Next on the Master's Chopping Block: the Melodeath Assault of Bloodhunter

This time around, I will be taking a look at one of the most criminally underrated bands in metal today, melodic death metal masters, Bloodhunter!

Bloodhunter are a melodeath band hailing from Galicia, Spain. They have an awesome sound with shredding and soaring twin guitars. This adds to the a full blown attack clearly influenced by melodeath gods like At The Gates and Carcass, as well taking in the power of giants like Slayer, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Death, and more. Their pounding power makes them one of the most exciting bands in extreme metal, one that only gets better with each release.

I got introduced to their music thanks to originally being a huge fan of all female Brazilian death/ thrash metal outfit, Nervosa. While, I was already fan of these heavy thrashers, but to me their finest work came with 2021's Perpetual Chaos. And, this was in large to their then newly hired signer the incredible Diva Satanica. Unfortunately she only lasted that one album with them and was soon returning to her previous band, this one, Bloodhunter. As soon as I heard their music, I became a huge fan. Their mix of melody and heaviness makes them my exact cup of musical blood. Why they aren't bigger, I honestly don't know.

They were formed by guitarist Dani Arcos in 2008 and have had several line-up changes over time. But, the band really found themselves when they hired Diva Satanica as their vocalist in 2012. Her incredible voice really gave them their signature sound and feel. In 2014, they released their self-titled debut. 2017, saw them put out their second release, The End of Faith. I got into them with their third release 2022's Knowledge Was the Price. The melodic and soaring, yet heavy music was perfect listening material to my ears, with songs like the title track, "A Twist of Fate to Come", "Medea's Guidance", and "Spreading Your Disease" quickly becoming favorites of mine.

This year saw them put out their fourth full length release with the killer Sons of the Abandoned. It is their finest work to date. Featuring piercing and ripping guitars with driving and thundering power, the album is both beautiful and absolutely fucking rips. Diva Satanica proves, yet again, that she is truly one of the genre's very best. Songs like "The Devil's Own", "The Outspoken", "Threshold of Hell", "The Path that Never Ends" (which features a duet with another lady that is among the finest voices in metal today Burning Witches' Laura Guldemond), an absolutely ripping cover of the classic track by Canadian thrash gods Annihilator "Human Insecticide" (which is also the album closer) are among the best extreme metal songs you have not heard this year. In fact, I would go as far as saying that this album is in my top five or so of the year son far. It's truly fucking killer!

If I can even get one new fan amongst you guys then I have truly done my job. If you like metal acts like At The Gates, Carcass, Symbolic era Death, Nervosa (obviously), and Crypta, then you will love this band, as I do. Diva Satanica's incredible vocals mixing in with the amazing musicianship (that twin guitar attack!) make for a classic, perfect fit. One that is like a leather glove, a studded one, of course.

Satanica also seems to be coolest and nicest person around. I love her social media posts., especially cuz she is a fellow dog owner/ lover. I mean there is no way faster to my heart than being a dog person and playing/ loving heavy metal music!

Time to take a dive into their kick ass music!

The first single off of the current album Sons of the Abounded, this fucker rocks so goddamn hard!

What a killer cover of an Annihilator classic!

Are a fellow fan of this amazing Spanish band? Or is this your first time hearing them? If so what are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments section below!

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NYC's CEO of Oversharing Roux Lands Partnership with Hint Water #ThirstTok Campaign

This is actually my first time of Roux, but she immediately caught my attention. And, not just cuz she is a fellow New Yorker, though that certainly helps. Having looked at her social media, it is clearly that she is always up to something exciting and cool, whether it is travel, cars, or even cosplaying as Mystique (surely a way to win; this geek's heart). She has definitely gained a new fan and follower in me. This partnership with Hint Water is definitely a new exciting opportunity for both parties:

(New York, NY / August 5, 2026) - Roux lands a new consumer brand partnership with Hint Water after the company approached her directly to join its #ThirstTok campaign.

 

The collaboration had been in development since May, with Hint inviting Roux to put her own spin on the campaign’s playful premise. The finished content paired #ThirstTok with Roux’s candid, personality-driven style and gained strong traction after going live.

 

“Hint reaching out to me directly made this feel especially exciting,” said Roux. “I love when a brand understands my sense of humor and gives me room to make something that feels natural for my audience. We had been working on it since May, so seeing the content get such a great response made the whole experience even better.”

 

Hint’s decision to approach Roux directly is a notable mainstream brand milestone for a creator whose business spans both social media and adult subscription platforms. The campaign adds a nationally recognized consumer brand to her growing portfolio while keeping the humor and personality her audience knows at the center of the work.

 

Roux’s #ThirstTok content is available through her social channels. Learn more about Hint Water at DrinkHint.com.

 

Find and follow Roux on her socials via Link.me.

 

ABOUT ROUX:

Roux is a New York City-based digital creator, model, actress and adult creator with a 1.3 million-plus cross-platform following. Known for candid lifestyle content, travel, comedy, fitness, car culture and direct fan connection, she has built a creator brand that moves between social media, subscription platforms and entertainment opportunities. She continues to grow her presence across digital media, creator-led business and mainstream-facing projects.

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Canadian Nu-Metal Act Sicksense, Fronted by Vicky Psarakis, Announce New EP "Funerals"

Sicksense have officially announced their upcoming EP, Funerals, which will mark a new chapter in the Canadian  modern nu-metal act. Fronted by former The Agonist vocalist, Vicky Psarakis, the band continues to evolve their sound. Accomplishing this with a darker, heavier direction while still keeping they emotional intensity and genre-blending style that caught the metal world's attention. The EP will arrive with a fresh, creative independence and a razor sharp focus on pushing their ass kicking music into exciting and powerful new territory:

Sicksense return with a fresh sonic direction in the forthcoming EP, Funerals. Reinvigorated and r
einvented, the new release unveils an evolution in the band's sound as they move away from traditional nu metal to nu-metalcore dynamic with hints of melodic prog and djent. Bringing a hard-hitting sound that is unapologetic in its intensity, Sicksense are one of the most exciting emerging acts in modern heavy music. Funerals will arrive independently on September 25. 

A stylistic fusion awaits in the explosive "Artificial Irrelevance". This powerful opener is the heaviest offering on the EP track list and establishes a dark atmosphere with sadness, frustration and melancholy. Ferocious rhythms collide with intricate riffs, rap passages and soaring melodies. "Artificial Irrelevance" provides an unapologetic commentary on the virtual world we spend so much time immersed in often to our own detriment, questioning the morals and motives of both its creators and its users.  

"Newsflash" is a bold statement empowering individuals to be themselves in the face of social pressure to adhere to the 'norm' and against being held to unachievable standards. Heavy and energetic, the track carries the attitude of early Sicksense releases with an angsty mood and sarcastic tone. "Newsflash" contains traditional nu metal grooves throughout with a djent breakdown as the outro. It's an anthem designed for unleashing pent up frustration. 

Striking with brutal aggression, "Seller’s Remorse" blends nu-metal touches and emotive melodic choruses with a juxtaposing anguish fueled modern heaviness. It follows "Newsflash" thematically but is lyrically centered around the hypocrisies of others and karmic retribution. "'Seller’s Remorse' is a dire warning to the ones who believe they are untouchable to change their ways before it’s too late and the irreparable damage is done". The tone of the track mirrors the sarcasm of "Newsflash", before ending on a more serious and solemn note. 

"A Moment Of Violence" emerges with a haunting piano and vocal performance by Vicky Psarakis against a backdrop of mournful orchestral strings. The thunderous arrival of heavy instruments and monstrous harsh vocals elevate the dark emotional power. "The song discusses death and losing loved ones close to us. It’s a personal battle with God/a higher power, that we emotionally wrestle with and find difficulty and frustration in coming to terms with". "A Moment Of Violence" concludes Funerals with a full immersion into the shadowy negative emotions explored across the EP. 

Produced and engineered by Joey Doherty and Vicky Psarakis, Funerals was mixed by Joey Doherty and mastered by Tyler Smyth. The EP's cover artwork was designed and created by Aleksandra Morozova. 

About Sicksense:
Sicksense is a modern metal force blending the aggression of metalcore, the groove of nu metal, and the precision of djent into a sound that is entirely their own. Fronted by the dynamic vocal duo of Vicky Psarakis and Robby J. Fonts, the band has built a reputation for explosive chemistry, genre-defying songwriting, and an unapologetic DIY mentality that has fueled their rise from independent newcomers to one of heavy music’s most exciting emerging acts.

Originally formed in Montreal, Canada, Sicksense began taking shape after Vicky and Robby first met backstage at Heavy Montreal in 2015. At the time, Vicky was fronting melodic death metal powerhouse The Agonist, while Robby had recently served as the vocalist for rap metal pioneers S Mojo. Their mutual love for heavy music with no creative boundaries sparked an immediate connection, eventually leading to the creation of Sicksense.

The band tuckofficially launched with their debut single “Make Believe” in 2021, quickly turning heads with their ise vocal interplay, emotionally charged songwriting, and fearless fusion of styles. Their debut EP, Kings Today (2022), and follow-up EP, Fools Tomorrow (2023), established SICKSENSE as a rising name in the modern metal scene while earning praise from fans and creators alike, including Tank The Tech, who famously called them “the best nu metal band you never heard of.”

Built around the contrast and chemistry between Vicky’s soaring melodies and vicious screams and Robby’s aggressive delivery, rap-infused cadences, and raw intensity, Sicksense draw influence from bands such as Linkin Paek, Limp Bizket, Slipknot, Korn, Evanescence, Uunderoath, Whitechapel, Periphery, and Monuments while carving out a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Atmospheric keys, cinematic sound design, and layered production further elevate the band’s identity.

In 2023, Sicksense signed with Earache Records before releasing their debut full-length album, Cross Me Twice, in 2025. The album marked a major breakthrough for the band, peaking at #10 on the UK Rock and Metal Album chart and #33 on the UK Independent chart. During this era, the band toured extensively across the United States, opening for Escape the Fate, Snot, The Union Undergroind, while also appearing at major festivals including Louder Than Life 2025.

Never content to stay stagnant, Sicksense announced in 2026 that they would return to their independent roots for future releases, embracing complete creative freedom as they enter a new era with a lineup featuring guitarist Jackson Snowden, bassist Richard Regier, and drummer Sam Neumann. The band worked closely with producer Joey Doherty on the EP, continuing to push their sound into darker, heavier, and more experimental territory while staying true to the emotional honesty and intensity that define Sicksense.

Outside the band, both Vicky and Robby have built impressive resumes across music, gaming, and entertainment. Vicky provided voice work for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and portrayed Ada Wong in Dead by Daylight, while also contributing vocals to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Robby voiced Jonathan Byers in the original Stranger Things chapter for Dead by Daylight and even graduated from WWE Superstar Seth Rollins’ Black and Brave Academy in 2019.

At their core, Sicksense represent resilience, individuality, and fearless self-expression. Whether through brutally honest lyrics, high-energy live performances, or their hands-on approach to every aspect of the band’s creative vision, Sicksense continue to prove that heavy music has no boundaries when authenticity leads the way.


SICKSENSE is:
Vicky Psarakis — vocals, lyrics, keys
Robby J. Fonts — vocals, lyrics
Jackson Snowden — guitars
Richard Regier — bass, violin
Sam Neumann — drums


Connect with SICKSENSE:
Website: https://sicksense.com/
Bandcamp: https://sickxsense.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sickxsense
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickxsense
X/Twitter: https://x.com/sickxsense
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sicksenseofficial
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/vickypsarakis
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7bVyQW5pkc3aF5Rq03ZQxc
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sicksense/1579360754
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickxsense
Discord: https://discord.gg/uAtNhq5H6W
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sicksense


Funerals Track List:
1. Artificial Irrelevance (4:20)
2. Newsflash (3:05)
3. Seller’s Remorse (3:23)
4. A Moment Of Violence (3:37)

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Horror Crush: Joanna Going

As I get back into the swing of writing on this site on a regular basis, I feel the need to induct more beautiful actresses into Horror Crushes. The last four ladies have all been blondes, so I think we are all in need of some dark haired ladies. And, as brunettes are my preference (especially black hair!), we will do just that with the absolute stunner that is Joanna Going! 

Joanna Going was born on July 22, 1963 in Washington, DC. Her ancestry is Irish, by way of her dad, and French-Canadian from her mom's side. She began acting in 1986 with the soap opera Search for Tomorrow.

In 1991 she had the dual role of Victoria De Winters and Josette De Pres in NBC's revival of the classic gothic/ horror/ soap Dark Shadows. As such, she was one of the main protagonist and the reincarnated love interest of vampire Barnabas Collins (Ben Cross).

This is where I first saw her and first fell for her. Her exquisite and natural beauty made her standout immediately to my teen eyes. Though, to be honest, as much as I liked her it was bad girl Angelique, as played by the gorgeous Lysette Anthony, who I crushed on harder. I mean she was blonde, bad, and a witch. Of course, 14 year old me would have loved her more. But, this post is about Going and not her, so let us stay on track!

I remember liking the show and not just cuz I thought that Going and Anthony were hot. Though, to be fair that is a good reason for a teen horror fan to watch, right? I also recall Going being good in the roles, Any who, it failed at the ratings, apparently getting its undead ass handed to it by the Gulf War coverage. It ended on a cliffhanger involving Going's character having time traveled and about to getting burned at the stake for being unjustly called a witch. But, since there is only one seasons, we never got to see how she would get out of this shitty situation.

But, her actual induction comes thanks to her role in the 1998 Dean Koontz sci=fi/ horror adaptation of his novel Phantoms. In it, she plays Dr. Jenny Pailey who takes her Lisa (the lovely Rose McGowan) to Snowfeild, Colorado. They find no one alive, only corpses. They get joined by some cops led by Ben Affleck (who is apparently "the bomb" in this movie). They soon encounter a shape shifting alien life form that also has the ability to take over human hosts.

 

I actually saw this one in the movies. I've always found it to be a flawed but entertaining and kind of underrated flick, Yes, it borrows heavily from The Thing, but it is also a great way to kill some time. The flick has a nice look to it, with good use of shadows. There is also an impressive cast that includes Peter O'Toole and Liev Schreiber (who in the years since has become one of my favorite actors).

Plus, it had two dark haired babes in it! I was already a HUGE fan of McGowan as she was my favorite hottie in Wes Craven's Scream (sorry Neve Campbell fans), so she definitely made me wanna watch this one. Going is honestly a great choice to play her sis, and is really good in the role. She became my favorite of the two, as this movie solidified my massive, then college crush on her. All these years later, they remain a big draw for me and repeated viewings of this one.

She does not have any other horror roles, but can I state that she is still a stunner even at her current age of 63!

Joanna Going only had two roles in the genre, but she made them very memorable. With her excellent acting abilities and breathtaking beauty she will forever hold a special place in our hearts. One of the most naturally beautiful faces ever to grace the silver screen with those gorgeous big, dark brown eyes, And, thanks to all these reasons and more, Going is a very welcome addition to Horror Crushes!

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Horror Crush: Juilanna Guill

Eight months is too long a time for site to have taken a break. So we ain't wasting anymore time. We are gonna keep on giving you guys fresh reading material by way a second induction into Horror Crushes in just mere days! This time around we add one of the sexiest babes to ever grace a major slasher franchise entry: Juilanna Guill!

Juilanna Guill was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1987. In 2005, she graduated from Richard J. Reynolds High School. Guill began acting in 2004 appearing in two episodes of One Tree Hill.

Five years later, in 2009, she appeared in the movie where I first saw and got her this induction, the Platinum Dunes remake of Friday the 13th. 

This remake combines the first three movies in a considerably lesser manner, as a bunch of college students shake up a cabin. Said cabin is found in Camp Crystal Lake. Which, of course, has a bad rep cuz some lady, Mrs. Voorhees, lost her marbles after her son drowned, killed some teens, then lost her fucking head by way of a machete. Anyways, along the way Sam from Supernatural looks for his sister. She is being held prisoner by Jason, who in this version does that I guess. Soon Jason starts racking up the body count.

I actually enjoyed this one in the theaters. I mean I didn't think it was amazing or anything, but it seemed fine. However, each viewing I gave it it felt worse than the last. It lacks any suspense, with some scenes going on for too long, even more so in the extended cut. You won't care what happens to anyone even the likable characters, much less the assholes in the movie. While, violent it lacks any actual gore, which is an odd choice and makes it even more flat feeling.

Still, like most of Marcus (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake) Nispel's work it is a really good looking movie.  Also, good looking are the women in this flick, with the top honors in that department going to Guill.

Guill plays Bree Turner and is likable in her role. She is also incredible and impossible to forger her. When asshole character in the movie (and definitely one of the worst male characters ever in the genre) cheats on his girlfriend with her, he is amazed by her boobs. And, even though we hate this fucking tool, we have to agree with him! Guill's nude/ sex scene is one of the greatest in the entire franchise. She dances sexily while drinking, then has intercourse with said douchebag, showing literal T&A. 

That same year, she appeared in a made for TV slasher flick from MTV called My Super Psycho Sweet 16. I never even heard of this, but she is one of the main characters, in the form of Madison Penrose. This doesn't seem like anything I ever need to see, but maybe I'm wrong. If I am and you have seen it let me know in the comments section below.

I mean someone like it, cuz a year later it got a fuckin' sequel, as in 2010, we got My Super Psycho Sweet 16 Part 2. Apparently this one has a second sweet 16 party with more killings being committed, cuz, of course, there would be. Again unless, some of you can tell me a good reason to watch I'll continue skipping.

That same year, she continued her time in the genre, with yet another movie that I never heard of, Altitude. Apparently, this one is a sci-fi/ horror flick with teens trapped in a plane that isn't exactly working in top shape. Any of you guys seen this one? 

In 2012, she appeared in Mine Games. This one I did actually see and even reviewed it for my old job at Best Horror Movies, but alas that site has long been closed. So the review no longer exists. All I remember is that it was terrible, and as such I gave it a shitty review, The fact that I don't remember anything beyond that probably says a lot. But, apparently Guill is a bikini, so you know, that has to be worth something, right?

That year also saw Guill's last role, to date, in horror with The Apparition. I last mentioned this one back when I inducted the gorgeous Ashley Green. I had not seen it back then and still haven't. Now that it has two Horror Crushes inductees, should I finally watch it? Or is my life better by still not watching it? Let me know in the comments section below.

And, with that Guill worked her last horror movie, as of this post. In a short period of time, she worked a decent amount of genre output. Admirably, she didn't have the greatest line up of terror flicks, but here is the thing. Her role in the that Friday the 13th remake is one of the most memorable in the entire franchise. And, for that alone she we are honored to have her as an official Horror Crush!

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Next on the Master's Chopping Block: The Unstoppable Sound of Sumo Cyco

Welcome loyal headbangers, I'm starting a new ongoing series on the site where I'll be introducing you to hard rock and metal bands that deserve more attention, love, and exposure. No filler, no bullshit, just pure ass kicking talent that should be on everyone's radar. First up on the chopping block is a band that refuses to be ignored: Sumo Cyco! 

Sumo Cyco are an alt-metal/ punk band from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The band has four members: lead singer Skye Sweetnam, guitar player Matt Drake, bass player Oscar Anesetti, and drummer Joey Muha. Their sound mixes driving alt-metal riffs with punk attitude and pop hooks. It makes for a catchy, driving, and fun sound. The music gets you moving around with enough heavy groove to make you wanna bang that head and jump in the pit. It really makes for a fresh sound that helps to set them apart from a lot of their contemporaries.

I was introduced to them earlier this year by someone who not only also hails from Canada, but has great taste in music and knows mine well. So when she told me to check them out I did just that. And, they immediately caught my attention. Pretty much instantly I became a fan and put them into heavy rotation, especially in the last couple of days. And, might add, they are a great band to workout to! I have used them several times and, man, do they ever get this gym loving metalhead going and all pumped up!

Sumo Cyco was formed in March 2011. A month later, they played their first show opening up for Hollywood Undead. It didn't take them long to get recognition and awards. As a year after that, they won Best Female-Fronted Band at the Toronto Independent Music Awards. On October 20, 2013, they won at Indie Week Toronto.

On June 10, 2014, they released their debut album Lost in Cyco City. Two years later that album's kick ass track "Fighter" was used for the World Dart Association (WDA). March 31, 2017 saw their sophomore release, with Opus Mar. It featured a collab with Benji Webbe of Skindred for the single "Move Mountains". That song has such a good and energetic groove. May 7, 2021 saw their third album come out in the form of Initiation, with a deluxe version coming out October 8, 2021. It featured the driving and thunderous single, "Sun Eater".

On October 24, 2025, their latest album, Neon Void, was released, with a physical retail and colored vinyl coming out on November 7 of the same year. It's their best work yet. Their sound as its tightest with what is overall their best sounding and written music, yet. Add some solid and clear production by guitarist Matt Drake and Salvatore Sam Guiana, a mix of fun and aggressive tunes, and you have an album that is incredibly energetic to listen to. It is a real winner from start to finish. It might just be the best album you didn't listen to last year, but most definitely should have. 

Once you hear their music you simply will not be able to stop. In a very short period of time, they became a band that I love to put on. They get me moving (hence why they are so fucking good for the gym), banging my head, and signing right along. The fact is they write great ear-worms that stay with you. The band are energetic with strong instrumental talent. And, they fronted by a kick ass woman in Skye Sweetnam. The 38 year old Ontario native has previous experience in the pop punk world. I know that some metalheads may roll their eyes at that, but I think she works perfectly for them. She has a killer voice, including a great scream, and a really fun, lively, and commanding presence onstage. Add it all up and you get a chef's kiss of fucking awesome results!

Dive into some of their best songs and videos and I guarantee you will be a fan for life!

Honestly this is probably my favorite track by them. It sums them up perfectly. A fun. hyper-energetic banger that you won't want to stop listening and signing along to!

This one might be my favorite off of their latest. Not sure, though, cuz "Villains" is so fucking good, as well. In fact, every song kicks so much fucking ass on it!

Are a fan of this band? Is this the first time hearing them? And, if so are you now a fellow fan for life? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!

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