Author: Crix

Demon unveil new lyric video “Hole In The Sky” from latest album “Invincible”

Iconic British heavy metallers Demon are pleased to unveil their new single and accompanying lyric video “Hole In The Sky”, taken from their latest studio album, “Invincible”, released on May 17th, 2024, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The album will also be available as double blue vinyl on August 29th, 2025.

 

Buy/Listen to “Invincible” HERE 

Vocalist Dave Hill described the track as following: “Hole In The Sky” was largely inspired by vivid imagery of Egypt’s iconic landmarks – from the Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings to the Nile. We then added our own musical imagery and narrative elements, leaving the interpretation open for each listener to find their own meaning in the journey”.

Offering a sound that melts their classic root Hard Rock approach with the Progressive and Epic overtones of their mid 80’s album, “Invincible” is an absolute stunner of an album which is going to make long-time aficionados very excited along with all the fans of such bands as Magnum, Uriah Heep or classic Rainbow.

Dave Hill’s raspy and soulful vocals may be the common denominator since the band’s inception, but Demon are possibly one of the few bands who have managed to maintain their signature sound during years and update it in the new century, still maintaining the taste for a ghoulish image and elegant music.

“Invincible” was written and produced by Dave Hill and drummer Neil Ogden, and Dave Cotterill and Paul Hume are on guitars, Paul Fasker Johnson is on bass, and Karl Waye is on keyboards, completing the lineup.

Formed in 1979 by vocalist David Hill, Demon released their debut album, Night of the Demon, in 1981. After their 1982 follow-up album, The Unexpected Guest, the band experimented beyond the NWOBHM sound. They moved towards a more melodic direction while retaining the traditional heavy metal black magic lyrical style. They took another change in direction in 1983 with “The Plague”. It marked a swing towards a more progressive sound, adding the keyboards of session musician Andy Richards to the album’s sound. Lyrically, the band also changed direction, switching to a more overtly political style that characterised their albums for the rest of their career.

Heart of Our Time (1985) was the start of a new songwriting partnership between Hill and the new keyboardist Steven Watts. The album paved the way for the critically acclaimed Breakout (1987) and its follow-up, Taking the World by Storm (1989). Demon released two more albums in the 1990s: 1991’s Hold On to the Dream and 1992’s Blow Out, before splitting up in 1992.

Hill reunited the band with new members in 2001 and released a new album called Spaced Out Monkey. The band has since released three more albums: Better the Devil You Know (2005), Unbroken (2012), and Cemetery Junction, released on 28 October 2016.

The band have been touring throughout 2024 bringing their timeless music on stage, with a repertoire spanning from “Night of the Demon” to new hits such as “In My Blood,” “Face the Master,” or the new epic “Hole in the Sky.” Long live the Demon!

“Invincible” Tracklist:

1.    Intro
2.    In My Blood
3.    Face The Master
4.    Ghost From The Past
5.    Beyond The Darkside
6.    Hole In The Sky
7.    Break The Spell
8.    Rise Up
9.    Invincible
10.    Cradle To The Grave
11.    Breaking The Silence
12.    Forever Seventeen

Line Up:
Dave Hill – Vocals
Dave Cotterill – Guitar
Paul Hume – Guitar
Paul Fasker Johnson – Bass
Neil Ogden – Drums
Karl Waye – Keyboard

Follow DEMON:
Website
Facebook

Groove Metallers Animal Rage Sign with Wormholedeath and Announce Debut Album “Last Standing Man”

Wormholedeath Records is thrilled to welcome Mexican/United States groove metal band Animal Rage to the label, announcing the release of their highly anticipated debut album, Last Standing Man, on July 25th, 2025. Hailing from Mexico, Animal Rage blends progressive, groove, and heavy metal into a distinctive sound they call “Fused Metal,” which promises to leave a lasting mark on the scene.

Formed in 2020 during the pandemic, the band’s founding members—Dave Coral (guitar) and Abe Fënix (vocals)—were joined by Izzy Cabrera (bass), Carlos Licea (keys), and legendary drummer Aquiles Priester (W.A.S.P., Angra) to record the album. Following lineup changes, Francisco Moncayo (guitar), Paul Foschino (keys), Gabriel Richer (Drums), and Dimitri Gilchrist (bass) joined in 2025 to further shape the band’s evolving sound.

In their statement, the band shared:

“We’re committed to making Animal Rage a flagship act at Wormholedeath, and we look forward to working with the label to reach new heights in the industry.”

Last Standing Man is a journey through personal struggles, transformation, and empowerment. The album’s themes center on bravery, facing fears, and overcoming inner demons, offering listeners strength through its message and music. The band’s unique mix of heavy riffs, groove, and progressive elements is influenced by acts like Dream Theater, Lamb of God, and Marilyn Manson.

With Last Standing Man, Animal Rage invites fans to join them in the battle for personal growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of greatness.

paa.ge/animalrage
www.facebook.com/OfficialAnimalRage
www.instagram.com/officialanimalrage
youtube.com/@animalrageofficial1261

Dokken/Lynch Mob guitar legend George Lynch joins FL rapper Gunplay for Genre-smashing “Ain’t No Love”

When Florida rapper Gunplay released his Almost Free album back in April, the accolades simply rained down.  Fresh off the success of his sophomore set and those shattering collaborations with Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne, it felt like Gunplay couldn’t aim any higher.
Then George Lynch arrived.  A staple of the same late 70s Sunset Strip scene that bred Quiet Riot and Van Halen, Lynch was a co-founder of the mighty Dokken; and has been ranked among Gibson’s Top 10 Metal Guitarists of All Time, and Guitar World’s 50 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
And still “Ain’t No Love,” the stunning collaboration that pairs Lynch with Gunplay, can be rated one of his greatest performances ever.
“I cannot tell you how much fun I had with this track,” exclaims Lynch.  “That week we got three different projects to work on and two of them were, you know, straight up rock tracks that I did some solos and maybe a little rhythm on and it was fine. They came out great.
“Then I got to the third track, Gunplay, and I just lit up, smiled ear to ear and I played over everything I could get my hands and guitar on. I probably overdid it, but you know what?  I would’ve kept playing if we hadn’t run out of time in the studio. I’ve been really craving to get on a track like this and see what I can do with it, put my style of riffage on it.”
Dramatically overseen by Derek Hughes (Missing Persons, Dead Groove, Cherie Currie), “Ain’t No Love” manifests today in two startling incarnations, the Mobbed Mix and the Recoil Mix.  Both, needless to say, are very aptly titled.
In addition, the single includes instrumental versions of both, with Lynch’s shredding guitar solidly to the forefront, but without losing an iota of Gunplay’s personal passion and power.
Crank it up!
1. Ain’t No Love (Mobbed Mix)
2. Ain’t No Love (Mobbed Mix – Instrumental)
3. Ain’t No Love (Recoil Mix)
4. Ain’t No Love (Recoil Mix – Instrumental)

Crowne announce new studio album “Wonderland” set for release on August 22nd

Swedish supergroup Crowne are pleased to announce the release of their third studio album “Wonderland”, set for release on August 22nd, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The band share the first single and official video “Waiting For You”, available now.

Pre-Order “Wonderland” HERE

Vocalist Alexander Strandell commented on the new record, by saying: “It feels incredible to share this third chapter with all of you. Working alongside the amazing team at Frontiers and my brothers Jona, Kicken, John, and Love has been an absolute honour. If you’re a fan of Art Nation, The Poodles, H.E.A.T., Dynazty, or Europe – this one’s for you”.

Swedish-based supergroup Crowne is back with their highly anticipated third studio album, “Wonderland”. Continuing their musical evolution, the band builds on their signature blend of melodic rock infused with powerful, metal-tinged soundscapes.

“Wonderland” delivers an unforgettable listening experience filled with epic atmospheres, anthemic choruses, and technical brilliance that showcase the band’s top-tier musicianship.

At the helm is Alexander Strandell, renowned for his soaring vocals with Art Nation, Lionville, and Nitrate. His impassioned delivery adds intensity and depth throughout the album. Guitarist Love Magnusson (Dynazty) provides electrifying riffs and solos, while Jona Tee (H.E.A.T) crafts lush keyboard textures that elevate the album’s cinematic feel. Legendary bassist John Leven (Europe) offers a thunderous low end, and drummer Christian Lundqvist (ex-The Poodles) drives each track with precision and force.

One of the standout moments is “Warlords Of The North”, a powerful anthem featuring a songwriting contribution from Biff Byford, the iconic frontman of Saxon. This collaboration adds majesty and weight to an already monumental track.

With “Wonderland”, Crowne continue to push the boundaries of melodic heavy rock, delivering a collection of songs that are as emotionally compelling as they are technically impressive. It’s an essential release for fans of melodic metal and arena-ready anthems.

“Wonderland” Tracklist:

1.    Wonderland
2.    Waiting For You
3.    Eye Of The Oracle
4.    Heaven Tonight
5.    Warlords Of The North
6.    Timing Is Right
7.    Goodbye
8.    Love Thy Enemy
9.    Legacy
10.    Hearts Collide
11.    The Fall

Line Up:
Alexander Strandell – Vocals
Love Magnusson – Guitars
Jona Tee – Keyboards
John Leven – Bass
Christian Lundqvist – Drums

Follow CROWNE:
Facebook
Instagram

One Band To Rule Them All! KILLOTINE Wins WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA 2025 To Play Wacken Open Air

One band to rule them all! The final four bands from this year’s 2025 battles for Wacken Metal Battle Canada gathered in Vancouver, BC, for the national final on May 31st at the Rickshaw Theatre. Only one unsigned Canadian band can walk away and be crowned champion to move on to perform at one of the world’s most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals, Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

Crowning this year’s 2025 winner is Hamilton, ON’s KILLOTINE (Ontario Winner), who, after their performance, a panel of industry judges voted as Canada’s top band to play at the International Wacken Battle at Wacken Open Air. They performed alongside SOULTHIEF (Ottawa, ON – Eastern Canada Winner), BEYOND SUFFERING (Calgary, AB – Alberta Winner), and YEGG (Nanaimo, BC – British Columbia Winner). The special guest headliner was 2024 BC final winner, Vancouver’s Arrow In The Quiver.

“What a finals we’ve just had in Vancouver. It’s so nice to see the level of the bands and the great performances from all of them. The result is that we’ve got something special this year: Killotine is the chosen one. This band has a career waiting for them, and the real beginning of that journey will be at Wacken Open Air. This really enforces what the Metal Battle is all about and how we are nurturing the next generation, the future of metal,” comments Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada, JJ Tartaglia.

This year’s panel of national final judges consisted of BRITTNEY SLAYES (Unleash The Archers), JJ TARTAGLIA (Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada), JJ CAITHCART (Founder of SCRAPE Records and Host of Different Stages Radio), KRIS SCHULZ (Founder of Empower Through Music and Owner of Horizon School of Music), ABELARDO MAYORAL (Founder, Owner, and Operator of The Invisible Orange and OrangeTickets), STAN SCHINNERS (Owner of Broken Neck Radio), JUSTIN DOBBIN (Owner and President of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios).

About The Final Four:

Hamilton, ON’s KILLOTINE is the hammer that falls without warning—relentless, unforgiving, and all-consuming. Their riffs shred through the air like jagged steel, solos burn with a fury that can’t be tamed, and blasts hit like an explosion in your chest. They don’t care about trends or softening the blow. Every note is a direct attack, every show a brutal assault. Headbanging is inevitable, the adrenaline is relentless, and the chaos is total. This is metal in its rawest, most savage form. With their “take everything, leave only metal” mentality, Killotine isn’t here to play nice. They deliver exactly what the maniacs demand—pure, unfiltered aggression. No filler, no fake. Just a full-throttle, all-out assault that doesn’t let up, leaving you wrecked and addicted to the chaos. KILLOTINE IS COMING. STAY OUT OF THE WAY OR GET DESTROYED.
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Video – Epic Live Set at the Whiskey Pit: Killotine Shreds Like Never Before! – https://youtu.be/AkuL8nbk8XE​
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​https://linktr.ee/killotinemetal​
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Ottawa, ON’s SOULTHIEF is a crossover band known for their powerful and fun sound that combines elements of melodic hardcore, thrash metal, beatdown, slam, and punk. Formed in early 2021, the band has garnered a reputation for its intense live performances and dynamic songwriting.
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Their discography includes several notable releases, with their albums “Citadel” and “The Bad Kind of Wet” receiving praise for their energy and musical depth. Tracks like “You Could be my Gwen Stacy” and “Rupture” are often highlighted as fan favorites, showcasing the band’s ability to craft memorable hooks and crowd-engaging lyrics.
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Soulthief has built a loyal following through their extensive touring and energetic live shows. They have performed at various venues and festivals, earning a reputation for delivering high-impact performances that resonate with audiences. Playing with bands like Stick to Your Guns, Within Destruction, MadBall, Get the Shot, Left to Suffer, Guilt Trip, Sworn Enemy, Hoods, Vctms, Teeth, and many more
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Soulthief has continued to evolve and push the boundaries of their craft. Their dedication to their musical performance and their passionate fanbase have cemented their place in any music scene they show up in.
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Music Video – You Could Be My Gwen Stacy – https://youtu.be/eRnfHx-FvGY​
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​https://www.soulthief.ca​
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Calgary, AB’s BEYOND SUFFERING is a five-piece melodic metal band with roots in thrash and metalcore. With founding member and lead guitarist Rob Vargo, they blend intense riffs and rhythmic complexities of deathcore with melodic hooks and emotional depth of hardcore. Their recent pre-release demo, “Buddha,” is a great buildup to the upcoming “Darkness” and subsequent response “Light” EPs later this year.
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Song Stream – Buddha (Demo) – https://youtu.be/Menz1YSu_pI​
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​https://www.facebook.com/BeyondSuffering​
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Nanaimo, BC’s old school death metal YEGG is a band that stays true to their roots. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Death, Obituary, Morbid Angel, and Cannibal Corpse, YEGG delivers a relentless assault of pure, unadulterated old school Death Metal. Their live shows are a sight to behold with intense energy and a ferocious wall of pure aggression that will.
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Song Stream – Offal Offering – https://youtu.be/7s0WVh-JXd4​
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​https://linktr.ee/yeggmetal​

About The Battle:

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 different countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade, allowing independent bands to showcase their talents to an international audience, along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter, where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2025 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All battle rounds are judged by respected local music industry representatives.

Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/​

Links:​
​Metal-Battle.com​​
​Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official​
​Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan​
​Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official​

Media Partners:​
Bravewords.com
Metal-Rules.com
Absolute Underground Magazine
BrokenNeckRadio.com
V13.net
MetalDevastationRadio
Rich Embury (internationally syndicated DJ)
GhostCultMag.com
Rocknroam.ca
Vox & Hops Podcast
The Metal Voice
Montréal Métal (CIBL 101.5 FM)

Promoter Partners:​
Boonsdale Records
Dungeonworks Productions
The Invisible Orange
Big Nate Productions
ConcertWorks
Asher Media Relations

The Nude Sign With Epicronic For Debut Album “Stand And Be Recognized” – Out August 8

Modern rock sound explorers The Nude have signed an international deal with Epictronic Records for the release of their debut full-length, “Stand and Be Recognized,” which will be released worldwide on August 8, 2025.

Blending the primal power of metal, the groove of funk, the urgency of punk, and the grit of the blues, The Nude brings a bold new voice to modern rock. Formed in a Brooklyn rehearsal room on March 24, 2023, by four artists hailing from South Africa, Michigan, and beyond, the band emerged with a singular question:
When revenge is diabolical and forgiveness feels like defeat… what if there’s a third path?

That question became a mission. Stripping away pretense, rejecting autotune and image-driven artifice, The Nude was born to confront life in its rawest form—through music that’s visceral, vulnerable, and honest.

Their debut album, Stand and Be Recognized, is a deeply personal exploration of self-mastery through chaos and catharsis. Written by Luke Bergstedt, recorded and mixed by Nick Cageao, and brought to life by Henry Ott and Derrick Duemler, the record traces the descent into madness and the hard climb out. It’s a narrative driven by emotional truth—where hope breeds fear, fear demands courage, courage risks defeat, and defeat can lead to either arrogance or transformation. In the aftermath lies a choice: to stand and be recognized.

The Nude describes the project as a modern rock and roll manifesto—one that uses metaphor to expose vulnerability and truth. Rooted in the present, the band rejects artificial polish in favor of what’s real: soul over spectacle, substance over style.

Statement from the Band:

With great pride, we now step forward:
We’ve officially signed with Epictronic Records. In times as uncertain as these, the support of a global label is not something we take lightly. Music has always been a collaborative act—and to feel seen and backed in our creative vision is both humbling and electrifying.

To our fans, our team, New York City, and everyone who believed in us—thank you. This moment is yours as much as it is ours. We’ve only just begun, and we promise: The Nude doesn’t disappoint.

Long live rock and roll,
The Nude

The Nude stands at the edge of a new movement in modern rock: rebellious, soulful, and uncompromising. This is your invitation.

www.webringrockandroll.com
www.instagram.com/webringrockandroll
www.tiktok.com/@webringrockandroll
www.youtube.com/@Webringrockandroll
soundcloud.com/ibringrockandroll

 

THE VALLEY Release New Alt-Prog Single ‘Eons’ with Official Video

THE VALLEY return with ‘Eons’, a new, atmospheric track available from May 30th on all digital platforms via Volcano Records, and on YouTube with an official video directed by Marco Rimondi.

The alt-prog band from Liguria (Italy) confirms their ability to explore the most intimate and melancholic territories of contemporary progressive music, drawing inspiration from bands like Tool, Katatonia, and Riverside. Eons is a slow journey through loss, where time does not console but settles. The song moves between suspended dynamics, sharp riffs, and hypnotic melodies, with Eros Povigna’s voice tracing powerful emotional trajectories. The lyrics reflect on the existential sense of absence – a condition that constantly changes while always remaining, like a familiar and unresolved rain.

Produced and mixed by Mattia Miniati, Eons is the second single from The Valley’s upcoming project and marks a fundamental step in the band’s musical narrative.

Also watch the video for the earlier single ‘Hypnagogia’ at https://youtu.be/0zhsSfs6at4

Further info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.facebook.com/thevalleyprog

Reversed Chakra Returns With Intimate New Single & Video “All the Way Down”

While fans await the release of their highly anticipated album, Reversed Chakra breaks the silence with an evocative new single and video, “All the Way Down” — a mesmerizing dive into grief, memory, and emotional catharsis.

Unfolding with sparse, slow-burning instrumentation and haunting lyrical honesty, “All the Way Down” finds the band at their most stripped-back and soul-baring. It’s not just a song; it’s a reckoning. Fragmented moments—a walk with a father, a bridge hanging in time, an unresolved goodbye—collide to create an immersive soundscape where the listener is invited to let go, hold on, and feel everything in between.

The single is accompanied by a visually arresting music video, directed, edited, and shot by Shaun Hodson for Loki Films (Slipknot, Underoath, Sleep Token, Architects, Corey Taylor). The video mirrors the song’s introspective mood, offering a cinematic exploration of memory and release.

Reversed Chakra’s sound explores deep emotions, crafting stories that transcend the ordinary. Imagine a fusion of Interpol and Editors, seasoned with hints of Kings of Leon and Placebo, all enveloped in the ethereal beauty of The Cure and Sigur Rós. This sonic journey defies genres and promises to leave you spellbound.

Following the momentum of Game of Chess and Dust, “All The Way Down” is poised to make waves, and Reversed Chakra invites all music lovers and critics to join them in this sonic odyssey. Stay tuned for more updates and witness the evolution of an indie rock sensation destined to leave a lasting impact.

Reversed Chakra is:
Alice Bianconcini: Guitar
Leo Martera: Drums
Justin Brett: Vocals
Carlo Bellotti: Bass

www.reversedchakra.com
www.instagram.com/reversedchakra
www.facebook.com/reversedchakra
www.youtube.com/@reversedchakra

 

Finnish IAMSIN release dark and emotional ‘Rituals’ single and music video

Finnish modern metal band IAMSIN is back with a new single and music video Rituals. The track is released in cooperation with Inverse Records. 

The band comments:
“Rituals is one of the most intense and ambitious songs we’ve ever released. We really pushed our limits on this track—musically, emotionally, and in terms of production, while still staying true to the IAMSIN sound. Compared to our last single Echoes, this one goes even further. it’s heavier, darker, and more emotional. It feels like a big step forward for us as a band. We wanted to create something that hits hard but also feels real and unique. Rituals feels like a big step forward for us as a band, and we’re proud of the direction we’re heading. The response so far has been incredible, and we’re excited to see how it connects with people. ” 

LISTEN to Rituals single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/iamsin-rituals

Formed in 2013, IAMSIN is a melodic modern metalcore band known for their intense energy, hard-hitting breakdowns, and melodic choruses. Their debut album, Kings & Queens (2017), established them as a force in the heavy music scene, blending raw aggression with melodic depth. Now, after years of evolution and growth, IAMSIN has already released new music in 2025, delivering their most powerful and refined sound yet. Stay tuned.

Line-up:
Guitar: Conny Segervall
Guitar: Nikolai Juselius
Bass: Eddie Grön
Drums: Anton Lönnqvist
Vocals: Petter Löf

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Iamsin1234
https://www.instagram.com/iamsinofficial
https://www.tiktok.com/@iamsin.official1
https://iamsin.bandcamp.com

Neverfade Video Interview

Neverfade is a heavy metal band from Tampere, founded in 2022, riding the wave of the Finnish New Wave of heavy metal. In 2024, Neverfade burst into the collective imagination with the release of their first singles, which have accumulated over 25,000 plays on different platforms. Neverfade are especially known for being an extremely aggressive live band: their energetic, engaging and theatrical performances will certainly not leave listeners indifferent. In 2025, Neverfade released their debut album “Thieves In The Night”.
We had the chance to meet Neverfade after their show at Monttu New Level in Pori and find out more about the band, their debut album, the shows and much more.

https://www.facebook.com/neverfadefinland
https://www.instagram.com/neverfadefinland/