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Croatia’s Finest Folk Metal Outlet MANNTRA Release Final Single “Heart Of The Storm” + Lyric Video – Album Out This Friday, March 14!
| Croatian Folk Metal warriors MANNTRA are experiencing exciting times! Currently supporting folk rockers D’Artagnan on a European tour alongside their label mates The Dark Side of the Moon, and today, they unleash their newest single “The Heart Of The Storm”. With a haunting, melodic, acoustic feel, folk-inspired background vocals, and an unforgettable groovy chorus, this track captures the struggle for freedom, and rebirth amidst chaos. “The Heart Of The Storm” is another powerful example of MANNTRA’s signature fusion of traditional Balkan influences and high-energy metal. The track is taken from their eagerly awaited 8th studio album, Titans, which will be released this Friday, March 14, 2025, via Napalm Records. By amplifying the rich heritage of ancient Balkan folklore with ferocious intensity, MANNTRA has forged a distinct legacy across seven powerful albums and electrifying performances at renowned festivals like Wacken Open Air. From commanding headline slots to sharing stages with legends like In Extremo, the band has solidified its status as a formidable force in the global metal scene. MANNTRA is primed to reinforce their claim of the Folk Metal throne, by unleashing Titans upon the world in 2025! MANNTRA on the new single “The Heart Of The Storm”: “Prepare to be consumed by the raw power and unrelenting intensity of ‘Heart of the Storm’, a melodic metal anthem that takes you deep into the heart of darkness. This track unleashes an electrifying storm of blistering guitar riffs, pounding drums, and hauntingly beautiful melodies that blend strength and vulnerability in every note. From the gritty undertones of life’s rawest emotions to the soaring highs of redemption, ‘Heart of the Storm’ is a song for anyone who has ever fought to rise above the chaos. The powerful, driving rhythm and haunting melodies will leave you feeling reborn—ready to face whatever storm lies ahead.” |
| Watch the Lyric Video for “The Heart Of The Storm” HERE: |
Formed in 2012 around mastermind Marko Matijević Sekul, the band has proven to be extremely productive as Titans is already their eighth studio album. Over the years the quintet developed their trademark sound by combining raw metal riffs and hard-hitting industrial sounds with traditional folk instruments, unleashing a relentless storm of catchy metal hymns. MANNTRA’s high energy soundscape is skillfully built by supposed opposites: authentic folk instruments like pipes and mandolins interwoven with raspy male vocals and an uplifting industrial metal sound. With their newest masterpiece they clearly take no prisoners as the album sets off with the title track “Titans” delivering forceful rhythms and powerful drumming. This continues on tracks like “Higher” or “Riders In The Dawn” kicking off with strong intros. Like no other, MANNTRA manage effortlessly to transport the ancient tunes into modern times by combining its folk elements with synths like on “My Sandman” or the album closer “Nav” delivering massive melodies. But MANNTRA also stay true to their roots with “Teuta” telling the story of a legendary Illyrian queen who reigned in Croatia around 200 BC and “Unholy Water (Voda)” containing a catchy chorus and intense female folk vocals delivering a hymn like melody with lyrics partly in Croatian. The same can be witnessed on the extremely groovy and catchy “Heart Of The Storm”, while uplifting “Skal” is a song to get every folk party started. A clear highlight are the combined songs “Forgotten Pt.1” and “Forgotten Pt.2” which are true industrial metal masterpieces that seamlessly cross genres, heavily leaning towards electronic elements, while maintaining their very own soundscape.
Overall Titans convinces with an enormous hit-density and sets a clear mark, delivering proud hymns and in-your-face metal songs that are undeniable, proving that MANNTRA are on the very top of their game, ready to enter the next level of their promising journey!
Finnish Doom Revelation BELL OF MIMIR Sign to Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records; New Video “Dark and Silent” Out Now!
Argonauta Records and Octopus Rising are thrilled to announce the signing of Finland’s doom metal revelation, BELL OF MIMIR! With their evocative and richly textured sound that pays homage to the old-school doom metal tradition while embracing wide melodic motifs, the band is poised to captivate heavy music enthusiasts worldwide.
To celebrate this signing, BELL OF MIMIR have unleashed their brand-new video for “Dark and Silent”, now available for streaming:
Formed in early 2021 by Karhu after years of composing and refining his unique vision for doom-infused heavy metal, BELL OF MIMIR emerged as a formidable force in the underground scene. The band’s lineup solidified with the addition of Tuohino (bass), Marde (drums, percussion, flute), Nordlund (guitar), and Korvenmaa (vocals), each bringing their seasoned musicianship to forge the band’s sound into something both crushing and atmospheric.
Their upcoming debut album, “Nocturne”, is a haunting, monolithic journey into doom-laden landscapes, blending massive, slow-burning riffs with mournful melodies and poetic lyricism. Fans of classic doom and forward-thinking heavy metal will find themselves immersed in an evocative sonic experience unlike any other.
Speaking about the collaboration, the band comments: “Signing with Octopus Rising and Argonauta Records marks an exciting new chapter for us. We have crafted something truly special with ‘Nocturne,’ and we can’t wait to share it with the world. This is just the beginning!”
With the “Dark and Silent” video now available, listeners can get their first glimpse into the evocative and crushing world of BELL OF MIMIR. Expect more updates soon, including details on the official release of “Nocturne”.
Stay tuned, stay doomed.
Psychedelic Stoner Rock Trio STONE MACHINE ELECTRIC Signs With Argonauta Records
Argonauta Records is thrilled to welcome Texas-based stoner rock trio Stone Machine Electric to its ever-growing roster of heavy, boundary-pushing artists! Renowned for their immersive and spacious brand of psychedelic jamming, which they have aptly named Doom Jazz, the band has been crafting their unique sonic identity since 2009.
Formed by Mark Kitchens and William (Dub) Irvin, Stone Machine Electric has been on an evolving journey, solidifying their lineup with the addition of bassist Erick Paxecko in 2023. Over the years, the band has independently released a demo, an EP, and five full-length albums, including their most recent record, The Inexplicable Vibrations of Frequencies Within the Cosmic Netherworld, which saw the light via Desert Records. Their dynamic and powerful live presence has also been captured on the album Vivere, released through Off The Record Label.
No strangers to the road, Stone Machine Electric has extensively toured their home state of Texas, making waves in Arizona, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, and sharing the stage with heavyweights like King Buffalo, Mothership, Wo Fat, and Jucifer. They have also left their mark on the Texas festival circuit, performing at End Hip End It, Fuzzed Out Fest, and Heavy Mash.
The band’s relentless dedication has garnered international attention from tastemakers such as The Obelisk and Doomed & Stoned, as well as praise from local media like Fort Worth Weekly, which described their sound as: “You can practically see Conan praying to Crom right before a battle.”
Now, with a new chapter unfolding, Stone Machine Electric is set to release their upcoming album Faces under the Argonauta Records banner. The band comments:
“We’re excited to work with Gero and Argonauta Records on releasing Faces as the next stop in our journey as Stone Machine Electric! It will be great to be a part of what Argonauta has contributed to the heavy underground and look forward to bringing our style of heavy into the fold of the other great bands that make up what this label is about. We are honored to work with Argonauta, and are looking forward to getting our new music out as far as it can reach.”
Stay tuned for more details on Faces, tour dates, and further announcements from Stone Machine Electric and Argonauta Records!
SAMTAR Returns with “The Bog of Cosmic Delusions”
New album from the multi-instrumentalist comes out April 11
Genre-bending one-man band SAMTAR is set to return with The Bog of Cosmic Delusions. The seventh full-length album by the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter comes fresh off the heels of the acoustic-centric A Second Chapter Made of Wood.
The Bog of Cosmic Delusions stands out as SAMTAR’s heaviest album to date. With loud and crushing sounds, psychedelic influences, melodic guitars, and grand soaring vocals, this album is sure to satisfy rock and metal listeners alike.
SAMTAR has released three singles from the album. Stream “The Mire,” “Desert Creature” and “Refuse” on Spotify.
The Bog of Cosmic Delusions will be available on digital and limited-edition CD on April 11. Pre-order the album at samtarofficial.com
The Bog of Cosmic Delusions was written, performed, recorded, mixed, and mastered by SAMTAR. Album artwork by Steven Yoyada.
Tracklisting:
1. Desert Creature
2. Fickle Fortune
3. All You Ever Wanted
4. Speaker
5. Distant Voices
6. Refuse
7. Destiny is a Lie
8. The Whispers
9. Vicarious Voodoo
10. The Mire
11. Broken Sparrow
12. Drowning the Goddess
SAMTAR, a music-obsessed virtuoso, plies his craft with an unrepentant vigor and passion. Navigating the forests of genre, SAMTAR follows a path to sounds unknown by combining style and influence from all sources. SAMTAR chose to eschew chasing traditional mediums of promotion and instead focused on loving his life through creating music, exploring the outdoors, and translating the ethereal into song. The music SAMTAR creates is human and close, it has a momentum of its own and entreats the listener to be a traveler along the journey to their own peace.
SAMTAR grew up on System of a Down, Nine Inch Nails, The Black Dahlia Murder, Opeth, Sonata Arctica, Muse, Jimi Hendrix, Sublime, and Nirvana. Now he unites these divergent influences with driving bass lines, hook-heavy guitar melodies, powerful vocals, and a healthy dose of synthesizers. He notes some of his biggest vocal influences being from artists like Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle/Faith No More), and Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica). He also takes inspiration from sci-fi/fantasy films and literature.
CANDLEMASS Celebrates 40th Anniversary With New EP, “Black Star”, Out May 9, 2025!
Swedish godfathers of epic doom CANDLEMASS celebrate their 40th anniversary of pioneering the genre with a four-track EP, Black Star. Packed with craterous riffs, this celebration of doom metal mastery is set for release on May 9, 2025 via Napalm Records.
With Black Star, the genre-defying band unveils two brand-new songs alongside two cover versions of timeless classics. The EP will be available in various formats, including a strictly limited vinyl edition featuring a 12-page vinyl booklet, an A3 poster, and a tote bag.
CANDLEMASS mastermind Leif Edling comments:
“Not all bands get to see their 40th birthday and it certainly hasn’t been an easy ride. But many ups and downs later, we stand here as survivors, veterans even… a bit scarred perhaps? Still ready though to unleash another piece of doom-laden metal upon an unsuspecting world. You have to do something when you turn 40, right? Anyway, as always, it’s been fun recording some new stuff as well as covering a couple of old favorites.”
| Title track, “Black Star”, blends haunting melodies with deeply introspective lyrics, brought to life by the dark, romantic voice of vocalist Johan Länquist. Songwriter Leif Edling’s lyrics delve into themes of existential struggle, temptation, and the allure of darkness — creating an intense atmosphere imbued with CANDLEMASS’ signature sound. The second new track, “Corridors Of Chaos”, marks a true old school instrumental containing both classic metal riffing and stunning guitar playing by Lars Johansson, showcasing the band’s mastery of dynamics. Adding to this tribute, CANDLEMASS delivers a cover of Black Sabbath’s iconic “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”, taking listeners back to 1973. This is followed by their rendition of Pentagram’s classic “Forever My Queen”, further cementing CANDLEMASS’ remarkable contribution to shaping the genre into what it is today. |
| Prepare for 40 years of epic doom and watch the anniversary trailer NOW: |
Eclectic Doom AITTALA Drops New Single “Myself Deceived” Off Upcoming Album Machines Out April 2025
Eclectic doom metal powerhouse AITTALA is unveiling the first single “Myself Deceived” off their highly anticipated album “Machines”, set to drop on April 17, 2025, via Exitus Strategem Records.
Listen at the following links:
The songs on “Machines” were originally written and demoed between 1990 and 1997 on an analog 4-track cassette recorder. Now, Aittala has revived these tracks, preserving their raw essence while enhancing them with modern production techniques. The album offers a nostalgic yet powerful experience, blending early progressive metal influences with storytelling-driven lyrics. While showcasing a distinct style from their recent works, “Machines” stays true to Aittala’s signature heavy, immersive sound.
Formed in 1991 in Holland, Aittala quickly gained recognition in the Dutch metal scene, opening for bands like THE GATHERING and SADIST. After a hiatus, frontman Eric Aittala resurrected the band in 2008, leading to six full-length albums: Bed of Thorns (2009), Haunt Your Flesh (2011), Effigy (2014), American Nightmare (2016), False Pretenses (2019), Live to Regret (2022).
Now, with “Machines,” AITTALA boldly steps into the past, bringing long-lost tracks to life with a modern, crushing edge.
This dynamic duo of Eric Aittala (Guitars/Vocals) and Gary ‘Zeus’ Smith (Drums) (THE FIFTH, ex-MR BLACKWELL) continues to write, record, and tour, bringing their distinct brand of heavy, immersive metal to fans worldwide.
Album pre-save (due out April 17, 2025) – https://hypeddit.com/aittala/machines
“Aittala Offer Powerful Pandemic Post-Mortem on ‘Live to Regret’… Stick it on a playlist with Apostle of Solitude, Crowbar, Famyne, and Paradise Lost, with a dash of Slayer for good measure.” – Doomed and Stoned
“One of the best albums for 2022” – 666MrDoom YouYube Channel
“This platter is heavy melodic ear candy that drips with deep and mesmeric face-melting tones and grinding rhythms.” (Live to Regret) – The Metal Gods Meltdown
“The band’s sound is difficult to pigeonhole because they incorporate a variety of styles. The common element in all the songs is the potent groove. On tracks like “Black Coffin” and “Afterthought” stoner/doom is at the forefront, while songs such as “Disowned” have a more traditional metal vibe. There are progressive influences on “How Much Longer,” while the closer “Debt” is a piano based ballad. Even with so many disparate styles, Aittala bring everything together into a cohesive whole.” – Heavy Music Headquarters
“I would describe them as an eclectic Doom Metal band, although their sound is a bit tough to define. That’s ultimately a good thing though, and I enjoy the refreshment of something different. My only major complaint is that on some songs, the vocals and lyrics are so drawn out that they become a little boring and you end up waiting a bit for something cool to happen. The good news is something cool usually does end up happening” – Metal-Temple
“In the metal world, bands can start to sound the same and Aittala steps outside of the box. With clear crisp vocals, grinding rhythms and well executed leads, this band is definitely in a league of their own.” – The Metal Channel
D.E.A.D Unleashes “Dead” – A Bone-Crushing Death Metal Onslaught in New Official Music Video
| Australian-Swedish death metal juggernaut D.E.A.D has dropped the official music video for “Dead”, a track ripped straight from their ferocious album Of Vile and Hate, out now via Wormholedeath. “Dead” is a savage death metal onslaught, dragging a tormented soul from decay into cursed rebirth. It reflects transformation through suffering, where pain breeds power and the past is left in ruin.Brutal, raw, and merciless—D.E.A.D delivers pure death metal carnage. |
| Watch “Dead” now: |
Forged in the darkness of the 2020 pandemic, D.E.A.D is a brutal death metal duo delivering unrelenting sonic destruction. Formed by Niels (Sweden) and Adam (Australia), two kindred spirits with a shared vision of extreme metal chaos, the band thrives on delivering raw, uncompromising death metal straight from the depths of isolation. No frills. No compromise. Just pure, unfiltered death metal fury.
Steele Blonde – Lost Civilization
Le Coc – That Unforgettable Smile
Metal Planet Media 