Rotten Sound Blast the Alarm on "Idealist"

Few grindcore bands have enjoyed the shelf life of Rotten Sound. After outrunning the apocalypse on their last long-player, the Finnish grindcore vets are back with another politically-charged EP. The latest single from Mass Extinction is slightly more optimistic about our future than its initial discharge, but "Idealist" gets its message across with such blunt force, that it's impossible not to heed the band's charge. 

"'Idealist' is a cynical D-beat anthem about our fight for a better future", says the band's vocalist Keijo Niinimaa. "I do believe that better times are ahead, but it feels impossible to find a new level in humanity. The transition seems to take forever. That frustration led me to write the lyrics to this song. Mika's riffs and Sami's grooves open the circle into a mosh pit".        

Listen to "Idealist" Below.
 

Mass Extinction comes out December 12 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order
https://orcd.co/rottensoundmassextinction


Pre-save on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/4GjDqqrZi7TTEjCmvvXq5f?si=maLSpuYJTP-Vqs4RmsTaUA

All of the songs on Mass Extinction mutated out of the same radioactive Petri dish that spawned Rotting Sound's prior LP Apocalypse. But even though it clocks in at a freakishly fast nine minutes, the band's new EP is no half-life mutation. As they recently demonstrated while touring Latin America with Crypta, Baixo Calao and Season of Mist labelmates DVRK, their time-tested blend of D-beat punk and Swedish death metal has only grown more dangerous after two decades. "Idealist" marches at a spirited pace toward a new state of light and glory before Niinimaa's screaming commands launch the song into a downright hostile groove.   

"Wake up!" At this earth-shaking volume, ignore Rotting Sound if you dare.  

Next year, Rotting Sound will return to the grind with a fresh set of European headline dates in support of Mass Extinction. Following this blistering ride with Repulsive Feast and Teething, the band will return to the U.S. for a special set at Maryland Death Fest celebrating their classic albums Murderworks and Exit.      

Rotten Sound know how to get their message across. In just under 10 minutes, Mass Extinction chews through toxic consumerism, labor exploitation and other plagues on society. Lead single “Brave New World” pushes for unity over divisive politicking behind a barrage of blast beats. But while our leaders certainly need to clean up their act, there’s nothing stale about this band’s filthy brand of grindcore. Even the slightly optimistic “Idealist” gives way to a downright hostile groove upon Niinimaa’s screaming command.   

“Wake up!” With so much atomic force, it’s impossible not to heed Rotten Sound’s warning on Mass Extinction.


Recording lineup
Keijo Niinimaa - Vocals
Mika Aalto - Guitars
Sami Latva - Drums
Matti Raappana - Bass, Backing vocals

All music written by Mika Aalto

All lyrics written by Keijo Niinimaa

Producer
Rotten Sound

Recording & Sound Engineer
Janne Saksa

Recording Studio
Sound Supreme for drums and vocals, Nordic Audio Labs for guitar and bass

Mixing
Jesse Gander at Rain City Studios

Mastering
Brad Boatright at Audio Siege

Cover art
Error Design

Photos
Mika Aalto

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

Available formats

Digital Download
CD Digipack
12" Vinyl (Black with B-side etching)
12" Colored Vinyl (Dark Green with B-side etching)
12" Colored Vinyl (Half Copper, Half Black with B-site etching)

Follow Rotten Sound
​​​​​https://music.apple.com/artist/rotten-sound/71466405
http://rottensound.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RottenSoundOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/rottensoundgrind/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4aglyvdJ7ApTfDC6aQ2LFf

Long Distance Calling Share "Hazard" Video From Upcoming Live Album "Live at Lichtburg"

With "Hazard," LONG DISTANCE CALLING release the third single from their upcoming live album Live At Lichtburg, set for release on December 5. Originally featured on the band's acclaimed 2020 album How Do We Want To Live?, the track is one of their most atmospheric and emotionally gripping compositions. It now returns in a powerful live rendition, recorded during the sold-out February 2024 show at the Lichtburg in Essen — a historic cinema where more than 1,200 fans shared an unforgettable evening with the band.

Following the singles "Kamilah" and "Out There," "Hazard" once again highlights the unique energy of this performance: intense, tension-filled, and driven by the distinctive textures that define the song. In its live version, the track gains additional organic force — a blend of precise musicianship, pulsating grooves, and the unmistakable cinematic sound LONG DISTANCE CALLING are known for.

The accompanying live video captures the special atmosphere of the night: the monumental stage of the Lichtburg, the close connection between band and audience, and the dynamic presence of a song that feels even more immersive live than on the studio recording.

Watch the "Hazard" video below.

Listen to "Hazard" here. 

Live At Lichtburg not only documents the biggest headline concert in LONG DISTANCE CALLING’s career so far, but also marks a new artistic chapter. With reimagined arrangements, orchestral textures, and a commanding live presence, the album captures why the band remains one of Europe’s most compelling forces in progressive and instrumental rock.

The album will be released via earMUSIC on December 5th, 2025, in multiple formats: 2LP Gatefold Heavyweight 180g + Blu-ray and CD + Blu-ray Digipak, combining the full audio and visual experience of this unforgettable night.

PRE-ORDER THE NEW ALBUM HERE.

ALL IRELAND METAL PROJECT To Release 'Aiséirí' And Ozzy Osbourne Tribute

THE ALL IRELAND METAL PROJECT was founded in 2021 to bring together musicians from across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Now, in 2025, the project has been revived to deliver its official conclusion in the form of the Aiséirí Documentary, edited by CosmoPalace, and set to release on December 6th, 2025. In addition, on December 3rd, 2025, Ozzy Osbourne's birthday, A Tribute to Ozzy will be unleashed raising funds for Parkinson’s Ireland.

THE ALL IRELAND METAL PROJECT is one of the most ambitious collaborative efforts in the history of Irish heavy music. Founded in 2021 by Irish musicians Darragh O’Connor(Horrenda/Outis) and Shannon Bowman(Studio 23/Outis), the initiative was created during the COVID era to unite metal artists across all four provinces. More than 140 musicians have participated across multiple releases under the title Aiséirí, meaning "Resurrection" in Irish. The project was built to revive the Irish metal community following the pandemic, promote cross-genre collaboration, and raise funds for meaningful causes. Previous releases supported Barnardos Ireland and Women’s Aid, and the final charity focus is Parkinson’s Ireland.

The upcoming tribute is the final musical release of the project, celebrating the influence of Ozzy Osbourne while also highlighting the strength and unity of the Irish metal scene. The documentary that follows on December 6th will showcase the recording process, participating bands and studios, and the community effort that sustained the project for more than four years.

About The All Ireland Metal Project:
Launched post-COVID in 2021 as a charitable collaboration, it was inspired by Roadrunner United: The All-Star Sessions (2005). The nationwide collaboration has brought together over 140 musicians and artists from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with 100% of profits from all releases donated to charity. This same year saw the arrival of the first release Aiséirí: Volume I and Aiséirí: Volume II. The third offering Aiséirí: Volume III was released in 2022. Bands involved in the project include, HORRENDA, ABORTED EARTH, RESTIVE NATION, ZHORA, TWO TALES OF WOE, WORDS THAT BURN, WAR OF ATTRITION, and dozens more across Ireland’s metal scene.

Volumes Share Video for "Bad Habit" Ahead of "Mirror Touch" Release

15 years into their career, Volumes have weathered ups, downs, time, trends, and everything else life could throw at them only to come out stronger on the other side. Against all odds, a devout audience has ridden shotgun and grown with them every step of the way, waiting for this moment.

The Los Angeles quartet — Michael Barr [vocals], Raad Soudani [bass], Myke Terry [vocals], and Nick Ursich [drums] —recently announced their fifth album, titled Mirror Touch. It will be released digitally on December 12 via longtime label Fearless Records. The physical album will arrive on February 27 of next year. Pre-order it here. 

Volumes have shared the video for "Bad Habit."

Watch it Below.

Here, Volumes ake a stunning sonic left turn. While the track has the guitar girth and grit that is familiar to loyal Volumes fans, the band leans into its melodic sensibilities and synths, trading its usual heavy dose of screams for fully clean verses and choruses. The result is a gorgeous and unexpected alt metal song that will turn heads  — both new and old.

"'Bad Habit' is a song about identifying that habits that are deemed bad for you or unhealthy are sometimes the only thing getting you through life," shares Barr. "Is there a balance that can be achieved? Typically, no."

Through a decade-and-a-half, Volumes' quiet impact has been felt, with over 167 million streams in the U.S. alone, widespread acclaim, and sold-out shows. They've carved out their own corner of heavy music with an inimitable hybrid of head-crushing polyrhythmic prog-spiked metal, hardcore spirit, and unbridled attitude. They have assuredly leveled up over the course of albums such as Via [2011], No Sleep [2014], Different Animals [2017], and Happier? [2021]. KERRANG! hailed the latter as "an album that gives a nod to the band's past while still bringing in new ideas." Meanwhile, the group shared stages on tour with everyone from Ice Nine Kills and Born of Osiris to Dance Gavin Dance and Counterparts. The Los Angeles group continues to fortify a full-on sensory assault with thick riffing, chilling soundscapes, and the venomous bite of its incomparable two-headed vocal hydra.

ROB ZOMBIE USHERS IN 'HEATHEN DAYS' ON NEW SINGLE OUT NOW!

Rock/metal icon ROB ZOMBIE has revealed the latest single, ‘Heathen Days,’ from his highly-anticipated upcoming album, The Great Satan, due out February 27th from Nuclear Blast Records.

Accompanied by a video directed by Zombie, ‘Heathen Days’ is a callback to his earlier sound of furious, groove laden guitar riffs as he lyrically invokes the ungodly days when chaos and war were constantly at your back.

Stream ‘Heathen Days’: https://robzombie.bfan.link/heathen-days

Pre-Order The Great Satan: https://robzombie.bfan.link/the-great-satan

‘HEATHEN DAYS’ MUSIC VIDEO BELOW

Following the success of his Top 10 charting record The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy(2021), Zombie is back with his 8th album, The Great Satan, revisiting his early Hellbilly roots for a slaughterhouse of anthemic punk infused heavy rock/metal.

The Great Satan is available now for pre-order in a variety of formats including a limited box set and accompanying apparel at https://robzombie.bfan.link/the-great-satan.

‘PUNKS AND DEMONS’ MUSIC VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/J0mfcGLaPqI

About ROB ZOMBIE:

As a rock icon and filmmaker with a unique vision, Rob Zombie has continuously challenged audiences as he stretches the boundaries of both music and film. He has sold more than fifteen million albums worldwide, and is the only artist to experience unprecedented success in both music and film as the writer/director of nine feature films including “HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES,” “THE DEVIL’S REJECTS,” “THE MUNSTERS” and the number one smash “HALLOWEEN.”

After four years, Rob Zombie is back with new music as he announces his latest record, THE GREAT SATAN, out on Nuclear Blast in 2026. The new music brings Zombie back to his Hellbilly roots with frenetic cuts such as ‘Punks And Demons,’ ‘Heathen Days,’ ‘(I’m a) Rock ‘N’ Roller’ and ‘Tarantula.’

Rob Zombie has achieved great success in the music industry, first as a member of the multi-platinum band White Zombie and later as a solo artist with even greater results collecting numerous multi-platinum and gold albums along the way including Hellbilly Deluxe, The Sinister Urge and Educated Horses. Rob Zombie’s most recent record, The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy (2021), debuted at #9 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, making it his 7th consecutive solo album to debut in the top 10.

Follow ROB ZOMBIE:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | X | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music

KARLY HARTZMAN AND MJ LENDERMAN LIVE AT THIRD MAN RECORDS OUT NOVEMBER 28th

Third Man Records is excited to announce “Karly Hartzman and MJ Lenderman – Live at Third Man Records”, a previously unreleased collection recorded direct-to-acetate during the duo’s 2024 performance at the Blue Room In Nashville, TN.

 

Limited to just 2,000 copies worldwide, the 12-song LP will be available on standard opaque blue vinyl at Third Man Records storefronts, select indie record stores, and the TMR online store on November 28 Black Friday 2025.

Rap-Metal Pioneers CLAWFINGER unleash new Video Single “Big Brother” ahead of long-awaited Comeback Album "Before We All Die"!

Swedish-Norwegian rap-metal trailblazers CLAWFINGER are back with another explosive taste of their long-awaited comeback album Before We All Die, their first studio offering in 18 long years! The new single "Big Brother" arrives with a razor-edged video clip and all the pent-up fury you’d expect from a band that helped define the crossover sound of the ’90s.
 
The first album appetizer "Scum" (listen here) followed by "Ball & Chain" (stream here) have already racked up thousands of plays and reactions across digital platforms, hitting with the force of a small online detonation and proving that CLAWFINGER’s return is striking a nerve and Zeitgeist. Even with a recent live performance of their hit 'Biggest & Best' going viral on Instagram, or Zak performing 'The Truth' in a hilarious karaoke video, CLAWFINGER are being rediscovered by a new generation of metal fans, showing that their music remains as powerful and relevant as ever, nearly two decades after their last album. 

The new track "Big Brother" hits like a steel-toed boot to the chest. Mechanical, grinding riffs, an industrial undercurrent that pulses like a surveillance camera’s hum, and Zak Tell delivering one of his most acerbic vocal performances to date: half-rapped, half-snarled, always unmistakably CLAWFINGER. Sonically, "Big Brother" feels like a bridge between the band’s classic Use Your Brain ferocity and a darker, more claustrophobic modern edge. 

Lyrically, Tell digs deep into the rot of attention-driven culture:
"Big Brother is an idea I wrote back in 2007 but it never turned into a finished song. It’s about how we trade authenticity and privacy for approval. Fake lives lived on camera, zero substance, 15 seconds of fame and nothing good to say. We binge mindless content, go numb, and don’t even question constant surveillance. We’ve learned to love being tracked, controlled, and fed nonsense 24/7, we don't think even think about it. Who the fuck are we?" 

Stream / Download "Big Brother": https://clawfinger.rpm.link/bigbrotherPR
Watch the video Below;

Known for their pioneering fusion of metal, rap, and unflinching social commentary, 2026 will see CLAWFINGER return with their brand new record Before We All Die, that will rekindle the fire which made them one of Europe’s most groundbreaking crossover acts. This hotly-anticipated comeback marks not just a return, but a reinvention, proof that true intensity never fades.
 
Before We All Die arrives February 20, 2026 on PERCEPTION - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. Pre-save/pre-order the album now at: https://clawfinger.rpm.link/beforewealldiePR

From environmental collapse to political hypocrisy, personal disillusionment to collective denial, Before We All Die is CLAWFINGER at full volume - still pissed off, still sharp as ever, still sprinkled with a touch of self-irony, and still refusing to shut up while the world pretends it’s all fine.

“This album is part protest, part therapy, and part middle finger,” the band says. “We’re not offering solutions. We’re screaming because silence is surrender.”

CLAWFINGER are:
Zak Tell | vocals
Jocke Skog | guitar, keyboards
Bård Torstensen | guitars
André Skaug | bass
Micke Dahlén | drums
 

More on CLAWFINGER:
clawfinger.net | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music

Bullet Release "Keep Rolling" Video

Swedish powerhouse Bullet have released the video for their new single "Keep Rolling" . The song is featured on their upcoming studio album Kickstarter.


 "There was this song idea for the album that had that steady, ongoing, slow and heavy beat to it," the band shares about the song. "It kinda reminded us of 'Rolling Home' that we wrote many years ago, yet with a dark and stormy gloom to it. So, what better choice than to make it the 'Rolling Home 2.0' and make the lyrics tell the story of how the Bullet-bus went from being a wreck at the side of the road into a metal monster with a new engine pounding stronger than ever. The song has a special place in all of us and was one of the most challenging to record. It's a natural second single!"


Watch the "Keep Rolling" video below. 

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

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

More info about Bullet's upcoming live shows here.

Melodic Death Metal CARRION VAEL Unleashes New Single, "19(fucking)78" and Announces Ferocious Fifth Album, "Slay Utterly"

Melodic death metal force of nature CARRION VAEL returns with a vengeance on their fifth album, Slay Utterly, to be released through Unique Leader Records on January 16 2026. Slay Utterly opens with its lead single, "19(fucking)78", which instantly sets the tone for the album's intensity and nuance. Featuring layers of technical guitar parts, slam riffs, and clean vocals, the band leaves no skill in their toolbox unused. Lyrically, the song is set in 1970s California; a particularly violent time in history, given the presence of the Hillside Stranglers. The lyrics contemplate issues of nature versus nurture, as well as an obsession with control by any means possible.

CARRION VAEL's technical prowess may take the spotlight on this album, but they are storytellers at their core. Each song on Slay Utterly explores the story of a different serial killer. The perspective jumps between the killer themselves, and the experiences of the victims. On the whole, the album presents a collection of stories delving into the psyches of famous axe murderers, slashers, and other uniquely violent killers throughout history. 

Though raw and ferocious at their core, the band weaves intricate technical nuances throughout the album. Punchy riffs and rhythms drive the intensity home, while memorable lead guitar lines and powerful vocal performances leave a lasting impact. Lyrically, Slay Utterly goes above and beyond to immerse the listener in CARRION VAEL's fascination for history and true crime.

Watch the video for "19(fucking)78" below:

About CARRION VALE:
In 2017, brutal melodic death metal storytellers CARRION VAEL set out on a mission to understand disturbing events that may baffle the sane. Each album and each song explores an aspect of true crime history, often focusing on the stories of individual serial killers and their victims. Though this conceptual focus underpins CARRION VAEL's songwriting, they seek to fully utilize all of their skills and talents to ensure that each song develops the sound it needs to tell its story. The band released their first album, Resurrection of the Doomed, independently in 2017, then signed with HPGD Records and released their 2020 follow-up, God Killer. Subsequently, the band signed with Unique Leader Records and released Abhorrent Obsessions (2022) and Cannibals Anonymous (2024). 

With their fifth album, Slay Utterly, on the horizon, CARRION VAEL are set to continue this journey into the monstrous side of the human psyche. Vicious, but surprisingly poignant in just the right dose, Slay Utterly presents an anthology of serial killer stories from significant points in history. The album is certain to enthrall fans of horror, history, and true crime with its vivid portrayals of the minds of both murderers and victims. 

CARRION VALE is:
Travis Lawson Purcell - Vocals
Alex Arford - Bass
Trenton Limburg - Guitar
Ryan Kurder - Guitar
Matt Behner - Drums

MØL - share new single & video "Young"

Danish alt-metal visionaries MØL return with 'Young', the second single from their eagerly awaited new album Dreamcrush, due on 30th January 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records. Now available on all streaming platforms, 'Young' follows lead single 'Garland'. 

Where 'Garland' ascended into majestic shoegaze territory, its shimmering guitars and brooding baritone vocals hinting at an impending rupture of blackened force, 'Young' wastes no time. It erupts in classic MØL fashion with searing fury from its very first moments, before plunging listeners into the band's signature haze of glittering guitar lines, towering crescendos and cathartic melodicism that blurs the line between beauty and brutality.

Check out the video for ‘Young’ below:

Listen to 'Young' here: https://moel.bfan.link/young.yde

Pre-order and listen to Dreamcrush here: https://moel.bfan.link/dreamcrush

With their third studio album now just weeks away, MØL continue to push the boundaries of their creative expression. Dreamcrush tempers the band’s sharpest, most jagged edges with soaring alt-rock hooks, delving into the tension between dreams and reality, and the ways aspiration can both sustain and consume us. By steeping even their most aggressive moments in melody, MØL deliver their most explosive and affecting work to date.

Following on from the critically acclaimed Jord (2019) and Diorama (2021), MØL’s latest opus sees their sound continue to evolve as they embrace new horizons - as a band and as individuals. Drawing on influences including My Bloody Valentine, Cocteau Twins and Smashing Pumpkins, the album explores recurring themes of belonging, resilience and finding home within oneself. Dreamcrush arrives with a renewed sense of confidence, acceptance and vigour.

Recording took place over several months in Frederik Uglebjerg’s Aarhus studio, allowing the band to shape the album gradually. Vocalist Kim Song Sternkopf explores his baritone register, delivering lyrics in Danish and English that reflect personal introspection and a revisitation of past events. Guitar solos by Nicolai Busse elevate the emotional journey, while abstract, Emil Nolde-inspired artwork by Daniel Owen at Nemesis Design (Sleep Token, Architects, BFMV, TesseracT) and photography by Rolf Meldgaard visually complement the album’s exploration of dreams, reality and emotional reconciliation.

Fans can experience the album live as MØL embark on a headline tour across Europe and the UK throughout February 2026 with support from Tayne and Cold Night For Alligators, promising shows that translate the album’s intensity into a visceral, unforgettable performance.

Comments vocalist Kim Song Sternkopf, "It feels incredible to bring DREAMCRUSH out into the world, not just through the record, but by stepping back onto stages across Europe and the UK. This will be our second headline run and it honestly feels like a new and thrilling chapter for us in MØL.

"The songs on DREAMCRUSH explore how our hopes and ideals can both lift us up and break us apart. Performing them live will be like tearing up that dream to the crowd, fragile, heavy and luminous all at once. 

"We’ve also been lucky to bring along two incredibly solid acts who embody that same spirit in their own ways: TAYNE, with their raw, industrial noise-pop energy and Cold Night for Alligators, who channel this beautifully intricate and emotional strain of alternative metal from Copenhagen. Together, we plan to bring you dynamic and compelling sets each night across Europe and the UK. We can’t wait to see everyone again!"

Tickets are available here: https://ffm.live/moeldk-tour

MØL are:

Ken Lund Klejs - drums
Holger Rumph Frost - bass
Kim Song Sternkopf - vocals 
Sigurd Kehlet - guitars 
Nicolai Busse - guitars

MØL online: 
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/moeldk

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BktfiUsPL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

X: https://x.com/moeldk?s=11&t=7GbDMk0_-ITDlUkOmBx7_Q

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/moeldk

British Metalcore Act Shields Share New Single "Parasites"

British metalcore band Shields have released their new single "Parasites."

The song is taken from their upcoming studio album Death & Connection, to be released on January 30 via Long Branch Records. 

Stream "Parasites" and pre-order the album here. 

"'Parasites' is about the experience of sinking into depression and the warped internal relationship that develops within that state," comments singer Joe Edwards. "Originally a rock song from a previous project, 'Parasites' was repurposed for our album. As the original track already had dark undertones, it was easy to re-frame it in moody industrial arrangements, allowing for a wide range of dynamic shifts between sections."

The band shares, "Our new album Death & Connection is a body of work born from the absence of the people who no longer hold space in our lives. This record was created from a necessity to express and soothe our deepest losses; however, that was never the intention — we simply set out to make an album we wanted to hear."

Founded in 2012 by primary songwriters Joe Edwards (vocals) and Samuel Kubrick Finney (guitar/vocals), Shields quickly made an impact in the heavy music scene with their viral single "I Just Feel Hate" — a track they re-released in a newly reimagined version in April 2025. Their EP GUILT cemented their refined sound, blending brutal instrumentation with poignant, emotionally driven lyrics. With this release, they demonstrated an aggressive adaptability to the ever-evolving alternative music landscape, winning over fans from across adjacent genres. The momentum of their powerful breakthrough led to tour cycles alongside acts such as Loathe, Ice Nine Kills, and Escape the Fate.

Shields' debut full-length album Life in Exile (2018) received critical acclaim for its raw honesty and musical maturity. However, the album cycle was tragically cut short by the sudden passing of guitarist George Christie — an event that ultimately led to the band's untimely and abrupt disbandment.

Their return marks a bold decision, given the tragic circumstances surrounding their 2018 split. Yet, Shields re-emerge with powerful new tracks, inviting audiences to witness the next evolution of their sound - matured, refined, and fearless. This new chapter is supported by a fortified lineup, featuring founding members Edwards andl Kubrick Finney, now joined by Alastair Wain (drums) and Krishan Pujara (bass).

If Shields' discography is any indication of what lies ahead, audiences can expect a torrent of unrelentingly bold strides into new sonic territories.

SHIELDS ARE:
Joe Edwards — Vocals
Samuel Kubrick Finney — Guitar + Vocals
Alastair Wain — Drums
Krishan Pujara — Bass

VESSELES Reveal New Single "Perpetual Chasm of Black Mirrors"

Symphonic black metal project VESSELES has released their new song "Perpetual Chasm of Black Mirrors". The song is from their upcoming release Home, which will be released on January 16, 2026. "Perpetual Chasm of Black Mirrors" highlights the deepening mental decay as Valira sinks deeper into her own internal torment. 

Listen BELOW:

Pre-order Home: https://vesseles.myshopify.com/

About VESSELES:
Founded in 2023, VESSELES is the sonic vessel through which Valira speaks the language of her origins. As composer, orchestrator, and architect, she crafts bleak, incantatory soundscapes that fuse serrated guitars with haunted symphonic textures. Her voice, at once seething and spectral, now rises with increasing clarity, layered across both backing and lead roles in studio and on stage. This is not performance. It is possession. Through sound, she casts off the human shell and steps fully into her true form: demon, exile, survivor. VESSELES unveiled the debut EP I Am A Demon in 2024, a liturgy of identity dysphoria, rage, and revelation. "Eternally Within Us" follows the recently released 2025 single, "Flesh Throne".

Credits:
Composed by Valira Pietrangelo.
Performed by VESSELES. 

VESSELES Is:
Valira Pietrangelo - guitar and backing vocals
J Burial (Joel Ferry) - vocals
Ron Graves - bass
Nick Brown - drums

Links: 
Bandcamp: https://vesseles.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vesseles/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Vesseles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vesseles666/
Music and merch: https://linktr.ee/vesseles

ALL THE DAMN VAMPIRES Turn Benny Mardones' "Into The Night" Into A Gothic Midnight Tragedy

Los Angeles-based synthwave-meets-alternative-metal pioneers All The Damn Vampires drop their haunting reimagination of Benny Mardones' 1980 ballad "Into The Night" today, transforming the classic into a gothic midnight tragedy. The track arrives as the second single from the trio's highly anticipated debut album VICECORE, set for release February 4th, 2026. Fans can stream "Into The Night" HERE, watch the lyric video Below, and pre-orderVICECORE on vinyl HERE.

Founded, produced, mixed, and mastered by multi-instrumentalist Davey Oberlin - a longtime touring member of Korn who's also played in Winds of Plague and been a touring guitarist for Five Finger Death Punch - All The Damn Vampires builds on the original's tender vulnerability transmuting it into something altogether more sinister. Where Mardones delivered romantic yearning, Oberlin and powerhouse vocalist Ryan Rose conjure something darker: a fever dream of doomed love, violent transformation, and supernatural obsession.

"Our reimagining of 'Into The Night' takes the classic Benny Mardones ballad into darker, more goth metal-inspired territory," Oberlin explains. "A midnight race through the hills, a tragic crash, and a love that refuses to die.

One saved by fire. One saved by blood. Both forever changed."

The accompanying lyric video, created by Oberlin, features visuals inspired by classic choose-your-own-adventure books and offers cryptic glimpses into the song's reimagined narrative. Rather than spelling out the story, the video presents fragments of fever dream imagery that lets listeners connect the pieces and imagine their own ending. It's storytelling as much as sound design, inviting audiences into a world where love, death and immortality intertwine.

This mysterious story imagined by Oberlin, is the cinematic heartbeat of VICECORE, an album designed to evoke golden hour drives with the top down along the Pacific Coast Highway whilst ruminating on heartbreak and revenge. Recorded over 18 months, the album weaves completely reimagined covers of classic tracks (including Whitesnake's "Is This Love," Phil Collins' "In The Air Tonight," and Cutting Crew's "(I Just) Died In Your Arms") with original songs, blurring the line between the two. The album features contributions from synthwave producer Sunglasses Kid on the title track, vocals from Jack Underkofler of Dead Poets Society on "Falling Into Darkness" plus guitar solos from virtuosos Andy James and Miles Dimitri Baker, who also rounds out the live lineup. The aesthetic draws from Miami Vice, hardcore merch culture, and Los Angeles gang imagery, filtered through Oberlin's deep love of film soundtracks ranging from The Goonies to John Carpenter's catalog, and a childhood spent obsessing over Type O Negative, Korn, and Alice in Chains.

All The Damn Vampires has already carved out a lane at the intersection of heavy music and visual media. The project's music has appeared in cult horror film Terrifier 2, while Oberlin's collaboration with Avenged Sevenfold on a reimagined version of "Ordinary", which he produced and co-wrote, debuted via a secret Fortnite puzzle, introducing the project to an entirely unexpected audience. With over 12.1 million cross-platform streams and 2.11 million YouTube views to date, All The Damn Vampires continues to build a world where retro can be cinematic, crushing, and heavy.

ABOUT ALL THE DAMN VAMPIRES

All The Damn Vampires is more than a music project. It’s a cinematic world crafted by musician and producer Davey Oberlin. Built on a foundation of synthwave, goth metal, and cinematic sound design, the project evokes neon‑drenched cityscapes, emotional storytelling, and an unapologetic embrace of retro‑futuristic aesthetics.

Oberlin’s musical pedigree adds depth to the project. Having performed and toured with legendary acts like Korn, Five Finger Death Punch, and Winds of Plague, he brings a unique perspective that fuses heavy music sensibilities with lush, melodic synth textures. This balance of grit and atmosphere has become a hallmark of All The Damn Vampires.

The project’s reach has extended into visual media, with its music featured in films such as the cult‑favorite Terrifier 2, connecting the sound of All The Damn Vampires with horror and synthwave subcultures worldwide.

Further elevating the project, Oberlin collaborated with Avenged Sevenfold on a reimagined version of their song “Ordinary.” Serving as both producer and co‑writer, he infused their track with his distinctive sonic vision, melding synth‑pop vibrancy with the band’s powerful rock identity.

Whether crafting immersive soundscapes or collaborating with some of the biggest names in modern music, All The Damn Vampires continues to push boundaries. Delivering beautifully evocative music that’s as cinematic as it is unique and unforgettable.

NYC's LAPTOP unpacks '90s Fame & Failure on "Indie Hero" with epic video

Laptop, the cult NYC project led by Jesse Hartman (formerly with Island Records), continues their cinematic synth pop revival with “Indie Hero”, a wry and wistful love song to the myth of late 20th century cool, but also a hate song about hero worship gone hideously wrong. Anchored by Laptop’s signature mix of cinematic synths, dry wit, and bittersweet reflection, this track opens a new chapter for Hartman, now joined by his son Charlie as co-frontman in this multi-generational pop experiment, with equal parts satire and sincerity. The single previews their forthcoming album "On This Planet", slated for release in Spring 2026 via Hurricane Cove Records.

The details? Hartman isn’t at liberty to say. Well, maybe just a little: As a teenage guitarist, Hartman once toured overseas with one of his idols, watching the myth of cool dissolve in real time. "Indie Hero" captures the moment (during a fateful night in a Tokyo restaurant), when youthful ambition collided with middle-aged madness. The Hartmans sing: “I’ll dive across a table for you, my indie hero, I’m feeling so unstable for you, my indie hero” - half romantic, half tragic, all reckless. Together they go on a dangerous, adolescent journey, both literally and symbolically, repeating in the outro: “I want to go to Japan again.”  “Indie Hero” ultimately reflects on fame, failure, and the pursuit of artistic immortality.

Hartman shares, “This is a love letter to the ghosts of the ’90s and their obsession with the ghosts of the late ’70s. All the beautiful people who never quite went the distance. Including me. It’s about idol worship, but also about outgrowing it."


The video, directed by Jesse Hartman, reimagines that journey as a Japanese comic-book fever dream: a young musician chasing his dreams and heroes across neon cities and sake bars, only to discover that the real revelation isn’t fame—it’s self-discovery (and maybe a little heartbreak).

“When I was starting out in the ’90s, I met a lot of my punk and new wave heroes in New York’s East Village. They weren’t always as cool as I thought they’d be. It taught me that sometimes it’s best not to meet your heroes, and better to just become your own," Hartman recalls. “I think the video sketches that coming of age picture in comic-al way”.

Written years ago by Hartman and longtime musical collaborator Luke Wood (from Hartman’s first band Sammy), and recorded this past year between New York, Nevis and Valencia, “Indie Hero” layers drums and machines, horns and synths, shimmering guitars and the Hartmans’ sly vocals into something both nostalgic and immediate, like hearing your favorite 2001 record on a futuristic radio.

Laptop emerged in the early 2000s with three cult classic albums on Island Records, earning praise from NME and The Guardian, who dubbed Hartman the master of “insincere sincerity.” Having got his start as a teenage Voidoid with Richard Hell, Hartman then co-founded the indie rock band Sammy (with Luke Wood, later President of Beats by Dre), releasing albums via Fire Records and Geffen Records.


Since reviving the band, Laptop has released the surreal trilogy "Additional Animals", "I Don't Know", and “Weirder”, mixed by Grammy award-winning producer Mario McNulty (David Bowie, Prince, Nine Inch Nails, Julian Lennon), collectively drawing millions of views and reintroducing Laptop’s postmodern humor to a new generation.

Laptop has recently staged an epic return to live performance with a 14-piece band at New York's Sony Hall (their first hometown show in two decades) opening for UK legends Cast, and a headliner show at London's Waiting Room. These Stop Making Sense–like spectacles underscore the scale and ambition of Laptop’s reboot.

As of November 19, “Indie Hero” is available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full album "On This Planet" will be released in Spring 2026.

CREDITS

Written by Jesse Hartman and Luke Wood (BMI) 

Published by Exurbia Music, Inc. 

Released by Hurricane Cove Records

Jesse Hartman – vocals, guitars, keyboards, synths, piano, bass, percussion

Charlie Hartman – vocals

Lulu Hartman – vocals
Anna Heddad – vocals

Geddys “Ch4se” Ferguson – vocals
Arthur Lewis – keys, piano, vocals

Mike Desmarais – drums

Lluisen Capafons – drums, congas, additional percussion
Dima Faustov – Saxophone
Lev Borovskiy – trumpet and trombone

Santo Fazio – Harmonica
Oliver Freiberg – drum programming

Produced by Jesse Hartman

Recorded by Iñaki Ariste Aznar (Valencia), Edward Douglas (NYC), Jesse Hartman (NYC/Nevis)
Mixed by Jesse Hartman, Ray Aldaco, Edward Douglas (final mix by Jesse Hartman & Edward Douglas)

Mastered by Dave Trumfio

Recorded in Valencia, Spain. Additional sessions in Nevis. Final overdubs & edits in NYC
Video concept, direction, cinematography & editing by Jesse Hartman

Featuring Charlie Hartman, Jesse Hartman & the Laptop band: Santo Fazio, Flynn Mulcahy, Fergus Segrove, Aviv Tal, Odetta Hartman, Camellia Hartman, Denise Gordon, Alex Friedman, Richard Baskin, Brandon Volel & Sam Rowley
Shot at Tall Tree Court and Sony Hall (at a live Laptop show September 3, 2025)

Cover artwork by Jesse Hartman & Scott Ratner
Artist photos by Thomas Krause
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Eric Church Performed "Bleed On Paper" on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Ahead of Friday's Live Track Release

Eric Church closed out the 2025 leg of his critically acclaimed Free The Machine Tour this past weekend in Los Angeles, delivering the kind of boundary-pushing live spectacle fans have come to expect from the 11-time GRAMMY nominee – including a nod this year for Best Contemporary Country Album with his latest, Evangeline vs. The Machine. The finale, packed with deep cuts, fan favorites, and the tour’s signature immersive production, brought an exclamation point to a year of sold-out arena stops that drew raves from critics and fans alike.
 
The Inglewood show capped a run that saw Church redefine what a modern arena tour can be – from unpredictable audibles, like bringing longtime vocal partner Joanna Cotten out for a surprise “Drowning Man” setlist addition late in the show or adding a trombone solo from Roy Agee before “Knives of New Orleans,” to the cinematic production that tells the visual story of Evangeline vs. The Machine from start to finish as Church brings the songs to life. Whether backed by 24 orchestral musicians, the original Eric Church Band, or standing alone with just his guitar, Free The Machine spotlights Church at his most daring. And with 24 newly added-dates on sale now via EricChurch.com, fans won’t have to wait long for more: Free The Machine resumes in January.
 
The new year also brings a unique offering from the man Rolling Stone celebrates for creating “a record that is both dazzling and challenging, and creates a listening experience that upends the idea of what country music is,” as Evangeline vs. The Machine: Comes Alive releases exclusively in IMAX theaters across the U.S. and Canada for limited showings on Wednesday, Feb. 11 & Saturday, Feb. 14. A full list of locations is available via IMAX.com/EricChurch along with tickets to the limited engagement on sale now.
 
Filmed across two nights at The Pinnacle in Nashville, Tenn., the concert film is also complimented by a 19-track live album, Evangeline vs. The Machine: Comes Alive (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) arriving Friday, Feb. 13 and available for pre-order / pre-save HERE. In addition to preview tracks “Desperate Man (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)” available HERE and “Knives Of New Orleans (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)” available HERE, “Bleed On Paper (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)” arrives this Friday, Nov. 21. Pre-order / pre-save HERE.
 
Church joined ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” last night (Nov. 17) to preview the track, joined onstage by all 24 musicians from both the Free The Machine Tour and the live recording. Watch Below.
 
For more information on all to come, visit EricChurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter/X @ericchurch and on Instagram @ericchurchmusic.

2026 Free the Machine Tour Markets, Venues and Special Guests:
Jan. 22  ||  Washington, D.C.  ||  The Anthem  ||  Caylee Hammack
Jan. 23  ||  Washington, D.C.  ||  The Anthem  ||  Caylee Hammack
Feb. 5  ||  Omaha, Neb.  ||  CHI Health Center  ||  Ella Langley
Feb. 6  ||  Sioux Falls, S.D.  ||  Denny Sanford PREMIER Center  ||  Ella Langley
Feb. 7  ||  St. Paul, Minn.  ||  Grand Casino Arena  ||  Ella Langley
Feb. 12  ||  Toronto, Ont.  ||  Scotiabank Arena  ||  Ella Langley
Feb. 13  ||  Buffalo, N.Y.  ||  KeyBank Center  ||  Ella Langley
Feb. 14  ||  Albany, N.Y.  ||  MVP Arena  ||  Ella Langley
Feb. 19  ||  North Little Rock, Ark.  ||  Simmons Bank Arena  ||  49 Winchester
Feb. 20  ||  Kansas City, Mo.  ||  T-Mobile Center  ||  49 Winchester
Feb. 21  ||  St. Louis, Mo.  ||  Enterprise Center  ||  49 Winchester
Feb. 26  ||  Tulsa, Okla.  ||  BOK Center  ||  Stephen Wilson Jr.
Feb. 27  ||  Fort Worth, Texas  ||  Dickies Arena  ||  Stephen Wilson Jr.
Feb. 28  ||  Austin, Texas  ||  Moody Center  ||  Stephen Wilson Jr.
Mar. 5  ||  Knoxville, Tenn.  ||  Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center  ||  49 Winchester
Mar. 6  ||  Greensboro, N.C.  ||  First Horizon Coliseum  ||  49 Winchester
Mar. 7  ||  North Charleston, S.C.  ||  North Charleston Coliseum  ||  49 Winchester
Mar. 19  ||  Birmingham, Ala.  ||  Legacy Arena at the BJCC  ||  49 Winchester
Mar. 20  ||  Atlanta, Ga.  ||  State Farm Arena  ||  49 Winchester
Mar. 27  ||  Hollywood, Fla.  ||  Hard Rock Live  ||  Kashus Culpepper
Apr. 3  ||  Greenville, S.C.  ||  Bon Secours Wellness Arena  ||  Ashley McBryde
Apr. 4  ||  Charlotte, N.C.  ||  Spectrum Center  ||  Ashley McBryde
Apr. 10  ||  Jacksonville, Fla.  ||  VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena  ||  Ashley McBryde
Apr. 11  ||  Tampa, Fla.  ||  Benchmark International Arena  ||  Ashley McBryde

About Eric Church
A seven-time ACM Award winner, four-time CMA Award winner (including 2020’s Entertainer of the Year, TIME100 Philanthropy 2025 honoree and 11-time GRAMMY nominee – including four nods for Best Country Album, Eric Church has built a passionate fan base through his critically acclaimed catalog of music. Church’s October 2024 release, “Darkest Hour,” saw the superstar signing over all of his publishing royalties to the people of North Carolina to provide immediate relief following the devastation of Hurricane Helene while also providing ongoing funds to support a more resilient future for his home state. The song is featured alongside current single “Hands Of Time” on his latest album, Evangeline vs. The Machine, marking his first new music since 2021’s Heart & Soul triple album (“Stick That In Your Country Song,” “Hell Of A View”). That project followed prior releases including RIAA Gold-certified Desperate Man (“Some Of It,” “Desperate Man”), Platinum-certified Sinners Like Me (“How ’Bout You,” “Guys Like Me”), Carolina (“Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Love Your Love the Most”) and Mr. Misunderstood (“Record Year,” “Round Here Buzz”), Double-Platinum certified The Outsiders (“Like a Wrecking Ball,” “Talladega”) and 4x Platinum-certified Chief (“Springsteen,” “Drink In My Hand”), as well as 32 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certified songs. Church is also a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, a co-owner of the iconic Field & Stream brand, and has his own SiriusXM music channel, “Eric Church Outsiders Radio,” his own liquor offering, Whiskey JYPSI, and his six-story venue on Nashville’s famed lower Broadway, Chief’s. For more information, visit EricChurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter/X @ericchurch and on Instagram @ericchurchmusic.

ATAVISTIA Unleash New Single “Through The Hollow Raven’s Eyes (Reforged)” from The Winter Way (Reforged)

Symphonic melodic death metal band ATAVISTIA return with renewed ferocity on their upcoming single “Through The Hollow Raven’s Eyes (Reforged),” set for release on November 14, 2025 via Blood Blast Distribution. The track serves as the second offering from their completely reimagined and re-recorded album The Winter Way (Reforged), arriving December 12, 2025.

Originally released in 2020, The Winter Way marked a defining moment for ATAVISTIA’s ambitious fusion of extreme metal and orchestral soundscapes. However, founder Mattias Sippola admits the band was never satisfied with its production or execution, saying, “It was simply not even close enough to being ready. From fat trimming, performance during the recording stage, and the overall production, it just wasn’t there.” After the original release, the album became a forgotten and dark chapter until the idea of reforging it brought it new life.

While working on a brand new album, unforeseen delays left a void in ATAVISTIA’s creative path. During this pause, Sippola decided to completely reconstruct The Winter Way from the ground up. This new version is not a remix or remaster but an entirely new recording, featuring reworked arrangements, modern production, and rewritten orchestral and atmospheric elements. Some of the original drum and bass recordings remain but have been refined for tighter performance. The addition of Spencer Budworth’s powerful growls brings an entirely new energy to the mix, elevating the album to new heights.

“Through The Hollow Raven’s Eyes (Reforged)” stands as the fastest and most complex composition on the record. Trimmed and refined to sharpen its impact, the song features adjusted vocal melodies and lyrics that better match the pacing and atmosphere of the updated arrangement. The result is a dynamic and emotionally charged piece that captures ATAVISTIA’s evolution as both musicians and producers.

The Winter Way (Reforged) showcases ATAVISTIA’s ability to merge cinematic orchestrations with ferocious metal intensity. It was produced, mixed, and mastered by Matthew Richard Sippola at Atavistic Studios with engineering support from Maximilian Sepulveda. The recording lineup includes Mattias Sippola on vocals, guitars, orchestrations, and production, Max Sepulveda on drums, Spencer Budworth on backing vocals, and D’wayne Murray on bass. The album artwork was created by Simo Häsänen.

ATAVISTIA lineup:

Mattias Sippola - Guitar, Vocals, Composition, Production
Max Sepulveda - Drums, Engineering
Elia Baghbaniyan - Guitar
Spencer Budworth - Bass, Vocals
 

About ATAVISTIA:

Formed in 2017 in Vancouver, Canada, ATAVISTIA takes their fans on a spellbinding journey though vast sonic landscapes of snow covered forests, desolate tundras, and permafrost-laden landscapes. Fans of WINTERSUN, ENSIFERUM, DIMMU BORGIR, and XANTHOCHROID will be enthralled by the elements of melodic death metal, black metal, and Scandinavian folk that is intricately woven together throughout their diverse soundscape.

Taking inspiration from the majestic natural landscapes of their homeland, earthly seasons, and ancient Norse culture, ATAVISTIA’s grandiose sound matches these lyrical themes in an impressive symphony of destruction. Their debut EP, One With The Sun (2017) introduced their unique blend of beauty and ferocity, which they followed up with a stormy full-length in 2020 through The Winter Way. The next two releases, the full-length Cosmic Warfare (2023) and the EP Inane Duncam (2024), saw the band spreading their wings and exploring a wider variety of influences. Through it all, ATAVISTIA balances graceful melodies with a brutal rhythmic cacophony, swirling elegance and fury together like a ferocious northern blizzard.

On stage, ATAVISTIA is a force of nature, like waves crashing against a rocky shore. Their music washes over audiences worldwide, leaving them gasping for more long after the last note has faded. They have toured Europe twice alongside notable acts such as SKÁLMÖLD, METSATÖLL, and SEVEN SPIRES, and have opened locally for MOONSPELL, ELEINE, and OCEANS OF SLUMBER. ATAVISTIA has firmly established its presence in a niche among a wide swath of metal genres.

Are you ready to lose yourself in the juxtaposition of lush and arid, the dichotomy of hope and despair, and welcome the inevitable and beautiful end?

CLOCKTOWERS Unleash Explosive New Single "Spirit Junkie," A Soul-Baring Anthem of Pain, Power, and Redemption

Rising modern rock outfit CLOCKTOWERS have released their new single “Spirit Junkie,” from their forthcoming album Genesis, alongside a striking new music video. 

Blending the aggressive edge of modern metal with the soul and grit of 1970s rock, CLOCKTOWERS continue to define their sound as one of the most dynamic forces in today’s rock scene.

“Spirit Junkie” opens with full force, featuring powerful guitars, bass, and drums locked into a driving groove built for the stage. The track showcases the band’s signature combination of raw energy and precision, leading into a standout wah-infused guitar solo that closes the song with intensity and purpose.

Lyrically, “Spirit Junkie” tells the story of a man consumed by his inner demons and the pull of addiction. Written from a self-reflective point of view, the song explores denial, self-deception, and the search for relief from personal torment. The music video for the track visually represents this struggle, creating a stark and emotional counterpart to the song’s message.

At 3 minutes and 17 seconds, “Spirit Junkie” delivers a straightforward dose of modern rock that captures both the heaviness and heart of CLOCKTOWERS’ sound. With its sharp hooks, driving rhythm, and emotional depth, the single sets the tone for what’s to come on Genesis.

About CLOCKTOWERS:

CLOCKTOWERS is a genre-blending rock/metal duo that proves lightning can strike twice—first in the past, then in the most unexpected moment years later. The band was officially born in 2022, but the story begins long before that.

Vocalist Tarek Puska and multi-instrumentalist Dakota Logan first crossed paths in an earlier metal outfit that spent five years grinding through shows, songwriting sessions, and the chaotic rhythm of band life. Life eventually pulled them in different directions—but fate clearly had other plans. Years later, in the unassuming town of Reily, Ohio, the two reconnected by chance at a local pizza joint. A quick conversation turned into a jam session. One riff became a song—“Spirit Junkie”—and by the end of that session, CLOCKTOWERS had begun.

What followed was a creative eruption. Tarek and Dakota fell into a regular routine, meeting 2 to 3 days per week to write, explore sounds, and record from the ground up in a DIY home studio setting. Over the next two years, this process grew into their debut full-length album, Genesis—a record that pulses with heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and the kind of authenticity that only comes from lived experience and musical trust.

At its core, CLOCKTOWERS thrives on contrast and chemistry. Tarek, born in 1969, brings a lifetime of hard-earned perspective and vocal power rooted in classic metal and rock traditions. Dakota, born in 1995, injects fresh energy, fearless experimentation, and a modern edge that pushes the sound into uncharted territory. Their 25-year age gap isn’t a limitation—it’s a superpower. It allows the band to seamlessly blend old-school grit with new-school fire, delivering music that’s nostalgic without being dated, current without being trendy.

CLOCKTOWERS draws inspiration from a wide palette of heavy music: the swagger and electricity of AC/DC, the doom-soaked weight of BLACK SABBATH, the eerie theatricality of GHOST, the brooding darkness of TYPE O NEGATIVE, the bombast of KISS, and the razor-sharp muscle of METALLICA. Yet, these aren’t just influences—they’re launch pads. CLOCKTOWERS takes what’s familiar and twists it into something personal and raw, layering in textures, emotions, and hooks that make their sound unmistakable.

The band’s songwriting is deeply intentional. Some tracks stem directly from personal experience—loss, growth, heartbreak, and perseverance—while others flow from instinct and emotion, letting the pen follow the pulse of the heart. The result is music that hits hard not just sonically, but emotionally. Big choruses, pounding grooves, and intricate guitar work are matched with lyrics that are introspective, honest, and often cathartic.

One of their standout tracks, “Ashes,” caught the attention of Jason Viebrooks, known for his work with HEATHEN, GRIP INC., and now EXHORDER. Viebrooks lent his talents on bass and guitar alongside Dakota for the single, while Todd J. Farler, a seasoned drummer from Cincinnati, added a thunderous groove that elevated the track even further. It’s the only track on the record that features guest musicians—every other note, riff, and lyric on Genesis comes straight from the two founding members. That was a deliberate decision. CLOCKTOWERS is about preserving a raw, undiluted vision. No filler. No compromises.

With Genesis, CLOCKTOWERS has positioned itself not just as a band, but as a statement—a declaration that real, passionate, no-bullshit rock and metal is alive, evolving, and still capable of hitting you straight in the soul. Whether you’re a lifer raised on vinyl and leather jackets, or a newcomer looking for authenticity in a crowded digital landscape, CLOCKTOWERS offers something that resonates.

This is music forged in connection. Fueled by memory. Driven by instinct. And played with the kind of conviction that can only come from two people who live and breathe it.

CLOCKTOWERS is:

  • Tarek Puska – Vocals

  • Dakota Logan – All instruments (guitars, bass, additional production)

Second Harbour Drop "Mourning Dove" Video

Canadian emo-rock trio SECOND HARBOUR — comprised of brothers Xavierand Vincent Morency, along with John Muggianu — recently announced their signing to SharpTone Records and will release the Coalesce EP on December 12. Pre-order it here. 

Second Harbour today share the video for angular and unforgettable new single "Mourning Dove."

Watch it below. 

In true DIY fashion, the video was shot and edited by the band and it features the members knuckling down on their instruments while playing in an abandoned house.

As for the song, the subject matter goes for the jugular.

“The lyrics to 'Mourning Dove' are hands down the most painful I've ever written," offers Xavier. "They're made to spear you in the stomach, and unapologetically so. Coincidentally, they're also my favorite lyrics of ours. I spent a lot of time making sure they could be read differently than they were heard, and I couldn't be more proud of the song we built around them.” 

Ponte Del Diavolo Announce New Album 'De Venom Natura'

Last year, Ponte Del Diavolo made their mark by bridging the gap between several darkened corners of the underground on their fiery debut album. Fire Blades from the Tomb welds doom, black metal and post-punk into a towering, twisted, new wave of dark art that's as cruel and mesmerizing as their native Italy's infamous Devil's Bridge.

"...a bold, engrossing, fully formed debut from a talented new band", wrote Last Rites.

Today, the Italians are fanning the flames by announcing their new album. De Venom Natura pushes the band’s potent fusion even further behind their distinct, dueling bass guitars. Forged in the fires unearthed by their ritualistic performances, the album offers an intoxicating meditation on nature’s poisonous undercurrent. Charmed by Erba del Diavolo’s bewitching vocals, the lyrics slither and snake around the idea that every life form carries its own toxin that brings both rebirth and decay.  

“For this record, we wanted to push the boundaries of our music and further develop certain sounds that were only sketched in our previous works,” Ponte Del Diavolo says. “After two years of live shows, we set out to capture the atmosphere of our performances and put it on record. The core of bass, guitar, and drums was recorded live to recreate that feeling of being at one of our shows.”

De Venom Natura comes out February 13, 2026 on Season of Mist. More details will be announced soon.  

PONTE DEL DIAVOLO craft a focused blend of doom, black metal, post‐punk, and wave—an aesthetic they call “blackened post‐punk.” Wave‐tinged female vocals anchor the project’s flaming core, supported by an uncommon dual‐bass setup that grounds the rhythmic guitars and a raw, dynamic drum pulse.

The result is an immersive, tension‐driven sound. Following the initial release of three EPs, the band signed to Season of Mist and unveiled their first full-length album, Fire Blades from the Tomb.

After two years on the road - appearing at leading European festivals such as Roadburn and Inferno in support of their debut - Ponte del Diavolo return with “De Venom Natura,” a record that extends and refines their musical boundaries.

Line-up:
Erba del Diavolo — Vocals
Khrura Abro — Bass
Kratom — Bass
Nerium — Guitar
Segale Cornuta — Drums

Production Credits:
Recorded at The Deepest Sea, Turin, Italy.
Produced & Engineered by Danilo Battocchio.
Mixed by Danilo Battocchio at The Deepest Sea.
Mastered by Magnus Lindberg at Redmount Studios, Stockholm, Sweden.

Guest Musicians:
Francesco Bucci
Sergio Bertani
Vittorio Sabelli
Gionata Potenti

Cover Art:
Francesco Dossena (https://www.instagram.com/facciobruttefacce/)
Follow Ponte Del Diavolo:
Bandcamp: https://pontedeldiavolo666.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PontedelDiavolo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pontedeldiavoloband/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pontedeldiavolo3847
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mAfr0B2wgIFbVBUAv9btD/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/ponte-del-diavolo/1639072320
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/179497657
Tidal: https://tidal.com/artist/33773763

DISSENTIENCE Unleashes "Chaos Absolute," A Frantic Descent into Power and Destruction

Progressive death-thrash band DISSENTIENCE has announced the release of “Chaos Absolute,” the second single from their forthcoming concept EP Kaiju, due out February 20, 2026.

Kicking off with a high-tension, syncopated intro, “Chaos Absolute” roars into life with a massive groove that is both ferocious and unexpectedly infectious. True to DISSENTIENCE’s trademark blend of precision and chaos, the track fuses dissonant harmonies, razor-sharp riffs, and relentlessly driving drums into a controlled sonic detonation.

Exploring the human element behind cataclysmic destruction, “Chaos Absolute” shifts focus from the towering monsters of Kaiju to the turmoil unfolding in the world’s halls of power. Through the lens of a desperate roundtable of world leaders, the song paints a chilling portrait of collapse, both political and psychological, as civilization spirals toward ruin.

A haunting clean section midway through the track offers a brief reprieve before the band drops one of the heaviest riffs on the entire record. The refrain “Fall into chaos absolute” encapsulates both the listener’s experience and the conceptual heart of the song, capturing the unstoppable disintegration of order.

“Chaos Absolute” also showcases blistering guitar solos from Connor Valentin and Jimmy Vitale, culminating in a climactic return to the thrash-driven frenzy that defines the track. The result is a piece that is as intellectually engaging as it is devastatingly heavy, an unflinching look at humanity’s role in its own undoing.

With Kaiju, DISSENTIENCE continues to push the boundaries of modern metal storytelling, blending technical mastery with cinematic scope. Fans can expect an immersive experience when the full EP drops February 20, 2026.

Kaiju is a four-track concept EP inspired by Japanese monster cinema and Lovecraftian horror. Produced by the band alongside Corey Pierce, the record was engineered by Matt Menafro at Peach Pie Sound, mixed by Zeuss, and mastered by Alan Douches. The full EP will be released independently on digital and CD formats.

About DISSENTIENCE: 

Formed in 2013 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, DISSENTIENCE is a progressive death-thrash metal band that combines the technical precision of death metal with the relentless energy of thrash. Rejecting retro imitation and genre stagnation, the band creates forward-thinking metal that is both aggressive and dynamic. Drawing influence from bands like TRIVIUM, REVOCATION, SYLOSIS, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DEATH, and LAMB OF GOD, DISSENTIENCE forges a sound built on sharp riffs, crushing rhythms, and inventive songwriting.

The lineup features Connor Valentin on guitar and vocals, James Vitale on guitar, Sean Langer on bass, and Nick Scherden on drums. Known for their intense live performances and refusal to be confined to a single subgenre, the band continuously pushes their sound in new directions. Their music balances chaos and melody while exploring dark themes through a modern lens.

After releasing their debut EP Mask of Pretense in 2018 and their full-length album Empire Anatomy in 2022, DISSENTIENCE returned with the concept EP Kaiju in 2026. The record blends the devastation of giant monster cinema with the dread of Lovecraftian horror, showcasing the band’s evolution in sound and narrative depth. DISSENTIENCE has earned a reputation as one of the most compelling rising forces in heavy music. Their mission is clear: to make metal that is uncompromising, inventive, and unapologetically intense.