War On Women Announce Spring 2026 U.S. Tour

War On Women are hitting the road in March 2026. After launching a new chapter with the release of their single "Precious Problem," and teasing more new music coming soon, they are ready to share a live setlist of new and long-beloved War On Women tracks this Spring. 
 
Listen to "Precious Problem" below.

Shawna Potter, vocalist of War On Women, shares her thoughts on the upcoming tour: "I'm so stoked to get back to the west coast! This is our first run of shows with the new album out, so the songs are fresh, and we're excited about them. We spent a lot of time on 'Time Under Tension,' and to finally be able to share it with everyone feels good."

In addition to the tour, "Precious Problem" heralds what is to come — fans can expect a new album from War On Women titled "Time Under Tension" in 2026. More information will be revealed in due course.

ABOUT WAR ON WOMEN
War On Women's band name is the band’s ethos straight from the get. For well over a decade the group has stood at the frontlines of advocacy, communication, and change, shaping songs in reaction to headlines, news pieces, and current events around intersectional communities with the intention of raising awareness and conveying a response based in humanity rather than division. 

War On Women's lives outside of music allow for new perspectives and understanding that not only balances intersectional perspectives, but sonic dynamics that both rage and inform. From the critically acclaimed recordWonderful Hell to performances at Download Fest Australia, Riot Fest, Warped Tour, a D.O.A song on a new tribute record, tours alongside legendary acts such as Alkaline Trio, Bad Religion, Jawbreaker, and more – it's War On Women's lives outside the band that fuses their music with such passion. Vocalist Shawna Potter is an author, advocate, and Intimacy Coordinator' guitarist Brooks Harlandesigns and fabricates guitar amps; bassist Sue Werner is a senior programming analyst at the Johns Hopkins Institute for data intensive engineering and science; and guitarist Jenarchy is a Rock Camp Director. 

TIME UNDER TENSION TOUR // MARCH 2026
18  Pittsburgh, PA @ Little Giant
19  Columbus, OH @ Used Kids Records
20  St Louis, MO @ Duck Room
21   Kansas City, MO @ Recordbar
23  Denver, CO @ HQ
24  Salt Lake City, UT @ The Beehive
25  Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Fest*
26  Seattle, WA @ The Vera Project
27  Portland, OR @ Dante’s
28  Arcata, CA @ Rampart Skatepark
29  Oakland, CA @ Doll Fest*
*No Oceanator 

'Winter Movement' EP by Matt Wilier out Now

Matt Wilier began improvising on piano at the age of 5, with no knowledge of music other than his own feelings and sensations. After practicing for a few years, it was at the music conservatory that he discovered technique and then classical music.

From the age of 12, he would fall asleep listening to Keith Jarrett’s solo piano albums, including ‘The Köln Concert’ and ‘La Scala’. During the same period, after having studied the Romantics (and Chopin’s rubato), he was captivated by impressionist music and became fascinated by the French movement ‘Les Six’. But ultimately, he considers ‘Gaspard de la Nuit’ by Maurice Ravel to be one of the most beautiful piano works.

While retaining his initial desire for improvisation, he threw himself into minimalist and repetitive music, freeing himself from judgement and taking an interest in sonic resonances, frequencies and vibrations of the piano as proof of the passage of time.

In 2019, he released his first EP ‘Jours’, a collection of older improvised recordings, and chose to regularly release tracks resulting from his process of creation with the French label, Bruit Blanc.

‘Variations’, his 11-track album, was released on 28th June 2024. The recording of this album was no exception, with Matt once again focusing on resonances. ‘Variations’ is built in the same way, with changing melodies, harmonies and rhythms.However, this time the piano is not alone, with strings, string layers, ensemble and analog bass frequencies as accompaniment.

This album is built like an original movie soundtrack. Images flash by as you close your eyes and listen to it.

In September 2024, he recorded some solo piano tracks after a series of improvisational recordings, which he released in short bursts: 'Burning Through The Ground' and 'A Suspended Moment' (a two track EP which also included 'My Hand Lovingly Caressed Her Face, She Awoke Softly And Fixed Her Gaze Upon Mine').

Feb. 28, 2025 - He releases two versions of the song “Together”, one of which was recorded in a train station while waiting for departure time. In the studio, he added powerful strings, giving this track two very different worlds, as two people can be to each other.

'Music For Mass' (July 2025) is a 5-tracks EP without piano but strings and Church Organ ; 'The Chrysalis Awakes' (Aug. 2025), a live improvised version of a song played during his concert at Piano Revenge Festival, 1st Edition, in Paris in June 2025.
 
After a collaboration with the piano neo-classical label AD21 and its compilation 'Autumn Sketches, Vol.1' of original piano works - 'Promises' composed by Matt - Matt released 'Playing with Light' EP and then, 'Winter Movement'.
 
'Winter Movement' was recorded a year ago in the French Alps while it was snowing. But the timing wasn’t right to release it as spring was already approaching. This EP isn’t sad, but it invites the kind of introspection that snowy mountains inspire.

New Single Vianova -Remix

vianova continue their rise with the release of their new single and collaboration "Oh No (Ando San Remix)." 

Following a breakthrough year that firmly established them as an exciting new forces in heavy music, the band now pushes it sound into fresh territory with a bold and modern reinterpretation of one of its standout tracks.
 

The Ando San Remix injects "Oh No" with a new pulse, blending vianova's trademark heaviness and emotional intensity with electronic textures and club-driven energy, while preserving the raw impact that has fueled the band's rapid ascent. The result is a dynamic crossover moment that highlights vianova's openness to experimentation and their instinct for forward-thinking collaborations.
 

vianova's momentum has been nothing short of explosive.

Their debut album has already amassed over 10.5 million streams worldwide, resonating deeply within the modern metalcore scene and far beyond. Capping off this breakout run, the band were recently honored with the Nik Nocturnal Award for Best Breakthrough Band of 2025, a milestone that underlines their growing influence and visibility on an international level.


With "Oh No (Ando San Remix)," vianova once again prove that they are not content to stand still. Confident, ambitious, and constantly evolving, the band continues to redefine what modern metalcore can sound like – and its trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.

Catch the band live in 2026 — more info about vianova's EU shows here and UK shows here. 

VIANOVA U.S. 2026 TOUR DATES:
SUPPORTING THORNHILL:
 5/1 — Los Angeles, CA — El Rey Theatre
5/2 — Sacramento, CA — Ace of Spades
5/4 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren
5/6 — San Antonio, TX — Vibes Event Center
5/7 — Dallas, TX — The Studio at The Bomb Factory
5/8 — Houston, TX — Warehouse Live Midtown
5/10 — Daytona, FL — Welcome To Rockville (Festival)
5/11 — Atlanta, GA — Variety Playhouse
5/13 — Charlotte, NC — The Underground
5/14 — Norfolk, VA — The NorVa
5/15 — Philadelphia, PA — Brooklyn Bowl
5/17 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple (Festival)
5/18 — Baltimore, MD — Baltimore Soundstage
5/19 — Boston, MA — Royale
5/20 — New York, NY — Webster Hall
5/22 — Toronto, ON — The Opera House
5/23 — Detroit, MI — The Majestic Theatre
5/24 — Chicago, IL — The Vic Theatre
5/26 — Englewood, CO — Gothic Theatre
5/27 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Complex
5/29 — Portland, OR — Roseland Theatre
5/31 — Seattle, WA — The Showbox

More info about vianova's U.S. shows here.

New Single Doomcrusher

German metalcore force Doomcrusher continue their ascent with the release of their brand-new single "Odyssey." Forged in an atmosphere shaped by uncertainty and upheaval, the project was created with a clear purpose: To push against stagnation and channel heaviness into something powerful, focused, and forward-moving.
 

Founded by Andy Posdziech (Any Given Day) alongside Jean Bormann (Rage), Marv Kinkel, and Rob Lee, Doomcrusher combine stomping, heavy mid-tempo industrial riffs with uncompromising guttural vocals that resolve into expansive, uplifting hooks. Layered electronic elements add depth and tension, creating a modern metalcore sound that feels both massive and controlled while staying firmly rooted in metal's foundations.
 

With "Odyssey," Doomcrusher take their next decisive step, expanding their sonic scope while maintaining the crushing intensity that has defined the project from the start. Following the strong response to their first releases"Breakout," "Reflect," and "Adrenaline," featuring Any Given Day, the band has already surpassed 1.2 million streams worldwide with only three singles — a remarkable foundation for a project still in its early stages.


Driven by a clear artistic vision and an uncompromising approach, Doomcrusher are not simply adding another chapter to their story with "Odyssey" — they are continuing a deliberate exploration of modern heavy music, proving that intensity, atmosphere, and ambition can co-exist at full force.

New Singles From Lionheart

California's hardcore heavyweights Lionheart push their current reign even further and now unleash their brand-new single "Salt The Earth." 

Building on the massive momentum of their recent run — from the comeback strike "Bulletproof" through the pit-igniting "Roll Call," the explosive "Death Grip," featuring Kevin Skaff of A Day To Remember, and last week's powerful title track "Valley Of Death II" – the Oakland band makes it unmistakably clear that this new era is firing on all cylinders.
 

With "Salt The Earth," Lionheart deliver another uncompromising statement, driven by crushing grooves, merciless riffs, and commanding gang shouts that hit with absolute authority. The new single perfectly continues the band’s unstoppable streak and underlines why the response to their recent releases has been nothing short of overwhelming. One track after another, Lionheart prove that they have fully reclaimed their position at the top of modern hardcore.

With pre-orders already in full swing, Lionheart are charging full speed toward the release of Valley Of Death II, set to drop on January 9 via Arising Empire. Serving as the long-awaited sequel to their 2019 fan-favorite, the album promises a darker, heavier, and more aggressive chapter in the band's legacy.
 

To complete this massive cycle, Lionheart will return to Europe in January 2026 for a huge headline tour, joined by Madball, Gideon, and Slope. From the first comeback blow of "Bulletproof" to the latest strike "Salt The Earth," Lionheart leave no doubt: this era isn’t about survival – it's about total domination.

Catch the band live in Europe — more info here. 

AMORPHIS Return To The Fray With New Single "Crowned In Crimson"

Finnish metal icons AMORPHIS present “Crowned In Crimson”, a powerful and emotionally charged new single, which also serves as the main theme song for the upcoming action feature Son of Revenge – The Story of Kalevala, premiering in Finland on January 16, 2026.

A striking father–daughter vocal collaboration between AMORPHIS frontman Tomi Joutsen and his daughter Iida, “Crowned In Crimson” presents the band at their most cinematic. The track’s sweeping dynamics and melodic depth echo the sonic identity of AMORPHIS’ massively successful 2025 studio album Borderland, while introducing a new layer of intimate storytelling that fits seamlessly into the band's unmistakable sound world. The lyrics, penned by long-time collaborator Pekka Kainulainen, bring the tragic hero Kullervo to life with vivid emotion and mythic weight.

For decades, AMORPHIS' music has breathed new life into the ancient stories of the Kalevala for fans around the world and now, with Son of Revenge – The Story of Kalevala, audiences will finally see those mythic visions brought to life on the big screen.

Songwriter and guitarist Esa Holopainen comments:

“Director Antti Jokinen got in touch with us and briefly told us about his ambitious film project. We arranged a meeting with him, during which we were able to see visual material from the film and go through the script. Antti hoped that Amorphis would create the film’s theme song — a project we agreed to immediately.”

Director Antti Jokinen comments:

"Amorphis’ music feels like strength wrapped in beauty – heavy enough to shake the landscape, yet poetic. Their music really lifts my spirit into the world of Kalevala myths and its characters. Exactly what I was looking for, when thinking about the theme song for my film. I'm very pleased they agreed to do it."

With its haunting vocal interplay, soaring melodies, and unmistakable AMORPHIS atmosphere, “Crowned In Crimson” stands as a monumental addition to the band’s catalogue and a compelling preview of the cinematic world of Son of Revenge – The Story of Kalevala.

Watch the video for “Crowned In Crimson” directed by Antti Jokinen below;

“Crowned In Crimson” is out now on all digital platforms, listen to it here: https://amorphis.rpm.link/crownedPR
 

About the movie:

Son of Revenge – The Story of Kalevala is an upcoming Finnish historical fantasy film directed by Antti Jokinen and written by Jokinen and Jorma Tommila. Based on the Finnish epic poetry The Kalevala, the film tells the story of Kullervo, a tragic anti-hero marked by vengeance, sorrow, and supernatural power, with Elias Salonen in the title role. Set in 12th century North Karelia and primarily filmed in Nurmes, the film premieres on January 16, 2026.

See the movie trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfZBjEs_NcI

About AMORPHIS

With Borderland, released in September 2025 as their latest album, the title couldn’t have been chosen more fittingly. Throughout their career, spanning over more than three decades, AMORPHIS have been an ever-evolving act, wandering on an exciting boundary-pushing path. From their sinister death metal debut Karelian Isthmus over genre-defining mid-90s melodic death works like Tales From The Thousand Lakes and Elegy as well as the melodic 2000’s grandeur ofEclipse or Skyforger to records combining the very best of all prior eras to refreshing new soundscapes (f.e. Under The Red Cloud or Queen Of Time): Whatever this group works on promises long-range success. With 2022’s Halo, the Finn’s were rewarded for their researching musical approach once again the sextet took home two awards from the prestigious Emma Gaala (“Band of the Year” & “Export of the Year”). The impact of Halo became a driving force for what’s to come. Rather than rushing into a follow-up, the band chose to step back from live performances and focus fully on their next chapter. The result is Borderland - a meticulously crafted opus that builds on their celebrated recent era, while seamlessly weaving in new, timely elements. It’s a bold, organic continuation of their journey, shaped by experience and guided by vision.
 

AMORPHIS are:
Tomi Joutsen | vocals
Esa Holopainen | guitars
Tomi Koivusaari | guitars
Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine | bass
Santeri Kallio | keys
Jan Rechberger | drums & percussion

Bullet Release "Chained By Metal" Video // "Kickstarter" Out 1/9

NEW ALBUM KICKSTARTER OUT JANUARY 9 — PRE-ORDER

The Swedish powerhouse band Bullet have released the video for the new single "Chained By Metal" .

The song appears on their upcoming studio album Kickstarter.

 

The band says, "It was about time our small but relentlessly dedicated fan club the 'Bullet Bastards' got a song dedicated to them. Our fastest one on the album and maybe the only one able to carry the title of 'Chained by Metal.' Warm and appreciating yet hard as steel is our brothers and sisters of metal and once you become one of them it is hard to let go. You'll become chained by metal in unbreakable links of steel! That's what the song is about and a perfect song to promote as one of the singles for the album. This song shows the range of what Bullet and the new album Kickstarter is all about!"

Watch the music video below;

Kickstarter will be released on January 9 through Steamhammer as CD digipak (including. poster), LP gatefold version, and digital, and can be pre-ordered here.

More info about Bullet's upcoming live shows here.

Out Now from Aunt Cynthia's Cabin!

The San Diego, CA, based psychedelic desert rock trio AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN, are preparing to celebrate their 2020 debut full-length album Misty Woman with a re-release containing a new bonus track. Recorded in the midst of the sun-scorched landscape in Austin, TX, at Electric Deluxe Recorders with Grammy-award winning producer Adrian Quesada, Misty Woman contains the influence of this impressive environment. The album will arrive on cyan and magenta vinyl, as well as on CD, via Black Throne Productions on December 19th, 2025.

"Kennel and the Dog" gently introduces the album with contrasting brighter guitar leads and grounding bass tones, before building into a fuzz-fueled powerhouse. There's a subtle underlying touch of shadow beneath the brightness of the psychedelic rock sound with doom influences. Found within are moments of catchiness, intriguing progressions and full immersion. "Which One Is the Jellyfish?" drifts away from the desert and down into the echoey depths as the prominent bass tones bring to life this watery world. A touch of drama carries through the enticing arrangement in which steadfast rhythms are interrupted with flourishes of keys, guitar licks and other sonic explosions. Seeing the overdrive turned up way past 11, this instrumental offering is characterful in its world building. 

The enticing seductive mood of "Misty Woman" is brought to life with a slow tempo, a more minimalist arrangement placing the focus on Brennan Justice's lead vocals. The playful layering of instrumental components sees the track ebb and flow, gently teasing. Gradually building into a full inviting sound, "Rider in the Desert Sun (Pt I)" sees a multitude of tones and textures manifest throughout it's journey. The presence of additional organ layers reveals a 'feel good' vibe in this instrumental track. Hidden further within, a heavier rock section reveals further stylistic influences in the band's sound. "Rider in the Desert Sun (Pt II)" follows on from it's brighter first half with a dustier, more raucous rock 'n' roll spirit. This guitar driven track brings memorable hooks in the lead vocal melody supported with fuzzy distortion laden chord progressions beneath. 

A sense of drama and adventure is prevalent from the off. "In the Valley"'s steadfast percussion hits contrast the bright tones of the guitar strums and notes that float above. There's an uplifting and comforting feel to this expansive and immersive instrumental offering. "There’s No Saving Cass" returns from the wild expanse of the valley into the Western plains. Subtle bass grounds the track while the lead guitar and lead vocal line entwine, rising and falling together. Reaching it's full arrangement, this charismatic track delves into the heart of the band's psychedelic rock style. "Grains of Sand", an interlude piece, briefly diverts in mood and feel. Acoustic guitar arrangement contribute to the track's melancholy feel that reverberates through a slow tempo and contemplative progressions. 

The intensity of "Black and Blue" hits instantly. The high octant feel and movement of the track's rhythms is instantly alluring. Dynamically, it ebbs and flows between brief moments of reflection and full on vigorous impact. Taken from the Miramar Sessions,the bonus track "Magic Touch" offers a more intimate feel of AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN's sound. 

About AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN:
AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN is comprised of San Diego’s Brennan Justice (guitar, lead vocals), Anthony DeFreitas (bass, vocals) and Jeremy Luvaas (drums, percussion). Beginning as a duo, Justice and DeFreitas' previous time in a surf rock ensemble saw the pair develop their signature western tones with an excessive use of spring reverb, translating now to the ethereal, dusty sound of psychedelic desert-rock. The band’s name is born from a fictional 1970s murder mystery novel dreamt up by the trio on a drunken night, capturing their embrace of “strange and heavy”, aptly fitting of the uncanny elements entwined in their sound. AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN produce an neo-psychedelic sound that carries an eerie quality. The sonic atmosphere envelopes with nostalgia. 

The trio began as a self-recording band with a home-brew analog-meets-digital rig set up. The DIY approach was left behind in 2019 when the outfit ventured from their hometown of San Diego, CA to Austin, TX to record Misty Woman in a studio they felt would best fit the vibe of their new compositions. Working with producer Adrian Quesada (The Black Pumas, 7-time Grammy-nominee) at Electric Deluxe Recorders, the very sun-beaten landscape that surrounds the studio fed into the quality and mood of the recordings. 

Initially released by Nasoni Records in February of 2020, the enthralling textures and captivating character of AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN's Misty Woman returns including the new track "Magic Touch", on vinyl and CD via Black Throne Productions on December 19th, 2025.

AUNT CYNTHIA'S CABIN is:
Brennan Justice (guitar, lead vocals)
Anthony DeFreitas (bass, vocals)
Jeremy Luvaas (drums, percussion)

Out Now - CORELEONI - Live At Hallenstadion Zurich

Swiss hard rock veterans CORELEONI, featuring members of GOTTHARD, are proud to unleash their new live album, Live At Hallenstadion Zurich, via Perception. Featuring a mix of classic GOTTHARD tracks and new favorites from CORELEONI’s latest studio album, III, Live At Hallenstadion Zurich documents a pivotal night in the CORELEONI saga.

One hot summer evening on July 3rd 2025, CORELEONI supported heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST at Zurich’s Hallenstadion, performing in front of 7,000 rock and metal fans. The show took the audience on a wild ride through classic GOTTHARD tracks and newer songs from III. An instant success, III had reached #2 on the Swiss album charts and found a place in the hearts of fans around the world. New tracks such as “Like It Or Not” and “Sick & Tired” became staple crowd-pleasers, right alongside beloved fan favorites such as “Sister Moon”, “Mountain Mama”, and “Standing In The Light”.

On Live At Hallenstadion Zurich, the band delivers nine songs in total and kicks off the show with two high-energy classics, “Downtown” and “Firedance”. “We wanted to go out and rock the shit out of our body”, explains guitarist Leo Leoni. Fellow guitarist Igor Gianola adds, “It seems we succeeded. The crowd was fantastic and we were able to deliver a great performance, as we wanted.”

CORELEONI’s energy and the audience’s passion electrified the show. “The night was fantastic”, remembers Leoni. “There was this special magic in the air, Zürich is always fantastic for us to play, but this was somehow a night to remember.”

The band also recalls fond memories of the bonds they forged with metal veterans JUDAS PRIEST, making the show a particularly notable highlight in CORELEONI’s career. “At the Hallenstadion we met Scott Travis on stage, who was there the whole show, and he spent some very nice words about our performance. He’s a great guy and a fantastic drummer, so we appreciated and proved our effort to get it right to the point”, recalls Gianola.

“It was an honour for us to support Judas Priest, they are one of the most important metal bands and I follow them also since I was a kid. It wasn’t the first time we played together, but especially in this location, it was like a mythos”, comments Leo Leoni.

About CORELEONI
Founded by guitarist Leo Leoni in 2018, CORELEONI started reviving the early GOTTHARD days successfully with their album duo consisting of The Greatest Hits - Part 1 and II. The band also convinced fans and critics alike with their high-energy performances all over Europe, making the five-piece write their very own material. The result titled III was finally released in early 2022 and saw the addition of gifted Albanian singer Eugent Bushpepa to CORELEONI’s powerful line-up, which is completed by guitarist Jgor Gianola (ex-GOTTHARD, ex-U.D.O.), bass player Mila Merker and drummer Alex Motta. The group’s latest record hit the official Swiss album chart at no. 2 and thereby cemented the high demand for their captivating craft. Of course, III guided the quintet’s way across the continent once again while making one thing even clearer: CORELEONI are more than just a studio band and need to be experienced (a)live to understand their vision in full. So what are you waiting for? Feel the magic & enjoy their second live offering, Live at Hallenstadion Zurich!

CORELEONI are:
Eugent Bushpepa | vocals
Leo Leoni | guitars
Jgor Gianola | guitars
Mila Merker | bass
Alex Motta | drums

Close Enemies Rock California and Florida in 2026! ​    

Close Enemies, a powerhouse band featuring legendary musicians Tom Hamilton, multiple Grammy winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, and bassist of the biggest-selling American rock band of all time, Aerosmith, is joined by legendary drummer Tony Brock (The Babys and Rod Stewart), touring veterans Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow and Don Henley) and Trace Foster on guitar, and singer Chasen Hampton, who has been singing professionally since the age of 11, as a member and co-host of the famed 90s Mickey Mouse Club and pop group The Party, announced upcoming tour dates in California and Florida under the banner “An Evening with Close Enemies – Live in Concert.” Fans can expect an intimate experience showcasing the band’s undeniable chemistry with a setlist centered around their outstanding and critically acclaimed new songs, along with classic rockers from Aerosmith and The Babys.

 

The band will be releasing a full length album in March of 2026 through TLG|ROCK, distributed through Virgin Music Group.  A limited number of early production CD's of the forthcoming album are available with purchase of a VIP ticket.

 

"Close Enemies is getting ready to Rock California and Florida in January 2026, CANT WAIT! Looking forward to being back on my old stomping ground! I want to see some BABY'S fans out there!!" says Tony Brock.

 

Peter Stroud adds, "We are charged to play for our West Coast friends and fans in these legendary venues! And always fired up to play in hometown Atlanta. Of course, we know Florida always rocks."

 

WATCH the lyric video for "Sound of a Train":

Get the new album on CD before you can buy it with purchase of a

VIP ticket to January shows!

VIP Upgrade link -  

https://please.co/products/close-enemies-vip-upgrades

Tour Dates:

 

1/2  @ The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

1/3 @ The Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, CA

1/7 @ Tower Theatre in Fresno, CA

1/9 @ The Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, CA

1/10 @ Goldfield Trading Post in Roseville, CA

1/11 @ The Nile Theater in Bakersfield, CA

1/21 @ Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta, GA

1/23 @ Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo, FL

1/24 @ Culture Room in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

1/25  @ Encore Live in Sarasota, FL

1/29 @ MT. Dora Music Hall in Mt. Dora, FL

1/30 @  Ter-Tiniś in Fort Myers, FL

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

X

Tape Room Music Caps Landmark Year in 2025

s 2025 comes to a close, Tape Room Music celebrates a phenomenal year with 16 songs on Billboard’s Year-End Hot Country Songs chart, seven on their Year-End Country Airplay Songs and four songs on the all-genre Year-End Hot 100 Songs, in addition to landing eight tracks on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase Year-End Country Songs chart and three on the Big Picture Songs chart. Tape Room ends the year with three hits currently climbing in the top 5: Blake Shelton’s “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” HARDY’s “Favorite Country Song,” and Megan Moroney’s “6 Months Later.”

Tape Room Music writers were also recognized throughout the year, as Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps and Taylor Phillips received CMA Triple Play Awards; Casey Brown and Phillips were honored as GRAMMY nominees for Country Song of the Year; Johnson, Phillips and Andy Sheridan earned BMI Country Awards; Casey Brown earned a SESAC Country Award; and Johnson was celebrated as a Variety Hitmaker.

The independent publishing company garnered 8 No. 1 singles this year, including Johnson’s “All The Way,” performed by BigXThaPlug featuring Bailey Zimmerman, which topped both Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts, as Phillips, Johnson and Phelps all commemorated 10+ No. 1 singles.

Additionally, Beau Bailey earned his first two Country Airplay Top 5 songs, both still climbing the charts; Johnson was featured on the Netflix series “Hitmakers”; Wyatt McCubbin joined Riley Green’s Damn Country Music Tour and was featured on Chase Rice’s “Two Tone Trippin’”; and Jordan Rowe joined Anne Wilson on The Stars Tour.

Tape Room also added Connor Hicks to the roster and added Katherine Godwin to the team as Manager, A&R, while Caroline Hodson, Director, A&R and writer Ben Williams were recognized by Nashville Briefing’s 30 Under 30.

Together, these achievements reflect a year defined by creative excellence, sustained chart performance and meaningful industry recognition for Tape Room Music and its roster.

L to R: Tape Room's Caroline Hodson, Director, A&R; Blain Rhodes, President/General Manager; Ashley Gorley, Founder; and Katherine Godwin, Manager, A&R. Photo is Courtesy of Tape Room Music.

TAPE ROOM YEAR-END CHARTING HITS OF 2025, FEATURED ON ALL-GENRE, COUNTRY, ROCK, RHYTHMIC & RAP CHARTS: 

  • “Liar” - Taylor Phillips, Ben Johnson

  • “Fix What You Didn’t Break” - Taylor Phillips

  • “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” - Taylor Phillips

  • “I Am Not Okay” - Taylor Phillips, Casey Brown

  • “Bar None” - Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps

  • “6 Months Later” - Ben Williams

  • “Indigo” - Andy Sheridan

  • “All The Way” - Ben Johnson

  • “I’m A Little Crazy” - Hunter Phelps

  • “Heart Of Stone” - Zach Crowell

  • “Kiss Her In Front Of You” - Taylor Phillips 

  • “Good Times & Tan Lines” - Wyatt McCubbin

  • “Not At This Party” - Ben Johnson

About Tape Room Music

Tape Room Music is an independent music publishing company founded by hit songwriter Ashley Gorley, where writers have celebrated over 50 No. 1 songs. Recent No. 1 hits include Jordan Davis’ “Bar None,” Jelly Roll’s “Heart of Stone” and BigXThaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman’s “All The Way,” which topped both Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs and Hot Country Songs. Tape Room Music writers continue to stretch the bounds of their abilities, spreading their talents across writing, producing and performing. More at TapeRoom.com or follow along on Instagram @TapeRoomMusic.

POWER PALADIN Unleash First Single "Sword Vigor"

Icelandic metal collective POWER PALADIN returns with force, steel and fire as they present their brand-new single “Sword Vigor”, the first taste of their upcoming studio album Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment, due out on March 27, 2026 via ROAR – a division of Reigning Phoenix Music!

“Sword Vigor” delivers classic heavy metal spirit wrapped in epic power metal form, driven by galloping riffs, soaring melodies and a strong sense of heroism. The track continues the band’s fantasy-driven narrative universe and serves as the next chapter in an ongoing saga of trials, destiny and triumph. Fans of GLORYHAMMER, TWILIGHT FORCE, and DRAGONFORCE will feel right at home.

The band comments: “‘Sword Vigor’ is a roaring NWOBHM-inspired power metal anthem — the blazing sequel to the saga begun in Kraven the Hunter. When all hope seems lost for our hero, salvation descends from the heavens: a warrior who has mastered the ancient and furious art of Sword Vigor.” 

Accompanying the single is an official music video that captures POWER PALADIN’s love for classic heavy metal, combining a tongue-in-cheek attitude with a straightforward, no-frills approach.

Stream / Download “Sword Vigor”: https://powerpaladin.rpm.link/swordvigorPR

Watch the official video below :

And if you’ve ever wondered how power metal bands come up with these epic lyrics, POWER PALADIN have the answer - and it involves a healthy dose of humor. To find out what rhymes with fire - and where hobbits come into play check out the following video the band just posted on their Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/p/DSSEYXcjKVU/ 

With their new offering Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment, POWER PALADIN take the next step in their musical journey. The album features eight epic tracks, each unfolding like a chapter in a sweeping saga of power, mystery and adventure. 

Building on the success of their debut With the Magic of Windfyre Steel, the band delivers a more mature and refined sound while fully retaining the energy and spirit that defined their early days. The album was mixed by Haukur Hannes (AUÐN, DYNFARI) and mastered by Frank de Jong (BLEEDING GODS), resulting in a production that is both powerful and crystal clear.

Once again, POWER PALADIN pay homage to their influences - IRON MAIDEN, DIO and HELLOWEEN - while confidently carving out their own place in the modern power metal landscape. The album artwork, created by James Child (Astral Clock Tower Studios), perfectly captures the adventurous and fantastical essence of the record.

Pre-Save / Pre-OrderBeyond The Reach Of Enchantmenthere:
https://powerpaladin.rpm.link/enchantmentPR

About POWER PALADIN:
Formed in Iceland, POWER PALADIN emerged from a shared passion for classic heavy metal, soaring melodies and fantasy-driven storytelling. Since their inception, the band has blended the spirit of traditional power metal with the raw edge of NWOBHM influences, forging a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Their debut album With the Magic of Windfyre Steel quickly established POWER PALADIN as a rising force in the international power metal scene. With Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment, the band further expands their musical and lyrical universe, proving their dedication to epic songwriting, strong hooks and timeless metal values.

POWER PALADIN is:
Atli Guðlaugsson (vocals)
Bjarni Þór Jóhannsson (guitars)
Ingi Þórisson (guitars)
Einar Karl Júlíusson (drums) 
Bjarni Egill Ögmundsson (keyboards) 
Kristleifur Þorsteinsson (bass)

More on POWER PALADIN:
Website: https://www.powerpaladin.is/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerpaladinice 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerpaladinice/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@powerpaladin 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PowerPaladinOfficial

ANTI-SAPIEN Release New Single "At the Mercy of the Merciless," Announce New Album

Atlanta’s crust smeared death metal unit ANTI-SAPIEN return with their new single “D.E.A.D.”, a track that highlights the band’s punk, hardcore and crust influences. Built on a mosh friendly intro, a fast d-beat verse and sharp higher register vocals, “D.E.A.D.” taps into the band’s love of filthy crust and NYDM style slam riffs. The song breaks away into a vicious party slam section complete with vintage 808 bass drops, showcasing the band’s ability to merge primitive heaviness with energetic hooks.

“D.E.A.D.” stands for “Do Everything All Day”, an acronym coined by a longtime friend of Blake over twenty years ago. The song’s theme reflects the idea that too much of life is wasted on worry, stagnation and unfulfilling obligations. ANTI-SAPIEN use the track to champion a philosophy of living fully and deliberately, honoring the dreams of loved ones who are no longer here and refusing to get caught in cycles of empty distraction.

The band notes that “D.E.A.D.” has quickly become one of their strongest live songs. Audiences respond instantly to the opening mosh part, and the track’s position as the start of Side B of the upcoming EP is intentional. Written with a side A and side B mindset, the song is meant to reintroduce listeners with a surge of energy and leave them wanting more as it barrels into a double bass driven solo and breakdown finale.

The EP At the Mercy of the Merciless arrives January 16 on Terminus Hate City. It is the second official recording from ANTI-SAPIEN and continues the band’s growth as purveyors of crust smeared death metal. The members bring decades of experience across grind, death metal and classic metal projects and write specifically to support the unique tone set at the band’s inception: fun and catchy, but grimy, sweaty and raw. Written throughout their touring schedule, the EP reflects the band’s evolution into more complex riffing and structures while preserving the primitive, oozing character that defines their sound. Pre-orders are available HERE. 

About ANTI-SAPIEN:

ANTI-SAPIEN formed in Brooklyn in 2021 and grew quickly from a loose pandemic experiment into a touring force known for filthy death crust riffs, sweat soaked shows, and a message that cuts through the noise. The band began as a way for friends to blow off steam and write ugly, fun songs that blended their love of D beat punk, death metal, grind, and the classic New York slam tradition. What surprised them was how quickly audiences connected to not only the heaviness but the honesty. Kids responded to the riffs but also to the moments between songs where the band spoke openly about inequality, exploitation, and the systems that grind people down. That connection pushed ANTI-SAPIEN to take the project further, tighten their sound, and hit the road hard across the United States and eventually through Australia, Korea, and Japan.

Over time the band’s lineup shifted into the current form of Blake Charlton, Alex Fewell, Ryan Murphy, and Nathan Rand, all seasoned musicians with long histories in heavy music. Their combined backgrounds in bands like Ramming Speed, Black Mass, Soul Remnants, and others helped shape the sound into something both raw and disciplined, equal parts crust punk grit and death metal precision. They have played festivals like NEDM Funtime Bonanza and the NYDM International Fest, building a reputation for fast sets, filthy tones, and a refusal to shy away from uncomfortable truths.

ANTI-SAPIEN operate with a clear sense of purpose. They are proudly anti fascist, openly political, and committed to calling out abuses of power while keeping their shows rooted in community and catharsis. The band writes music that is catchy and disgusting, equal parts sewer filth and adrenaline, and they deliver it with the conviction of people who believe heavy music can be fun while still saying something worth hearing. Audiences continue to grow each tour, fueled by the band’s willingness to merge riffs, rage, humor, and a perspective shaped by lived experience.

ANTI-SAPIEN is:

Blake Charlton – Guitar and Lead Vocals
Alex Fewell – Drums
Ryan Murphy – Bass and Backup Vocals
Nathan Rand – Lead Guitar

Connect with ANTI-SAPIEN:

Website: terminushatecity.com
Bandcamp: https://anti-sapien.bandcamp.com/music
E Shop: https://anti-sapien.bandcamp.com/merch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntiSapienBand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antisapienband/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@antisapienband
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qq4lPjBPdNmudoOk1CfRZ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/anti-sapien/1679779909

RAINBOW THE TEMPLE OF THE KING 1975-1976 9CD BOXSET RELEASING MARCH 6

RAINBOW - THE TEMPLE OF THE KING 1975 – 1976 is the most comprehensive collection of the opening phase of Rainbow’s career to date, and is the first in a series of anthology sets covering the career of legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. The 9-CD set, newly mastered by Andy Pearce & Matt Wortham, is housed in Deluxe 7” packaging featuring a 24-page booklet featuring memorabilia, photos and sleeve notes by music writer Rich Davenport.

The set spans the band's first two years and includes their debut album, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow; their breakthrough record, Rising and the extended German concerts that were compiled as part of the double live album On Stage.

The final two discs comprise rare recordings, many of which are featured on CD for the first time, including band rehearsals, single edits, and rough mixes.

Rainbow was initially formed as a Ritchie Blackmore solo project in the early months of 1975, after a Deep Purple tour of the previous year. On that tour, they were supported by the American band Elf. The singer of Elf, Ronnie James Dio, left an impression on the already legendary guitarist Blackmore. Blackmore asked him to sing on a cover of the song Black Sheep Of The Family. The sessions went so well that a full album began to take shape, with Blackmore and Dio collaborating on original songs. Blackmore had such foresight in this project, he solely financially funded the work and thus began the mystical musical world of Rainbow.  The resulting record, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, was recorded between February and March 1975 at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany. With Blackmore's composing prowess and Dio's mystical lyrics, the band was set to take fans to a new level.

The album’s unusual stylistic blend of hard rock and classical music was partly inspired by Blackmore taking up the cello to help him break free of the confines of conventional guitar chord progressions. Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow was a top 15 hit in the UK and top 30 in the US, and was such a positive experience that in the Summer of 1975, that Blackmore left Deep Purple to commit himself fully to Rainbow.

Recruiting bassist Jimmy Bain, keyboard player Tony Carey and ex-Jeff Beck Group drummer Cozy Powell, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow undertook their first tour. By 1976, the band's name had been shortened to Rainbow, and a second album, Rising, was recorded in February of that year once again at Musicland. Rising, with its iconic sleeve of a fist holding a rainbow in a mystical scene, only features six tracks, including two epic compositions on side two, one of which, Stargazer, is widely regarded as a Rainbow classic and a landmark in hard rock. The original musical stylings are often touted as the 1st neo-classical metal band. It was the perfect melding of Ritchie's guitar wizardry and Ronnie's soaring powerful vocals.

Taking the album on the road in 1976, the band added Deep Purple's Mistreated to their setlist, and song lengths were stretched to include improvisational sections. The band recorded shows in Germany and Japan, which were edited and compiled as the live album On Stage, released in the summer of 1977. Three of the German shows from Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Nürnberg are being released together for the first time outside of Japan on The Temple Of The King 1975 – 1976.

By the end of 1976, Rainbow had established itself as one of the cornerstones of British rock, and, under the leadership of the never-predictable but ever-astonishing guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, would become synonymous with some of the most loved and popular Rock songs of the seventies and eighties. To be continued….

RAINBOW
THE TEMPLE OF THE KING
1975-1976

9CD BOXSET RELEASING MARCH 6th 2026
ON EDSEL RECORDS
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW
https://rainbowband.lnk.to/templeoftheking


FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: 
www.ritchieblackmore.com
RITCHIE BLACKMORE INSTAGRAM
RITCHIE BLACKMORE FACEBOOK
RITCHIE BLACKMORE YOUTUBE
RITCHIE BLACKMORE X
RAINBOW FACEBOOK
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Gluecifer Release "I'm Ready" Video

Twenty-one years after their last studio album, the Norwegians laid the foundation for their brand new album Same Drug New High (out January 16 via Steamhammer). Now, "I'm Ready" is the next taste of what's to come from the album.

Singer Biff Malibu says, "It's one of the last songs we wrote for the record. Captain Poon had worked out a chord structure that fell into place really fast, and that we felt had a kind of happy and positive ring to it. I threw in some lyrics on the same note, and the song sort of wrote itself from there." 
 
At a time when the world's inflationary desire for change seems to stop at nothing and no one, GLUECIFER appear to be the proverbial solid rock.

The Norwegian band, one of the most successful in its country, who immediately returned to its former strength after a reunion in spring 2018, continues to play a passionate melange of irresistible punk rock, traditional rock 'n' roll and dazzling glam elements — just the way the fans want to hear it. The new studio album, Same Drug New High, the group's first in more than 20 years, leaves no doubt that founding members Biff Malibu (vocals) and Captain Poon (guitar), plus long-standing bandmates Raldo Useless (guitar), Danny Young (drums), and Peter Larsson (bass), sound not only more mature and skilled, but also more versatile and determined than ever.

Watch the video for "I'm Ready" below. 

Stream the single and pre-order the new album Same Drug New High here. 

PRODUCT VERSIONS:

*Limited LP Edition / STEAMHAMMER exclusive - Limited to 300 copies
(incl. splattered red/black/white Vinyl and LP insert) - Order here
*Limited LP Edition / FLIGHT 13 exclusive - Limited to 300 copies
(incl. gold Vinyl and LP insert) - Order here
*Limited LP Edition / EU & UK exclusive - Limited to 300 copies
(incl. translucent red Vinyl and LP insert)
*Limited LP Edition / NORDICS exclusive - Limited to 500 copies
(incl. translucent clear Vinyl and LP insert)
*Standard LP Edition 
(including black vinyl and LP insert)
*CD Edition
(in a Digipak)
*Digital Edition
(Stream & Download)

Since they got together in 1994, Gluecifer have played hundreds of shows and released a total of five albums plus countless singles, EPs, and compilations. After an extensive farewell tour, the band broke up in 2005. But Gluecifer have never been forgotten by their fans. As a result, their 2018 comeback was not only met with huge acclaim, but was also celebrated by numerous concerts throughout Europe, including appearances at renowned festivals such as the Azkena Festival in Spain, Hellfest in France, and Tons Of Rock in Norway. So it comes as no surprise that their extensive fanbase started to clamor for new songs and another studio album almost immediately. Gluecifer have fulfilled that request at last with Same Drug New High, which was composed, produced, and mixed in their hometown of Oslo.

The new recording will be supported by an extensive European tour in spring 2026 — scheduled to kick off in Sweden on the album’s release date — and take Gluecifer to Germany, Norway and Spain.

More info about Gluecifer's upcoming live shows here. 

GLUECIFER LINEUP:

Biff Malibu — Vocals
Captain Poon — Guitar 
Raldo Useless — Guitar
Danny Young — Drums
Peter Larsson — Bass

JAMEY JOHNSON AND MEGAN MORONEY BRING THE MOJO TO BIRMINGHAM ON JAN. 15

Alabama’s MOJO will be in full force on Jan. 15 in Birmingham, when Jamey Johnson and Megan Moroney perform an unforgettable, one-night-only acoustic show at The Fennec to benefit their respective charities, Give It Away Foundation and The Megan Moroney Foundation.
 
Blending the two artists’ last names to create MOJO, Johnson and Moroney unite for a night of exceptional talent and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on their communities. Close friends Johnson and Moroney have previously shared stages, including Johnson’s birthday show at the Grand Ole Opry and most recently on The Hallmark Channel’s “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas Movie.” 
 
Johnson was an early and enthusiastic supporter of Moroney, inviting her to join his What A View Tour in 2022. Johnson and Deana Carter issued the official invitation for Moroney to make her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023.
 
The event’s proceeds benefit Jamey and Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Foundation, which supports charities close to their hearts and those that help communities during times of crisis, and The Megan Moroney Foundation, which is focused on supporting initiatives to combat bullying and promoting mental-health well-being. Together, we’re building a more supportive and inclusive environment. 
 
For more information, please visit www.giveitawayfoundation.org or contact GiveItAway@JameyJohnson.com for table pricing.

About Jamey Johnson:
Ten-time GRAMMY nominee Jamey Johnson has been called “one of the greatest country singers of our time,” by The Washington Post. Johnson’s music has garnered international acclaim and is embraced by fans of classic and contemporary country, as well as Americana and mainstream rock. He released his latest album, Midnight Gasoline, a collaboration between his label, Big Gassed Records, and Warner Music Nashville, in November 2024. Johnson also recently released “Never Gonna Be” with Ronnie Dunn and “Smoke” with Riley Green.
 
The Grand Ole Opry member is also widely regarded as one of the greatest country songwriters of his generation. He is one of only two people in the history of country music (along with Kris Kristofferson) to win two Song of the Year awards in the same year – for “Give It Away” and “In Color” – from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. 
 
A consummate storyteller, his songs have been recorded by George Strait, Trace Adkins, Willie Nelson, James Otto, Joe Nichols and others.
 
His recent prime-time television performances have been widely recognized as the best of the shows, from singing “Georgia on My Mind” in the CBS special Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday Celebration” and “Angels Among Us” for the CMT Giants: Alabama to performing “Beer for My Horses” with Lainey Wilson for the top-rated NBC special Toby Keith: American Icon” (available to stream on Peacock).
 
The Recording Industry Association of America also honored Johnson for sales/streams of 9 million, including the 5X platinum-certified single “In Color,” the 2X platinum-certified album That Lonesome Song, the platinum-certified single “High Cost of Living,” the gold-certified song “Between Jennings and Jones” and the gold-certified single “That Lonesome Song.”
 
For more information and tour dates, please visit www.jameyjohnson.com. 
 
About Megan Moroney: 
MULTI-PLATINUM hitmaker, critically adored singer/songwriter, record-breaking headliner – just a few years after making her debut, Megan Moroney has ascended to a truly stratospheric level of stardom. Now entering a next-level era with her upcoming third studio album Cloud 9 (due out February 20), the Georgia-bred phenomenon cemented her status as a towering force in Country music with her GOLD-certified sophomore LP Am I Okay? – a 2024 release that marked the year’s third-biggest Billboard 200 debut from a female Country artist and earned raves from major publications like The New York Times and Rolling Stone (including gracing the cover of the iconic magazine’s Future of Music issue). Since the arrival of the blockbuster album (whose standouts include her 2X PLATINUM No. 1 hit “Am I Okay?” and PLATINUM-certified “No Caller ID”), the Emo Cowgirl has made history with her game-changing AM I OKAY? TOUR – a SOLD-OUT headline run that shattered attendance records at multiple venues throughout the U.S. With over 4 BILLION total global streams across all platforms (thanks in part to her 4X PLATINUM No. 1 hit “Tennessee Orange,” from her acclaimed 2023 debut Lucky), Moroney’s fast-growing list of accolades includes being honored as Storyteller of the Year at Variety’s 2025 Hitmakers celebration and receiving the Rulebreaker Award at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music event, in addition to winning the first-ever Best Country prize at the 2025 MTV VMAs, New Female Artist of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards, and New Artist of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards. With its tracklist including chart-climbing hits like “Beautiful Things” and “6 Months Later” (her highest Billboard Hot 100 debut to date), Cloud 9 will be followed by a massive international headline run featuring stops at some of the biggest arenas in North America, Europe and the UK.

LAPTOP re-envisions TOM WAITS' holiday anthem "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis"

NYC artist Laptop presents their first holiday release: a winter transmission that sits oddly and perfectly within the band’s catalog. Tom Waits’ 1978 classic “Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis” is recreated as a deadpan jazz-robotic confession, equal parts heartbreak and smirk, performed as if a soul adrift at 2 AM in search of a payphone that still works. This feels like a postcard from every December that ever went wrong—and the small, stubborn hope that things might just go right anyway.

In the early 2000s, Laptop released three cult classic albums on Island Records, with frontman Jesse Hartman having got his start as a teenage Voidoid with Richard Hellbefore co-founding the indie rock band Sammy and releasing albums via Fire Records and Geffen Records. Hartman recently revived the band, driven by a dual-frontman dynamic with his son Charlie, this track reveals the intimate, lonely, late-night side of this project, sitting with you after the party ends and winter blows in under the door.

For Jesse Hartman, this song is personal. He has been playing this song since he was 13 years old at the family piano, long before Laptop existed, long before forming Sammy and long before joining Island Records. Hartman shares, “This was the first song that showed me you could mix sadness and humor in the same line. It basically formed me. This song is the blueprint for Laptop whether I knew it or not.”

While Laptop and Waits are both artists obsessed with doomed characters, disappointing heroes, and the poetry of failure, Hartman’s version is a departure from Waits’s gravel-and-whiskey delivery. This take leans into Laptop’s signature swing between warmth and machinery: jazz chords, cold synths, more groove, and Hartman’s dry, controlled, emotionally sideways vocal. It’s not whispered or fragile, it’s performed with the same unsentimental elegance that defined Laptop’s early-2000s covers (Billy Joel) and deep cuts (“We Never Made It to Venice”).

The basic tracks were recorded in Valencia in 2023, engineered by Iñaki Ariste Aznar, with Hartman on bass and drums by Mike Desmerais (Brian Eno, The Winkies). Upon their subtle, modern rhythmic bed beneath the retro-jazz harmony, Hartman finished the song in New York this Thanksgiving, pulling the performance into the present moment. Family members fill the edges of the arrangement with warmth: Odetta Hartman(backing vocals), Camellia Hartman (violin), Ben Jones (keyboards), and friend Billy Aukstik (trumpet). Just like a frozen street corner dressed in unexpected color.

“Waits wrote one of the great American monologues. This character isn’t just down on her luck, she’s inventing better versions of her life while she’s telling it. She’s lying, but she’s lying to survive. I didn’t want parody. I wanted to show the hope inside the hopelessness,” says Jesse Hartman.

This is standalone offering, outside the song cycle leading to their 2026 album “On This Planet”, which produced the singles “Indie Hero”, "Additional Animals", "I Don't Know" and “Weirder”. But it fits the themes Hartman has been exploring lately: aging, reinvention, myth-making, and the personal fictions we tell ourselves to get through the night. The holiday backdrop adds a chill: this is a Christmas song for people who can’t quite afford to believe in Christmas.

Musically, the track is Laptop stripped and rebuilt: a chiming electric piano, an icy synth pad, and a rhythm section that feels like a jazz band learning to operate inside a drum machine. Hartman delivers the lies, the hope, the heartbreak, and the punchline with the kind of detached affection that made Laptop an indie cult favorite. The final confession (“I need the money to pay my lawyer”) lands with dry humor and real ache.

As of December 12, this single can be found on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the band's latest singles are also available. Laptop's forthcoming album "On This Planet" is slated for release in Spring 2026 via Hurricane Cove Records.

CREDITS

Jesse Hartman - vocals, guitars, bass
Edward Douglas- keyboards, synths
Charlie Hartman - vocals
Odetta Hartman - vocals
Camellia Hartman - violin
Billy Aukstik - trumpet
Ben Jones - keyboards
Mike Desmarais - drums
Lluisen Capafons – congas, additional percussion
Recorded by Iñaki Ariste Aznar (Valencia), Edward Douglas (NYC), Jesse Hartman (NYC/Nevis)
Mixed by Jesse Hartman, Edward Douglas
Produced by Jesse Hartman
Engineered by Edward Douglas
Recorded in Valencia, Spain (Summer 2023), Final overdubs and edits in New York City (2025)
Written by Tom Waits (ASCAP)
Published by Jersey Girl Music (Admin by Wixen Music Publishing, Inc.)
Released by Hurricane Cove Records
Video concept, direction, cinematography & editing by Jesse Hartman
Cover artwork by Jesse Hartman & Scott Ratner
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

COLIN STOUGH’S VULNERABLE NEW BALLAD “BEST FOR YOU” AVAILABLE NOW –

19 Recordings/BMG Nashville artist Colin Stough gets vulnerable on his brand-new ballad, “Best For You,” out now. Penned by Stough along with Phillip Kane, the new track slows the pace after the up-tempo energy of “White Trash” and his recent release, “20 Bucks.” With growing streaming momentum, a rapidly expanding fanbase, and strong engagement across socials and live shows, the Mississippi native and American Idol finalist’s newest release offers a heartfelt, country lyric as it mines his emotional depths. Stough shared the story behind the song and an intimate acoustic performance live last night on Instagram.

 

“This song’s about loving somebody and watching ’em walk away like it’s nothing, but still wanting the best for them,” shares Stough. “Now felt like the right time to release this since the seasons are changing and y’all were begging me on socials to drop it. Hope y’all like it.”

“Best for You” by Colin Stough is a raw, heart-on-the-sleeve country ballad about loving someone enough to let them go. Through imagery of airplanes, streetlights, and unanswered calls, the lyrics paint the pain of watching someone move on while you’re still stuck in the hurt. Even as he admits he keeps coming back and can’t numb the heartbreak, the chorus lands on a powerful truth: no matter how bad it gets, he doesn’t wish her ill will. In the end, the love stays unconditional. He still wants the best for her, even if it breaks him.

About Colin Stough

Born and raised on the Mississippi-Alabama line, 21-year-old Colin Stough was brought up on Southern rock and second chances. A self-taught guitarist and gravel-voiced storyteller influenced by The Allman Brothers, Conway Twitty, and Koe Wetzel, he first picked up a guitar at age eight, later trading in his prized possessions for a pawn shop acoustic — one he still plays today. After high school, he worked full-time as an HVAC tech until his mom pushed him to audition for American Idol Season 21. That leap launched a life-changing ride: a standout third-place finish, a deal with 19 Recordings / BMG Nashville, and breakout songs like “Sober,” “’Til The Day One Does,” and 2025’s hard-edged anthem, “White Trash.”

With a skinned-raw vocal and lyrics carved from lived experience, Stough has built a loyal following of over 800k across social platforms. His EPs Promiseland and Lookin’ For Home offer a no-frills portrait of a young man navigating life with Southern grit, and his recent releases, “White Trash,” “20 Bucks,” and “Best For You,” keep with the no-holds-barred, hold-nothing-back theme. On the road, he’s opened for acts like Chase Matthew, Drake White, and Kidd G, and is continuing to build his live show through 2025. A student of Skynyrd and the outlaw spirit, Stough isn’t chasing trends — he’s telling the underdog’s truth, one song at a time.

KEEP UP WITH COLIN STOUGH
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

ESHTADUR Releases Epic Symphonic Melodeath Single, "Fire Above Mountain Below"

Colombian blackened melodic death metal force ESHTADUR has released their latest single, "Fire Above Mountain Below", off of their latest album, Symphonic Crows – Live at the Santiago Londoño’s Theater. Grandiose symphonic elements provide a powerful backdrop for ominous riffs and snarling vocals. In signature ESHTADUR fashion, "Fire Above Mountain Below" balances crushing heaviness with a catchy, cinematic earworm of a chorus.

Vocalist and guitarist Jorg August comments, "The shapes that can be explored with a symphonic orchestra reminds me of why I enjoy music so much: the character and the intensity of 40 people giving the music their all. That's very ritualistic and powerful. This new live album is something I wanted to do for so long."

Watch the official video for "Fire Above Mountain Below" below:

Symphonic Crows – Live at the Santiago Londoño’s Theater is out now on the ESHTADUR official Bandcamp page: https://eshtadur.bandcamp.com/album/symphonic-crows-live-album

About ESHTADUR: 

ESHTADUR was founded in the fall of 2005 by Jorg August, releasing the Timo Be Timo demo with a sound in the vein of COVENANT, DIMMU BORGIR, and OLD MAN’S CHILD. Since then, they have released a pair of EPs and four powerful full-length albums. ESHTADUR, meaning "the rebellion of angels," can be most closely likened to bands such as SEPTIC FLESH, BEHEMOTH, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, CARACH ANGREN, and the like. Like their scene counterparts, the band embodies a deathly melodic atmosphere that reaches into realms of darkness and despair through the decay of humanity. It seeks to rebel, in its darkened way, embracing the abject reality.

Their rich touring history includes performances across Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. They have shared the stage and toured with CRADLE OF FILTH, VADER, GRAVEWORM, SEPULTURA, ABORTED, and DECAPITATED, the last three at Rock al Parque 2016. Their 2017 release via Bleeding Music Records, Mother Gray, is an expression of planetary death and putrefaction. The scathing release saw the band touring eight countries in Europe through 2018, and then visiting the United States for the first time for the Gray America Tour, including dates in Mexico. The band’s latest album, From The Abyss, was released via Blood Blast Distribution and physically distributed by Hateworks in Latin America.

In 2022, the band toured in support of BATUSHKA and DIABOLICAL, visiting Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland. In 2023, ESHTADUR performed at 70000 Tons of Metal, being the only band from Colombia to do so. They then embarked on a North American tour with SUMMONER’S CIRCLE, visiting New York, Kentucky, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South and North Carolina, and Virginia.

After conquering 19 shows in the United States, ESHTADUR was invited as a guest of honor to the largest music festival in Latin America, Rock al Parque, supporting IN FLAMES from Sweden. The Crows from Colombia delivered a magnificent concert with Pereira’s Symphonic Orchestra at the Santiago Londoño Theater at the end of the year. This live concert was released on Pro Tape for collectors by Mutilated Records. 

In 2024, the band united forces with GRAVEWORM for a Latin American tour, visiting Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Colombia. ESHTADUR also performed at the 17th edition of Grita Fest in Manizales, Colombia, supporting HATE and EXODUS. Now the crows are gathering mist forces once again, ready to fill your soul with darkened despair at their next visit.

Bizarrekult Announces Absorbing New Album 'Alt Som Finnes'

True to the spirit of black metal, Roman V. started Bizarrekult as a lone wolf. Moving to the genre’s birthplace in Norway twenty odd years ago inspired him to bend but not break with tradition. Bizarrekult’s previous albums reflected on his childhood and changing place within the larger world, all while honing a grim yet luminar vision for the future. His upcoming third album also emerged from a deep personal crisis. Only this time, on Alt Som Finnes, he’s not alone in confronting all there is.

Today, Bizarrekult is announcing Alt Som Finnes by premiering the frighteningly tense video for the album’s lead single with No Clean Singing. While “Blikket Hennes” is tormented by never-ending self-doubt, Dødheimsgard vocalist Yusaf “Vicotnik” Parvez leads Roman out of its mental labryinthe - if only for a moment.  

“I was not ready for all of this”, Roman says about Alt Som Finnes. “None of us are, when the time comes. But at the end of this journey, it seems to have all been worth it. The music gave me hints as to where to go and what can be”.

Watch the video for “Blikket Hennes” below.

Alt Som Finnes comes out February 20, 2026 on Season of Mist Underground Activists.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/bizarrekultaltsomfinnes

Available formats

CD Jewelcase

12” Vinyl (Black)

12” Vinyl (Purple, black and white marbled)

In keeping with Norwegian tradition, Bizarrekult can be as cold and raw as early Darkthrone, as eerily melodic as Enslaved, or as blistering in its beauty as Borknagar. Alt Som Finnes (All There Is) upholds that classic, manic energy of old-school black metal. “Blikket Hennes” buzzes like a mind plagued, hounded by sharp twisting riffs, pained screams and a steady pounding of double bass.

“Your conscience never sleeps’”, Roman explains. “It judges and evaluates everything you do. You will never be able to get away from it; it will pierce you day and night, for good and bad”.

As the punishing headwinds behind “Blikket Hennes” signal a change in the atmosphere, like a break in the clouds, Dødheimsgard vocalist’s Yusaf Parvez appears from behind the torrential melody with soothing cleans. It’s a welcome respite before the mental fog returns.

The video for “Blikket Hennes”  was directed by Natalia Drepina (@mourneress). It stars Pavel V. Boldyrev (@somebodyawful) and Natalia Drepina.

No one emerges unscathed from Alt Som Finnes. But while riddled with regrets, album closer “Tomhet” breaks new ground as the first Bizarrekult song sung in English. “Am I alone like this? No, we are many”. It’s a damning realization, but also a call for all of us to become something greater.

Line-up
Roman V. — Vocals
Ignat P. — Guitars & Bass
Alexander P. — Drums

Production Credits
Recorded at Seaside Room.
Produced, mixed & mastered by Miguel Tereso at Demigod Recordings, Portugal.

Guest Musicians
Yusaf "Vicotnik" Parvez (Dødheimsgard) — Vocals on "Blikket Hennes"
Lina (Predatory Void / Cross Bringer) — Vocals on "Drøm”
Kim Song Sternkopf (Møl) — Vocals on "Tomhet"

Cover Art
Gravestench Art (https://www.instagram.com/gravestench_art/)

Photography
Radmila Volchenkova

Available Formats
CD Jewelcase

12” Vinyl (Black)

12” Vinyl (Purple, black and white marbled)

Pre-save & Pre-order 

https://orcd.co/bizarrekultaltsomfinnes

Follow Bizarrekult
Bandcamp: https://bizarrekult.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bizarrekult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizarrekvlt/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Cj4Bc1WpdNZhGcKyQfWci/
Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/artist/bizarrekult/1455860457 Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/11699593