Canada’s Deadwood Announces USA Tour Dates + New Horrifying Deathcore Video “Heretic”

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Returning from their recent Japan tour this past April, Montreal, Canada’s deathcore outfit Deadwood announces their next trek with four USA tour dates this coming July, which includes a performance during this year’s Inkcarceration Festival (dates listed below).

“We’re extremely excited about this opportunity! We are going to do the after-show of one of the biggest festivals in North America, Inkcarceration Fest, and spread the metal to our metalhead family to the south!”

Other Dates:
May 24 – Quebec City, QC – Quartier de Lune w/ Burning The Oppressor, Unpunished
June 14 – St-Calixte, QC – VodFest

USA Tour Dates:
July 16 – Albany, NY – Empire Underground
July 17 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Smiling Moose
July 18 – Mansfield, OH – Inkcarceration Festival (Campground Performance)
July 22 – Hampton Beach, NH – Wally’s

In additional news, Deadwood unveiled their most harrowing work to date with “Heretic”, the lead single from their upcoming EP “Rituals of A Dying Light” slated for release later this year. The accompanying video plunges viewers into a nightmarish realm that perfectly complements the band’s brutal, fast-paced sonic assault. The single’s release coincides with Deadwood‘s upcoming Japan tour (dates listed below) alongside Humanity’s Last Breath and DVRK, further cementing their place in the international extreme metal scene. The comment on the single and what the audience should expect:

“This is the first song we’ve written for the next EP and one of the ones we’re most proud of: it’s fast, heavy, and technical. We are a very intense show with a very percussive and tight guitar sound. We have a lot of samples between the songs to create a horror movie atmosphere. The fans go back home with a slap in the face. Heretic represents our darkest material yet.”

The Montreal-based collective, known for its mission to ‘Make Deathcore Angry Again,’ draws inspiration from centuries-old horror stories and myths. The track delivers the uncompromising heaviness and terrifying atmosphere that have become Deadwood‘s signature since its 2020 formation. The band’s unique blend of death metal and hardcore elements reaches new heights of intensity with this release, promising an unforgettable auditory experience for fans who crave pure brutality. They are recommended for fans of Whitechapel, Despised Icon, and Meshuggah.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Heretic” via Slam Worldwide:

UNMERCIFUL Launch Newest Single “Miracle in Fire”

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Devouring Darkness out May 23 on Willowtip Records

The third – and potentially most destructive – single off the new album from Topeka, KS-based brutal death metal horde UNMERCIFUL is now streaming.

“Miracle in Fire” is live now at Heavy Blog is Heavy. Check out the exclusive premiere for the song at this location.

Devouring Darkness marks a new era of relentless violence and sonic brutality! With ten tracks of scorching intensity and distorted vengeance, the album is filled with blistering blast beats, intricate kick drum patterns, and destructive riffing.

“Miracle in Fire” will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other streaming services on Friday, May 2. Additional selections from Devouring Darkness are now streaming on all major platforms.

Devouring Darkness is set for release on CD, digital, and vinyl formats on May 23 on Willowtip Records.

Pre-order the album at:

willowtip.com

unmerciful.bandcamp.com

Tracklist:

1. Miracle in Fire

2. Unnatural Ferocity

3. Malice Unbound

4. Devouring Darkness

5. Relentless Malevolence

6. Vomit you out (Origin cover)*

7. Infernal Conquering

8. The Reaping

9. Voracious Lunacy

10. Vengeance Transcending

UNMERCIFUL has announced the first of many live assaults in support of Devouring Darkness. The band will host an album release show on June 20 at Warehouse on Broadway in Kansas City, MO, alongside Torn The Fuck Apart, Garoted, and Hossferatu. Details and tickets are available here.

Devouring Darkness sees the return of longtime member Jeremy Turner to guitar and introduces Josh Riley as the band’s new vocalist, further intensifying the group’s punishing sound.

The album was engineered and produced by Clinton Appelhanz at Waveworks Studio, with mastering handled by the legendary Alan Douches (Cannibal Corpse, Hate Eternal, etc.). Artwork by Santiago Francisco Jaramillo.

UNMERCIFUL is seeking a bassist for live performances and/or a permanent position. Serious inquiries only. Contact the band for details.

Toronto Prog DEREV Shares New Live Video “Cyclone” and Kick Off Cross-Canada Tour Dates For Debut Album “Troubled Mind”

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Getting set to hit the road for their Western Canadian tour (dates listed below) in support release of their first full-length, “Troubled Mind”, Toronto prog rock Derev is sharing their latest live video performing their track “Cyclone”, which was filmed during a hometown album launch show at the Supermarket.

“The Troubled Mind’s release show at the Supermarket was one of the best experiences we’ve had on stage to date. That night was one of those nights when the stars were aligned and everything went as well as we could have hoped. From the energy of the crowd to the impeccable sound and lighting on stage. We wanted to release a video of that night to give people a glimpse of what they can expect coming to see us live. We can’t wait to kick off the tour and bring the whole “Troubled Mind” live experience to our fans out west and all across Canada,” adds the band.

Watch and listen to Derev performing “Cyclone” at Supermarket in Toronto at:

Derev‘s new album “Troubled Mind” is the follow-up to their 2021 debut EP “Leap of Faith,” and takes a deep dive into the intricacies of the human psyche, addressing a spectrum of mental health issues with each track, ranging from temporary mental instability to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia, cognitive immobility (a fixation on the past), and depression stemming from loss.

Offering a diverse range of sounds from mellow, calm tracks to adrenaline-pumping heavy headbangers while maintaining their distinctive progressive rock sound, enriched with Middle Eastern influences. Incorporating more prominent keyboard parts, experimenting with various time signatures, and introducing new instruments such as the Cajon, Darbuka, and electronic elements. This evolution showcases the band’s innovative spirit and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

The band adds:

“This album is very personal and introspective. It’s full of memorable songs and parts to listen to and digest, both from a musical and lyrical perspective. Every song tackles a different state of mind and takes the listener into their thoughts of a mental state that they can relate to. As this one marks our second official release, we think the fans will be excited about hearing what Derev still has to offer. They’re in for a crazy ride full of energetic ups and heartbreaking downs.”

Derev was conceived after founding member and drummer Michel Karakach, after fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.

Derev‘s dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev‘s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity.

Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons, who has replaced previous singer Adel Saflou, whose recorded vocals are featured on “Troubled Mind”.

DEREV – Troubled Mind – Western Canada Tour
May 2 – Sudbury, ON – The Townhouse w/ Jeidei, Codos
May 3 – Marathon, ON – Biloxys Wings and Things
May 4 – TBA (North Western Ontario)
May 6 – TBA (Manitoba)
May 8 – Regina, SK – Revival Music Room w/ Fame Fatale, 66 Aces
May 9 – Saskatoon, SK – Amigos Cantina w/ Out Of Frequency, 66 Aces
May 10 – Edmonton, AB – Rendezvous Pub w/ Darkened Skies, Silent Script, Misplaced Intentions
May 12 – Grand Forks, BC – 4th St. Studio w/ guests
May 13 – Kamloops, BC – The Blue Grotto w/ Augur, Gregarious
May 14 – Vancouver, BC – The Roxy Cabaret w/ guests
May 16 – Vernon, BC – Longhorn Pub w/ None The Wiser, Scared Soul Empire
May 17 – Cranbrook, BC – The York Public House w/ Phaeton
May 18 – Calgary, AB – Verns w/ Humans As Totems, The Future Relics, Rocky Mountain Maniacs, 13 Strikes
May 20 – Winnipeg, MB – Sidestage w/ Valley Narrow, Sunbreather
May 22 – Thunder Bay, ON – Black Pirates Pub w/ Cycle Of Disobedience, Along The Lines, The Fixer
May 23 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Soo Blaster w/ guests
May 24 – Timmins, ON – Victory Tavern w/ guests

ART OF ATTRITION Kick-Off “The Subservient Bloodletting Tour” w/ Beguiler + New Single “Subserviate & Decay”

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Red Deer, AB extreme metal outfit Art of Attrition are hitting the road across Canada, east to the west this May for “The Subservient Bloodletting Tour” along with 2024 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions, Toronto, ON’s Beguiler (dates listed below – info). This cross-country trek marks a new chapter for both bands as they expand their reach, unleashing their most punishing sets and new songs to unveil. Enter the mosh pit for these two bands’ audio assaults of some good ol’ extreme sonic carnage!

Art of Attrition recently unleashed their latest single, “Subserviate & Decay”. The track showcases the band’s signature blend of relentless brutality and melodic complexity while pushing into bold new territory.

“Subserviate & Decay” delivers the classical Art of Attrition sound that fans have come to expect – a devastating combination of 8-string guitars, gravity blast beats, and guttural vocals – before taking an unexpected turn after the bridge breakdown. The band expands:

“It is modern primitive. It embodies all you love about Art of Attrition and then slaps you in the face with a caveman club. We loved writing this song, recording the parts, and developing its uniqueness in our catalog. It serves as a visceral reminder of the necessity of internal self-love and confidence.”

Since their formation in 2019, Art of Attrition has carved out their niche in the extreme metal landscape; their 2023 debut album “The Void Eternal” and 2024’s “…And It Will All End Forever” established them as a force in the technical deathcore scene. The single represents a conscious step outside the band’s comfort zone, incorporating elements from other genres they love. It is especially recommended for fans of Lorna Shore, Aversions Crown, and Kublai Khan.

Watch and listen to the video for “Subserviate & Decay” via TheCirclepit:

The Subservient Bloodletting Tour w/ Art of Attrition, Beguiler
May 2 – La Source de la Martinière – Quebec City, QC
May 3 – Piranha Bar – Montréal, QC
May 4 – Taverne Royale – Trois Rivières, QC
May 7 – The Union – Kitchener, ON
May 8 – Queens Nightclub – Barrie, ON
May 9 – Dominion House – Windsor, ON
May 10 – Sneaky Dee’s – Toronto, ON
May 11 – Dominion Tavern – Ottawa, ON
May 14 – SideStage – Winnipeg, MB
May 15 – Black Cat Tavern – Saskatoon, SK
May 16 – The Vat – Red Deer, AB
May 17 – Dickens – Calgary, AB
May 23 – Starlite Temple – Edmonton, ABMay 24 – The Cobalt – Vancouver, BC

Prog/Power Metallers, EchoSoul, Releasing Sophomore album, Time of the Dragon, on May 15!

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Fort Wayne (IN) – U.S. Progressive/Power Metal band, EchoSoul, are set to release their much anticipated sophomore album, Time of the Dragon, on May 15 through No Dust Records.

Three singles from the forthcoming album have been released: “Die Demon Die,” “Hollowed Ground,” “Sister Suicide,” and “The Path of the Righteous.”

All four singles can be streamed at:

open.spotify.com/artist/5W3aUIqgkPOyk9JJdSymBS

Lyric videos for “Sister Suicide” “Die Demon Die” “Hallowed Ground,” and “The Path of the Righteous” are also available.

The Time of the Dragon Bandcamp album listening party is scheduled for May 13 at 7:00pm CST. RSVP at the following link:

echosoulmusic.bandcamp.com/merch/time-of-the-dragon-listening-party

EchoSoul songs take the listener on a ride through solid chugging and fast and alternate picking, mixed with plenty of scale runs, harmonies and complex type riffing that draw you in. Lots of solos to leave you complete. Every song at its core has a melodic or catchy chorus and some memorable take aways leaving you singing it later in the day.

Whether you’re a Power Metal fan or into Thrash, there is something for everyone. A perfect fusion of Power and Prog Metal! On Time of the Dragon, look for some of what you came to love on the first album, along with Rob back on Vox and Guy’s guitars, in filling in, Randy Walton and Tyler Witte. Some guests include Andy LaRoque (Kings Diamond) and Joseph Michael (Sanctuary, Witherfall)

Guitarist/founder, Guy Hinton, offers his thoughts on the upcoming album:

“On our sophomore album, we dug into the writing process a little deeper. We have goneheavier and yet even more melodic. There was some more collaboration, and we had one of the best guitarists in metal on ‘Hollowed Ground,’ Andy LaRocque (King Diamond). Some of the album lyrically is a story and concept about the end of days, the rise and fall of the dragon, and its sway on the world. A variety of topics about real tragedy, the battle of suicide, some about political intrigue, conspiracy, and anthems that hit hard. There was a little pressure with following up the debut album T he End Of Darkness, which manged to make the Top 10 in Germany and got a ton of good press internationally. Originally scheduled to come out a year ago, the war in Ukraine made it difficult for final production to be done by our friend who lives in the center of the conflict.”

Track Listing:

1. Prologue

2. Time Of The Dragon

3. Path Of The Righteous

4. Sister Suicide

5. Instruments Of Chaos

6. Hollowed Ground

7. Invisible Empire

8. Split (Instrumental)

9. Die Demon Die

10. A New Conspiracy

THE HAUNTED launch new single/video “In Fire Reborn”

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Off upcoming album “Songs of Last Resort”

Swedish deadly Thrash Metal pioneers and purveyors THE HAUNTED continue to promote their upcoming, 10th studio album entitled “Songs of Last Resort”, to be released worldwide on May 30th, 2025 via longtime partners Century Media Records.

Today, a new relentless single is being released with the track “In Fire Reborn”, which you can also check out in a video clip directed by Patric Ullaeus / www.rEvolver.se (In Flames, Arch Enemy, Dimmu Borgir, etc.) here:

THE HAUNTED vocalist Marco Aro comments about “In Fire Reborn” as follows: “This is the second single off the album “Songs of Last Resort”. The song is called “In Fire Reborn” and it’s a more classic THE HAUNTED sounding song with the aggression turned up to 11…just in case you missed the memo on our previous single!”.

THE HAUNTED guitarist Jensen added: “A classic THE HAUNTED 6/8 beat song. I wrote the start, verses and ending of the song, but it wasn’t until Jonas wrote the chorus when “In Fire Reborn” really bloomed out. I believe this could also easily become a fan favorite, just like it has become one of the band’s favorite songs on the album. The lyrics are, just like with ‘Warhead’, also along the topic of war, but this time from a soldier’s perspective…”.

With music recorded by Oscar Nilsson at Studio Bohus, main vocals recorded by Björn Strid at The Cellar Studio, “Songs of Last Resort” was then mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (Kreator, Arch Enemy, Sepultura, etc). Artwork was once again provided by longtime visual collaborator Andreas “Diaz” Pettersson and here is the complete standard track-listing of the upcoming album:

THE HAUNTED – “Songs of Last Resort” (40:33):

1. Warhead (03:39)
2. In Fire Reborn (03:18)
3. Death to the Crown (02:56)
4. To Bleed Out (04:29)
5. Unbound (03:34)
6. Hell is Wasted on the Dead (02:53)
7. Through the Fire (03:01)
8. Collateral Carnage (04:03)
9. Blood Clots (01:30)
10. Salvation Recalled (03:26)
11. Labyrinth of Lies (03:30)
12. Letters of Last Resort (04:06)

Canadian Progressive Death SYMBIOTIC GROWTH Partners w/ Bolverk Records For CD Release of New Album “Beyond The Sleepless Aether”

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Unleashing their sophomore album “Beyond The Sleepless Aether” this past March, Canadian progressive blackened death unit Symbiotic Growth announces they have partnered with Bolverk Records for the physical release of the record on May 9th, 2025.

The band comments:

“We’re proud to team up with Bolverk Records for a limited CD release of our new album. In an age of digital saturation, there’s something powerful about holding music in your hands — something tangible, raw, and real. Bolverk shares our DIY ethos, making them the perfect partner for this release. We’re stoked to bring this record to life in physical form for those who still value the ritual of pressing play.”

CD Promo Video – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/h1GV6yi5Dso

CD Pre-Order – https://www.bolverkcollective.com/symbioticgrowth

Similar to the band’s predecessor, their 2020 self-titled full-length, “Beyond The Sleepless Aether,” is once again based in fiction and is lyrically conceptual, but dives more into thoughts and emotions of everyday life, and sometimes those thoughts are hard to deal with.

“I feel like this time around, the sound is a bit darker and experimental, with more synth-heavy sounds and a melancholy atmosphere. The lyrics were very loosely inspired by a dream I (Aaron) had about the multiverse theory intertwined with some of my challenges of dealing with a sense of being and why we are all here,” says Aaron Barriault (Vocals, Guitar, Bass).

Progressive, experimental, foreboding, and emotional, every song has its own identity and place within the album’s story, taking its protagonist through the multiverse, placing him in places like dark wooded forests, wide open desert landscapes, and the unending cosmos.

The full-length listening experience tackles strong topics of loneliness, a sense of being, self-hatred, and suicide. Some of these are blatant and easy to see, and others are subtle throughout the album, lyrically and musically.

“I think the fans who have heard our previous album may be a bit surprised; the sound of this album is a bit different; it’s a little bit more experimental in its way. Either way, we hope that fans enjoy what we’ve created. I feel like the listener may have feelings of uneasiness and wonder. An odd combination, but I feel like it’s fitting.

Mixed and mastered by Tom Maclean (Twelve Tone Studio, Haken, Athemon, Brutta), “Beyond The Sleepless Aether” features seven paryalzing sounds of technical metal created by the Sudbury, ON recording line up of Aaron Barriault (Vocals, Guitar, Bass), Devin McQueen (Vocals, Guitar), and Dan Favot (Drums)(ex-Wolven Ancestry, ex-Fractal Generator). The artwork was created by Erskine Designs and shows an entity standing at the foot of what the band likes to think of as Azathoth.

“The album doesn’t touch on any Lovecraftian mythos (maybe a bit in The Sleepless Void), but the lore behind Azathoth, that we are all in his dream and once he wakes, everything will cease to be, is very fitting to the album lyrically,” adds Barriault.

Recommended for fans of Ne Oblivisacaris, Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Cor Scorpii, and Gojira, “Beyond The Sleepless Aether” is available at the following links:

Australia’s rising modern metal stars GHOSTSEEKER release new studio album “Divergence”, out now on ROAR!

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

Emerging from the competitive Australian heavy music scene, GhostSeeker took the metal world by storm with their infectious debut EP, “Initium Novum”, which amassed almost a million streams across major platforms since its release in 2022. After numerous frenetically-acclaimed shows across Australia, the band quickly built a strong local fanbase, now they are ready to conquer the world with the release of their much-awaited debut album “Divergence”, that is out now on ROAR!

Available as CD, Vinyl and digital formats, visit https://ghostseeker.rpm.link/divergencePR to order your favorite choice of format.

“GhostSeeker bring a breath of fresh air to the genre,” attests Rock Hard Magazine Germany, while the press colleagues from Rock Hard in Italy confirm, GhostSeeker sound “fresh and dynamic. We’ll hear more from them!”Powermetal.de writes “Ten excellent songs with powerful singalongs”, yet, Devolution Magazine in the UK is convinced “This is an amazing – no – astonishing – debut album!”

Originally formed by ex-LETTERS TO AMARA guitarist Tim Campey, vocalist Celeste Bojczuk and guitarist Cory Walkeden, GhostSeeker completed the line-up adding singer Daniel Breen (ex-STORM THE SKY) and Daniel Gay (ex-ANYONE ANYONE). Fans will be encapsulated by the unique aesthetic and soaring vocals provided by Celeste Bojczuk married together with the harsh yet melodic flow offered by Daniel Breen. The band’s sound greets a contrast that’s sure to command attention. Guitarists, Cory Walkeden and Tim Campey, effortlessly feed off one another creating a feeling and atmosphere which resonates with all listeners alike, whilst rhythm and bass provide perfectly complements and leads what GhostSeeker are, and who are destined to become one of heavy music’s hottest bands!

Order “Divergence” now on https://ghostseeker.rpm.link/divergencePR

TRACKLISTING:
01 – Internment
02 – The Looking Glass
03 – Wake Up (Imposter)
04 – Metempsychoses
05 – Cursed Till The End
06 – Glow In Decay
07 – Dissension
08 – A Reverie In Atonement
09 – Beta War
10 – The Prototype

THE DEAD DAISIES Drop “Boom Boom”

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

The Dead Daisies are turning up the heat with the release of their latest single, “Boom Boom”—a gritty, hard-hitting take on the John Lee Hooker classic. Out today via SPV GmbH Germany, the track is the latest single off the band‘s upcoming blues album Lookin‘ For Trouble, arriving May 30th. Steeped in the raw energy and rebellious spirit that shaped rock ’n‘ roll, the album finds the band reimagining blues standards with the same firepower that has fueled their decade-long run.

“Boom Boom” channels the swagger and soul of Hooker‘s original, inspired by his time at Detroit‘s Apex Bar, where the bartender Willa would famously scold him, “Boom boom, you late again!” The phrase sparked one of his biggest crossover hits, and now The Dead Daisies bring that same playful edge and infectious rhythm to their high-octane version. “He thought it was a great title and wrote the song,” says frontman John Corabi. “He recorded it with the legendary Motown session band The Funk Brothers, and we couldn‘t pass up the opportunity to put our spin on it!!!” The result is a riff-heavy, blues-drenched anthem that pays tribute while making it unmistakably their own.

Watch “Boom Boom” HERE

From the moment they stepped into FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the band—John Corabi, David Lowy, Doug Aldrich, Michael Devin, and Sarah Tomek, — felt the weight of history around them. The iconic space, where legends like Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Etta James once recorded, inspired a late-night jam session that quickly became something much bigger. Producer Marti Frederiksen pressed record, and what started as impromptu fun turned into a full-fledged album—one that captures the blues in its purest, most electrifying form.

Across ten powerhouse tracks, Lookin‘ For Trouble breathes new life into legendary songs, with The Dead Daisies putting their own stamp on each one. The band‘s high-voltage take on Robert Johnson‘s “Crossroads”—the song that gave rise to blues mythology—kicked off the album rollout with a scorching tribute to the Delta blues legend.

“’Crossroads‘ by Delta bluesman Robert Johnson has created a myth so large that it‘s been etched into the very foundation of rock ’n‘ roll lore,” says bassist Michael Devin. “Many bands have covered ’Crossroads‘ over the years, now we‘ve covered it in our own way.”

The band‘s rendition has already been met with praise, with Raised by Cassettes calling it “a high-energy, soul-drenched performance that bridges past and present.” The track is also receiving airplay on radio stations across Germany, the UK, and Australia.

Elsewhere on the album, the band tears through classics like “Going Down” (Freddie King) and “Black Betty” (Lead Belly), putting their own hard-hitting spin on these blues staples. The setlist also includes smoldering renditions of “Born Under A Bad Sign” (Albert King), “Sweet Home Chicago” (Robert Johnson), and “The Thrill Is Gone” (B.B. King), each one injected with The Dead Daisies‘ signature grit and intensity.

At its core, Lookin‘ For Trouble is a testament to the enduring power of the blues. The band approached the album with a deep respect for the genre‘s origins, recording the songs live to capture the spontaneity and emotion that make blues so timeless.

“This album is our love letter to the blues,” says John Corabi. “When I first heard blues, it was through bands like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. The deeper I researched my heroes, the deeper I got into the history of this music. The blues is the soul of rock ’n‘ roll—it‘s in everything we do.”

Guitarist Doug Aldrich adds, “We cut these songs live, in the same room where so many legends recorded. It was all about feel—capturing the rawness and authenticity that makes blues so powerful.”

Lookin‘ For Trouble by The Dead Daisies
1. I‘m Ready (Muddy Waters)
2. Going Down (Freddie King)
3. Boom Boom (John Lee Hooker)
4. Black Betty (Lead Belly)
5. The Thrill Is Gone (B.B. King)
6. Born Under A Bad Sign (Albert King)
7. Crossroads (Robert Johnson)
8. Sweet Home Chicago (Robert Johnson)
9. Walking the Dog (Rufus Thomas)
10. Little Red Rooster (Howlin‘ Wolf)

SACRED STEEL – premieres “Leather, Spikes and Chains” music video from brand new studio album “Ritual Supremacy”, out today on ROAR!

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Metal Planet Media

“Ritual Supremacy” won’t disappoint any fan of the Swabian steel manufacturer. In my humble opinion, this record is even among the best Gerrit, Matze & Co. have ever released!”

9/10 – ROCK HARD (GER)

“Their most diverse album yet!”
4,7/5 – KNAC.COM (US)

“The Wargods of Metal are back – and they haven’t forgotten anything!”
8,5/10 – POWERMETAL.DE

“Undoubtedly Sacred Steel’s most varied Album!”
9/10 – ROCK HARD (IT)

“‘Ritual Supremacy’ is a great album without weak moments. This is how real heavy metal should sound without compromise!”
8/10 – ROCK TRIBUNE (BE)
For more than 25 years, SACRED STEEL have been offering metalheads worldwide a killer, trend-free alternative to bloated trigger drums, cheesy keyboards and boring cliché sounds that are hyped year after year as “the next big thing in metal”. SACRED STEEL have always remained true to themselves, constantly reinventing their traditional style and releasing some highly acclaimed classics, such as their legendary debut “Reborn In Steel” (1997 as the first German band ever signed to Metal Blade Records), the follow-up “Wargods Of Metal”, or their ground-breaking album: “Slaughter Prophecy”.

Today, the iconic heavy metal force is celebrating the release of their brand new, 10th studio album, entitled “Ritual Supremacy”, at a much-awaited live appearance at Keep It True Festival! Get ready for a new chapter of SACRED STEEL, who are a trademark in our scene: All METAL with attitude, never everybody’s darling – and damn proud of it!

Aptly in style, a new music video for the heavy-as-hell rager and latest album single, “Leather, Spikes and Chains”, is now premiering HERE

“This is our tribute to songs like “In Union We Stand” (Overkill) or Metal Church ́s s/t anthem from their debut album, with a fast guitar over a stubborn but easy-going beat”, says the band about “Leather, Spikes and Chains“. “The lyrics deal with a metal biker gang in the style of Mad Max (the movie) or Carnivore ́s post-world-war III (and IV) -scenario. If we would not be a metal band but a biker gang, this would be our club hymn. As so often and as usual, some critics have already slapped us in the face because of the song title – “too clichéd, created with the Manowar text generator” and so on. Anyone who has read and understood the lyrics knows that this is nonsense. And anyone who knows us is well aware that we don’t give a shit anyway. We only do this for ourselves and for the people who are into this stuff. And that’s why we’ve packed a lot of fan footage from all over the world into the video. This is basically our photo collage in video format and our thank you to all supporters to celebrate the release of the album. Have fun!“

SACRED STEEL‘s entirely anthemic, new album marks the first to feature new members Toni Ieva (bass) and Jörn Langenfeld (guitar), who joined the band in 2023. “Ritual Supremacy” is out today on ROAR, and available on CD, Vinyl as well as Digital formats at https://sacredsteel.rpm.link/ritualbumPR

“Ritual Supremacy” track listing:
01 – Ritual Supremacy
02 – Leather, Spikes & Chains
03 – The Watcher Infernal
04 – A Shadow In The Bell Tower
05 – Entombed Within The Iron Walls Of Dis
06 – Bedlam Eternal
07 – Demon Witch Possession
08 – Covenant Of Grace
09 – Omen Rider
10 – Let The Blackness Come To Me