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, PointBreak 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!
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.
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.
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:
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:
666 (5:45)
P’Unchaw Kachun- Tuta Kachun (4:54)
Fire God and Fear (4:44)
Kata Ton Demona Eaytoy (4:50) [WATCH]
Apage Satana (4:40)
Dies Irae (4:37)
Demonon Vrosis (5:00) [WATCH]
Aealo (3:42)
Like Father, Like Son (4:41)
King of a Stellar War (6:22)
Shadows Follow (2:07)
Archon (4:25)
The Sign of Evil Existence (1:51)
Fgmenth Thy Gift (4:16)
Societas Satanas (4:07)
Forest of N’gai (4:19)
Sorrowful Farewell (4:29) [WATCH]
Among Two Storms (3:54) [WATCH]
After Dark I Feel (4:08)
Athanatoi Este (5:32)
Nemecic (4:17)
In Yumen Xibalba (6:27)
Grandis Spiritus Diavolos (6:05)
The Raven (5:28)
Under the Name of Legion (5:51) Full runtime: 1:56:31
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.
Off the back of their colossal, sold-out UK tour earlier this month, Scottish metal heavyweights Bleed From Withinare pleased to announce an extensive run of intimate, headline shows for March 2026. This run will include Disembodied Tyrant and Baest as supports for most nights.
Bleed From Within stated:
“The Dying Sun tour is something we’ve been waiting to announce for a very long time. The plan was to get back to our roots and follow a similar kind of routing that we would have done back in our formative years. Between 2007 and 2010, we performed countless times across the country in these cities and it really helped cement the foundations of our band.
The name of the tour is a nod to one of our favourite tracks from our latest album, but also a teaser of what people can expect to hear at the shows… we consider Dying Sun a deep cut and we’ve already discussed a number of other songs from our catalogue that we would love to bring to the stage that people will not have heard for a VERY long time.
To wrap things up, we are very happy to announce Disembodied Tyrant and Baest as the bands that will be joining us. Both these bands are making a real name for themselves in the world of heavy music and we cannot wait for you to see them. If you don’t know them already, please educate yourself in advance.
This tour is us connecting with the cities and songs that help build us. We hope to see you there!
Ali, Davie, Goonzi, Kennedy, Steven”
Tickets will go on sale: Friday 24th October @ 10am UK time from HERE
1st March Edinburgh @ The Liquid Room* 5th March Dublin @ The Academy 6th March Liverpool @ o2 Academy 7th March Leeds @ Stylus 8th March Nottingham @ Rescue Rooms 10th March Norwich @ Epic Studios 12th March Bristol @ Electric Bristol 13th March Southampton @ The 1865 14th March Birmingham @ o2 Institute
*no Disembodied Tyrant or Baest
Bleed From Within are currently on tour in Australia with The Ghost Inside. Catch them on these dates:
21st October Adelaide @ The Gov 22nd October Brunswick @ Stay Gold *DEBUT AUS HEADLINESHOW 23rd October Melbourne @ The Forum 24th October Sydney @ Enmore Theatre 26th October Brisbane @ The Tivoli
UK-based black-gothic metal ensemble Abscence unveils their latest lyric video for the track “Under the Moon’s Glance”.
In this chapter of Abscence’s dark odyssey, “Under the Moon’s Glance” unravels a tale of longing, blood, and nocturnal reverie. Born from the union of haunting melody and raw intensity, this track dives deep into the romance and ruin of our vampiric lovers.
“Let the moonlight guide you— and may you never look away.”
The track comes from Enigma, the band’s latest concept album. Across nine epic songs, Enigma tells the tragic story of two vampire women bound by blood, devotion, and betrayal. Drawing from 90s black and gothic metal, the album layers symphonic textures, rich vocal arrangements, and immersive storytelling to create a world that is both timeless and intense.
Previous videos: “Eternal Vows Of Midnight”: Watch “Our Love Ignites”: Watch
Abscence:
Emerging from the UK underground, Abscence channels the raw power and bleak beauty of black metal, blending ferocious riffs with haunting melodies to explore despair, nature, and the shadows of existence. With Enigma, Abscence invites listeners into a world of symphonic blackened art, embracing drama, darkness, and emotional intensity in its purest form.
As a second glimpse into the vast sonic cosmos of their forthcoming 16th album, BLUT AUS NORD present second single ‘The Ordeal‘, accompanied by a striking video from Alex Moreán (AVERSIO HUMANITATIS). Characteristic of upcoming album “Ethereal Horizons“, the track traverses otherworldly dimensions using a combination of elements that have defined the inimitable band through each era: celestial leads, subtle industrial undertones, distinctive choirs and the spectral, subliminal snarl of mainman Vindsval.
Vindsval comments:
“‘The Ordeal‘ refers both to judgment — not necessarily divine — and to suffering. Any profound spiritual journey involves a form of trial; you cannot avoid that pain. Seeking to understand, to rise, to give meaning to our existence inevitably means confronting our own flaws and a certain inner anguish. But this pain is not in vain — it is essential to transformation and transcendence. Religion, and more broadly spirituality, is not torment in itself; it reflects the perpetual inner struggle between our shadows and our light.“
16th album “Ethereal Horizons” is BLUT AUS NORD fully realised: richer, deeper, grander, more enigmatic and simultaneously more human than ever. Intermeshing the earthen and the futuristic as a vessel for the dark dreamer, soaring and ascending to vivid realms. Experience the first unveiled single, ‘Shadows Breathe First,’ and its immersive visual accompaniment below.
BLUT AUS NORD‘s new album will be released November 28th on several CD/vinyl editions and digital, accompanied by a selection of new merchandise. Pre-orders are open through the label’s EU, US, and Bandcamp shops.
Alongside the new BLUT AUS NORD album, a special 2025 reissue of the band’s trailblazing 2003 Avant Black Metal masterpiece “The Work Which Transforms God” will also be made available, accompanied by new merch. This special edition will restore the album’s original artwork and features personal reflections upon the record from fellow artists, an in-depth interview with Vindsval, and a booklet/slipcase cover featuring newly-commissioned illustration by Rob Borbás (Grindesign Tattoo).
Originating in 1994 from the ashes of VLAD (who released two demos), BLUT AUS NORD are undisputable French Black Metal pioneers, always managing to progress and move forward, evolving in perpetual mutation, developing their own vision of Black Metal.
Choosing, from the start, the total opposite path of regressive bands (who copy what others have done ten years earlier and ten times better), BLUT AUS NORD eschews all the inherent clichés belonging to the genre. BLUT AUS NORD‘s Black Metal approach is a fist in the face of mainstream mediocrity, becoming more macabre and sinister through a blend of innovative musical research, subliminal mental manipulation, and an incredible haunted, nightmarish feeling based on disharmony.
BLUT AUS NORD are creators of a hallucinogenic universe, erasing all preconceived ideas of Black Metal – and extreme music in general. They redefine the rules…
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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 ) 