Author: Crix

Finnish Heavy Sludge Force Abysmal Rites Unveils “The Zone” Music Video

Step into The Zone — a cursed expanse where reality warps, nature mutates, and escape is impossible. The latest slab of sonic dread from Finnish sludge metal conjurors Abysmal Rites drags the listener deep into a grey, lifeless swamp of distortion, despair, and doom-soaked atmosphere.

With monolithic riffs, guttural invocations, and lyrics steeped in cosmic horror and ecological decay, “The Zone” stands as a warning: some thresholds are not meant to be crossed.

“This is the second song written for this album, and it was the first one played live at the shows,” says the band. “It provides an oppressive and threatening introduction to the chorus, which then digs into a nice, heavy atmosphere. The lyrics are inspired by Andrei Tarkovsky’s “The Stalker” film, as well as to some extent the original “Predator” world. In a way, the story is about a person on the run, who has no chance of getting out of the situation he has found himself in. Nevertheless, survival instincts force you to fight. It’s a natural way of acting.”

Stream the album here: orcd.co/rtpoalbum

linktr.ee/abysmalritesband
www.instagram.com/abysmalritesband
www.facebook.com/abysmalritesband
abysmalritesband.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/@abysmalritesband8874

 

Canada’s IN/VERTIGO Release New Single / Video “Save Me” Off New EP “Prevail” Out July 2025

Canadian hard rockers IN/VERTIGO return with brand-new music, unleashing their explosive new single “Save Me”, now available on all digital platforms. The track is the first preview of their upcoming EP “Prevail”, set for release on July 18th, 2025, via Rockshots Records.

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Formed in 2016 by seasoned Calgary musicians, IN/VERTIGO has made a name for themselves across Western Canada with their high-energy live shows and relentless touring. The band has shared stages with acts such as Buckcherry, Steel Panther, Bret Michaels, Bif Naked, Diamond Head, and Pop Evil, becoming a must-see name in the modern hard rock scene.

​“Save Me” is a blistering anthem that shows IN/VERTIGO pushing their sound into even more aggressive territory. Fusing their rock ‘n’ roll backbone with punk and thrash influences, the track hits like a freight train—raw, fast, and unrelenting.
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The single is paired with a chaotic and entertaining music video, loosely based on a true story.
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​Listen: https://lnk.to/POmavT​
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This marks the first release from the upcoming EP “Prevail”, which will be the band’s second release in collaboration with Rockshots Records.
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With “Prevail”, IN/VERTIGO are poised to deliver their most refined and aggressive work to date, a Molotov cocktail of sharp riffs, infectious hooks, and full-throttle rock attitude.

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PREVAIL – EP Tracklisting:​
1. Weathervane
2. Save Me
3. Liar
4. Euphoria
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​Line-up:​
Reed Alton – Lead & Backing Vocals, Percussion
Shaddy Elsaghir – Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Duncan McCartney – Bass, Backing Vocals, Keyboard
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​About IN/VERTIGO:​
Delivering their shows at jet-engine volume, IN/VERTIGO have made an unmistakable impact in the Canadian rock scene. Their self-titled demo, produced by Ronnie Champagne (Alice In Chains, Jane’s Addiction), quickly sold out, and their debut EP “Sex Love & Chaos” introduced a band ready to raise hell.
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Now, with “Save Me” and the upcoming EP “Prevail”, IN/VERTIGO are back to light the fuse. Crank it up and join the ride.

For more info:​
​www.rockshots.eu​
​www.invertigoband.com​
​www.facebook.com/getinvertigo​
​www.instagram.com/getinvertigo​

Vancouver Cosmic Thrashers Crüzer Unleash New EP “Look to the Skies”

Unleashing their debut EP “Look to the Skies” this past April, Crüzer is not just a band—they are a cosmic metal assault from the Great White North. Hailing from Vancouver, BC, Canada, their sound is as unstoppable as an alien invasion force, tearing through the atmosphere with electrifying solos and unforgettable hooks.

With their undeniable stage presence (recently performing at this year’s Hyperspace Metal Festival) and the power of the riff, these melodic cosmic thrashers celebrate the bizarre and otherworldly wonders of the universe. Metalheads can expect a raging, thrashing good time, but with a melodic and humorous twist. Crüzer isn’t afraid to turn trash on its head and infuse the flavour with all kinds of spices and secret sauces.

“EARTHLINGS!!! Crank it to 11, and prepare for an out-of-this-world heavy metal experience. Your alien overlords are pleased to unveil our newest slice of interplanetary propaganda, LOOK TO THE SKIES!

Five tracks of raging, rip-roaring, intergalactic speed metal, with a multitude of different flavours catered to the tastes of every thrasher, from the melodic Metallica nerds to the greasy Slaytanic Wehrmacht. Perfect for cruzing down the interstellar highway or around Saturn’s rings.

CONSUME, EARTHLINGS! LISTEN AND REJOICE!!! BASK IN THE GLORY OF YOUR ALIEN OVERLORDS AND CELEBRATE OUR ARRIVAL!!!” adds the band.

With the EP streaming on all digital platforms as of April 4th, 2025, Crüzer plans to release the 5-track record on CD, with the release date to be determined. CD pre-order will be available from the band via their Bandcamp at https://cruzermuzik.bandcamp.com.

“Look to the Skies” is recommended for fans of all things thrash, such as Havok, Exodus (Zetro era), Destruction, Metallica (Ride the Lightning era), Exciter, and 80s Judas Priest.

EP Stream Links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/8aW_6SHC9lY​

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3GKuG6C​

Live Video – Hyperspace Metal Festival – Raging Fire – https://youtu.be/rJ6MGl09H6k

Show Dates:​
June 27 – Vancouver, BC – The Astoria w/ Gorgonum Chaos, The Bifurcated, Nobody, DJ HAMMER – info​

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Track Listing:​
1. Look to the Skies (4:18)
2. Born to Rise (4:06)
3. Raging Fire (3:51)
4. (I Need) Thrash (2:14)
5. Pit Vyper (4:44)
Length: 19:13

More info: Cruzermuzik.carrd.co | Facebook.com/cruzermuzik | Instagram.com/cruzermuzik​

THRASH METAL ROYALTY KINGS OF THRASH UNCHAIN OLD SCHOOL CLASSIC STYLE “LOCKDOWN”

Kings of Thrash, the acclaimed union of Megadeth alumni David Ellefson (bass) and Jeff Young (guitar), plus Chaz Leon (vocals, guitar) and Dead Groove/BulletBoys drummer Fred Aching, with special guest (and fellow ex-Megadeth-er) Chris Poland, return to the fray with a stunning new single, and a dramatic shift in attitude, too.
The band, after all, is most renowned as the sonic spark that detonated one of the recent past’s most incendiary live albums, the mighty The Mega Years reinvention of Megadeth’s first and third studio LPs, Killing Is My Business…And Business Is Good (1985) and So Far, So Good…So What? (1988), plus highlights from the intervening Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying!  (1986).  The albums, in other words, upon which the entire thrash metal genre was built and defined in the first place.
As guitarist Young put it at the outset of the continent-devouring Mega Years tour, “The mission here is to bring a connection of goodwill through the music, with a collaboration of musicians and friends in our community. Our thrash tribe casts a wide net to give people hope in a time when they’re looking for something positive and uplifting. What better way than to do that than through the music which has become the soundtrack to our lives.”
The new single “Lockdown,” however, sees the Kings of Thrash step out of the shadow of their old band, while both maintaining, and even amplifying all the qualities that made those albums so wildly influential.
A brand new Kings of Thrash original, “‘Lockdown’ has it all,” confirms guitarist Poland.  “Great riffs. A super catchy chorus. And a rhythm section that is “locked up tight”! And I’m honored to have been invited to be a part of it.
“Lockdown” is what Young describes as “a cool mix of 80s thrash and punk vibes, plus four guitar solos (!!!) We had a lot of fun bringing this song to life!”  
“’Lockdown’ captures the true spirit of old school thrash metal,” says bassist Ellefson, “with a lyric that can be seen as timely in this chaotic world we now live in.”
A stunning new video, directed and edited by drummer Aching and his Dead Groove bandmate Holly West, premiered on Metal Injection, and captures the band both live in the studio and, appropriately, behind bars.

There’s more Kings of Thrash on the way, too, as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of Megadeth’s Youthanasia and other thrash classics. Their Thrashin’ SoCal mini tour ignites at the Whisky on September 4, before Thrashin’ The East begins in Frenchtown NJ on October 17.  And, concludes Young, “We can’t wait to hear everybody singing the ‘Lockdown’ chorus with us live!”

METRONIMIA Release ‘Incubo’, A New Disturbing Progressive Single

Incubo, the new single by Italian progressive rock band METRONIMIA, is out now on all major streaming platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion.

The track immerses the listener in a dystopian and surreal dreamscape, where humanity is enslaved by technology and stripped of free will. With tight riffs, ominous soundscapes, and a narrative that blurs the line between dream and nightmare, Incubo delivers a powerful and thought-provoking sonic experience.

The song depicts a dark vision of the future where humans behave like remote-controlled automatons, incapable of making decisions or even performing daily tasks. A nightmare—or perhaps a reflection of reality? The music and lyrics merge into a hallucinatory crescendo that ends in madness and awakening, challenging the listener to question their own place in the modern world.

Drawing inspiration from bands like Deep Purple, PFM, and Ivan Graziani, Metronimia blends vintage progressive rock with a bold, personal edge. The single is accompanied by an official video on YouTube that deepens its symbolic and emotional impact.

Listen to Incubo on Spotify, Apple Music and all streaming platforms through the link https://music.imusician.pro/a/Dc8eaHVI/

Further info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.facebook.com/metronimia.prog

Slow Fall’s melancholic metal masterpiece Blood Eclipse out now

Metal band Slow Fall, who have toured extensively abroad, have been releasing singles throughout the spring to prepare for their third full-length album, which was released last Friday: Blood Eclipse is now out via Out of Line.

“The new album brings a more aggressive and tighter sound than before. Our increased touring has had a significant impact on the direction of the album, as most of the songs are designed specifically to work live. Collaboration within the band has intensified, and the composition and lyric work has been distributed more widely. The result is a stronger and more catchy sound, where we boldly try new ideas and break traditional boundaries, while at the same time respecting the classics,” the band states.

The album brings surprising moments both in the piano ballad and in the occasional lyrics sung in Finnish.

“The theme of the album is internal struggles and the chaos of the modern world. These struggles are often driven by external forces, which the album title Blood Eclipse symbolizes. The songs were worked on during long practice sessions, where their own special characteristics and deepest essence were found. It took the material forward and made them fun to play. The lyrics also include Finnish, which helps the band express themselves authentically, as not all expressions translate naturally into English. We hope that Blood Eclipse will take its listeners on a journey that takes the mind somewhere deep.”

The album’s top song is the title track Blood Eclipse, which also features a Brazilian traditional instrument, the caipira guitar, and the ethereal voice of the singer Inkar.

“The song represents the more aggressive and faster side of the album. Lyrically, it speaks to the modern tendency to avoid responsibility and disregard for the world around us. It takes something truly extraordinary and beautiful in front of us to make people wake up.”

Slow Fall live:

11.7. In Flammen Open Air (DE)
12.7. Pure Fucking Metal Fest (DE)
18.7. Burn Fest Open Air (SK)

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Jerry Heil, known as Ukraine’s Eurovision representative, also appears on the theme song “Sing Like A Siren” for the documentary Within Temptation: The Invisible Force

Earlier this month, Within Temptation released the documentary Within Temptation: The Invisible Force, a beautiful portrayal of perseverance, determination and the power of music in the darkest of times. Now they released the documentary’s title track, Sing Like A Siren (feat. Jerry Heil). The highly cinematic track features Jerry Heil, who rose to international success as Ukraine’s Eurovision representative in 2024.

“I’ve been a fan of Within Temptation since I was a teenager and never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that we would ever do a song together. It’s a huge honor. Both the band and I performed at the Atlas Weekend festival in Kiev, Ukraine, where we first met. I knew then that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity – I had to propose a collaboration. Sharon’s singing style is deeply authentic and resonates with my own artistic vision, so I knew right away that this would be a wild combination of rock, classical singing and Ukrainian folk elements,” says Jerry.

Sing Like A Siren also has a deeper message. It is not only the soundtrack to a new documentary, but also reflects both struggle and determination, capturing the feeling of helplessness and the need to stand up against it.

“It’s more than just a song – it’s the soundtrack to the movie we’re living in,” Jerry continues.

The documentary, available on YouTube, stars Within Temptation founders Sharon den Adel and Robert Westerholt and how their support for the war in Ukraine grows from distant solidarity to direct action on and off stage. Deciding to take her support beyond words, Sharon travels to Kiev to meet fans and bring them a message of hope, performing with the Ukrainian GOS Orchestra and Choir at the Atlas Festival, right in the middle of the war.

During this visit, Sharon met BLIND8, a young Ukrainian band, and Within Temptation were seen on the same stages last year during Within Temptation’s major tour. The documentary also follows the challenges that BLIND8 and the entire tour organization have to go through due to the possible mandatory military service of Ukrainian artists. Sharon was also involved in the song “Labyrinth”, released last year, the music video for which can be watched here.

The documentary reveals how the war affects not only Ukrainians, but also how artists around the world redefine the direction of their creativity and morality. How far can the band go to stay true to their ideals, and what happens when music turns into activism?

The music video for “Sing Like A Siren” will be released on May 20th.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

Omnium Gatherum to tour Europe in February 2026 – May The Bridges We Burn Light The Way tour to feature Fallujah and In Mourning

Having recently returned from a successful Australian tour with Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum will head out on a four-week European tour next February. Omnium Gatherum’s May The Bridges We Burn Light The Way tour will feature support acts Fallujah from the US and In Mourning from Sweden. The tour, which will cover the most important metal regions in Europe, will start on February 11th in Copenhagen and end on March 7th in London.

“Hello Europe, OG here! It’s a pleasure to be back and entertain you. February 2026 will bring the best of Omnium Gatherum, new songs and of course classics. With the great Fallujah and In Mourning also on board, the nights will be perfect. See you on the road!”, Omnium Gatherum commented.

One of our most frequently touring metal exports, Omnium Gatherum was seen at special shows in Europe focused on the Beyond album earlier this year, and last year, in addition to the US tour, on tours in Latin America, Japan and China. The band, which was previously nominated for an Emma, ​​has been hard at work in the studio this year, and the development of their tenth studio album has been followed on the band’s Instagram.

OMNIUM GATHERUM
May The Bridges We Burn Light The Way – European tour 2026
Supports: Fallujah, In Mourning

11/2/2026    DK    Copenhagen – Pumpehuset
12/2/2026    DE    Hamburg – Gruenspan
13/2/2026    DE    Leipzig – Hellraiser
14/2/2026    DE    Berlin – Lido
15/2/2026    PL    Krakow – Hype Park
17/2/2026    HU    Budapest – Barba Negra
18/2/2026    CZ    Prague – Rock Cafe
19/2/2026    AT    Vienna – Szene
20/2/2026    DE    Munich – Backstage Halle
21/2/2026    CH    Aarau – Kiff
22/2/2026    DE    Stuttgart – Im Wizemann
23/2/2026    DE    Lindau – Club Vaudeville
25/2/2026    DE    Hannover – Musikzentrum
26/2/2026    DE    Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal
27/2/2026    NL    Almelo – Metropool
28/2/2026    DE    Oberhausen – Kulttempel
01/3/2026    LU    Esch-sur-Alzette – Rockhal
03/3/2026    FR    Colmar – Le Grillen
04/3/2026    FR    Paris – Petit Bain
05/3/2026    NL    Utrecht – TivoliVredenburg
06/3/2026    BE    Kortrijk – DVG
07/3/2026    UK    London – The Dome

Omnium Gatherum will also be seen at selected summer festivals this year, the ones that have now been announced are:

27.6. Basinfirefest (CZ)
17.7. Sun and Thunder fest (ES)
19.7. John Smith Festival (FI)
27.7. Tolminator festival (SI)
31.7. Rockstadt Extreme Fest (RO)
16.8. Summer Breeze (DE)

Omnium Gatherum is:
Jukka Pelkonen – vocals
Markus Vanhala – guitar, clean vocals
Aapo Koivisto – keyboards
Mikko Kivistö – bass, clean vocals
Atte Pesonen – drums

OMNIUM GATHERUM | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Heavy Rock Force DRAB Unveils Lonely Place

New Orleans heavy rock powerhouse DRAB presents the lyric video for “Lonely Place”, a visceral preview of their highly anticipated self-titled debut album, Drab, set for worldwide release on June 6th, 2025.

Sin etched on skin. Guilt like quicksand. “Lonely Place” pulls listeners into a harrowing descent where heavy riffs, dark atmospheres, and raw existential dread collide. It’s a soundscape where post-grunge melancholia smashes into apocalyptic doom, crafting a world of crushing fate and poetic despair.The lyric video, produced by Volume Agency, visually amplifies the song’s themes of isolation and reckoning, inviting listeners to confront their shadows.

DRAB doesn’t just resurrect the past — they mutate it. Their sound is a molten collision of eras: the swagger and rawness of 1970s hard rock, the rebellious spirit of 1980s metal, and the brooding intensity of 1990s grunge. Tracks like the incendiary “Afterburner” (available now on Bandcamp) showcase their ability to fuse haunting atmospherics with bone-crushing grooves, creating music that’s as visceral as it is unforgettable.

Pre-order the self-titled album NOW: https://orcd.co/drab

drabnola.com
www.instagram.com/DRABNOLA
www.facebook.com/drabtheband
www.youtube.com/REVERENDHOOCH
drab1.bandcamp.com/track/afterburner

Finnish metal export pioneer Waltari released new album Nations’ Neurosis

Waltari, who took Finnish metal music abroad in the early 90s, left a deep mark on the Finnish music world with their crossover style, and this same creative freedom has not been given up even a little. The new Nations’ Neurosis studio album contains all the surprising elements that made Waltari famous around the world.

At the same time, Nations’ Neurosis is Waltari’s rebirth, presenting a renewed line-up. Guitarists Eero Nykänen and Jakke Setälä and drummer Ville Vehviläinen brought new energy and sound without losing Waltari’s core, which must be both rough and refined, aggressive but melodic.

Waltari’s undisputed primus motor, Kärtsy Hatakka, who also shone in the Tähdet, tähdet program this spring, went through tough times during the writing process of the album as the world descended into chaos, both around him and in his family when Hatakka lost her mother. The emotions, turmoil and also feelings of frustration that arose from all this ended up in the album, which was produced by Aleksanteri Kuosa alongside the band.

“Nations’ Neurosis is a vocal statement against the world’s obsession with the idealization of conflicts and a call to return to unity, understanding and artistic freedom. It is a call to rise from the ashes, to build instead of destroy and to never turn your back on those in need,” the band describes.

With the release of their album, Waltari is also heading to gigs, the first of which will be in Tampere on May 24th. The gigs announced now are:

May 24. Maanalainen, Tampere
May 29. On The Rocks, Helsinki (official album release gig)
May 30. Kultturitila Nuijamies, Lappeenranta

WALTARI | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE| INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY