Dusktone is proud to announce the forthcoming release of “The Obscure Light Awaits”, the second full-length album by Italian death metal visionaries SONUM.
Mark your calendars for 11th April 2025, as the band returns to the forefront of death metal with a record that masterfully balances abstraction and ferocity.
The new single, the album’s title track “The Obscure Light Awaits”, is now premiering via the mighty Mystification ZineHERE.
Following the critical acclaim of their debut, “Visceral Void Entropy” (2022), SONUM delve deeper into the labyrinthine realms of dissonance and atmosphere. “The Obscure Light Awaits” is an ambitious work that simultaneously pushes boundaries and honours the roots of the genre. The album eschews unnecessary complexity in favour of a tight focus on songwriting, weaving together intricate, sibylline passages with a raw, unrelenting power that shows the influence of the pioneering works of old and contemporary death metal legends such as Gorguts, Morbid Angel, Execration and Artificial Brain.
A true testament to SONUM’s evolution, “The Obscure Light Awaits” presents a sonic journey defined by dark, otherworldly textures and relentless energy. The band’s ability to merge atmospheric depth with crushing riffs showcases their commitment to creating music that is both immersive and uncompromising. It’s an exploration of contrasts – between the abstract and the visceral, the chaotic and the structured.
Fans of progressive and atmospheric death metal will find “The Obscure Light Awaits” to be a landmark release that stands tall amidst this year’s most formidable works.
Stay tuned for more singles and further announcements as we approach the release date.
Tracklist:
01. Due To Inner Mess… 02. In This Void We Dwell 03. Famine 04. Trapped In The Labyrinth of Aberration 05. Ad Mortem (Iter Est) 06. Beyond The Gate… 07. The Obscure Light Awaits 08. Nobody Is Innocent 09. Messenger Of Cosmic Dread 10. Deliver Us (Final Trip)
Line-up:
Thomas Girardello – Vocals, Bass Mirko Marchesini – Guitars Francesco Tresca – Drums
All songs produced by SONUM Mixed & Mastered by Luca Dal Lago
Italian death metallers SUDDEN DEATH have signed to Time To Kill Records for the release of their fourth album,“In Sinner Hate“.
Their most blisteringly furious, ambitious, and eclectic record to date, “In Sinner Hate” delivers eleven tracks of brutal death metal mixed with elements of old-school heaviness.
The album was mixed and mastered by Stefano “Saul” Morabito (Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hour Of Penance, Hideous Divinity), with additional recordings by Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono (Hour Of Penance, Shores Of Null) and Giuseppe Orlando (Novembre, Stormlord).
Watch for more details on the new album release, new tour updates, and more news on other upcoming SUDDEN DEATH activities to be posted shortly.
Formed in 1997, SUDDEN DEATH are a death metal band hailing from Genzano (Rome). The band’s sound, initially inspired by the rawest old school death-thrash metal waves, slowly and progressively developed into a more brutal style, influenced by Cannibal Corpse and early Deicide. Nowadays the band set forth on a masterclass in technical and claustrophobic death metal with dense and intertwining guitars, sudden tempo and metric changes and more consistent and exasperated vocal parts.
So far the band has released three albums – “Devoured Inside” (self-produced) in 2001, “Injection of Hate” (Deadbang Records) in 2004, and “Monolith of Sorrow” (Killerpool Records) in 2015 – and the EP “Stillborn” (Art Gates Records) in 2018.
SUDDEN DEATH have played several shows throughout the Italian peninsula and around Europe, sharing the stage with important acts such as Suffocation, Gorgoroth, Vader, Napalm Death, Exodus, Dark Tranquility, Possessed, Pestilence and many others.
Line-up:
Luis Maggio – Vocals Giorgio “Giorgioni” Cifuni – Guitar Francesca Mancini – Guitar Giuseppe Ciurleo – Bass Emanuele Aleo – Drums
Feast your eyes on the blockbuster video for their star-studded new single and even those outside of the metal scene will know that Savage Lands are fierce defenders of our natural habitat. But this supergroup aren’t acting when it comes to preserving the world’s ecosystems.
After witnessing how land developers are tearing down Costa Rica’s rain forest, Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and his old guitarist Sylvain Demercastel decided they weren’t going to sit around and rust in peace. In 2022, they started Savage Lands, the music industry’s first artist-run environmental non-profit.
100% of the royalties from the organization’s first feature-length album support their ongoing preservation projects in Costa Rica and other countries. Army of the Trees features members of Sepultura, Heilung, Lord of the Lost and other metallic superstars. On the album’s new single “Ruling Queen”, Savage Lands call on metal’s blue-haired heroine along with one of its strongest axemen to help defend their turf.
“Art and activism converge in a space of meaning, and that is where I choose to stand”, says Arch Enemy front woman Alissa White-Gluz. “Metalheads have always been powerful and passionate people in my eyes. I hold deep gratitude for Savage Lands and their relentless work in safeguarding the fragile beauty of Costa Rica’s ecosystem”.
“It has been my pleasure and honor to be part of this unbelievable project”, Obituary guitarist Kenneth Andrews says. “Let’s do our part!”
Watch the video for “Ruling Queen” featuring Alissa White-Gluz and Kenneth Andrews:
Army of the Trees comes out February 15, 2025 on Season of Mist.
Scenes from “Ruling Queen” were shot on location in the 100,000 square feet of high-risk Costa Rican rainforest that Savage Lands has preserved using royalties from their music. But while the video opens on a peaceful mountain vista, the rumble of drum fills from Loco Muerte’s Florian Pons warn that trouble is afoot. Before the guitars can even sink their teeth into the song’s biting riff, a band of armed soldiers come storming through the forest hellbent on turning a profit.
It’s a sight and sound that Savage Lands’ co-founders know all too well. “After hearing chainsaws tear through Costa Rica on a daily basis, we knew it was time to act”, says Sylvain, “because the buzzing is only getting louder”.
Now, with their new single, Savage Lands are adding the queen of the jungle to their ranks. As the softly swirling melody of “Ruling Queen” appears like a break in the clouds, who else should appear but the leading lady of the Swedish melodeath dynasty Arch Enemy. “Fall of the universe“, Alissa White-Gluz sings as she stalks the video’s unsuspecting invaders from the treetops. Even her soaring cleans are heavy with disdain for her soon-to-be prey. “We’re nothing special, we’re no heroes“.
Joining forces with Alissa came naturally to Savage Lands. While she and Dirk have crossed paths with their respective bands on the international touring circuit, they’re also both vegans and animal rights advocates. “That’s important to us”, Dirk says about the partnership behind “Ruling Queen”. “Obviously, it’s great when Savage Lands receives support from a huge star like Alissa, but that she also buys into the philosophy behind our organization makes it even better”.
Sharing similar beliefs about the environment led Savage Lands and the Arch Enemy front woman to develop an organic songwriting chemistry. Though slotted toward the top of the album’s tracklist, “Ruling Queen” was one of the last songs that Sylvain and core vocalist Poun wrote for Army of the Trees. It came together quickly, too. Shredding leads, crashing cymbals and the booming bass of Poun’s Black Bomb A bandmate Etienne Treton surge together into a raging chorus that’s as powerful and free-flowing as a waterfall.
“The good songs tend to come together easily”, Sylvain says, though Savage Lands needed some guidance from the song’s namesake when carving out the verses. “Alissa is a true professional”, he continues, “She has a very analytical way of working but also understands the power of symbols”. She helped strike the right balance between Poun’s bat-like scream and her cavernous growl. “The whole world is sick with fear“, they shout in unison, a bone-crushing refrain that sticks in your head long after you’re finished headbanging.
“To walk among the flora and fauna of Costa Rica has been a long-held aspiration for me”, Alissa says. “To do so while creating music and championing their protection was not just a privilege but a reminder – true purpose lies in something greater than oneself”.
Photo: Savage Lands
Making the video for “Ruling Queen” wasn’t always such a breeze. Gornoss directed Savage Lands and company on a 10-day trek through Costa Rica. Setting up inside the heart of the jungle did give them a bird’s-eye view of a hard-working colony of leafcutter ants, but filming at night besides a giant, roaring campfire tested everyone’s mettle. “It was so hot”, Sylvain remembers. “I couldn’t touch the side of my guitar”.
While certainly no stranger to the swamps, Obituary’s Kenneth Andrews had some mild reservations about joining the video team’s excursion. After hearing his bandmate John Tardy unleash his inner primate on Savage Land’s first-ever single, the seasoned vet was dying to flex his chops on “Ruling Queen”. “Once I got the call, everything came together naturally and very quickly”, Andrews says. “Before I knew it, I was flying to Costa Rica to shoot the video”. The extreme metal guitarist was sweating over filming amidst the beasts of the jungle but seeing the calming beauty of Costa Rica’s ecosystem up close and personal restored his timeless cool.
“The experience was very surreal”, Andrews continues. “I will never forget the hospitality and professionalism of the whole crew, not to mention being part of a very important movement that I honestly didn’t understand the scope of until meeting everyone involved. My eyes have been opened…wide!” Flanked by Alissa’s knockout belt, his courageous solo brings the video’s villains to their knees.
“That makes me really happy”, Sylvain says. “It shows that it’s possible to change the way people think about nature. Our goals are attainable. By converting the land that we purchase into nature sanctuaries, Savage Lands will help set a precedent for environmental activism. But we must work together and quickly. Ecosystems are still under attack. If we don’t, then there won’t be any wildlife left to save”.
Raise your horns and join the Army of the Trees in support of the metal non-profit.
Just listening to “Ruling Queen” helps support Savage Lands. 100% of the song’s royalties fund the musician-run non-profit’s preservation efforts.
The CD Digisleeve for Army of the Trees is made from eco paper, while the LP is pressed on BioVinyl.
“Ruling Queen” Video Credits The video for “Ruling Queen” was directed by Gornoss (https://www.instagram.com/gornoss). It was shot on location in the Costa Rican jungle during the country’s rainy season.
Storyboard Gornoss
Concept Savage Lands
Featured actors Misael Rodriguez Daniel Loria
Assistant Production Office Coordinator Caroline Mantovani
Tracklist 1. Black Rock Heart (feat Kai Uwe Faust) (4:36) [WATCH] 2. Ruling Queen (featuring Alissa White-Gluz) (4:31) [WATCH] 3. The Last Howl (featuring John Tardy, Andreas Kisser) (6:04) [WATCH] 4. No Remedy (featuring Maria Franz) (4:27) [WATCH] 5. Out of Breath (featuring Lord Of The Lost) (4:49) [WATCH] 6. Better Man (4:23) 7. Never Be Up (3:42) 8. Army of the Trees (4:26) [WATCH] 9. Visions of Life (4:02) 10. Addicted (4:45)
Photo by Gornoss
Having seen first-hand how deforestation threatens Costa Rica’s rain forest, two angry metalheads are banging their heads together to protect the world’s ecosystem.
“After hearing the chainsaws on a daily basis, we knew it was time to act”, says musician-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel, “because the buzzing is only getting louder”.
Sylvain founded Savage Lands with his long-time friend and Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren in 2022. Thanks to their music, the 501 (c) (3) non-profit has preserved 100,000 square feet of forest in high-risk areas along the Costa Rican coastline. 100% of the royalties from their first album, Army of the Trees, support their ongoing preservation projects in Costa Rica and other countries.
The roots behind Savage Lands run deep. Dirk and Sylvain first met in France during the late ‘90s, when they both played in the socially conscious thrash metal band Artsonic. But just like a tree, the organization is supported by different types of branches.
“As a non-profit, we depend on the support of other organizations, fellow artists and our listeners”, Dirk says.
In Costa Rica, Savage Lands partners with scientists, forest engineers, ecological parks, private businesses and other non-profits. Their Green Alliance (Alianza Verde) has led to more than 11,000 trees being planted in deforested areas throughout Costa Rica thanks to the help of 1,200 volunteers.
Collaboration also fuels the creative fires of Savage Lands. The core band includes Poun and Etienne Treton from the veteran French metalcore band Black Bomb A, along with Loco Muerte’s Florian Pons. When they planted their ecological flag on Hellfest’s main stage in 2024, movers and shakers from across the metal sphere showed up to support. Not only did the festival leader pledge to donate 1 million Euro to the organizations over the next five years. Daniel de Jongh (Textures), Silje Wergeland (The Gathering), Jesper Liveröd (Nasum), Alejandro Montoya (Cultura tres), Vincent Price (Body Count), Billy Graziadei (Biohazard), Shane Embury (Napalm Death) and Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) all joined for an appropriately bloody and scream-worthy rendition of “Roots”.
“I’m happy to be a part of such a truly important cause”, Embury said after the performance. “We are connected with every living thing on this planet and Savage Lands is helping to preserve nature’s treasures”.
Army of the Trees features even more metallic fire power. Out of the sludgy distortion that spews from “The Last Howl” crawls Obituary’s John Tardy, who pays a fitting tribute to the endangered Howler monkey by unleashing his inner primate with spit-flinging growls. “Black Rock Heart” carves out a wickedly blackened groove, though the song’s aggressive chug is fueled by more spiritual concerns. “We wanted the music to reflect our mounting frustration with the way the real estate heat wave is destroying Costa Rica’s ecosystem”, Sylvain says. “For so long, nature has been trying to warn us that we’re putting our future at risk”. Who else could represent the magical spirit of the forest but visionary artist Chloé Trujillo and Heilung’s chief of ceremonies Kai Uwe Faust.
Heilung are also working with Savage Lands outside of the recording studio. The world-famous Nordic collective donated $1 for every ticket sold during their most-recent U.S. tour to support their Season of Mist labelmates. “Supporting Savage Lands was an easy decision for us”, says Maria Franz, whose soothing high notes grace the melancholic power ballad “No Remedy”.
“That’s another beautiful thing about Savage Lands”, Sylvain says. “As a band, we’re not limited to just one genre. We can adapt to boost the strengths of whomever is joining us”.
Savage Lands’ debut album introduces several new species of metalhead to their ecosystem. Eurovision’s darlings Lord Of The Lost spill their blood and glitter over the spiky riffs that puncture “Out of Breath”. Holding court over lead single “Ruling Queen” with her serpentine cleans and lioness roar is none other than Arch Enemy’s Alissa White-Gluz. “Now is the time to take a stand”, the band roar in a fierce rallying cry during the album’s climactic title track, backed by Julien Truchan from Benighted and other pillars from the French metal community.
“Our goals are attainable,” Sylvain and Dirk say. “By converting the land that we purchase into nature sanctuaries, Savage Lands will help set a precedent for environmental activism. But we must work together and quickly. Ecosystems are still under attack. If we don’t, then there won’t be any wildlife left to save”.
Raise your horns and join the Army of the Trees in support of the metal non-profit.
Special member Dirk Verbeuren (Drums on “Black Rock Heart”, “The Last Howl” and “Out of Breath)
Collaborators Stephane Buriez Ardag Basmadjian HK Nico + James at Vamacara
Guest features Kai Uwe Faust – Vocals (Black Rock Heart) Chloe Trujillo – Vocals (Black Rock Heart, Out of Breath) Alissa White-Gluz – Vocals (Ruling Queen) Kenneth Andrews – Guitar (Ruling Queen) Andreas Kisser – Guitar (The Last Howl) John Tardy – Vocals (The Last Howl) Maria Franz – Vocals (No Remedy) Lord Of The Lost – Vocals, Guitars (Out of Breath)
*Army of Trees features Steeven Corsini (Loco Muerte), Auré Jäger (Akiavel), David & Viber (Sidilarsen), Niko Jones (Tagada Jones), Julien Truchan (Benighted), Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast, Sinsaenum), Nils Courbaron (Bloodorn, Sirenia, DDC) and Aurelien Ouzoulias (The Beat Factory, Mörglbl).
Production Recorded, mixed and mastered by Adair Daufembach at Daufembach Studio in Los Angeles.
Vocalist Robin Eriksson describes the new track: “Hard To Be Human” is a song that I’d like to call a modern power ballad. The song means a lot to me, and I’ve been waiting a long time for this one to be released. Finally, the wait is over.”
Degreed have been releasing critically acclaimed music since the start of their career with their first album “Life, Love, Loss” in 2010. Over the course of their career, the band has gone from strength to strength with every release, touring and gaining fans all over the world. Their sound mixes classic melodic and hard rock sounds with more contemporary influences, offering the fans a very personal, fresh and exciting mix of great rock music.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the band wasn’t able to tour on the heels of the release of the album “Lost Generation” in 2019. The band released the song “The World We Knew”, their musical summation of the year 2020 (the song became “Track of the Week” at Classic Rock Magazine’s website a week after its release) and then in 2021, Degreed began working on what would ultimately become “Are You Ready”, released in 2022.
The latest Degreed album, “Public Address”, was released on July 7, 2023, and it sees the band delivering on all of the promise of earlier efforts and reaching an absolute premiere moment in their musical creativity.
Line Up: Robin Eriksson – Bass/Vocals Mats Eriksson – Drums Mikael Blanc – Keyboards Daniel Johansson – Guitars
New Jersey-based rock powerhouse, SPIDER ROCKETS, has officially signed with FireRock Music Group, ushering in a bold new era for the band and the label alike. Known for their high-energy performances, gritty attitude, and razor-sharp musicianship, Spider Rockets bring a dynamic force to FireRock’s already formidable roster.
“At FireRock Music Group, we’re more than just a record label; we’re the driving force behind the pulse-pounding, electrifying world of rock music. Our passion for the genre runs deep, and we are dedicated to amplifying the voices of bands that define rock’s past, present, and future. With Spider Rockets, we have found a band that embodies the raw, untamed energy of rock ‘n’ roll while pushing it forward with fresh, modern intensity.” – Tom Collier, President of Firerock Music Group
Hailing from the swampy circles of the murky New Jersey music scene, Spider Rockets seamlessly blend the rebellious spirit of trailblazing acts like Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses with modern flare of contemporary heavyweights like Foo Fighters and Volbeat. Lead singer, Helena Cos, delivers snarling, unapologetic vocals that could crack a grin off the most menacing of hyenas, while Johnny Nap’s raunchy grooves and searing leads drive the band’s sound with undeniable swagger. Holding down the low end, AJ adds a classy yet punk-infused backbone to the mix, while Dan Prestup commands the drums with an explosive force that has earned him recognition as one of the fastest feet in rock.
With a resume that includes tours alongside Puddle of Mudd, Saliva, Framing Hanley, Trapt, Saving Abel, Pop Evil, and OTEP, as well as performances with members of Guns N’ Roses, Papa Roach, and Steel Panther, Spider Rockets have established themselves as a band that delivers raw energy both in the studio and on the road. Their past appearances at Vans Warped Tour, Popcomm, and other music festivals have cemented their reputation as a must-see live act.
“Hell yeah, this is exciting! Our band joining forces with FireRock Music Group holds a lot of promise, and we can’t wait to explore all the opportunities it brings,” says Helena Cos.
Guitarist Johnny Nap echoes the enthusiasm: “Helena is thrilled that we’re getting to work within the structured framework that a record label brings. Dan is psyched that we’ll get to see a lot more of the fans on the road. AJ is just happy to be part of a family that will score him some new strings. Personally, I think Spider Rockets and FireRock Music is a perfect pairing—like a fine Pinot Noir and a Rock and Roll Rib-eye… I’m just not sure who’s which yet. Hang on—we’re sure as hell gonna find out.”
FireRock Music Group is committed to elevating artists who bring passion, power, and authenticity to the rock scene—and Spider Rockets are the perfect embodiment of that mission. With a fusion of chemistry, talent, and an unrelenting drive to bring rock ‘n’ roll to the masses, this partnership promises to be a game-changer.
“We are so ready to totally rock this!” says AJ Garcia.
Buckle up, rock fans—Spider Rockets and FireRock Music Group are just getting started.
About Spider Rockets
New Jersey-based Spider Rockets deliver high-energy, no-holds-barred rock with a modern edge. Led by their dynamic vocalist, Helena Cos, the band blends classic rock attitude with contemporary fire, driven by Johnny Nap’s razor-sharp riffs, Dan Prestup’s explosive drumming, and AJ’s gritty bass grooves. With tours alongside Puddle of Mudd, Saliva, Trapt, Pop Evil, and more, plus festival appearances at Vans Warped Tour and Popcomm, Spider Rockets are a force to be reckoned with.
Swedish thrash/death metal force SARCATOR have announced their upcoming Eastern European tour alongside 1349, The Ruins of Beverast, and labelmates Vitriol. The tour, titled THE WOLF AND THE KING , will take the bands across Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania in May 2025.
Fans can expect an intense live experience filled with raw energy and relentless riffs!
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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
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