INFERNO FESTIVAL NORWAY 2025 Adds AURA NOIR, THUS, HATE ANGEL + AASAR to Lineup

September 16, 2024

“Something strange and magical happens in the town of Oslo, Norway over Easter week. Most of polite society flees to the mountains while a scourge of metal heads pour in from all over the globe to experience the four day extravaganza of extreme metal, hedonism & hepatocyte known as Inferno Festival. Subsequently, the entire city becomes a misanthropic miscreant’s soggy dream come true, and we’ve got the whole place to ourselves!” - Metal Injection

INFERNO FESTIVAL NORWAY 2025 is pleased to now welcome the next set of bands to the highly anticipated lineup, which will once again take place in Oslo (NO) from April 17-20 for another blasphemous Easter! The festival now welcomes AURA NOIR, THUS, HATE ANGEL + AASAR to the lineup! Tickets and passes can be found HERE.

The full lineup is now as follows with more TBA:

BEHEMOTH

SATYRICON

1349

ROTTING CHRIST

TSJUDER

AURA NOIR

TIAMAT

KYLESA

NECROPHOBIC

BLOOD INCANTATION

DØDHEIMSGARD

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER

GAEREA

AETERNUS

SETH

ABYSSIC

SPECTRAL WOUND

LAMENTARI

ATTAN

ANGIST

BYTHOS

SCHWEIN

PONTE DEL DIAVOLO

THUS

SYN

VORBID

HATE ANGEL

VIOLENT MAGIC ORCHESTRA

ROSA FAENSKAP

AASAR

UMA

DIZMAL

INFERNO FESTIVAL NORWAY previously announced the hotel deals for the 2025 edition. The official festival hotel partner is once again the Clarion Hotel® The Hub. Fans can now book their rooms at a discounted rate using the code "INFERNO," which is good until March 17, 2025! For more information can be found via the official Inferno Festival Website or can be booked directly HERE.

The audience, artists, media, and music industry personnel will gather at Clarion The Hub for happenings, partying and a good night sleep.

Moreover, The Inferno Music Conference will take place at the hotel prior to the festival doors opening on Thursday and Friday, for which more info will be revealed soon! Hotel guests will also be treated to an epic and inclusive breakfast buffet that runs until 11:00 A.M. (it's worth waking up early for!) as well as free access to the swimming pool and sauna.

The Hub boasts Oslo’s best location, right in the city centre, next to Oslo Central Station and the

Airport Express Train. It's also only about a five-minute walk from the iconic rock bars and venues in which Inferno Festival will be hosting bands and special events: Rockefeller & John Dee, Salt, Kniven, Vaterland, Brewgata and Rock In, allowing guest to travel freely without the expense of taxis or transit.

The iconic Inferno Metal Festival started in 2001 and is the longest running metal festival in

Norway and one of the most important extreme metal festivals in the world. We are very proud

of this position and we will continue fronting Norwegian metal and bringing bands from all over

the world to Norway. Inferno Metal Festival is being held four days at Rockefeller Music Halls’

two stages Rockefeller and John Dee as well as many smaller clubs around Oslo. The festival takes place during Easter in Norway when not a lot of other stuff is happening in Oslo. The festival are usually sold out and more than fifty percent of the audience are from outside of Norway. The ticket sales are from all over the world including China, Australia, Chile, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, USA, Columbia, Argentina and many more.

Links:

Official Inferno Fest Website

Brantley Gilbert Inks Passion, Pain & Perspective on Seventh Studio Album 'Tattoos'

September 13, 2024

Multi-Platinum country-rock trailblazer Brantley Gilbert knows life has a way of leaving a mark. You can either hide it or embrace it. With his seventh studio album Tattoos, available now via The Valory Music Co., he opts to embrace it. Listen HERE.

“All my albums, they capture a chapter of my life,” Gilbert explains. “If somebody wants to know who I am, what I’ve been through and where I stand, they can start at the beginning and listen through, and that’s why it was undeniable that Tattoosshould be the title – because my tattoos do the same thing.

“People get ‘em for a lot of reasons, but for most of us, tattoos talk about our victories and losses, our struggles and the whole nine,” he observes. “I was one of those kids who had to learn the hard way. But if I would’ve listened to the advice of others, I don’t know I would have ended up where I am.”

Landing on Grammy.com’s “Must-Hear Albums in September,” Tattoos features 10 songs all co-written and co-produced by the Georgia native with a trusted cast of long-time collaborators. The set matches Gilbert’s ink in both striking design and depth of meaning. Through flowing curves and jagged lines, shadow and light look back on a life of blue-collar pride and full-throttle rebellion – along with addictive love, abiding faith and blessings beyond what any of us deserve.

Those themes are nothing new to this longtime craftsman, but when the title track “Tattoos” took shape, so too did the album’s reflective theme. Written on an annual retreat to rural Texas with Jake Mitchell, Randy Montana and Cole Taylor, Gilbert knew the slow-burning anthem was something special.

“I knew I had one that really captured who I am,” he says. “It doesn’t sound like anything else you’ve heard before, and it really gives you the long and short of my life, which is what my tattoos do.”

With about 90 songs to choose from, Gilbert carefully laid his Tattoos out from there. Some came from an all hands-on-deck weekend at Lee Brice’s Nashville property, with Jelly Roll and more, determined to write with no pre-conditions. Others found their way to Gilbert through friends who know his creative soul, and after joining forces with primary co-producer Brock Berryhill, the pair spent late night after late night whittling the pack down to its essential elements.

The result – predictably enough – is an electrifying mix of in-your-face aggression and roughneck reflection, as Gilbert delivers another full-spectrum soundtrack to modern country life. But this time, he was careful to put an emphasis on his early days, both in sound and substance, focusing on real instruments over synthetic effects and put to use in a variety of big-picture, small-town settings.

Like the community spirit those towns rely on, the album’s standout feature may be its guest appearances – a trend starting with the first track, “Dirty Money” featuring Justin Moore, as Billboard calls it a “pride-fueled celebration of those who earn their ‘dirty money’ straight from the ground, providing food for communities through raising and harvesting crops,” noting, “this track revs up with all the gritty churn of a combine, as a bed of industrial-scale, frothy guitars, sharp percussion and thudding bass carry the two artists’ intertwined, distinctive drawls.”

Lead single “Over When We're Sober” with Ashley Cooke mixes can’t-stop romantic intoxication with a top shelf vocal blend, capturing the raw magnetism of a romantic buzz. Co-written with Justin Wilson, Jelly Roll and Berryhill, the sweet-and-sour concoction jumps out from the speakers.

“God Isn’t Country” – which features a vocal master class from Rascal Flatts legend (and longtime friend) Gary LeVox – fuses feel-good faith with awe for the natural world. And with the hand-over-heart declaration that is “Me and My House” ft. Struggle Jennings and Demun Jones, Gilbert adds another unique tattoo to his collection. A defiant tip of the hat to the independent country rap world Gilbert has always admired, the track is also a nod to bold self-determination – a pledge to uphold his traditional ideals.

This deep into his career, Gilbert’s nostalgia is also plain to see. With the namesake of his current headlining tour, “Off The Rails” captures the hard-charging energy of fan favorites like “Kick It In the Sticks,” while heartfelt ballads like “Gone By Now” celebrate the love shared by the star and his wife, Amber. Described as a “transparent” look into his heart, its sunset sonics speak to early romantic ballads.

Likewise, “The Hell That Raised Us” tributes the wild-and-free nature of a rural childhood, and while “Out Here” waves a good-timing flag for those living by their own rules, Gilbert finishes with “Miss These Towns,” completing the sonic self-portrait. A stripped-down lament about watching the decline of rural communities all over the U.S. (including his own), Gilbert knows change is inevitable, and not always a bad thing. But he’s been around long enough to know the value of respecting your past.

In celebration of his new album Tattoos, Gilbert will headline Brantley Gilbert’s World’s Largest Album Release Party on Broadway in downtown Nashville tonight, September 13. The free multi-artist concert is part of FREEDOM FRIDAY events kicking off the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix weekend (September 13-15). Presented by 1st Phorm Energy, with additional partnership from Rousch, Polaris, and Modern Buggy, the 4th annual FREEDOM FRIDAY concert honors members of the Military, Police, Fire, First Responders and Frontline Heroes. The 160th Special Ops Aviation Regiment will perform a helicopter aerial demonstration and a pre-concert flyover by the 101st Airborne Division.

Off The Rails Tour Dates

Sept. 13           Brantley Gilbert’s World’s Largest Album Release Party // Nashville, TN
Sept. 19           Mountain Health Network Arena // Huntington, WV
Sept. 20           Santander Arena // Reading, PA
Sept. 21           DCU Center // Worcester, MA
Sept. 26           LJVM Coliseum // Winston-Salem, NC
Sept. 27           The Corbin Arena // Corbin, KY
Sept. 28           Florence Center // Florence, SC
Oct. 3              Knoxville Civic Coliseum // Knoxville, TN
Oct. 4              First National Bank Arena // Jonesboro, AR
Oct. 5              Ozarks Amphitheater // Camdenton, MO
Oct. 10            Raising Cane’s River Center Arena // Baton Rouge, LA
Oct. 11            Cadence Bank Arena // Tupelo, MS
Oct. 12            The Sounds Amphitheater // Gautier, MS
Oct. 17            Enmarket Arena // Savannah, GA
Oct. 18            McKenzie Arena // Chattanooga, TN
Oct. 19            Atrium Health Amphitheater // Macon, GA

*Festival Date

About Brantley Gilbert
As one of the godfathers of country’s modern rock-and-rap edge, multi-Platinum The Valory Music Co. trailblazer Brantley Gilbert knows life has a way of leaving a mark. With his seventh studio album, Tattoos, available now, the Georgia native chooses to embrace it – inspired by the idea that his tattoos tell a story, just like his songs. And just like his songs, he’ll never hide the truth they reveal. An era-defining artist forever bonded to his fans, Gilbert’s been mining the timeless values of hard-working dedication, high-octane thrills and humble faith since his 2009 debut, A Modern Day Prodigal Son, creating a chart-topping grit-and-grace fusion which helped set the stage for today’s genre-blending format. With his dedicated BG Nation behind him, the fiery performer-songwriter has racked up more than 8.3 BILLION career streams, boasting back-to-back Platinum albums and seven No. 1 hits including the RIAA 7x Platinum “Bottoms Up;” 2x Platinum “Country Must Be Country Wide;” 2x Platinum “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do;” 2x Platinum “One Hell of An Amen;” and the Platinum-certified “What Happens In A Small Town” with Lindsay Ell. His world-class pen helped create a watershed hit with Jason Aldean’s 4x Platinum country-rap game changer, “Dirt Road Anthem.” And possessing a can’t-fake-it quality of fierce independence, the ACM, CMA and AMA award winner has toured alongside everyone from Willie Nelson and Toby Keith to Kenny Chesney, Nickelback and more. Tattoos further cements his legacy – 10 cowritten, co-produced tracks with an electrifying mix of in-your-face aggression and roughneck reflection, as Gilbert’s diesel-powered smoke-and-soul vocal delivers another full-spectrum soundtrack to modern country life. Tracks like full-throttle “Off the Rails” and intoxicating chart-climbing single “Over When We’re Sober” with Ashley Cooke lead a set packed with guest appearances from Gary LeVox, Justin Moore and Off The Rails tour mates Struggle Jennings and Demun Jones, as the superstar headlines across the U.S. through October 2024. For more information, visit BrantleyGilbert.com or follow on Instagram, TikTok and X@BrantleyGilbert and Facebook.com/BrantleyGilbertMusic.

Koe Wetzel’s “Casamigos” Out Now w/ Official Music Video

September 13, 2024

When Koe Wetzel’s highly anticipated fifth studio album 9 Lives arrived in July, it debuted at No. 15 on the all-genre Billboard 200 and No. 5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, earning critical praise commending his most vulnerable work to date. Lead single “High Road” with Jessie Murph – his first-ever at country radio – has already cracked the Top 30 in just 10 weeks, while “Sweet Dreams” earned a nod at this month’s NBC People’s Choice Country Awards and the duo of songs marked Wetzel’s first two Hot Country Songs Top 10 hits, also debuting on at No. 29 and No. 47 respectively on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart. Despite the album’s impressive wave of success, there was just one thing missing: “Where is ‘Casamigos’!?” read countless comments on his social posts. Today, the man celebrated by the Los Angeles Times for establishing his fanbase on the road answers that question emphatically, with “Casamigos” and its accompanying official music video available to stream everywhere now.

“It took a while to get this song right,” Wetzel concedes. “I think it changed five or six different times; lyrically, musically, the melody, everything about it. We’d get used to it for a month or so and then we’d change it up again, but once the final was done we knew the song was special. I think going through those ups and downs is one of the reasons why we kept it off the record to begin with, just so it could have its own light and its own time because we’re super happy with the song and now it’s one of my favorites on the record.”

Written by Wetzel together with Amy Allen, Sam Harris, Ben Burgess and producer Gabe Simon, the rowdy singalong sees the dark-haired Texan ruminating on the things lost to his wild ways, while noting that perhaps a certain relationship also disappearing from his life is the one thing he may not actually miss, a theme further brought to life in the official music video out now. Directed by Patrick Tohill (“Creeps”) and shot at a lake house in New Jersey, the music video depicts Wetzel leaving everything behind to start over in New York City. Watch Below.

Wetzel will bring the tequila-driven anthem to the remainder of his Damn Near Normal World Tour throughout the fall, making stops in St. Louis, Nashville, Indianapolis, across his home state of Texas and more, before closing out the U.S. run at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre and heading overseas through November.

For more information and to purchase tickets to all upcoming dates, visit KoeWetzelMusic.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook @KoeWetzelMusic, TikTok @Koe_Wetzel and X @KoeWetzel.

Remaining Damn Near Normal World Tour Dates:
Sept. 13 Camdenton, Mo. || Ozarks Amphitheater
Sept. 18 St. Louis, Mo. || Chaifetz Arena
Sept. 20 Huntsville, Ala. || The Orion Amphitheater
Sept. 21 Macon, Ga. || Atrium Health Amphitheater
Sept. 25 Alexandria, La. || Rapides Parish Coliseum – SOLD OUT
Sept. 26 Tuscaloosa, Ala. || Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater
Sept. 27 Nashville, Tenn. || Ascend Amphitheater – SOLD OUT
Sept. 28 Little Rock, Ark. || First Security Amphitheater – SOLD OUT
Oct. 3 Pikeville, Ky. || Appalachian Wireless Arena – SOLD OUT
Oct. 4 Indianapolis, Ind. || Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park – SOLD OUT
Oct. 5 Evansville, Ind. || Ford Center – SOLD OUT
Oct. 10 Abilene, Texas || Expo Center of Taylor County
Oct. 11 Lubbock, Texas || Cooks Garage – SOLD OUT
Oct. 13 Morrison, Colo. || Red Rocks Amphitheatre – SOLD OUT
Oct. 26 Manchester, U.K. || Academy 3
Oct. 27 London, U.K. || The Garage
Oct. 30 Glasgow, U.K. || Oran Mor
Oct. 31 Birmingham, U.K. || Academy 2
Nov. 1 Leeds, U.K. || Brudenell Social Club
Nov.3 Amsterdam, Netherlands || Melkweg (Oude Zaal)
Nov. 5 Hamburg, Germany || Bahnhof Pauli
Nov. 6 Berlin, Germany || Frannz Club
Nov. 7 Cologne, Germany || Club Volta

Additional Shows:
Sept. 14 Prior, Okla. || Born & Raised
Sept. 19 Louisville, Ky. || Bourbon & Beyond

About Koe Wetzel
Koe Wetzel never met a genre wall he couldn’t tear down: The Texas singer-songwriter has earned a rabid audience for his songs that mix country, rock, hip-hop, and even Nineties grunge. His 2016 album Noise Complaint endeared him to fans with its no- holds-barred lyrics about drunken nights, broken hearts and stints in jail, and included the Gold-certified hits “Love” (feat. Parker McCollum), “Something to Talk About” and the infamous “February 28, 2016.” Wetzel’s 2020 major label debut, Sellout, only furthered his legend with the Platinum-certified “Drunk Driving” and “Good Die Young” plus the Gold-certified “Kuntry & Wistern.” The 2022 follow-up, Hell Paso, hit No. 3 on Billboard’s Country Albums and spawned hits on both the country and rock charts, including the Gold-certified “Creeps” and “Cabo.” To date, Wetzel has 3.3 billion total streams and has created a genuine experience with his live concerts, which he describes as “total chaos.” In 2023 alone, he sold more than 275,000 tickets, and appeared for a third time on POLLSTAR’s Top Worldwide Tours. Wetzel has played prominent festival sets this summer and opened for Morgan Wallen on the superstar’s One Night at a Time Stadium Tour in Texas, while also headlining his own Damn Near Normal World Tour, currently underway. His new album, 9 Lives (Columbia), is available everywhere now as lead single “High Road” with Jessie Murph arrives as his debut Country radio single while also climbing both the Hot AC and Top 40 charts.

Texas Hippie Coalition Release New Single, "Bones Jones"

September 13, 2024

Texas rockers TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION are back with a heavy new track, "Bones Jones." Wild riffs toss and turn beneath the song, and frontman Big Dad Ritch relays the tale of a “local entrepreneur” and acquaintance from his youth.

“In our hometown, there was a guy named ‘Bones’," says Ritch. "He was about six-foot-seven-inches tall like Lurch from The Addams Family. I’d get weed from him, but he sold everything you could think of. Just weed for me though,” he chuckles.

Texas Hippie Coalition will release their new album, Gunsmoke, via MNRK Heavy on October 4, 2024. This time, Big Dad Ritch and his crew wholeheartedly embrace their country and Southern rock stylings as well as a lifelong passion for westerns.

With drinks poured, fists raised, and smiles wide, TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION (THC) always know how to have a good time. A collective of tried-and-true rabble-rousers and dyed-in-the-wool storytellers, the Texas quintet—Big Dad Ritch [vocals], Cord Pool [guitar], Nevada Romo [guitar], Rado Romo [bass], and Joey Mandigo [drums]—spike ass-whopping hard rock with a kick of country swagger and a whole lot of Texas grit and gusto.

Gathering tens of millions of streams, logging thousands of miles on the road, and energizing countless fans, they deliver ten anthems tailormade to simmer and scorch on Gunsmoke [MNRK Heavy]. “In terms of the lyrics, the vibe, and where THC come from, we definitely went home on this album,” says Ritch. “It represents the wild west Texas-Oklahoma area. You’ve got a little red dirt country spilling over into the storytelling and metal. It’s a return to the dirt where we came from.”

Tour Dates:
September 13 - Keokuk, IA - L-Treyns Bar
September 14 - Harshaw, WI - Bonnie & Clyde Gangster Park
September 15 - Joliet, IL - The Forge
September 20 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverfront Live
September 21- Wilmington, OH - Farm to Bottle Festival
October 10 - Mechanicsburg, PA - Lovedraft's Brewing Company
October 11 - Frenchtown, NJ - Atie's Bar & Grill
October 12 - Laconia, NJ - The Big House
October 13 - Rochester, NY - Montage Music Hall
October 17 - Pittsburgh, PA - Crafthouse Stage & Grill
October 18 - Marietta, OH - Adelphia Music Hall
October 19 - Flint, MI - The Machine Shop
October 20 - Lakewood, OH - The Winchester

Connect with Texas Hippie Coalition:

Website
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok

Parker McCollum Surprises Corey Kent with Double-Platinum News at Red Rocks

September 12, 2024

Sony Music Nashville artist Corey Kent has spent the summer as an opener on Parker McCollum’s Burn it Down Tour. A road veteran himself drawing inspiration from The Eagles, Keith Richards, Turnpike Troubadours and more, Kent brought that bandana-wearing Rock ‘N’ Roll spirit to the tour’s recent Red Rocks stop where the “Hell of a Year” singer gave him a hell of a surprise…news his No. 1 hit “Wild As Her” had been certified Double-Platinum by the RIAA. Watch McCollum surprise Kent with the news HERE.

“Congratulations to Corey, RCA Nashville and his full team on achieving 2x Platinum certification for “Wild As Her!” This remarkable achievement is a testament to your incredible talent and the undeniable impact your music has had on fans,” shared Jackie Jones, SVP Artist and Industry Relations, RIAA. “It’s exciting to see artists celebrating each other’s success in RIAA’s Gold & Platinum program. Here’s to many more milestones in your career!”

The milestone comes as the hitmaker releases his sophomore album, Black Bandana, named a “Best Album” by NPR’s All Songs Considered with Rolling Stone noting his “charismatic vocals lift every song.” The road warrior will kick off his headlining Black Bandana Tour on Sept. 21. Available now, listen to Black Bandana HERE. And watch the video, directed by Wales Toney, for his current single, “Now or Never" featuring Lauren Alaina HERE.

Title track “Black Bandana” helped set the tone for the album Billboard calls, “music for those whose lives have been seasoned by rocky times." Co-written with Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi, and Brett Tyler, the slow-burning call to stand your ground pairs tender country-rock reverence with a big-picture mindset, helping tie all of Kent’s struggle, success, and plans for the future together. The album was almost finished when he wrote it, Kent says, but he was happy it “derailed” the project.

“It encapsulates the journey. The reason we’re here is because we didn’t give up, and the whole record is a call to action against all odds,” he explains. “When the going gets tough and everybody quits, you be the one that stays the course and never gives up. I think there’s a lot of people that relate with that.”

Co-writing six of Black Bandana’s 10 songs, what Kent ultimately wanted was to mix themes of integrity, resilience and family with a sonic setting befitting the mission. Finding the midway point between cinematic electric guitars and heart-pounding drums meet a warm, gravel-road rasp, as Kent brings classic rock into the present tense.

Now based in Dallas, the proud husband and father has become a decorated artist on the rise, growing from humble heartland roots into a Platinum certified Number One hit maker with 950 million career streams, and a black bandana on his neck. But today, that Black Bandana is more than an accessory – and not just the title track of his sophomore major-label album, which Music Row calls, “gently but unrelentingly uplifting.” It’s his rally cry.

Rising from the vibrant Red Dirt country scene as the embodiment of authenticity, Kent set his sights on Nashville as a teen, bringing his self-penned catalog of country-rock anthems with him. But after the pandemic coincided with the loss of his first publishing deal, Kent was forced to move to Texas and get a job on a paving crew to pay the bills, yet he stubbornly refused to call music quits. Honky-tonks and dancehalls on both sides of the Red River became his stomping ground, and slowly but surely, the black bandana spirit grew.

Fast forward a few years and the hit single “Wild As Her” proved he was right all along. An untamed tribute to a free-spirited stunner, the track re-invigorated Kent’s career as a now Double-Platinum-certified No. 1 at country radio, and the lead single off his major label album debut, Blacktop. Despite never cracking country radio’s Top 40, Kent’s trust-your-gut second single “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” went Gold (and is now approaching Platinum status), proving his message was connecting. And momentum kept building, with Kent hitting the road alongside Jason Aldean, Ashley McBryde, McCollum and more. Next-big-thing accolades came in from CMT, Opry Next Stage and more, but even as Kent became the most played new artist on country radio for all of 2023, he kept the underdog, who-cares-about-conventional-wisdom mentality. And so did his fans.

For Kent, the point was that his fans have the same independent spirit he does, and he took that lesson into his next chapter. Settled into his ranch in Texas and intent on being fully present as husband and father, while also achieving his dreams, his second album is all about finding balance, keeping clear eyes on what’s important – and waving that Black Bandana for all to see.

Parker McCollum surprises Corey Kent with news his No. 1 hit "Wild as Her" has been certified Double-Platinum by the RIAA | Photo Credit: Zack Morris

Kent is also connecting with friends on the road in his new podcast “Bus Call.” The podcast finds Kent chatting with everyone from country music star Bailey Zimmerman to 2023 Doak Walker Award winner, OSU Running Back Ollie Gordon. The Texas Troubadour and his guests share laughs, inspirational moments and talk through the ups and downs of both business and personal life. Listen to the first two episodes of season one now and stay tuned for a new episode each month.

The Oklahoma native will be joined by Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Max McNown, Karley Scott Collins and Lauren Watkins on select dates for his headlining, international Black Bandana Tour, which kick-offs in Paso Robles, California on Sept. 21. The road warrior will trek across both the U.S. and U.K. with stops in New York, Boston, Atlanta, Dublin, London and more into early 2025. Tickets are on sale now. Purchase at coreykentofficial.com.

Black Bandana Tour Dates:
+9/21/24 Paso Robles, CA BarrelHouse Brewing Co. - Brewery and Beer Gardens
9/22/24 Long Beach, CA Boots In The Park
^9/26/24 Reedley, CA The Wakehouse
^9/27/24 Bakersfield, CA Buck Owens Crystal Palace
9/28/24 Tempe, AZ Boots In The Park
<10/3/24 Hays, KS Fox Theatre
10/4/24 Durant, OK Choctaw Grand Theater (with Pat Green)
10/5/24 Burkburnett, TX Friendship Festival
#10/10/24 Little Rock, AR Little Rock Hall
10/11/24 Bellville, TX Austin County Fair
#10/12/24 Terrell, TX Silver Saloon
-10/16/24 New York, NY Gramercy Theatre
-10/17/24 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
-10/18/24 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun – Wolf Den
-10/19/24 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club
<10/24/24 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s
<10/25/24 West Lafayette, IN Neon Cactus
<10/26/24 Rootstown, OH Dusty Armadillo
^11/1/24 Milwaukee, WI The Rave II
#11/8/24 Wichita, KS The Cotillion Ballroom
#11/9/24 Stillwater, OK Tumbleweed Dance Hall
-11/21/24 Atlanta, GA Buckhead Theatre
-11/22/24 Charlotte, NC Coyote Joe’s
-11/23/24 North Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues

International Dates
2/1/25 Dublin, IE The Academy (Green Room)
2/2/25 Belfast, NI The Limelight 1
2/4/25 Glasgow, UK SWG3 TV Studio
2/7/25 Manchester, UK Manchester Academy 2
2/8/25 Birmingham, UK O2 Academy 2
2/9/25 Bristol, UK The Trinity Centre
2/11/25 London, UK Electric Ballroom

^Braxton Keith
< Kaitlin Butts
-Max McNown
+Karley Scott Collins
#Lauren Watkins

For the latest news and information visit, coreykentofficial.com and follow @coreykent on X, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Iodine to Release Onelinedrawing "Scan Anxiety" 7"

September 12, 2024

Jonah Matranga has been making music for over 30 years. A prolific artist, he has become an enduring institution in the scene with a devoted fan base, rich lineage, and varied career that has straddled the line between the underground and mainstream. His work is so far-reaching that it has been lauded far and wide, from Pitchfork to EW, and lots of everything in between!

Matranga has always written from the heart and performed in an intimate way that can't be replicated. This is most apparent in his solo yet collaborative project Onelinedrawing.

Iodine Recordings will release the Onelinedrawing "Scan Anxiety" 7" physically on October 11. It will be available digitally upon pre-save/pre-order, which can be done here. It features the original track "Scan Anxiety" and a cover of Phoebe Bridgers' "Chinese Satellite." As OLD fans know, you can expect the unexpected when it comes to Matranga's covers, as he has offered his take on songs by The Sugarcubes, 7 Seconds, Jawbox, and more over the years.

Watch the "Scan Anxiety" video below.

Overall, Matranga says, "'Scan Anxiety' was written for someone in a desperate situation. I don't know what 'Chinese Satellites' was written about, but it feels similar somehow. If these songs find you feeling overwhelmed and help you through to a more serene place, that's what they were meant to do."

He further explained his MO for pairing these songs on the 7", saying, "I've loved making unique recordings for decades now, and that's how 'Scan Anxiety' started. Some people were putting together a collection of songs for their friend who was going through cancer, and they asked me to be part of it... I just fell in love with the song, and wanted it in the world one way or another. Even though it was written about someone else's story, it became really personal for me. 'Chinese Satellite' started as a unique recording too, it's just a gorgeous tune with a haunting lyric. I'll sing any song like that forever, whether I wrote it or not. I hope that Phoebe, Conor, and Marshall dig it."

TOUR DATES:
10/17 — Holy Frijoles — Baltimore MD
10/18 — Avenue Coffee — Lock Haven PA
10/19 — Bull House — Mechanicsburg PA
10/20 — Leonard House — Southbury CT

OCEANS OF SLUMBER Premiere New Album

September 12, 2024

"Another album that firmly deserves its place among the pantheon" - Metal Hammer

"Simultaneously the heaviest and most melodic record they have ever made...Oceans of Slumber have given the best possible reply to those that questioned their vision. Where Gods Fear to Speak is a deeply moving and monstrously heavy next chapter in one of modern metal's most fascinating stories" - Blabbermouth (9/10)

"Where Gods Fear to Speak continues their astonishing streak of encapsulating, rich albums that take you to another plane of reality" - Distorted Sound (8/10)

"Serves as yet another reminder as to why they deserve so much more" - No Clean Singing

"It will confront your will. It will expand your mind. It will pull at your heart" - The Prog Mind (9/10)

"The delicate balance of rhythmic bombast and melodies that keep you wanting more is a chemistry that is hard to find but the collective members in Oceans of Slumber have me stunned" - No Echo

"At the end of the day, this still sounds like an Oceans of Slumber record, it's just a record that has a lot more heaviness while still keeping those nuances alive and well. - A&P Reacts

"Another stunning release in a stunning run of albums" - The Razors Edge

"A stellar album, packed with the highest quality doom-drenched progressive metal, and rich in depth and feeling" - Wonder Box Metal

Despite the many accolades that they've received over the past decade, Oceans of Slumber have never rested on their laurels. The Houston heavies have come to redefine the Southern Gothic by casting their tales of hope and despair against an ever-shifting backdrop of progressive metal. While it was produced by their long-time collaborator and GRAMMY nominee Joel Hamilton, the band's sixth album and first for Season of Mist expands their vision to dark, cinematic new heights.

"A vengeful prog metal monster that needs to be heard", Metal Hammer writes in a four-star review.

Where Gods Fear to Speak comes out tomorrow, Friday, September 13, but you can hear all ten monumental songs today by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.

Listen to Where Gods Fear to Speak below.

Where Gods Fear to Speak comes out September 13 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Stream

https://orcd.co/oceansofslumberwheregodsfeartospeakalbum

Oceans of Slumber defy any and all conventions. Where Gods Fear to Speak opens with more of the sultry, doom metal headbanging that the band's long-time acolytes have come to expect, but the album's spellbinding title track breaks entirely new ground. Punishing blast beats and a blackened torrent of melodic tremolo picking collide with powerhouse cleans, a skyrocketing guitar solo and synths that swirl like the aura of a mystical planet.

So what are we to call this otherworldly occurrence?

"Dark cinematic metal" says the band's maestro Dobber Beverly. Underground metalheads will always recognize him as the drummer for grindcore legends Insect Warfare, but Dobber is a classically trained pianist who composed every grand note on Where Gods Fear to Speak. "We've taken the raw and heavier direction of our last two albums and elevated it to the scale of a blockbuster IMAX movie".

Staying true to Ocean of Slumber's irreverent musings, Where Gods Fear to Speak takes more inspiration from The Handmaid's Tale, The Dark Tower and Cormac McCarthy than it does Opeth. Each song acts as another gripping plot twist along a narrative arc that's part science fiction, part western gunslinger with a heavy dose of post-apocalyptic romance. Lead single "Poem of Ecstasy" splices together an album's worth of stand-out moments into its own mini-epic, cutting from a moonlight piano sonata to outlaw country, doom-laden power metal and what can only be described as "dystopian grindcore".

"I'll do everything to stay by your side" frontwoman Cammie Beverly belts, her cleans pushing back against the charging blast beats like a force field.

Performing such a radical play on extreme metal requires a talented cast of characters. Dobber's Necrofier bandmate Semir Ozerkan adds heat with harsh backing vocals and warm but bruising bass fills, while co-guitarists Alex Davis and Chris Kritikos roar through Where Gods Fear to Speak like a sandstorm. The album also gets a lift from two special guests. Moonspell's Fernando Ribeiro casts his big bad shadow over the chugging, rumbling "Run From the Light". Amidst a spirited tug of war between distorted tremolo picking and folksy acoustic strumming, "Prayer" is visited by gothic angel Mikael Stanne of Dark Tranquility.

Even with all that talent on display, Oceans of Slumber still cede the spotlight to their leading lady. Cammie has always possessed one of the strongest voices in metal. Even though the album was recorded a cool 8,000 feet above sea level in Bogotá, Colombia, the grueling altitude couldn't stop her bottomless belt from scaling the slippery crush of "The Given Dream". But Where Gods Fear to Speak has her flexing a guttural new muscle.

"I've always wanted to do death growls", Cammie says. "Where Gods Fear to Speak presented the perfect opportunity. Mixing harsh vocals in with my cleans speaks to the internal struggle between pleasure and pain that's at the heart of this album".

To celebrate Where Gods Fear to Speak, Oceans of Slumber are playing an album release show for their hometown fans. They'll be joined at Houston's Scout Bar by their friends in Anova Skyway, Dyer Infernum and Metropolis Burning.

"Crowds really took to the new songs when we were on tour earlier this year with New Years Day and Lacuna Coil", Dobber says. "We're excited to play more songs off the album for the very first time during what'll be our final show of the year".

Where Gods Fear to Speak Record Release Show
Saturday, October 19 - Houston, TX @ Scout Bar [TICKETS]

Later this month, the band are saddling up with their fellow Houston heavies in Necrofier for a fiery performance at Metal Injection Festival.

"We are thrilled to celebrate Metal Injection's 20th anniversary at this year's festival", says Cammie. "We'll be sharing the stage with amazing bands like Jinjer, Converge, God Forbid, 3 Inches of Blood, Hanabie, Cave In, Rivers of Nihil and our good friends in Necrofier. We can't wait to rock out with you and hit the streets of New York City".

Metal Injection Festival
Sunday, September 22 - Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Monarch & Meadows [TICKETS]

Lineup
Cammie Beverly - vocals
Dobber Beverly- drums, piano
Semir Ozerkan - bass
Alex Davis - guitar
Chris Kritikos - guitar, synth

Recording
Audiovision Studios in Bogotá, Columbia
Assistant engineering at Audiovision by Deyra Castillo and David Dueñas Piña

Production
Produced and engineered by Joel Hamilton
Mixed by Joel Hamilton at Studio G in Brooklyn, New York
Additional engineering by Chris Kritikos
Assistant engineering by Justin Termotto

Artwork
Giannis Nakos - Remedy Art Design

Biography
Dom Lawson

Follow Oceans of Slumber
https://oceansofslumber.com/
https://oceansofslumber.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/oceansofslumber/
https://www.instagram.com/oceansofslumber/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/user/oceansofslumber
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2JSza6IRxLr1Ez3wqKd0SY?si=aWrsTRHCSCemMNRQaSk5tw

Pre-order & Stream

https://orcd.co/oceansofslumberwheregodsfeartospeakalbum

JOHN DOUGLAS marks 20-year anniversary of TRASHCAN SINATRAS 'Weightlifting' with new video. Headline North American tour begins Oct. 1

September 9, 2024

Acclaimed Scottish troubadour John Douglas, presents a live rendition of 'Weightlifting', commemorating the landmark Trashcan Sinatras album released 20 years ago this week. The offering also previews Douglas' forthcoming 'Lost in North America Tour - Part One', an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated songsmith.

Throughout October, Douglas takes to American stages, showcasing original material and new recordings of fave Trashcan Sinatras' material. Joined for West coast and Midwest dates by Lily Vakili of Vakili Band, he is joined for East Coast dates by award-winning singer-songwriter Lauren Calve. Further, attendees of two special shows will be treated to guest appearances by fellow Trashcan Sinatras Frank Reader and Paul Livingston in Seattle, with Reader also joining Douglas in LA.

"'Weightlifting' was a milestone record in our journey. It took us a long time to make that record due to various hilarious sidetracks, including adventures in Japan with us as a six-piece band, and many many strung out, aimless days and nights in our adopted home of Kilmarnock, Scotland, a mad detour attempting to record in Hartford, USA (skillfully avoiding the nightly gunshots), and even a meeting with the landed gentry in Ayr County Court, where our banishment from the land of honest toil was finally ended," says John Douglas.

"We returned from all those adventures with songs - songs of love, loss, redemption, forgiveness, bravado, friendship, wisdom, peace and tranquility. Songs that we swore ourselves to... and here we are 20 years on and it looks like we somehow built them to last. Somehow, from the chaotic depths, we found ourselves at the top of our game. It’s a miracle of a record."

It's been a fine year for Douglas, including a UK headlining tour, releasing his eponymous debut album via Reveal Records, UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' reissued album 'Cake' (33 years since it debuted), and a new Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning Irish journalist Ken Sweeney, which also features Douglas performing beloved Trashcans' songs.

'Weightlifting' is the second instalment in Douglas' 'Me & Midnight Sessions’, following 'Oranges & Apples'. Earlier, he shared live videos for 'I Just Want To Go Home', 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella', 'Always' and 'Leave Me Alone' - all tracks from his debut album, recorded with renowned producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion).

Douglas shares, "This video was filmed in Ibrox, Glasgow in a flat that was once shared by a young couple, who had come to the end of their time together. On the night of my filming, I had helped one of them move out the final pieces of furniture and accompanied them as they said goodbye to what they used to call home. I returned later, on my own, to the now empty flat... just before midnight... and filmed myself singing what felt like a very appropriate song. A bittersweet night that will hopefully allow a healing to begin and for pain to be left behind. I changed the lyric a little to suit the mood."

John Douglas' debut album is available on CD and digitally via Bandcamp, as well as from fine online platforms. His 'Lost in North America Tour - Part One' kicks off in Los Angeles on October 1.

TOUR DATES
October 1 LOS ANGELES - Hotel Cafe *
(Special guest appearance by Trashcan Sinatras' Frank Reader)
October 2 SAN FRANCISCO - The Lost Church *
October 4 PORTLAND - Mission Theater *
October 5 SEATTLE - Ballard Homestead, Fremont Abbey *
(Special guest appearance by Trashcan Sinatras' Frank Reader & Paul Livingston)
October 7 SALT LAKE CITY - The Beehive *
October 8 DENVER - Mercury Cafe, Jungle Room *
October 10 KANSAS CITY - Knuckleheads *
October 11 MINNEAPOLIS - Icehouse MPLS *
October 12 CHICAGO - GMan Tavern **
October 15 TORONTO - The Monarch **
October 16 CLEVELAND - Beachland Tavern **
October 17 COLUMBUS - Natalie's Grandview **
October 19 BOSTON - City Winery Boston **
October 20 NEW YORK - Cafe Wha? **
October 21 PHILADELPHIA - City Winery Loft **

New music from Reece Young

September 9, 2024

Dark Tranquillity Announce 25th Anniversary Vinyl Re-issue Of "Projector" + On Tour Now!🤘

September 9, 2024

Gothenburg's iconic melodic death metal pioneers Dark Tranquillity have not only just successfully released their 13th studio album Endtime Signals via Century Media Records, but are also pleased to announce a long overdue vinyl re-issue of their fourth album Projector from 1999.

Projector, which also marked the beginning of Dark Tranquillity's long-standing relationship with Century Media Records as their worldwide record company partners and the band's first release to receive a nomination for a Swedish Grammis Award, saw the group explore a more diverse and atmospheric side to their ever relevant and constantly progressing melodic death metal approach, making the album a total fan-favorite and a special release to finally re-visit with a new vinyl edition in order to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Originally recorded with Fredrik Nordström at Gothenburg's Studio Fredman (In Flames, Arch Enemy, At The Gates, etc.), the album's main 10 songs now come with a fresh 2024 vinyl remaster crafted by Dan Swanö at Unisound (Opeth, Katatonia, Edge Of Sanity).

The new Projector (Re-issue 2024) vinyl version will be released on November 1 with pre-order starting today for the following three available variants:

— Ltd. brick red LP — All outlets
— Ltd. neon orange LP — 300x copies available from Bengans, EMP & Napalm Records
— Ltd. transp. sun yellow LP — 300x copies available from cmdistro.de & various other retailers

Pre-orders are live here.

Dark Tranquillity's newest album Endtime Signals has been recently released to much acclaim and entered international official album sales charts as follows:
Germany #6, Switzerland #5, Austria #7, Sweden #13, Finland #15, Spain #84.

Get Endtime Signals here.

Dark Tranquillity have just kicked off a North American co-headline tour with Amorphis in support of their newest album Endtime Signals and have a European headlining tour ahead as well.

DARK TRANQUILLITY ON TOUR:
9/9 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall
9/10 — Dallas, TX — Trees
9/11 — San Antonio, TX — The Rock Box
9/13 — Mesa, AZ — Nile Theater
9/14 — San Diego, CA — Brick By Brick
9/15— Los Angeles, CA — Echoplex
9/17 — San Francisco, CA — DNA Lounge
9/18 — Roseville, CA — Goldfields Roseville
9/20 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theatre
9/21 — Vancouver, BC — Rickshaw Theatre
9/22 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon
9/24 — Salt Lake City, UT — Metro
9/26 — Denver, CO — Marquis Theatre
9/27 — Lawrence, KS — Bottleneck
9/28 — Minneapolis, MN — The Cabooze
9/29 — Joliet, IL — The Forge
10/1 — Toronto, ON — Opera House
10/2 — Montreal, QC — Fairmount Theatre
10/3 — Quebec City, QC — La Source de la Martinière
10/4 — Cambridge, MA — The Middle East Down
10/5 — Baltimore, MD — Baltimore Soundstage
10/6 — New York, NY — Gramercy Theatre

DARK TRANQUILLITY ARE:
Mikael Stanne — Vocals
Johan Reinholdz — Guitar
Martin Brändström — Electronics
Christian Jansson — Bass
Joakim Strandberg Nilsson — Drums

Scotty McCreery Releases "Fall of Summer (NC State Version)" Due to Fan Demand

September 7, 2024

When NC State men’s and women’s basketball teams made their historic run to the NCAA Final Four last Spring, Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery tweaked the lyrics to his current single “Fall of Summer” from his current album Rise & Fall with an update for his beloved Wolfpack singing, “I said come see me at NC State.” The change has remained a popular one at his live show and even taken on a life of its own on social media with fans inserting their own school name in the lyrics. McCreery, who was just announced yesterday as a performer at the 2025 Stagecoach Festival, has heard the call from fans and due to popular demand is releasing “Fall of Summer (NC State Version).” Available today, listen to the updated “Fall of Summer” Below.

Written by McCreery, Frank Rogers and Brent Anderson and produced by Rogers, Derek Wells, and Aaron Eshuis, “Fall of Summer,” is currently climbing the chart at country radio and was most added its first week. Filled with mature nostalgia, and built on one of the album’s most modern, cinematic sounds, the midtempo and reflective standout finds the country crooner’s vocal at a low simmer, as a guy looks back on a season of life that ultimately faded, but also made room for the here and now.

Rise & Fall is McCreery’s most critically acclaimed album to date, with Billboard naming it one of the 50 Best Albums of 2024 (So Far). The album’s first single, “Cab in a Solo,” recently became his sixth #1 hit. Listen to the album Rolling Stone says is “every bit as legit as Jamey Johnson’s That Lonesome Song, Garth Brooks’ In Pieces, or Randy Travis’ Storms of Life,” HERE.

“Across the 13-track collection, McCreery exhibits his continued growth as a vocalist and songwriter,” notes Holler. People echoes the sentiment, writing that the album “brims with a newfound confidence and maturity,” while Country Now calls it “his best record yet,” and American Songwriter declares it a “career album” as Rise & Fall finds him exploring not only heartbreak but rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood and enduring love, resulting in a project full of insightful storytelling. The album was produced by McCreery’s longtime production team of Frank Rogers, Derek Wells and Aaron Eshuis.

McCreery co-wrote 12 of the 13 songs on the album, which Billboard observes, “Light-hearted fare such as ‘Stuck Behind a Tractor’ and ‘And Countin’’ mesh with heartbreak brushoffs such as ‘Lonely,’ the bluegrass-inflected album-closer ‘Porch’ and the faith-filled ‘Red Letter Blueprint.’” It is available digitally as well as on CD and vinyl. In addition, Amazon is releasing a limited-edition forest green vinyl version of the album. Order autographed vinyl and CDs of Rise & Fall HERE.

McCreery also recently joined Callista Clark on the duet “Gettin’ Old” via Dreamcatcher Artists label (listen HERE). Clark wrote the song with Averie Bielski and Karen Kasowski, while Joey Hyde and Frank Rogers share production credits.

Of the collaboration McCreery shared, “I’ve been a fan of Callista and her talent for some time, especially after having her out on my European tour a few years ago. I loved this song from the first time I heard it and was honored that she asked me to sing it with her.”

The two recently shot a music video for the track, conceived, produced and directed by award-winning film maker Roman White, which will be released soon. A preview of the video can be seen now on both Clark and McCreery’s socials.

Having spent almost half his life in the spotlight making country music, the North Carolina native is in the midst of his headlining Fall of Summer Tour. Named after his current single of the same name, the tour will take the North Carolina native across the U.S. and Canada with stops in Santa Fe, NM; Bakersfield, CA; Stamford, CT; Windsor, Ontario; Kansas City, MO, Las Vegas, NV, and more.

Tickets are on sale now. Purchase at ScottyMcCreery.com.

Fall of Summer Tour Dates:
9/13               Santa Fe, NM                          Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino
9/14               Abilene, TX                            Mulligans Outdoor Bash
9/21               Central Point, OR                   Bi-Mart Amphitheatre at the Expo
9/23               Bakersfield, CA                      Kern County Fair
9/28               Columbia, SC                         Segra Park
9/29               Fort Myers, FL                       Island Hopper Festival
10/4               Nixa, MO                                Aetos Center for the Performing Arts
10/5               Benton, MO                            Benton Speedway
10/17             Bloomington, IL                     Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
10/18             La Porte, IN                            La Porte Civic Auditorium
10/19             Wisconsin Dells, WI               Crystal Grand Music Theatre
11/2               Las Vegas, NV                      The Sandbar at Redrock Casino Resort & Spa
11/7               New Brunswick, NJ                State Theatre New Jersey
11/8               Stamford, CT                          Palace Theatre
11/9               Hampton Beach, NH             Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
11/15             Cherokee, NC                         Harrah's Cherokee Casino
11/16             Choctaw, MS                          Pearl River Resort
11/21             Windsor, ON                           The Colosseum at Caesar’s Windsor
11/22             Orillia, ON                              Casino Rama Resort - Entertainment Centre
12/6               Kansas City, MO                    Ameristar Kansas City Casino
12/7               Hinton, OK                             Sugar Creek Casino

About Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery has been a household name for nearly half his life, ever since making history in 2011 as both the first country artist and the youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified Clear as Day, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. With his latest album Rise & Fall, featuring his sixth No. 1 single “Cab in a Solo,” current single “Fall of Summer,” and 12 additional tracks, McCreery explores classic themes of heartbreak, rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood, and enduring love, and through it all, felt comfortable being himself, resulting in a project full of electrified twang, rich baritone vocals and insightful storytelling. The 30-year-old has sold more than 4 million albums and achieved 6 No.1 hits: the recent “Cab in a Solo,” the RIAA Platinum-certified “Damn Strait,” the RIAA Gold certified “You Time,” the RIAA Gold certified “In Between,” the RIAA Platinum certified “This is It,” and the RIAA Triple Platinum certified ‘Five More Minutes.” The North Carolina native has earned one Triple Platinum, five Platinum and four Gold singles; one Platinum and two Gold albums; won the 10th season of “American Idol” in 2011 at age 17; was named the ACM New Artist of the Year in 2011; won two CMT Music Awards, the first for Breakthrough Video of the Year (“The Trouble with Girls”) in 2012, and the second for Digital-First Performance of the Year (“It Matters to Her” from “CMT Stages”) in 2024; and BMI Awards for writing One of the Top 50 Country Songs of the Year five times (in 2015 for “See You Tonight,” in 2018 for “Five More Minutes,” in 2019 for “This is It,” in 2021 for “In Between,” and in 2022 for “You Time”). He was awarded Pandora Billionaire status in 2021 in recognition of his music achieving more than one billion streams on Pandora. His song “Five More Minutes” inspired two popular holiday movies which aired on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network: “Five More Minutes” in 2021 and “Five More Minutes: Moments Like These” in 2022. He released his first book Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream in 2016. Last year McCreery was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Josh Turner and Randy Travis, after being invited late last year by Garth Brooks. The singer/songwriter married his high school sweetheart Gabi in 2018, and the couple had their first son Avery in October 2022. For more information, visit ScottyMcCreery.com.

Corey Kent Releases Sophomore Album ‘Black Bandana’

September 7, 2024

Sony Music Nashville artist Corey Kent has spent more than 15 years cutting his own path through a tangled wilderness of stumbles and setbacks … and never once come close to waving a white flag. The result…his sophomore album, Black Bandana, named a “Best Album” by NPR’s All Songs Considered with Rolling Stone noting his “charismatic vocals lift every song.” The platinum-selling Kent will kick off his headlining Black Bandana Tour on Sept. 21. Available now, listen to Black Bandana HERE.

Kent also surprised fans today with the release of a music video for his current single, “Now or Never" featuring Lauren Alaina. The Tennessean calls the track a “steel guitar-aided ‘80s-style power ballad” and the video captures that spirit with the duo delivering angst and drama in the clip. Watch the video directed by Wales Toney below.

Title track “Black Bandana” helped set the tone for the album Billboard calls, “music for those whose lives have been seasoned by rocky times." Co-written with Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi, and Brett Tyler, the slow-burning call to stand your ground pairs tender country-rock reverence with a big-picture mindset, helping tie all of Kent’s struggle, success, and plans for the future together. The album was almost finished when he wrote it, Kent says, but he was happy it “derailed” the project.

“It encapsulates the journey. The reason we’re here is because we didn’t give up, and the whole record is a call to action against all odds,” he explains. “When the going gets tough and everybody quits, you be the one that stays the course and never gives up. I think there’s a lot of people that relate with that.”

Co-writing six of Black Bandana’s 10 songs, what Kent ultimately wanted was to mix themes of integrity, resilience and family with a sonic setting befitting the mission. Finding the midway point between cinematic electric guitars and heart-pounding drums meet a warm, gravel-road rasp, as Kent brings classic rock into the present tense.

Other tracks fuse that “wave of black bandana” call to action with Kent’s let-it-ride mentality. The dark and smoky soul of “Ain’t Gonna to Lie” kicks the album off with a rough-edged ‘70s rock spirit for a tune that on the surface, finds a guy fessing up about the damage to his broken heart. But really, it’s another call to be unapologetically honest, in whatever you stand for.

Tunes like “Damn Good Country Song” beg for a chance to get destroyed by love, matching Kent’s tender growl with a bare minimum of back alley R&B production – just enough to make the torchy track strut. And while previously released “Never Ready” emerges as a fully-realized full-circle ballad, with Kent acknowledging the fleeting nature of our most precious blessings, tracks like current single “Now or Never (feat. Lauren Alaina)” seek to strike while the romantic iron is hot – a seize-the-moment power duet built on orchestral “’80s hair metal ballad vibes.”

“Break Like That” smolders with a singalong promise of fidelity, and while “Rust” tributes a love that will weather the elements, tracks like “Nothing But Neon” and “This Heart” sway with somber classic rock heartache.

A Bixby, Oklahoma native now based in Dallas, the proud husband and father has become a decorated artist on the rise, growing from humble heartland roots into a Platinum certified Number One hit maker with 950 million career streams, and a black bandana on his neck. But today, that Black Bandana is more than an accessory – and not just the title track of his sophomore major-label album, which Music Row calls, “gently but unrelentingly uplifting.” It’s his rally cry.

“It started from riding motorcycles and wanting something over your face so you didn’t swallow a bug,” the singer-songwriter says. “But then it turned into a staple I wear on stage, and then a symbol of the path through my career, and life. Through all the ups and downs, the one constant thing was this relentless hope – this relentless pursuit of believing that if I don’t give up, I can get where I’m going.”

With a self-built story that has seen success and disaster, keeping that belief wasn’t always easy – but it’s been paying off. Rising from the vibrant Red Dirt country scene as the embodiment of authenticity, Kent set his sights on Nashville as a teen, bringing his self-penned catalog of country-rock anthems with him. But after the pandemic coincided with the loss of his first publishing deal, Kent was forced to move to Texas and get a job on a paving crew to pay the bills, yet he stubbornly refused to call music quits. Honky-tonks and dancehalls on both sides of the Red River became his stomping ground, and slowly but surely, the black bandana spirit grew.

Fast forward a few years and the hit single “Wild As Her” proved he was right all along. An untamed tribute to a free-spirited stunner, the track re-invigorated Kent’s career as a now Double-Platinum-certified No. 1 at country radio, and the lead single off his major label album debut, Blacktop. Despite never cracking country radio’s Top 40, Kent’s trust-your-gut second single “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” went Gold (and is now approaching Platinum status), proving his message was connecting. And momentum kept building, with Kent hitting the road alongside Jason Aldean, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum and more. Next-big-thing accolades came in from CMT, Opry Next Stage and more, but even as Kent became the most played new artist on country radio for all of 2023, he kept the underdog, who-cares-about-conventional-wisdom mentality. And so did his fans.

For Kent, the point was that his fans have the same independent spirit he does, and he took that lesson into his next chapter. Settled into his ranch in Texas and intent on being fully present as husband and father, while also achieving his dreams, his second album is all about finding balance, keeping clear eyes on what’s important – and waving that Black Bandana for all to see.

“We all face our own demons. We all face our own setbacks, and I hope this record serves as encouragement,” he says. “It would be really easy to lean on the past and go ‘Look at what I’ve done,’ but I’m still excited about the records I’ve yet to create. I’m excited about the shows I haven’t played yet. I’m excited about unlocking new levels of my craft, and writing more songs that people connect with deeply. …I still live for those moments.”

Black Bandana Tour Dates:
+9/21/24    Paso Robles, CA BarrelHouse Brewing Co. - Brewery and Beer Gardens
9/22/24      Long Beach, CA Boots In The Park
^9/26/24     Reedley, CA The Wakehouse
^9/27/24     Bakersfield, CA          Buck Owens Crystal Palace
9/28/24      Tempe, AZ                   Boots In The Park
<10/3/24    Hays, KS Fox Theatre
10/4/24      Durant, OK                  Choctaw Grand Theater (with Pat Green)
10/5/24      Burkburnett, TX          Friendship Festival
#10/10/24  Little Rock, AR Little Rock Hall
10/11/24    Bellville, TX Austin County Fair
#10/12/24 Terrell, TX                   Silver Saloon
-10/16/24   New York, NY Gramercy Theatre
-10/17/24   Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
-10/18/24   Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun – Wolf Den
-10/19/24   Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club
<10/24/24 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s
<10/25/24 West Lafayette, IN       Neon Cactus
<10/26/24 Rootstown, OH Dusty Armadillo
^11/1/24     Milwaukee, WI The Rave II
#11/8/24    Wichita, KS The Cotillion Ballroom
#11/9/24    Stillwater, OK Tumbleweed Dance Hall
-11/21/24   Atlanta, GA Buckhead Theatre
-11/22/24   Charlotte, NC Coyote Joe’s
-11/23/24   North Myrtle Beach, SC        House of Blues

International Dates
2/1/25        Dublin, IE                    The Academy (Green Room)
2/2/25 Belfast, NI                    The Limelight 1
2/4/25 Glasgow, UK               SWG3 TV Studio
2/7/25        Manchester, UK Manchester Academy 2
2/8/25        Birmingham, UK         O2 Academy 2
2/9/25        Bristol, UK                   The Trinity Centre
2/11/25      London, UK                 Electric Ballroom

^Braxton Keith
< Kaitlin Butts
-Max McNown
+Karley Scott Collins
#Lauren Watkins

For the latest news and information visit,  coreykentofficial.com and follow @coreykent on X, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

STARSET Share New Visual Transmission "TOKSIK" (Feat. Puppets) — WATCH

September 4, 2024

Visionary, sci-fi-inspired rock collective STARSET have shared the video for their latest transmission "TOKSIK."

Watch it below. And there's puppets.

The song addresses the toxicity that has become omnipresent in the online space, where so many people spend far too much time these days. The track considers the effects of the virtual world 's toxicity — especially when it spills over into the real world.

STARSET previously announced the second leg of their "IMMERSION: THE FINAL CHAPTER" tour, set for late summer and early fall 2024. The tour is an "Evening With Starset" and kicks off August 31 in the band's native Columbus, Ohio and runs through September 25 in Indianapolis. It also includes an appearance at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville. This trek follows the Spring 2024 leg. The tour was almost 100% sold out across 20 dates. Tickets and VIP are available here.

Known for their groundbreaking and immersive live shows the tour is framed by a dystopian futuristic narrative. These, shows, known as "DEMONSTRATIONS," promise a most-anticipated conclusion to narrative threads that have been woven into their multimedia experiences, through music, videos and live performances.

Earlier this spring, STARSET also shared the official music video for the brand new single "BRAVE NEW WORLD." Watch it here. They followed with "DEGENERATE." Watch it here.

The high demand that defined the Spring 2024 leg, coupled with the ability to experience these brand new songs and forthcoming, additional new material, is certainly reason enough for rock fans across the country to be excited for these upcoming demonstrations.

Lauded by Forbes as having "one of the most firmly established brands of any modern rock band," Columbus, Ohio's STARSET are creating a true multimedia empire with music at its core. Their hits include RIAA Platinum-selling hit "My Demons" (2012) and RIAA Gold-selling single "It Has Begun" (2014), with others soon to follow. With a staggering 5 billion streams and a rapidly growing rabid global fanbase, 2024 sees STARSET poised to rise as one of rock's next superstar acts.

STARSET 2024 TOUR DATES:
9/6 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore
9/8 — Montreal, QC — MTELUS
9/9 — Toronto, ON — HISTORY
9/10 — Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore
9/12 — Richmond, VA — The National
9/13 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore
9/14 — Albany, NY — Albany Capital Center
9/15 — Huntington, NY — The Paramount
9/17 — Raleigh, NC — The Ritz
9/20 — St. Paul, MN — Myth Live
9/21 — Omaha, NE — The Astro
9/23 — Madison, WI — The Sylvee
9/24 — St. Louis, MO — The Pageant
9/25 — Indianapolis, IN — Egyptian Room
9/26 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life

Bodysnatcher Unleash New EP 'Vile Conduct' + Drop "Say Goodbye" Music Video via MNRK Heavy

September 4, 2024

Floridian heavy hitters Bodysnatcher have released their new EP 'Vile Conduct' and the official music video for "Say Goodbye" (via MNRK Heavy). Leading up to today, the quartet has shared "Murder8" featuring the inimitable Jamey Jasta, "Severed", "Human Disdain", and most recently, "Infested". Altogether, the tracks have amassed a staggering 1.7 million streams on Spotify alone and 582k views and counting on YouTube. Speaking about the EP, the band commented:

"'Vile Conduct' to us is a culmination of all of the different struggles people in general can be subject to, or can inflict on others. Whether it be personal struggles, loss, hatred toward humanity, etc. These are all human-specific. We feel these kinds of things will always be important to talk about and bring to the surface for not just the listener, but for us individually so that we can try to heal the best we know how to."

'Vile Conduct' is available now on all streaming platforms at the link here, and watch the "Say Goodbye" music video below.

Don't miss your chance to see Bodysnatcher's incendiary live show on The Nothing That Is US Tour with Fit For An Autopsy, Distant, Sylosis, and Judiciary kicking off on Friday, October 18 in Worcester, MA. For ticket information, please click here.

The Nothing That Is US Tour Dates:

10/18 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium

10/19 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza

10/20 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts

10/22 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage

10/23 - Charlotte, NC - The Underground

10/24 - Atlanta, GA The Masquerade (Heaven)

10/25 - St. Petersburg, FL - Jannus Live

10/26 - West Palm Beach, FL - Banyan Live

10/28 - Houston, TX - House of Blues

10/29 - San Antonio, TX - Vibes Event Center

10/30 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theater

11/01 - Mesa, AZ - Nile Theater

11/03 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades

11/05 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater

11/06 - Seattle, WA - El Corazón

11/08 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex

11/09 - Denver, CO - Summit

11/10 - Wichita, KS - Templelive

11/12 - Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theater

11/13 - Chicago, IL - Metro

11/14 - Detroit, MI - Saint Andrew’s Hall

11/15 - Cleveland, Oh- House of Blues

11/16 - McKees Rocks, PA - Roxian Theatre

11/17 - New Haven, CT - Toad’s

Drawing their name from the infamous Plainfield Ghoul, Ed Gein, Bodysnatcher know a thing or two about darkness, brutality and aggression. Since their 2014 inception in Melbourne, Florida, Bodysnatcher have been bringing nothing but the finest in furious, extreme music. Combining crushing breakdowns with eerie ambience, scathing riffs and grisly grooves, the band have become synonymous with “heavy,” invoking violence in every city they happen to visit, spawning mosh pits that leave nothing but craters in their wake.

With each release, Bodysnatcher have added depth to their dynamic, proving they are an ever-growing and changing act with the singular purpose of absolutely obliterating the listener. In 2015, mere months after their formation, the act exploded into the worldwide underground with the release of their debut EP, Abandonment. Considered one of the “Rushmore” releases of the American Downtempo wave, Abandonment took Bodysnatcher around the country, delivering breakdowns and broken bones to venues from Southern Florida to California. The band’s debut full-length that followed, Death of Me (Stay Sick Records), saw the band mature from their modest downtempo roots into something more diverse and devastating, incorporating a blend of contemporary metal and hardcore elements to create something that saw Bodysnatcher start to blur conventional genre lines. Death of Me would skyrocket the band’s notoriety even higher, including a headlining west coast tour with Extortionist (Unique Leader Records) in support. Almost immediately after the release of Death of Me, Bodysnatcher underwent a significant lineup change, bringing aboard Chris Whited (King Conquer, 1776 Recordings) as percussionist and producer alongside Kyle Carter (Beacons) and Kyle Shope (Float Face Down) on guitar and bass respectively. With all three of them working alongside the titanic range and unmistakable vitriol of frontman Kyle Medina as songwriters, a deluxe re-release of their debut LP featuring five all-new songs followed not long after the line-up was cemented. Those songs segued Bodysnatcher into a new sound and style that would not full materialize until their two follow-up releases, This Heavy Void (2020) and Bleed-Abide (2022). These records together would not only see the band signing with premier heavy music label MNRK Heavy, but would also highlight the band’s unique ability to blend harrowingly personal tales of love and loss with blistering aggression. Between This Heavy Void’s “Twelve/Seventeen” and Bleed-Abide’s “Smashed Perception”, the band seemed to encompass the alpha and omega of all things eviscerating—emotionally or, well, literally.

Since Bleed-Abide, Bodysnatcher have continued their tireless grind, touring across the country with the likes of AngelMaker, Hatebreed, Dying Fetus, Emmure, We Came as Romans and more—and spending plenty of time inoculating overseas lands with their unique concoction of crushing brutality as well. 2024 witnesses the band depart for not one, but two colossal ventures with former label mates SPITE—across both Europe and the continental United States.

From their earnest beginnings as one of the United States’ premiere exporters of bludgeoning, beefy breakdowns to now one of the country’s most renowned heavy music exports, Bodysnatcher are a peerless example of hard work, dedication and—of course—devastating heaviness. - Connor Welsh

BEHEMOTH - Announce Release Of Their 30th Anniversary Live Event "XXX Years Ov Blasphemy

September 4, 2024

Polish extreme metal giants, the mighty BEHEMOTH, have announced the release of their monumental anniversary concert XXX Years Ov Blasphemy which originally streamed online in 2021. The career-spanning show, held at and filmed on three different locations, has a total running time of 90 minutes, divided into three different acts. This very special set features fan favourites as well as a few selected deep cuts that BEHEMOTH had rarely played live before.

For this event BEHEMOTH went all-in and took the concept of streaming shows during the pandemic to a whole new level, with a full production, incredibly detailed stage set-ups, breathtaking photography and a high-end sound recording.

Way too good to only be seen or heard once, XXX Years Ov Blasphemy will now be officially released on October 25th, as 3CD + BluRay, 3LP and Digital Album.

As an appetizer, you can now watch the live video for the song 'Cursed Angel Of Doom' which originally appeared on BEHEMOTH's first demo, Endless Damnation, back in 1992.

NERGAL commented:
“This project encompasses the Behemoth mantra - Connecting the ancients with the modern era by building a bridge through each decade. Join us in this celebration of black metal and unholy worship, as we continue to outlive Jesus Christ himself!

We are delighted to put the spotlight on ‘Cursed Angel of Doom’, the track that started it all. It signifies the beginning of an incredibly inspiring artistic journey that changed our lives forever.

Legions - we hope you enjoy”

PRE-ORDER / PRE-SAVE XXX YEARS OV BLASPHEMY:
https://behemoth.bfan.link/xxx-years-ov-blasphemy

LISTEN TO 'CURSED ANGEL OF DOOM':
https://behemoth.bfan.link/cursed-angel-of-doom

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR 'CURSED ANGEL OF DOOM' BELOW;

ABOUT BEHEMOTH:

In the annals of metal there is no band more synonymous with an unswerving commitment to the single-minded defiance of expectation than BEHEMOTH. Over the course of their remarkable 33-year career, these Polish hellraisers – spearheaded by Adam Darski, aka Nergal – are more than just the architects of their country’s legendary extreme metal scene. Over the course of over three decades and twelve albums, Nergal’s singular vision has forged BEHEMOTH into something far more than a mere black metal band. Beyond any confines of genre, they have grown to become nothing less than the personification of rebellion, individuality and unflinching self-expression informed by a literate worldview and worldliness that’s resulted in a locking of horns with everything from the mainstream press to the Polish Catholic church – most notably manifesting in Nergal’s trial for blasphemy in 2010 that only served to expose the deep-seated hypocrisies that his music seeks to challenge.

Blue Grape Signs Heavy // Hitter + Band Shares "No Mercy, No Remorse" Video

September 4, 2024

BLUE GRAPE MUSIC is pleased to announce another massive signing. The label is proud to add Orlando, Florida juggernauts HEAVY//HITTER to the roster.

The quartet — Austin Hayes [vocals], Dane Loeprich [guitar], Chris Perez [bass], and Josh Archeval [drums]— will release its five-song EP, Moments of Misery, on November 8. Pre-order it here.

Today, the band spin kicks its way into your ears and your consciousness with the video for the muscular, moshy anthem "No Mercy, No Remorse." It absolutely clobbers from start to finish, as you like it!

Watch it below.

"It's a revenge song about getting back at someone who stabbed you in the back," states Hayes. "You have no mercy or remorse in the end. You're willing to take everything that’s been taken from you."

Consider that statement fair warning. HEAVY//HITTER didn't come to play. They came to win.

HEAVY//HITTER will be touring throughout the fall, with headline dates and a trek in support of Carnifex and Cryptopsy on deck. All confirmed dates are below.

HEAVY//HITTER are, have always been, and always will be... unabashedly and undeniably real.

Since 2019, the band have buzzed as an underground upstart. They bulldozed a path with the Street Violence EP in 2021. They picked up plugs from Lambgoat, Lawnchair Youth, and more. Between packing houses live, they caught the attention of Blue Grape Music and signed to the label.

Unwavering drive, hustle, and a committed grind brought them to this point.

"Before I started this band, I quit music for five years," says Austin. "I tried to go to college. I was a general manager at Domino's Pizza. I did construction. Nothing was fulfilling, so I got back into music and started HEAVY//HITTER with Dane. I just never gave up on this band. We always want more, and we’re not going to stop."

The band decamped to Los Angeles where they recorded Moments of Misery with producer Austin Coupe. Inspired by the likes of Suicide Silence, Knocked Loose, and Carnifex, they refined an "OG deathcore sound with newer hardcore and metalcore elements," according to the fontman.

Ultimately, HEAVY//HITTER hold nothing back.

"When you listen to us, I hope you feel the emotion we put into the record. That's what music is about. We're not a machine. We're human and honest," Hayes shares.

What more could you want from a band?

HEAVY//HITTER ON TOUR:
HEADLINE DATES:
9/29 — Pensacola, FL — Handlebar
9/30 — Birmingham, AL — LCY
10/1 — San Antonio, TX — Vibes Underground
10/2 — Phoenix, AZ — The Nile Underground
10/21 — Detroit, MI — The Sanctuary
11/6 — Nashville, TN — The End
11/8 — Augusta, GA — Grantski Records
11/15 — FL — TBD (Album Release Show)

SUPPORTING CARNIFEX + CRYPTOPSY:
10/4 — Pomona, CA — The Glass House
10/5 — Palmdale, CA — Transplants Brewery
10/6 — Roseville, CA — Goldfield Trading Post
10/8 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theatre
10/9 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon
10/10 — Vancouver, BC — Hollywood Theatre
10/12 — Calgary, AB — MacEwan Ballroom
10/13 — Edmonton, AB — Starlite Room
10/14 — Saskatoon, SK — Louis'
10/16 — Winnipeg, MB — The Park Theatre
10/17 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
10/18 — Bloomington, IL — Castle Theater
10/19 — Sauget, IL — Pop's
10/20 — Indianapolis, IN — Hi-Fi Anex
10/22 — Toronto, ON — Opera House
10/23 — Ottawa, ON — Brass Monkey
10/24 — Montreal, QC — Beanfield Theatre
10/25 — Quebec City, QC — La Source de la Martiniere
10/26 — Albany, NY — Empire Live
10/27 — Stroudsburg, PA — Sherman Theater
10/28 — Cleveland, OH — The Asylum @ Temple Live
10/30 — Springfield, MO — The Regency Live
10/31 — Wichita, KS — Temple Live
11/1 — Colorado Springs, CO — Black Sheep
11/2 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Complex
11/3 — Reno, NV — Virginia Street Brewhouse

The Awakening shares dark shimmery 'Mirror Midnight' single ahead of 12th album + tour dates

September 4, 2024

Also an author, actor and Renaissance man of sorts, Ashton Nyte created the 'Mirror Midnight' video, shot in his preferred black-and-white format, with a gothic noir film treatment.

"Mirror Midnight is about the obsession of the self, as guided and fed and manipulated by mass media, social media and the endless flood of information and disinformation we all deal with constantly. It's the juxtaposition of succumbing to insidious and divisive marketing while the world goes up in flames. And how that cycle feeds itself. It's a story almost as old as time, like the fairy tale it alludes to," says Ashton Nyte.

"Lush, dark, and infectious... A legacy act in their own right, The Awakening offers us a stunning, most welcome introduction to their newest album" ~ The Spill Magazine

Gothic Rock / Darkwave act The Awakening shares their new single 'Mirror Midnight', which underscores historical tendency towards self-obsession and the media's recurring manipulation of self-perception. This is the first taste of their self-titled album (their 12th to date), which will be released on October 18 via Intervention Arts.

Now based in the USA, The Awakening is a dark musical project formed in Johannesburg, South Africa in the late ’90s as the creative expression of vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Ashton Nyte, who was anointed as "Johannesburg's Bowie" for his widely varying musical styles and theatrical performances. Having morphed over the years, The Awakening's sound incorporates numerous genres, including gothic rock, darkwave, post-punk, electronic rock, folk noir, new wave and more.

Also an author, actor and Renaissance man of sorts, Ashton Nyte created the 'Mirror Midnight' video, shot in his preferred black-and-white format, with a gothic noir film treatment.

"Mirror Midnight is about the obsession of the self, as guided and fed and manipulated by mass media, social media and the endless flood of information and disinformation we all deal with constantly. It's the juxtaposition of succumbing to insidious and divisive marketing while the world goes up in flames. And how that cycle feeds itself. It's a story almost as old as time, like the fairy tale it alludes to," says Ashton Nyte.

'The Awakening' album follows Nyte's second book and eighth solo album 'Autumn's Children', which was selected as one of American Songwriter's Top 17 Albums of 2023. This new album is a celebration of the band's roots and influences. "Essentially, I fell in love all over again with the bands and albums that made me want to create this sort of art in the first place. It was a true joy to create this work," says Ashton Nyte.

"The last two Awakening albums were departures for me. 'This Alchemy' (2021) explored the more electronic side of my musical personality, and 'The Passage Remains' (2022) effectively cleared out the vaults of unreleased heavier material. It feels like it's time to come home."

A core contributor to LA-based supergroup Beauty In Chaos, having been involved with every album released to date, Nyte has collaborated with members of The Cure, The Mission, Tricky, All About Eve, as well as Peter Murphy's band. 2024 also saw Nyte involved in the latest Beauty In Chaos album 'Dancing With Angels'.

Having toured extensively and headlined music festivals in the USA, Europe, and South Africa to upwards of 30,000 people, Nyte has also written and performed in theatrical productions and hosted philanthropic events, including his “Rock Against Rape” concert series. He has also presented a lecture series at US universities focusing on tolerance and acceptance.

With a catalogue of over 300 released original songs, Ashton Nyte and The Awakening have enjoyed airplay and chart success on radio stations worldwide, with songs also featured in popular television shows, such as 'Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin' and 'The Purge'. Nyte has contributed to several scores, working with composer Ethan Gold for the movie 'Don't Let Go' (premiering at the Sundance Film Festival) and for the movie 'Pale Horse', directed by the late Pearry Teo.

As of September 4, 'Mirror Midnight' can be downloaded from fine music platforms. 'The Awakening' album, now available for pre-order, will be released on vinyl, CD, digitally and various limited-edition formats.

From the end of September, EU and UK fans can hear the new material live in a career-spanning solo acoustic tour later this year. This will be Nyte's first post-Covid tour, following a 36-date EU tour with The Mission's Wayne Hussey in 2019. Tickets are available via The Awakening's official site.

SINGLE CREDITS
All music and lyrics by Ashton Nyte
Published by Intervention Arts / ASCAP (2024)
Recorded, mixed & produced by Ashton Nyte at Intervention Studios (USA)
Cover artwork & artist photos by Ashton Nyte
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
Video created by Ashton Nyte

Randy Houser and Justin Moore Debut "Country Round Here Tonight" Collaboration on "Fox & Friends" All-American Summer Concert Series

September 1, 2024

Embarking on their co-headlining Country Round Here Tonight Tour presented by Live Nation next Friday, Sept. 5, multi-Platinum hitmakers Randy Houser and Justin Moore release a collaborative version of “Country Round Here Tonight,” debuting the track on “Fox & Friends” All-American Summer Concert Series this morning, Aug. 30. Listen to the song below.

Filled with the soulful sounds of steel guitars and fiddles, “Country Round Here Tonight,” written by Houser alongside Brice Long and Jeff Hyde, echoes the spirit of classic 90s country, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia:

The release also follows the pair’s new track “The Worst,” found on Moore’s forthcoming album This Is My Dirt, available Oct. 11. Fans can expect to hear both tracks on the upcoming co-headlining trek.

Houser also recently released “Rub A Little Dirt On It” featuring Riley Green, with Whiskey Riff sharing, “The father-and-son style song talks about learning to take the punches as they come and, when life doesn’t go your way, ‘Put A Little Dirt On It’ and try again. It’s the perfect message: sometimes it gets worse before it gets better,” and praising, “their thick southern drawls pair flawlessly…during the chorus, they each swap off, taking the lead while the other supports through harmonies, making it the perfect duet.”

Houser’s latest single “Country Back,” a full throttle proclamation of all things country, is currently climbing the charts at Country radio, as over 100 stations are now playing the song. Listen to “Country Back” HERE.

Following the Country Round Here Tonight Tour, Houser is also set to join HARDY for three dates on the QUIT!! Tour,performing in his home state on Sept. 12 at Mississippi State University, followed by two dates at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21.

For tickets and more information, visit RandyHouser.com or follow along on Instagram and X @RandyHouser and Facebook.com/RandyHouser.

Randy Houser Tour Dates:
Aug. 31 | William A. Floyd Amphitheater | Anderson, SC
Sept. 12 | Mississippi State University | Starkville MI*
Sept. 14 | Festival Park | Nacogdoches, TX
Oct. 20 | Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison, CO*
Oct. 21 | Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison, CO*
Nov. 10 | Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center | Tampa, FL

*HARDY QUIT!! Tour

Country Round Here Tonight Tour Dates:
Sept. 5 | Skyla Credit Union Amp | Charlotte, NC
Sept. 6 | Red Hat Amphitheater | Raleigh, NC
Sept. 7 | Macon Centreplex Coliseum | Macon, GA
Sept. 26 | Toyota Oakdale Theatre | Wallingford, CT
Sept. 27 | The Stone Pony | Asbury Park, NJ
Sept. 28 | TD Pavilion | Philadelphia, PA
Oct. 3 | Walmart AMP | Rogers, AR
Oct. 5 | 713 Music Hall | Houston, TX
Oct. 6 | Toyota Music Factory | Irving, TX
Oct. 10 | Toledo Zoo Amphitheater | Toledo, OH
Oct. 11 | Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park | Indianapolis, IN
Oct. 12 | Hollywood Casino Amphitheater | Maryland Heights, MO

About Randy Houser
With an inimitable voice The New York Times describes as “wholly different, thicker and more throbbing, a caldron bubbling over,” Randy Houser racked up three consecutive No. 1 hits and more than four million in singles sales to date with his Stoney Creek Records album How Country Feels. He topped the charts with the title track, “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” and “Goodnight Kiss” (also his first No. 1 as a songwriter) and earned critical acclaim for his powerful delivery of the Top 5 smash and CMA Song of the Year-nominated “Like A Cowboy.” Houser added a fourth No. 1 to his catalogue with “We Went” from his 2016 album, Fired Up. Houser’s sixth studio album Note To Self is available now via Magnolia Music Group and features 10 tracks all co-written by the Mississippi native. Lead single and title track “Note To Self” marked his “powerful return” following 2019’s critically-acclaimed album Magnolia, with MusicRow boasting the Mississippi native “remains one of country music’s very finest vocalists.” His latest single “Country Back” is available now. For more information, visit RandyHouser.com.

About Justin Moore
Multi-PLATINUM hitmaker Justin Moore has built a loyal following over the past decade with his traditional country sound and captivating live shows. His deeply personal current single “This Is My Dirt” is currently climbing at Country Radio, and the Arkansas-native just notched his 12th No. 1 with “You, Me, and Whiskey,” a smoldering duet with Priscilla Block. Over his 10+ year career, Moore’s No. 1 hits have included “Point at You,” “Lettin’ The Night Roll” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Small Town USA” and “Till My Last Day,” as well as PLATINUM-certified albums and singles. The Valory Music Co. recording artist has earned multiple ACM, ACA, People’s Choice, and ACC Awards nominations, as well as an ACM Award win. In addition to multiple festivals, headline shows and select direct-support dates, Moore has also been busy hosting his Justin Moore Podcast sponsored by Bobcat with tour manager JR, interviewing guests such as Oscar award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey; Country stars Tracy Lawrence, Jon Pardi, Brantley Gilbert; wrestling champion Diamond Dallas Page and ESPN’s Marty Smith. He also recently took on a new role as co-host on 103.7 The Buzz’s morning drive-time sports talk show, “Morning Mayhem,” where he spends his weekday mornings dishing out his never-ending sports knowledge on-air. For more information, visit JustinMooreMusic.com.

DYLAN SCHNEIDER ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM, PUZZLED, COMING SEPTEMBER 27

September 1, 2024

Dylan Schneider announces his debut album, PUZZLED, to release Friday, September 27. Giving fans a taste of what to expect, the “Artist to Watch” (Pandora, Amazon Music, Taste of Country) reveals his version of Dustin Lynch's blazingly stunning, RIAA-cerified GOLD, Top 5 hit track “Momma’s House” that he co-wrote alongside Michael Lotten, Rodney Clawson and Justin Wilson. Listen to “Momma’s House” below and pre-order/pre-save/pre-add PUZZLED HERE.

“I’ve been working towards this debut album for my entire career,” shares Schneider. “I can’t believe it’s finally here! I have worked so hard on these songs and believe this album truly shows who I am, where I’ve been and where I’m going, and I can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction to it out on the road.”

Known for his consistently relatable, stadium-ready anthems like the irresistibly catchy and undeniable standout track "Carhartt," “Country Music’s Next Rising Star” (Billboard) packs the electrifying energy of his live show into an unforgettable and highly anticipated debut project, filled to the brim with his incomparable rock-n-roll edge and pop-country swagger for 16 uniquely compelling tracks.

Co-writing every track, apart from the title track that he wrote entirely by himself, the MusicRow-praised “Next Big Thing” is already earning critical acclaim, as the record also features his TikTok viral hits “Ain’t Missin’ You” (68M streams) and “Bad Decisions” (16M streams), along with the autobiographical “Daddy Drinks Whiskey."

“A quintessential uptempo pop country anthem ‘Carhartt’...With a foot-stomping rhythm and infectious energy, this song grabs your attention from the very first chord”

- All Country News

“Dylan Schneider has a viral hit on his hands”

- Country Now on “Ain’t Missin’ You”

“this is a must-listen”

- Sweety High on “Ain’t Missin’ You”

“It's one that country music fans are going to want to play loud.”

- PopCulture on “Bad Decisions”

“an incredible anthem that feels catchy-enough to remind you of a Luke Bryan song with a bit more rhythmic flair”

- Country Swag on “Bad Decisions”

“In a genre renowned for its storytelling prowess, ‘Daddy Drinks Whiskey’ emerges as a dynamic triumph for Dylan…The track is a stellar achievement for the rising star, marking a significant milestone in his career”

- All Country News

“newcomer Dylan Schneider takes one of country music’s drinks of choice and turns it into a personal story he’s finally ready to share”

- American Songwriter on “Daddy Drinks Whiskey”

With no signs of slowing down, the tenacious road warrior will hit major markets such as Los Angeles, Nashville, Dallas, Chicago, Seattle and more on his headlining 2024 “Bad Decisions” Tour this fall that has already sold out in numerous cities. Having been out with Nate Smith and Kane Brown this year, Schneider continues the momentum opening on Luke Bryan’s “Mind of a Country Boy” Tour and Mitchell Tenpenny’s “Woke Up In A Dream” Tour.

Upcoming + Headlining “Bad Decisions” Tour Dates:

9/5/24 - Somerset, WI - Somerset Amphitheater^

9/6/24 - Princeton, IL - Homestead Festival

9/7/24 - Noblesville, IN - Ruoff Music Center^

9/12/24 - West Palm Beach, FL - iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre^

9/14/24 - Tampa, FL.- MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre^

9/19/24 - Baltimore, MD - Power Plant Live!*

9/20/24 - New York, NY - Terminal 5*

9/21/24 - Portland, ME - State Theatre*

9/30/24 - Vancouver, BC - The Fox Cabaret

10/1/24 - Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern

10/4/24 - Portland, OR - Ponderosa Lounge & Grill

10/5/24 - Sacramento, CA - Goldfield Trading Post

10/8/24 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour

10/10/24 - Phoenix, AZ - Valley Bar

10/11/24 - Las Vegas, NV - Stoney's Rockin' Country

10/12/24 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues – Voodoo Room

10/15/24 - Denver, CO - Globe Hall

10/17/24 - Kansas City, MO - PBR Big Sky Bar

10/18/24 - Omaha, NE - Barnato

10/19/24 - St. Louis, MO - The Old Rockhouse

10/22/24 - Nashville, TN - Exit/In

10/24/24 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE*

10/25/24 - Louisville, KY - Louisville Palace Theatre*

10/27/24 - Columbus, OH - A&R Music Bar*

10/31/24 - Norfolk, VA - The NorVa*

11/1/24 - Anderson, SC - Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center*

11/2/24 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle*

11/8/24 - Houston, TX - House of Blues - Bronze Peacock

11/10/24 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues - Cambridge Room

11/14/24 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Theatre and Ballroom*

11/15/24 - Bensalem, PA - Parx Casino*

11/16/24 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom*

11/22/24 - Cambridge, MA - The Sinclair

11/23/24 - Philadelphia, PA - Milkboy

11/24/24 - Washington, DC - Union Stage

11/26/24 - Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern

12/5/24 - Chicago, IL - Joe's on Weed St.

12/6/24 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Stache

12/7/24 - Wyandotte, MI - District 142

12/8/24 - Indianapolis, IN - Deluxe at Old National Centre

^ Luke Bryan’s “Mind of a Country Boy” Tour

* Mitchell Tenpenny’s “Woke Up In A Dream” Tour

KEEP UP WITH DYLAN SCHNEIDER

About Dylan Schneider:

Drawn to the storytelling aspects of country music, Dylan Schneider started performing and writing songs at the age of 14, after meeting Brett Eldredge and singing with him on-stage during a concert. After that, he began posting videos to his Facebook page, where he’d cover popular Country songs, gaining a devoted online following. Since then, Schneider has made a name for himself in the Country music community, forging a sound that merges modern pop sensibilities with a down-home feel. He’s been named a “Breakthrough Artist to Watch” by Amazon Music, an “Artist to Watch” by Pandora and Taste of Country and declared “Country Music’s Next Rising Star” by Billboard. He’s toured with Florida Georgia Line, Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, Scotty McCreery, Dan + Shay and more, co-wrote Dustin Lynch’s Top 5 hit song “Momma’s House,” scored two RIAA-certified Gold records, accumulated over 1.9M social media followers and banked an upwards of 384M on-demand streams (and counting). Signed to BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, the MusicRow-praised “Next Big Thing” will release his debut album, PUZZLED, on September 27. Embracing his irresistible rock-n-roll edge and unrestrained pop-country swagger that gained him over 500,000 social media followers in just a few months, the 16-track debut features his viral hits “Ain’t Missin’ You,” “Bad Decisions” and “Carhartt,” along with 10 never-heard-before tracks. Kicking off 2024 on tour with Nate Smith and Kane Brown, Schneider is headlining his 2024 “Bad Decisions” Tour as well as joining Luke Bryan and Mitchell Tenpenny on the road this fall.

TO THE GRAVE Unleashes New Album 'Everyone’s A Murderer' Alongside Blistering Single "Made In Aus"

September 1, 2024

Australian deathcore juggernauts To The Grave have released their third full-length album, 'Everyone’s A Murderer,' today via Unique Leader Records. The album drops alongside their incendiary new single "Made In Aus," a track that exemplifies the band’s unrelenting power and commitment to exposing harsh truths. Stream the full album now HERE and watch the official music video for the "Made In Aus" below.

"Made In Aus" is a visceral declaration, a sonic battlefield where the band's fury is unleashed through brutal riffs and their signature, unflinching lyrics.“Wall to wall chaos in this one. Once you start caring about animals, people you thought were good-hearted will show true colours and defend violence they could never commit with their own hands,” shares vocalist Dane Evans on the new single.

'Everyone’s A Murderer' is To The Grave’s most intense offering yet, both sonically and thematically. The album confronts societal and environmental atrocities with the band’s signature blend of deathcore brutality, giving voice to the voiceless through a sound that is as punishing as it is purposeful.

Providing further insight on the new album, Evans shares

"For this record my aim was to speak through the faceless activists that fight for animals, for those living in vystopia feeling alone and helpless in a world that will fight tooth and nail to defend the animal holocaust. Due to it being illegal to rescue farmed animals from abuse these activists must stay silent about it to avoid having their own freedom taken.

It wasn't an easy task, it's never going to do justice to the horrors animals go through every day by the millions in cold, dark sheds around the world or to those that have witnessed it and are doing everything they can to put an end to it. There's no words, no lyrics and no music that can describe the violence or bring back the lives stolen by human hands so this is for them.

Our idea for this album evolved so much before it started but we knew we wanted something that sounded classic, like it was from a different decade entirely. It had to have all the elements that brought us all towards deathcore all those years ago combined with all the modern touches you'd find in the recent TTG material, all whilst trying to do something new and step outside our comfort zone in the process.

It was cool to work with the new lineup on the gritty details like production, tones and getting the energy of the drums down. Once the album was in a listenable state these guys really gave it all personality and brought everything to the table to shape this new sound.

We're very critical of ourselves as artists and have made music in the past that for whatever reason we haven't loved. With that in mind I think the overall goal with this record was to make something that regardless of what anyone else thought, we were proud of and I'm happy that we all had that shared vision in mind.

We probably had the most fun making this record that we've ever had and it felt liberating to be able to make something that we liked. It felt like starting the band from new again and only having the pressure of wanting to write cool shit.

The singles are tough as fuck and I think do a good job of representing the blunt force approach on the album leaving a tonne of surprises in the sharps bin for when people pick it up on release day. That should make sense when it drops."

To The Grave’s release of 'Everyone’s A Murderer' is just the beginning. The band is set to dominate stages worldwide, starting tonight with a very special album release show at Stay Gold in Melbourne with support from No Life (NZ) & Identity Error and Saturday, followed by a second album release show tomorrow at The Lansdowne with support from No Life (NZ) & Facecutter in Sydney. They will then hit the US in September and October supporting deathcore legends Oceano. After that, they will join Veil of Maya, Signs Of The Swarm, and Varials for the Faces of Death Tour across the UK and Europe in October and November. They then return to Australia for a series of sold-out shows with Lorna Shore and Bodysnatcher in 2025. For further info and tickets head to tothegraveau.com

To The Grave

Upcoming Tour Dates

2024

AUSTRALIA

Album Release Shows w/ support No Life (NZ)

30/08 Fri - Melbourne, Stay Gold w/ No Life / Identity Error / IllFeral

31/08 Sat - Sydney, The Landsdowne w/ No Life / Facecutter / IllFeral x Rezchem

USA

Main Support To OCEANO

09/05 Thurs - Detroit, MI

09/06 Fri - Cleveland, OH

09/07 Sat - Erie, PA

09/08 Sun - Brooklyn, NY

09/10 Tues - Baltimore, MD

09/11 Wed - Greensboro, NC

09/12 Thurs - Columbia, SC

09/13 Fri - West Palm Beach, FL

09/14 Sat - Orlando, FL

09/15 Sun - Atlanta, GA

09/17 Tues - Houston, TX

09/18 Wed - San Antonio, TX

09/19 Thurs - Dallas, TX

09/20 Fri - El Paso, TX

09/21 Sat - Albuquerque, NM

09/22 Sun - Phoenix, AZ

09/24 Tues - Anaheim, CA

09/25 Wed - Fresno, CA

09/26 Thurs - Sacramento, CA

09/27 Fri - Portland, OR

09/28 Sat - Seattle, WA

09/29 Sun - Spokane, WA

10/01 Tues - Salt Lake City, UT

10/02 Wed - Denver, CO

10/03 Thurs - Omaha, NE

10/04 Fri - Chicago, IL

ABOUT TO THE GRAVE

One of Australia’s most uncompromising bands, To The Grave garnered international success with their 2019 debut album 'Global Warning'. The caustic five piece have continued to collect international success, with 2021’s follow-up 'Epilogue', a re-issue of 'Global Warning' with bonus tracks, their 2023 album, 'Director's Cuts' along with it's subsequent Deluxe release, which featured a new collection of tracks on the 'Offcuts' EP solidifying their position as “one of the country's heaviest exports.” (Revolver).

To The Grave have steadily built an audience in the underground, accumulating more than 11 million Spotify streams, racking up over 5.4 million YouTube views, all whilst decimating live audiences alongside Parkway Drive, Polaris, Cattle Decapitation, Thy Art Is Murder, Shadow of Intent, Angelmaker, Enterprise Earth, Vulvodynia and Alpha Wolf.

Now, following a sold-out national headline tour in 2022, global critical acclaim for the release of 'Director's Cuts' and it's Deluxe release, featuring the 'Offcuts' EP and plenty of upcoming tours, the band are more focused than ever.

To The Grave lyrically expose a societal and environmental hell on earth whilst pushing the boundaries of accessible extremity, full of barbed hooks, thick with atmosphere and drenched in groove. Razor-sharp guitars played with an exploratory approach - blending everything from whammy pedal squeaks and chiming cleans to death metal chainsaw tones - are entwined with live drums to give a level of dynamism that musically sets this band apart from the extreme metal pack, yet they maintain the weight of the heaviest bands today. Vocalist Dane Evans commands a multifaceted performance, bursting with vocal energy from throat-ripping dissonant screeches to low end gutturals.

To The Grave are

Dane Evans - Vocals

Jack Simioni - Guitars, Programming

Matt Clarke - Bass, Vocals

Nic Webb - Guitars, Vocals

Rangi Barnes - Drums