KING ULTRAMEGA Unveil Tribute Cover Of SOUNDGARDEN's "Loud Love", Ft. Lzzy Hale

In tribute to Chris Cornell, KING ULTRAMEGA presents a high octane interpretation of SOUNDGARDEN's "Loud Love" joined by Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM) leading on vocals, Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT / METAL ALLEGIANCE) on guitars and drum performance by Dave Krusen (PEARL JAM). KING ULTRAMEGA are raising funds and awareness for MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s nonprofit that provides mental health services, addiction recovery support, and emergency assistance to members of the music community.

"Loud Love" appears on SOUNDGARDEN's 1989 full length Louder Than Love and remains a fan favorite that showcases Chris Cornell's incredible range. Wanting to honor Cornell and the iconic track, and evoke the spirit of this era, Mark Menghi's process for this release saw him take an old school approach in order to achieve the analogue warmth of the original recording. 

On the new release, Lzzy Hale shares: “If there was ever a time to be spreading a message of LOUD LOVE, It’s now.”

Produced by Mark Menghi, "Loud Love" was mixed and mastered by Josh Wilbur. The cover artwork design is by Mark Menghi and the accompanying video is by Tom Flynn. 

Lzzy Hale comments on her approach for tackling vocal duties on "Loud Love", "I don’t think I’ve ever been a good imitator, but I did try to put myself in Chris’ shoes. It’s more about placing yourself inside the song so you can steal its soul. I like to imagine I am the writer and then go about making it my own whilst honoring the original."

On drawing inspiration from Chris, Hale continues, "I feel like I’m always learning something from Chris. Every few years I’ll discover something deeper in his lyrics, or higher in his range. But there is an authenticity that comes with Chris that can’t be taught or trained for. I believe every word he writes. I’m inspired by his control over his animalistic vocal range, and his poetry, but also how honestly he sings." 

Alex Skolnick explains his process on preserving Kim Thayil’s guitar style, "Kim’s playing has a strong sense of groove as well as a rawness and honesty that was especially refreshing when this song first came out (a time of much overproduction & perfection in hard rock). I tried to strike a good balance between referencing and respecting Kim‘s original parts, while also bringing some of my own flavor and ideas, without getting in the way."

Skolnick reveals what it was like working with Menghi outside of METAL ALLEGIANCE: "For the most part, Mark and I have recorded originals in Metal Allegiance, songs that started with a blank page. This time we had a solid road map. In the past, once we had drum tracks, it didn’t matter which of us followed up or whether we tracked separately or simultaneously. This time, we were very dependent on capturing a live performance together in the studio, which was a fun challenge. This tune seemed to require the bass and guitar being locked in while going to tape, I think it’s probably true of most of the Soundgarden catalogue."

Mark Menghi discusses his choice of line-up for "Loud Love": "I knew I wanted Dave to play drums on this tune from the jump. Who better than the dude that played drums on arguably one of the greatest records of all-time and whom also helped lay the groundwork for the Seattle explosion in the late 80’s/early 90’s? I was already in the studio with my Metal Allegiance bro Alex Skolnick putting this finishing touches on a then new Metal Allegiance tune (which turned out to be Black Horizon) when I asked 'Hey would you wanna play on this King Ultramega track?' I just off-the-cuff asked him… what makes it better is I said, “see that old school tape machine over there in the corner? We are going to record our parts together, live, at the same time, the old school way on reel-to-reel!'"

He continues, "The last piece of the 'Loud Love' puzzle was the amazing Lzzy Hale. Having her complete the lineup for this tune is truly humbling. If you listen to the OG version of 'Loud Love', Chris’ vocals are just absolute insanity and who better than Lzzy to tackle this? Lzzy has complete vocal dominance, carries such a strong presence and quite frankly is one of the best vocalists in modern rock today."

A key component of this cover is the analogue production. On taking this creative decision Menghi explains, "It was very important to me to keep this particular song as old school as possible. I wanted to catch the warmth, vibe and feel of the original track which meant (to me) recording to tape, in the same room together and live. Imagine that? A world where you record with other humans in the same room and in analog no less! Reel-to-reel tape recording is a lost art form and was very excited to go back to the recording days of the past for this track. Alex and I are no strangers in recording together; but this was the first time we have ever recorded live together, with real amps blasting and the tape machine running. Truly was a special feel, to capture that live energy."

Dave Krusen of PEARL JAM, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, opens up about revisiting this classic SOUNDGARDEN track. "Seattle was a very turbulent place in the late 80s / early 90s and I think the best thing to come out of it was all the great music. I was a huge Soundgarden fan. I got to meet Chris and Matt when we (Pearl Jam) were working on 10 and they were working on Temple Of the Dog. It was a huge thrill for me. The fact that I was asked to be a part of this King Ultramega record was a huge honor. I was very intimidated to try and tackle the drum parts in 'Loud Love', but the guys I was recording with made it no pressure and a lot of fun."

Krusen shares a personal memory of Chris, "I'll never forget in 1993 backstage at a Pearl Jam show, Chris came up and said 'Hey Dave, it's Chris. Do you remember me?' every time I talked to him, he was always such a sweet guy to me. I miss him and his music. Plus Matt has always been so gracious and cool to me, letting me share his drum throne, was also a huge honor."

The "Loud Love" Lineup Is:

Vocals: Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM)
Guitars: Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT / METAL ALLEGIANCE)
Bass: Mark Menghi
Drums: Dave Krusen (PEARL JAM)


Connect with KING ULTRAMEGA:

kingultramega.com | Apple Music | Spotify | Deezer | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok | X

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.

ETERNAL RECURRENCE Unleash New EP Eternal Recurrence, Release Music Video For "Precious Stones"

ETERNAL RECURRENCE presents the debut self titled EP, Eternal Recurrence. Led by composer and multi-instrumentalist C. Alex Luke, ETERNAL RECURRENCE embraces the symphonic metal genre from an alternative perspective with orchestral arrangements drawn from chamber music. The new EP release arrives alongside a music video for the track "Precious Stones". 

The creative process behind “Precious Stones” differs from the rest of the track list on Eternal Recurrence as it was the first song written for the EP dating back to the COVID pandemic. Initially composed as a straightforward metal track with no symphonic elements, “Precious Stones” was subsequently reworked to incorporate the chamber music arrangement and adhere to the new creative direction for ETERNAL RECURRENCE. 

"Precious Stones" features two guest vocalists. Mordian of DIAMORTE and SHIELD OF WINGS delivers a powerful alto performance during the chorus and bridge, while James Dorton of BLACK CROWN INITIATE, DIAMORTE and NE OBLIVISCARIS contributes harsh vocals to the heavier sections of the song.

Furthermore, “Precious Stones” is the only song on the EP not written by C. Alex Luke. The lyrics were written by Jake Thiele, Luke’s former bandmate from UNTIL EXTINCTION. On the lyrical theme Thiele shares, "In short, ‘Precious Stones’ is about the futility and stupidity of the things that divide us and how we let them suck the enjoyment out of life.”

All material on Eternal Recurrence was composed around a chamber ensemble led by German Dmitriev on violins, Steven Schumann on cellos, Maciek Szczyciński on double bass, and C. Alex Luke on piano. These elements are combined with aggressive guitars, lead work, and drumming rooted firmly in modern metal. The EP cover artwork and layout is by Timur Khabirov at All4band Design, and the project's logo was designed by Pavel Kurbanov at All4band Design.

About ETERNAL RECURRENCE:

ETERNAL RECURRENCE is a symphonic metal project based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2025 by multi-instrumentalist and composer C. Alex Luke. Known for blending progressive and extreme metal with classical instrumentation, the project takes a chamber music approach to symphonic metal, prioritizing the nuance and expressiveness of real musicians over large-scale orchestral simulation.

Drawing influence from bands such as KAMELOT, EPICA, OPETH, DREAM THEATER, and REVOCATION, ETERNAL RECURRENCE balances intricate compositions with aggressive modern metal. While traditional symphonic metal often relies on massive orchestras or dense sampled arrangements, ETERNAL RECURRENCE was created around the belief that the human touch of live performance remains essential, especially in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Rather than emulating 19th and 20th century symphonic traditions, the project looks to chamber music for inspiration. Chamber ensembles are designed for smaller spaces and intimate performances, emphasizing clarity, interaction, and detail. This philosophy defines the sound of ETERNAL RECURRENCE.

All material on the debut release, Eternal Recurrence, was composed specifically for a chamber string ensemble alongside full metal instrumentation. The ensemble features German Dmitriev on violins, Steven Schumann on cellos, Maciek Szczyciński on double bass, and C. Alex Luke on piano, integrated with heavy guitars, technical leads, and aggressive drumming.

Released independently in 2026, Eternal Recurrence serves as both an introduction and a mission statement, presenting symphonic metal that values realism, restraint, and emotional detail without sacrificing heaviness or intensity. The project exists at the intersection of classical tradition and modern metal, focused on authenticity, composition, and the expressive imperfections that only human performers can provide.

Out Now - BLOOD OF ANGELS - Les Agnst ov Thanatous

Les Agnst ov Thanatou is the forthcoming full-length album from BLOOD OF ANGELS, out on June 21, 2026. Born from confrontation with loss, mortality, and the fear that follows both, the album plunges headfirst into the emotional and psychological aftermath of death. Drawing from extreme metal, cinematic atmosphere, and disciplined melodic structure, the record presents a cohesive narrative that traces the human response to grief through violence, ritual, memory, and reflection. Every song advances the album’s central question of how people survive after death has altered their world.

The album opens by drawing the listener away from the physical world and into a transitional psychological space where the boundaries between life and death begin to dissolve. This opening establishes the emotional framework of the record and prepares the listener for the confrontations that follow. From this point, the music shifts into expressions of conflict, reflecting the instinctive human response to mortality through aggression, denial, and rage.

As the narrative progresses, chaos gives way to structure. Songs centered on ritual and ceremony reflect humanity’s need to impose meaning on death through tradition, belief, and communal experience. These passages acknowledge loss as a shared condition shaped by culture and history, offering moments of order within emotional upheaval.

Midway through the album, the focus turns inward. Themes of psychological trauma, survivor’s guilt, and emotional isolation emerge as external struggle collapses into internal reckoning. The music becomes increasingly layered and introspective, mirroring the persistence of memory and the lasting impact of grief long after the moment of loss.

In its closing movements, Les Agnst ov Thanatou confronts finality and remembrance. Acceptance appears as awareness rather than comfort, recognizing the permanence of death while affirming the endurance of legacy and memory. The album concludes in a reflective state, emphasizing that while life ends, its influence continues through those who remain.

Through its cohesive narrative and emotional intensity, Les Agnst ov Thanatou stands as BLOOD OF ANGELS’ most immersive conceptual work to date. The album invites listeners to confront fear, loss, and mortality directly, offering an experience that remains long after the final sound fades.

About BLOOD OF ANGELS:

BLOOD OF ANGELS is an extreme metal band based in Tampa, Florida, known for blending melodic death metal, blackened atmospheres, and aggressive modern metal into a unified and emotionally charged sound. Since forming in 2017, the band has developed a reputation for confronting dark subject matter through disciplined songwriting, cinematic structure, and uncompromising intensity.

The band’s music draws influence from across the metal spectrum, incorporating elements of death metal, black metal, thrash, and groove while maintaining a strong melodic foundation. Rather than adhering to a single subgenre, BLOOD OF ANGELS focuses on emotional impact and narrative cohesion, using heavy music as a vehicle for catharsis, reflection, and confrontation.

Lyrically, BLOOD OF ANGELS explores themes of mortality, loss, conflict, and psychological struggle. These ideas are often presented through concept-driven releases that encourage immersive listening rather than isolated tracks. The band’s forthcoming album, Les Agnst ov Thanatou, continues this approach with a focused examination of grief and the human response to death.

BLOOD OF ANGELS has earned multiple industry awards for songwriting and performance, including honors from the Hollywood Independent Music Awards and Akademia Music Awards. In 2025, the band completed a sold-out headlining European tour, further establishing their presence on the international metal stage.

With a commitment to artistic growth and respect for metal’s legacy, BLOOD OF ANGELS continues to push forward with music that is heavy, deliberate, and emotionally resonant.

BLOOD OF ANGELS is: 

Randy Reyes – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Aaron Robinson – Guitar
Jonathan Rushford – Drums, Keyboards
The Maggot – Bass, Background Vocals

Connect with BLOOD OF ANGELS:

Official Website: http://www.bloodofangels.net
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kq6q6hYYdNgk0ZSvgQPzF
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bloodofangels1
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bloodofangels
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/bloodofangels
ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/bloodofangels1
Merch / E-Shop: https://merchbooth.com/pages/blood-of-angels-battle-gear
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blood-of-angels/1195719891

THE ETERNAL Release Video For New Single "Existing To Expire"

Australian/Finnish dark progressive gothic metal collective THE ETERNAL have unveiled a brand-new video for their latest single, "Existing To Expire." The song is the second track to be released from the band's highly anticipated eighth full-length studio album, Obscured Horizons, which will be released worldwide on September 18 via Reigning Phoenix Music.

Following the acclaimed first single, "Lament For The Hollow," "Existing To Expire" offers another powerful glimpse into what is shaping up to be THE ETERNAL's most immersive and definitive work to date. Expanding on the emotional weight, cinematic scope and haunting atmosphere that have become hallmarks of the band's sound, the new single further reveals the depth and ambition of Obscured Horizons.

The album is available for pre-order starting today: https://theeternal.rpm.link/horizonsPR

About the new single, Mark Kelson reveals:
"Existing to Expire explores that moment where you confront the weight of your own disillusionment—when truth and illusion blur to the point that you feel stripped of clarity and left in the dirt. For me, it’s about reclaiming agency after that collapse. There’s a strong sense of breaking free from passivity, which speaks to an internal turning point, a refusal to simply exist in a state of decay. In that sense, ‘existing to expire’ isn’t just about mortality, it’s about recognising a cycle of stagnation and choosing to rise from it, even when identity itself feels like it’s dissolving.”

Stream "Existing To Expire": https://theeternal.rpm.link/existingPR

Watch the new video Below:

Following the widespread acclaim of their 2024 full-length Skinwalker and the evocative companion EP Celestial, THE ETERNAL return with Obscured Horizons, an album that stands as both culmination and evolution. 

Where Skinwalker was hailed for its emotional weight, cinematic scope and seamless fusion of melancholic atmosphere with crushing heaviness, and Celestial further expanded the band's sonic palette with its introspective depth and dynamic intensity, Obscured Horizons pushes even further into uncharted territory. The album refines THE ETERNAL's signature blend of doom-laden textures, progressive sophistication and haunting melodic resonance, while embracing a broader, more expansive sound that feels both intimate and monumental.

At its core, Obscured Horizons is an exploration of disillusionment, fractured identity and the struggle to reclaim clarity in a world saturated with distortion. The album moves through states of emotional collapse, liminal transition and existential unrest, confronting deception, both external and internal, before emerging into renewal and self-awareness. Rather than surrendering to decay, Obscured Horizons charts a defiant ascent, refusing numbness, rejecting illusion and ultimately reclaiming light from the shadows that threaten to eclipse it.

With Mark Kelson (vocals/guitars) and Richie Poate (guitars) in Melbourne, alongside Niclas Etelävuori (bass; ex-Amorphis/Flat Earth) and Jan Rechberger (drums; Amorphis) in Helsinki, THE ETERNAL remain a truly international collaboration, unified across continents yet bound by a singular artistic vision.

Their sound continues to resonate with listeners drawn to the emotional gravity of dark metal while carving a path distinctly their own. As they enter a new creative chapter with their gaze fixed firmly on the unseen, Obscured Horizons represents a bold statement from a band continuing to evolve while remaining true to its artistic identity.

THE ETERNAL Australian Live Dates, with AMORPHIS:
September 23, 2026 The Croxton Bandroom, Thornbury, VIC
September 24, 2026 The Triffid, Newstead, QLD
September 25, 2026 Liberty Hall, Moore Park, NSW
September 26, 2026 The Basement, Belconnen, ACT

 

THE ETERNAL is:
Mark Kelson / Guitar & Vocals
Richie Poate / Guitar
Niclas Etelävuori / Bass
Jan Rechberger / Drums & Percussion
 

More on THE ETERNAL:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TheEternal
 Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/theeternalofficial/
 X | https://www.twitter.com/theeternalband
 TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@theeternalofficial
 YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4vJAnrZbwUesT_FlY03mdw

Out Today From Kerry King!

KERRY KING's 2024 offering From Hell I Rise was born in the aftermath of SLAYER's final curtain call on November 30, 2019, in the band’s Los Angeles hometown. Now, two years since it's unveiling, the iconic SLAYER songwriter/guitarist celebrates this milestone with the forthcoming offering, From Hell I Rise: Extended Deluxe Edition. The approaching anniversary edition of From Hell I Rise sees the track list include additional demos featuring vocal performances by KERRY KING.

Joining the KING crusade is a lineup that began with SLAYER drummer Paul Bostaph. “Paul's kind of like my [Vinny] Appice to Ronnie James Dio,” KING says. “I knew Paul wanted to be part of this since 2018”. Alongside KING, the role of guitars “went Phil Demmel’s way.” The band is completed by bassist Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH), and in the much-talked-about vocalist spot, Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL), a friend of KING’s since the early ‘80s Cali thrash days. The lineup kills. From the instrumental entrée “Diablo” into the relentless, repentless “Where I Reign,” to the last cut, the statement-making, full-circle title track “From Hell I Rise,” KING and co. are in full control. Music and lyrics are very intentional, with song topics including war, women’s rights, current American politics…and one-tune inspired by THE SCORPIONS and HELLOWEEN-style riffs. (“That one, ‘Shrapnel,’ was something super-indulgent for me, and it came out really cool,” he says.)

SARCATOR SIGN WORLDWIDE RECORD DEAL WITH REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC

Swedish metal force SARCATOR has officially signed a worldwide record deal with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The partnership marks a significant new chapter for one of Scandinavia's most exciting rising metal acts as it continues its relentless ascent on the international stage.

 Having built a reputation through three acclaimed studio albums, explosive live performances, and a fearless approach to songwriting, SARCATOR is now preparing the next phase of its evolution together with Reigning Phoenix Music. Further details regarding the band's upcoming fourth studio album will be revealed soon.

 Photo credit: Saga Wagnsgård Djerf

Now entering a new era with Reigning Phoenix Music, SARCATOR is preparing to unveil it's fourth studio album in 2026, reinforcing their position among the leading names of a new wave of Scandinavian extreme metal!


SARCATOR is:
Mateo Tervonen - Guitar / Vocals
Leo Buchalle - Guitar
Jesper Rosén - Drums
 

SARCATOR Live Dates:
17.07.2026 Ponteareas (Spain) - Arcanxo Festival
28.07.2026 Munich (Germany) - Backstage / Free & Easy with Sacred Reich
30.07.2026 Hamburg (Germany) - MS Stubnitz with Sacred Reich
31.07.2026 Berlin (Germany) - Lido with Sacred Reich
06.08.2026 Schlotheim (Germany) - Party.San Festival 
26.09.2026 Emden (Germany) - Coast Rock Festival 
 
And more shows to follow soon…

 

More on SARCATOR:
www.sarcator.com
https://www.facebook.com/sarcatorband | https://www.instagram.com/sarcator/
https://www.tiktok.com/@sarcator

SEA SLEEPER Unleashes New Single “Lunar Degenerates” from Forthcoming Album Burden of Antlers

Heavy, atmospheric, and built for maximum neck damage, SEA SLEEPER return with their new single, “Lunar Degenerates,” the latest preview of their forthcoming sophomore album, Burden of Antlers, set for release on September 18, 2026.

“Lunar Degenerates” captures the band at their most visceral and dynamic, fusing classic crunchy, bang-your-head riffage with the expansive progressive weight that has become a defining part of SEA SLEEPER’s sound. The track also leans into the band’s long-running Mastodon influence, particularly the Crack the Skye-esque textures that have surfaced across both of their albums.

About SEA SLEEPER:

With a passion for death and post metal, SEA SLEEPER infuse their heavy sound with an array of genre influences to produce something more dynamically extreme. The band formed in 2019 comprised of Jesse Cooley (guitar/lead vocals), Shane Cooley (drums/vocals), and Nick Kessler (bass/vocals), with Tony Spradlin (lead guitar/vocals) subsequently completing the line-up in 2022. 

The debut EP Nihilism was released independently in 2019, followed by their acclaimed debut album Nostophobia. Released in 2021 via Metal Assault Records, Nostophobia garnered notable recognition achieving #10 album of the year for Noob Heavy and #7 spot for album of the year at GBHBL in 2021, as well as seeing the band become a Top Selling Bandcamp artist in the same year.


SEA SLEEPER Is: 

Jesse Cooley (Guitar/Lead Vocals)
Shane Cooley (Drums/Vocals)
Nick Kessler (Bass/Vocals)
Tony Spradlin (Lead Guitar/Vocals)


Connect With SEA SLEEPER:

Official Website: https://seasleeper.bandcamp.com
Bandcamp: https://seasleeper.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seasleeper/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sea_sleeper
Twitter/X: https://x.com/seasleeper
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seasleeper7557?si=I54GO1VC1ZA5x3Wy
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1MVRa7wGpGY4EqqqEjVpMZ?si=KKq0Xb5_Qf6P_WwMte5EiA
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sea-sleeper/1384085890
Discord: https://discord.com/channels/947585206213296169/947594689123598396/1481135243078406271

TSAR STANGRA Announces New Album Химните на разрушените светове (Hymns of the Broken Worlds)

Québec City-based Bulgarian folk and black metal band TSAR STANGRA will release their new full-length album, Химните на разрушените светове (Hymns of the Broken Worlds), on July 1, 2026 via GLOBMETAL PROMOTIONS.

Created over the course of nearly a decade, Химните на разрушените световеis the band’s most ambitious work to date. The album explores Bulgarian history, folklore, pagan ritual, exile, language, and cultural memory through a collision of black metal aggression, Balkan melody, ceremonial atmosphere, tambura, orchestration, and lyrics written in Bulgarian.

Founded by vocalist Stanislav Stefanovski, TSAR STANGRA was built around the mission of preserving Bulgarian heritage through extreme metal. On Химните на разрушените светове, that mission expands into a larger meditation on identity, displacement, and the meeting of worlds. Written largely in Québec by musicians from different cultural and musical backgrounds, the record carries a natural tension between Bulgarian folk tradition and Western black metal, between pagan symbolism and literary sources shaped by Christian Bulgarian poets, between ancestral memory and life far from the homeland.

The album opens with "Тракийци - Черни химни за изгубените" ("Thracians - Black Hymns for the Lost Ones"), an epic invocation of Thracian memory and Bulgarian ancestry. "Хан Аспарух" ("Khan Asparuh") follows with a martial black metal tribute to the founder of the First Bulgarian Empire, while "Черна песен" ("Black Song") turns inward through the poetry of Dimcho Debelyanov. The record later moves through the exile and longing of "Тъга за Юг" ("Longing for the South"), the Kukeri ritual force of "Земни стражи" ("Guardians of the Earth"), and the uncompromising pagan invocation of "Завръщането на родния бог" ("The Return of the Native God"), before closing with "Българският език" ("Bulgarian Language"), a tribute to the survival of Bulgarian language and identity.

The artwork, created by Paolo Girardi, reflects the album’s central theme of cultural collision. Kukeri, ancient masked figures from Bulgarian pagan tradition, stand before the burning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, one of Québec’s most recognizable Christian landmarks. The image captures the album’s vision of old ritual, new geography, ancestral memory, and transformation.

Химните на разрушените светове follows TSAR STANGRA’s debut full-length Небесният ковач (Celestial Forger), the 2023 single "Черна песен" ("Black Song"), and the 2024 live album Битката за Фиорда - На живо в Сагене (The Battle of the Fjord - Live in Saguenay). For fans of ROTTING CHRIST, NEGURA BUNGET, DRUDKH, MELECHESH, BATHORY, and IMMORTAL, the new album offers a deeply cultural and ritualistic take on pagan black metal.

IATT Announce “Draft Away” Beer Release Ahead Of 'Etheric Realms of the Night' Film Premiere

Progressive extreme metal ensemble IATT has partnered with Stratosphere Brewing Company to release the band’s first official beer collaboration. "Draft Away" is a blackberry lager inspired by the opening track “Drift Away” from the band’s latest album Etheric Realms of the Night released via Black Lion Records.

The launch event for the new "Draft Away" collaboration takes place at Stratosphere Brewing Company, Mount Holly, at 6pm EDT on July 2, 2026, with free admission. Find out more HERE!

The "Draft Away" event includes: 

  • Meet and greet / have a drink with the band

  • Sample the exclusive Draft Away blackberry lager (21+ only)

  • Exclusive screening of the first 20 minutes of the Etheric Realms of the Night film ahead of its official July 23rd PhilaMOCA premiere

  • Opportunity to purchase CDs, vinyl, and merchandise from the Etheric Realms of the Night collection


The official film premiere for Etheric Realms of the Night takes place on July 23, 2026, at PhilaMOCA. Tickets are available HERE. 

IATT are also excited to reveal Etheric Realms of the Nightwill premiere on ThunderFlix on July 24, 2026.

IATT are bringing Etheric Realms of the Night to the stage. In support of the new album and full-length film, the band has announced a run of live dates spanning the East Coast and into Canada marking IATT’s first time performing north of the border.

For this run, Etheric Realms of the Night will be performed in its entirety, offering a rare opportunity to experience the full narrative as it was intended live, immersive, and unfolding in real time.

The tour also features a number of special engagements, including the official release event for the band’s “Draft Away” beer collaboration, as well as the red carpet premiere screening of Etheric Realms of the Night - the Complete Album Film.


IATT – Etheric Realms of the Night Tour Dates

06.26 – Brooklyn, NY - The Attic [Tickets]
06.27 – Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar [Tickets]
06.28 – Ottawa, ON - Dominion Tavern
06.29 – TBA
06.30 – Sherbrooke, QC - Le Murdoch
07.01 – Rochester, NY - Photo City Music Hall [Tickets]
07.02 – Mount Holly, NJ - Stratosphere Brewing Co.
07.23 – Philadelphia, PA - PhilaMOCA

About IATT:

IATT is a Philadelphia based progressive extreme metal band known for fusing blackened aggression, technical precision, and cinematic atmosphere into immersive, concept driven works. Their sound moves between ferocity and fragility, combining intricate guitar work, dynamic rhythms, and orchestral textures to create music that feels both emotionally intense and narratively expansive.

Since forming in 2008, IATT has steadily evolved into a project defined by scope and ambition. Each release is approached as a complete experience, with recurring musical themes, symbolic instrumentation, and carefully shaped pacing that guide the listener through psychological and philosophical terrain. Their albums often explore themes such as consciousness, identity, and the tension between reality and inner worlds, expressed through layered arrangements that reward deep listening.

Records like Nomenclature and Magnum Opus established IATT as a band unafraid to stretch the boundaries of extreme metal. Jazz influenced phrasing, classical inspired orchestrations, and atmospheric passages exist alongside relentless riffing and commanding vocal performances, giving their music a multidimensional character that resists simple categorization.

A strong visual and conceptual identity also plays a central role in the band’s work. IATT frequently extend their musical narratives into interconnected visual pieces, reinforcing the emotional and symbolic weight of their albums. This unified approach reflects their belief that sound, story, and imagery can combine to create a deeply immersive artistic statement.

With each new chapter, IATT continue refining their balance of brutality, beauty, and narrative depth, standing as one of the more adventurous and forward thinking voices in modern progressive extreme metal.


IATT is: 

  • Jay Briscoe – bass, vocals

  • Joe Cantamessa – lead guitar

  • Alec Pezzano – rhythm guitar, orchestral arrangements

  • Paul Cole – percussion


Connect with IATT:

FLESHCRAWL Release Video For "Chapel of Guts" Alongside New Album 'Epitome of Carnage'

FLESHCRAWL unveil a torrent of ferocious bloodshed, chaos and power in their tenth studio album, Epitome of Carnage, out now via Distortion Music Group (DMG) - Powered by Reigning Phoenix Music. Accompanying the full length release is a rampage of gloom in the new music video for "Chapel of Guts".

On "Chapel of Guts" FLESHCRAWL share, "with 'Chapel of Guts' we wanted to showcase the full spectrum of our sound. This track stands out from our more classic Swedish Death Metal tracks, making it the perfect contrast to the other singles and the album as a whole. It's a short break from the more straight-forward tracks, offering a more dark contrast."

"It digs a bit deeper into the Fleshcrawl roots, combining heavy, doomy passages with intense blast beats and a lot of dynamics. It captures that darker atmosphere we wanted to have on the record. It is Death Metal with a room to breathe and then to choke."

On the writing process the band explain, "We didn't force it into a specific direction; we just let the track develop its own flow and energy during the writing process."

A foreboding darkness awaits in "Chapel of Guts". A haunting, enveloping atmosphere swells and hurriedly subsides as the pace increases and intensity rises. As the heaviness ebbs and flows through chaos, it's ferocious brutality leaves nothing in its wake. 

Watch "Chapel of Guts" Bellow:

The long-awaited Epitome of Carnage is constructed on the foundation of an expansive career. FLESHCRAWL remain devoted to the death metal genre despite having encountered loss and change along the way. As the tenth full-length release, the new album stands as testament to FLESHCRAWL's unwavering creativity and drive. Arriving seven years after 2019's Into the Catacombs of Flesh, Epitome of Carnage reveals a renewed vigor and power that bleeds through the track list. 

Contained within Epitome of Carnage are twelve vicious onslaughts that showcase FLESHCRAWL's unimpeded speed and power. Materializing alongside demonstrations of inescapable heaviness, explosive riffs, and melodic touches amongst the shadows, they leave behind no survivors. 

FLESHCRAWL is: 
Bastian Herzog - Drums, Vocals
Manu Markowski - Bass
Apu Justin Reisch - Guitars
Christian Kalbrecht - Guitars
Borisz Sarafutgyinov - Vocals

FLESHCRAWL Online:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Spotify 
Apple Music

BLOODHUNTER Release New Album 'Sons Of The Abandoned'

Spanish melodic death metal powerhouse BLOODHUNTER have officially released their brand-new studio album “Sons Of The Abandoned” via ROAR - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music.  

Marking this milestone, the band are not only kicking off a run of Spanish live dates alongside CRYPTA , but are also premiering a brand-new music video for “Masters Of Deceive”, one of the album’s most dynamic and emotionally charged tracks. 

Guitarist Dani Arcos comments: "This song is insane. We mixed guttural and melodic vocals, slow and melodic choruses with the most extreme riffs on the album... and there's even a recorded piano that you only realize has been there the whole time at the end of the song."

Vocalist Diva Satánica adds: "This song includes my very first clean backing vocals in BLOODHUNTER. I really wanted to give it a try because it represented the eternal disappointment of people trying to pull out from me a different version of myself but which I didn’t really feel identified with as a vocalist. This song speaks about toxic environments and how hard is to step out from there to follow your own path. It was the first song that we wrote for this album: it goes from a very dramatic chorus to the most enraged verses, to represent the complex dynamics in a relationship."

Formed in Galicia, BLOODHUNTER have steadily carved their name into the international extreme metal scene through relentless touring, uncompromising sound and a clear artistic vision. Fronted by Diva Satanica, the band blends extreme metal aggression with melodic depth, groove and narrative ambition, forging a sound that is both ferocious and emotionally charged. 

Since their inception, BLOODHUNTER have stood out for their conceptual approach and strong identity. Their music has always balanced brutality with atmosphere, drawing from themes such as ancient civilizations, power, human conflict and transcendence. Over the years, the band has evolved naturally, refining their songwriting and pushing beyond genre boundaries without losing their aggressive core.

“Sons Of The Abandoned”, produced by Tue Madsen, marks a turning point in BLOODHUNTER’s career. It is their most personal and honest album so far, shifting the focus inward to explore identity, vulnerability, personal struggle and the cost of pursuing one’s own path. For the first time, the lyrics speak directly from the heart, addressing inner demons, toxic environments, generational disconnection and the feeling of being lost in a world driven by individuality and superficial values. Musically, the album expands the band’s palette. Crushing riffs coexist with elegant grooves and striking melodic passages, while sharp contrasts define the songwriting: rage against beauty, speed against atmosphere, darkness against clarity.

With “Sons Of The Abandoned”, BLOODHUNTER solidify themselves as a band unafraid to evolve, challenge expectations and expose their own scars. This is not just another extreme metal album, it is a statement of identity, resistance and survival in a world that constantly demands compromise.

Order “Sons Of The Abandoned” HERE:
http://bloodhunter.rpm.link/sonsPR

BLOODHUNTER Live, with CRYPTA:
June 12 - Madrid @ Revi Live
June 14 - Mos @ Sala Rebullón
June 15 - Vitoria @ Urban Rock Concept
June 16 - Valencia @ Sala Rock City
June 17 - Badalona @ Sala Estraperlo

For More Info Visit: 
Official Site: https://bloodhunter.rpm.link/sitePR
Facebook: https://bloodhunter.rpm.link/facebookPR
Instagram: https://bloodhunter.rpm.link/instagramPR
X: https://bloodhunter.rpm.link/twitterPR
TikTok: https://bloodhunter.rpm.link/tiktokPR
Spotify: https://bloodhunter.rpm.link/spotifyPR
Apple Music: https://bloodhunter.rpm.link/applePR
 
BLOODHUNTER is:
Diva Satánica – Vocals 
Dani Arcos – Guitar
G. Starless – Guitar 
Adrián Perales – Drums 
Fabián Tejeda – Bass

BELPHEGOR Announces "Praise The Beast" European Tour 2026

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

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

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

BELPHEGOR "Praise The Beast" European Tour 2026:

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

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

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

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

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

Prepare. The next chapter is imminent. 

More from BELPHEGOR:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About ANNIHILUS MUNDI:

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

ANNIHILUS MUNDI is:

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

Connect with ANNIHILUS MUNDI:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch "Venom In Me" guitar playthrough Below:

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

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

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

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

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

About ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD:

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

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

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

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

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

ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD is:

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

Connect with ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD:

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

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

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

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

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

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

About THROWLIGHT:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About MESHUGGAH:
 

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

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

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

Connect with MESHUGGAH:

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

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

Pre-order Vice Business Only HERE!

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

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

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

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

About V.B.O.:

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

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

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

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

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

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

V.B.O. Is:

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


Connect With V.B.O.:

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

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

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

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

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

About CURSED AWAKENING

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

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

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

CURSED AWAKENING is:

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

Connect with CURSED AWAKENING:

BLACK SITES Present New Single "Giving Up The Ghost"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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