Author: Alexiel Divine

PARADISE LOST PREPARE FOR ASCENSION NEW ALBUM OUT SEP 19TH

Icons of goth and doom, PARADISE LOST will release their long-awaited, 17th album Ascension on September 19th with Nuclear Blast Records. The band’s first album in 5 years, following 2020’s critically acclaimed Obsidian, was produced by guitarist Gregor Mackintosh and mixed/mastered by Lawrence Mackrory. Ascension is a testament to the band’s longevity and relevance over their 35+ year career, encompassing their signature styles of gothic, death and doom fans have cherished along the way.
Ascension’s album cover fittingly features the painting The Court of Death (1870-1902) by renowned British artist George Frederic Watts, which hangs in the Tate Gallery in London. The painting depicts Death as an enthroned angel flanked by allegorical figures of Silence and Mystery guarding sunrise and the star of hope, while a warrior surrenders his sword and a duke his coronet, showing that worldly status offers no protection. The painting’s bleak, prophetic vision embodies Ascension’s dark, tormented soundscapes as mournful verses collide with dire, foreboding riffs.
Commenting on the record, vocalist Nick Holmes says:
“Ascension is a cavalcade of molten misery, a vigorous sorrow filled stroll through a wicked world of glorious triumph and pitiful tragedy.”

Today, PARADISE LOST offer a glimpse into their melancholic masterpiece with the record’s first single and music video, ‘Silence Like The Grave.’

Stream ‘Silence Like The Grave’: https://paradiselost.bfan.link/sltg

Pre-order Ascension: https://paradiselost.bfan.link/ascension

‘SILENCE LIKE THE GRAVE’ MUSIC VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/JSAlEVzLhDc

PARADISE LOST will be performing alongside KING DIAMOND and at festivals in Europe this summer before embarking on the first part their “Ascension of Europe” tour this fall. Tickets are available at https://paradiselost.co.uk/tour-dates/.

PARADISE LOST Tour Dates:

June 7 – Berlin, DE – Columbiahalle (w/King Diamond)

June 10 – Wiesbaden, DE – Schlachthof (w/King Diamond)

June 11 – Tilburg, NL – O13 (w/King Diamond)

June 13 – Oberhausen, DE – Turbinenhalle (w/King Diamond)

June 14 – Ludwigsburg, DE – MHP Arena (w/King Diamond)

June 16 – Milan, IT – Alcatraz (w/King Diamond)

June 17 – Zurich, CH – Komplex 457 (w/King Diamond)

June 18 – Dessel, BE – Graspop Metal Meeting

June 21 – Lublin, PL – Lublin 2025

June 28 – Vana-Vigala, EE – Hard Rock Laager 2025

June 30 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Academy

July 1 – London, UK – Roundhouse

July 4 – Joensuu, FI – Ilovaari Festival 2025

July 6 – Sariyer, TR – Headbangers’ Weekend 2025

July 10 – Malakasa, GR – Rockwave Festival 2025

July 17 – Málaga, ES – Sun and Thunder Festival 2025

July 31 – Bergen, NO – Beyond The Gates 2025

Aug 1 – Czaplinek, PL – Pol’and’Rock Festival

Aug 8 – Jaroměř, CZ – Brutal Assault 2025

Aug 15 – Eindhoven, NL – Dynamo Metal Fest 2025

Oct 9 – Manchester, UK – New Century Hall

Oct 10 – Wolverhampton, UK – KK’s Steel Mill

Oct 11 – Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK – Newcastle University

Oct 12 – Glasgow, UK – Glasgow Garage

Oct 14 – Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms

Oct 15 – Bristol, UK – Electric

Oct 16 – Southampton, UK – The 1865

Oct 17 – London, UK – Islington Assembly Hall

Oct 19 – Oignies, FR – Tyrant Fest 2025

Oct 20 – Paris, FR – Élysée Montmartre

Oct 21 – Lyon, FR – La Rayonne

Oct 23 – Köln, DE – Live Music Hall

Oct 24 – Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU – Rockhal

Oct 25 – Dornbirn, AT – Conrad Sohm

Oct 26 – Padova, IT – Hall

Oct 28 – Munich, DE – Backstage Werk

Oct 29 – Prague, CZ – Palc Akropolis

Oct 30 – Zagreb, HR – Boogaloo Zagreb

Oct 31 – Vienna, AT – Simm City

Nov 1 – Budapest, HU – Dürer Kert

Nov 3 – Geneva, CH – PTR/L’Usine

Nov 4 – Nürnberg, DE – Z-Bau Biergarten

Nov 5 – Utrecht, NL – Pandora

Nov 6 – Antwerpen, BE – Trix Hall

Dec 13 – Bradford, UK – Bradford Live

CANNIBAL CORPSE Welcomes Full Of Hell To Their US Headlining Tour

Death metal legends CANNIBAL CORPSE are pleased to welcome Full Of Hell to their previously announced US headlining tour this Fall. The trek begins on September 15th in Nashville, Tennessee and makes its way through over two dozen cities, the tour drawing to a close on October 22nd in Charlotte, North Carolina. Additional support will be provided by Municipal Waste and Fulci.

Tickets are on sale now at cannibalcorpse.net. See all confirmed dates below.

CANNIBAL CORPSE w/ Municipal Waste, Full Of Hell, Fulci:

9/15/2025 Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN

9/17/2025 The Mill & Mine – Knoxville, TN

9/18/2025 Louder Than Life – Louisville, KY

9/19/2025 Roxian Theatre – Pittsburgh, PA

9/20/2025 NE Metal and Hardcore Fest – Worcester, MA

9/22/2025 Buffalo RiverWorks – Buffalo, NY

9/23/2025 Agora Theater – Cleveland, OH

9/24/2025 The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI

9/26/2025 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI

9/27/2025 Epic Event Center – Green Bay, WI

9/28/2025 First Ave – Minneapolis, MN

9/29/2025 The Truman – Kansas City, MO

9/30/2025 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK

10/02/2025 Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ

10/03/2025 Ventura Theater – Ventura, CA

10/04/2025 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA

10/05/2025 Soma – San Diego, CA

10/07/2025 Rialto Theater – Tucson, AZ

10/09/2025 The Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX

10/10/2025 House Of Blues – Houston, TX

10/11/2025 The Hall – Little Rock, AR

10/12/2025 Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL

10/14/2025 The Ritz – Raleigh, NC

10/15/2025 The National – Richmond, VA

10/17/2025 The Paramount – Huntington, NY

10/18/2025 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ

10/19/2025 The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD

10/21/2025 The Norva – Norfolk, VA

10/22/2025 The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC

CANNIBAL CORPSE released their critically lauded Chaos Horrific full-length in 2023 via Metal Blade Records. Produced again by guitarist Erik Rutan, who has now produced six of the band’s albums, Chaos Horrific is, without question, a full-on, CANNIBAL-style death metal outing, straight down to the themes, which include zombie warfare, resetting the human race through mass mutilations, and the violent revenge of victims of human trafficking, and its cover art by longtime collaborator Vince Locke. Wrote Decibel Magazine upon its release, “Chaos Horrific manages to be easily digestible while also being honeycombed with nuance and is a nearly perfect record.” Revolver concurred noting, “They’re one of the hardest working bands in the game, their sound has never gotten a drop less brutal, and their coolness factor has never waned.” Added Metal Hammer, “This band is an imperious, tweaked-to-perfection wrecking machine at this point.”

Chaos Horrific slaughtered Billboard charts upon its first week of release, earning the #7 position on the Billboard Album Sales chart, #2 on the Hard Music Albums chart, #3 on the Rock Albums chart, #5 on the Independent Label Albums chart, and more!

The record is available on digipak CD, cassette, and digital formats as well as vinyl in multiple limited color variants.

Secure your copy today at the CANNIBAL CORPSE store at: cannibalcorpse.store and Metal Blade at: metalblade.com/cannibalcorpse.

 

Austere – The Stillness of Dissolution

Australian black metal duo Austere fearlessly dives into a dark desolate sonic realm with the new full length “The Stillness of Dissolution”.
“Dissolved Exile” instantly covers everything under a shroud of frost as the gelid guitar’s sound and the somber melodic crescendos reminisce of a beloved depressive Scandinavian approach.
Surrounded by a murky atmosphere “Rusted Veins” unfolds a particularly groovy rhythmic core with the right dosage of relentless guitar riffs enriched by compelling melodic leads.
“The Downfall” slows down to focus on mellow dreamy nuances complemented by a dramatic clean vocal delivery that will shift to desperate screams followed by crushing riffs to remind us that darkness will always prevail.
Staying true to the title “Storm within My Heart” conveys an emotional turmoil with a series of violent rhythmic progressions and the fragile beauty of the crestfallen melodic guitar work, ultimately airy arpeggios lead to a perfectly bleak album’s closure.
Throughout “The Stillness of Dissolution” Austere never cease to show their strong roots in early Norse black metal as well as a fascinating darkened melodic essence to portray a world of perennial melancholia.

Lucifer’s Child – The Illuminant

After a seven year slumber Greek black metallers Lucifer’s Child emerge from the darkest depths to offer a ritualistic sonic experience with the release of the crushing new full length “The Illuminant”.
“As Bestas” begins like an occult opus with enigmatic guitar tones that will continue to evoke a tragic melancholia culminating with a glorious solo and as soon as drums acquire extra speed a rhythmic urgency takes over.
The darkened dimension of “The Serpent And The Rod” is filled with a borderline oppressive rhythmic brutality showing the power of the band’s black metal roots complemented by sinister atmospheric arrangements.
With a cathartic composition “Ichor” might be the highlight of this album as you can fully appreciate the melodic evolution of the excellent guitar work moving sinuously through the cryptic rhythmic crescendos rightfully fueled by the crispy towering riffs.
The uncompromising strength of “Curse” comes from the malevolent yet rather catchy guitar riffs and the consequent impactful grooves enhanced by visceral growls are definitely meant to be played loud.
“And all is prelude” represents a final intense ritual as the atmosphere becomes dense and malignant around the sober vocal narrative and the lugubrious guitar progressions that once again choose to follow a decadent melodic pathway.
“The Illuminant” dives straight into an emotional abyss as Lucifer’s Child confidently unleash their primal blackened instincts producing majestic grooves but at the same time reveal a shadowy melodic essence.

Avatarium – Between You, God, the Devil and The Dead

In the last decade Swedish doom/hard rock maestros Avatarium successfully have been forging a darkly compelling sonic pathway that continues to shine with elegance and creativity on the latest studio effort “Between You, God, the Devil and The Dead”.
“Long Black Waves” sounds like a legitimate hymn to the enigmatic side of doom metal as murky guitar riffs efficiently build heavy rhythmic progressions but Avatarium also show a brooding melodic essence focusing on slow burning leads and deeply passionate vocals.
A stylish piano piece accompanied by Jennie-Ann Smith’s bewitching voice reveals the immersive melodic soul of “My Hair Is On Fire (But I’ll Take Your Hand)” while guitars can naturally mix tenebrous tonalities and virtuosity.
“Lovers Give A Kingdom To Each Other” almost feels like a melancholic ballad as the band unravels a mesmerizing vocal performance and warm bluesy acoustic passages floating gracefully through an otherworldly atmospheric realm.
“Being With The Dead” is a hymn to the band’s glorious classic doom roots as guitars confidently unleash towering riffs while the emotional quality of the chorus is rightfully emphasized by crestfallen melodic progressions.
Throughout “Until Forever And Again” you can clearly feel the heavy weight of the majestic riffage sincerely adorned by impeccable vocal harmonies that can even convey a decadently romantic mood.
The doom metal legacy is safe and sound within the gloomy world of “Between You, God, the Devil and The Dead” yet Avatarium never refrain from introducing diverse elements to skillfully maintain a refreshing songwriting approach.

Nite – Cult Of The Serpent Sun

Blackened heavy metal band Nite bravely chooses to persevere in times of immense darkness blasting big guitar driven grooves and epic melodies on the third full-length “Cult Of The Serpent Sun”.
The title track immediately showcases the raucous heavy metal attitude of the whole album so guitars become possessed by an obscure energy to generate relentless riffs and the result is a quite catchy hymn to darkness.
“Crow (Fear The Night)” is a further confirmation of the crucial role of guitars maintaining a darkly seductive allure, certainly amplified by the ominous vocals, and proving skillful musicianship with an overdose of powerful licks.
“The Mystic” reaches a higher complexity as the brooding atmospheric nuances surround a sober series of majestic guitar melodies following a slower mystifying tempo that can make you space out.
“The Last Blade” pays homage to the glory of classic heavy metal with a massive dosage of soaring riffs effortlessly building entertaining rhythmic variations later enriched by the extra fancy guitar solo.
Listening to “Tarmut” we might fall into the depths of darkness as the rhythmic backbone acquires eerie tonalities to support the perennial melancholia of the captivating melodic guitar work ultimately leading to a masterful contemplative solo.
Under an enigmatic shroud of darkness Nite move forward to perfect their sonic formula and their proclaimed blackened twist on NWOBHM evidently comes to life throughout the moody grooves of “Cult Of The Serpent Sun”.

The Halo Effect – March Of The Unheard

When iconic musicians that contributed to the creation of Gothenburg metal scene join forces you can expect great things, in fact The Halo Effect returns with the sophomore album “March Of The Unheard” taking another evolutionary step forward within the glorious melodic death metal realm.
“Conspire To Deceive” is filled with high octane energy as the cold rhythmic dynamics masterfully produce triumphant grooves and Mikael Stanne shows what it means to be a restless passionate vocalist with majestic growls.
In impeccable melo-death style “Cruel Perception” represents contrasting emotions effortlessly juxtaposing darkly contemplative melodic guitars and a raw rhythmic tension.
The excellent rhythmic structure of “What We Become” naturally leads to heavy unforgiving grooves complemented by visceral growls yet the most interesting elements are the deliciously darker melodic passages.
As drums often dictate a faster crushing rhythm “Forever Astray” adds some modern synths accents to the soaring guitars yet Mikael steals the spotlight with elegantly introspective clean vocals matching a moody melodic composition.
Tempo slows down on the poetic track “Between Directions” as Mikael delivers a truly poignant vocal performance that emphasizes the stylish melodic guitar work and the airy atmospheric arrangements.
“A Death That Becomes Us” focuses on a rather catchy & somber chorus and the mid tempo melodic themes can be further enhanced by the crispy guitar sound and the solemn atmospheric nuances.
The band’s chemistry here is a big deal as The Halo Effect use their talents to seamlessly blend harsh rhythmic rampages, a much needed uplifting attitude and a soothing Nordic melancholia that render “March Of The Unheard” a true melodic death metal anthem.

Wardruna – Birna

Acclaimed Norwegian world music collective Wardruna dives further into Old Norse mythology to create the majestic sixth album “Birna” which embodies a sonic & mystical journey into the woodland realms of the bear.
We enter an ancient mythical dimension as “Hertan” strengthens the old roots with a mystifying galloping rhythm and an impressive combo of traditional instruments accompanied by grand eclectic choirs.
The title track can easily hypnotize the listeners invoking the ancestral force of nature with convoluted instrumental passages that ultimately create stunning multidimensional harmonies reaching the acme with an alluring blend of diverse vocal deliveries.
“Jord til Ljos” presents rich acoustic tapestries and captivating rhythmic variations adorned by whimsical flutes and inspiring chants that sound so far away from the dreary modern world.
The pulsating rhythmic core of “Skuggehesten” showcases a darker & heavier attitude around the quasi harsh vocal delivery and the eerie elegance of the strings can induce a trance like state.
Within the otherworldly dimension of “Tetrale” emotions run free as a sophisticated melodic essence takes the center stage enriched by detailed atmospheric arrangements ultimately leading to a cathartic rhythmic crescendo.
To courageously venture into the depth of a magical forest we follow the evocative chants of “Lyfjaberg” as the atmospheric gloom and the tribal rhythm seamlessly entwine to generate a solemn soundscape.
Dedicated to the warden of the forest “Birna” always feels like a mesmerizing dialogue with nature as Wardruna, guided by the creative wisdom of Einar Selvik, carefully weave intricate atmospheric and acoustic progressions sincerely celebrating their fascinating Norse folklore.

High Parasite – Forever We Burn

Fronted by Aaron Stainthorpe of legendary doom stalwarts My Dying Bride, High Parasite violently arise from the shadows to present a renewed gothic metal manifesto with the debut endeavor “Forever We Burn”.
The title track ensures a triumphant beginning combining groovy guitar lines crafting an attention worthy rhythmic ensemble and unexpectedly catchy melodies bound to get stuck on your mind resulting in a refreshing & entertaining sonic experience.
On “My Syndrome” synths develop a borderline futuristic mindset yet Aaron’s theatrical vocal performance reminisces the golden age of decadent gothic/doom metal while later on growls become an essential requirement to enhance the fierce heavier rhythmic dynamics.
“Grave Intentions” strengthens the inner 90’s gothic metal inspiration with forlorn melodic guitars in the midst of potent rhythmic progressions yet the band has always the chance to add modern atmospheric accents.
“Let it Fail” rightfully gets the spotlight as the first single showcasing an anguished melodic approach with the perfect dosage of wilder quasi malevolent grooves enriched by eclectic synths and the ethereal vocals courtesy of Heather Thompson from Tapping The Vein.
“Parasite” is another perfect example of the album’s super catchy essence as guitars take the center stage with memorable riffage galloping wild and vocals effortlessly shift from monochromatic cleans to spiteful screams.
The apocalyptic flair of “We Break We Die” runs through the captivating combo of potent crunchy riffs and magnetic multilayered synths that eventually can make you space out or just dance.
As Aaron stated High Parasite is not a simple side project but a new breathing entity that naturally leads to the creation of a different subgenre tagged as Death Pop masterfully blending gothic rock grooves and dark synth-pop arrangements.

Marilyn Manson – One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1

Leaving behind a troubled situation the glorious artistic rebirth of reverend Marilyn Manson is embodied by the intoxicating new opus “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1”.
As an invitation to a mysterious ritual the title track dwells within a distorted dreamy soundscape where vocals unleash pure passion and guitars acquire a sinister flare inducing a profound self-reflection.
“No Funeral Without Applause” showcases a mellow heart yet we inevitably feel lost within a dark fairytale where Manson freely shifts from fragile vocals to wild screams well supported by the 90’s alt-rock vibes of the attractive guitar work.
It would be natural to start obsessing over “As Sick As The Secrets Within” as this track feels intimate and deliciously wicked at the same time focusing on an elegant melodic composition and the perfect dosage of gritty rhythmic dynamics.
“Death Is Not A Costume” relies on an addictive chorus but mainly reveals lugubrious tonalities through dismal guitar harmonies and hazy atmospheric arrangements that allow Manson’s voice to express moody emotions.
“Sacrifice Of The Mass” slows down to fully showcase an introspective side as Manson’s tormented vocal delivery skillfully complemented by bittersweet arpeggios seem to float within an opulent obscure atmospheric realm.
Like a full blown rockstar and irreverent icon Marilyn Manson successfully reshapes his mischievous artistry and satisfies his faithful acolytes with the intellectual force of the darkened grooves of “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1” and we eagerly await the next chapter of this tumultuous musical endeavor.