After announcing the upcoming release of the new album, Italian Thrash Metallers XENOS A.D. unveil its first details. Titled “Reqviem For The Oppressor”, it features artwork created by Ivan Stan and was mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studios. It will be released on May 23rd, 2025 via My Kingdom Music in digipakCD and vinyl format and you can pre-order at: https://t.ly/B3Vrj
Feast your eyes on the cover and check out the tracklist of the album that is:
1986
Dogma Of War
Tears On The Face Of God
Crown Of Separation
Welcome The Destroyer
Children Of The Atomic Sun
The Bleeding Hands Of Faith
Reqviem For The Oppressor
Dance Of The Gods
Mastermind Ignazio Nicastro adds: “The concept of the album is inextricably linked to war and its horrors and it is expressed through the 9 tracks of the album. In the cover artwork with Ivan Stan we tried to have a visual representation of the destructive violence of the War and therefore of our music that fully reflects the image”.
Formed by friends Giuseppe Taormina (guitars), Ignazio Nicastro (voice & bass), Danilo Ficicchia (drums), XENOS A.D. quickly gained recognition in the European Metal scene thanks to their impressive live attitude and performances at some of the greatest festivals in Europe (Wacken Open Air, Agglutination, Into The Grave, Area 53 among others). Their distinctive blend of lyricism about war and its horrors, combined with their relentless, neck-breaking Thrash, pays homage to the genre’s golden age Gods such as Slayer, Megadeth, Kreator, Exodus and Testament as well as some of the melody and progressive tendencies of Metal Church and Death Angel.
Fans of Thrash Metal can rejoice in yet another band proudly flying their Metal flag. Now, all you have to do, is experience the raw power of the fury of XENOS A.D.
Iranian Norwegian metallers Confess have released their latest video for the song ‘Built On A Grave’! The outfit, who have been making waves following on from the success of their widely praised 2022 album “Revenge At All Costs”, have returned with brand new album, “Destination Addiction”, which released on January 31st! Fans can purchase the record now at the band’s Bandcamp page and official website.
Speaking about the track, frontman Nikan Khosravi has said: “‘Built On A Grave’ is about moving forward while carrying the weight of the past. It’s about stepping into tomorrow without fond memories of yesterday. It speaks to survival—rebuilding from whatever remains. This song is about Confess!
If ‘EVIN’, the opening track from our previous album “Revenge At All Costs”, was about life in prison, then ‘Built On A Grave’, the opening track of “Destination Addiction”, is about the following chapter-the aftermath.”
Produced by Khosravi, and mixed and mastered by Grammy-nominated Alberto De Icaza (Amon Amarth, Clutch, Miss May I, Dead Cross, Upon A Burning Body) “Destination Addiction” lands at a critical point in human history. Given the escalating conflicts across the middle east and between Ukraine and Russia, Confess’ intention with “Destination Addiction” is to ask the question “What happens when you’ve survived things that no-one should have to?” Too often this question ends in dismal fashion, be it suicide, substance abuse, declining mental health, or worse.
Speaking about the album, Nikan has said:
“With “Destination Addiction”, we aimed to channel our personal experiences and the turbulent times we live in into something musically innovative and brutally honest. This album is a testament to our resilience and passion for metal. “Destination Addiction” delves deep into themes of isolation, depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts, reflecting our harrowing experiences following their arrest in 2015 and life in exile and I can say that this album is way darker than “Revenge At All Costs”!
The lyrical content offers a raw and critical perspective on the political and social turmoil in Iran as well as the broader global climate, addressing the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, the war in the Middle East and Europe, and the dangers of terrorism in today’s world. This album is the aftermath of “Revenge At All Costs”!”
Nikan further commented on getting to work with extreme metal luminaries George Kollias (Nile) and Marzi Montazeri (ex-Phil Anselmo and Illegals, ex-Superjoint Ritual, ex-Exhorder, Heavy As Texas) on this record: “Working with George Kollias has elevated our sound and added a lot of depth and texture to the record. Marzi Montazeri’s contribution to ‘After Goliath’ has provided a dynamic edge.”
The tracklisting for the album is: 1. Built On A Grave 2. Slaughterhouse 3. Expedition 4. Dark On Both Sides 5. Suicide Song 6. Final Lap 7. After Goliath 8. Origami God 9. Only Shackles To Lose 10. Breathe In. Breathe Out.
Formed in 2010 in Tehran, Iran, the band’s ideology reflects the experiences of living under a theoretical political system, combining critiques of organized religion with commentary on sociopolitical issues and personal struggles. Their debut album, “Beginning of Dominion”, was released on January 1st, 2012. By 2014, Confess had released four singles and an EP titled “Back to My Future [2/4]”. The single ‘Encase Your Gun’ emerged after the Iranian regime suppressed the Green Movement in 2009.
On October 28, 2015, just two weeks after releasing their second album, “In Pursuit of Dreams”, frontman Nikan Khosravi and DJ Arash Ilkhani were arrested by the Revolutionary Guards. They faced charges of blasphemy and propaganda against the state due to their music and interviews. After spending three months in solitary confinement and 15 months in public prison, they were released temporarily on bail pending trial. Initially sentenced to six years each, they appealed the verdict.
Due to ongoing threats, Nikan fled to Turkey in 2017. In December 2018 he was granted political asylum in Norway. Arash joined him in May 2019 after also seeking asylum in Turkey. In July 2019, in their absence, an appeal court sentenced Nikan to 12 and a half years in prison plus 74 lashes and Arash to two years in prison.
Upon settling in Norway, Confess experimented with seven-string guitars and modern death metal sounds while retaining their signature groove. In 2022, they welcomed three new members and began touring without fear. They released their third album, “Revenge at All Costs”, on January 21, 2022, inspired by their struggles and experiences. The album received critical acclaim, earning high ratings from several metal publications and saw the band featured in prominent media outlets like Sky News, The Guardian and BBC.
In September 2022, Confess signed a worldwide management deal with Extreme Management Group in New York. They continued to face challenges from the Iranian regime, including social media attacks, but remained inspired and productive. They supported Nile on their European tour, performing across 11 countries and 16 cities, solidifying their presence in the global metal scene. In September 2024 Confess supported Belphegor and Malevolent Creation on their European run before appearing at the Vagos Metal Fest in Portugal and Viborg Metal Fest in Denmark.
In June 1971, a legend was born. Following a low key trial run the previous year, Worthy Farm in Glastonbury, England, opened its gates to one of the largest gatherings of the rock underground that the UK had ever seen.
Traffic, Quintessence, the Pink Fairies, Hawkwind and the Edgar Broughton Band were among the attractions; so was the then all-but-unknown David Bowie. And there was room, too, for MELANIE, best known at the time as a star of Woodstock in 1969 and the following year’s Isle of Wight festival, but still awaiting the UK hits that would establish her as a superstar. In terms of perception, she was then as much a part of the underground as any of the performers.
“There was a real buzz about Melanie being there,” Hawkwind’s Nik Turner recalled in 2015. “Surprise, too, because there really weren’t many Americans on the bill; it was a very English event. But everyone adored her, and the whole site fell silent while she was on. Even the drummers stopped playing to listen.”
Melanie, too, remembered Glastonbury as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “I flew in… I was so jet lagged and so out of my mind that [festival organiser] Michael Eavis took me to his farmhouse and let me take a nap there, because I was so tired. But it was absolutely magical.”
Neither was Turner her sole admirer at Glastonbury. Paul Rudolph of the Pink Fairies has already paid fond remembrance to her by layering some exquisite guitar over her “Some Say (I Got Devil)” (a song that has also been covered by Morrissey); now another star of the festival, singer Terry Reid, steps forward to duet with her on Bob Dylan’s “Mr Tambourine Man.”
Melanie first recorded the song on her debut album, and performed it at Woodstock, too. This version dates from later in her career, but the years roll back as she and Reid – oft-described as “the man who turned down Zeppelin” – throw heart and soul into the performance, retaining all the mysticism of Dylan’s original, but refusing to be hog-tied to his prototype.
“I recorded so many Dylan songs over the years,” Melanie recollected in 2023, “and ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ was one I always wanted to return to. There are so many layers to the lyric, I could never grow tired of exploring them.”
Reid felt the same way, contributing an arrangement that allows both singers the opportunity to sing the song their way, as well as bringing them together for a powerful duet. A dramatic psychedelia-tinged video adds to the performance’s impact.
Drudkh are a leading light for atmospheric and pagan black metal. Today, the band are presenting the second single and centerpiece off their upcoming thirteenth album. “The Exile” captures the struggle of the soul as it traverses through desolate landscapes of internal banishment.
Shadow Play is proudly etched in Ukranian folklore. Every song unveils another raw layer of the human condition. During the haunting journey of “The Exile”, Drudkh demonstrates lonely melancholia with grandeur.
Tracklist: 1. Scattering the Ashes (7:23) 2. April (11:11) 3. The Exile (10:12) [WATCH] 4. Fallen Blossom (6:50) 5. The Eve (7:08) [LISTEN] 6. The Thirst (12:21) Full runtime: 55:05
Born from the whispering winds and the brooding landscapes of Ukraine, a realm steeped in history and draped in the enigma of folklore, emerges DRUDKH – a beacon of profound expression in the vast expanse of black metal. In their essence, DRUDKH are the custodians of a narrative, combining atmospheric and pagan influences into a mesmerizing portrayal of their homeland’s soul. Their journey is one of introspection, seeking to create music that evoke a profound emotional resonance that stirs the depths of the human experience.
With the unfolding of Shadow Play, their latest album, DRUDKH invites the listener into a realm where the boundaries between the corporeal and the ethereal blur. This album emerges as an ode to the contrasting forces that shape existence: light against shadow, silence against storm, ephemeral beauty against the decay of oblivion. A story untold, exploring themes of exile, the cycle of life and death, and the perpetual yearning for a return to origins—both personal and collective.
Through Shadow Play, DRUDKH transcends the conventional expectations of music, engaging in a dialogue that is both personal and universal. They challenge us to confront our own shadows, to find beauty in desolation, and to appreciate the intricate dance of light and darkness that defines our existence. This album is another chapter in DRUDKH’s storied discography – it represents an invigorated exploration into the myriad facets of human emotion, the relentless pursuit of truth, and the undying passion for unearthing the hidden threads that connect us to the past.
DRUDKH continues to illuminate the path for those who dare to wander, to question, and to dream.
Lineup, recording, production, mixing & mastering credits are not published.
Legendary singer RONNIE ROMERO unveils his new single and live video, “Vengeance”, a new version of the track recorded live at the Spanish Rock Imperium Festival, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.
Romero is also gearing up for his upcoming UK and European headlining tour, starting on March 6th in Wolwerhampton, UK, and wrapping up on March 19th in Weert, NL, with support from Absolva.
Ronnie Romero describes the track as “the most epic and powerful song from my solo album!! And a must play in our shows!! Hope the people enjoy this performance at the Rock Imperium Festival!”
“Vengeance” is taken from Ronnie’s latest solo album “Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters”, which marks the first time that Romero has been involved with 100% of the songwriting on an album he sings on.
Romero also co-produced the album with Andy C., marking another first for Romero. While these ‘firsts” certainly add to the excitement for the album, it is the songs that truly take center stage. Romero’s voice is completely at home on this diverse, hard rockin’ set which is certainly going to please any fan of his vocal style and his work with his other bands.
Romero’s voice and prolific musical activity have brought him to the forefront of the hard rock/metal scene where he can be seen/heard with Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, The Michael Schenker Group, Lords of Black, The Ferrymen, Sunstorm, and the recently launched Elegant Weapons with Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner. With an impressive discography already under his belt, “Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters” is arguably the crown jewel of Romero’s recorded output thus far.
“Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters” follows Romero’s first two solo albums, both covers albums. 2023’s “Raised On Heavy Radio” saw Romero paying tribute to legendary artists from the metal world like Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept, Metallica, and more. It also featured special guests like Gus G. (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne), Chris Caffery (Savatage, Spirits of Fire), Roland Grapow (Masterplan, Helloween), and more.
Romero’s first solo album, “Raised On Radio”, featured covers of classics that meant something special to Romero over the years and helped forge this talented singer’s musical style. Songs by legendary acts like Survivor, Bad Company, Foreigner, Queen, Led Zeppelin, and more were given Romero’s talented vocal treatment.
MAR 6 – KK’s Steel Mill – Wolverhampton, UK MAR 7 – Nightrain – Bradford, UK MAR 8 – Whittles Oldham – Manchester, UK MAR 9 – Trillians – Newcastle, UK MAR 10 – Bannermans – Edinburgh, UK MAR 11 – Eleven – Stoke, UK MAR 12 – Underworld – London, UK MAR 13 – HRH Fest Spring Break 2 – Great Yarmouth, UK MAR 15 – De Pul – Uden, NL MAR 16 – Poppodium Boerderij – Zoetermeer, NL MAR 17 – Yard Club – Koln, DE MAR 18 – Piano – Dortmund, DE MAR 19 – De Bosuil – Weert, NL
Line Up: Ronnie Romero – Vocals Jose Rubio – Guitars Fran Gil Torres – Keyboards Andy C. – Drums Aurelian Dinca – Bass Guitar/Vocals
“The dawn of The Auto Exultants, the creators of the Motorsteeple. This song recalls the founding of their great citadel and their treacherous journey to the foot of the mountain where the citadel lies. Combining cloud, shadow, earth and flesh the great castle and the netherforge was created. The inception of the Motorsteeple hath begun. In the dungeons and factories of their great fortress the petrol church is born.
“This is a little taster for what is to come. A prequel to the last album The Rise and Demise of the Motorsteeple.”
In 2024, Battlesnake‘s momentum exploded internationally across the UK and Europe where their unique sound resonated with fans and critics alike. Their album The Rise and Demise of the Motorsteeple (2024) marked a significant milestone in their career, blending high-octane metal with intricate storytelling. The album’s success propelled Battlesnake into the global spotlight, securing their place as one of the most anticipated bands in the scene.
Now, as 2025 dawns, Battlesnake are poised to embark on their biggest year yet. New single ‘Fathers of the Iron Flesh’, a track that promises to be an anthem for fans worldwide. As the band’s sound continues to evolve, this new single reflects their darker, more refined edge, showcasing the band’s mastery of both melody and aggression.
This year will also see Battlesnake embark on an ambitious UK and EU tour, bringing their hard-hitting sound to some of the biggest music festivals in the world, including Download Festival (UK), Copenhell (Denmark), Rock for People (Czech Republic), Mad Cool (Spain), and more. With each performance, Battlesnake will prove their reputation as one of the most dynamic live acts in modern rock.
Dates:
13 – 15 June Download Festival, UK 14 June Rock For People, CZ 17 June Speicher-Husum, DE* 18 – 21 June Copenhell, DK 20 June Freak Valley, DE
With DZ Deathrays 7 July Bodega, Nottingham, UK (co-headline) 8 July Chalk, Brighton, UK (co-headline) 9 July Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, UK (co-headline)
10 July 2000trees, UK 10 -12 July MadCool, ES 15 July DB’s, Utrecht, NL 16 July Altstadt, Eindhoven, NL* 17 – 20 July Zwarte Cross, NL 18 – 20 July Rockland Festival, ES 18 – 20 July Ilosaarirock, FIN 29 July Free & Easy, Munich, DE* 1 August Open Air Graenichen, CH 6 August Underworld, London, UK* 9 August Rebellion, Manchester, UK* 12 August Hug & Pint, Glasgow, UK* 13 August Lending Room, Leeds, UK* 14 August ArcTanGent, UK 15 August Hoflärm Festival, DE
*Headline shows
The rising titans of Australian hard rock and pure heavy metal, Battlesnake have quickly ascended from the underground, captivating audiences worldwide with their unique blend of powerful riffs and dynamic songwriting. Channelling the likes of Queen, Judas Priest and Black Sabbath into something familiar yet ground breaking at the same time. Renowned for their high-octane live performances, epic theatrical compositions, and relentless energy, they have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting acts in contemporary metal.
Formed in 2019, Battlesnake quickly captured attention with their debut EP, Myths and Legends from Gorbag’s Domain (2020), followed by their self-titled full-length album in 2023. With each release, their sound has evolved into a mighty force, blending heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and intricate melodies, while keeping the raw, unrelenting energy that defines their live shows.
The band’s explosive rise in Europe and the UK was complemented by their collaboration with renowned acts like KISS (on their “End of the World Tour”), The Smashing Pumpkins, and Jane’s Addiction (on the “World Is a Vampire Tour”). The Australian outfit’s electrifying live performances were met with widespread acclaim, leading to sold-out shows and a rapidly growing fan base in these territories.
As they prepare to unleash their next chapter, Battlesnake remains steadfast in their pursuit of musical excellence. With a rapidly expanding fan base, critical acclaim, and an unyielding commitment to their craft, they are on track to conquer new territories and continue captivating audiences across the globe.
All hail Battlesnake!
Battlesnake are:
Nick Zammit (drums) Sam Frank (vocals) Ben Frank (guitar) Daniel Willington (guitar) Billy O’Key (keytar) Elliot Hitchcock (bass)
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 )