Finnish death metal act REFUSAL have unleashed a brand-new single, “Congregation of the Eyeless”, offering a new glimpse into their upcoming third album “Venomous Human Concept”, due out on June 6th 2025 via Time To Kill Records.
The track showcases the band’s trademark blend of grind-infused death metal and hardcore aggression, combining groove-laden riffs with unrelenting intensity and surgical precision. With this latest offering, REFUSAL continue to push their sound forward, delivering a brutal yet meticulously crafted assault that underscores their status as one of Finland’s most ferocious underground forces.
“‘Congregation of the Eyeless’ is the ninth song on the album. The song was heavily influenced by Deicide. Heavy blastbeats and catchy riffs dominate this song. Lyrically the song delves into the selfish nature of people, and their lack of bravery to step up when they witness coercion and foul play”.
Tracklist:
1. Scholar of Perversion 2. Venomous Human Concept 3. The Grip Tightens 4. Insatiable God 5. War of Nothing 6. Dehumanize 7. We Are the Undead 8. Sleeping Leviathan 9. Congregation of the Eyeless 10. Eternal Refrain
REFUSAL is a Finnish death metal band formed in Helsinki, Finland, in early 2008. Over its 17-year history, the band has evolved its sound, incorporating grindcore elements into its death metal foundation. In its early years, REFUSAL released seven demos, paving the way for their debut album. In 2016, the band unleashed “We Rot Within”, marking their first full-length record. Following its release, the band toured extensively across Finland and embarked on a brief European tour.
In 2019, REFUSAL released their second album, “Epitome of Void”, followed by an extensive European tour, during which they performed in nine countries.
Their latest release has been in development since the release of their second album. After enduring the pandemic years and undergoing line-up changes, REFUSAL is now set to return with their evolved sonic chaos on “Venomous Human Concept”.
For fans of: Napalm Death, Misery Index, Entombed, Rotten Sound
Line-up:
Juhani Paasipohja – Vocals Tero Pirhonen – Guitars Kalle Kuosmanen – Guitars Timo Pirhonen – Backing vocals and bass Aleksi Roitto – Drums
Trick Or Treat has released a video for “Craven Road”, taken from the new album “Ghosted” released on April 25 by Scarlet Records.
Grab your popcorn… and your holy water: “Craven Road” is the third and last installment of the “Ghosted” horror trilogy (after “Ghosted”, the single, and “Dance With The Dancing Clown”) – creepier, crazier, and more Trick Or Treat-ish than ever!
video by Domenico Guidetti
“Ghosted”:
brand new studio album for the Italian happy metal champions of the world;
eleven compelling fun songs infused with smart references to the horror, video game and comics culture;
featuring the special guests vocalists Chris Bowes (Alestorm) & Adrienne Cowan (Avantasia, Seven Spires);
produced by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio;
cover artwork by Alessandro “Alle” Conti (Trick Or Treat & Twilight Force singer; former Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody singer);
Trick Or Treat is officially part of the Rock The Nation booking roster;
“Ghosted” tracklist: 1 Lost In The Haunted House (intro) 2 Craven Road 3 Bloodmoon (ft. Adrienne Cowan) 4 Ghosted 5 Dance With The Dancing Clown 6 Polybius 7 Evil Dead Never Sleeps 8 Return To Monkey Island (ft. Chris Bowes) 9 Make A Difference 10 The 13th 11 Bitter Dreams
Total running time – 46:00
artwork by Alle Conti
“Ghosted” is the album that definitely marks the new Trick Or Treat course, where the classic power happy metal mixes with terrifying and yet funny horror atmospheres.
The Italian band put in music some of the most famous horror movie franchise such as “Evil Dead Never Sleeps” (“Army Of Darkness”), “Bitter Dreams” (“A Nightmare On Elm Street”) or “The 13th” (“Friday The 13th”), and paid heartfelt homage to the world of comics (“Craven Road”, Dylan Dog) and video game (“Return To Monkey Island”) that shaped their imaginary too.
With a little help from a couple of famous international friends, Trick Or Treat delivered just another irresistible collection of wicked, catchy and energetic metal tunes!
The wait is almost over! Ahead of tomorrow’s release of their blistering third album, The Ugly Side Of Me, modern metal stars TETRARCH have dropped their fourth and final single, entitled “Best OfLuck”. The standout track showcases the stellar riff artistry of Jackson Guitars’ first ever female signature artist Diamond Rowe.
Diamond Rowe of TETRARCH offers an inside look at the lyricism behind “Best Of Luck”: “’Best Of Luck’ was such a fun song to write. I think Josh and I got together and wrote this song together in only a few hours and it has ended up being a favorite of those who have heard the album already.
The title of this song has kind of a funny story. I remember when we were younger and just starting out we would get rejection emails left and right from several different people within the industry. A lot of them used to sign their emails ‘Best of Luck’ or ‘Best of Luck in the future’ and it was always funny because clearly they didn’t wish us well at all, haha! Fast forward to now, when we have accomplished so much of what a lot of those people said we never would already, so this is kind of our ‘Best of Luck’ back to them. No hard feelings, just a funny tongue in cheek kind of thing. Maybe it’s us just being the smart asses that we always are.”
After four years of intensely focused growth, TETRARCH is poised to top the multi-millions of cross-platform streams and views of their addictive singles and high-energy videos, frequent playlisting via Spotify, Apple and others, mainstream top 40 Active Rock radio blitzes, attention from major media like Billboard, Revolver, Alternative Press, Guitar World, Kerrang! and Metal Hammer,and international tours supporting legendary artists Sevendust, Atreyu and beyond.
If there is any question as to whether a band can push the confines of metal and hard rock in to the future, TETRARCH are the answer. Combining energetic modern musical aggression and lyrical honesty with colossal choruses and unforgettable melodies, TETRARCH appeal to fans both in and outside of the metal scene, providing newcomers a gateway into heavy music.
TETRARCH’s Napalm Records debut, Unstable (2021), received massive critical acclaim. Its debut single, “I’m Not Right”, cracked the Mediabase Active Rock Top 30 and has garnered over 15 million combined cross-platform streams to date. Follow up single “You Never Listen” later went on to receive keen support from SiriusXM, HardDrive, Full Metal Jackie and many more of the country’s leading active rock outlets.
Among its perfectly crafted 10 tracks, new album The Ugly Side Of Me cuts like 90s industrial-injected single “Live Not Fantasize” – which premiered via SiriusXM Liquid Metal upon its release alongside Diamond Rowe’s Jackson Guitars signature launch – thrill with intense electronic flourishes, quick riffage and dynamic, spine-tingling guitar solos. Anthemic second single “Never Again (Parasite)” – featuring the standout vocal debut of Diamond Rowe – carefully balances thick grooves and massive atmosphere with deep-cutting lyricism and the mulit-faceted vocal breadth of frontman Josh Fore. Tracks like album opener “Anything Like Myself” showcase the hypnotizing, crushing metallic brilliance of the band while flirting with Josh Fore’s intense screams and Ruben Limas’ punching drums, while the likes of “Best Of Luck” stand tall with the rhythmic basslines of Ryan “Dooms” Lerner and Rowe’s inventive riff artistry. Profound melodic bangers like “Erase” and “Cold” are injected with intricate guitar solos, while “Headspace” and “The Only Thing I’ve Got” thrust the vital, brooding elements of TETRARCH into the forefront. Each track succeeds with lyrical themes of facing our own darkest criticisms – embracing the healing notion that what we feel others may see as our worst traits actually define the greatest aspects of our individuality.
Featuring needle-sharp production co-produced by Dave Otero, Diamond Rowe and Josh Fore, The Ugly Side Of Me boasts unrelenting brutality, catchiness and songwriting mastery. Metal is practically begging for its next wave of genre frontrunners, and with one listen it’s clear – TETRARCH lead the charge.
The Ugly Side Of Me track listing: 1. Anything Like Myself 2. Never Again (Parasite) 3. Live Not Fantasize 4. Erase 5. The Only Thing I’ve Got 6. Best Of Luck 7. Crawl 8. Cold 9. Headspace 10. The Ugly Side of Me
EUROPEAN HEADLINE TOUR DATES: 16.06.25 DE – Leipzig / Moritzbastei 17.06.25 DE – Berlin / Privatclub 18.06.25 DE – Hannover / Café Clocksee 19.06.25 DE – Ratingen / Manege 20.06.25 DK – Copenhagen / Copenhell 22.06.25 NL – Utrecht / De Helling 24.06.25 BE – Ghent / Vierde Zaal 25.06.25 UK – Birmingham / The Flapper 26.06.25 UK – London / Camden Assembly 28.06.25 ES – Viviero / Resurrection Fest 29.06.25 CH – Geneva / Undertown 02.07.25 HU – Dunaujvaros / Rockmaraton 03.07.25 AT – Vienna / Flex 05.07.25 CZ – Velke Mezirici / Fajt Fest
TETRARCH is: Josh Fore – vocals/guitar Diamond Rowe – lead guitar Ryan “Dooms” Lerner – bass Ruben Limas – drums
The newly formed SATCHVAI Band, the electrifying collaboration between legendary guitarists Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, returns with their second studio single “I Wanna Play My Guitar,” out Thursday May 8th, 2025. Featuring powerhouse vocals from Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Country Communion), the track arrives just one month ahead of the band’s European summer tour, their first full run as a unified group.
The single is available on all streaming platforms HERE.
Following the cinematic instrumental release of their debut collaboration “The Sea of Emotion, Pt. 1” in March 2024, “I Wanna Play My Guitar” adds another dynamic layer to the SATCHVAI catalogue, blending hard rock, blues, and arena-sized energy.
Anchored by Hughes’ unmistakable voice and backed by an all-star rhythm section, the song is a rousing celebration of six-string obsession and pure rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Directed by ZZ Satriani, son of Joe Satriani, the video for “I Wanna Play My Guitar” captures the electric chemistry between the newly formed SatchVai band and iconic guest vocalist Glenn Hughes.
Full Track Line-up:
Glenn Hughes – Lead Vocals Joe Satriani – Guitars Steve Vai – Guitars Marco Mendoza – Bass Kenny Aronoff – Drums Eric Caudieux – Keyboards Background Vocals by Derek Day, Steve Vai, and Doug MacArthur
European Tour to Ignite June 13
“I Wanna Play My Guitar” sets the tone for SATCHVAI’s monumental European Tour, launching June 13, 2025, in the United Kingdom and spanning iconic cities and festivals throughout the beginning of August. For the first time in their nearly 50-year musical careers, legendary guitar icons Joe Satriani and Steve Vai have united to form the SATCHVAI Band.
Satriani and Vai—who first toured together in Spring 2024 outside the G3 format—are now officially a band, bringing their decades-long musical brotherhood to the international stage.
Tickets for all UK and European tour dates are available from www.satchvaiband.com.
The full band line-up includes powerhouse drummer Kenny Aronoff, renowned bassist Marco Mendoza, and virtuoso guitarist Pete Thorn to complete a stellar quintet that is the SATCHVAI Band.
The UK leg of the tour will kick off at the York Barbican (June 13) followed by dates at London Eventim Apollo (June 14), Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (June 17), Wolverhampton Civic Hall (June 18), and Manchester O2 Apollo (June 19).
“SATCHVAI BAND”, FEATURING JOE SATRIANI AND STEVE VAI “SURFING WITH THE HYDRA” JUNE 2025 UK TOUR
LONDON, O2 EVENTIM APOLLO SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2025 45 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9QH http://www.eventimapollo.com
GLASGOW, ROYAL CONCERT HALL TUESDAY 17 JUNE 2025 2 Killermont St, Glasgow, G2 3NW glasgowlife.org.uk
WOLVERHAMPTON, CIVIC HALL WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 2025 University of Wolverhampton, North Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RD http://www.thehallswolverhampton.co.uk
June 13 – York, UK – Barbican w/Ned Evett June 14 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo w/Ned Evett June 17 – Glasgow, UK – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall w/Ned Evett June 18 – Wolverhampton, UK – Civic Hall w/Ned Evett June 19 – Manchester, UK – O2 Apollo w/Ned Evett June 21 – Clisson, FR – Hellfest June 22 – Paris, FR – Palais Des Congres w/Ned Evett June 23 – Antwerp, BE – Lotto Arena w/Ned Evett June 24 – Amsterdam, NL – Amsterdam Afas w/Ned Evett June 26 – Copenhagen, DK – Amager Bio w/Ned Evett June 27 – Malmo, SE – Slagthuset Saluhallen w/Ned Evett June 29 – Helsinki, FI – House of Culture w/Ned Evett June 30 – Tampere, FI – Tampere Hall w/Ned Evett July 02 – Uppsala, SE – Parksnackan w/Ned Evett July 03 – Oslo, NO – Sentrum Scene w/Ned Evett July 05 – Warsaw, PL – Torwar July 8 – Munich, DE – Tollwood Festival w/Ned Evett July 10 – Dusseldorf, DE – Mitsubishi Electric Hall w/Ned Evett July 11 – Frankfurt, DE – Jahrhunderthalle w/Ned Evett July 12 – Zurich, CH – Volkshaus Zürich July 13 – Milan, IT – Comfort Festival @ Villa Casati Stampa July 15 – Pordenone, IT – Parco San Valentino July 16 – Perugia, IT – Umbria Jazz July 17 – Bologna, IT – Sequoie Music Park July 18 – Saint-Julien, FR – Guitares en Scene Festival July 20 Prague, CZ – Forum Karlin July 22 Sofia, BG – National Palace of Culture w/Ned Evett July 23 Bucharest, RO – Arenele Romane July 25 Istanbul, TR – KüçükÇiftlik Park July 28 Athens, GR – Lycabettus Theater July 30 Belgrade, RS – Luika Beograd w/Ned Evett Aug 01 Sibenik, HR – Historic St. Michael’s Fortress Aug 02 Sibenik, HR – Historic St. Michael’s Fortress
Joe Satriani For over three decades, the guitar virtuoso has travelled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star “G3” guitar extravaganza. Satriani’s studio and live recordings have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide to date and of his many solo albums, two have gone platinum and four others went gold, with 15 Grammy nominations between them. He launched his annual “G4 Experience” in 2014 bringing aspiring guitarists together for four days of workshops, mentor sessions and live performances, providing an exclusive learning platform led by him and his accomplished peers. In 2021, he introduced the “Crystal Planet” comic series, a five-part opus interweaving the realms of music and art. The tour documentary “Beyond the Supernova,” directed by ZZ Satriani and currently available for streaming, offers an intimate behind-the-scenes glimpse that intricately chronicles his life, illuminating the profound dedication that fuels his guitar mastery. His side project, Chickenfoot, featuring former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, former bassist Michael Anthony and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith saw their debut album certified gold and their second studio album debuted at #9. Satriani released his 19th studio album, The Elephants of Mars, in April 2022. In 2024 Satriani embarked on Sammy Hagar’s Best of All Worlds tour.
Steve Vai Steve Vai is a virtuoso guitarist, composer, and producer, considered by many as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. In over 40 years in the industry, Vai has sold over 15 million records, received three Grammy Awards, and recorded with music legends like Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, Whitesnake and many more. Vai has also toured extensively and recorded live projects with G3 (collaborating with different touring line-ups including Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Steve Lukather) and Generation Axe, a supergroup Vai formed with Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt and Tosin Abasi. Vai is the author of Vaideology: Basic Music Theory for Guitar Players (Hal Leonard), his inaugural music theory book designed to help both beginners and veteran guitar players. He toured North America in support of his most recent studio album Inviolate before embarking on the BEAT tour playing the music of 80s King Crimson.
Kenny Aronoff Kenny Aronoff is a world-renowned drummer celebrated for his precision, versatility, and powerhouse performances. With a career spanning over four decades, Aronoff has played on more than 60 Grammy-nominated recordings and worked with an extraordinary range of artists, including John Mellencamp, John Fogerty, Elton John, Bob Dylan, and Chickenfoot. His contributions extend across genres, from rock and pop to jazz and country, showcasing his adaptability and mastery of rhythm. A sought-after session and touring musician, Aronoff is known for his high-energy style and impeccable timing, which have established him as a prominent figure in the music industry. In addition to his extensive studio and live work, he is a published author, motivational speaker, and educator, sharing his experiences and expertise with audiences worldwide.
Pete Thorn Pete Thorn is a celebrated guitarist whose dynamic and versatile playing has earned him spots alongside legends like Don Henley, Chris Cornell, and Melissa Etheridge. Originally from Edmonton, Thorn moved to Los Angeles to study at the prestigious Musicians Institute, launching a prolific career that includes stints with Sony-signed band Surreal McCoys and rock acts like Forty Foot Echo and Five for Fighting. Beyond his work as a sideman, Thorn has toured globally with stars such as Jewel and Mylene Farmer and collaborated with luminaries like Courtney Love and Linda Perry. His solo album Guitar Nerd showcases his mastery across a range of styles, from bluesy shredding to atmospheric fingerpicking. A true “guitar nerd,” Thorn also shares his expertise with a massive audience on his YouTube channel, where his gear demos and tutorials have amassed millions of views, solidifying his status as a modern guitar virtuoso.
Marco Mendoza Marco Mendoza is a highly versatile bassist, vocalist, and songwriter with an extensive career that spans a variety of genres. He has recorded and toured with some of the biggest names in rock, including Blue Murder, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Ted Nugent, and The Dead Daisies. A dynamic live performer, Marco is equally at home on large stages as in intimate settings, showcasing his ability to play everything from jazz and Latin groove to hard rock. As a solo artist, he has released several acclaimed albums, including Viva La Rock, Live for Tomorrow, and New Direction. In addition to his musical achievements, Marco is a dedicated ambassador for music, connecting with fans through clinics and interviews. With The Dead Daisies, he has contributed to multiple studio and live albums, performing across the globe from Cuba to Australia.
“The Unobtainable Sleep” is the latest single from Charleston, West Virginia metal veterans BYZANTINE. The track comes off the band’s forthcoming new full-length, Harbingers, set for release on June 13th via Metal Blade Records.
“The Unobtainable Sleep” weaves a dark and poetic tale about the pursuit of serenity through death and features guitarist Brian Henderson channeling Jerry Cantrell-style vocal harmonies.
Notes Henderson, “This song title is a dark and poetic definition of death. OJ had a few riffs laying around that were inspired by Extol, Carcass, and Fear Factory, and they fit perfectly together to craft this tune. We specifically wrote an extended solo section to allow our friend from Russia, Andrey Gadzhibalaev, a chance to perform a beautiful guest guitar solo.”
Watch BYZANTINE‘s previously released video for “Floating Chrysanthema” HERE.
Produced by Peter Wichers (Soilwork, All That Remains, Nevermore), Harbingers offers nine tracks totaling forty-five minutes of deep lyrical wisdom alongside equally hefty riffs delivered seamlessly by one of the most commanding and unsung lineups to emerge from the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal movement of the early-2000s. Now a five-piece for the first time ever featuring founding frontman Chris “OJ” Ojeda, alongside former guitarist Tony Rohrbough, bassist Ryan Postlethwait, veteran guitarist Brian Henderson, and drummer Matt Bowles, with Harbingers, BYZANTINE is a crown jewel in their impressive seven-album discography.
The album cover, designed by mixed-media artist Ashley Hoey, beautifully depicts Irene of Athens – the mother of Emperor Constantine and the first female empress of the Byzantine Empire. This focus on a maternal ruler eloquently ties into the album’s title, Harbingers, which means “ones who usher in great change.”
Harbingers will be released on CD and digital formats. Find pre-orders at: metalblade.com/byzantine
It has taken years of ups and downs for BYZANTINE to reach the point of creating Harbingers. Discovered early on by Lamb Of God‘s Chris Adler, the band quickly released their debut full-length, The Fundamental Component, in 2004. The record boasted a raw fusion of Bay Area thrash and Southern-tinged groove metal and set the tone for their future sound. Their 2005-released …And They Shall Take Up Serpents offering marked an even more blistering evolution. However, turmoil ultimately led to BYZANTINE‘s breakup, announced just one day after the release of their third album, 2007’s prophetic Oblivion Beckons.
Reforming to release the independent albums Byzantine (2013) and To Release Is To Resolve (2015), the band saw the latter dominate SiriusXM’s Hard Attack Devil’s Dozen for weeks, also earning them the #1 spot on CMJ’s Loud Rock Chart. Notably, BYZANTINE became only the second independent band to achieve this feat following Clutch‘s indie release, Earth Rocker.
In 2017, BYZANTINE made their Metal Blade debut with The Cicada Tree, faultlessly merging multiple genres into their progressive groove sound, a signature blend now synonymous with the band. With Harbingers raising the stakes and a revitalized lineup in place, Ojeda confidently states, “If you’ve slept on BYZANTINE for the past twenty-five years, Harbingers will awaken you.”
BYZANTINE: Chris Ojeda – vocals Brian Henderson – guitar, vocals Tony Rohrbough – guitar Ryan Postlethwait – bass, vocals Matt Bowles – drums
Cultural pride meets metal fury as Through n Through return with their heaviest anthem to date: ‘Mexican Metal Maniacs‘, set for release on June 27 via Golden Robot Records. The track is available for pre-save now across all major streaming platforms here: https://orcd.co/mexican-metal-maniacs
Blazing with thrash riffs and undeniable attitude, ‘Mexican Metal Maniacs‘ is a battle cry for identity, unity, and raw musical power. Known for their fusion of hardcore, metal, and Latino spirit, Through n Through have always worn their heritage on their sleeves – but with this release, they crank it to eleven.
Built on blistering guitars, pounding drums, and defiant vocals, the single is a sonic celebration of the band’s background and the scene that shaped them. It’s music made for the pit – and for the people. Fans of crossover thrash, hardcore, and Latin-infused metal won’t want to miss this. Whether you’re breaking barriers or just breaking necks in the circle pit, ‘Mexican Metal Maniacs‘ is your new soundtrack.
Through n Through are a band of Mexican/Latin American decent, hailing from the south-side Chicago neighborhood known as Little Village/La Villita.
The band started off as a heavy hardcore band in 2014, but always had metal influences and within recent years, they’ve decided to further steer their music in that direction. Through n Through focuses on writing about the struggles they witness in their neighborhood such as poverty, police brutality, gangs, corrupted street politics and more personal topics like domestic violence and addictions. With this new direction of more traditional heavy metal influences, the band is writing in a style that resembles story-telling, after all what’s not metal about the neighborhood that has influenced them?
The music fits well with the message and aggression that is much needed to grab the attention of people who are aching to let rage out. ThroughnThroughare proud of their Latin heritage, their community and their brand of hardcore heavy metal! This is La Villita Metal!
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 ) 