Livesay Enters a Bold New Era with RISEN: Progressive Metal Veterans Return Stronger, Heavier, and More Inspired Than Ever

July 13, 2026

Progressive metal has always been about evolution, pushing boundaries, and refusing to stand still. With the release of their new album, RISEN, LIVESAY embraces that philosophy with their most inspired and dynamic work to date.

More than just a new collection of songs, RISEN represents renewal, growth, and the next evolution of a band that has spent years crafting music built on exceptional musicianship, memorable melodies, and fearless songwriting.

With two videos off this NEW EP surpassing over 1 MILLION VIEWS on YouTube LIVESAY has the momentum for

this release.

Drawing inspiration from the virtuosity of Yngwie Malmsteen, the timeless power of Deep Purple, the progressive brilliance of DGM, the arena ready melodies of Europe, and the technical mastery of early Dream Theater, RISEN delivers a listening experience that is both technically impressive and emotionally engaging.

The album effortlessly moves between soaring vocal harmonies, infectious melodic hooks, intricate musicianship, and dark, mystical passages that showcase the band's unmistakable progressive identity. Whether listeners crave memorable choruses, jaw-dropping instrumental performances, or immersive songwriting, RISEN offers something that resonates across the entire spectrum of rock and metal fans.

For LIVESAY, this album signifies much more than a musical milestone, it marks the beginning of an exciting new era.

"Our latest record RISEN marks a new chapter in the band's history. We continue on our journey creating new progressive metal for our fans. With our exciting new lineup we look forward to all of you hearing what we have created."

That renewed energy is evident throughout every track. The chemistry of the band's revitalized lineup fuels performances filled with confidence, passion, and precision, while the songwriting reflects a group eager to explore new creative heights without losing sight of what has made LIVESAY a respected name in progressive metal.

Rather than chasing trends, RISEN stands as a celebration of musicianship and authenticity. Every song is carefully crafted to balance technical sophistication with emotional impact, proving that progressive metal can be both intellectually engaging and immediately memorable.

The result is an album that feels ambitious without becoming inaccessible one that invites repeated listens while continually revealing new layers, textures, and moments

of brilliance.

With RISEN, LIVESAY doesn't simply continue its story

they elevate it.

For longtime fans, the album is a rewarding evolution of the band's signature sound. For new listeners, it serves as the perfect introduction to a band operating at the height of its creative powers.

The next chapter has arrived.

JACK WHITE FROZEN CHARLOTTE OUT NOW

July 12, 2026

BUY / LISTEN TO "FROZEN CHARLOTTE"

The Joy Thieves rip it with 'I'll Be Your Hammer' from 'Apocalypse Pending' feat. Chris Connelly - soundtracking the end of the world as we know it

July 7, 2026

Chicago-based industrial-rock-punk-experimental supergroup The Joy Thievespresents 'I’ll Be Your Hammer' from their full-length album 'Apocalypse Pending', released via Armalyte Industries. As with the album's lead singles 'No Anchor' and ‘The Wrong End of Your Rifle’, the accompanying video was created by Lumbra Productions.

A rallying cry to inspire people to stand up to fascism as it quickly spreads around the globe, the song’s title is a direct response to ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’ by The Velvet Underground, and also alludes to the quote “Art is not a mirror, it’s a hammer” by the trailblazing Scottish documentarian John Grierson.

Many instantly recognize the iconic voice of Chris Connelly (Fini Tribe, Revolting Cocks, Ministry, Pigface), who shares, “While ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’ by The Velvet Underground is an introspective plea from one lover to another, ‘I’ll Be Your Hammer’ is written from the perspective of an individual standing up to a fascist regime. The more you suppress our rights, the stronger I get”.

Highly influenced by the hip hop music production techniques of the 80’s and early 90’s, 'Apocalypse Pending' finds the Joy Thieves Productions team of Dan Milligan and James Scott redefining themselves by utilizing a sample-heavy production to forge elements of industrial, rock, experimental, punk, hip hop, metal, and freeform jazz. But instead of sampling the music of others, they draw inspiration in the talents of the band’s 80+ other members, resulting in an incendiary sound all their own.

While The Joy Thieves combine a wide array of musicians in order to craft their signature sound, 'Apocalypse Pending' stretches this concept to its limits, turning their entire song-creation process upside down. Instead of members contributing songs, as before, they meticulously gathered hundreds of unrelated recorded musical fragments from their fellow Joy Thieves, then painstakingly reconstructed brand new pieces of music from these fragments, ultimately creating a fresh and innovative sound.

'Apocalypse Pending' captures the zeitgeist with such precision while touching on the decay of the individual and exploring the isolation of our modern world. Seething with frustration and rage at one moment, and coolly delivering beat poetry the next, this album uses a densely layered, sonic collage as the perfect vehicle to deliver the band’s violently anti-fascist sentiments.  

“’I’ll Be Your Hammer’ takes root in the soil laid down by our punk and industrial ancestors. More than any other song on the record, it deviates from the break beat inspired backbone and into somewhat more accessible, albeit aggressive and discordant territory. We crafted this song to relentlessly hit the listener in the face with punk rock attitude and providing a recklessly speeding vehicle for Chris Connelly’s brilliant, seething lyrics," says James Scott.

The Joy Thieves 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.

The band crafts their 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. Created by “all of us, and yet, none of us”, this is a sound all their own, their music aggressive, yet precise; confrontational, but refined; and harsh, yet melodic.

'Apocalypse Pending' is out now, available on Digipack CD and digitally everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Track 1 written by Dan Milligan, DJ Darryl Hell
Tracks 2, 4, 7, 10,11 written by Chris Connelly & Dan Milligan
Track 3 written by Chris Connelly, Jeff Harris, Dan Milligan
Track 5 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Derek Christopher, Dee J Nelson
Track 6 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Derek Christopher, Jeff Harris
Track 8 written by Chris Connelly, Dee J Nelson, Dan Milligan
Track 9 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Jane Jensen
Track 12 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, James Scott
Track 13 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Dee J Nelson Nelson, Jeff Harris, Steven Archer
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, and DJ Darryl Hell at HellLab Studios
Art direction by Destiny Justic Scott for Destiny Scott Design
Original artwork by Charlie Athanas for Burning City
Videos by Joel Lopez by Lumbra Productions

Released via Armalyte Industries

BraveWords Records Acquires the SNOWY SHAW Catalog for Digital Release on Bandcamp

July 6, 2026

BraveWords Records has acquired the SNOWY SHAW catalog for digital release on Bandcamp. All of the SNOWY SHAW releases are now available to stream or download on Bandcamp at https://bravewordsrecords.bandcamp.com.

"What can I say? Other that I'm very happy to have all my various albums (digitally) on BraveWords Records Bandcamp among so many other great and legendary metal bands & artists. Thanx-A-Bunch!” - Snowy Shaw

“I've followed Snowy's career since I discovered him via his work with King Diamond... over the years he has become a great friend and he is a super-talented musician. I think there is so much to offer within these catalog albums that fans of all his various bands and projects will have a field day with! We are very pleased to be working with him!” - Giles Lavery, A&R BraveWords Records

Publicly & professionally this blonde baby-boy was born 1989 in Los Angeles where and when he was recruited as new drummer for pioneering Danish musician King Diamond, The previous 20 years was spent in Gothenburg, Sweden where the suburban kid grows up with a passion and devotion for heavy music horror & superhero comics and playing the drums. Fast forward some odd 20 years and the multi talented man-boy with a D.I.Y attitude have had a rich and adventurous career working with countless bands and projects such as: Therion, Notre Dame, Mercyful Fate, illwill, Dream Evil, Dimmu Borgir, Sabaton, Memento Mori, XXX among many others. Which leads us right up until present time, and the rest is as they say; His-Story… and to be written!

Links:

https://www.snowyshaw.net/

About BraveWords Records:
BraveWords Records has released albums by Crimson Glory, Alcatrazz, Bangalore Choir, Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse, The Chris Slade Timeline, Rhett Forrester and Rob Robbins, Prophets of Addiction, Jack Starr, ASKA and future releases from Storm Force, Airforce, Voices of Extreme, Lillian Axe, Phil Soussan and a new Alcatrazz studio album.

There is a serious void which desperately needs to be filled, hard-working and creative bands that have yet to find a partnership and a mutual vision with a professional team. The music-fuelled minds behind BraveWords Records, Brian Adams, Giles Lavery, Tim Henderson and Michael Brandvold, have built the ultimate home for an artist that will take you where you want to be. Collectively, with nearly 100 years of music industry experience under our belts, the BraveWords Records team will take care of all the crucial aspects of your project from global distribution (digital and physical), publicity and media coverage (web, radio, visual), social media blanketing and streaming opportunities (such as Streaming For Vengeance). Where most labels have forgotten the concept of actually marketing a release sensibly, BraveWords Records will construct a viable and comprehensive marketing plan, including visibility at BraveWords.com, which attracts a million visitors monthly. BraveWords Records has all senses on high alert as the music industry continues its never-ending transitioning, so the artist will always be aware of new opportunities to build their brand and strive for world domination. BraveWords will also have a focus on licensing film and TV content, both contemporary and retrospective across many genres. As artists and labels transition to the many new mediums available today for their work, BraveWords intends to stay ahead of the curve in providing and actively seeking opportunities for our roster of clients.

With the rapid spread of the world wide web, BraveWords.com was born in 2000 and quickly became the CNN of heavy metal. With its team of global writers and photographers, the site flourished with 24/7 updated news, features, reviews, audio and video steams.

For nearly 30 years, BraveWords wears their metal heart loudly on their sleeve, as they celebrate the greatest genre of music with the most dedicated and passionate fans on the planet!

http://bravewordsrecords.com

https://bravewordsrecords.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/BravewordsRecords
http://www.instagram.com/BravewordsRecords
http://www.twitter.com/BravewordsRec

https://youtube.com/@BravewordsRecords

https://www.tiktok.com/@bravewordsrecs

https://www.threads.net/@bravewordsrecords
http://bravewords.com

TodoMal Premiere Grand and Gloomy New Album Graveyards of Joy

July 5, 2026

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

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

On their grand and gloomy new album, TodoMal channels grief, anger and hard-won hope through the slow-burning atmosphere of classic doom and dramatic rock.

Graveyards of Joy came out, Friday, July 3 on Season of Mist but you can hear all nine doomy and atmospheric songs today by listening to the full album stream below.

Graveyards of Joy is the closing chapter of a trilogy that TodoMal began with Ultracrepidarian (2021) and continued with A Greater Good (2023). Written in solitude following personal tragedy, the album draws on the landscapes and ghost towns of rural eastern Spain, a terrain the band describe as raw, honest and untamed. Vast Hammond organ-driven passages give way to desolate folk; strings with Morriconian openness sit alongside heavy, anchoring riffs. The duo draw 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 them.

TodoMal Graveyards of Joy 2026 European Tour

*with Evoken

4 July - Viveiro, ES @ Resurrection Fest

24 July - Tolmin, SI @ Tolminator Fest

30 July - Paris, FR @ Le Klub*
31 July - Rouen, FR @ Fury Defendu*
1 August - Diest, BE @ Club Hell*
2 August - Rotterdam, NL @ Baroeg*
3 August - Hamburg, DE @ MS Stubnitz*
5 August - Berlin, DE @ Neue Zukunft*
6 August - Schlotheim, DE @ Party.San Open Air*
7 August - Karlsruhe, DE @ Die Stadtmitte*
9 August - Dresden, DE @ Chemiefabrik*
10 August - Prague, CZ @ Subzero*

11 August - Bratislava, SK @ Pink Whale

18 September: Barcelona, ES @ Sala Boveda

25 September: Madrid, ES @ Dark Echoes Fest (w/ Draconian, Dødheimsgard)

26 September: Auzas, FR @ L'Homme Sauvage Festival

DED Release Deluxe Edition of "RESENT" Today + Share "Denouncer"

July 4, 2026

DED — Joe Cotela (vocals); Alex Adamcik (guitar); Kyle Koelsch (bass); and Matt Reinhard (drums) — are pleased to release the deluxe version of their September 2025-released album RESENT via UNFD.

Get it here.

RESENT: Deluxe Edition will feature unreleased tracks and demos, adding 11 new tracks to the original 12-track album and offering fans a deeper look into the creative sessions that ultimately shaped RESENT.

Today, they share "DENOUNCER," which premiered at SiriusXM's Octane.

Listen Below:

The RESENT Deluxe edition expands on the band's third studio album with five additional songs, including the previously released single "Weapon" and the aforementioned "DENOUNCER." It also features three tracks that were strong contenders for the original album but ultimately didn't make the final tracklist, along with six demos ranging from raw early ideas to near-finished recordings.

"We thought it would be cool to put everything out there and give people a look behind the curtain," says frontman Joe Cotela. "These songs and demos were all part of the creative process behind RESENT, and we wanted fans to hear the full picture of what we were working on during that era."

Speaking about "DENOUNCER," Cotela explains, "I've always loved this song. I wanted it on the record, but I think it ended up feeling a little left-of-center compared to the rest of the album. It's not necessarily a strange song, but it has a different energy and perspective that made it stand apart from the other tracks. Looking back, that may be exactly what makes it interesting.

"At its core, the song is about finding your own spiritual power and refusing to hand that power over to people who want to use fear, guilt, or authority to control others. A lot of the inspiration came from seeing evangelists, institutions, politicians, and religious figures use faith as a tool for influence rather than a path to connection. The song isn't about attacking pure religion or telling people what to believe. It's about questioning anyone who claims to speak on behalf of something greater or weaponizing that for gain while using that position to manipulate others.

"For me, spirituality, faith, love, energy, life, death, the essence of being alive—those are deeply personal experiences. No other human being can define my relationship with the universe, with the creator, or with whatever connects us all. I believe people should be encouraged to look deep within themselves, ask questions, and find their own path rather than externally and faithfully following someone else's version of truth. Ultimately, 'DENOUNCER' is a reminder that we should question everything we think we know—not from a place of cynicism, but from a place of curiosity, growth, and personal freedom. Well, maybe a little cynicism."

Overall, the deluxe is a "must-listen" for fans.

DED will hit the road this July on a headline tour with support from Dropout Kings and VRSTY. All dates are below.

DED ON TOUR:
WITH DROPOUT KINGS + VRSTY:
7/11 — Phoenix, AZ — The Rebel Lounge
7/13 — Lubbock, TX — Jake's
7/14 — Oklahoma City, OK — 89th Street
7/15 — Lawrence, KS — The Bottleneck
7/17 — Mansfield, OH — Inkcarceration Festival*
7/18 — Cadott, WI — Rock Fest
7/19 — Minneapolis, MN — Studio B
7/20 — Joliet, IL — The Forge
7/21 — Des Moines, IA — XBkx Live
7/22 — Iowa City, IA — Wildwood
7/23 — Madison, WI — The Annex
7/24 — Westland, MI — The Token Lounge
7/25 — Rochester, NY — Montage Music Hall
7/26 — Pittsburgh, PA — The Crafthouse
7/28 — Clifton, NJ — Dingbatz
7/29 — Boston, MA — Brighton Music Hall
7/30 — Reading, PA — Reverb
8/1 — Lansing, MI — Rock Lansing
8/3 — Sauget, IL — Pop’s Venue
8/4 — Wichita, KS — WAVE
8/6 — Colorado Springs, CO — The Black Sheep
8/7 — Denver, CO — HQ
8/8 — Grand Junction, CO — Mesa Theater
*Festival Date

Sleep Theory Release "(E)motional (S)upport (C)are (P)ackage" EP + Cover Taylor Swift's "Cruel Summer"

July 2, 2026

SLEEP THEORY — vocalist Cullen Moore, guitarist Daniel Pruitt, bassist Paolo Vergara, and drummer Ben Pruitt — are continuing their string of unexpected yet perfectly executed pop covers.

The band is thrilled to announce the surprise release of its new covers EP, (E)motional (S)upport (C)are (P)ackage, today via Epitaph. Listen and download here.

Alongside the news, Sleep Theory have also dropped a just-in-time-for-the-holiday video for their take on Taylor Swift's "Cruel Summer." Watch it below.

It's truly Sleep Theory — and Taylor Swift — like you've never heard them before.

"Cruel Summer" follows Sleep Theory's studio covers of NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye," which is a staple of their live shows, as well as their version of Paramore's "My Heart."

With catalog streams at 875 million to date on the back of one album and one EP, Sleep Theory are coming off their third No. 1 at Rock Radio, a Best New Rock Artist win at the iHeart Radio Awards, a sold-out debut European headline tour, and two sold-out North American headline runs. They issued their debut album, Afterglow, produced by David Cowell and mixed by Zakk Cervini (Bring Me The Horizon, Bad Omens, Architects), last spring.

Upcoming Sleep Theory tour dates and live appearances are below.

SLEEP THEORY ON TOUR:
U.S. TOUR DATES:
7/18 — Mansfield, OH — Inkcarceration@
7/19 — Tinley Park, IL — Summer of '99 & Beyond Festival@
7/28— Kansas City, MO— The Truman (SOLD OUT) *
7/30— Green Bay, WI— EPIC Event Center*
7/31— Dubuque, IA— Dubuque County Fair Association*
8/1— Omaha, NE— The Admiral Theater*
8/2— Springfield, MO— The Regency Live*
8/21— Montreal, QC— Warped Tour Montreal@
8/22— El Reno, OK— Lucky Star Amphitheater— Rock 100.5FM Kattfest@
9/12-13— Mexico City, MX— Warped Tour Mexico City@
9/20— Louisville, KY— Louder Than Life Festival@
10/4— Sacramento, CA— Aftershock Festival@
10/17— Nashville, TN— Ceremony Festival@
10/24 — Fort Worth, TX — Sick New World@
*Headline Date
@Festival

SWANWRITER Releases New Album melodies of despair With Full Visualizer

June 28, 2026

Through cinematic soundscapes and progressive arrangements SWANWRITER explores tales of horror, history, internal unease and grief in their second full-length, melodies of despair. The album arrives alongside a full length visualizer offering.

Project founder Koda shares,
"The album is a collection of psychological horror and gothic horror stories. Musically, the songs are very moody and melancholy, mixing heavy moments with calmer acoustic instrumentation passages. The album was produced with a lot of care and love, so I hope it's able to touch the hearts of listeners."

SWANWRITER's exploration of gore and gloom draws from a wealth of thematic and musical influences, notably "the painted valley" inspired by historical a figure, Blood Countess Elizabeth Bathory, while the closing track "phobia" follows a personal journey in the aftermath of loss.

Thunderous moments of heaviness reveal the extreme power of SWANWRITER's compositional style while haunting piano passages and ethereal orchestration intertwine across the track list. With emotion and atmosphere at the heart of melodies of despair, the album was designed to be experienced from beginning to end in a single sitting to allow its recurring moods and thematic connections to fully emerge.

SWANWRITER presents a thoroughly compelling display of light and shade through intricate, considered progressive instrumental arrangements. Across melodies of despair, SWANWRITER balances chaos and calm through explorations of dark and emotional narratives.

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

About SWANWRITER:
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.

Having studied classical piano from an early age before later discovering extreme metal, Koda developed SWANWRITER as a space to explore long-form composition without stylistic limitation. The music draws influence from progressive and experimental metal alongside classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin, resulting in compositions that emphasize dynamics, texture, and narrative pacing.

SWANWRITER debuted with There is a darkness in June 2023, establishing a sound centered on extended song structures, melodic development, and cinematic atmosphere. Rather than focusing on technical exhibition, the project prioritizes mood, storytelling, and cohesion across full-length releases.

Themes throughout SWANWRITER’s work often intersect with psychological horror, melancholy, and introspection, shaped in part by inspiration from horror games, film soundtracks, and dark ambient music. Each release is approached as a complete artistic statement, with careful attention given to sequencing, emotional progression, and sonic detail.

Operating independently, SWANWRITER remains a studio-focused project, with future ambitions that include composing music for horror and narrative-driven media.

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

FRANK RAY RELEASES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW EP, GOOD FOR THE SOUL

June 26, 2026

Today, country artist Frank Ray released his brand-new EP Good For The Soul via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Produced by Seth Mosley and Michael “X” O’Connor, the five-song collection showcases Ray’s signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and modern country sound. Listen HERE.

“I’m so excited for everyone to hear my new EP, Good For The Soul. This project is a direct reflection of both my love for ’90s country music and where my life is at right now. Every song tells a piece of that story. I’m incredibly grateful to my amazing collaborators and producers whose creativity and support helped bring this project to life,” says Ray.

Ray’s latest EP blends modern country energy with the timeless charm of classic honky-tonk. Featuring nostalgic romance and barn burner vibes, the collection is a direct reflection of his faith journey, the reality of watching his kids grow up, and what it means to keep falling in love with his wife through every season. With two tracks co-written by Ray and a special appearance from country star Tracy Lawrence on the title track, Good For The Soul captures the authentic sound that first inspired him as an artist.

The lead song, “Third Row George Strait” was written by acclaimed Nashville songwriters Ben Hayslip, Dan Isbell and Ben Stennis, and previously released on May 1st, paying tribute to country legend George Strait with a catchy melody and fresh up-tempo energy.

Fans will be able to see Ray perform at the Grand Ole Opry on July 4th as the Opry celebrates America's 250th. Tickets are available HERE.

About Frank Ray
Blessed with a smooth country vocal, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville artist Frank Ray is a long road singer-songwriter who built his career on medicinal-strength performances, making the world a slightly-happier place, one night at a time. But with a new understanding of his “duty,” the hit-making former police officer has gone back to his roots. Growing up amid the intense collision of cultures in border towns Laredo, Texas and Columbus, New Mexico, everything from Tracy Lawrence and Rascal Flatts to Tejano, Ranchera, and Norteño music formed his musical foundation, with service in his blood. Spending 10 years as a law enforcement officer in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Ray wrote tickets by day and worked honky tonks by night, until a battle of the bands scored him a gig opening for Keith Urban. A bright fusion of organic honky-tonk pop and smooth Latin twang led to two Texas radio #1s, while the R&B-inflected “Country’d Look Good on You” reached the Top 20 of Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in 2022. Ray’s good-time credentials were solidified on nationwide tours with Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, and more, and he was hailed by TIME Magazine, Good Morning America, Rolling Stone, Country Radio Seminar, Pandora, Amazon Music, and beyond. A 2023 album debut played up his vibrant Tex-Mex flavor. But on the new EP, Good For The Soul, sunny honky-tonk tones from the ‘90s and 2000s combine with epic balladry and mood-boosting vocals, in a sonic prescription for the good life.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | X | TIKTOK

Devil Metal Quartet NUNSLAUGHTER Releases New Album 'Satanic Chaos Legions' — Out Now via BLKIIBLK

June 26, 2026

Today, Cleveland’s unholy denizens of the underground, NUNSLAUGHTER, proudly unleash their new album, 'Satanic Chaos Legions,' out now via BLKIIBLK. To mark the occasion, the band also shares their new single, "Unsacrament," alongside an official music video.

On the new track, vocalist Don of the Dead comments:

"'Unsacrament' is a declaration of war from the grave. Dragging the rotting corpse of faith through the mire of humanity. Ready to be unbaptized with the flesh of a dying god. This is our anti-gospel."

Check Out the Official Video for "Unsacrament" Below:

A constant in extreme metal and an unyielding inspiration for generations of black metal and thrash provocateurs, NUNSLAUGHTER’s latest hymnal of brutality kicks off with a call to irreligious arms and doesn’t let go until the bloody end. Tracks like the grinding “Peukharist”or the uncompromising “Unsacrament” batter the senses like the bastard offspring of Slayerand 'Earth A.D.'-era Misfits, inverting crucifixes while worshipping at the hoof of the ibex.

Having already set fire to the international metal scene with festival appearances across the globe and a European tour on the way, make no mistake: NUNSLAUGHTER’s campaign of world-defilement is just beginning.

On the new album, Don of the Dead shares:

"With BLKIIBLK on our side, NUNSLAUGHTER can ram the black horn of Satan down the throats of every metalhead on the planet, spitting fresh venom and blistering hatred directly into the rotting face of Christianity with 'Satanic Chaos Legions.'"

Order 'Satanic Chaos Legions' HERE

NUNSLAUGHTER will hit the road this summer for a European tour.

A full list of dates is below.

NUNSLAUGHTER Live:

June 27th - PL Krakow @ Club Zascianek

June 28th - SK Kosice @ Riders Pub

June 30th - RO Bucharest @ Quantic Club

July 1st - HU Budapest @ Supersonic / Blue Hell

July 2nd - CZ Trutnov @ Obscene Extreme Festival

July 3rd - DE Friesack @ Under the Black Sun Festival

July 4th - DE Kassel @ Goldgrube

July 5th - NL Tilburg @ Little Devil

July 6th - BE Oostende @ Twilight

July 7th - BE Antwerp @ Antwerp Music City

July 8th - DE Rostock @ Peter-Weiss-Haus

July 9th - DK Fredericia @ Metal Magic Festival

July 10th - DE Hamburg @ Bambi Galore

July 11th - DE Torgau @ In Flammen Open Air

August 28th - Columbus, OH @ Ace of Clubs

August 29th - Cleveland, OH @ No Class

NUNSLAUGHTER are:

Don of the Dead - Vocals

Wrath - Drums

Malum - Bass

Tormentor - Guitar

Single Gun Theory / Delerium vocalist Jacqui Hunt unleashes ethereal masterpiece 'Desiderium'

June 26, 2026

Iconic Australian indie-pop singer-songwriter Jacqui Hunt has officially released her deeply anticipated "Desiderium" album with focus track "Cape of Light". Marking a profound artistic milestone, the album is a superb collection that moves through deeply personal reflections on grief, loss, healing and love. Released through her independent label QUSP alongside musical collaborator and husband Brian Conolly, "Desiderium" beautifully pairs sonically abstract, smooth synths with raw, organic pop structures—resulting in a cinematic body of work fused together by the ethereal thread of Jacqui’s poetic radiance.

Best known as the iconic vocalist and co-writer for electronic pioneers Single Gun Theory and a prominent guest vocalist for dreampop trailblazers Delerium, Hunt makes a triumphant return to center stage with this solo record. Merging elements of Kate Bush, Tori Amos, and Beth Gibbons, she describes the sonic landscape of the album as "like stepping out of your body for a while and grounding back to earth — floating on a synth wave while holding the raw reality of a simple piano. The bones that connect to the human voice like a string of air as it floats to the ether and returns to base."

Her first album in 18 years, "Desiderium" serves as both an ending and a beginning, deeply rooted in the circle of life and the passage of time. Named after the Latin noun for a profound yearning for something lost that cannot be replaced, this record reflects the emotional weight Hunt felt when unexpectedly losing both of her parents within a two-year span. With an overarching theme of longing and devotion, Hunt explores the desire to reconnect with what is now absent, delivering a poignant reminder to embrace one's authenticity and honour the "inheritance" of life.

The album's focus tracks showcase this striking versatility. "Planet" is an electro-ethereal soundscape building to a rhythmic frequency of dreamy vocals that merge into space, initially born from a poem sent by Conolly from overseas and transformed spontaneously by Hunt into a long-distance love song. Conversely, "Cycles" presents a raw, melancholic piano ballad of heartfelt simplicity. Enveloped in powerful symmetry, its music video was created by Kade Stenders, a young filmmaker whose parents (famed film director Kriv Stenders and photographer Lisa Stonham) directed several videos for Hunt's pioneering electronic band, Single Gun Theory, decades prior.

38 years after the debut of Single Gun Theory's landmark release "Exorcise This Wasteland", the band's timeless relevance was highlighted just recently when their music was featured on the Paris runway for French fashion house Chloé’s Winter 2026 parade. Hunt also achieved global recognition 29 years ago through her pivotal involvement with Delerium, collaborating as songwriter and vocalist on "Euphoria (Firefly)" for the seminal "Karma" album.

Jacqui Hunt’s stellar trajectory stands as a testament to her enduring impact across the global independent landscape. Her diverse solo and collaborative catalog includes her 2008 debut album "Auraphonic"—featuring the film-licensed track "Calisthenics" —and creative pursuits like the design duo CiiVE, alongside standout vocal contributions for Paul Mac, Vision Four 5, and David McClymont of seminal post-punk band Orange Juice.

'Desiderium' is out June 26th on CD and limited edition vinyl. Also available digitally,the album experience is complemented by the "Alice Magic (K.I.M Remix)", a re-envisioning of the original track by K.I.M (Kim Moyes) of legendary Australian electronic duo The Presets. All of this music is available across digital platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

CREDITS
Jacqui Hunt - vocals, keys, production
Brian Conolly - synth, bass, guitar, production
Laurence Pike - drums (‘Cecilia,’ ‘Cycles,’ ‘This Love,’ ‘Temple Of Illumination’)
Daniel Denholm - zither and strings on ‘Cecilia,’ cello solo on ‘Follow Me Here’
Lyrics by Jacqui Hunt, except ‘Planet’ - lyrics by Brian Conolly
Music written by Jacqui Hunt & Brian Conolly
Except ‘Cycles’ and ‘This Love’, written by Jacqui Hunt
and ‘Cecilia’, written by Jacqui Hunt & Daniel Denholm
Recorded at QUSP Studios in Sydney, Australia
Engineered by Brian Conolly
Mixed by Daniel Denholm
Mastered by Michael Lynch
Cover artwork by Qusp Studios
Album released by QUSP. UPC #9324690436552
Copyright 2026 Qusp Pty Ltd. Publishing 2026 Sony/ATV
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
Artist photos by Brian Conolly
Planet video original graphics by Brian Conolly. Directed by Jacqui Hunt
'Cycles' video directed & edited by Kade Stenders

Keep up with Jacqui Hunt
Website | LinkTree | Shop | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

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

ETERNAL RECURRENCE Unleash New EP Eternal Recurrence, Release Music Video For "Precious Stones"

June 22, 2026

ETERNAL RECURRENCE presents the debut self titled EP, Eternal Recurrence. Led by composer and multi-instrumentalist C. Alex Luke, ETERNAL RECURRENCE embraces the symphonic metal genre from an alternative perspective with orchestral arrangements drawn from chamber music. The new EP release arrives alongside a music video for the track "Precious Stones".

The creative process behind “Precious Stones” differs from the rest of the track list on Eternal Recurrence as it was the first song written for the EP dating back to the COVID pandemic. Initially composed as a straightforward metal track with no symphonic elements, “Precious Stones” was subsequently reworked to incorporate the chamber music arrangement and adhere to the new creative direction for ETERNAL RECURRENCE.

"Precious Stones" features two guest vocalists. Mordian of DIAMORTE and SHIELD OF WINGS delivers a powerful alto performance during the chorus and bridge, while James Dorton of BLACK CROWN INITIATE, DIAMORTE and NE OBLIVISCARIS contributes harsh vocals to the heavier sections of the song.

Furthermore, “Precious Stones” is the only song on the EP not written by C. Alex Luke. The lyrics were written by Jake Thiele, Luke’s former bandmate from UNTIL EXTINCTION. On the lyrical theme Thiele shares, "In short, ‘Precious Stones’ is about the futility and stupidity of the things that divide us and how we let them suck the enjoyment out of life.”

All material on Eternal Recurrence was composed around a chamber ensemble led by German Dmitriev on violins, Steven Schumann on cellos, Maciek Szczyciński on double bass, and C. Alex Luke on piano. These elements are combined with aggressive guitars, lead work, and drumming rooted firmly in modern metal. The EP cover artwork and layout is by Timur Khabirov at All4band Design, and the project's logo was designed by Pavel Kurbanov at All4band Design.

About ETERNAL RECURRENCE:

ETERNAL RECURRENCE is a symphonic metal project based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2025 by multi-instrumentalist and composer C. Alex Luke. Known for blending progressive and extreme metal with classical instrumentation, the project takes a chamber music approach to symphonic metal, prioritizing the nuance and expressiveness of real musicians over large-scale orchestral simulation.

Drawing influence from bands such as KAMELOT, EPICA, OPETH, DREAM THEATER, and REVOCATION, ETERNAL RECURRENCE balances intricate compositions with aggressive modern metal. While traditional symphonic metal often relies on massive orchestras or dense sampled arrangements, ETERNAL RECURRENCE was created around the belief that the human touch of live performance remains essential, especially in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Rather than emulating 19th and 20th century symphonic traditions, the project looks to chamber music for inspiration. Chamber ensembles are designed for smaller spaces and intimate performances, emphasizing clarity, interaction, and detail. This philosophy defines the sound of ETERNAL RECURRENCE.

All material on the debut release, Eternal Recurrence, was composed specifically for a chamber string ensemble alongside full metal instrumentation. The ensemble features German Dmitriev on violins, Steven Schumann on cellos, Maciek Szczyciński on double bass, and C. Alex Luke on piano, integrated with heavy guitars, technical leads, and aggressive drumming.

Released independently in 2026, Eternal Recurrence serves as both an introduction and a mission statement, presenting symphonic metal that values realism, restraint, and emotional detail without sacrificing heaviness or intensity. The project exists at the intersection of classical tradition and modern metal, focused on authenticity, composition, and the expressive imperfections that only human performers can provide.

Connect With ETERNAL RECURRENCE:

Website: https://eternalrecurrencemusic.com/
Bandcamp: https://eternalrecurrencemusic.bandcamp.com
E-Shop: https://eternalrecurrencemusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EternalRecurrenceMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eternalrecurrencemusic/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/ERMusicOfficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EternalRecurrenceBand
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eternalrecurrencemusic

Out Now - BLOOD OF ANGELS - Les Agnst ov Thanatous

June 22, 2026

Les Agnst ov Thanatou is the forthcoming full-length album from BLOOD OF ANGELS, out on June 21, 2026. Born from confrontation with loss, mortality, and the fear that follows both, the album plunges headfirst into the emotional and psychological aftermath of death. Drawing from extreme metal, cinematic atmosphere, and disciplined melodic structure, the record presents a cohesive narrative that traces the human response to grief through violence, ritual, memory, and reflection. Every song advances the album’s central question of how people survive after death has altered their world.

The album opens by drawing the listener away from the physical world and into a transitional psychological space where the boundaries between life and death begin to dissolve. This opening establishes the emotional framework of the record and prepares the listener for the confrontations that follow. From this point, the music shifts into expressions of conflict, reflecting the instinctive human response to mortality through aggression, denial, and rage.

As the narrative progresses, chaos gives way to structure. Songs centered on ritual and ceremony reflect humanity’s need to impose meaning on death through tradition, belief, and communal experience. These passages acknowledge loss as a shared condition shaped by culture and history, offering moments of order within emotional upheaval.

Midway through the album, the focus turns inward. Themes of psychological trauma, survivor’s guilt, and emotional isolation emerge as external struggle collapses into internal reckoning. The music becomes increasingly layered and introspective, mirroring the persistence of memory and the lasting impact of grief long after the moment of loss.

In its closing movements, Les Agnst ov Thanatou confronts finality and remembrance. Acceptance appears as awareness rather than comfort, recognizing the permanence of death while affirming the endurance of legacy and memory. The album concludes in a reflective state, emphasizing that while life ends, its influence continues through those who remain.

Through its cohesive narrative and emotional intensity, Les Agnst ov Thanatou stands as BLOOD OF ANGELS’ most immersive conceptual work to date. The album invites listeners to confront fear, loss, and mortality directly, offering an experience that remains long after the final sound fades.

About BLOOD OF ANGELS:

BLOOD OF ANGELS is an extreme metal band based in Tampa, Florida, known for blending melodic death metal, blackened atmospheres, and aggressive modern metal into a unified and emotionally charged sound. Since forming in 2017, the band has developed a reputation for confronting dark subject matter through disciplined songwriting, cinematic structure, and uncompromising intensity.

The band’s music draws influence from across the metal spectrum, incorporating elements of death metal, black metal, thrash, and groove while maintaining a strong melodic foundation. Rather than adhering to a single subgenre, BLOOD OF ANGELS focuses on emotional impact and narrative cohesion, using heavy music as a vehicle for catharsis, reflection, and confrontation.

Lyrically, BLOOD OF ANGELS explores themes of mortality, loss, conflict, and psychological struggle. These ideas are often presented through concept-driven releases that encourage immersive listening rather than isolated tracks. The band’s forthcoming album, Les Agnst ov Thanatou, continues this approach with a focused examination of grief and the human response to death.

BLOOD OF ANGELS has earned multiple industry awards for songwriting and performance, including honors from the Hollywood Independent Music Awards and Akademia Music Awards. In 2025, the band completed a sold-out headlining European tour, further establishing their presence on the international metal stage.

With a commitment to artistic growth and respect for metal’s legacy, BLOOD OF ANGELS continues to push forward with music that is heavy, deliberate, and emotionally resonant.

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

SCRATCHING, SCREAMING, AND SHREDDING: THE NINJA KITTIES ARRIVE WITH THEIR SELF TITLED ALBUM

June 22, 2026

THE NINJA KITTIES are officially here, and they're bringing a genre-bending sonic assault that refuses to play by

anyone's rules.

With the release of their highly anticipated self-titled LP, Ninja Kitties, the band delivers a relentless collection of songs that proudly wave the flag for punk rock while kicking down the walls separating generations and genres.

Drawing inspiration from the rebellious spirit of 1970s punk and the explosive energy of 1990s punk rock, THE NINJA KITTIES inject their music with elements of classic rock, alternative rock, hard rock, metal, emo, and screamo, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and undeniably fresh.

From razor-sharp riffs and infectious hooks to screamo growls and technically impressive arpeggio sweep solos, Ninja Kittiesis a musical rollercoaster built for fans who crave melody, aggression, and unapologetic individuality.

LISTEN ON:

YOUTUBE MUSIC

AMAZON MUSIC

REVERB NATION

Out Today From Kerry King!

June 20, 2026

KERRY KING's 2024 offering From Hell I Rise was born in the aftermath of SLAYER's final curtain call on November 30, 2019, in the band’s Los Angeles hometown. Now, two years since it's unveiling, the iconic SLAYER songwriter/guitarist celebrates this milestone with the forthcoming offering, From Hell I Rise: Extended Deluxe Edition. The approaching anniversary edition of From Hell I Rise sees the track list include additional demos featuring vocal performances by KERRY KING.

Joining the KING crusade is a lineup that began with SLAYER drummer Paul Bostaph. “Paul's kind of like my [Vinny] Appice to Ronnie James Dio,” KING says. “I knew Paul wanted to be part of this since 2018”. Alongside KING, the role of guitars “went Phil Demmel’s way.” The band is completed by bassist Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH), and in the much-talked-about vocalist spot, Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL), a friend of KING’s since the early ‘80s Cali thrash days. The lineup kills. From the instrumental entrée “Diablo” into the relentless, repentless “Where I Reign,” to the last cut, the statement-making, full-circle title track “From Hell I Rise,” KING and co. are in full control. Music and lyrics are very intentional, with song topics including war, women’s rights, current American politics…and one-tune inspired by THE SCORPIONS and HELLOWEEN-style riffs. (“That one, ‘Shrapnel,’ was something super-indulgent for me, and it came out really cool,” he says.)

Black Metal Kings DARK FUNERAL Announce New Live Album 'A Beast To Praise' Set for Release on August 21st via Century Media

June 20, 2026

The Swedish kings of black metal, DARK FUNERAL, proudly announce their long-awaited new live album, 'A Beast To Praise,' set for worldwide release via Century Media on August 21, 2026.

Recorded at Fållan in Stockholm in 2022, 'A Beast To Praise' captures DARK FUNERAL's devastating live performance in support of their acclaimed album 'We Are The Apocalypse.'Spanning 13 tracks and nearly 70 minutes, the release showcases the band's relentless stage presence while celebrating an album that entered the charts across Europe upon it's 2022 release, including #6 in Germany, #13 in Finland, #28 in Switzerland, #29 in Austria, and #31 in Sweden.

The first preview of the upcoming live release arrives today in the form of the single and live video for "The Arrival Of Satan's Empire," which can be viewed below.

Watch the Live Video for "The Arrival of Satan's Empire" Below:

DARK FUNERAL’s Lord Ahriman comments on ‘A Beast To Praise’:

“‘A Beast To Praise’ (Live at Fållan, Stockholm) captures a very important moment in the history of DARK FUNERAL — not only the live release ritual for ‘We Are The Apocalypse,’but also our return to the stage after years of silence during the pandemic. That night at Fållan was intense in every possible way. The energy in the room, the fire, the audience and the atmosphere all came together into something far beyond an ordinary concert. This release is the immortal document of that night. With the release of this live album and the upcoming European touring cycle in the fall of 2026, we now close the chapter surrounding ‘We Are The Apocalypse.’ At the same time, we are already deeply focused on the next era of DARK FUNERAL and hard at work creating new material for what will become our next studio album, planned for release in 2027. And as one chapter closes, a new one is already taking shape — bigger, darker and more epic than ever before...”

Pre-Order 'A Beast To Praise' HERE

DARK FUNERAL will next embark on the massive “In League With Satan” tour across Europe together with Behemoth and Dimmu Borgir in October. All upcoming tour dates currently announced can be found below.

DARK FUNERAL Live:

August 6-9 - Schlotheim, Germany @ Party.San Open Air

August 28-30 - Câmpulung, Romania @ Posada Rock

August 28-30 - Požega, Serbia @ Hellhammer Festival

"In League With Satan" – European Tour

w/ Behemoth & Dimmu Borgir

October 9 - Zurich, Switzerland @ Halle 622

October 10 - Zwickau, Germany @ Sparkassen-Arena Zwickau

October 11 - Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg @ Rockhal

October 13 - Milan, Italy @ Alcatraz

October 14 - Munich, Germany @ Zenith

October 16 - Paris, France @ Zenith

October 18 - Den Bosch, The Netherlands @ Mainstage

October 20 - Cologne, Germany @ Palladium

October 22 - Hamburg, Germany @ Inselpark Arena

October 23 - Berlin, Germany @ Columbiahalle

October 24 - Brno, Czech Republic @ Hala Vodova

October 27 - Helsinki, Finland @ Ice Hall

October 29 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Hovet

October 30 - Copenhagen, Denmark @ K.B. Hallen

More info and tickets can be found HERE

Stay alert for more news on DARK FUNERAL and 'A Beast To Praise' coming up soon…

DARK FUNERAL are:

Lord Ahriman – Guitars

Chaq Mol – Guitars

Heljarmadr – Vocals

Adra-Melek – Bass

Jalomaah – Drums

REVELATE is here... Adam Ezra group

June 20, 2026

We've Been Waiting A Long Time For This...

For you to enjoy whenever you're ready to listen.

Years of stories...
Songs...
The Gathering Series...
A pandemic...
A renewed vision for this village of ours...

All woven together into this collection of recordings.

It's an honor to give this one away. 🔥🌊

Stream Revelate

You've been hearing so much from us lately, I really wanted to keep this short, but I'm just feeling like I need a moment of reflection:

This journey of ours has been so underground for so long.

I've never minded.

It's just made me love and appreciate those of you who have found us that much more.

Because you sure did have to work to find us.

And, you did.

You connected.

You believed in us.

And more and more these days, you're shining our light out there for the rest of the world to see.

What an incredible thing we get to be a part of…”Adam”

Portland's Wooden Overcoat shares "I Knew You Would', showcasing debut "Hello Sunbeam" EP

June 15, 2026

Portland psychedelic indie-pop outfit Wooden Overcoat unveils 'I Knew You Would' with its garage-meets-grunge sound, complete with a haunted vocal harmony you didn’t know you needed. The video was created by Italian multi-arts visionary Francesca Bonci, well known for her work with The Dandy Warhols, Tombstones In Their Eyes, Federale (The Brian Jonestown Massacre's Collin Hegna), Pete International Airport and Slowdive's Rachel Goswell.

Wooden Overcoat's recently released debut "Hello Sunbeam" EP is a sweet spot where lo-fi garage psych meets 90s shoegaze, anchored by layered harmonies and an evocatively intimate vocal delivery. Exploring vivid, emotionally resonant themes, this vibrant four-track collection presents a fantastic dreamlike environment for lovers of life.

The sonic brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Brant Hajek, Wooden Overcoat took its name from an old Americana euphemism for a coffin. Hajek’s creative process is personal, having returned to music after a hiatus. What started as a practice in self-production transformed into a deep creative obsession with soundscapes and gear. Recording in a rented basement, Hajek crafted this EP through spontaneous experimentation, propelled forward by sudden bursts of inspiration.

"The lyrics to ‘I Knew You Would’ are more about transcribing emotional impact than saying something meaningful. I wrote it when I was feeling a lot of grief, very uneasy, and it’s about the isolation you can feel going through bouts of depression, even when you have someone very close to you. Thinking about it in hindsight, I feel like I was writing about myself, hurling accusations for not being better, or finding the ability to improve things about myself or the way I was handling stress and grief," says Brant Hajek.

"Recording this EP almost ruined my life, and I hope it sounds like it. Each song is its own little world, in which I lost myself. With childlike wonder, exploring concepts and sounds, I was inspired to make something new each time just to keep the wheel turning. I loved the feeling of momentum, knowing I was creating something out of thin air and maybe grabbing ahold of something slippery and evasive.."

Hajek’s creative process is a deeply personal, layered journey towards the spark that turns an emotionally restless melodies into finished pieces. While he himself performed every instrument on thise EP, Wooden Overcoat is now a full band, bringing these tunes to the stage. With Hajek on guitar and lead vocals, he is joined by bassist Dillon Glusker, guitarist Mac and drummer Brian Levin.

Earlier, Wooden Overcoat released the shimmering lead track "Home" - a reverb-drenched sanctuary, blending in sun-drenched textures and a wash of tape echo and reverb, and "Finally Arrived" with its viscous guitars, slow thudding drums, rhythmic trance-like pulse and dreamy soundscape. Between mourning and romantic friction, it examines the delicate nature of human connection and tendency to view individuals as replaceable assets. "Heaven Right Now" is a reverb-soaked psych-rock track about hidden emotional fractures, shared suffering, and how people quietly break under pressure.

"This EP was written at a dark time in my life. My mother was diagnosed with cancer, the world was flipped on its head and never really recovered, political turmoil and conflicts overseas dominated the collective conscious, and it profoundly affected me. My relationship was suffering from cumulative stress and I can now see how it came through in what I created. Themes of beauty that doesn’t last, self-sabotage, dissociation, cynicism, and desire for connection but feeling removed from it," says Hajek.

The "Hello Sunbeam" EP is out now, available on digital platforms everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

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
Videos by Francesca Bonci
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Norwegian "Tundra Rockers" Slomosa Drop Heavy-Hitting KEXP Live Session

June 15, 2026

Norway’s sludge-fueled groove titans Slomosa have unveiled a blistering five-song live session for Seattle’s KEXP, recorded during the band's first-ever U.S. headlining tour this past April. Known for redefining Desert Rock into what they proudly call “Tundra Rock," the Bergen-based four-piece delivered a raw, hypnotic, and thunderous performance in the legendary KEXP studios.

Fans can now stream the full, uninterrupted performance to experience the band's massive grooves and infectious energy firsthand. Watch below:

Reflecting on the KEXP session, the band writes, “[...] we’ve binged down endless hours of KEXP sessions ourselves through the years. So, needless to say, it was a huge honour to be invited to do our own! [It was] slightly intimidating standing between the lights that we knew so well from the screen - but as soon as we started playing, we got into it alright.”

The KEXP session arrives as the perfect primer for the band’s U.S. fall tour as direct support for Clutch. The three-week tour promises to bring some of the loudest, most groove-driven nights of the year to cities across the country.

Slomosa Tour Dates with Clutch:

Oct 16 Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore Charlotte
Oct 17 Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues
Oct 18 Jacksonville, FL Five
Oct 20 Tampa, FL The Ritz Ybor
Oct 22 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
Oct 23 Robinsville, M Bluesville at Horseshoe Tunica
Oct 24 St. Louis, MO Blueberry Hill Duckroom*
Oct 25 Fayetteville, AR Ozark Music Hall
Oct 27 Des Moines, IA Val Air Ballroom
Oct 29 Green Bay Epic Event Center
Oct 30 Moline, IL The Rust Belt
Oct 31 Cincinnati, OH The Andrew J. Brady Music Center
Nov 1 Fort Wayne, IN Clyde Theatre
Nov 3 Burlington, VT Higher Ground
Nov 5 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
Nov 6 Wilkes-Barre, PA F.M. Kirby Center
Nov 7 Norfolk, VA The Norva
*Slomosa Headline Show

Tickets for all dates are on sale now.

Brutal Planet Records Introduces: Voivod - The End of Dormancy EP

June 14, 2026

Prepare for an extraordinary sonic experience with the CD release of Voivod's The End of Dormancy EP (Turquois color cover), presented by Brutal Planet Records as part of their exclusive Metal Icon Series. Officially licensed from Century Media, this CD brings Voivod’s boundary-pushing, progressive metal and avant-garde sound to a new format, having only been available on vinyl and CD (inverted color scheme). Includes a 6-page insert booklet with artwork and lyrics. Don’t miss your chance to own this groundbreaking CD release and celebrate The End of Dormancy in a bold new way!

With nearly 23 minutes of genre-defining music, this EP is a masterpiece of cosmic riffs, complex rhythms, and inventive arrangements that capture Voivod’s unique style. Highlights include the powerful studio version of "The End of Dormancy" and electrifying live renditions from Montreal Jazz Fest 2019, immersing listeners in Voivod’s intense and mind-bending musical exploration.

Fans can purchase online at:

https://boonesoverstock.com/products/voivod-the-end-of-dormancy-e-p-cd-2026-brutal-planet-original-color

Voivod “The End Of Dormancy” (3 tracks) – 500 CDs (Turquoise) 732131699463 (Brutal Planet Records)