 Following the release of "Into The Woods", Colombian melodic black / death metal outfit Eshtadur return with "August's Burdens", the second single from their upcoming fifth studio album "In Darkness All Shadows Gone", scheduled for release on October 2nd, 2026 via Rockshots Records. While the first single introduced listeners to the beginning of The Crow's spiritual journey, "August's Burdens" explores the consequences of that path. The song explores the weight, suffering and spiritual afflictions carried by the human soul expanding one of the central themes of the album's narrative. The title references the Augustus, a sacred and enlightened spiritual emperor whose wisdom transcends ordinary reality. Ancient traditions speak of the Three August Ones as primordial beings who brought forth sacred knowledge, including the I Ching, acupuncture and other esoteric sciences. Within the composition, these burdens become both a curse and a path toward transcendence, reflecting the struggle between suffering and spiritual awakening. Musically, "August's Burdens" combines heavy riffs, catchy melodies and a memorable chorus that intertwines vocal and guitar melodies throughout the song. Symphonic arrangements, melodic vocals and a Tuvan chorus reinforce its shamanic atmosphere while a guest guitar solo by Christopher Malmström (Darkane) adds another layer to the composition. The accompanying lyric video offers another glimpse into the conceptual world of "In Darkness All Shadows Gone", further expanding the narrative introduced with the album's first single.
Jorg August comments:- "'August's Burdens' represents the moment when knowledge becomes a responsibility. Every step taken by The Crow brings a deeper understanding but also a heavier burden to carry. The song reflects the idea that spiritual growth is inseparable from sacrifice." "In Darkness All Shadows Gone" follows a continuous conceptual narrative inspired by mysticism, philosophy and personal transformation. "August's Burdens" expands the story introduced by "Into The Woods" revealing another chapter of the album's symbolic journey. Listen to “August's Burdens”: lnk.to/dW18Ap Watch the official lyric video: https://youtu.be/7pSRUm_mjvE?si=PITPGigCVTg2b7gU "In Darkness All Shadows Gone" can be pre-ordered now from the Rockshots Records store at: https://rockshots.eu/cuhb5ys9ncs1ndx The album was produced by Jorg August, who also wrote the music, lyrics, compositions and orchestral arrangements. The recordings took place at RockStar Studios Colombia while the orchestra was recorded at Batuta’s Theater in Manizales, Colombia. The album was mixed and mastered by Tomasz “Zed” Zalewski with additional mixing and mastering by Chris Clancy on “Fire Above Mountain Below” and “Umbra”. The cover artwork was created by Valesia Obscura.
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 Promo picture by Marko Orava Finnish modern metal band Volucrine are set to release their fifth album 'Chapter V: Renewal' via Inverse Records on September 25th 2026. The fourth single and music video 'Borderline' is out now and it's available here: https://push.fm/fl/volucrine-borderline The band's mastermind Jupe Velin comments: "I originally started Volucrine as a therapeutic project so I could channel my negative feelings into music. It’s been almost eighteen years since then, and when you realize that the emotional gloom hasn’t really gone anywhere over the years, the mood can feel pretty bleak at times. When I was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, I was at least able to understand, in a certain way, why school, work, romantic relationships, and friendships have always been so difficult for me. For one reason or another, I’ve always had to pay a heavy price for being different and resort to wearing “masks.” It was from this perspective that I wrote “Borderline.” What is it like when you feel compelled to hide your true self and your psychological symptoms in order to be accepted by others? This weighty theme provided a whole new opportunity to explore the power of low-tuning and mid-tempo. The song undeniably features subtle influences from Sleep Token and Deftones, which we wanted to highlight through heavy, grinding riffs rather than utilizing the melodic structures typical to Volucrine. We wanted to emphasize feelings of loneliness and alienation by recording the countdown to the launch of an imaginary space shuttle as the song’s intro. We are now heading toward infinite emptiness. The music video ties together the story begun by the “Golem” single, in which masks are once again a central theme. Eetu Lindgren, a member of our band’s crew and a close friend, plays a man who gets lost in a winter forest while following the call of the masks. If you love “Lynchian” visual storytelling set in the twilight zones, this is for you!" https://www.facebook.com/volucrineband https://www.instagram.com/volucrineofficial https://volucrine.bandcamp.com  Swiss Death Metal veterans Nihilo, reveal the stunning cover artwork for their upcoming 5th album "Abyss", made by artist Rodrigo Prerira S. (Absolute Desert) which is scheduled for its release through Xtreem Music next November 3rd on CD & Digital formats. After more than two decades of uninterrupted activity, Nihilo have carved their name through sheer persistence, evolution, and sonic devastation, becoming one of the most solid and relentless acts in the European scene. From their self-released beginnings with “Nyktophobia” (2008) and “Concordia Perpetua” (2010), the band has continuously expanded its arsenal through a string of EPs, splits, and full-length albums, establishing themselves as a respected force within the European underground. Releases like “Dum Spiro Spero” (2014), “Doom” (2018), and “Resolution” (2022) showcase a clear progression toward a darker, denser, and sharper sound, where classic-rooted Death Metal collides with elements of Black Metal and Hardcore without losing an ounce of brutality. Their live activity has been equally crushing, with constant touring across Europe, sharing the stage with legends such as Possessed and Suffocation, and appearing at festivals like Mountains of Death and Metalcamp. In recent years, the band has kept the momentum going with releases such as the compilation “Made of Lies” (2024) and the live album “Chaos Unleashed” (2025), proving they remain in top form. Now, with their signing to Xtreem Music, Nihilo enter a new phase with serious intent. “Abyss” promises to be their darkest, most aggressive, and ambitious work to date, marking a turning point in their career. Release date for "Abyss" will be November 3rd, 2026 through Xtreem Music on CD & Digital formats.Stay tuned for the upcoming advance singles that will be revealed in the coming months Follow Nihilo here: www.facebook.com/nihilometal www.instagram.com/nihilometal  Promo picture Image Credit: Hubble, NASA, ESA; Processing & License: Judy Schmidt The Finnish atmospheric black metal band Beyond Seventh Dimension are set to release the debut album 'Tähtien ikuinen Suru' on September 4th 2026 via Inverse Records. The new single 'Eternal Love For The Unreachable' is unleashed today and it's available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/b7thd-eternal-love The band comments: "This song is for all those who have lost someone you can never stop loving. It tells what it's like when you can't touch anymore, but you can't let go either." Beyond Seventh Dimension is an atmospheric metal project from Finland that started as a one-man instrumental project in 2025 and quickly escalated. Vocals were added to the concept right after the first song, and suddenly there was talk of an EP or a full-length album. Now there is an album, and there has also been talk of making a proper band out of this at some point, but time will tell. LISTEN to previous single 'Silurian Seas': https://push.fm/fl/b7thd-silurian-seas https://www.facebook.com/B7thD/ https://www.instagram.com/beyondseventhdimension https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.seven.dime https://beyondseventhdimension.bandcamp.com  Italian Christian power-prog metal veterans Metatrone announce their fifth studio album “Sangueacqua”, set for release on March 13, 2026 via Rockshots Records. Following a period of silence that deeply challenged the band’s path, “Sangueacqua” emerges not simply as a comeback but as a statement of survival, identity and artistic consolidation. Blending the drive of European power metal with progressive structures and modern rhythmic precision, the album showcases Metatrone at their most focused, aggressive and cohesive. Riffs are tighter and more assertive, grooves more grounded and impactful while melodic lines retain the crystalline character that defines the band’s sound. The production balances analogue warmth with contemporary clarity, pushing the band toward a more direct and powerful sonic identity. The line-up marks a highly anticipated reunion with historic frontman Jo Lombardo returning on lead vocals, alongside founding members Stefano “Ghigas” Calvagno (guitars, bass) and David Brown (keyboards, vocals), joined by drummer Simone Alberti, whose performance combines technical precision with visceral energy. At its core, “Sangueacqua” explores the concept of identity and belonging - artistic, personal and spiritual. The album confronts imitation and conformity in “Facsimile”, reflects on collective oppression in “Stato Infame” and challenges the idolatry of power and wealth in “Fuori dal Tempio”. Spiritual identity remains central, expressed as a call to action as well as a mystical root in “Anima Christi” based on an ancient Latin prayer. The title itself evokes endurance through suffering: blood and water as symbols of struggle, resilience and rebirth. The album artwork, created by Nello Dell’Omo (ArtForMusic Studio) based on a concept by Ghigas and David Brown, visually translates these themes into a powerful and evocative imagery.
Guitarist Stefano “Ghigas” Calvagno comments: “There are very few words that can explain how much I love this album. One of them is ‘resistance.’ There were moments when we thought we had reached our endpoint. But the flame was still burning. ‘Sangueacqua’ is our blood, our life, our legacy.” Keyboardist David Brown adds: “This album is filled with energy and soul. Jo’s return and Simone’s entrance were crucial. It sounds more direct and aggressive, yet completely true to who we are.” Frontman Jo Lombardo states: “I’m excited for this album because I came back to my beloved place, among old friends and with incredible songs to sing. Metal music is still flowing in my veins.” Drummer Simone Alberti concludes: “It’s not a new beginning nor an ending point but a continuous line drawn by passion, blood and sweat. I can’t wait to play this album live.” Produced by the band, recorded and mixed by Luigi Scuderi at DigiVintage Studios (Italy) and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Hansen Studios, Denmark), “Sangueacqua” stands as Metatrone’s most defined and cohesive work to date. “Sangueacqua” will be available in physical format as CD digipak starting March 13th, 2026. The band will present the album live with a special release show on March 15th at the Elements Of Rock Festival (Switzerland). Pre-orders are now available via the Rockshots Records official store https://rockshots.eu/products/metatrone-sangueacqua-cd  Promo picture by Janne Pasanen Finnish modern melodic death metal band Volucrine are set to release their fifth album via Inverse Records later in 2026. The first single, 'Golem', is released today, and its music video is available here: https://youtu.be/bb9rVOdwLwo The band's mastermind Jupe Velin comments: "After the great volcano erupted, the world was left barren and empty. The earth was covered in petrified magma and the air was heavy with ash. As if by a miracle, however, something in the grey mist moved. The boulders and cobblestones rattled and grinded as they piled up on top of each other. They climbed towards the sky, slowly twisting into a spine. The wind helped the sand draw its expression, the clay bound its limbs together. Assembled from the fragments of a bygone world, its cold shell began to resemble a human, but one without a purpose. Even though it didn’t know which way to go, two things were certain: It had a melting heart and a burning desire to live. As a composition, 'Golem' was built up from the, perhaps even a little bit folk-inspired, guitar melody heard in the chorus. When you add Volucrine’s typical riff texture and a crushing verse, the result is a surgical strike in song form that can be proudly presented as the first single from the upcoming album. The lyrics are addressed to those who sometimes feel that life takes away more than it gives. I would like to remind them that navigating through a void without a view requires guts and strength of character. Even there, you might find new life." LISTEN to Golem on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/volucrine-golem Composed & lyrics by Jupe Velin ISRC-code: FI3FC2655101 Single cover by Jupe Velin https://www.facebook.com/volucrineband https://www.instagram.com/volucrineofficial https://volucrine.bandcamp.com  Heiden, the Czech progressive black metal band, announce their tenth full-length album, "Cma", set for release on 24 April 2026 via Epidemie Records. Available in digital, CD, and vinyl formats, the album marks a continuation of the journey begun with 2022’s acclaimed "Andzjel". The first single and official music video, “Temnoplodec”, is out now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE0wO5wXZwY Three years after the acclaimed album Andzjel, Heiden return with their tenth full-length release, Cma. The album is a direct continuation of the previous chapter, yet one that dives even deeper into darkness. Once again, Heiden’s music flows through the landscape of the Carpathian Mountains — not as a backdrop, but as an inner terrain where memory, guilt, and fear merge into a single current. Across nine tracks, Cma rises from silence and ashes, from images of remote mountain villages where time has come to a standstill, and from human stories in which borders no longer began in the land itself, but within people. Clean, hypnotic riffs and an urgent vocal delivery create a sense of inescapable tension — like a nocturnal flight through a landscape that no longer offers shelter. Emerging from the black metal underground more than twenty years ago, Heiden have never allowed themselves to be confined by genre boundaries. Their music has always been rooted in place, language, and personal experience, remaining open to experimentation and silence alike. Cma continues this path with unprecedented intensity. This is not an album that offers catharsis, strength, or comfort. It is a record of brooding reflection, heavy sorrow, and quiet dread, born from stories of the borderlands of occupied Czechoslovakia, where humanity slowly eroded under the pressure of fear and hatred. It does not seek to overwhelm the listener — instead, it draws them into a state of melancholy where the past continually resurfaces. Darkness here is not an effect, but an inseparable part of the human condition. Cma stands as the darkest album in Heiden’s history — and one of their most honest.
All songs were originally composed and recorded by Heiden, all lyrics were written by Kverd. Bass parts were composed and recorded by the band’s close friend Murky. All tracks except the bass and key were tracked during spring – beginning of summer 2025 in SHAARK recording studio, engineered by Pavel Hlavica and Petr Nejezchleba. Bass was tracked in Murky’s home studio, keys were recorded in Niche home studio & engineered by Kverd, both during the same period. The album was mixed and mastered by Karl Daniel Lidén in Tri-Lamb studio during July 2025. Album cover photo was arranged and taken by Jan Škop during photo session with Jakub König. For artwork used with kind permission of the author. The band photo was taken by Tom. Ink graphics used on a cover were drawn by Kverd. Design and layout of the cover was made by Kverd. Line-up:
 Italian Thrashers Ural fire the first missile in the form of their new single, unveiling the details of their devastating fourth studio album, “Anthropic Genetic Involution”. The new record will be released on April 23rd through Xtreem Music on CD and across digital platforms, and promises= to take their explosive blend of Old School Thrash and Crossover attitude to a new level of intensity. Listen to the first advance single as a video-clip:
Xtreem Music continues its collaboration with Italian Thrash / Crossover force Ural, one of the most consistent and hard-hitting acts in today’s European old school scene. Formed in Turin in 2010, the band has steadily built its reputation since their self-titled demo (2011) and the “Wasteland” EP (2013), followed by the full-length albums “Party With the Wolves” (2016) and “Just For Fun” (2019), establishing a sharp and aggressive sound deeply rooted in ’80s Thrash with clear Voivod influences. In 2022, Ural released the “Cyber Requiem” EP, produced by Davide “BrutalDave” Billia (Antropofagus, Beheaded, Hour Of Penance) with artwork by Luca SoloMacello. The same team handled their third full-length album, “Psychoverse” (2023), which marked the band’s signing with Xtreem Music for worldwide promotion and distribution. After two years of intense live activity across Italy and Europe, URAL completed their fourth album in 2025, once again produced by Davide Billia. Titled “Anthropic Genetic Involution”, the album is scheduled for release 23rd April 2026 through Xtreem Music.
Delivering razor-sharp, uncompromising Thrash Metal that channels the spirit of the ’80s Bay Area while blending dissonant Voivod-inspired riffs with raw Crossover energy, URAL firmly establish themselves as a powerful force within the New Wave of Old School Thrash Metal. Release date for "While Everything Collapses" will be April 23rd through Xtreem Music on CD & Digital formats. www.facebook.com/uralwolfteam Peruvian Death Metallers Hell Trepanner announce debut album "The Consecration Of Eternal Impurity"11/2/2026  Hell Trepanner’s debut full-length "The Consecration Of Eternal Impurity" will be released on March 20, 2026 by Awakening Records. The album comes out on CD and digital formats. The first single, "Blaspheming in Primordial Tongues," is out now: https://youtu.be/IEJOPlnXN-8 Hell Trepanner come from the southern districts of Lima, Peru, and has been active since 2015. From the beginning, the band has stayed focused on old school death metal without compromise - no stylistic updates, no trend-hopping, no unnecessary polish. Just raw, hostile music built on heaviness, darkness, and blasphemy. The band operates as a trio, and that stripped-down formation shows in the sound. The riffs are thick and ugly, the drums push forward without restraint, and the vocals stay deep and confrontational. Whammy bar abuse, blast-heavy sections, and slower crushing parts are used where they make sense, not as decoration. The record feels aggressive by nature rather than by design. Lyrically and atmospherically, The Consecration of Eternal Impurity revolves around desecration, spiritual decay, death, and inverted ritual. There’s no narrative hand-holding here - the album leans into oppressive moods and ritualistic imagery, treating death metal as something closer to a ceremony than a performance.
The album was recorded at Dragon Verde Studios and mixed and mastered at Sounds of Perseverance Studios, keeping the sound dense and forceful rather than clean. The cover artwork, painted in oil on canvas by Artem Astaroth, fits the album’s tone without drifting into fantasy clichés. Members of Hell Trepanner have been involved in several key projects within the Peruvian underground, including Necrofagore, Evil Priest, Disinter, Ensseminis, Nefasto, Evil Spectrum, and Rito Profanatorio. The band is also known locally for intense live shows that favor pressure and volume over theatrics. The Consecration of Eternal Impurity doesn’t attempt to redefine death metal. It exists to reinforce what the genre already does best - heaviness, darkness, and confrontation - delivered with conviction and no interest in modern polish. Max Necromanza – Vocals / Bass Neil Destructor – Guitars Manolo Agressor – Drums https://www.facebook.com/helltrepannerdeath https://www.instagram.com/helltrepanner.death https://helltrepanner.bandcamp.com https://www.facebook.com/AwakeningRecordsCN/ https://www.instagram.com/awakeningrecordscn/ https://awakeningrecordscn.bandcamp.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeningRecordsCN https://awakeningrecordscn.bigcartel.com/  Promo picture by Kristian Kipinoinen The Finnish Dark Gothic Metal band Horizon Of Aeons are set to release their debut album, "Timeless Forms Of Desolation", on 29 May 2026 via Inverse Records. The single 'Kairos', is unleashed today and it's available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/horizon-of-aeons-kairos The band comments: "The lyrics deal with the concept of deep time. The vastness of the universe challenges human perspective. Our collective cosmic history shapes the eternal harmony of our souls. We are part of the ever-flowing stream of humanity’s consciousness. Musically, this song is more up-tempo and contains unique elements compared to other Horizon of Aeons songs. It is a perfect opening track as it gives the album a good kickstart with the blasting double bass on the drums. The outro is a piece of text spoken by our technician and co-producer Kristian Kipinoinen. This text is handled more closely in the song “1846 (The Ones Beneath)”."
Horizon Of Aeons is a Dark Gothic metal band founded in 2024, bringing together seasoned musicians from the Finnish metal scene. The band consists of Miska Lehtivuori (vocals,guitar), Ville Pekkala (guitar), Pekka Venho (bass), and Pekka Jokela (drums). These members have a rich history of playing together in various bands (Fall Of The Leafe, Ablaze In Hatred, Searing Meadow, Mormânt De Snagov, Leaflet, Jackie’s Land), which laid the foundation for their cohesive and powerful sound. Horizon Of Aeons’ musical influences are as diverse as the members’ extensive backgrounds in the metal scene. Each member brings a wealth of experience from their previous bands, contributing to the band’s unique sound. Together, these musicians create a sound that is both intense and melodic, drawing from a wide array of metal subgenres. Their influences span across various styles, allowing them to craft a distinctive musical identity that is uniquely their own. This blend of experience and inspiration results in a sound that is both familiar and innovative, pushing the boundaries of Dark Gothic Metal. Horizon Of Aeons’ lyrics delve deeply into the dark and complex concept of time and its relentless progression. Their songs often explore the infinite future contrasted with the finite past, creating a haunting and introspective atmosphere. The band masterfully weaves themes of existence and memory into their music, painting vivid pictures of a world where time is both a creator and a destroyer. In addition, Horizon of Aeons touches on themes of cosmic forces, often using esoteric and mystical imagery. They explore the inherent inclinations of humanity, the seductive nature of sin, and the purifying power of darkness. This adds a layer of depth to their music, as they challenge conventional beliefs and embrace the darker aspects of existence. Overall, the band’s lyrics are a profound exploration of time, existence, and the human condition, offering listeners a journey through the infinite and the ephemeral. https://www.facebook.com/horizonofaeons https://www.instagram.com/horizonofaeons https://horizonofaeons.bandcamp.com |
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