Happy anniversary to SLYTHERIN's album Has Only Just Begun!

Slytherin is Harry Potter-themed atmospheric, melodic midtempo extreme metal. The Metal Archives calls them atmospheric black metal, but on this album the music is midtempo melodic doom metal, with both extreme and melodic singing. Personally, I feel like the music on this album is closer to gothic doom than anything else, and not black metal, speaking simply about genres. The album is ten songs in a bit over 38 minutes of music. On Bandcamp it says the project is: "Sirius - vocal, keyboards and drum programing, and Paul - guitar and bass." I certainly recommend it to fans of doom and gothic doom, and if doom fans are also Harry Potter fans, then, man oh man oh man, is this the album for them! The perfect meeting of the worlds is here.

Slytherin

Has Only Just Begun

More Hate Productions

March 27th, 2025 (CD version)

July 13th, 2024 (digital version)

I hope this summary is correct: In the Harry Potter universe created by J.K. Rowling, Slytherin is one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and was founded by Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of the school. The House values ambition, cunning, leadership, and resourcefulness. Its students are often described as being achievement-oriented and with a strong sense of self-preservation. Animal: The Serpent (snake). Colors: Green and Silver. Element: Water.

Has Only Just Begun by Slytherin

Happy anniversary to GOD FORBID's album Equilibrium (2012)!

According to the information on The Metal Archives, this is the sixth full-length by God Forbid (New Jersey, USA), from New Wave of American Heavy Metal (NWOAHM), which often includes names like Lamb of God, Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, and Chimaira of the early to mid 2000s sound that, in my opinion, brought back metal to American rock, as a reaction to the rap rock of nu-metal. By the time of this album, the band keeps their thrash-heavy roots and rhythmic grooves with more prominent clean vocal hooks. The music is often more intricate and more technical, for a more focused, more melodic thrash/heavy metal feel, and less core.

God Forbid

Equilibrium

March 27th, 2012

Victory Records

The album is 13 songs for almost 54 minutes of music, according to The Metal Archives. This is the title and music video. I would say that in general the album is a bit more aggressive than this particuar song, but this songs shows the melodic aspects of the music.

God Forbid - Equilibrium

Jernlov - crowdfunding for third album Redemption

The Metal Archives shows that Jernlov (Norwegian for "Iron Law") is an extreme metal project from Norway. Other sources say that they are from western Norway, from Ålesund. Formed by Alf Petter Engeset (guitars, bass, and synths) and drummer Zuriel, the band emerged from a previous project called Heidre. Jernlov is high-intensity, melodic black metal with a spiritual lyrical focus. Since the band does not have a permanent vocalist, they do collaborations with vocalists from the unblack and extreme metal scenes.

Currently, they are doing a crowdfunding campaign to release their third album Redemption.

"JERNLOV is back again with their third album REDEMPTION - but we need your help to make it happen! 👇 🇳🇴 The western Norwegians have delivered a stellar extreme metal performance and we are really happy to share these news with you. But, as things stand now we don't have enough of a buffer to justify this release, so we are launching a crowdfunding where you can buy the exact same items as you normally would and support the release at the same time. If it doesn't go through, you get all your money back through Indiegogo - so it's a safe investment for you! Thank you for your support"

Jernlov - Redemption (Official Lyric Video)

https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/nordicmission/jernlov-redemption

Armored Saint - Close to the Bone (Official Video)

Armored Saint has a new album coming up! Armored Saint formed in 1982 in Los Angeles, California. They gained momentum with their self-titled EP and three studio albums under Chrysalis Records—March of the Saint (1984), Delirious Nomad (1985), and Raising Fear (1987). A defining moment was in 1990 with the death of original guitarist Dave Prichard, followed by the release of their critically acclaimed 1991 album Symbol of Salvation. Shortly after, the band entered a hiatus when lead vocalist John Bush joined the thrash metal band Anthrax. Since reuniting in 1999, the lineup has remained the same, releasing several well-received records including Revelation (2000) and Punching the Sky (2020). In 2026 the boys return with Emotion Factory Reset. I'm looking forward to it!

Armored Saint

Emotion Factory Reset

May 22nd, 2026

Metal Blade Records

1. Close to the Bone 04:10

2. Every Man-Any Man 04:21

3. Not on Your Life 03:37

4. Hit a Moonshoot 04:35

5. Buckeye 05:56

6. Compromise 03:18

7. It's a Buzzkill 04:01

8. Throwing Caution to the Wind

9. Ladders and Slides 04:21

10. Bottom Feeder 05:03

11. Epilogue 04:42

total time 48:01

Armored Saint - Close to the Bone (Official Video)

https://www.facebook.com/thearmoredsaint

Happy anniversary to BORKNAGAR's album Urd (2012)!

According to The Metal Archives today is the release date for this album. This album feels like a supergroup! The room is filled with talent and skill. Urd is the ninth studio album by the Norwegian progressive metal band Borknagar. It has the singing trifecta with Vintersorg, ICS Vortex, and Lars all sharing singing duties. It is also the full-time return of ICS Vortex to the lineup after a decade-long absence. Musically, the album is a balance of black metal with complex, avant-garde arrangements and also the folk melodies, and more. Really, just look at the lineup (according to The Metal Archives), and wow, just take your time with the album. It's not too easy to understand at once, but man, this is such a good album. It's also so nice, so very nice to hear ICS Vortex singing again with the band.

Borknagar

Urd

Century Media Records

March 26, 2012

Øystein G. Brun Guitars, Guitars (acoustic)

Jens F. Ryland Guitars (lead)

ICS Vortex Bass, Vocals (clean, choirs)

Lars A. Nedland Keyboards, Vocals (clean, choirs)

Vintersorg Vocals (harsh, clean, choirs)

David Kinkade Drums, Percussion

Epilogue (03:39), 2. The Earthling (05:51), 3. The Flaming Signals (05:36), 4. The World Heritage (03:32), 5. Mount Enduring (06:09), 6. In a World of My Own (05:22), 7. Omens (05:23), 8. The Winter Eclipse (08:44), 9. In Soulastis (03:38). Total Runtime: 47:54.

BORKNAGAR - The Earthling (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Happy anniversary to the SEVENDUST album Black Out the Sun (2013)!

According to Wikipedia, March 26 is the release date of this album. The music video for the song "Decay" on YouTube has more than 4 millions views! It is the ninth studio album by Sevendust. Critics have observed that the album is a return to the band's heavier roots. It debuted at #18 on the Billboard 200 and features the hit single "Decay." The title was inspired by a dream lead singer Lajon Witherspoon had about the sun disappearing!

Sevendust

Black Out the Sun

7Bros Records / Asylum Records

March 26, 2013

Memory (01:24), 2. Faithless (04:10), 3. Till Death (03:06), 4. Mountain (03:08), 5. Cold as War (04:03), 6. Black Out the Sun (03:27), 7. Nobody Wants It (03:10), 8. Dead Roses (03:01), 9. Decay (03:25), 10. Dark AM (03:28), 11. Picture Perfect (03:47), 12. Got a Feeling (04:32), 13. Murder Bar (03:42). Total Runtime: 44:23.

SEVENDUST - "DECAY" - Official Music Video

https://www.facebook.com/sevendustofficial

Happy birthday to DEMON HUNTER's Jeremiah Scott!

Jeremiah Scott is a Nashville-based producer, engineer, and guitarist. He joined Demon Hunter in 2011 and has produced, engineered, and played guitar on every major release since, including Extremist (2014) and the 2025 album There Was A Light Here. His engineering work is very extensive, including Judas Priest's Invincible Shield (2024), to name but one example, but there are so many more! Jeremiah is a longtime collaborator with Living Sacrifice, handling production and mixing for albums like The Infinite Order (2010) and Ghost Thief (2013). His early career includes being a songwriter and member of The Showdown and Destroy Destroy Destroy. He also produced bands like The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza and a bunch of other bands.

Demon Hunter "I'm Done" Official Music Video

https://www.facebook.com/demonhunter

Happy birthday to IMPENDING DOOM guitarist Manny Contreras!

Manuel Contreras (born Mar 26th, 1989) (according to The Metal Archives)

Today, March 26, is the birthday of Manny Contreras, guitarist for the American deathcore band Impending Doom. According to The Metal Archives, Contreras has been a central member of the lineup for two major periods: from 2005 to 2010 and from 2012 to the present. His recording history with the band begins with the 2005 demo The Sin and Doom of Godless Men and includes full-length albums such as Nailed. Dead. Risen. (2007), The Serpent Servant (2009), Death Will Reign (2013), and The Sin and Doom Vol. II (2018). His work with them is also featured on the EPs Hellbent (2021), Last Days (2023), and Towards the Light (2025), and the 2026 single "Holy Death."

Impending Doom - More Than Conquerors 8/22/25

https://www.facebook.com/impendingdoom

Happy anniversary to the SLECHTVALK album At the Dawn of War (2005)!

According to Amazon Music (and apparently also Apple Music) this album was released on March 26, 2005. The Metal Archives does not give a specific date, and says only February 2005.

Slechtvalk is known for their battle, war and biblical themes. The general consensus is that this is the Dutch symphonic black metal band's breakthrough album because this is where they achieve a grander sound, with a full band lineup and an epic, medieval war concept with high-speed blast beats with sweeping keyboards and operatic soprano vocals. This album has the song "Thunder of War" that their fans like. This is Slechtvalk's third album and it is ambitious, with a variety of moods from full-on, upfront traditional black metal speeds to slower segments where they let the melodies breathe a bit more. The album is a bit over 56 minutes long, so it is recommended for listeners interested in black metal or who are already fans of black metal.

Slechtvalk

At the Dawn of War

Fear Dark

March 24, 2005

Hydrith (keyboards) - Shamgar (vocals, guitars) - Ohtar (guitars, vocals) - Grimbold (drums) - Premnath (bass) - Fionnghuala (soprano vocals)

From Dark to Light (01:14), 2. At the Dawn of War (04:15), 3. On the Eve of Battle (06:17), 4. Loyalty (03:59), 5. My Last Call (05:22), 6. In Love and Death (03:41), 7. Desertion (05:25), 8. Under a Dark Sky (05:07), 9. Black Raven Sky (04:47), 10. Thunder of War (04:12), 11. A Plea for Help (06:05). Total Runtime: 56:36.

SLECHTVALK - Thunder of War

https://www.facebook.com/Slechtvalk.metal/

remembering OZZY OSBOURNE drummer Randy Castillo (1950-2002)

Randolph Frank Castillo (December 18, 1950 - March 26, 2002) (according to The Metal Archives)

The Metal Archives shows that Randy drummed for famous artists like Lita Ford and Motley Crue, and his most notable work was with Ozzy Osbourne, with whom with worked from 1985 until 1994, and then again in 1995, 1996, 1998. For me, the most notable albums that I associate with Randy are The Ultimate Sin (1986), No Rest for the Wicked (1988) and No More Tears (1991).

R.I.P - Randy Castillo - solo Ozzy Osbourne /band/

Ozzy Osbourne - Moscow Peace Festival 1989 (720p50)

Frostnatt - Putin attacks black metal in Russia

On March 23rd, 2026 the instrumental black metal project Frostnatt (Russia) posted an update on Facebook about the situation for black metal in Russia. It says:

I want to share my thoughts about what is happening on the Russian black metal scene today and talk about something you may not have heard about.

On March 14, a small black metal festival called "Funeral of the Winter" took place in Yaroslavl, Russia. It was interrupted by police officers during a live performance. Both attendees and musicians were forced face down onto the floor and kept in that position for about five hours. Some of them were taken away and tortured. I have seen photos taken immediately after the torture. There were clumps of hair torn out and blood on the floor. The police were looking for "extremist" (pagan) tattoos, interrogating people, and pressuring them to go to war with Ukraine as soldiers.

The reasons for this police action were: an inverted cross in the organizer's logo, the pagan aesthetics of the concert, and the alleged connection of the bands to a far-right scene. Among the affected bands, I would like to specifically mention the band Nebokray, whose vocalist runs the underground label Der Schwarze Tod, which released all the Frostnatt full-length albums on CD.

This situation sounds so absurd that it is hard to believe, but unfortunately, it is true. This is the reality of the black metal scene in Russia, especially for bands that use even a small amount of pagan, anti-Christian, or similar aesthetics. This is not the first and will not be the last case of abuse of power by the Russian regime. Earlier, in February, police officers stopped a concert by the band Nechist' and arrested the musicians.

I have not found any statements from other Russian black metal bands expressing support for the affected bands or condemning the Russian authorities regarding this situation. Apparently, fear of ending up in the same situation forces people into self-censorship and silence. This is a perfect example of atomization. In this regard, I want to remind you that the Russian regime is an enemy not only to the rest of the world, but also to Russians themselves. Do not equate the two. I want to thank everyone who, despite the global demonization of Russians, continues to listen to and support Russian bands.

Den Evige Vinters Rike by Frostnatt

https://www.facebook.com/frostnattofficial

MYSTFALL - Kings of Utopia (Official Video) (operatic metal)

Mystfall is a relatively new band in the world of symphonic metal music. They are from Greece, and they began in 2022. Their debut album is from 2023 and it is called Celestial Vision, released by Scarlet Records. They are characterized by operatic vocals and orchestral arrangements. The song "Kings of Utopia" comes from from Celestial Vision. The music video for the track captures the band's grand aesthetic: operatic metal music!

This video is from their previous album, but they have a new album released on March 20th, 2026 on Scarlet Records: Embers of a Dying World.

MYSTFALL - Kings of Utopia (Official Video)

https://www.facebook.com/mystfallofficial

Embers Of A Dying World by Mystfall

Scorpions - I'm Going Mad (Nordschau 1972)

Recently I saw this old Scorpions footage posted on their Facebook page. It's fun to see how things were in the 1970s for Scorpions!

Scorpions - I'm Going Mad (Nordschau 1972)

https://www.facebook.com/Scorpions

Happy anniversary to the ABBATH album Dread Reaver (2022)!

According to The Metal Archives, this is the date of release of the third Abbath album Dread Reaver. I like the way that this man Abbath approaches songwriting, whether it is the black metal of Immortal, the metal of the project I or the present-day albums of Abbath. This album is headbanging metal music. Many fans appreciate the music as much as I do. This album does not have a ton of reviews on The Metal Archives, but there are a couple of knowledgeable reviews that make, in my opinion, accurate observations. One reviewer says, "As for the songs itselves, each of them have some memorable and at least a bit interesting motives. We have faster tempos and blast beats (Acid Haze), catchy choruses and characteristic riffs (Dream Cull, Dread Reaver), slightly more unusual vocals and melodic solos hidden in the chaos (Scarred Core) and last but definitely not least, a more classic to black metal and very atmospheric song - Septentrion. There's also a cover of Metallica's Trapped Under Ice ... The overall structure of the record is, like the production, something that has to grow in you, but eventually turns out to be pretty well-thought." A second reviewer also agrees, "Dread Reaver is everything you could want from this record: slight improvements on the production, guitar work, and songwriting, but not enough stylistic variation to lose its landing. Abbath, for the most part, sticks to the guns that put him at the top of the black metal mountain."

Everything about it is good! The guitars, the vocals, the rhythm section and the songwriting, of course. Awesome album.

Abbath

Dread Reaver

Season of Mist

March 25th, 2022

Abbath - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Songwriting

Ukri Suvilehto - Drums

Mia Wallace - Bass (tracks 1, 2, 5, 9)

Ole André Farstad - Guitars (lead, acoustic)

1. Acid Haze - 2. Scarred Core - 3. Dream Cull - 4. Myrmidon - 5. The Deep Unbound - 6. Septentrion - 7. Trapped Under Ice (Metallica cover) - 8. The Book of Breath - 9. Dread Reaver. The total running time is 39:01.

ABBATH - Dread Reaver (2022) Full Album Stream

Happy anniversary to a classic of classics SEPULTURA's Arise (1991)!

The Metal Archives shows that this album was released on this date.

In my opinion, Sepultura broke onto the international metal scene with the 1989 masterful, classic of classics Beneath the Remains and touring like crazy and putting on at this time the best metal concerts that you ever saw in your life. This band played tight but intense and crazy and put out a tremendous amount energy that the crowds fed off of. The iron was hot! The struck again with Arise in 1991. In my opinion, these two albums and their extensive touring and great shows really built this band internationally into something that had to be seen.

Sepultura

Arise

Roadrunner Records

March 25, 1991

Max Cavalera – Andreas Kisser – Paulo Jr. – Igor Cavalera

Arise (03:18), 2. Dead Embryonic Cells (04:52), 3. Desperate Cry (06:40), 4. Murder (03:26), 5. Subtraction (04:46), 6. Altered State (06:34), 7. Under Siege (Regnum Irae) (04:53), 8. Meaningless Movements (04:40), 9. Infected Voice (03:18). Total Runtime: 42:27.

Sepultura - Intro & Arise [Under Siege Live In Barcelona 1991]

Happy anniversary to ANIMALS AS LEADERS' Parrhesia (2022)!

According to the information on Wikipedia, the Parrhesia album was released on this date in 2022. Parrhesia is the instrumental progressive metal band's fifth studio album. Wikipedia shows that the readers of the publication Guitar World voted this album the 14th best guitar album in 2022.

Check out the guitar playthrough video in order to see how the magic is made!

Animals as Leaders

Parrhesia

Sumerian Records

March 25, 2022

Tosin Abasi – Javier Reyes – Matt Garstka

1. Conflict Cartography (05:00), 2. Monomyth (03:26), 3. Red Miso (04:31), 4. Gestaltzerfall (04:46), 5. Asahi (01:51), 6. The Problem of Other Minds (02:32), 7. Thoughts and Prayers (05:48), 8. Micro-Aggressions (04:10), 9. Gordian Naught (04:48). Total Runtime: 36:56.

ANIMALS AS LEADERS' Tosin Abasi - "Monomyth" Playthrough!

Happy anniversary to LINE OF DURIN's dungeon synth album Ever Homeward (2022)!

According to The Metal Archives, Line of Durin is Tolkien-themed epic atmospheric black metal from California and Oregon in the United States. If you are a Tolkien fan, you may be interested in knowing that, according to internet sources, the band's name itself comes from the Royal Dwarven family. They are descendants of Durin the Deathless. Durin is one of the original Dwarves to be awakened by Aulë, and is the father of all dwarves. I mention these story details because I am not a Tolkien expert: I hope I got the story right. If not, I'm sorry, feel free to correct me, Tolkien fans.

The album is about the history of Durin's folk. To me, the music sounds like a soundtrack to the Lord of the Rings movies. There are tons of choirs, which I like a lot. It sounds like monks (or dwarves, would be more accurate, right?!) chanting; there is lots of synth, of course; there is a feel of folk and medieval imagined atmospherics. There is some black metal, but it is just one of several elements, given that this is not fast, furious black metal. Anyway, dungeon synth fans may like this album; and if you don't know what dungeon synth is, well, friend, today is the day. Today is the day! Let's go! (Or, rather, let's take a long, patient, meandering walk through the forest and mountains, and let's hope that no dragons attack us.)

Line of Durin

Ever Homeward

March 25, 2022

Eöl - Vocals, Vocals (choirs), Narration (tracks 8, 9), Bass, Bass clarinet, Recorder, Tin whistle, Keyboards

Zirak - Guitars, Guitars (acoustic), Vocals (choirs)

Telchar - Vocals, Narration (tracks 2, 4, 5, 7), Guitars, Guitars (acoustic), Cello, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals (choirs)

Mahal (02:17), Durin the Deathless (05:25), First Born's Caprice (00:49), Ered Luin (06:51), Oakenshield (04:45), Smaug the Terrible (03:40), Balin's Fated March (04:27), Ghostly Halls of Stone/Balin's Tomb (07:22), and Bane's End (08:49). Total time: 44:25.

Line of Durin - Ever Homeward

new Nevermore singer video 5

This is it!

This is the new Nevermore singer Berzan Önen doing the last of five audition videos: "Final Product."

BERZAN'S NEVERMORE AUDITIONS - FINAL PRODUCT

Nevermore says, "Final Product is the fifth and final NEVERMORE audition video from our new vocalist Berzan Önen. This was recorded and submitted in February of 2025. All vocals are done by Berzan (including backing melodies)."

new Nevermore singer video 4

the engine has been turned on, and the foot is on the gas pedal,

new Nevermore era has begun

BERZAN'S NEVERMORE AUDITIONS - MOONRISE

Nevermore says, "Moonrise is the fourth of five NEVERMORE audition videos from our new vocalist Berzan Önen. This was recorded and submitted in the middle of January in 2025 along with Sea of Possibilities. All vocals are done by Berzan (including backing melodies)."

new Nevermore singer video 3

BERZAN'S NEVERMORE AUDITIONS - SEA OF POSSIBILITIES

Nevermore says, "Sea of Possibilities is the third of five NEVERMORE audition videos from our new vocalist Berzan Önen. This was recorded and submitted in January of 2025 a couple of weeks after the first two. All vocals are done by Berzan (including backing melodies)."

new Nevermore singer - video 2

Nevermore says: "Sentient 6 is the second of five NEVERMORE audition videos from our new vocalist Berzan Önen. This was recorded and submitted in January of 2025 along with Born. All vocals are done by Berzan."

BERZAN'S NEVERMORE AUDITIONS - SENTIENT 6

IRON KINGDOM - DEFENDERS (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

This is the music video for the song "Defenders" by Canadian traditional heavy metal troupers Iron Kingdom. The new album is titled Shadows and Dust. The new album will be released on June 6th, 2026, according to The Metal Archives, in the past has observed from a reviewer, "This is a confident, enjoyable release from a group of old-school die-hards who clearly and unequivocally love this style and that makes this a solid release for those that are really affixed to that style or more traditional metal-heads who need a strong shot of what made the classics so enjoyable."

IRON KINGDOM - DEFENDERS (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

https://www.facebook.com/ironkingdomofficial

Happy anniversary to Loudness - Shadows of War (1986)!

In 1985 the Japanese heavy metal band Loudness (1981-present) achieved success in the USA with the album Thunder in the East, and the internet says that they reached the Billboard Top 100. They definitely got airplay on MTV! This album right here is the follow-up.

Shadows of War is the Japanese version and it was released earlier, ahead of the international version that was titled Lightning Strikes. The sequence of the songs was rearranged. "Shadows of War" is the opening track on the Japanese version, but "Let It Go" kicks off the international version.

Below is the title track, but observe: The Japanese version of the album is called Shadows of War and it is the opening, title track. In the international version this same song was moved to be the opening song of the second side of the record. Furthermore, the title of the song is different in the international version; it was changed to "Ashes in the Sky." Whatever, "Ashes in the Sky" is the song as "Shadows of War."

Loudness

Shadows of War

Atco Records

March 24th, 1986

Minoru Niihara (Vocals), Akira Takasaki (Guitars), Masayoshi Yamashita (Bass), and Munetaka Higuchi (Drums; R.I.P. 2008).

1. Shadows of War (06:04), 2. Let It Go (04:15), 3. Streetlife Dreams (04:26), 4. Black Star Oblivion (03:56), 5. One Thousand Eyes (05:01), 6. Complication (04:01), 7. Dark Desire (04:22), 8. Face to Face (03:50), 9. Who Knows (Time to Take a Stand) (04:03). Total Runtime: 39:58.

Loudness - Ashes in the Sky

in memory of CONTROL DENIED/DEATH bassist Scott Clendenin

Scott Clendenin (January 17, 1968 - March 24, 2015)

The Metal Archives shows that bassist Scott Clendenin (Florida, USA) played bass in the two bands led by death metal pioneer Chuck Schuldiner: Death and Control Denied. The Metal Archives shows Scott joined Control Denied in 1996. He played bass on the band's first two recordings, the 1996 Demo and the 1997 demo A Moment of Clarity. Please observe this important piece of information: He did not play on the full studio album, his bass tracks appear on several special reissues of The Fragile Art of Existence released in 2010 and 2020.

In his time with Death (1997–2001), Scott Clendenin served as the bassist during the band's final chapter. He performed on the last studio album, The Sound of Perseverance (1998), which showcased a highly technical and melodic style. Scott also appeared on several significant live releases and videos captured during this era, including Live in L.A. (Death & Raw) and Live in Eindhoven '98, both released in 2001. The Metal Archives shows his work in posthumous releases such as the 2005 video Live in Cottbus '98 and the 2012 live album Vivus!

According to the information on The Metal Archives the bassist on the following performance would be Scott Clendenin.

Death - Live in L.A. (Death & Raw) (Full Length!)

Happy anniversary to the ANIMALS AS LEADERS album The Joy of Motion (2014)!

Animals As Leaders

The Joy of Motion

Sumerian

March 24, 2014

According to the information on Wikipedia, The Joy of Motion is the third album by the American instrumental progressive metal band Animals as Leaders. Sumerian Records released the album in March 2014 across Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Fans could listen to the full album on YouTube starting March 19, 2014, just before it went on sale. Wikipedia shows that March 24, 2014 is the earliest release date, and that date is for the European release. In its first week, people in the United States bought about 13,000 copies. It reached No. 23 on the Billboard 200 chart, the band's best ranking ever. By November 2016, the album had sold 50,000 copies in the U.S. To celebrate the release, the band played a special show in Seattle while on tour with the bands After the Burial and Chon. The band also made a music video for the song "Physical Education." In the video, they play music in a school gym. It also shows funny scenes where the band members (Tosin Abasi, Javier Reyes, and Matt Garstka) act as the school principal, a teacher, and a janitor.

ANIMALS AS LEADERS - Physical Education (Official Music Video)

Happy anniversary to the SOULFLY album Prophecy (2004)!

In my worthless opinion, what makes this album unique is that Max is working towards a synthesis of his previous, post-1991 Sepultura and Soulfly groove metal, thrash metal, death metal, punk, rap rock, and experimental sounds all into a full-blown Soulfly all-around sound. He's trying to have his cake and eat it, too; he's attempting to do it all, and man, you can't even get mad at this dude for doing it because it works! Come for the grooves, stay for the variety. Max is a crazy cat.

Soulfly

Prophecy

Roadrunner Records Japan

March 24th, 2004

Max Cavalera (vocals, guitars) - Marc Rizzo (lead guitar) - Bobby Burns (bass) - Joe Nuñez (drums)

Soulfly - Prophecy [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Happy anniversary to PANTERA's Far Beyond Bootleg - Live from Donington '94 (2014)!

According to The Metal Archives this live album was "Recorded on June 4th, 1994 at Donington Monsters of Rock Festival, Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom." The set list is pretty short, but the band sounds great live and raw, you can hear the bass clearly, the drums too and overall sounds like a great bootleg recording. Of course, I don't know, but this recording does not sound all doctored up in the studio to make it sound like a live album. It sounds like a live album!

Pantera

Far Beyond Bootleg - Live from Donington '94

Rhino Records

March 24, 2014

Vinnie Paul - Dimebag Darrell - Rex Brown - Philip Anselmo

1. Use My Third Arm (04:04), 2. Walk (05:15), 3. Strength Beyond Strength (04:01), 4. Domination / Hollow (06:54), 5. Slaughtered (03:57), 6. F- Hostile (02:57), 7. This Love (07:16), 8. Mouth for War (04:01), 9. Cowboys from Hell (04:49). Total Runtime: 43:14.

Pantera - Mouth for War (Live from Donington)

out now: Mystfall - operatic symphonic metal from Greece

Are you ready for a night at the opera?! MYSTFALL (2022-present) features a smooth production, a neosymphonic feel for the regal feeling, and the singing that can shatter glass. The music works at a steady midtempo, anthem pace and it all sounds very dramatic, like you need to hear the album at a movie theater to hear it properly. Expect some melodic guitar and keyboards. Expect a little bit of monster extreme vocals in some places for that contrast in voices, but expect that the operatic singing is way, way, way more prevalent and it is the main attraction by a long shot, and not the screamed vocals.

MYSTFALL

Embers Of A Dying World

Scarlet Records

Release: 20 March 2026

Scarlet Records information about the band: "The second studio album of the Greek symphonic metal ensemble Mystfall, led by the extraordinary voice of soprano singer Marialena Trikoglou, will seduce the listener and take him to a majestic journey in a world of dark and dreamy cinematic atmospheres. Embers Of A Dying World depicts an alternative dimension where dreams are alive and fighting with nightmares to keep the human spirit alive. The main concept of the album is about the consequences of every person's actions on earth, and each song is a story yet untold. What will remain on Earth if we keep destroying every form of organic life? How could we survive after the loss of everything? Is there hope for a better future? Find the answers and feel the emotions through the thrilling tracklist of this magnificent symphonic metal opera."

Embers Of A Dying World by Mystfall

MYSTFALL - Sleeper In The Abyss (Official Video)

out now: Evermore - power metal from Sweden

The EVERMORE (2016-present) power metal is focused and remains focused. They like to make songs that fans understand without having to scratch their heads and wonder what they are hearing. High vocals, fast riffs and pounding drums, and that's how this road will be travelled. Fans of direct heavy metal and power metal with high singing and uptempo speeds should find on here another album to add to the listening agenda.

EVERMORE

Mournbraid

Scarlet Records

20 March 2026

Scarlet Records information about the band: "The third record for the Swedish masters of power metal, Mournbraid delivers the trademark Evermore sound made of aggressive guitar riffs, soaring epic vocals and unforgettable strong hooks – all amplified by a massive neat production. Master of ardour and melody perfectly blended together, the Scandinavian trio further refined its pretty unique songwriting and lyrical touch. Each song of the album tells a different story from the perspective of individuals experiencing the diversity of existence’s challenges and feelings of personal struggles. As always in Evermore’s music, the end goal is to make the listener relate to the music on a very deep personal level."

Mournbraid by Evermore

EVERMORE - Underdark (Official Video)

out now: The Holeum - prog atmospheric doom

The Holeum

Ensis

March 20th, 2026

Lifeforce Records

1. The Fermi Paradox 05:36

2. Cosmic Void Spheres 06:19

3. Macrocosm + Microcosm 07:43

4. Spontaneous Synchronization 05:23

5. Hyperdimensional Physics 05:16

6. Esoteric Futuristic Visions 04:31

7. Geometric Congruence Vortex 05:46

total time 40:34

To be honest, this band is new to me. I just don't remember ever hearing them before, but man I have been enjoying the album and have been pleasantly surprised. Ensis is the third full-length album. They are a band from Spain. This album just came out on Lifeforce Records. It is my understanding that the band includes musicians who used to play in well-known groups like NahemaH and Hela, but unfortunately I don't know those bands. Check it out though, this is The Holeum's first album since their 2019 album Sublime Emptiness. So, they took their sweet time! Of course, we all know that bands go through problems and it is difficult to keep making music when the problems of life interfere in major ways. Well, I am glad they came back. The album is something like progressive, post-metal and atmospheric all done with a foundation of doom. It's heavy, pretty heavy actually, but can feel melodic in subtle ways, and it goes into gentle, soft segments, too, for a sense of variety.

Ensis by The Holeum