Australian groove-death metal juggernauts DISTORTA are back with a vengeance. Their brand-new EP, Deadman, drops on September 5th, 2025, via Wormholedeath, and it’s a genre-bending assault of pure power.
Following their 2024 debut Devil in the Dust, Deadman is the sound of a band hitting its stride—fusing thrash, groove, death, and power metal into an explosive signature style. Massive riffs, pounding rhythms, and anthemic choruses you can shout ‘til your lungs give out—this is DISTORTA.
The EP was entirely recorded, mixed, and mastered by the band themselves, and shows a marked evolution in sound and precision.
1. When the War Is Over 2. The Reaper 3. Deadman 4. Longway 5. Deafening Sins
Band Line-up for Deadman: Dmitry Keremetskiy – Lead Vocals James Boger – Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals Dom Davey – Guitar / Backing Vocals Dave Prodanovic – Bass Chris Hanrahan – Drums
As they put the finishing touches on their seventh full-length album, GRAILKNIGHTS have already unveiled its first chapter with the release of their new single, ‘Necronomicon.’ Hailing from Grailham City, these superhero-themed metallers take on none other than Cthulhu; a monstrous, kraken-like entity. The single’s title is likely to resonate with many, as it draws inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft’s infamous book of the same name.
‘Necronomicon’ opens with an eerie echo, as if calling from beyond, before GRAILKNIGHTS plunge headfirst into the ocean’s depths with a singular mission: to stop the resurrection of the ancient beast whose return could spell the end of the world. Armed with thunderous drums, a blazing intergalactic guitar solo, and a rallying chorus forged to summon the bravest of metalheads, the band wage an epic battle to outwit Cthulhu in the sunken city of R’lyeh once and for all.
The GRAILKNIGHTS add: “Valiant Battlechoir, with ‘Necronomicon,’ we continue a journey we started on our “Knightfall” album in 2018. We’ve always been fascinated by the world of H.P. Lovecraft – the atmosphere, the mystery, the sense of something vast and unknowable just beneath the surface. This song is our way of diving back into that universe. It’s also a spiritual follow-up to our earlier track ‘Cthulhu.’ This time we wanted to explore a different corner of that mythos though – something darker, more haunting, and a bit more epic in sound. Producing and recording ‘Necronomicon’ along with talented Sascha Paeth was intense and creatively rewarding. We focused on capturing that eerie, otherworldly mood that Lovecraft’s stories are known for, while staying true to our heroic and uplifting sound. We’re proud of how it turned out, and we’re excited to finally share it with you!”
‘Necronomicon’ was recorded at GateStudio (Wolfsburg, Germany) under the watchful eyes of Sascha Paeth (AVANTASIA, KAMELOT, RHAPSODY OF FIRE etc.). Its live premiere already took place during the group’s Grailfest, where Battlechoir members from all around the world came together at MusikZentrum Hanover on May 2 and 3. Fortunately, GRAILKNIGHTS fan don’t have to wait too long until their return as their 2025 “Battle Of Metal” co-headline tour with ALL FOR METAL will kick off at the very same venue on October 16. Containing 21 shows in total, the journey will lead both band’s way across 8 European countries. All dates and ticket info can be found below!
GRAILKNIGHTS live:
– 25.09.2025 DE Kiel – Full Metal Cruise XII (Teil I) SOLD OUT/NEU
– 30.09.2025 DE Kiel – Full Metal Cruise XII (Teil II) SOLD OUT/NEU
„Battle Of Metal“-Co-Headlinetour 2025 GRAILKNIGHTS & ALL FOR METAL w/ special guests Präsentiert von Rock It!, musix, metal.de, Tasmanian Devil Agency, RPM & PERCEPTION
16.10.2025 DE Hannover – MusikZentrum NEW 17.10.2025 DE Leipzig – Hellraiser 18.10.2025 DE Berlin – Lido 19.10.2025 DE Hamburg – Markthalle 21.10.2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal 22.10.2025 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 23.10.2025 DE Bochum – Matrix 24.10.2025 DE München – Backstage (Werk) 25.10.2025 DE Schirnding – Gemeindehalle 26.10.2025 CZ Zlín – Masters of Rock Café 27.10.2025 HU Budapest – Analog Music Hall 29.10.2025 AT Wien – Viper Room 30.10.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Club) 31.10.2025 DE Köln – Club Volta 02.11.2025 FR Paris – Nouveau Casino 03.11.2025 ES Bilbao – Sala Groove NEW 04.11.2025 ES Madrid – Revi Live NEW 05.11.2025 ES Salamanca – Sala B Caem NEW 06.11.2025 FR Lyon – Rock n’ Eat 07.11.2025 BE Kortrijk – DVG Club 08.11.2025 DE Löffingen – Rocknacht
08/09.05.2026 DE Braunschweig – Rock in Rautheim *NEW*
About GRAILKNIGHTS
If it’s on their 2004 debut album “Across The Galaxy,” its follow-ups “Return To Castle Grailskull” and “Alliance” or their tales of the past 15 years (“Calling The Choir,”“Knightfall” & “Muscle Bound For Glory”), GRAILKNIGHTS’ goal has remained the same – the Holy Grail must be returned to Grailham City! Their mission also led their flight path to stages around the globe, which they boldly dominated as headlining act and shared with acts such as SABATON, FEUERSCHWANZ, BROTHERS OF METAL and TWILIGHT FORCE among others, always supported by their brave fan base aka the Battlechoir.
During the years, some of these equally brave musicians have also lent their additional vocal support to the Hanover, Germany based squad: Tracks like ‘Turbo Boost [feat. FEUERSCHWANZ]’ but especially ‘Pumping Iron Power,’ which was graced by SABATON’s Joakim Brodén, crafted additional intergalactic bondings between the band and metalheads worldwide, and saw GRAILKNIGHTS’ success numbers go through the roof with ‘Pumping Iron Power’ heading for 15 million Spotify streams only.
Highly experienced in both studio and live battles, the superheroic metal group have faced and overcome several evil powers over time, and now they are set to oppose Dr. Skull in full length once again with their 7th adventure, followed by yet another journey across Europe. Joining forces with label family members ALL FOR METAL in autumn 2025, the “Battle Of Metal” can actually only end in another victory against all evil.
GRAILKNIGHTS are: Sir Optimus Prime | vocals Sovereign Storm | guitars, vocals Count Cranium | guitars, vocals Duncan MacLoud | bass, vocals Lord Drumcules | drums
Swiss Goth / Horror / Shock Metal band DARKFLOW have released their highly anticipated new album Imminent End, out now!
Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Andy LaRocque (legendary guitarist of King Diamond) at Sonic Train Studio in Sweden,Imminent End is a concept album that takes listeners through a dark and chaotic vision of the world’s collapse. LaRocque not only helmed the production but also contributes a blistering guest solo on the epic track “The Last Symphony.” Brian Bendahan did the orchestration of all the songs.
The album Imminent End explores themes of divine judgment, human depravity, and cosmic destruction. DARKFLOW crafts a world where each track reveals a different path to ruin—tsunamis, wars, existential despair—culminating in a battle between heaven’s wrath and hell’s vengeance.
“This album is about the world’s end, each track a vision of how everything falls apart. I embody Sean Horror, returning from hell to destroy the Earth before God can. It’s a race for apocalypse. ‘Press The Button’ finds Sean forcing a powerful man to unleash nuclear chaos. And the final song, ‘Whistles From The Sky,’ is my laughter as I’ve outdone God—winning the destruction of mankind and ushering in the end of all civilization.”
With Imminent End, DARKFLOW cement their place as masters of sonic horror, blending goth, shock metal, and theatrical narrative into a terrifying and unforgettable experience.
Stereophobia are an alternative metal band from Lisbon, Portugal, and they will blow your mind like an M-80 in a paper lampshade! They feature a massive guitar sound, a thundering bass, and a percussive pound and burn that resonates like a war-drum. The band just premiered a new music video for their rebellious new single “Maggots“. The music video was directed by Lou Loução in Alverca, Lisbon. “Maggots” is the first single & music video taken from their upcoming full-length album Choke On This which will be released on August 29, 2025 via Eclipse Records. The album was produced by Miguel Camilo and Stereophobia at MC Sound Studios.
“This video portrays neglect in a metaphorical way” Says guitarist & vocalist Mike Rocha. “Abandonment and mental loneliness, disturbances and conflicts due to someone not adapting or being part of the common social context, all come into play. I feel that it touches on every feeling conveyed in the album’s overall theme; it has a bit of everything. Initially, the idea was to convey the contrast between a happy family on TV screens and being watched by a doctor in a mental hospital, but we adapted it to something more disturbing. The ideas came about largely from the influence of the film The Ring and the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest with Jack Nicholson.” Drummer Dany Antunes adds, “Being part of the creation of this music video was a challenge, as it required ensuring that the intended vision and direction were perfectly aligned. The director and her crew were truly amazing—efficient, supportive and instrumental in allowing creativity to flourish. The duality of acting and playing our musical instruments was both exciting and intense. We paid close attention to every technical detail, making sure nothing disrupted the crew’s performance and worked within the constraints of time and location to bring our vision to life. The connection between everyone on set was incredible, making the entire process both highly productive and deeply engaging.”
Coverart Credit: Tatiana Ferreira
Choke on This, the hot new alternative metal album from Stereophobia, is more than a gut punch. It is a blast in the face that widens your eyes, buzzsaws your back, and rocks you right to the marrow. Hard rock at its finest, the rich guitar sound is a precious collection of aesthetic “schitzo-riffs,” each an exotic treasure dazzling in the dark and leading us to the caverns and haunts of our deepest repressions. The bass is a booming series of tactical nukes, and the power-drumming gets in your blood, enlarges your heart, and rattles your ribcage. The album isn’t subtle. Play the “f” out of it, and for “eff’n” God’s sake, play it loud! In terms of overall theme, this emotive and powerful record is about infection, a poisoned society we feed on like snakes in the crease, ingesting the swill spit out of our television sets, the lies bleeding through the pores of our social media, and the culture wars pitting us against each other like gladiators wearing masks and falling hard on our swords. Musically, Choke on This is innovative and fresh considering the variety of guitar sounds, the intricate drum work (especially the production and performance on the toms), the emotive vocals, and the powerful bass runs. This album was produced by Miguel Camilo, (M’vula, The Bateleurs), and Stereophobia at MC Sound Studios, and the album cover art was created by Tatiana Ferreira. Choke On This by Stereophobia will be released on August 29th, 2025 via Eclipse Records.
Choke On This track listing 01. XFile #903YU 02. Maggots 03. Drown 04. Uncle Clarke’s (made me do it) 05. Don’t Belong 06. The Tourist 07. Everything’s Gone 08. Twisted Fuck 09. The Freak Show 10. Plastik Queen 11. Illusions 12. Drop Dead 13. Left in a Box 14. Sweet Agony (bonus track)
Pre-Save or Pre-Order Choke On This at this location.
Stereophobia lineup Mike Rocha (guitars & vocals), Daniel Antunes (drums & backing vocals), Bruno Santos (bass guitar)
Italian folk metal band Aexylium proudly returns with their third studio album, “Myth of Mankind,” out now via Rockshots Records. With this new chapter, the band takes a decisive step forward in style and substance, offering their most mature and focused work.
Formed in 2014, Aexylium has always stood out for its ability to merge the raw intensity of modern metal with the warm, evocative tones of traditional instruments, building a sound that is both powerful and atmospheric. With “Myth of Mankind,” the band pushes that blend even further, refining every aspect of their songwriting and production while exploring deeper, more introspective themes. The album moves away from the more mythological narratives of the past, instead embracing abstract reflections on the human condition, identity, and the complexity of existence in the modern world.
Musically, “Myth of Mankind” is an intense yet melodic journey, built on technical guitar work, immersive orchestration, and the interplay between aggression and elegance. The album also marks a turning point in the band’s lineup, introducing vocalist Sam Biganzoli, whose expressive and multifaceted vocal range brings new emotional depth and narrative strength. Alongside him, drummer Alberto Mezzanotte (ex-Frozen Crown, Nekomata, Apple Sauce) and guitarist Luca Perrone (founder of Apple Sauce) contributed to a renewed creative energy that flows through every track on the record.
To celebrate the album’s release, Aexylium has also unveiled the official music video for the track “Hexe”, available now on YouTube here:
“Hexe” perfectly represents the spirit of the album—a high-impact, rhythm-driven song that combines rich melodic lines with a powerful vocal performance from Sam Biganzoli delivering intensity and momentum without ever losing the folk essence that defines the band’s DNA. Visually and sonically, the video amplifies the track’s energy and emotion, offering a powerful introduction to the album’s vision.
With previous albums “Tales from This Land” (2018) and “The Fifth Season” (2021), Aexylium laid the groundwork for their identity within the folk metal genre. But with “Myth of Mankind”, they go further, crafting a sound that is not only rooted in tradition but shaped by modern sensibilities, progressive elements, and a cinematic scope. The result is an album that speaks both to long-time genre fans and to those seeking a richer, more evolved take on folk metal.
Aexylium’s music draws inspiration from acts like Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Amorphis, Folkstone, Alestorm, and Mago de Oz, yet remains unmistakably their own. With “Myth of Mankind”, the band reaffirms its place as one of Italy’s most promising names in the scene, ready to leave a mark far beyond national borders. The album was recorded by Davide Tavecchia at Twilight Studio and features stunning artwork created by the renowned artist Gustavo Sazes (Arch Enemy, Machine Head, Amaranthe).
LISTEN to the previous single and album title track “Myth Of Mankind”: lnk.to/XApTSY
Aexylium will present “Myth of Mankind” live on stage at the following dates: May 31st – Centrale Rock Pub (Erba – CO) – Release Party June 8th – Strigarium Festival (BG)
More shows to be announced soon!
Track Listing: 1 – Fontes et Omnia 2 – The Queen 3 – Hexe 4 – Into Oblivion 5 – In Sorrow 6 – Myth of Mankind 7 – Eclissi 8 – Wild Hunt 9 – Surrender 10 – Northern Lights 11 – Eternity
Metal Blade Records is pleased to welcome Tasmanian death metal behemoths PSYCROPTIC to its esteemed roster for the release of their forthcoming new full-length.
Australia is home to innumerable death metal bands. Few make their way beyond these shores, and fewer still garner global respect. Out of those, only one has maintained that position for a full 25 years: Australia’s finest, PSYCROPTIC. When the history of technical metal is viewed in years to come, the books will show that PSYCROPTIC is responsible for a hefty slice of the genre. The band blasted into the deepest underground in the late ’90s, then proceeded to drag the metal scene closer to what they do by sheer attrition. Their music guides you through the densest of riff jungles before bursting into the clear with powerfully rhythmic grooves and blasts, anchored by the profoundly talented Haley brothers. Guitarist Joe’s esoteric, impenetrable picking style weaves musical hooks that wrap around the listener before pulling back to reveal Dave’s pulsating rhythms. They achieve a level of synchronization only brothers with decades of experience playing together can achieve. There are none tighter. That their telepathic performance is matched by the final lineup of Todd Stern on bass and the charismatic roar of Jason Peppiatt is almost unfair. Like all masters, they make the impossible look impossibly easy.
Comments guitarist Joe Haley on the band’s signing to Metal Blade, “Having grown up listening to countless amazing bands on the Metal Blade roster, the label had a big impact on shaping who we are as musicians, essentially becoming an integral part of our creative DNA. From the early days of picking up our instruments to finding our own sound as a band, Metal Blade has always represented the pinnacle of heavy music and a place where groundbreaking artists are created and thrive. So we’re beyond honored to announce that we’re officially joining the Metal Blade family – a surreal and humbling moment for all of us in PSYCROPTIC.
“We’re currently in the final stages of finishing our new album, and we can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on. To kick off this awesome new chapter on the right note, we’re dropping our brand-new single, ‘Architects Of Extinction.’ Enjoy.”
Adds bassist Todd Stern, “As PSYCROPTIC prepares to release our ninth full-length studio album, we couldn’t be more excited about the fact that we’ve joined forces with the one and only Metal Blade Records, who will be handling its release. We feel that at this point in our career, both the timing and the fit are seemingly perfect. Metal Blade and its roster have always been exceptional, and we are very grateful and humbled to join such a legendary list of artists that have been part of the label’s family throughout the ages.
“We are adding the final touches on our next record, but in the meantime we have something savory prepared: a dense, hard-hitting single entitled ‘Architects Of Extinction. Get ready for the golden age of Tasmania’s most prolific metal band!“
Next week, PSYCROPTIC will kick off a host of Summer performances throughout Australia and Europe. See all confirmed dates below.
PSYCROPTIC Live: 6/06/2025 Republic Bar – Hobart, AU 6/07/2025 Royal Oak – Launceston, AU 6/08/2025 Pub Rock Diner – Devonport, AU 6/10/2025 Magnet House – Perth, AU 6/11/2025 Lion Arts – Adelaide, AU 6/13/2025 170 Russell – Melbourne, AU 6/14/2025 Metro Theatre – Sydney, AU 6/15/2025 Princess Theatre – Brisbane, AU 7/26/2025 Tolminator – Tolmin, SI 7/27/2025 Backstage Free & Easy – München, DE 7/28/2025 Vaudeville – Lindau, DE 7/29/2025 Garage – Saarbrücken, DE 7/30/2025 Hellraiser – LeipziG, DE 8/02/2025 Manchester Academy – Manchester, UK 8/05/2025 La Eventhalle – Cham, DE 8/07/2025 Brutal Assault – Jaromer, CZ 8/09/2025 Alcatraz – Kortrijk, BE 8/10/2025 Hall Of Fame – Tilburg, NL
Most bands take a few albums to find their feet but PSYCROPTIC‘s first two releases were underground classics: The Isle Of Disenchantment (2001, self-released) and The Scepter Of The Ancients (2003, Unique Leader). Vocalist Matthew Chalk and bassist Cameron Grant were part of the first squad who joined the Haleys on their quest for perfection. A relentless touring schedule emerged in Australia, including legendary appearances at Canberra’s Metal For The Brain festival. Normally this would be the high point for an Australian metal band. Two albums out, successful shows, who could ask for more?
Tasmania couldn’t contain them and as it turned out, neither could Australia. Their first overseas tour was Europe in 2004. Matthew was replaced on vocals by Jason Peppiatt, and PSYCROPTIC went on to record Symbols Of Failure (2006, Neurotic). The band expanded their sound with Ob (Servant) (2008, Nuclear Blast) bringing in ambience and atmosphere, then The Inherited Repression (2012, Nuclear Blast) introducing the powerful neck-cracking grooves that would mark their sound going forward.
It also introduced them to touring the US with their first happening in 2010. This pushed their lust for the road to new levels, smashing audiences and stupefying musicians around the planet. They’re unique among death metal bands in that it’s almost pointless to try and list the festivals and countries they’ve visited, let alone the bands they’ve played with. It can be condensed to “everyone, everywhere.” Official estimates are at forty countries.
PSYCROPTIC solidified their American relationship by signing to Prosthetic Records in 2014, replacing Cameron on bass with US legend Todd Stern in 2015, then releasing their self-titled album in the same year. At this point something indefinable clicked, and the band unleashed As The Kingdom Drowns (2018), a clear step up from their previous work. Divine Council (2022) proved that this wasn’t a new level for the band – it’s a new normal. Origin vocalist Jason Keyser, long considered a part of PSYCROPTIC‘s extended family, contributed vocals to Divine Council as well as the upcoming new material. Keyser remains a session and live vocalist on select tours.
Signing to the legendary Metal Blade Records for their forthcoming full-length album – there is no slowing down. PSYCROPTIC are no longer the local Australian band made good: they are a global powerhouse with a footprint the size of the world, nothing left to prove, and an endless commitment to finding ways to rock you as hard as technically possible.
PSYCROPTIC: Dave Haley – drums Joe Haley – guitars Jason Peppiatt – vocals Jason Keyser – vocals Todd Stern – bass guitar
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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 