The members of Toxikull are named Tommy 666, Lex Thunder, Michael Blade and Infernando, which should be all the intel you need to know that these Portugese heavy metallers rule. Turbulence is the group’s fourth effort in 10 years, deftly walking the tightrope between polished heavy metal with a bit of speedy grit.
The album follows themes any self-respecting hesher is intimately familiar with, focused on triumph over hard times and the power of heavy metal as a force for change. There are flashes of Judas Priest, Accept, Helloween and fellow countrymen Midnight Priest throughout the album, solidifying its status as an honest love letter to a genre kept alive by the passion of its true followers.
“Turbulence reflects the internal struggle between holding on and letting go, between fighting the storm and becoming part of it,” Toxikull tell Decibel. “It stands as a testament to our journey, both as a band and as individuals. We wanted to capture that feeling of being trapped and transform it into a source of strength, showing that the only way to move forward is to confront the turbulence head on. It represents the path we have been carving since the very beginning, pushing through every obstacle and refusing to break.”
Prepare to crush your enemies by listening to an advance stream of Turbulence below. It’s out on April 24 under the Dying Victims Productions banner.
(written by Islander) “Formed in late 2023 on Chicago’s northside, VOW draw from the melodic and emotional intensity of European death metal greats such as Eucharist, Gates of Ishtar, and Dawn, merging those influences with the urgency of hardcore and the metallic edge of the NWOAHM.” That’s part of the introduction provided by press materials […]
CRIPPLE BASTARDS are set to release their brand new EP “La tua foto sul marmo” on June 12, 2026 via F.O.A.D. Records. While the format might suggest a minor release, this record stands as a remarkably significant statement from the Italian veterans. Showcasing an impressive range of new facets, the EP delivers fresh and compelling songwriting – no small feat for […]
On April 24th Apocalyptic Witchcraft will release an ultra-limited version of Frozen Ocean‘s recent spellbinding album of atmospheric black metal and depressive rock – Askdrömmar. Only twenty five copies of the ‘Urban Depression‘ edition of Askdrömmar are being made available, featuring a CD digi-pack of the album, wrapped in Swedish newspaper pages and bound in twine, with a Frozen Ocean logo magnet […]
U.K. thrash veterans Acid Reign are set to return with a new record, Daze Of The Week, arriving May 15 through Back On Black. It marks their first full-length release since 2019’s The Age Of Entitlement and continues the band’s second chapter after their long hiatus.
The first taste of the album comes in the form of the single “Fantastic Passion”, which is now available to stream.
Frontman Howard “H” Smith, the only remaining original member, spoke openly about the process behind the new material: “In all my 41 years in this band — yes 41! — I have never been more excited by the prospect of anything than releasing ‘Daze Of The Week’ on the unsuspecting thrash metal public. It’s been two years in the making and at times I thought it might never even see the light of day. Every note of every performance in every song has been lovingly captured by our sixth member producer Jayce Lewis and we couldn’t be happier with the results.”
He continued: “This one is for every single thrasher around the world who thought that albums like this couldn’t be made anymore. They can, we have, you’re welcome.”
Formed in 1985, Acid Reign built their name as part of the U.K. thrash scene’s so-called “Big Four,” alongside Onslaught, Sabbat, and Xentrix. Their early run included releases like The Fear, Obnoxious, and the debut mini-album Moshkinstein, before closing that era with The Worst Of Acid Reign.
Back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the band shared stages with acts such as Nuclear Assault, Dark Angel, Exodus, Flotsam And Jetsam, Death Angel, and Candlemass. Their initial run came to an end in 1991 after a final show at the London Marquee, as the U.K. thrash scene slowed down.
After re-emerging from a 24-year break, Acid Reign wasted no time getting active again. Tracks like “Plan Of The Damned” and “The Man Who Became Himself” helped reintroduce them, while constant touring across the U.K. and Europe rebuilt their reputation. Their performance at Bloodstock 2016, headlining the Sophie Stage, became a standout moment, reinforcing their status as a high-energy live act known for chaotic pits and constant stage diving.
Lineup changes have reshaped the band since The Age Of Entitlement. Guitarists Paul Chanter and Cooky, along with drummer Marc Jackson, have all exited. The current version of the band features lead guitarist Matt Smith, drummer Johnny Grimley (formerly of Shrapnel), and rhythm guitarist Darren Mcgillivray, a longtime fan who previously supported the band with Wrath Of Man. Alongside H and bassist Pete Dee, this lineup forms what the band refers to as Acid Reign 3.0.
Producer Jayce Lewis returned once again, traveling from New York to work on the album. He described the sessions as “a chance to work with a band that sounded reborn.”
That sense of renewal wasn’t guaranteed. H addressed the uncertainty surrounding the lineup shakeups: “There were times, specifically when Marc and Cooky left at the same time, I really did wonder if it was time to call it quits. That was quickly followed by, ‘No way. No way am I letting circumstance dictate when this band’s career ends. We will decide.’”
With Daze Of The Week, Acid Reign push forward with a refreshed lineup and a clear intent: deliver thrash that feels current without losing its roots.
Grace Bennett and Jade Alcantara made friends online before buying guitars, learning to play them, and becoming the Brooklyn-based fuzz-pop duo Sub*t. They recorded their 2021 debut EP So Green with Bully’s Alicia Bognanno and their 2024 follow-up Spring Skin with Momma’s Aron Kobayashi Ritch, and now they’re getting ready to drop their full-length debut…
ACID REIGN will release their first new album ‘Daze Of The Week’ on May15, 2026. Their first since their universally praised ‘The Age Of Entitlement’ in 2019. They’ve just dropped the first single “Fantastic Passion” which you can get HERE: https://orcd.co/bobv1313cds1 Vocalist and original member Howard H Smith commented: “In all my 41 years in this […]
Review by JP Photos by extra special guest Jager Nightingale of Distorted Visions Productions It was another last-minute and spontaneous decision to review this show […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FIRST WORLD APPETITE UNLEASHES “ANGEL SHADES DEMISE”
A cinematic industrial alt-metal assault arriving June 12th
Dutch alternative industrial metal project First World Appetite is set to release its new full-length album Angel Shades Demise on June 12th, a crushing and emotionally charged record built from raw confession, mechanical aggression, and nu metal intensity.
Led by Ronald de Groot, the project continues its mission of turning personal struggle into sonic confrontation, channeling mental health battles, inner conflict, and societal decay into a sound that is as punishing as it is cathartic.
Check out the new video on YouTube and subscribe!
Each video adds another layer to the project’s bleak, industrial aesthetic, reinforcing themes of internal war, manipulation, and survival under pressure.
SOUND AND INFLUENCES
Angel Shades Demise pulls from the industrial aggression of Ministry, the theatrical darkness of Marilyn Manson, and the heavy groove-driven punch of Rob Zombie, while also carrying strong nu metal influence rooted in bands like Slipknot and Korn.
Expect distorted guitars, rapid-fire riffs, industrial synth layers, relentless drumming, and vocal performances that sit right on the edge of breakdown and control.
ABOUT FIRST WORLD APPETITE
Formed in 2017 by Ronald de Groot, First World Appetite is built on confrontation rather than escapism. The project explores themes of mental health, identity collapse, social corruption, and the psychological cost of modern life.
Previous work includes the 2022 album LXIV and a 2024 industrial reimagining of Tom Waits’ “Goin’ Out West,” both reinforcing the project’s commitment to dark, honest expression without compromise.
This is not polished fantasy. It is pressure, release, and truth set to distortion.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Art Direction: Ronald de Groot
Written, recorded, produced, guitars, bass, synths, vocals: Ronald de Groot
Drums and co-production: Ayhan Alakus
Mixing and mastering: Joel Wanasek
Mixing assistant: Joe Wohlitz
Lyric video design: M. Irvan Dionisi