MAXIMUM CARNAGE. ABSOLUTE CARNAGE. KING IN BLACK. Every few years, the wild symbiote corner of the Marvel Universe erupts in a saga oozing with violence, drama, and insanity that only Venom and his kind can deliver. This August, the next milestone symbiote event arrives in Al Ewing and Iban Coello’s VENOM WAR. Today, fans glimpse ahead at the battles to come with information on new tie-in issues on sale in September, including all-new limited series and the reveal of the second issue of the main series!  

In 1974’s Astonishing Tales #25, one of comics’ most offbeat heroes was born—DEATHLOK! This September, Marvel celebrates the iconic cyborg’s legacy alongside an all-star lineup of comic book talent in DEATHLOK 50th ANNIVERSAY SPECIAL #1, including creative powerhouse Denys Cowan! After his acclaimed work on titles like Power Man and Iron Fist and Black Panther throughout the ‘80s, Cowan brought his iconic talents to the very character that inspired his comics career in Deathlok’s early ‘90s solo series. Throughout his run, Cowan explored deeper themes behind Deathlok’s tragic story and reinvented the character with his unique artwork. Now, he’s back to not only honor Deathlok’s impact, but to help... 

In September 1999, Creed—a rising rock band from Tallahassee, FL—released their sophomore album, Human Clay. Full of anthemic hits, including “Higher,” “What If,” “Are You Ready?,” and the GRAMMY®-winning “With Arms Wide Open,” Human Clay propelled Creed (Scott Stapp, Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall, and Scott Phillips) to the top of the Billboard charts, going on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time.  

“This Is The Way (feat. DMX)”, the latest single from multi-platinum, chart-topping hard rock powerhouse FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has hit the #1 spot at Billboard’s Mainstream Rock radio chart, notably landing the Las Vegas-based band their 11th straight #1 hit on the chart. This extends the band’s 2023 record of holding the longest streak of #1’s in the chart’s history. “This Is the Way” is the first #1 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart for legendary late rapper DMX and his very first appearance on the chart altogether. The single also claimed the #1 spot at Active Rock Radio this week giving Five Finger Death Punch its 16th overall #1 single at the format.  

One band to conquer them all! After multiple battles with bands from across the country, Wacken Metal Battle USA announces this year’s 2024 national final with regional winners Cascade Effect (San Diego), WarTroll (NorCal), Versipul (PNW), Prime Prophecy (East Coast), and Father Wolf (Texas).  

Lamb of God’s groundbreaking album, Ashes of the Wake, turns 20 this August, and to commemorate the pivotal release, an expanded 20th Anniversary deluxe edition featuring new mixes by HEALTH, Justin K Broadrick (Godflesh/Jesu), and Kublai Khan TX and Malevolence, as well as demo and live versions of the album’s classic songs, arrives on Aug. 30 via Epic Records and Legacy Recordings.  

The iconic Savage Dragon character—from the long running series of the same name by Image Comics co-founder and partner Erik Larsen—will make an appearance in the upcoming, action-packed Blood Squad Seven #2 by Joe Casey (MCMLXXV, Butcher Baker the Righteous Maker) and Paul Fry (Spider-Man 2099, Star Wars). This highly collectible issue will hit shelves in June from Image Comics.  

Deathcore titans Oceano have announced their upcoming new album ‘Living Chaos’ out August 30 (via Sumerian Records). In celebration of the news, the band has released their new track “Wounds Never Healed” and the official music video.  

Dungeon synth master MORTIIS will be touring North America later this year! The extensive headlining trek will kick off on September 4 in Baltimore, MD until the final stop on September 28 in Atlanta, GA. The tour will be in celebration of MORTIIS’ seminal 1993 album, ‘Født Til Å Herske,’ which played a significant role in popularizing the dungeon synth genre and was re-recorded in 2023.  

METAL ALLEGIANCE began as a celebration of heavy metal, powered by the almost tribal bond shared between the extreme music community’s most revered trailblazers, armed with a list of contributors onstage (and off) that read like a Wikipedia entry on the genre itself – whose “core 4” is comprised of David Ellefson, Mark Menghi, Alex Skolnick, and Mike Portnoy.  

As the vocalist of Belgian post-metal collective AMENRA, Colin H. van Eeckhout is known for his ability to connect with listeners, and to guide them on AMENRA’s transformative path to healing. With his solo work as CHVE, he gets to tell his own story – one that aims to take the listener deep within themselves, to tap into something primal that dwells in us all. Now, CHVE makes his Relapse Records debut with his powerful solo record, Kalvarie – a dark, ritualistic, and atmospheric experience.  

In the X-Men’s upcoming From the Ashes era, Jean Grey takes to the stars to fulfill her divine destiny in PHOENIX, a new ongoing series by writer Stephanie Phillips and artist Alessandro Miracolo. Today, fans can see all the covers that will grace the highly anticipated debut issue, hitting stands on July 17.