TESTAMENT![]() Eliran Kantor stepped up once again to create a new piece of artwork for the cover of this release. His classic, almost Renaissance style of painting melds beautifully with the ancient, psychological, and enlightened subject matter of the songs. Three monstrous titans stand in the place where the planets are formed. One pours molding liquid which the others hammer into human DNA, twisting and turning into the ring of a newborn planet. Each titan has the flame of a dying star burning in their chest; the origin of the atoms making up the bodies that are bubbling and boiling on the curves of the spiraling helix. Titans OF Creation has many moods and material contained within; all of which somehow tie into a common philosophy of creation and its necessary counterpart: destruction. “Children Of The Next Level” smashes through the gates as the opening track with a flood of sound that prepares the listener for an abundance of violent thrash. Meanwhile, the lyrics rage about the outrageous philosophies of the Heaven’s Gate cult (founded in 1974). Songs like “Dream Deceiver” carry more old school sound that will tickle the senses of any common TESTAMENT fan. The lyrics describe being trapped in a dream by an otherworldly female force who is slowly working to degrade the mind. Dreams are part of existence, but when we are asleep we are entirely vulnerable; one of the many mysteries of being human. “Someone’s haunting you and won’t leave you alone; the only time they pick at you is at night when they can control the way you sleep,” describes vocalist Chuck Billy. “Night of the Witch” features frightening and captivating vocals from Eric Peterson. Carrying a vibe far more akin to Black Metal, Peterson swoops in with a power that melds perfectly with Billy’s ground shaking, guttural growls. Taking some influence from Robert Egger’s 2015 horror masterpiece “The VVitch: A New England Folktale,” the song carries with it a magical quality that directly reflects the mood of the film. At the very end of the track, a theremin howls through the air much like witches rising towards the moon; setting the final tone. “The album has a lot about it that’s fresh to the ear,” explains Peterson. Written by guitarist Alex Skolnick, “Symptoms” is filled with detailed with intricate guitar work that well represents the complicated and spellbinding journey that comes along with handling depression, mood swings, and a countless list of mental health frustrations. The lyrics in this song discuss a sad truth: that mental illness is more common than we all think, and than many of us are willing to acknowledge. On a lighter note, a vibrant track entitled “The Healers” swings back and forth between waves of death and thrash, heavy and melodic, light and dark. The words are spiritual, and extremely personal. They describe Billy’s own experience dealing with all natural medicine men; the elders of the earth, and how they managed to help him pinpoint and heal his past illness. “City Of Angels” comes bearing an entirely new sound for TESTAMENT. The creeping sludgieness and slow, stalking tempo, walk hand in hand with the almost unbelievably gruesome tale of the Nightstalker Richard Ramierz, all combining to form another stand-out track on the record. In 2020 the days of writing an album all together in one room are far gone, but to be able to take advantage of technology allows for TESTAMENT to go about a very similar writing process to what they always have. Basic songs are molded, structures are added by everyone in the group, instrumentals are highlighted, and finally the lyrics and vocals are created to finalize the sonic story. Facetime and human on human contact still remain crucial elements to TESTAMENT’s song writing process and at some point throughout, every member physically interacts and writes with one another. In between writing this album, the band toured relentlessly which allowed for less stress, more time in between, and greater inspiration for this album cycle. There was also plenty of anxiety-free and level-headed time for pre-production and the initial recording process with Juan Urteaga of Trident Studios. Andy Sneap was then able to tweak, mix, and master this album to his usual perfection. TESTAMENT’s process of creation has evolved and progressed yet they’ve remained steadfast over the course of literal decades. While always managing to present the genuine aspects of thrash metal that solidify their existence, they spread into unique horizons through developing crisp and fascinating sounds. Testament Website Testament @ Deezer Testament @ Facebook Testament @ Instagram Testament @ ReverbNation Testament @ SoundCloud Testament @ Spotify Testament @ TikTok Testament @ X Testament @ YouTube |
OBITUARY![]() The band (also featuring lead guitarist Jerry Tidwell and bassist Jerome Grable) trekked later in 1984 to Tampa’s famed Morrisound Recording to track its thrash-inspired two-song Metal Up Your Ass debut demo. Shortly after that, two moments occurred that would forever change the band’s career: Peres discovered Celtic Frost and Hellhammer, helping him shape his guitar tone, and John Tardy discovered his iconic death metal voice. Combined with Donald Tardy’s innate rhythmic ability and new lead guitarist Allen West’s solos, Obituary had forged its sound. After catching wind of another outfit named “Executioner,” a name change to “Xecutioner” was in order. It was followed by the band’s inclusion in the pivotal 1987 Raging Death compilation. Word quickly circulated through the metal underground of Xecutioner’s unrestrained heaviness, particularly John Tardy’s vocals. For many, it was unlike anything they’d ever heard. Now armed with eight songs, new bassist Daniel Tucker and eying an eventual record deal, Xecutioner re-entered Morrisound Recording with producer/engineer Rick Miller to track their Slowly We Rot debut in 1988. However, an accident forced Miller to leave the sessions, putting Xecutioner in the hands of the fledgling producer/engineer Scott Burns, who quickly bonded with the members of the band. A deal with Dutch label Roadrunner Records was signed in late 1988 that coincided with a name change to Obituary. Slowly We Rot was unleashed upon unsuspecting ears in May 1989. The sheer brutality of it all — from Peres and West’s subterranean riffs to John Tardy’s rabid, indecipherable bellows — was an immediate revelation in death metal circles. Never before had a band sounded this extreme while having the songs to back it all up. Flanked by promotional shots that obscured the band’s faces (courtesy of a back-alley photo shoot in Ybor City by Tampa scene photographer Tim Hubbard), Obituary quickly became one of the most talked-about names in the death metal underground, with fans and journalists alike taking their turns trying to decipher John Tardy’s lyrics (he never used a lyric sheet) while trying to put a face to the band. (Obituary’s live appearances were limited at this time.) The impact of Slowly We Rot is immeasurable; it remains a standard-bearer for extremity and one of death metal’s most impactful debuts. Cause of Death arrived a year later, this time with James Murphy stepping in for Allen West in the lead guitar spot and Frank Watkins assuming the bass position for Daniel Tucker. While Murphy’s classically inspired solos added a new dimension to Obituary’s sound, Peres and Donald Tardy carried nearly the full songwriting load, assembling a batch of cuts that would remain live set mainstays, “Chopped in Half,” “Dying” and “Turned Inside Out.” Obituary’s first U.S. tour followed the release of Cause of Death, including an appearance on the legendary “S.O.S.” bill alongside headliners Sepultura and opening act Sadus. Behind the momentum of Cause of Death, Obituary’s third studio album, The End Complete, arrived two years later. Once again partnering with Scott Burns and West returning to his lead guitar spot, The End Complete’s raw and natural production values highlighted songs that were now fully enmeshed in groove, as signified by the opening cut “I’m in Pain” as well as the title track, which also received music video treatment and heavy rotation on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball. The album eventually reached 150,000 units in sales, making it one of the highest-selling death metal albums of all time. Obituary’s fourth studio album, 1994’s World Demise, arrived at a time when death metal became oversaturated and outfits such as Machine Head, Pantera and Sepultura ruled the day. Obituary, however, used it as an opportunity to diversify its sound. Peres, Donald Tardy and Morrisound Recording engineer “Super” Brian Benscoter incorporated a myriad of industrial effects to add a new angle to Obituary. Combined with John Tardy’s harsh lyrical take on corporations plundering the world for their greed, World Demise stands alone as Obituary’s most adventurous album. With Burns approaching retirement from studio work, Obituary tapped Madball producer Jamie Locke for Back from the Dead, the band’s fifth studio album. Recorded at Miami’s legendary Criteria Studios, Back from the Dead housed some of the band’s most groove-oriented material, such as “By the Light,” “Download” and “Lockdown.” In 1998, the members of Obituary decided to take a much-deserved break to focus on their families and other projects. Peres started Catastrophic and released The Cleansing studio album in 2001. Donald Tardy joined over-the-top rocker Andrew W.K.’s band, whose major label debut, I Get Wet, spawned several hit singles, affording Donald the opportunity to perform on Saturday Night Live as well as the 2002 installment of Ozzfest, where an impromptu reunion with Donald, John and Trevor set the stage for the band’s 2003 reactivation. Obituary’s first album in eight years, Frozen in Time, arrived in 2005, followed by a switch in record companies to Candlelight Records and the addition of new lead guitarist Ralph Santolla in 2007. The changes signified a new era for Obituary, prompting the Xecutioner’s Return album title for the band’s sixth studio effort. The album also marked another drastic change for Obituary: The band built its own studio with a Pro Tools rig on John Tardy’s property, enabling them to record at all hours of the day. The process helped shape the band’s next album, Darkest Day, which arrived two years later and highlighted Santolla’s elaborate, Michael Schenker-inspired guitar solos. Bassist Terry Butler (formerly of Death, Massacre and Six Feet Under) joined Obituary in 2010, a long overdue event considering he has been one of the band’s closest friends since their formation. And Santolla (who passed away in 2018) was replaced by Andrew W.K. guitar tech Kenny Andrews in 2012, stabilizing Obituary’s lineup. Behind a crowdfunding effort and a new deal with Relapse Records, Inked in Blood was released in 2014. It was immediately hailed by fans and critics as one of Obituary’s finest efforts in years, propelled by a heavy touring cycle. Simply titled Obituary, the band’s tenth studio album was released during a death metal renaissance. A new wave of fans started to discover bands like Obituary, while old standbys were reminded of the band’s greatness through cuts like “Brave” and “Sentence Day.” A marquee spot on Slayer’s European tour ensued, where the sound of Peres’s ungodly guitar tone melted arenas across the continent. The 2020 Covid pandemic took Obituary and their peers off the road. The band made the most of its downtime with a series of livestreams that gave fans the opportunity to hear classic albums in full and deep cuts that are rarely performed live. Along the way, Obituary kept writing new material, culminating with Dying of Everything, which, once again, was recorded at the band’s own RedNeck Studios in Gibsonton, Florida and produced and mixed by Joe Cincotta, with engineering credits yet again falling to Mark Prator, a longtime friend of the band. Dying of Everything, as one would surmise, is everything one would expect from Obituary. From the thrashy “Barely Alive” to the all-out stomp of “The Wrong Time” and the innate groove of “My Will to Live,” Dying of Everything is Obituary at its finest, fitting for a band that has defied age, expectations and shifting musical tastes. Obituary is built upon brotherhood, friendship and music—three unbreakable bonds. From the garages of Brandon, Florida, to the big festival stages of Europe and beyond, Obituary has never lost sight of what matters: a prime recipe for longevity. Obituary Website Obituary @ Bandcamp Obituary @ Deezer Obituary @ Facebook Obituary @ Instagram Obituary @ ReverbNation Obituary @ SoundCloud Obituary @ Spotify Obituary @ X Obituary @ YouTube |
DESTRUCTION![]() Their newest onslaught is opened by the brutal “Destruction” with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band’s 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title Birth Of Malice suggests, lyrically Schmier delves deep in human errors – like selfish behavior on “Greed” and “Evil Never Sleeps”, while stomping “A.N.G.S.T.” delivers shredding guitar solos and flirts with our paranoid instinct, criticizing evil forces who prey on the weaknesses of others. A clear statement is made with carnage on “Scumbag Human Race”, exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus “I will count your days!”. The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging “No Kings – No Masters”. On the album, DESTRUCTION also shift to futuristic topics, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on “Cyber Warfare”. To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept, by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker “Fast As A Shark”. All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. DESTRUCTION mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world! Destruction Website Destruction @ Bandcamp Destruction @ Deezer Destruction @ Facebook Destruction @ Instagram Destruction @ SoundCloud Destruction @ Spotify Destruction @ X Destruction @ YouTube |
NERVOSA![]() In 2012, due to the recognition gained from their hard work, NERVOSA achieved a significant milestone: a contract with the Austrian label Napalm Records. They released their debut work, a demo with three tracks, titled '2012' in Brazil, and 'Time Of Death' internationally. In 2014, they released their first album, titled “Victim of Yourself”. The album was recorded at the legendary studio of Pompeu and Heros (both from the band Korzus). It was launched in March of the same year by Napalm Records in Europe and North America, and by other labels and distributors in South America, Japan, and Russia. Alongside the traditional CD format, four vinyl versions were released - in black, blue, red, and clear, distributed by Napalm Records and Nuclear Blast. In 2016, the band recorded their second album, titled 'Agony', produced in California and Oregon, United States, by Brendan Duffey. The album was mixed and mastered by thrash master Andy Classen. The album's worldwide premiere was announced on June 3rd again by the Austrian label Napalm Records. In the same year, they embarked on an intense concert tour to promote their latest album, performing more than 160 concerts. In June 2018, the band released their new album "Downfall of Mankind", produced by Martin Furia. They extensively toured Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The album received high praise from critics, and in 2019, Nervosa played at Rock in Rio in front of an audience of over 70 thousand people. In 2020, the band underwent a lineup change and announced a new lineup. The following year, they released their most successful album to date, "Perpetual Chaos", also produced and mixed by Martin Furia. The album, released in January 2021, reached the top of the charts in many countries. It received critical acclaim, earning spots in various "best album of the year" rankings and other categories. In 2023, the band underwent a transformation, adding another guitarist, Helena Kotina, a virtuoso Greek guitarist influenced by Classic Rock, Heavy Metal, and Thrash Metal. Prika Amaral assumed vocal duties and leadership of the band, injecting more aggression, diversity, and stability. In April of the same year, Nervosa released the video for “Endless Ambition”, featuring the current lineup, which was well-received by critics and fans. From May to August, the band performed at major festivals in Europe, such as Inferno Metal Fest in Norway, Resurrection in Spain, Copenhell in Denmark, Gefle Metal Fest in Sweden, Metal Days in Slovenia, Wacken in Germany, Vagos Metal Fest in Portugal, Rock Castle in the Czech Republic, and Summer Breeze in Germany, among others. With the recent release of "Seed Of Death," the band demonstrated extraordinary growth, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their upcoming album, which promises to be the pinnacle of Nervosa's career. Titled “Jailbreak”, the album's release is scheduled for September 29th with global distribution. Nervosa is considered a significant reference in the new generation of world metal, standing as one of the prominent female bands. Recognized as the Latin phenomenon, Nervosa's history showcases a remarkable example of overcoming challenges. Nervosa Website Nervosa @ Bandcamp Nervosa @ Deezer Nervosa @ Facebook Nervosa @ Instagram Nervosa @ ReverbNation Nervosa @ SoundCloud Nervosa @ Spotify Nervosa @ TikTok Nervosa @ X Nervosa @ YouTube |
W.A.S.P.![]() Formed in 1982, W.A.S.P. is set to bring this universally acclaimed “classic” album to life. Lead vocalist Blackie Lawless says, “It was an angry record made by an angry band. It was a record that not only reflected the attitude of the band members who made it, but also a record that reflected its time.” This record became a central piece of the 80s metal scene and remains one of the best metal debut albums of all time. Along with bassist Mike Duda and lead guitarist Doug Blair, whose tenures in the band are 29 and 26 years respectively, W.A.S.P. is joined by long-time drummer extraordinaire Aquiles Priester. Lawless and company will deliver the ultimate incredible spectacle, bringing W.A.S.P.’s most colorful history to life by performing this revered album in its entirety... ONE more time... ONE last time... Album ONE Alive! W.A.S.P. Website W.A.S.P. @ Bandcamp W.A.S.P. @ Facebook W.A.S.P. @ Instagram W.A.S.P. @ SoundCloud W.A.S.P. @ Spotify W.A.S.P. @ TikTok W.A.S.P. @ X W.A.S.P. @ YouTube |
AFSKY![]() Afsky was the title for a demo in 2015. Germany’s Vendetta Records released the man’s debut album. There was a tour with Spectral Wound in 2019. An acoustic EP was called I Stilhed in 2022. The Northern Sorrow Tour was a tour with Sunken in 2022. Om hundrede År was released in late winter of 2023. Martin of Denial Of God and Ad Noctum, who also organised Metal Magic Festival, joined for live bass work. The man left Vendetta with rancour calling the label “shitty” and the owner Stefan an “asshole.” The man felt his political inclinations had been perjured. Vendetta Records bills itself as anti-fascist. Ole signed with Eisenwald. The new label was rereleasing older albums. 2024 kicked off with a gig with Nornír and Nemesis Sopor. Then there was a Scandinavian tour with Heimland. The act was to play at PartySan Metal Open Air 2024, Vienna Metal Meeting and tour with 1349 and Kampfar in late 2024. Havukruunu and Afsky co-headlined a mini-tour in Finland in 2024. Afsky announced the European Flagellation Tour with Myrdal for autumn of 2025 The act also announced the release of a fourth album, Fællesskab, through Eisenwald for October of 2025. Afsky @ Bandcamp Afsky @ Deezer Afsky @ Facebook Afsky @ Instagram Afsky @ SoundCloud Afsky @ Spotify Afsky @ YouTube |
MÝRDAL![]() Their style is heavily inspired by the icelandic Black Metal sound, mixing agressive and raw riffs with atmospheric and melodic parts. W.K. - Vocal/ Guitar O.F. - Drum Mýrdal @ Bandcamp Mýrdal @ Facebook Mýrdal @ Instagram Mýrdal @ Spotify |
AS I LAY DYING![]() Founded by vocalist Tim Lambesis alongside guitarists Nick Hipa and Evan White, bassist Aaron Kennedy, and drummer Jordan Mancino, As I Lay Dying quickly gained attention for their technical prowess and compelling stage presence. Their debut album, Beneath the Encasing of Ashes (2001), set the stage for a career defined by relentless energy and precision. With the release of Frail Words Collapse (2003) and Shadows Are Security (2005), the band established themselves as a defining force in the metalcore genre, combining crushing riffs, intricate rhythms, and a balance of harsh and melodic vocals that captivated fans worldwide. As I Lay Dying’s An Ocean Between Us (2007) marked a pivotal moment, debuting at number 8 on the Billboard 200 and showcasing their ability to marry technical intensity with mainstream appeal. Over the years, the band has toured internationally, headlined major festivals, and built a loyal, global fanbase drawn to their authentic and unflinching approach to music. Following a brief hiatus, the band reunited in 2018 with the original lineup, returning stronger than ever with their acclaimed album Shaped by Fire (2019). The record exemplifies their signature sound—blistering yet melodic, precise yet heartfelt—and reaffirms their position as innovators in heavy music. Known for their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to their craft, As I Lay Dying continues to inspire both fans and fellow musicians. Their music speaks to themes of struggle, perseverance, and personal growth, resonating deeply across diverse audiences. With a career spanning over two decades, As I Lay Dying remains a defining voice in metalcore, consistently delivering powerful music and unforgettable live experiences that push the genre forward. As I Lay Dying Website As I Lay Dying @ Bandcamp As I Lay Dying @ Deezer As I Lay Dying @ Facebook As I Lay Dying @ Instagram As I Lay Dying @ SoundCloud As I Lay Dying @ Spotify As I Lay Dying @ TikTok As I Lay Dying @ X As I Lay Dying @ YouTube |
GUTALAX![]() The Shitty River boys will tour South America before our anniversary to improve their movements in the samba rhythm which they will then, in a brownish connection with their disco, release into your bodies. Band members: Martin MATY Matousek - vox Tomas KOJAS Anderle - guitar Petr FREE Svoboda - drums Pavel KEBAB Troup - bass Gutalax @ Bandcamp Gutalax @ Deezer Gutalax @ Facebook Gutalax @ Instagram Gutalax @ Spotify Gutalax @ X Gutalax @ YouTube |
SPASM![]() Copremesis prod. released the debut album of Spasm in May 2005. Later on, when ideal and conceptual disputes appeared, Máňa left the band and his post was taken by owner of the releasing label Copremesis- Radim (Copretina). So, the line – up was: Sam – bass guitar, Lukáš – drums and Radim – vocals. After releasing our debut album “Lust For Feculent Orgasm”, the band started playing in different fests and gigs, Obscene extreme 2006 was the most important performance in our career. In next tree years our horde intensively played dozens of shows in Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Germany and Austria, we participated in several compilations and we were hardly working on another CD. As a result of our effort, we met with growing warm reception of fans and with growing interest and popularity as well. At the beginning of 2008 Spasm entered the studio to record new material for the second full – length CD. We succeed in realizing it, recorded a big amount of songs, so some of them were put on Split EP with our grinding Slovakian friends Mizar. This Split Ep was released by a friend of our band - Bohdan and his Rarach Katus rec. in March 2008. In October 2008 another glorious period of our history was started, when our second CD called “Paraphilic Elegies“ was released on German label Rotten Roll Rex. after some major technical inconveniences. Firstly, we unobtrusively had a few shows supporting our actual release, but we decided to play intense and maximal shows all around for the next year 2009. Between 2009 - 2010 the band participated in many gigs and festivals throughout Europe (Ukraine, Portugal, The Netherlands) and also in their homeland. Moreover, Spasm filmed their first music video. That was the time for preparing another CD as well. In summer 2011 Spasm released the third full-lenght album "Taboo Tales" and the whole crazy carousel starts up again. In the same year Spasm shot another official video, which awarded amazing 4th place in Czech music survey Břitva in "Video of the year". The year of 2012 brings the first real European tour with friends Gutalax. We played 10 gigs in 10 days in 5 countries. The whole venue was really successful and also the new merchandise has been maximally promoting the band. We appeared on great summer festivals – awesome Obscene Extreme and also Extreme Fest in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Afterwards we played gigs in the Netherlands, Poland or Switzerland and Germany again. In 2013 we experienced playing in Russia for the first time and we took part in some great small Czech festivals like Antitrend Fest and also in famous Rape The Escape Fest in Austria. January 2014 brought us the golden opportunity to play headlining and successful tour which took place in different parts of Mexico. In May we played twice in the Netherlands, two awesome fests like Grindhoven and the biggest European indoor extreme festival Neurotic Death Fest. March 2014 Luke decided to leave the band but promised us that he played all booked gigs. Sam and Radim looked around the scene and after great gig on Brutal Assault they found new drummer Rudy from Slovak republic. After that we fixed new drummer Sam and Rudy Worked on live play list and practise for gigs. 2015 after some rehealsals we entered the studio in April and recorded new CD called PUSSY –DE LUXE- With the new concept of new cd helped us our old friend David and his girlfriend Romca. They found for us pretty model girl Pavla and we made small photosession and we recorded new videoclip. Cd + LP and other merch were out in November under Rotten Roll Rex again. This year we are hard working for promote our new album and spread our beauty bodies… Spasm @ Facebook Spasm @ Instagram Spasm @ Spotify Spasm @ YouTube |
GUINEAPIG![]() Conceived by an idea of guitarist/vocalist Fra, soon after composing 2 demo tracks he involved drummer Cristiano and bassist/vocalist Alessio. Right after the release of their debut album, Gina joins the band as drummer. Their 2014 debut album ‘Bacteria’ was a clear statement, a Goregrind ensemble built to destroy, an operation that led the three-piece to be recognized as one of the most interesting and original names in the over-saturated extreme music world. With this release alone, along with a split with Rompeprop in 2017 – both via Rotten Roll Rex – the band has treaded the stages of some of the most important European festivals around, including Brutal Assault, Party.San and Obscene Extreme, and also shared the Gorecrusher European Tour with fellows Gutalax and Spasm on multiple occasions. Eight long years after ‘Bacteria’, Guineapig finally make their comeback in June 2022 via Spikerot Records with the crisp and blistering sophomore work ‘Parasite’, praised all around the globe by fans and critics alike. An album that redefines the very concept of Goregrind with a cutting-edge and forward-thinking vision, without ever losing sight of the roots, with a songwriting fluctuating between abysmal tunings, Death Metal mid-tempos and ripping breakdowns. Expect nothing but The Heaviest Goregrind. Guineapig Website Guineapig @ Bandcamp Guineapig @ Facebook Guineapig @ Instagram Guineapig @ ReverbNation Guineapig @ Spotify Guineapig @ X Guineapig @ YouTube |
PERTURBATOR![]() Perturbator’s genesis dates back to 2012, when releases like “Night Driving Avenger”, “TERROR 404”, and “I Am the Night”propelled him to the forefront of the retro- electronic scene. Critics eagerly likened him to giants such as John Carpenter, Tangerine Dream, and Goblin, but Kent already had a vision that went beyond easy comparisons. His restless ambition led to a pivotal moment in 2014 with “Dangerous Days”, a magnetic and shadow-drenched masterpiece. By 2016, “The Uncanny Valley” had cemented his status, climbing the Billboard charts while plunging into even darker sonic depths. But for Kent, it still wasn’t enough. In 2017, “New Model” signaled a bold shift. Gone were the pop culture references and neon nostalgia. In their place, Kent channeled the icy austerity of Kraftwerk, the visceral intensity of Nine Inch Nails, and the claustrophobic textures of Lorn, determined to defy the expectations of a fanbase hungry for retro comfort. With “Lustful Sacraments”, Perturbator further solidifies his reputation as a visionary artist, unflinchingly exploring humanity’s inevitable decline. “This album is about bad habits, chronic dissatisfaction, and addiction,” Kent explains. “It’s an overall look at how we, as a species, lean toward self-destruction.” Musically, the album delves into the shadowy aesthetics of the 1980s and 1990s, blending gothic atmospheres with suffocating electronic textures and precision-cut production. After two years of relentless touring across the globe – sharing stages with HEALTH in the U.S. and joining forces with Carpenter Brut in Europe – Perturbator is poised to make 2025 a year to remember. He's joining forces for the first time with the well-known metal label Nuclear Blast Records, and as good news never comes alone, he's also announcing a European headline tour for November 2025, featuring Gost and Kaelan Mikla as support acts. 2025 won’t just be a year where you hear about Perturbator. It will be the year he once again redefines what it means to push the boundaries of music. Perturbator Website Perturbator @ Bandcamp Perturbator @ Facebook Perturbator @ Instagram Perturbator @ Spotify Perturbator @ X |
KÆLAN MIKLA![]() The band, consisting of Sólveig Matthildur, Margrét Rósa, and Laufey Soffía, lets the complex interplay of musical and visual experience play a key role in their stagings, captivating audiences with a unique blend of post-punk, goth, and dream-pop influences, evoking a moody, otherworldly atmosphere inspired by the darkened landscapes of their native Reykjavík. The band first gained attention after winning a poetry slam competition, which led to them transforming their literary explorations into music. Their debut album, "Mánadans" (2014), introduced their signature atmospheric sound, and their subsequent albums, “Kælan Mikla” (2016), "Nótt eftir nótt" (2018), and "Undir Köldum Norðurljósum" (2021), showcased their progression into a darker, more refined sonic space. Kælan Mikla’s ethereal live performances have earned them a dedicated international following, and they have embarked on several major tours with artists such as Ville Valo, Alcest, and Chelsea Wolfe, whose audiences resonated deeply with Kælan Mikla's atmospheric and intense stage presence. Their tour with Ville Valo was particularly significant, as it introduced them to a wider audience of gothic and rock enthusiasts whilst touring with Chelsea Wolfe also aligned them with similarly dark, evocative acts, creating a synergy that made for unforgettable live experiences. A key milestone in their career was the BBC Radio 1 Maida Vale session in 2023, which served to showcase their evocative sound to a broader audience and highlighted their growing international appeal. This milestone underscored their position as a key force in the darkwave movement, bringing Icelandic gothic soundscapes to the global stage. On their upcoming album, the forces of nature will play a key role and the personification of their powers will shine through, “We look at Iceland's nature in the form of female figures who dominate the rugged landscape of lava, fog and cliffs. A powerful feminine energy ties the stories together in a balanced yet provocative way”. The elegant lyricism of their poetry builds mountain peaks shrouded in mist and mystery. Kælan Mikla’s otherworldly force continues to profoundly inspire audiences through a cathartic realm of emotional exploration. Kælan Mikla Website Kælan Mikla @ Bandcamp Kælan Mikla @ Facebook Kælan Mikla @ Instagram Kælan Mikla @ Spotify Kælan Mikla @ X Kælan Mikla @ YouTube |
GOST![]() Now Gost return with their sixth album, and their most exhilarating and dangerous-sounding work to date, Prophecy. It’s a record that perfectly reflects the horror and grim anxieties of a world beset with religious and political overreach, and progress “being rolled back to the fucking 1950s“. “It’s about an imaginative fall of the Western civilization, the biblical end of the world – the rise of Satan and Armageddon,” says James. “In America, there’s been a big rise of scared, reactive Christianity again, and almost like a re-emergence of the Satanic Panic. So it felt like an appropriate time to bring Satan back into things.“ Recorded alone in Texas during a burst of creativity at the end of 2022 (“I can’t put a song down once I start it, I’m too OCD, I have to finish it“), Prophecy is the perfect vessel for such things. Following the experimentation and more melodic touches of 2019′s Valediction, James says it also acts as something of a return to older roots, to recapture the spirit of Gost. “When Valediction came out, COVID hit, and I guess people weren’t so into art while the world was on its knees,” he says. “I also wanted to reconnect with some of my older fans who maybe didn’t feel that album so much. I wanted to go back in time and bring some of the older shit back, some of the older sounds.“ Indeed, on tracks like the industrial scrape of Death In Bloom, the doomy Decadent Decay and Golgotha‘s demonic pulse, it’s clear what he means. Throughout, he welds together elements of pulsing synthwave, the otherworldly nastiness of black metal, and the pound and snarl of Ministry at their most unhinged to create a whole that sounds genuinely dangerous, somewhere between metal and a rave in Hell. “If people listened to my music at a rave they would have a bad fucking trip,” laughs James. “But it’s a fun challenge to try to make metal with digital noises. I love processing on a computer and electronic equipment, and trying to make it sound raw. It’s a unique challenge, because everything in there is clean, and you’re using plug in distortion and things like that. It’s just a whole different realm than using pedals and amps and shit.” For an artist who drinks so heavily from the world of electronic and dance music – albeit at its most extreme edges – James says Gost hasn’t been taken in by that world at all. Instead, he’s built a home in metal, as seen when he was invited to tour with black metal legends Mayhem. “On the Mayhem tour, I ended up one night in a hotel bar talking to [bassist] Necrobutcher. I was thanking them for having me on the tour, and he’s like, ‘That was me, I wanted you on this tour.’ That’s fucking bizarre. But it’s cool, man,” says James. “It’s weird to be accepted by the metal community, it’s humbling, it’s honourable. It’s where I come from.” Whatever you call it, Gost have made something intense, cathartic, creatively rich and not quite like anything else out there. Watch them fulfil their Prophecy… Gost Website Gost @ Facebook Gost @ Instagram |
BATTLE BEAST![]() Ever since winning two major band competitons in 2010, Battle Beast have been busy on the road. Throughout the years, fans around the globe have grown to love the explosive combinating of shredding guitars, symphonic keyboards and the unique voice of frontwoman Noora Louhimo. Battle Beast were awarded the “Metal Album of the Year” award at Emma Gaala (Finnish Grammys) for both “Bringer of Pain” (2017) and “No More Hollywood Endings” (2019). Battle Beast Website Battle Beast @ Deezer Battle Beast @ Facebook Battle Beast @ Instagram Battle Beast @ SoundCloud Battle Beast @ Spotify Battle Beast @ X Battle Beast @ YouTube |
DOMINUM![]() DOMINUM deliver an epic metal show that takes the living on a journey into a world of the undead. The band combines the energy of metal with the drama and intensity of a horror movie, creating an intense and captivating reality. With songs that tell stories of zombies, survival, and an insatiable hunger for more, they bring their undead characters to life and provide a live experience that couldn't be more alive. Frankenstein is yesterday. Dominum Website Dominum @ Bandcamp Dominum @ Deezer Dominum @ Facebook Dominum @ Instagram Dominum @ Spotify Dominum @ TikTok Dominum @ YouTube |
MAJESTICA![]() Back in 2019, MAJESTICA made a significant impact in the metal community with their debut album, Above The Sky. This album showcased their signature blend of soaring melodies and powerful instrumentation, quickly gaining acclaim and amassing over 17 million streams. It established them as prominent players in the power metal scene, setting high expectations for their future work. In 2020 then, the band delighted fans with a unique release: a Christmas musical power metal album titled A Christmas Carol. This project beautifully intertwines the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge with their symphonic power metal style, drawing inspiration from artists like RHAPSODY and film composers such as Alan Silvestri and Danny Elfman. The album not only highlighted their musical versatility but also offered listeners a captivating retelling of the beloved story, complete with orchestral elements and theatrical storytelling. Musically, fans can expect real power metal with an even more symphonic and epic sound in Power Train. Tommy Johansson describes: "You can expect to hear an explosive and very melodic Power Metal album with alot of catchy melodies, epic guitars solos, strong power metal vocals with fast, but also heavy drums!”. The album features ten brand new tracks, which showcase especially musically a natural evolution and growth in style and skill compared to the previous albums, giving their fanbase exactly what MAJESTICA are known for and doing the logical next step in their career. "We’ve taken the melodies and the Power Metal elements from our first album and mixed it with some of the choir and orchestral arrangements from the last one - perfect mix!” adds Tommy. When it came to the process of recording and putting all the pieces together, the band did not change a lot compared to the last projects. Again the music was written, recorded, and produced by MAJESTICA themselves. "Like our previous albums this one is also produced by ourselves, and we recorded most parts in our new place ”Majestic Studios”. For mixing we went back to Jonas Kjellgren as we have been very happy with the sound of ’A Christmas Carol’ and ’Metal United’“ says bassist Chris Davidsson. Regarding the amazing artwork for Power Train, Chris explains: "For the artwork we teamed up with Jan Yrlund / Darkgrove design. It invites you to join this majepic ride of the Power Train, imagine standing there on the platform eagerly waiting, and you hear ”all aboard”!“. With Power Train launching on February 7th 2025, MAJESTICA continues to evolve their sound and connect with their ever-growing fanbase. Fans can catch MAJESTICA on tour in Europe in December 2024, and look forward to appearances at notable festivals in 2025, including Epic Fest, Metalfest and Time to Rock. They will also perform in the USA at 70,000 Tons of Metal and ProgPower, where fans can have legitimate hopes that MAJESTICA will also play a few new tracks live from Power Train. Majestica Website Majestica @ Deezer Majestica @ Facebook Majestica @ Instagram Majestica @ Spotify Majestica @ X Majestica @ YouTube |
SINISTER![]() In the years after that, Sinister succeeded in maintaining their popularity by releasing their second and third album 'Diabolical Summoning' (1993) and 'Hate' (1995) and doing many live shows all over Europe and a very successful 55 show-tour through all the USA. At the end of this period, Death-Metal got less popular, lots of Death-Metal fans switched over to Black-Metal, Gothic and other atmospherically music. Sinister never thought about playing other music than their favorite; Death-Metal. Some years passed and the band released their mini-CD 'Bastard Saints' (1996), and played a few live-shows. Several line-up changes followed, and led Sinister to write their most aggressive brutal and intense album so far 'Aggressive Measures' (1998). These time their presence in Death-Metal paid off. Death-Metal is back, where for Sinister it never left. The response from fans and critics where good. Sinister sold lots of albums and played lots of good shows, of which a short US-tour and good festivals like Wacken open air, Milwaukee Metal fest and Czech Dynamo blessed their way. Yet the cooperation between Sinister and vocalist Eric didn't work out very well, which lead to Eric's departure in August 1999. Sinister was searching for a new singer. After some serious tryouts with different singers, Rachel came out best and the band started concentrating on the next record. 'Creative Killings' was released at Hammerheart Records, September 2001. Shortly, after the release guitarist Bart decided to quit the band. A replacement was found in Pascal. The album was promoted with shows in Russia, Belarus and a 26 show tour across the rest of Europe. In 2002 Sinister decided to join forces again with Nuclear Blast records. The result is the release of their album 'Savage or Grace'. The album was massively promoted through shows in Mexico, Columbia and a two week tour with Cannibal Corpse across Europe. After a short split Sinister reformed in March/April 2005 due to letters from the fans around the world. A slight position change though. Former bassist Alex Paul moved to guitar, drummer Aad moved to vocals and newcomer Paul on drums. After the recordings of 'Afterburner', several promotional gigs, and after launching there DVD 'Prophecies Denied', which was taken in Poland, Paul left the band in late 2007 to pursue other interests. A new record deal was signed with Massacre Records for an album to be recorded in May 2008 titled 'The Silent Howling' with Edwin van den Eeden on drums.The 'Legacy of Ashes' album, recorded in 2010, would be the last with Edwin and Alex. After some shows in South-Africa and Russia the band parted ways because of different opinions in the band. Aad didn't hesitate and immediately he called his mates from project band Absurd Universe; Toep, Bastiaan, Mathijs and Dennis. Bastiaan, Aad and Toep knew each other already from the band Supreme pain. With this band they recorded 'Nemesis Enforcer'. Toep and Dennis knew each-other also from their cooperation in former bands, like Putrefied. Bastiaan and Mathijs are brothers ? So, putting this band together again with these guys, was just as logical as it could probably be. In 2011 they started with recordings of 'The Carnage Ending' in Soundlodge with Jorg Uken. The band had to prove itself more than ever, after a serious lineup change. But the reactions were amazingly good and positive. With this record the band was back on track. Fans were even referring to Cross the Styx and the beginning of Sinister. Also with bookings agency D19, Sinister was able to play big shows and festivals like; 70.000 tons of metal cruise, Hell fest, Extreme Hate Festival Brazil and Eindhoven Metal Meeting. After touring the Balkans and many festival shows in Italy and Germany, Sinister did not rest but started writing songs for the monster album 'The Post-Apocalyptic Servant', a CD which can be considered as the fastest and hardest work ever from Sinister. In 2014 recordings in Soundlodge were completed and Sinister started to promote this CD with a tour in Australia and many club shows in Europe. The critics were again amazingly good!! After launching the 7 "EP 'The Unborn Dead', containing two cover songs of Novembers Doom and Grotesque in 2014, Sinister recorded a complete cover CD to celebrate the existence of the band for 25 years, not counting the breakup for two years. This CD was entitled 'Dark Memorials' and came out in 2015 and got great responses! Heading for a new CD in 2017, Mathijs was forced to stop the band due to personal conditions and not much later the same applies for Bastiaan. Luckily Alesa (Aad's wife) was able to help the band with their mini tour in Brazil and some other great festivals in 2016 as Summer Dying Loud in Poland, gigs in Portugal and Spain, and so on. With Ricardo Falcon on guitar Sinister was on full strength again, for the live and shows and to work on the new songs for 'Syncretism', as Bastiaan stayed on the bands side to take responsibility for the 2/3 of the guitar parts on 'Syncretism'. In November 2016 recordings were done at Soundlodge with Jorg Uken again !! A majestic dark album with 100% pure Death metal will be released in 2017. In 2017 Sinister played at some great festivals as Netherlands Death Fest, In Flammen, Steelfest, Rockstad, Metal Days, Obscene Extreme and many others! Meanwhile Ghislain van der Stel was recruited on bass-guitar to join the squad!! Touring South America with Pestilence, again the 70000tons of Metal and Maryland Deathfest were just few highlights that followed. Unfortunately Sinister and Ricardo parted ways in 2018. Both parties had different opinions and therefor it was better to split up. It was decided with full respect of each other. The good part is that Sinister really quick came in contact with Michal Grall. This great guy just played his first gig at Otero Brutal Fest after just a few weeks of study and two rehearsals! Killer!! Heading for some great summer festivals Sinister is already busy writing new stuff for their new album to be released in 2019. Meanwhile a 7"split EP with Profanity sees daylight in 2018. Sinister Website Sinister @ Facebook Sinister @ Instagram Sinister @ SoundCloud Sinister @ Spotify |
PESSIMIST![]() In 1997 PESSIMIST signed to Lost Disciple Records and released their debut CD Cult of the Initiated, which charted on CMJ Top 40 Loud Rock Charts, and received acclaim from around the world. The band continued to play shows in the Mid-Atlantic region, opening for Cryptopsy, Nile, Gorguts, Dying Fetus, Vader, Monstrosity, and festival appearances at Milwaukee Metalfest XII, New England Metal and Hardcore Fest – and the band’s first European tour with Fleshless (Cz) in 1999. PESSIMIST released their second CD, Blood For the Gods, in 1999, which soared into the CMJ Top 30 and received the prestigious “Pick of the Issue.. 10 Fucking Skulls” in SOD Magazine. PESSIMIST became recognized for their unique brand of brutal and technical Black/Death Metal, with old-school thrash influences, an emphasis on quality songwriting, powerful live shows and a dark, evil sound. In 2001, the band traveled to Tampa, FL to record with producer Erik Rutan, for their third CD, Slaughtering the Faithful, which featured a re-vamped lineup and a faster, more extreme musical direction. More shows followed with Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal, Krisiun, Immolation, Cannibal Corpse, Dark Funeral, festival appearances at March Metal Meltdown, New England Metal and Hardcore Fest, and November to Dismember. PESSIMIST returned in 2008 with the Evolution Unto Evil CD, a compilation of rare/live demo recordings and tributes to Kreator, Megadeth, and Possessed, which was co-released on Pathos Prod and Deathgasm Recs. This was followed by appearances at New England Deathfest and Hostile City Deathfest. In 2009, the band returned to Europe for their second European tour with label-mates Pandemia (Cz). In between downtime with the band, founder/guitarist Kelly McLauchlin had also been a member of bands such as UNHOLY GHOST, DIABOLIC, filled in live with ANGELCORPSE, and had later joined Death Metal legends POSSESSED, touring with the band from 2011-2013. In 2018, PESSIMIST returned to the stage at Maryland Deathfest, headlining Las Vegas Deathfest, Rage of Armageddon Fest (NY), and Ruinfest (CA), and in 2019 released a new single, Keys to the Underworld, which featured studio drummer Kevin Talley (Dying Fetus, Suffocation) and bassist Kelly Conlon (Monstrosity, Death). Now, in their latest incarnation, the current PESSIMIST lineup includes founder/guitarist Kelly McLauchlin (I Am Morbid, Possessed, etc.), new bassist recruit Andrew Bowen (Carnal Necrosis), and vocalist Ivan Alison aka “The Evil One” (Black Mass). The band recently welcomed drummer Tim Yeung (I Am Morbid, former Morbid Angel, Divine Heresy, etc.) to the recording lineup. PESSIMIST is currently in the studio recording "Keys to the Underworld", for release on Season of Mist. Pessimist Website Pessimist @ Bandcamp Pessimist @ Facebook Pessimist @ Instagram Pessimist @ SoundCloud Pessimist @ Spotify Pessimist @ X Pessimist @ YouTube |
GRACELESS![]() The latest milestone in the rise of Graceless is the inking of a worldwide deal with Listenable Records in 2023: including LP, CD and MC reissues of their first three albums as well as the release of the bands fourth full-length, being the follow up to their critically acclaimed third record Chants from Purgatory (2022). Graceless @ Bandcamp Graceless @ Deezer Graceless @ Facebook Graceless @ Instagram Graceless @ Spotify Graceless @ YouTube |