Metal News for June 30, 2023
Last updated on October 4, 2025 at 3:07 AM ET
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16 news articles posted on this day.
KK's Priest Reveals New Album Details
On the blazing heels of their highly-lauded 2021 debut album, "Sermons Of The Sinner" - which debuted within the Top 20 on charts in the United States, the UK, Germany, Sweden, Finland and more - KK’S Priest return to sin again with their savage sophomore offering, "The Sinner Rides Again," out September 29, 2023 via their new label home, Austrian rock and metal empire Napalm Records.
With The Sinner Rides Again, the powerhouse heavy metal amalgamation of iconic Judas Priest alum and GRAMMY Award winning/nominated musicians K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim "Ripper" Owens (vocals), along with A.J. Mills (guitar), Tony Newton (bass) and Sean Elg (drums), double down on the ripping melodic force of their debut - which Metal Hammer UK dubbed “hugely enjoyable” and Metal Injection cited as boasting “catchy hooks and plenty of guitar wizardry.” "The Sinner Rides Again" wields nine tracks of pure hellfire, produced and written by Downing and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen.
Today, fans can experience an early taste of "The Sinner Rides Again" via the blistering first single "One More Shot At Glory." The track evokes a high-stakes battle with heroic chants and double bass, setting the stage for a spine-tingling guitar solo! The track is accompanied by an intense, high quality music video.
K.K. Downing says about "The Sinner Rides Again":
"To continue the legacy of the traditional rock and metal that I have been so fortunate to be a part of for over 50 years, this latest album, The Sinner Rides Again, has been created to take the listener on a journey that is both real and fictional with its characters, although sometimes ambiguous. These songs allow the imaginations of all fans of this wonderful genre of music to escape reality and join with us to continue our heavy metal experience into the future." More...
Till The Dirt Signs With Nuclear Blast Records
Massively influential death metal legend and Atheist vocalist Kelly Shaefer has returned with a new band, Till The Dirt, and joined forces with Nuclear Blast Records for the band’s debut record, "Outside The Spiral," due out August 25th.
Shaefer comments on the signing to Nuclear Blast:
"As an extreme metal artist, there is no better place to land than Nuclear Blast. A staff that is second to none, and as a label I feel they share the same passion I have for metal music. So it's a true honor to release this record to the world on the best metal label on the planet!"
With his new project, Shaefer steers away from mining his own extensive well of death metal, exploring beyond the genre’s traditional confines and incorporating an extreme fusion of grunge, black metal, jazz, rock, dark wave, a dash of classic pop and other styles. The new record also features a slew of guest musicians each contributing their own skills to Shaefer’s overall vision.
Shaefer says of the new record:
“My writing went into overdrive during lockdown, and I was writing and recording a new song almost daily as well as playing on the demos. I was inviting friends for solos and guest spots, one being Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy/Nevermore) and also John Longstreth (Origin). Scott Burns really helped me pull it all in, because we had so many songs to work with and had to narrow to 11. It's one of the most prolific moments in my career and I'm proud to say there is zero filler on this record. I couldn't be more proud of it." More...
Serenity Confirmed For 70000 Tons Of Metal 2024
Austrian symphonic metal veterans Serenity has been announced as the latest name for 2024's 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise. The floating festival will take place from January 29th - February 2nd. The event will take place on board the Freedom Of The Seas and sail out of Miami, Florida, making its way to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
The lineup is now as follows:
Aborted
Angra
Blind Guardian
Blood Red Throne
Crypta
Depressive Age
Draconian
Epica
Equilibrium
Grave Digger
The Halo Effect
Infected Rain
Legion Of The Damned
Lord Of The Lost
My Dying Bride
Mystic Prophecy
Nanowar Of Steel
Nervosa
Nile
Omnium Gatherum
Saor
Serenity
Sodom
Thyrfing
Unleashed
Victory
Warkings
Static Abyss Debuts New Lyric Video
Static Abyss has unveiled a second cut from the forthcoming album, "Aborted From Reality" released today. You can check out the lyric video for "Cathedral Of Vomit" below.
The video for which was directed by Matthew Vickerstaff once more and reverberates the sense of the grandiose morbidity that Static Abyss dwell in. Adorned by slime green walls and in the middle of a hellish inferno it’s the perfect visual accompaniment for the track.
Speaking on the single the band had the following to say:
"There it is on the horizon…are those actual windows on the outside or just reflections of what you hope to find inside? The only way to find out is to make the quest and enter. You may not like what you find inside but it will be too late to turn back. Also…you will not be alone." – Chris Reifert
"Aborted From Reality" follows swiftly on from Static Abyss’ 2022 debut, "Labyrinth Of Veins"; itself a wild and contagious ride through a nightmarish soundscape. This album presents a stark contrast between a brutal wall of riffs and crawling darkly hypnotic guitar leads burying themselves under the skin, and combines for a sick and unnerving experience through Death Metal combined with Crust and Doom elements. Chris’ unmistakable vocals come spewing from the depths of insanity in this soundtrack to an anxiety-filled dimension, backing up the twisted riffs from Greg’s own cauldron of mental chaos.
"Aborted from Reality" was recorded at Earhammer Studios in Oakland, CA, with engineering, mixing and mastering overseen by Greg himself. Following on from the debut release, cover art appears once again courtesy of All Things Rotten. More...
Hacktivist Introduces New Co-Vocalist
UK grime-metal quintet Hacktivist have announced their new co-vocalist JJ Olifent, who will make his live debut with the band tonight (30th June) at UK Tech-Fest. The ex-Borders frontman replaces Jot Maxi, who recently announced his departure from the band.
JJ Olifent comments:
"I'm absolutely stoked to announce today that I have joined as 1/2 of the pipes in Hacktivist! I wasn't ready to drop the mic when my old band Borders ended, so when I caught on that H needed a new frontman I got on Insta and hit up Jay straight away. He had seen me do his feature part on a tour with Dropout Kings and felt I matched the band's energy. We met up for a couple beers and started to plan our world takeover.
"I knew this was the perfect fit. The boys have been so welcoming and quite frankly I'm honoured to be a part of the H team.
"I'm gonna bring my chaotic yet positive energy to the live shows and hope to add more heavy elements to the music with my screams and aggressive rap style.
"We've been working together behind the scenes for a few months now on some new material and I'm gassed to show the world more of the new sound! Thank you to all the fans for the support, the response so far has been insane."
Iotunn Posts New Music Video Online
"Mistland" is the new song from the Danish/Faroese metal band Iotunn that is now available on all digital platforms! Check out the video that has been animated by Costin Chioreanu below.
In 2022 – while working on their second album – Iotunn decided to finish the song "Mistland" first. They went to Fascination Street Studios in February 2023 and got the song mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren (Amon Amarth, Paradise Lost, Kreator, Enslaved).
The artwork and video for "Mistland" was created by acclaimed artist Costin Chioreanu who has worked with artists such as Ghost, Borknagar, Opeth a.o.
"The theme of the song revolves around risking relationships to break free of the old ways and embrace new ideas and "progress", for better or worse. This feeds into the general story and concept of the upcoming album, which deals with ancient people becoming aware of a ritual that can release them from their earthly form and allow them to seek new astral and spiritual horizons," explains singer Jón Aldará. More...
Firewind To Release New Live Blu-Ray/Album
Following their latest, self-titled studio album in 2020, hard rock power metal titans Firewind have announced the release of an upcoming live album/BluRay, titled "Still Raging!" The release, that comes as a special BluRay and 2CD edition, will be available on September 1, 2023 through AFM Records.
Since more than twenty years, the iconic band founded by exceptional guitarist Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil) enthralls heavy music fans with their exciting blend of hard rock and power metal. Razor-sharp riffs, big hooks and solos meet the incredible vocal skills of charismatic singer Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Radiant, Seventh Avenue, amongst others), who joined the band in 2019.
"It's hard to believe that a band like Firewind has been around for 2 decades," Gus G comments. "In 2022 we had only planned a re-issue of our debut album, but with the pandemic slowly winding down, we were fortunate enough to start doing shows in America and Europe again. Come Fall of 2022 we played 2 headline shows in our homeland, Greece to celebrate our 20th anniversary."
Gus continues: "Prior to the Greek shows, my friends from OTSE film crew asked me about filming our hometown gig in Thessaloniki. In a way, the stars aligned, as we returned to the same venue (Principal Club Theater), with the exact same crew that filmed our DVD back in 2008 ('Live Premonition' anyone?). With this opportunity in front of us, I started thinking about a cool way to put this onto our beloved fans homes as a special thank you for the support you've shown us over the years. Together with AFM Records, we bring you a special BluRay + 2CD package. So yeah... Firewind Still Raging, 20 years later and it's all thanks to YOU!
"While we're currently hard at work on some new music, we hope this commemorative Live release will keep you good company, till our new Metal anthems arrive!" More...
Kataklysm Shares "Die As A King" Music Video
For almost three decades, the US/French Canadian-based melodic death metal syndicate Kataklysm have delivered unapologetic waves of powerful sound across the globe. On August 11th, 2023 the band’s fifteenth full-length studio album "Goliath" will be unleashed unto the masses via Nuclear Blast Records.
Today, Kataklysm releases the second single, "Die As A King." The single is the prequel to the first single 'Bringer Of Vengeance' both lyrically as well as the theme of the video. Musically, "Die As A King" is the modern update of traditional death metal meets catchiness.
Maurizio Iacono comments, “'Die as a King' is the prequel to the first single 'Bringer of Vengeance,' the song shows the fall of King Richard I 'Lionheart' and the message is one of standing tall for your convictions until the end, even when facing certain death. The song embodies some of the Kataklysm melodic trademarks with a brutal undertone and groove-laden rhythmic section that intertwined with each other." More...
Dantalion Signs With Non Serviam Records
Today Non Serviam Records proudly announces the signing of Spanish black metallers Dantalion.
"We are extremely proud to announce our signing with the renowned label Non Serviam Records! For this new opus we received offers from quite prestigious labels. We decided to sign to them without any doubts because of Non Serviam Records’ way of working, where quality is valued over quantity, and their professionalism. Ricardo (the label boss) is not only dedicated to the label, he is also a musician, and he lives with passion what he does, so we believe that this cooperation will be perfect," comments the band.
Ricardo Gelok, Non Serviam Records owner continues: "I was pleasantly surprised when I received the promo of the new Dantalion album. I knew right away that this was a band I would like to sign with the label. The band creates Black Metal, which is nevertheless very accessible and also pleasant to listen to."
The band from Vigo, Galicia was born in 2004. After releasing 8 studio albums which got amazing feedback from extreme metal fans, Dantalion are now ready to unleash their new opus titled "Fatum" due on September 8th 2023 via Non Serviam Records.
The Unity Reveals New Album Details
Get ready for some hellish metal pleasure: Following their four successful albums "The Unity" (2017), "Rise" (2018), "Pride" (2020) and "The Devil You Know – Live" (2021), European tours as headlining act or alongside luminaries such as Sinner, Edguy, Axel Rudi Pell or Rhapsody Of Fire, celebrated shows at Masters Of Rock, the Knockout Festival, Metal-Fest or Bang Your Head, The Unity’s fifth release, "The Hellish Joyride," presents them from a more playful and varied side than ever before.
"Our music has always featured a wide stylistic range, but ‘The Hellish Joyride’ stretches the boundaries of melodic power metal even further," explains Michael Ehré, referring to the album’s twelve extremely diverse songs, which range from neck-breakingly fast-paced and groovingly cool to balladesque.
On top of that, the band’s latest addition, Tobias “Eggi” Exxel (bass, Edguy), has brought fresh energy to the fold and unmistakably supports the sworn circle of Gamma Ray members Henjo Richter (guitar) and Michael Ehré (drums), vocalist Gianba Manenti, guitarist Stef and keyboardist Sascha Onnen.
The new album has been scheduled for release on Steamhammer / SPV on August 25, 2023, and their European tour with Primal Fear is set to kick off just one week later. The first lead single, including a “sportive” and as always lavishly produced video clip, is entitled "Always Two Ways To Play" and will be out on July 14, 2023, followed five weeks later by the second single "Saints And Sinners" on August 18, 2023. More...
Pathogenic Virulence Premiere New Single
London based brutal death metal trio Pathogenic Virulence premiere a new single titled “Cephalic Insemination”, streaming via YouTube for you below.
State Of Filth Premiere New Single & Music Video
Houston, TX-based slamming brutal death metal quartet State Of Filth premiere a new single and music video by the name of “Curbside Homicide”, streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below.
Volbeat Frontman Launches New Death Metal Band
Volbeat's frontman, Michael Poulsen, has always had a deep connection to death metal. In the '90s, Poulsen was a member of Dominus, and his passion for the genre has remained evident throughout the years. Now, Poulsen is venturing back into death metal territory with his new band, Asinhell. Their debut single, "Fall Of The Loyal Warrior," is streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below.
Asinhell brings together the guitar prowess of Michael Poulsen, the vocals of Marc Grewe (ex-Morgoth and Insidious Disease), and the drumming of Toft Hansen (Raunchy). Together, they are set to unleash their debut album, "Impii Hora," on September 29th.
Comments Poulsen: More...
AASAR Premiere New Single & Music Video
Trento, Italy-based blackened deathcore outfit AASAR premiere the final installment of their video trilogy with the below streaming music video "Wasteland." Today marks the highly anticipated release of their debut EP, "From Nothing To Nowhere."
Prior to the release, the band shared their thoughts on the latest video, stating: More...
Oni Premiere New Single & Lyric Video
Oni, the metalcore band led by Jake Oni, is now streaming their latest single titled "Underneath My Skin." This track features a guest appearance by Kellin Quinn from the platinum-certified post-hardcore group Sleeping With Sirens.
Oni shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating: More...
MouthBreather Premiere New Single "You Try To Die"
"You Try To Die," the latest single from the experimental metalcore band MouthBreather has premiered online streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below. The band enlisted the expertise of Nick Cates and Ryan Fosdick for production, with Cates also taking charge of the mixing process. This release marks the first new music from the band since their 2021 album "I'm Sorry Mr. Salesman."
2023 live dates: More...
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