NataliezWorld

Death metal band MAATKARE talks of their time together thus far, album debut, follow-up album progress, inspiration, song writing process, show plans, including festivals, and some more dates expected for the rest of this year!

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

Janneke: Maatkare comes from one of the many titles of Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of the most powerful female rulers in ancient Egyptian history. The band name was very deliberate and a conscious decision to tie in themes of power, history, and defiance, which are central to our music.  

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Amie: Death metal was my gateway into the metal genre when I was very young. Starting with bands like Carcass and of course living in the home of metal, Birmingham, there were local bands such as Benediction and Anaal Nathrakh. Finding Maatkare and starting our own death metal band has been a great opportunity to play a genre that was my first love. We’re all in other bands of different genres too, so it’s great to have found our little family.  

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

Georgia: No we didn’t know each other! Janneke first got in touch with me via Instagram telling me about how she wants to start an all-female Death Metal Band and asked if I wanted to join, which I found very exciting so I of course said yes. We later on also discovered Amie via Instagram and that is how Maatkare was formed. The final part of the puzzle was finding Nat, who was recommended by someone from the music community online. 

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

Janneke: Our band, because of our members, is both UK and The Netherlands based. The metal scene in The Netherlands is okay, although I firmly believe they can do better in supporting the underground scene and giving lesser known bands more (and better) opportunities. We still have a lot to learn. However, there is plenty of local talent. For example, in The Netherlands when it comes to black metal, I would highly suggest Release The River. Otherwise there is Ten Ton John, Braincasket. And if you prefer some lighter rock band, Hee Hee Shamone would be a good one. 

Amie: The local scene in Birmingham is amazing. Some great local talents are Vanitas, Tiberius, CherryDead, and Crown Solace.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Amie: We all have such different inspirations, I take a lot from bands such as Behemoth, Tesseract but also a lot of progressive music like Symphony X and DGM. 

Georgia: My inspirations are currently Bleed From Within and Viscera

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

Janneke: Yes, we write our own songs. Since we write about (female) empowerment and the forgotten stories of women throughout history, a lot of research goes into the songs. Our debut album Rise to Power was mainly about one of the first female Pharaohs, Hatshepsut, and we took a lot of inspiration from Egyptologist Kara Cooney, who has written a book on Hatshepsut. 

Since we are an international band, we do everything digitally. We record our parts at home and send it across using Google drive. During our weekly online get togethers, we have a listen, discuss any possible changes, adjust, and work on the next song. Once all is written and in a good place, we all go down to Birmingham to CapsAarx Studios to record. 

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

Nat: We released our debut album ‘Rise To Power’ in October 2024 and from that, we also released four singles including the title track of the album. 

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

Amie: We’re currently working on a new album and are nearly halfway through writing. We’ve got some live shows to close out the year, but we’re hoping to have some updates on new music by the end of this year and some release plans which is very exciting. 

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

Janneke: We’ve just finished up a few UK shows and a couple of European dates, but coming up we have Bloodstock Open Air in the UK which we are very excited about and we are also supporting Vermilia in Belgium on September 27th 2025. We are also looking to add a few more UK dates too. 

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

Georgia: Currently our plans are centered around touring our debut album ‘Rise To Power’ whilst we work on album 2 and then looking at getting this out there for next year. After that we’ll be looking to hit the festival circuit.

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

We are available on all streaming platforms, but you can head over to our official website at www.maatkareofficial.com and sign up to our mailing list for all the latest news as well as check out our socials and our official store for merch.

Roaming Roach Photography

Death rockers THE SAD HOUR goes into detail about their formation, ceremonies, ever changing future, music, recording and reconnecting with capturing their element of live performances, endless music making, and much else in-store from here on out. Find out all that was discussed with us below!

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

Officially:  In Victorian era at height of the spiritualist movement: They believed time stood still at the moment of one’s passing, and a new existence would begin without time. If the clock was not stopped, the spirit of the deceased would remain to haunt the living this time would forever be know as 
“The Sad Hour” .

An image of the “death clock” we use as our sigil is an example of the casket adornments as well as a copy would be kept in the home of the deceased loved ones. They would observe the time each day and mark their “sad hour” in their time of mourning.  We have all been touched by death here and we are avidly inviting new members to join our society to honor the dead and make bargains to see them again. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

The genre that we have dubbed our sounds as “Occultic Death-Glam” taking cues from conventional Death-Rock acts such as the Sisters Of Mercy, Christian Death, Souxie and the Banshees, with the glamour of David Bowie, and through the modern age of influence of the past 20 years or alt-rock to create the sound  we now perform but  is largely influenced by unseen forces that are trying to make contact with us from what we can only describe as “the beyond”.

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

Each of us a Magus in our own right, have been on separate journeys throughout the years of musical and artistic vocations - out of the death of our first Magus Charles previous work in Detroit’s own “thePicassos” he split his soul into two(?) new works - this being the deeper plunge into the dark arts and history of our charge. He was aided by Magus Justin, (of Mora Oracle) and our Magus Luke (of Boys N’ Ties) we had all worked together in varied capacities in different projects so the familiarity was there then finally adding in our new foundling Chuck Venditto on the Bass Guitar we had our foundation. 

We are also on the constant search for rhythm guitarist as we now have a history of sacrificing them into the neither-world after our Hour ceremonies have commenced. May they rest in eternal peace however sacrifices must be made.

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 commune in the interrelate between worlds and often on sacred nights. Though some may refer to its modern name “Detroit”. We have made blood bonds with a few acts since our inception of public ceremonies.  Detroit based acts: Rose St. Germaine, Vampire Cowgirl, 3 The Hardway, Katy Needs a Life to name a few of our first to connect with under this banner. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

The dead. And the uncertain futures we have. They reach out and send messages to us to inform our words and progressions. We do our best with our earthly means to honor them. 

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

Everything we have written and performed is part of a testimony of our society’s origins. A sonic story unfolding over several parts that will ultimately be understood as a whole piece. They document the past experiences with the paranormal, loves lost and Faustian bargains with blind gods. 

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

We do, through classic craving rituals pieces of the past are revealed and recorded to our seer and these are deciphered and dismantled to become listenable pieces by the group each member fleshing out the parts and adding life to them with unique perspective and experience. We are set to record them for mass consumption to enrich ourselves to further our arcane mission.

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

Our humble beginnings were recorded to document our alchemy in “Dust to Gold” released August of 24’ it’s an energy transmutation that seeks to be reborn in a new capacity soon. There are also a series of our  live ceremonies captured and can be viewed of YouTube of all places. 

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

Endlessly. 

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

Our desire has been to push our messaging out as far as possible we had just done a short run of hours mid spring in the surrounding states and now the seasons are telling us to reconnect and record our experiences to be available to the public within the year if all plans are to be met. 

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

The future is ever changing. However we have a long list of manifestations we have faith in our cause will come to fruition. Certainly with the release of new music there will be live ceremonies to celebrate our hours in time.

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

Currently where all music is to be consumed.  “The Sad Hour”  and a shop to be coming soon. 
https://thesadhour.univer.se

Mexican Thrash Metal band HeadPain released their new single "Fatal Insanity". The release was recorded at  "Aulex Estudio Studios", and mixed/mastered by Rockdrigo Rodríguez.

Check out the single linked below:

https://open.spotify.com/album/4myZ05R6hOoEKLAWJShQA1

HeadPain is a metal/punk band from eastern Mexico City, founded in 2015 by guitarist/vocalist Kevin Brandom (Kalvin) and bassist Edgar Anaya (Edguy), later joined by drummer Ghibran García (Gibby). After a brief hiatus, the original lineup reunited in 2021, with Cristian González (Criss) joining in 2022 on second guitar. That year, they released their debut EP Loud Metal And Punk Demo, fusing Thrash, Hardcore Punk, and Speed Metal.

American Modern Metal band Marble Ghosts released their new EP "The Greatest Divide". The release was recorded by Cameron Dunn and Adam Hansen in "Hillside Studios" and mixed/mastered by Scott Walsh in "Sound Creation Studios".

Check out the EP linked below:

https://open.spotify.com/album/0ncjpAwyD7GzWRNHukg3Dc

https://soundcloud.com/marble-ghosts/sets/the-greatest-divide/s-mlpSWZmoqz2?si=ded60c81475e4b34972cb8eab4c3fba6&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&fbclid=IwY2xjawKQbt9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFSSHN6RGJYbEV4dEpSOU9YAR6LzwfDxReJY-2LNSXdBiv-Gm1brpmPBzWu5f5C95Am4d3Lj2rsbc6jBXautQ_aem_xg6-e2ScKejPsTEPCvg3rA

Marble Ghosts delivers a powerful blend of melodic intensity, raw aggression, and thought-provoking lyrics. Formed by Dylan Gunnell (vocals), Adam Hansen (guitar/backing vocals), Paulo Ferraz (bass), and Jer Renaud (drums), the band debuted in 2023 and features veterans who’ve played alongside acts like All That Remains and Warbringer. With deep emotional resonance and bold social commentary, Marble Ghosts is carving a fearless path through the modern heavy music scene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkI_YAkWPpg

Italian Progressive/Alternative Metal band 81db released their new single "Jump to Hyperspace" from the band's upcoming album "Nostos" to be released next month. The release was recorded, mixed and mastered in "Enteroutside Studios" by Kostas Ladopoulos.

Check out the new single linked below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjyp_xw9T_E

https://open.spotify.com/album/4o9X2VeAwF88OMP1HXlKwE

Formed in 2006 in Florence, 81db fuses heavy riffs, progressive structures, and Greek folk elements into a cinematic, genre-defying sound. Known for albums like Evaluation and A Blind Man’s Dream, they've earned critical acclaim and shared stages with Deep Purple. After a brief hiatus, 2024 marks their powerful return with The Imposter. With new energy and a rich musical legacy, 81db continues pushing boundaries in the international rock/metal scene.

American Doom/Death Metal band Pulchra Morte released their new single "When Hearts Become the Wave". The release was recorded, mixed and mastered by Jarrett Pritchard in "New Constellation RMP Studios".

Check out the single linked below:

https://pulchramorte.bandcamp.com/album/when-hearts-become-the-wave

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

Pulchra Morte, formed in 2017, features Adam Clemans (Vocals), John Porada (Bass), Jarrett Pritchard (Guitars), and Clayton Gore (Drums). United by a mission to revive emotion, atmosphere, and depth in extreme metal, they’ve earned acclaim with their albums "Divina Autem Et Aniles" (2019) and "Ex Rosa Ceremonia" (2020). Known for dynamic performances and rich collaborations, Pulchra Morte delivers heavy, purposeful music that challenges norms and prioritizes powerful songwriting.

In 1994, having left Iron Maiden for a time (he rejoined in 1999), Bruce Dickinson released his second solo album, entitled Balls To Picasso. Named in honour of the cubist pioneer whose representations of spherical objects were as squares, and reflected on the cover in graffiti style on a tiled bathroom wall, the album belied its irreverent title by solidifying Dickinson’s reputation as a serious solo artist.

His first record with collaborator Roy Z, and recorded with Z’s band Tribe Of Gypsies, it went through various iterations before its release, produced by Shay Baby. The original album included a number of classic tracks and live favourites from Dickinson including the singles ‘Tears Of The Dragon’ and ‘Shoot All The Clowns’, alongside the much-loved epic ‘Laughing In The Hiding Bush’, which was the original title for the album.
 
Yet despite its positive reception at the time, it never quite captured Dickinson’s original vision which was even more expansive in scope and ambition. However, with the ability to revisit his solo catalogue – and following on from Dickinson’s hugely acclaimed album The Mandrake Project in 2024 – the brand new part re-recorded, remixed and newly mastered version of the album, now entitled More Balls To Picasso, reimagines it as a fresh and contemporary release; a roaringly full-throttle and ambitious collection of supremely crafted and realised songs.
 
Dickinson says of it, “While mixing all my catalogue into Dolby Atmos I had a nagging desire to revisit and reinvent the record. So putting more balls into ‘Balls…’ was a labour of love. Of course, we beefed up the guitars - courtesy of our ‘Swedish shredder’ Philip Naslund and we added some really beautiful work by Adassi Addasi on ‘Tears…’ as well. Fellow Brazilian composer Antonio Teoli added some stunning orchestral arrangements, and in a unique contribution, added indigenous instruments from the Amazon (recorded by himself when he lived there!) at the beginning of ‘Gods Of War’.
 
“‘Shoot All The Clowns’ gets the benefit of a horn section fronted by the Berklee College of Music, and all of the record gets the benefit of the mix by Brendan Duffey, (who worked on The Mandrake Project), with notes along the way from Shay Baby, the original father of the album”.
 
Additionally, More Balls To Picasso includes two previously unreleased live in-the-studio tracks, ‘Gods of War’ and ‘Shoot All the Clowns’. It will be available as a splatter vinyl double album and tri-panel digisleeve CD album.


Tracklisting:

1. Cyclops
2. Hell No
3. Gods of War
4. 1000 Points of Light
5. Laughing in the Hiding Bush
6. Change of Heart
7. Shoot All the Clowns
8. Fire
9. Sacred Cowboys
10. Tears of the Dragon
11. Gods of War (Live in the Studio)*
12. Shoot All the Clowns (Live in the Studio)*
* Previously unreleased

Already a recognized medium within the horror and supernatural sphere, Brocarde is a familiar face at music and horror festivals throughout the UK and US, where she hosts and interviews prominent guests. She garnered international headlines after her widely reported marriage and eventual divorce from Edwardo, the ghost of a Victorian soldier, who made a supernatural appearance in her residence.  Brocarde's story has been covered by dozens of media outlets, including The Mirror, Dublin Live, Yahoo, New York Post, Daily Mail, and Express. Check out hew video single for "Identity Theft" HERE.

Long Beach, CA Punk/Metal band CARSEX have released their ferocious new EP “Human Interest”, which is a deep dive into timely themes about the current state of our chaotic world.  They channel their anger and angst into 7 pummeling tracks.  The EP was produced by Steve Evetts (Sepultura, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Butcher Babies) at Maple Studios in Santa Ana, CA, and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music in New Windsor, NY. 

The EP’s focus track “Landmine” is a heavy, chugging anthem that’s forges ahead like a sonic M1 Abrams Tank.  CARSEX singer Nigel Burk says “Landmine’ is a follow-up to our song “Your Lesson”, which delved into succumbing to various forms of temptation and how we’re taught to fear divine retribution if we fall prey to these desires.  “Landmine” takes it a step further - it’s akin to a bad acid trip where everything is distorted…    You come to the realization that there is no absolution and you’re going to burn anyway.  It’s like walking through a field of landmines – you’re going to blow up, no matter what you do”.

Director Chris Michael explains the “Landmine” video concept: “I teamed up with my buddies in CARSEX to bring their video “Landmine” to life. This track’s a banger, and I was honored to storyboard and shoot it. The concept dives into the effects of an acid trip: The cool blue colors for the initial calm, then harsh reds and awkward angles take over as the hallucinations hit. We swapped the mic for a grenade to push the hallucinatory theme further.”  He continues: “We were under red and blue lighting for hours so long we actually thought we were tripping…. Some of the guys swore the colors were shifting and moving.  Everything about the shoot stayed true to the theme: chaos, distortion, and the constant threat of land mines.”

Check it HERE.

With 2025 well underway and the band about to go rock the European festival circuit, California metal maestros Steel Panther are announcing the last round of US dates on their Feel The Steel 15TH Anniversary World Tour. The latest round of shows kickoff in Las, Vegas, NV on August 16 and wraps up a month later in Kansas City, MO on September 20. Along the way, the tour will stop in Anaheim, CA (August 21), Biloxi, MS (August 30), Charles Town, WV (September 12) and Wichita, KS (September 19). Tickets are on sale to the public on Friday, June 6. Additional Information on all tickets for the upcoming tour dates can be found at: https://steelpanther.com/pages/tour. 


TOUR DATES:

Sat Aug 16 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues

Wed Aug 20 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues

Thu Aug 21 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues

Fri Aug 22 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues

Thu Aug 28 – Plano, TX – The Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall

Sat Aug 30 – Biloxi, MS – IP Casino Resort Spa - Studio A

Fri Sep 12 – Charles Town, WV – Hollywood Casino

Sat Sep 13 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live

Thu Sep 18 – Tulsa, OK – Hard Rock Casino

Fri Sep 19 – Wichita, KS – TempleLive

Sat Sep 20 – Kansas City, MO – Ameristar Casino Hotel

Croatian Metalcore band Hear Them Suffer released their new single "Spectrum of Life". The release was recorded in "H.T.S Studios" and mixed/mastered by Daniel Zolotic and Sandy Knezevic.

Check out the new single linked below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9mgpqM4nek

Formed in 2005 by Sandy Knezevic and Daniel Zolotic, Hear Them Suffer emerged with raw ambition and searing riffs. After debuting with Beneath the City Lights in 2008, lineup changes and life events paused their rise. Reignited by Daniel’s global experience with Besomora, the band returned, genre-defying and fierce. With singles like "Spectrum of Life", "Fading" and "Shadow Wraiths", they now prepare to release their cathartic new album "Catharsis" in October 2025.

The rumors are true — Lorna Shore are back in 2025 with new music and a new tour to lay their stake as one of the most impressive extreme metal acts to emerge in recent memory.
 
After a mysterious billboard appeared on the New Jersey Turnpike in the band’s hometown, Lorna Shore today confirms that their new album I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me is set for release on September 12 via Century Media Records.
 
It’s led by the blistering first single “Oblivion” debuting today. See the music video, directed by Dylan Hryciuk of Versa Films, HERE.
 
Says vocalist Will Ramos of the track, “Writing this song felt like the culmination of all the things that we’ve done in the past, but brought to the next level; a more evolved version of what Lorna Shore truly is.” He adds, “I imagined a post-apocalyptic world in the (hopefully distant) future. A world where we have sown the seeds of our own destruction. The idea that we wished for better, hoped we were doing something that would help save us in this dying world, only to end up accelerating its inevitable destruction. This brings up the question; what is right? Do we even know what we’re doing? What have we done to try and actually change anything? Are we watering the earth or just feeding a constantly growing fire?”

Lorna Shore will bring tracks from I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me and other hits on the road beginning in September, joined by The Black Dahlia Murder, Shadow Of Intent and PeelingFlesh in a tour produced by Live Nation. 
 

TOUR DATES:

September 17 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
September 18 Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life Festival*
September 20 Worcester, MA @ New England Metal & Hardcore Festival*
September 21 National Harbor, MD @ The Theater at MGM National HarborSeptember 23 Greensboro, NC @ Special Events Center
September 24 Nashville, TN @ The Pinnacle
September 26 Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion
September 27 Detroit, MI @ Masonic Temple Theatre
September 28 Chesterfield, MO @ The Factory
September 30 Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy
October 1 Tampa, FL @ Yuengling Center
October 3 Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall
October 4 Irving, TX @ Toyota Music Factory
October 5 Cedar Park, TX @ H-E-B Center Cedar Park
October 6 Oklahoma City, OK @ The Criterion
October 9 Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
October 10 Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Concert Theater
October 12 Riverside, CA @ Riverside Municipal Auditorium
October 13 San Diego, CA @ SOMA
October 14 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
October 15 San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic
October 17 Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
October 18 Vancouver, BC @ Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
October 20 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center
October 21 Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium
October 23 Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed
October 24 Maplewood, MN @ Myth Live
October 25 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
October 27 Toronto, ON @ Great Canadian Casino Resort
October 28 Laval, QC @ Place Bell
October 30 New York, NY @ The Theater at Madison Square Garden
*Festival dates

FALLING IN REVERSE are hitting the road this summer for a massive North American headline tour that will again see the band playing amphitheaters. The "Falling In Reverse: God Is A Weapon Tour," produced by Live Nation, kicks off August 10 in Denver, Colorado and runs through September 26 in Las Vegas.

Wage War, Tech N9ne, and Sleep Theory will serve as support from August 10 through August 27. Slaughter to Prevail, Hollywood Undead, and Sleep Theory will appear from August 29 through September 7. The final leg will feature support from Slaughter to Prevail, Hollywood Undead, and Point North. All dates are below. 

TOUR DATES: 

8/10 — Denver, CO — Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre* (NOT A LIVE NATION DATE)
8/12 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion*
8/13 — Austin, TX — Moody Center*
8/14 — The Woodlands, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion*
8/16 — Biloxi, MS — Mississippi Coast Coliseum*
8/17 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
8/19 — West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre*
8/20 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*
8/22 — Raleigh, NC — Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek*
8/23 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion*
8/25 — Gilford, NH — BankNH Pavilion*
8/26 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live*
8/27 — Virginia Beach, VA — Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater*
8/29 — Cincinnati, OH — Riverbend Music Center**
8/30 — Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre**
8/31 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center**
9/2 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre**
9/3 — Milwaukee, WI — American Family Insurance Amphitheater^
9/6 — Camden, NJ — Freedom Mortgage Pavilion**
9/7 — Hershey, PA — Hersheypark Stadium**
9/9 — Darien Center, NY — Darien Lake Amphitheater***
9/10 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage***
9/11 — Montreal, QC — Bell Centre^^
9/13 — Mansfield, MA — Xfinity Center***
9/14 — Hartford, CT — Xfinity Theatre***
9/16 — Holmdel, NJ — PNC Bank Arts Center***
9/18 — Burgettstown, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake***
9/23 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater***
9/24 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre***
9/26 — Las Vegas, NV — PH Live at Planet Hollywood***
* With Wage War, Tech N9ne, Sleep Theory
**With Slaughter To Prevail, Hollywood Undead, Sleep Theory
***With Slaughter To Prevail, Hollywood Undead, Point North
^ With Slaughter To Prevail, Hollywood Undead
^^ With Hollywood Undead, Point North

The heavy metal visionaries collectively known as AVATAR — vocalist Johannes Eckerström, guitarists Jonas Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström, bassist Henrik Sandelin, and drummer John Alfredsson — have gone from strength to strength to strength over the past several years. 

There's the critically acclaimed, 2023-released album Dance Devil Dance, which included rock chart topper "The Dirt I'm Buried In." 

There have been scores of sold-out headline shows across the globe and an actual fossil named after them. The list goes on and on.

But the band is looking forward to an even brighter future with today's release of the brand new song "CAPTAIN GOAT." 

Watch the video HERE.

 "I think it will be very clear to people hearing 'Captain Goat.' that the rules once again have changed," states vocalist Eckerström. "It will always be metal. It will always be Avatar. We will never do the same song twice and we will always find ways to reinvent ourselves. It's the only way we know how to do this, and the only way to give ourselves a shot at being the best we have ever been. 'Captain Goat' uses the motif of Satan and the spirit's journey through the underworld as a meditation. It is a negotiation with the harsh state of being and finding acceptance as you navigate the ruthless darkness of life."

Regarding the accompanying visual, he furthers, "In the video, we find a way to play with that, shamelessly lending imagery from various myths, folklore, and legends. Besides, any day I get to see the boys undress for a part is a good day for all of us."

Additionally, there are forthcoming tours supporting Iron Maiden and Metallica, along with the band's biggest show EVER in Mexico City. See below for a complete rundown of the band's planned tour activity for the next two years.

Avatar show no signs of pausing to take a breath in their quest for absolute world domination — much less stopping. There is more new music on the way, as well.

But for now, bow down to the Captain. Captain Goat, that is.

 TOUR DATES:

11/5 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren 
11/6 — San Diego, CA —  The Observatory San Diego
11/7 — Riverside, CA — Riverside Municipal Auditorium
11/8 — Las Vegas, NV — Brooklyn Bowl
11/10 — Seattle, WA — Moore Theater 
11/11 — Portland, OR — Roseland Theatre 
11/12 — Boise, ID — Revolution 
11/14 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Union 
11/15 — Denver, CO — Fillmore 
11/17 — Minneapolis, MN — Fillmore 
11/18 — Madison, WI — The Sylvee 
11/20 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore Detroit 
11/21 — Pittsburgh, PA — Stage AE 
11/22 — Columbus, OH — KEMBA Live!
11/23 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore Silver Spring 
11/25 — Huntington, NY — Paramount
11/26 — Boston, MA — House of Blues
11/28 — Allentown, PA — Archer Music Hall
11/29 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore Charlotte
11/30 — Louisville, KY — Old Forester's Paristown Hall
12/2 — Chicago, IL — Riviera Theater
12/4 — Nashville, TN — Marathon Music Works
12/6 — Tulsa, OK —  Tulsa Theater
12/7 — Dallas, TX — House of Blues

Prepare to enter the carnival of shadows. The twisted, theatrical, and unapologetically fierce metal band RAVEN BLACK has returned from the depths of the underworld to unleash their latest sonic nightmare: “DEATH WALTZ.” A hypnotic blend of gothic horror, symphonic metal, and psychotic storytelling, this track is more than just music—it's a dance with death itself.

Driven by thunderous guitar riffs, spine-chilling orchestral layers, and Raven’s haunting, operatic vocals that shift seamlessly into guttural growls,

“DEATH WALTZ” invites listeners into a fever dream where nightmares pirouette in time to a sinister rhythm. It's a track that blurs the line between performance and possession.

This release marks a new chapter for RAVEN BLACK—a darker, more intense evolution of their already infamous sound. Produced by Ulrich Wild (Static-X, White Zombie, Deftones), the single showcases the band’s signature fusion of metal mayhem and circus macabre, with a cinematic flair that could summon the dead to dance.

Check it HERE. 

Today, the new thrash metal supergroup NEFARIOUS — featuring Katon De Pena, Rick Hunolt, Doug Piercy, Tom Gears, and Will "Beastman" Carroll — is excited to release their new single, "Master Plan." This is the second track from their upcoming debut album, 'Addicted To Power,' out July 18, 2025. "Master Plan" is accompanied by a music video, available below.

With razor-sharp riffs, venomous vocals, and a relentless pace, "Master Plan" delivers a blistering attack on corruption and control. The accompanying video is a chaotic visual assault that mirrors the intensity of the track—raw, aggressive, and unapologetically thrash.

Vocalist Katon De Pena comments:

"Sonic sensory overload of epic proportions, HEAVY enough to CRUSH A TANK. Execution Of The Plan - The 'Master Plan'..!!!"

Drummer Will Carroll adds:

"A song with as much groove as heaviness. With the rhythm section locking in, the guitars are free to rip as they do. All while a commanding vocal presence is laid on top."

Watch the Music Video for "Master Plan" HERE.

Following the release of their brand new 14th studio album The Screaming Of The Valkyries (Napalm Records) — which made stellar debuts at #2 on both the US and Canadian Hard Music Albums charts, #4 on the US Current Rock Albums chart, and more — GRAMMY Award-nominated extreme metal institution CRADLE OF FILTH have unveiled another surprise! A brand new music video for driving album track "Demagoguery" is out now, providing an eerily disturbing backdrop to the song, which blends dark beauty, blast beats, and slaytanic groove as only Cradle can combine.

The video comes just in time for the band to kick off their UK/European headline tour, featuring support from labelmates Nervosa, later this week! See below for a full listing of current tour dates.
 
"Demagoguery" music video director Shaun Hodson says about the video's concept: "Subject Eleven, a marionette puppet, is controlled by the media, government, and television, her every move dictated by their unseen strings. As a charismatic world leader rises, cloaked in promises of peace, the truth behind her manipulation becomes clear: she is part of a dark orchestration guiding the world toward the rise of the Antichrist."

Watch the music video for "Demagoguery" HERE.

German Thrash Metal legends SODOM have today released their new single and lyric video for the song "Taphephobia." The song is featured on the upcoming studio album The Arsonist.
 
Tom Angelripper says, "'Taphephobia' is about an abnormal phobia of being buried alive as a result of being incorrectly pronounced dead. Drummer Toni Merkel, who is also an excellent guitarist, contributed this song and helped to make the album even more versatile."

Watch the video HERE.

Today, the mighty AIRBOURNE are back with “GUTSY,” their first new song in six years. Bristling with attitude and intent, this is AIRBOURNE on steroids — fired up and pissed off, ready to take on the world.

“Get ‘GUTSY,’ I die hard, you can’t stop me once I start…”

For frontman and lead guitarist Joel O’Keeffe, his brother Ryan on drums, longtime bassist Justin Street, and recent recruit Brett Tyrrell on rhythm guitar, "GUTSY" powerfully underlines everything they stand for, a blood-and-sweat commitment to the rock ‘n’ roll cause, and a burning desire to honor the true heroes of the genre.

More than just a title, "GUTSY" is a declaration. A worldview. A line drawn deep in the sand…

“It’s how you live, it’s how you die…”

Frontman/Lead Guitarist Joel O'Keeffe shares:

“When the odds are stacked against you and the battle you’re fighting seems impossible to win; when the vultures are circling and the last chance saloon has firmly bolted its doors; when your plane is hitting the runway on a single engine, and that engine is on fire; and when the things you hold as precious, the things that define you, are being tested at every turn, then the choices available become a lot clearer: fold or fight… call for help or cry for glory… give in or Get 'GUTSY'!”

Check out the new single HERE. 

The thrumming of a heartbeat announces the return of the Cavalera brothers to their most volatile recording, the carnage-driven, adrenaline-fueled onslaught that is only known as CHAOS A.D.. Just over thirty years ago Max and Iggor Cavalera took the world by storm when they released their fifth studio album upon the masses, a record that has stood the test of time through the decades. Though the years have passed, CHAOS A.D. is as timeless and relevant as the day it was released. While wars are waged around the globe, violence is witnessed in the streets, hate and disparity are rampant in our everyday lives, albums like CHAOS A.D. are what bind us together, being a prospect of light in an otherwise bleak and corrupt world.

This September, Cavalera and crew will be embarking across the U.S. on their RETURN TO CHAOS tour, alongside other remarkable acts such as Slayer, Lamb Of God, Power Trip, Sanguisugabogg and many more purveyors of extreme metal. With the obvious success of their recent re-recordings, it is guaranteed that the Cavalera duo will be bringing their top-notch energy and proficiency to reviving CHAOS A.D. on stage. Songs like Refuse/Resist, Territory, Slave New World and Propaganda have been heralded as anthems for the underdogs, and to witness these tracks brought back to life is nothing short of a blessing. CHAOS A.D. is still regarded as one of the most influential recordings of the 90’s, garnering them Gold Record status and a benchmark in the halls of heavy metal history.

Max shouts out a rallying cry, “Tanks on the streets, confronting police, bleeding the plebs!” And Iggor thunders through the drum intro to Territory like an Apache Helicopter. Silence means death! Stand on your feet! Cavalera will be bombarding the states, decimating every stage they encounter as if they were a warzone.

TOUR DATES:

 09/18/2025 - Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life

09/20/2025 - Hershey, PA @ Hershey Park Stadium

09/21/2025 - Liverpool, NY @ Sharkey's Event Center

09/23/2025 - Norwalk, CT @ District Music Hall

09/25/2025 - Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere's Entertainment Center

09/26/2025 - Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom

09/27/2025 @ Hammond, IN @ Horseshoe

09/28/2025 - St. Louis, MO @ Red Flag

10/01/2025 - Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre

10/02/2025 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex

10/05/2025 - Sacramento, CA @ House of Blues

10/07/2025 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues

10/10/2025 - Las Vegas, NH @ House of Blues

10/11/2025 - Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee

10/12/2025 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater

10/16/2025 - Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall

10/17/2025 - Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live

10/18/2025 - Dallas, TX @ Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ

The Nostalgia Con, it's first year was held in spring of 2025, with it touring throughout the summer time and right into the fall time as well! Going through various states such as Texas, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and California, among other spots. Summer time it would arrive in California in the city of Orange County in Anaheim, not far from Disneyland! Taking place Friday June 6 through Sunday June 8 2025, at the Anaheim Convention Center, this con would be big but not as big as other cons such as Anime Expo or San Diego Comic Con. This would fit into Hall A, and have the whole layout, with various vendors, selling prints, keychains, stickers, appeal, toys, and lots of guests, signing autographs, taking photos, talking with fans and guests alike.

Such guests included Josh Peck and Drake Bell from Drake and Josh, Tom Kenny voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, Mae Whitman voice of Tinkerbell, Dan Green voices from Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh, Jim Cummings voice of Weenie the Pooth, Tiger, and more characters. Along with Cree Summer famous for Rugrats, and even some Power Rangers like the Black Ranger Adam Park known as Zack Taylor. 

LIVE PHOTOS:

An array of guests slowly were coming in once the con was open after 11AM that weekend, with more guests filing in in the later afternoon after 3PM til closing time around 6-7PM. The weekend was filled with goofiness, silliness, and so much fun, with panels, meet and greets galore, and just an endless time of unforgettable memories.

Anime Riverside in it’s four year run, would happen at the start of the summer somewhat. Happening May 31st and June 1st 2025 at the Riverside Convention Center in Downtown Riverside, California! Having gotten to the convention around 1PM, checking in was cleared out, so no waiting in line except to get in, was occurring on the other side of the building! So walking all the way around, check in, once we got our badges, we were free to roam around the event.

Outside area’s had a minor food truck spot with food options, with an outdoor area featuring voice actors signing things, that line being quiet long. With more activity inside the main convention center, with two story access, the first floor having photo opportunities, more autograph signings with other voice actors, whilst the upstairs on the second floor had the vendor and artist alley halls. Selling various merchandise, stickers, keychains, plush, appeal, posters, figures, etc.

LIVE PHOTOS:

Heading back down to the outside area once again, there was the main stage with performances, panels, and other panels being inside as well. Across the way was the Marriott Hotel with a maid cafe, karaoke, and music. It was a small but not quite that small of an anime convention. Is it worth checking it, most likely not, it was too crowded, not even sold out crowds, weather wise it was nice with the sun out, but it was done during one of the hottest weekends to kick off the summer. So it was crowded, way too hot, smelly, and just not very organized or worth it much. If you had to check out any other anime based convention stick with Anime Expo or this convention’s Pasadena version of Anime Pasadena out in the fall of 2025!