 Germany’s Obey The Kraken are back, dragging listeners into the void with their second EP, "Apocrypha", out 10th April via Seek & Strike. What began as an unplanned follow up to 2025’s "Worship The Sunken God" has evolved into a dark, relentless descent into a world where angels fall and hell rises. First single, 'Betrayer', tears open the gates of Obey The Kraken’s mythic world. It’s deathcore stripped to its rawest elements, riffs that hit like falling iron and production built around weight and impact rather than excess. Commenting on the single, Obey The Kraken said: "'Betrayer' marks the opening chapter of the biblical saga that unfolds throughout our EP. The video is fast paced to match the song’s energy and we made the deliberate decision not to visually portray the story itself, as translating it literally would have been difficult and limiting for us. Instead, we stripped it right back to focus on a classic performance video that emphasizes the intensity and drive of the track.” Apocrypha tells a story in sound, an angel cast from heaven, forging an alliance with hell, returning to challenge the celestial order itself. Every song is a chapter, every breakdown a hammer blow. The EP moves like the story, deliberate and immersive, pulling listeners into Obey The Kraken’s realm where narrative and brutality are inseparable. Nothing is decorative. Nothing is wasted. Every note exists to damage and leave its mark.
The band’s conceptual ambition remains central. Whilst preserving the DNA of their debut, Obey The Kraken push further into uncharted territory. With production carried out entirely in house, leaving the band with full control over how heavy, how clear and how oppressive they needed it to feel. The result is an EP that is heavy and unflinching, a complete assault for fans who crave deathcore that hits as hard thematically as it does musically. Obey The Kraken add, "Apocrypha means a lot to us, especially as we hadn't planned this second EP. After finishing our first EP (Worship The Sunken God) last year things developed naturally and we realized we had more to say within this world and sound. We consciously kept the formula of the first EP intact, so anyone who enjoyed EP1 will feel right at home with EP2. Listening back to the final masters, we’re genuinely happy with how consistent and powerful the release feels as a whole. Everything was designed to feel massive, heavy, and epic, supporting the narrative without overcomplicating the production approach. Lyrics play a central role for us. Our first EP told the complete story of Cthulhu and his resurrection across four songs and we wanted to apply that same conceptual approach again. On Apocrypha, the songs tell the story of an angel who is cast out of heaven, forms an alliance with hell and ultimately seeks to conquer heaven itself. Each track represents a different chapter of that narrative."
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German Gothic Metal crew Lord Of The Lost announce new album; stream single feat. Wednesday 138/1/2026  Credit: VDPictures Lord Of The Lost’s latest journey comes to a brilliant close: with "Opvs Noir Vol. 3, the band announce the finale of their ambitious album trilogy. A direct continuation of "Opvs Noir Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, which were both unveiled in 2025, it releases on 10th April 2026 and gloriously expands on the genre-defying band’s opus.
The most outside-the-box of the three, the third and final part of their latest voyage has the six-piece end this chapter of their career on a triumphant high note, intertwining heavy guitars and dark electronica with compassionate messages and cinematic orchestral sounds. On "Opvs Noir Vol. 3, another 11 enchanting songs extend the Hamburg-based band’s colourful repertoire. The final part of the trilogy is released in several editions, among them strictly limited collectibles. The first song unveiled is 'I Hate People'. Showing yet another side of themselves, Lord of The Lost team up with Wednesday 13 for the first single off the new record. The stomping industrial metal duet sets off fireworks with its theme of equality that fans love from the band. Lord Of The Lost and Wednesday 13 are aptly starting their joint North American tour on 19th January, playing 16 shows across the USA and Canada, together with The Birthday Massacre.
Following the captivating 'Blood & Glitter', which brought them to the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 and a #1 chart entry in their native Germany to go along with it, Lord Of The Lost once again demonstrate their unmatched diversity. Initiated by beautiful cello melodies, 'Kill The Lights' is an overture like no other, setting a dark mood, but also unafraid to switch it up to make room for catchy and reassuring 'I’m A Diamond' featuring Alea, frontman of German medieval metal torchbearers Saltatio Mortis. 'My Funeral', despite the name, picks up the positive message, expanding the near-gothic soundscapes while sprinkling in tongue-in-cheek lyrics, promoting black as a happy colour – wear pink to their funeral! Stomping 'I Hate People' invites horror punk icon Wednesday 13 to an industrial duet about equality, after which gentle 'The Shadows Within' hits twice as hard with its symphonic arrangement. Next, Chris Harms and parting Kissin’ Dynamite frontman Hannes Braun deliver the bombastic 'La Vie Est Hell' (based on Charles Baudelaire’s influential book of poetry, “Les Fleurs Du Mal”) partly in French language, before going back to 'Square One'. 'When Did The Love Break?' is a heartfelt song of lost love – the addition of whimsical vocals by Ambre Vourvahis of Xandria drives the emotions of this universal topic right home. After 'Your Love Is Colder Than Death', Lord Of The Lost team up with Damien Edwards of British glam rock band Cats In Space for the captivating duet 'Take Me Far Away', before the album closes with a ballad, 'The Days Of Our Lives' – the sweeping track simultaneously being the closest Lord Of The Lost have ever been to a cinematic soundtrack. The happy ending is skipped, almost making it sound like a goodbye… Opvs Noir Vol. 3 continues to walk Lord Of The Lost’s unpredictable journey without settling for the familiar. Rounding off an impressive trilogy, this record takes you by the hand and guides you along your darkest paths. Lord Of The Lost are:
 German metal quintet Half Me have released their new single 'Half Me' via Arising Empire. Formed in Hamburg Germany in 2018, the band - guitarists Chris and Julius, vocalist Chris, drummer Max and bassist Tobias - are one of the newest additions to the Arising Empire roster.
The band comment - "We are incredibly proud to share our new single 'Half Me'. This very personal song portrays our most quiet moments to date. It paints the protagonist's final descent into madness and the ultimate manifestation of another persona within their own self. 'Half Me' is as much a total surrender as it is a bonding ritual. You are invited to find out what happens after the ”Wraith” storyline." Watch the video to previous single 'Wraith' here: https://youtu.be/3tPGtDtItJs In the space of just two years, the band have made an impact in the music scene by self producing their music and videos, displaying their intensive and energetic demeanour. Debuting with four singles initially, it was their their single 'Exitwound' (featuring Jack Bergin of Void of Vision) that gave the group a breakthrough and landed the band in the spotlight of Knotfest’s Countdown to Oblivion. Musically, Half Me blend a modern rendition of metal and hardcore with highlights of 90s nu-metal. Pounding riffs and breakdowns are accompanied by brutal, yet sometimes elegant, vocals that all balance together to formulate the band’s own distinctive sound. Riding the high of their recent success, Half Me have sights set on releasing their highly anticipated debut album in 2022. Half Me will support their label mates in The Oklahoma Kid on the Tangerine Tragic Tour across Germany this autumn alongside Liotta Seoul. Half Me are: Christopher Zühlke | vocals Christopher Hesse | guitar Julius Jansen | guitar Tobias Max Sajons | bass Maximilian Eisersdorff | drums Half Me online: Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || TikTok  [photo credit: Timo Ehlert] After signing with international rock and metal empire Napalm Records and the successful subsequent release of their breakout first single, “Wolf or Lamb”, Germany's hottest upstarts League Of Distortion are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of their hard-hitting self-titled debut album, set for release on November 25, 2022! Featuring powerhouse members Anna “Ace” Brunner (Exit Eden) and Jim “Arro” Müller (Kissin’ Dynamite), the unit reveals their explosive potential without ever holding back! Now, they unleash their relentless second single, “My Revenge”, consisting of modern melodic rhythms and technical prowess topped with vocal dynamics poised to drop jaws. Having mercilessly flipped the metal scene upside down, their explosive second single shows exactly that: a defying sound with dashing drums and heavy, prominent guitar riffs crowned by Anna’s unique, war cry vocals. League Of Distortion on “My Revenge”: “This 2nd song goes out to everyone who can relate to the first lines. We’ve taken too much, but we are not passive anymore. Don’t drown in darkness, be as bright and as different as you can be and set fire to the sun!” A new force, League Of Distortion unite to defeat the shadows cast upon the music scene with their fresh sound and style! Back in 2017, Anna Brunner celebrated remarkable international success with her symphonic metal band Exit Eden, and now, has teamed up with notorious guitarist Jim Müller of renowned heavy metal band Kissin’ Dynamite. Together, they’ve formed one of the hottest new modern metal bands of the year, combining their signature sounds to create a powerful soundscape. Now, they are ready to fight the darkness yet again with their 2022 full-length, self-titled debut album, League of Distortion. Lifting the dark veil of stagnation caused by the pandemic, League Of Distortion introduce a new sound that resonates with the uncertainty of this period. “Wolf or Lamb” - the addictive first stand-alone single that introduced the band as a force to be reckoned with - ignites the fire of the full album. “Rebel By Choice” and “The Bitter End” show the band’s burning passion and dedication to the genre, while “My Revenge” convinces with a catchy hook and bashing guitar riffs. The elemental force of Anna “Ace” Brunner’s distorted, powerful voice merged with chunky riffs played by Jim “Arro” Müller, steady and strong beats delivered by Tino “Aeon” Calmbach and edgy bass by Felix “Ax” Rehmann unifies them, forming a strong blast of an album that cannot be missed! League Of Distortion showcase the individual musical expertise of its members without ever becoming stagnant or pretentious - unabashedly distorting the order and launching a new age of metal. Songs like “I’m A Bitch” and “It Hurts So Good” abandon all rules, while catchy hooks like in “L.O.D.” mark anthems to claim their new reign. With songs like “Solitary Confinement” and “Sin”, the band shows their lyrical depth by turning their sadness into a powerful war cry, providing expressive pieces and hymns for the lost.
League Of Distortion convince with classic pieces featuring strong instrumentals, on-the-nose lyrics and energetic vocals, proving their penchant to stand out from the pack. They’ve transformed their frustration into a musical statement beyond comparison. With “Do You Really Think I Fucking Care”, the band lands the final punch of the album to make the message clear: League Of Distortion are here to set the scene ablaze! The band on their debut album: "With this debut album, we lay the cornerstone of League Of Distortion. Processing the cruel and capricious reality, with straight-forward, provocative and very personal topics, we are distorting perspective and creating tremendously powerful music. League Of Distortion is here to stay and we welcome you to be a part of this from the very beginning." League of Distortion will be available in the following formats:
 [photo credit: Tim Tronckoe] After breaking the silence with their recently released standalone single “Reborn” alongside introducing a new line-up, German symphonic metal icons Xandira continue this next chapter, promising adventure with a brand new song, titled “You Will Never Be Our God”. The exciting, fresh offering features none other than Primal Fear frontman Ralf Scheepers, whose heavy voice scintillates along with the dynamic range of new Xandria vocalist Ambre Vourvahis. “You Will Never Be Our God” showcases its wide musical spectrum, opening with heavy riffs and haunting growls reminiscent of bands like Arch Enemy, but merge into a flawless symphonic style, carrying the renowned trademarks Xandira are loved for. Followed by modern and classic 80s-styled riffs, the band proves their musical versatility, showing that they do not comply with any rules, while incorporating death metal and operatic voices - reaching effortlessly across genres. This massive new track comes right as Xandria readies to embark on a top-notch co-headline tour throughout Europe with labelmates Visions Of Atlantis, plus Ye Banished Privateers rounding out this exciting package. The tour is set to begin tomorrow, September 8 in Hamburg, Germany, and will visit several major cities into October, coming to an end on October 15 in Wetzikon, Switzerland. On this impressive run, Xandria will grace their fans with an energizing performance placed in an all-new visual surrounding, heating up the anticipation for everything that is about to come even more! Don't miss your chance to dive into breath-taking soundscapes of symphonic metal at its best. Xandria on “You Will Never Be Our God”: "'You Will Never Be Our God' shows how diverse our next album will be. This song alone features elements from different metal genres, classic and modern, and melts them into something new that shows how well and fresh it can come together. But, at the same time, it reflects everything that Xandria stands for, including bombastic film score orchestrations and big choirs!” Xandria is:
 [Photo Credit: Piotr Kwasnik] New Zealand global metal frontrunners Alien Weaponry have been touring around the world nonstop since the 2021 release of their acclaimed sophomore album, Tangaroa, out now via Napalm Records! Spreading vital messages of peace, awareness and warning through the power of their culturally-driven music, Tangaroa proves a massive next step for the band – encompassing all of the elements that make Alien Weaponry heavy metal’s most authentic rising stars. Following the release of their three previous Tangaroa music videos for "Tangaroa", "Buried Underground", and "Hatupatu", today, in anticipation of their winter and early 2023 performance plans supporting both Guns N' Roses and Gojira, Alien Weaponry have dropped an official video for none other than their album closer track "Down The Rabbit Hole". The track extends an important proclamation against bullying through the eyes and experiences of frontman Lewis de Jong. Lewis de Jong says about "Down The Rabbit Hole": "This was an absolute blast to film! 'Down The Rabbit Hole' represents the growth I've experienced throughout my life and putting to bed demons from the past. The video captures the meaning well - the broken objects representing said demons. It’s the rough times in life that make you who you are, as long as you rise above it." Watch the brand new official music video for “Down The Rabbit Hole” HERE As mentioned above, Alien Weaponry is thrilled to be hitting the road this winter and next spring with some of rock and metal's biggest icons. In December, the band will support Guns N' Roses on two shows in their home country of New Zealand, and will pick back up to join Gojira on a tour of the UK and Europe in February 2023. See below for all tour dates, and for individual show information, visit www.alienweaponry.com. Alien Weaponry upcoming tour dates: w/ Guns N' Roses in 2022
w/ Gojira in 2023
Alien Weaponry is:
Alien Weaponry online:  A distant mechanical sound is getting louder from afar and heralds the arrival of exciting happenings - throwing their shadows on this fateful day of September 2nd. It's the day that the metal legend Blind Guardian will release their eleventh studio album The God Machine via Nuclear Blast and erects a new monument of their outstanding career. Hansi Kürsch comments:- “We didn't want to rehash our qualities from 1995, but didn't want to continue down this complex path forever either. The God Machine is a new beginning for us. We’ve set a new course and gone back to certain things that we’ve neglected a bit on the last few albums.” The God Machine marks another pinnacle in Blind Guardian’s impressive discography by not attempting to pretend it is still the nineties yet instead successfully relying on the muscle memory of this period. It is a gripping, addictive, and brilliantly arranged album in the tradition of records with which Blind Guardian reached for the stars in the 90s; yet, by no means, is it a throwback. The God Machine represents the heart and soul of Blind Guardian’s timeless metal in the here and now, unifying the bards’ past, present, and future secrets in one consistent, well-thought-out masterpiece.
Together with the announcement, the band shares a video for their new raging single 'Blood Of The Elves', a galloping anthem that is destined to become a live staple. Singer Hansi Kürsch comments: "'Blood Of The Elves' features a pretty heavy side that the avid fan of Blind Guardian hopefully enjoys. More than enjoys, I'd guess. Instrumentally, the track has some kind of an early nineties appeal that blends well into the vocal parts of the opera/twist era and catapults both epochs into a new era for the band. A perfect hybrid. The chorus has some very strong sing-along vibes, despite its complexity. What else do you need? Inspired by the 'The Witcher' computer game series, the lyrics even reinforce the power of this banger and the clip by Dirk Behlau fits perfectly to the whole setting. Let me tell you: The God Machine has even more to offer. And that's no promise - that's the ultimate truth. Stay tuned."   [photo credit: Heilemania] German medieval folk metal greats Schandmaul will release their upcoming 11th full-length, "Knüppel Aus Dem Sack", out June 10, 2022 via Napalm Records. The adventurous new offering once again demonstrates the unit's inimitable talent as songwriters and storytellers and invites everyone to enter a thrilling and captivating world of sound. Today, the third single and album closing track “Niamh” opens the gates to the aforementioned ride. A gripping interlude presented through medieval instruments paves the way for the distinctive vocal offering of Thomas Lindner, who immediately manages to bring stories to life in once mind through his remarkable talent of presenting words like a cinematic happening. Additionally, “Niamh” is highlighted through an atmospheric official video that captivates the spirit of the band and heats up the anticipation for upcoming live shows. Thomas Lindner on “Niamh”: “'Niamh' is a journey into the world of Irish legends and myths, into the land of eternal youth! 'Heart, what do you desire more?', one would like to ask. But mankind would not be mankind if we were satisfied with something. So we strive for more and the story takes its course... A song to dive in and let yourself be carried away!” Schandmaul are:
 Photo credit: Tim Saccenti Following the release of their highly anticipated studio album Requiem via Loma Vista Recordings in February, Korn shares a new video for the next single "Worst Is on Its Way". The Craig Bernard and Culley Bunker-directed visual shows the band's high energy performance of the song in greyscale as individual members of the band are decomposed into animated particles with a series of visual effects. The 9-track album features the hit single "Start the Healing," which peaked at #1 on the Active Rock chart, in addition to the previously released tracks "Forgotten," which Rolling Stone described as "explosive" and "Lost In The Grandeur," which dropped as a final taste of Requiem just a few days before the record's release. Recently described by GQ as "bold and iconoclastic" and released to high acclaim including recent features on the covers of Revolver and King Kong magazines, Requiem is produced by Korn and Chris Collier. Energized by a new creative process free of time constraints, the band was able to do things with Requiem that the past two decades haven't always afforded them, such as taking additional time to experiment together or diligently recording to analogue tape - processes which unearthed newfound sonic dimension and texture in their music. Additionally, Korn is slated to take their live show across a worldwide run of headline festival and amphitheater tour dates kicking off this summer and running into the fall. The extensive tour begins with a headline performance at Daytona Beach's Welcome To Rockville festival before kicking off EU/UK dates in Amsterdam on May 25th. The tour will see stops in Berlin, London, Stockholm, Budapest and more before returning stateside for dates in Denver, Charlotte, Dallas, Boise and others. Tickets are currently available for purchase HERE. Watch "Worst Is On Its Way" and listen to Requiem above, see full tour routing, album details and information on the band below and stay tuned for more Korn coming soon. Upcoming Live Dates EU/UK
United States
Connect with Korn: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website  [photo credit: Heilemania] Leading the scene for almost 25 years, German medieval folk rock greats Schandmaul have definitely proven that they stand at the top of their genre with good reason. With six top 10 albums on the German charts (with their 2016 highlight Leuchtfeuer reaching #1 and most recently, 2019's Artus, at #2), successful tours and numerous festival appearances, as well as millions of streams on digital platforms, Schandmaul have summited to the top of the folk rock scene without a doubt. With their upcoming 11th studio album, Knüppel aus dem Sack, out June 10, Schandmaul once again demonstrate their inimitable talent as songwriters and storytellers. After the first single and title track were recently served as prelude to this massive milestone, Schandmaul have just granted the next exciting insight with their second hymn, entitled “Königsgarde”. The multifaceted track marks an undeniable highlight and uplifting anthem packed with catchy melodies and rousing bagpipe elements and features high-class guest appearances by Saltatio Mortis and Feuerschwanz! Thomas Lindner on “Königsgarde”: "Stick together, stand together, stand up for each other, side by side, back to back - this is a noble goal, a source of our strength, not only these days, but at any time. The "Königsgarde" (Engl. king's guard) is an ode to unity." Ben Metzner (Feuerschwanz u. d'Artagnan) adds: "When Schandmaul asked me to be a part of the "Königsgarde" together with Saltatio Mortis, there was no doubt, I was in immediately! With both bands I have many concerts and memories in common. In my younger years I found my way to medieval rock through exactly these bands in the first place. The circle is closing now and I'm happy to be part of it!" Saltatio Mortis on the song: “We are really happy to be part of the king's guard. It was about 20 years ago when our paths crossed with Schandmaul’s for the first time. Colleagues became friends and the meetings on common performances became unforgettable moments. We have shared many beers, joy and sorrow. When Schandmaul invited us to participate in their song and video, we were happy from the bottom of our hearts and, of course, we participated wholeheartedly. Hopefully we will see each other very soon to celebrate the album and the alliance of the king's guard!” Since their debut, Wahre Helden, released in 1999, Schandmaul has been a reliable force of top-notch, high-level folk rock full of exciting, captivating storytelling, performed by genre-trademarked instruments such as bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy and folk flutes, all topped with the unmistakable skills of vocalist Thomas Lindner. With the title of their upcoming masterpiece, Knüppel aus dem Sack, the Munich-based outfit refers to a fairy-tale by the Brothers Grimm, "The Wishing-Table, the Gold-Ass, and the Cudgel in the Sack" (original German name: “Tischlein deck dich, Goldesel und Knüppel aus dem Sack”). Knüppel aus dem Sack shows the band at their undeniable peak as songwriters, storytellers and entertainers and embodies another high that is not only directed to die-hard fans but to everyone keen on diving into the magnificent universe of the German frontrunners. Schandmaul on the album: "With the eleventh album we announce ourselves loud and clear back after the forced silence!" (Thomas Lindner) "We report back! A rocking album, nevertheless unmistakably Schandmaul. Fresh wind came additionally by producer Simon Michael, who tickled unexpected sides from the band..." (Martin Duckstein) "The new Schandmaul album is really on fire and with the first single we literally take the "cudgel out of the sack"! Look forward with us to a fantastic video, and that we can finally rock together again at concerts. We have the music for it in our luggage." (Stefan Brunner) “Out of the cultural lockdown, out of the cold of winter, out of rigidity. Time to go out again, to meet and move. To new music, peacefully united. May the album be a ray of hope, especially now in these sad times. Peace." (Matthias Richter)
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