Author: Crix

Swiss Heavy Metal Discovery Wörmdigger Sign With Wormholedeath

Wormholedeath is proud to announce the signing of Swiss alternative metal band Wörmdigger for the reissue of their EP “We Shall Remain”, due for release on November 13, 2026. To mark the announcement, the band has released the first single and accompanying video, “Imagine.“

Wörmdigger was founded by brothers Sandro and Jerome Häni together with Rico Vaterlaus. Sandro and Jerome discovered heavy music in childhood through their father and have written together since 2011, building their sound around dense riffing, raw energy, and detailed studio production.

The brothers met Rico during their school years, when he was playing in a punk band while they pursued their own metal project; the three supported one another’s music long before formally joining forces. In 2017, Sandro and Jerome opened their own recording studio and began working with artists across Switzerland. When Rico’s band split in 2018, he joined the brothers, bringing melodic ideas from his punk background that merged with their heavier influences — sessions that became the foundation of Wörmdigger.

Drummer Nicolas Borner joined in 2021 after meeting the brothers through studio work, completing the group musically and personally. The band’s name traces back to a joke: Rico used to call the brothers “Würmligrübbler,” Swiss German for “worm diggers,” a nickname that eventually became Wörmdigger. Second guitarist Felix Straub, previously known to Sandro and Jerome through an earlier studio production, later joined to help realize songs that had originally been written for two guitars, rounding out the band’s current lineup and sound.

The songs on We Shall Remain were written between 2018 and 2020, while Sandro and Jerome were based at New Sound Studio in Switzerland, where regular work with established artists gave them close insight into the production standards shaping the scene. Recording, mixing, and mastering took place after the COVID-19 pandemic, giving the band the chance to revisit the material with additional years of experience and refine it into the sound that represents Wörmdigger today.

www.youtube.com/@Wörmdigger-h3t

soundfactory-studios.ch

www.instagram.com/woermdigger.official

Death metal disco powerhouse King Satan and Saku Solin of Turmion Kätilöt have joined forces on the single “Abraxas Rising,” accompanied by a music video featuring surreal masked antics

King Satan, set to release their album Black Magick Abraxas on November 6th, is stoking the flames further by unveiling a powerhouse track from the upcoming record: the single “Abraxas Rising” features a guest appearance by Saku Solin—aka Shag-U—from fellow scene stalwarts Turmion Kätilöt and Fear of Domination.

“This track was chosen as the final single before the album’s release because ‘Abraxas Rising’ is perhaps one of the clearest examples of what we mean by ‘death metal disco’—a blend of electronic dance music, melodic death metal, and rock ‘n’ roll. We were also greatly honored to have Saku Solin (of Turmion Kätilöt and Fear of Domination) join us as a guest vocalist; he brought a wonderful sense of scale and epic grandeur to the song!” comments King Aleister Satan.

A music video, directed by King Aleister Satan, was also filmed for the track. It transports the viewer into a surreal masquerade, while simultaneously opening a door into the symbolic realm of the ancient mythological deity, Abraxas.

“Abraxas plays a central role throughout the entire album. In my music videos and songs, I have often explored the mysticism of bygone eras through the symbolism and imagery of the modern world. The myth of Abraxas speaks of an ancient deity in whom God and the Devil are one; these opposing archetypes can be seen as battling not for dominion over the universe, but for the human psyche. Opposites merge into one, only for new pairs of opposites to emerge. Thesis, antithesis, and synthesis,” explains King Aleister Satan.

With the release of the album, King Satan will also be hitting the stage; the following shows have been announced:

14/11/2026 – Turku, Fuusio (Support: Bloody Falls, Black Totem)
20–21/11/2026 – Helsinki, Hellsinki Industrial Festival 2026 (King Satan feat. Erja Lyytinen Special Show)
28/11/2026 – Kouvola, Haitaritehdas (Support: Deathropy, Kollectivist)
19/12/2026 – Mikkeli, Dinosaurock Club / Kulttuuritalo Tempo (Support: Deathropy)

The upcoming album, Black Magick Abraxas, features the following tracks:
1. Black Magick Rock ‘N ‘ Roll (feat. Erja Lyytinen)
2. Light of Darkness
3. Fire in the Hole
4. Hate Me Baby
5. Abraxas Rising
6. Far Beyond Good and Evil
7. The Devil Made Me Do It
8. Down by the Sins
9. Ride the Lion

Pre-order the album here.

Previously, “Black Magick Rock ‘N’ Roll” (featuring Erja Lyytinen), “Fire in the Hole,” and “Light of Darkness” have been released as singles from the album.

King Satan consists of:
King Aleister Satan (a.k.a. Seth Aleister de King Satan) – Vocals, keyboards, programming
Hekate “Kate” Boss – Keyboards, vocals, programming
EF-13 – Guitars
Jerry Rock ‘N’ Roll – Bass
Pete Hellraiser – Drums

www.kingsatan.net

Wooden Shadow releases new single “Blackened Roses Fall” featuring Jaana Juntunen

The Finnish one-man melodic death/black/folk metal band Wooden Shadow is set to release the second album ‘Silverlake’ on November 19th 2026 via Inverse Records. The second single which features Jaana Juntunen on guest vocals is released and it’s available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/wooden-shadow-blackened

The man behind Wooden Shadow, Jeremia Ponto comments:
“This is a song that echoes the longing and despair of missing someone who isn’t coming back. A sentiment conveyed through both the lyrics and the melody. It is like a tear making its way through the forest. Guest vocalist (and good of mine friend) Jaana Juntunen brings out the best in this track; the nuances of her vocals capture exactly what the song needs. I believe, or at least hope, that ‘Blackened Roses Fall’ will make listeners pause for a moment. In any case, it has been a great honor to work on this.”

“It was fun making the song, lovely lyrics, and it was fun to sing. It was also fun working on it together, and I hope others like it too!” Says Jaana Juntunen

Biography: 

Wooden Shadow is a one-man solo project from Ylöjärvi playing melodic metal, which combine genres in places, especially in the case of new material between folk metal and melodic death metal. From 2020 still running Wooden Shadow and Jeremia Ponto, who leads the solo project, plays the instrumentation and sings in his own music. The lyrical theme is about nature, the darkness of the human mind and life/death – thoughts.

Line-up:

Jeremia Ponto – All instruments

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Tormentius
https://www.instagram.com/woodenshadowofficial
https://woodenshadow.bandcamp.com

Progressive metallers Maestrick return with new single “Zion” out now via Frontiers Music Srl

Brazilian progressive metallers Maestrick return with their new single and official video “Zion”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

The band said: “’Zion’ marks the beginning of a new chapter for Maestrick. We have a new lineup, renewed energy, and a real sense of excitement about what lies ahead. We’re grateful for everything we’ve created so far, but this song takes us into new territory – and we can’t wait to explore it”.

“‘Zion’ brings Maestrick’s symphonic side to the forefront, drawing on the cinematic scale of composers like Hans Zimmer and Gustav Holst. At the same time, we’re exploring modern sounds in both the instrumentation and vocals, with electronic and atmospheric elements inspired by artists such as Muse, VOLA, Spiritbox, and Bad Omens”, they added.

Watch the official video for “Zion” HERE

Stream “Zion” HERE 

Founded in São José do Rio Preto/SP by three friends, Maestrick have been active since 2006 and bring in their sound elements of rock and progressive heavy metal, Brazilian regional music, world music and classical music.

The band have released two albums in Brazil, Europe, United States and Japan, and are recognized for drinking from different artistic aspects – cinema, plastic arts, visual arts and literature – for their compositions, which results in a unique and, according to specialized critics, innovative style.

Not surprisingly, Maestrick captivates movie fans, notably those of Tim Burton, George Méliès, Guillermo del Toro, and Christopher Nolan. In music, it attracts listeners of both modern rock/metal, such as Muse, and also of more niche styles within metal, such as Dream Theater, Haken, Jinjer, Spirit Box, and classics like Queen, Yes, and Gentle Giant.

Their songs address everyday complex themes of human nature. The album “Espresso Della Vita: Solare”, from 2018, was rated by BURRN!, one of the most respected music publications in the world, with a score of 86/100 – quite high for the publication’s standard. Solare’s success led to a tour of Europe with nine shows in Switzerland, Italy, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Their latest album “Espresso Della Vita: Lunare”, was released in 2025, showcasing the ability of the band to push the Progressive metal boundaries.

“Zion” now opens a new chapter for Maestrick, with a new album coming in 2027 and the band ready to take their distinctive and adventurous sound to an even wider international audience.

Line Up:
Fabio Caldeira – Vocals
Renato “Montanha” Somera Jr – Bass
Chris Oliveira – Drums
Charles Soulz – Keyboards
Gabriel Velloso – Guitars

Follow MAESTRICK:
Facebook
Instagram
X

1THIRTY8 Signs With Wormholedeath and Unveils First Single & Video “In Vain”

Wormholedeath is proud to announce the signing of 1THIRTY8, the hard rock/metal project of Australian guitarist and songwriter Karl Szulik, for the release of the debut album A Reckless Game, due on November 13, 2026

To mark the signing and offer a first taste of the album, 1THIRTY8 has released the first single, “In Vain,” accompanied by an official music video.

1THIRTY8 started as a side project created to combine hard-hitting metal with sweet melodies that can both energise and soothe. The project gave 1THIRTY8 the opportunity to experiment with songwriting ideas that did not fit with Karl Szulik’s other bands and projects, including Divine Ascension, Living Through Mirrors and UNKNWN. The aim was to create songs that are accessible and relatable while still offering interesting melodies, lyrics, time signatures and layers that reward repeated listens.

Recording from studios on opposite sides of the world initially presented a significant challenge, particularly when it came to conveying ideas and capturing the essence of each track while maintaining consistency across the album. With the professionalism and expertise of Emo and James, however, 1THIRTY8 was able to bring the original vision to life.

Each song on A Reckless Game tells its own story, with lyrics built around common situations and experiences that people encounter in their everyday lives. The songs explore feelings of frustration, relief and sadness, while Simone of Domination Studio’s production brings these ideas together into a polished, cohesive listening experience. Having long admired Simone’s work with DGM, 1THIRTY8 found that his vision and creative expertise transformed the initial ideas into the finished sound heard on the album.

As an old-school music fan, 1THIRTY8 also places great importance on the complete album experience, including its visual presentation. Quality artwork was therefore an essential part of the release. The goal was to create something unique yet simple, centred around the idea of someone doing something reckless. Jonathan brought this concept to life through a series of images spanning the album cover, booklet and CD, creating a visual identity that complements the music.

Although A Reckless Game can be heavy, soft, hard-hitting, soaring or occasionally a little strange, 1THIRTY8 hopes the album maintains a groove that gets under the listener’s skin, moves the body and rocks the mind.

1THIRTY8 on signing with Wormholedeath:
“I am excited to announce the signing of 1THIRTY8’s debut album ‘A Reckless Game’ with Wormholedeath. Carlo and the team were extremely supportive and showed a genuine interest in the music I had written and produced on A Reckless Game when I sent it to them for review. It was quite humbling to read the kind words they sent back to me after listening to the album. I am eager to work with them on this release and hope we can give all the fans of progressive music something to rock out to and enjoy.”

1THIRTY8 is

Karl Szulik – Guitars, Bass & Keys

Guest musicians:
Vocals – Emo Alaeddin
Drums – James Knoerl

www.1thirty8.com
www.facebook.com/1thirty8
instagram.com/_1thirty8
www.youtube.com/@1thirty8band
SPOTIFY

Pandaemonic Descent released debut EP

Dutch Death Metal band Pandæmonic Descent has released their debut EP «The Weight of Being Nothing». The release was recorded in ‘Totally Music Studios’ and ‘Studio Kerssies’, and mixed/mastered by Sean Jansen.
Pandæmonic Descent is a death metal band from Almelo/Vriezenveen, Netherlands, formed by Roy Bouwman (vocals), Matteo Tettero (lead guitar), Wesley Stoop (rhythm guitar), Sean Jansen (formally bass), and Tycho Homan (drums). Inspired by icons such as Gojira, Angelmaker, and Amon Amarth, the band combines brutal riffs with profound lyrics that stem from personal experiences and themes that often remain unspoken. After successful, sold-out shows at ‘The Little Church’ in Almelo and ‘Walhalla’ in Deventer, Pandæmonic Descent is currently busy recording their music and writing future songs.

Icelandic Sorcerous Folk Metal HRAFNABLÓT Announces New Members and Debut Album “Guðlaugar Saga” Out Now

Icelandic sorcerous folk-metal band Hrafnablót is proud to announce a new chapter in the band’s journey, unveiling a refreshed lineup after the recent release of their debut full-length album, “Guðlaugar Saga,” on September 11th, 2026.

Hrafnablót bids farewell to guitarist Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir and drummer Andri Pétur Dalmar, thanking them for their contributions to the band and wishing them all the best in their future endeavors.

Joining the band are guitarist Þorsteinn Steinberg Allansson and drummer Kristinn Bergsson. Hrafnablót is pleased to welcome them into the fold and looks forward to bringing “Guðlaugar Saga” to the stage with the new lineup.

The release of “Guðlaugar Saga” marks a major milestone for one of Iceland’s most compelling new metal acts, an ensemble known for ritualistic live performances, dramatic storytelling, and a sound forged from the contrasting light and darkness of Icelandic magick.

Formed in late 2024, Hrafnablót has quickly become a rising force in Iceland’s metal scene, performing at Íslenski rokkbarinn, Lemmy, BIRD, and the Icelandic Sorcery Festival. Their music blends heavy riffs, folk instrumentation, haunting melodies, and both clean and harsh vocals, creating what the band calls their own brand of sorcerous folk metal.

Giving listeners a sweeping sonic journey inspired by Icelandic nature and folklore, Hrafnablót‘s debut concept album “Guðlaugar Saga” follows Guðlaug, a modern-day woman pulled back into Iceland’s settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser. Across seven full songs and two spoken-word pieces, the album traces her vivid, time-bending saga, from “Spádómurinn,” a seer’s whispered prophecy over Icelandic winds, into “Dísablót,” where a driving ritual-bound riff launches her story. “Heljarhlíð” delivers melodic death metal intensity and dual vocals as she’s forced into battle, while “Fögnuður” bursts into a celebratory folk-metal anthem. Darkness rises in “Nornarheimt,” the album’s harshest track, as brigands kidnap her, followed by “Svartigaldur,” a metallized sea shanty built on an old Icelandic folk melody. “Heimþrá” offers a melodic, keyboard-led moment of homesickness and dark magick before the saga reaches its climax in “Örlagavegur,” an 11-minute epic of shifting meters and fate as Guðlaug confronts her final choice.

“When writing the album, we knew right away we wanted to create a strong and cohesive narrative and to feature the stark contrasts present in Icelandic folklore and sagas. The album features seven songs, along with a spoken-word interlude and intro, weaving together influences from Icelandic magick, history, and culture. The sound can most aptly be described as sorcerous folk metal, drawing influence from the contrasting darkness and light of Icelandic folk culture as well as sonic influences from Nordic folk metal, NWOBHM, various gothic and miscellaneous extreme metal genres,” adds the band.

Recommended for fans of Ensiferum, Nightwish, Wintersun, Skálmöld, and Eluveitie, “Guðlaugar Saga” is now available on all digital platforms, CD, and vinyl.

CD, Vinyl – https://elasticstage.com/hrafnablot/releases/gudlaugar-saga-album​

Bandcamp – https://hrafnablot.bandcamp.com/album/gu-laugar-saga-2​

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/74tlHFVXjDeUJ8OUUcIHOK​

Previous Singles:

Music Video – “Svartigaldur” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDPpHb_Qf1s​

Music Video – “Dísablót” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tI34l6OrGc​

Music Video – “Heljarhlíð” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4mEwniTdVA​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Spádómurinn – 1:49
2. Dísablót – 5:44
3. Heljarhlíð – 6:22
4. Kappar, Meyjar, Komendur – 1:22
5. Fögnuður – 5:41
6. Nornarheimt – 5:21
7. Svartigaldur – 5:17
8. Heimþrá – 4:59
9. Örlagavegur – 11:23
Album Length: 48:02

Band Line-up:​
Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir – Vocals
Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson – Bass & Backing Vocals
Ólafur Daði Jónsson – Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Steingrímur Viðar Karlsson – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Andri Pétur Dalmar – Drums & Backing Vocals
Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir – Guitar

For more info:

​https://hrafnablot.is/​

​https://www.facebook.com/hrafnablot/​

​https://www.instagram.com/hrafnablot​

Critical Defiance unleash “Rivers of Blood” and gear up for European Tour

Chilean thrash powerhouse Critical Defiance return in full force with “Rivers of Blood”, their fourth studio album. The record delivers an unapologetic assault of pure Thrash Metal, channeling sheer violence, breakneck speed, and razor-sharp aggression as a canvas to explore humanity’s darkest emotional recesses. The release marks a watershed moment for the outfit as they prepare to embark on their first-ever European trek, hitting nine countries over three intense weeks.

Across eight relentless tracks, the LP delves into themes of visceral hatred, wrath, revenge, lingering grudges, settling scores, and cathartic release. Critical Defiance steer clear of moralizing or social preaching; instead, they capture these impulses as raw, unfiltered facets of everyday human reality.

Through this lens, “Rivers of Blood” recaptures the primordial ethos of early Thrash Metal-reminiscent of the days when true crime, police blotters, and tabloid brutality provided the thematic fuel for the genre’s grim storytelling. Here, pure sonic savagery doubles as a gripping metaphor for internal turmoil and mounting societal unrest.

The record was tracked at Quilpué’s Vardager Records, a legendary stronghold in the Chilean underground scene. The LP drops on September 25 via respected German tastemaker Dying Victims Productions, who will handle the CD, vinyl, and digital formats. A limited-edition cassette run will be issued through DIY imprint Euronnymous Prod.

“Rivers of Blood” tracklist:

1. Red Omen

2. Innate to Kill

3. The Feeling Destroyer

4. Rivers of Blood 

5. Valparaíso

6. Dead Tongues

7. Ceremony of the Final Call

8. Glorify War

Now, with “Rivers of Blood”, Critical Defiance are primed for a major international leap. In tandem with their three-week European assault across nine territories, Dying Victims is also readying a split vinyl release featuring Finnish maniacs DET, serving as a lethal companion piece for their trek across the Old Continent.

“When it comes to our European debut, our goal is to prove that Critical Thrash is a serious, relentless, and airtight live proposal,” affirms frontman and lead guitarist Felipe Alvarado. The rest of the band comprises: Mauricio Toledo on Rhythm Guitars & Backing Vocals, Sebastián Palominos on Lead Guitars, Diego Tello on Bass, and Rodrigo Poblete on Drums.

Armed with “Rivers of Blood” and an imminent European onslaught, Critical Defiance transform 15 years of blood and sweat into a daring new beginning, exporting a vision of Thrash Metal that is furious, lightning-fast, surgically executed, and above all, deeply authentic.

Bastion Rose Drops Creeping October Single “Supernatural,” Announces January 15 Release for ‘Blue Rising’

Timed perfectly for October, Bastion Rose returns with “Supernatural,” a refreshingly dangerous sounding track that tackles the human tendency to believe in the supernatural as a shield against the threat of the unexplained. The song serves as the final, unsettling advance single before the band releases their highly anticipated album, Blue Rising, on January 15.

With 3 million catalog streams and counting, Bastion Rose continues to build a heavy sonic architecture defined by precision and aggression, coupled with the hallmark vulnerability and sensuality the band has become known for.

“Supernatural” delivers sharp commentary disguised in ritualistic imagery. The track opens with themes of possession and moonlit communion before crashing into a soaring chorus demanding, “Bury me, bury me / And cover me in snake oil.” The track delivers Bastion Rose’s usual progressive rhythmic approach, but this time features slide guitar, banjo, and ghostly vocal harmonies.

“The song carries this inherent creepiness because it deals with what terrifies us most,” says the band. “We surround ourselves with myths, prayers, and superstitions because the alternative—that we are nothing more than matter, destined to decay—is an unsettling possibility to face. The song is a look at how we use the supernatural as a ward against our own mortality.”

While Blue Rising prepares for its January launch, the band refuses to slow their momentum. Bastion Rose is already back in the studio with three-time Grammy-winning producer David Bottrill (Tool, Godsmack, Mastodon, Coheed and Cambria, Rush) recording their next record, setting the stage for an aggressive release schedule throughout 2027.

Bastion Rose is a cinematic hard rock project based in Bloomington, Indiana. Known for their sophisticated fusion of monumental 70s-era grooves and 2000s era alternative metal intensity, the band has earned international recognition for their high-caliber production and narrative-driven songwriting. Following their David Bottrill-produced debut Traces of Gold, the band is currently unveiling the next chapter of their evolution with the album Blue Rising.

https://linktr.ee/bastionrose

Countless Goodbyes 15th Anniversary feat What Awaits Us & Bloodstained Halo, Kulttuuritalo Annis, Pori (Finland) 10.10.2026

Countless Goodbyes celebrated their 15th anniversary with a special show at Kulttuuritalo Annis in Pori, the city where the band was formed in 2011. Since emerging on the Finnish metal scene, the band has built a strong reputation through energetic live performances and acclaimed releases.

Their debut album, Cycles (2019), reached No. 17 on the Official Finnish Albums Chart and No. 2 on the Physical Albums Chart, while their latest album, Lost In Waves (2024), featured collaborations with industry names such as Joakim Karlsson (Bad Omens), Kat Marsh (Choir Noir), and producer Henrik Udd. The band is currently working on new material, with their latest single, “Leave The Light On,” receiving airplay on YleX. To mark the anniversary, Countless Goodbyes also released a re-recorded version of their 2011 track “Innocent” on October 6 that was played live at the show after many years.

The evening was opened by Bloodstained Halo from Lahti. Combining elements of metalcore, melodic death metal, and hardcore, the band showcased a sound built on heavy riffs, raw emotion, and relentless intensity.

Also appearing was What Awaits Us, one of Finland’s rising melodic deathcore acts. Known for blending technical precision, modern heaviness, and futuristic themes, the Southern Finland-based band delivered an energetic set featuring material from releases such as Awake, Anomaly, and their latest Redshift.

The all-ages event drew a packed crowd, creating a great atmosphere throughout the night. All three bands delivered strong performances, giving the audience an evening full of energy, passion, and quality metal music.

Here the photogallery by Cristina Gregori.