CROWLEY is an occult rock band from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Comprised of vocalist Lidya Balaban, guitarists Eliza Lee and Ruth Cranston, bassist Kim Fellows, and drummer Sav Montore. Formed in 2022, the band reinvigorates the sounds of retro pagan rock. ‘Silver Star’ is the fifth release from CROWLEY and marks the clearest establishment of the bands sound yet – like Black Sabbath with feminine power, it’s a dark occult fantasy the listener is invited to join. On ‘Silver Star’, singer Lidya Balaban says: “Written from the perspective of a cult leader, the song is an invitation to an initiation ceremony. It’s about being coerced into participating in a ritual and taking a leap of faith. This was definitely an interesting one for me lyrically, the song title is taken from one rumoured translation of Aleister Crowley’s organisation A∴A∴ (Argenteum Astrum). The lyrics themselves are somewhat alchemical in nature, with subtle messages of leaving your old ways behind and being able to transmute into your higher self. In its own twisted way it’s a song of growth and change. But mostly just about getting roped into ritual sacrifice.”

UK Folk Horror outfit Forlorn have announced they’ve signed to Church Road Records and mark their arrival at the new label home by unveiling their Stephen King inspired single, ‘Spirit’. Much like their previous ‘Earth’ inspired offering, Creatress, Forlorn’s first single on their new label, Church Road Records, is based on the fifth element of the same name. “Feeling a connection between a bass synth in the instrumental of the song and the literal transformation one being makes into another, I took inspiration from the Stephen King novel ‘The Outsider’ and the concept of shape-shifting,” explains vocalist Megan Jenkins. “There is so much that we cannot see and don’t connect to when we are caught up in the haze of our daily lives. There are forces, energies and beings that are all around us that we are blind to, and many people are OK with that. I connect so deeply to this idea of shape-shifting or “becoming other” through a desire to explore the unseen and travel beyond the confines of this human skin.”

Izzy Reign is back with her next bold release, ‘Your Entertainer,’ from her upcoming debut album set to release in early 2025 from FiXT. Known for her raw and powerful sound, Izzy merges metalcore and alternative pop in ‘Your Entertainer.’ This single, showcasing fierce guitar riffs, pulsating synths, and thunderous drums, creates an intense sonic landscape over provocative lyrics. With dynamic instrumentation, gritty guitars, synth-driven melodies, and hard-hitting bass and drums this track carries her signature sound while adding a darker, introspective edge. ‘Your Entertainer’ strikes at the heart of celebrity culture and the mental toll of creating from a place of vulnerability. ‘Your Entertainer’ is a concept track born from deep self-reflection. Izzy delves into the personal struggles that come with being a performer. “While I was writing this album, I thought about exactly what it was that I was doing, So I wrote ‘Your Entertainer’ as a concept about selling your emotions and experiences for entertainment and fame,” explains Izzy Reign. “I hope that this song reaches people to help them see that celebrity culture is a wild toxic concept and we need to remember that they are indeed still human. A lot of people create music from their pain or experiences, exposing their inner most difficulties just for your entertainment and it is a mentally wearing, but can also be rewarding, experience.”

Vallorch is back with their latest single and video, ‘Circle Of The Moon’. This liberating anthem invites listeners to reconnect with nature and embrace the joy of living. Inspired by Cimbrian myths, the song captures the essence of the ancient dances to the Moon God Maano, celebrating freedom and authenticity. The track offers a glimpse into Vallorch’s upcoming album, The Circle, set to release in March 2025, which explores the theme of the night in all its facets—from reflection and tranquility to celebration and connection. The album combines Vallorch’s signature folk metal sound with symphonic and power metal influences, blending vibrant melodies, heavy riffs, and a touch of melancholy.

Melodic hard rockers The Big Deal are pleased to announce the release of their upcoming new studio album Electrified, set for release on January 17th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. To mark the occasion, they share the new single and accompanying video ‘Like A Fire’, out now. Guitarist Srdjan Brankovic expresses his enthusiasm for the release: “We are very happy that we have come to the moment to announce our second album Electrified, together with Frontiers Records. We had the honour to collaborate for the first time with great artists such as Anders Wikstrom (TREAT) and Jona Tee (H.E.A.T.), who helped us compose some songs. If you like melodic metal/rock, melodic vocals, plenty of keyboard and guitar melodic solos, two great female vocalists intertwining in harmony, we think you’ll love the album too. Check out the first single ‘Like A Fire’, which is about a rock band performing on stage.”

BLACKBRIAR have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Floriography,’ is the brand new single from the Dutch symphonic metal band and marks their first new music since their latest studio album, A Dark Euphony, which was released in September last year, via Nuclear Blast Records. Speaking about the new single, vocalist Zora Cock shares, “’Floriography’ marks the start of our upcoming third studio album. It’s a song full of mystery, dark academia meets Sherlock Holmes. The song’s protagonist deciphers hidden messages from a secret lover through the Victorian language of flowers, cryptic poetry, lyrical acronyms, and marks carved in trees. She may have even left some for you.” [via Distorted Sound]

XANDRIA have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘200 Years’, is taken from the German symphonic metal band’s brand new album, Universal Tales, which was released on Friday, via Napalm Records. Speaking about the song and its accompanying new music video, the band shares, “we hope you enjoy our new song and video! It’s inspired by our deep love for Scotland and its rich history. The many stories of this land have sunk deep into our collective consciousness, becoming the roots of the fantasy worlds we all share – worlds filled with epic tales, like those of Middle-earth and beyond. Stories of people fighting for freedom, love, and the survival of their culture. This one’s for you. Slàinte mhath!” [via Distorted Sound]

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French modern metal act Pyrah is thrilled to announce the release of their latest video for the single ‘End Of The Slope,’ taken from the critically acclaimed album Veni Vidi Delevi, available now via Wormholedeath. Known for their powerful blend of aggressive riffs and emotionally charged lyrics, Pyrah delivers a fresh take on modern metal with a fierce, unmistakable edge. ‘End of the Slope’ takes you deep into the shadows of regret and emotional torment. A relentless cycle of guilt, haunting memories, and suffocating isolation—fear and hope collide in this extreme metal journey. Prepare to face the darkness within.

Luna Kills have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘slay ur enemies,’ is the brand new single from the Finnish alternative metalcore band and its release comes as the band sign with SharpTone Records. The new single was mixed and mastered by Jeff Dunne [MAKE THEM SUFFER, KNOCKED LOOSE, ICE NINE KILLS, DISTURBED]. Speaking about the new single, vocalist Lotta Ruutiainen shares, “’slay ur enemies’ describes an inner dialogue and feelings during a panic attack. Mostly the lyrics depict the hopelessness of those emotions, but also the will to fight & endure and survive this absolute nightmare. The song actually pretty much wrote itself right before we hit the studio. We listened to the demo in the middle of the night, thinking either we had all collectively lost our sanity, or the song was a fucking banger.” [via Distorted Sound]

VUKOVI are set to release their new album MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN early next year. The full-length is due on January 24 via SharpTone Records.It was produced by Machine at The Machine Shop Recording Studio in Austin, Texas, and has artwork painted by vocalist Janine Shilstone. Commenting on the new album, Janine says: “A new chapter of sound is about to unfold. These songs will speak to places we’ve all been, but few have heard.” To coincide with the announcement, the band have released a new single ‘GUNGHO’ – check it out below. [via Dork]

German symphonic metal icons, Xandria, are about to chart new paths with their epic upcoming nine-track EP, Universal Tales, out on November 22 via Napalm Records. This EP follows the success of their latest top 10 charting album (German charts), The Wonders Still Awaiting (2023), which introduced an impressive new line up featuring the fantastic Ambre Vourvahis, who stuns audiences with her vocal talent that blends elements of rock grit, operatic highs and even growls. This fresh sounding masterpiece highlights Xandria’s reinvention by elevating their trademarks to a new level, setting the bar for modern symphonic metal while presenting four brand new majestic songs that showcase the band’s refined versatility and impressive intensity. Xandria unveils the new offering of the upcoming EP, ‘No Time To Live Forever’, together with a visually stunning official music video. Driving drums and fast-paced riffs underscore the dramatic lyrics of the apparent loss of reason in the world and the rise of chaos, while the five-piece aligns with their signature sound of impressive orchestral interludes and the majestic operatic highs of vocalist Ambre. Xandria on the new single ‘No Time To Live Forever’: “You already know ‘Universal’ from our upcoming EP, and after receiving such overwhelmingly positive feedback from you, it is now time for ‘No Time To Live Forever’. If you loved the bombastic choirs and operatic vocals in ‘Universal’, you are in for a treat with this one… prepare for a ride.” [via Brave New Words]

April Art’s latest single ‘Burn’ was released last week coinciding with the debut of its official music video. The track features on the band’s new album Rodeo, out now. ‘Burn’ delves into themes of inner turmoil and past trauma. The lyrics paint a picture of an individual grappling with haunting memories, feelings of betrayal, and a daily struggle against internal voices. The song’s narrative conveys a sense of isolation and ongoing emotional battles. [via Metal Cue]

Lacuna Coil are looking to take your breath away with their latest atmospheric single. With that in mind, it’s only fitting that the Italian metal veterans’ newest number is called ‘Oxygen.’ The new track follows the recent ‘Hoisting the Shadow’ collaboration with Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe, and it will be a part of the band’s newly confirmed tenth album, Sleepless Empire. This time around, vocal phenom Cristina Scabbia is handling the mic with elemental whimsy (“My breath is getting lighter/I float on crimson waters”) as the rest of the band leans into an outsized and epic arrangement. “‘Oxygen’ is a powerful exploration of emotional struggle and inner conflict,” Scabbia commented. “The lyrics convey a sense of drowning in a toxic environment… where attempts at salvation, represented by ‘oxygen’ are somehow futile. This song encapsulates the feeling of struggling to break free from what holds us down, when the journey is filled with difficulty. It’s a raw anthem of vulnerability, resilience and the courage to face what seems insurmountable.” As for the newly unveiled music video, which the band had been teasing on Instagram over the past week via a series of liquid-y snippets, it accordingly taps into that aqueous lyrical energy with dramatically plunging visuals and near-death experiences. Scabbia added that staying in the water through the shoot was “cathartic,” and you can drink in the visuals below. [via Revolver]

Lauren Babic has released her new single ‘Let It Die’. The track showcases Babic’s vocals alongside guitars by Adam Bentley, who also served as the mixing engineer. Lee Albrecht handled the mastering duties for the song. ‘Let It Die’ evolved from a demo originally titled ‘Hypermetal’ by Adam Bentley. Babic and Bentley collaborated to expand on this initial concept, incorporating a nu-metal inspired bridge into the final version. Lyrically, the song draws from Babic’s personal experiences, aiming to create a more intimate and relatable connection with listeners. [via Metal Cue]

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Exsomnis is an atmospheric and melodic powerhouse in progressive gothic metal, hailing from Montreal, Canada and they are proud to announce the release of their debut single, ‘Inertia’. This haunting track delves deep into the abyss of existential contemplation, enveloping listeners in a symphony of gloomy soundscapes, haunting riffs, and orchestral grandeur. Vocalist Viky Boyer comments on the track: “’Inertia’ is one of the earliest songs we wrote and one of the songs I spent the most time writing and re-writing. With every scrap of lyrics and melody, I felt like I was getting closer to the message I actually wanted to put out. I am also very glad that the band was on board with me including some French spoken words in the song, sort of like a mini poem, as I feel like it really completes the vision I had for it. I really hope my experience with the theme of the song will resonate with the listeners, partly for my artistic ego, but also as a sign that I am not alone struggling with those particular feelings of dread when it comes to life choices.”

The hard rock sensation, Beautiful Skeletons, is proud to announce the release of their gripping new music video, ‘Letter to a Narcissist’. The track stands out from their highly anticipated EP, Temperance, set to launch on May 10 via Wormholedeath. ‘Letter to a Narcissist’ is a dark, melodic journey that blends haunting vocals with Beautiful Skeletons’ signature gritty and intense sound. This song is about the painful realization that you’ve been manipulated. The lyrics explore the journey from justifying a narcissist’s behavior to recognizing the damage they’ve caused. Ultimately, it’s about taking back your power and confronting the abuse you’ve endured.

Rising symphonic metal force ELVELLON released their second single and next harbinger, ‘My Forever Endeavour’, taken from their upcoming new album, Ascending in Synergy, set for release on May 17. The track convinces with an enchanting, uplifting intro building up to a strong chorus that is topped by Nele Messerschmidt’s magnificent vocal skills, inviting the listener to get lost in dreamy worlds. [via Metal Planet]

Lacuna Coil have dropped a crushing new song called ‘In the Mean Time’ that features soaring vocals from New Years Day singer Ash Costello. The track is Lacuna Coil’s first since their 2023 one-off ‘Never Dawn,’ and it’s ostensibly the first taste of the band’s upcoming new album, which frontwoman Cristina Scabbia teased to Revolver late last year. “‘In The Mean Time’ is a reflection on how much our society has generally ‘lost the plot,'” Lacuna said in a press statement. “We are living in really mean times filled with unhappy people: lonely, anxious, depressed, destructive. The pressure that crushes from the outside doesn’t allow to see things with the right clarity. This song is like group therapy: not a lamentation, but acceptance that once broken, it’s hard to put oneself back together again. We need to take our minds off all the inescapable toxicity and find that there’s so much more to this life…and know that in the meantime, everything cannot be aligned. We invited Ash Costello from New Years Day to feature on the track and we’re thrilled she came on board adding exactly what we needed for this song with her warm voice and charisma.” [via Revolver]

Renowned symphonic metal band XANDRIA have unveiled a catchy brand-new single, entitled ‘Universal’, accompanied by a mesmerizing official video. The track, mixed by acclaimed Danish producer Jacob Hansen, harmoniously combines symphonic choruses and captivating refrains with classic heavy metal guitar work. XANDRIA about ‘Universal’: “We have been overwhelmed by the amazing feedback for our album The Wonders Still Awaiting and are so grateful for our wonderful fans! All this positive energy inspired us to write new music quickly, and here is the first song of the new music waiting for you! We hope you enjoy it! Thank you so much for your support! In memory of Jina Mahsa Amini and for all the brave people everywhere else in the world who fight for human rights. Human rights are universal. But they are not respected everywhere, and where they are, they can be taken away again. That means that we all need to be constantly defending them, and we need to be standing together with all people in the world for that. ” [via FrontView Mag]

Polish heavy metal act, Crystal Viper, will release their new studio album, The Silver Key, on June 28 via Listenable Records. The band have also released the new digital single, ‘Fever Of The Gods’. Watch a video for the song below. Band leader Marta Gabriel comments: “Not counting the intro (which is entitled ‘Return To Providence’), ‘Fever Of The Gods’ is the opening song of the album, and the first single. We all agreed, that if we would need to show the world what the new album is all about with just 1 song, it needs to be this one. It is fast, very dynamic, and it has some new elements, but also very classic riffing and harmonies, and its chorus is very easy to remember. We also filmed a video for this song, together with the Grupa 13 production house. They did some amazing videos for bands such as Kreator, Arch Enemy or Behemoth, so we knew our song will be in right hands. Lyrics for ‘Fever Of The Gods’ are a story about meeting various shapeless forms during a dream-quest of Kadath. Lovecraft fans will probably have a big smile on their faces right now!” [via Brave New Words]

DEFENCES have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘The Curse’, is the brand new single from the Hertfordshire-based alternative metal band and marks their first new music since 2021’s In The Balance. The release of the new single comes as the band sign with Long Branch Records. Speaking about the new song, vocalist Cherry Duesbury says, “’The Curse’ is a song about feeling like the universe is against you, trying to sabotage your every endeavour despite your best efforts to achieve something. The feeling of being just a little too late, or pipped to the post, and having to start over again. To demonstrate this, it references the individual struggles of trying to be creative in an oversaturated industry, focusing on the internal fortitude required to not only persevere but to enjoy creativity for its own sake. By making these fears and inadequacies into a character, we wanted to show how powerful this feeling of being cursed can seem, and the importance of recognising and accepting it as part of yourself.” [via Distorted Sound]

Red Handed Denial, who recently announced the May 24 release of their new album, A Journey Through Virtual Dystopia (Paid Vacation Records), have released a second song and video from the 10-song album: ‘One More Night’. “This might be my favorite song we’ve ever done, definitely my favorite on the album,” vocalist Lauren Babic says of the four-minute track. “There’s something special about it. I think it’s a really fresh take on what rock/metal can be by combining EDM and future bass elements. It’s not the heaviest on the album by any means, but there is a heaviness and sense of despair that translates in the vocal delivery so powerfully.” [via FrontView Mag]

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NJ hardcore band Gel formed in 2018, picked up a lot of steam post-lockdown with their 2021 EP Violent Closure, and kept that momentum going with their 2022 split with Cold Brats. Now they’ve finally announced their debut album, Only Constant, due March 31 via Convulse Records. The album was recorded by drummer Zach Miller along with Trish Quigley, and it offers up 10 songs in 16 minutes. Vocalist Sami Kaiser says, “A lot of this record is about trying to live more of a happy and healthy life. I’ve been in recovery for alcoholism for the past couple years and really taking it seriously. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how to address negative feelings, and the album is about trying to let go of those self-destructive tendencies and embrace change.” The first single is ‘Attainable,’ which clocks in at under two minutes and interjects the band’s fast-paced hardcore punk with a danceable post-punk beat and some psychedelic-leaning guitar work. It challenges the boundaries and traditions of hardcore without toning down the band’s attack, and it comes with a cool black-and-white performance video directed and edited by Ian Shelton and Will Acuna. [via Brooklyn Vegan]

Germany’s symphonic metal icons XANDRIA are back with their eagerly-awaited album, The Wonders Still Awaiting out now via Napalm Records. Right from the start, album opener ‘Two Worlds’ takes you on a journey through epic, fantastical soundscapes, as well as imposing arrangements. Lyrically, the band expresses their personal feelings towards the future of humanity, wondering if humanity is on its way towards a dystopian world (especially with the constant environmental destruction) or if it is moving towards a fantastical utopian world? Ambre Vourvahis embraces her magnificent vocal diversity and uses its power to merge the contrasting worlds together in the new breathtaking music video. XANDRIA about the new single ‘Two Worlds’: “We have – perhaps still – the choice between two worlds. A dystopian one if we continue on this way into reversing the progress of civilization and destroying the environment which we are living in. Or a utopian one where we can see the wonders that might be awaiting for mankind’s future. But the bridge between those worlds gets frailer with every second. Musically, this epic and bombastic 7 minute song takes you on a journey through the polarity of the two worlds, showing you the surprises, treasures, and diversity the new album The Wonders Still Awaiting will have in store. This song is almost a little movie on its own with the combination of metal mixed with huge film score orchestration, a 40-piece choir of the Bulgarian National Radio Children´s Choir.” [via Outburn]

Frozen Crown has released the third single taken from the new album Call Of The North, set to be released on March 10 through Scarlet Records. Check out ‘Black Heart’ below.

D.C.-area group VOSH are fronted by former Blacksage singer Josephine Olivia, and their lineup is rounded out by current/former members of Coke Bust, Repulsion and more. This isn’t the members’ first rodeo, and you can hear their experience on the pulsating, steamy, insanely catchy ‘Pray,’ the lead single from their upcoming debut LP, Vessel (out March 3 via Trash Casual), alongside its captivating music video. Musically, ‘Pray’ recalls the classic post-punk sound of bands like Sisters of Mercy and Bauhaus, but with an extra kick in the driving guitars and thumping drums that brings to mind bands like Ministry and Nine Inch Nails. Common reference points, but VOSH know exactly how to make these sonic combinations sound fresh again. “‘Pray’ is a song about undying devotion to a lover,” the band tells. “We wanted to write something heavy, catchy, and driving. Something to dance or fuck to. This was one of the first songs we wrote together and it encapsulates the heart of VOSH: distorted guitars, a cool mix of electronic and live drums, heavy synths, and vocals that are equally commanding and haunting. This is for the warehouse, the club, the stadium.” [via Revolver]

UK Pagan Metal outfit Forlorn have today shared their brand-new single ‘The Weight Of It All’ which is out now via Silent Cult. Forlorn blend folk horror and paganism to carve out their own brand of ‘Midsommar Metal’. The juxtaposition of ethereal vocals and haunting soundscapes with chaotic drums and crushing low-level guitars, paired with Megan’s brutal screams, bring together Forlorn’s unique sound and visual identity. Produced by George Lever (Loathe, Sleep Token, Monuments) ‘The Weight Of It All’ ebbs and flows between sweeping cinematic passages and unrelentingly heavy moments of chaos. Accompanying the new single is a stunning Winter Solstice-inspired music video that shows the conflict between two characters within the same human-vessel; the fragile, ageing Maiden in the white dress and the old, wise and fearsome Crone, in the black crown with her wild eyes. We see the season demonstrated in frozen landscapes, sacred smoke, the wearing of ritual masks and the pounding of the bodhrán. “’The Weight Of It All’ is lyrically centred upon the notion of living a double life; switching between two paradoxical personas that coexist within one fragile lifeform. Instrumentally this song immediately reminded me of a score from a Christopher Nolan film. I felt a strong connection to the iconic vigilante and their opposing personalities. The double-life concept resonates strongly for me, where my day-to-day life is so far removed from who I really am. On a daily basis I wear a metaphorical (and physical) mask, never really allowing anyone to get beneath the surface, until I’m back within the realms of comfort,” says Megan Elliott, vocalist.

Check out our playlist featuring more women in heavy music below!

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Within Temptation have unveiled a standalone single, ‘The Fire Within,’ which was written back in 2019 but never released until now.“When a band writes an album, it often happens that there are too many ideas to make it onto the final track list,” Within Temptation explained in a social media post. “However, those songs that fall through the cracks sometimes make a great B-side or even a single in this case. The song was written back in 2019, but never made its appearance on an album. The track now finds its way to you, as we’ve decided to release it as a single!” [via Consequence]

Okkultist is here to offer you a pretty enticing invitation – meet ’em in hell. And who can say no to a song that riffs this hard? Okkultist has clearly figured out how to make an irresistible riff-based deal with their music. It also helps that the music video directed by Beatriz Mariano and João Pereira will draw you in even more. [via Metal Injection]

After six years of silence, Xandria are finally back on February 3, introducing their new lineup with the brand new studio album, The Wonders Still Awaiting. The pioneers of German symphonic metal have released the album’s title track, alongside a captivating video. The new single combines the impressive vocal range of new singer Ambre Vourvahis and a real choir and orchestra with grandiose, bombastic orchestrations by Lukas Knöbl – known for his work with Hollywood greats like Roland Emmerich. On the new single, the band around mastermind and songwriter Marco Heubaum focus on their strengths and deliver a song perfect for the pre-holiday season. Xandria on the new single: “As one more foretaste of our upcoming album The Wonders Still Awaiting, we proudly present you the title song of it. We think that together with the songs you’ve heard so far, it gives you a hint of what to expect, and that it will be musically about a lot of powerful and magical atmosphere. But every song on this album will be its own little universe to explore, its own story and altogether it will be quite a journey of wonders and surprises…” [via Brave Words]

Based in São Paulo, Brazil, The Damnnation attacks with their debut album, Way Of Perdition, releasing a versatile sound that mixes multiple strands of extreme metal and brings old school thrash to life. Continuing to promote the record, the band has issued the music video for the track ‘Slaves Of Society’. “In this video we decided to do it with a more ‘stage’ feel to express the idea of ​​anger and anguish that is conveyed in the lyrics, a very evident moment now in the country,” comments vocalist / guitarist Renata Petrelli. [via Brave Words]

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Three Times Royal is a multinational metalcore band. It was formed in Los Angeles, CA in early 2021. This is the second project for vocalist Iris Goessens. Iris has acclaimed success in Western Europe for her work in Spoil Engine (2015-2021). She has been praised by media outlets for her screaming range and exciting stage presence. Three Times Royal creates a cathartic experience of a checkered past and satisfying stories of femme fatales. The project features blood-curdling screams, strong pop melodies, fresh hooks and power driven instrumentals. New single ‘Deathbells’ is a story about a power struggle. The single shares the turmoil of a love triangle between the protagonist, their vices and their lover. Relapse runs rampant as vices suppress each breath of an exhausted addict. Listen to the collapse of human life and love.

Italian alternative metal band Violet Blend have just released a new music video and single for the song ‘Voices In My Head’. The video was directed by Angelo Mura. The single was produced by Giada Celeste Chelli, and it was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Andrea Dell’Olio and Furio Lanciano at Soundscape in Firenze, Italy. “Our music video portrays the lonely and delusional life of a woman admitted to a mental health center,” says lead vocalist and composer Giada Celeste Chelli. “The fear, delirium of a life lived in chains, and the fluctuating flow of time, are all key concepts in the song and video, especially as it runs faster and more erratically. In the video, she is terrified of the passage of time and the situation is getting worse because she knows when the time is up, she will never be able to be sane again. The doctor and nurse are completely indifferent to her needs, ignoring her. Instead, their presence and lack of action add more negative voices screaming in her head. The room is covered with all the words that she hears, so she writes everything on the walls to exorcise her fears to alleviate the pain. The empty white and bright room represent a sense of abandonment, anxiety, and pressure in a world that doesn’t care about her. The written words repry day to introduce ourselves to one another. They also represent the inner struggle that we carry out every day to make room for ourselves in the world, seeking affirmation.” The new single ‘Voices In My Head’ by Violet Blend is an inner conversation that screams instead of whispering. The song is about insecurity, fear, and doubt in yourself. Sometimes you feel like time is slipping away and all you hear is the voices in your head that are trying bring you down. It’s a furious urgency to get rid of all those chains that prevent you from living freely and accomplishing your dreams. The blindfold on Giada’s eyes that we can see in the music video and cover art for the single, represents the blindness to which we are induced when we allow negativity to overwhelm us.

Hot on the heels of their recent double album release, international metal collective Chaos Rising is back with their twenty-fourth (!) single and video. ‘Altered Reality’ is a Death-inspired technical death metal track showcasing the shredding and songwriting talents of US guitarist Victoria Villarreal. With Carol Perez a.k.a. Carol Blaster (US; Castrator, Hypoxia) on drums, and Chaos Rising founder Stéphanie Nolf on vocals and bass, this is a killer team and a killer track.

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Hailing from Israel, StormbounD are adding to the symphonic metal subgenre with their latest single ‘Flying High’. This is the third single off their upcoming record December, which is slated for summer release. The band coins the album as a “melodic prophecy of wrath” – a journey that will take the listener into new territory while staying firmly planted in symphonic roots. This new single is a love song, that almost didn’t make it onto the album as the band further explains: “It’s an optimistic love song, where the man is a protagonist that helps his loved one overcome her suffering caused by a mental illness. During the recording, we noticed that all the “Irish” elements made the original chorus we had for it sound a little depressing, so we wrote new lyrics and composed a new chorus. That instantly became a winner. We almost cut this song out of the album and now it’s one of the leading singles.”

After three years of silence, Swiss Metal legends ELUVEITIE step out of the dark again, raising their voices to herald a new era of the band’s stunning career. The band unleashes their new single ‘Aidus’, following the huge success of their last album Ategnatos but in the same time showing the band from a never-before-seen side. With the new single comes an awesome music video. Founding member Chrigel Glanzmann comments on the approach: “Definitely one of the harshest songs of Eluveitie ever. It’s the sheer consequence of our spiritual journey with Ategnatos: We’re no longer a “Celtic Metal” band… a metal band singing about celtic history. We’re Celts playing metal music from all our hearts. We’re no more a “Pagan Metal” band. We are metal music playing pagans from all our hearts, gashing principles of our modern societies with our ancient message like a surgical blade. That’s probably the best way to describe our new single. Deal with it!” [via Metal Addicts]

Castrator is an “international project” based in New York City that formed in 2013, released their debut EP No Victim in 2015, and are now putting out their first full-length, Defiled in Oblivion, on July 22 via Dark Descent Records. The explicitly feminist death metal band promises to create “a brutal experience that will leave the listener feeling excited yet bloodied between the legs” and “dominate and emasculate the world,” and their new collection of anti-patriarchal brutality includes nine original songs and a cover of Venom’s ‘Countess Bathory’. After sharing ‘Tyrant’s Verdict” from the album, and its accompanying video, which was filmed, directed, and edited by drummer Carolina Perez with Stephanie Gentry, Castrator have shared another new single, ‘Dawa of Yousafzai.’ Here’s some background on the song, via Decibel: “The song is about Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani girl who spoke out publicly against the prohibition of education of girls imposed by the Taliban. She survived an assassination attempt at the age of 15 when she was shot in the head. After that, she became even more fierce and now is an activist and spokeswoman for children and girls all around the world. The intro of the song is her speaking at the UN convention in 2013.” [via Brooklyn Vegan]

The Darling Fire, the current band fronted by Jolie Lindholm (The Rocking Horse Winner, Dashboard Confessional) alongside members of Further Seems Forever, Shai Hulud, As Friends Rust, and more, will follow their 2019 debut album Dark Celebration with their sophomore LP Distortions on September 16 via Iodine Recordings. The first single is ‘Machina,’ which finds them going in a more atmospheric, Hum-like direction, and it suits them well. [via Brooklyn Vegan]

The day has finally come for German symphonic metal icons Xandria to dive into a new adventure and prepare for the next promising chapter in the band’s history. After entering the German album charts at #17 with Theater Of Dimensions in 2017, Xandria mark a steadfast return with more exciting facets than ever on their new single, appropriately entitled ‘Reborn’. Active since the early 90s, the band introduces this eagerly anticipated sign of life, featuring the dynamic range of new vocalist Ambre Vourvahis, impressively varying between angelic harmonies, a powerful and classically-induced chorus and even lurking harsh growls. ‘Reborn’ coincides with a bewitching music video that introduces the new line-up and gives a promising glimpse of what can be expected from this intriguing entity in the near future. Xandria state: “Xandria is reborn… and the first sign of the return to life is the respectively titled song. Like before, Xandria are taking you on a voyage to your imagination, and the emotional and varied voice of new frontwoman Ambre Vourvahis will show you the way there with more facets then ever – prepare for some surprises! The new line up around mastermind Marco Heubaum will definitely start a whole new chapter that is fascinating and fresh, but still genuinely Xandria. Because this is what Xandria always has been – a voyager and explorer in the inspiring world of symphonic and heavy music. And now it is reborn!” [via Metal Goddesses]

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