Photo Credit: Frances Carter

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

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

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-2GKj25lQE

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

Pre-order Te Rā here: https://lnk.to/AlienWeaponry-TeRa/napalmrecords

Alien Weaponry have solidified themselves as one of the greatest young metal bands of their generation with renewed musical tenacity and crucial messaging. 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.

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) and featuring a guest vocal appearance from longtime Alien Weaponry champion Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God, Te Rā’s gnashing blend of groove, nu, math and thrash metal shines with anthemic choruses and refreshed technical skill.

On Te Rā, listeners can hear the band doubling-down on the aggression in the verses before applying temperance, especially in the case of 'Taniwha', a death metal-leaning banger featuring the particularly raw guest vocal from Randy Blythe. Lyrically, there’s a noticeable tilt towards despondency, hopelessness, and frustration on Te Rā. While bassist Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds' lyrics in Māori on songs like 'Tama-nui-te-rā' and Ponaturi' draw from the themes of history, battle lore and mysticism that made the first two albums so rich, frontman/guitarist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong's English-language lyrics illustrate the impact when culture collides with disenfranchisement day to day.

'Crown' and 'Hanging by a Thread' take us into the headspace where struggle pushes people to the brink of desperation, while on 'Blackened Sky' and '1000 Friends', Lewis addresses universal woes like the looming threat of World War III and the damaging effects of social media. On album closer 'Te Kore', Tūranga dives into primordial nothingness at the root of the Māori origin story, while on 'Mau Moko', he finds the middle ground between these perspectives. 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.
 
Alien Weaponry are:                      
Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong - Drums, Backing vocals 
Lewis Raharuhi de Jong - Guitars, Lead vocals         
Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds - Backing vocals & guitar
 
Alien Weaponry online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM 
NAPALM RECORDS

Te Rā will be available in the following formats:      
- 1-LP Deluxe Gatefold Splatter Vinyl w/ 20'' Booklet, Patch, Slipmat - Napalm mail order only, limited to 300
- 1-LP Gatefold Marbled Vinyl - Napalm mail order only, limited to 300
- 1-LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
- 1-CD Digisleeve  
- Digital Album

Te Rā tracklisting:

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

Photo Credit: Pekka Keränen

Following up on their highly acclaimed self-titled debut album from 2024, modern metal supergroup Crownshift have unleashed a hard-hitting metal cover of Alannah Myles' smash hit 'Black Velvet' from 1989. The original, which is undoubtedly one of the biggest pop hits of the late 80s, has been given an exciting contemporary facelift by the Finns, who effortlessly updated the song with their signature sound and made it their own.

Stream Crownshift's 'Black Velvet' cover: https://crownshift.bfan.link/black-velvet

The band that's currently one of Finland's hottest new rock music exports have received a lot of praise for their debut album and their superb crossover of modern metal, melodic death metal and progressive metal has instantly excited fans and critics all over the globe. 

In just a week from now, Crownshift will embark on an extensive European tour with heavy metal legend Dirkschneider and All For Metal.

Purchase / revisit Crownshift's debut album: https://crownshift.bfan.link/cslp

Born as the long-time idea of four friends, Crownshift are a new high standing crossover metal act from Finland. The members, who come from the ranks of Finland’s finest metal exports, are thrilled to start a new journey together and spread their authentic sonic print across the globe.

Seamlessly covering a diversity of styles, the quartet has a unique signature to their modern sound. Hypnotising melodies paired with ripping riffs, from moody mid-tempo songs to fierce prog-death-metal opuses, Crownshift were born to be master of all trades.

Their highly acclaimed self-titled debut album consists of eight contemporary melodic death metal anthems, with a progressive edge and captivating choruses for the ages. Crownshift's members are or have been involved in some of Finland's most renowned and universally beloved metal bands, including Nightwish, Children Of Bodom, Wintersun, myGRAIN, and it shows. On their first album Crownshift have managed to combine their collective experiences and have crafted a modern metal masterpiece that sounds distinctively Finnish, and offers stellar songwriting and excellent production. 

Crownshift are:

Tommy Tuovinen: Vocals 
Daniel Freyberg: Guitar, Backing Vocals 
Jukka Koskinen: Bass 
Heikki Saari: Drums 

Crownshift online:

https://linktr.ee/crownshiftofficial 
https://www.facebook.com/crownshiftofficial
https://www.instagram.com/crownshiftofficial
https://www.tiktok.com/@crownshiftofficial 
YouTube

Tracklisting:

01. Stellar Halo 
02. Rule The Show    
03. A World Beyond Reach 
04. If You Dare
05. My Prison
06. The Devil's Drug
07. Mirage
08. To The Other Side

Photo Credit: Anabel DFlux

After returning in 2022 with his widely-acclaimed full-length album Horrifier (#8 US Top New Artist Albums), as well as several major tours supporting his solo work and celebrated Murderdolls reunion shows, world-renowned fearsome frontman WEDNESDAY 13 is back with another slew of harbingers of horror to slay the masses. His new full-length album, Mid Death Crisis, is set to drop on 25th April, 2025 via Napalm Records.

Pre-order: https://lnk.to/Wednesday13-MidDeathCrisis/napalmrecords

WEDNESDAY 13 has unveiled the album's first single, the ultra-catchy 'When The Devil Commands', and its equally raucous, blasphemous new music video. The track stuns with an unforgettable hook, charging arena rock-laden drum production and chugging guitars.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/_K3VNoGwFY8

The Duke of Spook himself dubs the album as a fun, campy, “leave-your-brain-at-the-door” rager and a true return to his hard-rocking roots. Produced by guitarist Alex Kane (Life, Sex & Death, Enuff Z'Nuff, Antiproduct) and mixed by Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Prong, DevilDriver) the album oozes infectious 80s sleaze metal energy, further accented by a blitzing guest vocal from Faster Pussycat’s Taime Downe.

WEDNESDAY 13 comments: 
"Growing up in the 80s, I remember the satanic panic of heavy metal music and parents' concern over what their kids were listening to. My mother was constantly checking my cassettes and making sure I wasn’t possessed by the devil. Most of the music that I listened to never had any of those themes, but they were just accused of it. So when writing the lyrics to this song, I wrote what I thought would terrify my mother if she had stumbled upon this music. I wanted the lyrics to be upfront and leave no question as to what they were about… the Devil. This song is done in a fun spirit, and we don’t plan on burning any churches in the future."

Catch WEDNESDAY 13 on tour this summer:

24.07.25 UK - Buckley / Tivoli
25.07.25 UK - EBBW Vale / Steelhouse Festival
26.07.25 UK - Birmingham / Asylum
27.07.25 UK - Preston / The Blitz
29.07.25 UK - Sheffiled / Corporation
30.07.25 UK - Brighton / Chalk
03.08.25 CZ - Prague / Rock Cafe
05.08.25 AT - Vienna / Simm City *
06.08.25 AT - Salzburg / Rockhouse
07.08.25 DE - Saarbrücken / The Garage *
08.08.25 BE - Kortrijk / Alcatraz Festival
09.08.25 NL - Utrecht / De Helling
* w/ Static X

Eerie introductory track 'There's No Such Thing As Monsters' vibrates with electricity before industrial-tinged 'Decease and Desist' kicks in full blast. WEDNESDAY 13’s trademark crooning wastes no time entering the fold as he careens through the high-octane horror anthem, before tracks like 'Rotting Away' and 'Blood Storm' ensnare with metallic goth-punk energy that will have crowds moving wall to wall.

Featuring Faster Pussycat’s Taime Downe on guest vocals, standout heavy rocker 'No Apologies' is a fast-romping exorcism of toxic demons, while the triumphant mini-murder ballad 'Decapitation' riles up listeners with a catchy lead riff before making a hard left into a theatrical bridge straight out of a sinister 60s sock hop. Ragers like 'In Misery', 'Xanaxtasy' and 'Sick and Violent' explore various genres of metal, injecting the album with elements of gripping heaviness for any listener, while downtempo stunners 'I Hurt You' and 'My Funeral' approach a more pensive territory. 

Although its title, Mid Death Crisis, may suggest otherwise, the Duke of Spook shows zero signs of stopping on this refreshingly powerful and multi-faceted entry into the WEDNESDAY 13 hall of horrific history!
 

WEDNESDAY 13 is:

Wednesday 13 - Lead Vocals / Guitar
Jack Tankersley - Guitar
Troy Doebbler - Bass
Mike Dupke - Drums
Ashes - Lead Guitar
 

WEDNESDAY 13 online:

FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
X
NAPALM RECORDS

Mid Death Crisis tracklist:

1. There's No Such Thing As Monsters   
2. Decease and Desist   
3. When the Devil Commands   
4. Rotting Away   
5. No Apologies (feat. Taime Downe)
6. Decapitation   
7. In Misery   
8. Blood Storm   
9. Xanaxtasy   
10. I Hurt You   
11. My Funeral   
12. Sick and Violent   

Mid Death Crisis will be available in the following formats:          
- 1CD Digisleeve    
- 1LP Gatefold BLACK    
- 1LP Gatefold RED/BLACK CROSS w/ 12" booklet (24pp), slipmat, record butler, 2 beer coasters, 2 postcards and 2 stickers - Napalm mail order only, limited to 500
-Digital Album

Photo Credit: Terhi Ylimainen

Finland’s Battle Beast have announced a massive 35-show UK and Europe tour - the first leg of their upcoming world tour.

Kicking off with a bang on 17th October with their biggest German headline show to date at Hamburg’s Inselpark Arena, the tour will keep the band on the road until mid-December.

To complete the bill with melodic metal superiority, the band are thrilled to welcome Germany’s metal sensation Dominum as their special guest, and Sweden’s rising power metal force Majestica as their opening act.

Tickets for the tour go on sale on Wednesday, 19th February at www.battlebeast.fi/tour.

Dates:

17-Oct-25     Germany      Hamburg      Inselpark Arena
18-Oct-25     Germany      Berlin      Huxleys Neue Welt
19-Oct-25     Netherlands      Den Bosch      The Rock Circus
21-Oct-25     England      Birmingham      O2 Institute
22-Oct-25     England      Manchester      O2 Ritz
23-Oct-25     England      Bristol      O2 Academy
24-Oct-25     England      London      Shepherd's Bush Empire
25-Oct-25     France      Paris      Elysee Montmartre
26-Oct-25     France      Toulouse      Bikini Toulouse
28-Oct-25     Spain      Madrid      Sala La Riviera
29-Oct-25     Spain      Barcelona      Sala Apolo
30-Oct-25     France      Lyon      Transbordeur
31-Oct-25     Germany      Filderstadt      FILharmonie
01-Nov-25     Germany      Wiesbaden      Schlachthof
02-Nov-25     Belgium      Antwerp      Trix
04-Nov-25     Germany      Hannover      Capitol
05-Nov-25     Denmark      Roskilde      Gimle
06-Nov-25     Sweden      Huskvarna      Folkets Park
07-Nov-25     Sweden      Gothenburg      Trädgårn
08-Nov-25     Sweden      Stockholm      Fryshuset Arenan
09-Nov-25     Norway      Oslo      Rockefeller Music Hall
28-Nov-25     Germany      Leipzig      Felsenkeller - Ballsaal
29-Nov-25     Germany      Nuremberg      Löwensaal
30-Nov-25     Austria      Vienna      Arena Wien
01-Dec-25     Slovakia      Bratislava      Majestic Music Club
02-Dec-25     Hungary      Budapest      Barba Negra Red Stage
03-Dec-25     Slovenia      Ljubljana      Cvetlicarna d.o.o.
05-Dec-25     Germany      Munich      TonHalle
06-Dec-25     Switzerland      Pratteln      Z7 Konzertfabrik
07-Dec-25     Italy      Trezzo sull'Adda      Live Club
09-Dec-25     Switzerland      Lausanne      Metropole
10-Dec-25     Germany      Saarbrücken      Garage
12-Dec-25     Germany      Oberhausen      Turbinenhalle
13-Dec-25     Czech Republic      Zlin      Sports Hall Datart
14-Dec-25     Poland      Warsaw      Progresja

The Helsinki-based sextet are currently delved deep in studio work, recording their seventh album, set for release before the tour kicks off.

”We are dying to take the new songs out on the road and let everybody see and hear what we’ve been working on. Everything about this tour will be bigger, better, and more than we’ve ever done before. We can’t wait to see all our friends again—and hopefully make a whole bunch of new ones while we’re at it!” comments bassist Eero Sipilä.

With six albums, over 300 million streams, and four consecutive #1 records, the band have spent nearly two decades conquering the metal scene. Now, stronger than ever, Battle Beast are ready to unleash their most grandiose show yet upon the metal-loving masses. The best is yet to come!

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Battle Beast announce UK and EU tour

UK dates include Shepherd's Bush Empire headline

Credit: Terhi Ylimainen

Finland’s Battle Beast have announced a massive 35-show UK and Europe tour - the first leg of their upcoming world tour.

Kicking off with a bang on 17th October with their biggest German headline show to date at Hamburg’s Inselpark Arena, the tour will keep the band on the road until mid-December.

To complete the bill with melodic metal superiority, the band are thrilled to welcome Germany’s metal sensation Dominum as their special guest, and Sweden’s rising power metal force Majestica as their opening act.

Tickets for the tour go on sale on Wednesday, 19th February at www.battlebeast.fi/tour.

Dates:

17-Oct-25     Germany      Hamburg      Inselpark Arena
18-Oct-25     Germany      Berlin      Huxleys Neue Welt
19-Oct-25     Netherlands      Den Bosch      The Rock Circus
21-Oct-25     England      Birmingham      O2 Institute
22-Oct-25     England      Manchester      O2 Ritz
23-Oct-25     England      Bristol      O2 Academy
24-Oct-25     England      London      Shepherd's Bush Empire
25-Oct-25     France      Paris      Elysee Montmartre
26-Oct-25     France      Toulouse      Bikini Toulouse
28-Oct-25     Spain      Madrid      Sala La Riviera
29-Oct-25     Spain      Barcelona      Sala Apolo
30-Oct-25     France      Lyon      Transbordeur
31-Oct-25     Germany      Filderstadt      FILharmonie
01-Nov-25     Germany      Wiesbaden      Schlachthof
02-Nov-25     Belgium      Antwerp      Trix
04-Nov-25     Germany      Hannover      Capitol
05-Nov-25     Denmark      Roskilde      Gimle
06-Nov-25     Sweden      Huskvarna      Folkets Park
07-Nov-25     Sweden      Gothenburg      Trädgårn
08-Nov-25     Sweden      Stockholm      Fryshuset Arenan
09-Nov-25     Norway      Oslo      Rockefeller Music Hall
28-Nov-25     Germany      Leipzig      Felsenkeller - Ballsaal
29-Nov-25     Germany      Nuremberg      Löwensaal
30-Nov-25     Austria      Vienna      Arena Wien
01-Dec-25     Slovakia      Bratislava      Majestic Music Club
02-Dec-25     Hungary      Budapest      Barba Negra Red Stage
03-Dec-25     Slovenia      Ljubljana      Cvetlicarna d.o.o.
05-Dec-25     Germany      Munich      TonHalle
06-Dec-25     Switzerland      Pratteln      Z7 Konzertfabrik
07-Dec-25     Italy      Trezzo sull'Adda      Live Club
09-Dec-25     Switzerland      Lausanne      Metropole
10-Dec-25     Germany      Saarbrücken      Garage
12-Dec-25     Germany      Oberhausen      Turbinenhalle
13-Dec-25     Czech Republic      Zlin      Sports Hall Datart
14-Dec-25     Poland      Warsaw      Progresja

The Helsinki-based sextet are currently delved deep in studio work, recording their seventh album, set for release before the tour kicks off.

”We are dying to take the new songs out on the road and let everybody see and hear what we’ve been working on. Everything about this tour will be bigger, better, and more than we’ve ever done before. We can’t wait to see all our friends again—and hopefully make a whole bunch of new ones while we’re at it!” comments bassist Eero Sipilä.

With six albums, over 300 million streams, and four consecutive #1 records, the band have spent nearly two decades conquering the metal scene. Now, stronger than ever, Battle Beast are ready to unleash their most grandiose show yet upon the metal-loving masses. The best is yet to come!

Credit: Jaakko Manninen

Battle Beast are:
Noora Louhimo | vocals
Eero Sipilä | bass
Joona Björkroth | guitars
Juuso Soinio | guitars
Janne Björkroth | keyboards
Pyry Vikki | drums

For more:
https://www.instagram.com/battlebeastband
https://battlebeast.fi/home
https://www.facebook.com/battlebeastofficial

Photo Credit: Rhys Bennett

Madcap Australian rockers Battlesnake return with their mighty new single, 'The Fathers of Iron Flesh'.

Stream: battlesnake.lnk.to/TheFathersOfIronFlesh

The band state:

"The dawn of The Auto Exultants, the creators of the Motorsteeple. This song recalls the founding of their great citadel and their treacherous journey to the foot of the mountain where the citadel lies. Combining cloud, shadow, earth and flesh the great castle and the netherforge was created. The inception of the Motorsteeple hath begun. In the dungeons and factories of their great fortress the petrol church is born.   

"This is a little taster for what is to come. A prequel to the last album The Rise and Demise of the Motorsteeple."

In 2024, Battlesnake's momentum exploded internationally across the UK and Europe where their unique sound resonated with fans and critics alike. Their album The Rise and Demise of the Motorsteeple (2024) marked a significant milestone in their career, blending high-octane metal with intricate storytelling. The album’s success propelled Battlesnake into the global spotlight, securing their place as one of the most anticipated bands in the scene.

Now, as 2025 dawns, Battlesnake are poised to embark on their biggest year yet. New single 'Fathers of the Iron Flesh', a track that promises to be an anthem for fans worldwide. As the band's sound continues to evolve, this new single reflects their darker, more refined edge, showcasing the band's mastery of both melody and aggression.

This year will also see Battlesnake embark on an ambitious UK and EU tour, bringing their hard-hitting sound to some of the biggest music festivals in the world, including Download Festival (UK), Copenhell (Denmark), Rock for People (Czech Republic), Mad Cool (Spain), and more. With each performance, Battlesnake will prove their reputation as one of the most dynamic live acts in modern rock.

Dates:

13 - 15 June     Download Festival, UK    
14 June     Rock For People, CZ    
17 June    Speicher-Husum, DE*     
18 - 21 June     Copenhell, DK     
20 June    Freak Valley, DE  
 
With DZ Deathrays
7 July    Bodega, Nottingham, UK (co-headline) 
8 July    Chalk, Brighton, UK (co-headline)
9 July    Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, UK (co-headline)

10 July    2000trees, UK    
10 -12 July     MadCool, ES    
15 July    DB's, Utrecht, NL     
16 July    Altstadt, Eindhoven, NL*
17 - 20 July     Zwarte Cross, NL     
18 - 20 July     Rockland Festival, ES    
18 - 20 July     Ilosaarirock, FIN    
29 July    Free & Easy, Munich, DE*
1 August    Open Air Graenichen, CH     
6 August    Underworld, London, UK*
9 August    Rebellion, Manchester, UK*
12 August    Hug & Pint, Glasgow, UK*
13 August    Lending Room, Leeds, UK*
14 August    ArcTanGent, UK    
15 August    Hoflärm Festival, DE

*Headline shows

The rising titans of Australian hard rock and pure heavy metal, Battlesnake have quickly ascended from the underground, captivating audiences worldwide with their unique blend of powerful riffs and dynamic songwriting. Channelling the likes of Queen, Judas Priest and Black Sabbath into something familiar yet ground breaking at the same time. Renowned for their high-octane live performances, epic theatrical compositions, and relentless energy, they have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting acts in contemporary metal.

Formed in 2019, Battlesnake quickly captured attention with their debut EP, Myths and Legends from Gorbag’s Domain (2020), followed by their self-titled full-length album in 2023. With each release, their sound has evolved into a mighty force, blending heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and intricate melodies, while keeping the raw, unrelenting energy that defines their live shows.

The band's explosive rise in Europe and the UK was complemented by their collaboration with renowned acts like KISS (on their "End of the World Tour"), The Smashing Pumpkins, and Jane’s Addiction (on the "World Is a Vampire Tour"). The Australian outfit’s electrifying live performances were met with widespread acclaim, leading to sold-out shows and a rapidly growing fan base in these territories.

As they prepare to unleash their next chapter, Battlesnake remains steadfast in their pursuit of musical excellence. With a rapidly expanding fan base, critical acclaim, and an unyielding commitment to their craft, they are on track to conquer new territories and continue captivating audiences across the globe.

All hail Battlesnake! 

Battlesnake are:

Nick Zammit (drums)
Sam Frank (vocals)
Ben Frank (guitar)
Daniel Willington (guitar)
Billy O'Key (keytar)
Elliot Hitchcock (bass)

For more: 

https://www.instagram.com/battlesnakeband
https://www.facebook.com/battlesnakeband
https://www.youtube.com/@BattlesnakeTV
https://sptfy.com/PVxI

Photo Credit: Tony Aguilera

Phoenix nu-metal juggernauts Sicksense, have unveiled their fourth single, 'In This Carousel', a deep and emotional track, showing the darker side of the band. This is taken from their upcoming debut full-length album, Cross Me Twice, out 28th March 2025 via Earache Records.

Directed by the band, watch the video for 'In This Carousel' here: https://youtu.be/EI7_i2S6a_0

Stream 'In This Carousel' here: https://earache.lnk.to/InThisCarousel

Pre-Order Cross Me Twice: https://earache.com/sicksense

Vocalist Rob The Ripper commented: “'In This Carousel' is one of the most emotional songs on our album. It means a lot to us. The song is about feeling isolated, the frustrations of people misunderstanding you and the unfortunate realities of facing those dark moments where you find yourself contemplating ending your own life.

"We wrote this song during a rough time in our lives where two of our Sicksense band mates had just quit the band and Vicky's (Killer V,vocals) other band, The Agonist was breaking up. These feelings of hopelessness lingered in our lives, because these two very important bands to both of us seemingly came to an end all at once. We held things together, but ultimately we re-built the band before finalizing our Cross Me Twice album.
 
Our guitarist, Phil (Agent Phil) once again directed and edited the music video for us. The visuals feature all of us performing our parts in this “void” space, while Vicky is in a separate realm alongside our mascot, Deli The Bear, spinning in a music box platform."

Killer V adds: "It’s the only song on the record that I feel is truly dark. As much as people talk about battling depression, the perspective is often that it’s a paralyzing sensation. I don’t think that’s the case, or maybe it just differs from person to person. For myself, I always felt like it was the opposite. You’re  constantly moving, working, going through all the motions of life, but it never feels like you’re progressing. Point A to point B is like a circle and no matter how much you walk, you keep finding yourself at the start line.

"I don’t think there’s an obvious cure, but people should talk more about how it’s not something that can just magically go away. The narrative is that something needs to change for you to start feeling better. I think you need to go through it all and take as much time as you need, but never alone. That’s where the line 'I could use the company, so race with me' comes from. What we need is more understanding and empathy and less pressure to change."

From the maleficent minds of dual vocalists Killer V and Rob The Ripper, Sicksense are leading the charge of the new wave of nu-metal. With the added arsenal of guitarist Agent Phil [Philip Lykostratis], bassist The Gothfather [Richard Regier] and drummer Smokin' J [Joseph Polizzi], Sicksense follow up their highly acclaimed two EPs with with their heaviest record yet, melting nu-metal elements with metalcore and electronic touches for a unique spin on the rejuvenated genre.

Killer V comments on the record: "Our upcoming album, Cross Me Twice, takes the listener on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey. We evolved from our traditional nu metal sound, by incorporating more modern metal and electronic elements into this album. The heavy parts got heavier, the soft parts got softer and the catchy parts got catchier. 'Cross Me Twice' explores a wider dynamic range, which leaves the listener not knowing what to expect with each release. We were going through numerous personal issues amongst ourselves as a band while working on this record, which inevitably led to us parting ways with former members and bringing in new ones to complete it. These issues inspired the lyrical themes for each song. It wasn't easy to go through and create, but we're extremely proud of the end result.

"I remember spending countless hours working on keys and the overall sound design of 'Cross Me Twice', on top of all the vocal arrangements I normally task myself with. Teaming up with our producer, Joey Doherty, was the final step and best decision we could have made to bring you guys what we believe will be one of the absolute best sounding albums of 2025.

"There's something for everyone to enjoy here and we hope it means as much to our listeners as it does to us. It's truly special."

It's rare that a debut album inspires such fervent anticipation, but the thrill surrounding a full-length from Sicksense is concrete. A band who have nurtured their community from seedlings to an army of “Deli-boos” (if you know, you know), Sicksense made instant waves in the metal scene upon the release of their two EPs Kings Today and Fools Tomorrow.  
 
These collections saw their music garner support from metal connoisseurs such as TankTheTech, feature in the ring with ex-NXT and NOAH pro-wrestler Stallion Rogers, and hit Spotify's Alternative Metal and New Nü playlists alongside other trailblazers in the future of metal. These two small portholes into their vibrant world have turned heads in the industry and metal fandom alike, receiving comparisons to nü-metal titans like Slipknot, Evanescence and Limp Bizkit in the process.
 
Sicksense have now announced their debut album Cross Me Twice, news which will see anticipation on all sides finally relieved. With Cross Me Twice, the band take their nü-metal influences and Frankenstein them into a hydra monster that sees the heads of metalcore, progressive metal and power metal combine into a modern experiment gone very right. The album is all a nü-metal fan could hope for while bringing new colour to the genre. 
 
It's this versatility that sets Sicksense apart in the nü-gen surge. The adventurous Cross Me Twice is as fantastically otherworldly with luminous keys and glacial melodies as it is gritty with nü-metal grooves and stomach-lurching djent. Conjurers of jeweled light and chroma, commanders of shadow and moonbeams, Sicksense create such a thickly immersive atmosphere that it feels as though you can see the album just as much as you can hear it.

Sicksense are:
Killer V - vocals
Rob The Ripper - vocals
Agent Phil - guitars
The Gothfather - bass 
Smokin' J  - drums

Sicksense online:
Facebook
Instagram
X
Youtube
Bandcamp

Cross Me Twice tracklist:

1. Sellout
2. Wildfires
3. Throwback
4. Fever Dream
5. Invisible
6. On Repeat
7. Masquerade Parade
8. In This Carousel
9. Here Come All The Memories
10. Follow Me

Today, power metal masterminds Dynazty release their long awaited new album Game of Faces via Nuclear Blast Records.

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.

The band also delivered a brand new music video for their track 'Fire To Fight'. 

Watch the video for 'Fire To Fight' here: https://youtu.be/xSAI8FWuX1o
Order/Stream Game of Faces here: https://bfan.link/game-of-faces-album

Dynazty will tour Europe supported by Italian metal band Nanowar of Steel. View the poster below for all dates.

Singer Nils Molin comments: "Today we are beyond excited to release our brand new album - Game of Faces! Tagging along with the full album release comes a music video for the final single of the album in 'Fire To Fight'. We hope you’ll enjoy our latest body of work and don’t forget to catch us on tour in Europe in support of Game of Faces in February and March!"

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

Berlin-based metalcore act Vianova return with their latest single 'Melanchronic'. This synth-driven track drenches listeners in a wave of '80s nostalgia, blending melancholic undertones with soundscapes tailor-made for a contemplative night drive.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/Uba0M2k9pQs

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

'Melanchronic' dives deep into the emotional push-and-pull of uncertain relationships, exploring the universal longing for closure, healing, or liberation, whether by embracing those connections or leaving them behind. The recurring drum and vocal patterns, paired with Vianova's groovy riffs, create a hypnotic trance, compelling listeners to contemplate their suppressed emotions.

The track was mixed by Leon Schmidt and mastered by renowned engineer Jens Bogren, who adds his signature warm and dynamic touch, elevating the song to new heights.

During the 2020 pandemic, Vianova reinvented their musical and visual identity, evolving their sound with the arrival of bassist Raoul Zillani. This new phase embraced a more technical, aggressive, and imaginative style, culminating in their EP Looking For... and the follow-up, ...A Way Out, released in 2023. These efforts garnered international attention and led to management by Lukas Magyar (Veil of Maya) in mid-2023. The band has since performed extensively across Germany, solidifying their position as a rising force in the metalcore genre.

Now back with fresh music, Vianova push their sound even further. This new chapter aims for a raw, fierce, and dynamic approach in both mixing and songwriting. Influences from genres outside metalcore - such as soul, jazz, R&B, and 80's synths - reflect their commitment to breaking genre boundaries. Accompanying this sonic evolution is a vibrant visual transformation, characterised by a focused and youthful energy that injects fun into a metalcore landscape often perceived as stagnant.

Vianova live:
08/05 Berlin (DE), Cassiopeia
09/05 Hamburg (DE), Monkeys
22/05 Stuttgart (DE), Goldmarks
23/05 Köln (DE), MTC
 

Vianova are:
Alexander Kerski | Vocals
Felix Vogelsang | Guitar
Raoul Zillani | Bass
Paul Vogelsang | Drums

Vianova online:
https://www.instagram.com/vianova.band
https://www.tiktok.com/@vianova.band
https://www.facebook.com/vianova.band
https://x.com/vianova.band

French metalcore stars LANDMVRKS have unveiled their latest single, 'Blood Red', taken from their forthcoming fourth album, The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been, set for release on 25th April via Arising Empire. 

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

The official music video for 'Blood Red' is set to premiere on 20th February, promising to bring the track’s haunting themes to life visually.

The band comment: "'Blood Red' continues to develop the story and the protagonist of this album, who wanders and ages in the dark world he has created for himself. Still centered on themes of fear and confinement, he begs the gods to bring him back to life, back to reality. His tears are now stained blood red."

Following the explosive singles 'Sulfur' / 'Sombre 16', and 'A Line In The Dust' (featuring Matt Welsh of While She Sleeps), which also explore the album's dark and introspective themes.

Known for pushing boundaries and captivating over 1 million monthly Spotify listeners, LANDMVRKS continue to carve their name into the global metalcore scene. With pre-orders for The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been now live, fans can expect the album to be their most ambitious and impactful release yet.

LANDMVRKS embark on an extensive North America headline tour in March, check online for full dates.

LANDMVRKS are:

Florent Salfati - vocals 
Rudy Purkart - bass 
Nicolas Exposito - guitar 
Paul C. Wilson - guitar 
Kévin D’Agostino - drums 

LANDMVRKS online:
http://www.landmvrks.com
http://www.facebook.com/landmvrks
http://www.instagram.com/landmvrks
http://www.twitter.com/landmvrks

Track list:

01 The Darkest Place I've Ever been    
02 Creature    
03 A Line In The Dust   
04 Blood Red    
05 Sulfur
06 Sombre 16
07 The Great Unknown    
08 La Valse du Temps    
09 Deep Inferno    
10 Requiem    
11 Funeral