ELECTROMANCY Unleashes “Thriving Cyborg," A Defiant New Single Merging Metal, Machines, and Human Resilience

Blackened cyber-doom duo ELECTROMANCY returns today with their latest single, “Thriving Cyborg,” a ferocious new track from their upcoming album Visions of Utopia (out September 10, 2025). “Thriving Cyborg” is an anthem of survival, channeling grief, anger, perseverance, and celebration through the razor-edge precision of machines and the raw emotion of human struggle.

Written and produced by Steph Tranovich (they/them), a disabled, non-binary artist and inventor living with chronic Lyme disease, the song features custom-built robotic instruments. These machines are not props. They are assistive technologies Steph engineered to keep making music despite nerve damage that makes traditional performance impossible.

The accompanying video documents the creation of these robotic instruments and the physical challenges that inspired them. It offers a glimpse behind the curtain of how ELECTROMANCY's music is not only written and composed but literally engineered to exist.

About ELECTROMANCY:

Forged at the intersection of grief, resilience, and radical creativity, ELECTROMANCY is a boundary-defying black/doom/death metal duo from the Bay Area blending blistering sonic chaos with DIY robotics and raw human emotion. Formed in June 2019 by composer and vocalist Steph Tranovich (they/them), alongside co-vocalist Shaun Gallagher (he/him), ELECTROMANCY uses custom-built robotic instruments as a form of assistive technology—enabling Steph to continue making music despite their chronic illness. Their discography, spanning from the brutal Technopagan to the emotionally complex Visions of Utopia, chronicles Steph’s journey through disability and healing, channeling pain, perseverance, and moments of cathartic joy. With influences like THOU, MESHUGGAH, and LITURGY, the band fuses intricate polyrhythms with avant-garde metal, while exploring themes of queer identity, grief, and radical strength. Their live shows are visceral, theatrical experiences—robot guitars and LED-lit mannequins sharing the stage with two unapologetically human voices. ELECTROMANCY isn’t just for metal fans—it’s for anyone searching for something different, something real, and something powerful.

 

ELECTROMANCY is:

  • Steph Tranovich (they/them) - composition, robotics, vocals

  • Shaun Gallagher (he/him) - vocals

PROFANE ELEGY Unleashes "Haunted," A Harrowing New Single from Upcoming Album Herezjarcha

Pennsylvania-based black metal collective PROFANE ELEGY has released the second single, "Haunted," from their forthcoming sophomore album Herezjarcha, due out January 30th, 2026. With this track, the band begins unveiling the eight-part sonic descent that defines their most ambitious and emotionally charged work to date.

Lyrically, "Haunted" is a meditation on existential dread, a haunting reflection on the curse of clarity. Through blistering guitars, sweeping orchestration, and anguished vocals, PROFANE ELEGY explores the loss of innocence that comes with realizing the inevitability of death. The track asserts that ignorance truly is bliss, and once the veil of illusion is lifted, there is no returning to peace.

The single showcases the evolving sound of PROFANE ELEGY: genre-defying, expansive, and emotionally visceral. Drawing from a foundation of black metal, the band integrates orchestral flourishes, progressive shifts, and subtle clean vocal passages to amplify the thematic weight of the song. "Haunted" stands as both a sonic assault and a philosophical lament.

Produced, mixed, and mastered by Kevin Antreassian (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN) at Backroom Studios, Herezjarcha is shaping up to be a defining statement from a band unafraid to confront the sacred and the profane alike. Each of the album’s eight tracks will be released as a standalone single, each with its own accompanying music video, building a cohesive but fractured narrative that culminates with the album’s release.

About PROFANE ELEGY

PROFANE ELEGY is a black metal band from Bangor, Pennsylvania, formed in late 2021 by guitarist J Gulick and vocalist Mikael L. Originally conceived as a two-man studio project, the band quickly evolved into a full lineup with the addition of bassist David G and drummer Sean M in 2023. What sets PROFANE ELEGY apart is their refusal to remain confined within genre boundaries—while rooted firmly in black metal, their sound incorporates elements of death, doom, and progressive metal, often enhanced by orchestral arrangements and clean vocals.

The band’s debut album When All Is Nothing (2023) was released independently and drew attention for its blend of atmospheric aggression and emotional vulnerability. The release earned praise for its ability to move fluidly between blistering speed and melancholic melody, with Doom Heart calling it “a massive Doom delight.” Following the album’s release, PROFANE ELEGY made their live debut and began performing across the northeastern United States, including a notable support slot for Dark Funeral in late 2024.

Lyrically, the band explores themes of nihilism, mortality, philosophy, and religious symbolism—often invoking figures like Satan not as dogmatic statements, but as metaphors in a broader spiritual and existential dialogue. Their work is poetic, introspective, and often challenges the listener to confront uncomfortable truths about life, death, and belief.

Their upcoming full-length album Herezjarcha, set for release in January 2026, represents the band’s most ambitious and expansive work to date. With a more dynamic sound, deeper orchestration, and a clear conceptual throughline, the record pushes their sonic and thematic boundaries further than ever before. The album title—a made-up word meaning “arch-heretic”—encapsulates the spirit of the band: rebellious, introspective, and unafraid to question the sacred.

PROFANE ELEGY continues to forge a unique path within the underground metal scene. Blending bleak intensity with philosophical weight, they aim not just to be heard—but to be felt.

PROFANE ELEGY is:
 

  • Mikael L – Vocals, Orchestration

  • J Gulick – Guitars, Orchestration

  • David G – Bass, Orchestration

  • Sean M – Drums

DREAMS OF GRAY Unleashes New Single "Beyond The Sky" Ahead of Upcoming EP

Emerging from the shadows of loss and into the full light of artistic rebirth, DREAMS OF GRAY announces the release of their blistering new single, “Beyond the Sky”, from the upcoming EP A Beginning, arriving September 5, 2025. The track is an unapologetic riff-driven anthem that asks deep spiritual questions while channeling the fury and force of melodic extreme metal at its most raw and relentless.

“Beyond the Sky” is the most direct and aggressive track on A Beginning. It is a headbanger’s delight rooted in death metal and thrash, yet laced with DREAMS OF GRAY’s signature melodic sensibility. It is fast, it is loud, and it is destined to open live sets. Beneath the savage riffs and relentless pace lies a meditation on the eternal: a soul adrift, seeking peace in the life beyond.

Based in Chicago, DREAMS OF GRAY began as Rivera’s solo project after a long hiatus from music. Formerly of ABOLISHER, a band praised in Metal Maniacs and Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles, Rivera stepped away to pursue a career in medicine. Now a Family Medicine physician, he brings the same intensity to music that he brings to his patients. A Beginning marks a powerful return.

Joining Rivera on A Beginning are elite collaborators: Maria Kosma (bass), Nicole Trinchero (drums on the title track), and Scott Elliot, who provided drum programming for “Beyond the Sky” and “Across the Endless Sea”, while also handling engineering, mixing, and mastering for both songs. Josh Middleton contributed engineering and mastering on the opening track “A Beginning”.

About DREAMS OF GRAY:

DREAMS OF GRAY is the melodic extreme metal project of Chicago-based musician and physician Luis Rivera. Blending elements of melodic death, doom, thrash, and traditional heavy metal, the music is as emotionally resonant as it is sonically intense. Founded in 2022, DREAMS OF GRAY quickly made an impact with the independently released debut EP The World After in 2023, earning critical acclaim across the international metal press.

Known for its compelling fusion of melody and heaviness, DREAMS OF GRAY stands out for intelligent songwriting, deeply human lyricism, and an uncompromising creative vision. Rivera’s music confronts themes of loss, grief, resilience, and existential reflection—delivered through dynamic vocals and powerful, layered instrumentation.

Now joined by a cast of talented collaborators, DREAMS OF GRAY continues to evolve with the upcoming EP A Beginning (2025), a bold and immersive follow-up that further refines the project’s genre-defying sound. Whether you’re drawn to the introspection of OPETH, the melodic fire of IN FLAMES, or the weight of PARADISE LOST, DREAMS OF GRAY offers something uniquely honest and unforgettable in today’s extreme metal landscape.

Connect With DREAMS OF GRAY:

Bandcamp: https://dreamsofgray.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Dreams-of-Gray-100090219272895/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamsofgray/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dreamsofgray
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/10SZBmhCP8bJHMX5lyCshB
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dreams-of-gray/1662301376

OUT TODAY FROM CRONOS COMPULSION -LAWGIVER

The Denver-based genre fusing metal quartet CRONOS COMPULSION is preparing to unveil their forthcoming album Lawgiver. Known for their crushing riffs, frenzied rhythms, and a genre-defying blend of death-doom, chaotic metal, and noise-laced breakdowns, CRONOS COMPULSION is ready with a new line-up to enter their next chapter. The album, set for release on July 11th on digital, CD and LP via Avantgarde Music death metal division Unorthodox Emanations, is a scathing critique of late-stage capitalism as well as humanity’s basest instincts.

Lawgiver, CRONOS COMPULSION's debut album, has been several years in the making and features a revised track from 2021’s Cursed and Decaying EP, “Neolithic Meditations,” and eight other tracks of all-new material. "We’ve been playing these songs live for quite some time now so we’ve managed to distill this down into what we think is a solid first full-length", says vocalist and guitarist Wil Wilson.

CRONOS COMPULSION hold nothing back in this terrorizing onslaught. A deafening wall of sound awaits in the album's opener "Obligate Condition". Demonic gutturals spearhead a fury of obliterating distortion fueled instruments in a thrilling onslaught of the dark and heavy. CRONOS COMPULSION ensure that no moment of peace can be found amidst the shadowy voyage undertaken across Lawgiver's track list. "Gyre of Decaying Filth" brings an injection of groove and intrigue while "Ancestral Remains" showcases technical riffs. 

"Neolithic Meditations" presents a discordant fury manifesting through rhythmic progressions in an unceasing attack. CRONOS COMPULSION's genre-fusion sound is revealed in its fully untamed form in the title track, "Lawgiver". Lashings of distorted fuzz, rhythmic elements, gutturals and dissonant textural layers result in a ferociously intense sound. Lawgiver draws to a close with the restless "Incursion of Deific Chaos". 

CRONOS COMPULSION is:
Wil Wilson - vocals, guitar, noise 
Raye Mokarry - guitar
Addison Herron-Wheeler - bass, backing vocals 
Zach Johnson - drums 
Recorded and mixed by Austin Minney at All Aces Studios. 
Mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege. 
All photos by Jeff Tidwell.
Artwork by Liam Day. 

About CRONOS COMPULSION:
Initially formed in 2021 with Wil Wilson on guitar and vocals, Addison Herron-Wheeler on bass, and Jon Linsky on drums, CRONOS COMPULSION have been creating their signature brand of death-doom, noise, chaotic metal, and beyond since right after the pandemic. Their debut EP, Cursed and Decaying, released in 2021, and was followed by their Malicious Regression EP in 2023. 2024 saw Jon exit the band on mutual terms with Raye Mokarry stepping in to fill the role, and Zach Johnson took over drum duties that same year. Their debut full-length, Lawgiver, will be out this June via Avantegarde Records.

THE JOTUNN Present Cover of "Suicide Nation"

Melodic death quintet THE JOTUNN present a ferocious take on AT THE GATES's "Suicide Nation". The ensemble from Ohio, US, cultivate an intense sonic experience by compiling symphonic elements on top of melodic death metal and melodic deathcore: "We really like to wear our influences on our sleeve and let those influences breathe life in to songs that can stand on their own." "Suicide Nation" is the first of a tripart offering landing over the summer of 2025.

"AT THE GATES is a HEAVY influence for this band", vocalist Paul Kahan explains. "Slaughter of the Soul is a defining album for us as listeners and players. We along with so many other bands have used this album as a blueprint for how melodic metal should sound for a long time.

Kahan also has a personal connection with "Suicide Nation". Kahan recalls the first time he heard the track: "I was absolutely blown away. I remember that being a really pivotal moment for me personally with music. It became one of my favorite songs of all time and I remember in the back of my head that if I ever had the opportunity to do a cover this would be the first one I pitched. I basically begged the band to do it."

About THE JOTUNN:
Based out of Cleveland and Columbus Ohio, THE JOTUNN formed in 2021 after guitarist and songwriter Shawn Kahan presented a number of demos to Paul Kahan. Soon producer Cole Martinez (ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, WHITECHAPEL, ABORTED) was on board taking up the role of bassist and producer of their music. Nick Amato (ATOMIC WITCH) performed drums on the band's debut album Graveworshipper (2022), prior to Adam Biats joining the line-up. The outfit was awarded the Columbus Artist Grant in 2023, and subsequently in 2025. THE JOTUNN's EP Summoner arrived in 2024, and is set to be followed in 2025 by two cover releases and a new original track. Cole left the band in June 2025 on good terms, leading to the arrival of Leo Debevc on guitar and Londyn Hager on bass. 

THE JOTUNN is:
Paul Kahan - Vocals
Shawn Kahan - Guitar
Leo Debevc - Guitar
Londyn Snow - Bass
Adam Biats - Drums

Links:
Streaming links: www.thejotunn.com
Bandcamp: https://jotunn.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJotunnBand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejotunnband/

Credits: 
Recording Studio: Conquistador Studios
Engineered, Mixed and Mastered: Cole Martinez
Performed by The Jötunn
Song Written by At the Gates

WHEEL OF TIME Unveils "2063" ft. Tony MacAlpine (PLANET X)

WHEEL OF TIME lifts off into outer space with the next single "2063". WHEEL OF TIME, the progressive power metal project led by Beijing-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Jimmie Hong, has set November 12, 2025 as the release date for its debut full-length album Asymmetry.

"2063"'s title is inspired by Star Trek and the Beginning of Interstellar Travel. In the Star Trek universe, the year 2063 sees the first successful warp flight occur and humanity's first contact with an alien species. Tony MacAlpine (PLANET X) guests on "2063" providing an enticing and compelling guitar solo. Composer Hong wanted a guest "who can handle both the metal music and jazz fusion music". This track leans into the cinematic with a narrative voiceover simulating a conversation between astronauts amidst the progressive melodies and instrumental textures that sonically represent the cosmos. 

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.

ELECTROMANCY is thrilled to announce their new album, Visions of Utopia, arriving September 10th, 2025.

Blending the frostbitten chaos of black metal, the crushing weight of doom, and the visceral ferocity of death metal, this seven-track journey dives into the emotional landscape of composer and multi-instrumentalist Steph Tranovich’s experience with chronic illness and disability. From searing despair and cathartic rage to fragile hope, Visions of Utopia is both a sonic onslaught and a testament to perseverance—turning pain into power and offering light to those navigating their own darkness.

Steph shares, “Visions of Utopia doesn’t lose sight of my struggles, but it sees a future that’s bright and hopeful and right over the horizon. These past few years I’ve seen a lot of progress in my health—and also some intense relapse. But I’ve grown again and have been finding ways to really thrive given my disability. This album takes you through that journey: hope, relapse, recovery, and a renewed appreciation for life.”

The album opens with “Intro,” a stark spoken-word track that lays the foundation for ELECTROMANCY’s story. Against a backdrop of haunting ambience and mechanical drone, it unflinchingly recounts the band's origin, their use of robotic instruments as assistive tech, and Steph’s personal evolution through illness. It sets the emotional tone for the record’s fusion of blackened intensity, doomy heft, and experimental death metal edge—grounding listeners in the human experience behind the cybernetic sound.

“Utopic Visions,” the second track, is a defiant incantation for a better world. It acknowledges the crushing weight of personal and collective suffering, but refuses to stop there—choosing instead to conjure something brighter. Downtuned guitars bring weight; piercing highs give shape; glitching synths and swirling textures enhance the hypnotic pull, while Shaun Gallagher’s commanding vocals slice through with clarity and conviction. It’s a dream of Utopia cast in distortion and dissonance, built for those ready to imagine—and fight for—something more.

Track three, “Brief Moments of Total Collapse,” captures the brutal volatility of chronic illness: one moment you’re rising, the next you’re falling harder than before. Its short runtime mirrors the rapid descent into relapse, while sharp dynamic shifts and death metal ferocity channel the whiplash of losing control. It’s a violent flash of vulnerability—a sonic snapshot of how quickly the ground can disappear beneath you.

At the emotional core of the album lies “Nonlinear Healing,” a sweeping ten-minute epic that embraces the messy, spiral-shaped nature of recovery. Weaving between grief and hope, open harmonies and bitter dissonance, it acknowledges that healing isn’t linear—it’s a process full of backslides, slow climbs, and moments of quiet resilience. Blackened textures, mournful doom, and layered melodies mirror this ebb and flow, settling not in triumph, but in steady perseverance. Sometimes, as Steph says, “the only thing we can do is keep moving forward.”

“Repair,” track five, offers a tonal shift—a flash of sunlight after the storm. This short, lively track bursts with playful energy, featuring call-and-response vocals that lift the refrain “up and up.” It’s a reminder that rebuilding can be joyful, even fun; that healing includes laughter, motion, and moments of celebration.

Next comes “Thriving Cyborg,” a groove-laden ode to adaptation and gratitude. Drawing from Steph’s lived experience of thriving with assistive technology, the track celebrates the communities, tools, and creativity that make life possible and fulfilling. Its funk-infused rhythm, bursts of synth, and hands-on manipulation of robotic instruments reflect the seamless blend of organic and inorganic at the heart of ELECTROMANCY’s identity. A brief moment of heaviness nods to continued struggle, but it’s the triumphant, polyrhythmic crescendo that defines this nine-minute track’s spirit—resilient, euphoric, and alive.

Closing the album is “Static Ecstatic,” a meditation on finding joy in the overlooked moments of daily life. Fusing blackened atmosphere, doomy depth, and experimental textures, the song explores the quiet fulfillment that emerges not from grand victories, but from stillness, presence, and the strange wonder of simply existing. It’s a gentle but powerful resolution—a final breath that grounds the listener after a journey of storms. In true ELECTROMANCY form, the record ends not with spectacle, but with hard-won peace.

About ELECTROMANCY:

Forged at the intersection of grief, resilience, and radical creativity, ELECTROMANCY is a boundary-defying black/doom/death metal duo from the Bay Area blending blistering sonic chaos with DIY robotics and raw human emotion. Formed in June 2019 by composer and multi-instrumentalist Steph Tranovich (they/them), alongside co-vocalist Shaun Gallagher (he/him), ELECTROMANCY uses custom-built robotic instruments as a form of assistive technology—enabling Steph to continue making music despite their chronic illness. Their discography, spanning from the brutal Technopagan to the emotionally complex Visions of Utopia, chronicles Steph’s journey through disability and healing, channeling pain, perseverance, and moments of cathartic joy. With influences like THOU, MESHUGGAH, and LITURGY, the band fuses intricate polyrhythms with avant-garde metal, while exploring themes of queer identity, grief, and radical strength. Their live shows are visceral, theatrical experiences—robot guitars and LED-lit mannequins sharing the stage with two unapologetically human voices. ELECTROMANCY isn’t just for metal fans—it’s for anyone searching for something different, something real, and something powerful.

ELECTROMANCY is:

  • Steph Tranovich (they/them) - composition, robotics, vocals

  • Shaun Gallagher (he/him) - vocals

"We Stand United" by ELEINE

Swedish metal outfit ELEINE reach out with a compelling offering that draws together a connection between their studio recordings and live performances. The haunting sonic soundscape of the forthcoming EP, We Stand United, features two unheard pieces: an intro called "Towards The Fields" and the title track is future live favourite. In addition, two live tracks recorded at Masters of Rock 2024 and a symphonic version of "Promise Of Apocalypse", are set to arrive in digital format, CD and vinyl on September 5, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music.

"We wanted to give you something in between album cycles. A feel of what’s to come, where we stand right now and a closer look at the past.

This is We Stand United - An EP dedicated towards our strong and loyal fans across the world including live tracks and something brand new!

On this EP ELEINE present you with live tracks on CD and vinyl for the first time ever! We enjoy the studio, but it will always be when performing LIVE we truly thrive as a band. This is where we connect with the crowd, where we create beautiful and empowering memories together and where we get to live out the songs on stage.

We Stand United is a 5 track EP carrying new heavy riffs, thundering live performances and a rawness we feel many will appreciate." 
- Madeleine & Rikard

The droning cinematic introduction is deeply eerie in its shadowy manifestation, drawing in the eager listener with intense anticipation. "We Stand United" emerges with a fury of guitar-driven riffs and a menacing marching rhythm. ELEINE's iconic atmospheric arrangement strikes intently with Madeleine Liljestam's enthralling charismatic vocals accompanied with fierce harsh growls from Rikard Ekberg. The chorus lyric hook is certain to be one fans will be singing for a long time to come. 

"Never Forget [Live at Masters of Rock 2024]" and "We Are Legion [Live at Masters of Rock 2024]" reveal the dynamicity and enticing allure of ELEINE's live performances. The proficiency of the band and love from the crowd provide a taste of the festival experience. We Stand United ends with the symphonic version of "Promise Of Apocalypse". Placing the orchestration center stage, this interpretation creates a truly spectacular cinematic display. 

About ELEINE
ELEINE is a multifaceted, intense, epically empowering metal band from Sweden, founded in 2014 and led by vocalist Madeleine Liljestam and guitarist/growler Rikard Ekberg. Their discography includes four studio albums, two electric and even an acoustic EP, which showcase an exquisite balance of darkness with a cinematic and theatrical flair, that collide with the heavy power of influences from thrash, black and death metal. While studio album number five is in the works amidst a headline tour running across 2024-5, We Stand United will be released on September 5, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music.

About Reigning Phoenix Music
Founded in 2023, Reigning Phoenix Music is truly the 100% independently owned vision of music industry professional Gerardo Martinez and avionics and tech entrepreneur, Sven Bogner. The blueprint is to continue to help heavy metal, extreme and hard music thrive by partnering with an array of well-established acts, new talent, and iconic artists by offering best services and practices in the industry. RPM’s paramount goal is to help the artists amplify their music and talent to a winning formula for success.

ELEINE are:
Madeleine Liljestam | vocals
Rikard Ekberg | guitars, vocals
Victor Jonasson | guitars

Dirkschneider And The Old Gang announce Babylon

Comprised of a dynamic collective of vocalists and musicians, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (DATOG) embark on a thrilling voyage across rock and metal realms in Babylon. The new album is set to make waves on October 3, 2025, released via Reigning Phoenix Music.

The high energy and catchy chorus hook of "It Takes Two To Tango" kicks off the album with a rock 'n' roll party atmosphere. Babylon's title track is a dramatic journey through entwining guitar leads, powerful vocals with a seductive undertone. Heavy distortion announces the arrival of "Hellbreaker". Brutal, dark and rhythmic, DATOG well and truly put the pedal to the metal. Picking up the pace with "Time To Listen", the increased intensity of the guitar driven sound is certain to be a fan favourite. 

"Strangers In Paradise" is the first of Babylon's haunting rock ballads. Manuela’s soulful voice and delicate piano melodies lead the track, joined by Peter and Udo, before returning to rock realms. "Strangers In Paradise" attains further dimensions with the inclusion of a flamenco-style guitar performance. "Dead Man's Head" makes a swift return to traditional metal realms with 70s-esque organ harking back to metal's early era. Explosive riffs and thunderous chugging mark "The Law Of A Madman". It's a compelling song with an anthemic chorus hook and lashings of Mathias’ guitar solo goodness. "Metal Sons" remains in the heavier side of DATOG's creativity unveiling a bombastic display of heavy fury. 

The theatrical powerhouse performance that is "Propaganda" sees an onslaught of soaring vocals, driving instrumentation and riffs galore. Manuela’s ethereal vocals are accompanied by captivating acoustic guitar melodies in the album's second ballad, "Blindfold". The song ebbs and flows between light and shade ultimately combining to the two styles into a dreamy offering. DATOG unleash the beast with "Batter The Power", through a ferocious groove-laden display. Babylon reaches its end with the impressive "Beyond The End Of Time". Just under 8 minutes in length, this track travels through an alluring array of stylistic influences, and allows each member's distinctive character to shine through. 

Anything but strangers to the rock and metal world, Udo Dirkschneider, Peter Baltes, Stefan Kaufmann, Mathias Dieth, Sven Dirkschneider and Manuela Bibert deliver a tight, dynamic, and passionately crafted performance throughout the album Babylon, that was superbly captured within the walls of the legendary Dierks Studios. 

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

Set for release on October 3, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music, Babylon is now available for pre-order in a variety of stunning formats:

  • Limited Red, Gold & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl 

  • Limited Red Opaque & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl 

  • Gold Opaque Double Vinyl 

  • Deluxe Earbook Edition with CD and enhanced 36-page booklet 

  • Digipak CD featuring a 24-page booklet 

  • Jewelcase CD featuring a 24-page booklet 

Pre-orders are available now - secure your copy of this powerful statement from one of metal’s most iconic voices and this extraordinary band: https://datog.rpm.link/babylonPR

Bloodletter- Leave The Light Behind

Chicago thrashers BLOODLETTER have shredded stages across the USA for over twelve years. Their new album Leave the Light Behind is a vicious culmination of over a decade’s worth of sweaty moshpits, broken bones, and riffs sharp as guillotine blades.

 After releasing A Different Kind of Hell in 2023, BLOODLETTER headlined the third volume of Wise Blood’s black thrash split series Faster Than the Devil last year. Those three new songs revealed an even more sinister version of Bloodletter’s sound. Their melodies are still polished atop relentless battering ram rhythms while invoking classic thrash and modern melodeath. But Leave the Light Behind creates an atmosphere of otherworldly dread, introducing a world of darker shadows and lurking horror. 

“This time around we wanted to take the melodic riffing from our Funeral Hymns record and the brute force and speed of 'A Different Kind of Hell' and really blend the two more,” explains vocalist/guitarist Pete Carparelli. “We wanted to shoot for more grandiose and dramatic arrangements, while still keeping the elements of the core BLOODLETTER sound; speed, harmonized riffs and themes that can get stuck in your head. We pushed ourselves performance-wise, tried new vocal techniques and really tried our hardest to go further than we have before musically.” 

The song lyrics are rife with supernatural threats, cosmic beasts, and the specters of depression and mental illness. It is an ominous, dynamic thrash record that strikes with lethal power and leaves the listener with whiplash and a skull full of evil spirits. Leave the Light Behind will be available on Vinyl, CD, Cassette, and Digital from Wise Blood Records and Morbid & Miserable Records on June 25, 2025.

BLOODLETTER  is: 
Pete Carparelli - Vocals/Guitar 
Tanner Hudson - Bass 
Pat Armamentos - Guitar 
Zach Sutton - Drums Recorded & Mixed by 
Pete Carparelli at Haunted Hill Recordings 
Mastered by Matt Engstrom at Reel Sounds Studios
 Produced by Pete Carparelli & Matt Engstrom Artwork by 
Jon Self Layout by David Jaggar Band 
Photography by Cosmo Sutton 
Guest Solo on “Night Terrors” by Nate Madden of Immortal Bird

False Gods - Lost in Darkness and Distance

FALSE GODS are not here to comfort you. Since forming on Long Island, NY in 2015, the band has carved a sonic identity rooted in disillusionment, despair, and the bitter truths of existence. On their new album, Lost in Darkness and Distance, the band reaches into deeper shadows, sonically, emotionally, and philosophically, than ever before. It's not just their heaviest record, it's their most human.

Emerging from the ashes of SKELETONDEALER, longtime collaborators Mike Stack (vocals) and Greg March (guitar) formed FALSE GODS with a vision of creating music that defied genre confines. Early releases like Wasteland (2016) and Reports From Oblivion (2017) hinted at what was to come, a collision of NYHC energy, NOLA sludge, and post-punk anxiety. But it was 2020’s No Symmetry…Only Disillusion and 2022’s Neurotopia, both released on Seeing Red Records, that solidified their reputation as a band unafraid to confront musical and existential extremes. Neurotopia earned critical acclaim from Decibel and Metal Hammer UK, each praising its suffocating atmosphere and refusal to adhere to genre conventions.

While on tour supporting Neurotopia, one word kept surfacing in press and fan conversations: "hardcore." It’s not a word Mike Stack rejects, but it is one he resists being boxed in by. “While we all met in our local hardcore scene, that's not where we wanted to stay,” Stack explains. “A song like 'Imposter' shows that we’re not afraid to write with actual melody. There are still brutally heavy moments here, like 'Worldless,' but there’s also psychedelic, YOB-inspired haze in 'Death Is Listening' and industrial or noise textures across 'Straw Dog' and 'Voice of Treason.' We wanted to push ourselves and see how far FALSE GODS could stretch while still sounding like us.”

Lost in Darkness and Distance is the result of that creative reach and of personal tragedy. The record was written and recorded during a time marked by death, addiction, and emotional collapse in the lives of several members. That rawness bleeds into every second of the album. There are no metaphors to hide behind here. Stack’s vocals are not just screams, they are confessions. Each track feels like a page torn from a journal written under duress.

"Enemy That Never Was" explores the emotional wreckage left by the unresolved death of a close family member. "Imposter" spirals through identity confusion, self-hatred, and alienation, with Stack describing it as “almost like I’m playing a character of a human.” In "Straw Dog," he screams into the void of a meaningless existence, confronting failure with brutal honesty. "Worldless" exposes the empty promises of substance abuse, while "Suffering in a Strange Land" captures the haunting sense of being entirely alone, even among others. The final track, "Death Is Listening," reflects on mortality with crushing vulnerability: “I still can't decide if I'm anxiously awaiting death or deathly afraid of it. It depends on the second.”

It’s this emotional clarity that makes Lost in Darkness and Distance so powerful. It’s a record that stares unblinking into the abyss, but never feels forced or performative. The lyrics feel lived-in, exhausted, and scarred. The title, taken from the final line of Frankenstein, reflects the central theme, the sense of being exiled not from society, but from reality itself.

Musically, the band continues to refine its unique voice. Their influences range from CROWBAR, YOB, and GODFLESH to KILLING JOKE, SWANS, BLACK FLAG, and CARNIVORE. But these are not pastiches. FALSE GODS wield these sounds like weapons, twisting sludge riffs into industrial grind and blending bleak psychedelia with punishing hardcore rhythms. The result is an album that sounds like no one else.

With a revamped lineup featuring Mike Stack – Vocals, Greg March – Guitar, Devin Stracuzza – Bass, and Josh Harrison – Drums, the band has never sounded tighter or more dangerous. Their live résumé includes sets with CROWBAR, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, WILL HAVEN, GHOST BATH, FISTULA, 16, BONGZILLA, ILSA, CONAN, FROM AUTUMN TO ASHES, and more. They've crushed stages at Maryland Doomfest (2019, 2023), Grim Reefer Fest (2023), and Ohio Doomed & Stoned Fest (2023). In July 2025, they’ll join EYEHATEGOD on tour, a fitting pairing of two bands that find beauty in the broken.

FALSE GODS are not here to sell you hope. They are here to make something real. Lost in Darkness and Distance will be released July 25th, 2025.

About FALSE GODS:

Formed in 2015 on Long Island, New York, FALSE GODS are a genre-defying force in modern heavy music. Blending sludge metal’s crushing weight with post-metal atmosphere, NYHC aggression, and the bleak intensity of industrial and post-punk, the band carves out a sound that is both emotionally raw and sonically brutal. Their music shifts seamlessly between towering heaviness, haunting melody, and punishing noise, always grounded in lyrical themes of isolation, grief, and existential dread.

With a lineup featuring Mike Stack – Vocals, Greg March – Guitar, Devin Stracuzza – Bass, and Josh Harrison – Drums, FALSE GODS have built a reputation for cathartic live performances and uncompromising songwriting. They’ve shared the stage with heavyweights like CROWBAR, EYEHATEGOD, CONAN, and FROM AUTUMN TO ASHES, and have appeared at festivals including Maryland Doomfest, Grim Reefer Fest, and Ohio Doomed & Stoned.

Their upcoming album, Lost in Darkness and Distance, marks their most dynamic and personal work to date, pushing beyond genre lines into something darker, deeper, and more vulnerable.

FALSE GODS do not offer escapism. They reflect reality—unfiltered and unrelenting.

FALSE GODS is:

Mike Stack – Vocals
Greg March – Guitar
Devin Stracuzza – Bass
Josh Harrison – Drums

Connect with FALSE GODS:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falsegods
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falsegods1
Twitter/X: https://x.com/FalseGods2
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5GghNJPvhdvhYQlgCkylR1
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/false-gods/1101513664
Bandcamp: https://falsegods1.bandcamp.com/album/false-gods-abiuro-split
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/album/156301589

MALPHAS Reawakens Early Darkness With New Single “The Conjuring”

Epic blackened melodeath conjurers MALPHAS unveil their latest offering, “The Conjuring”, out now via M-Theory Audio. A reimagining of one of the first songs the band ever wrote, the single fuses their raw early energy with the refined intensity of their modern sound.

Following the acclaim of their 2024 sophomore album Portal (M-Theory Audio), MALPHAS now look both forward and backward with “The Conjuring”, a track that serves as a creative bridge between their origins and the mythos of their upcoming third album.

“The Conjuring is one of the early tracks we recorded as a band - our songwriting was still in an embryonic state, so we decided to revisit it for the 10 year mark of our first release. We rewrote and rearranged parts of it in the vein of our modern sound and were pleasantly surprised by the result. The role of the Conjuror is central to the story of The 39th Spirit and will be linked to the events in our third album.” — Paul DeSanctis

With cinematic orchestration, blistering guitars, and a deep-rooted narrative core, “The Conjuring” reinforces Malphas’s position as a defining force in the evolving landscape of extreme metal.

To build momentum for their forthcoming third full-length, MALPHAS will hit the road this July on the Steel and Sorcery Tour in support of ICE GIANT, alongside CELESTIAL WIZARD, with special guests TROLLWAR on select dates. Presented by M-Theory Audio and Witches Brew, this spellbinding run will bring myth, metal, and mayhem across North America.

Steel and Sorcery Tour:

  • 7/9 – Madison, WI – Gamma Ray Bar

  • 7/10 – Chicago, IL – Live Wire Lounge

  • 7/11 – Toronto, ON – Duffy’s Tavern

  • 7/12 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern

  • 7/13 – Quebec City, QC – La Source de la Martinière*

  • 7/15 – Pawtucket, RI – The News Cafe

  • 7/16 – Boston, MA – The Silhouette Lounge

  • 7/17 – Philadelphia, PA – The Nail

  • 7/18 – Dayton, OH – Cosmo Joe’s

  • 7/19 – Salisbury, MD – Lucky’s Glass Skate Shop

  • 7/20 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel of Bones

*Trollwar appears as special guest on select dates.

About MALPHAS:
Originally formed in 2012 by Paul DeSanctis and Eric Dunleavy, and joined by Damian DiFrancesco in 2014 and Joshua DeJesus in 2019, MALPHAS has established a fierce presence in the underground metal scene. Known for their dynamic blend of symphonic blackened melodic death metal, the band has toured extensively across North America and Europe alongside acts such as Tengger Cavalry, Felix Martin, Helsott, Keep of Kalessin, Shade Empire, Nordheim, and more.

For more information:
www.facebook.com/therealmalphas
www.instagram.com/therealmalphas
www.malphas94.bandcamp.com
www.malphasband.weebly.com
www.m-theoryaudio.com

CLAWFINGER Return With "Scum"

CLAWFINGER are back. Not to save the world, but to shout unapologetically while it burns. Their new single Scum’ is a blistering punch of punk-rap fury - loud, raw, and seething with intent. It marks the return of the pioneering crossover band at their most direct, furious, and unfiltered in years.
 

“‘Scum’ is a raw, loud, and brutally honest punk rap anthem that goes straight for the throat,” says singer Zak Tell. “It’s aimed at the kind of guy who’s selfish, sexist, full of himself and somehow still talking. With sharp lyrics and a beat that hits like a punch, ‘Scum’ says what we’re all thinking about that one guy we all wish would just vanish from the face of the earth. It’s angry and it’s dark. If you’ve ever wanted to spit in someone’s face but lacked the upper-body strength or social permission, this song’s for you.”

"Scum" is out now via PERCEPTION - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. Stream it on all platforms: https://clawfinger.rpm.link/newsongPR

Watch it Below.

The end is near. Let’s make it loud.

About CLAWFINGER

 

CLAWFINGER are considered pioneers of European rap-metal. Formed in Stockholm in the early 1990s, the Swedish-Norwegian band made an explosive debut with Deaf Dumb Blind (1993), blending aggressive guitar riffs with politically charged lyrics and rap vocals. The album sold over 600,000 copies worldwide – more than 250,000 in Germany alone – and won a Swedish Grammis award in the Hardrock/Metal category.

CLAWFINGER’s follow-up Use Your Brain (1995) continued their success with chart placements across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden. Over the years, they released seven studio albums including A Whole Lot of Nothing, Zeros & Heroes, Hate Yourself with Style, and Life Will Kill You, selling over 1.5 million records worldwide.

Known for their direct, riff-driven sound and strong political stance, CLAWFINGER address topics such as racism, political delusion, drug policy, environmental destruction, and social inequality. In the 1990s, they toured intensively with acts like ALICE IN CHAINS, MEGADETH and FAITH NO MORE and appeared at major festivals including Rock am Ring, Roskilde, and Monsters of Rock in South America.

 

After a brief hiatus, the band returned in 2014 and has since released new singles like “Save Our Souls” (2017) and “Environmental Patients” (2022). In 2025, Clawfinger signed a new label deal with Perception, with more music on the way – still as loud, sharp, and uncompromising as ever.

 

CLAWFINGER are:

Zak Tell | vocals

Jocke Skog | guitar, keyboards

Bård Torstensen | guitars

André Skaug | bass

Micke Dahlén | drums

 

More on CLAWFINGER:

clawfinger.net | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music

FERMENTOR’s latest sonic experiment, Agreement, drops August 15th, 2025.

This 17-track instrumental album concludes a trilogy of improvised releases, following Mind Meld and Release MeAgreement pushes their boundary-defying blend of blistering death metal and sprawling, freeform post-rock to new extremes, delivering cinematic brutality and storytelling without words through instinct-driven chemistry.

The album opens with "Wintry Earth," a bleak, droning descent marked by jagged time signatures, eerie guitar textures, and a brutal death metal finale that sets a tense, violent tone. "Whisper Flesh" follows, a raw improvisation where dissonant loops and jagged grooves shift between blast-heavy death metal and crushing, groove-laden choruses, spiraling into ritualistic heaviness.

"Dead Farm" and "Ceratops" offer contrasting explorations of heaviness. "Dead Farm" channels the primal force of SEPULTURA, seismic pulse of GOJIRA, and progressive sludge of MASTODON with groove-driven intensity. Meanwhile, "Ceratops" unfolds slowly from meditative calm into a cathartic, tectonic climax, showcasing the band’s dynamic range from muscular aggression to patient build.

"More Than Eight" dives into FERMENTOR’s signature improvised chaos, layering guitar loops instinctively over shifting rhythms. "Ghost Girl" ventures further into experimental territory, blurring meditative post-rock and thunderous groove metal with spiraling solos and ethereal textures.

"Roach God" captures raw vulnerability through imperfect, high-wire improvisation where mistakes become defining characteristics - an authentic snapshot of risk and discovery. "Rotted" is a relentless, riff-driven brutal death metal descent, free of loops and culminating in a monstrous breakdown forged in pure instinct.

"Deactivated" builds angular chaos with dissonant grooves, shifting time signatures, and a searing solo, exploding into a triumphant finale. The title track "Agreement" is a study in tension and release, layering palm-muted guitars over hypnotic loops, culminating in a crushing halftime outro, a seismic exhale of raw improvisation and controlled chaos.

"There With That" blends cinematic instincts and epic metal grandeur, balancing atmosphere and intensity with emotional clarity. "Human Caterpillar" immortalizes a glitching guitar pedal feedback during an improvisation, turning technical failure into a chaotic, avant-garde Easter egg and a tongue-in-cheek highlight released on April Fools’ Day.

"Transgression" blasts with thrash-rooted energy, tight cymbal chokes and groove-drenched riffs channeling the band’s early chemistry and old-school aggression. "Hides Behind Hands" offers a rare breath of melancholic reflection, trading brutality for beauty through shimmering loops and restrained percussion, inviting pause and introspection.

"Protohuman" is a kaleidoscopic hybrid of swirling loops, jagged rhythms, and pulverizing eruptions that merge FERMENTOR’s death-thrash roots with fearless experimentation. "Skybeam" unleashes a deafening blast of explosive energy, a chaotic tempest signaling the album’s climax.

Finally, "All Ashes" winds down with reflective melodies and subtle textures, a sonic exhale that gathers Agreement’s sprawling journey into a poignant, meditative farewell.

Agreement stands as a bold testament to FERMENTOR’s fearless embrace of improvisation, raw emotion, and genre-defying exploration. Through blistering death metal, expansive post-rock, and moments of beautiful imperfection, the album captures a journey of friendship, risk, and creative discovery. It invites listeners into a world where chaos and control coexist, forging a powerful, unspoken narrative that lingers long after the final note fades. This is more than an album. It is an immersive experience that challenges expectations and redefines the boundaries of instrumental music.

FERMENTOR is:

  • Dylan Marks - Drummer

  • Adam "Wally" Wollach - Guitarist

Dreams Of Gray - A Beginning

Emerging from the shadows of grief, reflection, and the raw beauty of metal, DREAMS OF GRAY returns with their new EP, A Beginning, set for release on September 5th, 2025. Based in Chicago, IL, this one-man project helmed by Luis Rivera first turned heads with the 2023 debut The World After—an independent release that earned praise from the global metal press. Critics from highlighted the debut's sharp songwriting, emotional weight, and its fusion of melodic death, doom, and thrash metal. Now, A Beginning builds upon that foundation and pushes the project’s boundaries even further.

Though DREAMS OF GRAY began as a solo endeavor, Rivera has always surrounded himself with top-tier collaborators to bring his compositions to life. On A Beginning, he is joined by Maria Kosma on bass, Nicole Trinchero on drums for the title track, and Scott Elliot, who handled drum programming on "Beyond the Sky" and "Across the Endless Sea" while also contributing engineering, mixing, and mastering to both. Meanwhile, Josh Middleton took on engineering and mixing duties for "A Beginning", as well as mastering the track. The result is an EP that feels cohesive but unpredictable, aggressive yet melodic, and deeply personal without ever losing sight of metal’s cathartic power.

The EP opens with "A Beginning", a track that embodies the thematic and sonic range of the release. It flows from haunting melodies into crushing intensity, shifting gears between clean vocals and growls, mid-tempo movements and furious headbanging riffs. Its lyrical content wrestles with existential grief—how the living cope with loss, and what unresolved questions remain after someone we love is gone. Rivera's performance here is dynamic, moving between softness and fury, crafting a song that challenges convention but never forgets to move the listener.

"Beyond the Sky" follows as the EP’s most direct track—a high-energy explosion rooted in death metal and thrash. It’s an anthem for the live stage, but beneath its furious pace is a meditation on the soul’s journey through eternity. The song blends brutal riffs with melody in a way that fans of IN FLAMES, AMORPHIS, or DARK TRANQUILITY will appreciate. Here, Rivera asks the big questions: What lies beyond this life? What does peace look like for a restless soul?

Closing the EP is "Across the Endless Sea", perhaps the most dynamic composition in the DREAMS OF GRAY discography so far. While it offers some of the EP’s fastest passages, it never sacrifices melody. In fact, the chorus showcases new approaches to Rivera’s clean vocals—experimental, memorable, and emotionally resonant. There’s even a trace of black metal’s influence in the guitar textures, cleverly reworked to serve the EP’s broader melodic vision. Lyrically, the song explores the interconnectedness of life—how we are all part of a web that links the living with the departed, and how each of us carries others forward across our own seas.

What sets DREAMS OF GRAY apart is not just the fusion of genres—from melodic death and doom to thrash and heavy metal—but Rivera’s refusal to create throwaway music. Every riff, every lyric, and every vocal line is deliberate. There is elegance within the aggression, clarity within the chaos. His music invites you to headbang, yes—but also to reflect, to feel, to connect. Lyrics are intelligible by design, encouraging listeners to engage deeply rather than just react sonically. A Beginning isn’t just a collection of songs. It’s a statement of intent: that melody, melancholy, and metal can coexist with integrity.

This EP arrives after a journey as unpredictable as the music itself. Outside of metal, Luis Rivera is a Family Medicine Physician—an artist with a scientific mind, balancing a high-pressure career with a relentless drive to create. Formerly an electrician and a member of ABOLISHER (a band with acclaim in Metal Maniacs and Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles back in 2002), Rivera took a long pause from music to pursue medicine. Now, with that chapter stabilized, he returns fully committed to his artistic vision.

For those who long for a new voice in melodic extreme metal—one that remembers the spirit of PARADISE LOST, the introspection of OPETH, and the energy of SLAYER—DREAMS OF GRAY offers something vital, something that sounds familiar yet undeniably new. With A Beginning, this project redefines what it means to start again.

Connect With DREAMS OF GRAY:

Bandcamp: https://dreamsofgray.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Dreams-of-Gray-100090219272895/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamsofgray/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dreamsofgray
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/10SZBmhCP8bJHMX5lyCshB
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dreams-of-gray/1662301376

Rising rock and metal label Reigning Phoenix Music has teamed up with legendary toy maker Hasbro to bring to life COLD SLITHER,

Rising rock and metal label Reigning Phoenix Music has teamed up with legendary toy maker Hasbro to bring to life COLD SLITHER, the fictional band from the iconic G.I. JOE Universe. The collaboration brings together members of GRUESOME, EXHUMED and KMFDM to create a fun and nostalgic homage to one of the most beloved toy brands of all time. The album is set to be released on July 25th, 2025, just in time for a one-night-only exclusive appearance to coincide with this year's San Diego Comic Con.

"Bringing COLD SLITHER to life through our partnership with RPM has been an absolute dream come true! As a child watching this fictional band on my TV screen, I never imagined I'd one day help transform them from animated rockstars into a tangible, sonic reality. From the meticulously crafted figures you can hold in your hand to the face-melting album we've created, G.I. JOE fans worldwide are about to experience something truly revolutionary this summer. This project bridges nostalgia with innovation in ways that will leave the community speechless—prepare for a musical assault that would make Cobra Commander proud!" shares Ben"BMac" MacCrae — Associate Brand Manager, Global Brand Development & Marketing at Hasbro. 

Reigning Phoenix Music General Manager and Co-founder Gerardo Martinezcomments: "It is a dream come true to be able to work on this amazing collaboration with my favorite, and one that happens to be one of the most iconic brands in the world: G.I.JOE!  It is also a pleasure to work on this amazing project alongside some of my friends from Hasbro and be able to bring Cold Slither into reality in the most Heavy Metal way! Many of us have waited 40 years for this to happen but the wait is finally over. And a special thanks to Michael Charles Hill for writing the original COLD SLITHER episode back in 1985."

"It's programs like these that make Hasbro's goal of creating Magic Moments truly come to life! What started out as a cult-classic episode from the 1985 series G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero has culminated into a fan program for the ages - inclusive of toys, comics, and of course, music. It could not have been made possible without amazing licensees like Reigning Phoenix Music who put their passion, expertise, and fandom into everything they create. We're extremely excited for everyone to rock out to this single and we plan to reveal even more as we move closer to San Diego Comic Con. So, as the single echos, we hope... "you'll be joining us soon!"" says Alyse D’Antuono — Hasbro’s VP of Global Franchise Strategy & Management for Action Brands.

Preorders are now live for Cold Slither — the band’s full-length debut album — including a limited “Dreadnok Attack Orange” marble vinyl variant available via Reigning Phoenix Music and select retailers like Amazon, Amoeba and indie record stores.
 
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.
 
The Cold Slither album arrives July 25 across digital and vinyl formats, including San Diego Comic Con-exclusive “Zartan Chameleon Blue” and “Blood Moon Red” vinyl variants available only at the Hasbro and RPM booths, respectively.

COLD SLITHER Is:

Zartan - Gus Rios, vocals/guitars (GRUESOME, UNION BLACK, LEFT TO DIE)

Ripper - Matt Harvey, guitars (EXHUMED, GRUESOME, LEFT TO DIE)

Torch - Ross Sewage, bass (EXHUMED, IMPALED)

Buzzer - Andy Selway, drums (KMFDM)

IRON SAVIOR Unleash New Digital Single ‘Walls Of Fire (2025 Version)’ From Upcoming Double Album “Reforged - Machine World”

RON SAVIOR return with a powerful new take on their classic "Walls Of Fire," delivering the explosive energy of the original with modern production and renewed precision. Rigid riffs, driving rhythms and epic melodies make this re-recording a perfect fit alongside fan favourites like "Heavy Metal Never Dies" and "The Landing," proving once again why the Hamburg-based legends remain a cornerstone of the power metal scene.

Listen to "Walls Of Fire (2025 Version)" Below.

The track is taken from their upcoming double album Reforged - Machine World, the final chapter in the band’s celebrated “Reforged” series, featuring 15 reinterpreted tracks and a cover of JUDAS PRIEST’s "Starbreaker" - due out on August 22, 2025 on PERCEPTION, a division of Reigning Phoenix Music.

Album pre-orders and more info: https://ironsavior.rpm.link/machineworldPR

IRON SAVIOR are:

Piet Sielck | vocals, guitars
Joachim Küstner | guitars
Patrick Opitz | bass
Patrick Klose | drums

More on IRON SAVIOR:

iron-savior.com | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

MORS PRINCIPIUM EST Release Towering New Single "Monuments"

Melodic death metal icons MORS PRINCIPIUM EST erupt with their crushing new single "Monuments" and it’s a relentless display of aggression, precision, and dark melody taken from their ninth studio chapter. Already hailed as a fan and artist favourite across the metal scene, the track sets its sights high, backed by a legacy of 24 million Spotify plays across the band’s top ten songs. The next milestone is built on unshakable ground.

‘Monuments’ is out now on all digital platforms , Listen Below.

The track is taken from Darkness Invisible, the band’s long-awaited new album, out September 26, 2025 via PERCEPTION - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. Recorded at Ansa Studio in Finland and mixed/mastered by Jens Bogren and Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden, the record blends razor-sharp riffing, sweeping orchestration, and Ville Viljanen’s unmistakable vocals with a more cinematic and emotionally dynamic sound.

Pre-order Darkness Invisiblehttps://mpe.rpm.link/darknessinvisiblePR

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
 
More on MPE:
morsprincipiumest.com | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

J.B.O. Make Fan Hearts Flutter With "Bussi"; Lyric Video For New Single Streaming

Summer, the season of love, has finally arrived! Comedy metal band J.B.O. doesn’t need to be asked twice to show their affection. Still riding high on the success of their beer-fuelled single "Ka-Fump!" and inspired by the start of the warm season, the quartet is back today, leaving plenty of... ahem... musical love bites with their new track "Bussi" (Southern German/Austrian slang for ‘Kiss’).
 
Introduced by a sweet accordion melody, the cozily seeming song starts on a romantic note before Vito, Hannes, Ralph and Wolfram pull out the big NDH guns and enter the second stage of their journey to their forthcoming album Haus Of The Rising Fun (January 9, 2026 via PERCEPTION - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music). The single guides all friends of ‘true nonsense,’ who found their way out of the Franconian woods despite endlessly consuming "Ka-Fump!",straight into the next labyrinth, the world of Bavarian beer tents. Musically flirting with one of the most famous bands of all time, "Bussi" is nothing but an unrivalled minnesong which comes up with select mischievous quotes.
 
“‘Bussi’ is a pure love song and innocent as its title! That’s why we also wrote guiltless Bavarian lyrics although they’re not completely kosher... Well, Vito is a Bavarian-Franconian crossing anyway. Come on, don’t make a fuss!” add J.B.O.through rose-coloured glasses.
 
Watch the video below:
Stream "Bussi": https://jbo.rpm.link/bussiPR

About J.B.O.
 
Heavy guitars and German lyrics combined with Franconian sense for nonsense don’t work? Way off the mark! Since 1989, J.B.O. have multiply proven that they’re the real masters of comedy metal - over the course of 14 studio albums to be concrete. Additionally awarded with two gold records, the quartet are mostly known for covering hit songs by artists of different genres, giving them a unique twist through re-written lyrics with an extra portion of humour.
 
Their original tracks shouldn’t remain unnoticed nevertheless since they also popularise with not minor jocular lyrical content. Fan favourites such as Ein guter Tag zum Sterben" [‘A Good Day To Die’] are classics of the band’s repertoire and vital parts of each and every J.B.O. concert.
 
From die-hard old-school metalheads to families and kids and fans beyond the hard’n’heavy boundaries: Their wide range of musical inspiration has resulted in an equally varied amount of followers which sees J.B.O. unite all sorts of people under their multicoloured musical roof and especially in front of the stages, making them even more outstanding amidst the heavily crowded world of artists out there.
 
J.B.O. are:
Hannes “G. Laber” Holzmann | vocals, guitars
Veit “Vito C.” Kutzer | vocals, guitars
Ralph Bach | bass
Wolfram Kellner | drums
 
More on J.B.O.:
jbo.de | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | Bluesky | Mastodon
YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | jbo-fans.de

Out NOW - WARHOG - The Dystopian Chronicles Vol. III

WARHOG’s The Dystopian Chronicles, Vol. 3 marks the climactic conclusion to the band’s ambitious trilogy: a sweeping, furious, and often uncomfortably honest exploration of humanity in decline. Born out of the grim tension of a future that feels all too familiar, the Chronicles series has traced our fall through the lens of dystopian storytelling, with each chapter revealing a different facet of our collective unraveling. With Vol. 3, WARHOG delivers their most aggressive and thematically pointed material yet.

Opening track “Unleash the Beast” explodes out of the gate with relentless energy and a venomous perspective on modern society. It’s a track that lives up to its name, channeling the chaos of 24-hour news cycles, corrupt leadership, and the cyclical violence we allow ourselves to repeat. "Kings and clowns trade thrones and lies" isn’t just a lyric—it’s WARHOG’s indictment of the spectacle of power, and the deliberate unleashing of our worst instincts on one another in exchange for profit and control. It’s anthemic, it’s pissed off, and it sets the tone for everything that follows.

“Future Shock” dives even deeper into the psychic fallout of this collapse. Told from the perspective of someone waking up in a broken world, disoriented and surrounded by decay, the track is laced with experimental guitar synth textures and warped vocal effects that push WARHOG’s sonic boundaries. The lyrics ask the question no one wants to answer: how did we let things get this bad? “Beyond the neon lights, the filth is left to spread,” they sing, a grim reminder that the glittering surface of our society is paper-thin. The song feels like a descent, both sonic and spiritual, into a place where identity, value, and purpose have eroded.

Then comes “Hollow,” a slow-burning track that strips away metaphor in favor of something raw and direct. Inspired by the murder of George Floyd, the song addresses the systemic failures of leadership and justice with clarity and sorrow. It mourns a world where those who are supposed to protect instead destroy, and where human worth is too often defined by politics, prejudice, and apathy. “Cast aside by broken men who hide away / Numb to all the pain of those who pay their way.” WARHOG steps away from their usual aggression here to deliver something more haunting, more contemplative, but no less powerful.

The final full song on the EP, “Stewards of a Broken World,” ties together all the trilogy’s themes. Originally written for another project, it quickly found a home here as the band realized it was the perfect finale. The song explores the looming environmental collapse with a sense of exhausted urgency. WARHOG isn’t interested in preaching, they're chronicling. “The harvest of a dying garden, compelled to finish what we’ve started” is less a warning than an observation: we know exactly what we’re doing, and we’re doing it anyway. Musically, it’s both epic and mournful, a fitting end to a trilogy that has always been about confronting our self-inflicted doom head-on.

But Vol. 3 doesn’t fade out quietly. Instead, it ends with something unexpected: “Signal_pulse27103_28_057_undefined_anomaly,” a mysterious transmission from deep space. It’s part outro, part interlude, part teaser for what’s coming next. The band discovered that the combined runtime of Chronicles and their debut album Call of the Voyager differed by just 17 seconds—and decided to even it out with this cryptic, atmospheric piece. It hints at WARHOG’s next chapter, an upcoming release titled Ethereal Journey, already in production. Something sleeping will awaken.

The Dystopian Chronicles, Vol. 3 is heavy. It’s melodic. It’s bruised and furious and strangely hopeful in its refusal to turn away. It’s WARHOG at their most focused and musically fearless. If you’ve followed the journey from Vol. 1 through Vol. 2, this third chapter doesn’t just complete the story—it elevates it. And if you’re new to the world WARHOG has built, there’s no better time to dive in.

WARHOG is: 

  • Scott Beetley – Vocals, Guitar

  • Eric Kendall – Guitar

  • Justin Hopper – Bass

  • Robert Powers – Drums

 
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