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SMOULDER - Dreadful Vengeance - European Tour 2025
 Epic metallers SMOULDER will soon embark on their European headlining tour with support act Dread Sovereign!
Dreadful Vengeance 2025:
DEC 11 - SWEDEN, Gothenburg, The Abyss
DEC 12 - DENMARK, Copenhagen, Rahuset
DEC 13 - GERMANY, Hamburg, Bambi Galore
DEC 14 - GERMANY, Oldenburg, MTS Records
DEC 16 - GERMANY, Erfurt, Club From Hell
DEC 17 - GERMANY, Stuttgart, Schwarzer Keiler
DEC 18 - AUSTRIA, Salzburg, Rockhouse
DEC 19 - GERMANY, Freiburg, Artik
DEC 20 - BELGIUM, Diest, Hell
DEC 21 - NETHERLANDS, Enschede, Metropool
Tickets: https://linktr.ee/smoulderdoom
Furthermore, SMOULDER are already stoking the fires for 2026, with their debut gigs in SPAIN and ROMANIA planned, as well as their (27th) return to GERMANY. They’ll also record their third studio album, "Witch Wife in an Alien World". The record will see the band weaving mystical Grecian black metal into their sonic tapestry of arcane power doom.
Vocalist Sarah states: “Our music is quickly shifting into a far heavier direction. We've been embracing Greek black metal and realizing that the more frequently we play live that we deeply enjoy the transcendental energy that comes with being crushingly heavy. There is simultaneously a noticeable shift lyrically and thematically into darker direction, as we observe rapid societal decline in the face of late stage capitalism. We’re experiencing in real time the consequences of normalizing and embracing fascist ideologies. Consequently, we’re angry, and the music reflects that.”
https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com +++ https://www.facebook.com/SmoulderDoom
OBSCURITY – New Album "Ascheregen" in January 2026 via Trollzorn Records – Music Video Premiere
 German horde OBSCURITY have announced their new and tenth overall full-length album "Ascheregen", set for release on January 29th 2026 through Trollzorn Records on CD, vinyl and digitally.
The first single, entitled "Ketzerjagd", has been premiered here with a music video: https://youtu.be/9hrsNf6K1Q4
Since the release of OBSCURITY's previous album "Skogarmaors" there have been significant line-up changes within the band, so it is not surprising that "Ascheregen" features both new musical elements and established tried-and-true strengths. With this new powerhouse, the four-members around band founder Agalaz is following a single course: forward like hell-fire!
Listeners can expect the powerful mix of melodic Death-/Viking Metal in the band’s usual style, but this time with a sharper Black Metal edge. That added bite lets OBSCURITY push to further enhance both melody and intensity. Consequently, "Ascheregen" musically moves closer to the direction of their albums "Tenkterra" and "Vintar".
Produced by Tim Schuldt and OBSCURITY at 4CN Studios. Layout and Cover by Jan Yrlund / Darkgrove Design.
Line-up:
Agalaz – Vocals
Isarn – Drums
Grimnir – Guitars
Njalvar – Guitars
Vidar – Bass
https://www.trollzorn.de +++ https://www.facebook.com/obscuritybergischland
SEPULCHRAL – New Single revealed - Sophomore Album "Beneath The Shroud"out soon via Soulseller Records
 SEPULCHRAL have revealed another song from their second full-length album "Beneath The Shroud", coming on December 5th 2025 via Soulseller Records.
You can listen to "Abandoned Feretrum" here: https://youtu.be/NMt9vnPNrRE
SEPULCHRAL rises again from beyond the burial mound to tear everything in its path with eleven songs of fucking worn out, moldy, and rusty Death Metal. The second album of this Basque entity comes wrapped into a putrid amalgam of decay that will make you crawl through the mud and beg for your life!
Mixed and mastered by Gorka Pérez. Cover artwork by Luciana Nedelea.
Pre-order options: https://soulsellerrecords.bandcamp.com (World) +++ https://soulsellerrecords.aisamerch.com (Americas)
Tracklist:
01. A Pact Written In Bone Dust
02. Beneath The Shroud
03. Abandoned Feretrum
04. Conflagration Of Sacred Bones
05. Torchless Crossroads
06. Cloaked Spectres
07. From The Crypt, The Putrid Mist
08. Blood, Phlegm, Black Bile
09. Gravestone Covenant
10. Poison Wind
11. Lost In The Ruins
http://www.soulsellerrecords.com +++ https://www.facebook.com/sepulchraldeathmetal
ENSANGUINATE – Deal with Soulseller Records announced – Sophomore Album "Death Saturnalia" coming in February 2026
 East-European blackened death ritualists ENSANGUINATE have signed with Soulseller Records!
ENSANGUINATE is Slovenia’s putrid entry into the occult black/death metal grimoire of old, performing dark arts & sinister sounds.
The band’s second album entitled ”Death Saturnalia” is scheduled for February 6th 2026.
Further details, single premiere and album pre-orders will follow in December.
ENSANGUINATE comment: "Mene - mene - tekel – upharsin… For all to see, we now howl at the moon in the house of Soulseller Records. It is an honor to have our upcoming record released by the label that let Repugnant loose upon the world, an absolutely key influence of ours, not to mention a cast of black metal stalwarts old and new. 'Death Saturnalia' is a monument to the female form in occultism, a topic so multifaceted it demanded a broadened musical palette; our metal of death now burns with even more zeal for the old ways and is bolstered by a dose of '70s mysticism and black metal fury. Join us in our fanatical ode to the burning love of Kali - Ereshkigal - Lilith."
Photo by Cartismandua in the hallowed heights above Abtenau.
http://www.soulsellerrecords.com +++ https://www.facebook.com/ensanguinate
CYCLONE – New Mini Album "Known Unto God" in February 2026 via High Roller Records in Europe – Track Premiere
 Belgian cult thrashers CYCLONE have announced a new mini album, entitled "Known Unto God". The European release will be handled by High Roller Records, available on February 6th 2026.
The roots of CYCLONE, who eventually became one of the most popular European thrash metal bands, go way back to 1981. They were originally formed in Aalst under the name of Centurion. As their music was getting harder and harder, it was decided to use a more cutting-edge moniker. A variety of demos was recorded before CYCLONE signed a deal with Roadrunner Records where they released their now legendary debut album "Brutal Destruction" in 1986. This was followed by "Inferior To None" on Justice Records in 1990. After that, the band disbanded.
Ending a long hiatus, CYCLONE decided to reform in 2018 and have appeared live regularly since then (playing on their own or at prestigious festivals like Headbangers Open Air in Germany).
Now, High Roller Records are extremely proud to present CYCLONE’s comeback mini album "Known Unto God", showcasing five brand-new compositions. The current line-up of the band consists of Maxime Deschamps (lead guitar), Jesse Van Den Bossche (rhythm guitar), Vincent Heyman (bass), Gabriel Deschamps (drums) and Guido Gevels (vocals).
The opening track "Eliminate" has been premiered already here: https://youtu.be/7xn176yjlQk
Pre-orders will start on December 18th – watch out: https://www.hrrecords.de
Tracklist:
1. Eliminate
2. Known Unto God
3. I Fear Myself
4. Nothing is Real
5. The Truth Lies
https://www.facebook.com/hrrecords +++https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063577267482
AKTOR – New Track Premiere – Third Album "Professori (Season Two)" out soon via High Roller Records
 AKTOR have revealed another song from their upcoming new album "Professori (Season Two)", set for release on November 28th 2025 through High Roller Records.
"Just One Hand" – Official Lyric Video: https://youtu.be/UijEv87kYGs
AKTOR is one of the many side projects of the one and only Chris "The Professor"Black. He formed the band in 2013 along with Tomi Leppänen (drums) and Jussi Lehtisalo (guitars) from Finland. AKTOR’s debut album »Paranoia« was issued on High Roller Records in 2015, followed by »Placebo« (2020).
On their new record AKTOR once again present a very eclectic mixture of different styles. "Professori (Season Two)" combines eighties new wave (from B 52’s to Talking Heads and Wall Of Voodoo) with a heavy seventies prog/psychedelic vibe.
"Professori (Season Two)" may sound like a strange title for the third album of a band, but there is a story behind the name. Chris Black comments: “Yes, it is very conceptual. 'Professori' is a TV show in the ‘Nordic noir’ genre, like a gritty detective show with all of the usual cliches. So, each song on the album is an episode of the show. I realized while writing that the story was actually the second season of the overall three-season arc. It starts with a twist – the lead character has disappeared! – and this was interesting to me, partly because his partner is elevated to the lead role.”
Mixed & mastered by Dan Swanö. Art & design by Alexander von Wieding.
Tracklist:
01. He Never Came Home
02. Just One Hand
03. Nemesis
04. Politics Politics
05. Idiot Brother
06. Another Piece
07. Too Close (Still Not Close Enough)
08. Back on the Case
09. Children Always Know
10. Helicopter
11. Bigger Picture
https://www.hrrecords.de/AKTOR +++ https://www.facebook.com/fightinginthedark
BEZDAN - Debut Full-Length "Upon The Altar" via I Hate Records - Track Premiere
 Croatian extreme metallers BEZDAN have revealed a first song from their long awaited full-length debut "Upon The Altar", set for release on November 28th 2025 via I Hate Records on CD, LP and in digital versions.
The track "Hades Knights" has been premiered at this location: https://youtu.be/lkZNkTrpgig
BEZDAN (Croatian for "Abyss") have released a couple of singles and EPs during around 15 years of activity. Inspiration comes in form of POSSESSED, 80s DEATH, caveman old SEPULTURA, as well as old Ex-Yugoslav heroes HELLER, EVIL BLOOD and a touch of Black/Speed Metal. Raw, evil and uncompromising - old school without stagnation!
Cover artwork by Daniel Corcuera (Nekronikon).
Pre-order options: https://ihate.bandcamp.com/album/upon-the-altar
Tracklist:
1. Upon The Altar (Intro)
2. Sacrificial Death
3. Dark Messiah
4. When Death Becomes Your Life
5. Endless Fields Of Bones
6. Hades Knights
7. Vengeance
8. Infernal Howls
9. Crypts Of Ancient
https://ihate.se +++ https://www.facebook.com/bezdannikaddan
CASKET – New Album "In The Long Run We Are All Dead" coming January 2026 via Neckbreaker Records – Track Premiere
 German death metal veterans CASKET, formed back in 1990, have announced their new and fifth overall full-length album "In The Long Run We Are All Dead", set for release on January 23rd 2026.
A first track entitled "Hammer, Knife, Spade" can be checked out here: https://casketdeath.bandcamp.com/track/hammer-knife-spade
"In The Long Run We Are All Dead" includes eleven brutal uncompromising tracks. If you listen to CASKET, you listen to no trends, no hypes, just honest Death Metal the way it was meant to be!
Neckbreaker Records is releasing the CD and vinyl versions as well as the corresponding merchandise. A tape version will be available from Slime Inhaler Records and all digital platforms will be served.
Cover artwork by Roberto Toderico.
Tracklist:
01. The Will To Comply
02. Highest Thrones
03. Mirrors
04. Seeds Of Desolation
05. Hammer, Knife, Spade
06. Skull Bunker
07. Necrowaves
08. Mainstream Mutilation
09. Fundamental Rot
10. Strangulation Culture
11. Graveyard Stomper
Line-up:
Schorsch – Guitars / Vokills
Susi – Bass
Marinko – Drums
https://www.casket.de +++ https://neckbreakerrecords.bigcartel.com
WICKED LEATHER – Debut Album "Season Of The Witch" coming in January 2026 via Lost Realm Records – Music Video Premiere
 Spanish metallers WICKED LEATHER have announced their debut full-length album "Season Of The Witch", set for release on January 30th 2026 through Lost Realm Records on CD, LP and digitally.
The title track has been premiered with a music video at this location: https://youtu.be/GIQG6_yiU-I
WICKED LEATHER emerged from Barcelona in 2023, with a clear mission: to channel the spirit of traditional heavy metal through their own vision, infused with raw power, dark atmospheres and an occult edge.
From their earliest steps, the band stood out for the intensity of their sound and the magnetic presence of their performances. Their music draws heavily from the foundations laid by the pioneers of the genre, yet embraces a more shadowy and arcane approach, evoking themes of witchcraft, steel and fire. This balance between reverence for tradition and a hunger for reinvention quickly positioned WICKED LEATHER as one of the most promising new acts in the European underground.
The band’s first recording "Echoes of the Storm" (Single 2024) showcased their unrelenting energy and gave a glimpse of their creative force, earning them recognition among fans and media alike. In 2025, WICKED LEATHER entered the studio to craft their debut full-length album "Season Of The Witch", a record designed to capture not only the power of their riffs and the intensity of their performances, but also the darker, ritualistic aura that has become their signature. The album will be released by Lost Realm Records.
Beyond the studio, WICKED LEATHER will also mark their presence on the live circuit, supporting Enforcer on Spanish dates this November and performing at festivals such as Metal Cova Fest, where they'll share the stage with Jack Starr’s Burning Starr. These shows will cement the band’s reputation as a powerful live act, restless and uncompromising.
Active and unafraid to carve their own path, WICKED LEATHER represent the new blood of heavy metal. With one foot firmly planted in tradition and the other stepping boldly into darker territories, they are ready to bring their vision of steel and shadows to audiences everywhere.
Tracklist:
1. Season of the Witch
2. She is the Storm
3. Crystal Lake
4. Night Hunter
5. Black Goat Rising
6. Midnight Creature
7. Lightning Strike
8. Masquerade of Shadows
Line-up:
Yamila Martins : Vocals
Michel Regueiro : Rhythm Guitar
Alejandro Zarate : Lead Guitar
Cosme Martin : Bass Guitar
Uri “Butcher” Segu : Drums
https://www.lostrealmrecords.com +++ https://www.instagram.com/wicked_leather_official
SUN OF THE DYING - New Music Video - Third Album "A Throne Of Ashes" in November 2025 via AOP Records
 Spanish Doom/Death Metallers SUN OF THE DYING have premiered another song from their upcoming new album "A Throne Of Ashes", set for release on November 21st 2025 via AOP Records.
A music video for the track "Of Abscence" is available here: https://youtu.be/uBOegR6WGdo
Inspired by genre classics like My Dying Bride, Anathema, and Paradise Lost, as well as more modern bands such as Ahab, Swallow the Sun or Shape of Despair, SUN OF THE DYING walks the path of authentic Doom/Death Metal, unafraid to incorporate touches from many other styles.
The band was founded in 2013 by Casuso (guitar) and Lavín (vocals), and reached a stable lineup in 2017. That same year, they released their debut album, "The Roar of the Furious Sea", through Throats Productions.
With the new line-up established and extensive live experience, they recorded their second album, "The Earth Is Silent", at The Empty Hall Studios. It was released in November 2019 through AOP Records. The album’s positive reception led the band to play throughout Spain, until the pandemic forced a temporary retreat from the stage. They returned to live performances sharing the stage with major acts like Sylvaine, Officium Triste and Evadne, and they reached the finals of the Wacken Metal Battle for the second time.
In late 2024, they returned to The Empty Hall Studio to record their third album, "A Throne of Ashes", released in 2025 by AOP Records. The album was mixed and mastered by Javi Félez at Moontower Studios, with artwork by Manuel Cantero.
Tracklist:
1. Martyrs
2. Black Birds Beneath Your Sky
3. With Wings Aflame
4. The Greatest of Winter
5. House of Asterion
6. Of Abscence
https://shop.aoprecords.de +++ https://www.facebook.com/SunofTheDying
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