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

Listenable Records – King Witch Returns with III !

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

KING WITCH are releasing their much awaited brand new full length album ‘III’ on June 27,2025. The album displays a phenomenal leap forward in terms of songwriting and a massive production.

Formed in late 2015 on the streets of old Edinburgh, King Witch play a lead-heavy brew of rock and doom that draws comparisons ranging from Black Sabbath and Candlemass to Soundgraden and Alice In Chains. The band quickly earned themselves a reputation as a formidable live act and have toured the UK and Europe extensively with the likes of Green Lung as well as playing festivals such as Sweden Rock, Desertfest and Bloodstock..

After self releasing their extremely well received “Shoulder of Giants” ep, the band were picked up by Listenable Records through which they released their debut album “Under The Mountain” in 2018 followed by “Body Of Light” in 2020.

2025 sees the band return with their third and most accomplished full length album, ‘III’, featuring Andrew Scott on drums. Produced and mixed by guitarist Jamie Gilchrist in his own studio, Nameless City Sound, ‘III’ retains the doom and heavy rock elements that characterise their earlier releases while ramping up the energy and focusing on more concise songwriting. The album focuses on where the human race is right now, our apparent desire to destroy ourselves, and the mental struggle to deal with it and carry on living a positive life..

Debut single ‘Swarming Flies’ is scheduled on Friday the 2nd of May, 2025, don’t miss out on this crushing new track!

Produced and mixed by Jamie Gilchrist at Nameless City Sound
Mastered by Grant Berry at Fader Mastering
Cover art by Blasted Heathen
Graphic design by Laura Donnelly
Band photo by Simon Anger

Tracklisting:
1. Suffer In Life 4:14
2. Deal With The Devil 5:49
3. Swarming Flies 4:49
4. Sea Of Lies 6:48
5. Behind The Veil 6:03
6. Diggin In The Dirt 4:25
7. Little Witch 3:24
8. Last Great Wilderness 8:00

King Witch are:
Laura Donnelly – Vocals
Jamie Gilchrist – Guitar
Rory Lee – Bass
Drums performed by Andrew Scott

Canada’s PRISONER Announces “Kill The King Tour” (BC/AB) In Support of New EP “House of Cards” Out Now!

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

High-energy Canadian rock band Prisoner announces it will be hitting the road across British Columbia and Alberta (dates listed below) this coming May and June. Entitled “Kill The King Tour”, the show dates will be in support of their follow-up album to be released in June 2025 to their 2024 EP “House of Cards”. Album details will revealed at later date.

“We can not wait to share what we have been working on this past year. Getting out on the road and sharing experiences with the music community is a privilege we are lucky to have. Expect to hear most of our new record set to release in June and keep an ear out for more dates being added for later this summer! Every artist says this, but this album is our best work to date, and it will prove we are here to stay,” adds Murray Emery (guitar/vocals).

Bringing you hard-hitting riffs and unmistakably tight grooves, Prisoner‘s latest EP is a conglomeration of music with multiple elements from varying sub-genres. It bridges the gap between emotion and life experience to truly connect music to the individual. With its anthemic themes, fast riffs, and glassy acoustic guitar, each song offers something different for your casual rock fan to die-hard thrash headbanger.

Prisoner‘s dedication to their craft is evident in their unparalleled stage presence and their commitment to engaging with their audience. The band thrives on crowd interaction and creating an electric atmosphere at their shows. Off stage, they value connecting with fans and being part of the rock community. They are recommended for fans of AC/DC, Judas Priest, Godsmack, and Metallica.

Prisoner – Kill The King Tour w/ Passing Pluto:
May 27 – Kelowna, BC – Jack Knife Brewery
May 29 – Vancouver, BC – The Cobalt
May 30 – Kamloops, BC – Skyview Theatre
May 31 – Penticton, BC – Clancy’s Pub
June 5 – Cranbrook, BC – Shotties
June 6 – Lethbridge, AB – The Owl
June 7 – Calgary, AB – Festival Hall
June 13 – Red Deer, AB – The Vat
June 14 – Edmonton, AB – Dive Bar

“House Of Cards” was released on August 21, 2024, on all digital platforms

MIDNIGHT To Release Steel, Rust And Disgust Covers Album

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Cleveland‘s favorite filth metal practitioners, MIDNIGHT, will unleash Steel, Rust And Disgust on May 23rd via Metal Blade Records.

One-man-army, Athenar, has been spewing out an ungodly racket, dropping countless demos, splits, EPs, and LPs and ultimately slaying the metal/punk underground with his own addictive brand of lust, grime, and sleaze for over two decades. The Steel, Rust And Disgust collective follows last year‘s chart topping Hellish Expectations full-length and features ten unique cover tracks alongside two new cuts.

Athenar comments, “The idea to record an album of all cover jams with a certain theme is nothing quite new. The original title for this album was gonna be Throw Ups as an homage to the David Bowie‘s Pin Ups album, also of covers. Although Throw Ups is only two syllables and I need six. I guess I could’ve called it Throw Downs Throw Outs Throw Ups, but that would be just fucking stupid.

“I just wanted to record some songs by bands who shared the same sights, sounds, and sewage of my region of birth,” he continues. “Some of these tunes you may have heard, some you may have not. So please, do yourself a favor and check out the original versions… if you want to transform into a total fucking slimebag that is!”

In advance of the record‘s official release, today MIDNIGHT presents the original track, “Cleveland Metal.” Notes Athenar, “’Cleveland‘ and ’metal.‘ Those two words flow together like molten steel. This title was directly taken from a compilation album of the same name released in 1983 on Clubside Records, pre Auburn Records. The song was written as an erotic love letter to the cursed city whence I was thrusted upon and its fellow inhabitants of subhumans.”

Watch MIDNIGHT‘s video for “Cleveland Metal,” directed by My Good Eye Visuals, HERE:

Steel, Rust And Disgust Track Listing:
1. Cleveland Metal
2. Iron Beast (Kratos cover)
3. I’m Insane (Synastryche cover)
4. Final Solution (Rocket From The Tombs cover)
5. Frenzy (Screamin’ Jay Hawkins cover)
6. Child Eaters (Rubber City Rebels cover)
7. 3rd Generation Nation (Dead Boys cover)
8. Rock N’ Roll Fever (David Allan Coe cover)
9. Carrions Keep (False Hope cover)
10. Black Leather Rock (Electric Eels cover)
11. Steel, Rust And Disgust
12. Agitated (Electric Eels cover)

Heavy Metal Project Ampicore Signs with Wormholedeath Records

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Wormholedeath Records proudly announces its latest signing: Ampicore, a heavy metal revelation with a passion for history and storytelling. The project, spearheaded by multi-talented composer Frederic Frees, is set to release its ambitious concept album, March Up Country – The Rock Opera, on May 16, 2025.

This monumental work chronicles the real-life tale of Xenophon’s March of the Ten Thousand, a perilous journey of Greek mercenaries through hostile territory in 401 B.C. With sweeping melodies, blistering riffs, and heartfelt storytelling, the album fuses heavy metal with historical depth, delivering an unforgettable sonic experience

“Signing with Wormholedeath is an overwhelming privilege for me. Carlo’s review of March Up Country – The Rock Opera was nothing short of inspirational. It was that same type of inspiration that motivated me to create the album in the first place. Fusing history with my favorite genre, Heavy Metal, was something I always wanted to do. I bow humbly in the shadow of the greats, especially Iron Maiden, whose footsteps I follow to March Up Country.” -Frederic Frees

An Epic Tale of Survival and Brotherhood

March Up Country – The Rock Opera takes listeners on an emotional and harrowing journey, detailing the highs and lows of Xenophon’s mercenaries. From the triumph of battle to the despair of isolation, this heavy metal opera captures the indomitable spirit of survival, camaraderie, and the relentless will to return home.

Immerse yourself in the first epic chronicle through the lyric video for “The Broken Busts of Hermes”:

Ampicore unites an extraordinary lineup of vocalists and musicians to bring this historic narrative to life:

Singers: Rob Lundgren, Charlie Griffith, Mauro Elias, Jamie Jordan, Eric Castiglia
Guitarists: Mauricio Mirapalheta, Miguel Esparzapro, Vini Assis, Axe Japan, Skogarheim, Lucas Shred
Bass: Marco Toba, Miguel Esparzapro, Charlie Griffith, Mladen Jovanovic, Frederic Frees
Drums: Maikon Queiroz, Brian Henry, Chris Bouchard
Keyboards: Frederic Frees, Charlie Griffith
Bouzouki: Marlos Georglou

About Frederic Frees

Frederic Frees’ musical journey began at the age of 5 on the piano, evolving into a lifelong passion for bass guitar and composition. After decades of creating music and performing in rock bands during the 70s and 80s, Frederic took a break to explore other avenues, including a potential career as a history teacher. Thirty years later, his love for history and music merged to create March Up Country – The Rock Opera, a labor of passion that bridges his two great loves.

Gothic Rock/ Hard Goth Discovery BLAX Signs With Wormholedeath

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

BLAX Inks Deal With Wormholedeath For “Certesia”:Dark, Theatrical Masterpiece Set To Drop April 25, 2025

Wormholedeath is proud to announce the signing of Italian gothic rock/hard goth revolutionaries BLAX for their highly anticipated sophomore album, “Certesia”, slated for release on 25 April 2025.

A storm of shadow and steel, BLAX merges brooding gothic atmospheres with industrial grit, alternative edge, and the unapologetic fury of hard rock/metal, crafting a sound that defies genre walls while paying homage to the dark romanticism of ’80s icons.

A Sonic Odyssey from “Meravilia” to “Certesia”

Following their 2022 debut “Meravilia”—a cult favorite that carved their name into the underground—“Certesia” marks a journey inward. The album explores a metaphorical “village” of personal certainties, with each track dissecting introspective facets of identity. “This isn’t just music—it’s a pilgrimage,” says the band. “‘Certesia’ is where we confront our shadows and embrace the chaos of self-discovery. It’s raw, theatrical, and unflinchingly honest.”

Get a glimpse of Certesia now with the music video for “Mr Graceful” – a taste of what’s to come:

The BLAX Ethos: Goth Family, Theatrical Fire

BLAX’s artistry extends beyond sound. Their striking visual identity embodies a “goth family” ethos, blending vampiric elegance with punk rebellion. This aesthetic depth amplifies their live shows, where haunting melodies collide with primal energy—a spectacle that has electrified stages at Masters of Rock (CZ), Rock Castle (SK), and festivals across Europe.

From Lockdown Project to Gothic Force

Born in March 2020 as the solo vision of vocalist Giampaolo Polidoro (Blax) and guitarist Marco Fanella (Hektor), BLAX evolved into a formidable quintet with Emil Dellantonio (Hexen) on guitar, Carlo Notarfonso (Xavier) on bass, and Luca Urbinati (ANON) on drums. After signing with AlphaOmega and conquering stages from Bulgaria to London, the band now readies their most ambitious work yet with Wormholedeath.

CIRITH UNGOL To Release Live At The Roxy

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

One of the world‘s most iconic music venues – the Sunset Strip‘s Roxy Theatre – hosted a legendary 2024 gig by one of the world‘s most iconic metal bands, CIRITH UNGOL. The one-night-only performance was an album release show for the band‘s 2023 Dark Parade LP. It captured the lineup at the height of its considerable powers, performing Dark Parade in its entirety, along with a set of classic songs including “Join The Legion,” “Frost And Fire,” “Black Machine,” and “Atom Smasher.” The end result is a stellar live album and DVD.

There was no choice other than the Roxy for CIRITH UNGOL to record this momentous live collection. “It‘s owned by a Hollywood music legend, Lou Adler,” notes cofounding drummer Rob Garven, “and is next door to the famous Rainbow Bar and Grill. It‘s a landmark Hollywood club, which includes the Whisky and The Starwood [now gone] so every time we played one of these historic venues, it was a special occasion. It was great to see many of our friends and fans from all over the world at the show.”

Adds bassist Jarvis Leatherby, “For years, there has been a live bootleg record famous in the underground from their last appearance there in1984 titled Cirith Ungol, Live At The Roxy. I felt it fitting for the band to return there 40 years later to officially document a live performance in a way the guys would be proud of. Metal Blade Records, The Adlers, Nanotear, and Goldenvoice all came together in support to actually make it happen.”

CIRITH UNGOL‘s Live At The Roxy holds its own against other legendary live records. “The Who made an extremely powerful album with Live At Leeds, my favorite band of all time, Mountain, had several pretty spectacular live albums, and 1993‘s Uriah Heep Live is another outstanding live album! It‘s hard to accurately capture all the sound and feeling of a live concert. I think these bands achieved that, and I think our Live At The Roxy does also.”

Live At The Roxy will be released on April 25th via Metal Blade Records. In advance of its official unveiling, today the band presents a taste of the monumental event with video footage of “Down Below,”

Comments Garven, “This song strung together by the haunting acoustic guitar is a gift to all of you on this Doomed Planet! It was, and is, the culmination of all the pain and suffering absorbed into our being from the pandemic, the lost lives, cancelled shows, isolation, and stimuli deprivation. It features some of my best drumming and one of [guitarist] Jimmy [Barraza]‘s best solos. As the song rises to the ultimate crescendo, all this pent-up emotion is unleashed on the listener with our final gasping breath. Truly a churning maelstrom of metal chaos descending!”

Watch CIRITH UNGOL‘s “Down Below” video HERE:

Live At The Roxy Track Listing:
1. Velocity (S.E.P.)
2. Relentless
3. Sailor On The Seas Of Fate
4. Sacrifice
5. Looking Glass
6. Dark Parade
7. Distant Shadows
8. Down Below
9. Atom Smasher
10. I’m Alive
11. Frost And Fire
12. Black Machine
13. Blood And Iron
14. Chaos Descends
15. The Frost Monstreme
16. Fire
17. Death Of The Sun
18. Master Of The Pit
19. King Of The Dead
20. Join The Legion

NINTH CIRCLE sign with Fighter Rec.; 1st song, cover art & tracklist for 5th album revealed!

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Veteran US Heavy Metal band NINTH CIRCLE has just signed a deal with Fighter Records for the release of their 5th album entitled “Anthem of the Immortal” which will be released in June 3rd, 2025 on CD and Digital formats.

Listen to the first advance single here:

NINTH CIRCLE formed in 1996 in Los Angeles, California, and has since released four albums: “Ninth Circle” (2000), “The Power of One” (2008), “Legions of the Brave” (2014), and “Echo Black” (2020), building an excellent reputation in the melodic Heavy Metal scene. In 2024, the band wrote the material for their 5th album, titled “Anthem of the Immortal“, and for worldwide distribution and promotion, signed with Fighter Records.

“Anthem of the Immortal” is the much anticipated follow up to the band’s muti award winning album “Echo Black“, released in the summer of 2020. NINTH CIRCLE‘s new album enters an exciting sonic soundscape as it brings together a heavier and more aggressive sound to the already established melodic and harmony driven style fans have to come know and expect. It is also the first to feature the current established touring line up; lead guitarist and vocalist, Dennis Brown, bassist, Frank Forray and drummer, Richie “Captain Black” Brooks. The album is also produced by longtime producer, Jeff Prentice (PREDATOR/ OUTLAND/ THE SEEDS).

“Anthem of the Immortal” is the next level record fans have been waiting for NINTH CIRCLE to deliver. The record is packed with pure melodic Metal anthems, song after song after song.

Tracklist for “Anthem of the Immortal” is as follows:

01. I, the Radical
02. Archangel
03. Devil of Manchester
04. First Strike
05. 25 or 6 to 4 (Chicago cover)
06. Don’t Back Down
07. Never Die
08. Futuresonic
09. Stand and Fight
10. Pleasures of the Heart
11. The Road Paved With Souls
12. Move the Mountain
13. Burn Like the Sun

Release date for NINTH CIRCLE “Anthem of the Immortal” will be 3rd of June 2025 through Fighter Records on CD & Digital formats.

VOID KING UNVEILS NEW SINGLE”A UNION OF EXPIRED SOULS”FROM HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM”THE HIDDEN HYMNAL – CHAPTER II”

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Indianapolis-based stoner doom luminaries Void King return with their latest sonic monolith, “A Union of Expired Souls,” the first single from their upcoming full-length album, “The Hidden Hymnal – Chapter II,” set for release on April 25th via Argonauta Records. The album will be available in CD, Deluxe Color Vinyl and Digital formats.

After a decade of forging their name in the heavy underground, Void King continues their cosmic pilgrimage, crafting soundscapes that transcend the boundaries of stoner rock and doom metal. This next chapter in their discography follows up the 2023 release of “The Hidden Hymnal”, complementing its themes with a deeply cohesive and immersive listening experience.

“A Union of Expired Souls” exemplifies the band’s signature blend of massive riffs, ethereal melodies, and evocative storytelling, channelling raw emotion and otherworldly energy through the commanding presence of Jason Kindred (vocals), Tommy Miller (guitar), Chris Carroll (bass), and Derek Felix (drums). The track, clocking in at 9 minutes and 33 seconds, is a journey through atmospheric doom and dynamic intensity, setting the stage for what promises to be Void King’s most profound and expansive release yet.

Speaking on the new album, Void King shares:
“This new batch of songs is not a departure for us, but an evolution. The songs are cohesive and share an origin story. Each one of them has its own universe, as well as a symbiotic relationship with the others. We are excited for people to experience this album in its entirety—it should be consumed from start to finish for maximum impact.”

“The Hidden Hymnal – Chapter II” Tracklist:
The Birth of All Things (8:48)
A Union of Expired Souls (9:33)
Prologue (2:00)
Attrition (5:07)
Convalescence (7:44)
Expiration (6:58)
Epilogue (1:09)

In addition to this monumental release, Void King is preparing for a series of live performances this summer. Fans can expect nothing short of a transcendental experience, where the air vibrates with primal energy, the volume compels, and the faithful gather for communion in heavy sound.

Prepare for the arrival of “The Hidden Hymnal – Chapter II” on April 25th, a record designed to be felt as much as it is heard.

UNDECAYED: Swedish death metallers to release “In Death’s Image” debut album in May

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

wedish death metal force UNDECAYED will unleash their long-awaited debut album, “In Death’s Image”, on May 21st, 2025, via Lethal Scissor Records.

Despite their origins, the band eschews the traditional HM-2-driven Swedish sound in favor of a raw and relentless approach deeply rooted in the ferocity of ’90s American death metal, recalling the percussive onslaught of Suffocation and the unholy aggression of Deicide. However, the album does not shy away from the merciless intensity of certain European acts, channeling the sheer force of early Sinister, Aeon and Severe Torture into a blistering assault of unfiltered death worship.

Likely the first album ever released with the word ‘death’ in the title of every song, “In Death’s Image” takes its thematic obsession to another level: in one track, the word for ‘death’ is even sung in 19 different languages. The album’s lyrics paint a grim and absolute vision of annihilation—”Death” arrives on Earth in a physical form, surpassing any concept of a god, to extinguish all existence. No one and nothing is spared: humans, animals, vegetation, water, air—everything dies. There is NO hope for life.

The first single “Death’s Only Demand” is now streaming:

Tracklist:

1 – The World Shall Know Only Death
2 – Death’s Only Demand
3 – The Descendants Of Death
4 – In Death’s Image
5 – Death Shall Come (Death Shall Prevail)
6 – Death’s Pallid Coat
7 – World At Death’s Door
8 – Entreating Death In Vain
9 – The Greatest Death

All music composed by Mikael Bergman
All lyrics written by Tony Richter
Cover artwork by renowned artist Jon Zig

Biography:

UNDECAYED was formed in August 2008 by Tony Richter (vocals) and Mikael Bergman (guitars) as a result of lineup issues in their respective bands, 9th Plague and Disromance. The two had played together in several bands throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, most notably Gardens of Obscurity and The Darksend. Initially, Richter and Bergman were joined by Disromance drummer Johnny Augustsson. Bassist Christoffer Svensson joined in 2009, and in 2014, drummer Jesper Leidbring replaced Augustsson.

The idea that every song should include the word “death” in its title emerged in 2010, both to emphasize that this was true DEATH metal and because such a concept had never been done before. The demo “The Triumph of Death” was recorded in late 2010 and released in January 2011. It was then decided that no further demos would be released before the debut album.

Over the years, family matters, work commitments, health issues, the loss of two rehearsal spaces, and lineup changes all contributed to periods of forced inactivity and delays. It wasn’t until the Covid-19 pandemic that the band was finally able to complete their album “In Death’s Image”.

Line-up:

Tony Richter – vocals
Mikael Bergman – guitars
Christoffer Svensson – bass
Jesper Leidbring – drums