Swedish heavy metal legion ENFORCER has been a household name in the genre for 20 years, and now, Napalm Records is thrilled to be a part of that legacy – announcing their signing of the band that has transported the metallic sonic profile of the 80s into modernity. With Napalm Records, ENFORCER are ready to take their unstoppable strength to new stratospheres!
Formed in 2004, ENFORCER quickly gained recognition for their explosive blend of thrash and traditional heavy metal. Since then, they have published six studio albums showcasing their evolving sound while staying true to their roots.
Known for their electrifying live shows, ENFORCER have performed on massive tours for thousands of devoted fans around the globe, including major European festivals like Hellfest, Sweden Rock and Copenhell, as well as more genre-focused festivals such as the legendary Keep It True and Bang Your Head festivals in Germany. Their high-energy performances and commitment to metal have made them fan favorites.
The band is now working on new material, promising an exciting future for metal fans worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates from ENFORCER as they continue to dominate the scene!
ENFORCER state about signing with Napalm Records: “We’re super excited to finally announce that we’re partnering with Napalm Records. Super stoked for a new release we’ve been working on to get out soon! Metal above all!”
Senior A&R Sebastian Münch says about ENFORCER: “Since their debut album Into The Night, ENFORCER, together with Ambush, have been the most important traditional heavy metal bands in recent years! With the new album release, I look forward to the task of further increasing ENFORCER’s cult status.”
ENFORCER live: 10.01.2025 JP – Koenji High / Tokyo 11.01.2025 JP – Koenji High / Tokyo 18.01.2025 AU – Rosemount Hotel / Perth 22.01.2025 AU – Stranded Bar / Brisbane 23.01.2025 AU – The Newy / Newcastle 24.01.2025 AU – Marrickville Bowlo / Sydney 25.01.2025 AU – The Baso / Canberra 26.01.2025 AU – The Leadbea / Melbourne 20-22.03.2025 US – Hells Heroes / Houston 12.04.2025 CA – Hyperspace Metal Fest / Vancouver 31.10-03.11.2025 GR – Mediterrana Metal Cruise / Greece
ENFORCER are: Olof Wikstrand – Vocals, Guitar Jonathan Nordwall – Guitar Tobias Lindkvist – Bass Jonas Wikstrand – Drums
True legends never die, especially in death metal.
Having already reached unholy nirvana by their third album, in 2017, Spawn of Possession was put to rest. But like an especially pungent spore, the seeds of those most accursed influencers have been festering in their hallowed crypt, waiting to come alive and haunt the earth once again.
Such is the sordid backstory behind Retromorphosis. Jonas Bryssling and his Spawn of Possession bandmates have once again joined forces with ex-Obscura and Necrophagist guitarist Christian Muenzner. Only now, their proven chemistry explodes with even more deadly proficiency. They’ve added former Decrepit Birth drummer KC Howard to the equation, along with a few new, old-school bells and whistles.
With their first album, Retromorphosis emerge with the missing link in tech-death’s evolutionary chain. Psalmus Mortis is almost a decade in the making, but its lead single “Vanished” shows that this band of fearsome players loom over metalheads’ imaginations larger than ever.
Spawn of Possession had the final nail hammered into its coffin nearly a decade ago, but time has only accelerated the mutation of Retromorphosis. The first offering from Psalmus Mortis comes screaming out of the shadows before quickly settling in to a bone-crunching riff that reeks of the old school. “I prefer my death metal to sound ugly and mean”, Bryssling says with a satisfied grin. “Vanished” was one of the first songs that Bryssling wrote after he hopped back on the death metal songwriting minotaur, but the band continued to tinker with album’s lead single after the other eight tracks were smashed into shape.
“There was no hesitation”, Bryssling says about respawning with his old bandmates as Retromorphosis. With “Vanished”, it’s not hard to see why. Muenzner’s freakishly fast solos are not for the squeamish. At one point, Casperon’s bass line breaks into a ghoulish bounce, whisking the songs cosmic body horror into the light. “Fading flesh, his skin turning translucent“, Röndum roars with laughter. All of the tales on Psalmus Mortis will test your sanity, though this song officially opens the album with a tale that reads like a twisted mirror image of Dorian Gray.
“I don’t have to tell them much”, Bryssling continues. “They know how it’s done”.
So does their new drummer. “Everyone knows KC Howard is an insane talent”, Bryssling says. Howard first etched his mark on the underground as the blistering heartbeat of Decrepit Birth. His non-stop pounding is the radioactive ooze that feeds Retromorphosis’ frenzied nucleus. Even when “Vanished” slows to a crawl, his cymbal crashes and thunderous fills spell doom.
But Howard isn’t the only new blood injected into Retromorphosis. Psalmus Mortis was produced by Magnus Sedenberg, who’s been their Swedish engineer du jour dating back to SoP’s first two demos. But while the band opted for more raw production, they fleshed out their technical arsenal with some unusual instruments of torture. Amidst all its unflinching punishment, “Vanished” is backlit by a ghostly choir and synths that glow like a portal into hell.
“We had rules in Spawn of Possession”, Bryssling explains when asked what separates Retromorphosis from their first mutation. “Everything had to always be so intense. Retromorphosis is more free. Psalmus Mortis can be eerie, doomy, or even quite simple”.
With “Vanished”, one of the great legends of modern death metal reveal their gloriously grotesque new form.
The visualizer for “Vanished” was created by Riivata Visuals.
Tracklist: 1. Obscure Exordium (1:50) 2. Vanished (4:48) [WATCH] 3. Aunt Christie’s Will (5:46) 4. Never to Awake (4:34) 5. The Tree (5:24) 6. Retromorphosis (5:12) 7. Machine (9:05) 8. Exalted Splendour (5:30) Full runtime: 42:11
Lineup: Jonas Bryssling (Spawn of Possession) – Guitars Dennis Röndum (Spawn of Possession) – Vocals Christian Muenzner (Spawn of Possession, ex-Obscura and Necrophagist) – Guitars Erlend Caspersen (Spawn of Possession, The Allseeing I, Abhorrent) – Bass KC Howard (Odius Mortem, ex-Decrepit Birth)- Drums
Even a lawless field like death metal has exceptions that prove the rule. Retromorphosis spawned from a unique leader of the genre, but their unholy union on Psalmus Mortis is a living testament that you can’t bury what was already undead.
Spawn of Possession remains one of modern metal’s most accursed influencers. During the early to mid-2000s, the noctambulant Swedes toured both sides of the Atlantic alongside Cannibal Corpse and Hypocrisy. Having scaled the accursed summit to reach death metal nirvana on what was only their third album, after three decades, the band was put to rest. But like an especially pungent spore, the seeds of SoP have been festering in its hallowed crypt, waiting to come alive and haunt the earth once more.
Such is the sordid backstory of Retromorphosis and their debut Psalmus Mortis. In 2020, amidst the pandemic’s endless lull, one of Spawn of Possession’s founding members was again bitten by death metal’s radioactive songwriting bug. “I wanted to make an album that wasn’t tied to anything we’d done before”, says Jonas Bryssling. While this new batch of malevolent creations still stemmed from his punishingly technical fretwork, the riffs were splitting off into even more twisted headbanging directions. But to bring these relentless mutations to life, first, he needed a familiar spark.
“There was no hesitation”, Bryssling says when asked about resurrecting the creative energies with his former Spawn of Possession bandmates. Pairing back up with rock-solid vocalist Dennis Röndum and elastic bassist Erlend Casperson once again yielded promising results during the early phases of Psalmus Mortis. To further test the equation, they added another familiar but no less fearsome shredder. Before joining them for Incurso, Christian Muenzner lent his flaming left hand to two other stone-cold classics: Necrophagist’s Epitath and Cosmogenesis by Obscura. “I don’t have to tell them much”, Bryssling continues. “They know how it’s done”.
Indeed, time has only fermented this group’s mutant chemistry. After spending the summer of 2023 recording Psalmus Mortis in their underground laboratory, Retromorphosis emerged with the missing link in technical death metal’s evolutionary chain. “Vanished” officially cracks open its beaker with the satisfying crunch of the old school, steamrolling out a rugged red carpet for Röndum’s imposing growl. It was the first song Bryssling wrote during the album’s initial trial period, but the band continued to tinker with the album’s eventual lead single after the other eight tracks were hammered into gruesome shape. Muenzner’s solos scream like a poor unsuspecting soul who’s being dragged into the shadows. All the while, Casperson flogs his bass as if hiding a mischievous grin, its ghoulish bounce bringing the lyrics’ cosmic body horror into frightening focus.
“We had rules in Spawn of Possession”, Bryssling explains, as a matter of fact. “Everything always had to be so intense. Psalmus Mortis is intense, too, but it can also be eerie or even quite simple”.
Simplicity might not be Retromorphosis’ dominant chromosome. Even though it’s fueled by straight-forward, down-picked chugging, the album’s nine-minute monolith “Machine” churns through multiple tempo changes, cranking up the tension with every accelerated blast beat. But the band did opt for a leaner chemical base. Psalmus Mortis was produced by Magnus Sedenberg, who’s been the band’s Swedish engineer du jour dating back to Spawn of Possession’s first two demos. “Reuniting with Magnus felt like the natural thing to do”, says Bryssling, “but for this album, we scraped away some of the studio polish”. With its sludgy distortion and hallucinating speed, “Never to Awake” certainly summons the ’90s untamed spirit. “I prefer my death metal to sound ugly and mean”.
While roughly a decade in the making, Retromorphosis still grip it and rip it on Psalmus Mortis. Heck, chunks of their first album were hung up to dry like butchered livestock after just one crack in the studio, much to their own amusement. “I don’t think there’s a single first take on the SoP albums”, Bryssling laughs. Röndum doesn’t mince words, either. He chews through syllables with all the careful consideration of a meat grinder. And while each tale descends into its own sweaty night terror, they all escalate from bad to worse. Despite its seemingly pedestrian title, “Aunt Christie’s Will” unpacks a maze-like mystery that ends with an especially morbid twist.
Of course, given this crew’s technical chops, Retromorphosis were bound to birth more head-spinning experiments. Psalmus Mortis injects fresh blood into their chilling cosmic horrors by fleshing out their technical arsenal with some unusual instruments of torture. The album opens with doomed power chords, pounding drum fills, then…spooky organ glows, tense strings and a ghostly gothic choir. “That was a new experience”, Bryssling says about adding more synthetic textures to the mix, though his inspiration came from a life-long obsession. “That sense of atmosphere was something old-school bands used to have”. The special effects aren’t just saved for its ominous opening instrumental oeuvre, either. “The Tree” puts a dystopian twist on the age-old tale of human greed with synths that glow like alien guts.
Freakier ambience isn’t the only new life form on Psalmus Mortis. “Everyone knows KC Howard is an insane talent”, Bryssling says. Howard left his brutally precise mark on the scene when he was behind the kit for Decrepit Birth, though Retromorphosis were formally introduced to their new drummer through Röndum, as the two had crossed paths during an episode of the Cali Death Podcast. Howard’s nuclear barrage of double bass kicks feeds the band’s cellular engine like jet fuel, driving high-flying album closer “Exalted Splendour” toward its blinding conclusion.
Ask Bryssling to identify what separates this new baby from their first born and the answer is, in fact, quite simple.”Retromorphosis is more free”. Put the song that bears their name under the microscope and feast your eyes on everything this band are capable of: non-stop blasting, brain-bursting bass fills, solos that would fry a supercomputer and pure unholiness. “I’m the one / chosen son / gifted and reborn”.
With Psalmus Mortis, technical death metal’s chosen ones rise from the grave.
Recording Studio: Pama Records AB, Kristianopel, Sweden Sharkbite Studios, Oakland, CA, United States
Production Credits: Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Magnus Sedenberg at Pama Records AB, Kristianopel, Sweden
NEVER OBEY AGAIN has released a video for “Trust”, third single taken from the eponymous new album released on October 18th by Scarlet Records. STREAM THE ALBUM HERE
“Trust” is a soul relieving track. Strong and emotional lyrics alongside a powerful chorus make this track easy to be remembered and played loud whenever is needed to let it all out. Adulthood brings consciousness and awareness of who we are and what we are capable of. On the other hand, dealing with our limits and accepting them it’s a struggle for many of us. Many rely on faith, others on trust in themselves and live life at its fullest.
video by Alessandro Tuvo
Never Obey Again is a female fronted alternative unit that blends heavy sounds and modern electronic elements to create captivating, emotional sound scenarios. They did it effortlessly on the 2023 debut album “The End Of An Era”; they did it better and with an even stronger personal touch on their brand new record, where extraordinary singer Carol shines throughout the entire work.
On one hand, “Trust” has been conceived as ‘music for everyone’ regardless of gender or age as its lyrics and vocals could resonate with anyone; words and melodies that allow the listener to feel like home, protected and safe in sharing feelings.
On the other hand, it represents the band’s decision to go heavier and dress those lyrics with their own sound avoiding any compromise; it sounds deeper, rough and straight to the point. It sounds like Never Obey Again and nothing else.
Artwork by Never Obey Again
“Trust” tracklist: 01 Animal By Choice 02 G.O.D. (Given Or Denied) 03 Never Feel, Never Fear 04 Give Me A Fuckin’ Break 05 Under My Skin, Before Your Eyes 06 Lost… 07 Control 08 I Wish 09 Conquer And Divide 10 Waterfall 11 Trust
Never Obey Again: Carolina Bertelegni – vocals Alessandro Tuvo – guitar Alex Pedrotti – guitar Cristiano Trappoli – bass Marco Binda – drums
SORCERESS OF SIN proudly unveiled the lyric video for their single “Reina,” a poetic tribute to Hera, the Queen of the Gods in Greek mythology. Lisa Skinner’s sublime and powerful vocals, paired with Constantine’s masterful guitar work, create a soundscape as grand and commanding as the goddess herself, perfectly capturing Hera’s magnificence.
“Reina” is a track from the band’s album Ennea, which is due for release on 20 December 2024.
The lyrics delve into Hera’s dual nature, portraying her as a protective, majestic deity and a fierce, vengeful force. This layered depiction reflects her role as a divine hero and a formidable presence in mythology, embodying the complexity and grandeur of her character.
Hailing from the UK, Sorceress of Sin is known for its high-energy live shows and captivating songwriting. Formed in 2020, the band quickly gained traction with its debut album, Mirrored Revenge, which showcased its ability to blend soaring vocals with intricate guitar work.
Building upon their initial success, Sorceress of Sin released their sophomore album, Constantine, further solidifying their position in the metal scene. The album delved deeper into their signature sound while exploring new musical territories.
The band’s live performances have garnered significant attention, with their 2021 appearance at the prestigious Bloodstock Festival being a standout moment. Their energetic set on the New Blood Stage captivated audiences and cemented their status as a rising force in the UK metal scene.
Known for their electrifying stage presence, Sorceress of Sin regularly tours the UK, captivating fans with their powerful live shows. With a growing discography and a dedicated fanbase, the band continues to push the boundaries of melodic power metal.
Wardruna at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado – Photo by Al Overdrive
Following WARDRUNA’s performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, CO in October this year, the Norwegian collective is donating 1$ per sold ticket of the performance to The Firekeeper Alliance. This is an indigenous cause recently instated in the Blackfeet Reservation, Browning, Montana. Wardruna will also perform on the tribal lands of the Blackfeet Nation, in July 2025, headlining Fire In The Mountains.
With the donation, the Norwegian group puts word to action, further establishing a previously announced partnership between the Blackfeet Nation and Fire In The Mountains. By cooperating with this non-profit the donation will be used for a cause directly supporting the local community where the festival is held.
The funds are invested in facilitating a Heavy Music Symposium class being offered at the Buffalo Hide Academy and Browning High school in spring 2025. The purpose of the class is to illustrate the coping potential and interconnectedness that the expressive arts provide.
Main composer Einar Selvik states on behalf of Wardruna: “We are grateful for the chance to constructively stand with indigenous needs and to work with people who genuinely seek to create positive changes and opportunities for the Blackfeet Nations tribal lands and its people. Sustainability, by way of creating a multitude of synergies is the way forward and we are honored to take part.”
Charlie Speicher, Executive Director of The Firekeeper Alliance comments: “It is incredibly humbling to receive support like this from Wardruna, By Norse and AISAmusic helping us create more safety and protective factors in the Blackfeet Nation. Words do not express what this donation means to not only us at FITM and Firekeeper Alliance, but especially to the communities who live within the Blackfeet Reservation.”
The Firekeeper Alliance is committed to reducing suicide rates among the Blackfeet Nation and other Indigenous communities in Montana through culturally inclusive mental health support, education, advocacy, and community-wide postvention initiatives. The organization aims to indigenize and destigmatize current constructs and clinical interventions regarding suicidal behavior in Indian Country, to keep the sacred fires of life burning in Tribal communities.
Wardruna is set to headline Fire In The Mountains 2025, July 25-27. By Norse Music, the label founded by Wardruna composer Einar Selvik (Wardruna, Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik), Ivar Bjørnson (Enslaved, BardSpec, Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik) and Simon Füllemann (AISAmusic), will curate a musical experience at the festival.
From left to right: Charlie Speicher (The Firekeeper Alliance), Einar Selvik (Wardruna), Robert Hall (Blackfeet Nation), Eilif Gundersen (Wardruna), Nick Rink (Blackfeet Nation)
Wardruna live in 2025
Australia & New Zealand 2025: 23 Jan – Melbourne – Palais Theatre 25 Jan – Sydney – Enmore Theatre 27 Jan – Brisbane – Fortitude Music Hall 30 Jan – Auckland – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
UK & Ireland 2025: With special guest: Jo Quail 17 Mar – Liverpool –Philharmonic 18 Mar – Birmingham – Symphony Hall 19 Mar – London – Royal Albert Hall 21 Mar – Bristol – Beacon [last tickets] 22 Mar – York – Barbican [last tickets] 23 Mar – Dublin – Olympia Theatre 25 Mar – Glasgow – SEC Armadillo
Norway 2025: 26 Apr – Oslo – Operaen – SOLD OUT 27 Apr – Oslo – Operaen – SOLD OUT 29 Apr – Trondheim – Olavshallen [last tickets] 02 May – Kristiansand – Kilden 03 May – Stavanger – Konserthuset 04 May – Bergen – Grieghallen [last tickets]
Europe & United States 2025: 07 June – Reyjavik – Harpa 25 – 27 July – Fire In The Mountains – United States 30 Jul – 03 Aug – Rasnov – Rockstadt Extreme Fest
Split Screen Management is thrilled to announce that REEPER, a powerhouse in the modern metal scene, has officially joined the Split Screen Management family!
About REEPER:
Founded in 2016 in Spain, REEPER has consistently pushed the boundaries of modern metal. Under the leadership of Elías Andrada, the band has become known for their innovative sound and relentless evolution. Over the years, they’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including producer Travis Wyrick and Traa Daniels of P.O.D., creating a unique blend of metalcore and djent that resonates deeply with today’s audiences.
With three groundbreaking studio albums under their belt, their latest release, The Butterfly Effect, showcases their artistic growth and proves their ability to stand out in a crowded genre. The album is a testament to their dedication to constant innovation and their commitment to leaving a lasting mark on the metal scene.
A Message from REEPER: “We are incredibly excited to share some huge news with all of you: we’ve officially signed with Split Screen Management! This is a big step for us as a band, and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with such a professional and experienced team. Split Screen Management has a remarkable track record of supporting artists and helping them bring their vision to life, and we are thrilled to have them by our side for the journey ahead. To everyone who has supported us along the way, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You’ve been with us through every step, and we can’t wait to share what’s coming next. Speaking of the future—stay tuned! We’re working on new music and big releases, and we can’t wait for you to hear what we’ve been creating. This is just the beginning, and we’re ready to take things to the next level.”
Split Screen Management adds: “We are honored to welcome REEPER to our roster and look forward to supporting them as they continue to redefine modern metal. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we embark on this incredible journey together! Welcome to the Split Screen Management family, REEPER!”
While waiting for next news and announcements, go and check out their latest videos:
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
