The artist of the week: Hatred Inherit (Germany)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Hatred Inherit (Germany)

Alright, death metal maniacs. If you’ve been starving for something that rips hard, gets technical without losing soul, and drips with pure unfiltered aggression, Hatred Inherit just delivered a slab of darkness that hits every nerve. Hatred Inherit is a death metal band hailing from Bottrop, Germany, formed in 2012. Rooted in the dark, aggressive tradition of the genre, they blend relentless old-school brutality with a modern technical edge that cuts deep. Their sound is forged in the fire of bands like Malevolent Creation, Morbid Angel, Dead Congregation, Hate, Immolation, Decapitated, Death, and Thy Art Is Murder. But make no mistake; these guys aren’t just followers, they’ve carved their own path through the chaos.

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The Artist of the Week : Comatose (Philippines)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The Artist of the Week : Comatose (Philippines)

There’s a certain kind of death metal that doesn’t care for trends, doesn’t bow to production gloss, and doesn’t scream for your attention; because it knows it’s going to grab your throat anyway. That’s the kind of death metal Comatose plays. And for those who’ve been paying attention, this band has been circling like a vulture in the underground for over two decades.

Comatose was born in the July heat of 2003, not in some legendary European scene or North American hotbed, but in Cebu City, Philippines, a place more known for its beaches than blastbeats. It started humbly, as a student project inside a local university, where four young metalheads with a thirst for sonic destruction began channeling their influences into something raw, sinister, and unmistakably their own.

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The artist of the week: T.N.T. (Colombia)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: T.N.T. (Colombia)

Some bands are discovered. Others possess you. Total Night Terror (TNT) isn’t just another extreme metal act from South America.. they are a sonic weapon forged in the flames of Cali, Colombia, and sharpened in the heart of the underground. With members who’ve spent over 15 years shaping the local punk and metal scene, TNT brings a feral intensity that refuses to be polished or tamed.

Their new album Terror Avernal isn’t just a follow-up. It’s an exorcism. If their 2023 EP Terror de la Noche was a wild burst of chaos, Avernal is a calculated descent into something much darker and much more dangerous. With raw riffs, ritualistic rhythms, and vocals straight from the abyss, this record shows the band not just evolving, but fully embracing their own sound: RAW METAL.

If you're into bands like Hellhammer, Aura Noir, or Sarcófago, or if you just miss that feeling of finding something truly underground, this is for you. We broke down their story, dissected the new album, and picked our favorite track. Read the full feature now .. You’ve been warned.

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The artist of the week: Defiant (Croatia)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Defiant (Croatia)

Twenty years deep in the Croatian underground, Defiant have evolved from melodic death hopefuls to fully unhinged black/death conjurers. With every release, they’ve carved their identity sharper, darker and more unapologetically savage. From the embryonic chaos of The End of Beginning to the ritualistic precision of Mammon Mantra, this is a band that’s never settled, always sharpened.

Their latest release, Mammon Mantra, is more than an album, it’s a damn reckoning. Featuring guest appearances by Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan (Venom Inc.) and Maksymina Kuzianik, it’s their most conceptual and ferocious work to date. But how did they get here? And which record still gives that neck-snap reaction years later?

Join us as we walk album by album through Defiant’s discography, pint in hand, horns up, dissecting the riffs, growls and scars that shaped one of the Balkans’ most relentless metal acts. Listening is just the first step. Are you ready to understand what this band truly stands for, what they represent, and everything they’ve endured to get here?

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Black Sabbath - Back to the Beginning: A Night of Metal Gods
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

Black Sabbath - Back to the Beginning: A Night of Metal Gods

I knew this night was going to be unforgettable. But I didn’t expect it to tear me open and stitch me back together all at once. From the moment the first riff ripped through the speakers, something shifted inside me. It wasn’t just the volume, the lights, the spectacle, it was the weight of everything this music has ever meant to me. Every scream, every solo, every drop-tuned note felt like a rite. By the time the final, fading feedback rang out into the dark, I realized this wasn’t a concert. It was a pilgrimage. A sacred return to the altar of sound where we go to remember who we are and why we never let go.

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The artist of the week: Chaquen (Colombia)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Chaquen (Colombia)

CHAQUEN started back in 1998, deep in the hills of Chía, Colombia. What sets them apart is their connection to the ancient Muisca culture (Yes, I said muisca) Miguel Orjuela, the band’s founder, didn’t just want to play metal. He wanted to channel something ancestral, something spiritual, through heavy, raw music that hits harder than just riffs and keep the roots while doing it so.

Their first demo, El Llanto de las Piedras, released in 2000, made waves locally and even crossed borders, reaching fans in Central America, the US, and Europe. After a brief pause, Miguel revived the band in 2003, setting a course for something bigger.

By 2011, CHAQUEN had teamed up with Sweden’s Demorian and released Elemental, an album that sharpened their sound without losing the ritualistic spirit. They marked their 15th anniversary with a special box set release, proving their commitment to fans who follow the band beyond the music.

Their 2015 EP Un Lugar Para Morir pushed experimental boundaries, while Sacrum Mortualia in 2017 delivered a cold, ’90s-inspired black metal sound, earning them tours in Uruguay and Argentina alongside heavyweights like Inquisition.

When the pandemic hit, they stripped down to a power trio, embracing old-school death metal’s raw intensity, streaming live shows and keeping their underground presence alive.

Now, in 2025, they’ve released Lamentos del Pasado, a new compilation gathering their journey’s darkest and most powerful moments. CHAQUEN has earned their place on stages and press from Colombia to Europe — a band not just surviving but thriving through decades of underground dedication.

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The artist of the week: Nero (Colombia)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Nero (Colombia)

Somewhere in the mist-wrapped valleys of western Colombia, between the pulse of Valle del Cauca and the stillness of Armenia, a sound is rising that doesn’t belong to the mainstream, and never wanted to. It belongs to the underground. To long rehearsal nights. To hands calloused from years of persistence. To metal that thinks, breathes, and breaks through walls. That sound is called Nero.

Nero is not just a band. It’s a process. A vision. A dialogue between inner chaos and external order, spoken in the language of distorted guitars, syncopated rhythms, and philosophical reflection. Built far from Colombia’s cultural epicenters, their journey has been slower, harder, and all the more meaningful. The music wasn’t built for attention. It was built for truth.

Their name, Greek for “water”, says it all. Fluid, essential, sometimes gentle, often destructive. Their compositions move like liquid through time signatures and textures, reflecting a profound creative chemistry among five musicians who bring years of experience and soul to every track. You can hear influences like Opeth, Soen, Paradise Lost, Death, and Tool, but what you really hear is Nero itself: ambitious, atmospheric, heavy without compromise.

And now, something is shifting. With the recent release of their single Capti Inter Larvis, a track that explores identity, perception, and the weight of masks we wear, Nero signals a new phase. The arrival of Isabel Ossana on vocals has brought a new emotional and sonic depth to the project. Her voice doesn’t just scream—it shapes, reflects, interrogates. It moves between power and precision, bringing Nero’s lyrical world into sharp focus.

The story begins here. Read the full blog.

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The artist of the week: T.H.O.R. (Colombia)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: T.H.O.R. (Colombia)

One of the bands from Cali that immediately caught my attention is now officially nominated as The Artist of the Week, and trust me, they’ve earned it. Some bands don’t need an intro, they just need a volume knob and your full attention. T.H.O.R isn’t about trends or cheap aggression. They’re something deeper. Born in the heavy, chaotic heart of Cali, Colombia, this band has been grinding through the underground for over two decades with a sound that bleeds purpose. Their music isn’t polished. It’s sharpened. It doesn’t entertain — it confronts. This isn’t the kind of band you stumble upon. It’s the kind of band that finds you when you’re ready to feel something real.

This feature isn’t just a look at their discography or a timeline of shows. It’s a descent, into sound, into message, into what happens when pain turns to fire and riffs turn to ritual. Whether you’re a longtime fan or you’ve never heard of them before, this might be the most alive metal you’ve heard in a while.

No spoilers here. Just know: if you’ve ever needed music that hits harder than just distortion… T.H.O.R is the storm you didn’t see coming.

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The Artist of the week: Beheading the Icon (Chicago, IL)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The Artist of the week: Beheading the Icon (Chicago, IL)

There’s a certain kind of heaviness that doesn’t just slam your body — it reaches into memory. It hits the part of you that stood outside small venues in the cold, hoodie soaked in sweat, waiting for that one riff to drop. It takes you back to the pits that split open like rituals, to burned CD-Rs with Sharpie tracklists, to broken-down MySpace profiles playing the soundtrack of our youth on autoplay.

That’s the feeling I got when I heard Beheading the Icon for the first time. Not just a band — a portal.

Hailing from South Chicago, BTI isn't just influenced by the MySpace-era deathcore sound — they come from it. But this isn’t some nostalgia act, trying to mimic the past. This is something leaner, meaner, smarter. It's the same rage we remember, now grown up, sharpened, and aimed with purpose. With every release, they walk a tightrope between unfiltered chaos and thoughtful brutality — like if As Blood Runs Black and The Black Dahlia Murder had a child raised on basement shows.

From their early self-titled EP — rough, raw, honest — to their 2024 offering VITRIOL, you hear the evolution. And you feel it. This is a band that remembers the war — and still chooses to fight it. Their sound is a storm of blast beats, gutturals, and riffs that stab rather than slice. Their lyrics go deeper than anger — touching on addiction, corruption, cosmic dread, and personal hauntings that feel mythic and intimate at the same time.

What makes Beheading the Icon feel different is that they’re not chasing a scene — they’re restoring one. They come from the roots, and yet everything about them feels forward-thinking. Their singles show it best — tracks like “Pay to Pray” and “Las Moscas” aren’t just heavy — they’re intentional. You don’t just mosh to these songs. You think about them later. You feel them when you’re alone. This is music for people who understand that brutality and meaning aren’t enemies — they’re soulmates. And that is why we’re proud to name Beheading the Icon our Artist of the Week.

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The artist of the week: Pacto (Colombia)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Pacto (Colombia)

This time let´s talk about PACTO is a melodic black metal band born in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2007. Founded by brothers John Sabogal (guitar) and Manuel Sabogal (keyboards), PACTO began as an instrumental project—just two minds creating mystical soundscapes. But over time, it evolved into something much deeper: a band with a message, a sound, and a vision. Their music blends melodic black metal with doom-laced atmospheres and even elements of IDM, giving each album its own unique identity.

Lyrically, PACTO doesn’t hold back. Their songs dive into the harsh realities of the modern world—religious and political dogma, environmental collapse, psychological torment, and the erosion of humanity in the face of greed and fear. It’s raw, it’s poetic, and it hits where it hurts.

The band’s evolution can be felt across their three albums. El Reino de los Hechiceros (2014) was a mystical, lo-fi beginning. Sagrada Victoria (2017) brought sharper production and a more aggressive message. Then Lamento de Gaia (2024) elevated everything—emotional depth, vocal dynamics, and sonic power. It’s a concept album forged during the pandemic, where even the limitations of isolation couldn’t stop the vision.

With Giovani Cantor on lead vocals and Lennys Garzón adding a haunting melodic contrast, PACTO has found its full voice. Together, they create music that moves between blast beats and melancholic ambiance—taking the listener on a journey through sound, sorrow, and rebellion.

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The artist of the week: Luciferian (Colombia)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Luciferian (Colombia)

So I’ve been on a bit of a Luciferian kick lately — and honestly, I think you’d vibe with them more than you expect. They’re a black metal band from Armenia, Colombia, been around since 1996, and there’s just… something about their sound that hits on another level. It’s heavy, yeah — but not just “loud for the sake of it.” It’s spiritual, intense, and kind of hypnotic. Feels like they’re pulling their music from some ancient, buried current And somehow, they turn all that weight, all that energy, into fire.

They started during a time when Colombia was in serious political and social chaos — guerrilla warfare, cartels, corruption, all of it. And instead of backing down, Héctor Carmona (the founder and frontman) basically said “nope” and formed a band that would channel all that rage and spiritual resistance into black metal. That origin? You can feel it in everything they do. Their music doesn’t sound “inspired by darkness” — it sounds like it survived it.

And lyrically? Yeah, there’s satanic imagery, but not in a cheesy or empty way. It's more symbolic — about rebellion, inner power, questioning dogma, and facing everything people are taught to fear. It’s not about “evil,” it’s about freedom. About turning chaos into clarity. And they do it without being preachy or theatrical — it’s more like a liturgy than a performance.

They’ve done five South American tours, shared stages with Behemoth, Mayhem, Marduk, and even played in Norway at Trondheim Metal Fest. They were part of the Blackhearts documentary too — one of the few bands outside Europe to be featured. And right now? They’re recording a new album. So, kind of the perfect time to dive in.

Anyway — if you ever want music that’s raw but meaningful, dark but full of purpose, Luciferian is it. Just don’t play it passively. Turn it up, let it hit, and maybe light a candle and do a ritual or something. You’ll see what I mean.

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The artist of the week: Crimson Crown (Russia)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Crimson Crown (Russia)

Crimson Crown, a rising force in the Russian metal scene, is captivating audiences with their unique blend of melodic elements and heavy riffs. Formed in 2024, the band quickly garnered attention for their powerful sound and compelling lyrics that explore themes ranging from personal struggles to societal issues.

Their recent singles have showcased an evolution in style, incorporating elements of symphonic metal and progressive structures that set them apart from their contemporaries. With a dedication to live performances, Crimson Crown has been actively participating in local festivals and underground shows, establishing a strong fanbase both in Russia and internationally.

With their distinct musicality and energetic stage presence, Crimson Crown is poised to become a standout in the global metal community. Keep an eye on this band as they continue to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a metal band in the modern era.

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The artist of the week: Riptor (Cali, Colombia)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Riptor (Cali, Colombia)

Riptor: Symphonic Thrash Metal Rises from Cali

In a city globally known for its salsa roots, an unexpected metal force has been growing in the shadows. Riptor, a thrash metal band from Cali, Colombia, is redefining what Latin American metal can be — both musically and culturally.

With sonic influences ranging from Metallica and Kraken to Gojira and Annihilator, Riptor blends technical aggression with emotional depth and a passion for complex, genre-bending compositions. What started as a home-produced EP in 2012 has evolved into a daring artistic vision that now includes full orchestras, choral arrangements, and large-scale collaborations rarely seen in Colombia’s underground scene.

But Riptor’s journey goes far beyond music. Their latest project brings together Grammy-winning engineers, the Cali Philharmonic Orchestra, and students from some of the city's most vulnerable communities. These young musicians, many of them recording in a professional studio for the very first time, became part of something bigger: a production born as a university thesis and transformed into a powerful tribute and cultural alliance.

This is not just about creating an album — it’s about building bridges between metal and classical, education and street, underground and academic. Riptor has dared to dream where few others have, turning a local project into a movement that’s challenging stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of musicians.

Curious how a thrash band managed to merge its sound with the grandeur of a philharmonic orchestra — all in the salsa capital of the world?

Don’t miss our latest blog post, where we dive into Riptor’s incredible evolution and the bold project that’s shaking the foundations of Colombian metal.

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The artist of the week: Soul Disease (Colombia)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Soul Disease (Colombia)

Soul Disease is a Blackened Technical Death Metal band from Bogotá, Colombia, formed in 2018. The lineup includes musicians from renowned local acts such as Cancerbero, Awaken, Nonsense Premonition, and Ripping Flesh. With razor-sharp guitars, relentless drumming, and guttural vocals, they bring a precise and immersive sound that blends brutality with artistic depth.

Their lyrical themes explore existentialism and inner chaos, enhanced by the theatrical vocal presence of frontman Alejandro González. Soul Disease has released music videos and playthroughs for tracks like Beating the End, Downfall, and Paralyzed, captivating audiences with both technical skill and storytelling.

Now, the band is preparing to release their debut full-length album Dreamscape, recorded at Red Spot Studio and mastered by Zack Ohren (Machine Head, Suffocation, Cattle Decapitation). The album has already received attention through its singles and visual content featured in international film and music festivals.

With a growing fanbase and intense live shows, including performances alongside Obscura, Cradle of Filth, Carnifex, and Leprous, Soul Disease is becoming one of the most exciting names in South American metal. Dreamscape marks just the beginning of a band that’s here not to follow trends—but to lead a new wave of extreme music.

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The artist of the week: Cuentos de los Hermanos Grind
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Cuentos de los Hermanos Grind

This tale dates back to 2005, on a hangover Sunday morning Gato con Zorras while watching the animated series “Grimms' Fairy Tales” (Cuentos de Los Hermanos Grimm in Spanish), his perverted mind pictured the idea of assembling a Grindcore/Death Metal/Comedy band., inspired by "Grimms' Fairy Tales," and under a haze of a hangover, Gato con Zorras formed a band fusing Grindcore, Death Metal, and Comedy. He partnered with Bizarrio and met an cannibal drummer, Bruja Heroina. Gato also recruited childhood friend Lobo Culion, fresh from prison. Despite their colorful pasts, they united with a shared vision. In Bogotá’s dungeons, they created a unique sound that would impact the underground metal scene.

Get to know the captivating and intriguing stories that lie behind the remarkable band Cuentos de los Hermanos Grind, hailing from the vibrant and culturally rich city of Bogotá, Colombia. This talented group is not only known for their electrifying and dynamic performances but also for their active and enthusiastic participation in various festivals, including the notable Bogotá Grind Death Metal Fest. Throughout their artistic journey, they delve deeply into a rich exploration of their diverse influences, fascinating musical side projects, and intriguing collaborations, all of which collectively contribute to their unique sound, innovative style, and compelling artistic expression. It is precisely for these reasons that we are thrilled to make them our band of the week.

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The artist of the week: Ethereal (Colombia)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Ethereal (Colombia)

In mid-1996, musicians from Colombia's metal scene formed ETHEREAL, inspired by death, black, heavy, and gothic metal. Their 1998 EP, "As sad as beautiful", sold around 2,500 copies, gaining recognition and leading to concerts in Ecuador. Their performances at the 1998 and 1999 Rock al Parque festivals established their role in Colombia's symphonic black metal scene. In 2000, with vocalist Ángel Zamora, they released their debut album "Shroud of flesh," including a cover of Iron Maiden's "Fear of the dark," and opened for Megadeth. After moving to the U.S. in late 2002, they began their second album "Cessatio a Divinis," featuring Ana María Botero, released in 2004. They released the animated video "Equivocal Tyrany" in 2006, and their last album, "Unequality," came out in 2008. In 2017, Valenna Román joined as a vocalist.

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The artist of the week: Fedra (Colombia)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Fedra (Colombia)

Fedra: A Rising Force in Metal

Fedra, an emerging metal band hailing from the vibrant city of Bogota, Colombia, captivates audiences with their innovative and distinctive sound, seamlessly blending elements of traditional black metal with a variety of modern influences. Each talented member of the band brings their own unique backgrounds and experiences into the mix, resulting in powerful riffs, intense rhythms, and thought-provoking lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. Their energetic live shows are a testament to their artistry and connect profoundly with audiences, creating an electric atmosphere. Their latest album not only showcases their growth as musicians but also boldly addresses themes of blasphemy, darkness, and triumph. As their recognition and loyal fanbase continue to expand, Fedra is steadily poised to become a key player in the metal scene, redefining heavy music through a series of exciting live performances and an ever-expanding catalog of songs that push the boundaries of the genre.

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The Artist of the week: Abigorum
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The Artist of the week: Abigorum

ABIGORUM: A Journey Through Darkness and Resilience

Founded in April 2012 in Saint Petersburg by Aleksey Korolyov, ABIGORUM has carved its niche in metal. Their debut demo, "Abigorum," came in 2012, followed by the impactful single "My Haemophilia" in 2013. The 2016 collaboration "Unholy Ghost Liturgy" with Cryostasium marked a pivotal moment, blending new styles with their core sound. The 2018 split album "Spectral Shadows" with Striborg enhanced their underground status.

In January 2019, ABIGORUM expanded internationally by welcoming German musicians Tino Thiele and Sandra Batsch, recording in German to reach broader audiences. The band continues to innovate, exploring themes of darkness, resilience, and the human experience.

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The artist of the week: Orfin
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Orfin

ORFIN is the solo project of a multi-instrumentalist from New York City, blending atmospheric metal with influences from both New England metalcore and European melodic metal. While ORFIN handles all the instrumentation, the project collaborates with talented vocalists to bring each song to life, having worked with Björn Strid of Soilwork and Tyler Lyon of Evalyn Awake. Produced and engineered by Jamie King, ORFIN’s music weaves intricate, powerful soundscapes that capture the essence of both aggression and melody, creating a distinctive sonic journey for metal fans.


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The artist of the week: Kraisler AB (Ancient Black)
Andrea Vargas Andrea Vargas

The artist of the week: Kraisler AB (Ancient Black)

Kraisler, an iconic Colombian metal band, has garnered a loyal following due to their unique sound and powerful performances. Known for their energetic music and thought-provoking lyrics, they continue to push the boundaries of the melodic metal genre. Their evolution not only reflects impressive musical growth but also an artistic maturation that continues to delve into introspection, misanthropy, and darkness in their passionate lyrics and compositions.

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