Metal Contraband News For April 7th, 2026:
This week in Metal Contraband:
Sepultura is preparing to release The Cloud of Unknowing EP, set for April 24th via Nuclear Blast Records. This week, you can check out the single, “Beyond the Dream”, here: https://sepultura.bfan.link/beyond-dream. Sepultura says of the track, “‘Beyond the Dream’ emerges as one of the most emblematic moments of Sepultura’s final chapter, serving as a poetic reflection of a journey shaped by decades of albums, tours, and life on the road. This previously unreleased composition fulfills a long-standing desire of the band to explore the ballad format, blending Sepultura’s identity with the melodic sensitivity of renowned collaborators. To bring this project to life, Sepultura enlisted the essential collaboration of Sérgio Britto and Tony Bellotto of Titãs—musicians who share a long history with the band and are widely recognized as specialists in the genre, as well as composers of classics such as ‘Polícia’. The result of a direct partnership between members of Sepultura and Titãs, the song celebrates the connection between artists who share the stage and a deep passion for creation. The outcome is a piece that brings great satisfaction to everyone involved, establishing itself as both an emotional and historical milestone featured on the band’s final EP, released in this very year that marks Sepultura’s official farewell”. The band is heading out on the Celebrating Life Through Death final tour later this month. For all the dates and details, head to: https://www.sepultura.com.br/.
Alice Cooper has announced the addition of a new guitarist, Anna Cara, taking the place of Nita Strauss, who is taking a break to welcome her first child this summer. Anna, from Newcastle, England, has previously worked with Marc Storace (from the Swiss band Krokus) and Tommy Henriksen (guitarist with both Alice and the Hollywood Vampires). She will make her debut April 2-4 with Alice at his special “Welcome To Our Nightmare” shows in Las Vegas. These unique shows are a collaboration with illusionist Criss Angel and take place in his theatre at Planet Hollywood. Alice’s U.S. Alice’s Attic tour runs April 14 through May 9, and then returns to Las Vegas May 22-24 for three more Welcome To Our Nightmare shows with Criss Angel. Alice Cooper says, “Nita found a brilliant British female guitarist to fill in for her while she is on maternity leave. Anna Cara is a beautiful dynamic shredder in the vein of Nita but with a style of her own. She will fit in with our gang perfectly while Nita is away and we can’t wait for the sick things to meet her. Welcome to the show, Anna!” Anna Cara says, “This is like a dream come true, to join Alice and his great band. Back when I started playing guitar at 14, I was watching Alice Cooper live shows on YouTube dreaming of joining one day! Nita Strauss is a tough act to follow, and she’s been so encouraging to me this past month, so I am looking forward to showing everyone who I am and what I can do”. Nita Strauss adds, “When I was asked in an interview who I thought was the best up and coming guitarist, I had no hesitation in answering ‘Anna Cara.’ Anna’s precision and soulful, emotional playing will make her an amazing asset to the Cooper tour! Working with Alice for 12 years has been the experience of a lifetime and I look forward to seeing you all back on the road (with a +1 along for the ride!) Until that time comes, I know that the show is in good hands and the fans are in for a treat!” For more, head to: https://alicecooper.com/.
At The Gates is heading to the release of The Ghost of a Future Dead, their album set for April 24th via Century Media Records. This week, you can check out “The Dissonant Void”, with a music video for the second single here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJeYYC1l638. The band says of the track, “We are proud to unveil the second track from The Ghost of a Future Dead: ‘The Dissonant Void’. Originally considered to be the title track – it’s a powerful, melodic and to the point track with the classic At The Gates style sound”. Keep up with the band via: http://www.atthegates.se/.
Nuclear Messiah is just about to release Black Flame, set for April 24th via Cleopatra Records. For the latest single, Chris Poland collaborated with Thor to unleash the track “Death or Glory”. Thor says, “I had to sing a searing brand of rock on this track as I was among strong swords such Chris, Bob Daisley, Jurgen Engler, Glen Drover, Fred Aching. I was psyched and sang with power and intensity. I was honored to be included on this album along with these great legendary artists”. Check out the track here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6es3R0AvJSk&feature=youtu.be. Follow Nuclear Messiah at: https://www.nuclearmessiah.com/.
Death Dealer Union is simultaneously debuting a new album and vocalist, with the announcement of their full-length Dark Sister, set for spring/early summer this year. Kay Bellows will be at the forefront as frontwoman, and you can check out the cover of Ghost’s “Square Hammer” here: https://youtu.be/vIG_wPjhJ-E?si=Lt8uWkNDR7cCTjuQ. The video was directed by Margarita Monet (Edge of Paradise). Death Dealer Union says of their lineup change, “We want to thank Lena Scissorhands for her time with the band and we extend our best to Hunter Havokk and Jonny Heinz as they move forward in their endeavors. They will always remain an integral part of the evolution of Death Dealer Union”. Visit: https://deathdealerunion.com/ for more.
Chart Editor: Munsey Ricci from Skateboard Marketing Ltd.
Editorial By Chelsea Nelson-Fernandez & Munsey Ricci
Follow Us on our Social News Feeds:
Official Home Page:
https://metalcontraband.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/metalcontraband/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Metalcontraband