Kratornas has released the official lyric video for “Ravaged by Hurakaan”, the third track from the upcoming full-length album “God of the Tribes”, set for release on August 22, 2025, through Grathila Records. Following the successful limited releases of the “Ravaged by Hurakaan” vinyl demo and remix cassette last month, this lyric video presents the full album version of the track for the first time. At seven minutes, the song demonstrates the new direction Kratornas has taken, focusing on atmosphere, tension, and ritualistic elements rather than the blistering speed of earlier works. Kratornas comments on the single:
“This album marks a turning point for Kratornas. The first 15 years were deprived years. Not of ideas, but of the equipment to record them. That’s why I was stuck with simplicity, but it was never the plan. Now I have everything I need to get THAT sound. This album isn’t about being ‘advanced’ or ‘innovative’, it’s a return to roots, distilled into something raw and real.”
The lyric video offers fans their first look at the complete lyrics, which have been described as ‘thick with metaphors, open to many interpretations’. The creator cautions that the words incorporated into the ritualistic chants throughout the album are deliberately crafted to provoke strong psychological responses.
The video's visual aesthetics complement the apocalyptic themes that have defined Kratornas' work since 1999, when the project shifted from its early Satanic themes to ‘doomsday predictions’ that have remained a consistent inspiration. “Ravaged by Hurakaan” serves as a perfect introduction to “God of the Tribes”, showcasing the project's new sonic approach while maintaining the intensity that has defined Kratornas for nearly three decades. It is recommended for anyone who enjoys black metal.
Rockshots Records and Secret Rule are excited to announce the release of the band’s new single “Echoes Of The Earth,” accompanied by a music video and available on all digital platforms starting today, June 24th, 2025. The track is the second preview of Secret Rule’s highly anticipated tenth studio album “X”, due for release late 2025.
With “Echoes Of The Earth”, Secret Rule explores a more introspective and spiritual side of their sound. The song blends heavy grooves, atmospheric tension, and layered electronics, creating a powerful and immersive soundscape. Lyrically, it reflects on the human need to reconnect with what is real and primordial in a chaotic, artificial world.
“It’s about listening for something ancient to guide you. I wrote the lyrics during a time when I needed to feel grounded again. That chorus is the moment of awakening,” says vocalist Angela Di Vincenzo.
Guitarist and producer Andy Menario adds:
“We wanted a track that felt direct and alive—something that could carry both chaos and order, like a dialogue between the modern world and the earth itself.”
Fresh from a 15-date European tour with Temperance and Induction earlier this spring and gearing up to hit major summer festivals across Europe, including Masters of Rock (Czech Republic), Rock Imperium (Spain), and Laurus Nobilis (Portugal),Secret Rule continues to prove they are entering a bold new chapter.
Listen to “Echoes Of The Earth” at the following links:
SUMMER FESTIVALS: 27.06.25 ES - Imperium Rock Festival 12.07.25 CZ - Masters of Rock 20.07.25 PT - Laurus Nobilis ANGELA DI VINCENZO: Vocals ANDY ‘MENARIO’ MENARINI: Guitar SOFIA BASILI: Bass ANDREA MIAZZETTO: Drums
Unleashing their debut EP "Look to the Skies" this past April, Crüzer is not just a band—they are a cosmic metal assault from the Great White North. Hailing from Vancouver, BC, Canada, their sound is as unstoppable as an alien invasion force, tearing through the atmosphere with electrifying solos and unforgettable hooks.
In the lead up to their upcoming local show dates on June 27th at The Astoria and July 26th at The Kingsway (details below), Crüzer is unveiling the lyric video for their EP's title track.
"The title track, Look to the Skies, deals with the threat of an extraterrestrial invasion force, and the attempts of the world powers to stop it (or maybe they know more than they’re letting on…). The chorus hook on this song might be my favourite of the whole album, love how it just comes in out of nowhere after a whole verse and pre-chorus of harsh blackened thrash vocals," adds vocalist Eric Wilmott.
Featuring five tracks of raging, rip-roaring, intergalactic speed metal, with a multitude of different flavours catered to the tastes of every thrasher, but with a melodic and humorous twist. Crüzer's latest EP, "Look to the Skies", will have metalheads headbanging to the power of the riff and celebrating the bizarre and otherworldly wonders of the universe.
"I believe this EP will be well received by any thrasher who enjoys a touch of melody with their mosh fodder. While in the studio, we ensured that these songs were polished and perfected, with a good dose of melody and catchiness infused into the madness. We aim to provide a thrash buffet of sorts, a smorgasbord filled with various flavours of speed, melody, and attitude. Tracks like 'Pit Vyper' have some serious hair metal vibes, and it is preceded on the record by '(I Need) Thrash', a Slayer-esque song! EARTHLINGS!!! Crank it to 11, and prepare for an out-of-this-world heavy metal experience. Your alien overlords are excited to unveil our latest slice of interplanetary propaganda, LOOK TO THE SKIES!"says Willmott.
"Look to the Skies" is recommended for fans of all things thrash, such as Havok, Exodus (Zetro era), Destruction, Metallica (Ride the Lightning era), Exciter, and 80s Judas Priest.
The EP is streaming on all digital platforms as of April 4, 2025. Crüzer plans to unleash the 5-track record on CD, with the release date to be determined. CD pre-order will be available from the band via their Bandcamp at https://cruzermuzik.bandcamp.com.
Now available as of June 20th, Calgary'shigh-intensity, no filler rockers LOVER, release theirlimited edition cassette for their latest EP "Fatal Attraction". Fans can now rock out with a physical anthem in hand. Heavy metal fans can experience what "Fatal Attraction" truly is: a fast, real, kick to the face. Even though the EP is only two tracks, this is a sampler of what's to come. The opening title track is an energetic rush of sound that captures the ups and downs of being overwhelmed by desire. The lyrics feed this feeling by talking about lust and substance abuse. Track 2. "Bad Love" lyrically is a tough and mean reality check. It's based on a true story of love gone wrong. It has aggressive riffs, mean solos, and is captures the strain of a mind in love and turmoil.
"High energy, vocal harmonies, guitar harmonies, pounding drums. We deliver a full Rock n' Roll experience. We only had a few songs ready at the time of this recording, so we all decided on our best 2 songs. We have been diligently writing and have more than enough material for a full-length record. We are starting to write a 2nd record already. Most songs are demoed. We are hoping to get some help with the costs of recording our first full-length record." - Lover
Track Listing: 1- Fatal Attraction – 4:46 2- Bad Love – 5:45
EP and Live Lineup: Aidan Desmarais – Lead Vocals, Guitar Hunter Raymond – Drums, Vocals Jacob Chase – Bass Christopher LoNigro – Guitar
In additional news, LOVER is performing at this year's Armstrong Metal Fest (July 11/12), one of Canada's loudest mountain moshpits nestled in the beautiful backdrop of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. More info:https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/
Show Dates: July 11/12 - Armstrong, BC - Armstrong Metal Fest July 19 - Edmonton, AB - The Dive Bar
Ivy Gardens, the experimental sludge metal band from Niagara Falls, Canada, has announced the release of their highly anticipated new music video for the single "Burden" and their sophomore album, "Death of Don Valley", set to drop on August 29th, 2025, via Paper Cut Recordings. The record marks a bold new chapter in the band’s sound, with more complex compositions, darker themes, and a shift into a more experimental and atmospheric direction. Formed in the parking lot of Princess Auto, Ivy Gardens’ journey began with a mutual love for covering Rush instrumentals and an obsession with heavy, sludge-infused sound. From those humble beginnings, the band’s unique chemistry and vision have led to the creation of their most ambitious and thematically focused album yet. "Burden", the first single from "Death of Don Valley", showcases a satirical take on nihilism, with dark and comical undertones. The track was one of the first songs written for the album and features a fast-paced, relentless tempo that gradually picks up speed in the studio. Lyrically, it's a satirical take on the archetypal nihilist, with a dose of doom and gloom that veers into a comical extreme. The band describes it as “quick and succinct” — a track that encapsulates the essence of their new sonic direction.
Watch and listen to the music video for "Burden" via its premiere on The Obelisk HERE.
"Death of Don Valley" is a concept album, exploring the themes of death, decay, and the unstoppable erosion of life and the environment. The concept is rooted in the history of the Don Valley River, a once-thriving waterway now plagued by pollution and degradation. The album's artwork reflects this with the haunting image of a corpse between the banks of the flooded river, anthropomorphizing the water itself as it becomes a symbol of death and decay.
The material on "Death of Don Valley" was designed to be heard live, with massive stacks of amplifiers and a commitment to delivering the music in all its raw, unfiltered glory. It marks a bold new direction for Ivy Gardens; the band has no plans of slowing down. Their dedication to the project is evident in every note they play and every lyric they write as they continue to push musical boundaries and explore new sonic territories. Lyrically, the record draws from a mix of historical events, such as the tragic story of Canadian bush pilot Martin Hartwell, and fictional narratives, creating a dark and gripping atmosphere. The songs explore everything from violence, death, and survival to environmental destruction and existential dread. As the band explains:
"Death of Don Valley is the natural progression of their sound, with more complexity and a deliberate thematic structure. Musically, it marks a shift in Ivy Gardens’ approach. This album is darker, more experimental, and more intricate than our previous work on 2024's Goon. While Goon carried a more positive, energetic vibe, this LP is more about confronting the darker aspects of life, and it reflects a deeper exploration into musical and thematic complexity."
Ivy Gardens' influences are vast, ranging from progressive icons like Rush, Yes, and King Crimson to sludge pioneers like EYEHATEGOD and Iron Monkey. Their sound blends elements of stoner metal, sludge, math rock, and progressive rock, creating an unpredictable listening experience that takes the listener through a series of emotional and sonic landscapes.
Fans of Ivy Gardens can expect an intense live performance soon, as the band does plan to tour in support of the new album this coming September. Stay tuned for dates to be announced, and Ivy Gardens are bringing their thunderous sound to stages nationwide. Expect a live show that will test the limits of your ears and your emotions.
Ivy Gardens - Live or Die Tour: Aug 29 - St. Catharines, ON - Warehouse Concert Hall Aug 30 - Toronto, ON - Monarch Tavern Sept 5 - Kitchener, ON - The Golden Apple Sept 11 - London, ON - TBA Sept 12 - Windsor, ON - Phog Lounge Sept 13 - Sarnia, ON - AJs Bar Sept 18 - Halifax, NS - Radstorm Sept 19 - Sydney, NS - Daniels Ale House Sept 20 - Charlottetown, PEI - Babas Lounge Sept 21 - Moncton, NB - TBA Sept 25 - Woodstock, NB - Montieth Manor Sept 26 - Quebec City, QC - Scanner Bistro Sept 27 - Montreal, QC - Blue Dog Oct 9 - Barrie, ON - CW Coops Oct 10 - Sudbury, ON - Townhouse Tavern Oct 11 - Thunder Bay, ON - Nortenos Cantina Oct 12 - Winnipeg, MB - Bulldog Event Center Oct 16 - Regina, SK - The Cure Kitchen and Bar Oct 17 - Saskatoon, SK - The Black Cat Oct 18 - Calgary, AB - Palomino Oct 19 - Edmonton, AB - Blak Bar Oct 23 - Kelowna, BC - TBA Oct 24 - Vancouver, BC - TBA Oct 25 - Victoria, BC - TBA
