Happy Friday! Here’s a list of new heavy music for your weekend catch up!
Deftones finally return with Progressive and moody new short track
Metalcore legends upload full concert for free!
Trio Hard Rock and Heavy Metal band stun with ingenuity
Tuomas Holopainen returns with side project AURI
Prog Metalcore band djents it out
Progressive Melodeath Band returns with more creative control.
Power Metal with a kick
Indigenous Metal Band
Brazillian Prog Metalcore
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
I want to start a new tradition on here and socials! I want to share some of my favorite femme metal and rock songs every Friday! I listen to music six to ten hours every day, and a lot of my listening habits are made up of women in bands, which is my ultimate bias. Whether it’s new or not or just new to me, I have my favorite tracks of the week. This week, the theme is “COVERS”. Below is some of my all-time favorite covers featuring a female lead singer! Many of these covers I prefer to the original, because there’s something about the different heavier take on these songs that make it exciting. Some people don’t enjoy covers, but I think it’s a fun way to tribute influences or get a band’s name out there by doing an original take on an old favorite. Despite beliefs, covers are incredibly difficult to do well, and the covers below are some of the best I have ever heard.
Please share your favorite covers in the comments below or go to X and let me know!
HIRAES (feat. Former Members of Dawn of Disease & Critical Mess) Strike Back with Sophomore Melodic Death Metal Assault
New Album, Dormant, out January 26, 2024 via Napalm Records
Pre-Order HERE
Watch the Music Video for First Single, “Through The Storm”, HERE
| German-based melodic death metal formation HIRAES – featuring former members of Dawn of Disease and Critical Mess – will furiously kick off the new year with the release of their sophomore studio album, entitled Dormant, due out January 26, 2024 via Napalm Records! Wasting no time, HIRAES have just unveiled the first single from Dormant – thunderous album opener “Through The Storm”. The track offers a glimpse into the variety of elements on the album, including powerful and varied drumming, poignant and melancholic melodies, infectious choruses, and breathtaking soundscapes – all complimented by Britta’s versatile vocals. The band comments about the track and video: “In a way, the video is a continuation of our first single, ‘Under Fire’, from the last album. It’s dedicated to a storm and its indomitable energy. Experience this debut single and join us as we navigate ‘Through The Storm’ together!“ The band adds: “We are far beyond proud to present our second album Dormant to you! The album will grab you with its intensity from the first second on and won’t let you go. We invested a lot of energy, dedication and passion to create this monumental and melancholic piece of melodic death metal. Having played countless shows over the last two years, Dormant captures the energy of HIRAES’ live performances and places the songs right between heart and gut. Once again, none other than the talented staff of Fascination Street Studios under the direction of Jens Bogren are responsible for the refinement of our sound. We are so much looking forward to unleashing Dormant upon all those metalheads out there!“ |
| Watch the official video for “Through The Storm” HERE: |
Compared to their lauded 2021 debut, Solitary, it’s immediately evident that HIRAES did not only grow within their sound due to countless live appearances, but have invested more time and energy into developing their sophisticated songwriting and production, leaning further into their own unique sound profile. Due to the use of varying keys and sonic elements, Dormant is undoubtedly fresh without sacrificing the nuances that caused their first album to connect so successfully with fans. With their very first offering, HIRAES already created an exciting new melodic death metal emergence, built upon a brutalized vocal attack, intense melodies and aggressive guitars. On Dormant, HIRAES flexes their own trademarks in an intensified way, ranging from versatile drumming, catchy riffs and hymn-like melodies to enthralling soundscapes and the impressive vocal onslaught of singer Britta Görtz. Dormant is a stirring, intense and dynamic death metal affair that is both heavily brutal and dark, yet full of melodic melancholy.
Pre-Order Dormant HERE!
| Dormant track listing: 1. Through The Storm 2. We Owe No One 3. Undercurrent 4. Chance To Fail 5. About Lies 6. Come Alive 7. Ocean Child 8. Nightflight 9. Red Soil 10. Dormant Set to be released on January 26, 2024, Dormant will be available in the following formats: – 1 CD Digisleeve (6page) – 1 LP Gatefold solid royal blue – Digital Album |
| HIRAES are: Britta Görtz – vocals Lukas Kerk – guitars Oliver Kirchner – guitars Christian Wösten – bass Mathias Blässe – drums HIRAES online: Website TikTok Napalm Records |
Back with new music Friday on the blog! Here are my top ten picks of the day/week you might’ve missed. It’s short and sweet, which is rare for me as I can be quite the windbag on here.
What are you listening to today?
Favorite album and singles post of the year coming soon! Stay tuned and don’t forget to sign up for updates below this post.
It has been four years since Finnish Symphonic Power Metal band Sonata Arctica have graced our ears with Metal. They’d been on an acoustic tear for awhile, but are coming back with a “Power Metal laden album” in early 2024. I will have that review of the album ASAP, but for now here’s a promising new single to whet your appetite. Listen down below and let me know what you think in the comments!
Frontman Tony Kakko explains: “This is the first power metal song I wrote for the forthcoming album which is laden with them. Its demo title was ‘First In Line’ and I managed to stick with it. The song handles the worry about raising a new generation of people with or rather letting an electronic screen – namely tv, pad or some such – do a big part of raising this generation of human beings. We think that we buy ourselves time with these gadgets, but are these devices the right “nanny” for our kids or should we maybe slow down a bit, read books, teach that happiness can be and often is something we reach by stopping and letting go of constant stimulation of all our audiovisual senses? In ways, we are flying blindly with these things. Things are advancing too fast in many ways…”
I love this concept and totally reflect the sentiment of needing to slow down time in this modern world. I love this band and this song just cements everything I love about them.
Information provided by friends at https://bravewords.com/news/sonata-arctica-return-with-new-single-first-in-line-european-tour-kicks-off-this-week
I was on vacation last week and didn’t have time to update the blog. My family and I went to Las Cruces, New Mexico for a week off. It was a much needed break filled with nature and relaxation. Before that, I attended Eluveitie, Omnium Gatherum, and Seven Spires in Denver. I planned to write up a review on it, but honestly words fail to describe how musically perfect, emotional, and spiritual that show was. Eluveitie now stands as the best band I have ever seen live. They were note perfect, despite missing three members (Chrigel, Nicole, and Kay). So for now, here’s new music you must hear this week.
Scar Symmetry
Ad Infinitum Album Release, Chapter III- Downfall
Listen and order to the new album here: https://lnk.to/ChapterIIIDownfall
New bombastic song from Power Metal legends BLOODBOUND
Frozen Crown Single from Call of the North
Order or listen to the full album here https://bfan.link/call-of-the-north-4NEW Lyrre Album (Solo project from ex Eluveitie member Michalina Malisz)
Thrash Power Band Burning Witches is back!
Deathcore legends After The Burial bring amazing guitarwork
Death Thrashers Sworn Amongst Return!
This year has already brought us so great much music, I can hardly keep up with it all.. Below is most of the awesome releases that dropped for new music Friday! Have a merry metal weekend!
Omnium Gatherum
Haken- New Album Fauna
New Elvenking
Unearth
Cradle of Filth
This is the best COF song I’ve heard in 10 years.
Extreme and Nuno are back!
New Deathstars, Finally!
There is so much amazing Metal out this week, it might’ve been hard to keep up. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list of new Metal you should probably check out.
Eluveitie is back and with a deep searing passion that needs to be heard. With first single, Aidus, I felt like I was witnessing music history. This new single is no different. It’s aggressive, punchy, multi layered, and intense!
Lorna Shore
Lorna Shore’s highly anticipated full length album is out, and it is setting the Metal community ablaze. It is immensely dark, depressing, and incredibly deep. Who knew Deathcore could be so emotional? Lorna Shore is in a league of their own, and this new record is a testament to that. Pain Remains is out today and here is the bombastic new single to celebrate it. Full review is coming soon.
Epica
Epica’s new collaboration album is a new frontier for the band, and is proving to be just as brilliant as traditional albums. This single lights it up with Symphonic Death Metallers Fleshgod Apocalypse. This song sounds as monolithic as you would expect, The blast beats are superb as well as crystal clear vocals from Simone atop a massive choir. It is a must hear track of the week.
Amaranthe
Swedish Melodic Metal/Synth Pop band Amaranthe are on a new war path this year. I don’t have a lot of details on the new record yet, but I know it’ll be quite different without the presence of the incredible growler Henrik Englund. They said they’re not working on a new album yet, but they’re in the studio? I’m immensely confused by what’s happening with Amaranthe, and unfortunately the new single doesn’t help at all. I love this band and always will, but this is one of the most disappointing singles I’ve heard in a long time. It’s worth a listen to form your own opinion, but I just didn’t feel this one at all.
Borealis
If you like sad boi music and deep soulful tones, Borealis might be what you need in your life right now. These guys came out of nowhere for me and completely shocked me. This is some of the most emotional music I’ve heard in awhile, but also with great musicianship.
Beyond The Black
German Melodic Heavy Metal band BtB are coming back after the bombastic release “Horizons”, with a toned down self titled album with a recurring theme. The new record has themes signaling influences from fandoms like Game of Thrones and Star Wars. I’m anticipating an album of epic nerdom and deeply melodious music.
Ad Infinitum
Symphonic Power Metal Swisses are coming back in 2022 with a new but familiar sound after hit record Monarchy Chapter II. They’re bringing on chapter III with more Metal, more growls, more beats, and more solos. This single took awhile for me to warm up to, because it’s more sing-song and Poppy than I expected, but I grew to love it.
What new music are you listening to? Let me know below!
Here’s a great list of all the Metal coming out from now till March 2023: https://heavymusichq.com/heavy-metal-album-release-calendar/
August has been a fortuitous month for Metal music. There are so many clips coming from Metal festivals in Europe that keep us Americans daydreaming about Wacken and Hellfest. Here are some of the best new videos out now.
Infected Rain “Fighter” at Wacken
Epica “Illusive Consensus”
Epica is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in September. They have remastered their very first DVD which was created as a promo for Epica. This is truly a monumental in-studio performance. It is one of the most special sets I have ever watched. They are also celebrating the special occasion with a live stream on this Saturday. You can buy tickets and merch for this special stream at epicastream.com
Soen “Trials” Performance
Soen is an emotive mix of Doom, Progressive, and Orchestra that captivates upon listening. This video comes from their tenth anniversary DVD and includes an orchestra. I’m most interested to see their reimagined version of Slipknot’s “Snuff”. You can preorder the Dvd here https://lnk.to/SoenATLANTIS
The 2022 Return of Queensryche
Queensryche is a classic Progressive Metal band from Bellevue, Washington. The legends seem to evolve in every era, and this track is the height of modern Queensryche. I hated that Geoff Tate left, but this new sound contains everything I loved about the original band. Todd La Torre is everything we could’ve hoped for and has become a quintessential addition to the band. This guy has one of the best voices I’ve ever heard. Digital Noise Alliance is out October 7th
“Pale Tortured Blue” by Draconian at Hellfest 2022
This video is sadly the last performance of Heike Langhans with Draconian, making way for Lisa Johansson to make a surprising return to the band. This is an absolutely classic track for Draconian, being the perfect send-off for one of the most beloved replacement vocalists in Metal history.
While I’m not a fan of this new direction so far, Architects seem to keep evolving and changing their sound and not settling in one genre. It’s sounding much less epic and heavy than the previous album “For Those Who Wish To Exist”. But, I honestly don’t expect a redux of that album. That album is so monumentally good, it’s one that there can’t be a sequel.
“King of Nothing” Threshold
One of my favorite British bands of all time is coming back in 2022. It’s weird not to hear the great Damian Wilson leading the gorgeous vocals. But, Glynn Morgan returning has breathed new life into the band and huge sounds. His range is delectable as well as his guitar playing. I can’t wait to hear what they do with this record. It’s sounding heavy and even more Progressive than past releases. You can pre-order the new album and save it here https://bfan.link/dividing-lines.yde
“Pazuzu” Therion
The original Symphonic Metallers are back with catchy Pazuzu off of Leviathan II out October 28th. This album features the epic Israeli choral group Hellscore led by Noa Gruman of Progressive Metal band Scardust. Therion always stacks the deck, putting the most they can into every release. I am not a huge fan, but I actually really enjoyed this song.
Is There Anybody Out There? Beyond the Black
German Hard Rock band Beyond the Black always brings a powerful and catchy chorus with some absolutely sick riffs. This song is completely different from the other single, Reincarnation, and even more different than the previous album “Horizons”.
“Shadowminds” by The Halo Effect at Wacken
The Melodeth Supergroup has a legendary debut at Wacken, helping celebrate the might festival’s 31st Anniversary. This is their debut single live. The mix leaves little to be desired, but it’s always a pleasure watching Mikael Stanne perform.
What are you currently listening to? Let me know below!
Metal Valkyrie 