Tag Archives: Reviews

BYZANTINE announce new album

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

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

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

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

Watch BYZANTINE‘s video for “Floating Chrysanthema” HERE

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

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

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

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

Nelson Diaz comments:

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

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

Quemasantos has been a formidable force since its formation in [2012], consistently pushing the boundaries with their aggressive sound. The band continues to build on its legacy with this latest release, promising an unforgettable auditory experience.
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This release marks a pivotal moment in Quemasantos’ musical journey, signifying a bold new chapter in their artistic evolution. The track skillfully merges their signature thrash metal style with innovative musical elements, showcasing the band’s remarkable growth as artists. Notably, we had the privilege of collaborating with our esteemed friend Sebastian Osorio (Reigning) to contribute to the solo sections of the song.

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

Rockshots Records – DYING AWKWARD ANGEL Release New Single “Music Kills”

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Italian melodic death metal act Dying Awkward Angel unleash their brand-new single “Music Kills”, a powerful mid-tempo composition that highlights the band’s continued evolution while remaining firmly rooted in the legacy of Scandinavian death metal.

Characterized by a raw and uncompromising sound, “Music Kills” draws inspiration from the early ‘90s Swedish scene—specifically, bands such as Dismember and Entombed—and channels the iconic HM-2 guitar tone into a modern, groove-driven framework. The result is a track that is both punishing and memorable, blending brutal riffs, visceral vocals, and an ominous atmosphere.

Lyrically, the song delves into the ambivalent nature of music itself, exploring its potential to both uplift and consume. This thematic depth adds an introspective dimension to the band’s sonic aggression, further establishing their unique voice within the international melodic death metal landscape.

Following their critically praised 2018 full-length “Absence of Light”, “Music Kills” marks a significant step forward for Dying Awkward Angel. While known for their fast-paced and relentless songwriting, the band now embraces a darker, more deliberate approach—one that prioritizes atmosphere and weight without sacrificing intensity.

The release of “Music Kills” also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. In the coming weeks, the band will unveil further details surrounding their upcoming full-length album, which promises to expand on the themes and sonic direction explored in this latest track.

For fans of Dismember, Entombed, At The Gates, and all those drawn to the raw edge of melodic death metal, “Music Kills” stands as a compelling statement of intent.

LISTEN to “Music Kills”:

Formed in 1998, Dying Awkward Angel draws inspiration from the ’90s extreme metal scene of Gothenburg, the UK, and the USA, with influences from bands like In Flames, At the Gates, Carcass, Slayer, Death, Pantera, and Metallica. The band’s early releases, “Dying Awkward Angel” and “Ghost at the Spine,” received excellent critical acclaim. After some line-up changes, the band stabilized in 2013 and recorded the full-length album “Waiting for Punishment”.
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In 2015, the EP “Madness Rising” showcased a more mature and modern songwriting mixing old-school brutality with melodic incursions. In 2017, with the addition of Michele Spallieri (Kenos) as the vocalist, the band released the album “Absence Of Light” in 2018 (Extreme Metal Music / Rockshots Records), distributed across Europe, the USA, and Japan. Over the years, the band has shared the stage with renowned names such as Impaled Nazarene, **enos, Decapitated, Necronomicon, Forgotten Tomb, and many others.

OMINOUS RUIN Premiere “Staring into the Abysm” Video!

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San Franisco (CA) – American Tech-Death Juggernaut, Ominous Ruin, have partnered with Metal Injection for the video premiere of “Staring into the Abysm,” the second single from forthcoming album, Requiem.

Just click the following link!

OMINOUS RUIN Stays Crushing On New Single "Staring Into The Abysm"

“Staring into the Abysm” will be available April 11 on all digital platforms.

Known for their intricate compositions and unrelenting sonic brutality, Ominous Ruin has returned with their highly anticipated nine-track album, Requiem. Willowtip Records will release Requiem May 9 on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.

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.

SODOM new album ‘The Arsonist’

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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

Brutal Death OPHIOLATRY Signs To Wormholedeath Records

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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

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

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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!

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

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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 !

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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

Heavy Metal Project Ampicore Signs with Wormholedeath Records

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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.