INTEGRITY
Integrity is an American hardcore punk band formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1988, but based in Belgium since 2003. A pioneer of the metalcore genre, the band's merger of influences from hardcore punk and heavy metal music, as well as gothic rock, industrial, noise, doomsday cults and western esotericism, was widely influential on the subsequent development of hardcore and metal. The band was a defining part of the 1990s hardcore scene, influencing similarly influential bands such as Converge, Hatebreed and Killswitch Engage.During the 1980s, Dwid Hellion had enjoyed creating "fake bands", whom he would devise backstories and print merchandise for, spreading stories of these bands through word of mouth and calling in to radio shows. One of these fake bands was a supposedly twisted and violent straight edge band named Integrity. Following the disbandment of Hellion's legitimate straight edge youth crew band Die Hard, he morphed this vision into a real band, forming Integrity in 1988 with guitarist Aaron Melnick, who was also in Die Hard, as well as drummer Tony "Chubby Fresh" Pines and bassist Tom Front. The band's classic lineup consisted of Hellion and brothers Aaron and Leon Melnick, who were accompanied by various drummers during this time, releasing the band's first four studio albums. In 1999, Hellion recruited brothers Dave and Steve Felton of Mushroomhead, as well as bassist Craig Martini, renaming the group Integ2000. By 2001, the band had returned to simply Integrity, releasing an additional five studio albums. Integrity @ Bandcamp Integrity @ Facebook Integrity @ Instagram Integrity @ Spotify Integrity @ X |
ELLENDE
The austrian black metal project was founded in the year 2011 by L.G. as a soloproject and turned into a live project in 2012 with session musicians.The band’s name comes from a Middle High German adjective originating from the West Germanic *alja-landja-, which can be translated as „being out of the(/one’s) country“. In the sense of „exiled“, this took on a negative connotation over time, reflected nowadays in modern German elend, i.e. „miserable“. Ellende is strictly L.G.’s solo-project. All other people involved are session/live musicians. Ellende Website Ellende @ Bandcamp Ellende @ Deezer Ellende @ Facebook Ellende @ Instagram Ellende @ SoundCloud Ellende @ Spotify Ellende @ YouTube |
KARG
Karg is an Austrian post-black-metal band — originally conceived as a solo project in the summer of 2006 by singer and multi-instrumentalist Michael J.J. Kogler (also known from Harakiri for the Sky).From its beginning, Karg fused raw Black Metal roots with immersive, atmospheric textures — blending ambient, black-gaze, and neofolk elements. Over time, the sound expanded to include influences from post-rock, post-punk, grunge, and shoegaze. Vocal expression and lyrical depth have always been central: Kogler explores melancholic and existential themes — broken relationships, loss, alienation, depression — often writing lyrics in both standard German and the dialect he grew up speaking near the Tennen Mountains. Although many early Karg releases were crafted and recorded solo, the band expanded between 2010 and 2014 into a full live outfit touring across Austria, Germany and Central Europe. After several years as a studio-only project, Karg re-emerged as a live collective in 2018 with the release of their sixth studio album, Dornenvögel. In April 2025, Karg released their ninth album, Marodeur, via AOP Records — the first full-length record written as a collective band rather than a solo project. The album showcases the band at the height of their creative power: a sweeping, emotionally charged journey combining crushing blackened heaviness with evocative, melancholic atmospheres and haunting melodies that stay etched long after the final note. Whether heard through its studio work or experienced live, Karg remains a deeply personal and uncompromising expression of mood, memory, and the darker recesses of the human soul — a band that never shies away from vulnerability or intensity. Karg @ Bandcamp Karge @ Deezer Karg @ Facebook Karg @ Instagram Karg @ Spotify |
FIRTAN
For over a decade, FIRTAN has been a relentless force in the German Extreme Metal Scene, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances across Europe. Inspired by the raw energy of 90s Black Metal bands, their sound has evolved into a unique, more progressive entity, shedding eclectic influences for a multifaceted and innovative approach.Firtan @ Bandcamp Firtan @ Deezer Firtan @ Facebook Firtan @ Instagram Firtan @ SoundCloud Firtan @ Spotify Firtan @ YouTube |
IRON MEDIAN
Skupino Iron Median je leta 2007 ustanovil basist Big Foot Mame Alen Steržaj, kot tribute poklon legendam angleškega heavymetala Iron Maiden. Skupina je po uvodnem koncertu na ljubljanski Metelkovi še istega leta nastopila pred 40.000 glavo množico na festivalu Beerfest v Beogradu. Od tedaj so naslednjih sedem let navduševali z izjemnim zvokovnim in vokalnim približkom originalu, butičnim repertoarjem najbolj priljubljenih skladb Iron Maiden in slovenskim odlitkom lutke Eddie. Poleg številnih koncertnih odrov po Sloveniji (Metelkova, Orto, Lent, Rock Otočec, Štuk, Mostovna, MC Pekarna, MC Brežice, Bazen Kranj …) so Iron Median gostovali tudi po Avstriji, Italiji, Hrvaški in Srbiji in si pridobili naziv enega najboljših Iron Maiden tribute bandov v Evropi.Leta 2015 so se začasno razšli, leta 2019 pa se vračajo prenovljeni in z novim zagonom: svežo kri prinaša prenovljena in pomlajena zasedba, prava superskupina priznanih slovenskih metalcev in rockerjev: Jan Leščanec – vokal (SkyEye) Rock Tomšič – kitara (Metalsteel) Matjaž Tozon – kitara (Iron Median) Alen Steržaj – bas (Big Foot Mama) Tine Horvat – bobni (Dekadent) Iron Median @ Facebook Iron Median @ Instagram Iron Median @ X Iron Median @ YouTube |
COWBOYS FROM HELL
Smo petčlanski bend z Obale, ki deluje od konca leta 2014. Igramo metal hite legendarnih velikanov, kot so Pantera, Metallica, Machine Head in še mnogih drugih. Združujejo nas ljubezen do dobre muzike, strast pri igranju in dober žur.Bend sestavljajo prekaljeni glasbeniki iz bivših in sedanjih skupin, kot so Revolver, AlmostRage, MIT, Su-Shine, Morana, Lady's First, Children Of Burzum itd. Naš moto je »NOGE NA V PA ČEU U TVA!« Pridite na koncert in poglejte, kaj to pomeni! Cowboys from Hell @ Facebook Cowboys from Hell @ YouTube |
METRÖPOLIS
Metropolis so klasični rokenrol trio, ki štarta leta 1994 v garaži v Trnovem v Ljubljani. Poimenujejo se po legendarnem komadu skupine Motorhead in začnejo z ustvarjanjem lastnega rokenrola.Do konca devetdesetih posnamejo štiri albume, ki izidejo na dveh CD-jih. Prvi je ROKENROL BEND iz leta 1997 in je izbor 22 komadov iz treh albumov. Dve leti kasneje sledi PAZI SE. V tem času so redni gostje po slovenskih underground rock klubih. Iz do sedaj še nepojasnjnih razlogov štartajo "poslovilno turnejo" od 2000 do 2015. Približno okoli enkrat na leto igrajo svoj tradicionalno zadnji koncert. Konec leta 2015 se Zrni odpravi čez veliko lužo, bendu pa se pridruži nov kitarist Čule. V 2016 se spet bolj aktivirajo na koncertnih odrih in 2019 na svojem YouTube kanalu objavijo DITROJT LIVE. Večinoma Motorhead priredbe in nekaj starih originalov. V začetku leta 2020 se lotijo še novega studijskega albuma, ki pa zaradi nekega virusa izide šele oktobra 2022. Album naslovijo METROPOLIS. Po treh desetletjih obstoja se 2024 ambiciozno lotijo izdaje več novih albumov. Novembra 2024, točno 30 let po ustanovitvi, izide album ALMOST LIVE posnet v živo v njihovem placu za vaje. V 2025 sledi iz originalnih 25 let starih posnetkov na novo urejen PAZI SE (1999) in 2026 še album ROCK'N'ROLL, BUT LOUDER s priredbami starih rokenrolov iz 1950' in 60'. In ker vse to še ni dovolj je za leto 2026 v načrtu čisto NOV AVTORSKI ALBUM, ki še nima naslova, ima pa že komade. Metröpolis Website Metröpolis @ Facebook Metröpolis @ Instagram Metröpolis @ YouTube |
MARCUS & MARTINUS
Norwegian pop duo Marcus & Martinus are coming back in 2026!Following their sold-out 'We Are Not The Same' Tour, the twin brothers return with a brand new show. Fans can look forward to an energetic show featuring their recognisable pop sound, dynamic presence and new music. At a young age, Marcus & Martinus broke through and have since scored big hits like Elektrisk, Girls and Heartbeat. In 2024, they represented Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest with Unforgettable. Marcus & Martinus Website Marcus & Martinus @ Facebook Marcus & Martinus @ Instagram Marcus & Martinus @ Spotify Marcus & Martinus @ TikTok Marcus & Martinus @ X Marcus & Martinus @ YouTube |
SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL
Kostolom is the epic second LP from the duo Alex Terrible and Jack Simmons’ band Slaughter to Prevail. The album expands on the dynamic extremes of their 2017 debut, Misery Sermon — pairing Alex’s dark, cathartic lyrics with Simmons’ pummeling riffs and tense, cinematic solos. “We wanted to make each song for us stand out in a different way,” the guitarist says. “On some of the songs, we focused on wanting to keep it uptempo, building to a breakdown as the focal point. Other songs it was about groove or the chorus — ‘how can we make this melodic?’ The albums we love the most have those dynamics, and we want to use them to make each part hit harder.”The songs evolved over several years, the first demos constructed shortly before the release of Misery Sermon. And they finally finished the material in late 2020, with everyone (Alex, Simmons, bassist Mikhail Petrov, guitarist Dmitry Mamedov) having tracked their respective parts at home. (Evgeny Novikov recorded his drums at a nearby studio in Moscow.) Tracks like “Made in Russia” and “Head on a Plate” pile-drive their detuned riffs straight into your skull, offering a platform for Alex at his most menacing. But the frontman also stretches out across the record, adding clean choruses to anthems like “Baba Yaga” and “Your Only.” Alex’s words — largely sung in Russian, with occasional bursts of English — are also more balanced than the bleak song titles may suggest. “The lyrics,” Simmons says, “are quite personal to anyone who listens, I think — of personal struggle, keeping a positive mental attitude and going through the shit to have a better life and achieve your goals.” As always, Slaughter to Prevail aim to provoke you, even as they empower you. “We want something that causes an emotion — whether it’s good or bad, disappointment or excitement or whatever,” Simmons says. “We don’t want something that’s stereotypical.” Slaughter to Prevail Website Slaughter to Prevail @ Facebook Slaughter to Prevail @ Instagram Slaughter to Prevail @ Spotify Slaughter to Prevail @ Twitter Slaughter to Prevail @ YouTube |
DYING FETUS
DYING FETUS established a reputation for uncompromising integrity with a slew of classic albums and today rides a resurgence of respect and esteem with a new generation. As Revolver Magazine wrote upon the release of their first new material since 2017’s Wrong One To Fuck With: “Their unique sound has always straddled the line between extreme metal instrumentation and heavy hardcore chugginess, and right now, they’re extremely well-regarded by many of today’s heavy-hitting hardcore acts, as well as their fair share of death metal and deathcore up-and-comers.”Recorded in Baltimore with longtime producer Steve Wright (Future Islands) and mixed by Mark Lewis (Cannibal Corpse), Make Them Beg For Death contains every Dying Fetus hallmark. The veteran death metal band’s ninth album is fast, intense, and brimming with unstoppable grooves. Monstrous riffs, blast beats, unstoppable hooks, and earth-moving grooves define their catalog. The Black Dahlia Murder, Suicide Silence, and Whitechapel co-headlined tours with Dying Fetus in recent years, a testament to the veteran band’s continued relevance and respect in the genre. Decibel Magazine inducted the band’s zeitgeist third album, Destroy the Opposition (2000), into their prestigious Hall Of Fame, next to genre-defining classics from the likes of Metallica and Slayer. Metal Injection hailed Wrong One to Fuck With as a “menacing motherfucker.” The band continually refines its unique take on death, grind, and hardcore with a combination of virtuosity and ferocity, inescapably catchy hooks and punishing breakdowns, and a lack of pretension. “We put our own twist on death metal,” explains co-vocalist/guitarist John Gallagher, who co-founded the group in 1991. “We were like most bands, starting in the garage, drinking beer, having a little fun on the weekend, finding the right amps through trial and error. We blended aspects of bands we liked – Suffocation, Obituary, Deicide, and Cannibal Corpse, among others; the dual vocal approach of Carcass – and made them our own. ‘Let’s make it moshy, let’s make it slammy.’” Surprisingly, the band took a few cues from early Agnostic Front and Madball and even a bit of Rage Against The Machine, whose debut album arrived in 1992. “I wanted to take some of that groove and put it into death metal,” Gallagher says. Internal Bleeding, arguably the first band to do “all slam, all the time,” was another influence; their native New York was just a few hours away from the Dying Fetus home base in Maryland. “That whole New York scene really inspired us. It was a big part of our development, as all of our bands were continually influenced by each other.” Eschewing leather and spikes in favor of t-shirts, and shorts, the “street level” look of Dying Fetus ruffled some feathers in elitist metal circles but helped the music crossover to other scenes. That no-frills approach is the norm today; some death metal bands even sell branded basketball shorts. Early demos and a pair of albums on smaller labels led to the landmark release of Destroy the Opposition. The high-speed Stop At Nothing (2003) introduced bassist Sean Beasley, who began sharing vocal duties with Gallagher on the excessively brutal War of Attrition (2007). Drummer Trey Williams rounded out the modern, definitive Dying Fetus lineup beginning with the tech-metal masterpiece, Descend into Depravity (2009). “Outstanding technical bands like Necrophagist were out at that time,” Beasley remembers. “I wrote songs with like 25 riffs in them.” While no less technically proficient, Reign Supreme (2012) pushed the band’s groovier side back to the forefront. (“Second Skin” even appeared in an episode of South Park.) Five years later, “Dying Fetus hit the mark again” (Exclaim!) with the ruthless and crushing Wrong One To Fuck With. Hatebreed, As I Lay Dying, Knocked Loose, GWAR, Morbid Angel, and Six Feet Under are just a few bands who’ve taken Dying Fetus on tour over the years. In 2014, the fan-driven and tongue-in-cheek “What About Dying Fetus?” hashtag campaign earned them a mainstage spot at the UK’s Download Festival, playing before the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, Fall Out Boy, and Linkin Park. Make Them Beg For Death, set for release in 2023, delivers savage beatdowns equally designed to pulverize and mesmerize. “It follows on from where Wrong One To Fuck With left off,” Williams promises. “We don’t need to participate in the technical death metal arms race. We’ve got the big guns, and we’ve proven that. It’s all about pointing them in the right direction, so to speak.” To the men of Dying Fetus, the mission is straightforward. “The philosophy is the same now as it was when the band started,” Gallagher confirms. “To write catchy riffs and to make it memorable. Whatever style of music you’re doing, make it something people want to hear repeatedly.” Dying Fetus Website Dying Fetus @ Bandcamp Dying Fetus @ Deezer Dying Fetus @ Facebook Dying Fetus @ Instagram Dying Fetus @ ReverbNation Dying Fetus @ SoundCloud Dying Fetus @ Spotify Dying Fetus @ TikTok Dying Fetus @ Twitter Dying Fetus @ YouTube |
SUICIDE SILENCE
Suicide Silence is an American deathcore band from Riverside, California, formed in 2002. Emerging during the early 2000s wave of extreme metalcore and death metal hybrids, the band quickly became one of the defining names of the deathcore genre. Their sound blends blistering blast beats, crushing breakdowns, and guttural vocals with moments of atmospheric experimentation, helping to shape the sound of modern extreme metal.The original lineup featured vocalist Mitch Lucker, guitarists Chris Garza and Rick Ash, bassist Mike Bodkins, and drummer Josh Goddard. After early demos gained attention in the underground scene, the band released their debut full-length album, The Cleansing, in 2007 through Century Media Records. The album was a breakthrough, debuting at number 94 on the Billboard 200—a remarkable feat for such an aggressive and uncompromising release. With tracks like “Unanswered” and “No Pity for a Coward,” The Cleansing set a new standard for deathcore’s intensity and precision. Suicide Silence continued their rise with No Time to Bleed (2009) and The Black Crown (2011), both of which displayed increased musical maturity and lyrical depth, tackling themes of personal struggle, social issues, and human weakness. However, tragedy struck in November 2012 when frontman Mitch Lucker was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 28. His death sent shockwaves through the metal community, and the band’s future seemed uncertain. In 2013, Suicide Silence announced that they would continue, recruiting Eddie Hermida (formerly of All Shall Perish) as their new vocalist. The band’s fourth album, You Can’t Stop Me (2014), was both a tribute to Lucker and a statement of perseverance, featuring lyrics drawn from ideas Mitch had written before his death. Subsequent releases, including the self-titled Suicide Silence (2017) and Remember… You Must Die (2023), showcased the band’s willingness to evolve, at times courting controversy for experimenting with clean vocals and alternative metal influences. Despite divided reactions, Suicide Silence have maintained their position as one of deathcore’s most influential and enduring acts, known for their relentless live energy, loyalty to fans, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of heavy music. Suicide Silence @ Facebook Suicide Silence @ Instagram Suicide Silence @ Last.fm Suicide Silence @ Spotify Suicide Silence @ X Suicide Silence @ YouTube |
IGORRR
Initially influenced by the likes of Meshuggah, Chopin, Cannibal Corpse, Bach, Domenico Scarlatti, Taraf de Haidouks and Aphex Twin, traces of these artists can be found littered across Igorrr’s discography, but Serre has never been interested in remaining static or merely recycling ideas, and his work has dramatically evolved accordingly. It deeply explains how Igorrr’s music is such an explosion of creativity while keeping a cohesive universe records after records.In recent years, Igorrr has also become a collective, rather than the work of one man alone, which has brought a new level of intensity into the group live representations. Igorrr Website Igorrr @ Facebook Igorrr @ Instagram Igorrr @ Twitter Igorrr @ YouTube |
DVNE
DVNE is a 5 piece progressive metal band from Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 2013, the band was then called dune in reference to Frank Herbert's masterpiece of the same name; a statement of the band's mutual obsession for Sci-fi and fantasy of all forms, the inspiration of which has continued to influence their music to this day.Breaking in the scene with their first album Asheran in 2017, Dvne secured tours in the UK, Europe and US with Eyehategod, Elder, Inter Arma and performed at prestigious festivals such as Psycho Las Vegas 2018, Desertfest London 2019 and Inferno Festival 2019. Dvne’s sophomore album Etemen Ænka (March 19, 2021, Metal Blade Records) garnered critical acclaim, earning spots on numerous year-end lists and winning 'Best Metal Act' at the 2021 Scottish Alternative Music Awards. Following its release, the band embarked on extensive tours across the UK and Europe, sharing stages with High On Fire, Villagers of Ioannina City, and Bossk, while performing at major festivals including Hellfest, Resurrection Festival, ArcTanGent, Desertfest London, Desertfest Berlin, and Damnation Festival. Dvne released their third studio album, Voidkind, via Metal Blade Records on April 19, 2024. The album further solidified their unique sound, seamlessly merging influences from post-metal and progressive rock into an expansive and dynamic work. Voidkind received critical acclaim, propelling the band into two headlining tours across the UK and Europe, marked by many sold-out shows and standout festival appearances, including Desertfest London, Dunk Festival, Mystic Festival, Into the Grave, and Copenhell. DVNE Website DVNE @ Bandcamp DVNE @ Deezer DVNE @ Facebook DVNE @ Instagram DVNE @ Spotify DVNE @ X DVNE @ YouTube |
THOUGHTCRIMES
Formed around 2019 on Long Island, New York, Thoughtcrimes is a chaotic hardcore outfit built upon the formidable experience of drummer and co-songwriter Billy Rymer (formerly of The Dillinger Escape Plan), alongside vocalist Rick Pepa, guitarists Russ Savarese and Brian Sullivan, and bassist Cody Hosza.From their earliest recordings the band embraced a style rooted in frenetic rhythms, dissonant riffs and an urgent hardcore ethos — a continuation and evolution of their members’ past work. Their debut EP, Tap Night, originally released and then reissued in 2021 by Pure Noise Records, introduced tracks such as “Wedlock Waltz” and “Misery’s A Muse” alongside hand-drawn animated video art. In August 2022, Thoughtcrimes unveiled their first full-length album Altered Pasts, produced by Mike Watts. The record was described by the band as “a reflection and synthesis of our cognitive, emotional and spiritual processes, as well as a catharsis.” The opening single “Panopticon” drew attention for its blitzkrieg intensity and lyrical preoccupation with dystopian themes and modern malaise. In interviews, Rymer emphasises that despite the ferocity of their sound the project is fundamentally rooted in friendship and collaboration: “It’s like this inner circle of friendship where you feel safe, you can be vulnerable.” The band’s output has been lauded for bringing dissonant math-core intensity and an emotionally raw edge to the modern hardcore scene. With a sonic identity defined by adrenaline-fuelled riffs, unpredictable rhythmic shifts and lyrical weight grounded in the anxieties of contemporary life, Thoughtcrimes represents a compelling evolution of hardcore tradition — grounded in legacy, yet unafraid to push into new territory. Thoughtcrimes @ Bandcamp Thoughtcrimes @ Facebook Thoughtcrimes @ Instagram Thoughtcrimes @ Spotify Thoughtcrimes @ X |
KREATOR
Back in 1975, AC/DC’s Bon Scott sung “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)”, five decades later, German metal titans KREATOR might like to change this into “It’s an even Longer Way to the Top (If You Wanna Thrash)” if they were to pen an equally autobiographical track.Synonymous with all the heaviness, speed, energy, violence and sheer volume one associates with heavy metal, KREATOR’s ongoing story is a classic tale: the wondrous adventure of teenagers coming from rags to riches, from the proverbial gutter to literally every stage you can imagine. They went from No. 99 (1986’s “Pleasure To Kill”, the title track was part of Netflix series Dark’s soundtrack) to No. 1 (2017’s “Gods Of Violence”) in their home country’s official album charts, and traveled the world from Tokyo to Santiago, from Bangalore to Los Angeles. In 2025, KREATOR celebrated two outstanding achievements by releasing vocalist/guitarist Miland “Mille” Petrozza’s book “Your Heaven, My Hell” with co-writer Torsten Gross and hitting German cinemas with “Hate & Hope”, the first proper movie about a really loud - to the very day - really extreme metal band not only melting your face with firestorms of pyrotechnics but also music equivalent to searing bursts of hellfire. Starring guests such as Scott Ian (Anthrax), Chuck Billy (Testament), Bela B. (Die Ärzte), Phil Demmel (Kerry King, ex Machine Head), and many more, “Hate & Hope” proves that in a career like KREATOR’s you should always expect the unexpected. Now, it is time to continue this tale of humble beginnings, ambitious visions and unbreakable will, and start its much-anticipated 16th chapter! Entitled “Krushers Of The World”, the new KREATOR album, will be out on Nuclear Blast Records on January 16th, 2026. “Krushers Of The World” is not a shy title, it is a statement, an expression of pride and self-awareness knowing how long and hard the band’s path has been and knowing what they still have to say and share with their ever growing following. After the buzz around the movie and book, it is time for KREATOR to let the riffs, the roaring vocals, and thunderous drums do the talking. Kreator Website Kreator @ Bandcamp Kreator @ Deezer Kreator @ Facebook Kreator @ Instagram Kreator @ SoundCloud Kreator @ Spotify Kreator @ X Kreator @ YouTube |
CARCASS
Ferocious and uncompromising in their execution, CARCASS’s ability to intricately dissect the innards of death metal, and display them for us to sonically understand has been their point of excellence for over three decades. On December 2019 the band released their first single in over 5 years “Under The Scalpel Blade,” followed by a 4 song EP entitled Despicable (October 2020), setting a potent precedent for the full length album to come in 2021: TORN ARTERIES. With the album title itself referencing an old demo created by original drummer Ken Owen back in the 80’s, TORN ARTERIES sits as a bookend on the modern side of the CARCASS discography, connecting directly back to where everything began over 30 years ago.The album artwork also rings reminiscent of the grotesque photography that appears on classic CARCASS album covers like Reek Of Putrefaction or Symphonies of Sickness. Artist Zbigniew Bielak traveled outside his normal wheelhouse to bring forth a time lapsed set of photos showing vegetables shaped like a heart, rotting over time upon a white plate. This form of artwork was influenced by Japanese Kusôzu, meaning: ‘painting of the nine stages of a decaying corpse.’ With TORN ARTERIES, each track stands unique from the rest in its approach to guitar, bass, vocals and drumming, along with all the finer details. Filthy and dominating guitar work creates thick layers of tone and melody, piling on top of each other like the weight of dead flesh in tracks like “Kelly’s Meat Emporium.” Curious about the lyrics? CARCASS bets you are, but don’t expect them to be an easy puzzle to solve. Over the years metalheads the world over have referenced CARCASS’s complex, bizarre, and gore filled lyrics with affection, humor, and fascination. This time around will require fans to actually purchase the physical album, and closely examine the artwork in order to place the lyrics in their proper order. Most will find that the only real struggle when indulging in TORN ARTERIES is fighting the desire to start it over the second it finishes. It covers substantial new ground for a band with such a reputation, while still retaining that addictive, time honoured CARCASS sound that has come to represent the face of true death metal. Carcass @ Bandcamp Carcass @ Deezer Carcass @ Facebook Carcass @ Instagram Carcass @ ReverbNation Carcass @ SoundCloud Carcass @ Spotify Carcass @ X Carcass @ YouTube |
EXODUS
When we think of the phrase Bonded By Blood, we think of two things: a brotherhood that is meant to outlast the trials of war, pain, and time... and the almighty EXODUS. With a bond forged in youth and decades-old friendship, the undisputed masters of thrash metal return with their eleventh studio album: PERSONA NON GRATA due to be released early fall 2021 via Nuclear Blast Records. Literally translating to “an unwelcome” or “unacceptable” person, PERSONA NON GRATA touches on themes of modern societal disgust and degradation. “The people that disgust you - cut ‘em out like cancer,” explains guitarist Gary Holt. “Who is that person? It could be anybody. That’s up to the listener. Who is ‘Persona Non Grata’ to them?”The underlying irony for many of these songs is the need for unity. “As we were working on these songs, things started happening around the world that ended up tying into it all, and we didn’t even know it! With the general divisiveness in the country today, and everyone being entitled to their opinions; I don’t agree with a lot of them, but I’m not here to be a preacher, either. We want people to listen to the lyrics and come up with their own meanings.” For decades, EXODUS has impressed us with the ability to attract opposing factions to their music because of its intensity and versatility. A track like “The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves” was inspired by the riots both in theme, and sound. “Without seeming insensitive to the riots, the song is tongue in cheek about what the people beating on the rioters were expecting to happen. Did you think you would beat a smile onto their face? At 3 minutes in length, it’s probably the shortest EXODUS song we’ve ever done. It gets in, gets out, and is just crushing,” describes Holt. While most of the songs do run on the shorter side, this album also comes equipped with crushing, epic tracks. Whether it’s the music industry gossip sites, or the big players like CNN and FOX, we’re all aware of how news outlets love to set little rat traps; “Clickbait” discusses their methods of picking things out of context to grab your attention, add to their page views, and increase their revenue all while riling up your emotions. “It’s all journalistic dishonesty,” explains Holt, “it’s a modern-day version of Al Capone’s vault, everyone tunes in, and then there’s NOTHING.“ Evenly balanced with extraordinary speed and tremendous, catchy choruses, “Clickbait” is a song that explodes with vigorous energy. “As heavy as this album is, and it’s heavy as fuck, if times were different and there was still metal radio, this song, and probably over half the album, has single capabilities.” Sitting as the second to last song on the album, “The Fires of Division” keeps PERSONA NON GRATA strong all the way through. “This album doesn’t operate on the normal parameters,” describes Holt, “we didn’t frontload this one, it’s strong right through to the end. It’s supposed to be a musical journey as the songs segway together.” For the third time in the band’s history, EXODUS returned to Swedish artist Par Olofsson to create the album artwork PERSONA NON GRATA. “After this album, I feel like we probably won’t work with anyone else again, Par just gets it,” states Holt. A three-faced, winged creature sits atop a bloody pile of diseased and rotting humans as they scream in pain and reach their hands up desperately towards the beast. Undead riot cops beat mercilessly, and senselessly upon this pile of the dying and the world is red with fresh, sopping blood. “Is it an angel, a demon? Is the world being created or destroyed,” asks Holt, “you don’t really know.” EXODUS don’t fall into the usual recording slump that most bands get stuck in. Gathering at Tom Hunting’s house up in the mountains, they avoided the need to book studio time or adhere to a certain schedule. “At first it was just Tom, myself, a half stack, and a drum kit; we call it jam camp. We lived there. We built the studio, we immersed ourselves in it. Number one, because we still enjoy each other’s company enough to do it. When we’re not actively rehearsing or recording, we’re still sitting there talking about the songs, working on them, plucking on acoustics until things really work,” explains Holt, “we’re not settling.” Working from three home-built studios, the band recorded PERSONA NON GRATA themselves with the help of Andy Sneap on mixing and mastering and with Steve Lagudi at the helm of engineering. “As a band, I’m super grateful. I’ve seen a lot of things around the world and we’re still a band that loves each other, have each other’s back, and we genuinely like to hang out with each other,” explains Holt. “Take it how you will, but I’m this band’s biggest fan. We write songs that are designed to make us feel fired up - that’s why it’s still heavy.” Exodus Website Exodus @ Deezer Exodus @ Facebook Exodus @ Instagram Exodus @ ReverbNation Exodus @ SoundCloud Exodus @ Spotify Exodus @ X Exodus @ YouTube |
NAILS
For the first time in over 8 years, the blistering assault on our nervous system that can only be described as the sound of NAILS, has reemerged. With Carlos Cruz on drums, Andrew Solis on Bass, Shelby Lermo on Guitars, and Todd Jones on guitar & vocals, the upcoming studio album, EVERY BRIDGE BURNING, will be revealed August 30th, 2024 via Nuclear Blast Records.For this 4th full length album, NAILS have channeled raw emotion into tracks like “Imposing Will”, a seismic event in the realm of sonic aggression; igniting the pulse, and fueling a fire of hostility. “[This track is] special to the record in that I knew we wanted it to be the opener,” explains founder Todd Jones. “We wanted it to have the effect of an urgency; an immediacy in the music itself. When you push play, you get smacked in the face.” Similarly, “Give Me the Painkiller” hints at an intricate groove while simultaneously causing the urge to peel your skin off. There exists a wild energy that according to Jones is the band’s “most expressive guitar playing” in their history. Plunge into “Punishment Map”, and confront the decades of misery brought about by Golden State serial killer Joe D'Angelo—a relentless descent into the abyss of human suffering. The guitar work on EVERY BRIDGE BURNING is an expansive force in its own right, epitomized in tracks like, No More Rivers to Cross. Here, NAILS masterfully navigates a spectrum of moods, showcasing fluidity and intensity that is quintessentially NAILS yet profoundly evolved. The album artwork, a creation by Jeff Whitehead, serves as a visual prelude to the auditory chaos—a stark representation of the aural brutality that NAILS delivers. “I really wanted to work with Whitehead again,” explains Jones. “I wanted the artwork to represent the sound of NAILS visually, and to reference the same figure from our last album cover.” The writing process for this album was no different than in record cycles of the past. The foundations of songs are born from riffs, and it is around these riffs that entire tracks are eventually composed. “Our writing process is about building songs,” explains Jones, “not just sitting down and writing them straight through all at once.” Recording for the album commenced in Massachusetts at God City Studio with Kurt Ballou (of CONVERGE), whose contribution is integral to the NAILS sound, as elucidated by Jones: “we’ve recorded every album with Kurt. He’s such an important ingredient as to how we present our music. When our fans want to hear NAILS, they want to hear something that is through the filter of Kurt’s engineering.” Most importantly, EVERY BRIDGE BURNING was born out of unwavering dedication to NAILS fans and the underground music scene. It echoes their commitment to authenticity and raw power. NAILS remains a beacon of rebellion and resilience in a world hungry for genuine expression. With no shortage of effort or meticulous song arrangement, the time has arrived to become engulfed in the ferocity of NAILS once again as EVERY BRIDGE BURNING unveils a new, but familiar chapter in extreme music. “This band was modeled after some of my favorite bands; the type of bands where, when they put out an album, you know what it’s going to sound like,” describes Jones, “it’s the delivery of the expectation.” The sensory destroying musical onslaught that we’ve all been missing is back. Nails @ Bandcamp Nails @ Deezer Nails @ Facebook Nails @ Instagram Nails @ Spotify Nails @ X Nails @ YouTube |
IOTUNN
Formed in 2015 by Danish guitarists and brothers Jesper and Jens Nicolai Gräs, Iotunn (the name meaning “giant” in Old Norse) quickly established themselves as a powerful force in modern metal. What began as an exploration into space-rock and progressive metal evolved into a signature style blending progressive, melodic death and epic metal — dense with atmosphere, raw energy, and sweeping soundscapes.Iotunn debuted with the EP The Wizard Falls in 2016, before solidifying their lineup with the addition of Faroese vocalist Jón Aldará in 2018 and bassist Eskil Rask in 2019, alongside founding members and drummer Bjørn Wind Andersen. Their debut full-length album Access All Worlds arrived in 2021 via renowned label Metal Blade Records, showcasing their evolving sound — a cinematic journey through space, existential questions, and intense sonic contrasts. In October 2024, Iotunn returned with their second album, Kinship, a bold, expansive record that immerses listeners in atmospheric, melodic and brooding soundscapes. Critics have praised it for its intricate compositions, emotional depth, and the band’s ability to merge brutality and beauty seamlessly. With a blend of technical prowess, emotive storytelling and a rich, Nordic-inflected metal sound, Iotunn continues to push the boundaries of progressive and melodic death metal — forging a path that is both epic in scale and deeply human in emotion. If you seek music that journeys beyond the ordinary, Iotunn invites you to join their voyage. Iotunn @ Bandcamp Iotunn @ Deezer Iotunn @ Facebook Iotunn @ Instagram Iotunn @ SoundCloud Iotunn @ Spotify Iotunn @ YouTube |
IN VAIN
Hailing from Kristiansand, Norway, In Vain has been a pioneering force in Norwegian progressive extreme metal since 2003. Founded by guitarist Johnar Haaland and vocalist Andreas Frigstad, the band's melodic extreme metal sound, set them apart early on.In 2007, In Vain released their first full-length album, "The Latter Rain", a collaborative effort with nearly 20 guest musicians, showcasing their prowess in diverse, progressive arrangements.Subsequent albums like "Mantra" (2010) and "Ænigma" (2013) continued to push musical boundaries. "Currents", a double-edition masterpiece exploring contemporary societal shifts was then released in2018. Declared"Album of the Year" and garnered perfect scores from various publications worldwide, including 10/10 ratings from Metal Temple (UK), Metal Only (GER), and Heavy-Metal.de (GER) to name a few. With a rich history of live performances, including European tours with Solefald, Borknagar, Vreid and Keep of Kalessin. In Vain remains a powerhouse in extreme metal, captivating audiences with their dynamic compositions, and their reputation as a force in progressive extreme metal is firmly established. The band's ability to seamlessly blend progressive drive, playfulness, touching vocals, and metallic hardness sets them apart, as attested by reviews such as “In Vain proves once again that they are masters of their art...”-Culture Addict (FR) In Vain stands as a testament to the enduring innovation within progressive metal, shaping the future of the genre. Their upcoming album “Solemn” is set to release in 2024. In Vain Website In Vain @ Bandcamp In Vain @ Deezer In Vain @ Facebook In Vain @ Instagram In Vain @ Spotify In Vain @ X In Vain @ YouTube |
NEPHYLIM
Nephylim is a Dutch Melodic Death Metal formation formed in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Striving with a fiery passion for Melodic Death Metal, excelling in a storm of melancholy and ground-trembling heaviness. Captivating melodies and progressive passages forge the wintered (Gothenburg-esque) sound and dynamics, which Nephylim knows how to use with determination.Circulating within the emerging concept of life and overlapping abstractness of nature; they portray their live performance in a daunting and magnifying way, providing an unique and unified experience for the audience. Nephylim Website Nephylim @ Bandcamp Nephylim @ Deezer Nephylim @ Facebook Nephylim @ Instagram Nephylim @ Spotify Nephylim @ YouTube |
STAHLZEIT
The German band Stahlzeit formed in 2004 and has since made a name for itself as one of the most spectacular tribute-acts in Europe. They specialise in covering the hit songs of the influential Neue Deutsche Härte band Rammstein, replicating not just the sound but also the visual excess of the original: heavy riffs, industrial grooves, flaming stage effects, and dramatic choreography.Although the group’s roots go back to 2004, their tribute-project became fully active around 2005. Their frontman, Hefried “Heli” Reißenweber, became central to the band’s identity thanks to a voice and on-stage presence that strongly evoke Rammstein’s singer, Till Lindemann. Over the years, Stahlzeit have honed their craft, offering shows with up to 2½ hours of performance, dozens of trucks and a large crew travelling across Europe. The key to Stahlzeit’s success lies in the faithfulness of their tribute: they don’t merely play the songs, they recreate the spectacle—pyrotechnics, costumes, staging, lighting—everything evocative of the original band’s live theatrics. For example, at the song “Mein Teil” the band uses butcher-costumes and even a large cauldron, mimicking one of the iconic moments from Rammstein’s shows. Reviewers and fans frequently note that the experience of attending a Stahlzeit show is nearly on par (in terms of theatricality) with that of the original band. Today, Stahlzeit perform up to 70-80 shows a year and tour major venues across Europe. In 2025/26 they launched a special “20 Plus” anniversary tour, marking two decades of the project. Their prominence is such that many refer to them as the number-one Rammstein tribute band—especially for fans who may not have the opportunity to see the original act live. Their shows provide both a faithful homage to Rammstein’s legacy and a stand-alone live event with its own energy and intensity. In short, Stahlzeit stand at the intersection of homage and theatrical rock spectacle—balancing deep respect for their muse with their own commitment to live show excellence. If you enjoy heavy-industrial music, dramatic staging and immersive concert experiences, they’re a compelling band to check out. Stahlzeit Website Stahlzeits @ Facebook Stahlzeit @ Instagram Stahlzeit @ YouTube |
