Gothic Rock/ Hard Goth Discovery BLAX Signs With Wormholedeath

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

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

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

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

A Sonic Odyssey from “Meravilia” to “Certesia”

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

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

The BLAX Ethos: Goth Family, Theatrical Fire

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

From Lockdown Project to Gothic Force

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

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

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

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

Listen to the first advance single here:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

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

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

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

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

Tracklist:

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

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

Biography:

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

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

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

Line-up:

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

Master Charger Unleash Second Single & Video “Mass Produced, Mass Destroyed” – Full Album Details Revealed!

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Hailing from the blackest heart of the Midlands, UK-based heavy rock/doom/sludge metal trio MASTER CHARGER return with a brand-new single and music video, “Mass Produced, Mass Destroyed,” giving fans another explosive taste of their forthcoming album, “Posthumous Resurrection”!

Watch the video here:

Set for release on May 2, 2025, via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records, “Posthumous Resurrection” will be available in CD and digital streaming formats. This record marks a new milestone for the band, solidifying their signature blend of blues-infused, groove-heavy, doom-laden rock ‘n’ roll sludge, often described as a “SATANIC BLUES RUMBLE.”

Tracklist:

Thy Kingdom Polluted
Only My Eyes See, Empires Rust
Posthumous Resurrection
Fallen Angel, Painted Doll
When Hell Rode In
Head into the Sun
The Awakening
Mass Produced, Mass Destroyed
Upon Roads Less Travelled

Formed in 2006, MASTER CHARGER have carved a distinctive path in the underground heavy scene, refining their sound across previous releases, including “Unity in Black” (2011), “Eroding Empires” (2016), and “Origin of the Lugubrious” (2020). Their crushing live performances have seen them share the stage with acts such as Monolord, Orange Goblin, Black Rainbows, Conan, Raging Speedhorn, Fireball Ministry, Dead Witches, Overkill, Alunah and Paradise Lost, along with appearances at major festivals like HRH Doom vs Stoner, HRH Metal Chapter III and Hammerfest XI.

Drawing influence from the titans of heavy music, including Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Motörhead, Slayer, Venom, Celtic Frost, Black Flag, Trouble, Saint Vitus and Pentagram, MASTER CHARGER deliver a relentless fusion of vintage doom, raw sludge, and unfiltered rock energy.

With “Mass Produced, Mass Destroyed”, the band sets the stage for the impending release of “Posthumous Resurrection,” promising an unrelenting sonic assault that will leave no stone unturned. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to witness the next chapter of MASTER CHARGER’s unstoppable rise!

Deathgoat unleash Dragged Into Realms Below – death metal supreme on Xtreem Music!

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Emerging from the fetid depths of the Finnish underground in 2015, Deathgoat’s first scream against the light came in the form of the Rotten Salvation demo in 2018. However, it was with their full length debut album, 2021s Regurgitated Into Existence, that the full power and potential of this gathering of devils became apparent – their mastery of old school death metal was unquestionable. Now, at long last, the Finns have returned with a new album that utterly epitomises everything that their chosen genre represents. This is the absolute essence of death metal, pure rot and decay, this is Dragged Into Realms Below!

The chilling notes of intro ‘Alkulima’ sink their claws into your flesh and tear you from your safe, secure existence, casting you into the cold earth of the midnight cemetery. Before you can orientate yourself ‘Pestilent Retribution’ is upon you, a rampaging assault of Scandinavian death metal that severs every tendon and shatters every bone. Devastating heaviness and machine gun intensity rage beneath twisting occult solos, while a voice from the pit intones the many ways in which to die. There is not a song on this magnificent collection that fails to deliver skin crawling atmosphere and utterly addictive, snarling riffs and rhythms. From the imperious chainsaw slaughter of ‘Monoxide’ to the magnificent conclusion of ‘Dragged Into Realms Below’ itself – a track that dominates and towers over your broken body like a king amongst the tombstones – this is an album you will not soon forget.

Dragged Into Realms Below will be released by Xtreem Music, champions of old school death metal, on June 10th and it will be essential listening for anyone dedicated to the music of the grave. With a sound carved from dry bone and putrefaction and a cover created by Bram Bruyneel (Officium Triste, Hideous Divinity etc) that invokes ancient ceremony and inherited nightmares, Deathgoat have delivered a work of immaculate decomposition.

FRONT ROW WARRIORS – announce new studio album, “Running Out Of Time”, for a summer releaseFirst video single + pre-orders now online!

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

For the second time, Stuttgart, Germany-based FRONT ROW WARRIORS are taking up the cudgels for their very own melodic metal on their new album “Running Out Of Time”, that has just been announced for a release on July 11, 2025 via ROAR! Coming on CD, Vinyl and Digital formats, the album pre-sale has just started at https://frontrowwarriors.rpm.link/rootalbumPR

Founded in 2019, the melodic metal band has already caused quite a stir in 2023 with their debut “Wheel Of Fortune” and was showered with praise by critics. The German Rock and Pop Musicians Association even named the debut album „Hard Rock Album of the Year 2023“. The 80s hard rock, with a pinch of AOR and melodic metal from the 90s, went down fantastically straight away, which is not only due to singer Elkie Gee, who has a remarkable range and stands out from the crowd with her vocal color.

Today, FRONT ROW WARRIORS enthrall fans and listeners with a first single from their forthcoming offering, the album opening track “Turn The Tide”!

The band comments:
“Conspirators and false prophets, brainwashing through fake news and an
insane arms race paint a bleak picture of the future. While some cowardly look away and resign themselves, others try to make a profit and pay homage to the infantile rulers of this world. Shouldn’t we finally face the truth with courage? We can still turn the tide, we owe it to our daughters and sons!”

The music video for “Turn The Tide” is now premiering:

All of the band members in FRONT ROW WARRIORS are no strangers in the scene. Sorin Badin and Stef Binnig-Gollub on guitars are former musicians from Samsara and Septagon, while Richie Seibel, who is also a member of Ivanhoe and Them, plays the keys. The bass is played by Timo Michels (ex-Pump) and the drums by Jay G. (ex-Sharon). The band played a number of concerts and festivals in 2024 and performed on stage with the likes of Treat, Vicious Rumors, Riot V, Victory, Axxis and Shakra. Since March 2024, guitarist Dominik Barth (ex-Illusoria) has replaced Sorin Badin, who had to step back for family reasons, but has been working in the background on the studio and fine-tuning the songs.

Their new album “Running Out Of Time”, once again with none other than Achim Köhler (Primal Fear, Brainstorm a.o.) at the controls and co-produced by Michael Bormann, features some real bangers and impressively proves that the band also feels at home in metal. Lovers of delicate guitar and keyboard work as well as melodic hooks will get their money‘s worth, as will fans of the heavier genre. FRONT ROW WARRIORS once again skilfully play with the genres to produce a colorful bouquet of fabulous songs with guaranteed catchy tunes and surprising moments!

The band states: “Running Out Of Time” was created during a time when we were on the road a lot, soaking up this energy and packing it into our new songs. This has made our music a little harder, but we‘ve definitely stayed true to ourselves when it comes to catchy choruses and can‘t wait to present our new songs and bring them to the stage.”

ALIEN WEAPONRY Joined by Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe on New Anthem “Taniwha”

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

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

“…Alien Weaponry’s fusion of rage, culture and melody meshes so effectively you could catch sharks in its net.” – Kerrang!

“…New Zealand’s hottest property is still getting hotter, and “Te Rā” is the perfect blend of neck-wrecking heaviness and atmospheric magic.” – Blabbermouth

This Friday, March 28, New Zealand modern groove metal trio ALIEN WEAPONRY will release their heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, Te Rā, via Napalm Records! Today, in celebration of this week’s release, the band has unleashed one of the album’s most aggressive, death-metal leaning offerings, “Taniwha”, featuring a raw, heavy-hitting contribution from longtime supporter and metal icon Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God.

Take a listen to the new track now – a special bonus listen two days in advance of the album’s drop – and see below for insight into the track’s inspirations! The new anthem follows acclaimed latest singles “Mau Moko” (“…top-notch technical thrash metal…” – Heavy Consequence) and “1000 Friends” (“a driving, riff forward affair that makes it super easy to bang your head to” – MetalSucks).

ALIEN WEAPONRY says about “Taniwha”:
“Lamb of God played a significant role in making Alien Weaponry what it is today and this collaboration with Randy Blythe feels like one of those ‘pinch yourself’ moments that our teenage selves would never believe possible. Randy’s lyricism and vocal expertise was an amazing addition to this song and we are beyond stoked to share this song/milestone with the world.”

Listen to “Taniwha” 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. In the hands of veteran producer/mixer Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God, Gojira, Megadeth), Te Rā’s gnashing blend of groove, nu, math and thrash metal shines with anthemic choruses and refreshed technical skill. 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.

KARDASHEV Unleashes “Seed Of The Night” Video/Single

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

“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

SONUM: Italian death metal visionaries premiere new single “In This Void We Dwell”, “The Obscure Light Awaits” LP out soon

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Italian death metallers SONUM are now premiering their new single, “In This Void We Dwell”. The track is taken from their upcoming second album, “The Obscure Light Awaits”, set for release on April 11th, 2025, via Dusktone. With this song, SONUM open the gates to a dark and relentless sonic journey, blending sharp riffs and oppressive atmospheres into an uncompromising assault.

Following the critical acclaim of their debut, “Visceral Void Entropy” (2022), SONUM delve deeper into the labyrinthine realms of dissonance and atmosphere. “The Obscure Light Awaits” is an ambitious work that simultaneously pushes boundaries and honours the roots of the genre. The album eschews unnecessary complexity in favour of a tight focus on songwriting, weaving together intricate, sibylline passages with a raw, unrelenting power that shows the influence of the pioneering works of old and contemporary death metal legends such as Gorguts, Morbid Angel, Execration and Artificial Brain.

A true testament to SONUM’s evolution, “The Obscure Light Awaits” presents a sonic journey defined by dark, otherworldly textures and relentless energy. The band’s ability to merge atmospheric depth with crushing riffs showcases their commitment to creating music that is both immersive and uncompromising. It’s an exploration of contrasts – between the abstract and the visceral, the chaotic and the structured.

Fans of progressive and atmospheric death metal will find “The Obscure Light Awaits” to be a landmark release that stands tall amidst this year’s most formidable works.

Stay tuned for more singles and further announcements as we approach the release date.

Tracklist:

01. Due To Inner Mess…
02. In This Void We Dwell
03. Famine
04. Trapped In The Labyrinth of Aberration
05. Ad Mortem (Iter Est)
06. Beyond The Gate…
07. The Obscure Light Awaits
08. Nobody Is Innocent
09. Messenger Of Cosmic Dread
10. Deliver Us (Final Trip)