Those chipper chappies Trivium today (September 16) released a new track from their forthcoming album, Dead Inside of Me. And quite a wee cracker it is.
Come April they'll be whizzing round the U.K. as well as an Dublin date as well as a clatter of European dates with In Flames, Paleface Swiss and Vola. No doubt more tracks will be released before the tour. But for now Dead Inside of Me shall have to suffice. It is available on the usual streaming platforms, butt if you can't be bothered to search fr the video, scroll down to the bottom of the post.
Meanwhile here is some of the blurb about the track and song... Today,
the band shares the official video, directed by Pavel Trebukhin. It's a creepy
journey into the darkest depths to which the human psyche can plummet.
"'Dead Inside Of Me' was a song that came together
at the end of a long day of writing new music last summer. It started with a
riff I'd had kicking around for five or six years called 'Slam,' looping over a
simple groove," explains Gregoletto. "A lot of the
most fun song ideas come from blending two contrasting ideas together. Take a
death metal riff and play it like a stadium rock song.
"Let the screaming and
singing weave together until they feel like one voice. Being able to explain
the idea that simply as the song was coming together helped keep us
laser-focused and on track to see the vision through to the end."
He finishes, "The song was loosely
inspired by the Japanese concept of honne and tatemae — the tension between
your true inner feelings and the mask you present to the outside world to hide
them."
Tickets are available for all dates can be bought here:
Mon 29th Mar - IE - DUBLIN 3Arena *
Wed 31st Mar - UK - GLASGOW The OVO Hydro * Fri 2nd Apr - UK - MANCHESTER Co-op Live * Sat 3rd Apr - UK - LONDON Alexandra Palace * Sun 4th Apr - UK - CARDIFF Utilita Arena Cardiff *
It is 25 years since Anthrax returned to form, surprising the doubters, with Worship Music. That was on September 11, 2011. On September 18, 2026 they will release Cursum Perficio. And, again the doubters of the band's place in the pantheon of thrash greats will be forced to shut up.
Of course, there will be always those who criticise anything via social media but they can fuck right off and let the rest of us revel in the 54 minutes of metal excellence.
It could also be said that it is a step up from 2016's For All Kings. It has more edge, and more aggressive feel.
The lead singles 'It's For The Kids' and 'The Edge of Perfection' will already be familiar t many, but it is worth noting that they represent a neat summary. Bracketing the album (leaving aside the short instrumental into( they showcase where Anthrax are in 2026. It's For the Kids is a furious four-minute thrasher with quarter notes tight riffs and drumming that veers between speed and off beats to create tension.
Edge of Perfection has elements that would not feel out of place on Worship Music, with contemplative elements and a melodic intensity liberally applied to emphasise the reflective lyrics.
Created in the wake of the pandemic, this is a collection of songs that feel like four friends found their feel for what they enjoy. 'NYC 93' recalls early Anthrax but with 2026 aggro added in.
Produced by Jy Ruston and the band the overall sound is well balanced, bright but with enough bottom end to make sure rumble reverberates.
We all know that Anthrax can do the business, but the stable footing of that playing comes with a sense of the five-piece finding the illusive equilibrium of flair and precision. But most of all there is a sense of enjoyment captured in the furious playing.
Cursum Perficio is one of those rare beasts in modern music, an album that deserves a full play each time, rather than picking one or two songs to stick onto your streaming playlist. Whether it be 'T.O.M.B. Everybody's Got A Plan' or 'The Long Goodbye' they stand as great songs, but the entire album has a flow.
The sense or urgency was reflected by Scott Ian when he said: "We
were supposed to make this in 2020, but the universe had other plans for
everyone. After the Pandemic, we got to be a band again. When we started
working on the record, we were just happy to be in a room together. It was so
exciting that it was like being reborn in a way. All of that energy and emotion
went into the music. The fear of being forced out of our lives and the joy of
coming back together are present."
The official blurb for the album claims this is Anthrax's Magnum Opus, which is perhaps a little unfair on their back catalogue's achievements, but this is a band that knows that where it not for the
foundations set, they could not be where Cursum Percficio stands today.
With that said it comes with a slight fear that this a closing chapter. The title track's refrain that 'the journey's over', and the translation of Obscurum Perficio is 'I accomplish the course'.
Charlie Benante said: “When I found out what the phrase meant, it immediately clicked with me.
We aren’t saying this is our last record, but our journey has come to an end. I
believe we’ve completed the task."
After 45 years in the business no-one could begrudge them hanging up their spurs, however that statement about completing the task.
Whether it is the end or not Obscurum Perficio is a landmark for the band, 54 minutes worthy of revelling in and rejoicing in its power.
Obscurum Perficio is available now on Nuclear Blast in the UK, and Megaforce in the USA.
There has been an abundance of cheeriness with the sunshine and general enjoyment of summer. Even the farmers and happily looking forward to late summer showers.
But fear not, coming along to bring a dose of misery and negativity The Crawling have a new two-track EP, What We Leave Behind to bring contemplation of the malignancy of memory...
Now back in the far distant land of browsing record shop shelves a two-track was referred to as a single with an A and a B side. An EP was generally something with a really long song, or a third track. Maybe we are just old, and after all no-one gives a shit about the past so we'll let that slide (after having mentioned it).
Anyway, come October 2nd The Crawling will bring their non-cheery excellence to make sure autumnal nights are dismal and dreary, devoid of delight.
Below you'll find links to pre-order, and the trailer video, because that is the sort of caring site we run. Without further ado here is what the official blurb is from The Crawling:
"Northern Irish death/doom trio The Crawling return
with What We Leave Behind, a two-track EP examining nostalgia,
regret and the damage caused by living in the past.
"Built around the central idea that “Nostalgia is not
a memory; it is a malignancy,” the release explores the point where
reflection becomes fixation and the past begins to consume the present.
Opening track “A Song to Nurse the Sickness” examines
the deliberate preservation of old wounds - the repeated return to
memories, choices and experiences that should have been allowed to settle.
“Bound to the Negative [Requiem]” is a complete
acoustic reconstruction of the track originally released on 2023’s All
of This for Nothing. Its form has been entirely reshaped, while its meaning
and outcome remain unchanged, reflecting the way memory repeatedly reworks the
past without altering what actually happened.
“The EP is an acknowledgement that the past is behind us.
We spend too long lamenting what has been, rather than being mindful of the
present and the joy it can bring. Then, when we finally realise time has
slipped away, we begin mourning that as well. The constant mourning of time is
a sickness.” – Andy Clarke (vocals/guitar).
The EP follows 2023’s All of This for Nothing and
2026 live release Live in Belfast MMXXIV. Across a decade of live
activity, The Crawling have appeared at Bloodstock Open Air, Inferno
Metal Festival, Incineration Festival, MetalDays and Siege of
Limerick, and have shared stages with Carcass, Winterfylleth,
Gaerea, High Parasite and others.
What We Leave Behind arrives 2 October
2026 through Grindscene Records on digital, CD and
limited cassette.
Pre-orders are live now via Bandcamp, alongside new T-shirts,
longsleeves, sew-on patches and limited Collector Editions."
Whether you are a fan of rock, metal, or even ska punk an eight-hour celebration of creativity is taking place on Ballymena on August 15th.
Among featured acts are Black River Myth, Consolers, Somehow Sentient. and Ragewolf.
Enough waffle below is the press release from the Woven Music and Arts Festival.
A new grassroots festival celebrating live music, visual art
and independent creativity is coming to Ballymena on Saturday, 15 August,
as Braid Rhythm Sessions launches the inaugural Woven Music
& Arts Festival.
Taking place from 2pm to 11pm at the BT Club,
Church Street Arcade, the festival has been created to showcase the wealth of
creative talent in Ballymena while also welcoming musicians and artists from
across Northern Ireland for a day of music, art and collaboration.
Behind the festival is Braid Rhythm Sessions, a
collective brought together by a shared passion for live music, creativity and
community. Made up of musicians, music lovers and event organisers, the group
was founded on the belief that independent artists deserve more opportunities
to perform, collaborate and reach new audiences.
Through live events and
creative projects, Braid Rhythm Sessions has grown into a community dedicated
to championing grassroots talent and supporting the people behind it.
The launch of the Woven Music & Arts Festival marks
the collective's most ambitious project to date. More than simply a music
festival, Woven has been designed as a celebration of creativity in all its
forms, bringing together musicians, artists and audiences in one welcoming
space.
Inspired by Ballymena's proud textile heritage, the festival
takes its name from the idea of weaving together different creative threads.
Just as individual strands combine to create something stronger, Woven aims to
bring together music, art and community, celebrating the creativity that
continues to shape Ballymena today.
Visitors can look forward to a full day of live music,
headlined by Airies Air, with performances from Consolers, Black
River Myth, Muted Tweed, Arc Dakota, Rage Wolf, Deadly
Sons and Musicians Collective, alongside many more artists
representing a broad range of musical styles.
While many of the performers are based in Ballymena, the
festival also welcomes musicians from across Northern Ireland, creating a
line-up that reflects the strength and diversity of the region's independent
music scene. Woven has been carefully curated to encourage people not only to
enjoy great live music but also to discover new artists, experience different
forms of creativity and connect with the people behind the work.
Anthony from Braid Rhythm Sessions said:
"Woven has grown from a shared belief that Ballymena
is home to an incredible amount of creative talent.
We wanted to create a
festival that celebrates the musicians, artists and creative people who make
our town such a vibrant place.
"It's about much more than live music. It's
about bringing people together, creating opportunities for artists to be seen
and heard, and giving audiences the chance to discover something new. We're
proud that so many Ballymena artists are part of the line-up, while also
welcoming musicians from across Northern Ireland.
"We hope people leave having
discovered a new favourite band, met local artists and, above all, feeling
proud of the creativity that exists right here in Ballymena."
At its heart, Woven is about community. Braid Rhythm
Sessions believes thriving creative communities are built by giving people
opportunities to perform, exhibit, collaborate and support one another. By
bringing together established artists, emerging performers and local audiences,
the collective hopes to play a part in strengthening Ballymena's growing
cultural scene.
Whether visitors come to support friends and family,
discover a new favourite band, browse original artwork or simply enjoy a great
day out, Woven has been designed as a welcoming festival where everyone can
experience the very best of grassroots creativity in a relaxed and friendly
atmosphere.
Although this is the inaugural Woven Music & Arts
Festival, Braid Rhythm Sessions hopes it will become an annual celebration that
continues to grow while remaining true to its grassroots ethos of supporting
independent artists and creators.
The Woven Music & Arts Festival takes place
on Saturday, 15 August, from 2pm to 11pm, at the BT Club, Church
Street Arcade, Ballymena.
Physical tickets are available from the BT Club, while
digital tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.
It has been talked about, the social media posts have been coming thick and fast about it and now with a firm release date for Cursum Perfectio Anthrax have released, a new single 'Edge of Perfection' and accompanying video.
And for those of us of a certain age it once again confirms the East Coast thrashers as the torch bearer of intelligent metal that leaves all stomp, stomp, stomping.
Below is the official press release from Nuclear Blast, with the video at bottom of the post. You can also listen on all major streaming platforms.
And 10 years of a wait since the release of For All Kings, the translation of the album title better not be a swan song for the band.
ANTHRAX have released 'The Edge Of Perfection',
the second single from their long-awaited 12th full-length studio album Cursum
Perficioout September 18via via Nuclear
Blast Records and Megaforce Records(North America).
The new single is highlighted by clean guitar echoes and
cymbals that gently shake until a blastbeat blows open the doors. Guitars buzz
like a motorboat on the River Styx, making waves through the darkness. In their
wake, a crushing rhythm trails the melody of lead singer Joey Belladonna’s
lament, “My heart breaks…I’m on the edge…I’m on the edge of perfection.”
For the video, the multi-GRAMMY® Award-nominated New York
hard rock titans - Scott Ian (guitar), Charlie Benante (drums), Frank
Bello (bass), Joey Belladonna (vocals), and Jonathan Donais (guitar)
- teamed up with director and Academy Award-winner Joel Harlow (Star
Trek and Alice in Wonderland) to create a spectacular cinematic experience that
takes the hero from a dream into an evening of magic where he encounters
underworld evil, interspersed with live performance footage. The clip includes
appearances from martial artist Wes Scarpias, actress Ashley
Edner-Tancharoen, actor Troy James, actor and Academy-Award winning
make-up and special effects creator Rick Baker, actor Rod Maxwell and
actor Fedor Steer.
“It’s the apex predator of Anthrax songs,” grins Ian. “I
think it’s the best song we’ve ever written and the best thing I’ve ever been a
part of creatively. What’s the most powerful emotion that moves me more than
anything? Of course, it’s love. Nothing moves me like the deep feeling that I
get from my wife and son. I’m living on that edge for the rest of my life. This
is mine, but there are a lot of ways to ruin it. I’ve ruined it in past
iterations of my life, but it got me to where I am. Love is perfection, and I
like being on the edge of it. I don’t want everything to be about all of the
same shit. This record has a whole bunch of love, a whole bunch of fun, and a
little hate.”
Cursum Perficio marks the band’s first
record in ten years since 2016’s For All Kings, which debuted in
the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. The phrase Cursum Perficio is
Latin for “My journey has come to an end,” “My journey is
over,” or “I complete my journey.” It proves apropos for such a
complete body of work.
The band dove into recording Cursum Perficio in
earnest during 2022, working out of Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 in
Los Angeles. They carefully pieced together what would be this magnum opus,
mining their history with reverence, delivering on fan expectations tenfold,
and broadening the scope of their signature sound. Produced by Jay
Ruston and ANTHRAX, the result is an album that’s as
angry, aggressive, and alive as their most celebrated fare.
The album is available to pre-order in a variety of formats.
Northern Ireland hard rockers Maverick have released a new
single and unveiled a new line up to return with their first new release in
more than two years.
‘We Can Rise’ is put now on Metalapolis Reords, and is on
all major music streaming platforms and Youtube.
After five albums and an EP this is the first time Maverick
have collaborated with external songwriters. Crazy Lixx’s guitarist Chrissie
Olsson and renowned Australian songwriter Darren Phillips.
The result bears all the trademark Maverick elements of
hooks, riffs and a chorus that will have fans singing along with.
In the words of their label We Can Rise is ‘Blending the
reckless spirit of their early days…his is a bold new chapter without
forgetting where it all began’.
Released with an accompanying video it is certain to add to
the 400,000 streams the band has accumulated on top of their album sales.
Singer David Balfour, commenting on Facebook, said it was a huge
milestone for the band.
Those cuddly metal fiends, Indominus, have released a video to accompany their single 'Black Lake' just weeks ahead of a support slot for Celestial Sanctuary.
Matching the intensity of the single (review here) the video echoes the sentiment of the song, featuring black and white images of both the band and a turbulent sea, pummelling shore.
The timing is fortuitous, given the forthcoming show, enabling gig-goers to familiarise themselves. (Full video below.
The Celestial Sanctuary show is at the Voodoo on Thursday, August 6th, with Insidious Void. Now that is a crushing show.
Sweden's Evergrey new single has been released ahead of the new album and a November Belfast date.
'A Burning Flame', featuring Michael Stanne, is from Architects of the New Weave, which will be released on June 5th.
The band play the Belfast's Limelight 2 on November 11th, with tickets on sale (link below)
Napalm Records release, (video (below) details the story of the new single.
Swedish progressive metal masterminds Evergrey release
the final glimpse of their new album, Architects Of A New Weave,
out 5th June, 2026 via Napalm Records.
The new single 'A Burning Flame', where frontman Tom S.
Englund is joined by fellow Gothenburg icon Mikael
Stanne (Dark Tranquillity, The Halo Effect, Grand
Cadaver, Cemetery Skyline) in vocal duties; the voices of
the two scene legends intertwine compellingly, building a new yet comfortingly
recognisable Evergrey sound.
Tom S. Englund said about the new single: “We’re truly excited
to release our new single, ‘A Burning Flame,’ featuring our friend and
respected colleague Mikael Stanne. It’s an absolute honour to
have him lend his voice to an Evergrey song.
"For us, this is
the heart and soul of being a musician - building meaningful connections that
reach new hearts through music. Every guest we’ve welcomed over the years has
expanded our universe in the most beautiful ways, opening the door to new listeners
and deepening the journey we all share.
"It’s a privilege we never take lightly.
'A Burning Flame' is a powerful, catchy duet shaped by genuine mutual
inspiration.
"Mikael and I let each other’s melodies guide the
next lines, allowing the song to grow into a seamless, ever-flowing river of
emotion. To me, it feels like a dark yet profoundly beautiful conversation -
raw, honest, and full of life.”
Iron Heart may have taken 11 years to release a new
album but 2026 sees them follow up Revolution Calls with Welcome to the
Madness.
And, for fans it has been worth the wait, 10 tracks that take
everything you enjoyed about classic metal, modern metal then hits the refresh
button to explode in your face.
There are more hooks in guitar and vocals, than a party of
Cenobites ripping flesh.
Take, for example, ‘Never Kill the Soul’, or ‘Satan’ that
elusive ability to write riffs than you can hum along to. Satan, in particular,
takes the pace down allowing listeners to chant along that “Satan was an angel”.
However, what makes this collection more enjoyable than most
is the sheer exuberance in all aspects of the songs. Even while dealing with
deep lyrical themes there is a joy to be found in the totality of the
packaging.
The production and mix bind the album in a fresh, bright
sound that shouldn’t work in metal but does, enabling listeners to pick each element. ‘We
Are Legends’ has that and has more than a nod to Stormzone. But then again
Shawn has worked with that band and Harv...
This not a criticism, just an observation that Northern
Ireland is blessed with metal talent, thus there will be some crossover…new
genre, Norn Iron metal excellence.
In honour of Welcome to the Madness there is a need to seek
out this album on whichever digital platform you use, connect it to the loudest
speaker you have, brace your neck, adopt your best air guitar pose, click play
and accept the invitation to enter the madness, a madness that is glorious.
After a while one get fed up with the clatter of crap clogging up your inbox. Desperate PR companies (and I worked in PR....) The plagues of hyperbole...
And then in the burgeoning inbox pops a couple of songs that hit you, just right.... So below, are the Tailgunner song and video, and the new Exodus track. Buckle in...
And then there is Exodus...banned from Youtube for their video
EXODUS on '3111': "We decided to go hard with the leadoff single, ‘3111’. The song is about the narco killings in Juarez, and ‘3111’ is the estimated number of murders for 2010 alone."
Well everyone’s cuddly little black metallers, Behemoth have
a new video out for ‘Nomen Barbarvm’ and its not too bad at all. No wonder they’re
touring most parts of the world given the budget on this must equate to thousands
of t-shirts alone. Still, it’s pretty entertaining.
Press release below with video at the end. And dear Mr
Nergal, when will you release more Me And That Man songs?
Polish extreme metal pioneers BEHEMOTH have unleashed a
visually captivating and fiercely thematic music video for their track ‘Nomen
Barbarvm,’ a standout song from their critically acclaimed latest album,
"The Shit Ov God".
The apocalyptic video, directed by Dariusz Szermanowiczr,
features deeply symbolic visuals, including references to occult traditions and
a deliberate subversion of religious iconography, consistent with BEHEMOTH's
artistic mission. Expect high-level cinematic quality, utilising dramatic
lighting, elaborate costumes, and special effects to create a dark, epic
narrative
BEHEMOTH have several upcoming tours and festival shows in
Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, starting in early February. UK fans
can catch their visually captivating set at Download Festival in June.
Nergal commented:
"“I create as I speak.” Isn’t that, in essence,
Crowley’s “Do what thou wilt”- just cast in slightly different words? This idea
became the lyrical leitmotif of 'Nomen Barbarvm', arguably one of the most
melodic, yet also deeply groove-driven tracks Behemoth have ever committed to
tape.
“In just a moment, we’ll be putting it to the test live on
our upcoming tour. What you’re about to see is a music video we’re immensely
proud of, created in collaboration with Group 13. But you already know what
that combination means- uncompromising quality and a message in artistic vision
that doesn’t compromise!"
…”every track feeds into a wider narrative of disconnection
and the quiet, often painful process of learning how to survive in an
increasingly isolating world.” Those are the words from the press release accompanying
Survivalist release of A Place For Those Who Suffer, Alone.
Such words in press release can usually be dismissed as hyperbole,
any exaggeration deployed to attract the attention of bored writers scanning their
inboxes. Not this time. That line hits the proverbial nail on the head, nearly with
as much heft as the music.
Not that it is one dimensional. Indeed their own classification
of their genre as ‘groovecore’, some for of a mix of deathcore, metalcore and hardcore
does not really do this justice. Simply this is heavy, really fucking heavy.
But not one dimensional. For all the brutality there are
moments that offer a glimpse at musical subtlety. Take, for example the keyboard
outro of ‘Rot (Redux) and the following track ‘I, Tyrant’. The outro primes the
ears for the buried melodies.
And, the concluding song, ‘How Do I Stop Thinking About Death’
is a plaintive cry, echoing some of the elements of Whitechapel’s Kin album.
And that is not a criticism,
Fearless use of samples and other-worldy textures means the
heavier dominance of the album is never just a random crush.
As a statement A Place For Those Who Suffer, Alone – the
song and the album in totalis a stomp to cement their place. Fierce and
unswerving confrontation of tough subjects, whether they be mental health, loneliness
and the loads of living life in an uncaring world.
Each song offers catharsis amidst the fury. Deathbed, featuring
Alex Koehler, exemplifies the approach. Less a punch in the face, more a firm
hand gripping you and saying ‘Yes, you are not alone’.
Musically, the low-end rumbles with an intense sense of
menace as Rhys (drums) and Lee (bass) pound out odes of ominous heaviness,
added to by Nick’s guitar riffing as if the sheer existence of life is under
threat.
Like most harsh vocalists sometimes it takes a couple of
listens to grasp the meaning, but as demonstrated throughout he can turn his
voice to melody and clean singing, such as on Weaponised God Complex.
However, it might take some time to hold on to the rap and
samples of Speak Up Louder. There is nothing wrong with it per se, just it
sticks out a little.
That said it is a minor gripe on an otherwise glorious
extreme metal album. Dump all the core this and core that, cast labels aside and
wrap you ears around Surivalist’s growing into a meaningful, mature Belfast
band. And, heed their message, you are not alone.
A Place For Those Who Suffer, Alone, today, Friday, January 30
via Seek & Strike Records.
New label, new song, new album, Belfast date on April 12 as part
of a UK and Ireland tour - Winterfylleth are busy little black metal bunnies om
2026.
Here’s the press release, with the video for ‘Heroes of a
Hundred Fields’ at the end.
Napalm Records is proud to announce the signing of the UK’s
black metal legends, Winterfylleth. To celebrate this new partnership, the band
unveils a new album, The Unyielding Season, set for release on 27th March.
Making a stand, Winterfylleth's ninth album is a social commentary wrapped in
meticulously crafted poetry and prose.
Where the preceding album, The Imperious
Horizon (2024), described an ominous, malevolent force, lurking in the
distance, The Unyielding Season now explores said threat becoming a reality.
The raging wildfire to its predecessor’s calculating, icy cold threat, Winterfylleth’s
first offering for their new record label is a reflection and a rebellion
against the tearing individuals apart. It is a cry against the
unsustainable weight of fear and pressure being pushed into the world, by the
agents of an unresting, and unyielding force for evil.
The first glimpse into the infernal release is 'Heroes of a
Hundred Fields'. Winterfylleth weave an epic story into a raging battle hymn,
describing brave minds joining forces against a common oppressor to fight for
their freedom
Winterfylleth about 'Heroes of a Hundred Fields':
"'Heroes of a Hundred Fields’ is framed in a wartime, battlefield setting
and uses the premise of soldiers coming together, united as brothers, to fight
against a foe who are powerful, oppressive, and domineering. It talks about how
people should come together and fight for the freedoms they have and not
succumb to those who would attack them and try to weaken them (or take them
away entirely). There have been so many ideas and schemes pushed into the world
over the last few years that only serve to erode people’s personal freedoms,
slowly, little-by-little, until they are gone. This song talks about ‘lighting
the beacons of rebellion’ against those who would seek to undermine the way of
life and freedom that we all – hopefully – hold dear.”
Where our surroundings grow more challenging every day,
Winterfylleth offers a pause for respite and resistance. The world is on fire,
and The Unyielding Season is a warning.
Winterfylleth about The Unyielding Season:
“2026 marks a year of big changes for Winterfylleth! A new
label, a new member, a new album, and the landmark of 20 years making music
together. We are enthused by what this new chapter will bring, and as a result,
we are now able to share our ninth album, The Unyielding Season, with the
world. It is also a powerful and virulent first output, through which we seal
our new collaboration with Napalm Records.
"In many ways, the new album is a reflection on – and a
rebellion against – the turmoil’s and fears that are tearing the lives of many
individuals apart. It is a cry against the unsustainable & constant weight
of malevolence and pressure being pushed into the world by agents of an
un-resting and unyielding force for evil. We hope the album resonates with you,
stirs your soul, and gives you a source for hope. But, we also hope it makes
you ask questions of your own circumstances and gives you pause to consider the
unnerving state of the world we all share."
Winterfylleth - Heroes of a Hundred Fields
'Heroes of a Hundred Fields' is the first revolt on their
ten-song manifesto, describing brave minds joining forces against a common
oppressor to fight for their freedom. The song unfolds in marvellous grandeur
as chants of “Rebellions beacons now alight”, ring out against a tide of evil.
With 'Echoes In The After', Winterfylleth deliver a striking epic: adapted from
a poem by Sir Philip Sidney’s late 16th-century romance “The Countess Of
Pembroke’s Arcadia”, the track was written as a reaction to the felling of the
famous 'Robin Hood' tree at Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall, in the North East
of the UK. The following track, 'A Hollow Existence', opens up with galloping
drums and explodes into equally aggressive and atmospheric black metal
fireworks.
The band’s trademark sound continues throughout 'Perdition’s
Flame' into the album’s title track, a powerful observation of our world’s
current situation and a voice for those silenced by its hostility. Atmospheric
masters Winterfylleth then pause their rage, making room for 'Unspoken Elegy',
an acoustic guitar-driven instrumental enriched by equally hopeful and menacing
cello melodies, a hauntingly beautiful illustration of the dichotomy within The
Unyielding Season. 'In Ashen Wake' takes up the perilous undertone, taking its
time before unveiling itself as another highly melodic black metal saga.
'Toward Elysium' expands on that with a strong, old-school-inspired guitar
riff, thrilling and catchy. Following another instrumental, the beautifully
structured 'Where Dreams Once Grew', Winterfylleth end the album running order
with a bonus track, a cover of fellow Brits Paradise Lost’s 'Enchantment',
originally released as the opening track on their 1995 classic Draconian Times.
Winterfylleth will bring The Unyielding Season to the stage
this April, touring the UK and Ireland alongside Blackbraid and Noctem.
Halestorm’s unplugged pairing of Lzzy and Joe will be on the
road after their Download set, concluding with a Belfast date on June
20 at Limelight 1. Full details in the official press release below.
Hot off the back of their biggest headline UK arena dates
yet plus historic performances opening for Iron Maiden and capturing hearts at
Black Sabbath's "Back To The Beginning" in 2025, GRAMMY Award winning
band Halestorm are pleased to share a string of intimate unplugged shows for
June 2026.
The dates arrive immediately after the band are slated to
headline the Opus stage at the UK's premier rock festival, Download 2026.
Front-woman Lzzy Hale and guitar-slinger Joe Hottinger will
be bringing their much-loved Unplugged Sessions to just a handful of select
venues, starting off in Glasgow and rolling through Southampton, London, and
Dublin, before finishing up in Belfast.
"We are so pleased to announce that we are bringing the
magic of our Unplugged experience to the UK! We are stripping back our rock
show to the raw power of a voice, acoustic guitar and piano. Come join us for
an intimate night of songs, stories, laughter and good times! See you
there!" - Lzzy Hale, Halestorm
Tickets will be on-sale from the dates and times below:
Live Nation presale - Wednesday 28th January @ 10am (UK)
Local pre-sales - Thursday 29th January @ 10am (UK)
General on-sale - Friday 30th January @ 10am (UK)
"Lzzy + Joe: Unplugged" Tour Dates
Sun 14th Jun - GLASGOW Garage
Tue 16th Jun - SOUTHAMPTON Engine Rooms
Wed 17th Jun - LONDON Islington Assembly Hall
Fri 19th Jun - DUBLIN Academy
Sat 20th Jun - BELFAST Limelight 1
Tickets are expected to go quickly! Get them here:
https://www.halestormrocks.com/.
Words from the press release (edited by deleting the phrase highly anticipated in case you are not highly anticipating it). Video for the track is at the end.
Rock/metal legend Rob Zombie has released the third single,
‘(I’m a) Rock ‘N’ Roller’, from his upcoming album, The Great Satan, due out
February 27th on Nuclear Blast Records.
The hell-raising new single, ‘(I’m a) Rock ‘N’ Roller’, is
classic Rob Zombie with his signature brand of thick, boot-stomping grooves and
fist-pumping choruses. It’s a clear declaration from the iconic and
otherworldly frontman that “rock & roll is here to stay.”
Following the success of his Top 10 charting record The
Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy (2021), Zombie is back with his 8th
album, The Great Satan, revisiting his early Hellbilly roots for a
slaughterhouse of anthemic punk infused heavy rock/metal.
The Great Satan is available now for pre-order in a variety
of formats including a limited box set and accompanying apparel at
https://robzombie.bfan.link/the-great-satan.
Stream ‘(I’m a) Rock ‘N’ Roller’: https://robzombie.bfan.link/i-m-a-rock-n-roller
February 6. That week after January's pay day. The first hints of longer days, when even black metallers manage the hint of a smile.
Well Cattle Hammer are preparing to smash any hint of positivity as they bring misery and gloom with the release of Fark Thoughts With Lights Out on the Road To Masochist label.
The press release is below. And to be fair it is one of best examples of finding every word for misery and gloom in the thesaurus.
Press Release text:
With foundations of loss and desperation, bricks of countless small rejections and a mortar of indifference…adorned in carefully sculpted cruelties, with a watchfire of self hatred blazing out into the night; so is my tower of pain and isolation built, my black edifice, my fortress and my prison. And even in the utter solitude behind these cold stone walls I am not master of myself. Even here I am a slave to the voices, speaking from the past, making their whispered incisions in my tattered, wastrel soul.
“…that’s what you’re entitled to…pain, suffering, misery…”
- Cattle Hammer, ‘Rotting’
Formed in the spring of 2023 by Duncan Wilkins (Fukpig/Mistress/ex-Anaal Nathrakh), Cattle Hammer is a caustic, unforgiving blend of sludge, drone, impenetrable blackness and deep rooted negative emotion.
Their first outpourings of choking, bleak despair included the 71 minute, uninterrupted track ‘Methlehem’ – a declaration of just how far into the darkness they were prepared to venture. Now Cattle Hammer are primed to unleash their formidable debut full length album, an amalgamation of four of their most harrowing songs, Dark Thoughts With Lights Out…
The descent begins with ‘Gloomsower’, vocals like tortured spirits howling behind thick walls of sludge. It’s a slow, painful march, like wading through quicksand with each agonising step dragging you down a little deeper, the certainty of suffocating death a constant presence. The raw, organic sound brings a reality to the emotions expressed, creating a tangible link between the misery within and the sound without. There’s no gilded artifice, just a soporific dirge that vibrates through every cell…
There is no relief…
‘Rotting’ rises up through words of bitter judgement, carefully enunciated, before riffs like towering, quivering monoliths drag your heart down through your stomach. While clearly a distinct entity from ‘Gloomsower’, ‘Rotting’ further intensifies that doomed aura, continuing the process of entombment in misery. A deep lethargy eats away at time and you can almost see your skin wither as days bleed into weeks, months, years, empty decades between chords…
There is no mercy…
‘Watchmen, Alone’ jabs at your torpid consciousness with disorientating, disjointed bursts of sound before the black hammer descends in inescapable slow motion and a chasm of abyssal grief opens beneath you. It’s vicious, lumbering, brutish, vile and painful…
There is no hope but death…
The final disassembling of reality comes with ‘Body Puzzle’. The sheer scale of the riffs is terrifying, like being caught between colliding planets, while a voice of damnation injects fear and panic into the claustrophobic onslaught.
Dark Thoughts With Lights Out will be released by Road To Masochist on CD and vinyl on February 6th. It will leave you a weeping wreck, with your sense of self worth bleeding from your ears. It will take you beyond the point of no return. Is it cruel or cathartic? Harmful or healing? All of the above? Whatever it turns out to be for you…approach it with care.
Fancy something to waken up the neighbours - rudely? Then look no further than the new single from Indominus. 'Black Lake' is a bruising piece of death metal from the quartet.
Those familiar with Indominus will not be surprised that riffs are delivered as if they were dropping concrete paving stones from great height, while the rhythm section drives an HGV through brick walls.
One wonders have they watched the Adam Curtis documentary Black Lake, because the anger generated from watching this documentary is neatly tied to the fury from Ricky's voice.
While Logan delivers slab after slab of tight riffs of down tuned terror, all bolstered by Mark's hardened bass rumble and the precision of Ben on drums.
Given that it is a few (three years) since the last major release from Indominus hopes remain as to when there will be more from them - hopefully not too long to wait.
From the rabid rambling of the human species, Cursed Sun cut
a swathe through the vacuous noise with a declared intent to kill off mediocrity,
deal a death blow to the inept, and ask questions of the collective mental
illness afflicting the populace in pain.
Rituals of the Shattered Mind is an ep packed out throughout
with the extremities of the metal’s outer edges, 22minutes, five songs that
smack listeners straight in the face, and leave devotees smiling.
However, that is not to suggest it is one dimensional, lacking
in subtleties. Cursed Sun understand that a wall of noise becomes white noise when
delivered without shades of darkness painted aurally. Instead, they add the
touches that separate them from contemporaries who play the noise game without
consideration.
From the off this is a declaration of contemplation and
contempt aimed squarely at the “clowns” whose plans are conveyed as ‘The Experiment’ (video below).
There has been discussion of this neoliberal western ideal, but Cursed Sun slam
it in an echo of the documentary Hypernormalisation.
Underpinning the delivery is a solid, stomach rumbling rhythm
delivered by Chris and Craig, with Monty’s rhythm weaving riff patterns.
On tracks such as Lunacy Act it provides the foundations to provide
Jonny space to challenge listeners to engage with the solos, and Jonesy to expedite
his rage.
It could be argued that all tracks stand equal on this release,
but Devils Night stands out, with almost hypnotic playing and the sinister
declaration of the significance of November 4th (the Nazi SA established
on this date).
Delivery of challenging subjects amidst metal is an
overlooked aspect of the genre, yet Cursed Sun believe it is their Northern
Ireland roots that mean they can add edge. And, who would dare disagree.
Cursed Sun were birthed with a vision in 2007, just a year
after this blog was established by an ageing rocker. That vision from Cursed
Sun is realised by Rituals of the Shattered Mind: five tracks consciously
designed to make you think, make you headbang, make your fragile frame dive
into the pit, and, smile like you’ve hit on the best drug – metal..
Sylosis have a new song out. Press release and video below
Late last year, Sylosis almost left a rift in the cosmos
with furious track 'The New Flesh'. Now they're back for blood, delivering
devastating second single 'Erased'.
'Erased' is taken from their upcoming seventh studio album,
The New Flesh, slated to drop on February 20th via Nuclear Blast Records. The
New Flesh is a towering testament to destructive riffing, incisive melody and
refined brute force.
Sylosis stated,
"Erased was one of the last songs to be written for the
album. As we were approaching the deadline to get everything submitted there
was a pressure there that really helped shape this song into something special.
There's a massive chorus here and one of our favourite middle 8 sections that
we've ever put together. We can't wait to play this one live."
The New Flesh is available to pre-order in the following
physical formats:
CD Jewelcase
Solid Red Vinyl (All Retail)
Sky Blue with Black Splatter Vinyl (NB/Band Variant)
Red and Sky Blue Corona with Vinyl (Band Exclusive)
The New Flesh - Tracklisting
01. Beneath The Surface
02. Erased
03. All Glory, No Valour
04. Lacerations
05. Mirror Mirror
06. Spared From The Guillotine
07. Adorn My Throne
08. The New Flesh
09. Everywhere At Once
10. Circle Of Swords
11. Seeds In The River
Sylosis have included a Dublin date, on February 22, two days after the release of The New Flesh.
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