Category: news

Canadian metal maverick Devin Townsend released his long-awaited, ambitious, orchestral-metal opus The Moth, earlier this year in May. A new stand-alone live version of the album, titled “The Moth (The War-Live in Groningen)”, is set for release as a CD & Blu-ray edition, as well as digital audio, on 6th November 2026.

‘War Beyond Words’ typifies the immensely broad palette that is The Moth. From the delicate opening stringed melodic motif through cinematic grandeur to pounding polyrhythms, not to mention Townsend’s unique combination of operatic grace and dexterous screams.

An album over a decade in the making, it existed in the back of Devin Townsend’s mind as his “life’s work”. Then, about six years ago, after an acoustic show in Amsterdam, Townsend was approached by the head of the North Netherlands’ Orchestra and Choir with an offer; and with that moment The Moth stopped being an idea and began to become a reality.

Featuring the full orchestra and choir conducted by Jukka Isakilla, principal conductor of the Metropole Orchestra and long-time collaborator with mutual friend Steve Vai, on the 27th & 28th March 2025, The Moth was premiered live in its entirety. It is this performance documented on “The Moth (The War – Live in Groningen)”. Originally included as part of the deluxe artbook edition, this is now available as a standalone CD & Blu-ray Digipak version and can be pre-order here.

If The Moth has a central gravitational theme, Townsend names it plainly: true self-acceptance. Something sturdier than slogans, closer to a practiced willingness to face what is uncomfortable without turning away. As Devin explains: “The most obvious metaphor for change within the concept of this project was a moth: from caterpillar to an entirely different creature—one so drawn to the light that it burns itself away. What remains is immutable—only the spirit.”

At the hardest moments, when abandoning the project might have seemed rational, Townsend points to the team as the decisive factor. A host of incredible musicians and contributors participated throughout the course of this process, as well as the North Netherlands Orchestra & Choir and orchestrators Joseph Stevenson and Niels Bye Nielsen. Long time band members, that are well established names in their own right; Darby Todd (drums), Mike Keneally (guitars/keys) and James Leach (bass) all played a huge part in this performance, as well as vocal guests Anneke van Giersbergen and Lynn Wu (Ou). Even Steve Vai is credited with co-writing the delicate ‘Intermission’. Devin himself freely pays tribute to the substantial team that helped him land this behemoth of a plane at this special, and so far singular, performance from Groningen.

The post DEVIN TOWNSEND Releases Video For “War Beyond Words (Live In Groningen)” Standalone Version Of “The Moth (The War-Live In Groningen)” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

UK’s Saor have announced their first-ever Latin American tour, booked in February 2027, where they will perform a special Roots and Aura set.
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Burn Eternal, the new project from former Killswitch Engage vocalist Howard Jones and current Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, has signed with Metal Blade Records.

Few pairings carry as much weight in metalcore as Jones on vocals and Dutkiewicz on guitar and production. The chemistry between them is the kind that is hard to fake. Both cut their teeth in New England’s underground, Jones with Blood Has Been Shed and Dutkiewicz with Aftershock, before the two linked up in Killswitch Engage and helped define the band’s best-known stretch from 2002 to 2012.

By the time Jones‘ run in the band ended, the pair had a trophy shelf to show for it. The End Of Heartache earned the band the first of several Grammy nominations and took best album at the 2004 Metal Hammer Golden Gods awards. As Daylight Dies went platinum in 2006 and is still the best-selling record in the Killswitch Engage catalog.

Now they are back at it. After a long-simmering collaboration that fans have been begging for, Jones and Dutkiewiczare testing new ground as Burn Eternal, and music is due soon.

Jones said, “We couldn’t be more excited to announce BURN ETERNAL joining forces with Metal Blade for our debut album. The whole team has been amazing, and we can’t wait to get this music out.

“From an idea while having lunch in London to a completed album, this has been such a fun way to reconnect with my friend. BURN ETERNAL lives!”

Dutkiewicz added, “I am wicked excited to finally be able to share my project with Howard with all of you! It feels great to be hanging with an old friend and making more music with him. We’re just two goofballs just dicking around in the studio again.

“We are also excited to be putting it out with the Metal Blade family. Mostly because they truly feel like family, not a corporation. Good vibes abound!”

Metal Blade founder and CEO Brian Slagel said, “As a huge fan of both Howard and Adam, it is a huge honor to welcome BURN ETERNAL to the Metal Blade family! I am excited for everyone to hear the record! as a fan, I love it! This is going to be fun working with everyone!”

Jones exited Killswitch Engage in 2012 and dealt with manic depression and bipolar disorder. He later formed Devil You Know with guitarist Francesco Artusato (All Shall Perish), drummer John Sankey (Devolved) and bassist Ryan Wombacher (Bleeding Through). The band put out two well-received albums, 2014’s The Beauty Of Destruction and 2015’s They Bleed Red, then became Light The Torch in 2017.

The post BURN ETERNAL Reunites KILLSWITCH ENGAGE’s ADAM DUTKIEWICZ & HOWARD JONE Duo Sign To Metal Blade Records appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Tony Iommi has never needed to prove his importance to heavy metal. As the guitarist and principal riff architect behind Black Sabbath, he helped establish the foundations of an entire genre, turning dark, down-tuned guitar work into something genuinely revolutionary. From the ominous opening notes of “Black Sabbath” to the lumbering menace of “Iron Man,” … Continue reading Album Review: Tony Iommi – From The Dark

Posted on October 22nd 2026, 10:29am

The in-box keeps on providing gifts in 2026, and although I am on the fence on this one, Terminal, by Could Seed, is an album too good not to shout about. 

Could Seed – Terminal

Release Date: 23 October 2026

Words: Paul Hutchings

Described as being inspired by the cinematic sweep of Pink Floyd and the cathartic intensity of modern post-rock, the second album by French instrumental outfit Could Seed features 35 minutes of glorious soundscapes that have me aching to catch them live. 

Although there are no lyrics, there is something magnificently French about Terminal. I think it is the confidence that is shown throughout, with two seven-minute songs sitting comfortably with shorter tracks to make this a compelling listen.

Yes, it can be the accompaniment to your working day, as it has been for me this week, but I have also been able to sit with headphones and immerse myself in the majestic compositions and excellent musicianship that flow through the seven tracks.

Opening song Atlas is a sprawling, simmering piece, that ebbs and flows like the sea on the shore. It builds slowly, reaches a magnificent crescendo before regrouping for another burst. Crafted beautifully, each dynamic shift is captured with intricacy and intensity that tell the story.

Underpinned by deep melodies, each song stands alone but also interlinks with each other. 

Alongside Atlas, Pangea resonates with sonic soundscapes that build from quiet passages to crushing heaviness. The longest song on Terminal, it is a demonstration of the band’s prowess.

Shimmering guitar work from Dimitri Even and Jordan Jupin is supported by the bass of Thomas Magloire and drummer Élie Chéron. Definite echoes of Floyd resonate here, but not in any way that is a copycat of the prog masters.

No, the contemporary feel that is woven around a progressive vibe from halcyon days gone by combines to a mesmerising effect. It is rare that instrumental music can hit the emotions quite as well as this album does. 

There are other styles on offer here. The psychedelia/stoner vibe of Druids recalls the likes of Kadavar and Graveyard, with some filthy riffs providing the basis for more soaring guitar work that cuts through with razor-sharp clarity.

Similar emotions emerge on the laid-back closing track, Oracles. A gentle two-minute finale, it eases you to the end of the album with one desire. To play the thing again. 

Intimate at times, wide-open and sweeping at others, Terminal ticks many of the boxes I want in this style of music. If you have an open mind, then give it a go. With crisp production, this is an album full of warmth, depth and clarity.

Could Seed release Terminal on 23 October 2026 via Klonosphere Records. For more details, visit linktr.ee/couldseed.

The post Could Seed – Terminal: A Mesmerising Journey From Quiet Beauty To Crushing Heaviness first appeared on MetalTalk – Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews.

Longtime Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has posted a video of himself unboxing his autobiography, Hello Boys And Girls!. Harper Nonfiction releases the book Oct. 22 in hardback, ebook and audio.

McBrain is also taking the material on the road. His spoken-word tour kicks off Oct. 26 in Frankfurt, then plays theaters across Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Ireland and the U.K. The show is billed as part stand-up and part audience interaction, with stories from behind the kit of one of Britain’s biggest bands, plus lessons from his rowdy youth and his highs and lows. Tickets and details are available here.

Of the project, McBrain said, “It’s been a real honor to write my very own autobiography and have the chance to walk down memory lane, revisiting all the experiences that have made me who I am and brought me to where I am today.

“And I’m thrilled and delighted to be taking those stories on the road and share them all with you. I feel truly blessed to be able to say Hello Boys And Girls! to you all in person later this year. We’re going to have a lot of fun together, so come and join me for a great night out. I’ve got a LOT of stories I want to tell you all!”

Born in Hackney, East London in 1952, Michael “Nicko” McBrain was banging on his mother’s pots and pans until his father bought him a real drum kit at age 11. He started out in school bands covering The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, and by 14 was semi-pro, working wedding gigs around London.

With jazz in his ears as much as rock, McBrain logged time with Streetwalkers, Pat Travers Band and Trust, and paid his dues as a session player in the studios of Soho. After joining Iron Maiden in 1982, he became one of the most recognizable and influential drummers in the world. Over a 42-year run, he played on 14 studio albums, several live records and dozens of world tours, and helped move more than 100 million records.

Along the way, McBrain turned up on the U.K. children’s program The Sooty Show in the 1980s, racked up his share of wild escapades, collected classic cars and became a successful restaurateur in Florida. Meanwhile, his cancer battle, his recovery from a stroke that nearly ended his career and his born-again faith stayed mostly out of view. The memoir pulls back that curtain with plenty of humor, backstage tales and candor about staying beloved after decades at the top.

McBrain, now 74, announced his retirement Dec. 7, 2024 in a statement on Maiden‘s website and social channels. He said that night’s show at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil would be his last with the band. Simon Dawson, a former session drummer and bandmate of Maiden bassist Steve Harris in British Lion, has since taken over the stool.

McBrain lives in Florida with his wife, Rebecca, their cat, Lola, and two Yorkshire Terriers, Tigerlily and Tinkerbell.

He formally joined Iron Maiden in December 1982 for the Piece Of Mind album and tour, taking over from Clive Burr. Trust had supported Iron Maiden on the U.K. leg of the Killers tour in 1981. McBrain brought a polish and technical edge the band’s early records lacked. Burr was praised for a heavy-handed, punk-leaning attack, while McBrain played with finesse and flair that helped primary songwriter Harris steer Maiden toward more adventurous territory. He ended up the third longest-tenured member of Maiden, behind Harris and guitarist Dave Murray.

The post IRON MAIDEN’s NICKO MCBRAIN Unboxes His Memoir And Warns Fans: “I’ve got a LOT of stories I want to tell you all!” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

RAM – Against (Metal Blade Records)

Nearly seven years since Oscar Carlquist (vocals), Morgan Pettersson (drums), Harry Granroth (guitar), Martin Jonsson (guitar) and Tobias Petterson (bass), collectively known as RAM dropped an album but now they come back with Against, a heavy metal record built on defiance, more direct tracks with shorter run times that make an impact and follow the recording mantra that was “cut the bullshit.”

The Swedes in the past have wandered into complexity and showy technicality, but on Against they shun all that to take it right back to the early days with an organic, an analogue sound that is borrowed from the unpolished early heavy metal acts such as Dio and MSG, two bands they state as influences for this album.

It results in an unfussy heavy metal record, unbothered by genre fragmentation, where attacking the listener with riffs you’ll want to bang your head to is the purpose. From the rampaging Ghost Emperor and the anthemic 1984, to the choppy One Vs All and the aggressive Night Blade alongsidethe speedy Abattoir and the doom-laden Leaving, there’s a lot of classic metal magic on this record.

While the gestation was long the result is another slab of classic metal from RAM. 7/10

Haunt – Setting Course (Church Recordings)

Ah Trevor, you never let me down, constantly and consistently releasing albums that just understand what heavy metal is about. In a world where so many band ride that retro wave of NWOBHM and proto-thrash, Trevor William Church and Haunt always manage to stand above the rest.

Releasing new music pretty much every year, whether that’s an album or an EP, he’s prolific and whether it’s just him or as they are now a band comprised of Church, Joel Dominguez (guitar), Sammy Harman (bass) and drummer Andy Saldate, though Joel has now been replaced by Fili Bibiano.

It really isn’t that much of a shift as Haunt for a long time was just Church and he is still the creative brain behind the band no matter who esle is with him and again Setting Course is another high watermark for Haunt.

Wrapped in brilliant production values that have been a constant evolution from Church, the songs also have the own identity, nothing on the record is similar to anything else, and although that ethos of classic heavy metal is retained and it never recycles ideas from previous records.

Running across multiple genre tropes from guitar hungry Hear Me Now, through the classically laced Title Track, the frantic Simple Life and to the speedy Spent Sanity, Setting Course is another intrepid journey through classic heavy metal from Trevor William Church and co. 9/10

Streamer – Into The Void (High Roller Records)

Catalan metal now from Streamer, who return with their third album Into The Void. Following two previous full lengths, and EP and a Demo, this band now have nearly a decade of experience but don’t wildly vary their style on album three.

It’s classic metal folks, inspired by the NWOBHM, with some US and European influences as well however there’s a feeling of a ‘lost’ record from that NWOBHM period here, from the production to the riffs, it’s retro as you can get, Streamer part of new wave of Iberian bands who are inspired by Maiden, Priest, Saxon etc.

Bass led riffs drive a twin axe attack and vocals that have a snarl to them, Streamer are on the darker side of things lyrically but it’s an album traditional heavy metal with a bit of a bite. Youthful, talented and inspired by the greats Into The Void won’t change the world but it’ll get you reaching for the leathers. 7/10

Callous Master – Callous Master (Invictus Productions)

We get a bit darker now with the self titled debut from Callous Master.

Rooted in the beginnings of what we now call ‘extreme metal’ you can hear the likes of Venom, Mercyful Fate and Celtic Frost here from the opening moments of the first song, also titled Callous Master.

The production is raw, the guitars rawer, the vocals belched from the otherside as they run through 35 minutes of occult, cryptic lyrics inspired by Austin Osman Spare and the Zos Kia Cultus.

They are obviously anti-religion and dogma in general, and if you like those early days where black metal, thrash and NWOBHM were all interchangeable, then you’ll be putting this on (probably on cassette) and lighting a candle to the dark lord. 6/10