LANIE GARDNER RELEASES POWERFUL SOPHOMORE ALBUM FADED POLAROIDS, AVAILABLE NOW

After a milestone year that included her Grand Ole Opry debut, her first national TV performance on the TODAY Show, recognition as a “2025 Artist to Watch” by the Recording Academy/GRAMMY and Amazon Music and a Riser of the Month honor from Apple Music in addition to being named to CMT’s Next Women of Country: Class of 2025, Lanie Gardner today releases her highly anticipated sophomore album, Faded Polaroids, via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Listen to the album HERE.

The 18-track project is a bold, deeply personal collection produced by Oscar Charles, Jonathan Singleton, Chris Ganoudis, Katie Cecil, Carlo Colasacco, Mick Fleetwood, Ryan McMahon, and Don Miggs. Expanding on the raw honesty of her 2024 debut A Songwriter’s Diary, Faded Polaroids offers a sonic scrapbook of self-discovery, family roots, romantic twists, and personal healing. Gardner blends country storytelling with indie-rock grit, small-town pop, and boundless emotion, creating a sound that is wholly her own.

The album features the nostalgic and emotionally charged title track, “Faded Polaroids,” alongside fan favorites “High Divin,” the rootsy anthem “Love You Like Appalachia,” the emotionally charged “Concrete Cowboy,” and the windows-down groove of “Takin’ The Slow Ride.”

“Faded Polaroids is like opening a box of old photos — some crisp, some faded with time,” shares Gardner. “It’s a reminder that the simple things matter most, and every moment shapes who you become. I wanted this album to feel unfiltered and true.”

This release follows Gardner’s Polaroids EP earlier this summer, which included standouts “Buzzkill” and “Hold Your Horses.” Already named a SiriusXM Highway Find, Gardner is establishing herself as one of country’s most exciting breakout artists. 

Gardner continues to earn praise and high-profile collaborations across the Country music landscape. Her recent duet “What Could Go Right” with Thomas Rhett remains a fixture on top country streaming playlists and recently hit #1 on SiriusXM, while her heartfelt team-up with Warren Zeiders on “Loving in Letting Go” showcases her emotional depth and vocal power.

Gardner will bring Faded Polaroids to life on the road this summer and fall, supporting Gavin Adcock on select stops as well as Thomas Rhett at an upcoming stop on his tour. Visit laniegardnermusic.com for ticket information.

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Photo Credit: Alysse Gafkjen

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: EP Drops From Revnoir — LISTEN

FRENCH METALCORE BAND REVNOIR UNLEASH COMA EP

French metalcore force REVNOIR have dropped their Coma EP — a release that showcases the band's bold blend of modern rock, crushing metal, and dark electro. Out now via Arising Empire, Coma captures the cinematic intensity and emotional depth of the band.

Listen to the EP below.

The EP follows a run of successful singles that set the stage for this moment. With over 1.3 million streams on Spotify alone and a fast-growing audience of more than 80,000 unique monthly listeners, REVNOIR's rise is turning heads.

Since officially unveiling the project in September 2023, REVNOIR — comprised of Maxime Rodriguez-Medallo, Julien Ho-Tong, Robin Leneutre, and Kaz Nakazawa — have already left a lasting mark. Their explosive live energy was on display supporting Future Palace across Europe and during their sold-out Paris headline show at La Maroquinerie (550 capacity) earlier this year.

Now, REVNOIR are gearing up for their biggest step yet: Joining Coldrain as main support on their massive UK/EU headline tour 2025, performing in some of the biggest venues of their career so far. View dates here.

ARISING EMPIRE MEDIA ALERT: surprise Drop From Vianova — LISTEN

Berlin metalcore eccentrics Vianova have today surprise-dropped their debut album HIT IT!, along with a wild music video for new single "Squier Talk" via Arising Empire, following a week of leaking their material via OnlyFans. The quartet's lack of convention and creative appoach has rapidly catapulted them to becoming one of the fastest growing acts in modern metalcore, and their ascension to the top is set to be wholly realised with the release of one of the most brilliant, characterful and quirky metal albums of 2025.

Watch "Squier Talk" below.

Stream HIT IT! here.

The official pre-order for all physical formats and exclusive merch bundles, live worldwide from October 3, is here. 

Vocalist Alexander Kerksi comments, "It's only once in a lifetime you get to drop your debut album and we couldn't be more exited about releasing HIT IT!, our love letter to the past, the present and the future of music.

"Throughout the record's story, told through our music videos and social media 'minisodes' we have played on crazy gameshows, swapped our gender, and were stripped of our identities. 'Squier Talk' concludes this visual odyssey with us arriving at the headquarters of the 'biggest record label in the world,' Intergalactic Records, where we are confronted with the harsh surreality of the music industry. It's also the record's opening track, launching you into the sonic rollercoaster that is HIT IT!. 

"If you like tight, poppy song structures, polished commercial metalcore, and lyrics that talk about 'being pulled into the abyss/getting stabbed in the back,' this album is... not for you. So, HIT IT!"

The "Squier Talk" video is also the latest installment of the Vianova soap opera, told across episodic social media reels, shortform video, and a series of creative music videos accompanying the album's singles.

The story follows the surreal rise of a caricatured version of the band from studio grind and quirky side hustles into full-blown, Kill Your Friends-esque chaos. The band hustle on a wild game show, cruise through night-time Berlin in a vintage Mustang, and even swap genders in a dreamlike twist. After shooting with metalcore's top director, they're shockingly replaced by doppelgängers, only to be scooped up by the fictional Intergalactic Records. In the penultimate chapter of the story, in true Vianova fashion, they leaked clips of their own album on OnlyFans, turning the music industry inside out with a mix of satire, spectacle, and raw creativity. "Squier Talk" sees the conclusion of the story (for now), as Vianova's expectations of "making it" and the stark realities of the music business collide with comedy and poignancy in equal measure.

Vianova have already gained traction in the UK as shown by their sold out their London headliner at 229 in August, and being hailed as one of the highlights of Arctangent festival.

Following the viral momentum of their recent singles "Más Rápido," "Melanchronic." "Whatever, Alright," and "Uh, Yaya," which were praised by top-tier influencers/reactors like Nik Nocturnal, METALBIRB, bogdanhxc, and several prominent YouTube channels, Berlin's Vianova have quickly emerged as one of most exciting new heavy acts on the scene.

Blending the bounce of nu-metal, the snarling punch of metalcore, and the melodic dramatics of post-hardcore with a no-f***s-given crossover energy, Vianova aren't just knocking on the door — they're kicking it down. Armed with razor-sharp riffs, pounding grooves, jazz shifts, funk breaks, and a visual aesthetic that's as unhinged as it is unforgettable, Vianova embrace the absurd and the aggressive in equal measure. They are chaotic, catchy, and grab attention like a steel chair to the face.

Armed with their debut album HIT IT!, Vianova push their sound even further. This new chapter aims for a raw, fierce, and dynamic approach in both mixing and songwriting. Enigmatically embracing influence from soul, jazz, R&B, and '80s synths, Vianova are unapologetically themselves, the album a reflection of the quartet's commitment to not just breaking but entirely ignoring genre boundaries. Accompanying this sonic evolution is a vibrant visual transformation and some ever-evolving lore, told through an ongoing series of energetic and charismatic music videos.

VIANOVA ARE:
Alexander Kerski | Vocals
Felix Vogelsang | Guitar
Raoul Zillani | Bass
Paul Vogelsang | Drums

PRIMAL FEAR Reclaim the Metal Crown With "I Am The Primal Fear" Lyric Video; New Album Domination Out Worldwide;

"I Am The Primal Fear" is the perfect track to mark the release of German metal force PRIMAL FEAR’s new album, Domination. Out today via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), the 13-track record is a powerful statement of the band’s legacy and a showcase of their unmistakable sound.
 

Order Domination (excl. bundles, ltd. CD earbook, digipak-CD, jewel case-CD & various vinyl variants) & stream it here: https://primalfear.rpm.link/dominationPR

A future fan favourite and live anthem in the making, "I Am The Primal Fear" kicks off with a burst of solo drumming before the full PRIMAL FEAR engine roars to life, unleashing thunderous riffs and soaring melodic leads. The verses feel like an intense showdown, with vocalist Ralf Scheepers delivering a fierce performance, driven by the relentless rhythm section of bassist Mat Sinner and drummer André Hilger. Adding to the firepower is the band’s new guitar dream team, Thalìa Bellazecca and Magnus Karlsson, trading off with precision and power.

The intense call-and-response dynamic builds to a powerful, no-holds-barred chorus that sends a clear message: despite a few setbacks over the years, PRIMAL FEAR never considered calling it quits. The eagle was never gone, it was simply gathering strength, ready to soar once again and shake the metal world with an album that confidently claims its place among the top tier of heavy and power metal.

“Again, outta my way, I am the Primal Fear! No one can stop me and I'm gonna hunt you tonight, I'm your worst nightmare whenever you are trying to fool me!” states Scheepers.

Watch the new lyric video Below.

Domination was recorded at Dennis Ward’s Kangaroo Studios (HELLOWEEN, ANGRA etc.) in autumn 2024, produced by Mat Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers as well as Magnus Karlsson. Rounded off by multiple PRIMAL FEAR mixing/mastering engineer Jacob Hansen (AMORPHIS, VOLBEAT etc.) at his own studios in Denmark, the album artwork was designed by Death.Milk.Designs.

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

More on PRIMAL FEAR:
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Enter the Realm of LORE: “Senpai” ft. Isaac Wilson Out Now

Avant-garde duo LORE step into the spotlight with their debut single, "Senpai", featuring Isaac Wilson of Dwellings, now available on all major streaming platforms. Alongside this week's debut single release, is the announcement of LORE's upcoming EP, "Prologue", set for release on October 3rd. Watch the new video for "Senpai" ft, Isaac Wilson of Dwellings below.

Formed earlier this year, LORE is the creation of Jay Christian and the Frog, a mysterious entity who remains shrouded in anonymity. Born entirely online, the project emerged from a conscious decision to cast aside ego and pretense in pursuit of something real. LORE's debut EP, "Prologue", serves as a proper introduction to the band's rich world of storytelling and animated surrealism.

Unveiling the first glimpse into the enigmatic world of LORE, "Senpai" ft Isaac Wilson of Dwellings arrives with a fully animated video through the perspective of the band's anonymous figure, the Frog. Having premiered on Crunchyroll this morning, the visual follows the Frog as he conjures magic, guiding a pair of cats on a whimsical journey through forests and skies.

Opening the door of LORE's realm and embarking on "Prologue,", Jay Christian and The Frog share:

"We couldn’t be more excited to finally share the first chapter of Lore with the world. From the very beginning, this project has been about creating something bigger than ourselves we did our best to create this immersive blend of sound, story, and surrealism. Releasing our debut single “Senpai” with Isaac Wilson feels like opening the door into that world for the very first time, and this is only the beginning. With “Prologue” on the horizon, we can’t wait for everyone to experience the journey we’ve been building."

ABOUT LORE



LORE is a boundary-pushing musical project formed in early 2025, forged entirely through online collaboration. United by their roots in post-hardcore and a deep passion for storytelling, the band have quickly built a powerful creative bond that transcends distance.

Shaped by their years in two cult-followed bands, LORE's founders carry forward an ethos of community, connection, and inclusivity as they enter the era of the band's debut EP, "Prologue". Their mission is simple, but vital: to tell unforgettable stories through music while cultivating a space with no gatekeeping, and no ego. Just honest art and love for the craft.

LORE isn't just about sound, but about meaning. It's music for those who want to feel, to belong, and to find something deeper within the noise.

LORE’s debut single, “Senpai” ft. Isaac Wilson of Dwellings, is available on all major streaming platforms now.

Photo Credit - Christian Maravelis

Prospect Hill Unleashes New Version of Single “Victim” Feat. Stephen Richards of Taproot

After unleashing “Victim” on June 6, 2025, Boston hard rock band Prospect Hill returns with a brand-new version of the single, this time featuring Steven Richards of alt-metal veterans Taproot. The collaboration breathes new life into one of Prospect Hill’s most powerful songs, with Richards contributing fresh second-verse lyrics and layered harmonies that give the track a different perspective while preserving its crushing energy. Released today via Oktapus Rights Management / Red 13 Records, the updated “Victim” stands as both a reinvention and a celebration of mutual influence.

 Stream the new version here:

https://fans.prospecthillband.com/latest-release-links

A Collaboration Years in the Making
Originally released on June 6, 2025, “Victim” quickly became a fan favorite for its unapologetic lyrics and nu-metal edge. The song tackles toxic blame culture head-on, urging listeners to take accountability rather than fall into the trap of excuses.
Now, with Steven Richards stepping in to write and perform an entirely new second verse, the track gains a different narrative angle. His vocal presence is also interwoven throughout the harmonies, creating a powerful back-and-forth with frontman Edgar Troncoso that intensifies the song’s urgency.

“Having Steven on this track is a full-circle moment for us,” says drummer
and co-founder Mark Roberge. “Taproot has been one of our biggest influences since day one, and to hear him say this was his favorite collaboration he’s ever done—it doesn’t get more surreal than that.”

The Sound and the Message
Co-produced by Shaun Lichtenstein, Derek Rousseau, and Mark Roberge, and mixed by Lichtenstein, the 2025 version of “Victim” pushes Prospect Hill’s sound into sharper focus. Down-tuned guitars, aggressive grooves, and a defiant nu-metal punch remain intact, while Richards’ addition offers a renewed spark.

For More Information Please Visit:

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MÈLANCOLIA - UNVEIL SOPHOMORE ALBUM 'RANDOM.ACCESS.MISERY' + RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR THE SINGLE 'LITHIA' FEATURING HUNTER YOUNG

Melbourne blackened nu-metal force MÉLANCOLIA today unleash their anticipated sophomore album, ‘random.access.misery’, via   Nuclear Blast and Greyscale Records. They also share the music video for 'Lithia' featuring Hunter Young of MOODRING. Watch here. To mark the album's arrival, the band will embark on their ‘access.all.misery’ national headline tour this September, with tickets available now via Destroy All Lines.
Momentum is at an all time high for the band, having toured Australia three times over off the back of their debut album 'HissThroughRottenTeeth', and breaking into Europe and the UK twice on tours with Suffocation (US) and Ingested (UK). They wrapped a 17-date national tour supporting Thy Art Is Murder in July and prepare to embark on their own East Coast headliner starting September 11.  

After establishing themselves in 2022 with their debut single 'Horror_Ethereal', the band announced the following February their signing to both Greyscale Records for Australia/New Zealand and Nuclear Blast for the rest of the world. They released their debut album HissThroughRottenTeeth in April 2023, crafting a unique sound that has already catapulted them to new heights. Their very first show was in 2023 supporting THY ART IS MURDER on their Decade Of Hate Australian Tour alongside STARVE and JUSTICE FOR THE DAMNED. Since this they’ve toured with TO THE GRAVE, FALLUJAH (US), CATTLE DECAPITATION (US), Ingested (UK), VULVODYNIA (SA), SUFFOCATION (US) and many more.

random.access.misery is out everywhere now via Nuclear Blast and Greyscale Records.

Order 'random.access.misery':
https://geni.us/random-access-misery

MÉLANCOLIA is
Alex Hill | Vocals
Joshua Taafe | Guitars
Billy Morris | Guitars
Mason Page | Drums
 Toby Thomas | Bass

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IRON SAVIOR Conclude Reforged Album Trilogy With Spectacular Machine World Chapter

While fans of German heavy/power metal flagship IRON SAVIOR are eagerly waiting for new tunes to descend from space, the band shorten the wait with Reforged - Machine World, a 16-track opus honouring their early career steps, coming out through PERCEPTION - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music today. Concluding the group’s three-part Reforged series, the new double album makes selected older tracks shine in new splendour and is garnished by a cover version of JUDAS PRIEST’s "Starbreaker." Get your copy [digipak-CD or vinyl including alternative artwork] & stream it here:
https://ironsavior.rpm.link/machineworldPR

Band leader Piet Sielck (vocals, guitars) states: “We’re absolutely happy to bring back these songs to your attention - all polished up and ready for the next decades. With this last “Reforged” album, almost all songs from our Noise Records era are available again physically. All aboard, see you on the road!”

IRON SAVIOR are:
Piet Sielck | vocals, guitars
Joachim Küstner | guitars
Patrick Opitz | bass
Patrick Klose | drums

WE CAME AS ROMANS New Album Out Now; Drop Music Video For 'one by one'

Michigan metalcore titans We Came As Romans have released their powerful new album 'ALL IS BEAUTIFUL...BECAUSE WE'RE DOOMED' today, via Sharptone Records. The release is highlighted by the release of focus track 'one by one' and arrives as the band's US leg of their massive Bad Luck World Tour nears the end of its climactic final week, with sold-out crowds across North America witnessing the band's most ambitious era yet. Stream'ALL IS BEAUTIFUL...BECAUSE WE'RE DOOMED' HERE and watch the video for "one by one" below.

"one by one" confronts the band's history with destructive patterns head-on, serving as both a reckoning and a commitment to breaking cycles that have haunted them throughout their career. Built on crushing riffs and the band's signature melodic power, the track features lyrical callbacks to their past while emphasizing the hard-won growth that comes from facing your demons.

Providing further context , We Came As Romans frontman, Dave Stephens shares

"We first wrote One by One on an acoustic guitar with raw vocals, and right away we knew we had something special. Even though the rest of the song took time to shape, that initial spark carried us through and made the journey worth it. At its heart, the lyrics reflect the process of healing—acknowledging mistakes, facing flaws, and slowly piecing yourself back together, one by one. I couldn’t be more excited to finally share this song and the story it tells with everyone."

The single arrived earlier this week, as anticipation reached fever pitch for 'ALL IS BEAUTIFUL...BECAUSE WE'RE DOOMED', the band's most conceptually ambitious work to date. The album—a 12-track journey that literally loops from its final seconds back to its beginning—explores two decades of the band's history through a philosophical lens of death, rebirth, and transformation. Following the release of "bad luck," "no rest for the dreamer," "culture wound," and "where did you go?," "one by one" completes the picture of an album that refuses to shy away from the darkest corners of the band's journey. Stream the album now HERE.

ABOUT WE CAME AS ROMANS

We Came As Romans continue to progress and evolve at lightspeed, maintaining a place at the forefront of heavy music and culture. Never content to follow, they seamlessly alchemize crushing groove-driven catharsis, spacey electronics, and arena-size singalongs into a sound that refuses to sit still—effortlessly moving between metal, alternative, metalcore, and rock.

The Michigan-born five-piece—Dave Stephens, Joshua Moore, Lou Cotton, Andy Glass, and David Puckett—first broke through with Tracing Back Roots (2013), which cracked the Billboard 200 Top 10 and hit #1 on both the Independent Albums and Top Hard Rock Albums charts. Their self-titled 2015 album followed, debuting at #11 on the Billboard 200, cementing their status as modern metalcore royalty.

Following the tragic loss of original vocalist Kyle Pavone in 2018, the band has continued to honor his legacy with their 2022 album, Darkbloom, their highest-praised record to date. Kerrang! awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it "a carrier for a knot of emotion, and a tribute to their friend." It featured career-defining tracks like "Black Hole" (ft. Caleb Shomo), now over 102 million Spotify streams, and "Daggers" (ft. Zero 9:36), which surpassed 32 million streams. Media outlets including Loudwire and Consequence praised the album for its emotional range, sonic heft, and unapologetic vulnerability.

Now, with 'ALL IS BEAUTIFUL...BECAUSE WE'RE DOOMED,' the band enters their most ambitious chapter yet—scarred, sharpened, and more fearless than ever.

We Came As Romans Are



Dave Stephens - Vocals

Joshua Moore - Guitar

Lou Cotton - Guitar

Andy Glass - Bass

David Puckett - Drums

Rising Country Trio Lost Saints Release Debut EP 'Emotions,' Out Now

Built on the soul-piercing simplicity of three-part harmony, country trio Lost Saints arrive today with their debut EP, Emotions (Two Hats Music Group), available everywhere now. Featuring members Afton Addington, Chris Biano and Derrick Casteel, the new project showcases a group poised to bring timeless harmony back to the modern country landscape. Listen to Emotions Below.

Hailing from East Texas and East Tennessee, the members of Lost Saints first met in Nashville. What began as casual harmonizing between friends quickly revealed a rare, magnetic blend – three voices fitting together like pieces of a puzzle. With roots in gospel, bluegrass and classic country, their sound carries both contemporary polish and an authentic, 90s-inspired edge.

“I think it is a little bit of a lost art, and our goal is to bring that thing back,” says Biano. “That mix of voices that was here since the beginning of music.”

“We want to bring harmony back into the country music scene, and there’s a space for that,” Addington explains. “Look back at the ‘90s and you had all those great vocal groups like Diamond Rio, Restless Heart and Lonestar.”

Produced by studio legend Ilya Toshinskiy, Emotions builds on the trio’s early singles, including 2024’s “I Wanna Let You” and 2025’s “The One,” expanding their sonic world into a heartfelt collection of stories. With a mix of outside cuts, covers and a track co-written by Biano as well as the trio's sweeping choruses and seamless vocal interplay, the EP embodies Lost Saints’ belief that harmony is both timeless and deeply human.

“It’s like there’s a huge hole in modern country, and honestly, there might not be anything fitting what we’re doing,” Biano adds. “When we hit that chorus, it’s almost indistinguishable who’s leading.”

With Emotions, Lost Saints open a bold new chapter – reclaiming one of country’s most cherished traditions for a new generation of listeners.

About Lost Saints:
Built on the soul-piercing simplicity of three-part harmony, The Lost Saints are a country power trio for a new era – but one with undeniably timeless instincts. Featuring Afton Addington, Chris Biano and Derrick Casteel, three voices fit together like a puzzle, revitalizing one of country’s core tenants. Sourcing their own musical beginnings from East Tennessee (Casteel) and East Texas (Addington and Biano), The Lost Saints met by grace and began exploring an easy, all-natural vocal blend. Fusing the silky sheen of contemporary country with grassroots ‘90s authenticity and the rich, vivid harmony of the classic format, they began turning heads through a series of self-styled singles – set apart by their true-trio status (with each member on equal vocal footing). Yet after signing with Two Hats Music Group, and partnering with ace producer/studio legend Ilya Toshinskiy, a new chapter sees The Lost Saints finding their way. Beginning with the 2024 single “I Wanna Let You,” thick, textured voicing and near-weightless harmonies show a long-loved piece of the country tradition reclaimed, after being absent too long. Meanwhile, 2025 sees the band follow up their heartfelt power ballad “The One” – a better-late-than-never tribute to soulmates finding one another – with the release of their debut EP, Emotions, available now. 

NEW DELUXE VERSION OF LAINEY WILSON’S AWARD-WINNING ALBUM WHIRLWIND OUT NOW

The new deluxe version of Lainey Wilson’s award-winning album, Whirlwind, is out now via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Stream/purchase HERE.

In addition to Whirlwind’s original 14 songs, the new extended edition features five additional tracks: “Bell Bottoms Up,” “King Ranch, King George, King James,” “Yesterday, All Day, Every Day,” “Peace, Love, and Cowboys” and Wilson’s current single, “Somewhere Over Laredo,” which debuted earlier this summer and continues to rise on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

Released to overwhelming attention from fans and critics alike, “Somewhere Over Laredo” was the most added song at country radio at impact, garnered over 1.16 million streams across platforms in its first 24 hours (Wilson’s biggest first day of streaming to date) and earned widespread praise from outlets such as CBS Mornings, Rolling Stone and Billboard, who called it “one of her most commanding, dynamic vocal performances to date, crescendo-ing from a soft-focus, tender vocal, before gradually reaching into her upper register for powerful moments that heighten the song’s emotional acuity.”

In celebration of the new music, Wilson recently kicked off the U.S. leg of her sold-out Whirlwind World Tour, which includes upcoming stops at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, New York’s Madison Square Garden, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Austin’s Moody Center and Baton Rouge’s Raising Cane’s River Center (two nights) among many others. Following this run, Wilson will perform a series of shows in Australia and New Zealand early next year. See below for the complete itinerary, full details can be found at www.laineywilson.com/tour.

In the midst of a monumental year, Wilson also won four awards at the 60th ACM Awards earlier this spring—Entertainer of the Year (her second consecutive win), Female Artist of the Year (her third consecutive win), Album of the Year (Whirlwind) and Artist-Songwriter of the Year—performed during the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Halftime Show and won two awards at the 58th CMA Awards, where she made her hosting debut alongside Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan. Wilson also recently launched her fourth collection with Wrangler, as well as her own boot (Golden West Boots) and jewelry lines (The Lainey Wilson Jewelry Collection).

The 16x ACM, 9x CMA and Grammy Award-winner and Grand Ole Opry member is a prolific, sought-after songwriter who has scored eight #1 hits including “4x4xU,” “Wildflowers And Wild Horses,” “Watermelon Moonshine” and the 2x PLATINUM Certified “Heart Like A Truck,” in addition to award-winning collaborations with Cole Swindell (“Never Say Never”), Jelly Roll (“Save Me”) and HARDY (“wait in the truck”). Moreover, Wilson wrote and recorded “Out of Oklahoma” for the Twisters movie and has collaborated with artists such as Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Post Malone and more. She will also make her feature film acting debut in next year’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him, after first acting in Paramount’s hit television series, Yellowstone.

LAINEY WILSON CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
August 22—Sacramento, CA—Golden 1 Center*
August 23—Los Angeles, CA—Kia Forum*
August 28—Calgary, AB—Scotiabank Saddledome*
August 29—Edmonton, AB—Rogers Place*
August 30—Saskatoon, SK—SaskTel Centre*
September 11—Baton Rouge, LA—Raising Cane’s River Center†
September 12—Baton Rouge, LA—Raising Cane’s River Center†
September 13—Bossier City, LA—Brookshire Grocery Arena†
September 18—Austin, TX—Moody Center‡
September 19—Fort Worth, TX—Dickies Arena‡
September 20—Houston, TX—The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman ‡
September 25—Toronto, ON—Budweiser Stage§
September 26—Clarkston, MI—Pine Knob Music Theatre§
September 27—Grand Rapids, MI—Van Andel Arena§
October 2—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena||
October 3—Noblesville, IN—Ruoff Music Center§
October 4—Cleveland, OH—Blossom Music Center§
October 9—Columbia, MD—Merriweather Post Pavilion§
October 10—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden§
October 11—Mansfield, MA—Xfinity Center§
October 16—St. Louis, MO—Hollywood Casio Amphitheatre||
October 17—Rosemont, IL—Allstate Arena||
October 18—Saint Paul, MN—Xcel Energy Center||
October 24—Knoxville, TN—Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center#
October 25—Charlotte, NC—Spectrum Center#
November 7—Tampa, FL—Amalie Arena#
November 8—Orlando, FL—Kia Center#
December 7—Las Vegas, NV—Lainey Wilson: Wildflowers & Wild Horses
February 6—Auckland, New Zealand—Spark Arena~
February 8—Christchurch, New Zealand—Wolfbrook Arena~
February 11—Brisbane, Australia—Brisbane Entertainment Centre~
February 12—Brisbane, Australia—Brisbane Entertainment Centre~
February 14—Newcastle, Australia—Howlin’ Country~
February 16—Sydney, Australia—Qudos Bank Arena~
February 19—Melbourne, Australia—Rod Laver Arena~
February 20—Melbourne, Australia—Rod Laver Arena~
February 22—Adelaide, Australia—Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena~
February 26—Perth, Australia—RAC Center~ 

*with special guests ERNEST and Kaitlin Butts
†with special guests ERNEST and Maddox Batson
‡with special guests Muscadine Bloodline and Drake Milligan
§with special guests Muscadine Bloodline and Lauren Watkins
||with special guests Muscadine Bloodline and Maddox Batson
#with special guests ERNEST and Drake Milligan
~with special guests Flatland Cavalry and Kaitlin Butts 

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BLACKBRIAR - Release Video For 'Bluebeard's Chamber' + New Record 'A Thousand Little Deaths' Is Out Now

Blackbriar are proud to finally present their new studio album, A Thousand Little Deaths, released today via Nuclear Blast Records. A modern masterpiece steeped in gothic mystique, featuring breathtaking tracks such as The Fossilized Widow, Floriography, A Last Sigh of Bliss, I Buried Us  and Harpy.

Today, the band have also revealed a video for 'Bluebeard's Chamber', the album's opener. The track is a fatalistic romatic tale, inspied by the classic French fairytale.

Vocalist Zora Cock comments:
"Sometimes curiosity feels so strong that it's almost as if you're compelled to look by some unseen force, just as Aurora pricked her finger on the spinning wheel, which led her to a cursed sleep. A destructive kind of curiosity like Pandora's, who opened the box, releasing all evil into the world. Or like Psyche, who couldn't resist shining a light on her mysterious lover, only to lose him and be left pleading for forgiveness. Mine felt more like opening Bluebeard's chamber, leaving me covered in blood."

Order/stream A Thousand Little Deaths: 
https://blackbriar.bfan.link/a-thousand-little-deaths

Watch the video for 'Bluebeard's Chamber' Below.

Across October and November you can see Blackbriar performing some of their new songs live at their headline tour across Europe.

Few bands are capable of conjuring up such vivid cinematic vision as Blackbriar. The band’s lavish history of evocative dark fairytale storytelling and compelling gothic soundscapes continues to expand as we move further into 2025 and experience their third full length album, A Thousand Little Deaths. Tackling themes of love, loss, and death, Blackbriar seek to take all willing Thorns on a passionate and resounding journey filled once more with mesmerizing imagery, masterful lyricism, and dark symphonic metal power.

Expect even more big things for Blackbriar as 2025 continues along. With YouTube streams now reaching 71 million views and over 253,000 subscribers, and equally massive Spotify stats including a total of over 65 million streams, with over 190,000 monthly listeners who contribute to 1 million streams a month and 12 million streams per year, the world has taken notice of their distinctively macabre yet whimsical sense of metallic storytelling. Prepare to wrap yourself up in their seductive siren songs, and expect to be swept away on an unforgettable journey. 

BLACKBRIAR is:
Zora Cock - VOCALS
René Boxem - DRUMS
Bart Winters - GUITARS
Robin Koezen - GUITARS
Siebe Sol Sijpkens - BASS
Ruben Wijga - KEYS

Memphis May Fire Announce Fall 2025 Headline Tour

MEMPHIS MAY FIRE — Matty Mullins (vocals), Kellen McGregor (guitar), Cory Elder (bass), and Jake Garland (drums) — will embark on a headline tour this fall. Memphis May Fire: THE SHAPESHIFTER TOUR LEG 2 kicks off on November 17 in Florida and runs through December 16 in Arkansas.

Rain City Drive will serve as direct support, with Nevertel and If Not For Mealso appearing.

Various pre-sals are currently active and run through 10pm local time on Thursday, August 14. Get details and VIP packages here.

Regular tickets go on sale on Friday, August 15 at 10am local time. All dates are below. Get tickets here. 

"The first leg of the Shapeshifter Tour was absolutely unforgettable, and we knew we had to keep it going," shares Mullins. "We’'e beyond excited to announce L2g 2, hitting more cities and bringing along our friends in Rain City Drive, Nevertel, and If Not For Me. We can't wait to see y'all out there and make this next chapter of the tour even bigger than the first."

MMF dropped their latest album SHAPESHIFTER on March 28 via longtime label Rise Records. Get it here. The album received critical acclaim and recognition from SPIN, New Noise, Idobi, and more.

Listen to music from SHAPESHIFTER below.

MEMPHIS MAY FIRE ON TOUR:
WITH RAIN CITY DRIVE, NEVERTEL, + IF NOT FOR ME:
11/17 — Pensacola, FL — Vinyl Music Hall
11/18 — Chattanooga, TN — The Signal 
11/20 — Greensboro, NC — Piedmont Hall 
11/21 — Myrtle Beach, SC — House Of Blues
11/22 — Richmond, VA — The National 
11/23 — Washington DC — The Howard
11/25 — Hartford, CT — The Webster
11/26 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom 
11/28 — Buffalo, NY — Electric City 
11/29 — Detroit, MI — Majestic 
11/30 — Chicago, IL — House Of Blues
12/1 — Madison, WI — Sylvee 
12/3 — Boulder, CO — Boulder Theater 
12/5 — Boise, ID — Treefort Music Hall 
12/6 — Missoula, MT — Wilma
12/7 — Spokane, WA — Knitting Factory
12/9 — San Luis Obispo, CA — Fremont Theater 
12/10 — Riverside, CA — Riverside Municipal Auditorium 
12/11 — Las Vegas, NV — The Portal 
12/12 — Tucson, AZ — Encore
12/14 — Oklahoma City, OK — Tower Theatre
12/15 — Kansas City, MO — The Truman
12/16 — Fayetteville, AR — Ozark Music Hall  

Leslie Mandoki and his band, the Mandoki Soulmates, is returning to Budapest on August 21, 2025 and streaming live on Youtube

In a homecoming concert spectacular, Leslie Mandoki and his band of global musical luminaries, the Mandoki Soulmates, is returning to Budapest on August 21, 2025 at 7:00pm Central European Time to celebrate fifty years of Mandoki’s life and artistry in freedom on the national stage of his birthland. The 50 year anniversary concert will be live streamed directly from Budapest onto Youtube and can be watched from across the globe! The live stream will begin at 1:00pm Eastern Time. Here is the link for the livestream! https://www.youtube.com/live/t19CDG83nL0?si=n8Wjk2KRr8QKl6od

The performance will feature iconic Mandoki Soulmates songs, global hits made famous by members of his all-star band, and new material from their latest album, including We Stay Loud, Blood in the Water, and Devil’s Encyclopedia. Mandoki says “we invite everyone who believes in the power of music as both an act of profound artistic expression as well as a mode of liberation.”

The extraordinary venue is Budapest’s icon of icons, Szentháromság Tér atop the Buda Castle hill, a fitting crescendo in Mandoki’s performing life, which began in the then-notorious “Bem Club,” the locus of artistic rebels and rebellion in the oppressive 1970s Budapest. The concert promises surprises both evoking Mandoki and The Soulmates’ musical journey, as well as the band’s latest album, A Memory Of Our Future, a resounding international success, recently honored at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.     

The Backstory
Over 50 years ago, the young Leslie Mandoki and his band, JAM, started making the scene at the infamous Bem Club, a so-called “cultural center” in communist-era Budapest that was quickly becoming a hotbed of the underground counter-culture for young people. After experiencing unrelenting artistic and personal repression, Leslie and two like-minded friends summoned the courage to make their way, by any means necessary, to the West. Compelled by this longing for freedom, his friends, the young animator Gábor Csupó (now known worldwide for The Simpsons, Rugrats, Duckman, and Aaahh!!! Real Monsters), and musical blood brother László made a dramatic escape through the Karawanken Tunnel to Germany in 1975—50 years ago!

Perhaps Leslie himself expressed the roots of his personal and artistic odyssey best: “The Bem Club was the place where music became the battlefield of inner revolution and the fight for freedom. It was there that I first understood that behind every sound, there are ideas—and that every melody rises from the depths of the soul. I learned that music is not just storytelling, but a kind of world-building: creating new realities from sounds, thoughts, and shared dreams. The stage is a space where there is both a mirror and a gateway, to ourselves and to one another. The friendships forged there were not fleeting moments, but encounters of destinies attuned to one another. All of this shaped not only my artistic path but also the way I’ve seen life, freedom, and human dignity ever since.”

This crucible of Leslie’s westward journey and new life eventually led to the founding of the Mandoki Soulmates band. The group shared an artistic creed based on the spiritual and musical foundations for what has become the broader Soulmates collective. Now more than just a band, this is a creative fellowship, a cultural atelier, a bridge connecting generations and civilizations, a cry for freedom echoing across the world’s grandest stages, and one that will be celebrated with this concert. 

Mandoki Soulmates Mega Concert—50 Years in Freedom
August 21, 2025, 7pm
Szentháromság Tér, Buda Castle, Budapest

A Memory Of Our Future - Album Order:
https://mandokisoulmates.lnk.to/Physical

BAEST Launches Visualizer for New Song, “Depraved World," New Album 'Colossal' Out Now

Danish death metal commando BAEST is now celebrating the release of its fourth studio album, 'Colossal,' which is out now, via Century Media Records! The band is also now sharing a visualizer with animation by Frederik Birn for the album’s closing track, “Depraved World," which can be found below.

BAEST comments, “Lo and behold! Our new album ‘Colossal’ is out now. We’re proud of this one and we’ve been working hard to reach this outcome. And the title says it all - it’s grandiose, it’s epic and it’s COLOSSAL!”

Produced by Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studio (Heaven Shall Burn, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Haunted, etc.), the album contains nine tracks across 42 minutes, including the already released singles "Colossus" and "Imp Of The Perverse," as well as an upcoming single with guest vocal features by Jesper Binzer of D-A-D on “King Of The Sun."

'Colossal' is now available to order, stream, or download HERE.

The album’s artwork was created by Solomacello

Are you ready to rock? Something colossal is coming…

Baest are back, with a new sound and a badass attitude. Over the last decade, the Danish quintet have become one of the most celebrated and respected death metal bands in Europe. Their reign of terror began with debut album Danse Macabre, which emerged to great acclaim in 2019. Since then, the Danes have been relentless. Subsequent albums Venenum (2019) and Necro Sapiens (2021) cemented their reputation as extreme metal mavericks with an ear for lethal hooks, while their passionate dedication to playing live enabled them to spread the word at shows and festivals around the world. 

But things are slightly changing with album number 4: Colossal. Pieced together in the aftermath of Covid lockdowns, and fine-tuned over the last couple of years, the new Baest album is an absolute monster. The new songs are still rooted in the belligerent death metal that informed previous records, but Colossal represents a wholesale transformation. Inspired by and infused with old school, classic metal riffs and a giant helping of rock ‘n’ roll bombast, Baest have written an album that delights in the glory of heavy metal and the fine art of rocking out. Bursting at the seams with catchy riffs and classy melodies, with stylistic salutes to everyone from Ozzy Osbourne and Dokken, through to Iron Maiden and Whitesnake, this is the magnificent rock ‘n’ roll rebirth of Baest. 

BAEST line-up:

Svend Karlsson - Rhythm/Lead Guitar 

Simon Olsen - Vocals 

Lasse Revsbech - Rhythm/Lead Guitar 

Sebastian Abildsten - Drums & Percussion

Mattias ‘Muddi’ Melchiorsen - Bass

Album Artwork:

Solomacello

Production:

Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studio

Special Guests:

Jesper Binzer of D-A-D on "King Of The Sun"

ORM on "Misfortunate Son"

Formats (U.S.): Ltd. CD Digipak / LP / Digital Album

BAEST online:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FACEBOOK 

INSTAGRAM

YOUTUBE

STREAM // DOWNLOAD

Fermentor - Agreement: Out NOW!

FERMENTOR’s latest sonic experiment, Agreement, drops August 15th, 2025. This 17-track instrumental album concludes a trilogy of improvised releases, following Mind Meld and Release Me. Agreement pushes their boundary-defying blend of blistering death metal and sprawling, freeform post-rock to new extremes, delivering cinematic brutality and storytelling without words through instinct-driven chemistry.

The album opens with "Wintry Earth," a bleak, droning descent marked by jagged time signatures, eerie guitar textures, and a brutal death metal finale that sets a tense, violent tone. "Whisper Flesh" follows, a raw improvisation where dissonant loops and jagged grooves shift between blast-heavy death metal and crushing, groove-laden choruses, spiraling into ritualistic heaviness.

"Dead Farm" and "Ceratops" offer contrasting explorations of heaviness. "Dead Farm" channels the primal force of SEPULTURA, seismic pulse of GOJIRA, and progressive sludge of MASTODON with groove-driven intensity. Meanwhile, "Ceratops" unfolds slowly from meditative calm into a cathartic, tectonic climax, showcasing the band’s dynamic range from muscular aggression to patient build.

"More Than Eight" dives into FERMENTOR’s signature improvised chaos, layering guitar loops instinctively over shifting rhythms. "Ghost Girl" ventures further into experimental territory, blurring meditative post-rock and thunderous groove metal with spiraling solos and ethereal textures.

"Roach God" captures raw vulnerability through imperfect, high-wire improvisation where mistakes become defining characteristics - an authentic snapshot of risk and discovery. "Rotted" is a relentless, riff-driven brutal death metal descent, free of loops and culminating in a monstrous breakdown forged in pure instinct.

"Deactivated" builds angular chaos with dissonant grooves, shifting time signatures, and a searing solo, exploding into a triumphant finale. The title track "Agreement" is a study in tension and release, layering palm-muted guitars over hypnotic loops, culminating in a crushing halftime outro, a seismic exhale of raw improvisation and controlled chaos.

"There With That" blends cinematic instincts and epic metal grandeur, balancing atmosphere and intensity with emotional clarity. "Human Caterpillar" immortalizes a glitching guitar pedal feedback during an improvisation, turning technical failure into a chaotic, avant-garde Easter egg and a tongue-in-cheek highlight released on April Fools’ Day.

"Transgression" blasts with thrash-rooted energy, tight cymbal chokes and groove-drenched riffs channeling the band’s early chemistry and old-school aggression. "Hides Behind Hands" offers a rare breath of melancholic reflection, trading brutality for beauty through shimmering loops and restrained percussion, inviting pause and introspection.

"Protohuman" is a kaleidoscopic hybrid of swirling loops, jagged rhythms, and pulverizing eruptions that merge FERMENTOR’s death-thrash roots with fearless experimentation. "Skybeam" unleashes a deafening blast of explosive energy, a chaotic tempest signaling the album’s climax.

Finally, "All Ashes" winds down with reflective melodies and subtle textures, a sonic exhale that gathers Agreement’s sprawling journey into a poignant, meditative farewell.

Agreement stands as a bold testament to FERMENTOR’s fearless embrace of improvisation, raw emotion, and genre-defying exploration. Through blistering death metal, expansive post-rock, and moments of beautiful imperfection, the album captures a journey of friendship, risk, and creative discovery. It invites listeners into a world where chaos and control coexist, forging a powerful, unspoken narrative that lingers long after the final note fades. This is more than an album. It is an immersive experience that challenges expectations and redefines the boundaries of instrumental music.

FERMENTOR is:

• Dylan Marks - Drummer

• Adam "Wally" Wollach - Guitarist

ABOUT FERMENTOR:
FERMENTOR is a San Diego-based two-piece instrumental metal band formed in 2008 by drummer Dylan Marks (ATHEIST, BEEKEEPER) and guitarist Adam “Wally” Wollach (BEEKEEPER, TRASHAXIS). Stripping away the comforts of a traditional band infrastructure, FERMENTOR relies solely on communicating through only two elements; drums and guitar. The two instruments acting more like contrapuntal voices, rather than just rhythm and melody.

Their musical chemistry was discovered in the summer of 2008 when the two cousins took advantage of an opening at Wollach’s recording studio. Having never collaborated before and with only four weeks to write and record, they created their first EP entitled Matanzaa.

INCITE Celebrate Monumental Year With The Release Of 'Savage New Times' Album and Video

Phoenix groovers/thrashers INCITE have today released Savage New Times via Reigning Phoenix Music. The new album features 10 new tracks that showcase exactly why they are broadly viewed as rising stars in the genre.

To mark the occasion, the band has unleashed a performance video for the title track, one of the most intense and truly “savage” cuts on the record.

Frontman Richie Cavalera comments, "'Savage New Times' is a throwback to 80s  metal that inspired us. It’s meant to be a song about being strong, overcoming, and fighting through the dark days of our lives. It’s a killer track and a great way to end an album as our final battle cry!!!"

Watch the video for "Savage New Times" Below.

Purchase Savage New Times HERE: https://incite.rpm.link/savagenewtimesPR

Midnight In Hell 2025 Tour (With SIX FEET UNDER, EXHORDER And WRETCHED)

9/21 Columbus, OH The King Of Clubs
9/22 Baltimore, MD Soundstage
9/23 Raleigh, NC Chapel Of Bones
9/25 Orlando, FL Conduit
9/26 Tampa, FL Orpheum
9/27 Destin, FL Club LA
9/28 Baton Rouge, LA Chelsea’s Live
9/29 San Antonio, TX Paper Tiger
9/30 Lubbock, TX Jake’s
10/2 Tucson, AZ The Rock
10/3 San Diego, CA House Of Blues
10/4 San Luis Obispo, CA Humdinger
10/5 Sacramento, CA Aftershock (Six Feet Under only)
10/7 Seattle, WA El Corazon
10/9 Richland, WA Ray’s Golden Lion
10/10 Portland, OR Nova
10/11 Boise, ID The Shredder
10/13 Denver, CO The Oriental Theatre
10/15 Tulsa, OK The Vanguard
10/16 Des Moines, IA Wooly’s
10/17 Urbana, IL The Canopy Club
10/18 Chicago, IL Avondale
10/19 Cadillac, MI Venue Event Center
10/20 Detroit, MI Sanctuary
10/21 Buffalo, NY Rec Room
10/22 Norwalk, CT District Music Hall
10/23 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Monarch
10/24 Bensalem, PA Broken Goblet
10/25 New Kensington, PA Preserving Underground

Purchase Tickets HERE: https://linktr.ee/midnightinhell

About INCITE:

Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2004 by frontman Richie Cavalera, INCITE blends groove and thrash metal with a raw, relentless edge. With Lennon Lopez on drums and EL on bass, the band has honed its unyielding sound across multiple albums, evolving with each release. Their punishing intensity is amplified by producer Steve Evetts (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, HATEBREED and mixer Arthur Rizk (Soulfly, Municipal Waste), while striking artwork by Marcelo Vasco (Slayer, Kerry King) captures their ferocity. Known for their relentless touring, Incite has conquered stages worldwide, sharing bills with DEVILDRIVER and SIX FEET UNDER, and proving their grit—like driving 500 miles through a blizzard to make a show. The addition of guitarist Layne Richardson has injected fresh energy, elevating both their live performances and songwriting. With sheer determination and raw talent, Incite has carved out a place in modern thrash, dominating every stage with their unbreakable, unforgiving sound.

AURI - Release Their Enchanting New Album "III - Candles & Beginnings" Today!

Today marks the highly anticipated release of III – Candles & Beginnings, the third studio album from AURI — the visionary musical collaboration of vocalist Johanna Kurkela, Nightwish keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, and multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley.

With III – Candles & Beginnings, AURI once again open a portal to an otherworldly soundscape where folk, progressive rock, symphonic textures, world music, pop, and avant-garde elements entwine. At the heart of the album lies Kurkela’s ethereal voice, soaring across lush sonic landscapes crafted by Holopainen’s emotive keyboard playing and Donockley’s eclectic instrumentation.

This new release is a tapestry of emotion and imagination, where each track tells its own story — from nostalgic reflections to deeply personal experiences.

Coinciding with the album’s release is the launch of the third single, 'Blakey Ridge', accompanied by a brand-new lyric video. Joyful and transportive, the track pays tribute to The Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge, a historic and beloved pub nestled in the remote beauty of the North York Moors — a personal haven for the band.

Troy Donockley comments: "Can the remote, isolated, back of beyond feel like home? Is the middle of nowhere the middle of everywhere?

The sun is setting.

The moon is rising.

The night is coming.

The Lion is waking...

We'll meet you up on Blakey Ridge."

III – Candles & Beginnings is not just an album; it’s a journey to be felt with the senses, a sanctuary for dreamers and seekers alike.

Watch the lyric video for 'Blakey Ridge' Below.
Stream the album on all platforms: https://auri.bfan.link/iii-candles-beginnings

Line-up:
Johanna Kurkela | voices, violin, viola, keys
Tuomas Holopainen | keys & backing voices
Troy Donockley | guitars, bouzouki, mandola, uilleann pipes, low whistles, aerophone, bodhran, keys, voices

AURI online:
https://linktr.ee/auri.band
https://www.backstagerockshop.com/collections/auri

Ray Hawthorne & Oliver vs. Godzilla-Sized Elmo + New Album Out Today!

Pop punk disruptor, Ray Hawthorne, has officially released his sophomore record, "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real" today, paired alongside an epic animated video for one of the album's standout tracks, "The Reel You". Fans can listen to the album HERE and watch the brand new video below.

In the brand new video for "The Reel You", Ray Hawthorne and his real-life dog, Oliver, trade guitars for capes, transforming into animated superheroes locked in a battle against a towering, Godzilla-sized Elmo. It's absurd, action-packed, and exactly the kind of chaotic fun that fans have come to expect from Hawthorne.

Blending heartbreak, sarcasm, and just the right amount of emotional stability, this record marks a new chapter for Ray Hawthorne. Where debut album and his firstborn, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks", leaned into earnest DIY vulnerability, his latest record, "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real", takes a turn and taps into the restless defiance of a secondborn. Across 15 brand new tracks, Hawthorne delivers emotional candor that perfectly captures what it feels like to scream into the void, only to realize the void is singing back.

Fresh off singles that blurred the lines between self-deprecation and self-destruction, including the biting, "And the Horse You Rode in On", the pop-punk firebrand doubles down on identity crises, burned bridges, late night regrets, and the very real possibility that Ray Hawthorne is just a guy screaming into the ether (and somehow making it sound catchy). Loud, petty, and deeply cathartic, "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real" cements Hawthorne's place as one of the most unapologetically honest voices modern pop-punk.

Somewhere between saving the city from a Godzilla-sized Elmo and making sure Oliver's cape stayed on straight, Ray Hawthorne took a breather to share:

"You know what? Sometimes I just wanna be messy. I wanna lay out all of my biggest regrets in overly distorted ways that make my throat hurt. I wanna be so fucking real about what I’m feeling that it’s almost off putting. Like “Trauma Dump - The Album”. But I also just wanna play Yu-Gi-Oh and hang out with my dog. So I’m trying to find a middle ground. I’m sure the next album will be cleaner and prettier, maybe a little less chaotic. But this shit is messy, distorted, chaos, and I think I really needed it to be that way.”

Renowned for his work in North Kingsley, the acclaimed project alongside Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down, Hawthorne initially captured hearts as the Heartbreak Hero with his inaugural solo release "Heartbreak Feels Good in a Place Like This". Building on his solo work, his debut record "Ray Hawthorne Sucks" further cemented his status as a bold new voice in pop punk, quickly amassing a devoted following and over 15 million streams across all streaming platforms for his magnetic charm and razor-sharp wit.

Picking up where his debut record, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks", left off, his sophomore record captures the raw energy of late-night confessionals and the polished punch of modern pop punk. "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real" is an invitation to embrace the chaos, laugh at the pain, and maybe, just maybe, find a little redemption along the way.

Be sure to stay tuned for more Ray Hawthorne news coming very soon.

"RAY HAWTHORNE ISN'T REAL"

RELEASE SHOW / DEBUT SHOW

August 15th - The Shed - Los Angeles, CA

Don't miss out on catching Ray Hawthorne's debut live performance for his "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real" release show at none other than everyone's favorite local venue, The Shed!

Support for the "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real" release show comes from Tayden, bren., and Kiss The Scientist.

Tickets can be purchased HERE.

ABOUT RAY HAWTHORNE

Do you remember that episode of Degrassi where Ashley really wants Craig to tell her he loves her, but Craig gets all panicked and can’t tell her that he does? It causes so much drama in their relationship. She begins to question her feelings for him and because of that, he becomes seemingly unsure of his feelings for her. So, in an effort to quell the bad vibes, Craig writes a song that includes lyrics IMPLICITLY AND EXPLICITLY stating that he loves her. (Total banger by the way, the only song of his I like better is the one he sings at the battle of the bands after the two inevitably break up, it’s also about Ashley. I believe it’s called ‘What I Know’) Anyway, Craig was only able to admit he loved Ashley in song form, but you as the viewer are left wondering ‘Does he really love her, or was this just his solution to end the drama?’ Or, ’Is this truly the only way he can express himself because he’s kind of nervous about speaking his true feelings outside of the structured environment of a song?’. I tend to believe it’s a mixture of both. So what I’m trying to say is, this collection of songs is kind of like that. I always feel like I have so much to say but often feel a bit too vulnerable when discussing my actual feelings. So for the majority of my life, I’ve just written them into songs instead. These songs can be quite vulnerable even if they seem silly at times. So now you’re left to wonder... am I telling the truth or just trying to get rid of Ashley’s bad vibes?

New Music from Dreamwake 'The Lost Years'