Finnish black metal band Verilehto is set to release their second album Aarnihauta on November 28th 2025 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘Virvatulet’ is unleashed today and the track can be heard here: https://push.fm/fl/verilehto-virvatulet
“The closing track of the album, Virvatulet, has been one of my favorites from the start. It eases off the gas pedal and gives room for the story. During the making of the album, I read a lot about old Finnish mythology and the lyrics of this song were among the first I wrote for the album. This song really shows the core of Verilehto. Beautifully wandering guitars, cries of pain and a gripping atmosphere. A magnificent conclusion to the album, which is why it was chosen as the second single.” Says vocalist Janne Partanen
–Composition, arrangement & production: Janne Tuikkala. –Lyrics & arrangement: Janne Partanen. –Arrangement: Markus Räipiö. –Mastering: Petteri Kurki –ISRC: FI3FC2595607 –Artwork by Janne Partanen
The Finnish melodic black metal band Verilehto is back with a new album, Aarnihauta. The album title translates as ‘hidden grave in the forest’, which is a fitting description of the band’s second album.
Verilehto plays Finnish 90s-style black metal, characterised by melodic and aggressive riffs, raw vocals, and an eerie overall tone. The Finnish folklore-inspired lyrics fit well with the band’s versatile riffs, and the songs vary from fast blastbeats to slower storytelling elements.
This album also sees a change in Verilehto’s line-up, with Markus Räppiö from Kaira joining the crew. With Markus on bass, Janne Partanen (Hautajaisyö, Alfa Pentatonik, Marraskuun Lapset, Paavalin Harhat) on vocals, and Janne Tuikkala (Muria & Dawn of Everwinter) on guitars, drums and synth, the band is stronger than ever.
‘Aarnihauta’ sees the band continuing to evolve from their debut album ‘Kuoleman Siipien Havina’ by focusing on their own sound and style. The album is not overly polished, and has a good raw quality to the production, but this is not the main focus. It was recorded by the band themselves in 2024–25.
The album artwork was created by the talented Awinita Alm, and the single artwork was created by the band. The “Aarnihauta” video was filmed in 2024 and edited by Janne Tuikkala and Markus Räppiö.
Aarnihauta Track list:
Surutta Tapettu
Nälänhätä
Aarnihauta
Kalman Sotajuokko
Tuhkaverho
Syöjätär
Virvatulet
Artwork by Awinita Alm
Line-up: Janne Tuikkala – Guitars, Drums, Synths Janne Partanen – Vocals Markus Räipiö – Bass & Backing Vocals
Eclipse Records is thrilled to announce the signing of an exclusive worldwide deal with OATHBOUND, a Progressive Metalcore band from Seattle (USA) that channels the raw, unfiltered emotion that defines the human condition while crafting sonic soundscapes that are as emotionally resonant as they are sonically powerful. Oathbound just wrapped up production of their new second album entitled Colors In Grey which will be released via Eclipse Records on March 6, 2026. The album was produced by Oathbound, engineered by Taylor Harper & Kalyan Lopez, and mixed & mastered by Aaron Chaparian (As I Lay Dying, Bleeding Through, Chimaira).
“Signing with Eclipse is the realization of a lifelong dream for me!” says guitarist Taylor Harper. “Since the moment I first laid eyes on an electric guitar, I knew that creating music was my calling. I can’t thank the Eclipse Team enough for trusting us to represent their brand and for welcoming us with open arms! I can’t wait to see where it all goes from here!” Vocalist Chris Fox adds, “I am beyond honored for this opportunity and for the support from such a reputable establishment in the industry. Music is my dream and I’ll make sure to not disappoint. Doing this is my life and I hope to do it until the end!“ Guitarist Viktor Schultz adds “I’m thrilled about the opportunities that working with Eclipse will provide! It’s a very exciting time for Oathbound and I can’t wait to make the best music we can!” Drummer Travis Morlan continues, “Life is wild. I’m living the dream that I imagined when I was 3 years old and I am honored to sign to Eclipse. It still doesn’t feel real!”
Cover art Credit: Aaron Varshay
This latest full-length from Oathbound, Colors In Grey, is exactly the kind of record the progressive metalcore scene needs right now. It’s a definitive statement that firmly entrenches the band in the upper echelon of the genre. More than a simple collection of songs, this is a rigorous, nine-track emotional excavation. The Seattle outfit has always possessed a gift for channeling raw human experience—confronting themes like trauma, addiction, and heartbreak head-on—but here they successfully forge those dark elements into a work of unexpected, profound catharsis. Slated for release on March 6, 2026, this album is an undeniable, critical pivot point for their career. The sheer sonic ambition is evident from the moment the music hits. Colors In Grey was self-produced, a commitment that highlights the band’s unflinching confidence in their vision. Crucially, that vision was polished by the masterful mixing and mastering of Aaron Chaparian at Iron Audio. Considering his work with acts like As I Lay Dying, Bleeding Through, and Chimaira, you know the commitment to brutal sonic clarity is absolute. Chaparian grants the album a powerful, dynamic space where every crushing riff and intricate, machine-gun rhythm lands with visceral impact. This process ensures the sound avoids the sterile sheen that plagues so much modern heavy music; the soaring clean passages feel wholly earned, and the heaviness is truly immense. We should also note the visual component: Aaron Varshay’s striking artwork perfectly captures the emotional tension and nuance that defines the record’s entire mood. Colors In Grey is far more than a technical blueprint; it is a forceful, profoundly human document that reminds us why metal, at its best, is the ultimate vehicle for spiritual connection and catharsis. This is the sound of a band operating at an undeniable peak. The album & singles feature cover art designed by Aaron Varshay. It is scheduled for release on March 6, 2026.
Pre-Save or Pre-Order Colors In Grey at this location.
Colors In Grey track listing 01. Origins 02. Colors In Grey 03. Set Adrift 04. Misunderstood 05. The Masks We Wear 06. Insomniac 07. Searching For An Answer 08. Hold On 09. False Ideals
Oathbound lineup
Chris Fox (vocals), Taylor Harper (guitar), Viktor Schultz (guitar), Steve Schwarz (bass), Travis Morlan (drums)
Guitarist Gene Palubicki (Angelcorpse, Perdition Temple), vocalist & bassist Steve Tucker (Morbid Angel) and drummer John Longstreth (Origin, Hate Eternal, ex-Angelcorpse) have finished recording their debut album as MALEFIC THRONE. Titled “The Conquering Darkness,” the album is set for release on November 28th via Agonia Records.
The trio was put together by Palubicki in 2020, after initially having met at Morrisound in 1997, where both Angelcorpse and Morbid Angel were recording their own albums side to side. “This bands roots can be traced all the way back to the mid 90s when Gene, Steve, and I first met at Morrisound studios,” John Longstreth comments. “It’s an amazing feeling to see those old conversations and hang outs develop into a true celebration of blistering infernal death metal. I have no doubt that this union will be absolutely crushing.” Palubicki stresses out that the music produced by MALEFIC THRONE has the imprint of all three members very present in every moment of the songs. The synthesis of the three members through delivery and writing is what makes band its own special entity, with an an increased dynamic within the form of death metal they generate.
“The Conquering Darkness” was recorded, mixed and mastered at Menegroth The Thousand Caves (Gorguts, Origin, Atheist) with Colin Marston. Drummer John Longstreth hints at the outcome as extremely brutal and infernal nuclear death metal. Its cover artwork was painted by renowned artist Daniele Valeriani (Dark Funeral, Mayhem). Christophe Szpajdel (Emperor, Moonspell) crafted the band’s logo.
Belfast-based metal force Nihilanth are back with their brand-new single ‘Ruin’, set for release on October 23rd, marking their first new music since the breakout success of ‘The Valley Beneath’. The track offers a dark and introspective glimpse into the band’s forthcoming new EP, due for release in early 2026.
Following a whirlwind year that saw Nihilanth win Metal 2 The Masses Belfast 2024 and perform to a packed crowd on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock Open Air, the band have wasted no time channeling that energy into their next creative chapter.
Their previous single, ‘The Valley Beneath’, which received airplay on BBC Introducing with Alyx Holcombe, helped the band make their mark as one of Ireland’s most promising new heavy acts. Speaking about the new single, the band comment: “‘Ruin’ is a song about battling inner demons, self-destruction and deprivation. You can be your own worst enemy, but even when you’re in the darkest of mindsets, we still have the capacity and realisation that all is not lost.”
Formed during the summer of 2021, Nihilanth quickly established themselves within the Irish metal scene through their crushing live performances and debut EP, Destroyer of Worlds, released on March 17th, 2023. With ‘Ruin’, the band elevate their sound further, blending atmosphere, intensity, and emotional depth in a way that feels both cathartic and devastating.
Nihilanth are: Aidan Thompson – Vocals Pete Craig – Guitar & backing vocals Lee Park – Guitar Andy Parkinson – Drums Jim Ward – Bass
US heavy-metal hardliners KILL RITUAL fire the starting shot of their forthcoming era with the title track “In My Head”. The single anticipates the band’s new album “In My Head”, out November 21, 2025 via Massacre Records
Lead guitarist, producer and main songwriter Steven D. Rice frames the new single as a stark descent into institutionalized madness: “‘In My Head’ is the typical tale of the mentally ill being abused in asylums. The torture and hopelessness they feel as being treated is visualized in the lyrics. There’s a lot of cool Eastern melody in the refrain with dreamy/nightmare vibes.”
On the album, Rice handled production, arrangements and lyrics, with Judas on vocals and Seamus Gleason on drums; Rice also performs guitars, bass, additional vocals and synths. The full-length promises ten tracks that move between vengeance, love and the will to endure —“aggression with atmosphere, darkness with melody,” as heard from opener In My Head through the haunting finale Our Elegant Demon.
Available as CD Digipak and Limited Vinyl LP, “In My Head” delivers ten powerful tracks where crushing riffs, dark melodies, and lyrical intensity come together to form one of the most dynamic works of the band’s career.
The album captures the essence of KILL RITUAL at their sharpest and most uncompromising. Recorded over the course of a year, with production, arrangements, and lyrics all crafted by Steven D. Rice, “In My Head” was mixed and mastered by Andy LaRocque at Sonic Train Studio in Sweden, and enriched visually by the artwork of Jobert Mello at Sledgehammer Graphix. The performances of Judas on vocals, Seamus Gleason on drums, and Rice himself on guitars, bass, vocals and synths converge into a relentless yet dynamic record that combines aggression with atmosphere, darkness with melody.
From the tormented opener that gives the album its title to the haunting close of “Our Elegant Demon,” the record unfolds as a journey through madness, vengeance, love, and survival. Each track pushes forward with a sense of urgency and depth, making “In My Head” a compelling statement of identity and power from a band that continues to evolve without compromise.
With “In My Head”KILL RITUAL invites listeners to step into their world of shadows and revelations, where heavy metal meets storytelling in its most intense form.
Death metal battalion VITRIOL will be embarking on a full North American headliner with support from Unmerciful and Weeping Death! The extensive trek kicks off on November 6 in Santa Cruz, CA and will make its way through the continent until the final stop in VITRIOL’s hometown of Portland, OR on December 6. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets are available HERE.
VITRIOL will then dominate Europe in support of BÖLZER along with THE RUINS OF BEVERAST, MISÞYRMING + TREPANERINGSRITUALEN next year! The trek kicks off on February 20 in Berlin (DE). Tickets can be found HERE.
In addition, VITRIOL is now pleased to announce an all new powerhouse lineup! Founding member, guitarist, and vocalist Kyle Rasmussen is now joined by guitarist Keith Merrow (Merrow, Demisery), bassist Brett Leier (Gargoyl, Varthagus), and drummer Andy Vincenzetti (Morgue Defilement, Imperial Crystalline Entombment).
Rasmussen previously stated on the new changes,
“We have two large developments to share. Firstly, we are deeply saddened to announce that Matt Kilner has chosen to step away from Vitriol. While I imagine that most people’s first instinct is to ask why, Matt’s reasoning is his own, and we want to afford him the respect of not speaking on his behalf. Suffice it to say, we are pained to see him go.
“In more triumphant news, we have welcomed Brett Leier into the fold on bass and accompanying vocals. Brett is a wildly talented instrumentalist with a very potent creative mind. He also looks like he’d be camped out in a Serbian gas station bathroom with chicken wire pulled tight, which I think is a pretty sweet vibe. Brett is best known for his work in Gargoyl alongside fellow mega-shredders. Brett will be joining Keith Merrow and I on our upcoming, soon-to-be announced tour where we will re emerge as a four piece. We look forward to seeing what the future will bring. We will provide more information on the drummer situation soon enough.
Here’s a little Woo for my fellow Wooers.
“While these goodbyes don’t become less painful, I’m at peace knowing that, if nothing else, part of this band’s legacy will be to have proven that grief does little to slow the art of loss. And that you simply can not kill what is already dead.”
He added, “We are extremely excited to announce that Andy “Yung Cannon” Vincenzetti will be handling blasting duties for Vitriol moving forward. He’ll be beating ass on the road and in the studio with us soon enough. Time to go fast.”
As Merrow joined the ranks back in April, the duo had the following to say upon the exciting addition,
“We are very pleased to announce that Keith Merrow has taken up the reins as the co-guitarist in Vitriol,” said Rasmussen. “For anyone unfamiliar with Keith’s work, he’s an intensely prolific artist, songwriter, and world-class player. We are extremely excited to bring him on as we approach the writing of LP3.”
Merrow added, “Vitriol reminds me why I love guitar and extreme music. There is an energy to the band’s sound that can only come from a place of true passion for extreme arts. I’m very excited and motivated to work with Kyle and Matt on upcoming tours and albums.”
VITRIOL is touring in support of their critically-acclaimed 2024 album, ‘Suffer & Become,’ which can be streamed HERE.
Liberation Through Punishment North American Tour 2026 (w/ support from UNMERCIFUL + WEEPING DEATH):
11/06: Santa Cruz, CA @ Blue Lagoon 11/07: San Luis Obispo, CA @ Humdinger 11/08: Los Angeles, CA @ Knucklehead 11/09: Phoenix, AZ @ Yucca Tap Room 11/10: Albuquerque NM @ Launchpad 11/12: Dallas, TX @ TX Tea Room 11/13: Corpus Christi, TX @ Boozer’s 11/14: Houston, TX @ Black Magic 11/15: Fort Walton, FL @ Dwntwn Music Hall 11/16: Orlando, FL @ Conduit 11/18: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl 11/19:| Asheville, NC @ The Odd 11/20: Frederick, MD @ Cafe 611 11/21: Queens, NY @ El Bunker Del Diablo 11/22: Providence, RI @ Alchemy 11/23: Ottawa, ON @ Dominion Tavern 11/25:| Montreal, QC @ Foufone’s Cabaret 11/26: Toronto, ON @ The Baby G 11/27: London, ON @ Honey Dip 11/28: Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary 11/29: Columbus, OH @ Spacebar 11/30:Chicago, IL @ Reggies 12/02: Denver, CO @ The Roxy 12/04: Boise, ID @ Shredder 12/05: Seattle, WA @ Substation 12/06: Portland, OR @ Twilight Hometown Show
REX REVENANT EU Tour (Supporting BÖLZER with THE RUINS OF BEVERAST, MISÞYRMING + TREPANERINGSRITUALEN):
20/02 – Berlin, DE – Lido ✦ 21/02 – Nijmegen, NL – Doornroosje ✦ 22/02 – Antwerp, BE – Kavka ✦ 23/02 – Paris, FR – Petit Bain ✦ 24/02 – Nantes, FR – Le Ferrailleur ✦ 25/02 – Toulouse, FR – Le Rex ✦ 26/02 – Madrid, ES – Revi Live ✦ 27/02 – Barcelona, ES – Sala Wolf ✦ 28/02 – Montpellier, FR – Victoire 2 ✦ 01/03 – Aarau, CH – KIFF ✦ 02/03 – Milan, IT – Slaughter Club ✦ 03/03 – Ljubljana, SI – Orto Bar ✦ 04/03 – Zagreb, HR – Boogaloo ✦ 05/03 – Belgrade, RS – Zappa Barka ✦ 06/03 – Bucharest, RO – Quantic Club ✧ 07/03 – Cluj-Napoca, RO – Form Space ✧ 08/03 – Budapest, HU – Dürer Kert ✧ 09/03 – Košice, SK – Collosseum Club ✧ 10/03 – Warsaw, PL – Hydrozagadka ✧ 11/03 – Gdańsk, PL – Drizzly Grizzly ✧ 12/03 – Poznań, PL – 2 Progi ✧ 13/03 – Hamburg, DE – Bambi Galore ✧ 14/03 – Leeuwarden, NL – Neushoorn ✧ 15/03 – Haarlem, NL – Patronaat ✧ 17/03 – Oberhausen, DE – Kulttempel ✧ 18/03 – Mörlenbach, DE – Live Music Hall Weiher ✧ 19/03 – Hannover, DE – Bei Chez Heinz ✧ 20/03 – Prague, CZ – Futurum ✧ 21/03 – Vienna, AT – The Fall V Festival ✧ 22/03 – Dresden, DE – Pushkin ✧
✦ = THE RUINS OF BEVERAST – Selected Shows ✧ = MISÞYRMING – Selected Shows
The artwork for ‘Suffer & Become’ was created by Dylan Humphries.
He Will Fight Savagely [WATCH] Running Time: (00:42:14)
Line-Up: Kyle Rasmussen – Guitars and Vocals Keith Merrow – Guitarist Andy Vincenzetti – Drums Brett Leier – Bass
Chief Shock Video
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
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 