CRUCIAL VELOCITY (FEAT. KING DIAMOND & CHASTAIN MEMBERS) RELEASE "HOLLOW"

 

PRESS RELEASE:

CRUCIAL VELOCITY Premieres "Hollow" via Metal Insider; New Album Controller Set for Release on January 10, 2025

Crucial Velocity, the all-star project featuring members of King Diamond, Shaolin Death Squad, and Chastain Harris, has unveiled their latest single, "Hollow", exclusively at Metal Insider. The track, which critiques humanity's repeated failure to learn from history, begins with the poignant words of philosopher Georg Hegel: “The only thing that we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history.”

The accompanying music video, created by Wayne Joyner—renowned for his work with Dream Theater, Tremonti, and Devin Townsend—brings the song’s haunting themes to life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ8Q-Wi_o9c

Experience it here: https://metalinsider.net/premieres/video-premiere-crucial-velocity-hollow

 A Message Behind the Music

Songwriter Nate Bauer explains:

"Hollow" was inspired by a conversation about ideology and its destructive potential. Ideology, to me, is the root of all evil, pushing politics and religion into dangerous, cult-like territory. It promotes 'thoughtless thought'—a surrender to doctrine without reflection. Androo O’Hearn’s growling yet melodic vocal delivery captures the anger and urgency behind this message perfectly.

The single also highlights Crucial Velocity’s signature blend of dark atmospheres, progressive complexity, and melodic hooks, drawing comparisons to Opeth, Black Sabbath, and Ghost.

The Band Behind the Sound

Matt Thompson (King Diamond) – Drums

Androo O’Hearn (Shaolin Death Squad) – Vocals, Keyboards

Michael Harris (Chastain Harris, Thought Chamber, Darkology) – Lead Guitar

Nate Bauer – Songwriter, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards

Gary Long – Mixing/Mastering (Nomad Recording Studio, Dallas, TX)

About Controller

Crucial Velocity’s sophomore album, Controller, releases January 10, 2025, promising a heavier, darker, and more refined sound compared to their 2023 self-titled debut. The first single from the album, "Brainstorm," premiered on November 15, 2024, further cementing the band’s status as a force in the progressive metal scene.

Pre-Orders Open Now

Fans can pre-order Controller in physical or digital formats via the Crucial Velocity website: www.crucial-velocity.com.

About Crucial Velocity

Born from the collaboration between songwriter Nate Bauer and veteran producer Gary Long, Crucial Velocity combines the atmospheric depth of Opeth, Black Sabbath, and Voivod with the melodic sensibilities of Queen, Alice In Chains, and Ghost. Their 2023 self-titled debut album garnered critical acclaim across Metalized, Powerplay, and Rock Hard Italy, with airplay on independent radio worldwide.

Follow them on Spotify and add to your playlists!

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0FQS8GlBr2Hay9C7BUCYxZ?si=smXGpHp3RkG0rJKr5PrJdQ

Support on Apple!

https://music.apple.com/us/album/brainstorm-single/1773945401

Follow the band at these links:

Www.crucial-velocity.com 

https://crucial-velocity.com/epk-for-labels

https://crucialvelocity.hearnow.com/crucial-velocity

https://crucial-velocity.com/campaigns/874626

https://www.instagram.com/natebauermusic/

MYRHOLT RELEASE "BLANDEDE MENINGER OG AFORISMER"

 

PRESS RELEASE:

Band: MYRHOLT

Album: Blandede meninger og aforismer

Country: Norway

Genre: Black Metal

Label: Archivist Records

Release date: December 20th, 2024

''Blandede meninger og aforismer'' and its ambient sibling ''Blandede meninger og ambiens'' was created on classical guitar during the winter of 2020/2021.

The ambient version was recorded in early 2021 while the metal version was sporadically recorded between August 2022 and April 2023.

Vocals, guitars, bass, and keys recorded at Holand Gard.

Drums recorded at Øytun Studio.

Mixed and mastered by Jim-Ronny Lorentzen in Øytun Studio

These albums are dedicated to the destruction of modern society...

''Mindre av alt, mer av ingenting!''

MYRHOLT is Norwegian Black Metal.

Nothing more, nothing less.

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/olealexandermyrholt

https://www.instagram.com/olealexandermyrholt

https://soundcloud.com/olealexandermyrholt

https://www.youtube.com/@olealexandermyrholt911

https://www.olealexandermyrholt.com/

Physical formats: https://nordlandsfanden.com/

https://archivist-records.com/

https://www.facebook.com/archivistrex/

GREH RELEASE "DYSPHORIC DEVOTION"

 

PRESS RELEASE:

Greh - Dysphoric Devotion

German Blackened Death Metal.

Release: Fetzner Death Records on January 15th, 2025

“Dysphoric Devotion“ is a musical journey through a dark universe in which light and shadow constantly alternate. The result is a world of sound that is characterized by both raw violence and intense rage. The music is a reflection of human existence - full of contradictions, abysses and an irrepressible longing for redemption. Immerse yourself in powerful death metal riffs that collide with atmospheric doom passages, while distorted walls of guitars, booming drums and dark vocals create an oppressive atmosphere that will stay with you for a long time.

GREH Recordings in collaboration with Fetzner Death Records from germany, EAN: 4067248789117. Music, lyrics, composition, and album artwork by GREH. Recorded and produced by GREH Recordings, November 2023. Mixed & Mastered by Hard Drive Sounds, Stuttgart - Germany. Album artwork created by Aaron Bonogofsky from the USA. Album Digipack designed and edited by Alfi Feijoa from Germany.

Tracklisting:

Chained Thoughts 03:03

Dysphoric Devotion 03:52

Illusional Cenotaph 03:36

Thy Breath Not Mine 03:28

All Flesh Decays 03:46

Growth In Pain 03:16

Through The Eye 02:54

Enter My Oblivion 05:07

GREH is a new band of Gjero Krsteski (guitar / ex. HELLGREASER), Maurice Monne (drums / HARD STRIKE, MILAN) and Martin Kocula (vocals / GRAU) from Germany. After Gjero left HELLGREASER, he founded GREH. First in 2022 as a one-man project and in 2023 as a full-fledged band. On March 31, 2023, the digital debut EP "Reversion Of The Repressed" was released with five songs, which stylistically represent a mixture of black and death metal with doom elements, combining sadness and heaviness with groove and dissonance.

The band has supported bands like Ophis, HEXIS, Iron Walrus, Magefa and headlined shows together with Arsen, Dornen, Tristis, Tourin Horse since 2023 and gained a legion of fans.

GREH are currently working on their debut album “Dysphoric Devotion”, which will be released on January 15, 2025.

For fans of: Hexis, Heriot, Nails, Mantar, Konvent, Conan, YOB, Nightmarer, Predatory Void, Triptykon, Body Void, Primitive Man.

Line up:

Gjero Krsteski - Guitar

Maurice Monne - Drums

Martin Kocula - Vocals

Album pre-order: https://grehmetal.bandcamp.com/album/dysphoric-devotion

For more info: https://linktr.ee/greh

https://grehmetal.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/GREH-104527558895682

https://www.instagram.com/greh.metal/

FLOSCULE RELEASE "Ï"

 

PRESS RELEASE:

Floscule — Black Metal/Neocrust from Ukraine

 “Ї” — Released 27.09.24

About The Band:

Floscule emerges as a dynamic force in the local metal scene, hailing from the resilient heart of Ukraine. Comprising members from renowned bands like White Ward (“Ї” marks Andrii’s first metal appearance after he left WW in July), Silvern, Waidelotte, Obrij, and Vidmershy Shmat, Floscule shatters the confines of traditional black metal. Their sonic journey masterfully weaves together genres as diverse as neocrust and post-metal.

One distinctive hallmark of Floscule is their profound reinterpretation of Ukraine's rich cultural heritage. From concepts to music to lyrics, the band breathes new life into age-old traditions. With each member's unique sonic prowess, Floscule reinvigorates their sound, offering a fresh perspective on their musical landscape.

Rather than merely revisiting the past, Floscule crafts a singular vision by melding traditional elements with contemporary sensibilities. This is evident in their visual aesthetics, melodies that echo Ukrainian folk tunes transformed by black metal and crust influences (without venturing into folk-metal territory), and lyrics that explore the valor of warriors defending their homeland.

Listen to “Ї” by Floscule

Named after the thirteenth letter of the Ukrainian alphabet, it embodies the essence of Ukrainian identity and the quest for self-discovery. For years, neighboring empires, especially the one to the east, have sought to erase the Ukrainian culture, imposing their distorted vision instead. "Ї" stands as the band’s manifesto against this imperial oppression and a tribute to those resisting the Goliath.

Floscule's album "Ї" was conceived during the tumultuous years of 2022-2023 in the heroic city of Mykolaiv, amidst the backdrop of rocket strikes, drone attacks, and artillery shelling. The album was recorded across various locations, from home studios to professional setups in Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kyiv, and Lviv, and masterfully mixed by and masterfully mixed by Alex Sedin (Anachronism, Blighted Eye, White Ward).

A Tree of Life (debut single)

"A Tree of Life" is an interpretation of "Oi u Luzi Chervona Kalyna" (Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow), a Ukrainian patriotic march based on a 17th-century Cossack song, first published in 1875 by Volodymyr Antonovych and Mykhailo Drahomanov.

Due to its association with Ukraine's independence aspirations, the original song was banned during Ukraine's time as a Soviet Republic. After the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, singing "Chervona Kalyna" in Crimea became punishable by fines and imprisonment.

"A Tree of Life" builds on the original melody with black metal and crust riffs, a new structure, and our lyrics. 

Album Tracks:

Fire Breathers

Cosmic Infinity

A Tree Of Life

Eclipse

Glimmer Of Light

Endless Youth

Burn

At The Edge

Rain Keeps Falling 

Cover:

Cover art by Serhii Kochmar:

Band Members:

Meet the visionaries behind Floscule:

Serhii Kovalenko: Guitars, Music

Andrii Pechatkin: Vocals, Lyrics (ex. White Ward, Waidelotte, Signals Feed The Void, mertvi dereva)

Anton Pelyanskii: Bass (Silvern)

Vitalii Chelovenko: Vocals, Lyrics (Silvern)

Petro Buday: Drums (Obrij, Vidmershiy Shmat)

https://floscule.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/flosculeband

https://www.instagram.com/floscule_band

https://linktr.ee/floscule_band

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3myXeA61vpk5Rm2ReaipNL

https://www.youtube.com/@floscule_band_ua

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/floscule/1760541384

OLD MOON RELEASE "OLD MOON"

 

PRESS RELEASE:

Old Moon Announces Self-Titled Debut Album – Out November Now!

Prepare to dive deep into the haunting and melodic realms of sorrow as Old Moon announces the release of their highly anticipated self-titled debut album, out now! For fans of Swallow the Sun, Harakiri for the Sky, and Gaerea, Old Moon blends the power of blackened melodic metal with heart-wrenching lyricism that speaks to the darkest corners of human emotion.

Born in the damp, brooding atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest, Old Moon is the creation of Michael Priest (Gone In April, Idolatrous, ex-Boudica), whose vision is to craft music that tells the tale of life’s deepest sorrows. Themes of depression, grief, loss, and death form the emotional backbone of Old Moon’s lyrical content, offering listeners a cathartic escape through its evocative soundscapes.

With the new album, Old Moon marries the intensity of post-black metal with the melodic intricacies of death metal, creating a unique sonic experience. Accompanied by lush orchestration and immersive guitar melodies, the band weaves a rich tapestry of sound that both strikes the mind and embraces the heart.

Michael Priest shares his vision behind Old Moon’s music:

"Our songs are stitched together by themes of personal struggle, loss, and death. But within these dark spaces, there is a certain beauty in the melancholy – a kind of solace for those who have felt the weight of the world."

About Old Moon:

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Old Moon is the brainchild of Michael Priest, who brings his experience from the Pacific Northwest metal scene to form a band that blends melodic death metal and post-black metal in a distinct and powerful way. With their self-titled debut, Old Moon seeks to carve out a space where emotional depth and sonic beauty collide, offering a cathartic experience for listeners drawn to dark, introspective themes.

"Old Moon" is available on all major streaming platforms now!

Check them out on YouTube and subscribe! 

https://youtu.be/agwZgNy_Nnw

Check them out on Spotify and add them to your playlists!

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4omelxYGETlKIijsJ1JeZI?si=QYaQJ5SORSG-KqOBSegc0A

Support them on Apple! 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/regret-single/1759270067

Follow the band at these links:

https://www.facebook.com/oldmoon.om

https://www.instagram.com/oldmoon.om

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4omelxYGETlKIijsJ1JeZI

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/old-moon/1759269442

https://www.youtube.com/@OldMoonMusic

SUMMER BREEZE OPEN AIR ANNOUNCE 13 NEW BANDS FOR THE 2025 EDITION !

 

PRESS RELEASE:

Summer Breeze Open Air drops another bombshell: 13 new bands have been confirmed for 2025! From epic melodies to relentless riffs, these additions make the lineup even more powerful. The newcomers include:

Wardruna, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter, Sólstafir, Agnostic Front, Borknagar, Coldrain, Suffocation, Harakiri For The Sky, Warmen, Kupfergold, Crystal Lake, Hellripper, and Baest.

These new additions bolster an already impressive lineup featuring metal heavyweights like Machine Head, Blind Guardian, Gojira, Dimmu Borgir and TARJA & Marko Hietala.

So far, 81 out of over 130 bands for this year's lineup have been announced. You can find the full list of confirmed acts on the official festival poster!

https://www.summer-breeze.de/

https://www.instagram.com/summerbreezeopenair/

https://www.facebook.com/summerbreeze1997

VYR MUK RELEASE "SHADOWS FALLING ON DEAD CITIES"

 

PRESS RELEASE:

Vyr Muk is a musical project of Vladyslav Blizniuk from Kharkiv, Ukraine, which debuted in 2023. The project works in the genres of black/death metal and ambient, with a focus on dark, deep themes.

The new EP “Shadows falling on dead cities” released on October 31, 2024 is the first non-demo release in the genre of black/death metal dedicated to the war in Ukraine. Apart from the gloomy instrumental intro, each track on the album conveys different horrors of struggle.

You can listen the EP on these links:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/vyrmuk/shadows-falling-on-the-dead-cities/

Follow Vyr Muk here:

https://vyrmuk.bandcamp.com/music

https://www.instagram.com/vyr_muk.ua

TIGGUO COBAUC RELEASE "FOUNTAINS OF ANGUISH"

 

PRESS RELEASE:

Forged by ancient magic deep in the sandstone depths of Nottingham, UK, Tigguo Cobauc's spellbinding guitar riffs over primal rhythm are the sound of your darkest desires.

Beginning their journey with the 2022 debut "Trial by Combat", this birth into the constellations was steeped in the murky depths of Death/Doom, cloaked in a sludgy resonance. From these beginnings, they gradually evolved, transcending into realms infused with black metal's ethereal atmospheres, where shadows and intensity intertwined.

Unraveling their latest album "Fountains of Anguish", this past April in Europe, the blackened doom duo of Luc Martello and Reno Ramos announces the re-release of this second full-length in North and South America via Exitus Stratagem Records digitally and CD on December 20th, 2024, and on Vinyl (release date to be announced at a later date).

The band comments:

"We have already unveiled the album in Europe, and the resonance it has garnered has been nothing short of remarkable. The reviews have painted a vivid tapestry of praise, while the response during our live demonstrations has sparked an exuberant and electrifying communion with our audience. Fountains of Anguish stands as a vivid snapshot of our artistic essence in 2023, encapsulating the intricate layers of our sound and vision. It reflects the alchemical fusion of our influences, embodying the raw emotion, complexity, and depth that characterize our current trajectory. This work crystallizes our evolution, a testament to our sonic exploration and collective spirit, serving as both a beacon and a mirror of our artistic journey. This collaboration with Exitus Stratagem Records not only amplifies our reach, but also solidifies our commitment to sharing our art with a broader audience. We are excited to embark on this journey and connect with fans who resonate with our sonic vision."

The sound of "Fountains of Anguish" is an amalgamation of classic black metal, reinterpreted with a modern sensibility, and infused with doomy elements that evoke a sense of atmospheric weight. Tigguo Cobauc has seamlessly integrated keyboards into their compositions, adding depth and texture to enhance the listening experience. Through this unique blend, they aspire to infuse their

music with a distinctive touch of originality, creating a soundscape that resonates with the genre's traditions and contemporary influences.

"This record is enriched by the newly woven atmospheres that ascend the ordinary, transforming into a profound ritualistic communion with the audience. Each note reverberates like an incantation, inviting a shared journey into the depths of sound that beckons a collective transcendence." adds the band.

Embarking upon this next chapter of their journey, Tigguo Cobauc's "Fountains of Anguish" is recommended for fans of Celtic Frost, Bathory, and Venom.

Track Listing:

1. Craving For Slay - 5:26

2. The Darkest Emperor - 5:46

3. Eternal Quietus - 7:27

4. Inner Disaster - 6:08

5. Volt-Face - 5:12

6. Engaged Putridity - 4:21

7. Deliverance - 6:10

Total Time: 40:36.44

Album Credits:

Produced by Tigguo Cobauc

Drums Recorded at NOISEBOY STUDIOS (Salford, UK)

All instruments recorded at THREE SQUIRES

RECORDINGS (Nottingham, UK)

Vocals recorded at GREENSIGHT PRODUCTIONS

(Nottingham, UK) Mixed and Mastered by Esben Willems at

BERSERK STUDIO (Gothenburg, Sweden)

Artwork by Merg & Been, vinyl version edited by H-SoundMusicRecords All songs written by: Renato Ramos, Luca Martello

Tigguo Cobauc recording line-up:

Reno Ramos - Bass/Vocals

Luca Martello - Guitar

Lloyd David - Drums

Wayne Turton – Keyboards

Album pre-order (CD) is available at https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/pre-sale-tigguo-cobauc-fountains-of-anguish-lp-cd

Digital - https://hypeddit.com/tigguocobauc/fountainsofanguish

https://tigguocobauc.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/tigguocobaucband

https://www.instagram.com/tigguocobauc/

HAVUKRUNUU RELEASE "TAVASTLAND"

 

PRESS RELEASE:

Finnish black metal outfit HAVUKRUUNU will unleash their Tavastland full-length February 28th via Svart Records.

After three albums, the pieces of the puzzle fit, and HAVUKRUUNU returns with a vengeance. The sorrowful guitars of Stefa and Bootleg-Henkka draw threatening dark shadows on the wall, Kostajainen's drum bombardment pulses like embers of a dying fire in the hearth. All the while, Humö's bass guitar is clanking and wailing like the icy wind rattling windows and banging walls as Stefa roars and channels messages from the netherworld or preaches wisdom of ancient days, backed by a choir.

Lords of Hell smile approvingly as the flames of hatred and cunning of their beloved sons drown a dying old world, and the heart of the earth trembles the birth of the new and weird. HAVUKRUUNU is the spirit of freedom, the harbinger of oblivion, and it tells you: “Fly, You Fools!”

Elaborates Stefa on the album’s theme, “Tavastland tells how in 1237 the Tavastians rose in a rebellion against the church of Christ and drove the popes naked into the frost to die. Tavastland reveals our fathers’ centuries old sins and lies of consolation. Tavastland speaks of him, who has become a prisoner of his home, alienated from the land of the forest and is now afraid of the dark with all lights on, surrounded by his smart devices. Tavastland tells about the freedom we lost. Tavastland haunts its listener to the grave, and I will personally open that grave one bleak night and steal the fading light of your sempiternal soul.”

In advance of the release of Tavastland, HAVUKRUUNU has unveiled a majestic new video for the record’s title track.

Watch HAVUKRUUNU’s “Tavastland” video HERE. Stream/purchase the track HERE.

HAVUKRUUNU’s Tavastland will be available on CD, cassette, and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants: Amber + Black Smoke, Classic Black vinyl, and Ice + Blood (a Svart exclusive limited to 666 copies). All vinyl editions of the first pressing include a booklet and poster. A new HAVUKRUUNU T-shirt is also up for preorder now via Svart’s webstore.

Find physical preorders HERE.

Tavastland Track Listing:

1. Kuolematon Laulunhenki

2. Yönsynty

3. Havukruunu Ja Talvenvarjo

4. Tavastland

5. Kuoleman Oma

6. Unissakävijä

7. Kun Veri Sekoipuu Lumeen

8. De Miseriis Fennorum

https://www.facebook.com/havukruunu/

https://www.instagram.com/havukruunuband/

https://havukruunu.bandcamp.com/

https://www.svartrecords.com

https://www.facebook.com/svartrecords

https://www.instagram.com/svartrecords

OVERCAST RAIN RELEASE "BLACK DEATH"

 

PRESS RELEASE:

OVERCAST RAIN

Black Death

Brutal Records

11 April 2025

Overcast Rain: Latvia's Metal Titans Unleash Their Third Studio Album, Black Death

Hailing from the vibrant city of Liepāja, Overcast Rain is poised to make waves in the global metal scene once again with their highly anticipated third studio album, Black Death. Set for release on April 11, 2025, under the esteemed Brutal Records banner, this album promises to redefine the boundaries of dark metal with a sonic assault like no other.

A Legacy Forged in Darkness

Formed in 2014 by the visionary duo Mihails Maslovs (vocals/guitar) and Kolja Kirk (drums), Overcast Rain has emerged as a beacon of Latvia’s thriving metal scene. Over the past decade, the band has undergone remarkable evolution, marked by lineup transformations and sonic experimentation, solidifying their place as one of the genre’s most dynamic and innovative forces.

Their discography boasts two critically acclaimed albums:

Since You Die (July 11, 2020)

My God Hates Me (March 1, 2022)

These releases have earned the band significant accolades, with tracks like “All Hope Is Gone” breaking into the Destrokit Rock Chart Top 50 and securing spots on the prestigious European Metal Channel rankings. Recognized as cultural milestones, both albums are enshrined in the National Library of Latvia.

The Evolution of Overcast Rain

After a brief hiatus, Mihails Maslovs and Andris Aleksejevs reignited the band in 2018, channeling a renewed vision to craft a heavier, more aggressive sound. The addition of new members and the transition away from female vocals heralded a bold new era for Overcast Rain. This revamped lineup debuted with electrifying performances at Bunker13 Fest and clinched second place at the Fresh Blood competition, setting the stage for their meteoric rise.

Their relentless energy and captivating performances have taken them across Europe and beyond, with standout appearances at premier festivals such as Dark Malta Fest, GoatHell Metal Fest, Barbar Fest, and DiFest. Sharing stages with icons like Die Krupps, Blood Red Throne, Psyclon Nine, and Ost+Front, Overcast Rain has solidified their reputation as a must-see act on the global metal circuit.

Black Death: A New Chapter

Overcast Rain finished album Black Death, a collection of 13 tracks that includes both brand-new songs and remastered fan favorites. This ambitious release showcases their relentless drive to push the boundaries of dark metal and promises to be a landmark achievement in their career.

Tracklist:

Intro

Black Death

Satanic Slut

Rain

Nightmare

Shadows

Damned

Lost

Motherland

Helloween

White Snow  (feat. Artyom Kuricyn - Yomi on Flute (mokshan lang)

War (remastered)

Winter Depression (remastered)

The Current Lineup

Mihails Maslovs – Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard

Marks Širokovs – Drums, Samples, Backing Vocals

Rudolf Vistiņš – Guitar, Bass, Backing Vocals

Andris Aleksejevs – Lead Guitar

Leonidas Heidemanis – Lead Guitar

Aleksandrs Tiškevičs – Bass

A Storm Is Coming

As Overcast Rain gears up to release their heaviest single video yet, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Under the Brutal Records banner, this dark metal powerhouse is ready to usher in a new era of dominance.

Stay tuned for updates—the storm is just beginning.

OVERCAST RAIN

https://songwhip.com/overcastrain/

https://overcastrain.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/overcast.rain.band

BRUTAL RECORDS

https://linktr.ee/brutalrecords.official