Some days, all you can do is say ‘fuck it,’ dime the volume and rock out like there’s no tomorrow. Today definitely seems like one of those days. Here are some barnburners to get you started:
Hellfire 76 | The Omen
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Taboo lyrics served over blues-infected grooves! This is the unique blend of sounds that Hellfire 76 bring to the table. With influences ranging from ZZ Top, Killing Joke and Kyuss to Melvins, Hellfire 76 deliver a sound sure to satisfy doom, stoner, and psych fans alike. Formed by Von Bury and Mike McGuiness, Hellfire 76 set out to create a brand of heavy Southern stoner devil metal. All killer and no filler, this two-piece bring 110% to their first full-length Rags To Rage, due at the end of November. The overall theme is dark, spooky, tongue in cheek and fuzzed out. For a first glimpse, Hellfire 76 share the video for the single The Omen. “We wanted to have a song on the album (last track specifically) that we wouldn’t really play live as there are organ sounds and whatnot that we can’t replicate live,” says Von Bury. “I wanted a closer on the record in the vein of No Quarter; something that has a completely different vibe from the rest of the album.”
Mutank | Illuminatus
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Canadian thrash crew Mutank will unravel their first set of bangers and neck-breakers in seven years with the album Think Before You Think, due Nov. 29. It features 10 volcanic tracks that deliver pure audio assault, including live favourites such as Running Reds, Abortron, and Thrash Primordial. Today, Mutank unveil the album opener and psychedelic monster brigade video Illuminatus. They explain: “This intro track sets the tone for the album with its strong riffs and songwriting, to continue the Mutank tradition of elaborate riffs and ripping solos. Lyrically, Illuminatus (which gets its title from the 1975 novel) is about power and how it takes the souls of those that desire it the most.”
Gloria Perpetua | Mothers Of Jerusalem
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “After unveiling their debut album The Darkside We Wanna Hide in August, Brazil’s Gloria Perpetua share the video for Mothers of Jerusalem. This track dives deep into the sorrow and sacrifice of mothers who lose their sons to war, blending heavy and power metal influences from legends like Accept and Primal Fear. The Darkside We Wanna Hide features 10 powerful tracks and showcases collaborations with renowned musicians from diverse backgrounds, including Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius), Vitor Rodrigues (Native Blood, Tribal Scream, Torture Squad), Luis Mariutti (Sinistra, Shaman, Angra, Firebox), João Noleto, Vitor Veiga (Aquaria, Endless), Guilherme Hirose (NorthTale, Traumer), Marcelo Kalunga and Oruam (Deadly Fate).”
Kingcrown | Nova Atlantis
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Following the release of their first single Real Or Fantasy, French power metal band Kingcrown unveil the video for the title track Nova Atlantis. The song dives into myth and mysticism, showcasing Kingcrown’s signature mix of heavy riffs, melodic depth, and grand thematic storytelling. Real Or Fantasy introduced fans to the essence of Nova Atlantis, combining powerful rhythms with memorable melodies and reflective lyrics. Described as a true manifesto of the band’s sound, the single captured Kingcrown’s evolving style, rooted in powerful anthems and soaring choruses. Nova Atlantis builds on this foundation, reflecting the band’s growth since A Perfect World and Wake Up Call and marking a new chapter in their musical journey.”
Manuel Barbará | Whisper In A Storm
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Manuel Barbará, an acclaimed metal guitarist and composer, has released his video for the single Whisper In A Storm. The track, featuring Thalia Tymowski of Among the Stars and guitarist Millisa Henderson, is the title track from Barbará’s latest EP. He comments on the collaboration: “I’ve wanted to have Thalia Tymowski sing a song of mine ever since I met her in 2020. I’m super-happy to be able to feature her on something as cool as this. It was very satisfying to pour my fascination with cyberpunk into a song with Thalia’s help and Millisa’s guest solo at the end made me nervous to record mine.”
Nekomata | Zero
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Following the successful release of their first single In My Flesh, Nekomata continue to build anticipation for their second album Euphoria with their new single Zero. Known for their signature power core style — a high-energy blend of power metal, metalcore and death metal — the band return with an even more aggressive and refined sound. Pushing their sonic boundaries even further, Zero showcases their evolution, combining razor-sharp riffs, intricate melodies and vocals that range from soaring harmonies to guttural growls. “Zero explores the inner conflict of someone trapped in an unending cycle of self-doubt and the pursuit of unattainable perfection,” they say. “Every achievement feels overshadowed by ever-larger challenges, fueling a persistent sense of inadequacy. Despite the progress made, the protagonist struggles to recognize his own victories, feeling trapped in a mindset that makes him his own worst enemy.”
Trollwar | The Offering
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Quebec’s melodic symphonic metal outfit Trollwar release The Offering, the second single from their forthcoming EP Tales From The Frozen Wastes. The single further showcases Trollwar’s evolution, presenting a harmonious blend of aggressive metal riffs, intricate symphonic arrangements and progressive elements. The song delves deeper into the EP’s overarching theme of a falling pantheon and the glooming curse that befalls adventurers who dare to tread where they’re unwelcome. The band share their thoughts: “This is the most recent song composition-wise. We think that this one is the best representation of where the Trollwar sound has evolved. It contains some great melodic death metal riffs, a good chorus, epic symphonies… the whole package. This is also the second song where we have a guest coming in to push the limit of the song with astonishing power metal vocals and choirs.”
