Metal Blade Records & Pantheon Media Launch “Metal Mondays” – The Ultimate Heavy-Metal Trivia & Interactive Experience

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 18, 2025
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Revolutionary Weekly Series Features the Heavy Metal Archaeologist Exploring 43 Years of Metal History Through Interactive Gaming.

Two of the most respected names in metal culture – Pantheon Media (“Where Fans Belong”) and Metal Blade Records (the legendary independent heavy-metal label) – are proud to announce the launch of Metal Mondays, a first‐of‐its‐kind interactive music game designed to bring metal fans together each week to engage, compete and connect over their favourite bands, tracks and artists.

Hosted by the Heavy Metal Archaeologist, Metal Mondays transforms metal history into weekly archaeological expeditions through Metal Blade Records‘ legendary 43-year catalog. Players test their knowledge through audio challenges, climb global leaderboards, win exclusive prizes, and discover the buried treasures of metal’s most influential label.

“We’ve built Metal Blade from the ground up on fan passion, discovery and the power of metal culture – this is the next big step: putting the power into the hands of the community, letting fans play, compete, celebrate and elevate the music they live for,” says Brian Slagel, founder & CEO of Metal Blade Records and host of “The 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal” podcast “With Metal Mondays we’re creating a weekly ritual for metal fans – a place where you don’t just consume the music, you play it, you live it, you win with it.“

“At Pantheon Media we’ve always believed that fandom is about community, participation and connection,” says Christian Swain, CEO of Pantheon Media. “Metal Mondays is a perfect blend of content, competition and culture: it gives heavy-music fans a fresh way to engage with the bands and songs they love, while unlocking new discovery and reward. We’re thrilled to partner with Brian and Metal Blade on this.”

The Heavy Metal Archaeologist brings a unique educational approach, treating every album as an artifact and every band as a civilization worth studying. “We’re not just testing trivia knowledge – we’re excavating the buried treasures of metal history and making the incredible story of Metal Blade Records accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers,” adds Swain. “Every week feels like discovering ancient artifacts that shaped the metal world we know today.“

Key Features of Metal Mondays:
• Weekly Interactive Episodes – Three challenging questions worth 100 points each, featuring audio clips from iconic Metal Blade releases
• Global Competition – Real-time leaderboards and competitive formats driving worldwide engagement
• Exclusive Prizes – Rare vinyl, signed albums, VIP experiences, and Metal Blade merchandise for top performers, tickets to the Metal Blade Museum
• Educational Entertainment – Learn metal history while competing, from Metallica’s first recording to modern death metal masters
• Community Building – Social features to challenge friends, share victories, and connect with fellow metal archaeologists
• Artist Integration – Special episodes featuring Metal Blade’s legendary roster including Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Amon Amarth

Metal Mondays addresses the growing demand for interactive audio content while serving the passionate heavy metal community with premium, knowledge-based entertainment. The series covers Metal Blade‘s incredible roster of over 180 artists who have shaped the metal landscape since 1982.

Links & Resources:
Metal Mondays Portal: metalblade.com/metalmondays
Game/App Landing Page: podcastpuzzle.com
iOS App: Hit Replay on the App Store
Android App: Hit Replay on Google Play

About Pantheon Media
Pantheon Media (“Where Fans Belong”) specializes in creating innovative interactive content experiences for passionate fan communities, transforming traditional media consumption into engaging, participatory experiences that build stronger connections between fans and the content they love.
pantheonpodcasts.com

About Metal Blade Records
Founded in 1982 by Brian Slagel, Metal Blade Records has been home to some of heavy music’s most influential artists including Slayer, Metallica, Cannibal Corpse, The Black Dahlia Murder, Amon Amarth, and many others. With over four decades of operation, Metal Blade continues to discover and develop metal talent while maintaining its commitment to artistic integrity and fan service.
metalblade.com

POWERWOLF Release Live Version of ‘Armata Strigoi’ with Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 17, 2025
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[Photo Credit: VD Pictures]

POWERWOLF takes one of their biggest songs to the next level with the second single off their monumental upcoming live album, Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle), out February 27, 2026 via Napalm Records. “Armata Strigoi”, originally released on their hit album Blessed & Possessed (2015) and currently at more than 50 million streams, shines anew as another highlight of the sold-out show. The accompanying live video of the characteristically catchy hymn – including the melody impressively sung by the audience – has us all witnessing the spectacle that transcends beyond a concert. Filmed in Munich during the Wolfsnächte Tour in 2024, POWERWOLF proves once more that they are an unmatched force!

POWERWOLF on Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle):
“We always knew that no words or short recap videos could truly capture what we experienced together during the Wolfsnächte 2024 tour. Every night was its own kind of magic – still, we wanted to find a way to hold on to those memories and share them in the most powerful way possible. That’s why we decided to record the full, massive, sold-out show at the Olympiahalle in Munich – to preserve just a piece of what we all felt on this tour. Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle) is more than a live release. It’s a tribute and manifestation to the moments we created together.”

Get your copy of Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle) HERE

What began as an unconventional project in 2004 has since evolved into one of the most successful metal phenomena worldwide. Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle) documents POWERWOLF’s unrelenting rise to the top, showcasing a performance that goes far beyond a metal concert. From a fire-breathing church organ and thunderous pyro spectacles to dark, operetta-like storytelling and rousing crowd interaction, this show is pure heavy metal theater at its finest. Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle) is an absolute must-have for every music lover. It will be available in multiple formats including Blu-Ray, DVD, CD and Vinyl as well as a Deluxe Boxset, Earbook, Mediabook, and several other Collectors Editions, featuring exclusive bonus content.

On Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle), each song is visually reimagined with a changing digital stage set, timed effects, and theatrical elements: monks with torches, falling snow on a burning piano, and a fiery execution scene that rivals shock rock’s greatest icons. Classics like “Army Of The Night”, “Amen & Attack”, “Armata Strigoi”, and “Demons Are a Girl’s Best Friend” come alive in larger-than-life arrangements, while emotional highlights like “Alive or Undead” bring the audience to tears. The interplay between frontman Attila Dorn and organist Falk Maria Schlegel turns every moment into an unforgettable ritual.

Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle) is more than just a celebration of past triumphs – it marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter in the band’s unstoppable journey. POWERWOLF has long transcended genre boundaries – their shows are cult-like celebrations of metal, emotion, and art. With Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle), they once again prove that what they create is beyond music – it is religion.

POWERWOLF LIVE 2025

With the Summer Of The Wicked tour through Europe and their triumphant return to the USA and Canada just behind them, the wolves are ready to conquer the biggest stages worldwide once again! POWERWOLF will raise the banners high once more and conquer Europe during their Wake Up The Wicked Tour, which includes their first show at the legendary OVO Arena Wembley for an exclusive United Kingdom show – a night destined to go down in metal history! The band is also already confirmed to return to some of the biggest metal festivals: beyond others, POWERWOLF will headline the monumental Wacken Open Air next summer!

Wake Up The Wicked Tour 2026
Very Special Guest HammerFall & Special Guest Wind Rose
19.02.26 DK – Copenhagen / K.B. Hallen
20.02.26 NO – Oslo / Unity Arena
21.02.26 SE – Stockholm / Hovet
23.02.26 FI – Helsinki / Ice Hall
25.02.26 SE – Gothenburg / Scandinavium
27.02.26 DE – Bremen / ÖVB Arena
28.02.26 DE – Düsseldorf / PSD Bank Dome
01.03.26 DE – Nuremberg / Arena Nürnberger Versicherung
03.03.26 DE – Leipzig / Quarterback Immobilien Arena
04.03.26 DE – Ulm / Ratiopharm Arena
05.03.26 DE – Mannheim / SAP Arena
07.03.26 UK – London / OVO Wembley Arena
 
Festival Shows 2026
05.07.26 ES – Barcelona / Rock Fest Barcelona
29.07.-01.08.26 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air
08.08.26 DE – Hamburg / Elbriot Festival
09.08.26 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz Open Air
14.08.26 CZ – Moravsky Krumlov / Rock Castle
16.08.26 CH – Cudrefin / Rock The Lakes

POWERWOLF are:
Attila Dorn – vocals
Falk Maria Schlegel – organ
Charles Greywolf – guitar
Matthew Greywolf – guitar
Roel van Helden – drums

POWERWOLF online:
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS

BOUM PATAT Present New Music Video for ‘Manneken Pis’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 17, 2025
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Electro-fun metal sensation Boum Patat has released the official music video for their track “Manneken Pis”, taken from the band’s latest album Ma Belgitude, out now via Wormholdeath.

The video is a hybrid experience, combining the raw energy of live performance with the surreal visual universe inside Boum Patat’s mind. Inspired by Brussels’ iconic statue Manneken Pis—a landmark bronze fountain sculpture of a little boy urinating—the clip captures the band’s signature blend of humor, intensity, and inventive storytelling.

Boum Patat breaks new ground in electro-metal, turning cultural symbols into vibrant, high-energy musical statements. “Manneken Pis” exemplifies the band’s playful approach to metal, fusing electrifying riffs, pulsating rhythms, and inventive visuals.

Stream “Ma Belgitude”: https://orcd.co/mabelgitude

Previous videos: Boum Patat: Watch, Je Suis Zat (Music Video): Watch, Mort Subite: Watch, Putaine Moustique: Watch

About:

BOUM PATAT is the new electro fun metal project by Belgian musician Olivier Wittenberg, former drummer-composer of Manic Movement. In the 2000s, he toured Europe with bands like Kreator, Moonspell, and Psychotic Waltz, and played major festivals such as Graspop Metal Meeting.

After a long break, he returns with Ma Belgitude, a self-produced solo debut that blends heavy metal, Belgian humor, and old-school electronic sounds. BOUM PATAT breaks metal’s usual codes—serious and absurd at once, mixing groove, industrial, and electronic punch with offbeat themes and playful visuals.

Live, the project becomes a trio with Laurent Soulasse (bass) and Maxime Demulder (drums).

Line up:
Olivier Wittenberg – vocals, songwriter, composer, producer, instruments
Jérémie Vasile – guitar

Stay connected:
http://www.facebook.com/BOUMPATAT
http://www.instagram.com/boumpatatofficial
http://www.tiktok.com/@boumpatat

Italy’s Gothic Doom Stalwarts THE FORESHADOWING Release Live Video for ‘Our Nightmares Call’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Marzia Troiani & Marco Soellner

Italy’s gothic doom stalwarts THE FORESHADOWING have just released a live video for Our Nightmares Call, a song from the band’s latest album New Wave Order.

The video was shot by Underroom Studios at the 2025 edition of Frantic Fest in Francavilla al Mare, Italy.

The mood is dark to melancholic, but also majestic and epic. Hailing from Rome (Italy), THE FORESHADOWING are something like the musical equivalent of the city they come from. Founded in 2005, the group can look back on a successful and eventful history. Listeners of gothic, doom and dark metal are very familiar with the quartet’s work. THE FORESHADOWING gained popularity in the international scene with four acclaimed albums released between 2007 and 2016: “Days of Nothing” (2007), “Oionos” (2010), “Second World” (2012) and “Seven Heads, Ten Horns” (2016) and through touring with SWALLOW THE SUN, SATURNUS, MARDUK, MOONSPELL, ANTIMATTER and IN THE WOODS.
 
In 2023, THE FORESHADOWING ended a forced break of several years with the EP “Forsaken Songs” and a European tour with Saturnus and In The Woods. Now, “New Wave Order” is the group’s fifth full length album and their debut on LIFEFORCE RECORDS. The formation from Rome emphasizes its strengths on the album and offers cinematic tracks of dark music that is nevertheless immensely catchy and mood-enhancing.

While listening to “New Wave Order”, you are whisked away into a world full of secrets and allusions. The path is THE FORESHADOWING’s goal, which manifests itself in all-encompassing, organically developed musicality. The Italians are outstanding songwriters who create captivating arcs of suspense and also keep an eye on the overarching strands. Nothing else can be expected from this eternal band. 

Order the album here: https://orcd.co/foreshadowing_nwo

MILWAUKEE METAL FESTIVAL 2026 Announces Date Change; Taking Place June 5 – 7, 2026

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 17, 2025
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Milwaukee Metal Festival 2026 is already booking a stacked lineup for next year, which is soon to be revealed! In the meantime, the festival’s commitment to topping the lineups from the last three editions has culminated in a change of date, which will now take place June 5 – 7, 2026, with the pre-party kicking off on June 4! The festival will take place once again at The Rave/Eagles Ballroom. Super early bird tickets and information on refunds can be found HERE. Early Bird tickets that were already purchased will still be honored.

Festival co-organizer Jamey Jasta comments, “One of our headliners was only available on June 5th and we could not pass up the opportunity to have them at Milwaukee Metal Fest! It just so happened that another headliner also became available on the same weekend. Win win! Its gonna be the best weekend ever!”

Stay tuned for the first wave of bands – you don’t wanna miss this!

Follow Milwaukee Metal Fest: Website – Facebook – Instagram – X

NUKEM Reveal Details for Sophomore Album “The Grave Remains”, Out April 10th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

California has always been fertile ground for thrash metal, leading the charge with some of the genre’s most legendary acts. San Diego’s NUKEM follows in the footsteps of thrash metal’s founding fathers, producing the kind of time-tested, neck-breaking thrash that invokes deep nostalgia while still sounding fresh and modern.

Following up the lauded release of their pummeling new single, “Random Acts of Violence,” the thrashers are now pleased to reveal that their sophomore full-length, ‘The Grave Remains,’ is now available for pre-orders! The record is due on April 10, 2026 via Redefining Darkness and the tracklisting and artwork can now be found below! Pre-orders are now live in the U.S. HERE and the rest of the world HERE.

ICYMI: “Random Acts of Violence” also features a guest guitar solo from Russ Tippins of the band Satan. The track is now available along with a visceral performance video that is sure to summon the kind of balls-to-the-wall, feral mosh pit that would make the late, great Paul Baloff proud. Watch the video HERE.

NUKEM guitarist/vocalist Steve Brogden previously commented on the heavy yet important lyrical content of the song, “We are stoked to share the first single ‘Random Acts of Violence’ from our new record. This track is a full bore aggressive thrash metal attack that directly mirrors its lyrical content. In an age where mass shootings, stabbings & people getting beat to death in the streets for a social media challenge has become normal, It truly shows how lost we are as a society. 24 years ago, there was a shooting at my high school leaving 2 dead & 13 wounded by a 15 year old armed assailant. In almost a quarter century, things have certainly not gotten any better!”

NUKEM also has announced several upcoming performances in their home state of California, which can be found below.

The artwork for ‘The Grave Remains’ was created by Megan Mushi and can be found below along with the tracklist.

Tracklist + Running Times:

  1. The Dead Draw (01:04)
  2. Policies of Hate (05:30)
  3. Random Acts of Violence (04:37)
  4. Tactics of Terror (03:49)
  5. Into the Kill Zone (04:39)
  6. Unconditional Surrender (06:18)
  7. Sentenced to Die (00:59)
  8. Curse of the Devil’s Bible (04:49)
  9. Empress of Evil (04:55)
  10. Torture, Murder, Mutilate! (05:34)
  11. Pro Mortuis (04:39)
  12. Don’t Believe a Word (Thin Lizzy Cover) (02:14)

Nukem Live Dates:
11/23: Ocean Beach, CA @The Holding Company
12/13: San Diego, Ca @The Tower Bar
01/03: San Francisco, CA @The DNA Lounge

Nukem is a Thrash metal force from San Diego, California, that delivers an honest, old school thrash attack. Formed in 2012, Nukem released their 2016 debut album “The Unholy Trinity,’ which was mixed & mastered by Ulrich Wild (Pantera, Static X, Dethklok, White Zombie) and was released via Sleaszy Rider Records out of Greece.

Nukem had entered the studio in 2024 once again with Ulrich Wild to work on our second album. Ten songs of pure molten metal! Some songs are full on unstoppable Bay Area style Thrash metal violence while others are more of a mid tempo power groove. Nukem has now forged a new union with Redefining Darkness for the release of their oncoming onslaught… stay tuned!

Recording Lineup:
Steve Brogden – Vocals & Guitar
Norm Leggio – Drums
Don Lauder – Bass

Live Lineup:
Steve Brogden – Vocals & Guitar
Norm Leggio – Drums
Don Lauder – Bass
Xander Gambini – Guitar

Special Guests:
Gary Holt (Exodus, Slayer) – Solo on ‘Empress of Evil’
Lee Altus (Exodus/Heathen) – Solo on ‘Don’t believe a word’
Rob Cavastany (Death Angel) – Solo on ‘Into the Kill Zone’
Russ Tippons (Satan) – Solo on ‘Random Acts of Violence’
Laura Christine (Dark Angel/Waeface) – Solo on ‘Empress of Evil’

Cover Art: Megan Mushi

Produced by Steve Brogden & Nukem
Recorded at The Wilderness with Ulrich Wild & Forge Audio with Steve Brogden
Forge Audio with Steve Brogden
Mixed by Ulrich Wild
Mastered by Maor Appelbaum

For Fans Of: Exodus, Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Overkill

–Pre-orders (USA): https://tornfromthegrave.us/collections/nukem
–Pre-orders (Rest of World): https://tornfromthegrave.com/collections/nukem

Links: Bandcamp – Facebook – Instagram – X – YouTube – Spotify – Apple Music