Metal News for August 25, 2023
Last updated on September 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM ET
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21 news articles posted on this day.
Till The Dirt Unveils "Privilege" Lyric Video
Extreme-progressive metal band Till The Dirt have released their debut album, "Outside The Spiral," today with Nuclear Blast Records.
Spearheaded by influential metal legend Kelly Shaefer (Atheist), the newly formed group has defied the confines of death metal with a massively heavy sound influenced by the juxtaposing styles of grunge, black metal, jazz, rock, dark wave and even classic pop. Shaefer’s unique take on the music swayed legendary death metal producer Scott Burns (Death, Cannibal Corpse, Deicide) out of retirement to work on the record with mixing and mastering by Ryan Vincent at Apollo Alternative. The result is an eclectic, progressive outlier record that takes listeners on an insane journey outside the norms of traditional metal.
Today, the band has also debuted a lyric video for the song "Privilege," which features metal luminary Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, ex-Nevermore). Watch the lyric video below.
Commenting on "Privilege," Shaefer says:
"I couldn't be more excited to unleash the 3rd single from ‘Outside the Spiral.’ This track is probably the closest to the template of what I'm most proud of about this album. And lyrically, it is a bit of a tribute to the very ‘Privilege’ of just breathing each new day as it comes. I'm excited for the world to hear the complete album! It's at minimum a new frontier." More...
Razor Parts Ways With Drummer Rider Ripperson
Rider Ripperson (Rider Johnson,) known as the drummer of Canadian speed/thrash metal titans Razor, has announced that he and the band have parted company. In a social media post, he claims that he left "a while back" and that his replacement is Shareef "Reef" Hassanien of Invicta, who also previously had a stint with the band from 2018 - 2019. His post reads thusly:
"Yes, I left Razor awhile back, just kept it hush. I had a great decade with these boys lots of laughs but I felt like it was my time to move on. I wish them well and Shareef Hassanien is going to kill it. Love you all and stay thrash!!!"
Razor released their latest album, "Cycle Of Contempt," their first since 1997's, "Decibels," in September of last year.
Headline News
Former Whitesnake Guitarist Bernie Marsden Passes
Legendary British guitarist Bernie Marsden, best known as one of the founding members of Whitesnake, has passed away, with his family by his side. He was seventy two years old. A message from his family reads as follows:
"On behalf of his family, it is with deep sadness we announce the death of Bernie Marsden. Bernie died peacefully on Thursday evening with his wife, Fran, and daughters, Charlotte and Olivia, by his side. Bernie never lost his passion for music, writing and recording new songs until the end."
Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale offered his condolences, stating:
"Good Morning... I’ve just woken up to the awful news that my old friend & former Snake Bernie Marsden has passed. My sincere thoughts & prayers to his beloved family, friends & fans. A genuinely funny, gifted man, whom I was honored to know & share a stage with. RIP, Bernie XXX" More...
Carnifex Unveils New Visualizer Video
Nourished by nightmares and the throbbing pulse of pragmatic terror, Carnifex has returned with their ninth full-length studio album, "Necromanteum," out October 6th via Nuclear Blast Records. After existing as a band for over 18 years, Carnifex continue to experiment with fresh song arrangements, adding a unique sense of atmosphere to their inherently deathcore foundation.
The band offers fans the next single from the album entitled, "Death's Forgotten Children" which features Tom Barber of Chelsea Grin. Lyrically the song was inspired by near-death experiences that Scott and Tom have lived through.
Carnifex's Scott Ian Lewis comments, "I really had a great time working with Tom. Not only did we collaborate on the vocal patterns but we co-wrote the lyrics, which is something I’ve never done before. The song came out great and we both hope the fans love it as much as we do." More...
Monasteries Releases "Spiralled Icon" Video
UK tech-deathcore quintet Monasteries have released their new single "Spiralled Icon," featuring Jason Evans of Ingested. You can check it out below. The single / video is from the band's new album "Ominous," also released today, 25th August via Seek and Strike.
Josh Davies (vocals) states: "We all thought that ’Spiralled Icon' would be the perfect track to release as we drop the full album, as we have taken the fans on a wild rollercoaster of emotions from ‘Alone & Against’ to ‘Heaven Failed Us’ to now ‘Spiralled Icon.' I personally feel this song is by far a heavier and more brutal track than ‘Alone & Against.’
"The track is basically talking about how our icons have failed us and we looked up to them for either guidance, inspiration, solace or even some type of closure. Then just be pushed to the curb and treated like garbage, whether that’s coming from your idols (friends, family, musicians, etc) we look up to in the scene, a good percentage of it is smoke and mirrors and nothing is what it seems. I have known the Ingested guys for quite some time now and I asked Jason Evans (vocals) if he wanted to be a part of this release, as I felt his style and technique fit this song in particular. He brought something that I could not deliver with his brutal ass beating throwback surpassing the boundaries of human suffering style delivering it to its fullest potential. This is the song we’re the most proud of and shows the direction we’re headed in. The music video speaks for itself, as it’s abrupt and chaotic, which we love and can’t wait for the fans to be able to hear it.
"Lyrically, a lot of 'Ominous' was written post-Covid and there is so much emotion and meaning behind these songs. I’m personally speaking from my experiences from childhood to becoming an adult. Everyone has put every fibre of their being into these songs, from the fight riffs to the concept and then to the production side making sure that we will be delivering the most anticipated album of 2023. It has been one hell of a journey to bring this album to fruition and it has most certainly been a long time coming for us. People should expect the unexpected, as this album holds something for everyone, whether that goes from clean singing to blast beats to then absolute ass beater fighter riffs. I am grateful for my friends for taking part and delivering some of the most incredible guest spots to date and I’m proud of Slav and Ivan for killing the producing, mix and mastering.
"The future is bright for us right now and we can’t wait for you to be a part of this journey.” More...
Laang To Release New Album In November
Taiwanese black metal band Laang has revealed their new single "Baoyu," from forthcoming LP "Riluo," to be released 24th November via Talheim Records.
The band comment: "We are thrilled to unveil the first single from our new album. 'Baoyu' discusses bodily trauma through the metaphor of a great drowning flood. The song also expresses the feeling of disconnection from life and others following trauma. 'Despite my birth and rebirth, my beating heart does not let me live'."
Laang ("cold") are born from an unearthly near-death experience, and the post-traumatic stress suffered by vocalist-guitarist Haitao Yang. The band's music exquisitely explores the pain, misery, and struggle of trauma and recovery - a unique and highly cathartic project. More...
KEN Mode Unveils New Single
KEN mode has released "These Wires," the latest single from its upcoming album, "Void." You can listen to the song below or stream it via the band's official BandCamp. The sequel to last year's acclaimed "Null" album, "Void" will be released September 22nd on Artoffact Records.
KEN mode frontman Jesse Matthewson gives this statement about the new song: "Why would anything feel right again? Do you get the sense that a lot of people have been fundamentally damaged by the pandemic? The psychological fallout of this event is going to be seen for years to come, and this is its anthem." More...
Primordial Posts Behind The Scenes Video
Irish black metal legends Primordial, who recently announced their new album, "How It Ends," has posted a new video online, giving fans a behind the scenes look at their latest music video, "Victory Has 1000 Fathers, Defeat Is An Orphan," which also provides insight into the weapons and armour featured in the clip. You can check it out below.
"How It Ends" is scheduled to be released on September 29th through Metal Blade Records and will be the band's first album since 2018's, "Exile Amongst The Ruins." More...
KK's Priest Shares "Strike Of The Viper" Video
KK's Priest, the iconic heavy metal group of iconic Judas Priest alum and GRAMMY Award winning/nominated musicians K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim "Ripper" Owens (vocals), along with A.J. Mills (guitar), Tony Newton (bass) and Sean Elg (drums) - will proudly reveal their new sophomore offering, The Sinner Rides Again, on September 29, 2023 via Napalm Records!
Following up on the release of their blistering newest singles "One More Shot At Glory" and "Reap The Whirlwind", KK’s Priest have just unveiled a third new track - the unrelenting "Strike Of The Viper." The undeniable barnburner proves itself as one of the album’s most unforgettable tracks - featuring a hooky chorus, dynamic rhythms and of course, a searing solo!
K.K. Downing says about "Strike Of The Viper":
"Beware - 'Strike Of The Viper' is now here... These demons can sting and bite their way into your brain, what world are they from? I would very much like to see this one send all mosh pits spinning into a blur as KK’s Priest deliver up some fast and furious metal. Strike after Strike — just like the viper." More...
Raven, Girlschool & Alcatrazz Announce Tour Dates
New Wave Of British Heavy Metal cult favourites Raven and Girlschool have announced that they will be teaming up, not only together, but with American heavy metal veterans Alcatrazz for a triple co-headlining tour of the United Kingdom in 2024. In addition to this, London NWOBHM stalwarts Airforce will be opening the show as special guests.
The tour dates are as follows:
February 14 - Glasgow - Ivory Blacks
February 15 - Newcastle - Trillians Newcastle
February 16 - Manchester -Manchester Academy
February 17 - London - The Dome
3Teeth Debuts "Higher Than Death" Lyric Video
There’s just a month to go until 3Teeth releases its first full-length album in four years, "EndEx" on September 22 via Century Media Records. Continuing with the series of monthly singles ahead of the release, the modern industrial act today shares the rollicking track, "Higher Than Death." It’s paired with an animated lyric video that allows listeners to come even closer with the lyrical venom of band frontman and mastermind Alexis Mincolla. You can check it out below.
Says Mincolla of the track: "The only clear view is from atop the mountain of your dead selves." More...
Oni To Release New Album In September
Following months of anticipation, acclaimed Canadian metalcore powerhouse Oni has revealed plans for the release of their third full-length album, "The Silver Line," which will debut September 22nd from Ironshore Records.
Led by frontman Jake Oni, the band lit a match earlier this year with the release of "Silence In A Room Of Lies" (Feat. Jared Dines) and a monumental tour with Megadeth and Bullet For My Valentine, which sparked a feverish frenzy among fans. Shortly after, they added fuel to the fire with the red hot single "Underneath My Skin" (Feat. Kellin Quinn), further teasing the impending release. Now, ONI fans the flames of an inferno of excitement with full details of the new album, and their next single "Aura," that features guests Josh Gilbert (ex-As I LAY Dying, Spiritbox) and Howard Jones (ex-Killswitch Engage, Light The Torch).
Commenting on "The Silver Line" Jake Oni states:
"This album is different completely from anything I’ve done before. It’s the new direction for ONI sonically with Josh Gilbert and me at the helm writing and Joe McQueen mixing and getting the best vocal takes from me. It’s banger after banger from heavy tracks like 'Cyanide' to melodic uplifting songs like 'Aura' this album will have something for everyone to enjoy!"
Oni adds about "Aura":
"Aura is a collaboration with friends. It’s always great to work with Howard and Josh. It feels like this song was made a lifetime ago so I’m stoked for everyone to hear it." More...
The Word Alive Releases New Single "One Of Us"
The Word Alive has dropped their highly-anticipated new album, "Hard Reset," produced by Hiram Hernandez, (As I Lay Dying, Blessthefall, AVOID) Erik Ron, (Nothing.Nowhere, Too Close To Touch, I Prevail) and Matt Good, (Asking Alexandria, Hollywood Undead, Sleeping With Sirens), out now via Thriller Records. Alongside this massive release comes the band's new track, "One Of Us" featuring Noah Sebastian of Bad Omens.
On the new single, frontman Telle Smith comments:
"There may be no song on Hard Reset that ushers in the new era of The Word Alive quite like 'One Of Us'. From the atmospheric to the melodic to the heavy, there is a synergy in this song you feel from the instrumentals to the lyrics to the vocal performances by me and Noah Sebastian. With a nostalgic nod to the Deceiver hit '2012', fans are in for a ride." More...
Serpents Oath Signs With Odium Records
Belgian black metal band Serpents Oath has signed with Odium Records for the release of their third album. Renowned for their intense and dark sound, Serpents Oath have established a formidable reputation in the darkness of the underground through their two exceptional albums, "Nihil" and "Ascension." Now they have forged a new alliance with Odium Records, a label renowned throughout the world for their dedication to the dark, for the release of their as yet untitled third album - expected to descend upon us in late 2023.
Talking about their new relationship with Odium Records, Serpents Oath commented: "Since the release of our first album we have been in contact with Shadow of Odium Records. It was clear from the start that we shared the same vision on uncompromising black metal. Hence we are honored to team up with an elite underground label that has released material from bands like Ofermod, Beastcraft, Acherontas, Varathron and Black Altar."
Going on to speak about the new, forthcoming album the band added: "As this is the third record, we realized we had to challenge ourselves. Not only did we switch labels, but we also went to a different studio. The goal was to capture the energy that our live performances have and combine that with a pulverizing sound. At Project Zero Studio we achieved exactly that goal. Yarne pushed us to our limits when recording and then assured the mixing and mastering delivered that skull crushing result."
Shadow, the head of Odium Records was equally pleased to be able to welcome Serpents Oath to his roster: "After following up such a strong debut with an equally impressive second album it was clear to us that we wanted to work with Serpents Oath. They bring a fresh wind whilst capturing the spirit of '90s black metal. Their third album will see them taking this to the next level."
U.D.O. Shares "Fight For The Right" Lyric Video
Today, iconic German heavy metallers U.D.O. strike back with their new 13-track studio album, which was lauded by hard 'n' heavy press worldwide and thereby cements the fact that they're not only midfielders but definitely one of the main forerunners of the scene. But that's not all: "Touchdown" also marks the musical reunion of singer Udo Dirkschneider and bassist Peter Baltes (ex-Accept) who joined the U.D.O. ranks a few months ago, and to celebrate those happenings, the group have launched a lyric video for new song "Fight For The Right," which can be found on their new offering. It's an anti-war track that continues U.D.O.'s tradition of delivering heavy old-school riffing, this time garnished with a grand, classical music dominated guitar solo. Watch the visualisation by Ingo Spörl (Hard Media) below.
Released via Atomic Fire Records, the album was crafted with producer and mixing engineer Martin "Mattes" Pfeiffer at Redhead Studio (Wilhelmshaven, Germany) and mastered by Stefan Kaufmann at ROXX Studio (Solingen, Germany). The record includes a guest appearance by violinist Stefan Pintev on the closing track, and bass tracks were recorded by new member Baltes. Artwork was provided by Martin Häusler who was also responsible for shooting band photos in support of the new album campaign. More...
Sodom Announces New EP "1982"
Flashback to spring 1982, Essen, Stauderstraße in the Altenessen district, a small musty rehearsal room in an industrial wasteland area. Three long-haired hopefuls have tuned their instruments and are hard at work, recording their first demo tape at top volume. The track they’re cutting is called "Witching Metal" and turns into bludgeoning thrash metal of the purest variety. "Basically, we chose the wrong key, but we then weren’t about musical correctness, we were all about attitude. We were against the establishment, were in trouble with our teachers and training supervisors because, in their opinion, we wore the wrong clothes and listened to the wrong kind of music," remembers Sodom boss Tom Angelripper, looking back at his adolescence. "At vocational college, I was the only one into metal. All the others listened to New Wave or Neue Deutsche Welle."
That’s 41 years ago, but the influence of that formative era still affects the present, which is why Tom and Sodom wrote the track "1982," recalling the band’s first steps both musically and lyrically. Now, "1982" as well as re-recordings of their early songs "Witching Metal," "Victims Of The Death," "Let’s Fight In The Darkness Of Hell" and "Equinox" have been immortalised on vinyl and some on CD for the first time. And as any self-respecting, dynamic band would, they’ve also scheduled a tour in the spirit of that early Sodom phase in 2023 and 2024.
"1982" will be released on November 10, 2023 through SPV/Steamhammer in the following configurations:
=> CD-EP DigiPak
=> 12" Vinyl, 140 g, cristallo vinyl, printed inner sleeve
=> Download / Streaming
Tracklisting:
1. 1982 (Remix)
2. Witching Metal
3. Victims Of Death
4. Let`s Fight In The Darkness Of Hell
5. Equinox More...
Kallias Debuts "Irrational Fear" Music Video
Progressive death metal upstarts Kallias has shared their brand new single and video, "Irrational Fear," which features guitarist Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, Nevermore).
Kallias will be digitally releasing its brand new album, "First Ascent," today (August 25, 2023,) via AISA Distribution. In celebration of the new release, Kallias will be also be kicking off a run of West Coast tour dates in support of Cyborg Octopus. The full itinerary can be found below.
Kallias guitarist and vocalist Nicole Papastavrou comments, "'Irrational Fear’ showcases the iconic Jeff Loomis, who has been a big influence to us since the beginning. The song kicks off our new album, First Ascent, which releases August 25. Our approach with 'Irrational Fear' was to incorporate a more melodic feel, compiled over heavier layers and more traditional song structure. We hope you all enjoy this opener to the new record!"
The tour dates are as follows: More...
Secret Sphere Reveals New Album Details
Italian Power Metal mainstays Secret Sphere will release their tenth studio album, "Blackened Heartbeat," on 10th November via Frontiers. A first single and video from it for the song "J.’s Serenade" is available from today and can be seen below.
Secret Sphere are considered one of the pioneers of the Italian power metal scene, still proudly flying the flag for the movement alongside contemporaries such as Labyrinth and Rhapsody Of Fire. Led by guitarist and producer Aldo Lonobile (Sweet Oblivion w/Geoff Tate, Archon Angel w/Zak Stevens, and more) since 1999, the band have consistently delivered the goods while ever-honing their unique sound. They have also remained active on the live front, with numerous tours, headlining shows and festival appearances to their name.
“With ‘Blackened Heartbeat’ we truly pushed the pedal to the metal, retaining our roots while emphasising the dark side of our music,” states Lonobile.
"This album is a concept work that explores the dark corners of the mind via the professional skills of a depressive psychologist that cross over into the supernatural, as he works compulsively to plunder the unconscious of his patients and feel the 'blackened heartbeat’ pulsating through his veins," explains singer Roberto Messina.
Proudly showing off the heaviest side of the band, "Blackened Heartbeat" is a true power metal storm. Undoubtedly the fastest album of the band’s career, it is a riot of intricate drum patterns, technical and heavy guitar works, majestic orchestrations and the unique vocal tone of Messina, who conjures original and catchy melodies. It is the group’s second comeback album with their original singer, after he rejoined in 2021 for the release of the album "Lifeblood." More...
Holding Absence Posts New Music Video Online
Today, Holding Absence unveils their brand new album "The Noble Art Of Self Destruction" via SharpTone Records.
Vocalist Lucas Woodland comments: "Today, we are absolutely ecstatic to unveil our new album - the third in a trilogy - “The Noble Art Of Self Destruction”. We set out to write an all killer, no filler album, that was equal parts conceptual as it was personal, and we’re so proud of the results. We hope these songs get stuck in your head just as much as the lyrics can connect with you!"
In conjunction with the release, the band have also revealed the video for "Her Wings," a twisted yet poetic love song that stories the allure of death in our darkest hour.
In relation to "Her Wings," Lucas elaborates: "We’re so excited to show you today, our brand new single 'Her Wings'. This song is close to all of our hearts - a far more Emo song than we’ve ever written before - “Her Wings” is a love-letter to death. Holding Absence, at our darkest."
Beast In Black Uploads New Music Video
The festival season is almost done and international powerhouse Beast In Black are already gearing up for their next round of live dates, which will take them across the USA and Canada for 31 shows.
Today they present their fans with a captivating music video of the track "To The Last Drop Of Blood," taken from their latest album "Dark Connection."
Witness the raw talent and unparalleled chemistry of each band member as they come together to create an unforgettable concert experience. From dynamic solos to breathtaking vocal performances, this live video showcases Beast In Black at the peak of their musical prowess.
The video was shot during their European tour between November 30 and December 5, 2022, directed by Damien Dausch from Psyrus Studio.
The band comments: "As we hit bigger and bigger stages in front of tens of thousands of fans, the power of the Beast continues to break loose! We also want to show this madness to those people who have never had the chance to see us live. For that, we chose a powerful song from our latest album, Dark Connection, and we asked Damien Dausch to film it on some shows of the tour. Now, we can proudly present you the music video for 'To The Last Drop Of Blood!'
"We hope it brings the big arena feeling into your home." More...
Ural Unveils "Nightmare" Visualizer
Italian thrash metal band Ural has uploaded a new visualizer video for the song, "Nightmare." You can check it out below. "Nightmare" serves as the second single from the band's upcoming album, "Psychoverse," which will be released through Xtreem Music on Ocrober 10th.
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