• Benighted Announce New Drummer, Premiere New Song “The Spineless Freak”

    Benighted have recruited Matthias Biechler as their new drummer. With this news, the band have also released a new song titled “The Spineless Freak.” A video for the track featuring Biechler can be seen below:

    Vocalist Julien Truchan commented:

    “The whole story is pretty incredible. As we were casting other drummers, I got a message from my friend Eugene of Fleshgod Apocalypse who told me he had a student in Paris who learns incredibly fast and that I should contact him. Matthias came for the casting last July and he just amazed us by playing our fastest songs impeccably. He is only 22, has played drums for four years and we’re officially his very first band as a drummer! I can’t even imagine his level in two or three years. He is at the same time a machine and the nicest guy you can find. We’re so happy to welcome him in the band!”

    Biechler added:

    “It’s an honor for me to join Benighted behind the drums. This very band gave me the motivation five years ago to push myself and truly work hard on the drums, so joining them today as my first band as a drummer is beyond anything I ever imagined. I’ll give everything I have to live up to the band’s name and unleash all the violence you love so much. Thank you for welcoming me and your support. I can’t wait to share this journey with all of you!”

  • Clutch To Begin Recording New Album In Early 2026

    During a recent interview with Metal Hammer, Clutch singer Neil Fallon offered an update on the band’s upcoming album. According to him, the band are currently planning to begin the recording process for the effort early next year.

    Fallon said the following:

    “We did begin a pre-production and writing session earlier this year, but then we went back out on tour. There will be another writing session in January, and the plan is to record in late January or early February. Nowadays, from finishing a record to mastering takes up to six months. And the great thing about being our own record label is that if it doesn’t feel right to put it out at that time, we won’t. We’d rather wait and make it as good as it can be. That’s where we are at. There are a number of songs in the can, but I’m not going to predict when it might be released.”

    He continued when asked if it’ll be good:

    “Every year it gets harder and harder to come up with stuff, because you already have these existing records, but… yeah. We know that [as an album] it’ll be alright.”

  • Whitesnake’s David Coverdale To “Withdraw From Social Media” Following Retirement Announcement

    Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale has revealed that he is planning to “withdraw from social media.” This news comes after the singer recently announced his retirement.

    Coverdale said the following:

    “Ladies & Gentlemen, Boys & Girls, Brothers & Sisters Of The Snake… After over 20 fun-filled years of interacting online with all of you Snake People, first with the BBS on whitesnake.com & then onto Twitter ( those were the days ) Facebook, Instagram & Tik Tok…It’s been a fab ride, but, along with the over 50 years in the music business, it’s time for me to withdraw from social media to fully engage in sweet reflection on my career & my life & enjoy my retirement with my friends & my Beloved Family…

    It has been such a pleasure for me to interact with you all over the years…sharing music videos, funny memes, farts & giggles, tour info, Unboxings, Q & A with DC…Santa Snake…etc… Unforgettable, precious memories…& I thank each & everyone of you for your support & participation… What An Incredible Journey We’ve Shared Together!!! What A Magical Experience!!!

    Please take care of yourselves & know YOU are TRULY LOVED BEYOND MEASURE… Be Safe, Be Happy & Don’t Let Anybody Make You Afraid… A Very Merry Christmas & Wonderful New Year To You & Yours From Me & Mine!!!

    Your Obedient Serpent, David Coverdale”

  • Saxon Recording New Album

    Saxon have officially started the recording process for their new album. You can see some photos from the studio below. The record is expected to be released in late 2026.

  • Epica Premiere New Song “Avatar – The Final Incarnation”

    Epica have premiered a new song titled “Avatar – The Final Incarnation.” A visualizer for the track can be found below. That clip features artwork from the band’s Oracle Card Set (out January 7). Guitarist/vocalist Mark Jansen commented:

    “In Hindu philosophy, Kalki represents the final avatar who restores balance at the end of the age. That idea of breaking free from cycles — through self-realization, detachment from desires, and inner transformation — resonates deeply with me. ‘Avatar’ channels that journey toward liberation, something both powerful and universal.”

    Singer Simone Simons added:

    “We absolutely can’t wait to kick off the European tour. Sharing the stage with our incredible fans night after night is the heartbeat of what we do, and this new song will definitely warm you up for the journey we’re about to take together.”

  • Creed, Limp Bizkit, Etc. Set For 2026 Summer Of ’99 And Beyond Festival

    The lineup has been revealed for next year’s Summer Of ’99 And Beyond Festival. The event will take place at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL on July 18-19 and it will feature the following:

    July 18: Limp Bizkit, Cypress Hill, Sevendust, Kittie, Puddle Of Mudd, Magnolia Park, The Pretty Wild, and Slay Squad.

    July 19: Creed, Bush, Mammoth, Candlebox, Hoobastank, Sleep Theory, Big Wreck, The Verve Pipe, and Ashes Of Billy.

  • Carrion Vael Premiere “1912” Video

    Carrion Vael have premiered a new video for their new song “1912.” This track is from the band’s new album, “Slay Utterly,” which will be released on January 16. The following was said about the single in a press release:

    “Lyrically, ‘1912’ centers on the still-unsolved Villisca axe murders, which shook the small town of Villisca, Iowa on a sweltering June night in 1912. Two adults and six children were brutally killed as they slept. The assailant moved silently through the home, leaving no survivors and vanishing without a trace. More than a century later, the case remains open to speculation, and the song explores several of the most discussed theories, from roving train-hopping sociopaths to disgruntled business associates to evangelical madmen. The truth remains unknown.”

  • Morbikon Premiere “Flames That Blind And Shadows Cast” Video

    Morbikon (Municipal Waste, Finntroll, etc.) have premiered a new video for their song “Flames That Blind And Shadows Cast.” This track is from the band’s latest album “Lost Within The Astral Crypts.” Phil “Landphil” Hall commented:

    “I am thrilled to present everyone with the third installment of my medieval fantasy animated series featuring the music of Morbikon. I love getting a chance to dive back into the universe that is building in these videos. I have learned so much since creating the first video four years ago and I hope that it shows!”

    [via Decibel]

  • Sepultura Announce Final Australian Tour

    Sepultura have announced their final Australian tour. Here’s the dates for that run:

    03/20 Perth, AUS – Metrocity
    03/23 Adelaide, AUS – The Gov
    03/25 Melbourne, AUS – Northcote Theatre
    03/27 Sydney, AUS – Liberty Hall
    03/29 Brisbane, AUS – The Tivoli

  • Ulver Premiere New Song “They’re Coming! The Birds!”

    Ulver have premiered a new song titled “They’re Coming! The Birds!.” This track is from the band’s new album, “Neverland,” which will receive a digital release on December 31 and a physical release on February 27.