THE BELAIR LIP BOMBS ANNOUNCE AGAIN OUT OCTOBER 31st

Third Man Records' first Australian signing The Belair Lip Bombs have announced their new album, Again (out October 31st), available to pre-order below on signed limited edition indie blue vinyl, limited edition indie blue vinyl, standard black vinyl and CD. 

 

Again is the follow-up to the group's 2023 debut, Lush Life, a “punchy, hook-laden rock record…straightforward in sound but borderline unassailable in its construction” (The Guardian). The album marks a new chapter for Australia’s best-kept secret, who have been building a loyal local following since they first formed eight years ago with their earnestness and ultra-sticky power-pop song structures. Produced by Joe White of Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever and Nao Anzai of The Teskey Brothers.

 

PRE-ORDER

Dizzy F'n Reed (Guns N' Roses) Releases Lyric Video for Single “Earn It 2 Burn It” via 50q records ​  

Legendary rock pianist/keyboardist and longtime Guns N’ Roses member Dizzy F’n Reedhas just dropped his brand-new single, “Earn It 2 Burn It,” via 50q records. The track is the third single off his upcoming full length solo album Rock ‘N’ Roll Chose Me, which will see its physical vinyl release on August 22, 2025, with the digital full-length album release following on September 5, 2025.

 

In celebration of the release, Reed has also unveiled the official lyric video for “Earn It 2 Burn It,” which can be seen below.

 

Dizzy shares, "The song is about working our asses off and never actually seeing any money at all. And starting off our lives with incomprehensible debt from the cost of our education to do something else altogether while being pummeled with information about what we should like, want and need. The music was born from my love of metal and my hero John Lord. Thank you Johnny Kelly, Mike Duda and Jason for making it like it needed to be."

 

STREAM “Earn It 2 Burn It” 

Spotify

Apple Music

Deezer

Amazon

WATCH "Earn It 2 Burn It" Lyric Video Below.

Pre-order the physical vinyl at http://50qrecords.com/store/

 

Dizzy Reed and Pittsburgh based 50q records are proud to present his second solo album Rock ‘N’ Roll Chose Me, a personal and socially reflective 10-song album exploring themes of letting go, mental health struggles, the American Dream, and the unifying power of music, all viewed through a lens of perseverance, connection, and the human cost of chasing meaning in a divided society.

 

Written and produced by Dizzy Reed, the album is a gritty, emotionally charged journey. It was produced by Jason Achilles Mezilis, mixed by Evan Rodaniche and mastered by Gentry Studer.

 

Dizzy Reed continues to balance his legacy as a rock icon with his ever-evolving role as a songwriter, storyteller, and solo artist.

 

For fans of hard rock with heart and authenticity, Rock 'N' Roll Chose Me is the next chapter in Dizzy Reed’s musical journey.

Dizzy Reed is a US-born musician and composer who is best known as the keyboardist and backing vocalist for the rock band Guns N’ Roses. A touring musician since the age of 12, Dizzy joined Guns N’ Roses in 1990, helping transform the band's sound with his blues, funk and classic rock stylings on the keyboards, most notably on the Use Your Illusion I & II albums. He was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame in 2012 as a member of G N’ R, and fronts side project Hookers and Blow on lead vocals and keys.

 

About 50q records:

Founded in Pittsburgh, 50q records is built on a deep appreciation for the iconic sounds of the past, reimagined and amplified for today's sonic landscape. 50q records partners with bands and musicians who carry that timeless sound in their DNA, helping shape music that nods to the past while pushing forward with purpose.

For More Information Please Visit:

 

Official Website

Instagram

Facebook

https://50qrecords.com/

PROFANE ELEGY Unleashes “The Accuser”

Independent black metal force PROFANE ELEGY has released their latest single, “The Accuser,” the final and most searing track from their forthcoming sophomore album Herezjarcha, out January 30, 2026.

Originally conceived as a two-man recording project, PROFANE ELEGY quickly evolved into a full four-piece band, igniting the live circuit in late 2023. With members spread across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the band’s creative process thrives in the digital realm with file sharing and relentless group chat collaborations forging every note of Herezjarcha.

“The Accuser” stands as a blistering indictment of false witnesses and a bold rejection of god. Drawing on the biblical portrayal of Satan as “the accuser of the brethren," the eternal prosecutor, the song assumes the role of the accuser itself. Blood is laid upon the hands of the hypocrites, and damnation is embraced without remorse.

Herezjarcha marks a natural yet fearless evolution from the band’s debut When All Is Nothing. While the essence of their original sound remains, it has been sharpened and expanded: more dynamic, more melodic, yet heavier and more unrelenting than ever. From mournful dirges to unhinged fury, each track is bound by a unified musical and lyrical vision. The album title, meaning “arch-heretic,” encapsulates its spirit: an oath, a testament, and a declaration of new heresy.

With “The Accuser” closing the eight-part descent into darkness, PROFANE ELEGY cements their place as a band unafraid to confront the sacred, embrace the profane, and speak with unflinching conviction.

About PROFANE ELEGY

PROFANE ELEGY is a black metal band from Bangor, Pennsylvania, formed in late 2021 by guitarist J Gulick and vocalist Mikael L. Originally conceived as a two-man studio project, the band quickly evolved into a full lineup with the addition of bassist David G and drummer Sean M in 2023. What sets PROFANE ELEGY apart is their refusal to remain confined within genre boundaries—while rooted firmly in black metal, their sound incorporates elements of death, doom, and progressive metal, often enhanced by orchestral arrangements and clean vocals.

The band’s debut album When All Is Nothing (2023) was released independently and drew attention for its blend of atmospheric aggression and emotional vulnerability. The release earned praise for its ability to move fluidly between blistering speed and melancholic melody, with Doom Heart calling it “a massive Doom delight.” Following the album’s release, PROFANE ELEGY made their live debut and began performing across the northeastern United States, including a notable support slot for Dark Funeral in late 2024.

Lyrically, the band explores themes of nihilism, mortality, philosophy, and religious symbolism—often invoking figures like Satan not as dogmatic statements, but as metaphors in a broader spiritual and existential dialogue. Their work is poetic, introspective, and often challenges the listener to confront uncomfortable truths about life, death, and belief.

Their upcoming full-length album Herezjarcha, set for release in January 2026, represents the band’s most ambitious and expansive work to date. With a more dynamic sound, deeper orchestration, and a clear conceptual throughline, the record pushes their sonic and thematic boundaries further than ever before. The album title—a made-up word meaning “arch-heretic”—encapsulates the spirit of the band: rebellious, introspective, and unafraid to question the sacred.

PROFANE ELEGY continues to forge a unique path within the underground metal scene. Blending bleak intensity with philosophical weight, they aim not just to be heard—but to be felt.

PROFANE ELEGY is:
 

  • Mikael L – Vocals, Orchestration

  • J Gulick – Guitars, Orchestration

  • David G – Bass, Orchestration

  • Sean M – Drums

CONJURER | Announce New Album "Unself"

British metal heavyweights CONJURER return with news of their mighty third album, Unself, which will be released 24th October via Nuclear Blast Records. 

Pre-order: 
https://conjurer.bfan.link/unself

To commemorate the moment, the band have also unveiled the first single from the release, 'Hang Them In Your Head'.

Watch the video below.

And stream 'Hang Them In Your Head' here: 
https://conjurer.bfan.link/htiyh

CONJURER comment: "Unself is a record that we have put everything of ourselves into, in a way that we didn’t think possible for this band. Hang Them… is only the beginning. Thank you all for your patience, we are happy to report that it will be worth the wait."

CONJURER will be touring Unself across the UK and Europe in November. UK dates will be supported by Pijn and Death Goals and EU dates will be joined by Frail Body.

CONJURER have evolved radically since the release of their debut album (Mire, 2018), and their second release (Páthos, 2022) saw them lauded among the most exciting British metal bands. Whilst award nominations and accolades accumulated, the four-piece band retained their very simple mission: to make heavy music and have fun whilst doing so. Preferring to use their spotlight to showcase technicality and musicality rather than centring politics or opinions, CONJURER lived in the moment and embraced everything that came their way.
  
Within the tumult of forging a renewed identity as a band, on Unself there is a more intense, more personal voyage of discovery unfurling for vocalist/guitarist Dani Nightingale. Diagnosed with autism at age 31, their long-held view of self, and perception of their place in the world began to unravel. Unself documents much of the piecing back together around the diagnosis, alongside the realisation they were non-binary. 
  
These vignettes of processing and self-actualisation take place against the backdrop of a society careening towards glassy-eyed capitalist dystopia; finding firm footing eludes many of us - and CONJURER delve headfirst into exploring these suffocating new societal parameters.
 
Within Unself's nine tracks, CONJURER deliver the writhing post-metal sound they’ve become known for, but have loosened their grip on the desire to fill every moment with sonic obliteration. Instead, they have leaned into utilising space, gifting listeners a little breathing room which serves to make the heavy elements feel all the more intense. 
  
A more direct, organic approach to songwriting was facilitated by the ever-strengthening bonds within the band, and the supportive environment created by producer Joe Clayton. Allowing themselves more time than with any previous recording experience, they committed to preproduction sessions, followed by an elongated recording period in order to do justice to the material they had crafted. Stripping back the excesses of previous outings to reveal their solid songwriting chops allowed for more clarity and more dynamics to shine through. To their ears, the mood, the core of the lyrical content and the music are more aligned than ever before. 
  
This record is the sound of four individuals living with more purpose and as a consequence creating with more purpose. Unself sees them reaching out to offer community, catharsis and connection. CONJURER remain true to their original mission - they’re still having fun, playing interesting heavy music - but now that music is imbued with the power that comes from opening themselves up to others, at first within the band, and now beyond.

Conjurer are:
Brady Deeprose | guitars, vocals
Dani Nightingale | guitars, vocals
Conor Marshall | bass
Noah See | drums

Conjurer online:
https://www.facebook.com/conjureruk
https://x.com/ConjurerUK
https://www.instagram.com/conjureruk
https://www.conjureruk.com

Boys Like Girls Announce "THE HOMECOMING (LIVE FROM THE MGM MUSIC HALL AT FENWAY PARK)" + Watch "BLOOD AND SUGAR" VIDEO

In 2023, alt-pop powerhouse BOYS LIKE GIRLS made a long-awaited return with Sunday At Foxwoods, their first album in over a decade. The record is a beautiful meeting of their melody-driven pop anthems delivered with the maturity of a band that had many years of growth in between. A bold reintroduction that resonated with a new generation of listeners while igniting the hearts of longtime fans.
 
After writing and producing for artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Jason Derulo, frontman and songwriter Martin Johnson, brought a sharpened pen and a deeper sense of purpose back to the mic. With renewed energy, the whole band returned to a sold-out show on their hometown stage at Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park with something to prove.
 
The Homecoming captures that night as unfiltered, electric, and unforgettable.

Today, they announce the September 8 release of THE HOMECOMING (LIVE FROM THE MGM MUSIC HALL AT FENWAY PARK). Pre-save it here.

The band recorded their 100-minute set in Boston on October 26, 2023 for this live album, which captures BLG in their most natural state — on the stage.

BLG have also shared the video for "BLOOD AND SUGAR (LIVE)." Watch it below.

About the live album, Johnson shares:

"Fenway Park. The shrine. The cathedral of Boston. Where curses broke, where beers were spilled, where you can feel the city's heartbeat under green tin and red clay. You don’t just visit Fenway — you belong to it. I was baptized in peanut shells and piss-warm Bud Light. I sat in seats older than my grandfather's bad decisions and prayed to the church of Big Papi. It was ours. And then… they dug under it. Right into the bones of Lansdowne Street — into the bedrock of garage bands, bar fights, and rat nests the size of golden retrievers. They carved out the MGM Music Hall like a secret lair, a rebel bunker under the battlefield.
 
"I came up with a generation raised on Dunkin' Donuts and driven half-mad by traffic on Storrow Drive. We were kids with guitars slung over our backs like bayonets, howling through rusted-out PA systems in the backrooms of American Legions, screaming songs into the linoleum void of church basements while the Sox blew another lead in the 7th. We grew up in the shadow of the Big Dig — a $22 billion pothole we all paid for with our sanity — swallowing granite and history, trying to make room for a future nobody asked for. But under all that concrete? Something was rumbling.

BLG will embark on a slew of upcoming tour dates that run through October. The band has also announced several festival appearances and will be serving as support to The Jonas Brothers through October, as well. So it's a busy few months of touring ahead  Get tickets here.

BOYS LIKE GIRLS ON TOUR:
8/22 — New Haven, CT — Toad's Place
8/27 — Louisville, KY — Mercury Ballroom
9/3 — Tucson, AZ — The Rialto Theatre
9/11 — Spokane, WA — Spokane County Interstate Fair*
10/3 — North Kansas City, MO —  VooDoo Lounge at Harrah's Kansas City
10/18 — Las Vegas, NV — When We Were Young*
10/19 — Las Vegas, NV — When We Were Young*
11/16 — Orlando, FL — Warped Tour*
*FESTIVAL DATES
 
WITH THE JONAS BROTHERS:
8/18 — Bethel, NY — Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
8/19 — Syracuse, NY — Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
8/21 — Toronto, ON — Rogers Centre
8/23 — Boston, MA — Fenway Park
8/24 — Saratoga Springs, NY — Broadview Stage at SPAC
8/26 — Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
8/28 — Detroit, MI — Little Caesars Arena
8/30 — Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP
8/31 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion
9/4 — Chula Vista, CA — North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/6  — Los Angeles, CA — Intuit Dome
9/13 — Salt Lake City, UT — Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/18 — Vancouver, BC — Rogers Arena
9/20 — Portland, OR — Moda Center
9/22 — Seattle, WA — Climate Pledge Arena
9/25 — San Francisco, CA — Chase Center
9/26 — Sacramento, CA — Golden 1 Center
9/27 — Anaheim, CA — Honda Center
9/28 — Phoenix, AZ — PHX Arena
9/30 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater
10/2 — Denver, CO — Ball Arena
10/5 — Des Moines, IA — Wells Fargo Arena
10/6 — Omaha, NE — CHI Health Center

Scotland's FINI TRIBE announces "The Sheer Action of FINI TRIBE" anthology & shares 'I Want More' single

Scotland's iconic 1980s music mavericks Fini Tribe will be releasing "The Sheer Action of Fini Tribe: 1982-1987", a colossal retrospective anthology focused on the years 1982 to 1987 on October 10. These works include the legendary John Peel session from 1985, the original 12” singles (including "Detestimony") and the WaxTrax! singles, as well as unreleased live tracks. All tracks have been lovingly remastered and produced by the band's members.

Fini Tribe was born into the cash-poor but culturally-wealthy environs of post-punk Edinburgh in the very early 80s – 1980 to be precise. A tiny three-piece with no drummer would soon swell into a muscular six-piece with inherited or cheaply-purchased instruments. Band members Chris Connelly, Simon McGlynn, Andy McGregor, Davie Miller, Philip Pinsky, and John Vick haunted the cold, damp warrens of the Niddry Street and Blair Street rehearsal rooms, just off the high street in Old Town Edinburgh.

Drawing on the influences of everything from Throbbing Gristle, Wire, Can, Captain Beefheart, and numerous angular funk bands that were spewing out of the John Peel Show at the time, they also drew from the seemingly bottomless well of modern film, writing, and art that was abundant in the festival city.

"The Sheer Action of Fini Tribe" is their first retrospective, curated and designed by the band. It includes a wealth of archival photographs, an essay by original member Andy McGregor, who also designed the sleeve, and essays by longtime friend Shirley Manson (Garbage, Goodbye Mr. MacKenzie) and author Alastair McKay, an early champion of the band. The release features the first legendary John Peel Session, produced by Dale Griffin and originally broadcast in May 1985.

"This compilation was a long time in the making, a labour of love for the band, showcasing our most productive years as a six-piece. The compilation of tracks – from professional BBC recordings to live performance and rehearsal room demos – gives as broad a spectrum of the breadth of the band's creativity during those five important years from 1982 to 1987," says Chris Connelly.

"The first single “I Want More” was originally released by WaxTrax! Records in October 1987. This is a cover of a song by Can, a firm favourite of the band since even before its inception! We had a great time re-arranging the song and working on its percussion-driven framework. When we approached WaxTrax!, Jim Nash told us that this single by Can was in heavy rotation always at the WaxTrax! store in CHICAGO, so we knew we had come to the right place".

Rehearsing and writing tirelessly between high school and part-time jobs, Fini Tribe played whenever they got the chance: CND benefits, support band for local mentors Visitors and Explode Your Heart, and endless rehearsals turning them into a well-oiled, if frantic, machine. Gigs farther afield were found in London, Glasgow and Aberdeen, and the sound grew as the band became more unique and distanced from their peers and ploughed their own furrow.
 
A debut self-released EP on their own FINIFLEX label led to a John Peel Session in 1985. Not to let the grass grow under their feet, the band quickly morphed into a formidable experimental dance unit. The arrival of sampling would cement this and 1986’s “Let The Tribe Grow” EP, with the anthemic, church-bell driven “Detestimony”, would become a lasting and iconic statement of intent unbeknownst to the band at that time. Fini Tribe heralded a new sound and new hypervisual approach, more akin to performance art than any straight rock ‘n roll, with a one-off performance at Edinburgh’s prestigious Assembly Rooms: sculpture, film, ritual, new music, and suspended bin bags full of lurid poster paint sprayed a shocked audience. The gauntlet was thrown, covered in paint, and slapped like a wet fish.

CREDITS
All tracks composed and performed by Chris Connelly, Andy McGregor, David Miller, Simon McGlynn, Philip Pinsky & John Vick, except "I Want More” (written by Karoli/Czukay/Schmidt/Leibezeit/Gilmour)
Published by Copyright Control / P.R.S. Concord Music / B.M.I. Momentum / Universal
Design & art direction: Andy McGregor, remixing 1980’s Fini art
Cover artwork: high school printed t-shirt by Simon McGlynn
Produced by Fini Tribe, John McVay, Dale Griffin, John Vick
Mixed by Fini Tribe, Paul Barker, John Vick
Engineered by Peter Haigh, Chic Medley, John Vick, Trigger, Mike Engles, Wilf Smarties, Rock Hardware
Recorded at Wilf’s Planet, Edinburgh
Pier House, Edinburgh
Demo & rehearsal recordings made at Niddry Street Rehearsal Rooms, Edinburgh with overdubs at various band members’ flats around Edinburgh
Live recordings made at Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh, 15 December 1983
Live recordings made at Calton Studios, Edinburgh, 27 May 1987
Location recordings made at Monimail, Fife, Scotland
Southern Studios, London
BBC Studios, Maida Vale, London, 12 May 1985
Mastered by James Scott, Populist Recording & Mastering
Shipwrecked Industries CD catalogue no. SHIP004CD
Shipwrecked Industries LP catalogue No. SHIP004LP
Distribution via Virtual Label
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with Fini Tribe
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BlueSky | Threads  | Soundcloud | LinkedIn | Ema il

GWAR Invades Australia for Good Things Festival 2025 + Announces Official Action Figures from Trick or Treat Studios

Shock rock overlords GWAR storm back to Australia this December for Good Things Festival 2025, their first Down Under shows in over a decade and they’re bringing the carnage in more ways than one. Alongside their milestone multimedia release, 'The Return of Gor Gor,' GWAR has teamed with Trick or Treat Studios to launch a new series of officially licensed action figures, perfect for fans who want to bring the Scumdogs’ chaos home.

The band’s Australian return follows the release of 'The Return of Gor Gor,' a grotesque, hilarious, and gloriously violent audio/visual assault celebrating 40 years of GWAR’s intergalactic mayhem. Featuring the brutal new single “Tyrant King” and a 32-page comic, the release resurrects GWAR’s legendary reptilian war beast, Gor Gor, in all its blood-drenched glory.

Jizmak Da Gusha says:

“GWAR is obtaining work visas as undercover plumbers to unclog all the disgusting items Aussies put down their drains. But, the truth is, we have been asked to come back to Australia to fix all of their government’s problems. Should take about a week. I’m secretly excited to go down under because it’s shark season and lots of people are being eaten, which is very entertaining for me. Fun vacation all around.”

The Berserker Blöthar adds:

"For the second time in 40 years, GWAR is going down under. That’s right. December 2025, we invade our favorite penile colony. So throw another corpse on the barbie and get ready for metal, mutants, blood, and trickling rivulets of laughter! Because we are the true gods of shock rock, and we are coming to Australia!"

📸: Shawn Stanley

GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL 2025 – AUSTRALIA

Dec 5 – Melbourne, AU @ Flemington Racecourse

Dec 6 – Sydney, AU @ Centennial Park

Dec 7 – Brisbane, AU @ Showgrounds

Tickets available HERE

From the farthest reaches of space come the Scumdogs of the Universe—now in collectible plastic form! Trick or Treat Studios has unleashed a new series of officially licensed GWAR action figures, each packaged in retro-style blister cards featuring artwork by Dug Nation.

Each figure comes with character-specific weapons and instruments, ready to bring the chaos wherever you take them:



  • Pustulus Maximus – spear, dagger & guitar

  • Beefcake the Mighty – sword & bass

  • Jizmak Da Gusha – war hammer & drumsticks

  • Balsac the Jaws of Death – battle axe & guitar

  • Blöthar the Berserker – sword & shield

 

In addition to the five figures, the Spew Tank is a plastic jar with a screw-top lid, filled with vile RED SPEW, translucent red blood slime, and containing the most crucial pieces of the Scumdog leader himself, Oderus Urungus.

Inside the Spew Tank, you’ll find his head, torso, and the legendary Cuttlefish of Cthulhu, ready to assemble with the limbs included in the five GWAR action figures.

Collect all five members and the Spew Tank to complete this exclusive Oderus Urungus Build a Figure!

Pre-orders from GWAR.net include Oderusfor free!

Pre-Order the Action Figures HERE

Beefcake the Mighty proclaims:

“Behold! The mad scientists at Trick or Treat Studios have joined forces with The Scumdogs of The Universe to clone a massive GWAR army! That’s right, the first wave of GWAR action figures has arrived! These fun-size versions of your Lords and Masters are fully poseable and ready to kick the crap out of all your other puny collectible dollies!”

Each figure is sold separately.

Warning: May cause spontaneous moshing.

For more information on Trick or Treat Studios, visit HERE

Don't Miss GWAR Celebrating Their 40th Anniversary on

"The Return of Gor Gor Tour" This Fall

San Francisco's OCTAVIAN WINTERS unveils 'Hermine' ahead of A Murder of Crows appearance

San Francisco post-punk outfit Octavian Winters presents their new single 'Hermine', an invigorating song that channels the band's edgier energy. Erupting with a wall of sound from the first notes, this is the first song written for their debut album, anticipated for early 2026 via Stratis Capta Records.

Formed in 2022, Octavian Winters is guitarist Stephan Salit (Thrill of The Pull), drummer Randy Gzebb (Thrill of The Pull, Love Club), bassist Jay Denton and Ria Aursjoen (AURSJOEN) on vocals and keyboards. Fusing a visceral and ethereal sound, they create haunting textures and channel half-remembered stories from an indifferent metropolis, shadows and lunar energy looming over a concrete maze.

Now critically acclaimed, the band gained a solid reputation with their 2023 debut EP 'The Line or Curve', and 2024's 'Nebula / Velveteen' collaboration with Mark Pistel (Consolidated, Meat Beat Manifesto), their tightly crafted songs running the gamut from the ethereal to the dark and driving. This new offering, 'Hermine', visits those harder edges.

"Hermine was wonderful to write and sing because it has a real no-holds-barred energy about it. I was also able to revisit some of my metal roots, in terms of vocal delivery, which was both fun and cathartic," says vocalist Ria Aursjoen. "The lyrics reference the novel Steppenwolf by Hesse, and explore the nature of the fragmented psyche and passionately urges the freedom of self acceptance."

Randy Gzebb says, "It feels like the song is moving forward with unstoppable momentum. This is one of my favorite songs to play live". Stephan Salit adds, “I started out writing this as an homage to Geordie Walker (R. I. P. )  but it took on a life of its own and well, here we are".

Just as their forthcoming album, 'Hermine' was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate, Faith & the Muse, Christian Death) at 13 Studio in Chicago.

Octavian Winters' members have a rich history of collaborating and touring with notable artists, including Nine Inch Nails, Killing Joke, Lords of the New Church, Savage Republic, Christian Death, The Frozen Autumn, Everything Goes Cold and Black Tape for a Blue Girl.

Octavian Winters will be performing at A Murder of Crows Festival in New York on August 30, joining Pink Turns Blue, Vision Video, Ritual Howls, Hallowed Hearts, Astari Nite, Soft Vein, Altar de Fey, Nox Novacula, The Brickbats, The Long Losts and 45 Grave. West coast fans can also enjoy their October 31 show at Bar Sinister in Los Angeles for their legendary Ghostly Halloween Ball.

As of August 12, 'Hermine' is available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.  Concert tickets can be obtained at  https://octavianwinters.com/shows

CREDITS 
Music written by Octavian Winters
Lyrics by Ria Aursjoen
Ria Aursjoen - Vocals / Keyboards
Stephan Salit - Guitars / Vocals
Randy Gzebb -  Drums
Jay Denton - Bass
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by William Faith at 13 Studio, Chicago, IL
Released by Stratis Capta Records
Published by Flare and Bloom Music BMI
Cover artwork backdrop by Henry Austin Lannan
Octavian Winters wordmark by Eric Olson
Artist photos by David Kruschke, except
Banner portrait by Katheleen Landino
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

PERFORMANCES
August 30 @ 6pm - A Murder of Crows Festival, New York, NY
October 31 @10pm - Bar Sinister, Los Angeles - Ghostly Halloween Ball


Keep up with Octavian Winters
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tiktok | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BlueSky | Threads  | Soundcloud | LinkedIn | Ema il

Siena Root - Made In KuBa

SIENA ROOT's signature analogue sound and enthralling storytelling await in the forthcoming Made In KuBa. The Swedish quartet’s new double live album is scheduled to release worldwide on October 3, 2025, via Perception - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music.

Recorded over three intimate nights in March 2024 at Germany’s legendary Kulturbahnhof (KuBa) in Jena, the release picks up where 2011’s Root Jam left off. SIENA ROOT's commitment to an authentic sound created 'in the moment' is evident across this new offering. "Coincidence & Fate" is a captivating introduction to Made In KuBa. The track showcases the quartet's warm ambient tones across organ, guitars and percussion, as well as Zubaida Solid's powerfully emotive vocals. The groove rhythm laden "Ridin' Slow", picks up the pace leaning further into fuzz and hard-rock influences. "Wishing For More" continues in the same vein with enchanting energy and a rock fueled spirit. 

Indulging in the live experience, SIENA ROOT's improvisation and exploratory aspects are revealed through the dynamic journey across the track list. The calm and serene soundscape of "Mountain II" reveals and sultry atmospheric mood with a jazz influenced backdrop. Drawing from an array of styles is a key part of SIENA ROOT's creativity. In "We (We Are Them)", folk-esque touches appear amidst the instrumental layers that rise and fall in intensity. The dreamy yearning arising from "Keeper of the Flame" is enticing. "Tales of Independence" returns to the bright and colorful land of groove with an uplifting and up-tempo beat. 

Otherworldly synths bring a psychedelic vibe to "In My Kitchen", alongside a mysterious and seductive edge. A darker, doomier side to SIENA ROOT's music arrives in "The Summer is Old", before giving way to a burst of sunshine in the form of a warm and magical sound. A vintage rock offering awaits in the playful "The Outlander". An ethereal quality is found in the haunting "Imaginary Borders" which soon erupts into a highly rhythmic, rock-led, progression. Made In KuBa reaches it's end with "Root Rock Pioneers". This finale builds anticipation with an interplay of guitars before the full band burst into life. It's a crowd-pleasing hit filled with riffs and wrapped up in a package of feel good rock 'n' roll. 

About SIENA ROOT
SIENA ROOT is a band renowned for its vibrant spectrum of styles, standout guest collaborations, and unique interpretations of classic rock. With eight full-length studio albums, one double live album, and three 7” singles to their name, each release showcases the group’s evolving sound and artistic depth.

Touring extensively across Europe since the early 2000s, SIENA ROOT has crafted a wide range of genre-blending songs. Live performances are the lifeblood of the band—frequently joined by prominent guest musicians, their shows often evolve into wild, improvised sessions that inspire future studio work. Their live act is known for its uncompromising approach, powered by heavy vintage equipment few bands have the passion or strength to take on the road. During the recording of their live albums, they even brought a full-size multi-track tape recorder across Europe.

This relentless dedication sets SIENA ROOT apart. A concert experience with the band is dramatic and exciting—visually as well as emotionally. It's a dynamic root rock experience.

SIENA ROOT are:
Zubaida Solid | vocals, keys
Johan Borgström | guitars
Sam Riffer | bass
Love Forsberg | drums, percussion

REVERYA - Affliction In Bloom

REVERYA is a mystical trio hailing from Tampa, Florida, whose sound drifts between the ethereal and thunderous. After the haunting debut EP Melinoe, they unveil their first full-length opus, Affliction In Bloom, set for CD release on October 24th, 2025.

This album is no ordinary collection of songs—it's a conceptual garden where each track blossoms as a distinct flower, embodying the trials and tenderness of human suffering. With titles drawn from nature’s poetry, each bloom holds symbolic weight, weaving an emotional tapestry meant to be experienced in full—start to finish, petal to petal.

The journey begins in stillness with "Allium", a soft, meditative prelude that eases listeners into the dreamy tendrils of "Wisteria".

"Allium" opens like a whispered incantation—two minutes of delicate acoustic reverie, drifting gently until faint, ethereal vocals rise like mist. The allium flower, symbolizing light and fortune, offers a soft blessing for the journey ahead. Rooted in garlic, it wards off darkness, setting the tone for the album's unfolding.

"Wisteria", one of REVERYA's earliest creations, bloomed even before the band fully formed. Born from political frustration, it reflects the dangerous allure of unchecked power. Like the Wisteria vine—beautiful yet poisonous—the song serves as a haunting reminder of the consequences of ignoring power’s dark side.

The album ignites with "Pyrophyte", a fiery counterpart to "Wisteria". With relentless screams, it mirrors escalating fury in the face of a corrupt, power-hungry world. Addressing global struggles, the song touches on war, division, and the uncertain future for younger generations. As chaos builds, a powerful, defiant singalong bursts forth, reminding us that we endure even through the fire. The title "Pyrophyte", referring to a plant that thrives in fire, symbolically connects to humanity’s resilience.

"Forget Me Not" follows, a tender exploration of the emotional weight in deciding whether to bring a child into this world of uncertainty reflected in predecessors, "Wisteria" and "Pyrophyte". Its soft piano and strings give way to raw vocals, capturing perhaps the most vulnerable moment on the record. The lyrics explore the anguish and desperation of parents watching their children suffer through internal and/or external struggles in such an evil and confusing world. Tender words cradled softly in warm blankets of orchestra and piano, cushioned with guitar chugs, and carried by luscious drums grooves.  The chorus poignantly illustrates the anguish of making such a choice, intertwined in a desperate apology leaving the listener to ponder over the only solo featured on the album. The nursery door is closed but never forgotten with a callback to the chorus played softly on a child's toy music box.

"Dahlia", the final flower to bloom, was crafted swiftly and naturally by the trio. Partially inspired by the Black Dahlia murder, the song reflects betrayal and emotional disintegration. A fitting partner to "Forget Me Not", the track captures the dark beauty of the flower—both musically and visually—marking a shift in tone with thall influences. "Dahlia" and "Forget Me Not" serve as emotional companions, validating pain within.

The final act unfolds like the setting sun—"Lily" acts as a delicate interlude, bridging "Dahlia" and "Asphodel". Using a reimagined piano part from "Asphodel", it drifts into an ethereal, somber atmosphere. Its simplicity is carried by lyrical motifs, referencing the journey so far while foreshadowing the final chapters. The white lily, traditional for funerals, symbolizes the album’s reflection on grief and loss.

"Lily" acts as a delicate interlude, bridging "Dahlia" and "Asphodel". Using a reimagined piano part from "Asphodel", it drifts into an ethereal, somber atmosphere. Its simplicity is carried by lyrical motifs, referencing the journey so far while foreshadowing the final chapters. The white lily, traditional in funerals, symbolizes the album’s reflection on grief.

"Asphodel" began with an instrumental foundation crafted by Travis and Kaleb, then later tailored to honor a loved one who suffered a stroke due to a brain tumor, leaving them paralyzed with no memory or chance of returning to their previous self, only to breathe unconsciously completely dependent on life support. The gut-wrenching decision to set them free with a prayer for a peaceful afterlife inspired the lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes. We journey through the stages of grief in this song with a soft verse, a pre-chorus and breakdown filled with angry desperation, bursting into the song's powerful and sentimental chorus, leading into a healing and hopeful singalong outro. In Greek Mythology, souls who have passed must wipe their memory by drinking from the River of Lethe, before they are peacefully transitioned to the Asphodel Fields where they experience a peaceful, eternal afterlife.

"Magnolia" is a heartfelt tribute to a grandmother who passed away during the pandemic. The song began with the lyrics alone as just a poem or letter for her, acting as an answer to a recording of her urging her grandchildren to spend time learning her language, Arabic, as well as confessing the happiness she felt being with her grandchildren despite the far distance. The scent of the Magnolia flower is that of her perfume which evokes early childhood moments spent together. Through fear, aggression, hope, harmony, heartbreak, grief, and more, this soft, sentimental track is a perfect send off to bring this journey to a close.

Affliction In Bloom is not just an album but a timeless voyage—an invitation to feel deeply, to hurt and heal, and to find meaning in both bloom and decay. It is deeply personal yet universal, an elegy, a wish, and a love letter wrapped in petals and pain.

REVERYA is:

  • Nadine  (Vocals/Keys)

  • Travis (Guitars)

  • Kaleb (Drums)

Swedish Supergroup CROWNE Shares New Single “Heaven Tonight” + Visualizer

Swedish supergroup CROWNE is pleased to share a new single, "Heaven Tonight,"taken from their upcoming studio album 'Wonderland,' set for release on August 22, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. The new track comes accompanied by a visualizer, available to view below.

Vocalist Alexander Strandell commented on the new record by saying:

“It feels incredible to share this third chapter with all of you. Working alongside the amazing team at Frontiers and my brothers Jona, Kicken, John, and Love has been an absolute honour. If you’re a fan of Art Nation, The Poodles, H.E.A.T., Dynazty, or Europe - this one’s for you."

Watch the Visualizer for "Heaven Tonight"

Swedish-based supergroup CROWNE are back with their highly anticipated third studio album, ‘Wonderland.’ Continuing their musical evolution, the band builds on their signature blend of melodic rock infused with powerful, metal-tinged soundscapes.

 

‘Wonderland’ delivers an unforgettable listening experience filled with epic atmospheres, anthemic choruses, and technical brilliance that showcase the band’s top-tier musicianship.

 

At the helm is Alexander Strandell, renowned for his soaring vocals with Art Nation, Lionville, and Nitrate. His impassioned delivery adds intensity and depth throughout the album. Guitarist Love Magnusson (Dynazty) provides electrifying riffs and solos, while Jona Tee (H.E.A.T) crafts lush keyboard textures that elevate the album’s cinematic feel. Legendary bassist John Leven (Europe) offers a thunderous low end, and drummer Christian Lundqvist (ex-The Poodles) drives each track with precision and force.

 

One of the standout moments on the record is “Warlords Of The North,” a powerful anthem featuring a songwriting contribution from Biff Byford, the iconic frontman of Saxon. This collaboration adds majesty and weight to an already monumental track.

 

With ‘Wonderland,’ CROWNE continues to push the boundaries of melodic heavy rock, delivering a collection of songs that are as emotionally compelling as they are technically impressive. It’s an essential release for fans of melodic metal and arena-ready anthems.

Pre-Order 'Wonderland' HERE

CROWNE are:

Alexander Strandell – Vocals

Love Magnusson – Guitars

Jona Tee – Keyboards

John Leven – Bass

Christian Lundqvist – Drums

Bangalore Choir Release Lyric Video for "Bullet Train" the First Track from New Album RAPID FIRE SUCCESSION: On Target Part II

Bangalore Choir have released the the lyric video for the first single "Bullet Train" off the upcoming new BANGALORE CHOIR album to be released on BraveWords Records in late 2025. The new album is titled RAPID FIRE SUCCESSION: On Target Part II.

Listen to "Bullet Train" below:

David Reece: Vocals

Diego Pires: Lead and Rhythm Guitars

Eric Juris: Lead and Rhythm Guitars

Andy Susemihl: Lead, Rhythm Guitars & Backing Vocals

Mario Percudani: Lead, Rhythm Guitars & Backing Vocals

Riccardo Demarosi: Bass and Backing Vocals

Nello Savinelli: Drums

 

Guest appearances:

Jimmy Waldo: Keyboards

Ferdy Doernberg: Keyboards

 

Engineered by Riccardo Demorossi

Mixed and Mastered by Thomas Mergler @Tom's Soundranch

 

Fans can join the BANGALORE CHOIR email list where they will be kept informed about the new album. Join: https://m.bnds.us/hGGRHB

 

David Reece will be hitting the road later this year supporting Girlschool and his BraveWords Records label mates Alcatrazz. David Reece's Bangalore Choir will deliver a blistering set of hits from both Accept and Bangalore Choir, showcasing one of the most distinctive voices in heavy metal.

This tour is also the debut of his relaunched version of Bangalore Choir

 

Tickets: https://bit.ly/4j42NUm

Omnium Gatherum Release "My Pain" Video From New Album "May The Bridges We Burn Light The Way"

After releasing "The Last Hero," the first song and video from their upcoming album May The Bridges We Burn Light The Way that arrives November 7, Omnium Gatherum are presenting "My Pain." The video was done by their longtime partner Jari Heino for Coldstore Productions.

Watch it below.  

Vocalist Jukka Pelkonen says, "'My Pain' is a story about the toughness one faces when adversary appears. It is about the rising emotions of anger, fear, and apprehension, basically the time fight or flight mode shows its face. It is common among street gangs and soldiers but also between friends, lovers, and amongst family ties. It is a story of conquering these feelings and becoming your own master."

The dedicated road dogs have recently announced more extensive, worldwide touring that starts with a North American tour in November and December that is followed by a European tour in February and March of next year.

OMNIUM GATHERUM ON TOUR:
WITH AETHER REALM + HINAYANA :
11/16 — Boston, MA — Sonia
11/17 — Quebec City, QC — Source de La Martiniere
11/18 — Montreal, QC — Foufounes Electriques
11/19 — Toronto, ON — Lee's Palace
11/20 — Detroit, MI — The Sanctuary
11/21 — Indianapolis, IN — Black Circle
11/22  — Chicago, IL — Reggie's
11/23 — Minneapolis, MN — Skyway Theater (Studio B)
11/24 — Kansas City, MO — Warehouse on Broadway
11/25 — Denver, CO — Marquis Theater
11/26 — Salt Lake City, UT — Metro Music Hall
11/28 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon
11/29 — Vancouver, BC — Rickshaw Theatre
11/30 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theater
12/1 — Sacramento, CA — Goldfield Midtown
12/2 — Los Angeles, CA — 1720
12/3– San Diego, CA — Brick by Brick
12/4 — Mesa, AZ — The Rosetta Room
12/5 — El Paso, TX — Rockhouse Bar & Grill
12/6 — San Antonio, TX — Paper Tiger
12/7 — Dallas, TX — Trees
12/8 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall
12/10 — Orlando, FL — Conduit
12/11 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade
12/12 — Greensboro, NC — Hangar 1819
12/13 — Harrisburg, PA — Capitol City Music Hall
12/14 — New York, NY — Gramercy Theatre

OMNIUM GATHERUM ARE:
Jukka Pelkonen — Vocals
Markus Vanhala — Guitars + Clean Vocals
Aapo Koivisto — Keyboards
Mikko Kivistö — Bass + Clean Vocals
Atte Pesonen — Drums

Wind Walkers Announce New EP 'I Don't Belong Here' Out October 3 via Fearless Records + Drop "Silk & Static" Official Music Video

It's a great day to be a Wind Walkers fan! The band announced their forthcoming EP 'I Don't Belong Here' out on Friday, October 3 via Fearless Records. In celebration of the news, the quintet has dropped their new track "Silk & Static"and the official music video. Amidst glitchy electronics blended with crushing riffs and seamless melodies, the song's central theme is especially relatable to those who have a neurodivergent condition. When asked about the inspiration behind the track, Wind Walkersvocalist Trevor Borg shared:

"Writing "Silk & Static" was like staring into a mirror and unpacking every frustrating thing about myself. It came from a place of not understanding why my mind felt so chaotic all the time and why I kept getting in my own way. After recently being diagnosed with ADHD, the pieces started falling into place, and it shed a different light on the song. It was very eye-opening in the fact that I wasn't alone, and that this kind of internal noise or “static” is something others live with too. At its core, I wrote this song to offer comfort to people who can relate to feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood, while trying to make sense of themselves."

Pre-save 'I Don't Belong Here' at the link here, stream "Silk & Static" here, and watch the official music video below.

Wind Walkers are kicking off their North American run with Our Last Night and Grayscale this evening on The Final Tour, starting in St. Louis, Missouri and wrapping in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 26. Be sure to get your tickets at the link here before they're all gone.

The Final Tour Dates with Our Last Night + Grayscale:

Aug 8 - St. Louis, MO @ The Factory

Aug 9 - Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre

Aug10 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore

Aug 12 - Omaha, NE @ The Admiral

Aug 14 - Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium

Aug 15 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Rockwell at The Complex

Aug 16 - Garden City, ID @ Revolution Concert Hall

Aug 18 - Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theater

Aug 19 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo

Aug 20 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater

Aug 22 - Sacramento, CA @ Channel 24

Aug 23 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues

Aug 24 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren

Aug 25 - Albuquerque, NM @ Revel

Aug 27 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Tower Theatre

Aug 28 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

Aug 29 - Austin, TX @ Emo's

Aug 30 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues

Sep 5 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution Live

Sep 6 - Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live

Sep 7 - Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern

Sep 9 - Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore

Sep 10 - Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore

Sep 11 - Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall

Sep 12 - Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont

Sep 13 - Boston, MA @ Roadrunner

Sep 15 - Quebec City, QC @ Theatre Capitole

Sep 16 - Montreal, QC @ MTELUS

Sep 17 - Toronto, ON @ HISTORY

Sep 19 - Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom

Sep 20 - Cleveland, OH @ The Agora

Sep 21 - Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Hall

Sep 23 - Green Bay, WI @ EPIC Event Center

Sep 24 - Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room @ ONC

Sep 25 - Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's

Sep 26 - Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium

Trevor Borg - Vocals

Timothy Comeau - Guitar

Neil Comeau - Guitar

Craig Martin - Bass

Ethan Cheesman - Drums

Pagan Folk Band FAUN Unveils New Single "Nimue (Featuring Chelsea Wolfe)" + Music Video

The Pagan Folk band FAUN are excited to unveil their new single, "Nimue (Featuring Chelsea Wolfe)," taken from their upcoming album, 'Hex,' due out on September 5th. The new single arrives alongside a music video, available below.

With “Nimue,” FAUN delve deep into the legendary world of King Arthur, telling the tragic tale of Nimue’s love for the sorcerer Merlin. Joined by exceptional American artist Chelsea Wolfe, whose soaring vocals infuse the track with mysticism and ethereal beauty, the band crafts a hymn to magic, marked by striking musical dynamics. “Nimue” leads us down an enchanted path, moving from intimate, narrative verses to explosive passages driven by pounding beats, electric guitars, and cascading hurdy-gurdy flourishes. 

Watch the Music Video for "Nimue (Featuring Chelsea Wolfe)"

After being signed to Universal Music from 2012 to 2019, where they achieved gold and platinum success, FAUN released their first album on their own label, Pagan Folk Records, in April 2022. Titled 'PAGAN,' the album was met with enthusiastic praise from both press and fans, debuting at number three on the German album charts through a partnership with distributor Believe/Soulfood. Looking ahead, the band has announced plans to return to their musical roots with mystical, archaic folk and enchanted ballads on their forthcoming album, 'Hex,' set for release on September 5, 2025.

FAUN’s twelfth studio album 'HEX' explores themes of female magic, pagan myths, and ancient rituals across a variety of cultures. The title draws from the German word "Hexe" (witch) and the Old High German “Hagazussa,” meaning “one who walks between worlds.” The album focuses on pre-Christian legends from the Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Germanic, Norse, and Turkish traditions, featuring stories such as Merlin and Nimue, Viking sacrificial rites (“Blot”), and ancient spells like “Ylfa Spere.”

Blending medieval instruments (hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, lute, harp) with modern beats, synthesizers, and diverse global influences, 'HEX' showcases FAUN’s signature fusion of ancient and contemporary music. Collaborations include Turkish singer Fatma Turgut, Swedish musicians Daniel Pettersson and Daniel Fredriksson, and a darkly atmospheric feature with Chelsea Wolfe.

Pre-Order 'HEX' HERE

FAUN previously announced their World HEX Tour 2025, a journey that will take them across the globe, including stops in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, and the UK. The band will also appear at some of the most prestigious festivals of 2025.

Tickets (and VIP-tickets) are available HERE. 

About FAUN:

FAUN are one of the world's leading bands for the fusion of medieval instruments with modern music and have released eleven studio albums since 2002. Their releases reached top positions in the German album charts (e.g.: ‘Pagan’ & ‘Midgard’ #3). They have also been nominated three times for the Echo, the biggest German music award, and have reached platinum status with their albums ‘Von den Elben’ and gold status with ‘Luna.’ FAUN have played more than 1000 concerts worldwide and excite the audience in cultural and seated venues as well as at music events, including folk and heavy metal festivals. With a variety of virtuously played medieval instruments, polyphonic vocals and archaic beats, FAUN are a live act that inspire thousands of listeners all over the world.

FAUN are:

Oliver Satyr: Vocals, Moraharpa

Laura Fella: Vocals

Adaya: Vocals, Bagpipe

Stephan Groth: Vocals, Hurdy-Gurdy

Niel Mitra: Synthesizer, Sampler, Keyboard, Beats

Alexander Schulz: Drums, Percussion

Mirjam Skal: Orchestration

Power metal titans PRIMAL FEAR are proud to unveil their new studio album, Domination,

Power metal titans PRIMAL FEAR are proud to unveil their new studio album, Domination, set for release on September 5th via Reigning Phoenix Music. This thunderous 13-track opus is a masterclass in sonic warfare: an unrelenting barrage of soaring vocals, earth-shattering riffs, and battle-hardened anthems forged in fire and steel.

The journey begins with "The Hunter", where the blade is drawn and the chase begins. Charged with mythic energy and sky-rending vocals, the track follows a lone warrior through scorched lands and cursed shadows. It’s a thunderous call to arms: epic, relentless, and triumphant, setting the tone for the odyssey ahead.

Hot on its heels is "Destroyer", a track that surges forward like a war machine. Fueled by breakneck double kicks, slashing guitars, and a chorus that cleaves the sky, it channels the chaos of battle into an unstoppable force. Theatrical and unflinching, it embodies the essence of melodic warfare.

But Domination isn’t just steel and fury. It also carries the heart of the hero. "Far Away" shifts the focus inward, a soaring anthem of longing and return. With emotionally charged vocals and blazing riffs, it tells the story of a soul exiled from love, journeying through fire for the promise of reunion.

The emotional heat gives way to raw power with "I Am the Primal Fear", a blazing self-declaration of strength and dominance. Galloping rhythms, serrated guitars, and a chorus like a hammer strike declare this track as the embodiment of the band’s core: untamed, unbreakable, and forged in metal’s purest form.

Emotion and might intertwine in "Tears of Fire", where grief gives rise to vengeance. From symphonic swells to searing guitar leads, the song paints heartbreak not as defeat but as transformation—fuel for divine retribution and mythic rebirth.

That same mythic fire burns through "Heroes and Gods", an anthem of mortal defiance against divine forces. With galloping riffs and soaring choruses, it honors the spirit of those who rise beyond fate and forge glory in the flames of battle. It's a tribute to courage, legacy, and the will to ascend.

At the album’s center lies "Hallucinations", a dynamic instrumental that twists reality into a fever dream. Shredding solos and intricate melodies guide listeners through surreal soundscapes. It’s a sonic descent into madness that bridges the album’s thematic halves with atmospheric might.

Emerging from this dreamlike haze is "Eden", a spiritual odyssey into a shadowed paradise. It evokes the ache of exile and the yearning for rebirth, guiding the listener through darkness and into the light. Heroic and introspective, it’s a call to face the unknown hand in hand with hope.

That hope explodes into raw emotion in "Scream", a defiant outcry set against a backdrop of fire and destruction. “It’s raining fire. Scream. We are going to extremes” becomes both mantra and warcry. This track doesn’t whisper strength; it howls it from the edge of chaos.

"The Dead Don’t Die" carries that fury into the realm of the eternal. Whether marching undead or undying resolve, the song channels an unyielding force that refuses to be silenced. With thunderous riffs and grim grandeur, it’s a hymn to those who rise again and again.

Thrown straight into the heat of conflict, "Crossfire" captures the tension of being caught between clashing powers. Its pounding rhythms and unrelenting pace make it a portrait of struggle, resilience, and survival in the storm of battle.

That storm shapes the journey of "March Boy March", a tale of a young warrior forged by duty and fire. With steady pacing and anthemic force, it tells a coming-of-age story written in steel and sacrifice. It’s a reminder that courage is born with every step forward.

The saga closes on a tender but powerful note with "A Tune I Won’t Forget". A heartfelt ballad steeped in memory and meaning, it celebrates the power of music to leave an everlasting mark on the soul. As the final notes fade, the spirit of Domination lingers: heroic, eternal, and unforgettable.

About PRIMAL FEAR:

Spanning more than 25 years of pure heavy and power metal, PRIMAL FEAR have face numerous challenges since their formation in 1997. Despite these obstacles, the band have repeatedly risen from their lowest points, like a phoenix from the ashes. After a recent line-up change, which saw Thalìa Bellezecca join on guitar and André Hilgers on drums, the group are now in the final stages of completing their upcoming 15th studio album, Domination, which is currently being recorded. "We've entered the studio and we can choose from a pool of about 25 songs! We're absolutely happy!" smiles founding member Mat Sinner (bass, vocals).

Produced by Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers & Magnus Karlsson, the new offering will be mixed and mastered by the group's confident partner Jacob Hansen at his Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark by the end of this year.

Long-time guitarist Magnus Karlsson, who has recently returned to the PRIMAL FEAR live touring crew, is once again a vital part of the creative process as well. He adds: "I can't wait to hit the stage with PRIMAL FEAR again! It's going to be an incredible ride! We're going to create something truly special together, both live and in the studio, and I'm so grateful to share this journey with all you metalheads! Metal is forever!"

The metal titans are determined to outdo themselves once again and to surpass the success of their recent album Code Red, which achieved the highest chart notations in the band's history. Their efforts are progressing exceptionally well. Vocalist Ralf Scheepers states about the current process: "I haven't felt as great in a long time as I did singing some of the new songs!"

But that's not all: behind the scenes, preparations are in full swing, and PRIMAL FEAR fans should mark September 5, 2025 on their calendars. This date not only marks the release of Domination but also the launch of a European tour, starting in Hamburg, Germany, and spanning eight countries to celebrate the album's debut. The tour will be preceded by several festival appearances (more details to be announced soon, so stay tuned!), with their first performance featuring the highly energized new line-up set for Rock in Rautheim next May.

PRIMAL FEAR are:

Ralf Scheepers | vocals
Mat Sinner | bass, vocals
Magnus Karlsson | guitars
Thalìa Bellazecca | guitars
André Hilgers | drums

DIE SPITZ RELEASE "POP PUNK ANTHEM (SORRY FOR THE DELAY)"

Texas four-piece Die Spitz have released "Pop Punk Anthem (Sorry for the Delay", the second single off upcoming debut album, Something to Consume, due Sept 12 via Third Man Records. 

 

The record arrives on standard black vinyl, indie 'opaque green' vinyl, CD, and Cassette. 

DESPISED ICON REVEAL NEW ALBUM SHADOW WORK + RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE 'OVER MY DEAD BODY'

Canadian deathcore pioneers DESPISED ICON return with their seventh full-length album, Shadow Work which will be released on October 31, 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. Their first new music in six years, the album stands as the band's most fine-tuned and dynamic effort to date, balancing relentless speed, crushing grooves, and morbid melodies, while remaining true to their signature blend of extreme death metal and hardcore grit. 

Today, DESPISED ICON release their ferocious new anthem entitled, 'Over My Dead Body' featuring Matt Honeycutt of KUBLAI KHAN TX. The single features eerie atmospherics and a crushing breakdown that confronts fear and doubt with iron resolve—a battle cry of self-belief, pain, and purpose. Watch the music video directed by Didier Charette, below.

DESPISED ICON's Alex Erian comments, "Even though our first jam dates back to the fall of 2000, it wasn’t until 2002 that we started playing shows and putting out music. From day one, Despised Icon has always stuck to a 'if it’s not ready, it’s not ready' mindset with everything we create. Fast forward almost six years since our last album Purgatory, and not much has changed. We’ve taken our time once again, and now we’re finally ready to turn the page and release what we feel is our most fine-tuned and dynamic record to date—staying grounded in the sound and spirit we helped define. We can’t wait to share new music with you all very soon."

Nuclear Blast American Label Manager & A&R Tommy Jones comments, “The wait was well worth it! This is a fantastic album and I cannot wait for the world to hear it in it’s entirety. Great things come out of the shadows.”

Pre-order/pre-save Shadow Work: 
https://despisedicon.bfan.link/shadow-work

Stream 'Over My Dead Body' featuring Matt Honeycutt of KUBLAI KHAN TX:
https://despisedicon.bfan.link/over-my-dead-body

Shadow Work is now available for pre-order in the following formats:

  • CD Jewelcase

  • Gold & Black Corona Vinyl

Shadow Work was produced by the band’s own Alex Erian and Eric Jarrin, while Christian Donaldson (CRYPTOPSY, SHADOW OF INTENT, SIGNS OF THE SWARM) handled mixing and mastering. The album marks a significant chapter for a band whose core lineup has remained largely unchanged since its inception. It’s a deeply introspective record that reflects both personal growth and the turbulence of the world around us. The artwork for the album was created by Eliran Kantor (HATEBREED, THY ART IS MURDER, CAVALERA).

Earlier this week, DESPISED ICON announced they would join headliner's SANGUISUGABOGG on their U.S. tour. Joining the package as support are DEFEATED SANITY, and CORPSE PILE. Prior to the 22-date trek, the band will make appearances at Festival de Musique Emergente and the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. The run will conclude with 2 headliner hometown shows on December 6th (sold out) and 7th at Club Soda.
 

08.31  Rouyn-Noranda, QC @ Festival de Musique Emergente ^
09.20  Worcester, MA @ New England Metal and Hardcore Festival ^
11.04  Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
11.05  Chicago, IL @ Metro
11.06  Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe (Old National Centre)
11.07  Lawrence, KS @ The Granada
11.08  Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
11.09  Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey
11.11  Phoenix, AZ @ The Nile Theater
11.12  Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
11.13  Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre
11.14  Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent
11.15  Las Vegas, NV @ Fremont Country Club
11.17  Dallas, TX @ Echo Lounge & Music Hall
11.18  Austin, TX @ Mohawk
11.19  Houston, TX @ White Oak (Downstairs)
11.21  Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
11.22  Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
11.23  Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
11.25  Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre
11.26  Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
11.28  New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
11.29  Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
11.30  Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs
12.06  Montreal, QC @ Club Soda *sold out* ^
12.07  Montreal, QC @ Club Soda *Second show added* ^

^ - DESPISED ICON only

DESPISED ICON's line-up is:
Alex Erian | Vocals
Steve Marois | Vocals
Eric Jarrin | Guitars
Ben Landreville | Guitars
Sébastien Piché | Bass
Alex "Grind" Pelletier | Drums

Fargo Releases "Frontpage Lover (Live)" Visualizer From "Live in '25"

German hard rockers FARGO have  dropped the visualizer for "Frontpage Lover (Live)," the new single from their upcoming live album Live In '25.
 
Founder and bass player Peter Knorn says, "It was a different era when our album Frontpage Lover was released in 1981. Our record company was desperate to give us a new image: Our band logo was ignored and given a 'plain font' to make us more mainstream. While at the same time, and against our will, it was also decided to put a half-naked lady on the cover being hit on her ass by some bloke with a rolled-up newspaper. We were deeply embarrassed. But our music spoke a language all of its own — reason enough for Germany's biggest TV station (ZDF) to present the cover song on their music program Rock Pop. This gave Frontpage Lover a massive push and a completely unique dynamic."

Watch the "Frontpage Lover (Live)" visualizer below.  

Live In '25 will be released on September 12 through Steamhammer/SPV as CD digipak, 2LP version, and digital , and can be pre-ordered here.

The album boasts 65 minutes of concentrated classic rock, capturing the essence of six studio albums to create a new whole.

The material was recorded at concerts in Germany throughout November 2024.

The lineup features bass player Knorn and singer and guitar player Peter Ladwig — two original members — complemented by guitarist Henny Wolter (Nitrogods and formerly Thunderhead) and drummer Nikolas Fritz (ex-Mob Rules). 

 

Knorn says, "This live album is not only an exciting journey through the entire history of Fargo, but also a declaration of love to our fans and the timeless sound of classic rock." It's a "must listen" for anyone who wants to relive the energy and passion of special concert evenings.


Founded in 1973 by "Fargopeter" Knorn, the band was joined three years later by Ladwig and shortly afterwards by guitarist Matthias Jabs. When the latter joined the Scorpions in 1978, Fargo's musical style changed to classic rock. It was a good decision, because this chain of fortunate circumstances meant that the Fargo debut album Wishing Well was released worldwide by the corporate giant EMI just one year later. Three more studio albums followed until 1982, now on EMI's renowned "Harvest" label.

The band toured all over Europe several times, shared stages with the biggest names in rock, touring with AC/DC, Mothers Finest, April Wine, and The Small Faces, among others, and also left their mark on TV (including "Rock Pop," ZDF). Because of their stage show (Knorn's legendary somersault while playing his bass was a sight to see), the biggest European youth magazine BRAVO also devoted two whole pages to the Fargo bassist in January 1981.

After a period of upheaval, Fargo evolved to form hard rock band Victory in 1984 and almost seamlessly continued along the successful career trajectory of its predecessor band. Fargo may have been history, but the band was by no means forgotten.

34 years later, Fargo reformed in 2018 and released their fifth studio album Constellation, followed by Strangers D'Amour in 2021. In 2024, the first four albums were made available again on vinyl and also as a 4-CD slipcase titled The Early Years.

LANIE GARDNER UNVEILS POWERFUL TITLE TRACK "FADED POLAROIDS" FOLLOWING HER GRAND OLE OPRY DEBUT THIS WEEK

Named a 2025 Artist to Watch by the Recording Academy, Lanie Gardner wraps a milestone week with her Grand Ole Opry debut and the release of “Faded Polaroids,” the title track from her upcoming sophomore album, due September 5 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Listen below.

The bold, deeply personal track is fueled by distorted indie-pop and commanding vocals. Gardner flips through snapshots, some crisp, others nicotine-stained and weathered by time, mapping where she’s been and who she’s becoming.

“‘Faded Polaroids’ is the heart of the album,” Gardner shares. “The idea came from going through a box of old photos. How I experience life today is because of those moments,” she explains. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is how important it is to remember. The simple things make you happy, and to understand that, you have to search for yourself.”

Faded Polaroids, produced by Oscar Charles, Jonathan Singleton, Chris Ganoudis, and Don Miggs, expands on the raw honesty of Gardner’s 2024 debut A Songwriter’s Diary. The album offers a sonic scrapbook of self-discovery, family roots, romantic twists, and personal healing. Across 18 tracks, Gardner blends country storytelling with indie-rock grit, small-town pop, and boundary-free emotion, delivering a sound that’s uniquely her own.

Born and raised in the tiny Appalachian town of Burnsville, NC, Gardner grew up in a family of natural musicians, learning to sing from her mother and play guitar from her father. A loner-turned-artist with a gift for turning diary entries into cathartic anthems, she eventually left home for Nashville to chase the Grand Ole Opry dream of her late grandfather, a dream that came full circle with her debut earlier this week.

Following her recent Polaroids EP and breakout debut album, which earned her “2025 Artist to Watch” nods from both the Recording Academy and Amazon Music and Apple Music Country’s “Riser of the Month,” Faded Polaroids finds Gardner stepping fully into her sound. From the soul-cleansing “Takin’ The Slow Ride” and smoldering “Concrete Cowboy” to the nostalgic title track and breezy “Love You Like Appalachia,” the album captures a rising star in her magic hour: honest, unfiltered, and unforgettable.

Gardner will bring Faded Polaroids to life on the road this summer and fall, supporting Gavin Adcock on select stops. Visit laniegardnermusic.com for ticket information.

ABOUT LANIE GARDNER:

Lanie Gardner’s extraordinary journey is a testament to her unmatched talent and unwavering determination, from her roots in the Appalachian Mountains to international stages. A gifted storyteller and songwriter from an early age, she crafted a distinctive blend of classic rock, R&B, and country that quickly set her apart. Her career skyrocketed after her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” went viral, amassing over 100 million views. With her debut self-penned album A Songwriter’s Diary, released in late 2024, Gardner delivered a deeply personal 10-track journey through her creative beginnings. Lanie’s rise includes being named a “2025 Artist to Watch” by the Recording Academy and Amazon Music, and CMT’s Next Women of Country: Class of 2025. From movie soundtracks (Queen of the Ring, Twisters) to touring with the Jonas Brothers, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, and ZZ Ward, she’s on the fast-track to stardom. Recent collaborations include Thomas Rhett (“What Could Go Right”), Warren Zeiders (“Love In Letting Go”) and Dorothy (“Tombstone Town”). This year alone, she made her Stagecoach debut, joined Corey Kent’s Black Bandana Tour, and will hit the road again this summer/fall with Gavin Adcock. She was also recently invited to make her Opry debut, further solidifying her place as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices. Faded Polaroids, her sophomore release dropping on September 5, offers a sonic scrapbook of self-discovery, family roots, romantic twists, and personal healing. Across the album’s 18 tracks, Gardner blends country storytelling with indie-rock grit, small-town pop, and boundary-free emotion.