For more than thirty years, fans of symphonic melodic metal act Rhapsody Of Fire have been able to rely on one thing: there’s nothing half-hearted about this band. Rhapsody Of Fire mastermind and founder Alex Staropoli looks back at an impressive record of 14 studio albums, three EPs and two live recordings to date, all marked by lots of heart and soul, passion and a virtually inexhaustible wealth of ideas. Since 1993, the Italian keyboardist has been hailed as the creator of the film score metal genre and his band as one of the most charismatic acts worldwide. In addition, Staropoli has enlisted a highly creative first-rate guitarist in Roby De Micheli, who joined the fold in 2011, contributing lots of gritty metal riffs and virtuoso solos to contrast the band’s symphonic orchestral style. Their latest studio album ‘Challenge The Wind’ is marked by Staropoli and De Micheli’s zest and energy, but also by a number of surprises. The most obvious one: “Compared to all previous Rhapsody Of Fire releases, the current album consists exclusively of up-tempo numbers, not a single ballad in sight,” reveals the composer and keyboardist. “None of our other records have featured as much pure, unadulterated metal as ‘Challenge The Wind’!”

Trouble is an American metal band noted as one of the pioneers of their genre. The band created a distinct style taking influences of the British heavy metal bands Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, and psychedelic rock of the 1970s. A critically acclaimed group, their first two albums, Psalm 9 and The Skull are cited as landmarks of doom metal. To date, Trouble has released nine studio albums including their latest release,"The Distortion Field" (July 2013 on FRW Music) featuring new singer Kyle Thomas. "The Distortion Field" was listed in CMJ's Top 50 Rock Albums of the Year and came in at #125 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums Chart, and #25 on the Top New Artist Albums Chart (Heatseekers).

Formed in the summer of 2021, WANTED is a band with the distinct goal of resurrecting traditional loud, and melodic styles of heavy metal that ruled the airwaves in the mid to late 1980s. The band’s main influences consist of Dokken, Ratt, and Van Halen. WANTED was put together in the VERY small town of Leonard, MI (a mile east of Oxford, MI). Initially consisting of Jon Rochefski (Vocals), Jameson Clark (Drums), Alan Mares (Lead Guitar), Christian Shonts (2nd Guitar) and Nathan Reschak (Bass guitar), the band played local restaurants and organized backyard parties throughout late 2021. After a few months of doing so, the band went to the studio to record their single “Let Me”, released in February of 2022 Paul Slezak was picked to take on the spot as bassist in March of 2022 Nate Peck was recruited as lead vocals in May of 2022 in order to better fit the sound the band was aiming for. After some cool success with American Idol, Nate had to leave and work on a different project in Nashville , granting Sterling Primeau the spot as lead vocals The band put out their album “Cutting Edge” on June 27th, 2025, and it has been their most recent effort since. (Current Lineup) Lead Vocals - Sterling Primeau Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals- Alan Mares Rhythm Guitar - Christian Shonts Bass Guitar - Paul Slezak Drums - Chris Rajt

When darkness engulfs the world, NITE sets the sky ablaze with white-hot, blackened heavy metal. The San Francisco Bay Area has a history steeped in forward-thinking, technically dazzling metal, and NITE carries that torch with pride. Founded in 2018, their blackened heavy metal barrels towards the peril of an unknown future, while looking to the days when blistering leads once ruled the land. Guitarists Van Labrakis (Satan’s Wrath, Mencea) and Scott Hoffman (Dawnbringer, High Spirits) let loose galloping riffs and harmonies that evoke the classic sounds of the N.W.O.B.H.M., with Labrakis’ grizzled voice driving their dark, melodic metal into the modern era. Drummer Patrick Crawford (Older Sun, Mustard Gas & Roses) and bassist Avinash Mittur (Wretched Stench) make up a rhythm section that’s fierce yet breathlessly precise: a freewheel pounding reminiscent of heavy metal’s earliest days. Having completed their journey through the stars and the skies on Voices of the Kronian Moon, NITE now faces the abyssal and shadowy mythology that has long laid dormant on their third album, Cult of the Serpent Sun. Fans who yearn for the days of molten guitar leads, chest-rattling bass and stadium-shaking drums flock to NITE’s circle, and stay for the snarling vocals that speak to metal’s esoteric underground.  On Cult of the Serpent Sun, NITE guards the altar of blackened heavy metal with sharpened blades and axes raised.

Wretched Warriors and Devout Defenders of the TrÜest of Faiths. Tulsa, OK USA

Luminator is a fantasy power metal band based out of Seattle/Tacoma WA.

Power Metal band formed in Los Angeles, CA. By guitarist Kenny Powell.

Intergalactic Power Metal. Always anti-dragon. Glyph is: Barbara Blackthorne - Lead Vocals Jeff Black – Keyboards Rob Steinway – Guitars Darin Wall - Bass Jeff Potts - Lead Guitars Damien Rainaud - Drums

Void is a ferocious five-piece thrash metal band from Lafayette, Louisiana. Formed in 2019 by vocalist Jackson Davenport, the band quickly made a name for themselves across the Gulf Coast with an unmistakable sound rooted in tradition but fired with modern intensity. After building regional momentum with local shows and their first Southern U.S. tour in late 2022, Void released their debut album Horrors of Reality in early 2023—a raw and relentless fusion of Bay Area thrash aggression and the band's sinister themes. Their summer Haunted Madness tour followed, capped by the Halloween release of their single “Silent Onslaught.” The following Summer of 2024 saw the band embark on their "Spectral Aggression" tour of the US, and after brief venture out west to open for thrash legends Whiplash, the band returned with a revamped lineup and evolved sonic identity. November’s “Return of the Phantom” showcased a matured, more dynamic approach and was met with critical acclaim. In early 2025, Void entered the studio to record their sophomore album Forbidden Morals and toured the East Coast with Louisiana icons Exhorder. May’s single “Apparition” showed a darker, more layered direction, just ahead of their Breaking and Entering summer tour.

Traditional metal. Epic doom metal.

Killer Hearts are a blood-soaked, leather clad, electrifying rock and roll band based out of Houston, Texas. Formed in 2015, led by brothers Brandon Barger on guitar and Jerrie Boy Barger on vocals, Killer Hearts have been spreading their Southern Sleaze all over the US for the better part of the last decade. NEW ALBUM "Unchained & Bloodstained" coming out on 10/24/25 on Screaming Crow Records!

Singer and songwriter of the world's only band talking about the extraterrestrial presence here on planet Earth and behind the disclosure movement and the government cover-up of UFOs, UAPs, and the New World Order agenda.

Greenbriar hails from the woods of Maine, pulling together to create some good old honest sleazy rock kissed by the ancient magic of the 43rd parallel. That noise you thought you heard behind the shed that sent you running for the light of the dooryard? That was us. Featuring members and alumni from Maine acts Hessian, Apollyon, Thems That Wait, The Keeper Class and Fat Knuckle Freddy.

New Wave of Phoenix Heavy Metal

THUNDERFORGE formed in 2012 seeking to create fast-and-epic, face-rippingly intense heavy metal, inspired by varying degrees of guitar wizardry, old-school madness, and modern intensity.

On their second long player, FIRES IN THE DISTANCE further expand on their musical foundations of wistful melodicism, crushingly heavy guitar work and intricate atmospherics. Across Air Not Meant For Us’ six tracks, FIRES IN THE DISTANCE tie together intensely personal ruminations on mental health and themes of existentialism in the form of mortality salience, without losing sight of the importance of perseverance. Teaming up with Salt Lake City producer Randy Slaugh (Devin Townsend, Tesseract, White Moth Black Butterfly), FIRES IN THE DISTANCE’s chief songwriter Yegor Savonin (composition, guitars, programming, lyrics) sought to reach even greater dynamics within the band’s core sound of melodic death and doom metal. With live orchestration in the form of violas, violins, cellos, as well as piano work, proving to be an incredibly fruitful collaborative process for both band and producer. In addition to the collaboration with Randy Slaugh, the album also features a guest appearance from Burial in the Sky guitarist James Tomedi on instrumental track Adrift, Beneath the Listless Waves, who’s deft fretwork adds an additional layer of dynamic sheen.

Who are the LORDS OF THE TRIDENT? Hahaha…FOOL! You are not worthy to gaze upon their might! Their metal’s so pure that only diamonds can scratch it, and usually the diamonds are the ones that end up getting hurt in the end. Their amps are so loud, Manowar knocked on their door and asked them to “please turn down”. You think you’re bad? While you’re watching their sweep picking wondering how they bend space-time to fit all the notes in, they’ll punch you right in the face without missing a beat. If you like battle, bloodshed, axes, fire, and losing limbs, then mosh your way to the front row and receive your free ticket to Valhalla. If you don’t like these things – too bad. They’re playing anyway, and they’ll make sure to steal your girlfriend in the process. ALL HAIL THE LORDS!

Heathen is an American thrash metal band originating from the San Francisco Bay Area, active from 1984 to 1993 and again from 2001 onwards. Despite never achieving commercial success, the band is often credited – alongside Exodus, Testament, Forbidden, Death Angel and Vio-Lence – as one of the leaders of the Bay Area thrash metal scene of the mid-to-late 1980s, and they have gone through several line-up changes, leaving guitarist Lee Altus as the only constant member. To date, Heathen has released three studio albums: Breaking the Silence (1987), Victims of Deception (1991) and The Evolution of Chaos (2009). The band is currently signed with Nuclear Blast Records and recently completed work on the follow up to The Evolution of Chaos.

Old School Metal Mik Dempsey - Vocals Tapedeck - Guitars Jose Salazar - Bass Chris Avgerin - Drums

Progressive metal from Chicago, IL.

Battle Chapel is an American heavy metal band with songs about battles, legends, and tales of glory.

Thrash N' Roll from Los Angeles, CA

A fresh yet formidable presence in the modern metal scene, BREAKKER has quickly carved out a name for themselves with a sound rooted in the raw intensity of 80s British heavy metal, fused seamlessly with the melodic swagger of American glam. Their music offers a throwback spirit with a sharp edge, echoing the thunder of genre legends while forging a path entirely their own. Formed in 2023, BREAKKER is fronted by the commanding Clare Mairéad, whose powerful vocal delivery and razor-sharp lyrics bring both grit and gravitas to the band’s identity. Guitarist Teagan Edsell fuels the fire with blazing riffs and solos, while the unrelenting rhythm section—bassist Steve Lang and drummer Ben Brower—grounds the band with a driving pulse that demands attention. In their short time on the scene, BREAKKER has built a loyal following through their explosive live performances and a self-released demo EP that made waves both in the U.S. and overseas. Clare Mairéad on Vocals Ben Brower on Drums Stevie Lang on Bass Teagan Edsell on Guitar