Forsaken Rite, the symphonic folk metal warriors from the northern plains of Edmonton, Canada, are thrilled to announce the release of their latest music video ‘Call to War’. This powerful and visually stunning video is the second single from their upcoming EP The Forgotten West, out this coming September 2024. ‘Call to War’ showcases Forsaken Rite’s signature blend of epic storytelling, intricate musicianship, and high-energy performance, as they explain: “‘Call to War’ is the finale of The Forgotten West journey. The war party has made it to their destination… for now. They have found villages and life isn’t so bad, it’s different than before, but yet… oh so familiar. But as if destiny had other plans, peace lasts only so long before history begins to repeat itself as new enemy forces move in to take what little the village has left. Call to War is a battle speech and a rallying cry, because this time, we all stay to fight, unlike so long ago, before the journey of The Forgotten West.” The drums of war are sounding and Forsaken Rite’s final rally cry leads warriors into battle. “Call to War” is a heavy war song led by the power of unclean vocals as clean vocals build the narrative. The song’s bridge is a grand battle speech and a march towards victory climaxing in a multi-layered instrumental and vocal breakdown to round out the EP.

Valkyrie’s Fire are a symphonic power metal band from Nashville, Tennessee, born of true emotional passion that ignites our hearts and unlocks the deepest mysteries of the soul. The band just premiered a new music video titled ‘Warrior of the Night’ which is the first single & music video taken from their upcoming EP album Ascension which will be released on November 8 via Eclipse Records. The album was produced and mixed by Joey Grimaldi, and mastered by Jack Kosto (Firewind, Seven Spires). The music video for ‘Warrior of the Night’ was directed by Austin Dellamano at Weems Creative. “’Warrior of the Night’ is a special song to each of us because of the meaning behind the lyrics”, says bass guitarist Dave Hale. “This song is dedicated to the fans who tirelessly support musicians every night, and also to the musicians around the world who endlessly pour their heart and soul into the music they create. Just like any true warrior, the musicians fight the ongoing battle to bring exposure to their music, and the fans also fight the battle by showing their support for those musicians.” Vocalist Adam Sanders adds, “The album, and this song, is steeped in Norse mythology, and as such, the lyrics also hint at that, while keeping their relevance to the fans and musicians. Each of us fights a battle in the field of music, and each of us must remain strong and give our all for those things we fight so valiantly for.” Vocalist Bettie Floyd concludes, “Our goal with this debut music video is to reach into the hearts and souls of fans worldwide and deliver to each of them the epic power and symphonic metal that we are so proud to have created. We want to show the world that Valkyrie’s Fire is not only just a new band on the scene, but a force to be admired in the music scene among our peers, fellow musicians, and fans around the world. We truly love the music we create, and we are grateful to be doing what we love!”.

SPINEFARM is pleased to announce the signing of GORE. — vocalist Haley Roughton, guitarist Alex Reyes, and bassist Devin Birchfield — to the global roster. The band will release the A Bud That Never Blooms EP on October 24. The EP was produced by Miserable Productions, with Ben McGuiness and Caleb Freihaut serving as co-producers. The EP was mixed by Cody Stewart. Now, the band has also shared the video for ‘Babylon,’ its debut single for its new label home. “‘Babylon’ is about my desire to have a pure, somewhat traditional love,” offers Roughton, laying her emotional cards face up on the table. “The dream of having a strong and loving husband, with children and an unconditionally loving home being the center of my universe (and is what I felt I lacked in my childhood). Through the years, and all of the relationships I have failed to sustain, that dream has yet to come true. This song is the eulogy of that dream. In other words, ‘Babylon’ is the action of putting that dream of being a wife and a mother to rest, for now.” Regarding the accompanying visual, Roughton shares, “The music video uses religious imagery to depict the dream for a pure, unconditional love that is slowly dying. In the video, the pastor can be seen as everything that causes a relationship to fail — ego, external pressure from others, unhealed inner wounds — even the other person in the relationship. The pastor is seen slowly killing the woman with the dream by holding her underwater, while she is seen crying and begging for the life she wants. From the action of killing her emerges a creature that is completely stripped of hope and innocence. The sludgy, disturbing human-like being can be seen as a symbol of cynicism, resentment and vengeance.”

Massive Scar Era, the visionary Egyptian/Canadian metal project led by Cherine Amr, is thrilled to announce the release of their new single ‘School Girls | بنات المدرسة’. This track, featuring the dynamic vocals of Chaney Crabb from Entheos, is the lead single from their upcoming EP, Assyad, set to drop in October 2024. With ‘School Girls’, Massive Scar Era breaks genre boundaries again, blending progressive rock, post-grunge, Egyptian music, and metal into a captivating sound that resonates deeply with fans worldwide. Amr comments on the unique track: “‘School Girls’ represents a dialogue between the Mu’allima (teacher) spirit, brought to life by Chaney’s voice, and the outside world. The chorus is adapted from the traditional Zar song “Banat el Madrassa,” reflecting a significant era in Egyptian society and feminism. It highlights the pursuit of higher education by middle and upper-class women in the 1950s, symbolizing their aspirations and empowerment. The Mu’allima serves as both a guide within the female Zar realm and a social archetype.”

Texan prog metal quintet Oceans Of Slumber will release their sixth studio album Where Gods Fear To Speak through Season Of Mist Records on September 13. It’s the band’s first for their new label and they have just shared their latest single from the upcoming album, The Given Dream, which you can listen to below. The song features a powerhouse of a vocal performance from singer Cammie Beverly. “This is one of the most tiring songs to sing on the album”, Beverly explains. “I’m belting from the beginning. Going from a belt to soprano back to a belt is not a break. Singing soprano takes more breath than singing mid-range or alto. You have to hold your vocal cords tight.” “We’re pre-programmed with this dream of how our lives are supposed to turn out”, Dobber Beverly, band leader, drummer and Cammie’s husband says of the new single. “The white picket fence. A career at the tech company down the road. Two and a half kids to go along with the ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ poster on your wall”. “Buying into that idea will make you feel like you’re on the right track,” adds Cammie. “When really, we’re just blinded. That dream doesn’t exist”. [via Louder]

EPICA singer Simone Simons has shared the music video for the song ‘Cradle To The Grave’ from her just-released debut solo album. Vermillion, which was made available on August 23 via Nuclear Blast Records, is a collaboration with Simone’s longtime musical partner Arjen Lucassen (AYREON). The music video for ‘Cradle To The Grave’ features a guest appearance by ARCH ENEMY’s Alissa White-Gluz and can be seen below. Simons and Lucassen comment: “‘Cradle To The Grave’ is about the universal experience of navigating life’s ups and downs and the quest for meaning and purpose. It views the human condition as one of struggle and resilience, where despite efforts to build and achieve, there’s an underlying acceptance that life is brief, finite and often cruel.” [via Blabbermouth]

ENEMY INSIDE have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Sayonara,’ is the brand new single from the German alternative/symphonic metal band and follows on from their previous single, ‘What We Used To Be,’ which was released last month. Speaking about the new song and its accompanying music video, the band shares, “’Sayonara’ is a real power track. Not only its title spreads Japanese vibes, the video is also heavily inspired by the anime style. The message of the song gets clear really quick: Don’t let the haters get you down. If they’re talking about you, you’ve done everything right. I am who I am and if you don’t like it, SAYONARA!” [via Distorted Sound]

SKARLETT RIOT have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Luminate,’ is the brand new single from the UK alternative metal band and follows on from their previous single, ‘Hold Tight,’ which was released in November last year. Speaking about the new single, the band says, “’Luminate’ is a song written about finding light in the darkest places. Having those moments of clarity, understanding you don’t have to struggle through adversity alone. It’s about realising your true worth and being able to find strength when you need it most.” [via Distorted Sound]

Ice cold Finnish modern metal band, Arctis, have announced their self-titled debut album, set for release via Napalm Records on November 1. Drawing inspiration from the mythical winters and mystical summers of the North, the Finnish metal minds of talented misfits Arctis fearlessly navigate their futuristic battleship through a treacherous ocean where ferocious waves of metal clash against reefs of rock and pop, birthing a sonic assault of epic proportions. To celebrate the announcement of their debut album, the first single ‘I’ll Give You Hell’ and their first official music video ever, has been released. The song explores the complexities of romance with their catchy anthem. Arctis comment on their new single: “We’re excited to drop our debut track and music video, ‘I’ll Give You Hell,’ a powerful anthem that was one of the first songs we ever wrote. This release marks the start of something big, and we can’t wait to share more of what we’ve been working on. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning.” [via Brave Words]

The Brazilian rising force in Melodic Death Metal, Erudica, have just released their highly anticipated second single, ‘Echoes Of Desolation’, which is now available on all major digital platforms. Following the success of their debut single and music video ‘Gaia’, the band returns with an even more ferocious and impactful sound. Formed in 2020, Erudica is the brainchild of captivating vocalist Caroline Ferreira and skilled guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Patrik Correa. Drawing inspiration from heavyweights such as Arch Enemy and The Agonist, the duo has taken a brave step on their latest release, digging deeper into more classic melodic death/thrash metal. With ‘Echoes Of Desolation’, they move away from the orchestral and symphonic elements of their previous release, opting instead for a raw, aggressive approach marked by crushing, melodic and brutally powerful guitar riffs. Caroline Ferreira‘s vocal prowess shines through on ‘Echoes Of Desolation’ where she unleashes a torrent of rage through her ferocious growls, tackling profound themes that reflect humanity’s final reckoning – a requiem for a world suffering due to the greed of those who are supposed to protect and lead. “Greed! We reap what we sow, in this case our total destruction and annihilation by our own actions”, Caroline comments. [via Metalheads Forever]

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NYC’s resident misfits Couch Slut’s new full-length album You Could Do It Tonight is out April 19 on Brutal Panda Records. Now, the band shares ‘The Donkey (Abridged).’ The video was created by Frank Huang (Maximum Volume Silence) and features additional footage captured by occasional Couch Slut collaborator Davindar Singh from a haunted house in Thailand, along with special guest appearances from guitarist Amy Mills’ personal doll collection. Couch Slut vocalist Megan Ostrosits explains: “Here’s the story of what happened when my friends and I got fired from the haunted waterpark.” Bassist Kevin Hall continues: “‘The Donkey’ is simultaneously simple and complex, like a bucket of sewage which at first appears homogeneous, but upon close inspection dazzles the mind and the senses with the diversity and pungency of its constituent detritus.”

NØ MAN are proud to debut the brand new music video for ‘Glitter and Spit’, the title track from the band’s highly anticipated new album due out next week on March 29 via Iodine Recordings. “‘Glitter and Spit’ is about not letting people distort your reality to fit their fantasy,” shares NØ MAN. “We’ve never been comfortable with the idea of making a music video and really just wanted to make something that felt true to our live shows. Years ago Joseph Pattisall made one of our favorite videos for our friends in Striking Distance and we were thrilled when he was up for helping us with ours.”

The pirates of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS are about to take listeners on their heaviest symphonic adventure yet with their new studio album, entitled PIRATES II – ARMADA, set for release on July 5, 2024 via Napalm Records. The new successor to their high-charting previous release, Pirates (2022), is set as high as the waves cresting the Jolly Roger – taking everything that has been achieved to date to another level. With the second chapter of the pirates’ saga, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS prove that they are more than ready to claim the crown of symphonic metal. Now, the crew centered around pirate queen Clèmentine Delauney and brave captain Michele Guaitoli unveil their first single and title track, ‘Armada’, together with an official music video that draws the listeners into the exciting universe of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS. With this track, the band pushes its metal attitude farther than ever before! The track immediately show how driving, rich, and banging the hymn of a pirate army could be. [via Outburn]

Canada’s most exciting metal band, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, recently announced the upcoming release of their game changing sixth studio album, Phantoma, out May 10 via Napalm Records. On this stunning conceptual release, listeners join story protagonist Phantoma, a Phase 4 / Network Tier 0 unit – model A, on an inspiring yet harrowing journey as she traverses the new age of AI on a dystopian, near-future planet earth. Following the release of wondrous first single, ‘Green & Glass’, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS are back with an addictive, synth-infused second single, ‘Ghosts In The Mist’. Blending modern guitar stylings with 80s arena rock vibes, the track boasts one of the album’s most sing-along worthy choruses and heaviest breakdowns. UNLEASH THE ARCHERS says about ‘Ghosts In The Mist’: “If you saw us at any of the shows we played last year then you might recognize this track! We filmed the music video at Mad With Power Fest, ProgPower USA, and at our show in Montreal, Canada, and it is full of so many friends and familiar faces! We love including these particular festivals in the video because they have both been supporters of ours for a very long time, and we hope we will get to play them again and again as the years go on. The track is one of the more synth heavy songs on the album, but it’s also got some rad death vocals from Grant that you can bang your head to, so we hope there will be a little something for everyone to enjoy here!” [via Metal Planet]

FOLTERKAMMER have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Algolagnia’, is taken from the American operatic symphonic black metal band’s upcoming new album, Weibermacht, which is scheduled to be released in April this year.,Speaking about the new single, guitarist Zachary Ezrin comments, “’Algolagnia’ is a special song because it’s the first and only song that we wrote together in the studio. It’s a really raw and brutal piece that I’m very proud of.” Bassist Laurent David adds, “finally, a black metal track that starts with a bassline!” Vocalist Andromeda Anarchia further explains, “musically, I would say that despite all its rawness, this piece also has a somewhat modern character. It is very unusual. This contrasts with the more traditional, dramatic-romantic operatic singing that floats over the raw music at certain points. My main inspirations for interpreting ‘Algolagnia’ as a singer were Rob Halford, Nina Hagen, NOVA TWINS, and Joan Sutherland. When it comes to lyrics, one of the main inspirations for ‘Algolagnia’ was the opera ELEKTRA by Richard Strauss, which is one of my all-time favorite operas. It portrays strong women with strong voices, and that’s exactly what I want for our music. For ‘Algolagnia’, I paraphrase a passage of the aria: ‘Wie stark bist du!’ (‘How strong you are!’).” [via Distorted Sound]

Ancient Settlers has released a video for ‘Wounded Heart’, first single taken from the new album Oblivion’s Legacy to be released on May 17 by Scarlet Records. ‘Wounded Heart’ evokes a visceral journey through the tumultuous currents of existence, where time’s relentless march leaves shattered dreams and non-stop haste in its wake. A song to remember that each scar becomes a badge of resilience amidst the ashes of adversity, as the wounded heart remains steadfast in the face of hopelessness and isolation, enduring the toll that time exacts on soul. [via Brave Words]

Gothic metal band, Blackbriar, have just released a brand new song titled ‘Moonflower.’ Featuring UK based/Russian born singer-songwriter, Marjana Seminka, the track comes with its own music video. This is their first music since the release of A Dark Euphony in September 2023. The band are also out on tour in the US from May 9, then in Europe and the UK later in the year. Catch the new video below. [via Ghost Cult Mag]

‘Lullaby’ is the latest music video from UK metal band Skarlett Riot. The release is part of the build-up to their highly anticipated album set to launch in 2024. Speaking about the track the band state: “’Lullaby’ expresses the emotions we go through at some point in our lives when we experience the loss of a loved one. We hope you can connect with this track as much as we did when writing it and I hope it brings a smile or two and warmth when you hear the lyrics. Writing these lyrics definitely brought some pretty personal memories back and it helped me to relive those precious moments again through song writing.” [via Primordial Radio]

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Fragment Soul has embarked on an exciting journey, sealing a remarkable partnership with Wormholedeath for the reissue of their album, Galois Paradox, a masterpiece of poetic darkness and musical brilliance. The album is set to re-enter the world on February 23, 2024. Characterized by a profoundly mysterious and dark sound that beautifully merges with the enchanting depths of progressive metal, Fragment Soul is not your everyday band. For a captivating glimpse into the melancholic beauty of Fragment Soul, check out their music video for ‘Eternal Night in Death’ below.

Modern metal formidable force Conspiracy of Blackness is proud to unveil their spellbinding and emotionally charged dual-track spectacle, ‘Oblivion / Rise.’ Directed by the visionary Raoul Noise from Novarolfilm, this cinematic journey plunges audiences into a realm where the ethereal meets the intense—a world where ‘Oblivion’ delicately caresses the senses while ‘Rise’ commands with raw, visceral power. In this visually captivating narrative, the songs entwine seamlessly, transcending the boundaries between dreams and reality. Nightmares materialize into a dark and mystical universe, echoing the profound depth of human emotion. “The intertwined melodies of ‘Oblivion’ and ‘Rise’ echo our deepest fears and unleash the fury of inner demons,” shares the band. “These tracks are a raw reflection of the relentless battles against insecurities and the shadows that haunt our daily lives.”

Rock band New Years Day is excited to announce their 5th studio album, Half Black Heart, is set to be released on March 1, 2024. The band has also today shared their new song ‘Secrets’. About the new song, Ash Costello says: “’Secrets’ is about something I feel we have all been through at some point. With this song, I started by confronting myself with the question, “What is truly disturbing me right now?”. The answer that echoed in my mind was simple yet profound: secrets. We’ve all experienced that unsettling sensation when we sense that someone close to us is concealing something. It’s an intuitive feeling that gnaws at our core, leaving us with a sinking sensation in our stomachs. The weight of these hidden truths can be enough to bury you. This song serves as a realization that enough is enough.”

Get ready for a thrilling symphonic metal journey as the talented Beyond God sets its sights on a remarkable musical horizon. This Dutch sensation has signed a deal with Wormholedeath for their highly anticipated album The Great Divide, slated for release on December 8. The magic begins with the release of their latest single, ‘A Siren’s Cry,’ a spellbinding composition that will immerse you in the rich tapestry of the band’s symphonic metal.

SKARLETT RIOT have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Hold Tight’, is the brand new single from the UK alternative metal band and follows on from their previous single, ‘Chemicals,’ which was released back in August. Speaking about the new single, the band says, “we are excited to bring you our 2nd new single this year ‘Hold Tight’. It’s ok not to be ok, ‘Hold Tight’ expresses the importance of speaking up about how we truly feel, reaching out to someone when times get tough and how no one should feel they have to face their problems alone.” [via Distorted Sound]

Escuela Grind, arguably one of the hardest working acts in all of metal, is back with a new EP dubbed DDEEAATHHMMEETTAALL due out January 12. The EP was mixed by Kurt Ballou (High On Fire, Gatecreeper, etc.), mastered by Nick Townsend (Cheap Trick, Dr. Dre), and even features a guest spot from Napalm Death vocalist Barney Greenway on the song ‘Meat Magnet’. In the meantime, you can get your head torn the fuck off by ‘Ball And Chain’. The single features a video directed by Michael Jari Davidson (Alice In Chains) and recorded at a recent festival performance in Mexico City. “DDEEAATHHMMEETTAALL is the third installment of our EP series where we dive into the genres that most influence this band,” said Escuela Grind vocalist Katerina Economou. “Finishing this trilogy has been years in the works. We are so excited to release these songs as they are perhaps the best reflection of our live performance. The stage has honed these hectic songs to perfection. Originally we were going to have three songs on this EP, but we wanted to create another track that had a huge buildup. This eventually developed into this brutal song, ‘Ball and Chain’, that marks the point in our live shows where we have a wall of death every night. Lyrically, it references death metal tropes of murder and revenge, but with a decidedly feminine angle.” [via Metal Injection]

Heriot have announced their signing to worldwide metal powerhouse Century Media, and they’re celebrating by dropping a disgustingly heavy new song called ‘Soul Chasm.’ Like the tracks on their 2022 EP, Profound Morality (released via Church Road Records), this new one contains volcanic cascades of HM-2 guitar riffs, devilish metalcore howls and a pulverizing groove that recalls the mechanized attack of Godflesh’s Streetcleaner. “‘Soul Chasm’ illustrates the internal struggle for peace, revealing our tendency to be unkind to ourselves and how the fear of failure can dim the vibrancy of our existence,” the band said in a press release. [via Revolver]

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MYRKUR unfolds the next chapter in her personal mythology of Amalie Bruun, setting a new course for the enigmatic composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Marked by the birth of her child, and a means of making sense of the storm of emotions in that wake, her forthcoming album Spine charts a new course for Bruun through the most turbulent period of her life to new territories beyond, free from genre constraints, and giving rise to a new range of emotional and sonic contours. Spine’s lead single, ‘Like Humans’, is a blend of lush, airy textures and apprehension-inducing, pounding undertow, where Bruun’s voice floats over the top as if from another dimension. She reveals, “When I wrote ‘Like Humans’ I felt very disconnected and isolated from the human race. The lack of touch and being in the first few years of motherhood forced me to become human in a way I never thought I would. Going through all of these changes at once made me desperately want to feel a connection with the earth and humans. Writing and recording this album helped me heal and succeed with that dream.”

Prepare to be hooked by the gripping melodies and powerful symphonies of German melodic metal powerhouse, Silent Revenants, as they embark on a thrilling new chapter. The band is thrilled to announce their signing with Wormholedeath for their highly anticipated album, The Withering Of The Blue Flower, set to be released on October 13. Join the fascinating journey now with the official music video for ‘Let the Dragons Fly Forever’.

Italian symphonic metallers ELEGY OF MADNESS have released a video for ‘Broken Soul’, first single taken from the new album XI to be released on October 20 via Scarlet Records.

Italian maestros of modern melodic/symphonic metal TEMPERANCE will unleash their new concept album, Hermitage – Daruma’s Eyes Pt. 2, on October 20 via Napalm Records. During their successful European tour with Tarja (ex-Nightwish) this spring, the band introduced its new lineup and proved once and for all that this new arrangement is more than just convincing. Expanding the characteristic sound of the band with a new member – professional opera/metal singer and vocal coach Kristin Starkey – the essence of charismatic singer Michele Guaitoli (Visions of Atlantis) and mastermind singer/guitarist Marco Pastorino (Serenity) reaches a higher level. Guest musicians like Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon), Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie, Illumishade), Laura Fella (Faun) and Alessandro Conti (Twilight Force) complement the exciting journey of the new album. Now, the five-piece have finally released their new single, ‘Daruma’, together with a colorful official music video that perfectly introduces the mood and exciting story of the multifaceted album. Galloping guitar passages open the single while the album narrator and multitalented Arjen Lucassen guides through the catchy melodies. The dark timbre of singer Kristin Starkey introduces the villain Anningan, who will turn the life of the album’s protagonist Viktor upside down. Singer Kristin Starkey on ‘Daruma’: “I’m so excited for you to hear our new single called “Daruma”. It not only sets the stage for the dramatic storytelling of our new album, Hermitage: Daruma’s Eyes Pt. II, but also marks the beginning of my chapter with TEMPERANCE. I really believe our new sound will be loved by fans new and old, and I am looking forward to your feedback! See you on the road.” [via All About The Rock]

Spiritbox have announced a new six-song EP titled The Fear of Fear. In advance of its November 3 release, the Canadian metallers have unveiled the new single and video ‘Jaded.’ The Fear of Fear contains five new songs and the previously released stand-alone single ‘The Void,’ which arrived in April of this year. ‘Jaded’ finds singer Courtney LaPlante shifting between clean melodic vocals and a vicious scream. [via Consequence]

Much-loved UK modern metal quartet Skarlett Riot return with their brand new single, ‘Chemicals’. Dealing with a subject very close to home for singer Skarlett; “‘Chemicals is about the struggles day to day with anxiety and how it can take over your whole mind if you’re not careful.” She comments, “Sometimes day-to-day life can feel overwhelming and I’ve learned to take some time out for myself and be kind to myself. It’s what we all forget to do and we all need sometimes just a moment to breathe.” Taken from the band’s upcoming NEW album (due 2024), this track led by Skarlett’s unmistakable voice combines the band’s familiar sense of melodic intent with crushingly heavy riffs and harsh vocals. As the band states: “We are excited to finally release new Skarlett Riot music into the world and we believe this is the perfect track to welcome the new campaign into the world! It’s melodic, hard-hitting, and punches you right in the chest!” [via All About the Rock]

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