V.B.O. Ignite The Streets Of Miami With New Video Single "Fire Fire", Announce New Album 'Vice Business Only'

Step into the realm of VICE BUSINESS ONLY (V.B.O.) where the party never ends and the nightlife is ablaze with neon lights as retro-futuristic synths collide with heavy music. Italy's V.B.O. was born from two lifelong friends of two different musical worlds: Francesco Cavalieri (WIND ROSE) and Simone Giusti, a wizard of electronics and groove-laden basslines. Blazing down the streets of Miami "Fire Fire" kicks off this epic new chapter for V.B.O., landing ahead of the forthcoming self-titled full length. The album, Vice Business Only, is set to make waves on July 24, 2026, released via Reigning Phoenix Music.

Pre-order Vice Business Only HERE!

“'Fire Fire' is a bold statement of the Vice Business Only lifestyle — a high-energy anthem that captures the essence of excess, ambition, and neon-lit nights".Comments frontman Francesco Cavalieri. "Filmed in Miami, the video brings our vision of our music project to life through cinematic visuals mixed with modern 80s-inspired musical vibes. This single is not just a song, but a declaration of who we are. This is VBO."

From "Fire Fire" emerge atmospheric synths, driving beats and highly melodic, intricate guitar leads. Francesco Cavalieri's charismatic vocal delivery brings the anthem to life. Awash with memorable moments, the track's choruses are infused with stunning hooks notably the catchy lyric, "light it on fire". V.B.O.'s heavier influences manifest across the song with technical guitar riffs playfully set amongst the electronics. Towards the end of the track, V.B.O. lean into their metal side as Cavalieri's powerful harsh vocals inject a burst of aggressive textures into the mix.   

V.B.O.'s 80s inspired electronics provide a dreamy soundtrack across "Fire Fire". The track's genre-fusion transports the listener straight to the palm-tree lined streets of Miami, surrounded by luxury and excess. The music video, filmed across Miami, also includes footage from the project's live debut appearance on 70000 Tons of Metal in January of 2026. 

Vice Business Only was produced by Lasse Lammert. Photography is by Onofrio Petronella and Tommaso Barletta, with the album cover artwork design by V.B.O. 

At the core of V.B.O. lies a neon-drenched vision of excess, elegance, and cinematic nightlife—echoing the glamour and danger of cities like Miami. Themes of power, luxury, passion, and excess define the project, presenting the band almost as a stylized gang where image and attitude are as essential as the music.

The band made its live debut in January 2026 at the 70000 Tons of Metal festival in the United States, stepping onto one of the world’s most recognized international stages.

Since its inception, V.B.O. has positioned itself as a distinctive force in contemporary music, merging rock and metal energy with electronic groove and texture. More than a band, Vice Business Only delivers a complete audiovisual experience—a high-stakes journey through a retro-futuristic universe where the rhythm never slows and the attitude is larger than life.

V.B.O. Is:

Francesco Cavalieri - Vocals
Simone Giusti - Bass
Claudio Falconcini - Guitar
Federico Meranda - Keys
Angelo Carmignani - Drums


Connect With V.B.O.:

Website: https://www.vbomusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicebusinessonly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbomusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vbomusic

CANADIAN ROCKERS TEAZE RETURN WITH THEIR FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM - REV YOUR ENGINES

Teaze, the iconic Canadian rock band, is back and stronger than ever, ready to captivate audiences on major stages worldwide. Known for their explosive sound and electrifying live shows, the band continues to build on a legacy that stretches back to the mid-1970s while proving that their best days are far from behind.

Formed in Windsor, Ontario, in 1975 by bassist and vocalist Brian Danter, guitarists Mark Bradac and Chuck Price, and drummer Mike Kozak, Teaze quickly earned a reputation for their high-energy live performances and powerful melodic hard rock sound. Their early albums produced fan favorites like “Rockin’ With The Music”, “Boys Night Out,” and “Sweet Misery,” helping the band build a loyal following in Canada, Europe, and Japan.

Now, decades later, Teaze is experiencing a resurgence. Recent live performances have drawn enthusiastic crowds, including sold out shows in their hometown region and memorable appearances alongside legendary acts. The band’s chemistry, musicianship, and passion remain undeniable, connecting longtime fans with a whole new generation of rock audiences. 

The next chapter for Teaze arrives with their highly anticipated new album, Rev Your Engines. The album captures everything fans love about Teaze, soaring vocals, huge guitar riffs, memorable hooks, and the unmistakable energy that has always defined the band. At the same time, it introduces a fresh, modern edge that proves Teaze is not simply reliving the past but pushing forward with purpose and confidence. They just dropped their new single “Man of Vision” and as founding member Bradac comments, “Man Of Vision is a powerful rock anthem in the grand tradition of Teaze classics like “Heartless World & Touch The Wind”.  MOV speaks of a righteous person living in a world of chaos, facing uncertainty, searching for truth, and rising above all fear.”

Watch “Man Of Vision” Below:

Rev Your Engines is everything Teaze has always been about, big guitars, powerful vocals, great songs, and that same energy that made people fall in love with the band in the first place,” says the band. “We’re proud of where we came from, but this album proves we’re not living in the past. This is Teaze, right now, louder and stronger than ever.”

As Teaze continues to perform live and prepare for the release of Rev Your Engines, the band is proving once again why they remain one of Canada’s most enduring and exciting rock acts.”

Pre-order Rev Your Engines and get the signed bundle while supplies last:  https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/teaze

For more information, visit
www.dekoentertainment.com
Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value

Skid Row's Rachel Bolan Releases "Anything But You" Video

Riding the momentum of the record announcement, Rachel Bolan keeps the energy high and the buzz building with the release of his second single "Anything But You" — giving fans another glimpse of what’s ahead and another hook that sticks!

After four decades as a driving force behind Skid Row, bassist and songwriter Rachel Bolan steps forward with his first solo album under the name BOLAN.

Gargoyle of the Garden State is a bold, deeply personal debut rooted in the grit, attitude, and storytelling spirit of his New Jersey upbringing, with "Anything But You" tapping into the raw, melodic edge that runs through the whole record.

Listen to "Anything But You" — HERE.

Watch the official music video for "Anything But You" — Below!

Produced by multi-Grammy winner Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Skid Row, Rush, Evanescence, Alice In Chains) The album began as a simple conversation between friends. What started casually quickly evolved into a record that would ultimately define Bolan's voice as both a songwriter and
storyteller.

"Gargoyle of the Garden State is not a project, it is every bit of my soul," says Bolan. "Like me, it knows when to be serious and also knows where the party is."

Pre-order the Gargoyle of the Garden State album  HERE.

The record delivers several standout moments, including a surprising cover of Oasis' "Rock And Roll Star," reimagined through Bolan's distinctive lens. Expanding well beyond his role as a bassist, Bolan performs most instruments himself, shaping the record from the ground up. Drawing on influences ranging from Brit Pop and Glam to Punk Rock and New Wave, the album reflects a lifetime immersed in music.

Gargoyle of the Garden State also features an impressive lineup of guests, including Corey Taylor, Danko Jones, Nuno Bettencourt, Damon Johnson, Steve Conte, and fellow Skid Row members Scotti Hill, Dave "Snake" Sabo and Rob Hammersmith.

The album is out on June 12 and will be available as CD Digipak, LP Gatefold, as well as digital and download. 

With "Anything But You," Bolan continues to open the door to his solo world one that feels personal, loud, and undeniably himself.

Scottish Alt Rockers THE XCERTS Announce New Album ‘i think i want to go home now’ Set for Release on July 10th via FLG

Today, Brighton-based and Aberdeen-originating alt-rockers THE XCERTS are excited to announce their much-anticipated new album, ‘i think i want to go home now,’ out on July 10th via FLG.

In addition, the band also shares the album's latest single and arguably their heaviest release to date, the fuzzed-out, fast-paced "pretty ugly." Written during a period of intense personal strain, the track channels a sense of anger and frustration, with vocalist Murray Macleodconfronting both internal struggles and external pressures, lashing out at criticism while processing deeply personal experiences.

Speaking on the single, Macleod shares:

"A nod to 'Scatterbrain' but also heavily inspired by UK post hardcore bands like Kids Near Water and Tribute to Nothing whilst pushing the sound forward. Lyrically, it's comically brutal. The vocals are borderline incoherent but that was intentional. Another emotion I haven't put in a song for a very long time is anger and at the time I found myself feeling very angry at the world. So this song takes a swipe at people who were criticizing the band during a period when my family was going through a lot"

He continues, "The second verse is about my father and what he was going through after his cancer diagnosis. I reference the machinery that cut out my dad's tumour, the Da Vinci XI, and also Van Gogh. 'Maybe I'll splatter my brains against the wall, then you can all dissect the art, I'll do one better than Van Gogh and cut em both off."

Macleod concludes, "The song is heavy in sound and heavy with emotion, so it was important to say something a bit left field because that’s what happens when you’re having an internal meltdown."

Watch the Music Video for "pretty ugly" Below:

An undoubted career highlight long-player, the remarkably consistent and immediate songs on‘i think i want to go home now’ are sonic manifestations of the mutual support and friendship that carried the band through a particularly turbulent period, including Smith’s mother passing away and Macleod’s dad facing a cancer scare.

The new album also sees the band reconnecting with the raw urgency that defined early releases ‘In The Cold Wind We Smile,’ ‘Scatterbrain’ and ‘There Is Only You.’ Intriguingly, there are a number of stark similarities to that very first record. Smith had lost his father before they made that one, and Macleod had gone through a devastating break-up. To say that history has repeated itself would undermine the emotional gravitas of these latest life experiences, but the band found it hard not to draw comparisons between then and now.

Alongside the album announcement, the band also share news that they will perform a full run-through of ‘i think i want to go home now’ at their 2000 Trees Festival set, a festival and community they have returned to numerous times over the past 20 years and which has become something of a spiritual home for the band. In addition, they will appear at Arbroath Festival and embark on a run of dates with old friends Twin Atlantic in June. A full list of live dates can be found below.

“It was really time for us to band together and celebrate our friendship,” says Macleod, speaking further on the album. “We're so proud that we're still doing this, because we started the band 23 years ago. It’s astonishing really. This really is the purest XCERTS record there's been since the first one. We dug really deep to discover what the defining sound of our band is and bled it all out”.

The power and strength of THE XCERTS, both musically and personally, in the face of adversity is once again abundantly clear.

Pre-Order 'i think i want to go home now' HERE

THE XCERTS Live:



June 9th - Stirling - Albert Hall (with Twin Atlantic)

June 10th - Edinburgh - La Belle Angele (with Twin Atlantic)

June 11th - Aberdeen - Beach Ballroom (with Twin Atlantic)

July 11th - 2000 Trees Festival (full album playthrough set)

August 1st - Arbroath Music and Food Festival

THE XCERTS are:

Murray Macleod - vocals and guitar

Jordan Smith - bass

Tom Heron - drums

‘THE BEST OF JUDAS PRIEST’ OUT JUNE 19th 2026

Judas Priest today announce the upcoming release ‘The Best Of Judas Priest’, a career spanning collection celebrating one of the most influential and enduring bands in heavy metal, out via Sony Music on June 19th 2026.

The mighty Judas Priest have defined and redefined the sound and imagery of heavy metal for more than five decades. With over 50 million albums sold worldwide and more than 2.5 billion global streams across their catalogue, their impact on music and culture remains unmatched.

This special collection of songs brings together some of the band’s globally revered recordings, including ‘Breaking The Law’, ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Coming’, ‘Electric Eye’, ‘Turbo Lover’ and ‘Painkiller’. Together, these tracks represent key moments from across their catalogue and trace the evolution of a band that helped shape the genre itself.

Internationally the band’s most iconic songs continue to reach new audiences. ‘The Best Of Judas Priest’ serves as both an accessible entry point for new listeners and a definitive collection for longtime fans looking to revisit the songs that cemented the band’s legacy.

Judas Priest continue to showcase their exemplary live shows across Europe this Summer as well as a festival stop at Bloodstock in the UK on August 9th and a headline show at Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith on September 21st.  

An in-depth documentary ‘The Ballad Of Judas Priest’ was premiered at the Berlin Film Festival recently.  Directed by Tom Morello and Sam Dunn, this fascinating insight into the bands vast career will be released later this year.

‘THE BEST OF JUDAS PRIEST’
OUT JUNE 19th 2026
Pre order now here : https://judaspriest.lnk.to/TheBestOfJP

Amberian Dawn Share Video For New Single "The Vision Of Dreaming"

Finnish symphonic metal band AMBERIAN DAWN share a second enchantment from their new era. "The Vision of Dreaming" is another charming glimpse into the upcoming album, Temptation's Gates, releasing June 26 via Napalm Records, which is the band's first with singer Nicole Willerton. The song's poignant riff spirals right into long-term memory and first hints at the new leading lady being more than an angelic fairy gently guiding listeners through languorous realms. Symphonic metal with a modern twist, "The Vision of Dreaming" proves AMBERIAN DAWN's thrilling dedication to their craft.

Tuomas Seppälä about "The Vision of Dreaming":
"I originally composed 'The Vision of Dreaming' back in 2021, but it truly found its final form only now as we began working on it together with our new vocalist. It represents the lighter side of the album, but it still has a nice metal bite to it. I spent a great deal of time carefully crafting its sonic atmosphere. The foundation is built largely on carefully selected analog synthesizer sounds, combined with thoughtfully detailed arrangements. There's a clear touch of ABBA-like atmosphere in the song, yet at the same time, it has a fresh and heavier edge that makes it unmistakably part of our world."

Nicole Willerton about "The Vision of Dreaming":
"The lyrics of 'The Vision of Dreaming' are dreamy and describe the deep spiritual and emotional connection between two people. It explores how their shared memories, emotions, and dreams keep them intertwined, even when physically apart. The lyrics portray love as a bond that transcends space and time. In essence, the song describes a powerful bond connecting two people beyond the physical."

Rising from the home of symphonic metal are AMBERIAN DAWN: The Finnish five-piece is set to open Temptation's Gates, their new album, out on June 26, 2026 via Napalm Records. The band's first release with new singer Nicole Willerton takes them onto a more modern, occasionally even surprisingly rough path. With it, AMBERIAN DAWN, led by founder, guitarist, and main composer Tuomas Seppälä, slowly emancipate themselves from being "just" the band who—gloriously!—covered Swedish pop legends ABBA with their previous album, Take a Chance – A Metal Tribute to ABBA (2022).

Infusing their epic keyboard sounds with guitar-driven melodic metal, AMBERIAN DAWN reach into a world unknown and prove their versatility while their catchy anthems remain strong and charming as ever. Temptation's Gates has the band determined for a future sparkling temptingly bright — and they're ready to step through that gate.

Tuomas Seppälä about Temptation's Gates:
"When I started working with our new singer, I felt the same kind of excitement I had years ago when I began creating our debut album back in 2007 and 2008. At that time, AMBERIAN DAWN were still newcomers to the band world, even though we were already experienced musicians. With Temptation's Gates, I felt that same spark of creating something new for the first time in a long while. I hadn't composed many songs yet when I began collaborating with our new vocalist. Most of the material came together surprisingly fast once I realized how easy and natural it was to work with her. I was deeply inspired by Nicole's enthusiasm, dedication, and efficiency. I truly feel that the band has been reborn with her joining us. Musically, our style has evolved once again, perhaps moving slightly back toward a heavier, more metal-driven direction. At the same time, elements of our classic sound and identity are naturally still present. In many ways, creating this album felt like going back to my roots. For the first time in a long while, I also took on a bigger role as a guitarist. I focused more on crafting guitar riffs, played roughly half of the guitar leads on the album, and even performed one full guitar solo myself."

Nicole Willerton about Temptation's Gates:
Temptation's Gates is the first album I've sung on and recorded with AMBERIAN DAWN, and it has been a beautiful experience. While writing the lyrics, each song was inspired by feelings, memories, and moments that were especially prominent during the creation of the album. Writing the lyrics felt like diving into the subconscious, bringing these emotions to the surface. It was wonderful to explore the creative process of arranging the backing vocals. I especially love how AMBERIAN DAWN's music makes strong use of backing vocals, helping to create a fuller, richer sound around the lead vocals. It's definitely a fiery album that combines a broad spectrum of emotional depths, ranging from love and melancholy to darker elements such as fear and inner struggles. A recurring message throughout the album is to embrace one’s true desires and to accept and acknowledge one’s honest feelings."

Get Your Copy Of Temptation's Gates NOW!

AMBERIAN DAWN ARE:
Tuomas Seppälä — Keyboards, Guitar
Nicole Willerton — Vocals
Emil Pohjalainen — Guitar
Joonas Pykälä-aho — Drums
Jukka Hoffren — Bass

BLOOD OF ANGELS Confront Mortality In The New Single "Nevermore"

"Nevermore" is the introspective new offering from BLOOD OF ANGELS. Confronting mortality, the unknown end that awaits all creatures, the band delve into the foreboding darkness. Accompanied by a lyric video, "Nevermore" arrives ahead of the forthcoming full-length album Les Agnst ov Thanatou, due to be released on June 21, 2026.

Les Agnst ov Thanatou is a concept album centered around mortality, grief, ritual, and the psychological weight of loss. "Where earlier tracks wrestle with death, guilt, and the chaos of mortality", the band explain, "this song embodies the point of no return: the moment when hope, time, and possibility are stripped away, leaving only emptiness and remembrance." The new single is not entirely without hope which is revealed in "Nevermore" in the final lyric: “Then I rise, break free from my demise.”For after death, one's life is preserved in the memories of their loved ones. 

Musically, the arrangement of "Nevermore" grew from a riff devised by BLOOD OF ANGELS' bassist The Maggot. The song leans further into the band's alternative influences, while remaining firmly situated in plains of heavy distortion. A haunting bridge comprised of a spoken word section against low orchestral strings reiterates the album's conceptual theme. Returning to thunderous realms, the track reaches its height by building into a classic doom metal sound.

Les Agnst ov Thanatou represents a significant evolution for BLOOD OF ANGELS. Written during a period marked by widespread uncertainty and personal loss, the album presents a unified narrative that traces humanity’s response to death through resistance, ritual, memory, and acceptance. Recorded at Underground Studios in Tampa, Florida, the album was produced by Bob Noxious, Preston DiCarlo, and BLOOD OF ANGELS, with mixing by Preston DiCarlo and mastering at Soundlab in New York City.

Since forming in 2017, BLOOD OF ANGELS have earned international recognition for their songwriting, musicianship, and uncompromising vision. Their accolades include the 2023 Hollywood Independent Music Award for “Best Rock/Metal Song” and multiple Akademia Music Awards. In 2025, the band completed a sold-out headlining European tour, further establishing their presence on the global metal stage.

"Nevermore" explores the darkest corners of Les Agnst ov Thanatou. BLOOD OF ANGELS encourage listeners to sit with the unknown, to face the fear and uncertainty, through the medium of sound, story, and emotion.

BLOOD OF ANGELS is: 

Randy Reyes – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Aaron Robinson – Guitar
Jonathan Rushford – Drums, Keyboards
The Maggot – Bass, Background Vocals

Connect with BLOOD OF ANGELS:

Official Website: http://www.bloodofangels.net
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kq6q6hYYdNgk0ZSvgQPzF
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bloodofangels1
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bloodofangels
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/bloodofangels
ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/bloodofangels1
Merch / E-Shop: https://merchbooth.com/pages/blood-of-angels-battle-gear
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blood-of-angels/1195719891

TodoMal Announce Doomy New Album 'Graveyards of Joy'

TodoMal are announcing their third album and first for Season of Mist. Graveyards of Joy arrives as the closing chapter of a trilogy that the atmospheric doom metal band started in 2021 with Ultracrepidarian and deepened in 2023 with A Greater Good.

To commemorate this announcement, today, TodoMal are releasing a music video for the album’s lead single “Point of Coalescence”. The song is a fitting entry point to Graveyards of Joy; it’s dense, dark and uncompromising, dealing in shame, violence and the slow erosion of consciousness, with surreal and cosmic horror imagery that gives it an unsettling, almost theatrical edge.

Watch the music video for “Point of Coalescence” below:

Graveyards of Joy comes out July 3, 2026 on Season of Mist

Pre-order

https://orcd.co/todomalgraveyardsofjoy

Graveyards of Joy channels grief, anger and hard-won hope through a sound rooted in the slow-burning weight of classic doom and dramatic rock. Vast Hammond organ-driven passages give way to desolate folk; strings with Morriconian openness sit alongside heavy, anchoring riffs. The album draws on a wide range of reference points, from the orchestral sweep of Vangelis and the warmth of Deep Purple to the dramatic sensibility of Tindersticks and Nick Cave, without losing the solemnity that defines TodoMal.

TodoMal came to life in 2020, conceived by Anglo-Spanish musician and composer Christopher B. Wildman and musician, composer and producer Javier Fernández Milla: two veteran multi-instrumentalists of the Spanish underground scene whose careers span a wide range of projects and styles. A product of pure serendipity, TodoMal represents a deeply personal fusion of the solemnity of traditional doom metal and the expansiveness of space rock, interwoven with nuances of ecclesiastical music, classic hard rock and cinematic soundscapes.

Their debut album, Ultracrepidarian (2021), evokes the placid yet desolate moorlands of their base in northern Alcarria and the region of Matarraña (Teruel), two emblematic landscapes of Spain's so-called "emptied lands." With A Greater Good(2023), the duo crafted a collection of what they describe as "dark songs," evolving into a complex, dense and unclassifiable album that appeared on several year-end lists and sold through its initial pressing. Fuelled by this momentum, they expanded into a five-piece live ensemble, joining forces with Javier Félez (guitar; Teitanblood, Graveyard, Balmog), Javier "Bud" Martínez (drums; Dejadeath, Jade, Ktulu) and Cecilia Tallo (keyboards/vocals; Maud the Moth).

Graveyards of Joy is the third album and the closing chapter of a trilogy. Written in solitude following personal tragedy, it channels grief, anger and hard-won hope into nine tracks of slow-burning, widescreen doom. The music breathes: vast Hammond-driven passages give way to desolate folk, Morricone-like strings open onto dusty cinematic plains, and heavy riffs anchor songs that never lose sight of melody. A DIY record of striking emotional depth and modern, alternative edge.

Recording Line-up:
Wildman – Guitars and Vocals

Mile – Bass and Vocals

Javi – Guitars

Bud – Drums

Cecilia – Synths and Vocals

Production Credits:

Recording Studio: Trinitat-Montseny / 7th Middle Street / Moontower Studios

Producer: Javier Fernández Milla / Christopher B. Wildman; assisted by Javier Félez Rodríguez (drums recording and guitar engineering)

Mixing: Javier Fernández Milla at Trinitat Montseny

Mastering: Jaime López Arellano at Arda Recorders (Portugal)

Guest Musicians:
Cecilia Tallo (background vocals, tracks 4 and 6)

Teodora Gosheva (vocals)

Darío Garrido (acoustic guitars)

Manu Clavijo (live strings)

Cover Art:
Lluís Rigalt, Ruïnes (1865), Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

Photography:
Christopher B. Wildman

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


Follow TodoMal:
Bandcamp: https://todomalband.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todomalofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todo_mal_band/

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/todomal

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2grCvuOH8MibDqryxpW6jR

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/todomal/1587939438

Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/146831572

Tidal: https://tidal.com/artist/5655213

MORTIIS Unveils Music Video for Trippy New Single, "Violent Silence"

Iconic Norwegian artist MORTIIS is now unveiling a stunning music video for his trippy new single, "Violent Silence." The clip was once again written and directed by Claudio Marino and can be found below.

"Lyrically, 'Violent Silence' came into being as an apology to my wife," MORTIIS admits ruefully. "I had done something stupid again, and she was really upset. I was trying to apologise in a text message – a really long one. The lyrics for 'Violent Silence' took a lot of inspiration from those words and that moment. As time goes by and having lived with this song for quite a while now, it gets harder for me to listen to those words. The gut-wrenching sensation of guilt never goes away fully. Musically, it was a very inspiring song to work on – especially with all those crazy fuzz and echo guitars that built up this song towards the end."

"Violent Silence" is taken from MORTIIS' upcoming studio album, 'Ghosts of Europa,' which is due on June 26, 2026 via Prophecy Productions, making it his debut to the label! 'Ghosts of Europa' is available as ltd. box set incl. 2CD artbook edition, gatefold LP (excl. handmade sand-filled vinyl), bonus LP, music cassette et al. (50 copies). Ltd. box set incl. 2CD artbook edition, gatefold LP (excl. 'galaxy' metallic vinyl), bonus LP, music cassette et al. (450 copies). As a 60-page hardcover 2CD artbook incl. 8-track bonus CD, ltd. Gatefold marble smoke vinyl LP (300 copies), ltd. Gatefold crystal clear vinyl LP (300 copies), Gatefold black vinyl LP, and Digipak CD Pre-orders are now live HERE.

MORTIIS is now on the road with UADA for a very special co-headliner, featuring exclusive anniversary sets and supporting performances by Jerome Reuter’s ROME and WRAITH KNIGHT. MORTIIS is performing songs from his groundbreaking 2001 full-length, 'The Smell Of Rain,' along with other volumes of dystopian despair while UADA is performing their seminal 2016 debut album 'Devoid of Light' in its entirety + a special CERMONIAL CASTINGS 30-year anniversary set featuring WRAITH KNIGHT. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets are available HERE.

Mortiis is a pioneering dark ambient and industrial metal artist, widely credited as the founder of the dungeon synth genre, whose work spans from haunting atmospheric soundscapes to abrasive, genre-defying electronic metal. With a legacy stretching over three decades, he remains one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in underground dark music

Video credits:

Written & directed by Claudio Marino

First assistant director: Daniel Josefsson

Produced by Artax Film

Colouring by Yellowtone

Cast (in order of appearance):

Woman: Enya Ellefsen

Oracle: Gunn Johansson

Key Bearers: Daniel Josefsson & Mortiis

GET TICKETS HERE

THE WITCHES OF DYSTOPIA TOUR MMXXVI

(UADA + MORTIIS w/ Jerome Reuter’s ROME + WRAITH KNIGHT):

04/21/26: Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle

04/22/26: Covington, KY @ Madison Live

04/23/26: Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving Underground

04/24/26: Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace

04/25/26: Montreal, QC @ Cafe Campus

04/26/26: Quebec City, QC @ La Source

04/27/26: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall

04/28/26: Brooklyn, NY @ Meadows

04/29/26: Bensalem, PA @ Broken Goblet

04/30/26: Baltimore, MD @ Metro

05/01/26: Raleigh, NC @ Chapel Of Bones

05/02/26: Atlanta, GA @ 529 EAV

05/03/26: Orlando, FL @ Conduit

05/05/26: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live

05/06/26: Austin, TX @ Come And Take It Live

05/07/26: Dallas, TX @ Club Dada

05/08/26: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

05/09/26: Denver, CO @ HQ

05/10/26: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge

05/11/26: Las Vegas, NV @ Swan Dive

05/12/26: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick

05/13/26: Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo

05/14/26: San Jose, CA @ The Ritz

05/15/26: Eugene, OR @ John Henry's

05/16/26: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

"Ghosts of Europa" is the sonic testimony of an experienced and matured musician, who created what he loves most and does best: electronic rock with stylistic influences from many genres while not being bound by any that creates dark soundscapes, cinematic sonic visions, and a plethora of emotions. Just when you think that you have finally figured "Ghosts of Europa" out, MORTIIS will surprise you with another facet and fresh aspect of his richly detailed masterpiece.

Line-up:

Håvard "Mortiis" Ellefsen – vocals, keyboards, vocoder, bass guitar, programming

Guest musicians

Benedicte Computorgirl (COMPUTORGIRL) – vocals on track 4

Christopher Amott (ARCH ENEMY et al.) – guitar solo on track 7

Christopher Rakkestad (ELVARHØI, BOLVERK) – vocals on track 1-6

Emil Nikolaisen (SERENA MANEESH, BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE et al.) – fuzz & noise guitars & additional FX on track 3 & 4

Iliana Basileios Tsakiraki (ENEMY OF REALITY, SEPTICFLESH et al.) – vocals on tracks 1, 2, & 5

Laurie Ann Haus (BLIZZARD GAMES) – vocals on track 1, 2, 5 & 7

Matthew Setzer (SKINNY PUPPY, LONDON AFTER MDNIGHT) – throat singing on track 7

Michal Kielbasa (BLACK MAGIC RITES et al.) – tubular bell & vibraphone on track 2, tubular bell on track 6 & tabla loops, additional synths & FX on track 7

Sarah Jezebel Deva (THE KOVENANT, CRADLE OF FILTH et al.) – vocals on tracks 1-3, 5 & 6

Thomas Bolverk (RAGNAROK, BOLVERK) – distortion, clean & sampled guitars on track 6

Thorsten Quaeschning (TANGERINE DREAM) – additional synths & sequencers on track 1

Vegard Blomberg (MOCK) – e-bow & guitars on track 2, additional Copicat, Space Echo, fuzz & e-bow guitars) on track 4, Copicat, Space Echo & fuzz guitars on track 4, fuzz guitars on track 6, fuzz & ambient guitars on track & guitars on track 8

Erling Blomberg – additional guitars on track 8

Album Credits:

Recorded (re-recorded, re-animated & eternally tweaked and re-tweaked) at various locations over a thousand sessions during years of misery, poverty, and disdain (2020-2026) in Fredrikstad (NO)

Early vocal recording by co-producer Stephan Groth at Pitch Black Drive, Fredrikstad (NO)

Mix by Sean Beavan at The Grey Room, Crestline, CA (US)

Mastering by Jules Seifert at Epic Audio Media, London (UK)

Cover Artist: Nihil

Layout Creator: Laurent Clément (Dead Seed Productions)

Pre-orders:

https://mortiiswebstore.com/pages/ghosts-of-europa

Available formats:

"Ghosts of Europa" is available as a 60-page hardcover 2CD artbook incl. 8-track bonus CD, ltd. Gatefold XXX vinyl LP, Gatefold black vinyl LP, and Digipak CD.

MORTIIS Links:

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

X

BANDCAMP

SPOTIFY

APPLE MUSIC

OFFICIAL SHOP

The Joy Thieves unveil video for 'The Wrong End of Your Rifle' feat. Chris Connelly

Chicago alt-rock outfit The Joy Thieves are back with ‘The Wrong End of Your Rifle’, along with a new video by Joel Lopez at Lumbra Productions. This is the first single from their full-length album 'Apocalypse Pending', out June 5th via Armalyte Industries. Featuring Chris Connelly (Fini Tribe, Revolting Cocks, Ministry, Pigface)on vocals, this ripping track addresses the intense frustration we’re all feeling over corporations and billionaires seemingly able to do whatever they want, whenever they want, without consequence.

Revolving around musicians-producers Dan Milligan and James Scott (a.k.a. Joy Thieves Productions), The Joy Thieves is a musical supergroup that includes current, former, and touring members of Ministry, Stabbing Westward, The Rollins Band, Killing Joke, Pigface, RevCo, PIG, David Bowie, Blue October, Machines of Loving Grace, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, Naked Raygun, Foetus, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Pegboy, Nitzer Ebb, Die Krupps and more.

A jagged, cynical critique of the intersection between state violence, corporate greed, and digital voyeurism, ‘The Wrong End of Your Rifle’  portrays a world where human life is devalued and even the most violent acts are packaged as content or conveniently filtered, filmed yet ultimately ignored by the screen-numbed masses.  

“When the billionaires are accountable for nothing, and force their will by suppression in the streets, we have to become inventive. As we are forced to watch corporations create for-profit prisons, we must remember that we can't argue or reason with bullets,” says Chris Connelly.

Since signing with legendary London alternative-industrial label Armalyte Industries in 2018, The Joy Thieves have delivered 11 critically-acclaimed releases. Produced, engineered and mixed by Joy Thieves Productions at Populist Recording + Mastering, 'Apocalypse Pending' is the newest record to blaze a mind-bending trail.

Joy Thieves Productions crafts their surprisingly cohesive signature sound from the contributions of its ever-growing 80+ roster of members, drawn from a diverse range of genres, including industrial, rock, punk, darkwave, hip hop and experimental music, they produce a sound that The Joy Thieves describe as being created by “all of us. And yet, none of us”. This approach has allowed the band to create a sound all its own. Aggressive, yet precise. Confrontational, but refined. Harsh, yet layered with melody.

Many of the songs on the new album began with producer-drummer Dan Milligan re-recording iconic hip hop breakbeats with modern drum sounds. ‘The Wrong End of Your Rifle’ began exactly that way -- with a modern re-imagining of the one of the most famous breakbeats of all time (‘Ashley’s Roachclip’ by The Soul Searchers). This formed the basis upon which the entire track was built.

“At the very beginning of the creation process for Apocalypse Pending, the goal was to blend the existing Joy Thieves’ sound with elements of the golden age of hip hop, and I think ‘The Wrong End of Your Rifle’ does that as well as any song on the album,” says Dan Milligan.

For a band with members spread all over the world, The Joy Thieves' music feels like it could have only been made in Chicago. Anchored by their love of industrial rock, their music immediately outgrows the restrictions of the genre by stretching into the new realms, creating a sound that both honors the past while pushing its evolution into the future.

‘The Wrong End of Your Rifle’ is out now, available from digital music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The 'Apocalypse Pending' album will be released on June 5th.

CREDITS
Single written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Derek Christopher, Dee J Nelson
Produced, engineered & mixed by Joy Thieves Productions
at Populist Recording + Mastering, Wheaton, IL
Mastered by James Scott at Populist Recording + Mastering
Additional production by:
Derek Christopher at Penfield Studios
Mark Pistel at Room 5 Studios
Jeff Harris at JH Studios
Steven Archer at House of Wolves
Dee J Nelson at DJN Music Studio
Jane Jensen at Autozen Music
DJ Darryl Hell at HellLab Studios
Art direction by Destiny Justic Scott
Original artwork by Charlie Athanas for Burning City
Video by Joel Lopez at Lumbra Productions

Released via Armalyte Industries

Artist studio photos by Derick Smith
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with The Joy Thieves
Website | Bandcamp | LinkTree | Merch | Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Twitter | Press contact

Keep up with Chris Connelly
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon | Press contact

Keep up with Armalyte Industries
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube 

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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Hardcore Torchbearers Pro-Pain Release Single + Lyric Video "Scorched Earth"

HARDCORE TORCHBEARERS PRO-PAIN RELEASE LYRIC VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE "SCORCHED EARTH" 

NEW ALBUM, STONE COLD ANGER, RELEASES MAY 15 VIA NAPALM RECORDS — PRE-ORDER

"And so it begins…": Hardcore juggernauts PRO-PAIN share the third single from their upcoming album, Stone Cold Anger, out May 15 via Napalm Records. "Scorched Earth" sets the tone for the future, accompanied by heavy riffs, catchy guitars, and sing-alongs. A sinister yet fiercely anthemic track, "Scorched Earth" is a pummeling demonstration of power, perfectly fitting for the band's first album in 11 years. PRO-PAIN are back—and they stayed on top of their heavy game!

Gary Meskil about "Scorched Earth":
"'Scorched Earth' explores what happens when ordinary people are pushed to their breaking point. Drawing inspiration from films such as the 1990s Michael Douglas drama Falling Down, the lyrics examine how pressure, frustration, and a sense of powerlessness can build over time. The song speaks to themes of reckoning, consequence, and the desire for genuine accountability."

Watch the Official Lyric Video for "Scorched Earth" Below:

Legendary New York hardcore juggernauts PRO-PAIN make their debut on Napalm Records with their 16th studio album, Stone Cold Anger, out on May 15. Their first release in 11 years showcases the band's explosive energy in its purest form: Stone Cold Anger unfolds heavy, angry, and ready as ever—proving PRO-PAIN haven't lost even an ounce of strength. An exceptionally catchy offering, the new album fortifies its groovy melodies and stirring guitar riffs with furious and inciting, anthemic vocals, turning the ten new songs into worthy follow-ups to their 3.5mm stream hit "Voice of Rebellion" (2015).

Stone Cold Anger is an enthralling, memorable, and triumphant milestone for PRO-PAIN, and an impressive demonstration of power. See you in the pit!

Gary Meskil about Stone Cold Anger:
"Thank you to our fans worldwide for 35 years of unwavering support. After a decade away from the recording studio, we return with Stone Cold Anger — an album forged from global tension and the rising demand for accountability."

Order your copy of Stone Cold Anger NOW.

PRO-PAIN ARE:
Gary Meskil — Bass + Vocals
Jonas Sanders — Drums
Greg Discenza — Lead Guitar
Eric Klinger — Rhythm Guitar

UK Rocker DAN BYRNE Unveils New Single "Home"

Hotly-tipped UK rocker DAN BYRNE has unveiled his new single "Home," another glimpse of his highly-anticipated debut record 'This Is Where the Show Begins' out May 22nd via Frontiers Srl. 

Dan comments:

"'Home' closes the album on a grand and emotional scale. Musically, it’s vast - cinematic guitars, soaring vocals, and a sense of release that makes it feel like the light breaking through at the end of a storm. Lyrically, 'Home' is about connection that transcends distance, the kind of love that grounds you no matter how far you roam. It was born out of life on the road: hotel rooms, long drives, and late nights spent under unfamiliar skies, but knowing that somewhere out there, the person you love is looking up at the same stars.

"No matter how far away I am, my partner is my home. We might be on opposite sides of the world, but we’re still under the same sky, the same stars, the same universe. Home is about sitting with the weight of loneliness and finding comfort in the thought that someone is part of you, even when they’re not near. It’s a song about peace, belonging, and gratitude.

"As the final song on the record, 'Home' acts as the emotional resolution to everything that’s come before: the end of the storm, if you will. After exploring conflict, self-sabotage, anger, and pain across the album, this song represents acceptance, stillness, and clarity. It’s a love letter, a homecoming, and a moment of still light in the aftermath of noise.

"'Home' is where the journey finally lands - not in a place, but in a person."

The single follows Dan's triumphant headline tour, with nearly every date sold out. He follows this with an acoustic record store tour. See below for the complete list of dates.

Watch the Official Video for "Home" Below

‘This Is Where The Show Begins,’ DAN’s debut album, is full of joy and confidence. There is swagger alongside sensitivity, a widening musical horizon that feels both fresh and bold. At the center of it all is that voice, as powerful as it is vulnerable, as emotive as it is commanding.

The lead single, “Saviour,” is a perfect opener. It bursts to life with attention-grabbing hard-rock stabs and pile-driving riffs, its verses simmering with quiet drama before exploding into a chorus that promises we are in for one hell of a ride. It struts, it shimmies, and it absolutely rocks. “Light ’em up,” indeed. There is no letup as we are thrown headlong into “She’s the Devil,” DAN delivering a colossal vocal punctuated by gonzo guitar gymnastics, the euphoria here is undeniable.

Elsewhere, we are taken to church with “Praise Hell,” and “Sober” is steeped in regret. We may even get a glimpse of where DAN is headed next with album closer “Home,” a sprawling, shapeshifting piece of alt-rock that never loses its soul. It feels like Glenn Hughes and 30 Seconds to Mars combining their superpowers and letting the sparks fly.

‘This Is Where The Show Begins’ feels like the culmination of an incredible journey so far and the launching point for what comes next. It is a testament to backing yourself, trusting your instincts, and letting ambition, honesty and musical diversity lead the way. This is where it may truly begin for DAN. The exciting question now is where he will take us next.

Pre-Order 'This Is Where The Show Begins' HERE

Dan will also be performing at Steelhouse Festival on July 25th.

DAN BYRNE swept in off the Mersey, announcing himself as a solo artist in 2023 with his debut EP, ‘Beginnings.’ His powerhouse, soul-inflected vocal and deftly-executed, yet hugely accessible songcraft has quickly marked him out as an artist on the rise. Blending contemporary edge with classic influence, BYRNE’s music is powerful, honest, and deeply emotive - widescreen in scope yet intimate at its core. It rocks, without question, but what truly sets him apart is the courage to weave sensitivity and vulnerability through the intensity. This isn’t just rock music - it has the heart and authenticity to connect with an audience beyond any one genre.

In just two years DAN has toured the UK three times, delivered standout performances at multiple festivals and found overwhelming support from Planet Rock - the UK’s leading rock station - where his first four singles amassed an impressive 25 weeks on the playlist. With that foundation firmly in place, BYRNE now turns his focus to the release of his long-awaited debut solo album, marking the next powerful step in his evolution as an artist.

Portland outfit Wooden Overcoat debut 'Home' single - a gazey dose of psychedelic dreampop

Based in the rain-slicked creative hub of Portland, psychedelic pop outfit Wooden Overcoat presents their shimmering single "Home", a captivating sonic experience that envelopes the senses in a reverb-drenched sanctuary. The trippy accompanying video was created by Italian multi-arts visionary Francesca Bonci.

Previewing the debut "Hello Sunbeam" EP, this is the first official transmission from the band, blending the sun-drenched textures of 60s garage rock with the restless energy of raw fuzzed-out modern indie spirit. Between the wash of tape echo and reverb, the track finds a sweet spot where lo-fi garage psych meets 90s shoegaze, all anchored by layered harmonies and an evocatively intimate vocal delivery.

The sonic brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Brant Hajek, Wooden Overcoat began in the isolation of 2020, when he returned to music after a hiatus, recording songs he'd written in his late teens. What started as a practice in self-production transformed into a deep creative obsession with soundscapes and gear. Recording in a rented basement, Hajek built the foundation of the EP through spontaneous experimentation—often veering away from planned sessions to follow sudden bursts of inspiration.

"When I wrote "Home", it kind of poured out of me, and I think I’m still interpreting it. But to me, it’s about acknowledging something beautiful, even if it can’t last. Two people who feel naturally paired, like elements of nature, slowly decomposing and self-destructing," says Brant Hajek.

"It’s about the inevitable demise of anything, and ultimately that we need to appreciate what is here right now and live in that magical existence. It’s about having the capacity to admire even when things are burning out."

A study in productive contradictions; while the lyrics and aesthetics might suggest a certain darkness, they are often rooted in inside jokes and a sense of warmth. Hajek’s creative process is a deeply personal, layered journey involving mumbled placeholder lyrics and a patient wait for the specific spark that turns an "emotionally restless" melody into a finished piece.

While Hajek performed every instrument on the studio recordings to preserve the project’s intimate DIY spirit, he has since found his tribe, assembling a full live band to translate these compositions to the stage. With Hajek leading the way on guitar and lead vocals, Wooden Overcoat is rounded out by Dillon Glusker on bass, Mac on guitar, and Brian Levin on drums and backing vocals. Through community, the band creates a fantastic dreamlike environment for like-minded people.

The name Wooden Overcoat—an old Americana euphemism for a coffin—hints at the project’s core philosophy: a playful balance of moody, mystical imagery with light-hearted humor. Hajek’s creative process is personal, the rough versions eventually coalescing into vivid, emotionally resonant themes.

This is Wooden Overcoat's first collaboration with Italian multi-arts visionary Francesca Bonci, well known for her work with The Dandy Warhols, Pete International Airport and Slowdive's Rachel Goswell, LA's Tombstones In Their Eyes, Federale (The Brian Jonestown Massacre's Collin Hegna), post-rock outfit The Quality of Mercury, and iconic British bard Philip Parfitt.

"Home" is out now, available from digital platforms everywhere, including Bandcamp. Wooden Overcoat's debut "Hello Sunbeam" EP will be released on May 9

CREDITS
Written, recorded, mixed and mastered by Brant Hajek
Performed by Brant Hajek
Recorded in a house in Portland, Oregon
Only humans made this art
Cover art + photo by Brant Hajek
Band photos by Brett Chauncey
Video by Francesca Bonci 
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with Wooden Overcoat
Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Booking contact | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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DEAD REGISTER Share “Grave,” New Single from Fiber (10th Anniversary Deluxe Remaster)

DEAD REGISTER unveil “Grave,” a new single from Fiber (10th Anniversary Deluxe Remaster), arriving May 22, 2026 via AVR. The track expands into a long-form, post-rock leaning piece built on sustained tension, weight, and atmosphere. It hits with the force of the band’s live presence, stretching time and density into something immersive and physical.

“Grave” centers on the pressure to achieve and the quiet collapse of that idea in the face of death. The lyrics move through questions of purpose, memory, and disappearance. Walk through an old graveyard and the scale becomes clear. Rows of names, lives once held close, now distant. The track sits with that reality and lets it speak for itself.

Marking ten years since the band’s first full-length reshaped their trajectory, Fiber (10th Anniversary Deluxe Remaster) restores the original recordings with renewed depth and clarity while preserving the immediacy and emotional weight that carried the album far beyond its initial release.

Engineer and mastering specialist Dan Dixon revisited the material to bring forward new dimensionality within the performances. The remaster enhances sonic density and detail, allowing the interaction between rhythm, atmosphere, and voice to land with greater physical impact.

Fiber documents a band discovering its voice in real time. Sequenced as a continuous emotional arc, the album moves through isolation, intimacy, existential reflection, and controlled destruction before circling back to its origin point. The anniversary edition completes that arc with “Reverse (Live Bonus Track),” captured during the band’s original 2016 album release performance.

Since its release, DEAD REGISTER have continued to evolve through relentless touring and critically recognized work, yet Fiber remains central to the band’s identity. The anniversary edition presents the record with clarity and force for longtime listeners and new audiences alike.

DEAD REGISTER operates as an ongoing exploration of connection, collapse, desire, and survival. The band continues to refine its approach through relentless live performance, collaborative visual art, and a dedication to creating music that resonates as both personal confrontation and shared catharsis.

DEAD REGISTER is:
 

• M. Chvasta – Vocals, Bass VI, Bass IV

• Avril Che – Bass Synth, 88 Keys, Vocals, Visual Media

• Greg Meisenberg – Drums (Current)

• Chad Williams - Drums on Fiber

Connect with DEAD REGISTER:
 

• Official Website: https://www.deadregister.com

• Bandcamp: https://deadregister.bandcamp.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deadregister/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dead_register

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/deadregister

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/625jBri8HVcoflm0i4DOUZ

• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dead-register/1105972431

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deadregister

SWANWRITER Releases Emotive And Progressive Single, "Betrayal"

Vancouver, BC progressive metal project SWANWRITER explores broken trust and longing in the new single, "betrayal". The track arrives ahead of the second full-length album, melodies of despair, set to release independently on June 26, 2026. 

On "betrayal", project founder Koda shares, "The narrator in the song suffers a betrayal after trusting the other person with their life. Still, they continue to wait in vain, hoping that the other person will return. This single is my experiment to make a long prog metal track from the album into a 4-minute song with a more conventional structure."

Compositionally, "betrayal" is structured around a haunting piano melody that carries across the track. Koda's lead vocal melody rises and falls alongside enhancing the somber mood. A sense of longing is magnified through the lead guitar line that gently joins the steady and established instrumental arrangement. An abrupt explosion into heavy distortion and intense rhythms unveils further depth of emotion and heightening within the narrative. 

The longest track on the album, the lyrics for "betrayal" derive from a horror game called “The Witch’s House”. Following the protagonist's journey, in which she has entrusted her life to her best friend, the game's narrative leads to a path of betrayal. 

SWANWRITER leans further into dynamic contrasts both across "betrayal" and melodies of despair more widely. The music throughout aptly conveys moments of intimacy while also blending seamlessly each track's narratives and themes into the sound. 

melodies of despair was produced and mixed by Koda, mastered by Roland Rodas, and features cover artwork by 無た｡ / muta.

SWANWRITER is a dark progressive metal project based in Vancouver, British Columbia, created and performed entirely by the anonymous multi-instrumentalist known as Koda. Formed in 2023, the project emerged from a desire to merge progressive metal songwriting with classical composition, atmospheric storytelling, and emotionally driven arrangements.

Connect with SWANWRITER:

Bandcamp: https://swanwriter.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swanwritermusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swanwritermusic/
X / Twitter: https://x.com/swanwritermusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@swanwriter
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6unE9CWOXt5c4UIiaHD5RR
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/swanwriter/1686779640
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swanwritermusic

Southpaw FLHC Announce "The Standard" Out 7/31 Via Spinefarm + Share "Rolling Stone" Video

Fast-rising hardcore band SOUTHPAW FLHC — Alan King, guitar; Harrison Linder, drums; Marc Laroche, bass; and Daryn LaMontagne, vocals —  have built their reputation brick by brick, focusing on the messages of self-empowerment, pushing through struggle, perseverance, and building a legacy that speaks to all walks of life.

Today, they have announced their upcoming album The Standard, which arrives July 31 via Spinefarm. Pre-order it here.

The band has also thrown another haymaker in the form of the video for new single "Rolling Stone." Watch it below.

"'Rolling Stone' leans into the reality of living a fast life on the road in pursuit of chasing your purpose," the band states. "Losing loved ones and pieces of yourself along the way are part of the game. In the process of moving towards your purpose, the climb feels never ending, yet time continues on. But as a man, you must walk that line in order to create your own path and legacy. In honor of frontman Daryn Lamontagne's grandfather. Rest in power, Pops."

"All gas, no brakes. Driven by hunger, discipline, and a relentless passion for the love of the game. This is The Standard," the band declares.

Southpaw FLHC, who bridge the gap between the old and new generations of hardcore with elements of punk, metal and hip hop, crashed the scene with their self-titled EP, released in 2020. They haven’t taken a breath since, releasing seven singles with accompanying music videos. Clearly, their DIY ethic is strong, as the band also hit the road — and hard. They've shared stages with and toured alongside With Blood Comes Cleansing, Tracheotomy, Bodysnatcher, Surfaced, and Hoods, inciting furious moshpits in every city they played. In 2025, they embarked on a headline run with Cutthroats, Kind Eyes, Unvow, and Resistor. Their hometown roots run deep as marrow, as evidenced by the fact that they headline and packed the first-ever show at a brand new venue called HARDLOVE in Jacksonville. Southpaw FLHC ain't playing and they've established themselves as an up and comer in the hardcore scene. This is only the beginning. Their worldwide partnership with Spinefarm will allow them to ascend to the next level — because that is where they are ultimately headed.

SOUTHPAW FLHC have also announced a later summer headline tour that runs through August and September. All date are below.

SOUTHPAW FLHC ON TOUR:
8/18—Pensacola, FL—The Handlebar
8/19—Lafayette, LA—The Pit
8/20—Houston, TX—The End
8/21—Austin, TX—Come and Take It
8/22—Lubbock, TX—Jake’s Sports Cafe
8/23—Oklahoma City, OK—89th Street Live
8/25—St. Louis, MO—Red Flag
8/26—West Chicago, IL—WC Social Club
8/27—Detroit, MI—The Sanctuary (Crypt)
8/28—New Kensington, PA—Preserving Underground
8/29—Eaton, OH—Mitch×Fest
8/30—Cleveland, OH—The Foundry
9/1—Manchester, NH—Bungalow Bar & Grill
9/2—Brooklyn, NY—The Wood Shop
9/3—Manalapan, NJ—Locals
9/4—Albany, NY—Empire Underground
9/5—Reading, PA—Reverb
9/6—Salisbury, MD—Lurking Class Skate Shop
9/8—Lynchburg, VA—Super Rad Arcade
9/9—Chapel Hill, NC—Local 506
9/10—Spartanburg, SC—Ground Zero
9/11—Knoxville, TN—Karns Community Center
9/12—Nashville, TN—Drkmttr
9/13—Birmingham, AL—Nana Funks
9/15—Warner Robins, GA—The Reverb Room
9/16—Tampa, FL—Brass Mug
9/17—Orlando, FL—Boardwalk Bowl

STATE OF ILLUSION Confronts The Fear of Failure In Their New Video "Death Is Not The End"

In "Death Is Not The End", STATE OF ILLUSION consider a number of poignant themes including a literal meaning through a belief in an afterlife, that creativity prevails and the end of one chapter does not equate to the absence of meaning in ones life, and that the impact of art lives on. "Death Is Not The End" is an intense and intricate progressive metal offering, taken from the upcoming re-release of Pluto’s Ghost, arriving April 17.

On "Death Is Not The End", founder and songwriter Jacob Porter reveals the personal meaning of the track, and Pluto's Ghost: "For me, I felt almost totally alone while writing Pluto’s Ghost. I had a terrible case of writer’s block and felt abandoned by something I’d previously felt was a gift in my ability to write songs. It felt like I would never play live shows again as State of Illusion because for two years, I couldn’t find band members and I couldn’t continue State of Illusion as a studio project because I’d lost the ability to write songs."

"Death Is Not The End" concludes Pluto's Ghost, and draws together thematic and musical threads that have been carefully woven throughout the track list leading to this point. The emotional effect is heightened through ethereal moments, and greater extremes of contrast between the fierce heaviness and quieter sections. 

The accompanying music video to "Death Is Not The End" portrays a juxtaposition of reciprocal love and happiness found in everyday, often mundane moments, and an underlying darkness as shown through medication and glimpses of suffering in solitude. The narrative of video sees a couple celebrate the happy news of pregnancy while the father's health deteriorates leading to his passing. The song explores multiple interpretations through its lyrics and the video, allowing audiences to relate through their own lived experiences. 

STATE OF ILLUSION continues to evolve as a collaborative band, driven by the belief that heavy music can be emotional, introspective, and expansive without losing its intensity.

STATE OF ILLUSION is:

Jacob Porter – vocals
Shandon Fair – guitar
Cody Dabbs – guitar
Gunnar VanWingerden – bass
Bryce Chism – drums

Connect With STATE OF ILLUSION:

Official Website: www.stateofillusionmusic.com
Bandcamp: https://stateofillusion.bandcamp.com/
E-Shop: https://stateofillusionmusic.storenvy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StateofIllusion
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofillusionmusic/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/stateofIllusio1
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/stateofillusion
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ItB6evAEFio44kFAbxYDT?si=d66224a4c2514179
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/state-of-illusion/284774718
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stateofillusionmusic

Her Head's On Fire Announce New Album "Am I Not Your Girl?" + Share "We're Not Running"

Her Head's on Fire announce their new record Am I Not Your Girl?, out via Iodine Recordings on July 17. Pre-order it here.

Alongside the album news, the band has shared first single "We're Not Running." Listen below.

"If you stand alone with a brick in your hand against an oncoming wave of tanks with no hope of success, you still throw the brick," vocalist Syd Jagger says. "If there is an overreaching theme to 'AINYG? It would be hope in the face of adversity. This song was the last one written for the album, a late night jam sent to me by the band. 10 minutes later, I had the melody and chorus, sometimes they write themselves. I wasn't trying to but you can hear me starting to blow out the vocal microphone during the 'I won't let go' part. All of the vocals for this album were done in one day so I waited til the end of the session to record this one because I knew I wanted a raspier spent sound."
 
Am I Not Your Girl? is the latest from a band that's excelled at weaving past and present to deliver rock music that hits a sweet spot of post-hardcore grit and genuine songcraft. Am I Not Your Girl? is an exercise in simplicity born from years of consistency, prioritizing true-blue songwriting that draws on a lifetime of influences, from Revolution Summer sincerity to the conciseness modeled by The Replacements: Big choruses, big moments, big emotions.

Despite its members having played in a murderer's row of beloved, important bands in the worlds of post-hardcore and emo (Garrison, Saves the Day, The Bomb, and more), the four-piece have locked in on what the band really is across two previous records, College Rock and Clove Cigarettes and Strange Desires. Her Head's on Fire isn't trying to coast off those acts but rather push their work forward.

Mixed by Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Joyce Manor), the album excels at making the listener feel like they're in the room with the band as it happens, with production focused on capturing the music live rather than creating anything artificial. 

Nowhere is the band's philosophy better illustrated than in Am I Not Your Girl?'s cover art. Painted by Joy Johnson and inspired by the photography of Nan Goldin, it's a collage of illusory moments all occurring within the same space, one emotion bleeding into the next. In the same way that different feelings melt into one another, the record's emotive highs do the same, each beat of exuberance, pain, and sadness flowing into the one that follows. "Maybe this record's on in the background while people have a beautiful conversation, fall in love, or navigate a brutal moment," Jagger says. "I am honored to be any part of that soundtrack."

At the core of the band's mission is community: Playing shows and inviting the world in. Having shared stages with the likes of Quicksand, Hey Mercedes, and The Suicide Machines, there's a sense of connection that threads through both the music itself and their consistent activity as a touring act. "This thing attracted us because we were outliers, and we needed to feel less alone in the world," Jagger says. "We can't let the ugly trappings of the world creep in and take a hold of this thing. This community, this love is what it is all about."

HER HEAD'S ON FIRE ARE:
Jeff Dean — Guitars
Syd Jagger — Vocals
Rodrigo Palma — Bass, Keyboards
Michael Soucy — Drums and Percussion

Canadian Hard Rock Trio VON GROOVE Shares New Single "Undefeated" + Official Visualizer

Hard rockers VON GROOVE are proud to share their new single, "Undefeated," taken from their upcoming new album 'Born To Rock,' set for release on May 15, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. "Undefeated" marks the third track released from the new album and arrives alongside an official visualizer.

Drummer/vocalist Michael Shotton comments on the new track:

"'Undefeated' is the story of relentless persistence. Always rising to the challenge and never giving up. Defeat is not an option. Every day we step into that ring and face the enemy head-on and come out swinging. 'Undefeated' rocks as only VON GROOVE can. WARNING: don’t listen to this while driving on the highway!"

Watch the Official Visualizer for "Undefeated" Below.

VON GROOVE triumphantly returns with a jaw-dropping new album that reunites the classic original lineup: Mladen on guitars, Michael Shotton on drums and vocals, and Matthew Gerrard on bass. This isn’t just a comeback, it’s a resurrection!

Marking their first studio release since 2001, the album feels like it was born in the same fire as their legendary 1992 debut. The opening title-track, "Born To Rock," explodes with the same urgency and swagger as their iconic “Once Is Not Enough” — even quoting it with a subtle nod that will send chills down the spine of longtime fans.

True to their roots, VON GROOVE delivers a masterclass in melodic hard rock, with blazing guitars, soaring vocals, and airtight arrangements. The production is punchy and alive, but the soul of the record is pure 90s AOR glory.

Even more exciting? VON GROOVE will be returning to the stage in 2026, bringing their renewed fire and timeless sound back to live audiences for the first time in years.

Pre-Order 'Born To Rock' HERE

Founded in 1990, VON GROOVE quickly made their mark on the Melodic Hard Rock scene. Their 1992 self-titled debut, produced by Richie Zito and featuring Deen Castronovo (later of Journey) on session drums, remains a cornerstone of the genre. Over the years, they’ve delivered fan-favorite albums like 'Mission Man' ('Chameleon' in Europe), 'Test of Faith,' and'The Seventh Day.' Despite going on hiatus in 2001, the members stayed active, collaborating with rock legends and contributing to major projects across genres.

After 20+ years, VON GROOVE is making their epic comeback! 

VON GROOVE are:

Mladen — Guitars

Michael Shotton — Drums, Vocals

Matthew Gerrard — Bass

APOSTLE Release New Video For “Illusion of Loss”

APOSTLE has released a new video for their latest single, “Illusion of Loss,” a dynamic and emotionally charged composition that offers a glimpse into the band’s forthcoming full-length album, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon, arriving June 5, 2026 via Terminus Hate City.

“Illusion of Loss” begins with a sharp, brief breath before an angular and moody guitar and bass melody settles over a plodding, swinging half-time drum groove. Murice White's vocal cadence moves fluidly within the arrangement, locking into the rhythm as the song unfolds. A sudden, deliberate drop in intensity introduces an arpeggiated and introspective passage driven by a rolling snare, gradually building toward a release carried by a mid-tempo blast beat.

The track expands in scope as Murice’s tremolo-picked lead cuts through with urgency while his vocals rise in intensity. Michael’s bass provides a steady melodic anchor, shaping the mood beneath shifting textures. A discordant, arpeggiated lead slices through the mix while Evan’s drumming shifts into a driving double bass pattern that pushes the song forward before returning to a reprise of its opening movement. The closing moments feature a distorted spoken sample describing barely livable conditions in a city, extending the song’s thematic reach outward.

“Illusion of Loss” reflects on the fragility of life, the isolation that can accompany grief, and the internal changes that follow. The song draws from the experience of personal loss and the emotional weight that lingers in its wake. It considers how loss reshapes identity, how it brings forward buried parts of oneself, and how memory can guide purpose moving forward. The connection between individual grief and shared human experience remains central throughout.

The album title references Carl Jung’s description of humanity as a “splinter in the infinite deity,” framing the record as an exploration of spiritual duality, grief, and self-examination. Across six tracks and 27 minutes, the band move through themes of loss, mortality, internal conflict, and eventual healing. The record serves as both a meditation on the human condition and a deeply personal tribute shaped by grief and remembrance.

Produced, engineered, and mixed by Connor Ray at Sobek Sound and mastered by Erol Ulug at Bright Lights, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon presents APOSTLE in their most refined and expansive form.

Pre-order A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon here: https://www.terminushatecity.com/product-page/preorder-apostle-a-splinter-in-the-infinite-noumenon-lp

APOSTLE is:

Murice White – vocals, guitar
Michael Thomas – bass, vocals
Evan Price – drums

Connect with APOSTLE:

Bandcamp: https://apostlesucks.bandcamp.com
Store: https://www.terminushatecity.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/apostlesucks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/apostlesux
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/67cjLOrbhdb2gFmS9OJKfS
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@terminushatecity