Bell Of Mimir Announce Debut Album “Nocturne” And New Single “Folding”

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Finnish doom metal visionaries Bell Of Mimir announce the arrival of their highly anticipated debut album “Nocturne”, set for release on May 16, 2025 in CD and Digital formats via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records. Alongside this announcement, the band presents their haunting new single “Folding”, now available for streaming.

Listen to “Folding” here: https://song.link/bellofmimir

With deep roots in traditional doom metal and a unique approach to melody and structure, Nocturne offers six immersive tracks that blend heaviness with elegance. The album’s slow tempos, rich chord progressions and poetic atmosphere reflect the band’s commitment to pushing the emotional depth of doom into new realms.

“Folding”, the second single taken from the album, showcases Bell Of Mimir’s distinctive sound: melancholic yet powerful, melodic yet crushing. The track draws the listener into the band’s vision of doom as both a sonic experience and an artistic statement.

Recorded in Tampere, Finland throughout 2023 and 2024 by Olli Karhu, the band’s guitarist and founder, the album was later mixed and mastered by Atte Karm. The stunning cover artwork is based on a piece by French painter Jean Honoré Fragonard, underlining the album’s themes of beauty, decay and introspection.

Bell Of Mimir was formed in 2021 by Karhu, whose ambition was to create doom metal that combines rich harmonic language with vivid melodic storytelling. The band became a complete five-piece with the additions of Tuohino on bass, Marde on drums and flute, Nordlund on guitars, and Korvenmaa on vocals. Each member brings a distinct musical background, creating a sound that is both classic and boundary-defying.

All music and lyrics were composed by Karhu, with collaborative contributions on specific tracks, making Nocturne a cohesive and deeply expressive debut.

Line-up:
Korvenmaa – Vocals
Karhu – Guitars, 12-string guitar, Keyboards
Nordlund – Guitars
Tuohino – Bass
Marde – Drums, Percussion, Flute

For fans of Candlemass, Pallbearer, Ahab, Warning, and doom metal that is as thoughtful as it is heavy.

Nocturne is coming. Let the silence speak.

Canada’s GRAVEMASS (ft. members of Zimmers Hole, 3 Inches of Blood, Revocation) Unleashes A Feast of Darkness w/ New Video “Fallen”

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Constantly evolving to explore the darkness and brutality, Canada’s newest black / death metal demons GraveMass (ft. members from Zimmers Hole, The Golers, Punch Drunk, 3 Inches of Blood, Revocation), are unshackling their next single and video “Fallen”. The track is a journey into the darker truth of fallen angels and the embodiment of that sinister truth.

Aggressive, brutal, and driving, the song will be featured on GraveMass‘ forthcoming debut album for release later this year. The full-length is written by Mayan Hate, with lyrics by Lorde Heathen, and promises to be a masterclass in extreme death metal, capturing the true spirit of Canadian black metal.

GraveMass comments on this next preview of their debut full-length:

“The fans are hungry for new material, and this one is a feast. We bring the listener into our world, our experience, our message. A fresh slab of darkness. The soundtrack for the madness that is the current human condition. Enjoy this journey into the unrelenting brutality that is Gravemass.”

Watch and listen to “Fallen”

Emerging from the depths of the Canadian West Coast metal scene, GraveMass is set to redefine extreme death metal and black metal with their fierce and unrelenting sound. Embodying the essence of sonic brutality with their sinister riffs, bone-crushing rhythms, and unholy vocals. Drawing inspiration from legends like Slayer, Venom, Morbid Angel, Watain, and Napalm Death, GraveMass is a relentless onslaught of evil, guaranteed to leave a lasting impact on any listener. With decades of experience between its members, they have united to create a sound that is both devastating and true to the roots of black metal.

Prepare yourself for the extreme sonic assault of GraveMass – this is just the beginning.

RIVERS OF NIHIL Presents “Water & Time” Video/Single

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

“Water & Time” is the newest single from progressive death metal alchemists RIVERS OF NIHIL. The track comes off of the band‘s eponymous fifth full-length, set for release on May 30th via Metal Blade Records.

Comments founding guitarist Brody Uttley. “’Water & Time‘ is a song that we put together before most of the rest of this album. The working title on it was ’TFF‘ meaning ’Tears For Fears‘ because in a lot of ways I feel like it‘s our stab at writing a big chorus style synth laden song much like those kinds of bands. Initially it was a song that I wrote out totally on a synthesizer, just as an experiment really, not thinking it would be a RIVERS song. However, when I heard the main melody back, I knew we were on to something cool, so we filled out the song with ’metal band stuff‘ to get what you hear in the final version.”

Watch RIVERS OF NIHIL‘s “Water & Time” video HERE:

Comments founding guitarist Brody Uttley. “’American Death‘ is a title that we‘ve been throwing around and printing on our T-shirts since 2013. We figured it was finally time to write a song with that title, and given the subject matter of the lyrics, it would only make sense for this song to be a true ass beater. It‘s definitely the most true form ’heavy‘ song of these singles, so we are very much looking forward to playing it live.”

Rivers Of Nihil was created in a very “rock n‘ roll” manner. “On 2021‘s The Work, I wrote a lot of the record on the piano and then the band filled in the gaps,” explains Uttley. “On this new record, I wanted to make sure that this stuff would hit hard live with just the four of us before adding in all of the sparkly auxiliary ’frosting‘ on top.”.

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 still 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.”
Writes Revolver in an early preview of the record, “…their forthcoming self-titled album… specializes in metronome-exploding kick work, riffs brawnier than a full-grown Kodiak, and a vocal tandem of soaring highs (guitarist Andy Thomas) and demonic lows (bassist Adam Biggs).”

Photo by Mike Truehart

Belgian Heavy Thrash Metal Discovery DIVNI SAN Joins Forces with Wormholedeath Records

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Wormholedeath is thrilled to announce the signing of Belgian heavy thrash metal band Divni San for the release of their highly anticipated debut album, “Dreamlike Tales”, set to drop on May 30, 2025.

This dynamic quartet, formed in 2021 by ex-members of MIDRANGE (BE), brings a unique blend of heavy, melodic, and thrash influences to the metal scene.

“Joining Wormholedeath is the catalyst we needed to bring Dreamlike Tales to the global stage,” says the band. “This album is a journey through every facet of our identity—brutal, melodic, introspective, and unapologetically heavy. It’s time to turn the world’s volume up.”

Dreamlike Tales – A Dynamic Metal Odyssey

“Dreamlike Tales” is a testament to Divni San’s versatility and skill, featuring tracks that range from the classic heavy rock anthem “The Power of Your Soul” to the fast-paced and powerful “Dreamlike Tales” and “Ready to Fight”. The album also showcases more atmospheric pieces like “When The Bells Ring the Knell” and “In Utero”, with thought-provoking lyrics that delve into the mysteries of life and death. The CD release includes re-recorded and re-mixed versions of their previously released EP tracks, along with the brand-new epic “Keep The Dream Alive”, a seven-minute headbanging masterpiece.

Experience the energy of Divni San through their video for “Ready To Fight”:

Founded in 2021 by former members of MIDRANGE (BE), Divni San features Dragan (vocals, guitars), Philippe (guitars), Fabrice (drums), and Thomas (bass, vocals). Their diverse musical backgrounds bring a distinctive blend of hard rock, thrash, progressive, and modern metal influences, crafting a sound that appeals to a broad range of listeners.
After making waves with three singles in early 2023, followed by their six-track EP released on September 6, 2023, the band is now gearing up for their most significant milestone yet—partnering with Wormholedeath Records for the worldwide launch of Dreamlike Tales.

BYZANTINE announce new album

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Charleston, West Virginia metal veterans BYZANTINE will release their long-awaited new full-length, Harbingers, on June 13th via Metal Blade Records.

Produced by Peter Wichers (Soilwork, All That Remains, Nevermore), Harbingers delivers nine tracks totaling forty-five minutes of deep lyrical wisdom alongside equally hefty riffs delivered seamlessly by one of the most commanding and unsung lineups to emerge from the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal movement in the early 2000s. Now a five-piece for the first time ever featuring Ojeda, alongside former guitarist Tony Rohrbough, bassist Ryan Postlethwait, veteran guitarist Brian Henderson, and drummer Matt Bowles, with Harbingers, BYZANTINE offers the crown jewel in their impressive seven-album discography. Notes founding frontman Chris “OJ” Ojeda, “After twenty-five years of riding the struggle bus, we‘re ready to show the rock and metal world what we‘re truly about.”

The album cover, designed by mixed-media artist Ashley Hoey, beautifully depicts Irene of Athens — the mother of Emperor Constantine and the first female empress of the Byzantine Empire. This focus on a maternal ruler eloquently ties into the album‘s title, Harbingers, which means “ones who usher in great change.”

The record‘s first single, “Floating Chrysanthema,” envisions a bleak dystopian future where artificial intelligence becomes sentient and overpowers mankind, essentially enslaving us all. “Our bassist Ryan brought this song to the band,” says Ojeda, “and we thought it hit like a sledgehammer making it the perfect introduction to our new music. Peter Wichers had a big hand in helping craft this song into its final iteration.”

Watch BYZANTINE‘s video for “Floating Chrysanthema” HERE

It has taken years of ups and downs for BYZANTINE to reach the point of creating Harbingers. Discovered early on by Lamb Of God‘s Chris Adler, the band quickly released their debut full-length, The Fundamental Component, in 2004. The record boasted a raw fusion of Bay Area thrash and Southern-tinged groove metal and set the tone for their future sound. Their 2005-released …And They Shall Take Up Serpents offering marked an even more blistering evolution. However, turmoil ultimately led to BYZANTINE‘s breakup, announced just one day after the release of their third album, 2007‘s prophetic Oblivion Beckons.

Reforming to release the independent albums Byzantine (2013) and To Release Is To Resolve (2015), the band saw the latter dominate SiriusXM‘s Hard Attack Devil‘s Dozen for weeks, also earning them the #1 spot on CMJ‘s Loud Rock Chart. Notably, BYZANTINE became only the second independent band to achieve this feat following Clutch‘s indie release, Earth Rocker.
In 2017, BYZANTINE made their Metal Blade debut with The Cicada Tree, faultlessly merging multiple genres into their progressive groove sound, a signature blend now synonymous with the band. With Harbingers raising the stakes and a revitalized lineup in place, Ojeda confidently states, “If you‘ve slept on BYZANTINE for the past twenty-five years, Harbingers will awaken you.”

New York Thrash QUEMASANTOS Releases ‘Under The Moonlight’ Lyric Video

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Thrash metal duo Quemasantos has released the lyric video for their new track, “Under The Moonlight”. As always, Quemasantos has meticulously crafted every aspect of the track. Nelson Diaz designed the lyrics and concepts, while Ignacio Orellana, at the renowned Oily Sound Studios, handled the music production, recording, mixing, and mastering. This track showcases the band’s remarkable dynamic range and exceptional musicianship. Blistering guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and powerful, gritty vocals create an intense and captivating soundscape.

Nelson Diaz comments:

“Under the moonlight, it’s a reflection of a feeling of horror and despair, feeling like you could transform into a wild animal, losing your mind and endangering those you love. It’s similar to moments of uncontrolled anger that cause some people to make mistakes they’ll pay for the rest of their lives.”

“We are thrilled to share ‘Under The Moonlight’ with our fans,” expressed [Ignacio Orellana]. “This track embodies the raw intensity and passion that drives our music, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it. It’s a true honor to have Sebastian Osorio back on board, as he played a pivotal role in our early days in 2012, contributing to the solo of ‘Somos Legion. ’ His presence here, working with us once again, is a pure privilege.”

Quemasantos has been a formidable force since its formation in [2012], consistently pushing the boundaries with their aggressive sound. The band continues to build on its legacy with this latest release, promising an unforgettable auditory experience.

This release marks a pivotal moment in Quemasantos’ musical journey, signifying a bold new chapter in their artistic evolution. The track skillfully merges their signature thrash metal style with innovative musical elements, showcasing the band’s remarkable growth as artists. Notably, we had the privilege of collaborating with our esteemed friend Sebastian Osorio (Reigning) to contribute to the solo sections of the song.

Edited by Promusicvideo, you can watch and listen to the lyric video for “Under The Moonlight” featuring a guest solo from Sebastian Osorio (Reigning)

DREAM EVIL release “Thunder In the Night” EP

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Gothenburg‘s DREAM EVIL, the authors of “The Book Of Heavy Metal”, returned loud and strong to the spotlight last year with their seventh studio album “Metal Gods”. Including 10 new songs of pure steel, “Metal Gods” was a first release in 7 long years since the previous “SIX” album and continued the band‘s tradition of classic Heavy Metal madness.

DREAM EVIL are now pleased to launch 4 additional and completing songs from the “Metal Gods” sessions via the Digital EP “Thunder In The Night”, including lead guest guitar appearances by Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) on the title-track and Pontus Norgren (Hammerfall) on “Fight For Glory” (Previously a Japanese CD bonus-track). Here is the tracklisting for the release out today:

DREAM EVIL – “Thunder In The Night” EP (15:28 min.)
1. Thunder In The Night (04:10)
2. Calm In The Storm (04:11)
3. Fight For Glory (03:32)
4. Criminal (03:31)

DREAM EVIL bass-player Peter Stålfors checked in with the following comment about the “Thunder In The Night” EP: “It‘s so much fun recording a new album, but sometimes it can be a little bit too much fun… and you record too many songs to fit on one album! That was the case when we released ’Metal Gods‘ last summer. But now the time has come to finally release the remaining four songs from ’Metal Gods‘ sessions on this brand-new EP entitled ’Thunder in the Night‘. Watch out for the guest guitar soloists, Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) on the title-track ’Thunder in the Night‘ and Pontus Norgren (Hammerfall) on ’Fight for Glory‘. It‘s not just Heavy Metal, it‘s also ’Thunder in the Night‘!”

Check out the “Thunder In The Night” EP here: https://dreamevil.lnk.to/ThunderInTheNight

Once again featuring recording/mixing duties by DREAM EVIL guitarist Fredrik Nordström at his legendary Studio Fredman (In Flames, At The Gates, HammerFall, Arch Enemy, Bring Me The Horizon, etc.), the “Metal Gods” album and the “Thunder In The Night” EP also feature cover artwork by Seth Siro Anton (Paradise Lost, Exodus, Rotting Christ, etc.).

ARMORED SAINT To Enter Studio Next Month

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Following two festival performances – Bangers Open Air in São Paulo, Brazil and Sonic Temple Festival in Columbus, Ohio respectively – heavy metal icons ARMORED SAINT will enter the studio next month to begin recording their long-awaited ninth studio album, tentatively slated for a Spring 2026 release through Metal Blade Records.

In September, the band will join W.A.S.P. for a trio of UK shows before returning to the States to support legendary guitarist Michael Schenker on his My Years With UFO US Tour. ARMORED SAINT will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of their second album, Delirious Nomad, with a five-song micro set of songs from the record throughout the tour.

To further commemorate the cornerstone record, the band is making available a special Delirious Nomad wrapped guitar from Dean Guitars. Each guitar is signed by the band. Presales will be announced in the coming week.

In the meantime, check out additional Delirious Nomad merch items at: https://eyesoremerch.com/bands/a/armored-saint/

Elaborates vocalist John Bush, “What up, Saints? We want to give you all a heads up with what‘s happening with us this year. First, we‘ve been writing songs for the upcoming new record, and we are just about done! We are going into 606 Studios next month to record drums for five songs. The plan still stands for an early Spring 2026 release. We have two rad festivals dates in May: Bangers Open Air and Sonic Temple Festival. Then we‘ll be joining our friends, W.A.S.P., for three shows in Britain in September which includes Newcastle where we‘ve never played and London at the Eventim Apollo — formerly the legendary Hammersmith Odeon. We are psyched!

“Then we‘ll do nine more shows in the US in October with one of the best rock guitar players to ever walk the earth: Michael Schenker. We will be doing something special on these particular dates. In conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Delirious Nomad, we will be playing micro sets from that record. We’ll play other classic SAINT tunes as well of course!

“Finally, we will do three headlining shows at the end of this tour in El Paso, Texas, where we haven‘t played since 1984, Las Vegas, Nevada, and at the infamous Glass House for the first time ever in Pomona, California. Lots on the plate. Thanks for all the love as always.”

Brutal Death OPHIOLATRY Signs To Wormholedeath Records

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Brazilian brutal death metal veterans Ophiolatry have officially signed with Wormholedeath Records and announced the release of their highly anticipated new album “Serpent’s Verdict”, set to drop on June 6, 2025. The band has also released a teaser for the album, giving fans their first glimpse into what promises to be a devastating release in extreme metal. They comment on the brutality:

“The album delves into themes of spiritual revenge, indigenous resistance, and the clash between ancient traditions and imposed beliefs. Inspired by real events in the Amazon, mythology, and existential suffering, the lyrics paint vivid scenes of war, punishment, and transcendence through pain. Each song tells a story, whether it be about warriors resurrected for revenge, the wrath of serpent gods, or the fall of oppressive ideologies. The words are raw, intense, and unrelenting, reflecting the chaotic brutality of the music itself.”

This signing marks a significant milestone for Ophiolatry, whose last full-length album “Transmutation” was released in 2008 through Forces of Satan Records/Regain Records. After a period of careful composition and development, the band returns with renewed purpose and vision, channeling the raw energy that established them as pioneers of South American extreme metal while evolving their distinctive sound. The album represents a departure from the relentless technicality of “Transmutation” while preserving the band’s signature brutality and expanding their sonic palette.

The album functions as a sonic ritual—a brutal, immersive descent into cycles of destruction, revenge, and rebirth. Each track serves as a chapter in this narrative, combining aggressive riffs, guttural vocals, and tribal rhythms inspired by ancient warrior traditions. It is recommended for fans of Morbid Angel, Death, and Deicide.

Teaser

L-R – Diego Santiago (Bass), Jaime Veron (Lead Vocals), Jhorge “Dog” Duarte (Drums), Fred Barros (Guitar)

Photography: Kevin Eisenlord, Anderson Hildebrando

Dormant Ordeal Premieres Third Single, “Horse Eater,” from Upcoming Album!

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Kraków (PL) – Polish Death Metal duo, Dormant Ordeal, have premiered the third and final single from forthoming album, Tooth and Nail, courtesy of Heavy Blog is Heavy! Click below to stream “Horse Eater.”

https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2025/04/08/exclusive-premiere-dormant-ordeal-unleash-horse-eater/

“Horse Eater” will be available April 11 on all digital platforms.

“A Polish blackened death metal band I can only describe as ‘fucking evil.'”

– Heavy Blog is Heavy

“Anyone looking for dark death metal without melancholy but with a vengeance will find it here.” (14/15)

– Twilight Magazin

“An album that will crush your neurons.” (9/10)

– Pavillon 666

“Beyond the obvious aggression and brutality is a well-oiled machine that’s deliciously intricate.”

– Wonderbox Metal

Dormant Ordeal, are set to release Tooth and Nail, the band’s first album for Willowtip and fourth overall, on April 18! The album will be available on CD, vinyl, cassette, and digital formats, and follows widely praised third album, The Grand Scheme of Things.

“We worked hard to make this fourth album happen,” says guitarist Maciej Nieścioruk. “JNS Studio once again did a great job tuning in to our suggestions, while having the support of Willowtip gave us freedom to focus on creativity without being distracted. Stick around and have a listen once it’s released, might be just what you’re looking for.”

Dormant Ordeal was formed in 2008. Their debut album It Rains, It Pours (2013), showcased the aggressive and energetic sound, while We Had It Coming (2016) refined their songwriting with thought-out structures and darker textures. Released in 2021, The Grand Scheme of Things was critically acclaimed for blending brutal precision with blackened influences and a thought-provoking lyrical approach. Over the years, known for their intense and atmospheric approach to the genre, the band has established itself as a impactful entity in the modern death metal scene.

“This band should be near the top of the death metal scene.”

– Angry Metal Guy