Rising Country Sensation Maddox Batson Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Hailed as “one of the most exciting new voices in Country music” by Holler, breakout country artist Maddox Batson made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday, March 26, performing two songs from his recently released EP First Dance.
 
In between performing “I Don’t Like You Anymore” and “It Was You,” Batson shared, “Performing here at the Opry tonight means more to me than anything. I want to give a shout out to all my family here tonight. I can’t stop smiling. You’re making dreams come true for me!”
 
Chatting with Opry announcer Charlie Mattos on stage, Batson was asked, “How cool did it feel to be in that circle?”
 
“Walking out on this stage, the circle, is something I’ve wanted to do my entire life. I know I haven’t lived a long time, but…,” he shared smiling, with laughter from the audience. “Growing up in the country music space, growing up knowing the prestige of the Grand Ole Opry and actually coming out here to play it means the world to me. It’s the coolest thing ever.”
 
First Dance, available now via Prosper Entertainment/Warner Records, finds the multi-instrumental singer-songwriter captivating audiences with his heartfelt storytelling and signature sound. Listen HERE.
 
Talking about First Dance from the Opry stage, he shared, “I’ve never been more proud of a body of music. A year ago, I released my first song ‘Tears in the River.’ And then a year and six days later, I got to release my debut EP. I’m so proud of it and glad the fans are liking it so far.”
 
The EP arrives after standout “I Don’t Like You Anymore,” surpassing 1 million Spotify streams and 3.2 million YouTube views on its accompanying music video. It follows in the wake of the buzzing “X’s,” which has already amassed over 6 million Spotify streams in addition to 11 million YouTube views on the music video.
 
First Dance features seven tracks with the same youthful magnetism, including highlights like the single “Girl In Green.” Showcasing his stunning signature style, Batson paints a cinematic picture on the catchy chorus, “Tell me, have you seen the girl in green? Felt like a movie, yes it could’ve been a dream.” The music video for “Girl In Green” is available now - watch HERE.

Photo Credit: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Talking about First Dance from the Opry stage, he shared, “I’ve never been more proud of a body of music. A year ago, I released my first song ‘Tears in the River.’ And then a year and six days later, I got to release my debut EP. I’m so proud of it and glad the fans are liking it so far.”
 
The EP arrives after standout “I Don’t Like You Anymore,” surpassing 1 million Spotify streams and 3.2 million YouTube views on its accompanying music video. It follows in the wake of the buzzing “X’s,” which has already amassed over 6 million Spotify streams in addition to 11 million YouTube views on the music video.
 
First Dance features seven tracks with the same youthful magnetism, including highlights like the single “Girl In Green.” Showcasing his stunning signature style, Batson paints a cinematic picture on the catchy chorus, “Tell me, have you seen the girl in green? Felt like a movie, yes it could’ve been a dream.” The music video for “Girl In Green” is available now - watch HERE.
 
This spring, Batson will hit the road once again with headlining tour dates in New York City, Dallas, Chicago and more, along with a performance at Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, CA. Following high demand, Batson upgraded venues across the country with limited tickets remaining. This fall, he’s set to join one of country’s biggest stars, supporting Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind Tour.

Tour Routing:
March 28 || Columbus, OH || The Bluestone*
March 29 || Louisville, KY || Mercury Ballroom*
March 30 || Indianapolis, IN || Egyptian Room*
April 4 || Rosemont, IL || Joe’s Live*
April 5 || Rootstown, OH || Dusty Armadillo*
April 6 || New York, NY || Irving Plaza*
April 9 || Savannah, GA || Victory North*
April 10 || Charleston, SC || Charleston Music Hall*
April 11 || Raleigh, NC || Lincoln Theatre*
April 13 || Huntsville, AL || Mars Music Hall*
April 17 || Dallas, TX || House of Blues*
April 18 || Houston, TX || White Oak Music Hall - Downstairs *
April 19 || Austin, TX || Emo’s Austin *
April 22 || Denver, CO || Summit
April 24 || Phoenix, AZ || Crescent Ballroom*
April 26 || Indio, CA || Stagecoach Music Festival                
June 28 || Fairfield, CA || Vineyard Jam 2025
July 20 || Valparaiso, IN || Porter County Fair
Aug 10 || West Chester Township, OH || Voices of America Country Music Fest
Sept 11 || Baton Rouge, LA || Raising Cane’s River Center^
Sept 12 || Baton Rouge, LA || Raising Cane’s River Center^
Sept 13 || Bossier City, LA || Brookshire Grocery Arena^
Oct 2 || Nashville, TN || Bridgestone Arena^
Oct 16 || St. Louis, MO || Hollywood Casio Amphitheatre^
Oct 17 || Rosemont, IL || Allstate Arena^
Oct 18 || Saint Paul, MN || Xcel Energy Center^
 
*SOLD OUT
^Lainey Wilson Support Dates
 
About Maddox Batson:
Maddox Batson navigates the world with wisdom and wit far beyond his 15 years. After the Nashville-born, Alabama-based songwriter began gaining notoriety covering songs from Zach Bryan, Red Clay Strays, and more, he started to write his own songs. Thanks to early singles like “Tears In The River” and “I Wanna Know,” Batson quickly showed that he wasn’t only a star at covering country hits, but an excellent writer of his own home-cooked cuts – a practice he saw first-hand as a co-writer on Lana Del Rey and Quavo’s smash hit collaboration, “Tough.”
 
With the arrival of his latest single, “Girl In Green” and his EP First Dance, Batson is ready to show the world what he can create all while preparing for sold-out live shows across the country, his debut appearance at Stagecoach Music Festival and more new music. Life is moving fast for the multi-instrumentalist (piano, guitar & mandolin) who has fully embraced his next-up in country-pop music.  “It can be overwhelming, this life, but I’ve got a lot of good people surrounding me,” he explains. “I’m still just a kid, though, and I’m happy about that.” More at MaddoxBatson.com. 
 
STAY TUNED WITH MADDOX BATSON
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Christian Hayes Releases “Through It All” + Lyric Video Out Now

Ever since Capitol Records recording artist Christian Hayes’ love for songwriting was born in a journal his grandpa gifted him at age seven, music has been an avenue for him to navigate complex emotions associated with growing up and the heartaches that come with it. The release of his latest song, “Through It All,” is no exception, as Hayes toggles with learning to move on from a relationship alone.
 
Listen to “Through It All” HERE and watch the “Through It All” lyric video BELOW.
 
“I wrote ‘Through It All’ in celebration of all the times I made it through things without the people who promised they’d be there for me,” reflects Hayes. “It’s a song about realizing you’re strong enough - and you are enough… It’s something I hope you can find strength in as well.”
 
Written by Hayes and Jonah Kagen, and produced by Kagen, the emotional ballad conveys the anguish of a relationship ending with a person who was expected to be around to help weather life’s storms. 

Prior to “Through It All,” Hayes released his debut EP, Last I Love You, in September 2024. Last I Love You casts a wide net, introducing Hayes’ genre-bending style by fusing Americana and folk, while bouncing between campfire ballads, cinematic soundscapes and raw, rowdy barn-burners. At the center of that sound is Hayes himself: a wise-beyond-his-years musician who knows he can't move forward without taking a look at his past. 
 
Genuine and articulate, Hayes comes from a long line of storytellers that includes his Grandpa Jack – a poet by profession. Born and raised in the foothills of Appalachia, Hayes began playing guitar at age eight. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and attended the University of Alabama.
 
Hayes made his Grand Ole Opry debut on February 1, performing two songs: the unreleased "Home Sweet Home" and viral hit, "LILY." This Summer, Hayes will make his CMA Fest debut with a performance on the Hard Rock Stage.
 
Upcoming 2025 Tour Dates:
March 28 // Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival // Nashville, TN
April 18 // Boot Barn Hall // Gainesville, GA
June 5 // CMA Fest // Nashville, TN
June 6 // Downtown Historic McKinney Square // McKinney, TX
June 26 // Jackalope Jamboree 2025 // Pendleton, OR
Sept. 11 // Born & Raised 2025 // Pryor, OK

About Christian Hayes:
Raised in the Appalachian foothills of northern Georgia, Christian Hayes grew up surrounded by southern storytelling. His grandfather —a poet by profession —encouraged him to begin writing in a journal at 7 years old, sparking a habit that would eventually take Hayes to Nashville. A veteran of the US Navy Reserve, Hayes began applying the discipline of his military training to his work as a songwriter, amassing more than 900 original songs by his mid-twenties. Five of those songs appear on Last I Love You, his debut for Capitol Records available now. Produced by Lukas Bracewell and steeped in Hayes' unique version of American roots music, Last I Love You features the viral hit "LILY" (which racked up more than 3 million streams before the EP's official release), the anthemic "Black Gold," and a mix of effortless melodies, cinematic folk and rowdy, barn-burning Americana. Earlier this year Hayes made his debuts on both the Grand Ole Opry and Bluebird stages. More at Christianhayesmusic.com.

Eric Church Brings 'Evangeline vs. The Machine Live' to Nashville's The Pinnacle May 23 & 24

Widely renowned for his singular concerts, with Forbes remarking that he “frequently looks to shake up just how fans experience live music,” Eric Church once again offers a unique live experience with an exclusive pair of shows set for May 23 and 24 at Nashville’s newest live music venue, The Pinnacle, in celebration of the release of his highly anticipated May 2 album, Evangeline vs. The Machine. Pre-order/pre-save the album HERE.
 
Tickets to Evangeline vs. The Machine Live go on sale to premium Church Choir members Monday, March 31 at 10 a.m. CT. Become a premium Church Choir member here.
 
The one-off shows will see Church perform the new album in sequence for the first time, while also treating fans to a number of compelling performances of his most iconic hits. 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” is already impressing, having set a new personal record en route to becoming most added at Country radio this week with 135 first-week stations and earning immediate praise from fans and critics alike. Stereogum lauded the “juicy, fired-up Southern rocker about living in a world that increasingly makes no sense to you;” Rolling Stone celebrated the “nostalgic jukebox, full of allusions to songs and artists that were essential to Church’s career: Bob Seger and ‘Hollywood Nights,’ Tom Petty and ‘Even the Losers,’ AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black,’ and Willie and Waylon’s ‘Luckenbach, Texas,’ among them;” and Billboard honored the way “the song builds into a punchy, rock-fueled anthem as Church sings of turning to simple pleasures – particularly music – to fend off the impact of the passing decades.”
 
Among the other songs featured on the forthcoming Jay Joyce-produced 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’.”
 
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.

THE MAN-EATING TREE Unleash New Single "Ruins Of Insanity"! ​

On April 11, 2025, Finnish atmospheric metallers THE MAN-EATING TREE will release their brand new studio offering, "Night Verses", via Noble Demon. The pre-sale is available at https://music.nobledemon.com/verses 

With "Night Verses", THE MAN-EATING TREE returns with renewed energy and a desire to push the boundaries of their sound. With a lineup featuring former and current members of legendary bands such as Ghost Brigade, Poisonblack, Mors Subita, Entwine, and more, the band is poised to deliver their most powerful and dynamic album yet.

Following the previously-released, first appetizer "Seer", and second single "To The Sinking", today, THE MAN-EATING TREE has premiered another glimpse into the soon to be released album. Listen to "Ruins Of Insanity" Below.

Vocalist Manne Ikonen (ex-Ghost Brigade) tells us about the song:
"'Ruins of Insanity' tells a horrifying story about a couple struggling with a severe addiction and acquisitiveness in a dystopic world of chaos and misery, mind taken over by blinding lunacy so strong that reality and common sense is no longer in hand."

Founding member Janne Markus adds:

"Melancholy, own, common, hated, ashamed, loved, desired. The disintegration of two people's world and its reflection in everything around them. Leaving only emptiness. As a song this is the most straight-forward, catchy, melodic, not as heavy as the other songs on the album."

THE MAN-EATING TREE are:
Manne Ikonen - vocals (ex-Ghost Brigade)
Janne Markus - guitar, vocals (Ex-Poisonblack, ex-The Abbey)
Sakke Paavola - guitar
Aksu Hanttu - drums (Ex-Entwine, Tuoni, S-Tool)
Mika "June" Junttila - bass (Mors Subita)

For More Information Please Visit:

 https://themaneatingtree.fi/
https://www.instagram.com/themaneatingtreeofficial

https://www.facebook.com/themaneatingtree/
https://linktr.ee/nobledemon  

Kami Kehoe, Ekoh, and Colorblind Unite For New Single "Safehouse"

Three of the most electrifying forces in the alternative and hip-hop scenes — Kami Kehoe, Ekoh, and Colorblind — come together for the first time on their powerful new single, "Safehouse". A genre-bending anthem for anyone searching for refuge in chaos, this new track introduces Kami Kehoe as the latest addition to the Cupid Theory management roster, where she joins fellow "Safehouse" collaborator Colorblind.

Watch the new video for "Safehouse" HERE or at the link below.

Amidst the hellish landscape of the recent California wildfires, this tight-knit collective escaped to Las Vegas to weather the storm. What emerged from that time was "Safehouse," a brooding, hard rock monument born from chaos and resilience. In a powerful act of solidarity, Kami Kehoe, Ekoh, and Colorblind will be donating all royalties from "Safehouse" to those impacted by the California wildfires.

Looking back at the making of "Safehouse," the voices behind the track spoke about what made this collaboration so special:

"When the fires happened in LA I evacuated to Vegas and ended up meeting some incredible people. Ekoh, Travis from colorblind, Curt Martin, and now my manager Kyle. We were all in shock from what was happening, I remember we were all just sitting there talking about how unreal everything felt, and constantly checking to see if our homes and friends were safe. But during such a tragic time we were able to make something so beautiful from it. All of us together ended up making such a powerful song that will hopefully help anyone who needs it. And even though the fires have stopped, there are still tons of people who are suffering, so we want to help as much as we can and give all of the royalties to the victims of the LA wildfires."

- Kami Kehoe

"When the LA wildfires hit in January, the three of us ended up in Vegas, just trying to process everything and figure out our next move. It was a pretty scary situation, but making music together gave us a way to escape for a minute and put all that fear and uncertainty into something real. That song became more than just a track—it captured what we were feeling in that moment, and hopefully, it can do the same for anyone else who ever finds themselves in a situation like that."

- Ekoh

"Just by the energy in the room when we started this song I could tell it was going to be special. Having to evacuate LA was an experience that none of us were expecting and getting to cope with that anxiety by making music with my friends is something that I’m so grateful for. We hope you feel this song as much as we did. Our hearts go out to everyone who was affected by the LA fires."

- Travis Moseley of Colorblind

With "Safehouse" making an impact, Kami Kehoe, Ekoh, and Colorblind are setting the tone and promising a thrilling, ever-growing 2025. As their collective stream counts total to millions, this collaboration embodies the spirit of a supergroup, blending their talents in a one-time alliance. Bringing together distinct details from their respective genres, "Safehouse" serves as exactly that — a space where fans can find solace in times of uncertainty.

Don't miss out on Colorblind currently touring with Capstan across the US now, as well as Kami Kehoe and Ekoh taking the stage at Warped Tour this July! You can also catch Kami Kehoe and Colorblind at Louder Than Life Fest this September, alongside acts such as Slayer, Avenged Sevenfold, and Deftones.

Photo Credit: Jacqueline Day

ABOUT KAMI KEHOE

KAMI KEHOE has never been one to sit around and wait for permission. Although she’s only 21, the Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and drummer has been blazing her own musical path for the past 15 years, spinning a chameleonic, hard-charged rock sound into 25 million streams and more than 24 million TikTok views. 

This unapologetic authenticity propelled her breakout hit “SLEEP WHEN I’M DEAD,” from her 2024 album REVIVED (Coup D'état/10K Projects), to audiences around the world in stratospheric fashion. Almost overnight, the garage-punk suckerpunch ripped through social media at lightning speed, netting Kami 100,000 new TikTok followers a day and further cementing her as a rising name in the underground. 

Now, that story continues with “SAFEHOUSE,” her brand-new single featuring Colorblind and Ekoh. Written in the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, the track combines droning shoegaze, Deftones-style riffs and propulsive electronic undertones into a hypnotic blend of metal, alternative and hip-hop. It’s another bold step forward for Kami as she continues to kick down the guardrails of her sound – as well as another entry in her omnipresent push to Kure The World, a mantra proudly emblazoned on her bass drum and a mission statement that’s powered her songwriting since day one. “If I can change one person’s life through my music, then I’ve reached my goal,” she says proudly. “I make music for me; I release music for others.”

ABOUT EKOH

Ekoh, a versatile artist from Las Vegas, blends hip-hop, rock, and alternative genres to create a unique sound that defies boundaries. He gained national attention with his breakout single "Hole in Your Head," which earned rotation on Sirius XM radio. Since then, Ekoh has had five more singles featured on Octane, as well as his song “Good Things” reaching top 40 on the radio charts, cementing his place in the rock world. 

Known for high-energy live performances, Ekoh has built a strong connection with fans, highlighted by a memorable moment during his “Freeverse 3” set, where fans threw their Vans shoes on stage for him to sign. This led to a partnership with Vans, allowing Ekoh to design his own custom shoes. 

In October 2024, Ekoh released Pressure, a rock/rap hybrid album that landed in the top 10 rock charts and received widespread critical and fan praise for its innovative sound. The release was followed by a 27-city headline tour across the U.S. and Canada, solidifying Ekoh’s position as a trailblazer in both rock and hip-hop. With a growing fanbase and a distinct musical style, Ekoh continues to carve out his own lane in the industry.

ABOUT COLORBLIND

Forming in 2017, Colorblind have finally found their rhythm with brothers Travis & Tyler Moseley, Justin Page and Nicholas Asper. The band combines various aspects of rock, pop, & hip-hop to create a unique sound of their own. Their catchy and addictive vocal melodies combined with an energetic live show has made them a force to be reckoned with. The band started their touring career in early 2024 supporting acts like Attack Attack!, Caskets, Honey Revenge, Until I Wake and recently signed their first record deal with rock & metal labels Tooth & Nail Records and Solid State Records. Colorblind are due for their debut album in late fall of 2025. 

OPETH Wins Best Hard Rock & Metal Award at Swedish Grammis for ‘The Last Will & Testament’

Acclaimed progressive metal legends OPETH have been honored with the prestigious Best Hard Rock & Metal award at this year’s Swedish Grammis. This achievement marks yet another milestone in the band’s illustrious career, further cementing their legacy as one of Sweden’s most influential and celebrated musical acts.

The award follows the release of ‘The Last Will & Testament,' the band’s fourteenth studio album, which was officially released on November 22 via Reigning Phoenix Music / Moderbolaget.

Order ‘The Last Will & Testament’: HERE

Opeth's fourteenth album was written by Åkerfeldt, with lyrics conferred with Klara Rönnqvist Fors (The Heard, ex-Crucified Barbara). ‘The Last Will & Testament’ was co-produced by Åkerfeldt and Stefan Boman (Ghost, The Hellacopters), engineered by Boman, Joe Jones (Killing Joke, Robert Plant), and Opeth, with Boman, Åkerfeldt, and the rest of Opeth mixing at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe Studios in Stockholm. The strings on ‘The Last Will & Testament’ were arranged by Åkerfeldt and returning prog friend Dave Stewart (Egg, Khan) and conducted by Stewart at Angel Studios in London. Not one to miss a beat, visual artist Travis Smith returns to the fold, crafting his 11th cover, a haunting "photograph" reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick's infamous "Overlook Hotel" photograph. Miles Showell (ABBA, Queen) also revisits mastering and vinyl lacquer cutting at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Åkerfeldt rolls out the red carpet for storied flautist and Jethro Tull main man Ian Anderson. Not only do Anderson's signature notes fly on "§4" and "§7", he narrates on "§1", "§2", "§4", and "§7". Joining Anderson, Europe's Joey Tempest lends a backing vocal hand on "§2”, while Åkerfeldt's youngest daughter, Mirjam Åkerfeldt, is the disembodied voice in "§1".

‘The Last Will & Testament ‘is gripping from start to finish, jaw-dropping inside and out, representing some of Opeth's finest material to date. Just as Opeth welcomed many into its distressed arms over the years, the Swedes again deliver on the promise that great music always tells a compelling story—this time with growls.

After three decades of dazzling the world, Opeth have made their most daring creative leap yet. The Last Will & Testament is a progressive and dramatic triumph, and yet more proof that expecting the unexpected is the only way forward for fans of Sweden’s finest.

“It’s a restless record for me,” concludes Åkerfeldt. “It’s an explosion of ideas, which I like. It’s a bit shorter and snappier. But I definitely didn’t want to rehash anything. The only thing that has come back is some of those death metal screams, but the mindset is still much more forward looking. In typical Opeth fashion, it’s not a direct record that you understand and that you love or hate right away. It takes time and if you put that time into it, you might like it… or hate it! It feels like it was written on a whim. Which it was, in a way! I hear things on this album and think, where the fuck did that come from?”

Lineup:

Mikael Åkerfeldt – Vocals, guitars

Fredrik Åkesson – Guitars, backing vocals

Martin Mendez – Bass guitar

Waltteri Väyrynen – Drums and percussion

Joakim Svalberg – Keyboards, backing vocals

Special Guests:

Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) - spoken word (tracks 1, 2, 4, 7) // flute (tracks 4, 7)

Joey Tempest (Europe) - backing vocals (track 2)

Mirjam Åkerfeldt - spoken word (track 1)

All Music and Lyrics written by Mikael Åkerfeldt

Lyrical concept by Mikael Åkerfeldt, dramatic consultation by Klara Rönnqvist Fors

Produced by Mikael Åkerfeldt

Co-produced by Opeth and Stefan Boman

Engineered by Stefan Boman, Joe Jones and Opeth

Mixing by Stefan Boman and Mikael Åkerfeldt and Opeth at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe, Stockholm, Sweden

Mastering and vinyl lacquer cut by Miles Showell at Abbey Road studios, London, UK

Strings conducted by Dave Stewart at Angel Studios, London, UK

Strings arrangement by Mikael Åkerfeldt and Dave Stewart

Drum technicalities by Kit Cunningham

Artwork by Travis Smith with directions from Mikael Åkerfeldt

Biography by Dom Lawson

ENVY OF NONE’S NEW ALBUM STYGIAN WAVZ OUT TODAY

The highly anticipated second album from Canadian/American four-piece Envy Of None is out today. Titled Stygian Wavz, the album draws its name from the work of the Roman poet Ovid who spoke of “Stygian waves and turbulence at the gates of hell” – a metaphor for the struggles and hardships we face. Following a recent string of standout single releases and stunning music videos, the band are excited to finally be able to share the album in its entirety and bring their full creative vision to life.

I loved all the quality building materials that arrived from my partners and enjoyed cementing each board and brick of an idea into 11 unique rooms within a most beautiful abode. I would encourage you to stroll slowly and repeatedly through each of these rooms, drinking in the colours, gazing at the vistas and feeling the warm wash of sensory vibration. Within these rooms, we have built a place for you, our cordial guest, to relax and open your heart and mind in the comfort of our beloved home.

Welcome, friend.
Alex Lifeson

Though they’d never describe themselves as such, Envy Of None are the living, breathing definition of a supergroup. No other band on earth could rightly claim to have Alex Lifeson – one of rock’s most influential visionaries – heading up guitar duties, with Andy Curran of Coney Hatch and Soho 69 overseeing bass/programming as well as producer extraordinaire Alfio Annibalini on keyboards. However, the star in this band could very well be its youngest member – American singer-songwriter Maiah Wynne – whose wonderfully emotive vocals are able to spin the music in new exciting directions that thrill to the core.

Stygian Wavz is out now on a selection of formats including coloured vinyl, standard black vinyl, CD, Blu-ray, digitally and as a special deluxe edition boxset –

Stygian Wavz Black Vinyl LP Edition, mastered at half-speed

Stygian Wavz Digipak CD with 16-page booklet

BUY STYGIAN WAVZ, OUT NOW

To celebrate the release of Envy Of None’s new album Stygian Wavz today, Gibson has created an Envy of None custom Epiphone Les Paul Special II adorned with the striking Stygian Wavz album artwork in full detail. This exclusive, one-of-a-kind guitar has been signed by all four band members – Alex Lifeson, Andy Curran, Maiah Wynne & Alfio Annibalini.

Fans have a chance to win this exceptional, collector’s edition Epiphone guitar by purchasing Stygian Wavz directly from the band's official store at visionmerch.com/envy-of-none.

Each purchase of the new album, in any format, counts as one entry into the competition. The competition will close at 11:59pm EST on Friday 18th April and the winner will be chosen at random and notified shortly afterwards.
 

Stygian Wavz is out everywhere now on Kscope. More info/buy here.

Envy Of None are:
Alf Annibalini - Guitar, Keyboards, Programming
Andy Curran - Bass Guitar, Background Vocals, Guitar, Programming
Alex Lifeson- Guitar, Mandola, Oud, Programming
Maiah Wynne - Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Keyboards
 

Follow Envy Of None:
https://www.instagram.com/envyofnone_
https://twitter.com/envyofnone_
https://www.tiktok.com/@envyofnone_
https://www.facebook.com/envyofnone
www.kscopemusic.com/artists/envyofnone

KMFDM’s Lucia Cifarelli Joins Lords Of Acid’s “Praise The Lords” Tour as Opening Artist Along with Little Miss Nasty

Industrial music icon Lucia Cifarelli, best known as the fierce front woman for the world famous Ultra Heavy Beat sensation KMFDM, is officially joining the Lords Of Acid “Praise The Lords” Tour on select dates as a featured opening artist. She will hit the road along with the groundbreaking goth, edm, metal dance group Little Miss Nasty, adding even more fire to an already explosive and wild lineup.

Fans can expect Lucia to deliver a mesmerizing solo set packed with her signature power, grit, and dark glam. The tour promises a full night of provocative performance, raw sensuality, and unapologetic, female dominated industrial edge, giving fans across the U.S. a live experience like no other. And adding the final dagger of feminine power to this tour is Lords Of Acid’s new “Acid Queen” Carla Harvey (formerly of Butcher Babies fame)!

“We’re thrilled to have Lucia Cifarelli joining us on this tour,” says Lords Of Acid founder Praga Khan. “She’s a fearless powerhouse, and an industrial music legend!”

The “Praise The Lords” Tour kicks off May 27th in San Francisco and hits 27 cities across the country. Tickets and VIP packages are available now at lordsofacidofficial.com.

Acclaimed Bay Area Rockers BLACK MAP Share New Single 'Badlands' + Video

Today, multi-genre rockers BLACK MAP share a new single, "Badlands," from their forthcoming album 'Hex,' out May 9th. The album marks their debut for Spinefarm. "Badlands" is accompanied by a new visualizer.

About the single, Ben Flanagan (vocals/bass) comments:

"'Badlands' is a song about ultimately exploring new heights. Moving forward and up. It’s immediate and direct. The spirit of the song reminds me of the music I was listening to when I first picked up a guitar. For me, there is something super cathartic about playing it."

Watch the Video for "Badlands" Below:

At the start of 2024, BLACK MAP retreated to Southern California to record 'Hex' with Saosinguitarist Beau Burchell behind the board as producer. The band embraced a clear, collective vision, shifting from the expansive, ethereal nature of 'Melodoria' to a more urgent and immediate sound.

Vocalist/Bassist Ben Flanagan describes 'Hex' as a body of work with a strong “let’s f*cking go” spirit, while guitarist Mark Engles emphasizes its balance between atmospheric elements and a driving intensity. The album captures the band’s signature style, with Mark’s distinct guitar work ever-present and a renewed focus on immediacy and raw energy.

For Ben, 'Hex' represents the profound impact of music, offering solace and connection. Drummer Chris Robyn adds that the album carries an unstoppable momentum, charging forward with force and intention. Rooted in themes of personal struggle, authenticity, and resilience, 'Hex' stands as BLACK MAP’s most powerful and urgent release yet.

Pre-Order 'Hex' HERE

Having formed in 2014 from the bands Dredg, Far, and The Trophy Fire, BLACK MAP has generated critical acclaim from the press as well as their musician peers.

Pivoting around a nimble balance of post-hardcore, alternative, and hard rock, the trio of vocalist and bassist Ben Flanagan, guitarist Mark Engles, and drummer Chris Robyn convene, congregate, and commune to power up BLACK MAP. Their union teems with emotion and electricity—which the musicians harness to craft immediate and raucous anthems underscored by unpredictable musicality and undeniable hooks.

BLACK MAP are: 

Ben Flanagan - vocals, bass

Mark Engles - guitar

Chris Robyn - drums

Wolves at the Gate Drop "Synthetic Sun" Visualizer

Today, the band has shared the visualizer for second single "SYNTHETIC SUN." Watch it below.

"As a culture, we're trying to create our own morality, but can't do so without a true moral standard," says vocalist/guitarist Steve Cobucci. "Rather, we do this individually, which ends up creating chaos. We all fall prey to this mindset. Creating your own morality will cause you to block out any semblance of truth outside of yourself. If you metaphorically block out the actual sun and create a synthetic sun, it will result in a slow and fatal poisoning."

The song's poignant and extremely current lyrical lean is complemented by the sonic heft. Syncopated beats and synths anchor the song, which will take up real estate in your brain long after the song fades out.

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

DIAMOND DOGS Pay Honor to Little Richard in his Hometown Macon, GA March 28th at The Cherry Blossom Festival

DIAMOND DOGS are excited to announce an electrifying appearance at The Cherry Blossom Festival at Atrium Health Amphitheater on March 28th in Macon, GA, following the Guinness World Record official attempt for the Largest Kazoo Ensemble. Fresh off the success of their recently released album, 'Macon Georgia Giant' - an homage to Little Richard, the band will be playing a full set in tribute to the King himself in his hometown.

On the unexpected invitation, vocalist Sulo states:

"It's an unbelievable opportunity to actually play the songs in his hometown and, in some poetic way, complete the circle. Without him, there wouldn't have been any rock 'n' roll, and without rock 'n' roll, it would have been a much emptier planet."

The proceeds from the performance will benefit foundations honoring Macon's other musical icon, soul master Otis Redding.

Additionally, DIAMOND DOGS will record new tracks at the legendary Capricorn Studio, where stars like the Allman Brothers recorded their debut albums.

"It's beautiful to see how music continues to build bridges between different eras and brings people from all backgrounds together. Rock 'n' roll will always be a universal language that stands the test of time, and this journey to Macon, Georgia is just further proof of that," says Sulo.

Watch the Video for "King of Rock 'n' Roll" Below

DIAMOND DOGS may be a bunch of renaissance rockers deeply rooted in the early 70s British rock and roll, but just like their forerunners, they owe almost everything to Little Richard, the architect of it all! It's impossible to even imagine rock and roll without him.

One of DIAMOND DOGS' early tunes is called "Lunatic Eye-Rolling Delivery" which is a line nicked from a concert review of Little Richard, and we believe it sums up the essence of his greatness pretty well. He was much more than a rock pioneer, the way he dressed up and spoke was something the world had never experienced before.

Little Richard got Paul McCartney to write "I Saw Her Standing There", got James Browna new haircut, and put a silly little mustache on Prince!

So, the idea of recording a homage to the true king of rock and roll had been with the band for many years when CHRIS SPEDDING one day called Sulo and asked if they should record something together. Of course, Sulo immediately said yes, and then asked him to join DIAMOND DOGS in the upcoming studio session to record some well selected Little Richard gems for an LP. All said and done, and CHRIS was extra thrilled that his favorite "Send Me Some Lovin'' was among the songs that were picked.

And, on a cold and windy January day, the DOGS gathered with the new old puppy in the sweet premises of Dog Pound Studios, along with their beloved friend and engineer Jonas Åhlén.

The result is a breathtaking homage to the king, Little Richard. This is 'Macon Georgia Giant, ' ladies and gentlemen – prepare to get your socks rocked.

Order 'Macon Georgia Giant' HERE

Bay Area electro pop artist Matthew Nowhere shares 'Echoes Still Remain', teasing debut album

California-based electro pop artist Matthew Nowhere presents his new single 'Echoes Still Remain', a moody and evocative offering. Ethereal vocals lace through a pulsating soundscape like a brooding rhythmic ghost of celebrated new wave pioneers.

This is the second taste of his debut record 'Crystal Heights', slated for release in late spring. Of the 13 tracks on offer, two feature American dreamgaze stalwarts Lunar Twin.

As vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Matthew Nowhere explores the synth and tape-laden sounds of the 1980s with inspired reverence. Emerging from the intersection of old and new, his unique music weaves deep vibes and poetic lyrics with gritty New Wave beats.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and currently residing in California's Nevada County in the forests of the Sierra Mountains, Matthew Nowhere uses authentic analog production styles in creating deeply authentic and soulful music that speaks to the power of love to overcome all obstacles.  

"Echoes Still Remain’ comes out of exploring ideas about the artistic process itself - the way in which a lonely whisper of inspiration in an artist’s mind can take flight and become realized as a concrete work. And in those rare cases, something that started as just a personal vision might even become immortal, something that lives on, becoming all these different things to different people," says Matthew Nowhere.

Earlier, Matthew Nowhere released the lead track from the album, 'Love Is Only What We Are', noting, "This song is really about longing… the deep and sometimes indescribable yearning we all have for love, for real authentic connection. It’s interesting - my job as an artist is to try and harness that longing, and give it shape, sounds, texture. The chorus is then an affirmation that actually, that longing is not a need or a lack… it’s actually a seed that carries with it the possibility of growing into exactly the love we are looking for.

 In the video, I play with this idea as well. The black and white images of seeds in the first part of the song later blossom into these vivid, colorful, moving flowers. A similar idea is expressed by how inside of the black and white imagery of me singing, there is also this full color version, moving around, roiling, longing to escape and express"

As of March 27, 'Echoes Still Remain' is available from fine music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. On May 23, the 'Crystal Heights' album, now available for pre-order, will be released digitally and on Limited Edition transparent blue vinyl.

CREDITS
Music composed by Matthew Nowhere (Matthew Lin Packard)
Lyrics by Matthew Nowhere
except ‘Transforming’ and ‘Persist3nce’ - lyrics by Bryce Boudreau
Matthew Nowhere - vocals, synths, bass, guitar, drums, drum machines, programing & sequencing
Bryce Boudreau – lead vocals on ‘Transforming’ and ‘Persist3nce’
Chris Murphy – additional synths on ‘Persist3nce’
Antonio Family Singers – choir on ‘Persist3nce’
Mixed & mastered at Nowhere Sound Studios
Recorded at Nowhere Sound (Grass Valley, CA), Tiny Flame Studios (Petaluma, CA), Ohia Forest Recordings (Kealekua, Hawaii), Desert Heat Studio (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Cover artwork by Violet Flame Design
Artist photos and videography by Anjali Rivera
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Matthew Nowhere
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky | TikTok | Soundcloud | YouTube| Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter |  Instagram | BlueSky | Threads  | Soundcloud | LinkedIn | Emai l

Dead Poet Society Share Video for New Version of "HURT" (Feat. The Warning)

Los Angeles quartet DEAD POET SOCIETY, who were recently tipped by The New York Post's Page Six as a band to know, dropped their second album FISSION in 2024 via Spinefarm. It's available here.

They haven't taken a beat since releasing the album—embarking on a non-stop Herculean tour, screaming up the radio charts, and winning over fans and press with every performance.

They closed the year with a killer reimagined version of their single "HURT," featuring rock band The Warning. 

They share the official video Below.

The video, which feels almost voyeuristic and lo-fi, is electrifyingly cinematic, with Dead Poet Society and The Warning performing as though their lives depend upon it. The riffs and dueling vocals crackle throughout. DPS x The Warning perform together — as if they were always meant to. Stick around 'til the end, where full musical mayhem ensues.

"It's a bit of a miracle that this video came together," DPS say. "The Warning had a tiny window in their tour schedule and it was an uncertain whether it would all come together but they killed it, and the director nailed the vibe. You would think that this whole video had been shot at once."

Upon the song's initial release, the band said, "We're so excited to release this new version of 'HURT' featuring The Warning. We first saw Paulina from The Warning singing along to the song on social media, when we were on Shiprocked together. So it seemed only natural to invite her up for a repeat performance at Aftershock. It became such a moment, that we invited them to record a studio version with us and all three of The Warning sisters."

The Warning also shared, "The first time we heard the song was while working on our album Keep Me Fed with our producer, Anton DeLost, who also produced Dead Poet Society's album. When 'HURT' came out, we were in the studio and heard it there. We immediately congratulated Anton on everything because it was just incredible. From that moment, we became fans of the song.  Later, we met DPS on Shiprocked and heard the song live for the first time, which was amazing. Then, at Aftershock, DPS invited Pau to perform it with them on stage. That performance brought everything together, and after it, we started talking like, 'Hey, maybe we should hop on the song officially.' Now, we're thrilled to see it finally being released. It's such a powerful song, and we're incredibly happy to be part of it."

Dead Poet Society hit the road later this year with Chevelle. All dates are below.

DEAD POET SOCIETY ON TOUR:
WITH CHEVELLE + ASKING ALEXANDRIA:
8/7 — San Antonio, TX — Boeing Center at Tech Port
8/9 — Durant, OK — Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant — Grand Theater
8/10 — North Kansas City, MO — Harrah's Kansas City — VooDoo Lounge
8/12 — Omaha, NE — Steelhouse Omaha
8/14 — Indianapolis, IN — Everwise Amphitheater
8/15 — Chicago, IL — Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
8/16 — Louisville, KY — Iroquois Amphitheater
8/19 — Sterling Heights, MI — Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
8/20 — Toronto, ON — Great Canadian Toronto — The Theatre
8/21 — Pittsburgh, PA — Stage AE
8/23 — Asbury Park, NJ — Stone Pony Summer Stage
8/24 — Boston, MA — MGM Music Hall at Fenway
8/26 — New York, NY — The Rooftop at Pier 17
8/27 — Bethlehem, PA — Wind Creek Bethlehem - Wind Creek Event Center
8/28 — Wallingford, CT — The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theatre
8/30 — Virginia Beach, VA — The Dome
8/31 — Washington, DC — The Anthem
9/3 — Raleigh, NC — Red Hat Amphitheater
9/4 — Charlotte, NC — Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/5 — Simpsonville, SC — CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
9/7 — Atlanta, GA — Coca-Cola Roxy
9/9 — Nashville, TN — The Pinnacle
9/10 — Cincinnati, OH — PNC Pavilion
9/11 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave/Eagles Club - Eagles Ballroom
9/13 — Maryland Heights, MO — Saint Louis Music Park
9/14 — Oklahoma City, OK — The Criterion
9/16 — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium
9/17 — Grand Junction, CO — Las Colonias Park Amphitheater
9/18 — Albuquerque, NM — Revel
9/20 — Las Vegas, NV — The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas - The Chelsea
9/21 — Phoenix, AZ — Arizona Financial Theatre
9/23 — San Diego, CA — Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
9/26 — Hollywood, CA — Hollywood Palladium
9/27 — San Francisco, CA — The Masonic
9/28 — Redding, CA — Redding Civic Auditorium
9/30 — Idaho Falls, ID — Mountain America Center
10/1 — Nampa, ID — Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
10/2 — Airway Heights, WA — Northern Quest Resort & Casino — BECU Live

Dead Poet Society have captured (and held) the rock world's attention with their head-turning debut album, 2021's -!- (said as "The Exclamation Album") and their equally adored sophomore effort, 2024's FISSION — both released via Spinefarm. The band — Jack Underkofler (vocals/guitar); Jack Collins (guitar); Will Goodroad (drums); and Dylan Brenner (bass) — has enjoyed 150 million cumulative global streams, several Top 10 radio singles, and key playlisting while appearing at major festivals the world over, including Welcome to Rockville, Sonic Temple, Grasoop, Reading and Leeds, and 2000Trees. Dead Poet Society have toured with alt rock powerhouses Badflower, Biffy Clyro, and Highly Suspect, and more. The band has ultimately established itself as an intense live act not to be missed, with press accolades ranging from The New York Post to Riff to Rock Sound to American Songwriter to New Noise to Guitar World.
 

DEAD POET SOCIETY ARE:

Jack Underkofler — Vocals/Guitar

Jack Collins — Guitar

Will Goodroad — Drums

Dylan Brenner — Bass 

ALIEN WEAPONRY Joined by Lamb of God's Randy Blythe on New Anthem "Taniwha"; New Album Out This Friday, March 28, 2025 via Napalm Records

This Friday, March 28, New Zealand modern groove metal trio ALIEN WEAPONRY will release heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, Te Rā, via Napalm Records! Today, in celebration of this week's release, the band has unleashed one of the album's most aggressive, death-metal leaning offerings, “Taniwha”, featuring a raw, heavy-hitting contribution from longtime supporter and metal icon Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God.

Take a listen to the new track now – a special bonus listen two days in advance of the album's drop – and see below for insight into the track's inspirations! The new anthem follows acclaimed latest singles “Mau Moko” ("...top-notch technical thrash metal..." - Heavy Consequence) and "1000 Friends" ("a driving, riff forward affair that makes it super easy to bang your head to" - MetalSucks).

ALIEN WEAPONRY says about “Taniwha”:

“Lamb of God played a significant role in making Alien Weaponry what it is today and this collaboration with Randy Blythe feels like one of those ‘pinch yourself’ moments that our teenage selves would never believe possible. Randy’s lyricism and vocal expertise was an amazing addition to this song and we are beyond stoked to share this song/milestone with the world.”

Listen to "Taniwha” HERE:

ALIEN WEAPONRY have solidified themselves as one of the greatest young metal bands of their generation with renewed musical tenacity and crucial messaging. Since releasing their acclaimed debut Tū(2018), the band have been lauded for their kinetic presence and sound, as well as their vital blend of culturally profound lyricism in both English and te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand.

With their third full-length album, ALIEN WEAPONRY expand on their hallmark messages of cultural, societal and environmental resilience while delivering their most massive-sounding, focused musical output ever. In the hands of veteran producer/mixer Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God, Gojira, Megadeth), Te Rā’s gnashing blend of groove, nu, math and thrash metal shines with anthemic choruses and refreshed technical skill. Te Rā is a bold, unwavering cry for a future in which we can all take part in the legacy of peoples like the Māori and others all around us – people who, if they aren’t seen, most certainly need to be heard! Taken as a whole, Te Rā grapples with what it’s like to be caught in the pull of divergent cultures – not just for the descendants of colonized people, but for all of us.

Pre-Order Te Rā HERE:

On Te Rā, listeners can hear the band doubling-down on the aggression in the verses before applying temperance, especially in the case of “Taniwha”, a death metal-leaning banger featuring the particularly raw aforementioned guest vocal from Randy Blythe. Lyrically, there’s a noticeable tilt towards despondency, hopelessness, and frustration on Te Rā. While bassist Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds' lyrics in Māori on songs like “Tama-nui-te-rā” and “Ponaturi” draw from the themes of history, battle lore and mysticism that made the first two albums so rich, frontman/guitarist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong's English-language lyrics illustrate the impact when culture collides with disenfranchisement day to day. “Crown” and “Hanging by a Thread” take us into the headspace where struggle pushes people to the brink of desperation, while on “Blackened Sky” and “1000 Friends”, Lewis addresses universal woes like the looming threat of World War III and the damaging effects of social media. On album closer “Te Kore”, Tūranga dives into primordial nothingness at the root of the Māori origin story, while on “Mau Moko”, he finds the middle ground between these perspectives. As the lyrics honor the traditional Māori practice of face tattooing, they also delve into the social costs of maintaining customs that are at-odds with dominant cultural norms.

ALIEN WEAPONRY is:                      

Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong - Drums, Backing vocals

Lewis Raharuhi de Jong - Guitars, Lead vocals

Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds - Bass, Backing vocals

ALIEN WEAPONRY online:

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

TIKTOK

NAPALM RECORDS

SWOLLEN TEETH Unleash Gritty New Single "Medicine"

Swollen Teeth continue their unrelenting assault on the heavy music landscape with the release of their brand new single “Medicine” – out now via Blowed Out Records. Accompanied by a haunting visualizer, the track is a primal fusion of crushing grooves and visceral emotion, underscoring the band’s signature raw intensity. Listen to 'Medicine' HERE and watch the accompanying visualizer Below.

"The song is molded by heavy grooves slammed together in a transmutation of primal emotions, pain and love,” shares the band. */W*

“Medicine” is a visceral exploration of addiction and inner turmoil—a bruising cocktail of suffocating riffs, guttural screams, and anthemic gang vocals. The track’s relentless cadence mirrors the chaotic push and pull of dependency, punctuated by hypnotic refrains like “only the loyal” and “in me and you” that echo long after the last note fades.

Swollen Teeth burst onto the scene in 2021 with their self-titled EP—a ferocious introduction that quickly solidified the band as one of heavy music's most unpredictable and compelling forces. Tracks like "Empty" and "Car Crash" drew praise from Revolver and Kerrang! for their brutal, groove-laden sound and dark, enigmatic aesthetic.

Produced by Slipknot’s Sid Wilson and Ross Robinson (Korn, Glassjaw, At The Drive-In), "Medicine" reflects the band’s continued sonic evolution. Swollen Teeth have honed their unique blend of chaos and precision, capturing a raw emotional intensity that’s as hypnotic as it is crushing.

Swollen Teeth will bring their blistering live show to two of the biggest festivals of the summer: First hitting FEQ Festival, Quebec City, QC on July 7th, followed by Inkcarceration,in Mansfield, OH on July 19th. Fans can expect a ferocious set featuring new material alongside fan favorites. Don't miss the chance to experience Swollen Teeth’s raw energy live on stage!

Much like it's predecessors, "Family" and "Money & Greed" which were released last year, the extraordinary level of visceral emotion of “Medicine” is fueled by the creative synergy of legendary producer, Ross Robinson and Slipknot's Sid Wilson. This new era of Swollen Teeth, and their debut full-length album, which will be released in 2025, marks the first project where the two have joined forces as co-producers. Known for producing Slipknot’s seminal first albums, Robinson has a reputation for pushing bands to their extremes, while Wilson’s innovative energy and expert aural world-building brings a formidable edge to Swollen Teeth’s sound.

With their signature masked aesthetic and unrelenting sonic attack, Swollen Teeth remain one of the most captivating and enigmatic acts in modern heavy music. Swollen Teeth invite listeners to join their journey, offering a sanctuary where raw emotion and collective strength thrive.

ABOUT SWOLLEN TEETH

The sound, the look, the atmosphere, the lore. Swollen Teeth are as much a ritual as a performance, summoning primal ferocity in clouds of intrigue with a thundering rumble. Each musical outburst arrives shrouded in mystery, enveloped by a sense of dread, with passion and purpose. Heavy percussion, riffs, punk gang chants, dive bombs, turntables, breakdowns, shrieks, guttural screams, and powerfully unashamed anthemic melodies coalesce in Swollen Teeth. The collective absorbs the raw intensity of the most potent subculture and spits it back with a determined uniqueness. They’ve spent countless hours in the lab, lobbing out occasional missives online like Molotov cocktails. Each of the scattered, chopped up, and explosive clips unleashed to the world, culled from a handful of shadowy live appearances, built anticipation for the group’s inevitable ascension. They travel in our dimension but are not of it. This is otherworldly chaos without apology.



Swollen Teeth burst onto the scene in 2021 with their self-titled EP, a visceral blend of brutality and raw emotion that garnered praise from heavy music outlets and fans alike. Singles "EMPTY", "LETHAL" "CAR CRASH" and "SWOLLENTEETH" showcased their unpredictable, frenetic energy, which Revolver Magazine described as "brutal as hell." with Metal Hammer enthusing that "there’s an air of grotesque nu metal nastiness that feels like a re-vamped take on the misanthropic nihilism of Iowa’s finest." and Kerrang! musing "What's really heavy, masked, mysterious, sounds like it was made by complete lunatics, and involves Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson and producer Ross Robinson?."

/W\

ABOUT BLOWED OUT RECORDS

Ross Robinson (Korn, The Cure, Slipknot, Glassjaw, At The Drive In and countless others..) artist Ghostemane and Bill Armstrong(SideOneDummy) have joined forces to create a new record label called Blowed Out Records. As veterans of the music industry, they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table and have set out to discover and promote new talent together. The label's first release, "Swollen Teeth," is a hardcore album produced by Sid Wilson of Slipknot and mixed by Mike Balboa with Ross Robinson. It's a collaboration between established and new artists that promises to be a heavy hitting release. Blowed Out Records is dedicated to providing a platform for underground and lesser known bands to showcase their music and gain a wider audience.

Swollen Teeth is managed by Evan Kandilakis for Seek Management.

Swollen Teeth Are

Megaa - Vocals / Sampler / Turntable

Sun - Vocals / Bass

Skutch - Drums

HOG - Guitar

Sowulo Releases New Versions of Old Classics

Like a classic composition, over the last decade, Sowulo has been steadily building. Multi-instrumentalist and composer Faber Horbach has been tracing our cyclical nature with dark folk that's inspired by Anglo-Saxon traditions and Viking mysticism and philosophy. Now that the project has grown into a transformative live act, Sowulo has signed with French label Season of Mist ahead of a headlining tour of Europe. 

As Faber and company head toward these new horizons, today, Sowulo are revisiting two classics. These new versions of "Yule" and "Ginnungagap" stay true to their foundation, but they also reflect the project's evolution, shaped by both its current live lineup and ongoing exploration of spirituality. As new songs begin to take shape, revisiting these classics offers a timely reflection on their origins and a glimpse of what lies ahead.  

Listen to "Yule (Revisited)" and "Ginnungagap (Revisited)" below:

Stream
https://orcd.co/sowuloyule

Yule (Revisited)
Originally written in 2012, "Yule" was the first composition created for Sowulo. The song captures the spirit of Midwinter, where darkness gives way to light and endings carry the seeds of new beginnings. On stage, it serves as a ritualistic moment of stillness and reflection. 

"This was the very first song I ever wrote for Sowulo, composed sometime in 2012 on the piano for the 'Alvenrad’ album." Faber explains. "The song was born from my own yearning to create music for celebrating the turning of the seasons, to accompany the pagan feasts that honor the eternal cycle of nature."

Ginnungagap (Revisited)
Inspired by Norse cosmology, "Ginnungagap" evokes the void from which existence emerged. First composed for SOL in 2016, this revisited version enhances the original’s focus on balance—between chaos and form, emptiness and life. It remains a central expression of  Sowulo's mythic and spiritual foundation.

"Originally composed around 2014 on piano, I then reworked the parts to suit the Celtic harp and Irish bouzouki." Faber says. "From there, we added viola, Irish whistle, vocals, and percussion. The song expresses the concept of the universe’s origin, as told in ancient Scandinavian mythology."

Photo by © Sigrid Koster

SOWULO is the work of multi-instrumentalist and composer Faber Horbach, and is inspired by Anglo-Saxon and Viking-age mysticism and philosophy. Captivated by the cyclical nature of existence and an animistic worldview, Faber is determined to express his spiritual path through his music.

With lyrics in Anglo-Saxon and historical instruments, Sowulo creates an immersive sonic universe that challenges both the creator and listener to go on an inner journey and to invoke cyclical wisdom from deep within.

Sowulo means ‘Sun' in proto-germanic. The music follows our connection with the Sun and tells the story of our inner and outer cycles of day and night, the four seasons, birth and death.

᛫ ᛇ ᚩ ᚹ ᚢ ᛚ ᚩ ᛫

Follow SOWULO:
Official website:https://www.sowulo.nl/home
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sowulo.music
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Sowulo
Bandcamp:https://sowulo.bandcamp.com/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/sowuloofficial
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4BkdqpIEhl0tKZ5xpAo5pR
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StarAce Release Debut Single & Music Video, "My America" Produced by David Frangioni

Brazil’s fast-rising rock trio, StarAce has arrived with their anthemic debut single “My America.” Produced by multi-award-winning producer David Frangioni (Aerosmith, KISS, Ringo Starr), the track showcases the band’s phenomenal ability to blend classic rock, blues, and timeless storytelling into a sound that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh and is a declaration of resilience, self-belief, and the pursuit of dreams. Listen to "My America" HERE and watch the accompanying music video below.

“My America” captures the struggle of finding one’s place in a fast-moving world, where competition, judgment, and division can feel overwhelming. The lyrics paint the picture of someone searching for a personal sense of belonging—a metaphorical ‘America’ where individuality and creativity thrive. From the opening guitar riff to the soaring chorus, "My America" channels both vulnerability and strength. It speaks to the universal longing to belong—standing as a testament to the resilience required to stay true to yourself in a world that demands conformity.

Speaking on the single, StarAce share:  

“Our debut single, ‘My America’ talks about hope and the pursuit of your dreams. It is a single that shows our band's versatility and strength.  

‘My America’ originated from the opening guitar riff, which inspired a hopeful kind of lyricism. That’s exactly what we’ve tried to express—to tell the story of someone lost in their thoughts, struggling to find where they belong in modern society. The world today moves at breakneck speed, with people fighting for attention in an overcrowded space filled with a million opinions and judgments. It’s a world that demands resilience. The only way forward is to believe in what you do, to carve your own path, and chase your dreams. That’s what ‘My America’ represents—‘your own individual America’—a place where every person has the freedom to create and paint their future in whatever colors they choose.”  

StarAce is a band shaped by contrasts. Raised in a house filled with music—from The Beatles to Metallica—the Starace brothers fuse American rock 'n' roll with their unique experiences growing up in Sao Paulo, Brazil giving their songs an unparalleled spirit and raw, modern edge. Their sound is built on the tension between light and dark, chaos and peace. Rock 'n' roll is their language of choice—transcending borders and divisions to connect people through shared emotion and experience.

As they prepare to take their music to the global stage, StarAce remain true to their artistic core: authentic, passionate, and unrelenting. Their music is a rallying cry for connection, resilience and self-expression—a reminder that even in chaos, there’s beauty to be found in coming together.

Built on passion, perseverance, and a deep love for timeless rock ‘n’ roll, the band's incendiary live performances with their full band of six have seen them quickly and relentlessly winning over new fans with every electrifying show they play. The group consists of actual brothers:  

- Julio Starace (vocals/guitar) – The band’s principal songwriter and driving creative force, influenced by legends like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Jimmy Page.  

- Luiz Starace (bass) – The rhythmic anchor, bringing deep grooves and intricate arrangements shaped by Paul McCartney, Cliff Burton and Geddy Lee.  

- Thomaz Starace (drums/production) – A powerhouse drummer - influenced by the likes of Ringo Starr, Keith Moon and John Bonham - and skilled producer, ensuring that StarAce’s sound remains raw, yet sonically rich.  

The band will be bringing their infamous live shows to the US to play a small run of dates across Florida next month. For further details and tickets, head to StarAce.com

Sun, Apr 13     Key West FL | Surly Siren Saloon

Thu, Apr 17    Boca Raton FL | Crazy Uncle Mikes

Wed, Apr 23    Orlando FL | Conduit

Thu, Apr 24     Tampa FL | New World Brewery

"My America" embodies the band's core identity—a fusion of classic rock roots and forward-thinking creativity. It's a track that encourages listeners to break free from expectations and define success on their own terms. The band’s upcoming debut album, also produced by the legendary David Frangioni, is set for release later this year and promises to deliver more of the band’s signature blend of gritty rock anthems and heartfelt ballads.

ABOUT STARACE

StarAce is more than just a band—it’s a brotherhood of sound and spirit. Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, brothers Julio, Luiz, and Thomaz Starace have spent years refining their craft, creating a distinct fusion of classic rock, blues, and American roots music with a modern edge. Raised in a household filled with music, their early exposure shaped their passion for storytelling and musicianship. After experimenting under various names like Ferrorama and Ted Marengos, they ultimately returned to StarAce, a name that embodies both their family heritage and artistic evolution.

With influences spanning a who's who of rock 'n' roll legends such as Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and Muddy Waters, StarAce’s music is a blend of raw energy, intricate melodies, and heartfelt lyricism. Their sound bridges past and present, layering soulful guitar riffs, grooving bass lines, and dynamic drum beats with emotionally driven storytelling. Their upcoming debut album, produced by David Frangioni (Aerosmith, KISS, Ringo Starr), captures this fusion of classic and contemporary, delivering a collection of hard-hitting anthems and soul-stirring ballads that showcase their depth as musicians.

Each member brings a unique essence to the band’s chemistry—Julio leads with his powerful vocals and intricate guitar work, drawing from the greats like Neil Young and Jimmy Page. Luiz anchors the rhythm section, blending Paul McCartney’s melodic sensibilities with Geddy Lee’s technical prowess, while Thomaz commands the drums with precision, balancing raw energy with a producer’s ear for sonic excellence. With their roots deeply embedded in classic rock and their vision set on the future, StarAce is ready to carve their own path and bring timeless rock ‘n’ roll into a new era. They're not here to save the world, they're here to bring people together and provide fans with the soundtrack to their own salvation.

Italian Alternative Rock Duo PEAKS! Unveil New Single “MORPHIA” + Video Out Now Via FLG

Today, Italian alternative rock duo PEAKS! are excited to unveil their new single “MORPHIA”, out now via FLG. The new single is accompanied by a music video, available to view below.

PEAKS! comments on the new single:

“'MORPHIA' explores the struggle between self-destruction and the desperate need to feel something real. It’s about those moments when silence becomes unbearable, when the weight of unspoken thoughts and bottled-up emotions pushes you to the edge. The song channels that chaos, that inner conflict between escape and confrontation, turning it into something tangible - something loud. Because when everything is falling apart, when there’s nothing left to hold onto, sometimes the only thing left to do is scream at the top of your lungs.

"Sonically, 'MORPHIA' mirrors that emotional push and pull, blending raw energy with an undeniably infectious melody. The bittersweet contrast between soaring hooks and gritty intensity reflects the song’s core tension - between drowning it all out and feeling it to the fullest. Recorded with a sense of urgency, capturing emotions at their peak, every note carries the weight of that internal battle, making it impossible to shake off, long after the last chord fades."

Watch the Music Video for "MORPHIA"

PEAKS! is an exceptional alternative rock duo from Turin, Italy, who started their musical journey towards the end of 2020 with the jaw-dropping debut song ‚ “Blackout,” which amassed over 2 million Spotify streams.

PEAKS! is intensely creative and has formed a very strong distinctive image through their visual output since the start: they shoot and create their own videos and content, while collaborating with the renowned Italian graphic designer Giulia Lunge to realize and stay true to their vision.

From big fuzzy guitar riffs to catchy hooks, their musical influences draw from 70s rock to 90/2000s Electro Pop, as well as current bands such as The Score, Twenty One Pilots, Imagine Dragons, grandson, YUNGBLUD, Bishop Briggs, Welshly Arms, SAINT PHNXand more.

Stream/Listen to "MORPHIA" HERE

PEAKS! debuted live at The Great Escape (2022) in Brighton, gaining huge acclaim that led to festival slots at 2000 Trees in the UK and supporting Pearl Jam at BST Hyde Park in London, then Placebo in Mantova (Italy), their Italian debut in front of 10,000 people. They wrapped up 2022 by playing with Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes.

2023 saw PEAKS! returning to The Great Escape in Brighton, playing at the first Slam Dunkin Italy, followed by support slots with Dead Poets Society in Holland, and summer shows with Placebo in Italy and Switzerland. They played with Placebo again in 2024, as well as performing at the Storing Festival in The Netherlands.

Over the years, PEAKS! have received great support from DSPs, including placements on New Music Friday playlists across Europe on Spotify, and Fresh Rock and New Rockplaylists on Amazon Music. 

The band have been featured on BBC Radio 1’s ‘Future Artists’ with Jack Saunders and on Kerrang! Radio, as well as earning strong airplay in the UK and across Europe. On TV, their music has been used on Love Island in the UK and on BBC’s Match of the Day, as well as on various US sync projects.

PEAKS! are:

Luca Del Fiore

Lorenzo Mazzucchi

DEREK SHERINIAN OF BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION WINS BURRN! MAGAZINE BEST KEYBOARDIST AWARD FOR THIRD YEAR IN A ROW

Keyboardist Derek Sherinian was recently named “Best Keyboardist” in Japan’s BURRN! Magazine 2024 Readers Poll (an award he also received previously, in 2020, 2022, and 2023). Derek was also voted “Greatest Keyboardist of the 21st Century” and #8 “Greatest of All Time” by  MusicRadar.com, and also was ranked #9 “Greatest of All Time” in PROG Magazine. 

Sherinian has distinguished himself by his versatility, and aggressive “guitaristic” approach to his signature keyboard style. MusicRadar.com declared, “His virtuoso playing has seen him dubbed the keyboard-playing version of Eddie Van Halen.” David Coverdale claims that “Derek plays the Hammond organ like the son of Jon Lord.”  Glenn Hughes has called Sherinian, "The best living rock keyboardist."

Starting his pro career with Alice Cooper in 1989 on the “Trashes the World” world tour, Sherinian proceeded to tour and record with KISS, Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen, Billy Idol and Whitesnake. 

He has also released nine solo albums, and was the co-founder of Planet X, Sons of Apollo, and supergroup Black Country Communion (also featuring Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, and Jason Bonham), who will be touring in Europe this Summer. 

For a listing of BCC tour dates and ticketing links, visit:

https://blackcountrycommunion.com/live/

Also, the video for “Stay Free” off Black Country Communion’s 2024 album ‘BCC V’ can be viewed below:

FOR MORE INFORMATION:        
https://www.facebook.com/dereksherinianofficial

Photo credit: Greg Vorobiov

Chevelle Drop Visualizer for New Single "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)" — WATCH // Announce Headline Tour🐇🕳️

Multi-platinum rock band CHEVELLE are back with their first new music in four years. 

Today, the band has dropped the video for the new single "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)."

It's a gnarly, riffy rager with more hooks than a tackle box and alternately snarling and melodic vocals. Push and pull tension define the song, which leads to thrilling, dissonant breakdown at the end of the song. Put simply, it was worth the wait.

Watch the accompanying visualizer below.

"How about we all put on our tinfoil hats, slam a Dunkies, and go deep doomscrolling. If that sounds like your sorta thing, we've got a new song for you called 'Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1). Enjoy," shares Chevelle.

Additionally, Chevelle have confirmed a headline tour with Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society serving as support. Tickets go on sale on Friday, March 28 at 10am local time. Get tickets here. All dates are below, including confirmed festival appearances at Coachella, Sonic Temple, Welcome to Rockville, Aftershock, and more.

CHEVELLE ON TOUR:
2025 FESTIVALS:
4/20 — Indio, CA — Coachella
5/11 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple
5/17 — Ocean City MD — Boardwalk Rock
5/18 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville
5/24 — The Woodlands, TX — Buzzfest
5/25 – Dallas, TX — The Eagle Rocks BFD
10/4 — Sacramento, CA — Aftershock

HEADLINE TOUR:
WITH ASKING ALEXANDRIA + DEAD POET SOCIETY:
8/7 — San Antonio, TX — Boeing Center at Tech Port
8/9 — Durant, OK — Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant - Grand Theater
8/10 — North Kansas City, MO — Harrah’s Kansas City - VooDoo Lounge
8/12 — Omaha, NE — Steelhouse Omaha
8/14 — Indianapolis, IN — Everwise Amphitheater
8/15 — Chicago, IL — Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
8/16 — Louisville, KY — Iroquois Amphitheater
8/19 — Sterling Heights, MI — Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
8/20 — Toronto, ON — Great Canadian Toronto - The Theatre
8/21 — Pittsburgh, PA — Stage AE
8/23 — Asbury Park, NJ — Stone Pony Summer Stage
8/24 — Boston, MA — MGM Music Hall at Fenway
8/26 — New York, NY — The Rooftop at Pier 17
8/27 — Bethlehem, PA — Wind Creek Bethlehem - Wind Creek Event Center
8/28 — Wallingford, CT — The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theatre
8/30 — Virginia Beach, VA — The Dome
8/31 — Washington, DC — The Anthem
9/3 — Raleigh, NC — Red Hat Amphitheater
9/4 — Charlotte, NC — Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/5 — Simpsonville, SC — CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
9/7 — Atlanta, GA — Coca-Cola Roxy
9/9 — Nashville, TN — The Pinnacle
9/10 — Cincinnati, OH — PNC Pavilion
9/11 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave/Eagles Club - Eagles Ballroom
9/13 — Maryland Heights, MO — Saint Louis Music Park
9/14 — Oklahoma City, OK — The Criterion
9/16 — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium
9/17 — Grand Junction, CO — Las Colonias Park Amphitheater
9/18 — Albuquerque, NM — Revel
9/20 — Las Vegas, NV — The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas - The Chelsea
9/21 — Phoenix, AZ — Arizona Financial Theatre
9/23 — San Diego, CA — Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
9/26 — Hollywood, CA — Hollywood Palladium
9/27 — San Francisco, CA — The Masonic
9/28 — Redding, CA — Redding Civic Auditorium
9/30 — Idaho Falls, ID — Mountain America Center
10/1 — Nampa, ID — Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
10/2 — Airway Heights, WA — Northern Quest Resort & Casino — BECU Live

ABOUT CHEVELLE:
Chevelle are an understated musical powerhouse that has successfully delivered rock anthems to a global audience for the past 30 years, holding their own as accomplished and steadfast talents in the genre. After more than three decades writing and recording together, numerous releases, and countless worldwide tours, the outfit — consisting of brothers Pete Loeffler [guitars, vocals] and Sam Loeffler [drums] — have confidently sailed through decades of uncharted waters. 

As award-winning, multi-platinum artists, the Chicago duo's unwavering genius is unmistakable across their past nine studio records. More than a dozen No. 1 hits and many more songs reaching the Billboard Top 10, with more future chart-topping hits featured on this forthcoming album to excite fans this summer, it's all credit to their continuing dedication to be true to their craft, the genre, and their fans.  

With no signs of slowing down, this Chicago alternative rock duo has certainly earned its place in American rock music history. The forthcoming album, due later this year, adds another exciting chapter to Chevelle's extensive catalog. As the Loefflers continue to master their craft, Chevelle take on the critics and prove time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with.