Photo Credit: Johan Baath

Swedish kings of honest and unadorned heavy metal, GRAND MAGUS, are proud to unleash their 10th studio album, Sunraven, on the world today (Nuclear Blast Records).

In celebration, the trio have released a music video for its powerful title track, 'Sunraven', which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/_LCkYX8foTY

Purchase or listen to Sunraven here: https://grandmagus.bfan.link/sunraven.ema

Sunraven is a concept album dealing with the legendary poem Beowulf, an ancient tale of epic proportions about heroes and monsters, honor and bravery, victory and defeat. In short, themes that have always played an important role in the lyrical concept of GRAND MAGUS.

Sunraven takes the band’s music to a new level of cinematic boldness and heroic abandon, with numerous new anthems that the faithful are destined to embrace with enthusiasm. Still flying the flag for purity of intent in a cynical world, GRAND MAGUS are weather-beaten veterans on the hard road to heavy metal glory. Dragons beware. Judgement is coming.

Not every band can be 100 percent authentic and true. Not every band has the necessary cojones to summon the spirit of heavy metal. But Grand Magus are not every band. A trio of windswept warriors, driven by belief in the power of this ageless music that so many of us consider a real world lifeline, they return in 2024 with glad tidings of heroism and valour.
 
Over the course of 25 years, the Swedish trio have established themselves as stoic standard bearers for heavy metal in its purest, most triumphant form. From their early years as honorary combatants in the doom scene, Grand Magus have grown in confidence and stature with every passing year. Initially signed to legendary UK imprint Rise Above Records, they released acclaimed albums like 2003’s Monument and 2005’s fiery breakthrough opus Wolf’s Return, and garnered effusive plaudits for live shows that always resounded with the thump of metal’s beating heart.
 
Later signed to Roadrunner and then Nuclear Blast Records, Grand Magus have marched on through the decades with their now trademark sign, a continual benchmark for red-blooded heaviness. Bulging with fresh anthems, albums like Triumph & Power (2014) and Sword Songs (2016) took the band to new heights, as their status as a thunderous, rabble-rousing live band continued to grow. In 2019, ninth studio album Wolf God put the seal on a second decade of active service, and Grand Magus set off on tour as 2020 dawned; only to be confronted with a worldwide Covid shutdown that might have even spelled the end for Stockholm’s finest.

When work finally began on the tenth Grand Magus album, JB made tentative steps towards something bigger and better than past achievements. With a final deadline waiting at the end of 2023, he began to piece together some ideas in January, slowly forming the backbone of what would become the new Grand Magus album, Sunraven. After reconvening with bassist Fox and drummer Ludwig Witt in Halmstad, Sweden, the new songs swiftly came to life.

Not just the tenth Grand Magus full-length, but their first bona fide concept album, Sunraven is a full-bore return to the heavy metal might of Wolf God and Sword Songs, but with an underlying story that adds greater depth to the Swedes’ earthy bombast. Made manifest via a gritty but grandiose production courtesy of the band and co-producer Staffan Karlsson, Sunraven was inspired by the revered Old English epic poem of Beowulf. In true heavy metal style, these nine new songs dive deep into heroic fantasy, but with the same real world resonances that are scorched into the genre’s calloused skin.

Grand Magus are:
Janne "JB" Christoffersson – guitars, lead vocals 
Mats "Fox" Skinner – bass, backing vocals
Ludwig "Ludde" Witt – drums 

Grand Magus online:
https://www.facebook.com/grandmagusofficial
https://www.instagram.com/grandmagusband
https://www.grandmagus.com

TRACKLISTING:
1.     Skybound
2.     The Wheel of Pain
3.     Sunraven
4.     Winter Storms
5.     The Black Lake
6.     Hour of the Wolf
7.     Grendel
8.     To Heorot
9.     The End Belongs to You

Photo Credit: Ki Price

Rock trio MUDSHARK have released a video for their new single 'CLOSE YOUR EYES'. The track is another glimpse into their upcoming EP BEWARE OF THE GERMAN SHEPHERD, due for release on 22nd November.

Check out the video for 'CLOSE YOUR EYES' here: https://youtu.be/9I8_bnowLsY

Stream 'CLOSE YOUR EYES' here: https://linktr.ee/MUDSHARK
.
The band comment: 

"'CLOSE YOUR EYES' is another track thatHagen(guitar) wrote at the age of 14. As always, the song would only come to life years later withSTR▲NGR's (vocals) words and vocal melodies. The riffing is heavily inspired byLamb of God's signature triplet grooves from masterpieces 'Ashes of the Wake' and 'Sacrament', the chorus and chords wouldn't be the same without the first twoLinkin Parkalbums. The lyrics are partly inspired by the events and controversy ofWoodstock '99. As for most of our lyrics though, they draw their main inspiration fromSTR▲NGR's subconscious. What do you think the song is about? Make up your own mind and sing the words to this song at our shows. If you don’t know the words, sing the chorus. If you don’t know the chorus, sing the riff. If you don’t know the riff, listen to the song."

MUDSHARK are a three-piece rock band from London, UK. Formed at Download Festival 2019, MUDSHARK blends filthy, heavy riffs with soaring, soulful melodies. The name is not only reminiscent of their experience of Download, but further stands as a metaphor for MUDSHARK's musical mission.

The band consists of A. STR▲NGR, Hagen Brüggemann and Sebastian Richards. In August 2022, MUDSHARK recorded their debut EP ZLV at The Ranch Production House in Southampton, UK. Engineered and mixed by Neil Kennedy (Boston Manor, Creeper, Press To MECO) and mastered in the USA by Gene "Machine" Freeman (Lamb of God, Clutch, Every Time I Die). ZLV was released worldwide on 23rd June 2023.

MUDSHARK were back in the studio in September and October 2023, to record their second EP BEWARE OF THE GERMAN SHEPHERD, working with Forrester Savell (Karnivool, TesseracT, Earthside) as producer, mixing and mastering engineer. The EP is due for release on 22nd November 2024 with three advance singles, 'SHATTER SOME', 'CLOSE YOUR EYES' and 'BEAUTIFUL'. 

MUDSHARK are:

A. STR▲NGR (vocals)
Hagen Brüggemann (guitar)
Sebastian Richards (bass)

For more information:
https://mudshark.net
https://www.facebook.com/mudsharkofficial
https://www.instagram.com/mudsharkofficial

Photo Credit: Anne-Marie Forker

Guitar virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist Richard Henshall returns with his new single 'Bounce', the second taken from his upcoming  new EP - the second in an a trilogy -  Mu Vol. II. 

Watch the video for 'Bounce' here: https://youtu.be/RbgxZcI0w7M

Stream 'Bounce' here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/richardhenshall/bounce

On the track, Richard Henshall commented "I like to think of this one as the sister song to 'Land Aliens' [on the Mu Vol. I EP] as it shares the same rhythmic motif. They initially started life in the same project, but clearly sound very different from each other, so I did the sensible thing and split them into two tracks. Once again, I'm working with the incredible Lang Zhao on drums. His versatile playing style has really helped bring the "bounce" to this one. I'm also lucky to have Adam Carrillo rip out another tasty solo on this one after his stellar work on Mu Vol. I. I can't wait to share the rest of Mu Vol. II with everyone in the coming months."

The single follows 'Black Rain', which was released last month. A release date for Mu Vol. II. will be announced soon.

During 2020 Henshall started work on his Mu collection, a trilogy of EPs that explore his love for jazz-infused, intricate instrumental music. The EPs will be released throughout 2024 and promise to be some of his most richly textured, adventurous music to date. Henshall is joined by drummer Lang Zhao and saxophonist Adam Carillio, while he handles guitar, bass & keyboard duties.

Richard Henshall is a composer, guitarist and keyboardist hailing from London, England. He is acclaimed for his work as founding member of progressive metal juggernaut Haken, as well as his endeavours as a solo artist. Henshall has been named as Music Radar’s no. 11 'best prog guitarist’ and in Guitar World’s ‘top 15 best prog rock guitarist’. 

In 2014, Henshall joined forces with Between the Buried and Me’s Dan Briggs and formed Nova Collective. Together they wrote the critically acclaimed ‘The Further Side’, which draws influences from the likes of Chick Corea and Mahavishnu Orchestra. In 2017, Henshall, alongside his Haken bandmates, featured in Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress performing the songs of Dream Theater for a year of very special shows around the world.

In 2019, Henshall completed work on his ambitious debut solo album, entitled The Cocoon, which features Jordan Rudess as well as host of other guests. The music ranges from dense polyrhythmic passages to delicate minimalistic interludes and features Henshall’s trademark guitar and keyboard playing throughout along with his debut performance as a lead vocalist. Prog Radar described it as “a truly impressive release and one that shows Richard at the height of his creative powers.” 

Richard Henshall online:
https://www.facebook.com/RichHenshall
https://www.instagram.com/rich_henshall

Veiled, the UK’s most electrifying rising deathcore band, are rapidly forging a distinctive identity within the metal landscape. Today, as they celebrate the launch of SE/CT, their highly anticipated debut album, they unveil their third single, 'Hellbound'. 'Hellbound’ blends raw emotion with a cinematic landscape of darkness and desperation, where hope battles against the inevitability of surrender.

Watch 'Hellbound' here: https://youtu.be/TadDWtHkkeY

Order SE/CT here: https://orcd.co/veiledsect

Every track on Veiled's debut album seamlessly intertwines aggression and melody whilst weaving a compelling narrative that showcases the band’s evolution into their signature sound. With their devoted fanbase proudly dubbed "The Sect", the album is poised to catapult their following to new heights, expanding their legion of supporters exponentially. Don’t miss the chance to witness their meteoric rise as they headline ‘Veiled The Hometown Gathering II: Second Coming’ on Saturday, 26th October, at the Lending Room, Leeds, a night that promises to be unforgettable.

Veiled comment: "We always try to channel a specific emotion or feeling with each release and this album invokes a feeling of sheer terror. We wanted an air of unease around the songs, playing with tension and really appreciating the power that silence can have. The format of an album gives us the time to build more of a story and experiment dynamically compared to a shorter release. The album allowed us to delve deeper into our more atmospheric and dynamic side. 

“Our new single, ‘Hellbound,’ unfolds as a haunting journey into the abyss, where shadows of one's dark side loom larger with each passing day. The protagonist teeters on the precipice, engulfed by a suffocating blackness that clings to their soul. Amidst this chaos, a flicker of hope remains, yet it grows dimmer with every sunrise, reinforcing the grim realisation that they are bound to perish in the very hell they’ve constructed.The song's raw, relentless energy mirrors the turmoil within. Hectic rhythms and visceral lyrics encapsulate the desperate yearning for change, battling against the weight of past failures that anchor them in despair. Each note reverberates with the pain of isolation, capturing the overwhelming urge to surrender.

"In the accompanying music video, the narrative intensifies. A figure, fraught with desperation, approaches a chilling leader, bearing offerings, tools of violence stained with crimson. Yet, the leader’s disdainful gaze dismisses them as insufficient, casting the seeker into a dark tomb of rejection. Confused and frantic, he grapples with his sense of worth, wrestling with his demons in the suffocating darkness. Then, in a chilling twist, a knife clatters down beside him, igniting a harrowing revelation: he himself is the ultimate offering. As the blade grazes his skin, a powerful hand seizes it, affirming his grim commitment to the cult. In a haunting ritual, he is reborn, gifted a new face as a sinister mark of acceptance, a chilling transformation that seals his fate within the depths of despair.

"As a collective, we’re proud of how massive the album sounds. The pacing and track placements makes the album ebb and flow, helping to tell a story sonically, even instrumentally, without hearing the vocals you can feel the emotions that each track conveys. The stories we tell in our songs and videos have always been a large part of our songwriting and conceptual process. Even if a song doesn’t have a video, we always tend to write as though it will, having vivid visual imagery that goes along with the music. The album is an extension of this and a huge step up from our previous offerings. We try to keep the listener guessing as to exactly where a song or a story is going to take them.

"If you’re a fan of heavy music, then we know that we will have at least one song that connects with you. From our terrifyingly heavy songs to slower more anthemic-based songs. If you like extremely heavy music, but also like huge sing-along choruses, the two don’t always have to be mutually exclusive. Join The Sect, you might just be surprised what you find."

Throughout 2024, Veiled have been diligently forging their unique identity on the live music circuit, captivating audiences and industry insiders alike. Their standout performance on the Doghouse Stage at this year's Download Festival not only turned heads but also solidified their reputation as a rising force in the music scene. With each show, they have continued to push boundaries and leave an indelible mark on fans and critics. Veiled will join Draconian Reign for dates in London, Birmingham and Leeds next year as they continue to spread the word of The Sect. Catch them live on the dates below. 

26th Oct, 2024: Lending Room, Leeds
20th Feb, 2025: Signature Brew, London (support to Draconian Reign)
21st Feb, 2025: The Flapper, Birmingham (FREE ENTRY)  (support to Draconian Reign)
22nd Feb, 2025: Lending Room, Leeds  (support to Draconian Reign)

Veiled online:
Veiled Store
Facebook 
Instagram

Track list:

01. SECT 
02. Forgive Me
03. The Sentence
04. Lament 
05. Hellbound  
06. Deathchoke    
07. Testament    
08. The Root Of Mans Impurity 
09. Tides   
10, Asphyxiate  
11. The Awakening
12. Hear Me, Pain   
13. Omen Of Torture     
14. Reverie 

Photo Credit: Luke Tatlock

A beautifully curious blend of pop-sensibility, delicacy and experimentation. Piano-led, guitar-less trio Exploring Birdsong are paving their own musical path with their latest single 'Weight in Gold'.

Watch the video to 'Weight in Gold', when the band enters the ring for the boxing match of the year, here: https://youtu.be/qbBvuJYpxHc

Stream the single here:
https://orcd.co/exploringbirdsong_weightingold

“'Weight in Gold' was another song that was initially written way back during our time in university as part of our songwriting module," comment the band. "In a similar way to 'The Collapse', it existed in a wildly different form back then, and we knew we wanted to release it at some point, but didn’t want to waste what we thought is one of the strongest choruses we had in the bank. The benefit of having time to leave it alone and eventually revisit it has given us what we think is a song that encapsulates us pretty perfectly - and although up to this point, it’s the poppiest song we’ve released, it still feels like it is a really natural fit within the way our writing and arranging has progressed over the last year or so."

Exploring Birdsong continue: "The music video is the most fun we’ve ever had on a shoot. Really, all of the songs left to release this year each display a different side of us in their own right. Differing vastly from each other, and don’t have a place on our debut album, but are still, completely, authentically us.”

Exploring Birdsong's new singles follows the band's stunning Deftones cover of 'Diamond Eyes', and their second EP Dancing in the Face of Danger (March 2023, Long Branch Records), released to rave reviews worldwide. The band wanted to draw a line in the sand following Dancing in the Face of Danger to mark the start of a new chapter, and, through coincidence, eventually ended up working with a new production team (Tom Peters - engineering and mixing & Grant Berry - mastering) which has helped bookend the Dancing in the Face of Danger period. They comment: "We wanted to experiment sonically before heading into full-length album territory, which is why we think it feels different to anything we’ve released previously."

The young group this year have performed two sold-out headline shows in London and Manchester, and previously joined Katatonia as special guests for their shows in Ireland. Their Ireland shows marked the band's first live performances since their European debut at Euroblast Festival (Cologne, DE), mainstage set at RADAR Festival, and inaugural headline tour across the UK in September 2021, including London, Manchester and Birmingham, and following successful support tours with the likes of Sleep Token and Thank You Scientist.

Rarely are new groups as exciting, talented or unique as Exploring Birdsong. Straddling pop, progressive rock and uncategorisable genre-blending beauty, the band are unplaceable for the most part, but bring to mind elements of Kate Bush, Sleep Token, Everything Everything and Agent Fresco.

Rarely too do you hear voices as captivating as frontwoman Lynsey Ward’s. Powerful, controlled, and spine-chillingly tender, Lynsey’s vocals help mark Exploring Birdsong as a prospect to watch, from the release of their acclaimed debut The Thing With Feathers (2019, Long Branch Records) to 2023's EP Dancing in the Face of Danger.

Exploring Birdsong are:
Lynsey Ward - vocals, piano
Jonny Knight - bass, synthesisers
Matt Harrison - drums, percussion

Exploring Birdsong online:
https://www.instagram.com/exploringbirdsong
https://www.facebook.com/ExploringBirdsong
https://www.exploringbirdsong.com
https://twitter.com/exbirdsong

Photo Credit: lannieshots

Heavy act ACCVSED have unleashed their latest single, 'Never Enough,' via Arising Empire, signaling a bold evolution in their sound. This release highlights their most aggressive and unrelenting work to date, marking the start of a new era steeped in unmatched darkness and brutality.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/jyz2GicOvmw

Stream here: https://arisingempire.com/neverenough

"When I finally stop, there will be nothing left of us."

Seen through the eyes of a late-stage capitalist, 'Never Enough' is a confession. It captures the relentless pursuit of more — where personal wealth is placed above the well-being of others, paving a path to inevitable annihilation. The protagonist, admired by some and loathed by the rest, continues to consume and exploit, driven by an insatiable greed that will not cease until everything in its way is destroyed.

Since their formation in 2021, ACCVSED have adhered to one principle: presenting themselves to the world authentically, without playing a role or sugarcoating their expressions. They channel their deepest traumas and fears into their music, creating a distinct and energetic blend of bold guitar riffs, unique vocals, and raw emotion. This combination shapes their sound into an unstoppable force.

Hailing from Wiesbaden, ACCVSED quickly realised that being a local band was not their ambition. They moved swiftly and made a significant impact on the music scene with their debut EP House of Doubt, released in December 2023. The breakthrough single 'Currents' led the six track EP, establishing a foundation for their constantly evolving musical style and garnering them worldwide attention. This success resulted in support shows and festival appearances throughout Germany.

Catch ACCVSED live:
26.10 Dresden - HD Rock Bar
27.10 Hannover - Bei Chez Heinz
31.10 Frankfurt - Ponyhof
01.11 Prag - Café V Lese
02.11 Stuttgart - Corefest
21.12 Essen - Curtain Call

ACCVSED are:
Tino Mehlig | Vocals
Valentin Noack | Guitar
Pascal Klebe | Bass
Christopher Lerner | Drums

Follow ACCVSED
https://www.instagram.com/accvsed.band
https://www.tiktok.com/@accvsed.band
https://www.facebook.com/accvsed
https://x.com/ACCVSED_
https://accvsed.de/

Amaranthe have today released their cover version of 'Fading Like A Flower' from Swedish pop rock legends Roxette.

Re-envisioning a classic song in their own forward-thinking synth driven, metallic melody, Amaranthe demonstrate their ability to inject new life into an old favourite. 

Stream 'Fading Like A Flower' (Roxette cover) here: https://amaranthe.bfan.link/fading-like-a-flower

The band comment: “Being born and raised in Sweden meant that you are subjected to an absolute onslaught of ultra-catchy music, starting with ABBA all the way up to the present day, with some of the world’s greatest song writers and producers hailing from here. One of the most successful acts to ever come out of Sweden is Roxette, and if you were young in the 80’s/90’s, their music was EVERYWHERE. To do a tribute to 1991’s 'Fading Like A Flower' is something we half-jokingly talked about during a few years, and when the opportunity arose during 'The Catalyst' recordings we jumped at it. Roxette’s melodies and arrangements fit Amaranthe like a hand-tailored glove, and we’re now really excited to share this cover with you all!”

Formed in 2008, Amaranthe walked their own unique path from the start. With a sound that combined the sharpest, cutting edges of melodic metal, electronic rock and razor-sharp pop, their impact was immediate and undeniable. Kicking off with their self-titled debut in 2011, the Swedes blazed a trail through the European metal scene and beyond, swiftly establishing themselves as a dazzling one-off, not least due to the unprecedented triple vocal attack, that paired clean tones with exquisite melodic sensibilities and feral growls. Over the next few years, the sextet steadily grew in stature, releasing a series of praised studio records that jabbed persistently at the boundaries of modern metal.

Amaranthe are:
Elize Ryd | vocals
Nils Molin | vocals
Mikael Sehlin | growls
Olof Mörck | guitars, keyboards
Johan Andreassen | bass
Morten Løwe Sørensen | drums

Visit Amaranthe:

www.amaranthe.se
www.facebook.com/amarantheband
www.instagram.com/amarantheofficial
www.twitter.com/amaranthemetal
www.youtube.com/amaranthetv
www.nuclearblast.de/amaranthe

Photo Credit: Fordtography

Future alternative metal greats Defences have released a video for their new single 'Breathe It In'. The track is taken from their upcoming album Shadowlight, due for release on 8th November via Long Branch Records. 

Check out the video for 'Breathe It In' here: https://youtu.be/vMt9cYExSOk

Stream the single and pre-orderShadowlighthere: https://defences.lnk.to/shadowlight
.
The band comment: 

"'Breathe It In' was one of the very first tracks we started on this record and it shows in its message. Far from the contemplative and collected tone struck on later songs like 'Silence & The Sound' and 'Shadowlight', this song is about taking the first step on the road to self-acceptance, or even realising that a step needs to be taken in the first place. It is all too easy to wonder about what could have been or ruminate on how we wish our lives were, and the first step to peace of mind is to recognise and call out this vicious cycle as it’s happening. Once we struck on this idea of taking a step, we came up with the marching, rhythmic sound of the chorus to represent this process. We also felt it was important to not end this song on a resolved, symmetrical note; it was crucial for us to convey a feeling that the end of the song asked a question about the future of what this introspective journey holds, rather than answering it."

Following their tour with Swarm6ix last month, Defences have announced an album release show in London and a UK headline tour for 2025. 
 
Upcoming live dates:

2024
Nov 09: London Camden Assembly (Album Release Show)
Dec 07: Brighton Hammerdown Winter Militia 

2025
Jan 29: Glasgow Nice N Sleazy (w/ Crushed By Waves)
Jan 30: Newcastle Zerox (w/ Crushed By Waves)
Jan 31: Manchester Lions Den (w/ Crushed By Waves)
Feb 01: Nottingham Billy Bootleggers (w/ Crushed By Waves)
Feb 02: Leeds Packhorse (w/ Crushed By Waves)
Mar 01: Cardiff Fuel

With strong support in the form of millions of streams across their catalogue of releases, many UK tours with multiple sell-out headline shows, not to mention numerous festival appearances including Download, Takedown, Turbulence and Burn It Down - the band from Hertfordshire, UK, now present their label debut for Long Branch Records.

Defences comment on the album: “Shadowlight stems from a period of solitude and deep reflection, as we explore what it means to accept your inner darkness. Acknowledging, understanding and ultimately accepting it for what it is, learning how to sit with it or use it to change your outlook. The album sees all sides of this, tying in the parallel of the artistic process itself and what it is to create. To open yourself up to the possibility that you may not achieve what you believe in your core to be something you deserve, that you may not reach your potential. This cycle of disappointment and self-sabotage is commonplace, with nothing left but to chase a sense of absolution and validation forever out of reach."

Defences are:

Cherry Duesbury - Vocals
William Young - Keys, Vocals
Calum Wilmot - Guitar
Owen Hughes-Holland - Bass
Kyle Parke - Drums

Defences online:
FACEBOOK
YOUTUBE
INSTAGRAM
HOMEPAGE
TIKTOK

Tracklist:

1 The Curse
2 Gold In The Dark
3 Perish
4 Ego(Maniac)
5 Silence & The Sound
6 Breathe It In
7 Inspirit
8 The Almost
9 Greatness
10 Shadowlight

Dead Icarus, the new project of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, as well as Gabe Mangold of Enterprise Earth and Brandon Zackey, have released a new single '1 Million Days'. The single is inspired by classic '80s horror films, so it arrives just in time for the creepy season.

Watch the video for '1 Million Days' here: https://youtu.be/EjBGU-hF4js

'1 Million Days' is taken from their debut album, Zealot, out 31st October via MNRK Heavy. Produced and co-written by Mangold, Zealot is a precise and pummeling execution of airtight technical riffs, miles of solos, blast beat assault and battery, and screamed, growled, and sung vocals.

Pre-order Zealot here: https://deadicarus.ffm.to/zealot

"'1 Million Days' is as close as Dead Icarus gets to a power ballad on Zealot," explains Varkatzas. "When I first started writing the lyrics, I thought it was about failing someone else and seeking their forgiveness. As I finished the lyrics, it became more first person and about letting one's self down and forgiving one's self for mistakes made. Sometimes, the weight we bear is placed upon our own shoulders by ourselves and only we can remove it.

"The video is sort of a tongue-in-cheek homage to late '80s horror, filmed inside a haunted house that is housed inside a haunted building from the 1800s."

Mangold adds: "Musically, '1 Million Days came from the intention of creating an epic, powerful, catchy, and emotional metalcore 'power ballad,' as Alex stated. I'm a sucker for all guitar things from the '80s, so naturally a catchy, singable, harmonized lead in the chorus was the first thing written and it set the tone for the rest of the composition. Don't let the word 'ballad' fool you, though. This song has some unexpected twists and turns as well that aren't a part of your conventional emotional rock song."

Dead Icarus lean on the uncanny creative union between vocalist Varkatzas, guitarist and producer Gabe Mangold, and drummer Brandon Zackey.

Countless fans worldwide initially got to know Varkatzas as co-founder and original frontman for influential Southern California metalcore stalwarts Atreyu. After two decades earmarked by chart-shaking success, a pair of Gold albums and Gold singles, sold-out shows around the globe, and critical renown, he embarked on his next chapter in 2020.

Enter Mangold. Celebrated as guitarist for Enterprise Earth, he and Alex instantly clicked and forged a musical partnership, yielding their 2024-released Ad infernum EP. Inciting critical applause, Revolver promised, "Fans of old-school Atreyu will definitely enjoy."

Dead Icarus will also embark on their first US tour this September with Enterprise Earth and Nekrogoblikon. Worldwide touring is planned for 2025 and beyond.

Dead Icarus online:
https://www.instagram.com/deadicarusmusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@deadicarusmusic
https://www.youtube.com/@deadicarusmusic

Dead Icarus track list:

01 THE UNCONQUERABLE
02 BEARING BURDENS AND SAVING SKIN
03 ZEALOT    
04 1 MILLION DAYS
05 TEMPTATIONS KISS    
06 FOUNTAINS OF DEATH
07 CASTING SPELLS    
08 HELL OPENS ITS MOUTH
09 VADE RETRO SATANA    
10 SECRETS IN THE DARK    
11 BETRAYAL SHAPED DAGGERS