DOTAG stands for Dirkschneider and The Old Gang. Launched as a one-off charity project in 2020, DATOG continued songwriting after receiving some very positive reactions to their first single releases and EP. The one-off project has now evolved into a band set to launch its debut album, “Babylon”. The band members are renowned musicians: Udo... Continue Reading →
Review DARKNESS “Death Squad Chronicles”
The German thrash metal band Darkness is one of the groups benefiting from the current thrash metal boom. Hailing from Essen, Germany, the band was among the first to contribute to the German thrash metal movement in the '80s. With three albums under their belt, the band received some notable attention. While Darkness couldn't close... Continue Reading →
Review INFEST “Ambassadors of Aggression”
Infest from Serbia has been delivering death-/thrash metal since 2002. The three-piece band has released six albums and, four years after revealing “Psychosis,” they are back with their latest effort."Ambassadors of Aggression" is a fitting title. The ten songs are filled with blasting power, starting with the massive opener, "Man-God." There's no time to slowly... Continue Reading →
DREAM THEATER – live album in November
Progressive music titans Dream Theater are releasing a new live album on November 28th via their longtime label partner Inside Out Music/Sony Music. “Quarantième: Live à Paris” documents the iconic lineup of James LaBrie [vocals], John Petrucci [guitar], John Myung [bass], Jordan Rudess [keyboards] and Mike Portnoy’s [drums], playing a sold-out show in Paris, France... Continue Reading →
Review DAVE HAUSE “… and the Mermaid”
Dave Hause, a singer and guitarist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is launching a new album called "…and the Mermaid." I haven't had House on my musical radar, although the latest effort is already his seventh solo album. Hause has a rich musical history, with roots in rock, punk, and metal. He later moved towards singer/songwriter songs,... Continue Reading →
MÖTLEY CRÜE celebrates 40 years of “THEATRE OF PAIN” with a new deluxe box set
Rock legends Mötley Crüe announce a special 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set "Theatre Of Pain" for November 14 via BMG. First released in June 1985, "Theatre Of Pain" marked a bold new chapter for Mötley Crüe - stylistically daring, musically explosive, and unapologetically street glam. Driven by the style of “Smokin' In The... Continue Reading →
Review SONDASCHULE “Wir bleiben wach”
Sondaschule was formed in 1999 and has become one of the most influential German ska punk bands. Sondaschule is the brainchild of founders Marc Böhle and Mirko Klautmann (the latter still being on board), and the debut album was the springboard for the guys, as it created some solid attention, which led to "Schön kaputt"... Continue Reading →
Here is a new song from H-BLOCKX
After releasing a new song called "Straight Outta Nowhere", the German groove masters H-Blocks have released another new single. "Lights Out" is a pounding crossover anthem which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/yRIneKvzXGg?feature=shared The band will also be on tour, including a show at Docks in Hamburg on 4 November 2025. Photo: Connor McBriarty
REVOCATION’s “New Gods, New Masters” hit the shelves today
Last week it was Igorrr; this week, Revocation. The flow of releases from technically advanced extreme metal bands shows no sign of stopping. Revocation's latest effort is titled “New Gods, New Masters” and features nine new songs. Driven by Dave Davidson, the new album features complex songs that demand a lot from listeners, while simultaneously... Continue Reading →
GLUECIFER – new studio album in more than 20 years
Twenty-one years after their last studio album, Gluecifer, the Kings of Rock, are back with Steamhammer and proudly announce their brand new album “Same Drug New High”, which will be released on January 16, 2026. At a time when the world's inflationary frenzy for change seems to spare nothing and no one, Gluecifer are the... Continue Reading →
LONG DISTANCE CALLING – stunning live album in December
In February 2024, Long Distance Calling reached a significant milestone in their career: a sold-out concert at the historic Lichtburg cinema in Essen in front of more than 1,200 enthusiastic fans. Now the band is proud to announce the release of “Live at Lichtburg” – an impressive live album and concert film that captures every... Continue Reading →
Review SCEPTOR “Wrath of the Gods”
The German metal band Sceptor was founded in southwestern Germany in 2009 and released a debut album called "Take Command!" in 2012. Apparently, there wasn’t enough command to maintain the band's career, as it ended in 2014. Five years later, Sceptor reunited and released a second album, “Rise of the Light.” However, with frontman Bob... Continue Reading →
Live report LORDI, NULL POSITIV & BLOOD WHITE, Gruenspan, Hamburg – September 24th, 2025
It's time for a horror show tonight! Although Halloween is still a few weeks away, some monsters are arriving in Hamburg tonight. Finnish hard rockers Lordi are starting the second leg of their “2nd Deadication” tour at Grünspan in Hamburg. Joining them on the road and on stage are two German bands: Null Positiv and... Continue Reading →
Review THE VINTAGE CARAVAN “Portals”
"Portals" is the sixth album from the Icelandic rock band The Vintage Caravan. The band's name suggests that the trio is into 70s-inspired rock. A certain retro charm resonates with each of the band's records, and the newest effort is no exception. While The Vintage Caravan has classic rock roots, the band also adds a... Continue Reading →
Review AMORPHIS “Borderland”
In the early '90s, a Finnish band embarked on a journey through heavy metal, a trip that is still ongoing. We're talking about Amorphis, and the fact that the band has been around for 35 years isn't the only impressive thing about them. Their consistent line-up has allowed them to refine their musical vision and... Continue Reading →








