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Metal News for December 21, 2015

Last updated on September 14, 2025 at 3:01 AM ET

We post metal news every day, throughout the day, covering thousands of metal bands including underground and unsigned bands. You are currently browsing the news archive, but you can also find news by band.

27 news articles posted on this day.

Headline News

Thy Art Is Murder Parts With Vocalist

Australian outfit Thy Art Is Murder just posted the following message online about parting ways with vocalist CJ McMahon:

"After much conjecture and ambiguity on his behalf, it is with a heavy heart that we must announce today that CJ is no longer a part of Thy Art Is Murder. We have worked so hard from day one to make this band what it is now, and develop the reputation that we have and he had been there with us every step of the way.

"We like to think that even if someone doesn't like our music that they can at least respect our work ethic. This band has taken us to places we never thought we would see and to share stages with many bands we never thought we would get to play with or meet, let alone call friends. It is unfortunate that with our best year to date and our biggest paved out before us that he has decided to leave.

"All this being said, touring as hard as we do does take its toll on you physically, but more importantly mentally and emotionally. We are an underground metal band, and have been so fortunate over the last two years to carve out a small income thanks to so many dedicated and generous fans around the world. For some people, it comes to a turning point in their life where that income is no longer enough for their personal goals, and that point has come for CJ. We would like to wish him all our best as he leaves the band and moves onward to start a family and new life with his loving fiancée.

"The four of us are continuing forward into 2016 for some of the biggest and best tours of our lives. We won't be slowing down or missing any shows. We head back out next month with Parkway Drive and Architects throughout Europe and the UK and will be taking one of our favourite vocalists with us, Nick Arthur from Molotov Solution.

"Thy Art is what we have done with all of our adult lives and we have put absolutely everything we have into the band and the friendship between the four of us. That friendship and drive to create extreme music is what has kept us together through thick and thin. Unfortunately not everyone can share this fire." More...

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Infernal Tenebra Posts Album Trailer

Croatian melodic death metal band Infernal Tenebra today unveils details for upcoming album "As Nations Fall."

The album was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren (Fascination Street Studios), with artwork by Gustavo Sazes (Abstrata) and a release date set for January 22nd, 2016 via Massacre Records. A teaser is available below, and the track listing is as follows:

1. The Seventh Seal
2. Catharsis
3. Suspension of Disbelief
4. As Nations Fall
5. Cross the Line
6. Legally Insane
7. The End Justifies the Means
8. The Serpents Crawl
9. Black Sun More...

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Vaarcloc Streaming New EP

Instrumental Romanian outfit Vaarcloc has a new three-track, 11-minute EP online for streaming titled "Taal." Check out the songs off "Taal" in the YouTube player below. You can also find more info on Vaarcloc at the project's Facebook page here.

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Thrashfire Releases New Mini-Album

Thrashfire just released a new mini-album via Xtreem Music titled "Vengeance of Fire," which includes four new tracks and two previous demo songs. You can listen in below, and the complete track listing is as follows:

1. Intro (Back to Ritual)
2. Vengeance of Fire
3. Thrash Assassinations of Rotten Streets
4. Chainsaw Metal
5. Silent Torture [Bonus - Demo '07]
6. Kill the Fake God [Bonus - Demo '07] More...

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Eversin Releasing New Single

On January 29th, the Italian thrash metal band Eversin will release "Flagellum Dei," which is the second single from latest album "Trinity: The Annihilation."

For this single to be released in an ultra limited edition, the band recorded a cover version of Sepultura's classic "Refuse / Resist" that will also feature a guest appearance by Mick Montaguti from Electrocution - the thunders of war are coming! More...

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Codas Streaming "Fossils" EP

Brooklyn's Codas (the solo project of Mario Quintero) just released "Fossils," the follow-up EP to the "Currents," which released earlier in the year. All three tracks can be heard in the Bandcamp player below. Quintero comments:

"'Fossils' is composed of 3 songs running about 26 minutes total. It keeps to Codas chaotic yet (hopefully) entrancing mix of gritty electronics and fuzzed out guitars with persistent rhythms and droning textures.

"I decided to self-release this EP and donate all proceeds from this release to music and art classrooms in low income schools across the country via DonorsChoose.org. With all the negativity being shoved down our throats these days, I just wanted to do something positive for the world.

"These songs are a result of the intensity and frustration that is eating at our society these days. 'Fossils,' being what we will become if we continue on this course of hate and self destruction.

"Hoping that people will help me make the world a better place for these kids. Music and art are an essential part of our lives, and getting the chance to explore that while growing up is priceless." More...

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Lifestream Releases "Ghost" Video

Just in time for the holidays, the alternative metal group Lifestream releases a new music video for the song "Ghost."

The band from Rome teamed up with HM Magazine for the release, which is a stand-alone single and a follow-up to the group's debut EP.

"This song was a big step forward for us since our last EP and it opened a new road to us," says vocalist Matteo Zattini. "Now we're ready to make it even better." More...

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Rimfrost Signs With Non Serviam

Rimfrost just announced its signing with Non Serviam Records, and the label had this to say: "We are really happy with the signing of Rimfrost. It’s a real pleasure to cooperate with this hard working and professional band."

A self-titled album will drop in the spring of 2016 via the new record deal, recorded at MRG Production and Freezing World Studios in Sweden. The ferocious new album offers a bloody follow-up to previous two full-length release.

Bass player B.C. gives his thoughts: “This is going to destroy everything in its path! I can’t wait to hold it in my hands!”

Guitarist and vocalist Hravn adds: “We are proud to work with Non Serviam Records and their strong belief and enthusiasm inside the extreme metal scene. This is a label that burns for the right cause and together we shall put more fuel on the fire!”

He goes on to say: "This album is more personal in the writing of the lyrics. Still, with the same spirit as before, with the darkness and the will to destroy and conquer. We have taken the step out of the Black Metal box, and we do and write what the fuck we want. That goes for the whole package, music and lyrics. Support us and judge yourselves!" More...

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Vargsheim Celebrates 10 Years

Celebrating 10 years of existence, Vargsheim has launched a free compilation CD containing a track off every release in the band's history, from the first demo to latest album "Träume der Schlaflosen."

The sampler is available in limited edition at any merchandise purchase order directly from the band or via the MDD Records mail order. The band also just launched a video clip looking back at 10 years of history - check it out below. More...

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Valfreya Launches Campaign For New Album

Montreal, QC symphonic viking metal band Valfreya is reaching out to fans and friends for advance support via an Indiegogo campaign to aid in recording and releasing 2016 album "Promised Land."

The release will be a story album about a conqueror and his warriors who came from the North to leave a glorious legacy for his people and the memory that his name deserves. He will discover his promised land, but will also meet Odin's divine wrath. Check out two demo tracks below. The band also comments:

"We’re looking to gather funds for the recording of our second full-length album, which we plan to go in studio for around March 2016. We’re pretty happy with what we were able to do with limited funds on our first album and EP, but we want to raise the bar much higher for the next one with quality of production, better marketing and more merch for fans. Plus, with this campaign we're looking to gain more exposure so we can encourage opportunities of playing where the fans want to see us! Even a simple share to supports us is much appreciated!" More...

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Dark Fortress Recruits Phenex On Keyboards

After re-signing with Century Media earlier this month, Dark Fortress has now issued the following announcement about officially recruiting a keyboardist:

"Phenex joins Dark Fortress as permanent member. Phenex already played more than 30 shows with us as live keyboard player, so in a sense it was overdue to welcome him in the band as full member.

"Phenex played his first tour with the band in 2012 when Dark Fortress joined Nachtmystium on their European tour. Since then he played several festivals with us, a UK tour in 2013 and the entire 'Venereal Dawn' European tour in 2014. In the meanwhile he also got well respected as live keyboard player for bands like Satyricon and Ruins of Beverast.

"After our longtime keyboard player Paymon left the band last year after 16 years of membership, it feels right to be a six-piece again officially. Welcome on board, Phenex!" More...

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Classhole Streaming "Shut You Down"

Featuring a varied cast of volume abusers hailing from such acts as Eyehategod, Hawg Jaw, Outlaw Order, The Mystick Krewe Of Clearlight, Mountain Of Wizard, haarp and more, New Orleans-based hardcore punk perpetrators Classhole will unleash a self-titled debut full-length next month, just in time to soil the New Year.

As a precursor to its official detonation, today you can preview the sonic fury of "Shut You Down" in the player below. A couple of other songs from the album also previously came online and can be heard here. More...

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Into The Wild Offering Discography For Download

Germany's stoner metal group Into The Wild is currently offering the band's entire discography for free (name-your-price) download online. You can nab all the releases at Bandcamp here or stream them below.

More...

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Dendritic Arbor Streaming Full New EP

Pittsburgh’s finest in demented extreme metal from Dendritic Arbor have given the world an early Christmas gift in streaming their second release of 2015.

The four-track EP, entitled "Sentient Village, Obsolescent Garden," will be self-released on December 30th via Bandcamp. Check out the full advance stream below. The track listing is as follows:

1. Cotard Delusion
2. Failed Manifestations
3. Keratoconus
4. Latex More...

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Noturnall To Appear At Axes And Anchors

Brazilian metal band Noturnall confirms that members Fernando Quesada, Thiago Biachi, Aquiles Priester and Junior Carelli have been invited to participate in the Axes And Anchors Rock Cruise.

The invitation came from guitarist Mike Orlando of Adrenaline Mob, with whom they will be supporting for his solo project Sonic Stomp.

The Axes And Anchors Rock Cruise will take place from February 20th - 24th, 2016. The event will also feature musicians such as Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Scheneker, Alex Skolnick, Marty Friedman, Tony Macalpine, among many others. More...

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Ancients Reforms, Working On New EP

After a lengthy hiatus, Nashville-based outfit Ancients has returned and is gearing up for new music. The band comments:

"OK new update - after a 4 year hiatus, Ancients is back! We will continue with the same name and with most of the same original members. We are currently writing all new material and have scheduled to have a new EP recorded thanks to Cody Stewart at Reforce Media.

"Stoked to work with Cody, this man has been doing some of the most beast sounding albums. With that being said, 2016 is going to be rad! More updates soon! Thanks for the overwelming welcome back!"

While waiting for new music to make its way to your ears, check out a lyric clip off previous album "The Lyra Particle" below. More...

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Khonsu Finishes New Album

Things have been quiet in the Khonsu camp since the Norwegian band released the "Traveller" EP back in 2014. Now the band has checked in with the following update about releasing new material:

"So, the album is finally complete! Hundres of hours of work, resulting in 10 new experimental, progressive, and industrial tracks. And it sounds incredible! Still unsure when release will be, It may unfortunately take some time since we have to get a record deal first."

Stay tuned for more info, and you can also follow the latest on Khonsu at Facebook here.

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Todtgelichter Posts "Rooms" Trailer

Todtgelichter has a teaser trailer online this morning for upcoming fifth album "Rooms," which is set to drop on February 26th, 2016. Listen in below. The full "Rooms" track listing is as follows:

01. Ghost
02. Schrein
03. Lost
04. Shinigami
05. Necromant
06. Zuflucht
07. 4JK
08. Origin
09. Pacific More...

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Feign Streaming New Album

Houston-hailing deathcore band Feign just released a debut full-length titled "The New World Order." The ten track album, produced by Robby Joyner at Black Book Sound, is the band's first release since the "False Hope" EP in 2012 and can be heard in full below.

Feign's Trevor Phillips comments: "We had a lot of fun making this album, as well as a lot of obstacles along the way. We wanted to create something that would stick out and keep the listener excited, and we are looking forward to finally be able to bring this to the table." More...

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Swine Overlord Releasing New Single

Swine Overlord just revealed full details on an upcoming single entitled "Procreating the Offspring of God and Men." Guitarist Will Peplinksi comments:

"We chose ''Procreating the Offspring of God and Men' for the single because we felt it is a good snapshot of the album. It's different, but it's still us."

In regards to the cover, Will added: "Since the single is acting as a small peak at the new sound with Anthony's new vocals, we also decided to release a little piece of the upcoming 'Entheogenesis' album cover by the talented Guang Yang. I've loved all of his work so working with him was a dream come true."

"Procreating the Offspring of God and Men" is set for release January 15th, 2016 on digital format via Gore House Productions. More...

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Soulhealer Releases Music Video For New Track

Finnish Melodic Metal Band SoulHealer has released a video for the brand-new song "Touch The Sky." The track was recorded during autumn 2015 in Kajaani, Nurmes and Porvoo, and was mixed and mastered at Dyne Engine Studio, Italy by Manuele Pesaresi. It features Kai Vainionpää on drums, who already replaced Jani Nyman for live concerts in early 2015. As the return of Jani is very unlikely, the band welcomes Kai as a full member in SoulHealer.

The video was filmed during the triumphant return of SoulHealer to Nord Session Festival in Kostomuksha, Russia, headlining both nights on November 27-28, 2015. The video was edited by Marko Karvonen and Esa Haverinen.

Celebrating the band's 5th Anniversary in 2015, SoulHealer has offered a free download of “Touch The Sky” at this location.

Check out the video clip here: More...

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Vulgar Devils Sign With Pure Rock Records

Ohio's Vulgar Devils have signed a worldwide Deal with Pure Rock Records, a division of Pure Steel Records.

Band boss Dave Overkill should be well known as the mastermind of the U.S. metal veterans Destructor. In contrast to his main band, Vulgar Devils plays hard rock with a sound akin to Rose Tattoo and similar act. The debut album will be released in the first half of 2016. More news coming soon.

Vulgar Devils is:

Vulgar Dave – vocals, guitar
Erin Lung – bass
Flammable – drums More...

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Sleepy Hollow To Tell "Tales Of Gods And Monsters"

New Jersey traditional metal act Sleepy Hollow announced the impending release of the third full length studio album "Tales of Gods and Monsters." The album is set to drop on February 19th via Pure Steel Records.

"Tales of Gods and Monsters" is the first release to feature vocalist Chapel Stormcrow (Altar of Dagon) and bassist Saculus von Doom (Altar of Dagon), both having joined in 2014 following the departure of Bob Mitchell and Alan D'Angelo.

The track listing for the album is:

1. Black Horse Named Death
2. Sons Of Osiris
3. Alone In the Dark
4. Bound By Blood
5. Goddess Of Fire
6. On Blackened Seas
7. Baphomet
8. Creation Abomination
9. Shapeshifter
10. Time Traveller
11. Shadowlands More...

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Rizon To Release "Power Plant"

Swiss melodic power metal act Rizon will release the new album "Power Plant" on March 4th via Pure Rock Records, a division of Pure Steel Records.

"Power Plant" is the first album since the band had a major lineup change in 2014, adding bassist Maik Kindermann, guitarist Reto Hähnel and vocalist Rahel Fischer.

The track listing for the album is:

1. Nevermore
2. Feel The Heat
3. Midnight Sun
4. If You Rule The World
5. Lost Without You
6. I Follow You
7. Me
8. New Age Dawn
9. No Way Out
10. Timebomb
11. Freedom Of Life (part I)
12. Freedom Of Life (part II) More...

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Krossfire Releases "One More Time" Lyric Video

Bulgarian progressive power metal band Krossfire released a lyric video for the new track "One More Time." The song is the second track released for the upcoming new album "Shades of Darkness," which is expected for release from Pure Steel Records soon (exact date to be announced later). Check out "Fall From Grace" at this location.

More information on "Shades of Darkness" is expected shortly. Check out "One More Time" here:

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Asesino Streaming Live Footage Of Slayer Cover

Asesino - feat. Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares and Fear Factory bassist Tony Campos (on bass & vocals) is streaming live footage performing a cover version of the Slayer classic "Angel Of Death", shot during the band's live performance at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California last friday, December 18, 2015.

Check it out now below.

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Veil Of Maya Premieres New Music Video "Aeris"

Veil Of Maya premieres a new music video for the track "Aeris", taken from the band's latest album "Matriarch", out in stores via Sumerian Records. The clip is starring once again Natsumi Suzuki and was directed by Ramon Boutviseth (Fear Factory, Trivium).

Check out now "Aeris" below.

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