforged in 2025, IRON SAVIOR embark on their boldest mission yet. Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy transforms some of the most iconic pop hits of the 1980s into full-throttle power metal epics, combining nostalgia, passion, and the band’s trademark precision and fire.
 
From the electrifying rush of A-ha’s “Take On Me” and the thunderous drama of Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds” to the cinematic pulse of Jermaine Jackson & Pia Zadora’s “When The Rain Begins To Fall” and the adrenaline-fueled “Maniac” by Michael Sembello, IRON SAVIOR reforge pop classics into heroic, melodic metal anthems.

With Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy, IRON SAVIOR fuse nostalgia and futurism, passion and precision, proving once again that the past can shine brighter than ever when reforged in metal!

About IRON SAVIOR:
 
Forged in Hamburg’s metal heart, Iron Savior have been delivering their signature brand of powerful, melodic heavy metal for nearly three decades. Led by founder, vocalist, guitarist, and producer Piet Sielck, the band has become a cornerstone of the German power metal scene with their blend of high-octane riffs, anthemic choruses, and sci-fi storytelling.
 
For More Info Visit:
Website | Facebook | Youtube 

ACIDOSIS Releases New Single "They Live", Announces Upcoming Album Arrival

Miami-born and Los Angeles-based metal band ACIDOSIS drops "They Live", the first single from their upcoming full-length album Arrival, arriving March 27, 2026.

Originally written by Ben Katzman in high school and now re-recorded with the full force of the band’s current lineup, "They Live" blends punk urgency with crossover thrash precision. Lyrically inspired by the 1988 John Carpenter cult classic, the track takes aim at unchecked corporate power, media manipulation, and the illusion of free will. It’s loud, fast, and defiant.

Arrival is a full-length album nearly 20 years in the making. Originally drafted during Katzman’s teenage years, the songs have been brought back to life by a re-formed ACIDOSIS lineup featuring Katzman on bass and vocals, Diego Edsel, Deo Budnevich, and Jonathan Rusten on guitars, and Harry Schwarz on drums. The album was produced by Katzman and Ryan Haft, mixed by Haft, and mastered by Howie Weinberg. Art is by Juan Montoya (TORCHE) and layout by Perry Shall (GREEN DAY, BLACK KEYS).

With a driving intro, a rollercoaster verse, and a chorus built to shout, "They Live" serves as a powerful reintroduction to a band that never truly left. It’s protest music disguised as a pit starter.

About ACIDOSIS

ACIDOSIS is a heavy metal band originally formed in Miami by Ben Katzman and Diego Edsel during high school. Rooted in thrash, punk, and traditional metal, the band channels the spirit of teenage rebellion through sharpened musicianship and a love of riffs that hit hard and stay stuck in your head. Now based in Los Angeles, ACIDOSIS has evolved into a multigenerational lineup that includes Katzman’s former guitar student Deo Budnevich, who began touring with the band at 14 and now shreds alongside his mentor.

Known for chaotic live shows, politically-charged lyrics, and hook-driven songwriting, ACIDOSIS has shared the stage with acts like D.R.I., NEGATIVE APPROACH, and the JERRY ONLY MISFITS. After years of hiatus and other musical ventures, Katzman resurrected the band with renewed fire, recording the long-overdue debut Arrival, a collection of songs originally written in high school and reimagined with full force.

ACIDOSIS blends the power of early METALLICA and ANTHRAX with the urgency of MUNICIPAL WASTE and the melodic sensibilities of classic IRON MAIDEN. With art by JUAN MONTOYA (TORCHE) and design by PERRY SHALL (GREEN DAY, BLACK KEYS), the project is a full-circle realization of the band's past, present, and future.

This is riff worship without irony. Punk speed without slop. Metal hooks without ego. ACIDOSIS is built to shred, sweat, and scream until the tape runs out.

Blackened Thrash Visionaries MALEFIC Unveil New Single, "It Haunts", And Debut Album 'Impermanence'

Atlanta blackened thrash visionaries MALEFIC have unveiled their first single, "It Haunts", and are set to unleash their debut album, Impermanence, via Terminus Hate City on February 13th, 2026. “It Haunts” introduces the band with their signature intricate harmonies and deft guitar work, dragging the listener deep into the blackened abyss they have carved. Fierce vocals tell a fittingly haunting tale about a mystery of a supernatural nature, and an epic guitar solo commands rapt attention. The song closes with ghostly arpeggios, leaving the listener shrouded in gloom and contemplating the unknowable. 

About MALEFIC:
MALEFIC roared onto the Atlanta metal scene in 2007 with ambitions to modernize the black metal genre. With their tight riffs, tasty leads, and relatable lyricism, MALEFIC abandons cliches and defies traditional genre boundaries. Their special blend of black metal, drawing from thrash and death metal influences, appeals to metalheads across subgenres. They count OLD MAN'S CHILD, CARCASS, TESTAMENT, DISSECTION, and OPETH among their most prominent influences, offering a fresh, modern take on metal that is unrivaled in the United States.

Though they are set to release their very first full-length album, Impermanence, in 2025, MALEFIC boasts an impressive live performance history, having played shows with notable bands such as 1349, CRYPTA, and PROFANATICA. After a hiatus in 2009, the band eagerly picked back up where they left off and reformed with a new lineup. MALEFIC initially began work on Impermanence in 2018, taking their time to ensure that every detail accurately reflected their vision for their album. The band's hard work and dedication has culminated in a powerful debut, lovingly crafted by fans of nuanced, boundary-pushing music. 

MALEFIC lineup:
Jason Davila - Guitar
Aaron Baumoel - Drums, Vocals
Sam Williams - Guitar
Andy McGraw - Bass

Brutal Surf-Death Metal Band STILLBIRTH Release New Single, "Trapped In Darkness", Alongside Concept Album 'Survival Protocol'

German brutal-surf-death-party metal band STILLBIRTH spin a tale of ferocity and despair with their latest single, "Trapped In Darkness", off of their new concept album, Survival Protocol. Survival Protocol is out now via rising metal label Reigning Phoenix Music. The album is the follow-up to their critically acclaimed Homo Deus, which was released in 2023.

Though "Trapped In Darkness" opens with an ominous, melodic intro, the music quickly escalates into a blast beat-laden assault. Oscillating between ferocious riffs and groovy, melodic interludes, the song carries the listener along on an epic journey through the cosmos. Guttural harsh vocals drive home a sense of urgency, while a tastefully-placed guitar solo lends beauty to the otherwise bleak and apocalyptic soundscape.

Survival Protocol is a concept album that tells the story of an unknown hero surviving a nuclear apocalypse. The narrative began on the album Annihilation of Mankind and now reaches its conclusion on Survival Protocol. It picks up where Homo Deus left off: the true creator descends from the skies, and the epic battle for planetary dominance begins. Humanity is nearly wiped out, with a handful of survivors managing to escape into space. After a long journey, they discover a habitable planet and begin to colonize it. The events of this journey are told across the tracks of Survival Protocol.

Watch the video for "Trapped In Darkness" Below.

Order Survival Protocol HERE: https://stillbirth.rpm.link/survivalprotocol

STILLBIRTH is a slamming death metal force from Hagen, Germany, known for their chaotic live shows, unrelenting brutality, and wild blend of Death Metal, Grindcore, Deathcore, and Slam. Since 1999, the band has been obliterating venues and festivals worldwide with an extreme sound fueled by filthy grooves, blast beats, and a tongue-in-cheek attitude that’s equal parts destruction and party.
 
Founded by guitarist-turned-vocalist Lukas Swiaczny, STILLBIRTH quickly gained a cult following with their 2002 debut Happy Stillbirth Party. After a short hiatus from 2003 to 2005, the band came roaring back, contributing to international split releases and building a reputation across Europe. Their sophomore effort, Plakative Aggressionen (2009), led to their first Eastern European tour and set the tone for a relentless schedule of releases and performances.
 
By 2011, Endgame Is Near expanded their reach, earning them a spot on their first U.S. tour. STILLBIRTH's 2015 album Global Error marked a high point, with back-to-back tours across the U.S. and Europe. Their signing to Unique Leader Records saw them level up again with Annihilation of Mankind (2018), landing major festival appearances and a tour through Asia.
 
In 2019, they revisited their roots with Back to the Stoned Age, re-recording fan favorites with updated production and guest vocals. The follow-up, Revive the Throne (2020), doubled down on brutality with dual basses, massive grooves, and razor-sharp production—setting a new bar for heaviness in their discography.
 
Tragedy struck in 2021 with the passing of bassist and engineer Dominik “Pumpa” Koenig. His legacy lives on in the band’s music and spirit. After signing to Distortion Music Group in 2022, STILLBIRTH dropped Homo Deus in 2023, toured Europe with KATAKLYSM and FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, and crushed stages at Summer Breeze, Party.San, and Tolminator.
 
Now, STILLBIRTH is poised to unleash their ninth full-length, Survival Protocol, on October 31st, a dystopian concept album promising their most refined yet devastating sound to date.
 
STILLBIRTH is a party at the edge of the apocalypse. Total madness guaranteed!

STILLBIRTH IS:

  • Lukas Swiaczny – Vocals

  • Martin Grupe – Drums

  • Lukas Kaminski – Bass

  • Leonard Thoma – Guitar

  • Szymon Skiba – Guitar

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