EMBERS OF DAWN Releases "Eden Unknown," a Dark Reflection on Emotional Disconnection in a Hyperconnected World

Emerging from the shadows with ferocious intent, EMBERS OF DAWN delivers their most intense and emotionally charged track yet with “Eden Unknown.” The single marks the band’s first release from their forthcoming debut album, and showcases the group’s evolution into a darker, heavier, and more immersive sonic territory.

From the first crushing riff, "Eden Unknown" hits with the force of a digital apocalypse. It is a visceral fusion of melodic death metal and cyber-metal, laced with gothic undertones that amplify the song’s mood of despair and transcendence. With Cliff Ross (guitars/programming), Scott Van Horn (bass/programming), and Kyle Sweeny (drums) at the helm, EMBERS OF DAWN crafts a sound that is both technically precise and emotionally raw.

The lyrics delve into themes of detachment, emotional numbness, and the search for authentic connection. Set in a world where people are digitally linked but emotionally absent, "Eden Unknown" paints a vision of a paradoxical paradise. It tells of a modern Eden that is cold, empty, and stripped of genuine feeling.

About EMBERS OF DAWN:

Formed in 2022, EMBERS OF DAWN is a genre-defying metal project born out of Jacksonville, Florida and Santa Barbara, California. The band blends elements of industrial, gothic, melodic death metal, and cyber-metal to create a sound that is both cinematic and punishing. Known for their thematic focus on alienation, modern decay, and emotional detachment, EMBERS OF DAWN delivers music that is as introspective as it is aggressive.

The band’s music features cold, mechanical precision layered with dark melodic textures, drawing influence from acts like PAIN, DARK TRANQUILLITY, MINISTRY, FEAR FACTORY, RAMMSTEIN, STATIC-X, ROB ZOMBIE, ARCH ENEMY, and TYPE O NEGATIVE. With each release, they continue to explore new sonic territory, balancing technicality with atmosphere, brutality with beauty.

Their upcoming debut album Infernal Culture features drums by ADRIAN ERLANDSSON (AT THE GATES, CRADLE OF FILTH, PARADISE LOST, THE HAUNTED), adding an explosive edge to their already dynamic sound.

EMBERS OF DAWN is:

  • Cliff Ross – guitars, programming

  • Scott Van Horn – bass, programming

  • Kyle Sweeny – drums 

METAL ALLEGIANCE Announces Show At Anaheim House Of Blues

Illustrious metal collective METAL ALLEGIANCE, comprised of core members David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Mark Menghi (KING ULTRAMEGA), Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT), and Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER), are proud to announce their annual return to Anaheim, CA at the House Of Blues (400 Disney Way). Beginning as a celebration of the metal genre, METAL ALLEGIANCE has forged a legacy all their own while collaborating with metal's most revered trailblazers. With 2 albums of original music and an EP, the supergroup proves that legends never die, and can even reinvent themselves. Having recently signed to Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), METAL ALLEGIANCE continues to carve new paths and make their mark on the modern metal scene.

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the "core 4" members will share the stage with Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT), John Bush (ex-ANTHRAX, ARMORED SAINT), Doc Coyle (BAD WOLVES, GOD FORBID), William DuVall (ALICE IN CHAINS), Jack Gibson (EXODUS), Gary Holt (SLAYER, EXODUS), Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA), and Troy Sanders (MASTODON). In typical METAL ALLEGIANCE fashion, the show will feature surprise special guests and support from CHAINED SAINT, RED REIGN, and LOST LEGACY.

This special event is sponsored by Reverb and Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). Buy your tickets here (on sale on October 17, 2025): https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0900634A15627F9E

AGNOSTIC FRONT (Featuring Darryl "DMC" McDaniels) Release New Single, "Matter Of Life & Death"

New York City offers a world of collisions of cultures, sounds, and attitudes; and the latest scorching offering from the city’s underground veins proves that this legacy lives on. Hardcore legends AGNOSTIC FRONT have teamed up with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of RUN-DMC for a new single and music video, “Matter Of Life & Death” to reignite the flames of New York hardcore.

On "Matter Of Life & Death", AGNOSTIC FRONT and DMC prove that they have far more to offer than mere nostalgia. In a refreshingly modern take on genre-blending, the single charges into a snarling street fight between hardcore punk and old-school hip-hop swagger. Blasting out with razor-sharp riffs, thunderous beats, and DMC’s unmistakable cadence, the music hits harder than a Queens-bound freight train. Producer and New York Hardcore stalwart Mike Dijan keeps the sound raw and relentless, while director Blake Farber turns the video into a non-stop adrenaline reel. With mosh pits meeting boom boxes, fists in the air, and sweat flying off the walls, it's New York grit distilled into less than 3 minutes of pure energy.

In an era of overproduced and predictable genre mash-ups, “Matter of Life & Death” feels alive, dangerous, and necessary. AGNOSTIC FRONT and DMC are the perfect unlikely pairing: two giants from different musical worlds finding common ground in aggression, defiance, and their New York roots. 

And this is just the 2nd shot fired, leading into AGNOSTIC FRONT's highly-anticipated upcoming album, Echoes in Eternity, dropping November 7th. If you needed a reminder that the spirit of crossover still has teeth, this is it.

Watch the video Below.

Stream "Matter Of Life & Death" here: https://agnosticfront.rpm.link/moldPR 

Catch AGNOSTIC FRONT on tour:

EAST MEETS WEST TOUR DATES
Oct. 15 Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater 
Oct. 16 Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall 
Oct. 17 Boise, ID @ The Shredder  
Oct. 18 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre  
Oct. 19 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon  
Oct. 21 San Jose, CA @ The Ritz 
Oct. 22 Sacramento, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post 
Oct. 23 Berkeley, CA @ Cornerstone Berkeley
Oct. 24 Ventura, CA @ Ventura Music Hall 
Oct. 25 Pomona, CA @ The Glass House 
Oct. 26 Las Vegas, NV @ Swan Dive 
Oct. 28 Tucson, AZ @ The Rock 
Oct. 29 Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theater 
Oct. 30 Palmdale, CA @ Transplants Brewery 
Nov. 01 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
Nov. 02 Garden Grove, CA @ Garden Amp 

East Coast American Tour 2025
Dec. 4 Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East
Dec. 5 Atlantic City, NJ @ Anchor Rock Club
Dec. 6 NYC, NY @ Irving Plaza
Dec. 9 Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club
Dec. 10 Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern
Dec. 11 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Hell)
Dec. 12 Melbourne, FL @ Pineapples (Moon Room)
Dec. 13 Miami, FL @ Gramps
Dec. 14 Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
Dec. 15 Jacksonville, FL @ The Albatross
Dec. 16 Greenville, SC @ Radio Room
Dec. 17 Wilmington, NC @ Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern
Dec. 18 Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House
Dec. 19 Lynchburg, VA @ Super Rad Arcade
Dec. 20 Altoona, PA @ McGarvey’s Bar & Grill
Dec. 21 Allentown, PA @ Archer Music Hall (Arrow)

About AGNOSTIC FRONT:
Founded in 1982, AGNOSTIC FRONT stand among the most esteemed pioneers of the hardcore genre. No band comes close in sonic and socio authenticity and sincerity, where the struggles of survival on the streets have quite literally given life to a sound that remains as impactful today as it was over four decades ago. AGNOSTIC FRONT‘s battering, socially critical sounds serve as the foundation of true New York hardcore and helped initiate the emergence of crossover thrash. Following a slew of pummeling offerings, the band, led by the inimitable roar of Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma's legendary charismatic guitar playing, continue to showcase unapologetically honest lyrics and signature aggression in Echoes in Eternity. 

https://www.agnosticfront.com/ | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify 

AS I LAY DYING Ignite a New Chapter with Powerful Single “Echoes”

Metalcore mainstays AS I LAY DYING have roared back with their latest single, “Echoes," a track that signals not only a powerful sonic statement, but the beginning of an inspired new chapter for the band.

Layered in emotion, precision, and melodic depth, “Echoes” explores the internal battles we fight, the shadows we leave behind, and the strength found in forging a new identity. Delivered with unrelenting passion and signature intensity, the song highlights the band’s trademark balance of crushing heaviness and poignant introspection.

“Echoes” also marks the debut of a dynamic new AS I LAY DYING lineup, bringing together seasoned talent and fresh energy:

  • Tim Lambesis – Vocals

  • Chris Clancy – Bass, Clean Vocals

  • Bill Hudson – Guitar

  • Don Vedda – Guitar

  • Tim Yeung – Drums

"As the only primary songwriter on every AILD album, I’m always going to a find a path forward for this catalog of music that I’m so passionate about,"says Tim Lambesis."But sometimes things come together even better than expected. I’m incredibly grateful for my new bandmates. In addition to being incredibly talented, they genuinely care about my well being and the band we are now all a part of."

"Tim L and I first met almost 20 years ago and I’ve been in multiple bands with Tim Y,"
adds Bill Hudson. "It’s an honor to be a part of the new chapter of As I Lay Dying. What a great way to get together and play with so many friends of 15+ years at the same time!"

"Excited to finally share this new chapter. Check out the music video for Echoes, proud of what we've created together. Hope you enjoy it,"
affirms Chris Clancy.

This new formation infuses the band with renewed vitality and artistic momentum. Each member brings a unique voice and refined musicianship, helping to craft a sound that’s both familiar and forward-thinking, rooted in legacy, but boldly reaching into new territory.

Additionally, AS I LAY DYING will embark on an electrifying European tour this fall, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their landmark album Shadows Are Security. Fans will experience a career-spanning set, with deep cuts, timeless anthems, and a renewed fire on stage. Tickets are available HERE

DISSENTIENCE Unleashes First Single “Obsidian Tomb” from Upcoming EP Kaiju

Bethlehem, PA metal act DISSENTIENCE has released “Obsidian Tomb,” the crushing first single from their forthcoming concept EP Kaiju, due out February 20, 2026, accompanied by a brand-new lyric video.

A blistering blend of thrash aggression, death metal precision, and cinematic atmosphere, “Obsidian Tomb” serves as the opening chapter in Kaiju’s apocalyptic narrative. The song begins with a somber acoustic passage before erupting into a relentless assault of blast beats, crushing riffs, and haunting melodies. Lyrically, the track captures the first moments of devastation as a colossal, nameless monster emerges from the depths to annihilate an unsuspecting city.


Rather than grounding the story in a specific place or era, DISSENTIENCE leaves the monster and setting deliberately vague, allowing listeners to project their own fears into the music. The result is a track that feels as timeless as it is terrifying.

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

About DISSENTIENCE: 

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

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

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

THE NOCTAMBULANT Unveil "Bring The Sorrow", A Sinister Hymn From The Southern Void

Drawing from the raw bloodlines of blues, rockabilly, goth rock, and American country, Florida’s dark torchbearers THE NOCTAMBULANT open the gates to the abyss with their new single “Bring The Sorrow.”

With this release, the band channels the haunted spirits of the South, where gospel hymns curdle into laments and salvation tastes of rust and whiskey. “Bring The Sorrow” is the first true blast of sound from a forthcoming chapter in THE NOCTAMBULANT’s evolution, a forceful wake-up call from the shadows of the American heartland.

The track begins with the metaphorical crack of a Bible slamming shut on a pulpit, signaling the end of blind faith and the beginning of reckoning. Its lyrics twist the familiar words of Psalm 91, a passage once meant to promise protection and peace, into something deeply corrupted. In the world of “Bring The Sorrow,” faith offers no refuge, only torment. The song reimagines the sacred as profane, echoing through the backwoods of Appalachia and the swamps below, where every prayer is answered with silence.

“Bring The Sorrow” captures The Noctambulant’s signature fusion of dark Americana and gothic metal, where howling guitars and funeral dirges collide. It is both a sermon and a curse, a lament for a world where redemption has lost its meaning.

About THE NOCTAMBULANT:
In 2013, THE NOCTAMBULANT formed in Jacksonville, Florida, with a mission to spread the culture of Southern Appalachia through their unique interpretation of black metal. Merging the genre’s primal aggression with the crushing weight of blackened death metal and the haunting atmospherics of Southern Gothic, they sought to honor the myths, spirits, and eerie folklore of the region.

Founded by E. Helvete (Guitars, Vocals) and D. Franseth (Drums) following the breakup of their psychobilly band, THE NOCTAMBULANT emerged as they delved into the darker realms of black metal. With the addition of Lars Goerschafft (Bass) and, later, Rev Beaumont (Guitar), the band fully embraced a sound that merges relentless intensity with ghostly Appalachian storytelling, crafting an auditory spell of sorrow, brutality, and mysticism.

Their music weaves a sonic tapestry of feral blackened riffs, ominous melodies, and immersive soundscapes steeped in spectral Appalachian lore. Drawing inspiration from metal legends such as VENOM, CELTIC FROST, BATHORY, and DARK FUNERAL, THE NOCTAMBULANT channels both ferocity and haunting atmosphere, merging the unrelenting force of extreme metal with the ghostly echoes of ancient myths and the desolation of the Southern Gothic landscape. Their next album is set to emerge in 2026.

THE NOCTAMBULANT is:
E. Helvete - Guitars/Vocals
D. Franseth - Drums
Lars G - Bass
Rev. Beaumont - Lead Guitar

Links: 
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/TheNoctambulant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoctambulant/
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeEM8R9y/

ESHTADUR Announces Mexico Dates for “Bellum Regiis” Tour and Symphonic Live Album Release

Colombian blackened melodic death metal force ESHTADUR returns to Mexico this October as direct support for Polish death metal titans HATE on the incendiary “Bellum Regiis” Tour.

Kicking off on October 11 in Mexico City, this brutal cross-country trek will see ESHTADUR delivering their signature fusion of crushing riffs, symphonic grandeur, and tribal intensity to audiences across seven cities. The opening night in CDMX will be a monumental event, also featuring none other than BEHEMOTH. As one of the most internationally acclaimed extreme metal acts to emerge from Latin America, ESHTADUR is poised to conjure chaos and catharsis in every city they touch.

The tour comes ahead of ESHTADUR’s upcoming live album, Symphonic Crows – Live at the Santiago Londoño’s Theater, arriving December 4, 2025 via Void Nation. Recorded in their hometown with a full symphonic orchestra, the album is a triumphant testament to the band’s cinematic sound and uncompromising energy.

Featuring seven tracks including Lowborn Bastard, Umbra, The Red Door, and She The Void, the album captures the magic of their genre-defying performance in Pereira, Colombia. Produced by Jorg August, mixed and mastered by Diego Rodriguez, and recorded at the Santiago Londoño’s Theater, this release is a milestone in the band’s legacy, melding orchestral majesty with the relentless pulse of death metal.

About ESHTADUR: 

ESHTADUR was founded in the fall of 2005 by Jorg August, releasing the Timo Be Timo demo with a sound in the vein of COVENANT, DIMMU BORGIR, and OLD MAN’S CHILD. Since then, they have released a pair of EPs and four powerful full-length albums. ESHTADUR, meaning "the rebellion of angels," can be most closely likened to bands such as SEPTIC FLESH, BEHEMOTH, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, CARACH ANGREN, and the like. Like their scene counterparts, the band embodies a deathly melodic atmosphere that reaches into realms of darkness and despair through the decay of humanity. It seeks to rebel, in its darkened way, embracing the abject reality.

ESHTADUR is: 

  • Jorg August – Vocals and Guitars

  • Camilo Barbosa – Lead Guitars

  • Andres Gonzalez – Bass

  • Juan Lopez – Drums

Connect with ESHTADUR:

DANKO JONES Pay Homage to KISS on New Video Single “Diamond In The Rough” feat. Marty Friedman (MEGADETH)

Toronto’s hardest-hitting rock ’n’ roll trio DANKO JONES are back with their explosive new single “Diamond In The Rough”, the latest cut from their upcoming album Leo Rising — out November 21, 2025, via Perception – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music and Sonic Unyon (Canada)!

The track is a high-voltage homage to classic KISS, supercharged by a blazing guest solo from guitar legend Marty Friedman (MEGADETH, CACOPHONY).

The band comments: “Channeling early Kiss, this is a favorite of mine, especially with the one and only Marty Friedman on lead guitar!”

“Diamond In The Rough” channels the raw, unfiltered energy of 1970s arena rock. Friedman’s fiery fretwork ignites the song, adding his unmistakable touch of guitar heroism that takes the band’s signature power-trio sound into overdrive.

Listen / Download: https://dankojones.rpm.link/diamondPR

Watch the official video for “Diamond In The Rough” below.

Following the adrenaline-fueled singles “What You Need”, “Everyday Is Saturday Night,” and today’s release of “Diamond In The Rough”, DANKO JONES‘ forthcoming studio offering Leo Rising promises to be a masterclass in sweat-soaked, no-nonsense rock — produced to perfection by longtime collaborator Eric Ratz. Packed with razor-sharp riffs, thunderous rhythms, and infectious hooks, the album reaffirms that DANKO JONES are keeping rock alive by doing it better than anyone else.

John Calabrese laid down bass tracks from Finland, Rich Knox flew to Toronto to record drums, and Danko worked with producer Eric Ratz in the same city to capture vocals and guitars. Despite recording separately once again, the band’s chemistry is unmistakable. The result is pure DANKO JONES: tight, loud, and built for the stage.

Leo Rising may be their most electrifying and uplifting record yet — a jolt of high-octane rock made for packed clubs, open highways, and everything in between!

Pre-order Leo Rising and exclusive vinyl editions here:
https://dankojones.rpm.link/leorisingPR

About DANKO JONES
Every time someone announces the death of rock ‘n’ roll, Canada’s most incendiary power trio roll with the punches and keep rocking with maximum commitment to the cause. DANKO JONES are a three-piece rock ‘n’ roll band from Toronto. They never sleep. They sweat blood. And they are keeping rock alive by doing it better than anyone else.

On duty since 1996, these unstoppable road-hogs have devoted their lives to rousing the people with blistering, no-bullshit, all-action rock. They have rallied a global army of rock-hungry fans, and blown them away with a steady stream of explosive, anthem-packed albums and an absurd number of live shows. From early underground smashes like We Sweat Blood [2003] and Sleep Is The Enemy[2006], to the band’s recent, triumphant triumvirate of A Rock Supreme [2019], Power Trio [2021] and Electric Sounds [2023], DANKO JONES have been a relentless force for rock ‘n’ roll good, both in the studio and on the road. And they have absolutely no intention of stopping.

You know what? I like the routine of recording, touring, writing, and repeat,” states singer/guitarist, Danko Jones himself. “I can do that till I’m dead! It may sound boring, but it’s so hard for a band to achieve. I don’t take this lightly. Also, it’s a page out of the MOTÖRHEAD handbook so it works! Since 'Electric Sounds' we’ve been touring and touring. We managed to play in Mexico and Greece for the first time, and we even played Prince Edward Island, a province in Canada we’d never been to before. Other than that, it’s been a life of gigs and writing more songs to play more gigs!”

Proving that their time was well-spent, Danko, bassist John Calabrese and drummer Rich Knox have conjured yet another blazing banquet of nourishing rock goodness on their 12th studio record, due for release later this year.

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

More on DANKO JONES:
dankojones.com | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X | Spotify | Apple Music

KING ULTRAMEGA (Ft Richie Kotzen , Charlie Benante) Unveils New Single "Say Hello 2 Heaven", In Memory Of Chris Cornell

Alternative rock collective KING ULTRAMEGA, featuring members of ALICE IN CHAINS, ANTHRAX, MASTODON, and SOUNDGARDEN, have unveiled an emotional new rendition of the TEMPLE OF THE DOG classic, "Say Hello 2 Heaven", featuring Richie Kotzen on vocals and guitar. KING ULTRAMEGA crafted this single in loving memory of legendary vocalist Chris Cornell, while raising funds and awareness for MusiCares. MusiCares is the Recording Academy’s nonprofit that provides mental health, addiction recovery, and emergency services to those in the music community. 

Originally written by Chris Cornell as a tribute to MOTHER LOVE BONE vocalist Andrew Wood, KING ULTRAMEGA members Richie Kotzen, Charlie Benante, and Mark Menghi have now reinterpreted "Say Hello 2 Heaven" in memory of Chris Cornell. Richie Kotzen lends his soulful, expressive vocal delivery to the reimagined version of the song, imbuing it with deep personal meaning. Kotzen's performance puts emotional expression over technical preparation, resulting in an honest and moving take on the music.

"I lost my sister to suicide in 2022, and that kind of loss changes how you experience certain songs," Kotzen comments. "It's not something I set out to bring into the session, but it showed up. That's when it stopped feeling like just a tribute and became something more personal."

Bassist and mastermind Mark Menghi knew that "Say Hello 2 Heaven" would become an integral piece of KING ULTRAMEGA from the start, due to its lyrical message. Menghi chose to keep the song's arrangement and structure almost identical to the original, but the band took some creative liberties in lending R&B/soul-inspired stylings to the music. 

Menghi comments, "The lyrical message in 'Say Hello 2 Heaven' strikes a chord when you think back on how Chris wrote about Andrew's untimely passing, and here we are over 30 years later paying tribute to Chris with his song about his untimely passing. It's an emotional rollercoaster to say the least."

ANTHRAX Drummer Charlie Benante immediately agreed to play on "Say Hello 2 Heaven" due to his personal connection with the song. As a longtime fan of MOTHER LOVE BONE, Benante considers "Say Hello 2 Heaven" to be one of his all-time favorite songs.

About KING ULTRAMEGA:

KING ULTRAMEGA is a passion-driven musical project honoring the life, voice, and genius of Chris Cornell, one of the most gifted artists of our time. It launches in conjunction with SOUNDGARDEN’s long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This project did not begin with a single, dramatic moment. Instead, it grew quietly and gradually, an organic result of years of conversations, inspiration, and deep reverence for a musician whose impact remains immeasurable.

"There is not a singular moment in time that led to this project," says bassist and producer Mark Menghi, the driving force behind KING ULTRAMEGA. "It was a trail of events that led to the formation of KING ULTRAMEGA and the evolving creation to pay tribute to the voice of a generation."

It started in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, when Menghi recorded a version of "Rusty Cage" with friends. What began as a creative release soon became something larger. With every step forward, the project deepened in meaning and purpose. "I kept crossing the mental roadblock of 'you are entering uncharted waters, are you sure you wanna do this?'" Menghi reflects. "Chris is one of those dudes if you cover, you better do it justice."

The decision to continue became clear when SOUNDGARDEN guitarist Kim Thayil joined the project and re-recorded one of his own iconic tracks. "Once Kim got involved and re-recorded one of his own songs, I knew something was brewing,"Menghi says.

Thayil embraced the project wholeheartedly. "I’m super honored to record alongside all the amazing musicians appearing on the KING ULTRAMEGA project," he says. "I’m equally proud that it celebrates SOUNDGARDEN in this tribute to the songwriting of Chris. Ultra-admirably, everyone’s participation is supporting the work of the MusiCares Foundation. Thank you Mark Menghi, Charlie Benante and Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM)."

For Menghi, this project is as personal as it is musical. "I went through some very difficult times in my life. I should not be here right now, but I am," he shares. "I like to think my past trials and tribulations helped me understand Chris just a little, hence the formation of KING ULTRAMEGA."

Song selection was guided by instinct. "My mood. It's really that simple," Menghi explains. "'Rusty Cage' was recorded simply because it's one of my favorite songs featured on one of my favorite records." Other songs came to Menghi during moments of reflection and inspiration. "There is a bunch more in the can right now, all with drums fully recorded, which are currently being worked out for future releases."

The goal was never to reinvent Cornell’s work. It was about honoring it with the respect it deserves. "It really is only about honoring the legacy of Chris Cornell. Nothing more," Menghi says. Each musician brought their own voice, but always in service to the song and to Cornell’s memory.

"Each musician has their own individual musical stamp," Menghi explains. "You hear the absolute best of each one of them. You are talking about musicians who helped invent and shape musical genres and helped define their generations in popular culture, not just music, but society as a whole."

The cast of collaborators is remarkable. Kim Thayil, Charlie Benante, Joe Satriani, William DuVall, Bill Kelliher, Alissa White-Gluz, Kenny Aronoff, Menghi himself, among many others. The mix of past friendships and new connections created a unique bond among them. "I think back and go 'did I really ask Joe Satriani to do an instrumental reinterpretation of one of the greatest modern vocal songs ever recorded?' or 'what the fuck was I thinking asking the great Kim Thayil to re-record one of his own classic Soundgarden songs?'" Menghi laughs. Yet, no egos entered the room. "Each participating musician saw the vision and understood that this is about honoring the legacy of not only an inspiring musician, but an amazing husband, father and man."

For Menghi, Cornell’s music has always been a constant presence. "Chris Cornell has been one of only a very small handful of musical constants in my life," he says. "I never waivered, not once."

Certain moments in the process were surreal. Recording with Thayil was one of them. "I remember thinking back saying to myself 'holy fuck, I’m on a SOUNDGARDEN song with Kim Thayil. What planet are we on?'"

Throughout it all, Menghi served as the project’s creative director, always guided by one central question. "How would Chris like this?" Every choice, from guest musicians to mixes to artwork, was measured against that standard. "If there is even a shred of uncertainty at any point in the process, back to the drawing board we go."

The recordings were completed remotely over several years. The final tracks were mixed with care to ensure a cohesive sound that still captured the raw emotion of the performances.

Hope is the underlying theme that runs through KING ULTRAMEGA. It is an offering to longtime fans and an invitation for younger listeners to discover the timeless brilliance of Cornell’s work. "KU is just a blip in the Chris Cornell universe,"Menghi says. "We are a subtle reminder that Chris was a true musical genius."

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

Lineup for "Say Hello 2 Heaven":
Richie Kotzen - Guitar, Vocals
Mark Menghi - Bass
Charlie Benante - Drums

Connect with King Ultramega:

kingultramega.comApple Music | Spotify | Deezer | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok | X

BLACK SEA OF TREES Premiere "A Red Dawn"

Traversing a forlorn sense of powerlessness juxtaposed with a ferocious intensity, "A Red Dawn" offers a commentary on human behavior throughout history as well as a search one's sense of self. The Australian progressive metal quartet BLACK SEA OF TREES are beginning their journey to unleash the second album Cult of the Sun. Listen to the first single, "A Red Dawn" HERE. 

The band comments on "A Red Dawn": 

"The lyrics illustrate the protagonist’s stagnant situation before being confronted by the sun god’s providence. The protagonist makes a covenant with the sun god, offering themselves in return for power to destroy their enemies and the creation of a new kingdom. The song ends with the protagonist destroying the temples of the old gods and the slaughter of those that upheld that religion."

Listen Below.

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

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

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

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

Kaupe - Destroyer of Worlds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About KAUPE:

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

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

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

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

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

KAUPE is: 


  • Brett Walker – Guitar

  • Marc Larabel – Drums

  • Pete Medrano – Bass

  • Patrick Ross – Keys


Connect with KAUPE:


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch the video for "Throne Of Bones" BELOW.

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

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

STILLBIRTH IS:

  • Lukas Swiaczny – Vocals

  • Martin Grupe – Drums

  • Lukas Kaminski – Bass

  • Leonard Thoma – Guitar

  • Szymon Skiba – Guitar

Website | Facebook | Instagram 

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

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

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

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

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

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

About WHEEL OF TIME:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-order Homehttps://vesseles.myshopify.com/

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

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

Credits:
Composed by Valira Pietrangelo.
Performed by VESSELES. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REVERYA is:

  • Nadine  (Vocals/Keys)

  • Travis (Guitars)

  • Kaleb (Drums)


Album Credits:

  • Producer: Logan Clough, Justin Gregorio

  • Recording Studio: Creative Cult Recordings, Vanta Co Recordings

  • Engineer: Logan Clough

  • Mastering: Logan Clough

  • Mixing: Logan Clough

Album Cover Artist: Nadine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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