Offering an overdose of crushing riffs, cinematic atmospheres, and the fierce duality of clean and growl vocals, this Italian outfit is out for blood armed with their incendiary third full-length album.
With a story that began with a unique twist of fate, a chance meeting with a Shaman and a South African 5Rand coin, Rome, Italy-based Melodic Death/Groove Metal/Deathcore outfit 5RAND has been carving a unique space in the metal scene with their blend of Deathcore aggression with the emotional depth of melodeath, offering an overdose of crushing riffs, cinematic atmospheres, and the fierce duality of clean and growl vocals by frontwoman Julia Elenoir. Now in 2025 the band formed of Julia alongside guitarist Pierluigi Carocci, bassist Acey Guns and drummer Andrea De Carolis is ready to take the world of heavy music by storm once again with Ordhalia, their third full-length opus, the follow-up to their excellent 2019 sophomore Dark Mother, and a must-listen for fans of modern and vibrant heavy music.
The cinematic intro Lullaby for the Broken effectively invites the listener to the world of 5RAND before all hell breaks loose in Bloodlife, with Andrea kicking some ass behind his drums while Julia fires deep, enraged roars in the best she-wolf style, accompanied by the caustic riffs by Pierluigi. The title-track Ordhalia starts in a more serene, pensive manner, again exploding into a visceral fusion of Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore with Andrea hammering his drums mercilessly; followed by The Nihilist, featuring Milo Silvestro of Fear Factory, who makes a fantastic vocal duet with Julia, with both their clean and harsh vocals walking hand in hand in the name of extreme music. And Pierluigi’s minimalist guitar lines and Acey’s somber, menacing bass set the tone in Double Bind, a mid-tempo, headbanging chant that will please all fans of modern-day Metalcore.
Julia continues to scream like a blood-soaked Valkyrie in Turbid while her bandmates generate a vibrant hurricane of Melodic Death Metal armed with their scorching instruments, whereas Acey fires more of his cryptic bass lines in Ritual of Silence, with the band’s blend of classic and modern heavy music sounding very exciting. Then all background sounds give Lethargy an epic and vibrant vibe, with Pierluigi firing his heaviest riffs of the entire album, consequently inspiring Julia to roar manically for our absolute delight, while Resurge in Death is by far the most generic and uninspired of all songs, despite still showcasing a striking guitar solo by Pierluigi. Lastly, the band gets back on track with Silent Line, offering a progressive and intricate fusion of melodeath with contemporary heavy music where Julia is once again fantastic with both her she-devil gnarls and whimsical clean vocals.
More than just a band, 5RAND are a creative force blending music and visual art, connecting deeply with their growing fanbase, and the excellence found in their new album Ordhalia will undoubtedly help them in keep building a loyal international following and performing alongside legends the likes of Dark Tranquillity, Vader, Immolation, Butcher Babies and Infected Rain. Such a promising name of the Italian modern metal scene can be found on Facebook and on Instagram, where you can stay up to date with their news and live concerts, you can also enjoy their music on any streaming platform like Spotify, and obviously purchase the electrifying Ordhalia from Big Cartel and other online retailers. 5RAND are out for blood armed with Ordhalia, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for those restless Italian rockers.
Best moments of the album:Bloodlife, The Nihilist and Lethargy.
Worst moments of the album:Resurge in Death.
Released in 2025 Art Gates Records
Track listing 1. Lullaby for the Broken 1:09
2. Bloodlife 3:30
3. Ordhalia 4:27
4. The Nihilist 3:12
5. Double Bind 4:30
6. Turbid 4:03
7. Ritual of Silence 3:54
8. Lethargy 3:43
9. Resurge in Death 3:40
10. Silent Line 4:19
Band members Julia Elenoir – vocals
Pierluigi Carocci – guitar
Acey Guns – bass
Andrea De Carolis – drums
Guest musician
Milo Silvestro – vocals on “The Nihilist”
Transcending their previous sound and rising with the full might of Asgard at their back, these Swedish Melodic Death Metal warriors are unleashing upon humanity their most ambitious work to date.
Transcending their previous sound and rising with the full might of Asgard at their back, Stockholm, Sweden-based Melodic Death Metal warriors Hamaval are set to unleash their most ambitious work to date, entitled Age of the Gods, following up on their 2021 sophomore opus The Shadow Chapter. More aggressive, forceful, and diverse than ever, Age of the Gods is a pinnacle in the band’s evolution, where symphonic grandeur collides with ferocious riffs, thunderous drums and growls echoing with the wrath of the Nine Worlds, all masterfully crafted by vocalist Björn Larsson, guitarists Lennie Spetze and Kjell Gilliusson, bassist Tino Vesanen, and drummer Stefan Peltonen.
The war of the gods is about to begin to the sound of The Pagan Path, with its imposing tribal sounds inviting us all to join the band in the battlefield before Stefan begins smashing his drums in the name of Melodic Death and Viking Metal, whereas Wolfraiders carries an excellent title for an even more excellent sound, with the guitars and keys by Lennie and Kjell transpiring of Amon Amarth while their guitar solos also sound utterly captivating. Stefan then dictates the pace in the ruthless The Day Of Reckoning, with all background elements giving it an extra touch of epicness led by Björn’s deep warrior roars, followed by Sigmund Fafnirsbane, a song about a legendary dragon slayer, with the band inviting us all to slam into the pit to their visceral riffs and harsh screams.
Then investing in an almost Symphonic Black Metal sound we’re treated to The Shaman, where once again Lennie’s keys bring sheer electricity to their music, being therefore perfect for prancing around the firepit while enjoying a pint of mead. The skies will get dark and the atmosphere pensive and somber in Hymns Of The Fallen, an inspiring chant dedicated to the ones who lost their lives in battle, sounding absolutely epic from start to finish; and the band blasts one of the fastest and heaviest of all songs, the thrilling Lokis Damnation, also presenting some welcome melodic passages and the always vibrant guttural by Björn. Finally, ending the album it’s time for absolute fury and violence in the form of Ashwalker, spearheaded by the crushing beats and fills by Stefan in a lesson in contemporary Melodic Death Metal.
Offering a distinctive musical identity characterized by powerful orchestration, elegant yet captivating riffs, and an eclectic fusion of Viking, Black, Power, and Death Metal influences, Age Of The Gods will undoubtedly carve Havamal’s place in Valhalla, and you can grab a copy of such an excellent album from the Art Gates Records’ webstore in three amazing bundles (pack I, pack II, and superpack). Don’t forget to also follow the band on Facebook and on Instagram, and to stream their music on Spotify, proving you’re also worthy of joining Havamal and the metal gods at the magnificent hall of the slain are you prepare for Ragnarök.
Best moments of the album:Wolfraiders, The Shaman and Ashwalker.
Worst moments of the album: None.
Released in 2025 Art Gates Records
Track listing 1. The Pagan Path 6:01
2. Wolfraiders 4:59
3. The Day Of Reckoning 5:53
4. Sigmund Fafnirsbane 5:14
5. The Shaman 5:36
6. Hymns Of The Fallen 5:44
7. Lokis Damnation 5:33
8. Ashwalker 4:56
Band members
Björn Larsson – vocals
Lennie Spetze – guitars, keyboards
Kjell Gilliusson – guitars
Tino Vesanen – bass
Stefan Peltonen – drums
This unrelenting Lebanese outfit is back with their their distinctive fusion of Melodic Thrash, Groove, and Heavy Metal in their fourth studio album.
Formed in 2014 in Beirut, Lebanon, the unrelenting Thrash Metal squad known as Phenomy is ready to kill armed with their their distinctive fusion of Melodic Thrash, Groove, and Heavy Metal in their new offering, titled Phantasmagoria, the fourth studio album in their career, and the follow-up to their 2022 opus Syndicate of Pain. Produced, mixed and mastered by Jaroslav Celujko and Loïc El Haddad at Jaro Sound, recorded at Ontune Studio (vocals and bass), at Grotesque Productions (guitars), and at Sound Pressure Studios (drums), and displaying a modern yet dark artwork by Stefan Koidl, the new album by vocalist and guitarist Sam Felfy, guitarist Loïc El Haddad, bassist Peter Aoun, and drummer Rudy Bejjani sees the band take a solid step further in their career, positioning them as a driving force hailing from the Lebanese metal community.
The cinematic intro Prologue invites us to Phenomy’s dark and venomous realm in Hush, where they put the pedal to the metal and fire a striking fusion of Melodic Death, Thrash and Groove Metal led by the thunderous drums by Rudy. Then the bass by Peter sounds utterly metallic in Sins Of The Father, featuring vocalists Ricardo A. Haila and Léa Wardini, while Loïc keeps firing his trademark thrashing riffs. Shellshock Paradise starts in a melancholic vibe before evolving into a dark ballad by the band led by Sam’s deep, anguished vocals, whereas Gambit brings hints of the music from their homeland mixed with traditional Groove Metal, with the riffs and solos by Sam and Loïc exhaling passion. Then in Mad Man’s Waltz they tried to sound too much like Avatar, but the final result is not compelling nor vibrant at all.
Back to a much heavier, more exciting sound we face Swallow The Fear, with their riffs and beats walking hand in hand with the Machine Head-like vocals by Sam, and it’s time to jump up and down with the quartet in the Groove Metal extravaganza Sacrilège, once again showcasing nuances of the music form their own country, in special in its riffs. Phantasmagoria is another song with a cryptic intro that evolves into a progressive version of their Groove Metal, all embraced by Rudy’s classic drumming, followed by the seven-minute instrumental piece A Dream Within A Dream, and although I’m not a big fan of long instrumental songs, this one is quite entertaining. There’s still time for the sinister interlude Abel and The Frail, where the serene vocals by Sam warm up our hearts and souls before I, Witness concludes the album on a high and violent mode, undoubtedly the most thrilling song of all, with Sam’s guttural matching perfectly with the hurricane of sounds blasted by Loïc, Peter and Rudy.
Exploring themes ranging from personal struggles to societal and existential conflicts, Phenomy are on absolute fire throughout their newborn spawn, bringing their trademark heaviness, groove and melodic sounds to our avid ears in great fashion. Hence, you can get to know more about those talented metallers by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, including their live performances, stream all of their albums on any available platform such as Spotify, and of course grab a copy of the album from the Art Gates Records webstore as a CD + shirt bundle or as a CD + shirt + hoodie bundle or you can also click HERE. Phantasmagoria is undoubtedly the band’s strongest effort to date, and based on the quality of the music found in it I believe it won’t take long for such an excellent band to strike us once again with an incendiary album number five.
Best moments of the album:Sins Of The Father, Swallow The Fear and I, Witness.
Worst moments of the album:Mad Man’s Waltz.
Released in 2025 Art Gates Records
Track listing 1. Prologue 1:12
2. Hush 3:23
3. Sins Of The Father 4:20
4. Shellshock Paradise 4:57
5. Gambit 7:18
6. Mad Man’s Waltz 3:28
7. Swallow The Fear 4:42
8. Sacrilège 3:54
9. Phantasmagoria 4:46
10. A Dream Within A Dream 7:11
11. Abel and The Frail 3:55
12. I, Witness 4:35
Band members Sam Felfy – vocals, guitar
Loïc El Haddad – guitar
Peter Aoun – bass
Rudy Bejjani – drums
Guest musicians
Ricardo A. Haila – vocals on “Sins Of The Father”
Léa Wardini – vocals on “Sins Of The Father”
One of the most promising modern acts emerging from France returns with their hellish, incendiary sophomore offering.
Founded in 2019 by guitarist Jean-Philippe Porteux, French Melodic Death Metal outfit Naraka (a term that generally refers to the realm of hell or a place of torment in Indian religions) is back with their mix of Modern Metal and Death Metal with symphonic and sometimes even electro touches in their sophomore album, titled Born in Darkness. Recorded at Hybreed Studio, Serial Drummer Studio, and At The Gates Ov Hell Studio, mixed and mastered at Darth Vader Studio, produced by Logan Mader, and adorned by a devilish artwork by Andreas Bathory, the follow-up to their 2021 debut In Tenebris continues to pave the path started by the band in their inception, creating a dramatic and atmospheric experience without losing focus on their core instrumentation and, therefore, positioning the band currently formed of vocalist Théodore Rondeau, guitarist Jean-Philippe Porteux, bassist Pierre-André Krauzer, and drummer Franky Costanza as one of the most promising modern acts emerging from France’s always exciting metal scene.
The album kicks off with the cinematic intro Apocalypsis Diem, where the band invites us all to their dark and sinister world before all hell breaks loose in Born In Darkness, offering our avid ears a solid and thrilling fusion of Black, Death and Groove Metal led by the Lamb of God and Machine Head-inspired screams by Théodore. Franky then pounds his drums in great fashion in the heavy-as-hell Something Woke Up, supported by the slashing riffs by Jean-Philippe and all of the song’s wicked background sounds, whereas Jean-Philippe revs up the band’s Blackened Death Metal engine in Blazing Sun, also showing elements from Gothic Rock and Metal. With a title like Hellhound the only thing we could expect was pure doom, and we get it straight from Pierre-André’s bass and the song’s haunting background choir, followed by Tyrants, another hard hitting tune of melodeath with groove and blackened nuances, with Franky taking the lead with his fierce beats.
Then leaning towards Symphonic Black and Death Metal those French metallers fire an adrenaline-fueled beast named Sorcerer, where the harsh vocals by Théodore walk hand in hand with all keys and orchestrations; and like the soundtrack to a horror movie, the climatic interlude Deus Belli sees the band arise from the netherworld in Lost, again venturing through the realms of Gothic Metal, in special in the song’s dark, deep vocals and sluggish beats. The Reign In Red is one more devilish creation by Naraka, evolving into a Symphonic Black Metal aria spearheaded by Franky’s crushing drums, also featuring Sotiris Anunnaki V of SepticFlesh on guest vocals. Parasite is a modern and visceral display of Dark Metal that goes straight into your mind, with Jean-Philippe’s riffs crawling under your skin like a creepy centipede, followed by The Last Day On Earth, a phantasmagorical composition where all background keys add an extra dosage of heaviness to the already vile riffage by Jean-Philippe. Lastly, we face an acoustic version of Lost, not as good as the electrified version, and a bit unnecessary as the album is already grandiose without it.
Although the name Naraka has only been around for less than a decade, the band members are seasoned veterans of the French scene, bringing a powerful and sophisticated sound to the table in their new album Born In Darkness, which is by the way available from the Art Gates Records webstore as a digipak + shirt bundle, a digipak + shirt + hoodie bundle, or a digipak + shirt + hoodie + mug bundle. Don’t forget to also follow such a promising band on Facebook and on Instagram, as I’m sure their live performances are incendiary to say the least, and stream their music on any platform out there like Spotify. If you’re looking for modernity in heavy music while also deeply rooted in classic extreme sounds, Naraka will certainly fulfill your needs with Born In Darkness, keeping the fires of French music burning bright and inspiring those talented musicians to keep melting our faces with album number three in a not-so-distant future.
Best moments of the album:Something Woke Up, Hellhound and Parasite.
Worst moments of the album:Lost (Acoustic Version).
Released in 2025 Art Gates Records
Track listing 1. Apocalypsis Diem 1:41
2. Born In Darkness 5:29
3. Something Woke Up 4:38
4. Blazing Sun 5:08
5. Hellhound 3:57
6. Tyrants 4:12
7. Sorcerer 4:01
8. Deus Belli 3:32
9. Lost 4:25
10. The Reign In Red 5:18
11. Parasite 3:31
12. The Last Day On Earth 5:51
13. Lost (Acoustic Version) 3:55
Band members Théodore Rondeau – vocals
Jean-Philippe Porteux – guitar
Pierre-André Krauzer – bass
Franky Costanza – drums
Guest musician
Sotiris Anunnaki V – vocals on “The Reign In Red”
This talented Spanish Metalcore act is ready to take their message of liberation and solidarity to audiences all around the world armed with their striking debut EP.
Forged inside the creative mind of vocalist Kevin Soto during the years of 2019 and 2020 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, with a deep desire to break free from the traditional bounds of classic Metalcore, the up-and-coming unit Dissociated is ready to take their message of liberation and solidarity to audiences all around the world armed with their debut EP entitled No Connections, proving that even in the darkest moments, music can be a powerful act of release and transformation. Currently formed of the aforementioned Kevin Soto on lead vocals alongside guitarist Raúl Muñoz, bassist Toni P. Sánchez and drummer Lucas, the band delivers a powerful mix of emotional intensity and technical precision in their debut EP, leaving us eager for more of their music in a not-so-distant future.
The opening track Self-Destructive Chains sounds very introspective and modern from the very first second, exploding into a demented fusion of Metalcore and Deathcore with Djent and dissonant elements while Kevin showcasing his evil creature-like gnarls; and their Progressive Metalcore vein pulses even harder in No Connections, with Toni’s metallic bass hammering our cranial skulls mercilessly. Endless Waves offers another overdose of insanity in the form of modern, visceral Metalcore by the band, where the riffs by Raúl sound at the same time caustic and very melodic, also presenting those downtempo, punishing breaks for our total delight. Then the desperate screeches by Kevin will haunt your damned souls in Timeless Remorse, bringing forward an avalanche of violence amidst an ethereal, grim atmosphere, resulting in the most detailed and dynamic of all songs. Lastly, more of the dissonant yet harmonious riffs by Raúl permeate the air in Lost in Traces, with the entire band sounding tight and sharp until the very end.
You can find more information about this very promising Spanish band on Instagram, and of course show them your support and bang your heads to their sick creations by purchasing their striking EP from Art Gates Records as an “Endless Waves” shirt + fitted cap + CD combo, a “No Connections” hoodie + “Chains” shirt + CD combo, or as a “No Connections” shirt + tote bag + CD combo, or simply click HERE for all things Dissociated. The next step for those Spanish rockers is undoubtedly releasing their first full-length album, and if it’s just half as good as No Connections, we can rest assured the world of Metalcore will be in very good hands in the coming years.
Best moments of the album:No Connections and Timeless Remorse.
Worst moments of the album: None.
Released in 2025 Art Gates Records
Track listing Self-Destructive Chains 3:15
No Connections 3:59
Endless Waves 4:16
Timeless Remorse 4:26
Lost in Traces 4:27
Band members Kevin Soto – lead vocals
Raúl Muñoz – guitars
Toni P. Sánchez – bass, vocals
Lucas – drums
An up-and-coming UK Death Metal duo is ready to unleash hell with their first full-length album, taking the listener to the darkest corners of the human soul.
A blastbeat-driven Death Metal band originating from Birmingham, England, the infernal duo known as Infested Angel has honed their sound even further in their new album Threnodies to Eternal Despair, embracing intense, brutal riffs that pulse with a powerful, sorrowful melody, working as the perfect follow-up to their 2021 EP Nourish Me, Satan and their 2022 EP Submit to Death. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Greg Chandler at Priory Recording Studios, and crafted with raw rage and sorrow by vocalist and guitarist Andrew “Mick” Bryan and drummer Patryk “Pat” Kaczmarek, the album promises to take you to the darkest corners of the human soul during its intense 11 songs.
The opener No Time for Despair portrays a story of the imminent and absolute loss of all humankind in an extinction event, reflected in its devilish lyrics (“Finally, the day has come, / Incinerate, she burns the sun, / All we had plundered, / All we had framed, / No Time for Despair, / No time to revere, / Submit to Death, / Our ending is here”), while the duo offers us all six (six six) minutes of absolute darkness and hatred in the form of ass-kicking Death Metal in To Never Return. Then we have Euphony of Dismay, with its lyrics roared by Andrew dealing with a chaotic personal self-reflection on experiencing suicidal depression (“On taking my life, / Of aching and strife, / Oh how could I wish it to be, / Forced into pain, / With cowing and shame, / A ruinous ending foreseen”) in an incendiary fusion of Black and Death Metal; and it’s impressive how two guys only can make so much noise like in Dread Incorporeal, with the blast beats by Patryk sounding truly chaotic and vile.
The acoustic, introspective interlude Fields of Ashes sets the stage for the duo to kill again in Control of Fear, sounding demolishing form start to finish, with Andrew slashing his axe while he also growls rabidly until the very end. Then we have The Lost Battle, featuring composer, sound design and pianist Nathaniel Coxon, with his gentle piano notes beautifully permeating the air until all hell breaks loose to the venomous roars by Andrew and the crushing beats by Patryk; and after such a dense tune, they keep firing sulfur and darkness in Misanthropic Elegy, with Patryk once again delivering bestial yet intricate beats. Darkness Envelops is not as exciting as the previous tunes, despite its heaviness and fury, while Suffering and Retribution is another hammering slab of Death and Black Metal where Andrew delivers his most inhumane guttural of all. Nathaniel Coxon returns in Into the Night’s Embrace, a serene outro that brings some peace to our hearts to conclude the album; however, there’s still time for two bonus tracks titled The Bastard Will Materialise and Unholy Decay, both utterly vile and heavy-as-hell.
Charging depictions of tragedy, loss and existential suffering straight to the heart of the listeners that have been subject to their inimitable style, Infested Angel sound merciless throughout their newborn beast Threnodies to Eternal Despair, which you can purchase from the Art Gates Records webstore as a CD + shirt bundle, a CD + hoodie bundle, or a CD + shirt + hoodie bundle, and don’t forget to also give the duo a shout on Facebook and on Instagram, to stream their music on Spotify, or simply click HERE for all things Infested Angel. Put differently, subsume yourself now into the Infested Angel cult and submit to death, letting the music found in their new album be the ultimate soundtrack to your eulogy.
Best moments of the album:To Never Return, Euphony of Dismay and The Lost Battle.
Worst moments of the album:Darkness Envelops.
Released in 2025 Art Gates Records
Track listing 1. No Time for Despair 3:59
2. To Never Return 6:06
3. Euphony of Dismay 5:11
4. Dread Incorporeal 6:46
5. Fields of Ashes 1:32
6. Control of Fear 4:58
7. The Lost Battle 6:44
8. Misanthropic Elegy 3:52
9. Darkness Envelops 5:14
10. Suffering and Retribution 3:58
11. Into the Night’s Embrace 2:33
Bonus tracks
12. The Bastard Will Materialise 3:47
13. Unholy Decay 5:21
Band members Andrew “Mick” Bryan – vocals, guitars
Patryk “Pat” Kaczmarek – drums
Guest musician
Nathaniel Coxon – piano on “The Lost Battle” and “Into the Night’s Embrace”
One of the best bands hailing from Malta returns with their strongest album to date, a brutal and thrilling slab of Black and Death Metal.
Formed in 2004 in the city of Birkirkara, located in the Central Region in the island of Malta, Blackened Death Metal horde Thy Legion is unleashing their fourth studio effort, titled Grand Cosmic Funeral, the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2017 album World Stigmata. Recorded and produced at XIR Recording Studios, and mixed and mastered by Daniel Bezzina at RiverStone Studios, the new album by Tonio Spiteri and Mark Dimech (Martyrium) on vocals, Elton Falzon and Emanuel Portelli (Hemplifier, Animamortua, Victims of Creation) on the guitars, Kurt Dimech (Martyrium) on bass, and Clayton Cini (Animamortua) on drums will definitely strengthen the name of the band in their local scene and anywhere else where good extreme music is appreciated, representing another solid step forward in their career.
An obscure and imposing intro led by the venomous guttural by Tonio and Mark will darken the skies in the opener Black World Funeral, oozing of classic Black Metal, with Elton and Emanuel delivering caustic riffs nonstop; then putting the pedal to the metal and succumbing to the most devilish side of music the band fires the ruthless Midnight Malediction, where Clayton hammers his drums nonstop supported by the rumbling bass by Kurt. Dark Mother, the first single of the album, offers us all an enfolding fusion of Melodic Black Metal with atmospheric nuances, sounding creepy and haunting at first before exploding into more of the band’s trademark violence, whereas the melodious guitars by Elton and Emanuel kick off the also visceral Those Who Are Awake, with the band’s vocal duo bursting their lungs roaring.
The Adoration of Omega brings to our damned ears almost seven minutes of beautiful Black Metal with an atmospheric twist, with the riffs blasted by the band’s axe men piercing our souls like an arrow in pitch black darkness, not to mention Clayton once again sounds demonic behind his drums; and their second to last ode to Death and Black Metal comes in the form of From Flesh to Spirit, with both Tonio and Mark sounding like beats incarnate on vocals, adding an extra touch of insanity to the overall result. Last but not least, we face another seven minutes of blackened sounds made in Malta in Upon A Wretched Throne, starting yet again in a sinister, slow way before all hell breaks loose to the vile vociferations by Tonio and Mark, while the riffage by Elton and Emanuel reeks of evil and hatred.
Thy Legion are undoubtedly one of the top metal bands hailing from the always vibrant and interesting Maltese scene, and one of the most hardworking and focused as well, and the quality of the music found in their new album Grand Cosmic Funeral is proof of that, pointing to an even brighter future ahead of them. Hence, you can find more information about such an amazing blackened squad on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their music on Spotify or other streaming services, and grab your copy of their heavy-as-hell new album from Art Gates Records. Grand Cosmic Funeral is by far their strongest release to date, and I wouldn’t be surprised if after this album the band starts paying visits to all parts of the world to spread darkness upon us with their infernal music.
Best moments of the album:Midnight Malediction, Dark Mother and The Adoration of Omega.
Worst moments of the album:Those Who Are Awake.
Released in 2024 Art Gates Records
Track listing 1. Black World Funeral 5:59
2. Midnight Malediction 6:08
3. Dark Mother 6:34
4. Those Who Are Awake 5:10
5. The Adoration of Omega 6:40
6. From Flesh to Spirit 4:48
7. Upon A Wretched Throne 7:08
Band members Tonio Spiteri – vocals
Mark Dimech – vocals
Elton Falzon – guitars
Emanuel Portelli – guitars
Kurt Dimech – bass
Clayton Cini – drums
These Spanish rockers attack again with their sophomore album, retaining the elements of melody and power from their previous work while also showcasing an evolution in both composition and production.
Retaining the elements of melody and power present in the band’s previous work while also showcasing an evolution in both composition and production, Fearless, the brand new album by Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain-based Heavy/Power/Speed Metal act Knightsune emerges with a harder, rawer, and more forceful approach, marking a significant progression for the band. Produced and mixed by Miguel A. Riutort at Psychosomatic Studio, with vocals produced by Israel Ramos at Dante Music Studios, mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, and displaying a classic artwork by Colombian artist Felipe Machado Franco, the new album by vocalist Victor Alcalá “Kendoru”, guitarists Victor V. Gairhald and Diego Alastruey “Alas”, bassist Carlos Vicente, and drummer Rubén Castrillo integrates elements of Groove, Progressive and Melodic Death Metal into their core sound rooted in Heavy, Power and Thrash Metal, turning it into a must-listen for fans of modern-day heavy music.
The riffs by Victor and Alas will take you to a world of pure Heavy Metal in the title-track Fearless, accompanied by the hammering drums by Rubén, while Kendoru’s vocals soar high just the way we like it in this type of music. A Sky Full Of Ghosts is another classic Power Metal tune made in Europe, with Rubén once again dictating the pace with his fierce and intricate beats, whereas a calm and serene start suddenly explodes into another powerful sonority in Twilight Of The Heroes, offering our ears fast-paced, no-shenanigans metal music led by the classic vocals by Kendoru. Rubén keeps hammering his drums in Under One Sound, an electrifying creation by the band showcasing endless stamina and the always classy riffs and solos by Victor and Alas; followed by The Pain I Leave, featuring guest Memphis Jiménez, starting in a serene manner to the melancholic vocals by Kendoru who makes an amazing vocal duet with Memphis in a charming ballad by the band.
Then featuring guest vocalist Elisa C. Martín (Hamka, Dark Moor), Forever is a more straightforward Power Metal tune by those Spanish rockers, with the guitars by Victor and Alas being nicely supported by the rumbling kitchen by Carlos and Rubén, followed by Pistols At Dawn, a galloping composition that doesn’t add much to the album, although it still brings forward the band’s solid instrumental pieces and vocal lines. Back to a more vibrant, breathtaking sound it’s time for Purple & Green, where the riffage by the band’s guitar duo matches perfectly with the unstoppable beats by Rubén; and almost nine minutes of epic passages, thunderous bass lines, crushing drums and striking vocals are offered to us all in The Island, with Victor and Alas speeding things up with their ass-kicking riffs, blending all their influences the likes of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Stratovarius and so on. Last but not least, the band brings forward an avalanche of classic Power Metal with tons of Melodic Metal nuances in Not Over, featuring guest vocals by Herbie Langhans (Steel Rhino, The Lightbringer of Sweden), putting a beyond electrifying ending to the album.
Best moments of the album:Fearless, Under One Sound and Not Over.
Worst moments of the album:Pistols At Dawn.
Released in 2024 Art Gates Records
Track listing 1. Fearless 7:01
2. A Sky Full Of Ghosts 4:52
3. Twilight Of The Heroes 7:40
4. Under One Sound 4:48
5. The Pain I Leave 5:17
6. Forever 5:05
7. Pistols At Dawn 6:26
8. Purple & Green 5:29
9. The Island 8:53
10. Not Over 4:03
Band members Victor Alcalá “Kendoru” – vocals
Victor V. Gairhald – guitar
Diego Alastruey “Alas” – guitar
Carlos Vicente – bass
Rubén Castrillo – drums
Guest musicians Memphis Jiménez – vocals on “The Pain I Leave”
Elisa C. Martín – vocals on “Forever”
Herbie Langhans – vocals on “Not Over”
Let’s join guitarist Denis from A Dark Reborn somewhere out in space to talk about their new album Last Echo, his passion for heavy music, and much more in this futuristic interview to The Headbanging Moose.
Denis (A Dark Reborn)
The Headbanging Moose: Hello from Canada! How are you doing? Thanks for your time for this interview. Let’s start with an intro to the band for the ones who know nothing about A Dark Reborn, how about that? Could you please let us know more about the band, when you started, and any other details worth mentioning?
Denis: Hello, nice to meet you! I’m Denis, rhythm guitar of the band. First of all, thank you for your interest and desire to get to know us, it is a pleasure that you want to get to know us from so far away!! So I’ll tell you a little about us. The band began to weave Lur around 2019, perhaps a little before, preparing things at home, while looking for people to accompany them in this madness. First Ivan (the bassist) appeared, shortly after Thomas (lead guitar) came in and later I, Denis came in as rhythm guitar along with the first drummer. However, there have been a couple of drummer changes, until today’s definitive lineup, with Saül becoming part of this family. We are a band with a good mix of influences that range from the most extreme metal, prog, hardcore,… through the classics and I could even say that some connotations of pop, blues,…
THM: Now let’s talk about your brand new album Last Echo and the concept behind it. You mentioned that the album is “about a space trip to a new life”. Can you tell us more about that? And what are the main differences from your 2022 album The Light?
Denis: Well, I’ll start with the differences between My Light and Last Echo. Mainly, the first album was a download of ideas, sensations, thoughts, influences… we reached a very beautiful symbiosis as a band and we were able to mix everything in a way that worked very well, in our opinion. The Last Echo album, as you say, is a journey escaping an apocalypse or whatever you want to call it. We are the last habitants of the earth, and we go out in search of a new home, and this album explains a little how we feel about each other, internal, personal conflicts, between us, while we arrive at the destination… or not, hahahaha
THM: You also had a few words about the futuristic artwork by renowned artist Gustavo Sazes, saying that “it reflects that new world to discover, decadent, desolate and dark, but still harbors hope.” How easy was it to work with such great artist, and how long did it take for you to reach the final artwork?
Denis: Well, the truth is that it was relatively easy to reach the final work. By making this album in a block of three parts and each of them with a different cover, it was easy to evolve each part until reaching the last one. We also knew that Sazes likes this type of theme, so it was quite easy to share ideas and understand each other.
THM: What were the biggest challenges faced by the band during the recordings of Last Echo? Is there anything that is not exactly like you planned in the final version of the album?
Denis: To tell the truth, the biggest challenge in recording this album was the time we had. We all know that record labels give you release dates and things like that, and perhaps that was the biggest challenge. It should be said that every time we go to the studio with Raúl Abellán, he always gives us a little twist to always look for a little more of ourselves and help us evolve both as musicians and as people. But yes, the biggest handicap was combining time together with wanting to make a concept album of this type. If I’m honest, I think we wouldn’t change anything on the album, since if we changed something, it wouldn’t be the same, no matter how little difference there was, it would be something else, and the truth is we are very proud of how it turned out.
Album Review – A Dark Reborn / Last Echo (2023)
THM: What would be favorite songs from Last Echo? You can’t say you love them all because I already know that, but if you had to choose maybe two or three songs that truly represent the band in the album, which ones would you pick?
Denis: Hahaha good question! Well, look, one of them is definitely Last Echo, for me it is a song that I listen to today in my headphones, in the car… and I can’t quite believe that we are the ones who played that song, it seems like any other song to me, another international band or I don’t know, hahahaha. Another one that I really like to play live is The Flight, I think it has a lot of strength, and it retains that part with evolved prog atmospheres from the first album and to finish with a third I would say Delirium, it has that tapping part that takes me to I don’t know where, for my rhythmic music it’s really fun to play.
THM: I saw that you just played in the beginning of November on the first edition of Bloody Fest in Spain, and that you have another bunch of live concerts scheduled between January and May all over Spain. How excited are you for those shows, and can we expect to see A Dark Reborn playing outside of Spain, maybe for example at some European festivals during the summer next year (or even here in Canada)?
Denis: Indeed, the first presentation concert of Last Echo was at Bloody Fest, and the truth is that it was very fun, and the response from the people who came to see us was spectacular. Well, we are eager to get back into the van and put in the miles. We really want to present the new album to the world and our show. We have dates until the month of May, but we are waiting to see if we close any more, to see if there are any festivals, and we really want to cross the border to Europe, and be able to get to Canada… oh my god!! That would be wonderful, I hope!! Although we know from listening to Spotify, for example, that we are being listened to a lot in the USA, so who knows.
THM: How’s the underground scene in Spain right now in your opinion? I mean, I’m always reviewing new albums by several amazing Spanish bands from Black and Death Metal to Metalcore and Hard Rock, but as you’re living and breathing the scene you might have some special comments about it. Also, apart from A Dark Reborn, which other Spanish bands should we keep an eye on?
Denis: Well, I will tell you that Spain is still a Latin country, which is why the underground scene, whether metal or hiphop or things like that, is difficult to stand out. You have to play the key very well, and be in the right place, with the right people and at the right time. That doesn’t mean that there are BRUTAL bands, with a lot of talent at the starting gate waiting for their turn, really! I could suggest to you friend bands such as Ankor, Violblast, Erio, We Exist Even Dead… and I left many out. I’m telling you, there is an impressive level of underground bands in this country!
THM: There’s this game I like to play sometimes with the bands interviewed here called “The Time Capsule”, where I ask the bands to list 10 songs from 10 different bands or artists to be saved in a time capsule for all future generations. Would you like to play that? And please, tell us the reason for selecting each song, of course.
Denis: Hahaha very good, let’s get to it then. You make it difficult but we are going to propose some!
1. Heaven Shall Burn – Endzeit
2. Mastodon – More Than I Could Chew
3. Get The Shot – Ultimate Warfare
4. Upon A Burning Body – The Island Of Lost Dreams
5. Jinjer – I Speak Astronomy
6. Amorphis – Brother And Sister
7. Soziedad Alkoholika – Tiempos Oscuros
8. Memento Mori Hardcore – Lleida Hardcore
9. Septicflesh – The Collector
10. Orbit Culture – North Star Of Nija
Well look, for future generations, we are going to wait for the future, hahahaha. At least me, I am a person who is guided a lot by sensations and moods, and that is what my playlists are based on. I don’t usually listen to individual songs. I prefer to listen to a band’s entire album. It seems to me that they have that way. meaning all the songs. Therefore, let’s wait until next year if you feel like it and look at this question again and talk about it, what do you think?
A Dark Reborn
THM: You have an amazing new album, a very exciting tour coming in 2024, you’re always working hard on your videos, and so on. Having said that, what’s next for A Dark Reborn? What else can we expect from the band in the coming months and years?
Denis: Thanks a lot for your comment on the album!!!! You can expect a lot of work and dedication from the band, we want to take great care of that, to always be able to transmit and get as close as possible to the person listening to us. We want to make it easy to reach each one of you. We hope to go as far as possible; we want to take on the world, we really want to go out and share with you everything we have. And above all you can expect effort and a lot of passion, which is a fundamental piece of this band, the passion for what we do. Well, we are fulfilling our dreams, what else could I say?
THM: Thanks again for your time! Feel free to send a final message to our readers, where to buy your music, and anything else you would like to say here!
Denis: Well, first of all, I would like to thank you again for wanting to meet us from so far away, for us it is an honor. I hope I can get to that side of the world soon and be able to say hello and share some beers!!!! For those who want to listen, know that we are on all digital reproduction platforms, be it Spotify, YouTube… and if you would like to support us with some merchandising, we have an online store on the Art Gates Records label, or if you prefer, you can write to us a DM on Instagram, Facebook, and we will be happy to chat with all of you and help you with everything you need! I repeat, thank you very much for the attention and the opportunity!!
Embark on a musical voyage to the sound of this conceptual album about a space trip to a new life, carefully brought into being by an up-and-coming Melodic Death Metal outfit from Spain.
Leaded by the charismatic vocalist Lur, Girona, Spain-based Melodic Death Metal outfit A Dark Reborn combines atmospheric piano sounds with clean vocals and their darkest influences shaped by the power of their guitar riffs, which can easily be seen in their newborn opus, titled Last Echo. Produced, recorded and mixed by Raúl Abellán at The Mixtery, mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios, and displaying a futuristic artwork by Gustavo Sazes (and in the words of the band, it reflects “that new world to discover, decadent, desolate and dark, but still harbors hope”), the follow-up to their 2022 album The Light is a conceptual album that is about a space trip to a new life, all carefully brought into being by the aforementioned Lur on vocals alongside Thomas and Denis on the guitars, Ivan on bass, and Saül on drums.
The guitars by Thomas and Denis set the tone in the opening tune The Flight, being quickly joined by the rumbling kitchen by Ivan and Saül and, of course, the delicate yet infernal roars by Lur. Then drinking form the same fountain as Scandinavian Melodic Death Metal masters such as Soilwork, Arch Enemy and In Flames, the band offers us all an electrifying tune titled Illusions, which should work really well if played live, whereas minimalist, sinister guitar lines gradually evolve into a modern-day Melodic Death Metal feast titled Keida, with Lur roaring manically supported by the rumbling bass by Ivan while Saül keeps hammering his drums in great fashion. And in the title-track Last Echo the band enhances their heaviness and obscurity, which leads Lur to vociferate with even more anger in her blackened heart while also delivering her passionate clean vocals for our total delight.
Featuring vocalist Daniël de Jongh (Crown Compass, Black Nazareth, Textures) in a gripping duo with Lur, Ritual will inspire us all to bang our heads together with the band while Raül continues to pound his drums mercilessly; followed by Delirium, as atmospheric and futuristic as its predecessors, reminding me of some of the most visceral creations by Infected Rain. Moreover, Lur once again steals the spotlight with her wild growls and clean vocals. Their Melodic Death Metal feast with modern elements goes on in Levitating the Void, with Lur kicking ass on vocals as usual supported by the metallic bass by Ivan and the always hammering drums by Saül. Dark Matter is not a bad song, but a bit generic if compared to the rest of the album, while Lur still showcases all her vocal power, of course; whereas lastly, we’re treated to Hopeless, another song with an atmospheric vibe that evolves into a dark ballad full of passion, anguish and melancholy, putting a stylish ending to the album.
“The atmospheres and pianos will accompany you on this journey composed of three parts, where they continue with a Melodic Death Metal base, raw and dark parts, heartbreaking passages, melodic and melancholic choruses, and even some parts that reveal a lot of light, but soon return to take you to darkness and desolation,” commented the band about their new album, and you can enjoy that fusion of heavy music, passion and great storytelling in its entirety on YouTube and on Spotify, or purchase your favorite version of the album from the Art Gates Records webstore or by clicking HERE. In addition, go check what the band is up to on Facebook and on Instagram, including their tour dates, and subscribe to their YouTube channel for more of their classy music. After all is said and done, are you ready to join A Dark Reborn in their space trip to a new life to the sound of their new album? I’m sure you won’t regret it at all.
Best moments of the album:Illusions, Last Echo and Ritual.
Worst moments of the album:Dark Matter.
Released in 2023 Art Gates Records
Track listing 1. The Flight 4:02
2. Illusions 4:06
3. Keida 4:26
4. Last Echo 3:27
5. Ritual 4:23
6. Delirium 3:44
7. Levitating the Void 5:47
8. Dark Matter 3:53
9. Hopeless 3:42
Band members Lur – vocals
Thomas – lead guitars
Denis – rhythm guitars
Ivan – bass
Saül – drums
Guest musician Daniël de Jongh – vocals on “Ritual”
With a story that began with a unique twist of fate, a chance meeting with a Shaman and a South African 5Rand coin, Rome, Italy-based Melodic Death/Groove Metal/Deathcore outfit 5RAND has been carving a unique space in the metal scene with their blend of Deathcore aggression with the emotional depth of melodeath, offering an overdose of crushing riffs, cinematic atmospheres, and the fierce duality of clean and growl vocals by frontwoman Julia Elenoir. Now in 2025 the band formed of Julia alongside guitarist Pierluigi Carocci, bassist Acey Guns and drummer Andrea De Carolis is ready to take the world of heavy music by storm once again with Ordhalia, their third full-length opus, the follow-up to their excellent 2019 sophomore Dark Mother, and a must-listen for fans of modern and vibrant heavy music.
More than just a band, 5RAND are a creative force blending music and visual art, connecting deeply with their growing fanbase, and the excellence found in their new album Ordhalia will undoubtedly help them in keep building a loyal international following and performing alongside legends the likes of Dark Tranquillity, Vader, Immolation, Butcher Babies and Infected Rain. Such a promising name of the Italian modern metal scene can be found on Facebook and on Instagram, where you can stay up to date with their news and live concerts, you can also enjoy their music on any streaming platform like Spotify, and obviously purchase the electrifying Ordhalia from Big Cartel and other online retailers. 5RAND are out for blood armed with Ordhalia, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for those restless Italian rockers.
THE HEADBANGING MOOSE 