in memory of IRON ANGEL guitarist Peter Wittke

September 21, 2000: RIP Peter Wittke (Iron Angel guitarist 1983-1986, 1997-2000)

The Metal Archives shows that Peter was with Iron Angel (Germany) during their initial run that built their reputation as a heavy metal/speed metal band, in particular their two 1980s albums: 1985 Hellish Crossfire and 1986 Winds of War.

"The band's origins can be traced back to 1980 when drummer Mike Matthes and bassist Thorsten Lohmann were in a school band called Metal Gods, taken from the Judas Priest song of the same name. In 1983, they formed their own band, with guitarists Peter Wittke and Sven Strüven as additional members. They began to audition for a vocalist, in which Dirk Schröder was present at the time. With no other vocalists meeting their needs, Schröder was selected. The band was then known as Iron Angel, which was inspired by a novel about a spirit hunter. Three demos were recorded in 1984, with one of them being the result of the band's signing to SPV/Steamhammer. Their debut album Hellish Crossfire was released in 1985, which received critical acclaim and became known in the German speed metal scene. In 1986, bassist Thorsten Lohmann departed the band and was replaced with Günther Moritz as their temporary member for the tour with King Diamond in Germany, prior to the next album Winds of War, which was released in June 1986. The album's style was slightly different than its predecessor. It is explained that the members debated about the band's musical direction, which resulted in rising tensions until mid 1986. Iron Angel then decided to call it quits." -Wikipedia

IRON ANGEL - The Metallian

VENI DOMINE - progressive power doom metal anniversary

September 21, 2024: Veni Domine - Fall Babylon Fall (2024), 2 12" vinyls, Melodic Passion Records (Limited edition, Remastered) (reissue of 1992)

September 21, 2024: Veni Domine - Fall Babylon Fall (2024), CD, Melodic Passion Records (Reissue, Remastered) (reissue of 1992)

"Veni Domine was a Christian progressive doom metal band founded in Sollentuna, Sweden in 1987. The band split up on 20 September 2014. Veni Domine combined down-tempo melodic heavy metal, symphonic metal and doom metal with occasional touches of gothic metal. The band does not clearly fit into a specific category; according to the band, in doom metal festivals they are labeled as 'power metal' and in power metal events as 'doom metal'. During the early years, the band's lyrics dealt with apocalyptic themes from biblical point of view. Later, their lyrics were more about personal topics. Originally, vocalist Fredrik Ohlsson represented operatic, high-pitched vocals but has since shifted to more lower vocal range during the years. Fall Babylon Fall and Material Sanctuary are the band's significant, acclaimed albums." -Wikipedia

VENI DOMINE - King of the Jews

VENI DOMINE - progressive power doom metal anniversary

September 21, 2024: Veni Domine - Material Sanctuary (2024), CD, Melodic Passion Records (Reissue, Remastered) (reissue of 1994)

September 21, 2024: Veni Domine - Material Sanctuary (2024), 2 12" vinyls, Melodic Passion Records (Limited edition, Remastered) (reissue of 1994)

"Veni Domine was a Christian progressive doom metal band founded in Sollentuna, Sweden in 1987. The band split up on 20 September 2014. Veni Domine combined down-tempo melodic heavy metal, symphonic metal and doom metal with occasional touches of gothic metal. The band does not clearly fit into a specific category; according to the band, in doom metal festivals they are labeled as 'power metal' and in power metal events as 'doom metal'. During the early years, the band's lyrics dealt with apocalyptic themes from biblical point of view. Later, their lyrics were more about personal topics. Originally, vocalist Fredrik Ohlsson represented operatic, high-pitched vocals but has since shifted to more lower vocal range during the years. Fall Babylon Fall and Material Sanctuary are the band's significant, acclaimed albums." -Wikipedia

VENI DOMINE - The Meeting

Happy birthday to Bolt Thrower death metal vocalist Karl Willetts!

September 21, 1966: Karl Willetts (Bolt Thrower, Memoriam, H Drive Project) - birthday

"Karl Willetts (born 21 September 1966) is an English death metal vocalist, best known as the lead singer of Bolt Thrower and Memoriam." -Wikipedia

Bolt Thrower - Where Next To Conquer (Official Audio)

PETRA classic rock anniversary

September 21, 1982: Petra – More Power to Ya - Star Song Records

"More Power to Ya is the fifth studio album of the Christian rock band, Petra. It was released in 1982. This was the first album to feature Louie Weaver as the official drummer. It also features the vocals of bassist Mark Kelly in the song "Disciple". The album climbed to number 3 on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart." -Wikipedia

PETRA - Run For The Prize

Ozzy Osbourne - classic heavy metal anniversary

September 20, 1980 (UK): Ozzy Osbourne - Blizzard of Ozz - Jet Records

March 27, 1981 (USA): Ozzy Osbourne - Blizzard of Ozz - Jet Records

The Metal Archives shows: "The album was released on September 20th, 1980 in the UK, and on March 27th, 1981 in the USA."

On the other hand, according to Wikipedia the UK date us September 12, "Blizzard of Ozz is the debut studio album by the English heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne. Released on 12 September 1980 in the UK and on 27 March 1981 in the US, the album was Osbourne's first release following his firing from Black Sabbath in 1979. Blizzard of Ozz is the first of two studio albums Osbourne recorded with guitarist Randy Rhoads prior to Rhoads' death in 1982."

Ozzy Osbourne - Revelation (Mother Earth)

Happy birthday to Vinny!

September 13, 1957: Vinny Appice (Vincent Samson Appice) birthday

"Vincent Samson Appice (born September 13, 1957) is an American rock and metal drummer best known for his work with the bands Dio, Black Sabbath, and Heaven & Hell. He is the younger brother of drummer Carmine Appice." -Wikipedia

Black Sabbath - Country Girl

Happy birthday to Ripper!

September 13, 1967: Tim "Ripper" Owens (Timothy Steven Owens)

Judas Priest - Burn In Hell (Live)

Happy birthday to Kelly from Atheist!

September 13, 1968: Kelly Shaefer (Atheist)

"Atheist is an American death metal band from Sarasota, Florida, formed in 1987. The band's original lineup consisted vocalist and rhythm guitarist Kelly Shaefer, lead guitarist Rand Burkey, bassist Roger Patterson and drummer Steve Flynn. The band is known for its highly technical playing style, and its 1991 album Unquestionable Presence is regarded as a landmark of the technical death metal genre. The band gained a following largely within its own genre. After disbanding in 1994, the group reformed in 2006 and has since released one studio album and a live DVD." -Wikipedia

ATHEIST - Piece of Time (OFFICIAL FULL ALBUM STREAM)

CAGE heavy metal anniversary

September 13, 1998: Cage - Unveiled

"Cage is an American heavy metal band from San Diego, California. Over their career, the band has released seven studio albums and played shows with Great White, Manowar, Metallica, and Judas Priest ... Cage formed in 1992 with the original lineup being, Sean Peck (vocals), David Garcia (guitar), Eric Horton (guitar), Mike Giordano (bass), and Damian Arletto (drums). Peck had previously been the leader of a band called Nomad, while Garcia and Giordano had performed with Crusher. Garcia and Horton had also been a part of Nomad with Peck. Even though the band formed in 1992, the band did not release their first album, Unveiled, until 1998, likely due to it being self-produced." -Wikipedia

Cage - Modern Darkness

Cynic progressive death metal anniversary

September 13, 1993: Cynic - Focus - Roadrunner Records

"Focus is the debut studio album by American metal band Cynic, released September 14, 1993, through Roadrunner Records. A remastered version of the album was released in 2004." -Wikipedia [The Metal Archives shows September 13, 1993.]

"Cynic is an American progressive metal band formed in Miami, Florida in 1987. Paul Masvidal originally served solely as the band's guitarist, but later took over as lead vocalist and chief songwriter. Cynic incorporates elements of progressive rock, alternative, and metal." -Wikipedia

Cynic – Focus

Flotsam and Jetsam anniversary

September 13, 2024: Flotsam and Jetsam - I Am the Weapon - AFM Records

"I Am the Weapon is the fifteenth studio album by American thrash metal band Flotsam and Jetsam, released on September 13, 2024. This album marked the first time since 2010's The Cold that the band recorded more than one album with the same lineup." - Wikipedia

Flotsam and Jetsam - Primal

in memory of Faith or Fear bassist C.J. Jenkins

September 13, 2009: RIP C.J. Jenkins (Clarence Jenkins) (September 22, 1958 - September 13, 2009) (Faith or Fear bass 1982-1991, 2002-2003, 2008-2009)

Faith or Fear's period of activity: 1982-1991, 2002-2003, 2008-present. Faith or Fear is a thrash metal band from Pennsylvania /New Jersey, USA whose first run was from 1982 until 1991, with subsequent reunions.

Faith or Fear - Punishment Area (Punishment Area 1989)

Blue Öyster Cult anniversary

September 13, 1978: Blue Öyster Cult - Some Enchanted Evening - Columbia Records

"Some Enchanted Evening is the second live album by the American rock band Blue Öyster Cult, released on September 13, 1978. The album was certified for a million units sold in the United States. The album's seven tracks were recorded at various locations in the United States and England." -Wikipedia

Blue Öyster Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper (Live at Barton Coliseum, Little Rock, AR - April 1978)

Alice Cooper anniversary

September 13, 2011: Alice Cooper - Welcome 2 My Nightmare - UMe Records

"Welcome 2 My Nightmare (also known as Welcome to My Nightmare 2) is the nineteenth solo and the twenty-sixth studio album by American rock musician Alice Cooper, released on September 13, 2011, by UME. It is a sequel to his 1975 album Welcome to My Nightmare. Peaking at No. 22 in the Billboard 200, it is Cooper's highest-charting album in the US since 1989's Trash." -Wikipedia

Alice Cooper - A Runaway Train

Stryper anniversary

Stryper anniversary

September 13, 2024: Stryper – When We Were Kings - Frontiers Records "When We Were Kings is the twentieth release and sixteenth studio album by Christian metal band Stryper, produced by frontman Michael Sweet and released on September 13, 2024. A month before its release, the band released the self titled track music video." -Wikipedia

Stryper "When We Were Kings" - Official Music Video

Suicidal Tendencies anniversary

September 13, 1988: Suicidal Tendencies - How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today - Epic Records

"How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today is the third studio album by American crossover thrash band Suicidal Tendencies. It was released on September 13, 1988 on Epic Records, the band's first album on that label. It was also their first album recorded with guitarist Mike Clark and their only release with bassist Bob Heathcote, who was replaced by Robert Trujillo in 1989. It is considered to be an essential release in the genre by Revolver." -Wikipedia

"How Will I Laugh... represents a critical step in Suicidal Tendencies' stylistic evolution, in that it captures the band abandoning most of their full-fledged punk influences in favor of a more thrash-oriented sound. One begins to hear this stylistic shift in this album's predecessor Join the Army, with 'How Will I Laugh' delivering a distinctly more defined metal sound, with more complex and lengthy songs, and better production values ... The addition of a rhythm guitarist Mike Clark (who had played with vocalist Mike Muir in No Mercy, which was supposed to originally be a metal-only side project) changed the band's style heavily as well. Clark wrote much of the music for this album and gave lead guitarist Rocky George more soloing time, thus creating another factor in this album and future albums' more metal-oriented sound." -Wikipedia

Suicidal Tendencies - How Will I Laugh Tomorrow

DOKKEN anniversary

September 13, 1984: Dokken - Tooth and Nail - Elektra Records

"Tooth and Nail is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Dokken, released on September 17, 1984 through Elektra Records ... After the unsuccessful US release of the band's 1983 debut album, Breaking the Chains, the record label was reluctant to give credit to Dokken for a follow-up. Dokken's management struggled to convince the label's executives to give the band another chance and this fight for recognition is reflected in the album's title. This album was the group's first with bassist Jeff Pilson following Juan Croucier's departure to join Ratt ... Tooth and Nail received positive reviews but was a slow seller, reaching the peak of No. 49 on the US Billboard 200 album chart and Gold status more than ten months after its release, on the wake of the success of the single 'Alone Again' and of its accompanying music video. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1989, after both Under Lock and Key (1985) and Back for the Attack (1987) had achieved such status." -Wikipedia

DOKKEN - Tooth and Nail

War of Ages anniversary

September 13, 2019: War of Ages - Void - Facedown Records

"Void is the eighth studio album by American Christian metal band War of Ages. It was released on September 13, 2019, and produced by the band's guitarist, Jack Daniels. It is the only studio album by the band to feature Kaleb Leubchow on drums while he was alive, as Leubchow died in 2022 following the release of the EP Rhema, and their 2023 release Dominion consists of posthumous recordings." -Wikipedia

War of Ages - Blood of the Earth

Since the Death anniversary

September 13th, 2024: Since the Death - Underbara Människa (single)

death/black/thrash metal from Linköping, Östergötland, Sweden

Since The Death - Underbara Människa

Underbara Människa by Since The Death

Tristania gothic metal anniversary

September 13, 1999: Tristania - Beyond the Veil - Napalm Records

Wikipedia notes about the album:

Beyond the Veil is the second full-length album by the Norwegian band Tristania. It is the last album to feature the band's former vocalist, guitarist and core songwriter, Morten Veland. Tristania stood apart from the other bands of the genre with their use of three distinct vocal styles in the "operatic soprano Vibeke Stene, clean-singing counter-tenor Østen Bergøy, and harsh, black metal-style shrieker Morten Veland". Beyond the Veil made use of a ten-member choir and featured violin passages from Pete Johansen of The Sins of Thy Beloved, earning "rave reviews" across Europe. By then, the band had risen to "the top of the gothic metal heap" with their "lush, symphonically enhanced" approach. The album features "tender ethereal female voices" and "the brutality and harshness", making it a promoter on the gothic metal scene. They were "dealt a potentially crippling blow" when singer, guitarist and principal composer Veland left the group to form Sirenia. Tristania has continued to prosper with subsequent releases[11] and has since been "regarded as one of the world's premiere goth metal bands".

Tristania - Aphelion

Testimony of Apocalypse anniversary

September 13, 2021: Testimony of Apocalypse - Redemption (single) - The Charon Collective

ABOUT THE BAND: "Testimony of Apocalypse brings brutal, high-energy metal with thrash, groove, and death elements in a progressive sound. Formed in 2021, their debut album, None Escape the Judgement (2022), featured Sacrament’s Michael Torone. The follow-up, The Offering (2023), showcased 10 guest vocalists. Now with Derek Corzine as frontman, their third album, Agony in the Garden, arrives in 2025."

This single was later on incorporated into the 2022 album None Escape the Judgement as the second song.

Testimony of Apocalypse - Redemption (Lyric Video)

Anthrax anniversary

September 13, 2011: Anthrax - Worship Music - Megaforce Records

"Worship Music is the tenth studio album by American heavy metal band Anthrax. The album was released on September 12, 2011, internationally, and on September 13 in the United States. It was the band's first album of original material since 2003's We've Come for You All, the first full-length Anthrax album since the return of longtime vocalist Joey Belladonna, and the final album with guitarist Rob Caggiano prior to his departure in January 2013." -Wikipedia

Anthrax - "Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't"

MEGADETH anniversary

MEGADETH anniversary

September 13, 1999: Megadeth - Risk - 1999, Cassette, CD Club

"Risk is the eighth studio album by American heavy metal band Megadeth, released on August 31, 1999, by Capitol Records, the band's last album to be released by the label. The first Megadeth album since 1990 to feature a lineup change, Risk marks the studio debut of drummer Jimmy DeGrasso with the band, as well as the final appearance of longtime guitarist Marty Friedman, who announced his departure a year later." -Wikipedia

Megadeth - "Breadline" - Risk (1999)

KISS anniversary

September 13, 1984: KISS - Animalize - Mercury Records

"Animalize is the twelfth studio album by American rock band Kiss. It was released on September 13, 1984, by Mercury Records. The album marked the only appearance by lead guitarist Mark St. John, who replaced Vinnie Vincent in April 1984." -Wikipedia

Kiss - Thrills In The Night

in memory of composer Arnold Schoenberg on his birthday

September 13, 1874: Arnold Schoenberg (September 13, 1874 – July 13, 1951)

"Arnold Schoenberg or Schönberg (13 September 1874 – 13 July 1951) was an Austrian and American modernist composer, music theorist, and teacher associated with developing variation, the emancipation of the dissonance, and twelve-tone composition. He taught composition in Vienna and at the Prussian Academy of Arts (1925–1933), resigning in anticipation of Nazi Germany's civil–service restrictions. He defiantly reaffirmed his Judaism before immigrating to the United States, where he taught at the University of California, Los Angeles (1936–1944)."

Wikipedia observes about Schoenberg's "Pierrot lunaire":

Dreimal sieben Gedichte aus Albert Girauds "Pierrot lunaire" ("Three times Seven Poems from Albert Giraud's 'Pierrot lunaire'"), commonly known simply as Pierrot lunaire, Op. 21 ("Moonstruck Pierrot" or "Pierrot in the Moonlight"), is a melodrama by Arnold Schoenberg. It is a setting of 21 selected poems from Albert Giraud's cycle of the same name as translated into German by Otto Erich Hartleben ... Pierrot lunaire is among Schoenberg's most celebrated and frequently performed works. Its instrumentation – flute (doubling piccolo), clarinet (doubling bass clarinet), violin (doubling viola), cello, and piano, with the addition of a vocalist – is an important ensemble in 20th- and 21st-century classical music and is referred to as a Pierrot ensemble.

Arnold Schoenberg - "Pierrot lunaire"

Complete performance: Schoenberg's Pierrot lunaire

The Schoenberg Automaton(Australia/Canada 2009-2017; technical death metal/deathcore)

Besides their name, the band used Schoenberg’s bold ideas about music as a guide when writing their own songs. Instead of following normal patterns, Schoenberg rewrote the rules for how notes and song structures fit together. The band took that mindset and applied it to heavy metal. They created fast, chaotic, and harsh technical death metal filled with tricky rhythms, sudden changes, and strange, uncomfortable-sounding notes.

The Schoenberg Automaton - Apus

Happy birthday to Dave!

September 13, 1961: Dave Mustaine (David Scott Mustaine) birthday

"David Scott Mustaine (born September 13, 1961) is an American musician. He is the co-founder, frontman, primary songwriter and sole consistent member of the thrash metal band Megadeth and was the lead guitarist of Metallica from 1981 to 1983. Megadeth has released seventeen studio albums, sold over 50 million records worldwide, with five albums platinum-certified, and won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2017 at the 59th Grammy Awards, for the title track of their fifteenth studio album, Dystopia." -Wikipedia

Megadeth - Hook In Mouth (Remastered)

PINK FLOYD anniversary

September 12, 1975: Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here - Harvest/Columbia Records "Wish You Were Here is the ninth studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd, released on 12 September 1975 through Harvest Records in the United Kingdom and a day later in the United States through Columbia Records, as the band's first album for the label." -Wikipedia

"In 2015, Rolling Stone named it the fourth-greatest progressive rock album. In 2014, Prog readers voted it the seventh-greatest progressive rock album. In 1998, Q readers voted Wish You Were Here the 34th-greatest album. In 2000, Q placed it at number 43 in its list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever. In 2000, it was voted number 38 in Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums. IN 2007, ONE OF GERMANY'S LARGEST PUBLIC RADIO STATIONS, WDR 2, ASKED ITS LISTENERS TO VOTE FOR THE 200 BEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME. WISH YOU WERE HERE WAS VOTED NUMBER ONE. In 2004, Wish You Were Here was ranked number 36 on the Pitchfork list of the Top 100 albums of the 1970s. IGN rated Wish You Were Here as the eighth-greatest classic rock album, and Ultimate Classic Rock placed Wish You Were Here as the second-best Pink Floyd album." -Wikipedia

Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here

THIN LIZZY anniversary

September 12, 1975: Thin Lizzy - Fighting - Vertigo Records

"Fighting is the fifth studio album by Irish rock band Thin Lizzy, released in 1975. Following the release of four studio albums, the band finally forged an identifiable sound featuring the twin guitars of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson. This sound draws from hard rock, folk, pop and rhythm and blues. It set the stage for the big commercial breakthrough of the follow-up album, Jailbreak. The album was also their first album to chart in the UK, hitting No. 60." -Wikipedia

Thin Lizzy - Fighting My Way Back

ANNIHILATOR anniversary

September 12, 1990: Annihilator - Never, Neverland - Roadrunner Records

"Never, Neverland is the second album by thrash/heavy metal band Annihilator, released on August 7, 1990, through Roadrunner." -Wikipedia (The Metal Archives shows September 12, 1990)

Annihilator - Road to Ruin

HYPERSTRIKE high action hero heavy metal anniversary

September 12, 2025: Hyperstrike - High Risk (debut album)

Hyperstrike - Seattle action heavy metal since 2024

ABOUT THESE HEROES: Born of "The Blade" Seattle, WA, Hyperstrike brings action, danger and excitement back to heavy metal. Feat. members of Xoth, Ghost Ship Octavius. Chop Daddy on Nasty Slap Bass, Brain Lord on Explosive Pipes, Siberian Claw on Ripping Guitar, and Goblin Hammer on epic drums.

Hyperstrike - Savage Sword

Hyperstrike - Leaving You Again

High Risk by Hyperstrike

in memory of RUSH drummer Neil Peart on his birthday

September 12, 1952: Neil Peart (Neil Ellwood Peart; September 12, 1952 – January 7, 2020)

Rush - Anthem

in memory of PARADOX drummer Axel Blaha

September 12, 2023: RIP Axel Blaha (June 7, 1964 - September, 2023) (Paradox drums 1986-1991, 2016-2023)

The Metal Archives shows his work with Paradox includes the albums: 1987 Product of Imagination; 1989 Heresy (90% rating with seven reviews); 2021 Heresy II: End of a Legend; 2024 Rearrange the Past.

Paradox - Search for Perfection

DEMON HUNTER anniversary

September 12, 2025: Demon Hunter – There Was a Light Here - Weapons MFG "There Was a Light Here is the twelfth studio album by American Christian metal band Demon Hunter, released through their self-founded record label, Weapons MFG. It was released on September 12, 2025." -Wikipedia

Demon Hunter "I'm Done" Official Music Video

Demon Hunter "Sorrow Light The Way" Official Music Video

Demon Hunter "There Was A Light Here" Official Music Video

GAMMA RAY anniversary

September 12, 2001: Gamma Ray - No World Order! (2001), CD, Victor (Japan, Digipak) "No World Order is the seventh full-length album by the German power metal band Gamma Ray released in 2001." -Wikipedia

Gamma Ray - No World Order! - The Heart of the Unicorn

LED ZEPPELIN anniversary

LED ZEPPELIN anniversary

September 12, 2025: Led Zeppelin - Live EP - Atlantic

"Live E.P. is a live EP by the English rock band Led Zeppelin in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of their 1975 studio album, Physical Graffiti." -Wikipedia

Led Zeppelin - Kashmir (Live at Knebworth 1979) (Official Video)

MEGADETH anniversary

MEGADETH anniversary

September 12, 2012: Megadeth - Endgame (2012), CD, Warner Music Japan (Japan, Reissue) (reissue of 2009)

"Endgame (sometimes stylized as ENDGAME) is the twelfth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth." -Wikipedia

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)