Metal

Old school Finnish thrashers BLOODRIDE will be releasing their third album titled Planet Alcatraz through Inverse Records in November. On this album anger and frustration has risen to new level which can be seen on lyrical themes. Stupidity and selfishness of mankind gets loads of verbal hits this time. Musically these assaults are also very hard, brutal but sometimes even catchy. Album was recorded during at Peter´s Cross Studios between December 2015-May 2016 by Petteri Lammassaari and was mixed and mastered by Jarno Hänninen at D-Studio. Artwork is done by Niko Bauer from PoorAndStarving. Bloodride has been around since 2000 and have played many shows for example with acts like Exodus, Toxic Holocaust, Exhumed, Deathchain so these men really know how to thrash Record Label: Inverse Style: Trash Metal

Official re-issue of AZAGHAL’s legendary second album out of print for over a decade!!! AZAGHAL, Finland's top-selling black metal act, unleashes an official re-issue of their legendary second album "Helvetin Yhdeksän Piiriä". Out of print world-wide for over a decade, the band's milestone album finally receives a long-overdue re-release, featuring re-vamped layout and liner notes by band founder Narqath. "Helvetin Yhdeksän Piiriä", Finish for "Nine Circles of Hell", was originally released in 1999 and quickly sold through its first several pressings… One of Finland's oldest black metal bands with a vast catalog, including 10 full-length albums, countless ep's and splits, AZAGHAL require no introduction to metal fans world-wide. Performing a more bestial form of black metal in their early years, AZAGHAL's "Helvetin Yhdeksän Piiriä" exemplifies this approach, which alongside Impaled Nazarene's "Tol Cormpt Norz, Norz, Norz" and Horna’s "Kohti Yhdeksän Nousua", cemented the corner-stone of the now hugely popular and infamous Finish black metal sound. 17 years after its original release "Helvetin Yhdeksän Piiriä" is as ground breaking and relevant today as it was upon its initial release. Record Label: Moribund Records Style: Black Metal

KHONSU is an extreme metal band from Bergen, Norway that features guest appearances by members of KEEP OF KALESSIN and MANES. The music has a dark futuristic twist with a sinister blend of metal and electronic elements. In 2012 KHONSU signed with French label Season of Mist - sharing the roster with bands like MAYHEM and ROTTING CHRIST - and released their debut album “Anomalia”, which had Thebon from KEEP OF KALESSIN on vocals, later that year. It received great reviews and was praised for its high level of creativity, originality, and musicianship. Two years after their debut KHONSU self-released an EP entitled “Traveller". Today KHONSU consists of two main members: The masked and mysterious mastermind and multi-instrumentalist S. Gronbech - brother of Arnt “Obsidian C.” Gronbech from KEEP OF KALESSIN - and vocalist T’ol from Norwegian Death metal acts CHTON and KILLING FOR COMPANY. Before creating his own dark and twisted world with KHONSU, S. Gronbech had contributed on the highly acclaimed KEEP OF KALESSIN EP “Reclaim” back in 2003, which had Atilla Csihar from MAYHEM on vocals Record Label: Jhator Recordings Style: Metal

Record Label: Nuclear Blast Style: Metal

German melodic death metal act Words of Farewell will release the new album "A Quiet World" on November 18th via AFM Records! Record Label: Afm Records Style: Death Metal

Record Label: Nuclear Blast Style: Metal

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes! Southern California’s LIGHTNING STRIKES are set to unleash what it is their full-length debut album through PURE LEGEND RECORDS. Originally formed in 1985, LIGHTNING STRIKES were part of the then red hot L.A. metal scene and issued a now highly collectable 7” single, but became a casualty of war when line-up problems beset the band’s first incarnation and let to its early demise. It would be another quarter century before founding member/drummer Karpis Maksudian decided to pick up the pieces as it were and resurrect the dream. Joined by bassist Cat Tate (SNEW, RED AGAIN), another member of the original LIGHTNING STRIKES line-up, he began working on new material while pulling in a number of A-list players to fulfill his vision. Enter guitarist extraordinaire, Rob Math (LEATHERWOLF, PLAYER) and Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes (HANGAR), a recommendation by noted guitarist/producer Roy Z, who became the other two main protagonists in the new LIGHTNING STRIKES. Maksudian also reached out to Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, KISS) to add keyboards and brought in a pair of stellar guest vocalists, Tony Martin of BLACK SABBATH fame, who is heard on ‘Death Valley’ and ‘301 AD Sin of Our Fathers’, as well as Noah, flamboyant frontman for Japanese rockers AVANCHICK, who adds a far Eastern flavor on ‘Kamikaze.’ Mixed by Roy Z (JUDAS PRIEST, BRUCE DICKINSON, HELLOWEEN) and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (HALFORD, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ANVIL), ‘Lightning Strikes’ provides the listener with a formidable old school heavy rock experience, rooted in the vintage sounds of RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE (the seldom covered ‘Our Lady’ is LIGHTNING STRIKES’ hat tip to the British masters) and classic 80’s power metal with an epic touch as espoused by Martin era BLACK SABBATH. Record Label: Pure Steel Records Gmbh Style: Metal

KHONSU is an extreme metal band from Bergen, Norway that features guest appearances by members of KEEP OF KALESSIN and MANES. The music has a dark futuristic twist with a sinister blend of metal and electronic elements. In 2012 KHONSU signed with French label Season of Mist - sharing the roster with bands like MAYHEM and ROTTING CHRIST - and released their debut album “Anomalia”, which had Thebon from KEEP OF KALESSIN on vocals, later that year. It received great reviews and was praised for its high level of creativity, originality, and musicianship. Two years after their debut KHONSU self-released an EP entitled “Traveller". Today KHONSU consists of two main members: The masked and mysterious mastermind and multi-instrumentalist S. Gronbech - brother of Arnt “Obsidian C.” Gronbech from KEEP OF KALESSIN - and vocalist T’ol from Norwegian Death metal acts CHTON and KILLING FOR COMPANY. Before creating his own dark and twisted world with KHONSU, S. Gronbech had contributed on the highly acclaimed KEEP OF KALESSIN EP “Reclaim” back in 2003, which had Atilla Csihar from MAYHEM on vocals Record Label: Jhator Recordings Style: Metal

Hobbs’ Angel of Death should be a household name for every well-informed thrash metal fan. Hailing from Melbourne, Victoria, the Australian band first started out as a solo project of main man and former Tyrus-guitarist Peter Hobbs, and one can rightfully say that they belong to the pioneers of mid-Eighties’ Australian thrash metal. The two demos “Angel of Death” and “Virgin Metal Invasion from Down Under” were followed by the self-titled debut album in 1988 which thrilled thrashers on both halves of the globe; 1995 saw the release of the sophomore album “Inheritance” and sadly, in spite of the cult status they had acquired in the meantime, Hobbs’ Angel of Death dissolved soon after its release. That could have been the end of it, but… In 2002 the band got reformed, signed a four-album deal the next year and have been alive and kicking ever since; and now they finally give their brand new album to the world; and it was about time, wasn’t it? Peter Hobbs himself gives a short account of what has happened since “Inheritance” came out: “Actually it's almost 23 years since ‘Inheritance’ was recorded. I've still been writing tunes and playing though, but it really kicked off again in 2010. Where has the time gone I ask myself!!?” Apart from Peter himself, the band has a completely new line-up that has only been playing together since 2013/14. Peter talks a bit about his new comrades-in-arms: “I travel a lot touring so I come across many people. I toured Europe and found Alessio. He needed a gig in Germany and I needed a show in Italy. From that meeting we have become great friends. He is actually like a son to me now. We have travelled many miles together from our first meeting in 2013.” If one has ever wondered why it regularly takes Peter so long to record and release new stuff, the answer may lie in his perfectionism: “I've recorded the new album three times. I was my goal to give to the industry a more mature album. The previous attempts were great but I was not totally satisfied with the results so I kept at it until I knew and felt that my achievement was made, and it clearly shines through within the new album. I believe that ‘Heaven Bled’ is just as great a the earlier albums, all written and produced by myself for a wider range of musical tastes and catering for more people in all fields of metal.” Some people say that Hobbs’ Angel of Death play thrash metal in the Slayer vein while Peter himself refers to his music as “virgin metal”, an “untainted and pure form of metal”. Is this also true for “Heaven Bled”? “I'm glad you brought that question up. I played just before Slayer in Finland at Jalomettalii 2013 - a thirty year wait! I asked Kerry King the question if he felt or thought or heard that Hobbs’ was a Slayer cover band. His reply was ‘I've heard of Hobbs’ Angel of Death but no, you have your own style compared to us !!!!!!’ But it's a fact, I love Slayer!!!!!!” So, looks like this question has been answered once and for all. As said above, Peter wrote all the music for the new album and did all the arrangements himself. “I've been doing this since day one. I’ve had the songs on the new album in the works for many years, some of them I even wrote almost 30 years ago. I revamped some old riffs with the modern feel and it's paid off for the release of ‘Heaven Bled’.” Even though it seems to be a good guess, the opener “Il monstro di Firenzi” is not a contribution by bassist Alessio “Cane” Medici: “I had written this song some time ago but I was still looking for a title. A lot of my tunes are inspired by history, just like the cult song ‘Jack the Ripper’ from our debut album. Here it was the same: I did some research of where the murders where committed by the Florence monster and I actually walked around the areas and felt the ground and breathed the air and tried to put my self within the same frame of mind as these serial killers, so the song just fell into place.” “Heaven Bled” was recorded at the West Link Studio in Italy: “I had arranged to meet the engineer to get a feel of him and his studio. I walked in and saw the old school sound craft desk!!!!! I was at home and I new from seeing his equipment that Ovi could get me the sound I wanted, so I made the right choice. I'm very happy with the product, I knew exactly what I wanted and had full focus on every result.” When the debut came out Hobbs’ Angel of Death gained some early fame as “the other remarkable Australian thrash metal band besides Mortal Sin.” With the next album German Rock Hard magazine even went so far as to ask if they were “the better Slayer”. Peter’s comment on this: “Wow, I'm being called the better Slayer! I'm overwhelmed with that statement, but to be honest, it's not the first time I've heard that…everyone who knows me does know that I put my heart and soul into what I do as a professional, on the road and off the road. When touring I give it my full passion and execute the job as sincerely as I can.” Mr. Hobbs seems to be quite satisfied to see his new endeavour coming out on High Roller Records: “I’ve always had respect for companies that are trying to keep the industry alive, and High Roller Records is one of them, so I felt that we are on the same side and could work together as a team, and I'm sure we will put out some top quality in every aspect.” The album will come with a 7inch that contains a version of “Depopulation” from the “Inheritance” album, and another song called “Suicide”. Peter explains why he decided to include this little extra: “I wrote the song ‘Suicide’ many years ago and I wanted it to be on an album; it has a great 80s feel about it. ‘Depopulation’ was more or less a bonus track. One day I will re-record “Inheritance” and revamp these songs, but for now let's concentrate on one thing at a time.” He’s surely right, and the thing to concentrate on is of course the new album “Heaven Bled”: “My plan is to continue to tour world-wide and to promote this new Hobbs’ album and move it into the cult status the debut already has ...” Peter knows of course that this status would mean nothing if it wasn’t for his loyal Hobbs’ fans, thus his last words here go to them: “I’d like to thank all Hobbs’ supporters for the love and respect from people that is greatly given to me. You all have my respect in full return and I look forward seeing you all again on tour. Record Label: High Roller Records Style: Trash Metal

HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY is a young black metal/post-rock band from Vienna, Austria. The band was formed by M.S. in December 2011 with the idea to perform black metal that’s rough and melodic at the same time. M.S. wrote and recorded a couple of songs and asked his friend J.J. for lyrical input. That’s when J.J. joined the project as vocalist and HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY was born. During the spring of 2012, the band recorded their self-titled debut album, which was released via Art of Propaganda in October 2012. At the end of 2012 and into the following year, the band already played a handful of shows with bands like Fäulnis, Heretoir, and Whiskey Ritual which led them to Austria, Germany, and Italy. During the autumn and winter of 2013, HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY recorded their second album, Aokigahara. As a tasty tidbit, Aokigahara contains guest vocals from other noteworthy black metal musicians, such Torsten (Agrypnie), Eklatanz (Heretoir), Seuche (Fäulnis), and Cristiano (Whiskey Ritual). An album release tour will take place from April 21-24 with the bands Eis & Fäulnis. In October 2014, HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY will embark upon a 10-day European tour with Agrypnie, with other shows to come throughout the year Record Label: Art Of Propaganda Style: Black Metal

Psych-swirling Swedish combo Dungen have announced a brand new score for a vintage animated film. Titled Häxan, the band's first all-instrumental offering arrives November 25 through Mexican Summer, as part of Record Store Day's Black Friday event. A press release explains that the latest Dungen LP, which follows last year's Allas Sak, was crafted after the group were asked to create an original score to 1926's The Adventures of Prince Achmed, which is said to be "the oldest surviving full-length animated feature film." The outfit immersed themselves in the storyline of filmmaker Lotte Reiniger's ages-old movie, with producer Mattias Glavå having captured the results in the studio. Interestingly, while the collection is inspired by film characters like Prince Achmed, Peri Banu, Aladdin, the Sorcerer and the Witch (Häxan is Swedish for "Witch"), the moody score is also said to stand alone from the source material. It's explained that the collection has actually been sequenced in a non-linear fashion, in relation to the film's narrative. Sonically, Häxan apparently has Dungen approaching the sounds of '70s soul, "early '60s post-bop" and Middle Eastern sounds Record Label: Smalltown Supersound Style: Alternative

In 2014 legendary post-hardcore band BOYSETSFIRE embarked on a european tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the band. Delaware's finest stopped in each city for three nights to perform their classic albums. The fan favorites "After The Eulogy", "Tomorrow Come Today" and "The Misery Index" where each played in its entirety plus a greatest hits encore and an acoustic bonus set. The DVD Box "20th anniversary live in Berlin" includes four DVDs plus an embroidered patch, three stickers and a poster. DVD 1 hour 45 minutes tour documentary / 7 Song Acoustic Set DVD 2: After The Eulogy (Live at Lido Berlin) DVD 3: Tomorrow Come Today (Live at Lido Berlin) DVD 4: The Misery Index (Live at Lido Berlin) Record Label: End Hits Rec. Style: Hardcore

Formed in 2009, Black Hole Generator is the brainchild of Vulture Industries' main man and long-time Taake and Helheim producer Bjørnar E. Nilsen, and it’s been a ten-year wait since the band's first release, the "Black Karma" MCD, saw the light of day. But now the wait is finally over and Black Hole Generator is ready to unleash its long-awaited second outing. Entitled “A Requiem for Terra”, the seven-track album shifts between the bleak aural landscapes of a desolate world and the frantic torrent of the abyss. With a wide dynamic range that spans from the brooding doom-laden opener “A Requiem for Terra”, to the mesmerizing riffing of “Moloch”, from the catchy “Beneath a Chemical Sky” to the fierce “Emerging Pantheon”. “A Requiem for Terra” also features the renowned Arve Isdal (Enslaved/Audrey Horne) on guitars, Gjermund Fredheim (Taake/Orkan) on lead guitars on 3 tracks, with additional guitars by Dag Terje Andersen. Record Label: Karisma Records Style: Black Metal

Polish death metal legends VADER have announced the release of their new studio album, »The Empire«. The follow-up to their highly-acclaimed 2014 album, »Tibi Et Igni«, was recorded at Hertz Studios in Bialystok, Poland and produced by Wojtek and Slawek Wiesawski. Record Label: Nuclear Blast Style: Metal

digipak. Dissonance Recordings are finally making available again the 1990 EP "Insanity Addicts" by the UK cult thrash metal act SLAMMER. The band was a lesser known player in a lesser known scene, but their music was certainly up to the standards of their American and German counterparts. We may have lost Slammer from the scene, but this EP, and follow up full length are reminders of what we are missing. Record Label: Dissonance Style: Trash Metal

digipack. Featuring members of Albatross and Killibrium, PRIMITIV unearth a form of music that can only be called primitive. One of the most active bands in the live circuit around the country, Primitiv lay to waste posers peddling anything less than catastrophically heavy like they do. Sounding humongous, the music plods powerfully, each step creating shock waves, as the legendary vocalist of the Indian metal scene, Nitin Rajan, growls like a thundering beast. Reverberations of his voice tear through the heart of those residing in his earthly kingdom. Primitiv's debut is about the creation of mankind, amidst dominating creatures, and its ponderous progression towards damnation. The music is as morbid, crude and old school as it can get, and at the same time, it marks a cyclic evolution for the genre as a whole, as it retraces the roots of the genre and sets out afresh to carve a path that's only half as familiar - a second life given to the genre of death metal, set in the primal proto-death/doom period, but finding relevance today in the soulless mechanical era. This is where pure brute force meets suspenseful exploration, and gives new hope for the future of the style. Record Label: Transcending Obscurity Records Style: Death Metal

In the year 2003 two brothers Anssi (voc.+ gtr) and Ossi (drums) started to play together some angry-finnish-metal. Everything began with cover songs and pretty quickly first own songs started to come out. Later a bassist and a second guitarist joined in and something explosive had been born. After furious training first demo "Verisuot" came out and few other demos was released in 2005-2011. Years elapsed and some members left the band, but in 2013-2015 the band was complete again, when Sami starts at bass and Make at 2nd Gtr. This crew started to work the band's first full-length album immediately. So an album called "Oksat pois... ja osa latvuksista" is released November 11th via Inverse Records. The album mostly includes re-recorded older pieces. Record Label: Inverse Style: Metal

Mithras' fourth full-length album, 'On Strange Loops', is the band's first album proper in almost ten years, and sees the UK's foremost experimental extreme metallers raise the bar to a whole other level. The band's signature sounds are all present across the album's 56 minutes: Leon Macey's mind-bending, ethereal solos creep in and out when you're least expecting them, and his insanely fast blastbeats and crushing drums underpin Rayner Coss' otherworldly vocals and lurking bass; in essence, 'On Strange Loops' delivers everything that can and maybe should be expected from a band of Mithras' stature – and then some! And the 'some'? There's a mastery to the song-writing on this fourth instalment that (and the band agrees) surpasses everything they've released over the past two decades – the musicality and attention to the smallest of details leaves absolutely nothing to chance, and 'On Strange Loops' should satisfy the most wide and varied of musical palettes... It came as a blow to Leon Macey when Rayner Coss decided to leave the band just over a month before the album was due to be finished, apparently deciding he could no longer find the time to learn the lyrics or practice basslines. So 'On Strange Loops' is the last Mithras release to feature Rayner Coss. This revelation saw Coss put in a rare and last live performance for the band at London's Incineration Festival in May before he decided to leave prior to any further shows. Despite the turbulent times, Macey continued mixing and mastering the album at Dreaming Studios – giving it a truly massive-sounding production, while he solidified a live line-up to make sure the band could keep their live commitments - including an appearance at the Czech Republic's prestigious Brutal Assault Festival - without Coss. Completing an album as ambitious as 'On Strange Loops' alone was challenging enough, but it soon became clear that positive things could and would manifest from the negative situation Macey found himself in, and with their new line-up the band is now better placed than ever to support the release. Looking at the song-titles in hindsight, perhaps Macey had some sort of premonition...Stranger things have happened. Record Label: Galactic Records Style: Metal

Record Label: Pure Steel Style: Metal

The debut by these Danish shooting stars clearly has been influenced by acts such as LACUNA COIL, HALESTORM and BRING ME THE HORIZON! The limited double digipak boasts a bonus DVD! Record Label: Nuclear Blast Style: Metal