Metal Mix Tape 16
Let there be metal! Have a look to see who made Metal Mix Tape Volume 16:
Established as one of metals most exciting up and coming acts, Japan-based metalcore outfit Prompts unleash pure mania on their latest single Deceiver, a concoction of distorted soundscapes, pummelling moments, and fleeting ethereal reprieve – streaming everywhere now via Greyscale Records. The band will celebrate the release tomorrow, joining Parkway Drive as main support live in Tokyo.
Deceiver explores the internal conflict between staying true to yourself and conforming to society’s idea of what’s ‘normal’. “What’s considered the ‘right answer’ in Japan isn’t always the same in Korea,” the band explains, whose members hail from both countries. “And these ideas of ‘normal’ change depending on the country or region. It can be confusing for a lot of people. But honestly, there’s no universal definition of what’s truly ‘right’, that’s why we believe it’s not worth letting all that noise shape who you are.”
Tuscaloosa, Alabama quartet Gideon has released their new single Wrong One and the official music video (via Sumerian Records). Laden with in-your-face vocals and the band’s iconic crushing beatdowns, today’s drop is Gideon’s second via their new label home, following Til The Wheels Fall Off, released earlier this summer. Speaking about the inspiration behind “Wrong One”, the band commented:
“We wrote this song at a time when we were simply fed up with always giving folks the benefit of the doubt. Never mistake kindness for weakness.”
Founded in Florida yet now based in Atlanta, Georgia, Moodring is a nu-metal x alt-rock project led by dynamic frontman Hunter Young.
The band’s 2022 debut Stargazer captured attention from the tastemaker crowd, including a 4 out of 5 star review from Kerrang! Now, newly signed to SharpTone Records, the band has dropped the video for brand new single Half-Life.
Half-Life is an incredibly personal (and intense) song, as it addresses the many changes in Young’s life and in Moodring’s configuration. With Young now unable to actively tour, Moodring became a concept that is malleable and can morph and take different shapes, and with different collaborators without defined borders and boundaries.
“Half-Life was one of the first songs written after I received a life-changing medical diagnosis and was forced to grieve losing the person that I thought I was and had identified as for most of my sentient life,” Young shares, laying his cards face up on the table with no hesitation. “It was a devastating blow to an already-tarnished nervous system. This song and sub-sequential songs were my way of coping and writing an obituary for the person I lost in that doctor’s office.”
He continues, “But when looking at Half-Life through a broader lens, I believe anyone who’s ever been forced to face realities or truths they cannot change can relate in ways that weren’t the original intention.”
Brace yourself for the return of the demonic prodigal son, as Melbourne cinemacore act The Gloom In The Corner have unveiled a snarling new single Assassination Run, also heralding the return of Sherlock A. Bones back into the band’s lyrical lore.
Accompanied by a fittingly macabre music video, directed by Sam Kriesel, Assassination Run once again expands The Gloom In The Corner’s ever-burgeoning Cinematic Universe alongside caustic riffs, pummeling beats, dynamic shifts and crushing breakdowns, helmed with gusto by Mike Arthur’s commanding vocals.
Speaking on their brand new single, the band share: “Calling all cowboys, cowgirls, assassins and rogues – Sherlock A. Bones is back in The Gloom In The Corner’s new single Assassination Run. The band’s titular demonic mascot is back and on the hunt for those who have wronged him after the death of a close friend in the story, and the cowboy takes no time enacting out his vengeance.”
Ice Nine Kills invite you to “dance with the devil in the pale moonlight” with The Laugh Track, their riotous homage to Gotham City’s Clown Prince of Crime. The new song and cinematic music video riffs on the Joker, particularly as portrayed by Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton’s gothic Batman.
The Laugh Track music video welcomes Matthew Lillard (Scream, Five Nights at Freddy’s, SLC Punk) and Phil Morris (Seinfeld, Smallville, Doom Patrol) to the INKverse, alongside returning collaborator Terry Kiser (Weekend at Bernie’s, Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, Weekend at Bernie’s II).
Ice Nine Kills frontman Spencer Charnas spills: “Why be a brooding bat when you can have the last laugh? After all, Jack Nicholson got top billing in Batman ’89. While Michael Keaton’s haunted Bruce Wayne is outstanding, young Spencer was drawn more to the Clown Prince of Crime. ‘The Laugh Track’ is our homage to Tim Burton’s dark and gorgeous gothic Gotham. Batman ’89 took its comic book material seriously, but it was far from grounded, and never forgot to have fun. It’s the same tightrope we walk in Ice Nine Kills, with broad, maniacal smiles.”
“Terry Kiser returns in the video (although the rumors of Miles’ demise are exaggerated). And it brings a warm human smile to my face to introduce Matthew Lillard and Phil Morris to the INKverse. Like Prince before us, ‘The Laugh Track’ will have you dancing with the devil in the pale moonlight.”
The Laugh Track captures the dark theatricality, gothic ambiance, and twisted humor that made Burton’s Batman a masterpiece, delivered through Ice Nine Kills’ distinctive mix of intense yet melodic metal and cinematic storytelling. The track follows Billboard Hot Hard Rock Songs hit The Great Unknown (inspired by The Matrix) and the record- breaking A Work of Art from the highest-grossing unrated film ever, Terrifier 3.
Melodic hardcore group Bloom has today debuted another new single from the band’s forthcoming album The Light We Chase. Fans can listen to the ferocious and anthem Out Of Reach here.
On the new single, the band shares: “Out Of Reach stems from questioning whether the pursuit is worth it, and the dissatisfaction that can come when striving towards a goal. The idea that the goalposts are always moving is at the root of the song, opening with the lyrics ‘Never satisfied, I always push to have it all’. Imagery of rot and ash drive the track forward, and Jono’s switch to clean vocals in the chorus ‘spit out the taste of’ a dream that has become a tragedy. Here, there is no light, and Out Of Reach asks the question if anything was worth chasing at all.”
Bay Area thrash metal icons TESTAMENT return with their fourteenth studio album, Para Bellum, which is out now via Nuclear Blast Records. The album stands as both a battle cry and an observation of humanity’s uneasy alliance with its own creations. As technology accelerates and disconnection grows, Para Bellum sees TESTAMENT reflecting the modern chaos through music that’s urgent, sharp, and unflinchingly human.
The band’s latest single, High Noon, is a haunting and groovy track that will have you looking over your shoulder. It creates a vivid sense of unease and dread – both lyrically and musically – as if something from the unknown is coming for you.
Chuck Billy comments, “We are so fired up about the release of Para Bellum. There were a lot of hours spent putting this together. These new songs put me out of my comfort zone as a vocalist but the final result I am very proud of what I accomplished. See you in the pit.🤘🏼.”
The heavy metal visionaries collectively known as AVATAR — vocalist Johannes Eckerström, guitarists Jonas Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström, bassist Henrik Sandelin, and drummer John Alfredsson — previously announced the thoroughly fitting October 31 release of their latest masterwork Don’t Go in the Forest.
Vocalist Johannes Eckerström states Death and Glitz is a song about perversion and detachment. A homeless, young runaway collapses and dies on a dancefloor. The crime scene tape becomes a red velvet rope. The investigator’s camera flashes like paparazzi on the red carpet. We love her for dying. Now she’s perfect. Obedient. Anything you want. The true crime genre is as sick as the sickest goregrind band you’ve ever heard. Its popularity and the form in which it’s being consumed, as a choice between Mickey Mouse and hospital dramas, reveals a darkness. The best ones are when it’s someone young and attractive. A couple goes hiking. Only the man returns. What do we project on this very real person’s very real tragedy? Do we see ourselves, with a strange envy for being so desired? Do we see a canvas on which we can paint the perfect future, if we were there to make it right? Do we completely dehumanize the victim and those who lost her, obsessed with the puzzle? No matter the reason, it is clear that no one is more obedient than the dead. People simply like it when death has a nice rack.
Sydney-based nu-metal/hardcore group Deficit have announced their upcoming EP, DEATHSTYLE, is set for release Friday 21 November. To mark the occasion, the band have unveiled the title track, offering up a taste of what’s to come.
With this new release, Deficit are set on solidifying their identity by introducing the term “DEATHSTYLE”, a genre they’ve coined to capture the essence of their sound and ethos. “DEATHSTYLE is not only the title of the track, it’s the very embodiment of Deficit’s sound,” says the band. “Death” refers to our roots in Metal, Hardcore, Death Metal, and Deathcore, while “Style” captures the groove, catchiness, and swagger that define our identity. It’s the definition of Deficit’s own unique genre.”
Brisbane nu-metal provocateurs Headwreck have dropped their electrifying new single BINGO!, paving the way for their highly anticipated EP Attitude Adjustment, set to release Friday 31st October. With pre-orders now available on PS2 game disk and vinyl formats, Headwreck are poised to make a loud, unapologetic statement in the alternative metal scene.
In addition to the new music, Headwreck have joined Capital Artist Group’s management roster, and announced new booking partnerships with Destroy All Lines (AUS), United Talent Agency (UK), and Pinnacle Entertainment (USA) – signalling a major step forward in the band’s global reach.
Guitarist Jamo Benadie describes the track as a perfect showcase of the band’s identity, saying that “BINGO! is a track that gives the listener a little bit of everything Headwreck has to offer. Each member played a part in bringing this song to life, and we had a lot of fun making it. We hope that listening to this song will be a fun experience for our audience as well.” Drummer Colby Horton adds: “The chorus lyrics are all very much about nostalgia and having fun. Realising nowadays we can still have fun and it’s time to ‘change the frequency’. BINGO! lyrically came pretty naturally in our second writing session with Chris Lalic. This was the moment we decided to lean fully into that feeling of fun and being ‘ourselves’.”
Extreme metal trailblazers SOULFLY will deliver their tribally fueled thirteenth album CHAMA on October 24th 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. Once again, a remarkable testament to the Brazilian songwriter’s natural affinity for slamming yet rhythmic riffs that defined his signature sound to listeners around the world. A true return to the spiritual upbringing of SOULFLY that somehow bears a modern-day edge and vitality. Something that could only be attained by a true master of the craft, and Max has stunned us all again.
The latest song from SOULFLY Nihilist continues the Cavalera family legacy with a track that is a testament to raw aggression. The song features the bands legendary sound enhanced by the evolving role of Zyon Cavalera as producer. The track not only delivers on the band’s hallmark sound but it injects a modern, vital, sonic assault onto the listener and features Todd Jones of NAILS.
Max Cavalera comments, “My lyrics are inspired by LG of Entombed and Nihilist. He left this earth in 2021 and he was always a big influence on me. This is one of the heaviest songs on the record and I love the fact that we went to Bulgaria to make the video. Todd Jones is the special guest on the song, delivering the hardest line on the record. ‘I don’t believe in anything!’”
Mike De Leon states, “From the depths of the deepest tribes, we bring you the new Soulfly. This being my first official video ever with the guys, is a complete honor. Enjoy it, crank it up and start the living room mosh pits!”
Metal Titans KREATOR have announced that their sixteenth studio album, KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD, will be released on January 16th, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records. Following the recent releases of the KREATOR documentary film Hate & Hope as well as Your Heaven, My Hell, the autobiography of front man Mille Petrozza, KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD will be the next step in the evolution of KREATOR – a band that is still at its peak more than forty years into their career.
KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD is not a shy title, it is a statement, an expression of pride and self-awareness knowing how long and hard the band’s path has been and knowing what they still have to say and share with their ever growing following. After the buzz around the movie and book, it is time for KREATOR to let the riffs, the roaring vocals, and thunderous drums do the talking.
Rounded off by a triumphant production courtesy of Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, who previously worked with the group on Phantom Antichrist (2012) and Gods Of Violence (2017), KREATOR return in perfect shape. The stunning cover artwork was created by none other than Polish genius Zbigniew Bielak (Ghost).
Mille Petrozza commented:
“We are beyond excited to kick off the new year with the release of our brand-new album KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD, dropping January 16, 2026! But that’s not all! On March 20th, we’re hitting the road to bring you our biggest tour production ever. This will be a night of unrelenting metal mayhem, featuring our brothers-in-arms Carcass, Exodus, and the mighty Nails.
This marks an exciting new chapter for the band, and we can’t wait for you to experience the new music live plus a selection of classic Kreator, old and new. Hail to the hordes! \m/”
Alongside the album and tour announcement, KREATOR have unleashed a krushing new single called Seven Serpents, accompanied by a cinematic music video.
American heavy metal icons CORROSION OF CONFORMITY are back with a special rendition of Fire And Water by English rock band, FREE!
The classic track was originally released in 1970 on the album of the same name. CORROSION OF CONFORMITY’s version came spontaneously in the studio during some downtime while recording their forthcoming new full-length, set for release next year, and serves as the first of the Riffissippi Studio Jam Sessions, a special collection of jammed out interpretations of songs by some of the band’s favourite artists.
Comments guitarist/vocalist Pepper Keenan: “When we were tracking this record, we had a very cool space set up where we would essentially hang in the large room with everything mic’d and everything we needed, including a turntable and a bunch of our favourite records, which we would play and chill out between takes. We were hanging together, and I pulled out a Free album and ‘Fire And Water’ popped up. [Drummer] Stanton [Moore] jumped up immediately and said, ‘Who the fuck is that!?.’ He had never heard it before. We were baffled, but it was awesome to us that he had never heard it. He said, ‘let’s cut that!’ I said, ‘man, that’s friggin’ Free and kind of like holy ground that you don’t fuck with.’ But we started thinking about it and damn Stanton charted it out like the drum wizard he is. I said, ‘I can’t sing like that, man. He’s the king.’ Someone in the room said, ‘just sing it like you,’ so we went for it and had a blast doing it. It was a nice fun break from the recording. It’s nothing too serious, just a bunch of fellas leaning into it, loving the rock. It’s an exercise in restraint. Hope y’all dig it.”
After nearly five years of solemn solitude, Dyssidia resurface with Serum Sickness, a tightly-coiled, venom-laced single that signals the rebirth of one of Australia’s most distinct progressive metal voices.
At once cryptic and visceral, Serum Sickness hints at the disorientation of misplaced trust; the slow unraveling of reverence into suspicion. It captures the moment when what once appeared as guidance takes on a more serpentine form. The song’s poetry is subtle but pointed, whilst musically it is layered, dynamic and unafraid to shift gears mid-stride.
Mitch Brackman leads with a vocal performance that blends control with abandon, navigating moments of ghostly restraint and explosive release. Behind him, the band executes with precision, wrapping technical passages in atmosphere and tension without ever losing sight of the emotional core.
Brackman adds; ‘Serum Sickness’ is the beginning of something sharper, more dangerous, and far more honest.”
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY has dropped their newest single, Broken and Blind via MNRK Heavy / Spinefarm Records. This is the band’s third single release, pre-dated by Lord Humungus (2025) and The Gallows (2024), leading up to the much-anticipated new Black Label Society album scheduled for early 2026. Broken and Blind is available across all major digital streaming platforms, and the official music video directed by long-time collaborator Justin Reich can be seen on YouTube.
“What’s going on gang? This is Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society. This is a new song called Broken and Blind. The song is about peanut butter and chocolate and what happens when you don’t have any of it. My soul is broken and I’m blind with rage if I don’t have any peanut butter and chocolate, so there you go, it’s a new song called Broken and Blind. Thank you, have a great day.” – Zakk Wylde
For more music news and info follow Hi Fi Way