Thrash Metal Legends DESTRUCTION Unleash Third Single “Scumbag Human Race” + Official Music Video Out Now

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

While fans eagerly await the release of DESTRUCTION’s 16^th studio album, Birth Of Malice, out March 7, 2025 via Napalm Records, the German thrash metal icons have released their third single, “Scumbag Human Race”. On this track, Schmier rages against the corruption and deceit of humanity, with the unforgettable chorus acting as a call for reckoning as the band spits fury at those who exploit and manipulate. A blistering thrash anthem, this track will resonate with anyone fed up with the state of the world.

DESTRUCTION on “Scumbag Human Race”:
“Single number three, ‘Scumbag Human Race’, is a mercyless steamhammer of a track! Its relentless groove and energy are pushing you straight forward into the moshpit! This will be an intense live track and that riff can melt faces!
The lyrics are metaphorically speaking: how would this planet call us if it could talk? And what would it tell us? Right …wake the fuck up … SCUMBAG HUMAN RACE!!!!“

Watch the Official Music Video for “Scumbag Human Race” HERE:

Fans all over the world worship DESTRUCTION as one of the biggest names in thrash metal with a 40+ year career! As part of the legendary Teutonic 4 alongside German thrash icons Sodom, Tankard and Kreator, DESTRUCTION have forged a legacy that has been captured by German film makers Denise Dörne and Ilija Jelusic, who have created an exciting documentary about DESTRUCTION’s eager plans to reunite the Teutonic 4 for a world tour. But in the pursuit of this dream, however, fate strikes. The film follows Schmier and his band up close as the pandemic hits, and after a fateful turn of events, everything is at stake. The movie was shot over the course of five years, resulting in exclusive material that sets it apart from traditional interview-heavy documentaries. The viewer experiences the protagonists in behind-the-scenes like atmospheres, immersing them in the world of DESTRUCTION. The film uncompromisingly shows what it means to be a heavy metal musician – amidst small, sweaty clubs and huge open air stages – enabling an authentic view into the core of one of the most undisputedly important, influential and genre-defying bands in thrash metal.

The movie will premiere in Berlin on March 6, 2025, with the band and filmmakers also in attendance. Make sure to get your tickets HERE!

Denise Dörner about the movie:
“This documentary is not a cheerful music clip, but a very serious story about passion and life. I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that our idea could be realized so well, even if everything was completely thrown into disarray by the circumstances. I was allowed to look behind the scenes, travel with DESTRUCTION and empathize with them. I met my idols and many interesting people and also felt the full range of emotions. I’m very excited to see what people will think and feel about this journey.”

Ilija Jelusic adds:
“As a film team, we had a really good connection with Schmier and DESTRUCTION, who had a lot of trust in us. The film was made without a commission and without film funding. That means we had to finance everything ourselves, which also contained a big risk.
During the pandemic, none of us knew what would happen next and where the story of the film would go. Of course, it was a very moving time for us filmmakers as well. And then one adventure followed the next and suddenly we were off to Mexico. I am deeply grateful for the experiences we were able to gain through DESTRUCTION!”

Watch the Trailer for The Art of Destruction HERE:

On Birth Of Malice, scene-legend and original member Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, while Randy Black blasts pummeling drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest Diabolical (2022), DESTRUCTION return with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound – resulting in addictive metal anthems for a new generation of thrashers!

The album is opened by the brutal “Destruction”, with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band’s 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title Birth Of Malice suggests, lyrically, Schmier delves deep in human errors – like selfish behavior on “Greed” and “Evil Never Sleeps”. A clear statement is made with carnage on “Scumbag Human Race”, exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus “I will count your days!”. The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging “No Kings – No Masters”. DESTRUCTION also shifts to futuristic topics on the album, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on “Cyber Warfare”. To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker “Fast As A Shark”.

All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver, and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. DESTRUCTION mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world!

Birth Of Malice tracklisting:
1. Birth Of Malice
2. Destruction
3. Cyber Warfare
4. No Kings – No Masters
5. Scumbag Human Race
6. God Of Gore
7. A.N.G.S.T.
8. Dealer Of Death
9. Evil Never Sleeps
10. Chains Of Sorrow
11. Greed
12. Fast As A Shark

NIGHTSTEEL sign to Cosmic Fire Records

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Cosmic Fire Records is pleased to announce the signing of Greek heavy/power metal band Nightsteel for the release of their self-titled debut album.

Nightsteel is the first band to join the label‘s roster, with more announcements to be made in the coming days.

Nightsteel is a new Greek metal band formed in 2022 by songwriter and bassist Bill Sam. After laying down some demos, he asked his best friend and drummer Mike Foudotos to join.

They started working on Bill‘s songs with local vocalists before Bill decided to take the next big step and ask some well-known artists to join the band. The first was renowned vocalist Travis Wills (Crimson Glory, Infidel Rising), who can be heard on the first self-titled single, which is out today on all streaming platforms.

The lyric video for the debut single can be seen on the label‘s YouTube channel

Travis Wills comments on the single:
“I love the ‘Nightsteel’ song, powerful soaring vocals perfect for this song and shredding guitars… it‘s a combination of perfect metal. When I first heard it I wondered if I was gonna be able to do the song justice, and I was finally able to dig deep in myself and pull out what I felt was complimentary to the song. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do”!

Songwriter & founder Bill shares:
“’Nightsteel’ is the first song I wrote back in early 2021. I knew there was something special about this song, but I never imagined that Travis would sing it so well and take it to another level! I‘m really lucky to work with a talented musician like Travis and I was blown away by his amazing vocals and his professionalism. Play this song loud and rock out!

FEUERSCHWANZ Releases New Song “Knightclub” + Official Music Video

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

One day before their appearance on Stefan Raab’s “Chefsache ESC 2025 – Wer singt für Deutschland”, the German preliminary round for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, FEUERSCHWANZ release their new song “Knightclub” with Dag-Alexis Kopplin from SDP as a featured guest. With its catchy hook and infectious dancefloor beats, “Knightclub” is a track that will create the perfect atmosphere at any metal show. The accompanying music video, which also features Kopplin, underlines this character and combines the light-heartedness and vibes of the band’s early party metal days with the impressive transformation that FEUERSCHWANZ have undergone with their last few albums.

With their modern folk metal sound, the Nuremberg-based band has risen to the top of the genre. Their last two studio albums, Memento Mori (2021) and Fegefeuer (2023), both debuted at #1 on the official German album charts. Recent headline tours were nearly all sold out, they have secured prime spots at the largest festivals, and their songs and videos have garnered millions of streams. One standout moment was their 20th anniversary show at the end of 2024—an unforgettable Metfest performance in front of over 7,000 ecstatic fans, and the biggest in the event’s history.

FEUERSCHWANZ on “Knightclub”:
“‘Knightclub’ is the essence of 20 years of FEUERSCHWANZ. A strong brew of the heaviest riffs and most epic hooks we have ever written come together with the greatest heroes from the world of fantasy and history. As a special accolade, we have enlisted the support of Dag-Alexis Kopplin from SDP! Descend into the dungeons with us, experience a crazy musical trip and rise up as ladies, lords, shieldmaidens, heroes and knights of the ‘Knightclub’!”

Watch the official music video for “Knightclub” HERE:

Tomorrow, Saturday, FEUERSCHWANZ will once again swap the festival stage for a TV appearance as one of 14 acts competing in the semi-finals of Germany’s Eurovision Song Contest preliminary round. Chosen from over 3,000 applications, the band impressed the jury—led by Stefan Raab, Yvonne Catterfeld, and Elton—in the first show on February 14 with their cover of O-Zone’s “Dragostea din tei.” This Saturday, the jury will once again vote on whether they move on, or their journey ends early. The live final, broadcast on ARD and hosted by NDR on March 1, will see viewers choosing the winning act, who will go on to represent Germany in Basel. Barbara Schöneberger will host all shows.

The semi-finals and final of “Chefsache ESC 2025 – Wer singt für Deutschland” will be broadcast live on the primetime show on German TV at the following times:
Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 08.15pm CET | RTL
Final: Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 08.15pm CET | Das Erste

[Photo Credit: Stefan Heilemann]

RIVERS OF NIHIL To Release Self-Titled Fifth Full-Length May 30th On Metal Blade Records

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

New Video/Single “House Of Light” Now Playing

“I feel like these songs are the perfect blend of all our albums, with all the fat cut away,” says founding guitarist Brody Uttley. “There are more technical songs that call back to The Conscious Seed Of Light and Monarchy sound, but with a more mature understanding of how to pace a song. There’s a fair bit of the Where Owls Know My Name and The Work-type experimental stuff, but with a more refreshed perspective on those styles for the current era of the band.”

On June 15th, 2023, the band released a new single, “The Sub-Orbital Blues,” the first track with Biggs handling lead vocals following the 2022 departure of singer Jake Dieffenbach. It was also the first track to feature Thomas. A second single, “Hellbirds,” dropped on October 19th of that year. On April 29th, 2024, the band released the cut “Criminals” and an accompanying music video. Both “Criminals” and “The Sub-Orbital Blues” appear on Rivers Of Nihil.

The new album’s first single of 2025, “House Of Light,” is a track that “encapsulates the nature of what it is that we do perfectly while offering a different perspective on the sound with the new lineup,” explains founding member/guitarist Brody Uttley, who also plays piano and does the programming in the band. “Everything that our fans have come to love about our sound is demonstrated in this song with the new addition of Andy singing and Biggs on main vocals. It has the riffs, it has the big chorus, it has the prog, it has the solos, it has the sax. Just a real classic example of what we do as a band in 2025.”

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 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.”

Later this month, RIVERS OF NIHIL will kick off their Aggressive Progressive EU/UK headlining tour with support from Cynic, Beyond Creation and labelmates, Dååth. In May, the band will return to North American stages for another month-long headliner with support provided by Holy Fawn, Inter Arma, and Glacial Tomb. Tickets and VIP packages are available now at https://ron.soundrink.com. See all confirmed dates below.

RIVERS OF NIHIL w/ Cynic, Beyond Creation, Dååth:
2/28/2025 Essigfabrik – Köln, DE
3/01/2025 Zappa – Antwerp, BE
3/02/2025 La Machine – Paris, FR
3/04/2025 Slay – Glasgow, GB
3/05/2025 Academy – Dublin, IE
3/06/2025 The Fleece- Bristol, GB
3/07/2025 Engine Rooms – Southampton, GB
3/08/2025 Club Academy – Manchester, GB
3/09/2025 Electric Ballroom – London, GB
3/10/2025 XOYO – Birmingham, GB
3/12/2025 Patronaat – Haarlem, NL
3/13/2025 Gruenspan – Hamburg, DE
3/14/2025 Fryshuset Klubben – Stockholm, SE
3/16/2025 Tavastia – Helsinki, FI
3/18/2025 John Dee – Oslo, NO
3/19/2025 Pumpehuset – Copenhagen, DK
3/21/2025 Proxima – Warsaw, PL
3/22/2025 Columbia Theater – Berlin, DE
3/23/2025 Z-Bau – Nürnberg, DE
3/24/2025 Flex – Wien, AT
3/25/2025 Dürer Kert – Budapest, HU
3/26/2025 Backstage – München, DE
3/27/2025 Slaughter Club – Milan, IT
3/28/2025 Kiff – Aarau, CH
3/29/2025 Substage – Karlsruhe, DE

ALIEN WEAPONRY Takes Aim at Social Media on New Single “1000 Friends”

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

“Alien Weaponry are back with a vengeance…” – Revolver Magazine

New Zealand modern groove metal trio ALIEN WEAPONRY recently announced their heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, Te Rā, out March 28, 2025 via Napalm Records. In the hands of veteran producer/mixer Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God, Gojira, Megadeth) and featuring a guest vocal appearance from longtime ALIEN WEAPONRY champion Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God, Te Rā’s gnashing blend of groove, nu, math and thrash metal shines with anthemic choruses and refreshed technical skill.

Today, following the release of the album’s acclaimed first single, “Mau Moko” – a track Revolver, Metal Hammer, Heavy Consequence and others dubbed as one of the best new metal tracks upon release – the band returns again with second single, “1000 Friends”. Warning of the looming societal division and hidden dangers created by social media dependency, the track premieres alongside a brand new music video.

Frontman Lewis Raharuhi de Jong says about “1000 Friends”:
“‘1000 Friends’ encapsulates the shifting way we socialize today, and the impact it has on the human psyche. We can often feel disconnected from the outside world. The human mind wasn’t built to comprehend the world we are currently living in.”

Watch the official music video for “1000 Friends” here:

ALIEN WEAPONRY have solidified themselves as one of the greatest young metal bands of their generation with renewed musical tenacity and crucial messaging. Since releasing their acclaimed debut Tū (2018), the band have been lauded for their kinetic presence and sound, as well as their vital blend of culturally profound lyricism in both English and te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand.

With their third full-length album, ALIEN WEAPONRY expand on their hallmark messages of cultural, societal and environmental resilience while delivering their most massive-sounding, focused musical output ever. Te Rā is a bold, unwavering cry for a future in which we can all take part in the legacy of peoples like the Māori and others all around us – people who, if they aren’t seen, most certainly need to be heard! Taken as a whole, Te Rā grapples with what it’s like to be caught in the pull of divergent cultures – not just for the descendants of colonized people, but for all of us.

On Te Rā, listeners can hear the band doubling-down on the aggression in the verses before applying temperance, especially in the case of “Taniwha”, a death metal-leaning banger featuring the particularly raw aforementioned guest vocal from Randy Blythe. Lyrically, there’s a noticeable tilt towards despondency, hopelessness, and frustration on Te Rā. While bassist Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds’ lyrics in Māori on songs like “Tama-nui-te-rā” and “Ponaturi” draw from the themes of history, battle lore and mysticism that made the first two albums so rich, frontman/guitarist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong’s English-language lyrics illustrate the impact when culture collides with disenfranchisement day to day. “Crown” and “Hanging by a Thread” take us into the headspace where struggle pushes people to the brink of desperation, while on “Blackened Sky” and “1000 Friends”, Lewis addresses universal woes like the looming threat of World War III and the damaging effects of social media. On album closer “Te Kore”, Tūranga dives into primordial nothingness at the root of the Māori origin story, while on “Mau Moko”, he finds the middle ground between these perspectives. As the lyrics honor the traditional Māori practice of face tattooing, they also delve into the social costs of maintaining customs that are at-odds with dominant cultural norms.

Te Rā track listing:
1. Crown
2. Mau Moko
3. 1000 Friends
4. Hanging by a Thread
5. Tama-nui-te-rā
6. Myself to Blame
7. Taniwha (feat. Randy Blythe)
8. Blackened Sky
9. Te Riri o Tāwhirimātea
10. Ponaturi
11. Te Kore

ALIEN WEAPONRY are currently making waves in North America, on tour with metal icon Kerry King! After the tour, the band will headline a home country run of New Zealand. See below for all currently confirmed tour dates.

Remaining dates – ALIEN WEAPONRY supporting Kerry King in North America:
w/ special guests Municipal Waste
02/19/25: Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater
02/21/25: Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda
02/22/25: Las Vegas, NV @ HOB Vegas

ALIEN WEAPONRY Headlining New Zealand:
03/14/25: Kirikiriroa (Hamilton, NZ) @ Factory
03/15/25: Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington, NZ) @ Jim Beam Homegrown
03/20/25: Ngāmotu (New Plymouth, NZ) @ TSB Showplace
03/21/25: Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland, NZ) @ Powerstation
03/22/25: Ōtautahi (Christchurch, NZ) @ James Hay Theatre
03/23/25: Tāhuna (Queenstown, NZ) @ AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre

ALIEN WEAPONRY is:
Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong – Drums, Backing vocals
Lewis Raharuhi de Jong – Guitars, Lead vocals
Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds – Bass, Backing vocals

German Dark Metal Pioneers NACHTBLUT Release New Single “Das Leben der Anderen” + Official Music Video

Posted on February 18, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Today, German dark metal masters NACHTBLUT have released their gloomy third single “Das Leben der Anderen” [Eng: The Lives of Others], cut from their upcoming seventh studio album Todschick [Eng: Dead chic], out this Friday via Napalm Records.

In the age of social media, this sentiment is more relevant than ever. The melancholic track “Das Leben der Anderen” captures a deep sense of loneliness and isolation, reflecting the all-too-common feeling of being left behind while everyone else seems to be thriving. Underlined by Askeroth’s guttural screams and explosive synths, this offering elevates their sound to new heights as the band prepares to showcase this and more Todschick tracks on tour, starting this Friday!

NACHTBLUT on their new single “Das Leben der Anderen”:
“When was the last time you scrolled through social networks for hours? From one perfectly staged vacation photo to the next, from faces distorted by filters that warp our beauty standards. And have you ever asked yourself: Why is everyone so flawless and seemingly living an exciting life – except for me? If so, this song is for you.”

“A great album that captures the feeling of early 80s goth rock, romance and EBM in a new way.” – Sweden Rock (SE)

Check out the official music video for “Das Leben der Anderen”

Following their successful album Vanitas (2020), which reached number 19 in the official German album charts, the quartet is expanding its sound with a multi-faceted mix of stylistic elements and synthesizer sounds that pay homage to the 80s, among other influences. Produced by Chris Harms (Lord of the Lost), the album will also be released in an exclusive wooden box set with a bonus CD containing seven additional tracks and exciting collaborations with scene greats.

Meanwhile, the dark, new-wave-synth track “Manchmal kommen sie wieder” explores the eternal cycles of creation, destruction and war. Tracks like “Kinder des Zorns” invite headbanging with especially hard riffs and tempo. With “Schneller als der Tod,” the band ventures into entirely new musical territory, seamlessly merging epic wild west elements with the powerful sounds of dark metal. Energetic melodies blend perfectly with Askeroth’s characteristic vocals, creating a unique atmosphere that brings the album to a striking conclusion, offering an unexpected musical twist.

With Todschick, NACHTBLUT not only masterfully enriches dark metal with captivating, genre-spanning sounds that set new accents, but also addresses contemporary societal issues, striking a chord with the times. This new masterpiece is an invitation to view the dark beauty of life and its challenges in a new light, and to join the band on their 2025 headline tour to experience it live!

[Photo Credit: Andreas Schieler]

Rockshots Records – BRAVERIDE Unveils New Video “Executioner” Off Upcoming Album “The Great Awakening” Out April 2025

Posted on February 18, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Epic power metal warriors Braveride return with “Executioner”, the first single from their upcoming album “The Great Awakening” set for release on April 18th, 2025, via Rockshots Records. A battle hymn of unstoppable force, “Executioner” delivers soaring melodies, galloping riffs, and a thunderous rhythm section embodying the band’s signature blend of symphonic and epic power metal.

Alongside the release, Braveride has unveiled an official lyric video, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the song’s powerful themes while following the evocative storytelling of the lyrics. Designed to bring the narrative and emotion of “Executioner” to life, the lyric video enhances the track’s epic and cinematic nature, reinforcing the battle-driven intensity of the song. With striking visuals and a compelling lyrical flow, the video serves as the perfect gateway into the world of “The Great Awakening”, setting the tone for the album’s mythical journey.

Blending the grandiosity of symphonic orchestrations, classic guitar finesse, and a relentless drive, “Executioner” is a perfect showcase of Braveride’s artistic vision—where raw power meets intricate composition. As part of “The Great Awakening”, the track fits seamlessly into the album’s overarching fantasy concept where every song contributes to a mythical world of battles, heroes, and destiny.

With this new chapter, Braveride further solidifies its place in the epic power metal scene, making “Executioner” the perfect introduction to an album set to resonate deeply with fans of Rhapsody of Fire, Blind Guardian, and Manowar.

Founded in 2004 by Marios Christakis, Braveride was created with the vision of blending epic power metal with symphonic elements and a cinematic approach to storytelling. Over the years, the band has evolved refining their sound from the raw energy of their debut “Heroic Deeds” (2006) to the grandeur, more complex compositions featured in “The Great Awakening” (2025).

Inspired by fantasy literature, sword-and-sorcery tales, and epic battles, Braveride’s music transports listeners into mythical worlds. With soaring vocals, galloping rhythms, intricate orchestrations, and classical guitar passages, their sound stands out as a powerful force within the epic power metal landscape. Their ability to balance complexity and melody, creating both immersive full-album experiences and standalone anthems, has earned them a dedicated following among fans of Rhapsody of Fire, Blind Guardian, and Manowar.

Melodic/Progressive Metallers, SEVERED ANGEL, Releasing When Eternity Ends in March!

Posted on February 18, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Melodic/Progressive Metal band, Severed Angel, will release their third album, When Eternity Ends, March 28 on No Life ‘Til Metal Records! The official video for the album’s first single, “Through The Eyes of Time,” is out now and available at: youtu.be/2cvWV5nEbRg

Hailing from the Northeastern U.S. (NY & PA), Severed Angel has toiled in the underground for several years, self-releasing their first two albums, yet still managing to reach high levels of success. The band’s sophomore album, Skyward, entered the Top 10 on on the Metal Contraband chart and the Top 25 on the NAAC Top 30 Heavy chart.

In late 2024, the band signed to No Life ‘Til Metal Records, to release third album When Eternity Ends internationally. “We do not like to repeat ourselves,” says lead guitarist, Lou Mavs. “Yes, we have a set idea on what Severed Angel is suppose to sound like, but we never want to sacrifice melody or a good idea. Skyward was an evolution from our self-titled debut, and When Eternity Ends is a further evolution of Skyward. We are proud to partner up with No Life ‘Til Metal Records for the release of When Eternity Ends, an album I think metal fans are hungry for.”

When Eternity Ends is packaged in a jewel case with a 12-page booklet containing lyrics, liner notes, and plenty of band photos.

FFO: Soilwork, Ice Earth, Blind Guardian, Helloween, Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest.

Pre-order

linktr.ee/severedangel

distrokid.com/hyperfollow/severedangel/when-eternity-ends

Track Listing:

1. The Fall of Rain

2. Through the Eyes of Time

3. Cry Out to the World

4. Shed

5. Like Lightning

6. Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

7. The Demon’s Alive

8. In My Skin

9. One Life to Live

10. When Eternity Ends

Severed Angel is a metal band from the Northeastern United States (NY and PA) forged to unleash a sonic assault of melodic heavy metal upon the masses.

In 2018, drummer Wayne Noon started the Rat Salad Review network to promote his favorite bands and have fun with a podcast that provides insight to the metal bands that the mainstream media are unaware of. Some of those bands included Timeless Haunt (PA), The Nightmare Stage (NY), Infinite Spectrum (NY), and Tension Rising (NY).

As the original drummer for Phoenix Reign, a NYC-based power metal band, they released an album called Destination Unknown, and toured around the tri-state area. Their final show was at the Gramercy Theater in NYC opening for international recording artists Epica.

In 2019, guitarist Lou Mavs started his podcast (Music Is Life Podcast) discussing his opinions and experience as a musician. Wayne and Lou were friends from the time Phoenix Reign was playing shows in Lou’s native Queens, NY, and Wayne asked Lou if his podcast would join Rat Salad Review as a show on the network, to which he did.

In late 2020, Wayne was preparing the release of his new band Project Resurrect. It was around that time that the music world suffered the loss of Edward Van Halen. Lou and Wayne suggested that they cover a Van Halen song as a tribute to Eddie, and enlisted the services of Timeless Haunt bassist George Dimitri and Thrash Or Die/Combat vocalist Ralph Viera. The cover was released to positive responses. 2021 saw the release of Project Resurrect’s False Reality CD and Rat Salad Review & Friends’ Cover Series, Part 1 EP.

In early 2022, Wayne suggested forming a new original band with Lou, George, The Nightmare Stage keyboardist Marc Muchnik, and Infinite Spectrum bassist/songwriter Alex Repetti (also of Tension Rising and Project SEAR), Lou provided an original demo written 12 years ago called Dogs of War, which was written as entrance music for his cousin – MMA fighter Robby Plotkin (currently a US Army Ranger). Wayne thought the song was perfect for this new project and arranged a new version of it, to which Marc and Alex wrote lyrics, and Lou re-recorded his parts. Upon completion of the song, it was official – Severed Angel was born.

Teutonic thrash trio WARFIELD drop second Single “Soul Conqueror” + Official Music Video – Watch It Now

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Prepare for “Soul Conqueror”, the speed-driven new single from WARFIELD, taken from their Napalm Records debut, With The Old Breed, out on April 4, 2025! The track’s unsettling, eerie atmosphere is energized by explosive Teutonic thrash fury. Lyrically, “Soul Conqueror” dives into haunted memories with brutal imagery, exploring the aftermath of battle, where departed souls wander for eternity.

Get ready for a journey through the afterlife and beyond.

WARFIELD on “Soul Conqueror”:
“The song ‘Soul Conqueror’ brings to life the horrors of American psychological warfare during the Vietnam War. The voices of restlessly wandering Vietnamese ancestral spirits were broadcast over loudspeakers above the jungle, intended to persuade locals to surrender. In our release, the ‘Operation Wandering Soul’ takes on a musical form – uncompromising, atmospheric, and haunting.”

Watch the official music video for “Soul Conqueror” HERE:

WARFIELD about the album:
“Our new album With The Old Breed embodies everything we stand for as a band: Brutal, honest old-school thrash with emotion, rage and lots of energy. Sound-wise and musically evolved from the debut album, we delve even deeper into the inner human life and the harsh reality of war. Our goal is to bring out the different layers of despair, manipulation, but also camaraderie and express it all through musical heaviness. So if you call the mosh pit your home and feel like letting it all out, then give With The Old Breed a listen!”

With their latest record, WARFIELD explores the unembellished and emotional depiction of societal, historical, social and internal wars – expressing criticism of the bitter part of reality. Songs like “Appetitive Aggression” dive deep into the primal instinct of humanity with light-speed riffs and relentless energy. It’s time for new thrash metal legends from Germany to arise, bonded by blood with the heroes from the past. Battle awaits…

The German trio WARFIELD are poised to begin their next assault, charging into battle with the release of their forthcoming album. Since their formation in 2012, they’ve dedicated themselves to the music of their idols like Tom Angelripper, Jeff Hanneman, and Dave Lombardo, unleashing brutal shredding riffs and lightning-fast beats with powerful precision. WARFIELD has already shared the stage with heavyweights like Bay Area thrash legends Exodus, captivating audiences with their electrifying live performances.

With The Old Breed tracklisting:
1. Melting Mass
2. Appetitive Aggression
3. Soul Conqueror
4. Fragmentation
5. Lament Of The White Realm
6. Tie The Rope
7. Inhibition Atrophy
8. Dogs For Defense
9. GASP
10. With The Old Breed

“Skies Turn To Graves,” The New Single from FLESHSPOIL, Out Now!

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Troy (NY) – “Skies Turn To Graves,” the second single from forthcoming FLESHSPOIL debut album, The Beginning of the End, is out now and streaming on Bandcamp! Get hammered at the following link:

fleshspoilofficial.bandcamp.com/track/skies-turn-to-graves

A new force in Blackened Death Metal has emerged to lay waste to 2025! FLESHSPOIL, featuring veteran players from Arsis, The Final Sleep, and Illucinus, will release full-length debut album, The Beginning of the End, March 28 on digital format!

Fans of classic death, black, and doom metal take note! FLESHSPOIL delivers a haunting and aggressive soundscape, and features a lineup of seasoned musicians: Jeff Andrews (guitar/vocals), a veteran of New York’s metal scene, known for his work with The Final Sleep, Armor Column, Hush, Ironweed, Scavengers, and Held Under. Mike Van Dyne (drums), known for his role in Arsis, where he played on acclaimed releases such as A Celebration of Guilt and A Diamond for Disease, and toured globally alongside heavyweights like Behemoth, Arch Enemy, Exodus, Cynic, Dying Fetus, Grave, Necrophagist, Napalm Death, and Six Feet Under. Dan Saltzman (bass), hailing from the Bay Area, whose impressive work has been showcased in Illucinus and The Hunt, as well as recent demonstration videos for ESP bass guitars.

Produced and mixed by Brett Portzer (Skinless, Author & Punisher, Arsis), The Beginning of the End consists of six tracks clocking in at 37 minutes. It is the creative vision of Andrews and Van Dyne, who recorded two albums and performed together alongside such notable bands as At The Gates, Wolves In The Throne Room, Sanctuary, Rivers of Nihil, Fates Warning, All That Remains, and many others with their previous band, The Final Sleep. The Beginning of the End additionally includes guest appearances by Kyle Chapman (Aethereus, Blighted Eye), John Judson (Rwake, Scott Kelly), and Petr Oplatka (Illucinus).

Pre-order The Beginning of the End:

fleshspoilofficial.bandcamp.com/album/the-beginning-of-the-end

Track Listing:

1. Bleed Through This Life

2. Skies Turn To Graves

3. Fleshspoil

4. Walking Dead

5. A Frail Demise

6. Born Into Despair