Rising up from Denver, Colorado, this Hardcore outfit is unleashing their debut opus, a bludgeoning and brutal dive into the feelings of pain, disconnection, and loss that arise from abuse and self-sabotage.
Rising up from Denver, Colorado’s prolific metal scene, Arson Charge are a five-piece behemoth made up of former members from mile-high area stalwarts Native Daughters, Chieftain, and Love Me Destroyer, playing a unique blend of Hardcore, Thrash Metal and Punk Rock, with elements from Thrashcore and Metalcore, tailored for fans of Mastodon, In Flames, Sepultura, Gojira and Black Flag. Now in 2025 the band formed of Ben Roy on vocals, Justin Hackl and Dave Sandoval on the guitars, Kris Hodgell on bass, and Cody Hull on drums is set to release their debut album, titled A Dying Light, recorded at Green Door Recordings and produced by Felipe Patino, Justin Hackl and Arson Charge, offering a bludgeoning and brutal dive into the feelings of pain, disconnection, and loss that arise from abuse and self-sabotage.
The intro The Feeding Grounds sets the stage for the band to kick some serious ass in For The Damned, with the harsh vocals by Ben penetrating deep inside our minds accompanied by the pounding beats by Cody, who then shows no mercy for his drums in Cleanup On Aisle 10, while Justin and Dave make a dynamic guitar duo in an explosion of modern-day Thrash and Groove Metal in the vein of Lamb of God. It’s pedal to the metal in the Hardcore beast titled One by One, with its rebellious backing vocals walking hand in hand with Cody’s sick drumming, whereas investing in a more modern sound we have A New Throne, without forgetting to add their share of heaviness to the sound, followed by There Was No Dog, sounding inspired by classic Punk Rock and led by the raspy vocals by Ben and the pounding drums by Cody.
666 BC stands strong with a foot on the heaviness of Gojira and the other on the progressiveness of Mastodon, with Justin and Dave delivering some of their best riffs of the entire album, followed by The Aftermath, again investing in the power of the riff, with Ben’s harsh vocals being boosted by the thunderous kitchen crafted by Kris and Cody. The Lark The Wolf and The Rabbit is another song with a strong Mastodon vibe, and that means sheer awesomeness flowing from all instruments, of course; and then back to a more straightforward Groove Metal sound we face Build a Fire, with the band’s guitar duo firing sheer heaviness from their axes. Bloodstains offers a nice blend of Thrash Metal and Punk Rock led by Ben and his unrelenting screams, not to mention its hypnotizing riffs and solos, while lastly the title-track A Dying Light closes the album on a Sludge Rock and Metal vibe thanks to the ruthless beats by Cody and the scorching riffs by Justin and Dave.
Arson Charge know exactly how to fuel their metal machine with the feelings of anger and pain in a compelling way, and their debut A Dying Light is a more-than-excellent example of how heavy music will always be a recommended way to channel all that darkness inside us. Hence, you can get in touch with those hardworking and talented boys via Facebook and Instagram, enjoy their caustic music on any streaming services like Spotify, and purchase A Dying Light from BandCamp or from the Anxious & Angry webstore. Arson Charge are beginning to spread their wings over their own country and everywhere else where good Hardcore music is appreciated with their striking debut, leaving us eager for more in the near future while we keep dealing with our inner demons.
Best moments of the album: One by One, 666 BC and The Lark The Wolf and The Rabbit.
Worst moments of the album:A New Throne.
Released in 2025 Anxious & Angry
Track listing 1. The Feeding Grounds 1:16
2. For The Damned 4:18
3. Cleanup On Aisle 10 2:44
4. One by One 4:27
5. A New Throne 4:43
6. There Was No Dog 1:57
7. 666 BC 3:42
8. The Aftermath 4:10
9. The Lark The Wolf and The Rabbit 2:13
10. Build a Fire 3:23
11. Bloodstains 1:50
12. A Dying Light 5:27
Band members Ben Roy – vocals
Justin Hackl – guitar
Dave Sandoval – guitar
Kris Hodgell – bass
Cody Hull – drums
Internally, I feel like a cosmic explosion. It’s where the stars are born. It’s where stars die.
In order to properly celebrate 13 years of The Headbanging Moose, our metal lady chosen for this month of October is the ultimate definition of the underground, and I’m sure that after knowing more about her, you’ll get addicted to her ass-kicking music. She’s the frontwoman for a phenomenal new supergroup named Visitant, as well as the vocalist for the also excellent band Voraath, not to mention she’s also an extremely talented voice actress. Call her by her real name Chelsea Strickland, or by her artistic moniker Chelsea Marrow, she will kick your ass with her undisputed Extreme Metal growls, undeniable charisma, and a deep passion for the darkest and most extreme side of music. Having said all that, do you think you have what it takes to enter in the realm of fire and flames ruled by one of the most talented female growlers of the current heavy music scene? Or in other words, get ready to be pulverized by Chelsea’s scathing vocals in our humble tribute to such a multi-talented woman.
Born on February 2, 1988 in Pensacola, Florida, in the United States, Chelsea started her career in heavy music as the vocalist for a Florida-based Blackened/Melodic Death Metal band named Accursed Creator, with whom she recorded the singles All Will Suffer (2016), Prelude of Worms (2016), and Scourge of Tested Flesh (2018), as well as the three-track EP Sins of the Father in 2016, which includes one of the singles, Prelude of Worms, before departing from the band in 2020. Their new vocalist is a guy named Kodiac Jackson, who joined the band in 2023, but they haven’t released any new material yet with him on vocals. You can enjoy their songs with Chelsea on vocals on both BandCamp and Spotify, and enjoy their official videos for songs like Throne of Iron and Scourge of Tested Flesh on YouTube.
A few years after leaving Accursed Creator, our talented she-wolf joined Asheville, North Carolina-based Technical/Experimental Death Metal band Voraath, alongside Daniel Presnell and Tylor Kohl on the guitars, Paul McBride on bass, and Joshua Nassaru Ward on drums, replacing their previous vocalist Brad Parris, having recorded with the band the excellent Vol 1: The Hymn of the Hunters back in 2024, available on BandCamp, Spotify or any other streaming service. In one of her interviews when she joined the band, she explained how everything happened. “I’ve been friends with Joshua Ward, who’s the current drummer for Voraath, for a couple of years, now. In the past, we’ve discussed the possibility of having me feature on a Voraath song. I believe it paved the way to where we are now. There were some recent lineup changes, and Josh reached out to me. He offered the opportunity to be a permanent member of Voraath and I happily accepted with no hesitation.”
Chelsea likes to describe Voraath’s sound as an auditory odyssey both extreme and emotional. “We wanted to keep our roots and extreme metal while still exploring storytelling,” she commented, also explaining what’s behind their masks and costumes. “We built our own multiverse with cosmic entities who have propagated life throughout a biocentric universe. It’s a complex story but we are in a post-apocalyptic future ruled by corporations and interdimensional entities, and we are just a group of hired retrieval experts trying to support our families in this dismal reality when we are hired to retrieve something that’s beyond our understanding, unearthing the body of a otherworldly being which in the lore is how we get our armor and mask, infused with technology not of this world.”
Unfortunately, the ultra talented Joshua Nassaru Ward, of bands like Rapheumets Well, Olkoth and Xael, sadly passed away on December 31, 2024, and that might have been the end of Voraath as well. Joshua, along with his fiancée and two other people, was killed in a car accident when a drunk driver crashed into their car on New Year’s Eve. Not only Chelsea lost a good friend, but her passion for Voraath and the future of the band together with her bandmates was beautiful, and I’m sure her heart and soul might be broken into tiny pieces after what happened with Joshua based on her previous comments about the band. “Everyone in the band is so fucking talented. I love the depth and storyline behind the music. There is a whole visual experience, in addition to the epic soundscape that Voraath creates. Envisioning myself as an outsider, I see this band as something truly to behold. Memorable.”
Although we might not know what’s going to be of Voraath, Chelsea can also be found now as the frontwoman for a newborn Blackened Death Metal beast named Visitant, and let me tell you such an up-and-coming underground supergroup will crush you like a putrid insect so heavy, dark, emotional and visceral they sound. Formed in February 2022 in Pensacola, Florida by our ruthless diva Chelsea on vocals alongside guitarist Taylor Tidwell (Accursed Creator, Unaligned, Withered Throne), bassist Kilian Duarte (Abiotic, Lattermath, Mimesis, Scale the Summit), and drummer Anthony Lusk-Simone (Abiotic, Lattermath, Pathogenic, Shroud of Bereavement, Your Pain Is Endearing, among many others), this powerhouse of a band brings endless savage energy to the metal community armed with their debut offering, entitled Rubidium, a monster of Blackened Death Metal displaying a stunning yet suffocating artwork crafted by Chelsea herself.
All tracks in Rubidium are fantastic, which each one having a special meaning for Chelsea and the boys. For instance, she had a few words to say about the idea and video for the killer single Fodder. “In the dream, I attempted to bring my friend back from the dead against the warnings of my ancestors – and everything went wrong. It felt like a horror short from my subconscious, and the video captures that eerie, ritualistic atmosphere.” Furthermore, in a recent interview to the excellent The Zach Moonshine Show, Chelsea opened up about the band’s journey, the personal grief behind Fodder, and channeling pain into power through music. “I’m just putting every bit of my spirit into it,” she commented, reflecting on the band’s rise and her transition from Voraath to Visitant. She also discussed the haunting inspiration behind Starless, describing it as “the embodiment of shadow work,” and explained the dreamlike vision that drives her lyricism and visuals. “I like to take personal experiences and turn them into ghost stories.” If you’re eager to know more about Visitant and put your hands on Rubidium, you can find the band on Spotify, purchase the album by clicking HERE, or simply access this link for all things Visitant.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Chelsea can also be found as a guest vocalist for some amazing metal bands from the underground scene. Her first contributions happened back in 2019, when she recorded guest vocals for the songs Black Annis, from the album Fear In Fiction, by American Metalcore/Rap Metal musician and audio engineer Sammy SlamDance, and Ancient of Days, from the album Dead Gods, by the now defunct American Progressive/Brutal Death Metal band Nekroí Theoí; followed by the song Entity 6, from the 2023 EP Wounded, by American Technical Deathcore piece Fleshbound; and more recently the female vocals for the single Ascended Deliverance, released earlier this year by UK’s Sludge Metal outfit Tigguo Cobauc. She also sang with an American Death Metal band named Seditious Deceit back in 2020, although there isn’t much information about how she contributed to the band’s music at that time. In addition, Chelsea was also responsible for the artwork for the split album Ashes of Dagoth, by American Melodic Death/Black Metal band Ob Nixilis and American Post-Metal act To Keep the Wolves Away, once again showcasing her passion for the darkest side of arts.
When asked about her idols and influences in one of her interviews about Voraath, Chelsea mentioned Sci-Fi movies and video game soundtracks as her main references, while also drawing inspiration from bands such as Dimmu Borgir, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Septicflesh, Cattle Decapitation, Acid Bath, Alkaloid, and Igorr, mentioning in special Fleshgod Apocalypse and Cattle Decapitation as their biggest influences and the top bands she would like to collaborate with either by herself or together with Voraath (and I’m sure with Visitant as well). Moreover, speaking of collaborating with other bands, which leads to also touring with her own band plus other bands, Chelsea also had a few words to say about how anyone can better manage their time and relationships with all band members. “Have a pliable and comprimisable attitude. You’re stuck in a vehicle with four to five other people so developing good coping strategies and having solid communication with each other is important.”
As aforementioned, our she-wolf is also a respectable voice actress, working in the “monster sounds” division of The Monster Factory (or La Fabrique de Monstres), having the ability to craft sounds that resemble zombies, undead creatures, ghouls, vampires, trolls, orcs, goblins, demons, aliens, wizards, humans, animals in general, small creatures, insects, ghosts, whispers, dragons, and robots. For instance, as part of The Monster Factory team, she provided choir vocals for the soundtrack of the 2020 video game Doom Eternal. Not only that, apart from her career as a musician, a voice actress and a visual artist, Chelsea also works as a social media marketing manager and barista at Pacific Kava Bar in Florida, as one of the sponsored artists by CAD Audio, and as a photographer at Metal Purgatory Media and at Chelsea Marrow Photography, proving how relentless and focused she can be.
After all is said and done, I’m sure you perfectly understand now why Chelsea was chosen as our beyond talented metal lady to celebrate another year in the life (and death) of The Headbanging Moose. She lives and breathes heavy music, she never gives up no matter what, and she will keep delivering first-class extreme music for us avid metalheads for many decades to come without a shadow of a doubt. Keep an eye on her social media because we’ll probably see Visitant paying a dark and ruthless visit to several cities and towns in North America anytime soon, hopefully also spreading their blackened wings over Canada, Europe and all other parts of the world, giving us mere mortals the chance to witness live onstage one of the must-see names of the current extreme music scene worldwide. Needless to say, Chelsea will love to see you in the crowd headbanging to her infernal vocals.
This Texas-based Progressive Metal and Metalcore outfit is back with their second EP, continuing to challenge norms and expressing the full spectrum of feminine experience.
Bringing a distinctly feminine perspective to the heavy music scene since the band’s inception back in 2023, Houston, Texas-based Progressive Metal/Metalcore outfit Gore. makes waves with their emotionally raw and unapologetically vulnerable sound. Currently formed of Haley Roughton on vocals, Alex Reyes on the guitars, Devin Birchfield on bass, and Wills Weller on drums, the band strikes back with their second EP, titled If You Do Not Fear Me…, following up on their 2024 debut EP A Bud That Never Blooms, continuing to challenge norms and expressing the full spectrum of feminine experience through their powerful sound while combining elements of Metalcore with personal and introspective lyrics.
Wrath, the first song of the EP, offers an amalgamation of styles that perfectly depicts the band’s approach, starting in an almost pop manner to the clean vocals by Haley while also presenting heavy, caustic moments where their Djent vein pulses hard. Then investing in a more direct Metalcore sound we have Sepsis, reminding me of some of the creations by Infected Rain, with the bass by Devin sounding utterly metallic and thunderous; followed by Orbiting, again modern and visceral, with Alex firing some piercing riffs while Haley alternates between clean vocals and her screaming madness, clearly inspired by the music by the Butcher Babies. And their last blast of Metalcore infused with Groove, Alternative and Nu Metal, entitled Like You Meant it, will captivate your senses mercilessly, with Wills dictating the pace with his classic beats supported by the rumbling bass by Devin.
Thematically exploring identity, emotional vulnerability, and interpersonal relationships in their lyrics, the band has received support from well-known acts such as Motionless in White, Flyleaf, and Papa Roach, and based on the quality of the music found in If You Do Not Fear Me… I’m sure their fanbase will keep growing in the coming years. Hence, you can also join the band in their quest for heavy music with a delicate touch via Facebook and Instagram, stream their distinct creations on Spotify, and of course add If You Do Not Fear Me… to your respectable collection by clicking HERE or HERE. Gore. will definitely go places after the release of their two excellent EPs, paving their path for an upcoming full-length album for our total delight and, therefore, embracing us with their undisputed progressiveness, passion and darkness.
Best moments of the album:Sepsis and Orbiting.
Worst moments of the album: None.
Released in 2025 Spinefarm Records
Track listing 1. Wrath 4:33
2. Sepsis 3:28
3. Orbiting 3:04
4. Like You Meant it 4:13
Band members Haley Roughton – vocals
Alex Reyes – guitar
Devin Birchfield – bass
Wills Weller – drums
Killswitch Engage Light Up the Xfinity Center with Ferocity and Fire at Summer of Loud.
If there was ever a band built to headline a summer metal fest in their home state, it’s KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. At this year’s Summer of Loud at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, the local legends proved once again why they’re not just mainstays of the metalcore scene—they’re masters of controlled chaos.
Fire, Fury, and Flawless Execution
Before a single note rang out, the stage was already alive with tension. Not from the crowd (who were more than ready), but from the impressive pyrotechnics rig surrounding the band’s setup. Pyro-heavy shows are no joke—and when you’re playing with fire, literally, precision and safety are non-negotiable. The Killswitch crew made it look effortless. From a behind-the-lens view in the pit, you could see just how dialed-in everyone was. Flames exploded into the air in perfect rhythm with the music—sometimes close enough to feel the heat slap your skin. For those of us in the photo pit, it was a surreal moment: we were laughing to ourselves while trying not to get roasted. A high-wire act of fire and fury pulled off without a hitch. Huge respect to the crew and the band for making that kind of spectacle look smooth and safe. That doesn’t happen by accident.
Right Into the Fire – The Setlist Ignites
Without delay, Killswitch Engage tore into their set with “Rose of Sharyn.” No intro, no easing in—just full-throttle power from the first beat. The opening riff dropped like a hammer, and the crowd erupted. From the pit to the back lawn, fists flew and bodies moved. The band wasted no time keeping the pace unrelenting, diving straight into “In Due Time,” which had the entire amphitheater screaming along. By the time “This Fire” hit, the title became literal. Jetting flame columns lit up the stage as if trying to keep up with the intensity pouring off it. At times, it felt less like a concert and more like a battlefield with guitars.
Adam D. & the Band – Iconic and Unhinged in the Best Way
Guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, clad in his trademark “I’m With Stupid” shirt, was a burst of energy and humor in the chaos, sprinting across the stage, launching high kicks, and headbanging with wild precision. It’s his blend of comedic showmanship and musical mastery that keeps Killswitch shows so unique—it’s heavy, but it’s never self-serious.
Vocalist Jesse Leach was in peak form, delivering both growling aggression and soaring clean vocals with conviction, channeling raw emotion into every lyric. Whether he was screaming into the lights or putting his hand to his heart during the more emotional moments, the connection with the crowd was real.
A Tribute to a Titan
As the night neared its end, the band closed their set with their now-legendary cover of Dio’s “Holy Diver,” a track they’ve long made their own. But this time, it carried a different weight. Just hours before the show, the metal world had been rocked by the passing of Ozzy Osbourne—a foundational figure in the genre’s history.
Before launching into “Holy Diver,” Leach addressed the crowd with reverence, dedicating the song to Ozzy’s memory and legacy. It was a perfect moment of tribute—honoring a godfather of metal with the power of performance rather than words. The crowd responded with horns in the air, voices raised, and hearts full.
Final Thoughts
Killswitch Engage didn’t just play a show at Summer of Loud—they lit the place on fire. Quite literally at times. It was a celebration of metal, a masterclass in live performance, and a hometown throwdown wrapped in flame and ferocity. For fans in the pit, on the lawn, and behind the lens, it was a night to remember—one that reminded us how cathartic, powerful, and straight-up fun a metal show can be when it’s done right. And if you were there, you felt it: the heat, the heart, the history. Killswitch Engage came home—and they burned it down in the best way possible.
Setlist Rose of Sharyn
In Due Time
This Fire
I Believe
Hate by Design
Forever Aligned
The Signal Fire
My Curse
Aftermath
The End of Heartache
My Last Serenade
Holy Diver (Dio cover)
Band members Jesse Leach – lead vocals
Adam Dutkiewicz – lead guitars, backing vocals
Joel Stroetzel – rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Mike D’Antonio – bass
Justin Foley – drums
A dynamic new force emerging from Melbourne’s vibrant metal scene is ready to strike armed with their debut album, blending crushing heaviness with intricate melodies.
A dynamic new force emerging from Melbourne, Australia’s vibrant metal scene, blending crushing heaviness with intricate melodies heavily inspired by In Flames, Killswitch Engage, Trivium, Parkway Drive, As I Lay Dying, and Heaven Shall Burn, among many others, Melodic Death Metal outfit Destroy Fear is unleashing upon us their debut offering, titled The Mountain Before Us All. Comprised of vocalist Scott Masson (Born Of A Bastard King, Outer Worlds), guitarists Jayden Genuis (War Of One) and Luke Baird (Made From Broken Parts, The Empire), bassist Justin Wong (Tides Collide), and drummer Alex Bull (Outer Worlds), the band offers in The Mountain Before Us All a striking sound defined by soaring guitar riffs, emotionally charged vocals, and a powerful rhythm section, being therefore highly recommended for fans of Melodic Death Metal, Hardcore and Metalcore from the “glory days” of the early 2000’s.
It’s easy to feel that characteristic Gothenburg sound right from the start in Ulterior Motive, with Scott already roaring nonstop while Alex keeps the song’s rhythm flowing smoothly; and the guitars by Jayden and Luke will inspire you to bang your heads nonstop in The Serpent, inviting us all to slam into the pit and have a very good time with our good friends. Sweat Equity is absolutely inspired by the current sound by In Flames, with Scott and Justin kicking some ass on vocals, followed by The Redeemer, another fast and melodic creation by the band where the riffage by Jayden and Luke exhale heaviness while also sounding piercing and harmonious. Then we face another round of anguished roars and razor-edged guitars in Flames of Division, while the song’s clean vocals bring a touch of finesse to the overall sound, and the band then enhances their animosity and fury in Sever, with Scott screaming manically amidst a Hardcore-infused sonority.
The second half of the album begins in full force to the sound of Blue Sky Thinking, which should sound fantastic if played live, led by Alex’s Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore pounding drums. Fade to Obscurity is another exciting tune by the band, with their guitar duo hitting us hard with their fusion of aggressiveness and harmony, all boosted by another killer performance by Scott on vocals, and there’s no sign of the band slowing down at all, as it’s a feast of Melodic Death Metal that goes heavy on all Metalcore elements in Brimstone, in special in their vocals and riffs. Yesterday presents a more introspective side of the band, albeit not as exciting as the rest of the album, whereas in order to properly end the album the band will melt our faces with The Mountain Before Us All, where their caustic riffs and roars match perfectly with Alex’s hard hitting drums.
A super group of sorts made up from members of other bands and projects with a passion for all things metal, Destroy Fear are already deep into writing and actively recording for a second album release projected for the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026, and until then you can have an absolute blast with their debut offering by streaming it on Spotify and purchasing it from BandCamp. Don’t forget to also follow those talented Australians on Facebook, keeping an eye on their live concerts as they’re more than ready to crush the stages Down Under, and to subscribe to their YouTube channel for more of their music and videos. Needless to say, I’m sure we’ll soon hear a lot more from Scott, Jayden, Luke, Justin, and Alex, as they keep destroying fear armed with the best weapon ever to do so, which is high quality music like what they have to offer in their excellent debut album.
Best moments of the album:The Serpent, The Redeemer and Fade to Obscurity.
Worst moments of the album:Yesterday.
Released in 2025 Independent
Track listing 1. Ulterior Motive 4:07
2. The Serpent 4:28
3. Sweat Equity 4:34
4. The Redeemer 3:59
5. Flames of Division 4:13
6. Sever 4:08
7. Blue Sky Thinking 5:05
8. Fade to Obscurity 4:06
9. Brimstone 3:22
10. Yesterday 5:20
11. The Mountain Before Us All 4:23
Band members Scott Masson – vocals
Jayden Genuis – lead guitar
Luke Baird – rhythm guitar
Justin Wong – bass, vocals
Alex Bull – drums
One of the biggest names in the history of Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore strikes again with their tenth opus, displaying a deep connection to their homeland and their German roots.
Heimat, which is German for “home”, “homeland, or “native land”, is a term that merely refers to a relationship between people and spaces but has nevertheless always been highly emotionally charged. That’s the title of the new offering by German Melodic Death Metal/Metalcore outfit Heaven Shall Burn, following up on their critically acclaimed 2020 album Of Truth And Sacrifice. Produced at The Dude Ranch, mixed and mastered by Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studio, and showcasing a stunning artwork by world renowned artist Eliran Kantor, the new album by Marcus Bischoff on vocals, Maik Weichert and Alexander Dietz on the guitars, Eric Bischoff on bass, and Christian Bass on drums will certainly please both old and new fans of the band, presenting their signature sound without sounding repetitive or outdated, always looking forward regarding their creativity, heaviness and energy.
The intro Ad Arma couldn’t have been more atmospheric and sinister, setting the stage for the band to crush us all with War Is the Father of All, with Marcus roaring rabidly amidst an imposing, symphonic-infused Metalcore sound boosted by Christian’s pounding drums, or in other words, it’s an impressive and multi-layered start to the album. My Revocation of Compliance is another hammering tune showcasing dark lyrics growled by Marcus (“Welcome to an age of disregard / So abhorrent, all this torture, all this suffering / Yes, you all are the inciters / Willful and deliberately, without the slightest qualm”), whereas Maik and Alexander sound venomous with their sharp riffs in Confounder, resulting in a great option for some sick slamming inside the pit. Empowerment offers another round of their caustic and piercing words (“This is a clarion call, this is my call! / Betrayed and forsaken. A generation in rebellion. They all abide the storm. / Left with no option but revolt, up in arms and never resting, now tearing down your web of lies”), followed by A Whisper from Above, an upbeat tune presenting their trademark aggression, with Christian stealing the show with his beats and fills.
Then after the short and sweet interlude Imminence, the band comes ripping once again with Those Left Behind, speeding up their pace while also firing those very melodious riffs we enjoy so much in first-class Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore. Their destructive mode goes on in full force in Ten Days in May, where Maik and Alexander, supported by the rumbling bass by Eric, will pierce your minds and souls with their scorching riffs and solos; followed by their rendition of Numbered Days, by Killswitch Engage (check out the original version from their 2002 album Alive or Just Breathing), featuring guest vocals by Jesse Leach, the current vocalist of Killswitch Engage themselves, and Heaven Shall Burn deliver a just as violent version of the song for our total delight. Marcus doesn’t get tired of screaming like a beast in Dora, while his bandmates provide him with their classic fusion of violence and harmony; and A Silent Guard is another bludgeoning version of their hybrid of Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore where Christian showcases a visceral performance on drums, before the album ends with the outro Inter Arma, the aftermath of the album albeit too long as already mentioned.
“Heimat is not meant as the narrow-minded end point in the sense it has been used by agitators and populists, but the starting point for observations and perspectives. The album is about a much wider sense of the term ‘Heimat’: the homelands for many different people and also about the spiritual home, something that shapes and determines our thoughts and actions,” commented guitarist Maik Weichert, and you can get in touch with the band to dive even deeper into the world of Heimat via Facebook and Instagram. Don’t forget to also subscribe to their YouTube channel and visit them on Spotify for more of their music, and of course to grab a copy of their incendiary new album via BandCamp or their own webstore, or simply by clicking HERE. Some of the physical versions of the album include more of the amazing art by Eliran Kantor, by the way, and are definitely worth every penny. With Heimat, Heaven Shall Burn prove once again why they remain relevant in the already saturated Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore scene worldwide, always displaying their connection to their homeland and their German roots, while also speaking the universal language of heavy music that will forever reverberate across the four corners of the earth.
Best moments of the album:War Is the Father of All, A Whisper from Above and Ten Days in May.
Worst moments of the album:Inter Arma.
Released in 2025 Century Media Records
Track listing 1. Ad Arma 1:54
2. War Is the Father of All 6:42
3. My Revocation of Compliance 3:32
4. Confounder 4:19
5. Empowerment 4:45
6. A Whisper from Above 4:27
7. Imminence 1:04
8. Those Left Behind 3:24
9. Ten Days in May 4:36
10. Numbered Days (Killswitch Engage cover) 3:38
11. Dora 4:10
12. A Silent Guard 5:01
13. Inter Arma 3:24
Band members Marcus Bischoff – vocals
Maik Weichert – guitars
Alexander Dietz – guitars
Eric Bischoff – bass
Christian Bass – drums
This promising Italian Post-Groove Metal band will hit us hard and fast to the sound of their exciting debut album, dealing with the paradoxical power of conjoining anger with empathy, despair with hope, and desolation with trust.
An exciting Post-Groove Metal album featuring heavy drumming, rhythmic virtuosity, ripsaw female growl vocals, and a gargantuan guitar sound that literally reinvents the power of the power chord, Echoes is the debut offering by Northern Italy-based band Noumenia, from Ancient Greek Νουμηνία, which translates to “new moon” and signifies the first day of the lunar month. Produced by Richard Meiz (Lacuna Coil, Genus Ordinis Dei), and mixed and mastered by Daniele Salomone (Lacuna Coil, Inverno) at DDStudio Records, Echoes is a powerful album that hits hard and fast, featuring buzzsaw vocals that explore a myriad of textures and tones, and an addictive groove vibe that lifts audience members out of their seats.
Eerie piano notes permeate the air in the opening tune Blind Idols before Samuele begins hammering his drums nonstop, opening the gates of the underworld for Vivian to deeply roar like a true she-demon; and we then face the groovy and modern The Circle, where their Djent vein arises stronger than ever thanks to the band’s “Matteos” armed with their stringed weapons. The quartet then increases their aggression and violence in Outsider, offering a striking hybrid of Post-Groove Metal with the music by Machine Head and In Flames; whereas the Djent-infused metallic, rumbling bass by Matteo Campagnoli will crush our heads in Fractures, while Vivian continues to vociferate deeply and with tons of anger in her blackened heart. And Fall Apart is another song that sounds at the same time very melodic yet visceral, with its background keys walking hand in hand with Vivian’s clean and harsh vocals.
Samuele continues to blast his drums in great fashion in Black Ocean, with the riffs by Matteo Radaelli exhaling Groove Metal for our total delight. It’s time to go full Groove Metal in Outbreak, with all band members sounding tight and infuriated until the very last second, followed by Firewall, one more song where Vivian’s anguished vocals are effectively complemented by the pounding drums by Samuele. Digital Aftermath is by far one of the darkest and most complex songs of the album, with Matteo Campagnoli crushing his bass majestically, not to mention Vivian reaches her deepest guttural of the entire record. And lastly, the band continues to venture through darker paths in Under the Veil, which ends up being a kind of tiresome outro as it’s too long and doesn’t offer anything truly outstanding.
In the end, Echoes is about the paradoxical power of conjoining anger with empathy, despair with hope, desolation with trust, and emptiness with the heartbeat of spirit. The band itself suggests that whether we bask in the sunlight or plunge down into the abyss, we do it with passion and verve, exactly like the music they have to offer us all in their debut opus. Hence, you can check what such a promising band is up to on Facebook and on Instagram, including their live performances, stream their music on Spotify, and of course, put your dirty hands on Echoes by clinking HERE, or simply click HERE for all things Noumenia. This is undoubtedly a must-listen for fans of Post-Groove Metal, Modern Metalcore, Modern Metal, and other contemporary styles, building a very exciting path ahead of those Italian metallers and, therefore, inspiring them to keep delivering great music that will surely echo across the entire world.
Best moments of the album:The Circle, Fractures and Digital Aftermath.
Worst moments of the album:Under the Veil.
Released in 2025 Eclipse Records
Track listing 1. Blind Idols 5:40
2. The Circle 3:41
3. Outsider 3:31
4. Fractures 4:17
5. Fall Apart 3:53
6. Black Ocean 4:31
7. Outbreak 3:50
8. Firewall 4:25
9. Digital Aftermath 5:20
10. Under the Veil 3:52
Band members Vivian Nigro – vocals
Matteo Radaelli – guitar
Matteo Campagnoli – bass
Samuele Zichi – drums
Combining power and commitment, the striking new album by the trailblazers of French Hardcore and Metalcore marks a new chapter for the band, remaining true to their identity and original values.
The unstoppable pioneers of French Hardcore and Metalcore, Évreux, Normandy-based veterans Primal Age, are back in action after their successful 2021 album Masked Enemy with a brand new offering titled Until The Last Breath, the fourth studio album in their solid career. Recorded and mixed by Guillaume Doussaud at Swan Sound Studio, mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music, and displaying a classy cover art by Greg of Visual Injuries, the new album by frontman Didier, guitarists Benoit and Florian, bassist Dimitri, and drummer Rudy marks a new chapter for the band who, over 30 years after their debut, remains true to their identity and original values.
The album’s eerie Intro sounds as the calm before the storm, as Didier and his crew are ready to attack in Empire Will Always Fail, with Benoit and Florian showing no mercy for their axes (nor for our necks, of course). Didier also screams manically in False Pretense, supported by the always demented drums by Rudy, whereas in Voiceless Ones we face rebellious lyrics barked by all band members (“In cages small, they live their last and only days / Their freedom gone, in dismal ways / Their cries unheard, their pain unseen / A fucking world of suffering, a silent scream / WE ARE, WE ARE / We are the voice for the voiceless ones / WE ARE, WE ARE / End the cruelty, let love be our course / WE ARE, WE ARE / Their lives matter, / WE ARE, WE ARE / Just like ours”) amidst a lesson in Hardcore. And No Regrets offers another round of frantic, no shenanigans Hardcore made in France, led by the hammering drums by Rudy.
The second half of the album begins in a serene, melancholic manner with Madness, a whimsical interlude that once again brings some peace to our blackened hearts before Shadows Of Intolerance presents the band’s guitar duo formed of Benoit and Florian delivering an overdose of electricity, rage and melody through their energetic riffage. Then we’re treated to Walls Of Stone, bringing forward hints of classic Death Metal in their core sonority while Didier roars like a beast and his bandmates deliver a huge dosage of insanity armed with their incendiary sonic weapons; followed by The Meaning Of Life, their second to last breath of Hardcore infused with Metalcore elements, yet again bringing to our avid ears pure adrenaline flowing from their riffs, bass lines and unstoppable beats. Finally, it’s time for one more dive into the circle pit to the sound of Undisguised Shame, sounding as fast, electrifying and ruthless as we all love in the band’s more metallic version of Hardcore.
Combining power and commitment, Until The Last Breath is a must-listen for admirers of Hardcore infused with Metalcore elements with a strong and meaningful message in the background. Hence, you can get in touch with those French rockers on Facebook and Instagram, staying up to date with all things Primal Age including their frantic and electrifying live concerts, stream their awesome creations on Spotify, and of course purchase the excellent Until The Last Breath from Primal Age’s Big Cartel or from the WTF Records’ webstore. Even after three decades on the road, Primal Age are still alive and kicking, sounding as fresh as in their early days in their new album, which means they’ll keep kicking our asses mercilessly for years and years until their very last breath.
Best moments of the album:Empire Will Always Fail, Voiceless Ones and Walls Of Stone.
Worst moments of the album:False Pretense.
Released in 2025 WTF Records
Track listing 1. Intro 1:00
2. Empire Will Always Fail 3:51
3. False Pretense 3:16
4. Voiceless Ones 3:57
5. No Regrets 3:12
6. Madness 2:01
7. Shadows Of Intolerance 3:58
8. Walls Of Stone 3:46
9. The Meaning Of Life 4:01
10. Undisguised Shame 3:56
Band members Didier – vocals
Benoit – guitars
Florian – guitars
Dimitri – bass
Rudy – drums
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
Only two days after absolute chaos and carnage in Toronto, the city was ready for another round of insanely heavy and vibrant music this Friday night, courtesy of THROWN INTO EXILE, BAEST, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY and ARCH ENEMY during their North American Blood Dynasty 2025 Tour at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, another ass-kicking event brought to the city by Noel Peters of Inertia Entertainment. This time I was able to arrive to the venue in time to enjoy all bands together with my buddy Keith Ibbitson of Metal Paparazzi, and as expected it was indeed a celebration of pure fuckin’ metal with four fantastic bands that truly deserve our total respect, admiration and support for making the world of Heavy Metal a much better (and heavier) place. The venue selected for this concert was also excellent in my opinion, because not only it is a well structured one, but its location is also very convenient for anyone driving or taking public transportation, making our lives a lot easier and, therefore, saving our energy for the circle pits. And hell yeah, there were plenty of circle pits for our vulgar delectation.
Los Angeles, California-based Metalcore outfit THROWN INTO EXILE kicked off the festivities around 6:30pm, already setting fire to the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with their pounding, unfriendly sounds. I must say the venue was way too empty for Thrown Into Exile, which makes me wonder if most people were still stuck at work, traffic, or some type of appointment, but that didn’t stop Evan, Mario, Austin Monzon, Javier Quinto and Tom Tierney from bringing forth an amazing performance, jumping up and down and headbanging nonstop alongside the crowd. You can check all of their sick creations on Spotify, including their latest EP Passageways (which was the base of their setlist, by the way), and whenever they schedule a show in your city don’t miss the chance of seeing those LA bastards live, because they kick some serious ass.
Setlist The Forsaken
Caskets Beyond Creation
Desolation
Eternal Nothingness
You’ve Fallen so Far
Band members Evan – vocals
Mario – guitars
Austin Monzon – guitars
Javier Quinto – bass
Tom Tierney – drums
After the short and sweet display of savagery by Thrown Into Exile, it was time for the also short and sweet explosion of pure heaviness by Denmark’s own Death Metal creature BAEST, who sounded ruthless and brutal onstage just the way we like it in old school Death Metal. Spearheaded by the iconic frontman Simon Olsen, the band nailed it with their infernal performance, with their new songs Colossus and Misfortunate Son, from their upcoming album Colossal (to be released on August 15) sounding amazing live. Furthermore, it was Simon’s birthday that night, which means that not only he got a happy birthday and a cake onstage, but he decided to celebrate it by getting offstage during Necro Sapiens and singing it in the middle of the circle pit, showing how much he loves what he does and his admiration for fans of extreme music. Go check those guys on Spotify because they’re phenomenal, one of the must-see bands in the current Death Metal scene, and I honestly can’t wait to see them again live in Toronto playing a much bigger setlist, pretty please.
Setlist Genesis
Colossus
Misfortunate Son
Gargoyles
Necro Sapiens
Band members Simon Olsen – vocals
Lasse Revsbech – guitars
Svend Karlsson – guitars
Mattias Melchiorsen – bass
Sebastian Abildsten – drums
The venue only got truly busier when New Jersey’s cult Deathcore brigade FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY hit the stage for an absolute insane performance, with the circle pits getting so wild to the point a guy right beside me, who was about to enter the circle pit, stopped, looked at me, said “nope, too fast and too dangerous”, turned his back and gave up joining the action. The band spearheaded by the demented Joe Badolato was on fire from start to finish, with songs like Warfare and The Sea of Tragic Beasts, plus the new one Savior of None / Ashes of All, from their 2024 album The Nothing That Is (available on Spotify), inspiring an already packed venue to keep running like maniacs inside the pit. This is the type of show that requires fans who have floor tickets to be extremely fit. Maybe not “fit for an autopsy” per se, but you better work out, do some cardio and so, otherwise the name of the band will make total sense if you’re out of shape and try to venture inside their wicked circle pits.
Setlist Lower Purpose
Red Horizon
Warfare
Hostage
Pandora
The Sea of Tragic Beasts
Savior of None / Ashes of All
Far From Heaven
Band members Joe Badolato – lead vocals
Pat Sheridan – guitars, backing vocals
Tim Howley – guitars
Will Putney – guitars
Peter “Blue” Spinazola – bass
Josean Orta – drums
Ticket prices in Toronto are way too expensive these days, with the exception being the show this Friday, in special when you have as the main attraction of the night the one and only Swedish Melodic Death Metal machine ARCH ENEMY. I’m not joking, it was a very, very cheap concert for the quality of all bands on the bill, and if you’ve never seen Arch Enemy live, well, they’re one of the most professional and electrifying bands you can think of, making every penny invested beyond worth it. Having recently released the excellent Blood Dynasty (also available on Spotify), such an amazing band currently formed of the stunning Alissa White-Gluz on vocals, Michael Amott and Joey Concepcion on the guitars, Sharlee D’Angelo on bass, and Daniel Erlandsson on drums was flawless with their mix of new songs the likes of Dream Stealer and Liars & Thieves, and undisputed classics including Ravenous, My Apocalypse and Dead Bury Their Dead, one of the heaviest songs of the night and, therefore, one of my favorites.
All fans at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre were having a superb time together with Arch Enemy, with the circle pit going absolute mental, plus tons of crowd surfers giving a lot of work to security, while the band kept blasting their slab of melody and brutality. The only song I think could have been replaced in their setlist was Avalanche, but overall it was a near perfect selection of songs, with the closing tune Nemesis making me and several other fans lose our voices screaming. There were some giant balloons at the end of the show that gave it a very festive touch, proving extreme music brings happiness to our hearts, and not the opposite like non-metalheads like to “vomit” out there. Let’s see when the band returns to Canada if they’ll deliver the same amount of energy onstage, or even more, and whenever that happens I’ll certainly be there, because when Michael Amott takes your city by storm with his phenomenal riffs and solos accompanied by his spectacular crew, that’s definitely a no-brainer for anyone who loves good quality music.
Setlist Deceiver, Deceiver
Ravenous
Dream Stealer
Blood Dynasty
War Eternal
My Apocalypse
A Million Suns
Liars & Thieves
The Eagle Flies Alone
First Day in Hell Saturnine
As the Pages Burn
Sunset Over the Empire
Dead Bury Their Dead
We Will Rise
Encore:
Avalanche
Nemesis
Fields of Desolation
Band members Alissa White-Gluz – vocals
Michael Amott – lead guitars, backing vocals
Joey Concepcion – lead guitars, backing vocals
Sharlee D’Angelo – bass
Daniel Erlandsson – drums
Rising up from Denver, Colorado’s prolific metal scene, Arson Charge are a five-piece behemoth made up of former members from mile-high area stalwarts Native Daughters, Chieftain, and Love Me Destroyer, playing a unique blend of Hardcore, Thrash Metal and Punk Rock, with elements from Thrashcore and Metalcore, tailored for fans of Mastodon, In Flames, Sepultura, Gojira and Black Flag. Now in 2025 the band formed of Ben Roy on vocals, Justin Hackl and Dave Sandoval on the guitars, Kris Hodgell on bass, and Cody Hull on drums is set to release their debut album, titled A Dying Light, recorded at Green Door Recordings and produced by Felipe Patino, Justin Hackl and Arson Charge, offering a bludgeoning and brutal dive into the feelings of pain, disconnection, and loss that arise from abuse and self-sabotage.
Arson Charge know exactly how to fuel their metal machine with the feelings of anger and pain in a compelling way, and their debut A Dying Light is a more-than-excellent example of how heavy music will always be a recommended way to channel all that darkness inside us. Hence, you can get in touch with those hardworking and talented boys via Facebook and Instagram, enjoy their caustic music on any streaming services like Spotify, and purchase A Dying Light from BandCamp or from the Anxious & Angry webstore. Arson Charge are beginning to spread their wings over their own country and everywhere else where good Hardcore music is appreciated with their striking debut, leaving us eager for more in the near future while we keep dealing with our inner demons.
THE HEADBANGING MOOSE 