Season of Mist is proud to welcome Void Sector Zero.
After orbiting each other for years, with the gravitational pull of the sun, Void Sector Zero brings together three of extreme metal’s brightest burning stars in guitarist Christian Muenzner (Necrophagist, ex-Obscura, ex-Alkaloid), vocalist and bassist Alex Weber (Revocation, Malignancy, Exist), and drummer Gabe Seeber (Decrepit Birth, Abigail Williams). While inspired by past greats, their new band rips a hole through the space-time continuum with a modern spin on progressive thrash metal.
“We are excited to announce that Void Sector Zero has signed with Season of Mist”, Muenzner says. “I’ve always wanted to play tech-thrash. I was listening to bands like Coroner, Voivod, Toxik, Martyr, Hexenhaus and Aspid before I got into technical death metal”.
“When I decided to start my own band in this style, I thought of Alex and Gabe”, Muenzner continues. “Not only are they both great players, but I knew from our time in Obscura that we had great chemistry both on and off stage. We can’t wait to share our debut album with you very soon!”.
Watch the trailer for Void Sector Zero’s upcoming single:
The vast world of extreme metal is governed by supernatural forces. So when three of its most hellaciously bright stars align, the creative explosion is more powerful than a supernova.
After orbiting each other for years, Void Sector Zero brings together the otherworldly talents of guitarist Christian Muenzner (Necrophagist, ex-Obscura, ex-Alkaloid), vocalist and bassist Alex Weber (Revocation, Malignancy, Exist), and drummer Gabe Seeber (Decrepit Birth, Abigail Williams). While inspired by past greats, their new band ventures into an alien dimension that’s fun, fast, fresh and frightening. Their soon-to-be-announced debut album shreds a hole through the space-time continuum with its modern spin on progressive thrash metal.
Lineup Christian Muenzner – Guitars, Synth Alex Weber – Vocals, Bass Gabe Seeber – Drums
‘confessions’ is track #7 from Rainburn’s upcoming record ‘thirty-seven’, a concept album about a near-death experience while stranded at sea.
After surviving the ordeal, Rainburn frontman Vats Iyengar transformed the experience into thirty-seven, the Bangalore progressive rock trio’s third album, due for release on 4 November 2026. Across nine connected songs, the record explores faith, humanity’s perceived superiority over nature, love and mortality, while pushing Rainburn’s sound into new territory through industrial rhythms, electronic textures and stark acoustic guitar.
The song, confessions, finds the album’s protagonist reflecting on a life weighed down by regrets and guilt, wondering who will remember them as the end draws near.
“We wanted the video to tell a story of its own, independent of the album’s narrative, while staying true to the song’s central themes.” – Vats Iyengar
The upcoming album marks a clear shift from the band’s earlier work. Synthesizers, samples and hard-edged drum tones now carry as much weight as intricate art-rock passages, while sparse acoustic sections expose a more vulnerable side of the music. Songs often flow directly into one another, making thirty-seven best experienced from beginning to end with gapless playback.
“The sonic template for this record was very different from what we’ve had in the past – we were referencing bands like Depeche Mode, Rammstein and Nine Inch Nails far more than bands that are usually classified as prog,” says Iyengar. “Of course, all these new elements were pulled into the ambit of the Rainburn sound, so this is very much a deeply conceptual progressive rock album, albeit with some unique twists.”
That change in sound is part of the album’s narrative. Its industrial textures symbolise human invention and technological advancement, while the simple, exposed acoustic guitar represents the strength of nature. Together, they reflect the record’s central idea: despite humanity’s progress and powerful position on Earth, a person can be rendered helpless only a few steps beyond the limits of familiar surroundings.
Although divided into nine songs, thirty-seven was conceived as one continuous work. Musical ideas return across the album: “defy” reappears during the outro of “you”, while material from “god” resurfaces in the middle section of “nearer”. These recurring motifs bind the individual songs into a larger composition.
Each track also carries its own part of the story. “god” questions faith from an agnostic perspective; “kings” examines humanity’s presumed superiority over nature; “you” turns towards love; and “nearer” confronts mortality. Lyrical allusions, symbolism and double meanings run throughout the album.
The lower-case presentation is deliberate. The album title, every song title and all text on the artwork appear in lower case, taking their cue from “god” and reflecting what Iyengar describes as essentially an agnostic man’s album.
Drummer Neilroy Miranda also mixed thirty-seven, shaping the record around the needs of the individual songs rather than a fixed production reference. “I approached the post-production process according to what our songs needed rather than trying to reference existing albums or blindly adhering to standard practices. The result is a balanced record where everything sounds just right.”
Formed in Bangalore in 2011, Rainburn have built an international reputation through a series of releases and extensive touring across India. Their debut EP, Canvas of Silence, was selected by Classic Rock Magazine as one of the Top 5 Prog Releases of 2015. Their first full-length album, Insignify, followed in 2018 and was named by Rolling Stone India as one of the Top 10 Indian Albums of the year, while also earning the band a feature in Prog Magazine.
Rainburn released the follow-up EP Resignify in 2019 and their second album, Vignettes, in 2023, receiving favourable coverage from Prog and Rolling Stone Magazines. Their touring history includes Progworks on Wheels in 2016, the Insignify India Tour in 2019, the Four East and MURN tours in 2022, and appearances in the Prog Encounters festival series in 2024.
thirty-seven was conceived, composed and written by Vats Iyengar. It was recorded at Octavium Music Academy in Bangalore, mixed by Neilroy Miranda and mastered by Thomas Cassell at Sage Audio in Chicago. Artwork is by Visions in Blue Illustrations.
Rainburn release thirty-seven on 4 November 2026.
Album tracklist:
1. capsize 2. god 3. desolation 4. defy 5. kings 6. you 7. confessions 8. nearer 9. hereafter
Rainburn are:
Vats Iyengar — vocals, electric guitars, bass, synthesizers, samples Neilroy Miranda — drums, background vocals, synthesizers, samples Saakallya Biswas — acoustic guitar, background vocals, lead guitar on “god”
Mason Hill announce the release of their highly anticipated new album ‘World So Wonderful’ in October. The album was recorded with Dan Weller and is available for preorder now.
The band comment: Matthew Ward (bass): “A couple of years ago this album seemed like it would be an impossible task. To be sitting here, finally discussing launching the pre order feels like we just climbed Everest and made it to the top! This album is the next step in the evolution of Mason Hill, it’s more fierce, more refined, and hungrier than ever. This one is for everyone that kept believing in Mason Hill. I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it.”
Tom Ward (vocals): “We have poured our heart into this album and we’re all truly elated with the finished product – I feel the exciting synergy that we’ve found in this writing relationship has delivered a new and revitalised Mason Hill. Whether you’re a long-term fan, or recently converted ,there is honestly something for everyone on this album, with riffs so crunchy you’ll need a neck brace after your first listen. Coming into this as a newbie, working with Dan Weller was an amazing experience, he really helped me unlock my own style and take a new approach to writing which I’m forever grateful for. This is a dream for me and I’m super proud of the boys and can’t wait to unleash it on the world.”
Matthew Ward (bass): “A couple of years ago this album seemed like it would be an impossible task. To be sitting here, finally launching the pre order feels like we just climbed Everest and made it to the top! This album is the next step in the evolution of Mason Hill, it’s more fierce, more refined, and hungrier than ever. This one is for everyone that kept believing in Mason Hill. I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it.”
Mason Hill have been no strangers to adversity over their 10-year existence. They’ve endured false starts, botched record deals and a six-year gap between 2015’s eponymous debut EP and the release of ‘Against The Wall’. Even the latter landed during the height of the Covid pandemic, meaning the band weren’t initially able to tour in support of it. The departure of former singer Scott Taylor at the end of 2023 was just the latest obstacle they had to overcome.
“There have been times over the years when we weren’t even sure we’d be able to keep on being a band,” says James Bird. “Even just before Tom came in, we were so close to saying, ‘Well, we tried, but let’s call it a day.’ But there’s a stubbornness and determination and passion in us that has kept us going.The new music was obviously still Mason Hill, but we didn’t want it to be a copy of the first album”, he adds. “All the good stuff and the bad stuff, I’m glad it happened in a sense,” adds James. “Because without it we wouldn’t be in this place we’re in right now, talking about new songs, which I couldn’t be more excited about. We’re so ready to get back out there. This is who we are now. This is Mason Hill.”
Mason Hill have released their upcoming UK tour dates for November: “Mason Hill is back on tour – you heard me right! We will be touring the UK in celebration of the upcoming release of our brand-new album ‘World so Wonderful’. We are well in the groove of things now and are hungry to be hitting a stage near you. Bang in the middle of this tour we will be sharing the stage supporting none other than the mighty Skindred, and we are all beyond stoked for this opportunity! This will be a tour to remember so grab a ticket and join our World So Wonderful…“
12 November – KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton 13 November – Barrowlands, Glasgow (w/Skindred) SOLD OUT 14 November – Gorilla, Manchester 15 November – Bodega, Nottingham 17 November – The Globe, Cardiff 18 November – Boston Music Rooms, London 19 November – Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
French dark folk entity SKÁLD releases “Dǫkksalir”, unveiling gentle melodies that unfold almost like a lullaby—perfectly fitting the concept of the enchanting yet frightening sirens lurking in the dark. The song is taken from the band’s upcoming full-length album, Ørlǫg, which will be released this Friday, September 25, 2026. Ørlǫg marks SKÁLD’s first release via Napalm Records and awakens ancient spirits as the band extends an invitation into times long gone but not forgotten.
Right in time to bring their new music to stages across Europe and the United Kingdom, SKÁLD are set for a major autumn UK/EU arena tour supporting The Hu, kicking off on September 29 in Glasgow.
SKÁLD about “Dǫkksalir”: “‘Dokksalir’ draws us into the dark depths of the sea; in the distance, the sirens’ song calls to us, yet also terrifies us; mischievous spirits watch us and laugh at us; they already know we will be weak; the light no longer protects us; down below, eyes stare at you—perhaps it is you yourself watching yourself lose your way. Those siren voices are so beautiful.”
As the Norns weave our future, this album is a fascinating passageway into our pristine origins and the consequences of our choices. Ten new songs as stepping stones, Ørlǫg is an offering to listen, to dwell, to reflect—and to find something within yourself previously unknown. SKÁLD don’t just play music, they awaken ancient ways.
A staple band in the neofolk genre, SKÁLD deliver a striking work of art with their latest album, deferentially using their sources to keep old spirits alive and form the enchanting world of Ørlǫg. The language might sound unfamiliar, but the music still touches the soul.
SKÁLD about Ørlǫg: “Ørlǫg is the cosmic web that influences the world and every person. Part of our Ørlǫg is determined by our birth, our past actions, and our upbringing, but Ørlǫg is not set in stone; our daily choices are constantly shaping it. What we do now and what we have done in the past determines what will happen to us in the future; we cannot escape the consequences of our actions. This album makes us question our choices—both individual and collective—and the patterns we accept or reject. The Norns weave our destiny, but we can take control of certain things: travel, ride worlds, and grow. Each song on this album describes a situation, a place, a choice to be made. Let’s take hold of our Ørlǫg.”
The atmospheric journey to claim direction starts within the dreamscapes of “Draumakona”, an expressive look at the female side of shamanic prophecy. The French band constructs their Nordic folk melodies to be particularly catchy, shifting powerfully between female lead singing and multilayered vocal arrangements to create an antiphony between individuum and community. Inspired by Skaldic poetry, SKÁLD use instruments fitting of the time: Ørlǫg is shaped by Nordic fiddles, different forms of harps and lyres, horns, kannels, and whistles, among others, as well as three lead vocalists to bring the arrangements to life. “Myrkviðr” picks up on the opening track’s persuasive energy, with male vocals taking the lead this time.
Further spreading their message is “Ratatoskr”, intonated by clattering sounds and throat singing, channeled into hauntingly repetitive chants of the eponymous squirrel’s name. “Útgarðr” contrasts the different voices compellingly by the passages being sung simultaneously with alternating focus and a goosebump-inducing climax—instantly opposed by “Ek skald rida” which makes use of similar techniques, but is the most tranquil track on the album. “Himinbjǫrg” reaches far out to the edge of Asgard, where Heimdall guards the rainbow bridge, Bifröst. SKÁLD lend him an assertive voice, so the song serves as an emphatic yet reassuring guide through our sometimes-clouded destiny. “Heiemo og Nykkjen”, a rendition of a traditional medieval folk ballad from what is now Norway, takes a more provident approach to both instrumentation and vocal delivery, while “Veit barnit” calls upon the knowledge of children and uses a child’s voice alongside their usual harmonies to reflect that. The grim finale, “Eldr ok iss”, Old Norse for “fire and ice”, again calls on contrasts as well as referencing part of the creation myth in which the primordial being Ymir emerged from Muspelheim—the realm of fire—colliding with icy Nilfheim in the beginning of times. SKÁLD build an appropriate arc of suspense with a formidably sinister atmosphere.
Ørlǫg tracklisting:
Draumakona
Myrkviðr
Ratatoskr
Dǫkksalir
Útgarðr
Ek skald rida
Himinbjǫrg
Heiemo og Nykkjen
Veit barnit
Eldr ok iss
SKÁLD Live 2026
Warrior Chant Tour As Special Guest for The Hu 29.09.26 UK – Glasgow / O2 Academy 01.10.26 UK – Bristol / Prospect Building 02.10.26 UK – Bournemouth / O2 Academy 03.10.26 UK – Newcastle / O2 City Hall 05.10.26 UK – Belfast / The Telegraph Building 06.10.26 IE – Dublin / 3Olympia Theatre 08.10.26 UK – Birmingham / O2 Academy Birmingham 09.10.26 UK – London / O2 Academy Brixton 10.10.26 UK – Manchester / O2 Apollo 11.10.26 UK – Norwich / UEA LCR 14.10.26 BE – Brussels / Ancienne Belgique 15.10.26 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle 17.10.26 DE – Munich / Tonhalle 18.10.26 DE – Berlin / Columbiahalle 19.10.26 PL – Warsaw / Stodola 20.10.26 PL – Warsaw / Stodola 22.10.26 DE – Cologne / Palladium 23.10.26 NL – Utrecht / TivoliVredenburg 24.10.26 NL – Tilburg / 013 27.10.26 FR – Lyon / Le Radiant 28.10.26 FR – Paris / L’Olympia 30.10.26 CH – Zurich / X-TRA 31.10.26 LU – Esch-sur-Alzette / Rockhal 01.11.26 BE – Brussels / Ancienne Belgique
SKÁLD are: Christophe Voisin Boisvinet – Percussion, Nordic Fiddles, Harp, Horn, Vocals, Programming Marti Ilmar Uibo – Percussion, Lyre, Kannel, Whistles, Jaw Harp, Vocals Steeve Petit – Percussion, Vocals Marie Potosniak – Fiddles, Vocals Guillaume Levy – Irish Bouzouki, Citole, Gudok Nathalie Lemoye-Voisin – Vocals Ravn – Moraharpa Michel Abraham – Vocals Eyline Uibo – Vocals
Greek death metal trio CASKET DWELLER have released “He Rows”, the latest single taken from their forthcoming debut album “River of Slumber”, due out on October 22, 2026 via Nuclear Winter Records. The new track was premiered by the magnificent Mystification Zine and offers another glimpse into the Athens-based band’s deeply rooted approach to traditional death metal. Built around memorable riffs, a grim atmosphere and a natural sense of progression, “He Rows” further showcases the songwriting qualities that define the album, where the raw impact of the Swedish death metal school meets elements of the classic Florida and Dutch traditions.
Hailing from Athens, Greece, CASKET DWELLER deliver a deeply rooted take on traditional death metal. Formed in 2022, the band quickly established itself within the Greek underground through a series of live appearances across the country.
From the beginning, CASKET DWELLER have built their identity around more than just music: their visual aesthetic draws heavily from classic horror cinema of the 1940s and gothic literature, influences that also permeate the atmosphere of “River of Slumber”, creating a world where darkness, decay and heavy riffs come together. The band’s debut album is a tribute to the foundations of death metal while maintaining a strong sense of personality. Built around memorable, riff-driven compositions, “River of Slumber” showcases a band with a clear understanding of the genre’s traditions and the ability to transform those influences into songs that flow naturally from start to finish.
While the production carries the unmistakable imprint of the Swedish death metal school, the album’s musical DNA reaches further, incorporating elements from the classic Florida scene and the heavier Dutch tradition. Echoes of bands such as Death, Pestilence and Asphyx can be found throughout the record, not through imitation but through a shared appreciation for powerful riffs, dynamic arrangements and songwriting that puts the song at the center.
With a careful balance between crushing passages, darker atmospheres and more melodic moments, “River of Slumber” presents CASKET DWELLER as a new force within the contemporary old school death metal movement. A band focused on the essentials: memorable riffs, strong compositions and the timeless appeal of death metal.
Tracklist:
01. Chapters 02. Dust Off the Shovel 03. He Rows 04. Fangs of the Vampire 05. Creatures of the Night 06. Embalming Slime 07. Burnt at the Stake 08. Voodoo Incants 09. Requiem
Line-up:
George Karvouniaris – Guitars Chris Pallas – Bass Vangelis Deligiorgis – Drums/Vocals
Austrian progressive heavy psych quartet Mother Morgana unveil the full details of their forthcoming album, “Reflections of a Sunken Mind”, set for release on November 27, 2026 via Argonauta Records on CD, colored vinyl and digital formats.
Emerging from the underground scene of Graz, Mother Morgana have spent the past years developing a sound where progressive rock, psychedelic textures, stoner heaviness and cinematic songwriting converge. Their music has always been closely connected to storytelling, with each album conceived as an immersive journey rather than simply a collection of songs.
With “Reflections of a Sunken Mind”, the band takes this approach further than ever before.
Dark, atmospheric and deeply introspective, the album was shaped around the social ruptures and psychological scars left by war, exploring the mechanisms of indoctrination and the struggle to preserve individual thought in an increasingly fractured world.
Mother Morgana explain:
“In Reflections of a Sunken Mind, we’ve tried to channel social ruptures and the trauma of war into a dark concept album. By blending searing analog synthesizers with a raw, natural live-recording sound, we have constructed a (mind) stage where the cauterizing power of indoctrination clashes with the Kantian call to sapere aude in an age of global conflict.”
Musically, “Reflections of a Sunken Mind” continues the heavier direction established on 2022’s “Rise”, while opening new atmospheric dimensions through haunting analog synthesizers, vintage textures, intricate arrangements and the band’s characteristic ability to move between crushing riffs and expansive psychedelic passages.
Following “Janushead”, Mother Morgana now reveal the album’s second single, “Relic”, offering another glimpse into the strange and emotionally charged world of “Reflections of a Sunken Mind”.
On the new track, the band comments:
“With the rocking triplet groove, the heavy words lose some of their weight. The sad, jazzy bridge shows the pain of the past, the eerie slide guitar overlays makes you feel like you are sitting by the sea, hearing distant sounds that could be hopeful whales or dangerous sirens, but in this moment, they are far away, bringing only relief.
We like that twist between the music and the lyrics: It feels like finding absolution in your own very lonely safe-place, with some sunrays breaking through the cloudy sky while the seagulls sing your songs. You have been here for a very long time…”
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
