Power Metal Warriors WARKINGS Announce Apocalyptic Fifth Album “Armageddon”

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

The mighty WARKINGS return from Valhalla with a battle cry for the end times! Their new studio album, Armageddon, is set for release on July 4, 2025, via Napalm Records. Today, on “WARKINGS Wednesday”, the warriors unveil the album’s title track and first single, “Armageddon”, igniting a power metal storm of fire and steel.

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. Check out the official music video for “Armageddon” below for a first taste of the new album and make sure to pre-order your copy now!

The Viking comments:
“For the monks of Lindisfarne, we were the end of the world … and it came with axes and fire.”

Watch the Action-Packed Music Video for “Armageddon”

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 high quality guests – 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.”

SODOM new album ‘The Arsonist’

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

We all know that good music is always also a question of sound. To this end, the human factor is crucial – along with the right equipment, of course –, after all it‘s about authenticity and individual personality. With that in mind, German thrash metal band Sodom have come to a logical conclusion: To enable the most natural production possible, the drum parts on their latest album ’The Arsonist‘ were recorded using a 24-track analogue tape machine. No studio tricks, no digital overdubs, or, to quote frontman Tom Angelripper: “No plastic! The difference in sound compared to today‘s standard drum productions is amazing and has had a positive effect on all the instruments. Naturally, time and effort as well as costs were also higher, but we‘re happy to fork out for a superior result.”

However, it‘s not only the complex production process that testifies to the band‘s exceptional creative spirit, but also their diverse songwriting, which saw all four Sodom musicians – Tom Angelripper (vocals, bass), Frank Blackfire (guitar), York Segatz (guitar) and Toni Merkel (drums) – involved in the development of the material on ’The Arsonist‘. Tom: “Frank contributed those typical Sodom riffs and hooks again, whereas York favours more epic songwriting. As a perfect complement to both of them, Toni, who is also an excellent guitarist, contributed a number of songs and helped to make the album even more versatile.”

The first single and lyric video ’Trigger Discipline‘, the toughest song on ’The Arsonist‘, is released today. The song sounds equally martial and is about a sniper who has completely lost control of his actions and shoots people indiscriminately.

You can watch the lyric 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

ARMORED SAINT To Enter Studio Next Month

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Following two festival performances – Bangers Open Air in São Paulo, Brazil and Sonic Temple Festival in Columbus, Ohio respectively – heavy metal icons ARMORED SAINT will enter the studio next month to begin recording their long-awaited ninth studio album, tentatively slated for a Spring 2026 release through Metal Blade Records.

In September, the band will join W.A.S.P. for a trio of UK shows before returning to the States to support legendary guitarist Michael Schenker on his My Years With UFO US Tour. ARMORED SAINT will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of their second album, Delirious Nomad, with a five-song micro set of songs from the record throughout the tour.

To further commemorate the cornerstone record, the band is making available a special Delirious Nomad wrapped guitar from Dean Guitars. Each guitar is signed by the band. Presales will be announced in the coming week.

In the meantime, check out additional Delirious Nomad merch items at: https://eyesoremerch.com/bands/a/armored-saint/

Elaborates vocalist John Bush, “What up, Saints? We want to give you all a heads up with what‘s happening with us this year. First, we‘ve been writing songs for the upcoming new record, and we are just about done! We are going into 606 Studios next month to record drums for five songs. The plan still stands for an early Spring 2026 release. We have two rad festivals dates in May: Bangers Open Air and Sonic Temple Festival. Then we‘ll be joining our friends, W.A.S.P., for three shows in Britain in September which includes Newcastle where we‘ve never played and London at the Eventim Apollo — formerly the legendary Hammersmith Odeon. We are psyched!

“Then we‘ll do nine more shows in the US in October with one of the best rock guitar players to ever walk the earth: Michael Schenker. We will be doing something special on these particular dates. In conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Delirious Nomad, we will be playing micro sets from that record. We’ll play other classic SAINT tunes as well of course!

“Finally, we will do three headlining shows at the end of this tour in El Paso, Texas, where we haven‘t played since 1984, Las Vegas, Nevada, and at the infamous Glass House for the first time ever in Pomona, California. Lots on the plate. Thanks for all the love as always.”

KATATONIA Announce New Album, “Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State”, Out June 6, 2025!

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Swedish grandeurs of melancholic heaviness, KATATONIA, return with Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, set for release on June 6, 2025 via Napalm Records. Once again, the Stockholm-based unit masterfully navigates the tightrope act between nocturnal darkness and Scandinavian despair while subtly weaving a sense of hope into the listener’s heart. Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State marks the next step in KATATONIA’s evolution, building upon the foundation of their previous album, Sky Void of Stars (2023) and also is an introduction to their two new guitarists. KATATONIA in 2025 is composed of vocalist and founding member Jonas Renkse, bassist Niklas Sandin, drummer Daniel Moilanen, and guitarists Nico Elgstrand and Sebastian Svalland.

With the album’s lead single “Lilac”, revealed today, KATATONIA offer a first glimpse of what fans can expect from the new record. The track showcases Jonas Renkse’s unmistakable vocals intertwining with hypnotic rhythms, heavy riffs, and progressive elements. Accompanied by an atmospheric official music video, “Lilac” speaks straight to the heart, proving KATATONIA’s matchless ability to draw listeners into a whirlwind of stirring emotions.

Jonas Renkse adds:
“We are proud and excited to announce our new album, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, coming out via Napalm Records on June 6. As always, these songs are the stories that thrive in the corner of the eye, obscured by the light but waiting to come alive in the dusk of our morbid existence. Please enjoy the first scent – ‚Lilac‘. “

Watch the official music video for “Lilac” 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, a near-ceremonial piece, “Wind of No Change”, merges subtle electronic textures with KATATONIA’s enigmatic soundscapes, while “Temporal” balances fragility and strength – its intense verses culminating in a soaring, emotionally charged chorus. The breathtaking “Efter Solen” (Engl. After the Sun), featuring Swedish lyrics, evokes echoes of Jonas Eika’s 2018 short story collection, 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/

KATATONIA UK & EUROPE TOUR 2025
w/ EVERGREY & Klogr
11.11.25 FI – Tampere / Tavara-asema
12.11.25 FI – Helsinki / House of Culture
14.11.25 NO – Oslo / Rockefeller
15.11.25 SE – Gothenburg / Pustervik
16.11.25 DE – Hamburg / Gruenspan
18.11.25 PL – Warsaw / Progresja
19.11.25 DE – Berlin / Huxleys
20.11.25 DE – Leipzig / Täubchenthal
21.11.25 CZ – Prague / Palac Akropolis
22.11.25 AT – Vienna / Simm City
24.11.25 DE – Munich / Backstage Werk
25.11.25 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn
27.11.25 IT – Milan / Alcatraz
28.11.25 CH – Zurich / Komplex
29.11.25 FR – Lyon / La Rayonne
01.12.25 ES – Madrid / BUT
02.12.25 ES – Barcelona / Salamandra
03.12.25 FR – Toulouse / Le Metronum
05.12.25 UK – London / Electric Ballroom
06.12.25 UK – Glasgow / Garage
07.12.25 UK – Manchester / Academy 2
08.12.25 UK – Bristol / SWK
10.12.25 FR – Paris / Le Trabendo
11.12.25 LU – Luxembourg / Rockhal
12.12.25 DE – Frankfurt / Batschkapp
13.12.25 DE – Cologne / Live Music Hall
14.12.25 NL – Amsterdam / Melkweg Max
16.12.25 BE – Antwerp / Trix
18.12.25 DK – Copenhagen / Amager Bio
19.12.25 SE – Karlstad / Nöjesfabriken
20.12.25 SE – Stockholm / Fållan

Festivals 2025
03.05.25 BE – Izegem / Headbangers Balls Fest
22.06.25 BE – Dessel / Graspop Metal Meeting
05.07.25 DE – Mühlheim / Castle Rock
06.07.25 TR – Istanbul / Headbanger’s Weekend
26.07.25 PL – Ostrów Wielkopolski / Ostrów Rock Festival
30.07.25 RO – Braşov / Rockstadt Extreme Fest
01.08.25 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air
22.08.25 IT – Marina Di Altidona / Wondergate (Parco dei Due Ponti)

KING OF NONE Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary with New Music Video for “Highway Divin’”

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Finnish stoner rockers KING OF NONE celebrate their tenth anniversary by releasing the official music video for “Highway Divin’”, the very first song they ever wrote back in 2013. A decade later, the band revisits its roots with a powerful and gritty video that reflects their journey through the underground stoner rock scene.

Formed in Helsinki, Finland, KING OF NONE have developed a signature sound blending heavy, fuzzy riffs, raspy vocals, progressive arrangements, and psychedelic atmospheres. Their music has earned recognition both locally and internationally, supported by a solid and unchanged lineup: Miiro Kärki (vocals), Patrick Enckell (drums), Juho Aarnio (bass), Aleksi Kärkkäinen (guitar) and Juha Pääkkö (guitar).

With three self-released EPs and the acclaimed full-length album “In The Realm”, released by Argonauta Records on CD, Colored Vinyl, and Digital, the band has continually evolved, incorporating broader influences while staying true to their riff-driven core. The release of the “Highway Divin’” video also marks the first anniversary of In The Realm, adding further meaning to this celebratory milestone.

KING OF NONE are currently writing new material and gearing up for a series of shows in the fall. Their next live date is set for April 18th in Turku, where they will share the stage with Craneium and Kärmes.

Take a ride back to where it all began with “Highway Divin’.” It’s a raw, nostalgic trip through the early days of KING OF NONE and a glimpse of what’s still ahead.

Brutal Death OPHIOLATRY Signs To Wormholedeath Records

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Brazilian brutal death metal veterans Ophiolatry have officially signed with Wormholedeath Records and announced the release of their highly anticipated new album “Serpent’s Verdict”, set to drop on June 6, 2025. The band has also released a teaser for the album, giving fans their first glimpse into what promises to be a devastating release in extreme metal. They comment on the brutality:

“The album delves into themes of spiritual revenge, indigenous resistance, and the clash between ancient traditions and imposed beliefs. Inspired by real events in the Amazon, mythology, and existential suffering, the lyrics paint vivid scenes of war, punishment, and transcendence through pain. Each song tells a story, whether it be about warriors resurrected for revenge, the wrath of serpent gods, or the fall of oppressive ideologies. The words are raw, intense, and unrelenting, reflecting the chaotic brutality of the music itself.”

This signing marks a significant milestone for Ophiolatry, whose last full-length album “Transmutation” was released in 2008 through Forces of Satan Records/Regain Records. After a period of careful composition and development, the band returns with renewed purpose and vision, channeling the raw energy that established them as pioneers of South American extreme metal while evolving their distinctive sound. The album represents a departure from the relentless technicality of “Transmutation” while preserving the band’s signature brutality and expanding their sonic palette.

The album functions as a sonic ritual—a brutal, immersive descent into cycles of destruction, revenge, and rebirth. Each track serves as a chapter in this narrative, combining aggressive riffs, guttural vocals, and tribal rhythms inspired by ancient warrior traditions. It is recommended for fans of Morbid Angel, Death, and Deicide.

Teaser

L-R – Diego Santiago (Bass), Jaime Veron (Lead Vocals), Jhorge “Dog” Duarte (Drums), Fred Barros (Guitar)

Photography: Kevin Eisenlord, Anderson Hildebrando

CURSE OF CAIN – announces new studio album “Achtung!” for a September release on ROAR, posts new video single “Starry Eyes” & starts album pre-sale!

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

With previously-released singles “Feel The Pain” and “Candy Cain Murder”, Sweden-based Curse Of Cain have already teased some first harbingers from their sophomore studio album and the follow-up to their notable, critically-acclaimed debut in 2023. Now, the extraordinary metal collective has finally revealed new details about its successor: “Achtung!” will be released on CD, Vinyl and Digital formats on September 26, 2025 through ROAR (Grave Digger, Mystic Circle, Crematory a.o.), the pre-sale has just started at: https://Curseofcain.rpm.link/achtungalbPR

Emerging from the enigmatic depths of their unique dimension, Curse Of Cain redefines what it means to be a band. Shrouded in mystery and driven by an unrelenting force they call Movie Metal, Curse of Cain is more than music, it’s an immersive saga. Their narrative weaves together struggles, victories, and the haunting beauty of a dystopian universe, brought to life by a cast of compelling characters.

With their forthcoming sonic masterpiece, “Achtung!”, Curse Of Cain elevate their storytelling to a new level of intensity. Each track is a chapter, plunging listeners deep into the trials, transformations, and unity of the band’s personas. This album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a declaration of resilience and individuality. Themes of defiance, survival, and self-discovery resonate through every riff, breakdown, and melody.

But give ear, as today, Curse Of Cain present a music video for their new single “Starry Eyes”!
“Some songs make you feel alive. This one reminds you that the abyss is always watching… and it has a soundtrack.” Soulkeeper comments, while guitarist Timekeeper confirms: “This track bends time itself—one moment, it’s ripping your soul apart, the next, it’s gently cradling your lifeless body. Poetic, really.”
Vocalist Rainbow reveals: “My first time on lead vocals… and what better way to make an entrance than with something both brutally crushing and eerily beautiful? If this song doesn’t haunt you, you’re already dead.”

“Like a siren’s song, except instead of luring you to your doom, we bring the doom straight to you. Enjoy the ride, landlubbers,” says The Pirate (bass, vocals), drummer The Mechanic adds: “Precision-engineered chaos. Starry Eyes hits like a runaway freight train—except the train is on fire… and so are you.”

The song is now streaming on all digital services at https://Curseofcain.rpm.link/starryeyesPR

Curse Of Cain doesn’t just perform music; they transport audiences to another world. Their live shows blur the line between concert and theater, with elaborate costumes, immersive lighting, and gripping storytelling. Fans become part of the narrative, stepping into the Curse Of Cain dimension as the band’s characters invite them to join the journey. It’s not just a show, it’s a portal into a rich, otherworldly experience.

The band’s roots lie in a dystopian, futuristic world scarred by the Red War of 2076. Here, Cain, a shadowy figure, navigates a shattered society teetering on collapse. His story is told through The Band, a group of misfit antiheroes who serve as both musicians and storytellers. By day, they’re a traveling cover band; by night, they’re operatives fighting against parasitic beings known as the “wrecks,” which infest and manipulate human hosts.

Curse Of Cain’s debut album delves into Cain’s past, revealing the events that shaped him and his enduring fight for survival. With “Achtung!”, the narrative unfolds further, showcasing a turning point in their universe, a battle against chaos, a rise against the darkness.

“We are the ones who walk the line between light and shadow, chaos and order,” Curse Of Cain declares. “Through “Achtung!”, we offer a glimpse into our battles and triumphs. This album is not just our story, it’s yours. Together, we defy the darkness.”

Curse Of Cain’s journey is far from over. With their forthcoming studio album as the next chapter in their epic tale, they invite you to step into their world, feel the power of their music, and embrace the story of struggle and unity. Welcome to the dimension of Curse Of Cain, prepare to be transformed!

Dormant Ordeal Premieres Third Single, “Horse Eater,” from Upcoming Album!

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Kraków (PL) – Polish Death Metal duo, Dormant Ordeal, have premiered the third and final single from forthoming album, Tooth and Nail, courtesy of Heavy Blog is Heavy! Click below to stream “Horse Eater.”

https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2025/04/08/exclusive-premiere-dormant-ordeal-unleash-horse-eater/

“Horse Eater” will be available April 11 on all digital platforms.

“A Polish blackened death metal band I can only describe as ‘fucking evil.'”

– Heavy Blog is Heavy

“Anyone looking for dark death metal without melancholy but with a vengeance will find it here.” (14/15)

– Twilight Magazin

“An album that will crush your neurons.” (9/10)

– Pavillon 666

“Beyond the obvious aggression and brutality is a well-oiled machine that’s deliciously intricate.”

– Wonderbox Metal

Dormant Ordeal, are set to release Tooth and Nail, the band’s first album for Willowtip and fourth overall, on April 18! The album will be available on CD, vinyl, cassette, and digital formats, and follows widely praised third album, The Grand Scheme of Things.

“We worked hard to make this fourth album happen,” says guitarist Maciej Nieścioruk. “JNS Studio once again did a great job tuning in to our suggestions, while having the support of Willowtip gave us freedom to focus on creativity without being distracted. Stick around and have a listen once it’s released, might be just what you’re looking for.”

Dormant Ordeal was formed in 2008. Their debut album It Rains, It Pours (2013), showcased the aggressive and energetic sound, while We Had It Coming (2016) refined their songwriting with thought-out structures and darker textures. Released in 2021, The Grand Scheme of Things was critically acclaimed for blending brutal precision with blackened influences and a thought-provoking lyrical approach. Over the years, known for their intense and atmospheric approach to the genre, the band has established itself as a impactful entity in the modern death metal scene.

“This band should be near the top of the death metal scene.”

– Angry Metal Guy

REALITY GREY Releases Cover Of “Hate Crew Deathroll” On April 8th, Commemorating the Late Metal Icon’s Birthday – Children of Bodom’s Alexi Laiho

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Italian melodic death metal powerhouse Reality Grey has announced the upcoming release of their cover of Children of Bodom‘s iconic track “Hate Crew Deathroll”, scheduled to drop on April 8th, the birthday of the late Alexi Laiho. Children of Bodom was one of the most influential bands for Reality Grey, especially during their early days, and this cover is nothing short of a tribute. While they’ve developed their style over the years, they think fans will appreciate their return to a classic ‘old school/mid-2000s’ sound, which they still love. They comment on the cover:

“This is our tribute to Alexi Laiho and Children of Bodom. “Hate Crew Deathroll” was a pivotal moment in our lives as musicians, as we had just started out as a band in 2003. We kept the song close to the original, which is something we usually won’t do; we like to add our own spin and mix things around. I think we succeeded in keeping the “fuck you” attitude of the original song.”

Hailing from South Italy and formed in 2004, Reality Grey has established themselves as a formidable force in the Italian metal scene. The five-piece band is known for its distinctive blend of melody and brutality, combining complex yet catchy songwriting with fearsome death growls, clean vocals, razor-sharp guitar riffs, and fusion-oriented solos. They are recommended for fans of Children of Bodom, Messhuggah, and Soilwork.

Listen to Reality Grey‘s cover of Children of Bodom’s “Hate Crew Deathroll”

Speed/Heavy Metal Sensation BREAKER Unveils Liberty (Lyric Video)

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Speed-heavy metal powerhouse BREAKER is proud to present the lyric video for their explosive track “Liberty”, taken from their self-titled debut EP, Breaker, out now via Wormholedeath Records.

The track “Liberty” takes a powerful stance against the darker side of power and the distorted ideals used to justify violence and oppression. The song’s unflinching lyrics critique the hypocrisy of using “liberation” as an excuse for tyranny, greed, and destruction. It explores themes of blind faith, corruption, and the devastating consequences of a society driven by false justifications. The new lyric video brings these intense themes to life, delivering an uncompromising message about the cost of liberty built on lies.

Watch “Liberty” (Lyric Video) here:

Formed in 2023 by vocalist Terje Fiskvatn, guitarist Caleb Beal (Villain, Midnight Malice), and drummer Rider Johnson (former Razor), BREAKER quickly crafted their signature sound, blending high-octane metal with fierce energy. The band’s debut EP, Breaker, features tracks like Liberty and Babylon, written by Fiskvatn and expanded with the powerful contributions of Beal and Johnson.