Canadian/Swedish Progressive Metallers, VOIDCHASER, Releasing ‘Trust’ EP March 7

Montreal/Stockholm Progressive Metal Quartet, Voidchaser, are set to release new EP, Trust, on March 7! Serving as an epilogue to critically acclaimed 2024 release Solace, the new EP completes the narrative and brings closure to the conceptual journey begun with their debut album.

Voidchaser has released two singles from the forthcoming EP: “Trust,” featuring Jim Grey of Australian prog metallers Caligula’s Horse (InsideOut Music), and “Dogma,” featuring rising prog-metal stars, The Anchoret (Willowtip). Check out the videos for each single below!

“Trust” (Lyric Video): youtu.be/4icqnLEXlvA

“Dogma” (Visualizer): youtu.be/D8ZuxXDf3uA

Trust solidifies Voidchaser’s reputation for heavy yet emotionally resonant progressive metal. The band is also gearing up for an international tour in 2025, with more details to be announced soon.

Vocalist/rhythm guitarist Chad Bernatchez discusses Trust:

Trust picks up directly after the events of Solace. Our protagonist is drifting across the vast emptiness of space, as the reserve oxygen tanks from the suit keep him alive and scenes from his life pass them by. The first song, Time, depicts our protagonist having to say goodbye to someone who he was very close to. The second song, Dogma, depicts our protagonist having to make an impossible decision, resulting in leaving behind someone else he was very close to. Finally, the title track depicts our protagonist unapologetically committing his entire life to someone only to have his trust broken and their sense of self be lost in the process. 

We collaborated with musicians from all around the world on this EP and it’s very cool to have had the opportunity to do that. We have a lot of love for the musicians that accepted to be on it and feel incredibly honored that we made something they wanted to be a part of. 

This EP is very special to us because it marks the end of a chapter for Voidchaser. We are very proud of how far we have come since the band has started, and there is nothing we would have done differently. Everything has led to where we are today and we have learned a lot from the past two years and we are very grateful for everything that happened and everyone who was with us along the way.”

FFO: Devin Townsend, Haken, Dream Theater, Between the Buried and Me, Opeth, Caligula’s Horse.

Rising stars of international progressive metal.” 

-Riffage

Track Listing:

1. Time (feat. Universe Effects)

2. Dogma (Feat. The Anchoret)

3. Trust (feat. Jim Grey)

From Montreal and Stockholm, Voidchaser is a progressive metal band. Since their inception in 2023, the band has quickly gained momentum with standout high-caliber singles that have resonated across multiple countries in North America, South America, and Europe, earning widespread acclaim from influential critics such as The Progspace, Prog-Sphere, Metal Universe, and Metal Minded, among others.

In 2024, Voidchaser unveiled their most ambitious and emotionally charged project yet: Solace, a progressive metal concept album that weaves together technical brilliance, evocative storytelling, and raw human emotion. Composed as a single conceptual piece divided into six interconnected parts, Solace showcases the band’s diverse musical spectrum, from the thunderous intensity of “Solace Part II: Only Human”—a fierce anthem of resilience featuring Ashbreather—to the haunting beauty of “Solace Part IV: Alien,” an acoustic ballad exploring themes of love and control. Solace is not just music—it is a theatrical exploration of survival, a celebration of human connection, and a reflection on the duality of strength and vulnerability.

This debut album amassed over 200,000 streams in its first three months and was charted among the top metal albums of the year according to Apple and iTunes in Canada, Sweden and other countries. This impact propelled Voidchaser onto both the local and global scenes, as evidenced by their participation in prestigious events like ProgPower Europe 2025 alongside acts such as The Dear Hunter, Threshold, Kingcrow, Extol, KYROS, and Nospūn, as well as upcoming festivals in Canada.

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 AcceptKreator and Blind GuardianBirth 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.

DRUNKEN CROCODILES Unveil Full Details of New Album “Aegony” and Release Second Video for “Le Divin Marquis”

Heavy Psych/Stoner/Sludge trio DRUNKEN CROCODILES have officially revealed all the details for their highly anticipated new album, “Aegony,” set for release on March 21, 2025, via Octopus Rising, an (un)parallel label of Argonauta Records. To mark the occasion, the band has also dropped the second official video from the album, “Le Divin Marquis”—a track inspired by the life of the notorious Marquis de Sade. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/FI2gnjdoSLM

Recorded during early summer 2024 at Noise Studio in Parma, “Aegony” is a sonic statement against the modern obsession with perfection. Committed to an analog recording process, the band embraced a raw and organic approach—no reamping, no triggers, no pitch correction, and a conscious departure from the “Loudness War” to preserve the natural dynamics of their execution. The result is a warm, immersive soundscape that oscillates between dreamlike melodies, aggressive tight riffs, and evocative bursts of rage.

Conceptually, “Aegony” explores the dark consequences of the ego, delving into real-life stories where self-interest clashes with humanity. Each track reflects a unique struggle—whether against mortality, nature, society, or evolution—forming a cohesive narrative of human folly and self-destruction.

TRACKLIST:
01 – FIRST POINT OF LIBRA (1:11) – Intro, feat. “Emil Cioran quote”.

02 – AUTOJEKTOR (7:30) – Inspired by Sergei Brukhonenko’s experiments (Ego vs. Mortality).

03 – RAINMAKER (4:47) – Dedicated to Charles Hatfield (Ego vs. Mother Nature).

04 – LE DIVIN MARQUIS (7:11) – Exploring the legacy of the Marquis de Sade (Ego vs. Society).

05 – HOMO HOMINI LUPUS (6:21) – Reflecting on human’s primal nature (Ego vs. Instinct).

06 – SLOW BURN (4:49) – Examining the genocide of Native Americans (Ego vs. Property).

07 – BEHAVIORAL SINK (10:22) – Inspired by John B. Calhoun’s studies (Ego vs. Evolution).

08 – FIRST POINT OF ARIES (2:00) – Outro, feat. “Giordano Bruno quote”.

At its core, “Aegony” questions the destructive influence of the ego in human behavior. The album invites listeners to reflect on how unchecked self-interest has historically led to domination, conflict, and suffering. However, it also suggests a path to awareness and collective evolution, hinting at the possibility of a future where human connection prevails over self-absorption. Is humanity capable of changing its course, or are we doomed to repeat the same mistakes?

Formed in 2012, DRUNKEN CROCODILES navigated through years of experimentation and lineup changes before solidifying their presence in the heavy underground scene. Their 2019 debut album “Out of Barrel” (Too Loud Records) delivered an explosive mix of raw energy and emotion, leading to a successful Eastern European tour.

Following a temporary disbandment during the COVID era, original founder Elia Borelli (vocals/bass) revived the band in 2021, recruiting Federico Pardini (guitar) and Simone Silvestre (drums). The new lineup quickly found its stride, incorporating psychedelic and dreamlike elements into their heavy sound. A 2023 European tour set the stage for their next creative endeavor—leading to the recording of “Aegony” in summer 2024.

Now, with “Aegony” on the horizon, DRUNKEN CROCODILES are ready to take listeners on an intense, thought-provoking journey through sound and philosophy. Get ready to experience the brutal beauty of “Aegony” on March 21, 2025, available on CD and all streaming platforms via Octopus Rising (Argonauta Records).

MARROWOMB Debut Album “Phisenomie” Out Now

The debut album from Chicago-based blackened-death entity MARROWOMB is now available for download and streaming.

Over five years in the making, Phisenomie is the brain spawn of multi-instrumentalist Frank Lato and features drums by renowned session drummer Kevin Paradis (ex-Benighted).

Get Phisenomie at marrowomb.bandcamp.com/album/phisenomie.

Featuring eight meticulously crafted tracks, Phisenomie delivers an unrelenting experience that blurs the boundaries between extreme and experimental. Each song provides a labyrinth of ferocious riffs and punishing rhythms, showcasing Lato’s visionary approach to composition. Phisenomie immerses listeners in a soundscape that is both savage and cerebral. This debut offering is more than just an album—it is a journey through the depths of the human psyche, where chaos and catharsis converge.

The artwork for Phisenomie was done by Penny Slinger (pennyslinger.com/) with layout by Frank Lato. Photography by the legendary Peter Beste.

“You’re not going to get some amateur hour here. This album is 45 minutes of blistering blackened death metal that attacks from every angle.”

– Vox and Hops

“A furious yet cerebral journey that pushes boundaries” – Antihero Magazine

“A thick, bitter, but well-seasoned bowl of madness.” – Metal Temple

Tracklisting:

1) Phantasia Kataleptike

2) Sickness Unto Life

3) Vicarious Visage

4) Inner Ring

5) Black Gossamer

6) Veil of Cold

7) The Mirror

8) Despairloom

MARROWOMB is a blackened death metal project formed from the ashes of former Chicago-based bands Polyptych and Endmember in 2020. Spearheaded by mastermind Frank Lato, the artistry of MARROWOMB knows no bounds and takes an uncompromising approach to songwriting. The project takes its influences from various sources; however, the prominent focus is centered on internal conflict and struggle.

MARROWOMB opts for a simplistic approach to its lyrical content and concepts; however, this is not a surface-level entity. For those who choose to venture beyond the surface, there are rewards to seeking out additional truths, messages, and meanings within the music.

FEUERSCHWANZ Releases New Song “Knightclub” + Official Music Video

One day before their appearance on Stefan Raab’s “Chefsache ESC 2025 – Wer singt für Deutschland”, the German preliminary round for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, FEUERSCHWANZ release their new song “Knightclub” with Dag-Alexis Kopplin from SDP as a featured guest. With its catchy hook and infectious dancefloor beats, “Knightclub” is a track that will create the perfect atmosphere at any metal show. The accompanying music video, which also features Kopplin, underlines this character and combines the light-heartedness and vibes of the band’s early party metal days with the impressive transformation that FEUERSCHWANZ have undergone with their last few albums.
 
With their modern folk metal sound, the Nuremberg-based band has risen to the top of the genre. Their last two studio albums, Memento Mori (2021) and Fegefeuer (2023), both debuted at #1 on the official German album charts. Recent headline tours were nearly all sold out, they have secured prime spots at the largest festivals, and their songs and videos have garnered millions of streams. One standout moment was their 20th anniversary show at the end of 2024—an unforgettable Metfest performance in front of over 7,000 ecstatic fans, and the biggest in the event’s history.
 
FEUERSCHWANZ on “Knightclub”:
“‘Knightclub’ is the essence of 20 years of FEUERSCHWANZ. A strong brew of the heaviest riffs and most epic hooks we have ever written come together with the greatest heroes from the world of fantasy and history. As a special accolade, we have enlisted the support of Dag-Alexis Kopplin from SDP! Descend into the dungeons with us, experience a crazy musical trip and rise up as ladies, lords, shieldmaidens, heroes and knights of the ‘Knightclub’!”
Watch the official music video for “Knightclub” HERE:

Tomorrow, Saturday, FEUERSCHWANZ will once again swap the festival stage for a TV appearance as one of 14 acts competing in the semi-finals of Germany’s Eurovision Song Contest preliminary round. Chosen from over 3,000 applications, the band impressed the jury—led by Stefan Raab, Yvonne Catterfeld, and Elton—in the first show on February 14 with their cover of O-Zone’s “Dragostea din tei.” This Saturday, the jury will once again vote on whether they move on, or their journey ends early. The live final, broadcast on ARD and hosted by NDR on March 1, will see viewers choosing the winning act, who will go on to represent Germany in Basel. Barbara Schöneberger will host all shows.
 
The semi-finals and final of “Chefsache ESC 2025 – Wer singt für Deutschland” will be broadcast live on the primetime show on German TV at the following times:
Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 08.15pm CET | RTL
Final: Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 08.15pm CET | Das Erste

[Photo Credit: Stefan Heilemann]

RIVERS OF NIHIL To Release Self-Titled Fifth Full-Length May 30th On Metal Blade Records

New Video/Single “House Of Light” Now Playing

“I feel like these songs are the perfect blend of all our albums, with all the fat cut away,” says founding guitarist Brody Uttley. “There are more technical songs that call back to The Conscious Seed Of Light and Monarchy sound, but with a more mature understanding of how to pace a song. There’s a fair bit of the Where Owls Know My Name and The Work-type experimental stuff, but with a more refreshed perspective on those styles for the current era of the band.”

On June 15th, 2023, the band released a new 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.

The new album’s first single of 2025, “House Of Light,” is a track that “encapsulates the nature of what it is that we do perfectly while offering a different perspective on the sound with the new lineup,” explains founding member/guitarist Brody Uttley, who also plays piano and does the programming in the band. “Everything that our fans have come to love about our sound is demonstrated in this song with the new addition of Andy singing and Biggs on main vocals. It has the riffs, it has the big chorus, it has the prog, it has the solos, it has the sax. Just a real classic example of what we do as a band in 2025.”

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 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.”

Later this month, RIVERS OF NIHIL will kick off their Aggressive Progressive EU/UK headlining tour with support from Cynic, Beyond Creation and labelmates, Dååth. In May, the band will return to North American stages for another month-long headliner with support provided by Holy Fawn, Inter Arma, and Glacial Tomb. Tickets and VIP packages are available now at https://ron.soundrink.com. See all confirmed dates below.

RIVERS OF NIHIL w/ Cynic, Beyond Creation, Dååth:
2/28/2025 Essigfabrik – Köln, DE
3/01/2025 Zappa – Antwerp, BE
3/02/2025 La Machine – Paris, FR
3/04/2025 Slay – Glasgow, GB
3/05/2025 Academy – Dublin, IE
3/06/2025 The Fleece-  Bristol, GB
3/07/2025 Engine Rooms – Southampton, GB
3/08/2025 Club Academy – Manchester, GB
3/09/2025 Electric Ballroom – London, GB
3/10/2025 XOYO – Birmingham, GB
3/12/2025 Patronaat – Haarlem, NL
3/13/2025 Gruenspan – Hamburg, DE
3/14/2025 Fryshuset Klubben – Stockholm, SE
3/16/2025 Tavastia – Helsinki, FI
3/18/2025 John Dee – Oslo, NO
3/19/2025 Pumpehuset – Copenhagen, DK
3/21/2025 Proxima – Warsaw, PL
3/22/2025 Columbia Theater – Berlin, DE
3/23/2025 Z-Bau – Nürnberg, DE
3/24/2025 Flex – Wien, AT
3/25/2025 Dürer Kert – Budapest, HU
3/26/2025 Backstage – München, DE
3/27/2025 Slaughter Club – Milan, IT
3/28/2025 Kiff – Aarau, CH
3/29/2025 Substage – Karlsruhe, DE