A Metal Odyssey of Self and Survival – NIGHT’S EDGE Unveils New Video “Shapes in Grey Space II : Soaring” Ahead of New Album Out Aug 21st

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

With their fourth full-length album, “The World That Never Was,” set to drop on August 21st, 2025, Baltimore-based trio NIGHT’S EDGE is unveiling one last visual offering ahead of release day. In collaboration with Ghost Cult Magazine, the band premieres the music video for “Shapes in Grey Space II: Soaring”, the second installment in a three-part suite that closes the album. The two-and-a-half-minute ballad of symphonic alternative metal track unfolds a Twilight Zone-inspired narrative, exploring themes of isolation and the transformative journey of self-discovery it can spark.

“Soaring is a hardcore banger in ¾, as fancy as it is intense. The sudden pauses and shifts in direction of the music catch you off guard, while the vocals make you feel like you are ascending into the chorus, with mixed feelings of freedom while remaining tethered to reality. The words reflect our inner turmoil of free will versus the outside forces that control us. When writing Soaring, Damian constantly referred to the movie “Chronicle,” a found-footage thriller about teenagers who get superpowers. Not sure how that connects, that is for you to figure out!” adds Brian Haran – Vocals, Bass, Keys, Programming.

Since forming in 2018, Night’s Edge has undergone several lineup shifts and sonic evolutions, making notable strides since their 2019 debut. Rooted in the Alternative Metal realm yet defying easy classification, their sound blends gothic metal, progressive rock, and nu-metal influences into a heady mix of heaviness and pop sensibility, wrapped in layers of synths and theatrical flair. Their upcoming album, “The World That Never Was,” delves into themes of lost identity and the voids we fall into—obsession, rage, and uncertainty. In its closing arc, the album tells a parable: the protagonist wakes in a world where humanity has vanished and is forced to confront their reflection in the silence… or so it appears.

“We are immensely proud of this album. The World That Never Was has the strongest songwriting that Night’s Edge has ever brought forward, and these powerful songs elevate the three of us as musicians and as a band. It has presented challenges to all of us, as Performers and as writers, and has resulted in a genuine expression of music that is uniquely us. The album flows dramatically from piece to piece, with each song offering something different and contributing a different part from which the whole is built. No two songs sound the same, but every second of the album is unmistakably Night’s Edge. The recording and production process challenged all of us but allowed us to become even more intimate with each song. The lyrical themes that wrap through the album have become hooks in each of our brains, and we feel like each of us left a part of ourselves in this record. The World That Never Was is dense but digestible, complex but immediate, grim but beautiful. It is an album of contrasts, an album of ambition, and Night’s Edge’s most definitive musical statement,” says Haran

“The World That Never Was” follows releases Strangers – LP (2023), Night’s Edge – EP (2022), The Darkest Side of Dreams – LP (2020), and Shades of Dusk – LP (2019) and is recommended for fans of Coheed and Cambria, Avantasia, System of a Down, HIM, and Deftones.

Album Artwork by Eden Wormwood

Alternative Metal Discovery SAUERKRAUT Unleashes Apocalyptic New Single “He Is”

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Alternative metal insurgents SAUERKRAUT return with “He Is” — a visceral track that dives headlong into themes of nihilism, psychological fracture, and spiritual collapse. Driven by a sense of spiritual rage and psychological disintegration, the track captures the sound of a soul unraveling in real time — a harrowing blend of emotional collapse and apocalyptic fury.Dark, aggressive, and unrelentingly bleak, “He Is” blends crushing riffs with unhinged vocals and industrial-tinged atmospherics. It’s a sonic exorcism — equal parts catharsis and confrontation — that cements Sauerkraut’s status as one of the most fearless voices in the alt-metal underground.

Watch the video here:

Formed in 2019 by veterans of the metal and alt scenes, SAUERKRAUT made their mark with the 2022 debut Bloody Stew — a fierce introduction defined by thunderous grooves, dynamic structures, and raw energy on and off the stage.

Their upcoming album In Madness marks a bold evolution. With the addition of a second vocalist, the band pushes deeper into contrast, intensity, and emotional range, balancing brutal breakdowns with infectious hooks and textured atmospheres.

Blending metalcore, nu metal, and hardcore with fearless experimentation, SAUERKRAUT stands apart through authenticity. Their music is emotionally driven, fiercely executed, and unapologetically real.

Now, with the support of Wormholedeath, In Madness is set to reach a global audience — solidifying SAUERKRAUT’s place as one of the most compelling new forces in heavy music.

DARKER HALF unveil the video for the second single ‘Another Day Another Nightmare’

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Australian melodic metal four-piece DARKER HALF recently announced the upcoming release of their brand-new album, “Book Of Fate,” scheduled for August 29, 2025 via Massacre Records.

Today the band unveil the second single ‘Another Day Another Nightmare.’ The song is a powerful exploration of existential dread and the struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

Drawing inspiration from timeless folklore — particularly the stories of the Pied Piper of Hamelin and the Wizard — “Book Of Fate” promises to deliver an epic narrative set to the band’s trademark heavy and melodic soundscapes.

While not being a concept album, these were themes the band came back to regularly during writing sessions.
The new lineup infused the album with a newfound energy, resulting in a faster paced release that harks back to earlier days of the bands roots. Meanwhile the anthemic choruses the band has become known for remain prominent.

Produced by DARKER HALF’s drummer Dom Simpson at Elephant Sounds Studio, Australia, the album was mixed by Chris Themelco at Monolith Studios and mastered by Thomas Plec Johansson at The Panic Room. The stunning cover artwork was created by Karim Konig.

This epic odyssey in sound and story called “Book Of Fate” will be released as Ltd. Vinyl LP, CD Digipak, and Digital.

Formed in Sydney in 2005, DARKER HALF has earned a reputation for electrifying performances and an unapologetically heavy sound that blends power metal ferocity with thrash metal precision. Their lyrical and instrumental depth has propelled them to tour extensively across Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Europe. Over the years, they’ve shared stages with metal titans such as Queensrÿche, Edguy, Sonata Arctica, Accept, Helloween, and many more, solidifying their place in the global metal community.

Ex-Nile Frontman Dallas Toler-Wade Revives “Annihilation of the Wicked” on NARCOTIC WASTELAND’s Fall Tour “Annihilation of The Wasteland”

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Narcotic Wasteland, fronted by ex-Nile guitarist/vocalist Dallas Toler-Wade along with drummer Joseph Howard (Fields of Elysium, Neuromorphic) and bassist Kenji Tsunami (Ontogeny), will be hitting the road for the “Annihilation of Wasteland Tour” (dates listed below). On this tour, they will be celebrating the 20-year release of “Annihilation of the Wicked”, in which Dallas will perform two of the songs he wrote for the album: “Lashed to the Slave Stick” and “The Burning Pits of the Duat”, giving Nile fans the unique opportunity to hear these tracks played live by the original voice and composer. Narcotic Wasteland will also be performing fan favorites and new material, including such tracks as “Barbarian”, “Sex, Lies and DNA”, “Introspective Nightmares”, “Coastal Killings”, “The Best Times Have Passed”, and more!

To mark the launch of their tour, the band is unveiled the official music video for “Introspective Nightmares”, exclusively on Bravewords.

Narcotic Wasteland is a relentless force in the metal scene, delivering a crushing blend of technical precision, unyielding aggression, and raw energy. Fronted by Dallas Toler-Wade—renowned vocalist and guitarist best known for his work with Nile—he brings his signature technical prowess and intense energy to the band.

On drums, Joseph Howard unleashes a torrent of precision and power, driving the band’s pummeling rhythms with thunderous intensity. His dynamic performance creates the perfect foundation for the band’s heavy and often dark sonic atmosphere.

Kenji Tsunami commands the low end with inventive, hard-hitting bass lines that add both depth and texture, solidifying the band’s signature wall of sound. His stage presence and musicianship bring an extra dimension to Narcotic Wasteland’s live assault.

Together, Dallas, Joseph, and Kenji forge an unstoppable musical unit—one that captivates audiences with high-octane performances and uncompromising compositions. With unmatched technical skill and a shared vision for pushing metal’s boundaries, Narcotic Wasteland stands as a true powerhouse in today’s extreme music landscape.

Tour Dates:

FEUERSCHWANZ Go Tolkien With New Single “Sam The Brave” + Video

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Just before the release of their new epic, Knightclub, FEUERSCHWANZ are headed to Middle-earth, with their new single, “Sam The Brave”. The track pays tribute to a silent hero: Samwise Gamgee, the loyal companion of ring bearer Frodo Baggins. Always in the shadow of J. R. R. Tolkien’s protagonist, FEUERSCHWANZ puts Sam in the spotlight, as an equally important piece of the puzzle on the journey of destroying the One Ring at Mount Doom. FEUERSCHWANZ envelopes the great story of the small hero in their usual gripping folk metal sound, carried by violins and flutes, fit for any Shire tavern.

FEUERSCHWANZ have undergone an impressive transformation in recent years, with 20 years as a band and two #1 albums on the official German album charts, they have reached triumphant highs, and are steadily climbing even higher. Through their participation in the German preliminary round of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, the band managed to attract an audience of millions and media attention far beyond the borders of the genre.

FEUERSCHWANZ on „Sam The Brave“:
“With ‘Sam The Brave’ we pay tribute to the true hero of Lord of the Rings – not the mighty warrior, but the loyal friend who carries the light when all hope seems lost. This song is our monument to loyalty, courage, and the power of friendship.”

Watch the Animated Video For “Sam The Brave”:

With Knightclub, FEUERSCHWANZ release their first studio album with an English title – and for the first time, several tracks feature English lyrics. Knightclub is characterized by catchy hits, absolute party mood, great anthems and hard metal riffs. Once again, the band manages to incorporate their unmistakable humor into songs bursting with energy.

The title track became a fan favorite during the Eurovision Song Contest pre-selection, firing up audiences across Germany. The album version features Dag-Alexis Kopplin of SDP on guest vocals. Tracks like “Valhalla” and “Avalon” show a more epic, serious side of the band – with “Valhalla” featuring heavy metal legend Doro Pesch. The fantasy-inspired “The Tale of Sam The Brave” pays homage to Middle-earth, while “Name der Rose” draws from a literary classic. Previously released “Lords of Fyre” (feat. LORD OF THE LOST) sets the tone for their upcoming co-headline tour.

Produced by Simon Michael (SUBWAY TO SALLY) and mastered by Jacob Hansen (EVERGREY, Arch Enemy, Volbeat), Knightclub features artwork by Peter Sallai (POWERWOLF, Sabaton, Saxon, Hammerfall).

FEUERSCHWANZ about the album:
“Knightclub – for us, it’s a consistent continuation of our previous albums, taken to the next level both thematically and musically! Expect something truly epic, wild, and downright crazy! This album has something for everyone: fans of grand fantasy, heroic tales, and all-out partying, as well as lovers of massive guitar riffs and lively folk instruments. Become part of the Knightclub and join us on this next step of our unparalleled journey!”

NONE Share Music Video for “Dusk Skies Over The Dreaming Forests”

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

The official music video for “Dusk Skies Over The Dreaming Forests” by NONE, a black metal entity that blends atmospheric and depressive black metal with elements of neofolk and dark ambient music, is now streaming.

The song comes off the long-awaited and fabled album “Supreme Dedication To The Craft Is Forever” (release date TBA).

Songwriter Nicholas Mendiola comments, “Dusk Skies Over The Dreaming Forests is the remembering; and the return to, and of, our wilderness. It is the Supreme Truth.”

Ghost Cult Magazine presents the exclusive worldwide premiere of “Dusk Skies Over The Dreaming Forests.”

NONE is a personal, spiritual art form, a dedication to discovering the divine and eternal truth that is ourselves, brought to life and channeled by song writer Nicholas Mendiola. NONE is the eternal version of himself, his mission and purpose being to discover himself as the true voice and host that NONE speaks through.

Identifying his art as ‘The Dark Gospel’, while musically inspired by elements of black metal, neo-folk, industrial, dark ambient and art noise, this exploration of a range of forms has arrived at a sound that is unique, immersive and in equal measure both chaotic and beautiful. With a rawness of emotion and composition, NONE is as much a journey for the songwriter as it is for the listener. The Dark Gospel transcends and goes beyond music, it is a source and a place of somewhere deeply personal and spiritual.

Coming from a background as a part of Plague Phalanx, occult rock act Thangorodrim and Awakened Abyss, NONE evolved into a solo act with Nicholas as the main songwriter, vocalist and acoustic guitarist, backed by session players John Schuler and Adam Anthony Ordoñez on drums.

Together the musicians have created an astounding album that conveys the primal rage of black metal contrasted with stark contrasts of light and darkness, resplendent with the rawness of nature and the rage and conviction of the songwriters pure essence.

THE RED CHORD Clients Full-Length To See Release On Vinyl

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Clients, the now-landmark full-length from THE RED CHORD, will see release on vinyl for the first time ever on October 17th via Metal Blade Records. The release comes in celebration of the record’s 20th anniversary!

THE RED CHORD has been cited as one of the most influential crossover bands of the hardcore, grind, and metal genres. After signing with Metal Blade in 2004, the band unleashed their second full-length, Clients in 2005, to widespread critical acclaim. Standing among one of the most dynamic and poignant albums of that year, Clients landed Decibel’s first-ever perfect score (May 2005, Issue No. 7), the review reading in part, “In this day and age of bands developing instant followings by pandering to the lowest common denominator… THE RED CHORD attained their success by throwing caution to the wind and taking their awesome songs and robust live show anywhere that would host ’em. Truth be told, it’s this quintet’s songs that have made the difference and caused their profile to explode, car bomb-style.” In a 4/5 rating, Alternative Press wrote, “Clients explodes with the chug of hardcore, the velocity of grindcore, the time changes of math-metal, and the guttural vocals and pinched guitar squeals of technical death metal; but ultimately, it’s the band’s finesse at weaving this stuff into a blur that’ll have you scraping your jaw off the floor when the album’s playing.” Pitchfork concurred lauding a, “frenzied blast of uncompromising aggression that fuses the chaos, growling vocals, and lightning-fast beats of death metal and grindcore with the technical prowess of experimental math metal and the occasional driving, mid-tempo hardcore rhythm.” Added Blabbermouth, “It’s extreme music that you can feel in your bones, that satisfies the primal urges, and that stimulates and/or scars the mind.”

THE RED CHORD’s Clients was recorded at Planet-Z in January 2005, produced by the band and Zeuss, recorded and mixed by Zeuss, with cover art by Paul Romano. The 20th anniversary vinyl edition of Clients was mastered by Zeuss and comes in a gatefold jacket, six-panel tri-fold insert, and DL card, plus a new vinyl cover, layout, and art elements that are not in the original 2005 CD layout and THE RED CHORD 2025 band portrait by Karen Jerzyk.

Reflects vocalist Guy Kozowyk on the release, “Clients is such an important part of our history. There was a vision for every component. The songwriting, the concepts, the sonic wizardry of Planet Z, and the intense visual arts. There has been a specific artistic concept that [artist] Paul [Romano] and I have discussed for the vinyl layout looming since 2004. After two decades, the stars aligned and the concept of the ‘Clients Family Tree’ was finally realized through the combination of Paul and Mike Wohlberg. Paul’s new illustrations are stunning. We are so excited to present this anniversary reissue with a remaster by the almighty Zeuss. It’s been a slow and methodical process, but we feel the final product is worth the wait. Thank you, Metal Blade for tolerating our fastidious nature and allowing us to be artists first.”

Notes Paul Romano, “Throughout my career, THE RED CHORD’s Clients remains an all-time favorite project for me. I worked very closely with Guy and the band while they were writing the album. From meeting with the actual ‘Clients’ to hanging in the practice space while the album was being written helped me have a deep understanding that makes the artwork feel ingrained with the music. Having this comprehensive understanding lent itself to picking up where we left off 20 years ago with a dream of Clients on vinyl with new artworks that would really bring the idea to the next level. It felt like visiting an old friend and talking as if no time had passed.”

Adds Zeuss, “I dug way deep into the archives from 20 years ago and found the original mixes. Not only are they properly prepared and mastered for vinyl, they sound even better than before!”

THE RED CHORD Live:
9/27/2025 Nightshift Party Weekend – Daytona Beach, FL w/ Dying Fetus, Incantation, more…
12/05/2025 Decibel Metal & Beer Fest – Denver, CO w/ Acid Bath, Blood Incantation, Chat Pile, more…
12/13/2025 Nova Void Fest – Portland, OR w/ Enterprise Earth, I Declare War, Nightmarer, more…
12/19/2025 Monarch – Brooklyn, NY w/ The Number Twelve Looks Like You, See You Next Tuesday, Vomit Forth
12/20/2025 The Sinclair – Cambridge, MA w/ The Number Twelve Looks Like You, See You Next Tuesday, Vomit Forth

Quebec’s UNPUNISHED’s New Video “Shattered in Disarray” Marks Their Fierce Evolution + Quebec Tour Dates + New EP “Echoes of History” Out Sept 2025

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Quebec City’s rising metalcore force Unpunished returns with a gripping new single and music video, “Shattered in Disarray,” premiering exclusively on TheCirclepit. This marks the band’s third single in support of their upcoming sophomore EP, “Echoes of History,” set for release on September 5th, 2025.

Slower, darker, and emotionally raw, “Shattered in Disarray” dives deep into the psyche of someone confronting the wreckage of their own life. The song explores themes of regret, failure, and the haunting question: Is redemption still possible, or is it too late? With a melodic chorus riff and three distinct guitar solo sections, the track captures the emotional turbulence of its lyrics, inviting listeners to reflect on their own missteps and the hope of healing.

“It’s a song about realizing you’ve failed the ones you love. It’s about facing the consequences and wondering if there’s still a way out,” adds the band.

Watch and listen to “Shattered in Disarray” via TheCirclePit at:

Written over two years during a period of personal upheaval for each band member, “Echoes of History”, produced by drummer Justin Lefebvre, is a testament to Unpunished’s resilience and creative evolution. The five-track EP showcases a diverse sonic palette, blending 2000s metalcore roots with melodic death metal riffs, deathcore breakdowns, and melodic choruses. Each track delivers a unique blend of emotion and musical identity, making the record a deeply immersive experience. Lyrically, the band explores human flaws, mental health, and social injustice, crafting songs that are both personal and powerful.

“We wanted each song to have its own flavor. No formulas, no repetition, just raw emotion and musical diversity,” says the band.

Drawing inspiration from metal giants like As I Lay Dying, Parkway Drive, Trivium, and The Black Dahlia Murder, Unpunished blends melodic, intense, aggressive, and diverse elements into a sound that’s unmistakably their own.

In additional news, Unpunished will be performing a series of show dates in the province of Quebec, listed below. Fans can anticipate a tight, high-energy live performance, with a dynamic setlist that mirrors the EP’s emotional and musical range.

Sept 20 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti Bar

Sept 27 – Trois Rivieres, QC – Taverne Royale

Oct 10 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar

Condition Critical Thrashes All with New Single/Video, “Postmortal Simulation”

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

New Jersey Thrashers, Condition Critical, have released the official video for “Postmoral Simulation,” the second single from forthcoming album, Degeneration Chamber.

Get Thrashed at:

Condition Critical are set to release their third full-length album (and first since 2016’s Extermination Plan)! Their most intense and complete effort to date, Degeneration Chamber will be released on September 5.

Unapologetically true to their roots, the new album pushes the band’s sound to new extremes. It is heavier, faster, slower, and more technically unrelenting. Every track is sharpened for maximum impact, delivering a refined yet feral evolution of their signature thrash assault.

This is not just another record, it’s the definitive Condition Critical statement: uncompromising, chaotic, and forged in pure aggression.

FFO: Slayer, Demolition Hammer, Vio-lence, Kreator, Exodus, Devastation, Pestilence

LORD OF THE LOST Indulge in Darkness with Multifaceted New Single “Bazaar Bizarre”

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

LORD OF THE LOST indulge in darkness with the complex “Bazaar Bizarre”, the latest single off their upcoming studio album OPVS NOIR Vol. 1, out this Friday, August 8, 2025 via Napalm Records. Appropriately opulent, the album opener “Bazaar Bizarre” immediately proves the bands’ sonic recalibration, re-adding their early edge to create somber mysticism in irresistible guise. LORD OF THE LOST hauntingly unite the children of the night in a sophisticated anthem, reassuring: No one lost behind.

“Bazaar Bizarre” ornately crafts a new doorway into LORD OF THE LOST’s ever expanding universe – a testament to their ability to constantly uncover new angles while staying true to their roots. Following the success of their #1 album Blood & Glitter (Official German Album Charts) and their celebrated appearance in the finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, LORD OF THE LOST continue to push boundaries with unmatchable versatility. OPVS NOIR Vol. 1 is the first album of an exciting album trilogy, featuring several strictly limited special editions.

Chris Harms on “Bazaar Bizarre”:
“‘Bazaar Bizarre’ is too long, too complex, and too weird to be an album opener—almost like a mix between an acoustic hidden-object painting by Hieronymus Bosch, Apocalypse Now, and the underground troll market from the Hellboy universe. Everything hurts and is somehow eerie, but at the same time too fascinating to want to escape.
We could’ve picked a simple and accessible song to kick things off—but we didn’t want that. We wanted a long cinematic trailer for the ears, one that instantly makes it clear what kind of world all three parts of OPVS NOIR will drag you into. And ‘Bazaar Bizarre’ captures that perfectly—sonically, and in the music video, also visually—covering the full spectrum of our upcoming trilogy.”

Watch the Official Music Video for “Bazaar Bizarre” NOW:

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 colorful 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…”