This record is BIG. Titans is suitably apropos for Manntra‘s Napalm Records debut. Titanic in size and scope. Billed as “Croatian Folk Metal,” the “folk” element is a much smaller element than, say Tengger Cavalry. This thing is an NWOBHM/ Power/Symphonic Metal tour de force (emphasis firmly on “force”.) Even the cover is huge: Lord of the Rings meets Templar Knights in a pitched battle.Continue reading
British metal legends, Saxon, have announced a triple hit of French dates for this September, with support from France’s own 80s band, Sortilège. The run kicks off September in Paris, followed immediately by Nantes, then Toulouse. Saxon will also be releasing their new live album, Eagles Over Hellfest on June 13th, via the Silver Lining Music record label, featuring the audio recording from their Hellfest 2024 appearance. It will be available as a double CD set, along with the latest studio album, Hell, Fire And Damnation, and as a standalone double vinyl and digital release. Find out more below.
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It’s easy to get lost chasing the dragon of finding the heaviest band out there. Going down the Grindcore/Goregrind rabbit holes for this elusive high. The battery those sounds give the old eardrums brings a rush of endorphins, but they do always stand the test of time as being albums that earn repeated listens for years to come. Continue reading
To mark the 40th anniversary of Accept’s iconic album, Balls To The Wall, founding member and former frontman, Udo Dirkschneider is planning something special. Under the Dirkschneider moniker, he will be releasing a re-recorded version, featuring guest contributions from across the metal sphere. Balls To The Wall Reloaded comes out on February 28th via Reigning Phoenix Music. Head into the article below to find out more.
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Wacken Metal Battle Canada has announced its return for 2025. Independent bands will battle it out across the nation, for just one spot at an already sold out Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd), which has seen an attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years. Band submissions end November 20th, 2024, and are only open to unsigned bands. Ghost Cult is an official media partner of Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2025. Find more information below.
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Saturday:
Early on the Saturday, we return to the Eindhoven icerink for the second day of Dynamo Metalfest. With the first band starting at noon, it’s a fairly long day. Today we have Headliners Dimmu Borgir on the menu, as well as Amaranthe, Flotsam & Jetsam, Forbidden, and more! Continue reading
Blitzkrieg, the on-and-off NWOBHM veterans much loved by Metallica, are back with their new self-titled album (Mighty Music). Much like AC/DC do and Motörhead, did, Blitzkrieg stick to what they know – which is classic metal of a decidedly eighties vintage that fans of Diamond Head, Judas Priest, and Saxon will know and appreciate.Continue reading
Dynamo Metalfest, the spiritual successor of the legendary Dynamo Open-Air, is in Eindhoven once again the weekend of the 17th and 18th of august. This year what was usually just the warm-up party turned into a proper half-day festival, marketed under the name Black Friday, and sporting an impressive (mostly) black metal bill with Uada, Watain, and Decapitated on the menu.Continue reading
Catton Park, United kingdom, 13 Aug 2022, DImmu Borgir performing on the Ronnie James Dio Stage at Bloodstock Open Air Festival Credit: Rich Price/Ghost Cult Magazine
Long-running and respected Metal Festival Dynamo has announced their 2024 lineup! Heading the bill are Dimmu Borgir, and Saxon, with Amaranthe, Skindred, Forbidden, Flotsam And Jetsam, Whitechapel, Soen, and many more. See the full lineup below. Taking place in Eindhoven, Netherlands from August 17-18, 2024, the festival also includes camping, mech and fan activities!
As a surprise to literally nobody familiar with them, it’s all change once again for German glam act Night Laser. Four full-length studio releases with four different line-ups, the only two constants within the band are founding members singer Benno Hankers and his brother, bassist Robert. Also, having presented as both a trio and a quartet since their inception in 2014, the band has grown with another member for this current iteration, switching up to become a five-piece for latest album, Call Me What You Want (Steamhammer/SPV).Continue reading