PESSIMIST Announce 2025 European Tour with SINISTER

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 1, 2025
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Season of Mist proudly announces the return of American blackened death metal pioneers PESSIMIST to European stages this December. Following their recent East Coast tour and a blistering performance alongside Venom Inc. in San Diego, PESSIMIST is set to co-headline a European tour with death metal stalwarts Sinister and Graceless.

Emerging from Baltimore’s early ’90s death metal scene, PESSIMIST has carved a niche with their brutal yet technical sound, blending old-school thrash influences with a dark, evil atmosphere. Their upcoming album, Keys to the Underworld, marks their first full-length release in over two decades and promises to be their most extreme offering yet.

The current lineup features founder/guitarist Kelly McLauchlin (I Am Morbid), bassist Andrew Bowen (Carnal Necrosis), vocalist Ivan Alison aka “The Evil One” (Black Mass), and drummer Cooper Dustman (ex-Helsótt, Area 51). Fans can expect a setlist that spans their discography, including classics from Cult of the Initiated, Blood for the Gods, and Slaughtering the Faithful, alongside new material from the forthcoming album.

PESSIMIST w/ Sinister – 2025 EU Tour:
4 December: Erba, IT @ Centrale Rock
5 December: Rome, IT @ Defrag
6 December: Bologna, IT @ Alchemica
7 December: Ljubljana, SI @ Menza Pri Koritu
8 December: Vienna, AT @ Viper Room
9 December: Krakow, PL @ Klub Zascianek
10 December: Warsaw, PL @ Voodoo
12 December: Oberhausen, DE @ Helvete
13 December: Eindhoven, NL @ Eindhoven Metal Meeting *​

*​Note: Graceless will not be performing at the Eindhoven Metal Meeting.

Tickets for the tour: https://www.bandsintown.com/pessimist

Season of Mist has reissued all three Pessimist albums. These reissues include new layouts, rare, archival band photos and never-before-heard bonus tracks.

One of the premiere bands to emerge out of the early Baltimore, MD death metal scene, with their 1993 demo Dark Reality, PESSIMIST played their first shows opening for national acts Incantation, Deicide, and Malevolent Creation. In 1995, the band self-released the EP Absence of Light on cassette and landed gigs opening for Testament, Forbidden, Suffocation, and Napalm Death.

In 1997 PESSIMIST signed to Lost Disciple Records and released their debut CD Cult of the Initiated, which charted on CMJ Top 40 Loud Rock Charts, and received acclaim from around the world. The band continued to play shows in the Mid-Atlantic region, opening for Cryptopsy, Nile, Gorguts, Dying Fetus, Vader, Monstrosity, and festival appearances at Milwaukee Metalfest XII, New England Metal and Hardcore Fest – and the band’s first European tour with Fleshless (Cz) in 1999.

PESSIMIST released their second CD, Blood For the Gods, in 1999, which soared into the CMJ Top 30 and received the prestigious “Pick of the Issue.. 10 Fucking Skulls” in SOD Magazine. PESSIMIST became recognized for their unique brand of brutal and technical Black/Death Metal, with old-school thrash influences, an emphasis on quality songwriting, powerful live shows and a dark, evil sound.

In 2001, the band traveled to Tampa, FL to record with producer Erik Rutan, for their third CD, Slaughtering the Faithful, which featured a re-vamped lineup and a faster, more extreme musical direction. More shows followed with Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal, Krisiun, Immolation, Cannibal Corpse, Dark Funeral, festival appearances at March Metal Meltdown, New England Metal and Hardcore Fest, and November to Dismember.

PESSIMIST returned in 2008 with the Evolution Unto Evil CD, a compilation of rare/live demo recordings and tributes to Kreator, Megadeth, and Possessed, which was co-released on Pathos Prod and Deathgasm Recs. This was followed by appearances at New England Deathfest and Hostile City Deathfest. In 2009, the band returned to Europe for their second European tour with label-mates Pandemia (CZ).

In between downtime with the band, founder/guitarist Kelly McLauchlin had also been a member of bands such as UNHOLY GHOST, DIABOLIC, filled in live with ANGELCORPSE, and had later joined Death Metal legends POSSESSED, touring with the band from 2011-2013.

In 2018, PESSIMIST returned to the stage at Maryland Deathfest, headlining Las Vegas Deathfest, Rage of Armageddon Fest (NY), and Ruinfest (CA), and in 2019 released a new single, Keys to the Underworld, which featured studio drummer Kevin Talley (Dying Fetus, Suffocation) and bassist Kelly Conlon (Monstrosity, Death).

Now, in their latest incarnation, the current PESSIMIST lineup includes founder/guitarist Kelly McLauchlin (I Am Morbid, Possessed, etc.), bassist Andrew Bowen (Carnal Necrosis), drummer Cooper Dustman (Helsótt) and vocalist Ivan Alison aka “The Evil One” (Black Mass).

The band is finishing their fourth studio album.

Lineup:
Kelly McLauchlin – Guitars
Andrew Bowen – Bass
Ivan Alison – Vocals
Cooper Dustman – Drums

Follow Pessimist:
https://www.pessimist.us/
https://pessimistcult.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pessimist.cult
https://www.instagram.com/pessimist.cult/
https://twitter.com/pessimistcult
https://www.youtube.com/pessimist
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4CqmATrQynZX1HGMDjzJZS
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/pessimist/159853081

Documentary ‘The History of Metal and Horror- Deluxe Edition’ Now Available

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 1, 2025
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Award-Winning Documentary, The ‘History of Metal and Horror’ Unleashes a Limited Collector’s Edition, Featuring the Feature Length Documentary on Blu-Ray, Two Bonus Blu-Ray Discs with Over 20 hours of Unseen Interview Footage, Soundtrack Disc, Collectable Booklet & More! All in a Stylish Magnetic Box. Only available at METALHORROR.COM

And for Those Who Prefer to Stream, the Documentary and all of the Complete Interviews are Available to Buy or Rent on VIMEO.

Following its acclaimed debut, ‘The History of Metal and Horror’ is now available in an exclusive Deluxe Edition, offering fans an even deeper look into the intertwined evolution of heavy metal music and horror.

Directed by Mike Schiff, this compelling documentary uncovers fresh insights into the origins of heavy metal, its deep-rooted connections to classic horror films, and its lasting cultural significance.

Featuring over sixty interviews with icons from both worlds, ‘The History of Metal and Horror’ dives into the powerful ways these two cultural forces have influenced and shaped each other over decades. Adding to its unique narrative, each chapter is introduced by segments of a post-apocalyptic short film hosted by horror legend Michael Berryman.

The film includes interviews with some of the biggest names in metal and horror, including:

Alice Cooper ● Rob Zombie ● John Carpenter ● Tom Savini Kirk Hammett ● Kane Hodder ● Dave Mustaine Doug Bradley Corey Taylor ● Bill Moseley ● Jonathan Davis ● Sid Haig ● Scott Ian ● Linnea Quigley ● Tobias Forge ● Chris Jericho & many more!

Since 2021, ‘The History of Metal and Horror’ has earned over 30 award wins and 20 nominations at respected festivals including San Francisco Another Hole in the Head Film Festival, Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition, The Rondo Awards, Popcorn Frights, and was notably nominated for Best Documentary Feature at SITGES Film Festival.

‘The History of Metal and Horror – Deluxe Edition’ includes the original film on Blu-ray, two bonus discs featuring over 20 hours of unseen interviews, a soundtrack disc, and an 8-page collectable booklet. Additionally, Each limited edition box set is individually numbered, signed, and housed in a premium magnetic Blu-ray case, making this the perfect collector’s item for enthusiasts.

Official Synopsis: ‘The History of Metal and Horror’ is a documentary that explores the history of heavy metal music and horror, and how the two genres ultimately crossed paths. Various metal artists share their first introduction to horror, their favorite horror films, their influences, and more. Horror film icons also discuss how their films have influenced the horror genre, their connections to metal artists, and why metal and horror work well together. ‘The History of Metal and Horror – Deluxe Edition’ and standard DVDs and Blu-Rays are available now for purchase at METALHORROR.COM

Quantities are limited, so fans are encouraged to act quickly to secure this collector’s item. Don’t miss your chance to own this ultimate celebration of heavy metal and horror!

DARKYRA to Release New Album “Life Force” on June 13th, Reveal Video for Title Track

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 1, 2025
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Darkyra is set to release their new album “Life Force” on Battlegod Productions June 13th.

“Life Force ” is the third release under the Darkyra brand. The album a joint venture between Drummer and Producer Garry King (Jeff Beck and Joe Lynn Turner) and Singer / Songwriter, Gina Bafile, (aka Darkyra / Darkyra Black, (she also is the new lead singer of Anfitrite). The friendship between the two dates back a full decade and this is the third album they have worked on together this time co-produced and arranged by them both and Garry has Mixed and Edited everything at ‘La Foret Studio’, in the Southwest of France. The Darkyra sound is quite diverse combining Cinematic Metal, Epic Metal, Gothic Rock, Art Rock, Opera Metal and Progressive Rock. Blending both soaring operatic vocals and rock vocals. Memorable melodies, World class production and world class musicianship.

Singer / Songwriter, Gina Bafile, “Darkyra has always been about uniting musicians from across the globe and we have continued this on Life Force. Over the years while Darkyra has been away from the music scene (last 8 years) the world has gone a little crazy, like the darkness is somehow starting to overshadow the light. Rather than creating a musical body of work that reinforces dark subject matters it was really important for us to balance the light with the dark. Metal music today seems to be all about doom and gloom. Although a good amount of the subject matter on this album is quite personal for Gina, having gone through her own health struggles and losing loved ones. We have tried to emphasize the upbeat and playful side of this album. ‘Life Force’ the title track sums up the playfulness and friendships forged from creating music and it is only fitting that this too was the title of this album. We hope everyone enjoys this new direction we have chosen and perhaps it’ll shed a little ray of light for those that have fallen on dark times.”

Peter Kotevski, President of Battlegod Productions, “With Gina we have been in contact about working together for this album for some time now. It’s a band that is different to what Battlegod Productions normally releases but also it is quality music on a high level. It is great to have more variety on the label roster with a good professional band is all that is needed. The tracks are fantastic, each track has its own signature and grows on you with every listen. Highly recommended for people who adore their female fronted Rock/Metal.”

Darkyra has many influences, some of these being Kate Bush, Devin Townsend, Tarja Turunen, though preferring not to be pigeonholed into any one category but rather letting the mood predict the outcome and the voice narrate the many characters within each song. A few things are different on this album, the vocals are set further in the mix to give it more of a rock style edge and the music is less dominated by keyboards and synth. Part of their aim was to capture the essence of 80’s rock and combine it with gothic and progressive rock but emphasize the bass and low tuned guitars to still keep a semi metal sound. Lots of vocal layering.

So What’s the album about?

Life-Force is a collection of songs based around both the light and dark aspects of human nature. It is a walk through an eclectic mind, cinematic storytelling driven by the push pull of good and evil, the inner and outer demons, slaves to a virtual world yet there are those still willing to give it all for a Celebrity Smile. “Life Force” we see it fade slowly in the sick as they slip away, we feel the vibrancy of the youth who have time and energy to play and within our memories the fallen forever loved, sometimes felt as if they remain. “Life Force” it flows within us all. It is the unity of friends across the globe, the creation of magic in the form of music. The spirit within that speaks volumes…. after all, …THE WORLD IS A STAGE!

The album hashes out some real personal things. All in Good Time – Autism in Early Childhood, Breathe – Learning to pick yourself up after Cancer, Tested the Water- Seperation, Take Me Far Away – looking for closure and somewhere to lay down roots, One Foot in the Grave – the elderly waiting for what seems to be an eternity to join their fallen loved ones, Tomorrow Without You – Watching a parent fall ill and pass away and trying to come to terms with the grief. Life Force – a reflection of the friendships formed through music stemming back a decade and Quiet the Mind – a mind that just won’t stop to rest.

Tracklisting:

  1. Life Force
  2. Take Me Far Away
  3. Breathe
  4. All In Good Time
  5. One Foot In The Grave
  6. Tomorrow Without You
  7. Quiet The Mind
  8. Leap Before Yo0u Die
  9. Tested The Water (Bonus track)
  10. Celebrity Smile

Performer Credits:

GINA BAFILE – Lead Vocals & Backup Vocals
GARRY KING – Drums, Percussion, Loops & Backup Vocals, Extra Keyboards on (Bonus Track ‘Tested the Water’)
LUCIO MANCA – Bass Guitar (excluding ‘Take Me Far’ and ‘Celebrity Smile’)
GUS MANSUR – Guitars (all tracks incl. Breathe, Extra Guitar parts and solo on ‘Tested the Water’)
FAB JABLONSKI – Keyboard, Piano and Synth
MAAZ MANIK – Bass Guitar (Celebrity Smile, Take Me Far Away)
VINNI BAFILE – Clean & Drone Guitar (Quiet the Mind)
JAMES MICHAEL – Guitars on ‘Breathe’ and ‘Tested the Water’

Songwriter / Production Credits:

‘Life Force’ album, Produced and arranged by: Garry King and Gina Bafile
Edited and Mixed: Garry King at La Foret Studios, South West France
Composition and Lyrics: Gina Bafile (Breathe, All in Good Time, Life Force, Tomorrow Without You, Celebrity Smile, Quiet Mind, One Foot in the Grave)
Composition: ‘Take Me Far’ by Maaz Manik, Lyrics: Maaz Manik and Gina Bafile
Composition: ‘Leap Before You Die’ by Krissy Sanfead (overall guitar concept) and Gina Bafile, Lyrics: Gina Bafile
Composition & Lyrics: Bonus Track – ‘Tested the Water’ by James Michael
Cover Art: ‘Dove & Raven’ Image by Fern Gadd Artistry, Layout by Gina Bafil

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA:
SPOTIFY – https://open.spotify.com/artist/4VRJy3osm0rMsYthOvKfKM
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@Darkyramusic
FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/DarkyraOfficial/
BANDCAMP – https://darkyrablack.bandcamp.com
INSTAGRAM -https://www.instagram.com/DarkyraMusic/
WEBSITE – https://www.darkyramusic.com/
https://darkyraofficial.wixsite.com/ginabafile
http://www.garrykingmic.com/
http://www.laforetgoupe.com/
http://www.battlegod-productions.com

HEMELBESTORMER Announce New Album “The Radiant Veil” + Stream First Single ‘Usil’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 1, 2025
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Belgian post-doom quartet Hemelbestormer have today announced the release of their new album The Radiant Veil, due 25th July via the celebrated Pelagic Records. The band have revealed the first single from the album, the Leviathan-esque ‘Usil’.

Pre-order The Radiant Veil here: https://orcd.co/hemelbestormer

The band comment: “‘Usil’, the unrelentless and colossal opening track of The Radiant Veil, offers both sheer beauty and raw power, much like the Sun, after which it is named, itself. It is an epic introduction, an intense harbinger of what is yet to come and the start of a journey you won’t easily forget.”

Uniquely, The Radiant Veil is, as drummer Frederik Cosemans explains: “a journey through our solar system as perceived by the Etruscan civilization. Each track bears the name of a planet in the old Etruscan language, starting with the Sun (Usil) and ending with Saturn (Satre).“

Hemelbestormer have been a commanding entity in the heavy music scene for over ten years, with their idiosyncratic take on the merger of post-rock, doomgaze and black metal. Made up of veterans from the Belgian hardcore and metal community, the four piece from Hasselt create intricate sonic journeys through space and time built over punishing riffs and spine-chilling climaxes. With their fourth full-length The Radiant Veil, Hemelbestormer take their songwriting and production to new heights, honouring their name as trailblazers on the intersection of dark and light, the crushingly heavy and the hauntingly beautiful.
 
Having appeared at many of Europe’s finest music festivals – ranging from Roadburn festival to Dunk! festival to Graspop Metal Meeting – Hemelbestormer feel right at home on stages with a wide variety of heavy, experimental and ethereal acts. The road combining ethereal post-rock with seething black metal has been travelled by many acts, but with Hemelbestormer that winding path has taken a different turn. Facing away from shoegaze or indie rock influences, the band find a more sophisticated way of incorporating unsettling melodies, blast beats and lo-fi synthesizers to emulate the dark void of space and eerie cold light of stars.

Powered by HM-2 pedals and a Lovecraft-ian use of retro synths, The Radiant Veil is driven by an old-school mentality that appears both learned and sincere. Produced by main songwriter Filip Dupont alongside Cosemans, the eerie space noises coalesce like a celestial respiration between the bouts of metallic riffing and tremolo picked riffs. 
 
Album opener ‘Usil’ is a compositional masterpiece from start to finish, combining seismic riffing with ice-cold guitar leads, as if Russian Circles had been formed in a small Norwegian fishing village in the early 90s. Meticulously building up to a double kick-driven finale, the band carefully lay the groundwork for an  hour of transformative music that follows.

The Radiant Veil includes a guest feature from Philip Jamieson of Caspian on the track ‘Turms’. As Cosemans comments: “Our guitarist Jo has been friends with Caspian for years, so a collaboration had to come about at some point. Philip did a fantastic job in the studio and really managed to add his own signature.” 

Tracklisting:

Side A
1. Usil
2. Turms (feat. Philip Jamieson of CASPIAN)    
Side B
3. Turan
4. Tiur
Side C
5. Cel
6. Laran    
Side D
7. Tinia
8. Sartre

Hemelbestormer are a sight to behold on stage, and with The Radiant Veil they penetrate deeper than ever into the farthest reaches of their sonic space ethos. Once more the Belgians capture the cavernous expanse between the cold lights of the universe, but also our power as humans to explore it, proving their greatness as masterclass storytellers in sight and sound.

Hemelbestormer are:

Filip Dupont – Guitars, Keys, Vocals
Koen Swerts – Bass
Jo Driesmans – Guitars
Frederik Cosemans – Drums

For more:  INSTAGRAM • FACEBOOK • BANDCAMP • PELAGIC ARTIST PAGE

APOCALYPTICA to Tour with Lindsey Stirling & Halestorm in North America This Fall

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 1, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Finland’s multi-Platinum cello-rockers APOCALYPTICA have issued the following:

Hey you,

we have amazing, exciting, awesome news to share: This fall we’ll be coming back to North America to go on tour with the wonderful Lindsey Stirling and mighty Halestorm!!

As you might know, we’ve collaborated with Lzzy Hale a few years ago. After years of friendship and releasing “Talk To Me” in 2020, it’s a true honor for us to hit the road with her and the entire Halestorm crew as well as Lindsey Stirling!

Tickets go on public sale this Friday, 10 AM local time. You can check out pre-sale options via Halestorm and Lindsey Stirling.

BLOODRIDE Sign with Wormholedeath for Highly Anticipated Fifth Album ”Deafening”, Out July 25, 2025

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 1, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo credits: J.Hautala Photography

Finnish thrash metal titans BLOODRIDE are thrilled to announce their signing with Wormholedeath Records for the release of their highly anticipated fifth studio album, “Deafening”. The album is set to unleash its sonic fury on July 25, 2025.

With “Deafening”, BLOODRIDE promises to push the boundaries of thrash metal even further. The album is a testament to their unyielding dedication to the genre and features a ferocious lineup of tracks guaranteed to leave no neck unthrashed.

To get a taste of their thunderous sound, check out their official music video for “Come In Peace”
Video edited by Tomi Niemelä

Tracklist for Deafening:

1 Sardonic Grin (Intro)
2 Kill without Hate
3 Come in Peace
4 Hindsight Einstein
5 Ashes Remain
6 Holy Simplicity
7 King of Pain
8 The Dark Triad
9 Simply Complicated
10 Death Sentinel
11 Erase and Replace
12 Fear Cage

Mark your calendars for July 25, 2025 – Deafening will be unleashed worldwide through Wormholedeath Records. Prepare your ears and brace your necks – BLOODRIDE is coming!

Album coverart: Niko Bauer

As previously announced, BLOODRIDE are set to ignite stages in 2025 with unmissable shows, announcing today first 2 performances! The band will join Traitor and Antipeewee for a crushing club gig in Germany, followed by a high-voltage performance at Nuclear Intervention Festival in the Czech Republic, sharing the bill with Exumer, Grindpad, Traitor, and more.

Get ready for relentless thrash mayhem—BLOODRIDE is coming for you!

All Upcoming shows:

2.8.2025 – Oulu, Tukikohta, Atomic Grass Oulu Vol. 6 (w/ Sacred Crucifix, Radux, Green King, Sgt Slime etc.) https://www.facebook.com/events/922263983110984
5.9.2025 – Germany, Weiden in der Oberpfalz, Salute Musikclub (w/ Traitor, Antipeewee) https://www.facebook.com/events/1279378380015567
6.9.2025 – Czech Republic, Kadov u Blatné, Jezdecký areál ZOFI, Nuclear Intervention Fest (w/ Exumer, Grindpad, Traitor etc). Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1238929567302439

Guitarist Teemu Vähäkangas shares:
”Bloodride´s first gigs around upcoming album begin to materialize…..and more to come!!! It is wonderful to see gigs come true after short break. And of course when you go to open air festival like Nuclear Intervention Fest, it is even more special. Music is best live, thrash is best live! Personally I´m old gig rat so this is what comes naturally and I guess it goes with whole bunch of Bloodride. Get ready, this is just a start!”

More shows TBA.

Experience the ferocity of BLOODRIDE in their latest music videos:
‘Hate of Hatred’ official video – https://youtu.be/YlXESNQyOh0
‘Cast Out From Idiocracy’ official video – https://youtu.be/ZuV36eaf_YI
Bloodride LIVE @ Speed Metal Party Tampere 13th of August 2022 – https://youtu.be/kuco_cqXXbI
‘Planet Alcatraz’ official video – https://youtu.be/l1sswjoMIJw
Bloodride live @ Helsinki 15th September 2017 – https://youtu.be/qhM_4_I4EBs
‘Horror Has a New Prey’ official video – https://youtu.be/GPzu45P2wRM
‘Battered’ official video – https://youtu.be/ZsqDp0y4x9k

About BLOODRIDE:
Formed in 2000, BLOODRIDE has been a relentless force in the Finnish thrash metal scene. Their journey began with the EP Bloodridden Disease (2004), paving the way for their full-length debut, ”Crowned in Hell” (2011). Their latest album, ”Idiocracy” (2021, Great Dane Records), showcased their signature blend of old-school thrash, dark death metal elements, and hardcore grit—delivering a relentless, neck-breaking assault.
Over the years, BLOODRIDE has shared the stage with legends like Exhumed, Exodus, Nunslaughter, Toxic Holocaust, and Whiplash, earning a reputation for high-energy, electrifying live performances that hit like a perfect storm.

BLOODRIDE Lineup:

  • Jykä Leskinen: Vocals
  • Esa Pennala: Bass
  • Simo Partanen: Guitar
  • Teemu Vähäkangas: Guitar
  • Petteri Lammassaari: Drums

Discography:

  • ”Deafening” – Album, Release 2025-07-25, Label: Wormholedeath Records
  • “Idiocracy” – Album, Release Date: 2021-09-17, Label: Great Dane Records
  • “Planet Alcatraz” – Album, Release Date: 2016-11-25, Label: Inverse Records
  • “Bloodmachine” – Album, Release Date: 2014-03-14, Label: Violent Journey Records
  • “Crowned in Hell” – Album, Release Date: 2011-04-16, Label: Violent Journey Records
  • “Supreme Predator” – Single, Release Date: 2010-04
  • “Bloodridden Disease” – EP, Release Date: 2004

More information at
BAND: http://www.bloodride.com | https://www.facebook.com/bloodride | https://www.instagram.com/bloodride666 | https://bloodride.bandcamp.com
MANAGEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement | http://www.splitscreenproduction.com