#new-wave-of-traditional-heavy-metal — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #new-wave-of-traditional-heavy-metal, aggregated by home.social.
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Thunderor unleash new single “Pump Up The Volume”
Canadian heavy metal outfit Thunderor, led by JJ Tartaglia (vocals, drums, Skull Fist) and Jonny Nesta (guitar, formerly of Skull Fist), with Brycen Gunn on bass, have unleashed their electrifying new single “Pump Up The Volume.” This track marks the first preview of their forthcoming second album Bleed For It, scheduled for release in March 2026. Known for their signature blend of arena rock, opera, and heavy metal, Thunderor deliver soaring vocals, powerful choruses, and an energy that encourages fans to embrace life with passion and courage.
The single also serves as the opening number for Thunderor The Musical, the band’s ambitious rock opera that debuted at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2025. The promotional video even features a cameo appearance from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, adding a unique touch to the release.
“This one is a lot of fun. Turn up the music, pump up your life, Pump Up The Volume! It’s also the opening number for the Musical, and it sets the mood nicely. Although the rest of the album ventures to many different places. Special thanks to Olivia Chow and the City of Toronto for her cameo in the promo clip, super cool.” – JJ Tartaglia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfEG-0n0iz4&feature=youtu.be
Following their acclaimed debut, Thunderor’s second album “Bleed For It” demonstrates growth in both songwriting and performance. The record features stronger vocals, expansive choruses, and a balance of raw heavy metal energy with theatrical storytelling. As a concept album, it doubles as the official soundtrack to Thunderor The Musical, guiding listeners through themes of love, struggle, and perseverance.
The band draws inspiration from icons such as Meat Loaf, Van Halen, Bruce Springsteen, The Darkness, H.E.A.T., Night Flight Orchestra, and their own roots in Skull Fist, creating a modern spin on classic heavy and hair metal.
“Bleed For It” will be released on March 27th, 2026, with a limited vinyl bundle available for pre-order:
Tour Dates
Canada Tour 2026 with Burning Witches
- April 20 – Piranha Bar, Montreal QC
- April 21 – La Source De La Martiniere, Quebec City QC
- April 22 – The Brass Monkey, Ottawa ON
- April 23 – The Garrison, Toronto ON
Scandinavia Tour 2026 with Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.)
- May 15 – Nordic Noise, Copenhagen Denmark
- May 16 – Godset, Kolding Denmark
- May 27 – The Abyss, Gothenburg Sweden
- May 28 – Muskelrock, Blädinge Sweden
- May 29 – Lokstallet, Skövde Sweden
- May 30 – Gjerdrum Rock Club, Gjerdrum Norway
- May 31 – Sjøboden Live Scene, Mandal Norway
More info: Boonsdalerecords.com/thunderor | Facebook | Instagram | Music Nova Scotia
About Thunderor
Formed in 2020 by multi-JUNO-nominated musicians JJ Tartaglia and Jonny Nesta, Thunderor deliver hook-filled anthems that channel the spirit of arena rock while weaving in heavy metal, hair metal, and rock opera influences.
Their debut album “Fire It Up” (2022) reached #1 on Earshot’s National Loud Chart in Canada, cementing their reputation as a rising force in the global metal scene. Extensive tours across Europe, Canada, Mexico, and South America followed, with Thunderor sharing stages with acts such as Airbourne, U.D.O., Enforcer, and Night Demon.
In May 2024, their single “Get ‘Em Counted” surpassed 230K views on YouTube, building anticipation for their next chapter. In summer 2025, Thunderor premiered Thunderor The Musical at the Toronto Fringe Festival, a bold rock opera featuring unreleased material that now forms the foundation of their upcoming album.
Set for release in March 2026, “Bleed For It” will feature the high-energy single “Pump Up The Volume,” a track that captures the band’s uplifting spirit and theatrical edge. With enhanced vocals, bigger choruses, and a concept-driven narrative, the album promises to be both a soundtrack to the musical and a standalone heavy metal experience.
#1 #arenaRock #bleedForIt #glamRock #hardRock #HeavyMetal #musical #NewSingle #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #PumpUpTheVolume #SkullFist #thenwothm #Tnunderor
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Band of the day: Dark Forest (UK)
The Nwothmhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7CW5SVxyyM&list=RDb7CW5SVxyyM&start_radio=1
Band: Dark Forest
Country: UK
Label: Cruz del Sur Music
Members: Josh Winnard – Vocals Christian Horton – Guitars, Bass Patrick Jenkins – Guitars Adam Sidaway – Drums
Album: Ridge & Furrow (EP)
Track Info: 1. Skylark 00:00 2. The Golden Acre 06:40 3. Ridge & Furrow 12:18 4. Meadowland 18:45 5. Under The Greenwood Tree 20:57
Dark Forest is a heavy metal band from Dudley in the West Midlands, England. Formed in 2002, they are known for blending soaring melodies with themes drawn from mythology, history, patriotism and classic metal traditions. Signed to Cruz del Sur Music, the band has released a series of acclaimed albums including Dark Forest, Dawn of Infinity, The Awakening, Beyond the Veil and Oak, Ash & Thorn. Their music has appeared on several compilations, including Fear Candy and British Steel, marking their place in the rising force of British heavy metal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21z8KCbuVc&list=RDj21z8KCbuVc&start_radio=1
Links
Bandcamp: https://darkforest-uk.bandcamp.com/album/ridge-and-furrow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Darkforestuk
Instagram:
Label: https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/store/
#bandOfTheDay #britishHeavyMetal #cruzDelSuMusic #darkForest #heavyMetal #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothm #ridgeFurrow #thenwothmCom
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Si je lançais un appel à contribution pour une compil'
« *Pédales de distorsion* » qui regrouperait des sons de Heavy Metal (dans l'héritage de la compil' *Metal for Muthas* qui a un peu formalisé ce qu'était la New Wave off British Heavy Metal) de groupes d'homosexuels, est-ce qu'il y aurait des gens qui répondraient à l'appel ?#NWoBHM #NewWaveOfBritishHeavyMetal #NWoTHM #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #HeavyMetal #MetalForMuthas #NewWaveOfFrenchHeavyMetal #NouvelleVagueDeHeavyMetalFrançais #HeavyMetalFrançais #MetalFrançais #MetalFrancophone #TraditionalHeavyMetal #HeavyMetalTraditionnel
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Support the scene: Eld Varg (Scotland)
I recently came across a Scottish heavy metal band that caught my attention by the name of Eld Varg. This trio have been around since 2013 and already have a stack of releases out.And now they are celebrating the release of their new record “Destroyer” As you know merch is a big part for any bands income so I wanted to show just what they have to offer over on their official web shop!
Web shop: https://www.eldvarg.com/category/all-products
Remember buying physical merch always goes so much further. It puts more money in bands pockets, helping them to do what they do best and that is deliver the metal! So if you love the bands music and can do so, grab some merch and help keep the metal flame burning!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKzl_Hwpgaw&list=RDIKzl_Hwpgaw&start_radio=1
Links
Website: https://www.eldvarg.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eldvargofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQeunHdDIdc/
Read More Support The Scene Posts
#bandMerch #buyBandMerch #destroyer #eldVarg #eldVargScotland #heavyMetal #newAlbum #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothm #supportTheScene #thenwothm #thenwothmCom
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Helvetets Port: Tomas Ericson on inspiration vs influence
The Nwothm
5–8 minutesI am sometimes asked the question of what has inspired or influenced Helvetets Port’s music. I am sure these terms are interchangeable to some, but to me the question has made my brain rev up to a higher degree than I expected. Perhaps because I have felt there is a difference that I should take more seriously in order to answer the question. In this article I would like to make a distinction between inspiration and influence: the former is something that can act as a “muse”, or something which you strive for, even if it is not necessarily heard in your music. Whereas influence is something that could be more clearly heard, or an “inspiration that has broken through” if you will. Let us start with five sources of inspiration and why it stays on that side of the fence:
Thor (CAN) – Unchained (1983) and Only the Strong (1985)
This is peak efficiency in songwriting. The songs are straightforward and catchy without being cheerful or predictable. I often see my songs getting out of hand when it comes to complexity and abstruseness at the writing stage, and then I try to think “more Thor”. No one could do it quite like them though. They could get seriously epic and heavy with the same simplicity in songs like When Gods Collide and Ride of the Chariots, and it is genius level.
Killen (USA) – Restless is the Witch (1989)
This is perhaps not so much a direct musical inspiration, rather a “heavy metal-philosophical” one. On this cassette, particularly on the two songs that are unique for this release – Birth of a King and The Resurrection/Vampire – Killen demonstrate the ways in which you can warp heavy metal to its limits while still being impervious of accusations of deviating from trueness. And, check out the video of “Scream in the Night” on Youtube for some serious overall coolness inspiration. Their full-length album from 1987 is also a major lesson in giving zero fucks.
Witch Cross (DEN) – Fit for Fight (1984)
In heavy metal there are two overarching themes with their respective moods, from which all sub-themes stem. The old and the new (well, 80s new). The old is the ancient or medieval; fantasy, the epic stuff. The new is the (80s) contemporary, nightlife, street level stuff. And although Witch Cross can excel in the former (especially on some older demo stuff) it is in the “new” category where they truly set the ultimate mood. The first minute of “Light of a Torch” and “Face of a Clown” is like the equivalent of 100 Stranger Things first seasons. It’s all you need if you want to get in the mood to make neon light music – but never to be equalled.
Tyrant (Gloucester, UK) and Tyrant (Mansfield, UK)
For two bands with the same name from the same country to be inseparable regarding the same kind of inspiration is a cosmic fluke. But there they stand, as the two most important bastions of the medieval sub-theme of the “old” category. One of them only having recorded two songs. Listen to a few Tyrant songs and you have bathed yourself in enough medieval melancholy to subtract a few hundred years from the atmosphere of the music you write next. Highlights if I have to choose: “Day of the Knight” and “Shadows of the Night”.
Overkill (Winnenden, GER) – Demo (1984)
It is difficult to be directly musically influenced by these Germans, perhaps because all the songs are so different from each other, but each superb in their own way. Heavy Metal Forces, the catchy anthem; The Iron Sword, the medieval epic song and Killers in the Dawn, a number that surpasses the meanness of all thrash metal while being classic heavy metal. They are a major inspiration when it comes to varying your songs without losing the core, and also to try and change your vocal colour depending on the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBxKivzih7I
And here are five sources of influence and it turns out to be a somewhat patriotic list:
Gotham City (SWE)
The elephant in the room, the influence of all influences! Notwithstanding the music, the sharp-sighted can probably tell that our logo and the artwork to our first single are heavily influenced by Gotham City. They are the main reason I got into obscure heavy metal and the main influence to start Helvetets Port. Their music has the perfect blend of coolness, quirkiness and regalness. Right now I am working on a song which is especially influenced by them, called “We Played Heavy Metal”.
Heavy Load (SWE)
There is always a bit, small or big, of Heavy Load and especially Ragne Wahlquist in one’s guitar playing, singing and songwriting. It is as though their work is the template for heavy metal. When you sit down with a guitar, there is always this little quick subconscious process in your head of “what is guitar playing all about?” in order to get your bearings as to what you are about to do with that strange object in your lap. And that subconscious backdrop is made by Heavy Load. The melancholy and earnestness, the E minor riffs that can always lead to greatness.
Kim Sixx (DEN) – Demo 1984
Kim Sixx in my opinion have the most commendable mix of guitar playing “tools” out of any band. There is perfect division of riffs, rhythm, licks, solos and melodies. Of course not only the division but the way it is played. This, and the fact that they might be the most true template of a classic heavy metal band imaginable, is a huge influence and inspiration. On a song like “Ruled with an Iron Hand”, I tried to summon the guitar practices of Kim Sixx.
Rising (SWE) – The Show is Over (song from the “Just One Bite …” demo 1984)
Now I am going to talk about a couple of songs that have distinct parts that have left an everlasting impression and which I feel I can never really fully explore, an itch that never goes away. For this Rising song it is about the very end, where it is almost like they are starting a new, awesome song and then it stops. It is the ultimate risky “kill your idols” technique in songwriting, creating a yearning that you as a songwriter want to almost fulfill but not quite. This I tried to recreate in the ending of “Cry of the Night”.
Zone Zero (SWE) – Evil Dream (B side from the “Heavy Metal” 7″ 1982)
With the Zone Zero song it is a similar deal in changing parts, but a more abrupt change and preferably more in the middle of the song. The time I first heard the tempo change in Evil Dream might be the most significant listening experience in my life and I get goosebumps just thinking about it. It shows that if you have written a cool part you can just brute force it into whatever place your heart feels like. Having it become as mind-blowing as in Evil Dream is a different matter though. Some places where I have attempted it is for example in “The Invincible” when the lone riff starts, and “Stan Brinner” when the final kind of chorus starts, and many more. Basically, whenever there is a part change that is not very “natural”, the spirit of Evil Dream looms over it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPgrKjyJrqM
Conclusion by TheNwothm
For Tomas Ericson, Helvetes Port is shaped by inspiration that sparks imagination and influence that leaves its mark in sound. Together they create a vision that balances tradition with individuality, keeping the old spirit of heavy metal alive in a unique way.
How do you see it? Does heavy metal thrive more on unseen muses or on the influences we can clearly hear? Let us know!
Photo Credit: Sabrina (Visual_Evidence)
#heavyMetal #helvetetsPort #inspirationVsInfluence #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothm #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #tomasEricson #tradMetal #traditionalHeavyMetal
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Write for us
We’re expanding the team at TheNwothm.com and we’re still looking for new contributors to help us grow! If you think you’ve got what it takes, check out the details below and send in your application.
About us TheNwothm.com is your ultimate destination for everything related to the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal. From the latest news and reviews to exclusive interviews and beyond, we celebrate and elevate this vibrant genre. The site was founded in 2023 with one clear goal: to shine a spotlight on NWOTHM bands from every corner of the globe.
Why join us? This site wouldn’t be what it is today without our dedicated team of writers, who live and breathe NWOTHM. We’re small but committed, united by a shared love for the genre and a drive to spread the word. Now we’re looking for voluntary contributors who share that passion. Join us in amplifying the voices of incredible bands and be part of a growing community of like-minded enthusiasts.
Benefits of writing for TheNwothm 🏆
- Get your writing in front of thousands of metal fans
- Review new music before release
- Opportunities to interview bands when available
- Press passes to shows (based on input and availability)
Must haves ❤️
- Ability to write in English
- Basic understanding of WordPress
- Passion for NWOTHM and related genres
What will help your application ✅
- Willingness to contribute weekly
- Ability to turn pieces around quickly
- Initiative to source news and features
- Clear communication via Slack
- Genuine passion for writing and heavy metal
What we are not looking for ❌
- Poor or irregular communication
- Missed deadlines or rushed, low-effort pieces
- Writers already covering the same niche elsewhere
If you have any questions about contributing, don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’ll be happy to answer.
Submit a form.#heavyMetal #joinTheTeam #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothm #openToEveryone #thenwothm #writeForThenwothm #writeForUs
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Reminder: Share your voice for our upcoming feature!
We’re working on a permanent section for the website, and it begins with one simple but important question:
What does NWOTHM mean to you?
- How do you interpret the term?
- How does it make you feel?
- How do you think it all began?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share your comments below, through social media, or by email at [email protected] — and don’t forget to include your country. Your words could even become part of the feature itself.
The feature is planned to go live in the new year, so keep an eye out.
Submit a form.#heavyMetal #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothm #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #whatDoesNwothmMeanToYou2
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Review: Mausoleum Gate “Space, Rituals and Magick’
Release date: Out Now
Label: Cruz Del Sur Music
8 minutesThe Nwothm
Finnish heavy metal cult Mausoleum Gate return with their heavily anticipated third studio album. “Space, Rituals and Magick” is available now via Cruz Del Sur Music on vinyl, CD, and digital formats.
Formed in 2008, Mausoleum Gate have carved a reputation for their mystical and atmospheric approach to heavy metal, drawing inspiration from obscure gems of the 1980s and beyond. Their latest work continues this tradition, offering a journey into other realms and ancient times with a distinctive sound that remains recognisably their own.
Guitarist Count L.F remarks:
Well the notorious third album shall we say? Or so the legend that I have heard goes. This time with Mausoleum Gate. The album took remarkable time to make for various reasons. Sometimes the song not intended to album was growing a serious epic and so on. Well as we called it -The Church of Isaac 666 (a phrase in Finnish called “Iisakin kirkko” which means a building that is never finished) but here we are! As usual the album differs from previous albums. This seems to be the case with us. Anyway still sounding Mausoleum Gate. This is the point. Our line-up has changed quite a lot since the last album and that of course changes the sound of the band but you can recognise the band. And the melodies and harmonies are still there. This time the compositions are maybe more of a band effort than ever before which gives a new nuances. New members: Jarno Saarinen, Jari Kourunen and Jarno Koskell have brought a great addition to Mausoleum Gate – as well as playing wise and composing wise. The new line-up has been tested live a few times but now its time to reveal the claws in album size! Last but definitely not the least our long time artist Timo Raita who did awesome job this time – again!
Review
Vision Divine is the first track of the album and essentially my introduction to the band. Noticeably straight I get this very organic vibe especially with the drums which do not feel over processed and focus on the acoustic qualities. There are repeating synths phrases and effects that make you feel your travelling through space. I am loving the jump in pacing and the melodic work delivered by the guitars. It just injects this sense of energy which catches your attention instantly. And throughout everything flies forward on top of some great (and sometimes unusually interesting) synth beds).The solo work slots in perfectly adding some flair to the song. And the vocal work helps to gel everything together ultimately creating this very organic, raw and nostalgic sound which has got me tuned in.
Lucifer Shrine shines strong with powerful and bright synth chords to open up the track. Unlike “Vision Divine” the tempo takes a step into the mid tempo range but packs a lot of punch. Notably I am liking the flowing feel of the melodies by both the guitars and synth notes in the background. And due to the mix being being very unrefined or polished you can here nuances, the roughness and grit of the guitar tones. And it is a pleasant listen. The vocals just like the track before are like butter on top of toast. Smooth and just go really well with the music. When the song breaks down to some riffing the synths even jump in for a bit of play. A refreshing break to a lot of the heavy metal and hard rock I have been listening too. Then it starts to get hella’ funky! The bass begins vibing the synths go off on one and the guitars are doing their thing. It comes all back together for one big bout driving towards the end. The vocals here are lower in key and add some nice weight to the song
Sacred Be Thy Throne come in at just around seven minutes so lets see if the length works. The band this time around have dialled things back to a mid/slower tempo pace. The band are all running together giving us some wonderful ideas before transition into a softer section where it is acoustic guitars, rolling snare patterns and calming vocal lines.Even little touches of synth in the background. A great way to bring balance to a song. Then a ripping riff cuts in helping to bring everything else back driving things forward. Things play out for a bit keeping the flow before dropping back down to our acoustic style section. However this time things pick up with some bold and heroic synths lighting up the mix in the background. Soon enough some majestic guitar harmonies shine light on the music and even the synths have a go. And as the sng progresses everything is gradually building in height and tone. The vocals that have played between calm and collected hit moments of energy and strength – especially when stacked.The passion just really holds this track up and high and does so until the very end. I am really digging this song and how the musical structure for not one minute feels boring. The acoustics and calm vocals bring Sacred Be Thy Throne to a close rounded everything off. What a brilliant song!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OoZ9nH5z24
4. Shine The Night has a very unusual intro. Just imagine you are floating through the darkness of space and matter flies past you. The sounds of synth notes cry from the silent dead void like alien calls. The pulsing bass notes drift in with a 16th note hi-hat beat and glossy guitar riffs. Little tweets of synths cry out all presenting a very spacey vibe. The verses are strong and muscular with driving rhythms and ballsy vocals. There is a couple of times where the verse and main glossy riffs repeat. But later on there are some developments where the things feel heightened and the synths beep noises like a spaceship computer. The whole track really does feel like a trip through space and time. And I really think that the atmosphere and synths are what what create this whole feeling.
5. Space, Rituals And Magick gets down to business with some heavy metal riffing and more spacey vibes with trickling synth melodies and bubbling sound effects in the background. The song has pace and does not mess around getting locked into the riffs all while the bass and drums provide a solid backbone. The vocals have been spot on throughout the whole album just making everything feel together and wholesome. There are some unusual vocal moments which do not feel human but more like a robot which are ace. lines brimming with character and charm. Layered beneath, the synth beds add width and depth, amplifying the atmosphere. The space‑like vibe shines especially bright here, evoking the sensation of flying through an asteroid field. The outro ties everything together seamlessly, rounding off the track as another excellent addition to the release.
We reach the end of this epic journey with the Witches Circle. Now this track comes in at just over eight minutes making it the longest track on the record. And unlike the rest of the album a large part of this track is stripped back. The intro is very merry and glistens bright but that acts as a brief flash before what follows next. Acoustic guitars and warm vocal lines gracefully come in as well as very light tip taps on hand drums. These just help to keep the flow moving forward. The title of Witches Circles is sung at intervals while synth piano notes gradually weave in to the song. And over time ]the music builds, the bass getting a little more interesting, the drums dropping in to a slow and mellow 4/4 beat. Semi acoustic guitar riffing comes in and the synth notes play out in the background. Everything feels so chilled yet retro and nostalgic yet I have travelled back in time. Little guitar melodies sing out delightfully with almost whispering vocal lines joining for a stint. But as we approach the last two minutes the dazzling vibes of the intro section returns and even some ideas like you would hear at American football game flash by. The song closes with a few repeats of the title ending a great and adventurous album!
Conclusion
Overall, this album delivers a cohesive and engaging journey that blends raw, organic instrumentation with rich, space-inspired atmosphere. Each track stands out in its own way, whether through energetic riffs, mid-tempo grooves, or expansive, emotional builds, but they are all tied together by expressive vocals, unpolished warmth, and imaginative synth work. The band moves effortlessly between heavy metal power and cosmic ambience, keeping the album dynamic and never dull. By the time the final track closes, it is clear this release is both adventurous and confidently crafted, offering a refreshing and memorable experience from start to finish.
TheNwothm Score: 10/10
Links
Bandcamp: https://mausoleumgatemetal.bandcamp.com/album/space-rituals-and-magick
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MausoleumGate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mausoleumgate/
Label: https://cruzdelsurmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBDbBoZAJL4
Read More Reviews
#cruzDelSur #cruzDelSurMusic #heavyMetal #mausoleumGate #newAlbum #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothm #ritualsAndMagick #space #spaceMetal #spaceRock #thenwothm #thenwothmCom
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Exclusive interview with Jimmy Lozano of Jet Jaguar
Mark Pruett
Formed in 2014 in the vibrant heart of Cancún, Jet Jaguar has quickly risen as one of Mexico’s most electrifying metal exports. In a country where heavy metal pulses through the veins of generations, their sound is both a tribute and a rallying cry. They are proof that the love of metal in Mexico is fierce, loyal, and deeply rooted. Also, the future is in the great hands of these underground heroes.
Their name carries weight. The jaguar, a sacred symbol in local mythology, represents power, protection, and the ability to walk between worlds. It’s a fitting emblem for a band that blends tradition with thunder. And yes, there’s a nod to the Japanese cult hero Jet Jaguar, who is a kaiju-fighting machine with a heart of gold and fists of steel. That fusion of myth and pop culture mirrors the band’s own blend of classic metal spirit and modern fire.
In this interview, we dive into their journey, their inspirations, and the roar behind the riffs. Jet Jaguar is a force to be reckoned with their new release Severance (out on October 24, 2025). Check out the lead single, “Mach 10”, which is speed metal, face melting, and riff blazing powerhouse of energy.
Full review of the album, Severance, is coming soon!
Photo Credit: Jet Jaguar
#heavyMetal #jetJaguar #jimmyLozano #newAlbum #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothm #thenwothm #thenwothmCom
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Interview: Midnight Sorcery (Mexico)
9 minutesThe Nwothm
Midnight Sorcery emerged from the shadows of Mexico City, conjuring epic heavy metal steeped in mysticism, prehispanic ritual, and fantasy lore. With cloaks, candles, and names like Sorcerer of the Black Sun, their debut demo Tales from the Dark channels both Tolkien-inspired myth and local spiritual depth. In this interview, TheNwothm explores the band’s origins, their arcane inspirations, and the spellbinding path ahead.
Interview
TheNwothm: Midnight Sorcery — the name alone conjures spells and shadows. Can you tell us where you’re from and how this mystic fellowship came together?
Midnight Sorcery: We believe in obscurity, in the arcane and in the epic where darkness and light are faced together in an eternal battle, we’re four sorcerers who share similar ideas to create something new, something mystic forged by steel and evil spells.
TheNwothm: What arcane ritual (or coffee-fuelled jam session) led to choosing the name Midnight Sorcery? Was there a long list of other magical monikers?
Midnight Sorcery: Everything was revealed in front of our eyes one night when we gathered, at the time we were only three members, and had a conversation about having a band with an obscure and epic touch to their sound and when it came to thinking names for what we wanted and it came to be “Midnight Sorcery”. Which at the same time according to the lunar phases and astronomical events there was a blood moon happening at that time and made perfect sense to the moment adding a bit of mysticism to the name.
TheNwothm: Being based in the heart of Mexico City, a place pulsing with history, myth, and chaos, how has the city’s atmosphere seeped into your music?
Midnight Sorcery: Well, one of our band members (Sorcerer Of The Black Sun) is into Mexican prehispanic culture and he has the deepest interests in our Mexican history which is celebrating life, celebrating death, joining energies with nature through chants and dances.
This at the same time is also a way to connect with music through mind and soul where you channel yourself and let your mind and feelings take you to a place you’ve never been away from everything. During our rehearsals we can say that all four of us are connected in some way, that even the way our music was created flows naturally between us.
TheNwothm: Mexico has a rich legacy of both indigenous mysticism and heavy music. Do you draw inspiration from local legends or spiritual beliefs in your lyrics and themes?
Midnight Sorcery: Our member Sorcerer Of The Black Sun is more fond of this topic, although speaking about inspiration the short answer is YES! We have all sorts of ideas coming from different artists from different periods in Mexico and history and not only related to Heavy Metal music.
In this case one of the ideas we have for future songs are acoustic intros/outros similar to our ending of your Demo (Takes from The Dark), but in this case we would even like to use prehispanic instruments like a Huehuetl (A drum-like handheld percussion instrument).
At the same time this will add to the mysterious atmosphere we want to create to keep our listeners on the edge.
TheNwothm: Is there anything about the Mexican metal scene that you feel the rest of the world doesn’t quite understand yet?
Midnight Sorcery: Yes, it is quite different from elsewhere. Not because of economic possibilities but instead I believe that whoever has the will and determination to create music they will find a way to do it. Here in Mexico not only in the metal scene we see constant street musicians and people cherish them! Sometimes you never know when you’re having a bad day and the musician might cheer you up!
We believe this could be one of the problems and solutions to the metal scene in Mexico, in the same place you can find people who listen and play metal music for a hobby, some because it’s in their family, others because they enjoy it and others because it’s their escape to the real world…
A majority of the metal scene in Mexico speaks about how hard it is really to be a musician fighting against anything really, sometimes music is the only thing we have to face up and make your stand and at the same time it makes us strong. The Mexican metal scene is not just music, it is about resistance and being true to yourself.
TheNwothm: Growing up were there any bands or musicians growing up that you truly idolised — posters-on-the-wall level obsession?
Midnight Sorcery: Definitely! Our Heavy Metal heroes will always be Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Heavy Load, Manilla Road, Saint Vitus, Witchfinder General! Classic Heavy Metal to the vein that will live forever as long as our music goes to 11!
TheNwothm: “Tales from the Dark” is your debut! What was the very first spark that set the concept in motion?
Midnight Sorcery: The idea came from the songs that made it to the demo, it was originally going to have 4 songs but each of the three songs are different from each other, different style, different mood and different vocal techniques were involved. This was done in order to make this as a small compilation of the fantasy world we want to create.
TheNwothm: The title “Tales from the Dark” feels like opening a cursed storybook. Are these tales drawn from personal myth, fantasy, or a blend of both?
Midnight Sorcery: It’s a compound of both, we all admire J.R.R. Tolkien’s work and fables so we decided to add a little bit of our own to our music, based on this we created the songs on the Demo which tell the story of creatures inside Tolkien’s tales making it “Takes from The Dark”
TheNwothm: If you had to pick one of the three trucks which would be your favourite and why?
Midnight Sorcery: Without any doubt “Evil Sorcerers” is our favorite since it was the first song we as a band created and forged the musical path we took until these days.
TheNwothm: With names like “The Dark Steel Sorcerer” and “Sorcerer of the Black Sun,” it begs the question; if you had real magical powers, what spell would you cast first?
Midnight Sorcery: Hahahaha you can’t name Houdini as a magician without magic, right? Once I thought of having magical powers to twist time and space at my will and also teletransportation.
TheNwothm: Outside of music, what’s something totally unexpected each of you is passionate about? (Taxidermy? Competitive chess? Dragon breeding?)
Midnight Sorcery: Surprisingly Sorcerer Of The Black Sun is a Mexica Dancer(Aztec Dancer) who is in constant touch with mystic energies that make ancient Mexico sacred.
Along with this The Dark Steel Sorcerer, Sorcerer Of the Dark Throne and The Sorcerer Of The Black Forest have interests in the occult generalizing all types of magic it involves, this feeding the band’s interest in topics about the occult, sorcery, alchemy, all types of magic, wizardry, spells, atmosphere, visuals, etc… all comes into place.
TheNwothm: Will your live shows channel theatrical or magical elements to match your epic themes; cloaks, candles, incantations?
Midnight Sorcery: Yes! In fact we are already planning a debut show which will feature us dressed in black cloaks, candles like our promo photos, rituals, smoke, swords, the visual aspects are a MUST when speaking about Midnight Sorcery.
TheNwothm: What realms will Midnight Sorcery venture into next musically? Are there any whispers of a full-length album on the horizon?
Midnight Sorcery: At this time finishing the upcoming songs for the first full-length album and while we do this we are also planning our first gig to debut, these new songs are in the vein of the same style as the ones from the Demo.
While we’re at this, we’re joining forces with an Italian Record label for a Pro re-release of our “Tales From The Dark” Demo as our physical promo copies are long sold out.
TheNwothm: Are there any sacred or cursed lands you’re dying to tour first? Maybe a dream venue that screams “Midnight Sorcery must play here”?
Midnight Sorcery: Of course! Mexico City being our home town, our debut will be honored there although one of the places we would love to play would be Keep it True Festival in Lauda-Konigshofen, Germany along with Italy, Greece and USA were who best reacted to our demo and we would love to be at places like Up The Hammers Festival in Athens, Greece or even Hell’s Heroes in the USA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM6OLOaTRBM
TheNwothm: How can our readers buy your music and merch?
Midnight Sorcery: They would gladly be able to purchase our merch through our BandCamp website or by messaging is directly through social media or send us an email to [email protected]
TheNwothm: Where can fans follow you online?
Midnight Sorcery: We’re available on Facebook as Midnight Sorcery, on Instagram as @4sorcerersms, on BandCamp as Midnight Sorcery
TheNwothm: Anything else you would like to mention?
Midnight Sorcery: We would like to thank Thenwothm.com for this interview!
We would also like to thank Thenwothmfullalbums youtube channel for the opportunity for upcoming bands to show the world what they’re made of! Also this would not be possible thanks to all you Metal Merchants and Heavy Metal Maniacs that keep this alive!
It was a surprise to us how far our demo went to lands like Mexico, USA, Canada, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, England, Wales, Spain, Germany, Italy, Greece and Portugal, thanks again for the amazing response and to the people we me personally and gave our demo to them in their hands and special thanks to the people to gave the demo a listen on digital platforms.
On the other hand we want to thank Father Sorcerer and Mother Sorceress for motivating us and always having faith in us, as your children your legacy will always be carried on and we will forever remember you in our hearts with much love and happiness as you gave to us…
Special Thanks to: Ed On Fire Designs for the design for the inlay J-card of our demo, Open Sepulcre for drawing our demo cover artwork, Khert Nether for designing our logo
PS: Special Special thanks to Bri (Spectral City, A Ferro E Fuoco – Underground Metal Circle) and Demonolatry for supporting us and for our upcoming demo re-release… more to be announced soon…
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidnightSorcery
Bandcamp: https://midnightsorcery.bandcamp.com/album/tales-from-the-dark
#arcaneHeavyMetal #heavyMetal #mexicanHeavyMetal #midnightSorcery #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothmfullalbums #sorcererOfTheBlackSun #talesFromTheDark #thenwothm #thenwothmCom
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Have you heard One of Us? Check out their new single!
The Nwothm 1 minuteMexico’s darkened heavy metal force One Of Us continue their ascent with the release of “Espectro,” their latest single accompanied by an official video.
Recorded, mixed and mastered at Buried Sun Studio, with visuals directed by Alberto Torres Piñera, Espectro delivers a haunting journey through eternity and melancholy.
Band Statement “Between shadows and echoes from beyond, a sonic journey through eternity and melancholy. The band draws us into a realm where specters wander without redemption, prisoners of time and memory. A muffled cry amid heavy riffs and voices that echo like lamentations from the abyss. Death can be an eternal sentence.”
Espectro will feature on the upcoming EP, scheduled for release in 2026 through Metal Coffin Records.
The band previously released The Dark Descent (EP) in 2024, available now via their official Bandcamp page.
Line‑up
- Nuria – Vocals
- Rich – Guitar
- Antonio – Drums
- Ryder – Bass
Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneofus666
Bandcamp: https://666oneofus.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOcZkJXeoZI
#AlbertoTorresPiñera #DarkenedHeavyMetal #HeavyMetal #MetalCoffinRecord #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #OneOfUs #thenwothm
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Review: Hounds “Rise of the Immortals”
Release date: 21st November 2025
Label: Iron Shield Records
6 minutesThe Nwothm
Review
The sound of galloping horses and chains awakens Knightmare Fight before shouts of Knightmare warms us up. The song takes full charge with a sound that all feels so heroic. Big synths act as bed for vocals that have a lot of power and throat. Like a stampede the music comes at you with pace and energetic riffs like your going into battle. If your the type of person that likes to wield plastic swords and axes at shows this is the son that is going to give you that opportunity.
Warrior is next up and at seven minutes in length lets see what unfolds. It cracks open with a ripping riff before an explosive solo erupts. This midtempo banger uses a mix of quick picking nad fiery rhythms to carry the song. But what I love is that there is a lot of changes in structure. There are exciting choruses which use cymbal hits, snare rolls and shouts of Warrior to get fans singing along. And just like the first track there are synth beds to add to that epicness creating width and scale. If your a fan of mighty solos and lead licks there is a plenty. From soaring solos that go to the skies to more chilled and smooth licks that cry out your ears will be serenaded! However there are some sections of the song I particularly love and that is when the vocals take a more heartfelt and deep delivery over rung out chords delivering a sense of wonderful height and expression! Excellent!
A.O.R. (All Out Running) opens with classic pulsating synths and squealing laser like guitar notes. Chords come roaring in with the bass and rolling drums before getting into the thick of things. A little lead section cracks its whip before the 4/4 driving rhythm pushes the song forward. The chugging that is locked with the drums literally has me gently banging my head while I am sat here writing this review. But once again the chorus does it for me making me throw my fist in the air shouting the song title with passion. And just like songs before there are some gentle pads in the background adding some thickness to the song. There is even more great lead work that will have you air guitaring at different moments. And even an interesting repeating note sequence on a synth before eventually returning with another huge sounding chorus. And when i say huge they literally go all out!
Lohengrin drops down to a more mellow and heartfelt direction. Slow drumming and bass lines are present with an atmosphere that carries delicate piano notes and semi acoustic guitars through the mist. Chords come in adding some weight before a lead guitar comes in weeping and letting out all its deepest emotions. And it is all magnificent. There are some bitter sweet feelings radiating from the instrumentation with regards to the choice of chords and notes. While there is a lot of brightness there are also moments which feel sad. This is an instrumental that gradually evolves, especially in the lead work which gets more intricate and sparks more flair. The fade out is very gradual which is a fitting end to the sing.
Rise Of The Immortals opens with a lonesome piano and intermittent stabs of rung out chords and cymbal hits. Gradually the piano picks up before a lead solo joins. It soon roars with everything thundering in. But all the while the piano continues at moments having more presence then others. Funnily enough the background melody reminds me of the James Bond theme. One thing that is album has not fallen short on is vocals that delivered fantastic performances. You can really feel the passion and heart with every line sung. A little solo comes makes an appearance before we move back to another verse. The music builds up adding some more complex drum patterns and then as we approach the half way mark there are some guitar screeches and shouts to break things up. Yet soon enough, we land on a small yet feisty guitar solo. The song powers on revisiting another verse and more guitar screeches and vocal shouts. When we land around the six minute mark everything drops down to more piano taking all the intensity away so we can breathe for a moment. The 4/4 drum patterns come back in along with the bass guitar and vocals soon enough going all out for the last moments of the song, especially with a hug ripping solo!
More piano welcomes us with the start of Still Believe. However this time there are some excellent guitar melodies to begin with. And rather then opting for huge instrumental passage the vocals come pretty much straight in over a gliding acoustic section where drums and bass gracefully carry the guitars. The music erupts for moments with powerful guitar chords and passionate vocal lines to add some height and intensity. The almost mid song sparking solo breaks things up helping it to transition back to the flowing sounds of acoustic guitars and vocals. I always welcome songs that bring balance to an album rather then being all full guns blazing. The song continues to bounce between softer moments and ones with more oomph. Later in the song there is a small stint where the solo takes control on top of quick picking rhythms. It almost feels like an erruption of guitar notes. Excellent!
Fatal Destroyer is the closing song on the record and we return to that uptempo energy. This just like some of the earlier tracks has the momentum and charge you could want. Electrifying lead moments and the return of synths even gaining some of the spotlight. The vocals are full of heart and emotion, really going for it and putting on commanding performance. But mid way through it drops down to more acoustic guitars with sailing strings in the background to give the sense of drifting. The song transforms into a slightly hypnotic atmosphere, mellow and chilled with a bit of play in the guitar work. A very expected ending that helps the listeners ears to calm down after a huge adventure of an album.
Conclusion
This album closes with a strong sense of completeness, weaving together its heavier moments and softer passages into a journey that feels both expansive and carefully balanced. The interplay of synths, guitars, and vocals consistently delivers scale and emotion, while the shifts in pace and atmosphere keep the listener engaged from start to finish. By the time the final track fades, the record has offered not just energy and spectacle but also depth and reflection, leaving a lasting impression as a well‑crafted and rewarding listen.
TheNwothm Score: 8.5/10
Links
Bandcamp: https://houndsmetal.bandcamp.com/album/rise-of-the-immortals
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houndsmetalband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houndsmetal
Label: https://ironshieldrecords.de/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNOaqNRa3Pk
Read More Reviews
#HeavyMetal #Hounds #HoundsMetal #ironShieldRecords #NewAlbum #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #thenwothmCom
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Thank you!
Wow! We have just had a large donation from Scott Malthouse for our Gofundme campaign. Thank you so, so much for your generous donation. Your kindness will help us to keep doing what we do and that is deliver the metal. Thank you from the team!
We are 100% a non profit independent music site dedicated to the world of nwothm. And our focus has always been the music celebrating bands from all over the world no matter how big or small. We don’t focus on gossip and negativity, just celebration of the music and providing a platform for bands to be heard.
Any funds we raise through donations etc go straight back into the site, helping with running costs and keeping the site online. We also have the aim at producing some promo materials so we can further promote the site and reach more audiences!
Thank you not only to the generous people who have donated to the site, but also to everyone who reads our work and shares it with others. Your support means the world to us. You are all incredible, and we truly appreciate each and every one of you.
If you would like to donate to our campaign you can do so here https://www.gofundme.com/f/fuel-thenwothmcom-support-independent-metal-media
Our supporters
Genaro Garza I Chris Willis I Jan Altmann I Diogo Carrijo Arruda I Bernhard Henning I Michele Turco I Venelina Panova I Holger Betz I Jorge Espirito I Mgnee I Chris Willis I Road Warrior I Jan Altmann
Our GoFundMe campaign(s) supporters
Thanks to our current donors!
Trevor Church (Haunt) I Tony Griggs I Ted Jedlicki I Marc Andre Kriegl Dennis Eikenkötter (Schwermetallisch Reviews) I Gage Tolin I Chris Willis I Hristos Tzolis I Danica Minor I Kramer Ronald I Tyler Healt I Trent Wilson I Cello Nonna I Bampilis Panagiotis I Melissa Nee I Scott Malthouse
#campaign #donation #Gofund #Gofundme #HeavyMetal #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #supportOurWork #supporters #thenwothm #thenwothmCom
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Fundraising campaign update
Hey everyone, so today I wanted to provide an update to our GoFundMe campaign! We’re currently 21 percent of the way towards our initial fundraising goal. The campaign has seen a lot of clicks and interest, but progress has been slower than expected. If you’ve already donated or shared the link, thank you. Your support helps keep the site running and focused on the music.
TheNwothm is an 100% independent non-profit project run entirely by volunteers from around the world. Since launching in 2023, we’ve covered hundreds of bands through news, reviews and interviews. Our aim is to give artists a platform and keep traditional heavy metal alive.
This fundraiser helps cover core site costs for the year ahead. If we reach our target, we’ll also be able to produce flyers and stickers to grow the community offline. You can view the campaign by clicking the banner or scanning the QR code here:
We’re proud of what we’ve built so far, including the successful branding campaign that gave the site its own identity. If you believe in what we’re doing and want to help us move forward, any contribution makes a real difference.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far:
Current fundraiser: Melissa Nee I Bampilis Panagiotis
Website supporters: Genaro Garza | Chris Willis | Jan Altmann | Diogo Carrijo Arruda | Bernhard Henning | Michele Turco | Venelina Panova | Holger Betz | Jorge Espirito | Mgnee | Road Warrior
Previous GoFundMe campaign: Trevor Church (Haunt) | Tony Griggs | Ted Jedlicki | Marc Andre Kriegl | Dennis Eikenkötter (Schwermetallisch Reviews) | Gage Tolin | Hristos Tzolis | Danica Minor | Kramer Ronald | Tyler Healt | Trent Wilson | Cello Nonna
Thanks for helping us keep true metal alive and independent. – Rob and TheNwothm team
#fundraising #goFundMe #HeavyMetal #keepMetalAlive #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nonProfit #NWOTHM #supportThenwothm #supportingMusic #thenwothm #unsignedBands
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Review: Darklon “Mind Reaper”
Release date: November 28th 2025
Label: No Remorse Records
7 minutesThe Nwothm
Emerging from Athens in 2017, Darklon made their mark with the debut “Rise from Death” in 2019. Their second album, The “Redeemer,’ dropped in 2023 via No Remorse Records, featuring the commanding vocals of Nikos Migus A. (Omen). That release earned widespread acclaim for channeling the raw intensity and grit of classic American heavy metal echoing the spirit of early Savatage, Omen, and Jag Panzer.
With Nikos stepping away due to scheduling demands, the vocal mantle now passes to Bill Chrepas (Wildfire), ushering in a new chapter steeped in the influence of US metal icons like Vicious Rumors, Oliver Magnum, and Metal Church. “Mind Reaper” builds on Darklon’s signature ferocity, delivering razor-sharp riffs, thunderous rhythms, and an unrelenting live energy that’s primed for the stage.
The album was produced, mixed, and mastered by Stathis Pavlantis, with striking cover artwork by Michael Syrigos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuXAP8bsBFA&list=RDBuXAP8bsBFA&start_radio=1
Review
In The Abyss kicks starts off as if someone lit the fuse on a firework. The opening riff feels like a snarling hungry dog. The track is nice and fast and powers forward with plenty of rumbling double kick and heat in the bass and guitar work. The main riff sticks around for quite a large part of the sing so it would have been cool to it develop a bit. The solo is short and sweet and left me wanting more. From there are some harmonies where even the bass joins in. But while everything is going on in the song, the vocals are really in control leading the fire force!
Mind Reaper rips things open with its teeth. The song continues with double kick, the brutish rhythms and commanding vocal ideas. Everything feels very solid and focused, leaning on strength rather then flashy ideas. Just like In The Abyss the song uses the main riff to drive the song forward. However I do like the rumbling tom-tom section with a big ol’ metal scream to change things up! This is not long before it gets to an absolute smashing and stomping section where solo wakes up followed by more instrumental delight. I am certainly digging the vocal ideas on this song so great stuff!
Soul Stealers feels like your bones being rattled to begin with before the song transitions into a stripped back section of squeaky guitar riffs and vocals. Soon enough the music progresses into the verses, once again feeling focused and in control. Notably everything feels quite safe and straightforward and in all honesty there is not much exciting me about this song. There are some excellent moments of tumbling drums and riff flurries, not to mention a killer little solo section where you can feel the passion and love for for the music. But beyond that I would just say it is mostly simple, no thrills song.
Get ready to pump your fists and maybe get those necks moving with Powercast. It starts off nice and slow to warm you up before throwing you into a storming double kick frenzy and shouts of Powercast. This feels like one of those tracks on the album that is going to get people moving and joining in on the lyrics. If anything, a true strength of Darklon is their rhythm guitar work and this is clearly evident here. I wouldn’t want to get in its way that is for. If you want speed, fury and something to just go nuts too i think this track is going to that call!
Credit: Christina AlossiThe Mad Messiah opens with some spooky organs and a historic spoken passage, something which I dint expect. Soon enough we are plunged into some hard hitting and raging rhythm work. The kind of stuff which is textured and layered on thick. Like all songs before this tears through everything In its path but there is more play between tempos. Especially taking it down for the the chorus sections which opts for more of a walking pace style direction. There are some great little licks woven into the music and the solo section certainly fills fitting throwing a bit of spice into the mix! Personally the vocals performance is something that stands strong and gels with the music very well!
Shockwave breaks out with some squealing guitar notes before the hurricane hits! This will literally sweep you of your feet and the sheer force and speed of quick picking guitars, bouncing bass lines and thunderous drumming. There is a lot of power and determination just running through the veins of everything that is going on here. The vocals are commanding and the little harmonies that highlight certain lyrics are really a nice touch. I certainly think this is one of the stronger tracks on the album when it comes to structure and approach. Interestingly enough the song stops briefly before we are catapulted towards a big section where we come face to face with the solo and more musical madness. The song goes for another big chorus section before taking the album out.
Hell’s Heroes takes a different approach to start things off. We get a small drum section which feels like a solo before moving into some great paradiddles on the snare. All of this ends very quickly when the rest of the music comes crashing in. It feels like a blast to your ear canals. And one thing for sure is that Darklon do not slow done on Hell’s heroes continue the frantic speed and adrenaline. I feel like by this point, I can safely say that the second half of the album definitely shows a band opening up their creativity. The vocals ideas are excellent and I especially like the trailing ghost vocals which add a touch of darkness to the song. The solo section I would say feels well written and thought out matching the pacing and rhythms. Overall another strong track where the music and the vocals step things up to really wake up the room.
And so we reach Psyched Out which is the last track on the album. Guitar harmonies start things off which feel uplifting and bright but that soon takes a turn when the menacing tone of the rhythm work comes in. And holy cow, the riffs here are absolutely sinister and dark. I just felt a shroud pulled over my head and the clouds closed up. Like the devil arose from the underworld. Darklon take the pacing right down to walking kick drums and flowing rhythm ideas for the choruses before returning to the evilness and horror. You know how they usually they save the best for last. Well I certainly think that is the case here. There is an explosion of high pitched cries and rumbling musical Ideas before transition into another meaty yet fearless chorus section and outro section! Brilliant stuff.
Conclusion
Darklon’s album delivers a relentless barrage of rhythm-driven heavy metal, anchored by muscular riffing, commanding vocals, and a clear sense of purpose. While some tracks lean on repetition and straightforward structures, others like “Shockwave,” “Hell’s Heroes,” and “Psyched Out” showcase a band willing to stretch their ideas and embrace darker textures. The rhythm guitar work is consistently solid, and the vocal performances bring cohesion and fire throughout. It’s a record built for movement and volume, with enough variation in pacing and tone to keep things engaging right to the end.
TheNwothm Score: 7.5/10
Links
Bandcamp: https://darklon.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarklonMetal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darklon_band/
Label: No Remorse Records
Read More Reviews
#darklon #darklonBand #HeavyMetal #MindReaper #NewAlbum #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #noRemorseRecords #Review #thenwothm #thenwothmCom
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What does Nwothm mean to you?
We’re working on a permanent feature for the website, and one section will ask fans a simple but important question:
What does nwothm mean to you?
(How do you interpret the term? How does it make you feel? How do you think it all began?)
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share your comments below, through social media or email [email protected] and include your country. Your words could even become part of the feature itself!
The feature is planned to go live in the new year, so keep an eye out.
Submit a form.Contact email submitted remains strictly confidential and will not be shared with 3rd parties. By submitting your information (name, country, comment and photo) you are giving us permission to use them on the site as part of a permanent feature.
#HeavyMetal #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #WhatDoesNwothmMeanToYou_
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Live roundup #37
The NwothmWe are back with another live roundup showing you some of the best gigs and festivals coming up in the near future! Buying in advance both supports bands and festivals helping to make sure shows go ahead! So what are you waiting for, go and grabs some tickets!
What your gig featured?
If you would like to have your gig featured here please drop us a message on our socials or email [email protected]!
#1 Blast From The Past
More info: https://www.facebook.com/bftpfestival
#2 Cherekee
More info: https://www.instagram.com/cherokee_hardrock/
#3 Metal Invaders
More info: https://www.instagram.com/metalinvadersperu/
#4 Portrait
More info: https://www.facebook.com/portraitsweden
#5 Heavy Agger
More info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057666780412
#6 Triumpher with Scavenger
More info:https://www.instagram.com/scavengerofficialband/
#7 Blizzard Hunter
More info: https://www.facebook.com/BlizzardHunter
#8 Cobra Spell
More info: https://www.facebook.com/cobraspell
#9 Nightbound at K-23 ATTACK
More info: https://www.facebook.com/NightboundOfficial
#10 Arena Headbangers 2026
More info: https://www.facebook.com/creaturesheavymetal
#1 #10 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #adx #arenaHeadbanger2026 #blastFromThePast #BlizzardHunter #Cherokee #CobraSpell #creatures #HeavyAgger #HeavyMetal #k23Attack #liveRoundup #MedievalSteel #metalInvaders #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #Nightbound #NWOTHM #portrait #scavenger #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #thorium #Toxikull
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Support the scene: Bitter Price (Germany)
The heavy metal fires burn hot in Germany and one band from the inferno delivering smoking music is Bitter Force. Right now over on their bandcamp page they have some exclusive merch including the TOT tshirt and logo patch available! So if your a fan old or new head on over and grab some gear!
Remember buying physical merch always goes so much further. It puts more money in bands pockets, helping them to do what they do best and that is deliver the metal! So if you love the bands music and can do so, grab some merch and help keep the metal flame burning!
Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bitterprice
Bandcamp: https://bitterprice.bandcamp.com/album/the-orwohaus-tapes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitterprice.band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zZSg6qYCEc
Read More Support The Scene Posts
#bandMerch #bandPatch #bandTshirt #BitterPrice #buyBandMerch #GermanHeavyMetal #HeavyMetal #NewAlbum #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #SupportTheScene #TheOrwohausTapes #thenwothm
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Review: Ninth Circle – “Anthem of the Immortal”
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Mark Pruett
Los Angeles, California: a realm where riffs are born in fire and legends are carved into stone. Beneath the neon glow of Hollywood’s hallowed venues, the ground trembles with the echoes of battle cries and amplifier roars. This city pulses with rock and it bleeds molten metal from every cracked sidewalk and backstage corridor. Etched into the obsidian throne of its sonic pantheon stands Ninth Circle, a name forged in steel and scorched into the annals of heavy metal history.
Their self-titled debut, unleashed in 2000, was a war horn blown from the battlements. With melodic sorcery, NWOTHM steel, and the galloping charge of epic power metal, Ninth Circle summoned legions to their banner. Each release since then, The Power of One (2008), Legions of the Brave (2014), and Echo Black (2020), has been a sharpened blade in their arsenal, a testament to their evolving might and unwavering allegiance to the craft.
Then came mid-2025. The sky split. The ground cracked. And from the storm emerged Anthem of the Immortal, a thunderous gauntlet hurled from the heavens. Dennis Brown, wielder of voice, guitar, and keys, channels celestial fury with every note, crafting tales that echo through castle halls and battlefield ruins. Frank Forray swings his bass like a warhammer forged in the depths of Mount Doom, each strike sending shockwaves through the realm. Behind the throne sits Richie “Captain Black” Brooks, commanding a drum kit that rumbles like siege engines at the gates of a doomed kingdom.
Together, they ride into the fray, cloaked in sound and fury, bearing the banner of true metal. Ninth Circle continues to conquer 25 years into their storied career. Their saga continues to unfold like a prophecy written in lightning.
Review
Anthem of the Immortal unsheathes its blade with “I, The Radical,” and is a thunderous declaration of intent. The opening riff stands alone like a lone sentinel atop a storm-lashed tower, casting a shadow over the battlefield below. Then, the full band erupts into view like warhorses cresting the hill, galloping into the fray with righteous fury.
This is a saga where a warrior rises from the ashes of chaos, not to whisper peace but to roar truth and vengeance. The rhythm gallops like a cavalry charge, the melodies soar like banners caught in the wind, and the tale unfolds with cinematic grandeur. At its peak, a solo blazes forth like lightning striking the crown of a tyrant, splitting the sky with divine precision. The final flourish lands like a sword plunged into stone, triumphant and unyielding. The opener kicks down the gates and plants a flag in the soil. Ninth Circle has arrived, and the war drums have begun to thunder.
“Archangel” descends like a flaming sword hurled from the heavens, striking the earth with divine velocity. No preamble, no mercy… just a stormfront of sound that tears through the silence like a battalion of winged crusaders. The riff arrives wrapped in lightning and thunder, a sonic tempest that surges forward with righteous fury.
This is the arrival of a protector forged in the fires of ultimate good, cloaked in radiant armor and wielding riffs like holy relics. Ninth Circle stands tall as a trinity of power (Brown, Forray, and Brooks) each a pillar of the cathedral, each summoning their might in perfect synchronicity. The rhythm gallops with divine intent, the melodies shimmer like stained glass shattered by war cries.
Then comes the solo. It climbs skyward like a phoenix ascending through storm clouds, trailing fire and glory. The track closes not with silence, but with triumph, as fists rise and evil falls. It’s a battle hymn for the faithful, a call to arms for those who still believe in the power of metal to save souls and scorch demons.
“Devil of Manchester” opens with a riff so fierce it feels like a cursed blade being unsheathed in a moonlit alley. It demands a rewind, a second reckoning, and even a third listen as you descend into the shadows. Evil is afoot, and the warning tolls like a cathedral bell cracked by lightning.
The song races through rain-slicked streets, chased by maniacal laughter and the scent of brimstone. This is the soundtrack of a hunt through fog and fear, where the devil walks in human skin and the city itself seems possessed. The breakdown arrives like a whisper from the abyss, chilling the spine and freezing the breath before the solo erupts like a banshee scream, slicing through the gloom with unholy precision.
As the track barrels forward, the hairs on your neck rise like sentinels. You glance over your shoulder. You see nothing. But you feel everything. Ninth Circle has conjured a sonic specter, a metal incantation that stalks the listener long after the final note fades.
“First Strike” charges from the gates like a warhorse clad in obsidian armor, blade drawn and eyes locked on the enemy. It doesn’t hesitate. It doesn’t ask questions. It lands the first blow with a groove so mighty it feels like a sacred rite. This is an invocation of rhythm and resolve.
This is a warrior’s anthem, forged for those who rise not for glory, but for justice. Ninth Circle channels the spirit of the battlefield, rallying behind the call to defend the weak and the voiceless. The riffwork is a battering ram, relentless and righteous, while the rhythm section marches like an army of the just.
Then the solo ascends, gleaming like a blade catching sunlight on the eve of war, slicing through the clouds before returning to the groove with the precision of a seasoned general. It’s one of the album’s crowning moments, a sonic standard raised high above the chaos. When this one hits the stage, fists will rise, voices will roar, and the faithful will answer the call.
I noticed that Ninth Circle had chosen to cover the Chicago hit “25 or 6 to 4” and was not quite sure what to think. Their take on it storms in like a brass-clad juggernaut, transforming the classic tune into a full-throttle metal tribute. Horns become thunder, riffs blaze like wildfire, and the vocals ride the lightning. It’s bold, it’s ferocious, and somehow, miraculously, it still honors the soul of the original. A salute to the forefathers, delivered with steel and reverence.
Getting back to the metal attack, “Don’t Back Down” charges into the fray with zero hesitation, and is a battle anthem forged for the fearless. Ninth Circle taps into the sacred vein of power metal, delivering a track that pulses with valor and grit. The riffs strike like warhammers, the rhythm marches with purpose, and the message is clear: stand tall, even when the shadows close in.
For every warrior who tightens their armor and stares down the storm, this song is a shield of sound. It inspires and it fortifies. Strength. Honor. No retreat. TO BATTLE!
“Never Die” opens with a riff carved from obsidian, thick and jagged like the edge of a battle-worn axe. It sets the stage like storm clouds gathering over a distant mountain keep, promising trials and triumphs to come. The mid-tempo groove simmers beneath the surface, a slow-burning forge where steel is tempered and heroes are made.
This is a tale of endurance, of a lone warrior tested by flame and fury. Each verse is a footstep deeper into the gauntlet, each chorus a clash of blades against doubt. The rhythm pulses like a heartbeat beneath armor, steady and defiant. Then the solo arrives, and it soars above the thunder like an eagle crowned in divine light. Among the album’s many peaks, this one stands tall as a monument to perseverance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhQ0hs5xSlk
Up next is “Futuresonic”, and it blasts out of the gate like a chrome-plated locomotive tearing through time, with sparks flying from the rails as it barrels toward a horizon lit by neon fire. The tempo is relentless, a pulse-pounding sprint that never loses its footing in the groove. Ninth Circle rides this beast with precision where lyrics are spit like shrapnel, and the bass rumbles like an engine pushed to its limits, holding the whole machine together with sheer force of will.
This is a track built for the stage, a closer forged to leave scorched earth behind. It’s the sound of a band at full throttle, riding the rails of rhythm into the night. When this one hits the crowd, they’ll erupt, fists raised, hearts racing, carried out on a high that echoes long after the final note fades.
Getting fast and dirty, “Stand and Fight” draws a line in the sand and dares the enemy to cross it. Hard charging like legions clashing on the open plain, this track leaves no room for retreat and only offers the roar of defiance. Dennis Brown delivers each lyric like a battle cry; his voice laced with fire and conviction. Behind him, the unshakable back line holds the fort, pounding out a rhythm that feels like war drums echoing through canyon walls.
A brief but fierce solo pierces the night like a bolt hurled from a warlock’s tower: sharp, sudden, and unforgettable. This is yet another anthemic gem, forged for raised fists and shouted choruses. When the dust settles, “Stand and Fight” remains as a rallying cry etched in steel.
Temptation pulses throughout “Pleasures of the Heart”. The forbidden allure is a slow-burning seduction that threatens to consume the soul. It conjures a tale as old as time: desire versus destiny, temptation versus truth. The groove smolders like embers beneath velvet shadows, while the lyrics whisper of pleasures too sweet to resist. It’s a dangerous dance, wrapped in fire and longing. Will you hold the line, or taste the fruit and risk it all? The choice is yours. Just remember, the price is eternal.
With an epic and majestic tone, “The Road Paved with Souls” opens like ancient gates creaking wide, revealing a vast and solemn expanse. Brooding and contemplative, it carries the weight of countless lives etched into stone and shadow. The groove is steady, the tone somber, yet it never falters. This is a power metal magnum opus with purpose. As the song unfolds, it evokes the endless march of time, where each soul is a step on a road without end. Past, present, and future blur, and through the thunder of this track, fate itself begins to unravel.
“Move the Mountain” is a classic metal juggernaut that hits every mark with precision and power. A driving riff leads the charge, backed by ground-shaking bass and teeth-rattling drums that feel like tectonic plates shifting beneath your feet. This one delivers yet another anthem to strength, fortitude, and the unyielding will to fight for what’s right. It’s the sound of defiance carved into stone. The command is unyielding, immovable, eternal.
“Burn Like the Sun” ignites with a flash and never looks back. It’s a fast, fiery groove that lifts the fallen and rallies the weary. It blazes with purpose, a final surge of light at the end of the journey. Like an angel clad in golden armor, wings gleaming with eternal fire, the track soars with radiant energy. Ninth Circle closes the album not with a whisper, but with a triumphant blaze that leaves the sky scorched and spirits renewed. TO VICTORY!
Conclusion
Anthem of the Immortal by Ninth Circle is a 13-track odyssey of legendary proportions. The through-line is clear: this is a relentless, uplifting message that rallies the spirit and calls the listener to arms for the greater good. Tracks like “Stand and Fight” and “Burn Like the Sun” blaze with courage, while even darker cuts like “Pleasures of the Heart” leave room for redemption, reminding us that Good always has more than a fighting chance.
It’s obvious that Ninth Circle has drawn inspiration from the titans of metal, but they’ve forged their own arsenal from the raw material. These songs aren’t replicas. They’re weapons of original design, cast in fire and wielded with conviction. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just pure, authentic metal from the heart.
Constructively, there’s room to fortify the mix. The songs are dynamic and powerful, but the low end could use more weight. Frank Forray’s bass lines bounce with energy, yet they often get buried beneath the guitar’s dominance. Richie Brooks brings thunder behind the kit, and while the snares cut through, the kick drums deserve to roar louder. A thicker foundation would elevate the entire sonic fortress.
Still, this is a minor note in the grand scheme. The mix isn’t broken, it’s just a battlefield that could use a few more reinforcements.
Twenty-five years into their crusade, Ninth Circle has delivered a diamond forged under pressure and time. There’s wisdom in its soul, fire in its heart, and metal in its veins. These legends have endured and ascended. They are living proof that Los Angeles is the true home of all things metal.
This record kicks major metal ass! Keep the fires burning!
TheNWOTHM Score: 9/10
Links
Band: https://www.ninthcircle.us/
Bandcamp: https://fighter-records.bandcamp.com/album/anthem-of-the-immortal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninth_circle_official_/?hl=en
#AnthemOfTheImmortal #HeavyMetal #NewAlbum #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NinthCircle #NWOTHM #thenwothm #thenwothmCom
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SPEEDTRAP Vol. II Fundraiser Show - Motorwolf / Postluven / Ravenspell @ Thrashcan - December 6th, 2025
Thrash Can, Saturday, December 6 at 09:00 PM EST
Viridian Cult Productions presents:
SPEEDTRAP Vol. II FUNDRAISER SHOW
You had a blast at the first SPEEDTRAP? Want to prepare yourself for the impending cavalcade of ripping metal madness next April? Well this is the event for you! Head down to the Thrashcan on the night of Saturday, December 6th, for this one-two-three punch of shredtastic mania!
Newcomer heavy metal warriors Ravenspell from Quebec City will open the night, following by thrashers Postluven, hot off the release of their brand new record, 'Blasphemy of Blood', capped off by everyone's favourite speed freax in Motorwolf!
Don't miss it!
Motorwolf:
https://motorwolf.bandcamp.com/album/possessedPostluven:
https://postluven.bandcamp.com/album/blasphemy-of-bloodRavenspell:
https://ravenspell.bandcamp.com/track/warriors-9-to-5Poster by Jose-Gabriel Bazan Gauthier.
Saturday, December 6th, 2025
@ Thrashcan (Ask a punk!)
Doors 9:00 PM
Show 9:30 PM
$15 / PWYC -
Band of the day: Arkham Witch (UK)
The Nwothmhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdYpWEWrBV8
Band: Arkham Witch
Country: UK
Label: Independent
Members: Leafy Greens – Vocals Sly Tinnie – Guitars Kanye Diggit – Guitars Helen Heaven – Bass Tanya Hide – Drums
Album: Master Eternal
Track Info:
1. Three Bladed Doom 00:00 2. High Magic! 03:45 3. Master Eternal 07:59 4. Evil Spells 14:02 5. Savage Sword 19:02 6. Death by Heavy Metal 25:04Arkham Witch is a heavy/doom metal band from Keighley, West Yorkshire, England, active since 2008. Their sound fuses Lovecraftian horror, sword-and-sorcery epics, and occult weirdness into riff-heavy anthems. Releases include Legions of the Deep (2012), I Am Providence (2015), and Swords Against Death (2022), alongside a prolific run of demos, EPs, and compilations. They’ve also contributed exclusive tracks to genre-spanning metal samplers. Logo by Jowita Kamińska-Peruzzi.
Links
Bandcamp: https://arkhamwitch.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArkhamWitch
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/arkham_witch
#arkhamWitch #arkhamWitchUK #BandOfTheDay #BritishHeavyMetal #HeavyMetal #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #thenwothm
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Interview: Girder (UK)
18 minutesThe Nwothm
Forged in the seaside grit of Bournemouth and tempered by Brazilian fire, Girder are dragging true heavy metal back to the frontline. With their self-titled debut roaring loud and proud, the quartet channel chaos, camaraderie, and classic NWOBHM spirit into pure sonic steel. We caught up with them to talk origins, mayhem, and keeping metal true.
Interview
heNwothm: For those just discovering you, who or what is Girder—and what should they expect when they hit play?
Metal Matt: We’re a family of old school heavy metal maniacs; half English and half Brazillian! Our band is made up of 4 unique characters; Metal Dress on lead vocals, (myself) Metal Matt bass and vocals, Iron Paul on guitar and vocals and Hordak II on drums. If people like 80’s heavy metal, then they will love us!
Hordak II: When someone hit play they’ll listen to a range of heavy music, from hard rock to thrash metal, eventually melodic, but mostly old school metal. Just don’t expect anything close to nu metal. If they want modern metal, don’t listen to us.
TheNwothm: How did Girder form and what stories can you share from your early days?
Hordak II: Since when me and Metal Dress first met with Metal Matt at one of our gigs we started bumping into each other at other gigs and concerts very often, what showed is that we all had similar tastes in music. As soon as we joined ourselves to make music together we felt a really powerful connection that worked really well as a band.
Metal Matt: We formed the band three years ago, after my previous progressive rock band Crimson Creatures ended. I sang lead vocals and played bass in that band.
I met the Brazilian couple (now my best friends) Hordak II and Metal Dress a year or so before whilst watching their gothic, funeral project Morbus Fatalis. Like Hordak said, we bonded over our mutual love for heavy metal, and Metal Dress urged me to form a band with them on multiple occasions, but I declined since I was busy in two bands.The moment Crimson Creatures ended, I instantly phoned Hordak II to immediately form a heavy metal band whilst they were moving house!
We had a big meeting as Hordak II, Metal Dress and Metal Matt. We started writing ideas for our clothes, style and lyrics. We all agreed that we will never play Nu-Metal- and we would play Old/True heavy metal! I started writing the lyrics for Killers of the Night and 6:30 late at night round Metal Dress’ house, and in the morning, a boy got murdered down the street. As if my pen was writing about what was happening there and then! We agreed that we wanted a fourth member to play guitar. I met Iron Paul in a pub a week or so later, and thus we had the Girder lineup after several pints!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytZ9mDWHUAA&list=RDytZ9mDWHUAA&start_radio=1
TheNwothm: Bournemouth isn’t the first place people associate with dragons, slugs, and metal mayhem. How has your hometown shaped your sound or attitude?
Hordak II: Girder was basically forged in Boscombe, Bournemouth, a place that has one of the highest crime rates in the UK. Me and Metal Dress come from a big town in South America with lots of violence and crime too. So these were the subject of our first songs. But our music is not only about mayhem and crimes, as we also make music about fun and boozing at the beach, as that’s a big thing in Bournemouth too.
Metal Matt: We are all fans (especially Metal Dress) of going to the beach and having parties and BBQ’s, so that sunny, positive attitude blends naturally into our music. Being into progressive rock as much as I am into metal, I love that our area of Dorset has had famous names in the music scene like Lee Kerslake, Robert Fripp, Greg Lake and John Wetton to name a few. Tolkien even lived down here!
TheNwothm: What’s the story behind the name “Girder”? Was it a eureka moment or a pub-fuelled accident?
Metal Matt: Knowing us, probably the latter. I remember Iron Paul and I talking about song ideas and band names down the pub several times. I’m sure Iron Paul brought up the name, as we were looking for something unmistakingly metal. A girder? Brilliant! I’ll buy another round…
Hordak II: We wanted a name that expressed what our music is, so Girder fit perfectly either to the music we make, as well as to what we listen to and love watching.
TheNwothm: Dorset’s got beaches, fossils, and now a heavy metal band singing about murder and parties. How does the local culture feed into your themes?
Hordak II: Local culture has always much to add to our music, as it is part of our everyday life in the streets. We have the police around all the time. Last year a body was found in pieces at Boscombe beach cliff. At our free time we enjoy boozing and having fun around, so thats all in our music.
Metal Matt: As the main songwriter in the band, I tend to get inspired by Iron Paul’s experiences then Hordak II and Metal Dress’ experiences in Brazil. Whenever I’m not recording and writing song ideas about fantasy dragons or slugs, I’m taking inspiration from local murders and Brazilian drug crime. Unfortunately, we have a lot of local murders and it inspired me to write our songs ‘Killers of the Night’, ‘6:30’ and ‘Rekindle the Flame’.
TheNwothm: Do you feel connected to the wider UK metal scene, or is Girder more of a rogue unit doing its own thing?
Metal Matt: Kind of both. Hordak and Metal Dress will feel connected to their music scene in Curitriba back in Brazil, and Iron Paul would feel more connected to the local grassroots music scene. I’m friends with several London, Somerset and Southampton bands like Toldeo Steel and Sanguis Mortem, so it does feel like we have that dual connection with Curitriba and the Southern UK metal scene.
Hordak II: As Metal Matt says, we feel connected to our local scene and have already started to get connected to a wider scene, but there is much more still to be achieved, considering we have just over two years as a band and we are still quite new to the UK wider scene.
TheNwothm: What’s your take on the current state of British heavy metal? Any scenes or bands you’re watching closely? Do you think Nwothm is still relatively underground in the UK?
Hordak II: British heavy metal scene has always been one of the most influential in the world and it will probably always be. As a South American I can tell the scene over there is quite big too, but we don’t hear about those bands over here, whilst the British bands are known worldwide. Nwothm is underground in the UK and everywhere, as mainstream music industry has no room for true metal music anymore. However, it will always be a strong underground movement with worldwide connections, as true metal culture is widely spread all around the globe.
Metal Matt: I’m friends with a lot of Southern UK metal bands and I go to a lot of local gigs, and it feels alive and strong. It will never go away at this point- especially in the underground. I’m only watching what my friend’s bands are doing like Seven Sisters, Tailgunner, Sanguis Mortem, Desolator or Toldeo Steel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5Y-kPqkSdU
TheNwothm: Let’s talk about the debut. “Girder” dropped in March 2025 so what was the first track you wrote for it, and did it set the tone for the rest?
Metal Matt: Girder, from the onset, was my chance to finally write metal music in a band, and the others wanted me to start writing songs quickly, so we had songs to practice.
At one point I was recording and pitching a new song idea every other week. I wrote and recorded demos for Headbanger’s Ball, Killers of the Night and 6:30 in a week and in that order. For the Girder demos, I play all the guitars, bass, programmed drums and vocal parts, as I prefer delivering finished song ideas that the band can twist and turn into our own, as opposed to just delivering a riff with no song structure or lyrics.
Hordak II: To my point of view we’ve got a few different styles in the album. Although all songs may be classified as “old school metal”, they vary on rhythms, speed and melody, so I would not say the first compositions set the tone for the others.
TheNwothm: “Headbanger’s Ball” kicks things off with a bang. Was that always meant to be the opener?
Hordak II: Yes! I’m glad you also felt it “kicks things off with a bang”! Good way to start an album!
Metal Matt: It was always meant to be the opener in my eyes, as it was the first song I wrote. We only properly started talking about the album sequence in recording. I convinced the others that the first three songs should be in the order we learnt and played them.
TheNwothm: “Killers of the Night” and “City Dealer” both sound like they could soundtrack a neon-lit brawl. Are there stories behind those tracks?
Metal Matt: A Girder brawl would be insane! Killers of the Night is about the local murders, rapes and stabbings in Bournemouth, and the message of looking out for each other and staying safe. Beware the killers of the night!
Hordak II: As Metal Matt says, Killers of the night was inspired by the sad reality of youngsters stabbing each other for stupid reasons, and at the same night we wrote it a 18 year old guy was stabbed to death less than a mile from us. By the way, there is a music video coming out soon for this one!
City dealer is about drug dealer gangs controlling communities at the outskirts of big towns in Brazil. Believe me, these gangsters can do more benefits for the local communities than than the government would ever do, and so they get the local residents to use fire weapons such as guns, rifles and machine guns to protect the drug business, including drug buyers and sellers, like an army that not even the police dare to tackle. Metal Dress has lived her childhood near one of these communities, where the sound of gun shots are a common thing to be heard daily.
TheNwothm: “Rekindle the Flame” stretches over five minutes. Was that your epic moment or a spontaneous jam that got out of hand?
Hordak II : It was indeed and epic moment.
Metal Matt: That’s my favourite song that I wrote for the album. I thought the others would hate the song when I presented the demo I had made, since this song is closer to my more progressive rock leaning solo music with some complex chords, funkier bits, genre-bending and a longer length that I thought would be a big ‘no-no’ in Girder land.
Fortunately, Iron Paul, Metal Dress and Hordak II loved this song! The concept I created, with the song telling the story of divorced couple reconciling and falling in love again by mutually murdering people and doing other horrible things, was very compelling. I wanted a song where Metal Dress and I sung as two different characters.
What I love about this first album of ours is that has proven that we can go in different directions with our songs: injecting more NWOBHM, glam, thrash, doom, prog, punk or death/black, and dare I say funk and jazz without angering the Hordak and Iron Paul!
Our second album is going to be pushing in multiple directions from shorter thrashier songs to radio hits to more experimental leaning arrangements.
TheNwothm: “Metal Changed, Not Me” feels like a statement. What inspired that track, and who were you aiming it at?
Metal Matt: Iron Paul, being the oldest and wisest member of Girder, once told us three how he fell out of touch with Metal for a while (probably the ambiguity of the 90s), and how it was like Metal changed style, but not him- he still wanted to hear stuff in the style of Motorhead and Judas Priest.
With this concept in mind, I wanted to write a really heavy song- almost a hate song! Which is funny as we tell people that this is our love ballad to metal, which it is, but it is also talking about the styles of music and metal that we do not like.
The song is also about going insane and having fun to heavy metal!
Once we started practicing the song, Hordak II mentioned how we have to mention that modern moshpits are kindergarten compared to moshpits he was in when he was younger!
Hordak II: Moshpit is one of the 80’s and 90’s heavy music trademarks. It was an expression of anarchy and chaos, with no patterns or organised movements and at the same time peaceful. The new metal generation twisted this culture to the opposite of what it used to be. Now moshpit became a circlepit and everyone follows the same direction, like everyone has to move and look to the same side. Now the peaceful chaos is gone. So it makes no more sense as an expression of freedom.
TheNwothm: The album closes with “Girder.” Was that a mission statement, a self-roast, or something else entirely?
Hordak II: It expresses how the four of us engaged at a band project and ended up like a family, where despite of the differences we love each other like siblings.
Metal Matt: We loved the idea of closing the album with a bang, and having our self titled song felt perfect! It ends the album like the ending to a big party. I wanted the self titled song to be about how the band formed in a semi-realistic way minus the dragons!
TheNwothm: What can you share about each of the band members?
Metal Matt: I’m Metal Matt. I’m the youngest member and I love women! I started playing bass, guitar and singing 7 years ago. I’m releasing my twelfth solo album (under my real name Matthew Cornes) very soon where I play all the instruments and sing, and I go from black metal to jazz to prog rock to 80s balladry. I also drew our Girder album cover and I do the artwork for my solo albums too. I am also in another rock band called Rhinefield and we are recording our first album in the next few weeks!
Hordak II and Metal Dress are the Brazillians. They came over to the UK to be closer to the music they love, and to form a metal band with some British blokes like Iron Paul and myself. Metal Dress loves the beach, and is like having an older sister. She loves putting on new outfits for our shows. Hordak II killed Hordak I, because he was jealous of Hordak I having Metal Dress to himself.
Iron Paul is the oldest member and has played guitar for longer than I have been alive! He loves a Les Paul, and he was forged in the fires of Hades!!! Iron Paul eats his own guitar strings and has beef with microphones and they end up falling down! He plays in a local covers band called Oktober Rust, but has played in many more!
Hordak II: I’m Hordak II. I started playing at the punk rock scene in Brazil in 1996 as a teenager. Soon after started playing also at thrash and death metal bands. Always very involved in the music scene of Curitiba, have produced festivals and played gigs all around South Brazil and Paraguay. Metal Dress also has a punk background having sung at punk, post punk and grunge bands in Brazil. Metal Dress and me have a duo project of funeral gothic music caller Morbus Fatalis, and we have just released our second album.
TheNwothm: What’s your go-to post-gig ritual: pub crawl, kebab run, or straight to the sea?
Metal Matt: Unpack, have a beer and chat to our fans, then straight to bed and sleep!
Hordak II: At summer time we’re definitely straight to the sea, but we also love to sit at a pub and watch a good rock’n’roll band performing. We’re very keen to watching local bands, even if they are of different styles. It is very important to support the local scene.
TheNwothm: What’s the dream tour setup for Girder? Any bands you’d love to share a stage with—or avoid at all costs?
Metal Matt: The dream tour setup would be pairing up with like minded fellow metalheads. We would love to go on tour with our friends Sanguis Mortem or Toledo Steel. I know Metal Dress and Iron Paul would want to tour with Seven Sisters, a London Nwothm band that we supported in Portsmouth this year. Great metal music!
We missed out on supporting Tailgunner a year or so ago in Bournemouth, which frustrated me, as I really enjoy their music, and I’m glad that they have been getting attention in the last few years. I know Hordak II and the other two would say this too- as Girder we want to keep playing new gigs with different styles of metal and music in general. We think it is important to be respectful of other artists even if we don’t like them.
Hordak II: We’re still working our way to play around the UK, as a first step. But we certainly intend to strike Europe within the next few of years, before we start looking at South America, where I’ve played most of my life. Touring around the world might feel like a distant dream for a band thats barely two years old, but the time is passing and when the right moment comes we’ll be ready. Anywhere we go we’ll be happy to play with local bands, to show them our support just like we enjoy playing with touring bands that come over here.
TheNwothm: Thinking ahead are there any shows or tours planned for the rest of 2025/2026?
Metal Matt: We are supporting London thrash metal band Thrasherwolf, who are playing on November 14th in Bournemouth with our friends Sanguis Mortem. Tickets can be found on SeeTickets or through our links attached to this interview. Apart from that, we are busy writing new songs for the second album. Even Hordak II has been writing songs this time, and Metal Dress and Iron Paul have had more input into my song ideas as well!
TheNwothm: Are you already penning ideas for your next release?
Hordak II: We already have two new songs at our current gigs, but we’re working on another few ones. We shall soon have the songs ready for the next album.
Metal Matt: We are expanding on the foundations we have made on our first album. We want to continue the mix of styles. Our songs will be covering themes such as beach parties, slugs, prostitutes, teaching metal (I’m a guitar/bass teacher too), dragons and death!
TheNwothm: How can our readers buy your music and merch?
Metal Matt: Come to our shows, we sell our merch there. For the time being, you can get our album digitally on Bandcamp!
TheNwothm: Where can fans follow you online?
Metal Matt: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Bandcamp!
TheNwothm: Anything else you would like to mention?
Metal Matt: As Hordak said earlier, we have a music video for ‘Killers of the Night’ coming out soon. You can check out the music video for our song ‘Fire to the Realm’ on our Girder YouTube channel right now! Thank you guys for interviewing us. Girder will continue to bring metal mayhem to the world!
Hordak II: GIRDERRR!!!!!
Metal Matt: GIRDERRRR!!!
Bandcamp: https://girder.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551896919110
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girderband
Other: https://linktr.ee/girderband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GirderHeavyMetal
#brazilianHeavyMetal #BritishHeavyMetal #CrimsonCreatures #Girder #GirderBand #GirderHeavyMetal #HeavyMetal #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #SanguisMortem #sevenSisters #Tailgunner #thenwothm #ToledoSteel
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Horned Legions Arise: one-day metal festival hits Hereford in support of HRRO
A new metal festival is set to take over Hereford on Saturday, 31 January 2026, bringing ten bands together for a single day of live music in aid of the Herefordshire Reuse and Recycling Organisation (HRRO). The event, titled Horned Legions Arise, will be held at The Victory (formerly The Jolly Roger) and runs from 2:00 pm to 11:30 pm.
The lineup features a mix of rising and established underground acts including Toledo Steel, Hanowar, Desolator, Arkham Witch, Koba, Mudlarker, Grave Altar, Kinstrife, Mount Slatra, and Bullhead. Expect a full spectrum of heavy metal styles from classic riff-driven anthems to doom, speed, and raw underground energy.
All proceeds will go directly to HRRO, supporting local sustainability and reuse initiatives. The day will also feature a charity raffle, merchandise stalls, and a full bar.
Tickets are priced at £10 and available now via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/horned-legions-arise-one-day-metal-festival-in-aid-of-hrro-tickets-1740113037939
Venue details: The Victory (formerly The Jolly Roger) 88 Saint Owen’s Street Hereford HR1 2QD United Kingdom
#ArhamWitch #Bullhead #Desolator #GraveAltar #Hanowar #HeavyMetal #Kinstrife #Koba #MountSlatra #Mudlarker #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #News #NWOTHM #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #ToledoSteel
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Sceptor “Wrath of the Gods” CC unboxing
We continue our unboxing series with another slab of German Heavy Metal and that is Sceptor’s new album ‘Wrath of the Gods.” The new album is now available via Metalizer records and here is all the info as mentioned on their site:
Metalizer Records 2025. The 3rd full length Album of the german Heavy Metal Institution. No other band from europe can Play perfect US METAL in the vein of early VICIOUS, JAG PANZER or RIOT. Of Course, Bob Mitchell was not into the band anymore, because of Health Problems. But they replaced him with the amazing voice of Florian Reimann (ex DESTILLERY, GOBLINS BLADE, etc.). Sharp guitars from Torsten “Todde” Lang and powerful hymns that are made for fans of the real HEAVY METAL. Listen to YouTube Songs and get it NOW!
Get your STILL SEALED copy of this jewel case CD Edition!
Buy it here: https://www.metalizer-records.de/?a=9981&lang=eng
Band facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sceptormetal
Band Bandcamp: https://sceptor.bandcamp.com/
Tracks:
- From The Abyss
- Legion
- Hades & Zeus
- Slave Of Power
- Demon Eyes
- Slow Ride Into The Sun
- Eternal Death
- Poseidon
- Throne Of The Damned
#GermanHeavyMetal #HeavyMetal #MetalizerRecords #NewAlbum #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #sceptor #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #unboxing #wrathOfTheGods
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Write for TheNwothm!
We are currently looking to expand the team so if you think you have what it takes check out the info below and send in your application!
TheNwothm.com is your ultimate destination for everything related to the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal. From the latest news and reviews to exclusive interviews and beyond, we’re here to celebrate and elevate this vibrant genre. I’m Rob, and I founded the site at the beginning of 2023 with one clear goal in mind: to shine a spotlight on NWOTHM bands from every corner of the globe!
This site wouldn’t be what it is today without our dedicated and passionate team of writers, who live and breathe NWOTHM. We’re a small but incredibly committed group, united by a shared love for this genre and a deep drive to spread the word. That’s why we’re now looking for voluntary contributors who are just as passionate about NWOTHM as we are. Join us in helping to amplify the voices of these incredible bands and take part in a growing community of like-minded enthusiasts!
If you have any questions about contributing to the site please do not hesitate to get in touch as I am happy to answer any questions you may have!
🏆Benefits of writing for TheNwothm:
- Get your writing in front of thousands of metal fans!
- Review new music before it is released.
- Opportunity to interview bands when available.
- Press passes to shows (depends on your input and press availability)
❤️ Must haves to write for us!
- Able to write to a good level in English.
- Basic Understanding of WordPress.
- Passion for New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal and similar genres.
✅Here are a few things that will work in your favour when applying:
- You want to get stuck in and are able to contribute weekly.
- You can turn around pieces quickly.
- You take initiative and source news and others things to cover.
- You maintain great communication via Slack.
- Above all you show your passion for writing and love for heavy metal!
❌What we are not looking for:
- Unable to communicate regularly via slack.
- Unable to deliver pieces in agreed timeframes.
- Push out rush pieces with no effort.
- Write for a site that covers the same style content.
#creativeWriting #HeavyMetal #joinTheTeam #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #WriteForThenwothm #WriteForUs
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Live roundup 36#
The NwothmWe are back with another live roundup showing you some of the best gigs and festivals coming up in the near future! Buying in advance both supports bands and festivals helping to make sure shows go ahead! So what are you waiting for, go and grabs some tickets!
What your gig featured?
If you would like to have your gig featured here please drop us a message on our socials or email [email protected]!
#1 Vendel
More info: https://www.instagram.com/vendel_epic_metal/
#2 Iron Driver
More info:https://www.facebook.com/irondrivernworhm
#3 Cruelforce
More info: https://www.instagram.com/cruelforceofficial/
#4 Sinner Rage
More info: https://www.facebook.com/SinnerRageHeavyMetal
#5 Heretic Steel
More info:https://www.instagram.com/heresymetalmedia/
#6 Starlett Stock Hard N heavy Festival
More info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094397856444
#7 Tailgunner @ Sweden Rock
More info: https://www.facebook.com/tailgunnerhq
#8 Guerrilla Gathering
More info: https://www.tixforgigs.com/Event/69029?af=preezw1n1iwf&saf=1zr0vjf
#9 Iron Maiden US tour 2026
More info:https://www.ironmaiden.com/
#10 Taunus Metal Festival XVI
More info: https://www.facebook.com/taunusmetal
#1 #10 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #AMBUSH #cruelForce #GuerrillaGathering #HeavyMetal #HereticFestival #IronDriver #IronMaiden #mechanicTyrants #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #SinnerRage #speedMetal #spitfire #starlettStock #SwedenRock #Tailgunner #TaunusMetalFestivalXVI #thenwothm #vendel
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Tailgunner set to return with “Midnight Blitz”
British heavy metal rising force Tailgunner will release their new full-length album “Midnight Blitz” on Friday, February 6th 2026 through Napalm Records.
The album delivers ten tracks of high-voltage heavy metal, including the explosive title track, the cinematic “Tears in Rain,” and the apocalyptic “War in Heaven.” Produced by K.K. Downing with additional production by Anthony Wall, the record was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen. Artwork was created by DEATH.BY.VHS, with graphic design by Revolver Creative and Andreas Markaritzer, and photography by Tunde Valiszka.
Tracklisting:
- Midnight Blitz
- Tears in Rain
- Follow Me in Death
- Dead Until Dark
- Barren Lands & Seas of Red
- War in Heaven
- Blood Sacrifice
- Night Raids
- Eye of the Storm
- Eulogy
Album preorder and merch at Napalm Records: https://tinyurl.com/yc79hy7k
Tailgunner have also released a new music video for the title track, directed, filmed and edited by Charlie Smith at Mind Art Visual. Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnsTQq_8mR8&list=RDnnsTQq_8mR8&start_radio=1
Speaking about the album, Tailgunner state:
Whilst touring our debut album, we shared stages with members of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Accept. We watched, we learned, and we put it all down on tape. The aim behind Midnight Blitz was to craft an all-time album opener, like ‘Aces High,’ ‘Painkiller,’ ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ and ‘Hells Bells.’ Everyone remembers the first time you hear the opening track on an album that changes everything. The hair stands up on the back of your neck and you know from this moment onwards, nothing will ever be the same. The launch sequence on the next era of Tailgunner has been hit. ‘Masters of the skies, never call it quits. Time to do or die, we are the Midnight Blitz.
K.K. Downing adds:
Tailgunner is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the UK. They personify everything that is heavy metal. They are loud and proud, and totally descended from everyone in metal that has gone before. Their energy and rawness, together with their brand of metal, incorporates all of the godfathers and much more. Maiden, Priest, Motörhead, Def Leppard—the list is endless. The band has a youthful freshness and a uniqueness that will no doubt elevate them to being a true metal favourite of the fans.
Photo Credits: Tailgunner
TAILGUNNER 2026 LIVE DATES
Supporting Hammerfall
January 14th – Pratteln, Switzerland – Z 7
January 15th – Lausanne, Switzerland – Docks
January 17th – Barcelona, Spain – Razzmatazz 1
January 18th – Murcia, Spain – Mamba
January 20th – Sevilla, Spain – Custom
January 21th – Lisbon, Portugal – Republica Da Musica
January 22th – Porto, Portugal – Hard Club January 23 – Madrid, Spain – La Riviera
January 24th – Villava, Spain – Totem January 26 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
January 30th – Porthcawl, Wales – Planet Rock Winters End
Supporting Fozzy
February 6th – Brighton, England – Chalk
February 7th – Margate, England – Dreamland
February 8th – Manchester, England – The Ritz
February 10th – Norwich, England – Epic Studios
February 11 – Bradford, England – Nightrain
February 13th – Nottingham, England – Rock City
February 14th – Glasgow, Scotland – TV Studios
February 15th – Newcastle, England – Boiler Shop
February 17th – Cardiff, England -Tramshed
February 18th – Torquay, England – The Foundry
February 19th – Southampton, England – The 1865
February 20th – London, England – Electric Ballroom
February 21st – Wolverhampton, England – KK’s Steel Mill
Summer Festivals
June 4th – Stykkishólmur, Iceland – Satán Festival,
June 6th – Sölvesborg, Sweden – Sweden Rock Festival
June 13th – Donington Park, England – Download Festival
June 26th – Spálené Poříčí, Czech Republic – Basinfire Festival
July 18th – Maidstone, England – Maid of Stone Festival
August 9th – Geiselwind, Germany – Keep it True Legions Festival
August 15th – Eindhoven, Netherlands – Dynamo Metal Festival
September 5th – Coventry, England – Hella Rock Festival
Follow Tailgunner:
Facebook: Http://www.facebook.com/tailgunnerhq
Instagram: Http://www.Instagram.com/tailgunnerhq
#BritishHeavyMetal #HeavyMetal #IronMaiden #JudasPriest #kkDowning #MidnightBlitz #napalmRecords #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #Tailgunner #thenwothm #thenwothmCom
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Review: Agartha “The Hidden”
Release date: Out now!
4 minutesThe Nwothm
Agartha is a heavy metal band founded in 2019 by Jeremy Berry, a multi-instrumentalist handling guitars and drums, and vocalist Ryan Evans. The duo shares a deep-rooted love for classic metal and a drive to explore its outer edges. Their sound blends soaring melodies with a dramatic sense of scale, drawing from the genre’s rich legacy while introducing fresh and unpredictable elements.
Grounded in the traditions of heavy metal, AGARTHA takes cues from a wide spectrum of influences. Their music channels the grandeur of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal alongside the grit and urgency of underground scenes. The result is a style that feels both timeless and personal, with compositions that balance epic ambition and emotional weight.
In 2020, the band released their first demo independently, offering a bold statement of intent that quickly resonated with fans of authentic metal. A limited 7-inch vinyl pressing followed in 2022, earning attention from collectors and reinforcing their presence in the underground circuit. AGARTHA’s approach is marked by tight musicianship and a commitment to melody, always guided by a respect for the genre’s foundations and a desire to push forward.
With each release, Agartha continues to shape their own identity within the heavy metal landscape, staying true to their roots while forging ahead with purpose and intensity.
Review
Intro is up for first and I feel like I am walking through a hazy mist while bass strings twang and acoustic melodies sing. The vocals come in velvety and smooth working perfectly in accompanying the music. I especially like how the vocals layer up at points to create some thickness and texture. Personally listening to this a few times I wish the music would have developed a little more. Otherwise a nice little opener leaving me some what intrigued.
Silver King comes in with a bang and straight away I get pure Sumerlands vibes. The music is exciting, vibrant and full of colour. The chosen guitar tones and the production some what help to give the track a great sense of uniqueness and character. I do enjoy more up tempo songs and this certainly caught my attention. I am sat here tapping my feet and shaking my head around at my desk while I do this review. The vocals slot together with the music magnificently and make the the song feel wholesome and well rounded.
The Hidden is up next and it opens up with the sounds of organic, edgy riffing. The second guitar comes in and the song progresses into a steady walking pace. In reflection to Silver King this feels slightly more slow flowing and of a hard rock vibe. But the vocals remain expressive and charged throughout standing tall and giving off some presence. So a more mellow track providing some balance to the EP.
South Flight flicks off the kettle and brews for a moment, opening with crisp, panned guitar chugs, open chords, and cymbal taps. This intro gives way to a steady, chord-focused section before the vocals slide in. What defines the track is its cascading guitar melodies and vocals that reach out into the shroud. I was hoping for more development in the guitar work, and while the riffs do shift later on, they never quite catch the ear like “Silver King” did.
Inter Hyperborea closes the EP with emotional, driving guitars and majestic melodies that immediately lift the atmosphere. There is a drifting, almost weightless quality to the track, a feeling that runs throughout the release, but here it feels more expansive and adventurous. The melodic, interwoven guitar riffs add sparkle and movement, keeping the song engaging from start to finish. Vocals remain strong and consistent, and this final track is no exception. It conjures the feeling of gliding through galaxies or soaring across open skies, like a heroic quest in search of meaning. A confident and stirring closer that gives the EP a sense of resolution.
Conclusion
This EP lays down a strong foundation, with plenty of atmosphere, expressive vocals, and flashes of character that point toward something exciting. “Silver King” is the clear highlight, bursting with energy and colour, and showing just how good this band can be when everything locks in. The rest of the release has its moments too, especially in mood and vocal delivery, even if some tracks feel less developed. There’s definite room to grow, but the core ingredients are here. With sharper songwriting and bolder shifts, this band could really carve out a distinctive space. A promising release that shows the bands potential.
TheNwothm Score: 7.5/10
Links
Bandcamp: https://agartha4.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agarthanprophecy/
Label: https://www.noremorse.gr/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m-deKc2gkM
Read More Reviews
#Agartha #AgarthaUSA #HeavyMetal #NewEP #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #noRemorseRecords #SilverKing #thenwothm #thenwothmCom
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Band of the day: Acid Blade (Germany)
The Nwothmhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkXF7rPI2uI
Band:Acid Blade
Country: Germany
Label: Jawbreaker Records
Members:
Julez (ex-thriller) – vocals
Luke – guitars
Alvin – guitars
Sci-Man – bass
Artur – drumsEP: Shooting Star EP
Track Info: 1. Shooting Star 00:00 2. Mercy of the Wind 04:19 3. Weeping Willow 07:39 4. Rise From the Grave 11:38
Acid Blade is a heavy metal band from Dresden, Germany, delivering raw and honest music rooted in the spirit of 1980s heavy metal. Formed by former members of Angel Blade, the band emerged with a clear vision to carry forward the legacy of traditional heavy metal, drawing heavily from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. After releasing a demo in 2021, they signed with Jawbreaker Records and launched their debut album, “Power Dive,” in 2022, followed by the EP “Shooting Star” in 2023.
Links
Bandcamp: https://acidblade.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acidblade.rock
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acidblade.rock/
Label: Jawbreaker Records
#AcidBlade #HeavyMetal #JawbreakerRecords #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #PowerDIve #shootingStar #thenwothm #thrillerBand
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Interview: Risingfall (Japan)
8 minutesThe Nwothm
Tokyo’s Risingfall channel the spirit of classic heavy metal with a raw, DIY edge and a love for speed and fantasy. From early lineup shifts to a recent breakthrough performance at Keep It True Rising in Germany, their journey reflects persistence, passion, and a deep respect for the genre’s roots. In this interview with The NWOTHM, the band shares thoughts on songwriting, the Tokyo scene, and the story behind their latest EP.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mWWNFj-FlQ
Interview
TheNwothm: Can you tell us your name and role in Risingfall?
Risingfall: Hello, I’m Kono from Risingfall. I play guitar in this band and write about 98% of our songs.
TheNwothm: When did Risingfall form and how did the band members meet?
Risingfall: Around 2013, I met our other original guitarist, Yoshiki, through an online band member recruitment site. Later, our drummer Yuki joined, along with a bassist who’s now active in another shoegaze black metal band. Fun fact: our first live show featured a female vocalist. As is common in a band’s early days, we had a lot of member changes besides me, Yoshiki, and Yuki. Things stabilised around 2017 when our current vocalist, G Itoh, joined. Our current bassist, Gyokusai Ishii, came on board around 2019.
TheNwothm: Why did you choose the name “Risingfall”?
Risingfall: When choosing a band name, as is typical, we looked to metal song titles for inspiration. We considered names like Lady of Mars (Dark Star), Cry Wolf (Savage), and Leticia (Novella), but ultimately settled on a one-word version of
Leatherwolf’s classic song, Rise or Fall.TheNwothm: What inspired you to play heavy metal?
Risingfall: Honestly, I think we draw inspiration from all the music we listen to. We’re not pros; we create music with the mindset of, “We want to make cool music like this ourselves!
TheNwothm: Your music has fantasy and speed themes. What inspires these ideas?
Risingfall: I’ll let our vocalist, G Itoh answer.
G Itoh: I mainly just write lyrics and sing, so when it comes to songwriting, you should really ask Kono. As for the themes of the lyrics, I get inspiration from all kinds of sources. Usually, the demos Kono sends me already have a title, and there’s one thing that’s always fixed — what he wants me to sing in the chorus.So I take that key phrase and think about what kind of imagery fits it, drawing from my favorite movies, manga, and tokusatsu shows. Stuff like Mad Max, Star Wars, Fist of the North Star, Kamen Rider… all sorts of things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNtzY8RvNvw
TheNwothm; Are there any books, movies, or games that also influence your music?
Risingfall: As for songwriting, I don’t really draw influence from anything outside of music.
TheNwothm: You are based in Tokyo. What is the metal scene like there? Are there many live shows in Tokyo for heavy metal?
Risingfall: This is a tough one to answer.Japan’s population is declining, and compared to the ‘90s when the metal scene was at its peak in Japan, both concert attendance and CD/record sales are said to be down.There are a lot of overseas metal bands touring Japan, but it’s unclear if those shows are profitable.As for the Japanese metal scene played by Japanese musicians, it’s fair to say it’s not very big.If we hold an event and draw about 60 people, that’s considered a success.Most Japanese metal fans tend to prefer overseas metal bands.
TheNwothm: Your first demo was “Prologue” in 2017. What do you remember about recording it?
Risingfall: Our first demo was recorded with four mics set up on the drums ourselves, guitars and bass recorded at home on a computer, and vocals laid down as is, without any edits—mostly because we didn’t even know how to edit. It’s a
very rough recording, but I love the upbeat vocal melody in the first track, “Livin’ on the Edge,” which we played at Keep It True Rising the other day. I think it’s a great opening song.TheNwothm: “Tokyo Metal Fire” is a live album. Was that show special for you?
Risingfall: To perform live in Japan, you typically join events at live houses and pay a performance fee of about 30,000 yen. After doing a few of those and starting to feel fed up, I got a sudden call from a crazy metalhead classmate from university. He was also into old-school metal and suggested we organize an event in Tokyo, gathering young old-school bands.We rented a music studio in the city and held a studio live with his band and a few others. It was an amazing experience, and honestly, it might not be an exaggeration to say that’s when Risingfall truly got its start.
TheNwothm: “Cry for the Steel” and “Arise from the Ashes” are strong titles. What do they represent?
Risingfall: Cry for the Steel was just a spontaneous five-word idea. Arise is an homage to one of my favourite prog bands, Renaissance.
TheNwothm: How did you choose songs for the 2020 compilation?
Risingfall: While reaching out to various labels about releasing “Arise” in Europe, Golden Core responded, suggesting we make it a compilation instead. That compilation probably includes all our songs up to that point.
TheNwothm: Your full album “Rise or Fall” came out in 2022. How was the response?
Risingfall: It turned out pretty decent, I think. We got a lot of positive reviews, but negative ones tend to stick in your memory. As a songwriter, listening back now, I can feel some immaturity in parts. Still, I think “Rock Fantasy” is a killer track. Rather than being perfect from the start and having people say the first album is the best forever, I’d prefer something rough around the edges with good parts, leaving plenty of room for improvement.
TheNwothm: Tell us about your new EP “Dungeon’s Call.” What is the story behind it? The name sounds intriguing!
Risingfall: This EP was made because we hadn’t recorded much after releasing our album in 2022, and with a Germany tour lined up, we created it for that occasion. Normally, our process involves me making a home demo first, which we then
arrange in the studio, but the title track was born during a studio session. I’ll let G Itoh talk about the story behind it.G Itoh: “Dungeon’s Call” was a song we created while jamming with the band.It started with us improvising, like, “This is the kind of riff you’d expect from epic and dark heavy metal, right?”—and I just started putting vocals on top, also improvised. The vibe we were going for was something like Cirith Ungol, Genocide Nippon, or early Queensrÿche—that kind of epic feel. Naturally, with that kind of epic heavy metal, a dark fantasy theme felt like the right match, so the title Dungeon’s Callcame pretty organically.
The story behind the song is this:A group of people is trying to awaken something that lies underground, answering its call—but what they awaken is nothing like what they had imagined.It turns out to be a once-holy being that had fallen, a Lovecraftian entity, and a figure from completely different local folklore—all of these elements merged into one single manifestation. The image of the title Dungeon’s Call, combined with inspiration from the movie Sadako vs. Kayako, is what sparked the lyrics.
TheNwothm: Will there be an album following your EP?
Risingfall: “Strike Back Again” and “Blaze of Glory” are tracks we want to include on our second album.
TheNwothm: You recently opened Keep It True Rising in Würzburg, Germany? Tell us about that experience!
Risingfall: The experience was unbelievable. We never even dreamed of playing at Keep It True (KIT); our only thought was to someday attend and enjoy its amazing lineup. To actually perform at such a dream venue was surreal.We’re probably
completely unknown in Europe, and we were anxious about whether an obscure band from the East would be accepted. But we were thrilled to be welcomed so warmly. We got a lot of great reactions.After the show, we soaked in our first
European festival experience!TheNwothm: What touring plans do you have for the rest of the year and beyond.
Risingfall: This November, we’ll be joining Iron Kobra’s Japan tour, who supported us perfectly in Germany. By the way, I also play guitar for Iron Kobra! Huge thanks to everyone in Iron Kobra for everything in Germany! After that… honestly, we don’t have any plans! We’ll record new songs in December, and hopefully release something next year.
TheNwothm: How can our readers buy your music and merch?
Risingfall: You can check out our music on Dying Victims Productions’ site, who’ve been a huge help, or on our Bandcamp. Merch is… tricky since we don’t have a proper web store setup.
TheNwothm: Where can fans follow you online?
Risingfall: For overseas metalheads, we recommend following us on our Facebook account!
TheNwothm: Anything else you would like to mention?
Risingfall: To all the metal fans reading this, thank you so much! Next year, we’re releasing a split with a certain band, and after that, we’ll be working on our second album!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063697592287
Bandcamp: https://risingfall.bandcamp.com/
Label: https://dying-victims.de/
#dyingVictimsProductions #HeavyMetal #japaneseHeavyMetal #KeepItTrueRising #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #Risingfall #RisingfallJapan #thenwothm #thenwothmCom