BELPHEGOR Announces "Praise The Beast" European Tour 2026

Black Death Metal force BELPHEGOR will unleash their magickal processions across Europe in autumn 2026 with the "Praise The Beast" European Tour 2026.

The trek kicks off on September 29th at Turock in Essen, Germany, and will storm through Belgium, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Central Europe, Poland, and the UK before reaching its final ritual on October 18th at The Underworld in London.

Joining BELPHEGOR as special guests are Death Metal legends KRISIUN and Black Metal coven ASAGRAUM. A fourth band will be announced soon. Stay tuned.

BELPHEGOR "Praise The Beast" European Tour 2026:

29.09. - GER - Essen, Turock
30.09. - BEL - Kortrijk, DVG
01.10. - NLD - Dordrecht, Bibelot
02.10. - NLD - Hengelo, Metropool
03.10. - TBA
04.10. - SWE - Gothenburg, Monument
06.10. - FIN - Helsinki, On The Rocks
07.10. - SWE - Stockholm, Kollektivet Livet
08.10. - SWE - Malmö, Plan B
09.10. - GER - Berlin, Musikbrauerei
10.10. - CZE - Uherske Hradiste, Klub Mir
11.10. - CZE - Plzen, Serikovka
13.10. - POL - Krakow, Hype Park
14.10. - POL - Gdańsk, Drizzly Grizzly
15.10. - GER - Osnabrück, Bastard Club
16.10. - UK - Sheffield, Corporation
17.10. - UK - Torquay, Arena
18.10. - UK - London, The Underworld

Tickets and additional information will be available through local venues and promoters.

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

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

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

Prepare. The next chapter is imminent. 

More from BELPHEGOR:

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

ANNIHILUS MUNDI Presents "The Dead Sea Scrolls, Mvt. II - 'Incursion'"

"The Dead Sea Scrolls, Mvt. II - 'Incursion'" is the new single release from progressive extreme metal project ANNIHILUS MUNDI. The track offers a further taste of the band's forthcoming sophomore album, The Dead Sea Scrolls,scheduled for independent release on November 6, 2026.  

Loosely following the story of the 1995 anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, "The Dead Sea Scrolls, Mvt. II - 'Incursion'" opens with a flashback to the Katsuragi expedition. On the album, "The Dead Sea Scrolls, Mvt. I" and "Mvt. II" combine to form an epic 13-minute opus. While the former delves into project mastermind Daniel Saillant's personal experiences, the latter focuses on fictional examples from Evangelion. "The Dead Sea Scrolls, Mvt. II - 'Incursion'" describes a society who has constructed their goals based on face-value interpretations of the words of ancient civilizations, leading to their mutual destruction.

Lyrically, Composer and lyricist Daniel Saillant explains, "the opening verses about the Katsuragi expedition detail how the titular Dead Sea Scrolls led to the discovery of Adam, the First Angel in Antarctica. Future verses describe how the Angels’ mission to reunite with Adam is motivated by clandestine knowledge given to them by their God, which exists entirely in the shadows. Both the humans and Angels alike operate under the directive of ancient religious knowledge, and in both cases, countless lives are lost and endless destruction is wrought across the planet."

ANNIHILUS MUNDI traverse an amalgamation of styles across "The Dead Sea Scrolls, Mvt. II - 'Incursion'". The track opens with clean tones of acoustic guitar melodies, vocal harmonies, and an enveloping somber mood. Obliterating harsh tones strike through the atmosphere with thunderous impact, and the song features a guitar solo by Andrew Matarazzo (PERENNIAL QUEST). Orchestral strings bring an otherworldly power alongside aggressive harsh vocals and ferocious riffs. The dramatic interplay of light and shade pervades throughout the instrumental arrangements of "The Dead Sea Scrolls, Mvt. II - 'Incursion'".

The Dead Sea Scrolls explores the personal lived experiences of composer and lyricist Daniel Saillant. In a fusion of genres and artforms, ANNIHILUS MUNDI presents the central concepts through the lens of Hideaki Anno’s notorious 1995 anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion and its subsequent 1997 film The End of Evangelion. 

The Dead Sea Scrolls was produced, mixed and mastered, and engineered by Daniel Saillant at Wailing Pines Productions. The album's artwork was created by Chris at Misanthropic Designs.

About ANNIHILUS MUNDI:

Formed in 2018, ANNIHILUS MUNDI is the creation of Daniel Saillant, blending elements of death metal, shoegaze, and progressive rock. His 2019 debut album Grief and subsequent releases have positioned him as a distinctive voice in the underground metal scene. Inspired by bands such as CYNIC, DEAFHEAVEN, and DREAM THEATER, Saillant continues to push musical boundaries, combining harsh and clean vocals, complex guitar arrangements, and introspective lyrics.

ANNIHILUS MUNDI is:

Daniel Saillant (Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Programming)

Connect with ANNIHILUS MUNDI:

Bandcamp: https://annihilusmundi.bandcamp.com/music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annihilusmundi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annihilusmundi/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@annihilusmundi
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@annihilusmundi
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/annihilusmundi
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1keHp0ZrVPtDqCcGspP3Xa?si=jUB4r9JRSzqTqB tKJ3RfEg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/annihilus-mundi/1492843855
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annihilusmundi
Discord: https://discord.gg/PKJDYWPrg9

Twist Lock "Surplus Citizen" out on 12th June

Vexed with our unjust world, TWIST LOCK channel their frustrations into brutal hardcore in the forthcoming debut EP, Surplus Citizen. The hard-hitting release is scheduled to arrive independently on June 12, 2026. 

"Your Mistake" throws down the gauntlet and establishes to the tone for Surplus Citizen. The track wastes no time in erupting into a thunderously heavy onslaught. Lyrically, "Your Mistake" calls out the misleading and false words of politicians and celebrities that are heavily consumed by the masses. It addresses manipulation and fake personalities, making it clear that these facades are not impenetrable. 

Slow and foreboding, "Get Bent" gradually builds into an intense groove-driven attack. "Get Bent" unveils the anger of fake promises and the loss of future possibilities. The dreams of childhood now thoroughly dissipated with the realization that the world is subject to the whims of billionaires and global corporations. 

The explosive "Cunstituents" tackles head on feelings of exhaustion at the cyclical nature of corruption in politics and disingenuous concern from individual politicians. Pounding percussion, heavy riffs and fierce harsh vocals leave devastation in their wake. 

Surplus Citizen meets its end with a reflection on modern society. The obsessive engagement with social media, ultra-high speed trends and continuous spending that are seeing individuality diminish contribute to the unyielding exasperation behind "Imbecile". Enveloped in a fury of rage, "Imbecile" is a vent for pent up negative energy. 

Surplus Citizen was produced by TWIST LOCK. Recorded at Filthy Swine Productions with engineers Wade Taylor and Cameron Broomfield, the EP was mixed and mastered by Wade Taylor. The cover artwork for Surplus Citizen was created by Wade Taylor. 

About TWIST LOCK:

Based out of Las Vegas, Nevada and Phoenix, Arizona, as well as Mobile, Alabama, hardcore trio TWIST LOCK emerged in 2024 comprised of Wade Taylor (vocals/FX), Cameron Broomfield (guitar/bass/vocals), and Dekota Martin (drums). Fueled with aggression, TWIST LOCK draw inspiration from the likes of KNOCKED LOOSE, KORN, ACACIA STRAIN and SUNAMI. 

Embedded in their core identity is frustration at wider society's power dynamics. Driven by corporate greed and maintained by systems that enable the power-hungry, the willful suffering and harm in exchange for profit is a central theme of TWIST LOCK's dynamic and cathartic offerings.  

Unleashing a ferocious debut, the trio's first EP, Surplus Citizen, is set to land on June 12, 2026.  


TWIST LOCK Is:

Wade Taylor(Vocals/FX)
Cameron Broomfield (Guitar/Bass/Vocals)
Dekota Martin (Drums)

Modern Metal Supergroup CYHRA Release New Album Requiem For A Pipe Dream And Unveil "Venom In Me" Guitar Playthrough

Swedish melodic metal supergroup CYHRA (Featuring AMARANTHE Co-Founder Jake E and current THE HALO EFFECT, KAMELOT, THE CROWN, and SUBURBAN TRIBE members) celebrates their 10th anniversary year with their fourth studio album Requiem For A Pipe Dream, released via Reigning Phoenix Music. Alongside the arrival of the full-length, CYHRA present the high-powered track "Venom In Me".

"'Venom In Me' isn’t just about a person — it’s about anything that slowly poisons you while you’re trying to survive. It could be a relationship, a memory, an addiction, or even your own inner voice. It’s that force that keeps pulling you back into patterns you know aren’t healthy, but feel impossible to escape.

The song explores how some things don’t just hurt you — they embed themselves in you. They shape your reactions, your trust, your sense of self. And over time, you realize the real battle isn’t against something outside… it’s against what it left behind in you.

'Venom In Me' is about recognizing that poison — and deciding whether you’re going to let it define you, or cut it out for good."

Order / stream Requiem For A Pipe Dream: https://cyhra.rpm.link/requiemPR 

Watch "Venom In Me" guitar playthrough Below:

About CYHRA
As they approach their 10th anniversary next year, CYHRA have carved out a notable place in the metal scene since their founding in 2016 by Jake E (AMARANTHE Co-Founder) and Jesper Strömblad (THE HALO EFFECT, formerly IN FLAMES). They were soon joined by drummer Alex Landenburg (KAMELOT, Luca Turilli’s RHAPSODY), guitarist Euge Valovirta (SUBURBAN TRIBE), and bassist Peter Iwers (THE HALO EFFECT, formerly IN FLAMES). Their debut album Letters To Myself was released in 2017 to glowing reviews, catapulting the group to global stages, crowned with a massive North American tour supporting SABATON and KREATOR.
 
Following Iwers’ departure, Valovirta also took over bass duties, and the band released their second album No Halos In Hell in 2019, which blended groovy metal with a poppy flair and featured the hit single "Out Of My Life," amassing about 11 million streams on Spotify. Their success continued with a European tour with BATTLE BEAST, UK dates alongside DELAIN, headline shows in select countries including Finland and Japan, and performances at major festivals like Masters of Rock, Bloodstock Open Air, Sabaton Open Air, and 70,000 Tons of Metal.
 
In 2020, guitarist Marcus Sunesson (RONNIE ATKINS, THE CROWN) joined, expanding the line-up. The pandemic pause allowed the band to craft their third album The Vertigo Trigger, released in 2023. The album’s tour brought them back to Finland to open for SMASH INTO PIECES and to headline shows in early 2024. CYHRA ended the cycle with a Scandinavian tour with EVERGREY, and leading into 2025 and through to 2026 the band began to introduce the new album with a series of single releases. Requiem For A Pipe Dream is out now via Reigning Phoenix Music. 
 
CYHRA are:
Jake E | vocals, keys
Euge Valovirta | guitars, bass
Jesper Strömblad | bass, guitars
Marcus Sunesson | guitars
Alex Landenburg | drums
 
More on CYHRA:
cyhra.com | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube | RPM

APOSTLE Release New Album A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon Alongside New Music Video for "Exiting The God Hologram"

Metal trio APOSTLE have released their dynamic and emotionally charged new full-length album, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon, out via Terminus Hate City. Alongside the album’s arrival, the band have also unveiled a new music video for the opening track, "Exiting The God Hologram".

"Exiting The God Hologram" introduces A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon with the approaching rumble of a train passing by at night, a sample recorded from vocalist and guitarist Murice White’s apartment. The track explores the idea that there is no singular “correct” way to experience or move through life. Its lyrics conjure striking imagery of a blood-filled sea splitting in half to reveal two paths, each offering only one view of reality, of “truth.” Musically, the song moves through a progression of sonic heaviness, emotive passages, and expansive textures that set the tone for the record’s deeply introspective journey.

Across six tracks and 27 minutes, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon finds APOSTLE moving through themes of grief, mortality, internal conflict, oppression, intuition, and eventual healing. The album’s title references Carl Jung’s description of humanity as a “splinter in the infinite deity,” framing the record as an exploration of spiritual duality, loss, and self-examination.

From the personal weight of "Illusion of Loss" to the urgent anger of "Swine", the fractured realities of "Distortions of Light", the instinctual force of "Oscillating Polarities", and the vulnerable, bittersweet closing passage of "At Ease", A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon presents APOSTLE at their most refined, expansive, and emotionally resonant.

The album title references Carl Jung’s description of humanity as a “splinter in the infinite deity,” framing the record as an exploration of spiritual duality, grief, and self-examination. Across six tracks and 27 minutes, the band move through themes of loss, mortality, internal conflict, and eventual healing. The record serves as both a meditation on the human condition and a deeply personal tribute shaped by grief and remembrance.

Produced, engineered, and mixed by Connor Ray at Sobek Sound and mastered by Erol Ulug at Bright Lights, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon presents APOSTLE in their most refined and expansive form.

Pre-order A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon here: https://www.terminushatecity.com/product-page/preorder-apostle-a-splinter-in-the-infinite-noumenon-lp

Their latest album, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon, represents the band’s most fully realized work to date. Drawing from existential philosophy and deeply personal experiences with grief and remembrance, the record explores humanity’s connection to something greater while acknowledging the struggle inherent in being human. Across its runtime, APOSTLE seek connection through shared emotional experience, transforming personal suffering into collective release.

APOSTLE is:

Murice White – vocals, guitar
Michael Thomas – bass, vocals
Evan Price – drums

Connect with APOSTLE:

Bandcamp: https://apostlesucks.bandcamp.com
Store: https://www.terminushatecity.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/apostlesucks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/apostlesux
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/67cjLOrbhdb2gFmS9OJKfS
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@terminushatecity

ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD Present Epic Interpretation Of ALICE COOPER's "Poison" Feat. ANTHEA

ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD has unleashed an epic and cinematic reimagining of ALICE COOPER's iconic track "Poison". This release sees the symphonic progressive metal ensemble join forces with Los Angeles based symphonic/melodic metal band, ANTHEA. 

The alluring gothic mood of "Poison" is enhanced through ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD's immersive musical arrangement. Intensity arises from the ferocious heaviness of the metal instrumentation while orchestral and synth layers sculpt an enveloping atmosphere. Haunting harmonies and technical prowess on display from ANTHEA's vocalists Diego Valadez, Juna Pina, Astrid Anaya, and Mel Del Real elevate the track with a touch of the ethereal. 

ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD honor the character and impact of the original song while infusing the arrangement their own distinctive compositional qualities. Produced by ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD, "Poison" was recorded at Counter Communications with engineering, mixing and mastering by Chris Wirsig. The track's cover art was created by JD McGibney.

About ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD:

Based out of Los Angeles, CA, ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD began as a side project for guitarist JD McGibney (ex-VOODOO KUNGFU) before augmenting to a full line-up in 2021. Alongside McGibney, the instrumental symphonic progressive metal band is now comprised of Jason Klein on bass (ex-BUTCHER BABIES), Eddie Trager on drums (ex-NEKROGOBLIKON) and Chris Wirsig on keyboards (award winning TV and film composer).

The ethos of the band is to empower listeners through music, to assist individuals who are fighting on their own battlefields and to help them find courage. ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD strive to improve awareness of and discourse around mental illness through the power of heavy metal. The band made their live debut at the 2022 "This Is My Brave" mental health fundraiser, where the band helped to raise around $30,000 to donate to local Los Angeles mental health charities.

2024 saw ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD open for Taiwanese folk metal artist NiNi at her debut USA headline show in November of 2024. In the following year, the quartet embarked on their debut headline West Coast tour across October/November of 2025.

In 2025, ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD's 2024 single release "Modern Prometheus" was long listed in the 2025 GRAMMY Awards in three categories: Best Metal Performance, Best Instrumental Composition and Best Arrangement - Instrumental or A Capella. Additionally, "Modern Prometheus" was nominated in the Hollywood Independent Music Awards in 2025.

Following the band's haunting interpretation of "Phantom of the Opera" featuring guitarist Eli Santana (IGNITE, ex-HUNTRESS, ex-HOLY GRAIL), ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD deliver untamable power in the new single "Poison" featuring ANTHEA. 

ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD is:

JD McGibney - Guitar
Jason Klein - Bass
Chris Wirsig - Keyboard/Orchestration
Eddie Trager - Drums
 

Connect with ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD:

Official Website: https://onthewingsofdragons.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelsOnTheBattlefieldBand/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angels_on_the_battlefield/ 
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/aotb_band :
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@angelsonthebattlefield 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6vQV1dRMKNBHCRku2IsPMU?si=RoaUH-SuTCq5nRsPMrgpEg 
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/angels-on-the-battlefield/1441558520 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aotbband

SWANWRITER Unveils Haunting And Heavy Single "the painted valley"

Inspired by the dark and gory historical figure, Blood Countess Elizabeth Bathory, SWANWRITER delivers a haunting and dynamic offering in the new single, "the painted valley". Hailing from Vancouver, BC, the progressive metal project is preparing to unveil the second full-length album, melodies of despair, on June 26, 2026.

In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Hungarian noblewoman was alleged to have killed hundreds of girls and women, and to have bathed in their blood. In "the painted valley", "The protagonist of the story is a young orphan girl who was taken in by a supposedly kind figure. At the end of the track, she found out that this was an evil witch who was secretly killing them to bathe in their blood", explains project founder Koda.

A solo piano arrangement opens "the painted valley". The music suddenly shifts into a waltz, the piano now joined by a pair of acoustic guitars. A heavy explosion manifests as drums and distorted electric guitars arrive, building the intensity of the sound. Powerful and atmospheric, the shadows descend as harsh vocals growl into life.   

The genre-fusion continues throughout the track's progressive compositional style. Falsetto vocals await in the chorus with a string trio creating an eerie layer beneath, before returning to the heavy onslaught. Followed by a minimalist arrangement of classical guitar and piano, "the painted valley" arrives at a foreboding end. SWANWRITER presents a thoroughly compelling display of light and shade through intricate, considered progressive instrumental arrangements. Across melodies of despair, SWANWRITER balances chaos and calm through explorations of dark and emotional narratives.  

melodies of despair was produced and mixed by Koda, mastered by Roland Rodas, and features cover artwork by 無た｡ / muta.

About SWANWRITER:
  SWANWRITER is a dark progressive metal project based in Vancouver, British Columbia, created and performed entirely by the anonymous multi-instrumentalist known as Koda. Formed in 2023, the project emerged from a desire to merge progressive metal songwriting with classical composition, atmospheric storytelling, and emotionally driven arrangements.

Having studied classical piano from an early age before later discovering extreme metal, Koda developed SWANWRITER as a space to explore long-form composition without stylistic limitation. The music draws influence from progressive and experimental metal alongside classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin, resulting in compositions that emphasize dynamics, texture, and narrative pacing.

SWANWRITER debuted with There is a darkness in June 2023, establishing a sound centered on extended song structures, melodic development, and cinematic atmosphere. Rather than focusing on technical exhibition, the project prioritizes mood, storytelling, and cohesion across full-length releases.

Themes throughout SWANWRITER’s work often intersect with psychological horror, melancholy, and introspection, shaped in part by inspiration from horror games, film soundtracks, and dark ambient music. Each release is approached as a complete artistic statement, with careful attention given to sequencing, emotional progression, and sonic detail.

Operating independently, SWANWRITER remains a studio-focused project, with future ambitions that include composing music for horror and narrative-driven media.

Connect with SWANWRITER:

Bandcamp: https://swanwriter.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swanwritermusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swanwritermusic/
X / Twitter: https://x.com/swanwritermusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@swanwriter
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6unE9CWOXt5c4UIiaHD5RR
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/swanwriter/1686779640
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swanwritermusic

THROWLIGHT Unveil Dark And Ruthless Video For Their Track, "Monster"

Modern, genre-fusing act THROWLIGHT delve into the realms of horror with a gory music video for their track "Monster". The single is taken from the band's 2024 full-length offering, Monster.

Juxtaposing clean tones and fierce distortion, THROWLIGHT deliver a thrilling dynamic offering in "monster". Heavy rhythms and pounding percussion unleash power alongside aggressive harsh vocal performances. With the track's verses situated in the realms of rap metal, the movement and intensity rises and falls throughout. Showcasing further musical styles, the chorus presents a softer and lighter touch bringing an even darker twist to the track's narrative. 

Granted exclusive permission to film at The 17th Door in Buena Park, CA., home to an extreme haunt experience, the video for "Monster" was shot in a single 13-hour session. 

"Monster" was directed by Matthew Hersh, with Lucas Pitassi as director of photography. Starring LeeAnna Vamp, Gigi Gustin, Chelsea Cook, and Michelle Dee, the video was filmed on location at The 17th Door in Buena Park, CA.

About THROWLIGHT:

Hailing from South Orange County, THROWLIGHT cultivate a dynamic, genre-fusing sound from the diverse musical backgrounds of its members. Drawing from across punk, metal, rap, and hardcore, this fusion results in a unique style that combines heavy grooves, catchy leads, and rap verses designed to keep listeners' heads swinging. 

Inspired by iconic acts, notably DEFTONES, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, FAITH NO MORE, ICE CUBE, THE OFFSPRING, LINKIN PARK, the band's deep established bonds, having known each other since childhood, also infiltrate their stylistic sound. 

THROWLIGHT emerged through Kevin Betz and Chris Ellis joining to create a metal band, with underground rapper Rocom stepping up as lead vocalist. The addition of Rocom's longtime collaborator in rap, King of Somewhere, finalized the band's distinctive sound as he introduced his synth sounds leading to a blend of hip-hop with a heavy metal soundscape. THROWLIGHT unveiled their debut album Monster independently in 2024. 

VITHIAL Premieres Debut Album 'Awakened Ancient Spirits' At Black Metal Promotion

VITHIAL unleashes the shadows with the premiere of the forthcoming debut full length Awakened Ancient Spirits at Black Metal Promotion. Experience the divine darkness ahead of the album's official release on June 5, 2026.

VITHIAL shares, "Vithial awakens. It is an honor to be featured alongside so many great bands, and for that I am thankful. Thank you to anyone who has supported Vithial thus far, I’m stoked to share this with you all. Check it out on Black Metal Promotion."

Listen to Awakened Ancient Spirits Below:

Awakened Ancient Spirits is a collection of stories exploring the perils of existence, the evils of mankind, occult themes, spirituality, and the cycles of life, death, and creation. The album examines nature, consciousness, and mythological narratives involving spirits, gods, divine beings, and mortals within a dark fantasy framework.

The album pays tribute to the sound and atmosphere of 1990s black and death metal while presenting a personal interpretation shaped by modern songwriting sensibilities. Mystic guitar tones, forceful rhythms, fierce vocal delivery, and restrained symphonic elements define the sonic identity across the record.

METALITE Unveil Discovery Album Details and Release New Single “In Case Of Emergency”

Swedish melodic metal force METALITE returns with their most ambitious and cinematic chapter yet: Discovery! Set for release on September 25, 2026 via Perception – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music, the forthcoming album sees the band pushing their futuristic vision further than ever before. Following the success of their previously released singles “Our Time Has Come” and “Starchild”, METALITE now unveils full details of the new record alongside the release of their brand new single “In Case Of Emergency”.

Driven by powerful melodies, heavy rhythms, pounding guitar riffs and METALITE’s signature fusion of futuristic soundscapes and electrifying metal energy, “In Case Of Emergency” delivers another thrilling glimpse into the sonic universe of Discovery. Accompanied by a brand new visualizer video, the track combines dynamic riffing, cinematic synth layers and the unmistakable vocal performance of Erica Ohlsson into a modern melodic metal anthem packed with energy and emotion.

Guitarist, producer, songwriter and founder Edwin Premberg comments:

“In Case Of Emergency is a true banger driven by a heavy rhythm and crushing chugging guitars. But beneath the intensity, it carries a powerful message about always being there for someone, no matter the time or place. It’s a song that hits hard both musically and emotionally, raw, melodic, and made to be felt.”
 

Stream “In Case Of Emergency” Below:

Mixed and mastered by acclaimed Danish producer Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Evergrey, Amaranthe), Discovery pushes METALITE’s futuristic vision further than ever before. Across twelve dynamic tracks, the album explores themes of human evolution, technology, survival, liberation and hope in a universe shaped by digital realities and cosmic exploration in the year of 2058, three years after humanity left a collapsing Earth in search of a new beginning.

Building upon the sonic worlds established on Heroes in Time (2017), Biomechanicals (2019), A Virtual World (2021) and Expedition One (2024), the band once again proves why they are regarded as pioneers of modern sci-fi-inspired melodic metal!

Pre-Order Discovery HERE:
https://metalite.rpm.link/discoveryPR

ABOUT METALITE
Formed in 2015 by guitarist Edwin Premberg and vocalist Emma Bensing, the band quickly gained recognition for its fresh and modern take on melodic metal and their 2017 debut album Heroes in Time set the stage for METALITE’s rise.

In 2019, the band entered a new era with Biomechanicals, marking the debut of vocalist Erica Ohlsson. With an even more refined sound, the album embraced electronic elements and pulsating rhythms, elevating METALITE’s futuristic vision, further solidifying the band’s reputation as innovators in the genre.

Their evolution continued with A Virtual World in 2021, an album that expanded on their sci-fi themes while delivering massive soundscapes and powerful melodies.

With Expedition One (2024), METALITE embarked on their most ambitious project to date. A visionary concept album set in the year 2055, it tells the story of a renegade team searching for a new world, exploring themes of human evolution, technology, and survival.

In 2024, the band welcomed drummer Erik Junttila to the lineup, bringing new energy and power to their sound. His premiere gig with the band took place in Linköping at the beginning of 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in METALITE’s journey. Since then, they completed several tours with bands like PAIN, LEAVES’ EYES and the NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA and played at several festivals, including Sweden Rock and Masters of Rock.

With millions of streams and a growing global fanbase, METALITE continues to redefine the future of melodic metal. Their fusion of cutting-edge sound design, anthemic choruses, and sci-fi-inspired storytelling has set them apart, proving that their journey is far from over. Stay tuned - a new discovery awaits!

More on METALITE:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Spotify

Chilean Guitarist And Composer BAXTY Unveils New Performance Film, 'BAXTY Live Session'

Chilean guitarist and composer BAXTY has released the new performance video, BAXTY Live Session. Joined by Jaime Pape on bass and drummer Martin Alvares, the new film showcases the technical prowess of BAXTY's independent 2024 EP release, Event Horizon. 

Performing the four-track EP in full, the BAXTY Live Session brings BAXTY's immersive, genre-fusion compositions to life with a complete band line-up. The highly textural instrumental offering traverses through dynamic, enthralling and turbulent passages of ferocious intensity and soaring melodies. 

The interplay of light and shade across BAXTY's songwriting sees cinematic atmospheres constructed with ethereal orchestral instruments and electrifying synths. The grounding, rhythmic aggression from metal arrangements injects a heaviness into the sound while progressive elements ensure a continuous sense of intrigue as to what awaits next. 

Watch the video Below:

About BAXTY:

Based out of Santiago, Chile, the solo project BAXTY emerged in 2022 driven by Bastian "Baxty" Martinez's need to find his own voice while seeking to connect the melodic and the aggressive. BAXTY draws heavily from cinematic sound design and immersive musical experiences, alongside an exploration of self-expression, artistic freedom and emotional storytelling. 

Blending intricate and progressive technical guitars with impressive soundscapes and emotive narratives, BAXTY takes inspiration from across a wealth of heavy music genres and styles into his distinctive compositions. Influences in BAXTY's sound derive from an array of bands notably, DREAM THEATER, THE CONTORTIONIST, ALICE IN CHAINS, PANTERA and PINK FLOYD. 

In 2024, BAXTY independently released the debut EP Event Horizon and collaborated with Jordan Rudess (DREAM THEATER) performing guitar solos on "Into the Lair" and "Embers" from his album Permission to Fly. In the same year, BAXTY took to the stage opening for BABYMETAL in Chile during their Knotfest sideshow and opened two nights for DREAM THEATER at Movistar Arena, the largest indoor venue in Chile. In 2025, BAXTY performed at Guitar Universe Camp on invite from John Petrucci, and BAXTY launched The Baxty Signature Guitar model with Kiesel Guitars.


BAXTY is:

Baxty — Guitar / Composition
Jaime Pape — Bass
Martin Alvares — Drums

MESHUGGAH Announce Remastered Anniversary Editions of Destroy Erase Improve and Catch Thirtythree

Swedish extreme metal architects MESHUGGAH announce the release of newly remastered anniversary editions of two of the band’s most important works: Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition and Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition. Both titles will be available on vinyl, CD digipack, and digitally, featuring the original album artwork and newly remastered audio. Both editions will be released on July 24th, 2026 via Reigning Phoenix Music. 

The releases follow their limited Record Store Day editions, which arrived this April with alternate/reimagined cover art. For these wider anniversary editions, MESHUGGAH return both albums to their original visual identities while preserving the enhanced, remastered sound created for this milestone campaign.

Originally released in 1995, Destroy Erase Improve marked a decisive turning point not only for MESHUGGAH, but for the future of heavy music itself. The album introduced a sharpened and unmistakable version of the band’s evolving language: machine-like rhythmic precision, dissonant riff architecture, jazz-fusion flashes, and a level of technical control that would become foundational to progressive, extreme, math, and djent-adjacent metal in the decades that followed. Widely regarded as one of the defining metal albums of the 1990s, Destroy Erase Improve remains a blueprint for the sound MESHUGGAH would make entirely their own.

To accompany Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition, the remastered single “Future Breed Machine” has been released, spotlighting one of the album’s most iconic and enduring tracks.

Pre-order the Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition here: https://meshuggah.rpm.link/destroy30PR

A decade later, MESHUGGAH pushed their vision even further with Catch Thirtythree. Released in 2005, the album stands as one of the band’s most singular statements: a continuous 47-minute composition divided into 13 movements, built around hypnotic repetition, shifting rhythmic illusions, crushing eight-string guitar work, and an atmosphere that remains uniquely immersive within the band’s catalog. Self-produced by MESHUGGAH, Catch Thirtythree also marked the band’s only full-length album built with programmed drums, using Toontrack’s Drumkit From Hell technology as part of its stark, futuristic design.

In celebration of Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition, the remastered track “Shed” has been released on all streaming platforms. 

Pre-order the Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition here: https://meshuggah.rpm.link/catch20PR

Both anniversary editions reaffirm the lasting impact of MESHUGGAH’s work across generations of heavy music. From the genre-redefining force of Destroy Erase Improve to the monolithic conceptual scope of Catch Thirtythree, these remastered releases offer longtime followers and new listeners alike the chance to experience two essential chapters in the band’s history with renewed clarity and weight.

Destroy Erase Improve: 30th Anniversary Edition and Catch Thirtythree: 20th Anniversary Edition will be available on vinyl, CD digipack, and digital formats on July 24th. 

About MESHUGGAH:
 

Formed in Umeå, Sweden in 1987, MESHUGGAH have spent more than three decades redefining the outer limits of heavy music. Known for their groundbreaking use of complex polyrhythms, down-tuned guitars, dissonant atmospheres, and surgically precise execution, the band has become one of the most influential forces in extreme and progressive metal.

Across their catalog, MESHUGGAH have continually pushed their sound forward, from the technical thrash foundations of their earliest work to the genre-altering breakthroughs of Destroy Erase Improve, Chaosphere, Nothing, Catch Thirtythree, obZen, and beyond. Their music has had a profound impact on modern metal, inspiring generations of artists and helping shape the rhythmic vocabulary later associated with the djent movement, while remaining unmistakably singular in vision and execution.

Rather than following trends, MESHUGGAH have built an entire language of their own: mechanical yet human, cerebral yet crushing, and as hypnotic as it is devastating. With a reputation for uncompromising innovation and formidable live performances, MESHUGGAH continue to stand as one of the most original, challenging, and revered bands in heavy music.

Connect with MESHUGGAH:

V.B.O. Expose The Darker Side Of Modern Society In The New Single "Monsters!"

VICE BUSINESS ONLY (V.B.O.) look beyond the glamour and allure of the neon-lights in the new single release, "Monsters!". Beneath the luxury façade, something sinister awaits in V.B.O.'s fusion of retro-futuristic synths and heavy music. Comprised of Francesco Cavalieri (WIND ROSE) and Simone Giusti, a wizard of electronics and groove-laden basslines, Italy's V.B.O. is preparing to unveil the forthcoming full length, Vice Business Only, on July 24, 2026, via Reigning Phoenix Music.

Pre-order Vice Business Only HERE!

"'Monsters' dives into the darker side of modern society, exposing the vices we often choose to ignore or disguise." Reveals frontman Francesco Cavalieri. "In true VBO style, the video transforms these flaws into literal monsters, turning hidden truths into striking visual metaphors. Beneath the neon lights and cinematic aesthetic lies a deeper message; like a reflection of a world that often masks its imperfections behind glamour. Too excessive? No. It’s VBO baby."

V.B.O.'s characteristic catchy hooks and energized electronics are infused with a shadowy touch in "Monsters!". Explosive beats see "Monsters!" spark into life, before heavy rhythmic stabs and melodic guitar riffs emerge beneath an array of warm analogue synth textures. The memorable chorus lyric "we are monsters" injects an anthemic feel while the track's breakdown passage takes a darker turn. 

Filmed at Vacuum Club, Milan, V.B.O. lift the veil on the bloodthirsty monsters that hide in plain sight across the electric urban nightlife. 

Vice Business Only was recorded at LSD-Studios (Lübeck, Germany), produced, mixed and mastered by Lasse Lammert. Photography is by Onofrio Petronella and Tommaso Barletta, with the album cover artwork design by V.B.O. 

About V.B.O.:

VICE BUSINESS ONLY (V.B.O.) is a musical project founded in 2023 by Francesco Cavalieri, best known as the frontman of the power metal band WIND ROSE, together with electronic music producer Simone Giusti. The project marks a bold artistic shift for Cavalieri, moving from fantasy-driven metal into a modern, urban, and cinematic soundscape.

The band’s lineup is completed by Claudio Falconcini (guitar), Federico Meranda (keyboards), and Angelo Carmignani (drums), combining diverse musical backgrounds into a cohesive identity.

V.B.O. blends retro-futuristic synthwave with rock and metal, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and electrifyingly modern. Inspired by Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Daft Punk, and Justice, the band combines analog-style synths, driving rhythms, and powerful vocals into a polished, immersive experience.

At the core of V.B.O. lies a neon-drenched vision of excess, elegance, and cinematic nightlife—echoing the glamour and danger of cities like Miami. Themes of power, luxury, passion, and excess define the project, presenting the band almost as a stylized gang where image and attitude are as essential as the music.

The band made its live debut in January 2026 at the 70000 Tons of Metal festival in the United States, stepping onto one of the world’s most recognized international stages.

Since its inception, V.B.O. has positioned itself as a distinctive force in contemporary music, merging rock and metal energy with electronic groove and texture. More than a band, Vice Business Only delivers a complete audiovisual experience—a high-stakes journey through a retro-futuristic universe where the rhythm never slows and the attitude is larger than life.

V.B.O. Is:

Francesco Cavalieri - Vocals
Simone Giusti - Bass
Claudio Falconcini - Guitar
Federico Meranda - Keys
Angelo Carmignani - Drums


Connect With V.B.O.:

Website: https://www.vbomusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicebusinessonly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbomusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vbomusic

Chicago's CURSED AWAKENING Descend Into The Abyss With "Engulfing Void"

Descend into CURSED AWAKENING's "Engulfing Void". This is the newest single offering to land ahead of the band's forthcoming concept album Path Of A Soul, set to release later this year. The album's narrative follows a fresh born soul as it navigates its new existence in a dystopian landscape. 

Over the course of the track list, the fresh born soul stumbles through self-discovery and self-destruction. In "Engulfing Void", the introspective lyrics reveal discontentment at the life that has been lived. Approaching the beginning of the end within the album's narrative, the theme of this track also explores wider notions of regret, remorse and despair at not having lived the life one wanted. 

"Engulfing Void" carries an emotional weight, heavy with melancholy and a gloomy atmosphere. A somber guitar lead introduces the track with a mournful tone before CURSED AWAKENING unleash their thunderous heavy assault. Fast riffs and anguish fueled lyrics bring power while the instrumental layers across the chorus build intensity. "Engulfing Void" draws to a close returning to the forlorn passage first heard in the song's opening. 

About CURSED AWAKENING

Formed in Chicago, Illinois in 2021, CURSED AWAKENING (formerly known as ARRHYTHMIA) delivers a thrashy death metal sound rooted in classic influences such as DEATH, BOLT THROWER, AT THE GATES, SLAYER, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, and SUFFOCATION. Their music combines old school riffing, melodic passages, neoclassical soloing, and introspective lyricism that goes beyond surface level extremity.

After reforming under the CURSED AWAKENING name in early 2026, the band solidified their creative identity and lineup. The current lineup consists of Abraham Verdin on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Michael Nystrom Bala on lead guitar, Brady Dukart on bass and backing vocals, and Ronnie James Keough on drums.

With 2024 bringing notable live performances in Chicago and beyond, CURSED AWAKENING continues to sharpen their sound and vision. The band's latest release of singles including "Past Newtonium" and "The Rift", alongside the newest "Rest In Chains", are further testament to the band's continuation and escalation, marking a darker and heavier chapter as the band moves toward their upcoming 2026 album.

CURSED AWAKENING is:

Abraham Verdin – Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals
Michael Nystrom Bala – Lead Guitar
Brady Dukart – Bass, Backing Vocals
Ronnie James Keough – Drums

Connect with CURSED AWAKENING:

BLACK SITES Present New Single "Giving Up The Ghost"

Chicago's heavy ensemble BLACK SITES present their next single release, "Giving Up The Ghost". Written about losing one's belief in a higher power, the new track arrives ahead of the band's forthcoming full length, For Eternity, set to release independently on July 17, 2026.

On the musical influences behind "Giving Up The Ghost", BLACK SITES founder Mark Sugar shares, "I was very much trying to channel Tony Iommi and Jimmy Page on this track. The intro is total Iommi worship, specifically what he did on 'Die Young'. The guitar overdubs at the end were an idea borrowed from Depeche Mode’s 'Policy of Truth'." 

Across the album's track list, BLACK SITES deliver impactful catchy choruses and lyrical hooks alongside a powerful riff-driven sound. "Giving Up The Ghost" showcases this stylistic direction with a highly emotive element that manifests through touches of orchestral strings and somber guitar leads. 

For Eternity was produced by Mark Sugar & Chris Black, recorded at I Can’t Believe It’s Not Mace Street Studios, with mixing and mastering by Dan Swano. Drums on For Eternity were recorded by Vladimir Ružičić at Kebac Recording Studio.

About BLACK SITES:
Based out of Chicago, IL, USA, BLACK SITES was founded in 2016, initially as a studio project, by vocalist and guitarist Mark Sugar. Sugar was later joined by members John Picillo (bass), Ryan Bruchert (guitar) and Chris Avgerin (drums). BLACK SITES combines old school metal with guitar harmonies, melodic/clean vocals and progressive elements, primarily drawing inspiration from the likes of VOIVOD, BLACK SABBATH, and KING’S X.

BLACK SITES released their debut In Monochrome in 2017 (Mascot/Provogue Records), followed by Exile in 2019. 2021 saw the release of Untrue that was produced by Sanford Parker and awarded Record Of the Year by Dr. A.N. Grier at AngryMetalGuy.com. BLACK SITES ventured to The Promised Land? with their 2024 full-length that featured Tom Draper. (Ex-CARCASS/SPIRIT ADRIFT) on the track "Chasing Eternity".

Now, in 2026, Mark Sugar is joined by new members Jose Salazar (bass), Lee Smith (guitar) and Chris Black (drums). The forthcoming album For Eternity is set to release independently on July 17, 2026.

BLACK SITES Is:
Mark Sugar (vocals, guitar)
Jose Salazar (bass)
Lee Smith (guitar)
Chris Black (drums)

Connect With BLACK SITES:
Bandcamp: https://blacksites.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blacksites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksitesmusic
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksitesmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blacksites
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0yY6r4UHQDv4BUOr5bKu1o

SINNER Release First Single "Wait" From Final Studio Album Boom Bang Goodbye

German hard rock legend SINNER present the energized new single "Wait" alongside a music video. This is the first single to land from the band's forthcoming, and final, full-length studio offering, Boom Bang Goodbye. The album will arrive on July 31, 2026, via RPM. For over four decades SINNER have delivered massive hooks, powerful guitars, emotional depth and pure hard rock energy with an uplifting sound, and "Wait" is no different. 

On the new single "Wait", Mat Sinner shares:
“For the first song from the album, I wanted a positive good-time track that simply puts people in a good mood. The political madness we’re living through doesn’t need another depressing soundtrack. ‘Wait’ is also a very representative song for the entire album. Working with Michael Bormann again after 10 years immediately clicked — the chemistry was there right away. And just like on the whole album, there’s an unbelievably great performance from drummer Moritz Müller and my partner Alex Scholpp, plus the absolutely brilliant mix by my friend Jacob Hansen. Mat was 100% happy!”

The video for "Wait" also captures the song’s positive energy, welcoming the summer with ease, optimism and feel-good vibes.

With Boom Bang Goodbye, SINNER enter the final chapter of an extraordinary career. Since 1982, the band led by Mat Sinner has been one of the most consistent forces in the German hard rock and metal scene. Following 19 studio albums, international tours and most recently the successful album Brotherhood, the band is set to end on a high note.

For this final statement, Mat Sinner has once again gathered an epic lineup of longtime companions and high-profile guests. Alex Scholpp (guitar) and Moritz Müller (drums) provide the album’s powerful foundation, joined by Jim Müller of KISSIN’ DYNAMITE, Lisa Müller, and former SINNER bandmate Mathias Dieth, who performed on the influential early albums Comin’ Out Fighting and Dangerous Charm. Another renowned guitarist on board is Magnus Karlsson — closely connected to Mat Sinner through the PRIMAL FEAR camp — who contributes vocals on Boom Bang Goodbye.

All-star appearances on Boom Bang Goodbye continue with vocal performances from Ronnie Romero (RAINBOW), Michael Bormann, Michael Sadler (SAGA), Björn Strid (SOILWORK), Erik Mårtensson (ECLIPSE), Renan Zonta and Sascha Krebs. Each guest brings their own distinctive touch to the track list, making the album an impressive gathering of international hard rock and metal greats.

Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios in Denmark, the album combines modern heaviness with classic SINNER DNA. Every song bears the unmistakable signature of Mat Sinner as a musician, songwriter and personality who has helped shape the European metal scene for decades.
Boom Bang Goodbye will be released on July 31, 2026. The first single, "Wait", is available now on all platforms.

“Don’t wait – pre-order, press play, repeat.”

Listen to "Wait":
SINNER – WAIT
 
Album Preorder:
Boom Bang Goodbye Pre-Order

SUNSWARM Unleash "Inside The Torn Apart"

An offering of sonic juxtapositions awaits in "Inside The Torn Apart". The new single release from the industrial post-metal duo, based out of Southampton, UK, explores moments of calm amidst thundering aggression. "Inside The Torn Apart" arrives ahead of the forthcoming full length release. 

On "Inside The Torn Apart" SUNSWARM shares, "The darkness of society is forever rendering us apart with symbolic and real acts of violence. But there is a cry in the dark from the individual. I am here. Alive. Inside the torn apart. It’s an act of catharsis and rebellion."

Lyrically, "Inside The Torn Apart" delves into contradictions of physical and emotional vulnerability against the cold, harsh industrialized systems that operate under the dominance of capitalism.

Soft Flesh
Rended
Alive inside the torn apart

"Inside The Torn Apart" emerges with a low, pulsing synth. Arriving into a minimalist verse, a haunting moment of stillness soon erupts into a fierce bombardment of heavy distorted rhythms, metallic textural layers and monstrous harsh vocals. The brutal heavy industrial arrangements feel inescapable as the sound is all encompassing. 

Throughout their tracks SUNSWARM construct harsh soundscapes utilizing metallic textures, intense rhythms, and black-metal inspired vocal performances. Dystopian and brutalist is the nature of the atmosphere the music evokes. SUNSWARM do not offer escape, but rather explore the darkness in full force through their compositions. 

SUNSWARM's "Inside The Torn Apart" was produced, mixed and mastered by Wayne Adams and recorded at Bear Bites Horse, London.

SUNSWARM is: 

Rich Lee-Davis - vocals, bass
Neil Sutton - vocals, guitar
Additional contributors (live and studio) - to be announced

Connect with SUNSWARM:

Website: https://sunswarm.bandcamp.com/
Bandcamp: https://sunswarm.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunswarmband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunswarmband/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SUNSWARM

Out Today - "The Hollow One" by Corinne Westbrook

No stranger to the dark and macabre, The Hollow One is the debut novel from writer and horror-devotee Corinne Westbrook. With a combined interest in the shadowy side of art, music and literature, Westbrook has written for metal music outlets, notably Metal Injection and Knotfest, and is well acquainted with strange and uncanny storytelling.

Set for publication on May 26th, 2026, via Permuted Press, The Hollow One is a truly bloodcurdling psychological horror. Following the days of a young girl named Ellie, amidst the struggles of an absent mother, a baby brother and poverty, something more sinister soon takes hold of her life. When one evening her estranged father knocks on her bedroom window, what seems like a comforting dream begins to turn sour as this familial figure is perhaps not so familiar after all.

Told through the eyes of a child trying to make sense of a world that’s forgotten her, The Hollow One is a literary horror story about longing, memory, and the quiet danger of being unseen. Atmospheric, intimate, and deeply unsettling, this is a ghost story where the scariest things are not what lurk in the dark, but what’s already inside the house.

About Corinne Westbrook
Corinne Westbrook is a writer and journalist whose work explores the darker edges of art, music, and storytelling. She has written for outlets including Metal Injection and Knotfest, covering album reviews, features, annual "Top Albums" lists, and cultural commentary rooted in the strange and unconventional.

Raised in rural Oregon, Corinne discovered her love of writing early. Her first poem was published when she was ten years old. A lifelong horror devotee, she grew up staying up late with friends to watch Tales from the Crypt, drawn to stories that blur the line between the real and the unreal.

She believes the most haunting stories often have roots in reality. While The Hollow One is a work of fiction, it is shaped by emotional truths and experiences pulled from real life. This novel is her debut in long-form fiction.

GORGONAUT Explore Chaos And Disorder In The New Offering "Infinite Regress", Announces EP Ayame

As GORGONAUT prepares to unveil the forthcoming EP Ayame on October 16, 2026, "Infinite Regress" provides a further insight into the textural sonic world building by the Chicago-based solo project.

"Infinite Regress" is the opening offering on the upcoming release and encapsulates the central direction of the EP. Composed with intentional chaos, the instrumental textures and arrangements disorientate with jarring sounds and sudden rhythmic shifts. It evokes a sense of uncertainty and intrigue as to what awaits next. 

Musically, the single embodies a loss of control and escalating tension. Aggressive passages alternate with pacified sections in a desperation to make sense of an irrational realm. Opening with chromatic guitar lines, a sense of strain and panic manifests through the music and it repeats in varying forms across the track. Ferocious heavy rhythms and harsh vocals are contrasted with softer moments.

GORGONAUT and the forthcoming EP arose from a desire to continue writing, creating and producing music alongside major life changes. Ayame delves into introspective themes, obsession, loss of control but also of taking future success into one's own hands. 

Ayame was produced, mixed and mastered by Ryan Bruchert at Biffco Studios. The EP cover artwork was created by artist Darius Puia @instagram.bakaarts.

About GORGONAUT:

Created by multi-instrumentalist Ryan Bruchert, known for work with BLACK SITES, HEWHOCORRUPTS, TRIALS, CENTAURUS, GORGONAUT serves as a focused creative platform unrestricted by stylistic boundaries. The project combines heavy guitar driven songwriting with electronic textures, atmospheric layering, and digital influences drawn from both metal and contemporary electronic music.

Drawing influence from artists such as DEVIN TOWNSEND, VOLA, VOYAGER, MOON TOOTH, DREAM THEATER, and THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE, GORGONAUT continues to explore the intersection of metal, electronic composition, and immersive sound design while pursuing a distinctly personal creative direction.

STORMHAMMER Reveal Music Video for Title Track of Upcoming Studio Album Wrath Of The Hammer

German power metal force STORMHAMMER have released the official music video for their brand-new single “Wrath Of The Hammer”, the title track of the band’s upcoming studio offering. 

The album will be released on July 17 via ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. Pre-orders have just started at: https://stormhammer.rpm.link/wrathalbumPR 

With “Wrath Of The Hammer”, STORMHAMMER deliver a powerful first glimpse of their forthcoming album and once again prove why they remain one of the most consistent and exciting acts in the European power metal scene. The title track combines massive riffs, epic melodies and the band’s unmistakable energy into a modern metal anthem rooted in classic heavy metal spirit.

Phil Meyer (guitar, backing vocals) comments:
“Tracks like Wrath of the Hammer perfectly represent the album’s direction — aggressive downstrokes, fast power chords and epic melodic moments coming together in a very classic yet modern Heavy Metal way.”

Drummer Ashley Guest confirms: “Wrath of the Hammer maintains the spirit of classic StormHammer while pushing the sound forward with a sharper and more aggressive edge.” 

Stream “Wrath Of The Hammer” below :

Following the acclaimed album Seven Seals, STORMHAMMER open a new chapter with Wrath Of The Hammer. The album combines traditional heavy metal roots with thrash-driven guitars, epic melodies and progressive elements while staying true to the band’s unmistakable identity.

“Wrath of the Hammer reflects all generations of Heavy Metal," Phil Meyer says."The old school, the melodic, the anthemic and the modern. That’s exactly who StormHammer are as a band today. We didn’t want the album to be purely melodic power metal. StormHammer has always had a more raw side, and we wanted to push that further by bringing in thrash elements, modern metal and even some ’90s punk roots without losing the band’s heavy metal identity.”

Vocalist M.Nox adds: “We went into this album with the idea that we didn’t want to play it safe. We mixed in elements of Thrash, Symphonic and Classic Metal while keeping it true to StormHammer’s Power Metal roots. With this album, you will hear StormHammer in a way you have not heard before.”

Recorded at Mastersound Studio with producer Alexander Krull, the album delivers a massive production, atmospheric arrangements and renewed creative energy throughout, showcasing a band that continues to evolve while remaining a vital force in modern power metal! 

Horst Tessmann (bass, backing vocals) reveals:
“Recording with Alex Krull was fantastic because we shared the same vision for how these songs should sound. He delivered a powerful and outstanding production. Wrath of the Hammer combines traditional Power Metal with Thrash Metal elements in a way that feels natural and energetic. The older I get, the faster and heavier I want the music to be.”

“This album feels honest and alive," guitarist Christos Efstathiou states. "We challenged ourselves creatively while staying true to what StormHammer is about. There’s power, emotion and adventure in these songs.”

About STORMHAMMER:
German power metal band STORMHAMMER have established themselves as a powerful force within the European metal scene for many years. Combining traditional heavy metal intensity with melodic power metal energy and epic songwriting, the band has created a distinctive sound that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Throughout their career, STORMHAMMER have continuously evolved their sound while remaining true to their roots. Their music blends aggressive guitar work, soaring melodies and powerful rhythms with atmospheric songwriting and modern production. With “Wrath Of The Hammer”, the band once again underlines their status as one of Germany’s most important and enduring power metal acts.


STORMHAMMER is:
M.Nox - Vocals
Phil Meyer - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Christos Efstathiou - Guitar
Ashley Guest - Drums
Horst Tessmann - Bass, Backing Vocals


Connect With STORMHAMMER:
Website: https://www.stormhammer.de/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stormhammerband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormhammer_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCse2QaL9LqKOo2DMAEyUBCw
TikTok: tiktok.com/@stormhammer_band