RIVERS OF NIHIL Releases “American Death” Video/Single

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“American Death” is the latest single from progressive death metal progenitors RIVERS OF NIHIL. The ferocious new track — a true-to-form beater that‘s sure to slay live — comes by way of the band‘s eponymous fifth full-length, set for release on May 30th via Metal Blade Records.

Watch it HERE:

Comments founding guitarist Brody Uttley. “’American Death‘ is a title that we‘ve been throwing around and printing on our T-shirts since 2013. We figured it was finally time to write a song with that title, and given the subject matter of the lyrics, it would only make sense for this song to be a true ass beater. It‘s definitely the most true form ’heavy‘ song of these singles, so we are very much looking forward to playing it live.”

Sixteen years and five albums into the Pennsylvania band‘s career, RIVERS OF NIHIL is upping the ante with Rivers Of Nihil. Traditionally, a self-titled record can signal a return to basics and/or a fresh beginning, and in ten powerful songs, it‘s clear that both those factors are in play. Founding bassist Adam Biggs became the band‘s new lead vocalist/bassist in 2023; the same year marked the appearance of additional guitarist Andy Thomas (ex-Black Crown Initiate), whose vocals also play prominently on Rivers Of Nihil. Producers Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland at Atrium Audio captured the new dynamics across more than fifty minutes of music.
On June 15th, 2023, the band released the single, “The Sub-Orbital Blues,” the first track with Biggs handling lead vocals following the 2022 departure of singer Jake Dieffenbach. It was also the first track to feature Thomas. A second single, “Hellbirds,” dropped on October 19th of that year. On April 29th, 2024, the band released the cut “Criminals” and an accompanying music video. Both “Criminals” and “The Sub-Orbital Blues” appear on Rivers Of Nihil.

Rivers Of Nihil was created in a very “rock n‘ roll” manner. “On 2021‘s The Work, I wrote a lot of the record on the piano and then the band filled in the gaps,” explains Uttley. “On this new record, I wanted to make sure that this stuff would hit hard live with just the four of us before adding in all of the sparkly auxiliary ’frosting‘ on top.”.

Rivers Of Nihil also showcases additional musicians, including Patrick Corona on alto saxophone, Stephan Lopez on banjo, McFarland on cello, and a slate of other guest vocalists. Despite the fresh approach on Rivers Of Nihil however, the album still fits neatly into the band‘s discography. With Where Owls Know My Name (2018), RIVERS OF NIHIL transcended all labels applied to them, and with its 2021 follow-up, The Work, they forged further into new territory with Metal Injection calling the latter album “the group‘s most cohesive, ambitious, meditative, and varied effort, with greater uses of philosophical significance and transcendental respites.”
Writes Revolver in an early preview of the record, “…their forthcoming self-titled album… specializes in metronome-exploding kick work, riffs brawnier than a full-grown Kodiak, and a vocal tandem of soaring highs (guitarist Andy Thomas) and demonic lows (bassist Adam Biggs).”

Female Fronted Symphonic/Prog Metal Visionaries The Wave and the Particle Presents ‘The Other’ Lyric Video

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The Wave and the Particle proudly present the lyric video for “The Other”, a powerful track from their album Electric Sheep, out now via Wormholedeath.

“The Other” began as a nod to The Birthday Massacre but evolved into something uniquely its own. The lyrics explore humanity’s tendency to seek reflections of itself in others, whether in people, cultures, or even alien worlds. Inspired by Stanislaw Lem’s observation that “We do not need other worlds. We need mirrors,” the song questions our ability to truly embrace difference. Musically, it balances introspection and intensity, mirroring the push and pull between connection and projection.
Watch the video now:

The Wave and the Particle, based in Fremont, CA, fuses post-industrial rock, symphonic metal, and progressive rock into a powerful, unique sound. Formed in 2015 by Vasiliy and Katie, the band started as an experiment to blend dark industrial beats with soaring symphonic vocals. In 2016, guitarist Chandra joined, adding intricate solos that enriched their sound, culminating in their debut album, “Event Horizon,” released in 2019.

Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the lineup solidified in 2021 with the addition of drummer Abhiram and bassist Alessandro. Over the next two years, they refined their sound and experimented with new song structures.

As 2023 approached, the band began work on their second album, “Electric Sheep,” inspired by cyberpunk themes that explore technologies, transhumanism, globalization, and digital identity. Committed to pushing musical boundaries, The Wave and the Particle crafts music that resonates on multiple levels.

Polish Progressive Metal Discovery Wind Down Sign With Wormholedeath

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Polish progressive metal quintet Wind Down has inked a licensing deal with Wormholedeath Records for their highly anticipated album, The Burning Past, slated for release on April 18, 2025.
A Rising Force in Progressive Groove Metal

Formed in 2021 by Damian “Blady” Jurek and Wojciech “Świerszcz” Wojtyczek, founding members of Thetragon, Wind Down quickly grew into a formidable unit with the additions of Kuba Czubik, Władysław Zawojski, and Marcin Borula. The band’s journey began with the release of their debut EP, Uśpieni Ludzie (Euthanised People), which garnered widespread praise, thanks to its title track and accompanying music video.Building on the momentum, Wind Down toured extensively, sharing stages with international metal heavyweights like Necronomicon (Germany), Stonecast (France), and 3000AD (New Zealand), alongside prominent Polish acts such as Iscariota, Styxx, and Subterfuge.In 2023, the lineup evolved, bringing in Franciszek Trybus and Tomasz Wiśniewski (formerly of Thetragon and Kruk) to solidify their sound. By April 2024, the band began recording their debut full-length album at Hertz Studio, with the final touches—mixing and mastering—handled by Ergosphere Studios.

The Concept Behind The Burning Past

More than just an album, The Burning Past is a profound concept piece inspired by Native American Indian culture, shamanic rituals, and the cosmic connection between human souls and extraterrestrial energy. The record is a transformative journey that blends introspection with a broader, spiritual narrative, delivered through intricate melodies and evocative lyrics.Wind Down’s approach is steeped in authenticity, drawing inspiration from luminaries like Nevermore, Alter Bridge, and Dream Theater while carving out a unique identity in the Progressive Groove Metal genre. The album’s fusion of technical precision, melodic harmonies, and thunderous riffs creates a sound that is as innovative as it is powerful.

Live and Ready to Ignite
Wind Down’s dynamic live performances continue to captivate audiences, including notable appearances alongside Slovak band Gloom and at events such as the Wrath of Gods Vol. 5 Mini Fest (2023) and the Rock Pod Kameňom festival in Slovakia (2024), where they shared the stage with acts like Trauma, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, HammerFall, and Eleine.

With the release of The Burning Past, Wind Down is set to solidify its reputation as a fresh and groundbreaking force in the progressive metal scene.

Without Doubt And Illusion (official teaser)

From The Ashes – 09/03/2025

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PLAYLIST

Bronx Casket Company – Motorcrypt

Ghost – Rats

Newsted – As the Crow Flies

Savatage – Taunting Cobras

Nevermore – Engines of Hate

Thunder – Backstreet Symphony

Whitechapel – Prisoner 666

Ratt – Never Use Love

Deathstars – Blitzkrieg

Armored Saint – Warzone

Korn – Get Up!

Thin Lizzy – Angel of Death

Blackstar Riders – Sex, Guns & Gasoline

Coal Chamber – I.O.U Nothing

Act of Defiance – Throwback

Shadow Domain – Give Up on Joy

Children of Bodom – Rebel Yell

3 Doors Down – Kryptonite

Chain Home – The Promise

Veiled Skies – Eventide

DemonScar – Immoral Design

Beartooth – The Past Is Dead

Kataklysm – Taking the World By Storm

Wednesday 13 – Scream Baby Scream

Halford – Prisoner of Your Eyes

Motionless In White – Wasp

Metal Planet Media Talks To..Antonin Perras-Foisy from Insurrection

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Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

Insurrection is a metal band from Gatineau, Quebec. Formed over 20 years ago (2003), the band is known for their intense and energetic performances. Their sound is a unique twist of groovy death metal mixed with a healthy dose of thrash energy. . The band has released several albums, including “Prologue” (2008), “Fracture” (2010), “Prototype” (2013), and “Extraction” (2017). Their music often addresses social and political themes through bilingual lyrics in both English and French. The band has gained a notable reputation on stage throughout Canada with tours covering coast to coast, including performances at festivals such as Montebello Rockfest, Trois-Rivières Metalfest and Decimate Metalfest.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

We are all around the Gatineau/Ottawa region. The local scene is small, so everybody knows each other. Everyone in the band has played with one another in another band in the past so we already knew each other.

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

Misery Index, Testament, Nevermore, Bloodbath, Decapitated. Just some good groovy death metal!

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

I always jammed with friends or bands. As soon as I touched my first guitar, my buddy in high school got himself a drum kit and we started a band. Soon after I joined another band and a couple years later, I started jamming with my guys in Insurrection!

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

I’ve been listening to some cheesy 80’s rock this summer. Whitesnake, H.E.A.T. self-titled and the new Unleash the Archers album were all on repeat for a couple of month.

Do you sing in the shower?

Yes. All the time.

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

We played Club Soda a while ago which is a big venue in Montreal. I would definitely love to play there again!

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

Abbey Road. I love the Beatles. But who doesn’t?

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

My guilty pleasure is Rap. I’ve been listening to Killer Mike’s new album while writing this interview.

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

The Beatles featuring Dr Dre

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

Ride the Lightning and yes, it’s in a box somewhere in my dad’s attic.

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Just a huge thank you for always showing up and supporting us throughout all the years!

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

Website

https://insurrectionmetal.com/

Facebook

https://facebook.com/insurrectionmetal

X

https://twitter.com/InsurrectionCAN

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/insurrectionCAN

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/insurrectionmetal

Bandcamp

https://insurrectioncanada.bandcamp.com/

iTunes

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/insurrection/1266049641

We, at Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

Just another big thank you to everyone who’s ever taken the time to support us one way or another!!! Hope to see you all on the road this fall!

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media

Metal Planet Media Talks To…Lea from Dark Lightning (vocals)

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Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

Lea: In the history of there band there was a lot of coming and going of band members and actually I am the last founding member. You can even hear the development and influences of different people in the songs we have published so far. On Our EP (Self titled “Dark Lightning”) you can hear songs from the very beginning, that were written in the basement of our first drummer and then later recorded in our current rehearsal room and they were a total group effort. The two songs of our Single “Lilith” were mainly written by our former Lead Guitarist. And now begins the new chapter as the project has grown.

Our bass guitarist, Frank had once described the forming and the growth of Dark Lightning as “very organic” and that feels like an extremely fitting description.

As for origin of the band name is not exactly spectacular. Back when we had just formed and roughly outlined what kind of music we had in mind we basically just brain stormed band names that sounded good and roughly fitted into the theme and genre. Back then I was often inspired by the idea that not everything is as it seems and how opposites attract, etc. and one of my former band mates had the idea: Well, what is the opposite of light? Correct – dark. So let’s put these two things together and make it a band name! That is the story of the name Dark Lightning.

Right now our Line-Up is:

Alex – Guitarist and main songwriter, Frank – Bass Guitarist and harsh vocals as well as sound mixer, Marvin – pianist and the sticky something that holds the group together ;), Nepo – Drummer and this bands tech specialist, Mike – Lead Guitarist and fashion expert  and finally me, Lea – Clean and harsh vocals, lyrics writer and band-mom

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

Lea: Yes, we are roughly from the same area, which is also how we got together. Each of us searched for like minded musicians or a band to join forces with so to speak in the area of Braunschweig. Though two years ago I moved a bit further away, but we make it work.

Who are your favorite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

Lea: I can’t really put my finger of who or what influenced me in particular. I like a lot of bands from different genres and developed the ambition to unlock all sound possible with my voice and combine them in the music I make. I started out in a choir singing mainly classical, then had one on one singing lessons with various vocal coaches to unlock other styles of clean singing and semi self taught myself screams and growls. Musically I feel inspired by dark and destructive melodies, some more folky, some more classical or even modern, but all that is part of my personal development as a singer. My lyrics probably come from the darker parts of my brain, influenced by how I perceive the world, my feelings and some works of fiction I consume.

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

Lea: Yes, I always knew that I wanted to sing. It is my passion. The desire to stand on a stage with a band came later, when I was tired of being just on of many in a choir. So I worked up the courage it takes to stand in the spotlight and founded a band.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Lea: To list all the albums and Songs would take far too long. I have a playlist that consists of over 70 hours of music on Spotify I listen to regularly, so let’s narrow it down to naming some of the artists: Shadow Of Intent, In Flames, System Of A Down, White Chapel, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Stillbirth, Lorna Shore, Linkin Park, League Of Distortion, Eight Lives Down…. I could go on, but I think this will give you a good idea of what I am into at the moment. But please be aware that this covers only one side of my taste in music.

Do you sing in the shower?

Lea: Yes, I like to find resonating frequencies and then form melodies around them. But I only do that when I’m home alone for reasons unknown even to myself.

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

Lea: Achievable goals first. The Rockharz Festival in Ballenstedt Germany. I go there almost every year since 2017, it was my first metal festival and it would be just a dream for me to play at a place I have so many great memories of.

And beyond that, honestly I have no idea.

Do you have a favorite album? If so, what is it?

Lea: To keep the answer short: No.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Lea: Absolutely yes! “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, “Hooked On A Feeling”, “Langweilig” by Die Ärzte, “Maria (I Like It Loud)” by Scooter. And I am not ashamed to name these.

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

Lea: There is just too much to choose from for me. But it would certainly take place on just one stage (at least at a time), so you don’t have to choose between two great artists.

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

Lea: I guess gifts don’t count, so I think that might have been “Schwarz In Schwarz” by Subway To Sally in its release year, as I was starting to get into heavier music. And yes I still have the physical CD.

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Lea: Just a big Thank You to all of you for listening to our music and coming to our concerts! We do this because we like making music and want to share what we make with the world, so thank you for just being there.

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

Lea: We are on Instagram and Facebook and have a website where you can subscribe to our newsletter as well.

We, at Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

Lea: Thanks for the interview. We appreciate each and everyone who truly supports the metal community.

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media

Metal Planet Media Talks To..MuRphry of Chain Code

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Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

I(MuRphry) started Chain Code in 2022 as a way of expressing my enjoyment of the progressive rock and science fiction genres.  I am the only member of the band, although I am open to that changing in the future if some other weirdos want to come aboard. Synthetic Outcomes, out October 1st of this year(links below), is the debut album.  I worked on it, along with the second full length that will see the light of day in 2025, for about a year and a half before I started to concern myself with the art.  I didn’t even have a name for the project, but I knew it had to work with the lyrical themes of technology overcoming humanity.   While I feel there is much to dislike about Star Wars, I took the name from one of the more reputable ventures in the canon, The Clone Wars/Bad Batch/Mandalorian, because it represents a way of using technology to control and monitor citizens and a great deal of the lyrics on Synthetic Outcomes concern the disastrous conclusions reached through subjugation to technology. 

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

I wish I had some cool sci-fi answer to give you, about being born in the future and being sent back through time to eradicate machines that were erasing humanity, or being a man’s consciousness trapped inside a robot cop body, but I’m just a nerdy ass progressive rock fan who has called Milwaukee, Wisconsin home for the last 20 some years.

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

When I started Chain Code, I started writing with the intention of crossing the career of incredibly underrated Adrian Belew(King Crimson, Solo, Talking Heads, Zappa, etc) with the odd metal stylings of Voivod(Nothingface onward in particular). However, during the writing process, I noticed there were other long-held influences of mine coming through.  I’ve always thought East Bay Ray of Dead Kennedys was a unique guitarist, and I definitely see moments of trying to emulate his style.  I’ve also always been a big Primus fan and noticed some of that influence creeping in, as well.  That being said, I’m a pretty big fan of music in general, so it’s always hard to say what exactly is rolling around in my brain.  I’m a big fan of both picking up an instrument and recording the first thing that comes out and meticulously planning songs.  I don’t argue with whatever process is working through me during any creative moment.

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

I have played multiple instruments since early childhood and I cherish my creativity, but I have a career that is not related to music in the slightest. Music is both sacred and fun to me, but I’m not particularly concerned with whether or not people ‘get’ what I’m doing.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

This week I have listened to the following albums

The new Tony Levin single, Bringing It Down to the Bass

The new Jesus Lizard singles a bunch

Melvins-Houdini and Bad Moon Rising(also caught the Buzz/Dunn tour in Madison with JD of the Butthole Surfers opening and it was awesome)

Nile-The Underworld Awaits Us All

Random songs by Tennessee Ernie Ford and Al Hirt

Antipop by Primus

Toxicity by System of a Down

Bedtime for Democracy by Dead Kennedys

Paradise Lost-Medusa

Mudcrutch-I

Soundgarden-Down on the Upside

Jethro Tull-Benefit

StarGazer-Bound by Spells

Frank Zappa-Roxy and Elsewhere and Apostrophe(caught the Zappa Plays Zappa tour in Chicago last week and its as awesome)

and I’ve got Black Death Horizon by Obliteration and The White Death by Fleurety on deck.

Do you sing in the shower?

I feel comfortable singing in two places: 1. My home studio. 2. My home shower(much to my wife’s displeasure).   Despite the amount of singing I do in Chain Code, I don’t quite consider myself a singer. 

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

I would form a live lineup simply to play in the biker bar in Terminator 2.   However, I don’t see the possibility of being too faithful to the Chain Code albums in a live environment, as there are simply too many layers.  I’m not opposed to trying in the future, but right now my concern is just getting the albums out.

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

I have countless favourite albums.  Too many to choose from, as I listen to all kinds of metal, prog, rock, oldies, etc.  However, as it relates to progressive rock, and the influences of Chain Code,  I would say my favourites are

King Crimson(every album)

ELP-Brain Salad Surgery

Genesis-Selling England by the Pound

Mike Oldfield-Ommadawn

Yes-Close to the Edge

Voivod-Killing Technology or, as it relates specifically to Chain Code, Nothingface or The Outer Limits

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Nope.  I like what I like, no shame involved. Some of my more prog-minded friends find extreme metal to be too much, and some of my extreme metal friends can’t stand Kate Bush.  Whatever. 

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

King Crimson, with and without Adrian Belew

Voivod

Adrian Belew solo

Steve Hackett

Frank Zappa

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

I believe it was either something by Hendrix, possibly even a lame greatest hits or something, or a Sonic Youth CD.  However, I’d been buying cassettes for years before that so it’s hard to tell.  I think I bought Full Moon Fever by Tom Petty, as my guitar teacher at the time, was teaching my 8-year-old self some of the material.  

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Weirdos, put on some headphones, and jam Synthetic Outcomes.  The worst thing that could happen is that you hate it, and that’s ok.

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

https://chaincode.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/ChainCodeBand

Please like and follow CC on Facebook. 

We, at Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

Thank you for your time and exposure.  Cheers!

This interview is the property of Metal Planet Media