Metal News for December 31, 2015
Last updated on September 14, 2025 at 3:01 AM ET
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25 news articles posted on this day.
OpEd
Born To Raise Hell: A Tribute To Lemmy Kilmister
Three days ago, the musical world was devastated when one its greatest icons was taken after a short bout with cancer. Ian Fraser Kilmister, or as we all knew and loved him as, Lemmy, the lead singer and bassist of Motorhead, passed away on this day, a mere four days after celebrating his seventieth birthday in style, and only two days following his diagnosis. Though in the past two years or so, the man who was a specimen of masculinity had lost a lot of weight and looked very frail, Lemmy fought, and rocked to the very end of his life, and the world expected no less. He was many things to all; A hero, an inspiration, a legend, but above all, he was the embodiment of rock and roll.
Motorhead and Lemmy were always special to me personally. At the age of twelve, I'd begun moving away from the nu metal music I loved as I found the roots and legends of metal. After Black Sabbath, the next band I checked out was Motorhead. Having at the same time got into the punk sounds of the seventies, Motorhead were the ideal band. They were heavier than anyone else when they began, but also faster than many, if not all of their metal counterparts, earning them a place in the hearts of punk rockers too. I remember receiving their box set, "Stone Deaf Forever," reading Lemmy's excellent autobiography, "White Line Fever" throughout a family holiday and then, tickets to see the band at the legendary Hammersmith Apollo (formerly the Hammersmith Odeon.) This was my first concert and to this day, I feel proud that it was (my other choice was Def Leppard.) I went with two friends, Chris and Alex and we arrived early enough to queue up outside the doors, talk about what we were expecting, have a thirteen year old argument about something, then run over to the merch area before there was much of queue, all before heading into the performance area, which was sparsely populated for openers, Young Heart Attack but much busier for The Wildhearts. More...
Trollfest To Release New Album
Trollfest is gearing up to release a new album next year to follow 2014's "Kaptein Kaos" (reviewed here) and the band has also checked in with this year-end recap:
"So that’s it for 2015 folks! 2015 was a good year for us. It started great with two gigs on ??70,000 Tons? Of Metal, were we got to enjoy sun, sea, a fantastic ship and meet great people!
"We only did one tour this year, but in return, it was the longest one we ever did all around USA and Canada for over a month together with the awesome ??Korpiklaani? and ??Ensiferum?. A blast indeed!
"The festival summer was good. Big ones and small ones. Maybe the highlight were the main stage at ?Summer Breeze?. This was also the last show of our long time accordion player Manskow. We’re really sad to see him leave, but life goes on and maybe a new troll will find its way to this weird crew J All year through we have been working ion new material.
"We had a mountain of songs to choose from and we took 14 songs to the studio in December. Over New Year’s, we will continue the recording and release one hell of an album in 2016!
"Along with the new album coming out we are really looking forward to a hectic year of touring and recording and we’re looking forward to see ya all out there! Thank you so much for the support in 2015, let’s make 2016 a even better year! Happy New Year!" More...
Morbid Vomit Recruits New Drummer
Finnish death metal band Morbid Vomit just issued the following announcement about recruiting a new drummer:
"...AND THEN THERE WAS FOUR! We are pleased to announce that Vili Köhäri joins Mörbid Vomit as a drummer. We want to thank everyone who came to the shows, bought our album and spread the word in 2015 but this is only the beginning. See you next year, have a good one!"
Unshine Issues Album Update
Unshine is currently working on a new album to follow previous full-length release "Dark Half Rising." The band comments:
"Hi, we wish you a great new year 2016! Many things have gone and even more have came during 2015.
"We are really happy to have your support, it's a privilege to continue making music. During the making of our 4th album, we have lost family members, but even a new member was born!
"We have lost musical heroes, just recently Lemmy Kilmister and Edgar Froese...what's important in their music is that they always walked their own path, exploring the unknown and without compromising the sound they heard in their heads. That is a goal that we want to achieve, too.
"Check out our blog, there is an update on the recordings of the 4th album. A spoiler warning - there's even a small sample of a new song. Lots of love and champagne."
Chronosphere Announces New Album
Greek metal band Chronosphere has checked in after the band's last show of the year with the following recap and announcement about an upcoming album:
"There are no words for our last show of 2015! You can see it all through this photo. Just a huge 'thanks' to all of you…
"Well, another year has just passed and it was a a hell of a year for sure. Our 1st European tour took place, many many new fans and friends, recordings of our 3rd record and many more…
"What are our plans for 2016? We gonna release our 3rd kick ass album, and make some tours as well… Beware, 2016 is coming strong!" More...
Sonus Mortis Working On New Release
Sonus Mortis has checked in with the following message about working on new music for an upcoming release:
"So 2015 is coming to a close. The second album 'War Prophecy' was released back in March and I was so pleased with the response it got. Thank you to everyone who gave it a listen or bought any of the CDs throughout the year.
"In Summer 2015 I went back to Trackmix Recording Studio and recorded 5 more tracks for a EP. But on further thought, I best thought to keep some of these tracks for a third album for 2016.
"I'm 90% there with 10/11 tracks and just finishing up on lyrics. Once that is done it's practice, practice, practice until I can go back and record these new tracks. \m/
"Onwards and upwards." More...
Syndemic To Record New Album
German metal band Syndemic is gearing up to record a new album due out next year. The band comments:
"Thank you for a great year 2015! We are very much looking forward to hit the studio in 2016 to record our second album.
"During the last months we were very busy writing, rehearsing and adjusting new songs and already came up with a bunch of killer tracks. We will continue that at full speed during the next few months before we will hit the studio in spring!
"We wish you and your loved ones a fantastic, peaceful and healthy year 2016 and raise our glasses to you! Cheers." More...
Strengthen What Remains Breaks Down On The Road
Strengthen What Remains has been on the road supporting latest album "Justice Creeps Slow" but hit a snag with vehicle problems. The band comments:
"Sorry we had to miss Indy last night. We broke down in the middle of nowhere and couldn't even get a tow truck to pick us up. After a very long night stuck in a closed gas station parking lot, we met our new friend Rick. Rick happened to be a mechanic and got the van to his house and fixed it for us. Back on the road and ready for Grand Rapids." More...
Six Reasons To Kill Announces New EP
Six Reasons To Kill today reveals the cover artwork and track list for new EP "Rote Erde." The EP will be released as a 7" with three limited vinyl colours and contains two new songs: the brand new title track and a cover version of Dismember's "Of Fire." The following press release was also issued:
"Affected by the latest line-up changes during the last year, Six Reasons To Kill became darker and more brutal in their songwriting, lyrics and artworks. Six Reasons To Kill plays brute ,etal with a lot of anger. The new lyrics are written in German and deal with politically and socially critical topics.
"The songs were recorded in summer 2015 at the Beast Audio Studios Frankfurt and mixed and mastered by Kohle at Kohlekeller Studio. The artwork was made by schrottgrenze.tumblr.com and 'Rote Erde' will be released on 03.11.2016 via Bastardized Recordings as a single of the 2016 album release."
01. Rote Erde
02. Of Fire More...
The Great Divide Posts Year-End Recap
French outfit The Great Divide just checked in with this year-end recap and look ahead to the coming year:
"2015 finally ends. It deeply affected our souls as musicians, French and innocent human beings. 2015 was rough, but we will never forget what it offered to us: wonderful memories of our European and Asian tours, friendships and surprising people, discoveries and new ways of looking at things.
"For us, this year ends with the departure of Clément, the arrival of Thibaut and a great show hometown at Divan du Monde, surrounded by friends sharing stage with Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! and The Earl Grey!
"Take care of yourselves and your close families and friends. Love, share and stay positive. Happy New Year!" More...
The Bendal Interlude Releasing New Album
Black Bow Records is pleased to announce the release of a new album from U.K. band The Bendal Interlude. The band, which features two members of thrashers Short Sharp Shock, is best described as a mix of thrash and sludge with bits of psychedelia thrown in for good measure.
According to Black Bow Records, think of 16, Rwake, Eyehategod, Down and Slayer thrown into a blender and you would have a good idea of what the band sounds like.
New album "The Reign of the Unblinking Eye" will be released on April 1st, 2016. Guitarist Stu Taylor said the following about the album:
"After releasing four EPs through Crack Zombie Records, we decided it was high time to write a full LP containing full-bodied tracks the listener could sink their teeth into. We took a shift in direction when writing for the album 'Reign of The Unblinking Eye.' The songs are much more elaborate and have a lot more going on sound-wise than previous releases. We played with time signatures, guitar harmonies, key changes, even laying down a 10-part resonator guitar part. It is by far the heaviest but also most dynamic thing we’ve written to date.
"Previously, lyrical content has been more of an abstract collection of ideas and imagery based around loose themes. With this offering, a more autobiographical approach has been taken with some songs, with themes including time spent with partial face paralysis, a tendency to lose things, favourite tapestry, bare-hand toilet unblocking, plus the usual collection of vaguely connected lists of obscenities.
"We wanted to write a dynamic LP that had melody and atmosphere through use of guitar solos and cinematic samples, whilst maintaining solid, heavy groove." More...
Ageless Oblivion Posts New Year Message
Ageless Oblivion just checked in with this year-end message to the fans about upcoming material in 2016:
"Just thought we'd come out of hibernation mode temporarily to thank everyone who has contributed to making this something of a victorious year for Ageless Oblivion.
"Mainly we'd like to thank everyone involved in every way of our performance at Bloodstock festival, the incredible Ulcerate and Bell Witch (and everyone involved with that tour), and of course to any of you who came out to a show, bought merch, or took the time to chat with us. We are forever in your debt.
"New songs are on their way and are being put together as we speak. We'll be back later on in 2016. Until then, may your days be hungover and your nights be unmemorable. Back soon." More...
Meadows End Posts Final "Sojourn" Track
We've reached the end - Meadows End today posts the final track in the month-by-month "Sojourn" series. The band commetns:
"It is with a mix of melancholy, joy, nostalgia and sweet relief that we finally are able to present the final piece of the Sojourn puzzle.
"A long year has finally passed. It has been a great year with a lot of expectations and a lot more work than expected from the beginning, but we are extremely happy with the result. To be able to release our young years like this means a lot to us. We really hope you have enjoyed this release as much as we have.
"So to end Sojourn: track XII - 'My Leading Command.'
"We wish you all a happy new year with more music, merch and giveaways! Thanks to all of you who have EVER supported us, to Oscar at Crehate Studios, to Fredrik Burholm for artwork and Ed 'Infidel Amsterdam' and of course all other youtubers that helps spreading our name and music to the world." More...
Toxic Waltz Looking Forward To 2016
Toxic Waltz is looking forward to new activity in 2016, with the band issuing this statement online today:
"2015 is almost done and we want to say thank you very much for a really awesome and special year for us as a band! We did our first tour through Europe with Suicidal Angels, Dr. Living Dead & Angelus Apatrida, we played a lot of gigs and got our own tour bus.
"Also we finished the songwriting & recording of our second record! We had a really awesome time on stage, backstage with the other bands and of course with our fans supporting us everywhere.
"We are really hungry for the next year and want to play as much as possible and release our second album. Be prepared for news in the future! For now we hope you’ll have a good start in 2016 and we see us next year - Keep on thrashing!" More...
Bleeding Gods Posts Year-End Message
Bleeding Gods just issued this brief 2015 recap and message about activity in the coming year via Facebook:
"So this was 2015... recorded and released a hell of a heavy album, 'Shepherd of Souls!' Something to be very proud of! The album was very well received worldwide!
"A big thanks, horns up and cheers to all!!! First show of the new year: January 9th, de Bastille - Schoonhoven (NL) 2016: A new album??"
Pyramaze Begins Work On New Album
Pyramaze has started work on a new, currently untitled, album for release in 2016. The follow-up to 2015's "Disciples of the Sun" (reviewed here) is currently being written and recorded on both sides of the ocean in Denmark and the USA.
This will mark the first time in the band's history releasing albums in consecutive years. Keyboardist Jonah W. comments:
"We are humbled and honored by the positive response by our fans for 'Disciples of the Sun,' and want to pay this forward by making our biggest, best, and most epic album to date. The truth of the matter is that our fans mean everything to us and are our main inspiration to forge onward.
"We believe that 2016 will be the biggest year for Pyramaze to date, and on behalf of myself, Toke, Jacob, Morten, and Terje, we want to wish you all a very happy and very Metal new Year!" More...
The Crown Posts Full Concert Video
The Crown has released a full hour-and-a-half long video of a performance at Sticky Fingers, which can be seen below, and the band also issued the following year-end recap:
"2015 is coming to an end. It's been quite a good year for us. We have released a new album. Done a couple of cool shows. Also released a kickass show on YouTube. Hope you've had the time to see it.
"The Crown feels good again. We have a steady and strong lineup and we can't wait for 2016 to begin. A lot of new songs that needs to be put on tape and some more cool shows to attend to. We hope to meet you all one way or another next year. So cheers to everyone out there.
"Let's make 2016 the ultimate year in metal. Let's do it for Lemmy, let's do it for Dio. Let's do it for all the old legends of metal and rock 'n roll that is long gone but never forgotten. Let's make 2016 fucking awesome because metal is the ultimate reason to live.
"Thanks for supporting our band for 25 years. Cheers and happy new year from The Crown!!!!" More...
Dawn Of Ashes Issues Album Update
Dawn Of Ashes recently reformed (following a sting under the different name Urilia) and is gearing up to release a new album next year. The band today issues this update:
"Before we arrive into 2016, here is some exciting news about the upcoming DOA album. 'Theophany' is set to arrive next spring. As you may know, Dawn Of Ashes has risen again, and we are currently in the depths of creation on our new album 'Theophany.'
"The new record will summon forth the dark industrial metal that propelled DoA’s previous record 'Anathema' to critical acclaim, combined with the epic scope of our 2010 melodic death metal release 'Genocide Chapters' and introducing new elements that will take our work to the next level.
"DoA creator Kristof Bathory is co-producing 'Theophany' with Mick Kenney -- best known as multi-instrumentalist for British extreme metal unit Anaal Nathrakh -- whose previous production and songwriting credits include albums by Motionless In White, Bleeding Through, The Witch Was Right, and Suffer Well. 'Theophany' is now slated for release in May of 2016 through Metropolis Records. More details are coming soon…" More...
Gomorrah Posts "Nine Kings Of Sulphur"
Kelowna, BC's death metal architects from Gomorrah just premiered new single "Nine Kings of Sulphur," taken off upcoming album "The Haruspex." Check it out below.
The new album is due out on January 15th, 2016 via Test Your Metal Records to follow the band's 2013 debut album "Perception." Vocalist Jeff Bryan comments on the new track:
"'Nine Kings of Sulphur' was the second last track we wrote for the record and it written very impromptu. We didn't do many revisions of it and I did all the vocals freestyle in the studio, but the finished product makes me want to heave a body into a chasm."
Gomorrah also recently checked in with us to share a hilarious pit story about the weird things fans do at live shows - give it a read right here. More...
Vintundra Working On Album
German outfit Vintundra just issued this message about working on a new release due out in the coming year:
"Here is a short update before the end of the year - We are busy writing our new album. The first songs are finished and the rest of the album is sketched out as well. The new stuff is a little faster and heavier than our last album and lyrically and musically we are going towards the east this time.
"First gigs for 2016 are already planned and some are in preparation. Details follow soon. In addition, we want to introduce our new guitarist. Andi has been with us since Summer and has already contributed a lot to the band. In the past he played in the bands Incise and Sacrilegion. We officially want to welcome him. Below is a picture of Andi in action.
"We wish everyone a happy and successful new year and hopefully we will meet you guys on stage in 2016. \m/" More...
Byzantine Posts 2015 Recap Message
Chris Ojeda from Byzantine just checked in with this year-end recap message and update about what to expect in 2016:
"Hey guys, OJ here! We have been really quiet here in the Byzantine camp during the last month as things are winding down for 2015. This year has been a roller coaster for the band as we have had some of the coolest things and some of the worst things happen. We will start with the worst...
"This year we lost Matt Wolfe as the drummer of Byzantine. This came as a shock to us and I personally didn't think I would be carrying on with Byzantine without Skip, Tony and Matt. BUT, the show must go on! We are currently in the process of finding the next member of our band that is willing to get into the trenches and continue to make waves for Byzantine.
"We are currently looking for tours for Spring, Summer and Fall so if any of you around the world want to see Byzantine live, write your congressman and favorite band and request to see us on their tour!
"Now for the good stuff... With the help of Adam Pollock @ (RED), we released our 5th album on our own label, Snakepit Music. Kodi, Zach and Nick @ The Syndicate were instrumental spreading the word around the airwaves and in the press. The Art of Christopher Lovell produced the hands down BEST album cover we have ever had! And lastly, Jose and Sirius XM allowed us to sit beside our heroes at the big boys table. Thanks to all you guys! More...
Elarmir Posts "Thorns" Video
Alpha Omega Management has the pleasure to announce the signing of the Italian act Elarmir. The band also recently dropped a video for "Thorns," which can be seen below.
Elarmir was born in 2010 as a project of metal and classical music for films, with a purpose to join visual and musical art. September 2015 saw the release of the band's latest album "Human Wisdom" and a support slot to Arch Enemy in Rome. Furthermore the band shared the stage with Epica and Sirenia at Maximum Rock Festival 2015 on October 16th in Bucarest.
Comments the band: "We are proud to be part of Alpha Omega Management. We want to show that quality always wins. In our songs we experience with the combination of different items together, such as the contrast of the voice with instruments. We are sure that our followers like the way we compose. Music is our job and we like to work with professionals like Alpha Omega Management!"
Alpha Omega also had this to say: "We are truly glad to welcome Elarmir to our roster! To see these young and talented musicians on stage is a spectacular experience, mixed by visual acts and well composed music, which we are looking forward to bring widely on international stages! So stay tuned for next announcements!"
Elarmir is:
Alessandro Trotto - guitarist-composer
Dysdemona [Eleonora Buono] - singer & choirs-designer
Daniele Amador - guitarist
Luca Zamberti - drummer More...
Kuolemanlaakso Issues Band Activity Update
Remember Kuolemanlaakso? The band with the unpronounceable title was named one of our best metal newcomers of 2012 but has been pretty inactive since 2014. Now the band has issued this update about what's happening:
"The Show Must Go On - 2015 has been very quiet for Kuolemanlaakso. We played only one show, and did not release a single new track. There were many reasons for behind this eerie silence, one of which was release of Swallow the Sun's triple album monolith and the insane amount of work Kotamäki, the lead singer of both Kuolemanlaakso and StS, had to invest in the making and promoting of it. Another huge one was the release of my Amorphis - Markus Laakso's book.
"Thank you for the support and patience. We have good news and bad news. Due to the busy touring schedule of Swallow the Sun and matters in our private lives, we will not be climbing the stage frequently in 2016 either. However, we have been somewhat active behind the gloom-ridden curtain. 'The supreme dream team always up with the schemes,' sang Pras once.
"2016 will hold a few aces up its sleeve. One of them will be thrown onto the table very soon. It will involve a visit to our very good friend's place, and the fruits of which will surprise you all... You can quote me on it. Shine on, brothers and sisters, and may 2016 bring you glory in all its forms." More...
Trace Your Steps Premieres New Music Video
Long Island, New York based metalcore band Trace Your Steps is gearing up for a spring, 2016 release of new album "Beating Hearts and Uncertainty."
As work is being completed on that release, we've got a sneak preview of what's to come with an exclusive premiere of the new music video for "Animal (Creature Of Habit)." Check it out below and be sure to let us know what you think of this up and coming group!
This performance clip was directed and produced by Anthony Lopardo at Westfall Recording Co NY & Slate Media Group.
Trace Your Steps guitarist Ian Schneider comments on the new video: "We consider our live performance to be one of the best parts about our band, so we wanted to really be able to showcase that visually, along with the style each of us individually portray."
He also had this to say about the upcoming album: "We're currently wrapping up the recording of our new album 'Beating Hearts and Uncertainty' which is due out spring 2016. We've spent the past year and a half recording all the songs and have spent that time fine tuning them to the best of our ability. We wanted to convey a lot of different emotions in the individual songs as opposed to going for one specific sound. More...
Counterparts Premieres New Video For "Stranger"
Canadian melodic hardcore band Counterparts premieres an in-house live performance of "Stranger", taken from the band's latest album "Tragedy Will Find Us", which was officially released on July 24th via Pure Noise Records.
Check out now "Stranger" below.
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