Epic Heavy Metal Newcomers UNCHAINED VENGEANCE Announce Debut Album, Unleash First Single

September 22, 2026

From the battle-scarred strongholds of Portland, OR rises a new force in epic heavy metal: UNCHAINED VENGEANCE. The newcomers are pleased to now make their debut with 'Unbound and Unforgiving,' an anthemic offering with epic soundscapes that conjure the feeling of valiantly riding into battle on horseback with sword and mace in hand. To celebrate this forthcoming record, the band is now unleashing the very first single, "The Whisper of Sorrowsbane," along with a lyric video. The clip can be found below .

'Unbound and Unforgiving' is due on October 30, 2026 via Nameless Graves Records. It can be pre-ordered now HERE.

From the battle-scarred strongholds of Portland, Oregon rises a new force in Epic Heavy Metal: UNCHAINED VENGEANCE.

Forged by the union of powerhouse vocalist Nick Courtney (former member of Vicious Rumors and the acclaimed Iron Maiden tribute band Fear of the Dark) and multi-instrumentalist Nick Wusz (of Dolven and Travellers Rest), UNCHAINED VENGEANCE arrives with their debut full-length assault, Unbound and Unforgiving.

This is a journey into an age long forgotten—an time where honor outweighs gold, where warriors carve their legends in steel, and where the sword triumphs over sorcery. Across ten triumphant tracks, UNCHAINED VENGEANCE unleashes a relentless barrage of thunderous riffs, soaring vocals, galloping rhythms, and heroic melodies destined to echo across the battlefield.

From the bond between warrior and blade in "The Whisper of Sorrowsbane," to the condemnation of false champions in "False Knight," and the bittersweet return to a fallen homeland in "Only Ruins Remain," Unbound and Unforgiving weaves tales of courage, loss, revenge, and redemption. Majestic acoustic passages and contemplative interludes, masterfully performed by dungeon synth maestro Fen Walker, provide moments of reflection before the next charge into glory.

Adorned with breathtaking cover art by Silvana Massa and a battle-ready logo crafted by Brendan Elliot, this debut stands as a banner for all who still believe in the warrior spirit.

Raise your steel. Break your chains. March into the fire.

The age of UNCHAINED VENGEANCE has begun.

Carved in blood…Forged in fire…Unbound and Unforgiving

Lineup:

Nick Courtney - Vocals

Nick Wusz - Guitars, bass, drums

Interlude Tracks 1,4,7, and 10 by Fen Walker

Album credits:

Music recorded at Cirrus Studios, in Portland, Oregon by Nick Wusz

Vocals recorded at Perfect Audio, Vancouver, Washington

Mixed and Mastered by Pooya Entezari at Perfect Audio

Layout by Obscure Visions

Cover Artist: Silvana Massa

Logo Artist: Brendan Elliott

For fans of: Hammerfall ('Glory to the Brave' era), Doomsword, Crescent Shield, and Iron Maiden.

Pre-orders: https://linktr.ee/UnchainedVengeance

Links:

Greek Heavy Metal Newcomers THY LEGACY Unleash Debut Album via Nameless Graves Records

September 20, 2026

Greece is known as fertile ground for breeding some of the strongest and most legendary acts in metal. Newcomers THY LEGACY are no exception to this rule as they now break through the gates with an anthemic debut album that summons the spirits of heavy metal icons like Manowar, Eternal Champion, Omen, Battleroar + more. Forming an unholy union with independent label Nameless Graves, the Crete battalion is honored to follow in the footsteps of heavy metal's forefathers with 'The Call,' which was released on September 11, 2026 and can be found via Bandcamp HERE or at the official Nameless Graves shop HERE.

'The Call' is also now streaming everywhere!

Thy Legacy has devoted themselves to the absolute preservation of True Metal. Pulling heavy inspiration from the classic Greek and Italian epic metal legacy and the high-energy majesty of US Power Metal, The Call delivers everything a traditional purist craves.

The cover artwork for 'The Call' was created by Mars Triumph (from the band Triumpher) and can be found below.

Nameless Grave Records is proud to introduce the global metal underground to the soaring, ironclad sounds of Crete, Greece's Thy Legacy and their debut release, The Call.

The songwriting here leans into flawless, driving tempos, majestic guitar harmonies, and massive anthemic vocals that stick in your head immediately. From the breathless, high-octane riffing of the track "Metal Legion" to the raw energy you’ll hear throughout the album, The Call sounds like a long-lost relic of pure epic steel brought roaring into the present day.

If you live for the glorious, battle-ready firepower of Omen, Manowar, Eternal Champion, and Wrathblade, Thy Legacy is the exact shot of pure adrenaline you’ve been waiting for.

THY LEGACY Lineup:

Nikos Frantzeskakis - Bass

Babis Antaloudakis - Drums

A.D. Guillotine - Guitars (rhythm)

Jim Ritsopoulos - Vocals, Guitars

Album Credits:

Giannis Pratikakis - Recording (guitars, bass, drums)

Nikos Trialonis - Recording (vocals), Mixing

Bart Gabriel - Mastering

Links:

Thy Legacy YouTube

Nameless Graves YouTube

Spotify

Apple Music

BLACKBRAID Announces North American Tour Dates Starting September 29

September 19, 2026

Indigenous solo black metal project BLACKBRAID is thrilled to announce that he will be direct support for CRADLE OF FILTH on the upcoming "Majestic in Death II" Tour and will also anchor the imminent tour with a special headliner in Denver, CO!

"Majestic in Death II" kicks off September 29 in San Diego, CA and makes its way through the U.S. and Canada with BLACKBRAID until October 26. BLACKBRAID will be replacing Moonspell as direct support, with additional support from WORM and BLACK SATELLITE.Then, BLACKBRAID will conquer Denver, CO with a very special headlining set on October 28. Tickets for the headliner will be made available today, September 18, @ 10:00 A.M. MDT HEREwhile all other BLACKBRAID tickets can be found at THIS LOCATION.

In addition, BLACKBRAID will be supporting CONVERGE and SANGUISUGABOGG with additional support from PUPIL SLICER in the EU/UK this November! The trek will kick off on November 12, 2026 in München (DE) and will conclude 10 days later in London (UK). The full itinerary can be found below!

ICYMI: BLACKBRAID surprised fans earlier this year with a new EP, 'Nocturnal Womb,' which was independently released on March 6, 2026. The EP saw two original tracks, “Nocturnal Womb” and “Celestial Bloodlust,” which were too dark and visceral to fit the story of 'Blackbraid III.' They exist on their own outside of the album trilogy via this standalone EP, which also contains an acoustic instrumental rendition of “Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil." 'Nocturnal Wound' can be ordered now via Blackbraid.US & Blackbraid.EU

Blackbraid is a solo indigenous black metal project from from the depths of the Adirondack wilderness creating music as raw and powerful as the mountains from whence it came…

GET TICKETS HERE

BLACKBRAID NORTH AMERICAN DATES:

(Direct Support for Cradle of Filth w/ additional support from WORM + BLACK SATELLITE)

09/29: San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park

09/30: Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren

10/03: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre

10/04: Seattle, WA @ Substation

10/06: Vancouver, BC @ The Vogue Theatre

10/07: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory

10/08: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory

10/09: Butte, MT @ Covellite Theatre

10/11: West Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom

10/12: Davenport, IA @ Capitol Theatre

10/14: Toronto, ON @ The Opera House

10/15: Montreal, QC @ Théâtre Beanfield

10/16: Norwalk, CT @ District Music Hall

10/17: Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

10/19: Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage

10/20: Boston, MA @ Big Night Live

10/21: Wilmington, DE @ The Crown

10/22: Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw

10/23: Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus (BLACKBRAID HEADLINER - SOLD OUT)

10/24: Allentown, PA @ Archer Music Hall

10/25: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues

10/26: Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's

BLACKBRAID HEADLINER:

10/28: Denver, CO @ HQ

(Supporting CONVERGE + SANGUISUGABOGG w/ PUPIL SLICER)

12.11.26: München (DE) @ Backstage

13.11.26: Karlsruhe (DE) @ Substage

15.11.26: Strasbourg (FR) @ La Laiterie

16.11.26: Paris (FR) @ Bataclan

18.11.26: Leeds (UK) @ Project House

19.11.26: Bristol (UK) @ Electric Bristol

20.11.26: Glasgow (UK) @ SWG3

21.11.26: Nottingham (UK) @ Rock City

22.11.26: London (UK) @ Electric Brixton

Follow // Listen:

Shop/Pre-order:

Official Merch Store (USA)

Official Merch Store (EU)

Blackbraid is an independent artist and is not contracted to or owned by any music label.

CORONER Announces USA Co-Headliner with NILE

September 16, 2026

Next spring, NILE and technical thrash pioneer CORONER take on North America together: a co-headline run that puts two of metal's most singular forces on the same stage every night, with strong guest support from SYN ABSENCE and one more special guest to be announced! The trek will kick off on March 2, 2027 in Greenville, SC and will conquer the states until it ceases fire on April 11 in Leesburg, VA. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets will be made available HERE.

Both bands arrive with their latest albums fully integrated into the live arsenal - Nile's 'The Underworld Awaits Us All' and Coroner's 'Dissonance Theory' – alongside the legendary material both bands built their names on: live, sharp, and carrying both the weight of their history and the force of what they have become.

Underworld Dissonance brings both catalogues to 31 stages across the United States: two headline sets a night, for full impact from coast to coast.

'Dissonance Theory' was released worldwide on October 17, 2025 via Century Media Records. It can be ordered, streamed, or downloaded HERE.

'Dissonance Theory' contains ten new songs across 47 minutes, recorded by Tommy Vetterli at New Sound Studios in Switzerland and mixed/mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden (Opeth, Kreator, Amon Amarth, etc.).

'Dissonance Theory,' in totality, is rich in sonic detail, a stereophile’s delight. Part of that can be attributed to the expert mixing/mastering by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden. But the production, arrangement and soundscape details are largely the work of Vetterli and a longtime creative partner at his own New Sound studio. Vetterli notes, “At some point, I felt something was missing — a kind of creative counterweight. Someone to reflect things back with a fresh, critical ear. That’s when I brought in a longtime collaborator I’ve worked with for years at my studio. He helped push things into new territory and gave me the clarity and momentum Dissonance Theory needed to move forward. We made a point throughout the production to record as many authentic, organic sounds as possible. The studio was packed with tube amps, analog synths, and vintage instruments — including a harmonium and a grand piano — and we put them all to good use. We've worked together on many other productions, so the trust was already there. We get into that whole collaboration — and how it evolved — more deeply in the CD mediabook edition.”

Coroner are offering a work that proves they know themselves and what their band should sound like. No Coroner fan could possibly be disappointed in Dissonance Theory. It’s like a massive bonus from a band we all thought had spent their creative energies decades ago. “They don’t make albums like this anymore”. Ever heard that one? Coroner proves they were not only always in metal’s top tier, but that anything less than a ferocious return such as this would never have been the Coroner way.

Lineup:

Ron Royce - Bass/vocals

Tommy T. Baron - Guitars

Diego Rappachietti - Drums

Recording: Tommy Vetterli at New Sound Studios in Switzerland

Mixing + Mastering: Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden

Cover Artwork: Stefan Thanneur

Links:

HELLRIPPER Digitally Releases Two New ZEKE Covers Ahead of Imminent Tours

September 15, 2026

Scotland's ibex-obsessed blackened thrash bastard of Hades, otherwise known as HELLRIPPER, is now unleashing two digital singles ahead of his upcoming worldwide live assault, which kicks off this Thursday in Europe before laying waste to North America for the first time ever in support of HAVOK! To celebrate, the Goat Kvlt mastermind is now offering two cover versions of legendary Seattle speed metal punks, Zeke. Listen now to the black thrash versions of the tracks “Let’s Get Drugs” and “Mainline" Below.

HELLRIPPER guitarist/vocalist/songwriter James McBain comments, “ZEKE has been a favourite band of mine for many years now, and I sure have gotten a lot of mileage out of that shirt of mine as a lot of people have pointed out! The influence they have had on the sound of Hellripper cannot be overstated - 100mph balls to the wall metalpunk with endless guitar solos? Count me in! These two tracks were released as part of the Decibel Magazine Flexi series earlier this year, and I'm happy to now have them out there for everyone to listen to. ZEKE YOU!”

The extensive U.S. trek will kick off on October 21 in Salt Lake City, UT and will decimate everything in its path until the final stop on November 20 in Denver, CO. The full itinerary can be found below and tickets to all upcoming live performances are available HERE.

HELLRIPPER will be supporting its critically-acclaimed new album, 'Coronach,' which was released worldwide on March 27, 2026 via Century Media Records, making it his debut to the label! 'Coronach' can be streamed, downloaded, or ordered HERE.

Enter the GOAT KVLT HERE.

HELLRIPPER LIVE NORTH AMERICAN DATES (w/ HAVOK):

10/21: Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall

10/22: Boise, ID @ Shrine Social Club Ballroom

10/23: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

10/24: Portland, OR @ Dante’s

10/26: Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post

10/27: Berkeley, CA @ Cornerstone Berkeley

10/28: Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent Theater

10/29:Fresno, CA@ Strummer’s

10/30: Las Vegas, NV @ Backstage Bar Billiards

10/31: Mesa. AZ @ Nile Theater

11/02: Dallas, TX @ AM/FM

11/03: Austin, TX @ Come and Take it Live

11/04: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Midtown

11/06: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Hell)

11/07: Nashville, TN @ Basement East

11/08: Asheville, NC @ Eulogy

11/09: Richmond, VA @ Canal Club

11/11: Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage

11/12: Harrisburg, PA @ Capital City Music Hall

11/13: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall

11/14: New York, NY @ Racket

11/15: Lakewood, OH @ Mercury Music Lounge

11/17: Detroit, MI @ Catacombs at the Sanctuary

11/18: Chicago, IL @ Reggies

11/19: Kansas City, MO @ Recordbar

11/20: Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre
11/25: Montreal, QC @ Piranha Bar

11/26: Quebec, QC @ La Source De La Martinière

11/27: Ottawa, ON @ Dominion Tavern

11/28: Toronto, ON @ Supermarket Bar & Variety

Hellripper EU Live Dates (w/ NECROFIER):

TH 17.09.2026 Hannover (Germany) - Cafe Glocksee * / Sold out!

FR 18.09.2026 Esbjerg (Denmark) - Tobakken *

SA 19.09.2026 Aarhus (Denmark) - VoxHall *

SU 20.09.2026 Gothenburg (Sweden) - Monument *

MO 21.09.2026 Oslo (Norway) - Vaterland * / Sold out!

TU 22.09.2026 Norrköping (Sweden) - Dynamo *

WE 23.09.2026 Stockholm (Sweden) - Kollektivet Livet *

TH 24.09.2026 Malmö (Sweden) - Plan B *

FR 25.09.2026 Lübeck (Germany) - Treibsand *

SA 26.09.2026 Hinte (Germany) - Coast Rock Festival *

SU 27.09.2026 Namur (Belgium) - Le Belvedere *

HELLRIPPER Latin American Dates:

SA 09.01.2027 Mangualde (Portugal) - Mangualde Hardmetalfest

TH 14.01.2027 Rio De Janeiro (Brazil) - Experience Music

FR 15.01 2027 Curitiba (Brazil) - Basement Cultural

SA 16.01.2027 Sao Paulo (Brazil) - Burning House

SU 17.01.2027 Belo Horizonte (Brazil) - Caverna

TU 19.01.2027 Buenos Aires (Argentina) - Uniclub

WE 20.01.2027 Santiago (Chile) - Sala RBX

TH 21.01.2027 Lima (Peru) - Vichama Conciertos

SA 23.01.2027 Bogota (Colombia) - Ace of Spades

SU 24.01.2027 Quito (Ecuador) - Necronik

TU 26.01.2027 San Jose (Costa Rica) - Amon Solar

TH 28.01.2027 Monterrey (Mexico) - Cafe Iguana

FR 29.01.2027 Hermosillo (Mexico) - London Pub

SA 30.01.2027 Tijuana (Mexico) - Dragón Rojo

SU 31.01.2027 Mexico City (Mexico) - Circo Volador

HELLRIPPER 2027 DATES (+ more TBA):

SA 13.03.2027 Eindhoven (The Netherlands) - Dynamo / Welcome To Hell Festival

TH-SU 25-28.03.2027 Oslo (Norway) - Inferno Festival

FR-SA 28-29.05.2027 Buchenbach (Germany) - Boarstream Open Air Festival

TH-SA 03-05.06.2027 Stykkisholmur (Iceland) - Satan Festival

FR-SU 11-13.06.2027 Leeuwarden (The Netherlands) - Into the Grave Festival

* w/ Necrofier

+ w/ Havok

The brainchild of guitarist/vocalist/solitary force, James McBain, Hellripper has been running like a denim-vested, backpatch-encrusted William Wallace, bravehearting his way through metal's bloodiest battlefields since first coagulating his personal darkness in 2014. Taking armaments from “Kill 'Em All” era Hetfield and “Welcome to Hell” era Mantas, McBain has immersed his fascination with darkness and speed with Scottish history and come with bloody masterpieces like 2023's “Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags” that Metal Injection stated: "Bursts with growth and a mature exploration of darkness and eeriness while maintaining that original high-octane burning”. McBain is presently sharpening his blades and casting new spells that will transmogrify into Hellripper's Century Media debut “Coronach”.

Hellripper Lineup:

James McBain – All Instruments & Vocals

Hellripper live and video performance line-up:

James McBain – Guitar & Vocals

Joseph Quinlan – Guitar

Andy Milburn – Bass

Max Southall – Drums

Album credits:

Recorded and mixed by Hellripper’s James McBain at Coronach Studios in Scotland, UK

Mastered by Damien Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studios in the USA.

Cover Artwork: Adam Burke / Nightjar Illustration

Formats:

Jewelcase CD

Digital Album

LP (formats below):

- “Black Cuillin” LP on black vinyl (Unlimited, available in Europe)

- “Wild Thistle” LP on transp. magenta vinyl (Ltd. to 400x copies, available from UK retailers and Hellripper)

- “Saltire” LP on blue vinyl (Ltd. to 300x copies, available from selected German & Austrian retailers and from Hellripper)

- “Highland Mist” LP on grey vinyl (Ltd. to 1000x copies, available from Hellripper)

- “Baobhan Sith” LP on transp. forest green vinyl (Unlimited, available in the USA)

- “Granite City” LP on electric smoke colored vinyl (Ltd. to 500x copies, available in the USA)

- “Bean Nighe” LP on ultra clear vinyl (Ltd. to 300x copies, available in the USA from Hellripper)

Pre-order // pre-save: https://hellripperband.lnk.to/Coronach-AlbumID

Links:

Dutch Black Metal Project BLACK DOOR Streams New Album in Full via Lambgoat

August 26, 2026

Dutch black metal solo artist BLACK DOOR is now streaming its upcoming sophomore full-length, 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam,' in its entirety via Lambgoat! The album can be heard ahead of its official release this Friday, August 28, below.

Pre-orders for 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam' are now live via Wolves of Hades! The USA shop can be found HERE while the EU shop is available HERE.

BLACK DOOR mastermind and multi-instrumentalist Vestibulum comments, "The wait is over. I am elated to share that In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam is unleashed in its full glory. Ranging from lamenting wails and dissonant discordance to triumphant hymns, the album is bound to stir the senses of those willing to open themselves to it. The journey commences as melancholic, entering the mind of lamented decay, continuing in the slow descent in 'The Stale Humid Mist.' Wrestlings of a troubled soul will be dissected in its spiritual heights, hubris and downfalls, to conclude with the open invitation to the fervour of self-creation in Promethean Fire. From its blessing and curse, we forge desire!"

Following the spectral path unveiled on its debut album, BLACK DOOR returns more fierce and haunting than ever before. 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam,' a work steeped in nocturnal mysticism, sepulchral grandeur, and the lingering echoes of eons.

Following the spectral path unveiled on its debut album, Black Door returns more fierce and

haunting than ever before. 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam,' a work steeped in nocturnal mysticism, sepulchral grandeur, and the lingering echoes of eons.

In the 'Shadows of a Funerary Gleam' delves further into the dimensions between life and death, nostalgia and oblivion. From the spectral procession of it’s haunting introduction to the Promethean revelations that conclude the album, these compositions unfold as chapters of a singular journey through the funerary mist of forgotten kingdoms inhabited by restless specters

Drawing inspiration from the black legions and vampiric romanticism, Black Door refuses to be confined by simple nostalgia. Beneath its veil of blackened melancholy lies a flame that illuminates both as a beacon and warning; a fading light that guides the listener through stale humid mists, crepuscular awakenings, lamentations of dying ages, and confrontations with powers older than mankind itself. Whether invoking liches wrested from mortality, ancient celestial names whispered from the abyss, or the tragic gift of Promethean fire, Black Door weaves together a mythology of spiritual yearning and cosmic resignation.

To be released by Wolves of Hades on August 28 on LP, CD, MC & Digital, 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam' stands as a fully realized expression of the project's evolving vision, one that balances haunting melody, strife, nocturnal atmosphere, and triumphant darkness with a reverence for the mysterious and the eternal.

Lineup:

Vestibulum – All instrumentation & Vocals

Live Lineup:

Vestibulum – Vocals, Guitar

N. – Guitar

M. – Bass

B. or I. - Drums

Album Credits:

All music, lyrics and performance by Vestibulum

Logo by Viral Designs

Mixing, photography and layout design by G.M.

Mastered by William Killingsworth at Dead Air Studios

Cover art by Grave Bastard

USA Pre-Order Link: https://www.usa-wolvesofhades.com/collections/black-door

EU Pre-Order Link: https://www.wolvesofhades.com/collections/black-door

Links:

MORTIIS Announces and Streams Digital EP, "Farewell Romero"

August 5, 2026

Iconic Norwegian artist MORTIIS is now revealing a digital EP today, 'Farewell Romero.' The EP draws its inspiration and namesake from the eponymous song, which was originally featured on his recently released full-length, 'Ghosts of Europa.'

'Farewell Romero' features the original album track and a fascinating new version of this song with renowned French artist Nicolas Horvath. The classical pianist has previously collaborated with ALCEST and is also known for his work with the famous Japanese animation Studio Ghibli, among many other exciting projects. The third track is a new variant (Madrigal version) of the 'Ghosts of Europa' track 'Violent Silence,' featuring former TODESBONDEN vocalist Laurie Ann Haus. The EP can be streamed in its entirety at THIS LOCATION.

MORTIIS comments, "It has always been my nature to experiment and try new ideas, so to some, it's probably not a surprise that I had a couple of variations of some of the songs from 'Ghosts of Europa' sitting around. When I write songs, I tend to try a lot of directions out, and sometimes there are brutal production decisions to be made, such as killing off otherwise great melodies, or entire sections, from songs. This is probably why I have always been pretty open to creating variations of the songs. Sometimes 'killing your darlings' is just too damn painful. Oh, and the artwork for this EP might be my personal favourite from the 'Ghosts of Europa' series."

This EP follows up 'Ghosts of Europa,' which was released on June 26, 2026 via Prophecy Productions, making it MORTIIS' debut to the label! 'Ghosts of Europa' is available as ltd. box set incl. 2CD artbook edition, gatefold LP (excl. handmade sand-filled vinyl), bonus LP, music cassette et al. (50 copies). Ltd. box set incl. 2CD artbook edition, gatefold LP (excl. 'galaxy' metallic vinyl), bonus LP, music cassette et al. (450 copies). As a 60-page hardcover 2CD artbook incl. 8-track bonus CD, ltd. Gatefold marble smoke vinyl LP (300 copies), ltd. Gatefold crystal clear vinyl LP (300 copies), Gatefold black vinyl LP, and Digipak CD Pre-orders are now live HERE.

Mortiis is a pioneering dark ambient and industrial metal artist, widely credited as the founder of the dungeon synth genre, whose work spans from haunting atmospheric soundscapes to abrasive, genre-defying electronic metal. With a legacy stretching over three decades, he remains one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in underground dark music

With Ghosts of Europa, the enigmatic Norwegian artistic entity, known as MORTIIS, presents an album that he views as a creative liberation. During its long and winding creation process such concepts as genre, rules or experimenting with sounds dissolved while simply making music that reflected every conceivable idea on his mind without accepting any limitations became his guiding principle.

Of course, MORTIIS' musical handwriting is ever present. Echoes from the often quite divergent phases of his previous works can be found across Ghosts of Europa. Yet, the creator of musical worlds left hardly a stone not turned in his epic quest for genuinely new ways of expression. As a result, this cinematic and visionary album often feels expansive, strange, and darkly dystopian. In this, Ghosts of Europa reflects its maker's struggles while creating the album – as for him, these tend to come into existence at the cost of friendships and relationships as well as much soul searching.

"Ghosts of Europa" has also been shaped to some extent by the original idea that involved a collaboration of MORTIIS with Stephan Groth from APOPTYGMA BERZERK based on their mutual fascination with the highly influential old German school of electronic music, and particularly TANGERINE DREAM and Klaus Schulze. When this fell apart, MORTIIS decided to continue on his own and a long process of transforming the early recorded materials began.

Relics of this early stage remain in hints of the influences from Berlin as well as a host of guest contributions, but visions of bleak, desolate, and timeless alien landscapes warped and mutated the songs. This carried Ghosts of Europa into spaces where MORTIIS never existed before.

In the beginning of the artistic entity MORTIIS there was black metal. The artist Håvard Ellefsen known as the musical entity MORTIIS started out as a bass player in and during the formation of legendary Norwegian band EMPEROR in 1991 and 1992. After parting ways with these black metal pioneers, MORTIIS embarked on a solo career, the so called Era I From 1993 until 1999, the Norwegian released six full-length albums that were entirely composed on synthesizers and are considered to constitute a fundamental influence on the later Dungeon Synth genre.

In the next decades, MORTIIS evolved and redefined is sound through several eras that embraces experimental & heavy industrial rock, a new wave of gothic & electronic influences, experimental studio works, and back to his roots.

During most of his career MORTIIS has performed with a mask and face prosthetic that turned his stage persona into an otherworldly being. Over the year, his looks have changed and evolved. For a time during 'Era 0', his live concept even abandoned the wearing of the iconic mask. MORTIIS' stage entity has often been compared with a troll – a creature of Nordic folklore, which it was never intended to be according to the artist.

"Ghosts of Europa" is the sonic testimony of an experienced and matured musician, who created what he loves most and does best: electronic rock with stylistic influences from many genres while not being bound by any that creates dark soundscapes, cinematic sonic visions, and a plethora of emotions. Just when you think that you have finally figured "Ghosts of Europa" out, MORTIIS will surprise you with another facet and fresh aspect of his richly detailed masterpiece.

Line-up:

Håvard "Mortiis" Ellefsen – vocals, keyboards, vocoder, bass guitar, programming

Guest musicians

Benedicte Computorgirl (COMPUTORGIRL) – vocals on track 4

Christopher Amott (ARCH ENEMY et al.) – guitar solo on track 7

Christopher Rakkestad (ELVARHØI, BOLVERK) – vocals on track 1-6

Emil Nikolaisen (SERENA MANEESH, BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE et al.) – fuzz & noise guitars & additional FX on track 3 & 4

Iliana Basileios Tsakiraki (ENEMY OF REALITY, SEPTICFLESH et al.) – vocals on tracks 1, 2, & 5

Laurie Ann Haus (BLIZZARD GAMES) – vocals on track 1, 2, 5 & 7

Matthew Setzer (SKINNY PUPPY, LONDON AFTER MDNIGHT) – throat singing on track 7

Michal Kielbasa (BLACK MAGIC RITES et al.) – tubular bell & vibraphone on track 2, tubular bell on track 6 & tabla loops, additional synths & FX on track 7

Sarah Jezebel Deva (THE KOVENANT, CRADLE OF FILTH et al.) – vocals on tracks 1-3, 5 & 6

Thomas Bolverk (RAGNAROK, BOLVERK) – distortion, clean & sampled guitars on track 6

Thorsten Quaeschning (TANGERINE DREAM) – additional synths & sequencers on track 1

Vegard Blomberg (MOCK) – e-bow & guitars on track 2, additional Copicat, Space Echo, fuzz & e-bow guitars) on track 4, Copicat, Space Echo & fuzz guitars on track 4, fuzz guitars on track 6, fuzz & ambient guitars on track & guitars on track 8

Erling Blomberg – additional guitars on track 8

Album Credits:

Recorded (re-recorded, re-animated & eternally tweaked and re-tweaked) at various locations over a thousand sessions during years of misery, poverty, and disdain (2020-2026) in Fredrikstad (NO)

Early vocal recording by co-producer Stephan Groth at Pitch Black Drive, Fredrikstad (NO)

Mix by Sean Beavan at The Grey Room, Crestline, CA (US)

Mastering by Jules Seifert at Epic Audio Media, London (UK)

Cover Artist: Nihil

Layout Creator: Laurent Clément (Dead Seed Productions)

Pre-orders:

https://mortiiswebstore.com/pages/ghosts-of-europa

Available formats:

"Ghosts of Europa" is available as a 60-page hardcover 2CD artbook incl. 8-track bonus CD, ltd. Gatefold XXX vinyl LP, Gatefold black vinyl LP, and Digipak CD.

MORTIIS Links:

Dutch Black Metal Project BLACK DOOR Launches Pre-Orders, Unleashes Vampiric New Single, "Forged by Promethean Fire"

July 29, 2026

Dutch black metal solo artist BLACK DOOR is now unveiling yet another haunting, vampiric new single, "Forged by Promethean Fire." The haunting track is taken from the project's upcoming sophomore full-length, 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam,' due on August 28 via Wolves of Hades. The song can be found below.

Additionally, pre-orders for 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam' are now live via Wolves of Hades! The USA shop can be found HERE while the EU shop is available HERE.

BLACK DOOR mastermind and multi-instrumentalist Vestibulum comments, "Forging a conclusion out of the melancholic aestheticism I portrayed in this manifestation, 'Forged by Promethean Fire' looks ahead into the tempest of time, a future self-created in fiery fervour. The triumphant melodies embrace not only creativity, but also Pandoric curiosity, ridding it from the clutches of patriarchy."

Following the spectral path unveiled on its debut album, Black Door returns more fierce and

haunting than ever before. 'In the Shadows of a Funerary Gleam,' a work steeped in nocturnal mysticism, sepulchral grandeur, and the lingering echoes of eons.

Lineup:

Vestibulum – All instrumentation & Vocals

Live Lineup:

Vestibulum – Vocals, Guitar

N. – Guitar

M. – Bass

B. or I. - Drums

Album Credits:

All music, lyrics and performance by Vestibulum

Logo by Viral Designs

Mixing, photography and layout design by G.M.

Mastered by William Killingsworth at Dead Air Studios

Cover art by Grave Bastard

Links:

BLACKBRAID to Support CONVERGE on November EU/UK Tour

July 8, 2026

Indigenous solo black metal project BLACKBRAID is honored to announce an upcoming tour in EU/UK, in which the project will be supporting CONVERGE and SANGUISUGABOGG with additional support from PUPIL SLICER. The trek will kick off on November 12, 2026 in München (DE) and will conclude 10 days later in London (UK). The full itinerary can be found below while tickets will go on sale Friday, July 10 at 11:00 A.M. CEST / 10:00 A.M. UK time. Tickets will be made available at THIS LOCATION.

Blackbraid mastermind and composer Sgah'gahsowáh comments, "Today, I am beyond excited to announce our next European run, in support of the mighty Converge. This is a band that means a great deal to me personally, and to be able to support them on this European run is truly an honor. We will also be joined by our friends in Sanguinisabogg and Pulp Slicer, absolutely cannot wait for this one, see you again very soon Europe!"

Prior to the tour, BLACKBRAID will also be embarking on a slew of August festivals in Europe, as well as a headliner in Barcelona (ES) on August 11, which will be BLACKBRAID's first ever appearance in Spain!

ICYMI: BLACKBRAID surprised fans earlier this year with a new EP, 'Nocturnal Womb,' which wasindependently released on March 6, 2026. The EP saw two original tracks, “Nocturnal Womb” and “Celestial Bloodlust,” which were too dark and visceral to fit the story of 'Blackbraid III.' They exist on their own outside of the album trilogy via this standalone EP, which also contains an acoustic instrumental rendition of “Barefoot Ghost Dance on Blood Soaked Soil." 'Nocturnal Wound' can be ordered now via Blackbraid.US & Blackbraid.EU

Blackbraid is a solo indigenous black metal project from from the depths of the Adirondack wilderness creating music as raw and powerful as the mountains from whence it came…

BLACKBRAID EU/UK Live Shows:

(BLACKBRAID only):

Aug 06: Jaroměř (CZ) @ Brutal Assault

Aug 07: Helsinki (FI) @ HELLsinki Metal Fest

08/09: Kortrijk (BE) @ Alcatraz

Aug 11: Barcelona (ES) @ Razzmatazz 3 (First show in Spain)

Aug 12: Wittelshofen (DE) @ Summer Breeze Open Air

(Supporting CONVERGE + SANGUISUGABOGG w/ PUPIL SLICER)

12.11.26: München (DE) @ Backstage

13.11.26: Karlsruhe (DE) @ Substage

15.11.26: Strasbourg (FR) @ La Laiterie

16.11.26: Paris (FR) @ Bataclan

18.11.26: Leeds (UK) @ Project House

19.11.26: Bristol (UK) @ Electric Bristol

20.11.26: Glasgow (UK) @ SWG3

21.11.26: Nottingham (UK) @ Rock City

22.11.26: London (UK) @ Electric Brixton

GET TICKETS HERE

apanese Horror Inspired USBM Duo SAIDAN Unleashes New Single, "Immersed by Eternity’s Blade"

June 12, 2026

Japanese horror-inspired USBM outfit SAIDAN will be releasing its highly anticipated fourth LP, 'FANGDRILLER: Scars Beneath Memory's Wrist,' on June 19 via Avantgarde Music! The band is now unveiling the cinematic new single, "Immersed by Eternity’s Blade" along with a music video, which can be found below.

A prequel to 2023's 'Visual Kill,' 'FANGDRILLER' follows The Student (Junko) as she tries to heal her fractured heart. Haunted by wistful solitude, her isolation makes her the perfect victim for a mysterious cult known as Ethereal Blood.

SAIDAN vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Splatterpvnk comments, “Many of the songs on this album offer glimpses into where I was emotionally over the past year. 'Immersed by Eternity’s Blade' is unique in that there’s no metaphor to masquerade my heart. I yearned for a future where the anguish of the present would fade into a distant memory, leaving only the moments of happiness behind.

"This song was, and continues to be, a source of healing for me. I hope that anyone carrying their own sorrow can find some measure of comfort in this song and in the album as a whole.”

While lyrically dealing with topics of depression, heartbreak, loss, and loneliness, the album is musically inspired by the lo-fi nature of classic Visual Kei and gothic black metal. Saidan strives to deliver an album that sounds nostalgic for an era of music that doesn’t exist. Blistering solos, deranged vocals, anthemic-riffage, and diabolical drumming are slammed together with doses of modern breakcore and wrapped in a black metal bow, garnering a feeling of familiarity while offering something that’s boldly unique.

Pre-orders can be found HERE.

Moreover, SAIDAN will be embarking on a U.S. tour in support of prolific atmospheric black metal band Trhä along with Barbelith. The trek will kick off on July 23 in Indianapolis, IN and will lay waste through the East Coast and parts of the midwest until the final stop on August 8 in Charlotte, NC. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets can be found HERE.

SAIDAN U.S. Tour Dates (Supporting Trhä w/ Barbelith):

07/23: Indianapolis, IN @ State Street Pub

07/24: Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary

07/25: Milwaukee, WI @Club Garabaldi

07/26: Minneapolis, MN @ Zhora Darling

07/27: Des Moines, IA @ Locals

07/28: Kansas City, MO @ Mini Bar

07/29: Tulsa, OK @ Whittier Bar

07/30: Denton, TX @ Dan's SilverLeaf

07/31: Austin, TX @ The Lost Well

08/01: San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger

08/02: Houston, TX @ Black Magic Social Club

08/03: New Orleans, LA @ Siberia

08/04: Pensacola, FL @ The Handlebar

08/05: Tampa, FL @ Deviant Libation

08/06: Miami, FL @ Churchill’s Pub

08/07: Jacksonville, FL @ The Albatross

08/08: Charlotte, NC @ The Milestone

In the neverending quest of supporting young and boundary-pushing bands from the underground around the world, Avantgarde Music is proud to announce their collaboration with Saidan, a Japanese horror-themed black metal band from Nashville, TN.

Spawning from tragedy in 2020, Saidan rapidly released a string of demos and splits that caused a stir in the underground Black Metal scene. With their anthem-like riffage, violent imagery, deranged vocal delivery, and heavy metal flair, Saidan has risen above their contemporaries and stood out in a bustling USBM scene. In five short years, Saidan has gone on to release three LPs: 'Jigoku: Spiraling Chasms of the Blackest Hell' (2021), 'Onryō II: Her Spirit Eternal' (2022), and 'Visual Kill: The Blossoming of Psychotic Depravity' (2024), all to critical success. The band's latest offering, 'FANGDRILLER: Scars Beneath Memory's Wrist,' will be arriving on June 19, 2026 exclusively through Avantgarde Music.

'Fangdriller' is the fourth studio album born from the minds of multi-instrumentalist Splatterpvnk and drummer Hundosai, a new chapter in the narrative concept that links together all Saidan releases. A prequel to 2023's 'Visual Kill,' 'FANGDRILLER' follows The Student (Junko) as she tries to heal her fractured heart. Haunted by wistful solitude, her isolation makes her the perfect victim for a mysterious cult known as Ethereal Blood.

'Fangdriller' was mixed and mastered by Splatterpvnk and once again comes with a cover art by Japanese visual artist Seiyak17.

Lineup:

Splatterpvnk - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards

Hundosai - Drums

Live Members:

Ravenna - Bass

Luthious - Guitar

All songs written and performed by Splatterpvnk & Hundosai

All songs mixed and mastered by Splatterpvnk
Recorded at The Booth / Glowing Moon Studios (Nashville, TN, USA)

Artwork by Seiyak17

For Fans Of: Spectral Wound, X Japan, Cradle Of Filth, Malice Mizer

Formats:
Gatefold Vinyl Color Variants: Red (Standard), Bloodshot (Limited Edition), Onyx (Limited Edition)

CD (Digipak)

Digital

Pre-order links:

https://avantgardemusic.bandcamp.com/(Physical copies)

https://www.sound-cave.com/ (Physical copies)

https://saidan.bandcamp.com (Digital Only)

Links:

Post Black Metal Project BLOOD MOTHER Unleashes Ominous New Single, "Pulled Apart"

June 6, 2026

Rick Giordano, the composer behind THE LION'S DAUGHTER, has re-emerged as BLOOD MOTHER, a devastating new project that combines the post black metal horrors of TLD with haunting, atmospheric soundscapes and Western Americana attitude. Forged in themes of isolation, paranoia, violence and terror, dark and synth-driven ambience coalesces with bouts of chaotic and desperate black metal, while also honing in on the grit and desolation that was no doubt inspired by Giordano’s upbringing in the rugged American heartlands. Combined with the commanding aggression of Giordano's vocal attack, BLOOD MOTHER offers the score to your own personal horror film.

BLOOD MOTHER is now unveiling a lyric video for the ominous new single "Pulled Apart," which is taken from its upcoming self-titled studio album, due on June 19 independently. The song can be found along with a visualizer below.

Composer Rick Giordano comments, "'This song is the album closer because after the devastation and hopelessness you're left with at the end of the song, there's really nowhere else to go. Whether taken as a metaphor for physical or emotional violence, you're pulled apart until there is nothing left. With the added layers of bass guitars and synths, and an altogether different, larger drum set... we wanted to destroy you and your speakers both."

Pre-orders are now live via the official webstore HERE or via Bandcamp HERE.

Giordano is accompanied on this self titled debut album by Erik Ramsier, long time drummer and percussionist for the Lion's Daughter, with artwork by renowned graphic novelist The Salamander King.

Rick Giordano, the composer behind THE LION'S DAUGHTER, is re-emerging as BLOOD MOTHER, a devastating new project that combines the post black metal horrors of TLD with haunting, atmospheric soundscapes and Western Americana attitude. Forged in themes of isolation, paranoia, violence and terror, dark and synth-driven ambience coalesces with bouts of chaotic and desperate black metal, while also honing in on the grit and desolation that was no doubt inspired by Giordano’s upbringing in the rugged American heartlands. Combined with the commanding aggression of Giordano's vocal attack, BLOOD MOTHER offers the score to your own personal horror film.

Accompanied on this self-titled debut album by Erik Ramsier, longtime drummer and percussionist for the Lion's Daughter, with artwork by renowned graphic novelist The Salamander King, BLOOD MOTHER isn’t just a reboot, but rather a reinvention. While it still draws from many of THE LION'S DAUGHTER’s original influences, and therefore, the project also defies generic classification much like its predecessor, BLOOD MOTHER is still a clear evolution from what came before. “After 18 years of releasing music and touring the world, the daughter had to die so that the mother could live,” explains Giordano of the new project.

As a fully independent entity, BLOOD MOTHER has no chains, no bounds, and no master. Self-releasing this project with the help of world renowned independent artist manager Wolf Mountain Productions, Giordano is paving his own path and asserting his dominance over the oppressive music industry. Like a renegade cowboy, he joins the ranks of other modern artists who have abandoned all standards and practices to usher in a new era of artist ownership and DIY supremacy. “I've never been a person that neatly fits in with any group, or made music that neatly fits into any category, so it just makes sense to operate independently,” Giordano explains. “I also look at the current state of the music and most of the bands that are popular now, and think why the fuck would I want anything to do with that?”

Like a ghost riding out from the desert, Blood Mother is here to paint the town a shade of red found only in Hell... before burning it all to the ground.

Lineup:
Rick Giordano: Guitar, bass, synth, vocals

Erik Ramsier: Drums

For Fans Of: Ulver, Darkspace, Blut Aus Nord, Cult of Luna, Sunn O))), Wayfarer

Cover Artist: The Salamander King

Album Credits:

Mixing by Ryan Wasoba

Mastering by Joel Hatstat

Distribution/management: Wolf Mountain Productions

Links:

MORTIIS Unleashes New Darkwave Banger, "Tundra, Heart of Hell"

June 3, 2026

Iconic Norwegian artist MORTIIS is now pleased to unleash another new single from his upcoming full-length, 'Ghosts of Europa.' "Tundra, Heart of Hell," is a gothic, darkwave banger that channels the likes of Bauhaus, Joy Division, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and more! The nostalgic track can be found along with a lyric video below.

MORTIIS comments on the single, "For some reason the word 'Tundra' has been a recurring word in my life, and I attached it to various songs and lyrics over time, though very few ever came to any sort of fruition. In fact, the earliest versions of this song was called 'Tundra' or even 'Thundra' (because it sounded cooler) before I decided to add 'Heart Of Hell' to add some context. A big chunk of these lyrics also harken back to the time between 'The Stargate' and 'The Smell Of Rain.'"

'Ghosts of Europa' is due on June 26, 2026 via Prophecy Productions, making it MORTIIS' debut to the label! 'Ghosts of Europa' is available as ltd. box set incl. 2CD artbook edition, gatefold LP (excl. handmade sand-filled vinyl), bonus LP, music cassette et al. (50 copies). Ltd. box set incl. 2CD artbook edition, gatefold LP (excl. 'galaxy' metallic vinyl), bonus LP, music cassette et al. (450 copies). As a 60-page hardcover 2CD artbook incl. 8-track bonus CD, ltd. Gatefold marble smoke vinyl LP (300 copies), ltd. Gatefold crystal clear vinyl LP (300 copies), Gatefold black vinyl LP, and Digipak CD Pre-orders are now live HERE.

Line-up:

Håvard "Mortiis" Ellefsen – vocals, keyboards, vocoder, bass guitar, programming