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THEORY OF A DEADMAN
Following years of extensive touring across arenas and clubs in the United States, Canada, the UK, and Europe, the band returned to their signature heavy rock sound, feeling a newfound sense of liberation they hadn’t felt in past recording sessions. “On this album, we truly experienced the freedom to create exactly what we wanted,” Tyler shares. “Our goal was to craft new music that reflects the classic sound and spirit of the original Theory of a Deadman.”
This ambition was realized, but like any successful rock project, it required expert direction. Alongside some additional production by Tyler at Panic Room Studios in Los Angeles, the entire Theory team teamed up with producer, engineer, and mixer Chris Baseford at Soundstage Studios in Nashville. “Chris is incredible—a fellow Canadian who’s passionate about hockey and golf—but more importantly, he’s a master at shaping outstanding rock tracks,” Tyler recalls. “Recording in Nashville, we focused on smaller batches of songs, three at a time, which allowed us to give each track the attention it deserved.”
Staying true to Theory of a Deadman’s style, the lead single, “Barricade,” kicks off the album with a powerful homage to a broken relationship, perfectly setting the tone for this strong, no-filler collection.
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IAN PARRY'S CONSORTIUM PROJECT VI
After much anticipation, Ian Parry proudly presents “Legacy Of Empires,” the powerful new installment in the renowned Consortium Project series. This ambitious and cinematic progressive metal album marks a triumphant return for one of the genre’s most visionary and concept-focused artists.
Blending epic storytelling, emotional depth, and virtuosic musicianship, “Legacy Of Empires” delves into themes of power, legacy, conflict, and the rise and fall of civilizations through a rich and dynamic musical journey. From grand symphonic sections to heavy progressive metal riffs and soaring melodic arrangements, the album captures the essence of classic concept albums while pushing the Consortium Project’s sound into bold new directions.
The album features an outstanding international lineup, including members of Vanden Plas, Kamelot, and former members of Pain of Salvation, whose unique musical styles contribute to the album’s expansive and dramatic atmosphere. Their performances lift the project into a truly immersive experience, balancing technical skill with raw emotional power.
At the heart of it all is Ian Parry, whose distinctive voice and artistic vision continue to shape the Consortium Project’s legacy. With “Legacy Of Empires,” Parry once again proves his ability to bring together world-class musicians under a unified creative vision, delivering an album that is both grand in scale and deeply personal in spirit.
“Legacy Of Empires” is sure to connect with fans of sophisticated, melodic, and emotionally intense music. The album signals an exciting new chapter for Ian Parry’s Consortium Project, reaffirming its status as one of the most ambitious endeavors in the progressive metal scene.
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DEVIL MASTER
Emerging again from the darkest alleys of old Philadelphia, Devil Master returns with their new album, Bloody Dreams, releasing September 4 via Relapse Records. This album blends punk energy with psychedelic influences and a raw black metal vibe, creating a unique sound. Written entirely by Darkest Prince, Bloody Dreams starts with aggressive, graveyard-inspired themes and evolves into a psychedelic, chaotic experience. New listeners are invited to embrace Darkest Prince’s poetic vision, stepping away from modern distractions to enter a world influenced by Baudelaire and others. Musically, Devil Master combines black metal, punk, and folk elements, continuing their mission since 2015 to blur the boundaries between darkness and light, despair and hope._____________________________________________________________
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IRONFLAME
Since the 1980s, Cleveland has been a hub for heavy metal music, a tradition continued by Ohio-based Andrew Della Caga. Active in several bands like Brimstone Coven and Icarus Witch, his main focus is his project Ironflame, where he writes, performs, and sings all parts. Formed in 2016, Ironflame has released five well-received albums, including "Lightning Strikes The Crown" (2017) and "Kingdom Torn Asunder" (2023). Their latest album, "Worlds To Conquer," was recorded mostly by Andrew in his home studio, with live guitarists Quinn and Jesse contributing solos. The title track best represents the album’s sound and inspired the album’s name after Andrew found the cover art._____________________________________________________________
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DARK FUNERALA Beast To Praise, the eagerly anticipated live album from Sweden's black metal legends Dark Funeral, includes 13 intense live tracks totaling nearly 70 minutes. Recorded at Fållan in Stockholm in 2022, this album showcases Dark Funeral's powerful live performance supporting their latest studio release, We Are the Apocalypse. The album will be released as a jewel case CD, a gatefold double LP on 140g vinyl, and in digital format. Be sure to catch Dark Funeral on the extensive In League With Satan European tour with Behemoth and Dimmu Borgir in October 2026.
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156/SiILENCE
156/Silence creates intense, haunting music that blends brutality with intellect, drawing on both real and imagined fears. Formed in Pittsburgh in 2015, the band includes vocalist Jack Murray, guitarists Jimmy Howell and Ryan Wilkinson, drummer Kyle O’Connell, and bassist Mike Ernst. Their 2024 album, People Watching, featured hits like “Better Written Villain” and “Character Development (Cold Start),” earning praise for its engaging and unpredictable sound.
Their sixth album, From a Distance, released with Pure Noise Records, deepens their atmospheric and emotional impact, following the tribute single “Our Parting Ways” for late bassist Lukas Booker. Known for powerful live shows, they’ve toured with bands like The Devil Wears Prada and Silent Planet. Produced by Josh Schroeder, the album incorporates influences from classic game scores and prestige TV, with lyrics exploring social behavior and personal struggles from a broader perspective.
Each 156/Silence album differs, from the chaotic Undercover Scumbag (2018) to the technical Irrational Pull (2020), praised by Metal Hammer, and the bold Narrative (2022). People Watching marked a shift toward catchy choruses, a direction they continued on From a Distance, which also features guest vocalists Mike Hranica, Alex Reade, and Tony Castrati, enhancing the band’s soundscapes.
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