🔥 Conquerors, today it is time to honor the presence of our primary mic violator - @daniel_demondawn - who joined the band in February 2000. 🥳

📸 Some pictures taken during an underground concert (although not from that time but still early enough) from 2004 that show him in action. 💪

Do you remember? Have you been there, moshing your head off?

Tell us below in the comments! 👇

#skyconqueror #traditionalheavymetal #supporttheunderground

Live roundup #46

We are back with another live roundup showing you some of the best gigs and festivals coming up in the near future! Buying in advance both supports bands and festivals helping to make sure shows go ahead! So what are you waiting for, go and grabs some tickets!

What your gig featured?

If you would like to have your gig featured here please drop us a message on our socials or email [email protected]!

#1 Metal Warriors

More info: Crush The Neophytes

#2 Warsenal + Support

More info:https://www.facebook.com/thesceptermetal

#3 Friday 13th

More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1389987619387082/

#4 Konquest + Hounds

More info:https://fb.me/e/4etNG7Cj9

#5 Transylvania + Voidgazer

More info:https://fb.me/e/k3HdfAh7K

#6 Legions of Metal

More info:Legions Of Metal Festival

#7 Keep It True Legions – Leather Nunn

More info:https://keep-it-true.de/tickets/

#8 Iron Echo

More info:https://www.facebook.com/IronEchoMusic

#9 Blades of Steel 2026

More info:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092567051166

#10 Hyena

More info:https://www.reservix.de/tickets-hyena-destroy-the-human-race-world-tour-euro-strike-2026-in-moerlenbach-live-music-hall-weiher-am-26-3-2026/e2498379

#1 #10 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #ültraRaptör #BladesOfSteel #Culloden #HeavyMetal #hyena #IronEcho #KeepItTrueLegions #KonquestHounds #LegionsOfMetalVIII #liveRoundup #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #NWOTHM #speedMetal #theScepter #thenwothm #tradMetal #traditionalHeavyMetal #Transylvania #Voidgazer #warsenal

Templar announce debut album “Conquering Swords” in February 2026 via Jawbreaker Records

Swedish heavy metal band Templar are set to unleash their long‑awaited debut full‑length album “Conquering Swords,” a record forged in steel and driven by melody and spirit.

Scheduled for release on the 27th February 2026 through Jawbreaker Records, the album marks the band’s full realisation of the promise shown on their “Black Knight” demo and “Treacherous Beast” single. With sharpened precision and commanding force, Templar step forward as seasoned warriors of their craft.

The first single Trident has already been unveiled and can be heard here:

https://youtu.be/58kapJ6OB4g

Produced under the guidance of Staffan Tengnér (Century), “Conquering Swords” carries the warmth and authenticity familiar from the “Treacherous Beast” 7″ and Century’s own releases. The production captures raw energy with clarity, ensuring every guitar harmony and bassline resonates with power. Final mastering was completed by Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony, giving the album its thunderous and enduring sound.

Across ten tracks, “Conquering Swords” transports listeners into a world of medieval grandeur and high adventure, where themes of courage, betrayal and destiny unfold. Twin guitars clash like steel, galloping rhythms drive the momentum, and soaring choruses conjure visions of fortresses and moonlit battlefields. Templar continue to uphold the tradition of true heavy metal first ignited by Heavy Load and other pioneers of the First Wave of Swedish Heavy Metal.

With Isak Neffling delivering commanding vocals and bass, Mille Lundström on relentless drums, and the duelling guitars of Teddy Edoff and Gustav Harrysson, Templar raise the banner of heavy metal high. This is pure, unfiltered music with heart, honour and hooks in abundance. The call to arms has been sounded.

Tracklist:

01. Gates of Angmar (Intro)
02. Witchking
03. Excalibur
04. Rainbow’s End
05. Exiled in Fire
06. The Sorceress
07. Trident
08. Shipwreck
09. White Wolf
10. Conquering Swords

Line-up:
Isak Neffling – Vocals & Bass
Gustav Harrysson – Guitars
Teddy Edoff – Guitars
Mille Lundström – Drums

Website: jawbreaker.se

Bandcamp: Jawbreaker Records – Conquering Swords

Facebook (Jawbreaker Records): facebook.com/JawbreakerRecords

Instagram (Jawbreaker Records): instagram.com/jawbreaker.se

Facebook (Templar): facebook.com/templarsweden

Instagram (Templar): https://www.instagram.com/templar.band

#HeavyMetal #JawbreakerRecords #NewAlbum #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #News #NWOTHM #templar #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #traditionalHeavyMetal

Rave In Fire announce second album “Square One”

Madrid heavy metal band Rave In Fire will release their second full-length album, “Square One,” on January 30th, 2026 through High Roller Records.

The first single, “Still Standing,” is accompanied by a new music video which can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UWvMBFBTeU&feature=youtu.be

Drawing inspiration from Spanish legends such as Barón Rojo and Obús, as well as newer acts including Witchtower, Leather Heart, Steelhorse, and Hitten, Rave In Fire continue to build on their traditional metal roots.

Tracks like “Dark Poison,” “Knightwalker,” and the high-energy “Speed and Rave” echo the spirit of Leather Leone-era Chastain, early 1980s Scorpions, and touches of Dio. The title track “Square One” stands out as the album’s epic centrepiece, incorporating progressive elements into the band’s sound.

Pre-orders are available here: High Roller Records.

Rave In Fire are a rising female-fronted traditional metal band, founded in Madrid in 2015. Their first complete line-up led to the release of the EP “Chronicle Of A Timeless End” in 2018, followed by their debut full-length “Sons Of A Lie” in April 2022 via Iron Oxide which was a pivotal moment in the band’s career. In 2024, they marked their German live debut at the long-running Trvheim festival.

“Just like “Sons Of A Lie,” it’s a fully self-produced album,” Rave In Fire explain. “The recording, production, mastering, and most of the songwriting was done by Jonjo Negrete, our guitarist and producer. The drums were recorded at California Studios in Madrid. All songs were performed by the current members of the band; no one else took part.”

Tracks such as “Dark Poison,” “Knightwalker,” and the high-octane “Speed And Rave” channel the spirit of Leather Leone-fronted Chastain, fused with early 80s Scorpions and a touch of Dio. The title track, “Square One,” stands as the album’s grand epic, leaning into progressive metal territory.

“We believe it’s a continuation of the path we have carved for ourselves on the predecessor,” the band note, “with a slightly more experimental touch. Without losing the essence of the band, we’ve explored some new directions to keep growing as musicians. The main difference between “Square One” and its predecessor is that “Sons Of A Lie” was an album conceived for two guitars (we recorded it when we were still a five-piece band). “Square One,” in return, revolves less around guitars and gives a lot of space to the rest of the instruments. Likewise, “Square One” explores paths close to progressive, thrash and speed metal, while “Sons Of A Lie” was following a more conservative approach.”

(Matthias Madder)

Tracklist

Line-up

• Sele – Vocals
• Jonjo – Guitars
• Sara – Bass
• Jimi – Drums

Official links

• High Roller Records website
• High Roller Records Facebook
• High Roller Records Instagram
• Rave In Fire Facebook
• Rave In Fire Instagram

#heavyMetal #highRollerRecoirds #newAlbum #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothm #raveInFire #raveInFireSquareOne #spanishHeavyMetal #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #traditionalHeavyMetal

Si je lançais un appel à contribution pour une compil' (en copyleft CreativeCommon, à prix libre) « Pédales de distorsion » qui regrouperait des sons de Heavy Metal (dans l'héritage de la compil' Metal for Muthas qui a un peu formalisé ce qu'était la New Wave off British Heavy Metal) de groupes d'homosexuels, est-ce qu'il y aurait des gens qui répondraient à l'appel ?

#BoostWelcome

#NWoBHM #NewWaveOfBritishHeavyMetal #NWoTHM #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #HeavyMetal #MetalForMuthas #NewWaveOfFrenchHeavyMetal #NouvelleVagueDeHeavyMetalFrançais #HeavyMetalFrançais #MetalFrançais #MetalFrancophone #TraditionalHeavyMetal #HeavyMetalTraditionnel

#HomeStudio #ShittyMusic

#Gay #Homo #Homosexuels #Homosexuel #PD #Pédé #Pédale

Helvetets Port: Tomas Ericson on inspiration vs influence

The Nwothm

I am sometimes asked the question of what has inspired or influenced Helvetets Port’s music. I am sure these terms are interchangeable to some, but to me the question has made my brain rev up to a higher degree than I expected. Perhaps because I have felt there is a difference that I should take more seriously in order to answer the question. In this article I would like to make a distinction between inspiration and influence: the former is something that can act as a “muse”, or something which you strive for, even if it is not necessarily heard in your music. Whereas influence is something that could be more clearly heard, or an “inspiration that has broken through” if you will. Let us start with five sources of inspiration and why it stays on that side of the fence:

Thor (CAN) – Unchained (1983) and Only the Strong (1985)

This is peak efficiency in songwriting. The songs are straightforward and catchy without being cheerful or predictable. I often see my songs getting out of hand when it comes to complexity and abstruseness at the writing stage, and then I try to think “more Thor”. No one could do it quite like them though. They could get seriously epic and heavy with the same simplicity in songs like When Gods Collide and Ride of the Chariots, and it is genius level.

Killen (USA) – Restless is the Witch (1989)

This is perhaps not so much a direct musical inspiration, rather a “heavy metal-philosophical” one. On this cassette, particularly on the two songs that are unique for this release – Birth of a King and The Resurrection/Vampire – Killen demonstrate the ways in which you can warp heavy metal to its limits while still being impervious of accusations of deviating from trueness. And, check out the video of “Scream in the Night” on Youtube for some serious overall coolness inspiration. Their full-length album from 1987 is also a major lesson in giving zero fucks.

Witch Cross (DEN) – Fit for Fight (1984)

In heavy metal there are two overarching themes with their respective moods, from which all sub-themes stem. The old and the new (well, 80s new). The old is the ancient or medieval; fantasy, the epic stuff. The new is the (80s) contemporary, nightlife, street level stuff. And although Witch Cross can excel in the former (especially on some older demo stuff) it is in the “new” category where they truly set the ultimate mood. The first minute of “Light of a Torch” and “Face of a Clown” is like the equivalent of 100 Stranger Things first seasons. It’s all you need if you want to get in the mood to make neon light music – but never to be equalled.

Tyrant (Gloucester, UK) and Tyrant (Mansfield, UK)

For two bands with the same name from the same country to be inseparable regarding the same kind of inspiration is a cosmic fluke. But there they stand, as the two most important bastions of the medieval sub-theme of the “old” category. One of them only having recorded two songs. Listen to a few Tyrant songs and you have bathed yourself in enough medieval melancholy to subtract a few hundred years from the atmosphere of the music you write next. Highlights if I have to choose: “Day of the Knight” and “Shadows of the Night”.

Overkill (Winnenden, GER) – Demo (1984)

It is difficult to be directly musically influenced by these Germans, perhaps because all the songs are so different from each other, but each superb in their own way. Heavy Metal Forces, the catchy anthem; The Iron Sword, the medieval epic song and Killers in the Dawn, a number that surpasses the meanness of all thrash metal while being classic heavy metal. They are a major inspiration when it comes to varying your songs without losing the core, and also to try and change your vocal colour depending on the song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBxKivzih7I

And here are five sources of influence and it turns out to be a somewhat patriotic list:

Gotham City (SWE)

The elephant in the room, the influence of all influences! Notwithstanding the music, the sharp-sighted can probably tell that our logo and the artwork to our first single are heavily influenced by Gotham City. They are the main reason I got into obscure heavy metal and the main influence to start Helvetets Port. Their music has the perfect blend of coolness, quirkiness and regalness. Right now I am working on a song which is especially influenced by them, called “We Played Heavy Metal”.

Heavy Load (SWE)

There is always a bit, small or big, of Heavy Load and especially Ragne Wahlquist in one’s guitar playing, singing and songwriting. It is as though their work is the template for heavy metal. When you sit down with a guitar, there is always this little quick subconscious process in your head of “what is guitar playing all about?” in order to get your bearings as to what you are about to do with that strange object in your lap. And that subconscious backdrop is made by Heavy Load. The melancholy and earnestness, the E minor riffs that can always lead to greatness.

Kim Sixx (DEN) – Demo 1984

Kim Sixx in my opinion have the most commendable mix of guitar playing “tools” out of any band. There is perfect division of riffs, rhythm, licks, solos and melodies. Of course not only the division but the way it is played. This, and the fact that they might be the most true template of a classic heavy metal band imaginable, is a huge influence and inspiration. On a song like “Ruled with an Iron Hand”, I tried to summon the guitar practices of Kim Sixx.

Rising (SWE) – The Show is Over (song from the “Just One Bite …” demo 1984)

Now I am going to talk about a couple of songs that have distinct parts that have left an everlasting impression and which I feel I can never really fully explore, an itch that never goes away. For this Rising song it is about the very end, where it is almost like they are starting a new, awesome song and then it stops. It is the ultimate risky “kill your idols” technique in songwriting, creating a yearning that you as a songwriter want to almost fulfill but not quite. This I tried to recreate in the ending of “Cry of the Night”.

Zone Zero (SWE) – Evil Dream (B side from the “Heavy Metal” 7″ 1982)

With the Zone Zero song it is a similar deal in changing parts, but a more abrupt change and preferably more in the middle of the song. The time I first heard the tempo change in Evil Dream might be the most significant listening experience in my life and I get goosebumps just thinking about it. It shows that if you have written a cool part you can just brute force it into whatever place your heart feels like. Having it become as mind-blowing as in Evil Dream is a different matter though. Some places where I have attempted it is for example in “The Invincible” when the lone riff starts, and “Stan Brinner” when the final kind of chorus starts, and many more. Basically, whenever there is a part change that is not very “natural”, the spirit of Evil Dream looms over it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPgrKjyJrqM

Conclusion by TheNwothm

For Tomas Ericson, Helvetes Port is shaped by inspiration that sparks imagination and influence that leaves its mark in sound. Together they create a vision that balances tradition with individuality, keeping the old spirit of heavy metal alive in a unique way.

How do you see it? Does heavy metal thrive more on unseen muses or on the influences we can clearly hear? Let us know!

Photo Credit: Sabrina (Visual_Evidence) 

#heavyMetal #helvetetsPort #inspirationVsInfluence #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #nwothm #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #tomasEricson #tradMetal #traditionalHeavyMetal

Interview: Syrion (Belgium)

The Nwothm

Syrion are a young heavy metal band from Belgium with a clear nod to the early 80s. In this short exchange, they talk lineup, early days, and their first demo release. It’s a quick glimpse into a band stepping onto the scene with energy, attitude, and a growing sense of purpose.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZYhxS1KBVM

Interview

TheNwothm: Hey there Syrion, please introduce the members of the band and where you are from?

Syrion: Colin (vocals) from Buggenhout, Belgium and Siebe (bass), Joris (Drums) and Viktor (guitars) from Lokeren, Belgium

TheNwothm: How did the band first come together? Was it a shared love of Nwobhm, a chance meeting, or something more chaotic?

Syrion: Siebe knew Joris from a local music academy so they started jamming, Viktor knew Siebe from elementary school and he was looking for a band, and Colin originally joined through former guitar player Maxim. In the beginning we didn’t really know what we wanted to play, but overtime we all got into old school heavy/ speed metal from the early to mid 80s.

TheNwothm: Rewind back in time! How did you all get into metal? And what were the first instruments you owned?

Syrion: Most of us got into metal through other genres like the hard rock of the 70s and the thrash metal from the early 80s. We all began with the mainstream but slowly delved deeper and deeper.

TheNwothm: Classic question for you. Who were your idols growing up and they can  from metal or outside of music?

Syrion: Colin: Robert Plant and Paul Di’Anno

Viktor: Jimmy Page

Siebe: Steve harris, Lemmy

Joris: John Bonham

TheNwothm: You’ve clearly nailed the look—leather, studs, hi tops, the whole classic arsenal. How much does image matter to Syrion, and what does it say about your identity as a band?

Syrion: We believe that through image you can make clear what your intentions are as a band. It also shows dedication to the genre – but also shows that this isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle, we dress no different when we go to school for example.

TheNwothm: Belgium has a rich but often overlooked metal history. What parts of your local or national culture have seeped into Syrion’s music or mindset?

Syrion: We are all of course huge fans of the old heavy metal band from Belgium, in particular Ostrogoth and Acid have influenced us greatly. The Belgian beers might have something to do with it as well.

TheNwothm: What’s the metal scene like in your part of Belgium right now? Any venues, bands, or moments that stand out?

Syrion: It’s smaller, but nice. Though we haven’t been too involved yet. This year we had a revival of the legendary Heavy Sound festival, so that was a real standout. Playing in the Music City in Antwerp was very fun, and shows in the Kinkystar in Ghent are always insane.

TheNwothm: Let’s start with your first release: what can you tell us about the demo “Keeper of Souls.” How did it come together, and what does it represent for you?

Syrion: Well, it was recorded almost 2 years ago now. We wrote the songs as we were getting really into the more obscure bands from the 80s. The first song that we ever wrote was “Keeper of Souls.” We were all 16-18 years old at the time, so I think it kind of represents the first checkpoint of our journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lMf1z4y9e8

heNwothm: Can you give us a run through of the tracks and their stories?

Syrion: “Keeper of Souls” was the first real song we’ve ever written. Although the first versions sound a whole lot different than what we got on the demo. The lyrics are a silent ode to parts of Tolkien’s larger story. Glory is No More was written while jamming in the rehearsal room, again the lyrics can be interpreted as a ode to Tolkien’s work. Enchantress was written when we were really getting into the old school Swedish heavy metal from the early 80s. The lyrics were written after a drunk watch of the 1981 movie Excalibur.

TheNwothm: And where did you put the demo together? Who mixed and produced it?

Syrion: We recorded the entire demo at a PA recording in the Kinky Star in Ghent since we were members of their ‘jongeduld’ program, aimed at helping young bands with all kinds of stuff. So it was also produced and mixed by the coaches that they assign to you, in our case Wietse.

TheNwothm: If Syrion were a medieval warband, who’s wielding the axe, who’s casting spells, and who’s just yelling battle cries?

Colin would be the axewielder, Siebe would definitely be just yelling warcries, and Joris and Viktor would be the spellcasters. 

TheNwothm: If you had to swap instruments mid-set, who’s most likely to survive and who’s causing a trainwreck?

Syrion: Since some of us have a background in different instruments, for the most part we’d be fine. I think the most difficult thing would be the vocals and drums, since there are no other singers/ drummers in the band.

TheNwothm: Thinking ahead what is next musically? Are you working on an album or another EP perhaps?

Syrion: We are writing a lot of new material, each new song (in our opinion) better than the last. It will come down to how much money we’ll have when we feel we are ready to record the new material. The new stuff also leans more towards traditional heavy metal with a bit of a different approach to the vocals.

TheNwothm: And what do your touring plans look like for the rest of 2025/ 2026?

Syrion: We currently don’t have any confirmed shows to come, so we will have plenty of time to write new music.

TheNwothm: Is there anywhere you would love to play in particular? Any dream festivals for instance?

Syrion: We think it’s every bands dream to play at Keep It True, Muskelrock would be really cool as well. And of course Belgium’s own Alcatraz would be great.

TheNwothm: How can our readers buy your music and merch?

Syrion: Our new EP ‘Symphony of Horror’ is coming out on cassette through Dying Victims January 23rd, it has just been made available for pre-order. It includes the “Keeper of Souls” demo and two new singles ‘Symphony of Horror’ and ‘Children of The Night’. Merch you can buy at our shows or on our Bandcamp.

TheNwothm: Where can fans follow you online?

Syrion: Instagram, FaceBook and Spotify, just search ‘Syrion’ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575897211544
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syrionbelgium/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTH4E0hUg2Y&list=RDJTH4E0hUg2Y&start_radio=1&pp=ygUZc3lyaW9uIHN5bXBob255IG9mIGhvcnJvcqAHAQ%3D%3D

#belgium #belgiumHeavyMetal #keeprOfSouls #newWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #symphonyOfHorror #syrionHeavyMetal #thenwothm #traditionalHeavyMetal

SPEEDTRAP Vol. II Fundraiser Show - Motorwolf / Postluven / Ravenspell @ Thrashcan - December 6th, 2025

Thrash Can, Saturday, December 6 at 09:00 PM EST

Viridian Cult Productions presents:

SPEEDTRAP Vol. II FUNDRAISER SHOW

You had a blast at the first SPEEDTRAP? Want to prepare yourself for the impending cavalcade of ripping metal madness next April? Well this is the event for you! Head down to the Thrashcan on the night of Saturday, December 6th, for this one-two-three punch of shredtastic mania!

Newcomer heavy metal warriors Ravenspell from Quebec City will open the night, following by thrashers Postluven, hot off the release of their brand new record, 'Blasphemy of Blood', capped off by everyone's favourite speed freax in Motorwolf!

Don't miss it!

Motorwolf:
https://motorwolf.bandcamp.com/album/possessed

Postluven:
https://postluven.bandcamp.com/album/blasphemy-of-blood

Ravenspell:
https://ravenspell.bandcamp.com/track/warriors-9-to-5

Poster by Jose-Gabriel Bazan Gauthier.

Saturday, December 6th, 2025
@ Thrashcan (Ask a punk!)
Doors 9:00 PM
Show 9:30 PM
$15 / PWYC

https://montreal.askapunk.net/event/speedtrap-vol-ii-fundraiser-show-motorwolf-postluven-ravenspell-thrashcan-december-6th-2025

#TheMetalDogArticleList
#DEADRHETORICCOM
Iron Spell – From The Grave

https://deadrhetoric.com/reviews/iron-spell-from-the-grave-dying-victims-productions/

#IronSpell #FromTheGrave #DyingVictimsProductions #Steelhammer #ElectricConjuring #ChileanMetal #TraditionalHeavyMetal #TwinGuitars #MelodicMetal #SpeedMetal

Savage Master, Nite, Meurtrier, Mistwalker @ Piranha Bar - June 21st, 2025

Piranha Bar, Saturday, June 21 at 07:00 PM EDT

American traditional heavy metal revivalists Savage Master and blackened heavy metal wizards Nite take the stage at Piranha Bar joined by Quebec City speed metallers Meurtrier and local support from black n' roll warriors Mistwalker.

Savage Master:
https://savagemasterofficial.bandcamp.com/album/dark-dangerous

Nite:
https://nitemetal.bandcamp.com/album/cult-of-the-serpent-sun

Meurtrier:
https://meurtrier.bandcamp.com/track/maligne-pr-tresse

Mistwalker:
https://mistwalker.bandcamp.com/album/oceanic-heritage

https://montreal.askapunk.net/event/savage-master-nite-meurtrier-mistwalker-piranha-bar-june-21st-2025