FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EMPIRE OF NONE ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM “KEEPSAKE” OUT MAY 15, 2026 Presave: https://found.ee/WDO2kk From the coastal town of Sölvesborg, Sweden, rising alt-rock force Empire of None are stepping into the spotlight with... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EMPIRE OF NONE ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM “KEEPSAKE” OUT MAY 15, 2026 Presave: https://found.ee/WDO2kk From the coastal town of Sölvesborg, Sweden, rising alt-rock force Empire of None are stepping into the spotlight with their long-awaited debut full-length album Keepsake, set for release on May 15, 2026. Blending modern alternative rock with alt-pop hooks, emo urgency, and flashes of punk and post-hardcore intensity, Empire of None carve out a sound that feels both familiar and fresh. Fans of A Day To Remember, Dayseeker, and Sleep Theory will find plenty to latch onto, but this band is clearly building something with its own fingerprints all over it. Formed in 2018, the band has stayed true to a fully DIY ethos from day one. Every track has been shaped in-house, with the band handling recording, video production, and visual storytelling themselves. That grind has paid off in a sound that feels personal, raw, and unfiltered, no corporate gloss, no shortcuts, just real work and real emotion. In 2023, Empire of None turned heads across Sweden by landing 2nd place out of 78 acts in the Rockflödet Unsigned competition, proving they can hold their own in any lineup and any room, from sweaty clubs to festival stages. Now, with Keepsake, the band are ready for a much bigger stage. About the Album “Keepsake” is a deeply emotional collection of ten tracks that explore memory, identity, loss, and the moments that shape who we become. The band describes the record as a balance of darkness and light, built around honest storytelling and melodic impact. “Keepsake is about the things we hold closest to our hearts. The memories, the emotions, everything that has shaped us. Across ten tracks, we have poured our soul into capturing a world where both darkness and light coexist. Every song tells a story. Every word, every note is meant to pull the listener in.” – Empire of None Production Credits Music: Martin Karlsson, Filip Tell, Christoffer Eriksson, Henrik ErikssonRecorded by: Filip TellMix / Master: Erik Karlsson ProductionsArtwork: Henrik Ivansson & Martin Karlsson Press Photos: Filip Tell & Martin Karlsson Label Unsigned (actively seeking label partnership) Empire of None aren’t chasing trends, they’re building momentum the old-school way: write strong songs, hit hard live, and let the music do the talking. With Keepsake, they’re not just releasing an album, they’re opening the door to everything that comes next. Check them out on YouTube and subscribe: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="4HXzdrQ4QHI"] Management & Contact Heli Wiklund, HW Managementheli.hwmanagement@gmail.com Connect: https://linktr.ee/empireofnoneofficial Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CYANIDE Releases New Single “Get Up and Dance” May 15 Las Vegas, NV – Las Vegas hard rock band Cyanide is set to unleash their new single “Get Up and Dance” on May 15, arriving on all major streaming platforms including... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CYANIDE Releases New Single “Get Up and Dance” May 15 Las Vegas, NV – Las Vegas hard rock band Cyanide is set to unleash their new single “Get Up and Dance” on May 15, arriving on all major streaming platforms including Spotify. The track will also be available for CD release through Kivel Records. Built on a foundation of classic hard rock energy with a modern punch, “Get Up and Dance” captures Cyanide at full throttle. Driving rhythms, bold vocals, and a straight-ahead rock attitude define the track, delivering a sound made for loud speakers and bigger crowds. At the center of the single is a lyric that sums up the band’s connection with their fans:“The power we get from you, it’s electric, you know it’s true.” That line reflects the push-and-pull energy Cyanide thrives on, where the audience is just as much a part of the sound as the band on stage. Recorded with the intent to bring a live-wire feel into the studio, “Get Up and Dance” leans into raw performance energy rather than overproduction. It is built to move bodies, shake rooms, and remind listeners what real hard rock is supposed to feel like. With momentum building in their corner, Cyanide continues to stake their claim in the modern rock world by keeping things simple, loud, and honest. “Get Up and Dance” drops May 15 on all streaming platforms. Stream and pre-save here:https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cyanide9/get-up-and-dance-feat-keith-robert/ Connect:  https://linktr.ee/Cyanide.21Gun Contact: cyanidelv2003@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BROADSLAB UNLEASH “HELLACIOUS SOUL METAL” WITH NEW ALBUM THE FIFTH ESSENCE — OUT JUNE 26, 2026 Benson, NC – From the dusty outskirts of North Carolina comes a sound that doesn’t ask permission and sure as hell doesn’t... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BROADSLAB UNLEASH “HELLACIOUS SOUL METAL” WITH NEW ALBUM THE FIFTH ESSENCE — OUT JUNE 26, 2026 Benson, NC – From the dusty outskirts of North Carolina comes a sound that doesn’t ask permission and sure as hell doesn’t play it safe. Broadslab are set to drop their full-length album The Fifth Essence on June 26, 2026 via Electric Desert Records, delivering a heavy, groove-soaked punch they’ve branded as “Hellacious Soul Metal.” Leading the charge is the first single, “Keep on Rollin’,” released April 24, 2026, followed by the second single “Leslie” arriving May 22, 2026. Both tracks give listeners a taste of the band’s raw blend of Southern grit, psychedelic soul, and no-frills heavy metal muscle. Broadslab pull from deep roots, fusing the spirit of classic rock with a darker, modern edge. Think the swampy groove of Southern rock colliding head-on with thick, down-tuned riffs and outlaw attitude. Fans of Corrosion of Conformity, Superjoint Ritual, and Down will feel right at home, but Broadslab aren’t just rehashing the past, they’re dragging it into the present, kicking and screaming. The band’s name traces back to a region steeped in moonshine history, and that outlaw DNA runs through everything they do. Their music channels stories of midnight runs, backroad chases, and a lifestyle that doesn’t clock in or punch out. It’s loud, it’s dangerous, and it’s got dirt under its fingernails. Recorded and mixed by Mike Dean and produced by Broadslab alongside Dean, The Fifth Essence captures the band in full throttle, no studio polish masking the grit. Just honest, hard-hitting sound the way it was meant to be. North Carolina concert promoter Tony “Dio” Leonard sums it up best:"If the Allman Brothers, Black Sabbath and Captain Beyond had a threesome, Broadslab would be the dirty result." This isn’t just another release, it’s a statement. Broadslab are here to carve out their own lane and leave tire marks all over it. STREAM & PRE-SAVE: The Fifth Essence (Album)https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/broadslab1/the-fifth-essence?ref=release “Leslie” (Single)https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/broadslab1/leslie?ref=release Release Dates:Album: June 26, 2026“Keep on Rollin’”: April 24, 2026“Leslie”: May 22, 2026 Label: Electric Desert RecordsGenre: Hellacious Soul Metal Production Credits:Recorded & Mixed by Mike DeanProduced by Broadslab & Mike Dean For Fans Of: Corrosion of Conformity, Superjoint Ritual, Down Contact:booking@broadslab.com If you’re tired of overproduced fluff and want something that hits like a shot of backwoods lightning, Broadslab’s The Fifth Essence is about to be your new addiction. Check them out on YouTube and subscribe: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="prCZHN7Ah58"] Connect:  https://linktr.ee/Broadslabmusic Contact: booking@broadslab.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LANGUISH IN DESPAIR DROP “KILLING SPREE” OUT NOW AND ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM STRAIN OF PROFANITY Canadian/Australian death metal unit LANGUISH IN DESPAIR have officially unleashed their latest slab of brutality, “Killing Spree,”... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LANGUISH IN DESPAIR DROP “KILLING SPREE” OUT NOW AND ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM STRAIN OF PROFANITY Canadian/Australian death metal unit LANGUISH IN DESPAIR have officially unleashed their latest slab of brutality, “Killing Spree,” now available worldwide via CDN Records. The track arrives as a full force statement ahead of their upcoming full-length album Strain of Profanity, set for release May 21, 2026. This is not cleaned up, not softened, and not built for comfort. This is death metal stripped down to the bone. Built on a foundation of pure hostility and minimalist extremity, LANGUISH IN DESPAIR operate as a two-piece with zero interest in polish, trends, or accessibility. What you get is raw execution, fast impact, and absolute underground intent. No filler. No gloss. No mercy. The project features Jason, known for his work with Human Barbecue and Putrified J, alongside his transcontinental counterpart Marcel. Together they lock into a shared vision of relentless aggression, trading finesse for force and atmosphere for straight violence. “Killing Spree” wastes no time. Blistering percussion, razor edged guitar tone, and guttural vocal delivery collide in a track that feels less like it was written and more like it was released into the world fully formed and fully hostile. It hits hard and keeps hitting harder. With Strain of Profanity, the duo pushes that same philosophy into a full length assault built on chainsaw intensity, suffocating speed, and no interest in compromise. It is designed to punish speakers and listeners alike. Two countries. One mission. Total death metal devastation. ABOUT LANGUISH IN DESPAIR LANGUISH IN DESPAIR is a Canadian/Australian two-piece forged in raw aggression and stripped down extremity. Featuring Jason and Marcel, the project removes anything unnecessary and leaves only riffs, speed, and anger. No gimmicks. No image games. Just pure underground death metal delivered without compromise. “Killing Spree” is out now via CDN Records. Strain of Profanity arrives May 21, 2026 via CDN Records. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="LR3LPnCW4q0"] Connect:  https://cdnrecords.com/label-artists/languish-in-despair/ Contact:  lambertjason4000@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STYGIAN MIND UNLEASHES DEBUT ALBUM THE FEAR MACHINE — A NEW WAVE OF MARYLAND HEAVY METAL RISES Maryland’s own Stygian Mind is ready to throw down the gauntlet with their debut full-length assault, The Fear Machine, a... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STYGIAN MIND UNLEASHES DEBUT ALBUM THE FEAR MACHINE — A NEW WAVE OF MARYLAND HEAVY METAL RISES Maryland’s own Stygian Mind is ready to throw down the gauntlet with their debut full-length assault, The Fear Machine, a no-nonsense heavy metal record forged in the fires of tradition and aimed straight at the future of the genre. With a CD release show locked in for June 26th, the band is gearing up to deliver a live experience built for diehard metalheads who still believe in the power of steel. Rooted in the classic sound of legends like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, King Diamond, Queensrÿche, and Jag Panzer, Stygian Mind carries the torch with pride. Think galloping riffs, soaring vocals, and that dark, theatrical edge that made metal dangerous in the first place. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just pure, unapologetic heavy metal. The Fear Machine is a high-voltage concept-driven release that digs into paranoia, manipulation, and the unseen forces pulling the strings behind the curtain. It’s packed with razor-sharp twin guitar work, thunderous rhythms, and choruses built to echo off venue walls. There’s a cinematic quality to it all, like a dystopian nightmare set to a killer soundtrack. "The Fear Machine is about the systems that keep people afraid and the power that comes from breaking free.”— Joe Silver (Vocals) Produced by Mike Bossier at Oblivion Studios and co-released by Old Metal Records and Settle For It Records, the album captures that raw, analog spirit while still hitting hard with modern punch. It’s the kind of record that doesn’t just nod to the past, it grabs it by the collar and drags it into the present. Now available worldwide, The Fear Machine is officially live on all major streaming platforms and Bandcamp:https://stygianmind.hearnow.com/thefearmachine For physical copies, the CD is also now in stock at Hell’s Headbangers:https://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/item.asp?PID=140208 Check them out on YouTube: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="luaYtl7wlXY"] TRACK LISTING: Dead InsideRevenantBuilt to FailCrown of BulletsIconoclastApril FoolsThe Last Echo ChamberThe Fear Machine:i. Welcome to the Machineii. Trapped in the Machine Album Details:Release Date: Out Now (Digital)CD Release Show: June 26, 2026Genre: Heavy MetalLocation: Washington, DC, USALabel: Old Metal Records / Settle For It RecordsCatalog IDs: OMR068 / SFIR2306Running Time: 52:47 Stygian Mind isn’t here to play nice. They’re here to remind you what heavy metal is supposed to feel like, loud, powerful, and just a little dangerous. ENTER THE MACHINE. Connect:  https://linktr.ee/stygianmindrocks Contact: stygianmindrocks@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STALEMATE OF WILLS FEATURED IN Metal Injection WEEKLY INJECTION ALONGSIDE HEAVY HITTERS AS THEY UNLEASH FULL-LENGTH ALBUM EXISTENCE DENIED — OUT NOW VIA FFTC RECORDS Appearing in “New Releases Out This Week –... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STALEMATE OF WILLS FEATURED IN Metal Injection WEEKLY INJECTION ALONGSIDE HEAVY HITTERS AS THEY UNLEASH FULL-LENGTH ALBUM EXISTENCE DENIED — OUT NOW VIA FFTC RECORDS Appearing in “New Releases Out This Week – 5/1” | Stream the Crushing Single “Two Worlds” Now Pittsburgh, PA — Doom-laden heaviness just kicked the door in. Rising underground force Stalemate of Wills have officially released their debut full-length album, Existence Denied, out now via FFTC Records. Loaded with suffocating riffs, bleak atmosphere, and raw emotional weight, the record puts this trio firmly on the map in the Doomcore and Sludge underground. The band is already gaining serious traction, landing a feature in the Weekly Injection from Metal Injection as part of the “New Releases Out This Week – 5/1” roundup. They’re in strong company too, appearing alongside heavyweights like Sevendust and The Claypool Lennon Delirium, as well as a stacked lineup including -(16)-, Cage Fight, Health, Cognizance, Infected Dead, and Spell. Not a bad table to be sitting at. Check it out here at this link: https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/heavy-new-releases/the-weekly-injection-new-releases-from-sevendust-the-claypool-lennon-delirium-and-more-out-this-week-5-1 Leading the charge is the album’s standout single, “Two Worlds,” a crushing introduction to the band’s sound. Built on down-tuned groove, punishing atmosphere, and emotionally charged vocals, the track hits like a cinder block to the chest and lingers long after it’s over. Listen to “Two Worlds” now:https://stalemateofwills.bandcamp.com/track/two-worlds Drawing influence from sludge legends like Crowbar, Kingdom of Sorrow, and Down, Stalemate of Wills blend old-school weight with a modern edge. Their mantra of delivering “heavy riffs for a withering world” rings loud across Existence Denied, a record that dives into themes of internal collapse and external decay without pulling punches. The trio lineup includes:Derek Frustration – Guitar/VocalsJake Morris – BassBob McSherry – Drums Produced, mixed, and mastered by Eric Klinger, the album delivers a raw but clear punch, capturing the band’s intensity without sanding off the grit. With Existence Denied now out in the wild and already rubbing shoulders with major names, Stalemate of Wills are proving they’ve got the weight, the grit, and the songs to back it up. For fans of: Crowbar, Kingdom of Sorrow, DownGenre: Doomcore / Sludgecore / Doom Metal / Sludge Metal For press inquiries, interviews, or promo requests:zach@metaldevastationradio.com [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="Ga4Ti6zKCk4"]  Follow STALEMATE OF WILLS: https://stalemateofwills.comhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089514490476https://www.instagram.com/stalemate_of_wills_pgh/https://stalemateofwills.bandcamp.com/musichttps://open.spotify.com/artist/0MtYfRDOat5ltNfpeqRNfBhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/stalemate-of-wills/1611800967https://music.apple.com/us/album/two-worlds/1822116707 Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CRYSTALLION HONOR METAL LEGENDS WITH NEW MANOWAR TRIBUTE SINGLE, CONFIRM NEW ALBUM IN THE WORKS Bavarian heavy power metal outfit Crystallion return with a powerful new single, a tribute cover of a classic Manowar anthem,... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CRYSTALLION HONOR METAL LEGENDS WITH NEW MANOWAR TRIBUTE SINGLE, CONFIRM NEW ALBUM IN THE WORKS Bavarian heavy power metal outfit Crystallion return with a powerful new single, a tribute cover of a classic Manowar anthem, released in memory of legendary guitarist Ross the Boss. The track stands as both a salute to one of heavy metal’s most influential figures and a statement of respect to the roots that helped shape the genre itself. The band delivers the cover with a heavier, more modern edge while staying true to the spirit and majesty of the original. It is raw, direct, and unapologetically metal, exactly what fans have come to expect from Crystallion’s renewed creative era. The release marks an important moment in the band’s current chapter, as they continue to sharpen their identity following years of evolution, lineup changes, and a rebuilt creative direction. Rather than looking backward, Crystallion are using this moment to bridge their legacy sound with a more aggressive and focused modern approach. Alongside the new single, Crystallion have confirmed that work is well underway on their upcoming sixth studio album. Recording sessions are scheduled for summer 2026 in Munich, with the record expected for release in Winter 2026/27. The new material is being described as their most direct and forceful work to date, combining classic power metal foundations with a heavier, more urgent edge. The upcoming album will mark a defining step forward for the band, expanding on the momentum of their recent creative resurgence while pushing deeper into a modernized sound without losing their identity. Crystallion are not revisiting the past. They are reshaping it. This new era is already in motion, and the message is clear. The fire is still burning, and it is only getting hotter. For fans of: Manowar, Grave Digger, Riot, HammerFall, Helloween, Blind Guardian Check out the new video and subscribe for updates on the upcoming album release. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="qb4MqiPzqK8"]  Connect: https://linktr.ee/crystallion Contact: tonimuehlbacher1@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CRYSTALLION RETURN TO THE ROAD WITH EUROPEAN TOUR, FESTIVAL RUN, NEW ALBUM ON THE HORIZON, AND TRIBUTE COVER RELEASE HONORING ROSS THE BOSS Bavarian heavy power metal outfit Crystallion are back in full force in 2026,... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CRYSTALLION RETURN TO THE ROAD WITH EUROPEAN TOUR, FESTIVAL RUN, NEW ALBUM ON THE HORIZON, AND TRIBUTE COVER RELEASE HONORING ROSS THE BOSS Bavarian heavy power metal outfit Crystallion are back in full force in 2026, launching a major European tour that marks one of the most active and defining chapters in the band’s long history. Following years of evolution, lineup changes, and a sharpened modern sound, Crystallion have re-emerged with renewed energy and a heavier, more aggressive edge than ever before. The current lineup delivers a tighter, harder hitting version of the band’s classic identity, stripping things down to a more direct and powerful metal assault. What started with a steady rebuild across Germany, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, and Switzerland has now grown into a full European campaign. In 2024, the band shared stages with acts such as Riot, Stormwarrior, Wings of Steel, Savage Master, and Crystal Viper, followed by a co-headlining run in 2025 with Serbian epic metal force Claymorean. Now in 2026, Crystallion take the next step with a tour spanning more than 10 countries, including high profile support appearances with Grave Digger and 5th Angel. From club shows to festivals and cross border metal nights, the band is making one thing clear. This is not a reunion story, this is a full scale return. Even without a new studio album released yet, Crystallion’s momentum is undeniable. Recording sessions are already scheduled for summer 2026 in Munich, with a new album planned for a Winter 2026/27 release. The record will mark the next major chapter in their discography and further define their modern sound direction. Adding to the momentum, Crystallion have just released a powerful tribute cover of a classic Manowar anthem, dedicated in memory of legendary guitarist Ross the Boss. The release stands as both a salute to his influence and a nod to the roots that shaped generations of heavy metal. It is raw, respectful, and delivered with full force. To close out the year, Crystallion will celebrate a major milestone on December 4th, 2026 with a special 20th anniversary performance of their debut album A Dark Enchanted Crystal Night. The unique show will take place in Bavaria and will feature the album performed in full. Fans can also expect a return to large scale international touring in 2027, alongside the release cycle for the upcoming sixth studio album. Crystallion are no longer quietly rebuilding. They are stepping forward with intent, volume, and firepower. This is the next era of the band. Check out this video and subscribe: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="qb4MqiPzqK8"] TOUR AND RELEASE OUTLOOK 2026 European Tour across more than 10 countriesSupport appearances with Grave Digger, Riot, and 5th AngelFestival and headline dates across Central and Eastern EuropeRecording sessions in Munich set for Summer 2026New studio album planned for Winter 2026/27 release20th anniversary full album performance December 4th 2026 (Bavaria)Full album release tour beginning March 2027 Connect: https://linktr.ee/crystallion Crystallion are not slowing down. They are tightening the bolts, turning up the gain, and heading straight into their strongest chapter yet. Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RIFTPATROL LAUNCHES CINEMATIC UNIVERSE WITH NEW SINGLE “PARASITE” FEAT. YUUKO SINGS, DJ NEON NIGHTS & AMANDA POWER Riftpatrol, the boundary-pushing project formed in 2025, is stepping fully into its own lane with the... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RIFTPATROL LAUNCHES CINEMATIC UNIVERSE WITH NEW SINGLE “PARASITE” FEAT. YUUKO SINGS, DJ NEON NIGHTS & AMANDA POWER Riftpatrol, the boundary-pushing project formed in 2025, is stepping fully into its own lane with the release of their new single “Parasite,” out now on all major platforms. Built as more than just a music project, Riftpatrol fuses modern heavy music with cinematic storytelling and a growing visual universe. The sound pulls from metalcore, alternative rock, goth, and J-rock, shifting between crushing heaviness and eerie atmosphere without ever settling into one box. It hits hard, then pulls you into something stranger right after. At the center of Riftpatrol’s world is The Captain, a detective navigating fractured realities, chasing truth across timelines and broken dimensions. Every release adds another chapter to the story, expanding through manga and webtoon-inspired visuals where characters evolve alongside the music itself. “Parasite” is the latest entry in that unfolding narrative, and it does not hold back. The track explores isolation, emotional weight, and the slow collapse that comes when you feel disconnected from everything around you. It is heavy in both sound and meaning, built to pull the listener directly into that headspace. The single features Yuuko Sings, DJ Neon Nights, and Amanda Power, bringing together a global mix of voices and styles. The result is a cinematic metalcore and J-rock fusion layered with multilingual vocals, eerie melodies, and massive drops that swing between beauty and chaos. Riftpatrol continues to build through collaboration, bringing together artists from different countries, languages, and creative backgrounds. The goal is not to fit into a scene, but to build a universe of its own. “Parasite” is out now. Stream it here:https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/riftpatrol/parasite-feat-dj-neon-nights-yuuko-sings--amanda-power About Riftpatrol Riftpatrol is a 2025-born multimedia music project blending heavy genres with cinematic storytelling, visual narrative, and cross-cultural collaboration. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="xpD-Ll8J28I"]  Connect:  https://www.instagram.com/riftpatrol/ Contact: riftpatrol@gmail.com  Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bjarte K. Helland Announces New EP Scorched — Out May 2, 2026 via F.T.A.T.P Bergen, Norway — Norwegian drummer and composer Bjarte K. Helland is set to release his new progressive metal EP Scorched on May 2, 2026,... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bjarte K. Helland Announces New EP Scorched — Out May 2, 2026 via F.T.A.T.P Bergen, Norway — Norwegian drummer and composer Bjarte K. Helland is set to release his new progressive metal EP Scorched on May 2, 2026, delivering a rhythm-driven, cinematic take on modern instrumental metal that pushes the drum kit right to the front where it belongs. Built from a composer’s mindset and a drummer’s instincts, Helland’s solo project flips the traditional progressive script. Instead of guitars leading the charge, Scorched is shaped from the kit outward, creating a heavy, dynamic, and atmospheric sound world where rhythm dictates structure, tension, and release. Fans of technical and fusion-driven progressive metal will feel right at home alongside the energy of Liquid Tension Experiment, the futuristic precision of Planet X, and the modern complexity of Animals as Leaders. Helland, known for his work with FastLoaders, Pitch Black Mentality, and Quadrasonic, brings a wide musical background into this release, blending progressive metal, fusion, and experimental instrumental styles into something both aggressive and cinematic. A heavier evolution The upcoming EP features collaborations with internationally respected musicians including Billy Sheehan, Jarle H. Olsen, James Pulli, Yas Nomura, and Tore Christer Storlid, adding extra weight and depth to an already ambitious project. Helland explains the direction behind the release: “Scorched is my second solo EP and the first time I recorded and mixed the drums in my own studio, which gave me a much closer connection to the sound and the direction of the release. Compared to my previous EP, this one moves further toward the heavier side of progressive metal, while still keeping the melodic and cinematic elements that are important to me as a composer. The title captures both the erosion of the rule-based world we once relied on globally, and the reality that growth often comes through challenging and transformative experiences. Each track explores a different aspect of that tension, from the fierceness of Lupus Ferox to the more eclectic atmosphere of Embers Eternal.” Check out the video premiere and subscribe: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="A3E4dFHJSRQ"] Production credits Composer: Bjarte K. Helland Arrangement: Jarle H. Olsen, Bjarte K. Helland Mixing: Jarle H. Olsen, Bjarte K. Helland Production: Jarle H. Olsen, Bjarte K. Helland, LANDR Drums: Bjarte K. Helland Guitars: Jarle H. Olsen Bass: Billy Sheehan, Yas Nomura, Tore Christer Storlid, James Amelio Pulli Label F.T.A.T.P Listen / Pre-save https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bjartekhelland/scorched Scorched lands May 2, 2026. No filler, no fluff, just pure progressive fire carved from rhythm and controlled chaos. Connect:  Website: www.bjartekhelland.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjartedrumsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjartekhellandYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BjarteKHellandDrumsBandcamp: https://bjartekhelland.bandcamp.com/album/scorchedSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6goY9aF0lGC10oj2lxFqReApple Music:https://music.apple.com/no/artist/bjarte-k-helland/1570164951 Contact Bjarte K. Hellandbjartekhelland@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARTYRED ANNOUNCE NEW EP “EMPIRICAL TORMENT” AND FIRST SINGLE “WHERE THE BODIES LIE” Austin, Texas – Independent death metal force Martyred return with full impact, unleashing their new single “Where the Bodies Lie,” out... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARTYRED ANNOUNCE NEW EP “EMPIRICAL TORMENT” AND FIRST SINGLE “WHERE THE BODIES LIE” Austin, Texas – Independent death metal force Martyred return with full impact, unleashing their new single “Where the Bodies Lie,” out now across all major streaming platforms. The track serves as the first brutal preview of their upcoming EP “Empirical Torment,” set for release on May 8th, 2026. Formed in 2003 by guitarist Mike DeBord, Martyred carved their place in the underground with razor-sharp riffing, blackened thrash undertones, chaotic time signatures, and pit-ready groove violence. After a hiatus in 2010, the band reformed in 2017 and has been steadily rebuilding momentum ever since. The current lineup features Oscar Martinez (vocals), Mike DeBord (guitars), Ankur Patel (guitars), Stephen Fernandez (bass), and Rene Martinez (drums), with DeBord remaining the creative engine from day one. Lyrically, Martyred confronts harsh reality head-on, tackling war, psychological trauma, and the darker corners of human experience with unfiltered intensity. No metaphors for comfort. No soft landings. Just truth delivered at volume. Sonically, the band operates in the same extreme sphere as Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Suffocation, and Immolation, while still carving out a distinct identity through complex structure and crushing forward momentum. The upcoming EP “Empirical Torment” pushes Martyred deeper into their most dynamic and punishing material to date. The release also features a special guest appearance from Ricky Myers, whose vocal contribution adds another layer of veteran brutality to the record. “This follow-up independent EP, Empirical Torment, takes Martyred’s sound on a blistering sonic journey full of twists, turns, and grooves,” says guitarist Mike DeBord. “Longtime friend and supporter of the band, Ricky Myers stepped up and delivered on vocals. He absolutely brought a level of intensity that elevated the whole record.” Empirical Torment was mixed and mastered by Juan Urteaga at Trident Studios, ensuring a dense, aggressive sound that captures every blast beat, fractured riff, and ounce of controlled chaos the band is known for. Check out the video and subscribe: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="dTc2z6P_R_Q"] Release Schedule:“Where the Bodies Lie” – Out Now“Empirical Torment” – May 8th, 2026 (EP) Label: IndependentMixing & Mastering: Juan Urteaga (Trident Studios) Booking & Press:Mike DeBord – martyredofficial@gmail.comAndrea – Andrea@dna-entertainment.com Linktree & Socials: https://linktr.ee/martyredofficial This is death metal with intent. No gloss. No compromise. Just impact. Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CYANIDE, ILLUMINA AD, SONUS, ARANDA, ARCHFIEND, VOIDMONGER, MY DARK FATE, AND DETERIOROT FEATURED IN METAL DEVASTATION PR ADVERTISEMENT IN DECIBEL MAGAZINE ISSUE #260 Metal Devastation PR returns to print in a big... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CYANIDE, ILLUMINA AD, SONUS, ARANDA, ARCHFIEND, VOIDMONGER, MY DARK FATE, AND DETERIOROT FEATURED IN METAL DEVASTATION PR ADVERTISEMENT IN DECIBEL MAGAZINE ISSUE #260 Metal Devastation PR returns to print in a big way with a featured advertisement in Decibel Magazine Issue #260, showcasing a stacked roster of underground heavy weights and continuing its mission to push extreme metal into the hands of the faithful. This month’s campaign highlights a crushing lineup of client artists including Cyanide, Illunina AD, Sonus, Aranda, Archfiend, Voidmonger, My Dark Fate, and Deteriorot. Each act represents a different edge of the underground spectrum, from raw aggression to atmospheric heaviness, unified under one banner of uncompromising sound. Issue #260 arrives loaded with major features and exclusive content, including Khemmis on the cover and a limited edition Hellripper flexi disc. Readers will also find coverage of At the Gates, Nervosa, Frozen Soul, Elder, Hell’s Heroes VIII, and a Decibel Hall of Fame feature on Suffocation’s iconic Pierced From Within. Additional coverage includes Ghoul, Filth Is Eternal, Funebrarum, Hecate Enthroned, Yoth Iria, Poison Ruin, and more. Metal Devastation PR continues to bridge the gap between underground bands and global metal media, keeping physical press alive in a digital-heavy world where real discovery still matters. This issue is available now, but expected to move fast. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. For media inquiries, promotional services, or band submissions, contact zach@metaldevastationradio.com Grab a copy here: https://store.decibelmagazine.com/collections/back-issues/products/june-2026-260 Less