Bryce Leatherwood Set To Perform On "Today With Jenna & Friends" This Wednesday, May 14

Mercury Nashville singer/songwriter Bryce Leatherwood is set to perform on NBC’s “Today with Jenna & Friends” this Wednesday, May 14. The appearance will give fans a preview of the self-titled debut album arriving this Friday, May 16, from the season 22 winner of “The Voice.” “Today with Jenna & Friends” airs at 10 am local time (check local NBC listings). 

Leatherwood is also set to return to "The Voice" stage for the NBC hit's finale on May 20. He joins a star-studded line-up that will include performances from Alicia Keys, Blake Shelton, Chance the Rapper, Sheryl Crow, Joe Jonas, Kelly Clarkson and more.

The rising country star built his country-music foundations while bumping along in an old pickup on his granddad’s farm, legends like George Jones, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty crooned through fuzzy speakers, with their passion and conviction striking a chord. Now, the Woodstock, Georgia native is carrying those influences with him for his highly anticipated debut. 
 
Pre-order Bryce Leatherwood HERE.
 
A mix of originals and expertly crafted outside cuts, Leatherwood lets his resonate vocal loose over 12 diverse tunes – centered on his rock solid country roots, but ranging from the pure-emotion of classic balladry to an expanding genre’s bleeding edge. Taking a hands-on approach with producer Will Bundy (Riley Green, Ella Langley), Leatherwood threads the needle between the timeless and trendy with surefooted ease.
 
“I’ve dreamt of making a record since the first day I picked up a guitar at 12 years old,” reflects Leatherwood. “I’ve spent the past two years developing this album, choosing each song with intention, creating the best introduction to who I am as an artist. I’m beyond proud of how it turned out, and can’t wait to share it with y’all.” 
  
2024 was a landmark year for Leatherwood, which included making his Opry debut and headlining his first tour, the Neon Does Tour. And the country crooner is just getting started. He is set to return to the Good Molecules Reverb Stage at CMA Fest next month and has stops at festivals across the US this summer with more touring news to be announced soon. 
 
To follow along with updates and for more information, visit bryceleatherwood.com or follow along on Instagram HERE, Facebook HERE, X HERE or Tik Tok HERE.

About Bryce Leatherwood: 
Singer/songwriter Bryce Leatherwood aims to carry the torch of country music and continue the legacy of legends prior. Born and raised in Woodstock, GA, his passion for music began at an early age. Working on his grandfather’s farm every summer, Leatherwood was exposed to the classic country hits of George Jones, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty. Soon thereafter he began picking up guitars and playing the traditional country music that inspires him today. Leatherwood’s music career began to blossom in Statesboro, GA, where he attended Georgia Southern University. During his time in Statesboro, Leatherwood played college venues and continued to grow his stage presence and his country music repertoire. While in college, Leatherwood formed his band and began playing all around the Southeast. Just weeks after graduating college, Bryce set his mind on a new task. In 2022, Leatherwood competed on the NBC hit television show The Voice and was crowned the Season 22 winner in December. Following his success, Leatherwood moved to Nashville where he has been songwriting and recording for his debut album on Mercury Records. A next generation traditionalist plugged firmly into the modern mainstream, with all the hallmarks of a rising star, Leatherwood concluded his first-ever headlining tour, The Neon Does Tour last year, made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Sept. 14, 2024, and he returns to Good Molecules Reverb Stage at CMA Fest this year. He is set to release his self-titled debut album on May 16, 2025 featuring latest releases “Where the Bar Is” and “Shenandoah.” For the latest, visit bryceleatherwood.com.

Behemoth Premiere Video For "Sowing Salt" + Album "The Shit Ov God" Out NOW

To celebrate the release of their critically acclaimed new studio album, The Shit Ov God, which is out now, Poland's kings of extreme metal, BEHEMOTH, have unleashed a stunning music video for their latest single "Sowing Salt."

NERGAL says, "'Sowing Salt' is arguably one of the most brutal compositions in Behemoth's catalogue to date. Unrelenting. Unapologetic. Absolute.
The video was directed by Zev Deans, with whom we've had the pleasure to collaborate before. He's crafted a visual that powerfully completes the song — musically and lyrically. And the lyrics? Just as radical and confrontational as music itself."

With the post-apocalyptic and retro-futuristic imagery that dominates the clip, BEHEMOTH enter new territory without sacrificing the visual leitmotif and thematic virulence they have established over the course of their more than three-decade-long career. Scroll down to watch the video for "Sowing Salt".

And don't forget to check out The Shit Ov God — BEHEMOTH's most inflammatory and extreme record to date!

NERGAL comments, "Nearly 35 years in, thirteen albums deep — that's a hell of a journey. And now, with full honesty and open veins, we give you this:
The Shit Ov God is upon you. The new era begins as we bled for this monumental labor! Take this, all of you, eat and drink from it for this is our body given up for you! Rejoice!"

Levels Share Video for "Strange Things"

SharpTone Records welcomed Central Arkansas-based quartet Levels — Kolby Carignan [vocals], Jager Felice [guitar], Jacob Hubbard [bass], and Dalton Kennerly [drums] — to its global roster back in 2023. The band dropped  Pulse EP last year. Get it here.

Levels are back with their first taste of new music in a year in the form of the video for "Strange Things."

Watch it below. 

"'Strange Things' captures the chaos, irony, and dark humor of a world spiraling out of control," explains the band. "It's a raw reflection societal and personal collapse; blending apocalyptic imagery with a rebellious spirit and a grim sense of liberation. It's about facing the end with your eyes open, a drink in hand, and no apologies."


Raise a pint, then! The song's industrial crunch and thick and hefty grooves will push it to the top of any workout playlist! 

LEVELS are a cyber/industrial metal boy band from Arkansas known for fusing heavy music with elements of pop, electronic, and drum and bass. Since forming in 2016, they have independently amassed millions of streams, drawing influence from artists as diverse as Billie Eilish, The Prodigy, Static-X, and The Weeknd.

Following the success of their 2023 EP Pulse on SharpTone Records, which surpassed 1 million streams, LEVELS aren't adding to the noise; they're building something new, sharp, and unapologetically their own. Their sound fuses digital grit with raw emotion: Fark, distorted, and built to break through the static. LEVELS have built their rise on a fierce DIY ethic, steadily growing from small rooms to bigger stages, playing alongside bands such as Kittie, ERRA, Beartooth, The Devil Wears Prada, and more. LEVELS are more than a band. Their ever evolving world is built from cinematic visuals, visceral performances, and immersive storytelling, standing out in a hyper-connected yet emotionally disconnected era. With each track, they seek to reignite authentic connection. As they continue to carve their path through the metal landscape, their mission remains clear: don’t bury emotion – embrace it, channel it, and turn it into something that makes you feel again.

CANDLEMASS Cover Black Sabbath's "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath"

To celebrate 40 years of doom metal mastery and the release of their brand new four track EP, Black Star, Swedish epic doom metal pioneers Candlemass have unveiled a cover of Black Sabbath's legendary hymn "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath." Originally cut from the classic 1973 Sabbath album, Candlemass present their own version alongside an official music video.

With solemn intensity and seismic presence, Candlemass transform the track into a funeral march worthy of doom's highest pantheon. A majestic tribute that honors the past while shaking the crypt walls of the present.

Candlemass mastermind Leif Edling comments, "'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' needs no introduction, one of the best songs ever recorded if you ask me. Maybe not the obvious choice, but it's been a dream for me to do it one day and here it is! Our rendition of 'S.B.S.' (Mass Bloody Mass?)"

Watch the official music video for "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" below:

Swedish godfathers of epic doom Candlemass present their four-track EP, Black Star. Packed with cavernous riffs, the genre-defying band unveils two brand-new songs alongside two cover versions of timeless classics.

Following the title track, the second original song, "Corridors Of Chaos," marks a true old school instrumental containing both classic metal riffing and stunning guitar playing by Lars Johansson, showcasing the band’s mastery of dynamics. Adding to this tribute, Candlemass deliver their rendition of Pentagram's classic "Forever My Queen," further cementing the bands remarkable contribution to shaping the genre into what it is today.

CANDLEMASS ARE:
Johan Länquist — Vocals
Lars Johansson — Lead Guitar
Mappe Björkman — Rhythm Guitar
Leif Edling — Bass
Janne Lind — Drums

Billy Morrison Unveils Lyric Video for "We Are the Dead" through TLG|ZOID ​    

Billy Morrison has just released the lyric video for "We Are The Dead," a standout track from his deluxe edition solo album, The Morrison Project. The album was released through TLG|ZOID / Virgin Music Group.

 

Morrison commented, "This album was a particularly cathartic one for me and I wanted to find a way to write a love song in a less than traditional way. My life changed in the last few years for the better and I wrote these lyrics in one session like a stream of consciousness - the concept of a love that is so strong, it transcends our human existence appealed to me greatly. I started imagining being dead and being with the person I love for eternity and that seemed to illustrate the strength I was feeling."

 

He continued, "'With your understanding, my world’s expanding'….. it speaks perfectly to gradually feeling like I can shed the defenses and walls that I’ve built up over decades. I am a far from perfect man, but with the kind of love and support I have, my world IS expanding and this song is me screaming that sentiment from the rooftops. The “Dia De Los Muertos” imagery reflects celebration as opposed to mourning, which seemed a perfect visual to accompany such positive and meaningful lyrics."

 

WATCH Billy Morrison - "We Are the Dead" (Official Lyric Video) Bellow:

Billy Morrison, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter, has spent the past 15 years as the driving rhythm guitarist alongside Steve Stevens in Billy Idol’s powerhouse lineup. Beyond his long-standing role in Idol’s band, Morrison has carved out a formidable identity of his own in the rock world. His recent collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens, “Crack Cocaine,” soared to #1 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart, while the smash radio hit Gods of Rock N Roll further solidified his place as a powerhouse in the rock world. His latest endeavor, The Morrison Project, is a testament to his collaborative spirit and fearless commitment to creating boundary-breaking music that unites artists and genres in bold, unexpected ways.

THE MORRISON PROJECT was produced by Billy Morrison, mixed by Barry Pointer, and mastered by Dave Donnelly. The songs on the album were recorded in Los Angeles at various studios and were written by Billy Morrison in collaboration with his guests.

The Deluxe Edition album is available

HERE

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Facebook

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https://www.tlgent.com/

BraveWords Records Announces the Signing of ALCATRAZZ for a New Studio Album to be Released in 2026

BraveWords Records is excited to announce the signing of Alcatrazz, for a new studio album, their 7th, to be released in 2026. Alcatrazz is also working on another top secret studio project. The new album will build on the obvious strength of their recent three releases “Born Innocent” “V” and “Take No Prisoners”

Jimmy Waldo of Alcatrazz proposes the band perform at reopening of Alcatraz Prison, "U.S. President Donald Trump has recently made a claim that he wishes to “re-open” the high security prison, the legendary Alcatraz Island. Regardless of anyones thoughts on this, and make of it what you will … we really are the only logical choice… should this re-opening actually happen, we expect the invite from the Donald!. Alcatrazz would be the perfect and only band that should launch the “New Alcatraz Prison” as we have actually all spent time in cells in the joint (check out our video for “Island In The Sun”) climbed the famous prison tower, spent the whole day in every place on the rock … even inside the walls of the cells, where the famous escapes were attempted — so to play at the new opening celebration would be like coming home."

Members of Alcatrazz talk about signing with BraveWords Records,

Gary Shea: “Alcatrazz looks forward to merging forces with BraveWords Records, benefiting from the very impressive backgrounds of partners Tim Henderson, Michael Brandvold and Brian Adams. With their combined years of experience we will take on the Music Business and the Business of Music together. Let’s Rock!"

 

Jimmy Waldo: “It’s very exciting to be on BraveWords Records — great people that really get what Alcatrazz is all about, and are excited about taking the band to the next level. The combined background of the BraveWords brand already puts us at the forefront from Rock and Metal press, and the creative and innovative PR skills of Michael Brandvold gives this label an edge like no other… they are a one-stop shop for anything a band like us could ask for."

 

Joe Stump: "For multiple decades now BraveWords has always been my source for all things metal, dating back to when I used to buy their print mag at specialty record shops and news stands ... I'm thrilled to be working with their label and extremely excited for what's to come. As for the album: pay attention, we are ready to do some damage"

 

Giles Lavery: "To be singing for one of my favorite bands, and to also be close friends with these guys is something that might come along once in a lifetime… I now have that three-fold! as a member of Warlord, my recent work with Jack Starr on his new album and now with Alcatrazz! ...none of this I take for granted. My partners at BraveWords Records are also dear friends, so we have a great team all the way around. Lets just make a great record!"

About ALCATRAZZ:
Alcatrazz, formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, has been as well known for the legendary players and singers who have passed throughout the bands ranks as much as they have for their music.

 

Formed originally by the trio of Jimmy Waldo, Gary Shea (both fresh from late 70’s hitmakers New England and the short lived band Warrior featuring a pre-Kiss Vinnie Vincent) along with vocalist Graham Bonnet (himself with impressive credentials having been a then recent member of Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group) the band set about completing the line up with drummer Jan Uvena (formerly of Alice Cooper) and a then very young Yngwie Malmsteen, a guitarist who had quickly made a name for himself upon arriving in the USA in the early 80s. The band issued their now classic debut “No Parole From Rock N Roll” album (1983) which was met with universal critical acclaim. Yngwie was soon to depart in favor of Steve Vai just in time for the bands second album “Disturbing The Peace” (1985).

 

The bands mission has always been a not necessarily stable line-up, but of an evolving union of established performers all forming a “supergroup” of sorts, one with perhaps more guitar fire-power than many, but definitely also with the songs to back it up.

 

Vocalist Doogie White (himself also formerly of Rainbow and Michael Schenker) served a successful two album stint with the band, while the “shred-lord” himself…the acclaimed Joe Stump (also a very established solo artist and a Berklee college professor) has now been the bands longest serving guitarist, with this year now making his 6th continuing year as a member of the band.

 

Longtime Graham Bonnet and Alcatrazz collaborator, producer, songwriter and vocalist Giles Lavery is now the man behind the microphone, having proved he was an inspired choice on two recent U.S. tours — having worked with the band in numerous other creative capacities since 2017 the band feel it was a logical move, but also one chosen on merit. Giles can be heard on the recent BraveWords Records release, Jack Starr's "Out Of The Darkness Part II" as well as his studio and live work with U.S. metal legends Warlord, a band who feature non-other than Mark Zonder on drums...himself a former member of the Graham Bonnet Band, Fates Warning, and worth noting here... as he is also currently leading the band A-Z who feature none other than Alcatrazz main man keyboardist Jimmy Waldo! confused yet? don't be, as all of this proves that there is a firm but perhaps overlooked consistency and lineage to what on the surface may seem like an ever evolving band personnel.

 

Indeed Jimmy Waldo continues to be the heart and soul of Alcatrazz… as aside from being the bands talented keyboardist, he has been the one who would, over the bands career find himself at the centre of all band affairs and decision making, from booking the band in the early days, working closely with the bands various record labels, to making sure other members, at the height of 1980s rock n roll decadence were present and accounted for when it came time to get the work done..."i think i even drove the tour bus once or twice back then" says Waldo... in fact it was Jimmy himself who personally selected Steve Vai out of a number of other contenders for the guitarist position in 1984 when Yngwie Malmsteen chose to move on to his own distinguished solo career.. "alot of people have come and gone over the years" says Jimmy... "It's kept it fresh and we are hardly the only band like that, we still have myself and Gary still holding down the frontline from that early era" Chris Impellitteri historically was one such player in line for the job, who may not have made it into the bands ranks back in 1984, but who in 2020 finally recorded with the band as a special guest on the successful “Born Innocent” album (co-produced by Giles and Jimmy).

 

Bassist Gary Shea, he who named the band and designed the bands logo no less… came up with the above-mentioned iconic album titles (lets also not forget “Live Sentence”) as noted above, has been flying the Alcatrazz flag with Jimmy for over 4 decades now and is looking forward to this next phase. Gary's recently published book "No Bass, No Party" is also an essential read for those wanting to delve deeper into the Alcatrazz story! 

Bear Mace - Slaves Of The Wolf

In the heart of Chicago, amidst the city's vibrant cacophony, a ferocious new chapter is being written by BEAR MACE with their latest release, Slaves Of The Wolf. This third studio album, set to be unveiled on June 6, 2025, is a testament to the band's evolution and their unwavering commitment to the raw energy of death metal. For BEAR MACE, composed of Chris Scearce on vocals, Mark Sugar and Tommy Bellino on guitars, Garry Naples behind the drums, and John Porada on bass, this album is not just another collection of tracks—it's a narrative deeply rooted in the themes of warfare, survival, and the echoes of historical battles.

The journey of Slaves Of The Wolf begins with its opening track, an eponymous piece that channels the spirit of soldiers lost to the annals of history, their lives swallowed by the vast, cold embrace of war. This sets the stage for an album where each song weaves part of a larger, darker tapestry. From "Worthless Lives," which reflects on our dystopian reality with poignant lyrics and relentless riffs, to "Drown Them In Their Blood," a slower, heavier homage to the brutal necessities of war, the album crafts a compelling saga.

One of the standout tracks, "The Iceman Cometh," explores the chilling life of Richard Kuklinski with an intensity that matches the cold-blooded tales of his crimes. Meanwhile, "Captured And Consumed" features guest vocals by death metal pioneer Kam Lee from Massacre, adding a visceral layer to the haunting recount of WWII atrocities.

The production of the album, managed by the band and captured in the diverse acoustics of Hypercube Studios and Miracle On Mace Street Studios, showcases the meticulous care of engineer Sanford Parker and mixing and mastering by Damian Herring. This technical expertise ensures that each note and nuance is sharply delivered, from the guttural depths of Chris's vocals to the dual assault of Mark's and Tommy's guitars.

The visual representation of the album, crafted by artist Dedy Badic, mirrors the music's raw ferocity and historical depth, encapsulating the essence of BEAR MACE's narrative in a striking image that promises to resonate as powerfully as the music itself.

As Slaves Of The Wolf prepares for release, BEAR MACE is also gearing up to bring this new material to life on stages across the country. Known for their explosive live performances, the band promises to deliver shows that not only showcase their latest work but also highlight their growth as musicians and storytellers.

For fans old and new, Slaves Of The Wolf is more than just an album. It's an invitation to explore the depths of human history and emotion through the lens of BEAR MACE’s distinctive, relentless sound. As June approaches, the anticipation builds not just for a series of tracks, but for a powerful narrative set to be unleashed in the most explosive way possible.

About BEAR MACE:

Hailing from the robust metal scene of Chicago, Illinois, BEAR MACE has carved a formidable niche within the death metal genre since their inception in 2012. The band’s name, a nod to both ferocity and defense, perfectly encapsulates their sound: relentless, powerful, and unyielding. Comprised of vocalist Chris Scearce, guitarists Mark Sugar and Tommy Bellino, drummer Garry Naples, and bassist John Porada, BEAR MACE is a force to be reckoned with, known for their brutal riffs, historical and darkly imaginative lyrical content, and explosive live performances.

BEAR MACE's music is a deliberate throwback to the death metal of the late '80s and early '90s, drawing significant inspiration from the genre's pioneers like MASSACRE and BOLT THROWER. Their sound is characterized by a blend of raw aggression and meticulous craftsmanship, with themes that delve into historical wars, mythical narratives, and modern dystopias. This thematic depth sets BEAR MACE apart, as they weave intricate stories with each track, engaging listeners not just with sound, but with storytelling that invites reflection on the past and present.

Since releasing their first demo, Kodiak Killers, in 2014, BEAR MACE has consistently upped the ante with each subsequent release. Their debut album, Butchering The Colossus (2017), was a breakout success, establishing them as serious contenders in the metal community. This was followed by Charred Field Of Slaughter in 2020, an album that received acclaim for its intensity and complexity, further solidifying the band’s reputation.

Beyond their studio recordings, BEAR MACE is known for their dynamic live shows, which capture the band’s energy and technical prowess. They have shared stages with notable bands and played at major festivals, strengthening their presence in the metal scene. Their tour with death metal legends MACABRE in the summer of 2022, including a co-headlining spot at Into The Darkness Fest in Ohio, highlights their standing among contemporaries and legends alike.

The release of their third album, Slaves Of The Wolf, in 2025 marks another milestone for BEAR MACE. This album not only showcases their growth as musicians but also highlights a stable lineup that has been together for over five years. With Slaves Of The Wolf, BEAR MACE continues to push the boundaries of their sound while paying homage to the roots of death metal, crafting tracks that are both aggressive and deeply narrative.

As BEAR MACE continues to evolve and expand their auditory assault, their dedication to the craft and their fans remains unwavering. With a solid foundation and a clear vision, they are poised to remain a staple in the playlists of metal enthusiasts and a commanding presence on the global metal stage.

BEAR MACE is:

  • Chris Scearce - Vocals

  • Mark Sugar - Guitar

  • Garry Naples - Drums

  • John Porada - Bass

  • Tommy Bellino - Guitar

Connect with BEAR MACE:

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

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bearmace1

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

  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bearmace8259

  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7bpYbAeJkSr4R95J9nVtLm

  • Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bear-mace/1212215294

BASK Cover The Brian Jonestown Massacre

After a smoking hot tour with their labelmates and fellow North Carolinians Weedeater, Bask are now ready to turn over a different kind of leaf. The Asheville natives will release their fourth album later this year. But first, the band are looking back at one of their influences. 

"We've always been inspired by acts like The Brian Jonestown Massacre", says guitarist and vocalist Zeb Wright. "They write songs that feel outside of time and place". 

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the documentary that thrust The Brian Jonestown Massacre into the spotlight, today, Bask are releasing a cover of "Anemone". The road to get to this point has been much smoother than it was for the shaggy San Franciscan collective, but the heavy dose of Americana that the band bring to this cult classic shows how far they've come. 

Listen to Bask's heavy and heady cover of "Anemone" below:

Stream
https://bask.fanlink.tv/Anemone

Even though they're separated across coastlines and nearly three decades, Bask and The Brian Jonestown Massacre were in a similar headspace heading into their fourth albums. While partially named after the Rolling Stones' guitarist, BJM shifted from spaced-out shoegaze to flower-powered '60s psychedelia on 1996's Their Satanic Majesties' Second Request. Bask's upcoming full-length also ventures into headier pastures, though their cover of that album's sleeper hit "Anemone" is plucked straight from the band's Appalachian roots.

"You should be picking me up / Instead you're dragging me down", Wright repeats in a dazed drawl while twanging on his banjo. 

Bask haven't endured nearly the same amount of lineup turnover as their kindred spirits in The Brian Jonestown Massacre. On "Anemone", Drummer Scott Middleton and bassist Jesse Van Note hold down a bottomless groove that's as sludgy and free-flowing as a riverbed. But this cover is the first release since Jed Willis joined as the band's official fifth member. As his pedal steel ripples against Ray Worth's colorfully swirling leads, the band take cosmic country into a whole new dimension.
 
"'Anemone' is hypnotic in its repetition and perfectly expresses the combination of emotional distress and unbothered cool that to us feels so integral to BJM's sound and songwriting", Bask says. "It's also really fun to play and riff on".

Hailing from Carolina’s storied Blue Ridge Mountains, Bask came together in the fall of 2013. Guitarist Ray Worth, drummer Scott Middleton, bassist Jesse Van Note and guitarist/vocalist Zeb Wright produce sounds that reflect their lush yet rugged Appalachian habitat.

The band's upcoming fourth album is an inter-dimensional Western that digs its heels into their trailblazing Heavy Americana by swirling between raw, metallic energy and country twang.

Line-up:

Jesse Van Note – Bass
Scott Middleton – Drums
Ray Worth – Guitar
Zeb Wright – Guitar/Vocals
Jed Willis - Pedal Steel

Guest musicians
Kenny Harrington - Tambourine

Recording studio
Echo Mountain Spring

Production
Produced, Engineered and Mixed by Kenny Harrington and Zeb Wright.

Mastered by Joe Hutchinson at Garage Masters in Nashville, TN

Order & Stream
https://bask.fanlink.tv/Anemone

Follow Bask
Official website: www.baskband.com
Bandcamp: https://basknc.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/basknc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baskband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebandbask
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/44JvnzLiXzAtiMSDJTnFC7
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bask/209266263

EXILED HOPE Releases Lyric Video For "Behold My Shattered Skies"

Critically acclaimed gothic power metal artist EXILED HOPE, has revealed a lyric video for "Behold My Shattered Skies". The song is taken from Apocrypha, which was released on all streaming platforms on April 11, 2025.  

"Behold My Shattered Skies" is a standout track on Apocrypha, with a sound that blends both folk metal and 70s rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac with a cinematic quality. Sofia comments,  “Behold My Shattered Skies” is very different from the rest of the album because it’s a purely acoustic folk song (with extra synth layers for ambience). This song is an outlet for my spooky folk influences, which is a genre that I love almost as much as metal. This song was strongly inspired by the soundtrack to The Witcher 3, drawing from “Ladies Of The Woods” and “Priscilla’s Song”. I took it as another opportunity to add a soundtrack-style feel to the album and to remind listeners that my influences venture beyond even all the various metal subgenres."


Watch the video Below:

Order Apocrypha HERE: https://exiledhope.bandcamp.com/album/apocrypha-2

Listen on all streaming platforms HERE: https://linktr.ee/exiledhope

About EXILED HOPE:

Multi-instrumentalist Sofia Frasz established EXILED HOPE in 2019, and draws musical inspiration from the likes of AVANTASIA, NIGHTWISH, KAMELOT and CRADLE OF FILTH to name a few. EXILED HOPE’s releases all take place in the same fictional universe and combine to form a dark fantasy metal opera. Each album centers on a character dealing with both an internal and external conflict in this world, and the lyrics explore how they navigate those conflicts. This is intended to provide some kind of escapism through the lyrical world building, while still keeping the songs grounded in real, relatable emotions despite their fantastical setup. EXILED HOPE is working towards the next album, Apocrypha, due to be released April 11th, 2025. Through EXILED HOPE, Sofia has composed music for two short films, Hallowed Paths and What Happens After Midnight, and has collaborated with UK melodeath outfit STEEL FORGE.

Canadian pop songstress Linds Sais presents 'Golden Hour’, heralding debut EP

Canadian pop starlet Linds Sais presents the single 'Golden Hour', a slick and grooving sonic delight that heralds her debut 'Glitter Cowgirl' EP. With a voice that floats like vapor and hits like velvet, this a sun-soaked ballad that channels the glow of radiant selfies into a playful, feel-good anthem for your inner hype squad.

This song explores the sunny intersection of self-love, community and social media. While it's true that social media often gets a bad rep for its negative aspects, 'Golden Hour' challenges this notion by highlighting the positive elements of these apps. In the accompanying video, Linds Sais acts as a hype woman, encouraging girls to feel their best and summon their best selves to shine through.

"Golden Hour was inspired by the social media trend, where girls take selfies of themselves during the magical part of the day, when the sun hits just right in a brilliant golden hue," says Linds Sais.

"The song is like being in the comment section of your best friend's selfie - empowering, fun and carefree, tied together with cheeky lyrics!"

Hailing from the heart of Canada—Winnipeg, where prairie skies stretch as wide as her vocal range—Linds Sais is a study in contrasts. Quiet in conversation, bold in expression, she’s the kind of artist who doesn’t need to shout to be heard. The moment she steps behind the mic, her voice—delicate as sugar, yet commanding when called—becomes her loudest truth.

Inspired by Lauryn Hill and Whitney Houston, and rooted in the soul-bearing intentionality of Alicia Keys and vocal fire of TLC, Linds blends classic influence with a fresh sensibility that feels entirely her own. Her sound is silk-wrapped storytelling: smooth, vulnerable, and unexpectedly powerful when the emotion demands it.

The seeds for this debut EP were laid during the hush of the pandemic, when something shifted. The world paused—and Linds hit play on the backlog of emotion and experience she had yet to articulate. What emerged was a flood of songwriting that felt both personal and universal with lyrics and hooks that often hit in the middle of the night.

We have her a glimpse of her forthcoming debut abum 'Glitter Cowgirl' - a mood, a movement and a mirror for those trying to grow up gracefully in this chaotic world. Imagine leafing through your best friend’s diary while the stereo pumps a disco beat. There are slumber party highs, teary-eyed truths, and basslines that feel like heartbeats. From live instrumentation to shimmering synths, it’s part pop confessional and part cosmic dancefloor.

The 'Golden Hour' single is out now from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music  and Bandcamp. Her self-released 'Glitter Cowgirl' EP will be released digitally on August 1.

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics written by Lindsay Johnston, Tyler John
Performed by Linds Sais
Produced by Tyler John
Mixed by Garrett Ward
Mastered by Joao Carvalho Mastering
Cover artwork by Lindsay Johnston & Bogos Demsas
Artist photos by Devon Gray
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Linds Sais
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Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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Ashley McBryde Receives Doctorate of Music from Alma Mater Arkansas State University

Ashley McBryde joined Arkansas State’s Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony this morning, Saturday May 10, to receive her Honorary Doctorate of Music, with Chancellor Todd Shields recognizing that her “determination and contributions to American Music is a testament to the opportunities that higher education can open and inspire for generations of Arkansas State University alums.” Watch McBryde receive her Doctorate of Music HERE and transcription of her remarks below:

“Earning a degree in music has always been something I've placed a lot of value in. It was something I felt I needed to accomplish. In my time here at A-State, I found my passion not only for performing, but for creating other musicians. The music education program is priceless. I'm so thankful for educators that pushed me to strive for excellence: Greg and Hope Bruner, Robin Dauer, Ed Alexander, Doctor Ken Carroll, Doctor Tom O'Connor and so many more. While my path to music education wound up looking a little different than a traditional one, I never lost my passion for music education, and I work alongside music educators every chance I get. Thank you for shaping me into the advocate I became, the musician I am today and the entrepreneur I didn't know I was going to have to be.

There are doctors in my family, Doctors of Medicine, so I know that when you address someone by that word, you're acknowledging their rank. You're acknowledging a lifetime – time, money, effort, everything they've got that they've spent in pursuit of excellence in their chosen field. The residencies, internships, fellowships, the many accomplishments and the many failures it takes to accomplish them. I have dedicated my life to the pursuit of and the magic of making music, and hopefully I will inspire others to do so.

This stage became my classroom. Board proficiencies were in rooms of tens and then one hundreds and then thousands - those are hard to pass. I've been judged on late night TV shows, morning talk shows, award shows. Those are especially hard to pass because all of social media is there to give you a pass or fail grade on the spot. The people making remarks are the icons and legends of my field, and they just so happen to be names you're familiar with: Wynonna Judd, Vince Gill, Hank Williams Jr. My classmates were Luke Combs, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Jon Pardi – it sounds like I'm name dropping, but these are the people I went into the trenches with.
 
I left this campus as a broke, guitar playing, songwriting chick who played in bars for a living, and I stand here today as a GRAMMY-Award winning songwriter. A member of the Grand Ole Opry. And I look forward to being introduced on that sacred stage this week as Dr. Ashley McBryde. Thank you so much.”

McBryde will perform at Opry 100 Honors: Loretta Lynn this Tuesday, May 13. She’s set to perform at CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium; Country Thunder Wisconsin and Alberta; WE Fest; and more festivals this summer among headlining dates. She will also join Little Big Town in West Palm Beach, FL and Orange Beach, AL in August. For tickets and additional information, visit AshleyMcBryde.com.

Photo Credit: Rebecca Worthington

Ashley McBryde Tour Dates
 
May 13            Opry 100 Honors: Loretta Lynn // Nashville, TN
May 15            SKyPAC // Bowling Green, KY
May 16            Peoples Bank Theatre // Marietta, OH
May 17            The Event Center at Hollywood Casino // Charles Town, WV
May 29            American Music Theatre // Lancaster, PA
May 30            Parx Xcite Center // Bensalem, PA
May 31            Paramount Theater // Charlottesville, VA
June 8              CMA Fest – Nissan Stadium // Nashville, TN
June 13            IP Casino Resort Spa – Studio A // Biloxi, MS
June 14            Peach Jam // Clanton, AL
June 20            Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino // Lake Charles, LA
June 21            Wild Adventures Live! 2025 // Valdosta, GA
June 26            Country Stampede // Topeka, KS
June 28            Billy Bob’s // Fort Worth, TX
July 10            Weldon Mills Theatre // Roanoke Rapids, NC
July 12            Country Concert 2025 // Fort Laramie, OH
July 17            Kresge Auditorium // Interlochen, MI
July 18            Country Thunder Wisconsin // Twin Lakes, WI
July 19            The Amp at Log Still // Gethsemane, KY
July 25            Night In The Country Music Festival // Yerington, NV
Aug. 1             Happys Inn // Libby, MT
Aug. 2             Big Valley Jamboree // Camrose, AB
Aug. 7             WE Fest // Detroit Lakes, MN
Aug. 13           Put In Bay // Put-In-Bay, OH
Aug. 15           Country Thunder Alberta // Calgary, AB
Aug. 21           iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre // West Palm Beach, FL (with Little Big Town)
Aug. 23           The Wharf Amphitheater // Orange Beach, AL (with Little Big Town)
Sept. 12           Point of the Bluff Vineyards // Hammondsport, NY
Sept. 13           Spyglass Ridge Winery // Sunbury, PA
Oct. 4              Stars Over Texas Music Festival 2025 // Ennis, TX
 
About Ashley McBryde
GRAMMY, CMA and ACM award winner Ashley McBryde cut her teeth playing country songs in biker bars – and it shows. The Grand Ole Opry member’s 2018 major label debut Girl Going Nowhere (Warner Music Nashville) charmed The New York Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, Paste, The Washington Post and more, all en route to landing a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album. McBryde closed out 2019 with ACM New Female Artist, CMT Breakout Artist, a New Artist of the Year win at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards and two nominations for the 2020 GRAMMYs for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” Follow-up Never Will was tagged by Rolling Stone as one of the most anticipated of the year alongside NPR, who also ranked her Top 10 RIAA Platinum-Certified single “One Night Standards” as one of the best songs of 2019. The album earned McBryde a 2021 GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, making Never Will the only album nominated for Country Album of the Year by the ACMs, CMAs and the Recording Academy in the same award season. Her GRAMMY-winning duet with Carly Pearce, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” went all the way to No. 1 and earned McBryde and Pearce the ACM and CMA award for Musical Event of the Year. McBryde was honored with the 2022 CMA International Artist Achievement Award for the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States. Her collaborative project Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville earned McBryde her third consecutive GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, making her a six-time nominee. Her latest album The Devil I Know was released to critical acclaim, earning a title as one of the best country albums of the year from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Slate, PASTE, Holler and more. Hailed as “one of country’s most cherished singer-songwriters” by Cowboys & Indians, McBryde offers poetic nostalgia with “Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs,” available now. The Arkansas native performs at festivals including CMA Fest; Country Thunder Wisconsin and Alberta; WE Fest; and Country Stampede among additional headlining dates. For more information, visit Ashley McBryde.com or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube.

Wolves at the Gate Drop "DEATH CLOCK" Video

Wolves at the Gate will release new album Wasteland on May 30 via Solid State Records. Pre-order it here. 

The band has shared the video for "DEATH CLOCK."

Watch it below. 


The track is a moody rage, loaded with arena-sized hooks that keep pace throughout the entirety of the song. Ultimately, "DEATH CLOCK" will have fans bouncing and jumping up and down as if they were at a party celebrating the end of the world. It lyrically looks at the inevitable fate that awaits us all.

"'Death Clock' describes the world inside of your head," the band states. "Everyone undoubtedly thinks about death. The song is just being honest when it comes to the fact we all die and how it makes us feel. We wanted it to sound like you're racing against a clock."

Wolves At The Gate have quietly and naturally evolved since their emergence out of the Midwest in 2008. Their vision unfolded across albums such as Captors [2012], VxV [2014], Types & Shadows [2016], Eclipse [2019], and Eulogies [2022]. Blabbermouth rated the latter "9.0-out-of-10.0," while mxdwn summed it up as "powerfully moving." Along the way, the group tallied tens of millions of streams fueled by the likes of "Counterfeit," "Deadman," "Lowborn," "Peace That Starts The War," and more. Not to mention, they've performed alongside everyone from The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Red to Fit For A King, August Burns Red, and Born Of Osiris. In 2024, a core idea screamed out to guitarist Steve Cobucci, shaping the creative direction of the band's next evolution. It slowly, but surely seeped into the DNA of the music and his words.
 
"As I was working on the album and especially the lyrics, I began to realize that the Wasteland was a metaphor for a frame of mind that I don't want to live in, but a world I feel myself drawn back into over and over again," Cobucci reveals. "I hate it. It's a world of empty promises. It's a mirage. A counterfeit."

The musicians carefully pieced together what would become Wasteland. Cobucci co-produced the 13-track body of work with Josh Gilbert of Spiritbox, while the band recorded in New Jersey, San Diego, and Los Angeles. This time around, they added multiple dimensions to their signature sound, layering intriguing interludes and electronic overtures into the framework.

WOLVES AT THE GATE ARE:
Steve Cobucci — Vocals/Guitar
Nick Detty — Vocals
Joey Alarcon — Guitar
Abishai Collingsworth — Drums
Ben Summers — Bass

The Dogs of Hope" Charity Comp Featuring KsE, Snapcase, Deadguy, Walter Schreifels, + More to Benefit Alabama Shelter

ALTERNATIVE + METALCORE A-LISTERS UNITE FOR THE DOGS OF HOPE— A COMPILATION ALBUM TO RAISE FUNDS FOR NO-KILL ANIMAL SHELTER IN RURAL ALABAMA

"This isn't about changing the whole world,” says Tom Bejgrowicz, who began volunteering at RCAS in 2020. "It's about changing a world—one animal at a time."

For every one of us who have asserted that "dogs are man's/human's best friend," Iodine Recordings and Tom Bejgrowicz (who has worked with The Beastie Boys, Quicksand, and Johnny Cash) have corralled some of the finest names in the alternative, hardcore, and metal scenes to put their money where their mouths are.

Complete with 14 (13 of them exclusive) tracks from Snapcase, Walter Schreifels (Quicksand, Gorilla Biscuits), Alex Skolnick (Testament), Killswitch Engage, Jeromes Dream, Death Ray Vision, Orange 9MM, Deadguy, Lybica, Roman Candle, Drought, Enforced, and Taken, this is a tribute like none other. Slated for release on August 8, this summer is officially going to the dogs. 

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE DOGS OF HOPE HERE

Listen to "Pigs on the Wing (Part 1)" by Schreifels below:

With a cover designed by Jeremy Dean (Green Day, The Rolling Stones, The Bronx) and the project mastered by the legendary Jack Shirley (Deafhaven, Joyce Manor, Quicksand), The Dogs Of Hope is a sonic love letter to the canines that roam the streets of Randolph County in Alabama. Their slobbery smiles of trust have emboldened some of the greatest musicians to put pen to paper to share songs for some of the most deserving four-legged friends around.

A living and breathing symbol of the indie community's love for community care, 100% of the sales both digitally and physically from The Dogs Of Hope will be going directly to the Randolph County Animal Shelter (RCAS), nestled in rural Wedowee, Alabama.

This no-kill, privately run facility has to date saved thousands of animal's lives, all despite their lack of public funding or support from the county.

Operating with a small staff at a completely full capacity since 2021, the Randolph County Animal Shelter is a beacon of hope in a region that features no spay/neuter programs. Committed to providing life-changing services for the animals of Wedowee, we can now all be a part of making this ever-changing world a better place to live in by supporting and listening to artists who are already the favorites of millions.

BLACKLIST UNION Unveil Official Music Video for Single "Mississippi Moonhound" ​    

Blacklist Union return with new single "Mississippi Moonhound"— a swampy, swaggering anthem delivering a powerful blast of wild and untamed rock ‘n’ roll. The new single captures the feeling of being haunted by your past while howling into the night for something more. Blacklist Union’s new album Slay the Dragon is scheduled for September 2025 and will be their sixth full-length release.  

 

In celebration of the release, Blacklist Union unveiled the official music video for "Mississippi Moonhound" which can be seen below:

Blacklist Union have built a reputation on their explosive live shows and unapologetically bold sound. Their previous record, Letters from the Psych Ward, racked up over two million streams, setting the stage for the band’s new album.

Frontman Tony West, known for his larger-than-life presence, took time out to dive deep into several transformative ayahuasca journeys in the heart of the Amazon, preparing for this next era of music.

 

As Tony put it, “Ayahuasca isn’t a drug—it’s powerful spiritual medicine from another realm. It helped me heal in ways I never thought possible, releasing layers of trauma, heartache, and sorrow. I’m not perfect—not Gandhi or anything—but it changed everything. My entire view of myself, love, the world, people, and my children changed because of those experiences.”

 

"Mississippi Moonhound" was written by Tony West / Christopher Johnson, produced by Christopher Johnson, and mixed by Claudio Cueni. It was recorded at East West Studios in Hollywood, CA.

 

STREAM "Mississippi Moonhound"

https://unitedmasters.com/m/mississippi-moonhound

https://linktr.ee/blacklistunion

Blacklist Union frontman Tony West was raised in the Bronx on The Ramones, Bad Brains, and NYHC. Hearing the call of the wild west, he made his way to Los Angeles at 19 years old.

 

Tony took a break from L.A. to try out Memphis in 1998. While he was there, he attended the first Saliva gig with Paul Crosby on drums. This marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship between Paul and Tony, leading to management, song collaborations, and guest appearances in a few videos. Tony collaborated with guitarist Todd Youth (Murphy’s Law /Danzig) and Malfunkshun, which was kept active by Andy Wood’s brother Kevin Wood. Andy Wood is Tony’s muse, and he was honored to sing in his hero’s band.

 

I formed Blacklist Union because I wanted to play music that I wanted to hear, and we put out the first Blacklist Union record, After the Mourning, in 2006. The band’s name comes from getting the best musicians with the worst reputations in town. With a shamanistic blend of Stone Temple Pilots, Guns N’ Roses, Warrior Soul, The Cult, and Mother Love Bone... Blacklist Union was born.

 

Tony West -Lead Vocals
Raf Ransom - Lead Guitar
Dee Hayes - Rhythm Guitar
Larry Harwood - Bass
Justin Perez - Drums

 

Upcoming Shows:

7/12/25 @ Cruefest at The Whisky in West Hollywood

9/13/25 @ Bar Sinister in Hollywood

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Facebook

X

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

Sodom Release Video for "Witchhunter"

German thrash metal legends SODOM released the video for their new single "Witchhunter." The song is the second single from the upcoming studio album The Arsonist.

"Witchhunter" is Sodom’s homage to their late drummer Chris Witchunter and the video was created by Ex-Sodom guitar player Andy Brings.


Watch the "Witchhunter" music video below:

The Arsonist will be released on June 27 worldwide through SPV/Steamhammer as CD digipak, 2LP version, download, and stream.

Pre-order info is available here.

We all know that good music is always also a question of sound. To this end, the human factor is crucial — along with the right equipment, of course — after all it's about authenticity and individual personality. With that in mind, German thrash metal band Sodom have come to a logical conclusion: To enable the most natural production possible, the drum parts on their latest album The Arsonist were recorded using a 24-track analog tape machine.

No studio tricks, no digital overdubs, or, to quote frontman Tom Angelripper: "No plastic! The difference in sound compared to today's standard drum productions is amazing and has had a positive effect on all the instruments. Naturally, time and effort as well as costs were also higher, but we're happy to fork out for a superior result."

However, it's not only the complex production process that testifies to the band's exceptional creative spirit, but also their diverse songwriting, which saw all four Sodom musicians — the aforementioned Tom Angelripper (vocals, bass), Frank Blackfire (guitar), York Segatz (guitar) and Toni Merkel (drums) — involved in the development of the material on The Arsonist. 

Tom Angelripper continues, "Frank contributed those typical Sodom riffs and hooks again, whereas York favors more epic songwriting. As a perfect complement to both of them, Toni, who is also an excellent guitarist, contributed a number of songs and helped to make the album even more versatile."

Chicago's Push Puppets to release 4th album 'Tethered Together'. Enjoy the video for ‘Similar’

Chicago-based indie pop-rock outfit Push Puppets presents their new dynamic and multifaceted album 'Tethered Together', their fourth to date, out on May 16 via Flowering Tree Music.

The creative outlet for singer-songwriter and guitarist Erich Specht, Push Puppets creates songs with earworm melodies and shiny production that belie often-bittersweet sentiments. Specht (lead vocals, guitar) is joined by a core of Steve Frisbie (backup vocals, guitar), Kyle Magnusson (keyboards), John William Lauler (bass) and Greg Essig (drums). Most of the songs on this album also involve a string quartet, with a horn section on one.

"This album offers a nod to the artistic excesses of the 70s, whether it's a wall of phased vocals or a moment where guitars and strings rip a quick line together between phrases.  The tracks are widely varied yet cohesive - and within a given song, you're likely to be taken elsewhere," says Erich Specht.

‘Tethered Together’ was produced by Doug McBride (Smashing Pumpkins, Veruca Salt, Silversun Pickups, Cheap Trick), via Flowering Tree Music and Erich Specht, this album being mixed and mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios in Chicago.

The video for their latest single ‘Similar’, created by Metamorse Studio, features eye-popping animations of DNA, brain synapses, x-rays, fireworks and other evocative imagery. Scott Thiele and Sebastian Gonzales produced this video, along with 'All Together On 3', joined by a string quartet, comprised of Stephanie “Sly” Young on violin, Katherine Andrick on viola, Molly Rife on cello and Kelly Jozwiak on violin (note: Janis Sakai performs in the audio recording).

This record is graced with impeccable songwriting that shines with lush harmonies, angular guitars, dramatic keyboards and strings backed by a smoking rhythm section. Erich Specht muses on relationships and loss, as well as the weight and joy of life, in a manner that is poetic and seems effortless, his lyrics fitting to the melody like pieces of a puzzle. Wearing his vulnerabilities like a badge of honor, this music takes us on a journey to unexpected places.

Erich Specht shares, “Our music is not about a genre or a particular fashionable sound.  We’re slaves to the song and try to allow it to reach its potential with no regard for how it fits the style of the time.  There are plenty of bands chasing trends, and we’re happiest staying away from them. I think when you set out to make a song complicated, it can sound contrived.  I love it when I chase a part I’m imagining that happens gracefully, and then I discover that there’s something weird about it.”

The album kicks off with the arena-rocking anthem ‘Similar', which explores universal connections. Genre-bending experimentation is showcased on 'Hearts Aren’t Souvenirs' while 'Probably' offers a poignant tribute with a dramatic string-laden conclusion. A standout track, 'All Together On 3' builds progressively to a cathartic blend of live strings and desperate vocals highlighting the strength found in unity.

The album continues its sonic journey with the dramatic and evolving "Launching a Satellite," culminating in a striking interplay between strings and electric guitar. 'This Whole Endeavor' hooks the listener with a memorable piano riff while recounting the ebb and flow of a past relationship. A lighthearted interlude arrives with the retro rocker 'Tell Colleen to Calm Down', followed by the Spanish-tinged and inhibition-shedding 'Shake It Like You Mean It'. The album delves into the pain of lost love in the Americana-tinged 'Hearts Are Fragile' before reaching a powerful and dramatic conclusion with 'The Logical Conclusion', driven by intense strings and piano.

The 'Tethered Together' album, now available for pre-order, will be released on CD on May 16 and digitally on fine digital platforms. Push Puppets will hold their album release show at Robert's Westside in Forest Park, IL on May 30.

ALBUM CREDITS
Lyrics & music by Erich Specht (ASCAP)
Produced by Doug McBride and Erich Specht
Mixed & mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios
Recorded in Chicago at Gravity Studios and Erich Specht's home studio
Erich Specht – lead vocals, guitars, string arrangements
Steve Frisbie – backup vocals
Kyle Magnusson – keyboards
John William Lauler – bass
Greg Essig - drums
Stephanie “Sly” Young – violin
Janis Sakai – violin
Katherine Andrick – viola
Molly Rife – cello
Mitch “The Lip” Goldman – trumpet on ;Hearts Aren't Souvenirs’
Tom Trinka – saxophone on ‘Hearts Aren't Souvenirs"
Norman Friede – trombone on ‘Hearts Aren't Souvenirs’
Tommi Zender – add. vocals, guitar, charango on ‘This Whole Endeavor’ & ‘Hearts Are Fragile’
Cover artwork by Crow Prints
Released & published by Flowering Tree Music (ASCAP)
Videos produced by Scott Thiele and Sebastian Gonzales
Editing and animation for 'Similar' video by Metamorse Studio
Artist studio photos by Gintas Zaranka
Artist live photos by Gabi Bucataru
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR 


Keep up with Push Puppets
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Limberlost Release New Single "Alien"; Full Length Album "Beautiful Scars" Drops 6/13! ​   

The wait is over—Limberlost is back with their powerful and highly anticipated new single, “Alien”, the lead track from their upcoming concept album, Beautiful Scars. Blending soul-stirring vocals, deep rock grooves, heavy guitars, and a touch of industrial metal, “Alien” takes listeners on an emotional and sonic journey like never before.

This anthemic rock masterpiece blurs the lines between dysphoria, self-identity, and the mysteries of the universe. It speaks to those moments of isolation, questioning one’s place in the world, and the deep desire to understand who we are and why we are here. With haunting melodies and a relentless rhythm section, “Alien” delivers a gripping soundscape of raw emotion and intensity, setting the tone for the epic narrative of Beautiful Scars.

 

Taking influence from Evanescence, Linkin Park, and Within Temptation, Limberlostpushes the boundaries of modern rock, crafting a sound that is both cinematic and crushingly powerful. “Alien” is more than just a song—it’s an experience, a rallying cry for those who have ever felt lost, different, or disconnected.

 

Get ready to immerse yourself in the anthem of self-discovery and cosmic wonder—“Alien” is here, and it’s only the beginning. Stream it now and join the movement. 

 

STREAM "Alien" :

https://promo.theorchard.com/yVObHnJm3HrWl5lCDjKz  

https://orcd.co/limberlost_alien

 

WATCH the Official Music Video for "Alien" below:

Upcoming Shows:

Aug 23 @ Mainstage of the International Singer-Songwriter Association Awards in Atlanta, GA

Sep 28 @ Rock the Locks Festival in Umatilla, OR w/ Third Eye Blind and Dorothy 

 

Limberlost is a powerhouse American rock band delivering a bold fusion of modern and classic rock with soaring vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and thunderous rhythms. Known for their anthemic sound, raw energy, and emotionally charged storytelling, they create music that resonates with fans of classic rock legends and contemporary rock revivalists alike. Their songs capture themes of strength, resilience, and empowerment, making them a force in the rock scene. With a commanding stage presence and dynamic compositions, Limberlost is redefining female-fronted rock, bringing authenticity, passion, and rock authority to audiences worldwide.

 

Limberlost’s rise is backed by Paul Crosby Management, led by Paul Crosby, drummer of the multi-platinum rock band Saliva. His industry expertise and strategic vision have positioned the band for massive success in today’s rock landscape.

Limberlost is known for their captivating female led vocals. Leads Brittany Lauren and Sammie Gorham both classically trained and accomplished opera singers that bring their beauty, power and precision to cut through rock’s sometimes predictable expectations.

 

Adding to their momentum is the recent addition of Metal Hall of Fame bass player Steve Unger, known for his work with legendary bands Metal Church and Autograph. His veteran stage presence and technical prowess bring a new depth to Limberlost’s already dynamic sound, elevating their live performances and recording capabilities to the next level.

 

If that’s not enough the addition of Steve’s son Devon Unger on Lead Guitar. Not only can his melodies mesmerize, and his shredding solos make you want to scream “Hell Ya!” but he will have the ladies eating out of his hands.

 

Wrap it up with Anthony Ciarochi on Keys and Mike Burt (Founder) on drums. Two solid industry veterans that anchor the stage presence and the sound.

  

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

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Orbit Culture Tell "The Tales of War" — LISTEN + WATCH

Sweden's Orbit Culture are commencing a new beginning with "The Tales of War." 

Watch the menacing video by Riivata Visuals that finds the band braving a raging storm.

The band comments, "'The Tales of War' marks the beginning of a new chapter for Orbit Culture. While other songs evolved and shifted during the writing process, this one stayed exactly as it was from the very start. It captures everything that defines Orbit Culture — the cinematic elements, the build-up, the verses, and the chorus. From the beginning, we knew this had to be the first song to introduce this new era. On almost every show we've ever played, we've used these long, cinematic intros to set the mood — but this time, we figured: Why not bake that feeling straight into the song itself? Even as we move forward and leave parts of our past behind, we needed a bridge to the future — and this track became that bridge."

Hailing from the small town of Eksjö, Sweden (located between the revered metal cities of Gothenburg and Stockholm), the quartet (guitarist and vocalist Niklas Karlsson, guitarist Richard Hansson, bassist Fredrik Lennartsson, and drummer Christopher Wallerstedt) has grown into a global force, melding together, riffs that are equal parts thrash, death metal and industrial with arresting hooks and a layered atmosphere that invites comparison to Gojira, Metallica and Static-X while carving out something that is uniquely their own.

Orbit Culture's 2023 album, Descent, and its subsequent EP release, The Forgotten, topped many year-end lists in 2023 including Metal Hammer who described the album as "a formidable entwining of modern metal’s most effective and exciting strands into an impressive milestone."

 Exhaustive worldwide touring and a steady stream of crowd-pummeling festival slots across the globe, have set the stage for something much larger.

PALEFACE SWISS Announce Cursed: The Complete Edition; Drop New Video "River Of Sorrows" Unplugged Feat. Ron Deris

Paleface Swiss continue their unstoppable rise with the announcement of Cursed: The Complete Edition, an expanded version of their internationally acclaimed third album, Cursed (released in January of this year). The deluxe edition will be released digitally on June 7, with a range of exclusive vinyl variants available from July 18. Today’s news is punctuated with the release of “River Of Sorrows (Unplugged)” feat. Ron Deris, a stripped down, acoustic version of fan favorite ballad and album closer. 

Watch the video for “River Of Sorrows (Unplugged)”  below and stream the track on DSPs now HERE.

Pre-order Cursed: The Complete Edition on vinyl HERE.

When Cursed dropped earlier this year, it tore through expectations—debuting at #17 worldwide on Spotify, #3 in the US, and #1 in the UK, while drawing critical acclaim and amassing millions of streams. Paleface Swiss further cemented the album’s popularity by following its release with sold out tours across Europe, the UK and North America, selling an impressive 55,000 tickets across both runs. Now, Cursed: The Complete Edition gathers the full spectrum of that creative era, featuring all original tracks, three previously stand-alone singles from 2024 (“Best Before: Death,” “Please End Me,” and “The Gallow”), a brand new bonus track titled “I Am A Cursed One,”and today’s new, stripped back acoustic version of their signature ballad “River of Sorrows” featuring special guest Ron Deris.

Written and recorded in isolation in the Canary Islands, Cursed was produced by Ron Deris at Misueno Studios, with final touches from longtime collaborator Florent Salfati (Landmvrks). Each song is tied to a symbolic flower, forming a broader conceptual arc built on themes of betrayal, sorrow, rage and resilience. Standouts like “Hatred,” “Love Burns,” and “My Blood on Your Hands” showcased a band willing to evolve—balancing staggering heaviness with emotional depth. 

The new material featured on Cursed: The Complete Edition finalizes that arc. The brand new, currently unreleased track “I Am A Cursed One” delivers a final, furious statement, while “River of Sorrows (Unplugged)” offers a rare glimpse of the band putting their vulnerability front and center, stripped of the usual chaos that surrounds it. Pre-order your copy on vinyl now HERE.

Known for their incomparable live performances and fearless approach to intense and vulnerable topics, Paleface Swiss has built a reputation as one of the most vital, unfiltered and rapidly rising forces in the world of modern metal today. With ‘Cursed’, Paleface Swisstook listeners into their darkest, most intricate and artistically diverse chapter yet, Combining their trademark Nu-Core heaviness with raw vulnerability, a rare and special combination for a band within their genre.

Now, with Cursed: The Complete Edition, an ever-growing army of devoted fans, critical acclaim, sold-out tours across the globe and multiple stellar festival performances garnering new fans wherever they go, Paleface Swiss continue their unrelenting global takeover.

ABOUT PALEFACE SWISS

Since their debut Chapter 3: The Last Selection in 2020, Paleface Swiss have risen from underground darlings to global heavyweights in the world of metal. With explosive riffs, punishing beatdowns, a brutally heavy rhythm section, and frontman Zelli’s signature vocal savagery, the band quickly gained momentum—landing four breakout tracks on Spotify’s Heavy Beatdown playlist Their 2022 follow-up Fear & Dagger pushed even further, earning praise for its emotional weight and unflinching heaviness, with standout reviews from Metal Injection, New Transcendence, and Wall of Sound. Singles like “The Orphan,” “Dead Man’s Diary” (feat. LANDMVRKS' Florent Salfati), and “My Grave / Lay with Me” solidified their place among the new wave of deathcore’s most innovative acts.

In the years that followed, Paleface Swiss took their chaos on the road—touring with Body Snatcher, Counterparts, and The Ghost Inside, and leveling festival stages from Sick New World to Hellfest. Their live reputation exploded, converting crowds with a show that fuses unrelenting brutality and raw vulnerability. Between headline tours and viral fan demand, they released standalone anthems “Best Before: Death,” “Please End Me,” and “The Gallow”—each now included on their latest offering Cursed: The Complete Edition, the most ambitious and complete chapter of their journey so far. To date, the band have amassed over 110 million streams, 21 million YouTube views, with their Spotify Monthly listeners recently peaking at over 1 million. Their recent, sold-out Cursed Tour across Europe, the UK and North America sold over 55,000 tickets.

PALEFACE SWISS Are: 

Vox: Marc “Zelli” Zellweger

Guitar: Yannick Lehmann

Bass: Tommy-Lee Abt

Drums: Cassiano 'Cassi' Toma



Find Paleface Online 

www.palefaceswiss.com

La Suspendida Live is set to arrive on May 30th, 2025.

La Suspendida Live is set to arrive on May 30th, 2025. The recorded performance of the jazz metal opera at Le Forum (Vauréal, France) on November 16th, 2023, will be available in video form. This is in conjunction with the live tracks releasing on streaming platforms and physical formats via Excursus Production / Silent Pendulum Records. This production is not just a performance; it’s a collision of worlds—a blend of the raw power of metal, the precision of classical opera, and the adventurous spirit of experimental jazz.

Directed by David Unger, who described the shoot as, “The most mind-blowing shoot I’ve directed in recent years: the first Metal opera in history! (Filmed with 8 cameras, including a crane and a Ronin—let me tell you, it was a blast!)” La Suspendida Live captures a story and soundscape like no other.

The vision was brought to life by Laurent David, bassist and producer, who led his experimental jazz trio KILTER to collaborate with an incredible array of artists. On stage, you’ll witness operatic soprano Andromeda Anarchia, the Montreal-based GROWLERS CHOIR (whose guttural metal vocals hit like the roar of an ancient beast), and the string quartet SEVEN)SUNS. Visual artistry and storytelling intertwine, thanks to stage direction by Jacques David, illustrations by Julie Castro-Grohowki, and a libretto penned by Metropolitan Opera’s William Berger. The entire production pulses with a light show designed by Mathieu Derothe-Renaud that feels like a living heartbeat for the story.

More on La Suspendida: 
At its core, La Suspendida tells the tale of María Elena, a woman caught between life and death, wandering Limbo after her death at the hands of a doctor who could not let her go. Like its title suggests, she is suspended—not just in her story, but in the vibrant tension between musical genres and theatrical styles.

Laurent David reflected on the ambition and creativity required to bring the project to fruition: “Putting the whole team together and creating a film with staging and a light show was truly a big challenge for me! I’m incredibly proud to share this work with you, and I hope the blend of genres will be your cup of tea!

I often refer to this opus as a ‘jazz metal opera,’ but it might make more sense to explain it in a different way. Our goal was to tell a story. The best way to express it, as I envisioned it, was to incorporate elements like growls, screams, and the raw power of metal music. At the same time, the saxophone served as a voice from another world. Naturally, concrete music, drones, and dissonances were also essential.

Take the time to listen, let the story unfold, and see how this subject resonates with your own life experiences. And most importantly… enjoy!”

This collaboration draws talent from across the globe, including Kenny Grohowski (IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT) and Ed Rosenberg III, fusing their music into a tempest of atonal melodies, operatic drama, and aggressive rhythms. Produced by Oléo Films with support from QwestTV and the CNC, La Suspendida Live is a true testament to the art of breaking boundaries and building something entirely new.

In a sea of textual melancholy, discordance and haunting longing, the opening instrumental piece, "Overture: Death & Transfiguration", sets the stage for the opera, encapsulating the themes of death and transformation. It begins María Elena’s journey, transitioning from the realms of the living to the afterlife. Followed by María Elena's solo "Limbo: A Place with No Weather", we are introduced to her point of view as she finds herself in a timeless limbo. Across the collection of instrumental pieces, solo, chorus, and tutti, La Suspendida powerfully brings the story to life through multiple narrative perspectives and soundscapes. The penultimate "Double Call: Laudes Mortuarum Reprise and Finale" (Tutti), María Elena asserts her unique existence and power as La Suspendida. But she soon confronts the chorus’ call to join the dead, acknowledging the end of her struggle and the illusion of control. In the atmospheric, ghostly serenity of "Lullabye" (Tutti), Elena finally finds her peace at rest. 

The live release of La Suspendida is more than a performance—it’s an exploration of boundaries, both artistic and existential. Capturing this moment was about bringing the energy of metal, the depth of opera, and the power of storytelling to life in a way that resonates deeply with audiences. It’s a celebration of what happens when genres collide and transform together on stage.

Credits:
Libretto by WILLIAM BERGER
Music by KILTER: Ed Rosenberg III, Laurent David, Kenny Grohowski
Produced by Laurent David
Maria Elena: ANDROMEDA ANARCHIA
The Choir Of The Dead: GROWLERS CHOIR
String Quartet: SEVEN)SUNS
Recorded and mixed by Antoine Delecroix
Mastering by Fred Kevorkian (Brooklyn, NY, USA)

Light Show: Mathieu Derothe-Renaud
Artwork: Julie Castro-Grohowski
Logos: Peurduloup
Libretto translation: Anne-Pierre Hocquet

Links:
Website: https://www.lasuspendida.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092385337326 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasuspendidaopera/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lasuspendidaopera