Italian Blackened Death Metallers, PATRISTIC, to Release ‘Catechesis’ in June on Willowtip!

Rome (IT) – Blackened Death Metal horde, PATRISTIC, are set to release their debut full-length album! Catechesis will be released June 20 on vinyl, CD, and digital formats via Willowtip Records.

The official video for first single, “Catechesis I,” has been premiered by Toilet ov Hell and is available at the following link:

toiletovhell.com/exclusive-track-premiere-patristics-catechesis-i

Catechesis I” will be available April 18 on all digital platforms. Album pre-orders will be available on the same day.

Born of the ashes of Roman Empire, pagan lust for life and philosophical opulence, then demeaned and mortified by the fathers of the one true god. Centuries lasting like the last dream before awakening. PATRISTIC is the soundtrack of the age of quiet chaos between the classic world, paganism and the impending shadow of the cross.

Catechesis follows 2022 debut EP, Apologetica, and is the band’s first release for Willowtip.

FFO: Aosoth, Barshakesh, Drastus, Sulphur Aeon, Akhlys.

Track Listing:

1. A Vinculis Soluta I

2. A Vinculis Soluta II

3. Catechesis I

4. Catechesis II

5. Catechesis III

6. Catechesis IV 

Photo Credit: Dema Novakova

Rockshots Records – Black Metal Storytellers MARGANTHA Unveils Title Track Off Debut EP “Blood Moon Sacrifice” Out June 2025

Rockshots Records proudly presents MARGANTHA, a black metal band born from a shared artistic vision rooted in darkness, atmosphere, and storytelling. Conceived by experienced musicians from the extreme music scene, the project was founded on the idea of anonymity, removing names, past projects, and expectations to let the music speak for itself.

Their debut EP, Blood Moon Sacrifice, will be released on June 27, 2025. It is a concept work based on a legend passed down orally through generations. The tale, told to the vocalist as a child by his grandmother, tells of a werewolf haunting a hunter’s village at the foot of a remote mountain range. This myth gave birth to a collection of songs designed not simply to be listened to but to be experienced in full immersion.

The EP was mixed and mastered at Sonic Train Studio by legendary guitarist and producer Andy LaRocque (King Diamond), adding an extra layer of depth and sonic intensity to the work.

The band comments:

“We always begin with the concept. The music follows naturally, often starting with a guitar riff or arpeggio, and evolving through a collaborative process. We’re not interested in technical exhibitionism. Every choice serves the narrative. The resulting material is raw, evocative, and direct—true to the spirit of black metal, but enriched with depth and atmosphere.”

MARGANTHA’s sound draws inspiration from the evocative power of Mgła, the intensity of Uada and Gaerea, and the epic darkness of Naglfar and Behemoth, while also channeling the spirit of legendary pioneers like Celtic Frost, Venom, and King Diamond. The songs are structured to be memorable, immediate, and fully aligned with the conceptual vision of the record.

While the band is just beginning its journey, their identity is already clear—both musically and visually. Their approach to live shows reflects the same energy: tight, relentless, and impactful. Inspired by iconic performances where the music speaks louder than words, Margantha aims to deliver live sets that are immersive from start to finish, with minimal breaks and maximum emotional charge.

The first single and title track from Blood Moon Sacrifice is out now.

Margantha is an Italian-Finnish band formed by three musicians united by a passion for black metal and horror aesthetics. The project aims to create a powerful, evocative, and dramatic sound inspired by bands like Mgła, Ensiferum, Behemoth, and 1349, while incorporating atmospheric and melodic elements into their approach.

The band’s sound is a haunting and captivating tribute to black metal, enriched with lyrics inspired by horror and Gothic atmospheres reminiscent of the 19th century. Their music evokes a journey into the darkest and most mysterious corners of the soul, characterized by somber tones and lyrics that delve into the macabre and the supernatural.

Margantha draws inspiration from art in all its forms: from the literature of Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, and Stevenson, to the paintings of Caravaggio, Bosch, and Turner. The band’s visual identity also reflects this artistic inclination, with carefully crafted photos designed to mimic the style of classical paintings, aligning with the dark and ominous atmospheres central to the project.

Born from the union of two distinct cultures, Italian and Finnish, Margantha blends the musical and artistic traditions of both countries to create a unique sonic experience.

A-Z returns with new album

Hard rock band A-Z returns with their sophomore album ’A2Z2’ out on June 6, 2025 via Metal Blade Records.  Spearheaded by legendary drummer Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord) and along with former Fates Warning bandmate Ray Alder on vocals, ’A2Z2’ builds on the groundwork laid on the acclaimed 2022 self-titled debut album.

The title “Nothing is Over”—the first single from A2Z2–serves as a de facto statement announcing the quintet‘s 10-song sophomore effort and musical M.O. It‘s the initial track Mark Zonder and guitarist Nick Van Dyk (Redemption) wrote when they began working on A2Z2 with vocalist Ray Alder. Music trends may be ever-changing, but classic rock ’n‘ roll is indeed never over, and A-Z remains committed to heavy music that‘s sophisticated but hooky and accessible.

 Helping achieve those aural goals are bassist Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai/Ring of Fire/Warlord), Italian guitarist Simone Mularoni (A2Z2 mixing/mastering, DGM) and keyboard player James Waldo (Alcatrazz/New England). “Nothing is Over” is heavier and deeper than what the band explored on their debut LP, with a bit more prog playing, but still featuring a big chorus hook and plush vocals. Alder‘s lyrics were inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s short story The Outsider. 

Watch the video for “Nothing Is Over” HERE:

The band known as A-Z began when Zonder started working on material in early 2020 with a clear vision for the band he wanted to put together: “I was thinking beer commercials, car commercials and Cobra Kai. I wanted a very accessible band that would appeal to the masses,” he says. The band‘s name—standing for Alder thru Zonder—was an easy choice that would never pigeonhole the lineup‘s sound. “What I liked is that it did not limit what someone would think of the band,” says Zonder. “If we named the band Scary Serpent it would give a certain direction and didn‘t want people to prejudge us.”

The band members are legendarily prolific, which allows for an amazing dynamic where, as Zonder explains, “when you find the right guys, you just let them do whatever they want. Everybody‘s a seasoned pro and all the different ingredients come together, make it what it is. That live and recording experience allows A-Z to instinctively know how not to step on each other musically.”

“We‘re all about the songs, the band, not what each of us does in it. It‘s simple,” they all agree. “It’s about the music as a whole,” says Zonder, “I guarantee you everybody’s into something completely different musically, and that’s where the magic to me comes from, taking different influences and everybody doing what they do to create A-Z. We‘re not 20-year-old kids. We‘re at the point where if you’re gonna go, just go big. And that‘s what we‘ve done on A2Z2.”    

Belgian Heavy Thrash Metal Discovery DIVNI SAN Joins Forces with Wormholedeath Records

Wormholedeath is thrilled to announce the signing of Belgian heavy thrash metal band Divni San for the release of their highly anticipated debut album, “Dreamlike Tales”, set to drop on May 30, 2025.

This dynamic quartet, formed in 2021 by ex-members of MIDRANGE (BE), brings a unique blend of heavy, melodic, and thrash influences to the metal scene.

“Joining Wormholedeath is the catalyst we needed to bring Dreamlike Tales to the global stage,” says the band. “This album is a journey through every facet of our identity—brutal, melodic, introspective, and unapologetically heavy. It’s time to turn the world’s volume up.”
Dreamlike Tales – A Dynamic Metal Odyssey

“Dreamlike Tales” is a testament to Divni San’s versatility and skill, featuring tracks that range from the classic heavy rock anthem “The Power of Your Soul” to the fast-paced and powerful “Dreamlike Tales” and “Ready to Fight”. The album also showcases more atmospheric pieces like “When The Bells Ring the Knell” and “In Utero”, with thought-provoking lyrics that delve into the mysteries of life and death. The CD release includes re-recorded and re-mixed versions of their previously released EP tracks, along with the brand-new epic “Keep The Dream Alive”, a seven-minute headbanging masterpiece.
Experience the energy of Divni San through their video for “Ready To Fight”:

Founded in 2021 by former members of MIDRANGE (BE), Divni San features Dragan (vocals, guitars), Philippe (guitars), Fabrice (drums), and Thomas (bass, vocals). Their diverse musical backgrounds bring a distinctive blend of hard rock, thrash, progressive, and modern metal influences, crafting a sound that appeals to a broad range of listeners.
After making waves with three singles in early 2023, followed by their six-track EP released on September 6, 2023, the band is now gearing up for their most significant milestone yet—partnering with Wormholedeath Records for the worldwide launch of Dreamlike Tales.