CREMATORY
"UNBROKEN"
Melodic Death Metal/ Gothic
Year:06.03.2020
(NAPALM RECORDS)

CREMATORY remains Unbroken – a somber ode to transience, love and pain!Welcome to the Panopticon of darkness! With Unbroken, the German pioneers of European Gothic Metal, CREMATORY, dare to perform a tightrope act in the somber void. 15 energetic tracks within brutal riffs, deep growls and tight drum grooves prove the band’s diversity — even after almost 30 years in business. The concise influences of Neue Deutsche Härte turn Unbroken into a bravura-piece in an industrial guise. The opening track of the album takes the listener into a darkly-nuanced soundscape, appeals to the strength and self-determination of the band and their fans, and allures with a certain kind of hymn character. The most contemplative CREMATORY album to date closes with the final...

VOODOO GODS
"THE DIVINITY OF BLOOD"
Thrash/ Death Metal
Year:15.05.2020
(NAPALM RECORDS)

When death metal icons like George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher, guitar virtuoso Viktor Smolski, bass titan Jean Baudin and guitar god Jacek Hiro join together to form a death metal band, it reads like the membership list of the Metal Hall of Fame. This is the case with VOODOO GODS and therefore this band can be called a Death Metal Supergroup without exaggeration. After their first EP "Shrunken Head" (2008) - at that time still with Nergal (Behemoth) on the mic - and the debut album "Anticipation for Blood Leveled in Darkness", the second studio album "The Divinity Of Blood" of this all-star band (which attaches great importance not to be called a side project) will be released on May 15th, 2020 via Reaper Entertainment. The album was produced by KING DIAMOND's Andy La Rocqu...

METAL CHURCH
"FROM THE VAULT (CD)"
Heavy Metal
Year:10.04.2020
(NAPALM RECORDS)

  In April 2020 the band will release a very special album via Reaper Entertainment. "From The Vault" is a collection of previously unreleased songs from the Mike Howe era.  ( New Studio Tracks, B-Side Tracks From The Damned If You Do Sessions, Cover Songs, USA Bonus Tracks From The XI Album )    Born out of the West Coast metal scene of the 80’s, METAL CHURCH quickly became one of the standout talents of the genre. After signing a deal with Elektra Records, they released two critically acclaimed albums. Their self-titled release »Metal Church« established the band as one of the pioneers of the thrash/metal scene. The All Music Guide had this to say about the debut: “The band’s incredibly tight musicianship is a highligh...

CIRITH UNGOL
"FOREVER BLACK"
Heavy Metal
Year:24.04.2020
(METAL BLADE RECORDS)

On April 24th, Cirith Ungol will release their new album, Forever Black - their first collection of all-new material in 29 years! Cirith Ungol was formed in Ventura, California in the early 1970s, first appearing on the scene with their self-financed debut album, Frost and Fire, via their own Liquid Flame Records imprint in April 1981. It was obscure and arcane, mysterious and eccentric, epic and expansive, but most of all unfailingly, bone-crushingly heavy, dark and doom-filled.Cirith Ungol went on to release two additional studio albums - King of the Dead and One Foot in Hell - now regarded as stone-cold classics. However, by the early 1990s, the musical climate was shifting away from traditional metal. The band was plagued with lineup instability and then came an unsatisf...

KREATOR
"LONDON APOCALYPTICON - LIVE AT THE ROUNDHOUSE"
Thrash Metal
Year:14.02.2020
(NUCLEAR BLAST)

Keep the flag of hate flying high: Thrash legionaries KREATOR have just closed the most successful cycle of their entire career. For a band entering its 38th year, that's outright remarkable. Above all else, though, it's rare. Bloody rare. The hunger, the fury, the lust for noise – everyone who came out to see KREATOR live since they released their thundering “Gods of Violence” knows about the Thrash apocalypse Mille and his crew brought upon stages around the globe.It's only coherent to end this historic cycle with an equally fierce live release. Enter “London Apocalypticon – Live At The Roundhouse”, capturing the demolition-hammer-like show at London's revered The Roundhouse on December 16th, 2018 – as raw, as l...

DELAIN
"APOCALYPSE & CHILL"
Symphonic Melodic Female Metal
Year:07.02.2020
(NAPALM RECORDS)

Transcend boundaries – DELAIN invites you to Apocalypse & ChillDutch chart-topping rock outfit Delain have spent the last several years increasingly taking the world by storm, one album at a time. Now, with five successful releases already under their belts, the heavy crossover icons reach new heights with their latest multi-faceted dystopian masterpiece, Apocalypse & Chill. On Apocalypse & Chill, Delain leave all stereotypes and preconceived notions in the dust – exploring themes of impending doom and human indifference – making this their boldest, most daring and undeniable offering yet. Apocalypse & Chill is a refresher – carefully yet powerfully weaving violent riffs, synth heavy soundscapes and fully orchestrated compositions with...

SERENITY
"THE LAST KNIGHT"
Symphonic Melodic Metal
Year:31.01.2020
(NAPALM RECORDS)

SERENITY has captivated fans and audiences for nearly two decades, and they’re showing no signs of stopping! Their brand new album, The Last Knight – inspired by the life of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I. – will hit stores on January 31, 2020 via Napalm Records. This album is an absolute must-have for every metal fan! With The Last Knight, SERENITY sets the world on fire with thrilling stories of times long ago, catchy melodies and an unprecedented spectrum of sound that will inspire fans to listen over and over again. For years, the band has been a prime example of epic symphonic and melodic metal, showcasing both distinct heaviness and a lot of heart. SERENITY has redefined themselves without forgetting their roots. Be a part of their grand journey! TRA...

AMBERIAN DAWN
"LOOKING FOR YOU"
Symphonic Melodic Female Metal
Year:31.01.2020
(NAPALM RECORDS)

Amberian Dawn are reaching an ultimate career high with their eighth studio album, Looking for You. Refined and immaculate songwriting full of catchy melodies and epic keyboard passages sends shivers down your spine on their first single, “United”. Singer Capri Virkkunen enchants in a duet with Fabio Lione (ex-Rhapsody of Fire) in the breathtaking symphonic metal summit “Symphony No.1 Part 3 – Awakening”! The diverse and emotional lyrics provide a suitable background for soaring guitars and elegant classical interludes. Looking for You is a highly addictive cocktail topped off by a cover version of ABBA’s “Lay All Your Love on Me”!TRACKLIST CD/ LP:01 - United (A)02 - Eternal Fire Burning (A)03 - Looking ...

DINAZTY
"THE DARK DELIGHT"
Melodic Heavy Metal
Year:03.04.2020
(AFM RECORDS)

- Seventh album of Sweden's biggest Modern Metal hope Dynazty. “The Dark Delight” combines modern melodic metal sound with excellent chorus driven songwriting. Lead singer Nils Molin is also known for his work with Amaranthe. Mixed and Mastered by: Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Epica). For Fans Of: Pretty Maids, Amaranthe, H.E.A.T. ...Dynazty was formed in 2008 in the swedish capital and shortly after the arrival of singer extraordinaire Nils Molin the five-piece gained a cult following and the critical acclaim with its epic melodic metal, five great albums and any number of shows. The band started out with their 2009 debut "Bring The Thunder", but after that straying from their early days of 80’s influenced Hardrock, they have dev...

DIABULUS IN MUSICA
"EUPHONIC ENTROPY"
Symphonic Melodic Female Metal
Year:14.02.2020
(NAPALM RECORDS)

Power ballads, beautiful melodies and a lot of emotions – Symphonic Metal that will hit you close to the heart!Sometimes life itself can be the most beautiful inspiration for an artist. DIABULUS IN MUSICA singer Zuberoa Aznárez and her husband, keyboardist Gorka Elso, decided to fill their new album Euphonic Entropy with all the wonderful, yet chaotic emotions a new life brings. DIABULUS IN MUSICA’s fifth and fully self-produced album mirrors the changes and blossoming beauty in the lives of the two band leaders after the birth of their second child and melts everything into thunderous and highly passionate symphonic metal. The album is bursting with power ballads, beautiful melodies and emotions. Songs like the infectious and ultra-melodic “Otoi&rdq...

SEPULTURA
"QUADRA"
Thrash/ Death Metal
Year:07.02.2020
(NUCLEAR BLAST)

It goes without saying that the global metal scene would not be the same without SEPULTURA. For 35 years now, the Brazilian icons are not only a band revered worldwide; they have been, are and forever will be at the very forefront of Thrash Metal, trailblazing ever since they released their long-since legendary debut album “Morbid Visions” in 1986.While quickly establishing themselves as leaders of the second wave of Thrash already in the late eighties, to this day they never came even close to stagnation. “Quadra”, their mighty new undertaking, is proof of a will unbroken, a thirst unquenched and a quality so staggeringly high it’s a wonder this band doesn’t implode. Now three albums deep into what may very well be their strongest incarna...

BONFIRE
"FISTFUL OF FIRE"
Hard Rock/ Melodic Heavy Metal
Year:03.04.2020
(AFM RECORDS)

- German Hard Rock legends Bonfire are hitting hard with their new studio album “Fistful Of Fire”. “Fistful Of Fire” combines heaviness with great melodies and by that captures the true essence of Bonfire - the embodiment of "Hard'n'Heavy made in Germany" since more than 35 years.- The previous album “Temple Of Lies” reached #29 on the official German charts. Mix and mastering by Tom Müller (John Lord) at Flatliners Recording Studios a long-time partner of Bonfire.The combination of toughness and great melodies suites Bonfire perfectly. The German Hard Rock Legends prove this with their newest studio album “Fistful Of Fire”, which again has all trademarks typical to Bonfire: charismatic vocals, atchy riffs ...

WISHBONE ASH
"COAT OF ARMS"
Hard Rock
Year:28.02.2020
(SPV)

- WISHBONE ASH celebrates this year their 50th anniversary!!! The band released legendary albums like “Argus”, “There’s The Rub” and “Live Dates”. The band, still led by original member Andy Powell, was a huge influence for Iron Maiden’s bass player Steve Harris. The new album is back to the roots and the first one since 2014.
Their latest release Coat Of Arms forges an arc to all these offerings, featuring Wishbone Ash’s characteristic twin lead guitar parts, their haunting melodies and diverse stylistic facets, while at the same time imbuing the scene with a breath of fresh air. Coat Of Arms will be available on Steamhammer/SPV from 28 February 2020 on CD, vinyl double LP and for digital downloa...

AXEL RUDI PELL
"SIGN OF THE TIMES"
Hard Rock/ AOR
Year:08.05.2020
(SPV)

The figures speak for themselves: more than 1.7 million albums sold worldwide, 2.6 million streams for the top 10 predecessor  “Knights Call“ (2018). Now AXEL RUDI PELL is about to release “Sign Of The Times“, his 18th (!) studio album in 31 years. But not quantity matters - it’s the quality that counts, stupid!  His consistency enjoys more and more respect and appreciation within the hard & heavy community. Not every time, but with increasing frequency you hear the term ‘cult‘ when it comes to AXEL RUDI PELL. Being the man that he is, he cannot rely on that idea, but “if someone is that successful over such a long period of time, he might as well deserve it.” Sounds down to earth? Well, it was meant that way. “Wh...

NIGHTWISH
"HUMAN. :II: NATURE."
Symphonic/ Folk Metal
Year:10.04.2020
(NUCLEAR BLAST)

When Finnish sextet NIGHTWISH announce a new studio album people tend to take notice. They know that something special is brewing. Band leader Tuomas Holopainen once said that whenever he creates a new record he has the intention of capturing something rare and unique, a monument and a true album experience. In 2020 he’s certain to achieve his objective once again. NIGHTWISH have completed the recordings for their 9th studio album and are proud to announce the title, artwork (above) and tracklisting. ‘HUMAN. :II: NATURE.’ will be released on 10th April 2020. The long-awaited record, following 2015’s critically-acclaimed ‘Endless Forms Most Beautiful’, will be a double album containing 9 tracks on the main CD and one long track, divided into eight chap...