New Motive Black single titled ‘Bloodsport’ drops on AFM Records. The band’s debut album titled, Auburn, is out now. “’Bloodsport’ was inspired by complacency,” frontwoman Elana Justin says. “I feel that as a group, we have become desensitized to tragedy. We, myself included, distract ourselves in order to protect our psyche. We use things like reality television, overmedicating, and video games to numb ourselves. We see things happening right in front of us and do nothing. Things that should horrify us have slowly become normal.”

Pirate Queen, the first all-female Pirate Metal band from the Bermuda Triangle release their debut single ‘Pirates From the Sea’. To commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, ‘Pirates from the Sea’ was released on November 24 via Despotz Records. The release of the album in February 2024, will fit perfectly in timing with the new Pirates Of The Caribbean movie that Disney will release next year. [via Rock n Load Mag]

Femme sleaze rockers COBRA SPELL unleash their third and final single before their eagerly awaited debut album, 666, dropped on Friday via Napalm Records. The new single, entitled ‘Warrior From Hell,’ mesmerizes with melodies and absorbing drum patterns are topped off by raspy rock ’n’ roll vocals on this W.A.S.P.-inspired anthem of runaways and rebels. It comes with another beguiling music video, which is in no way inferior to the album’s debut video, ‘S.E.X.’. [via Outburn]

One of Australia’s most talked about breakthrough heavy acts, Melbourne quintet Future Static release their highly anticipated debut album Liminality, via Wild Thing Records. To celebrate the release, they have unveiled single / video ‘Plated Gold’, featuring Sean Harmanis of Make Them Suffer. [via Metal Planet]

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Hi Elana! How are you? What does a typical day look like for you at the moment?

“Hi! A typical day for me at the moment starts with walking my dog followed by a 20 minute meditation. I try to throw in some yoga to get my body ready and warm for rehearsals. We have been prepping for some upcoming shows, so rehearsals and applying notes afterwards are super important.”

Please give us a little bit of background on the Motive Black project and how it came about.

“I came out to Los Angeles from New York to do a few warped tour shows on the Shira Girl stage in the summer of 2018. I had some songs I was trying to rework from my old band, and while I was out here I reached out to some producers. Nick Rowe and I worked on one of the songs and it kind of grew from there. I ended up staying in California and turning my attention towards this new project. I really just bothered everyone until they agreed to work with me.”

You’re about to release your debut album. What’s the record about, where did you draw influence from sonically and what does it mean to you? What do you hope listeners will take away from it?

“The album is about evolution and the wild roller coaster of emotions that you experience when you go through abrupt change. The road to finding yourself can be beautiful, but it’s also filled with mistakes, anger, forgiveness, mania, and heartache. I hope listeners can find songs on this album that they can really relate to, and feel seen within. We can’t all understand each other’s specific experiences, but we are all tied together by shared underlying emotions.”

Please take us through your songwriting/creative process for the LP. What was your favourite part? And what did you find most challenging? You worked with Ray Luzier, Marcos Curiel, Carla Harvey & Nick Rowe…how was that experience?

“Every song sort of came about in its own way. For some songs we started with my lyrics, and others Nick would have a cool riff he had been working on that we would try out. One song even began as a joke we were making on a break from working on a song that was giving us some grief. I think the most challenging thing was covid breaking up the production of the album so much. It also really messed with my headspace for a bit. Ray was amazing to work with. It was so cool to watch him record the drums and really add his energy to the project. Marco’s was really chill and laid back, he laid down some guitar for Broken. Carla was so lovely, she recorded vocals in Chicago because of covid. We finally got to meet in person while shooting the video. I’m so glad she agreed to sing on the track, she’s such an inspiration and was really a blast to work with.”

Finally, what else is next for you? We’ve read that for the future, your goal is to turn Motive Black into a full band, both in the interest of touring and future work on new music. Are you in the process of doing this yet?

“Motive Black is now a full band, hence the rehearsals. It’s really cool to see the songs finally coming to life on stage. We have some upcoming shows soon to be announced in Los Angeles, and hope to be out touring in the fall.”

Brand new artist IKONIK is the brainchild of Katrine Wachmann from Copenhagen. Inspired by the early 2010’s she brings forward a technical and fresh take on the metal genre. Having some of the best vocal cords and chops the Nordic metal industry has to offer, IKONIK is a name that is set to flourish in the coming years. Now, she presents her debut single ‘Wall of Stone’. “‘Wall of Stone’ is a song about commitment issues and being stuck in a relationship that is going nowhere, though knowing that vulnerability might be the only way to make a relationship work. Whatever the listeners get from this song I’m just truly humble, amazed and excited that IKONIK is off on its wings and ready to fly out into the world”.

Finnish hard rock act Smackbound will release their second album, Hostage, on April 21 via Frontiers Music Srl. Fronted by versatile vocalist Netta Laurenne, it sees the quintet deliver another powerful slab of metal-influenced musin. A first single and video from the record for the song ‘Change’ is available now. “We actually started writing the album in early 2021 and even recorded the drums for a couple of songs, but then stopped because a lot of other things were going on in our lives,” explains Laurenne. “Most of it was subsequently written and recorded in autumn 2022 and I actually wrote some of the lyrics and recorded vocal takes just days before the album was mixed and mastered. We were taking turns between working on the record and sleeping! It was a hell of a ride, but we were able to pull through and give birth to our beloved second child!”

The End A.D. present the video for their song ‘Stink’, directed by Lanice Hill. ‘Stink’ is a track taken from the band’s It’s All In Your Head album, out now via Wormholedeath worldwide.

Disillusive Play is excited to announce their signing with the Wormholedeath label for the distribution and promotion of their second full album entitled Songs for the Non-Existent, which will be released in Spring 2023. Songs for the Non-Existent, will feature Marios Karanastasis (The Silent Wedding) on the duet of the album, Bob Katsionis (ex. Firewind) on Keyboards, Iliana (Enemy Of Reality) in backing vocals, and guest appearance of bass player Panagiotis Bourazanis in one track. Check out the astonishing video for ‘Queen of the Night’ below.

‘Necro Nightmare’ is the third single from Küntsquäd‘s new self-titled album due for release on February 24 via Wormholedeath worldwide. Watch the video below.

Discover more women in heavy music via the playlist below!

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New Heavy Sounds is pleased to announce their first release of 2023. The self-titled debut album by Death Pill, a hardcore punk power trio of considerable muscle, combining metalcore, punk rock and oodles of ‘Riot Grrl’ vibe. First single ‘Расцарапаю Ебало’ literally translated as ‘Scratch Asshole’ and is dedicated to Mariana’s ex, she says “if you hear it, honey, you should know, – i’ll scratch your fucking face until it bleeds!”

Since the release of their debut album in 2020, rising modern symphonic metal stars Ad Infinitum have stirred up the scene, and are now about to unveil their electrifying third studio album, Chapter III – Downfall, out March 31 via Napalm Records. After returning from several sold out shows on their expanded European and UK tour with Amaranthe, Beyond The Black and Butcher Babies, they have unleashed their next appetizer, ‘Somewhere Better.’ The new track creates an ethereal, catchy soundscape with screaming guitars colliding with vocalist Melissa Bonny’s haunting, perfectly contrasting voice. Underlining the ballad’s captivating feeling, its video creates a perfect symbiosis both musically and visually, carrying the listener into the new world of Ad Infinitum. Ad Infinitum on ‘Somewhere Better’: “After playing “Somewhere Better” on tour and sharing fantastic and emotional moments with thousands of people all around Europe and the UK, we are thrilled to release this song, together with a video full of memories of our tour with Amaranthe, Beyond the Black and Butcher Babies. Warm greetings to all the people who will spot themselves in this video!” [via Metal Underground]

‘Warning Sign’ is the first single from cinematic metal icons Dark Sarah‘s upcoming fifth studio album, Attack Of Orym. It’s a powerful song with a message to fight back against the ones who wish to harm you. In the album storyline, the protagonist Luna chooses a powerful weapon of bewitched flowers to fight against Orym, the villain of the story. [via Brave Words]

German modern metal upstarts, League Of Distortion, have introduced an incredibly refreshing sound to the scene with the successful releases of fiery first singles ‘Wolf Or Lamb’ and ‘My Revenge’, proving the musical finesse and experience of lead members Anna “Ace” Brunner (Exit Eden) and Jim “Arro” Müller (Kissin’ Dynamite). While the electrified third single ‘It Hurts So Good’ recently added to their dangerous mood, the quartet goes all out by showing their most resilient side on final single ‘I’m A Bitch’, landing just before the release of their self-titled debut album last Friday via Napalm Records. The vibrant formation doesn’t make any compromises by offering a wild, energetic sound that doesn’t hide behind any norms. ‘I’m A Bitch’ kicks off with hypnotizing rhythms, rising up to a grooving, hard-hitting soundscape while making an empowering statement with its music video. League Of Distortion on ‘I’m A Bitch’: “This song is about social prejudice and inequality. Women and men are still being treated with different measures. With this provocative topic, song and music video, we are speaking up against this injustice, wanting to persuade you to reprogram the old patterns of thinking.” [via Brave Words]

Finnish symphonic metal band, Memoira, have released a new single and video, ‘Autumn’s Heart’. The new single represents a softer side of Memoira with the theme being the loss of a child. “The lyrical theme of the song is child loss. The narrator is the mother, who has just lost her child right as the child had started his young adult life. The mother is reminiscing about all that they’ve been through with a plaintive mind, but there is also hope. For everything they’ve been through, there are always the memories. Autumn’s heart is the cradle of the end of your life where all the memories will live on forever,” says Lassi Nuolivaara (keyboards). [via Brave Words]

Italian electronic-metal act, Kalah, have released the video for their single, ‘Mermaids’ Cry’, taken from the debut album, Descent Into Human Weakness, released back in August via Pure Steel Records. Directed by Carlos Reyes Vergara, the video sees singer Claudia in the role of a horrific siren who lures her prey into the world of dreams. The track mixes dark Nevermore-like atmospheres with the melodic openings of power metal, without neglecting the usual influences of heavier electronics. [via Brave Words]

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After signing with international rock and metal empire Napalm Records and the successful subsequent release of their breakout first single, ‘Wolf Or Lamb’, Germany’s League Of Distortion announce the upcoming release of their self-titled debut album, set for release on November 25. Featuring powerhouse members Anna “Ace” Brunner (Exit Eden) and Jim “Arro” Müller (Kissin’ Dynamite), the unit reveals their explosive potential without ever holding back. Now, they unleash their relentless second single, ‘My Revenge’, consisting of modern melodic rhythms and technical prowess topped with vocal dynamics poised to drop jaws. Having mercilessly flipped the metal scene upside down, their explosive second single shows exactly that: a defying sound with dashing drums and heavy, prominent guitar riffs crowned by Anna’s unique, war cry vocals. League Of Distortion on ‘My Revenge’: “This 2nd song goes out to everyone who can relate to the first lines. We’ve taken too much, but we are not passive anymore. Don’t drown in darkness, be as bright and as different as you can be and set fire to the sun.” [via Brave Words]

Ruby The Hatchet is now streaming their new song ‘Deceiver’ and it’s going to get stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Between the earworm of a chorus and the heaps of dual guitar leads floating around throughout its runtime, ‘Deceiver’ has more hooks than a well-stock tackle box. So please, only hit play if you’re prepared for that sort of catchiness. “We are really going after our live energy with these singles because ‘Deceiver’ immediately follows ‘Thruster’ in our current set list,” said Ruby The Hatchet vocalist Jillian Taylor of the single. “No break, no tuning – just straight into the next punch. The chorus is powerful and personal: ‘Deceiver, all is not lost, but wide oceans wait for you to cross.’ “From a lyrical perspective, ‘Deceiver’ is written from a hard-learned experience of mine; a common departure on Fear Is a Cruel Master compared to our previous albums. Instead of relating to something medieval or otherworldly, my anger and sadness felt visceral and relatable: wanting to forgive someone dear who betrays you, and finding strength in forgiving and leaving the door open rather than slamming it shut and burning down the house you built together. It is a hopeful song for the wounded.” [via Metal Injection]

Avatarium will release their new record Death, Where Is Your Sting on October 21 and is now streaming the doomed new single ‘Stockholm.’ When asked about the single, vocalist Jennie-Ann Smith, commented “‘Stockholm’ – this a song about hope and the courage to continue even in the darkest of hours. There’s a red thread from our debut album dealing with all sorts of existential questions,” Jennie-Ann reveals. “That’s what doom is to me. I come from a different musical background, but when it comes to thinking about death, I’m a natural (laughs). Avatarium is a vehicle that soothes the seriousness, and offers the sheer joy of music. There are all these layers on the new album; it is intellectual, it is existential, there are serious topics of religion, philosophy and psychology, but you can still just enjoy the music and get lost in the riffs.” [via Metal Injection]

Discover more women in heavy music via our playlist below!

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Hungary’s promising melodic metal formation Esperfall have released their debut album Origins In Darkness. The album presents the initial phase of the human soul’s journey as it forces itself to face its inner demons. As with every dark phase in our lives, this state is the starting point of a deep, spiritual journey and self-discovery. Every song is an echo of a major emotional issue vocalized with self-criticism, doubt and fear, fueled with anger and disbelief, oftentimes directed towards our society. These are the battles we have to face in our everyday lives. This song, ‘Tempest In Paradise’ sounds more positive compared to the other tracks on the album, although it describes a rather hopeless situation. This is the moment in the protagonist’s life when everything collapses, there is nothing left to hold on to and she has lost what has been the most important to her so far. Nevertheless, the hope and the will to fight at all costs remain to create everything on her own. Until now everything has been an illusion. Compared to the previously released music video (‘Retreat Into Dreamland’) this song highlights another side of the band. The pace remains the same, however this song is much more on the melodic side and Nonee presents only clean vocals this time as opposed to the harsh vocals that can be found in the previous single. It’s a real power metal song from start to finish, so hopefully — but not only — oldschool Avantasia, Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius fans will like this one. [via Metal Goddesses]

FlowerLeaf are back and they are ready to start their Dreamerie journey. As a forerunner, they just released a brand new single along with a music video called ‘The Storm’. ‘The Storm’ is the first single from the Dreamerie – Chapter I: Time. It’s a song about self-confidence, fighting for what you want and fulfilling your destiny. “It was an amazing experience recording The Storm because it gave FlowerLeaf a new dimension and it gives us lots of possibilities for what we can create in the future,” singer Vivs Takahashi says. [via Metal Goddesses]

Seven Kingdoms have released the first single, ‘Universal Terrestrial’, from their upcoming full-length album Zenith. The music video for ‘Universal Terrestrial’ was filmed during the crowdfunding campaign, which raised over $50,000 on Kickstarter. Zenith will see a June 17 release via Distortion Music Group. 7K guitarist Camden Cruz says: “We are very excited to release the first song from Zenith! We are packing this one up, and two more new songs with us for the Beast in Black tour that starts this week! We will actually be shooting the music video for ‘Chasing the Mirage’ while we are on tour! We had a great time filming this song a few months ago with our main man, Jimmy Garcia. We hope you love it!” [via Metal Goddesses]

Following their latest, chart-breaking album Heat Wave, Sweden’s heavy rock band Thundermother has unleashed a brand new song taken of their upcoming album Black And Gold. ‘Watch Out’ showcases the band’s adrenaline-fuelled, high voltage sound of powerful, filthy yet catchy rock ‘n’ roll they are known and loved for: Creating infectious party rock songs with an irresistible feelgood appeal! Guitarist Filippa Nässil reveals: ”We are stoked to present you our first single ‘Watch Out’ from our upcoming album Black And Gold; The song is about us in our careers right now about rising up, being powerful woman working as a team and taking charge. We are so proud and we hope our music will inspire many people. Don’t let anybody mess with your dreams.” [via Metal Goddesses]

Giant Walker release their fifth and final single, ‘Katoomba’ ahead of their debut album All In Good Time which will be released May 13. ‘Katoomba’ opens with a menacing guitar riff that undulates with an intricate, yet powerful drum groove. The energetic track is complemented by a hooky and captivating chorus that leaves you reaching to crank up the volume. Guitarist Jamie explains, “‘Katoomba’ was actually the first song that we wrote for the album and, whilst we try and bring a different vibe to all of our songs, we feel that ’Katoomba’ really summarises the sound of Giant Walker. Lyrically, it captures the essence of how we felt at the time – trying to stay sane in the first lockdown. Funnily enough, the song was actually named after a trip to the Blue Mountains, Katoomba in Australia, as that’s where I purchased the fuzz pedal which inspired the initial riff.” [via Metal Goddesses]

Hardcore x thrash crossover band Cage Fight have dropped the new single ‘Killer.’ Bassist Jon Reid explains, “‘Killer’ is a release of anger and fury directed at anyone that has caused wrong and is a rallying cry to those that feel pure visceral rage and need a soundtrack to that pure emotion. The song’s intensity is based in a simple remit, if you have wronged… you better start running…” [via Metal Goddesses]

Spanish death metallers Bloodhunter just released a new single plus videoclip for the new song of their upcoming album. ‘The Forsaken Idol’ is the second single from‚ Knowledge Was The Price. The track features guest vocals of Rosalia Sairem, one of the singers of swedish symphonic/death metal band Therion. Diva Satanica, front woman of Bloodhunter, states on her Instagram: “Very proud of all the songs of this upcoming album of Bloodhunter, but this one is a very special one for me!“ Knowledge Was The Price will be released on May 27 via Maldito Records. [via Metal Goddesses]

Darkness Surrounding is a five-piece metal band from Wuppertal, Germany, that was founded in 2017. Their musical style is best described as Melodic Metal, influenced by Death, Core and Old School. Fast riffs, epic melodic parts and groovy breakdowns create a powerful and versatile sound. The voices of growler Tim and guitarist/clean-singer Kessi complement those attributes very well. The ban had this to say about their new song ‘Nocturnal Forest Air’: “We recorded this song as a part of our album in the legendary Maarweg Studios, Cologne, Germany. ‘Nocturnal Forest Air’ – a tragic and stirring waltz that tells the story of a young woman who had to deal with being constantly stressed and pressurized her whole life by a person in her close environment. As she grows up, she finally realizes that this person is the reason for her agony and plans to take revenge. With the lyrics being quite dark, we decided the song had to be a waltz because it would portray and frame the story in the most fitting way. The song is supposed to feel like a journey through all the emotions the protagonist goes through, really making it an experience to listen to the song. Through the music video we gave the whole story a new twist, that does not necessarily come across when just hearing the song, so watching the video is definitely worth it!” [via Metal Goddesses]

Los Angeles based alternative metal band, Motive Black has released their new single ‘Lift Me Up’. Produced by Grammy-winner Nick Rowe (Bloodsimple, Vampire Weekend), the track focuses on the talents of newcomer Elana Justin, and features special guest Carla Harvey, of the internationally acclaimed metal band Butcher Babies, on vocals. The single features Justin performing together with Butcher Babies’ Carla Harvey. Elana Justin explains: “the song is about realizing that you can’t find validation through other people. It’s easy to fall into the trap of avoidance, and trying to distract yourself from the growth you require by looking for love in all the wrong places. Facing inward can be truly difficult, but through that journey you find empowerment.” Carla Harvey (Butcher Babies) concurs stating “I love collaborating with strong women on projects so when I was asked to add my vocals to ‘Lift Me Up,’ I happily obliged. The result…an infectious tune, and a new found friendship!” [via Metal Goddesses]

The Damnnation attack with their debut album, spewing forth a versatile sound which mixes several strands of Extreme Metal and brings life to Old School Thrash. Way of Perdition will be released on May 6 via Soulseller Records. To promote the new work, the band releases the second single, entitled ‘The Greed’, which is accompanied by a music video with behind the scenes footage. [via Metal Goddesses]

Formed in 2018 in Sofia, Bulgaria, Gwendydd have now inked a worldwide record deal with Drakkar Entertainment for the release of their upcoming, sophomore studio album entitled Censored. Driven by a modern production, complemented by the mastering fingerprint of Max Morton (Jinjer, Ignea), the band‘s vibrant blend of wrecking guitar riffs and adrenalizing drums builds up to an extreme-metal avalanche. The perfect carrier for that brute death metal voice, which cuts deep into the flesh of modern society – not only with words but with a message. Censored is slated for a release on May 6 via Drakkar Entertainment. But give ear, as Gwendydd also shared a new song taken of their upcoming album. Watch the video for ‘Rape’ below. [via Metal Goddesses]

Aversed is now streaming their new single ‘Every Hill A Tomb,’ whose purpose is twofold – to remind you that Aversed does kick ass and that you need more of them in your life, and to introduce new vocalist Sarah Hartman. Sonically, ‘Every Hill A Tomb’ does a great job mixing the trippier elements of death metal with a heaping spoonful of progressive metal. “We are excited to unveil our first single with our new vocalist, Sarah Hartman,” said Aversed in a statement. “The artistic chemistry has been incredible and we hope you welcome her into this new era of our band and our songwriting. We wrote ‘Every Hill a Tomb’ to not only showcase our new direction with Sarah at the helm, but to process the grief we have all experienced these past few years. We explore a depersonalization into death and the afterlife, with the music and lyrics portraying the simultaneous grandeur and anxiety of infinite time. We are now in full-on songwriting mode and we hope you stay with us as we continue to reveal our new chapter with the world.” [via Metal Injection]

Texas-based industrial metal group Daedric releases their anticipated third single ‘Dawnbreaker’ with an alluring official music video overlaid with a vocal performance that dashes between brutal and ethereal, industrial guitars, pulsing electronics, and heavy rhythm. ‘Dawnbreaker’ pushes the boundaries into even heavier territory for the band and is another triumphant chapter in the Daedric saga. “During production, we basically said “how heavy could we go if we really just went for it,” says Daedric. “And compared to other Daedric songs, the production elements actually came together pretty easy. We also like it very much.” [via Outburn]

Lydia’s Castle drops their newest single ‘Search For You’. The hard-hitting track was penned as a form of therapy for vocalist Tonya LeeAnne, who hopes to share her feelings of deep, personal loss with listeners. “’Search For You’ is about one of the greatest losses of my life, and I wanted to channel that pain into something creative that can be shared with others and help myself, the band and so many others know they are not alone” says Tonya LeeAnne. “The great thing about music and good lyrics is that the listener can make the song their own, and become attached to it in their own way, which is exactly how I got into music to begin with.”

US rock giants Icon For Hire return with new gritty single ‘Ready For Combat’, alongside a high-powered music video. ‘Ready For Combat’ is the first cut from their upcoming new album released in partnership with Kartel Music Group. Describing the song as “a punch in the face”, lead singer Ariel Bloom says: “I’m demanding a fight, insisting that my demons come out to meet me. It actually feels amazing to acknowledge this angrier side of me. As women we often don’t have the space and freedom to do that, so it feels good to create some space with this song”. “It’s pure aggression from the start!”, adds Shawn, “it doesn’t have a lot of the bells and whistles we usually incorporate in our song”. This heaviness is perfectly depicted by the gripping video accompanying the single, which features Ariel in all her fierceness.

Belle Morte is a musical project from Belarus, Minsk, playing dark symphonic metal with gothic/progressive flavor and melancholic vibe. ‘My Little Demon’ is a track taken from the band’s critically acclaimed album Crime of Passion, out now via Wormholedeath worldwide. Watch the video below.

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of Emerge, the new album by Chaos Magic. Fronted by the mesmerizing Chilean vocalist Caterina Nix, Emerge is another stunning album of symphonic yet modern metal. Out on June 17, the title track is available as a single and video now.

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