Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

On March 6, 2026, marked the official release of “Rotten In The Skull”, the debut album by CASTELNUOVO RANCORE, released by Wanikiya Record, which also marks the band’s entry into the label’s roster.

Formed in 2023 in Modena, Castelnuovo Rancore was born from an idea by Filippo Cristofoli (vocals and guitar) and Walter Esposito (drums). After years of activity in other projects and a long break from the music scene, the two decided to get back into the game by creating a new band with a clear, direct identity and no compromises.

Shortly after, Alessandro Maculan (vocals and guitar) and Marcello Lezzi (bass) joined the line-up, completing a formation that immediately proved to be solid, tight, and well-balanced.

The name Castelnuovo Rancore is a deliberately distorted irony of Castelnuovo Rangone, a town in the province of Modena where, paradoxically, none of the four members actually live. This choice perfectly reflects the band’s disillusioned and sarcastic attitude.

Their musical style moves along the lines of late ‘90s and early 2000s Thrash and Groove Metal, with strong hardcore influences. The band openly cites influences ranging from Machine Head and Pantera to Hatebreed and Sepultura, creating a compact, aggressive, and instantly recognizable sound.

The songwriting follows a direct approach designed to hit the listener without filters, with lyrics addressing social themes and personal experiences, united by a common emotional thread of anger, frustration, and resentment.

“Rotten In The Skull” represents a true statement of intent: a visceral, raw, and uncompromising album that embodies the band’s expressive urgency and clearly defines their artistic identity.

Confirming their growing impact on the national scene, Castelnuovo Rancore took part in the first edition of the Italian Metal Alliance (January 2026), sharing the stage with historic names of the Italian extreme music scene such as Distruzione, Node, and Gory Blister.

With “Rotten In The Skull”, Castelnuovo Rancore establish themselves as one of the most authentic and aggressive acts in the new Italian metal scene, ready to leave their mark.

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