NITE Announce New Album 'Cult of the Serpent Sun'

When darkness descends, NITE flies high with blackened heavy metal.


After venturing through space on their last album, NITE has returned to face the shadowy mythology that lay dormant beneath society's underbelly. Each of the eight epic battles on Cult of the Serpent Suntests the band's mettle. But amidst their new album's winding perils, NITE emerges triumphant. Lead single "Crow (Fear the Night)" is a rallying cry, calling for fists to rise with power and might.

Watch the classic and cultish video for "Crow (Fear the Night)" below.

Cult of the Serpent Sun comes out March 14, 2025 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/nitecultoftheserpentsun

Ever since they banded together out of San Francisco's underground in 2018, NITE has carried the torch for Bay Area metal. On Cult of the Serpent Sun, these four heavy metal avengers triple down on their classic arsenal. "Crow (Fear the Night)" swoops into the heat of battle with talons drawn. Like two birds of the same feather, the duel leads of Van Labrakis and Scott Hoffman climb on the back of drummer Patrick Crawford's foundation-shaking march.    

Cult of the Serpent Sun carries a "more-is-more" philosophy, guided by what NITE garnered on the road. Since their last studio stint, the band have stormed the stage at Northwest Terror Fest, toured California with fellow statesmen Persekutor and Haunt and marched across the Southwest on the road to Hell's Heroes VI.

"Fans really responded to older songs like 'Acheron' and 'Genesis'", Labrakis says. "Cult of the Serpent Sun has more songs that are fast and upbeat and help lift people's spirits".

Cult of the Serpent Sun also sharpens NITE's signature edges with fresh venom. "We play a traditional style of heavy metal, but the blackened element takes us in a different direction", Labrakis says. His road-hardened voice strikes fear into the album's serpentine foes. "Fear the night", he warns, backed by bassist Avinash Mittur, who wields his bruising Rickenbacker with a spike-gloved fist. 

"'Crow (Fear the Night)' is a call to those on the edge, a beckoning cry out of the shadows into the light", says NITE. "The headbanging masses band together under a sinister banner, leaving exile and finding themselves stronger as the cult of the serpent sun rises".

The video for "Crow (Fear the Night)" was directed by Marcelle Marais (Marcellemarais.com).

Additional credits
Produced by TriTonia Films @tritoniafilms & NITE 
Director of Photography - Jerome Stolly @jeromestolly
Grip & Lighting - Jerome Stolly @jeromestolly
Colorist - Chris Martin @cmartcolors
Production Assistant - Elijah Post @elijahpostdc
Properties Assistants - Kent Cates @kent_cates0402 & Miles Miller @milesmillermotors
Crow figure performed by Dave Swafford
Special thanks to First Church of the Buzzard in Oakland

On Cult of the Serpent Sun, NITE guards the altar of blackened heavy metal with sharpened blades and axes raised.  


Lineup:
Van Labrakis: Guitar / Vocals
Scott Hoffman: Guitar
Avinash Mittur: Bass
Patrick Crawford: Drums

Recording studio
210 Studios San Francisco and The Hoagie Container

Production credits
Recorded by Van Labrakis
Produced by Van Labrakis and Nite
Mixed and mastered by Van Labrakis at 210 Studios San Francisco

Cover artist
Adam Vick

Available formats
Digital download
CD Digipack
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Red with black splatters)
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Red and black marbled)

Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/nitecultoftheserpentsun

Follow NITE
​​​​​https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nite/1499573755
https://nitemetal.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nitemetal
https://www.instagram.com/nitemetal
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6MjCnAA9RF0vy3j6QYyLG0
https://twitter.com/nitemetal
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo7-UhuJNohvsMB2DP05LAQ

THE HELLACOPTERS - Release Video For Catchy New Single 'Do You Feel Normal'

Kicking off 2025 with a bang, high-energy rock'n'roll royalty, THE HELLACOPTERS, have released another smashing single from their upcoming new studio album Overdriver, which is due out on January 31st.

'Do You Feel Normal' is one of the most captivating and uplifting songs on the album despite its lyrical themes, which are dealing with alienation and solitude. THE HELLACOPTERS have written many hits in their career, and this one easily belongs in the top row. Its enticing lead melody and chorus could become your first addiction in 2025.

The sharp looking music video for 'Do You Feel Normal' was shot at the beautiful historic amusement park Gröna Lund in Stockholm, Sweden, which first opened its gates in 1883. It was directed by Johan Bååth & you can watch the clip below.

Please scroll to the bottom for all confirmed live dates for THE HELLACOPTERS.
Get your tickets now as they're moving fast!

PRE-ORDER / PRE-SAVE THE ALBUM OVERDRIVER:
https://hellacopters.bfan.link/odlp

LISTEN TO THE NEW SINGLE 'DO YOU FEEL NORMAL':
https://hellacopters.bfan.link/dyfnsg

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'DO YOU FEEL NORMAL' below.

ABOUT THE HELLACOPTERS

Less than three years after their triumphant, chart-storming comeback record, Eyes Of Oblivion, which entered at #1 in their home country, on #3 in Germany, and #6 in Finland, Sweden's most consistently great rock outfit is back with another banger of an album called Overdriver, due out on January 31st, 2025.

In the meantime, THE HELLACOPTERS have celebrated their triumphant return by playing a show with the mighty Iron Maiden in Gothenburg in July 2022, and gigs with Ghost in Germany in June 2023, apart from their own string of headline shows throughout Europe. Eager to keep the rock flowing, February 16th, 2024 saw THE HELLACOPTERS release not one, but two stunning versions of their classic Grande Rock album, which was originally released in 1999. Grande Rock Revisited included a remastered original version and a remixed and partially re-recorded version as a companion piece, showing how the album could have sounded in a parallel universe with guitarist Dregen being in the band at the time. After making rock grande again, the group set sights on new material, debuting the phenomenal single 'Stay With You'  in May 2024 and releasing it as a limited 7-inch via Lightning Records.

Their ninth full-length Overdriver was recorded at Strawberry Studio & The Honk Palace and is the first HELLACOPTERS album entirely produced by Nicke Andersson. As you might expect from a HELLACOPTERS album it's filled to the brim with roaring guitars and earth-shattering grooves, fist-raising energy, and anthemic choruses, while keeping the variety richer than ever before. The striking cover for Overdriver was created by German illustrator Max Löffler.

THE HELLACOPTERS ONLINE:
https://linktr.ee/thehellacopters

JETHRO TULL ANNOUNCE 24TH STUDIO ALBUM 'CURIOUS RUMINANT' AND LAUNCH VIDEO FOR TITLE TRACK

After two consecutive new Jethro Tull album releases in 2022 and 2023, a new record – ‘Curious Ruminant’ - is unleashed on Friday, March 7th, 2025. Consisting of nine new tracks varying in length from two and half minutes to almost seventeen minutes, this is an album of mostly full band music. Amongst the musicians featured are former keyboardist Andrew Giddings and drummer James Duncan, along with the current band members David Goodier, John O'Hara, Scott Hammond and, making his recording debut with the band, guitarist Jack Clark.

To coincide with this announcement, the albums title track has been launched digitally, alongside a video by Costin Chioreanu (who previously created the bands video for ‘Ginnungagap’ from RökFlöte).

Watch it now below.

‘Curious Ruminant’ will be available on several different formats, including a Ltd Deluxe Ultra Clear 180g 2LP + 2CD + Blu-ray Artbook & Ltd Deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook. Both of these feature the main album, alternative stereo mixes & a blu-ray containing Dolby Atmos & 5.1 Surround Sound (once again undertaken by Bruce Soord of The Pineapple Thief), as well as exclusive interview material. The Ltd Deluxe vinyl artbook also includes 2 exclusive art-prints. The album will also be available as a Special Edition CD Digipak, Gatefold 180g LP + LP-booklet & as Digital Album (in both stereo & Dolby Atmos).

Pre-order now here: https://jethrotullband.lnk.to/CuriousRuminant-Album

Ian Anderson had been saying for months following the release of RökFlöte that he would embark on a new project in late 2023. He waited only a few weeks before the first notions began to solidify into some drafted words of intent and in May 2024, some unfinished music recorded earlier with John O'Hara, David Goodier and James Duncan became the starting point for the new songs as they took shape.

Writing the lyrics and melodies for all the newly written material came very quickly once he began in earnest during June and just seemed to slot right in to the musical feel and styles of the earlier recordings.

Anderson's writing here is often on a more personal level of lyric content than we are used to hearing. Interspersed with his usual observational descriptions are the slightly more heart-on-sleeve moments of soul-baring – albeit not on the topics more often paraded by the usual I-me lyric merchants of pop and rock.

Some of the songs are developed from unfinished instrumental demos made some years ago although this does not result in a huge stylistic divide to jump out at the listener. Apart from the signature flute solos and melodies, accordion, mandolin, acoustic and tenor guitars feature on several tracks too, so the subtle backdrop of acoustic and folk rock serves to remind of the Tull heritage of the 70s.

The band consists of:

 

Ian Anderson – Flutes, vocals, acoustic guitar, tenor guitar, mandolin, odds and sods, bits and bobs
David Goodier - Bass guitar
John O’Hara - Piano, keyboards, accordion
Scott Hammond – Drums
Jack Clark – Electric guitar
 

The album also features:


James Duncan – Drums, cajón, percussion
Andrew Giddings – Piano, keyboards, accordion



JETHRO TULL ONLINE:
http://jethrotull.com/
https://www.facebook.com/officialjethrotull/
https://twitter.com/jethrotull
https://www.youtube.com/user/tullmanagement
https://www.instagram.com/jethrotull_/

INSIDEOUTMUSIC ONLINE:
www.insideoutmusic.com
www.youtube.com/InsideOutMusicTV
www.facebook.com/InsideOutMusic
www.twitter.com/insideouteu

Randall King Sets Acoustic Album ‘Neon (Unplugged)’ for Feb. 21

Hereford, Texas native Randall King, lauded by Billboard as a “hardcore country vocalist," is stripping back his sophomore album Into The Neon  with the release of Neon (Unplugged), set for Feb. 21. “One Night Dance (Unplugged)” offers the first taste of the acoustic album, and is available everywhere now.
 
“There is something unique about taking a song, stripping it down to just an acoustic guitar, and singing it with a bit of a different flare,” muses King. “That’s one of the beautiful things about country music. You can rock out with a band or you can sit down by a fire with only a guitar and sing your heart out to the same song. ‘One Night Dance (Unplugged)’ is the first taste of that stripped back version that I wanted to share with all of you.” 
 
Produced by King and Jared Conrad, Neon (Unplugged) was recorded at the historic Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for its prestigious status in country music, the studio has produced over 500 No. 1 hits for some of King’s greatest traditional influences, including Johnny Cash, George Strait and Alan Jackson. 
 
Where Into The Neon drew inspiration from the hues of neon found in the glowing honky tonk signs that backlit his budding career, Neon (Unplugged) derives a more raw, natural sound reminiscent of his days spent under the neon stars that light the skies in the plains of West Texas where he was raised.
 
Into The Neon was released Jan. 26, 2024 to critical acclaim, leaving Holler crowning him as “the genre's neo-traditional figurehead” and Texas Monthly observing “his Texas bona fides are unimpeachable.” Into The Neon was also named among the top country albums of 2024 by Entertainment Focus and Whiskey Riff. The album yielded King’s first country radio single, “I Could Be That Rain,” which has 80 adds to-date. 
 
For more information and to follow along with updates, visit RandallKingMusic.com.

About Randall King: 
A West Texas native and self-described “old soul," Warner Music Nashville's Randall King has never wavered in his honky-tonk allegiance – in fact, he’s worn it like a badge of honor, growing with pride into a leading voice for today’s traditional country. Amassing nearly 400 Million streams with singles like “You In A Honky Tonk,” “Hey Cowgirl” and “Mirror, Mirror,” he’s kept the twang alive in country’s mainstream while also earning acclaim through deeply personal EPs like 2020’s Leanna, and his 2022 major label album debut, Shot Glass – which landed on both Whiskey Riff’s Top 40 Country Albums of 2022 and Billboard’s All Genre 50 Best Albums of 2022 (So Far). Schooled on icons like Keith Whitley, George Strait, Alan Jackson and John Anderson, but inspired by modern masters like Dierks Bentley and Gary Allan, King first built an independent, grass-roots following on the strength of his electrifying live shows – each one a harrowing mix of rowdy roughnecking, romantic tenderness and breathtaking emotion – never asking for permission to explore his creative vision. He has since gone on to headline all across the U.S., the U.K. and Europe, where he continues to play nearly 150 shows a year and hone his craft where it matters most. Named a Country Artist to Watch by everyone from Pandora and Country Now to Music Mayhem Magazine, his sophomore major label album Into the Neon, available now, takes that craft to the next level, as King’s neo-traditional roots meet the blood-pumping rhythms and sharp, arena-sized grooves of Y2K-era country and beyond. Co-produced by King and Jared Conrad, and featuring 18 tracks, punchy sounds exist side-by-side with timeless swagger, further blurring the line between yesteryear and today – even as King renews his forever-country vows. Into The Neon was named among the best country albums of the year (so far) by Whiskey Riff, Country Now & Entertainment Focus, and yielded King’s debut single, “I Could Be That Rain,” available now at country radio.

Pink Turns Blue presents new single 'Stay For The Night', a danceable ode to their community

Iconic post-punk band Pink Turns Blue present their new single 'Stay For The Night', a celebration of the post-punk / goth rock / darkwave community and the second single from their new 'Black Swan' album, to be released on limited edition vinyl, CD and digitally via Orden Records.

Today made up of Mic Jogwer (vocals, guitar), Paul Richter (drums) and Luca Sammuri (bass), Pink Turns Blue - named after a Hüsker Dü song - emerged in 1985 in the first generation of gothic rock.
 
This new single follows the lead track 'Black Swan (But I Know There Is More to Life)', the album's only ballad, offering ample fruit for thought. Delving into profound questions about existence, it reflects on life’s purpose and the beauty of the world.

"'Stay for the Night' is meant for the dance floor. While we are an alternative rock band, founded in the post-punk era of the 80s, many of our fans wear black or dress as goths. And we often play in clubs that play darkwave music or goth rock at the after show party. The key message of the song is about unequal love, with one person wanting to leave the relationship or the group or going home instead of staying in the club with their (black-clad) friends and the other person asking to stay to sort things out, to give the relationship or the evening another chance," explains Mic Jogwer.

"This is also a love song to the post-punk / goth rock community for being with all these years. Very often, we stay for the after-show party and immerse ourselves in the very open-minded and diverse dancing crowd. This is home. After the show, we can just close our eyes and float with the music and our friends... All we need is love. All we need is friends. Thank you so much for being with us. See you on the dance floor."

After 2021's widely acclaimed ‘Tainted’ album, the companion 'Tainted Tour 2022' EPand successful American and European tours with often-sold-out concerts, the Berliners' new studio album will be followed by their 'Black Swan' tour, which sees them visit clubs through Germany in April.

This new collection is aptly named 'Black Swan', a term used for an unexpected event that, in retrospect, is rationalized as if one could have prepared for it.

Pink Turn Blue's debut album 'If Two Worlds Kiss' advanced the darkwave sub-genre while becoming a seminal post-punk album. Emerging from the fear and uncertainty of a divided Cold War Germany and inspired by Joy Division, The Sound and The Chameleons, they have since released a dozen full-length LPs and have become known for their trademark blend of post-punk, alternative rock and new wave.

Pink Turns Blue has achieved pretty much everything an indie band could wish for - Album of the Year (Byte FM), Best Album of 2021 (Post-Punk.com), singles reaching number 1 in the German Alternative Charts and Indie Disco Top 40, excellent reviews in worldwide music press, well attended and sold-out club concerts spanning from Los Angeles to Yerevan.

As of January 10, 'Stay For The Night' is available everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp. February 28 brings the release of the full 'Black Swan' album - digitally on all streaming platforms with limited-edition vinyl and CD editions now available for pre-order. Tickets for 2025 concerts can already be ordered at https://pinkturnsblue.com/ live-dates.

CREDITS
Music & words written by Mic Jogwer
(c) 2024 ORDEN Publishing (Gema)
(p) 2024 ORDEN Records
Recorded by Pink Turns Blue at White House Studios in Chorin
Label code 13886
EAN 4872343135437

ISRC code DEAA12512006  
Photos by Daniela Vorndran for Black Cat Net

Publicity of Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Pink Turns Blue
Website | Bandcamp | Shop | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | BandsInTown | Songkick | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact
 
Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter |  Instagram | BlueSky | Threads  | Soundcloud | LinkedIn | Ema il

Ellis Mano Band Announce New Album "MORPH" + Share New Single/Video "Count Me In"

Multinational blues-rock institution Ellis Mano Band have released their new single "Count Me In," along with a music video. The song is taken from their upcoming album MORPH, which will be released on February 21 via SPV Recordings.

"Count Me In" is a powerful rock track that instantly grabs your attention with its mix of heart and energy. "The song combines the raw energy of Heartland Rock with a vocal style reminiscent of David Bowie's expressive power," says the band. "It's about love — or maybe it's not — and the choices we make as we search for our way in life. With its catchy melody and sing-along potential, this song is an invitation to embrace the moment and live life to the fullest. For those ready to dive in completely: Count us in."

Watch the video to "Count Me In" below

Stream the single and pre-order MORPH here

With their new album MORPH, the Ellis Mano Band presents a multi-faceted, coherent opus.

"It is more than just an album for us — it's our next big step, our musical diploma," says the band. With songs like the epic "Countdown To Nothing" and the powerful anthem "For All I Care,"  the band invites their listeners to join in on an intense journey through the evolution of our sound. MORPH represents change and growth — a transformation reflected in every track. Energized riffs meet unexpected, quiet moments, creating a listening experience full of tension and depth. The artwork by Canadian album design legend Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi…) perfectly captures this essence and symbolizes the spirit of MORPH.  The band says,"We are excited to share these new sonic worlds with our fans, both on record and live!” 

With several Top 2 rankings in the Swiss album charts and excellent reactions from critics, the Ellis Mano Band continues on its path and will keep on delivering music at its best — timeless and 100% handmade!

The first public airing of ELLIS MANO BAND's fourth album MORPH was performed during their support slot to rock legends Deep Purple, on their German tour in July 2024. The record features eleven tracks, including "For All I Care," which was one of the highlights in their set supporting the British rock legends. Powerful and characterized by tempo changes, it is a contemporary, modernised homage to the essence of classic rock from the late 1960s to the end of the 1970s. A quiet acoustic interlude is thrown in for good measure. A definite nod to the unforgotten Old School. Compositional sophistication, variety and incredible playing are the hallmarks of the Anglo-American sound of the ELLIS MANO BAND. So it was only logical to engage a global great for the cover art. The cartridge with the broken tip and flowers growing in ist case was realised by Canadian album design legend Hugh Syme (Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, Kiss, Rush and many more). The music is just as impressive. It shows how the Ellis Mano Band continues its development in line with the album title.

Legendary artwork designer Hugh Syme comments on Ellis Mano Band's MORPH: "I have always been motivated and inspired to bring a compelling, and (usually) improbable visual solution to those album covers I create for bands whose music, composition, performance and production I truly respect. Such is the case with the Ellis Mano Band. Thank you to Thomas Hammerl for bringing us together! All the best with the launch of the new Morph album project."

ELLIS MANO BAND IS:
Chris Ellis — Vocals
Edis Mano — Guitars
Severin Graf — Bass
Nico Looser — Drums
Lukas Bosshardt — Keys

DARK CHAPEL SET TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM 'SPIRIT IN THE GLASS'

Guitarist/singer/producer Dario Lorina, best-known as a longtime member of Black Label Society (2014 to present), is launching his brand new band, DARK CHAPEL.

Led by Lorina and also featuring Brody DeRozie (Guitar), Mike Gunn (Bass), and Luis Silva (Drums), the band’s airtight guitar-craft and sludgy grooves with magnetic melodies, bluesy phrasing, and grunge mystique are spotlighted on their debut album, Spirit in The Glass, which is due out February 28, 2025 on MNRK Heavy. 

Dario’s gritty delivery on the song takes hold on a hypnotic hook, bleeding into a fret-burning lead punctuated by dramatic bends. “’Glass Heart’ is a lyrical and almost cinematic musical story that started with a riff and lyrically stemmed from emotion,” he reveals. “That emotion created an imagery for me that I began writing about as if that feeling was a painting I was writing to describe.”

Striking an elusive balance between dark and heavy, ethereal and passionate, Spirit in The Glass  is as Lorina describes, ““This is a culmination of all artistic influence, whether musical or otherwise.”

Dario Lorina began his professional career in 2006 when he was 16 as the touring guitarist with the late Jani Lane (ex-Warrant). At 19, he joined veteran metal act Lizzy Borden whom he toured with for four years. He released two instrumental records with Mike Varney on Shrapnel Records in 2013 and 2017 titled, DARIO LORINA and DEATH GRIP TRIBULATIONS. On January 1, 2014 he joined Black Label Society and has since been touring worldwide alongside Zakk Wylde, performing on guitar, piano and backing vocals ever since. Lorina dueled solos with Wylde on Black Label Society's 2022 album DOOM CREW INC., and he joined Zakk Wylde on the January 2022 cover of Guitar World magazine.

“The guitar never really left my hands,” he laughs. Years of woodshedding followed. At 16 years old, he answered the call to audition for Jani Lane and found himself on the road with the ex-Warrant frontman shortly thereafter.

ROBIN MCAULEY Shares Title Track from New Solo Album 'Soulbound' + Lyric Video

Today, ROBIN MCAULEY proudly shares the title track from his upcoming solo album, 'Soulbound,' due February 28th via Frontiers Music Srl.

About the single, MCAULEY shared this:

"Very excited about the release of another single 'Soulbound' the title track from my new and third solo record on Frontiers Music Srl. I can’t wait for you to hear this and I know you are going to love it.

"Give it a like 👍🏻 and share it on your social media platforms and I look forward to reading your comments.

"You guys Rock!!! PLAY IT LOUD!!!"

Check Out the New Lyric Video for "'Soulbound" below.

His new solo album sees MCAULEY's voice continuing to defy time, sounding as inspired and powerful as ever. Definitively more guitar-driven straight hard rock compared to his previous albums, 'Soulbound' is still wonderfully melodic, infectious, and fist-in-the-air uplifting.

MCAULEY comments on the album:

"I can't wait to share Record #3 with you all from Frontiers Music SRL. 'Soulbound' is a much edgier, harder guitar-driven record than my previous two for the label. In addition, I'm working with a new producer from the Frontiers label, Aldo Lonobile, who brought these songs to life with his Kick-Ass production."

'Soulbound' showcases the respected Irish rock singer's desire to make a strong musical statement in what is proving to be his most creative period.

After reemerging on the recording side of the music industry with guest spots on

Michael Schenker Fest albums and tours in addition to fronting the hard rock supergroup Black Swan, MCAULEY was (and still is) feeling invigorated and ready to explore even more creative output to let the world see that his voice is still as powerful as ever.

Work for 'Soulbound' began in early 2024, following an intense musical period in between tour dates and studio work. With a slightly different production approach compared to the previous album, ROBIN’s vocal performance here is simply outstanding. Truly an iconic voice of the genre, 'Soulbound' solidly delivers the more hard and heavy aspects of this respected artist.

ROBIN's backing band includes some of the previous artists who appeared with him on previous efforts, including guitarist Andrea Seveso, as well as some new talent such as guitarist Alessandro Mammola and drummer Alfonso Mocerino.

'Soulbound' is produced by Aldo Lonobile.

Pre-Order 'Soulbound' HERE

Credits: 

Produced By: Aldo Lonobile

Studio: TMH Studio, Institute Of Noise LA

Recorded By: Aldo Lonobile, except vocals recorded by Andy Zuckerman

Mixed By: Aldo Lonobile

Mastered By: Aldo Lonobile

Robin McAuley is widely recognized as one of the great singers of a golden period in hard rock music. His voice can be heard on albums from Grand Prix and Far Corporation, and of course, on the chart-topping MSG records 'Perfect Timing,' 'Save

Yourself,' and 'MSG.' Through these releases, he was introduced to hard rock fans around the globe, who no doubt recognized the inherent talent and skill in his vocal abilities.

Once he departed MSG, McAuley released one solo record in 1999, then joined AOR

legends Survivor. He then re-grouped with Schenker in Michael Schenker Fest on their recent records 'Resurrection' and 'Revelation,' And of course, in what was an absolute revelation to hard rock fans around the world, in 2020, he came out swingin' as the frontman of the supergroup Black Swan, where he joined forces with Reb Beach (Whitesnake, Winger), Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, ex-Dokken), and Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr Big).

Band Members:

Robin McAuley - Vocals

Andrea Seveso, Alessandro Mammola - Guitars

Aldo Lonobile - Bass/additional guitars

Alfonso Mocerino - Drums

 

Additional keyboards: Antonio Agate

Memphis May Fire Share "Overdose" Video

MEMPHIS MAY FIRE — Matty Mullins (vocals), Kellen McGregor (guitar), Cory Elder (bass), and Jake Garland (drums) — spent much of 2024 dropping brand new singles, each of which was more incendiary than the next. At the end of the year, they announced their new album SHAPESHIFTER, which arrives March 28 via longtime label Rise Records. Pre-order it here.

They have just shared the video for the new song "Overdose." It features a guest appliance from Blindside vocalist Christian Lindskog. Watch it below. 

"'Overdose' is about the intoxicating nature of extremes — how easy it is to get addicted to the highs of life, no matter the consequences," Mullins explains. "It's a song for anyone who's ever pushed boundaries too far, chased the rush, and grappled with the fallout. Christian Lindskog has always been a bucket list guest vocalist for me and it's an absolute honor to have his iconic style gracing this track." 

MMF have also announced a headline tour for Spring 2025, with support from Caskets, Wind Walkers, and Elijah. The tour kicks off April 16 in Little Rock and runs through May 17 in Atlanta. It includes appearances at several key spring festivals, such as Sonic Temple and Welcome to Rockville. All dates are below. Get tickets here. 

MEMPHIS MAY FIRE ON TOUR:
WITH CASKETS, WIND WALKERS, + ELIJAH:
4/16 — Little Rock, AR — The Hall
4/17 — Dallas, TX — Southside Music Hall
4/18 — Houston, TX — Warehouse Live
4/19 — San Antoni, TX — Vibes
4/21 — Mesa, AZ — Nile Theater
4/22 — Los Angeles, CA — The Belasco
4/23 — San Diego, CA — Observatory SD
4/24 — Rosefield, CA — Goldfields
4/27 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theatre
4/29 — Billings, MT — Pub Station
4/30 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Complex
5/1 — Dener, CO — Summit
5/3 — Columbia, MO — The Blue Note
5/4 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
5/5 — Joliet, IL — The Forge
5/6 — Grand Rapids, MI — Elevation
5/8 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple*
5/9 — Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Monarch
5/10 — Worcester, MA — Palladium
5/11 — Philadelphia, PA — Union Transfer
5/13 — Baltimore, MD — Soundstage
5/14 — Charlotte, NC — The Underground 
5/15 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl
5/17 — Atlanta, GA — Center Stage
5/18 — Daytona, FL — Welcome to Rockville*

CABAL - RELEASE NEW SINGLE 'UNVEILED'

During a packed autumn touring schedule of over 30 dates across Europe as part of the Nordic Invasion and Faces of Death tours, CABAL introduced fans to their latest album material. Now, in 2025, the band returns with their powerful new single ‘Unveiled', featuring Matthi, frontman of beatdown legends NASTY. The new album Everything Rots will be released on 11th April via Nuclear Blast Records. In spring 2025 CABAL will support CALIBAN on their "Back From Hell Tour". All dates are listed below.
 

SingerAndreas Bjulver comments: "If you've ever had your trust horribly betrayed this track is for you. This is CABAL at it's most furious, it's pure anger distilled into sound and it features none other than Matthi from Nasty, which only adds to the agression."

Pre-Order Everything Rots here: https://cabal.bfan.link/everything-rots.ema


Stream 'UNVEILED' here: https://cabal.bfan.link/unveiled


Watch the video of 'UNVEILED' below.

CABAL has through the years proved themselves as one of the heaviest and most uncompromising metal acts hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark. The bands sound is visceral and destructive and aims to bring forth absolute chaos by drawing inspiration from everything from crushing death metal, contemporary metallic hardcore and metalcore to unnerving soundscapes and dark electronic music.
 
Since the release of  their first album in 2018 the band toured most of the planet, from Europe and North America to Japan and Australia, as well as renowned festivals like, Roskilde Festival, Copenhell, Summer Slaughter, Brutal Assault and many more, and they have no intention of slowing down. All of the above combined with features from some of the modern metal scenes most prominent names like; Matt Heafy from TRIVIUM, Jamie Hails from POLARIS and Joe Bad from FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, the band has shown the world that Denmark has something to offer when it comes to bone crushing heaviness.

The band are now gearing up for the release of their 4th studio album; Everything Rots. 
Everything Rots is the most focused and ferocious CABAL has ever sounded, while still 
expanding on the sound that fans expect from the band. Ear piercing electronic parts and 
unsettling soundscapes fuse together with bone-rattling riffs and uncompromising 
breakdowns to create a sonic attack on the senses that’s sure to please and surprise any fan of extreme heaviness. Just like instrumentals the lyrics are dark and direct as they detail the cyclical nature of depression, addiction and trauma, as they work through and detail deeply scarring life experiences and invite the listernes inside a dark world were everything everything rots and falls apart again and again and again.

Tracks like ’Still Cursed’ dives into the struggle of dealing with depression and feeling eternally cursed, while the title track is an anthem for the generations born into a world of crushing uncertainty, that feels like it could collapse around them at any time. ’No Peace’ describes the harrowing real life ordeal of finding a dying suicide victim in the streets of Copenhagen, and powerlessly watching the life drains from their eyes. ‘Unveiled’ and ‘Forever Marked’ deals with two sides of the same experience of having an abuser close to you. One describes the intense anger and feeling of betrayal, that comes from finding out that someone you considered family could commit such acts, while the other the feeling of guilt in knowing that this happened so close to you without you catching on to it. 

The album will be released through Nuclear Blast in April 2025 and like a rabid hell hound on a chain, this album is foaming at the mouth to be released and unleash the rot upon the world.

CABALonline
https://www.instagram.com/cabalcph/
www.facebook.com/cabalcph
www.cabalcult.com
www.patreon.com/cabalcult
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHWujbw3iYHcXq9ExfRiA4Q
https://www.tiktok.com/@cblde4th

SOM Share Video For New Single "Nightmares" — WATCH // Announce Spring Tour With Earthside

SOM have shared the video for new single "Nightmares," taken from their forthcoming third full-length album Let The Light In, on March 14 through Berlin's Pelagic Records.

With a unique sound dubbed "Doom Pop" by Metal Injection, SOM's dreamy shoegaze roots are on display across Let The Light In but there is heft at its core that is bracing and ferocious. If the band's debut album The Fall explored hitting rock bottom and sophomore release The Shape of Everything grappled with the ever-darkening world around us, Let The Light In sees SOM turn their sights inward, towards our most primal impulses: Seeking solace and reconciliation from the vibrancy within ourselves and the people we hold close. 

Adversity became the catalyst for change when, due to unforeseen circumstances, the band's founding drummer left midway through the album's writing and recording process. SOM took the remainder of 2023 to reshape and refocus, eventually re-recording most of the album in a new configuration that allowed them to paint in even broader sonic strokes. The result is a raw but richly melodic album unafraid to travel through the depths of human emotion, ultimately guiding us towards growth and enlightenment.

Latest single "Nightmares" is one of their heaviest compositions to date. An exhilarating collision of uplifting vocal melodies, triumphant reverb-soaked guitar work and the snarling, bass-heavy bite of a metal breakdown, "Nightmares" bears evidence of challenge and change, showing a newly reconfigured SOM reveling in their "doom pop' dichotomy. Taken from their imminent album, the new track arrives alongside an epic video within a hauntingly glitched-out post-apocalyptic fever dream directed by Joel Villegas (Poison The Well, Holy Fawn, Glassing).

Since 2019, SOM have toured extensively across North America, Europe and the UK alongside acts including Katatonia, Solstafir, Slow Crush, and many more. This relentless live commitment across 21 countries, coupled with 2023's introspective restructuring, has profoundly altered their creative approach. 

As they began working on this new material, the members of SOM found themselves in a fresh headspace, armed with a newfound, hard-earned maturity. Let The Light In is SOM's testament to resilience and evolution. Born from challenge and change, the album pulses with confidence and catharsis, imploring the listener and the band themselves to traverse the darkness and find the light.

Let The Light In is released on the March 14.

"Nightmares" is out now

SOM ON TOUR
WITH EARTHSIDE
2/21 — Boston, MA — Middle East
2/22 — Montreal, QC — Bar le Ritz
2/23 — Toronto, ON — Drake Underground
2/25 — Detroit, MI — Sanctuary
2/26 — Cleveland, OH — The Foundry
2/27 — Chicago, IL — Beat Kitchen 
3/1 — Nashville, TN — The End
3/2 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade
3/5 — Orlando, FL — Conduit
3/7 — Baltimore, MD — Metro Gallery
3/8 — Brooklyn, NY — The Meadows

Tickets are available here. 

DYNAZTY - RELEASE NEW SINGLE 'CALL OF THE NIGHT'

Creators of power metal super track 'Heartless Madness', DYNAZTY today release their third single 'Call of the Night'. The new album Game of Faces will be released on February 14th, 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. DYNAZTY also announced their European headliner tour together with Italian metal band NANOWAR OF STEEL. All tour dates are listed below.

Singer Nils Molin comments:
"Night-time. A time for calm and tranquility or a time for fears, deceit and, villainousness? When light shifts so does the mind of man. 'I have seen the depths of the dark well. I know the stories it can tell. The allure of danger, strangers, and the promises they sell.'
We’re proud to present you with the opening track and one of my personal favorites of the album - Call of the Night. Enjoy and don’t forget to place your pre-order of Game of Faces, out on February 14!"

Stream 'Call of the Night' here: 
https://bfan.link/call-of-the-night

Watch the video for 'Call of the Night' below.

Pre-order/pre-save Game of Faces here: 
https://bfan.link/game-of-faces-album

About DYNAZTY:

Following the release of their much-acclaimed latest offering Final Advent, Sweden's melodic metal aces DYNAZTY are returning with a new album - Game of Faces, to be released February 14th on Nuclear Blast Records. Formed in 2008, DYNAZTY has over the years evolved from its humble beginnings rooted in the Scandinavian Hard Rock scene into now being a powerhouse and formidable force to be reckoned with on the top shelf of the modern melodic metal scene. Career milestones include the 2020 chart-breaking album The Dark Delight, certified for gold status in the band's home country Sweden, and neighbors Finland. With single tracks 'Heartless Madness' reaching platinum status and 'The Human Paradox' featured in DC Comics and HBO’s Peacemaker series. Tours in recent years together with bands like SABATON, POWERWOLF, BATTLE BEAST, PAIN, and Kissin Dynamite has showcased and established the band on the European continent as one of the most prominent live acts of its generation. Fast forward to August 2024 where DYNAZTY concluded an extensive run of European summer festivals by releasing a new song, 'Devilry of Ecstasy' as a precursor and first taste of a yet unannounced new album. Now the next step is unveiled in full with the herald of Game of Faces, DYNAZTY’s jawbreaker of a new album. Set for release on February 14th, 2025, the album is doubling down on punch and ferocity together with the band’s trademark attention to songwriting and production detail. Produced by DYNAZTY themselves and mixed by Swedish pioneer Jens Bogren, Game of Faces takes you on a journey exploring the essence of the human mind and existence with lyrical themes such as self-discovery, spiritual death, rebirth, and re-invention in 'Die to Survive', 'Fire to Fight' and 'Fortune Favors the Brave'. While taking on the duality and deceptive nature of humankind in the eponymous title track, the album’s opener 'Call of The Night' and first single release 'Devilry of Ecstasy'.

DYNAZTY is:
Nils Molin | vocals
Love Magnusson | guitars, keyboards
Mikael Lavér | guitars
Jonathan Olsson | bass
Georg Härnsten Egg | drums

STEVE HACKETT LAUNCHES LIVE RECORDING OF 'JACUZZI,' TAKEN FROM 'LIVE MAGIC AT TRADING BOUNDARIES'

Steve Hackett’s annual performances at Trading Boundaries, in Sussex, UK have become something of a tradition for the legendary guitarist in recent years. Presenting stripped down material, and showcasing his acclaimed classical compositions, these unique & intimate concerts have become a highlight of the year, beloved of his fans. As Steve explains: “It’s always a joy for me to play at Trading Boundaries, a magical intimate place full of beautiful lights and exotic imagery, illuminating the darkest time of year over Christmas and New Year… It’s the perfect location for my acoustic set.”

‘Live Magic At Trading Boundaries’, set for release on Friday, January 17th, 2025, collects various recordings from these shows from over the years, and also features appearances from regular collaborators including brother John Hackett on flute, Roger King on keys, Rob Townsend on flute & sax, & Amanda Lehmann on guitar & vocals. The release also coincides with Steve’s next two live appearances at the venue, on January 18th &19th, 2025.

Today he is pleased to release a live recording of the track ‘Jacuzzi’, originally featured on his 1980 solo album ‘Defector,' and you can listen to it now below.

Steve comments: “I’m thrilled to be releasing such a special album of live virtuoso performances over the years at such a magical venue.”

‘Live Magic At Trading Boundaries’ will be available as a Limited Edition CD Digipak, Gatefold 180g 2LP & Digital Album, mixed by long-time live sound engineer Ben Fenner.

Pre-order now here: https://stevehackett.lnk.to/LiveMagicAtTradingBoundaries

Listen to the track ‘Ace Of Wands’ (originally from his debut solo album ‘Voyage Of The Acolyte’) performed live here: https://youtu.be/zfnwYd2IyYs

Over the course of 19 tracks, Steve explores various facets of his catalogue, including Genesis classics like ‘Blood On The Rooftops’ & ‘Horizons’, stripped down solo material such as ‘Ace Of Wands’ & ‘Hands Of The Priestess’, and magical renditions of his much-acclaimed classical catalogue like ‘Black Light’ & ‘The Journey.' As a result, this album shows a completely different side to his playing: “Somehow, you can feel the special atmosphere through the sound of the music on this new live album, which is a complete contrast to my live rock shows.”

“I love the delicate dreamlike quality of this show with John and Rob interplaying beautifully on flute and sax, interspersed by surprising moments of power, such as the point when Roger’s keys become the sound of a full blown pipe organ!”  The album also features two performances of tracks from Amanda Lehmann’s most recent solo album ‘Innocence and Illusion’, “Amanda’s lovely vocals on her own spellbinding songs also provide a special contrast.”

Steve has recently been reissuing his classical catalogue, and the latest two in the series, ‘Metamorpheus’ & ‘Tribute’ are available now. Both albums have been newly remastered for vinyl, and are available as Gatefold 180g LP’s in both black and limited coloured vinyl editions for the very first time. New digipak CD editions are also available, and they can all be ordered below:
https://stevehackett.lnk.to/Metamorpheus-Reissue
https://stevehackett.lnk.to/Tribute-Reissue

These follow hot on the heels of his critically-acclaimed new studio album ‘The Circus and the Nightwhale’. A rite-of-passage concept album with a young character called Travla at the centre of it, the 13 tracks have an autobiographical angle for the musician who says about his 30th solo release: “I love this album. It says the things I’ve been wanting to say for a very long time.”

Order now here: https://stevehackett.lnk.to/TheCircusAndTheNightwhale

OBSCURA - Release Video For New Single 'Evenfall'

Following the success of their first single 'Silver Linings', German metal act OBSCURA return with their second single, 'Evenfall', from the highly anticipated album A Sonication, set to release on February 7, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records.

This standout track showcases OBSCURA’s ongoing evolution, masterfully blending their signature technical prowess with a more melodic approach. The result is a fresh yet unmistakably OBSCURA sound that promises to both surprise longtime fans and captivate new listeners.

Accompanying the release is a visually striking music video, bringing the song’s intensity and emotion to life. Once again, the video has been directed by Mirko Witzki (ARCH ENEMY, POWERWOLF, ESKIMO CALLBOY). Fans can expect an immersive audiovisual experience that underscores OBSCURA’s artistic depth.

Mastermind Steffen Kummerer comments: "With Evenfall we look into the most anticipated song by the band to perform in a live setting on our upcoming tours. The dynamics, groove, and pace fall perfectly into place. One of my personal highlights of the new album, showcasing a rather cinematic soundscape within the Obscura universe.“ 


Watch the video below.

Listen to the 'Evenfall' on all platforms:
https://obscura.bfan.link/efsg

Pre-order 'A Sonication' here:
https://obscura.bfan.link/aslp

A European tour is set to kick off in February 2025. Joining OBSCURA on tour will be American death metal outfit SKELETON REMAINS, who replaced RINGS OF SATURN, and GOROD, the technical death metal force from France. With this international lineup, fans can expect a night of diverse and electrifying performances.

Ticketlink: https://realmofobscura.com/live/ 

More information:
www.realmofobscura.com
www.facebook.de/realmofobscura
www.twitter.com/realmofobscura
www.instagram.com/realmofobscura
www.youtube.com/realmofobscura

Saor Embraces Roots on New Single

As the mists of time part like whispers through the Scottish Highlands, Saor weaves a new historic tapestry. Inspired by a hilly walk through an older world, Andy Marshall and his band of Caledonian warriors craft a majestic symphony that welds the intensity of black metal with Celtic folk melodies on their upcoming new album Amidst the Ruins. 

Today, Saor are ushering in the album's soothing second single. "The Sylvan Embrace" calls out to those who yearn for the solace of nature's eternal embrace. 

Watch the video for "The Sylvan Embrace" below.

Amidst the Ruins comes out February 7th, 2025 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/saoramidsttheruins

Like a journey into the heartland of an ancient forest, Saor's new single invites you to find refuge and rejuvenation amidst the rustling leaves and the wise whispers of the ageless trees. Each note calls for introspection, a reminder of the serene power that nature holds, and its ever-present ability to mend the weary soul.

"The Sylvan Embrace" features Jo Quail, the internationally acclaimed London cellist, who also contributed to Thy Catafalque's latest album. Andy Marshall and his fellow collaborators incorporate the evocative grandeur of her cello, melding modern innovation with timeless tradition. Quail’s masterful looping technique and emotive performances add a layer of unmatched depth to "The Sylvan Embrace", invoking the wisdom of ancient woods and the poignant yearning of forgotten paths.

As we stand on the cusp of this new era, Amidst the Ruins, the latest chronicle unfolds. SAOR's watchful eye turns to the horizon, the whispering woods, the twilight skies, and the sleeping stones bearing seers’ dreams, evoking the indomitable spirit of the realm. In their hands, the past is resurrected; its tales to be retold for those who would heed the call—SAOR, remain the ceaseless bards of Caledonia unbroken.

Line-up:
Andy Marshall - All Composition, Writing & Instrumentation

Guest Musicians:
Ella Zlotos - Female Vocals, Tin Whistles, Low Whistles, Uilleann Pipes
Carlos Vivas - Drums
Jo Quail - Cello & FX on "The Sylvan Embrace"
Àngela Moya Serrat - Violin on "Amidst the Ruins", "Echoes of the Ancient Land" & "Rebirth" Miguel Izquierdo - Viola on "Amidst the Ruins", "Echoes of the Ancient Land" & "Rebirth"
Samuel C. Ledesma - Cello on "Amidst the Ruins", "Echoes of the Ancient Land" & "Rebirth

Recording:
Andy Marshall - Vocals, Guitars, Bass recorded at Fortriu Studios, Scotland
Nikolaus Jira - Female Vocals, Tin Whistles, Low Whistles and Uilleann Pipes recorded at NikolausRecordings Studio, Germany
Jose Garrido and Daniel Sabugal - Drums recorded at NewLife Studios, Spain
Mattias Eklund - Violin, Viola and Cello recorded at Farkosten Studios, Spain
Chris Fielding - Mixing and Guitar reamping at Penylan Studio, Wales
Tony Lindgren - Mastering at Fascination Street Studios, Sweden

Biography:
Saor
Edits by Sébastien Gamez

Cover Art:
Julian Bauer (@julianb_art)
Website: https://julianbauer.com/
Layout by Adrien Bousson

Press-kit: https://presskit.season-of-mist.com/Saor/
Login: presskit
Password: Presskitofmist

Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/saoramidsttheruins

Follow Saor:
Official Website: https://www.saormusic.com
Official Store: https://store.saormusic.com
Bandcamp: https://saor.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saorofficial
YouTube: https://youtube.com/saormusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saormusic
Bandsintown: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/4099241-saor
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rHMzJ1RKUMtid1K2QEYbr
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/saor/879243889
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/6768301
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/5653569

MARKO HIETALA Unveils Video For New Single 'Rebel Of The North'

Marko Hietala, the iconic vocalist and bassist, makes a triumphant return with his powerful new single 'Rebel of the North'. This high-energy classic rock anthem is a perfect showcase of Marko's talent for crafting timeless, hard-hitting music. The single serves as another taste of his highly anticipated upcoming album, Roses from the Deep, which is set to release on February 7, 2025, and is eagerly awaited by fans worldwide.

Accompanying the release is a unique and visually striking music video. Filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of a picturesque Spanish village, the video captures the band’s electrifying performance, seamlessly blended with the song’s bold and inspiring lyrics. The stunning contrast between the rugged rock sound and the tranquil Mediterranean setting makes this release a feast for the senses.

Marko Hietala comments: "This one is a rocker. The main riff will put you into the Nordics with a slam. And the story is about reimagining, reinventing, and then gathering yourself into a better new being. We should never take ourselves for granted. It leads to becoming jaded and boring. Your inner kid wants to learn and apply anything and everything. Just don’t get in the way of yourself."

Watch the video below.

Listen to 'Rebel of the North': 
https://markohietala.bfan.link/rebel-of-the-north

Pre-order Roses From The Deep: 
https://markohietala.bfan.link/roses-from-the-deep

Follow Marko Hietala on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/markohietalaofficial
tps://www.instagram.com/marko_hietala_official

Line-Up:
Marko Hietala | Bass, Vocals
Tuomas Wäinölä | Guitar
Vili Ollila / Bob Engstrand | Keyboards
Anssi Nykänen | Drums

Pop Evil Announce New Album "What Remains" + Share "Wishful Thinking" Video

Modern rock powerhouse POP EVIL — vocalist Leigh Kakaty, guitarists Dave Grahs and Nick Fuelling, bassist Joey "Chicago" Walser, and drummer Blake Allison — are pleased to announce their forthcoming eighth album WHAT REMAINS. It arrives March 21 via MNRK. Pre-save it here.

The vinyl pre-order on the band website begins this Friday, January 10.

 To celebrate the news, the band has shared the video for the third single "Wishful Thinking." Watch it below.

"'Wishful Thinking' pushes us into a realm that's deeper, darker, and more intense than ever before," says Kakaty.

For two decades, Pop Evil frontman Leigh Kataky has needed to mine the deepest of reserves in order to drag the band up from the blue-collar grassroots of his local Michigan scene to stand proud at the top of the modern rock game. Soaring successes, bitter defeats… Leigh Kakaty has survived it all.

What Remains is the culmination and story of this journey with Pop Evil, laid bare like never before. Continuing in the recent vein of 2023's acclaimed Skeletons, the new opus is both sonically and thematically Pop Evil's heaviest ever offering; a thundering collection of arena-ready modern rock and metal hits in which Kakaty opens heart, mind, and soul.

"There are a lot of issues and things that I've dealt with in this journey of Pop Evil that I've buried for a long time," the frontman explains of this document of resilience, perseverance, and accountability.

Pop Evil were born in North Muskegon, Michigan in 2001, Kakaty drawing on the lessons of a youth first shaped not by music, but by high school basketball — leadership, team work, the drive to improve in the lonely hours put in at the gym at 5am, the will to win suppressing any fear — in order to fight tooth and nail for their break-out moment.

"I was hustling and learning every day to make my dreams come true," Kakaty recalls of his time playing local bars and slinging early EPs out of the back of his truck. "Studying never interested me. Neither did getting a regular job. A knee injury wrecked my shot at playing sports. Music was all I wanted to do from that moment, and I didn't give myself a backup plan. Pop Evil gave me a purpose, and a reason to get up every day. It became a crusade."

Lipstick on the Mirror, their 2008 debut, and its follow-up, War of Angels, brought acclaim and global attention; 2013's Onyx delivered the first of the band's nine No.1 singles and six RIAA-certified gold and platinum plaques, but also a period of darkness brought on by the grief of Kakaty losing his father. "I was completely lost … I had just missed the last five years with my dad, chasing this dream when I could have been with him. I didn’t know if I wanted or could do Pop Evil any more," he says. The band’'s 2017 self-titled album, opened by the smash-hit "Waking Lions" was written "pretty much to save my life" – but in turn “reminded me of the fire I have inside, and that God put me here to make music that could help people."

It's a mission statement enshrined in Pop Evil to this day — and which provided the spark for the genesis of What Remains.

“You're always chasing that one song that can connect with that one person," Kakaty says. "And that process has to start with yourself. There's a lot of personal healing on this record, a lot of things I wanted to get out for my own mental well-being. I'm finally
at a place where I can confront my demons."

Sonically, the album is a riotous explosion of life-affirming noise; a vortex of scything riffs and gut-punch drum beats that regularly give way to Pop Evil's hallmark anthemic choruses.

"We set out to push boundaries," nods Kakaty. "Metal has always been a part of our DNA, but we've never made it such a focal point before. A lot of writing on this record has been about listening to what my soul is saying and letting the songs find their own path, rather than chasing a sound that might fit in on the radio. I think you can really hear the mood and emotion of the album's themes in the music."

ABOUT MNRK MUSIC GROUP:

MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists plus distributing premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. Its catalog across divisions consists of 65,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits.

Melodic Metal Powerhouse THE FERRYMEN Unveil New Single "Mother Unholy" + Music Video

Melodic metal powerhouse THE FERRYMEN (Magnus Karlsson, Ronnie Romero, and Mike Terrana) are pleased to share “Mother Unholy”, the next single from their upcoming new studio album, 'Iron Will', set for release on January 24, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

About the track, vocalist Ronnie Romero says:

“The most epic song of the album! Just loved how Magnus is capable to create such an atmosphere for a song. Loved to sing in this epic and yet heavy tune!! I believe THE FERRYMEN fans are going to love this one!!”

 

Guitarist Magnus Karlsson adds:

“I love to write and produce epic stuff and this song is a really good example of that! The great lyrics are written by Jane Gillard and are about a nun who was pure of heart, but her heart was turned black by the hypocrisy of the people in the order around her, and ultimately, she became evil. Where there is light there, must also be dark”.

Watch the Music Video for “Mother Unholy” below.

Guitarist Magnus Karlsson expresses his excitement for the release:

“It’s pure fire creating metal with legends like Ronnie and Mike! These tracks hit hard with unrelenting power, but there’s this raw, emotional edge woven into the heaviness that I can’t get enough of. Heavy, honest, and straight from the soul—that’s the vibe we’re bringing”.

 

“As usual, I just loved singing over Magnus/The Ferrymen songs!! As a singer, there is nothing better to work on melodies and lyrics that inspire your performance, but also in real life day by day, and that’s something I strongly believe the fans of the band like the most of this project. 



Can’t wait for everybody to listen to what, once again, is a strong melodic yet heavy album that I am very proud of”, adds vocalist Ronnie Romero.

Pre-Order 'Iron Will' HERE

The Ferrymen, the powerhouse trio formed by Swedish guitarist, songwriter, and producer Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear, Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall), dynamic vocalist Ronnie Romero (Lords of Black, Sunstorm, Rainbow), and thunderous drummer Mike Terrana (Rage, Axel Rudi Pell), have solidified their place among European melodic metal fans with three acclaimed albums. Now, they're gearing up for their fourth: 'Iron Will'.

On 'Iron Will,' the band once again blends classic heavy metal with modernized songwriting, delivering an intense and refreshed sound. This album is a pure adrenaline rush for melodic heavy metal fans, packed with epic structures and soaring melodies.

The music is quintessential Ferrymen: heavy, melodic, and masterfully crafted. Karlsson’s signature songwriting shines through with intricate, robust arrangements, complemented by Romero’s commanding vocals and Terrana’s explosive drumming.

The album starts with “Choke Hold,” transitioning from an emotional intro into a massive melodic metal anthem. Tracks like “Mother Unholy,” “Adrenaline,” and the closer, “You’re the Joker,” highlight the trio’s unmatched synergy and musicianship.

With stunning cover art by Stan W. Decker, 'Iron Will'  promises to be a defining moment for THE FERRYMEN and a must-hear for metal fans in 2025!

THE FERRYMEN are:

Ronnie Romero - Vocals

Mike Terrana - Drums

Magnus Karlsson - Guitars

LOVE IS NOISE Shares New Single "Sunshine" + New Video

LOVE IS NOISE blasts into 2025 with their enormous new single “Sunshine”. The new year is always a time for reflection and improvement and this song embodies that feeling.

“'Sunshine' was written about my search for happiness and how nature can help facilitate that.” Says LOVE IS NOISE mastermind Cam Humphrey. “When I heard the finished mix of this song, it gave me chills. We had the pleasure of being able to have a real cello on 'Sunshine' which really brought the song to life. I would love to have a full orchestra on a LINsong one day.”

After an incredibly busy and successful 2024, this year is set to be another massive one for LOVE IS NOISE. February 14th will see the release of their highly anticipated debut album, ‘To live in a different way’, on Century Media Records. With influences ranging from Portishead, Radiohead, My Bloody Valentine, Oasis, Bowery Electric, Boards of Canada, and Deftones, the band set about to create a record that makes you feel every emotion possible.

Speaking of the album, Cam says:

“‘To live in a different way’ is the story of a kid from Bolton trying to understand the world he lives in. It's 11 tracks full of love, heartache, and dream-soaked melody, I believe we’ve created something special.”

Watch the Music Video for "Sunshine" below.

LOVE IS NOISE is an exercise in empathy, both lyrically and musically. The band’s Century Media debut, ‘To live in a different way’, straddles the roughshod riffing and volume of their DIY origins while embracing shoegaze-facing melodiousness, hints of Brit-pop, and a beating (and bleeding) heart erupting from Cam Humphrey’s plaintive vocals. Co-produced by the band with engineer Kel Pinchin and mixed by John Markson (Drug Church, Drain, The Story So Far), ‘To live in a different way’ is a startling debut album. From the opening track, “Devotion,” where Humphrey’s voice invokes passion and positivity, to the second track, “Soft Glow,” the album’s first single where he croons, “You are the one that shines on me,”before launching into a throat-shredding exaltation of emotion amidst a crushing battery of slashing guitars and battering drums, it’s clear from the onset that LOVE IS NOISE’s heartbeat is a thunderous one.

 

“We made a conscious decision to make the record feel like a live band, mistakes included!”says Cam. “In an era where perfection is heavily favoured, we wanted to do the complete opposite and dive headfirst into creating something our idols would’ve set out to create.”

 

LOVE IS NOISE began its journey in 2021 as a collaboration between Humphrey and former guitarist Tom Mellon (who recently left the band to explore other musical endeavours) balancing the ethereal and intense. While sonic signposts include modern-day shoegaze as well as the likes of Glassjaw and Deftones, the band’s 2022 EP, 'Euphoria, Where Were You?' (released on FEVER 333 frontman Jason Aalon Butler’s 333 WRECKORDS CREW) pointed towards a soul-crushing sonic heartache all their own.

A string of singles led to the band inking with Century Media and beginning work on their debut album. LOVE IS NOISE released the first taste of new music with the acclaimed singles “Soft Glow” and “Jawbreaker” which appeared on numerous playlists across the streaming platforms and were featured on BBC Radio One (Daniel P Carter, Alyx Holcombe and Nels Hylton all showing their support).

LOVE IS NOISE is:

Cameron Humphrey – Vocals, Guitar

Retromorphosis Grow Ever More Twisted on "The Tree"

Even among the accursed crypts of death metal, true legends never stay buried.

Back in 2017, Spawn of Possession were lowered into the grave, leaving behind a swarm of influence. Many fellow demons have followed in their inexplicable wake. But after festering underground for much of the past decade, just last year, SoP respawned as Retromorphosis. In the process, they've unlocked the missing link in tech-death's evolutionary chain.   

Today, Retromorphosis are ringing in 2025 with the second single off their upcoming debut album Psalmus Mortis. On "The Tree", this new band of proven killers turn an age-old tale into fresh cosmic horror thanks to some old-school tricks of the trade.    

Watch the tale-twisting visualizer for "The Tree” below.

Psalmus Mortis comes out February 21 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/retromorphosispsalmusmortis

Last year, Jonas Bryssling and his old Spawn of Possession bandmates returned from the shadows on their screamer of a lead single "Vanished". But Retromorphosis are no apparition. True to its name, the second single from Psalmus Mortis towers above the field.

"The Tree" springs to life with the familiar crunch of Bryssling's filthy riffs. But the song quickly branches out into freshly rotted rhythmic offshoots. New transplant KC Howard (ex Decrepit Birth) shakes his drum kit with the shattering force of an earthquake. "I prefer my death metal to sound ugly and mean", Bryssling says with a satisfied grin.

For Psalmus Mortis, Retromorphosis reunited with fellow Swede Magnus Sedenberg, who's been their preferred engineer of death since Spawn of Possession's first two demos. But for their new album, they opted for more of the raw production that defined the scene during the early '90s. Though knotted with mind-bending leads and a splintering, white-hot solo that'll make you wonder if the band's dueling axemen have grown an extra ten fingers, "The Tree" is cold and unmoving thanks to Erlend Caspersen's bludgeoning bass grooves.  

"There was no hesitation", Bryssling says about respawning with his old bandmates as Retromorphosis. "I don't have to tell them much. They know how it's done". 

While less techy, Retromorphosis still delight in concocting freakish experiments. Just below the topsoil of the mix, a glowing bed of organ shrouds "The Tree" in an alien chill. "That's something old-school bands had", Bryssling says about the song's foreboding atmosphere. "I really like that. The organ is my favorite instrument. I just kept adding it to every song".

All of the tales within Psalmus Mortis are grim, but "The Tree" stems from a truly evil fantasy. "There's a theory that all human consciousness is connected like the nodes on a tree", Bryssling says. "This song is about a greedy man who tries to harvest that tree, only to ruin it". Everyone's heard the story of the Garden of Eden, but Retromorphosis have no mercy when it comes to enforcing eternal punishment. It ends with a sinister twist, but fans won't be surprised to learn that things turn out badly for the song's anti-hero. "Everything around him was dead", our gruesome narrator Dennis Röndum growls with maniacal laughter.     

"We had rules in Spawn of Possession", Bryssling explains when asked what separates Retromorphosis from his earlier offspring. "Everything had to always be so intense. Retromorphosis is more free. Psalmus Mortis can be eerie, doomy or even quite simple". 

The visualizer for "The Tree" was created by Titanforged Productions.

With Psalmus Mortis, technical death metal’s chosen ones rise from the grave.   

Recording Studio:
Pama Records AB, Kristianopel, Sweden
Sharkbite Studios, Oakland, CA, United States

Production Credits:
Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Magnus Sedenberg at Pama Records AB, Kristianopel, Sweden

Cover Art:
Arif Septian (Poisondust)

Booking information
retromorphosis.contact@gmail.com

Pre-save & Pre-order
https://orcd.co/retromorphosispsalmusmortis
 

Available Formats

Digital Download
CD Digipack
12" Vinyl (Black)
12" Vinyl (Red and Black Marble)

Follow Retromorphosis
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0fBVXSuBO4MlVPMmugfW7L?si=pzjuRGxDRCWvlSZtAETA-Q
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ua/artist/retromorphosis/1503268871
Bandcamp: https://retromorphosisofficial.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retromorphosis.swe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retromorphosis_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Retromorphosis_Official

Follow Season Of Mist:
Online: http://www.season-of-mist.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/seasonofmistofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seasonofmistofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeasonofMist