Of Mice and Men

Named after the John Steinbeck novel, Of Mice And Men are an American metalcore rock band from Costa Mesa, California.

Lamb of God

Far from holy, Lamb of God are a metal band from Virginia, US. They are recognized as being part of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal movement.

Arch Enemy

Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band, often referred to as a super group which currently consists of Michael Amott, Daniel Erlandsson, Sharlee D'Angelo, Alissa White-Gluz and Jeff Loomis.

Alestorm

‘Alestorm’ are in a league of their own, weaving together a genre that is widely recognized as “pirate metal”. They hail from Perth, Scotland, and are signed to Napalm Records, with whom they have released a handful of studio albums.

The Ghost Inside

The Ghost Inside (formed in 2004) is an American hardcore punk band from Los Angeles, California, U.S., formerly of the name A Dying Dream.

Powerwolf

Blessed & Possessed (2015)

The History of Heresy II(2009-2012)

The History of Heresy I (2004-2008)

Preachers of the Night (2013)

Blood of the Saints (2011)

Blood of the Saints (2012), Picture Vinyl

Wolfsnächte Tour EP (2012)

Trinity in Black (2011)

Bible of the Beast (2009)

The Wacken Worship (2009)

Lupus Dei (2007)

Return in Bloodred (2005)

Saxon

Saxon is a british heavy metal band, formed in 1976 in Barnsley, Yorkshire. As leading lights in the new wave of British Heavy Metal they had a brief period of UK Top 40 success in the early 1980s, and also tasted success in Europe and Japan. They still tour heavily and regularly. Their latest (in support of The Inner Sanctum album) tour is their largest in the UK since the early 1980s.

They started somewhere around South Yorkshire, UK as SOB during 1976 with founder members Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson. This band joined forces with another local band, Coast, featuring Biff Byford on vocals and Paul Quinn on guitar. The two bands then finalised with a line-up comprising of the then 26 year old Graham 'Oly' Oliver, Steve 'Dobby' Dawson (27), Paul 'Blute' Quinn (26), Pete 'Frank' Gill (27) and Peter 'Biff' Byford (27). The name of the band was Son Of A Bitch. That name was dropped a few years later and the band re-christened themselves SAXON. They were at this time playing the usual rock clubs and concert gigs supporting The Ian Gillan Band and Heavy Metal Kids, amongst others, playing all their own material. Demo tapes were recorded at Tapestry Studios, with producer John Verity (Ex. Argent singer/guitarist). They hawked these round the usual record companies only to be ignored as the new-wave was at its height at this time. After a few months the band finally gained a favourable reaction from EMI man Peter Hinton. He had come up to Barnsley to see the band play at the town's Civic Hall. He was very impressed and recommended SAXON to Claude Carrere as candidates for his new label on the British scene, Carrere Records. Claude decided to offer them a contract, after hearing the band's demo tapes.

Saxon (1979)

The album SAXON (CAL 110) was recorded, again with producer John Verity, and was ready for world distribution in May 1979. The first single taken from the album was Big Teaser c/w Stallions of the Highway (CAR 118). Although Stallions was the band's first single in the nation's heavy metal charts, it eventually reached number one in the Powerhouse chart on July 24th 1979. Their second single Backs To The Wall c/w Militia Guard (CAR129) also reached the top in the Powerhouse charts in January 1980. The single was released to coincide with a nationwide tour as special guests of MOTORHEAD. The tour, which began on November 10th at the Bracknell Sports Centre, took the band to all the major venues around the nation, including three nights at London's Hammersmith Odeon. The tour ended on December 16th at the specially arranged Christmas concert there. The band went into the studios again and recorded their second album Wheels Of Steel.

Wheels Of Steel (1980)

Wheels Of Steel was released in May 1980. The album was produced by Pete Hinton and SAXON. It reached the top five of the UK album charts. The band appeared on 'Top Of The Pops' with their two hit singles Wheels Of Steel and 747 (Strangers In The Night).

Strong Arm Of The Law (1980)

SAXON quickly recorded another album, titled Strong Arm Of The Law and released it in November of the same year. The album was again produced by Pete Hinton and SAXON. Two singles were released, Strong Arm Of The Law and Dallas 1PM.

Denim And Leather (1981)

In 1981 the band had been on the road for most of the year with little time for recording a follow-up. In the past few months they had toured almost every country in the World. They were particularly successful in Japan, where the single Motorcycle Man maintained a presence in the charts for a five month period. October 1981 saw the release of their fourth album, dedicated to their fans and their usual style of dress, Denim And Leather. The album was backed up by a 46-date UK and European tour.Denim And Leather went silver in the UK and charted all over Europe. Two singles, And The Bands Played On and Never Surrender, were released from the album. Two days before the tour, drummer Pete Gill damaged a hand and Nigel Glockler, an old friend of SAXON, replaced him. He had to learn the whole set in a day and a half, and fulfilled all expectations.

The Eagle Has Landed - Live (1982)

The prime objective of 1982 was the conquering of the USA. On their second tour of 38 dates, travelling from New York down to Florida, through Texas to the West Coast, SAXON finished with four sell-out shows at the 'Whiskey' in Los Angeles, and three in San Francisco. The success of this tour prompted the rush release of Strong Arm Of The Law in the USA on May 21st, and the booking of a further tour in June/July. SAXON recorded a live album at the end of 1981, and released it on May 14th, 1982. The fans were asked to name the album, and the overwhelming choice of the title was The Eagle Has Landed. The Eagle flew around the world to return for a 28-day British tour beginning on September 16th 1982. They appeared at Castle Donington's Monsters Of Rock Festival amidst touring the US. They play Dallas with Rainbow on Thursday, fly to England for Castle Donington on Saturday and then fly back to the US on Monday for a show in New York, quickly followed by an appearance in Germany for their equivalent of the Monsters Of Rock Festival! The appearance at Castle Donington gave SAXON the title of first band to have played the Monsters of Rock Festival twice, having first played there in 1980.

Power And The Glory (1983)

October/November 1982 saw SAXON back in the studio to work on their latest album with the title of Power And The Glory, produced by US producer Jeff Glixman. In Los Angeles alone it sells 15,000 copies in its first week. Three videos are released: Power And The Glory, Nightmare and the re-recorded Suzy Hold On. Touring was inevitable and was a great success. Also released was the video SAXON Live, a concert filmed in Nottingham, UK. Unfortunately, 1983 was the year that saw SAXON's departure from Carrere, the original label that signed the band. This was due to some inside discrepancies on the part of Carrere regarding the actual sales of SAXON's albums. They were subsequently picked up and signed by EMI.

Crusader (1984)

Crusader was the first album for SAXON to be released through EMI in 1984, although this was also the last album that Carrere handled, produced by Kevin Beamish and recorded in Los Angeles. This was the year that the band visited the States to tour yet again, this time in conjunction with Motley Crue, SAXON headlining some nights and Motley Crue the others. Iron Maiden toured the US in the same year and SAXON were invited to be special guests of theirs. The end of 1984 and during 1985 sees SAXON tour in support of Crusader which is proving successful in the USA. SAXON also tour with supporting band Accept in Germany.

Innocence Is No Excuse (1985)

Innocence Is No Excuse, the band's eighth album is released during September, 1985. The album was recorded at the Wisseloord Studio in Holland. Two singles were released: Back On The Streets and Rock And Roll Gypsy. EMI then released SAXON Live Innocence, a live video from the recent tour and 2 promo clips for Back on the Streets and Rocking Again.

Rock The Nations (1986)

1986 was quite a year for SAXON with the departure of Steve Dawson, long-time bass player. He left, because of problems with his wife. 'She really fucked him up', as Biff said. In came unknown bassist, Paul Johnson. They recorded a new album titled Rock The Nations where Biff actually handled all the bass parts, although the credit went to Paul Johnson. Three singles (and videos) were taken from the album: Northern Lady, Waiting For The Night and Rock The Nations. Elton John played piano on Party 'till you Puke and Northern Lady. A tour of Europe was scheduled during 1986 and towards the end of the year Biff and the boys joined with Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force in the States.

Destiny (1988)

1987 saw the departure of Nigel Glockler to the band GTR, a project band made up from ex-Yes band members and vocalist Max Bacon. In came drummer Nigel Durham. SAXON recorded Destiny, their last album for EMI who just did'nt want us to record a new album, Biff said. Following the tour and with the recent demise of GTR came the anticipated return of drummer Nigel Glockler to the Saxon fold. Paul Johnson left and was replaced by Tim 'Nibbs' Carter, first gigging in Budapest. He is quickly accepted by Saxon's fans and becomes a permanent member touring during the latter part of 1988, proving to be a dominant, competent songwriter and general Saxon stage maniac. By the way, at this time he's only 22!

Rock 'N' Roll Gypsies - Live (1989)

1989, SAXON recorded a new live album Rock And Roll Gypsies. Biff and the boys consequently toured with Manowar as a double headliner in Germany. Power And The Glory, the video anthology, is released on PMI. Following the German tour SAXON retire to the studio to write for the next album. However, between writing, SAXON break to play a series of charity shows in the UK.

Greatest Hits - Live (1990)

Solid Ball Of Rock (1990)

1990, SAXON have been together for 10 years and they schedule a UK/European tour under the banner of '10 Years Of Denim And Leather'. They recorded another live album and a video with the same title. For the rest of the year they worked on their new studio album, titled Solid Ball Of Rock. The album is released on February 4th 1991, followed by the single Requiem- We Will Remember (18th March), a track dedicated to all those Rock stars in the heaven's above. SAXON were picked up and signed by Virgin, and played all over Europe and even in America, Japan, Australia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and New Zealand!

Forever Free (1992)

In 1992 SAXON recorded another successful album, Forever Free, at Hey You Studios, Vienna, Austria and Gems Studios, Boston, Lincolnshire, UK. The album was produced by Biff Byford and Herwig Ursin. A single, Iron Wheels, a track dedicated to Biff's father is released.

Dogs Of War (1995)

In 1994 SAXON had been working on material for their next studio album. The album, Dogs Of War, is released in early 1995, but immediately after the recording, long-time guitarist Graham Oliver left the band. In came Nigel Glockler's friend and guitarist Doug Scarrat to fill Oliver's shoes. SAXON recorded a new video-clip Dogs Of War, which appeared on MTV's Headbangers' Ball. Finally, after another thumbs year of touring SAXON recorded a few Christmas shows in Germany.

The Eagle Has Landed - Live Pt II (1996)

1996 saw the release of Saxon's latest live album, The Eagle Has Landed Pt II. Biff and the boys toured consequently, the whole year through. They also record the song You've Got Another Thing Comin', for the Judas Priest Tribute CD.

In 1997, EMI re-releases Wheels Of Steel and Strong Arm Of The Law as a double CD. It contains 11 bonus tracks mainly live recordings from 1981.

Unleash The Beast (1997)

Saxon release a new studio album in May. The title is Unleash The Beast, which is produced by Kalle Trapp and Saxon. The album is just as cool as Dogs Of War and Wheels Of Steel, and includes a semi-acoustic ballad Absent Friends, dedicated to John 'J.J' Jones the crew boss who had died the previous year. Saxon began their Unleash The Beast tour in May, where they played in Germany, Holland, Belgium, Sweden and lots of other countries. Unleash The Beast reached the top 100 in Sweden, Germany and also Switzerland. In November they played two gigs in Brazil (Sao Paulo and Santos), ended the year with a Christmas show in Belgium.

1998, Saxon begins the year with two shows in England in February. In March and April, they are going to play in the USA again. This tour went very well, they played 26 gigs! then returning to Spain for a further three shows. After the Spanish gigs, they played on the Brazilian 'Monsters of Rock', then all over Europe and some further gigs in the USA late November. They then opened for Deep Purple in Rotterdam, Holland. The Unleash the Beast tour ended November 21st in Hardenberg, Holland.

An injury prevents Nigel continuing to play drums for Saxon, but he still writes new songs with the band for the next album. Saxon is now using a German drummer Fritz Randow, who already played with the band on the last tour in Europe. Saxon play the Arena Open Air festival in Holland, with Motorhead and Dio.

Metalhead (1999)

Saxon released their awesome CD Metalhead in September 1999, and continued to tour the world in support of this opus for the next 2 years, culminating in some prestigious headline shows at the first ever Bloodstock UK Metal Festival in the UK, and Wacken in August 2001 where the infamous eagle made its welcome return!

Killing Ground (2001)

Somewhere in amongst this busy schedule for Metalhead, Saxon found the time to record KILLING GROUND, as well as some new versions of classic tracks. These albums are being released later in 2001, following which Saxon will embark on World Tour no 999!!

Slaughter To Prevail

Slaughter To Prevail is pushing heavy music to new extremes, delivering unapologetically hard modern metal while smashing expectations, and becoming one of the most talked about bands in heavy music in the process. With over one million monthly Spotify listeners, STP are arguably the highest streaming band in extreme music, a fact further reflected in their live shows. Packing out sizeable venues on their headline shows, the band also draw huge crowds at their festival appearances, and led a record-breaking wall-of-death at last summer’s HELLFEST OPEN AIR.

Slaughter To Prevail’s journey began in the most unlikely of ways—two musicians from completely different worlds. Alex Terrible, forging his monstrous vocals from a small bedroom in the cold, rural Russian city of Yekaterinburg, crossed paths online with guitarist Jack Simmons, who sharpened his craft in a quiet town on the outskirts of Essex, UK. What started as a distant collaboration quickly turned into a brotherhood, as their exchanges of ideas took shape, songs were formed and it became apparent to Jack and Alex that they were on to something special.

When they’re not commanding festival crowds, frontman Alex Terrible is proving his fighting spirit beyond his musical career. Fresh off a brutal 37-second knockout in Russia’s RCC Bare Knuckle—a promotion known for its savage, no-nonsense fights, Alex is in training to sharpen his skills for a bout with Top Dog Bare Knuckle in May, while discussions continue regarding his American debut with Bare Knuckle FC. Whether wrestling bears in Siberia, preparing for fights in the deep South, or bleeding on stage across the rest of the world, Alex thrives in the most unforgiving environments.

With the summer packed with main stage festival performances across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, 2025 is already shaping up to be a career-defining year for Slaughter To Prevail. Their logo now sits high on the world’s biggest festival posters, a reflection of their rapid ascent. This summer, the band will unveil a brand-new live show, reimagining their already punishing performances with a harder-hitting, more visceral production—an experience designed to pull fans deeper into the chaos, making every moment feel explosive and unpredictable.

All of this momentum leads to “Grizzly”, their most anticipated release yet. Featuring the already released singles 'Conflict,' 'Viking,' '1984,' 'Behelit,' and 'Kid of Darkness,' the album is a relentless assault, balancing raw aggression with massive, unforgettable catchiness, with the next single, 'Russian Grizzly In America,' set to be a heavy metal anthem, packed with hooks strong enough to hang a bear from.

This is Slaughter To Prevail’s moment. “Grizzly” is the culmination of everything they have built, a defining record that cements their place at the top of modern heavy music.

Alcest

This is the official Alcest Facebook profile.

Mushroomhead

Mushroomhead is an American metal band from Cleveland, Ohio which formed in 1993 and currently consists of Jeffrey Nothing and several other musicians.

Imminence

Fronted by vocalist and violinist Eddie Berg, guitarists Harald Barrett & Alex Arnoldsson and bass player Christian Höijer; Swedish alternative metalcore outfit, Imminence, has during the latest years established their own highly unique brand and pushed the genre beyond extents of anyone’s expectations. With the distinct use of classical string arrangements blended with the influence of ferocious Scandinavian metal, the sound and visual universe of the quintet stands out as one of the most innovative and exciting acts on the market today.

Ill Nino

Deicide

Deicide are a death metal band from Florida, U.S. who have been wreaking havoc and stirring controversy since inception in 1987.

Amorphis

Amorphis is a Finnish metal band founded in 1990. Initially, the band was a death metal act, but on later albums they evolved into playing other genres, including progressive metal with folk music influences. They frequently use the Kalevala, the epic poem of Finland, as a source for their lyrics. Band members are: Esa Holopainen, Tomi Joutsen, Santeri Kallio, Tomi Koivusaari, Olli-Pekka Laine and Jan Rechberger.

Fourteenth Amorphis album, "Halo", is out on February 11th, 2022 via Atomic Fire Records.

Paleface Swiss

Switzerland's Finest Cheese Factory.

Buy Merch and CDs at www.palefaceswiss.com

PALEFACE is:

Marc (Zelli) - Vocals

Yannick - Guitar

Tommy - Bass

Cassi - Drums

Satyricon

Satyricon (formed in 1991) is a Norwegian Black Metal fusion three-piece, known for their melodic and folksy embellishments, hailing from Oslo, Norway.

Fit for an Autopsy

The crushing music of Fit For An Autopsy is for any fan of extreme metal, its sound and fury is absolutely unflinching in purpose. The band expertly blends excessive, force-fueled death metal with atmospheric groove and impassioned personal diatribes, reflecting back the dark state of current events. Their fifth studio album, The Sea Of Tragic Beasts, doesn’t waste time with fantasy bullshit or cliché gore horror. Fit For An Autopsy are metal guys, to be certain, but they grew up in the hardcore scene. They embrace the responsibility to put as much devoted purpose into their lyrics and message as they do into their dense, heady, songs, forging a magnificently powerful new "post-deathcore."

“When I write a song, I’m trying to feel emotionally connected to it. I really don’t like saying things that don’t matter over music that I want to matter,” says Will Putney, producer/guitarist, principal songwriter and co-founder. “We’ve always addressed serious topics going back to our first album. Anyone who really looks around at the current state of the world should be able to relate to the aggression, anger, frustration, and sadness often communicated in our music."

Putney’s fellow guitarist/co-founder, Patrick Sheridan, strongly agrees. He emphasizes that while the music of Fit For An Autopsy may evolve it will always be aggressive and will always have purpose. “We think it's important to carry that torch. Somebody's got to say something about what's going on. If you're not using your music, which is a great platform, for something meaningful that you care about on some level, then you're wasting it.”

The six men of the New Jersey based group – which includes vocalist Joe Badolato, bassist Peter Spinazola, third guitarist Tim Howley, and drummer Josean Orta – put maximum intentionality into everything they do. They are constantly challenging themselves as musicians, adding to the band’s overall creative arsenal, connecting with audiences around the world, and supporting one another in the band as individual people.

Fit For An Autopsy first summoned one of the most crushing takes on the then-burgeoning deathcore genre with their 2008 demo and the following year’s self-released Hell On Earth EP, which led to a deal with The Red Chord vocalist Guy Kozowyk’s Black Market Activities label.

Their debut album The Process Of Human Extermination earned them a place among the genre’s giants, cementing them as energizing leaders rather than stale followers. As MetalSucks observed: “The band’s brutal, glowering take on [deathcore] reminded [us] of the squandered potential of the genre. Hardcore grooves and swagger, when incorporated correctly, blend quite well with death metal.” Fit For An Autopsy’s determined drive, work ethic, and devilishly unmistakable talent next elicited the attention of Good Fight/eOne, the group’s home starting with their sophomore album.

On Hellbound, Fit For An Autopsy expanded their commanding approach to death metal with hints of various sub-genres by absorbing increasingly diverse elements, from the rhythmic experimentalism of Gojira to the aggressive post-Noisecore of Converge, with a dose of the New Wave Of Swedish Death Metal, and a touch of groove unique to the New Jersey six-piece. The group began to cut their teeth on the road, racking up several full US tours with the likes of The Acacia Strain, Thy Art Is Murder, Whitechapel, Suicide Silence, and Crowbar. Towards the end of this album cycle, the touring took its toll on original frontman Nate Johnson, who amicably split from the band.

Rather than take a step back, the third studio album Absolute Hope Absolute Hell served as the recorded introduction of the defining powerhouse vocalist Joe Badolato, whose impressive range helped destroy all remaining self-imposed doubts and boundaries. It’s something the group’s instrumental members had yearned to do as even as they prepared the material prior to enlisting their new singer.

Absolute Hope Absolute Hell cracked the Top 20 on the Hard Rock Albums chart and hit #3 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart. As Putney often noted in interviews, the record stood defiantly apart from those that offered little more than thirty minutes of blast beats and breakdowns.

Sure, that kind of nonstop pummeling has its place, but Fit For An Autopsy concentrated their focus less on crazy tempo changes and more on atmosphere and vibe, keeping one foot in the crushingly heavy arena while drawing more deeply from traditional metal influences, post-rock, and esoteric nuance. In 2015, the same year as Metal Injection and other tastemakers hailed the group’s progression, Fit For An Autopsy joined the Stronger Than Faith Tour with Suicide Silence, Emmure, and Within The Ruins, followed by a co-headlining tour with Aborted, a trek with Old Wounds, and the Tune Low Die Slow Tour with Acacia Strain and Counterparts.

“Being out there touring, I can say that our fans have been very accepting of each change and progression,” Sheridan notes proudly. “I’m very grateful, as oftentimes bands are scrutinized heavily as they evolve. We definitely took a step in a direction that people were excited about, and will continue to do so.”

Putney points to Absolute Hope Absolute Hell as a definitive moment in the band’s career when they truly came into their own. “I like the earlier records a lot but we were definitely lumped in with a lot of similar-sounding bands at the time. I was happy that we were able carve our own path a little bit more on the last album, which we carry with confidence into the future.”

Between Absolute Hope Absolute Hell and its follow-up The Great Collapse, the group’s members were able to broaden their creative horizons even further with what became known as “The Depression Sessions,” a uniquely collaborative project that combined Fit For An Autopsy with their friends in Thy Art Is Murder and The Acacia Strain. Jettisoning the cutthroat competitiveness that often gets between bands, the trio of extreme metal acts joined forces for experimental sessions more akin in spirit to the jazz greats and hip-hop artists, but within the context of heavy music.

All of that collaboration and experimentation – to say nothing of Putney’s accomplishments as an in-demand genre producer whose credits include work with both of the bands who joined them in “The Depression Sessions,” among other genre standouts – led to an all new focus on the band’s fourth album, The Great Collapse.

“Iron Moon” is an aggressive shot across the bow of the status quo, railing against the mundane servitude of the 9-to-5 grind, yearning for a life of meaning and purpose. It’s as anti-establishment in tone as the album is in sound. Fit For An Autopsy break with genre convention even as they reshape and redefine their chosen sonic landscape. “Heads Will Hang” confronts the worldwide refugee problem, demanding empathy, placing the listener in the shoes of someone displaced from their home, hungry to escape into a safer life. “When the Bulbs Burn Out” expresses the group’s deep concerns or conservationism sustainability. “Black Mammoth” was inspired by the conscientious activism of the Dakota Access Pipeline protestors. Other tracks are more abstract lyrically, but no song on The Great Collapse is without intensity.

The album’s underlying death metal foundation serves as strong support for its more adventurous forays into chaotic hardcore, bits of deathcore, and a meditative, almost droning rumination not unlike the best of shoegaze and desert rock, like a hazy collision between Queens Of The Stone Age and Russian Circles. The omnipresence of rock titans Tool weaves in and out in powerful doses, with The Great Collapse inviting ever more favorable comparisons to Gojira, a band whose evolutionary trajectory is not dissimilar from Fit For An Autopsy’s path.

Two extensive years of touring followed this release, which debuted at an impressive position of #47 on the billboard top 200. The band circled the globe multiple times, covering an ever expansive fan base opening for the likes of Trivium, Arch Enemy, Hatebreed, Sepultura, and Architects. European festivals, a successful headliner, and another coheadliner with Unearth followed suite.

The band buckled down in the fall of 2018 to prepare what may just be their defining moment, the Nuclear Blast Records debut The Sea Of Tragic Beasts. The intention of Fit For An Autopsy to truly carve their own path appears to have been triumphantly realized.

The title track wastes no time demonstrating the unbridled primitive aggression and intensity the group has come to perfect. "Mirrors" weaves in and out of saddened passages, chaotic metal, and atmospheric epicness, all while maintaining thoughtful expressions on the human condition. "Shepherd" could very well go down as a melodic death metal classic, and it's cascade into the deeply impassioned "Your Pain Is Mine" is a shining testament to this band's versatility and musical prowess. Socially conscience themes are once again abundant and blunt. There's an underlying urgency to the personal exploration on this album, and an almost desperation to the tone and delivery of Badolato that truly breaks down the boundaries of extreme music, and crosses into a much more connected conduit with the listener. One thing is clear at the end of this 45 minute journey, there is no stopping Fit For An Autopsy from their realizing their vision as musicians. And in all honesty, who would want to.

Soen

SOEN emerged from the shadows of Sweden’s progressive metal scene, not with a whisper but with an uncompromising clarity and resolve. Born from the vision of drummer Martin Lopez, previously known for his tenure with the iconic Opeth, and the introspective voice of vocalist Joel Ekelöf, SOEN swiftly carved out a unique identity, their debut album Cognitive (2012) immediately establishing them as a formidable presence.

Their sound is complex yet deeply human, woven together by intricate rhythms, nuanced melodies, and a lyrical depth that demands introspection. The band’s lineup soon solidified, anchored by the versatile multi-instrumentalist Lars Enok Åhlund, guitarist Cody Lee Ford, and the steadfast rhythms of bassist Stefan Stenberg. Over the years, former members such as guitarist Kim Platbarzdis, guitarist Marcus Jidell, and bassist Zlatoyar have also left indelible marks, contributing significantly to the band’s sound and evolution.

Pentagram

1987'de Hakan Utangaç (gitar) ve Cenk Ünnü (davul) tarafından kurulan Pentagram, aynı yıl Tarkan Gözübüyük'ün (bas gitar) katılmasıyla çekirdek kadrosunu oluşturdu.

İstanbul, Bursa, İzmir ve Ankara'da verilen konserlerle dikkat çeken grup, adını taşıyan ilk albümünü 1990'da Nepa Müzik etiketiyle yayımladı.

Albümün Rock müzik ortamında gördüğü destek sayesinde ulusal basın ve TRT ekranında yer bulan topluluk, kısa sürede Heavy Metal tarzının ülkemizdeki sembolü haline geldi.

1992'de kaydedilen ikinci albüm Trail Blazer, Alman yapım şirketi Nuclear Blast tarafından tüm Avrupa ülkelerinde yayımlandı. Özel radyo ve tv kanallarının açılmasıyla daha çok tanınan Pentagram, yabancı müzik dergilerinde de gündeme gelmeye ve Türkiye dışında da konserler vermeye başladı.

1996'da Raks Müzik'le anlaşan topluluk, bir yıl arayla Anatolia ve Popçular Dışarı (konser) albümlerini kaydetti. Geniş bir dinleyici topluluğu tarafından sahiplenilen Anatolia, diğer bir Alman yapımcı Century Media tarafından lisanslanarak beş kıtada, toplam elli iki ülkede dağıtıldı.

Yabancı basında Anatolia ile ilgili yapılan olumlu değerlendirmeler sayesinde grup bir sonraki albümleri için dönemin büyük yapım şirketlerinden Sanctuary Records ile anlaştı. Kayıtları 2001 yılında Atina'da Sierra stüdyolarında gerçekleşen Unspoken ve Bir albümleri, Türkiye'de de Universal tarafından dağıtıldı. Grup; Unspoken'ın uluslararası yayımı sırasında, olası bir isim hakkı karışıklığını önlemek amacıyla, Türkiye dışındaki ülkelerde Mezarkabul adını da kullanmaya başladı.

2003 yılında çalışmalarına ara veren topluluk; 2006 yılında önceki albümlerinin Sony Music kataloğunda toplanmasıyla, kaldığı yerden devam etme kararı aldı. 2007 yılında kuruluşunun 20. yılını dinleyicileriyle birlikte kutlamak amacıyla verilen Bostancı Gösteri Merkezi konseri, CD ve DVD formatlarında yayımlanmak üzere kaydedildi. Bu yapıma, grubun kuruluş tarihinden yola çıkılarak 1987 adı verildi.

Bu dönem yapılan konserlerde genç dinleyicilerle iletişiminin halen sürdüğünü gözlemleyen grup, Vokalde Gökalp Ergen ve gitarda Metin Türkcan'lı kadrosuyla yeni bir albüm kaydetmek üzere tekrar stüdyoya girdi. 2012 yılında MMXII adıyla yayımlanan bu çalışma, Headbang dergisi okuyucularının oylamasıyla yılın albümü seçildi.

1970'lerin Progressive Rock ve 1980'lerin Heavy Metal akımlarından esinlenerek yola çıkan Pentagram, zaman içinde Anadolu ve Mezopotamya müziklerinin de güçlü şekilde hissedildiği üslubunu oluşturdu. Aralarında Demir Demirkan, Ogün Sanlısoy ve Murat İlkan'ın da bulunduğu değerli müzisyenler, çeşitli dönemlerde grubun kadrosunda yer alarak bu sürece katkı sağladı. Pentagram; Sonisphere, Wacken ve Rock'n Coke gibi uluslararası festivallere katıldı ve Judas Priest, Whitesnake, Accept, Manowar, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax, Queensryche, Guns N’ Roses, Alice in Chains ve Rammstein gibi dünyaca ünlü gruplarla birlikte sahne alma imkanı buldu.

PENTAGRAM:

Gökalp Ergen – Vocal
Tarkan Gözübüyük – Bass
Hakan Utangaç – Guitar
Metin Türkcan – Guitar
Cenk Ünnü - Drums

Death Angel

Death Angel is a thrash metal band from Concord, California formed in 1982 and currently consists of Rob Cavestany, Mark Osegueda, Ted Aguilar, Will Carroll and Damien Sisson.

Biohazard

Biohazard are a heavy metal band hailing from Brooklyn, New York, United States who formed in 1987. Since debuting in 1990 they have released nine studio albums and have become one of the true unsung heroes of American heavy metal, influencing generations of bands to this day.

Savatage

Savatage is a heavy metal/progressive metal band founded by the brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979. The band is known for recording many rock operas. Early on, Savatage was a traditional heavy metal band, who stood out from the pack due to guitarist Criss Oliva's uncommonly heavy riffing and vocalist Jon Oliva's unique vocal stylings. Following the failure of Fight for the Rock, an attempt to commercialize their sound, Savatage began moving in a more operatic direction, releasing a number of rock opera albums in collaboration with producer Paul O'Neill. After the tragic death of Criss Oliva, the band soldiered on to continued critical acclaim but diminishing commercial success. However, Oliva and O'Neill lucked out when a single from Dead Winter Dead, "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)", managed to crack the singles chart. The song, a reworking of a classic Christmas hymn, acted as a launching pad for the immensely successful Trans-Siberian Orchestra project. Savatage is currently considered to be split up. Guitarist Chris Caffery, vocalist Zakk Stevens, and even Oliva himself have all collaborated to some extent on each others' solo projects. Rumours persist that the band will eventually perform a few farewell shows with a companion live CD/DVD release.

Orbit Culture

www.orbitculture.com

Vended

Iowa band looking to destroy and dominate this world.

Voivod

New album SYMPHONIQUE out on June 5th

https://voivodband.lnk.to/Symphonique-Live

Anaal Nathrakh

www.anaalnathrakhstore.com

Coroner

Castle Rat

On a mission to expand and defend The Realm from those who seek to destroy it!

Crimson Glory

Channel Zero

Franky DSVD (current project: Skitsoy), Xavier Carion (current project: Sons Of Jonathas), Tino DeMartino and Phil B. came together in Brussels (Belgium) in 1990.
They started 'Channel Zero', inspired on the 'Public Enemy' song 'She watch Channel Zero'.
In August 1997 Channel Zero anounced the split of the band. Meanwhile they had produced five albums: Channel Zero (1992), Stigmatized... (1993), Unsafe (1994), Black Fuel (1997) and a live album Channel Zero Live (1997) which contained a recording of their gig at Marktrock Leuven in 1997.

Enthroned

ENTHRONED is a belgian Black Metal band that was formed in 1993 by Cernunnos. He soon recruited guitarist Tsebaoth and later bassist/vocalist Sabathan. The band released a 5-track demo tape in mid 1994 which brought them to the attention of several independent labels. A 7” split EP with Ancient Rites was then released by the underground label Afterdark Records. After the label’s demise, Evil Omen Records (a sub-label of Osmose Productions) released ENTHRONED's first full-length release, Prophecies of Pagan Fire. Shortly thereafter, the band enlisted second guitarist Nornagest. Eventually, Tseboath was replaced by Nebiros, a very extreme musician who not only brought new blood into the band, but also complemented Nornagest’s brutal and barbaric style. Since the release of their first demo, ENTHRONED has always nurtured their amazing live reputation. They have shared the stage with the likes of Marduk, Enslaved, Dark Funeral, Angelcorpse, and Emperor, to name but a few. In 1996, along with Ancient Rites and Bewitched, ENTHRONED began an extensive tour of Europe. In April 1997, as ENTHRONED was to begin recording Towards the Skullthrone of Satan, Cernunnos took his life. Albeit a heavy blow for the remaining members, ENTHRONED forged ahead, recording the album with a session drummer in honor of Cernunnos. The blackened horde went on to perform at the Dragons Blaze festival with newly acquired drummer Namroth Blackthorn. The crowd’s response could not have been better. In April 1998, the band toured the European continent with Dark Funeral and also released the MCD Regie Sathanas, an internationally acclaimed Black Metal masterpiece dedicated to their deceased comrade. Later that year, they toured again with labelmates Hecate Enthroned and Usurper. At the close of 1998, the band entered Abyss Studios (Sweden) to give birth to The Apocalypse Manifesto. This third album was released in May 1999. No other title could better reflect the intensity of this satanic work, which dealt with the biblical concept of the Apocalypse as interpreted by a satanic perspective. ENTHRONED rounded off the 20th Century on tour with Marduk and continued to take European crowds by storm with several other live performances. 2000 was a busy year for ENTHRONED. The band parted ways with Nebiros and recruited Nerath Daemon as their new axeman, who then successfully passed his trial by fire on a German mini tour followed by several other European shows and the recording of Armoured Bestial Hell in the Real Sound Studio (Germany). This fourth album was released in April 2001. Unfortunately, the band was to endure another line-up change. Namroth Blackthorn was released from his duties and was replaced by Alsvid from the French Black Metal band Seth. ENTHRONED continued to play many live gigs in and around Europe, as well as in the US. In early 2002, ENTHRONED signed to NAPALM RECORDS releasing their fifth full-length recording, Carnage in Worlds Beyond, later that year. In June 2003, ENTHRONED added Nguaroth (guitars) and Glaurung (drums) to their line-up and readied for a South American tour, as well as the release of their sixth and anxiously awaited album, XES Haereticum. In 2005, Enthroned released their first official live album, Black Goat Ritual, recorded during their successful tour of Brazil. Yet after desecrating several stages and festivals, the band was once again forced to tackle a line-up change. ENTHRONED parted ways with longtime vocalist Sabathan, at which time Nornagest took over the vocal responsibilities, bass player Phorgath joined the band on bass. In June 2007, ENTHRONED recorded their seventh and most accomplished album Tetra Karcist, seeing the return of old drummer Alsvid for the studio sessions. The album being recorded, Enthroned made a pact with Ahephaïm who permanently joined the band on drums. At dawn of 2008, Enthroned signed a new deal with Regain Records.

Dirkschneider

Tailgunner

Heavy Metal! 🇬🇧

NEW ALBUM ‘MIDNIGHT BLITZ’ OUT NOW! 💀

✉️ contact@tailgunnerhq.com

Merch 🩸Tour 🩸& MORE: https://linktr.ee/tailgunnerhq

Turpentine Valley

BREAKOUT (FR)

Testament

The time has arrived for TESTAMENT to unleash new thunder to the masses and reveal their thirteenth studio album: Titans OF Creation. Just as the elements of this planet thrive within all living creatures, each musician in TESTAMENT represents a necessary component of this latest musical endeavor. Still filled with a massive and unstoppable energy since their last release, TESTAMENT has taken their style to the next level and present an album that is loyal to the roots of traditional thrash metal while still bringing alluring, brilliant, and progressive ingredients to the table. Bass is showcased, new vocals are introduced, and as expected, the guitarwork of Peterson and Skolnick is greatly complex and mesmerizing.

Eliran Kantor stepped up once again to create a new piece of artwork for the cover of this release. His classic, almost Renaissance style of painting melds beautifully with the ancient, psychological, and enlightened subject matter of the songs. Three monstrous titans stand in the place where the planets are formed. One pours molding liquid which the others hammer into human DNA, twisting and turning into the ring of a newborn planet. Each titan has the flame of a dying star burning in their chest; the origin of the atoms making up the bodies that are bubbling and boiling on the curves of the spiraling helix.

Titans OF Creation has many moods and material contained within; all of which somehow tie into a common philosophy of creation and its necessary counterpart: destruction. “Children Of The Next Level” smashes through the gates as the opening track with a flood of sound that prepares the listener for an abundance of violent thrash. Meanwhile, the lyrics rage about the outrageous philosophies of the Heaven’s Gate cult (founded in 1974).

Songs like “Dream Deceiver” carry more old school sound that will tickle the senses of any common TESTAMENT fan. The lyrics describe being trapped in a dream by an otherworldly female force who is slowly working to degrade the mind. Dreams are part of existence, but when we are asleep we are entirely vulnerable; one of the many mysteries of being human. “Someone’s haunting you and won’t leave you alone; the only time they pick at you is at night when they can control the way you sleep,” describes vocalist Chuck Billy.

“Night of the Witch” features frightening and captivating vocals from Eric Peterson. Carrying a vibe far more akin to Black Metal, Peterson swoops in with a power that melds perfectly with Billy’s ground shaking, guttural growls. Taking some influence from Robert Egger’s 2015 horror masterpiece “The VVitch: A New England Folktale,” the song carries with it a magical quality that directly reflects the mood of the film. At the very end of the track, a theremin howls through the air much like witches rising towards the moon; setting the final tone. “The album has a lot about it that’s fresh to the ear,” explains Peterson.

Written by guitarist Alex Skolnick, “Symptoms” is filled with detailed with intricate guitar work that well represents the complicated and spellbinding journey that comes along with handling depression, mood swings, and a countless list of mental health frustrations. The lyrics in this song discuss a sad truth: that mental illness is more common than we all think, and than many of us are willing to acknowledge. On a lighter note, a vibrant track entitled “The Healers” swings back and forth between waves of death and thrash, heavy and melodic, light and dark. The words are spiritual, and extremely personal. They describe Billy’s own experience dealing with all natural medicine men; the elders of the earth, and how they managed to help him pinpoint and heal his past illness. “City Of Angels” comes bearing an entirely new sound for TESTAMENT. The creeping sludgieness and slow, stalking tempo, walk hand in hand with the almost unbelievably gruesome tale of the Nightstalker Richard Ramierz, all combining to form another stand-out track on the record.

In 2020 the days of writing an album all together in one room are far gone, but to be able to take advantage of technology allows for TESTAMENT to go about a very similar writing process to what they always have. Basic songs are molded, structures are added by everyone in the group, instrumentals are highlighted, and finally the lyrics and vocals are created to finalize the sonic story. Facetime and human on human contact still remain crucial elements to TESTAMENT’s song writing process and at some point throughout, every member physically interacts and writes with one another. In between writing this album, the band toured relentlessly which allowed for less stress, more time in between, and greater inspiration for this album cycle. There was also plenty of anxiety-free and level-headed time for pre-production and the initial recording process with Juan Urteaga of Trident Studios. Andy Sneap was then able to tweak, mix, and master this album to his usual perfection.

TESTAMENT’s process of creation has evolved and progressed yet they’ve remained steadfast over the course of literal decades. While always managing to present the genuine aspects of thrash metal that solidify their existence, they spread into unique horizons through developing crisp and fascinating sounds.

Amenra

Amenra is a progressive/sludge/post-metal band formed 2003 in Belgium (Kortrijk, West-Flanders).

Amenra delivers dark, heavy and sludgy post-hardcore in the vein of Cult of Luna, Isis and Neurosis. Intense, noisy and gloomy almost spheric at times. Rich and Textured riffs. Thunderous low tones. High impact percussion and cutthroat vocals splattered with a healthy dose of religious iconography. Coalesce into a beautiful pitch black collection of staggering proportion.

Discography:

Mass I: Prayer I - VI Full-length, 2003
Prayer 8 : Offerande (split with VUUR) Split album, 2004
Prayers 9 + 10 EP, 2004
Gameness/Amen Ra/Gantz/Vuur 4-way split Split album, 2004
Mass II: Sermons EP, 2005
Mass III Full-length, 2005
Amenra & Hitch Split Split album, 2007
Mass IIII Full-length, 2008

Aura Noir

Left to Die

Alcatraz Festival 2026 @ Sportcampus Lange Munte

Alcatraz Festival 2026 @ Sportcampus Lange Munte

Flytjendur