It‘s been five years since US power metal act Vicious Rumors unleashed their most recent album. Five years during which band mastermind Geoff Thorpe and his crew played well over one hundred and fifty shows, presenting their longstanding career in condensed form and performing a playlist featuring their most important VR classics. These shows have left their mark on the band members while at the same time releasing a burst of new energy. Both these factors are now literally about to culminate on their upcoming album ’The Devil‘s Asylum‘, which Geoff Thorpe aptly summarises, saying: “’The Devil‘s Asylum‘ sees us return to our roots, which we‘ve combined with contemporary influences.” He continues: “Vicious Rumors look back at a career that spans 45 years, so there‘s only one goal for us: Everything we do should always be significant, every show, every song, every new album. This band has always stood for maximum intensity, powerful music and lots of new, fresh ideas.” In this respect, ’The Devil‘s Asylum‘ couldn‘t be more typical of Vicious Rumors and at the same time the album is bound to appeal to new fans.
Alongside band leader/founder Geoff Thorpe, there‘s original member Larry Howe on drums and vocals, with long-time bassist Robin Utbult completing the core foundation of VR. After the songs were written, the addition of two new members has made the band chemistry rise to a new level! There‘s vocalist Chalice and the second new member guitarist Denver Cooper, who – like Chalice – also hails from Cape Coral in Florida.
The first single and video for the song “Bloodbath” is a raw speed metal attack with melodic vocals and thrashy guitar riffs which perfectly combines the group‘s irresistible heaviness with speed and catchiness.
You can watch the video here:
Tracklisting:
Bloodbath
Dogs Of War
Crack The Sky In Half
High Hell Hammer
Butchers Block
Abusement Park
Wrong Side Of Love
Boring Day In Hell
In Blood We Trust
Better Than Me
The Devil’s Asylum
“The Devil’s Asylum” will be released on August 29th, 2025 worldwide (except Japan) through SPV/Steamhammer
Italian cult symphonic black metallers ART INFERNO break a long silence with the release of their new single “Faithful Of Caressing Horrors.”
The song was recorded, mixed and mastered at the band’s own studio MonoGravity Studios. “Faithful Of Caressing Horrors” is a deep and introspective excursus on the shaky boundary which seemingly separates Good and Evil. That thin and often almost indecipherable line often opens the door to nefarious scenarios and confronts us with the demons of fear, in a continuous oscillation between order and chaos, death and creation.
Musically ART INFERNO are still the masters of symphonic black metal but introducing some novelties which will lead their sound toward new experimentation and avant-garde.
Formed in 1997 from the ashes of JOURNEY THROUGH THE DARK, ART INFERNO released two years after their debut “Abyssus Abyssum Invocat” (Scarlet Records), an opus of symphonic black metal featuring orchestral arrangements – some press called it Wagnerian black metal -, dark-horror ambient atmospheres and folk influences. The album achieved considerable public and critical success. A few dates in Italy followed, including a gig at Agglutination Metal Festival in 2000. A series of vicissitudes and logistical problems prevented the band from continuing the path, leading to a long silence and inactivity until, after finding themselves so many years later together again, the three original members (M. Acheron – guitar, Nerio – bass and vocals and M. Grinder – drums) decided to resume musical activity and immediately released a new single entitled “Faithful Of Caressing Horrors.” The song will serve as the forerunner to a series of other songs to be included in the next album. After the release of the single, the band will continue momentarily as a duo, with M. Acheron on guitar and synth and Nerio on vocals, bass and synth.
Progressive post-rockers THRÆDS have just released their new single and official video “Nothing Good to Say”, taken from their debut album Impermanence, which will be released on June 6 via Octopus Rising and Argonauta Records, available on CD and digital formats.
THRÆDS dives deep into the complexities of time, self-awareness, and resilience with their latest track, Nothing Good to Say. Fusing progressive post-rock with atmospheric shoegaze elements, the song creates a brooding yet introspective soundscape that mirrors the journey of confronting bitterness while striving to remain curious and humble.
Laced with raw emotion, the lyrics grapple with inner struggles—asking how much hostility and tragedy one can endure before learning to let go. Themes of surrendering control, embracing life’s uncertainties, and resisting darker temptations weave through haunting melodies and expansive instrumentals. Ethereal guitar layers and dynamic buildups guide listeners through a contemplative experience, balancing tension with reflection.
Nothing Good to Say invites listeners to look time in the eye, acknowledge life’s harsh realities, and find peace in vulnerability. It’s a reminder that even amidst chaos and disillusionment, there’s strength in choosing growth over bitterness, and curiosity over fear.
Watch the video:
With Impermanence, THRÆDS explore the fragile and fleeting nature of existence through eight meticulously composed tracks. The band confronts the inevitability of entropy and the cycles of creation and destruction, shaping a sound that is both intense and immersive. Their music evolves between moments of overwhelming heaviness and eerie stillness, reflecting the unpredictable forces that shape human experience.
Formed in 2019 by guitarist and composer Angelos Tzamtzis, THRÆDS began as a solo project and quickly developed into a full band following his move to Berlin. Their multinational lineup blends progressive metal, post-metal and atmospheric rock with influences from Gojira, Tool, Alcest, Elder and Porcupine Tree.
Tracklist:1. Timeless 2. Reflections 3. Nothing Good to Say 4. Clockworks 5. Sole Survivor 6. Devolve 7. Einstein Rosen Bridge 8. Story in Reverse
The album is entirely self-produced. Drums and vocals were recorded by Matthias Schilling at G7 Studios, while all other instruments were recorded by Angelos Tzamtzis. Guest contributions by Alekos Gramma (saxophone) and Vangelis Sazanidis (synthesizer) add further tension and depth to the sound, amplifying the album’s haunting and cinematic atmosphere.
According to the band, Impermanence is a meditation on change and collapse, a reflection on the violence and beauty of transformation. Their aim is to create an unfiltered and honest experience, using dissonance, atmosphere and dynamic shifts to challenge the listener and evoke a strong emotional response.
To celebrate 40 years of doom metal mastery and the release of their brand new four track EP, Black Star, Swedish epic doom metal pioneers CANDLEMASS have unveiled a cover of Black Sabbath’s legendary hymn “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”. Originally cut from the classic 1973 Sabbath album, CANDLEMASS present their own version alongside an official music video.
With solemn intensity and seismic presence, CANDLEMASS transform the track into a funeral march worthy of doom’s highest pantheon. A majestic tribute that honors the past while shaking the crypt walls of the present.
CANDLEMASS mastermind Leif Edling comments: “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” needs no introduction, one of the best songs ever recorded if you ask me. Maybe not the obvious choice, but it’s been a dream for me to do it one day and here it is! Our rendition of S.B.S. (Mass Bloody Mass?)”
Watch the Official Music Video for “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” HERE:
Swedish godfathers of epic doom CANDLEMASS present their four-track EP, Black Star. Packed with cavernous riffs, the genre-defying band unveils two brand-new songs alongside two cover versions of timeless classics.
Following the title track, the second original song, “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 their rendition of Pentagram’s classic “Forever My Queen”, further cementing the bands remarkable contribution to shaping the genre into what it is today.
Black Star tracklist: 1. Black Star 2. Corridors Of Chaos 3. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath 4. Forever My Queen
Earlier this month, CREMATORY have released their 17th studio album “Destination”, that is out on ROAR.
With “Destination”, CREMATORY return to the Champions League, even placing their new masterpiece in the Top 10 of the German album charts straight away!
Now, as a gift for the great support of their fans, the iconic dark metal pioneers have announced to reissue the first demo and their first two albums from their distinctive back catalogue: “Engulfed in Darkness” (Demo, 1992), “Transmigration” (1993) and “…Just Dreaming” (1994) on limited colored vinyl, slated for a re-release on July 4th via ROAR!
CREMATORY were founded in January 1991 and have grown to become Germany’s leading gothic metal band, with 17 studio albums to their name. Their versatile sound ranges from melodic death metal to electro/dark wave-inspired parts, some of which are performed in German. In over three decades, CREMATORY have released numerous classics, including unmistakable hits such as “Tears Of Time”, “Shadows Of Mine”, “Fly”, “The Fallen”, “Greed”, “Shadowmaker”, or from their current chartbreaker “Destination”, the grandiose “Welt aus Glas”. Alongside 90s cult acts such as TYPE O NEGATIVE, TIAMAT, MOONSPELL, THE GATHERING and PARADISE LOST, CREMATORY are one of the most successful representatives of their genre.
“Engulfed In Darkness” is their very first demo tape, released in February 1992, now available for the first time as a Mini-LP, limited to 500 copies in colored vinyl! The line-up at the time, featuring singer Felix Stass and drummer Markus Jüllich, included guitarist Lotte Först and bassist Marc Zimmer. A legendary demo and death metal assault, remastered by current CREMATORY guitarist and producer Rolf Munkes at Empire Studios Bensheim!
Pre-order “Engulfed In Darkness” now on: https://crematory.rpm.link/engulfedPR Tracklist: 01 – Engulfed In Darkness 02 – Face The Unknown 03 – Prophecies Of The Last Days 04 – Burry All Life
The CREMATORY debut album “Transmigration” was released in April 1993, including hits such as “Eyes Of Suffering”, “Hall Of Torment” and “Deformity”. A melodic death metal album with dominant keyboard parts and a certain horror feeling. A terrific debut and genre classic! Remastered by Rolf Munkes, the reissue of “Transmigration” will be available as limited, colored vinyl limited to 500 copies.
Tracklist: 01 – Bequest Of The Wicked 02 – The Eyes Of Suffering 03 – Deformity 04 – Never Forgotten Place 05 – Hall Of Torment 06 – Reincarnation 07 – Victims 08 – Through My Soul 09 – The Way Behind The Light 10 – Bequest Of The Hallow
After the grandiose debut “Transmigration”, CREMATORY‘s second album “…Just Dreaming” was released just one year later in May 1994, propelling the band straight to the top of their genre in Germany. With melodic death metal anthems such as “Shadows Of Mine”, “Only Once In A Lifetime” and “In My Hands”, CREMATORY hit the ravages of time and enjoyed increasing popularity. Together with ATROCITY and TIAMAT, they toured Europe for the first time. “…Just Dreaming” will be now coming out as limited edition colored vinyl, also remastered by Rolf Munkes!
Tracklist: 01 – Heavens Throat 02 – Transmigration 03 – Only Once In A Lifetime 04 – Shadows Of Mine 05 – I Saw The Angels Fly 06 – In My Hands 07 – The Instruction 08 – The Prophecy 09 – Dreams 10 – For Those Who Believe
Italian melancholic dark metal band Shores Of Null is proud to unveil their first live album, “Beauty Over Europe,” now available as of May 9th, 2025, via Sulphur Music / Masked Dead Records.
To celebrate its release day, Shores of Null are sharing their new live video, “A Nature in Disguise”. The audio track was recorded live at Backstage in Munich, Germany. Footage is taken from the 2023 European tour with Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium, mainly at Barba Negra in Budapest by Péter Lerch.
Watch and listen to the live video for “A Nature in Disguise”:
“Beauty Over Europe” features 10 tracks recorded during the monumental 2023 European tour with Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium. Throughout that tour, Shores of Null performed 35 shows across 18 countries, including Norway, Denmark, Germany, the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Hungary, bringing their critically acclaimed album “The Loss Of Beauty” to the stage.
The live recordings, captured in Leipzig, Munich, Aschaffenburg, Budapest, and Belfast, preserve the raw and emotive energy of their performances. Each track reflects the band’s ability to blend melancholic melodies with crushing heaviness, offering fans a visceral live experience.
“Beauty Over Europe” is both a celebration of the tour and a gift to all fans of the band. Exactly two years after that unforgettable journey, this live albumoffers a chance to relive the emotional intensity and true essence of Shores Of Null’s live performances.
Reflecting on the experience, vocalist Davide Straccione and guitarist Gabriele Giacarri share their thoughts:
“This tour was an incredible journey, the longest in our career, and a true milestone for Shores Of Null. As the promotional tour for The Loss Of Beauty, our latest and most acclaimed album to date, it was an honor to bring these songs to life across 35 shows in 18 countries. Sharing the stage with monumental bands like Swallow The Sun and Draconian—huge inspirations for our music—was unforgettable. Despite the melancholy of their sound, they’re some of the most fun and genuine people we’ve met, and by the end of this epic journey, we were proud to call them friends.
We owe special thanks to our incredible crew—Petri, Matti, Mikko, and Tero—who ensured everything ran seamlessly and made this experience unforgettable. To pay homage to this extraordinary chapter, we decided to produce a live album. Recorded during key moments of the tour, it captures the essence of these unforgettable performances and is dedicated to all the people who supported us live and shared these magical moments with us.” – Gabriele Giaccari Davide Straccione adds:
“Our 2023 European tour with Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium was one of the most beautiful and intense experiences of my life. Night after night, we poured everything we had into our performances, connecting deeply with audiences across 18 countries. It was a journey that marked a pivotal moment in our career as a band as well, and one we’ll carry with us forever. This live album is our way of preserving and sharing that beauty, not only as a gift to those who joined us in the crowd, but also for those who couldn’t be there to witness it.”
Shores of Null stand out from their contemporaries with their ability to blend seemingly disparate elements into their sound, overwhelmingly heavy and soothing at the same time: blackened aggression stands alongside gothic-doom sections without either sounding out of place. Their music can be both melancholic and majestic, made of chorale-like guitar textures across the instrument’s entire range, sustained by a powerful rhythmic section and punctuated by a refined mixture of clean and growled vocals, along with extensive use of pleasing vocal harmonies which have become the band’s trademark through the years.
The Rome-based metal band has been an unwavering presence within the metal underground since their musical outset in 2013, churning out a series of impressive records: the melodic and somber “Quiescence” (Candlelight, 2014), the darker and more complex “Black Drapes For Tomorrow” (Candlelight/Spinefarm, 2017), and the ambitious “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)” (Spikerot Records, 2020), a 38-minute long doom manifesto that sees guest appearances of the doom-titans Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow The Sun) and Thomas A.G. Jensen (Saturnus), along with the angelic voice of Elisabetta Marchetti (Inno).
Shores Of Null’s fourth album, “The Loss Of Beauty”, released in March 2023, was hailed as one of the best albums of the year within the genre. The band supported the release with an extensive EU/UK tour alongside Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium, followed by standout performances at major festivals like Hellfest, Rock Imperium, and 70000 Tons Of Metal, among others, further solidifying their status as one of the rising forces in the metal scene.
German stadium rockers KISSIN’ DYNAMITE have unveiled the official music video for their track “Queen of the Night” from their chart-topping album Back With a Bang! This electrifying anthem boasts epic guitar riffs and dynamic rock vocals, delivered in true KISSIN’ DYNAMITE fashion. The accompanying video can be described in three words: sleek, massive, and otherworldly! Drawing inspiration from their highly successful world tour, with shows in Japan, the USA, and Brazil, the five-piece band now presents a visually striking music video of international caliber, featuring stunning nighttime scenes from the streets of Tokyo.
Equipped with an authentic 80s stadium rock attitude, KISSIN’ DYNAMITE have performed at countless major festivals internationally, opened for acts such as L.A. rock stars Mötley Crüe and played massive sold-out headline tours. This summer sees KISSIN’ DYNAMITE taking over festival stages again, including highlights such as Summer Breeze Open Air, and in autumn, the band is set to continue their world tour. Watch the music video for “Queen Of The Night” below and don’t miss out on tickets for the upcoming live shows!
KISSIN’ DYNAMITE comments: “Just back from Florida and Brazil, we immediately associate the song ‘Queen Of The Night’ with the incredible impressions of our current world tour. It symbolizes the life, the hustle, the glitter, and the magic we’ve experienced at concerts around the globe. We were especially captivated by the sheer scale of Tokyo. That’s why we were determined to capture scenes at the legendary Shibuya Crossing and downtown for the ‘Queen Of The Night’ music video. But see and hear for yourselves!”
Check Out the Official Music Video for “Queen Of The Night”HERE:
Founded as a teenage school band in 2007, KISSIN’ DYNAMITE has risen to spectacular heights, with multiple top-charting successes. Their latest album, Back With A Bang, marked a historic achievement as the band’s first-ever #1 debut, following the success of their previous studio release, Not The End Of The Road (2022), which soared to #2 on the Official German Album Charts. In addition, their infectious rock anthems have topped the Rock Radio Airplay Charts multiple times, while the band’s most popular music videos have each garnered over a million views, cementing their place as a multi-million-streamed sensation.
MOONLIGHT HAZE has released a video for “Awakening”, third single taken from the highly anticipated new album “Beyond”, to be released on May 23, 2025 by Scarlet Records.
“Nature and the change of the seasons are the mirror and metaphor of an inner reality that is reaching its prime and finally emerging in all its pureness and power. Beauty can be found in the little things in life, like blooming flowers and the mild warmth of the Sun on an early spring morning after gray and rainy days, suggesting the listener a different and more simple, yet not easier, point of view on the outside and inner world”.
Lead by sensational frontwoman Chiara Tricarico (currently one of the live vocalists of Avantasia and special guest on the “Highlights From The Revenge Of Odysseus” 2022 Manowar EP), MOONLIGHT HAZE has joined forces with extraordinary producer Sascha Paeth for their upcoming fourth studio album.
“Beyond” is a perfect mixture of heavy, melodic and super catchy songs recorded in the old fashioned way with little to no edits – MOONLIGHT HAZE went ʻorganicʼ this time, with a little help from Sascha Paeth, who was able to make some of the classic features of the band emerge and shine even more.
The Italian unit keeps delivering its trademark killer refrains while exploring new musical territory, further experimenting throughout ten tracks highlighted by yet another stellar vocal performance courtesy of Chiara Tricarico.
MOONLIGHT HAZE’s fourth record is a journey through time and space, galactic landscapes and earthly elements; a never-ending quest for a deeper reality and a purest inner truth. Soul searching symphonic power metal, if you please.
From the darkest crypts of Italy’s death metal underground, TENEBRO have officially signed with Time To Kill Records.
While the band is currently in the studio completing work on their highly anticipated new full-length album, they are preparing a special release to mark the occasion: “Uomo Mangia Uomo”, a limited edition CD compilation that brings together their notorious Trilogia della Morte Italiana for the first time in one unholy volume.
Scheduled for release to coincide with the band’s performance at this year’s Frantic Festival in Francavilla al Mare (Italy), “Uomo Mangia Uomo” will be unleashed as a collector’s box set, which will include not only the CD, but also an exclusive pin and woven patch, making it an essential item for diehard fans and collectors.
Self-styled as Italian Horror Glorifying Death Metal, TENEBRO have carved out a singular niche, channeling the rotting essence of the country’s most depraved horror and exploitation cinema.
This compilation includes their three cult EPs, previously released on cassette (Dismal Fate Records) and 7-inch vinyl (Seven Metal Inches Records), now unearthed together with an exclusive unreleased bonus track, “Uomo Mangia Uomo”, recorded specifically for this edition.
“Uomo Mangia Uomo” features tracks from the following EPs:
Carne Umana (2022) – a savage tribute to Umberto Lenzi’s “Cannibal Ferox”
La Bestia dell’Isola Maledetta (2023) – a grotesque homage to Joe D’Amato’s “Anthropophagus”
Contaminati Viventi (2025) – dedicated to Bruno Mattei’s zombie plague film “Virus”
+ 1 brand new unreleased bonus track, “Uomo Mangia Uomo”
This is death metal with no compromise: guttural, raw, and festering with the morbid spirit of Italy’s golden age of cinematic depravity. The Italian Death Trilogy is now complete. “Uomo Mangia Uomo” is your only chance to own the full sickness in one place.
Stay tuned for the artwork, previews, and more details coming soon via Time To Kill Records.
Line-up:
Il Becchino – Guitars, Vocals Il Beccamorto – Bass, Drums, Guitars
Discography:
– 2019 Demo – 2020 “Liberaci Dal Male” EP – 2022 “L’inizio Di Un Incubo” Album – 2022 “Carne Umana” EP – 2023 “Tracce Di Violenza Carnale” EP – 2023 “Ultime Grida Dalla Giungla” Album – 2023 “La Bestia Dell’Isola Maledetta” EP – 2024 “Paura” single – 2024 “Dellamorte” Split
The wait is almost over! Ahead of tomorrow’s release of their blistering third album, The Ugly Side Of Me, modern metal stars TETRARCH have dropped their fourth and final single, entitled “Best OfLuck”. The standout track showcases the stellar riff artistry of Jackson Guitars’ first ever female signature artist Diamond Rowe.
Diamond Rowe of TETRARCH offers an inside look at the lyricism behind “Best Of Luck”: “’Best Of Luck’ was such a fun song to write. I think Josh and I got together and wrote this song together in only a few hours and it has ended up being a favorite of those who have heard the album already.
The title of this song has kind of a funny story. I remember when we were younger and just starting out we would get rejection emails left and right from several different people within the industry. A lot of them used to sign their emails ‘Best of Luck’ or ‘Best of Luck in the future’ and it was always funny because clearly they didn’t wish us well at all, haha! Fast forward to now, when we have accomplished so much of what a lot of those people said we never would already, so this is kind of our ‘Best of Luck’ back to them. No hard feelings, just a funny tongue in cheek kind of thing. Maybe it’s us just being the smart asses that we always are.”
After four years of intensely focused growth, TETRARCH is poised to top the multi-millions of cross-platform streams and views of their addictive singles and high-energy videos, frequent playlisting via Spotify, Apple and others, mainstream top 40 Active Rock radio blitzes, attention from major media like Billboard, Revolver, Alternative Press, Guitar World, Kerrang! and Metal Hammer,and international tours supporting legendary artists Sevendust, Atreyu and beyond.
If there is any question as to whether a band can push the confines of metal and hard rock in to the future, TETRARCH are the answer. Combining energetic modern musical aggression and lyrical honesty with colossal choruses and unforgettable melodies, TETRARCH appeal to fans both in and outside of the metal scene, providing newcomers a gateway into heavy music.
TETRARCH’s Napalm Records debut, Unstable (2021), received massive critical acclaim. Its debut single, “I’m Not Right”, cracked the Mediabase Active Rock Top 30 and has garnered over 15 million combined cross-platform streams to date. Follow up single “You Never Listen” later went on to receive keen support from SiriusXM, HardDrive, Full Metal Jackie and many more of the country’s leading active rock outlets.
Among its perfectly crafted 10 tracks, new album The Ugly Side Of Me cuts like 90s industrial-injected single “Live Not Fantasize” – which premiered via SiriusXM Liquid Metal upon its release alongside Diamond Rowe’s Jackson Guitars signature launch – thrill with intense electronic flourishes, quick riffage and dynamic, spine-tingling guitar solos. Anthemic second single “Never Again (Parasite)” – featuring the standout vocal debut of Diamond Rowe – carefully balances thick grooves and massive atmosphere with deep-cutting lyricism and the mulit-faceted vocal breadth of frontman Josh Fore. Tracks like album opener “Anything Like Myself” showcase the hypnotizing, crushing metallic brilliance of the band while flirting with Josh Fore’s intense screams and Ruben Limas’ punching drums, while the likes of “Best Of Luck” stand tall with the rhythmic basslines of Ryan “Dooms” Lerner and Rowe’s inventive riff artistry. Profound melodic bangers like “Erase” and “Cold” are injected with intricate guitar solos, while “Headspace” and “The Only Thing I’ve Got” thrust the vital, brooding elements of TETRARCH into the forefront. Each track succeeds with lyrical themes of facing our own darkest criticisms – embracing the healing notion that what we feel others may see as our worst traits actually define the greatest aspects of our individuality.
Featuring needle-sharp production co-produced by Dave Otero, Diamond Rowe and Josh Fore, The Ugly Side Of Me boasts unrelenting brutality, catchiness and songwriting mastery. Metal is practically begging for its next wave of genre frontrunners, and with one listen it’s clear – TETRARCH lead the charge.
The Ugly Side Of Me track listing: 1. Anything Like Myself 2. Never Again (Parasite) 3. Live Not Fantasize 4. Erase 5. The Only Thing I’ve Got 6. Best Of Luck 7. Crawl 8. Cold 9. Headspace 10. The Ugly Side of Me
Metal Planet Media 