Forty Foot – Operator
Reply
Desu Taem – Justify Yourself
PostHumanX – Grid of Flesh
Full Nothing – I Don’t Belong
Death Structure – Mental Journey
Swiss Hard Rocker’s GOTTHARD Release Lyric Video For “Rusty Rose”
While the world just celebrated one of the most romantic days of the year, Swiss hard rock icons GOTTHARD suddenly rouse us from slumber – namely with the third single from their upcoming album Stereo Crush, to be released on March 21, 2025 via RPM.
Compared to their previous hit, “Thunder & Lightning,” “Rusty Rose” is anything but a love song as the story tells of dark experiences and feelings. Introduced by a relaxed Hammond melody, the single becomes increasingly powerful and gradually unfolds its full appeal. With “Rusty Rose,” GOTTHARD once again demonstrates their love for heavy riffs and underline the fact that they’re still at the forefront of the genre.
“This song came together when we were jamming in the studio. Freddy had this great-sounding open-string acoustic riff and we built the music around it playing with dynamics. Lyrically, it’s a song about fighting cancer and never giving up,” notes guitarist Leo Leoni.
Produced, recorded and mixed by long-time producer Charlie Bauerfeind, who’s known for his work with the likes of HELLOWEEN and BLIND GUARDIAN, alongside co-producer and founding member Leo Leoni at Yellowhouse Studio, and mastered by Sascha “Busy” Bühren (TrueBusyness), with artwork once again provided by Thomas Ewerhard (AVANTASIA etc.), Stereo Crush promises to set new standards.
About GOTTHARD
With 16 number one albums, a Diamond Award for selling over one million units in Switzerland, and multiple platinum records, including their quadruple platinum album Homerun, and several double and triple platinum albums, GOTTHARD have an unmatched legacy of successes, rounded off by over 3.5 million units sold worldwide and more than 2,000 live performances. Their tracks like “Heaven,” a platinum single, and seven top 10 singles have cemented the band in the international music scene.
Photo credit: Manuel Schütz
Thrash Metal Legends DESTRUCTION Unleash Third Single “Scumbag Human Race” + Official Music Video Out Now
| While fans eagerly await the release of DESTRUCTION’s 16th studio album, Birth Of Malice, out March 7, 2025 via Napalm Records, the German thrash metal icons have released their third single, “Scumbag Human Race”. On this track, Schmier rages against the corruption and deceit of humanity, with the unforgettable chorus acting as a call for reckoning as the band spits fury at those who exploit and manipulate. A blistering thrash anthem, this track will resonate with anyone fed up with the state of the world. DESTRUCTION on “Scumbag Human Race”: “Single number three, ‘Scumbag Human Race’, is a mercyless steamhammer of a track! Its relentless groove and energy are pushing you straight forward into the moshpit! This will be an intense live track and that riff can melt faces! The lyrics are metaphorically speaking: how would this planet call us if it could talk? And what would it tell us? Right …wake the fuck up … SCUMBAG HUMAN RACE!!!!“ |
| Watch the Official Music Video for “Scumbag Human Race” HERE: |
Fans all over the world worship DESTRUCTION as one of the biggest names in thrash metal with a 40+ year career! As part of the legendary Teutonic 4 alongside German thrash icons Sodom, Tankard and Kreator, DESTRUCTION have forged a legacy that has been captured by German film makers Denise Dörne and Ilija Jelusic, who have created an exciting documentary about DESTRUCTION’s eager plans to reunite the Teutonic 4 for a world tour. But in the pursuit of this dream, however, fate strikes. The film follows Schmier and his band up close as the pandemic hits, and after a fateful turn of events, everything is at stake. The movie was shot over the course of five years, resulting in exclusive material that sets it apart from traditional interview-heavy documentaries. The viewer experiences the protagonists in behind-the-scenes like atmospheres, immersing them in the world of DESTRUCTION. The film uncompromisingly shows what it means to be a heavy metal musician – amidst small, sweaty clubs and huge open air stages – enabling an authentic view into the core of one of the most undisputedly important, influential and genre-defying bands in thrash metal.
| The movie will premiere in Berlin on March 6, 2025, with the band and filmmakers also in attendance. Make sure to get your tickets HERE! Denise Dörner about the movie: “This documentary is not a cheerful music clip, but a very serious story about passion and life. I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that our idea could be realized so well, even if everything was completely thrown into disarray by the circumstances. I was allowed to look behind the scenes, travel with DESTRUCTION and empathize with them. I met my idols and many interesting people and also felt the full range of emotions. I’m very excited to see what people will think and feel about this journey.” Ilija Jelusic adds: “As a film team, we had a really good connection with Schmier and DESTRUCTION, who had a lot of trust in us. The film was made without a commission and without film funding. That means we had to finance everything ourselves, which also contained a big risk. During the pandemic, none of us knew what would happen next and where the story of the film would go. Of course, it was a very moving time for us filmmakers as well. And then one adventure followed the next and suddenly we were off to Mexico. I am deeply grateful for the experiences we were able to gain through DESTRUCTION!” |
| Watch the Trailer for The Art of Destruction HERE: |
On Birth Of Malice, scene-legend and original member Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, while Randy Black blasts pummeling drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest Diabolical (2022), DESTRUCTION return with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound – resulting in addictive metal anthems for a new generation of thrashers!
The album is opened by the brutal “Destruction”, with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band’s 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title Birth Of Malice suggests, lyrically, Schmier delves deep in human errors – like selfish behavior on “Greed” and “Evil Never Sleeps”. A clear statement is made with carnage on “Scumbag Human Race”, exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus “I will count your days!”. The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging “No Kings – No Masters”. DESTRUCTION also shifts to futuristic topics on the album, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on “Cyber Warfare”. To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker “Fast As A Shark”.
All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver, and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. DESTRUCTION mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world!
Birth Of Malice tracklisting:
1. Birth Of Malice
2. Destruction
3. Cyber Warfare
4. No Kings – No Masters
5. Scumbag Human Race
6. God Of Gore
7. A.N.G.S.T.
8. Dealer Of Death
9. Evil Never Sleeps
10. Chains Of Sorrow
11. Greed
12. Fast As A Shark
ENSIFERUM presents “Victorious” Video
Finnish folk metal goliaths ENSIFERUM are pleased to present their video for “Victorious.” The track is taken from the band‘s Winter Storm full-length, out now on Metal Blade Records, and arrives in advance of the band‘s upcoming North American co-headlining tour with Korpiklaani.
A grandiose and heroic offering, Winter Storm centers itself on a fantasy concept narrative penned by bassist Sami Hinkka. “Victorious” follows the band‘s “The Howl” video where the young boy in the story grows up and becomes a shaman. His people are losing the war and as his final deed, he calls upon the Old Spirits one last time. He sacrifices his mortal form and becomes a spirit wolf and starts his journey to find The One to avenge for his people‘s fate.
Offers Hinkka on “Victorious,” “The One and the spirit wolf have now roamed the lands and gathered an army. They march to the gates of the city of the Winter Storm Vigilantes. The battle starts, but who shall be the last to stand on the battlefield? Who shall be victorious? This fast and furious song calls everyone into a moshpit! We are victorious!”
Watch ENSIFERUM‘s “Victorious” video HERE.
Winter Storm Track Listing:
01. Aurora
02. Winter Storm Vigilantes
03. Long Cold Winter of Sorrow and Strife
04. Fatherland
05. Scars in My Heart (feat. Madeleine Liljestam)
06. Resistentia
07. The Howl
08. From Order to Chaos
09. Leniret Coram Tempestate
10. Victorious
11. Six Ribbons (Jon English Cover) *
12. Lambada (Kaoma Cover) *
* Special Edition Bonus Track
NIGHTSTEEL sign to Cosmic Fire Records
Cosmic Fire Records is pleased to announce the signing of Greek heavy/power metal band Nightsteel for the release of their self-titled debut album.
Nightsteel is the first band to join the label‘s roster, with more announcements to be made in the coming days.
Nightsteel is a new Greek metal band formed in 2022 by songwriter and bassist Bill Sam. After laying down some demos, he asked his best friend and drummer Mike Foudotos to join.
They started working on Bill‘s songs with local vocalists before Bill decided to take the next big step and ask some well-known artists to join the band. The first was renowned vocalist Travis Wills (Crimson Glory, Infidel Rising), who can be heard on the first self-titled single, which is out today on all streaming platforms.
The lyric video for the debut single can be seen on the label‘s YouTube channel
Travis Wills comments on the single:
“I love the ‘Nightsteel’ song, powerful soaring vocals perfect for this song and shredding guitars… it‘s a combination of perfect metal. When I first heard it I wondered if I was gonna be able to do the song justice, and I was finally able to dig deep in myself and pull out what I felt was complimentary to the song. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do”!
Songwriter & founder Bill shares:
“’Nightsteel’ is the first song I wrote back in early 2021. I knew there was something special about this song, but I never imagined that Travis would sing it so well and take it to another level! I‘m really lucky to work with a talented musician like Travis and I was blown away by his amazing vocals and his professionalism. Play this song loud and rock out!
CRADLE OF FILTH Unleashes Satanic New Music Video for Latest Single “To Live Deliciously”
| GRAMMY Award-nominated extreme metal institution CRADLE OF FILTH recently announced their upcoming 14th studio album, The Screaming Of The Valkyries, out March 21, 2025 via Napalm Records. The band reigns supreme as one of the most revered, formative and notorious names in music – from the depths of the extreme metal underground to the peaks of mainstream pop culture itself, and are responsible for breaking ground for many of today’s top metal artists with their trademark mixture of blackened heaviness, macabre theatricality and scintillating gothic style. Today, following the release of their acclaimed new single “To Live Deliciously”, the track’s music video has been released in all of its gory glory. Experience the ride of your life (or death, rather) and watch the video now!CRADLE OF FILTH master of ceremonies Dani Filthsays about the new video: “An observation on religious restraint as well as being a window to tout a bit of blasphemous filth, the video for ‘To Live Deliciously’ (our second from the new album) is a pleasant social engagement betwixt a pious young nun and her mentor priest. Just with a smattering of demonic possession and sexual misconduct added for good stock.” |
| Watch the Music Video for “To Live Deliciously” HERE: |
Following the release of 2021’s Existence Is Futile (#20 Billboard 200 with Hard Rock Genre), CRADLE OF FILTH emerge again with a legacy-cementing opus. On The Screaming Of The Valkyries, Dani Filth’s recognizable scream and equally identifiable growl stand mightily alongside twin guitar attacks, symphonic flourishes and explosive rhythm section, implemented by drummer Martin “Marthus” Skaroupka, bassist Daniel Firth, guitarists Marek “Ashok” Smerda and Donny Burbage, and keyboardist/vocalist Zoe Federoff.
After album opener “To Live Deliciously” hits immediately, second track “Demagoguery” blends dark beauty, blast beats and slaytanic groove as only Cradle can combine. Across the album’s blunt and unforgiving yet inviting expanse, Cradle summons the succulent flavors of classic albums like Dusk And Her Embrace and Cruelty And The Beast with the galloping (but no less fierce) thunder of recent entries Hammer Of The Witches and Existence Is Futile. Flashes of early metal influences coalesce with carnivorous glee into unapologetic death ‘n’ roll. “White Hellebore” is CRADLE OF FILTH at its most devilishly straightforward, juxtaposing traditional heavy metal with blasts of thrashing fury, spinning back to operatic goth without sounding disjointed. Anchored by arguably the most mournful melody in their catalog, “Non Omnis Moriar” (“I shall not wholly die”) could be a cousin to Paradise Lost or Anathema, inverted through Cradle’s thorny prism. “You Are My Nautilus” is the darkest song Iron Maiden never wrote, spinning an epic tale with dueling guitars, while “Ex Sanguine Draculae” conjures Dusk-era atmosphere with imaginative new colors.
Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Scott Atkins at Grindstone Studios in Suffolk, England, The Screaming of the Valkyries beckons the brave into a new era of CRADLE OF FILTH misadventure, celebrating massive melancholic melody, blackened thrash, and apocalyptic existential dread with a grinning smattering of unbridled revelry. The Screaming of the Valkyries is a bloody dark love letter to the longtime legion of CRADLE OF FILTH faithful and a stunning entryway for fresh lambs to the sonic slaughter.
Metal Planet Media 