 Alter Bridge Now Available for Pre-Order in First Formats HERE Band Announces 2026 European Headline “What Lies Within Tour” With Daughtry and Sevendust Only ALTER BRIDGE Performance in 2025 to Take Place in Nashville, TN on October 1 at Tremonti Family Charity Golf Outing  Alter Bridge L to R: Scott Phillips, Myles Kennedy, Brian Marshall, Mark Tremonti Photo Credit: Chuck Brueckmann With more than two decades performing together, acclaimed rockers ALTER BRIDGE show no signs of slowing down. Known for their memorable riffs, infectious vocal melodies and dueling guitar attack, the quartet comprised of Myles Kennedy on vocals/guitars, Mark Tremonti on guitars/vocals, Brian Marshall on bass and Scott Phillips on drums have garnered themselves massive critical and fan acclaim around the globe. The band looks to continue that trend when they release their self-titled, eighth studio album next year via Napalm Records. Alter Bridge will be released on January 9, 2026, and first physical formats are now available for pre-order. Alter Bridge is comprised of 12 all new tracks from the band and features some of their most iconic moments on record. Songs like “Rue The Day,” “Disregarded” and “Scales Are Falling” will fit alongside any of the classic songs from ALTER BRIDGE’s catalog. “Trust In Me” shows Myles and Mark sharing vocal duties as Myles handles the verse duties while Mark takes the chorus. That strategy is flipped on “Tested And Able” as Mark handles the verses and Myles takes on the choruses behind one of the band’s heaviest intros to date, giving way to an unforgettable melody. “Hang By A Thread” is sure to become a show favorite as it hints at some of the most popular songs in the band’s catalog. Album closer “Slave To Master” is an epic track that ALTER BRIDGE has come to be known for and is the longest song the quartet has recorded to date. The band worked with longtime collaborator and producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette on their eighth album. Alter Bridge was recorded over the course of two months this spring in the legendary 5150 studio in California and Elvis’ recording studio in Florida. Pre-Order the First Physical Formats of Alter Bridge HERE More Formats Coming Soon! Alter Bridge track listing: 1) Silent Divide (5:06) 2) Rue The Day (4:46) 3) Power Down (4:08) 4) Trust In Me (4:48) 5) Disregarded (3:55) 6) Tested And Able (4:36) 7) What Lies Within (5:07) 8) Hang By A Thread (4:11) 9) Scales Are Falling (5:54) 10) Playing Aces (4:05) 11) What Are You Waiting For (5:00) 12) Slave To Master (9:03) Alter Bridge is currently available for pre-order in the following formats: -1-CD 6p Digisleeve, 12p Booklet -2-LP Gatefold BLACK, Lyric Sheet -2-LP Gatefold TRANSLUCENT VERDE – VETRI (INDIE exclusive) -2-LP Gatefold TRANSLUCENT VERDE – VETRI + autographed postcard (NEWBURY exclusive, limited to 50) -1-CD 6p Digisleeve + autographed postcard (NEWBURY exclusive, limited to 250) -2-LP Gatefold SPLATTERED BLACK SMOKE/ WHITE ORANGE BLACK, 12p Booklet (Napalm mailorder exclusive) -2-LP BLACK, White Label Edition + hand-numbered Covercard (Napalm mailorder international-only exclusive) -2-LP Gatefold MARBLE COLORLESS BLACK & RED BLACK OLD PURPLE, 12p Booklet (Napalm exclusive) -LP Box incl. 2-LP Gatefold SPLIT BLACK/MILK, 12p Booklet, 5-Tack Bonus Picture Vinyl in Plastic Sleeve, Artprint (Napalm mailorder international-only exclusive) -1-CD 6p Digisleeve + “Hang By A Thread” Shirt Bundle (Napalm exclusive) -2-LP Gatefold SPLATTERED CRÈME BLACK, 12p Booklet (Band exclusive) -2-LP Gatefold MARBLE BLACK SMOKE, 12p Booklet (Band exclusive) -2-LP Gatefold CRISTALLO MILK GLITTER, Lyric Sheet (Band exclusive) -1-CD Jewel Case (Ticket Bundle for Townsend exclusive) + Guitar Pick (Band exclusive) To coincide with the announcement of the new album, ALTER BRIDGE will be touring in support of the release. The band is heading out on the What Lies Within Tour. The 31-date tour of Europe will kick off on January 15 in Germany before it wraps on March 5 in Nottingham, UK. Joining the band on the tour will be Daughtry and Sevendust. Public on sale for all shows is July 18. More information on all tickets and VIP packages for the upcoming tour can be found at http://www.alterbridge.com. European What Lies Within Tour 2026: Jan 15 – HAMBURG, GERMANY – Sporthalle Jan 17 – OSLO, NORWAY – Sentrum Scene Jan 18 – OSLO, NORWAY – Sentrum Scene Jan 20 – STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – Annexet Jan 22 – HELSINKI, FINLAND – Ice Hall Black Box Jan 24 – COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – KB Hallen Jan 25 – BERLIN, GERMANY – Columbiahalle Jan 27 – GLIWICE, POLAND – Prezero Arena Gliwice Jan 28 – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Barba Negra Jan 30 – VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Gasometer Jan 31 – ZAGREB, CROATIA – Bocarski Dom Feb 02 – ROME, ITALY – Atlantico Feb 03 – BERGAMO, ITALY – ChorusLive Arena Feb 05 – ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – The Hall Feb 06 – LYON, FRANCE – Halle Tony Garnier Feb 08 – BARCELONA, SPAIN – Razzmatazz 1 Feb 10 – LISBON, PORTUGAL – Sagres Campo Pequeno Feb 12 – MADRID, SPAIN – Palacio Vistalegre Feb 13 – BORDEAUX, FRANCE – Arkea Arena Feb 15 – LUXEMBOURG, LUXEMBOURG – Rockhal Feb 17 – OBERHAUSEN, GERMANY – Oberhausen Turbinenhalle Feb 18 – PARIS, FRANCE – Zenith Feb 20 – MUNICH, GERMANY – Zenith Feb 22 – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – Ziggo Dome Feb 23 – BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – Ancienne Belgique Feb 25 – NEWCASTLE, UNITED KINGDOM – Utilita Arena Feb 26 – MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM – AO Arena Feb 28 – DUBLIN, IRELAND – 3Arena Mar 02 – GLASGOW, UNITED KINGDOM – OVO Hydro Mar 04 – LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – The O2 Mar 05 – NOTTINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – Motorpoint Arena  ALTER BRIDGE will be reuniting for one show in 2025. The band will be doing a rare acoustic show on October 1 in Nashville, TN to support the Tremonti Family Charity Golf Outing. The outing is a benefit started by guitarist Mark Tremonti to support the National Down Syndrome Society – an organization close to Mark after his daughter Stella was born with Down syndrome. The event will raise money for NDSS – an organization that engages grassroots advocates at the federal, state, and local levels and creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan on topics including education, employment, health and wellness, and aging. Tickets for the event can be purchased at: https://charity.pledgeit.org/rockforeDownsyndrome  About ALTER BRIDGE:Back in 2004, four lifelong musicians got together down in Florida. Even though they had traveled separate paths, similar lessons learned, wisdom earned, and dues paid united these gentlemen—Myles Kennedy [vocals, guitar], Mark Tremonti [guitar, vocals], Brian Marshall [bass], and Scott Phillips [drums]—as ALTER BRIDGE. Over the ensuing two decades, the band endured countless trials and tribulations, defied every odd, and rose to the head of the pack as a hard rock juggernaut, cementing a singular legacy by selling out arenas, gathering nearly one billion streams, inciting international acclaim, and quietly attracting a diehard audience. Beginning with the Top 5 entry of 2004’s gold certified One Day Remains, the band have scored six consecutive Top 20 debuts on the Billboard 200. Among a myriad of highlights, Guitarist Magazine applauded “Blackbird” for the “Greatest Guitar Solo of All Time,” the ABIII single “Isolation” vaulted to #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart, 2013’s Fortress received rare perfect scores from KERRANG! and Total Guitar, and Walk The Sky shook the Top Rock Albums Chart at #1. Beyond packing O2 Arena and Royal Albert Hall, Classic Rock hailed 2022’s Pawns & Kings as “the Rolls-Royce of ALTER BRIDGE records” in a 4.5-out-of-5-star review. Plus, the latter LP garnered praise from American Songwriter, Guitar World, and Loudwire, while Billboard christened them “one of America’s premiere hard rock quartets.” Channeling the same hunger, the band continue to push themselves on their self-titled eighth full-length offering, Alter Bridge [Napalm Records]. It embodies everything they’re known for such as the precise riffs, towering hooks, and solos that practically break guitar strings as they burst through the clouds. ALTER BRIDGE online: WEBSITE X TIK TOK NAPALM RECORDS |
music news
Jinjer Announce New North American Tour With Trivium
BUY YOUR TICKETS ASAP! Widely Acclaimed Fifth Album, Duél, Out Now via Napalm Records Order HERE  [Photo credit: Lina Glasir] With only a few weeks to go before they join headliners BABYMETAL on North American soil, JINJER are thrilled to announce another stateside journey for 2025! This coming Halloween, the Ukrainian progressive groove metal giants will kick off their next tour of the USA and Canada, supporting metal icons Trivium as very special guests! The tour will feature additional support from Heriot. The tour will begin in North Myrtle Beach, SC at the House of Blues and will visit a month and a half worth of cities before coming to a close in Orlando, FL on December 14 at Hard Rock Live. Tickets for all dates will go on sale this Friday, June 20 at 10:00 AM local time. See below for all JINJER live dates and visit jinjer-metal.com/tour for more details. JINJER are touring in support of their widely acclaimed fifth full-length album, Duél, out now via Napalm Records. Composed of career-defining tracks dubbed as “punishing” and “empowering” (Revolver) and continuing to prove themselves as “heavy music practitioners in their prime” (Knotfest), the album achieved top marks, topping previous successes. JINJER LIVE 2025 FESTIVALS: 6/17 – SOFIA, BG – Maimunarnika 6/19 – CLISSON, FR – Hellfest 6/20 – DESSEL, BE – Graspop Metal Meeting 6/22 – MILAN, IT – Dissonance Fest 6/25 – VIVEIRO, ES – Resurrection Fest 6/26 – YSSELSTEYN, NL – Jera On Air 6/28 – OSLO, NO – Tons Of Rock 6/29 – LISBON, PT – Evil Live Festival 7/2 – ROSKILDE, DK – Roskilde Festival NORTH AMERICAN TOUR SUPPORTING BABYMETAL w/ BLOODYWOOD: 7/5 – MILWAUKEE, WI – Summerfest 7/6 – MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO – Saint Louis Music Park 7/8 – CHICAGO, IL – Aragon Ballroom 7/9 – MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Armory 7/11 – DENVER, CO – The JunkYard 7/14 – VANCOUVER, BC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Center 7/15 – KENT, WA – Showare Center 7/17 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Masonic 7/20 – LAS VEGAS, NV – The Pearl 7/21 – SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre 7/23 – PHOENIX, AZ – Arizona Financial NORTH AMERICAN TOUR SUPPORTING TRIVIUM w/ HERIOT: 10/31 – NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC – House of Blues 11/1 – VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – The Dome 11/2 – MONTCLAIR, NJ – The Wellmont Theater 11/4 – LONDON, ON – Centennial Hall 11/6 – QUEBEC CITY, QC – Videotron Centre 11/7 – WALLINGFORD, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre 11/8 – PORTLAND, ME – Cross Insurance Arena 11/10 – WARREN, OH – Packard Music Hall 11/11 – BUFFALO, NY – Buffalo RiverWorks 11/12 – LANCASTER, PA – Freedom Hall 11/14 – GARY, IN – Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana 11/15 – MILWAUKEE, WI – The Eagles Ballroom 11/16 – CINCINNATI, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center 11/18 – INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre 11/19 – WAUKEE, IA – Vibrant Music Hall 11/22 – WINNIPEG, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre 11/24 – EDMONTON, AB – Midway Music Hall 11/25 – CALGARY, AB – Grey Eagle Event Centre 11/26 – MISSOULA, MT – The Wilma 11/28 – SPOKANE, WA – The Podium 11/29 – GARDEN CITY, ID – Revolution Concert House 12/3 – RIVERSIDE, CA – Riverside Municipal Auditorium 12/5 – ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Revel 12/6 – OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Criterion 12/7 – FAYETTEVILLE, AR – JJ’s Live 12/9 – SPRINGFIELD, MO – Shrine Mosque 12/10 – KANSAS CITY, MO – Uptown Theater 12/12 – NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Fillmore New Orleans 12/13 – DOTHAN, AL – The Plant 12/14 – ORLANDO, FL – Hard Rock Live EU HEADLINE TOUR 2026: 1/23 – COLOGNE, DE – Palladium 1/24 – TILBURG, NL – O13 1/25 – BRUSSELS, BE – AB Brussels 2/2 – PARIS, FR – L’Olympia 2/3 – LYON, FR – Transbordeur 2/4 – TOULOUSE, FR – Bikini 2/11 – ZURICH, CH – X-tra 2/12 – STUTTGART, DE – LKA 2/13 – WIESBADEN, DE – Schlachthof 2/14 – MUNICH, DE – Tonhalle 2/16 – BUDAPEST, HU – Barba Negra 2/19 – PRAGUE, CZ – Sasazu 2/20 – LEIPZIG, DE – Felsenkeller 2/21 – BERLIN, DE – Astra 3/1 – COPENHAGEN, DK – Amager Bio 3/2 – HAMBURG, DE – Grosse Freiheit 36  Order New Album Duél HERE: For Duél – which features multiple music videos topping well over three million combined views to date and broke into the charts at #2 US Hard Music Albums, #6 US Current Rock Albums, #2 CAN Hard Music Albums, #3 France Metal, #7 UK Rock & Metal and beyond – the band once again collaborated 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, proving that they defy barriers of influence while charging a path entirely of their own making. This is proven with songs like “Rogue”, “Green Serpent” and “Dark Bile”, conjuring astonishing heaviness unlike ever before. Followers of world-class screamer and multifaceted singer Tatiana Shmayluk will revel in her display of unrelenting power and gripping emotional delivery as early as album opener “Tantrum” , while cruel stunners like “Fast Draw” and “Duél” showcase the acclaimed technical craftwork of drummer Vlad Ulasevich, guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov and bassist Eugene Abdukhanov. 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 JINJER is: Tatiana Shmayluk – Vocals Roman Ibramkhalilov – Guitars Eugene Abdukhanov – Bass Vlad Ulasevich – Drums JINJER online: X HOMEPAGE NAPALM RECORDS Copyright © 2025 Napalm Records, All rights reserved. |
Swedish Metalcore Band Adept Debuts New Gorgeous Track
 NAPALM RECORDS NEWS  Swedish Metalcore Outfit ADEPT Unveils Explosive New Single “YOU” + Official Music Video | Watch HERE! Summer Tour Kicks Off at Nova Rock Festival & Extended European Tour Announced for this Winter!  [Photo Credit: Pontus Gustavsson & Martin Öberg] Swedish metalcore heavyweights ADEPT continue their triumphant return unleashing the heartfelt and groovy hook-laden new anthem “YOU” alongside an official music video. Following the release of their crushing comeback single “Heaven”, which marked their first new music in nearly nine years, “YOU” dives deep into the emotional wreckage of love lost, with swelling, cathartic guitar leads and honest, bleeding heart lyricism. The band first re-emerged in 2024 with a breathtaking live appearance at Core Fest in Stuttgart, Germany, igniting the stage, and thrilling fans with a powerful display of fury and fire. Now with two new singles under their comeback belt, ADEPT has their foot on the gas, and show no signs of slowing. This new visual arrives on the heels of ADEPT’s recent announcement of their “20 Year Anniversary Tour”, marking two decades of explosive live shows and heavy-hitting anthems. The tour features an extensive run across major cities in Europe and the UK, kicking off in Berlin, Germany on November 27. Tickets are on sale now, so grab yours before they’re gone! Watch the official music video for “YOU” below, and don’t miss this chance to experience ADEPT live. Vocalist Robert Ljung about “YOU”: “‘YOU’ is a classic breakup song built around the lingering ‘what if’ – a reflection on love, loss, and how time eventually swallows everything. It’s probably our most accessible track so far, combining a catchy topline with heavy riffs in a way that still feels true to our sound. We had a lot of fun experimenting with new elements on this one, and we’re incredibly proud of how it turned out.” Watch the Official Music Video for “YOU” HERE: Originally formed in the early 2000s in Trosa, Sweden, ADEPT played a pivotal role in shaping the early European metalcore landscape. Known for their explosive live energy, the band quickly rose through the ranks, earning international acclaim and touring alongside genre giants like A Day To Remember, Underoath, and Bring Me The Horizon. Now entering a bold new chapter, the band stands ready to once again leave their mark on the global metalcore scene. With their fierce blend of aggression and melody, ADEPT return with an infectiously emotional sound. The band quickly gained recognition and headlined multiple international tours across Europe, Asia and also performed at festivals like Metaltown and Sonisphere, where they opened for Metallica. With several massive festival appearances across Europe, new music on the horizon, and the celebration of their 20th anniversary, 2025 marks the beginning of an electrifying new chapter for ADEPT. This is only just the beginning! Festivals 2025: 14.06.25 AT – Nickelsdorf / Nova Rock 15.06.25 CZ – Hradec Králové / Rock For People 26.06.25 SE – Stockholm / Broken Summer Fest 15.08.25 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze Open 16.08.25 CH – Cudrefin / Rock The Lakes 20 Year Anniversary EU/UK Tour 2025 27.11.25 DE – Berlin / Astra Kulturhaus 28.11.25 DE – Hamburg / Fabrik 29.11.25 DE – Dresden / Alter Schlachthof 30.11.25 NL – Tilburg / 013 Poppodium 02.12.25 UK – Manchester / Club Academy 03.12.25 UK – London / O2 Academy Islington 04.12.25 FR – Paris / La Maroquinerie 05.12.25 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn 06.12.25 CH – Aarau / KiFF 07.12.25 AT – Vienna / Flex – NEW SHOW 09.12.25 CZ – Prague / MeetFactory 10.12.25 DE – Frankfurt / Zoom 11.12.25 DE – Cologne / Essigfabrik 12.12.25 DE – Münster / Skaters Palace 13.12.25 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage 14.12.25 DE – Munich / Backstage Werk ADEPT is: Robert Ljung – Vocals Gabriel Hellmark – Drums Filip Brandelius – Bass Gustav Lithammer – Guitar Kasper Larcombe-Tronstad – Guitar ADEPT online: WEBSITE NAPALM RECORDS |
Brooklyn New York Medieval Fantasy Doom Metal Band Castle Rat Drop New Single from upcoming Album”The Bestiary”
LISTEN TO THE NEW SINGLE:
“Castle Rat is a Medieval Fantasy Heavy Metal band led by the Rat Queen on a mission to expand and defend ‘The Realm’ from those who seek to destroy it. She is joined by The Count, The Plague Doctor, and The Druid. Together they face the relentless wrath of their arch nemesis: Death Herself — ‘The Rat Reaperess.”- From Bandcamp
Preorders here:
https://castlerat.bandcamp.com/album/the-bestiary
Digitally Released September 1st
Album orders Ship September 16th
Tracklist for The Bestiary
1. PHOENIX I
2. WOLF I
3. WIZARD
4. SIREN
5. UNICORN
6. PATH OF MOSS
7. CRYSTAL CAVE
8. SERPENT
9. WOLF II
10. DRAGON
11. SUMMONING SPELL
12. SUN SONG
13. PHOENIX II
about
CASTLE RAT IS:
Riley Pinkerton: The Rat Queen, Lead Vocals/Guitar
Franco Vittore: The Count, Lead Guitar
Charley Ruddell: The Plague Doctor, Bass
Josh Strmic: The Druid, Drums
Emerging from New York’s vile, creature-infested underground, fantasy heavy metal purveyors CASTLE RAT have announced their impending sophomore album “The Bestiary”, to be released on September 19th by King Volume Records (North America) and Blues Funeral Recordings (UK/Europe).
Since their formation in 2019, CASTLE RAT have created a vivid labyrinth of fantasy lore led by “The Rat Queen” aka Riley Pinkerton. Together with “The Count,” “The Plague Doctor” and “The All-Seeing Druid”, the group has carried out countless battles against “The Rat Reaperess” with riffs, swords and spells on stages across the country.
Recorded by Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Wolves in the Throne Room, Björk) and mixed by Jonathan Nuñez (Torche, Restless Spirit), the band’s latest odyssey features 13 spellbinding tracks of epic carnage and mystical metal. Commenting on the album, The Rat Queen states: “‘The Bestiary’ is a conceptual book of beasts containing a collection of mystical creatures from a world forgotten. The last remaining souls of each have been gathered and preserved by ‘The Wizard.’ Cautionary tales of each beast and The Wizard himself are woven through the power of traditional heavy metal song and spell.”
With the record’s announcement, CASTLE RAT have unveiled plans for “The Book of Beasts Tour” in late summer in support of the release. The band is currently an extensive European tour that includes appearances at Hellfest, Mystic Festival, Copenhell, Desertfest, and more.
credits
releases September 1, 2025
Basic track production and recording by Randall Dunn
at Applehead Studios and Circular Ruin NYC
Produced by Castle Rat
Mixed and Mastered by Jonathan Nuñez at Sound Artillery Studio
Photography by Courtney B. Hall
Illustrations by Alistair Strangwick-Rodgers
Cover Design by Chris Allison
More variants at:
bluesfuneralrecordings.bandcamp.com
New single ‘Pahat Veräjät’ showcases Prog Metal Death Sargassus’s versatile and unique blackened sound.
The new single ‘Pahat Veräjät’ showcases Sargassus’s versatile and unique blackened sound. Promo picture by Leevi Törnblom Finnish progressive death metal band Sargassus is set to release their debut album ‘Vitruvian Rays’, out in June 13th 2025 via Inverse Records. The third and last single ‘Pahat Veräjät’ is unleashed today and it’s available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/sargassus-pahat The Band Comments: “”Pahat Veräjät’ is the third and final single before the release of the ‘Vitruvian Rays’ album. The song is both a departure from the band’s usual modus operandi, as it is sung in Finnish, as well as a return to the roots, featuring long atmospheric passages with progressive chord structures. As the song kicks off with ultra-fast blast beats, there is a definite nod towards extreme metal as well. ‘Pahat Veräjät’ (‘The Bad Gates’ in english) references the gates of Tuonela, the cold underworld of Finnish mythology. It tells the story of a journey through the wilderness between the living and the dead, asking the listener if a life’s worth can (or should) be measured in wealth, as all material possession will eventually be left behind” WATCH official music video of the first single Spirit of Gravity: https://youtu.be/IZ4S5DrNBgs Line-up: Matias Rokio – Drums Teemu Leskinen – Guitar Matias Stenman – Vocals Mertta Halonen – Bass Links: https://sargassus.com https://www.facebook.com/sargassusband https://www.instagram.com/sargassusband https://sargassus.bandcamp.com https://www.tiktok.com/@sargassusband |
Sargassus – Vitruvian Rays (Album 2025)
Track list:
01. Spirit of Gravity
02. Carving the Veins of God
03. The Lone Idunn Grows in Shade
04. Judgement of the Four
05. Pahat veräjät
06. On the Shoulders of Atlas
07. Vitruvian Rays
08. Zealot
Graveyard Angel, a Finnish female-fronted dark-rock duo, released their second single “Poisonous Smile”
Graveyard Angel, a Finnish female-fronted dark-rock duo, released their second single “Poisonous Smile” – music video also available to watch Promo photo by Masi Ahlqvist and Micke Löfgren Finnish dark rock duo Graveyard Angel released a new single Poisonous Smile via Inverse Records. The single comes out accompanied with a black and white video, which, together with the song lyrics tell the story of a destructive relationship, one, that wounds you deeper every day you stay. WATCH music video: https://youtu.be/1ZNjVXKviIo Mika “Alde” Ahlqvist – or rather his alter ego “Ground” has composed the music and played all the instruments. Writing the lyrics and singing all vocals and backing vocals has been Ana‘s responsibility. Ana is already known to some from her other band “LAB“. “We are not gloomy personalities, but for some reason we share a taste for a bit darker and harder music. Rough and punchy riffs combined with disturbing stories is what makes us tick. This pretty much defines the music style of Graveyard Angel: dark, tough and delightfully disturbed.” “Making the video for “Poisonous Smile” was a very different process from the making of our earlier debut video. This time, instead of using AI, the video has been filmed, and set decoration done in a completely traditional way. We not only created ideas of how the video could be, but also got our own hands literally dirty with the set decoration, “ Ana smiles. The group of people making the video was, though professional, very small. “Alde and I got to participate in some assisting roles as well, which was very interesting and so much fun! ” Ana says. The video for “Poisonous Smile” was directed and filmed by Jani “Viski” Viskari. The lighting was done by Anu Lehtonen, the leading male role played by Roni Tohmo and editing was done by Zizi Fandango. Graveyard Angel is signed by Inverse Records. LISTEN to Poisonous Smile on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/graveyard-angel-smile LISTEN the first single ‘Apathy’ on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/graveyard-angel-apathy Graveyard Angel – Poisonous Smile (Single 2025) -Songwriter – Mika ´Álde´Ahlqvist- Lyrics – Ana Anna Leppälä- Music recorder by – Mika ´Álde´Ahlqvist at Brutalrecords- Vocals recorded-mixed and master by Pekka ´Splendid´Laine at East Sound Studios Line-up: Ana Anna Leppälä – Vocals Mika “Alde” Ahlqvist: guitars, bass, synths, programming Links: https://www.facebook.com/GraveyardAngelOfficial https://www.instagram.com/graveyard_angel_official https://www.tiktok.com/@graveyard_angel_official https://graveyardangel.bandcamp.com |
Pagan Metal Band ARKONA Unveil Eerie and Epic New Single
 Pagan Metal Quintet ARKONA Surprise with Eerie New Single “Cectpa” | Watch the Official Music Video HERE! Order Your Copy of the Latest Album, Kob’ | Save Your Copy HERE!  [photo credit: Edaliana Rennenkampf] Following the critically acclaimed release of their apocalyptic concept album Kob’ (2023), pagan folk metal visionaries ARKONA return with a mesmerizing new single, “Cectpa” (English: Sister). Unveiling a darker, more introspective side, the track conjures a haunting atmosphere through solemn organ melodies, doom-tinged riffs, and the ethereal voice of frontwoman Masha Scream. Accompanied by an official music video, “Cectpa” weaves an emotional tale of inner grief and spiritual reckoning, continuing ARKONA’s tradition of blending folkloric mysticism with metal’s raw intensity. After a successful 2023 that included a tour with labelmates Patriarkh (ex-Batushka) and a well-received appearance at Summer Breeze Open Air in 2024, ARKONA now set out on their Summer Rituals tour across Europe. From intimate venues to major festival stages, the band continues to bring their intense blend of Slavic pagan tradition, blackened metal, and theatrical performance to devoted audiences. With over two decades of evolution behind them, ARKONA remain a commanding force—fierce, emotional, and spiritually resonant. ARKONA about the new single “Cectpa”: “The song ‘Cectpa’ (Sister) is a non-album single, which was spontaneously written by Maria specifically for the student who is learning vocal skills from her. Conceptually, the song tells about the deep mental anguish of a person who is on the verge of going into oblivion with the help of fire, which is eating away at the exhausted body from the inside. Sestra is the anguish which acts as a twin sister, the personification of her own internal mental suffering, and the heroine of the song has a dialogue with her, and ultimately says goodbye to her when death finally captures the heroine in its arms. The single cover artwork, created by the artists Rotten Fantom, fully reflects the concept of the song, visualizing its content in dark philosophical tones. The musical accompaniment is extraordinarily doom metal, closely echoing the melodic line and folk choral voices of traditional Arkona. It’s recommended for those who loved the songs such as ‘Strela’, ‘Oh, Pechal’-Toska’, ‘Zimushka’.” Watch the official music video for “Cectpa” HERE: ARKONA Summer rituals over Europe: 26.06.25 CZ – Spálené Poříčí / Basinfire Fest 27.06.25 RO – Timișoara / Road Patrol Open Air 28.06.25 RO – Cluj-Napoca / Machines Venue 29.06.25 RO – Bucharest / Quantic 04.07.25 HU – Budapest / Rock Maraton Fest 05.07.25 BE – Ghent / Litha Fest 06.07.25 DE – Weinheim / Café Central 17.07.25 FR – Montpellier / Secret Place 18.07.25 PT – Vila Nova de Famalicão / Laurus Nobilis Fest 19.07.25 NL – Amstelveen / P60 ARKONA are: Masha “Scream” – Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion Sergei “Lazar” – Guitars Ruslan “Kniaz” – Bass Vladimir “Volk” – Wind Instruments Alexander Smirnov – Drums ARKONA online: WEBSITE NAPALM RECORDS |
All Female Death Metal Band Crypta Announces North American Tour
 NAPALM RECORDS NEWS  Death Metal Force CRYPTA Announces Fall 2025 North American Headlining Tour “In The Other Side Tour North America 2025” Kicks Off September 5 in Brooklyn, NY Tickets On Sale Now!  [Photo credit: Rafael Karelisky] World-renowned Brazilian death metal force CRYPTA are thrilled to announce they are returning to North American shores this fall. The “In The Other Side Tour North America 2025” kicks off in Brooklyn, NY on September 5, razing several major cities including Austin, TX, Los Angeles, CA and the band’s first ever Canadian headline dates, before its carnivorous conclusion in Cambridge, MA on October 12. Tickets are on sale now! Check local venues and the band’s official website for tickets and more information. CRYPTA offers: “It’s gonna be a blast to be back in the US and Canada for this headlining run! We have a lot of surprises on this new show that mixes both Echoes of the Soul and Shades of Sorrow eras, and we can’t wait to play this killer set for the North American metalheads!” See below for a complete list of dates:  CRYPTA “In The Other Side Tour North America 2025” 09/05/25: Brooklyn, NY @ Meadows 09/06/25: Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts 09/07/25: Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage 09/08/25: Washington, DC @ Songbyrd Music House 09/09/25: Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving 09/10/25: Covington, KY @ Madison Live 09/11/25: Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero 09/12/25: Atlanta, GA @ The Garden Club (at Wild Heaven West) 09/13/25: Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum 09/14/25: Orlando, FL @ Conduit 09/17/25: Dallas, TX @ Trees 09/18/25: Houston, TX @ Scout Bar 09/20/25: Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live 09/22/25: Phoenix, AZ @ The Nile Theater 09/23/25: San Diego, CA @ Brick by Brick 09/24/25: Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky a Go Go 09/25/25: Las Vegas, NV @ Fremont Country Club 09/26/25: Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s 09/27/25: Portland, OR @ Star Theater 09/28/25: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon 09/30/25: Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall 10/01/25: Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater 10/03/25: Madison, WI @ The Annex 10/04/25: Joliet, IL @ The Forge 10/05/25: Ft. Wayne, IN @ Piere’s Entertainment Center 10/07/25: Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs 10/08/25: Toronto, ON @ The Garrison 10/09/25: Ottawa, ON @ Overflow 10/10/25: Montreal, QC @ Piranha Bar 10/11/25: Quebec City, QC @ La Source de la Martinière 10/12/25: Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East (Downstairs) CRYPTA released their sophomore record, Shades of Sorrow, via Napalm Records in 2023. Impressively, the album debuted at #5 on the US Top New Artist Albums Chart, #7 on the US Current Hard Music Albums Chart and #4 on the Canadian Hard Music Albums Chart and landed in more top chart positions around the world! With millions of video views, performances at the famous Wacken Open Air among other premium festivals, and recent supporting spots opening Hatebreed’s 30th anniversary tour in North America and supporting Ghost in Brazil, Tobias Forge’s “favorite new metal band” show no signs of slowing down, leaving a trail of ash in their wake. Order Latest Album Shades of Sorrow HERE: Watch the Official Music Video for “Trial of Traitors” HERE: CRYPTA is: Fernanda Lira – bass, vocals Tainá Bergamaschi – guitar Luana Dametto – drums CRYPTA online: Website Napalm Records |
New Metal Music Friday!
Here are ten new releases you should check out for the weekend!
Ànv by Eluveitie
Ànv is finally here! Eluveitie fans have been waiting since 2019’s Ategnatos, which is one of my favorite Metal albums. It’s hard to follow up such an incredible album, but I think they achieved a similar magic with Ànv. Expect soaring Folk Melodies, haunting vocals from the incomparable Fabienne Erni, even more crazy technical Heavy Metal solos, and more violin epics. This album is just MORE of everything I love about Eluveitie. It’s heavier, darker, catchier, more complex, faster, and more layers of the Folk sound. This album plays loud, so that you can hear all eight musicians individually. The addition of Lea-Sophie Fischer on Violin and Hurdy Gurdy is spectacular. She restores the fast paced technicality on Violin that attributes to so much of Elu’s unique sound. Her playing on this album is mind-blowing. Rafael Salzmann and Jonas Wolf exceed expectations for me on guitars. The solos are crisp, the accents are disturbingly eerie, and the rhythm is so paralyzingly fast. Everything is so well constructed and put together, definitely credited to Jonas’s writing ability. It doesn’t get boring or stale. It captures you, like only Eluveitie can, and it doesn’t let go.
Truth be told, I didn’t expect to love this album, and I absolutely do. I don’t know how they keep raising the bar and stay pure Folk Metal. There’s no formula, but you know it’s authentically Eluveitie. It’s yet another dark and beautiful album from them. The talent of this band is unmatched and legendary, and Ànv is a testament to everything they’ve contributed to music. I love the complexity of it. It’s not predictable in any way. Each song is unique and incredibly emotive. This album is definitely on my list of a Best of 2025.
My Favorite songs: Taranoias, The Prodigal Ones, Awen, The Harvest, All Is One, Aeon of the Crescent Moon
The track is taken from the band’s newest album ‘Ànv.’ Out on all music platforms and in various physical formats via: https://eluveitie.bfan.link/anv.yde
Rivers of Nihil Stun with new single
Their self-titled album out May 25th via Nuclear Blast Records may be my album of the year. Based upon the three singles that I have heard, this album is devastatingly good. I’ve heard songs from them in the past, but none compare to the impact of Water & Time. This new song is one of the best songs I have ever heard in my entire life. This song is a masterclass in composition. They went above and beyond on this song. The full body chills I get when I listen to this song are unmatched. This song is worth tens of thousands of reaction videos. I wish I would’ve filmed my reaction to hearing this song for the first time. My Jaw was on the floor. It took everything I had to keep from tearing up. I said “oh my god” multiple times at every change. Then, the Saxophone solo hit, and I was utterly blown away. You have to sit down and experience this song.
Halestorm Release New Dark Single
So, I am really torn on this one. I really want to like this song. It’s overall a great song, maybe one of their most epic songs ever made. The problem I have with the song, is the obvious similarity of “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins in the intro. I don’t know if it’s a purposeful sampling, but it’s similar enough to make me wonder. I’m not against lawful sampling, but if it’s done without clearly stating, it bothers me. Regardless, this is a great song and well written. A lot of their writing in the past ten years has been a little stale for me, this is something different.
Fit For a King blaze with new track
One of my favorite Metalcore bands of all time is back with a new extremely heavy dramatic track. It’s a bit predictable, considering about 80% of Metalcore sounds exactly like this right now. I like it, it’s just a bit bland and sounds like anything from Volumes, Bury Tomorrow, Bring Me the Horizon, Memphis May Fire, Architects, Devil Wears Prada, I could go on. I like a lot of songs by these bands, I have nothing against Metalcore. I love Metalcore, but the genre is getting extremely watered down and stale to me. What do you think about Fit For a King and the state of Metalcore?
Ozark Based Etched In Embers Releases All That Remains style track
This song really surprised me. I didn’t expect such good melodic vocals and excellent song progression. These guys only started in 2020, so they’re fairly new. I am interested to see where they go with this style.
Heavy Metallers AMBUSH Combine Old Sounds for New Speedy Track
If you like Hammerfall, Helloween, Blind Guardian, Man O War, and Dream Evil, this band is definitely up your alley. This guy’s range is stunning. The solo is reminiscent of Vivian Campbell on Holy Diver. I like it and can’t wait to check out more of their catalog.
French Prog Metalcore Stun With A dual Language Track
This is one of my favorite songs they have ever released. I’ve been listening to them for a couple years now. I love their chaotic and technical style. I think they’re an underrated band in the genre, along with brothers and sister band Novelists. This is a super emotive song, reminding me of my favorite song by them “Alive”. Love the dynamics and the choir style vocals towards the end. We need a Landmvrks/Novelists tour in the USA.
THE DARKEST PLACE I’VE EVER BEEN, out now! Stream and order: https://arisingempire.com/landmvrks
Portuguese Dark Symphonic Death Metal GODIVA is back!
The legendary Dimmu Borgir adjacent band is back with a new video for blazing track “All Seeing Eye” off of Hubris in 2023. The band formed in 1999, but hasn’t been very active. Hopefully, this video marks a new return for the band. I want more of this. If you like old Dimmu, this is right up your alley
All Girl Trio Blows it Out of the Water
Welsh band Häxan brings a new kind of Rock with absolutely stunning vocals that soar with precision. I have never heard of Häxan, but these girls are spectacular musicians. The guitar solo is tasteful and gorgeously melodic. The bass, like with any power trio, is excellently heard and booming. The song is perfectly constructed. Häxan is the next big thing in Hard Rock, I truly believe they have huge potential
Pre-order here: https://haxan.co.uk
Listen and download here: https://linktr.ee/haxanband
American Family Goes Symphonic Rock With Brand new Epic
LILIAC is a Romanian-American Heavy Metal band made up of members of the Cristea family. I’ve been following this band’s career for awhile now, and I think this is their best song yet. Being that their parents are from Romania, they classify their music as “Vamp Metal” which had me hooked right away. This song was a punch in the face that I need to listen to this band a lot more.
➣ Website: https://www.liliacband.com/music
Metal Valkyrie 