Morgan Wallen’s ‘I’m The Problem’ Due May 16; 2 New Tracks Available Tonight

Announcing directly to his fans first, Morgan Wallen shared the release date for his upcoming fourth studio album, I’m The Problem: May 16, 2025. With the album combining Wallen’s country, cross and dirt-rock influences, the release will appropriately coincide with his inaugural, all-genre Sand In My Boots Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama May 16-18. Pre-save I’m The Problem HERE.
 
Having spent nearly a year writing and refining the tracklist from his farm just outside of Nashville with core collaborators, including producers Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome, the process was reflective for Wallen, taking inventory of where he’s been and where he’s headed – and not shying away from the past. 
 
“I have been a problem, for sure, and I’ve got no problem admitting that,” Wallen says. “But there are other sides to me as well. I’ve spent the last 11 months really trying to figure out, ‘Do I still want to be the problem? Is it time to move past that phase in my life?’ I think it probably is, and this might be the last time I get a chance to honestly say it.”
 
Two new songs off the album arrive tonight: “Just In Case,” written by Wallen, John Byron, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ryan Vojtesak, Josh Thompson, Blake Pendergrass and Alex Bak; and “I’m A Little Crazy,” written by Michael Hardy, Smith Ahnquist, Hunter Phelps and Jameson Rodgers. Both songs were produced by Joey Moi, with Charlie Handsome joining as co-producer for “Just In Case.” Pre-save "Just In Case" HERE and "I'm A Little Crazy" HERE.
 
Wallen recently became the first artist ever to have two albums spend over 100 weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart, with Forbes proclaiming “he’s managed incredible feats that few in his genre before him came close to.” With each album, Wallen has refined his music, but with this one, Wallen digs even deeper, providing a glimpse into his life that feels more intimate, more grounded, and closer to his core.
 
Wallen will perform songs off the upcoming album on NBC’s Saturday Night Live next Saturday, March 29 when he returns as a musical guest.
 
The project sparked Wallen’s 2025 I’m The Problem Tour. Kicking off June 20 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, Wallen’s 20-show run will include stops in Seattle, Washington; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Toronto, Ontario and more. With a second stop recently added in Madison, Wisconsin, Wallen’s appearances will mark the first time an artist has played two consecutive nights at Camp Randall Stadium.
 
A rotating lineup of guests including Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and Koe Wetzel join in direct support with Gavin Adcock, Corey Kent, Ella Langley and Anne Wilson as first-of-three across select dates. Coupled with Wallen’s Sand In My Boots Festival, these 21 shows are the only place to see the superstar in 2025. 

About Morgan Wallen:
Morgan Wallen sets the pace in, and beyond, country music – with Billboard calling him “the biggest country star in the world” and The New York Times doubling down, declaring he’s “one of the biggest stars in pop, period.” With 17 No. 1 singles at Country radio, 19 Billboard Music Awards to-date, more than 170 weeks spent atop Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart (the most in country music history), the highest selling country tour under his belt and more, Wallen has propelled country music to a global level in less than five years. As Las Vegas Review Journal puts it: “Wallen’s appeal is remarkable as it is fueled by his ability to connect to a crowd.” 
 
With Dangerous: The Double Album, Wallen solidified his place as country music’s “dominant superstar,” with the project recently being named Billboard’s No. 1 Album of the 21st Century. One Thing At A Time’s groundbreaking success saw Wallen’s crossover appeal reach a global scale, as he topped the Australian ARIA charts for the first time, along with a host of other accolades. With two No. 1’s already hailing from his forthcoming album release I’m The Problem, due May 16 via Big Loud / Mercury Records / Republic, Wallen digs even deeper, uncovering a side that’s both more vulnerable and more resolute than ever before.
 
As Wallen prepares a refreshed setlist for his 20-stadium-show I’m the Problem Tour, kicking off on June 20 in Houston, Texas, he’s also highlighting some of his favorite artists by bringing the personally-curated, multi-genre Sand In My Boots Music Festival to Gulf Shores, Alabama, this May, which sold out in less than two hours.
 
Wallen continues to donate a portion of every ticket sold to his Morgan Wallen Foundation—which supports youth music and athletic programs and gives communities access to essentials in times of crisis. More at MorganWallen.com.

Eric Church's 'Evangeline Vs. The Machine' Arrives May 2; Lead Single “Hands Of Time” Out Now

Eric Church, one of country music’s most fearless storytellers, marks another ambitious and sonically rich chapter in his groundbreaking career with Evangeline vs. The Machine, available everywhere on May 2. Pre-order/pre-save HERE.
 
A self-proclaimed “album artist,” Church has always championed the power of cohesive storytelling, and Evangeline vs. The Machine is no exception. “An album is a snapshot in time that lasts for all time,” Church shares of the creative approach behind the highly-anticipated new project. “I believe in that time-tested tradition of making records that live and breathe as one piece of art – I think it’s important.”
 
“I’ve always let creativity be the muse. It’s been a compass for me,” he adds. “The people that I look up to in my career and the kind of musicians I gravitate to never did what I thought they were going to do next – and I love them for it. I never want our fans to get an album and go, ‘Oh, that’s like Chief or that’s like this.’ Painstakingly, I lose sleep at night to try to make sure that whatever we do creatively, they go, ‘Wow, that's not what I thought.’ I think that's my job as an artist.”
 
Lead single “Hands Of Time,” impacting Country radio on March 24, is available now as a preview of that endeavor. “As I get older, I’m looking for things that make me feel not as old,” Church explains of the track. “I can honestly say that when I hear music or see something from my past, I feel like I did then; I relate to what it was then. I really believe that a good way to handle that is with music.”

Among the other songs featured on the album is “Darkest Hour,” released ahead of the project to support relief efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, with all of Church’s publishing royalties donated to provide ongoing funds in support of a more resilient future for his home state of North Carolina. “That song had the chance to change things—it already has,” Church reflects. “The greatest concert I’ve ever played was the Concert for Carolina – that’s the greatest thing I’ve been involved with. This song played a big part of that night and is a rallying cry for the people there that still need a lot of help. As a person who writes and performs a song, seeing it truly impact people’s lives is the greatest thing you can hope to accomplish.”
 
Also included is “Johnny,” a soul-stirring reinterpretation inspired by “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and the Covenant School tragedy, which Church has previewed in limited settings at both his Chief’s To Beat The Devil residency and the recent Country Radio Seminar, leaving audiences in awe. “About a year ago, we had a shooting here in Nashville at the Covenant School,” he explained when introducing the song during CRS. “Where my kids go to school, my two boys, is about a mile from that school. I will tell you something, the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life – parent or otherwise – is dropping them off at that school the day after the shooting and watching them walk inside. I sat in the parking lot for a long time, and as fate would have it, as I was pulling out, Charlie Daniels was playing, ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia.’ I remember thinking, man, we could use Johnny right now, because the Devil’s not in Georgia, he’s everywhere. I went home and wrote ‘Johnny’.”
 
With such inspired tracks shaping the forthcoming Evangeline vs. The Machine – his first new album since 2021’s Heart & Soul trilogy  – Church continues his legacy of redefining modern country music on his own terms.  
 
Fans can also pre-order an Amazon Music exclusive Evangeline vs. The Machine vinyl in translucent light blue, available via Amazon.com or directly in the Amazon Music app, with fast and free shipping for Prime members. For more information, visit EricChurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter/X @ericchurch and Instagram @ericchurchmusic.

About Eric Church
A seven-time ACM Award winner, four-time CMA Award winner (including the 2020 award for Entertainer of the Year) and 10-time GRAMMY nominee – including three nods for Best Country Album, Eric Church has amassed a passionate fan base around his critically acclaimed catalog of music. Church’s October 2024 release, “Darkest Hour,” saw the superstar signing over all of his publishing royalties to the people of North Carolina to provide immediate relief following the devastation of Hurricane Helene while also providing ongoing funds to support a more resilient future for his home state. The song is featured alongside current single “Hands Of Time” on his forthcoming album, Evangeline vs. The Machine arriving May 2, marking his first new music since 2021’s Heart & Soul triple album (“Stick That In Your Country Song,” “Hell Of A View”). That project followed prior releases including RIAA Gold-certified Desperate Man (“Some Of It,” “Desperate Man”), Platinum-certified Sinners Like Me (“How ’Bout You,” “Guys Like Me”), Carolina (“Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Love Your Love the Most”) and Mr. Misunderstood (“Record Year,” “Round Here Buzz”), Double-Platinum certified The Outsiders (“Like a Wrecking Ball,” “Talladega”) and 4x Platinum-certified Chief (“Springsteen,” “Drink In My Hand”), as well as 32 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certified songs. Church is also a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, a co-owner of the iconic Field & Stream brand, has his own SiriusXM music channel, “Eric Church Outsiders Radio,” his own liquor offering, Whiskey JYPSI, and recently opened Chief’s, a six-story venue on Nashville’s famed lower Broadway.

"Accidentally Drunk," New Single from Traditionalist Bradley Gaskin, Available Now

Bradley Gaskin has some unfinished business. As the flagship artist for upstart independent 30A Life Records, the former major label artist’s soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, as featured in his lead single, “Accidentally Drunk,” will convince you his first new music in over a decade is well worth a listen. “Accidentally Drunk” [LISTEN HERE]—off Gaskin’s forthcoming Keith Stegall–produced album, Unfinished Business—is available now on all platforms and officially goes for radio adds Monday, March 31.

The Duck Springs, Ala., native got his first break in 2011 after Gaskin’s wife encouraged him to post a rough demo of “Mr. Bartender,” a song he’d written and recorded. Two weeks later, John Rich called and invited Gaskin to enter a talent contest he was organizing. Gaskin won, and the next thing he knew, he was center stage in the iconic circle at the Grand Ole Opry.

Gaskin’s first deal with a major record label took shape soon after with a self-titled EP and “Mr. Bartender” as the lead single. Unfortunately, Gaskin was deemed a bit too traditional, and his album was shelved in a management shakeup at the label. That disheartening event sent Gaskin back to Duck Springs where he hung drywall, worked at a sawmill and served as a janitor at his daughter’s school.

Now, thanks to 30A Life Records co-founder Jack Cole, a fan and successful businessman turned independent label exec, Gaskin is back in the game. “Accidentally Drunk” is a beautiful, bittersweet ballad about a broken-hearted barstool fool shedding tequila tears—I was tired of waking up to another hangover/Trying to get high, ending up a little lower/Swearing it’s the last time, like every other Friday night—and continually losing his battle with sobriety:

PHOTO: Amick Cutler

Written by Grammy Award–winning songwriter Ashley McBryde (“Never Wanted to Be that Girl,” McBryde/Pearce), artist Dan Smalley (The State of Country Music) and Justin Ebach (“Here Tonight,” Brett Young) “Accidentally Drunk” is performed by top Nashville musicians, with Brent Mason and Joel Key on guitar; Scotty Sanders on steel; bassist Glenn Worf; Mike Rojas on keys; drummer Tommy Harden and Stuart Duncan on fiddle.

“Keith and I were in his studio where I saw Grammy, CMA and ACM Awards,” Gaskin says, “so I asked him point blank, ‘You’ve worked with all these people and wrote all these songs. Why does a guy like you want to work with somebody like me?’ And he told me that the same way he believed in Alan Jackson and Randy Travis, he believed in me,” Gaskin relates, “and that’s when I felt a huge weight leave me.” 

“Singers are a dime a dozen,” Stegall explains, “but exceptional artists aren’t. Make no mistake—Bradley Gaskin is an artist.”

Looking back, Gaskin says, “I’m stronger because of what I went through. Everything I loved, which was music, was killing me. It seemed like nobody wanted my stuff. I couldn’t get one of the biggest labels in the world to put out my record.” When you go through that, he muses, “It makes you tougher. There’s more to my story that we haven’t gotten to tell, and there’s a lot of unfinished business to take care of.”

Gaskin will hold an album release party at AJ’s Good Time Bar in Nashville, Thursday, April 3 at 4 p.m. with the album officially out at Midnight, April 4. For more information, check out his socials: TikTok | Instagram |  Facebook.

BLACKBRIAR - RELEASE BRAND NEW SONG 'I BURIED US'

Today Dutch symphonic metal band BLACKBRIAR release their brand new song 'I Buried Us', a powerful track blending crushing guitar riffs, soaring orchestral elements, and raw, emotional vocals.

Zora Cock comments: "'I Buried Us' captures the haunting aftermath of love laid to rest. In this song, I mentally dig a grave for a romance, but my imagination refuses to stay buried. I envision the two of us side by side, six feet under, a decayed heart still aching for their warmth. In my mind, we're still dancing in the afterlife, twirling in the 'what-ifs' and 'could-have-been.'"

Watch the video for 'I Buried Us' below:

Stream `I Buried Us' here: 
https://blackbriar.bfan.link/i-buried-us

Stream/Order the album A Dark Euphony here: 
https://blackbriar.bfan.link/a-dark-euphony

About BLACKBRIAR:

“Some say that there is beauty in darkness - terrifying visitors, worlds far gone, gothic romances, bone-chilling legends, sin-eaters, burning hearts frozen in time, songs with a misleading voice, and a truthful whisper. This and so much more for you to discover on A Dark Euphony.” Such are the words of vocalist Zora Cock about the band’s sophomore album, which was released in fall 2023 on Nuclear Blast Records. A telling sign coming from a band who has reveled in gothic beauty and metallic darkness since their onset, spanning three EPs and a full-length album, along with long-time collaborator Joost van den Broek.

Formed in 2012 by Zora Cock, René Boxem, Bart Winters, and Frank Akkerman, they crafted their first single in 2014 with 'Ready to Kill,' but it was 2015’s second single 'Until Eternity' that truly propelled them into the scene.  A sweeping track with an equally compelling and beautiful video, it continues to draw many to the act with over 20 million views since its debut. Taking advantage of the growing buzz surrounding the band, they independently recorded and released their first EP, Fractured Fairytales, as well as acquiring a second guitarist in Robin Koezen. This EP laid down an impressive foundation for the band’s ethereal and breathtaking sound and brought about new opportunities for the act, including tour dates in The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and more, where the band played alongside EPICA, HALESTORM, IN THIS MOMENT, DELAIN and MaYan.

To keep moving ahead with full control of their creative ideals, the band successfully crowdfunded their follow-up EP, We’d Rather Burn, and brought it to life in October 2018. This EP would be the first time the band worked alongside esteemed producer Joost van den Broek to arrange and produce the effort, and this fruitful collaboration allowed BLACKBRIAR’s whimsical and enigmatic sound to reach new sonic heights.  Released the same day as their self-made video for 'I’d Rather Burn,' this EP showcased a stronger sense of dreamy atmosphere and brought listeners beautifully grim tales of witches, banshees, and sea sirens.  In the time following, keyboardist Ruben Wijga (ex-Re-Vamp) took a larger role within the band and began playing shows, after being involved in the songwriting process since Fractured Fairytales.

A busy 2019 followed the band released a haunting single in May entitled 'Snow White and Rose Red.'  A duet with Ulli Perhonen, their take on the Grimm’s fairytale featured striking cinematic visuals to accompany the spellbinding track. Continuing to dig deeper into fairytale realms, BLACKBRIAR closed the year with their third EP, Our Mortal Remains.  Ever-sharpening their intoxicating blend of storytelling and breathtaking musicianship, the EP brought about new live exposures for the act as well.  Small, sold out tours with EPICA in 2019 and 2020, as well as a sold-out opening for DELAIN’s Apocalypse & Chill release show in Utrecht followed, with more future plans then being put on hold due to COVID-19. 

Championing their continued independence, which included everything from songwriting, maintaining their web presence, overseeing merch, as well as shooting and producing their own videos and photos, BLACKBRIAR reached out to their ever-growing and loyal fanbase for assistance to make their full-length album a reality in 2020. Fans fervently heeded the call, reaching the € 25,000 goal in under 24 hours and ending with a total of € 70,000 and achieving all five stretch goals.  An impressive accomplishment for an independent act, which also showcases a strong internet presence with over 230,000 YouTube subscribers and 56.5 million channel views as well as 37.9 million Spotify streams and 275,000 monthly streamers on the platform.  

Entering 2021, the band relinquished a bit of control in signing exclusively with Doomstar Bookings to help properly support their highly anticipated first full-length album, The Cause of Shipwreck, which released in April.  Once again recorded with renowned producer Joost van den Broek (EPICA, AYREON, POWERWOLF) at Sandlane Recording Facilities, this release showcased the band’s continued evolution into masterfully dark gothic storytelling and theatrical aesthetics that entice you into a deadly yet spellbinding musical paradise. On the live front, launching into success with six sold-out Dutch club shows, they later extended into more European territories such as Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, France, and the Czech Republic as the band moved into 2022. 

Despite a very successful 2021, the band still hungered for more, unleashing their latest single, 'Fairy of the Bog' in December.  A song about ‘het meisje van Yde’ (Yde girl), it’s a mixture of folklore, myth, and ancient local history wrapped into a more mystical and magical package that showcases what BLACKBRIAR does best. Due to winning ‘Drents Talent Award Culture 2021’ from ‘Stichting Kunst & Cultuur,’ BLACKBRIAR performed ‘I’d Rather Burn’ live on television together with the Dutch ‘Noordpool Orchestra in early 2022. In April, the band parted ways with founding member and bassist Frank Akkerman. Not a band to slow down, they welcomed Siebe Sol Sijpkens from The Netherlands as their new bassist.  A happy and energetic performer with a lifetime of global performances, he is a welcome addition to the act as they continue to strive forward.

With their vision looking firmly into the future, with a major label behind them, they set their sights on 2023 to conjure their most deadly siren song yet.  The band released the song 'Crimson Faces' to celebrate their partnership with Nuclear Blast Records and released the new album A Dark Euphony in fall. Set to contain 10 new original songs as well as a bonus track, they recently released their first single from it with 'My Soul’s Demise.' According to Zora, “We've had the pleasure of working with producer and musical genius Joost van den Broek, and we gave it our all to write this record and feel that this is our most complete, personal, and mature album to date.” With this in mind, the band launched a preorder campaign in April for the release, full of unique perks, which has been quite successful already. They also played festival shows like Wave Gotik Treffen, SummerBreeze, and Rock the Lakes in 2023, as well as being a special guest on CHARLOTTE WESSELS’s Club Tour.

With accolades behind them, such as being nominated three times for ‘Best Artist’ in EuroSonic/Noorderslag‘s Popgala Noord (2018, 2020, 2022), and continued fan support with current monthly streaming totals on YouTube and Spotify near 1.5 million streams, the world is primed and ready for a spectacular journey into darkness and beauty.

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

...and Oceans Channel Seismic New Single

While they've always ebbed and flowed between different extremes over the course of the past 30 years, on their upcoming seventh album, ...and Oceans are surging onto the scene with their most expansive experiment in symphonic black metal. The Regeneration Itinerary melds black and death metal with symphonic, industrial and electronic elements, plus inspiration from Paulo Coelho's best-selling novel The Alchemist.

The band's latest single from The Regeneration Itinerary pushes them into further uncharted territory. With its relentless riffs, soaring orchestration and maze-like song structure, "Prophetical Mercury Implement" dives deep into  the album's overarching themes of transformation, duality and rebirth.   

Watch the music video for "Prophetical Mercury Implement" below:

The Regeneration Itinerary comes out May 23rd on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/andoceanstheregenerationitinerary

On "Prophetical Mercury Implement", ...and Oceans encapsulate the full metal alchemy of The Regeneration Itinerary. The band's latest single draws upon the volatile yet transformative properties of mercury. Vocalist Mathias Lillmåns dissolves into reflective waters, where self-awareness and annihilation become indistinguishable.

"Now, I am the medium / I am the stream…
Drowning in argent colors / This vast bottomless ocean."
 

"Prophetical Mercury Implement" is the turning point in the album's narrative. It embodies the struggle between light and darkness, stagnation and progress, fate and free will.
 

"'The Prophetical Mercury Implement' is an existential realization", Lillmåns says. "I was exploring some very deep waters at some point, I could see the mercury dripping from my side, but still wanted more, searching for new dangerous currents to take me further.
 

"I just kept on feeding the destruction until one day I had reached some kind of a threshold. Even though this track is a view from a vast bottomless depth it also offers a glimpse of the other side, a promise of redemption and transcendence."

Weaving between chaotic black metal and dreamlike passages, "Prophetical Mercury Implement" surges forth as a towering demonstration of how ...and Oceans continue to evolve amidst the landscape of symphonic black metal. 

The video for "Prophetical Mercury Implement" was created by Aarni Visuals.

“The Regeneration Itinerary explores the interplay between darkness and light, chaos and order, spiritual and material realms, with each song embodying an experience for the mind and body, navigating a passage to the present moment,” explains Lillmåns.
 

“The album works like a guide,” he continues. “Teaching us that not everything can be defined as simply being ‘good’ or ‘bad’, ‘light’ or ‘dark’, ‘copper’ or mercury’, underscoring the perpetual dance of dualities in the human experience.”
 

Line-up:
Mathias Lillmåns - Vocals
Teemu Saari - Guitar
Timo Kontio - Guitar
Pyry Hanski - Bass
Antti Simonen - Keyboards
Kauko Kuusisalo - Drums

Production Credits:
Recorded at Inka Studio / SoundSpiral Audio, Orimattila, Finland.
Producer & Engineered by Juho Räihä.
Mixed & Mastered by Tore Stjerna at Necromorbus Studio,  Söderfors, Sweden.

Cover Art:
Adrien Bousson

Biography:
Spencer Grady

➤ Pre-save & Pre-order:https://orcd.co/andoceanstheregenerationitinerary

Follow ...and Oceans:
Bandcamp: https://andoceans.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/andoceans/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andoceans_official/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0rWmH68lIyVOGYhhvayFzu
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/and-oceans/32204550
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/11172
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3565685

Earshot Unveils Exclusive Lyric Video for "Where Were You?” from Highly Anticipated New Album ​

Hard rock veterans Earshot have unleashed an exclusive lyric video for their latest single, "Where Were You?” a gripping preview from their forthcoming 11-song studio album produced by Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (Disturbed, Staind, Megadeth). The video debuted this past Monday, available only on the band’s official social media pages, and has already racked up thousands of views from eager fans.

Brimming with raw emotion and powerful instrumentation, "Where Were You?”captures Earshot’s signature dark, melodic intensity, offering a thrilling glimpse into what fans can expect from their long-awaited new album. The song also marks the first of many tracks to come co-written by frontman Wil Martin and guitarist Aaron Fink (Lifer, Breaking Benjamin)—a dynamic pairing of talent that blends their unique songwriting styles into an emotionally charged and sonically rich experience. This powerful collaboration is sure to excite both Earshot and old school Breaking Benjamin fans alike.

“Our fans have been waiting for a new album, and we couldn’t be more excited to share ‘Where Were You?’ as the first glimpse of this new chapter,” says Wil Martin. “We wanted the lyric video to be immersive, simple, and direct, and keeping it exclusive to our social media ensures that our most loyal fans experience it first.”

The release has already ignited a frenzy online, with fans flooding the comments section with praise and anticipation for the full album. With Johnny K’s masterful production and the powerhouse songwriting duo of Martin and Fink, this record is shaping up to be one of Earshot’s most compelling efforts yet.

Watch the Exclusive Lyric Video Now:

UPCOMING 2025 TOUR DATES:

4/24 - Austin, TX. -  COME AND TAKE IT LIVE!

4/25 - Houston, TX. - SAWYER PARK ICEHOUSE (FREE SHOW)

4/26 - San Antonio, TX. - FIESTA OYSTER BAKE (w/ SUGAR RAY, TONIC, & VERTICAL HORIZON)

8/14 - Glen Flora, WI. - NORTHWOODS ROCK RALLY

Follow Earshot:

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YouTube

SWALLOW THE SUN Release “MelancHoly (Holy Edit)” Out Now + Visualizer

Today, Finnish doom metal legends SWALLOW THE SUN are back with a twist on their fan-favorite anthem, unveiling a growl-free version of “MelancHoly (Holy Edit)” from their highly anticipated digital deluxe edition album, 'Shining Dark Deluxe.' This special edition invites fans into a deeper, more atmospheric experience, showcasing unique interpretations of select studio tracks that capture the band’s signature melancholy and live energy.

Watch the Visualizer for "MelancHoly (Holy Edit)" Below:

SWALLOW THE SUN Claims Finnish Grammy Glory!

In a groundbreaking achievement, SWALLOW THE SUN has won their first-ever Finnish Grammy (Emma Gala Award) for Best Metal Album (2024) with their latest release, 'SHINING.' After two previous nominations, this well-deserved win marks a monumental milestone for the band, solidifying 'SHINING' as the Metal Album of the Year.

The band expresses their gratitude:

“A huge thank you to Backbone Management, Century Media Records, Dan Lancaster, Pasi, Aleksi, Markus, Jaani, and Juha Ruusunen for helping us reach this milestone. We’re also incredibly grateful to all of you who have supported us and listened to our music along the way, this means the world to us!”

More than two decades of despair, beauty, and heartache have not only shaped but fueled Finnish melancholy torchbearers, the chart-topping and Finnish Grammy winner SWALLOW THE SUN.

Formed in Jyväskylä in 2000, the quintet has enjoyed numerous fan-lauded music videos (10+ million YouTube views) and streaming dominance (50+ million Spotify plays), while also embarking on a four-continent, 900-show run over the course of their 25-year career.

Their new music, however, is the group’s first step on the new path to the unknown.

SWALLOW THE SUN are:

Juha Raivio - Guitar, Keys

Juho Räihä - Guitar

Mikko Kotamäki - Vocals

Matti Honkonen - Bass

Juuso Raatikainen - Drums

THE SPEAKER WARS Premieres the Video for “It Ain’t Eeasy”

Today, THE SPEAKER WARS, the Texas based band featuring ex-Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers drummer Stan Lynch, and guitarist/vocalist Jon Christopher Davis, premiere the second video from their self titled debut album for the track “It Ain’t Easy." 

The video was filmed in Denton, TX, by director Brad Osborne, who also directed their debut video for the track, “You Make Every Lie Come True." 

Watch the Music Video for “It Ain't Easy”  Below:

STAN LYNCH, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, long-time drummer and founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, announces today the formation of THE SPEAKER WARS. After two decades of recording and touring multiple albums with The Heartbreakers, STANmoved to the other side of the recording console and shifted his focus to production and songwriting. Over the years, STAN has written and produced hits for artists in multiple genres, including the Eagles, Don Henley, Tim McGraw, The Mavericks, Ringo Starr, The Byrds, Toto, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

While writing in Nashville, a publisher introduced STAN to Texas singer-songwriter, Jon Christopher Davis, who was gathering material for a solo record on a major label. After accumulating an album’s worth of songs, Jon abandoned working on a solo record and the two decided to start a band to perform the newly created material. Adding Jay Michael Smith on guitar, Brian Patterson on bass, Steve Ritter on percussion, and Jay Brown on keyboards, THE SPEAKER WARS was born.

The band then headed into 5M Studios in Denton, TX, with co-producer Mike Pisterzi, and produced a full-length album. Upon hearing the material, Frontiers Records immediately signed the band, and their debut album is scheduled for release on May 30th.

STAN LYNCH says:

"After my 20-year tenure with the Heartbreakers, I got a second act writing and producing. It was educational beyond measure to learn how to create music from the other side of the glass. Around this time, I met Jon Christopher Davis in Nashville, who casually mentioned that we should start a band - so here I am - in THE SPEAKER WARS, and it's good to have my old job back. The guys in our new band know how to make great music, and I'm looking forward to another round.”

Pre-Order 'The Speaker Wars' HERE

THE SPEAKER WARS are:

Stan Lynch - Drums

Jon Christopher Davis - Vocals

Jay Michael Smith - Guitar

Brian Patterson - Bass

Steve Ritter - Percussion

Jay Brown - Keyboard

Novelists Release New Single "Say My Name" - LISTEN

The vibrant, innovative French metal band NOVELISTS share a new single and music video for "Say My Name," another standout track from their upcoming album "CODA." The single showcases a more emotional, poignant side of the album tracklist. The album is set to release on May 16, 2025 through the new record label, ACKOR Music, created by members of LANDMVRKS and NOVELISTS.

Watch below.

Pre-save the album here.

When asked about the single, Novelists say, "What if the last thing you ever said to someone was the one thing they refused to hear? We wrote 'Say My Name' during some of the most difficult yet tragically ordinary challenges one can experience. It is without a doubt one of our favourite songs on CODA.

ABOUT NOVELISTS:
Novelists are a female-fronted French metal band that has taken the global metalcore scene by storm with their unique blend of progressive and melodic elements. 

With a sound that defies boundaries, Novelists has carved out a distinct identity on the global metalcore stage, blending technical mastery with atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. Originally from Paris, the band has become known for genre-bending tracks like "Okapi" and "Prisoner," which fuse progressive metal, post-rock, and ambient influences into a style that's as intense as it is introspective.

Their exceptional musicianship is a defining characteristic, with intricate guitar work and progressive structures, particularly in Pierre Danel's and Florestan Durand's precise, virtuosic guitar solos. 

Their focus on technical detail and thoughtful song construction adds layers to their music that few bands in the genre achieve.

The band’s recent addition — Camille Contreras as lead vocalist has brought fresh energy and innovation to their sound, propelling Novelists in exciting new directions while staying true to their core identity. Currently on a world tour, including stops in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America supporting bands like NORTHLANE, PERIPHERY, TESSERACT, ERRA, and set to reach more audiences worldwide over the next seven months, Novelists are proving their commitment to connecting with fans across continents.

Known for intense and immersive live performances, Novelists deliver high-energy shows that showcase their technical prowess and emotional depth, creating a must-see experience. Their commitment to forward-thinking sound production further enhances their recordings and live shows, utilising modern audio techniques to craft an enveloping, multi-dimensional sonic landscape.

With a new album on the horizon and a lineup brimming with passion and innovation, Novelists continue to evolve, promising their fans a future filled with boundary-breaking sounds and authentic connections.

Calva Louise Announce New Album "Edge of the Abyss" + Drop New Single "Aimless"

WELCOME TO THE CALVA LOUISE UNIVERSE

The sprawling story of Calva Louise, the band whose members found each other from opposite corners of the world and whose combined influences and experiences, have created a myriad of captivating threads entwined into their existence.

Metal, punk, electronica, and art rock weave through grandiose narratives and cinematic storytelling with a mind-blowing visual delivery. Welcome to the Calva Louise Universe and the release of their new studio album, Edge of the Abyss, which was co-produced by Pendulum's Gareth McGrillen and will be released on July 11 via Mascot Records. The band has also revealed the video for the new single "Aimless" to celebrate the announcement. 

Watch it below.

"Aimless" is a reflective catharsis of human communication. Sometimes, it feels like we communicate in monologues where it feels impossible for someone to understand our point of view while simultaneously asking oneself: Do we act the same way towards others?

"The song deals with the fragility of our beliefs but at the same time with the importance of knowing our true essence and standing up for it," Calva Louise's Jess Allanic says.

Calva Louise are currently on tour with Bloodywood. Check out the remaining dates here.

You can trace the Calva Louise project —the "origin" story, if you will — back to 10-year-old Allanic, drawing in her home in Guarenas, on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela. There, the genesis of the idea for her story about a hidden world intertwined with our world, began.

The Edge of the Abyss sees characters traveling between different dimensions, with people who mysteriously resemble doubles of each of us, like shadows that seem to stalk us but who, in reality, seek to communicate. Who are these beings? What do they want from us? How can we reach them?

The incredible cinematic sci-fi videos for the album singles show different times and worlds where some characters have encounters with their 'doubles.' "W.T.F" is the prequel of the previous singles: "La Corriente" and "Under The Skin" — all VFX and directed by Jess.
  
Growing up during Venezuela's most disastrous economic and social crisis, the alternative scene was disappearing. She dreamt of living in the UK. Just before her 16th birthday, Allan made the courageous decision to move more than 7,500km from Caracas to Rouen in France — because it was close to the UK. She was to live in a convent, where she would be told off by nuns for playing guitar along to System of a Down in her bedroom.

Next door was a 1600s "Hogwarts" like school, where she met Alizon Taho. "I was focused on being in a band, and that's exactly when Jess arrived in my class,"  Alizon says.
 
They would travel to the UK to play shows with limited English and without knowing anyone. They took every experience presented to them — and the consequences that came with them. They took on jobs, stayed in garages, on sofas, and with "friends of friends." Robbed, scammed and taken advantage of, they stayed in £10 motels that were sometimes surrounded by rats. They would often have to move at very short notice. "I had one suitcase and my guitar," Jess says.

"Our album is called Edge of the Abyss because that's how we live. One misstep and everything could fall apart," Jess says. "I emigrated twice, so I've already had a culture shock twice. This hurts a little less because this is where I want to be. I have nowhere to go back to," she continues.
 
Drummer Ben Parker — who grew up in New Zealand and moved to the UK aged 14 — completed the line-up. They immediately built a captivating relationship. All three had moved to the UK from overseas and found each other.  
 
They built an impressive DIY spirit and formidable reputation on the UK live circuit through performances at Download, 2000Trees, a headline performance on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading and Leeds festival, as well as tours with Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Razorlight, Boston Manor, and Bloodywood. The US saw a co-headline tour with Vukovi and festival slots at Welcome to Rockville, So What?, Sonic Temple, Riot Fest, SXSW, and Shiprocked.

2023's independently released mixtape Over The Threshold saw Jess' creativity truly explode. It also caught the attention of Pendulum's Gareth McGrillen who went on to co-produce Edge of the Abyss.

They've picked up support from BBC Radio 1's Rock Show, Introducing Rock, Future Alternative, and Future Artists, Kerrang! Radio, Primordial, Metal Hammer, Rock Sound, Kerrang!, and Revolver, who delved into their multiple-worlds-spanning story.
 
The 10-year-old girl in Guarenas, drawing the first paintings of her sci-fi story, was linked by destiny with the young French child who was dreaming of forming a band and then, years later, had the chance to meet the New Zealander in London, who had picked up the sticks also aged 10, with the plan to be a great musician — they finally have found their way and their home together. Calva Louise, the British multi-cultural band, started with a vision that they passionately continue to grow, creating a fresh and unique experience with each release.

"Our willpower never dies, that's the thing. It's been hard learning every day, but look at the friendship we have. We say that it's like the path of the warrior," Jess exclaims.

CALVA LOUISE ARE:
Jess Allanic  —Vocals+ Guitar+ Keyboard
 Alizon Taho — Bass + Backing Vocals
Ben Parker — Drum + Backing Vocals

Lost 80’s Live: North America’s Longest-Running Retro Music Tour Celebrates 23 Years With A Flock Of Seagulls, General Public, The Vapors, China Crisis & More

Dust off your neon outfits, tease your hair, and crank up the synthesizers because Lost 80’s Live, the ultimate retro music experience, is returning for its highly anticipated 23rd Anniversary Tour in 2025! Hosted by legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame DJ Richard Blade, this electrifying celebration of 80s music features an incredible lineup of the decade’s most iconic artists and hitmakers.

As the longest-running retro music tour, Lost 80’s Live has become a beloved tradition for fans nationwide, offering an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, music, and memories.

This year’s star-studded lineup includes performances by:

• A Flock Of Seagulls (“I Ran (So Far Away),” “Space Age Love Song”)

• General Public (“Tenderness,” “Never You Done That”)

• Big Country (“In a Big Country,” “Fields of Fire”)

• The Vapors (“Turning Japanese,” “Jimmy Jones”)

• The Icicle Works (“Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)”)

• China Crisis (“Working With Fire and Steel,” “Arizona Sky”)

• Josie Cotton (“Johnny Are You Queer,” “He Could Be the One”)

• Belouis Some (“Some People,” “Imagination”)

• The Polecats (“Make a Circuit With Me”)

• Peter Godwin (“Images of Heaven,” “Baby’s in the Mountains”)

This year, Rob Juarez, the creator and producer of Lost 80’s Live, has brought together a powerhouse coalition of promoters—Nederlander, Live Nation, Mammoth, Goldenvoice, AEG, and WorldOne Presents—to expand on the tour’s continued success.

“Lost 80’s Live is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of an era,” says Juarez. “We’re thrilled to be celebrating 23 years of sharing the magic of the 80s, and this year’s tour promises to be our biggest and best yet!”

A list of confirmed dates can be found below. Subject to change.

07.31 - New Haven, CT - Westville Music Bowl

08.01 - Boston, MA - Wang Theatre at the Boch Center

08.02 - New York City, NY - The Rooftop at Pier 17

08.03 - Cary, NC - Koka Booth Amphitheater

08.06 - Northfield, OH - MGM Northfield Park

08.08 - Niagara Falls, ON - OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino Resort

08.09 - Roanoke, VA - Elmwood Park Amphitheater

08.10 - Macon, GA - Atrium Health Amphitheater

08.12 - St. Petersburg, FL - Duke Energy Center Mahaffey Theater

08.14 - New Orleans, LA - Saenger Theatre

08.15 - Sugar Land, TX - Smart Financial Centre

08.16 - San Antonio, TX - The Espee

08.17 - Irving, TX - The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

08.20 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Financial Theatre

08.21 - San Diego, CA - Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

08.24 - Los Angeles, CA - The Greek Theatre

08.28 - Ontario, CA - Toyota Arena

08.29 - Paso Robles, CA - Vina Robles Amphitheater

08.30 - Saratoga, CA - Mountain Winery

08.31 - Lincoln, CA - The Venue at Thunder Valley

For the latest updates, a complete list of tour dates, and full artist lineups, visit lost80slive.com. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss your chance to get lost in the 80s!

ABOUT LOST 80’S LIVE:

Created in 2002 by Rob Juarez of The Boss Booking Agency, Lost 80’s Live has grown to become the longest-running retro music tour, bringing together the most iconic acts of the 1980s. With its incredible lineup of artists and high-energy performances, the tour has entertained hundreds of thousands of fans across the United States and Canada. For more information, visit lost80slive.com.

LOST 80’S LIVE ONLINE:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lost80slive/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/lost80slive

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lost80slive

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lost80slive

Nightfall Appear on CNN

For more than three decades, Nightfall have stood as a shining pillar for Greek metal.

Since rising from Athens' underground catacombs in the early '90s, half-masked frontman Efthimis Karadimas and his crew of rebels have sculpted towering, Gothic melodies from blackened slabs of metal. The band's upcoming eleventh album stands tall amongst the pantheon of their discography as its darkest and most epic creation yet. Blessed with thunderous production, a powerful and timely message, and the most electrifying hooks in their 30-year career, with Children of Eve, Nightfall are uniting blackened souls everywhere.

Efthimis, drummer Fotis Benardo and bassist Vasiliki Biza invited CNN Greece correspondent Stelios Papagrigoriou to Devasoundz Studios, where Children of Eve was recorded. They discussed the early days of the Greek metal scene, what stands out about their new album, mental health and the presence of women in metal.

"We've always wanted to communicate through our music with people like us, with people who like the hard sound", Efthimis told CNN. "At first, we struggled a lot, since in the past things were very difficult in Greek society. They didn't like intensities, long hair, chains, etc. People showed interest much later. When they realized that what we are doing is serious and has a future".

Watch an excerpt from Nightfall's interview with CNN Greece's Stelios Papagrgiorgio. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhwtYCRcqqM     

For subtitles, click Settings (Gear icon) -> Subtitles -> Auto-translate, then select your preferred language.

Read the full interview at cnn.gr

https://www.cnn.gr/style/politismos/video/466968/oi-nightfall-epi-skinis-kapote-imastan-meros-mias-ypokoultoyras-simera-kati-exei-allaksei

Children of Eve comes out May 2, 2025 on Season of Mist.

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

With Children of Eve, Nightfall return from the shadows to unite blackened souls everywhere with their darkest and most epic creation yet. 

Line-up:
Efthimis Karadimas - Vocals
Kostas Kyriakopoulos - Guitars
Vasiliki Biza - Bass
Fotis Benardo - Drums

Recording Credits:
Recorded at Devasoundz Studios, Athens, Greece
Produced by Efthimis Karadimas with Fotis Benardo & Thimios Krikos
Engineered by Fotis Benardo & Thimios Krikos
Mixed & Mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Ribe, Denmark

Production Credits:
Produced by Efthimis Karadimas & Engineered by Fotis Benardo
Mixed & Mastered in Hansen Studios, Denmark by Jacob Hansen

Cover Art:
Eliran Kantor

Art Concept: 
Efthimis Karadimas

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


Follow Nightfall:
Official Website: http://www.nightfall.gr/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightfallband/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NIGHTFALL_band
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nightfallband/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W0Vom1cl6o3UCq8tTfRHV
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/nightfall/1369568685
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/76457
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3521048
Bandcamp: https://nightfallofficial.bandcamp.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nightfallband_gr

Swedish Experimentalists Gösta Berlings Saga Announce New Album "Forever Now" + Share "Through The Arches"

Fearlessly experimental, deliciously irreverent and defiantly unclassifiable for 25 years, Stockholm’s Gösta Berlings Saga have announced the release of Forever Now, their seventh studio album, out June 6 via Pelagic Records. The quintet haS also unveiled the first single and video "Through The Arches."

Watch the video for "Through The Arches" below. 

Pre-order Forever Now and stream the single here. 

"'Through the Arches' is GBS in 2025 — pure and amplified," states the band. "One of the first tracks completed for the new album, it packs all the classic GBS ingredients, but turned up a few notches. Melodic, cosmic, chaotic, euphoric — all in one track. The accompanying video, crafted by Martin Gustafsson, is a visual journey into the everlasting and beyond, perfectly capturing the song's essence."

A masterful collision of intricate songwriting, raw rock spontaneity and their signature disregard for genre limitations, Forever Now rests on no laurels; it's a driving continuation of a journey that suggests, even after two decades and counting, the band's best work may still be ahead of them.

On the new album, the band continues, "Super stoked to soon unleash Forever Now upon the world. It's an album we've put our heart, soul and every atom of our beings into. Written, recorded, mixed, and produced by ourselves, it fills us with great pride that even after 20+ years we still find joy, creativity and new ways to approach music. Forever Now is a journey in search of small fragments of eternity within the present moment - where time dissolves, and music becomes the gateway to the infinite."

Stockholm, the Saga began in 2000 with a creative spark keenly felt between keyboardist David Lundberg and drummer Alexander Skepp. Taking formative inspiration from the '60s jazz fusion improvisations of fellow Swedes Hansson & Karlsson, Gösta Berlings Saga broadened their sonic palette with the addition of bassist Gabriel Tapper and guitarist Mathias Danielsson before the release of their debut album Tid Är Ljud in 2006. Danielsson subsequently left the project to be replaced by Einar Baldursson, contributing to the darker and more complex sound of 2009's Detta Har Hänt, 2011's Glue Works and 2016's Sersophane.

The overt manipulation of sound and melody on this trio of early releases helped set Gösta Berlings Saga apart from the rest of the progressive pack, swerving easy cliché and navel-gazing nostalgia in favor of a fervently forward-thinking ethos. Undoubtedly influenced by the greats of prog, art-rock, electronica and the avant-garde, Gösta Berlings Saga have remained thrillingly impervious to categorization.

2017 saw another evolution within the band as Baldursson left to be replaced with Rasmus Booberg whilst percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Jesper Skarin also joined the ranks. Rejuvenated and revitalized, Gösta Berlings Saga’s subsequent albums, ET EX (2018) and Konkret Music (2020), introduced a whole new audience to the band's idiosyncratic fearless experimentation, breakneck rock 'n' roll infused with even more found sound electronics and sonic obscura. Uncompromising and utterly distinct, these albums solidified the band’s belief that staying true to their own artistic vision was always the only way forward.

Forever Now is 10 tracks of hand-crafted chaos that bear all the brilliance of Gösta Berlings Saga's 25 years of irreverent innovation. Entirely written, recorded, produced, and mixed by the band for the very first time, the album sees synthesizers and arpeggiated guitars spiral ever higher, colliding with helter skelter percussion and pulse-racing drums on the way, whilst the band's innate trust in each other and in their music form the propulsive core of a perpetual energy engine five years in the making.

Although not established as a concept album as such, personal tragedies during the early writing process ultimately left their mark. For a time the band tried to separate their collective creativity from the events of their private lives but, rather than grief and darkness making their presence felt, Gösta Berlings Saga built this album on the pursuit of the eternal — a euphoric glimpse beyond time, where music becomes a bridge between the present and what was and will be, echoing connections that never fade.

GÖSTA BERLINGS SAGA ARE:
Jesper Skarin — Percussion
Gabriel Tapper — Bass
David Lundberg — Keys
Rasmus Booberg — Guitars
Alexander Skepp — Drums

One OK Rock Celebrate 20th Anniversary with G-Shock Collaboration in Conjunction With Release of New Album "DETOX"

Announcing a special collaboration timepiece celebrating the 20th anniversary of ONE OK ROCK, one of Japan's most iconic rock bands, renowned for their global influence and distinctive sound. The timing is also in conjunction with the release of their latest album DETOX and brings together the band and timepiece giants CASIO. Available from April 10 within Japan and scheduled to be released gradually after April for markets outside Japan.
 
Under the supervision of bassist Ryota and designed by Swedish artist Emil Öhlund, a close collaborator of ONE OK ROCK, the watch features a beautiful cherry blossom gradation across the dial and a katana-inspired indicator hand, blending Japanese tradition with elegance.
 
The back cover is also engraved with the ONE OK ROCK logo and presented in a special packaging, this meticulously crafted G-SHOCK collaboration is truly exceptional and a must have!

Watch Details: 

*Model Number: GM-2100TTTR-8AJR

*Release Date: April 10 within Japan and after April for markets outside Japan
*G-SHOCK Product Page here
*G-SHOCK YouTube Featuring Collaboration Trailer here

ABOUT DESIGNER EMIL ÖHLUND:
Website
Instagram

Additional information on the band's sneaker collab with ASICS is here.

ABOUT ONE OK ROCK:
Founded in Tokyo during 2005, the quartet —Taka [vocals], Toru [guitar], Tomoya [drums], and Ryota [bass]— have unassumingly emerged as a global phenomenon and one of Japan’s hottest exports with dozens of international gold and platinum certifications and billions of streams. Beyond six consecutive Top 5 entries and three #1 debuts on the Japanese Top Albums Chart, the group's global imprint has grown with a foothold stateside. They stand out as the rare force of nature who can tour alongside either The Smashing Pumpkins or Ed Sheeran — with whom they co-wrote “Renegades” for the film Rurouni Kenshin: The Final. Produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance), ONE OK ROCK's most-recent studio album Luxury Disease debuted at #1 in Japan marking the band's fourth straight chart topping album in their home country following the blockbusters 35xxxv, AMBITIONS, and EYE OF
THE STORM. Luxury Disease was highlighted by the singles "Save Yourself," 'Let Me Let You Go," and "Vandalize," the latter of which featured as the ending theme for SEGA's Sonic Frontiers.

Doom Force KATLA Release Third Single "Grim Jesus" + Official Music Video

Sin, salvation, blasphemy — dive into the darkly provocative world of Danish doom force KATLA with their new single "Grim Jesus." 

The song is the third single to premiere from the three-headed Danish metal monster's unmissable debut album, Scandinavian Pain, out this Friday via Napalm Records!

After years of honing its colossal sound and live energy, the band delivers an unrelenting blend of raw emotion, gritty riffs, and subterranean sonic battery. Scandinavian Pain not only marks a new chapter for the band, but also reflects its rise to acclaim – from humble beginnings at Copenhell Festival to becoming a standout act in Denmark's heavy music underground.

"Grim Jesus" challenges faith and confronts inner demons, inviting listeners to reflect on their worth and dive deep into themes of overcoming inner darkness and rejecting oppressive systems, showcasing lyrics that resonate with the resilience of the human spirit.

Hallelujah!

Watch the official music video for "Grim Jesus" below.

KATLA on "Grim Jesus":

"As the album was progressing and the lyrical and musical thematics were taking shape, 'Grim Jesus' was created. It actually started off as a song about feeling worthless and was also the working title for a long time: 'Worthless.' On the lyrical side, we tried to keep it in the mental awareness/health realm, and therefore examined what is causing this feeling of being a no-one. KATLA's critique of the Christian church is no secret, and 'Grim Jesus' was discovered in the process of its creation to have a link to the inherent heavy weight from the Christian church to its followers, whether it be socially or culturally. In Denmark, we are pretty much born into Christianity, as we are a Christian nation, and with that feeling of guilt, shame and not fitting in if you don't submit to the Lord, it subconsciously makes you doubt yourself and your doings. Ironically, the church preaches that we should step in line, that we're all sinners and we have to obey and serve the priest and God, while they abuse children and have kept women oppressed for centuries. Asshole hypocrites."

Scandinavian Pain is a cathartic exploration of personal struggles, mental health, and societal critique. "Castle of Purity" is a searing anthem that calls out the abuse and hypocrisy in organized religion — a powerful statement about pushing back against injustice and finding strength in individuality. Produced by Lasse Ballade (known for his work with Solbrud, Alkymist, and Halshug), the record combines visceral sonic landscapes with a deeply personal narrative. Prepare to experience the raw power and unfiltered honesty of KATLA on Scandinavian Pain.

Scandinavian Pain also marks the debut of new KATLA bassist and vocalist Theis Thorgersen. His addition not only breathes renewed energy into the band itself, but imbues an evolved sound that is heavier, darker, and sharper than ever before. KATLA's meaningful yet uninhibited sound and high-energy live performances have positioned them as a force to be reckoned with.

KATLA says about the album: "Scandinavian Pain is an album about the shame of feeling depressed in a country that in many ways seems to be out of any misery or control of others. The inherent feeling of guilt, the despondent thoughts. The weight of cultural Christianity and being part of a system that is destroying both ours and other lives. It’s about watching the newest season of whatever decadent TV show is on while children are being murdered daily. All the songs are different, yet similar. This time, there’s an affirmation for you, who might need it, a story telling, a short grindy track, something with a blast beat, but of course also heavy sludgy doom. Welcome to the house of pain."

Pre-order your copy of Scandinavian Pain NOW.

KATLA IS:
Rasmus Bang — Drums + Vocals
Marc Lennart Christensen — Guitar
Theis Stenberg Thorgersen — Bass + Vocals

LUNA KILLS Unveil "WAVES" Video

Finland's electrifying alt-metal powerhouse LUNA KILLS continue their ascent with the release of their captivating new single "WAVES." Watch the video below.

 Taken from their upcoming album DEATHMATCH, set for release on April 4 via SharpTone Records, the track dives deep into the struggles of repetitive cycles, self-doubt, and the painful realization of misplaced trust. The song's stunning music video, which premiered exclusively on Finnish television MTV3's Levyraati last Friday, delivers a visually striking interpretation of the song's emotionally charged themes.

"We all have patterns we struggle to break, and 'WAVES' is about drowning in the same mistakes, searching for a way out," shares vocalist Lotta Ruutiainen. "The song is about believing in someone or something that constantly lets you down; yet being unable to walk away because it feels like giving up on something you've worked so hard for."

With "WAVES," LUNA KILLS masterfully blends soaring vocal melodies, crushing guitar riffs, and atmospheric production, solidifying their status as one of the most exciting new acts in the alt-metal scene. The track serves as the fourth single from DEATHMATCH, following the success of "LEECH," "sugar rush," and "slay ur enemies." It further sets the stage for what promises to be a defining album for the band.

ABOUT LUNA KILLS:
LUNA KILLS are, without a doubt, one of the most refreshing modern metal act in the scene, combining alternative and nu-metal vibes with electronics inspired by game soundtracks. Their frontwoman Lotta, with her jazz singing background and incredible fry scream vocals, brings the audience to their knees — unless they are speeding around in moshpits, as often witnessed in their fiery live shows. Even as newcomers, LUNA KILLS have already opened the door to their beloved gaming world as their music is featured in the hit mobile app Beatstar. The band, first formed in 2019, has now taken their first steps on European stages, gained the attention of multiple rock radios in their native Finland and are moving forward towards their first full-length album with SharpTone Records.

LUNA KILLS ARE:
Lotta Ruutiainen — Vocals
Samuli Paasineva — Guitar
Jimi Kinnunen — Drums
Lassi Peltonen — Bass

MALEVOLENCE - Announce New Album 'Where Only The Truth Is Spoken' + Release Music Video For 'If It's All The Same To You'

Steel City Kings MALEVOLENCE have announced the details of their hugely anticipated new album, Where Only The Truth Is Spoken, set to be released on June 20th via MLVLTD in partnership with Nuclear Blast Records.

Alongside the news of their new album, MALEVOLENCE have also released the video for their monumental new single 'If It's All The Same To You'. Featuring acting legend Alan Ford, who most famously appeared as Brick Top in Guy Ritchie's classic British gangster film Snatch, the band's new video is their biggest visual production to date. It sees the five-piece take on an elaborate art heist, before engaging in a white-knuckle car chase with the Police. There may even be some easter eggs to be found throughout that hint at what MALEVOLENCE have in store for the future.

Pre-order and pre-save Where Only The Truth Is Spoken now at: 
https://malevolence.bfan.link/where-only-the-truth-is-spoken

Stream 'If It's All The Same To You' at: 
https://malevolence.bfan.link/iiatsty

On their new album, the band comments:

"'Where Only the Truth Is Spoken’ is a level up in every sense—musically, lyrically, and visually. This was our first time recording outside the UK, and doing it in LA with Josh Wilbur was fun and refreshing. He’s worked with some of the biggest names in metal, and his approach pushed us to challenge new heights. The production, the songwriting, the videos—everything about this record is bigger, heavier, and more refined.

Everything in Malevolence is, and always has been, a team effort and I feel like everyone really delivered on this record.

To everyone who supports what we do, thank you. It goes without saying that we wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for your overwhelming support. I’m excited to see where the journey goes next!

Malevolence
Made in God’s own country,
Where Only The Truth Is Spoken"

ABOUT MALEVOLENCE

MALEVOLENCE have never waited for permission. From the underground to festival main stages, they’ve built their reputation on sheer force of will, crushing live shows, and an unshakable foundation of heavy riffs and harder work. Now, with their fourth studio album Where Only The Truth Is Spoken, Sheffield’s finest step into a new league.

Recorded in California at Dave Grohl’s legendary Studio 606, the album was tracked through the iconic Neve 8078 console, the same desk that captured game-changing records like Nirvana’s Nevermind, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, and Tom Petty’s Wildflowers. For a band that’s always pushed forward without compromise, it was the perfect setting to carve out a record that represents everything MALEVOLENCE stands for. The album marks a new level of songwriting precision without sacrificing the band’s trademark weight. Working alongside Grammy Award-winning producer Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Gojira, Trivium), the result is MALEVOLENCE at their most punishing, urgent, and anthemic.

Lyrically, Where Only The Truth Is Spoken reflects the principles that MALEVOLENCE have lived by since day one—honesty, loyalty, and integrity. These are not just themes woven into the album but values the band holds in their personal and professional lives. This record doesn’t deal in facades or empty gestures; it’s an unfiltered expression of the struggles, victories, and unshakable brotherhood that have carried them this far.

MALEVOLENCE are:
Alex Taylor | Vocals
Konan Hall | Guitar / Vocals
Josh Baines | Guitar
Wilkie Robinson | Bass
Charlie Thorpe | Drums

Renowned Rock Singer RUSS BALLARD Unveils New Single “Since You’ve Been Gone” + Video

Today, renowned rock singer RUSS BALLARD is excited to share his new single and accompanying video for “Since You’ve Been Gone”, taken from his upcoming double album ‘Songs From The Warehouse / The Hits Rewired’, out on April 25th via Frontiers Music Srl.

About the new single, RUSS states:

“'Since You’ve Been Gone' has been recorded by many artists and entered the American Hot 100 by three separate artists: Rainbow, Head East & Cherie, and Merrie Curry. The album which featured the song in the first place made me feel 'winning' as it held four more hits for others. This version is my 3rd and I hope you like it.”

Watch the Video for “Since You've Been Gone” below:

RUSS BALLARD is simply one of the most renowned and gifted songwriters in pop and rock music. His music career started when he was only 14 years old and he wrote a tune, which was recorded by The Shadows, appearing on their album 'The Sound Of The Shadows' in 1964.

During the 70’s and 80’s, his songs ruled the airwaves and the list of hits is pretty much endless. From “Since You Been Gone” (Rainbow), “God Gave Rock'n'Roll To You” (Argent and Kiss), “So You Win Again” (Hot Chocolate), “New York Groove” (Hello and Ace Frehley), “You Can Do Magic” (America), “Winning” (Santana) or “I Don’t Believe In Miracles” (Colin Blunstone) – just to name a few – everyone who needed a great song knew that with RUSS BALLARD they could not go wrong.

Numerous records/artists were also produced by him, like Roger Daltrey, America, Elkie Brooks, Skindred or Sada Vidoo. In 1974, he started a solo career (after his stint with the band Argent in early 70’s), which had its highest momentum with the 'S/t' album in 1984 (which included the hit single “Voices”) and the follow up “The Fire Still Burns”.

Since then, BALLARD has released 10 studio albums and is still writing and producing hits. Three songs from his 1984 and 1985 albums were featured in the TV show “Miami Vice” and were extensively played on dance floors around Europe.

The upcoming release, 'Songs From The Warehouse / The Hits Rewired', is a real treat for all rock fans: the first CD contains new songs, which show once again that the inspiration never left RUSS, while the second CD includes brand new recordings of famous hits either penned or performed by him during the years.

BALLARD expresses his excitement for the release:

“It’s a buzz releasing a new album. What started as my 'Lockdown-tapes' during the pandemic became an album! During lockdown, my studio was a lifesaver for me, and I found new ways of writing and recording. The result gives the listeners a good insight into this time - have a listen!”

 Pre-Order 'Songs From The Warehouse / The Hits Rewired' HERE

Wrath of Logarius Expand Reign on 'Long Dead the King'

Though they emerged from a misty scene that's familiar to the corpse paint initiate, Wrath of Logarius aren't bound by black metal's strict sense of traditions. Their upcoming debut Crown of Mortis ushers in a new realm for the underground: formless black metal. On the album's latest single "Long Dead the King", the skeletal band reveal the full reign of their powers.    

Watch the all-powerful lyric video for "Long Dead the King" Below:

Crown of Mortis comes out April 4 on Season of Mist.

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

Wrath of Logarius hail from deep within the redwood forests of Northern California, but it's fitting that the band's formless spell on black metal first caught wind amongst the digital underground. After all, the band are named after a notoriously shifty video game dungeon lord. Crown of Mortis expands upon the Bloodborne lore teased by their ascendant EP. Each song twists into a uniquely horrifying tale that serves the larger plot of its accursed king. 

"Ruler of the atmospheric dread", Noctifer pronounces with a blackened rasp. While draped in gloom, Wrath of Logarius' new single doesn't unfold at a stately pace. "Long Dead the King" marches to the blistering pace set by Lord Marco's punishingly precise blast beats.    

Whereas the last single from Crown of Mortis bent the clearly defined subworlds of black metal into a swirling, moonlit void, "Long Dead the King" serves as living proof that Wrath of Logarius' formless reign extends across the world of extreme metal. Strega axemen Urath and Vastrator shred the line between hellishly cold tremolo picking and the eternal fires of melodic dissonance, only to summon the album's most brutal breakdown with an undead army of chugs.

"All I know is from Death", growls Noctifer, in full command over the underground's desolate new realms.  

The lyric video for "Long Dead the King" was created by Andrés Montero Conde (@b2crea).

On Crown of Mortis, Wrath of Logarius bend black metal to fit their formless rule.   

Line-up
Noctifer - Vocals
Urath - Lead Guitar
Vastador - Guitar
Lord Marco - Drums
 
Recording Studio
Rapture Recordings, Hayward, CA, USA
 
Production Credits
Produced, Engineered, Mixed & Mastered by Cody Fuentes at Rapture Recordings Studio

Cover Art
Sant V. Schreiber
 
Pre-save & Pre-order
https://orcd.co/wrathoflogariuscrownofmortis

Booking Contact:
martyr.urath@gmail.com
 
Follow Wrath of Logarius
Bandcamp: https://wrathoflogarius.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrath_of_logarius/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/wrath-of-logarius/1712706210
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0CHi92LvwVayTacWx3nsfa

Buckcherry Announces 11th Album "Roar Like Thunder" Out June 13 // Title Track Video Premieres Today

Following the worldwide acclaim for their 2023 release, Vol. 10, Buckcherry today announce the June 13 release date for their eleventh album, Roar Like Thunder. 

As with Vol. 10, and its predecessor Hellbound, Roar Like Thunder was recorded in Nashville at Sienna Studios and produced by Marti Frederiksen. All 10 tracks were written by vocalist Josh Todd, guitarist Stevie D, and Frederiksen.

The album will be released in North America by Round Hill Records; in Japan by Sony Japan; and in the remainder of the world by Earache Records.

Pre-order the album from Round Hill here and from Earache here.

A video for the title track was filmed in Los Angeles by director Tom Flynn and premieres today. 

Watch the video below:

As previously announced, the band commences a co-headline tour with Steel Panther on April 11 in Redding, California. Dates for the tour are below.

BUCKCHERRY ON TOUR :
4/11 — Redding, CA — Civic Center
4/12 — Reno, NV — Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort*
4/12 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon#
4/13 — Spokane, WA — Spokane Live#
4/15 — Coquitlam, BC — Great Canadian Casino
4/16 — Penticton, BC — Penticton Trade and Convention Centre
4/18 — Edmonton, AB — Midway
4/19  — Ft McMurray, AB — CNOOC Field House
4/20 — Red Deer, AB — Bo’s Bar#
4/22 — Cranbrook, BC — Western Financial Center
4/23 — Calgary, AB — Grey Eagle Event Center
4/25 — Whitecourt, AB— Eagle River Casino#
4/26 — Bonnyville, AB — Centennial Centre
4/28 — Winnipeg, MB — Club Regent
4/29 — Regina, SK — Conexus Arts Centre
4/30 — Saskatoon, SK — TCU Place
5/2 — Thunder Bay, ON — NV Music Hall
5/4 — Sudbury, ON — The Grand
5/5 — Hamilton, ON — First Ontario Concert Hall
5/6 — Montreal, QC — Mtelus
5/7 — Pickering, ON — Pickering Casino Resort
5/9 — London, ON — London Music Hall
5/10 — Waterloo, ON — Maxwell's
5/12  — Halifax, NS — Light House Event Center
5/13 — Moncton, NB — Casino New Brunswick
5/14  — Quebec City, QC — Capitole
5/16 — Ottawa, ON — Bronson Centre
5/17 — Verona, NY — Turning Stone Event Center
5/18 — North Towanda, NY — The Riviera Theatre
5/20 — Fort Wayne, IN — Pierre's#
5/21 — Bloomington, IL  — Castle Theater#
5/22 — Granite Falls, MN  — Prairie's Edge Casino#
*Steel Panther Only
# Buckcherry Only

More tour info here.