U.D.O. Parts Ways With Guitarist

German heavy metal veterans U.D.O./Dirkschneider has announced that they have parted ways with guitarist Andrey Smirnov after thirteen years. A message from the band reads as follows:

"After many years of successful collaboration, U.D.O. / Dirkschneider and guitarist Andrey Smirnov have decided to part ways. This decision was made amicably and with mutual respect. The band would like to thank Andrey for his outstanding musicianship, dedication and contribution to U.D.O. over the years.

"We wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors. U.D.O. and Dirkschneider will continue with all upcoming projects and live shows as planned and further news will be announced soon."

Smirnov himself commented on the departure thusly:
"My dear friends,

After nearly 13 years, U.D.O. / DIRKSCHNEIDER and I are parting ways. It’s both overwhelming and exciting to close a chapter that has shaped my life.

"I’ve been living in the fast lane since 2012 - flying straight from my last show with Paul Di’Anno and Blaze Bayley to recording "Steelhammer" with U.D.O. Since then, we’ve written and released 8 studio albums, 4 live records, even reimagined the legendary Accept album Balls to the Wall - and played hundreds of shows all around the world.

"I'll always treasure those nights when the crowd’s roar became my heartbeat. But every journey has its horizon - and mine is calling me forward. I will continue to write, record, mix, and play music - for you, and with you. Let’s stay connected through music - because that’s what unites us all.

"Thank you for being part of my story.
I love you all!"

0 Comments - Discuss

Bullet To Release New Album In January

The Swedish band Bullet got together in Autumn 2001, with the aim of playing traditional heavy metal inspired by the late 1970s and early 1980s: solid, authentic and classic, with a contemporary and timeless touch. Seven years after their latest studio album, "Dust To Gold" (2018), the musicians Dag “Hell” Hofer (vocals), Hampus Klang (guitar), Gustav Hector (bass), Gustav Hjortsjö (drums) and latest addition Freddie Johansson (guitar) are now back with a new album: ‘Kickstarter’ is scheduled for release on Steamhammer on 09 January 2026 and is set to prove that Bullet are determined to continue their almost 25-year career with the very kickstart referenced to by the album title. This of course also includes Bullet’s iconic tour bus, whose engine exploded after one of their most recent shows, forcing the musicians to embark on their return journey without their rolling accommodation. Naturally, this was the end neither of Bullet nor their battered vehicle – to the contrary: The group’s classic heavy metal spirit and their unwavering DIY mindset have proved stronger than ever. Having repaired the ageing bus with unwavering determination, oil-smeared hands and sweaty brows. Bullet is now ready to hit the road again

The band says about the first single "Kickstarter": "The first choice of single release for the album kinda explains itself. Ben presented the idea of a song to what later became 'Kickstarter' during his time in the band. It was nameless at the time and had a bunch of working names throughout the process. As the album came together it became the obvious first choice for opening song on the album, first single release, as well as the bearer of the title 'Kickstarter.' As soon as you hear the first snare hit followed by that bulldozer of a guitar riff you’ll know why!" More...

Read more...  |  0 Comments - Discuss

Embraced By Darkness Posts New Lyric Video Online

Dutch black metal force Embraced By Darkness has unleashed their brand-new single and lyric video "Darkness Awaits"—a chilling descent into existential voids and the strange solace found within them. The track arrives ahead of the band’s highly anticipated debut full-length "Ex Inferis," out October 31, 2025 via Non Serviam Records on Digipak CD, vinyl and digital.

"I wrote the lyrics for ‘Darkness Awaits’ in the moments when life felt hollow and fleeting… In the thought of death, I discovered a strange relief — a cold, quiet peace that life could never grant. ‘Darkness Awaits’ was my way of finding stillness in the darkness that waited patiently for us all," states guitar player Schmerz. More...

Read more...  |  0 Comments - Discuss

Coroner Shares "Consequence" Lyric Video

Swiss pioneering technical metallers Coroner are finally releasing their new studio album Dissonance Theory, their first new music after more than three decades, today worldwide via Century Media Records.

Dissonance Theory is receiving amazing response from worldwide media, earning critical praise with prominent magazines such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard (Germany), Deaf Forever (Germany), Aardschok (The Netherlands), Hammerworld (Hungary), and more.

Coroner are now celebrating the album's release with the launch of a clip for "Consequence" which fuses clinical precision with hypnotic intensity. Check it out in a lyric video created by Cloud Motion Design below.

Coroner's guitarist, songwriter and producer Tommy Vetterli checked in with the following comment about "Consequence":
"'Consequence' is our take on the madness of modern progress. What began as a technical track turned into a reflection about where blind innovation can lead us." More...

Read more...  |  0 Comments - Discuss

Headline News

Cannabis Corpse Calls It A Day

Nineteen years after their formation, Cannabis Corpse, the death metal band led by Municipal Waste bassist Philip "Landphil" Hall, has announced their decision to break up. A message from the band reads as follows:

"Cannabis Corpse has officially Disbanded. Thanks to those of you who came out and supported. 2006-2025."

Cannabis Corpse formed in 2006 and at the end of the same year, released their debut album, "Blunted At Birth." Phil Hall formed the band with his brother Josh, who performed drums throughout the group's tenure, which included six studio albums, the most recent of which, "Nug So Vile," was released in November 2019 through Season Of Mist.

0 Comments - Discuss

Breaking News

Limp Bizkit Bassist Sam Rivers Dies Aged 48

Rap/nu metal stars Limp Bizkit has announced that Sam Rivers, the bassist who co-founded the band with vocalist Fred Durst, has passed away at the age of 48. A message from the band reads as follows:

"Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat.

"Sam Rivers wasn’t just our bass player — he was pure magic. The pulse beneath every song, the calm in the chaos, the soul in the sound.

"From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous.

"We shared so many moments — wild ones, quiet ones, beautiful ones — and every one of them meant more because Sam was there.

"He was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human. A true legend of legends. And his spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory.

"We love you, Sam. We’ll carry you with us, always.

"Rest easy, brother. Your music never ends.

— Fred, Wes, John & DJ Lethal"

Sam Rivers met Fred Durst in the early nineties while working at a mall and the two decided to jam together. They eventually added drummer John Otto, erroneously thought to be a cousin of Rivers, to the fold before guitarist Wes Borland joined. Rivers performed on every Limp Bizkit release, including guitar on the "Results May Vary" album on select tracks. He suffered from health problems over the years, at one point undergoing a liver transplant.

0 Comments - Discuss

Raise The Death Toll Premiere Ginuwine Cover Track

New Orleans, Louisiana-based deathcore unit Raise The Death Toll premiere a new Ginuwine cover track and accompanying lyric video for “Pony”, streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below. The track is featuring a guest spot from Jake Walker of Daemon Grimm and Blake Kinnamon of 9 Dead.

0 Comments - Discuss

Saliva Premiere New Single "Too Broke To Fix"

Amid an ongoing feud with former frontman Josey Scott, platinum-certified nü-metal/hard rock outfit Saliva have released a new single titled “Too Broke To Fix.” The track features a guest appearance from Austin John Winkler, the former Hinder vocalist and current frontman of The Founder, who recently toured alongside the band.

A music video for the track, directed by Jeff Mozey, has also been released and is available to watch below:

Speaking about the new song, Saliva vocalist Bobby Amaru shared: More...

Read more...  |  0 Comments - Discuss

Alexisonfire Premiere Cover Of Rusty's "Misogyny"

Alexisonfire continue to honor their Canadian roots with today’s premiere of their cover of Rusty’s 1995 single “Misogyny.” The track is the latest preview from their upcoming EP, “Copies Of Old Masters: Volume 1,” which features the band reinterpreting songs from several influential Canadian artists. The EP is set to arrive on November 07th via Dine Alone Records.

Frontman George Pettit shared his thoughts on the cover, stating: More...

Read more...  |  0 Comments - Discuss

Wiltwither Premiere New Single & Music Video

Wiltwither have unveiled their new single “Obsolete,” marking the second preview from the experimental metalcore band’s upcoming album “Pure Light.” The record is slated to drop this Halloween (October 31st) via Periphery’s 3DOT Recordings label.

Frontman Nick Rendelman spoke about the inspiration and intent behind this latest track, stating: More...

Read more...  |  0 Comments - Discuss

No Cure Premiere New Cover Track

Deathcore outfit No Cure have released a cover of Until The End’s 2001 track “Death Disguised As Salvation.” The new rendition arrives in celebration of National Edge Day. That annual tradition traces its roots back to 1999, commemorating what was billed as the final show of straight edge hardcore act Ten Yard Fight, marking a symbolic day for the straight edge community ever since.

0 Comments - Discuss

Crucifiction Premiere New Single & Visualizer

Crucifiction, the deathcore project helmed by Salem Vex, have announced a new remix EP titled “WILL2POWER.” The four-track release reimagines cuts from their debut album “Will To Power” through experimental blends of jungle, industrial, and drum ‘n’ bass influences. The record is slated for release on Halloween (October 31st) via Rise Records.

The EP’s lead single, “CAGED4EXTERMINATION (Midnight Nightmare Remix),” arrives alongside a visualizer crafted by Vex himself.

Discussing the concept behind this reimagined collection, Vex shared: More...

Read more...  |  0 Comments - Discuss