“Reaching our 30th anniversary with what we consider our strongest material ever is incredibly satisfying” says guitarist Alex. “The response to the singles has been overwhelming, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the full journey of the Darkened Devotion concept.“
Czech death metal outfit Pandemia returns with Darkened Devotion, their most mature release yet. Celebrating 30 years of relentless brutality, thier sixth full-length is a masterclass in old-school ferocity, sharpened by modern precision.
Darkened Devotion delivers a barrage of blast beats, crushing riffs, and abyssal growls. Tracks like ‘A Sea to Breathe in’ and ‘Blessed, Blessed Oblivion’ hit with unrelenting force, capturing the raw power that’s defined Pandemia since 1995. Having decimated stages in over 30 countries alongside legends like Death, Morbid Angel, and Vader, Pandemia proves their legacy is forged in sweat, blood, and unyielding devotion to death metal!
ASHES OF ARES, the US heavy metal duo featuring former Iced Earth members Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidales, has revealed first details about their much-awaited, new studio album, entitled “New Messiahs”, that is slated for a release in Europe on July 18 and in North America on August 8, 2025 via ROAR!
A music video for the band’s first single, “Wake Of Vultures”, is now premiering below. Matt comments:
“WAKE OF VULTURES is derived from the idea “Misery loves company” but this goes one step further. This is the back side of involving yourself with the group of miserable people. Once you are a part of that group, you are either a vulture or you are the miserable piece of meat that they feast upon. Another cautionary tale…I’m seeing a pattern.”
Formed in 2012 by Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidales, alongside former Nevermore drummer Van Williams, ASHES OF ARES was born from a shared vision: to create a sound that reflects their personal influences, ideas, and visions. With their self-titled debut album released in 2013, the band quickly captivated audiences in the USA and Europe with their electrifying live performances.
In 2017, after the departure of Van Williams, Matt and Freddie continued undeterred, forging ahead with their creative journey. Their sophomore album, “Well of Souls” (2018), showcased a more intense and expansive sound, cementing the duo’s partnership in songwriting, followed by their third full-length, “Emperors and Fools” (2022), that marked a new milestone and evolution in the sound of ASHES OF ARES.
Now, the band returns with “New Messiahs”, continuing their relentless pursuit of sonic excellence and delivering a collection of 12 new tracks that push the boundaries of their signature sound! Featuring the blistering title track and standouts like “Two Graves” and “Wake of Vultures,” the album brings an emotional intensity, sharp songwriting, and captivating melodies that reflect their journey as artists. “New Messiahs” introduces notable collaborations, including Kyle Taylor on drums and guest appearances from Charlie Honig, Craig Blackwell, and Todd La Torre. A surprise bonus track, featuring a powerful cover of Elton John’s “And The House Fell Down”, highlights the duo’s ability to make any song their own. Recorded and mastered by Byron Filson at Villain Recording in Phoenix, Arizona, the album features stunning artwork by Kamil Pietruczynik, bringing a visual dimension to the sonic experience.
Spanning over a decade of evolution, ASHES OF ARES continues to honor their commitment to heartfelt, powerful music that transcends boundaries. With “New Messiahs”, they solidify their place as masters of storytelling and architects of a sound that resonates deeply with fans worldwide.
01 – Novus Ordo 02 – New Messiahs 03 – Two Graves 04 – Where You Go 05 – Wake Of Vultures 06 – Infection Deception (CD Bonus Track) 07 – Atrophy 08 – Keep On Walkin’ 09 – The Hawk And The Dove 10 – Lust To Feed 11 – From Hell He Rides 12 – And The House Fell Down (CD Bonus Track)
Artist Line-Up: Matt Barlow – Vocals Freddie Vidales – Guitars, Bass Guest drums by Kyle Taylor
After releasing two new singles ‘Heather/Black Scrawl’ earlier this month, Pupil Slicer have released a brand new music video in support of the singles.
“Black scrawl is the more technical of the two new songs we’ve just released. In the video we’ve opted for a single take video to showcase the individual musicianship of the song that comes together to make this pummelling in your face track. It’s raw and ferocious from the get go and aims to get people moving. We hope you enjoy it!”
Tour dates:
w/ LLNN 25/11 – Bristol, The Exchange 26/11 – Nottingham, The Bodega 27/11 – Manchester, Rebellion 28/11 – Glasgow, Slay 29/11 – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club 30/11 – London, The Underworld
Chronosynthesis deliver a classic power metal sound that echoes the glorious style of the ’90s, enriched with influences ranging from traditional heavy metal to ’70s rock, and elevated by epic orchestrations.
With the release of their debut album, available here in digital format and on CD for those who still worship the physical ritual, Chronosynthesis also unveil the third official video from the record: WRATH OF GOD.
This track is inspired by the tale of Bluebeard and aims to raise awareness about the tragic issue of gender-based violence.
PATRIARCHS IN BLACK will release the new studio album ‘Home’ on 15 August on Metalville.
Former Type O Negative/Danzig drummer Johnny Kelly and guitarist and riff writer Dan Lorenzo (Hades/Non-Fiction) founded PATRIARCHS IN BLACK at the end of 2021. Their debut single ‘Demon of Regret’ was released in January 2022 and the full album ‘Reach For The Scars’ was released in July 2022. Their second album ‘My Veneration’ was released in October 2023, followed by ‘Visioning’ in July 2024.
As with their previous releases, Dan and Johnny managed to secure some outstanding artists as guest musicians for their 4th longplayer ‘Home’.
Dan Lorenzo says about “Home”: “Did you ever see the movie Groundhog Day? Bill Murray is forced to live the same dayover-and-over. How boring, right? I love pizza, but I don’t want to eat it every meal. With our new album you will find our “usual” doomy riffs, but we also took some chances. There’s acoustic guitars, violin, flute and of course lots of heavy riffs. Diversity. It keeps things interesting.
I picked the title “Home” because as much as I love to travel, it’s always nice to come home.Johnny’s mom died last year. Some would say the Lord took her Home.Johnny and I recorded 17 new songs, but we couldn’t fit them all on this album. We are honored that some of the best vocalists and bassists worked with us to lend their talents. We hope you love PATRIARCHS IN BLACK “Home”.”
“HOME” TRACK LISTING (incl. guest musicians)
Hymns for the Heretic –Written by Lorenzo/Thomas –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo guitars –Kyle Thomas vocals –Dave Neabore bass
The Call –Written by Lorenzo/Agell –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo guitars –Karl Agell vocals –John “JD” DeServio bass
Burn Through Time –Written by Lorenzo/Sunshine –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo guitar/bass –Mark Sunshine vocals
Frisson –Written by Dan Lorenzo –Dewey Bragg vocals –Johnny Kelly drums –Jonathan Eng viola –Eric J. Morgan strings
Kaos –Written by Lorenzo/Abe –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo guitars –Kelly Abe vocals –Bass Rob Moschetti bass
Storm King –Written by Lorenzo/Ferrara –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo guitar –Joe Ferrara vocals –Johnny Araya bass
Celestial Yard –Written by Lorenzo/Sunshine –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo acoustic guitar –Mark Sunshine vocals –Emma Smoler violin –Damon Trotta bass
Where You Think You’re Going –Written by Lorenzo/DMC –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo guitars –DMC vocals –David Freis vocals –Sarah Sovak vocals/flute –Damon Trotta bass –Jonathan Eng violin
Beline –Written by Dan Lorenzo –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo guitars –John Kosco vocals –Eric J. Morgan bass/string arrangement
Pointed Fire –Written by Lorenzo/Sunshine –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo guitars/bass –Mark Sunshine vocals –Emma Smoler violin
Enough Of You –Written by Dan Lorenzo –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo guitars/bass/backing vox –Lead vocals Frankie Diaz
Ready To Die –Written by Lorenzo/Abe –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo guitars –Kelly Abe vocals –Damon Trotta bass –Gang vox Kelly, Dan, JROD
Shadows Grasp –Written by Lorenzo/Traynor –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo guitar/bass –Rob Traynor Vocals
Sweet Blood –Written by Lorenzo/Sunshine –Johnny Kelly drums –Dan Lorenzo guitar –Mark Sunshine vocals –Iron Lou Strachan bass
Sheffield-based singer-songwriter Harri Larkin is proud to announce the release of their brand new EP ‘Slowburn’, arriving May 20 via Golden Robot Records.
Blending elements of indie, funk, jazz, and grunge, Slowburn is a genre-defying collection that captures the emotional intensity and evolving artistry of Harri Larkin. Known for her heartfelt lyricism, soaring vocal melodies, and an undeniably infectious sound, Harri delivers an EP that is both introspective and anthemic – burning slowly but leaving a lasting mark.
The new EP follows the powerful single ‘Too Close to the Sun‘, a song written in tribute to a close friend lost to an accidental overdose. The single set the emotional tone for ‘Slowburn‘, an honest and cathartic body of work that explores grief, healing, and the quiet power of vulnerability.
Harri Larkin first made waves with debut album ‘Beach City’ that caught the attention of BBC Introducing, who broadcast it in full. In 2023, Harri was named the winner of the national Tramlines “Apply to Play” competition, landing performances at major UK festivals and earning national radio play along the way.
Harri continues to push creative boundaries with ‘Slowburn’ – a record that embraces nuance, celebrates growth, and invites listeners into a deeply personal world.
Harri Tape – Guitar, vocals Abi Middleton – Backing vocals Tom Wylie – Guitar Oscar South – Bass Danton Laromani – Drums
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