“He is the one who can legitimately be called the theorist of Satanism as we know it or as it is currently codified.”
As new addition to its expanded list of programs, THE PIT VOD platform presents ‘Redemption’ ;which narrate the untold stories of Charles Baudelaire, Aleister Crowley, and Countess Elisabeth Báthory in a gripping 6-part documentary series on THE PIT, unraveling the dark legends and controversies that made them icons of rebellion, subversion, and pop culture infamy.
Baudelaire, Dracula, Bathory… These historical figures share a black legend that sticks to them. Vampires, witches, satanists? What is the truth behind the accusations against them? Together, let’s explore the hidden face of these legends. From Dracula to Anton LaVey, from Madame de Montespan to Aleister Crowley, here is the redemption of pop culture’s most infamous characters…
“The exiles on the shores of the sea, if they turned towards the West in the desire of their hearts, spoke of Mar-nu-Falmar that was whelmed in the waves, Akallabêth the Downfallen, Atalantë in the Eldarin tongue.” (Tolkien – ‘The Silmarillion‘)
Delving deeply into the cosmos of J.R.R. Tolkien, US multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss have brought forth a monumental symphonic Black Metal creation. ANFAUGLIR – Sindarin for ‘Jaws of Thirst‘ – embodies the majestic vastness of its source material via intricate and longform cinematic compositions which take listeners to the heart of Middle-earth.
ANFAUGLIR states:
“At its core, our music serves as a vessel to tell stories that interweave the solace of darkness and despair with the danger of light and joy. Creating tension within hope and revealing serenity amidst sorrow, our art aims to reside in the nebulous fringes where shadows and light coalesce.“
ANFAUGLIR have signed with Debemur Morti Productions for the release of upcoming second full-length album, “Akallabêth“, in spring 2025. The album promises four towering compositions which weave a tempest of symphonic ferocity, metallic aggression and mesmerizing tranquility.
The band further unveils:
““Akallabêth” is a cinematic journey spanning over 3,000 years of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Second Age, following the downfall of the island of Númenor. Inundated with discordance and tragedy, the four epic tracks delve into the depths of doom and decay as light and existence fade beneath the cold inescapable torrent of oblivion.“
Discover an initial musical teaser below, and follow the band on Instagram for regular updates.
More details will be revealed soon!
ANFAUGLIR was forged by multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss as an exploration in storytelling through epic symphonic Black Metal. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aims to match the scope and grandeur of the source material with their unique and cinematic compositions, transporting listeners to Middle-earth.
ANFAUGLIR are proud to partner with Debemur Morti Productions to bring their full-length album “Akallabêth“, a deluge of symphonic fury infused with discordant aggression and spellbinding tranquility, to light in 2025.
Shying away from traditional song structures, “Akallabêth” is written and arranged in the vein of a traditional symphony. Themes and melodies develop, recur and transform, entwining delicate motifs of rapture with tragedy, throughout the course of the album’s 4 monumental tracks.
Centering on the downfall of Númenor from the second age of J.R.R. Tolkien‘s legendarium, death, immortality and spiritual avarice weave the narrative thread creating a tapestry rich in conflict, emotion and sinking hope. From godly gifts to bombastic wars, the album spans more than 3000 years of prosperity, conquest and upheaval.
The band are currently working on their next album.
French Symphonic Metallers HARTLIGHT have revealed a new single and video for the title track of the upcoming album “The Triumph Of Metal”, set to be released on February 28th.
HARTLIGHT say about: “The song is an epic of courage and hope in the midst of darkness. It draws on the roots of alchemy in its quest to surpass oneself and transmute in order to lighten one’s being, free oneself from burdens and enjoy life with joyful passion. The music video, directed by Yohan Dully and Tiny Gigie, shows the band during an alchemical realization that brings to life the values the song wants to convey.”
• Directed by Yohan Dully and Tinygigie • Artistic Direction by Noémie Marie assisted by Adrien Djouadou • Story, Accessories and Costumes by Noémie Marie • Filmed by Yohan Dully • Edited by Yohan Dully and Tinygigie • Shooting location choice by Guillaume Remih
TRACKS: 📺 01. The Triumph Of Metal 06:19 02. Polymorphia 06:10 03. The Scales Of Rebis 05:41 04. Midnight 06:19 05. The City Of Tears 08:28 06. Mind’s Arboretum 06:10 07. As My Will To Power Is Seen 04:19 08. A Song of Blood and Steel 11:33
total: 54:59 min.
🎨 William Aubert
The new album title references the Metal musical style in itself as well as the alchemical book of basile valentin: “The triumphal chariot of Antimony”. Antimony is a metalloid stone that is believed to be used in alchemy to produce the philosopher’s stone … [ learn more here» ]
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.
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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
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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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