Metal News for December 22, 2016
Last updated on September 14, 2025 at 3:01 AM ET
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32 news articles posted on this day.
White Wizzard Unveils Album Artwork
It's finally happening: three years after "The Devil's Cut" and following the band's death and resurrection, White Wizzard is gearing up to release "The Infernal Overdrive." The band comments:
"'The Infernal Overdrive' final leads and overdubs will be finished soon then after the holiday the album will be mixed in January! This is a very special album and we cannot wait for you all to hear it! Once it is mixed we will reach out to all donators. Thanks again and have a merry Christmas!"
1. Infernal Overdrive
2. Storm the Shores
3. Pretty May
4. Chasing Dragons
5. Voyage of the Wolf Raiders
6. Critical Mass
7. Cocoon
8. Metamorphosis
9. The Illusions Tears More...
From The Dust Returned Signs With Sliptrick
Hailing from Rome, From The Dust Returned is a progressive rock/metal band born in 2015 and subsequently began work on the "Homecoming" EP that combines metal, hard rock, and psychedelic music.
The EP’s focus is on the opposite duality represented by two opposing kind of voices – acoustic guitars against distorted ones with a constant changes of atmospheres. Look out for the "Homecoming" release in early 2017 via Sliptrick Records.
Cokeogat Trips Balls In New Video
The Chicago-based death doom misfits in Cokegoat unleashed the "Drugs And Animals" full-length album late last month digitally and on 180-gram 12" vinyl. To commemorate its release, today the band is pleased to issue a video for "The Burner."
Directed by Chris Batte at Bracket Studios on the band's home turf of Chicago and produced by Will Richards, with visual effects by Katie Kapuza and additional special effects by Ryan Oliver and Brant Mccrea of Deathblow Productions/The Rot Shop, the slick new clip finds Cokegoat quite literally tripping balls. Watch in awe as the Windy City-collective bugs out and spews colors below.
Cokegoat will play a special record release show tomorrow night with additional live abrasions on the horizon. Stay alert.
12/23/2016 Beat Kitchen - Chicago, IL Record Release Show More...
Watain Live Footage Comes Online
Fathomless Mirror Reflections just uploaded footage of Watain performing three live tracks from the final show of the "Casus Luciferi" tour. Check out "Devils Blood," "Black Salvation," and "Opus Dei" performed at B90 Gdansk, Poland below.
Beating Dead Meat Releases New Album
Finnish aggressive metal quartet Beating Dead Meat just released second album "With Full Force" today - December 23rd, 2016 - via Inverse Records.
The label comments: "Their crushing, straightforward and intense album also contains an excellent Pantera tribute: 'The Great Northern Djentkill!'"
You can hear the full album by heading over to Spotify here. The track listing is as follows:
1. 2016
2. Straight to Hell
3. No Compromise
4. Dream for the Weak
5. The Few and the Proud
6. Posers
7. The Powers That Be
8. A Failure by Default
9. With Full Force
10. The Great Northern Djentkill (Pantera Tribute) More...
At Home In Hell Issues Album Update
Montana outfit At Home In Hell is currently working on material for the follow-up to previous album "In Home Hell." The band just issued this message to fans:
"Just wanted to let you freaks know that we've been working hard on new material for the next album! Have the guts of 11 new songs already, possibly a few more once we debate over about 7 or so more....so, sitting at around at least 18, give or take.
"Been putting stuff together for about 3 years now, and 3 of us met up in Great Falls a couple weeks ago to make some sense of some riffs that have been coming up. Just wanted to throw a little jib at ya that we aren't taking the winter off. Stay safe over Xmas and New Years, you filthy animals... we'll see you again soon!" More...
Nine Inch Nails Streaming New Song
Tomorrow - December 23rd, 2016 - Nine Inch Nails will drop new EP "Not The Actual Events," fulfilling the promise to release new material by year's end.
Today a first listen has come onlien from "Not The Actual Events." Check out a static-laden clip for "Burning Bright (Field On Fire)" in the YouTube clip below.
"Not The Actual Events" will be available via all digital retailers on 12/23, with physical orders available at this location.
Nailed To Obscurity Streams "Devoid"
Injuries, wounds, scars: marks on your skin and on your soul that draw a picture. But what does it show and will it ever be completed? Check out Nailed To Obscurity's new track "Devoid" below.
“Devoid” allows a further insight into Nailed To Obscurity’s forthcoming album “King Delusion,” which presents the melodic death metal outfit more diversified than on predecessor “Opaque.”
Nailed To Obscurity discovered this sound while working together with producer Victor “Santura” Bullok (Triptykon, Dark Fortress, Obscura, a.o.) in his Woodshed Studio. The vibe is also captured in the haunting artwork by Argentinian artist Santiago Caruso.
“King Delusion” will be released on February 3rd, 2017 via Apostasy Records and features the following track listing:
01. King Delusion
02. Protean
03. Apnoea
04. Deadening
05. Memento
06. Uncage My Sanity
07. Devoid
08. Desolate Ruin More...
Terrifier Streams "Skitzoid Embolism"
Vancouver, BC's Terrifier has been setting the scene ablaze while sharing the stage with the likes of Havok, Destruction, Exmortus, Holy Grail, and Crowbar among many others.
Signing to Test Your Metal Records, these thrashers will be releasing second album "Weapons of Thrash Destruction" on January 20th, 2017 to follow the 2013 EP "Metal or Death."
Today a new single from "Weapons Of Thrash Destruction" comes online. Check out "Skitzoid Embolism" below. If you missed it, the previously posted song "Reanimator" can also be heard right here. More...
Impalers Releasing New EP
Danish thrash group Impalers is set to release a new EP entitled "Styx Demon: The Master Of Death" via Evil EyE Records. The EP comprises new tracks, "Megalodon" and "Styx Demon," in addition to a killer cover version of Misfits "Death Comes Ripping" and Iron Maiden's "Prowler."
"Styx Demon" will be released worldwide on the 16th of January 2017. Impalers frontman Soren Crawack comments:
"This series of EPs effectively serve the function of bridging the gap in between full-length albums and critically provide the band with a platform to show where are musically at a certain point in time, as we continually evolve our sound. We had so much fun jamming on the songs that inspired us to play music in the first place and we hope our fans enjoy the EP as much as we did recording it." More...
Starkill Announces Headlining Tour
Parker Jameson from Starkill just issued the following announcement about preparing for a headlining tour in January/February:
"Hey Starkillers, the time has finally come! We're extremely excited to announce that after three years of rigorously touring the globe as support for many incredible international acts, we will now be doing our first U.S. headlining tour, along with labelmates and heavy metallers Spellcaster.
"Many of you for years have been requesting longer setlists, and now is your chance to catch us playing over an hour of material that will equally represent ALL THREE albums from our catalog.
"Please make sure to comment, share, and tag your fellow metalheads to ensure maximum exposure is ensured for this tour, as we need YOU to turn this into the party we're all waiting for. See you all soon!" More...
Purtenance Re-Signs With Xtreem Music
Finnish death metal outfit Purtenance, whose relationship with Xtreem Music label owner Dave Rotten began in 1991 with the release of a debut 7" EP and later cult album "Member of Immortal Damnation," just inked a new deal with Xtreem Music for the release of upcoming recordings.
Purtenance became a 5-piece band again in late 2015 and has been playing shows & writing new material for a mini CD to be recorded in early 2017. The band will also see 1992 debut album "Member of Immortal Damnation" re-issued on CD, LP, and cassette to commemorate the 25th anniversary.
To celebrate this new deal and a 25-year brotherhood, a new T-Shirt design has been printed in a limited amount of 50 units which can be obtained right here. Stay tuned for more info to arrive in 2017. More...
Varaha Streaming New EP
Windy City-based atmospheric metal collective Varaha has unleashed a self-titled, debut EP. Recorded by Nick Morgan and Mike Lust (Urge Overkill, Russian Circles, Child Bite) and mixed and mastered by Adam K. Stilson (Airiel, Ritual Howls, Pink Frost, Radar Eyes) at Decade Music Studios, the three tracks comprising the EP includes guest appearances by Bruce Lamont on saxophone and Josie Boyer on cello.
You can grab your copy at Bandcamp or stream all the tracks below. A CD edition is due to follow in the coming months. Varaha will also bring these hymns to the stage later for a special show supporting Amorphis next March, with additional live dates to be announced soon.
3/26/2017 Reggie's - Chicago, IL w/ Amorphis, Swallow The Sun, Earthen More...
Woslom Releases "Underworld Of Aggression" Video
Brazilian thrashers Woslom just posted a new music video for fan favorite "Underworld of Aggression," taken off latest album "A Near Life Experience" that was released earlier this year via Shinigami Records and Punishment 18 Records.
The video was recorded during Woslom's European tour and captures behind the scenes events in Germany, Russia, and Switzerland along with clips from Brazil’s Maximus Fest. The video was directed and edited by Diogo Alvino.
"A Near Life Experience" was recorded at Acustica Studios and mastered at Absolute Master. The track listing is as follows:
1. Underworld Of Aggression
2. A Near Life Experience
3. Brokenbones
4. Lapses Of Sin
5. Redemption
6. Unleash Your Violence
7. Lords Of War
8. Total Speed Thrash
9. Thrasher's Return (Bywar cover) More...
Rhapsody Of Fire Names New Drummer
Following the departure of Alex Holzworth, Rhapsody Of Fire just issued this announcement about recruiting a new drummer:
"As promised, we are ready to reveal the name of our new drummer! We are super thrilled to announce our immediate collaboration with Manu Lotter!
"Manu is coming from Munich. Well, as you can guess, we have a lot of affinity for drummers coming from that town... To be honest, we just want to be invited regularly to beer gardens! It was nothing but a strategic move.
"Now, let's be serious... Manu is an incredible musician who impressed us by his technique and personality. This is for sure a guy with whom we'll spend a lot of great time on tour. Manu is a dedicated and committed professional, passionate about metal and always ready to have a nice laugh!
"He's now 28 and started playing drums at the age of 2! He played for bands like Emil Bulls, GWLT, The Bellerophon Project, Farewell To Arms, toured all around Europe and played in almost every German metal festival. More...
Svart Crown Unveils New Album
Century Media is honored to announce the release of “Abreaction,” a new studio album by French black/death metal outfit Svart Crown. The album will land March 3rd in Europe and March 17th in North America.
On January 13th, the track “Transsubstantiation” will be launched as a static Youtube video and instant grat track via Amazon and iTunes pre-orders.
“Abreaction” will be released as a limited deluxe digipak that folds out to a cross (EU version), limited digipak (US version), limited gatefold LP+CD with a 12-page LP-booklet, and as digital download/stream. More...
Escape Is Not Freedom Announces Album Release
Escape Is Not Freedom will release new album "Goldsmith" on February 24th, 2017. The band's combination of sludge, metal, and noise rock is highly recommended for fans of The Melvins, early Smashing Pumpkins, and "Badmotorfinger" era Soundgarden.
Hailing from Chicago, IL, the Escape Is Not Freedom trio manages to create a wall of sound while not losing any sense of melody and creativity, blending a little bit of the old with a little bit of the new. More...
Fallen Arise To Support Fates Warning
Alpha Omega Management has the great pleasure to announce that two of its roster bands, A New Tomorrow and Fallen Arise, are confirmed as support acts for Fates Warning's "Theories of Flight" 2017 tour in Europe.
Fallen Arise will appear from January 24 to February 1st, and A New Tomorrow from February 2nd to February 10th. Check out the show details below. The tour also sees on stage Armored Dawn as main support.
January 24 - Hamburg (GER) @Logo
January 25 - Cologne (GER) @Underground
January 27 - Essen (GER) @Turock
January 28 - Uden (NL) @De Pul
January 29 - Haarlem (NL) @Patronaat
January 30 - Aschaffenburg (GER) @Colossaal
February 01 - Brno (CZ) @Metro Music Bar More...
Headline News
Civil War Splits With Vocalist
After just announcing an upcoming tour with Nightmare, vocalist Nils Patrik Johansson has unexpectedly parted ways with Civil War. The band comments:
"Good evening to you all! As some of you probably already noticed our vocalist Patrik suddenly left the band without any further notice. It came as a really big surprise to us all.
"We just had a meeting and we came to the conclusion that Civil War will go on! We'll take the holidays now to let all this sink in and then we'll start the hunt for a new singer after that.
"Best Regards, Myhr, Mullback, Rikard and Petrus! STAY TUNED!" More...
Signs Of The Swarm Inks Deal With Unique Leader
Unique Leader Records is pleased to welcome Signs Of The Swarm to the label's ever-expanding roster of brutality.
Signs Of The Swarm is a five-piece death metal horde hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With the release of debut album "Senseless Order: earlier this year, the band has already begun to gain national attention. Combining various styles such as death metal, slam, and hardcore, each song Signs Of The Swarm conjures is sure to maim and crush.
Said Sputnik Music of the offering, "The mood and ambience are consistent and the breakdowns and build up to them are flawless. Vocals are absolutely incredible."
The band comments: "We are extremely honored to be working with Unique Leader Records and the many other great bands on their roster. Being a part of this has been a huge goal of ours. It is truly a great feeling and an amazing accomplishment to have achieved this. We have some very big things in the works right now and cannot wait to share with everyone what we have been working so hard on. Signs Of The Swarm 2017 will be a game changer." More...
Voivod Gives A Glimpse Of "Post Society"
Canadian avante garde progressive thrash act Voivod released a new music video for the song "Post Society." Check it out below. The song appears on the 7" split release with Entombed A.D. that was issued back at the tail end of October. The band recently confirmed that work is underway for a new studio album expected for 2017.
Check out "Post Society" here:
Battle Beast Posts "Bringer Of Pain" Trailer #1
Finland's Battle Beast released the first in a series of trailers for the upcoming new album "Bringer Of Pain." The release drops via Nuclear Blast Records on February 17th. Pre-orders for the album can be made at this location.
In the first clip - the band discusses the album title and artwork.
The track listing for "Bringer of Pain" is as follows:
1. Straight To The Heart
2. Bringer Of Pain
3. King For A Day (see music video here)
4. Beyond The Burning Skies
5. Familiar Hell
6. Lost In Wars
7. Bastard Son Of Odin
8. We Will Fight
9. Dancing With The Beast
10. Far From Heaven
Check out the clip here: More...
The Konsortium Issues Studio Update On New Album
Norwegian black/thrash metal act The Konsortium posted the first studio report for the band's sophomore full length album, coming via Agonia Records in 2017. The album is the follow up to the 2011 self-titled debut. More information on the album is expected soon.
The first report features Dirge Rep (ex-Gehenna, ex-Enslaved) recording drum tracks. Check it out here:
Meltdown Signs With Wormholedeath Records
Wormholedeath Records is proud to announce that Norwegian melodic death metal/metalcore act Meltdown has signed a distribution deal for the worldwide release of the debut album "Answers." As a taste, check out the lyric video for the new song "Mariana Trench" below.
The band commented: "We are delighted to announce that we have signed a worldwide distribution deal for our debut album “Answers” with WormHoleDeath Records. A debut album is of course very dear to us, and it became instantly obvious to us that WHD and the staff, with Carlo Bellotti and Thomas Hansen in particular, are the right company and people to cooperate with. Not only do they work professionally with a solid network around the world, but they also care personally, understand our music and share our passion, which is so rare in the business. In short, we prefer to work with great people and WHD and the staff ticks all the boxes. Carlo wants to be as a part of the band and obviously this passion means more to him than just the business. As a band you can´t ask for more dedication than that. We are really looking forward to a long and successful cooperation with the great people at WHD."
"Answers" will be issued via the following release schedule:
Digital Release : January 20, 2017 (Wormholedeath/The Orchard)
European Release : February 17, 2017 (Aural Music Group)
U.S.A. Release: March 10, 2017 (Wormholedeath U.S.A.)
The track list for the album is:
1. Answers
2. Blackbox Paradise
3. The Curse
4. Time Of War
5. Hollow
6. Mariana Trench
7. Misery
8. Nightmare More...
Poltergeist Streams "Patterns In The Sky"
Swiss thrash act Poltergeist is streaming the new single "Patterns in the Sky" in the player below. The song appears on the comeback release "Back to Haunt," which was issued back in October via Pure Steel Records.
"Back to Haunt" is the band's first release in 23 years. Check out "Patterns in the Sky" here:
Heaven's Guardian Releases "Strength" Lyric Video
Brazilian metal act Heaven's Guardian released a lyric video for the song "Strength." The song is taken from the album “Signs," which was originally released in Brazil though Megahard Records in 2015. "Signs" will be released worldwide via Pure Steel Promotion on January 27, 2017.
The track listing for "Signs" is as follows:
1. Religion
2. Time (song streaming here)
3. Strength
4. Journey
5. Fantasy
6. Dream
7. Change
8. Passage
9. War
10. Silence
Check out "Strength": More...
Habitual Sins "Watch[es] The Fire Rise"
Habitual Sins - featuring ex-Icarus Witch vocalist Matthew Bizilia and guitarist Steve Pollick - is streaming another new track from the upcoming debut release "Personal Demons," which is set to drop on January 20th via Pure Steel Records. Check out "Watch the Fire Rise" in the player below.
The track listing for the album is as follows:
1. Ravens
2. The Djinn
3. Far Beyond Hades
4. Watch The Fire Rise
5. The Prince Of Wallachia
6. Kiss Of Shame
7. I Pray For You (see video clip here)
8. Forever Be Tormented
9. Down Here In Sodom
10. When the Inquisition Calls
Check out the song here: More...
Astral Blood Premieres New Song "Free of My Scars"
Minneapolis-based black metal band Astral Blood premieres a new song entitled "Free of My Scars", taken from the upcoming new album "SYZYGY", which will be released in early 2017 through Throats Productions.
Check out now "Free of My Scars" below.
In other news, Astral Blood will be embarking on a short midwestern tour in March: More...
Depravity Shares Full-Album Stream Of Debut Demo
Polish death metal outfit Depravity shares the full-album stream of the band's debut demo "New World Order".
Check out now "New World Order" in its entirety below.
Krallice Debuts Full-Album Stream Of New EP
NY black metal outfit Krallice debuts the full-album stream of the band's brand new four-track EP "Prelapsarian", out in stores now via Bandcamp. A vinyl release is planned in March on Gilead Media.
Check out now "Prelapsarian" in its entirety below.
Metallica Shares New Live Video Of "Metal Militia"
Metallica shares official live footage performing "Metal Militia" live, during the band's recent special set at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, California on December 15th, 2016.
Check it out below:
Black Veil Brides Debuts New Song "The Outsider"
Black Veil Brides premieres a new song entitled "The Outsider" via Altpress.com, taken from the band's upcoming new album.
Check out now "The Outsider" below.
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