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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Out Now From Mors Principium Est

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Graveripper - From Welkin To Tundra

Indianapolis thrashers GRAVERIPPER have been the soundtrack for post-apocalyptic extinction since forming in 2019. Since then they established themselves as one of black thrash’s most ferocious upcoming bands with their blazing Radiated Remains EP, a spot on the long sold-out Faster Than the Fucking Devil split, and their scorching first full-length (Seasons Dreaming Death).

Now these Midwestern speed demons return with their bleakest and heaviest record yet, From Welkin to Tundra. As a genre, black thrash is usually light on actual black metal influence. But Graveripper is a different beast. This album’s chilling atmosphere and dark edge invokes IMMORTAL, CARPATHIAN FOREST, and AURA NOIR as much as MOTORHEAD or MIDNIGHT.

 “From Welkin to Tundra is a blackened, cold, furious assault that captures Graveripper’s distinct style of blending Black and Thrash metal better than any release yet,” vocalist/guitarist Corey Parks describes. “From the dreadful opening track, to the blazing “burn the house down” closer, this record is a sonic assault of Black Thrash ‘N’ Roll that I am very proud of.”

Even the album’s stunning cover art by Adam Burke feels like a classic black metal landscape with its shadowy elegance. The painting illustrates the album’s title, reflecting heaven reduced to a frozen wasteland. It’s a bleak concept that perfectly fits GRAVERIPPER’s vicious approach and From Welkin to Tundra’s darker sound. With two new members in the ranks (Steven Garcia on bass, and Nick James on drums), GRAVERIPPER's ready to conjure endless winter with this record.

From Welkin to Tundra unleashes hell on October 17, 2025. Available on Vinyl, CD, Cassette, and Digital from Wise Blood Records.

Links: 
Pre-Order on Bandcamp: https://graveripper.bandcamp.com/album/from-welkin-to-tundra 
Graveripper on FB: https://www.facebook.com/graveripperofficial 
Graveripper on IG: https://www.instagram.com/grave.ripper.metal 
Wise Blood Records on FB: https://www.facebook.com/wisebloodrecs
 Wise Blood Records on IG: https://www.instagram.com/wisebloodrecords/

GRAVERIPPER is:
 Corey Parks - Guitars/Vocals 
Steven Garcia - Bass Guitar 
Nick James - Drums 

OPETH Announce North American Tour Part 2, 2026

Swedish progressive metal titans OPETH are preparing to return across the Atlantic to bring their fearless 14th studio album to stages across North America. The critically acclaimed The Last Will And Testament (released on November 22, 2024 through Moderbolaget / Reigning Phoenix Music), saw frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt return to growling vocal territory for the first time in 16 years. The Last Will And Testament North American Tour Part 2 will begin in February 2026. 

OPETH's return to North America follows a busy 2025 schedule including their summer festival run, the second proper European leg of their The Last Will And Testament tour in Autumn, and a 9-date journey to Australia, New Zealand and Japan throughout November. 

Purchase Tickets HERE

The Last Will And Testament North American Tour Part 2, 2026
05.02.2026 US - Montclair, The Wellmont Theater
06.02.2026 US - Boston, Orpheum Theatre
07.02.2026 US - Philadelphia, The Filmore Philadelphia
10.02.2026 US - Detroit, Masonic Jack White Theatre
11.02.2026 US - Chicago, Riviera Theatre
12.02.2026 US - St-Louis, The Pageant
14.02.2026 US - Dallas, The Bomb Factory
15.02.2026 US - Houston, Bayou Music Center
16.02.2026 US - San Antonio, Majestic Theatre
18.02.2026 US - Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Center
20.02.2026 US - Las Vegas, The Pearl
21.02.2026 US - Riverside, Riverside Municipal Auditorium
22.02.2026 US - Sacramento, Channel 24
24.02.2026 US - Seattle, Paramount Theatre
25.02.2026 CA - Vancouver, Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

The Last Will And Testament is gripping from start to finish, jaw-dropping inside and out, representing some of OPETH’s finest material to date. Just as OPETH welcomed many into its distressed arms over the years, the Swedes again deliver on the promise that great music always tells a compelling story - this time with growls we had not heard since the 2008 Watershed.

OPETH’s 14th album was written by Åkerfeldt, with lyrics conferred with Klara Rönnqvist Fors (THE HEARD, ex-CRUCIFIED BARBARA). The Last Will And Testament was co-produced by Åkerfeldt and Stefan Boman (GHOST, THE HELLACOPTERS), engineered by Boman, Joe Jones (KILLING JOKE, ROBERT PLANT), and OPETH, with Boman, Åkerfeldt, and the rest of the band mixing at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe Studios in Stockholm. The strings on The Last Will And Testament were arranged by Åkerfeldt and Dave Stewart (EGG, KHAN) and conducted by Stewart at Angel Studios in London. Not one to miss a beat, visual artist Travis Smith returns to the fold, crafting his 11th cover, a haunting ‘photograph’ reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick's infamous Overlook Hotel photograph. Miles Showell (ABBA, QUEEN) also revisits mastering and vinyl lacquer cutting at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Order/stream The Last Will And Testament: https://opeth.rpm.link/lastwillPR
Purchase physical copies and merch HERE: https://opeth.omerch.com/

OPETH are:
Mikael Åkerfeldt | vocals, guitars
Fredrik Åkesson | guitars, backing vocals
Martín Méndez | bass
Waltteri Väyrynen | drums, percussion
Joakim Svalberg | keys, backing vocals
 
More on OPETH:
opeth.com | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | RPM

Finnish Melodeath Titans WOLFHEART Unleash New Video For "Forefathers", From 'Draconian Darkness II' EP

Finnish melodic death metal titans WOLFHEART have unleashed a new video for "Forefathers", from their new EP, Draconian Darkness II, out now via Reigning Phoenix Music. "Forefathers" lets the dynamic nature of WOLFHEART's sound shine with a blend of stormy orchestrations, layered vocals (featuring performances by members of BEFORE THE DAWN, SUOTANA, and FULL HOUSE BREW CREW), and surprisingly delicate piano accents. With frigid and ferocious vocal deliveries and a massive chorus, the song spins a tale of revenge in a lonesome, bleak northern landscape.

Vocalist Tuomas Saukkonen comments: "'Forefathers' is a musical and lyrical combination of our mythology-themed King of the North (2022) and our latest album Draconian Darkness, which painted a bleak and apocalyptic soundscape. Vengeful and violent text meets mighty nordic riffs and melodies. A perfect partner for the 'Carnivore' single."

Watch the video Below.

This five-track release showcases every facet of WOLFHEART’s trademark sound: raw, poetic, and powerfully atmospheric. Featuring two new tracks (including orchestral and acoustic versions), plus a crushing live rendition from their latest album, Draconian Darkness II captures the band’s cold grandeur in both studio precision and on-stage intensity. Founder Tuomas Saukkonen continues to refine his vision with haunting melodies, relentless drumming, and evocative storytelling rooted in Northern landscapes. Draconian Darkness II is a journey through desolate beauty, bleak emotion, and thundering metal.

Draconian Darkness II is WOLFHEART at their best: melancholic, massive, and deeply melodic. With new songs, orchestral depth, and raw live energy, this EP is a cold flame burning bright in the dark.

WOLFHEART’s Draconian Darkness II EP is out now via Reigning Phoenix Music! Two new tracks (plus orchestral & acoustic versions) and a live cut of crushing northern metal: cold, poetic, and unforgettable.

Order HERE:  https://wolfheart.rpm.link/DD2PR

WOLFHEART – Draconian Darkness Over Europe 2025
+ Special guest: Before The Dawn
+ Supports: Suotana & FULL HOUSE B.C. (except for Spain)

About WOLFHEART:
Founded by the hardworking multi-instrumentalist Tuomas Saukkonen (known for BEFORE THE DAWN, BLACK SUN AEON, etc.), WOLFHEART represents a unique blend of sinister atmosphere and intense Northern European metal. Their music combines raw power with poetic depth, earning them significant acclaim within the global metal community.

While WOLFHEART's art is primarily inspired by their Finnish surroundings, their albums weave eclectic stories that connect nature and human emotions. With each release, they have expanded their artistic horizons, continually enriching their musical expression.

WOLFHEART are:
Tuomas Saukkonen | vocals, guitars
Vageliss Karzis | guitars, vocals
Lauri Silvonen | bass, vocals
Joonas Kauppinen | drums
 
More on WOLFHEART:
wolfheartmetal.com | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | RPM

GOTTHARD Announce 'More Stereo Crush' Mini Album

GOTTHARD literally keep riding the wave of success - and their new single confirms the band’s enduring high impressively! Just days after their latest TV appearance - this time at Germany’s popular Sunday noon program, ZDF’s ‘Rock im Garten’ - the Swiss hard rock icons have released a brand new single called "Ride The Wave".
 
The track continues the way the group have taken with their 2025 milestone Stereo Crush (March 21 via Reigning Phoenix Music), and will surely sweeten the last weeks of the summer - and also above and beyond, of course!
 
Loosely yet boldly kick-started by massive guitar riffing and drums, the single brings an instant feel-good vision to the listeners minds: the sun is burning while you’re cruising through the desert or along the coast in your vintage cabriolet. With "Ride The Wave," GOTTHARD invite you to have the time of your life leaving all negativity behind and build on the life-celebrating momentum they’ve created on Stereo Crush. Turn it up!
 
“‘Ride The Wave’ went through a couple of versions and recording sessions before we finally found the right vibe for the album. It has this raw, old-school rock energy with gritty guitar riffs and a powerhouse vocal performance of Nic Maeder,” adds guitarist Freddy Scherer.
 
Watch the lyric video below.
Listen to ‘Ride The Wave’: https://gotthard.rpm.link/ridethewavePR
 
Set to make additional impact, the new song will also be part of GOTTHARD’s upcoming mini album, aptly titled More Stereo Crush. Further details as well as pre-order options will be announced later this year with even more new music paving its way. Stay tuned!

With their latest offering Stereo Crush, GOTTHARD reached the top of the official album chart for the 17th time (and for the 13th time in a row!) in their home country Switzerland. The band’s Austrian (#7) and German (#11) fan bases also gave them plenty of reason to celebrate in recent days. Get & stream Stereo Crush here: https://gotthard.rpm.link/stereocrushPR
 
Stereo Crush was produced, recorded and mixed by long-time producer Charlie Bauerfeind, who’s known for his work with the likes of HELLOWEEN and BLIND GUARDIAN, alongside co-producer and founding member Leo Leoni at Yellowhouse Studio. Mastered by Sascha “Busy” Bühren (TrueBusyness), artwork was once again provided by Thomas Ewerhard (AVANTASIA etc.).

About GOTTHARD
 
With meanwhile 17 number one albums, a Diamond Award for selling over one million units in Switzerland, and multiple platinum records, including their quadruple platinum album Homerun, GOTTHARD have an unmatched legacy of successes, rounded off by over 3.5 million units sold worldwide and more than 2,000 live performances. Their tracks like "Heaven," a platinum single, and seven top 10 singles have cemented the band in the international music scene.


GOTTHARD are:
Nic Maeder | vocals
Leo Leoni | guitars
Freddy Scherer | guitars
Marc Lynn | bass
Flavio Mezzodi | drums
 

More on GOTTHARD:
gotthard.com | Linktree | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | RPM

Thunderbird Divine Live, Loud and Lucky

THUNDERBIRD DIVINE returns with Live, Loud and Lucky, a collection of three live tracks recorded at Lucky 13 in Brooklyn on June 20, 2025. The recording captures the band during their first extended run of shows after the passing of keyboardist and friend Jack Falkenbach. It marks a transitional period for the band, performing as a trio and confronting both emotional and technical challenges on stage.

The album opens with “Times Gone Bad,” a song originally released on 2024’s Little Wars (Black Doomba Records). In its studio version, the song featured expansive organ lines. Performed live without keys, the track becomes a direct and aggressive sludge rock statement. The lyrics, focused on a broken relationship, take on sharper meaning in this stripped-down form.

“These Eyes,” also from Little Wars, follows. This track criticizes falsehood and imitation in the music world. The trio format highlights the song’s urgency and brings a biting edge to the performance. The band plays with confidence and clarity, holding nothing back.

The set closes with “Bummer Bridge,” first released on the 2019 album Magnasonic(Salt of the Earth Records). This song has always been a loud and wild garage rock anthem. Live, it is even more chaotic and forceful. The lyrics address the idea of facing personal reckoning. The performance is loose, loud, and focused on feeling rather than precision.

The lineup for the recording includes Erik Caplan on guitar, vocals, and theremin, Joshua Adam Solomon on bass, and Michael Stuart on drums. The set was recorded by Kyle Hodgkin, mixed by Solomon and Caplan, and mastered by Stephen Angello. Stuart also created the album’s cover art.

THUNDERBIRD DIVINE formed in Philadelphia in 2017. Their current sound draws influence from bands like FLOWER TRAVELLIN’ BAND, HAWKWIND, MONSTER MAGNET, and BLUE CHEER. Their style combines heavy riffing with psychedelic textures, experimental instruments, and unusual structures. Their past work has been featured on the Doom Charts and praised by publications including The Obelisk and The Sleeping Shaman.

The band’s discography includes Magnasonic (2019), The Hand of Man (2020), Little Wars (2024), and several standalone singles. They have played at Maryland Doom Fest, New England Stoner Doom Fest, and other regional events.

Live, Loud and Lucky reflects THUNDERBIRD DIVINE in motion. The performances are raw and unpolished. They show a band adjusting to change while holding on to the core elements of their sound. The album is available digitally starting September 26, 2025.

About THUNDERBIRD DIVINE: 

THUNDERBIRD DIVINE is a heavy psychedelic trio from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for their genre-blending mix of riff-driven doom, spacey experimentation, and raw, honest energy. Formed in 2017, the band creates music that blends crushing heaviness with vintage psychedelic textures, using instruments like theremin, drones, and synths to build a sound that is both hypnotic and thunderous.

The current lineup features Erik Caplan (guitar, vocals, theremin), Joshua Adam Solomon (bass, guitar, synths), and Michael Stuart (drums, vocals). Former members have included Flynn Lawrence and Adam Scott. Collectively, the group brings experience from previous projects such as WIZARD EYE, SKELETON HANDS, and FAMILY. Their background in heavy underground music fuels a sound that is rooted in tradition but unafraid to experiment.

Their discography includes full-length albums like Magnasonic (2019), The Hand of Man(2020), and Little Wars (2024), along with several standalone singles. Each release has received strong praise across the stoner, doom, and psych rock communities, earning spots on the Doom Charts and various “Best Of” lists.

THUNDERBIRD DIVINE has performed at major underground festivals including Maryland Doom Fest, New England Stoner Doom Fest, Shadow Woods Metal Fest, and Doom and Brews Fest. Known for delivering intense, emotionally charged live sets, the band continues to connect with audiences through sincerity and sonic force.

Connect with THUNDERBIRD DIVINE:

• Bandcamp: https://thunderbirddivine.bandcamp.com/album/little-wars-full-album

• E-Shop: https://thunderbirddivine.bigcartel.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EdL8VwEVb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thunderbird_divine?igsh=MWE0NTRreHZtbjNtOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thunderbirddivine_philly?si=-H-NTVTXS5H2idw1

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kk38lH2C6jY1Qd8IaaiCd?si=az-z9J3MQne3Jlyko_ftQA

• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/thunderbird-divine/1449986211

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thunderbird.divine?_t=ZP-8zZ3NY698n8&_r=1

BASTARD CROSS Announce New Album 'Crossripper'

This Halloween, blackened metalpunk band BASTARD CRÖSS will unveil the auditory blasphemy that is their forthcoming album, Crossripper via Morbid and Miserable. The debut full-length as been heavily inspired by horror movies, and draws from religious history notably dark and violent documented events. The music video for the first single and title track is available now. 

BASTARD CRÖSS bring "Crossripper" to life through the medium of B-Movie horror. Filled with the harrowing chants of the names of seven demons, aggressive thrash riffs, and shifting dynamics make for a thrilling and gloomy display. The track traverses the heavy weight of slower tempos and sections with a more raucous pace until it reaches its gory end. 

About BASTARD CRÖSS: 
The blasphemous quartet emerged from the crypts in Philadelphia in the grim winter of 2021, releasing their self-titled EP in the same year. This was followed by a Split with BLACK KNIFE in 2022 (released via JEMS), and 2023 saw the arrival of the Beasts of the Night EP and the Faster than the Devil 2 split (released via Wiseblood Records). The upcoming 2025 offering Crossripper (via Morbid and Miserable), sees the band extend even further into the hellish realms of their extreme sound. 

BASTARD CRÖSS' musical influences stem from a menagerie of metallic inspirations from thrash (SLAYER, EXODUS) to black metal (DISSECTION) and punk aggression (ANTI-CIMEX). The band experiment with melodic harmonies layered above loud and dirty riffs. The band's distinctive edge derives in part from the two vocalists who combine influences from early black and death metal.

BASTARD CRÖSS explain that they combine their "love for classic horror media with black metal, thrash and punk to create intense, aggressive metalpunk splashed with twin vocal attacks, powerful guitar harmonies and crusty bass tones. Our songs can appeal to horror fans, metalheads and punks alike."

BASTARD CRÖSS is: 
Blasphemous Axe (Guitars/Vocals)
Heathen Chevalier (Vocals/Guitars)
Beheader of Priests (Bass)
Infernal Bastard (Drums)

Album Credits:
Producer: BASTARD CRÖSS, Armen Koroghlian
Recording Studio: Red Mausoleum
Engineer: Armen Koroghlian
Mastering: Jamie King
Mixing: Armen Koroghlian
Album Cover Artist: Sandy Rezalmi

Formats: digital, vinyl, CD and tape.

Links:
Bandcamp: https://bastardcross.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bastardcrossphl/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bastardcrossphl
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5kRbRwikUtyBfHlIk9IjYW
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bastard-cr%C3%B6ss/1624083956

Progressive Rock Trio RAIBARD Unveils First Single, "Time", From Upcoming Album 'Postscript'

Progressive rock trio RAIBARD have unveiled the first single, "Time", off of their upcoming album Postscript, arriving on March 2nd. "Time" introduces the album with gorgeous baroque stylings and a classical guitar flair. The lyrics contemplate aging and the loss of youth, offering a pointedly critical perspective and arguing that time is often not on one's side.  

The band asks listeners to consider, "What happens when you reach the age when you realize time is not on our side anymore? When you realize that life is fleeting, and that you may never reach where you wanted to? The song is basically about finding hope, even though and precisely because things haven't gone the way you want."

Watch the lyric video for "Time" Below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLAWFINGER New Video Single "Ball & Chain"; From the upcoming Album 'Before We All Die'

After an 18-year silence on the album front, CLAWFINGER are finally back – louder, sharper, and more defiant than ever! Known for their pioneering fusion of metal, rap, and unflinching social commentary, the Swedish-Norwegian powerhouse returns with their brand new record, Before We All Die, that will rekindle the fire which made them one of Europe’s most groundbreaking crossover acts. This long-awaited comeback marks not just a return, but a reinvention – proof that true intensity never fades.

Before We All Die arrives February 20, 2026 on PERCEPTION - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. 
 
The first album appetizer "Scum" (listen here) debuted July 2nd and managed to cross the threshold of 100k streams within 2 weeks, a great start after a long absence. Even with a recent live performance of their hit 'Biggest & Best' currently going viral on Instagram, CLAWFINGER are being rediscovered by a new generation of metal fans — showing that their music remains as powerful and relevant as ever, nearly two decades after their last album. Now, CLAWFINGER strike back with their new single "Ball & Chain"!

With "Ball & Chain", the band unleashes a track that fuses relentless riffs and raw energy with frontman Zak Tell’s unflinching honesty. The single, captured in a fiery live video from this summer’s festival stages, reflects on identity, change, and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world — all with the band’s trademark mix of power, grit, and tongue-in-cheek self-awareness. It’s CLAWFINGER at their most direct and human: heavy, urgent, and impossible to ignore.

Listen to "Ball & Chain": https://clawfinger.rpm.link/ballPR

Watch the video clip below.

Loud, furious, darkly humorous and brutally honest, CLAWFINGER’s Before We All Die is everything you forgot you needed - and exactly what you'd expect from a band that never cared much for subtlety.

“This isn’t about finding peace,” Zak says. “It’s about telling the truth - even when it’s ugly. Especially then.”

From environmental collapse to political hypocrisy, personal disillusionment to collective denial, this is CLAWFINGER at full volume - still pissed off, still sharp as ever, and still refusing to shut up while the world pretends it’s all fine.

“This album is part protest, part therapy, and part middle finger,” the band adds. “We’re not offering solutions. We’re screaming because silence is surrender.”

About CLAWFINGER

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

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

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

After a brief hiatus, the band returned in 2014 and has since released new singles like "Save Our Souls" [2017] and "Environmental Patients" [2022]. In 2025, CLAWFINGER signed a new label deal with PERCEPTION, with more music on the way - still as loud, sharp, and uncompromising as ever.
 

CLAWFINGER are:

Zak Tell | vocals

Jocke Skog | guitar, keyboards

Bård Torstensen | guitars

André Skaug | bass

Micke Dahlén | drums

More on CLAWFINGER:

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

POWER METAL RANGERS Release "Rangers Go!"

Banding together to conquer over evil by harnessing the power of heavy metal music, POWER METAL RANGERS present their debut single "Rangers Go!". The new ensemble, led by power metal reaction/review/interview YouTuber Power Metal Ranger, is comprised of musicians from FAIRYLAND, HARTLIGHT, GREAT MASTER, QUESTBOUND, GRIMGOTTS, WOODS OF WONDERS, LASTERA & more!

POWER METAL RANGERS deliver an epic sonic soundscape in the form of synth-driven symphonic power metal. The band's sound is rooted in the 2000s era of the genre and attacks with an electrifying, high-octane modern twist. 

The band comments: 

"We are beyond excited to finally unleash our debut single upon the world! This has been a true passion project and has been in the works for quite some time, but we are incredibly pleased with the result! The song serves as a sort of theme song for the band and sets the stage for more to come! Will you heed the call? Rangers Go!!!"

The story: A rag-tag group of heroes band together to fight evil and corruption across the galaxy, armed with hi-tech ranger suits and a transforming mech-ship powered by heavy metal music. Will you heed the call? Rangers go!!

About POWER METAL RANGERS:
POWER METAL RANGERS are a brand new supergroup put together by power metal reaction/review/interview YouTuber Power Metal Ranger, featuring six other incredibly talented musicians from bands including: FAIRYLAND, HARTLIGHT, GREAT MASTER, QUESTBOUND, GRIMGOTTS, WOODS OF WONDERS, LASTERA & more! In addition, the project is being released in collaboration with the LovAnaverse Music Universe, adapting the band's music to its cinematic web-series & trading card game.

POWER METAL RANGERS Are:
Power Metal Ranger as Nathan Murphy | White Ranger - Visionary Leader, Voice Over, Composition, Production
Stefano Sbrignadello (GREAT MASTER) as Zephrael Thundrael | Violet Ranger - Lead Vocals, Composition
Gideon Ricardo (FAIRYLAND, WOODS OF WONDERS) as Gideon Dracardo van Emerloot II | Gold Ranger - Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Composition
Jack Stanley (QUESTBOUND, GRIMGOTTS) as J’or R’iehl | Blue Ranger - Bass, Orchestration, Composition
Adrien Djouadou (HARTLIGHT) as Aethrian Duskbane | Red Ranger - Guitar, Composition
Emil Frøsig (LASTERA) as Sir Ludwig Evans | Black Ranger - Drums, Composition
William J. Rogers (LovAnaverse) as Gaius Black | Green Ranger - Guitar, Composition, Production, Mixing & Mastering, Art & Music Video

Connect with POWER METAL RANGERS:
https://linktr.ee/powermetalrangers

KING ULTRAMEGA Partners With Joe Satriani On New Single "Be Yourself", A Heartfelt Tribute to Chris Cornell

Alternative rock collective KING ULTRAMEGA, featuring members of ALICE IN CHAINS, ANTHRAX, MASTODON, and SOUNDGARDEN, have returned with a haunting instrumental rendition of the AUDIOSLAVE classic, "Be Yourself". This new single release once again aims to celebrate Chris Cornell’s musical genius 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. 

“Be Yourself” features legendary guitarist Joe Satriani on lead guitar, echoing vocalist Chris Cornell's melodic motifs and building on the song's phrasings. Though following in Cornell's footsteps on a different instrument sounds like a tall order, Satriani rose to the challenge, proud to show his love for a fallen hero. Expertly replicating the essence of the song with crystal-clear lead tones, tasteful vibrato, and subtle pedal effects, Satriani lets his guitar sing with all the passion and tenderness that the song's lyrics originally conveyed. This loving instrumental homage proves that the message and power behind AUDIOSLAVE's composition transcends words.

Satriani comments, "[Chris Cornell] was a brilliant vocalist and communicator. He often used his voice like an instrument, shaping the tone of his voice like a guitarist would finesse riffs and phrases. I took a deep dive into his magical sensibilities and came up with a multi-tracked guitar production approach that I felt would pay proper homage to his brilliance."

The concept for an instrumental rendition of "Be Yourself" originated with the bassist, producer, and mastermind of KING ULTRAMEGA, Mark Menghi. As a producer, he envisioned a version of the song that deftly balanced the art of paying respect to the original, while also reimagining the song with a unique musical voice from Satriani. As a bassist, Menghi strove to keep the bass parts nearly identical to the original song, allowing Satriani the freedom to lend his own voice to the music. Renowned drummer Kenny Aronoff, who has been named one of the greatest drummers of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, and has toured and recorded with a who’s who of legendary artists such as THE ROLLING STONES, THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, PAUL MCCARTNEY, JOHN FOGERTY and many more, provides the laid-back, but emotionally-resonant groove of "Be Yourself", laying the foundation with Menghi for Satriani's melodies to shine.

Menghi comments, "I remember like it was yesterday, I was on a run through some crazy trail,  just zoning out and the original song came on through my headphones… as I was running, I remember hearing Chris sing 'to be yourself is all that you can do' it was like he was talking to me… then thought to myself 'I can totally hear this as an instrumental a-la Satch style'... My hope is that whomever is listening to this song hears Chris over Joe’s guitar and understands that we are paying homage to Chris with our take on this tune."

Aronoff comments, "I listened to 'Be Yourself' over and over again, absorbing the lyrics and the feel and vibe of this song, then I recorded my drums. Their recording had an emotional impact on me and that had a big effect on my performance."

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."

About MusiCares

MusiCares helps the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world. Offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989 as a U.S. based 501(c)(3) charity, MusiCares safeguards the well-being of all music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts.

For more information please visit: www.musicares.org.

MORS PRINCIPIUM EST Unleash Uncompromising New Single "All Life Is Evil'

While they’re taking the final step into the depth of Darkness Invisible, Finnish melodic death metal legends MORS PRINCIPIUM EST strike again with their new single "All Life Is Evil." Musically also marching towards an imaginary abyss in a highly majestic way, the song is taken from the group’s ninth studio album, which will finally be unleashed in two weeks, on September 26, 2025, through PERCEPTION - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music.

Unapologetically vicious yet intricately melodic, "All Life Is Evil" pushes MORS PRINCIPIUM EST’s signature sound to its most uncompromising extreme: this is a relentless storm of apocalyptic riffing, soaring lead work, and lyrical nihilism. With "All Life Is Evil," the band make a definitive statement: in their world, beauty and brutality walk hand in hand.

“‘All Life Is Evil’ is about facing the void without flinching. It’s pure and raw, built on everything MPE stands for: heaviness, melody, and absolute conviction. We wanted a song that leaves no room for compromise,” they state.
 

Stream or download "All Life Is Evil" here: https://mpe.rpm.link/aliePR

Pre-order/pre-save Darkness Invisible: https://mpe.rpm.link/darknessinvisiblePR

Darkness Invisible was recorded at Ansa Studio in Finland and mixed by Jens Bogren and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden. The album record blends razor-sharp riffing, sweeping orchestration, and Ville Viljanen’s unmistakable vocals with a more cinematic and emotionally dynamic sound.

MORS PRINCIPIUM EST are:

Ville Viljanen | vocals
Jori Haukio | guitars, programming
Jarkko Kokko | guitars
Teemu Heinola | bass
Marko Tommila | drums

More on MPE:

morsprincipiumest.com | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

COLD SLITHER Announce NYC Show

Reigning Phoenix Music, in collaboration with Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, is thrilled to announce that COLD SLITHER, the reimagined heavy metal menace inspired by the infamous band from G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero, is preparing to take New York by storm. The show will take place on October 11th, the same weekend as NYC’s Comic Con, where the Gramercy Theatre will be conquered by an explosive sonic force that fuses nostalgia with a modern metal powerhouse. Get your tickets HERE.

Zartan comments on the forthcoming NYC show: 

"Well, well, it seems as though there are several potential recruits whom have a desire to join our small but elite society of Dreadnoks... This time in New York City! Our services are once again called upon by Cobra Commander and Reigning Phoenix Music to melt minds with Cold Slither! So be it, my Dreadnoks and I will see you all October 11th... Come prepared...Cobraaaaa!!" 

The show announcement follows the release of the self-titled debut album in June of this year via Reigning Phoenix Music. Also on the horizon, the G.I. Joe-stanning supergroup are set to join the Decibel Flexi Series with an exclusive new banger, “Cobra Island."

Cold Slither is a declaration of war. Fronted by the enigmatic Zartan and his ruthless Dreadnok bandmates Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer, the band fuses old-school heavy metal with anarchic energy and unrelenting force. With tracks built on punishing riffs, venomous vocals, and apocalyptic atmosphere, COLD SLITHER resurrects the myth and turns it into a modern-day metal juggernaut.

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

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

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

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG Open the Gates to Babylon with Title Track; New Single & Music Video Out Now

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (DATOG) have unleashed Babylon, the monumental title track from their upcoming album, set for release on October 3, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).

DATOG’s Babylon pulls you in with eastern-tinged melodies and takes you on a magic carpet ride through lands of myth and mystery.

The band describes the song so: “‘Babylon’ is an absolutely worthy title track. Featuring a pounding, ultra-hard riff, plus the vocal melodies of Udo, Peter and Manuela that transport you straight into a fairy tale from “One Thousand and One Nights.” The guitar arrangements and especially Mathias' solo guitar work support the imaginative atmosphere and drive the song to its absolute climax.”

Lyrically, Babylon invites listeners to walk the world of wonders where every tale is true - through mystic havens, desert nights, and golden treasures shining bright for the Holy Queen of Babylon. It’s a song that dares to cross the line between fantasy and heavy metal firepower, guiding fans into a place “where the holy gate’s gonna be your fate.”

Watch it below.

Stream it here: https://datog.rpm.link/babylonsinglePR

As the title track, Babylon is the perfect metaphor for the content of the album itself: behind the holy gates, treasures are unveiled. Both single and music video offer a splendid final taste of DATOG’s unparalleled artistry before the official album release - a musical journey fans will want to experience again and again. 

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

Limited Red, Gold & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl 
Limited Red Opaque & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl 
Gold Opaque Double Vinyl 
Deluxe Earbook Edition with CD and enhanced 36-page booklet 
Digipak CD featuring a 24-page booklet 
Jewelcase CD featuring a 24-page booklet 

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

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

PRIMAL FEAR Reclaim the Metal Crown With "I Am The Primal Fear" Lyric Video; New Album Domination Out Worldwide;

"I Am The Primal Fear" is the perfect track to mark the release of German metal force PRIMAL FEAR’s new album, Domination. Out today via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), the 13-track record is a powerful statement of the band’s legacy and a showcase of their unmistakable sound.
 

Order Domination (excl. bundles, ltd. CD earbook, digipak-CD, jewel case-CD & various vinyl variants) & stream it here: https://primalfear.rpm.link/dominationPR

A future fan favourite and live anthem in the making, "I Am The Primal Fear" kicks off with a burst of solo drumming before the full PRIMAL FEAR engine roars to life, unleashing thunderous riffs and soaring melodic leads. The verses feel like an intense showdown, with vocalist Ralf Scheepers delivering a fierce performance, driven by the relentless rhythm section of bassist Mat Sinner and drummer André Hilger. Adding to the firepower is the band’s new guitar dream team, Thalìa Bellazecca and Magnus Karlsson, trading off with precision and power.

The intense call-and-response dynamic builds to a powerful, no-holds-barred chorus that sends a clear message: despite a few setbacks over the years, PRIMAL FEAR never considered calling it quits. The eagle was never gone, it was simply gathering strength, ready to soar once again and shake the metal world with an album that confidently claims its place among the top tier of heavy and power metal.

“Again, outta my way, I am the Primal Fear! No one can stop me and I'm gonna hunt you tonight, I'm your worst nightmare whenever you are trying to fool me!” states Scheepers.

Watch the new lyric video Below.

Domination was recorded at Dennis Ward’s Kangaroo Studios (HELLOWEEN, ANGRA etc.) in autumn 2024, produced by Mat Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers as well as Magnus Karlsson. Rounded off by multiple PRIMAL FEAR mixing/mastering engineer Jacob Hansen (AMORPHIS, VOLBEAT etc.) at his own studios in Denmark, the album artwork was designed by Death.Milk.Designs.

PRIMAL FEAR are:
Ralf Scheepers | vocals
Mat Sinner | bass, vocals
Magnus Karlsson | guitars
Thalìa Bellazecca | guitars
André Hilgers | drums

More on PRIMAL FEAR:
primalfear.de | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | RPM

Giants and monsters Out Today from HELLOWEEN!

With 15 gold awards, six platinum awards and over ten million records sold, HELLOWEEN are celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary with the successor to their self-titled #1 album from 2021. GIANTS & MONSTERS is the second album for the legendary line-up and the title immediately states where the album is heading.

Confident and bursting with vigor, the septet presents what probably is the most versatile album of their career. Already the opener “GIANTS ON THE RUN” flips the switch from the very first riff and impressively marks the terrain with the power voices of Andi Deris and Kai Hansen. No trace of restraint – the track takes a breath, takes off and unleashes a roar that leaves no doubt about the blazing pulse of the ten new songs. On this album, the experience and musical enthusiasm of a band that can do anything and everything blazes its way: Heavy, speed, rock, ballad – plain, intricate or progressive. With five strong songwriters and seven world-class musicians, creative limits are set aside once and for all on GIANTS & MONSTERS.

Musically rather straightforward and a veritable hit, “A LITTLE IS A LITTLE TOO MUCH” gives Andi Deris and Michael Kiske the space their monumental voices need for an intimate story. “Basically, it’s about the famous straw that breaks the camel’s back. During the writing process, however, I remembered an experience I had at the age of 15 and the lyrics ended up being pretty erotic – about little things that can quickly put an end to a big thing”, grins Deris. “THIS IS TOKYO” is another personal track. “I’ve always wanted to write this song. Japan plays a very special role in my life because I had my first big successes there with Pink Cream 69, and they have always treated me incredibly well. I wanted to create a tribute to Japan and finally had the right idea for the lyrics. Because ‘Tokyo’ sounds better in a chorus than ‘Japan’, the city stands for a whole country that is very important to me.”

“‘UNIVERSE (GRAVITY FOR HEARTS)" is a reminder that everything in the universe is connected, and what looks like an infinite number of stars could actually be moments, hearts and decisions,” describes songwriter Sascha Gerstner. With a playing time of over eight minutes, “UNIVERSE (GRAVITY FOR HEARTS)”, together with “MAJESTIC”, not only stands out as a longtrack – they both surprise with dizzying dynamic changes and huge melodic arcs that create entire worlds: Whatever you believe in is real. Alongside “WE CAN BE GODS”, “MAJESTIC” is also one of the tracks featuring all three singers of the HELLOWEEN super alliance. Both songs were penned by Kai Hansen and launch all trademarks that secured his place deep in metal hearts. “The space and aliens are my favorite themes and pretty fascinating. But you could also read the chorus as a description of the band: ‘We’re back and we’re the Masters of Power Metal’ – I’ll leave that up to the listeners,” laughs Hansen.

Masterclass is just as evident in gigantic ballads, and “GIANTS & MONSTERS” serves the first one in this constellation. “INTO THE SUN” is a duet in which Deris and Kiske sweepingly pour their hearts out, carried by masterfully orchestrated string cascades and yearning guitar solos. “Originally the song had different lyrics, but now it’s about reincarnation and that suits the track much better,” reveals Deris. “Michi and I share similar beliefs in that area, and I really wanted us to record the song together. He just sounds great when he sings it”. “SAVIOR OF THE WORLD”, a classic Weikath at his best, could have well been on one of the legendary ‘Keeper’ albums, and the extravagant “UNDER THE MOONLIGHT” also underlines his exceptional songwriting talent.

Consistently topping superlatives and presenting yet another milestone with “GIANTS & MONSTERS” requires the courage to keep reinventing a colossus like HELLOWEEN as well as continuing to challenge seven brimming careers even after four decades. And the instincts of the congenial producers Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward. For example, the fact that Dani Löble recorded all tracks on three different drum sets to individually decide which set delivers the perfect vibe for a song was only imaginable through unrestrained love of experimentation and highest standards. An effort and attention to detail that not everyone is willing to bring to the table. The mix was done at the legendary Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, which have witnessed the works of the greatest names in music – from Iron Maiden to Judas Priest and Def Leppard to Rammstein.
“GIANTS & MONSTERS” will be released on August 29, 2025, as CD Jewelcase, CD Digipak (incl. bonus track), Earbook (incl. bonus CD), 2-LP Gatefold (in various colors) and 2-LP Picture (incl. bonus track), MC and digital.

Amorphis - Borderland - Reigning Phoenix Music OUT 26 September 2025

A groundbreaking and genre-defying heavy metal band, still featuring its original lineup (with a few exceptionally talented additions) and only growing stronger with time? It might sound like a fairytale — until you glance toward Finland. There you’ll find AMORPHIS.
 
Since forming in Helsinki in 1990, the Finnish sextet has fearlessly explored musical frontiers — from raw death metal roots to melodic, progressive and folk-tinged heavy rock, and far beyond. At every turn, Amorphis has expanded musical and lyrical boundaries without compromising their artistic identity.
 
Now, after an unrelenting 35-year journey, AMORPHIS — guitarists Esa Holopainen and Tomi Koivusaari, vocalist Tomi Joutsen, keyboardist Santeri Kallio, bassist Olli-Pekka Laine, and drummer Jan Rechberger — stands on the cusp of a compelling new chapter: welcome to the captivating realm of Borderland.
 
AMORPHIS' fifteenth studio album marks both a continuation and a reinvention of the band’s legacy. With acclaimed Danish producer Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT,  ARCH ENEMY, AMARANTHE) at the helm for the first time and a revitalized creative spark within the group, Borderland sees AMORPHIS fully embracing their melodic sensibilities while venturing into fresh, uncharted sonic landscapes.

On the opposite end, "Bones" delivers punishing riffs, eastern-tinged melodies, and hard-hitting rhythms.
 
“As a keyboardist, I wanted to prove I could write a heavy, riff-based Amorphis song,”Kallio says. “And to everyone’s surprise, "Bones" ended up being the heaviest track on the album.”
 
And the journey continues. The album’s first single, "Light and Shadow", was crafted with complete creative freedom — unrestricted from constraints or expectations."

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

INDUCTION Unveil "Dark Temptation" With Music Video

Following a series of live dates in support of iconic metallers SAVATAGE, their first-ever, frenetically-acclaimed appearance at Wacken Open Air and the previously-released single "Beyond Horizons," INDUCTION strike again with their brand-new song "Dark Temptation" - a track that fuses razor-sharp riffs, symphonic fire, and high-octane hooks into a relentless storm of sound!
 
Alongside today's release and new album harbinger comes a visually stunning video, set in a high-tech sci-fi universe that mirrors the song’s futuristic energy and dark allure. It’s a bold step that brings INDUCTION’s cinematic vision to the next level - combining crushing symphonic metal power with a world that feels larger than life! "Dark Temptation" cements INDUCTION’s reputation as one of the most exciting rising forces in modern power metal: epic, heavy, and unafraid to push boundaries.
 
Guitarist Tim Kanoa Hansen states: “With ‘Dark Temptation,’ we officially open the gates to our upcoming third album, Love Kills!, set for release in February 2026. This track marks the beginning of INDUCTION’s next chapter - where seduction meets danger, and love dances on the edge of the blade. It’s heavy, it’s dark, it’s sci-fi - and this is only the beginning. Let yourself be pulled into this forbidden tale and experience the thrill of ‘Dark Temptation,’ the first taste of what’s to come. You’ll be hungry for more!”
 
Listen to "Dark Temptation": https://induction.rpm.link/temptationPR
 
Watch the stunning new video below: 

Crafted at Hamburg, Germany’s Chameleon Studios and Boogie Park Studios, the song was produced by Hansen and mixed and mastered by Eike Freese in collaboration with the guitarist. After regrouping in 2024, "Dark Temptation" marks the second track featuring singer Gabriele Gozzi, guitarist Justus Sahlman and drummer Markus “Maks” Felber in INDUCTION’s band history.
 
In support of their forthcoming studio offering, the quintet have been confirmed as supporting act of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS’ and WARKINGS’ 2026 “Pirates & Kings Over Europe” tour, taking them to 20+ cities across the continent in February/March. 

Markus “Maks” Felber (drums), Gabriele Gozzi (vocals), Justus Sahlman (guitars), Dominik Gusch (bass), Tim Kanoa Hansen (guitars)
Photo credit: Tim Rönz

About INDUCTION
 
In the heart of the power metal resurgence stand INDUCTION, a name that has quickly become synonymous with the genre’s new wave. Led by Tim Kanoa Hansen, son of metal legend Kai Hansen (HELLOWEEN, GAMMA RAY), INDUCTION are a force to be reckoned with, igniting stages and captivating audiences worldwide.
 
Their rise began with a bang as their sophomore album, Born From Fire, was released under the wings of Reigning Phoenix Music, earning widespread acclaim and solidifying their status in the genre. Notable praises include being crowned “Power Metal Rising Star of the Year” by Rock Hard in 2022 and drawing the attention of German TV channel SWR, which chronicled their ascent in a documentary.
 
Building on this momentum, INDUCTION embarked on high-profile tours alongside metal giants such as STRATOVARIUS, SONATA ARCTICA, BATTLE BEAST, GAMMA RAY, ACCEPT, and more, showcasing their polarizing live energy and winning over audiences across Europe and also Japan.
 
Though widely considered a progressive power metal band, INDUCTION refuse to be confined by a single genre. With each release, they defy expectations, seamlessly blending and evolving the boundaries of their music while staying true to their unmistakable core.
 
As they march toward the release of their eagerly awaited third album, INDUCTION remain a hungry force in the metal galaxy, fuelled by a passion for music and an unwavering commitment to their craft. With the rallying cry “We bring the heat!” echoing in every riff and chorus, they invite fans to join them on their epic journey through realms of myth, majesty, and POWER!
 
INDUCTION are:
Gabriele Gozzi | vocals
Tim Kanoa Hansen | guitars
Justus Sahlman | guitars
Dominik Gusch | bass
Markus “Maks” Felber | drums
 

More on INDUCTION:

inductionofficial.com | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok 
YouTube | X | Spotify | Apple Music | RPM