Sweden’s CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD release not one, but two songs from their upcoming album “Chasing Danger” in this double digital single, as the album release draws closer. At the same time, the lead song, “Read Your Mind”, will be available as an official video. We’re talking Captain Black Beard at its finest! With soaring choruses and electrifying guitar riffs, this track is an instant melodic rock anthem. What makes it stand out? A killer keyboard solo by John Lönnmyr (The Night Flight Orchestra), adding an extra layer of magic to the song.
Two tracks, two anthems – “Chasing Danger” is shaping up to be an unmissable rock experience!
Join the premiering here:
Captain Black Beard is back with their new AOR masterpiece “Chasing Danger”! The new album features a ten-song energetic joyride of melodic rock with that special Swedish touch. This is the perfect blend of sounds like their contemporaries/friends The Night Flight Orchestra and H.E.A.T.
In late 2023 the band found themselves at a crossroad. Their lead singer Martin Holsner decided to quit the band to spend more time with his family. The Captain had been through a number of personnel changes over the years and the thought of just quitting certainly existed. However, it seemed fate would intervene. Singer Fredrik Vahlgren caught the attention of bass player/founding member Robert Majd. When hearing his voice, Robert knew that if Fredrik were to join the band, then they had to continue and they had a chance to top their earlier albums. Fredrik joined the guys who were 100% focused on making the best Captain Black Beard album to date.
2024 became the first time in the band’s 15-year history without a live show. No distractions were going to get in the way. The Captain spent most of the year perfecting what would become “Chasing Danger” in Wing Studios in Stockholm, under the careful supervision of producer Sverker Widgren with Robert Majd & guitarist Daniel Krakowski co-producing. This album also features over-the-top drumming from Vinnie Stromberg and additional awesomeness contributed by Oscar Bromwall (guitar) & John Lönnmyr (keyboard), the lead single “When It’s Over” (co-written by Wildness’ Erik Modin), a modern AOR statement in “A.I.Lover”, their trademark Disco-AOR is evident in the track “Shine”, a piano-driven ballad called “Piece Of Paradise (co-written with The Night Flight Orchestra’s John Lönnmyr) and the epic ending to the album “In Your Arms”.
“We’ve never been prouder of an album. To come back once again after a bunch of setbacks and doing it this strong feels great!” says Robert Majd. Guitarist Daniel Krakowski concurs: “This is without doubt our best album”.
“Chasing Danger” will be released on LP (transparent blue vinyl, limited to 300 copies), CD and digital on April 4th, 2025 via Mighty Music.
Lineup: Robert Majd – bass Fredrik Vahlgren – vocals Daniel Krakowski – guitar Vinnie Strömberg – drums
Polish Death Metal Legends VADER have announced Summer Festival in 2025!
The band shared: “VADERMANIAX \m/ Here is a handy reminder about Summer festivals in 2025, where we will play at.”
04 May – Sao Paulo, BR – Bangers Open Air 05 June – Stykkisholmur, ISL – Satan Festival 07 June – Gdansk, POL – Mystic Festival 15 June – Leeuwarden, HOL – Into The Grave Festival 19 June – Zdunska Wola, POL – Alternatywna Zdunska Wola 26 June – Spalene Borici, CZ – Basinfire Fest 28 June – Viveiro/Lugo, SP – Resurrection Fest 03 July – Friesack, DE – Under The Black Sun Fest 04 July – Ballenstedt, DE – Rockharz Festival 11 July – Torgau/Entenfang, DE – In Flammen Festival 12 July – Skepe, POL – Rockokop Festival 09 August – Kotrijk, BE – Alcatraz Festival 15 August – Slnecke Skaly (Zilina), SK – Blasphemy Festival 16 August – Dinkelsbuehl, DE – Summer Breeze Festival 22 August – Spital Am Semmering, A – Kaltenbach Open Art.Fest 29 August – Lyski, POL – Lyski Rock Festival
As recently announced, VADER will hit the “March Of The Unbending – Europe 2025” tour, kicking off on April 12th in Luzern (CH), with guests Rise of Cronos and Skaphos.
The band shared: “VADERMANIAX !!!! We have such great news for You today! We’re going to hit the road again \m/ Together with unstoppable Massive Music, we’ll visit 14 cities IN APRIL on “The March Of The Unbending – Tour 2025″ ! ARE YOU READY?”
“March Of The Unbending – Europe 2025”!!! VADER and guests: Rise of Cronos and Skaphos.
Dates: 12.04.2025 CH Luzern / Metal Storm Over Luzern – Chapter II* 13.04.2025 ITA Turin / El Barrio 15.04.2025 GER Weinheim / Cafe Central 16.04.2025 GER Bremen / Tivoli 17.04.2025 GER Trier / Forum 18.04.2025 HOL Leiden / Nobel 19.04.2025 FR Saint Omer / Brutal Swamp* 20.04.2025 UK Birmingham / The Asylum 22.04.2025 SCO Glasgow / Slay 23.04.2025 IRE Dublin / Opium 24.04.2025 UK Manchester / Club Academy 25.04.2025 UK London / Underworld 26.04.2025 GER Bochum / Ruhrcongress 27.04.2025 GER Erfurt / Club From Hell *only Vader
Earlier this year VADER revealed some predictions for 2025:
“The new year will be even more intense. First of all, this spring will see the release of the completely new EP “Humanihility” since the release of “Solitude In Madness” in 2020, as well as the long-awaited reissue of the classic album “Black To The Blind” from 1997 in a new cover with the original cover by Jacek Wiśniewski. Both titles will be released by Nuclear Blast. The recording session for the next full length Vader album will also start in the fall of 2025! Next year will also be Vader’s return to the stages of summer festivals. And we will appear at 20 of them. 2025 will also be the 25th anniversary of the release of the album “Litany”. Therefore, in the summer season, you will be able to hear the entire album as part of a concert set. Most of the songs from this classic album for the band have not been played since its premiere in 2000, and some have never been played. So 2025 will be absolutely explosive and truly vaderish \m/ And we already INVITE you ALL !!! Expect our arrival under the banner of Massive Music \m/”
VADER released their 16th studio album “Solitude In Madness” on May 1st 2020 via Nuclear Blast.
Steel City Kings MALEVOLENCE have announced the details of their hugely anticipated new album, Where Only The Truth Is Spoken, set to be released on the 20th June via MLVLTD in partnership with Nuclear Blast Records.
Alongside the news of their new album, MALEVOLENCE have also released the video for their monumental new single ‘If It’s All The Same To You’. Featuring acting legend Alan Ford, who most famously appeared as Brick Top in Guy Ritchie’s classic British gangster film Snatch, the band’s new video is their biggest visual production to date. It sees the five-piece take on an elaborate art heist, before engaging in a white knuckle car chase with the Police. There may even be some easter eggs to be found throughout that hint at what MALEVOLENCE have in store for the future.
On their new album, the band comment: “‘Where Only the Truth Is Spoken’ is a level up in every sense—musically, lyrically, and visually. This was our first time recording outside the UK, and doing it in LA with Josh Wilbur was fun and refreshing. He’s worked with some of the biggest names in metal, and his approach pushed us to challenge new heights. The production, the songwriting, the videos—everything about this record is bigger, heavier, and more refined. Everything in Malevolence is, and always has been, a team effort and I feel like everyone really delivered on this record. To everyone who supports what we do, thank you. It goes without saying that we wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for your overwhelming support. I’m excited to see where the journey goes next! Malevolence Made in God’s own country, Where Only The Truth Is Spoken”
Malevolence – Where Only The Truth Is Spoken Tracklist 1. Blood To The Leech 2. Trenches 3. If It’s All The Same To You 4. Counterfeit 5. Salt The Wound 6. So Help Me God 7. Imperfect Picture 8. Heavens Shake 9. In Spite (ft. Randy Blythe) 10. Demonstration Of Pain 11. With Dirt From My Grave
ABOUT MALEVOLENCE
MALEVOLENCE have never waited for permission. From the underground to festival main stages, they’ve built their reputation on sheer force of will, crushing live shows, and an unshakable foundation of heavy riffs and harder work. Now, with their fourth studio album Where Only The Truth Is Spoken, Sheffield’s finest step into a new league.
Recorded in California at Dave Grohl’s legendary Studio 606, the album was tracked through the iconic Neve 8078 console, the same desk that captured game-changing records like Nirvana’s Nevermind, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, and Tom Petty’s Wildflowers. For a band that’s always pushed forward without compromise, it was the perfect setting to carve out a record that represents everything MALEVOLENCE stands for. The album marks a new level of songwriting precision without sacrificing the band’s trademark weight. Working alongside Grammy Award-winning producer Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Gojira, Trivium), the result is MALEVOLENCE at their most punishing, urgent, and anthemic.
Lyrically, Where Only The Truth Is Spoken reflects the principles that MALEVOLENCE have lived by since day one—honesty, loyalty, and integrity. These are not just themes woven into the album but values the band holds in their personal and professional lives. This record doesn’t deal in facades or empty gestures; it’s an unfiltered expression of the struggles, victories, and unshakable brotherhood that have carried them this far.
Sonne comments on the new track: “Limitless is a declaration of freedom – breaking free from the chains of others’ opinions, standing tall, and living life on your own terms. It’s about embracing your individuality and daring to pursue your dreams, no matter how the world sees you”.
In addition to Defecto, Nicklas is part of Aries Descendant along with Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze, Catalyst Crime). The dynamic duo released their debut album on Frontiers Music Srl on October 18th, 2024. It is a groundbreaking project that seamlessly fuses the evocative allure of film music with the raw power of heavy metal, creating an auditory experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
A multi-instrumentalist from an early age, Nicklas honed his skills by playing along to Metallica and Dream Theater, later diving into songwriting and production. His talent quickly gained industry attention, leading to collaborations with renowned producers Jan Langhoff (Aqua) and Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica). This pivotal moment shaped his signature sound – progressive metal infused with orchestral and choral elements.
Other bands include Evil Masquerade, Theory, Hank Shermann, One Machine, Waving Memories, Section A, Metallica Jam, Wasted, Omvendt Korstog. His long career has included international tours in places such as Japan, and opening for Metal heavyweights including Metallica and Rammstein.
With a relentless work ethic and a passion for musical innovation, Nicklas Sonne continues to push the boundaries of modern metal, cementing his reputation as one of the most dynamic artists in the genre today.
Italian cult heavy rock outfit DEATH SS unleash the official video for their latest single “Love Until Death”. The song is taken from their new studio album “The Entity” which will be released in May 2025 via Lucifer Rising/SelfDistribuzione.
This powerful and dramatic dark ballad is about the impossible and tormented love between Dr. Jekyll and his young housekeeper Mary Reilly. “Love Until Death” is inspired by the short story “Mary Reilly” written by Valerie Martin in 1990. “Mary is the only person who can understand Jekyll’s drama. She assists him without judging, trying to save him from the assaults of his cruel avatar Hyde by showing the Entity how true love can go as far as sacrifice,” explains DEATH SS’ frontman Steve Sylvester.
The video was again edited by Andrea Falaschi who tells us more about the technique used to shoot the different scenes: “The video is a kind of prequel to ‘Dr. Jekyll & Sister Hyde.’ In fact, we find again the character of Mary Reilly played by Jessica, when she was the housekeeper in Dr. Jekyll’s house… We recreated a kind of ‘found footage’ in the style of ‘The Blair Witch Project’ with Jessica’s footage. Done on purpose with a smartphone and further degraded in post-production. The idea was to recreate the found footage of a kind of BSDM snuff movie.”
“Love Until Death” is available digitally and as 12” Limited Deluxe edition featuring a special shaped cover with transparent light violet vinyl and contains the fourth part of the booklet with the full story behind the concept “The Entity” along with two other tracks on Side B, “Cimiteria” and “Evil Never Dies,” included on the new album as well.
Track listing 12” “Love Until Death” Side A: LOVE UNTIL DEATH Side B: CIMITERIA + EVIL NEVER DIES
The concept album “The Entity” was produced by mastermind and frontman Steve Sylvester along with the English Grammy winner producer Tom Dalgety (Rammstein, Ghost, The Cult, a.o.).
The literary inspirations of the 12-song opus range from Aleister Crowley, who seeks to liberate man by awakening his artistic genius (‘Aleister Crowley and the Hidden God’ – Kenneth Grant), to the characters of writers James Hogg (‘The Private Memoirs And Confessions of a Justified Sinner’) and Robert Louis Stevenson (‘The Strange Case Of Doctor Jekyll And Mr. Hyde’), who explore the dark side of mankind. It also includes other literary characters and references such as ‘Mary Reilly’ (Valerie Martin), ‘Portrait Of A Killer: Jack The Ripper – Case Closed’ (Patricia Cornwell), ‘Cemetery’ (Renzo Barbieri), ‘Hyde In Time’ (Mario Gazzola), ultimately linking to the band’s history.
Italian rock group DEATH SS was founded in 1977 by Steve Sylvester with the aim of forming a band that encloses inside of itself all its particular interests for occultism, horror films, erotic comics and rock music, in an original manner. After disbanding in 1982 Sylvester re-founded the band in 1988 whose discography includes albums such as “In Death of Steve Sylvester,”“Heavy Demons,” “Do What Thou Wilt” and “Panic” with influences ranging from dark metal to cyberpunk.
DEATH SS are: Steve Sylvester – vocals Freddy Delirio – keyboards Ghiulz – guitars Demeter – bass Unam Talbot – drums Dahlila & Jessica – performers
For more than three decades, Nightfall have stood as a shining pillar for Greek metal.
Since rising from Athens’ underground catacombs in the early ’90s, half-masked frontman Efthimis Karadimas and his crew of rebels have sculpted towering, Gothic melodies from blackened slabs of metal. The band’s upcoming eleventh album stands tall amongst the pantheon of their discography as its darkest and most epic creation yet. Blessed with thunderous production, a powerful and timely message, and the most electrifying hooks in their 30-year career, with Children of Eve, Nightfall are uniting blackened souls everywhere.
Efthimis, drummer Fotis Benardo and bassist Vasiliki Biza invited CNN Greece correspondent Stelios Papagrigoriou to Devasoundz Studios, where Children of Eve was recorded. They discussed the early days of the Greek metal scene, what stands out about their new album, mental health and the presence of women in metal.
“We’ve always wanted to communicate through our music with people like us, with people who like the hard sound”, Efthimis told CNN. “At first, we struggled a lot, since in the past things were very difficult in Greek society. They didn’t like intensities, long hair, chains, etc. People showed interest much later. When they realized that what we are doing is serious and has a future”.
Watch an excerpt from Nightfall’s interview with CNN Greece’s Stelios Papagrgiorgio:
For subtitles, click Settings (Gear icon) -> Subtitles -> Auto-translate, then select your preferred language.
Tracklist 1. I Hate (6:05) [WATCH] 2. The Cannibal (3:36) 3. Lurking (4:08) 4. Inside My Head (4:51 5. Seeking Revenge (3:47) 6. For The Expelled Ones (5:07) 7. The Traders Of Anathema (3:15) 8. With Outlandish Desire To Disobey (3:25) 9. The Makhaira Of The Deceiver (4:21) 10. Christian Svengali (4:43) Full runtime: 43:22
Cover Art by Eliran Kantor
For more than three decades, Nightfall have stood alongside Rotting Christ and Septicflesh as the pioneering trinity of Greek metal. The legendary Athenian death metal band sound as vengeful as ever. But backed by monumental production and a powerful message, their eleventh studio album stands as their darkest and most epic creation yet. Children of Eve is here to unite blackened souls everywhere.
“I love how this album came out”, Nightfall’s founder Efthimis Karadimas says. “We’re excited to play these songs live. The sound is massive. The choruses are huge. And there’s a message that comes through. It’s an album about how we come through pain, how we live with pain, and how we die in pain”.
A Living Legacy of Greek Metal
Since their formation in 1991, Nightfall have remained a beacon for Greek metal. “Well, here is one of the rare, original bands”, wrote Angry Metal Guy. Like the scorching sun over their homeland, the Athenians rose from the underground alongside Rotting Christ and Septicflesh, though they were the first to sign an international record deal.
Over the years, the crew around Efthimis has changed frequently. But while Nightfall did enjoy a short but successful stint with Metal Blade Records in the early 2010s, their strong bond with Holy Records during the ’90s established a deep connection between the Greek and French metal scenes. That legacy continues with the band’s current label Season of Mist.
“Nightfall deserve great credit for persistence and determination”, Blabbermouth wrote upon the eve of At Night We Prey. “For fans of face-ripping gloom, [their] sizeable catalogue remains eminently worthy of exploration”.
Monumental Production
Like their contemporaries, Nightfall weave gothic melodies into blackened death metal. Children of Eve features the most infectious collection of hooks that the band has ever created, though their disdain for the dominance of the Eastern Orthodox Church has only deepened over the years. The ongoing rise across the globe of so-called “holy wars” fueled their latest rebellion.
“Anger was the root”, Efthimis explains about the inspiration behind Children of Eve. The band’s veteran leader commands the stage with cloak and dagger, but the album’s lead single pulls no punches. “I am the son of night, notorious bastard”, he roars as an eerie choir echoes like the call of a siren. As if summoned from Olympus, former Septicflesh drummer Fotis Benardo unleashes his attack like a swarm of venomous arrows.
“Faith is a personal matter”, Efthimis continues, “but it can become a dirty business”.
To amplify their message, Nightfall enhanced the entire production of Children of Eve. Efthimis and Fotis took charge of the production with assistance from InnerWish guitarist Thimios Krikos. Meanwhile, Jacob Hansen – who worked with Volbeat, Amaranthe and The Black Dahlia Murder – handled the mixing and mastering. For the artwork, the band turned to Eliran Kantor, who’s renowned paintings have graced the covers of albums by Testament, Kreator and Helloween.
A Powerful Message
Look at the tracklist and it’s evident that “I Hate” takes aim at the consistent influence of organized religion. “The Traders of Anathema” raises its axe in honor of Judas Iscariot, featuring two blistering guitar solos from Kostas Kyriakopoulos. However, Children of Eve wouldn’t bear the mark of Nightfall without a deeper message.
“Death’s Spiritual Healing deeply influenced me”, Efthimis says. “At the time, its social message was so advanced for the genre”. While “The Cannibal” bursts with divine tremolo picking, its lyrics explore how religious structures and fanaticism can devour you. “I hold the power / to explain your screams“, Efthimis howls with chilling intensity.
During Nightfall’s most recent hiatus, Efthimis was diagnosed with depression. Now, he wears a black mask to cover half of his face, symbolizing what it’s like to live under the invisible veil of mental illness. “When you have demons in your mind, you’re not always an ideal companion”, he admits. “That stigma can lead to isolation”.
Now, Nightfall are encouraging fellow metalheads to speak up. The band have launched a new initiative called Metal Music Against Depression (MMaD), which is supported by European Alliance Against Depression in Germany. “We can talk about this. We can sing about it. We can build a community that’s based on understanding”, Efthimis says.
With Children of Eve, Nightfall return from the shadows to unite blackened souls everywhere with their darkest and most epic creation yet.
Recording Credits: Recorded at Devasoundz Studios, Athens, Greece Produced by Efthimis Karadimas with Fotis Benardo & Thimios Krikos Engineered by Fotis Benardo & Thimios Krikos Mixed & Mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Ribe, Denmark
Production Credits: Produced by Efthimis Karadimas & Engineered by Fotis Benardo Mixed & Mastered in Hansen Studios, Denmark by Jacob Hansen
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
