Australian heavy metal titans Decimator are set to blast through the metal landscape with their electrifying double A-side single “Warriors”, a thunderous homage to historical storytelling that captures the raw essence of classic metal tradition.
Paying tribute to the legendary 7-inch single format of the 70s and 80s, Decimator delivers two meticulously crafted tracks that transport listeners through time and battlefield: “Warriors” and “Wolf of the Plains”. This is not just a musical release; it’s a historical odyssey carved in sonic steel.
A Tale of Two Legends
“Warriors” emerges as the band’s primordial creation, a track refined through years of musical evolution, unveiling the true story of the Knights Templar without mythological embellishment. Since their very first live performance, this song has been a cornerstone of Decimator’s explosive stage presence.Complementing “Warriors” is “Wolf of the Plains”, an epic musical journey through the life of Genghis Khan. Inspired by Conn Iggulden’s historical narratives and tipping a respectful hat to Iron Maiden’s legendary storytelling, the track promises to be a metal history lesson unlike any other.
Engineered at The Confectionery in Newtown and mixed by Josh Szafranski of STE Studios, the single represents the band’s commitment to authentic, powerful metal.
Beyond the Single
Building on their 2024 release “Til the Enemies are Gone”, Decimator continues to forge a unique path in heavy metal. Their music transcends traditional boundaries, exploring historical figures, environmental challenges, and human struggles with unflinching intensity.The band is already preparing for future releases, with plans for another conceptual double single exploring the complexities of the modern world.
Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) is proud to announce the signing of one of the most influential and relentless forces in thrash metal: ONSLAUGHT! The UK-based band, known for their unwavering aggression and decades of iconic anthems, has joined forces with the exciting new label to embark on a thrilling new chapter in their storied career.
Founding guitarist and songwriter Nige Rockett states: “Signing with RPM is the start of an incredible new chapter for ONSLAUGHT. We’ve always pushed ourselves to create the most intense and aggressive music possible, and with RPM behind us, we’re taking things to a whole new level. ‘Origins Of Aggression’ is just the beginning—get ready for absolute carnage!”
Reigning Phoenix Music is equally excited about the new partnership: “ONSLAUGHT is a cornerstone of thrash metal history, and we are honoured to welcome them to the RPM family. Their legacy of pure aggression and unrelenting energy aligns perfectly with our vision, and we are eager to bring their music to new heights together.”
To kick off this promising new union, ONSLAUGHT will release a special double album titled Origins Of Aggression, celebrating not only the 40th anniversary of their debut album Power From Hell, but also the pivotal beginnings of the band and thrash metal itself. Set for release on May 23, 2025, the forthcoming offering will include a staggering 22 tracks, including re-recordings of the group’s most important and defining songs from their early years as well as a collection of punk and metal covers that deeply influenced ONSLAUGHT’s conception and development. The track list includes songs that were originally jammed during the band’s early rehearsals and served as a huge inspiration for the members to pick up their instruments and to create the ferocious music that has shaped them into legends.
ONSLAUGHT’s contribution to the thrash metal genre cannot be overstated: from their debut album Power From Hell (1985), which is being honoured with this new release, to their celebrated performances across the globe, they remain an untouchable force in the world of heavy metal. With over 40 years of history, the quintet has steadily continued to evolve, delivering relentless riffs and neck-breaking anthems, and cementing their place as pioneers of the British thrash scene.
Alongside Origins Of Aggression, fans can brace themselves for an electrifying preview of what’s ahead with the release of “Iron Fist”, ONSLAUGHT’s crushing take on the MOTÖRHEAD classic, which arrived on March 27.
The metal world can additionally look forward to their 2025 world tour, where the band will promote Origins Of Aggression and celebrate the 40th Power From Hell anniversary—including stops in Europe, the USA, Mexico, and Australia—and expect more exciting news in the near future. See you in the pit!
ONSLAUGHT live:
21.03.2025 US Houston, TX – Hell’s Heroes 19.04.2025 PT Odemira – Mira Fest
w/ TORANAGA LUXERA 24.04.2025 UK Aberdeen – Krakatoa 25.04.2025 UK Edinburgh – The Mash House 26.04.2025 UK Glasgow – Audio
w/ CRYPTOSIS 29.05.2025 DE Oldenburg – MTS Records 30.05.2025 DE Wittstock – Metal Power Open Air * 31.05.2025 DE Essen – Turock 01.06.2025 BE Diest – Hell 03.06.2025 FR Dijon – La Vapeur 04.06.2025 IT Paderno Dugnano (MI) – Slaughter Club 05.06.2025 IT Bologna – Alchemica Music Club 06.06.2025 AT Vienna – Escape Metalcorner 07.06.2025 DE Hauptmannsgrün – Chronical Moshers Open Air * 08.06.2025 AT Salzburg – Rockhouse 10.06.2025 DE Stuttgart – Schwarzer Keiler 11.06.2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal 12.06.2025 DE Leipzig – Hellraiser 13.06.2025 PL Byczyna – Black Silesia Open Air Festival * 14.06.2025 DE Selb – Rockclub Nordbayern * w/o CRYPTOSIS
26.07.2025 IT Bolotana – Rock and Bol Metal Fest 23.08.2025 FR Champtoceaux – Barbeuk Metal Fest 29.08.2025 GR Rethymno – Rethymno Rocks 08./09.11.2025 UK Manchester – Damnation Festival
14.11.2025 AU Perth – Rosemount Hotel 15.11.2025 AU Adelaide – Lion Arts Factory 19.11.2025 AU Canberra – The Baso 20.11.2025 AU Sydney – The Underground 21.11.2025 AU Brisbane – Soapbox Brewery 22.11.2025 AU Melbourne – Corner Hotel
Canadian power thrashers PHEAR have a new lyric video to reign in the “New World Error”. The track is off their second full-length album “Save Our Souls”, which was unleashed this past February from Golden Robot Records.
“New World Error” is a musical and lyrical statement on all the terrible atrocities going on in the world today.
“Humans are sometimes the plague of humanity.” adds the band.
Watch and listen to “New World Error” via its premiere on MetalAddcist:
Produced, mixed, and mastered by Jon Howard (Threat Signal), Phear‘s sophomore album “Save Our Souls” can be best described as their heaviest offering to date and follows the award-winning album “Instanitarium” (2019), and the critically acclaimed EP “The Curse Lives On” (2020).
Extremely passionate, and driven, along with their arena-caliber sound, PHEAR is always thinking of new ways to entertain its fans, and “Save Our Souls” is no exception. Mostly written during the dark times of COVID-19, the record has taken four years to complete. Led by Patrick Mulock and producer Jon Howard in the studio, each musician was pushed hard to get the best out of each of them and they delivered.
“We had a lot of time to craft these songs. We didn’t have any time restraints. We would go into the studio and do three songs at a time. We were very excited to work with Jon Howard (Threat Signal) again. Jon is the sixth member of Phear. The studio experience was great as we fed off each other’s ideas. We pushed each other to get the best performances we could. There are NO FILLERS here. Seven String guitars have played a big part in this. Our sound has grown. The bass guitar on this album is HUGE! The drumming from Mike Harshaw was also very aggressive. If you were to ask me now… This is the heaviest Phear has ever been… for now lol!” adds Mulock.
A listening experience of thrash, prog, and classic metal elements, PHEAR offers a strong balance from infectious choruses to melodic and growling vocals for true heavy metal nostalgia. Their two previous singles, the album’s title track and “Snake” are sure to make fans throw up their hail horns and headbang with a sore neck. Plus the band offers up their cover version of Nevermore‘s “Narcosynthesis”.
PHEAR features Patrick Mulock (Lead Vocals) (Eidolon, Rampage), Pat Rogers (Lead & Rhythm Guitars) (Profaner- 2016 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions), Alex Zubair (Lead & Rhythm Guitars) (Burn to Black, Nadar Sadek, Iomair, Nephelium), Andrew Suarez (Drums) (Fatality, The Slyde – 2023 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions) and Chris Boshis (Bass) (Conflicted).
Throughout their existence, PHEAR has had the honour of opening for German metal legend UDO DIRSCHNEIFER, THE DEAD DAISIES, and STRYPER, along with performing on a pre-show for icons and heroes IRON MAIDEN in 2019 in Toronto at Budweiser Stage.
Recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Judas Priest, Dream Theater (prog elements), and Metallica, PHEAR‘s latest album “Save Our Souls”, released on February 13th, 2025, is available from Golden Robot Records at the following link (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon) – https://orcd.co/save-our-souls
Prepare for a cataclysmic fusion of symphonic grandeur and unrelenting darkness as RawMoor, the rising titans of symphonic blackened death metal, announce their signing with Wormholedeath Records and the global release of their debut album, En Route, set to storm the gates on May 2, 2025.
“We are pleased to announce the signing of our pact with Wormholedeath, to now have their force backing our descent upon the world!” said the band” We brewed and smoldered in silence long under the black stone that roofs every hollow hosting aspiring combatants, battling for the honor of carrying the torch for Satan, with our flame nigh quenching in the process, until our menace could no longer be contained. We drew the admiration of our audience and they whipped us on until finally, we burst open through that stone, our release now on display for all to see.That much can be accomplished by anyone. But Carlo and Wormholedeath soon got on our trail, offering us a backing that now elevates our possibilities to compete for a place among the greatest of names in Black Metal. They pave our way, map us our roads, and guide us to growth in darkness.Our vow from here on out is to deliver our power in full, to burn as the brightest of flame until our fuel runs out and another takes our place. This will be our unending service. For Satan.”
“En Route” delves into themes of treachery and betrayal, both on national and personal scales, alongside aspirations for sovereignty and critiques of left-wing ideology. Unapologetically political, it stands as an anti-religion, pro-freedom statement.Musically, it embraces the essence of Symphonic Black Metal drawing inspiration from Dimmu Borgir, Agathodaimon, Windir, Cradle of Filth, and Finntroll. The result is a dark, cinematic soundscape that balances grandeur with aggression.Lyrically, the album is born from Moordrawn’s deep frustration and disillusionment with a world spiraling into decay.
A New Era of Elegance and Ferocity Emerging from the shadows of the metal underground, RawMoor has forged a reputation for blending haunting orchestral melodies with blistering death metal savagery. Their debut album, En Route—initially self-released in September 2024—captivated fans and critics alike, earning acclaim for its seamless marriage of brutality and sophistication. Now, armed with the backing of Wormholedeath, RawMoor is poised to ascend to new heights, bringing their apocalyptic soundscapes to a global audience.
From Underground Vision to International Stage What began in 2016 as the solo endeavor of multi-instrumentalist Moordrawn (vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, orchestration) evolved into a formidable alliance with longtime collaborator Brim (vocals). Together, they finished En Route, a concept album steeped in treachery, sovereignty, and existential rebellion themes. Guest guitarist Renton (tracks 2, 3, 6) adds searing solos, further cementing the album’s dynamic range.“RawMoor embodies the raw intensity and artistic ambition that defines extreme metal,” says Carlo Bellotti, CEO of Wormholedeath. “En Route is not just an album—it’s a manifesto. We’re thrilled to amplify their vision and introduce their chaos to the world.”
En Route is a journey through betrayal and retribution, and with Wormholedeath, RawMoor is ready to ignite the flames wider than ever.
Experience a glimpse of the storm with the official En Route teaser:
The wait is over! Vallorch returns on March 14, 2025, with their highly anticipated album, “The Circle,” which is the band’s most ambitious and immersive work to date. Building upon their folk and symphonic metal roots, the band refines its signature sound into a dynamic fusion of powerful riffs, enchanted melodies, and cinematic orchestration.
Following the release of the anthemic “Circle Of The Moon” and the raucous folk metal celebration “Drink Some More!”, “The Circle” delivers an even broader spectrum of emotions and soundscapes. The album revolves around the theme of the night, capturing its dual nature—a time for reflection and solitude but also revelry and connection. From grandiose symphonic arrangements to festive folk elements, each track immerses the listener in a journey through legends, emotions, and the band’s signature sonic landscapes.
Compared to their previous works, “Neverfade” (2013) and “Until Our Tale Is Told” (2017), Vallorch has evolved their songwriting, crafting an album that is tightly composed and emotionally resonant. The folk influences remain, but with an even more polished and cinematic touch, elevating their sound to new heights.
Fans of Nightwish, Eluveitie, Alestorm, Epica, and Wind Rose will find themselves drawn into Vallorch’s world, where folk traditions and symphonic metal collide in an unforgettable experience. With myth-inspired lyrics, powerful storytelling, and an undeniable passion for their craft, Vallorch cements their place as one of the most exciting acts in modern folk metal.
March 14 marks a new era for Vallorch. “The Circle” isn’t just an album—it’s an invitation to journey through the night, to embrace the contrasts of light and dark, and to lose yourself in the magic of Vallorch’s sound.
Prepare to step into “The Circle”!
VALLORCH was born in December 2010, when Marco Munari (NewSun), Matteo Patuelli (Alzhagoth), and Massimo Benetazzo came up with the idea right after attending a concert together. Inspired by the energy and spirit of the event, they decided to form their own band, and the name VALLORCH—taken from a small Cimbrian village on the Cansiglio plateau—was quickly chosen as a tribute to their cultural roots.
For the first year, VALLORCH experimented with different sounds and musicians, searching for the right lineup. By January 2012, the group solidified with the addition of vocalist/flutist Sara, vocalist/bassist Leonardo Dalla Via, multi-instrumentalist Andrea ‘Demetrio’ Rampin (playing tin whistle, bagpipes, accordion), and violinist Francesco Salviato. This seven-member ensemble debuted live in March 2012, promoting their newly released EP Stories of North. Their captivating blend of folk metal quickly gained traction, earning them recognition in the Italian scene and leading to performances at events like Fosch Fest, where they opened for major bands.
However, the summer of 2012 brought changes. Violinist Francesco parted ways with the band, and Martina Mezzalira took his place. Around the same time, VALLORCH signed a record deal with Moonlight Records and entered the studio to work on their first full-length album. Released in 2013, Neverfade was met with critical and fan acclaim, blending fast-paced, melodic jigs with guttural and clean vocals, alongside powerful death metal riffs. This success landed them performances at major international festivals like Metaldays.
2014 saw further lineup shifts. Andrea Demetrio Rampin left the band, replaced by Paolo Pesce on accordion, hurdy-gurdy, and keyboards. Meanwhile, vocalist Sara took over tin whistle and bagpipe duties. Founding member Matteo Patuelli also stepped down, making way for guitarist Mattia Buggin to join. Despite these changes, VALLORCH pressed forward, embarking on their first European tour with Artaius. They played in Germany, Czechia, France, Belgium, and Slovakia, culminating in a performance opening for Mägo de Oz at the Metal for Emergency festival.
Later that year, they returned to the studio to record their second full-length album, Until Our Tale Is Told (2015). The album reflected the band’s growing compositional maturity and led to more festival appearances and live shows over the next two years.
In 2016, Riccardo Gianni briefly joined the band as a violinist, performing at several major local festivals. However, by 2019, the band was once again at a crossroads. After a series of lineup changes and creative challenges, founding member Marco Munari decided to leave the group. The remaining members—Massimo, Sara, Leo, Mattia, and Marco—faced a difficult choice: either disband or evolve. They chose to reinvent themselves as a five-piece band.
The global restrictions from 2020 to 2022 made live performances difficult, but the band used this time to focus on writing new material. By 2023, VALLORCH returned to the stage, opening for renowned acts like Alestorm, Wind Rose, and Rhapsody Of Fire.
Now, in 2025, VALLORCH is set to release their highly anticipated new album, “The Circle”, marking a triumphant return. Reborn from the ashes of their former selves, they are ready to take the world by storm once again.
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!
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”.
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!
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 availableon 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.
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:
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