Search Results: metal

• Streaming Now! Blackened Thrash ETERNAL DRAK New EP "The Warrior Order"

  Jul 16, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  A year after unleashing their fourth studio album, "Imprisoned Souls," in July 2024, Eternal Drak, formerly from Colombia and now residing in Quebec City, Canada, returns with their next offering, "The Warrior Order", a five-track record that includes the band's rendition of Metallica's "Leper Messiah,".

  Set to be available on digital platforms on July 17th, the blackened thrash band has teamed up with Bravewords for its full stream premiere. Listen HERE.

  "The Warrior Order" serves as a heartfelt homage to the band's journey, a way to honour the memories they’ve created and express their immense gratitude to the fans who have stood by them through the years. By revisiting and reimagining these older tracks from their 2002 debut, "La Resurreccion De La Orden Guerrera", the now-formed trio aims to rekindle the connection with their long-time listeners while simultaneously inviting new fans to discover and embrace our unique sound. They hope to bridge the past and the future.

  Fans can expect the blending of raw, nostalgic vibes of classic metal with the refined production and innovation of contemporary music. By doing so, the EP seeks to evoke powerful memories and untold stories from the past while offering a renewed, enriched auditory experience that resonates with both long-time metal enthusiasts and newer audiences.

  "This EP bridges two distinct eras in the journey of Eternal Drak: the energetic creativity of the 1990s and the refined artistry of the present day. It represents a homage to the band’s origins, where young minds passionately crafted what is now revered as old-school metal. These early works have been revisited and revitalized, bringing their raw spirit into the modern soundscape with enhanced production quality that respects the authenticity of the era while ensuring it resonates with contemporary audiences. Through meticulously re-recording the four original tracks, Eternal Drak breathes new life into their debut, preserving the integrity of black thrash metal while making it accessible to a new generation of listeners. To complement this effort, the album includes a cover of one of the most iconic and influential bands in metal history, serving as both a tribute and a testament to the enduring inspiration these legends have provided. This project encapsulates the band’s unwavering dedication to their craft, blending nostalgia with innovation to create a sound that is timeless yet refreshingly current," adds band founder Andres Martinez, “Drakar” (Vocal/Guitar).

  The lyrics on "The Warrior Order" are drawn from Eternal Drak's inspiration from a narrative crafted during the band's early years, which delves into the tale of Lucifer's exile to the underworld. The story portrays how his influence pervaded humanity, shaping beliefs, behaviors, and aspirations in profound ways. It explores the impact of his legacy on Earth, touching on themes of power, temptation, and rebellion. Furthermore, the narrative captures Lucifer's relentless quest to find pathways back into the mortal realm, ultimately aiming to reclaim dominion and challenge the celestial forces that banished him. This intricate and evocative storyline serves as the foundation for much of the band's lyrical content, blending mythological depth with existential reflection to resonate powerfully with listeners.

  Recommended for fans of Venom, Celtic Frost, Metallica, and Sepultura, "The Warrior Order" will be available on July 17th, 2025, at the following links:

  Digital - https://hypeddit.com/eternaldrak/thewarriororder​

  Bandcamp - https://eternaldrak.bandcamp.com/album/the-warrior-order​

  Online Store - https://eternaldrak.com/store​

  Single stream - "Eternal Drak" at the following links:

  Spotify - https://hypeddit.com/eternaldrak/eternaldrak

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Oda a la luna - 4:22
  2. Contra Viento - 5:16
  3. Eternal Drak - 5:50
  4. La Nueva Orden - 5:51
  5. Leper Messiah (Cover) - 5:29
  EP Length: 26:48

  More info: http://www.eternaldrak.com | https://www.facebook.com/EternalDrak | https://www.instagram.com/eternaldrak

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• NYC's CHAKA Unleashes Ferocious Music Video “It’s Not Human” Ahead of First Full-Length Album "Amplifying the Past"

  Jul 9, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  NYC heavy trio CHAKA has dropped their thunderous new single “It’s Not Human”, a primal assault of groove and aggression that marks the first release from their upcoming debut full-length album, "Amplifying the Past", due out later this year.

  Formed as a studio project and now evolved into a live sonic force, CHAKA has deep roots in Queens' metal and hardcore scene. Founding bassist and vocalist Mark Sokoll, a veteran of bands like Darkside NYC and Terminal Confusion, is joined by longtime friends Mike C. (ex-White Trash) on drums and Frank P. (Lost Cause) on guitar. The band also collaborates remotely with Ireland-based guitarist Ty Canon, a childhood friend whose riffs continue to shape their recordings.

  Lyrically, “It’s Not Human” presents a sonic excavation. The song delves into the real-life discovery of a Neanderthal tooth, a pivotal moment in tracing the human genome.

  “It’s about evolution, science, and ancient ancestry,” says Sokoll. “We’ve always drawn inspiration from human origins, military history, and authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Carl Sagan.”

  Musically, the track is a relentless juggernaut—starting abruptly, rushing forward with thrash intensity, then shifting to a dreamy tone before returning to a pummeling close.

  The single’s artwork visually echoes this evolutionary theme, featuring crossed primitive weapons behind a grotesque DNA helix, flanked by dueling skulls—one ancient, one modern.

  Listen to “It’s Not Human” now on all major streaming platforms.

  Spotify - https://bit.ly/46AwqtL

  ​

  Set for release later this year, "Amplifying the Past" represents CHAKA's most dynamic and collaborative work to date.

  “This record expands on our earlier sound but lets the songs breathe more. We want listeners to feel like they’ve been on a cathartic, headbanging ride,” adds Sokoll.

  The band’s style is best described in five words: Primal. Loud. Heavy. Aggressive. Groovy. Drawing on influences like Black Sabbath, Carnivore, Motorhead, and Celtic Frost, CHAKA delivers raw, no-frills metal with a scientific twist.

  On stage, CHAKA amplifies their sound even further. Fans can expect not just volume, but presence.

  “We’re a loud trio—maybe even louder than four or five-piece bands. We’re all in our 50s, but we don’t hold back.”

  Despite geographical distance—band members live in New York, New Jersey, and Ireland—CHAKA thrives on modern file-sharing and old-school chemistry as the trio has known each other for over 40 years. That connection fuels their sound.

  More singles and videos will follow as the band finalizes the LP. CHAKA also promises future EPs and extended releases, all staying true to their mission: creating music that’s as thoughtful as it's heavy.

  More Info: Chakametalband.com | Facebook.com/NEANDERTHALTALES | Instagram.com/chakametalband | X.com/ChakaMetalBand

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• MARGANTHA Debut EP “Blood Moon Sacrifice” + New Music Video "Miriam And The Endless Night (ft. Andy LaRoque)"

  Jun 27, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records proudly announces the official release of “Blood Moon Sacrifice”, the debut EP from Finnish-Italian black metal act MARGANTHA, available today on all digital platforms.

  Rooted in myth, fear, and ritual, “Blood Moon Sacrifice” is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a narrative journey steeped in dark folklore and haunting atmosphere. The EP unfolds around the legend of a werewolf that terrorizes a secluded hunters' village beneath a remote mountain range, channeling the emotional tension, primal fear, and descent into hysteria that defines the story.

  Each track serves as a chapter in this tale:

  • “Blood Moon Sacrifice” opens the story with a dark waltz-like cadence, evoking the atmosphere of an ancient forest. During a solitary hunt, the protagonist is bitten, sealing the origin of the curse. Two instrumental interludes—bass and drums—heighten the track’s unsettling tone, making it feel like the soundtrack to a twisted fairy tale.
  • “Wolves at the Door” marks the creature’s approach to the village. This is no pack—but a lone, primordial predator whose thirst rivals that of many. Opening with a dark yet exotic riff and evolving through a melodic death metal core, the track balances blackened aggression, speed, and melody in a cinematic, dynamic form.
  • “Miriam and the Endless Night” (feat. Andy LaRocque) shifts perspective. Told through the eyes of a woman trapped in an endless night of terror, the song moves from eerie, unorthodox harmonies into a vortex of riffs and violence. Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) adds his signature touch where bloodlust and survival collide.
  • “Curse of the Full Moon” concludes the cycle with a hypnotic 6/8 ballad that depicts the protagonist's full transformation. With elongated tempos, obsessive rhythms, and oppressive harmonies, the track channels the ritualistic core of classic black metal—slow, relentless, and introspective.

  Driven by evocative riffs, atmospheric layering, and a primordial vocal delivery, MARGANTHA’s music balances black metal’s raw essence with moments of melody, tension, and dynamic pacing. As the band explains:

  “We start from the story. Every riff, every rhythm is designed to serve the narrative. We’re not interested in technical excess—our focus is atmosphere, cohesion, and emotion.”

  The entire EP was mixed and mastered by Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) at Sonic Train Studio, giving the record a powerful and precise sound while preserving its shadowy intensity.

  Influenced by the cinematic dread of Mgła, the emotional fire of Uada and Gaerea, and the timeless aggression of Venom, Behemoth, and Celtic Frost, MARGANTHA builds a sound that is immersive, urgent, and steeped in meaning.

  With “Blood Moon Sacrifice”, MARGANTHA mark their official debut—a work that merges ancient horror with the raw force of contemporary black metal. For fans of narrative-driven metal, hypnotic atmospheres, and unrelenting darkness, this is a first chapter worth embracing.

  Digital EP - https://lnk.to/V1c7Fn​

  CD ORDER the EP "Blood Moon Sacrifice": https://bit.ly/3Yz60nn​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Blood Moon Sacrifice
  2. Wolves at the Door
  3. Miriam and the Endless Night (ft. Andy LaRoque)
  4. Curse of the Full Moon

  Band Members:​
  • Nocturnus I – Vocals and Bass (FIN)
  • Nocturnus II – Guitars (ITA)
  • Nocturnus III – Drums (FIN)

  More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.instagram.com/margantha_the_band/

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• Salt Lake City's GRILLFEST Resurrects w/ 2025 Lineup - Judicator, Silver Talon, Advent Horizon, Michael Barrow & The Tourists, Seizure, Celestial Wizard, Arsenic Addiction, and more!

  Jun 25, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  GrillFest has been resurrected since making a name for itself on the local scene in Midvale and Salt Lake City, Utah, in the early 2010s, with the last one being held in 2013. Founded by John Yelland of Judicator as a backyard festival that was organized by his first band, Disforia, GrillFest is being revitalized. Supported by Judicator and the City of Midvale, and the Midvale Main Business Alliance. This year's 2025 event will shut down Main Street and transform it into a full-scale festival. Local businesses will host pop-ups, and they’re curating a lineup of vendors offering savory food, desserts, and more. And of course, the music will remain diverse, dynamic, and electrifying as GrillFest's 2025 lineup features Judicator, Advent Horizon, Silver Talon, Michael Barrow & The Tourists, Seizure, Celestial Wizard, Arsenic Addiction, Viperwitch, Storm Haven, DiseNgaged, Hisingen, and Moon Wizard.

  Being hosted on August 22nd and 23rd at The Pearl on Main in Midvale, Utah, Grillfest ’25 is more than just an event—it’s a rekindling of something special. It’s a gathering for artists and fans who crave authenticity, connection, and experiences to cherish for the rest of their lives.

  “Grillfest isn’t just another music festival—it’s a community movement built by fans—for fans. We’re bringing together some of the best underground metal acts from across the West, pairing them with real smokehouse BBQ and a no-frills, all-heart atmosphere. Our goal is to grow something truly special here in Utah: a boutique-style festival that stays loud, stays local, and gives both rising bands and dedicated fans a place to call home,” adds John Yelland, Founder of Grillfest and Vocalist of Judicator.

  Two-day and single-day passes are available at https://linktr.ee/grillfestutah​

  Facebook Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/1264606655378437/

  GrillFest'25 - Festival Spotify Playlist - https://bit.ly/4knzlcR

  ​

  Grillfest '25 Lineup:​
  ​
  ​Friday, August 22nd​
  Hisingen
  Moon Wizard
  Michael Barrow & The Tourists
  Advent Horizon
  ​
  ​Saturday, August 23rd​
  DiseNgaged
  Viperwitch
  Storm Haven
  Celestial Wizard
  Arsenic Addiction
  Seizure
  Silver Talon
  Judicator

  About The Headliners:

  Judicator isn’t just a power metal band — it’s a reckoning with history and mortality, plumbing the depths of the human condition one album at a time.
  ​
  Since their serendipitous formation in 2012, when singer John Yelland and guitarist Alicia Cordisco (ex-Judicator, Transgressive) crossed paths at a Blind Guardian concert, the band has been on a relentless journey to craft concept albums that confront existential anxiety in its many forms. From character studies of historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Frederick the Great, to the deeply personal At the Expense of Humanity, which recounts Yelland’s experience losing his brother to cancer, Judicator brings history and humanity into sharp focus.
  ​
  Rooted in Salt Lake City, Judicator has produced six albums over the course of a decade, with their latest opus, Concord, set to release in early 2025. The band’s blend of thought-provoking lyrics, memorable riffs, and charismatic energy has earned them a loyal following and some surreal milestones, like featuring Hansi Kürsch as a guest vocalist on 2018’s The Last Emperor and opening for Blind Guardian in Salt Lake City during the God Machine North American tour in 2024.
  ​
  While co-founding member Alicia Cordisco departed in 2020, her legacy remains an integral part of Judicator’s DNA. Today, the band continues to push boundaries as a five-piece power metal powerhouse, weaving tales that are as epic as they are intimate.
  ​
  Judicator’s music seeks to hold a mirror up to life’s greatest struggles and triumphs, whether great or small, whether grand historical sagas or intimate struggles with mortality. Judicator invites you to grapple with the inevitable, together, one song at a time.

  Info - https://linktr.ee/judicatormetal​

  =========================

  USA-based prog rockers Advent Horizon are making waves in the progressive music world and beyond after the release of their new album "A Cell To Call Home."
  ​
  Featuring guest performances from Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Dave Meros (Spock's Beard), Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree), and Jared Hill (Snow Child), plus album and single artwork by Travis Smith (Opeth, Devin Townsend), "A Cell To Call Home" has received high praise internationally from fans and reviewers alike. ProgRadio named "A Cell To Call Home" their 2023 "Album of the year", while ProgReport and Sonic Perspectives ranked it at #5 and #4 respectively on their "Best of 2023" lists.
  ​
  Much of 2024 was spent on the road, with performances across the USA. At Progstock in October 2024, "A Cell To Call Home" was performed live in its entirety and was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from festival attendees and multiple press outlets, with one reviewer writing, "something about this act really felt unusually magical."
  ​
  Following the success of their 2024 live appearances, Advent Horizon has returned to the studio, and is currently recording their 4th full-length studio album, which features a side-long 20-minute epic track, and 5 other heavy-hitting progressive rock/metal songs.

  Info - https://www.adventhorizonmusic.com/​

  =========================

  Silver Talon emerged from the remnants of the Portland heavy metal group Spellcaster after their disbandment in 2017. Seeking a sonic identity that was heavier and more aggressive, guitarist Bryce VanHoosen spearheaded the project and enlisted vocalist Wyatt Howell. Howell's addition refined Silver Talon’s identity, setting the band distinctly apart from its predecessor. By late 2018, the band released their acclaimed debut EP, 'Becoming A Demon.'
  ​
  This release encapsulated the band’s uncompromising, raw-edged sound across five original tracks. Notably, it featured a collaboration with Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy / Nevermore), who delivered a scorching guitar solo for a cover of Sanctuary’s cult classic, 'Battle Angels.' Despite a few lineup changes, the band navigated a tumultuous 2019, ultimately solidifying their lineup with guitarist Devon Miller and bassist Walter Hartzell, enhancing their power and versatility.
  ​
  Throughout the 2020 pandemic, Silver Talon remained focused and productive, culminating in the release of 'Deceiver, I Am,’ the lead single off their debut album 'Decadence and Decay,' in early December. This marked a new phase for the band, showcasing deeper arrangements, an expansive sound, and intricate musical layering.
  ​
  In May of 2021, the full debut album 'Decadence and Decay’ dropped, earning rave reviews and securing spots on both Decibel Magazine and Bandcamp's top metal albums of the year lists. No Clean Singing praised the band's songwriting and technical prowess, stating, “it’s the band’s songwriting (coupled with their obvious artistic abilities and technical talents) which really makes this record stand out from the crowd.” The album even boasted a collaboration with King Diamond's main axeman, Andy La Rocque, on the track 'Resistance 2029.'
  ​
  The post-pandemic era brought touring opportunities in support of 'Decadence and Decay,' including appearances at Hell’s Heroes and Legions of Metal festivals, alongside shows across the United States with metal legends such as Cynic, Atheist, and Exmortus.
  ​
  As 2023 unfolds, the band is diligently crafting their sophomore album, scheduled for release on M-Theory Audio.
  ​
  Silver Talon's music blends a brooding and dark approach to heavy metal with classic influences, paying homage to revered acts like King Diamond, Nevermore, Savatage, Judas Priest, and Alice in Chains, among others.

  Info - https://silvertalon.us/​

  =========================

  Please note: Main Street in front of the festival will be cordoned off, however, and so there will be a level of foot traffic—attendees who are only interested in the local business pop-ups, food trucks, and so on, but not the performances, which take place inside the venue.

  About GrillFest:

  GrillFest began humbly in the early 2010s as a backyard festival organized by John Yelland’s first band, Disforia. Held at their bassist’s house, it was a laid-back, community-driven celebration of local music, friendship, and grilling. They invited fellow bands of all styles—metal, punk, acoustic, death metal—and played from noon until noise curfew! There were no genre boundaries, no egos—just artists, fans, and neighbors coming together in an atmosphere that felt more like a family reunion than a festival.

  As the years passed and life took them in different directions, Disforia disbanded, and the original Grillfest faded into memory. But its spirit never left John. That sense of connection, creativity, and grassroots joy is something he carried with him, and now, he is thrilled to bring it back in 2025.

  About The Organizers:

  John Yelland is the powerhouse frontman of Salt Lake City’s acclaimed power metal band Judicator, known for his soaring vocals and emotionally rich storytelling across seven studio albums. He’s also the voice of the epic doom project Behölder, and formerly of sci-fi power metal act Dire Peril. With collaborations ranging from Blind Guardian’s Hansi Kürsch to his genre-bending concept albums, Yelland is one of the most distinctive voices in modern metal. This year, he brings that fire home to Grillfest, joining a lineup built by and for foodies who love chill vibes and good music.

  More info:

  ​https://grillfestutah.com/​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/grillfestutah​

  ​https://www.instagram.com/grillfest.utah/

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• MOURNING HIGH Wins WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA 2025 To Play Wacken Open Air!

  Jun 25, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  One Band To Conquer Them All! The final six bands from this year's 2025 battles for Wacken Metal Battle USA gathered in Clifton, NJ, for the national final on June 21st at Dingbatz. Only one unsigned American band can walk away and be crowned champion to move on to 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).

  Conquering the crown as this year's 2025 national champion is Southern California and Arizona-based MOURNING HIGH (West Coast Winner), who, after their performance, a panel of industry judges that included Jeff Buttermark (FM Management), Shawn Quinn (Napalm Records/FM Management) and Rob Caggiano (ex-Anthrax/ex-Volbeat), voted as the USA's top band to play at the International Wacken Battle at Wacken Open Air. They performed alongside PRIME PROPHECY (New Jersey Winner), WHAT’S WRONG (Pacific Northwest Winner), PONTIFEX (Florida Winner), FIREHAZE (East Coast Winner), and BROKEN TIME (Texas Winner).

  "Thank you to all the bands for making this a spectacular battle in 2025. Big congrats to all the bands who made it to the National Final. I'm always blown away by the talent we have here in the US. Thank you to our media partners. Especially BraveWords, Metal-Rules, and DEAN Guitars. Special thanks to Jon Asher at Asher Media Relations. Finally, a huge thank you to all the supporters who bought tickets to the Battles. We can't do this without you!

  I also like to add that I want to congratulate Mourning High for their impressive run that ultimately led to representing the United States in the Battle at the Holy Ground. This is a young and energetic band that defines grit and hard work. With members living in Coachella Valley and one member living in Arizona, it is quite impressive to see their devoted fan base follow them to Orange County, San Diego, and then Clifton, New Jersey. If you are unaware of Coachella Valley, let me fill you in. There is no metal scene. There are only Casinos, Coachella Music Fest (no thank you), and the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. These boys and their fans have to travel. And now they travel to Wacken Open Air!" comments WMBU national organizer Eric Dow.

  Mourning High comments on their win:

  "The band is so thankful that we met Eric and the Wacken Metal Battle team on the West Coast and in the USA. We were blown away at the professionalism and expertise of the judges at all of the battles, as well as the other talented bands we played with at each stage of the competition. We are proud of our hard work and so thankful that we have fans who have supported us on this journey. We have been manifesting playing in Europe for more than two years, and finally our hard work has paid off. This wouldn't be possible without the support of the Wacken team, fans, and our crew. It's time to get rowdy in Germany."

  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.

  ​

  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).

  Spotify - 2025 WMBU National Finalists Playlist - https://spoti.fi/4kDedzW​

  In addition to the National Final battle, Dean Guitars donated a DEAN MDX QM TBB, raffled off to one lucky attendee. (pictured below)

  ========================================

  About the WMBU 2025 Final Six:

  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.

  ​https://www.facebook.com/Brokentime254/

  ​

  ========================================

  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.

  ​https://www.facebook.com/FireHaze

  ​

  ========================================

  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.

  ​https://mourninghigh.com/home

  ​

  ========================================

  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.

  ​https://www.facebook.com/pontifexmetal

  ​

  ========================================

  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.

  ​https://www.primeprophecy.com/

  ​

  ========================================

  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.

  ​https://solo.to/whatswrongband

  ​

  About WMBU:

  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​
  ​X.com/MetalBattleUSA​
  ​Instagram.com/metalbattleusa.official

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