Female-fronted symphonic metal act Just Reborn have released the official Lyric video for “Brain Fag”, the third single from their critically praised concept album Formae Mentis.
“Brain Fag” delves deep into the psychological torment of a mind unraveling under the weight of isolation, confusion, and emotional dissonance. The term fag in the title refers to an archaic and rarely used definition—a state of mental weariness or fog—completely unrelated to any modern or derogatory usage. Here, it’s used to underline a crisis of identity and clarity, a brutal internal conflict between darkness and the desperate human will to break free.
Just Reborn invites listeners into a harrowing descent and a battle for rebirth through haunting melodies, cinematic arrangements, and the raw power of frontwoman Monica Bisquadro.
Released after three years of intense creative exploration, Formae Mentis is a concept album that maps the twisted corridors of the human psyche. Blending symphonic metal with classical, medieval, progressive rock, blues, and lyrical opera, the album is a genre-defying triumph—a sonic mirror held up to the soul.
Swedish artist Linnea Hjertén returns with “Blodmåne” (‘Blood Moon’), a lyrical offering without words, rooted in ritual and transformation. Echoing the spirit of her debut album “Nio systrar”, this piece blends acoustic and digital percussion beneath layered vocal mantras – composed, performed, and mixed entirely by Hjertén in the solitude of her home. ‘I sacrifice a part of me as an offering,’ she reflects. ‘I remove what is no longer needed to make space for the next chapter.’ With echoes of Dead Can Dance and Kari Rueslåtten, Hjertén continues to conjure music that is both intimate and otherworldly.
“In the ’90s, people really thought you were a nutcase if you liked Death Metal.”
As new addition to its expanded list of programs, THE PIT VOD platform presents ‘Underground Civilization : the documentary’ : A 100-minute documentary exploring the raw, underground world of Washington D.C.’s 1990s death metal scene — a subculture defined by its sonic extremity, DIY ethos, and the tight-knit community that thrived beneath the shadow of the capital.
Launched in 2003 in Baltimore, just outside Washington D.C., Maryland Deathfest has grown into one of the largest extreme music festivals in the United States, with a lineup rooted in death metal, black metal, and grindcore. But its origins trace back a decade earlier to a little-known scene that took shape in the early 1990s around Washington D.C., led by three pioneering bands: Deceased, Abominog, and Morbius.
These bands ignited a tight-knit, underground movement that would lay the foundation for an entire subculture. The documentary Underground Civilization dives deep into this hidden chapter of American music history, featuring rare live footage of Deceased, Morbius, and Abominog, along with in-depth interviews with key figures such as King Fowley (Deceased, founder of With Your Teeth Records), Doug Souther (ex-Deceased), members of Morbius (Matt Sylvester, Andy Sylvester, Jason Weir, V. Bee Somphone), Pete Reid and Chris Yuastella (Abominog), Vince Matthews (Sadistic Torment), Jon Currle (Meatgrinder), Mike Bossier (Oblivion), and Flo Homer (Gravewürm).
The film also revisits the legendary venues that fueled the scene — including both iterations of the Safari Club (D.C.’s answer to CBGB), Club Asylum, Club Scar, Bender’s Club, Wilmer’s Park, The Bayou, and Jaxx.
More than a historical recount, Underground Civilization plays like an intimate conversation among old friends — musicians reflecting on the scene they built, the moments that defined it, and the energy that made it unforgettable. It’s a compelling and immersive journey into a lost era of 1990s underground metal.
Rising rock band Aurorawave have returned with their most intense and unapologetic single yet. Out today on all streaming platforms, “Villain” blends explosive breakdowns, blistering guitar solos, and melodic reggae-inspired moments — a bold testament to the band’s signature reggaecore sound.
Produced in collaboration with Matthew Keller, “Villain” marks a pivotal moment in Aurorawave’s evolution — heavier, more defiant, and soaked in raw emotion. Lyrically, the track confronts the idea of becoming the scapegoat in someone else’s story. Fueled by frustration and self-awareness, it flips the script on good vs. evil, embracing the villain role in a world that’s quick to assign blame.
“Cuz every story needs a bad guy / When everyone is a victim / So you wanna play the hero? / Then you’re gonna need a villain”
Frontman Nathan Aurora shares, “‘Villain’ is the kind of track we always wanted to make — aggressive, melodic, and in your face. We’re not trying to fit into reggae or rock. We’re building something new that reflects all of it.”
A fast-paced and genre-bending single, “Villain” is both anthemic and aggressive — a bold signal of what’s to come in this next chapter of Aurorawave’s sound. Though rooted in rock, the band continues to carve their own lane with genre-defying arrangements and bold visual storytelling.
“Villain” is just the beginning of a powerful new era for Aurorawave, which will include a diverse slate of collaborations across the rock and reggae genres.
Aurorawave Tour Dates:
May 16-18 – Garrettsville, OH – Sunny Days 2025 May 23-25 – Monterey, CA – California Roots Music & Art Festival May 30 – Aztec, NM – Rise & Vibes Music Festival June 7 – Long Beach, CA – Cali Vibes June 17 – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5 June 18 – Nashville, TN – The End June 21 – Virginia Beach, VA – Point Break Music Festival June 23 – Washington, DC – The Atlantis June 25 – Chicago, IL – Cobra Lounge June 26 – Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon June 27 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache at The Intersection June 28 – Columbus, OH – The Summit Music Hall Sep 18-21 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life
Exploding onto the music scene in 2024 with their self-titled debut album, Aurorawave has quickly become a rising force in the rock, alternative, and reggae genres. Fronted by the charismatic Nathan Aurora on vocals and guitar, Aurorawave blends the raw power of heavy rock with the rhythmic allure of reggae, creating a sound that is both innovative and captivating. The band features Tanner Arebalo on drums, whose high-energy performances lay the foundation for the band’s rhythm; Mike Mocerino on guitar, bringing intricate riffs and soaring melodies; and Ray Worrick on bass, providing a deep, resonant groove that ties together their diverse musical elements.
Their debut album, released on August 2, 2024, via Ineffable Records, features collaborations with rock heavyweights The Ghost Inside, Atreyu, and Attila, as well as reggae veterans Surfer Girl, Satsang, and Layton Meacham. The 13-track masterpiece showcases Aurorawave’s genre-blending creativity and has been met with critical acclaim.
Known for their high-energy performances and magnetic stage presence, Aurorawave has rapidly gained a devoted following. Their live shows are a testament to their showmanship, leaving audiences thoroughly gratified and eagerly anticipating their next performance.
Aurorawave’s innovative sound and heartfelt songwriting have earned them recognition in the music industry, positioning them as a band to watch. As they continue to push musical boundaries, they invite fans to join them on their journey, experiencing the true essence of Aurorawave.
Rock band The Word66 is back with a powerful new single “37 Miracles,” available now across all streaming platforms. The song marks an exciting new chapter for the band, featuring bass legend Danny Miranda—renowned for his work with Queen and Blue Öyster Cult—and the addition of a new vocalist. “37 Miracles” is the title track from their upcoming five-song CD, due out this year.
“’37 Miracles’ is a song emphasizing a message of hope, faith, peace, kindness, and unconditional love, neatly wrapped up in bow of metal goodness,” says the band.
In addition, the band has entered into a partnership with Paul Crosby, former drummer of the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated band Saliva. Crosby’s management is expected to further elevate The Word66’s reach in the industry, ensuring their signature blend of rock resonates with an even wider audience.
The Word66 has garnered global recognition, with all but one of their tracks reaching #1 somewhere in the world. The band has been featured worldwide on numerous radio shows and interviews and they’ve also earned impressive accolades, finishing in the top 10 of several high-profile music contests, including America’s Next Top Hitmaker, sponsored by Rolling Stone Magazine.
With “37 Miracles,” The Word66 is poised to continue their momentum, offering a blend of faith-driven rock with deeply personal messages.
A hard rock band on a mission to spread hope, peace, and love with rocking melodies and positive lyrics—coming from a place deep within their hearts. In a recent review, they were called “Gospel-spreading Las Vegans set off on a journey to glory.” But don’t let the title fool you—their signature sound rocks as hard as your favorite bands.
Founded in 2018 by veteran guitarist Steve Scott, who eventually recruited Lance Crane and newest rocker Carlos Zemma, with special guest bassist Danny Miranda, the band is inspired by artists including Black Sabbath, Shinedown, Creed, Disciple, and Thousand Foot Krutch, to name a few.
The band’s latest record is a five-song CD called 37 Miracles. Once again, they’ve enlisted the talents of iconic rocker Danny Miranda to lay down more epic bass lines—just as he did on the band’s last EP, Rock & Roll Preaching. Their debut single, “On the Way to the Promise Land,” along with all but one track, has reached #1 on various radio station playlists throughout the world.
Steve had lost his way—and his love for playing music—for many years, until he realized his purpose. He stated, “We all have a purpose in life. It took a while to understand ours.”
The band’s purpose is to write music that delivers meaningful messages people may need to hear. Steve added, “We just write some good rock ’n’ roll with positive lyrics. We like to think that, in some cases, we’re adding some light to the darkness.”
The Word66 continues to unveil an original sound that is edgy yet commercially accessible—bringing catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. Their music has been quoted as delivering “a 1-2 punch,” and humbly, “If STRYPER are past their halcyon days now, THE WORD66 are only beginning to rise and shine.”
Swedish metal outfit Stygian Fair return with a brand-new single titled “Abide Your Master”, now available on all digital platforms. The track offers a first taste of their forthcoming full-length album, “The Hidden Realm” slated for release via Rockshots Records.
With a strong discography that includes “Panta Rei” (2018), “Nadir” (2020), “Equilibrium” (2021) and the critically acclaimed “Aradia” (2023), Stygian Fair continue to carve out their own path, defying trends and embracing pure, emotionally resonant metal. “Abide Your Master” takes on the dangers of blind obedience — of abandoning your conscience to follow a demagogue without question. Heavy, urgent and unflinching, it asks what happens when we stop thinking for ourselves… and start worshipping the very force that’s leading us over the edge.
While details about “The Hidden Realm” remain under wraps, the album sees Stygian Fair pushing further than ever before — more direct, more melodic, and more accessible without losing the edge that defines them. They’ve sharpened both their sound and their message; the songs hit faster, dig deeper, and speak louder. Lyrically, “The Hidden Realm” explores everything from political collapse and mass delusion to natural disaster, ancient mysteries, and inner reckoning. It’s a record about the worlds we ignore, the truths we tend to bury, and the consequences of silence.
For fans of Tad Morose, Memento Mori, and those who long for metal with both weight and heart, “Abide Your Master” is a compelling invitation into the world of Stygian Fair—a world where music is crafted with intention, passion, and no compromises.
Track Listing: 1. The Hidden Realm 2. Abide Your Master 3. Into The Well 4. Peel The Layers Off 5. What You’re Fighting For 6. All Of Us 7. Dawn 8. Meteor 9. Anthem Of The Lost 10. Rise From The Shadows 11. Ferwor Of Fools
All songs written by Andreas Stoltz, Emil Holmqvist, Per-Olov Jonsson and Anders Hedman. Produced by Stygian Fair, recorded at Ballerina Studios in Umeå. Mixed by Marcus Jidell and mastered by CJ Grimmark.
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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )