[Heavy News] #MusicMonday 12.05.25 - 8 Gr8’s, M8!
No time for lengthy waffling preambles - there’s just far too much to cover!
Let’s get right into it.
Peace Love and Speed-Metal (News) xoxo - Brady.
Sonic-masterpiece care of Redditor /u/DL2828, via this link right here.
UPCOMING RELEASES - SINGLES/ALBUMS AND MORE:
Executionist (US) - Sacrament Of The Sick (LP)
Label: Self-Released/Independent
Release Date: Fri 16th May
Gallagher (WV) - U.S. Thrash Metal quartet, Executionist, will release debut full-length album, Sacrament of the Sick, on May 16! In the four years since the release of their debut EP, the band has sharpened the blades of its attack, both in terms of songwriting and performance!
Sacrament of the Sick is a monumental step forward from Executionist’s previous material. Improved production, performances, and writing have made the Executionist sound nearly unrecognizable compared to the band's debut EP, Destined for Destruction. Each track was meticulously crafted and poured over in Executionist’s home studio, and the final product shows that it was worth every ounce of attention. With a clear focus on melody and tighter songwriting, Sacrament of the Sick is a sonic journey sure to leave a lasting impact on the listener.
FFO: Kreator, Children of Bodom
Track Listing:
1. Ultionum
2. Edge of Annihilation
3. Wheels of War [Approved for Airplay]
4. Serrated Shadows [Approved for Airplay]
5. Divided We Stand... United We Fall
6. Thy Kingdom Come
7. Strange Aeons
8. Palace of Kings
9. Sacrament of the Sick
10. Coup de Grâce
Credits:
Music written by Brett & Tristan Ash.
Lyrics written by Brett Ash.
Vocals, guitar, bass - Brett Ash.
Drums - Tristan Ash.
Produced by Brett & Tristan Ash.
Engineered & Mixed by Tristan Ash.
Mastered by Colin Davis of Imperial Mastering.
Album Artwork by Mitchell Nolte.
Logo by ModBlackMoon & HermanTwo.
Pre-order:
https://executionist.bandcamp.com/album/sacrament-of-the-sick
Band Line-Up:
Vocals/Guitar - Brett Ash
Drums - Tristan Ash
Bass - Austin Rose
Guitar - Mike Kinder
BIO:
Executionist was officially formed in 2021 by brothers Brett and Tristan Ash, who were 17 and 13 years old, respectively at the time. Their debut EP, Destined for Destruction, was released on January 27, 2021. Two years later, Executionist released "GENESIS 666" (March 2023).
After playing many shows together as a mere two-piece, Executionist finally added a bass player in 2024, in the form of Austin Rose. The three played more shows together before finally rounding out the lineup by adding Mike Kinder on guitar in March of 2025. Around the same time, Executionist announced the forthcoming release of their debut full-length album, Sacrament of the Sick. The lead single "Serrated Shadows," has already been released, with another single set to release on April 18. With the release of their album on the horizon, Executionist aims to play live as much as possible while writing new music for their next project.
LINKS FOR THE SOON-TO-BE-EXECUTED:
2. Turkish Metalheads METAL CHARM Release Second Single ‘Future In That Moment’ On Streaming Platforms!
The next release on the Bitume label will be ‘Visions Of Escape’,the new album from Turkish Melodic Death Metal band METAL CHARM.
📌 Visions Of Escape represents an important turning point for METAL CHARM. To explain why this is so; the band has gone through many different phases since the day it was formed, with the aim of creating a more melodic and impressive music. For this reason, each instrument was recorded live, no note was left missing, no beat was skipped and all the lyrics were carefully written.
The lyrics are based on a dystopian theme, resulting in a pessimistic but uplifting message that hope still exists and that we should continue on this path. The album reflects the band's musical development and innovative approach and aims to offer a different experience to the listeners.
With this second album Visions Of Escape, which the band prepared meticulously for a year, it aims to solidify its place in the Melodic Death Metal scene. Each track was composed and recorded with great attention to detail in order to leave a deep impression on the listeners. The musical journey and development of the band shows itself in this album and invites the listeners to a musical journey that will leave deep traces.
Get Charmed - LINKS:
Metal Charm - Official Website
(contains above socials + streaming platform links, plus album/merch order and more!).
3. UK Doom/Sludge-Peddlers Master Charger Have Unleashed Latest LP, Posthumous Resurrection!
Hailing from the blackest heart of the Midlands, UK-based trio Master Charger deliver a fierce and unmistakable blend of groove-drenched doom, sludge, and blues-laced rock 'n' roll—an explosive sound fans have come to describe as a “Satanic Blues Rumble.” Now signed to Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records, the band is entering a powerful new chapter in their heavy underground journey.
Formed in 2006 from the ashes of earlier semi-successful projects, Master Charger quickly established a name for themselves with their bold and gritty sonic identity. Their discography includes the crushing debut Unity in Black (2011), the hard-hitting Eroding Empires (2016), and the dark and brooding Origin of the Lugubrious (2020). Over the years, their relentless live energy has seen them share stages with titans of the genre such as Monolord, Orange Goblin, Black Rainbows, Conan, Raging Speedhorn, Fireball Ministry, Dead Witches, Overkill, Alunah, and Paradise Lost. They've also left their mark on major underground festivals including HRH Doom vs Stoner, HRH Metal Chapter III, and Hammerfest XI.
Drawing inspiration from the pioneering heaviness of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Motörhead, while channeling the raw aggression of Slayer, Venom, Celtic Frost, and Black Flag, Master Charger craft a sound that is both classic and cutting. With echoes of Mountain, Free, Trouble, Saint Vitus, and Pentagram, the band delivers a riff-laden experience that’s both unrelenting and steeped in vintage groove.
Unapologetically loud, fiercely authentic, and always evolving, Master Charger continue to be a driving force in the doom/sludge scene—ready to shake the underground to its core.
4. Ukrainian Atmospheric Black Metal Fiends Labyrinthus Stellarum Have Released Rift in Reality LP, May 2nd via Archivist Records!
Rift in Reality promises a diverse sonic experience, blending epic melodic compositions with heavy, aggressive tracks. The album also features an increased presence of clean vocals, showcasing the band's evolving sound. The cover art, crafted by Mark Cooper—renowned for his work with Rings of Saturn and Brand of Sacrifice—visually encapsulates the album's cosmic narrative.
The album comprises seven songs and one instrumental, each narrating a unique chapter in an overarching cosmic saga:
’Voyagers’: Chronicles the journey of explorers venturing through a rift into the unknown, driven by the quest for knowledge and the mysteries of the void.
’Ravenous Planet’: Depicts the harrowing tale of an expedition that lands on Arkhloon, a seemingly promising habitable planet that reveals itself as a deadly trap inhabited by a swarm with a collective mind.
’Take Us Home’: Tells about the colonists abandoned on a dark, sunless wandering planet, yearning for a return to the light and their home.
’Rift in Reality’: Explores the consequences of creating of the rift between dimensions, unleashing unprecedented evils into our world.
’Lost in the Void’: a track dedicated to the end of the journey of a group of inhabitants from the planet Nirlakh, who, after the opening of a rift in reality, find themselves in the Void—the original world, the gods of which the Nirlakhians worshiped. However, upon entering the Void, they realize it will become the grave of their kind.
’Cosmic Plague’: Describes a catastrophic invasion by a race of ruthless parasites, born in the depths of the Void, that feed on the death of living creatures, leaving behind only ruins and death.
’Liftoff’: Captures the moment of departure of the voyagers from Nirlakh, embarking on a mission beyond known boundaries in search of the key to the Void.
Labyrinthus Stellarum was founded in 2021 in Odesa by vocalist and songwriter Oleksandr Andronati and guitarist Oleksandr Kostetskyi. Later they were joined by guitarist Misha Andronati, vocalist’s brother. After the release of their debut album, Tales of the Void, in 2023, Kostetskyi departed, and the band continued as a duo of two brothers. Their sophomore album, Vortex of the Worlds, released on April 6, 2024, solidified their place in the cosmic black metal scene, drawing comparisons to bands like Darkspace, Mesarthim, and Vorga.
Labyrinthus Stellarum released their CD editions of first two albums via Archivist Records, Ukraine-based label dedicated to the true & extreme metal, founded in 2016.
In 2024 the band released first vinyl edition of first two albums via Northern Silence Productions, a Black Metal label from Germany founded in 2003.
"Rift in Reality" will be their most experimental and diverse work to date, inviting listeners on a profound journey through the cosmos, exploring themes of exploration, desolation, and the unknown.
The new album will also be released on physical media via Archivist Records and Northern Silence Productions.
ENTER THE LABYRINTH VIA THESE LINKS:
5. Spanish Fuzz-Rockers Greengoat’s Latest LP Aloft Is Out Now, via Argonauta Records!
Spanish fuzz rockers GREENGOAT return with Aloft, their highly anticipated second studio album, inspired by the groundbreaking studies of Harvard psychiatrist Dr. John Mack on alien abductions. Set for release on April 25, 2025, via Argonauta Records on CD and streaming platforms, Aloft takes listeners on a deep sonic journey, blending elements of flamenco, classical music, progressive metal, and stoner doom. The album explores the psychological and emotional impact of abduction experiences, fusing intricate rhythms, orchestral textures, and heavy, hypnotic riffs into an innovative and immersive soundscape.
Aloft Tracklist:
Zohar
Betty
Jim
Travis
Ariel
Barney
Charles
With Aloft, GREENGOAT delivers a bold and genre-defying album that merges tradition with modernity, technique with emotion. Stay tuned for more details and prepare for an intense, mind-expanding experience.
You GOAT To Check These Guys Out At:
6. US Prog/Power-Thrashers EchoSoul To Unleash Time of The Dragon LP This Thursday, via No Dust Records.
Fort Wayne (IN) - U.S. Progressive/Power Metal band, EchoSoul, are set to release their much anticipated sophomore album, Time of the Dragon, on May 15 through No Dust Records.
EchoSoul songs take the listener on a ride through solid chugging and fast and alternate picking, mixed with plenty of scale runs, harmonies and complex type riffing that draw you in. Lots of solos to leave you complete. Every song at its core has a melodic or catchy chorus and some memorable take aways leaving you singing it later in the day.
Whether you’re a Power Metal fan or into Thrash, there is something for everyone. A perfect fusion of Power and Prog Metal! On Time of the Dragon, look for some of what you came to love on the first album, along with Rob back on Vox and Guy’s guitars, in filling in, Randy Walton and Tyler Witte. Some guests include Andy LaRoque (Kings Diamond) and Joseph Michael (Sanctuary, Witherfall).
Guitarist/founder, Guy Hinton, offers his thoughts on the upcoming album:
"On our sophomore album, we dug into the writing process a little deeper. We have goneheavier and yet even more melodic. There was some more collaboration, and we had one of the best guitarists in metal on 'Hollowed Ground,' Andy LaRocque (King Diamond). Some of the album lyrically is a story and concept about the end of days, the rise and fall of the dragon, and its sway on the world. A variety of topics about real tragedy, the battle of suicide, some about political intrigue, conspiracy, and anthems that hit hard. There was a little pressure with following up the debut album The End Of Darkness, which manged to make the Top 10 in Germany and got a ton of good press internationally. Originally scheduled to come out a year ago, the war in Ukraine made it difficult for final production to be done by our friend who lives in the center of the conflict."
Track Listing:
1. Prologue
2. Time Of The Dragon
3. Path Of The Righteous
4. Sister Suicide*
5. Instruments Of Chaos
6. Hollowed Ground
7. Invisible Empire
8. Split (Instrumental)
9. Die Demon Die
10. A New Conspiracy
Pre-order:
https://echosoulmusic.bandcamp.com/album/time-of-the-dragon
Pre-orders for the CD in North America:
https://www.animatedinsanityrecords.com/
Netherlands CD Pre-orders:
https://nodustrecords.com/wordpress/index.php/product-category/no-dust-records/
Credits:
Artists:
Guy Hinton- Guitarist, backing vocals, scream vocals, lyricist and songwriter.
Rob Lundgren- Lead vocals.
Randy Walton- Bass.
Tyler Witte- Drums.
Guest Musicians:
Andy La Rocque- Guitar Solo on “Hollowed Ground.”
Giampiero Presilli- Guitar Solo on “Sister Suicide.”
Brady Gladieux- 2nd Guitar Solo on “Die Demons Die.”
Artem Iefimov - Additional Guitars.
Artem Iefimov (Red Ghost Studios- Mixing and Mastering Engineer.
Cover Art: Mathew Hiron/Scott La Rock.
Logo Art: Lauren Ballenger.
BIO:
EchoSoul is a Progressive Metal Band from Indiana, formed in 2019, made of a collaboration of known and newer artists founded by guitarist and songwriter Guy Hinton, accompanied by veteran vocalist Rob Lundgren and supporting studio musicians Tyler Witte and Randy Walton.
Artist Linktree - Socials, Album/Merch-Order Links and More!
7. Portuguese Thrashers All Against - Latest Riff-laden LP Straight Down To Hell is Out, via Raging Planet Records
The wait is over! Renowned metal band All Against is thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated new album, Straight Down To Hell, set to drop on March 14, 2025, via Raging Planet.
Featuring eight explosive tracks, Straight Down To Hell showcases All Against's signature aggressive style and exceptional musical prowess. Recorded and mastered at Nox Messor Sound Studios, Straight Down To Hell delivers the intense and powerful sound that has become synonymous with All Against.
"We're incredibly excited to share this new album with our fans," said the band. "Each track on Straight Down To Hell represents our passion and dedication to our music, and we can't wait for everyone to hear it."
Mark your calendars for March 14, 2025, and get ready to experience the next chapter of All Against’s relentless metal journey!
All Against Avoiding Clicking The Artist Links, CHECK here:
All Against
Raging Planet Records
8. French Dissonant Blackened-Death Unit Skaphos Have Unfurled Latest LP Cult of Uzura, via Transcending Obscurity Records!
"Cult of Uzura" sees the dedicated French death/black metal band Skaphos fleshing out their sound on their third album - first on a label - to become more expressive and impactful than ever before. At this point, their proficiency is undeniable and their sound is a beautiful rendering of the two extreme styles, spiked with mean dissonance and steeped in an aura of mysticism. The execution remains ruthless and forceful despite showing subtlety in the emotive passages and deftness in the tempo changes. The gnarly death and black metal rawness is palpable even after having their disparate elements congealed on this album and the sound is more powerful than can be conceived for an album having this level of expression. In addition, the alternating contrast of chunky riffing with acerbic parts creates a lasting impression on the listener. This is a remarkable album in the death/black metal style that has actual substance along with the right aesthetics and sound.
For fans of: Mgla, Crypts of Despair, Obscureviolence, Behemoth, Dead Congregation, Saevus Finis, Shrine of Denial, Belphegor
Line up -
Stephan Petitjean - Guitar & vocals
Jeremy Tronyo - Guitar & backing vocals
Theo Langlois - Bass & backing vocals
Nathan Faure - Drums
Artwork byPaolo Girardi
Track Listing -
1. Cult of Uzura
2. One Eyed Terror
3. Mad Man and the Sea
4. Hypoxia
5. Abyssal Tower
6. Echoes of the Drowned
7. Of Shores and Dripping Souls
8. Skaphism
9. The Servant
10. The Alchemist
11. The Offering
12. Diluvian Sentence
13. All Shall Be Now Itself the Sea
PRESS -
► "there's plenty of punishing riffs" -Extreme Metal Maniac
https://extrememetalmaniacblog.blogspot.com/2025/03/skaphos-cult-of-uzura-review.html
► "a dark and interesting album, and solid through and through" -Metal Temple
https://metal-temple.com/review/skaphos-cult-of-uzura
► "great sounding blackened death metal" -Bringer of Death 8/10
https://bringerofdeathzine.blogspot.com/2025/02/skaphoscult-of-uzuratranscending.html?m=1
JOIN THE NEW-ALBUM CULT RIGHT HERE:
SKAPHOS:
Official Video #1
Official Video #2
Official Video Stream
Skaphos Bandcamp
TRANSCENDING OBSCURITY RECORDS:
Official Transcending Obscurity Site
Transcending Obscurity Facebook
Skaphos Facebook
Official Label YouTube Channel
Label US Store
NEW Europe Store