I have definitely been in The Grindhouse today. Up at the crack, slavishly cranking out the posts, wading through hundreds of gawdamm emails — helll, I barely had time to watch King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard tear through an impromptu cover of AC/DC‘s Jailbreak while rocking out in the courtyard of a former prison in Lithuania. If you haven’t caught it yet, get thee to the YouTubes posthaste — but not before you check out the latest and greatest heavy loudness from near and far. It’s all in the name of liberty, brah:
Tigguo Cobaus | Ascended Deliverance (ft. Chelsea Marrow)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “U.K. blackened0-doom trio Tigguo Cobauc unleash the video for Ascended Deliverance, featuring guest vocals from Chelsea Marrow (Voraath, Visitant). The song is a reworked version of the album track from 2024’s Fountains of Anguish. With a focus on giving the listener the most intense and emotional experience, Tigguo Cobauc provide the soundtrack to your darkest desires. “The track opens with the haunting pulse of a heartbeat, accompanied by the creeping distortion of industrial noise, drawing the listener into a space of tension and unease,” they say in a press release. “As the first notes of the story unfold, the listener is already submerged in a melodic nightmare — a dreamscape that’s as surreal as it is sinister. The narrative follows a man, lost in his disillusionment with the world, burdened by the weight of life’s cruelty and suffering. Desperate for answers, he becomes obsessed with confronting God directly, seeking retribution for the pain he’s endured. When the conventional means of prayer, the church, and the promises of faith offer no solace, he grows increasingly frustrated and turns to darker paths.”
Hellfox | Atlas
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Following the haunting release of Seaweed Braids, Italian all-female melodic death metal band Hellfox return with a powerful new chapter: Atlas, the second single from their upcoming album The Spectrum Of Human Gravity. Combining heavy melodic death metal foundations with modern textures and acidic synths, Atlas is a crushing and introspective anthem. Lyrically, the song draws on the myth of the Titan condemned to bear the weight of the sky — a metaphor for the emotional burdens we carry and the silent expectations imposed by society. “We have no control over what happens around us,” the band explains, “but letting go of that weight may be the most liberating act of all.” Hellfox’s music thrives on contrast: Dual female vocals (melodic and growled), distorted layers, and atmospheric electronics merge into an emotional and immersive sound. With influences ranging from Amorphis and In Flames to Dark Tranquillity, they have forged a distinctive identity that breaks away from traditional tropes, embracing vulnerability, rage, beauty, and discomfort in equal measure.”
Aexylium | Hexe
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Italian folk-metal band Aexylium just released their third studio album Myth of Mankind. With this new chapter, the band take a decisive step forward in style and substance, offering their most mature and focused work. To celebrate, Aexylium have also unveiled the video for the track Hexe. It perfectly represents the spirit of the album — a high-impact, rhythm-driven song that combines rich melodic lines with a powerful vocal performance from Sam Biganzoli delivering intensity and momentum without ever losing the folk essence that defines the band’s DNA. Visually and sonically, the video amplifies the track’s energy and emotion, offering a powerful introduction to the album’s vision.”
Kratornas | Ravaged by Hurakaan
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Today marks the official release of Kratornas’ black metal offering Ravaged by Hurakaan. It serves as the first taste of the forthcoming album God Of The Tribes, due Aug. 20. “This album isn’t about being ‘advanced’ or ‘innovative,’ ” Kratornas says. “It’s a return to roots, distilled into something raw and real. I’ve had first-hand experience with this kind of ‘indigenous music.’ I was one of the drummers at festivals from fifth grade through my first year of high school. I didn’t copy those rhythms but wrote my own, taking that foundation and fusing it with Kratornas.”
Z-Cocoon | Dr. Crane
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Montreal’s Z-Cocoon will release their new EP Angels on June 6. This third EP is the first full-band release from Z-Cocoon, which was founded in 2017 by Marc Zolla as a solo endeavour under the moniker Pink Cocoon. Now a power trio with Michel Paradis (drums) and John Burton (bass), they are prepared to offer electrically charged heavy music with savage guitar jabs, rockin’ blues, and hot solos. Today, they unveil the opening track and heavy bluesy single Dr. Crane, inspired by the Batman villain. “Dr. Crane is exactly what Z-Cocoon is all about: Heavy riffs, clean vocals, and lots of blues power,” Zolla says. “If you like poisoning people’s minds with fear, such as The Scarecrow in Batman, then here you have it. Or if you’re looking for a good heavy song to listen to while working out or doing physical work, or you wanna let loose in your speakers and relax, this is the song for you! Make sure to play it loud for the ultimate listening experience, preferably with good speakers to feel that sound and panning!”
Sith’ari | Before The Dawn
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Sith’ari, the Iowa black-metal side project for Lord Kafir of Nedakh and Pathos of Symphony of Heaven and Satan Destroyer, just unleashed their debut EP Before The Dawn. “From beginning to end, this EP will leave you wanting more,” they say. “It’s a truly fantastic record that caters to all fans of black metal who want something melodic, fast, and relentless. If you wish your black metal were a bit darker, add a dash of Gorgoroth with just a dash of Immortal; that describes the sounds. The themes are much more in touch with fans of later-day Bathory and Immortal.”
