Latest Articles

• Germany’s Dark Metal Pioneers NACHTBLUT Announce Seventh Album, 'Todschick,' out February 21, 2025 via Napalm Records

  Dec 5, 2024 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  German dark metal pioneers NACHTBLUT are back to hit venues all over Germany, Austria, and Switzerland on their Vanitas Tour, starting today in Stuttgart. 

   

  To set stages for this infernal live experience, the band has just revealed a brand new official music video for their song “Kaltes Herz” (engl. Cold Heart). It represents the quintessence of NACHTBLUT by combining a dark and morbid mood with on point lyrics that don’t mince words.

   

  “Kaltes Herz” is cut from the band’s sixth full-length album, 'Vanitas', released in October 2020 via Napalm Records. Accompanied by a brand new official video, the song draws the listener into the band’s musical maelstrom in a classifying NACHTBLUT manner. Don’t miss your chance to join the cult and experience NACHTBLUT live on stage!

   

  The band states:

  "Today, our own VANITAS TOUR will kick off. We’re more than happy this is finally happening after we had to reschedule the tour, due to the Covid-Pandemic. 

   

  "This will be an awesome tour; many shows are sold out already, and for several cities just a few tickets are left. We don’t take this for granted, especially after the last two years. We’re stoked about the support by our fans and thankful to everyone involved.

   

  "To celebrate the start, we’re giving you 'Kaltes Herz'. This video was shot during the “Homecoming Tour” with our friends Lord Of The Lost and is a great flashback to an awesome tour, as well as a hint for what to expect attending the VANITAS TOUR. 

  We see you tonight or very soon!"

   

   

  Check out the official music video for “Todschick” HERE

   

  Embrace the Darkness: NACHTBLUT's Todschick Marks a New Dark Metal Dawn   The monumental release of 'Todschick' not only presents 10 fresh new tracks, but even offers a wooden box set that includes a bonus CD with seven additional tracks, featuring collaborations with guest artists such as Frank Herzig (Schattenmann), Freki (Varg), Tetzel (Asenblut/All For Metal), Eric Fish (Subway To Sally), and further top acts.   The melancholic track “Das Leben der Anderen” criticizes modern societal ills like doom-scrolling through social media, overlaying the seemingly perfect lives of others with guttural screams. Meanwhile, the dark, new-wave-synth track “Manchmal kommen sie wieder” explores the eternal cycles of creation, destruction, and war. Some songs also reference film classics, including “Stirb Langsam,” a humorous celebration of escapism, which, in true NACHTBLUT style, conceals a sharp message. Tracks like “Kinder des Zorns” invite headbanging with especially hard riffs and tempo. With “Schneller als der Tod,” the band ventures into entirely new musical territory, seamlessly merging epic wild west elements with the powerful sounds of dark metal. Energetic melodies blend perfectly with Askeroth's characteristic vocals, creating a unique atmosphere that brings the album to a striking conclusion, offering an unexpected musical twist.   With 'Todschick', NACHTBLUT not only masterfully enriches dark metal with captivating, genre-spanning sounds that set new accents, but also addresses contemporary societal issues, striking a chord with the times. This new masterpiece is an invitation to view the dark beauty of life and its challenges in a new light, and to join the band on their 2025 headline tour to experience it live!   NACHTBLUT on the new album:   "'Todschick' is an album where death sets the rhythm, a musical blood kiss, in which the line between fiction and reality fades with every note."

  Pre-Order Your Copy of 'Todschick' NOW

  NACHTBLUT are:

  Askeroth - vocals

  Ablaz - bass

  Skoll - drums

  Greif - guitar

   

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• BLEED FROM WITHIN - Announce New Album "Zenith" + Release Video For New Single, 'In Place Of Your Halo'

  Dec 5, 2024 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Metal powerhouse BLEED FROM WITHIN have announced their new album Zenith that is set to be released on Apri 4thl via Nuclear Blast Records. Alongside the announcement, the band have revealed the video for their new single 'In Place Of Your Halo', a thunderous shot of modern metal fury that pays homage to their native Scotland with a bagpipe-backed refrain for the ages.
  
  On the news of their new album the band comment:
  
  "In Place Of Your Halo marks the beginning of the next chapter for Bleed From Within. It is an anthem for those that feel like life has passed them by, or those that have been held back by their own limitations. We are killing the older version of ourselves in order to grow. This develops our resilience, a topic that underpins this band's journey and most of what we shout about. We've not had it easy, but neither has anyone else. This song is for all of us.
   
  Through this growth, we come closer to our potential, our Zenith - the title of our 7th studio album. This is a body of work that we are so immensely proud of and look forward to sharing more of over the coming months. We couldn't think of a more fitting introduction to our next steps as a band than a breakdown with some bagpipes over it. Plenty more new music to follow. Enjoy."
  
  Pre-order and pre-save Zenith now at: 
  https://bleedfromwithin.bfan.link/zenith.ema

  Be the first to hear 'In Place Of Your Halo' live as BLEED FROM WITHIN join SLIPKNOT's 'Here Comes The Pain' Europe and UK tour from tomorrow. You can also catch the band across North America in 2025 supporting BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and TRIVIUM on 'The Poisoned Ascendancy' tour before they return to the UK and Europe for 'The Zenith Tour' where they'll be joined by AFTER THE BURIAL and GREAT AMERICAN GHOST.HERE COMES THE PAIN TOUR 2024

  supporting SLIPKNOT
  
  05.12.24 - NL, Amsterdam - Ziggo Dome
  06.12.24 - DE, Dortmund - Westfalenhalle
  08.12.24 - DE, Stuttgart - Schleyerhalle
  09.12.24 - DE, Germany - Quarterback
  11.12.24 - CH, Zurich - Hallenstadion
  12.12.24 - FR, Paris - Accor Arena
  14.12.24 - UK, Leeds - First Direct Arena
  15.12.24 - UK, Glasgow - OVO Hydro
  17.12.24 - UK, Manchester - Co-op Live Arena
  18.12.24 - UK, Birmingham - Utilita Arena
  20.12.24 - UK, London - The O2
  21.12.24 - UK, London - The O2
  
  THE POISONED ASCENDANCY NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2025
  supporting BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and TRIVIUM
  
  19.04.25 - MO, Chesterfield - The Factory
  20.04.25 - NE, Omaha - Steelhouse
  22.04.25 - WI, Green Bay - Epic Event Center
  23.04.25 - MI, Grand Rapids - GLC Live At 20 Monroe
  26.04.25 - IL, Chicago - Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
  27.04.25 - MI, Detroit - The Fillmore
  29.04.25 - PA, Pittsburgh - Stage AE
  30.04.25 - PA, Philadelphia - The Fillmore
  02.05.25 - MA, Boston - MCM Music Hall At Fenway
  03.05.25 - QC, Laval - Place Bell
  04.05.25 - ON, Toronto - Great Canadian Resort Theatre
  06.05.25 - DC, Washington - The Anthem
  07.05.25 - NY, New York - The Rooftop At Pier 17
  09.05.25 - PA, Bethlehem - Wind Creek Event Center
  11.05.25 - TN, Nashville - The Pinnacle
  13.05.25 - KY, Corbin - Corbin Arena
  14.05.25 - GA, Atlanta - Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre
  17.05.25 - NC, Charlotte - Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
  18.05.25 - NC, Raleigh - Red Hat Amphitheater
  
  THE ZENITH TOUR 2025
  w/ AFTER THE BURIAL & GREAT AMERICAN GHOST
  
  10.09.25 - BE, Antwerp - Zappa
  11.09.25 - DE, Cologne - Live Music Hall
  12.09.25 - DE, Hamburg - Docks
  13.09.25 - DE, Berlin - Kesselhaus
  14.09.25 - PL, Warsaw - Progresja
  16.09.25 - FI, Helsinki - Tavastia
  17.09.25 - FI, Tampere - Olympia-Kortteli
  19.09.25 - SE, Stockholm - Klubben Fryshuset
  20.09.25 - SE, Gothenburg - Pustervik
  21.09.25 - NO, Oslo - Vulkan Arena
  22.09.25 - DK, Copenhagen - Amager Bio
  24.09.25 - CZ, Prague - Meet Factory
  25.09.25 - HU, Budapest - Barba Negra
  26.09.25 - AT, Vienna - SIMM City
  27.09.25 - DE, Munich - Backstage
  28.09.25 - CH, Zürich - Kompex 457
  30.09.25 - FR, Villeurbanne - CCO La Rayonne
  01.10.25 - FR, Toulouse - La Cabane
  03.10.25 - PT, Lisbon - LAV - Lisboa Ao Vivo
  04.10.25 - ES, Madrid - Salva Mon Live
  05.10.25 - ES, Barcelona - Razzmatazz 2
  07.10.25 - FR, Paris - Bataclan
  08.10.25 - NL, Tilburg - 013 Poppodium
  10.10.25 - UK, London - O2 Forum Kentish Town
  11.10.25 - UK, Manchester - O2 Ritz
  12.10.25 - UK, Glasgow - Barrowlands
  
  Tickets for all dates are available now at bleedfromwithin.com
   

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• THIRTEEN GOATS Announces Vancouver Island Tour Dates w/ OPAL IN SKY, NAMELESS KING + New Album “Capricorn Rising” Out Now!

  Dec 5, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  NEWS RELEASE

  THIRTEEN GOATS Announces Vancouver Island Tour Dates w/ OPAL IN SKY, NAMELESS KING

  New Album “Capricorn Rising” Out Now! via Exitus Strategem Records

  "It's really strong. GREAT musicians, great production, as well as a very progressive aspect without losing the darkness." - Kelly Schaefer, Atheist

  Vancouver, Canada’s Thirteen Goats will be storming Vancouver Island, BC in March 2025 for the "Tour of The Black Flame" supporting OPAL IN SKY alongside NAMELESS KING (dates listed below). Thirteen Goats is performing in support of their second album—the extreme metal rock opera “Capricorn Rising” unleashed on Exitus Stratagem Records this past July.

  Tour of The Black Flame w/ Opal In Sky, Nameless King, Thirteen Goats​
  Tickets available at - https://orangetickets.ca/
  March 20 - Nanaimo, BC - The Globe
  March 21 - Victoria, BC - Phoenix Bar
  March 22 - Port Alberni, BC - Rainbow Room
  March 23 - Cumberland, BC - Masonic Hall

  Thirteen Goats's "Capricorn Rising," tells the story of their mascot, Shepherd: a goat-skull-wearing Antichrist who raises an army of animals to liberate the earth from humanity’s constant wars and greed. This high-concept narrative is delivered with Thirteen Goats' signature blend of infernal riffs, huge hooks, and uniquely theatrical songwriting.

  Each song on the album is part of a broader narrative that explores themes of disillusionment, radicalization, and rebellion as Shepherd and his 12 demon goats wage their crusade. Thirteen Goats delivers a unique blend of death and thrash metal, combined with a storytelling approach that takes listeners on a journey through the darkest aspects of both human and animal nature.

  Listeners can expect furious riffage, ambitious song structures, and even occasional female guest vocals (courtesy of guest artist Carly Ellen Jones). What they shouldn’t expect is a record that plays it safe or falls neatly into one specific subgenre. Thirteen Goats is recommended for fans of Lamb of God, Carcass, and Mastodon.

  Released on July 12, 2024, “Capricorn Rising” is available from Exitus Stratagem Records at https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/pre-sale-thirteen-goats-capricorn-rising

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/41hkue1​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Sign of the Goat (4:53)
  2. Murder Lives in the Heart (5:30)
  3. A Wolf in Shepherd’s Clothing (4:10)
  4. Global Fuckup (3:57)
  5. Beheading Zoo (3:44)
  6. Permission to Die (3:48)
  7. Beating the Disease (4:24)
  8. Goats of War (5:25)
  9. Animal Kingdom (6:19)

  More info: Exsrmusic.com | ThirteenGoats.com

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• Reminder - Deadline Dec 15th - WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Band Submissions For 2025 Battles - One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  Dec 5, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Reminder - Deadline Dec 15th - WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Band Submissions For 2025 Battles

  One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  

  Spotify - 2024 WMBU National Finalists Playlist - https://spoti.fi/4cbAEb8​

  One Band To Conquer Them All! The December 15th deadline is nearing for independent American bands to apply to the 2025 battles for Wacken Metal Battle USA.

  Unsigned bands ONLY can apply. Please fill out your information at the following link (please select USA and then the City that your band would like to perform in) - https://www.metal-battle.com​

  (Band Submissions End December 15th, 2024 - 11:59 PM PST)

  The 2025 battles are held nationwide across the USA for one independent band to be crowned champion and perform at one of the world's most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

  ​

  The 2025 WMBU champion will receive the following:
  - A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
  - Full professional backline provided.
  - $1,000 USD towards flights to Germany.
  - VIP camping at the festival.

  2025 battles will be taking place in the following cities:

  (National Final on June 21st in Clifton, NJ at Dingbatz)

  New York, NY
  Clifton, NJ
  Baltimore, MD
  Tampa, FL
  Portland, OR
  Seattle, WA
  Bay Area, CA
  Los Angeles, CA
  Orange County, CA
  Sacramento, CA
  San Diego, CA
  Austin, TX
  Dallas, TX
  Corpus Christi, TX
  Houston, TX
  San Antonio, TX

  The 2024 WMBU national final was held in San Diego at Brick By Brick with regional winners Cascade Effect (San Diego), WarTroll (NorCal), Versipul (PNW), Prime Prophecy (East Coast), and Father Wolf (Texas).

  Judged by an industry panel that included Rod Kukla (Silver Lining Music), Craig Goldy (Dio), Derek Engemann (Scour, Phil Anselmo and the Illegals, ex-Cattle Decapitation), and Patrick Stone (Adler's Appetite, Budderside), the band that reigned the stage and proved themselves worthy of gracing the holy land of metal at Wacken Open Air in Germany was crowned 2024 champion, San Diego's Cascade Effect.

  As the 2024 crowned USA champion, Cascade Effect went on to perform as the only independent American band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air 2024 (July 31st – August 3rd).​

  List of previous WMBU national winners, Cascade Effect (2024 - San Diego), Fadrait (2023 - San Diego) Mythraeum (2022 - San Diego), Monarch (2019 - San Diego), Voices of Ruin (2018 - Anaheim) and Corpse Hoarder (2017 - Philadelphia).

  2024 battles were hosted in the following cities: New York, NY, Clifton, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, Bay Area, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Orange County, CA, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, Austin, TX, Dallas, TX, El Paso, TX, Houston, TX, San Antonio, TX.

  For the last 6 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023, 2024), Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2025 will be the 34th edition of the festival and will be held from July 30th – August 2nd. The 2025 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apocalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, and many more. Details here.

  Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 other countries’ champions, and represent the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade and give independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

  How it works:​
  ​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2024 and compete against the winners of 30 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​
  ​MetalBattleUSA.com​
  ​Facebook.com/metalbattleusa​.official​
  ​Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA​
  ​Instagram.com/metalbattleusa.official

  ​

  - 30 -

  Sponsors / Partners:​
  Bravewords.com
  MetalDevastationRadio.com
  Metal-Rules.com
  V13.net
  GhostCultMag.com
  Dungeon Works Productions
  Asher Media Relations
  Fatal Illness Management
  Come And Take It Productions
  Brick By Brick
  VonWolfe Entertainment
  TMI Collaborations
  Dingbatz
  Dean Guitars

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• Finnish Melodic Death Metal Outfit VOIDFALLEN Unleash New Video for "Branding of Souls"! ​ 

  Dec 4, 2024 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Finnish melodic death metal outfit VOIDFALLEN has dropped their new single, "Branding of Souls", a heavy-hitting track that showcases the band's signature blend of aggression and melody. The song is taken from their upcoming new album, "The Rituals of Resilience", slated for release on January 24th, 2025, via Noble Demon. "Branding of Souls" is accompanied by a powerful new music video.

  Listen to the single  https://music.nobledemon.com/branding

  "This song represents a darker and more aggressive side of Voidfallen: relentless beats, ominous choirs and truculent vocals create the soundtrack for the message of the song", the band comments. "Branding of Souls can mean a different thing to everyone. To one it might be spiritual but to another it might be political. The core message is still the same: fight and resist the ill and draconian oppression that is forced upon you."

  "The Rituals of Resilience" will be out on January 24, 2025, via Noble Demon and is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION

   

   

   

  Voidfallen are:
  Lauri Honkola: Vocals
  Henri Vuorenmaa: Guitars
  Tommi Kangaskortet: Guitars
  Lauri Myllylä: Bass
  Mika Lumijärvi: Drums

   

  For more info visit:

  https://www.facebook.com/voidfallenofficial 
  https://www.instagram.com/voidfallenofficial/ 
  https://voidfallen.bandcamp.com/ 

  https://linktr.ee/nobledemon

   

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