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POWER TRIP return from what feels like an eternity – today they debut their triumphant and scorching new double single “Precinct 3” / “Scavenger” - the first of many to come. Fans have waited nearly a decade for these new tracks – songs that they thought might never come. And yet somehow, despite an improbable build up and truly unfathomable expectations, Power Trip have managed to deliver, again– this time plotting a new course for the future. The next chapter begins now. 

“Precinct 3” / “Scavenger” are the first new recordings of a new era for Power Trip in the wake of the passing of Riley Gale in 2020. And despite the challenge of living up to the legend they created in their rearview, with a decade of hard-fought wins, a succession of hugely-attended and high profile tours, and eventually a Grammy nomination, “Precinct 3” / “Scavenger” charts a bold path forward. Recorded in Carrollton, TX at Empire Sound, the release marks the band’s maiden voyage with uber-producer Jacob Hansen (Arch Enemy, Volbeat, Amon Amarth, The Black Dahlia Murder, etc.), who maintains the grit of their previous work while adding a new sheen to the band’s fresh ideas. 

“Recording worked out really well for us because he has the knowledge of making these big records, but also comes from the late 80’s extreme metal underground,” recalls drummer Chris Ulsh. “We're tough to please because we want something that sounds current, but most importantly we want it to sound like us, however that comes out.”

“Precinct 3” sees Power Trip roaring back with all of the teeth-gnashing bloodthirst that you’d expect from a newly-untethered feral animal. Anchored by the propulsive drumming of longtime member Chris Ulsh and wildly impressive attack of guitarists Blake Ibanez and Nick Stewart, “Precinct 3” relies on a tremolo-picked riff with jarring start-stops that speeds along at a dizzying 205 BPM, braking for dual riffing and a short bridge section before entering a signature Power Trip half-speed beatdown. The track follows similar lyrical paths as Power Trip’s previously well-read themes, this time examining the dangers of unchecked authority inspired by the current socio-political climate. 

“When we were writing this, we wondered what Riley would have wanted to write about,” recalls founding member and guitarist Blake Ibanez. “So once we decided on that approach, it honestly came really easily– the lyrics were flowing and it just felt like the right way to kick off this new chapter and honor him. I think he would have been stoked to see it come to fruition.”

“Scavenger” is a snarling mid-tempo onslaught that fits firmly in Power Trip’s wheelhouse, sitting comfortably side-by-side with other fan favorites like “Soul Sacrifice” and “Crossbreaker.” Opening with a creepy-crawly riff over a strutting drumbeat, “Scavenger” sees Power Trip venturing into new territory with epic mid-choruses, bridge sections that further explore the deliciously evil main riff, and a mid-section breakdown meant to divorce fans from reality. Frontman Seth Gilmore handles the lyrical content with an unchecked rancor, delving into the phenomenon of people who are willing to attach themselves to another’s hard work, reaping rewards without the dedication or due diligence. 

“There are people out there that ride along and develop some sort of self-importance from association,” admits Gilmore. “And from there, they wield that in the wrong directions. Or maybe even against the same people they leeched it from.” 

“Precinct 3” and “Scavenger” were produced by Jacob Hansen and co-produced by Blake Ibanez. They arrive today via the band’s new label home Blue Grape Music. “Precinct 3” comes with an arresting video directed by Eric Richter. Both singles are available across digital retailers, and will be released as a limited 7” which is available for pre-order on Power Trip and Blue Grape Music’s webstores. There will also be a Record Store Day Black Friday exclusive with alternate artwork available at indie record shops across the country on November 27, 2026 - find your nearest location here. 

Power Trip have been working diligently in the studio for over a year now and these singles are a preview into what’s to come on their forthcoming studio album due in Spring of 2027.

Listen / Playlist / Share “Precinct 3” / “Scavenger” | Watch Video HERE.

Napalm Records is thrilled to welcome Japanese melodic power metal force HAGANE to the family!

Hailing from Tokyo, HAGANE have been making waves since their formation in 2018 with their energetic blend of soaring melodies, powerful riffs, lightning-fast guitar work, and infectious songwriting. After captivating audiences in Japan, HAGANE made a strong impression on European soil this summer at Germany's renowned Rockharz Festival, proving that their high-energy performance and melodic metal have what it takes to connect with audiences far beyond their home country.

Now, HAGANE are ready to enter their next chapter with Napalm Records. The band has signed a worldwide physical deal, excluding Japan, with the Austrian rock and metal label for their upcoming studio album Through the Night. Set for physical release outside Japan on January 15, 2027, the album showcases HAGANE's unique take on melodic power metal, combining epic melodies, powerful vocals, technical musicianship, and an unmistakable Japanese spirit. Through the Night marks an exciting new chapter for the band and their growing international fan base.

HAGANE comment:

''We have signed a worldwide agreement—excluding Japan—with the Austrian label Napalm Records. This prestigious metal-specialized label is home to numerous world-renowned acts, including DragonForce (whose songs have been covered on YouTube by Sakura and JUNNA), Kamelot, Accept, Frozen Crown, and Alter Bridge. Through this partnership, the new album Through the Night will be released globally on both CD and vinyl. Please stay tuned for HAGANE's future activities on the global stage.''

Napalm Records Senior A&R Sebastian Münch about the signing:

''HAGANE absolutely impressed us at this year's Rockharz Festival. For fans of melodic power metal, this is definitely a band to watch! A big thank you to our Japanese partners at Euclid Agency and Eagletail Music for the great collaboration.''

Pre-order your copy of Through the Night HERE.

Rachel and Aron Accurso’s debut album I’m So Happy has landed at No.1 on Spotify in the US, marking the highest debut for a children’s artist on the platform. The album, distributed globally via Magic Star/The Orchard, has also landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Kid Albums chart, in the Top 10 on the Billboard Album Sales chart, and No.16 on the Billboard 200 Chart. The album also debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart, No. 5 on the Billboard Vinyl Albums chart and No. 6 on the Billboard Top Current Album Sales chart. I’m So Happy has garnered 28,751 total consumption units in the week since its release. Listen to the full album HERE.

The album, from the creators and stars of the beloved Ms. Rachel series, marks the duo’s debut as recording artists and features a collection of joyful, imaginative songs created for children and families. Across 23 tracks, Rachel and Aron bring together original songs they have written over the years, along with beloved children’s classics. After years of families asking for a Ms. Rachel album, I’m So Happy brings those favorite songs together on an album for the first time, giving children and caregivers a way to listen, sing and dance along wherever they are. For the album, the songs were approached individually, with some featuring expanded arrangements, new orchestration, additional sections and live instrumentation.

The collection showcases the warmth, musicianship, and research-based approach that have made Ms. Rachel a trusted favorite for millions of families around the world. From original tracks written by Rachel and Aron, such as "I'm So Happy" and "Big Feelings," to richly reimagined versions of classics such as "Hop Little Bunnies" and "Icky Sticky Bubblegum," the album brings together songs that have become a beloved part of daily life for children and their families. Among the album’s varied arrangements, “I Love a Rainbow” builds on its bossa nova feel with a new bridge and live strings, while “Caterpillar,” first heard on the show with piano accompaniment, was expanded into a full orchestral arrangement. The album is available on vinyl in a number of exclusive color variants as well as on CD, HERE, and as an iTunes exclusive album download featuring three special messages from Ms. Rachel. 

Best known to families as Ms. Rachel and Mr. Aron, Rachel and Aron Accurso are the creators of one of the world's most beloved early childhood brands. What began as a resource to help young children develop speech, language, and learning through music and play has grown into a global phenomenon, with their show Ms. Rachel reaching more than 21 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 17 billion views. The world of Ms. Rachel has since expanded to include bestselling books, toys, a hit Netflix collection, and now I'm So Happy—the duo's first album—continuing their mission to help children learn, communicate, and thrive through the power of music and play.

TRACKLISTING:

I'm So Happy

I Love a Rainbow

Icky Sticky Bubblegum

Phonics 

Hop Little Bunnies

Caterpillar

Up and Down

Bubble Pop

Walkin' at the Zoo

Open Shut Them

I Could Be Your Friend

I Listen to My Body

The Wheels on the Bus

Dino Play

Pop Those Bubbles

Old MacDonald

If You Should Meet an Elephant

Counting to 20!

B-I-N-G-O

Looby Loo

Big Feelings

Together 

I Love You to the Moon

Did you know an Indian death metal band has written a song both forwards and backwards? Bangalore Technical Death Metal act Nihilus is pushing the boundaries of extreme music even further with their brand-new album "Borealis" available now across all streaming platforms.

Check out the album linked below:

https://open.spotify.com/album/4yKrDYkpdowljy4G9RFwDz

https://nihilusmetal.bandcamp.com/album/borealis

Formed in Bangalore, India, in 2009 by Siddharth Manoharan and Manu Manjunath, Nihilus is a technical death metal act combining intricate musicianship with crushing intensity. Exploring themes of post-apocalyptic decay, modern geopolitics, and humanity's destructive nature, the band established their complex sound on the 2016 EP "Without Grey Matter". Their defining milestone comes with the concept album «Borealis», a dystopian narrative depicting Earth's gradual collapse through standalone stories bound by an overarching vision of catastrophic ruin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpUQY-V-ufw

Dutch Death Metal band Pandæmonic Descent has released their debut EP "The Weight of Being Nothing". The release was recorded in 'Totally Music Studios' and 'Studio Kerssies', and mixed/mastered by Sean Jansen.

Check out the EP linked below:

https://pandaemonicdescent.bandcamp.com/album/the-weight-of-being-nothing

https://open.spotify.com/album/4BXn5BXlKmuh3l3B8AlZew

Pandæmonic Descent is a death metal band from Almelo/Vriezenveen, Netherlands, formed by Roy Bouwman (vocals), Matteo Tettero (lead guitar), Wesley Stoop (rhythm guitar), Sean Jansen (formally bass), and Tycho Homan (drums). Inspired by icons such as Gojira, Angelmaker, and Amon Amarth, the band combines brutal riffs with profound lyrics that stem from personal experiences and themes that often remain unspoken. After successful, sold-out shows at 'The Little Church' in Almelo and 'Walhalla' in Deventer, Pandæmonic Descent is currently busy recording their music and writing future songs.

German Atmospheric Black Metal band Sternweh released their new lyric video for the song "Sterngeborgen" from their debut album "Sehnflucht". The release was recorded, mixed and mastered in the band's home studio by Christian Witt.

Check out the song linked below:

German Version: https://youtu.be/T9WQgLmryzw

English version: https://youtu.be/Zpv2RL6p3fg

Formed in Germany in 2025, Sternweh is an independent atmospheric black metal and shoegaze project created by multi-instrumentalist and horror/fantasy author Christian Witt, with occasional vocal contributions from his wife, Yvonne. Exploring themes of cosmic longing, escapism, and emotional isolation, the project contrasts crushing guitar walls and desperate screams with fragile acoustic passages and clear vocals.

https://sternweh.bandcamp.com/album/sehnflucht

https://open.spotify.com/album/0QG8BAALVpdJEO7k4694Iq

Italian chef power metal go getters GOURMETAL have been cooking things up for some time now. Releasing numerous singles, music videos, with plans to release their debut EP sometime soon! The band discusses their elemental fantasies within the cooking realm with how these matters were cooked up!

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or did it come out just like that?

First of all, thank you so much for this interview and for giving us this platform! As for the name, about three years ago we had a different one. Then, in 2024, I decided to go with a much more impactful name—I wanted something that immediately conveyed the concept behind the project and clearly showed our identity and energy right off the bat.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We chose this genre because it’s absolutely my favorite (and of course, everyone else in the band loves it too!). In my past experiences, I’ve always played Death Metal, but I’ve always been a massive Power Metal fan. I finally had the chance to give voice and shape to the genre I love the most.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed and why did you want to create this band with this particular theming?

Yes, we already knew each other because we’re all from Pesaro, even though we had never played together before. I created the project myself—Filippo Scrima—and then I recruited the other members by presenting them with a fully finished, pre-packaged project, ready to be recorded and brought to life!

4. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

The band is based in Pesaro. I played for 15 years in Nightland, a band formed here around late 2010. Unfortunately, the local music scene here has faded quite a bit, and there isn't much metal music going on... on the bright side, though, there’s plenty of amazing food and our famous Pizza Rossini!

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I let myself be carried away by my tongue-in-cheek humor about food and life, turning that culinary concept into a full-blown fantasy realm called Gastronia. Here, the chefs serve the realm—because as everyone knows, if you don't eat well, you can't even govern a kingdom properly! The act of eating and food itself are the core of everything, spiced up with dragons, swords, knights, and everything else a fantasy world could dream of. (Oh, and in our kitchen, it's men only—no women allowed!).

6. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

Each album covers a different concept, telling a new story, an adventure, or a crucial moment in the realm of Gastronia. Just like every course of a lunch or dinner needs specific ingredients to complete its flavor and make it unique, we work album by album on distinct themes that all tie back to our culinary-fantasy universe.

7. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

Yes, I write the songs myself—strictly on a full stomach, to keep the whole process as thoughtful as possible and truly unleash my imagination! It all starts with the concept, followed by the lyrics, and simultaneously the music, which is naturally epic and Power Metal to the core.

8. What have you released so far such as singles, videos, albums, EPs, and what can someone expect from your works?

Right now (as of October 2026), we’ve released three singles and two music videos. We’re working hard on our social media presence and, above all, finishing up an EP that will be released by the end of the year, alongside another music video. At the same time, we're working on our debut full-length album to pitch to record labels, as we are currently self-produced.

9. Do you have any new music in the works?

A hundred percent. Beyond the full-length album we're currently preparing, we already have others lined up with well-defined concepts for the future. We've taken things very step-by step since 2024 because there’s a clear, well-structured long-term plan behind the whole project.

10. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

At the moment, we’re not ready for live shows yet because we don’t have enough runtime in our catalog. However, toward the end of 2026, we’ll head into the rehearsal room with the EP and full-length tracks ready to go live starting in Spring 2027. We don't have confirmed tour dates yet, but we're actively working on it!

11. What plans do you have for the rest of this year?

We’ll definitely be focusing on producing our live show, and at the same time, we'll have new surprises ready to dish out as soon as possible for all of you... if you're hungry, that is!

12. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

You can find us on our Instagram and Facebook pages, on Spotify, and on YouTube. Our merch is currently completely sold out, but it will be back online soon with brand new items! We also expect the EP to get a physical release before the end of 2026. Thanks again for having us!

Hard rockers BLACK CAT MOAN has taken hard rock and influences out of the 1970's to create their own style, releasing three full-length albums, with them as they say, writing and recording new music all the time! With that said, the band talks of music, with no plans to play live for now, check out the chat below. 

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

The band was founded by Jörgen Lantto (guitars) and Bo Åström (drums) through early incarnations starting in the mid 1980’s. In 1989, Lars Isaksson (vocals), Hans Ludwig (lead guitars) and Peter Melin (bass) joined and completed the line-up. A demo was recorded and picked up by the head of A&R for Virgin Scandinavia, who signed the band for its debut album that was recorded in 1990 and released in June 1991.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

Black Cat Moan was the title of a lead track of the eponymous album. The label suggested that the band would be renamed from its earlier name Landslide to Black Cat Moan.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Black Cat Moan is based in Stockholm, Sweden, which has always been an active place with lots of local upcoming bands, covering the different flavours of hard rock/heavy metal.

4. How would you describe your style?

We play traditional Hard Rock with most influences from the 70s.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

Black Cat Moan have released 3 albums:

Black Cat Moan – 1991

Departure – 2023

Wasteland - 2026

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

We write and record new music all the time, especially since reforming around 2018. Our most recent album was released 14 September 2026.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

Since we are just 3 members these days, we don’t have any plans to play live. In the early 1990’s we toured extensively in Sweden.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

We just released our third album Wasteland. Short term we will promote our new album. Meanwhile, we continue to write and record new music.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

All 3 albums are available on the digital platforms, alongside some singles from the album and between albums. The Black Cat Moan album from 1991 was released on vinyl and CD and was quickly totally sold out. It’s a bit of a collectors’ item, so it can sometimes be found on Ebay and similar.

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Our first single Heartbreak Jury was reviewed in Kerrang! by Nikky Sixx and Mick Mars from Mötley Crue back in 1991. They summed it up well. “This is good. This is cool, really cool”. We’re happy if new listeners react the same way.

German Death Metal band Praise of Death released their new album "Rivers of Gore". The release was recorded and mixed at "Morbid Arts Productions" by Mark Raziel and mastered by Ilarion Ivanenko.

Check out the album linked below:

https://praiseofdeath.bandcamp.com/album/rivers-of-gore-2

https://open.spotify.com/album/1OtmCbd2DC5vafTJYp95t3

Unleashed in 2024 by multi-instrumentalist Mark Raziel in Augsburg, Germany, Praise of Death is a solo death metal project featuring Finnish vocalist Topias Jokipii. Rooted in old-school brutality, crushing riffs, and relentless aggression, the project stands out through mysterious atmospheres, solos, and contemplative lyricism. On the debut album "Philanthropist", Praise of Death moves beyond standard violence to explore nihilism, existential dread, and human self-destruction, delivering a sound that is as savagely heavy as it is deeply unsettling and philosophical.

Metal band DISEASED AND DEPRAVED have released a handful of single's, an album or two, with more plans to play shows, tour, release even more music and much more! Check out the video interview below!

Brutal metalcore act CHAPEL OF THE DAMNED have two full-length albums out, with their latest album "The Devil’s Eulogy", the band plans to focus upon this release, and come later they will be playing shows and touring! The band discusses this release and themselves on formation, music, and much more below!

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned, or did it just come to you?

The idea actually came from an old B grade film called Left Behind. It’s a religious movie about the Rapture, and in the film, a pastor gets “left behind.” That concept eventually gave me the idea for Chapel of the Damned. I liked the idea of people being led by a false leader who ultimately leads them toward damnation. The name just fit the darker religious themes behind the music.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I’ve loved metal for a long time. It’s always been one of the best ways for me to let out pent up aggression and turn it into something creative. There’s something strangely therapeutic about heavy guitars, chugging riffs and breakdowns. It’s aggressive music, but at the same time, it can be incredibly calming.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Some of us did. Our bass player and I go all the way back to elementary school. I’m Joseph, the vocalist and guitarist. The rest of the lineup is still coming together. We’re currently looking for another guitarist and a permanent drummer. Finding musicians who are both reliable and committed long term has probably been one of the hardest parts of putting the full band together.

4. Where is the band based, and what is the music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We’re based out of Eugene, Oregon. We haven’t played any local shows yet, but there’s definitely a strong metal scene in the area. I honestly haven’t spent enough time involved in the local scene yet to recommend a particular band that really resonates with me, but I’m looking forward to getting more involved as Chapel of the Damned starts playing live.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Mostly just the love of creating music. There’s a feeling you get when you’ve been working on something and suddenly all the pieces come together. That moment never really gets old. Then you put it out into the world and see other people connecting with something you created. That makes you want to keep doing it.

6. What are your songs about? What specific themes do they cover?

A lot of our music deals with religious imagery, exorcisms, ghosts, death, demons and the supernatural. A lot of the things I was taught to fear when I was a kid eventually became the things that fascinated and inspired me the most creatively. I like taking those darker themes and turning them into stories and imagery within the music.

7. Do you write your own songs? Can you discuss the songwriting process?

Yes. I’m the primary songwriter for Chapel of the Damned. Usually, I’ll start by laying down the guitar parts and building the song around the riffs. I also play the drum parts that I’m able to play myself, but drums aren’t my main instrument, so there are sections where I’ll program parts that are beyond what I can realistically perform.

Everything is recorded in my home studio, so I have a lot of freedom to experiment and let the songs develop naturally. Right now, Chapel of the Damned is still evolving from primarily a studio project into a complete live band, so we’re continuing to look for reliable musicians who want to commit to it long term.

8. What have you released so far, and what can someone expect from your work?

We’ve already released our first full length album, Untitled, and by the time this interview comes out, our second studio album, The Devil’s Eulogy, should be available as well.

People can expect heavy riffs, breakdowns, aggressive vocals and a lot of dark, horror inspired and religious imagery. We want the music to feel heavy and atmospheric while still having riffs and moments that stick with you after the song ends.

9. Do you have any new music in the works?

Absolutely. Our newest album is called The Devil’s Eulogy. It takes what we started with the first record and pushes the sound further. It’s heavier, darker and much closer to what I originally envisioned Chapel of the Damned becoming.

10. How about playing shows and touring? Do you have anything planned?

Once we have a solid and dependable lineup, we absolutely want to start playing shows and eventually hit the road. We’ve already had quite a few people asking when Chapel of the Damned is going to play live, so the demand is definitely there. The main thing is making sure we have the right musicians in place before we do it.

11. What plans do you have for the rest of this year?

The biggest focus is releasing The Devil’s Eulogy and continuing to build momentum around it. We’re also planning at least one more music video and a lot shorter form content and reels. From there, it’s about continuing to grow the audience and getting the band ready for the next stage.

12. Where can people find you online, listen to the band and buy your music?

You can stream Chapel of the Damned on all major music platforms. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, where we post music videos, reels, updates and new material. Just search Chapel of the Damned on your preferred platform and you should find us.

Melodic metalcore band DIVISIONARIES have released their debut album, with plans to release a follow-up EP expected sometime next year! The band discusses these releases, playing some shows, releasing more material and much else in-store.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or did it come out just like that? 

Back in 2021, we had a placeholder name that none of us liked, but we stuck with it until we came up with something better. One day we got an offer to play our first show, and I knew that we needed something new, so we were all scrambling in the group chat, throwing out tons of ideas for names. Eventually, I thought of “DIVISIONARIES” . I honestly have no idea where it came from or how I thought of it. Perhaps at the time I saw something on TV or online that stuck in my mind but if I remember correctly, it was more so just a random idea that happened to stick. 5 years later, there’s no plans of changing it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I have been playing in bands since I was 11 years old and originally wanted to play hard rock similar to Guns N’ Roses, which was my favorite band at the time. When Covid hit, I got really into metalcore and never looked back. It instantly hooked me and I knew from that point that I wanted to play that style of music for a living. Our sound has taken years to evolve but we have finally landed on a sound that truly feels like it’s unique to us, although if I had to put us in a wider genre, I would say Melodic Metalcore.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Nope. I met my original band in school, and once they all left to do other things, I approached our current lead guitarist Sam Graves walking down our school hallway one day and asked him to join my band on the spot. I knew about Sam from mutual friends and had seen him playing guitar around school, but I had never actually heard him play and had never exchanged a word with him before that day. 

Our current vocalist and rhythm guitarist Ian Gates was in another local deathcore band, and he found out about me through mutual friends in the scene and randomly messaged me to ask if I could fill in on drums for his band. We ended up becoming really good friends, and I eventually asked him to join my band as the rhythm guitarist. When we parted ways with our old vocalist at the beginning of 2026, he took over harsh vocals and I took over cleans. 

4. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We are based out of San Diego California. East County to be exact. The scene here ebbs and flows.  There’s always something different happening, and the variety of genres present in our city has produced some interesting standouts. The metal scene was thriving a few years ago, there was tons of hype around some hardcore and metalcore bands, and lots of house shows. Recently we’ve seen a lot of staple scene bands come and go and I haven’t heard mention of a house show in a long time but we’re hoping for a bit of a revival with bands like The Dethroned, Osmium, Anvil Chandelier, callmetheboxer, Heathen God and Cascade Effect.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

It’s no secret that Counterparts is a massive inspiration for us and our sound. We all love that band and aren’t afraid to say that they are a huge influence on us. Other bands that inspire our sound are Converge, Periphery, ERRA, Currents, etc. On a larger scale though, we all want to make a career out of this band and we want to be able to quit our day jobs and make a living doing what we all love, and that gives us the motivation and inspiration to continue and push forward harder. 

Since all of our previous songs had been written over a 6-year period, and went through 3 vocalists, the vocal parts and themes changed quite a bit throughout the years and tends to be a bit all over the place on our last album. Some songs don’t really have a theme, while others are about tyrants or fighting through hardship. Overall, we have a general nautical theme throughout all of the songs and our identity as a band. Our logo is similar to a compass rose, our band color is blue, and many song lyrics have to do with the ocean and related elements. 

7. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

Yes, we write all original music. Most of our sound is developed by our guitarist Sam Graves and I, with some input from other members throughout the years. Our songwriting process typically involves Sam writing riffs, and I make song parts out of them and create a song structure and composition that fits together. That was the process for almost every song on our recent album, but now that we’re starting to work on new material, Ian is becoming a much more integral tool in the writing process and is much more heavily involved. 

8. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

On August 19th, 2026, we finally released our debut full-length album titled “Monarchist.” It took us 6 years of work to write and refine those songs, and we were so happy and proud to finally release it. It took us so long to release because it felt like we constantly had to find new band members, which changed the dynamic and sound of the band. But as of January 2026, we landed on a group of members that were equally as dedicated to the same sound, and had the same goals, and we finally felt comfortable officially putting our music out there. You can expect a combination of beauty and brutality on that record. We loved meshing orchestral elements, beautiful clean guitar parts and ambient soundscapes, with crushing heaviness that you would expect with metalcore/hardcore. You might find some thrash, death, and even black metal influence flowing through certain songs. In the future, we want to lean into a much more cohesive modern metalcore sound now that we are writing from scratch with the final iteration of the band.

9. Do you have any new music in the works?

Yes! Right now, we are in the early stages of the writing process for our next release. We plan on writing a concept EP about grief and already have some ideas and song parts demoed out. We’re hoping for a Spring release in 2027 if everything goes to plan!

10. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

Right now, we only have 2 shows planned for the remainder of 2026. One is early October that is still being planned, and one is at a small venue in Ocean Beach called “Humble Heart” on October 18th, both have yet to be announced. We’re hoping to get more bookings towards the end of the year now that we have begun promotion for our album. A small US tour around the southwest states for next June is being planned as we speak!

11. What plans do you have for the rest of this year?

As of now, we just have those 2 shows, and then we want to focus on promoting the album and working on writing for the next release. We want to dabble with covers for our YouTube channel and playthrough videos of our original songs to put out as well. We just want as many people to hear the album as possible and try to get our name out there!

12. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

You can find us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Our music is available to stream on every streaming service, including our YouTube channel if that’s what floats your boat. Currently we do not have an online merch store, so the only place you can buy our stuff is at a live show, but we do have plans to get an online store up and running before the end of this year! Below you can find our linktree that contains every way to follow and support us.

Kenya shamanic black metal band CHOVU had formed in Nairobi, spending its growth as a band in Kajiado. With that the band has gone on to release their debut EP "Whatsorceryisthis". The band has taken the time to talk to us about, the debut EP, why they picked this genre in particular, and the future plans ahead.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or did it come out just like that? 

The name Chovu means something bad in old swahili and came from our guitarist after a dark moment of life.We started out as a thrash inspired band called Rot Paper Jesus but then we hit a point of life where our minds and psychology was taken by darkness. It is then that our guitarist suggested the name which aligned with our vision of switching completely to black metal.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

This genre gave us an identity since extreme metal in Kenya was at its dying age. We did not like this. We Decided to carry the vilest, disgusting bloody flag of it all. We also were familiar with the colonial rot of religion being the cause of the decline of true expression, so we were at war we had to pick the sharpest darkest of genres.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

We did know each other. The Kenyan scene isn't that big. We know all 800 or something of us, by face or name or band shirt. Some members played together in different bands. We all actually met and formed in a studio by an old Kenyan band called Seeds of Datura.

4. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We are a Kajiado based band, but we play in Nairobi mostly and other regions. The whole scene is in Nairobi basically, although we have struggled to push it across other regions in Kenya. Extreme bands in Kenya I would recommend are...Inoath, Mortal Soul, Seeds Of Datura, Irony Destroyed, Last Years Tragedy, Petrika, among others we have quite a good selection of active and inactive bands.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

We are inspired to create by the mighty Imbege , a forgotten African Deity who is trapped in the soil awaiting the fall of the colonial religion. We are also inspired by ancestral memory and folklore we were told as children.

6. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

Our songs are a reveal of the hidden truth of our history. We were not heretics, but we shall be, in order to return our gods to their altars. We are an archive of African information that is passed by word of mouth. We cover taboos, mystics, shamanism, culture and narratives all African.

7. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

We do write only by our hands. I basically research on a concept by visiting a local tribe and sharing stories with them and with the concept i approach the band with the theme and the guitarists throw in riffs that align with the energy and so do the bassist and drummer. Once we layer out a theme, we also travel to these tribal villages to play in the environment and live their lifestyle, before eventually returning to the cities for a studio recording which we record live always and with the demos, we find the right magician of sound to work with.

8. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

Our latest release UFALME WA MALI was the first time we had dived to west African concepts mixing them with some East African narratives. A gem of an album that has only stories of blood sweat and tears and deaths. We have also this year re-released previous Eps that had been taken for granted by distributors we worked with, hoping to award them with life. What to expect is the release of our darkest work so far and ALOT of use of African instruments and chants in the album.

9. Do you have any new music in the works?

All I can say is, an album and an EP are heading your way consecutively.

10. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

We have done a lot of local tours in Kenya and also played in Uganda and South Africa. In our minds the goal is to play in Botswana, the promised land of Kenya, and then focus on Asia and Europe, which we tried before but Visa issues had been a problem, and we learnt the hard way.

11. What plans do you have for the rest of this year?

This remaining bit of the year is mostly creation and drawing inspiration and a whole new look to the band. A hybrid growth due to change in lineup for some positions thus also exploring sound options that will project the Shamanism we are looking for.

12. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Bandcamp (chovuofficial) YouTube (chovu) we should be on a few streaming platforms for our newest album but for the rest find them on Bandcamp and YouTube. For merchandise buy directly from our official social media pages before we have a collaboration with a distribution company to help make it easier.

A Skylit Drive proudly announce their signing with Vaux Records, marking an exciting new chapter for the legendary post-hardcore outfit. 

The independent label is owned and operated by Craig Ericson, founder of Rise Records, and is quickly establishing itself as a premier home for innovative heavy music.

In conjunction with the announcement, A Skylit Drive release their brand-new single, "Half Hearted." The track serves as the first glimpse into the band's upcoming full-length album, Ashes, currently in production and slated for release in early 2027.

Check out the video to "Half Hearted" HERE.

Bullet For My Valentine will release their new album, Social Apocalypse, on March 19, 2027, via Spinefarm. The announcement arrives with a towering new single by the samename. "Social Apocalypse" is the band's first new song in four years; on the title track, Matt Tuck rages against "the end of the world as we know it," when "all hope has faded."

An accompanying video for "Social Apocalypse" is available to view right HERE.

Thematically, Social Apocalypse combines the bare-faced lyrical introspection of people weathered and worn by the modern world with wide-eyed observations on a planet that feels as if it is coming off the rails at every turn. "Everything in life is changing at such a rapid pace, and it is hard to find a great deal of positivity when you look at events in the world," Tuck says. "People are being pitted against each other. The world is full of conflict instead of unity. As a father, I look at what the world is like for younger people, and how completely different it is now."

Working once more with producer Carl Bown — a veteran of four Bullet albums, alongside work with Sleep Token, While She Sleeps, Malevolence and more — each new album track was diligently scrutinized, constructed, and polished to its immaculate final form. "Carl doesn’t let you settle," Tuck notes. "He is always ready to speak up, push and challenge you to be the best version of you."

There are two collaborations on Social Apocalypse – a rarity for Bullet that brings thrilling new dynamics to the record — with Against The Current vocalist Chrissy Costanza stepping in to duet on "In The Absence Of You," and a hair-raising vocal turn from Lorna Shore’s Will Ramos on "I Don't Trust Tomorrow."

TRACK LISTING:

"Social Apocalypse"

"In The Absence of You" (Feat. Chrissy Costanza)

"I Don't Trust Tomorrow" (Feat. Will Ramos)

"Here Without You"

"Acid Rain"

"Fragile"

"CVLT"

"Masquerade"

"Read Between The Lines"

"Enough Is Never Enough"

World-renowned Brazilian death metal force CRYPTA enter a new era with "A Portrait of Decay," the first track to showcase the band's new lineup and offer a glimpse into what fans can expect from their future sound. After announcing Victoria Villarreal as their new permanent guitarist in April this year, completing the four-piece lineup alongside Fernanda Lira (bass, vocals), Luana Dametto (drums), and Tainá Bergamaschi (guitar), the band now unleashes this brand new track, building anticipation for CRYPTA's next chapter. "A Portrait of Decay" hits like an aggressive death metal steamroller while exploring dissociation as a means of enduring pain and suffering.

The track was recorded in Belgium in June this year and engineered, mixed, and mastered by Yarne Heylen at Project Zero Studio. The artwork was created by Brazilian artist Marcos Miller. "A Portrait of Decay" is out now worldwide on all major streaming platforms and as a strictly limited 7" vinyl release.

All of this is brought to life by an intensely aggressive yet atmospheric and melancholic instrumental attack, paired with the spine-tingling vocals of Fernanda Lira, one of the most outstanding artists in today's extreme metal scene. The track arrives just in time for CRYPTA to kick off their North American tour with Arch Enemy, The Black Dahlia Murder, Septicflesh, and Thrown Into Exile, beginning on October 5 in Riverside, CA.

"A Portrait of Decay" is accompanied by an official music video that, at first glance, may seem unfamiliar compared to the song's sonic intensity. The script for the video was written by CRYPTA's drummer Luana Dametto.

"The video clip is both an almost poetic contrast to the harsh death metal sound but also a cinematic depiction of the lyrics: An ethereal and almost dream-like landscape that represents someone's true state of being, clear thoughts and and light emotions, that slowly dissipate with the passing of time and changing of surroundings, and with the night and a much darker environment, after a while, feelings of being adrift and astray arise, showing that our conditions and time can directly change the way we see ourselves and the way we feel and interact."

Watch the official music video for "A Portrait of Decay" HERE. 

Chicago -based metal act REPENTANCE has released a deeply personal tribute to the band’s founding member Shaun Glass with a brand-new video for "Fade Into Silence". The track, which is featured on the band’s upcoming third studio album "Retaliate", is out now and you can watch it right HERE.

Today, THE 69 EYES are thrilled to unveil their new single “Brandon Lee (Forma Acustica),” out now via BLKIIBLK. 

Originally featured on ‘Blessed Be,’ the song was first released in 2000 and became an international success for the band. Its title refers to the late American actor Brandon Lee, who played the lead role in the dark cult classic “The Crow” (1993).

The single was mixed by acclaimed American producer Matt Hyde, who also produced THE 69 EYES’ ‘Back In Blood,’ recorded in Los Angeles in 2009. Known for his work with Slayer and Deftones, Hyde most recently mixed Megadeth’s self-titled album ‘Megadeth’ (2026), which reached No. 1 in the United States.

The music video for the track was filmed at Suomenlinna, Helsinki, and directed by Elias Ryynänen. Paparazzi models Corinna Puleo and Lotte Vainio bring timeless catwalk glamour to the band’s gothic rock world, evoking the turn-of-the-millennium aesthetic.

The single is the first taste of an acoustic record, set for release in early 2027. THE 69 EYES will also bring their melodic side on tour in February next year, with a nationwide concert hall tour across Finland.

Watch the Music Video for “Brandon Lee (Forma Acustica)” HERE.

SLIPKNOT have announced their (sic)est Stadium Tour, crossing the globe Summer 2027. The tour, produced by Live Nation, launches July 3 at London’s historic Wembley Stadium connected by EE, in a UK and Europe exclusive. On July 16, Slipknot touch down in D.C.’s Nationals Park to kick off their North American jaunt, which includes performances at Citi Field in Queens, New York, Chicago’s Soldier Field, Boston’s Fenway Park, Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and more. The tour wraps with five South American performances in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Colombia.

Featuring a brand-new set, new staging and a setlist spanning across their career, these shows will be the ultimate Slipknot experience to date.  The band are joined by Bring Me The Horizon as direct support on all North American dates with a rotation of special guests along the way including Acid Bath, Lamb of God, Motionless In White, Lorna Shore, Kublai Khan TX, Polyphia, Loathe, and Vended. Marilyn Manson, Lorna Shore and Hatebreed support Slipknot in London for the tour kick off. Manson and Hatebreed rejoin them in South America in September along with local support to warm up the crowd.

Check out the list of dates below!

TOUR DATES:

JUL 03 | London, UK | Wembley Stadium connected by EE #!

JUL 16 | Washington, DC | Nationals Park ~%

JUL 18 | Queens, NY | Citi Field ~%

JUL 21 | Montréal, QC | Parc Jean Drapeau ~^@

JUL 23 | Toronto, ON | Rogers Stadium ~^

JUL 25 | Chicago, IL | Soldier Field  ~$

JUL 28 | Hershey, PA | Hersheypark Stadium ~!

JUL 31 | Boston, MA | Fenway Park ~!

AUG 03 | Nashville, TN | FirstBank Stadium ~^

AUG 06 | Houston, TX | Daikin Park ~+

AUG 09 | Commerce City, CO | Dick's Sporting Goods Park ~=

AUG 13 | Inglewood, CA | SoFi Stadium ~=

AUG 15 | San Francisco, CA | Golden Gate Park ~&=

AUG 18 | Phoenix, AZ | Chase Field ~&

SEP 04 | São Paulo, Brazil | The Town*

SEP 08 | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Estadio Huracán #

SEP 12 | Santiago, Chile | Estadio Nacional #

SEP 14 | Lima, Peru | Estadio Nacional #*

SEP 16 | Bogotá, Colombia | Vive Claro #

Welcoming support from:

# w/ Marilyn Manson, Hatebreed

~ w/ Bring Me The Horizon

% w/ Acid Bath

! w/ Lorna Shore

^ w/ Kublai Khan TX

@ w/ Vended

$ w/ Lamb of God

+ w/ Polyphia

= w/ Loathe

& w/ Motionless in White

* Non-Live Nation Date

Industrial rock/metal band, OUR FRANKENSTEIN has just unveiled their new single and video for "Jealous God" in anticipation of their forthcoming EP, Comedy.

Addressing envy and devotion: OUR FRANKENSTEINn tackle spiritual imprisonment. "Jealous God" harkens back to the old gnostic belief that our reality is secretly under the control of a malevolent demiurge named, Yaldaboath. The song and music video contrast the false god's wrath with real world catastrophe in a style that could only be viewed as satire.

The "Jealous God" video invites the question that if our fate is in the hands of the powers that be...what happens if we (the people) obtain the crown? The video was shot by Pablo Salamone and directed / edited by Ryan Laney. 

Check out the video single HERE.

Stream & support OUR FRANKENSTEIN:

https://ourfrankenstein.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@ourfrankenstein?_t=8j2pqPs8Zjv&_r=1

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1BC23M9n5VgIU9z5CspazH

https://www.instagram.com/ourfrankenstein/

https://www.facebook.com/OurFrankenstein

International Symphonic Black Metal band MorteMutta released a new single "Hrungutsutr". The release was recorded at "Eijefjorden Studios" and mixed/mastered by Chris Highlander.

Check out the single linked below:

https://open.spotify.com/album/4PrP1eSGH3HlYgZcNifYfs

Bridging the ancient fjords of Norway and the neon landscapes of Japan, MorteMutta is a "Fjordmetal" project formed in 1999. Founded by members DC (Norway) and JJ (Japan), the duo crafts a cinematic universe combining Nordic and Japanese folklore, multilingual vocals, and unconventional instrumentation like the koto and roaring chainsaws. MorteMutta focuses on world-building and mythological storytelling over standalone songs. An infamous, defining moment in their history was the complete destruction of their early album masters by JJ.

American Post-Black Metal band Eusapia has released their new single "Relapse", the lead single from their upcoming two-stage release concluding with "Mercy" on December 21. Recorded in the band's home studio and mixed/mastered by Somnium Recording, the track blends progressive DSBM, post-rock, and blackgaze to explore themes of addiction and Pacific Northwest isolation. A portion of physical merchandise proceeds will directly support regional overdose prevention and low-barrier harm reduction.

Check out the single linked below:

https://eusapiatheband.bandcamp.com/track/relapse

https://open.spotify.com/album/00ExNn0aAhhYMhnERyeGVJ

Formed in Washington state in 2013 and re-emerging from the foundations of the solo project "Somnium", Eusapia is a studio-focused blackened post-metal project based deep in the Cascade Mountains. Driven by Somnium (bass/vocals), Cleopatra the Alchemist (guitars/vocals), Deenie (drums), and guitarists Chazdyn and Frank Keeler, the band weaves desolate post-black metal, doom dirges, blast beats, and shoegaze atmospheres into a rain-soaked Pacific Northwest soundscape. Their evolving discography includes the "Formless" EP (2024) and the "Thin Cities / Desert Festival" EP (2026).