The Metal Forge®

Bobby Ferry returns at the helm as the band's visceral vocalist and guitarist, and in true -(16)- fashion, belts out stories of pain and unhinged anguish. Standout tracks like "Proudly Damned” see the band playing at the crowd while Ferry shares tales of personal strife and depression: "To defile and offend/These are the demons found within/The sullen face of communion’s alarm/It’s a...

The band ERDVE is renowned for embarking on unconventional ventures, opting to perform in locations that may initially seem incongruous with their musical style or are not typically recognized as standard venues. Their first such performance occurred at St. John's Church in 2019, followed by another at Lukiškės Ex-Prison, both situated in Vilnius, Lithuania. Following the release of their seco...

Emerging from the frostbitten streets of Stockholm, Sweden, Dysthen introduces a compelling new voice in the music scene. This raw, enigmatic entity channels the profound duality of existence, exploring themes of beauty and decay, nature and numbness, and the pervasive gloom that accompanies the gradual disintegration of the self. Dysthen forges a unique path, eschewing clichés in pursuit of emoti...

In Louisville, KY, while swamps may be absent, the heavy sounds of Shi create an atmosphere that feels eerily murky. Their music navigates the familiar territory of self-harm and degradation, yet they deliver it with a unique intensity that feels like a new experience. The piercing vocals soar over gritty riffs, establishing a groove that is often missing in standard stoner doom bands. In a parado...

Stoned Jesus, formed by Igor Sydorenko in 2009, is a Kyiv-based heavy rock band influenced by Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Initially a solo project called "Stoned Jesus from the Outer Space," it was shortened for seriousness. Their debut album, "First Communion," was released in 2010, followed by "Seven Thunders Roar" in 2012, which included the iconic track "...

ALL HELL is a blackened metal trio from Asheville, North Carolina, known for their relentless fusion of first wave black metal, deathrock, punk, and horror-driven storytelling. Since forming in 2013, the band has carved out a distinct identity rooted in occult themes, razor-sharp riffs, and a fierce DIY ethos. Their sound is aggressive, stripped-down, and deeply atmospheric — a raw, unfiltered des...

Riastrad was established in 2010 in Portland, Oregon, when guitarist Damion Lazzara collaborated with drummer Peter Bordokoff to record what would become the "Driving Into the Sun" EP. Following the recording, Peter was unable to continue with the project, but a mutual friend introduced Damion to drummer Lance Paden. Lance subsequently brought guitarist Justin Romito and bassist/vocalist...

Bask has called Asheville, North Carolina home for as long as they've been together. Drummer Scott Middleton and guitarist Ray Worth were already making some serious noise when they teamed up in 2013 with bassist Jesse Van Note and vocalist/guitarist Zeb Wright, who had just moved to The Land of the Sky. "We've been a band longer than we've been with our spouses," Van Note sa...

Drugula is an emerging force within the Atlanta doom metal scene, known for their distinctive sound that melds heaviness with atmospheric elements. Formed by a group of accomplished musicians, the band draws on a rich tapestry of influences ranging from classic doom pioneers to modern interpretations, creating a sonic landscape characterized by slow, crushing riffs and haunting melodies. They acti...

Mercifix, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, epitomizes the raw energy and aggressive sound characteristic of the speed/thrash metal genre. Formed in the early 2010s (as traitor), they quickly garnered attention for their blistering guitar riffs, complex rhythmic structures, and intense vocal delivery that pay homage to stalwart influences like Overkill and Slayer while infusing their unique...

Imagine cruising down an endless highway with Laid Back & Honey with the windows rolled down, a warm breeze flowing through the cab of your well-loved pickup. That’s the essence of this music—it's like a sonic mashup without ties to any fixed genre. Picture twangy guitars and heartfelt riffs that feel right out of a 1970s rock scene, but also carry that gritty, no-frills vibe you’d find at...

Born in the shadows of a slanted farmhouse outside Vancouver, SYRINX is a heavy metal/progressive rock collective led by guitarist, producer, Graham McGee. Known for their theatrical flair and cerebral songwriting, the band delivers a fresh and unique blend of oldschool heavymetal and classic prog wizardry — echoing the likes of Rush, Genesis, Fates Warning, Queensrÿche, and Judas Priest. SYRINX b...

Kallias is a progressive metal band distinguished by their cerebral and intricate sound, artfully blending elements of various musical genres to create an evocative listening experience. Characterized by complex time signatures, polyrhythmic structures, and meticulously crafted melodies, the band's music showcases technical proficiency while delving into deep philosophical themes and emotional...

Ozzy Osbourne, the self-proclaimed "Prince of Darkness"—a title he certainly lived up to—co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968, a band whose groundbreaking sound shattered expectations entirely. As their frontman, Ozzy’s distinctive vocals and mesmerizing stage antics propelled them to superstardom throughout the 1970s. Imagine the landscape of music without anthems like "Paranoid"...

Black Rosary offers a unique blend of heavy music, a gothic aesthetic, and, most importantly, a promise of an unforgettable experience, all under the banner of Trve Kentucky Goth Metal. This band is at the forefront of the new sound in heavy metal. Black Rosary is loud, thrilling, and represents the future of music. With their powerful riffs and haunting melodies, Black Rosary captivates audiences...

In the shadowy corners of Northern Indiana, a unique musical force has emerged that fuses the raw energy of punk with the haunting themes of horror: Night Killer. This band has carved out a niche within the horror metal and punk genres, captivating audiences with their chilling lyrics, electrifying performances, and distinct visual style. As they navigate the delicate balance between fright and fa...

The Rising Tide is a four-piece modern deathcore band hailing from Manawatu, New Zealand. Originally formed in 2012, the band disbanded in 2016 but made a triumphant return in 2021 with a refreshed lineup and an enhanced, heavier sound. Recently, The Rising Tide completed multiple tours across New Zealand, promoting their latest EP, "The Hope We Die For," which has garnered significant a...

Mark your calendars for July 11th and 12th, 2025, as we proudly present the inaugural Asheville Doomed and Stoned Fest! This exciting festival is officially affiliated with the renowned Doomed and Stoned blog, which has been a cornerstone of the heavy metal community since its founding in 2013. Following the success of various Doomed and Stoned Fests across the United States—including cities like...

...And Oceans is a Finnish band known for its unique blend of extreme music, evolving since their formation in 1995 after the disbandment of Festerday. They explore a mix of genres, including black metal, classical, and industrial, while consistently maintaining their core sound. Founding member Timo Kontio emphasizes their commitment to musical exploration without sacrificing their identity. Thei...

Hailing from the enigmatic depths of Indianapolis, Indiana, Ancient Days is a doom/horror band that thrives in the shadows. With a sound that resonates with the foreboding atmosphere of the unknown, each note is a chilling whisper that beckons listeners into an eerie realm of darkness. Since 2020, the band has woven together haunting melodies and thunderous riffs, creating an experience that capti...

Get ready to blast off into space with the awesome new album, *Astral Voyager*, from the band KAL-EL! This cool group started in Stavanger, Norway, back in 2012, and they’ve been rocking hard ever since. They mix together different styles like heavy metal, psychedelic sounds, and even some desert vibes, all while telling epic sci-fi stories. After going on five wild musical adventures with their a...

Get ready to crank up the volume because Noosebearer, the cutting-edge modern Midwestern metalcore band, is set to unleash their highly anticipated new album "Cost of Life" on June 7th, 2025! This electrifying release promises to deliver a sonic blast of intense riffs, infectious melodies, and gut-wrenching lyrics that dive deep into themes of struggle and resilience. Building on their a...

From his humble beginnings on a farm in rural Minnesota, David Ellefson has embarked on an extraordinary journey—both literally and figuratively—transforming himself into a global icon as the bassist for the legendary thrash metal band MEGADETH. Celebrated for his distinctive, hard-hitting playing style and unwavering commitment to his craft, Ellefson has crafted an impressive professional tapestr...

Durham, N.C.-based sludge metal band Doomsday Profit is set to unleash their highly anticipated self-titled album on September 19, 2025! Building on their signature blend of gritty, groovy, and psychedelic sludge, this album promises to take listeners on an exhilarating journey through a diverse sonic landscape. With nine electrifying tracks, Doomsday Profit has woven an even broader tapestry of i...

New York City’s band Tower has embarked on their third studio album, **Let There Be Dark**, which showcases their heaviest and darkest sound yet. The lead single, **“Under the Chapel,”** features an Eastern-inspired riff and is influenced by a Yiddish lullaby, reflecting a nightmarish vision of the current world. This album marks a shift from their previous rock influences to a pure metal focus. R...