MORBIKON: Blackened Death/Thrash Metal Project Led By Members Of Municipal Waste, Finntroll To Release Lost Within The Astral Crypts Full-Length November 21st On Tankcrimes; New Track Streaming + Preorders Available
Blackened death/thrash metal project MORBIKON will unleash their Lost Within The Astral Crypts full-length on November 21st via Tankcrimes. The creative effort of guitarist/bassist Phil “Landphil” Hall (Municipal Waste, Cannabis Corpse, Iron Reagan) with Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns (Finntroll, …And Oceans) on vocals, MORBIKON is guided by the second wave of Scandinavian black metal and melodic death metal scenes of the ‘90s. The band released their debut full-length, Ov Mournful Twilight, in 2022 via Tankcrimes. Wrote Angry Metal Guy, “Ov Mournful Twilight manages to be both trve as fvkk and fvn as fvkk. Here lie eight meloblack rippers, each one calibrated to bring winter to your soul and whiplash to your neck.” Teeth Of The Divine concurred hailing, “a scorching hellfire display of blackened death thrash metal, that in many ways is fresh sounding, as well as paying homage to some of the earliest purveyors of the ‘80s/’90s scene.” Added No Echo, “Vreth’s vocals sound as tortured and evil as ever; his raspy screams, breathy hissing, and primal growls grab your attention like a cold breeze on your neck.” Not just a studio project, MORBIKON spent six weeks on the road promoting Ov Mournful Twilight alongside internationally notable extreme metal acts such as Exhumed and Skeletal Remains in addition to performances at The Decibel Magazine Beer and Metal Fest in both Philadelphia and Denver and the Milwaukee Metal Fest. And in 2025 MORBIKON is more fiery than ever before. “This album feels like some of my darkest material yet,” says Hall. “I filled these songs to the brim with atmosphere and riffs. There are moments during the album that truly feel soaked in classic ‘90s underground blasphemy.” In advance of the record’s release, today the band is streaming first single, “Heavens That Burn And Eons Divided.” Offers Hall, “We picked out this track to be the opener on Lost Within The Astral Crypts because it perfectly depicts the insanity within the album. We took great pleasure in making the atmosphere and riffs as dark as possible. There are so many doors open within melodic black metal that I wanted to explore. This song touches on a little of everything within the album and offers a perfect setup.”
Stream MORBIKON’s “Heavens That Burn And Eons Divided” HERE. MORBIKON’s Lost Within The Astral Crypts waswritten by Phil Hall with lyrics by Quotidius, vocals by Mathias Lillmåns and Quotidius, drums by Pierce Williams (Aenigmatum, ex-Skeletal Remains), solos by Blake Hibberd (Unburier), and additional instrumentation by Adam Gilliams (guitar; Cannabis Corpse) and Thomas Saltman (synths). The record was mixed by Rob Cauldwell, mastered by Alan Douches, and features cover art by Par Oloffson. Lost Within The Astral Crypts will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants: Liquid Filled (Ltd. 75) Crystal Clear (Ltd. 90 x Decibel Magazine Exclusive) Neon Violet w/ Black Splatter (Ltd. 250) Metallic Blue (Ltd. 500) Find CD preorders HERE, vinyl preorders HERE, and digital orders at Bandcamp HERE. Find the Decibel exclusive edition HERE. Lost Within The Astral Crypts Track Listing: 1. Heavens That Burn And Eons Divided 2. Unending Legions Of Ball 3. Flames That Bind And Shadows Cast 4. Numeric Portal Ascendency 5. Sworn To Their Beheaded King 6. Masters Of Eternal Night 7. Ghoul Infested Mausoleum 8. Lost Within The Astral Crypts For MORBIKON coverage contact liz@earsplitcompound.com. https://www.facebook.com/morbikonhttps://www.instagram.com/morbikonhttps://tankcrimes.merchtable.comhttps://www.facebook.com/tankcrimeshttps://www.instagram.com/tankcrimes
STELLAR CIRCUITS Reveal 2nd Single, ‘Corridor’ + NewAlbum, PHANTOM :: PHOENIX, Out NOV. 14th
Photo Credit: Maq Brown
Prog-Alt-Metal upstarts STELLAR CIRCUITS have debuted the 2nd single, ‘Corridor,’ from their sophomore album, Phantom :: Phoenix, that’s out November 14th via Nuclear Blast Records. The anthemic new track adds rocket fuel to the band’s upward trajectory with mesmerizing vocals and hooking riffs; another highlight from their game-changing new record.
Commenting on the upcoming album,vocalist Ben Beddick says:
“With ‘Corridor,’ it seemed like we uncovered a side of the band that we haven’t really explored before. It felt like we tapped into a lighter, more uplifting part of our sound and that was exciting to discover.
The song has a very nostalgic vibe and seems to stem from influences that we haven’t been able to express in previous albums. It feels very removed from our darker and heavier side but we also feel like it only adds to the breadth of music that we’re able to create.”
STELLAR CIRCUITS’ follow up to 2023’s acclaimed record Sight To Sound, is a cathartic work of art that explores the trials and tribulations of life and death and the process of healing and perseverance in the face of agony.
Beddick says of the album: “When we were writing this record, one of the things that kept coming up was the idea of death and rebirth through fire. This idea of killing off the old and dead parts of ourselves in order to give birth to something new and maybe even a truer version of who we all are. Every time we write an album, we go into the process with the idea of getting uncomfortable and exposing a more vulnerable part of ourselves. There also seems to be a constant theme of dealing with loss when we’re in the middle of writing.
Everybody went through different periods of loss and grief during this process and I think that it shows through in the subject matter and the sounds that came out of it. We always want to push ourselves to a new place and build on the foundation that we’ve created over the last few years of being in this band. I think that we’ve been able to achieve that with Phantom :: Phoenix. It’s a representation of that cycle and I hope it can act as a catalyst for growth to those who listen.”
Stellar Circuits is making a powerful impact in the progressive metal scene following the release of their acclaimed 2023 album Sight to Sound on Nuclear Blast Records. Fusing punishing grooves, intricate melodies, and emotional weight, the album pushed the band’s sonic boundaries while staying rooted in their intense, immersive sound. Tracks like “Witch House” and “Catch Your Death” showcase a darker, more evolved edge that continues to resonate with fans of metal and progressive rock alike.
The band—Ben Beddick (vocals), Jesse Olsen (bass), Tyler Menon (drums), and Jared Stamey (guitar)—has built a reputation for emotionally charged, technically precise live performances, following extensive touring and appearances alongside acts like Chevelle and Arch Echo. With a growing audience and relentless creative energy, Stellar Circuits has emerged as one of the most dynamic forces in modern progressive metal.
Now, the band is preparing to enter a bold new chapter with their upcoming album Phantom :: Phoenix, set for release in 2025. A cinematic and visceral exploration of light and dark, the album delves into themes of personal transformation and the rebirth of the self through fire. It’s an emotionally and sonically expansive record that challenges both the band and the listener to confront what must be destroyed in order to evolve. With new music on the horizon and a sharpened creative vision, Stellar Circuits is poised to break new ground and leave a lasting mark on the genre.
Lorna Shore – Jacob’s Pavilion, Cleveland, OH – September 26, 2025 Few bands can summon sheer chaos and precision in the same breath like Lorna Shore, and their headlining set at Jacob’s Pavilion proved why they stand at the forefront of modern extreme music. Against the industrial backdrop of Cleveland’s lakefront—where freighters silently moved along the river as the stage lights burned—the band turned an already buzzing city night into something unforgettable. From the moment the first blast beat landed, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd surged with unstoppable energy, unleashing a tidal wave of crowd surfers that rarely ceased. Security and photographers alike had to navigate the barrage of bodies; shooting from the pit meant ducking boots one second and catching a perfect frame of the band’s onstage intensity the next. It was less a performance and more an endurance test, both for the fans and anyone working in front of the barricade. Lorna Shore’s technicality elevated the chaos into something grander. Will Ramos’ vocals cut through with both demonic ferocity and chilling clarity, while the guitar work unfolded with blistering sweeps and orchestrated flourishes that blurred the line between brutality and beauty. Their signature fusion of deathcore extremity with symphonic scale felt even more commanding live, filling the open-air venue with a sound as massive as the waters surrounding it.
What set this night apart was the venue itself. Jacob’s Pavilion offered a rare combination of intimacy and spectacle—an outdoor stage perched between Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River, where the city’s industrial pulse mingled with nature’s immensity. As freighters glided by under the night sky, the contrast against the chaos in the pit gave the performance an almost cinematic quality. By the end, the exhausted yet elated crowd made clear that Cleveland hadn’t simply hosted Lorna Shore—it had been overtaken. The evening was proof of the band’s unique power: to harness complexity and raw aggression, then deliver it in a way that feels both violent and transcendent. In a scene crowded with heavy acts, Lorna Shore showed once again that they play on a different level entirely. ⸻
Supporting Acts The Black Dahlia Murder brought their trademark brand of melodic death metal with unwavering precision. Their set was both celebratory and cathartic, as the band continues to honor Trevor Strnad’s legacy while pushing forward with fresh energy. Their razor-sharp riffs and relentless pace had the pit in full motion, setting a high bar early in the night. Shadow of Intent followed with a crushing performance that highlighted their ability to fuse symphonic atmosphere with deathcore’s sheer heaviness. The orchestral backdrops added cinematic weight to their set, while frontman Ben Duerr’s vocal range commanded the crowd with absolute authority. Their set was a masterclass in balancing technicality with emotional impact. Peeling Flesh opened the evening with unapologetic brutality, immediately igniting the crowd and proving why their rising reputation in the extreme metal scene is well-earned. Their raw energy and slamming intensity primed the audience for the chaos to come, ensuring no one would leave the venue unshaken.
1. Tell our Rock Fans about the band’s latest release? Where did the band record with and who?
Missing Link includes heavy riff songs that are meant to be played loud and some quiet melodies (also nice if loud). The recording took place in my apartment 🙂 I (Jose Luis) recorded it alone.
2. How long was the writing process and what inspired you on this new release?
It took about two weeks to record, the inspiration I drew from several thigns including nature and traveling.
3. What changed during this process from previous releases?
Not much changed..I went minimimalistic on the pedal setup.
4. What’s next for the band? Any Tours or festivals Lined up?
We will present some of the songs of Missing Link in Vienna on September 30th . October 5th in the House of Witches in Munich. November 8th Animal Rights Congress in Vienna.
5. Describe your live show to a fan that has not seen you perform before?
We aim to entertain with our music during live performances. Depending upon the event and setting, energetic or relaxing. The percussion parts are diverse, sometimes with Drums, sometimes with eastern acoustic percussion.
6. What is your favorite song to play live?
Always a tough question to answer. I like to play a slow song called „It feels like nothing“.
7. If you could collaborate on a song or tour, what band would you choose and why?
It would be much fun to play with Joe Satriani. Why? Because he is Satriani!
8. What drives you as a musician?
Being creative is definitely number one. The need to communicate emotions, experiences and ideas. I also have a bunch of guitars and cables just sitting there, I have to make something out of them.
9. What band member gets the most *Attention* from the fans? Teo the bass player
10. Who is the laziest band member when it comes to load in and load out each night?
We do not have anybody like that..
11. What is the single greatest musical memory so far while being in the band?
The very first time we played live together.
12. If the band were thrown into a wrestling battle royal, which member would win? Who would be the first to be thrown over the ropes?
I do not see why we would do such a thing, but…Teo prevails I think, and I (Jose Luis) will be the first one to fly out.
Plus Dozens More Rock, Americana, Bluegrass And Alt Rock Artists
Along With Elevated Bourbon & Culinary Experiences
Louder Than Life Continues The Celebration September 18-21
The seventh Bourbon & Beyond welcomed fans from over 50 states and around the globe and over 120 music artists on five stages to Louisville, Kentucky over the weekend.The World’s Largest Bourbon, Food & Music Festival was held from September 11-14 at the at Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky and featured an incredible music lineup of music legends and rising stars with headliners The Lumineers, Benson Boone and Alabama Shakes on Thursday; Phish, Khruangbin and Joe Bonamassa on Friday; Sturgill “Johnny Blue Skies” Simpson, Jack White and Vance Joy on Saturday; and Noah Kahan,Goo Goo Dolls and Megan Moroney on Sunday. The lineup also included Cage The Elephant, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Collective Soul, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Iron & Wine,Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Switchfoot, Third Eye Blind, Ringo Starr & His All Star Band,Pixies, Lake Street Dive, Dashboard Confessional, Foreigner, Blues Traveler and many others.
This year, Bourbon & Beyond’s newly expanded footprint doubled the square footage of past layouts, and made greater use of the Kentucky Exposition Center’s infrastructure, creating a more comfortable and resilient experience for fans. In addition, all festival passes included FREE access to amusement rides inside Kentucky Kingdom.
This year’s festival was packed with unforgettable performances, surprise collaborations, and historic moments that will be remembered for years to come.
Thursday
● Kentucky’s own Cage The Elephant performed an electrifying set.
● Benson Boone made his highly anticipated Bourbon & Beyond debut.
● Louisville welcomed Alabama Shakes back for the first time in ten years, celebrating their much-awaited 2025 reunion tour.
● Derek Trucks joined The Lumineers on stage for a special collaboration that set the tone for the weekend ahead.
Friday
● Guster brought the house down with surprise guest appearances from Phish’s Mike Gordon and Iron & Wine.
● Phish captivated fans with an epic three-hour, two-set performance that became one of the weekend’s defining highlights.
Saturday
● Sturgill “Johnny Blue Skies” Simpson delivered a powerful, 150 minute home-state headlining set.
● Jack White made his triumphant return to the Bourbon & Beyond stage with a fan favorite, electrifying set.
● Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band created a magical celebration of classic rock with Steve Lukather (Toto), Colin Hay (Men at Work), Hamish Stuart (Average White Band), Warren Ham, Buck Johnson, and Greg Bissonette. The set became legendary when Jack White joined Ringo on stage for a historic performance of “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
Sunday
● Foreigner gave their final festival performance with Kelly Hansen as lead vocalist, made even more poignant when the Jefferson County Public Schools Alumni Choir joined them for “I Want To Know What Love Is.”
● Lake Street Dive welcomed a special collaboration with Lawrence.
● Noah Kahan performed an unreleased song, “The Great Divide,” before teaming up with Nathaniel Rateliff for a stirring rendition of “Northern Attitude.”
The Fork & Flask curated by Kroger Stage brought together an extraordinary lineup of culinary and spirits programming, featuring celebrity chefs including Chris Santos (Chopped), Edward Lee (The Mind of a Chef), Claudette Zepeda (Top Chef Season 15, Founder of Chispa Hospitality), Chef Esther Choi (Food Network TVpersonality, Beat Bobby Flay and Chopped), Louisville’s ownAnthony Lamas, (Seviche A Latin Restaurant and Bar Rescue), and Chef Lawrence Weeks(North of Bourbon).
Thestage also welcomed bourbon expert Chris Blandford and Chef Amanda Freitag(Top Chef andChopped) alongside tastings from premium brands including Old Rip Van Winkle, Angel’s Envy,Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Buffalo Trace and more.
Programming highlights throughout the weekend include a taping of the Firkin Podcast with Redferrin; “Family Cookin” with Terry Bradshaw andhisson-in-law Chef Noah Hester; Unscripted & Uncorked actress Elizabeth Banks (Archer Roose Wines); appearances from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear; and comedian and Fathertime founder Jim Gaffigan. Other special guests participating in the culinary and bourbon programming include 49 Winchester, Trombone Shorty, Kelly Hansen, Redferrin, Salt Hank, Katie Crutchfield and more.
This year, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® World Bourbon Toast™ was livestreamed worldwide all day from the Festival, culminating in The World’s Largest Bourbon Toast from the stage on Sunday. The band Foreigner joined the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience on stage to raise a glass of Angel’s Envy Triple Oak, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Finished in a Blend of Hungarian, Chinkapin & French Oak Barrels, poured by Angel’s Envy Master Distiller Owen Martin in front of thousands of fans. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg also presented Danny Wimmer with a “Key to the City.”
Kroger Big Bourbon Bar brought the bourbon trail straight to the festival. Bourbon expert Chris Blandford expertly curated an extensive lineup and designed specialty cocktails for fans served by hometown mixologists. In addition, the Bourbon & Beyond 5k took place on September 21 on the Kentucky Exposition Center grounds. The event was sold out, and participants enjoyed live music throughout the course.
Bourbon & Beyond recently wonPollstar’s Global 2025 Festival of the Year, andis produced by Los Angeles-based Danny Wimmer Presents, one of the largest independent producers of destination music festivals in America. It was also named one of Garden & Gun’s Ten Standout Southern Bourbon Festivals.
For more information on Bourbon & Beyond please visit:
Website: BourbonAndBeyond.com
Facebook: @bourbonandbeyond
Instagram: @bourbonandbeyond
Twitter: @bourbonNbeyond
Hashtag: #BourbonAndBeyond
(Bourbon & Beyond, by Sam Shapiro)
(Bourbon & Beyond, by Steve Thrasher)
(Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, bourbon experience host Chris Blandford, Chef Ed Lee, by Nathan Zucker)
(The Lumineers, by Jake Mulka)
(Phish, by Jake Mulka)
(Sturgill “Johnny Blue Skies” Simpson, by Steve Thrasher)
(Benson Boone, by Steve Thrasher)
(Khruangbin, by Nathan Zucker)
(Goo Goo Dolls, by Nathan Zucker)
(Alabama Shakes, by Nathan Zucker)
(The Lumineers with Derek Trucks, by Jake Mulka)
(Joe Bonamassa, by Steve Thrasher)
(Vance Joy, by Steve Thrasher)
(Megan Moroney, by Steve Thrasher)
(Mayorathan 5K: Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and wife Rachel Greenberg with Kathi Wimmer and Danny Wimmer of DWP, by Jordan Pantoja)
(bourbon experience host Chris Blandford and Terry Bradshaw, by Jake Mulka)
(World Bourbon Toast, by Steve Thrasher)
About Danny Wimmer Presents: Since 1995, music industry veteran Danny Wimmer has been producing concerts and festivals, both large and small. In 2011, he founded Danny Wimmer Presents, a live entertainment company that produces the largest rock, metal, and alternative music festivals in the U.S. By combining A-list talent, bringing exceptional creativity to life, and curating local cuisine and culture, DWP is recognized within the industry for delivering exceptional entertainment experiences to fans, artists, sponsors, partners, and host cities. DWP creates unforgettable and all-encompassing festival experiences, leaving both attendees and partners with lasting and meaningful impressions. From 2020 and on, DWP has been an innovator in the digital content space with over two dozen international livestreams, acclaimed social series Offstage with DWP, DWPresents Channel on Twitch, which has garnered over 25 million worldwide views since its launch in mid-2021, and The Power Hour, a weekly show dedicated to the world of rock, on AXS TV. The 2025 DWP festival lineup includes Aftershock, Bourbon & Beyond, Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, Louder Than Life, Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival and Welcome To Rockville.
