Heavy metal titans U.D.O. have just confirmed the release of their new studio album, Voodoo Ranger. It will hit stores on January 8th, 2027 via Reigning Phoenix Music. The first single to be released is called “I’ll Die Trying”. Check out the video for it below. Read more…
Canadian blackened death metal cult Nuclearhammer return with a new EP of spellbinding cruelty. Out via Iron Bonehead Productions on the 25th of September.
A short introduction leads into bursting bestial chaos. The eruption of volatile drumming and maniacal riffs with those animalistic vocals that we know from the bands’ prior works remains the core of this sound. Blending dissonance, hypnotic rhythms and feverish aggression, Nuclearhammer are back with a vengeance. The band have managed to capture this really inhuman, otherworldly and yet tribal sound on this EP that perfectly suits their rampage of chaos and destruction while giving it something truly unique and terrifying that lurks in the atmosphere with ill intent. Of course the percussion is absolutely supreme with the primitive riffing chaos serpentining around the pulverising beats. Everything feels as extreme as ever with plenty of attention to conjuring a sepulchral dread.
Although short, this release flows with a natural order that allows you to fully submerge in the poisonous radiation and intoxicating decay of the record. While utterly frenzied and bewilderingly intense, there is this very human and primordial sense of trance-inducing that is quite unlike most bands of this style. Nuclearhammer are not afraid to push the boundaries of what is one of the most homogenous styles of metal and that’s probably why they have lasted so long. This trilogy of tracks offers maximum discomfort in such a refreshing way. I really like how impenetrable the mix is, you feel totally consumed by the abyssal vortex of the music and yet it forces you to listen carefully.
Nuclearhammer will always deliver something worth hearing and “Xaos 333” is no exception. A malignant and yet enchanting trinity of songs that will hypnotise and defile in equal measure with sadistic magical potency. Expect savagery, lunacy and unfiltered reverberate chaos.
Swedish heavy metal powerhouses Sabaton have revisited their 2025 anthem “Templars”, teaming up with Leigh Kakaty of US rock heavyweights Pop Evil for a brand-new take on the track. The refreshed cut is available across all digital platforms now via Better Noise Music, accompanied by a new music video (see below). The collaboration made its … Continue reading Sabaton recruit Pop Evil frontman Leigh Kakaty for revamped version of “Templars”
Holding Absence are celebrating the release of new album ‘Modern Life Is Lonely’, and its final single has a little bit of everything we love about their band.
Titled ‘Heaven’, it’s another fantastic example of how Holding Absence have grown with their latest era, whilst still retaining all the charm and pure emotion that first made the scene fall in love with them. Complete with another epic chorus that’s bound to feel utterly euphoric when it’s belted out at their live shows, it’s looking like this next chapter could be one of their brightest.
Vocalist Lucas Woodland had this to say about the latest single:
“For our fourth and final single from MLIL, we’re ecstatic to release our song ‘Heaven’! This one feels like a classic HA song, with a heart-wrenching message and an epic chorus, but of course, repackaged into our newer style. The verses lean heavily into dainty electronic styles, before we throw the mid-section back to an OG Holding Absence shoegaze breakdown. The video itself is the final instalment of our Y4 narrative, where we get to see our friend touchdown on earth and experience nature and music for the first time.”
‘Modern Life Is Lonely’ will out now via Sumerian Records.
Holding Absence will be hitting the road as support for Enter Shikari later this year alongside The Callous Daoboys.
Here are all of the dates:
NOVEMBER
03 – HAMBURG Sporthalle 04 – MUNICH Zenith 05 – LEIPZIG Haus Auensee 06 – DUSSELDORF Mitsubishi Electric Hall 07 – BERLIN Columbiahalle 10 – BRUSSELS Forest National 11 – TILBURG 013 13 – NOTTINGHAM Motorpoint Arena 14 – CARDIFF Utilita Arena 15 – HULL Connexin Live 18 – GLASGOW OVO Hydro 19 – MANCHESTER Co-op Live 20 – LONDON Alexandra Palace 21 – LONDON Alexandra Palace
Death metal representatives Master are streaming a brand new track, “Among The Seeds Of Death”, as part of their upcoming full-length effort Among The Seeds Of Death. Read more…
Sun Echo’s First Sign of Morning is a gentle piece of ambient composition that feels less like a song and more like a landscape slowly coming into focus. It begins with the subtle presence of the outdoors, allowing the sounds of crickets, birds and flowing water to sit naturally beneath the music. From there, strings, flute and celeste gradually enter, each new layer adding another shade without disturbing the track’s delicate balance. Rob McAllister approaches the piece with a cinematic ear, but there is nothing overly grand about it. The arrangement remains patient, spacious and deeply connected to its organic starting point. As the darkness gives way to the first suggestion of daylight, the music quietly grows around it, creating a small but vivid sense of awakening. First Sign of Morning is ambient music with a pulse that comes from nature itself.
After recent signing with Scarlet Records, Germans Eternity’s End have now revealed details and first single in what will be their fourth studio record. Entitled Titanblood, it will land in stores on November 6th, 2026 Read more…
Stoke-on-Trent doom mongers Mushroom Beard are ready to unleash their debut album on an unsuspecting public. Their monster riffs and groove-based noise are a revelation. I knew they would be something special as they hail from the all-powerful Pail Wizard camp.
The album is a concept album taking us on a journey laced with mystical beings, cosmic layers and full-on psychedelia. I get glimpses of Mastodon, Sabbath, Cathedral and COC. I fully immersed myself in the experience of Mushroom Beard, headphones on, candles lit, and incense burning. The album is a trip without actually ingesting the shrooms. I found myself transported to another plane. Absolutely glorious.
The band were formed by three members of Quiet The Thief, and they set out to make heavier sounds. We get six tracks of world class doom that needs to be heard.
Mushroom Beard / A Glorious Doom Trip Without The Shrooms
The album opens with the epic March Of The Shroom Elephant, and I feel like I am transported to another realm of consciousness. The spoken word intro gives way to a gargantuan riff of Iomminess. The production is perfect. You FEEL everything. Wondrous.
Elden Beard begins with a gut-wrenching bass riff and melancholy chords before we are lifted to a melodic state of heaviness. The track clocks in at a colossal ten minutes and 34 seconds, but it feels like the track is still over too quickly.
Bringer utilises some Hammond organ to spectacular effect. Mushroom Beard feels like a band that has been around for a long time. They have found their niche and should now stick to it like glue. Guitarist/vocalist Stig Chell plays an absolute blinder throughout the six tracks of the album. His playing is top class, and his vocal style fits perfectly.
Speech Of The Leaf And Beard features a guest appearance by Dan Flitcroft from Sergeant Thunderhoof, one of my favourite bands. His vocals are a welcome addition to the sound of Mushroom Beard. The track chugs along nicely. Drummer Norbert Hussey plays wonderfully throughout the album. He accents the riffs beautifully.
Fungal Haze is my favourite track on the album. I feel like I am floating on a giant mushroom in a rainforest. I am not joking! The ethereal feelings I get from Mushroom Beard are otherworldly.
Trust me, when you listen in the right setting, you will see what I mean. The beautiful album artwork by Vic Silverchild is amazing. It fits the music perfectly.
The album closes with the instrumental Khala – Shai, which is another epically long track. More superb bass work from Gareth Harding helps build the track to a huge, crushing riff from Chell. Layer after layer of awesome sounds drift through my headphones before the track floats away.
Mushroom Beard have accomplished something special here. Do not take my word for it. Go and find your new favourite band.
I know it is mushroom season at the moment, but if you cannot get your hands on any, the Mushroom Beard album is a damn good substitute.
Swedish singer, songwriter, and guitarist Kaj Pousar returns with “Somebody to Love,” an uplifting melodic rock anthem about finding love, embracing change, and stepping into a fresh direction. After years of juggling music alongside a day job, Pousar is officially going all-in on rock ’n’ roll. Following standout singles “Hunger (For Your Touch)” and “Revolution,” this new track marks the next chapter of his upcoming second English-language album.
The release carries a deeply personal weight: during production, Kaj lost his close friend and producer, Samuel Waermö—an internationally acclaimed songwriter whose credits include Bon Jovi and John Farnham. Choosing to honor his legacy by finishing the record, “Somebody to Love” stands as a testament to taking bold chances and cherishing the time we have. Musically, it’s a total powerhouse featuring a sleek, professional arrangement, a insanely catchy chorus, and a breathtaking guitar solo section that elevates the entire track.
Give it a go by clicking on the Spotify player below and follow Kaj Pousar if you like what you hear.
