LORD BELIAL Announce New Album “Unholy Trinity”, Out June 27th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 17, 2025
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Swedish black metal stalwarts Lord Belial return with their new studio album Unholy Trinity, which will be released on 26th June via Hammerheart Records. The first offering ‘Ipse Venit’ is now streaming via the label.

Pre-orders for Unholy Trinity are now available here: https://opiadoom.lnk.to/iwelcomethee

Swedish black metal legends Lord Belial return in 2025 with their tenth studio album, Unholy Trinity, a fierce continuation of their legacy, set to push the boundaries of extreme music even further. Formed in 1992, Lord Belial has been a cornerstone of the Scandinavian black metal scene for over three decades, known for blending raw aggression with haunting melody and atmosphere.

Following their triumphant 2022 comeback with Rapture, hailed as one of their strongest works to date, Unholy Trinity sees the band sharpen their sound to deadly precision. Where Rapture reasserted Lord Belial’s dominance, Unholy Trinity takes it a step further; darker, more extreme, yet deeply rooted in the band’s signature melodic sensibility.

Once again working with legendary producer Andy LaRocque (King Diamond, Death) at Sonic Train Studios, Lord Belial deliver a relentless assault that is both savage and sophisticated — a masterclass in modern black metal.

Since their 1995 debut Kiss the Goat, Lord Belial have built a revered discography, including cult classics like Enter the Moonlight Gate, Unholy Crusade, and Nocturnal Beast. Often compared to genre-defining acts such as Dissection, the band has earned its place among the elite of extreme metal, seamlessly merging blackened ferocity with death-infused melody.

With Unholy Trinity, Lord Belial prove once again that their flame still burns strong and colder than ever. Expect nothing less than a powerful, immersive journey into the heart of Swedish black metal.

Track-list:
1. Ipse Venit
2. Glory to Darkness
3. Serpent’s Feast
4. Blasphemy
5. In Chaos Transcend
6. The Whore
7. Scornful Vengeance 
8. The Great Void
9. Antichrist

Line up:
Thomas Backelin – Vocals, guitars
Niclas Pepa Green – Guitars
Micke Backelin – Drums

NASTYVILLE Drop New Music Video for First Single ‘Power To The People’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 17, 2025
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Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “Power To The People”, the brand-new single from Italian hard rock band Nastyville, available on all digital platforms starting today, April 15th, 2025. The track is the first taste of the band’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, “Rebirth,” set for release on June 6th, 2025.

The album was recorded at Ivorytears Music Works Recording Studio (Somma Lombardo, VA), produced by the band, and mixed and engineered by Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Vanden Plas, Revolution Saints). “Rebirth” marks a new beginning for Nastyville, a powerful and deeply personal record shaped by real-life stories and the band’s evolution both musically and personally.

“Power To The People” is a hard-hitting anthem built on gritty riffs, thunderous grooves, and a rallying cry for unity and rebellion. With its energetic hooks and no-frills attitude, the song delivers the raw power of a band that’s back in full force.

Formed in 2012, Nastyville has made its mark in the rock scene with a style rooted in street and glam rock, infused with a modern edge. Through the years, they’ve shared stages with Skid Row, Crashdïet, Enuff Z’Nuff, Steel Panther, The Dead Daisies, and more. After lineup changes and three previous albums, the band is now ready to unleash a bold new chapter!

For fans of: Skid Row, Crashdïet, Hardcore Superstar, Steel Panther, The Dead Daisies.

LISTEN: https://lnk.to/DpVRF2

Pre-orders are now available at the following link: https://rockshots.eu/products/nastyville-rebirth

TRACK LISTING:​
1. The Journey Of Rebirth
2. Power To The People
3. Run Wild, Rev High!
4. Rocking Through The Night
5. Unstoppable (Sia Cover)
6. We Give It All
7. Miss You
8. Yellow Schoolbus
9. Stay Out, Stay Out
10. Sex O’ Clock
11. Rock’n’Roll Experience

CREDITS: Produced by NASTYVILLE
Recorded at IVORYTEARS MUSIC WORKS RECORDING STUDIO, SOMMA LOMBARDO (VA)
Mixed and Engineered by Alessandro Del Vecchio

NASTYVILLE Line Up:​
Marco Luraschi (Mark Lee): Vocals
David Visin (Dave Wild): Guitars
Christian De Gaudenzi (Dega): Guitars
Carlo Giordano (The Horv): Bass
Christian Tabita (Chris Tabeat): Drums

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.instagram.com/nastyvilleofficial | https://www.facebook.com/nastyvilleofficial

Rockumentary on Former Megadeth Drummer NICK MENZA Gets Today a Headbangin’ New Jersey Premiere with Q&A

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 17, 2025
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After a triumphant West Coast screening in California last week, BayView Entertainment in association with Screaming Butterfly Entertainment and Ellefson Films is thrilled to announce the second showing in its bi-coastal theatrical premiere of This Was My Life: Nick Menza’s Metal Memories with Megadeth and Beyond. 

The much-anticipated Nick Menza documentary film is set to thrill music fans in Hawthorne, NJ this Thursday, April 17th at 7PM.

In attendance will be Megadeth co-founder and former member, David Ellefson; and the film’s director, Holly Grayson. The audience will be treated to an introduction and a Q&A session after the screening. Participants are tentatively scheduled to appear and subject to change pending any unforeseen circumstances. 

Speaking on the California premiere, Grayson declared it, “incredible” and thanked everyone involved for making it “such a success.” Ellefson added that he found the sold-out event “absolutely fantastic… and the film very emotional.” 

The film provides an intimate look into a life dedicated to music. Culled from Menza’s personal and private VHS tape collection, photos, and audio files, it’s a deep dive into unreleased drum tracks, concert and studio footage, candid glimpses backstage and on the tour bus, and interviews with family, friends, fans, and colleagues.

“We are thrilled to bring this screening to local music fans. The Tri-State area has always been metal-friendly,” says BayView Entertainment VP of Acquisitions, Peter Castro. 

Tickets can be purchased now via EventBrite at this location.

Following a limited theatrical run in selected U.S. markets, it will also be available for digital streaming and on physical media in a special Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray. 

WATCH the trailer:

For more information on the event please visit: http://www.thiswasmylifefilm.com/

About BayView Entertainment, LLC

BayView Entertainment, LLC is a leading independent distributor of feature films, fitness, and special-interest content. With hit narrative films Skinamarink and Robot Monster, plus legendary documentaries On Any Sunday and The Endless Summer leading the way, BayView is one of the fastest-growing names in the field.

Incorporating catalogs from Monterey Media, Summer Hill, Mutiny Pictures, VIPCO, and others, BayView is positioned to expand even further in years to come. BayView’s programs are available on the major streaming sites around the world plus DVD and Blu-ray. 

PROGENY OF SUN to Release Second Studio Album “Prophets of the Void” in Fall, ‘Penance’ Single & Music Video Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 17, 2025
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Photo by Janiv Oskár & Joni Kiviniemi

Finnish blackened death metal band Progeny of Sun is set to release the second studio album later in autumn 2025 via Inverse Records. The first single Penance is unleashed today and music video of the track is available below.

Guitarist Jaakko Hautamäki comments: 

“Niko kindly mentioned that the boys should start making more songs because time was running out. Following this command, Joni and I started working. At first, we did the easy parts and then gathered anger for the next ones. I started creating a song that wouldn’t begin with a blast beat, wouldn’t end with a new riff, and would contain three choruses. The spark for the song came from a piece of melody I improvised 20 years ago. I adapted it to a new form, changed the major keys to minor keys, and added only double bass drums. I finally got it on tape, which had been playing in my head for decades. When the song was finally assembled, I had an even better idea: to leave that section out entirely. Niko created the vocals almost instantly for the first demo with a message “What can you do when one just sends me this kind of nuclear waste?” We scratched our heads, and suddenly the song was complete. The rhythm section participated in the composition work by nodding along.”

LISTEN to Penance on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/pos-penance 

  • Composed by Jaakko Hautamäki
  • Lyrics by Niko Aromaa
  • ISCR-code: FI3FC2591402
  • Single cover by Joni Kiviniemi & Niko Aromaa

Track list:

  1. Swarmspawn
  2. Penance
  3. Worldstone
  4. Decimation
  5. Colonus
  6. Lifeless Light
  7. Sun and Moon
  8. Circle of Keres
  9. Diary Ender
  10. Deface
  11. Rain for Discouraged
  12. Forsaken Brigade

Mixed by Jaakko Hautamäki
Mastered by Jonathan Mazzeo
Album cover by Joni Kiviniemi & Niko Aromaa

BIOGRAPHY:
In the beginning, Progeny of Sun was a two-man band formed by Jaakko Hautamäki and Niko Aromaa. Jaakko was responsible for the instrumentals, mixing, and mastering, while Niko handled the vocals, lyrics, visuals, etc.

The songs Jaakko introduced were very versatile. Some had speed, some were slow, some painted a picture with their atmosphere, and some were more straightforward bangers. Despite the diversity in style, everything worked exceptionally well in tandem, and from this premise, the band started to develop and pave its own way forward.

To start with, Progeny of Sun created a 6-song self-titled EP and discovered that their music was met with great reception. The duo behind the band did all the mixing, mastering, videos, and artwork themselves. The project as a whole was very fun and rewarding to work on.

After the EP release, Jaakko and Niko began to think that something more was still needed. They still had a burning desire to spread their music around the world, but with just two people, it would have been impossible.

Subsequently, Jaakko found two local musicians from the Seinäjoki area: Joni Kiviniemi (guitar) and Juha Peura (drums). Joni and Juha were initially brought on board just to offer their vision and play their assigned instruments for new material. Soon, however, it began to feel like they were part of the family, and so it was decided that they would become full-fledged members of the squad and a part of the band’s story. Not long after, Tuomo Tolkki (bass) was also welcomed to join, and in a matter of a few months, the full lineup was formed.

The first release with the full lineup, a 3-track EP ‘Dark Wanderer’, was released in 2021. Next in line were the single releases ‘Worthless’ and ‘Anguish’, which were released in 2022. Thanks to the aforementioned experimental phase, Progeny of Sun has gained self-confidence and started to understand its own identity. The band worked hard on the debut album ‘Throne of Desolation’, which was released at the end of 2023. Progeny of Sun’s second album ‘Prophets of the Void’ will be released in September 2025. Following their debut album, the band has identified their strengths, which are utilized and showcased even more prominently on the second album.

Line-up:
Niko Aromaa – Vocals
Jaakko Hautamäki – Guitar
Joni Kiviniemi – Guitar
Tuomo Tolkki – Bass
Juha Peura – Drums

https://www.facebook.com/Progenyofsun
https://www.instagram.com/progenyofsun
https://progenyofsun.bandcamp.com

AMETROPIA Sign Worldwide Deal with EMG

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 17, 2025
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Extreme Management Group (EMG), home to bands like Suffocation, Atheist, Misery Index, and more, has announced their partnership with Metal Band AMETROPIA.

Ametropia was forged in the passionate fires of extreme metal veterans who have been around since the genre’s inception and young blood from the modern era. Ametropia performs eclectic blackened death with an emphasis on a groove metal sound.

The band tore through the underground metal circuits blowing the faces off of any unsuspecting concert goers and quickly made a name for itself. The band’s debut LP, “Original Sin”, premiered to acclaim from bloggers, youtubers, and metalheads alike. Youtube critic Metal Trenches praised the album’s changes of pace and hailed it as a record “worth diving into”. Fans enjoy the brutality and musicality of the album as well as the catchiness of the flowing grooves.

Like Death and Gojira before them, Ametropia is driven by a relentless passion to infuse originality back into the artform. Pushing the music to its limits, the band stands out by paving their own path forward, motivated only by artistic instincts and not the whims of popularity. Their breakthrough album was released independently on July 19th, 2024. It was produced and recorded by virtuoso drummer extraordinaire Ashley Maccabee. The record was expertly mixed and mastered with raw aggression. The technical edge of the music was maintained with a modern touch, yet the sound harkens back to
old school soundscapes. The south-central PA power trio released a collection of eight masterworks of destructive groove-oriented frequencies and blast beats featuring ferocious and catchy blackened death metal vocals that captivate and deteriorate. Disciples of metal will hear the Christ-bashing chants and ear-splitting riffs of Deicide, the rhythmic ear worm tempos of Pantera, the skull crushing technicality and chaotic frenziness of Spawn of Possession.

Ametropia’s tribute to “The Philosopher,” the final song on Death’s 5th album Individual Thought Patterns, centers the trio’s technicality through the instrumentals, disdain for the mindless societal groupthink, and pure emotional rawness in the vocals.

Frontman and Guitarist Tyler “Vrases” Hoffer’s performance and lyrics draw from classic horror movies, disdain for religion, and even touch upon more old school death metal stylings with a unique twist. He does not shy away from his misanthropic viewpoints when discussing the state of the world nor the potential end of it.

Eric Van Valkenburgh draws upon his decades of experience writing and performing music along with newer influences brought into the mix by Tyler. The result is a cataclysmic culmination of extreme music. Ametropia has sown their name in the book of heavy metal representing true artistry, authenticity, and integrity.

With their unique blend of Death, Black, and Groove; the band continues to take the world by storm. They are hard at work on their follow up LP and will hopefully hit the studio in late 2025 to record. Ametropia is always performing and aims to expand their reach in 2025.

Now in 2025, AMETROPIA has signed with Extreme Management Group and says, “We are so excited to work with EMG and we look forward to the future.”

AMETROPIA is:

  • Tyler “Vrases” Hoffer – Vocals/Guitar
  • Eric Van Valkenburgh – Bass
  • David Cherry – Drums

Connect with AMETROPIA:

A-Z Return with Sophomore Album “A2Z²”, First Single + Video ‘Nothing Is Over’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 16, 2025
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Photo credit: Stephanie Cabral

Hard rock band A-Z returns with their sophomore album ‘A2Z²‘ out on June 6th, 2025 via Metal Blade Records. Spearheaded by legendary drummer Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord) and along with former Fates Warning bandmate Ray Alder on vocals, ‘A2Z²‘ builds on the groundwork laid on the acclaimed 2022 self-titled debut album.

The title “Nothing is Over” – the first single from A2Z² – serves as a de facto statement announcing the quintet’s 10-song sophomore effort and musical M.O. It’s the initial track Mark Zonder and guitarist Nick Van Dyk (Redemption) wrote when they began working on A2Z² with vocalist Ray Alder. Music trends may be ever-changing, but classic rock ‘n’ roll is indeed never over, and A-Z remains committed to heavy music that’s sophisticated but hooky and accessible.

Helping achieve those aural goals are bassist Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai/Ring of Fire/Warlord), Italian guitarist Simone Mularoni (A2Z² mixing/mastering, DGM) and keyboard player James Waldo (Alcatrazz/New England). “Nothing is Over” is heavier and deeper than what the band explored on their debut LP, with a bit more prog playing, but still featuring a big chorus hook and plush vocals. Alder’s lyrics were inspired by H.P. Lovecraft‘s short story The Outsider.

The band known as A-Z began when Zonder started working on material in early 2020 with a clear vision for the band he wanted to put together: “I was thinking beer commercials, car commercials and Cobra Kai. I wanted a very accessible band that would appeal to the masses,” he says. The band’s name – standing for Alder thru Zonder – was an easy choice that would never pigeonhole the lineup’s sound. “What I liked is that it did not limit what someone would think of the band,” says Zonder. “If we named the band Scary Serpent it would give a certain direction and didn’t want people to prejudge us.”

The band members are legendarily prolific, which allows for an amazing dynamic where, as Zonder explains, “when you find the right guys, you just let them do whatever they want. Everybody’s a seasoned pro and all the different ingredients come together, make it what it is. That live and recording experience allows A-Z to instinctively know how not to step on each other musically.“

“We’re all about the songs, the band, not what each of us does in it. It’s simple,” they all agree. “It’s about the music as a whole,” says Zonder, “I guarantee you everybody’s into something completely different musically, and that’s where the magic to me comes from, taking different influences and everybody doing what they do to create A-Z. We’re not 20-year-old kids. We’re at the point where if you’re gonna go, just go big. And that’s what we’ve done on A2Z².“

A2Z² Tracklist:
01. Fire Away (4:37)
02. Running in Place (4:58)
03. Nothing Is Over (4:18)
04. A Wordless Prison (6:04)
05. Reaching Out (4:16)
06. The Remedy (5:06)
07. I Am Numb (4:03)
08. This Chaotic Symphony (5:10)
09. Learning to Fly (4:38)
10. Now I Walk Away (5:39)

Pre-order A2Z² now at: metalblade.com/a-z

A-Z lineup:
Ray Alder – Lead and Backing Vocals
Philip Bynoe – Bass Guitar
Nick Van Dyk – Guitars
Simone Mularoni – Lead Guitars
Jimmy Waldo – Keyboards
Mark Zonder – Drums

A-Z online:
http://www.a-zband.com
https://www.facebook.com/AthruZBand
https://twitter.com/AthruZBand
https://www.instagram.com/athruzband