ROCKSHOTS RECORDS ANNOUNCES NEW COLLABORATION WITH SECRET RULE FOR UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the signing of SECRET RULE, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the band’s decade-long journey.

With a refreshed lineup and a renewed artistic vision, SECRET RULE is gearing up to unleash its highly anticipated tenth studio album in 2025, slated for release after the summer.

Known for their unique ability to blend symphonic atmospheres with modern metal vibes, SECRET RULE is stepping into a bold new sonic era.

The upcoming album will showcase an evolved sound, a powerful fusion of influences, combining the cinematic edge of Within Temptation’s latest works with the raw energy of Falling In Reverse.

From this new chapter, fans can expect a dynamic, high-energy sound, enriched with the band’s signature melodies and anthemic choruses.

With a fresh lineup, SECRET RULE continues to push boundaries, reaffirming its role as a driving force in modern metal.

The album explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the battle against inner and external struggles, delivering an intense and immersive experience.

In the meantime, the band is currently on the road as a supporting act for Temperance and Induction, part of an intense 15-date European tour. SECRET RULE is also set to play some of the most prestigious summer festivals, including Masters Of Rock (Czech Republic), Rock Imperium Festival (Spain), and Laurus Nobilis (Portugal), with more dates and exciting news coming soon!

A brand new single will be unveiled very soon, giving fans a first taste of what’s to come.
A new era begins, and we are ready to bring our energy to the stage! This March, we hit the road across Europe with Temperance and Induction, and we cannot wait to see you all! Plus, we are beyond excited to play at three incredible festivals this summer: Imperium Rock Festival, Masters of Rock, and Laurus Nobilis.

SONUM: Italian death metal visionaries premiere new single “In This Void We Dwell”, “The Obscure Light Awaits” LP out soon

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Italian death metallers SONUM are now premiering their new single, “In This Void We Dwell”. The track is taken from their upcoming second album, “The Obscure Light Awaits”, set for release on April 11th, 2025, via Dusktone. With this song, SONUM open the gates to a dark and relentless sonic journey, blending sharp riffs and oppressive atmospheres into an uncompromising assault.

Following the critical acclaim of their debut, “Visceral Void Entropy” (2022), SONUM delve deeper into the labyrinthine realms of dissonance and atmosphere. “The Obscure Light Awaits” is an ambitious work that simultaneously pushes boundaries and honours the roots of the genre. The album eschews unnecessary complexity in favour of a tight focus on songwriting, weaving together intricate, sibylline passages with a raw, unrelenting power that shows the influence of the pioneering works of old and contemporary death metal legends such as Gorguts, Morbid Angel, Execration and Artificial Brain.

A true testament to SONUM’s evolution, “The Obscure Light Awaits” presents a sonic journey defined by dark, otherworldly textures and relentless energy. The band’s ability to merge atmospheric depth with crushing riffs showcases their commitment to creating music that is both immersive and uncompromising. It’s an exploration of contrasts – between the abstract and the visceral, the chaotic and the structured.

Fans of progressive and atmospheric death metal will find “The Obscure Light Awaits” to be a landmark release that stands tall amidst this year’s most formidable works.

Stay tuned for more singles and further announcements as we approach the release date.

Tracklist:

01. Due To Inner Mess…
02. In This Void We Dwell
03. Famine
04. Trapped In The Labyrinth of Aberration
05. Ad Mortem (Iter Est)
06. Beyond The Gate…
07. The Obscure Light Awaits
08. Nobody Is Innocent
09. Messenger Of Cosmic Dread
10. Deliver Us (Final Trip)

Morgue Terror: Buffalo death metallers expand their Terrifier-inspired horror with new track, “Terror in the Morgue”

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Buffalo, NY-based death metal act Morgue Terror continues to showcase their admiration for the Terrifier franchise and its main antagonist, Art the Clown, on their new single, “Terror in the Morgue.” The horror-themed quartet not only took their moniker from a pivotal scene at the end of the first Terrifier (2016) movie but also chronicled the murders and characters from the first two Terrifier films on their self-titled debut EP, released in January 2024.

Speaking about the track, Morgue Terror states:
“The song is our title track. It’s like our own ‘Black Sabbath’ or ‘Iron Maiden.’ It’s about the opening scene in the second Terrifier movie. The song portrays the helplessness of the victim and the haunting circumstances. It lands a couple of haymakers, then beats you into submission before its final stanza. The ending is similar to a bomb going off.”

The track was recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Doug White of Watchmen Studios; Cover art by Andik Godfinger.

Morgue Terror’s next live appearance will be on April 4 in Maple Heights, OH, where they will headline. Later in the month, they will take the stage at CT Death Fest in Milford, CT, on April 25, performing on the festival’s opening night alongside headliners Xenosis. (Malignancy is set to headline night two on April 26.)

Vowing to create something fresh, Morgue Terror weaves through different layers of death metal, from old school to brutal and the dissonant voids in between. Since forming in 2023, the Buffalo-based band has been relentlessly prolific, whether in the studio or onstage. Their output in 2024 alone—two EPs within six months—demonstrates their deep-rooted affinity for both death metal and horror.

Their self-titled debut EP (January 2024) delves into Terrifier lore, complete with cover art depicting the notorious antagonist Art the Clown himself. The second EP, Violent and Murderous Thoughts (August 2024), shifts focus to the atrocities of four sadistic serial killers and a debauched, abusive sect.

Following the newly released single, “Terror in the Morgue,” Morgue Terror will appear on a four-way split album with Consuming Misery, Anthropic, and Dreg Heap. Another standout single, “Cryptid Skin,” is also on the horizon.

Polish DM Duo, Dormant Ordeal, Premieres New Single, “Solvent”

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Kraków (PL) – Polish Death Metal duo, Dormant Ordeal, in collaboration with No Clean Singing, have premiered “Solvent,” the second single from forthcoming album, Tooth and Nail. Stream it the following link:

nocleansinging.com/2025/03/18/an-ncs-premiere-dormant-ordeal-solvent

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

LORD OF THE LOST Reveals First New Album Single “My Sanctuary” + Video

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

LORD OF THE LOST Reveals New Single “My Sanctuary” | Watch the Official Music Video HERE!

New Album, OPVS NOIR Vol. 1, to be Released on August 8, 2025 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order NOW!

Genrefluid visionaries LORD OF THE LOST captivate with their first single, “My Sanctuary”, and its official music video, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into their upcoming full-length album, OPVS NOIR Vol. 1, set for release on August 8, 2025 via Napalm Records. With “My Sanctuary” – and the coming entire OPVS NOIR trilogy as a whole – the #1 charting band returns to a much heavier sound compared to their latest hits. Razor-sharp riffs blend seamlessly with gothic harmonies and orchestral grandeur, while Chris Harms’ deep baritone vocals create a sonic sanctuary, inviting listeners to embrace their inner darkness.

A work, a transformation, a re-entry into the melancholic self – OPVS NOIR is in no danger of becoming an offspring of understatement, neither in its title nor in its musical opulence. And rightly so: Not only will it be the first album as a six-piece band, but it also marks the beginning of an album trilogy, available in multiple editions, including, of course, strictly limited collector’s items. Each volume contains 11 songs, totaling 33 tracks that not only conclude the eccentric chapter of Blood & Glitter, but also initiate an uncompromising return to the dark core of the band.

Chris Harms about the new single:
“We have 33 songs to choose from, but which one will be the first single to pave the way into a new era and mark the beginning of a trilogy? We chose “My Sanctuary”, which for us is a kind of gateway song that opens the door to the world of OPVS NOIR. It shows that darkness isn’t just about sadness – for many of us, darkness is a life force.”

What is the essence of LORD OF THE LOST in 2025? That is one of the questions OPVS NOIR Vol. 1 fearlessly begins to answer. Once again, the band proves not only musical excellence but also masterful craftsmanship: Produced by Chris Harms, recorded, mixed, and mastered at the legendary CHAMELEON STUDIOS in Hamburg, the 11 tracks hit with a force and brilliance that immediately transport us into a dark yet colourful ballroom. From there, the tone is set: Dark Wave Metal on an amphitheater scale.

Chris Harms about the album:
“Darkness, melancholy, loneliness – all words that often have negative connotations, that we may associate with danger, sadness and loss, and not without reason. But darkness can also be security, melancholy the warm and sentimental feeling of our memories, and loneliness becomes necessary silence, peace and inner contemplation. OPVS NOIR is a travel guide, or perhaps also a travelogue, through the dark sides of our inner world, which so often move precisely in the area of tension between what we emotionally categorize as positive or negative. And with Vol. 1, all of this is just the beginning of this 3-part journey…”

ANCESTOR OF KAOS sign to Horror Pain Gore Death Productions – Animal Ritual set for release April 18th

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions are set to release the new album from Las Vegas Nevada’s thunderous Black/Death Metal act Ancestor Of Kaos. Animal Ritual is up now for pre-order and will be released on April 18th on CD and Digital formats along with merch.

Formed in Havana Cuba in 2005, Ancestor Of Kaos relocated to the United States in 2013. Animal Ritual unleashes ten tracks of distinctive Black/Thrash Metal showcasing dynamic tempo changes, thunderous drums, and pure old-school riffs.

For fans of Mayhem, Slayer, Dissection, Aura Noir, Celtic Frost, Absu, Gorgoroth, Marduk, Darkthrone, and Sepultura.

JINJER Announces 2025 North American Tour Dates with Headliners BABYMETAL

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Modern Metal Icons JINJER to Support BABYMETAL on Upcoming North American Tour, July 5 – 23, 2025

Brand-New Fifth Album, Duél, Out Now via Napalm Records

One of modern metal’s most talked-about artists, Ukrainian progressive groove metal icons JINJER, recently unleashed their highly acclaimed new full-length album, Duél, via Napalm Records. Composed of career-defining tracks dubbed as “punishing” and “empowering” (Revolver) and continuing to prove themselves as “heavy music practitioners in their prime” (Knotfest), the album achieved top marks, topping previous successes.

The gains don’t stop there – today, JINJER advance their highly-anticipated return to North American venues, announcing tour dates with headliners BABYMETAL! The band will support the second half of BABYMETAL’s 2025 headline run, which will feature Bloodywood as additional support. JINJER will join the tour as special guests on July 5 in Milwaukee, WI and will perform in several key cities like Chicago, IL, Vancouver, BC San Francisco, CA and Las Vegas, NV, wrapping on July 23 in Phoenix, AZ.

Citi and artist presales begin later today, with various additional early presales beginning tomorrow and throughout the week. General on-sale begins this Friday, March 21 at 10:00am local time. Visit jinjer-metal.com/tour for more details!

JINJER LIVE 2025
FESTIVALS:
08.05.25 US – Columbus / Sonic Temple
16.05.25 US – Daytona Beach / Welcome To Rockville
01.06.25 LV – Riga / Palladium
02.06.25 EE – Tallinn / Noblessner Foundry
03.06.25 LT – Vilnius / Compesa Hall
04.06.25 SE – Sölvesborg / Sweden Rock
06.06.25 PL – Gdansk / Mystic Festival
07.06.25 DE – Nuremberg / Rock im Park
08.06.25 DE – Nuerburg / Rock am Ring
10.06.25 SI – Ljubljana / Mediacenter
12.06.25 AT – Vienna / Nova Rock Festival
13.06.25 FI – Hyvinkaa / Rock Fest
14.06.25 CH – Interlaken / Greenfield Festival
15.06.25 UK – Donington Park / Download Festival
17.06.25 BG – Sofia / Maimunarnika
19.06.25 FR – Clisson / Hellfest
20.06.25 BE – Dessel / Graspop Metal Meeting
22.06.25 IT – Milan / Dissonance Fest
25.06.25 ES – Viveiro / Resurrection Fest
26.06.25 NL – Ysselsteyn / Jera On Air
28.06.25 NO – Oslo / Tons Of Rock
29.06.25 PT – Lisbon / Evil Live Festival
02.07.25 DK – Roskilde / Roskilde Festival

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR SUPPORTING BABYMETAL w/ BLOODYWOOD:
05.07.25 US – Milwaukee, WI / Summerfest
06.07.25 US – Maryland Heights, MO / Saint Louis Music Park
08.07.25 US – Chicago, IL / Aragon Ballroom
09.07.25 US – Minneapolis, MN / The Armory
11.07.25 US – Denver, CO / The JunkYard
14.07.25 CA – Vancouver, BC / Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Center
15.07.25 US – Kent, WA / Showare Center
17.07.25 US – San Francisco, CA / Masonic
20.07.25 US – Las Vegas, NV / The Pearl
21.07.25 US – Salt Lake City, UT / Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
23.07.25 US – Phoenix, AZ / Arizona Financial

AVELION: Italian prog metal act unveils new single “Lost Within Daydream”

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

“Lost Within Daydream”, the new single by Italian prog metal act AVELION, delves into this dreamlike and emotional limbo—those moments when reality seems to unravel, leaving no choice but to face one’s fears and embrace transformation.

The band shares:

“We wanted to create a song that holds a spark of positivity, a constant push toward change, a message that keeps burning inside those who listen.
This song is for those who fight every day against their own limits—because even in the darkest moments, there is an energy capable of turning every fall into newfound strength””.

“Lost Within Daydream” was mixed by Simone Mularoni, with mastering by Luca Bottoli.

Line-up:

Riccardo Rizzardelli – Vocals
Oreste Giacomini – Keyboards
Leonardo Freggi- Guitars
Danilo Arisi – Bass
Alessandro Ponzi – Drums

AVELION have developed a gloriously turbulent sound that is uniquely their own. Hailing from Parma, Italy, the band have been tearing venues apart across Europe with their powerful fusion of genres since 2008.
In 2011 AVELION released the first studio work: the EP “Cold Embrace”. The following year the band started an intense live activity, leading to the great opportunity to play as opening act for Seventh Wonder (with Tommy Karevik, Kamelot).
In 2012 the band released the promotional single “Falling Down” which sees the collaboration with guitarist Olaf Thorsen (Labyrinth, Vision Divine)
AVELION‘s second EP, “Liquid Breathing”, was published in 2013. The EP delivers a more personal, modern and mature sound: melodic progressive metal mixed with djent influences, all combined with a strong electronic flavour.
In 2015 the band entered Simone Mularoni’s Domination Studio (DGM) to record their first full length album: “Illusion of Transparency”, which was released via Revalve Records in 2017.
In March 2018 AVELION supported the legendary ANGRA in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Spain and Portugal. The dates also featured Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime as special guest.
In May 2018 the band released the single “Echoes and Fragments” REMIX featuring the Electro Metal artist The Algorithm.
Following a widespread approval from both critics and fans, the band kept playing live opening for Primal Fear, Lacuna Coil and Kiko Loureiro.
At the end of 2019 the band parted ways with the frontman William Verderi. Following the split, AVELION started composing new songs for their next musical chapters along with new vocalist Riccardo Rizzardelli. The first single from the revitalised line-up, “Bound to Blackness”, was released in June 2022, followed by the highly acclaimed “Alone in Time” single (2023) and by “Firestone” (2024).

SIEGE PERILOUS Launches Kickstarter For Concept Album “Becoming the Dragon” ft. Guests Fabio Lione and Kristin Starkey

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Unveiling their monumental musical odyssey and EP “Creation’s Call” in August 2024, Denver’s fantasy power metal warriors Siege Perilous unveil plans for their first full-length album.

Entitled “Becoming the Dragon,” the album is the band’s biggest and most ambitious work yet—a cinematic, narrative journey set in a world of warriors, dragons, and destiny. To help Siege Perilous unleash this epic power metal story, the band enlisted two of the most epic voices in the genre: Fabio Lione (Angra, ex-Rhapsody of Fire), a legendary power metal voice, and Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance), the powerful contralto who brings her operatic touch to the tale.

A single narrative power metal opera from start to finish, “Becoming the Dragon” is centered around the Child of Prophecy, the hero who slays the dragon, played by Fabio Lione, but then comes to question whether he is truly a hero or simply a pawn of an ancient prophecy. After a journey of self-discovery that takes him across a vast fantasy world he, aided by the mystic Sorceress (Kristin Starkey), takes on the forces of destiny itself to forge a new future.

To bring this concept record to life, Siege Perilous is using Kickstarter and, once again, enlisting the help of power metal fans.

Vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel comments:

“After the incredible reception we received for ‘Creation’s Call’, we couldn’t wait to bring people what they had been asking for, a full-length album. We are so excited and blown away that we get to work with the legendary Fabio Lione and the absurdly talented Kristin Starkey to bring this fun yet meaningful fantasy story to life, and Kickstarter is such a great way to help an up-and-coming band like Siege Perilous maximize this opportunity. The dream for this album is big! And while we are self-funding about half of it, we need some help to bring this full epic vision to life and to reach its full potential. Heroes of power! Warriors of metal! Keepers of the flame! Join us on an epic quest!”

Check out the exclusive rewards you can receive with your Kickstarter pledges, from Vinyl to classic rewards like CDs, t-shirts, and stickers to a few fun experiences by Siege Perilous.

“If you’ve ever wanted a power metal anthem written about your DnD Campaign, a favorite fantasy story, or a historical epic, now is your opportunity to bring those stories to life with a custom hand-crafted power metal track. This and many other cool rewards can be yours and 100% of the profits from this campaign will go into the production and promotion of “Becoming the Dragon.” We have many stretch goals including enhancing our vinyl, filming great music videos, and more! Thank you for contributing and helping us summon this fantasy into being. Share the campaign, spread the word and together we will continue to keep the dream of heavy metal burning bright!” adds McDaniel.

Dark Metal Force Nullor Presents “Maladjusted” Music Video

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Alternative dark metal project Nullor proudly presents the official music video for “Maladjusted,” a standout track from their latest album, Finalform, available now via Wormholedeath.

“Maladjusted” is a visceral anthem that cuts straight to the heart of societal decay. The track explores themes of power, greed, and corruption, painting a stark picture of betrayal and disillusionment. With its dark, brooding energy and thought-provoking lyricism, the song holds a mirror to humanity’s flaws, challenging listeners to confront the uncomfortable truths lurking in the shadows.Nullor’s bold and unflinching approach makes “Maladjusted” an essential listen for fans of alternative and dark metal. This track isn’t just music—it’s a powerful statement, urging you to reflect, question, and rise above.

Immerse yourself in the intensity of “Maladjusted”—watch the video now:

Finalform is a raw reflection of Nullor’s musical evolution, born from past disappointments and a resolute DIY spirit. Breaking away from the need for a full band, Nullor embraced the challenge of creating a multi-dimensional music solo. Drawing on influences like Helmet, Meshuggah, The Cure, and Faith No More, the album blends complex polyrhythms with intense grooves for a sound that’s both heavy and unpredictable. Lyrically, Finalform explores personal themes of disaster, resilience, and creative defiance—an unfiltered journey into an artist’s newfound voice.