Tonic Breed, the metal project led by Norwegian musician Patrik K. Svendsen, is set to release its highly anticipated new single, "Anew," on June 19, 2025. This high-octane track features Chris Adler, the iconic drummer of Lamb of God, lending his blistering rhythms to the song. The collaboration is expected to set the metal world on fire as Tonic Breed blends its signature thrash sound with Adler's unmatched drumming prowess. The song was also mixed and mastered by acclaimed producer Machine, who also handled Lamb of God’s "Ashes of the Wake" and "Sacrament".
Chris Adler comments:
“I was quite curious when I got an email — and some riffs — from Patrik. He’s done some cool shit and I was flattered to be on his radar… I researched it for a minute and agreed. We did have to take a minute to both feel good about what this would be — meaning I beat up his song like a fucking Rocky movie — but I knew it had the parts and strength. It’s been a privilege to work with Patrik. Humbling. You’ll know what I mean when you hear it.”
Svendensen adds:
"I originally sent over a rough demo of the song, a storm of riffs strung together with placeholder drums and a suggested structure. We worked together on a new structure for the song, and Chris took the lead on shaping it into something far more unique and effective than my original draft. To me, this is the most Lamb of God-style drumming I’ve heard from Chris since he was in Lamb of God. I’m sure some metal guitarists would kill to hear Chris Adler’s drumming behind their riffs — I’ve been lucky enough to experience that firsthand.”
"Anew" will be available for streaming across all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, on June 19th, 2025. The release of "Anew" marks a new milestone in the band's career, as they prepare for their upcoming album, which promises more collaborations and even more explosive metal tracks to follow past high-profile collaborations, which already include Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Björn Strid (Soilwork), Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam).
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." This five-track EP includes the band's rendition of Metallica's "Leper Messiah," and it will be released on July 17th, 2025.
The EP 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" aredrawn 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.
Since their inception, black thrash metal forms the backbone of Eternal Drak's musical identity, enriched by dynamic influences that span rock & roll and groove elements, with Latin rhythms adding a unique touch of cultural depth. The band’s steadfast commitment to black thrash metal serves as a constant through the years, acting as a solid foundation for their evolving sound. While their compositions continue to explore diverse stylistic directions, the essence of black thrash metal remains unshaken, anchoring their music with raw energy and authenticity. Eternal Drak's ability to seamlessly integrate these varied influences showcases their versatility and adds layers of complexity to their identity, ensuring their sound is both compelling and intensely memorable.
Today, the band unveils the lead single "Eternal Drak" off "The Warrior Order". The track stands as a monumental piece from the band’s original 2002 EP, embodying the raw energy and vision that first defined their journey. This signature track remains a centerpiece in live performances, electrifying audiences with its unapologetic intensity. Its original accompanying music video, crafted in 2002, clinched the prestigious CityTV award for Best Metal Video, a recognition that not only cemented the band’s place in the metal scene but also drew a wave of devoted fans into their fold.
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
L-R: Thirteen Goats Current Lineup | Leonid Verman (Drums) | Colton Hession (Bass, Gang Vocals) | Graham K. Miles (Lead Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitars) | Rob Fitz-Gerald (Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals) | - Photo Credit: Valerii Konchin
Vancouver’s genre-bending metal juggernaut Thirteen Goats is charging into the spotlight with two major award nominations and a stacked summer festival schedule that’s set to melt faces across Western Canada. The band has been nominated for Best Metal Video at the Canadian Independent Music Video Awards (https://dropoutentertainment.ca/metal-the-5th-canadian-independent-music-video-awards/) for their blistering visual assault “Sign of the Goat,” and for Metal & Hard Music Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards (https://breakoutwest.ca/awards) — a testament to their relentless creativity and rising influence in the Canadian metal scene. The band is nominated for a WCMA alongside Anciients, Torrefy, Art of Attrition, and Holy Void.
Known for their punishing live shows, razor-sharp riffs, and tongue-in-cheek lyrical savagery, Thirteen Goats have carved out a unique niche by fusing numerous metal subgenres and delivering the results with a theatrical twist. The quartet unleashed their sophomore LP "Capricorn Rising" in July 2024 via Exitus Stratagem Records. The concept album 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.
Each song on the record is part of a broader narrative that explores themes of disillusionment, radicalization, and rebellion as Shepherd and his 12 demon goats wage their crusade. This storytelling approach takes listeners on a journey through the darkest aspects of both human and animal nature across nine tracks that combine elements of death metal, thrash, and groove.
Listeners should 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.
Canadian death metal quartet Harvested is proud to announce their new album “Dysthymia”, set for release on August 1st, 2025. The nine-track record showcases the band's evolution from their 2022 demo debut, delivering a devastating blend of technical death metal, brutal death metal, and old-school stylings. The album announcement comes alongside a music video for the record's opening track, “Harvested”, offering fans their first glimpse into the dark psychological landscape that defines “Dysthymia”. The band comments on the track:
“The single represents what the band is about. The old-school death metal influences and the dark realities of mental illness put someone through a tortured experience. This was the first song we worked on for this album and played live, which set the bar for the remaining material. We realized that we were onto something special, and the sheer brute force of the track compelled us to make our current music video.”
‘Harvested’ maintains the brutality from the demo but shifts toward exploring the psychological aspects of mental illness rather than relying solely on gore. It's heavier, more aggressive, and showcases the band’s musical abilities in ways they've never presented before.
Recorded over nearly three years, “Dysthymia” features the core lineup of Mitchi Dimitriadis (guitars), Adam Semler (vocals), Eric Forget (bass), and Jacob Collins (drums). The album was produced by Harvested with mixing and mastering by Joe Lyko of Darkmoon Productions, achieving a modern sound while staying rooted in the foundational elements of death metal.
Recommended for fans of Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, and Dying Fetus, Harvested has crafted an album that is both technically proficient and devastatingly brutal.
Watch and listen to the first single and music video "Harvested" via its premiere on Decibel MagazineHERE.
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.
