In Memory of CONFESSOR Guitarist Ivan Colon(1970-2002)

Ivan Colon (Confessor) - January 3, 1970-February 15, 2002

Confessor's music is an invitation to think differently about what is possible with death metal-level, thick, crushing heaviness. It is asking an important question: Is growling or screaming the only possibility for truly heavy music?!

Ivan Colon was a founding guitarist for the Raleigh, North Carolina-based doom band Confessor from 1986 until 1993. During this period, the band developed their technical doom metal, the genre term used by Metal Archives. The band’s debut album, Condemned, was released in 1991 through Earache Records. This is where fans will find Colon’s musical contributions. Metal Archives states that he was with Confessor until 1994 when they ended for the first time. The band was reactivated in 2002, which is the year that Ivan Colon died.

The 1991 Confessor album presents music that, if you listen just to the instruments and forget about the vocals for a minute, sounds like death metal. The American, heavy-duty, thick guitar, the riffs, and the drumming all sound like they would fit the late 1980s or 1991 death metal era of the album's release. It’s not just the guitar; it’s the drumming. It is a heavy-hitting style. It’s not blasting speed, but it’s a strong, physical, punishing style of playing, with a feeling that the rhythm patterns are weaving in and out of a straight line while still coming back to the beat.

There is no growling!

The singing is high and intense, like a serious traditional heavy metal air-raid siren in pain or agony. What?! Well, at least to me, it doesn't sound triumphant or cheerful.

WARNING: I suspect that you will not like the vocals! Let’s assume that is the case. If you don't mind, and if you bear with me, I want to invite you to something that might seem strange: Give it a real chance. To the metal mind, after decades of hearing screaming, yelling, and growling along with heavy-duty guitars, hearing singing with this type of heavy music sounds a bit different, for sure. In addition, the music is a bit on the technical-progressive side for 1991, in a doomy style, so that makes things a bit different, too.

MY POINT: When the guitars are super heavy, maybe the vocalists need to ask themselves some questions about what they want to do. The answer must not be, "Well, I guess just growling will do." There are other options. Granted, some growling is excellent, and there are great examples of seriously skilled growling, but there are tons of examples of lazy, generic, microphone-cupping, autopilot screaming and growling that is literally only there because the band doesn’t have the guts to become an instrumental band, because supposedly you must have some dude at the front making farm animal noises.

Confessor suggests that there are other options. If more bands were brave or creative enough to try it out, then what Confessor is doing would not sound strange. I don't mean copy Confessor; I mean explore other vocal approaches, including within extreme metal vocals, too, of course.

Ivan Colon passed away on February 15, 2002, shortly before the classic lineup began discussions regarding a reunion. His recorded legacy is centered on the Condemned LP and the 1992 Confessor EP, examples of progressive doom metal. The band continued with the 2005 album Unraveled, which was dedicated to the memory of Ivan Colon.

Confessor - Condemned (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

The Album STRYPER Regrets: Against the Law

In music, getting a makeover can sometimes be risky. Metallica has St. Anger. Celtic Frost has Cold Lake. Megadeth has, well, Risk. Stryper has Against the Law, their 1990 album of reinvention and rebranding.

What Stryper fans knew was this: in the 1980s, Stryper established themselves with the sound of heavy metal anthems and a lyrical focus on their singular mission to go out into the world with the message of Jesus as the Savior of all the human race—a belief challenging the music industry, certainly in rock music. They were leaders as an openly Christian band in heavy metal, a genre with a reputation for the most degenerate, obscene, and self-destructive glorification of rape and murder, alcoholism and drug addiction, suicide and scandal, atheism and Satanism, pedophilia and fornication, violence and war, sexism, and the exploitation of women. In short, the Stryper guys were working in the lion's den of music that, according to the government and the church, represented and celebrated society's evils and ills.

This is how Stryper built their brand, as a band hated and actively opposed by various sides. If not all fans knew this, there certainly was an important section of the fanbase aware that it takes strength and toughness to be Stryper. Talk about going against the grain; talk about swimming against the stream.

What exactly did Stryper do with Against the Law, an album they began recording in 1989 and released on August 21, 1990?

First of all, this 1990 Stryper album is not a band chasing the miserable Seattle grunge trend. It is not the sound of a metal band dumbing down their music to follow the low-IQ, low-skill, flannel-wearing, hipster alternative punk rock that is grunge. The facts of the matter are clear: Nirvana’s Nevermind was released on September 24, 1991—a full year after Stryper's Against the Law. It is an indisputable fact: the rise of low-skill, false-intelligent, whiny, and offended-by-everything grunge rock as a national fashion happened after the Nirvana album. The music video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was the event that catapulted regional Pacific Northwest flannel-and-drugs-and-suicide hipster bands into the national spotlight as sensations.

By the late 1980s, which is the era of Against the Law, there already was a different feeling among American bands, and certainly among the L.A. metal bands. The glam look and sound were already dead. The sheer stupidity of bands like Poison—men dressing up as women and all that stuff—was being rejected. By 1987, Mötley Crüe and Guns N' Roses had already pivoted to a less poppy, less bubblegum rock sound, and a British band like The Cult had demonstrated a hard-blues rocking sound. Poison and similar acts were such obviously garbage-gimmick bands that other L.A. bands looked at themselves in the mirror and must have been embarrassed by how mind-numbingly imbecilic the L.A. MTV bands were.

By the late 1980s, Stryper was feeling restless. Constant critique from the church and the heavy metal world had left them tired. The band was also not living the Christian life as much as they felt they should for a Christian band. They were a touring heavy metal band: metal bands make their living on the stage. During the peak of their popularity, Michael Sweet was on the road a lot, but he had become a father in 1986. Obviously, it is very bad for a marriage if a father is not home for his wife and child. Stryper was feeling exhausted; even if not all members felt it, Michael certainly did.

In a February 6, 2026, Facebook post, vocalist and guitarist Michael Sweet took some time to explain—as I'm sure he has on multiple occasions before—his thoughts on Against the Law. In short, he is not proud of the album and has conflicting feelings about it, including regrets.

So, what is different about Against the Law?

OF COURSE, NUMBER ONE IS THAT STRYPER ABANDONED JESUS CHRIST IN THEIR MUSIC. The lyrics no longer carry the Stryper message: faith in one God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—who created the universe and brings salvation through Jesus Christ. That Jesus, born of a virgin, is the incarnation of God—the God of the universe in the flesh—and His death was a sacrificial death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, rising again on the third day. The message of Stryper had always been the message of Jesus.

Against the Law is an album with positive messages—values similar to those of Christ—but it removes Jesus from the equation: it is His message without Him. It is basically like Western, secular, atheist, democratic values: treat people with kindness and respect; do not murder, cheat, or steal. Western democracy tries to put those values into practice, but they think they can just take Jesus out.

Another difference: Stryper’s music is a mix of European and American heavy metal; it features serious guitar work, big riffs, shredding, huge melodies, arena-rock energy, and catchy singing with layers of vocals. Against the Law is, in some ways, a heavier, dirtier, bluesier sound—a sound closer to Mötley Crüe's Girls, Girls, Girls, Guns N' Roses' Appetite for Destruction, and The Cult's Electric. Those three 1987 albums left behind the Poison/Bon Jovi glam aesthetic. While Stryper in 1990 doesn't sound exactly like them, there is a shift toward an All-American hard rock sound with less melody, a party feel, more bounce, and a lot less British influence. AND NO JESUS. The band even abandoned their unique logo for a generic, no-personality font.

Michael Sweet explains, "Personally, I wish we had never recorded the album. At least the way it is now. We should have stayed true to our classic sound. We had a bery distinct sound. We established a sound. We went platinum with that sound. Sold out arenas and sold millions of albums worldwide. We threw all that out the window and tried so desperately to be something that we’re not - a typical hard rock band who tried so hard to “reinvent” the wheel. We dodn’t need to do that. The wheel was rolling and doing great. There was no need to change everything."

Stryper worked twice as hard for their success only to be constantly criticized, including by famous televangelists who would tear into Stryper in their sermons or TV shows.

Stryper's crime, according to the church? CHRISTIANS playing heavy metal!

Stryper's crime, according to the music industry? Playing CHRISTIAN heavy metal!

Michael feels that it was like throwing in the towel—thinking that maybe if Stryper changed their image and music, they could have success with less stress and fewer hassles, and just be musicians: "Also, we became hypocrites in our lives. We went back to our old ways and became who we were before we re-dedicated our lives to Christ. Our marriages suffered, our lives suffered, our faith suffered, our finances suffered, you name it. Because we wanted to play rockstar and try to fit in. We’ll never fit in. As believers, we are called to be something else. An example to others. Not hypocrites. We were 100%."

Usually, when metal bands make that horrendous mistake of an album, it is because they are chasing some trend, trying to be cool in an environment in which they have begun to feel awkward for making the music they have been making. They feel like dinosaurs that need to adapt. The music on the album is actually good, even if it is different: "Yes it’s a great album. I won’t argue with you there. It has some great moments (and one of my favorite Stryper songs of all time, 'All For One')," Michael concedes.

However, they watered down and diluted Stryper with hopes of getting the approval of the world, but Michael has observed that, "I personally think the reason for that is the majority of the fanbase knew that something wasn’t right. Yes there are some great songs and yes, it is a great sounding album. And there are some great moments without question, but it really did not represent who we were and what we were all about, prior to that."

Michael also says: "As weird as this may sound, I really believe that God lifted his hand off of us. He took his blessing from us. We were making a mockery of him and I think he was just sitting back saying 'go for it'. Do your own thing and see how that goes. Well, it didn’t go too well ... Hopefully this time, you will understand why it will never be an album that I am personally proud of, especially based on the circumstances that followed."

Michael then left Stryper, and the band carried on as a trio—including touring with Oz Fox on vocals—for maybe a year. Then, some ten years later, they returned and have experienced an incredible resurgence.

Looking back on it and thinking about what it means, Michael sees it as a teaching moment:

"You live and learn, and you move on and you grow from it. I tried to do that."

Stryper - All For One

STRYPER - All For One (Live @ Loud and Proud Festival 2025)

NEVERMORE one more new photo

This is the photo of Nevermore that is now on Facebook.

"NEVERMORE moves forward under the leadership of guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams, joined by guitarist Jack Cattoi, bassist Semir Özerkan, and vocalist Berzan Önen. The spark that first ignited the band has returned with renewed focus."

https://www.facebook.com/nevermorefans

NEVERMORE pictures 2, 3 and 4

"NEVERMORE moves forward under the leadership of guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams, joined by guitarist Jack Cattoi, bassist Semir Özerkan, and vocalist Berzan Önen. The spark that first ignited the band has returned with renewed focus."

https://www.facebook.com/nevermorefans

NEVERMORE Picture 1

"NEVERMORE moves forward under the leadership of guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams, joined by guitarist Jack Cattoi, bassist Semir Özerkan, and vocalist Berzan Önen. The spark that first ignited the band has returned with renewed focus."

https://www.facebook.com/nevermorefans

NEVERMORE 2026

On February 12, 2026 posted this interesting video on the reactivated Nevermore, and said:

"I went to Väderstad, Sweden to catch Nevermore in the middle of rehearsals and sit down for an interview. Let’s just say… I’m stoked. And you should be too."

WHO OLA IS: "I'm Ola Englund and welcome to my channel. A channel dedicated to guitar related gear with a focus on metal. I also play in the metal bands The Haunted & Feared and run a guitar company."

NEVERMORE 2026

TAILGUNNER - Midnight Blitz (Official Video) | Napalm Records

"Midnight Blitz" is the opening track, and title track, from the February 6, 2026 album Midnight Blitz by British heavy metal band TAILGUNNER.

K.K. Downing on TAILGUNNER:

“TAILGUNNER is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the UK. They personify everything that is heavy metal. They are loud and proud, and totally descended from everyone in metal that has gone before – their energy and rawness, together with their brand of metal, incorporates all of the godfathers and much more. Maiden, Priest, Motörhead, Def Leppard – the list is endless. The band has a youthful freshness and a uniqueness that will no doubt elevate them to being a true Metal favourite of the fans.”

TAILGUNNER 2026 LIVE DATES

SUPPORTING FOZZY

February 15 - Newcastle, England - Boiler Shop

February 17 - Cardiff, England -Tramshed

February 18 - Torquay, England - The Foundry

February 19 - Southampton, England - The 1865

February 20 - London, England - Electric Ballroom

February 21 - Wolverhampton, England - KK's Steel Mill

SUMMER FESTIVALS

June 4 - Stykkishólmur, Iceland - Satán Festival,

June 6 - Sölvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival

June 7 - Trondheim Festival Norway

June 13 - Donington Park, England - Download Festival

June 26 - Spálené Poříčí, Czech Republic - Basinfire Festival

June 27 - Rock Am Hartsfeldsee Germany

July 4 - Rock Harz Festival Germany

July 18 - Maidstone, England - Maid of Stone Festival

August 6 - Leyendas Del Rock Spain

August 8 - Alcatraz Festival Belgium

August 9 - Geiselwind, Germany - Keep it True Legions Festival

August 15 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Dynamo Metal Festival

August 21 - Hells Pells Festival Germany

September 5 - Coventry, England - Hella Rock Festival

TAILGUNNER - Midnight Blitz (Official Video) | Napalm Records

TAILGUNNER - Tears In Rain (Lyric Video) | Napalm Records

"Tears In Rain" is the second track from the February 6, 2026 album Midnight Blitz by British heavy metal band TAILGUNNER.

K.K. Downing on TAILGUNNER:

“TAILGUNNER is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the UK. They personify everything that is heavy metal. They are loud and proud, and totally descended from everyone in metal that has gone before – their energy and rawness, together with their brand of metal, incorporates all of the godfathers and much more. Maiden, Priest, Motörhead, Def Leppard – the list is endless. The band has a youthful freshness and a uniqueness that will no doubt elevate them to being a true Metal favourite of the fans.”

TAILGUNNER 2026 LIVE DATES

SUPPORTING FOZZY

February 15 - Newcastle, England - Boiler Shop

February 17 - Cardiff, England -Tramshed

February 18 - Torquay, England - The Foundry

February 19 - Southampton, England - The 1865

February 20 - London, England - Electric Ballroom

February 21 - Wolverhampton, England - KK's Steel Mill

SUMMER FESTIVALS

June 4 - Stykkishólmur, Iceland - Satán Festival,

June 6 - Sölvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival

June 7 - Trondheim Festival Norway

June 13 - Donington Park, England - Download Festival

June 26 - Spálené Poříčí, Czech Republic - Basinfire Festival

June 27 - Rock Am Hartsfeldsee Germany

July 4 - Rock Harz Festival Germany

July 18 - Maidstone, England - Maid of Stone Festival

August 6 - Leyendas Del Rock Spain

August 8 - Alcatraz Festival Belgium

August 9 - Geiselwind, Germany - Keep it True Legions Festival

August 15 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Dynamo Metal Festival

August 21 - Hells Pells Festival Germany

September 5 - Coventry, England - Hella Rock Festival

FOLLOW TAILGUNNER: www.facebook.com/tailgunnerhq www.instagram.com/tailgunnerhq

TAILGUNNER - Tears In Rain (Lyric Video) | Napalm Records

TAILGUNNER - War in Heaven (feat. Adam Wakeman) (Official Video) | Napalm Records

"War in Heaven" is the sixth track from the February 6, 2026 album Midnight Blitz by British heavy metal band TAILGUNNER.

K.K. Downing on TAILGUNNER:

“TAILGUNNER is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the UK. They personify everything that is heavy metal. They are loud and proud, and totally descended from everyone in metal that has gone before – their energy and rawness, together with their brand of metal, incorporates all of the godfathers and much more. Maiden, Priest, Motörhead, Def Leppard – the list is endless. The band has a youthful freshness and a uniqueness that will no doubt elevate them to being a true Metal favourite of the fans.”

TAILGUNNER 2026 LIVE DATES

SUPPORTING FOZZY

February 15 - Newcastle, England - Boiler Shop

February 17 - Cardiff, England -Tramshed

February 18 - Torquay, England - The Foundry

February 19 - Southampton, England - The 1865

February 20 - London, England - Electric Ballroom

February 21 - Wolverhampton, England - KK's Steel Mill

SUMMER FESTIVALS

June 4 - Stykkishólmur, Iceland - Satán Festival,

June 6 - Sölvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival

June 7 - Trondheim Festival Norway

June 13 - Donington Park, England - Download Festival

June 26 - Spálené Poříčí, Czech Republic - Basinfire Festival

June 27 - Rock Am Hartsfeldsee Germany

July 4 - Rock Harz Festival Germany

July 18 - Maidstone, England - Maid of Stone Festival

August 6 - Leyendas Del Rock Spain

August 8 - Alcatraz Festival Belgium

August 9 - Geiselwind, Germany - Keep it True Legions Festival

August 15 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Dynamo Metal Festival

August 21 - Hells Pells Festival Germany

September 5 - Coventry, England - Hella Rock Festival

FOLLOW TAILGUNNER: www.facebook.com/tailgunnerhq www.instagram.com/tailgunnerhq

TAILGUNNER - War in Heaven (feat. Adam Wakeman) (Official Video) | Napalm Records

TAILGUNNER - Eulogy (Official Lyric Video) | Napalm Records

"Eulogy" is the closing track from the February 6, 2026 album Midnight Blitz by British heavy metal band TAILGUNNER.

K.K. Downing on TAILGUNNER:

“TAILGUNNER is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the UK. They personify everything that is heavy metal. They are loud and proud, and totally descended from everyone in metal that has gone before – their energy and rawness, together with their brand of metal, incorporates all of the godfathers and much more. Maiden, Priest, Motörhead, Def Leppard – the list is endless. The band has a youthful freshness and a uniqueness that will no doubt elevate them to being a true Metal favourite of the fans.”

TAILGUNNER about “Eulogy”:

"Eulogy is the most epic release of our career so far. Inspired in particular by our heroes in Helloween & Blind Guardian, it's TAILGUNNER at full throttle, telling an epic journey into the afterlife. We needed a video that could match the scope of this quest, so once again sought the help of Andy Pilkington at Very Metal Art. Andy first came to our attention with his work on Judas Priest's Painkiller, and of course killed it with our last single 'Tears in Rain' too. Prepare to battle demons, to ride over fire & ice, and to face the ultimate fate. This is Eulogy!"

TAILGUNNER 2026 LIVE DATES

SUPPORTING FOZZY

February 15 - Newcastle, England - Boiler Shop

February 17 - Cardiff, England -Tramshed

February 18 - Torquay, England - The Foundry

February 19 - Southampton, England - The 1865

February 20 - London, England - Electric Ballroom

February 21 - Wolverhampton, England - KK's Steel Mill

SUMMER FESTIVALS

June 4 - Stykkishólmur, Iceland - Satán Festival,

June 6 - Sölvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival

June 7 - Trondheim Festival Norway

June 13 - Donington Park, England - Download Festival

June 26 - Spálené Poříčí, Czech Republic - Basinfire Festival

June 27 - Rock Am Hartsfeldsee Germany

July 4 - Rock Harz Festival Germany

July 18 - Maidstone, England - Maid of Stone Festival

August 6 - Leyendas Del Rock Spain

August 8 - Alcatraz Festival Belgium

August 9 - Geiselwind, Germany - Keep it True Legions Festival

August 15 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Dynamo Metal Festival

August 21 - Hells Pells Festival Germany

September 5 - Coventry, England - Hella Rock Festival

FOLLOW TAILGUNNER: www.facebook.com/tailgunnerhq www.instagram.com/tailgunnerhq

TAILGUNNER - Eulogy (Official Lyric Video) | Napalm Records

DOWN - Right Place, Wrong Time (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Iconic heavy metal supergroup ‪DOWN‬ returns with a special cover of Dr. John’s “Right Place, Wrong Time!”

YouTube informationa about the song:

New Orleans native Dr. John was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. His music combined New Orleans blues, jazz, R&B, soul, and funk. "Right Place, Wrong Time" was the first single from Dr. John’s 1973 album, In the Right Place, and became the most popular single of his career. The song has been featured in various films and television shows, including Dazed And Confused and American Horror Story: Coven.

DOWN’s cover and accompanying video, shot last March by Mike Holderbeast, comes in celebration of the Mardi Gras season and serves as a homage to Dr. John and his appearances on The Midnight Special TV series, a late-night musical variety show that aired from 1972 to 1981.

Elaborates vocalist Philip H. Anselmo, “Dr. John’s ‘Right Place, Wrong Time’ is probably one of the first songs I ever learned or knew of as a kid. We grew up in the French Quarter and Dr. John’s music was everywhere. Recording this song was something that I always wanted to do and I’m happy that I did it with DOWN. The video was an absolute blast to make. Even my mom is in it! Because of her, I know Dr. John’s music very well.”

DOWN - Right Place, Wrong Time (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Armored Saint - Burning Question (From "Symbol of Salvation" Live)

"Burning Question" from Armored Saint's "Symbol of Salvation" live DVD/album

information from Metal Blade Records on YouTube

There are many ways to celebrate the anniversary of an important release in a band’s career, and for Symbol Of Salvation‘s thirtieth birthday – an album vocalist John Bush refers to as Armored Saint‘s “cornerstone record” – comes Symbol Of Salvation Live. A combination live album and video of the band playing the album in its entirety at New York’s famed Gramercy Theatre during their 2018 tour, it captures the power, diversity and peerless songwriting contained within it. “I felt like showing ‘Symbol‘ in another light was a great homage to the record itself,” states bassist Joey Vera. “Also, having all the fans be there and part of that event is a way for us to say ‘Thank you!’ For, without them, we can’t do any of this in the first place.”

As an extra bonus, the vinyl and digital versions of the record contain five demo tracks from the Symbol Of Salvation writing sessions with Dave Prichard, which have never been released on that format. “They’re songs that didn’t make the record, however, there still is a vibe to those tunes, plus Dave’s playing is on them, so that makes them special,” says Bush. These tracks make for welcome additions, helping to further celebrate the record, and the band are just happy and respectful of the fact they have reached this anniversary. “If you would have told me thirty years ago that we’d be talking about this today, I would have told you that you were crazy,” Vera says. “All we’ve ever wanted was to make our own music, to take joy and take pride in doing it. The fact that we also have very loyal fans who continue to support what we do is the best icing on this cake. I try to look at our records as objectively as possible, and when I can do that, I’m very proud that this record is a huge part of the band’s legacy, and I am extremely humbled that I’m a part of that.”

"Symbol of Salvation Live" CD/DVD track-listing:

1. Reign of Fire (Live)

2. Dropping Like Flies (Live)

3. Last Train Home (Live)

4. Tribal Dance (Live)

5. The Truth Always Hurts (Live)

6. Half Drawn Bridge (Live)

7. Another Day (Live)

8. Symbol of Salvation (Live)

9. Hanging Judge (Live)

10. Warzone (Live)

11. Burning Question (Live)

12. Tainted Past (Live)

13. Spineless (Live)

*additional bonus tracks on the digital/vinyl versions:

14. Nothing Between the Ears (1989 4-Track Demo)

15. Get Lost (1989 4-Track Demo)

16. Medieval Nightmares (1989 4-Track Demo)

17. People (1989 4-Track Demo)

18. Pirates (1989 4-Track Demo)

19. Symbol of Salvation (Live) [Radio Edit] **available digitally only!

Order at: https://www.metalblade.com/armoredsaint

Armored Saint - Burning Question (From "Symbol of Salvation" Live)

https://www.facebook.com/thearmoredsaint

ATAVISTIA - Mystic Tavern (Official Music Video)

The Canadian symphonic melodic death metal band ATAVISTIA has a new album coming up in 2026, and below what they say about it.

We’re proud to announce our new full-length album, ”Old Gods Awaken”, out May 15, 2026. Our folkiest material yet, the album represents the first half of a two-album concept centred on returning to older ways of life. Before nature is silenced and we lose ourselves entirely. While maintaining our core sound, we pushed deeper into the early-2000's golden era of folk metal influences, expanded into multiple languages, and recorded with a variety of rare traditional instruments.

Track list:

1. Raise all Thy Horns

2. Mystic Tavern

3. Seeker of Time

4. To a New World

5. I skogens djup 6. Goddess of My Dreams 7. Ride the White Storm 8. Old Gods Awaken "Mystic Tavern" out now!

ATAVISTIA - Mystic Tavern (Official Music Video) | Epic Folk Metal Chaos

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAtavistia/

Ignescent - "Chariot Of Fire (feat. Clint Lowery of Sevendust)" - Official Video

From the new album "Eternal", out March 20, 2026.

I cannot confirm this for a fact, but it looks like this song is based on or is a reference to or takes inspiration from the story from the Bible: In the biblical account from 2 Kings 2, the prophet Elijah is taken into heaven by a chariot of fire and a whirlwind while his successor, Elisha, observes. It would seem that this imagery serves as the foundation for the song "Chariots of Fire," which focuses on themes of faith and perseverance. The music video features the band performing in a dark setting, using lighting effects to visually represent the fire mentioned in the lyrics. While the original text describes a physical ascent and a transfer of prophetic authority, the song and video adapt these elements to represent an internal struggle for strength. This song is a collaboration between Ignescent and Clint Lowery from Sevendust.

"Chariot Of Fire" Lyrics:

In the morning, and when the sun sets, I ponder memories

Through the battles and the sorrows you'll always be with me

As my heart begins to break all that's left is silence

You deliver me

God of Elijah

set the sky's ablaze

in the storms of night

igniting the flame

God of Elijah

my one desire

send your chariot of fire

You are God with us

Through the trials and through the tears

I will always survive

Chains of the past

They can't hold me

You keep my soul alive

As my heart begins to break all that's left is silence

You deliver me

God of Elijah

set the sky ablaze

in the storms of night

igniting the flame

God of Elijah

my one desire

send your chariot of fire

God of Elijah

set the sky's ablaze

in the storms of night

igniting the flame

God of Elijah

my one desire

send your chariot of fire

You are God with us

God of Elijah

oh God with us

God of Elijah

oh God with us

God of Elijah

You light my life and you rescue me

God of Elijah

set the sky's ablaze

in the storms of night

igniting the flame

God of Elijah

my one desire

send your chariot of fire

God of Elijah

set the sky's ablaze

in the storms of night

igniting the flame

God of Elijah

my one desire

send your chariot of fire

You are God with us

Written by Jennifer Benson and Clint Lowery

Produced, mixed and mastered by Jeremy Valentyne and Brandon Wolfe

“Eternal” Tracklist:

1. Joker

2. Scream

3. Fight For Me

4. Fearless

5. Shame Shadow

6. Our Love Dies

7. Light Up The Night

8. In The Dark

9. Chariot Of Fire

10. Eternal

Line Up:

Jennifer Benson – lead vocals

Andre Leon - guitars

Mikey Green – bass guitar

Kohl Coryell - drums

Ignescent - "Chariot Of Fire (feat. Clint Lowery of Sevendust)" - Official Video

https://www.facebook.com/ignescentmusic

Metal Church "Brainwash Game" Official Video

Metal Church "Brainwash Game" Official Video from their new album "Dead to Rights" out on April 10, 2026.

Kurdt Vanderhoof: Guitars

Rick Van Zandt: Guitars

David Ellefson: Bass

Ken Mary: Drums

Brian Allen: Vox

Metal Church "Brainwash Game" Official Video

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMetalChurch

CEMETERY SKYLINE - I Drove All Night (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Cemetery Skyline is a Finnish-Swedish gothic rock/metal group that formed in 2024 with a lineup featuring Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity), Markus Vanhala (Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum), Santeri Kallio (Amorphis), Victor Brandt (Dimmu Borgir), and Vesa Ranta (Sentenced). The band made its live debut at the John Smith Festival in Finland and released the debut album, Nordic Gothic, in October 2024 through Century Media Records. Leading up to the release, they put out videos for the tracks "Violent Storm," "The Coldest Heart," "Torn Away," and "In Darkness," eventually seeing the album debut at number 3 on the Finnish album chart and reaching number 1 on the physical album chart. The band’s melodic style is influenced by acts like Type O Negative, The Mission, The Sisters of Mercy, and Killing Joke, drawing reviewer comparisons to Tiamat and HIM. Notably, Mikael Stanne uses only clean vocals for this project, moving away from the growling style used in his other bands.

Mikael Stanne - Vocals

Markus Vanhala - Guitars

Santeri Kallio - Keyboards

Victor Brandt - Bass

Vesa Ranta - Drums

CEMETERY SKYLINE - I Drove All Night (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

https://www.facebook.com/cemeteryskylineofficial

CEMETERY SKYLINE - Torn Away (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Cemetery Skyline is a Finnish-Swedish gothic rock/metal group that formed in 2024 with a lineup featuring Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity), Markus Vanhala (Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum), Santeri Kallio (Amorphis), Victor Brandt (Dimmu Borgir), and Vesa Ranta (Sentenced). The band made its live debut at the John Smith Festival in Finland and released the debut album, Nordic Gothic, in October 2024 through Century Media Records. Leading up to the release, they put out videos for the tracks "Violent Storm," "The Coldest Heart," "Torn Away," and "In Darkness," eventually seeing the album debut at number 3 on the Finnish album chart and reaching number 1 on the physical album chart. The band’s melodic style is influenced by acts like Type O Negative, The Mission, The Sisters of Mercy, and Killing Joke, drawing reviewer comparisons to Tiamat and HIM. Notably, Mikael Stanne uses only clean vocals for this project, moving away from the growling style used in his other bands.

CEMETERY SKYLINE - Torn Away (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Taken from the album "Nordic Gothic", released on October 11th, 2024.

Mikael Stanne - Vocals

Markus Vanhala - Guitars

Santeri Kallio - Keyboards

Victor Brandt - Bass

Vesa Ranta - Drums

CEMETERY SKYLINE - Torn Away (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

https://www.facebook.com/cemeteryskylineofficial

CEMETERY SKYLINE - In Darkness (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

If you are looking for some melodic, uptempo, catchy songwriting, you may be interested in Cemetery Skyline featuring the melodic singing of Mikael Stanne from Dark Tranquillity. For me, it is a unique change of pace to hear a legendary melodic death vocalist embrace such a different and a very pleasant and melancholic singing style 100 percent.

Mikael Stanne - Vocals

Markus Vanhala - Guitars

Santeri Kallio - Keyboards

Victor Brandt - Bass

Vesa Ranta - Drums

CEMETERY SKYLINE - In Darkness (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

https://www.facebook.com/cemeteryskylineofficial

in memory of Control Denied singer Tim Aymar (1963-2023)

Tim Aymar: September 4, 1963 – February 14, 2023

Like many metal fans, I first heard Tim Aymar through The Fragile Art of Existence (1999), the debut album by Control Denied. The band was led by Chuck Schuldiner, the mastermind behind Death. Years before Control Denied, Chuck had become frustrated by the musical limitations attached to his name and previous work; he wanted to move on and do something different.

Chuck had reached a point where he felt Death's instrumental tracks were excellent, but when only the vocals remained, he would famously say, "Alright, let's go ruin it." By that, he meant he felt the growling and screaming took away from the melodic complexity of the music.

Enter Tim Aymar.

Tim was the solution to Chuck’s problem: he wanted a real, professional, serious singer to complement his compositions. The result was Control Denied. With Tim on board, Chuck felt there was no longer a weak link; every component was finally top-notch.

Admittedly, I only discovered Tim through Control Denied and his later work with the great band Pharaoh, but there was much more to him than those two projects. Tim Aymar was a legend in the Pennsylvania underground, known for his incredible vocals in bands like 313 and Triple X. According to Metal Archives, Tim’s extensive career included work with: Control Denied, 313, Pharaoh, Xthirt13n, Psycho Scream, Angband, Helios, Vicious Cycle, Act of God, Aladdinsane, Axis, Aymargeddon, Dr. No, Jet Screamer, Overlord, ReCoiL, Running with Scissors, and Triple X.

In my opinion, the 1999 Control Denied album, The Fragile Art of Existence, remains an excellent illustration of progressive technical metal. Sadly, the project effectively ended on December 13, 2001, with Chuck’s passing. Following his time in Control Denied, Tim focused on the Pennsylvania power metal band Pharaoh. Joining them in the late '90s, Tim recorded five albums and one EP with the group. I consider Pharaoh a top-tier band and highly recommend them to any fan who enjoys a mix of traditional, power, and progressive heavy metal.

One last word about the Control Denied album: be aware that it is not a typical heavy metal album because it is something new. The album is a solution to the problem of generic, low-skill cookie-monster growling that plagues extreme metal. Be aware that some people do not think the music and the vocals are a good fit. They think that because they really want Chuck to be screaming along to the music, but that was Chuck's whole point: he felt that growling would ruin the music.

He had been growling for two decades and did not want to scream about zombies and gore any longer; he wasn't an immature, 12-year-old Venom-crazy fan anymore. The album doesn't sound like typical heavy metal nor typical extreme metal because Chuck was hearing something else in his head—a new music. Tim was not some second-tier bar vocalist; he was Chuck's choice to bring to life the singing that he was hearing in his head. To this day, the album does sound different. However, it's all on purpose.

Below you will find the Blabbermouth article about Tim.

CONTROL DENIED And PHARAOH Vocalist TIM AYMAR Dead At 59 February 15, 2023

CONTROL DENIED and PHARAOH vocalist Tim Aymar has died at the age of 59.

Tim's passing was confirmed by his PHARAOH bandmates in a social media post. They wrote: "We are very sorry to share the awful news of the passing of PHARAOH's one and only singer, Tim Aymar.

"Tim has meant so much to so many people, whose hearts are suddenly flooded with sadness but also memories of his life and music. We look forward to sharing some of our own memories when the right time has come. Until then, we are joined in sorrow and gratitude with all of Tim's family, friends, fans, and fellow musicians."

Aymar is perhaps best known as the vocalist for Chuck Schuldiner's CONTROL DENIED project, which released one album, "The Fragile Art Of Existence", in 1999. Tim also sang for 313, TRIPLE X, PSYCHO SCREAM and the aforementioned PHARAOH, which formed in 1997 in Pennsylvania.

TRIPLE X won the In Pittsburgh Music Awards for "Best Metal Band" in 1990, and was the first regional band to be awarded a national sponsorship, from Anheuser-Busch/Budweiser Anheuser-Busch. Tim was also voted "Vocalist Of The Year" in readers polls of many of the Pittsburgh tri-state area's rock and entertainment publications.

In a 2021 interview with TrueMetal, Tim stated about how he landed the CONTROL DENIED gig: "It was actually Jim Dofka who hooked me and Chuck up. Chuck asked to 'borrow' me for CONTROL DENIED and Jim knew it would boost my career, so he was all for it. Chuck called me, and we hit it off. He invited me to his place in Florida to record three songs as an audition. Obviously, it went well."

Regarding his memories of the making of "The Fragile Art Of Existence", Tim said: "We all had a great time working with [producer] Jim Morris and each other. Then Chuck told me he was having severe headaches and couldn't sleep because of it. He was also experiencing partial paralysis in his left hand which scared the dickens out of him. I recommended a chiropractor since I have neck and back injuries that were being treated by one. As it turned out, well, we know the end of that story."

Schuldiner passed away on December 13, 2001 after a battle with pontine glioma, a rare type of brain tumor. He was 34 years old.

CONTROL DENIED - Expect The Unexpected (Official Remastered Audio)

Pharaoh - Be Gone

PHARAOH - Lost in the Waves

in memory of Roger Patterson(Atheist)-November 29, 1968-February 12, 1991

It is daunting to realize that Roger Patterson was only 22 years old when he died during that 1991 tour. At the time, Atheist was opening for Candlemass, who were in their prime with the legendary Messiah Marcolin on vocals. Both bands delivered incredible performances in Houston, Texas, yet the turnout was shockingly low; there were literally no more than five people watching Atheist, and perhaps 20 to 30 at most for Candlemass. It is shameful that so few people showed up to witness classic, prime-era Candlemass and the pioneering technical death metal of Atheist.

The internet says that the bands played in Houston on January 31, 1991, at the After Dark Club. This tour was notoriously poorly attended, and Atheist has since documented that many death metal fans at the time did not react well to their music. It was simply too complicated for a scene that, in some circles, like some Cannibal Corpse fans, was openly hostile toward them. While some fans wanted simple songs about zombies, Atheist offered thoughtful lyrics and complex, technical compositions that went over the heads of many.

The history of their debut is complicated. According to Metal Archives, although Piece of Time was recorded in 1988, it faced nearly two years of delays due to label politics. After their initial label, Mean Machine, went bankrupt, the band had to search for a new home. Active Records eventually signed them and released the album in Europe in 1990, but it took another six months for Metal Blade Records to arrange a licensing deal and officially release it in the United States in November 1990.

Atheist was years ahead of their time, and on their debut, Piece of Time, Roger’s talent shines. The album may have required a few listens to fully grasp back then. Tragically, Roger died in a tour van accident in 1991 just as the band was preparing to record their masterpiece, Unquestionable Presence. Although he never laid down the final studio tracks, sources say that he had already written and demoed his bass lines. When Tony Choy stepped in to record the album, his performance was essentially a tribute to Roger.

Excerpt from: Official Biography (April 2000) by Laurent Ramadier (editor of the excellent Snakepit Magazine)

Back in the mid eighties Florida started to be one of the most productive area in the whole world as far as quality Heavy/ Thrash/ Death Metal bands are concerned, even if that state of things have somewhat changed during the last six years or so since the scene mainly died as it got overcrowded. And like in every genre of music, there are leaders and there are followers, ATHEIST comes from the first category.

The first incarnation of the band came out under the name of OBLIVION in 1984 and was formed in Sarasota by Kelly Shaefer as guitarist and a drummer named Mark who was soon replaced by Steve Flynn who shared Kelly's musical tastes. They started writing originals such as "State Of Oblivion" at a time that they were starting to learn playing their instruments. By early 1985 they had changed their moniker for R.A.V.A.G.E. (Raging Atheists Vowing A Gory End) and recruited a singer named Scrappy. With that line up they were playing more originals such as "Undefiled Wisdom" or "On They Slay" but also covers from ANTHRAX, EXODUS, TROUBLE, SLAYER... A while later at a local show they jammed with Roger Patterson, a prodigy who was playing bass in the Bradenton based band Thrash act AGGRESSOR and it didn't take long to him to join R.A.V.A.G.E.! At the same time they dropped Scrappy who was too melodic and Kelly took over on vocals. They started it all over again as a three piece act working on more originals and playing local shows with local acts such as B.P., NASTY SAVAGE, HAVOC.....

In August 1985 they entered Progressive Studios in Tampa to record one song "Kill Or Be Killed" which was added to four other songs that were recorded live on a mixing desk due to a lack of money and that became the "Rotting In Hell" demo. Despite the rough sound, the tape did quite a bit to establish the band's name in the underground via the tape trading and fanzine network. In November 1986 they added a second guitarist, Mark Sczawtsberg. One month later they recorded their first real studio effort, the "On They Slay" demo, this three song affair was a much superior effort to its predecessor. This tape was very well received by the underground, receiving excellent reviews from magazines and fanzines such as Total Thrash, Kerrang, Nightmare and from the mighty Violent Noize whose editor was the long time underground Metal specialist, Borivoj Krgin. This guy was so impressed by this new effort that he offered them to appear on a compilation called "Raging Death" issued by a newly formed label, Godly Records and also became their manager.

Before the compilation was issued, Mark left the band because the other guys were not so happy with his lead work and was replaced for like two days by a guy named Gary, just enough time for the guy to appear on the shot of the "Raging Death" compilation which featured also future heroes such as XECUTIONER (pre- OBITUARY) and SADUS.

"Raging Death" was issued mid 1987 and included the tracks "Brain Damage" and "On They Slay" from R.A.V.A.GE., needless to say that it was a total success for the band despite the limited availability of the record.

It was also the first and last time they appeared on a record under the R.A.V.A.G.E. moniker as they decided to change it for ATHEIST because they didn't want to be confused with another Illinois based band with almost the same name and they also thought ATHEIST fitted much better their vision.

Armed with a brand new name, the still three piece act recorded a third effort entitled "Hell Halth No Mercy", another three song affair which featured a new version of "On They Slay", much faster and heavier. But the band wasn't happy at all by the sound of that new effort so they never made it available to the public (even if it still made to tape trading lists!). At the same time the band did some local shows as a three piece playing with acts such as XECUTIONER, NASTY SAVAGE...

Early 1988 they finally recruited Rand Burkey as second guitar player who was running sound for them previously. In April 1988 with a bunch of new songs written, ATHEIST entered Morrisound Studios to record their fourth demo tape entitled "Beyond". Without any doubt, this five song affair was their most successful effort since it received rave reviews throughout Europe and the USA in mags like BLACKTHORN, NO GLAM FAGS, T. THRASH and METAL FORCES where it was voted by the readers as best demo and best band in 1990! Needless to add that the tape was a hit in the tape trading circles.

The band didn't stop here as they opened several shows for TESTAMENT, VIOLENCE, DEATH and DEATH ANGEL (replacing RIGOR MORTIS at the last minute). Then after several months of negotiations, ATHEIST finalized a deal with Mean Machine Records (a subsidiary label of Three Cherries Records) since Borivoj worked for that new label. The band entered in November 1988 Morrisound Studios with the help of Scott Burns as producer (previously known for his work with SEPULTURA, DEATH, WHIPLASH, XECUTIONER..) to record their first album "Piece Of Time". Unfortunately it appeared a brief while after that it would go nowhere as the label was going bankrupt so the band had no other way than looking for a new deal. So during 1989 both Roadracer and Active Records showed interest in the band, and ATHEIST signed a deal with the U.K. based label, Active Records (fronted by Metal Forces scribes) with the hope that "Piece Of Time" would be issued worldwide in a short period of time at a moment when more and more Florida Death/ Thrash Metal acts were putting their mark on the scene. Unfortunately the album was only released in Europe in early 1990 and more than six months later in The States after being licensed by Metal Blade Records. It went as far as the band had almost all the material ready for their second album (and they even performed some of it on a regular basis) while their first album wasn't yet issued!

During 1990 the band had the opportunity to play relatively big local shows with acts such as NAPALM DEATH (who played their first show ever in the States!), MORBID ANGEL, OBITUARY, FORBIDDEN, DEATH ANGEL, EXODUS and even headlined for the first time the Tampa Bay Metal Awards on September 1st 1990 followed three weeks later by another headlining gig, this time at the Day Of Death festival in Waukesha, Wisconsin where about 25 other bands appeared such as HELLWITCH, OBLIVEON, CYNIC, IMMOLATION, REVENANT... a real success for the band (which was only the second time they left the state of Florida to play a gig, the first was in Louisiana) despite the poor turnout for such a festival. But for those who followed the band for a long time, it was easy to see that ATHEIST were developing at a fast pace into something totally unique as it could be heard on songs such as "I Deny", "Piece Of Time" and newer stuff such as "Unquestionable Presence", "Enthralled In Essence" or "The Formative Years" that the band had included in their set.

It would be criminal to not mention that the band entered the Morrisound Studios again in August 1990 to record a pre production tape for their second album featuring six brand new tunes where Roger can be heard at its best in my opinion. A pre production tape which was supposed to be included as a bonus thing when the second album was issued in 1991 but that never happened unfortunately for unknown reasons.

Mid December 1990 saw the band going in Europe for the first time, in Scandinavia to be exact, as they played three shows there supporting CANDLEMASS (who were also on the Active rooster), one in Norway and two in Sweden including one in Fagersta where the band played at a festival along with ENTOMBED, KAZJUROL, MORGOTH and CANDLEMASS. Those gigs showed that the European crowds weren't afraid to accept the kind of Metal ATHEIST played but only three dates were allowed to the band.

By mid January 1991, the band started their first U.S. tour supporting CANDLEMASS for about 28 dates including one in London, Ontario, Canada and despite the poor turnout for CANDLEMASS on most of the dates, it gave live experience to the band. Unfortunately as the band had finished the tour in California and were driving home, the worst of the worst happened in Louisiana when they were involved in a road accident with their van and the Metal scene lost one of the most brilliant musician ever and also one of the most down to earth person in Roger Patterson on February 12th 1991. Roger Lee Patterson was just 22 when he died....

But the band carried on and tried to enlist ex-WATCHTOWER/ RETARDED ELF bass player, Doug Keyser to record the second album (the band were supposed to enter the studio to record it just after they were back from their first U.S. tour at first) but he refused, saying that it wasn't his style of music...bollocks if you ask me but anyway, the band finally decided to enlist as session player, Tony Choy from the Miami based act, CYNIC- a band who had shared the stage with ATHEIST a couple of times in 1990, and the band entered Morrisound Studios with Scott Burns again as producer in June 1991 to record their second effort "Unquestionable Presence". The result is simply amazing and unheard of before so many people didn't understand what the band had tried to achieve with this effort. This album will always remains as one of the most complicated and best effort ever in the Metal archives along with the RUSH, WATCHTOWER albums and the CYNIC one.

Atheist - No Truth

Atheist - Why Bother?

Atheist - And the Psychic Saw

in memory of Dark Quarterer/Etrusgrave guitarist Fulberto Serena (1950–2026)

Fulberto Serena (Dark Quarterer, Etrusgrave) | January 1950 – February 10, 2026

Metal Archives reports that on February 10th, 2026, the Italian guitarist Fulberto Serena passed away. While I am certainly not an expert on his entire musical career, I am a fan of the band he is best known for: Dark Quarterer, a cult act synonymous with what many call epic-progressive heavy metal. Fulberto was the founding guitarist and main songwriter for the group during the 1980s.

It looks like Fulberto began jamming with bassist and vocalist Gianni Nepi way back in 1969. By 1974, they formed the trio Omega R (later Omega Erre) in Piombino, Tuscany. For several years, they focused on improving their craft, playing covers of 1970s progressive and hard rock legends like Genesis, Black Sabbath, and King Crimson. It was during this period that they found their approach: complex and ambitious arrangements combined with a unique blend of epic and progressive elements.

In 1980, the band changed its name to Dark Quarterer, with Fulberto serving as the driving creative force. This era produced their nine-song demo in 1985, their self-titled debut in 1987, and the 1988 album The Etruscan Prophecy. Speaking for myself, I highly recommend these two 1980s albums for fans of the more obscure, progressive, and epic heavy metal style. While the music may sound a bit obtuse at first, the "epic-progressive" tag makes more sense with every listen. Don't expect radio-friendly compositions. Expect something a bit weird, an acquired taste, by a band that was doing what they wanted to do, rather than writing songs with the express purpose of becoming rock stars.

Fulberto left Dark Quarterer in 1990 but returned to the scene in the mid-2000s with a new project called Etrusgrave. This band maintained that same musical perspective of obscure-sounding epic-progressive metal, releasing Masters of Fate (2008), Tophet (2010), and Aita's Sentence (2016). Although I am less familiar with Etrusgrave’s catalog than I am with Dark Quarterer, the quality of the compositions is clearly in the same spirit.

Fulberto Serena passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 76. His death was announced by both Dark Quarterer and Etrusgrave.

Dark Quarterer - The Etruscan Prophecy

Etrusgrave - Masters of Fate

Ernesto Colon (Merauder, Dead Earth)- R.I.P. February 9, 2026

Ernesto Colon - R.I.P. February 9, 2026

Metal Archives shows that Ernesto "Pito" Colon died today, February 9th, 2026. Ernesto was a guitarist best known for his time as a guitarist for the aggressive, heavy-duty metal/hardcore band Merauder (New York), from approximately 2013 to 2018. After Merauder he was with Dead Earth (Cleveland, Ohio), formed in 2018 and later solidified with a veteran lineup. Dead Earth with Ernesto featured a metallic, thrash, groove sound, on the 2023 album From the Ruins. Metal Archives shows that Dead Earth is no longer active, while for Merauder Metal Archives that they are active nowadays: 1990-2003, 2007-present.

Dead Earth - Never Forget (Official video)

Dead Earth - Discharge video playthrough (Dan Gates and Ernesto Colon)

Dystopica covers the 1980s Anthrax classic "Madhouse"

Pavement Entertainment recording artist Dystopica covers this 1985 classic thrash anthem, the third track from the seminal album Spreading the Disease. In my opinion, both 1985’s Spreading the Disease and 1987’s Among the Living are classic thrash albums. This era saw Anthrax stand out. This Anthrax was something else altogether. They had it all: the speed, the riffs, the solos, and actual singing. Anthrax featured a legitimate singer, placing them in a very small circle of thrash bands with real melodic power.

Dystopica - Madhouse (Anthrax Cover)

https://www.facebook.com/dystopica

Domhain - My Tomb Beneath The Tide [official music video]

Below is the music video for "My Tomb Beneath The Tide," with the official information about the upcoming album.

Domhain

In Perfect Stillness

These Hands Melt

20 February 2026

Northern Irish post-atmospheric black metal band Domhain will release their debut full-length album “In Perfect Stillness” on 20th February via These Hands Melt.

Hailing from Northern Ireland and consisting of four experienced musicians from the Irish metal scene, Domhain is a quartet that blends an emotional mix of post-black metal, blackgaze, and atmospheric black metal, featuring distinctive vocal harmonies and cello. Their debut EP, the three-song EP “Nimue” (October 2023), showcased their long-form songs filled with myths and remembrances, featured guest cello by Jo Quail and was recorded at Foel Studio with Chris Fielding (Conan, Primordial).

Following their debut, they released the split EP, “Of Pine and Oak” (May 2025), with labelmates Ephemeral, which the band described as "an ode to nature".

Domhain's powerful live show has garnered significant attention, notably at Fortress Festival 2024, where Kerrang! praised their set as “something bracingly original about their specific black metal blend: a sound that you can drift off into even in a live setting” and that “they already have the material to become giants of the genre”.

“In Perfect Stillness” will be available in the following formats: CD Digipack (Limited to 300 copies): 3-panels, including a 12-page booklet. LP Dark Green Vinyl (Limited to 200 copies): Includes a 12-page 30x30cm booklet. Digital

“In Perfect Stillness” features guests Sarah Fielding (Darkest Era), John Wilson (Piano) and Raul Andueza (Cello) on the track “Footsteps II”. The album was produced by Domhain and Chris Fielding. Engineered and mixed by Chris Fielding at Foel Studio, and mastered by Mike Lamb.

Domhain are:

Andy Ennis - Vocals & bass guitar

Anaïs Chareyre-Méjan - Drums, vocals & cello

Nathan Irvine - Guitars

Ashley Irwin - Guitars & backing vocals

Domhain - My Tomb Beneath The Tide [Official music video]

https://www.facebook.com/Domhain.band/

Unburier - Survive the Vermin (Official Video)

Check out this music video from UK death metal band UNBURIER. Below you will find the official information about the band and their music.

Unburier

As Time Awaits

27 February 2026

UK death metal band UNBURIER has returned with their latest EP, As Time Awaits on February 27th 2026. Uncompromisingly vicious but performed with utmost precision, the band expands their sonic scope while honing the intensity that defined their previous releases. With their new drummer Kim Hughes joining the lineup, UNBURIER unleashes a perfect storm of fresh energy and renewed technicality, pushing their blend of old-school and modern death metal to new extremes. Known for raw ferocity and deft performances, UNBURIER sharpens their approach on this release with tighter songwriting, bigger hooks, and a more refined, punishing delivery.

The EP opens ominously with the intro of "Continuum", then charges onward into the depths and never lets up. Darkness prevails on "Continuum" with a groovy rhythm section and tastefully melodic guitar leads. Powerful mid-range vocals drive the song, occasionally layered with guttural growls to add depth and intensity. The melodies are underpinned with elegantly-phrased fretless bass lines and tight, progressive drumming. The track steadily builds momentum before hitting a breakdown that shifts the dynamics, leading into back-to-back solos that showcase the band’s musicianship. Lyrically, "Continuum" explores the collapse of rigid beliefs and the confusion that follows. It paints a picture of spiraling ideas and false guidance, revealing the emptiness behind so-called truths. The track dives into the tension between light and darkness, truth and deception, showing how we wrestle with meaning in a world full of contradictions. Dark, intense, and unflinching, it sets a tone of uneasy reflection and relentless questioning.

Next, kicking off with a section of torrential, arpeggiated dissonance, "Abyssal Uncertainty" quickly announces its brutality before diving into rapid, NECROPHAGIST-inspired riffing. The fretless bass weaves in and out of each riff, acting as the translator between the frantic guitars and precise drumming. Despite shifting meter and tempo, the song maintains a consistent feel and raw edge throughout, sonically illustrating the darkened narrative. It features the standout solo of the EP, utilizing the track's unyielding brutality as momentum into a soaring passage that showcases a more playful lead guitar style. "Abyssal Uncertainty" is the most lyrically-ambitious track of the EP, with nods to Camus, Lovecraft and other literary influences. The listener is invited to witness a trapped laborer's descent into madness, reflecting on and acknowledging the absurdity of his life and death. The struggles depicted here represent those of anyone who has been forced to devote themselves to someone else's greed, and the yearning for a world where we can each live in accordance with our own nature.

Finally, "Survive the Vermin" ends the EP with the appropriate blend of ferocity and spellbinding technicality. Vocalist and guitarist Ben Champion shows off a viscerally emotive vocal range, skillfully punctuating his mid-range snarls with screeching highs for maximum impact. Bassist Stan Mitchell and drummer Kim Hughes lay the foundation for the song's intensity with a punchy, driving rhythm section. Guitarist Blake Hibberd propels the momentum forward with a relentless barrage of twisting, turning, shredding leads. The lyrics of "Survive The Vermin" develop themes of purpose and identity on the EP through a first-person account of a cosmic, immortal warrior. Surrendering flesh for steel, the narrator struggles to detach themselves from the sensations they thought to have discarded. The lyrics ask if, when we give ourselves wholly to one purpose, it is worth sacrificing the simplicity of everyday life. Paying homage to sci-fi author Nate Crowley and absurdist philosophy, "Survive The Vermin" provides the most direct declaration of the themes behind the EP.

Newcomers to UNBURIER's realm of fury and technicality will find As Time Awaits to be a compelling introduction to the band's evolving sound, and longtime listeners will be proud to follow the band’s growth across their earlier releases.

About UNBURIER:

Hailing from the south of England, UNBURIER stormed onto the death metal scene in the summer of 2022 with their debut EP Twisted Existence. The EP showcased the band's undeniable technical abilities, in addition to their raw and harrowing sound. In 2024, UNBURIER returned with their follow-up EP, Nebulous, on which the band refined their songwriting and technical prowess. On this release, the band ventured even deeper into the realms of their death metal influences, among which they count DEATH, NECROPHAGIST, and REVOCATION.

Having conquered stages alongside the likes of SANGUISUGABOGG, CRYPTA, and PARTY CANNON, as well as making notable appearances at Bloodstock Open Air and Incineration Festival, UNBURIER continues to carve a path alongside giants of the death metal genre. Their upcoming third EP, As Time Awaits, sees UNBURIER blending old- and new-school death metal styles with technicality, hooks, and razor-sharp songwriting. Carrying the torch of the classic death metal sound into a new age, As Time Awaits is certain to enthrall longtime fans of the genre.

UNBURIER lineup:

Ben Champion - Vocals/Guitar

Blake Hibberd - Guitar/Vocals

Stan Mitchell - Bass

Kim Hughes - Drums

Unburier - Survive the Vermin (Official Video)

https://www.facebook.com/unburierband/