Author: Crix

New York’s ARC Release New Video For “Ghost Lights” Ahead Of April Tour Dates With VISIONS OF ATLANTIS

Genre-defying metal NYC outfit ARC will be joining symphonic metal maestros Visions of Atlantis for two exclusive shows this April, bringing their extraordinary multimedia spectacle to lucky fans in Mechanicsburg, PA, and Brooklyn, NY. Ahead of this, they are releasing the video for their single “Ghost Lights,” which comes off the 2023 EP “Awaken The Machine”.

Founded on visionary Sonny Angell’s ambition to create a performance-based band with boundary-pushing music, ARC has rapidly established itself as one of the most innovative acts in modern metal. The band’s philosophy ‘ARC EVOLVES’ drives their constant reinvention and elevation of both their sound and stage presence. They comment on what is in store:

“We constantly try to raise the bar, enhance our stage show, expand our thematic elements, and experiment with different musical styles. ARC is ambiguously mysterious, ARC is energy and machines. Human interpretations are on stage playing the music, however, ARC is all around us. Information being transmitted from… Somewhere in parts of your brain, you didn’t know you had.”

The band performs with meticulously planned choreography, custom costumes, specialized stage lighting, props, and synchronized on-screen visuals—all managed by a dedicated stage manager who travels with the band exclusively to orchestrate their technical production.

ARC‘s music seamlessly fuses the brutality and melody of extreme metal with retro-futuristic synth-wave electronica, creating an all-out assault on the senses. Their frenetic live shows combine lasers, smoke, blood, sweat, and the band’s relentless energy in a performance experience that must be witnessed to be believed. They are recommended for fans of Rammstein, Dark Tranquility, and Dance with the Dead.

Watch and listen to the video from “Ghost Lights” at https://youtu.be/ImcuPCKPLK4​

Their latest EP, “Awaken The Machine,” is available on Arc-evolves.bandcamp.com and Spotify.

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Show Dates w/ Visions of Atlantis​
April 2 – Mechanicsburg, PA – Lovedrafts
April 5 – Brooklyn, NY – The Meadows

​

Track Listing:​
1 – Dark Road – (3:44)
2 – Ghost Lights – (4:22)
3 – Magnitudes – (4:08)
4 – Shadow Life – (5:55)
5 – Kingdom for my Corpse – (4:25)
6 – The Deep End – (3:43)
Album Length: 26:19

More info: https://linktr.ee/arcmetalnyc​

Spanish Dark Post-Rock Architects Müntrails Sign With Wormholedeath

The atmospheric soundscapes of Spanish dark post-rock quintet Müntrails are set to captivate audiences worldwide as they proudly announce their signing with Wormholedeath Records. Their groundbreaking album, “The Cenobite Tapes,” is scheduled for release on May 2, 2025.
Formed in 2022, Müntrails—featuring Dibasson (vocals), Beszel (guitars, programming, backing vocals), Zennon (keyboards), BasLag (bass), and Shevek (drums)—has captivated audiences with their genre-blurring fusion of atmospheric post-rock, melancholy melodies, and raw, ritualistic energy. The band describes their journey as a quest to create deeply personal and timeless music, weaving their conceptual narratives through their recordings and electrifying live performances.
Having already made waves with their previous EPs (Venom To Come, Disorder Road, and Dance Divine), Müntrails has built an impressive foundation, with The Cenobite Tapes marking a new chapter in their sonic evolution.

In a statement reflecting their excitement, the band shared, “Müntrails is very pleased and proud to be part of the Wormholedeath records team and is fully convinced that there will be interesting events and outstanding successes working together. Hailzzzz!!”

“The Cenobite Tapes” is not just an album; it’s an immersive experience that invites listeners to traverse a rich tapestry of sound and emotion. While not a concept album in the traditional sense, it weaves together diverse musical landscapes that resonate with a profound sense of melancholy and rebellion.

From the hauntingly dense passages of “Pathways” to the raw intensity of “Ancient Enemy” and “We Can Dance,” which feature powerful bass lines and ritualistic guitars, Müntrails showcases their ability to blend emotional depth with sonic ferocity. The album also explores more progressive and ambient territories in tracks like “Heretic Eyes” and “Erase My Name,” post-rock elements are intricately layered throughout, creating a nuanced listening experience.

Despite its lack of a defined concept, “The Cenobite Tapes” possesses a subtle common thread that emphasizes the band’s unique self-expression. This distinctive character makes the album both engaging and accessible, inviting listeners to become active participants in its emotional and dramatic journey. The result is a cohesive listening experience that feels like a living, breathing entity, where ambient musicality and vocal expression reign supreme.

muntrails.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/@Muntrails
www.facebook.com/Muntrails
www.instagram.com/muntrails
soundcloud.com/muntrails

Pre-save The Cenobite Tapes here: orcd.co/thecenobitetapes

US alternative rock sensations DAKAR – Debut Album “Say It Again”

True to their name, Dakar represents the spirit of American rock from Duval County, Florida. Founded by talented musicians David Benfield, Darrell Edmunds, and Luke Jean in 2019, Dakar has quickly risen to prominence with their distinctive sound that they describe as “analog rock for a digital world.” With a blend of 90s guitar-driven alternative hard rock, indie, punk, modern, and southern rock influences, Dakar’s music captivates audiences with its raw energy and unapologetic style.

Following the success of their EPs, “Come and Get It” in 2020 and “Over the Line” in 2021, Dakar gained widespread acclaim for their raucous dystopian cautionary title track, “Over the Line,” a powerful combination of overdriven classic rock guitars and ferocious vocals. The band’s musical evolution and their passion for crafting authentic and powerful compositions set them apart in the competitive rock scene.

Their debut full-length album, “Say It Again,” was recorded at Friends of Friends studio in Jax under the skilled guidance of engineer Brok Mendes. The band poured their heart and soul into the nine-month-long production process, resulting in an album that showcases their collective talent, dedication, and growth as musicians.


“Say It Again” tracklist:
1. Not Gonna Be Your Sucka
2. Chase Scene
3. Say It Again
4. Over The Line
5. Come and Get It
6. Ronnie Jean
7. Clutches
8. Grab Your Reigns
9. Reason
10. Animal
11. Projection
12. Escape From New York
13. Empire Dreams

To get a taste of Dakar’s powerful sound and musical talent, be sure to check out the lyric video for “Say It Again” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oJ_0e3uyoI&feature=youtu.be

“Dakar,” as the band explains, holds several meanings, but the one closest to their hearts is derived from the Senegalese local Wolof word, meaning “whoever settles here will be in peace.” This sentiment resonates with the band’s mission to create music that connects with listeners on a deeper level, offering solace and strength in an increasingly complex world.

DAKAR are:
David Benfield – Guitar/Vocals
Darrell Edmunds – Guitar/Vocals
Alejandro Soto – Bass
Luke Jean – Drums

Fans can connect with the band through their website and social media platforms:

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dakartheband
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakartheband
– Twitter: http://twitter.com/dakartheband
– Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/dakartheband
– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/dakartheband
– Official Website: www.dakar.band
– Spotify: tinyurl.com/SpotifyDakar

Dead Groove Announce new EP “Rubicon” and Motörhead Cover

Rising heavy blues powerhouse Dead Groove, born from the creative crucible of 2020’s lockdown, release the EP Rubicon this week. Pressed on crystal clear 10″ vinyl, the release features a distinctive cover of Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades.”
Also included are two coruscating band originals, “Fire” and “The Damned,” the latter spotlighted by Dead Groove’s latest video, an auto-destruction rampage capturing the three piece in action. Watch out, too, for a special appearance by Moris Tepper’s “The Bummer Man” painting.
Filmed by Vinny Marvaso and produced/edited by band members Fred Aching and Holly West, the video premiered this week.
Dead Groove began as a pandemic collaboration between drummer Aching and bassist/vocalist West, and swiftly evolved into one of the scene’s most promising acts. The band, completed by guitarist Cesar “Cags” Salaverry, brings together decades of professional experience, including West’s current role with Zepparella, Salaverry with the Peruvian band Mauser, and Aching’s performances with Kings of Thrash alongside David Ellefson, Powerflo and BulletBoys.
The successor to the band’s acclaimed self-titled debut album, Rubicon represents a significant evolution in Dead Groove’s musical journey. The title, referencing the historic point of no return, perfectly captures the band’s commitment to pushing their sonic boundaries – they describe it as presenting “a more polished iteration of Dead Groove’s signature sound while maintaining the raw energy fans have come to expect.”
Their interpretation of Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” demonstrates Dead Groove’s artistic vision. By deliberately slowing the tempo and incorporating their characteristic groove, the band has created a fresh interpretation that both honors the original and establishes their unique musical identity.
The EP’s creative process highlights the band’s collaborative strength, with Aching and Salaverry crafting the instrumental framework while West contributes her distinctive vocals and lyrical artistry. Drawing from influences including Black Sabbath’s heavy blues foundation, Deep Purple’s progressive complexity, and the melodic innovation of King’s X, Dead Groove continues to forge their own path in modern heavy music.
To celebrate the release, Dead Groove are performing at the legendary Whisky A Go Go on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood on March 23rd, opening for King’s X. The band will be available for interviews throughout the upcoming month to discuss their music, creative process, and future projects.Press inquiries:
Further information

Progressive Metal Titans WIND DOWN presents Without Doubt And Illusion (Official Music Video)

Progressive metal innovators Wind Down have unleashed the official music video for “Without Doubt And Illusion”—a hauntingly introspective track from their highly anticipated concept album, The Burning Past, set for release on April 18, 2025, via Wormholedeath Records.

“Without Doubt and Illusion” takes you on a powerful introspective journey, where silence and solitude lead to a profound self-realization. The track explores themes of breaking free from past doubts and misconceptions, confronting uncertainty, and ultimately seeing things as they truly are. As the fog of illusion lifts, the protagonist embraces clarity, shedding old beliefs and discovering a new truth within themselves.

Wind Down’s debut album is a bold narrative steeped in Native American traditions and shamanic rituals, exploring themes of rebirth, ancestral memory, and the cyclical nature of truth. Tracks like “Without Doubt And Illusion” showcase their self-coined “Progressive Groove Metal” sound—a fusion of polyrhythmic precision, soaring melodies, and seismic riffs that bridge the cerebral and the primal.

Pre-save the album here: orcd.co/theburningpast

Formed in 2021 by Damian “Blady” Jurek and Wojciech “Świerszcz” Wojtyczek, founding members of Thetragon, Wind Down quickly grew into a formidable unit with the additions of Kuba Czubik, Władysław Zawojski, and Marcin Borula. The band’s journey began with the release of their debut EP, Uśpieni Ludzie (Euthanised People), which garnered widespread praise, thanks to its title track and accompanying music video.

Building on the momentum, Wind Down toured extensively, sharing stages with international metal heavyweights like Necronomicon (Germany), Stonecast (France), and 3000AD (New Zealand), alongside prominent Polish acts such as Iscariota, Styxx, and Subterfuge.

In 2023, the lineup evolved, bringing in Franciszek Trybus and Tomasz Wiśniewski (formerly of Thetragon and Kruk) to solidify their sound. By April 2024, the band began recording their debut full-length album at Hertz Studio, with the final touches—mixing and mastering—handled by Ergosphere Studios. Their album The Burning Past, is set for release on April 18, 2025, via Wormholedeath Records.

www.instagram.com/wind_down_official
youtube.com/@winddown5133
www.facebook.com/thetragon

Hungry’s Debut Album To Be Release March 27th Via Elevate Records

Hungrey formed in Rome in 2023, initially as a side project, but soon configuring themselves as a stable and independent entity, outlining their sound according to a Hybrid Metal, the result of disparate influences, among which there is an evident reference to the first American metal scene with progressive tendencies, including bands such as Queensryche, Fates Warning and Crimson Glory.

The project, however, was born from the need to consolidate an artistic identity outside the connotations of genre and method, in an attempt to return to producing music as a proposal and not as an answer to a question. Influences, sounds, lyrics, look and methods of promotion and communication are expressly aimed at this purpose. Their programmatic manifesto is a consequence of this:

We are about to re-calibrate the oscillations – strong force 1 – small blue planet detected at 7411 ly – electromagnetic 1/137 – we are coming. Dismantling observational artifacts – synchronous oscillation – weak force 10 to the -6 – We do not travel, we vibrate. Contact imminent. We are close – gravity 10 to the – 39 – it is urgent to share the interaction with the sound – we are with You, in your universe, single note of the Symphony. The exchange of Talents is urgent – Your residual time of existence is limited – we bear witness – we tell: for a fleeting harmonic interval, on a small blue planet, a species capable of shaping the sound lived. Your only testament is made of Music. Music is immortality, Music is power. United by Talent, we are here to create sound where there was none before. Particles and waves, oscillations and vibrations, mass, energy, space and time, everything resonates, everything vibrates, everything oscillates, the entire multiverse is Music.
(To be continued…)

During the two-year period 2023-2024, Hungrey consolidated their lineup and dedicated themselves to composing enough material to release an album. During 2024, the band focused on the production (with the collaboration of Ray Sperlonga for the vocals) and recording (at NMG Studio in Palestrina – Rome) of eight songs. Among these, the first single, Start To Forget, was chosen, which, also promoted through a video, was released on November 1, 2024. After the first, Hungrey planned to release two more singles (Moth and Falling) before the album release. These songs will also be promoted through a video.

The three clips, created by Tommaso Benvenuti together with some colleagues from the film academy, are characterized by the development of a single plot inspired by the lyrics of the songs, divided into three acts, each with different temporal settings. The videos represent, therefore, a trilogy, starting from Start To Forget, followed by a prequel (Moth) and a sequel (Falling).

Stabilized oscillation, assumed appropriate appearances, neural mapping in progress. Thought, memory and emotions at the service of sound. You are a deserving species, Music increases your awareness, well-being and mood; it affects your vital functions, but you still do not fully exploit the potential of transcendence. Betting on sound will be fundamental when, sooner or later, you find yourself in the condition of survivors. Having lost all your artifacts, only Music will remain with you, in your mind, and it will be your collective memory to find cohesion. You must be ready to make it a tool for survival. We have come to prepare you for this. A simple message with a common language. Music is the origin, music is the journey, music is the purpose.

Endorphins charged, let’s begin!

The album release party will take place in Rome, at Stazione Birra, on March 27, 2025.

Tracklist:

Start To Forget
Moth
Falling
Be Myself
Hypocrisy
35 Seconds
Escape
Parallel 41

line up:

Luca Loreti (Vocals)
Fabrizio Appetito (Guitar)
Francesco Maria Ciancaleoni (Guitar)
Emiliano Baccini (Bass)
Alex Di Nunzio (Drums)

Two members of the band who appear on the album, Emiliano Baccini and Alex Di Nunzio (bassist and drummer, have since been replaced by Stefano Conti and Luca Ioveno.

https://www.instagram.com/hungrey.theband/
https://www.facebook.com/HunGrey.theband/
Canale YouTube: @HungreyTheBand

Rotten Sound Video Interview

Rotten Sound is one of the most influential bands in the grindcore scene: formed in 1993 in Vaasa, the band has under the belt eight studio albums, eight EPs, three split singles, a live DVD and many tours around the world. Their latest album “Apocalypse” was released in 2023 and new music will be released soon.
We had the opportunity to sit down with the mind of the band Keijo Niinimaa before their show at MonoMassive in Pori and talk about music, tour and much more.

https://www.rottensound.com
https://www.facebook.com/RottenSoundOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/rottensoundgrind/
https://rottensound.bandcamp.com/album/apocalypse
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4aglyvdJ7ApTfDC6aQ2LFf
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rotten-sound/71466405
https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCvjuJxCQmS2DR0bZWwu_evg

 

Bloody Falls & Progeny Of Sun live at Monttu New Level, Pori (Finland) 15.3.2025

Bloody Falls and Progeny of Sun, both in the roster of Death Agency, performed at Monttu New Level in Pori on March 15th.
The explosive sound of Bloody Falls combines all kinds of elements of the most extreme metal genre, including explosive drums, epic passages, melodic solos and memorable guitar riffs. In April 2024 the band released their LP “Amartia” via Art Gates Records, which was a great success and opened new horizons for the band.
Progeny of Sun is a multifaceted mix of different metal genres, forged primarily around death metal. Sustained fire of hypnotic riffs balanced with imaginative melodies, drums that bring constant blast beat assaults along with roaring bass lines, thunderous vocals that range from bottomless growls to hellish shrieks, all turning the entire mutilation into a musical act. Their debut album “Throne of Desolation” was released in late 2023 and the second album will be released this year.
Both bands gave an excellent show on the stage in Pori, inviting the shy audience to go wild with headbanging.
Here some photos taken by our reporter Cristina Gregori.

Cinematic metal band Atlases returns to the release roster

Pori-based Atlases, mixing moody atmospheres with heavy sonic waves, returns to the release roster. Originally released in 2017 via Romanian Pest Records, Atlases’s debut EP “Penumbra” has been given a new treatment and anointing. The re-recorded, mixed and mastered EP is titled Penumbra: Recast, and is the first release from the band Atlases, which has undergone a crew change, and the debut of Jesse Simola, who has previously produced samples, synthesizer and backing vocals, as the band’s front vocalist.

The idea for a new treatment of the Penumbra EP arose when the band discovered that the original output had disappeared from digital music platforms.

At the same time, the band underwent a crew change, with original vocalist Jamppa Lamminpää stepping aside. Rather than immediately start working on a new and upcoming album, the band felt that bringing in a new vocalist to front the band, making the old one updated, would be pleasing to all parties involved and concerned, says Atlases. The band is currently working on a follow-up to their 2023 album “Between The Day & I”, which is in pre-production phase.

Penumbra: Recast EP´s drums was recorded by Jesse Simola. Other recording and production, mixing, mastering and cover art was done by bassist and singer Jerkka Perälä.

The digital release of Penumbra: Recast will be produced by Meara Music, an agency, record label and event producer based in Ulvila, Finland.

Atlases, from Pori, Finland, is a strong forward-looking five-piece band, whose brushes have been stuck with plenty of experimental attitude in addition to the metallic starting point. Atlases have taken an unprejudiced leap towards increasingly original expression. The band’s atmospheric metal combines the use of two vocalists, crushing riffs and experimental soundscapes with a sense of danger and serenity.

Discography:

Penumbra EP (Pest Records 2017)
Atlases/Besra – split 8″ (Self-released 2018)
Haar (Rain Without End Records 2019)
Woe Portrait (Lifeforce Records 2020)
Epsilon (Lifeforce Records 2021)
Between The Day & I (Lifeforce Rercords 2023)
Glacial & Violent Cold (Lifeforce Records 2024)
Penumbra: Recast EP (Meara Music 2025)

Line-up:
Rasmus Forssell – Guitar
Ville-Veikko Laaksonen – Guitar
Arttu Leppänen – Drums
Jerkka Perälä – Bass, Vocals
Jesse Simola – Vocals, Synth, Samples

https://www.instagram.com/atlasesband/
https://www.facebook.com/atlasesband
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3J0Xvj8KIkSVIURJlZBQhj?si=3b6rFIxVSBWGn7bvgi6HzA&nd=1&dlsi=d43d0f396b9845c7

 

Italian HOLE IN THE FRAME Release New Single + Official Video ‘3 A.M’

The crossover groove metal band HOLE IN THE FRAME is ready to shake souls with their brand-new single 3 A.M., released under Volcano Records. 3 A.M. is a sonic journey that captures the restlessness and tension of those sleepless nights when the mind is besieged by thoughts. With a powerful and sharp sound that blends groove metal and nu metal, the track delves into inner torment and the determination of those who choose to fight for their dreams.

“Now I can see again my face, feeling the power in my veins”, with these words, Hole In The Frame transform anguish into pure energy, turning it into a battle against insecurities and a pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as Korn, Slipknot, and Pantera, Hole In The Frame create a striking sonic impact, mixing sharp riffs, pounding rhythms, and a voice loaded with raw intensity. The official video, available on YouTube, was filmed during the recording sessions of the track in the studio, capturing the energy and adrenaline of a band with an untamable live presence. The release also marks a new chapter for the band, with the addition of the talented drummer Gemma Sofia Salvatori to their lineup.

Watch the video and listen to 3 A.M. here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCpsLO9O4AY

Also check out the earlier released:
– Monotony Live 2024 – https://youtu.be/ewT2uvy5-7M
– ‘Insomnia Pt.2’ – https://youtu.be/hCPDxX56c20
– ‘Oppression Live 2024’ – https://youtu.be/x_MmY7wXvfk
– ‘Monotony’ – https://youtu.be/5aAbqVpLZPc
– ‘I Crossed The Line’ al link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyNI8AyvyyY
– ‘Resist’ al link https://youtu.be/rJogkXQqWio
– ‘To Fall Down’ al link – https://youtu.be/t1bn_alxLyU

Further Info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.facebook.com/holeintheframeband