SODOM new album ‘The Arsonist’

We all know that good music is always also a question of sound. To this end, the human factor is crucial – along with the right equipment, of course –, after all it‘s about authenticity and individual personality. With that in mind, German thrash metal band Sodom have come to a logical conclusion: To enable the most natural production possible, the drum parts on their latest album ’The Arsonist‘ were recorded using a 24-track analogue tape machine. No studio tricks, no digital overdubs, or, to quote frontman Tom Angelripper: “No plastic! The difference in sound compared to today‘s standard drum productions is amazing and has had a positive effect on all the instruments. Naturally, time and effort as well as costs were also higher, but we‘re happy to fork out for a superior result.”

However, it‘s not only the complex production process that testifies to the band‘s exceptional creative spirit, but also their diverse songwriting, which saw all four Sodom musicians – Tom Angelripper (vocals, bass), Frank Blackfire (guitar), York Segatz (guitar) and Toni Merkel (drums) – involved in the development of the material on ’The Arsonist‘. Tom: “Frank contributed those typical Sodom riffs and hooks again, whereas York favours more epic songwriting. As a perfect complement to both of them, Toni, who is also an excellent guitarist, contributed a number of songs and helped to make the album even more versatile.”

The first single and lyric video ’Trigger Discipline‘, the toughest song on ’The Arsonist‘, is released today. The song sounds equally martial and is about a sniper who has completely lost control of his actions and shoots people indiscriminately.

You can watch the lyric video here:

Tracklisting:
 
1. The Arsonist
2. Battle Of Harvest Moon
3. Trigger Discipline
4. The Spirits That I Called
5. Witchhunter
6. Scavenger
7. Gun Without Groom
8. Taphephobia
9. Sane Insanity
10. A.W.T.F.
11. Twilight Void
12. Obliteration Of The Aeons
13. Return To God In Parts
 
“The Arsonist” will be released on June 27, 2025 worldwide through SPV/Steamhammer

CURSE OF CAIN – announces new studio album “Achtung!” for a September release on ROAR, posts new video single “Starry Eyes” & starts album pre-sale!

With previously-released singles “Feel The Pain” and “Candy Cain Murder”, Sweden-based Curse Of Cain have already teased some first harbingers from their sophomore studio album and the follow-up to their notable, critically-acclaimed debut in 2023. Now, the extraordinary metal collective has finally revealed new details about its successor: “Achtung!” will be released on CD, Vinyl and Digital formats on September 26, 2025 through ROAR (Grave Digger, Mystic Circle, Crematory a.o.), the pre-sale has just started at: https://Curseofcain.rpm.link/achtungalbPR

Emerging from the enigmatic depths of their unique dimension, Curse Of Cain redefines what it means to be a band. Shrouded in mystery and driven by an unrelenting force they call Movie Metal, Curse of Cain is more than music, it’s an immersive saga. Their narrative weaves together struggles, victories, and the haunting beauty of a dystopian universe, brought to life by a cast of compelling characters.

With their forthcoming sonic masterpiece, “Achtung!”Curse Of Cain elevate their storytelling to a new level of intensity. Each track is a chapter, plunging listeners deep into the trials, transformations, and unity of the band’s personas. This album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a declaration of resilience and individuality. Themes of defiance, survival, and self-discovery resonate through every riff, breakdown, and melody.

But give ear, as today, Curse Of Cain present a music video for their new single “Starry Eyes”
“Some songs make you feel alive. This one reminds you that the abyss is always watching… and it has a soundtrack.” Soulkeeper comments, while guitarist Timekeeper confirms: “This track bends time itself—one moment, it’s ripping your soul apart, the next, it’s gently cradling your lifeless body. Poetic, really.”
Vocalist Rainbow reveals: “My first time on lead vocals… and what better way to make an entrance than with something both brutally crushing and eerily beautiful? If this song doesn’t haunt you, you’re already dead.” 

“Like a siren’s song, except instead of luring you to your doom, we bring the doom straight to you. Enjoy the ride, landlubbers,” says The Pirate (bass, vocals), drummer The Mechanic adds: “Precision-engineered chaos. Starry Eyes hits like a runaway freight train—except the train is on fire… and so are you.”

The song is now streaming on all digital services at https://Curseofcain.rpm.link/starryeyesPR

Curse Of Cain doesn’t just perform music; they transport audiences to another world. Their live shows blur the line between concert and theater, with elaborate costumes, immersive lighting, and gripping storytelling. Fans become part of the narrative, stepping into the Curse Of Cain dimension as the band’s characters invite them to join the journey. It’s not just a show, it’s a portal into a rich, otherworldly experience.

The band’s roots lie in a dystopian, futuristic world scarred by the Red War of 2076. Here, Cain, a shadowy figure, navigates a shattered society teetering on collapse. His story is told through The Band, a group of misfit antiheroes who serve as both musicians and storytellers. By day, they’re a traveling cover band; by night, they’re operatives fighting against parasitic beings known as the “wrecks,” which infest and manipulate human hosts.

Curse Of Cain’s debut album delves into Cain’s past, revealing the events that shaped him and his enduring fight for survival. With “Achtung!”, the narrative unfolds further, showcasing a turning point in their universe, a battle against chaos, a rise against the darkness.

“We are the ones who walk the line between light and shadow, chaos and order,” Curse Of Cain declares. “Through “Achtung!”, we offer a glimpse into our battles and triumphs. This album is not just our story, it’s yours. Together, we defy the darkness.”

Curse Of Cain’s journey is far from over. With their forthcoming studio album as the next chapter in their epic tale, they invite you to step into their world, feel the power of their music, and embrace the story of struggle and unity. Welcome to the dimension of Curse Of Cain, prepare to be transformed!

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

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

Gothic Rock/ Hard Goth Discovery BLAX Signs With Wormholedeath

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.
BLAX is bringing storm across Europe, with their cinematic live ritual to:
03.04 | Kraków, PL
04.04 | Chorzów, PL
05.04 | Vrútky, SK
06.04 | Bielsko-Biała, PL
07.04 | Ostrava, CZ
08.04 | Brno, CZ
09.04 | Bratislava, SK
11.04 | Budapest, HU
12.04 | Timișoara, RO
06.06 | Metalfest CZ
01.08 | Vagos Festival PT

KARDASHEV Unleashes “Seed Of The Night” Video/Single

“Seed Of The Night” is the latest single from progressive deathgaze alchemists, KARDASHEV. The emotional new track comes off the band‘s Alunea full-length, set for release on April 25th on Metal Blade Records.

Alunea is a direct sequel to the events of The Almanac and picks up right where the song “Beyond Sun And Moon” leaves off. Vocalist Mark Garrett comments, “The first releases in The KARDASHEV Mythos were broad and conceptual, but they‘ve morphed into something more granular and specific. Alunea tells the story of the main character from The Almanac album meeting a being created in the song ’Continuum‘ from the Excipio album. Their meeting is a philosophical examination of where responsibility and duty intersect. We don‘t try to answer those questions, but we do examine them deeply in this album.”

Garrett further elaborates on their latest single, “’Seed Of The Night” involves Sky-Brother telling the being of their destiny. He explains they were created to bring life to a planet that humanity could never be able to reach, and to continue mankind’s legacy. The being feels burdened by the responsibility and takes on the name ’Atlas‘ to represent the weight of their perceived destiny.

“Musically, this song was written as a progressive exploration in composition as it sees what the band refers to as ’the funk-down‘ when the traditional composition of a deathcore-style breakdown is enhanced into a melody throughout the rhythm section as opposed to the often-overused simplicity of ’Chug Chug Chug.‘”

Adds guitarist Nico Mirolla, “We (collectively) can find ourselves depending too much on the most powerful moments of music going so far as to make it into an entire composition of ’that moment‘ when in reality that approach can devalue the once powerful moment of something like an open chord breakdown. This song was an opportunity to break that mold, and hopefully people feel that.”

Watch KARDASHEV‘s “Seed Of The Night” video HERE:

Photo by Scream Dudes

LORD OF THE LOST Reveals First New Album Single “My Sanctuary” + Video

LORD OF THE LOST Reveals New Single “My Sanctuary” | Watch the Official Music Video HERE!

New Album, OPVS NOIR Vol. 1, to be Released on August 8, 2025 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order NOW!

Genrefluid visionaries LORD OF THE LOST captivate with their first single, “My Sanctuary”, and its official music video, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into their upcoming full-length album, OPVS NOIR Vol. 1, set for release on August 8, 2025 via Napalm Records. With “My Sanctuary” – and the coming entire OPVS NOIR trilogy as a whole – the #1 charting band returns to a much heavier sound compared to their latest hits. Razor-sharp riffs blend seamlessly with gothic harmonies and orchestral grandeur, while Chris Harms’ deep baritone vocals create a sonic sanctuary, inviting listeners to embrace their inner darkness.
 
A work, a transformation, a re-entry into the melancholic self – OPVS NOIR is in no danger of becoming an offspring of understatement, neither in its title nor in its musical opulence. And rightly so: Not only will it be the first album as a six-piece band, but it also marks the beginning of an album trilogy, available in multiple editions, including, of course, strictly limited collector’s items. Each volume contains 11 songs, totaling 33 tracks that not only conclude the eccentric chapter of Blood & Glitter, but also initiate an uncompromising return to the dark core of the band.
 
Chris Harms about the new single:
“We have 33 songs to choose from, but which one will be the first single to pave the way into a new era and mark the beginning of a trilogy? We chose “My Sanctuary”, which for us is a kind of gateway song that opens the door to the world of OPVS NOIR. It shows that darkness isn’t just about sadness – for many of us, darkness is a life force.”

What is the essence of LORD OF THE LOST in 2025? That is one of the questions OPVS NOIR Vol. 1 fearlessly begins to answer. Once again, the band proves not only musical excellence but also masterful craftsmanship: Produced by Chris Harms, recorded, mixed, and mastered at the legendary CHAMELEON STUDIOS in Hamburg, the 11 tracks hit with a force and brilliance that immediately transport us into a dark yet colourful ballroom. From there, the tone is set: Dark Wave Metal on an amphitheater scale.
 
Chris Harms about the album: 
“Darkness, melancholy, loneliness – all words that often have negative connotations, that we may associate with danger, sadness and loss, and not without reason. But darkness can also be security, melancholy the warm and sentimental feeling of our memories, and loneliness becomes necessary silence, peace and inner contemplation. OPVS NOIR is a travel guide, or perhaps also a travelogue, through the dark sides of our inner world, which so often move precisely in the area of tension between what we emotionally categorize as positive or negative. And with Vol. 1, all of this is just the beginning of this 3-part journey…”

Canadian Power Thrash PHEAR’s New Lyric Video Reigns In A “New World Error” Off New Album “Save Our Souls” (Produced by Jon Howard (Threat Signal)) Out Now

Canadian power thrashers PHEAR have a new lyric video to reign in the “New World Error”. The track is off their second full-length album “Save Our Souls”, which was unleashed this past February from Golden Robot Records.

“New World Error” is a musical and lyrical statement on all the terrible atrocities going on in the world today.

“Humans are sometimes the plague of humanity.” adds the band.

Watch and listen to “New World Error” via its premiere on MetalAddcist:

Produced, mixed, and mastered by Jon Howard (Threat Signal), Phear‘s sophomore album “Save Our Souls” can be best described as their heaviest offering to date and follows the award-winning album “Instanitarium” (2019), and the critically acclaimed EP “The Curse Lives On” (2020).

Extremely passionate, and driven, along with their arena-caliber sound, PHEAR is always thinking of new ways to entertain its fans, and “Save Our Souls” is no exception. Mostly written during the dark times of COVID-19, the record has taken four years to complete. Led by Patrick Mulock and producer Jon Howard in the studio, each musician was pushed hard to get the best out of each of them and they delivered.

“We had a lot of time to craft these songs. We didn’t have any time restraints. We would go into the studio and do three songs at a time. We were very excited to work with Jon Howard (Threat Signal) again. Jon is the sixth member of Phear. The studio experience was great as we fed off each other’s ideas. We pushed each other to get the best performances we could. There are NO FILLERS here. Seven String guitars have played a big part in this. Our sound has grown. The bass guitar on this album is HUGE! The drumming from Mike Harshaw was also very aggressive. If you were to ask me now… This is the heaviest Phear has ever been… for now lol!” adds Mulock.

A listening experience of thrash, prog, and classic metal elements, PHEAR offers a strong balance from infectious choruses to melodic and growling vocals for true heavy metal nostalgia. Their two previous singles, the album’s title track and “Snake” are sure to make fans throw up their hail horns and headbang with a sore neck. Plus the band offers up their cover version of Nevermore‘s “Narcosynthesis”.

PHEAR features Patrick Mulock (Lead Vocals) (Eidolon, Rampage), Pat Rogers (Lead & Rhythm Guitars) (Profaner- 2016 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions), Alex Zubair (Lead & Rhythm Guitars) (Burn to Black, Nadar Sadek, Iomair, Nephelium), Andrew Suarez (Drums) (Fatality, The Slyde – 2023 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions) and Chris Boshis (Bass) (Conflicted).

Throughout their existence, PHEAR has had the honour of opening for German metal legend UDO DIRSCHNEIFER, THE DEAD DAISIES, and STRYPER, along with performing on a pre-show for icons and heroes IRON MAIDEN in 2019 in Toronto at Budweiser Stage.

Recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Judas Priest, Dream Theater (prog elements), and Metallica, PHEAR‘s latest album “Save Our Souls”, released on February 13th, 2025, is available from Golden Robot Records at the following link (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon) – https://orcd.co/save-our-souls

SAMTAR Returns with “The Bog of Cosmic Delusions”

New album from the multi-instrumentalist comes out April 11

Genre-bending one-man band SAMTAR is set to return with The Bog of Cosmic Delusions. The seventh full-length album by the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter comes fresh off the heels of the acoustic-centric A Second Chapter Made of Wood.

The Bog of Cosmic Delusions stands out as SAMTAR’s heaviest album to date. With loud and crushing sounds, psychedelic influences, melodic guitars, and grand soaring vocals, this album is sure to satisfy rock and metal listeners alike.  

SAMTAR has released three singles from the album. Stream “The Mire,” “Desert Creature” and “Refuse” on Spotify.

The Bog of Cosmic Delusions will be available on digital and limited-edition CD on April 11. Pre-order the album at samtarofficial.com

The Bog of Cosmic Delusions was written, performed, recorded, mixed, and mastered by SAMTAR. Album artwork by Steven Yoyada.

Tracklisting:

1. Desert Creature

2. Fickle Fortune

3. All You Ever Wanted

4. Speaker

5. Distant Voices

6. Refuse

7. Destiny is a Lie

8. The Whispers

9. Vicarious Voodoo

10. The Mire

11. Broken Sparrow

12. Drowning the Goddess

SAMTAR, a music-obsessed virtuoso, plies his craft with an unrepentant vigor and passion. Navigating the forests of genre, SAMTAR follows a path to sounds unknown by combining style and influence from all sources. SAMTAR chose to eschew chasing traditional mediums of promotion and instead focused on loving his life through creating music, exploring the outdoors, and translating the ethereal into song. The music SAMTAR creates is human and close, it has a momentum of its own and entreats the listener to be a traveler along the journey to their own peace.

SAMTAR grew up on System of a Down, Nine Inch Nails, The Black Dahlia Murder, Opeth, Sonata Arctica, Muse, Jimi Hendrix, Sublime, and Nirvana. Now he unites these divergent influences with driving bass lines, hook-heavy guitar melodies, powerful vocals, and a healthy dose of synthesizers. He notes some of his biggest vocal influences being from artists like Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle/Faith No More), and Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica). He also takes inspiration from sci-fi/fantasy films and literature.

Rockshots Records – HIGHWAY QUEEN Shares New Music Video “I’m Calling You” Off New EP “Extendead Play” Out Now!

Rockshots Records is excited to announce the release of Highway Queen’s latest official music video for their song “I’m Calling You”. This new video continues the Finnish rockers’ tradition of blending powerful melodies with an electrifying mix of hard rock and metal influences.

“I’m Calling You” is featured on the band’s latest EP “Extendead Play” released on January 17th, 2025. The EP showcases Highway Queen’s signature style, merging 80s-inspired hard rock with modern melodic elements, intense riffs and dynamic rhythms. The lyrics of “I’m Calling You” delve into deep emotions, expressing themes of longing, passion and determination, capturing the essence of the band’s storytelling prowess.

Highway Queen, formed in late 2019, has steadily built a reputation in the melodic hard rock scene. Their music blends heavy blues rock with traditional heavy and hard rock, taking inspiration from the raw energy of past decades while incorporating a fresh, modern approach. The band’s previous works, including their debut album “Bitter Soul”, have been widely appreciated for their musical depth.

All tracks on “Extendead Play”, including “I’m Calling You” were recorded and produced by Aleksanteri Kuosa, known for his work with Waltari and Before The Dawn. The band continues to evolve and push their musical boundaries while maintaining a sound that resonates with fans of classic and contemporary rock.

The official video for “I’m Calling You” is now available on their official YouTube channel offering a visually compelling representation of the song’s powerful message. As Highway Queen continues their journey, this latest release solidifies their place in the hard rock scene, demonstrating once again their passion and commitment to delivering high-quality rock music.

Follow Highway Queen for more updates and get ready to experience the energy of “I’m Calling You” now!

Tech-Death Juggernaut, OMINOUS RUIN, Releasing Requiem on Willowtip in May

San Franisco (CA) – Ominous Ruin, the American death metal juggernaut known for their intricate compositions and unrelenting sonic brutality, has returned with their highly anticipated nine-track album, RequiemWillowtip Records will release Requiem May 9 on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.

The official video for the album’s first single, “Seeds of Entropy,” has been premiered by Invisible Oranges. Check it out at the following link:

invisibleoranges.com/ominous-ruin-premiere

Seeds of Entropy” is an explosion of chaotic riffs, intense vocals and rapid fire drums at a dizzying 270 beats per minute. The song begins after the intro to the album, a piano and guitar duet that represent a continuation from Ominous Ruin’s previous full length, Amidst Voices that Echo in Stone. Picking up from said album, “Seeds of Entropy” utilizes many of the same musical phrases and stylings, while expanding on motifs from Amidst Voices that Echo in Stone at even faster speeds. Lyrically, “Seeds of Entropy” represents the beginning of inevitable slip into darkness as entropy consumes reality, both physical and mental form. This theme is masterfully expanded on throughout the rest of the album.

Seeds of Entropy” will be available March 7 on all digital platforms. Requiem album pre-orders will be available on the same day.

A formidable leap forward in both musical complexity and emotional depth, Requiem is a powerful exploration of the human psyche, the ravages of time, and the inevitable descent into oblivion. Requiem is at its core, a continuation of Ominous Ruin’s first release, Amidst Voices that Echo in Stone. Beyond that, its conception spawned from the raw emotion of personal issues and turmoil, as it was created during a dark time in the band’s lives.

The album begins with a direct continuation from the final song off Ominous Ruin’s first album, an emotional guitar and piano ballad that brings the mood to somber, yet melodic. It immediately transitions to an explosion of chaos with the first song, “Seeds of Entropy. “

The musicianship on Requiem is, as expected, nothing short of exceptional. Guitarists Alex Bacey and Joel Guernsey showcase their technical brilliance in every track, with blistering solos and complex, interwoven riffs that keep listeners on their toes. The rhythm section, comprised of Mitch Yoesle (bass) and Harley Blandford (drums), is hardly just a rhythm section, that provides a relentless foundation of precision, power and creativity, anchoring the music as it constantly shifts between ferocity and atmospheric beauty.

The production, handled by Alex Bacey is pristine yet dense, allowing every instrument to shine through the brutal wall of sound without sacrificing the intensity of the compositions. The layering of ambient soundscapes and acoustic passages throughout the album provides an immersive listening experience, allowing the heavier elements to hit even harder when they arrive.

Track Listing:

1 – Intro

2 – Seeds of Entropy

3 – Eternal

4 – Bane of Syzygial Triality

5 – Divergent Anomaly

6 – Fractal Abhorrence

7 – Architect of Undoing

8 – Staring into the Abysm

9 – Requiem