Blackened death metal collective Visitant announces they will be hitting the road this October for "In the Wake of Flame Tour" with Philadelphia’s alchemical blackened death metal force IATT (dates listed below).
Visitant will be touring in support of their forthcoming debut album "Rubidium," out on August 22nd, via Exitus Stratagem Records.
The band's recording lineup features seasoned musicians from the extreme metal underground: Anthony Lusk-Simone (drums/orchestration) from Abiotic and Lattermath, Kilian Duarte (bass) from Abiotic and Scale the Summit, Taylor Tidwell from Unaligned, and Chelsea Marrow from Voraath, whose vocal work has also been featured in acclaimed video games including DOOM ETERNAL and Senua's Saga: Hellblade II. Thomas Weidick, on guitar, recently joined their live lineup this past June. Visitant's debut album “Rubidium”, which they describe as ‘shadow work’, embodies the bleakest parts of being human, including grief, loss, betrayal, vengeance, time lost, and regret. The band has two current singles, "Fodder", a ritualistic journey that showcases their ability to weave ethereal elements into an unrelentingly aggressive soundscape, and "Starless", a technical odyssey that further explores the band's signature blend of dynamic brutality and spiritual beauty.
Recommended for fans of Gojira, Opeth, and Naglfar, Visitant's "Rubidium" is available for album pre-order (out Aug 22nd) via Exitus Stratagem Records athttps://hypeddit.com/visitant/rubidium
Other Dates: Aug 23 - Michigan Metal Fest - Leila Arboretum - Battle Creek, MI w/ Dying Fetus, Within Ruins, Ov Sulfur, The Convalescence "On The Wake of Flame Tour" - IATT, VISITANT: Oct 3 - Pensacola, FL – Pacific Kava Oct 4 - Jensen Beach, FL – Dark Riff Records Oct 5 - Atlanta, GA – Sweetwater Oct 6 - Nashville, TN – Cobra Oct 8 - Piedmont, SC – Tribbles Oct 9 - Raleigh, NC – Chapel Of Bones Oct 11 - Jackson, TN – TN Metal Devastation Fest (Visitant only)
One Band To Conquer Them All! Wacken Metal Battle USA 2025 national final will be held on Saturday, June 21st, in Clifton, USA, at Dingbatz where one unsigned American band will 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).
After multiple battles across the country that began in January of this year, the final six American bands will bring their onslaught of metal and be judged by a panel of music industry judges that include Jeff Buttermark (FM Management),Shawn Quinn (Napalm Records), and more TBD.
"Another successful battle is nearing its conclusion. I can't wait to see which band wins and represents the US in the Wacken Metal Battle this year at the Holy Ground. I want to give a special thanks to Jon Asher and Chris Cannella. Thanks to all of our promoters, venues, judges, media partners, fans, and of course...the bands for all their hard work. Close to 200 bands and 40 battles across the country, and we are down to the final 6 at the Legendary Dingbatz in New Jersey!" comments WMBU national organizer Eric Dow.
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.
Formed in 2021, Broken Time is a modern metalcore band based in Temple, Texas. Known for their fusion of heavy riffs, melodic elements, and progressive structures, their music features complex guitar work, dynamic rhythms, and emotionally charged vocals. The band has been actively contributing to the Texas metal scene, performing at various venues and collaborating with other local acts.
FireHaze is a Cuban-American metal band known for blending melodic death and thrash metal with groove and core influences. The band was formed in 2009 by three Cuban musicians—Yunior, Carlos, and Hector—who had migrated to West New York, New Jersey. The story began in 2007 when Yunior arrived from Havana and sought out fellow musicians to form a band. He connected with Carlos, a guitarist from Bayamo, and later with Hector, a drummer who had also recently moved from Havana. Their chemistry was immediate, and after experimenting with different sounds and names—including a brief stint as “Illuminated By The Fire”—they officially became FireHaze during a jam session on a hot August night overlooking the New York City skyline. From the start, FireHaze aimed to stand out. They incorporated unusual percussion and string instruments, and often collaborated with guest musicians to shape their live sound. Their influences include heavyweights like Lamb of God, Dimmu Borgir, Sepultura, Megadeth, and Children of Bodom. Though unsigned, FireHaze has remained active in the North Jersey and New York metal scenes, performing live and working toward a full-length album. They proudly identify as a Cuban-American band, rooted in their heritage while forging a path in the U.S. metal underground.
Mourning High is a rising thrash metal band that hails from Southern California and Arizona. Formed in 2023, the band quickly gained traction through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where their raw energy and nostalgic thrash sound struck a chord with fans of classic metal. Their music is heavily influenced by legendary acts like Megadeth, and they’ve been praised for bringing back the gritty, high-octane spirit of 1980s thrash. What sets Mourning High apart is not just their sound, but their chemistry—these guys have been friends since preschool, and that bond fuels their performances and touring life. They’re currently unsigned and independent, but their momentum is undeniable. With over 50,000 followers on TikTok and a growing fanbase across streaming platforms, Mourning High is carving out a name for itself in the modern metal scene.
Pontifex is a symphonic black/death metal band based in Orlando, Florida, formed in 2024. Known for their theatrical soundscapes and intense live performances, they blend the ferocity of black metal with symphonic elements, creating a dark, cinematic experience. The band was founded by guitarist and flutist Kaleb Daniels, whose classical training and love for extreme metal shaped Pontifex’s unique sound. Despite being relatively new, they’ve already made waves by winning the Florida Wacken Battle, earning them a spot on the radar of metal fans nationwide. Pontifex is currently unsigned but gaining momentum with an upcoming album titled Covenant, set to release in Fall 2025. Their music explores themes of mysticism, inner conflict, and spiritual decay, often delivered through layered instrumentation and haunting melodies.
Prime Prophecy is a six-piece progressive metal band based in Brooklyn, New York, blending European influences with symphonic, melodic, and modern metal elements. Known for emotionally driven soundscapes and vivid storytelling, the band creates music that resonates with both heart and mind, bridging genres and pushing the boundaries of contemporary metal.
Drawing from real-life experiences and deep introspection, Prime Prophecy’s signature sound combines layered arrangements, intricate lyrics, and powerful melodies that invite listeners to explore the human experience from new angles.
Over the course of two decades, Prime Prophecy has earned a reputation for both studio excellence and high-impact live performances. Their visual storytelling comes to life through music videos such as “End of the Beginning” and “Memories From the Past.” In 2011, their single “Viking”—commissioned for heavyweight boxer Mariusz Wach ahead of his world title fight—highlighted the band’s versatility and cultural reach.
2025 marks Prime Prophecy’s 20th anniversary—a milestone celebrating their creative evolution and lasting impact on the metal scene. Career highlights include a finals appearance at the Emergenza Festival (Webster Hall, NYC), and a strong run through the 2024 Wacken Battle of the Bands, where the band earned second place in the U.S. National Finals.
Looking ahead, Prime Prophecy is preparing to compete once again in Wacken Battle 2025, with the opportunity to take the stage at Germany’s legendary Wacken Open Air Festival.
Fueled by passion, innovation, and a relentless drive to connect, Prime Prophecy continues to forge new paths with a progressive, symphonic, and deeply human approach to metal.
What's Wrong is a Seattle-based metalcore band that emerged in early 2018. Their music blends elements of post-hardcore and progressive metal, delivering a dynamic and intense sound. The band's lineup has evolved over time, but they have consistently been active in the local music scene, performing at venues like El Corazon, The Funhouse, and Real Art Tacoma. Their live performances have featured collaborations with bands such as Sleep Signals, Fauvism, and Groundfeeder.
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 promote,r 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.
Extreme metal outfit Autumn Lies Buried is unleashing its blistering new single “Debt of Silence,” accompanied by a music video. The track serves as the first glimpse into the band's upcoming EP “Mob Mentality,” scheduled for release on June 6th, 2025, via Exitus Stratagem Records. “Debt of Silence” delivers the band's signature combination of breakneck energy, socially conscious lyrics, and unrelenting heaviness that fans have come to expect. Vocalist Kaelin Wilkins comments:
“Given the current political climate of the US, I felt it necessary to write about silencing a lot of them. I felt like America just needs a hard reset, and it starts by not giving these fascists in free-world clothing the clout they have. They owe us a debt of silence. A ritual dismemberment of corrupt leadership. Cutting of the tongue is symbolic as well as literal.”
Autumn Lies Buried continues to evolve their sound, which draws from a diverse palette of influences including slam, mathcore, hardcore, hip hop, and deathcore. The result is what the band describes as "a beating with a cinder block’ that creates a cathartic experience for listeners."
This release marks the beginning of an exciting summer for Autumn Lies Buried, with another single planned for May and the full EP release coinciding with the kickoff of their Hell Howler Tour alongside Casket Robbery, My Own Will and Australia's Nicolas Cage Fighter on June 6th. They are recommended for fans of Whitechapel, Suicide Silence, and Tech n9ne.
Watch and listen to "Debt Silence" via its music video premiere on The Circle Pit.
Take A Cinematic Climb Over "The Mountain" w/ New Video From THE MOURNING (ft. members Witherfall, 3 Headed Snake)
New Album "Hush" Out Now!
Album Guests - Francesco Pinter (Berklee alumnus), Charlie Robbins (Syncatto, Artificial Language), Thomas Griggs (Intervals), Jeff Pogan (ex-Suicidal Tendencies), Trey Xavier (Gear Gods)
Florida, USA’s progressive metal powerhouse The Mourning has just released their captivating new music video for “The Mountain” a visually stunning exploration of tranquility, spiritual connection, and personal transformation from their latest album “Hush” released earlier this year. The band comments on the conception of the track:
“The single was written while overlooking the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, capturing the serene experience of escaping the city’s hustle and bustle. This song reflects how such tranquility can bring a closer connection to one's inner divine.”
The track starts with a soft, beautiful melody that mirrors the peacefulness of the mountains, gradually evolving into a powerful prog metal anthem. This transition symbolizes the awakening of deeper spiritual consciousness. As the song progresses, intricate instrumental layers and complex rhythms emerge. The soaring vocals deliver emotional intensity, with lyrics infused with themes of nature and spirituality. The climax features catchy cadences and commanding guitar riffs, blending technical prowess with melodic sensibility.
The video was filmed against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains in Blue Ridge, Georgia, and it is a cinematic journey that mirrors the song's profound musical and lyrical landscape. “The Mountain” is recommended for those who enjoy the grandeur of nature and progressive music, especially bands like Porcupine Tree, Polyphia, and Haken.
Watch and listen to the music video for "The Mountain" via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.
Track Listing: 1. Chaos Machine – 4:57 2. The Mountain – 5:37 3. He Cries – 4:22 4. I Feel The Rain – 5:05 5. Hush – 5:04 6. The Wind – 4:40 7. My Own Way – 4:47 8. Cries of the Mind – 5:34 9. My Own Hell – 4:48 10. Smooth Seas – 7:02 Album Length - 52:56 Album Recording Credits: ● All songs performed by: The Mourning ● All songs written by: The Mourning ● Produced by: Alex Nasla (ASCAP Member) & David Alex ● Mixed by: Alex Nasla ● Mastered by: Alex Nasla ● Album Artwork by: Sam Shearon Album Band Line Up: ● Johnny Ray – Vocals, Keyboards ● Alex Nasla – Keyboards (ASCAP Member) ● Loren Whitaker – Bass ● Jason Berlin – Drums ● Eliana Blanchard – Backing Vocals ● Brandon Delpino – Backing Vocals ● Francesco Pinter – Guitar Guest Musicians: 1. Charlie Robbins (Syncatto, Artificial Language) ○ Track: Chaos Machine ○ Contribution: Guitar Solo 2. Trey Xavier (In Virtue) ○ Track: Smooth Seas ○ Contribution: Guitar Solo 3. Jeff Pogan (Suicidal Tendencies, Oneironaut) ○ Track: Cries of the Mind ○ Contribution: Guitar Solo Live Band Line Up: ● Johnny Ray – Lead Vocals ● Zai Alyenora – Lead Vocals ● Jason Berlin – Drums ● Alex Nasla (ASCAP Member) – Keyboards, Backing Vocals ● Francesco Pinter – Guitar
Narcotic Wasteland, fronted by ex-Nile guitarist/vocalist Dallas Toler-Wade along with drummer Joseph Howard (Fields of Elysium), Neuromorphic) and bassist Kenji Tsunami (Ontogeny), will be hitting the road with Long Island, NY old school death metallers Pyrexia for the "Cemetery Slam Tour" from November 15th to 23rd. Narcotic Wasteland will also perform at this year's SwarmFest in Tampa Bay, FL following the tour (dates listed below).
Plus fans who purchase tickets for Austin and Houston show dates will be automatically entered in the raffle to win a Jackson guitar signed by all the bands playing. Check out the Instagram videos below.
In additional news, the trio unveiled their new music video for the single "Barbarian" this past September and will be featured on their forthcoming album "Digital Cordyceps" out on Megaforce Records (release date TBD) to follow their 2017 breakout sophomore album "Delirium Tremens".
Dallas Toler-Wade comments on the track:
"For me, Barbarian is a prime example of me doing the thing I love and that defines me the most. Continuously striving to improve my craft as a musician and a songwriter. But also the overall message of this song. Live!!! Be free!!! Find your own path!!! Question everything!!! And also we don't need politicians or religion to shape our moral centers. In fact, It seems they distort the truth every chance they get. This whole album cycle has seemed to have this recurring theme about the narcissistic oligarchy that we have all fallen victim to. I Dallas Toler- Wade the barbarian will fight this mockery until I leave the land of the living, and even after that, my powerful voice will echo through the halls of time!!! Because I am a barbarian!!!"
Pyrexia (Headliner) + Narcotic Wasteland Tour Dates: 11/15/2024 - Oklahoma City, OK - 89th Street 11/16/2024 - Fort Worth, TX - The Rail Club 11/17/2024 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger 11/18/2024 - Houston, TX - BFE Rock Club 11/19/2024 - Austin, TX - The 13th Floor 11/20/2024 - Tulsa, OK - The Vanguard 11/21/2024 - Corpus Christi, TX - Boozerz Friday 11/22/2024 - Shreveport, LA - Strange Brew 11/23/2024 - Long Beach, MS - TRAX Narcotic Wasteland only 11/24/2024 - Tampa, FL - Swarmfest - Brass Mug
Narcotic Wasteland is a relentless force in the metal realm, known for its infernal performances and unyielding sound. Led by former Nile guitarist Dallas Toler Wade, the band has forged an unholy covenant with legions of devoted followers, spreading chaos and devastation wherever they tread.
A face-melting experience, Narcotic Wasteland unleashesblistering guitar wails to heart-pounding drum onslaughts, with every track promising to be an infernal ritual that will leave metalheads possessed by the spirit of pure chaos. Prepare for sonic hellfire!
