Nothing can beat the thrill of Thrash at its best, and no one is keeping the spirit and sound of the genre alive quite like Berlin’s SPACE CHASER. With the release of their new single, Ignite the Skies, we see the beginning of a new chapter with the German Thrash Metallers! Guitarist Leo Schacht has taken on vocal duties in addition to guitars, which sees SPACE CHASER heading into a new direction – more razorsharp, defined and rougher than ever before! Knowing the sound that they wanted to achieve, SPACE CHASER had been aiming for something darker and more brutal than on previous releases. From the ashes they will rise!
Watch the new video for the single Ignite the SkiesHERE and stream HERE!
SPACE CHASER is set to perform live at a series of festivals in Germany this spring and summer. See dates below!
25.04.25 – DE – Stockrock Festival 26.04.25 – DE – Bangers & Maniacs, Schwerin 02.05.25 – DE – Goldgrube, Kassel 03.05.25 – DE – Skullcrusher Festival, Freiburg 31.05.25 – DE – Turock, Essen 19.07.25 – DE – Rude Open Air 23.07.25 – DE – Headbangers Open Air 12.08.25 – DE – Summer Breeze, Dinkelsbühl
SPACE CHASER is: Leo Schacht – guitars, vocals Martin Hochsattel – guitars, backing vocals Matthias Scheuerer – drums Sebastian Kerlikowski – bass
NIGHTHAWK return with “Home Tonight”, a striking new single that blends classic rock nostalgia with sleek, modern melodic flair. Anchored by a riff that guitarist and songwriter Robert Majd (Metalite, Captain Black Beard) carried with him for over a decade, the song bursts with life thanks to an inspired session that brought it all together in one spontaneous, electrifying moment.
Featuring soaring vocals from Björn Strid (The Night Flight Orchestra, Soilwork) and rich, atmospheric keyboards by John Lönnmyr (The Night Flight Orchestra), “Home Tonight” is a heartfelt, melodic anthem that captures the essence of what Nighthawk has become – a joyful yet masterful celebration of timeless rock music.
“This song was special to me as it has a riff that I’ve been playing for over ten years but never made a song with. I tried a couple of times but nothing good came of it, but when I started playing it for this session, the song almost wrote itself. It’s a very melodic number with amazing vocals and keyboards as always with these guys. I love it!” – Robert Majd
Join the premiering here:
Following two acclaimed studio albums and recording sessions in iconic locations like Abbey Road, Nighthawk return in 2025 with a bold new chapter. Their latest album, “Six Three O”, was captured at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales – where classics by Queen and Oasis were once born – and once again brings together a stellar lineup of Swedish rock powerhouses.
Led by Robert Majd (Captain Black Beard, Metalite) on guitars, Nighthawk features Björn Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra) on vocals, John Lönnmyr (The Night Flight Orchestra) on keyboards, Rasmus Ehrnborn (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra) on bass, and Magnus Ulfstedt (Black Paisley) on drums. The album was produced by Sverker Widgren (Portal, October Tide), continuing the trusted collaboration that shaped their previous release “Prowler” (2024).
From the soaring melodies of “Home Tonight” – built around a long-held riff that finally found its moment – to the energetic pulse of “Angel of Mine”, “Six Three O” is an album that combines musical finesse with heartfelt expression. On “Can’t Say Goodbye”, the band’s chemistry shines through as Björn spontaneously crafted a pre-chorus that elevates the track on the spot. Meanwhile, “Too Good for You” delivers a tight, no-frills blast of classic rock’n’roll, driven by fiery performances from all involved.
What started as a creative outlet has grown into a fully realized band, uniting some of Sweden’s finest rock musicians under one banner. After “Midnight Hunter” (2021) and “Prowler” (2024), “Six Three O” cements Nighthawk’s reputation as one of the most compelling melodic rock bands of the moment – honoring the past while forging ahead with passion and power.
“Six Three O” will be released on LP (black vinyl limited to 100 copies, green vinyl limited to 200), CD and digital on 01.08.2025 via Mighty Music.
Lineup: Robert Majd – guitar Björn Strid – vocals John Lönnmyr – keyboards Magnus Ulfstedt – drums Rasmus Ehrnborn – bass
While Brooklyn, NY’s Couch Slut have been cutting their teeth making records and performing regionally for the last 10 years, it wasn’t until the legendary Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, NL invited them to perform in 2024, that the band first played a show outside of North America.
After obliterating the local Dutch skate park with a secret and absolutely wild career-spanning set upon arrival, the next morning, the band presented the highly anticipated debut of their new album, You Could Do It Tonight. There was big cause to celebrate as the day was 4/20, it was the official release date of the album, and now a packed and ravenous crowd who had travelled from all over the world would hear it for the first time ever.
Pre-order Live at Roadburn 2024 the Couch Slut Brunch Hour on Limited LP via Brutal Panda RecordsHERE and for Bandcamp HERE. Orders shipping mid May.
Watch Couch Slut – ‘The Weaversville Home For Boys (Live at Roadburn 24)’:
Becky Laverty of Roadburn Fest comments:
“To capture the very specific energy of Couch Slut live is akin to capturing lightning in a bottle. This record comes as close as is possible…without the risk of slipping on spilled blood or being hit by a stray piece of flying croissant. We are honoured to have been the hosts for Couch Slut’s first ever foray into Europe and delighted that the set was captured here so that it can live on, beyond our memories.”
Hailed by those who witnessed it as one of the defining moments of the festival, Couch Slut created a veritable sea of carnage on stage during the 40 minute album set; pummelling the spectators with their unique brand of nightmare fuelled noise rock, punk and sludge. A special guest appearance on keyboards by Steve Blanco of ImperialTriumphant added to the performance while graphic visuals displaying scenes of grotesque sex acts, self-mutilation, and rampant hedonism loomed over them throughout, adding an extra layer of shock and discomfort to the experience.
With an airtight, bone shattering set from the band, vocalist Megan Osztrosits demonstrated to those in attendance why Couch Slut are considered a true cult act. Operating on less than 90 minutes of sleep and still bloody from the skate park show the day before, Megan unleashed an intense and physical performance under the watchful eyes of medical personnel and first responders; there on site to tend to any fresh wounds that may come about during the ritual, and horrified at what they were observing in the process.
Live at Roadburn: The Couch Slut Brunch Hour is meant to capture the aural filth and visceral energy of the performance you just read about and perhaps were (un)lucky enough to witness. Professionally recorded from the soundboard, mixed by Ben Greenberg (Uniform, Pharmakon, Chat Pile), and mastered by Matt Colton (AphexTwin, Sunn O))), George Michael), this is Couch Slut and their acclaimed album You Could Do It Tonight, like you’ve never heard before. A violent, destructive, yet brilliant and satirical performance that could only come from the shores of America and ultimately from the musical force that is Couch Slut.
Live at Roadburn 2024 the Couch Slut Brunch Hour tracklist:
1. Couch Slut Lewis (Live at Roadburn 2024) 2. Ode to Jimbo (Live at Roadburn 2024) 3. Wilkinson’s Sword (Live at Roadburn 2024) 4. The Donkey (Live at Roadburn 2024) 5. Presidential Welcome (Live at Roadburn 2024) 6. Energy Crystals for Healing (Live at Roadburn 2024) 7. Downhill Racer (Live at Roadburn 2024) 8. Laughing and Crying (Live at Roadburn 2024) 9. The Weaversville Home for Boys (Live at Roadburn 2024)
Couch Slut live:
June 13 – Austin, TX – 29th St. Ballroom (w/ Uniform & Cherubs) June 25 – LärzDE – Fusion Festival June 26 – London, UK – The Dome (Downstairs) June 27 – Bourlon, FR – Rock in Bourlon June 30 – Budapest, HU – A38 July 3 – Roskilde, DK – Roskilde Fest Sept 26-28 – Richmond, VA – Dark Days Bright Nights
Couch Slut have played a veritable strain of drug-fuelled, incendiary, hardcore noise rock since 2013. Led by Megan Osztrosits‘ infernal roar and subversive, vitriolic lyrics, they’ve released three full lengths: My Life As A Woman (2014), Contempt (2017), and Take A Chance On Rock ‘n’ Roll (2020). The band has shared the stage with the likes of Virus, Chat Pile, Wolf Eyes, KEN mode, Krallice, The Body, and Melt Banana. Couch Slut toured the US with Imperial Triumphant, Pyrrhon, Lightning Bolt, Oxbow and more. Their latest album You Could Do It Tonight was recorded in NYC with Uniform‘s Ben Greenberg (Drab Majesty, Portrayal of Guilt, Metz) and was released in April 2024 via Brutal Panda Records.
Couch Slut are: Dylan DiLella – guitar Kevin Hall – bass, shehnai, granular synthesizer Amy Mills – guitar, flute, trumpet Theo Nobel – drums and percussion, synthesizer, bells Megan Osztrosits – vocals
Following the release of their critically-acclaimed, new studio album “Resurrection”, darkened power metal force BLACK & DAMNED has shared a music video for the epic, heavy-as-hell album opening track “Silence Breaker”!
“Resurrection”, lauded by fans and music critics alike, was released in March via powerhouse label ROAR. To order your copy – available on CD, Vinyl and in Digital formats – visit: https://blackanddamned.rpm.link/resurrectionpr
About their latest video release for “Silence Breaker”, the band writes: “Love goes and love comes. Speak and end it with respect and without anger. Or break your silence and continue to love each other forever.”
In the four years since their much-acclaimed debut, BLACK & DAMNED have made a first-class name for themselves, sharing the stage with Vicious Rumors, Rage and Tankard, among others, and earning great reviews in the local magazines. “Black & Damned manage the balancing act between heaven and hell with flying colors”, attests Metal Hammer, while Breakout Magazine indulges: ”best stuff for all power metallers with heart.”
BLACK & DAMNED quickly established their trademark sound as a real enrichment of the heavy metal world and so they took no prisoners, used the energy of past live shows and composed ten new neckbreakers, which they recorded in the fall of 2024 under the aegis of ex-Primal Fear guitarist Stefan Leibing. Once again, this gripping melancholy hovers over the entire work, which is incredibly captivating and addictive.
“Resurrection” sees the band captivate with thunderous guitar riffs, intense rhythms and gripping vocals that whisk you away into a world full of myths and inner conflicts. Their music is a storm of power and emotion, perfect for anyone who wants to experience the ultimate metal rush. BLACK & DAMNED have grown together as a unit and with “Resurrection” the band created a profound, melodic and melancholic heavy metal album with lasting anthems!
“Resurrection” track listing:
Silence Breaker
Ruthless Wrath
Red Heavens
Bound By The Moon
Circle Of Amnesia
Injustice
Searing Flames
Shadows
Reborn In Solitude
Navigate Me To The Sun
BLACK & DAMNED – Live: 10.05.2025 „This Is Heavy Metal“ at “Krone” Lackendorf (GER) 12.07.2025 „RV Bang OpenAir“ at „Messegelände“ Balingen (GER)
BLACK & DAMNED is: Roland “Bobbes” Seidel – Vocals Michael Vetter – Guitar Aki Reissmann – Guitar Pappe Lee – Bass Axel Winkler – Drums
CIRITH UNGOL is pleased to unveil their live video of “Relentless.” The track and footage appears on the band’s upcoming Live At The Roxy offering, set for release on April 25th via Metal Blade Records.
One of the world’s most iconic music venues – the Sunset Strip’s Roxy Theatre – hosted a legendary 2024 gig by one of the world’s most iconic heavy metal bands: CIRITH UNGOL. The one-night-only performance was an album release show for the band’s 2023-released Dark Parade LP. It captured the lineup at the height of its considerable powers, performing Dark Parade in its entirety, along with a set of classic songs including “Join The Legion,” “Frost And Fire,” “Black Machine,” and “Atom Smasher.” The end result is a stellar live album and DVD.
On “Relentless,” co-founding drummer Robert Garven comments, “The Egyptian and Hindu guitar scales have always intrigued me for their exotic sound, so I wanted to come up with a sort of snake charmer melody for a new song. First I came up with a rhythm that is reminiscent of ‘The Fire’ off of the One Foot In Hell album. Next came the accompanying signature lead on top. It fit well and stuck, so we built the song from there creating simple, straight forward, rockin’ verses, choruses, bridges, and solo sections. I’m pleased with how it turned out. Relentless, overwhelming, forever black… Our many and treacherous demons thwarting our every effort to stay sane in an insane nightmare. Prayers? Realty? To whom and why? A twisted path to our inevitable downfall, despite the frail attempts at avoidance. The future leads nowhere? As of now it seems likely, Eternal and Black.”
Watch the band’s previously released clip of “Down Below” HERE.
There was no choice other than the Roxy for CIRITH UNGOL to record this momentous live collection. “It’s owned by a Hollywood music legend, Lou Adler,” notes Garven, “and is next door to the famous Rainbow Bar And Grill. It’s a landmark Hollywood club, which includes the Whisky and The Starwood [now gone] so every time we played one of these historic venues, it was a special occasion. It was great to see many of our friends and fans from all over the world at the show.“
Live At The Roxy Track Listing: 01. Velocity (S.E.P.) 02. Relentless 03. Sailor On The Seas Of Fate 04. Sacrifice 05. Looking Glass 06. Dark Parade 07. Distant Shadows 08. Down Below 09. Atom Smasher 10. I’m Alive 11. Frost And Fire 12. Black Machine 13. Blood And Iron 14. Chaos Descends 15. The Frost Monstreme 16. Fire 17. Death Of The Sun 18. Master Of The Pit 19. King Of The Dead 20. Join The Legion
CIRITH UNGOL – Live At The Roxy Lineup: Tim Baker – vocals Greg Lindstrom – guitar Robert Garven – drummer Armand John Anthony – guitar Jarvis Leatherby – bass
Dublin based metallers THE RISEN DREAD will release their sophomore album, “Death from Above”, on June 13th 2025 via Time To Kill Records.
Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Marco Mastrobuono (Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hour Of Penance) at Bloom Studios in Guidonia, Rome, Italy, “Death from Above” marks a significant shift towards a heavier and more aggressive sound. While retaining their signature blend of intensity and melody, the band has incorporated stronger thrash metal and melodic death metal influences, seeking a sharper and more relentless edge.
1. The Day I Died 2. In Fear We Trust 3. Endgame Symphony 4. Circle of the Damned 5. Azadi 6. Death From Above 7. Burn My Angels 8. A Conversation With God 9. Slay 10. Beyond My Final Breath
THE RISEN DREAD is a metal band from Dublin, Ireland. Since forming in 2019, they have risen from the Irish underground scene to become an international touring act, earning a reputation for their intense sound and energetic live performances.
Their debut EP, “Delusions” (2019), introduced them to the scene and set the stage for their first full-length album, “Night Hag”, released in January 2022. Written and recorded during the global pandemic, the album showcased the band’s evolution and featured guest appearances, including Andreas Kisser of Sepultura on the single “White Night”.
THE RISEN DREAD has made its mark on major stages, performing at Wacken Open Air in 2022 and joining Vader and Marduk for the United Titans tour across Europe and the UK.
In 2024, with the release of the single “Betrayal” and an extensive South American tour—playing in Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil—the band continued to expand its reach. In January 2025, THE RISEN DREAD entered the studio to record their next album, promising a new chapter in their journey.
Line-up:
Marco Feltrin – Vocals William Ribeiro – Guitars Mat Maher – Bass Marcos Batata – Drums
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
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 