Italian HOT SUNDAY BLOOD have released a new single ‘Elusive’.
Hot Sunday Blood is an Italian band, formed in Turin in 2013. The sound is inspired by alternative rock music, with heavy rock influences. Each band member affects the sound in an unique way, coming from different backgrounds such as metal, stoner, grunge, black metal, prog and new wave. The band loves to define itself as “plug and play”. Lyrics are all in English, solid guitar riffs and open melodies are recurring elements typical of their songs which gains depth through Andrea Amerini’s voice. For fans of Mastodon, Queens Of the Stone Age, Alice in Chains and Smashing Pumpkins.
Three full lengths and more than one hundred lives behind them, in July 2018 they are called to open Doyle for the Turin date of his European tour. In May 2019 they organised a mini promotional tour in Romania, Croatia and Slovenia. Over the course of the years the sound shifted to a more distinctive imprint and the introduction of slight electronics support. The band performed in Ostrava V Plamenech Festival in year 2023.
New Zealand modern groove metal trio ALIEN WEAPONRY recently announced their heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, Te Rā, out March 28, 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, math 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.
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.”
ALIEN WEAPONRY have solidified themselves as one of the greatest young metal bands of their generation with renewed musical tenacity and crucial messaging. Since releasing their acclaimed debut Tū (2018), the band have been lauded for their kinetic presence and sound, as well as their vital blend of culturally profound lyricism in both English and te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand.
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. Te Rāis 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! Taken as a whole, Te Rāgrapples 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.
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 aforementioned 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. As the lyrics honor the traditional Māori practice of face tattooing, they also delve into the social costs of maintaining customs that are at-odds with dominant cultural norms.
Te Rā track listing: 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
ALIEN WEAPONRY are currently making waves in North America, on tour with metal icon Kerry King! After the tour, the band will headline a home country run of New Zealand. See below for all currently confirmed tour dates.
Remaining dates – ALIEN WEAPONRY supporting Kerry King in North America: w/ special guests Municipal Waste 02/19/25: Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater 02/21/25: Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda 02/22/25: Las Vegas, NV @ HOB Vegas
ALIEN WEAPONRY Headlining New Zealand: 03/14/25: Kirikiriroa (Hamilton, NZ) @ Factory 03/15/25: Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington, NZ) @ Jim Beam Homegrown 03/20/25: Ngāmotu (New Plymouth, NZ) @ TSB Showplace 03/21/25: Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland, NZ) @ Powerstation 03/22/25: Ōtautahi (Christchurch, NZ) @ James Hay Theatre 03/23/25: Tāhuna (Queenstown, NZ) @ AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre
ALIEN WEAPONRY is: Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong – Drums, Backing vocals Lewis Raharuhi de Jong – Guitars, Lead vocals Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds – Bass, Backing vocals
Sweden’s Dark Driven emerge in a chilling debut of grandeur and grit with From the Unbeliever, a collection of dark, gothic metal that fuses melancholy with menace. A second offering, in the form of their single ‘To Death, Too Soon’, is now streaming via Hammerheart Records. From the Unbeliever will be released on 21st March via the label.
Dark Driven’s debut doesn’t merely flirt with darkness; it inhabits it. There’s a rawness here that feels simultaneously classic and refreshingly new, blending gothic melancholy with a relentless drive. You can expect music that is as uncompromising as it is evocative, bleak yet beautiful, with a depth that demands multiple listens to fully unravel. This isn’t just an album; it’s a journey into the abyss, with Dark Driven as the dark architects leading the way.
From the Unbeliever isn’t here to bow to trends or polish up for radio play; this is metal for those who prefer their music with shadows intact.
• Mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound AB (Dissection, Opeth, Marduk, Skeletal Remains) • Produced by Joakim Rimhagen and FilipLeo • Artwork and layout by Filip Leo, inspired by an idea from photographer Maria Åsén
Track-list: 1. To Death, Too Soon 2. Through Waves of Sand 3. The Letters Said Nothing 4. The Gods Won’t Intertwine 5. Tell Me 6. From the Unbeliever 7. Never Mind the Pain 8. Dressed Divine 9. Cinder to Stone 10. A Song for Revenge
Dark Driven are: Joakim Rimhagen: Guitars, keys Filip Leo: Lead guitars, vocals, bass, keys Nir Nakav: Drums
Magnadur’s latest album, Beautiful Nightmare, marks a significant evolution in their music journey, offering listeners a deeply personal and immersive experience. The album is testament to the brilliant storytelling and genre-blending talents of Magnadur’s mastermind, Tomi Perrakoski. Each track on the album showcases his ability to weave intricate narratives with diverse musical styles, creating a unique experience for every listener.
Tomi has pushed the boundaries of traditional metal storytelling with Beautiful Nightmare. Each song takes the audience on a journey through vivid landscapes of emotion and imagination. The personal nature of the album is palpable, with themes that resonate on a universal scale yet remain deeply intimate.
One of the standout features of Beautiful Nightmare is its seamless blending of genres. Magnadur has always been known for their ability to mix different musical styles, but this album takes it to new heights. From haunting melodies to powerful riffs, each song offers a fresh surprising twist, keeping listeners engaged and excited.
For fans of metal, Beautiful Nightmare is a must-listen. The album not only showcases the technical prowess of Magnadur but also highlights the emotional depth and creativity of their music. It’s an album that demands attention and offers rewards with each listen, making it valuable addition to any metalhead’s collection.
In conclusion, Beautiful Nightmare is more than just an album; it’s an experience. With its profound storytelling and innovative genre-mixing, it stands as a testament to the artistic vision of Tomi Perrakoski and the band as a whole. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Magnadur, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Tracklist: 01. Kimono | 02. Hunted Dreams | 03. Reading With Eyes | 04. Misunderstood | 05. Sad Eyes | 06. Beautiful Nightmare | 07. Who Are You | 08. Family | 09. Mandatory Rest | 10. Alien Inside
Beautiful Nightmare | Released February 18th, 2025 via Sliptrick Records
Magnadur is: Tomi Perrakoski – Vocals and Arragement of all guest artists on songs
The wait for a new album from BonnArea thrashers FABULOUS DESASTER is over! More than 6 years after their last longplayer “Off With Their Heads”, the successor is finally in the starting blocks. 11 songs with a playing time of almost 46 minutes are waiting to be unleashed on mankind and blown around the ears of every thrash metal maniac who already gets sweaty fingers at the band name!
The new album is entitled “Crucify This!” and will be released on April 17th via MDD. Like its predecessors, it was recorded, mixed and mastered by Armin Rave at Soundsight Studio. A first look at the cover artwork, once again designed by Guatemalan artist Mario W. Lopez M., is attached! A first taster will be published soon – stay tuned!
German metal duo MANTAR are pleased to present their video for “Cosmic Abortion.” The track comes off their latest full-length, Post Apocalyptic Depression, released February 14th on Metal Blade Records.
Where 2022’s Pain Is Forever And This Is The End saw the pair bring a sonic richness to their madly heavy blackened death-punk grooves, assisting the record to its position at #2 on Germany’s Official Top 10 album chart, this year’s Post Apocalyptic Depression smashes the palette and punches a hole in the canvas. “We wanted to do everything different from the last album,” affirms guitarist/vocalist Hanno Klänhardt. “The last album was very produced. A huge sounding record with clean production. Display of power. That was what we wanted and felt at that time. Now we are trying to destroy what we’ve built up with the last album. There is a certain beauty in disappointing people’s expectations.”
Describes Rock Hard Germany in a 9/10 review of the record, “[MANTAR] paints pictures of dirty basement clubs, of sweat, chaos, aggression and smashed beer bottles as far as the eye can see.” Writes Decibel Magazine, “… Post Apocalyptic Depression now carries forward the giant thrust and swagger of its predecessor, even as it strips back all the runtimes, tightens the compositional core and snaps it together like a fist.” Metal Injection notes, “If you need a proper kick in the ass to get things going today – or you just wanna punish your speakers a little – here’s your chance.” Adds Fuze, “Dark, dirty and relentless, Post Apocalyptic Depression shows what MANTAR are all about: uncompromising authenticity that disturbs and fascinates. A must for anyone who appreciates unadorned musical brutality.”
Of “Cosmic Abortion” Hanno comments, “The intro riffing is already a classic. One word: epic. Bolt Thrower vibes meet Chaos A.D.-era Sepultura groove. White Zombie? Ok. Brutal ’90s swagger. A beat that breaks necks. The hook is already a live show classic. Slogans make the world go round.”
Watch MANTAR‘s previously released video for “Halsgericht” HERE and “Rex Perverso” HERE.
Post Apocalyptic Depression is available now on CD and digitally as well as vinyl in multiple color variants (some already sold out) and a limited-edition box set. Find at your local retailer or at: metalblade.com/mantar
MANTAR is currently in the midst of a short run of European shows with Kvelertak with more dates to be announced in the weeks to come.
MANTAR Live w/ Kvelertak, Urne [remaining dates]: 2/18/2025 Patronaat – Haarlem, NL 2/19/2025 Bastard Club – Osnabrück, DE # 2/25/2025 Cabaret Sauvage – Paris, FR 2/27/2025 Schlachthof – Wiesbaden, DE * 2/28/2025 Theaterfabrik – Munich, DE* 3/21/2025 Musikzentrum – Hannover, DE# 3/22/2025 Braincrusher Festival – Hirschaid, DE #
*co-headlining show #MANTAR only
Formed in 2013, MANTAR has been recognized as one of the hardest working among the German extreme metal underground. MANTAR manages to sound heavier than most five piece bands you may know, in spite of the fact that no bass guitar is used on this record. Just drums and guitar set for destruction. Forget about rock ‘n’ roll. This will hurt. Flogging beats and blackened melodies meet feedback orgies and doom mayhem. Early Melvins, Motörhead, Darkthrone. You name it. Don’t call it sludge though…
MANTAR: Hanno Klänhardt – guitars, vocals Erinc Sakarya – drums
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 