Photo Credit: Matthieu Gill

UK underground heavyweights Conjurer will support post-black metal phenomenon GAEREA on their UK tour in September. GAEREA are touring following the release of their incredible new album Loss (Century Media). 

Dates as follows:

11.09.26 Manchester – Club Academy (tickets)
12.09.26 Nottingham – Rescue Rooms (tickets)
14.09.26 Glasgow – Slay (tickets)
15.09.26 Leeds – Brudenell Social Club (tickets)
16.09.26 Bristol – The Fleece (tickets)
18.09.26 London – Islington Assembly Hall (tickets)

Watch Conjurer's last live video, 'The Searing Glow' here: https://youtu.be/PaRMMHO6sxU

Watch GAEREA's most recent single 'Nomad' here: https://youtu.be/OL-aRFJohIA

CONJURER have evolved radically since the release of their debut album (Mire, 2018), and their second release (Páthos, 2022) saw them lauded among the most exciting British metal bands. Whilst award nominations and accolades accumulated, the four-piece band retained their very simple mission: to make heavy music and have fun whilst doing so. Preferring to use their spotlight to showcase technicality and musicality rather than centring politics or opinions, CONJURER lived in the moment and embraced everything that came their way.
  
Within the tumult of forging a renewed identity as a band, on third album Unself (2025) there is a more intense, more personal voyage of discovery unfurling for vocalist/guitarist Dani Nightingale. Diagnosed with autism at age 31, their long-held view of self, and perception of their place in the world began to unravel. Unself documents much of the piecing back together around the diagnosis, alongside the realisation they were non-binary. 
  
Within Unself's nine tracks, CONJURER deliver the writhing post-metal sound they’ve become known for, whilst their grip on the desire to fill every moment with sonic obliteration. Instead, they have leaned into utilising space, gifting listeners a little breathing room which serves to make the heavy elements feel all the more intense. 
  
GAEREA are nothing short of a beautiful enigma rooted in musical extremity and utter passion. In under a decade, the masked collective, born in the Portuguese town of Porto, have navigated countless darkened shades of metal to arrive at their fifth album and Century Media debut, Loss.

Loss is the sound of GAEREA continuing to define and redefine itself, incorporating elements of the band’s post-black metal past with the sharpened sonics and haunting melodies. It finds GAEREA emerging from creative chrysalis and bursting into something as engaging as it is unexpected: There’s singing. There are choruses as catchy and passionate as the best rock and metal songs. Yet, through the emotionally charged din, it’s unmistakably GAEREA.

Conjurer online:
https://www.facebook.com/conjureruk
https://x.com/ConjurerUK
https://www.instagram.com/conjureruk
https://www.conjureruk.com
 
GAEREA online:
https://www.gaerea.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gaerea_
https://www.facebook.com/gaerea/
https://www.tiktok.com/@gaereaofficial

Photo Credit: Arising Empire

With 'MONSTERS,' blacktoothed deliver one of their most emotionally direct and introspective releases to date. Blending atmospheric modern rock with raw, honest lyricism, the track dives deep into the fear of losing yourself and the internal struggle of not becoming someone you no longer recognise.

Stream / purchase here: https://arisingempire.com/blacktoothed

At its core, 'MONSTERS' explores inner darkness, self-doubt, and the lingering weight of thoughts that refuse to fade. The song reflects on how easily reality can be distorted, how feelings can be numbed, and how internalised lies can slowly take hold. Lines like “Losing our feelings / We break what’s real” capture that quiet unraveling, while the repeated “Can’t let you turn into a monster” feels like both a warning and a desperate attempt to hold on to what’s left.

Sonically, the band expand their signature sound with a strong sense of contrast and atmosphere. Driving instrumentation and polished production meet emotional vulnerability, carried by expressive male lead vocals and haunting female backings that add depth and tension throughout the track. The result is a dynamic balance between heaviness and space, intense without losing its sense of melody.

Over the past years, blacktoothed have continuously refined their sound and identity, building a reputation for combining modern rock elements with emotional depth and strong songwriting. This steady evolution has helped them grow their audience and establish themselves as a distinctive voice within the scene.

With 'MONSTERS,' blacktoothed take another step forward, not just sonically but thematically. It is a song about confronting what’s inside, recognising the signs before it’s too late, and fighting to stay human in the face of everything trying to pull you under.
 
Catch the band live:
 
30.07.2026 I Full Rewind Festival I Löbnitz, DE
15.08.2026 I Summer Breeze I Dinkelsbühl, DE

blacktoothed are:
Hendrik | vocals
Mathilde | guitar
David | drums

For more information:
https://www.instagram.com/blacktoothed
https://www.facebook.com/blacktoothed
https://www.tiktok.com/@blacktoothed
https://x.com/blacktoothedde

Photo Credit: Rhys Bennett High Voltage Photography

Maverick Aussie rockers Battlesnake will return to UK and European shores this summer as they today announce their I Killed Satan tour - cementing their growing reputation as one of Australia’s most electrifying heavy exports.

Taking in festival appearances at 2000trees, Bloodstock, ArcTanGent, and more, the band will be performing at the following dates: 

08/07/2026    The Booking Hall     Dover, UK    Supporting Bat Sabbath
09/07/2026    Chinnerys     Southend, UK     Supporting Bat Sabbath
10/07/2026    2000 Trees    Cheltenham, UK    
11/07/2026    2000 Trees    Cheltenham, UK    
31/07/2026    Fekete Zaj Mátra mountains, HU    
07/08/2026    Bloodstock    Catton Park, Derbyshire, UK    
08/08/2026    Downstairs at the Dome London, UK    Headline show
09/08/2026    Concorde 2    Brighton, UK    Headline show
10/08/2026    The 1865    Southampton, UK     Supporting Castle Rat
13/08/2026    Motorcultur    Carahaix, FR    
14/08/2026    Zomerparkfeest    Venlo, NL    
15/08/2026    Dinosaurock    Mikkeli, FN     
19/08/2026    Hall Of Fame     Tilburg, NL     Headline show
21/08/2026    Obstwiesenfestival    Dornstadt / Ulm, DE    
22/08/2026    ArcTanGent Festival     Fernhill Farm, UK

Tickets: https://www.battlesnake.com.au/shows

The band comment: "We’ve been counting the days to get back to the UK and Europe. There’s something electric about these crowds that just pulls us in every time. This isn’t just another run of shows, it’s a return to a place that’s become part of the Battlesnake story."

Known for their explosive live performances and genre-bending take on metal, the band have built a loyal international following through relentless touring and a commitment to delivering unforgettable shows night after night.

This upcoming run sees Battlesnake take on a mix of major festivals and headline dates, alongside select support slots, bringing their high-intensity energy to audiences across the UK and mainland Europe. From the chaos of packed club rooms to the vast stages of renowned festivals, the band thrive in every setting, combining technical precision with theatrical flair.

Fans who’ve followed Battlesnake’s journey will know that each of their international tours has historically marked a new chapter for the band. While no official announcements have been made, there’s a growing sense that this run may be no different.

With momentum on their side and a reputation for pushing boundaries, Battlesnake’s return signals more than just another tour, it’s a statement of intent.

2025 was a rollercoaster year for the Australians as they released their Dawn Of The Exultants And The Hunt For The Shepherd album, and undertook a three month trek of the UK and Europe. Standout performances at Download Festival, Boomtown, Copenhell, ArcTanGent, 2000trees, supporting Eagles of Death Metal, co-headline shows with DZ Deathrays - all led to the reputation of this truly unique sextet well and truly exploding.

In 2024, Battlesnake's momentum erupted internationally across the UK and Europe where their unique sound resonated with fans and critics alike. Their album The Rise and Demise of the Motorsteeple (2024) marked a significant milestone in their career, blending high-octane metal with intricate storytelling. The album’s success propelled Battlesnake into the global spotlight, securing their place as one of the most anticipated bands in the scene.

2025 was Battlesnake's biggest yeaar to date, with the release of their mindbending new record Dawn Of The Exultants And The Hunt For The Shepherd. With each performance, Battlesnake will proved their reputation as one of the most dynamic live acts in modern rock.

The rising titans of Australian hard rock and pure heavy metal, Battlesnake quickly ascended from the underground, captivating audiences worldwide with their unique blend of powerful riffs and dynamic songwriting. Channelling the likes of Queen, Judas Priest and Black Sabbath into something familiar yet ground breaking at the same time. Renowned for their high-octane live performances, epic theatrical compositions, and relentless energy, they have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting acts in contemporary metal.

Formed in 2019, Battlesnake quickly captured attention with their debut EP, Myths and Legends from Gorbag’s Domain (2020), followed by their self-titled full-length album in 2023. With each release, their sound has evolved into a mighty force, blending heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and intricate melodies, while keeping the raw, unrelenting energy that defines their live shows.

The band's explosive rise in Europe and the UK was complemented by their collaboration with renowned acts like KISS (on their "End of the World Tour"), The Smashing Pumpkins, and Jane’s Addiction (on the "World Is a Vampire Tour"). The Australian outfit’s electrifying live performances were met with widespread acclaim, leading to sold-out shows and a rapidly growing fan base in these territories.

All hail Battlesnake! 

Battlesnake are:

Nick Zammit (drums)
Sam Frank (vocals)
Ben Frank (guitar)
Daniel Willington (guitar)
Billy O'Key (keytar)
Elliot Hitchcock (bass)

For more: 
https://www.instagram.com/battlesnakeband
https://www.facebook.com/battlesnakeband
https://www.youtube.com/@BattlesnakeTV
https://sptfy.com/PVxI

Photo Credit: Ricky Mina

South Carolina metallic hardcore band Your Spirit Dies have announced a new three song EP It Is Well…, set for release on 22nd May via MNRK Heavy. The EP serves as a follow-up to last year’s My Gnawing Pains Will Never Rest full-length.

Comments vocalist Brandon Byars: “With this new material, we’ve settled into what we’ve sought for several years. The intention of Your Spirit Dies was never to be simply pastiche, but to take the influences that shaped us early on and view them through a modern lens and I think we’ve succeeded. It’s heavy, dark, melodic, and everything that YSD should be.

“Working with producer Randy Leboeuf [Boundaries, Dying Wish, Chamber, Orthodox, The Acacia Strain, etc.] on this project was awesome,” he continues, “We went with a decent amount of demo material to pick and choose from and only really used two or three parts. A lot of the writing came really naturally, and we had these songs in their final forms in a matter of a couple of days.”

In advance of the release the band has unveiled the EP’s lead single, 'Starless'.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/7BXvguKmDfg

Pre-save the EP here: https://yourspiritdies.ffm.to/itiswell

“We tried to do a short concept with this release, again utilizing religious imagery,” says Byars. “‘Starless’ is the first part of a two-part story focusing on the aftermath of those condemned to exist on earth in an Armageddon-like event. To be clear, this is not a ‘turn to God’ story from Sunday school. If anything, it retains a message of questioning and doubt of an all-loving God who’d leave his beloved creation in ‘the starless dark.’”

Small towns across America are home to countless untold stories, and Greenville, South Carolina is no exception. This city may be small, but it’s big on spirit. Your Spirit Dies, hailing from this very place, channels that humble yet fierce energy, embodying an underdog work ethic and an unstoppable fire.
 
The band’s MNRK Heavy debut, My Gnawing Pains Will Never Rest, released last spring, not only leaned into influences as diverse as At The Gates, Killswitch Engage, Napalm Death, and Godflesh, but they also culled inspiration from giallo horror classics a la The Beyond. Wrote Decibel Magazine, “…My Gnawing Pains Will Never Rest hearkens back to the heyday of Jasta-hosted Headbangers Ball. More specifically, they embody the precise moment of transition between Myspace and Facebook as cutting-edge music promotion tools. In an ocean of Knocked Looses and Code Oranges, Your Spirit Dies’ earnest love letter to the Ozzfest second stage milieu in pleasant and refreshing…The band’s great strength is in their ability to replicate the full spectrum of that genre’s various tropes and – this is the hard part! – arrange and deploy those tropes to maximum effect.” Added New Transcendence, “With the pure intensity and stunning instrumental dynamism, it should come as no surprise that Your Spirit Dies hosts a strong and powerful vocal element as well. With harsh, belted screams capable of both piercing yells and blistering low bellows, the vocals throughout My Gnawing Pains Will Never Rest are exactly what they need to be. Sincere at times, scalding and primal at others…an outstanding release…”
 
It Is Well… is a taste of what’s next to come in the forever compelling Your Spirit Dies trajectory.

Your Spirit Dies are:
Brandon Byars – vocals
Tyler Dorman – guitars
Hunter Lenoir – guitar
Killian Dawson – bass
Keenan MacNeal – drums

Your Spirit Dies online: 
Facebook || Instagram || X ||  MNRK Heavy website

It Is Well… tracklisting:

1.Starless
2. When Peace, Like A River
3. Whispers In Omen

Photo Credit: Vesperian

Vesperian, a new Germany-based label headed by Philipp Schulte (ex Century Media), is happy to announce the release of the first new song of Portland’s DRY WEDDING. With 'Arrowhead' DRY WEDDING offer a gripping entry into their heaviest and most aggressive work to date. Dense post-punk gloom, spectral gothic-country twang, and the visceral force of noise rock, black metal, and doom converge in a sound both feral and precise. Razor-sharp guitars, prowling basslines, and dynamic baritone vocals open a desolate, cathartic world that is unmistakably their own. More news on DRY WEDDING in the following weeks.

Listen to 'Arrowhead' here: https://tr.ee/vesperian_drywedding

Vocalist / guitarist Davey Ferchow commented: "As a band that exists between various genres, DRY WEDDING has been searching for a label that does things on its own terms — Vesperian is that label. With their collective expertise, immense passion, and artist-centered philosophy, we couldn’t be more thrilled about working with Vesperian and can’t wait to see where this next chapter leads." 

“At Vesperian, we always look out for bands that cannot be put into genres all that easily. DRY WEDDING is one of those bands. Their blend of gothic-infused punk, dark country vibes, and an almost black metal-like atmosphere is pretty unique – and pretty awesome. Working with the band has been nothing but a pleasure so far, and we are very much looking forward to introducing DRY WEDDING to a wider audience and helping them grow.” Philipp Schulte / Vesperian

For more information, to subscribe to their newsletter: https://www.vesperian.world/newsletter/

DRY WEDDING are:
Davey Ferchow - vocals, guitar
Jarrod Green - guitar, synth
Chadwick Ferguson - bass
Tom Fuller – drums

DRY WEDDING online:
https://www.instagram.com/drywedding
https://www.facebook.com/drywedding
https://drywedding.bandcamp.com/

Vesperian online:
www.vesperian.world 
www.instagram.com/vesperian.world 
www.youtube.com/@Vesperian.watchers 

Photo Credit: Pelagic Records

French post-metal band Lost In Kyiv have announced the release of their new album We're All Going To Be Fine, set for release on 19th June 2026 via Pelagic Records. They have also unveiled their new single / video, 'Eclipse'.

Watch the video to 'Eclipse' here: https://youtu.be/MwaSWyrm3oA

Stream and pre-save here: https://orcd.co/lostinkyiv

The band comment on the single: "‘Eclipse’ is a journey through contrasting atmospheres, shifting between light and darkness. The track moves from epic, melodic arrangements highlighted by a beautiful brass section, straight into one of the most violent moments we’ve ever composed. This contrast perfectly represents those dark phases within ourselves, the heavy & destructive thoughts that can sometimes arise within us."

Over the course of more than a decade, Lost In Kyiv have refined a sound that fuses cinematic ambition, electronic precision, and visceral live energy into something unmistakably their own. With their new album, We’re All Going To Be Fine, they push that identity further than ever; sharpening their production, intensifying their dynamics, and embracing a darker, more immersive sonic architecture.
 
Lost In Kyiv comment: "We're All Going To Be Fine explores the tension between hope and inner collapse, and how modern life can disconnect us from ourselves and each other. The songs were inspired by personal experiences, societal pressure, and the idea that we often become our own worst enemy. We were also inspired by the work of Carl Gustav Jung (who is the voice at the end of the album), especially his ideas about exploring the human psyche, as well as themes from movies like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or Melancholia."

Lost in Kyiv’s music has always thrived on tension between the organic and the synthetic. On We’re All Going To Be Fine, that integration reaches a new level of clarity and depth. The writing and production process was long and exacting, allowing the band to refine every transition and tonal detail. Songs unfold with architectural precision, motifs are introduced subtly before expanding into vast, multi-layered climaxes. Dynamics are handled with patience and control, silence and minimalism are deployed as strategically as explosive crescendos. This careful pacing gives the album a cinematic flow and larger narrative in which struggle and compassion coexist.

Guitars surge and recede in wide, panoramic arcs. At moments they shimmer and support, at others they thrash violently, accumulating layers of distortion and harmonic overtones. Acoustic instrumentation is interwoven with sequenced synth lines, pulsing arpeggiators, and carefully sculpted electronic textures that give the band’s sound a sense of forward propulsion. 
 
Lost in Kyiv continue: “We always wanted to write music around strong themes, and for the first time, we decided to focus on something more internal than on previous albums. Our last four albums, except maybe Nuit Noire, were more about broader and more general themes. This time, we wanted to explore the fragility of mental health and the human psyche, the relation we have with ourself.”

Lost in Kyiv are:
Jean-Christophe Condette : Bass, Synths
Dimitri Denat : Guitars
Maxime Ingrand : Guitars, Synths, Machines, Programming
Jérémie Legrand : Drums, Programming

Lost in Kyiv online:
https://www.instagram.com/lostinkiev_band/
https://www.facebook.com/lostinkiev/

Track list:
1. Enlightened  
2. Burst
3. Mantra
4. Eclipse  
5. Becoming
6. Euphoria 
7. Liminality

Photo Credit: Rob Blackham

Hotly-tipped UK rocker Dan Byrne has unveiled his new single 'Home', another glimpse of his highly-anticipated debut record This Is Where the Show Begins (22nd May, Frontiers). 

Stream 'Home' and pre-order the album here: https://ffm.bio/thisiswheretheshowbegins
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/PzRK3qyTgqc

Dan comments: "'Home" closes the album on a grand and emotional scale. Musically, it’s vast - cinematic guitars, soaring vocals, and a sense of release that makes it feel like the light breaking through at the end of a storm. Lyrically, 'Home' is about connection that transcends distance, the kind of love that grounds you no matter how far you roam. It was born out of life on the road: hotel rooms, long drives, and late nights spent under unfamiliar skies, but knowing that somewhere out there, the person you love is looking up at the same stars.

"No matter how far away I am, my partner is my home. We might be on opposite sides of the world, but we’re still under the same sky, the same stars, the same universe. Home is about sitting with the weight of loneliness and finding comfort in the thought that someone is part of you, even when they’re not near. It’s a song about peace, belonging, and gratitude.

As the final song on the record, Home acts as the emotional resolution to everything that’s come before: the end of the storm, if you will. After exploring conflict, self-sabotage, anger, and pain across the album, this song represents acceptance, stillness, and clarity. It’s a love letter, a homecoming, and a moment of still light in the aftermath of noise.

Home is where the journey finally lands - not in a place, but in a person."

The single follows Dan's triumphant headline tour, with nearly every date sold out. He follows this with an acoustic record store tour. Dates: 

May 22 Glasgow Assai Records (Matinee)
May 22 Edinburgh Assai Records (Evening)
May 23 Newcastle Beyond Vinyl (Matinee)
May 23 Bury Wax & Beans (Evening)
May 24 Sheffield Arundel Emporium (Matinee)
May 24 Oxford Truck (Evening)
May 25 Portsmouth Pie & Vinyl (Matinee)
May 25 Swansea Derricks (Evening)
May 26 London Fighting Cocks (Evening)
May 27 Nantwich Applestump Records (Matinee)
May 27 Leeds Crash Records (Evening)

May 28 Liverpool Jacaranda (full electric show, playing album in full)

Dan will also be performing at Steelhouse Festival on 25th July.

Dan Byrne swept in off the Mersey, announcing himself as a solo artist in 2023 with his debut EP, Beginnings. His powerhouse, soul-inflected vocal and deftly-executed, yet hugely accessible songcraft has quickly marked him out as an artist on the rise. Blending contemporary edge with classic influence, Byrne’s music is powerful, honest, and deeply emotive - widescreen in scope yet intimate at its core. It rocks, without question, but what truly sets him apart is the courage to weave sensitivity and vulnerability through the intensity. This isn’t just rock music - it has the heart and authenticity to connect with an audience beyond any one genre.

In just two years Dan has toured the UK three times, delivered standout performances at multiple festivals and found overwhelming support from Planet Rock - the UK’s leading rock station - where his first four singles amassed an impressive 25 weeks on the playlist. With that foundation firmly in place, Byrne now turns his focus to the release of his long-awaited debut solo album, marking the next powerful step in his evolution as an artist.

This Is Where The Show Begins - Dan’s debut album - is full of joy and confidence. There’s a swagger alongside the sensitivity, a further broadening of musical scope. But at the centre of it, is that voice -  as powerful as it is vulnerable, as emotive as it is strong.

The lead single, ‘Saviour’ - the perfect album opener - bursts to life with attention-grabbing hard-rock stabs and pile-driving riffs. Its verses simmer with drama before the tension breaks in a chorus that makes it clear we’re in for one hell of a ride. It struts, it shimmies and it absolutely rocks. “Light ’em up,” indeed. There’s no let up as we barrel headlong into ‘She’s the Devil’ - Dan weighing in with a colossal vocal punctured by gonzo guitar gymnastics, the sheer euphoria spilling forth here is palpable.

Elsewhere, we're taken to church with ‘Praise Hell’, and ‘Sober’ is stained with regret. We even perhaps get a glimpse of where Byrne is heading next with album closer ‘Home’ - a sprawling, soaring, shapeshifting piece of alt-rock which essentially is never in danger of losing its soul. It’s what Glenn Hughes and 30 Seconds To Mars might come up if they ever combined their superpowers.

This Is Where The Show Begins is the culmination of what has been an incredible journey so far. It’s a marker for what can happen when you back yourself, a calling card for following your gut. Bursting with ambition, diversity and authenticity, this is where it may truly begin for Dan, the exciting thing for us to ponder is where it should lead to next.

Dan Byrne online:

https://www.danbyrne.co
https://www.instagram.com/danbyrne__
https://www.facebook.com/danbyrneofficial

Tracklisting:
1. Saviour
2. She’s The Devil
3. Praise Hell
4. Sober
5. Cherry & Leather
6. Death Of Me
7. Temple
8. Pulling Me Under
9. Hate Me
10. Home

Photo Credit: Arising Empire

"one of heavy music’s most blisteringly brilliant bands" - Kerrang
"This rips" - Daniel P. Carter / Radio 1 Rock Show
"grooves deeper than the Mariana Trench" - Metal Hammer

thrown have made their long-awaited return with new single 'split'. It's urgent and unfiltered, channeling frustration and inner pressure into something direct and physical.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/L1p019wVrog

Stream the single here: https://arisingempire.com/thrown

Lyrically, 'split' revolves around losing control, self-doubt, and the exhausting weight of being stuck in your own head. It captures that moment where thoughts start to spiral and nothing seems to move forward. Instead of hiding behind abstraction, the band keep things raw and honest. Lines like “I’ve gotten used to not knowing what to do” reflect a sense of resignation, while the repeated “split my head in two” becomes a powerful expression of overload, almost like a desperate need to break free from your own thoughts.

Sonically, the track stays true to what has made thrown stand out in the first place, while sounding more refined and focused than ever. Crushing, down-tuned riffs drive the song forward, backed by relentless drums and breakdowns that hit with purpose rather than excess. There’s a clear sense of control in the chaos, everything feels tight, intentional, and built for maximum impact without overcomplicating things.
In a short time, thrown have built serious momentum.

With millions of streams across platforms and a rapidly growing international fanbase, the band have established themselves as one of the most exciting new names in modern metalcore. Their straightforward, no-frills approach has resonated with listeners looking for something real, something that doesn’t rely on trends, but on energy and authenticity.

'split' feels like a natural next step. It takes everything the band have done so far and sharpens it, heavier, more direct, and emotionally clearer. It’s not about reinventing their sound, but about pushing it further and making it hit harder.

The band have also announced a European summer festival run including Download Festival, as well as headline tour dates.

UK dates:

Jun 14 - Download Festival 2026
Jun 15 - Brighton, Concorde 2
Jun 16 - Norwich, The Waterfront

thrown are:
Marcus Lundqvist | vocals
Johan Liljeblad | guitar
Andreas Malm | guitar
Buster Odeholme | drums

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/thrownband
https://www.instagram.com/thrownband
https://www.tiktok.com/@thrownband
https://x.com/thrownsthlm

Austrian deathcore collective Castiel have announced their new EP All Returns to Hollow and Silence, set for release on 24th July via Seek and Strike. An immersive conceptual release, the EP will unfold chapter by chapter, beginning with the devastating opening salvo, 'Act I: Defile // Denounce'.

Watch the video for 'Act I: Defile // Denounce' here: https://youtu.be/glvu7iUd3lM

Pre-save All Returns to Hollow and Silence here: https://orcd.co/castielep2026

From its opening moments, 'Act I: Defile // Denounce' drops you straight into the deep end, pairing punishing low-tuned riffs with bursts of relentless speed and precision. It’s a track that immediately signals Castiel's intentions, heavier and more dynamic than ever and sets the foundation for a record built on brutality and depth.

All Returns to Hollow and Silence is a genuine step forward for the band. Drawing from a diverse range of influences, Castiel have crafted a sound that is pulled together with purpose. Firmly rooted in deathcore, the EP pushes beyond the genre confines, embracing contrast and atmosphere alongside its more destructive elements.

Speaking on the release, the band said: “This EP is heavier, more brutal but also more emotional than anything we’ve done before as a band. We’ve pushed ourselves creatively while staying true to who we are, this feels like the most complete version of Castiel yet.”

The new EP is built as a continuous story with each track acting as a chapter in a wider narrative. That idea carries through visually too, with every song set to receive its own video. 

At its core, All Returns to Hollow and Silence explores the shifting relationship between two central protagonists, tracing a journey shaped by tension, transformation and emotional conflict. Subtle inspiration has been drawn from the lore of World of Warcraft, particularly the arcs of Arthas Menethil and Jaina Proudmoore. 

Musically, the release channels the oppressive weight and atmosphere of Black Tongue and Humanity's Last Breath, while incorporating the raw aggression of Bodysnatcher and The Acacia Strain. The result is a record that moves seamlessly between suffocating heaviness and explosive intensity. 

Emerging from Klagenfurt, Austria in 2014, Castiel quickly made their mark with their bleak atmospheres and downtempo heaviness. Early releases including their debut single 'Human Scum' and the Exitium EP (2015) set the tone, followed by Blasphemy in 2017, before lineup changes forced the band into a hiatus. 

They returned in 2023 with Shadowlands, signalling a clear step up in both sound and ambition. That momentum carried into 2025’s Khaos EP, a darker, more introspective release that pushed further into themes of psychological collapse and existential weight.

Now, with their signing to Seek and Strike, Castiel enter a new chapter. All Returns to Hollow and Silence not only marks their first release under the label, but their most ambitious work to date. 

Having already shared stages with the likes of Distant, Carnifex, Born of Osiris and more, the band have built a reputation for intense, no frills live shows. Stay tuned for live dates to follow. 

For more:
Instagram || Facebook || Spotify 

Track-list:

1. Act I: Defile // Denounce
2. Act II: A Festering Wound
3. Act III: Vile Spirits
4. Act IV: Empty Throne