The members of JUDAS PRIEST were very pleased to donate $100,000 US to the LAFD before their show at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Sunday, October 19th 2025.
This was a contribution from the band to help the people who suffered damage due to the recent fires.
The members of JUDAS PRIEST are pictured here meeting with six of the fire fighters when the band presented them with the check.
SKULLD have signed with Time To Kill Records for the release of their new album, “Abyss Calls To Abyss”. After a classic grind through the underground scene, the Italian band is ready to deliver the most complete and intense record of their artistic journey so far. Their old-school Swedish death metal roots are reinforced by a strong crust punk/hardcore influence, giving the sound a raw, urgent edge. Yet, melodic deviations and dynamic shifts punctuate the album, highlighting the band’s growing maturity and stylistic range.
More details on the album and the first single will be revealed soon.
SKULLD formed in Romagna, Italy, in 2019 with the ambitious goal of blending old-school Swedish death metal with shamanic and esoteric overtones, all rooted in a strong feminist, anti-fascist, and anti-racist stance. Hailing from cities such as Cesena, Forlì, Bologna, Imola, and Milan, the members of the band have deep roots in the DIY punk and hardcore scene — a defining element of their artistic identity.
In 2020, they released their debut EP “Reinventing Darkness”, a DIY co-production with various Italian and international labels, distributed throughout the underground network. The lineup featured Pamela (vocals), Monti and Rappo (guitars), Ciufs (bass), and Teo (drums). The songs, fast and razor-sharp, combine Scandinavian death metal with crust and stenchcore, evoking dark and pagan atmospheres. The EP was well received for its raw and original sound, as well as for its lyrical themes — most notably the track “Satanic Feminism”, which explicitly ties death metal to political and gender awareness.
On March 20th, 2024, the band released their first full-length album “The Portal Is Open” via the French label World Eater Records. Recorded in Imola and mixed/mastered by Ulf Blomberg at Hobos Studio in Lund, Sweden, the album features eight tracks merging death and black metal with hardcore/crust influences and punk-infused vocals. The lyrics delve deeper into the concepts introduced on their debut, exploring pagan traditions, mythology, feminine archetypes, and esoteric and literary references.
In 2024, guitarist Moqi joined the band as a live replacement for Rappo, who had relocated to Berlin. He later became the sixth full-time member, contributing to the writing and recording of the band’s latest effort, “Abyss Calls To Abyss”.
Line-up:
Pamela – Vocals
Monti – Guitar
Rappo – Guitar
Moqi – Guitar
Ciufs – Bass
Teo – Drums
https://skulldband.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/skulldband
PREYRS, a visceral new force in alternative rock and metal, release their new single ‘Into The Blue’, from their hypnotic debut album, The Wounded Healer, out 14th November via Pelagic Records.
Stream and pre-order here: https://orcd.co/preyrs
Vocalist Amy Montgomery comments: “‘Into The Blue’ is empathy, anger, passion and an observation of senseless loss of life.”
PREYRS are the brainchild of Belfast rock artist Amy Montgomery and drummer/producer Michael Mormecha. Fusing raw alternative rock energy with the weight of metal, the quartet’s music is an electrifying clash of aggression and euphoria, darkness and uplift, chaos and control. Elements of artists as disparate as Nine Inch Nails, Chelsea Wolfe, Sonic Youth, and Julie Christmas combine to delirious and heady effect.
Busking on the streets of Belfast from the age of 15, Amy Montgomery met multi-instrumentalist Michael Mormecha a few years later and they’ve been working together ever since. Both songwriters in their own right, Michael fronted renowned Irish post-hardcore outfit Mojo Fury and worked as a producer for artists including The Bonnevilles, Mojo Fury and Joshua Burnside. They’re joined as PREYRS by longtime guitarist Nolan Donelly and new bass player Ciarán McGreevy.
Known for electrifying live performances, PREYRS made their UK festival debut at Bloodstock Open Air this August, as well as appearing at Stendhal Festival in Ireland. Nominated as ‘Best Live Act’ and ‘Best Artist’ at the Northern Ireland Music Prize, Amy’s undeniably fierce and captivating frontperson energy has been her secret weapon often described as ‘otherworldly’ or ‘a force of nature’. For those seeking the epic, the healing, the aggressive and the unrelenting pulse of alternative rock and metal, PREYRS are it.
PREYRS will be supporting punk legends New Model Army across Europe this winter.
November
11 Legend Club, Milan IT (Supporting New Model Army)
12 Fri-Son, Fribourg CH (Supporting New Model Army)
13 Halle 02, Heidelberg DE (Supporting New Model Army)
14 Sudhaus, Tübingen DE (Supporting New Model Army)
15 Meet Factory, Prague CZ (Supporting New Model Army)
17 Werk2, Leipzig DE (Supporting New Model Army)
18 Capitol, Hannover DE (Supporting New Model Army)
19 Aladdin Music Hall, Bremen DE (Supporting New Model Army)
20 Jovel, Munster DE (Supporting New Model Army)
21 Venlo, Grenswerk NL (Supporting New Model Army)
28 Kyttaro, Athens GR (Supporting New Model Army)
29 Mylos Club, Thessaloniki GR(Supporting New Model Army)
December
20 Palladium, Cologne DE (Supporting New Model Army)
21 Melkweg, Amsterdam NL (Supporting New Model Army)
1. Humble Eyes
2. Wave Of Wisdom
3. Into The Blue
4. Zeros, Ones & Lies
5. Bring Ur Bruises
6. Crucify
7. Change Change
8. Nova
9. W.D.I.F.L?
10. Life Is Kind
PREYRS are:
Amy Montgomery – Vocals
Micheal Mormecha – Drums
Nolan Donelly – Guitars
Ciarán McGreevy – Bass
More information: INSTAGRAM • FACEBOOK • SPOTIFY • PELAGIC ARTIST PAGE
Alternative legends Sponge follow their acclaimed 1994 covers album with a fresh collection certain to enthrall their legions of dedicated fans. It’s called Electric Cattle Gods – The Lost Tracks, and you know you need to know why.
Electric Cattle Gods was to be the name emblazoned across the marquee of the now-shuttered Ritz Concert Hall on Gratiot and Frazho in Roseville MI circa 1992-1993. A new band (actually, an old one, Point Break movie highlight Loudmouth, making a fresh start) was announcing its arrival on the local scene and… well, that’s what they were called.
Only they weren’t, because when club owner Joe Sgrol heard the news, he simply sighed. “We don’t have enough letters for that!”
He expected the band to be dismayed., Instead, they replied, “do you have enough letters for ‘Sponge’?”
“We do,” said Joe.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Releasing on November 14, Electric Cattle Gods – The Lost Tracks is, as its subtitle suggests, a dynamic collection of rare and unreleased recordings capturing the very dawn of Sponge… back to the days, in fact, before they were forced to come up with a brand new name for themselves.
Included are eleven never-before-released raw, exuberant demos and try-outs – some that probably haven’t been heard in over 30 years; others that would later be recorded for the band’s 1994 major label debut Rotting Piñata – among them “Drownin’” and Sponge’s breakout hit “Molly (16 Candles),” the b-side “Cowboy Eyes” and more.
But that’s not all! Two brand new recordings, too, are included on the album, among them one of the mightiest of them all. “Wet Brain” is a solid Sponge classic, and is released today as the band’s new single and an utterly captivating lyric video that not only perfectly matches the song, it’s exquisitely tied to the season as well. After all, what’s the first thing you think of when you contemplate Halloween?
Why, a giant pulsating brain in the middle of your living room, of course!
SINGLE: https://orcd.co/sponge_wetbrain
So that’s it, and what more could you ask for? Vintage demos, storming new epics and an origin story that could easily have rewritten 90s alternative history. For whatever reason, one word band names were everywhere back then – maybe a lot of venues had run out of lettering for their marquee? But if the Ritz had only had enough, the Electric Cattle Gods might have trampled that trend forever.
–CD/VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/search?q=sponge+electric+cattle+gods
–DIGITAL: https://orcd.co/sponge_ecgthelosttracks
Track listing
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the signing of melodic metal band STRÅLE.
To coincide with the announcement, the band announce the release of their new EP “Reformation”, digitally available now on all platforms. The track “Resist & Reform”, feat. Björn “Speed” Strid of Soilwork and Night Flight Orchestra, is also out now, along with an official video.
Stream “Reformation” HERE
Guitarist Andi Lehtinen said: “Signing with Frontiers feels like the beginning of a whole new chapter for Stråle. It’s a label that has believed in melodic, emotional metal for decades, and to now be part of that family means a lot to us. We’ve worked hard to get here – and we’re ready to take everything we’ve built to the next level”.
Mario de Riso, A&R and Business Affairs VP of Frontiers, commented: “We’re very happy to welcome Stråle to the Frontiers family. When we first heard their music, we immediately recognized something special – a perfect blend of melody, energy, and Scandinavian attitude that fits right into what Frontiers stands for. The band has great songs, strong identity, and the kind of passion that reminds us why we do what we do. We truly believe Stråle has the potential to reach a wide audience, and we’re excited to be part of their journey!”
Stråle is a melodic metal band from Helsinki, Finland, combining Scandinavian melancholy, modern metal power, and cinematic emotion. Formed in 2009, the band has steadily evolved from underground beginnings to become one of Finland’s most exciting metal acts, known for their explosive live energy and massive choruses.
After their debut album “Bourbon Souls” (FDA Records, 2020), mixed by the renowned Jens Bogren (Opeth, Katatonia), Stråle entered a new chapter with a refreshed lineup and creative energy. The arrival of vocalist Daniel Jakobsson and guitarist Jaakko Suomalainen brought new color and emotion to an already solid foundation, and together the band refined their signature sound – melodic, heavy, and deeply emotional.
The new EP “Reformation” captures this evolution. Produced by Teemu Aalto (Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum, Ginger Evil) and Jani Autero, and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe), it blends intensity with introspection. Songs like “Resist & Reform (feat. Björn “Speed” Strid, Soilwork)” and “Close Is Not Enough” showcase the band’s emotional range, while their acclaimed cover of “Blinding Lights” and the cinematic ballad “The Flame” display both versatility and soul.
The band commented: “Reformation” marks a new era for Stråle – musically, emotionally, and as a band. These songs have already proven themselves live, especially “Close Is Not Enough” and “Resist & Reform”, which have become real fan favorites on stage. It truly feels like a reformation for us; the sound, the energy, and the connection within the band are stronger than ever. We’re thrilled that Frontiers is now taking these songs under their wings and giving them the chance to fly as high as they can”.
In 2024, Stråle completed a 16-date European tour with Orphaned Land, performing in iconic venues such as The Underworld (London), Razzmatazz (Barcelona), and Petit Bain (Paris). With over 250,000 total streams and a growing fanbase across Europe, Stråle’s sound stands as a powerful statement of emotion, melody, and contemporary Nordic metal.
“Reformation” Tracklist:
1. Resist and Reform (featuring Bjorn Strid)
2. Close Is Not Enough
3. The Heart You Tore Apart
4. Destined For Desire
5. Blinding Lights (The Weeknd Cover)
6. The Flame
Line Up:
András Lehtinen
Daniel Jakobsson
Rasmus Bruun
Sakari Komulainen
Janne Jääskeläinen
Jaakko Suomalainen
After 35 years of evil existence, Rotting Christ still stand the test of time. Sakis Tolis, his brother Themis and their Greek brothers-in-arms have risen from the Athenian underground to become one of the metal world’s most reliable forces, backed by a pantheon discography that has both defined and defied black metal.
As they continue to tour the world, today, Rotting Christ are announcing a new Blu-Ray edition of their latest live album 35 Years of Evil Existence – Live in Lycabettus. This Blu-Ray honors Rotting Christ’s lasting legacy by capturing their first time performing at the historic Lycabettus Hill Theater in Athens. A sold-out crowd of 7,000 people were treated to a two-hour setlist that spanned the band’s entire career, from early mighty classics to their latest monumental hit “Like Father, Like Son”.
“Dear friends, we are proud to announce that our new live album will now be available on Blu-Ray”, Sakis says. “It was filmed last summer during our very special 35th anniversary show alongside our Athenian brothers and sisters at the historic Lycabettus Hill Theater. Thank you for your attention, support and dedication over all these years. You can be sure that we will be at the frontline of the battlefield until the end. Non Serviam!
Watch Rotting Christ perform “Like Father, Like Son” Live in Lycabettus:
The Blu-Ray edition of 35 Years of Evil Existence – Live in Lycabettus comes out December 12, 2025 on Season of Mist. Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/rotting-christ-35-years-of-evil-existence-live-in-lycabettus
Unlike their other celebrated anthems, when Rotting Christ took the stage at Lycabettus on June 29, 2024, they had only performed “Like Father, Like Son” but a handful of times. After all, the band’s latest studio album Pro Xristou had just hit shelves. But from the song’s majestic opening riff, these road warriors had the crowd chanting its timeless message of a father’s pride, honor and joy. With thousands of horns raised to the heavens above their hometown, there’s no better tribute to the indomitable spirit of Rotting Christ.
35 Years of Evil Existence – Live in Lycabettus is also available on CD and vinyl.
The footage from 35 Years of Existence – Live in Lycabettus was directed by Yiannis Margetousakis & Thanos Liberopoulos.
Additional video credits
Camera operators
Thanos Liberopoulos
Giorgos Margetousakis
Manolis Rizikos
Roxani Varela
Phillip Daskas
Spirodon Flouretzou
Mike Kochiev
Drone operator
Yiannis Margetousakis
Editors
Evaggelia Tsiliakou
Yiannis Margetousakis
Coloring
Yiannis Margetousakis
Catch Rotting Christ on their upcoming tour of Europe and Northern Ireland.
Rotting Christ 2025 European & Northern Ireland Tour
November 8 – Ankara, Turkey @ JJ Ankara
November 9 – Istanbul, Turkey @ If Performance
November 14 – Nicosia, Cyprus @ Royal Hall
November 18 – Dublin, Ireland @ Opium
November 19 – Limerick, Ireland @ Dolan’s Warehouse
November 20 – Belfast, Northern Ireland @ Limelight
November 29 – Patra, Greece @ Polixoros 5E
Track-list:
In the dimly lit catacombs of extreme metal, one name stands as a monolith: ROTTING CHRIST. Sakis Tholis and his brother Themis started this band together back in 1987. In the three decades since, these Greek titans have left their blackened imprint all over the metal world. They’ve released 13 studio albums and played more than 1,300 concerts around the globe. Underneath all this hard work, Rotting Christ have but one vision – an urge to not only push the boundaries of extreme metal, but to keep reinventing themselves along the way.
Rotting Christ’s evolution has unfolded across several distinct chapters. After starting out closer to the barely controlled chaos of grindcore, they went on to establish the iconic sound of Hellenic black metal. Their albums often embrace refined gothic soundscapes, only to plunge back into the depths of blasphemous fervour. Each chapter marked another, further exploration, and an unwavering commitment to push boundaries.
But the real turning point came in 2007, when Rotting Christ signed a pact with Season of Mist. They unleashed a series of albums for the French label that defied any and all expectations. From the piercing Theogonia and the symphonic grandeur of Aelo to the ritualistic intensity of Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού, the cinematic experiences created by Rotting Christ became a spectacle of bombastic atmospheres, mesmerizing choirs, and neo-classical arrangements. The unexpected is their modus operandi, with the use of various languages (Latin, Arabic, Greek, English) as well as the extensive use of famous poetry woven into their music, like Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ on The Heretics.
In 2019, Rotting Christ’s epic journey continued with The Apocryphal Spell compilation, which offers fans an intimate glimpse into unreleased and rare material. This allowed them to gather strength, preparing for the release of their next, highly anticipated, 14th full-length studio album: Pro Xristou.
Pro Xristou (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.
Line-up:
Sakis Tolis – Guitar, Vocals
Themis Tolis – Drums
Kostas “Spades” Heliotis – Bass
Kostis Fouk – Guitar
Biography:
Sébastien J. Gamez
Follow Rotting Christ:
Official Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/athanatoieste
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RottingChristOfficia
Bandcamp: https://rottingchristofficial.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/artist/rotting-christ/id28441629
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 