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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CANDLEPOWER RECORDS SIGNS LOS ANGELES PROGRESSIVE METAL POWERHOUSE STRYFE
Dynamic Southern California Band Joins Candlepower Records Through Virgin Music Group/UMG; New Single “Breathe” Available Now
LOS ANGELES, CA — Candlepower Records and ElectraCast Media are proud to announce a new distribution agreement with Los Angeles-based progressive metal powerhouse Stryfe , bringing the band into the Candlepower Records family with distribution through Virgin Music Group/UMG .
The partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Stryfe, whose dynamic combination of heavy rock, progressive metal, intricate arrangements, and commanding vocals has established the band as one of Southern California’s distinctive rising metal acts.
The first release from Stryfe through Candlepower Records, “Breathe,” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Listen to “Breathe” and find Stryfe online:
https://music.stryfeband.com/single
A Band Built for the Big Stage

Candlepower Records first discovered Stryfe in a packed house at The Viper Room , where the band’s commanding live performance immediately caught the attention of label co-founder Diego Negrete .
Stryfe delivered a set so compelling that Negrete could instantly envision the band commanding a much larger stage.
“It was easy for me to imagine the entire show on stage at The Forum,” says Negrete.
That ability to connect with an audience while delivering sophisticated, hard-hitting musicianship is at the heart of what makes Stryfe stand out.
The band’s sound brings together progressive metal and heavy rock while drawing from Armenian classical and folk traditions, creating a sonic identity that is both adventurous and accessible. Each member brings decades of musical experience and a diverse cultural and artistic background to the group, resulting in songs that are technically impressive without sacrificing emotion, melody, or impact.
Stryfe isn’t simply interested in writing songs that sound good on record. They’re creating music designed to be experienced live, remembered long after the final note, and carried with listeners wherever they go.
The Critics Have Spoken

Stryfe’s distinctive sound has already earned praise from music media:


“Stryfe delivers a very lively sound consisting of heavy rock accents, harmonious chord arrangements and powerful captivating vocals. The best way to describe the sound is a modern metal band with progressive ambitions… Giving the group a unique yet familiar sound.”
— Soundmagnet




“A sound that has an alternative flavor but is ultimately dominated by progressive metal in a positive way.”
— World Of Metal Magazine




“Hard hitting. Riff driven. Both relentlessly upbeat and laced with brooding intensity.”
— V13 Media




“Metal rock powerhouse… Stryfe delivers music that is as technically compelling as it is emotionally resonant. Fusing intricate arrangements with influences ranging from progressive metal to Armenian classical and folk traditions, they create a rich sonic tapestry.”
— Wormholedeath Records


For fans of Tool, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Butterfly Effect, and Karnivool , Stryfe offers a powerful meeting point between progressive ambition, heavy riffs, memorable songwriting, and emotionally charged performance.
This is Stryfe’s next chapter. And they’re ready to turn it up.
Candlepower Records: Built By Musicians, For Musicians

Founded by hard rock veterans Diego Negrete and Bill Metoyer , Candlepower Records is a division of ElectraCast Media built around decades of real-world experience in the music business.
Negrete is a founding member of 1980s metal band MX Machine and a three-time Primetime Emmy Certificate recipient. Metoyer is the former Vice President of Metal Blade Records and has produced and engineered recordings for some of heavy metal’s most influential names, including Slayer, D.R.I., Fates Warning, and Dark Angel .
With Candlepower Records, that experience is now being brought directly to a new generation of artists.
The signing of Stryfe represents a natural fit between a band with a powerful and forward-thinking sound and a label founded by musicians who understand what it takes to build a lasting career in heavy music.
“Breathe” Is Available Now

Stryfe’s first Candlepower Records release, “Breathe,” is available now .
Listen, stream, and connect with the band:
Stryfe Official Music & Social Links:
https://music.stryfeband.com/single

Candlepower Records:
https://candlepowerrecords.com/contact
Candlepower Records and Stryfe are ready for the next level.
Let’s Go!

Their first four tracks are now available.

The post B.E.G. (No Cure, Orthodox, Etc.) Launch Their Debut Demo “We Don’t Need You, Plain And Simple” appeared first on Theprp.com.

INTERVIEW WITH PHIL RIND OF SACRED REICH The legendary Arizona thrashers Sacred Reich are currently working on the follow-up to their Awakening album, as eight […]

The post Sacred Reich – Phil Rind appeared first on Metal-Rules.com.

Interview: Chained Saint @ Bloodstock Festival

Interviewed by Cat Finch

Floridian crossover youngsters Chained Saint chat to us at Bloodstock Festival.

We discuss their plans for headlining the New Blood stage later in the day, their influences, the Florida metal scene and what the next twelve months holds for them.

You can listen to the interview below, or jump over to any of the usual streaming services!

Youtube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Youtube Music

Check out all of our interviews on the usual podcast channels!

Youtube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Youtube Music

For all the latest news, reviews, interviews across the heavy metal spectrum follow THE RAZORS’S EDGE on facebook, twitter and instagram.

The post Interview: Chained Saint @ Bloodstock Festival appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

Album Review: Russian Circles – Nine

Reviewed by Oli Gonzalez

Four years since “Gnosis” seems like a lengthy time for a follow up. Then again, Russian Circles have never been one to chase trends nor write music that’s in fashion. Staying in their lane of post-metal – an instrumental style that says more than lyrics ever could with crushing walls of distortion and intricate melodies – is amongst many reasons they have built such a fiercely loyal global following. Regular slots at niche yet esteemed festivals like Damnation, Dunk!, and Arctangent further solidifies their status and respect as leaders in the post-metal genre. Now, they’re back with their 9th studio album aptly named “Nine”. No pretentious titles; about as on the nose as possible. Just like the music…

“Nine” kicks off with ‘Borehole’. This is anything but boring though. Instead, the haunting dissonant tremolo patterns that guitarist Mike churns out are designed to invoke maximum panic and anxiety. Like a horror movie score! Yet when placed over the walls of distortion conjured up by Brian’s bass which locks in elegantly with Dave’s drums, this creates an intriguing concoction of sounds that just cannot be ignored! Whilst this certainly packs a punch, you feel like Russian Circles are holding back. They are. Until ‘Empath’ hits. A few seconds of Brian’s sludge infused bass acts as a warning sign. A warning for the deluge that’s coming. And when it comes, it’s glorious! Intense, dark, apocalyptic, how can a three piece band be this monsterously heavy?! Is monsterously even a word? Yes, yes it is…now.

The two opening songs explored thought-provoking melodies and intense darkened atmospheric passages . ‘Eluvial’ and ‘E2’ combine both; calmer more intricate openings before building towards deeply satisfying and cathartic crescendos that demand to be played on full volume! Go on, share this with your neighbours. They’ll love you! It’s not a formula that’s new to post-metal. But the way Russian Circles implement this pattern with their trademark level of musical complexity and tonal mastery makes them the standard bearer and level that all others are compared against.

Chemistry. A term thrown around far too often. Russian Circles have it in abundance though! It’s remarkable considering that, at times, it feels as though the trio are playing entirely different segments and going off on their own tangents. Yet there’s still that ineffable proverbial glue that binds all these elements together into one coherent package. Which is even more intriguing when you consider that the band is split between Los Angeles, Seattle, and Chicago. Kind of like having a band with members based in Scotland, Gibraltar, and Estonia!

After all of this, we need a break, right? Enter ‘Arletta’. Close your eyes, and you can picture yourself in the luscious Spanish city of Sevilla, such is the opulent and soothing melodies of the Spanish guitar! A welcome break from the chaos. Before that chaos returns in the shape of ‘Seventh Seal’. A bruising no-nonsense encounter that adds the exclamation point to the album, and provides a conclusion that leaves you craving more!

You can accuse post-metal artists of being too indulgent and refusing to get to the point. Not with Russian Circles though. “Nine” arrives, raises hell, and leaves with no danger of outstaying its welcome. “Nine” proves that the crown of post-metal kings truly belongs to Russian Circles!

For all the latest news, reviews, interviews across the heavy metal spectrum follow THE RAZORS’S EDGE on facebook, twitter and instagram.

The post Album Review: Russian Circles – Nine appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

After Grohl & the LA Phil united at the 2025 ‘Coachella’, the pair have newly teamed up for a full-fledged set together.

The post Watch: Foo Fighters Performed With The Los Angeles Philharmonic At The Hollywood Bowl Last Night appeared first on Theprp.com.

Interview: Inhuman Nature @ Bloodstock Festival

Interviewed by Cat Finch

Inhuman Nature opened the main stage on Saturday at Bloodstock.

After discussing festival food the band talk about their set earlier in the day, theres details on how they fobbed off Clown from Slipknot, advice for bands going through Metal 2 The Masses, and they talk about working with those fine folk at Church Road Records.

You can listen to the interview below, or jump over to any of the usual streaming services!

Youtube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Youtube Music

Check out all of our interviews on the usual podcast channels!

Youtube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Youtube Music

For all the latest news, reviews, interviews across the heavy metal spectrum follow THE RAZORS’S EDGE on facebook, twitter and instagram.

The post Interview: Inhuman Nature @ Bloodstock Festival appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

https://www.metalourgio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Hostilia-band-photo-768×512.jpg

Adrianne Lenker wasted no time in telling 2,400 Big Thief fans this was not, in fact, the show they expected to see. “We have a special night for you,” she said as Big Thief took seats around a large wooden table onstage, then quipped: “If you had hopes of hearing songs you know, those can be discarded.” Instead, Lenker matter-of-factly explained that Big Thief had convened in Nashville in May to record a triple album called Horsepower. She didn’t divulge any release details, but suddenly the weekend’s shows at Nashville’s hallowed Ryman Auditorium were something else entirely: The band and various guests playing through the whole 29-song album, in a sprawling three-hour show, filmed for future release. 

The post Big Thief Debut Surprise New Triple Album <em>Horsepower</em> With Special Guests At The Ryman appeared first on Stereogum.

The Finnish Occult Master released their self-titled debut album on August 14th 2026 via Inverse Records. 

LISTEN to the album on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/occult-master-album 

In their heavy music, Occult Master combines elements of 1970s and 1980s heavy and prog rock. The album’s tracks range from more straightforward rockers to massive epics. Running through the entire album is an uncompromising attitude to create harsh and honest heavy rock, with a good song at its core.

The album’s soundscape is raw and pleasantly authentic. You can hear that the music was played live in the studio, as a band. Unnecessary fussiness and extreme polishing have been left out. This results in the album breathing, sounding fresh and invigorating and human. However, the music itself is not simple; on the contrary, progressive, complex, and surprising parts flow seamlessly, forming an interesting musical journey. Thoughtful lyrics, deviating from the run of the mill, create a mystical aura for the dark-toned music.

The lineup features Ari Eskola (guitar and vocals), Toni Mäki (bass and backing vocals) and Jussi Risto (drums). The debut album from the Occult Master trio, signed to Inverse Records, does not disappoint and promises quality music in the future: the next album’s worth of material is already almost ready. 

WATCH Heavy Metal Madness music video: https://youtu.be/Yx7hdD6Mu5c

Track-list:

1. Just Another Nail in the Failier’s Coffin
2. Island of Leper
3. Heavy Metal Madness
4. Lucifer’s Henchman
5. Ground of the Damned
6. Who Is Our Enemy
7. Sorry Soul
8. Soothing Swamp
9. Gnarly Geezer

Recorded by Jussi Risto
Mixed & mastered by Kimmo Lukkari

CD ORDERS from HERE. 

BIOGRAPHY:

Occult Master was founded in 2012 in Oulu, Finland, first starting as a heavy rock/doom band. After a line‑up change in 2020, the musical style turned faster, more rhythmic and more complex. Occult Master’s music is heavy, versatile and full of nuances, ranging from full‑throttle metal blasting to quiet, subtle and beautifully eerie musical landscapes.

The band’s roots lie strongly in the classic heavy metal of the 1970s and 1980s. The songs are delivered in a hardy, straightforward and no‑nonsense style. In the dark‑toned music, the lyrics deal with different matters of life and the world in general, and at times even horror stories told with a devilish grin.

Links: 

https://www.facebook.com/occultmasterband

https://occultmaster.bandcamp.com