German alternative metal icons Emil Bulls have released their brand-new single 'My Favorite Waste Of Time'. Packed with infectious energy and soaring melodies, the track showcases the band’s signature blend of heaviness and emotion, offering fans a taste of their evolving sound.

Check out the video for ‘My Favorite Waste Of Time’ here: https://youtu.be/rpwwhQxXSOU

Stream here: https://arisingempire.com/myfavoritewasteoftime

With this release, Emil Bulls continue to solidify their place as a powerhouse in the alternative metal scene.

blacktoothed released their new single 'Antidote', an atmospheric, melancholic track that captures the calm and the ensuing emotional storm both musically and visually in the accompanying music video. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/3XtS_uO4NFw

Stream here: https://arisingempire.com/headway

"It would be too nice if there was simply an antidote for low moods. I think we've all wished for that at some point," comments guitarist and songwriter Matti. 

With their unmistakable blend of melancholy depth and rousing sound, the band deliver another impressive foretaste of their upcoming album Headway, which will be released on 24th January, 2025.

Mavis are back with a powerhouse of a single, 'DNA', redefining heavy and diving headfirst into raw, uncharted territory for the German metalcore ambassadors. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/2GFTm64GQU0

Stream here: https://arisingempire.com/dna

Following last year’s debut album, Grief is no Ally, 'DNA' kicks off a bold new era for the band—one marked by relentless growth, packed shows across Europe, and standout performances at top festivals like Summer Breeze Open Air. 

This new release taps into the band’s evolving style and success as they continue to make waves in the metal scene, capturing a darker, more profound essence that reflects their journey and transformation.
 
Catch them live:
29.11.2024 Stuttgart, GER Schwarzer Keiler
30.01.2025 Frankfurt a.M., GER Ponyhof
31.01.2025 Hannover, GER Mephisto
07.02.2025 Berlin, GER Slaughterhouse
20.03.2025 Düsseldorf, GER Pitcher
11.04.2025 Winterthur, CH Gaswerk
20.-22.06.2025 Waiblingen, GER Silence Can Wait Open Air

Photo Credit: Mika Toivanen

Renowned Finnish vocalist, bassist, and songwriter Marko Hietala has unveiled details of his forthcoming solo album, Roses From The Deep, set to be released on 7th February, 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Pre-order the record here: https://markohietala.bfan.link/roses-from-the-deep

The news is marked with another single release, 'Impatient Zero', which arrives with a visually stunning music video.

Check out the video for 'Impatient Zero' here: https://youtu.be/dhFug-rrSjc

Listen to 'Impatient Zero': https://markohietala.bfan.link/impatient-zero

Marko Hietala comments about 'Impatient Zero': "It´s about a battle for being under a continuous assault of inner monsters. And the awful truth, that in this reality, people get to see those monsters, too, instead of the real face."

This marks Hietala’s first major project since his critically acclaimed Pyre of the Black Heart captivated fans worldwide in 2020.

Roses From The Deep promises to deliver a unique blend of dark, introspective lyricism and soaring, cinematic soundscapes. Drawing inspiration from myth, nature, and the human experience, Hietala has crafted an album that transcends genres, with elements of progressive rock, folk, and symphonic metal seamlessly intertwined.

Roses From The Deep represents a journey into the hidden layers of our emotions and the beauty we often overlook in darker times. It’s an album about fragility, resilience, and finding light even in the depths of shadow.

Featuring a stomping, groovy beat and a grand, anthemic chorus, new single 'Impatient Zero' is set to captivate listeners and perfectly set the tone for the rest of Roses From The Deep.

'Impatient Zero' follows the huge success of the album’s first two singles. 'Left On Mars', a haunting duet with Tarja Turunen, quickly became a fan favourite, showcasing the vocal chemistry between the two icons. The second single, 'Frankenstein’s Wife', with its dark storytelling and intricate composition, further heightened anticipation for Marko Hietala’s upcoming release. Together, these tracks have cemented Roses From The Deep as one of the most eagerly awaited albums of 2025.

The album comes in following formats:
CD Jewelcase
2 LP gatefold, oxblood red

Line-Up:

Marko Hietala | Bass, Vocals

Tuomas Wäinölä | Guitar

Vili Ollila / Bob Engstrand | Keyboards

Anssi Nykänen | Drums

Follow Marko Hietala on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/markohietalaofficial
https://www.instagram.com/marko_hietala_official

Tracklisting:

01. Frankenstein's Wife
02. Left On Mars
03. Proud Whore
04. Two Soldiers
05. The Dragon Must Die
06. The Devil You Know
07. Rebel Of The North
08. Impatient Zero
09. Tammikuu
10. Roses From The Deep

Power metal pioneers DYNAZTY announce their new album Game of Faces. Two years after their last LP Final Advent, the Swedes enter a new chapter in their career, already introduced with pre-cursor release and single 'Devilry of Ecstasy' in August.

Today, DYNAZTY present their upcoming album Game of Faces which will be released on 14th February 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. For this special occasion, the band are not only releasing their second single, title track 'Game of Faces', but they have also unveiled the music video for the song.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/f1UnL4OOsNY

Stream the new single here: https://bfan.link/game-of-faces

Pre-order/pre-save Game of Faces here: https://bfan.link/game-of-faces-album

Singer Nils Molin comments: 
"We are extremely excited about finally starting the campaign that will lead to the release of Game of Faces. We’ve worked on this one for quite some time and I’m sure the results will show and speak for themselves. None the less, Game of Faces is one hell of a ride and one we’re damn proud of. Get on it now with the release of the title track as a single, one of the very first songs written for the album back in late 2022."

The new album Game of Faces contains eleven brand new tracks and will be available in the following formats: CD jewel, vinyl, and digital. 

About DYNAZTY:

Following the release of their much-acclaimed latest offering Final Advent, Sweden's melodic metal aces DYNAZTY are returning with a new album Game of Faces, to be released 14th February on Nuclear Blast Records. Formed in 2008, DYNAZTY have over the years evolved from their humble beginnings rooted in the Scandinavian hard rock scene into becoming a powerhouse and formidable force to be reckoned with, on the top shelf of the modern melodic metal scene. Career milestones include the 2020 chart-breaking album The Dark Delight, certified for gold status in the band;s home country Sweden and neighbours Finland - with single tracks 'Heartless Madness' reaching platinum status and 'The Human Paradox' featured in DC comics and HBO’s Peacemaker series. Tours in recent years together with bands like SABATON, POWERWOLF, BATTLE BEAST, PAIN and Kissin Dynamite has showcased and established the band on the European continent as one of the most prominent live acts of their generation.

Fast forward to August, 2024 where DYNAZTY concluded an extensive run of European summer festivals with releasing a new song, 'Devilry of Ecstasy' as a precursor and first taste of a yet unannounced new album. Now the next step is unveiled in full with the herald of Game of Faces, DYNAZTY’s jawbreaker of a new album. The album is doubling down on punch and ferocity together with the band’s trademark attention to songwriting and production detail. Produced by DYNAZTY themselves and mixed by Swedish pioneer Jens Bogren, Game of Faces takes you on a journey exploring the essence of the human mind and existence with lyrical themes such as self discovery, spiritual death, rebirth and re-invention in 'Die to Survive', 'Fire to Fight' and 'Fortune Favors the Brave'. While taking on the duality and deceptive nature of human kind in the eponymous title track, the album’s opener 'Call of The Night' and first single release 'Devilry of Ecstasy'.

DYNAZTY are:
Nils Molin | vocals
Love Magnusson | guitars, keyboards
Mikael Lavér | guitars
Jonathan Olsson | bass
Georg Härnsten Egg | drums

More info:
https://www.instagram.com/dynazty_official
https://www.facebook.com/dynaztyband
https://x.com/dynaztyband

Tracklisting:

1. Call of the Night
2. Game of Faces
3. Devilry of Ecstasy
4. Die to Survive
5. Fire to Fight
6. Dark Angel
7. Fortune Favors the Brave
8. Sole Survivor
9. Phoenix
10. Dream of Spring
11. Mystery

Photo Credit: Dominique D’ Costa

Great American Ghost have shared the arrival of 'Kerosene', the fourth single from the band’s upcoming album Tragedy Of The Commons, out 31st January on SharpTone Records. The track opens the record with a buzzsaw riff and pummelling industrial-style beat. Taking inspiration from bands like Nine Inch Nails and HEALTH as much as Slayer and Meshuggah, 'Kerosene' signals Great American Ghost’s ability to write killer songs that transcend genre.

Stream 'Kerosene' here: https://bfan.link/kerosene-3

The video for the track, directed and edited by Anthony Altamura, evokes a spine-chilling and anxious blend of horror, and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/pwuVTjc1md4

Vocalist Ethan Harrison comments on the song: “'Kerosene' is a song about absolute nihilism. If the world is truly hopeless, forlorn, irredeemable, then this is its anthem.”

Pre-order Tragedy Of The Commons here: https://bfan.link/tragedy-of-the-commons

Upholding an uncompromising vision with clear intention, Great American Ghost know exactly what they want to say about their community, the greater world around them, and humanity as a species. Tragedy Of The Commons offers a powerful statement on exploitation, oppression, and scarcity. On the Will Putney produced record, Great American Ghost transmit their message without filter, delivered through a combination of basement-born hardcore spirit, staggering metallic precision, polemic lyrical provocations, and unexpectedly arresting melodies.

Great American Ghost will join Bleed From Within and After The Burial on a European tour next autumn. UK dates as follows:

10/10 London, UK @ O2 Forum Kentish Town
10/11 Manchester UK @ O2 Ritz
10/12 Glasgow, UK @ Barrowlands

Great American Ghost are:

Ethan Harrison - vocals
Grayson Stewart - guitar
Anthony Laur - bass
Niko Gasparrini - guitar

For more information: 
https://www.instagram.com/greatamericanghost
https://x.com/GAGBOSTON
https://www.facebook.com/GreatAmericanGhost

Tragedy Of The Commons Tracklist:

1. Kerosene
2. Echoes of War
3. Lost In The Outline
4. Forsaken
5. Ghost In Flesh
6. Writhe
7. Genocide
8. Hymn of Decay
9. Chapel Paralysis
10. Reality//Relapse
11. God Is A Loaded Gun

Photo Credit: Lina Glasir

Modern progressive leaders JINJER have unveiled their new single / video 'Green Serpent', taken from their long-awaited fifth studio album, Duél, set to be released on 7th February, 2025 via Napalm Records.

Watch the video, directed by Vicente Cordero, here: https://youtu.be/637ER6dlGDg

Pre-order Duél here: https://lnk.to/Jinjer-Duel

After releasing their chart-topping studio album, Wallflowers, in 2021, which was hailed as “… one of the finest – and most important – metal releases of 2021” by KERRANG! (UK) as well as “a progressive masterpiece” by New Noise Magazine (US), the four-piece entered stages at Europe’s biggest festivals, such as Wacken, Download and Rock am Ring, just to name a few. With the announcement of their upcoming record Duél, JINJER justify their reputation and deliver an eleven-track offering loaded with technical grooves, heavy progressive passages and brutal vocals destined to drop jaws.  

While JINJER’s previous album, Wallflowers, was slightly more alluring and contained noticeably more clean vocals, Duél now takes on a much more aggressive tone. This is proven by songs like 'Rogue', 'Green Serpent' and 'Dark Bile', with their brutal and hefty breakdowns. Fans of super-talented vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk’s clear vocals also get their moments, as tracks such as the opener 'Tantrum' show the potential of the frontwoman’s outstanding vocal prowess. Duél presents itself way more cruelly – and JINJER are more vicious than ever before. 'Fast Draw' is a wild death metal beast with grooving drums from Vlad Ulasevich, Roman Ibramkhalilov’s one-of-a-kind riffs and Eugene Abdukhanov’s trademark bass wizardry – showing what this band does best: brilliant state-of the-art modern metal.
 
On Duél, JINJER continue their long-lasting collaboration with accomplished producer Max Morton, who co-produced, mixed and mastered the album. This new masterwork lives up to JINJER’s reputation as metal visionaries, once more showing that the band refuses to follow any set rules in their genre, but choose their own path of creativity.
 
Eugene Abdukhanov, JINJER bassist on the new album: “First of all, it‘s hard to believe that we’re about to release our fifth full length album! After all the releases we’ve made, finally having Duél in our hands and ready to be shared with the world, makes us very proud that our band still hasn’t run out of creativity and inspiration. The fact that we still challenge ourselves to release the best music we have ever made with each new release, is what keeps JINJER moving forward.

"This upcoming album was the longest songwriting process we’ve ever had and it took almost two years to complete. We worked very hard with every free minute we weren’t on tour, recording demos over and over again and always searching for the perfect sound for guitars, bass and drums. It was also the first time that Tatiana did vocal pre-productions, so it’s safe to say that none of our releases were so well thought out and calculated as this one. It pulverises the boundaries of the modern progressive metal genre but still remains sophisticated, exciting and extreme all at the same time. We took up the challenge to expand our musical horizons even wider than before in order to cement Duél to be the next step in JINJER‘s musical growth and hopefully the evolution of metal music in general.”

Over the past 15 years, JINJER have attained remarkable milestones, touring globally and captivating millions at prestigious festivals like Wacken Open Air and Download UK. They’ve headlined sold-out shows across Europe and North America, and have thrilled audiences in destinations like Dubai, Philippines, Türkiye, Japan and South Africa. As they continue their journey this year, JINJER is set to make a major impact on the music scene. Having previously shared stages with the likes of Arch Enemy and Cradle Of Filth, they are ready to kick off as support on Sepultura’s farewell tour in Europe, and conclude their tour with a headline run through Latin America.

JINJER LIVE 2024 / 2025
 
Latin America Tour 2024
+ special guests: HEAVEN SHALL BURN 

30.11.24 BR – Porto Alegre / Opiniao
01.12.24 BR – Curitiba / Tork and Roll
03.12.24 BR – Belo Horizonte / Mister Rock
05.12.24 BR – Brasilia / Toinha
07.12.24 BR – Rio De Janeiro / Circo Voador
08.12.24 BR - Sao Paulo / Terra SP
10.12.24 AR – Buenes Aires / Teatro Flores
12.12.24 CL – Santiago / Teatro Caupolican
14.12.24 CO – Bogota / Calle 13
15.12.24 CR – San Jose / Pepper's Club
18.12.24 MX – Guadalajara / C4 *
19.12.24 MX – San Luis Potosí / Centro de las Artes *
20.12.24 MX – Mexico City / Circo Volador * 
*no Heaven Shall Burn
 
Tourdates 2025:
19.-25.01.25 US – Miami, FL / Shiprocked
12.02.25 JP – Tokyo / ReNY Alpha
13.02.25 JP – Osaka / Meta Valley
14.02.25 JP – Aichi / ReNY Limited
16.02.25 TW – Taipei / Legacy
18.02.25 PH – Manila / SM Sky Dome
21.02.25 AU – Brisbane / Fortitude Music Hall
23.02.25 AU – Sydney / Hordern Pavilion **
25.02.25 AU – Melbourne / Festival Hall **
26.02.25 AU – Adelaide / Hindley St Music Hall **
28.02.25 AU – Perth / Metro Freo **
02.03.25 NZ – Wellington / San Frap
03.03.25 NZ – Auckland / Powerstation
** plus support: KITTIE
 
Festivals 2025
05.05.25 US - Columbus (OH) / Sonic Temple
16.05.25 US - Daytona (FL) / Welcome To Rockville
06.06.25 PL - Gdansk / Mytic Festival
07.06.25 DE - Nuerburg / Rock Am Ring
08.06.25 DE - Nuremberg / Rock Im Park
12.06.25 AT - Vienna / Nova Rock Festival
13.06.25 FI - Hyvinkaa / Rock Fest
14.06.25 CH - Interlaken / Freenfield Festival
15.06.25 UK - Donington / Download Festival
26.06.25 NL - Ysselstein / Jera On Air
28.06.25 NO - Oslo / Tons Of Rock
… to be continued …

JINJER are:

Tatiana Shmayluk - Vocals
Roman Ibramkhalilov - Guitars
Eugene Abdukhanov - Bass
Vlad Ulasevich - Drums

JINJER online:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
INSTAGRAM
HOMEPAGE
NAPALM RECORDS

Duél tracklisting:

1. Tantrum
2. Hedonist
3. Rogue
4. Tumbleweed
5. Green Serpent
6. Kafka
7. Dark Bile
8. Fast Draw
9. Someone's Daughter
10. A Tongue So Sly
11. Duél

Duél will be available in the following formats:

●      1LP Gatefold LIQUID BLOOD RED Vinyl incl 29x29cm artprint, certificate of authenticity – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive - SOLD OUT
●      1LP Gatefold CRISTALLO RED SPLATTER Vinyl – strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive - SOLD OUT
●      1LP Gatefold WHITE BLACK MARBLED Vinyl – strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold SOLID RED Vinyl – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold SOLID RED BLACK SPLATTER Vinyl – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Jinjer Shop exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold CARTRIDGE GREY Vinyl – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Jinjer Shop exclusive 
●      1LP Gatefold BLACK Vinyl
●      Music Cassette RED (White Print) – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1CD Jewel Case
●      Digital Album

[1LP Gatefold LIQUID BLOOD RED Vinyl incl 29x29cm artprint, certificate of authenticity – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive]

Photo Credit: James Williams

OVERSIZE have announced their stunning debut album Vital Signs, due 28th February 2025 via SharpTone.  

To commemorate the news, the group have today unveiled the title track, 'Vital Signs'.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/ymAPRt4eF-Y
Stream: https://bfan.link/vital-signs-1

Of the single, the band comment: "While 'Vital Signs' is technically the title track of the album, it was originally written as an album closer and from start to finish was written comfortably in under an hour. I think the simplicity of the song and the free-flowing structure combined with extra production elements - drum loops and super saturated and effect heavy guitars - give this song a unique feel within our catalogue of songs. Lyrically much like the rest of the album, the song revolves around a journey of grief and the acceptance of loss. We felt the lyric ‘Vital Signs’ was the perfect summary for the album as a whole."

On the album, the band continue: "It feels very surreal to finally be releasing our debut full-length. Pretty much since the start of the band we knew we wanted to be an ‘album band’. Even through we had released two EPs previously we’ve always had enough material written to make a full length, so we knew after the second EP it was time to make the jump. Recorded in under two weeks at The Ranch Production House, we closely collaborated with producer Lewis Johns to create something we’re really proud of.

"It was always our aim to write an album where each song has its own identity yet still works holistically as an album, we were really conscious of the album not sounding to ‘samey’ yet the same time not feeling like a playlist of random songs. We’re still so honoured that SharpTone shares our passion and vision for the record and can’t wait for people to finally hear it."

OVERSIZE have already turned the heads of many tastemakers in the UK scene, with rave reviews and rapt attention from Dan P Carter, Alyx Holcombe, and Jack Saunders at BBC R1. In their short time as a band OVERSIZE have already performed at Outbreak Festival, and supported Militarie Gun, Higher Power, Fiddlehead, Boston Manor, and many more.  

Although still very much in their infancy, the group - who formed in the South West of England - have already developed a fully-formed, personal sound. Elements of post-hardcore, alternative metal, shoegaze and emo combine to deliriously heady effect. While the band don’t shy away from their love of alternative 90’s music, and a love of HUM, Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones, and Pixies, OVERSIZE have very little interest in being sonically tied to the past. 

The bandmembers' shared experience of writing and playing live together has found them carving out their own space within the alternative scene, in just a handful of years. Exploring the vast range of dynamics within their music, songs drift between atmospheric textures to loud fuzzy riffs, magnifying and complimenting the personal and often venerable vocals.

OVERSIZE are: 

Sam Shutler - drums
Sam McCauley - vocals
George Lewis - bass
Tazz Edwards - guitar
Lewis Lennane-Emm - guitar

OVERSIZE online:
https://www.instagram.com/oversizeband
https://www.facebook.com/oversizeband
https://x.com/oversizebandxl

Vital Signs tracklisting:

1 Stalling
2 Are You With Me?
3 Fall Apart
4 Something Clean
5 Dare To Move
6 The Incline
7 From The Hell
8 SALT
9 Vacant
10 Vital Signs

Photo Credit: Jon Sudgen

Hassle Records are excited to announce the signing of London metallic hardcore powerhouse False Reality, and the release of the band's new EP Path to Self Destruct on vinyl. To celebrate the signing and EP release, the quartet are streaming an official visualiser for the single 'Pay The Reaper'. The announcement follows their sold-out London headline show at The Black Heart.

Watch the visualiser here: https://youtu.be/skBxOPguTZc

Stream / purchase the EP here: https://ffm.to/falsereality-posd

Ian 'Wez' Wesley of Hassle Records commented: "We like a riff at Hassle. Actually that’s wrong. We LOVE a riff at Hassle Records. So when we heard arch riff monger Dave Connolly plying his wares with False Reality, we were immediately taken in.

"Put that together with the fearsome vocals of Rachel Rigby, and backed by the ultra tight rhythm section of Joe Cornwall and Louis Dale, you have one awesome wall of sound."

False Reality comment on the signing: "We are beyond honoured to sign with Hassle Records, an independent label that has been home to so many of our favourite bands and is deeply committed to supporting artists. We can't wait to drop new music in 2025 with Hassle backing us on this journey."

On the EP, False Reality vocalist Rachel Rigby comments: "Path of Self Destruct has been a long time coming, but we are so happy to finally be able to share it with everyone and we are eternally grateful for the reaction it has had since it’s release. This EP feels like home to us. We have each got such a varied taste and a huge appreciation for so many genres within heavy music, so this has allowed us to create our own sound by pulling in all influences of what made us want to start a band to begin with. It delves into a wide range of emotions such as coping with the loss of a loved one, feeling unheard, and being underestimated. We’ve put our souls into this and it’s already inspired us to create whatever will come next."

Having recorded Path to Self Destruct with producer Steve Sears Jr (Gallows, TRC, Prowler, Conjurer) the band are set out to prove why they stand apart, delivering a release that is in equal parts blistering as it is poetically cathartic. The EP lyrically delves into the complexities of life, exploring themes of betrayal, societal values, and tragedy. The EP features previous single 'Opposites React', a groove driven, empowering track that features vocals from Jem of Aussie hardcore band Speed.

Comprised of individuals deeply rooted in the underground music scene, False Reality are a London-based hardcore band that formed in 2023. Renowned for their thrash infused, hardcore crossover sound and fiercely energetic performances they draw influences from bands such as Trapped Under Ice, Broken Teeth and Backtrack as well as early era Sepultura and even Deftones.

False Reality have carved out a distinct identity, leaving an imprint on audiences who have witnessed their performances. Having already shared the stage with the likes of Speed, Jesus Piece, Madball, Buried Alive and Static Dress, garnering support both locally and nationally, False Reality are solidifying their status as one of the most exciting acts in the UK heavy music scene.

False Reality are:
Rachel Rigby - vocals
Dave Connolly - guitar
Louis Dale - drums
Joe Cornwell - bass

False Reality online:
https://linktr.ee/falserealityukhc
https://www.instagram.com/falserealityhc