Germany’s Obey The Kraken are back, dragging listeners into the void with their second EP, Apocrypha, out 10th April via Seek & Strike. What began as an unplanned follow up to 2025’s Worship The Sunken God has evolved into a dark, relentless descent into a world where angels fall and hell rises.
First single, ‘Betrayer’, tears open the gates of Obey The Kraken’s mythic world. It’s deathcore stripped to its rawest elements, riffs that hit like falling iron and production built around weight and impact rather than excess.
Commenting on the single, Obey The Kraken said: “‘Betrayer’ marks the opening chapter of the biblical saga that unfolds throughout our EP. The video is fast paced to match the song’s energy and we made the deliberate decision not to visually portray the story itself, as translating it literally would have been difficult and limiting for us. Instead, we stripped it right back to focus on a classic performance video that emphasizes the intensity and drive of the track.”
Apocrypha tells a story in sound, an angel cast from heaven, forging an alliance with hell, returning to challenge the celestial order itself. Every song is a chapter, every breakdown a hammer blow. The EP moves like the story, deliberate and immersive, pulling listeners into Obey The Kraken’s realm where narrative and brutality are inseparable. Nothing is decorative. Nothing is wasted. Every note exists to damage and leave its mark.
The band’s conceptual ambition remains central. Whilst preserving the DNA of their debut, Obey The Kraken push further into uncharted territory. With production carried out entirely in house, leaving the band with full control over how heavy, how clear and how oppressive they needed it to feel. The result is an EP that is heavy and unflinching, a complete assault for fans who crave deathcore that hits as hard thematically as it does musically.
Obey The Kraken add, “Apocrypha means a lot to us, especially as we hadn’t planned this second EP. After finishing our first EP (Worship The Sunken God) last year things developed naturally and we realized we had more to say within this world and sound. We consciously kept the formula of the first EP intact, so anyone who enjoyed EP1 will feel right at home with EP2. Listening back to the final masters, we’re genuinely happy with how consistent and powerful the release feels as a whole. Everything was designed to feel massive, heavy, and epic, supporting the narrative without overcomplicating the production approach.
“Lyrics play a central role for us. Our first EP told the complete story of Cthulhu and his resurrection across four songs and we wanted to apply that same conceptual approach again. On Apocrypha, the songs tell the story of an angel who is cast out of heaven, forms an alliance with hell and ultimately seeks to conquer heaven itself. Each track represents a different chapter of that narrative.”
Track-list:
1. Betrayer 2. Netherworld 3. War Awaits 4. Bow To Darkness
Julien’s Auctions announced details today for its upcoming event in partnership with Gibson Gives, the philanthropic division of Gibson which supports musicians worldwide through music education as well as health and wellness initiatives. The star‑studded sale is the fifth consecutive auction for the organization and funds raised will benefit Gibson Gives & FirstBank Amphitheater Music Education Program. To date the partnership of Julien’s, Gibson Gives, and FirstBank Amphitheater has raised nearly 200K for music education initiatives supporting the next generation of musicians. The event will take place on Thursday, March 5 at 10:00 a.m. PT at juliensauctions.com.
The auction will feature guitars signed by Alice Cooper, Brantley Gilbert, James Taylor, Willie Nelson, Cody Jinks, as well as instruments signed by bands Collective Soul, Daughtry, The Doobie Brothers, Halestorm, Judas Priest, Rise Against, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and more. Proceeds from this sale will directly benefit the Gibson Gives & FirstBank Amphitheater Music Education Program, supporting music education for students in Williamson County Schools in Tennessee.
“Julien’s is excited to partner with Gibson Gives once again to raise funds for their many worthwhile beneficiaries, including the Gibson Gives & FirstBank Amphitheater Music Education Program,” said Martin Nolan, Co‑Founder and Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions. “We are proud to help support the musicians of tomorrow, with help from the musicians of today. This auction of nearly two dozen guitars features some incredible instruments, all signed by renowned artists and bands.”
“At Gibson Gives, we believe the shortest distance from a signed guitar to a student’s first chord is a community that cares,” says Erica Krusen, Executive Director of Gibson Gives. “Partnering with Julien’s Auctions and FirstBank Amphitheater, every winning bid turns star power into school power—putting real instruments and real instruction into classrooms for students in Williamson County. We’re honored by the artists who’ve stepped up and excited for the futures these guitars will help create.”
Pictured (L) The Doobie Brothers signed Gibson Les Paul Standard — (R) Willie Nelson signed Gibson J-45 Acoustic
“Community is at the heart of FirstBank Amphitheater – we strive to be an active force for positive impact,” said Rick and Nancy McEachern, owners of FirstBank Amphitheater. “Through our shared vision and the generosity of Gibson Gives and world-class performers, we are proud to continue investing in the next generation of Williamson County musicians, season after season.”
The Sale Features Guitars from:
Alice Cooper | Signed Gibson L-00 Acoustic Guitar, Ebony
Brantley Gilbert | Signed Gibson SJ-200 Studio Walnut Acoustic Guitar
Cody Jinks | Signed Gibson G-45 Generation Acoustic Guitar, Natural
Volbeat | Band-Signed Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar, Dark Walnut
Willie Nelson | Signed Gibson J-45 Studio Rosewood Acoustic Guitar, Antique Natural
ONLINE AUCTION “Gibson Gives” Friday, March 5, 2026 10:00 a.m. PST/ 1:00 p.m. EST
REGISTERING TO BID Registration is required to bid in this auction and can be done in person on the day of the auction, or online before the sale at Julien’s Auctions. For inquiries, please email info@juliensauctions.com or call 310-836-1818.
Julien’s Auctions accepts payments with cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, DAI, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin and USD Coin.
About Julien’s Auctions
For the moments that matter. You know that moment when the lights dim, right before your favorite band starts playing? Or that feeling right before the credits roll on a movie that changed your whole world in an instant? The air is charged with anticipation and words are never going to do it justice because you just really had to be there.
At Julien’s Auctions, we exist to bring those moments back into your life through iconic artifacts and one-of-a-kind collections. Whether collaborating directly with artists, partnering with legendary estates, or working closely with discerning collectors, our auctions make culture pop with the promise of discovery and reconnection. From Hollywood legends to fashion icons, our sales celebrate luxury, history, and the stories that define generations.
From Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Ringo Starr to Lady Gaga, Banksy, and Kurt Cobain — from Los Angeles to the world, we are where originals find their kind.
About Gibson Gives
For over 130 years, the iconic and leading American instrument brand Gibsonhas been shaping sound across generations and genres. Gibson, and its charitable non-profit division Gibson Gives, believe in the power of music and that getting instruments into the hands of those with a desire to make music is a life-changing event. Gibson Gives–a 501(c)(3), is committed to making the world a better place by supporting non-profit organizations and developing programs in our efforts to advance musicians through music education, and health and wellness initiatives worldwide. 100% of all donations to and from Gibson Gives go towards giving the gift of music. In the last five years, Gibson Gives has raised over $5.6 million+ and enabled $57.8 million in funding for key organizations through product donations and meaningful giving worldwide. For more information, visit: www.gibsongives.org.
About FirstBank Amphitheater
FirstBank Amphitheater is a world-class boutique amphitheater nestled within a beautiful, wooded, natural stone and park-like setting. Located at the Graystone Quarry in Thompson’s Station at the southern border of Franklin, Tennessee, FirstBank Amphitheater is an iconic location for memorable music experiences for fans and artists. For more information visit: www.firstbankamphitheater.com.
RIAA Platinum certified band DIRTY HEADS return with their new single, “Seven Seas” — a warm, melodic track that blends reggae, hip-hop, and alternative pop, which is the band’s signature style.
The release marks the band’s first new music since the deluxe edition of 2023’s Midnight Control and it continues the focus on connection, resilience, and community.
“Seven Seas” reflects on the importance of showing up for one another during challenging times, pairing laid-back grooves with reflective lyrics. The song underscores the band’s ability to balance feel-good energy with emotional depth, an approach that has remained central to their sound for over two decades.
“It feels like the universe is throwing some heavy waves our way right now,” says singer Jared Watson. “A lot of people close to me, including myself, have been feeling it. But every time I connect with my friends, I’m reminded that no matter what we’re each carrying, there’s always room to support one another. ‘Seven Seas’ is about that bond — being there for your friends and family, through anything.”Formed in 2000, DIRTY HEADS have built a dedicated global following by seamlessly fusing reggae, hip-hop, alternative rock, and pop. Their reach expanded significantly when the platinum-certified single “Vacation” found renewed popularity through viral culture, introducing the band to a new generation of listeners. The group later earned a No. 1 Alternative Radio hit with “Rescue Me,” further solidifying their place in the genre and scene.With over 3 billion career streams worldwide and collaborations spanning artists such as Travis Barker, Nick Hexum, Matisyahu, Slash, and more, DIRTY HEADS continue to evolve — while staying true to the spirit that defines their music. “Seven Seas” signals the beginning of a new chapter, one rooted in connection, optimism, and forward momentum.More music and tour news from Dirty Heads will be announced soon.
DIRTY HEADS ARE: Jared Watson — Vocals Dustin “Duddy B” Bushnell — Vocals + Guitar Jon Olazabal — Percussion Matt Ochoa — Drums Dave Foral — Bass
Bands from all over the world take on classic Black Sabbath and Ozzy solo tracks. No gimmicks, no copies — just the death metal way, giving these immortal songs new life.
A true salute from metalheads to the music that shaped them.
The release date will be announced soon — get ready for the tribute to drop officially on all digital streaming platforms worldwide!
Track list: 1. Pleasure of Mutilate (Ecuador) – Paranoid 2. Transmigration Macabre (Argentina / Uruguay) – Electric Funeral 3. Clairvoyance (Poland) – Sweet Leaf 4. Avulsed (Spain) – Children of the Grave 5. Insineratehymn (USA) – Into the Void 6. Hallucinate (Germany) – Changes 7. Vephar (Poland) – Snowblind 8. Paraphilia (USA) – Cornucopia 9. Podridão (Brazil) – Under the Sun / Every Day Comes and Goes 10. Desekryptor (USA) – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath 11. Flamecore (Greece) – A National Acrobat 12. Pestifer (Portugal) – Killing Yourself to Live 13. Misgivings (France) – Hole in the Sky 14. Becoming the Entity (Mexico) – Symptom of the Universe 15. Bottlekopf (Poland) – Never Say Die 16. Tvmvlo (Portugal) – I Don’t Know 17. Roast Dead (UK) – Crazy Train 18. Imperial Domain (Sweden) – Mr. Crowley 19. Wretched Idol (USA) – Over the Mountain 20. Icons of Blasphemy (Peru) – Believer 21. Hetrem (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – Bark at the Moon 22. Cemetery Filth (USA) – Waiting for Darkness 23. Vastness (Poland) – The Ultimate Sin 24. World Eater (USA) – Shot in the Dark 25. Reckless Manslaughter (Germany) – Demon Alcohol 26. Withering Earth (USA) – No More Tears 27. Slaveson (Austria) – Gets Me Through 28. Rêvasseur (Vietnam) – I Don’t Wanna Stop
Canadian metal powerhouse THREAT SIGNAL shares guitar & bass playthrough video for their recently released new single “Non-essential”, which foreshadows the group’s first new album in nearly a decade. “Revelations” will be released on March 27th via Agonia Records. Watch Pat Kavanagh (guitar/bass) and Travis Montgomery (solo guitar) run through the song. Tabs included!
Nine long years after “Disconnect” (2017), the Canadian metal powerhouse, THREAT SIGNAL, re-emerges to blur the lines between brutal intensity, energetic delivery and melodic hooks that pierce deep. Born out of personal struggle and inner chaos, “Revelations” weaves an intricate tapestry of tight instrumentation, ornate guitar work, and engaging vocals. It envelopes the listener in its pulsating torrent of emotions, reflective lyrics haunted by deep-seated demons, and immersive songwriting that personifies THREAT SIGNAL’s leading themes of resilience and strife within.
The band’s characteristic blend of metal involves elements of technical thrash metal, melodic death metal, groove metal, and metalcore, distinguished by dynamic vocals, technical proficiency and guitar solos full of flair. Apart from long-standing members – vocalist Jon Howard, bassist Pat Kavanagh and guitarist Travis Montgomery (ex-Jeff Loomis) – “Revelations” sees the band reunite with drummer Joey Muha, and welcomes guitarist Oswin Wong.
“Revelations” was mastered by Grammy Award winning engineer Tod Jensen (Iron Maiden, Metallica, AC/DC) at the renowned Sterling Sound studio in USA, and mixed, recorded, produced, and engineered by vocalist Jon Howard at his Woodward Avenue studio in Canada. The cover artwork was created by Travis Smith (Death, Cynic, King Diamond).
“Revelations” marks the band’s fifth album since the critically acclaimed debut “Under Reprisal” (2006), which won the Canadian Recording Of The Year Award at Hamilton Music Awards. Their installments – also including “Vigilance” (2009), “Threat Signal” (2011) and “Disconnect” (2016) – have met with unrelenting hype, with each generating growing interest within the metal community. Combining the complexity of thrash metal, with a more contemporary groove sound involving technical rhythms and melodic musical passage, THREAT SIGNAL has expanded its recognizability on an international scale. The band’s last three albums have charted on Billboard and have witnessed the group share the stage with Children Of Bodom, Soilwork, Motorhead, Saxon, Opeth, Kataklysm, Hatebreed, Epica or Arch Enemy. Their most recent treks have taken them to Europe (with Vader and Hate Eternal), North America (with Sirenia) and their homeland Canada, with a highly energetic performance that matches their potential and intensity.
ONSLAUGHT and WARLORD announce two new shows on their upcoming North American tour; St Paul MN @ Turf Club on April 5th and Pensacola FL @ Handlebar on April 11th. Both shows are on sale now. They have also invited up-and-comers HAUNTER from Los Angeles as the support act.
03/18/2026 – Houston TX – Hell’s Heroes 03/19/2026 – Dallas TX – Trees 03/20/2026 – Austin TX – Come And Take It Live 03/22/2026 – Tucson AZ – The Rock 03/24/2026 – Los Angeles CA – 1720 03/25/2026 – San Francisco CA – DNA Lounge 03/26/2026 – Sacramento CA – Colonial Theatre 03/27/2026 – Felton CA – Felton Music Hall 03/29/2026 – Portland OR – Star Theatre 03/30/2026 – Seattle WA – El Corazon 03/31/2026 – Vancouver BC – Rickshaw Theatre 04/02/2026 – Salt Lake City UT – Aces High Saloon 04/03/2026 – Denver CO – Marquis 04/04/2026 – Lincoln NE – Bourbon Theatre 04/05/2026 – St Paul MN – Turf Club — NEW SHOW On Sale Now! 04/06/2026 – Chicago IL – WC Social Club 04/08/2026 – Kansas City MO – Warehouse on Broadway 04/09/2026 – St Louis MO – Red Flag 04/10/2026 – Murfreesboro TN – Hop Springs 04/11/2026 – Pensacola FL – Handlebar — NEW SHOW On Sale Now! 04/12/2026 – Atlanta GA – Masquerade
UK Metal Legends ONSLAUGHT are hitting North American soil starting in March for the first time in well over a decade with a devastating “Force From Hell” set, drawing heavily from their seminal first two 1980s albums! Records that helped define extreme thrash metal—complete with a neck breaking selection of classic Sy Keeler–era fan favourites to celebrate the vocalists triumphant return to the band!
Despite being based in Los Angeles, cult metal heroes WARLORD, whose catalog was recently acquired by BraveWords Records, have never played North America over their 45 year plus career span and are co-headlining this tour, playing their seminal album, “Deliver Us” in its entirety plus more classic era material. The two bands embark on this tour de force after a special set at Hell’s Heroes in Houston TX. Get your tickets now!
“Super stoked to be returning to the States for our first full tour in 11 years and with Sy Keeler back at the helm, it’s gonna’ be mega..! This is just Part 1, we’re bringing this tour to the entire USA so that nobody gets to miss out on this epic setlist..! See you in the Pit..!” – Nige Rockett (Onslaught)
“Although Warlord is an American band, formed in 1980… in those 45 years since, we never once performed live in the USA (our first gig ever was actually in Germany in 2002). This year we will set forth on our first ever tour of North America, performing the set that fans would have seen from us if we had done this all those years ago, the full “Deliver Us” Mini LP, “Cannons” tracks, “Lost And Lonely Days” EP and more”. – Mark Zonder (Warlord)
About ONSLAUGHT
Onslaught are a pioneering UK thrash metal band formed in Bristol in 1982. Emerging from a hardcore punk background, they helped shape the British thrash scene with their aggressive sound, politically charged lyrics, and relentless speed. Their early albums Power From Hell (1985) and The Force (1986) are regarded as genre classics, influencing countless extreme metal bands worldwide. After a hiatus and later reformation, Onslaught continued to release acclaimed material, cementing their legacy as one of the most important and enduring forces in World of thrash metal.
About WARLORD
Warlord was born in 1981 as the brainchild of guitarist/songwriter William J Tsamis and drummer Mark Zonder. Widely celebrated as one of the pioneers of epic metal and despite being unable to have a constant presence as a live act (due to Tsamis’ personal ongoing health issues), over the years Warlord has amassed a massive following in the metal world. Bill Tsamis sadly passed away on May 2021. Now reborn with a lineup including founding member Mark Zonder, longtime member Giles Lavery… plus Jimmy Waldo, Eric Juris, Diego Pires and Stefano Pascolino… Warlord rises out of the ashes once again, ready to embark on their first ever North American tour.
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
Ads
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 ) 