For over two decades, PSYCROPTIC has operated at the vanguard of technical death metal, defined by instrumental precision, structural intelligence and an uncompromising creative ethic. From their Tasmanian origins to commanding stages worldwide, the band have built a reputation on rhythmic complexity, exacting musicianship, and a refusal to plateau.
On July 17th, PSYCROPTIC enters a decisive new chapter with The Pulse Of Annihilation, their first full-length release for Metal Blade Records. The partnership marks a strategic alignment between one of extreme metal’s most technically formidable acts and a label whose history is intertwined with the genre’s evolution.
At the core of this next phase is guitarist and principal songwriter Joe Haley. Over time, Haley’s compositional voice has evolved from pure technical density into something more architecturally deliberate. On The Pulse Of Annihilation, riff construction feels sharper, transitions more fluid, and thematic motifs more intentional. Haley’s writing demonstrates a seasoned understanding of pacing-knowing when to constrict, when to expand, and how to weaponize silence and space within otherwise relentless arrangements. Experience has not diminished intensity; it has refined its delivery.
“The Pulse Of Annihilation is the culmination of everything that has come before,” remarks Haley. “We never force anything stylistically and just let the songs manifest of their own accord – maintaining progression while remaining very much PSYCROPTIC. I feel this is our most epic, thrashing, technical while grooviest release yet.”
The record features the dual-vocal assault of Jason Peppiatt and Jason Keyser (Origin), a partnership that debuted on PSYCROPTIC‘s previous full-length, Divine Council. Peppiatt’s commanding growl intertwines with Keyser’s razor-edged articulation, creating a dynamic vocal interplay that adds dimension and contrast to the band’s dense instrumentation. This twofold approach heightens the record’s impact, featuring layered, confrontational elements that remain tightly synced with the band’s intricate foundation.
The album’s first single, “Gathering A Venomous Herd” serves as an immediate declaration of intent.
“This one’s a tricky one and total wrist splitter,” Haley notes, “It’s a mega non-stop riff fest.”
“It’s a knuckle-dragger,” agrees bassist Todd Stern, “I love when we can just cool out at this tempo. All my favorite PSYCROPTIC songs have this kind of ‘bounce’ to them that allows for just endless head-banging and leaves room for massive vocal passages, plus there’s that noodley section in the middle with the guitar ring out… Meathead Monday.”
Produced once again by Haley at his Crawlspace Productions studio, The Pulse Of Annihilation reinforces PSYCROPTIC‘s commitment to sonic autonomy. The production balances clarity and weight. Haley’s brother and co-founder, Dave Haley pounds the drums with surgical precision, bass frequencies anchor the harmonic movement, and guitars cut through with controlled aggression. The mix allows complexity to breathe while preserving crushing force.
The Pulse Of Annihilation features cover art by Belial Necroarts (Gaerea, In Aeternum).
The Pulse Of Annihilation Track Listing: 01. Ashes of a New Dawn 02. Gathering a Venomous Herd 03. A Sword of Me 04. No Time for the Weak 05. Our Pillars Fall 06. Annihilation Pulse 07. No Blade of Grass 08. To Embrace This Curse 09. Forging the Crown
PSYCROPTIC will join labelmates Rivers Of Nihil for a short run of Australian dates with support provided by Growth and Slaughtercult. From there, PSYCROPTIC and Rivers Of Nihil will unite with The Zenith Passage (also on Metal Blade) for four shows in Japan. See all confirmed dates below and stay tuned for additional live dates to be announced in the weeks to come.
PSYCROPTIC w/ Rivers Of Nihil, Growth, Slaughtercult: 8/13/2026 Magnet House – Perth, AU 8/14/2026 Lion Arts – Adelaide, AU 8/15/2026 Max Watts – Melbourne, AU 8/21/2026 Manning Bar – Sydney, AU 8/22/2026 Necrosonic Festival – Brisbane, AU w/ Rivers Of Nihil, The Zenith Passage: 8/24/2026 Socore Factory – Osaka, JP 8/25/2026 3Star Imaike – Nagoya, JP 8/26/2026 Space Odd – Tokyo, JP 8/27/2026 Space Odd – Tokyo, JP
PSYCROPTIC: David Haley – drums Joe Haley – guitars Todd Stern – bass Jason Peppiatt – vocals Jason Keyser – vocals
Finnish metal band Malummeh, founded in 2004, have released their new long-awaited EP, simply named ‘Malummeh’ on 28 May 2026 via Inverse Records. It’s been 19 years since the release of their debut album Revival via Spikefarm Records.
The Malummeh EP carries the band’s own name and includes four hidden gems that were left in the drawer more than a decade ago. After a long hiatus, the band members reconnected and came to the conclusion that those old, promising demos simply couldn’t be left unfinished. After extracting their full potential — and in some cases doing major song overhauls — they have now taken shape as the EP you see before you.
This release delivers serious sonic weight, but it has been built as a cohesive front-to-back listening experience, balancing pressure and breathing room in the right proportions. There is no shortage of intensity.
Recording and production were handled by our drummer and studio wizard Valtteri Kallio at Soundwell Studio, where the EP was also recorded and mixed.
The EP explores big themes, and its lyrics feel more relevant with each passing day. The subject matter strongly reflects the major changes of our time, while still leaving space for the listener’s own interpretation.
With this EP, the band closes one circle and opens a new door. While waiting for what comes next — turn this one up loud.
The band comments the tracks:
Dethroned “The opening track of the EP was written for an authoritarian leader. The listener can decide who. This two-part composition leads the listener straight into the core of the band’s soundscape — from tense anticipation to relentless crushing force. Even though the song is old, the lyrics are more relevant than ever, and the track stays very close to its original version. It represents the band’s modern take on the best elements of early-2000s metal. Any djent that may appear here is purely coincidental.”
Gone Too Far “If you follow the news, Gone Too Far might help you put your feelings into words. The song deals with betrayal, oppression, and naivety. The original idea for the track is over 15 years old and was once left unreleased by the band. Now it has gone through a complete overhaul and emerged stronger than ever. Musically, it also breaks new ground for the band, featuring symphonic instruments for the first time. The result is a raw and dramatic outpouring that balances between danger and escalation, forcing deep feelings of melancholy and finality to the surface.”
Misery “Misery takes the listener on a long journey in a short time. This harmonic, dragging, and structurally unconventional piece wakes the listener from slumber to the middle of devastation. Originally intended as an instrumental intro for the EP, the band later chose a different track order, which opened the door to adding vocals. As a composition, this piece is also very old and it was never part of the band’s live set until now.”
October
“October is a piece larger than its size. The song is a gaslighting war speech delivered by the commander of an invading army to his soldiers just before sending them toward certain doom. Fueled by lies and incitement of hatred, the troops are driven into bloodthirsty frenzy. All of this is backed by merciless riff barrages whose twisted nature perfectly reflects the theme of the song.”
Malummeh Track list:
Dethroned
Gone Too Far
Misery
October
–Recorded & mixed by Valtteri Kallio –Mastered by Janne Hakanen –EP cover by Mikael Kiikka
Malummeh is a metal band founded in 2004 and originating from the Helsinki metropolitan area. The band blends various metal subgenres into an aggressive, melodic, and explosive whole that stands firmly on its own with no apologies. The group was founded by guitarists Mikael Kiikka and Jaakko Eskelinen, with drummer Valtteri Kallio joining at a very early stage. Alongside the original trio, lineup changes eventually led to Jukka Vehkamaa becoming the band’s bassist and Marko Niemistö taking the role of vocalist. During the early 2000s, the band showed promising momentum, culminating in the release of their debut album Revival through Spinefarm (Spikefarm) in November 2007. However, internal dynamics within the band gradually began to fracture, and in 2011 the band disbanded.
The silence lasted until 2022, when old conflicts were laid to rest and the band rediscovered its drive. The idea for restarting initially came from the possibility of releasing older, unfinished songs, but working on those tracks quickly led to writing new material as well. In practice, the band continues from where it left off, but with a more focused approach and without the rigid absolutism that often comes with youth.
In its new era, Malummeh focuses on bringing the strongest elements of early 2000s metal into the present day while leaving behind the most worn-out clichés of that period. This is made possible through complete artistic independence: the band composes, records, and produces its music entirely on its own terms, maintaining a strong emphasis on musicianship and a direct yet emotionally varied style of expression.
The comeback is not built solely on nostalgia. The goal is also to push the band’s sound forward into a more versatile direction while preserving its recognizable core. With new material, Malummeh continues its story after a long hiatus, now with a clearer understanding among its members of what kind of music they want to create and why.
Line-up: Marko Niemistö – Vocals Mikael Kiikka – Guitars Jaakko Eskelinen – Guitars Valtteri Kallio – Drums Jukka Vehkamaa – Bass
Jussi Saari – Trumpet on “October” Aapo Salo – Orchestra on “Gone Too Far”
Finland, Tampere-based post-metal group SEES has inked a record deal with Agonia Records; the aftermath has been captured on film, available below.
The band comments: “We’re excited to announce that we have signed a deal with Agonia Records, and we are looking forward to see what this opportunity will present us in the future!”
SEES (Finnish for “serene” or “calm”) was founded in 2024 by seasoned musicians (Surut, Junktone, Skein, Vala, Pofony). “Years of combined experience with released music and touring has clarified for us what we want to pursue with Sees,” reflects the band. “We want to leave our mark with distinctive and ambitious music, which can also be seen as a counterforce to today’s throwaway culture.”
SEES has finished recording its debut album “Suoja” (Finnish for “shelter”). Its release date, cover artwork & details will be announced soon. The album was recorded and produced by Tuomas Kokko (Sara, Swallow the Sun, Luna Kills, Ghost Brigade, Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus). “The core of our Finnish-language, scream-led music is built around the dynamics of aggressive heaviness and atmospheric soundscaping,” SEES posits.
SEES comprises Kari Ruissalo (drums), Juha Höyssä (bass), Jarno Ojala (guitar), J-P Heimolinna (guitar), and Ville Ylinen (vocals). The band is recommended for fans of Cult of Luna, Amenra, Converge, Isis, Russian Circles, Nine Inch Nails etc.
Line-up: Kari Ruissalo (drums) Juha Höyssä (bass) Jarno Ojala (guitar) J-P Heimolinna (guitar) Ville Ylinen (vocals)
British death-doom outfit CONSECRATION are now streaming their entire new album “Exanimis” in an exclusive premiere hosted by DeathMetalPromotion, released today on May 29th, 2026 via Nuclear Winter Records.
With “Exanimis”, CONSECRATION deliver their most focused and commanding work to date, further refining the dark and emotionally crushing sound that has defined the band throughout the years. Deeply rooted in the legacy of the British death-doom tradition while embracing a sharper and heavier modern approach, the album seamlessly blends oppressive atmospheres, mournful melodies and massive riff-driven weight.
“Exanimis” is dark, decadent and at times mercilessly biting, balancing melancholic atmospheres with raw intensity. The record demonstrates the band’s relentless drive to expand their own sound, asserting CONSECRATION as a commanding presence in the modern extreme metal scene and setting a new benchmark for their evolving career.
Tracklist:
01. Herald of Darkness 02. Configuration of Lamentation 03. Submerged in Sand 04. Domain of Despair 05. Harvester of the Forsaken 06. The Bitterness of Grief 07. Descend into Derangement 08. Cold Grey Stone
CONSECRATION are a death-doom metal band from Norwich, UK, formed in 2010. With a relentless blend of crushing doom and old-school death metal, they craft music steeped in death, darkness and despair, steadily carving a global reputation in extreme metal.
Since their debut, “Ephemerality” (2014, UKEM Records), CONSECRATION have grown continuously, reissuing the album in 2023 through Cavernous Records with new artwork and compiling early material in 2018’s “Remembrance”. Their sophomore album, “Fragilium” (2019, Solitude Productions), earned critical acclaim and drew thousands YouTube views, signaling the band’s expanding influence.
The third album, “Cinis” (2022, Redefining Darkness Records), marked a major step forward, featuring guest vocals from Dave Ingram (Benediction) and mastering by Greg Chandler (Esoteric). The album received top reviews from Metal Forces, Distorted Sound, and Blabbermouth.net. Singles such as “The Dweller in the Tumulus” reached thousands of fans online, while live appearances—including Esoteric’s 30th Anniversary and UK Deathfest 2022—solidified their stage presence.
The 2021 EP “Reanimated” was reissued in 2025 as a hand-made limited edition that sold out in two hours, demonstrating the dedication of their growing fanbase.
Their fourth album, “Exanimis”, recorded at Priory Studios, Birmingham, will be released in spring 2026, featuring Paul Jones (Enchantment) and Rich Mumford (Malediction), with in-house artwork and mixing/mastering by Greg Chandler. CONSECRATION continue to push boundaries, evolving relentlessly and establishing themselves as a rising force in international death-doom.
For fans of: Evoken, Cruciamentum, early My Dying Bride, Decomposed
Line-up:
Daniel Bollans – Vocals Mathew Bollans – Bass Liam Houseago – Lead & rhythm guitar Andy Matthews – Lead, rhythm & acoustic guitar Jorge Figueiredo – Drums and percussion
Bloodgood – Rock In A Hard Place (*Red Vinyl, 2026, Retroactive) Only 200 Units
Musicians Les Carlsen – Lead Vocals David Zaffiro – Guitars Michael Bloodgood – Bass Mark Welling – Drums
Originally released 1988 on Frontline Records
Third classic album by iconic Christian rockers, Bloodgood
Featuring the hit track, “Seven”
Remaster by Rob Colwell
12×12 insert w lyrics and band pics
Artwork layout by Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal
Last album with legendary axeman, David Zaffiro (Zion, Holy Soldier)
Limited to just 200 units, Red Vinyl
ABOUT THE ALBUM When Bloodgood released Rock In A Hard Place in 1988, it caught many fans completely off guard. The blistering metallic attack of the band’s earlier releases gave way to a more melodic, polished, and emotionally layered hard rock approach — but make no mistake, this album still carries the unmistakable passion, conviction, and power that made Bloodgood one of the most important bands in Christian metal history.
Instead of chasing trends, Bloodgood expanded their sound. Songs like “She’s Gone” reveal a haunting emotional depth, while “Shakin’ It” bursts forward with swagger and arena-ready hooks. “Never Be The Same” and “Heaven On Earth” showcase the band’s gift for memorable melodies without sacrificing intensity. Then there’s “Seven” — a thunderous, dramatic closer that reconnects the band to the heavier spirit of their earlier classics and remains one of the standout tracks in the Bloodgood catalog.
This album also marks the final Bloodgood release featuring legendary guitarist David Zaffiro, whose fiery playing and unmistakable style helped define the band’s classic era. His work throughout Rock In A Hard Place is both tasteful and explosive, proving why he remains one of the most respected guitarists in Christian hard rock and metal.
For this definitive Retroactive Records vinyl edition (only 200 copies, Red Vinyl), Rob Colwell delivers a powerful new remaster that finally gives the album the warmth, punch, and low-end presence it always deserved. Combined with Scott Waters’ stunning artwork restoration and layout work, this release breathes new life into a criminally underrated melodic hard rock masterpiece.
Whether you discovered this album back in the late 80s or are hearing it for the first time, Rock In A Hard Place stands today as a bold and unforgettable chapter in the legacy of Bloodgood — melodic, passionate, honest, and timeless.
Track Listing:
“Shakin’ It” (2:52), “Never Be The Same” (3:59), “The Presence” (3:29), “What Have I Done?” (3:41), “Heaven On Earth” (3:43), “Do Or Die” (2:21), “She’s Gone” (4:29), “World (Keeps Movin’ Around)” (4:09), “Seven” (4:47)
Bloodgood – Out of the Darkness (*Blue Vinyl, 2026, Retroactive) Limited 200 copies!
KEY COLLECTOR DETAILS
Originally released 1989 on Frontline Records
#18 on top 50 albums of the 80’s by Angelic Warlord
Fourth classic album by iconic Christian rockers, Bloodgood
Featuring the hit tracks, “Mad Dog World” & “Top of the Mountain”
Remaster by Rob Colwell
12×12 insert w lyrics and band pics
Artwork layout by Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal
Limited to just 200 units, Blue Vinyl
#18 on the Top 50 Albums of the 80’s by AngelicWarlord.com
A close second on my list of favorite Bloodgood albums but does not quite have the historic impact of Detonation. Regardless, it features the heavier guitar and drum sounds along with two of the best ballads you will every hear (“Top Of The Mountain” & “Changing Me”).
ABOUT THE ALBUM Released in 1989, Bloodgood’s Out of the Darkness marked the beginning of a new era for one of Christian metal’s most important bands. Following the departure of legendary guitarist David Zaffiro, many fans wondered what Bloodgood would sound like moving forward. The answer was an album that confidently carried the band into a more melodic, polished, and arena-ready hard rock direction without losing the heart, conviction, and intensity that made them legendary in the first place.
Rather than trying to recreate the past, Bloodgood evolved. Out of the Darkness blends massive hooks, emotional songwriting, powerful rhythms, and polished production into a record that stands as one of the strongest melodic hard rock releases in the band’s catalog. Tracks like “Mad Dog World” deliver driving energy and attitude, while “Top of the Mountain” remains one of the band’s most uplifting and memorable anthems. Throughout the album, Les Carlsen’s unmistakable voice carries both grit and vulnerability, giving the songs emotional weight that still resonates decades later.
Often overlooked beside the band’s earlier heavier material, Out of the Darkness has earned increasing appreciation over time for its songwriting strength, maturity, and accessibility. Angelic Warlord ranked the album #18 on its list of the Top 50 Christian Metal Albums of the 1980s — recognition that confirms the album’s lasting impact and importance within the genre.
For this definitive Retroactive Records vinyl edition, Rob Colwell’s remaster brings new depth, warmth, and clarity to the recording, allowing these songs to hit harder and sound fuller than ever before. Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal also provides a refreshed artwork layout worthy of this classic release.
More than thirty-five years later, Out of the Darkness remains a shining example of late-80s melodic hard rock done right — passionate, memorable, inspiring, and timeless.
Tracks
1. “Out of the Darkness” (3:43) 2. “Let My People Go” (4:09) 3. “America” (4:04) 4. “It’s Alright” (3:44) 5. “Top Of the Mountain” (6:30) 6. “Hey! You” (4:04) 7. “Mad Dog World” (4:24) 8. “Changing Me” (6:38) 9. “New Age Illusion” (3:18)
Iconic debut album from Sacred Warrior (Intense Records, 1988)
95% Review on Angelic Warlord
#1 album on top albums from 1988 on Angelic Warlord
Remastered by Rob Colwell
Layout by NoLifeTilMetal’s Scott Waters
12×12 lyrics insert
First time ever on Yellow Vinyl!
Limited to just 200 copies
Part of the exclusive Metal Icon Series
ABOUT THE ALBUM Released in 1988 on Intense Records, Sacred Warrior’s Rebellion didn’t just introduce a new band to the Christian metal scene — it announced the arrival of one of the most ambitious, sophisticated, and powerful progressive metal acts of the era. Combining soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, dramatic songwriting, and spiritually charged themes, Sacred Warrior created an album that immediately separated itself from nearly everything else happening in Christian metal at the time.
Drawing comparisons to Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory, Fates Warning, and Iron Maiden, Rebellion blended technical precision with emotional intensity in a way that felt both intelligent and deeply passionate. Rey Parra’s commanding vocal performance became one of the defining elements of the album, effortlessly shifting from melodic restraint to powerful high-register intensity, while the band’s musicianship delivered progressive arrangements without sacrificing heaviness or memorable hooks.
Tracks like “Rebellion,” “Heaven’s Rage,” and “The Flood” helped establish the album as an underground classic, but Rebellion works best as a complete listening experience — dramatic, cinematic, and spiritually thought-provoking from beginning to end. More than thirty-five years later, the album still sounds fresh, unique, and emotionally gripping.
Over time, Rebellion has earned legendary status among Christian metal fans and collectors alike. The Angelic Warlord website awarded the album an incredible 95% review score and ranked it the #1 Christian Metal Album of 1988, placing it alongside the most respected releases of the entire decade.
This definitive Retroactive Records Metal Icon Series edition finally gives Rebellion the deluxe vinyl treatment it deserves. Featuring a powerful remaster by Rob Colwell, stunning updated artwork and layout work by Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal, and a full-size 12×12 lyrics insert, this release presents the album with renewed clarity, depth, and visual impact.
Pressed for the first time ever on Yellow Vinyl and limited to just 200 copies worldwide, this collector’s edition celebrates one of the true masterpieces of Christian progressive power metal.
TRACK LISTING 1 Black Metal 2 Mad, Mad World 3 Stay Away From Evil 4 He Died 5 Children Of The Light 6 Rebellion 7 Day Of The Lord 8 The Heavens Are Calling 9 Famine 10 Master Of Lies 11 Sword Of Victory
1990 Progressive Power Metal Classic (Intense Records)
85% review on the Angelic Warlord website
Limited to just 200 copies, Blue Vinyl (first time color variant)
Part of the exclusive Metal Icon Series
12×12 lyrics insert
Remastered by Rob Colwell
Artwork and layout by Scott Waters (NoLifeTilMetal)
One of very few Christian “concept albums” dealing with abuse & healing
ABOUT THE ALBUM
Released in 1990 on Intense Records, Sacred Warrior’s Wicked Generation stands as one of the most ambitious and emotionally powerful albums ever released in Christian metal. At a time when most bands were content writing disconnected songs about fantasy, rebellion, or surface-level spirituality, Sacred Warrior delivered something far deeper — a progressive power metal concept album that fearlessly explored themes of abuse, pain, brokenness, justice, and ultimately healing and redemption.
Musically, Wicked Generation pushed the band far beyond traditional heavy metal boundaries. Building on the progressive melodic metal style they had become known for, Sacred Warrior crafted a record filled with soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, dramatic arrangements, and emotionally charged songwriting. The influence of bands like Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory, and Fates Warning can certainly be heard, but Sacred Warrior carved out a sound and identity entirely their own — intelligent, melodic, heavy, and spiritually compelling.
Songs flow together with purpose and emotional weight, creating an album experience that feels cinematic and immersive from beginning to end. Rather than offering easy answers, Wicked Generation wrestles honestly with darkness, trauma, and the consequences of human brokenness while still pointing toward hope and restoration. Few albums in Christian metal history attempted something this bold — and even fewer succeeded this completely.
Over time, Wicked Generation has become a cult classic among fans of progressive and melodic metal, earning an impressive 85% review score from the Angelic Warlord website and continuing to gain appreciation from listeners discovering the album decades later.
This definitive Retroactive Records Metal Icon Series edition finally gives the album the treatment it deserves. Rob Colwell’s remaster breathes new life into the recording with greater depth, clarity, and power, while Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal provides stunning updated artwork and layout work worthy of this progressive metal masterpiece.
More than thirty-five years later, Wicked Generation remains one of the most unique, intelligent, and emotionally resonant albums in Christian metal history — a fearless artistic statement that still sounds powerful today.
TRACKS No Happy Endings 5:09 Little Secrets 6:18 Standing Free 5:00 Are You Ready 3:05 Minister By Night 3:35 Miss Linda 4:51 In The Night 5:58 Warriors 3:13 Wicked Generation 4:44 War Torn Hero 4:57
NARGAROTH, the German black metal project of Rene “Ash” Wagner, are releasing “Metalheart” as the third single from their forthcoming ninth studio album Apocalyptic Steel. A tribute to Accept, Slayer, Venom, Death, Motörhead, Sepultura, Manowar, Asphyx and dozens more who shaped Ash’s identity as a metalhead, the song proudly bears his passion in its horns-raising chorus. “Metal never dies”.
Apocalyptic Steel was tracked over a single weekend in September 2014 at Trident Studios in Pacheco, California, with Mike Williams (Mummification) on guitar and bass, and Phil Cancilla (Malevolent Creation, Hank Williams 3) on drums. Left on a hard drive in the United States while Era of Threnody, took priority, Nargaroth’s upcoming new album resurfaced years later. Drums were re-recorded at Skeleton Key Studios in Las Vegas in July 2022, and vocals were recorded alongside the mixing and mastering at AMP Studios in Duisburg, Germany, between February and April 2025, with engineer Jens Forster. Twelve years after its original sessions, Apocalyptic Steel is finally being released.
Nargaroth will celebrate the release of Apocalyptic Steel on June 26 with an exclusive album release show in Bochum Germany at Matrix. Presented by Redback Promotion and Season of Mist, during this special evening, Ash and his bandmates will perform two full sets: one filled with classic songs from the band’s 30-year history and another premiering Apocalyptic Steel in full. Fans can meet the band prior to the show during a meet-and-greet session.
Requiem Germania (05:10) [WATCH] Full runtime: 39:07
NARGAROTH is the sole vision of Rene “Ash” Wagner, forged in Saxony in 1996 and driven by nearly three decades of raw, uncompromising German black metal.
Apocalyptic Steel is a record that refused to stay buried. Tracked in a single weekend at Trident Studios in Pacheco, California, in September of 2014, the album sat forgotten on a hard drive in the United States while Era of Threnody took priority. Years later, the recordings resurfaced. Drums were re-recorded in Las Vegas, vocals and mixing completed at AMP Studios in Duisburg, and twelve years after its first sessions, the album is finally here. This is not a vault curiosity. It is Nargaroth at its most direct: nine tracks of filthy, unadorned metal built on the attitude of old Judas Priest, Accept, Deicide and Obituary. From the predatory menace of “Twisted Steel” to the band-name-studded battle cry of “Metalheart”, from the unflinching historical weight of “Dresden” to the aching Germanic longing of “Requiem Germania”, this is an album that has nothing to prove and wastes nothing on pretence. Recorded fast, recorded dirty, and finished on its own terms.
Recording Line-up: Ash — Vocals, Guitar, Bass Mike Williams (Mummification) — Guitar, Bass Phil Cancilla (Malevolent Creation, Hank Williams 3) — Drums
Current Line-up: Ash — Vocals Fernando Cortez (Hacavitz, Ash Nazg Burz, Through Torment) — Guitar Julio Rodas — (Dreamlore, Tim-Ripper-Owens) — Guitar Pavulon (Vader, Belphegor, Decapitated, VLTIMAS) — Drums
Production Credits: Instruments recorded during a weekend session in September 2014 at Trident Studios in Pacheco, CA (Juan Urteaga). Drums were re-recorded in July 2022 at Skeleton Key Studios in Las Vegas, NV, USA (Rylie Ellen Wechta from Sound Horizon Production). Vocals recorded at AMP Studios in Duisburg, Germany, between February and April 2025 (Jens Förster).
Mixing, and mastering took place at AMP Studios in Duisburg, Germany, between February and April 2025 by Jens Förster.
Cover Art: Cover artwork was hand-drawn and created by Felipe Mora. CD artwork by Anne-Kristin G. Additional artwork in the CD booklet are a homage to classic Metal album covers and was done by Jenglot Hitam.
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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 