METAL IN 2025 • A LOOK AHEAD : what we know so far & what we hope for!

[@MetalNeverDieswithMarkA]

A New Testament would be fantastic ❤ cheers Darcy.

[@JamesThomas-dz4vj]

Great video as always, Darcy! With Judas Priest, Saxon, Accept, DragonForce, and Accuser all releasing new albums here in 2024, it's been a fantastic year. And I think 2025 has a chance to be even better! The ones I'm most looking forward to are new ones from Death Angel, Testament, Exodus, Sodom, Destruction, Dream Theater, and Candlemass. Also, Blitz has said that Overkill will spend the first half of the year writing their 21st album and will likely record the album during the back half of the year, so we will likely see it in early 2026.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Yes I watched a great interview with Blitz on The Metal Voice, this will also give D.D. time to fully recover from his shoulder issue. Thanks as always my friend 🤘 Bring on 2025

[@7BobbyGaylor7]

Hey Darcy. Great video! I’m looking forward to the Live Helloween album as well! I hope we get some of the albums you mention and hope for. Cheers

[@rockandmetalplus5248]

Always enjoy your look forward to the next year,Darcy. Some big bands should hopefully be bringing new albums out. 🤘🍻

[@marc.g.with.a.c.]

Like you say mate… every year has been a good year for Metal… especially in the last decade imo. There’s quite a few releases you showed there… that I still haven’t picked up… I just can’t keep up with them all Darcy, lol. Good to see you brother🤘🏻

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

It would 100 of our best guys to keep up with all the new releases lol. I forgot to mention the new Hail Of Bullets EP, I’m sure you know about it, thanks again for getting me onto those guys 🤘 Cheers brother

[@thomasday3294]

Hey Darcy Thanks for the info of new releases, just pre ordered the new live Halloween 🤘

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

That’s great & you’re always welcome! Both the tracks they released so far are fantastic, I’m looking forward to hearing the whole thing. Have a great week 🤘 Cheers Thomas

[@celticfrosty6696]

Great video and thoughts man. Looking forward to most of those releases myself especially any Helloween. Then the 3 months of Metallurgy coverage that follows. Haha. Take care sir

[@under-one-flag]

I'll be getting Accuser - Looking forward to Death Angel and Vader - and really really need a new King Diamond & Merciful Fate !!!!! - been far too long ! Possessed should be good as the last one was a fine return to form , and Sodom would be great - I love that band, my fav of the German bunch. Asphyx rule , love em - new Annihilator would be cool.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

There is a new Hail Of Bullets Ep coming out too, I’m sure you know of them, especially if you’re a fan of Asphyx. Always good to see you in the comments 🤘 Cheers from Planet6Strings

[@under-one-flag]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493 thanks mate , I try and watch my fav KZbinrs as and when I can

[@speedking4951]

Awesome year coming our way. Destruction, Grave Digger, Tokyo Blade, Dream Theater to name a few. Oh, let's not forget Havok! Can't wait. Thanks for sharing all this info Darcy 🤘. Have a headbanging week brother 🍻.

[@chriscleveland3123]

Thank you for this video !!!! Because of you, I discovered Onslaught...What a great band !!!! I noticed that you didn't mention Warbringer. They are supposed to have a new album out anytime now. Their 2020 album "Weapons of Tomorrow" was incredible.....

[@BrainPollution]

Great video! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for new Mercyful Fate and King Diamond, too. The same goes for RAM. Love that band! Two newer trad metal groups I would like to see release new music in 2025 are Cauldron (their last record came out in 2018!) and Riot City.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Shit! I missed Cauldron, thanks for the reminder. Yes they are long overdue, 2018 feels like a lifetime ago. Thanks as always 🤘 Have a great week :))

[@folden2008]

awesome video Brotha lots of great stuff to look forward too

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Cheers, thanks for watching brother! 🤘

[@LowNoiseJasonSkilz]

Great video Darcy! I think I picked up 20 new (mostly metal) releases in 2024. Looking forward to seeing Havok along with Exodus this week in TO. Will see if Havok mention a new album coming soon.

[@christianbaker6962]

Great video Darcy, looking forward to new Testament album also up coming British band Tailgunner 2nd album.

[@allenellsworth5799]

@@christianbaker6962 Does he even know that band? Are they mainstream?

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Yes he knows that band lol. New Wave Of Traditional Heavy Metal, they aren’t reinventing the wheel, but they’re a pretty good band!

[@allenellsworth5799]

@darcysixstringsninelives3493 No one really wants these bands to reinvent the wheel anyway. There really isn't anywhere to go now a days. It isn't like Priest or Maiden (and the likes) are either. Just wait until all the old bands retire. We love the sound for what it is.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

@@allenellsworth5799 If you like Tailgunner try Ram, they are my favourite of the NWOTHM bands. Enforcer is another good one to check out!

[@allenellsworth5799]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493 I never really liked RAM not sure why. I'll check them out again

[@GRockVC]

Good to get a heads up on some new releases Darcy. Hopefully we will see some new albums from the likes of Testament, Anthrax, Onslaught, Possessed and Sodom. All are long overdue a new album.

[@georgegsroomofrock9868]

Hopefully most of those are coming out on 2025. Covid messed up so much and the bands are still behind in a way. Accuser I'm looking forward to at the end of the year, thanks too you basically getting me into them! Great as usual Darcy!🤘👍

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Oh man the title track to the new Accuser is killer, I hope my copy comes close to release date! Thanks as always 🤘 Cheers G

[@mrboulder9714]

Great video Darcy. Lots of great stuff to look forward to next year. I'm beginning to think those Annihilator reissues are not going to show up. God knows what's taking so long! Cheers mate

[@668_neighbor_of_the_beast6]

Two big ones for me - 1) Canadian Thrash legends release new album Volume 6 on January 18, 2025 through Cursed Blessings records (pre-sale starts this week through Cursed in Canada & High Roller in Europe). Second - the new record Mysterium from German band Paradox in March 2025. Cheers 🍻

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I wonder what thrash legends you’re talking about? Could it be Sacrifice! That’s an automatic pre-order for me, thanks for the additional info 🤘 Cheers brother

[@668_neighbor_of_the_beast6]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493Was so excited, I forgot to mention the band name - Yes, Sacrifice!!!

[@TheWolfdog666]

Well you covered pretty much every band im looking forward to. 😆 The only ones id add to my list of albums im looking forward to would be March of the unheard - The halo effect 3 - Black braid TBA - Bullet for my valentine TBA - Dismember Other than that 2024 was a pretty decent year in metal/hard rock. I didnt pick up much new stuff either as there wasnt too much much i felt compelled to buy. Iv spent of the year plugging holes in my collection. Now the next few weeks im gonna be working on my top 10 or 15 of 2024. Iv got 30 candidates so iv got plenty of stuff to keep me busy till the new year. 😆 Stay heavy friend! Looking forward to your top 10 or 15 or 2024! 🤘🏻

[@phillipbug958]

Was looking forward to new Visigoth & Eternal Champion, which have yet to materialize. I was hoping for new Decrepit Birth, so here’s to next year we hear these overdue gems.. Cheers Darcy!

[@DanielSmyth-z9f]

Watching from New Zealand, enjoy your videos and knowledge. Definitely looking forward to some new Anthrax, Sodom, Exodus and Asphyx.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Cheers from Canada 🤘 I hear you on those bands, stoked for some new ones!

[@ATmzk72]

Destruction covers Accept's Fast as a Shark on the new album.... - available on streaming.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Yes that is the B-side of the 12” for No Kings - No Masters, I think you will see that on the album as a bonus track. Kind of like what they did on the last album with City Baby Attacked By Rats. Good cover but there’s only one Accept lol. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment 🤘 Stay Heavy ~ Darcy

[@ATmzk72]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493 Totally agree regarding Accept! Not a big fan of covers as I much prefer to have original material but don't mind the occasional one if they are tagged on as bonus track.

[@mdkmckee2937]

Another great video, I’m excited for king diamond and merciful fate, testament, And a few more albums forsure. Sucks about King Diamond and overkill in Saskatoon. At least Edmonton gets night demon and overkill. Would have been great to see ya brother. Hopefully stoon or Regina gets a few bigger shows. I just found out Exodus is playing Edmonton in a week or two.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I was looking forward to seeing you too, don’t worry there will be another time 🤘 Stay Heavy brother

[@mdkmckee2937]

@ I forgot to mention a local band called lavagoat just did a show after 5 years you should look them up on band camp and let me know what ya think of them.

[@KevinKohlhase]

I've drastically cut down on buying albums prices were the main reasons. Love Accusser. Destruction just released a 12" single on vinyl. Primal Fear always a must buy. New Brainstorm coming. I have that King Diamond my one and only. Loved Ballistic, Sadistic. We need those re-issues. Herman the great. That Armored Saint is hard to find now, especially 1st pressing. I thought I read Todd is coming out with new one in 25. Well done.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I need to check out more from Brainstorm, I only have 2 on cd. Exactly 3 years ago they announced those Annihilator reissues, let’s go already! Hope you’re not getting this shit weather, time to bust out my snow blower from storage 🥶 Cheers Kevin

[@KevinKohlhase]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493 thanx, for Accu§er update just ordered it.

[@niklaseriksson7569]

I stand in line and say I’m really sorry to hear the King Diamond show was canceled. 😞 And like you said, I’m done if the new album does not arrive next year (at least what I feel right now🙂). I’m also really looking forward to new releases from most of the bands you mentioned, especially Testament, Helloween, Dream Theater, Onslaught and Tod LaTorre. To sum up 2024, I’m waiting for the new release from Opeth, coming out next week. Fantastic swedish band leaning to the progressive metal genre with a touch of death metal. Take care Darcy!🤘

[@Mommyjp]

Helllowwweeeen hahahahahah I'm trying to get some tickets to Dream Theater for TX I Helloween!

[@ironfarmer9332]

Accuser…wow! I haven’t ever heard anyone mention them. Very solid thrash. I own the first four albums. As for 2025, I am really looking forward to the arrival of the new Running Wild and Exodus among others.

[@metalmartymac]

Holy shit, so much good stuff on the cards Can’t wait for the Dream Theater one and a Savatage album!! Wow But there’s loads that look forward to Thanks for the update Darcy 🤘

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Probably just scratching the surface here, I’m sure there’s a shit load of newer Death Metal & Black Metal coming out that I know dick all about lol. Thanks as always 🤘 Cheers Triple M

[@christophergase1468]

Alan Jones released a message a few days ago that the mastering for the new Pagan Altar album is finished. 😍 I'm looking forward to 2025. 🤘🏻😎

[@DavidOrre-h5b]

Hey Darcy! Primal Fear - Domination now has a date! September 2025

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Oh 😂 come on I don’t wanna wait until September. Thanks for the update 🤘

[@Matias-music-71]

can't wait , love Primal Fear ..,

[@hsmetalhb2036]

Just preordered the New Destruction Album... great Hellripper Shirt, by the way

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Good work! Yeah Destruction is on the auto pre-order plan here at Planet6Strings lol. Thank you on the shirt & thanks for taking the time to hang out with me 🤘 Take care ~ Darcy

[@hsmetalhb2036]

🤘👍

[@martinlennon18]

Hi Darcy nice video there is 2 exodus reissues come out next week got my order in lol

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

There’s actually 3 or do you already have Shovel Headed Kill Machine?

[@martinlennon18]

@darcysixstringsninelives3493 yeah got that one last year with temple of the dammed

[@Mr.Davidian]

I genuinely didn't realize Accuser had a new one coming out this month. I'll definitely be grabbing that. I definitely hope you're right about Herman Frank as well. With the huge lineup change, I'm definitely curious about Primal Fear as well. Cheers Darcy!!

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Check out that new Accuser track, I left a link in the description, it’s so awesome!! Thanks as always 🤘 Cheers Mr.D

[@Swullmark]

Hey brother, I'm looking forward to a good chunk of albums next year! Confirmed: Testament, Exodus, King Diamond (I'll believe when I see it), Anthrax, Killswitch Engage, All That Remains, Machine Head, Black Label Society. Speculated: Megadeth, Sodom, Kreator, Paramore, Rise Against, Forbidden, Guns N' Roses, Limp Bizkit, Soulfly. Cheers man

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

A shit load to look forward to ha ha. Bring on 2025 🤘 Stay Heavy ~ Darcy

[@cristianosorio2517]

Hi Darcy!!! cool list and let's hope some of bands release new stuff next year..... some bands are getting a little bit lazy like Anthrax, it's been a very long time since "For all Kings". A new Maiden could be cool to see and hear. Btw sorry to hear about King Diamond's show got cancelled

[@albertampel4175]

It´s always fun to speculate what´s going to happen in the future. For some reason I gave up on it, maybe my fading interest in new releases??? I can confirm one release for sure. A trustful source just told me that Sodom will release a new one in 2025. After that the band will take a longer break because Tom will get his neck, back and eyes fixed. They were touring relentlessly since 2022... all over the planet but not on a high budget. Tom is 60 years old and will need some rest. I´m curious if Kreator will release their movie in 2025...

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I would’ve bet money that we’d see a new Sodom in 2025, thanks for reinforcing that brother 💪 Yeah we’re all getting older, believe me I’m not running down the stairs in the morning 😂

[@andrewmachado6988]

When I heard about the King Diamond show getting cancelled, first thing I thought was “oh man Darcy is going to be pissed”. The rumour I heard was low ticket sales was the reason for cancellation. At this point, Guns N Roses will release a new album before we get a new King Diamond or Mercyful Fate album. lol A lot of good stuff coming next year. Another good year of metal!!!

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Yeah it was pretty disheartening! I was meeting 3 friends, we were going to hit a couple of record shops & then go eat before the show. Oh well life goes on, thanks for thinking about me 🤘 Take care Andrew

[@hattorihanzo2275]

Ticket prices could be a major factor. I want to go but not sure I am willing to pay $75.50 for a ticket.

[@hermannernst8876]

This year there still will be a new Opeth and Marc Storace solo album.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I pre-ordered the new Storace, the three tracks they released so far are really good. I think it’s much better than his first solo album. Sorry I should’ve mentioned that in the video, thanks for the reminder and thanks for watching 🤘 Take care ~ Darcy

[@robertmorris8371]

I hear you on that new anthrax album it's been way too long a new annihilator with stu block on vocals would be nice as well I'm really digging their back catalogue this coming weekend I'll be picking up for the demented or the self titled thanks as always darcy!

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

The self titled Annihilator is great, The Trend is such an awesome opening track! I hope we start seeing those reissues soon, maybe people will look past their first two albums lol. Thanks my friend 🤘 Have a great week :))

[@mattleone5831]

It’s a lot of work taking all your albums, CDs, cassettes out to show and then put them back. My shit is all over the place. Gotta get organized! Gimme new Anthrax!!

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

You got that right, this shit doesn’t put itself away lol. As they say, it’s a labour of love ha ha 🤘 Cheers Matt

[@mattleone5831]

@ maybe do a room tour Darcy? I need ideas to get organized.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

@@mattleone5831 Yes I will put that on the to do list 🤘

[@hvitekristesdod]

I need the return of the KING

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Don’t we all ha ha. Thanks for watching 🤘 Stay Heavy ~ Darcy

[@hvitekristesdod]

🤘🤘

[@andjusticeforearl4742]

We definitely need some new RAM. I have almost given up hope on King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. Jon Schaffer got his sentencing a few weeks ago. Since he isn’t doing any jail time I would expect some new Iced Earth in 2025-2026. I’m sure that he’s had plenty of time to write new material.

[@allenellsworth5799]

@@andjusticeforearl4742 Who is RAM? And he shouldn't.

[@LowNoiseJasonSkilz]

Man sorry that Diamond show got cancelled out there. Saw him in TO with Overkill. It was amazing although sound at the newish Casino theatre they played at couldve been better. I def want to see them again in a better venue someday.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Thanks brother! The venue in Saskatoon is nice, I’ve seen many shows there back in the day, back when they could sell enough tickets 😔

[@Mommyjp]

Helloween doesn't really tour in the US do they?

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

They did on the last album & I’m sure they will again. We just need more dates in Canada, they always forget about us poor hosers 😂

[@trevelliott8669]

darcy i have that vader-solitude in madness cd it's fantastic vader is one of my favorite death metal band with vomitory,desultory,fleshcrawl and massacre

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I really like Fleshcrawl too, I’m waiting for Metal Blade to reissue Made Of Flesh & Structures Of Death on vinyl. Yes I can’t wait for a new Vader. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment 🤘 Cheers from Canada

[@allenellsworth5799]

So many more albums are coming out early. But some people prefer the mainstream stuff which I understand.

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I’m a mainstream kind of guy, but I always keep my mind open, you never know when you’re gonna discover another great band! Thanks for watching 🤘 Cheers from Canada

[@NickVolk]

😂🙏🤝🥂Yep, 2024 has been a VERY Decent year!👍

[@NickVolk]

Looking forward to any new releases particularly from Mercyful Fate, Savatage an' King Diamond!👍💪💪💪

[@rocketrod1444]

I would sell one of my three testicles to see a re issue remix remaster of 'Born Again' by the all conquering Black Sabbath 😁

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I don’t think you’ll have to sell any body parts for that to happen, I think you’ll see that in 2025 🤞 Cheers Double R

[@rocketrod1444]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493 Cheers Fonzie 😁

[@gellargod]

Darcy did you see King Diamond cancel more tour dates. Guess i was lucky in salt lake. Wonder what is up?

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Yes 3 more shows are toast! I’m pretty sure it’s lack of ticket sales, I could be wrong. I’m happy you got to go 🤘

[@Gregbaltzer]

I'm trying to think what i'm interested in. I know there's a new Pentagram, COC, and Legion of the Skull in the works. Not interested in any modern thrash anymore, done with it. When it comes to thrash I love the 80s, but dislike the 2000s. I'm feel weird about COC now that Mike Dean has retired from the band. I'm curious about Legion of the Skull, formed from the ashes of The Skull after Eric Wagners passing, but with Karl on vocals(from COC-Blind). And new Satyricon in the works. I know DBC and Sacrifice have albums in the works. DBC released 2 new songs for streaming. First new music since Universe

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I’m a little bummed out about Mike leaving COC. I’ll definitely be picking up the new Sacrifice. Thanks as always 🤘 Have a great week Greg

[@Gregbaltzer]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493 lately I've been On a second chance kick where I've been listening to albums that I wasn't overly fond of. Decided to listen to the Mike Dean COC albums they made while Pepper was busy with down. They're good albums, worth a second chance. I'm trying to decide which handful of CDs to sell, and what I want to box up. I just don't have time to listen to everything. I still like Super Collider. I think it's unfairly hated because it's not very thrash. Repentless still doesn't make the cut. It's a 5/10 album. Even Tom's vocals sound like his heart isn't 100% into it.

[@vinnynatale3733]

Mike Portnoy is the dream theater drummer 😂

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I hate drawing a blank on camera … sorry Mike 😂

[@vinnynatale3733]

@ your all good there’s always a lot to remember

[@gellargod]

King Diamond has been way too long. Totally ridiculous!!! Saw the new W.A.S.P tour. It was😊 amazing hearing that whole first album. I was in heaven!!

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Not a weak track on that album, so cool that you got to hear them live. Thanks as always 🤘 Cheers from Planet6Strings

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

2025 The year when King Diamond won't release a new album. :)

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

Yeah we should go with that! Reverse psychology, good thinking man 👊 Cheers to you brother

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493 :) Cheers!

[@kowalsolosolo]

I am waiting for the new Arch Enemy album. Both new singles released recently are phenomenal. Also,new Whitechapel album is coming out in 2025,I am not of a big fan of their last record but the new single sounds like they are coming back to their roots.

[@metalmickey]

My 2025 looks way cheaper than yours!

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

My kids are on their own, there will be no inheritance 😂🤣

[@neilbower9052]

Excellent video me ode and i think we have loads to look forward to in the coming year. Never realised how many bands we have in common until this video. On the Tankard front, do you know about the 3LP box set they recently released? It's called 'Reaped CM Years' (there is a 3CD box as well), they've remastered and reissued the albums they released on Century Media, you can get them seperately or in a box (i bought the box). Tankard- Kings Of Beer & Disco Destroyer, Tankwart - Himbeergeist zum Frühsütck. €90 from reaper entertainment. According to rock n rolf, the new Running Wild album will be out, early 2025, that was from last June so it's a little bit ominous that we have had no news yet... plenty of time though. take care (ps - what 3 running wild albums are you missing?)

[@darcysixstringsninelives3493]

I went for individual copies of Disco Destroyer & Kings Of Beer, they arrived last Tuesday. Those are the only two I was missing, originals are getting harder to find, plus I love the new artwork. As far as Running Wild goes I’m missing The Brotherhood, Rogues En Vogue & Shadowmaker, just need to get my arse in gear & pick them up! Always good to hear from you Neil 🤘 Cheers from Planet6Strings

[@neilbower9052]

@@darcysixstringsninelives3493 ouch!! two of those albums aren't cheap me ode. good luck on your hunt