Metal News for June 18, 2015
Last updated on September 14, 2025 at 3:01 AM ET
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41 news articles posted on this day.
Ghold Gearing Up For U.S. Tour
South London's bass and drums power duo Ghold begins a first North American tour in just one week, supporting the revoltingly intense debut LP, "Of Ruin." Ghold will bring monolithic sludge to stateside fans as direct support for Norwegian avant-rock explorers, Årabrot.
Several new shows have been added to the upcoming tour, bringing the total of cities to be decimated by the Ghold and Årabrot combo to twenty-three. The action begins on June 24th in Boston, after which it will wind its way throughout the country and into Canada in a mangled counter-clockwise path closing down in New York City on July 19th.
Along the way, the tour package will be joined by the likes of Rabbits, Towers, Dispirit, Lycus and many others, including Pinkish Black on the final six dates. More...
Power Trip Headed Off For Summer Touring
Texas-based ultra crossover outfit Power Trip has announced latest live invasions of the continent with two new bouts of stateside touring confirmed for the summer months.
Power Trip will take the unstoppable caravan to the East Coast to take part in this year's massive Philadelphia-based This Is Hardcore Fest on July 26th. This show begins a brutalizing tour alongside Foreseen HKI and Red Death with shows in Richmond, Raleigh, Washington DC, Boston, Warren, Brooklyn and Amityville through August 8th.
Just over a week later will see Power Trip on the opposite coast kicking off a California tour, with shows in San Francisco, Fresno, Bakersfield and Los Angeles between August 12th and 15th alongside the likes of Freedom, Fury and Unified Right. More...
Azoic Signs Record Deal
Iceland's Azoic just issued the following announcement about singing a new record deal with Obscure Musick:
"We are proud to announce that we have inked a deal with Obscure Musick for our next release due later this year/early 2016. Obscure Musick is a new label hailing from California with big ambitions and a good potential to grow into something big.
"Secondly we have also made a deal with French black metal tape label Wulfrune Worxx for a limited 33 batch release of 'Gateways' on cassette!
"Finally, the last preparations for the vinyl release of 'Gateways' is well on it's way. It will be released by Hamartia records from Sweden, very limited pressing so make sure to keep an eye out for more announcements." More...
Ares Kingdom To Go On As Three Piece
Kansas City's death/thrash metal band Ares Kingdom has announced that rhythm guitarist Doug Overbay is taking an indefinite hiatus from the band in order to address health issues.
The band is continuing as a three piece with Alex Blume on vocals/bass, Mike Miller on drums, and Chuck Keller on guitars. The line-up change will have no effect on any upcoming shows.
The band is currently in post-production for new album, "The Unburiable Dead," in suburban Kansas City. A release is scheduled later this year through NWN! Productions in LP, Die Hard LP, CD, and picture disc formats.
Ares Kingdom formed in 1996, the year following the end of Mike and Chuck's previous band Order from Chaos. AK’s first four years were spent as a two-piece. In 2000, Doug joined as bassist, followed soon by Alex as vocalist. In 2006, Doug switched to rhythm guitar while Alex assumed bass duties.
In addition to upcoming third full-length "The Unburiable Dead," the band is set to release a special live picture disc entitled "Chaosmongers Alive: 8/21/2006" as part of NWN! Productions' Onward // Ascendant warehouse fund campaign.
Ordinul Negru Signs With Loud Rage
Romanian black metal band Ordinul Negru has issued the following statement about inking a record deal:
"We are very proud to announce that we have signed with Loud Rage Music for the release of our upcoming album 'Sorcery of Darkness.'
"The album will be out in autumn and we think that this will be a great cooperation between both sides, we know Adrian for many years and he has a great experience in underground and working with bands. Please check also his publishing activities at Slowly We Rot Fanzine and Pest Webzine."
According to a press release from Loud Rage, this new album will feature a large shift in sound, as the raw, primeval and abrasive sound is being replaced by a more daring and modern approach.
Memphis May Fire Stays The Course
Memphis May Fire just debuted a new video for "Stay the Course," a single taken off the "Unconditional" deluxe edition. Check it out below.
The new album is a re-release of "Unconditional" with additional tracks, available for pre-order on iTunes now and expected to be available on July 17th. Memphis May Fire is currently on tour through the summer on the 2015 Vans Warped Tour.
Ommadon Streaming New Track
"Empathy For The Wicked" is the forthcoming new manifestation of sonic devastation from U.K. drone/doom twosome Ommadon, due out July 15th. This new album follows the suppressing doom of 2014 double LP, "V," which earned a spot on Rolling Stone's 20 Best Metal Albums Of 2014.
Levying just one rapturous track broken into two parts, "Empathy For The Wicked" was recorded live, mixed by Ommadon, and mastered by Billy Anderson.
In celebration of its impending release, today the thundering resonance of part one can be heard below. Originally recorded for a cassette split with Horse Latitudes and Coltsblood, during that session Ommadon decided to continue recording through the night and drone out the riff which became the second side to "Empathy For The Wicked." More...
Ogotay Releasing "Dead God's Prophet"
Polish death metal quartet Ogotay just signed a deal with Selfmadegod Records to release new full-length "Dead God's Prophet."
Comprised of bassist/vocalist Marcin Swierczynski (Yattering), drummer Szymon Andryszczak (Pandemonium), and guitarists Artur Piotrowski (Mess Age) and Andrzej Peszel, Ogotay recorded eight brand new songs at G Studio in 2014.
The follow-up to 2012's "Eve of The Last Day" is set for August 1st, 2015 release via Selfmadegod Records on CD/digital formats. The track listing is as follows:
1. Dead God's Prophet
2. Antiseptic Hell
3. Axis Mundi
4. Entering The Void
5. Bastards And Orphans
6. Kneel And Die
7. The Wasteland
8. Huge Fucking Nothing More...
Shardborne Posts Playthrough Video
With three weeks to go until the release of "Living Bridges," Ireland’s Shardborne has put together a playthrough video for one of the tracks, "Not That, Axis" featuring guitarists Ciaran and Eoin Culhane.
"Living Bridges" is set for release on July 10th via Out On A Limb Records and is the band's debut full-length after releasing an EP back in 2011. The band comments:
“We didn't set out to create something different but we wouldn't consider 'Living Bridges' to be a direct continuation of 'Aeonian Sequence' musically. The song writing process has pretty much stayed the same but since there have been a few years since the EP's release, our musical tastes, styles and interests have changed. We felt we had much more to work with when we began the song writing process for 'Living Bridges.'”
To hear more from the album, check out the previously posted track "Room Within A Room" over at this location. More...
The Black Atlas Streaming "Devils"
Ambient, doom rock solo artist The Black Atlas will release sophomore EP "Devils" on June 23rd, which follows previous EP release "The Other" and is part of a series of releases dubbed "The Equinox."
You can now stream all three tracks off the new "Devils" EP in the players provided below or by heading over to PureVolume.com here. If you missed "The Other," you can check out a track from that previous mini-album over at this location. More...
Kadavar Reveals "Berlin" Details
After spending the last 4 months working non-stop in the studio, Germany's Kadavar has finalized the production process for a new album. The third Kadavar album, "Berlin," is slated for an August 21st, 2015 release.
Today, the band announces the album’s track listing, as well as 3 more versions of the cover that will be available for everyone buying the vinyl version of the album. The glasses of the cover model will be cut out, and depending on how you insert the inlay, the cover will change.
Commented drummer Tiger: "About ten years ago, when we - independently of one another - moved to Berlin, we just wanted to break free from home and do something new. I thought it was comfortable, to blend in and just live from day to day. A lot of very long nights and so many completely different people at one place. Where there are opposites you can always ground yourself. We’re all different, come from different places but have managed to create something together we all like. I think the Belrin lifestyle has influenced our band very much and therefore fits perfectly as the album’s title."
01. Lord Of The Sky
02. Last Living Dinosaur
03. Thousand Miles Away From Home
04. Filthy Illusion
05. Pale Blue Eyes
06. Stolen Dreams
07. The Old Man
08. Spanish Wild Rose
09. See The World With Your Own Eyes
10. Circles In My Mind
11. Into The Night
Bonus Track
12. Reich der Träume (Nico cover) More...
Continuum Posts Playthrough Video
Following the release of "The Hypothesis" full-length, today Continuum unveils a brand new, no-frills playthrough clip for an as-yet-untitled new track. Feel bad about your weak playing skills by watching the clip of Chase Fraser below.
"The Hypothesis" was released in April via Unique Leader Records, captured predominantly by lead guitarist/composer Chase Fraser (Decrepit Birth, Animosity), with additional tracking and mixing by Zack Ohren (Suffocation, Fallujah, All Shall Perish et al.) at Castle Ultimate Studios. More...
Sonic Poison Releasing Self-Titled Album
How do you start a modern hardcore punk band, play it the old fashioned way with no gimmicks, but still be relevant in a world of dime-a-dozen retro-hardcore? It starts with passion, inspiration, creative aggression, and something to prove.
Sonic Poison is the brain child of Ron Grimaldi of Deathcycle on vocals, Rick Lopez of The Casualties on guitar, Anthony Corallo of Sheer Terror, Concrete Cross, and Disnihil on drums, and Tom Clavin of Concrete Cross and Disnihil on bass.
The band is composed of four lifers coming together to create fast, pissed, uncompromising hardcore for no other reason than true love of the genre. A self-titled release will drop via LifeLine Records on June 22nd, with the track listing is as follows:
1. Will It Ever End?
2. Another Day Of Misery
3. Instrumental / Mass Surveillance
4. Clock Tick More...
Sofy Major Releasing A Total "Waste"
From the post-industrial wilderness of Clermont-Ferrand, France's violently addictive hardcore-soaked noise rock outfit Sofy Major has confirmed the completion of a third LP. This week the band discloses the release details for "Waste" (set to drop October 29th through Solar Flare Records) while also gearing up to perform at Hellfest this weekend.
The construction of Sofy Major's "Waste" LP was handled by nearly the same cohorts as preceding sophomore album, "Idolize," yet under radically different circumstances. While the band traveled from France to Brooklyn, New York in October 2012 to record with Andrew Schneider at Translator Audio (Unsane, Keelhaul, Cave In), Hurricane Sandy waged war on the region, the immense storm surge demolishing the entire studio and all of the band's gear. Label mate Dave Curran (Unsane, Pigs) helped Schneider and the band relocate to Brooklyn's Seaside Lounge and Spaceman Sound studios and complete the recording sessions Sandy attempted to thwart.
Now comes forth the band's third album, "Waste," with just under forty-two minutes of new material mixed by Andrew Schneider (Pigs, Julie Christmas, Unsane) at Translator Audio in Brooklyn and mastered by Carl Saff at Saff Mastering. The track listing is as follows:
1. Waste
2. We See Fire
3. Turning Point
4. Slow Everywhere
5. Infinite Pill Case
6. Black and Table
7. Iron Butt
8. Devotion Man
9. As Happy As [Les Thugs cover] More...
Deadspace Releases New Video
Perth, Australia’s depressive black metal dwellers from Deadspace today unveil a brand new music video for “The Promise of Oblivion,” the title of the band’s debut album released in early April. The full track listing is:
1. The Promise Of Oblivion 03:31
2. With Tears Of Callous Lust 03:40
3. I'll Buy The Rope 03:52
4. The Clouds Won't Shade The Pain 06:07
5. Oblivion 01:46
6. Schadenfreude 04:27
7. Pain's Grey 03:29
8. In The Coldness Of The Darkest Night 07:40
Extinction A.D. Reveals "Faithkiller"
Extinction A.D. today reveals full details on debut full-length album, "Faithkiller," coming out August 21st via Good Fight Music.
Comprised of ex-members of This Is Hell, Extinction A.D. has made a hard left-turn out of This Is Hell's hardcore into full-blown thrashing metal mode. "Faithkiller" was recorded and mixed by Brett Romnes (I Am the Avalanche, Anthony Raneri), and mastered by Brad Boatright (Nails, Noisem). Witness the video for "Instruments of Death" below.
Lyrically, front man Rick Jimenez says he is inspired by "the world around us and the fight between what it is and what it could be, especially in this country." Addressing issues like CIA coverups and media fear-mongering, he calls it like he sees it: "The propaganda was unleashed as the animations replayed / And all logic was deflected by the CIA / Fire fell like a stone, we watched the sky explode / Homeland firefight happened in plain sight, something's just not right."
The "Faithkiller" cover art and layout were created by U.K. artist Will Blood (Gallows, Set Your Goals). The track listing is as follows:
1. Black Omen
2. Civil Execution
3. Instruments of Death
4. Echoes of Life
5. Prisoners
6. Tu Enemigo
7. Faithkiller
8. Crisis: Indefinite
9. Rot in Pain
10. To Exist in Purgatory More...
Skindred Wrapping Up Work On Album
Skindred is currently putting the finishing touches on 6th studio album, entitled "Volume," which will be the band's first release on Napalm Records and is set to the the light of day on October 30th, 2015.
The album was recorded at The Strongroom studio in East London and was produced by longtime collaborator James 'Lerock' Loughrey (previously worked with the likes of White Zombie, Depeche Mode, Manic Street Preachers).
Skindred also just announced a full U.K. headline tour in November of 2015 with Crossfaith & HED PE as support. Dares are as follows:
Wed 4th Nov 2015 - Southampton Guildhall
Thu 5th Nov - Norwich UEA
Fri 6th Nov - Nottingham Rock City
Sat 7th Nov - Manchester Academy
Sun 8th Nov - Newcastle Academy
Tue 10th Nov - Glasgow ABC
Wed 11th Nov - Leeds Stylus
Thu 12th Nov - Bristol Academy
Fri 13th Nov - Birmingham Institute
Sat 14th Nov - London Brixton Academy More...
Exclusive
Vesuvius Premieres "This House Is Not A Home"
As Canadian outfit Vesuvius releases new single "This House Is Not A Home," today we're bringing you an exclusive premiere of the track's lyric video - check it out below! Vesuvius' Benjamin Cooligan also comments on the new song:
"'This House is Not a Home' serves as a first installment of a vast excursion spanning many personal experiences and viewpoints. The lyrics are an excerpt from a writing crafted during the darkest period of my life.
"The recording process was by far the most emotional that we as musicians have faced to date. Hopefully the message we have come to share can apply personally to each and every one of you."
The driving concept behind Vesuvius (often stylized VSUVS) is to be hard-working, driven musicians who hunger to perfect and share their craft. The convocation of Vesuvis didn't occur overnight - the band's lineup had seen many a crowd and shared many a stage before discovering the unique chemistry behind its current guise.
Billy, Robin, Taylor, and Benjamin have all composed and performed both music and other art forms for multiple years under different identities; most notably, the four had shared the stage among two other bandmates under the name Of Burning Empires since the spring of 2012. When said act found little progress within those years, the four grew hungry, longing for sustainability and took on a new name and form.
Now reborn, long merciless days and long sleepless nights are devoted towards honing the sound and message Vesuvius has set out to achieve. For more info on Vesuvius, head over to the band's Facebook profile here. More...
Demon Lung Streaming Full Album
With the release of "A Dracula," the second full-length from Las Vegas-based doom hellions Demon Lung, now less than two weeks away, today the full album comes on line.
Tracked by soundsmith Billy Anderson (Neurosis, Zoroaster, Eyehategod, Taurus, Brothers Of The Sonic Cloth) "A Dracula" delivers eight dark, menacing psalms of sin loosely based on Juan López Moctezuma's 1977 horror film, "Alucarda" in which two teenage orphan girls living in a Catholic convent unleash a demonic force and ultimately become possessed by Satan.
In related Demon Lung missives, the band will bring rumbling rituals to the stage of Crucialfest tomorrow and a record release show the following evening with special guests, Ides Of Gemini, as well as Southwest Terror Fest this Fall with additional live ceremonies in the plotting stages.
6/19/2015 Crucialfest - Salt Lake City, UT
6/20/2015 The Dive - Las Vegas, NV record release show w/ Ides Of Gemini
10/18/2015 Southwest Terror Fest @ Club Congress - Tucson, AZ More...
Sweet Cobra Visits "Future Ghosts"
Having signed Chicago-based Sweet Cobra for new studio album, "Earth," Magic Bullet Records is now preparing the LP for release in July, as the first single is made publicly available through a video of "Future Ghosts." Check it out below.
Sweet Cobra's first full-length recording since 2010's "Mercy," the thundering Earth was recorded and produced by Matt Talbot of Hum and Kurt Ballou of Converge at Talbot's Earth Analog Studios in Illinois, mixed by Ballou at his Godcity Studio in Massachusetts, and mastered by Carl Saff. Additionally, both Ballou and Talbot make guest appearances on the album.
The bizarre official video for first single from "Earth," "Future Ghosts" was directed and animated by Katie Kapuza with assistance from Molly Mccandleuss and props and masks created by Christine Ciarleglio.
Magic Bullet Records will issue "Earth" on digital formats July 17th, and on LP and CD July 24th. The track listing is as follows:
1. Far Too Temp
2. Future Ghosts
3. He Tall He
4. Complaints
5. Flight Risk
6. Sunburned Sons
7. Repo
8. Stiff Fits
9. Blue Rose
10. Jealous of Drugs
11. Old Haunts
12. Walls More...
Locrian Wades Into "Heavy Water"
A suffocating new tide of cerebral blackened/industrial audio from Relapse Records band Locrian today rises with a vengeance - check out "Heavy Water" below, culled from the rapidly approaching "Infinite Dissolution" LP (due to drop July 24th).
The previously posted track "An Index Of Air" can also be heard at this location, and you can see Locrian live on these dates:
7/17/2015 Small's Bar - Detroit, MI w/ Beast in the Field, Beset by Creatures Of The Deep
7/18/2015 Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL w/ Liturgy More...
Hope Drone Dips Into "Riverbeds Hewn In Marrow"
"Cloak Of Ash" is the imminent new full-length from Australian atmospheric blackened sludge metal alchemists Hope Drone.
The band's debut for Relapse, "Cloak Of Ash" was captured by Christopher Brownbill (Idylls, Throes, Coffin Birth) at Wavelength Studios and Underground Audio in Brisbane, Australia, mixed by Brownbill and the band (also at Wavelength Studios), and mastered by Brad Boatright (Yob, High On Fire, Integrity) at Audiosiege in Portland, Oregon.
As a precursor to the "Cloak Of Ash" official emergence next month, today the album's second track, "Riverbeds Hewn In Marrow," is unveiled for public appreciation. According to the band, the track "is about the frailty of human life. It is about holding your loved ones close, in a world that seeks to tear them away into the quiet."
Check out this new song below, and be sure to also check out the album's fifth track "Every End Is Fated In Its Beginning" at this location. More...
Ne Obliviscaris Kicking Off New Tour
Australian progressive metal band Ne Obliviscaris is kicking off a European tour and previously announced range of 2015 festival dates tonight in Germany alongside label mates Der Weg Einer Freiheit.
The band will be performing as part of this year's Hellfest (France), Tuska Open Air (Finland), Summer Breeze (Germany), Resurrection Fest (Spain), and more. A full list of confirmed tour dates can be found below.
June 18 Hanover, Germany (w/ Der Weg Einer Freiheit)
June 19 Belgium @ Graspop Metal Meeting
June 21 Clisson, France @ Hellfest Open Air Festival
June 27 Helsinki, Finland @ Tuska Open Air Metal Festival
July 18 Galicia, Spain @ Resurrection Fest
July 21 Tolmin, Slovenia @ MetalDays
July 25 Zurich, Switzerland (w/Der Weg Einer Freiheit) @ Dynamo Werk 21
Aug 7 England, UK @ Bloodstock Festival
Aug 8 Jaromer, Czech Republic @ Brutal Assault
Aug 9 Vagos, Portugal @ Vagos Open Air
Aug 13 Bayern, Germany @ Summer Breeze
Aug 14 Rasnov, Romania @ Rockstadt Extreme Fest
Aug 16 Saint Nolff, France @ Motocultor Open Air More...
Enabler Fails To Feel Safe
After releasing the "By Demons Denied" 7" / digital single earlier this month, Ohio's Enabler is now ready to reveal details for upcoming full-length effort, "Fail To Feel Safe."
Due out August 7th worldwide via Century Media Records, "Fail To Feel Safe" was recorded at Silver Bullet Studios with engineer Chris Teti and producer Greg Thomas, who also produced the band's 2012 release "All Hail The Void." Mastering was handled by Bill Henderson at Azimuth Mastering.
Featuring artwork by Chris Smith (who also created designs for past Enabler releases and merch), "Fail To Feel Safe" contains 13 tracks of the band's signature hardcore / metal. The track listing is:
1. Suffer to Survive
2. Fail to Feel Safe
3. By Demons Denied
4. Euphoric Revenge
5. Isolation Sickness
6. Sinister Drifter
7. Sail the Sea of Fire
8. Haunted
9. Drownage
10. Demolition Praise
11. Malady
12. La Furia
13. Sabotage Within More...
Gus G "Burn"s A New Lyric Video
Firewind guitarist Gus G released a lyric video for the new track "Burn." The song will appear on the new solo release "Brand New Revolution," which is set to drop on July 24th via Century Media Records.
The list of guest vocalists include: Jeff Scott Soto, Elize Ryd (Amaranthe), Jacob Bunton (Adler, Lynam) and Mats Levén (Candlemass, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen).
The track list for the album is:
1. The Quest
2. Brand New Revolution
3. Burn
4. We Are One
5. What Lies Below
6. Behind Those Eyes
7. Gone To Stay
8. One More Try
9. Come Hell Or High Water
10. If It Ends Today
11. Generation G
12. The Demon Inside
Check out "Burn" here: More...
Northlane Vocalist Undergoing Surgery
Northlane has issued the following announcement about cancelling upcoming live shows due to medical issues:
"It is with huge regret that we have to cancel our upcoming festival appearances at Graspop and Southside due to a medical emergency with our vocalist Marcus Bridge.
"Marcus had been feeling increasingly ill over the last few days, causing us to seek medical assistance today in Dessau. Upon inspection it was revealed that he had an issue that needed to be operated on immediately due to a high risk of the problem getting worse. While we can’t go into specifics, we can tell you that he will be absolutely fine.
"However, he is currently under going surgery and needs to be in hospital for the next few days. We will play our show in Dessau tonight instrumentally out of respect for everyone unable to change their plans in time for the show, but we will be skipping the festivals and waiting for Marcus to heal before heading back home to Australia together.
"We apologise from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who was looking forward to seeing us play – as you know there is not much that could make Northlane cancel a show – but health always comes first in these situations. Please send your best wishes to Marcus in his time of need, as he needs all the support he can get.
"Once again, we are extremely, extremely sorry for this unfortunate situation. Thank you for understanding, and we hope to see you all in October." More...
Evergrey Premieres "Black Undertow" Music Video
Swedish progressive metal act Evergrey premiered the new music video for the track "Black Undertow" over at Revolver Magazine's website at this location (also in the player below). The song appears on the band's latest album "Hymns for the Broken," which is available via AFM Records (see review here).
Evergrey recently announced a North American tour run this August/September with Voyager, Gates of Slumber and Borealis, culminating in its appearance at the ProgPower USA Mid-Week Mayhem show (with Voyager, Ashes of Ares and Halcyon Way) on Wednesday, September 9th and a special acoustic set on Thursday, September 10th, both at the Loft in Center Stage, Atlanta, GA. For dates, head on over to this location.
Check out the video here:
Iron Maiden Announces "The Book Of Souls"
Iron Maiden’s eagerly awaited new studio album "The Book Of Souls" will be released globally on September 4th through Parlophone Records (Sanctuary Copyrights/BMG in the U.S.A.). It was recorded in Paris with their longstanding producer Kevin “Caveman” Shirley in late 2014, with the finishing touches added earlier this year. However, the band decided to delay its release so that vocalist Bruce Dickinson, who was recently given the all-clear from a tumour, would have time to recuperate sufficiently to join in the preparations for the album’s launch.
The stunning cover art was created by Mark Wilkinson who has worked with the band previously, and because this 11 track album has a total running time of 92 minutes, it is Iron Maiden's first ever double studio album. There’s a broader split on the song-writing compared to previous Maiden records, with bassist and founder member Steve Harris contributing to seven of the tracks; 6 of them with Maiden’s guitarists and one sole composition. This is also the first time since 1984’s Powerslave that an Iron Maiden studio album also features two tracks written solely by Bruce Dickinson, one of which is the longest song Maiden has ever recorded! And also two Dickinson/Smith collaborations.
Steve comments: “We approached this album in a different way to how we’ve recorded previously. A lot of the songs were actually written while we were there in the studio and we rehearsed and recorded them straight away while they were still fresh, and I think that immediacy really shows in the songs, they have almost a live feel to them I think. I’m very proud of 'The Book Of Souls,' we all are, and we can’t wait for our fans to hear it, and especially to take it out on the road next year!” More...
Rage Announces New Lineup, Tour
An outcry went through the metal scene, when Peter "Peavy" Wagner and Victor Smolski of Rage declared the end of their musical collaboration in the beginning of February 2015. Since André Hilgers also had to leave his place behind the drums, rumors were running high quickly and there was even talk about Rage would call it quits. Though Peavy made it clear over and over again in interviews that the new line-up of the band was already positioned, the names of his new band mates remained untold.
Now the wait has come to an end – the new line-up of RAGE reads as follows:
Peter "Peavy" Wagner – Vocals, Bass
Marcos Rodriguez (Soundchaser) – Guitars, Vocals
Vassilios "Lucky" Maniatopoulos – Drums, Vocals
The new studio album is about to be finalized and will be released in spring 2016 via Nuclear Blast. More...
Exclusive
Arkona Releases New Video "Zov Pustyh Dereven'"
Russian blackened folk metal act Arkona premieres the new music video for "Zov pustyh dereven,'" which can be viewed in the player below. The song appears on the latest studio effort "Yav" (2014), which is available now through Napalm Records.
The Russian warriors revolving around the impressive frontlady Masha "Scream" Arkhipova have perfected their unique style. Like never before, the band interweaves brutal Metal riffs, pounding drums and folk melodies, the latter played mostly on authentic and medieval instruments. Sweeping and profound songs, epic compositions and dream-like atmospheres create the distinctive and enthralling sound of Arkona!
Arkona will hit the road in North America this September/October with Heidevolk and California's Helsott.
The dates for the tour, with more still to be announced are:
Sep 09: Petit Campus, Montreal, Canada
Sep 10: Salle Multi, Quebec City, Canada
Sep 11: The Garrison, Toronto, Canada
Sep 12: Alrosa Villa, Columbus, OH
Sep 13: Reggie's, Chicago, IL
Sep 20: Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
Sep 23: Metro Opera House, Oakland, CA
Sep 25: Complex, Los Angeles, CA
Sep 26: The Merrow, San Diego, CA
Sep 27: Joe's Grotto, Phoenix, AZ
Sep 30: The Riot Room, Kansas City, MO
Oct 02: Metro Gallery, Baltimore, MD
Oct 04: The Orpheum, Tampa, FL
Metal Underground.com is proud to present the world premiere of the "Zov pustyh dereven'" here: More...
Praying Mantis To Release New Album "Legacy"
Legendary NWoBM act Praying Mantis, who once featured such vocal greats like Paul Di'anno and Doogie White, announced that the new album "Legacy" will be issued this summer via Frontiers Music srl (Date TBA).
The band released a statement and a EPK video featuring clips from the new album: "The early reactions to the new songs have been outstanding and there is a real buzz beginning to emerge that this could arguably be the best album that Mantis have ever made! Bold words to be sure, but this is more than mere record label hyperbole....."
"'Legacy' is the first recording to feature the two new members, Jaycee Cuijpers and Hans in’t Zandt (vocals and drums respectively), who have truly provided a new dimension to the writing process and musical performances. Together with guitarists Tino Troy and Andy Burgess, they have been instrumental not only in the writing of the new songs, but in providing a new vision in terms of the sound engineering and production."
The album was recorded in various studios in Belgium, Netherlands and UK. As with the previous record, “Sanctuary”, the mixing of the new album was performed by Andrew Riley in his studio in Atlanta. The first single, “Fight For Your Honour” will be accompanied by a video shot while the band performed the song for the first time at their acclaimed performance at the Frontiers Rock Festival II in Milan, Italy.
One of the most influential and famous artists in the rock field, Rodney Matthews (Magnum, Diamond Head, Allen/Lande), has been commissioned to do the artwork for the album in the same style and stunning quality that so many fans loved on the original Mantis albums like 'Time Tells No Lies' and the later album “Predator In Disguise." Check it out below. More...
Maya Details Debut Album "The Prophecy Is Broken"
Italian progressive symphonic metal act Maya will release the debut album "The Prophecy is Broken" through Underground Symphony Records on July 15th.
Maya plays a heavy style of symphonic metal with progressive rock and metal touches in the vein of Symphony X, Savatage and Journey.
"The Prophecy Is Broken" will be available as an exclusive digipak CD. The track list is:
1. Kukulkan
2. Spirit
3. Treasure World
4. The Prophecy Is Broken
5. Fight
6. Strangers
7. The Chosen Ones
8. The Day After
9. Deja Vu More...
Thundermother Releases Music Video For New Single
Swedish rockers Thundermother released a music video for the new single "It's Just a Tease." The song will appear on the upcoming sophomore release, scheduled for later this year via Despotz Records. More information on the album and the re-issue of the debut "Rock 'n' Roll Disaster" is expected soon.
Check out the video here:
Metal Church Releases Re-Recorded "Badlands"
Metal Church is streaming the re-recorded classic "Badlands," with Mike Howe back on vocals. The track originally appeared on the 1989 album "Blessing In Disguise." Howe recently rejoined the band and a new album is in the works.
There is no indication yet whether the track will appear on the upcoming release, or if any other tracks are being re-recorded from that era, however, a new album is expected this year via Rat Pak Records.
Check out the track here:
Zandelle Announces New Album "Perseverance"
Long running New York power metal act Zandelle announced that the band's fifth studio effort will be entitled "Perseverance." The album is set for release on July 24th via Pure Steel Records. The album is the first full length of original material since 2009's "Flames of Rage."
"Perseverance" is also the first album to feature guitarist T.W. Durfy, who joined the band in 2011. The track listing for the album is:
1. Resurgence
2. Unending Fortitude
3. Lycanthrope
4. Shadow Slaves
5. End Game
6. Beyond the Point
7. Innocence Lost
8. Midnight Reign
9. Perseverance
10. Avenger of the Fallen
11. Revengeance (From the Ashes) More...
D.C. Cooper Pulls Out Of PPUSA KO Show, Saxon In
D.C. Cooper, vocalist for Royal Hunt, has pulled out of the ProgPower USA Kick off show in Atlanta, GA, set for September 10th at Center Stage, citing an undisclosed reason. Just today, it was revealed on Saxon's Facebook Page that the band along with Armored Saint will replace Cooper and play with previously announced acts Dragonland and Almah. The official announcement from Swordlord Productions and ProgPower USA was expected for noon EST today.
The pull out does not affect Cooper's performance of Royal Hunt on the main festival roster. The statement reads: "It is with great disappointment and sadness the we are announcing the cancellation of the DC Cooper solo performance at the 2105 Atlanta ProgPowerUSA Kick-Off Party on Sept. 10th 2015.. Due to circumstances beyond his control, or anyone elses control, DC Cooper had to make this tough decision to withdraw from the Kick-Off Concert. Hopefully, we will be able to elaborate more on the situation in the near future. But,at this time, this is all the information we have.
"DC Cooper wishes to convey the following message,...'I want to thank everyone involved for their professionalism and enthusiasm that helped bring this together up to this point. Nathan Block and his festival team, Dave Watson, Kenny Porter Julian Nieser, and many others! Thank you, and my sincere apologies! Especially my warmest Thanks to the fans and friends who were to attend. Your support is never-ending and much appreciated!'"
"DCE/Studio747 wants to also convey. The ProgPower USA performance of Royal Hunt on Sept. 12th, 2015 WILL NOT BE AFFECTED!, in any way at all. Royal Hunt will perform their highly acclaimed and successful album, 'Paradox' in its entirety on Saturday night! This still will be a performance that should not be missed!
"One last note,....The DC Cooper solo cd with TEAM DC is in full swing and coming along nicely with incredible results! The TEAM hopes to have an early fall release if all goes well. The team has been working tirelessly on the production, and it has now become the highest priority!
"Thank you all so much once again to everyone! I will see you in Atlanta,...still,...for PPGUSA2015!" More...
Tucker Answers Morbid Angel Fan Questions
After guitarist Trey Azagthoth of Florida death metallers Morbid Angel announced on June 15th that the band had reunited with Steve Tucker, and later that same day Dave Vincent issued a statement that he had not left the band, a lot of confusion resulted among fans regarding the current status of Morbid Angel.
That same day, drummer Tim Yeung confirmed his exit from the band. Yesterday Steve Tucker answered some questions in a brand new post on his Facebook page. Writes Tucker:
"Here are a few answers to questions that I keep getting asked…'What's up with David?' I don't have a fucking clue, and I don't think that I am the only one. 'Is Pete Sandoval coming back?' I fucking wish that would happen! 'Will there be both myself and David in Morbid Angel?' Hahahahhahhahahaha. Sorry, man, I play death metal, so, NO. 'Who will play second guitar'? Time will answer that one... 'And last but not least, will Warfather continue?' Absolutely! We track the new album in three weeks at Mana Studios, with my brother Erik Rutan producing!"
Steve Tucker handled bass & vocals on Morbid Angel's "Formulas Fatal To The Flesh", "Gateways To Annihilation" and "Heretic" albums. You can check out a live video from this era below. More...
Graveworm Posts Entire New Album
Graveworm is streaming the upcomg new album "Ascending Hate" in its entirety below. The new effort is set to drop June 19th via AFM Records.
Fans of the band all ready know that Graveworm is well known for cover versions of pop and rock songs. This time they've zeroed in on Bon Jovi's "Runaway" and Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean."
The entire track listing reads as follows:
01. Stillborn
02. Liars To The Lions
03. Blood, Torture And Death
04. Downfall Of Heaven
05. Son Of Lies
06. Buried Alive
07. Rise Again
08. The Death Heritage
09. To The Empire Of Madness
10. Nocturnal Hymns II (The Death Anthem)
11. Runaway [Bon Jovi cover]
12. Billie Jean [Michael Jackson cover]
Check out now the new album "Ascending Hate" below.
Primitive Weapons Premieres New Music Video
New York City's metal outfit Primitive Weapons premieres a new music video for "The Electric Drama", which was shot at the Brooklyn metal venue "Saint Vitus Bar". The band is also working on a new album titled "The Future of Death" which will be out on PartySmaher Inc. this fall on a date t.b.a..
Check out now "The Electric Drama" below.
Fight Amp Posts New Music Video "Ex Everything"
Fight Amp premieres its new music video "Ex Everything" taken from from the album "Constantly Off" which was released on June 09th via Brutal Panda Records. Explains the band: "If you aren’t already aware, we sort of have a soft spot for outdated technology. So it only made sense to shoot the first video for ‘Constantly Off’ straight to an old VHS camera handed down by our high school’s A.V. Club to director Steve Perrong. Throw in a touch of tin foil hat conspiracy, and the 24 hour news cycle, and there you have our new video for ‘Ex Everything.’ This was a lot of fun to make, hope you enjoy."
Check it out now below.
Miss May I Posts New Track "I.H.E."
Miss May I is streaming a new song titled "I.H.E." taken from the upcoming new album "Deathless", which will be released August 07th via Rise Records. "Deathless" was produced by Joey Sturgis (Of Mice & Men) and Nick Sampson (Asking Alexandria) and was recorded at The Foundation Recording Studio in Connersville, IN.
Check out "I.H.E." now below.
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