Photo Credit: Alex Krauss

On 21st March, avant-death metal trio Imperial Triumphant will release their sixth full-length, Goldstar, via Century Media Records. Their most instant and evocative work to-date, Goldstar reins in their musical wanderlust with a newfound focus that the band have only hinted at with past works.

For a preview of the record, the new single 'Pleasuredome' (featuring the ominous spoken vocals of Tomas Haake, plus drumming legend Dave Lombardo) can be heard here: https://imperialtriumphant.lnk.to/Goldstar-AlbumPR

Watch the video, directed by Brendan McGowan, here https://youtu.be/cPzQ9wsYT0Q

Imperial Triumphant comment: "Journey into sensuality and primal desire, where the flesh becomes a temple, and the hunt for passion unfolds like an ancient ritual. The 'bell rings out', a summoning call to transcend ordinary pleasures and enter the 'Pleasuredome', a place where the divine and the animalistic merge."

Pre-order Goldstar in various formats now at: https://ImperialTriumphant.lnk.to/Goldstar-AlbumPR

Imperial Triumphant will be touring the UK and Europe this autumn, supporting Igorrr. Fans worldwide can expect a gilded mask-lift when Imperial Triumphant returns to the stage; new masks and an upgraded show will be part of their live experience with Goldstar and beyond.

UK dates:

Oct 21, 2025: Bristol (UK) - Crane Bristol
Oct 22, 2025: London (UK) - Shepherd's Bush Empire
Oct 23, 2025: Manchester (UK) - O2 Ritz

Watch the videos for the previously released singles below:
'Lexington Delirium': https://youtu.be/v9cDvwwbj6A
'Eye of Mars': https://youtu.be/58IvVWKjKZQ
'Hotel Sphinx': https://youtu.be/KnNHaH2kfkE

With their upcoming release, Goldstar, the masked triumvirate Imperial Triumphant continue their exploration of the urban and arcane. The band have found inspiration in the sound of metal pushed to its darkest extremes, gilded, art deco temples, and looming cityscapes. Recorded in early 2024 with longtime collaborator and producer, Colin Marston (Gorguts, Krallice), as the final project recorded at Marston's Menegroth Studios in Queens, the album was done in a breakneck five days. "As we recorded the final tracks, the experience felt like the universe was aligning," the band observe. "Colin, who is basically a fourth member of the band to us, held space for this transformative moment, offering his incredible artistry and expertise, which only deepened the connection we had to the music. The sound that we captured in that sacred space was the crystallization of everything we've worked for, and the memories of those sessions will resonate within us for years to come. Music exists as a force beyond the infinite."
 
Goldstar is a long cool drag and as intense an urban fever dream as only Imperial Triumphant can deliver. Stay tuned for more coming soon…

Just days before Goldstar's release, Imperial Triumphant will join the 2025 Decibel Magazine Tour for an extensive North American run alongside headliners and labelmates Mayhem, plus Mortiis and New Skeletal Faces. 

See the link for all dates; Decibel Magazine Tour tickets can be purchased at: www.decibelmagazine.com/events/tour
 
Imperial Triumphant are:
Zachary Ezrin - Vocals, Guitar
Steve Blanco - Bass, Keyboards
Kenny Grohowski - Drums
 
Imperial Triumphant online:
http://www.imperial-triumphant.com/
https://www.facebook.com/imperialtriumphant
https://www.instagram.com/imperialtriumphant/
https://twitter.com/imperialnyc

Album artwork by: Zbigniew M. Bielak
Goldstar track-listing

1. Eye of Mars
2. Gomorrah Nouveaux
3. Lexington Delirium (ft. Tomas Haake)
4. Hotel Sphinx
5. NEWYORKCITY (ft. Yoshiko Ohara)
6. Goldstar
7. Rot Moderne
8. Pleasuredome (ft. Dave Lombardo & Tomas Haake)       
9. Industry of Misery

Photo Credit: Mrs.CONTRAst

Following the success of their critically acclaimed Nuklearth in 2020, Cytotoxin return with their highly anticipated fifth studio album, Biographyte. The German nuclear death metal band continue to push boundaries by blending their brand of intense sonic aggression with thought-provoking themes. Biographyte takes listeners deep into the haunting aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, promising an unparalleled auditory experience, set for release on 11th April, 2025. Prepare for another seismic journey into the heart of nuclear devastation.

Pre-order Biographyte here: www.cytotoxin.de/shop

The band have already set the stage for the upcoming album with the release of two powerful stand-alone single 'Hope Terminator' and 'Condemnesia'.  The new tracks offer a fierce preview of what lies ahead, showcasing the band’s signature intensity and skill.

Biographyte takes an immersive dive into Cytotoxin's musical roots, guiding listeners through the irradiated ruins of Pripyat. Each song is devoted to a key location, intricately weaving a biographical narrative around the lives impacted by the Chernobyl disaster. The album's artwork serves as a potent visual metaphor, symbolising humanity's eternal burden in the wake of the reactor’s devastation. The title track poignantly honours the bravery of the firefighters who risked their lives to clear radioactive debris in the immediate aftermath, suffering irreparable harm,a tragedy that claimed many lives. Biographyte is more than just an album; it’s a haunting tribute to history’s darkest moments and the sacrifices made in their wake.

Biographyte was recorded by Kohle and Daniel at Kohlekeller Studios, with mixing and mastering handled by Mendel bij de Leij at Mendel Audio. The album’s striking artwork was created by German Latorres of Hostile Tattoos, capturing the haunting and intense themes of the record.

Witness the unrelenting assault of Cytotoxin live as they take to the road throughout April and May across the EU and UK. Joining them on select dates are the brutal forces of Gutalax, Acranius, Necrotted and Osiah, promising an unforgettable live experience you won’t want to miss. Check out the full list of confirmed shows below and make sure you’re there to witness the carnage firsthand:

Cytotoxin EU/UK dates:
10/04/25 Berlin, DE
11/04/25 Magdeburg, DE
12/04/25 Chemnitz, DE
13/04/25 Hamburg, DE
14/04/25 Hannover, DE
15/04/25 Essen, DE
16/04/25 Chaleroi, BE
17/04/25 Paris, FR
18/04/25 Strasbourg, FR
19/04/25 Aalen, DE
20/04/25 Lindau, DE
21/04/25 Weinheim, DE
24/05/25 Manchester, UK

On the fateful night of 26 April, 1986, the explosion at the Chernobyl power plant altered the course of history, leaving an indelible mark on the world. Drawing inspiration from this catastrophic event, the German death metal band Cytotoxin was born in 2010, bringing a level of intensity that would forever redefine the genre. Combining intricate, brutal riffs with a focus on the devastating consequences of the reactor disaster, the band quickly garnered attention within the scene. Their debut album, Plutonium Heaven (2011), was a force to be reckoned with, followed by Radiophobia (2012), which led to a three-album deal with the renowned Unique Leader Records.

Cytotoxin soon became known for their ferocious live performances and unparalleled precision, establishing themselves as a cornerstone of the technical death metal community. With Gammageddon (2017), they cemented their place in the genre, while Nuklearth (2020) showcased their expansive creativity and songwriting evolution. Following several successful European tours, major festival appearances and their U.S. and Canadian debut in November 2024, Cytotoxin now stand poised to push further into new territories with their latest singles, Hope Terminator and Condemnesia.

As their unrelenting sound continues to spread across the globe, keep your gas mask ready, the radiation is here to stay.

Cytotoxin are:
Vocals - Sebastian 'Grimo' Grihm
Guitar - Fabrice 'Fonzo' Töpfer
Guitar - Jason 'Mathias' Melidonie
Bass - Vitalis 'V.T.' Kast
Drums - Maximilian Panzer

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/Cytotoxinmetal
https://www.instagram.com/cytotoxin.official/
https://www.youtube.com/@CYTOTOXINOFFICIAL
https://www.tiktok.com/@cytotoxin.official
https://t.me/CYTOTOXINOFFICIAL

Track-list:
1. Hope Terminator
2. Condemnesia
3. Behind Armored Doors
4. Biographyte
5. Deadzone Desert
6. The Everslave
7. Eventless Horizon
8. Bulloverdozed
9. Transition Of The Staring Dead
10. Revelation
11. From Bitter Rivers

Photo Credit: Celina Odeh

South Carolina's relentless metal/hardcore force, Your Spirit Dies, are set to make an unforgettable impact with their debut full-length, My Gnawing Pains Will Never Rest, out 2nd May via MNRK Heavy. To kick off the anticipation, the band are releasing their intense new single, 'In The Depths Of Grief', along with album preorders. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/Nt3pj5ZWG6k

Pre-order the album here: https://yourspiritdies.ffm.to/mygnawingpainswillneverrest

Lead single, 'In The Depths Of Grief', is an all out assault with screeching guitars strangling the groove as the breakdown rattles with brutal intensity. "It’s personal," vocalist Brandon Byars reveals. "My mom is seventy-one and just got out of the hospital. This track is about watching your loved ones age, wither and eventually pass. She’s not there yet, but her heart problems are serious. When I was a teen, we clashed. I went down a rebellious path, made mistakes I can’t undo. But I’m not that angry anymore, and our relationship has never been stronger."

Across small towns in America, untold stories are waiting to be heard and Columbia, South Carolina’s state capital, is no different. With just over 140K residents, the city may be small but it pulses with an undeniable spirit. Your Spirit Dies taps into that raw, resilient energy, channeling the heart of an underdog and an unyielding drive. After gaining nationwide attention and praise from outlets like Brooklyn Vegan, No Echo and more, the band tells their story with their debut album My Gnawing Pains Will Never Rest.

“The record encapsulates every single thing we’re about,” notes Byars. “We’re five people who were born in small towns in the South. We were never supposed to leave these places; we were ‘supposed’ to live and die here. For us, the simple fact we’re doing this is huge. We tried to craft an album that stands on its own, and we busted our asses to make it as different as we possibly could.”

My Gnawing Pains Will Never Rest is a defining leap forward for Your Spirit Dies, with standout tracks featuring collaborations from some of the scene’s fiercest voices. Dan Weyandt of Zao brings his raw energy to 'Serpentine', while Blaythe Steuer of No Cure joins the band on 'A Snow In Summer'. Carson Pace of The Callous Daoboys makes an impact on the intense 'Night Pierces My Bones' adding another layer of power to this already crushing album.

With their debut full-length Your Spirit Dies continue to refine their unique approach to emotionally charged metalcore. The album offers a raw and introspective look at personal struggles, spiritual questioning and the weight of loss. As they evolve, the band is steadily establishing themselves as a significant force within the metal scene, with My Gnawing Pains Will Never Rest setting the stage for even greater things to come.

Your Spirit Dies are:
Brandon Byars – vocals
Tyler Dorman – guitars
Keagan McChesney – bass
Brannon Crumpton – drums
Holden Hall – guitars

Your Spirit Dies online: 
Facebook || Instagram || X ||  MNRK Heavy website

My Gnawing Pains Will Never Rest tracklisting:

1. Trenches Of Pain
2. Serpentine (feat. Dan Weyandt of Zao)
3. A Rose For Every Stone
4. In The Depths Of Grief
5. Monochrome
6. Born Forsaken
7. Shrouded In Silence
8. Ritual Sacrament
9. A Snow In Summer (feat. Blaythe Steuer of No Cure)
10. Unjust God
11. Night Pierces My Bones (feat. Carson Pace of The Callous Daoboys)
12. An Effigy Of Failure

Swedish symphonic power metal band Majestica today release their exhilarating new album, Power Train, via Nuclear Blast Records.

To mark the release, Majestica have unveiled a spectacular new music video for the track 'Battle Cry', delivering yet another epic visual experience for fans worldwide.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/aiGG182a2nw
Listen to the album on all platforms: https://majestica.bfan.link/powertrain-album

Fans can expect a spellbinding musical journey, filled with powerful riffs and epic choruses that awaken dreams and transport listeners into a majepic fairytale world.

Staying true to their creative process, Majestica once again took full control of the production, writing, recording, and producing the album themselves. Most of the recording took place in their new creative home, Majestic Studios, while the mixing was expertly handled by Jonas Kjellgren, who previously worked on A Christmas Carol and Metal United.

Visually, Power Train is brought to life by Jan Yrlund / Darkgrove Design, whose stunning artwork invites fans to step onto the platform, hear the call of “all aboard,” and embark on an unforgettable metal journey.

Hop aboard the Power Train now and join Majestica on this thrilling ride!

Chris Davidsson comments on the album release:

”Finally our new album is about to be released! It has been a long process and we are very happy with how it turned out. Can’t wait to hear what you all think about it! The album has a lot of dynamics, reminding us of a train ride, it goes fast, slows down, mid tempo, full on again and so on. I think it has something for everyone, so jump on board the train and enjoy the ride! All aboard!”

Tommy Johansson continues: ”The song 'Battle Cry' takes you back to when Vikings sailed the seas in a fast, melodic and sing-along pirate metal tune. The sound is very much inspired by Running Wild with some glorified elements from the old ReinXeed era. Set your sail and listen to our battle cry!"

Majestica are:
Tommy Johansson | guitars, vocals
Petter Hjerpe | guitars
Chris David | bass
Joel Kollberg | drums

Majestica online:

https://majesticametal.com
https://www.facebook.com/Majesticametal
https://www.instagram.com/majesticametal
https://x.com/MajesticaMetal

Tracklisting:

01. Frankenstein's Wife
02. Left On Mars
03. Proud Whore
04. Two Soldiers
05. The Dragon Must Die
06. The Devil You Know
07. Rebel Of The North
08. Impatient Zero
09. Tammikuu
10. Roses From The Deep

Photo Credit: Mika Toivanen

Renowned Finnish musician Marko Hietala, celebrated for his legendary career in metal and rock, has released his highly anticipated solo album, Roses From The Deep, today (7th February, Nuclear Blast Records).

Stream Roses From The Deep on all platforms: https://markohietala.bfan.link/roses-from-the-deep

To celebrate the release, Hietala has unveiled a stunning music video for the album’s title track, 'Roses From The Deep'. The ballad’s haunting beauty is matched by the picturesque visuals of the video, further highlighting the album’s emotive depth.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/9z_0CxVjuCg

The multi-faceted record showcases Hietala’s exceptional songwriting and bold artistic vision, blending rich musicality with poignant lyricism.

One of the album’s standout qualities lies in its organic and authentic soundscape. Eschewing the modern trend of digital perfection, the Marko Hietala band recorded the tracks live in the studio, preserving the raw energy and groove of their performance. With no digital drum samples in sight, the album features real piano, analogue synths, a Hammond organ, and the lush textures of a full string orchestra. This "dinosaur" approach results in a deeply resonant and timeless sound that captures the heart of every note.

Lyrically, Roses From The Deep delves into a spectrum of emotions, weaving narratives that are as layered and evocative as the music itself.

Marko Hietala comments: "Roses From The Deep is the second album to come under my name and I’m proud to be the main author, face and the name for this piece of musical work. Here it is. 

"But the band that comes under my name deserves to be included here. I have a musically versatile, open minded and experienced group in my bandmates and they are very much responsible for how Roses From The Deep sounds and feels like. And there’s a lot to listen, experience and from there on to feel also.

"The video and the single of the title song 'RFTD' is out at the same time. The song itself is a romantic ghost story. The dead may be longing for what’s lost just as much as the living. Maybe more. Even if the lines like 'I’d come for you' might sound a bit sinister coming from a ghost. 

"So there it is! Thank you all for having patience and faith for your Nordic weirdo and his bunch of weirdos. Check out the album and head on to the shows, if we tickle your fancy."

The album comes in following formats:
CD Jewelcase
2 LP gatefold, oxblood red

Line-Up:

Marko Hietala | Bass, Vocals

Tuomas Wäinölä | Guitar

Vili Ollila / Bob Engstrand | Keyboards

Anssi Nykänen | Drums

Follow Marko Hietala on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/markohietalaofficial
https://www.instagram.com/marko_hietala_official

Tracklisting:

01. Frankenstein's Wife
02. Left On Mars
03. Proud Whore
04. Two Soldiers
05. The Dragon Must Die
06. The Devil You Know
07. Rebel Of The North
08. Impatient Zero
09. Tammikuu
10. Roses From The Deep

Accvsed have unleashed their latest single 'Don't Let Me Fall Apart' featuring The Narrator. The track delivers a powerful mix of crushing breakdowns, emotional melodies, and intense vocals, cementing the band's signature sound.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/XvlMDU8uaXw

Stream / Purchase here: https://arisingempire.com/dontletmefallapart

Accompanied by a visually striking music video, the song explores themes of inner struggle and resilience, bringing raw energy and emotion to the forefront. The collaboration with The Narrator adds an extra layer of depth, making this one of Accvsed’s most compelling releases to date.

Swiss metalcore band Vicious Rain have released a remixed version of their hit single 'The Devil & Lovers' featuring Amariah Cook from Future Static. The track is available for streaming on major platforms. 

Watch the 'The Devil & Lovers' video here: https://youtu.be/vu3rsCPVibw

Stream / Purchase here: https://arisingempire.com/thedevilandlovers

This collaboration infuses the original track with a fresh dynamic, blending Vicious Rain's signature metalcore sound with Cook's distinctive vocals. 

French metalcore band Revnoir have unleashed their latest single 'Revenge', delivering a powerful blend of aggression and melody. The track showcases the band's signature intensity, with crushing riffs, soaring vocals, and anthemic choruses that highlight their continued evolution in the metalcore scene.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/6Lzt2RTQuEY

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

Accompanied by an official music video by Pavel Trebukhin, 'Revenge' visually amplifies the song’s raw energy and dark atmosphere, reinforcing Revnoir’s reputation for compelling storytelling and hard-hitting sound. With this release, the band continues to solidify its place among Europe’s rising heavy acts, leaving fans eager for what’s next.

Norway’s HYPERMASS return with a captivating and dynamic new track, 'Headcase', which showcases the band’s eclectic, progressive metalcore style. It’s the perfect representation of what to expect from their upcoming, much-anticipated new EP, Apparition Day, which drops on 7th March via Seek and Strike.

Watch the 'Headcase' video here: https://youtu.be/esWvghMyQ5w

 Pre-order Apparition Day here: https://orcd.co/hypermassad 

The band push the boundaries of convention showcasing their most riff-driven, catchy and ambitious work to date. Apparition Day promises a natural evolution where grooviness and intensity are dialed up to the maximum, solidifying their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in modern metal. It was mixed by Dave Otero (Aborted, Cattle Decapitation) and is a must listen for fans of Between The Buried and Me, Periphery and SikTh.

HYPERMASS state: "Our new EP, Apparition Day, has been in the works for quite some time and we are truly excited to bring it to life and show you all what we have been working so hard on. Musically, it is more of everything that defines our style. The grooves, the melodies and the variety have all been kicked up a notch from our last output. while we also delve into some previously unexplored territory. On this release, we incorporate elements from genres such as jazz, blues, electronic, etc. Our main goal is to always push our music forward no matter what, and it’s important to us that we keep things fresh while maintaining our signature sound. Lyrically, the EP is a natural step forward from our debut album, Empyrean, as we explore a lot of the same themes throughout. On this EP we wrote about the human condition in the modern world, and how our craving for convenience trumps our social and creative needs. With the rise of artificial intelligence, we see a lot of people embracing it with open arms without a shred of critical thinking as to what is going to happen if we let it. There are a lot more themes throughout, but that would give you an idea of what to expect. As our last album was more conceptual, this has five stand-alone songs with each song having its own clear identity both lyrically and musically. 

"The EP’s first single, ‘Headcase,' was actually the last song we wrote for the EP. As I mentioned previously, we dug into some old ideas and decided to expand on a medley that had a real fun progressive, punky kind of vibe to it. It’s something we’ve never done before and we were very happy with the way it came out. Lyrically, it’s maybe the most simple, straight-forward song we have ever written, as we felt that it would fit nicely with the instrumentals. It’s about a guy going insane, and there are no “read-between-the-lines” kind of lyrics here. What you hear is what you get. We thought that this as a first single would turn some heads, mostly by just how catchy it is. It’s also kind of reminiscent of old 90’s metal like Pantera, but with a few other elements thrown in there. That’s why we also wanted the music video to have that same vibe.

"The coalescing of styles has resulted in our signature sound. While a lot of modern metal bands seem to prioritize either heavy breakdowns or lightning-speed shredding, the most important thing to us is the riffs and the grooves. Our main goal while writing each song is to find new and exciting ways for it to groove. That has always been the centerpiece of our music, and we find ways to work around that to make it as interesting as possible using different layers and atmospheres. A lot of the time the vibe of our music is actually quite uplifting as well, unlike a lot of other bands within our genre.

"As the themes explore a lot of dark sides of the human psyche, we always feel it is best to balance that with a more upbeat approach to the music. We always love it when bands and artists have a contrast between the music and lyrics, as it makes the experience more multilayered and interesting. The most important thing to us is to keep the music fun and engaging, and if people wish, they can delve more into the themes of the lyrics on their own."

HYPERMASS online:

Facebook
Instagram

Apparition Day track list:

01 - Supernova Collective    
02 - Cult Vendor    
03 - Neovortex    
04 - Headcase    
05 - A Perfect Imbalance