Sleep Theory Drop "III" Video — WATCH // Headline Tour Kicks Off Next Month

Breakout four-piece Sleep Theory — vocalist Cullen Moore, guitarist Daniel Pruitt, bassist Paolo Vergara, and drummer Ben Pruitt — recently announced their eagerly awaited debut album, Afterglow, which arrives on May 16 via Epitaph Records. The album offers a stunning display of diverse rock flavors and was produced by David Cowell and mixed by Zakk Cervini (Bring Me The Horizon, Bad Omens, Architects). Pre-order it here

They are sharing the video for new single "III."

Watch it below.

The song is a thrill ride, mixing synths and raucous riffing with the band's signature, stadium-sized melodies.

"At its core, 'III' is about betrayal," shares Moore about the intensely personal subject matter. "It's that gut-wrenching feeling when someone you trusted completely lets you down. The song dives into that pain, but it's also about facing the truth, even when it hurts and realizing not everyone is who they say they are."

He continues, "I want people to really think about who they let into their lives. Not everyone deserves your trust, and sometimes, those closest to you can do the most damage."

However, the song is meant to inspire hope and to find the positives that are embedded in a painful moment. Moore finishes, "But beyond, it's about learning from those experiences rather than letting them break you. If this song helps someone feel less alone in that kind of situation, then it's done its job."

"III" follows "Static," which peaked at No. 16 on Spotify Viral 50 in the U.S. and is the band's fastest-growing song to date, with over 12 million streams since its release. The album's lead single "Stuck In My Head" ascended to the No. 1 lot on the Active Rock radio charts — a first for the band! The song is currently No. 26 and building at Alternative radio. All told, Sleep Theory have accumulated 300 million streams across nine singles in their brief but blockbuster career thus far.

Sleep Theory will embark on its first-ever headline tour, kicking off on May 20 in Birmingham, Alabama and winding through the U.S. before wrapping on June 28 in their hometown of Memphis. The band has also booked appearances at select festival dates.  Support will come from Nevertel,  Oxymorrons, and Stray View. Get tickets here

SLEEP THEORY ON TOUR:
WITH NEVERTEL, OXYMORRONS, + STRAY VIEW:

5/20 — Birmingham, AL — Workplay

5/21 — Mobile, AL — Soul Kitchen

5/23 — Corpus Christi, TX — Brewers Street Ice House

5/24 — Woodlands, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (Buzzfest)*

5/25 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion (KEGL's BFD)*

5/27 — El Paso, TX — Lowbrow Palace

5/28 — Phoenix, AZ — The Marquee

5/29 — Las Vegas, NV — Brooklyn Bowl

5/30 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues

5/31 — Reno, NV — Virgin Street

6/3 — Boise, ID — Knitting Factory

6/4 — Spokane, WA — Knitting Factory

6/6 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Complex

6/7 — Colorado Springs, CO — The Black Sheep

6/8 — Denver, CO — The Summit

6/10 — Lincoln, NE — Bourbon

6/11 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity

6/13 — Madison, WI — Sylvee

6/14 — Chicago, IL — House of Blues

6/15 — Detroit, MI — St. Andrews Hall

6/16 — Grand Rapids, MI — Elevation

6/18 — Syracuse, NY — The Wescott

6/19 — Boston, MA — The Sinclair

6/20 — New York, NY — Gramercy Theater (SOLD OUT)

6/21 — New York, NY — Gramercy Theater

6/22 — Portland, ME — State Theater

6/24 — Pittsburgh, PA — Mr. Smalls
6/25 – Lexington, KY — Manchester Music Hall

6/26 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl

6/28 — Memphis, TN — Minglewood Hall
*FESTIVALS

OTHER FESTIVAL DATES:

4/18 — Tuscon, AZ — Pima County Fair

5/17 — Daytona, FL — Welcome To Rockville

7/11 — Gettysburg, PA — Gettysburg Bike Week 

7/18 — Mansfield, OH — Inkcarceration 

9/21 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life 

10/5 — Sacramento, CA — Aftershock 

Sleep Theory combine energetic hard rock and metalcore, alongside the powerhouse vocalist Cullen Moore. Praised by Jelly Roll and David Draiman, they've toured with Shinedown, Falling In Reverse, and Beartooth. In under two years, they became the fifth most-played artist on Active Rock radio. Afterglow and the Paper Hearts EP merge heavy rock with pop and R&B, producing anthemic bangers and emotional ballads. Saluted by Revolver, Loudwire, and Amazon Music as an Artist to Watch in 2025, they've become one of heavy music's biggest breakouts. With Afterglow, the quartet proves ready to ascend to the next level. Sleep Theory deliver the dynamic, heavy bounce and massive vocal hooks that the rock world desperately needs. Moore is a powerhouse singer who outmatches nearly all his peers, recalling the most classic and timeless pop, R&B, and rock 'n' roll vocalists of the last several decades. Sleep Theory push themselves creatively at every turn, catapulting the genre to new sonic heights. 

GHOST BATH - RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR SECOND SINGLE, ' WELL, I TRIED DROWNING'

Depressive black metallers GHOST BATH have emerged from beyond the veil with their new album, Rose Thorn Necklace, which will be released on May 9th via Nuclear Blast Records.  The band, in their 12th year of existence, are not in the business of softening the edges. Rather, the frontman (Nameless aka Dennis Mikula) is leaning more toward his antisocial traits, serrated like a rusty knife yet beautifully honed over years of toil.

The band unveil the atmospheric second single, 'Well, I Tried Drowning'. Watch the video directed by Claudio Marino of Artax Film.
 
GHOST BATH comments, "'Well, I Tried Drowning' is a plea for death, not by my own hand but for someone else to do the courtesy as I have not been able to bring myself to do. It is a fantasy -rooted in wishful thinking- that someone would cut my throat in my sleep, finally ending my life as I drown in my own blood. Wish fulfillment in blunt, gory detail."

Watch 'Well, I Tried Drowning' music video below.

Pre-order & pre-save Rose Thorn Necklace:
https://ghostbath.bfan.link/rose-thorn-necklace-album

Stream 'Well, I Tried Drowning':
https://ghostbath.bfan.link/well-i-tried-drowning

Rose Thorn Necklace is now available for pre-order in the following formats:

  • CD Jewel Case

  • LP

    • Pink Swirl

    • Red Swirl

Rose Thorn Necklace was recorded in 2024 between January and June. The drums were recorded and engineered by Mike Heller at Heaven and Heller Studios while the remaining sections were completed by Nameless (Dennis Mikula) at his home studio. The album was mixed and mastered by Jack Shirley. The cover artwork was created by Ksenija Tarasova. Free from the Moonlover-Starmourner-Self Loather conceptual trilogy, sole proprietor Nameless(aka Dennis Mikula) explores the most intense and introspective music from GHOST BATH’s oeuvre, advancing with blackened blasts and melancholic movements while moving his only child forward into the unknown.

GHOST BATH is:
Nameless (Dennis Mikula) | Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Synth
Mike Heller | Drums
Chewie a.k.a. Jason Tjoei | Piano

Psychedelic Garage Rockers THE CRYSTAL TEARDROP Announce Debut Album '... Is Forming' Due Out May 2nd via Popclaw/Rise Above

Psychedelic Garage Rockers THE CRYSTAL TEARDROP are proud to announce their debut album '... Is Forming,' due out May 2nd via Popclaw/Rise Above. To celebrate the announcement, the band has released the first single from the upcoming album titled "Colours Changing," accompanied by a music video available to view below.

The track features an authentic late ‘60s psychedelic feel with its swirling harmonies, fizzing fuzz guitar, spacey Mellotron and woozy stop-start backbeat. 

Watch the Video For "Colours Changing" below.

'... Is Forming' is the highly anticipated debut album from THE CRYSTAL TEARDROP and features a dozen memorable compositions by the band’s Alexandra Rose and Leon Jones. It is sure to continue the momentum from their acclaimed 2024 single releases and their ecstatic live performances on stages across the UK and Europe.

THE CRYSTAL TEARDROP formed in Stoke-on-Trent in early 2023, “inspired,” explains Alexandra Rose, “by a mutual passion for the sights, sounds and creative experimentation of the late 1960s.” In addition to Alexandra on lead vocals and guitar, the band comprises Leon Jones (guitar, sitar), Stuart Gray (keyboards, Mellotron), Ed Quigley (bass, vocals), and Huw Woodward (drums, percussion). Intuitively blending elements of garage rock, folk-rock, power pop, and psychedelia, the band has created an appealing concoction infused with their own perspectives and personalities.

To best capture their sound, they recorded at an all-analog facility, Tilehouse Studio in North London, working closely with producer Liam Watson of Toe Rag fame.

On the recording experience, Alexandra comments:

Liam’s experience and technical know-how ensured that the recordings combine the essential elements of the band’s original material with the authentic feel of classic productions from the late 1960s. The analog recording environment allowed the group to utilize a wide range of classic techniques including phasing and reversed tape as well as an original Leslie speaker for vocal effects.”

Pre-Order '... Is Forming' HERE

The Neal Agency Signs Preston Cooper for Booking

When 22 year old Preston Cooper was first discovered in 2023 by the Warren Brothers’ Brad and Brett Warren while playing a corporate gig with them at a Holiday Inn in his home state of Ohio, the brothers took him under their wing, instantly recognizing the potential in Cooper’s soulful and blues-inspired vocals. Plugging into his relationship with The Neal Agency, Brett Warren connected Cooper with TNA, ultimately leading him to sign with the agency for booking.
 
Recalling the process that led Cooper to sign with TNA, general manager of TNA Ryan Beuschel recalls, “Brett called me in the summer of 2024 and was adamant he found someone special I needed to hear. Anytime Brett calls, you listen. His track record speaks for itself. Ernest, Mitchell Tenpenny, among others. He played me the music they recorded with Preston, and I was blown away.” 
 
“When Preston came to visit our office, I was instantly struck by how genuine and kind he is. I had the thought beforehand, ‘how can I help this guy achieve his goals?’ Within seconds of him playing his first song, I realized he’s walking around with another superpower – his voice,” recalls Brian Carothers, agent at TNA. “Preston singing while strumming an acoustic guitar is stop you-in-your-tracks talent. I know I speak for everyone at The Neal Agency when I say we are beyond grateful to be on his team, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to support his touring career.” 
 
“Its such an honor to see my name on The Neal Agency’s roster,” Cooper shares. “I came to town hoping to work with good people and that’s exactly what I found at The Neal Agency. Brian, Ryan, Austin and that entire team are rockstars.”
 
With a vocal so expressive it builds into jaw-dropping eruptions of power and emotion, Cooper represents the start of a new generation in Country Rock. The biggest voice to ever hail from the tiny town of Fredericktown, Ohio, Cooper is a potent force of nature, drawing comparisons to icons like Chris Stapleton and Bob Seger.
 
Cooper first picked up a guitar as a high school freshman. He joined the US Postal Service after graduation and found local fame as “The Singing Mailman” – walking up to 14 miles each day while belting out raw, raspy vocal runs, then clocking out to perform across the region. 
 
With his debut album, Toledo Talkin’releasing May 30, the first chapter of this generational talent’s story unfolds. With 12 incendiary tracks – all but three co-written by the no-frills newcomer – Toledo Talkin’ was recorded with an old-school, full-band process, lashed together with sheer vocal intensity miles different from the Music Row norm.
 
The album wields a mix of raw, organic Country and edgy Alt Rock, as evidenced on his show-stopping debut track “Weak,” emotive “One More Place I’ve Never Been,” shot of nostalgia “Numbers On A Mailbox,” and highway rocker “One For The Road.” Preston is currently on tour as direct support for Kameron Marlowe’s  Keepin’ The Lights On Tour and will join Riley Green this summer on select dates of the Damn Country Music Tour
 
For more information, visit www.prestoncoopermusic.com.

ELECTRIC WIZARD Announces ‘Crystal Meth’ Pressing Of ‘Black Magic Rituals And Perversions Vol. 1' Due Out May 2nd 2025 via Spinefarm/Witchfinder Records

Today, legendary British doom outfit, ELECTRIC WIZARD, announces the release of a special limited edition ‘Crystal Meth’ pressing of their current 2 disc live-to-tape album, ‘Black Magic Rituals and Perversions Vol. 1’ set for release on May 2nd via Spinefarm/Witchfinder Records.

Originally released in December 2024 and recorded into a 16-track tape machine, capturing their essence and their malevolence, 'Black Magic Rituals and Perversions Vol. 1' is as heavy as one would expect from The WIZARD.  

 

“It's raw as fuck,” boasts Jus. “It’s like a lost ’70s black metal demo rehearsal session or something. It’s raw, nasty, screaming in your face. I always promised ELECTRIC WIZARD was like rats in your face. This is verging on it.”   

Watch the Video for "Black Mass" Below.

As the COVID pandemic took hold in 2020, ELECTRIC WIZARD wondered if they might ever play live again. Out in the wilds of the English Westcountry where singer/guitarist Jus Oborn and guitarist Liz Buckingham live, the band descended into their crypt-like jam space to make a live album like no other.

 

“We’d been gigging for two years at that point, around America three times, going to Japan and Australia, and we were sounding pretty good by the end of it,” adds Jus. “When the pandemic happened we thought, ‘F**k it, maybe we’ll never play again.’ So we went into the jam room and played the songs to get them on tape to capture how we were playing at the time.” 

Opening with the enormous "Dopethrone", and taking in signature apocalyptic doom staples like "Witchcult Today," "Satanic Rites of Drugula," and the ever-destructive "Funeralopolis," the set here shows how powerful and dominating The Wizard can be.

 

Jus says he wanted to capture a feeling like that of Motörhead’s classic 'No Sleep 'til Hammersmith' (1981), or the sense from 'KISS’ ALIVE!' (1975) that you were getting a window into something, a world the band created. It’s also, he says, an opportunity for a band as big and cult-like as ELECTRIC WIZARD to bring something from metal’s dirty underbelly into the light, if only to freak out the unprepared. 

“We've always been trying to drag the underground into the overground,” offers Jus. “Rather than pretending to be playing some big stadium, arena show.” 

A soundtrack to the end of the world? Come this way, my fanatics. Electric F**king Wizard awaits… 

Pre-Order the ‘Crystal Meth’ Pressing of ‘Black Magic Rituals And Perversions Vol. 1' HERE

Tarja Releases "Diva (Live in Bucharest)" Video

Originally featured on Tarja's 2016 album The Shadow Self, "Diva" is a dramatic and powerful anthem that quickly became a fan favorite and one of the classics played on tour. This rendition, recorded in Bucharest at the spectacular Circus Life concert, showcases Tarja's signature vocal mastery, theatrical presence, and the grandeur of her live shows.

"There is a lovely memory behind 'Diva.' We were in Antigua and walking around the local harbor when we saw this old boat stored outside the water and that quickly inspired me to write a pirate themed song," Tarja says. "I playfully described the last walk of the 'Diva' on the ship before being pushed out by the rats on board. Any resemblance to reality is pure coincidence."

Access "Diva (Live in Bucharest)" below.

Recorded in January 2020, in Bucharest, Romania, the Circus Life show was one of a kind when Tarja performed in this very special "in the round" format. Two hours of powerful music featuring a setlist that spans Tarja's career, including all of her greatest hits such as "I Walk Alone," "Until My Last Breath," and "Innocence," as well as fan favorites like "Victim of Ritual" and "Demons In You," showcasing her evolution as an artist.

Featuring 16 accomplished musicians, including her brother Toni, and a diverse ensemble from various stages of her career, it was an extraordinary event. All songs were provided with new arrangements just for this concert, making the show a unique experience for the long-time Tarja fan, as well as the first-time listener.

Circus Life was recorded in one take, 100% live – no re-recordings, no overdubs, no special effects. Just pure, raw music.

Pre-order Circus Life HERE.

Originally included as bonus content in the strictly limited and sold-out Mediabook and Box Set of Tarja's 2022 Best Of: Living The Dream, the Circus Life concert is now available as a stand-alone limited 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak, featuring the full two-hour live show on both audio and video. It will also be released as a limited black 3LP Gatefold edition, including an LP-sized booklet and a Blu-ray softcase.

FORMATS:
*Ltd. 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak
*Ltd. 3LP Gatefold (black, 180g, incl. Photo-Booklet)
*Blu-ray softcase 

Wrath of Logarius Don 'Crown of Mortis"

No matter what skeletal form they assume, Wrath of Logarius aren't bound by black metal's strict traditions. The band's debut album crowns them kings of a new realm for the underground: formless black metal.

"What a fresh perspective", Metal Bite writes in a 9/10 review for Crown of Mortis. "For every second's worth of savagery, you'll also take in striking melodic passages and slow-burning parts that feels as if you've been placed on the rack; relentlessly dragging the depths; turning up the filth of human existence with every dooming riff".

"For a debut album, the record is very concise, compact and fluid", says Pedro from A&P Reacts. "There's a little bit of everything pushing this record in different directions and that gives the sound a much richer texture than if it was just a black metal album".  

Crown of Mortis comes out this Friday, April 4 on Season of Mist, but you can hear all nine boundless songs today by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.   

Listen to Crown of Mortis below.

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

Wrath of Logarius are rolling out the red carpet for Crown of Mortis with a special hometown record release show. They'll be joined by fellow evil statesmen Post Heaven, Lost to the Void and Vesseles.

Wrath of Logarius Record Release Show
May 17 - Santa Cruz, CA @ The Blue Lagoon 

Get tickets: https://www.facebook.com/thebluelagoonnightclub/

On Crown of Mortis, Wrath of Logarius bend black metal to fit their formless rule.   

Line-up
Noctifer - Vocals
Urath - Lead Guitar
Vastador - Guitar
Lord Marco - Drums
 
Recording Studio
Rapture Recordings, Hayward, CA, USA
 
Production Credits
Produced, Engineered, Mixed & Mastered by Cody Fuentes at Rapture Recordings Studio

Cover Art
Sant V. Schreiber
 
Pre-save & Pre-order
https://orcd.co/wrathoflogariuscrownofmortis


Booking Contact:
martyr.urath@gmail.com
 
Follow Wrath of Logarius
Bandcamp: https://wrathoflogarius.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrath_of_logarius/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/wrath-of-logarius/1712706210
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0CHi92LvwVayTacWx3nsfa
 
Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipack
12" Colored Vinyl Gatefold - Ichorous Red (Red and Black Marbled)

Finnish Powerhouse Vocalists LAURENNE/LOUHIMO Release Album Title Track + Music Video

LAURENNE/LOUHIMO - the collaboration between powerhouse Finnish vocalists Noora Louhimo (Battle Beast) and Netta Laurenne (Smackbound) – is pleased to share their new single and accompanying music video, “Falling Through Stars, the title track of their sophomore album set for release on April 18th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

LAURENNE/LOUHIMO is one of the most exciting projects on Frontiers Music Srl and, in this second chapter, deliver a full force metal assaults with the power to blow you away. 

Talking about the new single, Netta Laurenne commented:

“Being both the title track and the opening track of the album, 'Falling Through Stars' is a melodic heavy metal song that sets a strong tone to what’s coming and what can be expected of the album. The song is about taking chances and trusting yourself. To stand up to what you believe in even if no one else does."

This new album from LAURENNE/LOUHIMO offers listeners a mix of heavy metal and hard rock tracks that explore the variety of the genre while maintaining a straightforward, easy-to-enjoy appeal.

 

'Falling Through Stars' has shades of all eras of Rainbow here and there, as well as Judas Priest and many other 80s icons of the style. All of these influences are expertly filtered into Netta and Noora's way of composing music. 

Watch the New Music Video for “Falling Through Stars” below.

The idea of a possible collaboration between Netta and Noora became a reality once the pandemic started and cleared out calendars for both artists. It felt like a perfect time to start the project and share all the things they have in common, from the same original town to similar idols and influences.

The main highlights of the album are, naturally, the vocal melodies created and shared by Netta Laurenne and Noora Louhimo.

'Falling Through Stars' has been once again produced at the Sonic Pump studio under the guidance of Nino Laurenne (who also played the guitars and contributed to the songwriting). The production is clear and powerful and gives the deserved value to the two stars here.

 

Songs like “Falling Through Stars,” “Damned,” “Loud And Clear,” or “Wait” are just a few of the highlights of a great album that will please all melodic metal fans!

Commenting on the album, Netta states:

'Falling Through Stars' is the second collaborative album with Noora, and it gave us the opportunity to step in and out of our comfort zones to meet halfway. We had a great time writing and recording the album, which I co-produced with my husband, Nino Laurenne. This album takes us on a journey through both the past and future of metal. We’ve aimed to incorporate styles, instruments, and emotions spanning from the ’70s to the present day. It’s a dynamic album that showcases both raw power and delicate moments, and we’re excited to share it with everyone.”

Pre-Order 'Falling Through Stars' HERE

LAURENNE/LOUHIMO are:

Netta Laurenne - Lead & Backing Vocals

Noora Louhimo - Lead & Backing Vocals

Sampo Haapaniemi - Drums

Pasi Heikkilä - Bass

Vili Itäpelto - Keyboards & Programming

Mikko Kosonen - Solo/Acoustic/Lead & Additional Guitars

Nino Laurenne - Rhythm & Solo Guitars

Gridiron Drop "Still Playin' For Keeps (Big Umbrella Remix)" Feat. Daniel Son, Pro Dillinger, + Jay Royale

GRIDIRON — Matthew Karll, vocals; Will Kaelin, guitar and vocals; Xavier Wilson, guitar; Lennon Livesay, bass; and Tyler Mullen, drums — recently announced their new album Poetry From Pain. The album arrives May 30 via Blue Grape Music. It will be available on vinyl in several exclusive colorways. Pre-order it here

The band, which has been tipped by Stereogum for their "incendiary mosh riffs," have shared the latest single "Still Playin' For Keeps" (Big Umbrella Remix) Feat. Daniel Son, Pro Dillinger, + Jay Royale

The track is hardcore x hip-hop hybrid that blends bounce, beats, groove, and grit — like the legends did in the '90s. The result is a rhythmic, genre-smashing Molotov cocktail.

"'Still Playin' For Keeps' is a track that I've wanted to pull off for a long time," says Karll. "Gridiron riffs and some of my favorite current hip-hop artists on the same track. Hardcore and hip-hop meshing together into one entity is what this track is all about. 

Watch the visualizer below.

Gridiron, which originally formed as a pandemic project and have since grown into a full-fledged entity, features members of Never Ending Game, Simulakra, and Scarab, and connects the Philadelphia, Delaware, and Michigan areas.

Pushing every boundary to a breaking point, Gridiron will go to any extreme and then some. They follow quite possibly the most unpredictable playbook in the game. The band might flood the zone with a corpsepaint-smearing death metal barrage only to double back around for a victory lap narrated by blinged-out and braggadocios bars. Their hybridization of metal, hardcore, and hip-hop wouldn’t be out of place at either OZZfest 1997 or Rolling Loud 2027.

It's why the quintet have bulldozed their own path as a phenomenon with millions of streams and acclaim from Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, NO ECHO, and more.

Gridiron were born out of a series of COVID-era marathon Call of Duty sessions, which led to writing and recording together. Their musical pedigree spoke for itself with Will also in Never Ending Game, Xavier in Simulakra, and Tyler and Lennon in Scarab. Given their individual experiences, the guys instantly locked into a creative groove. Following the Loyalty At All Costs EP [2020] and Worldwide Brotherhood EP [2021], they dropped their first full-length, No Good At Goodbyes [2022]. Along the way, they also shared stages with everyone from Missing Link to Trapped Under Ice and have plenty of upcoming touring planned for 2025.

And now, Poetry From Pain is here and it slays.

Gridiron have a bunch of live shows on deck. All upcoming confirmed dates are below.

GRIDIRON ON TOUR:
4/11 — Richmond, VA — United Blood 
5/9 — Chicago, IL — Metro#
5/11 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple
5/13 — Atlantic City, NJ — Anchor Rock Club
5/14 — Virginia Beach, VA — Peabody's*
5/15 — Columbia, SC — New Brookland Tavern*
5/16 — Athens, GA — Georgia Theatre*
5/17 — Pensacola, FL — The Handlebar*
5/18 — Orlando, FL — Will's Pub*
5/19 — Surfside Beach, SC — The BrickHouse Lounge
5/20 — Raleigh, NC — Lincoln Theatre*
5/31-6/1 — Detroit, MI — Tied Down Detroit
6/21 — Rutherford, NJ — The Black Box at the Williams Center
#With Power Trip
*With Sanguisugabogg + 200 Stab Wounds

ABOUT BLUE GRAPE MUSIC:
In 2022, industry veterans David Rath and Cees Wessels formed Blue Grape Music. The name will be familiar to rock music fans, as it was the merchandise company also launched by Wessels, who founded the venerable and esteemed record label Roadrunner Records in the '80s. Roadrunner earned a reputation as an iconic label that turned hard rock and metal acts into household names for several decades under Wessels' tutelage. Rath spent 21 years in the A&R department at Roadrunner, working on albums by a variety of RIAA-certified and culturally important acts, including but not limited to SlipknotKornTurnstileGojiraCoheed and CambriaWhite ReaperSlashTriviumDream Theater, and more. When the label changed management and ownership, Rath guided the company and oversaw the signings of bands like Young the Giant and Vance Joy. Ultimately, the Blue Grape executive team is powered by experience and a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-your-hands-dirty, by-any-means-necessary work ethic. Blue Grape's inaugural signing was the two-time Grammy nominee Code Orange and since then, the label has gone on to sign San Francisco punks Spiritual Cramp, hardcore heavyweights GEL, and Baltimore sludge slingers GASKET, with several new signing announcements expected to be announced this year. Blue Grape is distributed globally by The Orchard.

PARMALEE’S FELL IN LOVE WITH A COWGIRL ALBUM OUT THIS FRIDAY

The countdown is on to Fell In Love With A Cowgirl, the first new studio album from Parmalee since 2021. The April 4 album features seven new songs from the band, including the recently released “Feels Like Home,” and their new hit single “Cowgirl,” which is currently climbing the country charts.

To celebrate the launch of the album, the band is set to take the stage on NBC’s Today on April 7, delivering the television premiere of “Cowgirl. “We’re excited to be heading to New York to play the Today Show next week with the new album final out,” said the band. “It’s going to be so much fun, so let's go!”  

Another standout from the album is the emotionally charged “God Knew Better”—a mid-tempo ballad that thanks God for sending the one woman who could calm a reckless heart. Co-written by Abram Dean, David Fanning, Jamie Collazo, Andy Albert, and the band, Parmalee describes the track as “like running into an old friend you didn’t know you needed to see.”

Fell In Love With A Cowgirl kicks off a two-part album series that deepens Parmalee’s signature blend of modern swagger and timeless storytelling. From love’s quiet comforts to wild, carefree nights, the band continues to push the boundaries of contemporary country with heart, grit, and style.

Fans can pre-order/pre-save/pre-add Fell In Love WIth A Cowgirl here

Parmalee’s evolution from chart-topping hits to innovative new sounds continues to solidify their place at the forefront of the country genre. From the album’s lead track “Feels Like Home,” the band invites listeners on a musical journey that’s equal parts nostalgic and refreshing on this project featuring anthems for anyone who’s ever found solace, celebration, comfort and closure as one falls in and out of love.

About Parmalee:

As the most-played group/band on Country Radio in 2023, Parmalee is one of Country Music's most successful acts with five #1 singles, multiple platinum records, and over 1 Billion on-demand streams. Parmalee is comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), Cousin Barry Knox (bass), and lifelong friend Josh McSwain (guitar/keyboard). The North Carolina natives first topped the charts with “Carolina,” followed by their PLATINUM-certified No. 1 single with Blanco Brown, “Just the Way.” They followed with “Take My Name,” Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2022. They scored their third consecutive #1 single with “Girl In Mine,” Billboard’s 8th Most Played Country Song of 2023. They closed out 2024 with their fourth consecutive #1 “Gonna Love You.” Parmalee kicked off their new “Fell In Love With A Cowgirl” Tour in February, hitting stages across North America in 2025, before dropping their latest album of the same name on April 4.

KEEP UP WITH PARMALEE

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Tallah Announce Third Album; Drop New Single & Music Video "What we know"

Unpredictable, uncompromising and unrelentingly original, Tallah have never been easy to categorise. The Pennsylvania-bred unit are back with a vengeance today as they announce brand new album ‘Primeval: Obsession // Detachment’, due out September 5th via Earache Records and drop What we know—the first single and opening track.

Listen to "What we know" HERE and watch the accompanying music video Below.

Pre-Order 'Primeval: Obsession // Detachment" HERE.

Simultaneously maximalist, raw and unfiltered, “What we know” sets the tone for what’s to come—an album unshackled by rules or expectations. Blending acoustic guitars, trap-metal 808s, string quartets, talkbox solos and more into one furiously cohesive piece, the track is a mission statement for the chaos ahead.

“The first song that was written for the album, and easily my #1 Tallah song to date,” says bassist Max Portnoy. “The amount of experimentation on this track paved the road for the tone of the whole record. From performing the first half of the song on acoustic guitars, to layering trap-metal 808’s over a string quartet with dissonant plucks in the chorus, to a trading guitar solo with a talkbox and a slide, you can find so many fun tools we incorporated, without it feeling disjointed. To have all that experimentation, in a driving and energetic track with a massive chorus, made for my favorite piece of work yet. It was a no-brainer to start the record with this one.”

‘Primeval: Obsession // Detachment’ is a concept album rooted in narrative and boundless in scope. Set on an alien planet, it follows Ana, a nurse, and Sheelah, an assassin—two strangers pushed to the brink of their morality by the same mysterious group of beings. Their journeys spiral through tests of belief, identity, and loyalty, building toward a finale laced with twists, dualities, and mirrored consequences. Architect of the exceptional and intricate world-building Tallah have become known for on each of their albums, vocalistJustin Bonitz shares

“Primeval Obsession/Detachment is a concept album taking place on an alien planet. The story follows two characters, Ana (a nurse) and Sheelah (an assassin). Both are approached by the same group of beings, who ask the main characters to each perform a task that will test their values and push their morals to the limit before ending with twist after twist. The album explores morality, duty, personal beliefs, duality, and understanding one's place in society.”

Tracked live in Michigan with longtime producer Josh Schroeder, the record captures Tallah in their purest, most unhinged form. No click. No edits. No polish. Just instinct and execution. It also sees founding member, Max Portnoy, making a major creative shift from drums to bass and Justin recording the vocals for the whole album in one, continuous take.

Providing further context, Max Shares

“For me, this album is Tallah finding our voice. During the writing process, no boxes were in place. No rules were set. Whatever felt uniquely us, that was what made the cut. I'm not sure how to even label this record's sound beyond 'Tallah'. It's weird. It's experimental. It's driving, and energetic. It's raw. We recorded live, every instrument at the same time, with no click. That's how we play shows, so why would we record differently? This album also marks my first recording dedicated to bass. I translated my drum knowledge to a new instrument and it was a huge creative breath of fresh air for me.”

For vocalist Justin Bonitz, the experience was equally intense.

"I practiced for months and was able to record the entire album in one huge, continuous take with no edits or redos or anything! And I was recovering from pneumonia! Nobody is gonna believe me! It was honestly the highlight of my entire vocal career. I was unsure if I could pull it off, but I went into the booth, grabbed an SM57, turned off the lights, and whatever happened happened. I think it feels more intimate and naked with all the flaws and imperfections, which is perfect for the raw, organic sound of this album."

From mirrored track titles to reversed riffs, Primeval: Obsession // Detachment’ is Tallah at their most deliberate and deranged. It’s a labyrinthine listen made for close listening and repeat immersion. As with everything they do, the chaos is crafted, and the madness is methodical.

What we know’ is streaming now. ‘Primeval: Obsession // Detachment’ arrives September 5th via Earache Records.

ABOUT TALLAH

Emerging from Pennsylvania in 2018, Tallah fuse the percussive force of second-generation drummer-turned-bassist Max Portnoy with the unpredictable dexterity of vocalist and viral phenom Justin Bonitz and the phenomenal guitarist due of Derrick Schneider and Alex Snowden to form a sound that’s part brutalist nu-metal, part theatrical meltdown, and entirely their own. What began as a raw homage to the early-2000s metal they were raised on—Slipknot, Korn, Linkin Park—has since evolved into something far stranger and far more singular.

After making waves with their 2020 debut 'Matriphagy', a twisted concept album soaked in trauma and noise, the band were hailed by Knotfest as delivering “one of the best metal releases of the year” and by Metal Hammer as “leading the charge on the new wave of nu-metal.” The follow-up, 'The Generation Of Danger' (2022), saw them push their hybrid sound further into chaos—earning millions of streams, high-profile festival slots, and nominations at both the Heavy Music Awards and AIM Independent Music Awards.

But it’s on album three, 'Primeval: Obsession // Detachment' (out September 5, 2025 via Earache Records), that Tallah truly shatter what’s left of the mould. Decamping to Michigan to record the entire project live with longtime producer Josh Schroeder, the band abandoned edits, clicks, backing tracks, and rules. What remains is pure instinct—feral, volatile, and unrelentingly human.

Conceptually, the record unfolds across a sci-fi narrative that follows Ana, a nurse, and Sheelah, an assassin—two strangers manipulated by a shadowy force and driven to the edges of their morality. The mirrored structure, warped sonic callbacks, easter eggs and ambiguous lyrical layering reflect a story full of tests, dualities, and spiraling identity shifts.

To date, Tallah have clocked up 29.7 million Spotify streams and 6 million YouTube views.


TALLAH ARE

Vocals: Justin Bonitz

Guitar: Alex Snowden

Guitar: Derrick Schneider

Bass: Max Portnoy

Drums: Joel McDonald

DJ: Ivan Little

MAD INVASION (FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST MIKKEY DEE) ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE OUT NOW AND ALBUM “CRACK IN THE SKY” OUT APRIL 25

MAD INVASION (featuring special guest Mikkey Dee) release their second album “Crack In The Sky on April 25 via Border MusicThe band’s combination of classic 70’s/80’s hard rock with a contemporary sound, delivers a distinct and unique listening experience that makes them stand out in the musical landscape. The new album is a natural progression of the band’s trademark sound with the exciting addition of also being available in a concept version.

“Crack In The Sky is masterfully crafted and refined mix of melody and destruction, with sing-along choruses and hooky guitar melodies being contrasted by crushingly heavy guitar riffs on a solid bedrock of drums and bass.

NEW ALBUM “CRACK IN THE SKY” OUT APRIL 25

PRE-ORDER HERE

MAD INVASION have so far released 5 singles/videos from the new album “Welcome To My Show”, “Voodoo Queen”, “Heat Of The Night”, “Flesh & Blood”and the title track “Crack In The Sky”. One more single/video is planned in connection with the album release (after the album release).

Says guitarist and co-producer Hal Marabel of the new album, “It took a while for us to produce this album, as we wanted to get the songs right and further develop our sound. We experimented quite a bit and continuously iterated sound versions until we were fully satisfied that we had exactly the sound that we wanted. It was quite important for us to nail down the balance between the more traditional elements of classic rock with utilizing available technology and our creativity.”

Check out this studio report going through the set up and sound approach. 

Regarding the participation of Mikkey Dee on the album, Hal continues, “It was great to have Mikkey on board for this album, his trademark style of playing added an extra dimension to the songs andfinal product, and he’s a great guy to hang out with as well – not to mention all his fun stories to his touring days with al the bands he has played with.” 

Check out Mikkey’s promo for the band and new album.

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H.E.A.T Release Video for "Running to You"

With just three weeks to go until their new album Welcome to the Future is released, hard rock sensation H.E.A.T unleash their latest powerful anthem."

Running to You" – the newest single from the upcoming record — arrives alongside an explosive music video.

Listen to the new track "Running to You" here.

Watch the new video below.

A euphoric ode to relentless passion, "Running to You" is another instant classic from a band firing on all cylinders. Once again, the band has teamed up with acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus (Europe, Arch Enemy, Children of Bodom) to deliver a music video that perfectly captures the relentless, in-your-face, '80s metal fury that's as raw and unapologetic as only H.E.A.T can deliver.

With Welcome to the Future set for release on April 25 via earMUSIC, the album is already receiving high praise.

International music press reviews have given the album a perfect 10/10, with the album being called H.E.A.T's "strongest album to date" (Hardline), described as "fresh as never before" (Classic Rock), and reassuring the world that "the future of rock music is in safe hands" (Powerplay).

Welcome to the Future is available for pre-order now in multiple formats: CD Jewelcase, black vinyl, limited-edition Neon Orange vinyl, and digital.

Access the new album here.

PHOTO CREDIT: Marcel Karlsson

OBSIDIAN TONGUE Announces New Full-Length, Shares First Single, ”Orphaned Spiritual Warrior”

Progressive black metal duo OBSIDIAN TONGUE will be releasing their fourth full-length album, 'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn,' on May 30, 2025 via Profound Lore Records! To celebrate the forthcoming opus, the band is now sharing the devastating new single, "Orphaned Spiritual Warrior," which can be heard below.

Comprised of multi-instrumentalist Brendan Hayter (Thrawsunblat/Obsequiae live) and drummer Raymond Capizzo (Falls Of Rauros/Panopticon live), OBSIDIAN TONGUE returned to the all-analog Mystic Valley Studio, where their first two records were made, to print their Covid-era home sessions onto two-inch tape. Mixed and mastered in the analog domain as well by Alex Garcia-Rivera, 'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn' boasts a unique and unmistakable sonic force amidst the modern digital landscape; created with a total absence of click tracks, quantization, or sound replacement of any kind. 

Hayter comments on the single, "The first track we arranged for 'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn' practically named itself - 'Orphaned Spiritual Warrior.' It was clearly an album opener, as complex and chaotic as it is.

"It felt like being dropped into a new world you knew you didn’t belong in - and everyone and everything around you knows it too. You vaguely remember that you came from somewhere else, that you had a dignified purpose there, and that there were people way beyond this place that understood you…but the worst part is you don’t know if they’re looking for you, if they’re trying to get you back. All you know is a sense of abandon and mortal danger…every step is heavy with some sort of impostor syndrome and every movement feels uncoordinated, jagged, and bound for disaster. You once could fight, but in this place it feels like trying to fight off an attacker in a dream and you can’t make contact or move your arm fast enough no matter how hard you try. All there’s left to do is find some sort of shelter, try to find your center, try to unlock the memories, and fight off the strife. 'Set ablaze this world to pass onto the next.'"

'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn' can now be pre-ordered HERE.

Lauded as USBM’s best kept secret, Obsidian Tongue has been on a steadfast artistic journey since their formation in 2009. They’ve never failed to retain the original mission of playing raw and cathartic melodic black metal as they journeyed further into psychedelic and progressive territories with each release following 2012’s self-released debut 'Subradiant Architecture.' While their debut won a passionate following for its perfect union of the grimy and the epic sides of black metal, it was 2013’s 'A Nest of Ravens in the Throat of Time' (Hypnotic Dirge Records) and its psychedelic dark metal that established their name more into the scene and showcased their ambitious nature even more.

2015’s 15-minute single 'The Lakeside Redemption,' with its progressive, haunting, dreamlike and triumphant elements, set the groundwork for their third full length, which took several years of tireless effort to complete. Released in Jan of 2020, 'Volume III' (Bindrune Recordings) was clearly the band’s magnum opus but all plans to support the album on the road became thwarted due to the pandemic. So all there was left to do was write even more music. This gradually led to a creation of not one, but three works: the first being 2024’s much-delayed self-released digital EP 'The Stone Heart' and the second being their fourth full-length album 'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn' to be released via Profound Lore Records on May 30, 2025. 

In the summer of 2024, Obsidian Tongue, comprised of vocalist/guitarist/bassist Brendan Hayter (Thrawsunblat/Obsequiae live) and drummer Raymond Capizzo (Falls Of Rauros/Panopticon live) returned to the all-analog Mystic Valley Studio, where their first two records were made, to print their Covid-era home sessions onto two-inch tape. Mixed and mastered in the analog domain as well by Alex Garcia-Rivera, 'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn' boasts a unique and unmistakable sonic force amidst the modern digital landscape; created with a total absence of click tracks, quantization, or sound replacement of any kind. 

The progressive black metal journey that is 'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn' takes off immediately with the wrathful sounds of “Orphaned Spiritual Warrior” and “Snakeskin Tunnel Colony,” easily the band’s two heaviest tracks to date. These flow directly into the apocalyptic title track, and onto the vulnerable and surreal sounds of “To Forgive Oneself” leading into the acoustic instrumental “…And Still They Dream.” This dream ends with the triumphant “Theater of Smoke & Wind,” a true psychedelic black metal classic that still evokes some of the original feeling found on the band’s 'Subradiant Architecture' debut.

Sixteen years into the band’s existence, Obsidian Tongue clearly show no signs of running out of new ways to alter their sound - song by song, album by album.

Lineup:

Brendan Hayter - Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Synth

Raymond Capizzo - Drums

Recorded @ Mystic Valley Studio

Mixed & Mastered by Alex Garcia-Rivera

Photos by: Stephanie Sintra

Pre-Orders: https://linktr.ee/obsidiantongue

Recommended for Fans Of: Agalloch, Blut Aus Nord, Dødheimsgard, Wolves in the Throne Room

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Rise Above Relics Announces An Exciting Release! Compilation Album 'Yeah Man, It’s Bloody Heavy!!"

Certain ideas in life seem great in principle, though having the time, dedication, and perseverance to bring them to fruition, often renders them left well alone.

If Rise Above Relics had subscribed to that way of thinking, then this Incredible compilation of brain-mincing, hard 'n' heavy sounds from the golden era of the late 60s/early 70s of sub-underground British rock would simply not exist.

The mission was to pull together the heaviest and nastiest sounding unreleased recordings by the most obscure UK bands they could track down after seeing their names listed in the back pages of 1970s music weeklies, old flyers, posters, fanzines, thank you lists, etc. With often just a name to go on, hundreds of hours were spent (often fruitlessly) trying to track down likely candidates.

Of course, finding the bands was often only the start, as to get a useable track relied upon a kindly band member trusting their unique artifacts to a crazy record label they barely knew. Even after this, many of the acetates required microscopic surgery to fix an annoying skip, and all the reel-to-reel tapes used required careful baking to avert the dreaded 'sticky-shed syndrome'.

However, the results speak for themselves: ‘Yeah Man, It’s Bloody Heavy’ is simply the coolest, most unique and uncompromising collection of heavy UK nuggets ever to be released.

But Rise Above Relics isn't done yet; this is just the first volume of a major new series. And remember, sons and daughters of the mighty Sabbath: always keep it BLOODY HEAVY!!

Watch a Sampler for 'Yeah Man, It's Bloody Heavy!!'

'Yeah Man, It's Bloody Heavy' is a collection of extremely obscure but equally amazing tracks from the true underground of early 70s British HEAVY Rock. A time when Black Sabbath were kings of the scene. Compiled and curated by Lee Dorrian and collector friend Austin Matthews for Rise Above Relics, only two of these tracks have been previously released (on very low-key CD releases), the rest are completely unknown.

The CD version includes a detailed booklet, and the heavyweight vinyl includes an insert as well.

Check Out Crimson Earth's "Heathen Woman" from 1972 HERE

WEDNESDAY 13 Drops Ghoulish Music Video for New Single "In Misery"

Currently hitting venues across North America on his "There's No Such Thing As Monsters" tour celebrating 20 years of Transylvania 90210, world-renowned fearsome frontman WEDNESDAY 13 returns with the second single cut from his new full-length album, Mid Death Crisis, set to drop on April 25 via Napalm Records.

Following acclaimed, ultra-catchy latest single "When The Devil Commands," brand new second single "In Misery" is a spooky rager, scratching the itch of both goth-punk and sleaze metal while deftly ebbing and flowing amid heavy genre influences and an earworm hook!

WEDNESDAY 13 comments about "In Misery":

"There are too many love songs out there about people confessing their love to one another. I wanted to do the exact opposite, and confess the misery of being in a bad relationship. Hopelessly, madly in misery with someone. I see it every day, people miserable together. I see it almost as much as I see people happily together. Some people enjoy misery, and this song is about enjoying that misery as much as someone in love."

Watch the "In Misery" Music Video

After returning in 2022 with his widely-acclaimed full-length album Horrifier (#8 US Top New Artist Albums), as well as several major tours supporting his solo work and celebrated Murderdolls reunion shows, the Duke of Spook is back with Mid Death Crisis! WEDNESDAY 13 dubs the album as a fun, campy, "leave-your-brain-at-the-door" rager and a true return to his hard-rocking roots! Produced by guitarist Alex Kane (Life, Sex & Death, Enuff Z'Nuff, Antiproduct) and mixed by Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Prong, DevilDriver) the album oozes infectious 80s sleaze metal energy.

Eerie introductory track "There's No Such Thing As Monsters" vibrates with electricity before industrial-tinged "Decease and Desist" kicks in full blast.WEDNESDAY 13's trademark crooning wastes no time entering the fold as he careens through the high-octane horror anthem, before tracks like "Rotting Away" and "Blood Storm" ensnare with metallic goth-punk energy that will have crowds moving wall to wall. Featuring Faster Pussycat's Taime Downe on guest vocals, standout heavy rocker "No Apologies" is a fast-romping exorcism of toxic demons, while the triumphant mini-murder ballad "Decapitation" riles up listeners with a catchy lead riff before making a hard left into a theatrical bridge straight out of a sinister '60s sock hop! Ragers like "In Misery," "Xanaxtasy" and "Sick and Violent" explore various genres of metal, injecting the album with elements of gripping heaviness for any listener, while downtempo stunners "I Hurt You" and "My Funeral" approach a more pensive territory. 

Although its title, Mid Death Crisis, may suggest otherwise, the Duke of Spook shows zero signs of stopping on this refreshingly powerful and multi-faceted entry into the WEDNESDAY 13 hall of horrific history!

Pre-Order Mid Death Crisis here.

The North American "There's No Such Thing As Monsters" tour kicks off Friday, March 14 in Las Vegas, NV. The tour celebrates 20 years of Transylvania 90210and will include a "best of" Murderdolls set! 

See below for all tour dates, including the following UK/EU "Summer Blood Storm" headline run.

WEDNESDAY 13 ON TOUR:
WITH STITCHED UP HEART, DEAD RABBITS, + I YA TOYAH:
3/28—San Antonio, TX—Paper Tiger
3/29—Dallas, TX—Trees
3/30—Houston, TX—Warehouse Live
4/01—Birmingham, AL—Saturn
4/02—Knoxville, TN—Open Chord
4/04—Atlanta, GA—The Loft—Centerstage
4/05—Raleigh, NC—Chapel Of Bones
4/06—Greenville, SC—Radio Room
4/08—Baltimore, MD—Zen West
4/09—Leesburg, VA—Tally Ho
4/10—Sayreville, NJ—Starland Ballroom
4/12—Hampton Beach, NH—Wallys
4/13—Montreal, QC—Foufounes Electrique
4/15—Toronto, ON—Lee's Palace
4/16—Buffalo, NY—Rec Room
4/18—New York, NY—The Gramercy
4/19—Stroudsburg, PA—Sherman Theater
4/20—Lititz, PA—Mickey's Black Box
4/22—Pittsburgh, PA—Crafthouse
4/23—Cleveland, OH—Mercury
4/25—Columbus, OH—The Kings Of Clubs
4/26—Flint, MI—Machine Shop
4/27—Cadillac, MI—Venue Event Center
4/29—Joliet, IL—The Forge
4/30—Madison, WI—The Annex
5/2—Denver, CO—Oriental Theater
5/3—Colorado Springs, CO—Black Sheep

WEDNESDAY 13 IS:
Wednesday 13 — Lead Vocals + Guitar
Jack Tankersley — Guitar
Troy Doebbler — Bass
Mike Dupke — Drums
Ashes — Lead Guitar

Traditionalist Bradley Gaskin's UNFINISHED BUSINESS Drops April 4 at Midnight

You could call Bradley Gaskin’s path to country music stardom unconventional, but this singer/songwriter is ready to prove himself worthy. The flagship artist for upstart 30A Life Records will release his Keith Stegall–produced new album, aptly titled Unfinished Business, Friday on all platforms [Listen HERE], while the lead single, “Accidentally Drunk”—an anthem for all the barstool fools shedding tears in their tequila—was "top 10 most added" yesterday.

A Duck Springs, Ala., native, Gaskin got his first break in Music City in 2008, after posting a rough demo of a song he’d written and recorded. Two weeks later, a country music executive heard it and invited Gaskin to enter a talent contest he was organizing. Gaskin won and was quickly signed to a publishing company, where his success as a writer ultimately lead to a major record deal. Despite landing in the Top 40 with his first single, Gaskin’s album was shelved in 2011 due to a label shakeup. A disheartened Gaskin headed home, where he hung drywall, worked at a sawmill and served as a janitor at his daughter’s school to provide for his young family.

But the desire was still there. “As a kid, I remember my granddad (LeBo) Hammac getting blistered on Budweiser and playing Haggard and Jones,” says Gaskin. “He had this crappy old guitar that he probably knew two chords on, yet he would try his very best to sing anything George did. I didn’t really know what he was singing about, but it made me want to dive into everything George Jones recorded.” Apparently, that feeling never really goes away.

Now, thanks to 30A Life Records co-founder Jack Cole—a fan and successful businessman turned independent label exec—Gaskin is back with a new album, including songs written by Grammy Award–winning songwriter Ashley McBryde (“Never Wanted to Be that Girl,” McBryde/Pearce) and hitmakers Ashley Gorley (“You Proof,” Morgan Wallen), Terry McBride (“Cowgirls Don’t Cry,” Brooks & Dunn) and Bill Luther (“My Best Friend,” Tim McGraw).

A 10-song mix of co-writes and expertly crafted outside cuts, each track of Unfinished Business reveals a bit more of Gaskin’s temperament as an artist, from the plaintive cries of the steel, electric and acoustic guitars creating a rich backdrop for Gaskin’s soaring vocals in “Without Her” (All my pain and emotion, like a storm on the ocean, drowns me out; I ain’t out of touch, with reality; Without her… I just ain’t me) to the rowdy, near-confident conviction of a man on a mission in “’Bout Damn Did” (’Bout damn stopped you from drivin’ tailightin’ into the night … ‘Bout damn talked you in to coming back to me … It ain’t the things I’ve done … It’s what I didn’t do). In between, Gaskin and Stegall interlace playful odes to the hard-working man and woman (“Bad Day To Be a Beer” and “Bumpin’ Buckles”) to the spiritual “Pray For God” (Gorley, Wade Kirby and Luther) revealing faith in God like only a child could have (When she says a little prayer for God… I know it takes a lot of love ... Taking care of all of us) with psalms of love and hope that lean autobiographical, particularly in the Gaskin co-write (with Stegall and Cole) “Stronger Than You Think.”

“When Keith told me he believed in me the same way he believed in Alan Jackson and Randy Travis,” Gaskin explains, “that’s when I knew I was finally getting somewhere.” Stegall adds: “Singers are a dime a dozen, but exceptional artists like Bradley are true music makers.”

Looking back, Gaskin muses, “I’m stronger because of what I went through; it makes you tougher. But there’s more to my story, which is why we’re calling the new album Unfinished Business.”

Gaskin will hold an album release party at AJ’s Good Time Bar in Nashville Thursday at 4 p.m. and is currently finalizing his fall tour. For more information, check out his socials: TikTok | Instagram |  Facebook | YouTube.

About Bradley Gaskin

When Bradley Gaskin finally picked up his Gibson J45 after a decade of self-doubt, he was responding to an inexorable pull he could no longer resist. Gaskin had left Nashville behind but couldn’t quite shake the feeling there was something there for him. Upon garnering the attention of a Music Row exec in 2008 after posting a rough demo of a self-penned song, Gaskin quickly signed a publishing deal, then a record deal. Poised to release his debut album in 2011 once his first single became a Top 40 country hit, everything came to a halt when his label deemed him too traditional. After Gaskin was released from his contract, he packed away his guitar, picked up his toolbox and headed back to Duck Springs, AL, to resume real life—which is where Jack Cole, a seasoned businessman and longtime fan, eventually found him. Offered the deal of a lifetime, Gaskin jumped at the chance to get back in the studio with the promise of recording the kind of music he wanted to write. True to his word, Cole started 30A Life Records, signing Gaskin as his first artist and brokering a deal with legendary producer Keith Stegall to produce Gaskin’s new album.

Doom Legends CANDLEMASS Reveal Heavy Title Track From New EP "Black Star"

Grammy-nominated doom pioneers CANDLEMASS have unveiled the title track of their upcoming EP, Black Star, out May 9 via Napalm Records! The EP impressively marks the 40th anniversary of the legendary band. 

"Black Star" seamlessly merges haunting melodies with deeply introspective lyrics, brought to life by the inimitable voice of Johan Längqvist. Written by genre-defying mastermind Leif Edling, it delves into themes of existential struggle, temptation, and the allure of darkness — an intense atmosphere imbued with Candlemass' signature sound. The single arrives with a dark, atmospheric music video.

Place your pre-orders on the new EP now and check out the video below!

Candlemass comments, "'Black Star' is the big heavy track. Contains a bit of everything, Melodic verse, monolithic riff, up-tempo Sabbathy mid part, grand ending a la Rainbow!."

Watch the official music video for "Black Star".

Swedish godfathers of epic doom Candlemass honor their 40th anniversary of pioneering the genre with a four-track EP, Black Star. Packed with canyon-deep riffs, the genre-defying band unveils two brand-new songs alongside two cover versions of timeless classics.

Following the title track, the second original song, "Corridors Of Chaos," marks a true old school instrumental containing both classic metal riffing and stunning guitar playing by Lars Johansson, showcasing the band's mastery of dynamics. Adding to this tribute, Candlemass delivers a cover of Black Sabbath's iconic "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath," taking listeners back to 1973. This is followed by their rendition of Pentagram's classic "Forever My Queen," further cementing Candlemass' remarkable contribution to shaping the genre into what it is today.


Black Star will be available in the following formats:
*1LP Gatefold BLACK ORANGE SPLATTER (incl. vinyl booklet (12pp), A3 poster, tote bag) – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive, strictly limited to 400 copies
*1LP Gatefold BLACK
*1CD Digisleeve
*Digital Album

More info about Candlemass on tour in Europe here


CANDLEMASS ARE:
Johan Länquist — Vocals
Lars Johansson — Lead Guitar
Mappe Björkman — Rhythm Guitar
Leif Edling — Bass
Janne Lind — Drums

CHANGELING Releases Explosive Title Track from Debut Album

Fretless guitar visionary Tom “Fountainhead” Geldschläger is known for his work in Obscura’s Akróasis era, his live work with Defeated Sanity, Belphegor and many others. Now, he's spearheading his very own project: Changeling.

Together with core band members Morean (Alkaloid, Dark Fortress), Arran McSporran (Virvum, Vipassi) & Mike Heller (ex-Fear Factory, Malignancy), Changeling stands at the forefront of a new era for progressive death metal. Following the release of their debut album’s first two singles - the impossibly heavy "Abyss" and the blistering psychadelic melodies of "Falling in Circles"  - today, they're releasing its reality-warping, seven-minute epic of a title track.
 

Watch the visualizer for "Changeling" below.

Changeling is out April 25th via Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save here

https://orcd.co/changelingchangeling
 

Can't wait for Changeling? Listen to the debut album two weeks before it comes out. Join the Bandcamp Listening Party and chat with Tom Fountainhead while listening to all 10 transformative tracks.

Changeling Bandcamp Listening Party
Thursday, April 10 @ 1 pm Eastern Time 

RSVP
https://changelingofficial.bandcamp.com/ 

The title track serves as the turning point in Changeling's psychedelic narrative. Inspired by Lovecraftian horror, existential philosophy, and the bizarre hallucinations of a consciousness torn apart, its progressive structure mirrors the chaotic beauty of the lyrics, pulling you into an unsettling yet mesmerizing new dimension through the use of microtonal synthesizers, ritualistic vocals, oriental percussion and a full choir.

“Void and vengeance shall beget
A child from below
A changeling of clandestine soul
Comes usurping the holiest of hearts
And no one shall know”


Morean sings as an intricate-but-catchy fusion of progressive death metal, avant-garde jazz, and world music weave into a surreal and immersive tapestry. The dissonant harmonies distort reality, producing an eerie and unsettling atmosphere.

This song came from a few musical themes that I had written on the oud", Geldschläger explains. "From those few humble notes, it turned into quite the monster - a monster where I think everybody in the core band shines equally. At that point in the album's story, we're beginning to take the frame-work of tech/prog death metal into uncharted territory, so it seemed appropriate to give this song a unique, winding structure where a shorter pumping mid-tempo banger is book-ended by intensely psychedelic blast-beat driven parts that are building towards a quasi-black metal frenzy at the end. It also has some of my favorite Morean lyrics of all time. Not only does he paint a vivid picture of a strange, unfamiliar dimension through his signature wordplay. He also quite literally takes us there in the song's mid-section breakdown, were we envisioned a strange jungle ritual evoking some dark cosmic entity, somewhere between Lovecraft and Peter Jackson's King Kong.

And, as usual, the man took it to another level by adding a multitude of eery, slithering voices, which make the song feel almost like it's breathing. Oh, and this piece also has some of my favorite RIFFS (in capital letters) that I've ever written, as well as some quite extreme guitar shenanigans that I called 'layers of cosmic horror' during production. Get out your best headphones for this one!”

The visualizer for Changeling was created by Martin Matiasovic aka Shaped in Dreams (@martinmatiasovic)

Changeling blends progressive metal, death metal, jazz-fusion, world music and complex orchestration into an hour-long submersion into the subconscious. Players from around the world can follow Tom Fountainhead's lead with a new series of Changeling transcription books. Tom wrote the approx. 500 page guitar transcription book himself, while core bandmate Arran McSporran transcribed the 75 page edition for bass. 

Both the guitar and bass transcription books will come out alongside the album on April 25th. The massive complete transcription book - which includes guitar, bass, drums (transcribed by Fenix Gayed), orchestral arrangements, vocals, lyrics and detailed liner notes from Tom - will come out on May 23rd, the same day as the Dolby Atmos mix of Changeling.

Each transcription book will be available both as a physical book and digitally through Guitar Pro or as a PDF. All physical copies will be personally signed and include a free download of the digital version.

Pre-order: https://changelingmerch.bigcartel.com/

In a significant development in early 2024, Fountainhead, now branded under the name CHANGELING for his new project and album, signed with the label Season of Mist. This venture marks a new chapter in Tom’s career, amplifying his visionary approach to music. Accompanied by an all-star band featuring members from Fear Factory, Alkaloid, and Virvum, the project Changeling showcases a 60-minute concept album that takes all aspects of Tom’s artistry to new heights.

The album, sharing its name with the project, blends progressive metal, death metal, jazz/fusion, and world music, enriched with complex orchestrations by a 50-piece ensemble of guest musicians. It includes the eagerly anticipated “Part 2” to his renowned composition “Weltseele,” an orchestral metal epic from Obscura’s billboard-chart-entering “Akroasis” album, which broadly introduced Fountainhead to the metal community in 2016.

Core Lineup:
Tom Fountainhead (ex-Obscura, Amogh Symphony, Belphegor, Defeated Sanity) - Fretted & fretless electric & acoustic guitars, oud, keyboards, composition and arrangements.
Mike Heller (ex-Fear Factory, Malignancy, Raven) - Drums.
Arran McSporran (Vipassi, Virvum) -  Fretless bass.
Morean (Alkaloid, Dark Fortress) - Lead vocals & lyrics.

Guest Musicians:
Bill Hudson (Trans-siberian Orchestra, Doro, I am Morbid) - Guest guitar solo
Jason Gobel (ex-Cynic, ex-Monstrosity)- Guest guitar solo
Andy Laroque (ex-Death, King Diamond) - Guest guitar solo
Yatziv Caspi (ex-Orphaned Land) - Tabla, hangdrum, dabouka, riq & shakers
Ally Storch (Subway To Sally)- Violins, viola & cello
James Dorton (The Faceless, NeObliviscaris, Black Crown Initate) - Spoken words
Alexander Kerski (Vianova)- Backing & harmony vocals
Matthias Alexander Preisinger - Piano and glockenspiel, violins & viola
Martin Matiasovic - Horns & Wagnerian Tube
Jan Ferdinand - Vibraphone & marimba
Chris Rützel - Flutes
Ivar Ludvig Nitzler - Cello
Shiho Murano - Tuba
Juliane Erding - Wagnerian tube & horn
Eduard Cortez - Wagnerian tube & horn
Tillmann Schulz  - Wagnerian tube & horn
Ava Bonam - Female vocals
Moran Magal - Piano
Cydney McQuillan-Grace, Lauren Gill, Shannon Bedford, Sara Robalo; Tenor and Bari - Ben Francis, John Schaffer,  Alice Williams, Cyd McQuillan-Grace; Alto - Lauren Gill, Sara Robalo; Tenor and Bass - James Schouten & John Schaffer - Choir vocals
Krassimir Jossifov - Trumpet
Brandt Attema - Trombones & bass trombones
Kristian Petkov - Bassoon
Stefan Prost - Church organ
Seonghyeon Park - Clarinet
Arnfried Falk - Oboe
Rouven Haliti - Upright bass
Dalai Cellai - Cello

Recording Studio:
FountainheadHQ, Hellersounds, Saforill, Klanghafen, Landesmusikakademie Berlin, Musikhochschule Carl-Maria-Von-Weber, Muziek Studio Beeld, Sonictrain.

Production Credits:
Produced & Engineered by Tom Fountainhead.
Mixed by Tom Fountainhead at FountainheadHQ.
Mastered by Leon Schmidt at his home studio & FountainheadHQ.

Cover Art:
Aaron Pinto (Gutslit) / KidSquidy
 
Photography:
Alexander Kerski / Comicsans_ultra

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

Follow Fountainhead & Changeling:
Website:http://www.thefountainhead.de
Facebook:http://facebook.com/tomfountainheadgeldschlaeger
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/changeling.official
Bandcamp:https://changelingofficial.bandcamp.com/
YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/fountainheadtv
Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/artist/changeling/294821510
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4MbRUvwQcEBzryOhWMHkvV

Booking Contact:
Tom Fountainhead
thefountainhead@gmx.net

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Crystal Clear w/ Red Splatters
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - White w/ Red Splatters

Chicago's Push Puppets presents 'This Whole Endeavor' + fab video for 'All Together on 3', previewing fourth album

Melodic indie pop-rock outfit Push Puppets presents 'This Whole Endeavor', the second single from their new long-play album 'Tethered Together', as well as a wonderful new video for the cinematic 'All Together On 3', produced by Scott Thiele and Sebastian Gonzales, and edited by Daniele Arcuri. Both sonic gems preview their fourth record, out on May 16 via Flowering Tree Music

Based in Chicago, Push Puppets is the creative outlet for singer-songwriter and guitarist Erich Specht. The five-piece creates songs with earworm melodies and shiny production that belie often bittersweet sentiments. Specht (lead vocals, guitar) is joined by a core of Steve Frisbie (backup vocals, guitar), Kyle Magnusson (keyboards), John William Lauler (bass) and Greg Essig (drums). 

Most songs on this album also involve a string quartet, with a horn section on one. We see the quartet's impeccable performance in the video for 'All Together On 3', with Stephanie “Sly” Young on violin, Katherine Andrick on viola, Molly Rife on cello and Kelly Jozwiak on violin (note: Janis Sakai performs in the audio recording).

Its timeless quality and melancholic reflection take us on a sonic trip that is as stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. A moody and musically progressive song about how we’re stronger when we work together, it builds to a cathartic reprise of live strings and harpsichord with a desperate vocal crying for a helping hand as violins punctuate the lines with elegance.

The latest single This Whole Endeavor', a rocker about a relationship that has ended, draws you in with an instantly memorable piano hook. Describing the ebb and flow of a relationship with flowing lyrics, this is sincere yet engaging, the song's reflective bridge and breakdown followed by a driving finale. With the first verse noting love at first sight at a bar - somewhat foreteling the outcome - the story takes a turn and ends in disarray, the author ultimately wishing it was she with him in bed rather than his dog.

"I get a kick out of referring to love at first sight as ‘a trainwreck just about to happen’.  My Pete Townshend fandom might be apparent in this one between the 70s synth phrases and guitar smacks,” says Erich Specht.  “As much as I hate to admit it, after reflecting on the lyrics, it seems clear that this song is somewhat about the relationship with my ex-wife".

The 'Tethered Together' album is graced with impeccable songwriting that shines with lush harmonies, angular guitars, dramatic keyboards and strings backed by a rhythm section to ensure a continually high groove factor. Erich Specht muses on relationships and loss, as well as the weight and joy of life, in a manner that is poetic and seems effortless, his lyrics fitting to the melody like pieces of a puzzle. Wearing his vulnerabilities like a badge of honor, this music takes us on a journey to unexpected places.  

"This album offers a nod to the artistic excesses of the 70s, whether it's a wall of phased vocals or a moment where guitars and strings rip a quick line together between phrases.  The tracks are widely varied yet cohesive - and within a given song, you're likely to be taken elsewhere" says Erich Specht.

'All Together on 3' and 'The Whole Endeavor' are available from fine digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The 'Tethered Together' album, now available for pre-order, will be released digitally and on CD on May 16. Push Puppets will hold their album release show at Robert's Westside in Forest Park, IL on May 30.

'THIS WHOLE ENDEAVOUR' CREDITS
Lyrics and music by Erich Specht (ASCAP)
Produced by Doug McBride and Erich Specht
Mixed and mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios
Erich Specht – Lead vocals and guitars
Kyle Magnusson – Keyboards
John William Lauler – Bass
Greg Essig - Drums
Tommi Zender – Backup vocals and guitar

'ALL TOGETHER ON 3' CREDITS
Erich Specht – Lead vocals, guitars, string arrangements
Steve Frisbie – Backup vocals
Kyle Magnusson – Keyboards
John William Lauler – Bass
Greg Essig - Drums
Stephanie “Sly” Young – Violin
Janis Sakai – Violin (Kelly Jozwiak appears in the video)
Katherine Andrick – Viola
Molly Rife – Cello
Video produced by Scott Thiele & Sebastian Gonzales
Video edited by Daniele Arcuri

Cover artwork by Crow Prints
Released & published by Flowering Tree Music (ASCAP)
Artist studio photos by Gintas Zaranka
Artist live photos by Gabi Bucataru
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR 


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