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STEVE GORDON Mia – PHARAOH LIVES
Blackened Death Metal icons MYSTIC CIRCLE unleash fierce cover version of BATHORY’s “One Rode To Asa Bay”, taken off upcoming “Kriegsgötter MMXXV” album | Due out on June 6th via ROAR!
June 6, 2025 will see the German iconic black/death metal duo MYSTIC CIRCLE release an extended new edition of “Kriegsgötter MMXXV” via ROAR, featuring 8 tracks and furious cover versions of classics such as from BATHORY, CELTIC FROST, POSSESSED, ACHERON, or the previously-released, completely re-recorded cover version of IRON MAIDEN‘s “Afraid To Shoot Strangers”.
On selected tracks, the band welcomes back British soprano Sarah Jezebel Deva on guest vocals, who has already made guest appearances with CRADLE OF FILTH, THE KOVENANT and THERION, among others. The track “Cry Little Sister” also features Karo Hafke, singer of the dark wave gothic band Umbra Et Imago.
Pre-order your album copy now on: https://mysticcircle.rpm.link/krieg
Today, MYSTIC CIRCLE have unleashed a new single taken off “Kriegsgötter MMXXV”, their blistering cover version of the BATHORY classic “One Rode To Asa Bay“!
“One Rode To Asa Bay“ is a track from the fifth BATHORY album „Hammerheart“, which is a favourite of us two,”A. Blackwar reveals. “The band was a huge influence for us back then, but also today. You hear that in our early works and in general for our love of atmospheric parts. When Sarah heard the song in the studio, she went to the cabin and started to sing – which wasn’t planned at all. We looked at each other with a devilish smile in our face and said: that was the missing part! This song is pure epic!”
Let’s go back a quarter of a century to the year 2000: MYSTIC CIRCLE were at their peak at the time after the release of their third studio epic “Infernal Satanic Verses” and were rightly regarded as Germany’s leading black metal band. In the summer after the turn of the millennium, the Ludwigshafen-based band followed up with the 5-track EP “Kriegsgötter II”, a compilation of cover versions and new recordings. However, the founding line-up broke up during this phase and A. Blackwar left the band. Only his return in 2020 and the reunion with vocalist Beelzebub conjured up the spirit of that time again, resulting in the two great new records “Mystic Circle” (2022) and “Erzdämon” (2023), closing the infamous circle (or pentagram?) again.
“It was inevitable for me to end my time with MYSTIC CIRCLE with “Kriegsgötter II”. The long break was necessary, we lost the connection to each other back then – which is stronger than ever today,” summarizes A. Blackwar and looks back with a teary eye, but also with a smile, because as so often in life, everything happens for a reason.
Divni San Unleash Thrash Metal Anthem “The Power Of Your Soul”
Heavy thrash metal force DIVNI SAN returns with “The Power of Your Soul” (Remastered), the electrifying official lyric video from their upcoming album “Dreamlike Tales,” set for release via Wormholedeath.
Roaring with high-voltage riffs, punishing rhythms, and an unstoppable energy, “The Power of Your Soul” is a full-throttle declaration of inner strength and spiritual resistance. With razor-sharp precision and anthemic intensity, Divni San deliver a modern thrash classic built for both the pit and the stage.
| Unveil New Official Lyric Video “The Power Of Your Soul” (Remastered) – From the Upcoming Album “Dreamlike Tales” |
| When darkness falls and the devil comes knocking, only one force can push back—the raw power of the soul. Watch here: |
SODOM “Witchhunter” video out now
German Thrash Metal legends SODOM released their new single and video for the song “Witchhunter” today. The song is also included on the upcoming studio album “The Arsonist”.
“Witchhunter” is Sodom‘s homage to their late drummer Chris Witchunter and the video was created by Ex-Sodom guitar player Andy Brings.
You can watch the video here:
Tracklisting:
1. The Arsonist
2. Battle Of Harvest Moon
3. Trigger Discipline
4. The Spirits That I Called
5. Witchhunter
6. Scavenger
7. Gun Without Groom
8. Taphephobia
9. Sane Insanity
10. A.W.T.F.
11. Twilight Void
12. Obliteration Of The Aeons
13. Return To God In Parts
“The Arsonist” will be released on June 27, 2025 worldwide through SPV/Steamhammer as CD digipak, 2LP version, download and stream: https://Sodom.lnk.to/TheArsonist
SODOM live 2025
KATATONIA Unleashes Captivating Second Single, “Temporal” & Lyric Video
| Swedish masters of melancholic metal, KATATONIA, have unveiled the second new single from their upcoming album, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, out June 6, 2025 via Napalm Records! ”Temporal” balances fragility and strength – its intense verses culminating in a soaring, emotionally charged chorus. The track arrives with a beautiful lyric video. Even after more than 30 years, KATATONIA continues to redefine the emotional spectrum of the genre, effortlessly shifting between haunting vulnerability and commanding artistry. KATATONIA’s music is pure and heartfelt from the northern wilderness; cast in mournful dirges for a world that needs a renaissance. Secure your copy of Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State now and check out the lyric video for ”Temporal” below! Jonas Renkse comments: ”Temporal, when the enchantment is gone. When riffing is on, the combination offers no solace other than the pleasure of the vicious circle & the colours of the night. Enjoy.” |
| Watch the lyric video for “Temporal” HERE: |
On Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, crystal-clear production highlights the interplay between silence and intensity, while the contrast of heavy riffs, delicate guitar harmonies, ethereal synthesizers, and atmospheric nuances create captivating tension. Tracks like “Thrice” and “Warden” pulse with dynamic energy, while “Lilac” sees Jonas Renkse’s unmistakable vocals intertwining with hypnotic rhythms and progressive elements. A near-ceremonial piece, “Wind of No Change”, merges subtle electronic textures with KATATONIA’s enigmatic soundscapes. The breathtaking “Efter Solen” (Engl. After the Sun), featuring Swedish lyrics, with minimalistic yet striking instrumentation.
Even after more than 30 years, KATATONIA continues to redefine the emotional spectrum of their genre, effortlessly shifting between haunting vulnerability and commanding artistry. With sonic landscapes that evoke dystopia, inner demons, purity, and beauty alike, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State stands as a testament to their enduring brilliance. The album was produced by Jonas Renkse, recorded by Lawrence Mackrory at NBS Audio and The City of Glass, mixed by Adam Noble, and mastered by Robin Schmidt at 24-96 Mastering.
Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State tracklist:
1. Thrice
2. The Liquid Eye
3. Wind of no Change
4. Lilac
5. Temporal
6. Departure Trails
7. Warden
8. The Light Which I Bleed
9. Efter Solen
10. In the Event of
As soon as summer has shattered, KATATONIA will embark on an epic headline tour this fall across Europe and the UK together with label mates and Gothenburg’s top-notch metal export EVERGREY and Klogr from Italy. Kicking off on November 11 in Tampere, Finland, the tour will cover 31 major cities in total and culminate in a grand finale in Stockholm, Sweden on December 20. Tickets are available now. For more information, visit the official website – https://katatonia.com/
UNDECAYED: Decibel Magazine streams “The Descendants of Death” single from Swedish death metal act, “In Death’s Image” debut album out soon
Swedish death metal juggernaut UNDECAYED return with a brand-new single, “The Descendants of Death”, now streaming exclusively via Decibel Magazine. The track is another unrelenting slab of sonic devastation lifted from the band’s forthcoming debut album “In Death’s Image”, set for release on May 21st, 2025 through Lethal Scissor Records.
Channeling the ferocity of classic ’90s death metal, UNDECAYED deliver a barrage of blast-laden grooves, guttural vocals, and sinister riffing that draws from the genre’s darkest roots while forging their own merciless path forward.
Stream “The Descendants Of Death” HERE.
Likely the first album ever released with the word ‘death’ in the title of every song, “In Death’s Image” takes its thematic obsession to another level: in one track, the word for ‘death’ is even sung in 19 different languages. The album’s lyrics paint a grim and absolute vision of annihilation—”Death” arrives on Earth in a physical form, surpassing any concept of a god, to extinguish all existence. No one and nothing is spared: humans, animals, vegetation, water, air—everything dies. There is NO hope for life.
Tracklist:
1 – The World Shall Know Only Death
2 – Death’s Only Demand
3 – The Descendants Of Death
4 – In Death’s Image
5 – Death Shall Come (Death Shall Prevail)
6 – Death’s Pallid Coat
7 – World At Death’s Door
8 – Entreating Death In Vain
9 – The Greatest Death
All music composed by Mikael Bergman
All lyrics written by Tony Richter
Cover artwork by renowned artist Jon Zig
Biography:
UNDECAYED was formed in August 2008 by Tony Richter (vocals) and Mikael Bergman (guitars) as a result of lineup issues in their respective bands, 9th Plague and Disromance. The two had played together in several bands throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, most notably Gardens of Obscurity and The Darksend. Initially, Richter and Bergman were joined by Disromance drummer Johnny Augustsson. Bassist Christoffer Svensson joined in 2009, and in 2014, drummer Jesper Leidbring replaced Augustsson.
The idea that every song should include the word “death” in its title emerged in 2010, both to emphasize that this was true DEATH metal and because such a concept had never been done before. The demo “The Triumph of Death” was recorded in late 2010 and released in January 2011. It was then decided that no further demos would be released before the debut album.
Over the years, family matters, work commitments, health issues, the loss of two rehearsal spaces, and lineup changes all contributed to periods of forced inactivity and delays. It wasn’t until the Covid-19 pandemic that the band was finally able to complete their album “In Death’s Image”.
WARKINGS Return with Thunderous New Single “Genghis Khan” feat. Orden Ogan
| The mighty WARKINGS return from Valhalla with fanfares of the apocalypse! With their new single “Genghis Khan”, the warriors unite with German power metal titans Orden Ogan to unleash a thunderous power metal tale inspired by one of history’s most formidable military forces. Fueled by loyalty and discipline, the song brings to life the fearless warriors of Genghis Khan—men who didn’t see themselves as conquerors, but as a brotherhood driven by a singular vision. With relentless energy and iron resolve, the song storms across the land like a cavalry charge, reshaping the battlefield with every note and leaving only devastation behind. This isn’t just a metal anthem—it’s a call to arms echoing from the steppes of Mongolia to the halls of Valhalla. The track launch also quickly follows the announcement of the band’s upcoming European co-headline Pirates & Kings tour with label mates Visions of Atlantis! See below for all confirmed tour dates. Check out the official music video for the second single “Genghis Khan” below, and prepare for war—the horde is coming. The Tribune comments: “Ride with the horde, gather under the banner of the great Khan — unstoppable, unbreakable, and born for conquest!” |
| Watch the Action-Packed Music Video for “Genghis Khan” feat. Orden Ogan HERE: |
Since their formation in 2018, WARKINGS have cemented their place in the power metal scene. They have conquered festival stages, played alongside legends like Powerwolf, Hammerfall, and Subway To Sally, and built a devoted fanbase that has chanted their anthems at Europe’s biggest stages, including Wacken Open Air.
The five warriors in WARKINGS have once again taken up their weapons to bring the legends of their past to life with mighty power metal anthems. Each of them carries the memories of great battles within, and now, the time has come to unleash these stories upon the world alongside the indomitable sorceress Morgana le Fay.
The band’s fifth album, Armageddon, is a journey through some of history’s most pivotal conquests—moments where warriors stood firm, empires crumbled, and the world was forever changed. From the Viking raid on Lindisfarne in “Armageddon” to the thunderous legacy of “Genghis Khan”, and the tragic fall of the Knights Templar on “Hangman’s Night”, WARKINGS breathe fire into forgotten chapters of the past. The epic finale “Kings of Ragnarök” calls on fans to rise and fight alongside gods in the last battle.
The new album features strong forces – Dominum (“Hangman’s Night”), Orden Ogan (“Genghis Khan”) and Subway to Sally (“Stahl auf Stahl”) lend their weapons to the mighty kings. Adding to the sonic arsenal, Armageddon was produced by Felix Heldt and mixed/mastered by the renowned Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Powerwolf, Amaranthe). The band teamed up with further musicians to write some battle hymns on this album: Eike Freese (Dark Age, Lord of the Lost) lends his power to “Genghis Khan”, Jan S. Mischon (Saltatio Mortis) joins on “Varangoi”, and Ken Kängström (Follow The Cypher, Sabaton) co-wrote “Kingdom Come”.
With Armageddon, WARKINGS prove that history is not only written by rulers and conquerors—it is shaped by those who fought in their name. This album offers a glimpse into the experiences of those who stood at the brink of their own end—their personal Ragnarök, their own Armageddon. Honoring these fearless warriors, WARKINGS deliver yet another epic, destined to triumph in every battle!
WARKINGS comment:
“Armageddon is not just the end — it’s the moments in history that changed the world forever. This album is a tribute to the warriors and shieldmaidens who faced the battles that shaped their world.”
Just Reborn Unleash Emotionally Charged New Video for “Brain Fag”
| Female-fronted symphonic metal act Just Reborn have released the official Lyric video for “Brain Fag”, the third single from their critically praised concept album Formae Mentis. |
| Watch it now: |
“Brain Fag” delves deep into the psychological torment of a mind unraveling under the weight of isolation, confusion, and emotional dissonance. The term fag in the title refers to an archaic and rarely used definition—a state of mental weariness or fog—completely unrelated to any modern or derogatory usage. Here, it’s used to underline a crisis of identity and clarity, a brutal internal conflict between darkness and the desperate human will to break free.
Just Reborn invites listeners into a harrowing descent and a battle for rebirth through haunting melodies, cinematic arrangements, and the raw power of frontwoman Monica Bisquadro.
Released after three years of intense creative exploration, Formae Mentis is a concept album that maps the twisted corridors of the human psyche. Blending symphonic metal with classical, medieval, progressive rock, blues, and lyrical opera, the album is a genre-defying triumph—a sonic mirror held up to the soul.
From The Ashes – 04/05/2025
PLAYLIST:
The Bronx Casket Company – Motorcrypt
Slayer – Die By The Word
Queensryche – Eyes of A Stranger
Candlemass – Born In A Tank
Amon Amarth – As Loke Falls
Gojira – Into The Storm
Thin Lizzy – Don’t Believe A Word
Mastadon & Lamb of God – Floods of Triton
Ace Frehley – Rip It Out
Ad Infinitum – Eternal Rains
Pretty Maids – Serpentine
Iced Earth – Red Baron / Blue Max
Pretty Boy Floyd – Leather Boyz with Electric Toyz
W.A.S.P- Thunderhead
White Zombie – Demonspeed
Pantera – Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit
Mono Inc – Out In The Fields
Epica – Never Enough
Ascend In Misery – I Feel Fine
Nachtlicht – Nachtlicht
Fall From Heaven – Echoes of Suffering
Linin Park – Given Up
Ghost – See The Light
Angel Dust – The One You Are
Metallica – Nothing Else Matters
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