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

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 WormholedeathIn 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’

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”

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

Just before the release of their new epic, KnightclubFEUERSCHWANZ 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 KnightclubFEUERSCHWANZ 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”

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

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

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”

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