Japanese Alt-Rock Visual Kei band Z CLEAR presents their first full album “Shidaishigou”, a relentless blast of rock that hits hard. This work was released in both digital and physical formats on May 6, 2026.
All or nothing, that’s “Shidaishigou” for Z CLEAR. The band formed in 2019 in Hiroshima. After relocating to Tokyo in 2024, Z CLEAR signed with PARAGUAS inc. in 2025. Under the close mentorship of fellow band XANVALA, this album is their first widely distributed release under the label.
“Shidaishigou” is an expression that translates to “supremely great, supremely strong”. Z CLEAR embodies the idea of creating empowering music through what they call “Buchi ROCK” (Super Rock).
The band comments on the album: “We are Z CLEAR, a Visual Kei band from Hiroshima, now based in Tokyo. Our ‘Buchi ROCK’ concept is Rock ‘n’ Roll infused with the personalities and life philosophies of all four members. We have just released our first album, ‘Shidaishigou.’ This album fully showcases the power and storyline of Z CLEAR. Please listen from start to finish and let our ‘Buchi ROCK’ take over.”
Z CLEAR plays by no one’s rules, carving their own path in the Visual Kei scene with an unyielding spirit.
About Z CLEAR Z CLEAR is a Visual Kei rock band from Japan. Their music offers a direct, unapologetic vision of what true rock should be, blending aggressive guitars, intense rhythms, and electronic textures with lyrics full of rebellion and determination. Proudly representing the spirit of Hiroshima, they define their concept as “Buchi ROCK” (Super Rock).
Bay Area thrash legends DEATH ANGEL will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their critically acclaimed eighth studio album, The Evil Divide, with a special vinyl reissue arriving July 24th via Nuclear Blast Records.
Originally released on May 27, 2016, The Evil Divide marked another triumphant chapter in the band’s storied career, capturing the ferocity, precision, and relentless energy that have defined Death Angel for more than four decades. Helmed by renowned producer Jason Suecoff at AudioHammer Studios, the album further cemented the band’s standing among thrash metal’s elite, earning widespread acclaim for its explosive songwriting, technical intensity, and emotionally charged performances.
The 10th anniversary LP edition will feature the bonus track ‘Wasteland,’ DEATH ANGEL’s powerful interpretation of the 1986 song originally performed by The Mission. Previously available only on select limited CD digipak editions outside the United States, the track will now make its vinyl debut while also becoming available for streaming worldwide for the very first time.
Revisit The Evil Divide by checking out the music video for the single ‘Lost.’
The reissue arrives as DEATH ANGEL continue celebrating another landmark in their legacy with their ongoing U.S. tour commemorating the 35th anniversary of their landmark 1990 album Act III.
May 28 – Orlando, FL – The Abbey May 29 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room May 30 – Tampa, FL – Orpheum June 2 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl June 3 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom June 5 – Milwaukee, WI – MKE Metal Fest June 6 – St. Louis, MO – Red Flag June 8 – Wichita, KS – Wave June 9 – Greeley, CO – Moxi Theater June 10 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep June 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex June 12 – Boise, ID – Shrine Ballroom June 14 – Seattle, WA – Showbox June 16 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater June 17 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades June 18 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theater June 19 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory June 20 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Music Hall June 21 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
About DEATH ANGEL:
DEATH ANGEL is a pioneering American thrash metal band formed in 1982 in Daly City, California, and a vital force in the legendary Bay Area thrash movement. Emerging as teenage prodigies, the band quickly built a reputation for blistering speed, technical precision, fearless songwriting, and ferocious live performances — qualities that continue to define them more than four decades later.
Formed by cousins Rob Cavestany (guitar), Dennis Pepa (bass), and Andy Galeon (drums), alongside vocalist Mark Osegueda and guitarist Gus Pepa, DEATH ANGEL cut their teeth in local clubs before exploding onto the international stage with their 1987 debut album “The Ultra-Violence”, recorded when Galeon was just 14 years old. Its complex arrangements and explosive energy immediately distinguished them within the Bay Area scene. They followed with 1988’s “Frolic Through the Park”, which featured the breakout single and MTVfavorite “Bored,” even leading to the band hosting Headbangers Ball. In 1990, their major label debut “Act III”(Geffen Records) revealed a more dynamic and melodic dimension while retaining their thrash intensity. With MTV airplay for “Seemingly Endless Time” and “A Room With A View,” and a feature in People Magazine, the album cemented their status as one of thrash metal’s most musically adventurous acts.
After reuniting in 2001, DEATH ANGEL embarked on a powerful second chapter — one that would become among the strongest stretches of their career. Rather than leaning on nostalgia, they delivered a run of acclaimed releases that fused classic Bay Area aggression with sharpened songwriting and modern production. Beginning with “The Art of Dying” (2004) and continuing through “Killing Season” (2008), “Relentless Retribution” (2010), “The Dream Calls for Blood” (2013), “The Evil Divide” (2016), and 2019’s “Humanicide”, the band refined their attack while expanding their dynamics. Across these albums, intricate riff craftsmanship, blistering tempos, and socially aware lyricism became hallmarks of their modern era. “Humanicide”earned DEATH ANGEL a Grammynomination for Best Metal Performance, further solidifying their place among contemporary thrash metal’s most vital and respected forces.
In 2025, the band unveiled two standalone singles, marking their first new material in several years and signaling the next phase of their evolution. “Wrath (Bring Fire)” delivered a high-velocity assault rooted firmly in classic Bay Area ferocity, while “Cult of the Used” emerged as a sharp, socially charged anthem driven by precision riffing, thunderous rhythm work, and commanding vocals. Together, the releases reaffirmed DEATH ANGEL’s creative momentum and uncompromising intensity.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of “Act III”, DEATH ANGEL launched a special anniversary tour performing the album in its entirety. The run combined full-album performances with select classics from across their catalog, offering longtime fans a rare and immersive experience. The tour included major U.S. markets and multiple hometown Bay Area performances — including two advanced sold out shows at the legendary Fillmore — underscoring the album’s enduring impact. The “Act III” Anniversary Tour continues into 2026 and 2027, with additional dates to be announced.
The current lineup — Mark Osegueda (vocals), Rob Cavestany (guitar), Ted Aguilar (guitar), Damien Sisson (bass), and Will Carroll (drums) — has remained intact for nearly two decades, forming one of the most stable and formidable configurations in the band’s history. That longevity translates powerfully to the stage, where DEATH ANGEL continues to tour extensively across North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia.
With 26 years on the road and over 100 shows across Brazil, the band Epitaph, formed in Porto Alegre in 2000, announced the release of their new album this Monday, May 25th, 2026.
“Digital Screams”, their second full-length album, consists of 8 unreleased tracks, and the work consolidates the characteristic fusion of Heavy Metal, Thrash and Hard Rock that has marked the group’s trajectory since their first demo, “Waiting for Your Death”, and their debut album “Getting Down to Business” (2009).
The new album features the acidic and provocative lyrics of writer Denis Winston Brum, and also includes a special appearance by Gustavo Demarchi, from the Brazilian Progressive Rock band Apocalypse, on the title track, where, in addition to collaborating on the lyrics, he once again shares vocals with Joe F. Louder, as in “Death Belt” from the debut album.
Regarding the lyrics of the song “Digital Screams,” Demarchi was inspired by the fierce political and religious polarization on social media, as well as the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, with its controversies, pros and cons, defenders and opponents.
“Digital Screams” will initially only be available in physical format, and can be purchased directly from the band through their official Instagram. The digital release will be available on a date to be announced.
A sample of the new work can be seen on the band’s YouTube channel, in the video for the track “The Girl Who Loves the Dead,” which was released on May 8th at a very special event at Legato studio in Porto Alegre, bringing together fans, musicians, friends, and press.
Regarding the album artwork, created by Rômulo Dias and with graphic design by Juliana Louis, the cover features the character that appears on the first album, and the band photo in the booklet contains various references to pop culture, rock, metal, and other things that have been and are part of the musicians’ lives.
Veterans of historical compilations such as Rock Soldiers VI, Roadie Metal Vol. 11, and the 10th anniversary of Garagem Hermética, Epitaph reaffirms its relevance in the national scene with a mature and relentless sound, and intends to take its metal even further.
Tracklist: Loser’s Life The Girl Who Loves the Dead Epitaph Road of Fire Digital Screams National Guard Something Better than God Blue Cave
Lineup: Joe F. Louder: Vocals André Carvalho: Guitars Marlon Steindorff: Guitars Fabio Figueiredo: Bass César “Five” Louis: Drums
ARMORED SAINT will join Metal Church for a US co-headlining tour this Fall! The Metal Saint Tour 2026 will commence on November 2nd in San Juan Capistrano, California and runs through November 21st in Agoura Hills, California. Additional support will be provided by LiveKill.
Comments ARMORED SAINT vocalist John Bush, “Two classic metal bands from the ’80s on tour together doing headline sets and both with brand new awesome records out [ARMORED SAINT with Emotion Factory Reset and Metal Church with Dead To Rights]. If you call yourself a metalhead and you don’t come to this show when we roll into your town, you better have a damn good excuse. AS and MC. Let’s do this!“
Comments Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, “It’s incredibly exciting to be getting back on the road with our friends and an honor to be sharing the stage with one of America’s finest metal bands! Definitely a show you won’t want to miss!“
Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 29th at 10:00am local time. VIP upgrades will be available at: nationalactsvip.com/armoredsaint. See all confirmed dates below.
ARMORED SAINT + Metal Church w/ LiveKill: 11/02/2026 Coach House – San Juan Capistrano, CA 11/03/2026 The Glass House – Pomona, CA 11/04/2026 The Nile – Phoenix, AZ 11/06/2026 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM 11/ 07/2026 Sunshine Studios – Colorado Springs, CO 11/08/2026 The Federal – Denver, CO 11/10/2026 Neurolux – Boise, ID 11/11/2026 The Newberry – Great Falls, MT 11/13/2026 Dantes – Portland, OR 11/14/2026 Redwood Theater – Bremerton, WA 11/15/2026 Rickshaw Theater – Vancouver, BC 11/17/2026 Great America Music Hall – San Francisco, CA 11/18/2026 Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA 11/19/2026 The Whisky – Los Angeles, CA 11/20/2026 Observatory North San Diego – San Diego, CA 11/21/2026 Canyon Club – Agoura Hills, CA
Additionally, ARMORED SAINT has performances confirmed throughout the Spring and Summer months both Stateside and abroad, including a special meet-and-greet at Grill ‘Em All in Long Beach, California. Set to take place on May 28th, the event is in celebration of the band’s Emotional Factory Reset full-length, released last week on Metal Blade Records. The night will feature photo opps, raffles, ARMORED SAINT-inspirited fries, and more!
ARMORED SAINT Live: 5/17/2026 San Luis Metal Fest – San Luis Potosí, MX 5/21/2026 Cafe Nord – Essen, DE * Free Listening Party * 5/22/2026 Rock Hard Festival – Gelsenkirchen, DE * Record Release Show * 5/28/2026 Grill ‘Em All – Long Beach, CA * Meet-and-Greet Event * 6/06/2026 Milwaukee Metalfest @ The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI 7/30/2026 Pumpehuset – Copenhagen, DK w/ Metal Church 7/31/2026 Skogsröjet Festival – Rejmyre, SE 8/01/2026 Pustervik – Gothenburg, SE w/ Testament, Metal Church 8/02/2026 Mejeriet – Lund, SE * w/ Testament, Metal Church 8/05/2026 Brutal Assault – Jaroměř, CZ 8/07/2026 Alcatraz Festival – Dessel, BE 8/08/2026 Poppodium Boerderij – Zoetermeer, NL *ARMORED SAINT headlining show 8/09/2026 Keep It True Legions – Geiselwind, DE 8/11/2026 Progresja – Warsaw, PL w/ Savatage, Nevermore 8/12/2026 Collosseum – Košice, SK w/ Vio-Lence 8/13/2026 Klub Studio – Krakow, PL w/ Testament, Metal Church 8/29/2026 Stonedead Festival – Newark, UK
Emotion Factory Reset, ARMORED SAINT‘s ninth studio album since 1984’s March Of The Saint, is a resurrection of sorts, a tearing down and a rebuilding in eleven songs of diverse musicality and lyrical themes. Produced, as were the previous four albums, by bassist Joey Vera and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour), the record finds the quintet challenging themselves. Songs like “Close To The Bone,” “Hit A Moonshot,” and “Every Man-Any Man” have ARMORED SAINT honoring their past as one of the most respected and recognizable bands in heavy music while making forward-thinking music rooted in the present.
Emotion Factory Reset was recorded across several studios including 606 Studios, Secret Hand Studios, Skullseven Studios, Constantine Studios, and Bridge Recording, engineered by Oliver Roman, Bill Metoyer, Joey Vera, and Jason Constantine, and features cover art by DDKing.
After more than four decades of bringing Brazilian heavy music to the world’s biggest stages, Sepultura have officially announced the final show of their career. The historic performance will take place on 7 November 2026 at the Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu in São PauloBrazil, marking the end of one of the most influential journeys in the history of heavy metal worldwide.
The choice of the Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu holds special meaning for the band. The venue has been part of Sepultura’s history since the early 1990s, especially because of the iconic concert held at Praça Charles Miller, in front of the stadium, which helped establish the band’s strength in Brazil. Decades later, Sepultura returns to the same place to close its story, where part of that legacy was also built.
Tickets for the general public will be available from 30th May via ticketmaster.com and at the official box office.
More than a farewell concert, the night is being conceived as a grand celebration of Sepultura’s history, bringing together different generations, eras and artists who have become part of the band’s journey over the past 40 years. The idea is to transform the final show into a unique moment of tribute, connection and celebration of Brazilian heavy music and its global impact.
Among the international acts already confirmed is Metal Allegiance, featuring some of the most respected musicians in the global metal scene, including Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Alex Skolnick and Chuck Billy of Testament, Phil Demmel, formerly of Machine Head, Troy Sanders of Mastodon, and bassist/founder Mark Menghi.
The line-up will also feature confirmed appearances by Krisiun, one of the world’s most respected death metal bands, and American thrash metal band Sacred Reich. Additional special guests will be announced soon.
Former members and musicians connected to Sepultura’s history over the decades are also expected to join the celebration, including Jean Dolabella and Jairo Guedz, who were part of the band’s original line-up.
Formed in Belo Horizonte in 1984, Sepultura helped redefine the boundaries of heavy metal and became the most internationally recognised Brazilian rock band of all time. Through landmark albums such as Beneath The Remains, Arise, Chaos A.D. and Roots, the band influenced generations and opened doors for Brazilian heavy music worldwide.
Throughout its career, Sepultura performed at some of the world’s most important festivals, including Rock in Rio, Lollapalooza, Wacken Open Air, Hellfest and Download Festival, building a legacy that transcends metal and has a permanent place in music history.
Sepultura’s final show at the Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu promises to be a historic, emotional and unforgettable night, a farewell befitting the band’s importance to both Brazilian culture and the global heavy metal scene.
SEPULTURA are: Derrick Green – vocals Andreas Kisser – guitars Paulo Jr. – bass Greyson Nekrutman – drums
Italian death metal act GORGE has officially signed with Time To Kill Records for the release of their forthcoming debut full-length album, marking a decisive step forward for one of the most exciting new names to emerge from the Italian underground.
Formed in 2025, GORGE was born from an idea by Edoardo Nicoloso (Fulci, Jorelia, TV-Crimes) and Roberto Sava (Jorelia), with a clear intent to strip death metal down to its most essential and violent form. The project pays tribute to raw two-piece acts such as Retch, Mortician and Christ Denied, as well as solo assaults in the vein of Putrid Pile, while channeling the spirit of ’90s American death metal.
The band’s approach is rooted in a direct, riff-driven philosophy that draws heavily from the foundational era of Suffocation, Dying Fetus, Gorguts and Malevolent Creation, updated with just the right amount of modern weight without compromising its original identity. GORGE blends death metal with a gritty hardcore sensibility, resulting in a groovy yet ferocious sound that avoids overused slam dynamics in favour of tighter songwriting and internal rhythmic variation. At the centre of everything lies the riff, treated as the primary narrative force across all compositions, supported by a constant attention to structural tension and release.
Further details regarding the album, tracklist and first single will be revealed in the coming months as GORGE prepare to fully introduce their debut statement.
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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 