Category: Breaking news!

JAWBREAKER RECORDS and DYING VICTIMS PRODUCTIONS is proud to present a brand-new EP from Sweden’s ARMORY, Black Star, on 7” vinyl format. The 7″ will be released on February 21, 2024.

Out of the deep void in the far corners of the universe, the entity known as ARMORY was born in the year 2012 C.E. With the guiding light of the fiery stars Judas Priest, Agent Steel, and Slayer, ARMORY set out on a cosmic path delivering hyper-speed metal to every planet, system, and galaxy in their path. Their two first albums, World Peace… Cosmic War (2016) and The Search (2018), were released via High Roller Records, garnering ever greater reviews.

Under the new flag of DYING VICTIMS, ARMORY’s third album, Mercurion, was unleashed during the spring of 2022 and followed by a European tour in 2023. This further cemented that ARMORY are a force to be reckoned with on the intergalactic battleground.

ARMORY’s upcoming operations are set in motion, and the next chapter starts with the deployment of the two-song EP Black Star in February 2025 C.E. Featuring two brand-new and exclusive songs – the title track on side A, and “Solar Winds“ on side B – ARMORY deliver a rapid barrage of hyper-speed metal with influences and feelings from the dark, cold void that engulfs us all. It’s immediately, recognizably ARMORY, but this EP displays with breathless brevity that the band are handily transcending their not-inconsiderable past and setting the cosmic stage for glory of a most universal nature, all of which will be revealed on their next full-length for DYING VICTIMS later in 2025!

Out today: Templar’s new 7″ vinyl Treacherous Beast, featuring 3 songs of pure Swedish Heavy Metal!

Also check out the video made for the title track:

Jawbreaker Records are proud to present Back on the Streets, the sophomore album from Indonesia’s premier heavy metal powerhouse, Tumenggung.

Imagine being given a time machine by the higher entities—those we can only assume blessed the world with the existence of heavy metal. Now, this time machine takes you back to the early to mid-80s, where metal was an experimental genre in the UK and Sweden, a melting pot of sounds and influences. But instead of Europe, take the scene you find there and place it in modern-day Indonesia. Think of bands like Judas Priest, Thundersteel-era Riot, maybe even a touch of Dokken, Lizzy Borden and also of modern day bands like Ambush and RAM —combine their essence, stir in some Indonesian spirit, and you’ve got Tumenggung’s unmistakable style. The group’s new album Back on the Streets, set to release in January 2025, is a collection of everything an 80s metal heart could long for. From headbanging riffs to sing-along choruses, melodic song structures, and pit-opening anthems, Tumenggung delivers with force. They may draw clear inspiration from their 80s metal predecessors, but their unique sound is what truly makes them stand out.

Having started as a quartet back in 2007, Tumenggung has since slimmed down to a power trio, and their upcoming album shows a band that has matured musically. They’ve grown beyond the subgenre they were founded upon, noticeably adding dynamics and delving more into the raw energy of heavy metal, but still embracing their influences while crafting something uniquely their own. Back on the Streets showcases the band’s melodic side like never before with guitar leads right out of the 80s metal dream. Its analogue recording style gives the riffs and raw, unpolished vocals an organic, visceral edge. The 9 tracks on the album are bound to surprise you, taking you from soulful melodies to the kind of thrashing speed metal that gets your adrenaline pumping.

Fans of Judas Priest, Riot, and anyone with a love for authentic, unfiltered 80s metal will find Tumenggung’s latest work a journey worth taking. Back on the Streets will be out on all formats on January 17, 2025. Pre-orders open now!

Stockholm’s heavy metal warriors Templar return with a revamped lineup and a surge of new energy! The time has come for you… Treacherous Beast!

Prepare yourselves for Templar’s fierce 3-track single, packed with pure, old-school heavy metal energy. This release kicks off a new era for the band, featuring two brand-new tracks that have only been heard live until now: the blazing title track Treacherous Beast and the Swedish anthem I Natt. And, as a special treat, they’ve breathed new life into Ringwraith from their Black Knight EP, giving it the lineup’s new firepower.

Since their 2023 demo release, Black Knight, some big changes have shaken things up. Original vocalist Adam Erikson has stepped down, but fear not—Templar has found a worthy replacement in the formidable Isak Neffling, who moves over from the drum kit in order to take over both bass and vocal duties. Isak passed his drumsticks over to Atonement/Kvicksilver drummer Mille Lundström, while Teddy Edoff shifts from bass to wielding the axe, now tearing it up alongside guitarist Gustav Harrysson.

Though the single may only feature three tracks, it’s a massive leap forward from their demo. The production is a clear step up, yet it still preserves that warm and authentic 80s underground sound that fans crave—perhaps not surprising given that it is Staffan Tengnér of Century fame who is responsible for the production. The stronger songwriting and upgraded sound make the songs feel alive, pulsing with energy. The title track, Treacherous Beast, is an absolute rager—fast, anthemic, and bursting with energy. It’s the kind of song that gets you headbanging until you lose all sense of direction, while chanting along with the infectious chorus: “TIME HAS COME FOR YOUUU, TREACHEROUS BEAST!” The dual guitar attack, ripping speed, and 80s-infused glory will have you hooked instantly. Next up is Ringwraith, reborn with the band’s new lineup. This version is tighter, richer, and packs way more punch than the demo. The vocals shine with more flair, and the track feels tighter and more polished, with those melodic twin guitars elevating it to new heights. Finally, the single closes with I Natt, a mid-tempo Swedish banger that’s equal parts Judas Priest and Heavy Load. This sing-along anthem has that perfect balance of melody and energy, making it easy to chant along, even if you don’t speak the language!

So, what are you waiting for? If you’re a fan of Overdrive, Axewitch, Onyx, or Century, then the time has come… for you to order Treacherous Beast!

Just like when thrash was new, it’s a global crisis that underlies the new wave of young bands that blend the ethos of punk with the technical dexterity of the metal genre. The difference now is that the very epicenter of the movement has moved significantly closer to the mental precipice where climate crisis, pandemic, AI threats and terror wars make it impossible to numb one’s anxiety with video games or drugs. If Sweden became a hub for death metal when the decadent yuppie era of the 80s was on the autopsy table, Disarray was born right into the galloping chaos and disorder that defines a world in a state of dissolution. Since the start in 2022, Disarray has played extensively on Stockholm’s underground scenes and in the summer of 2023 released the mini-album Evil is Reborn, which caught the eye of Jawbreaker Records. Fast forward to 2024 and it is time to unleash Religious Disease, a full-on frontal assault of deadly thrash metal. Unlike the watered-out, so-called thrash metal that the contemporary scene has become used to these days, Disarray still keep it aggressive, angry and mean – just like how thrash should be played!

If you are a fan of hard-hitting and brutal thrash metal such as Sadus, Morbid Saint, Num Skull or Hypnosia you need to check Disarray and Religious Disease out.

Out now on vinyl LP, cassette tape, CD and digital formats!

Jawbreaker Records are proud to announce Division Mortality, the second album from Greece speedfreaks Speedrush.

The follow-up to the 2017 debut Endless War has been seven long years in the making, but well worth the wait as the new material marks a significant evolution in the band’s sound. The tracks are faster and heavier, yet more melodic, and showcase the band’s growth and maturity.

The album features a superbly organic production that captures the raw intensity of Speedrush, while the hand-painted cover artwork by renowned artist Mario Lopez adds a striking visual element that perfectly complements the sonic onslaught.

The band is ready to summon metalheads and speedfreaks all over the world in their quest of unleashing speed metal mayhem to the masses! Division Mortality is coming, and it’s faster, fiercer, and more deadly than ever before.

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In other news, today also marks the release of the new digital single from Disarray. This time it is the title track of the upcoming album Religious Disease. Available now on your streaming platform of choice. The album will be out on all formats on the 25th of Rocktober!

Finally the debut album of Mechanic Tyrants – St. Diemen Riots – is here!

Speed Metal of the finest sort recommended for any fan of Megadeth, Tank, Judas Priest or early Metallica.

Don’t miss out on the limited purple vinyl edition that comes with a Speed Metal Guerrilla spray-paint stencil!

Jawbreaker Records are proud to present a new two-song demo tape from Germany’s Writhen Hilt. The Iron Sparrow contains early versions of two tracks that are still evolving and might eventually end up on Writhen Hilt’s debut album. The two tracks tell a tale of life, death and the golden heresy that binds one to the other. Epic heavy metal with finesse and subtlety, never overdone, never afraid. Available digitally via Bandcamp (pay what you want) and as a small batch of tapes for the maniacs via Jawbreaker Records.

Tracklist:

1. Swords of the East
2. The Rider’s Moon

First pressing limited to 100 copies on black tape. (UPDATE: The tape is now sold out, except for 30 copies that will be available at KIT Rising next weekend. If you missed your tape, stayed tuned for the second pressing!)

Release date: 26 September 2024.

 

Jawbreaker Records are proud to announce Division Mortality, the second album from Greece speedfreaks Speedrush.

The follow-up to the 2017 debut Endless War has been seven long years in the making, but well worth the wait as the new material marks a significant evolution in the band’s sound. The tracks are faster and heavier, yet more melodic, and showcase the band’s growth and maturity.

The album features a superbly organic production that captures the raw intensity of Speedrush, while the hand-painted cover artwork by renowned artist Mario Lopez adds a striking visual element that perfectly complements the sonic onslaught.

The band is ready to summon metalheads and speedfreaks all over the world in their quest of unleashing speed metal mayhem to the masses! Division Mortality is coming, and it’s faster, fiercer, and more deadly than ever before.

Division Mortality will be out on all formats on October 11, 2024. Pre-orders are open now through www.jawbreaker.se.

Jawbreaker Records are proud to announce the new album Religious Disease from Swedish thrashers Disarray on all formats.

Just like when thrash was new, it’s a global crisis that underlies the new wave of young bands that blend the ethos of punk with the technical dexterity of the metal genre. The difference now is that the very epicenter of the movement has moved significantly closer to the mental precipice where climate crisis, pandemic, AI threats and terror wars make it impossible to numb one’s anxiety with video games or drugs. If Sweden became a hub for death metal when the decadent yuppie era of the 80s was on the autopsy table, Disarray was born right into the galloping chaos and disorder that defines a world in a state of dissolution. Since the start in 2022, Disarray has played extensively on Stockholm’s underground scenes and in the summer of 2023 released the mini-album Evil is Reborn, which caught the eye of Jawbreaker Records. Fast forward to 2024 and it is time to unleash Religious Disease, a full-on frontal assault of deadly thrash metal. Unlike the watered-out, so-called thrash metal that the contemporary scene has become used to these days, Disarray still keep it aggressive, angry and mean – just like how thrash should be played!

If you are a fan of hard-hitting thrash such as Sadus, Mezzrow or Vio-Lence you need to check Disarray and Religious Disease out.

Release date: 25 October 2024