US melodic black metal act BEFOULED MALEDICTION premiere “Deliberation” via Decibel Magazine, offering a further glimpse into their debut album “Desperate Necromancy”, due on October 30, 2026.
The project builds a dark narrative around grief, forbidden magic and the desperate attempt to reverse death, with melodic guitar work and spectral atmospheres shaping its sinister black metal.
From the shadowed ranks of ORDO VAMPYR ORIENTIS comes BEFOULED MALEDICTION, a new project devoted to the darker corners of black metal and occult storytelling. Its debut record, “Desperate Necromancy”, follows a warlock whose world is shattered by the sudden death of his beloved, sending him beyond the boundaries of mortal knowledge in search of a way to reverse the inevitable.
What begins in grief gradually turns toward forbidden rites, necromancy and the dangerous conviction that death itself can be defied. “Desperate Necromancy” gives this descent a suitably spectral setting, combining aggressive yet melodic black metal with an atmosphere that recalls the dim chambers, ancient manuscripts and solitary wanderings of dungeon synth. The music remains sharp and purposeful, allowing the narrative to emerge through melody, tension and shifting shades of darkness rather than excessive theatrics.
As part of the ever-changing ORDO VAMPYR ORIENTIS collective, BEFOULED MALEDICTION features associates also active in BAT MAGIC, BAD MANOR, BENEATH MOONLIGHT and other related projects.
“Desperate Necromancy” will be available digitally through Bandcamp and Ampwall on October 30, followed by a limited LP edition via Ixiol Productions and Dawnbreed Records on November 13.
For fans of: Arckanum, Sacramentum, Dissection
Tracklist:
01. The Dark Time 02. Ritual 03. The Dwindling Hours 04. To Lift the Shroud and Find Misery 05. Deliberation 06. Finis Tragœdia 07. The Silenced Hymn
Credits:
Voix de Velours Empoisonnée – Incantations The Haunted Strigoi – Hell-Axe Blood Drinker – Stringed Spear & Cursed Ivory Winged Necromancer – Subterranean Rumbling The Impaler – Inverted Crucifix Battery
Guitar solo on “The Silenced Hymn” by Countess Vesperia
Mixed by Sanguine Mastered by Jacob Buczarski Incantations captured by Evan Michael Williams Logo by Ikonostasis Illustration and layout by Dylan Garrett Smith
After a restful hiatus, Heilung is waking up. This month, the world famous ritual collective is entering LAVA Studios to begin recording their highly-anticipated fourth full-length studio album.
While fans around the globe eagerly await their next album, today, Heilung is excited to share the first single from Sagas, a collection of recordings that core members Kai Uwe Faust, Maria Franz and Christopher Juul created in collaboration with Ninja Theory for the award-winning video game Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga. Unreleased until now, “Læknisgaldr” heals afflictions of the mind, body and soul through the simple act of ritual repetition.
“‘Læknisgaldr’ is the first song we are sharing from our in-between albums release Sagas, which collects sounds from the time we traveled to the land of Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga”, Heilung says. ”We see Sagas as its own branch within Heilung’s musical universe. These recordings show a cinematic, immersive and environmental side of what we do and were shaped very specifically by our work with Ninja Theory and the world of Hellblade.
“The first sound you hear on ‘Læknisgaldr’ was not made by anything from our reality. During the recording process, somehow, while playing with real human bones and breath, we managed to capture a ghost in the studio!” Heilung continues. “The video tells the second part of a greater story about trauma. Like Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga, it deals with what causes trauma to our minds and, most importantly, how to heal it”.
Watch the music video for “Læknisgaldr” on Heilung’s YouTube channel.
Sagascomes out December 11, 2026 on Season of Mist. The deluxe CD and vinyl editions ofSagasincludeAmbient, which features eight additional soundscapes that Heilung recorded to draw listeners even deeper into the world ofHellblade II: Senua’s Saga.
Sagas holds a special place in Heilung’s discography. While the recordings capture Senua’s epic journey through 9th-century Iceland, they took on a life of their own after Franz, Faust and Juul returned home inspired from a 10-day trip across the country’s ice caves, rivers, waterfalls, beaches and volcanoes. These forces of nature inspired them to write far more material than could be used in the game, including the new single “Læknisgaldr”.
Heilung envisions “Læknisgaldr” as a song of healing. It is rooted in a belief from the early medieval period that language is connected to the condition of the human body. By naming an affliction, it becomes defined, contained and open to ritual healing. With each repetition of the song’s percussive beat, its affliction weakens, until it is guided toward dissolution by soothing tribal chants.
“In situations that create acute stress, shock or danger, the body releases adrenaline, preparing the muscles to go into a fight-or-flight state or the so-called freeze response”, Heilung core member and throat singer Kai Uwe Faust explains. “In nature, mammals use neurogenic tremors to shake off this built-up adrenaline once the danger has passed”.
“We humans, being socially conditioned, see trembling with fear as a sign of weakness”, Faust continues. “Or we find ourselves in dangerous situations that last for a long time, where the body simply has no chance to release it. As a result, the adrenaline builds up both in the muscles and in the body. Only in a state of absolute safety and security – and often with the help of therapy – does the possibility arise to develop these neurogenic tremors and free the body from the built-up energy. If this energy stays trapped in the body, it can lead to a range of illnesses.
“In the video for ‘Læknisgaldr’, you can see how the warriors reach this feeling of absolute safety and security in the forest after the battle is over. There, with the help of psychedelics, they are guided into the neurogenic tremors”.
The video for “Læknisgaldr” was directed by Gornoss (@gornoss)
Additional video credits Produced by Eudaimonia APS/Maria Franz Filmed on location at Borre Vikingmarked, Borre National Park, Norway and Árdalur, Írárfoss and various others parts of Iceland. Camera, Lightening and Editing – Gornoss Camera Assistant – Ruben Terlouw Colorist and Visual Effects – Teddy Masson Main Project Coordinator – Maria Franz Warrior Coordinator – Ruben Terlouw Smoke Effects – Francien Heckman Special Effects Makeup – Avalon Middelton Special Effects, Makeup and Lighting Assistant – Andor Syvertsen Juvet Natural Props – Petter-Olai Østbye Sagen Bjørnar’s Caretaker – Christine Gaski Local Assistants – Tonje Årolilja Størseth Digre, Lene Madsen Hageløkken, Bent Ole Hageløkken Catering – Bjunegårdsdrift, Linnea Hellström Catering Assistant – Jóhanna Sif Þórðardóttir Location Advisor – Christopher Lund Location and Project Assistant – Ariya Theprangsimankul Location Manager – Líam O’Malley Landowner – Pétur Jónsson Runner – Jessica Martinez
Warriors – Marian Brinkman, Tom André Skigelstrand, Petter Hennissen, Johannes Reinert Agdestein, Eirik Skår Tomren, Martin Ek, Anja Baalerud Sand, Sisilje Gregersen, Adrian Sarmasan, Rebekka Olafsen Aarum, Brage Sandengen, Morten Svendsrud, Monica Bjørnstad, Markus Wande, Pawel Odvold-Widuto, Stig Morten Flaat, Elias Valbo Ridderström, Krister, Egill Óskar Gíslason, Sigurjón Arason, Kristjón Runar Halldórsson, Kristján Logi Einarsson ísfeld, Jón Gestur Björgvinsson, Theodór Árni Söebech Hansson, Eydìs Moon Guðmundsdóttir, Natalía Ósk R. Snædal, Diðrik Mason Sigurðsson, Daníel Örn A. Linduson, Andri Björn, Heimdall Apeland, Ísleifur Gisurrarson, Bjorgvín Hafn Ásmundson
Since they began in 2015, Heilung has paved melodic paths to the past with their unique and mystifying sound. Evading all conventional genre tags and the confines of any specific labels, the ritual collective connects modern society with the rudiments of humanity’s beginnings through amplified history.
“Our ancestral Nordic civilizations did not just pop up, exist and disappear in isolation”, Heilung core member and throat singer Kai Uwe Faust says. “With singing these primordial songs we want to give tribute to these cultures, reconnect to the beginnings and remember that we all, from East to West, from past to present, are connected through the exchange of ideas and inspiring each other”.
While Heilung features authentic and archaic instrumentation that ranges from rattles and ritual bells to human bones and throat singing, their captivating brand of music is far from primitive. Producer and core member Christopher Juul implements subtle electronic elements that elevate the musical atmosphere and provides a more in-depth and layered soundscape.
Indeed, Heilung’s success has been unprecedented. The collective had already been rapidly growing a buzz upon the self-release of their first full-length Ofnir in 2015, but their dizzying upward trajectory really took off from the moment they set foot on the stage at Castlefest in 2017 for the now-legendary debut of their live ritual.
Every Heilung performance begins with Faust leading Juul, core member and vocalist Maria Franz and the rest of the tribe in an ancient prayer. Soon after, the audience is swept into rapture, swayed by incense and throat singing, primordial rhythms, subtle electronic textures, a mesmerizing light show, an army of warriors and bursts of fire.
As Heilung trekked across Europe and brought their mystifying experience to new audiences, talk of this new band and their stunning ceremony made its way to Season of Mist label owner Michael Berberian, who quickly offered the band a record contract after seeing their undeniable musical impact for himself.
By 2019, Heilung launched their second full-length record, Futha, which contrasted the masculine and battle-heavy themes of their debut with a feminine counterpart that celebrated fertility and female energy. It debuted at #3 on the Billboard Heatseekers Charts and #4 on the Billboard World Music Chart and would place on a total of seven Billboard charts while receiving critical-acclaim from press around the globe.
Heilung has crossed over into places outside the music industry. From hit television series like Game of Thrones and Vikings to the blockbuster Robert Eggers film The Northman, their songs have transcended into the larger world.
Even a global pandemic couldn’t slow down Heilung’s success; it only strengthened them and gave them the gift of time to complete work on their third album. In English, Drif means “Gathering”. The music embodies this philosophy by tying together the beginning of civilization with today’s modern society.
Heilung now performs their ritual all over the world. They sold out their first North American tour in 72 hours. Upon returning to the United States in 2021, they were greeted by another sold-out crowd, this time at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. This performance was released on vinyl and CD in 2024 as the live album Lifa Iotungard.
In 2025, Heilung embarked on headlining tours of Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Along the way, they cast their spell over more of the world’s biggest stages, including Roskilde Festival, Download Festival and Glastonbury.
After completing their 2025 Amplified History tour, Heilung went on hiatus. After a restful period, in September 2026, the collective announced that they are returning to the recording studio in October to record their fourth studio album.
They also announced Sagas, a collection of recordings that Franz, Faust and Juul created in collaboration with Ninja Theory for Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga, including many recordings that don’t appear in the video game. Now available in full for the first time on CD, vinyl and digital platforms, these recordings capture the game’s epic journey while also adding the Icelandic landscape to the ritual collective’s unmistakable sound. Lead single “Læknisgaldr” remedies an affliction through the simple act of repetition, like water running over stone.
The special edition of Sagas includes Ambient, a bonus disc with eight atmospheric soundscapes that Heilung recorded to immerse gamers even deeper into the world of Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga.
“Sagas holds a special place in Heilung’s discography”, Faust says. “The ideas that we composed and developed with Ninja Theory for Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga soon took on a life of their own after Chris, Maria and I came home from a formative 10-day journey through Iceland. The landscape of the country helped shape the sonic identity of the material and inspired us to write far more than could be used in the game. The pieces collected on Sagas and Ambient now stand on their own and can be experienced as fully realized Heilung music. After almost eight years since its creation, we are grateful to finally be able to share this material and present it to our listeners as part of our creative journey”.
More news about Heilung’s fourth studio album is coming soon.
Line-up: Kai Uwe Faust Christopher Juul Maria Franz
Production credits Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at LAVA Studio Produced, Mixed, Mastered and Engineered by Christopher Juul
Cover Art Kai Uwe Faust Christopher Juul Maria Franz Adrien Bousson
San Diego heavy metal outfit Cascade Effect delivers a crushing statement with their brand-new music video & single for “Rogue Wave,” directed by visionary filmmaker Oz Riveros. The music video captures the band in the center of a raging storm, matching the track’s relentless sonic weight and intensity. Blending deathcore heaviness, groove metal grit, and soaring melodic hooks, the San Diego five-piece uses this flagship release to showcase their commanding presence. In Rogue Wave, Riveros encapsulates the band’s dynamic range by surrounding their high-energy performance with ocean imagery, shifting lights, and torrential water spray, setting an explosive standard for modern metal visuals.
“Rogue Wave” is the first of three music videos from the band’s upcoming full-length album The Weight of Nothingness, which will be released on January 8, 2027 via rock and metal record label Eclipse Records.
Cascade Effect continues to build momentum within the global heavy metal scene following their notable victory at the Wacken Metal Battle USA and their subsequent performance at Germany’s renowned Wacken Open Air festival. The visual narrative of “Rogue Wave” relies heavily on atmospheric tension and immersive projection work. Throughout the performance, actual footage of massive ocean waves crashes directly over the band, seamlessly blending with light installations to mimic an oceanic squall. The relentless motion creates a sense of immediate danger and claustrophobia, pulling viewers into the eye of the storm. Interspersed between these chaotic performance cuts are intimate, real-life archival clips featuring memories with friends and family. This contrast creates a sharp emotional anchor, juxtaposing human connection against natural fury. Beyond the striking aesthetic, “Rogue Wave” explores deep thematic territory regarding modern human existence. Vocalist Dustin Keimig explains that the song focuses on the terrifying speed at which life can alter, alongside the growing divide caused by artificial intelligence and digital overstimulation. The recurring imagery of crushing waves serves as a dual symbol for life’s unexpected challenges and the overwhelming tide of technological noise threatening genuine human bonds. The archival footage projected behind the band highlights those delicate fragments of real life worth protecting before they vanish. Furthermore, these fleeting personal glimpses establish a subtle visual bridge to the group’s upcoming video release for “My Devil’s Hour,” where similar personal memories mutate into darker, internal anxieties.
“The personal connection to “Rogue Wave” comes from looking at the world around me and realizing how easy it is to lose sight of what actually matters.” explains vocalist Dustin Keimig. “We’re constantly connected to devices, information, algorithms, and opinions, yet somehow it feels like people are becoming more disconnected from each other. At the same time, I’m aging, watching people I care about age, lose loved ones, experience unexpected tragedy, or sometimes disappear from our lives entirely. It makes me think about how important it is to appreciate the people and experiences we have while they’re still here. The real world is right in front of us, and I don’t want to let it pass by because I was too consumed by all the noise.”
Coverart by Dustin Keimig
Cascade Effect establishes its definitive full-length arrival with The Weight of Nothingness, set for release through Eclipse Records. Hailing from San Diego, the five-piece outfit blends deathcore, groove metal, melodic death metal, progressive atmospheres, and nu metal into a punishing yet deeply melodic style. The band has drawn frequent comparisons to heavy music pillars such as Slipknot, Gojira, Lamb of God, Parkway Drive, Machine Head, and Killswitch Engage. This ambitious thirteen-track LP confronts heavy existential concepts, including mortality, fear, isolation, regret, and the search for profound meaning. The record explores these deep themes through precise musicianship and dynamic contrast, balancing low-tuned crushing grooves with soaring emotional hooks. Key tracks like “Rogue Wave” serve a dual purpose, acting as a reminder of the fleeting nature of time while also functioning as a metaphor for the digital wave of artificial intelligence overtaking genuine human connection. Meanwhile, songs such as “My Devil’s Hour” capture the psychological weight of isolation and intrusive thoughts during the loneliest hours of the night. The title track, “The Weight of Nothingness,” anchors the album in a form of existentialism, rejecting comforting myths about the afterlife and instead finding the ultimate gift in existence itself. The release features exceptional production values, engineered and mixed by Matthew Denis (recognized for his work with Nothing More, Greywind, and Diamante) at Skylit Sound and Total Access. Mastering was handled by Miro Kiiski (Hypocrisy, PAIN, Beast in Black) at Miro Mastering. The striking visual identity of the album is rounded out by cover art created by Dustin Keimig. Set for its official worldwide release on January 8, 2027, this record reinforces the band’s position as a formidable force in contemporary heavy music.
Pre-Save or Pre-Order The Weight of Nothingness at this location.
The Weight of Nothingness track listing 01. Rogue Wave 02. 2:59 03. My Devil’s Hour 04. Fear Romancer 05. Suffering in Silence 06. Red Sky in the Morning 07. Squall 08. We Don’t Need Eyes 09. VOID 10. Embodied 11. Terminal Variance 12. God Particle 13. The Weight of Nothingness
About Cascade Effect: Hailing from San Diego, Cascade Effect channels the chaos, weight, and raw emotion of modern heavy music into a sound that is punishing and deeply melodic. Blending deathcore, groove metal, melodic death metal, progressive atmospheres, and the raw urgency of nu metal, the five-piece outfit thrives on dynamic contrast. Crushing low-tuned riffs collide with soaring melodies, while aggressive vocals shift into emotional hooks, balancing relentless intensity with intricate sonic depth.
Cascade Effect is Dustin Keimig (vocals), Seth Roscamp (drums), Bobby Fernandez (bass), Shaun Frude (guitar) and Alec Peterson (guitar).
UK thrash upstarts TORTURED DEMON have unveiled their first release through BLKIIBLK with the new single “Apocalypse.”
Already a force in the UK, guitarist/vocalist Jacob Parkinson, drummer Joe Parkinson, guitarist Rory Marsland-Smith and bassist Lewis Bridges have cut a bloody swath through the UK underground and are staking their claim with their first full-length through their new label in early 2027.
Furthermore, they are gearing up for a headlining tour across the UK and Ireland, supported by Unburier, later this month. The full list of dates and ticket information is below.
The band comments:
“‘Apocalypse’channels the anger and resentment of the young, staring into a bleak future that’s being actively sold off by the ruling classes. With E-standard thrash and low-tuned breaks all melted into the same pot, this song cohesively brings together all of the sonic elements ofTORTURED DEMON, as we look towards the future both musically and lyrically.‘Apocalypse’serves as our mission statement moving forward, and we are proud to launch it as our debutBLKIIBLKtrack.”
“TORTURED DEMON’s reputation for dangerously aggressive thrash with a razor-sharp punk edge already preceded them before I heard the new album whichBLKIIBLKwill be releasing next year,” said Frontiers Global Head of A&R and BLKIIBLK label head, Mike Gitter. “What I heard goes beyond anything they’ve done before in terms of songwriting and playing without losing sight of their origins or grimyDischargeT-shirts!”
TORTURED DEMON are young, British, and already have more road miles than plenty of bands twice their age. With the members still around 22 or under, the Oldham band mix old-school thrash velocity with enough modern metal muscle to keep it from feeling like another denim-and-high-tops revival.
They’ve already played Bloodstock, UK headline runs, and dates alongside Power Trip, Municipal Waste, Death Angel, Evile, and Xentrix. Two independently released albums got them this far without waiting around for anyone’s permission. They’ve got the chops, the live experience and, more importantly, the hunger.
TORTURED DEMON aren’t reinventing metal. They’re just very good at making it feel dangerous again.
TORTURED DEMON Live:
Apocalypse UK Tour 2026 Oct 22nd – Glasgow @ Audio Oct 23rd – Leeds @ The Key Club Oct 24th – London @ Downstairs at The Dome Oct 25th – Bristol @ Exchange Oct 27th – Southampton @ The Joiners Oct 28th – Swansea @ The Bunkhouse Oct 29th – Nottingham @ The Old Cold Store Oct 30th – Manchester @ Academy 3 Nov 21st – Dublin @ Opium Nov 22nd – Belfast @ Limelight 2
Death metal band CARNATION return sharper, heavier, and more focused than ever. Today, they unveil their new single “Boundless Pathways”!
“Boundless Pathways” captures the essence of the band’s identity on this entire new record. In many ways, it serves as a gateway into the album, showcasing the sound, songwriting, and atmosphere that run throughout the entire album.
Lyrically, “Boundless Pathways” takes a more philosophical direction. The song revolves around themes of self-reflection, identity, and the nature of destiny. It raises questions about who we are and how much of that is shaped by choice versus fate, wondering whether we’ve become the person we were always meant to be, or if different paths could have led to entirely different versions of ourselves.
Album Release Show – 7 november, Zappa Antwerp
In honor of the new album, CARNATION is playing one exclusive release show in Flanders this year. This takes place on November 7, 2026, at Zappa Antwerp. Fans can expect an intense evening full of brutal riffs and unforgettable moments. This is the moment to experience the band in full glory once again. CARNATION IS BACK!
Blending raw aggression with sharper songwriting and a more defined visual identity, “Symphony In Flesh” captures CARNATION at a crucial point: back to their core, but evolved in every direction that matters.
The album will be out on October 16 and is available for pre-orderHERE
Tracklist: 01. Blackmouth 02. Flesh-Eating Frenzy 03. Symphony in Flesh 04. Kingdom of Dreams 05. Labyrinth of Silence 06. Towards Death 07. Twisted Visions 08. Boundless Pathways 09. Legacy of the Forefathers
It’s 50 years this month since The Damned released their debut single “New Rose” – which, in turn, means it’s half a century since the first ever UK punk record came out. And, if you don’t think that’s an event to celebrate, you should stop reading now and get back to your 70s prog collection. We’ll wait.
The Damned themselves will be on tour in the US through October and into November. Here, however, we have the collector’s item to end all collector’s items… a limited edition 12-inch that makes even the greatest rarities in the band’s long catalog seem common-as-much in comparison.
Even the legendary “Stretcher Case Baby” freebie, back in 1977, had a pressing of 5,000, and copies of that now sell for several arms and a leg. “Love Song (Dodgy Demo) is a lot more limited than that… just 255 copies. And that breaks down even further, to just 85 apiece of three different color vinyls – red, purple and white, each with a custom etching on the b-side.\
And “Love Song” is not alone on the disc, as it’s 1978 demo is joined by a January 1984 recording of “Nasty,” live romps through the mighty “Waiting For The Blackout” (1985) and the theme to Hawaii 5-0 (1995) and, wrapping everything up, Bob Dylan’s “Wheel’s On Fire,” a super-scarce 1980 single by The Rat (Mr Scabies, of course) And The Whale (his wife-to-be, Vivian Mason).
“Love Song” is the latest release in Cleopatra’s newly launched series of STRICTLY LIMITED super-rarities, each disc individually hand numbered, and including releases from across the musical spectrum – from the art-inflected goth of Bauhaus to the pulsating metal of Angel and Thor; the synth pop of Heaven 17 and A Flock Of Seagulls; the hard rock of Cherie Currie and Lita Ford (The Runaways); and onto The Damned’s fellow punk icons the New York Dolls, Johnny Thunders and Peter & The Test Tube Babies!
But move fast! Some of them are already sold out!
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
