Kaupe - Destroyer of Worlds

From the swamps of Deland, Florida, a sonic storm brews, one forged in technical fury and melodic defiance. KAUPE, the progressive instrumental metal unit known for their dense arrangements and atmospheric scope, return with their third and most daring full-length to date: Destroyer of Worlds, out October 17, 2025 via Morbid Subculture.

Formed in 2016 by guitarist Brett Walker (BLOODLET, JUNIOR BRUCE) and drummer Marc Larabel, KAUPE quickly expanded with the additions of Pete Medrano on bass and Patrick Ross on keys. Their music has always defied easy categorization, blending influences like FAITH NO MORE, MESHUGGAH, DEFTONES, and even synthwave pioneers like PERTURBATOR and CARPENTER BRUT. The result is a uniquely visual, cinematic sound: massive, intricate, and emotional, all without relying on traditional vocals. Until now.

Destroyer of Worlds marks a bold evolution. For the first time, KAUPE invited voices into their dystopian soundscape, including Scott Angelacos (BLOODLET, JUNIOR BRUCE, HOLLOW LEG) on the blistering “RMR-1029” and Matt Decker (TANGENT, GINKO BALBOA) on the thrash-forward “Next Time Wear a Black Shirt.” Sample artist Viewer Discretion (formerly of ACP PRO) lends his textural collage work to key tracks, warping real-world commentary into surreal commentary on modern decay.

The album opens with “The Past Will Own You,” a sample-driven instrumental that sets the tone for what’s to come: crushing grooves, layered synths, and an ominous atmosphere that feels equal parts sci-fi and spiritual collapse. “Living Among the Dead” follows with over 70 recorded tracks: an orchestration of chaos that caused mixing engineer Stephen Sheppert (RADIENT KNIFE) to lovingly scold the band for exceeding the original mix estimate. The song pushes and pulls between moments of clarity and total darkness, offering the album’s most cinematic arc.

“Unresolved Trauma,” once joined with “RMR-1029,” became its own beast during writing. Influenced by THE MARS VOLTA and CAR BOMB, it charges forward with compressed intensity, every second packed with purpose. The title track, “Destroyer of Worlds,” emerges like a machine uprising. Built on off-time dissonance reminiscent of BLOODLET, the song’s polyrhythmic solo section pulses through time signatures like 6/4, 5/4, and 4/4, an apocalyptic overture for the digital age. It’s a metaphor for modern decay: technology, media, and dopamine-fueled consumption tearing apart the very fabric of human interaction.

Then comes the shift. “Next Time Wear a Black Shirt,” a 2:31 eruption of punk-thrash with Matt Decker on vocals, adds a jolt of life. The title, a joke about fashion faux pas at a metal show, hides a song about the quiet importance of simple requests in life’s final moments. From there, the album plunges into darker terrain with “All That’s Left Is Sin,” a blast of aggression softened by haunting synth drones. “The Joy of Sorrow” rides a pendulum between Meshuggah-like precision and sweeping, emotional release, showcasing the band’s unique ability to make technicality feel heartfelt.

But it’s “RMR-1029” that may linger longest in listeners’ heads. Scott Angelacos roars prophetic lines, “Quantum computing will be the key to make better pornography," while Viewer Discretion’s audio collage builds a dystopian narrative of technological dependency. It’s heavy, it’s unnerving, and it feels real.

The final track, “Rosen Bridge,” was originally an interlude but became something greater, a quiet moment of cosmic optimism in an otherwise bleak journey. The dueling guitar and keyboard solos feel like a conversation between machines that finally understand emotion, much like “Transitioning” from Cognitive Dissonance.

Destroyer of Worlds is the culmination of everything KAUPE has built since their debut The Depths in 2018. It’s heavier. It’s darker. It’s more experimental. It features a powerhouse mix by Stephen Sheppert (RADIANT KNIFE), and mastering from legendary engineer Alan Douches (CONVERGE, DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN). It abandons conventional timing and form in favor of evolution, risk, and emotional release.

For fans of CONVERGE, DEFTONES, TOOL, CARPENTER BRUT, or anyone who’s ever found comfort in the beautiful chaos of sound, Destroyer of Worlds offers something rare: a metal record that doesn’t just rage, it thinks.

About KAUPE:

KAUPE is an instrumental progressive metal band from Deland, Florida that has spent the last decade forging a sound as ferocious as it is cinematic. Formed in 2016 by guitarist Brett Walker (BLOODLET, JUNIOR BRUCE) and drummer Marc Larabel, the band was born from a desire to create music that tells stories without words, narratives carved into melody, rhythm, and atmosphere. Soon joined by bassist Pete Medrano and keyboardist Patrick Ross, KAUPE solidified into a unit intent on pushing sonic boundaries.

Drawing influence from an eclectic range of artists: FAITH NO MORE, MESHUGGAH, DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, CARPENTER BRUT, DEFTONES, PALLBEARER, and more, KAUPE crafts music that defies traditional genre expectations. Though most often labeled “progressive metal,” their compositions bend and blend metal, punk, new wave, synth, and even classical elements into sweeping instrumentals full of tension and release. With every release, the band explores new terrain, always moving forward, never nostalgic, and never comfortable.

Their debut The Depths (2018) introduced KAUPE’s penchant for intricate grooves and immersive soundscapes. Cognitive Dissonance (2021) expanded their sonic range and earned praise for its synth-laced melodies and dynamic storytelling. But it’s their upcoming third full-length, Destroyer of Worlds (2025), that fully realizes the band’s vision. For the first time, KAUPE features guest vocalists and sample artists, including: Scott Angelacos (BLOODLET, JUNIOR BRUCE, HOLLOW LEG), Matt Decker (TANGENT, GINKO BALBOA), and Viewer Discretion (formerly of ACP PRO). The result is their heaviest and darkest album yet: a dystopian exploration of modern life and technological dependency, engineered with precision and emotional depth.

Whether performing alongside icons like CYNIC, ANDREW WK, or VIRGIL DONATI, or building immersive sonic worlds in the studio, KAUPE brings unmatched chemistry and purpose to everything they create. Their live shows are celebrated for their energy and musicianship, offering a rare kind of instrumental storytelling that transcends words and speaks directly to the subconscious.

KAUPE is not revivalist. KAUPE is not retro. KAUPE is a glimpse into the sonic future, one shaped by distortion, dissonance, and the haunting beauty of what comes next.

KAUPE is: 

  • Brett Walker – Guitar

  • Marc Larabel – Drums

  • Pete Medrano – Bass

  • Patrick Ross – Keys


Connect with KAUPE:

Bandcamp: https://kaupe.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaupeBand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaupeband/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kaupeband7490
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Pl9nD4kJTHY0vIeSrZsKC?si=Ec213tffRqucNP0bmr1hQg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kaupe/1437836230

Dark Folk Act GREET To Unveil 'I Know How To Die'

I Know How To Die is the debut full-length album from Leeds, UK, based songsmith GREET (aka Matthew Broadley). The enchanting dark folk sound evokes the dynamic, awe-inspiring and untamable landscape found in surrounding county of Yorkshire. GREET blurs the lines of traditional folk and drone, diving further into the worlds between reality and fantasy. Through this is created a wonderfully unique cinematic and doom laden atmosphere.

I know how to die,
Yet I am here still, battle worn,
My purpose not fulfilled.
A song is calling and still,
I am here

I Know How To Die was written and self recorded at Matthew’s humble home surroundings in Leeds, UK, over the early months of 2025, with additional Violin by Simon Barr on "Eulogy" and Poem reading by Steve Von Till on "Keening". Working in close collaboration once again with mix & mastering engineer David Campbell and photographer Richard Newby to bring the final vision to life. I Know How To Diewill be released on October 17th, 2025, on limited edition vinyl via Fiadh Productions in the US.

About GREET:
Through GREET, Matthew Broadley brings to life an ethereal sound through the use of harmonium, intense percussion and powerful droning arrangements. Furthermore, flute, bells, strings and guitars act as sonic agents transporting between realms of battles, taverns and woodlands.

GREET emerged in 2024 and released two EPs, Harmonium 1 and Harmonium 2 in the same year via Fiadh Productions. Live shows with ONE LEG ONE EYE, STEVE VON TILL and ORA COGAN have seen GREET mesmerize audiences. In 2025 GREET made an appearance at Roadburn, along with an array of other weird and wonderful folk festivals of the UK, which has led to a fast-growing following. 

GREET Is:
Matthew Broadley - Harmonium, Vocals, Percussion, Synths, Guitars, flutes

Links:
Bandcamp: https://greet.bandcamp.com/album/i-know-how-to-die
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greet.lds/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Greet.Harmonium

Ancient Chinese Poetry Meets Symphonic Metal in WHEEL OF TIME’s "China Moon"

Progressive power metal project WHEEL OF TIME is set to release its latest single “China Moon”, a sweeping fusion of East and West that channels the grandeur of symphonic metal with the elegance of traditional Chinese poetics.
 

Encouraged by mentor and ex-MEGADETH guitarist Kiko Loureiro to emphasize national characteristics, Hong originally wrote “China Moon” in Chinese, in the style of Song Dynasty lyric poetry (Song Ci, 宋词), one of China’s most celebrated literary forms. The imagery recalls a poet of old, drifting half-dreaming on a moonlit river, contemplating fate and the fleeting nature of life.

Inspired in part by the 2023 Chinese animated film 30,000 Miles from Chang’an, Hong reimagined the song for an international audience, rewriting the lyrics while preserving its Chinese essence.

The single features a remarkable cast of collaborators: opera and stage vocalist Eszter Vegvari, whose dramatic delivery gives the song its emotional center; orchestrator Marcos Barilari, collaborating with WHEEL OF TIME for the second time and elevating the track with lush symphonic textures; and Ariel Tsao on the traditional Chinese Guzheng, weaving an authentic timbre into the arrangement. Together, they bring to life Hong’s vision of a cross-cultural musical journey that is both intimate and expansive.

The project’s debut full-length album Asymmetry is slated for release on November 12, 2025, promising a grand showcase of WHEEL OF TIME’s progressive, power, and symphonic fusion.

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.

Deathcore Outfit BURIAL PATH Unveils Powerful New Track “Magnum Opus.”

Emerging from the crucible of reinvention, BURIAL PATH, one of the most electrifying voices in the deathcore underground, has released their latest single “Magnum Opus.”

From the opening surge to its final resonance, “Magnum Opus” embodies the transformative journey of the self: from destruction, to dissolution, to rebirth in gold. It is a sonic alchemy that combines visceral intensity with hauntingly ethereal soundscapes, evoking both the brutality of collapse and the beauty of transcendence.

“From flame to form, the self dissolves and reignites. Gold flows where the old self burned. The great work begins,” the band declares.

The single’s lyrics delve deep into themes of ego death, purification, and rebirth, drawing on esoteric imagery:

‘Calcination, a rebirth takes hold,
Through vitriol these veins flow of gold.
Ego death, reflection, unification within the cycle…’

With “Magnum Opus” BURIAL PATH continues to redefine deathcore, expanding the genre’s boundaries with both philosophical depth and sonic ferocity. The track serves not only as a declaration of artistic evolution but also as a ritualistic invocation, a call to embrace transformation in all its violent, radiant beauty.

About BURIAL PATH:

"Formed in 2023, BURIAL PATH consists of Aïcha Finnleikr (vocals) and Jack B (guitar) from Texas, and Nebraskan Matthew McClure (guitar).  Their sound is a refined evolution of Deathcore, leveraging modern production to craft an atmosphere that is both entrancing and resonant, designed to evoke deep emotions and provoke thoughtful introspection through their music.

Join BURIAL PATH in their journey through the depths of music and emotion with their debut single, "The Seeker." This introduction promises a profound resonance with listeners, marking the beginning of a transformative musical expedition.

Connect with BURIAL PATH:

  • Bandcamp

  • Facebook

  • Instagram

  • YouTube

  • Spotify

  • Apple Music

  • TikTok

COLD SLITHER Confirms Appearance At New York Comic Con 2025

Reigning Phoenix Music, in collaboration with Hasbro, confirms that COLD SLITHER will appear at New York Comic Con 2025, with multiple opportunities for fans to connect with the band in person.

On Friday, October 10, the band will head straight to the Hasbro booth (#1012) for a signing from 12:15–1:00 PM. The celebration continues the following night when COLD SLITHER storms into New York City for a one-night-only takeover of the Gramercy Theatre on Saturday, October 11 (doors 8 PM). After their explosive set, the band will hang out at the merch table for an exclusive post-show meet & greet with fans. Tickets for the Gramercy Theatre show are on sale now, and the first 100 people through the doors will receive a limited-edition Cobra NY shirt, never to be sold again. Tickets are available HERE.

Following these highly anticipated live and signing events, COLD SLITHER unleashes their blistering new single “Torched,” accompanied by a music video directed by Jim Louvau and featuring electrifying footage from the band’s sold-out performance in San Diego during San Diego Comic Con. Frontman Zartan (aka Gus Rios) comments: “What more must be said of a Dreadnok who breathes FIRE?! ‘Torched’ is the fastest and heaviest song on this album, and with good reason! Play with fire, you will be TORCHED! Cobraaaaa!!”

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


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

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

INNERWISH Release New Single And Lyric Video For "Defend Our Children's Hope"

INNERWISH's "Defend Our Children’s Hope" is a powerful tribute to the next generation, urging us all to take responsibility for their future and defend their right to hope and opportunity. With their signature blend of driving riffs, soaring melodies, and anthemic choruses, INNERWISH deliver both a poignant message and a timeless heavy metal hymn.

The single is accompanied by a stirring lyric video that underscores its urgency. With lines like “We fall and then we rise / It’s the battle for a new dawn / We conquer not divide / Protect, defend our children’s hope,” the song speaks directly to today’s world of division and uncertainty. At its core, it’s a call for unity, resilience, and compassion, a reminder that safeguarding a better future is a responsibility we all share.

Watch the video Below.

Reflecting on the song’s origins, INNERWISH share:

"To be or not to be in the album? That is the question! For sure a question we asked ourselves a lot because having 15 songs makes you keep some of them out of the album. And it’s not a matter of being a lesser song, especially in this case, but it’s just the way it is sometimes. No matter what, this song has all the classical INNERWISH elements, the ones that lasted all these years. Groove, melodies and hook-y chorus. We talked about children on 'Sea of Lies' and we do it here as well. Different writer, different perspective/impression. Again, for the children. They are the hope of the mankind, they are our hope, they deserve way more. After all, this world isn’t their fault but ours."

In times where global crises weigh heavily on young generations, “Defend Our Children’s Hope” stands as both a warning and a rallying cry: we must not allow today’s failures to become tomorrow’s inheritance.
 

More by INNERWISH: https://innerwish.rpm.link/videosPR

About INNERWISH:

INNERWISH stand for melodic and melancholic heavy metal, played in a powerful and dynamic way. Their story began in Athens in 1995, and in their almost 30 years of existence they didn't only manage to be one of the most important metal bands from Greece, but also to establish themselves as a much-respected band in the European metal scene.
 

INNERWISH are:

Giorgos Eikosipentakis | vocals

Manolis Tsigos | guitars

Thymios Krikos | guitars

Antonis Mazarakis| bass

George Georgiou | keyboards

Franki Samoilis | drums
 

More on INNERWISH:

innerwish.gr | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | RPM

Out NOW - SUPREME MYSTIC - Kala Rupa

In the industrial belly of Detroit, where machine noise and rebellion pulse in equal measure, a new sound has emerged. It is raw and searing, but it carries something older than anger and louder than distortion. That sound is SUPREME MYSTIC, and their debut album Kala Rupa is a declaration of identity, purpose, and transformation.

The band is led by Chino Noir, the reborn moniker of Mike Couls, a name well-known to the hardcore underground. From playing clubs at thirteen to signing with a major label in his early twenties, Couls carved a path through chaos with a bass in his hands and the kind of presence that stages remember. He was part of some of the most notorious and revered bands in heavy music. He toured the world with COLD AS LIFE, SWORN ENEMY, MERAUDER, TERROR and the CRO-MAGS, sharing bills with legends and surviving battles on and off stage. But none of those bands carried his voice the way SUPREME MYSTIC does now.

Kala Rupa, meaning “the form of time” in Sanskrit, is more than a record. It is a mirror. It looks directly into life, death, karma, illusion, and the struggle for inner evolution. Each song is a piece of a larger journey, built on decades of lived experience. This is not a genre experiment or a side project. It is the first time Couls has stepped fully into the front, not just as a musician but as a messenger.

The album pulls from stoner rock, post-hardcore, sludge, grunge, and doom, but it defies categorization. It is heavy, often brutally so, but not just for the sake of power. Beneath the layers of distortion, the music is rooted in spiritual philosophy and ancient Vedic wisdom. These are songs of confrontation and transcendence, guided by hard-earned insight and a desire to rise above the trappings of material and emotional decay.

About SUPREME MYSTIC:

SUPREME MYSTIC is a spiritually charged heavy rock band from Detroit, Michigan, fusing the grit of hardcore and metal with the depth of Vedic philosophy. Founded in 2023 by frontman and bassist Chino Noir (the evolved moniker of Mike Couls, known for his work with COLD AS LIFE, SWORN ENEMY, MERAUDER, and CRO-MAGS), the band draws from a lifetime of musical warfare and personal transformation. Their sound, described as Mo-Metal and DefRoc, merges elements of post-hardcore, stoner rock, grunge, doom, and groove metal with a message rooted in spiritual evolution, esoteric themes, and inner revolution.

Joined by drummer Jeff Shankin (UNIVERSAL STOMP, EARTHMOVER), guitarist Alfredo Riojas (a BERKLEE-trained shredder), and keyboardist Luis Ulloa (a young devotee of heavy music and mysticism), SUPREME MYSTIC creates music that is as punishing as it is purposeful. Their songs explore karma, mortality, illusion, and rebirth, often weaving in Sanskrit mantras and Eastern iconography with street-level truth and raw energy.

Equal parts intensity and intention, SUPREME MYSTIC is not just another heavy band. It is a movement of sound and spirit. Their debut full-length album Kala Rupa is out now.

SUPREME MYSTIC is:

  • Chino Noir – Vocals / Bass

  • Alfredo Riojas – Lead Guitar / Backup Vocals

  • Jeff Shankin – Drums

  • Luis Ulloa – Keyboards


Connect with SUPREME MYSTIC:

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG - 'Babylon' Is Out Now

What a story! Over the past few years, a charity campaign featuring six prominent musicians for the benefit of artists affected by the coronavirus lockdown has developed into a spectacular project that will undoubtedly cause a sensation. We are talking about Dirkschneider And The Old Gang, DATOG for short, with a line-up whose majority has had a decisive influence on the history of heavy metal over the past four decades.

Udo Dirkschneider was the founder and long-time singer of Accept and, after leaving the band, also led his follow-up bands, U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER, to international fame. In DATOG he is joined by Peter Baltes (bass, vocals; ACCEPT, DIRKSCHNEIDER), Stefan Kaufmann (guitar; ACCEPT, U.D.O.) and Mathias Dieth (guitar; SiINNER, U.D.O.) as well as Udo's son Sven Dirkschneider (drums; U.D.O., DIRKSCHNEIDER), who has played for his dad for the last ten years. The sixth member of the gang is singer Manuela Bibert, who has not been let off the hook since her great performance on the recording of the U.D.O. orchestra album We Are One in the spring of 2019.

In this constellation, three DATOG singles, (‘Where The Angels Fly’, ‘Face Of A Stranger’ and ‘Every Heart Is Burning’), were created between summer 2020 and fall 2021. This got the train rolling: “The whole thing developed a momentum of its own, that we hadn't expected in this form," Kaufmann looks back somewhat surprised. “After the singles went incredibly viral, fans, record companies, and concert agencies immediately got in touch and wanted to know whether there was more to come… what the prospects were for a full album?”

The answer is here: Babylon is out now via Reigning Phoenix Music and you should not miss it.
Order, stream or download Babylon here: https://datog.rpm.link/babylon

With a three-singer concept — Dirkschneider, Bibert, Baltes — DATOG delivers a unique mix of vocal profiles that proves to be the band’s unmistakable trademark. “Of course, we didn't even try to split the vocals equally, but carefully analyzed whose voice would fit best for each part,” explains Udo Dirkschneider. The same applies to songwriting, which followed the motto exclusively: The best songs win!

A wise decision, as the twelve songs on Babylon show! Within a clearly defined stylistic direction and alongside magnificent solo performances, especially from exceptional guitarist Mathias “Don” Dieth, the album impresses with great complexity and an enormous wealth of facets.

With Babylon, the German all-star band presents twelve brilliant metal songs which, despite their unusual vocal concept, never degenerate into a Babylonian confusion of voices. Quite the opposite: the album inspires both compositionally and vocally and convinces every sound fetishist with its transparent yet powerful production.

And this is not the end of the journey: the video story of the songs will unfold for all of the album tracks, keeping fans engaged visually and musically until the very last note, not least reminding everyone to give the record one more spin.
Though the album leans into a hard rock side, the band members’ heavy metal foundation shines through, best showcased on the focus track and new video,"Metal Sons".

"Metal Sons" is a tribute to true, original heavy metal: a powerful guitar riff that seems to have been born out of another time period, Udo's usual uncompromising vocals, plus screaming guitar solos and a chorus that will have every heavy metal fan automatically headbanging and shouting along. Thanks to its modern arrangement, the song is nevertheless (or precisely because of this) a musical treat of a very special kind.

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

SIENA ROOT - Double Live Album 'Made in KuBa Out Now

“Dynamic Root Rock Experience” is still the best term to describe SIENA ROOT’s music, and that's also exactly what the Swedish quartet’s new double live album Made in KuBa is all about. Named after the location of its creation, Jena, Germany’s Kulturbahnhof (short form: KuBa), the follow-up to the band’s previous, highly-acclaimed live document Root Jam (2011) takes off where its predecessor left off in many ways.  Made in KuBa is out now via Perception – a Division of Reigning Phoenix Music.
 

Recorded during three intimate concert nights in March 2024, the result is, of course, an all-analogue recording which continues the traditional way of capturing the audiophile band’s art. Where many artists would hesitate to bring a full-on tape recorder to a live event, it’s totally given for SIENA ROOT to do so in a no-compromise fashion. Made in KuBa isn’t only another live album but a comprehensive experience in its purest form: no overdubs were added and no tricks were used in the studio afterwards. Once again, the songs you can hear are strictly what’s played and bring the energy all the way from the stage to the speakers of the Swede’s fans. The outfit’s much-loved jams are there, lots of improvisation as well as the whole spectra from light to shade, and to ensure the all-analogue quality control, sound engineer Ove Noring, who’s been working with the band all the way since 2006’s Kaleidoscope, was brought in as tape operator to record SIENA ROOT’s shows at the iconic KuBa venue.

So what’s new? In order to make Made In KuBa no simple repetition of their Root Jam concept though, SIENA ROOT went for a bunch of refreshing ideas with the first one being the scenery. As mentioned, the band travelled all the way to Jena this time, where they found the perfect surroundings at Kulturbahnhof. “We couldn’t have been happier: KuBa was exactly the place to be after we had experienced countless memorable concerts there throughout the years,” they recall. While the musical spine of SIENA ROOT is a quartet -- consisting of long-time and founding members Sam Riffer (bass) and Love Forsberg (drums & percussion), completed by Zubaida Solid (vocals & keys) and Johan Borgström (guitars), who both joined their ranks after the release of Root Jam -- they were also supported by two talented guests for a number of songs to make this special occasion more unique: long-time brother in arms Erik Peterson (keys) and Lisa Isaksson (flute). Additionally, the forthcoming opus consists of songs from the group’s entire catalogue which aren’t featured songs on Root Jam at all, and to thank their loyal fans, SIENA ROOT even involved them in creating the set list. They add: “We knew that not each and every fan from around the world would be able to witness these historic nights, that’s why we decided to have them included by influencing the Made In KuBa track listing.”

In the end, Made In KuBa includes twelve wisely picked tracks which can be enjoyed from October 3, 2025 - brought to the world through PERCEPTION. And it’ll be available in various formats: CD, digital, and - most importantly - vinyl. A version which has always been a crucial factor throughout SIENA ROOT’s career, who even pressed their 2004 debut album A New Day Dawning on the ‘black gold’ when the returning vinyl boom was still in the distant future. The band prefer the traditional way of listening and therefore took extra-care of its execution. Mastered at half-speed, SIENA ROOT technically reflect on the old days in this case. They conclude: “Half-speed mastering’ is a trick of the past that the vinyl junkies out there should be familiar with. It’s just a very delicate yet complicated process of cutting that makes “Made In KuBa” an even more three-dimensional listening pleasure for both you and us!” Enough said: now it's the world's turn to enjoy and to catch the group live during their supporting “Double Live Release Tour” across Europe in October 2025, if you like what you hear!
 
Order it here online or visit your favorite local record store for the full analogue experience!

SIENA ROOT are:
Zubaida Solid | vocals, keys
Johan Borgström | guitars
Sam Riffer | bass
Love Forsberg | drums, percussion
 
More on SIENA ROOT:
sienaroot.com I Facebook I Instagram I Spotify I Apple Music

VESSELES Announces New Album Home and Unveils Single “Scriptures Etched Into the Mind’s Pillars”

Symphonic black metal project VESSELES announces the release of its sophomore full-length album Home, arriving January 16th, alongside the unveiling of the record’s seventh track, “Scriptures Etched Into the Mind’s Pillars.”

“Scriptures Etched Into the Mind’s Pillars” is an ode to the grand tradition of classic symphonic black metal. It is a vehement composition that grapples with the inner fortresses we build to protect ourselves, only to find them transformed into prisons. As relentless as it is majestic, the song marks a lyrical turning point: moving away from searching for solace in one’s origins toward confronting the distress of internal struggle and the elusive quest for peace.

Founded as a personal vessel for Valira, a demon entity navigating existence within the human world, VESSELES fuses cinematic scale with blackened ferocity. Homeexpands upon the project’s identity-driven narrative, weaving a mythos of belonging, alienation, and ultimate reclamation of power. The album is as much about survival as it is about transcendence, an unflinching exploration of self through sound.

“Home is the sound of returning to a place you’ve never truly known,” says Valira.

With its blend of sweeping orchestration, blistering aggression, and emotional weight, Home establishes VESSELES as one of the most uncompromising voices in contemporary symphonic black metal.

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

Listen to "Scriptures Etched Into the Mind's PIlars" Below.

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

Melinoe unveil their first full-length opus, Affliction In Bloom,

REVERYA is a mystical trio hailing from Tampa, Florida, whose sound drifts between the ethereal and thunderous. After the haunting debut EP Melinoe, they unveil their first full-length opus, Affliction In Bloom, set for CD release on October 24th, 2025.

This album is no ordinary collection of songs—it's a conceptual garden where each track blossoms as a distinct flower, embodying the trials and tenderness of human suffering. With titles drawn from nature’s poetry, each bloom holds symbolic weight, weaving an emotional tapestry meant to be experienced in full—start to finish, petal to petal.

The journey begins in stillness with "Allium", a soft, meditative prelude that eases listeners into the dreamy tendrils of "Wisteria".

"Allium" opens like a whispered incantation—two minutes of delicate acoustic reverie, drifting gently until faint, ethereal vocals rise like mist. The allium flower, symbolizing light and fortune, offers a soft blessing for the journey ahead. Rooted in garlic, it wards off darkness, setting the tone for the album's unfolding.

"Wisteria", one of REVERYA's earliest creations, bloomed even before the band fully formed. Born from political frustration, it reflects the dangerous allure of unchecked power. Like the Wisteria vine—beautiful yet poisonous—the song serves as a haunting reminder of the consequences of ignoring power’s dark side.

The album ignites with "Pyrophyte", a fiery counterpart to "Wisteria". With relentless screams, it mirrors escalating fury in the face of a corrupt, power-hungry world. Addressing global struggles, the song touches on war, division, and the uncertain future for younger generations. As chaos builds, a powerful, defiant singalong bursts forth, reminding us that we endure even through the fire. The title "Pyrophyte", referring to a plant that thrives in fire, symbolically connects to humanity’s resilience.

"Forget Me Not" follows, a tender exploration of the emotional weight in deciding whether to bring a child into this world of uncertainty reflected in predecessors, "Wisteria" and "Pyrophyte". Its soft piano and strings give way to raw vocals, capturing perhaps the most vulnerable moment on the record. The lyrics explore the anguish and desperation of parents watching their children suffer through internal and/or external struggles in such an evil and confusing world. Tender words cradled softly in warm blankets of orchestra and piano, cushioned with guitar chugs, and carried by luscious drums grooves.  The chorus poignantly illustrates the anguish of making such a choice, intertwined in a desperate apology leaving the listener to ponder over the only solo featured on the album. The nursery door is closed but never forgotten with a callback to the chorus played softly on a child's toy music box.

"Dahlia", the final flower to bloom, was crafted swiftly and naturally by the trio. Partially inspired by the Black Dahlia murder, the song reflects betrayal and emotional disintegration. A fitting partner to "Forget Me Not", the track captures the dark beauty of the flower—both musically and visually—marking a shift in tone with thall influences. "Dahlia" and "Forget Me Not" serve as emotional companions, validating pain within.

The final act unfolds like the setting sun—"Lily" acts as a delicate interlude, bridging "Dahlia" and "Asphodel". Using a reimagined piano part from "Asphodel", it drifts into an ethereal, somber atmosphere. Its simplicity is carried by lyrical motifs, referencing the journey so far while foreshadowing the final chapters. The white lily, traditional for funerals, symbolizes the album’s reflection on grief and loss.

"Lily" acts as a delicate interlude, bridging "Dahlia" and "Asphodel". Using a reimagined piano part from "Asphodel", it drifts into an ethereal, somber atmosphere. Its simplicity is carried by lyrical motifs, referencing the journey so far while foreshadowing the final chapters. The white lily, traditional in funerals, symbolizes the album’s reflection on grief.

"Asphodel" began with an instrumental foundation crafted by Travis and Kaleb, then later tailored to honor a loved one who suffered a stroke due to a brain tumor, leaving them paralyzed with no memory or chance of returning to their previous self, only to breathe unconsciously completely dependent on life support. The gut-wrenching decision to set them free with a prayer for a peaceful afterlife inspired the lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes. We journey through the stages of grief in this song with a soft verse, a pre-chorus and breakdown filled with angry desperation, bursting into the song's powerful and sentimental chorus, leading into a healing and hopeful singalong outro. In Greek Mythology, souls who have passed must wipe their memory by drinking from the River of Lethe, before they are peacefully transitioned to the Asphodel Fields where they experience a peaceful, eternal afterlife.

"Magnolia" is a heartfelt tribute to a grandmother who passed away during the pandemic. The song began with the lyrics alone as just a poem or letter for her, acting as an answer to a recording of her urging her grandchildren to spend time learning her language, Arabic, as well as confessing the happiness she felt being with her grandchildren despite the far distance. The scent of the Magnolia flower is that of her perfume which evokes early childhood moments spent together. Through fear, aggression, hope, harmony, heartbreak, grief, and more, this soft, sentimental track is a perfect send off to bring this journey to a close.

Affliction In Bloom is not just an album but a timeless voyage—an invitation to feel deeply, to hurt and heal, and to find meaning in both bloom and decay. It is deeply personal yet universal, an elegy, a wish, and a love letter wrapped in petals and pain.

REVERYA is:

  • Nadine  (Vocals/Keys)

  • Travis (Guitars)

  • Kaleb (Drums)


Album Credits:

  • Producer: Logan Clough, Justin Gregorio

  • Recording Studio: Creative Cult Recordings, Vanta Co Recordings

  • Engineer: Logan Clough

  • Mastering: Logan Clough

  • Mixing: Logan Clough

Album Cover Artist: Nadine

Brutal Surf-Death Metal Band STILLBIRTH Release New Single, "Throne Of Bones", Off Of Upcoming Concept Album 'Survival Protocol'

German brutal-surf-death-party metal band STILLBIRTH leave a trail of bloodshed in their wake with their latest single "Throne Of Bones", off of their upcoming concept album, Survival Protocol. STILLBIRTH will unleash Survival Protocol on October 31st via rising metal label Reigning Phoenix Music. The album is the follow-up to their critically acclaimed Homo Deus, which was released in 2023.

"Throne Of Bones" kicks off with a towering drum groove and ominous guitar riffs. Monstrously guttural vocals dominate the soundscape, calling forth a tale of apocalyptic despair. The rhythmic chorus provides some order among the chaos, but it isn't long before all hell breaks loose once again with a burst of pig squeals and punchy riffs. Though a groovy rhythm pervades the music, STILLBIRTH are determined to keep their listeners on their toes, punctuating the flow of the song with more extreme elements.

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 "Throne Of Bones" BELOW :

Pre-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

Website | Facebook | Instagram 

ORDEN OGAN Unleash New Single "Conquest", Live In Oberhausen, While Touring With WINDROSE and ANGUS MCSIX

German dark power metal force ORDEN OGAN have dropped a thunderous new live version of their fan-favorite track “Conquest”, taken from their latest full-length The Order Of Fear, released in July 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music here.

Recorded during the band’s Tour of Fear in the sold-out Turbinenhalle in Oberhausen, Germany, this version captures the raw intensity and electric communion between the band and their audience. “Conquest” has quickly risen to become a staple in the ORDEN OGAN setlist, and this live cut shows exactly why: riffs sharp as steel, massive choruses, and a crowd roaring as one. ORDEN OGAN once again prove that true power metal lives on stage: loud, larger than life, and unforgettable!

Frontman Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann states:

“'Conquest' has become one of the absolute fan favorites within the last 12 months since the release of The Order of Fear. This recording was captured in the sold-out Turbinenhalle (Oberhausen, Germany) on ORDEN OGAN’s Tour of Fear. I think we managed to capture the energy between band and audience. Enjoy!”

Stream/Download "Conquest" here: https://ordenogan.rpm.link/conquestlive

Don’t miss the chance to experience "Conquest" and other ORDEN OGAN hymns
live on their upcoming tour with WIND ROSE and ANGUS MCSIX:

Tickets & Info: https://ordenogan.de/pages/on-tour

About ORDEN OGAN:
ORDEN OGAN are an essential part of the international metal scene with their top status leading back to their debut album Vale (2008). Their 2021-album, Final Days, even reached position 3 of the official German Album Charts, and having up to more than half a million monthly listeners on Spotify makes them one of the most successful metal acts when it comes to streaming. Epic melodies, impactful lyrics and unmistakeable passion for the genre define the band's work, and their latest studio offering The Order Of Fear only continued their musical journey by promising fans a monumental experience.

Led by Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann, the seventh album is arguably their hardest- hitting work to date. The Order Of Fear persists the ORDEN OGAN saga with a triumphant lesson in dark power metal: the album features eleven powerful tracks (including a spoken interlude) that offer a fresh perspective on the band's ever- evolving sound, resulting in an explosion of thought-provoking melodies and rhythms.

The Order Of Fear once again hit the German Album Charts at #3, followed by spectacular festival performances and their very well received Tour of Fear.

The Order Of Fear was released on July 5, 2024 through RPM as an exclusive box-set (including a CD-digipak and a unique board game for up to 32 players to make fans act as various characters of the ORDEN OGAN world), coloured 1LP vinyl (splatter, crystal clear or clear turquoise), and CD-digipak.

Visit: https://ordenogan.rpm.link/theorderoffearPR

[Photo: NatEnemedePhotography]

ORDEN OGAN are:
Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann | vocals
Niels Löffler | guitars
Patrick Sperling | guitars
Steven Wussow | bass
Dirk Meyer-Berhorn | drums

More on ORDEN OGAN:
ordenogan.de | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube
greenman-studios.de | Facebook Seeb | Instagram Seeb

KATAKLYSM Kicks Off Their Carnival of Death 2025 Tour Tomorrow

Montreal death metal juggernaut KATAKLYSM is set to ignite stages across North America as they begin their highly anticipated co-headlining run alongside Polish death metal pioneers VADER on the Carnival of Death 2025 tour.

This unrelenting lineup also features the legendary MALEVOLENT CREATION and rising death thrash force SKELETAL REMAINS, promising a night of uncompromising brutality in every city.

The 26-date carnage begins October 1 in Bensalem, PA, and will tear through major markets across the U.S. and Canada, including Atlanta, Tampa, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and Brooklyn. Canadian fans will have an extra reason to celebrate as KATAKLYSM closes out each night from Toronto to Montreal, delivering a fitting finale on home soil.

CARNIVAL OF DEATH 2025 TOUR DATES
w/ Vader, Kataklysm, Malevolent Creation, Skeletal Remains:

🗓️ Oct 1 – Bensalem, PA – Broken Goblet
🗓️ Oct 2 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819
🗓️ Oct 3 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Heaven)
🗓️ Oct 4 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
🗓️ Oct 6 – Ft. Worth, TX – Tulips
🗓️ Oct 7 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live
🗓️ Oct 8 – El Paso, TX – Rockhouse Bar & Grill
🗓️ Oct 9 – Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater
🗓️ Oct 10 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
🗓️ Oct 11 – West Hollywood, CA – Whisky-A-Go-Go
🗓️ Oct 12 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge
🗓️ Oct 13 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
🗓️ Oct 14 – Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar
🗓️ Oct 16 – Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater
🗓️ Oct 17 – Kansas City, MO – Warehouse on Broadway
🗓️ Oct 18 – Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theater - Studio B
🗓️ Oct 19 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s
🗓️ Oct 20 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge
🗓️ Oct 21 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace*
🗓️ Oct 22 – Ottawa, ON – Overflow*
🗓️ Oct 23 – Quebec City, QC – Salle Montaigne*
🗓️ Oct 24 – Montreal, QC – Fairmount Theatre*
🗓️ Oct 25 – Syracuse, NY – The Lost Horizon
🗓️ Oct 26 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Monarch
*Kataklysm headlines all Canadian dates.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now — don’t miss your chance to witness this once-in-a-generation tour of death metal dominance. Get your tickets HERE. 

With the completion of their twelfth studio album, Of Ghosts And Gods, KATAKLYSM is prepared to unleash a tsunami of the best possible hurt among the masses.  Of Ghosts And Gods was recorded in three different studios from Montreal, Quebec to Dallas, Texas and Sanford, Florida in order to harness the expertise of the metal industry greats who best understood the band’s talents and their vision.  Album tracking was entrusted to longtime producer/ KATAKLYSM guitarist J-F Dagenais (DESPISED ICON, MISERY INDEX, MALEVOLENT CREATION); KATAKLYSM frontman Maurizio Iacono recorded his vocals with producer Mark Lewis (CANNIBAL CORPSE, DEVILDRIVER, WHITE CHAPEL) at Audiohammer Studios; album mixing was masterfully handled by legendary producer Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, AMON AMARTH, TESTAMENT).

The result is Of Ghosts And Gods – a melodic affair of top notch brutality graced with intelligent songwriting. As expected, KATAKLYSM’s famous body-slamming riffs and grooves never falter. Upcoming artist Surtsey (Occvlta Designs) designed sinister album artwork depicting the reality of humanity’s beautifully disturbing existence and its impending death.  Endorsed by producer Mark Lewis as “KATAKLYSM‘s best album to date,” Of Ghosts And Gods demonstrates how – just like fine wine and an expert demolition crew – KATAKLYSM just keeps getting better with age.

KATAKLYSM is:

  • Maurizio Iacono – Vocals

  • Jean-François Dagenais – Guitars

  • James Payne – Drums

  • Stéphane Barbe – Bass

COLD SLITHER Unleashes Fiery New Video For “Torched” Before October 11th Gramercy Theatre Takeover

Reigning Phoenix Music, in collaboration with Hasbro, is thrilled to announce the return of COLD SLITHER with their blistering new single “Torched.” The track arrives accompanied by a fierce animated music video once again brought to life by the acclaimed artist Costin Chioreanu, whose vision amplifies the band’s mythos with an unrelenting energy.

Frontman Zartan (aka Gus Rios) comments: “What more must be said of a Dreadnok who breathes FIRE?! ‘Torched’ is the fastest and heaviest song on this album, and with good reason! Play with fire, you will be TORCHED! Cobraaaaa!!”

The firestorm continues on October 11th, when COLD SLITHER storms into New York City for a one-night-only takeover of the Gramercy Theatre. The show takes place during the same weekend as New York Comic Con (NYCC) 2025, promising an explosive celebration of nostalgia and modern heavy metal power. Fans can secure their place in history and get tickets HERE. The first 100 people through the door will receive a limited edition Cobra NY shirt, available exclusively at this show and never to be sold again.

This announcement follows the release of the band’s self-titled debut album in June on Reigning Phoenix Music and precedes their upcoming contribution to the Decibel Flexi Series, where COLD SLITHER will unleash an exclusive new track titled “Cobra Island.”

Fronted by the enigmatic Zartan alongside his ruthless Dreadnok bandmates Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer, COLD SLITHER is a declaration of war. Their sound combines old-school heavy metal with anarchic energy, venomous vocals, punishing riffs, and an atmosphere steeped in apocalyptic chaos. With “Torched,” the myth is resurrected once more, reborn as a modern-day metal juggernaut prepared to conquer both stage and screen.

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


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

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

Enter Borderland: AMORPHIS - 15th Studio Album Out Now via Reigning Phoenix Music

Borderland, the 15th studio album from Finnish metal visionaries AMORPHIS, is out now through Reigning Phoenix Music. Borderland represents a passage, a crossing into unexplored realms of sound and spirit. It’s the final call before AMORPHIS rise again on stage this autumn, a beacon for what lies ahead.

Borderland is not merely a name, but a threshold where past meets future, where myth bleeds into memory, and where music becomes both guide and guardian. With this record, AMORPHIS invite their listeners to step with them into a space at once familiar and untamed. Here, horizons shift, echoes resound, and new destinies are forged in sound.

The journey to Borderland began at Hansen Studios (Denmark) in late 2024 and early 2025, under the masterful production of Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, AMARANTHE, PRIMAL FEAR). The album’s striking artwork was created by renowned Dutch artist Marald Van Haasteren (METALLICA, BLACK SABBATH, KVELERTAK, ALCEST), while the ever-thoughtful lyricism of Pekka Kainulainen once again provides AMORPHIS’ music with a profound narrative depth.

Among the album’s highlights is the haunting focus track "Fog To Fog," a piece born of desolate landscapes and timeless echoes.

With Borderland, AMORPHIS cross yet another frontier in their sound, bridging myth and modernity, melody and heaviness, darkness and hope. It’s an album both monumental and intimate, inviting fans to follow them into landscapes where the only certainty is transformation.

Get your ‘passport’ to Borderland here: https://amorphis.rpm.link/borderlandPR

About AMORPHIS
With Borderland, the title of the album couldn’t have been chosen more fittingly. Throughout their career, spanning over more than three decades, AMORPHIS -- Tomi Joutsen (vocals), Esa Holopainen (guitars), Tomi Koivusaari (guitars), Olli-Pekka Laine (bass), Santeri Kallio (keyboards) & Jan Rechberger (drums & percussion) -- have been an ever-evolving act, wandering on an exciting boundary-pushing path. From their sinister death metal debut Karelian Isthmus over genre-defining mid-90s melodic death works like Tales From The Thousand Lakes and Elegy as well as the melodic 2000’s grandeur of Eclipse or Skyforger to records combining the very best of all prior eras to refreshing new soundscapes (f.e. Under The Red Cloud or Queen Of Time): Whatever this group works on promises long-range success.
 
With 2022’s Halo, the Finn’s were rewarded for their researching musical approach once again: The album marked AMORPHIS’ sixth no. 1 album in Finland, even cracked the top 3 of the official German album chart, and last but not least the sextet took home two awards from the prestigious Emma Gaala (“Band of the Year” & “Export of the Year”).
 
The impact of Halo became a driving force for what’s to come. Rather than rushing into a follow-up, the band chose to step back from live performances and focus fully on their next chapter. The result is Borderland - a meticulously crafted opus that builds on their celebrated recent era, while seamlessly weaving in new, timely elements. It’s a bold, organic continuation of their journey, shaped by experience and guided by vision.

AMORPHIS are:
Tomi Joutsen | vocals
Esa Holopainen | guitars
Tomi Koivusaari | guitars
Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine | bass
Santeri Kallio | keys
Jan Rechberger | drums & percussion
 

More from AMORPHIS:
amorphis.net | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok
X | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | RPM

Out Now From Mors Principium Est

MORS PRINCIPIUM EST's long awaited ninth studio album, Darkness Invisible, is released via Perception, an imprint of Reigning Phoenix Music. The Finnish act return with their beloved melodic death embrace instilled with razor-sharp riffing, sweeping orchestration, melancholic harmonies, and relentless rhythmic precision - topped by Ville Viljanen’s unmistakable vocals.

Darkness Invisible saw MORS PRICIPIUM EST once again self-record at Ansa Studio (Ulvila, Finland); Jens Bogren mixed and Tony Lindgren mastered the ten new tracks (plus CD / digital bonus song) at Örebro, Sweden’s Fascination Street Studios (AMORPHIS, SEPULTURA, KREATOR etc.). Alvaro Valverde Fernandez was hired to create artwork and layout.

Darkness Invisible expands MPE's horizons while retaining the sonic quality that has seen the band gain such a steadfast appeal. Compelling arrangements convey greater cinematic soundscapes, ambient passages bring dynamic intrigue and textural layers provide, be it often subtle, enhancements of power. 

"Of Death" introduces Darkness Invisible in a melodic glory. The enshrouding darkness traverses between delving into the depths and soaring with a majestic quality. "Monuments" is a highly thrilling offering that strikes a resonating chord through alluring progressions and captivating instrumental layers. The uplifting quality is inescapable, though the shadowy plains are not entirely left behind. 

Orchestral strings build anticipation before the monster within "Beyond The Horizon" explodes into life. This high-octane onslaught of technical riffs perfectly satisfies any cravings for increased intensity. "In Sleep There Is Peace" charges forth at full pelt into deafening attacks of riffs and emotively charged melodic moments. The theatricality of "All Life is Evil" is revealed from the intricate textural details, to the Gothic choir chants and curiously inviting dissonance. 

About MORS PRINCIPIUM EST
Over the course of seven original studio albums, MORS PRICIPIUM EST refined their modern approach to melodic death metal again and again. Members came and gone, but their music remained untouched: razor-sharp riffing, sweeping orchestration, melancholic harmonies, and relentless rhythmic precision - topped by Ville Viljanen’s unmistakable vocals.
 
MORS PRINCIPIUM EST were founded in Pori in 1999 and are one of the longest serving Finnish melodic death metal bands. With frontman Viljanen being the most stable members, the present quintet survived several line-up changes before original members and guitarists Jori Haukio and Jarkko Kokko returned to MPE and already took part in recording their latest offering Liberate The Unborn Inhumanity [2022]. Also contributing to these refreshing re-recordings from their early years were former bassist Teemu Heinola and drummer Marko Tommila. A statement to honour the group’s history and to celebrate the freshly motivated line-up, which is now set to blast out their ninth album titled Darkness Invisible on September 26, 2025 through new label home PERCEPTION.

MORS PRINCIPIUM EST are:
Ville Viljanen | vocals
Jori Haukio | guitars, programming
Jarkko Kokko | guitars
Teemu Heinola | bass
Marko Tommila | drums

OVERT ENEMY Unleashes New Album Insurrection and Lyric Video for “Resinated”

Texas metal titans OVERT ENEMY have unleashed their new full-length album Insurrection, available now worldwide. Alongside the release, the band has dropped a brand-new lyric video for “Resinated,” a track that embodies pure Texas groove while balancing sinister heaviness with epic scope.

Originally planned as an EP after 2019’s Possession, the project grew into a full-length during the pandemic, fueled by the band’s perseverance through personal and global struggles. Insurrection pushes boundaries while staying true to OVERT ENEMY’s roots, blending thrash intensity, face-melting riffs, and conceptual storytelling across its diverse tracklist.

“This album is dedicated to everyone who’s ever been told to give up on their dreams. To those who’ve stood by us through the noise and the silence: our families, our friends, and the die-hard metal fans around the world—thank you for keeping our fire alive. Your support fuels every riff, every lyric, every beat. Above all, we give thanks and glory to God, who has blessed us with the gift of music, the spark of inspiration, and the fortitude to stay the course and pursue our passion.”

Album is available in signed/hand numbered limited edition cd & vinyl with deluxe insert featuring the art of Santiago Yanez. Order HERE.

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.

OVERT ENEMY is:

  • Leo “Lizard” Ortiz – Guitar/Vocals

  • Laura “Slayerella” Ortiz – Bass/Vocals

  • Robert Hahn – Guitar/Vocals

  • Saul Castillo – Drums

Album Credits:

  • Produced by: Joshua Lopez (IMMORTAL GUARDIAN), Leo Ortiz & Robert Hahn

  • Recorded at: Widowmaker Studios, McAllen, Texas

  • Engineer/Mixing/Mastering: Joshua Lopez

  • Album Cover Art: Santiago Yanez

  • Album Formats: Digital, CD, Vinyl

Connect with OVERT ENEMY and learn more at overtenemy.com.

Out Today! - OVERT ENEMY - Insurrection

OVERT ENEMY returns with their most powerful and aggressive work to date, the new full-length album Insurrection, out now. The Mission, Texas-based band has carved a name for itself in the global metal scene by blending gnarly Texas groove with relentless twin guitar attacks and a triple vocal assault. With Insurrection, OVERT ENEMY has refined their sound, evolving into a band that draws on the energy of the past while pushing the boundaries of modern metal.

Insurrection didn’t come easy. Originally planned as an EP after the band’s 2019 release Possession, the global pandemic forced the band to pivot, transforming the project into a full-length album. Add to that the personal battles faced by the band members, from Leo “Lizard” Ortiz’s major back surgery to the struggle of keeping momentum during worldwide lockdowns, and you have an album born out of perseverance and pure passion. This is an album about resilience, rebellion, and the power of the riff—because, at its core, OVERT ENEMY is a riff band, driven by face-melting guitar solos, raw intensity, and unapologetic metal fury.

The band—composed of Leo Ortiz (guitar/vocals), Laura “Slayerella” Ortiz (bass/vocals), Robert Hahn (guitar/vocals), and Saul Castillo (drums)—takes the listener on a sonic journey across Insurrection. The album is anchored in thrash but refuses to be defined by any one style. From the devastating opening track "Resinated", which blends sinister grooves with epic overtones inspired by Leo's battles with chronic back pain, to the deeply conceptual "Eradication", part of a three-song narrative about alien invasion, the record pushes boundaries while staying true to the ethos of the genre.

For the band members, the making of Insurrection was as much about personal growth as it was about pushing the limits of their sound. “It’s surreal thinking about everything we went through to get this album made,” says Robert Hahn. "Leo could have died on the operating table, and that would have been it. But here we are, with an album that represents the best music we’ve ever created." The band's determination shines through every track, from the thrashy riffs of "Eradication" to the melodic complexities of "Bleed Like I Do", ensuring that no song sounds the same, and no topic is off-limits.

For OVERT ENEMY, Insurrection marks the culmination of years of hard work, personal sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to their craft. As Laura Ortiz puts it, “This album made me grow as a musician, and you can hear it in my playing and in my vocals. It challenged all of us, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved.” For drummer Saul Castillo, who transitioned from drum tech to full-time band member in a matter of months, the experience was equally rewarding.

In a world where fear and division seem to rule, OVERT ENEMY is not afraid to speak up, to push boundaries, and to deliver metal with a message. With Insurrection, they’ve created a record that is not only a musical triumph but a testament to their resilience as a band. Their story is far from over—this is only the beginning of the next chapter.

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

Album Credits:

  • Produced by: Joshua Lopez (IMMORTAL GUARDIAN), Leo Ortiz & Robert Hahn

  • Recorded at: Widowmaker Studios, McAllen, Texas

  • Engineer/Mixing/Mastering: Joshua Lopez

  • Album Cover Art: Santiago Yanez

  • Album Formats: Digital, CD, Vinyl

Out Now - LAST RETCH - Abject Cruelty

n the heart of Hamilton, Ontario LAST RETCH returns with Abject Cruelty, their most punishing and refined statement to date. Due out September 26, 2025 via Time to Kill Records, this eight-track slab of old-school death metal captures the raw energy of a band embracing its fury and focus with sharpened intent. It's a soundtrack to social rot: tight, unflinching, and seething with contempt.

Formed in 2021 in nearby St. Catharines, LAST RETCH burst onto the scene with a no-frills demo and soon followed it up with their debut full-length Sadism and Severed Heads in 2023 (CDN Records), a brutal introduction that married memorable riffcraft with pit-ready aggression. With the Ergotism EP (2024, CDN/Iron Fortress), they pushed their sound forward, showing flashes of melody, groove, and lyrical scope, before turning their sights fully on Abject Cruelty, their most cohesive and devastating effort yet.

Written against the backdrop of a city in collapse, Abject Cruelty channels the band’s surroundings (mental illness, addiction, poverty, political abandonment) into lean, groove-driven death metal that cuts like a rusted scalpel. Opener "Abject Cruelty" sets the tone with oppressive atmosphere and relentless tremolo, while "Beasley Meth Merchants", inspired by frontman Finlay Blakelock’s view from a Hamilton apartment, layers upbeat riffs with bleak commentary on drug abuse and systemic failure. "Dissecting the Leper" resurrects decade-old riffs into a live favorite built around a crushing breakdown, and "In the Polder They Reek", strikes a balance between stomp and melody, capped off by a rare, ripping solo.

Throughout the album, LAST RETCH leans into their greatest strengths: short songs, big riffs, and a clear throughline of OSDM brutality fused with memorable hooks. Their influences, CARCASS, CANNIBAL CORPSE, BOLT THROWER, are never hidden, but always filtered through their own perspective. There’s no pretense, just power: straightforward songwriting, blistering performance, and the urgency of a band with something real to say. The songs are compact but dynamic, swapping between Drop B and Drop A tunings to carve out contrasting moods, one moment frantic and angular, the next slow and suffocating.

Produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by DAVIS MAXWELL at Schoolhouse Studios, Abject Cruelty sounds as mean as it plays. The cover art by BRAD MOORE adds an appropriately grotesque visual to the record’s themes of bodily and societal decay. 

With a reputation for high-energy live shows and previous gigs alongside GUTALAX, UNDEATH, GATES TO HELL, KRUELTY, and more, LAST RETCH stands poised to carve their name into the modern death metal landscape. 

About LAST RETCH:

LAST RETCH is a death metal band from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, formed in 2021. Blending the earworm riffs of CARCASS, the anthemic drive of BOLT THROWER, and the relentless savagery of CANNIBAL CORPSE, the band delivers a modern take on old-school death metal that’s as visceral as it is memorable. With short, focused songs built around crushing grooves and no-nonsense structures, LAST RETCH distills the genre down to its most punishing essentials.

The current lineup: Finlay Blakelock (Vocals), Derek Brzozowski (Guitar), John Russell (Guitar), Matt Fyke (Bass), and Spencer Robson (Drums), operates with a clear mission: write riffs that stick, keep things tight, and hit hard. Each member brings a different perspective, resulting in a sound that nods to death metal’s roots while pushing into new territory with dynamics, pacing, and variation in tuning.

Since their formation, LAST RETCH has released a self-titled demo (2021), the full-length Sadism and Severed Heads (2023, CDN Records), and the Ergotism EP (2024, CDN Records/Iron Fortress Records). They’ve shared the stage with bands like GUTALAX, UNDEATH, GATES TO HELL, KRUELTY, and REPLICANT, earning a reputation for ferocious live performances and tight musicianship.

Their latest album, Abject Cruelty (2025, Time to Kill Records), is their most direct and aggressive work yet: an eight-track assault shaped by the decay and desperation of their hometown. With themes pulled from real life and riffs sharpened to a deadly point, LAST RETCH continues to evolve while staying rooted in the timeless brutality of death metal.

LAST RETCH is: 

  • Finlay Blakelock – Vocals

  • Derek Brzozowski – Guitar

  • John Russell – Guitar

  • Matt Fyke – Bass

  • Spencer Robson – Drums


Connect with LAST RETCH: