Ohio alternative metal Yesterday’s Hero has a new music video to offer up to fans for their track “What I Needed” featured on their debut album “Ways To Hate”. It is a hooky distorted riffing song, guitarist Tony Smith wrote it with his son playing the drums. A Rise Against-inspired banger. It’s a song that is medication for the wounds that we’ve all been dealt.
“Waking up to the realization that not everything is as it seems and really accepting that. It’s what a lot of us need to move forward in life. Sometimes in the middle of a struggle, you may not realize it’s “What I Needed”. adds Smith.
Watch and listen to “What I Needed” via its premiere on Ghost Cult Magazine HERE.
Yesterday’s Hero is a good time band. They have more fun out at the shows than they probably should. They are no choir boys and they bring that signature sound with their first full-length “Ways To Hate”. It was purposely recorded in analog to give you a real album experience and not just singles spread out. The tracklisting was designed for each song to complement the next from beginning to end along with feeling the musicand its emotions of struggling with a bleeding heart at the end of a tumultuous relationship
A fusion of high-energy grooves with timeless melodies to get your blood pumping and moshing in the pit, Yesterday’s Hero is recommended for fans of Chevelle, Rise Against, Killswitch Engage, Godsmack, and Seether.
Track Listing: 1- Killing Me (3:43) 2- What I Needed (4:06) 3- Ways to Hate (3:38) 4- Bounce (4:12) 5- Be (3:46) 6- Road of Doom (5:26) 7- Life’s So Good (3:46) Album Length: 28:36
Band Lineup Live and Recording Chris Neller – Vocals Nathan Fike – Lead Guitar Tony Smith – Guitar Bill Mizen – Bass
Byron Ferguson – Live Drums and Recorded Drums on track 2. What I Needed, 3. Ways to Hate, 4. Bounce Jesse Elkins – Recorded Drums on track 1. Killing Me, 5. Be, 6. Road of Doom, and 7. Life’s So Good
IMARI TONES, widely recognized as Japan’s first Christian heavy metal band, is proud to announce the release of their 19th studio album, “Coming Back Alive”, on February 7, 2025. The album, released under the band’s self-run label, Kitchen Knife Records, marks a return to their roots while celebrating faith, resilience, and the power of music.
Their previous album, “Nabeshima”, was released through a European indie label and explored progressive and diverse musical directions with a touch of traditional Japanese influence. However, for “Coming Back Alive,” Imari Tones took a different approach, crafting an album that pays homage to 1980s hard rock while maintaining their core Christian themes.
Overcoming Adversity to Create Music The creation of this album was not without challenges. In June 2023, a fire destroyed the apartment where band members Tak and Marie lived. The disaster put their activities on hold and forced them to rebuild their lives. Thankfully, with the support of their fans and community, they found a temporary home at Asao Christ Church, where they not only lived but also recorded much of the album.
The album’s title, “Coming Back Alive,” had been decided before the fire. However, the life-threatening experience gave the title a profound and literal significance. The album now serves as a testament to their survival, their faith in God, and the eternal themes of resurrection and enduring love that transcend life and death.
One tragic loss from the fire was a remarkable cat that lived in one of the apartments. This cat was known for its unique vocalization, sounding like it was singing “Hallelujah.” The band incorporated a recording of the cat’s voice into one of the songs, honoring its memory and symbolizing the belief that it is now in heaven praising God.
A Return to Straightforward Rock Musically, “Coming Back Alive” sees Imari Tones revisiting the straightforward, high-energy rock that defined their early years. This shift contrasts with the expansive and experimental approach of their previous album, “Nabeshima”, which incorporated progressive influences, elements of traditional Japanese music, and multilingual lyrics.
Tak, the band’s leader, explains the evolution: “Our previous album, ‘Nabeshima,’ had a wide musical range. It was progressive, combining heavy metal with traditional Japanese elements, and featured lyrics in both Japanese and English. It was unique, and we’re proud of it, but some of our audience found it harder to connect with. So this time, we wanted to create something more straightforward. The theme of bouncing back from the fire perfectly matched the fun and hopeful musical direction we wanted to take.” This new album is a joyful celebration of life and renewal, with a sound heavily inspired by 1980s hard rock. It captures the youthful energy and optimism that first defined the band’s career, while maintaining the spiritual depth and purpose that have become their hallmark.
Singles and Music Videos Already Released Ahead of the album release, Imari Tones has already released five singles from “Coming Back Alive,” each paired with a music video. These videos, available on YouTube, have been well-received for their creativity and engaging visuals. Highlights include the use of AI-generated imagery in “Love Wars” and a fun Japanese food tour featured in the music video for “Message From Above.”
Supporting Wildfire Relief with Album Proceeds In gratitude for the support they received after their fire, Imari Tones has decided to donate 50% of the proceeds from “Coming Back Alive” to the California Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildfire relief and recovery efforts. This contribution will be made on a permanent basis, ensuring that the band’s music not only brings hope to listeners but also directly helps those affected by similar disasters.
The decision to partner with the California Community Foundation was deeply personal for the band, as their experience with the 2023 fire left them acutely aware of the challenges faced by those who lose their homes. “We wanted to pay forward the kindness and support we received by helping others in need,” Tak explains.
Album Details Title: Coming Back Alive Release Date: February 7, 2025 Label: Kitchen Knife Records Genre: Christian Metal / Hard Rock Available On: Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and all major streaming platforms
Track List 1. Above & Below 2. Love Resurrection 3. Love Wars 4. Small Flame 5. Message From Above 6. How To Save The Multiverse 7. Co-In 8. What The Devil Hates 9. This Cat Says Hallelujah 10. Open The Door 11. Coming Back Alive 12. Rock In Heaven
Music Videos: “Above & Below”
“Love Resurrection”
“Message From Above”
“Love Wars”
Spotify Playlist (5 singles from the album), at this location.
About Imari Tones Imari Tones is an independent Christian metal band based in Japan. Known for their pioneering role as the country’s first Christian heavy metal group, the band has released 18 albums to date and performed internationally, spreading messages of faith, hope, and resilience through their music.
In a thrilling announcement sure to excite fans across North America, legendary death metal titans DECAPITATED have just released two new performance videos, setting the stage for their upcoming ‘Nihility Tour’. The videos, featuring the tracks “Names” and “Eternity Too Short,” were filmed live from the band’s rehearsal room, offering fans a raw, intense preview of what to expect on the road.
The double video release serves as a precursor to DECAPITATED’s eagerly awaited tour across North America, beginning February 4, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. These exclusive performances capture the band in a visceral, intimate setting, showcasing their technical prowess and relentless energy. “Names” and “Eternity Too Short” are both seminal tracks from their acclaimed album Nihility, which will be played in its entirety on the tour.
“GET READY, NORTH AMERICA! We can’t wait to make our highly anticipated return and play the entire NIHILITY album! Let’s make this one a tour to remember!” – the band excitedly shares.
The tour will cover 23 cities in the United States and Canada, concluding on March 2 in Santa Ana, California.
Fans can look forward to an electrifying lineup with DECAPITATED headlining, supported by the formidable talents of INCANTATION and DARKEST HOUR, with EXMORTUS opening each night. This assembly of metal powerhouses guarantees a series of high-octane performances, filled with the heavy, intricate, and soul-stirring music that has defined their genres.
Tour Dates and Venues:
Feb. 04 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
Feb. 05 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
Feb. 06 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819
Feb. 07 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
Feb. 08 – Boston, MA – Middle East Downstairs
Feb. 10 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theater
Feb. 11 – Montreal, QC – Beanfield Theatre
Feb. 12 – Ottawa, ON – Overflow
Feb. 13 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre
Feb. 14 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge
Feb. 15 – Joliet, IL – The Forge
Feb. 16 – Minneapolis, MN – The Caboose
Feb. 18 – Denver, CO – Oriental Theater
Feb. 19 – Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall
Feb. 21 – Calgary, AB – Back Alley
Feb. 22 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room
Feb. 24 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre
Feb. 25 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
Feb. 26 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
Feb. 27 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge
Feb. 28 – Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues
Mar. 01 – Los Angeles, CA – 1720
Mar. 02 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
Tickets for the ‘Nihility Tour’ are on sale now. This is a can’t-miss opportunity for fans to experience the sheer power and emotion of DECAPITATED’s music in a live setting. For more information, ticketing, and to watch the new live session videos, visit Decapitated’s Official Website.
Norwegian cosmic brutal tech-death metal juggernaut CELESTIAL SCOURGE presents “The Optic Chiasm“, the second single from their upcoming first full-length album, “Observers of The Inevitable”, due out February 28th 2025 via Time To Kill Records!
“‘The Optic Chiasm’ is our most complex and technical song for this album. It’s short but it does not need 8 minutes to showcase itself. We wanted to make that one song that will have us terrified before we hit the stage and to see if we make it back alive after we play it. Lyrics wise it’s about how our anatomy is not capable of handling some of the information that exists out in the distant galaxies, that some things are so complex and so grand that our own minds wouldn’t be able to comprehend it. And therefore make us confused and deranged”.
Following their explosive 2023 debut EP, “Dimensions Unfurled”, the band is ready to take their sound to the next level. Brace yourselves for a sonic journey that will push the boundaries of technical death metal into the uncharted realms of the cosmos.
Tracklist:
1. The Advent of Deities 2. Vessels 3. Exterminated 4. Wandering Waste of Oxygen 5. Insectoid Evisceration 6. The Optic Chiasm 7. Assembling Deformities 8. Ancient Forms
Founded in 2021 by bassist Stian Gundersen, CELESTIAL SCOURGE has already carved out a name for themselves with their relentless energy and unparalleled musicianship. Their sound is a brilliant blend of haunting growls, guitars wielded with malicious precision, thunderous bass lines, and drumming so fast it challenges the speed of light. It’s a musical onslaught inspired by the vast mysteries of space and the terrifying beauty of its dark corners.
The band’s line-up features members with a pedigree in some of the most revered names in underground extreme metal, including Blood Red Throne, Deception, Ruun, Vorbid, and Todesking. Drawing inspiration from titans like Suffocation, The Faceless, The Zenith Passage, Cattle Decapitation and Cannibal Corpse, CELESTIAL SCOURGE crafts a sound that’s both ferociously modern and rooted in the genre’s brutal legacy.
This release expands on the themes and sonic landscapes introduced in their debut, catapulting listeners further into the boundless chaos of the universe.
For fans of: Suffocation, Deeds Of Flesh, Beyond Creation, The Faceless
Extreme Management Group (EMG), home to bands like Suffocation, Atheist, Misery Index, and more, has announced their partnership with Metalcore / Alternative Rock band YOUR LAST BREATH.
Hailing from the Twin Cities of Minnesota, Your Last Breath emerged from the chaos of 2020 with one mission: to create a raw, aggressive sound that embodies the pain, frustration, and defiance of a generation at a breaking point. Fusing the brutality of metalcore with the spirit of pop-punk and alternative rock, Your Last Breath delivers an explosive, cathartic experience both on record and in their electrifying live shows.
Conceived by guitarist-vocalist Dustan Cano in 2021, following a far-too-close brush with death, Your Last Breath represents a second chance at life. Starting from humble beginnings as a garage band in small town Minnesota, the band quickly made a name for themselves within the Midwest metalcore scene, delivering fiercely personal and intense music that addresses topics relating to worldview, mental health struggles, and the relentless battle to overcome adversity. In 2025, the band aims to cement their place as a household name in the industry, releasing breakout debut single “All Bite” early in the year, with subsequent releases to follow.
The band’s signature sound—marked by crushing breakdowns, driving guitar riffs, and emotionally charged lyrics—is built around the vocal fury of frontman Dakota Adams and the melodic prowess of Dustan Cano, whose passionate deliveries resonate with listeners who seek both aggression and vulnerability. Cano’s captivating guitar work propels their sound further, focusing on creating riffs and melodies that get stuck in the heads of listeners. The calculated precision of Brandon Scheffen on drums and Bryce Laing on bass provides a strong backbone, while Dustan and Dakota’s tag team vocal approach drives the band’s dynamic musical range. The sum of these parts results in a unique and far-reaching sound, with influences ranging from metalcore and pop punk to emo and alternative rock. Your Last Breath creates music that has something for everyone, all while retaining a cohesive and unified flow.
High-octane live performances are a norm for the band, stemming from Dakota Adams’ travelling experience and Commercial Vocal Performance degree from Belmont University, which guide the group and contribute to an exciting and high energy experience, captivating audiences of all demographics. Their ability to connect with fans in an authentic and visceral way has earned them a loyal following, making them one of the most exciting young acts in the metalcore and pop-punk scenes alike. The future is bright for Your Last Breath, and the journey is only just beginning.
With their sights set on breaking through to wider audiences, Your Last Breath is currently working on new material for their Debut full-length album, set to release in 2026.
Now in 2025, Your Last Breath have signed with Extreme Management Group and say, “Formed and inspired from a near death experience. Your Last Breath is a band for everyone and makes music for fans of metalcore, hardcore, pop punk, and alternative rock. Hungry to take on the world; ready to take what’s ours. We are extremely excited and proud to announce our partnership with EMG. We’re most excited to work on making ourselves a top act in our region; as well as making a name for ourselves abroad.”
Band Members: Vocals: Dakota Adams Guitars / Vocals: Dustan Cano Bass: Bryce Laing Drums: Brandon Scheffen Connect with Your Last Breath:
The hybrid metal band Keoma from Helsinki, founded in 2008, has released their third album, “A New Beginning?” today.
The album is an eight-track creation of progressive metal that immediately takes the listener on a journey and lets go with its wistful conclusion, yet leaves the listener thirsting for more.
“It feels very good to release this record to the world and to our fans who have been waiting and waiting. Of course, along the way we have released several singles before this moment, but now is the opportunity to really experience the work intended as a whole. From start to finish. We started working on the album at the end of 2022 and we knew exactly what kind of sound we wanted for the album. Along with the trip, our friend Ville Liukkonen from Artlab was selected to mix the record and for the mastering, a big world view was needed, Acle Kahney from 4D Sounds (a familiar friend from the band TesseracT, by the way) took the booth. We are more than satisfied with the end result, this is our best-sounding album, but also our best album” says the band’s vocalist, Jasse Jatala.
“A New Beginning?” songlist:
Contact (03:55)
Path I: Is This How You Pay? (08:13)
Path II: On My Own, Where’s My Soul? (06:10)
Some Kind Of A Builder (04:30)
A New Beginning (08:02)
Mutakuningas (05:50)
Hidden Things (06:17)
Blood On The Piano (05:11)
Listen to the new album “A New Beginning?” on Spotify.
The album will also be celebrated on Saturday 1 February 2025 at Tiivistämö, Helsinki. The long-established prog band Overhead and the fresh grunge band Gardenhead, who released their debut album 2024, have been invited to the evening. The evening culminates with Keoma’s performance and the new album is played in its entirety, along with a few old and maybe even newer songs.
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 ) 