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.
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.”
Swedish grandeurs of melancholic heaviness, KATATONIA, return with Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, set for release on June 6, 2025 via Napalm Records. Once again, the Stockholm-based unit masterfully navigates the tightrope act between nocturnal darkness and Scandinavian despair while subtly weaving a sense of hope into the listener’s heart. Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State marks the next step in KATATONIA’s evolution, building upon the foundation of their previous album, Sky Void of Stars (2023) and also is an introduction to their two new guitarists. KATATONIA in 2025 is composed of vocalist and founding member Jonas Renkse, bassist Niklas Sandin, drummer Daniel Moilanen, and guitarists Nico Elgstrand and Sebastian Svalland.
With the album’s lead single “Lilac”, revealed today, KATATONIA offer a first glimpse of what fans can expect from the new record. The track showcases Jonas Renkse’s unmistakable vocals intertwining with hypnotic rhythms, heavy riffs, and progressive elements. Accompanied by an atmospheric official music video, “Lilac” speaks straight to the heart, proving KATATONIA’s matchless ability to draw listeners into a whirlwind of stirring emotions.
Jonas Renkse adds: “We are proud and excited to announce our new album, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, coming out via Napalm Records on June 6. As always, these songs are the stories that thrive in the corner of the eye, obscured by the light but waiting to come alive in the dusk of our morbid existence. Please enjoy the first scent – ‚Lilac‘. “
On Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, crystal-clear production highlights the interplay between silence and intensity, while the contrast of heavy riffs, delicate guitar harmonies, ethereal synthesizers, and atmospheric nuances create captivating tension. Tracks like “Thrice” and “Warden” pulse with dynamic energy, a near-ceremonial piece, “Wind of No Change”, merges subtle electronic textures with KATATONIA’s enigmatic soundscapes, while “Temporal” balances fragility and strength – its intense verses culminating in a soaring, emotionally charged chorus. The breathtaking “Efter Solen” (Engl. After the Sun), featuring Swedish lyrics, evokes echoes of Jonas Eika’s 2018 short story collection, with minimalistic yet striking instrumentation.
Even after more than 30 years, KATATONIA continues to redefine the emotional spectrum of their genre, effortlessly shifting between haunting vulnerability and commanding artistry. With sonic landscapes that evoke dystopia, inner demons, purity, and beauty alike, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking Statestands as a testament to their enduring brilliance. The album was produced by Jonas Renkse, recorded by Lawrence Mackrory at NBS Audio and The City of Glass, mixed by Adam Noble, and mastered by Robin Schmidt at 24-96 Mastering.
Nightmares as Extensionsof the Waking State tracklist: 1. Thrice 2. The Liquid Eye 3. Wind of no Change 4. Lilac 5. Temporal 6. Departure Trails 7. Warden 8. The Light Which I Bleed 9. Efter Solen 10. In the Event of
As soon as summer has shattered, KATATONIA will embark on an epic headline tour this fall across Europe and the UK together with label mates and Gothenburg’s top-notch metal export EVERGREY and Klogr from Italy. Kicking off on November 11 in Tampere, Finland, the tour will cover 31 major cities in total and culminate in a grand finale in Stockholm, Sweden on December 20. Tickets are available now. For more information, visit the official website – https://katatonia.com/
KATATONIA UK & EUROPE TOUR 2025 w/ EVERGREY & Klogr 11.11.25 FI – Tampere / Tavara-asema 12.11.25 FI – Helsinki / House of Culture 14.11.25 NO – Oslo / Rockefeller 15.11.25 SE – Gothenburg / Pustervik 16.11.25 DE – Hamburg / Gruenspan 18.11.25 PL – Warsaw / Progresja 19.11.25 DE – Berlin / Huxleys 20.11.25 DE – Leipzig / Täubchenthal 21.11.25 CZ – Prague / Palac Akropolis 22.11.25 AT – Vienna / Simm City 24.11.25 DE – Munich / Backstage Werk 25.11.25 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn 27.11.25 IT – Milan / Alcatraz 28.11.25 CH – Zurich / Komplex 29.11.25 FR – Lyon / La Rayonne 01.12.25 ES – Madrid / BUT 02.12.25 ES – Barcelona / Salamandra 03.12.25 FR – Toulouse / Le Metronum 05.12.25 UK – London / Electric Ballroom 06.12.25 UK – Glasgow / Garage 07.12.25 UK – Manchester / Academy 2 08.12.25 UK – Bristol / SWK 10.12.25 FR – Paris / Le Trabendo 11.12.25 LU – Luxembourg / Rockhal 12.12.25 DE – Frankfurt / Batschkapp 13.12.25 DE – Cologne / Live Music Hall 14.12.25 NL – Amsterdam / Melkweg Max 16.12.25 BE – Antwerp / Trix 18.12.25 DK – Copenhagen / Amager Bio 19.12.25 SE – Karlstad / Nöjesfabriken 20.12.25 SE – Stockholm / Fållan
Festivals 2025 03.05.25 BE – Izegem / Headbangers Balls Fest 22.06.25 BE – Dessel / Graspop Metal Meeting 05.07.25 DE – Mühlheim / Castle Rock 06.07.25 TR – Istanbul / Headbanger’s Weekend 26.07.25 PL – Ostrów Wielkopolski / Ostrów Rock Festival 30.07.25 RO – Braşov / Rockstadt Extreme Fest 01.08.25 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air 22.08.25 IT – Marina Di Altidona / Wondergate (Parco dei Due Ponti)
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
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.”
“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.”
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
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 dateswill 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 EPis 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
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.
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
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
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.
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