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Sepultura Bids Farewell To London

Some bands become popular enough that they put their hometowns on the map. Some even get to become the metal ambassadors for their country, for example Moonspell of Portugal or Skinflint of Botswana. And then there's Sepultura, not only the first breakthrough metal band from Brazil, but the first from South America. For forty years, Sepultura has been a major name in metal, releasing genre defining, and genre-defying classics and selling out venues across the globe. On December 8th of last year, the band announced that they would be hitting the road for 18 months to say goodbye, calling time on one of the most important names in the history of metal, though new music is still expected to arrive at some point in the form of a four song EP. Having recently completed a trek across the United States of America and Canada, the Brazilian titans are currently rampaging across Europe, alongside a stellar cast of support acts, and this past Tuesday, Metal Underground was on hand to witness their final show in the United Kingdom, as they headlined the legendary Hammersmith Apollo.

The Apollo, formerly known as the Odeon, has a huge place in rock and roll history, dating back to the fifties when Buddy Holly not only performed his final British shows at the venue, but also had the caps of two teeth knocked out by his bandmate Joe B. Mauldin, to being the host of live albums by Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy, Dream Theater and Black Sabbath to name only some, and when entering the venue, one can immediately feel the legacy. This feeling doesn't last for too long, as there's an immediate scramble for the merch booth, but once that's over with, it's right back to basking in the Apollo's glory. Opening what promised to be another memorable night in West London was Philadelphia metallic hardcore heavyweights Jesus Piece. Many would argue that hardcore works best in a smaller, more intimate setting, and maybe it does, but a good band can make any stage their home, which is exactly what Jesus Piece did.

Vocalist Aaron Heard is a ball of energy, tearing across the wide stage and barking out lyrics with sheer ferocity, and his bandmates are just as amped up, each putting in a great shift to get the crowd going. Indeed, it didn't take too long for the early birds to get a circle pit going, swirling around the famous hall at full speed, and the whole crowd showed a lot of appreciation. What was nice was that Jesus Piece made excellent use of their time, getting in as many songs as possible and not wasting anyone's time with the cliche hardcore speeches about brotherhood and positivity, which while well intended, are really annoying at this point in time. As quickly as they arrived, they went, but Jesus Piece definitely made their mark in W6, proving themselves to be an excellent live act that can fit in well on any heavy bill. More...

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Mantar To Release New Album In February

Mantar will release a brand new full-length, "Post Apocalyptic Depression," on February 14th, 2025 via Metal Blade Records!

2022’s "Pain Is Forever And This Is The End" saw the German duo bring a sonic richness to their madly heavy blackened death-punk grooves, assisting the record to its position at #2 on Germany's Official Top 10 album chart. The record added smoother, calmer, more harmonic textures to Mantar's expanding palette, but on 2025's "Post Apocalyptic Depression," the band smashes the palette and punches a hole in the canvas.

"We wanted to do everything different from the last album," affirms guitarist/vocalist Hanno Klänhardt. "The last album was very produced. A huge sounding record with clean production. Display of power. That was what we wanted and felt at that time. Now we are trying to destroy what we've built up with the last album. There is a certain beauty in disappointing people's expectations."

One earful of monster-grooving punk 'n' roll opener "Absolute Ghost" confirms that disappointment is an implausible reaction to the wildly energized righteous blood-shakers assembled here. Mantar has already eaten up the road all over Europe, the US, Japan, Latin America, and South Africa, as well as all the major European festivals and American festivals over their ten-year existence, but these tunes are destined for especially visceral live connection. More...

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In The Woods... Signs With Prophecy Productions

Norwegian avant-garde metal legends In The Woods... have penned their signatures under a multi-album deal with Prophecy Productions. In The Woods... will release their upcoming new studio album via the label in 2025.

In The Woods... comments: "We are honored to announce our signing with Prophecy Productions, a label that we have felt connected to for many years already", drummer Anders Kobro states on behalf of the band. "Our paths have crossed before in the past, and it feels natural that our journey has ultimately led us to join forces again. Prophecy Productions' dedication to supporting visionary artists resonates deeply with our own commitment to crafting immersive, atmospheric music that reflects the landscapes and spirit of our homeland around Kristiansand. We are looking forward to bring our new release and future creations to listeners worldwide together with the label, and to share the profound connection between nature, art, and the human spirit. This partnership feels like a homecoming, and we are excited about what lies ahead."

Currently, In The Woods... are preparing for the launch of their forthcoming new album, which promises to reflect the strength and artistic maturity of the band’s third incarnation. This highly anticipated record will be released on the label in 2025, and will also be supported by an extended European tour the same year. Watch this space for further news coming soon.

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Thy Catafalque Streaming New Album

Like all big things, Thy Catafalque come from small beginnings. Back in the late '90s, Tamás Kátai started the project in his Hungarian hometown as a black metal duo that was never intended to leave the studio. Now, two decades later, the two-time Fonogram winner and his lively band of collaborators are about to release their most imaginative album yet.

"After twenty-five years creating delightful avant garde concoctions of folk, electronica, extreme metal, and progressive-minded good ol' fashioned rock, you'd almost expect Tamás Kátai to run out of ideas", writes Everything Is Noise. "And yet, as proven by their twelfth album, Thy Catafalque isn't showing any signs of slowing down."

"XII: A gyönyöru álmok ezután jönnek" comes out tomorrow, Friday, November 15, but you can hear all 10 dark and dreamy songs today by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel. More...

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Decapitated Announces 2025 North American Tour

Polish death metal stalwarts Decapitated, who recently announced the departure of singer Rafal "Rasta" Piotrowski, as well as his replacement Eemeli Bodde, has announced their return to North America for an annihilating headlining run this winter, performing the classic album "Nihility" in full. The tour launches on February 4 in Tampa, Florida.

Direct support for all 23 shows will come from Incantation and Darkest Hour, with Exmortus opening each night. Incantation will themselves be performing their second album, "Mortal Throne Of Nazarene."

Decapitated guitarist, Waclaw "Vogg" Kieltyka, states, "Get ready, North America! After tearing it up in Europe and the UK with our Nihility shows, we’re bringing the thunder across the pond! This album has been a significant milestone for us, and we can’t wait to share it with all of you live.

"Joining us on this epic journey will be our brothers from Incantation, with whom we did our first US tour back in 2002. We’re excited to relive those unforgettable memories! Also joining us are the relentless Darkest Hour and the shredding machine Exmortus, making this lineup truly one of a kind.This will be a fusion of nostalgia and pure adrenaline as we unleash an unforgettable night of technical death metal madness!

"Get ready for Decapitated performing the 'Nihility' album in its entirety, alongside Incantation playing 'Mortal Throne Of Nazarene.' This is an epic lineup you won’t want to miss!

"Mark your calendars and stay tuned for dates and ticket info. Let’s make this tour legendary! We can’t wait to see you all!"

The tour dates are as follows: More...

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Brainstorm Signs With RPM; Announces New Album

Power metal fans, get ready! Southern Germany's powerhouse, Brainstorm, are gearing up to unleash their new album "Plague Of Rats," and it's set to blow your minds and rock your ears! Created alongside their trusted team -- Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann for mixing and mastering at Greenman Studios, Gyula Havancsák on artwork, and Alex Kühr on photography -- this album delivers ten epic new tracks that will transport fans to the captivating world of India and beyond.

Singer Andy B. Franck explains: "The history of India dates back to 5,000 years and the Indus civilization is one of the oldest in the entire world. With 'Maharaja Palace' ('Ambiguity') but especially our breakthrough with the album 'Soul Temptation,' it was important to me to bring my penchant for this history and culture into our music. I think it just fits well with the sound of Brainstorm. I love the sound and harmonies in the Indian music and I think it was about time to delve into history again and to bring this very special shine into our music."

He adds: "'Plague Of Rats' is more 'in your face' and very direct. I think it fits perfectly into our times and reflects the mood of the band: it's very aggressive and energetic - attack!" More...

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Harakiri For The Sky Shares "Heal Me" Music Video

Austrian post-black metal visionaries Harakiri for the Sky return with their powerful new single, "Heal Me," offering fans another glimpse into the unique fusion of atmospheric extreme metal and post-rock. The latest release anticipates the band’s upcoming album "Scorched Earth" which will be released on January 24th and captures the raw emotion and intensity for which they are known.

"Heal Me" features additional vocals by Tim Yatras from Austere, who will also support Harakiri For The Sky on their current Australia tour. The song comes with an emotional music video, directed by Oliver König, which can be viewed below. More...

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Epica Debuts New Music Video "Arcana"

Hidden wisdom, long-lost secrets, and esoteric knowledge—with "Arcana," the frontrunners of symphonic metal, Epica, heralds a new chapter in their two-decade-long band history. This is the band’s first new release since their chart-topping album "Omega" and their collaboration EP "The Alchemy Project." It offers a glimpse into the band’s future music, coming in 2025.

"'Arcana' guides you through the universal stages of spiritual evolution in life. It leads the way to a higher consciousness and spiritual self-awareness," the band comments. "Writing this song was a spontaneous effort, so it came together quickly, which felt so natural that it wrote itself. The music contains classic Epica elements but has some vibes that might remind you of 80s alternative rock or modern metal."

The single is now available on all streaming platforms. It also includes "The Ghost In Me," a special collaboration with the Netherlands’ most popular theme park, de "Efteling."

The music video, directed by Remko Tielemans, can be seen below. More...

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Cabal Unveils New Album "Everything Rots" Details

Danish deathhore heavyweights Cabal has announced their new album "Everything Rots" with the new single "End Times." "Everything Rots" features 13 brand new tracks and shows once again what the hardest band in Denmark is built for - brutal deathcore! The album will be released on 11th April via Nuclear Blast Records. The band will begin a month long tour across UK and EU alongside Signs Of The Swarm, Varials and To The Grave on the 24th of October.

Singer Andreas Bjulver comments: "'End Times' is our soundtrack to the end of the world, it's fast and aggressive and marks a new era of Cabal and the announcement of our next album 'Everything Rots'. We are back and we are angrier than ever."

Since the release of their first album in 2018 the band toured most of the planet, from Europe and North America to Japan and Australia, as well as renowned festivals like, Roskilde Festival, Copenhell, Summer Slaughter, Brutal Assault and many more, and they have no intention of slowing down. All of the above combined with features from some of the modern metal scenes most prominent names like; Matt Heafy from Trivium, Jamie Hails from Polaris and Joe Bad from Fit For An Autopsy, the band has shown the world that Denmark has something to offer when it comes to bone crushing heaviness.

The band are now gearing up for the release of their 4th studio album; Everything Rots. Everything Rots is the most focused and ferocious Cabal has ever sounded, while still expanding on the sound that fans expect from the band. Ear piercing electronic parts and unsettling soundscapes fuse together with bone-rattling riffs and uncompromising breakdowns to create a sonic attack on the senses that’s sure to please and surprise any fan of extreme heaviness. Just like instrumentals the lyrics are dark and direct as they detail the cyclical nature of depression, addiction and trauma, as they work through and detail deeply scarring life experiences and invite the listerners inside a dark world were everything everything rots and falls apart again and again and again.

Tracks like "Still Cursed" dive into the struggle of dealing with depression and feeling eternally cursed, while the title track is an anthem for the generations born into a world of crushing uncertainty, that feels like it could collapse around them at any time. "No Peace" describes the harrowing real life ordeal of finding a dying suicide victim in the streets of Copenhagen, and powerlessly watching the life drains from their eyes. "Unveiled" and ‘Forever Marked’ deals with two sides of the same experience of having an abuser close to you. One describes the intense anger and feeling of betrayal, that comes from finding out that someone you considered family could commit such acts, while the other the feeling of guilt in knowing that this happened so close to you without you catching on to it.

The album will be released through Nuclear Blast in April 2025 and like a rabid hell hound on a chain, this album is foaming at the mouth to be released and unleash the rot upon the world. More...

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Destruction Announces New Album "Birth Of Malice"

Following their 40-year-anniversary tour through South America and Europe, German Thrash-Teutons Destruction strike again with their 16th studio album, "Birth Of Malice," out March 7, 2024 via Napalm Records!

Band founder Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from dual battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskic, while Randy Black blasts his drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest "Diabolical" (2022), Destruction returns with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs straight from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound - resulting in addictive metal anthems for the next generation of thrashers!

Today, the crushing new single “Destruction” has been released and as it’s named after the band, it contains everything Destruction is revered for. This thrash anthem reflects on the band’s legacy, fueled by razor-sharp riffs and Schmier’s relentless vocals. With lyrics celebrating their outcast origins and unbreakable metal spirit, "Destruction" is a tribute to over 40 years of thrash dominance. Get ready for pure sonic mayhem as the Teutonic titans strike again!

Destruction on their eponymous battle hymn:
"The crushing song ‘Destruction’ is the perfect opener for this album: it builds a bridge between our old school sound and riffing, including song title phrases from classic Destruction tracks and more shredding & melodic twin lead guitars, that will pinch your brain with its razor sharp leads!

"The message ‘we are Destruction’ unites us with our fans worldwide and manifests the bond we have together! I see this track in the tradition of a cult song like ‘Curse the Gods’ in the way it is composed - a thrash metal rollercoaster ride galore!" More...

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Fearthropod Premieres New Lyric Video

Querétaro, México-based symphonic death metal unit Fearthropod premiere a new single and lyric video by the name of "Philargyria: From Tip To Rivet", taken from his current album "Penitence", out in stores now via Bajo Tierra Records.

Erick Beltrán of Cathartic guests on "Philargyria: From Tip To Rivet," streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below.

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Desolation Premiere New Single & Lyric Video

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based deathcore outfit Desolation premiere a new single and lyric video by the name of "Abyss", streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below. The track features a guest contribution from Tyler Beam of The Last Ten Seconds of Life.

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Terminal Decay Premiere New Single

Houston, TX-based deathcore unit Terminal Decay premiere a new single titled "Shadows of Ink and Sorrow", streaming via YouTube for you now below.

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Abysser Premiere New Music Video "Irrelevant"

Malaga, Spain-based slamming death metal/hardcore trio Abysser premiere a new music video for their song "Irrelevant". The track is taken from their latest album "Crawling".

Check out "Irrelevant" streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below.

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As I Lay Dying Premiere New Single

Amid recent controversy, As I Lay Dying’s eighth studio album, Through Storms Ahead, is set to release this Friday, November 15th. As a final preview, the band—currently comprised solely of frontman Tim Lambesis—has shared a new track "The Void Within," streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below.

The San Diego-based metalcore group recently faced a significant lineup change, with guitarist/vocalist Phil Sgrosso, guitarist Ken Susi, bassist/vocalist Ryan Neff, and drummer Nick Pierce all announcing their departures. Each former member hinted at underlying issues, with Susi cryptically stating, “…my personal morals have recently been tested to a breaking point,” and Sgrosso adding, “…recent actions have shown that As I Lay Dying no longer offers a healthy or safe environment for anyone involved.”

In response, Lambesis confirmed plans to rebuild the band with a new lineup but offered little further detail. This upheaval led to the cancellation of the band's fall European tour, though they are slated to perform at the Welcome To Rockville festival on May 16th in Daytona Beach, FL.

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Imperial Triumphant Premiere New Single & Video

NYC's avant-garde metal band Imperial Triumphant has unveiled a music video for their latest single, "Hotel Sphinx." Directed by the band’s bassist and keyboardist, Steve Blanco, the video offers a unique visual accompaniment to the track. "Hotel Sphinx" serves as a preview of their upcoming sixth studio album, Goldstar, slated for release by Century Media in 2025.

The band collectively shared their thoughts on this new glimpse of the album: More...

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Linkin Park Premiere New Single & Music Video

Linkin Park has just released a music video for their new track "Two Faced," arriving online just days before the release of their highly anticipated comeback album, From Zero, set to drop this Friday, November 15th. The video was directed by the band’s turntablist Joe Hahn, who has directed many of their iconic visuals.

Today the diamond-certified band is expected to announce their rumored 2025 tour dates, spanning North America, Europe, and the UK. Check out "Two Faced" streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below.

The band shared a few words about the release: More...

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