this date in history - 9/11 - September 11 attacks by the Islamic terrorist organization al-Qaeda against the U.S.

September 11, 2001 – Nineteen members of al-Qaeda execute the September 11 attacks, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 people using four hijacked aircraft. Two aircraft crash into the World Trade Center in New York City, a third crashes into The Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, and a fourth into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

"The September 11 attacks, colloquially known as 9/11, were a coordinated series of suicide attacks perpetrated by the Islamic terrorist organization al-Qaeda against the United States in 2001. A total of 19 terrorists hijacked four airliners. The first two planes were flown into each of the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City, while the third plane crashed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, in Arlington County, Virginia. The fourth plane crashed in a rural field in Pennsylvania during a passenger revolt." --Wikipedia

Dream Theater – "Sacrificed Sons" (Album: Octavarium, 2005)

this date in history - Finland fighting for Finnish language and identity

September 11, 1914 – The Second Period of Russification: The teaching of the Russian language and Russian history in Finnish schools is ordered to be considerably increased as part of the forced Russification program in Finland run by Tsar Nicholas II.

"Second period of Russification - The program was reintroduced in 1908, costing Finland much of its autonomy and again causing further Finnish resistance, including the Jäger movement. During 1909–1917 the Finnish politicians in the Senate of Finland were replaced by Finnish-born officers of the Russian army who were formally subjects of the grand duchy, creating the so-called admiral-senate or saber-senate. Russia demanded higher payments for not conscripting Finns (issue of sotilasmiljoonat, 'military millions'). The 1910 'Law of all-Empire legislation procedures' removed most Finnish legislative powers from the newly established Finnish Parliament to the Russian Duma and State Council. In 1912 they passed the 'Law of equality' which opened all Finnish government and civil service offices to Russians." -Wikipedia "The Jäger Movement (Finnish: Jääkäriliike, Swedish: Jägarrörelsen) was a Finnish political and military movement whose aim was to liberate the Grand Duchy of Finland from the Russian Empire and create an independent Finnish state." -Wikipedia

Ensiferum – "Iron" (Album: Iron, 2004)

this date in history - Alexander Hamilton first United States Secretary of the Treasury

September 11, 1789 – Alexander Hamilton is appointed the first United States Secretary of the Treasury

"Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755, or 1757 – July 12, 1804) was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first U.S. secretary of the treasury from 1789 to 1795 under the presidency of George Washington. He also founded America's first political party, the Federalist Party, in 1791." -Wikipedia

Iced Earth – "Declaration Day" (Album: The Glorious Burden, 2004)

this date in history - Battle of Zenta defeat for Islamic Caliphate Ottoman Empire

September 11, 1697 – Battle of Zenta: a major engagement in the Great Turkish War (1683–1699) and one of the most decisive defeats in Ottoman history.

"The Battle of Zenta, also known as the Battle of Senta, took place on 11 September 1697 near Zenta, in the Kingdom of Hungary, then under Ottoman occupation (present-day Serbia). It was a decisive engagement of the Great Turkish War, fought between the forces of the Ottoman Empire and the Holy League. The battle resulted in a significant Ottoman defeat against a numerically inferior Habsburg force acting on behalf of Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor." -Wikipedia

SABATON - Winged Hussars (Official Lyric Video) (from 2016's The Last Stand)

this date in history - September 11, 1683 – Coalition forces, including the famous winged Hussars, led by Polish King John III Sobieski lift the siege laid by Ottoman forces ahead of the Battle of Vienna.

John III Sobieski (Polish: Jan III Sobieski; Lithuanian: Jonas III Sobieskis) (17 August 1629 – 17 June 1696)

Considered a national hero for Poland and respected in Lithuania, for some, he is a "Savior of Vienna and Western European civilisation" for his legendary and historic victory over the invading Islamic army of the Ottoman Empire of the Turks seeking to subjugate the European peoples in 1683: When the Islamic Ottoman army besieged Vienna, Sobieski personally led a combined relief force. On September 12, 18,000 heavy cavalry, including 3,000 Polish Winged Hussars, executed the largest cavalry charge in military history, smashing the Muslim Ottoman lines and permanently ending Muslim Ottoman expansion into Europe. The 1683 Battle of Vienna marked the absolute peak of Ottoman military expansion into Central Europe. After 1683, the Islamic Ottomans were still capable of launching localized offensives and reclaiming lost territories in Eastern Europe and the Balkans (like Belgrade and the Morea), but they never again posed a threat to deep Central Europe.

In addition, earlier in his career, he had crushing victory over the Muslim Turks at the Battle of Khotyn in 1673 and earned him such immense popularity that the Polish nobility unanimously elected him King.

Polish history celebrates him as Defensor Fidei, Defender of the Faith, and as a warrior king.

SABATON - Winged Hussars (Official Lyric Video) (from 2016's The Last Stand)

this date in history - Islamic Caliphate Ottoman Empire forces retreat from Malta

September 11, 1565 – Ottoman forces retreat from Malta ending the Great Siege of Malta

"The Great Siege of Malta (Maltese: L-Assedju l-Kbir) occurred in 1565 when the Ottoman Empire attempted to conquer the island of Malta, then held by the Knights Hospitaller. The siege lasted nearly four months, from 18 May to 8 September 1565." -Wikipedia "This victory became one of the most celebrated events of sixteenth-century Europe ... It undoubtedly contributed to the eventual erosion of the European perception of Ottoman invincibility, although the Mediterranean continued to be contested between Christian coalitions and the Muslim Turks for many years." -Wikipedia

Sabaton - The Last Stand (from 2016's The Last Stand)

this date in history - Battle of Stirling Bridge

September 11, 1297 – Battle of Stirling Bridge: Scots jointly led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray defeat the English

"The Battle of Stirling Bridge (Scottish Gaelic: Blàr Drochaid Shruighlea) was fought during the First War of Scottish Independence. On 11 September 1297, the forces of Andrew Moray and William Wallace defeated the combined English forces of John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, and Hugh de Cressingham near Stirling, on the River Forth." -Wikipedia "The exploits of Wallace were passed on to posterity mainly in the form of tales collected and recounted by the poet Blind Harry, the Minstrel (d. 1492), whose original, probably oral sources were never specified. Blind Harry was active some 200 years after the events described in his The Acts and Deeds of the Illustrious and Valiant Champion Sir William Wallace, c. 1470." -Wikipedia

"The Battle of Stirling Bridge is depicted in the 1995 film Braveheart, but it bears little resemblance to the real battle. Significantly, there is no bridge in the scene." -Wikipedia

Grave Digger - William Wallace (Braveheart)

this date in history - Battle of the Teutoburg - defeat for Roman Empire

September 11, 9 AD – The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest ends: The Roman Empire suffers the greatest defeat of its history and the Rhine is established as the border between the Empire and the barbarians for the next four hundred years

"The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, also called the Varian Disaster (Latin: Clades Variana) by Roman historians, was a major battle fought between an alliance of Germanic peoples and the Roman Empire between 8 and 11 September 9 CE, possibly near modern Kalkriese. Fighting began with an ambush by the Germanic alliance on three Roman legions being led by Publius Quinctilius Varus and their auxiliaries; the alliance was led by Arminius, a Germanic chieftain and officer of Varus's auxilia. Arminius had received Roman citizenship and a Roman military education, thus allowing him to deceive the Romans methodically and anticipate their tactical responses." -Wikipedia

Iron Maiden - The Clansman

SUBMASQ "Monuments" - Official Video

information about the new album: Progressive rockers SUBMASQ (formerly known as Subterranean Masquerade) will make its Willowtip debut with the September 18 release of its seventh full-length album, Spirit Animal. Recorded across several studios, including the renowned Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden, Spirit Animal was mixed by Adam Noble (Paul McCartney, Biffy Clyro, Nothing But Thieves) and mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Robin Schmidt. SUBMASQ's new album is an autobiographical journey through trauma, addiction, bipolar disorder, and collective memory. At its core lies a constant search for identity and belonging, expressed through nine new songs that embrace bold, accessible songwriting while seamlessly blending ethnic instruments with forward-thinking progressive rock. The album also features a special guest appearance by Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal. SUBMASQ "Monuments" - Official Video

https://www.facebook.com/Submasq

this date in U.S. history - The Name for the New Country - The United States

Wikipedia shows:

September 9, 1776 - The Continental Congress officially names its union of states the United States.

On September 9, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally passed a resolution changing the name of the revolutionary alliance from the "United Colonies" to the "United States of America." By replacing "Colonies" with "States," the delegates codified their break from British rule, signaling to foreign powers like France and Spain that they were dealing with a sovereign, unified nation capable of securing loans, forming military alliances, and issuing international treaties. Before September 1776, people rarely identified as "Americans"—they were proud Virginians, Pennsylvanians, or Massachusetts men first and foremost. The title was largely popularized by Thomas Paine in his January 1776 pamphlet Common Sense and explicitly written into the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson in July 1776.

Iced Earth - "1776"

this date in American history - Stono Rebellion Slave Revolt in South Carolina

Wikipedia shows:

September 9, 1739: Stono Rebellion, the largest slave uprising in Britain's mainland North American colonies prior to the American Revolution, erupts near Charleston, South Carolina.

"The Stono Rebellion (also known as Cato's Conspiracy or Cato's Rebellion) was a slave revolt that began on 9 September 1739, in the colony of South Carolina. It was the largest slave rebellion in the Southern Colonial era, with 25 colonists and 35 to 50 African slaves killed. The uprising's leaders were likely from the Central African Kingdom of Kongo, as they were Catholic and some spoke Portuguese ... The leader of the rebellion, Jemmy, was a literate enslaved man ... The leader of the rebellion, Jemmy, was a literate enslaved man ... Jemmy and his group recruited nearly 60 other slaves and killed more than 20 whites before being intercepted and defeated by the South Carolina militia near the Edisto River. Survivors traveled another 30 miles (50 km) before the militia finally defeated them a week later. Most of the captured slaves were executed; the surviving few were sold to markets in the West Indies. In response to the rebellion, the General Assembly passed the Negro Act of 1740, which restricted slaves' freedoms and placed a moratorium on importing new slaves." -Wikipedia

Running Wild - "Slavery"

this date in history - Vasco de Gama

Wikipedia shows:

September 9, 1499: 1499 – The citizens of Lisbon celebrate the triumphal return of the explorer Vasco de Gama, completing his two-year journey around the Cape of Good Hope to India.

History remembers this important event because Vasco da Gama’s return to Lisbon in September 1499 marked the first time a European ship had successfully sailed directly to India by traveling around the southern tip of Africa. By reaching Calicut, India, his expedition proved that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans were connected. This breakthrough bypassed the traditional overland trade routes through the Middle East, allowing Portugal to buy valuable goods like black pepper and cinnamon directly at their source.

Historians view this single voyage as transforming world trade and establishing Portugal as a global superpower. Da Gama's success broke the long-standing monopoly that Italian and Arab merchants held over the spice trade, bringing incredible wealth back to Lisbon. Ultimately, his journey shifted the center of European economic power from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic coast and opened up the era of European expansion into Asia.

Iron Maiden - "Ghost of the Navigator"

Happy birthday to Kobi Farhi!

September 8, 1975: Kobi Farhi (Orphaned Land vocals) birthday

Orphaned Land feat. Hansi Kürsch - Like Orpheus (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Happy birthday to Mick Brown!

September 8, 1956: Mick Brown (Michael J. Brown) (Dokken drums)

Dokken - In My Dreams (Official Music Video)

Happy birthday to Hannes Grossmann!

September 8, 1982: Hannes Grossmann (Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany)

The Metal Archives shows Hannes' work to be with: Hannes Grossmann, Alkaloid, Aortha, Blotted Science, Empyrean Sanctum, Entity of Chaos, Eternity's End, Howling Sycamore, Leather Hearse, The Fractured Dimension, Triptykon, Nader Sadek (live), ex-Devil's Cry, ex-Shapeshift, ex-Dark Fortress (live), ex-Hate Eternal, ex-Obscura, ex-Christian Muenzner (live), ex-Comaniac (live), ex-Thulcandra (live), ex-Necrophagist, ex-Endtyme Inc. (live), ex-Asurim, ex-Terrestrial Exiled.

Hannes Grossmann - PHOENIX RISE - Adrenaline (Drum Playthrough)

Happy birthday to drummer Jay Weinberg!

September 8, 1990: Jay Bradley Weinberg (drums) birthday

The Metal Archives shows that his drum work includes the following: Fuming Mouth, Infectious Grooves, Jay Weinberg, Suicidal Tendencies, Portraits of an Apparition, Against Me!, Chaosis, Hesitation Wounds, Madball, Sadie Mae, Slipknot, The Reveling, Bleed the Pigs, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Jay Weinberg (Slipknot) - "Psychosocial" Live Drum Cam

Orphaned Land - Middle Eastern Progressive Metal anniversary

September 6, 2013: Orphaned Land: All Is One - 2013, CD, Shinigami Records (Limited edition)

from a review from The Metal Archives:

In the end, these entertaining fifty-four minutes are a stunning and intellectually appealing discovery of different cultures, languages and even music genres that all are an essential part of the heart, mind and pulse of the Middle East. This record tells you more about this fascinating region than many documentaries I have watched. When you really take your time to listen to "All Is One," you can feel this certain kind of magic that only a few records have. This record is about more than just music because it builds a bridge between all these different cultures and despite this noble attempt, the music itself still remains catchy, emotional and innovating. That's where Orphaned Land become authetntic and sympathetic in comparison to the Bonos and Geldofs of this world even though I respect what these guys have done and are still doing. Orphaned Land though come directly from a place that is not always easy to live but they concretely try to make things better and they surely love their origins more than anything else. This album even beats the band's own groundbreaking 2004 progressive folk metal opus magnum "Mabool – The Story Of The Three Sons Of Seven." Along with Amorphis' emotional firework "Circle" and Stratovarius addicting hit album "Nemesis," this album is definitely the best of the year 2013 on my list.

ORPHANED LAND - All Is One (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

ANGRA anniversary

September 6, 2004: Angra - Temple of Shadows - Steamhammer

No Pain for the Dead

Judas Priest anniversary

September 6, 1974: Judas Priest - Rocka Rolla

Excerpt from The Metal Archives reviews: "It was an album that firstly left me a strange impression, neither bad nor good, yet over the years I discover that they have experimental albums with good and bad results. Anyone would put this debut at the level of Point of Entry or some bad record of them, and yes, it doesn't have anthems with catchy choruses like British Steel, nor Painkiller's speediness or Stained Class guitar skills. I admit without shame that this little brother of Sad Wings of Destiny transmits the hippie, hard rock spirit in the purest Priest style. Even for a live recorded album (i.e. not mixed per track), this is too amazing. With my rating I'm not saying it's one of their best (on the Judas Priest scale if you ask) but surely a colossal record in its own right, leaving aside the irrational point of view that initiated fans have about this."

Run Of The Mill

Harlott - The Joyful Stain (Official Video)

Harlott - Exsequiis - Metal Blade Records - 11 September 2026

I’m liking this new album! Album number five from the long-running thrash band Harlott (Australia, 2006-present) is about to arrive. It is eleven tracks in 46 minutes of hard-driving, on-point, laser-focused, pounding, shredding thrash metal curated for quality in the songwriting, barked-prototypical vocals, and tons of guitars. I feel like the first half is more intense and less melodic, while the second finds them pleasantly delivering fast, high-energy songwriting but with more melody, including the vocals, which include some singing.

-Metal Bulletin Zine (state of Washington, USA)

Harlott - The Joyful Stain (Official Video)

https://www.facebook.com/HarlottOfficial

Harlott - Trial by Liar (Official Video)

Harlott - Exsequiis - Metal Blade Records - 11 September 2026

I’m liking this new album! Album number five from the long-running thrash band Harlott (Australia, 2006-present) is about to arrive. It is eleven tracks in 46 minutes of hard-driving, on-point, laser-focused, pounding, shredding thrash metal curated for quality in the songwriting, barked-prototypical vocals, and tons of guitars. I feel like the first half is more intense and less melodic, while the second finds them pleasantly delivering fast, high-energy songwriting but with more melody, including the vocals, which include some singing.

-Metal Bulletin Zine (state of Washington, USA)

Harlott - Trial by Liar (Official Video)

HELLMETALL - Mgła (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Check out this music video from this thrash/death metal band from Italy. This is a new band to me.

Hellmetall (Hell Met All) - Mgla Rockshots Records - 4 September 2026

ABOUT THIS BAND: HELL MET ALL is a Thrash/Death Metal band from Resia (Udine), a remote mountain valley located at the crossroads between Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. Since their formation, the band has developed a distinctive artistic identity by combining aggressive extreme metal with the cultural heritage and historical memory of their homeland. Their most recognizable trait is the use of Resian - the ancient Slavic language spoken in Val Resia - as the exclusive language for their lyrics, giving their music a unique and deeply authentic character.

Musically, HELLMETALL blends the violence and speed of Thrash Metal with the heaviness of Death Metal, enriched by dark melodic textures inspired by the blend of traditions of their valley. Originally featuring stronger folk elements and violin arrangements, the band has progressively evolved toward a heavier and darker sonic direction, incorporating stronger Death and Black Metal influences while preserving the melodic sensibility that has always defined their sound.

The lyrical concept behind HELLMETALL is deeply rooted in the history of Val Resia and the surrounding border territories. Their songs recount real events connected to the First and Second World Wars, drawing inspiration from local memories, stories passed down through generations, and the personal experiences of their ancestors. Through their uncompromising musical approach and the evocative power of the Resian language, the band transforms historical trauma and mountain folklore into a raw and visceral extreme metal experience. HELLMETALL released their debut album "Sa Naso Semjo" in 2015, establishing the foundations of their aggressive and culturally distinctive sound. In early 2026, the band unveiled "Mgła", the title track from their forthcoming second studio album "Mgla", scheduled for release on September 4th, 2026. The new material marks a significant evolution in both songwriting and production, presenting a darker, more mature, and focused incarnation of the band.

Alongside an intense live activity throughout Italy, HELLMETALL has increasingly expanded its presence across Eastern Europe. Their 2026 schedule includes an Eastern European tour, an appearance at Austria’s Kaltenbach Open Air festival, and a dedicated Polish mini-tour later in the year, further strengthening the band’s growing reputation within the underground extreme metal scene.

HELLMETALL - Mgła (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

https://www.facebook.com/HellMetAll.Resia

out now - Kingcrown - adult contemporary heavy metal from France

Kingcrown - Moonfall - Rockshots Records - 4 September 2026

Kingcrown [2015-2018 (as Öblivïon), 2018-present] is adult contemporary heavy metal from France. This is their fifth album, if we include the one when they were called Öblivïon before changing their name. Kingcrown is not here to fool around with you, they're not here to impress you with weird experimentation, and they don't want to show you that they know how to use computers to make heavy metal. They're going to give it to you straight: let's sing along to heavy metal, let's give you melodies, let's give you songs, man, and let's rock, just like the people want. Give the people what they want: big, melodic, sing-along, midtempo heavy metal.

ABOUT THE BAND: French melodic heavy/power metal band Kingcrown returns with their forthcoming album "Moonfall", due for release on September 4th, 2026, via Rockshots Records. Founded by brothers Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), former members of Nightmare, Kingcrown have progressively built a cohesive and recognizable identity within the European metal landscape. The current lineup - Jo Amore, David Amore, Sébastien Chabot (bass), Bob Saliba (guitars), and Ced Legger (guitars) - continues to operate with a strong sense of continuity, a key factor in the band’s increasingly focused sound.

KINGCROWN - Nothing (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

https://www.facebook.com/kingcrownmetal

out now FEBRUUS - progressive death metal

FEBRUUS (Sweden) - Construction of Conflict - Transcending Obscurity Records - 4 September 2026

I have been listening to this Construction of Conflict, the September 4, 2026 release from progressive/technical death metal act Februus (three EPs and two albums so far, including this one) via Transcending Obscurity Records. It is death metal aggression with progressive arrangements. Sometimes it is dissonant, but there is melody, too. It is probably too prog and too dissonant for fans of strict old-school death metal, but you'd be surprised how memorable or melodic the music is if you listen closely. This seems to be a solo project of one Andreas Karlsson, who does everything from the vocals and guitars to the drum programming.

Construction of Conflict by FEBRUUS

https://februusdm.bandcamp.com/album/construction-of-conflict

Rhuin - "Melodic Atmospheric Black Metal from Washington State, themes exploring the Tolkien universe"

Rhuin Olympia, Washington

Act I by Rhuin

https://rhuin.bandcamp.com/album/act-i

Invocation Ritual - death metal from Seattle

Invocation Ritual - death metal from Seattle - 2026 debut album

August 14, 2026: Invocation Ritual - Altered Reality 2026

https://invocationritualofficial.bandcamp.com/album/altered-reality

out now - new epic doom from cult band SCALD

Scald - Relics- Cruz Del Sur Music - 4 September 2026

ABOUT THE BAND: Scald is a heavy metal band formed in Yaroslavl, Russia, in 1993. They play a a midtempo, heavy, melodic style known as epic doom metal, mixing dark guitar riffs with stories from ancient Northern and Slavic mythology. In 1997, they released their first album, Will of Gods Is a Great Power, which became a classic in the underground metal scene. Shortly after it came out, their original singer, Maxim "Agyl" Akayev, died in an accident at age 24. Devastated by his death, the remaining members broke up the band. The original musicians got back together in 2019 with a new singer, Felipe Plaza Kutzbach, to keep the band's legacy alive. They released their second full-length album, Ancient Doom Metal, in 2024. Since 2025, their vocalist is Hrafn (Alexey Goryachev). The Metal Archives shows that the rest of the band is Velingor on bass, Ottar on drums, Harald on guitars and Kary on guitars, all of whom have been with the band since 1993 and 1994, and were the personnel of their cult 1997 album.

ABOUT THIS NEW RECORDING: Cruz Del Sur Music proudly presents, Relics, a new offering from Scald. Exhuming ancient songs from their past and giving them new life with Hrafn, their new vocalist, this is a must have for fans of the genre. This EP opens a new chapter in Scald’s history. They were joined by Hrafn – a magnificent singer famous for his work with Vendel (Russia). He can truly do justice to Agyl’s legacy, which we present to you in Relics.

Three of the five songs — “Master Of Tundra", “Ravens”, and “Flame” — were written after the recording of the legendary album Will Of The Gods Is Great Power (spring 1996 — fall 1997, the year Agyl died). At that point, the band chose to step away from traditional epic doom and, as an experiment, create songs with a more diverse style while still maintaining the original Scald atmosphere.

When writing these three songs, Scald were inspired by the work of the Norwegian Sami singer Mari Boine and in particular her album Leahkastin, progressive metal bands Fates Warning and Dream Theater, as well as Sanctuary’s album Into The Mirror Black and the magnificent singer Warrel Dane with his soulful vocals. These songs had never been recorded in a studio before, but they were occasionally performed at Scald concerts in the past. Fans from all over the world kept asking Scald when they would finally record and release these songs.

track list: Master of Tundra - Ravens - Flame - Falcon - Sokol

Scald - Relics- Cruz Del Sur Music - 4 September 2026

Scald - Sokol

MAD MAX - Silver (Official Lyric Video) [new album out now Stories of Destiny]

Mad Max - Stories of Destiny - (ROAR - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music) - 4 September 2026

BIO- Founded in Münster, Germany in 1981 by guitarist, songwriter and bandleader Jürgen Breforth, MAD MAX have been a constant name in the European melodic hard rock and heavy metal scene for more than four decades. Known for their powerful guitar driven sound, strong melodies and classic hard rock attitude, the band have built a loyal international fanbase through numerous studio albums, tours and festival appearances.

In 2026, MAD MAX celebrate their 45th anniversary with the studio album Stories Of Destiny. The record reflects the band’s long history while opening a new chapter with UK singer Alan Clark, known to many fans from DARK HEART. At the same time, the album brings back original MAD MAX vocalist Andreas Baesler for the first time in 45 years, creating a direct link between the band’s earliest days and its present.

Stories Of Destiny is built around songs that Jürgen Breforth had the honor to co-write with respected names from the rock and metal world, including Sascha Gerstner of HELLOWEEN, David Readman of PINK CREAM 69, Andreas Broon of THE SISTERS OF MERCY and Michael Voss, known from his work with Michael Schenker. These songs have now been reimagined and recorded in the unmistakable MAD MAX style.

The album also includes two previously unreleased MAD MAX songs from 1991, “Til’ The End Of Time” and “Weapons Of Love”. Another highlight is the newly recorded version of “Piece Of Candy”, based on the very first guitar riff Jürgen Breforth ever wrote for MAD MAX in 1981, now performed as a duet between Alan Clark and Andreas Baesler. Its Spanish version, “Dulces Falsos”, is the first MAD MAX song ever recorded with Spanish lyrics and serves as a tribute to the band’s fans in Latin America.

The visual world of Stories Of Destiny also connects to the MAD MAX comic, created by Mexican comic artist Maestro Arturo Said. The comic tells the story of the band from its founding days in 1981 through the 1980s and up to MAD MAX’s first shows in Colombia in 2023, making the album both a musical and visual celebration of the band’s legacy.

MAD MAX Is:

Alan Clark - Vocals

Jürgen Breforth - Guitar

Wilfried Schneider - Guitar

Thomas Hoffmann - Bass

Uwe Starck - Drums

Andreas Baesler - Guest Vocals ("Piece of Candy", "Dulces Falsos")

Track List:

1. Silver

2. Weapons of Love

3. Keep You Alive

4. Far Behind

5. Piece of Candy

6. 'Til the End of Time

7. Bullet

8. Mad Gone Blind

9. She Was Mine

10. Wings of Freedom

11. Dulces Falsos

"'Silver' is the first single from the upcoming brandnew MAD MAX studio album "Stories of Destiny" and following the international success of the MAD MAX comic, which was the very first comic book of a German band in Latin America. The video features a comic full of mystery, adventures and emotion. The song was originally written 2001 for the debut album of MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP singer GARY BARDEN. It was a huge honour for me to co-write the song with Andreas Broon. Andreas Broon was a member of the band THE SISTERS OF MERCY for a couple of years and received 2 golden records with the band. Besides that he’s a top class songwriter for many artists like for example DORO PESCH. When I co-wrote 'Silver' back in the days, I immediately thought that this would be a major hit single, but a great many obstacles stood in the album's way. Now I'm more than proud to present the MAD MAX version of 'Silver' with a slighter heavier guitar edge than the original but still keeping its 'British touch' with our new lead singer Alan Clark from the UK." - Jürgen Breforth (band founder & songwriter) MAD MAX - Silver (Official Lyric Video)

remembering singer Tim Aymar (Pharaoh/Control Denied) on his birthday

September 4, 1963: RIP Tim Aymar (Pharaoh/Control Denied) (September 4, 1963 - February 13, 2023) - birthday

According to Wikipedia: Timothy Lee Aymar (September 4, 1963 – February 13, 2023) was an American heavy metal singer. He was best known as the vocalist of progressive metal band Pharaoh and for his work with Chuck Schuldiner in Control Denied. His rise to fame began with his band, Triple-X. Aymar had been a vocalist since 1985 with the band 313. He later joined Triple X and released an album with them. He joined Psycho Scream, where his bandmate Jim Dofka introduced him to the music of Chuck Schuldiner and his band Death. Schuldiner had heard Psycho Scream and contacted Dofka, asking Aymar to join his band Control Denied. After a three-song audition, he joined Schuldiner's as the vocalist. He was known for his strong vocals in that band.

CONTROL DENIED - "Breaking The Broken" (Official Music Video)

Dreams of Gray - Chicago melodic death metal anniversary

September 4, 2025: Dreams of Gray - Across the Endless Sea - YouTube Premiere

According to Metal Temple: DREAMS OF GRAY is an Extreme Metal band from Chicago that combines Doom Metal with Thrash Metal. They were formed in 2022 ... All put together I can only conclude that DREAMS OF GRAY have delivered one cracking, beautiful and impressive EP with "A Beginning". And I certainly hope that the title is a prophecy, that this is just the start of a journey of discovery that we, the audience, will be allowed to take with DREAMS OF GRAY. Because as far as I'm concerned, I like "A Beginning" so much that I am booking a flight with these guys of Chicago to wherever they want to go, as long as they keep up making beautiful music. If they can achieve this level on a full length album, you can rest assured that my rating will go up at least one full point.

A Beginning by Dreams of Gray