Power metal titans PRIMAL FEAR are proud to unveil their new studio album, Domination,

Power metal titans PRIMAL FEAR are proud to unveil their new studio album, Domination, set for release on September 5th via Reigning Phoenix Music. This thunderous 13-track opus is a masterclass in sonic warfare: an unrelenting barrage of soaring vocals, earth-shattering riffs, and battle-hardened anthems forged in fire and steel.

The journey begins with "The Hunter", where the blade is drawn and the chase begins. Charged with mythic energy and sky-rending vocals, the track follows a lone warrior through scorched lands and cursed shadows. It’s a thunderous call to arms: epic, relentless, and triumphant, setting the tone for the odyssey ahead.

Hot on its heels is "Destroyer", a track that surges forward like a war machine. Fueled by breakneck double kicks, slashing guitars, and a chorus that cleaves the sky, it channels the chaos of battle into an unstoppable force. Theatrical and unflinching, it embodies the essence of melodic warfare.

But Domination isn’t just steel and fury. It also carries the heart of the hero. "Far Away" shifts the focus inward, a soaring anthem of longing and return. With emotionally charged vocals and blazing riffs, it tells the story of a soul exiled from love, journeying through fire for the promise of reunion.

The emotional heat gives way to raw power with "I Am the Primal Fear", a blazing self-declaration of strength and dominance. Galloping rhythms, serrated guitars, and a chorus like a hammer strike declare this track as the embodiment of the band’s core: untamed, unbreakable, and forged in metal’s purest form.

Emotion and might intertwine in "Tears of Fire", where grief gives rise to vengeance. From symphonic swells to searing guitar leads, the song paints heartbreak not as defeat but as transformation—fuel for divine retribution and mythic rebirth.

That same mythic fire burns through "Heroes and Gods", an anthem of mortal defiance against divine forces. With galloping riffs and soaring choruses, it honors the spirit of those who rise beyond fate and forge glory in the flames of battle. It's a tribute to courage, legacy, and the will to ascend.

At the album’s center lies "Hallucinations", a dynamic instrumental that twists reality into a fever dream. Shredding solos and intricate melodies guide listeners through surreal soundscapes. It’s a sonic descent into madness that bridges the album’s thematic halves with atmospheric might.

Emerging from this dreamlike haze is "Eden", a spiritual odyssey into a shadowed paradise. It evokes the ache of exile and the yearning for rebirth, guiding the listener through darkness and into the light. Heroic and introspective, it’s a call to face the unknown hand in hand with hope.

That hope explodes into raw emotion in "Scream", a defiant outcry set against a backdrop of fire and destruction. “It’s raining fire. Scream. We are going to extremes” becomes both mantra and warcry. This track doesn’t whisper strength; it howls it from the edge of chaos.

"The Dead Don’t Die" carries that fury into the realm of the eternal. Whether marching undead or undying resolve, the song channels an unyielding force that refuses to be silenced. With thunderous riffs and grim grandeur, it’s a hymn to those who rise again and again.

Thrown straight into the heat of conflict, "Crossfire" captures the tension of being caught between clashing powers. Its pounding rhythms and unrelenting pace make it a portrait of struggle, resilience, and survival in the storm of battle.

That storm shapes the journey of "March Boy March", a tale of a young warrior forged by duty and fire. With steady pacing and anthemic force, it tells a coming-of-age story written in steel and sacrifice. It’s a reminder that courage is born with every step forward.

The saga closes on a tender but powerful note with "A Tune I Won’t Forget". A heartfelt ballad steeped in memory and meaning, it celebrates the power of music to leave an everlasting mark on the soul. As the final notes fade, the spirit of Domination lingers: heroic, eternal, and unforgettable.

About PRIMAL FEAR:

Spanning more than 25 years of pure heavy and power metal, PRIMAL FEAR have face numerous challenges since their formation in 1997. Despite these obstacles, the band have repeatedly risen from their lowest points, like a phoenix from the ashes. After a recent line-up change, which saw Thalìa Bellezecca join on guitar and André Hilgers on drums, the group are now in the final stages of completing their upcoming 15th studio album, Domination, which is currently being recorded. "We've entered the studio and we can choose from a pool of about 25 songs! We're absolutely happy!" smiles founding member Mat Sinner (bass, vocals).

Produced by Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers & Magnus Karlsson, the new offering will be mixed and mastered by the group's confident partner Jacob Hansen at his Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark by the end of this year.

Long-time guitarist Magnus Karlsson, who has recently returned to the PRIMAL FEAR live touring crew, is once again a vital part of the creative process as well. He adds: "I can't wait to hit the stage with PRIMAL FEAR again! It's going to be an incredible ride! We're going to create something truly special together, both live and in the studio, and I'm so grateful to share this journey with all you metalheads! Metal is forever!"

The metal titans are determined to outdo themselves once again and to surpass the success of their recent album Code Red, which achieved the highest chart notations in the band's history. Their efforts are progressing exceptionally well. Vocalist Ralf Scheepers states about the current process: "I haven't felt as great in a long time as I did singing some of the new songs!"

But that's not all: behind the scenes, preparations are in full swing, and PRIMAL FEAR fans should mark September 5, 2025 on their calendars. This date not only marks the release of Domination but also the launch of a European tour, starting in Hamburg, Germany, and spanning eight countries to celebrate the album's debut. The tour will be preceded by several festival appearances (more details to be announced soon, so stay tuned!), with their first performance featuring the highly energized new line-up set for Rock in Rautheim next May.

PRIMAL FEAR are:

Ralf Scheepers | vocals
Mat Sinner | bass, vocals
Magnus Karlsson | guitars
Thalìa Bellazecca | guitars
André Hilgers | drums

DIE SPITZ RELEASE "POP PUNK ANTHEM (SORRY FOR THE DELAY)"

Texas four-piece Die Spitz have released "Pop Punk Anthem (Sorry for the Delay", the second single off upcoming debut album, Something to Consume, due Sept 12 via Third Man Records. 

 

The record arrives on standard black vinyl, indie 'opaque green' vinyl, CD, and Cassette. 

DESPISED ICON REVEAL NEW ALBUM SHADOW WORK + RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE 'OVER MY DEAD BODY'

Canadian deathcore pioneers DESPISED ICON return with their seventh full-length album, Shadow Work which will be released on October 31, 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. Their first new music in six years, the album stands as the band's most fine-tuned and dynamic effort to date, balancing relentless speed, crushing grooves, and morbid melodies, while remaining true to their signature blend of extreme death metal and hardcore grit. 

Today, DESPISED ICON release their ferocious new anthem entitled, 'Over My Dead Body' featuring Matt Honeycutt of KUBLAI KHAN TX. The single features eerie atmospherics and a crushing breakdown that confronts fear and doubt with iron resolve—a battle cry of self-belief, pain, and purpose. Watch the music video directed by Didier Charette, below.

DESPISED ICON's Alex Erian comments, "Even though our first jam dates back to the fall of 2000, it wasn’t until 2002 that we started playing shows and putting out music. From day one, Despised Icon has always stuck to a 'if it’s not ready, it’s not ready' mindset with everything we create. Fast forward almost six years since our last album Purgatory, and not much has changed. We’ve taken our time once again, and now we’re finally ready to turn the page and release what we feel is our most fine-tuned and dynamic record to date—staying grounded in the sound and spirit we helped define. We can’t wait to share new music with you all very soon."

Nuclear Blast American Label Manager & A&R Tommy Jones comments, “The wait was well worth it! This is a fantastic album and I cannot wait for the world to hear it in it’s entirety. Great things come out of the shadows.”

Pre-order/pre-save Shadow Work
https://despisedicon.bfan.link/shadow-work

Stream 'Over My Dead Body' featuring Matt Honeycutt of KUBLAI KHAN TX:
https://despisedicon.bfan.link/over-my-dead-body

Shadow Work is now available for pre-order in the following formats:

  • CD Jewelcase

  • Gold & Black Corona Vinyl

Shadow Work was produced by the band’s own Alex Erian and Eric Jarrin, while Christian Donaldson (CRYPTOPSY, SHADOW OF INTENT, SIGNS OF THE SWARM) handled mixing and mastering. The album marks a significant chapter for a band whose core lineup has remained largely unchanged since its inception. It’s a deeply introspective record that reflects both personal growth and the turbulence of the world around us. The artwork for the album was created by Eliran Kantor (HATEBREED, THY ART IS MURDER, CAVALERA).

Earlier this week, DESPISED ICON announced they would join headliner's SANGUISUGABOGG on their U.S. tour. Joining the package as support are DEFEATED SANITY, and CORPSE PILE. Prior to the 22-date trek, the band will make appearances at Festival de Musique Emergente and the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. The run will conclude with 2 headliner hometown shows on December 6th (sold out) and 7th at Club Soda.
 

08.31  Rouyn-Noranda, QC @ Festival de Musique Emergente ^
09.20  Worcester, MA @ New England Metal and Hardcore Festival ^
11.04  Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
11.05  Chicago, IL @ Metro
11.06  Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe (Old National Centre)
11.07  Lawrence, KS @ The Granada
11.08  Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
11.09  Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey
11.11  Phoenix, AZ @ The Nile Theater
11.12  Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
11.13  Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre
11.14  Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent
11.15  Las Vegas, NV @ Fremont Country Club
11.17  Dallas, TX @ Echo Lounge & Music Hall
11.18  Austin, TX @ Mohawk
11.19  Houston, TX @ White Oak (Downstairs)
11.21  Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
11.22  Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
11.23  Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
11.25  Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre
11.26  Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
11.28  New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
11.29  Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
11.30  Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs
12.06  Montreal, QC @ Club Soda *sold out* ^
12.07  Montreal, QC @ Club Soda *Second show added* ^

^ - DESPISED ICON only

DESPISED ICON's line-up is:
Alex Erian | Vocals
Steve Marois | Vocals
Eric Jarrin | Guitars
Ben Landreville | Guitars
Sébastien Piché | Bass
Alex "Grind" Pelletier | Drums

VÖLUR & CARES Release Breathless Spirit With Video for “Windbourne Sorcery II”

Toronto-based trio VÖLUR, the band that has spent the past decade proving heavy music doesn’t need guitars, join forces with producer and sound artist CARES (James Beardmore) to release their fourth full-length album Breathless Spirit today via Black Throne Productions. The record arrives alongside the premiere of a haunting video for “Windbourne Sorcery II,” an otherworldly piece of doom-folk storytelling featuring guest vocals from Amy Bowles (PONY DA LOOK).

Breathless Spirit is VÖLUR & CARES’ most immersive and uncompromising work to date, a six-track journey through dread, exile, and psychic unraveling inspired by The Saga of Grettir the Strong, a 13th-century Icelandic tale of a cursed outlaw. Blending doom, folk, black metal, free improvisation, and world music traditions, the album reimagines myth as sound: cinematic, spectral, and unbound by genre.

CARES’ role goes far beyond production, contributing piano, synthesizers, theremin, custom-built electronics, and radical sound processing to expand VÖLUR’s acoustic core of violin, bass, and drums into liminal territory. Through fractured textures, spectral layering, and immersive re-amping, the collaboration transforms Breathless Spirit into something part metal ritual, part sound art installation.

“Windbourne Sorcery II,” the record’s third track, shifts from crushing doom riffs to an introspective folk lament. Told from the perspective of a witch cursing Grettir, the song is filled with paradoxes, air that freezes, snow that burns, and builds toward a hallucinatory vision of an encroaching iceberg, a solid wall of metallic ice on an unalterable course. The new video channels the song’s stark intensity, pairing its dynamic shifts with imagery steeped in isolation, magic, and the inevitability of fate.

Breathless Spirit is available today on black vinyl in standard and limited “diehard” editions, the latter including a 7-inch bonus record (Flutterby Number and Glamr) and a 20g packet of custom-blended Breathless Spirit tea. Digital formats also include the bonus track Glamr, unavailable on streaming platforms.

About VÖLUR & CARES

VÖLUR is a Toronto-based experimental doom metal trio composed of Laura C. Bates (violin, vocals), Lucas Gadke (bass, vocals), and Justin Ruppel (drums). Known for their unorthodox instrumentation and boundary-pushing compositions, VÖLUR draws from a wide range of influences including doom metal, European folk, free improvisation, classical music, and Persian/Kurdish traditions. Their sound, often described as haunting and cinematic, blends thunderous low-end weight with fragile melodic tension. Since forming in 2014, they have released multiple albums and EPs, performed at festivals such as ProphecyFest and Sled Island, and collaborated with artists from around the world as part of their Die Sprachen der Vögel series.

CARES is the project of James Beardmore, a UK-born, Ontario-based musician and producer. Known for his experimental production methods and emotional sonic textures, Beardmore integrates analog synthesizers, hacked hardware, custom Max/MSP instruments, and field recordings into compositions that are as tactile as they are atmospheric. His work with VÖLUR on Breathless Spirit is a seamless collaboration that expands the band’s sonic universe, elevating their music into a richly layered fusion of organic and electronic sound.

Together, VÖLUR & CARES create immersive, mythically charged music that resists categorization, rooted in story and sound, breath and ritual.

VÖLUR is:
 

  • Laura C. Bates – violin, electric violin, viola, cymbals, vocals

  • Lucas Gadke – electric bass, double bass, harmonium, keyboards, tanbur, clarinet, bass clarinet, vocals

  • Justin Ruppel – drums, percussion


Connect with VÖLUR:

Website: www.volurdoom.com
Bandcamp: https://volur.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolurDoom/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volurdoom/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/volurdoom
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/volurdoom
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@volurdoom
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Y2XCmgrMhdMpoNdGibU01 

Swedish Metal Powerhouse THERMALITY Shares New Single "Brainstorm" + Lyric Video

Swedish metal powerhouse THERMALITY proudly unleash their crushing new single, "Brainstorm," out now via Sound Pollution / Black Lodge Records. The track is accompanied by an official lyric video, available below.

Packed with relentless riffs, thunderous grooves, and raw intensity, "Brainstorm" delivers a full-on sonic assault that captures the unrelenting power and precision THERMALITY is known for. This is real metal. This is THERMALITY.

Watch the Lyric Video for "Brainstorm" Below.

Hailing from the heart of Sweden, THERMALITY brings a fresh and innovative approach to the genre, blending nostalgic elements with a contemporary edge.



Since their inception in 2020, THERMALITY has ascended swiftly, garnering plenty of acclaim for their debut album, 'Before I Get to Rest,' released in February 2023. Building upon this success, in June of 2023 the band unveiled their first EP, 'Tales from the North,' which received widespread praise from fans and critics alike.

With their 2024 album 'The Final Hours,' THERMALITY embarks on a journey of old-school aggression and modern innovation. Recorded at the esteemed Studio Fredman and expertly mixed and mastered by Fredrik Nordström, the album represents a pinnacle of the band's creative prowess.

THERMALITY are:

Hampus Sätterlund - Drums

Ludvig Sommar - Vocals

Noel Hoflund Jonsson - Guitar

Ture Skärfstad Stål - Bass

Walter Hamilton - Guitar

📸: Walter Hamilton

Fargo Releases "Frontpage Lover (Live)" Visualizer From "Live in '25"

German hard rockers FARGO have  dropped the visualizer for "Frontpage Lover (Live)," the new single from their upcoming live album Live In '25.
 
Founder and bass player Peter Knorn says, "It was a different era when our album Frontpage Lover was released in 1981. Our record company was desperate to give us a new image: Our band logo was ignored and given a 'plain font' to make us more mainstream. While at the same time, and against our will, it was also decided to put a half-naked lady on the cover being hit on her ass by some bloke with a rolled-up newspaper. We were deeply embarrassed. But our music spoke a language all of its own — reason enough for Germany's biggest TV station (ZDF) to present the cover song on their music program Rock Pop. This gave Frontpage Lover a massive push and a completely unique dynamic."

Watch the "Frontpage Lover (Live)" visualizer below.  

Live In '25 will be released on September 12 through Steamhammer/SPV as CD digipak, 2LP version, and digital , and can be pre-ordered here.

The album boasts 65 minutes of concentrated classic rock, capturing the essence of six studio albums to create a new whole.

The material was recorded at concerts in Germany throughout November 2024.

The lineup features bass player Knorn and singer and guitar player Peter Ladwig — two original members — complemented by guitarist Henny Wolter (Nitrogods and formerly Thunderhead) and drummer Nikolas Fritz (ex-Mob Rules). 

 

Knorn says, "This live album is not only an exciting journey through the entire history of Fargo, but also a declaration of love to our fans and the timeless sound of classic rock." It's a "must listen" for anyone who wants to relive the energy and passion of special concert evenings.


Founded in 1973 by "Fargopeter" Knorn, the band was joined three years later by Ladwig and shortly afterwards by guitarist Matthias Jabs. When the latter joined the Scorpions in 1978, Fargo's musical style changed to classic rock. It was a good decision, because this chain of fortunate circumstances meant that the Fargo debut album Wishing Well was released worldwide by the corporate giant EMI just one year later. Three more studio albums followed until 1982, now on EMI's renowned "Harvest" label.

The band toured all over Europe several times, shared stages with the biggest names in rock, touring with AC/DC, Mothers Finest, April Wine, and The Small Faces, among others, and also left their mark on TV (including "Rock Pop," ZDF). Because of their stage show (Knorn's legendary somersault while playing his bass was a sight to see), the biggest European youth magazine BRAVO also devoted two whole pages to the Fargo bassist in January 1981.

After a period of upheaval, Fargo evolved to form hard rock band Victory in 1984 and almost seamlessly continued along the successful career trajectory of its predecessor band. Fargo may have been history, but the band was by no means forgotten.

34 years later, Fargo reformed in 2018 and released their fifth studio album Constellation, followed by Strangers D'Amour in 2021. In 2024, the first four albums were made available again on vinyl and also as a 4-CD slipcase titled The Early Years.

JAMES CLARKE FIVE (ex-CHERRY BOYS) presents stunning powerpop single 'Lennie Dale (Fly Fly Fly)'

UK power pop artist James Clarke Five presents the single 'Lennie Dale (Fly Fly Fly)', released via UK label Favourite Recordings. Mixing classic baroque pop with strong melodies and distinctive chord changes, his melodic sound brings overtones of glam rock and psychedelic pop.

Now based in London, James Clarke Five is the solo project of James Hughes, perhaps best known as keyboardist and vocalist for Liverpool 80's new wave bands The Cherry Boys and Exhibit B. Contemporaries of Echo & The Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes, The Cherry Boys played with The LA’s, Cast, The Icicle Works and Lightning Seeds.

'Lennie Dale (Fly Fly Fly)' is inspired by the life of Lennie Dale, a New Yorker and adopted Brazilian. A dancer, singer and choreographer, who became involved in the Bossa Nova movement, he recorded several albums in the bossa jazz style, and later founded and starred in the 1970s theatre group Dzi Croquettes, known for their flamboyant and androgynous style.

This single attempts to encapsulate his spirit of defiance and resistance in the face of censorship from the military dictatorship in Brazil in the 1970s. Recorded in his home studio in London, James produced and mastered this single, performing all instruments and vocals.

“Many artists tend to write about their own journey, their own experiences. And that’s fine - but there’s a lot of it about!  I find it more interesting to write about other people’s lives, and their struggles - perhaps more obscure figures who to me are in some way heroic.  And I think ‘Lennie Dale’ is a typical of that approach," says James Hughes.

Upon moving to London in the early 2000s, Hughes launched James Clarke Five with the barnstorming single 'Get Out Of Bed' and later found success with his song 'Sexbombe Uber Alles', the main theme of the film 'Last Shop Standing'. His most recent albums 'Zoom and The Gadflies' (2024), 'Underneath The Lemon Tree' (2021) and 'ParlourSounds' (2018), released by iconic Canadian label The Beautiful Music, garnered rave reviews. His music has also appeared in the film 'Soundtrack to Sixteen'and has amassed over 1.25 million Spotify streams to date.

As of August 7, 'Lennie Dale (Fly Fly Fly)' is available from fine digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple and Bandcamp.  

CREDITS
Written by James Clarke (AKA James Hughes)
Vocals and all instruments by James Clarke
Produced & mastered by James Clarke
Cover artwork by James Clarke
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with James Clarke Five
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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JASON ALDEAN BRINGS FULL THROTTLE TOUR TO SOLD-OUT NASHVILLE CROWD

ACM Artist of the Decade and 3X Entertainer of the Year, Country powerhouse Jason Aldean brought his FULL THROTTLE tour to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville last night, playing “an amazing show” (Parade) with a jam-packed set list of 22 hits to the sold-out crowd. Having solidified his “Country superstar status” (Variety) with 30 No. 1 career hits at Country radio, nearly 20 billion streams, and more than 20 million albums sold with “his own recipe…one that has vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success” (Atlanta Journal Constitution), Aldean headlined the venue “for the fifth time in 13 years” (The Tennessean) and showcased his reigning Artist of the Decade status to the crowd at Bridgestone, who sang every word of the show’s setlist. The “event highlighted that the enduring vocal quality and earnest storytelling of the performer have allowed him to usher in a new career chapter” (The Tennessean).

Prior to the show, Aldean was honored with a SoundExchange Hall Of Fame Award, presented by SoundExchange’s Associate Director of Artist & Industry Relations Marc Rucker, for being among the most streamed artists of all time. Rucker noted numerous Aldean tracks have landed in their top 1000 tracks of all-time, including “You Make It Easy,” “Dirt Road Anthem,” “Big Green Tractor,” and more. Additionally, BMG Americas’ President, Frontline Recordings Jon Loba also surprised Aldean with a 4X Platinum plaque for his debut album. 

Aldean kicked off the show with “Hicktown,” and played from his catalogue of  30 #1 hits and fan favorites before later surprising the crowd with special guest Kane Brown--who Aldean gave one of his first tour opening slots to early on-- bringing him out to sing Aldean’s #1 crossover hit “Dirt Road Anthem,” before ending the night with his Grammy-nominated hit “If I Didn’t Love You,” and #1 hits “My Kinda Party” and “She’s Country.” Openers included Nate Smith and RaeLynn. 

Produced by Live Nation, Aldean’s FULL THROTTLE TOUR is currently in full swing and heads to Noblesville, IN tonight (8/8) and Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday (8/9) before heading to Dallas, Houston, Austin, Raleigh, Charlotte and more cities across the US and internationally.

Photo ID (L to R): BMG Americas, President, Frontline Recordings Jon Loba, BMG, CEO Thomas Coesfeld, Jason Aldean, BMG Chief Strategy Officer Johannes von Schwarzkopf, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, EVP Recorded Music JoJamie Hahr & BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville General Manager Peter Strickland presented Aldean with a 4X Platinum debut album plaque.

The Georgia native recently announced the international extension of his FULL THROTTLE Tour, adding dates in New Zealand and Australia starting in 2026. The FULL THROTTLE WORLD TOUR marks Aldean’s first time headlining New Zealand and his first return to Australia since headlining in 2016 - where he became the first headliner to ever sell out CMC Rocks QLD Country Music. Aldean’s 2026 international run is set to kick off Thursday, February 19th at Spark Arena in Auckland, before heading to Australia for additional headlining dates including Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Aldean will also headline inaugural country music experience, Sunburnt Country, with headlining shows scheduled for Toowoomba, Hunter Valley, and Canberra. For a full list  of domestic and international FULL THROTTLE Tour dates and to purchase tickets, visit www.jasonaldean.com.

LANIE GARDNER UNVEILS POWERFUL TITLE TRACK "FADED POLAROIDS" FOLLOWING HER GRAND OLE OPRY DEBUT THIS WEEK

Named a 2025 Artist to Watch by the Recording Academy, Lanie Gardner wraps a milestone week with her Grand Ole Opry debut and the release of “Faded Polaroids,” the title track from her upcoming sophomore album, due September 5 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Listen below.

The bold, deeply personal track is fueled by distorted indie-pop and commanding vocals. Gardner flips through snapshots, some crisp, others nicotine-stained and weathered by time, mapping where she’s been and who she’s becoming.

“‘Faded Polaroids’ is the heart of the album,” Gardner shares. “The idea came from going through a box of old photos. How I experience life today is because of those moments,” she explains. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is how important it is to remember. The simple things make you happy, and to understand that, you have to search for yourself.”

Faded Polaroids, produced by Oscar Charles, Jonathan Singleton, Chris Ganoudis, and Don Miggs, expands on the raw honesty of Gardner’s 2024 debut A Songwriter’s Diary. The album offers a sonic scrapbook of self-discovery, family roots, romantic twists, and personal healing. Across 18 tracks, Gardner blends country storytelling with indie-rock grit, small-town pop, and boundary-free emotion, delivering a sound that’s uniquely her own.

Born and raised in the tiny Appalachian town of Burnsville, NC, Gardner grew up in a family of natural musicians, learning to sing from her mother and play guitar from her father. A loner-turned-artist with a gift for turning diary entries into cathartic anthems, she eventually left home for Nashville to chase the Grand Ole Opry dream of her late grandfather, a dream that came full circle with her debut earlier this week.

Following her recent Polaroids EP and breakout debut album, which earned her “2025 Artist to Watch” nods from both the Recording Academy and Amazon Music and Apple Music Country’s “Riser of the Month,” Faded Polaroids finds Gardner stepping fully into her sound. From the soul-cleansing “Takin’ The Slow Ride” and smoldering “Concrete Cowboy” to the nostalgic title track and breezy “Love You Like Appalachia,” the album captures a rising star in her magic hour: honest, unfiltered, and unforgettable.

Gardner will bring Faded Polaroids to life on the road this summer and fall, supporting Gavin Adcock on select stops. Visit laniegardnermusic.com for ticket information.

ABOUT LANIE GARDNER:

Lanie Gardner’s extraordinary journey is a testament to her unmatched talent and unwavering determination, from her roots in the Appalachian Mountains to international stages. A gifted storyteller and songwriter from an early age, she crafted a distinctive blend of classic rock, R&B, and country that quickly set her apart. Her career skyrocketed after her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” went viral, amassing over 100 million views. With her debut self-penned album A Songwriter’s Diary, released in late 2024, Gardner delivered a deeply personal 10-track journey through her creative beginnings. Lanie’s rise includes being named a “2025 Artist to Watch” by the Recording Academy and Amazon Music, and CMT’s Next Women of Country: Class of 2025. From movie soundtracks (Queen of the Ring, Twisters) to touring with the Jonas Brothers, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, and ZZ Ward, she’s on the fast-track to stardom. Recent collaborations include Thomas Rhett (“What Could Go Right”), Warren Zeiders (“Love In Letting Go”) and Dorothy (“Tombstone Town”). This year alone, she made her Stagecoach debut, joined Corey Kent’s Black Bandana Tour, and will hit the road again this summer/fall with Gavin Adcock. She was also recently invited to make her Opry debut, further solidifying her place as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices. Faded Polaroids, her sophomore release dropping on September 5, offers a sonic scrapbook of self-discovery, family roots, romantic twists, and personal healing. Across the album’s 18 tracks, Gardner blends country storytelling with indie-rock grit, small-town pop, and boundary-free emotion.

Annie Bosko Drops Coastal Breakup Anthem “Tequila Time”

As she continues to build to her forthcoming debut LP, rising singer/songwriter Annie Bosko releases “Tequila Time,” a coastal break-up anthem available now via QHMG/Stone Country Records. The California native partnered with Código 1530 to bring the song’s “spirit” to life, featured in the “Tequila Time” visualizer. Watch the visualizer Below.
 
“I wanted to explore adding Latin influences into my music,” shares Bosko. “Growing up out West, I’ve always loved Latin culture, and we were intentional about making this one feel like an escape to a beach in Mexico, with accordion, maracas and a guiro.
 
“Seeing as many of us have needed a little liquid courage to get through tough times,” she adds, “I hope this song brings a smile — and maybe a toast — to anyone who’s been there.”
 
Written by Bosko alongside David “Messy” Mescon and Bridgette Tatum, “Tequila Time” pairs a laid-back groove with a dose of humor, turning a tough moment into a reminder that sometimes the best course of action is to let go:

Today’s release follows “Country Girls! (Who Runs The World),” which arrived with an original line dance brought to life in a surprise flash mob at CMA Fest, where Bosko joined forces with a group of line dancers from Nashville Dance Fest at the Ariat storefront in downtown Nashville. Watch the flash mob HERE and watch a tutorial for the original line dance HERE.
 
Bosko also recently released “God Winks,” a tribute to faith and divine timing during moments of uncertainty. The California native brought the song to RFD-TV’s “On the Record” and Fox 11’s “Good Day LA” in Los Angeles.
 
Bosko is set to perform at Backstage Access Presents Heartland 2025 on Aug.29, Nashville Dance Fest on Sept. 7 and Genesee Theatre with Jessica Simpson on Sept. 20, among additional dates throughout 2025.
 
For more information, visit AnnieBosko.

About Annie Bosko
With a voice that beams like a ray of California sunshine, singer-songwriter Annie Bosko returns to the studio, channeling fresh inspiration into a new chapter of music. Writing alongside David ‘Messy’ Mescon, Jeffrey Steele, Bridgette Tatum, and more, and collaborating with producer Trent Willmon, Bosko is crafting songs that reflect her upbringing as a farmer’s daughter. With fresh releases such as “Tequila Time,” “Country Girls! (Who Runs the World),” “God Winks” and “California Cowgirl,” Bosko embraces her west coast roots that run deep in the heart of California’s agricultural country. Her forthcoming debut album on Stone Country Records showcases a sound shaped by ‘90s country twang and raw, heartfelt storytelling. Her self-titled EP saw the Golden State native making her late-night debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with a performance of “Neon Baby” – a track that also marked her first charting single at Country radio. Bosko followed her acclaimed EP with stunning collaborations featuring country icons including Vince Gill on the reflective ballad “Higher Ground” and Dwight Yoakam on the Bakersfield-rooted “Heart Burn.” Top 40 duet “Better Than You” with Joe Nichols hit the Country radio airwaves as a top five most-added song for five consecutive weeks, including one week before impact. Bosko broke out in 2014 with the SiriusXM/CMT hit “Crooked Halo,” which has amassed more than 3 million streams, earning her a title as an Artist to Watch from Rolling Stone Country. She went on to write songs recorded by Willie Nelson and Jessica Simpson, tour alongside Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley and Blake Shelton, sell out the famed Troubadour and perform on the Grand Ole Opry and at Ryman Auditorium while also becoming an in-demand studio vocalist. Fresh off a Mane Stage performance at Stagecoach and her Rodeo Houston debut, Bosko is set to perform at Backstage Access Presents Heartland 2025, Nashville Dance Fest and Genesee Theatre with Jessica Simpson, among additional dates throughout 2025.For more information, visit AnnieBosko.com or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, X @AnnieBosko and Facebook.com/AnnieBoskoMusic.

Chase Rice's New Album ELDORA Arrives Sept. 19; "Circa 1943" Out Now

With ELDORA, arriving September 19, Diamond-certified songwriter Chase Rice proves once again that he's not chasing anything but the truth. The follow-up to 2024’s Go Down Singin’ – his first release since stepping away from the major label system – doubles down on the grit, heart and unfiltered storytelling that’s always been at the core of Rice’s songwriting. Pre-order/pre-save HERE.
 
Written primarily in the quiet solitude of Eldora, Colorado, in the days following his recent performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the 12-song album Rice revealed directly to fans is as much a reflection of place as it is of person. In that mountain stillness, he found a creative reset – one rooted not in chasing hits or chart positions, but in chasing moments that matter and songs that leave a mark. 
 
“This is the kind of music I’ve always loved and the kind of stories I’ve always wanted to tell,” reflects Rice. “I hope the past few years have helped fans see that this is the real me, not the person who was chasing trends or afraid to do something different. ELDORA isn’t about proving anything – it’s about making something that’s real and letting it speak for itself.”
 
That intention is clear in the release of today’s offering, “Circa 1943.” Written by Rice alongside Wyatt McCubbin and producer Oscar Charles, the song tells a bittersweet love story set against the backdrop of World War II, paying quiet tribute to the courage and heart of the Greatest Generation. Listen Below.

“Harold and Berniece were my mom’s parents,” shares Rice. “They didn’t meet around 1943, he never took a bullet to the leg to my knowledge, she had brown eyes, not blue, he was not a Marine (he was very proudly Air Force), and she was not a nurse in our military. However, he did make her laugh and loved her with every ounce of his being. Their names are the only true parts about this story – nevertheless, I hope it honors them and anybody from the Greatest Generation who fought and/or died for our amazing country.”
 
Today’s release joins “Two Tone Trippin’” in previewing the forthcoming project, with the jangly, guitar-picking joyride capturing the heart of summer and the spirit of a classic American truck – revving up a well-worn symbol of Country storytelling with fresh detail and classic Country flair. 
 
With Rice spending the summer exploring back roads out West in his own two tone, fans can catch him between adventures on the Go Down Singin’ International Tour, underway now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ChaseRice.com and follow on FacebookTwitter/X and TikTok @ChaseRiceMusic and on Instagram @ChaseRice.

JOHN 5 Announces More Details For “Ghost,” Out October 10 & Releases New Single & Video For “Deviant,” - Solo Tour Dates Start This Fall

Guitar virtuoso John 5 has announced new details including the full track listing and special guests for his highly anticipated solo album, Ghost, out October 10 and produced and mixed by Barry Pointer.

 

A new single also drops today called “Deviant” alongside a music video featuring drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Bryan Beller of The Aristocrats. “Deviant” follows previously released singles “Hollywood Story” and “Fiend.”

 

See the video for “Deviant,” directed by Michael Sarna below.

 

Says John 5 of the new single and upcoming album, “Ghost is perhaps my proudest achievement to date. To me, the meaning of life is doing what you love.  And this is what I love. I am surrounded by ghosts in my life and I needed to honor them with this album. It is what I was meant to do. I’m so happy to have had some incredibly talented friends join me on this album. On ‘Deviant,’ Stephen Perkins’drums helped bring the track to life.  And having the great Bryan Beller on bass... you can’t get much better than that.”

 

Fans can pre-save Ghost HERE and pre-order limited-edition vinyl variants of the album, including exclusive bundles with Ghost T-shirts HERE. Vinyl variants include green splatter, red fire splatter and opaque red options.

On September 12, John 5 will join his Mötley Crüe bandmates as they kick off their highly anticipated 10-show residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas, NV. September 12 also marks the release of From The Beginning, The Definitive Collection of Mötley Crüe Hits via BMG.

 

Following the Mötley Crüe residency, John 5, along with Alex Mercado, will also head out with fellow guitar great Richie Kotzen for the first time ever on an extensive co-headlining tour beginning October 16. Find the full itinerary below and more information at John-5.com.

RICHIE KOTZEN & JOHN 5 FALL 2025 TOUR

October 16 El Cajon, CA @ Magnolia

October 17 Riverside, CA @ Fox Performing Arts

October 18 Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post

October 19 San Jose, CA @ The Ritz

October 21 Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre

October 22 Albuquerque, NM @ KiMo Theatre

October 24 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater

October 25 Leander, TX @ The Haute Spot

October 27 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues

October 28 Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall

October 29 Nashville, TN @ Fogg Street Lawn Club

October 30 Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

October 31 Orlando, FL @ House of Blues

November 1 Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room

November 2 Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre

November 4 Richmond, VA @ The National

November 5 Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho Theater

November 6 Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre

November 7 New York, NY @ Iridium

November 8 New York, NY @ Iridium

November 11 Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre

November 12 Derry, NH @ Tupelo Music Hall

November 13 Foxborough, MA @ Six String Grill & Stage

November 14 Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater

November 15 Lorain, OH @ Lorain Palace Theatre

November 16 Columbus, OH @ The King Of Clubs

November 17 Warrendale, PA @ Jergels

November 19 Wyandotte, MI @ District 142

November 20 Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop

November 21 Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s

November 22 St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre

November 23 Belvidere, IL @ Apollo Theatre

November 25 Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater

November 29 Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy & Harriet's*

*John 5 only

ABOUT JOHN 5:

For over 30 years, JOHN 5 has been one of the most in-demand guitar players on the planet. As well as being a songwriter/guitarist for hire, JOHN 5 has shared the stage as axe-man for Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and Rob Halford. He has also worked with an impressive array of names, from all walks of music, including KD Lang, Rod Stewart, David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, Scorpions, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Meatloaf, Dolly Parton and Ricky Martin. In October 2022, it was announced that JOHN 5 would be joining Mötley Crüe as their guitarist following the announcement that Mick Mars would be retiring. JOHN 5 continues to tour with Mötley Crüe including an upcoming residency in Las Vegas in 2025. To call JOHN 5 a shredder does not do him justice.

 

Follow JOHN 5 online:

Official Website: https://john-5.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/john5official

Instagram: https://instagram.com/john5official

Twitter: https://twitter.com/john5guitarist

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/john5officialYT/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@john5official

Official Webstore: https://john5store.com

Rock Icon GLENN HUGHES Shares New Single “Into The Fade” + Visualizer

Rock legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee GLENN HUGHES is pleased to share his new single and accompanying visualizer, "Into The Fade," taken from his upcoming studio album 'Chosen,' set for release on September 5, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

This year will also see GLENN HUGHES busy touring across Europe and South America, with “The Chosen Years” tour starting in Zoetermeer, Netherlands, on September 2nd, and ending on November 29th in Bogota, Colombia. For the full list of dates, please see below and HERE.

 

About the new single, GLENN commented:

“'Into The Fade' is about a life of acceptance, being here now, and living in the present moment."

Watch the Visualizer for "Into The Fade" Below.

Commenting on the new album, GLENN stated:

“Songwriting is deeply personal to me, and l generally write and record when I have something to say. It’s been nine years since I recorded my last solo album, 'Resonate.' There have been recordings and collaborations with other artists since 2016.

“When writing 'Chosen,' I went back to my life drawing board, writing about the human condition, love, hope, faith, and acceptance. I write about how I feel on the inside and not externally. My life is lived from within, in the present moment. It’s an album of soul food, and I’ve never been so grateful, right here, on planet earth. Music is the healer!"

Vocalist, bassist, and songwriter GLENN HUGHES is a true original. No other rock musician has so distinctively blended the finest elements of hard rock, soul, and funk. His astonishing voice is his calling card; he's known as a singer's singer.

After a nine-year hiatus as a solo artist, GLENN HUGHES returns with 'Chosen,' a brand-new solo album that finds him at his most hard-rocking. Explosive and dynamic, 'Chosen'showcases HUGHES at his absolute best, both in songwriting and production. A truly captivating return!

Pre-Order 'Chosen' HERE

GLENN HUGHES, a native of Cannock, England, absorbed all kinds of influences, including early British hard rock, The Beatles, and, most importantly, American soul and R&B. The sleek Motown sound from Detroit and the gritty Stax/Volt sound from Memphis also left their mark on him.

 

GLENN HUGHES first found success in the early '70s with the band Trapeze, before joining Deep Purple in 1973 during a pivotal lineup change that introduced him and David Coverdaleto the group. Despite initial skepticism, the revamped band silenced critics with the release of‘Burn’ (1974), a powerful album that revitalized Purple’s sound and remains a classic.

 

During this era, the band headlined the iconic California Jam in front of over 300,000 fans, toured the world aboard their private jet, The Starship, and released two more studio albums, ‘Stormbringer’ and ‘Come Taste The Band,’ before disbanding in 1976.

 

GLENN's first solo album, ‘Play Me Out,’ was released in 1977. He joined former Pat Traversguitarist Pat Thrall to form Hughes/Thrall, which released an acclaimed self-titled album in 1982. Throughout the '80s and '90s, GLENN HUGHES made countless guest appearances (both credited and un-credited) as a vocalist, bass guitarist or songwriter on other artists' albums. The endless list includes, among others, Gary Moore, John Norum, and Tony Iommiof Black Sabbath.

 

Since 1992, GLENN has started a prolific solo career with a dozen studio albums where he explored all the different sides of his songwriting and influences: from hard rock to funk and more contemporary sounds. He collaborated – among others – with such musicians as Chad Smith, Dave Navarro, John Frusciante, and many others.

 

HUGHES also founded, or took part in, some amazing musical alliances such as California Breed (with Jason Bonham and Andrew Watt), Black Country Communion (with Joe Bonamassa) and The Dead Daisies.

 

GLENN recently collaborated with Robbie Williams on his new single “Rocket,” which was released on May 22nd, 2025. The track also features a collaboration from Tony Iommi and will be the first time GLENN has been featured on a record with Tony since 2005, when they released “Fused” together.

 

GLENN HUGHES has also recently joined forces with Satch Vai, a new collaboration by legendary guitar icons Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, by writing and singing on their new single “I Wanna Play My Guitar.”

Line Up:

Glenn Hughes – Vocals

Soren Andersen - Guitar

Ash Sheehan - Drums

Bob Fridzema - Keys

John McLaughlin and his long-time band The 4th Dimension release Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival 2022 worldwide via earMUSIC

FUSION JAZZ PIONEER JOHN McLAUGHLIN and earMUSIC celebrate the release of “LIVE AT MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL 2022” Friday, August 8th, 2025
 

Formats include Blu-ray+2CD Digipak, 2LP Gatefold, Digital Download Album release accompanied by new video “Mr. DC”

Today, John McLaughlin and his long-time band The 4th Dimension share “Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival 2022” worldwide via earMUSIC on Blu-ray+2 CDs, Heavyweight 2 LP Gatefold, and all digital platforms.

DISCOVER THE ALBUM Below.

This stellar performance was captured when John and his band took to the stage of the revered Auditorium Stravinski on July 11th, 2022 with special guest pianist and vocalist Jany McPherson.

“This night was very special. I am so glad it was recorded. It was a kind of magical night. There was something extra in the music and in the air.”John McLaughlin 

John’s history with the revered Montreux Jazz Festivalspans 52 years as a headlining artist and sometime guest performer. Now available as a Blu-ray+2CD Digipak, 2 LP Gatefold and digital download, those who had the honor of being there can relive this monumental performance and those who couldn't be there now have the chance to see what they missed. 

“This was a great night. Everybody was on. There was a vibe going on in the band and the audience felt it. It was a vibe going on between the band and the audience and it was outstanding.” -John McLaughlin 

A perfect example of this vibe runs through the new video for “Mr. DC.” SEE THE VIDEO Below

Dedicated to Modern Drummer hall of famer Dennis Chambers (who has played with John, P-Funk All Stars, Steely Dan, and Bill Evans amongst many others) “Mr. DC” is playful interplay between Jany McPherson’s delightful voice and piano and both Gary Husband and Nicolas Viccaro on drums. 

John McLaughlin brought a fusion of world music, jazz, and blues to the mainstream with his Mahavishnu Orchestra and recordings with Santana and The Rolling Stones as well as his groundbreaking “Live in San Francisco” albums with Al Di Meola and Paco de Lucia. 

“Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022” is a masterclass in jazz fusion that travels all these worlds on one prestigious stage.

AMORPHIS Present Music Video For Swinging "Dancing Shadow" Single

With "Dancing Shadow," Finnish metal icons AMORPHIS are proud to present the final audiovisual appetiser of their new studio album Borderland (September 26, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music) before their stage comeback in just a few weeks. The song follows two superbly embraced singles, and is yet another hit out of the group’s sound forge as it’s blessed with all ingredients to get at least equally well-received by the worldwide music community.
 
Thoughtful verses remind of the uncertain times in everyone’s lives to make fans escape from this dejecting state of mind into the suffusing light of the moon which shines through the darkest of all woods. But to contrast the song’s depth, AMORPHIS successfully crossed the genre ‘borderland’ resulting in an irresistible track full of twisting moments. "Dancing Shadowfinally closes on its peak - before you just have to play it from the beginning over and over again.
 
“The working title for ‘Dancing Shadow’ was ‘Disco Tiger.’ Musically it represents catchiness and hooks that have been familiar elements within our music for a long time. Sound-wise it came out pretty fresh and even modern. I bet this song will shake your legs on the dance floor - in a METAL disco, of course,” states guitarist Esa Holopainen.
 
Drummer Jan Rechberger adds: “With ‘Dancing Shadow,’ we stepped into completely new territory. For a band with over three decades behind us, that kind of reinvention feels meaningful.”
 
Like its predecessor "Bones," AMORPHIS’ latest single has also been visualised under the aegis of  Patric Ullaeus, and takes fans of the band into a black-and-white dominated setting, highlighting the piece’s core message in a captivating way.
 
Watch the official "Dancing Shadow" video below.
Stream the single: https://amorphis.rpm.link/dancingPR

Pre-order (excl. box-set & more) / pre-save Borderland:
https://amorphis.rpm.link/borderlandPR

Hansen Studios (Jacob Hansen, Denmark; VOLBEAT, AMARANTHE, PRIMAL FEAR etc.) were the destination of choice in late 2024 and early 2025 to track Borderland. The album artwork was designed by Dutch artist Marald Van Haasteren (METALLICA, BLACK SABBATH, KVELERTAK, ALCEST etc.) while long-time partner Pekka Kainulainen once again wrote the album’s meaningful lyrics.

About AMORPHIS
 
With Borderland, the title of the album couldn’t have been chosen more fittingly. Throughout their career, spanning over more than three decades, AMORPHIS -- Tomi Joutsen (vocals), Esa Holopainen (guitars), Tomi Koivusaari (guitars), Olli-Pekka Laine (bass), Santeri Kallio (keyboards) & Jan Rechberger (drums & percussion) -- have been an ever-evolving act, wandering on an exciting boundary-pushing path. From their sinister death metal debut Karelian Isthmus over genre-defining mid-90s melodic death works like Tales From The Thousand Lakes and Elegy as well as the melodic 2000’s grandeur of Eclipse or Skyforger to records combining the very best of all prior eras to refreshing new soundscapes (f.e. Under The Red Cloud or Queen Of Time): Whatever this group works on promises long-range success.
 
With 2022’s Halothe Finn’s were rewarded for their researching musical approach once again: The album marked AMORPHIS’ sixth no. 1 album in Finland, even cracked the top 3 of the official German album chart, and last but not least the sextet took home two awards from the prestigious Emma Gaala (“Band of the Year” & “Export of the Year”).
 
The impact of Halo became a driving force for what’s to come. Rather than rushing into a follow-up, the band chose to step back from live performances and focus fully on their next chapter. The result is Borderland - a meticulously crafted opus that builds on their celebrated recent era, while seamlessly weaving in new, timely elements. It’s a bold, organic continuation of their journey, shaped by experience and guided by vision.
 
AMORPHIS are:
Tomi Joutsen | vocals
Esa Holopainen | guitars
Tomi Koivusaari | guitars
Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine | bass
Santeri Kallio | keys
Jan Rechberger | drums & percussion
 
More from AMORPHIS:
amorphis.net | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok
X | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | RPM

From Island Records to "Additional Animals": New LAPTOP single tackles the human condition

Jesse Hartman’s cult electro-pop project Laptop returns with "Additional Animals" — a darkly funny alt-disco track about extinction, meat, and the absurd human urge for more. It’s the second single from "On This Planet", an album co-written and performed with his 19-year-old son Charlie Hartman.

Now based in New York, Laptop originally emerged in the early 2000s on Island Records with three legendary cult classic albums —  "Opening Credits", "The Old Me vs The New You" and "Don’t Try This at Home" — earning praise from NME, The Guardian, and others for its stylized blend of synth-pop, irony, and heartbreak.
 
After going viral on TikTok with their first single “Weirder” (4M+ views and counting), mixed by Grammy award-winning producer Mario McNulty (David Bowie, Prince, Nine Inch Nails, Laurie Anderson, Julian Lennon), the duo continues their reboot of the Laptop aesthetic — part indie-pop, part satire, part family therapy session.

“Additional Animals” is as much about appetite as it is about climate anxiety, blending shimmering synths, mandolin and Mediterranean horns. An extension of classic Laptop, this witty indie-pop is a logical evolution for the band, presenting a cross-generational blend of dry wit, anxiety and synth-driven swagger.
 
"This song is about the human appetite — for meat, for more, for everything — and how that hunger’s eating us alive. It’s a song about extinction that you can dance to. The lyrics are a little more connected to the moment than usual for me — our failing planet, our endless consumption — but it’s still wrapped in this shimmering, international pop packaging," says Jesse Hartman.

“We tracked the song in hip Valencia, added harmonies and Caribbean instruments in Nevis, and finished it in our hood in New York. It’s a global pop fever dream about survival, meat, and the slightly hilarious fact that humans always want just a little more."

The video, directed and shot by filmmaker Jesse, was filmed during a surreal family summer in Valencia and features Jesse, Charlie and Jesse’s daughter Lulu, along with rooftop horn solos, fishing boats, flamenco parades, aquariums, and sun-drenched chaos — part European art film, part alternate-universe vacation video.

Jesse shares, “It stars me, my kids, our percussionist Mike (who used to play with Brian Eno), and our Nevis family singer Denise. It’s chaotic and colorful and oddly hopeful — like maybe we’re not the last animals standing.”

Before Laptop, Jesse Hartman got his start as a teenage Voidoid with Richard Hellbefore he co-founded the indie rock band Sammy (with Luke Wood, later President of Beats by Dre), releasing albums on Fire Records and Geffen Records. Known for his dry humor and cinematic aesthetic, Hartman was once described by The Guardian as the master of “insincere sincerity.” Now joined by his son Charlie, a multi-instrumentalist and co-writer, he brings that same emotional contrast into a new era — with Laptop’s blend of deadpan pop and wide-eyed dread more relevant than ever.

With a London show coming in October and a full album on the way in the Spring of 2026, Laptop’s return is both a throwback and a reinvention — legacy pop for a collapsing planet.

“Additional Animals” is out August 8 on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full album "On This Planet" arrives in Spring 2026.

CREDITS
Jesse Hartman - vocals, guitars, keyboards, synths, piano, bass, percussion
Charlie Hartman - vocals
Lulu Hartman - vocals
Geddys “Ch4se” Ferguson - vocals
Denise Gordon - vocals
Frank and Snowflake - vocals, mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitar
Mike Desmarais - drums
Lluisen Capafons - congas, additional percussion
Dima Faustov - saxophone
Lev Borovskiy - trumpet, trombone
Oliver Freiberg - drum programming
Recorded by Iñaki Ariste Aznar (Valencia), Edward Douglas (NYC), Jesse Hartman (NYC/Nevis)
Mixed by Jesse Hartman, Ray Aldaco, Edward Douglas, Nicholas Vernhes
(Final mix by Jesse Hartman and Edward Douglas)
Produced by Jesse Hartman
Mastered by Dave Trumfio
Recorded in Valencia, Spain (Summer 2022), Additional sessions in Nevis (February 2023), Final overdubs and edits in New York City (2023–2025)
Written by Jesse Hartman (BMI)
Published by Exurbia Music, Inc. (dba Yodel Productions, Inc.)
Released by Hurricane Cove Records
Video concept, direction, cinematography & editing by Jesse Hartman.
Featuring Charlie Hartman, Jesse Hartman, Lulu Hartman, Mike Desmarais, and Denise Gordon.
Shot on location in Valencia, Spain
Cover artwork by Jesse Hartman & Scott Ratner
Artist photos by Thomas Krause
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


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Falling In Reverse Drop Video for New Single "All My Women (Feat. Hardy)" Video — WATCH // Band Touring This Summer

FALLING IN REVERSE have today shared the brand new single "All My Women (Featuring Hardy)." 

The track serves as a follow-up to last summer's chart-topping hit "All My Life" featuring Jelly Roll, which spent 5 weeks at the top of the rock radio charts and debuted at No. 1 across Billboard's hard rock charts, including an 11-week run as the No. 1 Hot Hard Rock Song in the country. 

"All My Women" has a country lean and more hooks than a tackle box. It boasts FALLING IN REVERSE's signature stadium-sized choruses, with a high-impact assist from HARDY.


Watch the video, featuring frontman RONNIE RADKE and Hardy, as puppets — yes, puppets — in a playful, cheeky romp that follows puppet Radke's tangled love life.

Watch it Below.

Falling In Reverse are hitting the road this week for a massive North American headline tour that will again see the band playing amphitheaters. The "Falling In Reverse: God Is A Weapon Tour," produced by Live Nation, kicks off August 10 in Denver, Colorado and runs through September 26 in Las Vegas. Wage War, Tech N9ne, and Sleep Theory will serve as support from August 10 through August 27. Slaughter to Prevail, Hollywood Undead, and Sleep Theory will appear from August 29 through September 7. The final leg will feature support from Slaughter to Prevail, Hollywood Undead, and Point North. All dates are below. Get tickets here

The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and options for fans to take their concert experience to the next level, with Falling In Reverse offering ticketless, VIP upgrades that include a meet and greet. Fans can purchase those experiences here

Falling In Reverse's juggernaut, 2024-released album POPULAR MONSTER has accumulated 3.4 billion streams to date and is nearly platinum. The album includes the mega smashes "Popular Monster, "Watch the World Burn," and "All My Life," featuring Jelly Roll, which has accrued 172 million global streams to date. Elsewhere, the band's catalog has notched over 69.5 billon streams, cementing Falling In Reverse's status as one of the most successful bands of their generation. The recent single "God Is A Weapon" has notched 98 million global streams in just two months of release.

FALLING IN REVERSE ON TOUR:
8/10 — Denver, CO — Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre* (NOT A LIVE NATION DATE)
8/12 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion*
8/14 — The Woodlands, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion*
8/16 — Biloxi, MS — Mississippi Coast Coliseum*
8/17 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
8/19 — West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre*
8/20 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*
8/22 — Raleigh, NC — Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek*
8/23 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion*
8/25 — Gilford, NH — BankNH Pavilion*
8/27 — Virginia Beach, VA — Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater*
8/29 — Cincinnati, OH — Riverbend Music Center**
8/30 — Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre**
8/31 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center**
9/2 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre**
9/3 — Milwaukee, WI — American Family Insurance Amphitheater^
9/6 — Camden, NJ — Freedom Mortgage Pavilion**
9/7 — Hershey, PA — Hersheypark Stadium**
9/9 — Darien Center, NY — Darien Lake Amphitheater***
9/10 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage***
9/11 — Montreal, QC — Bell Centre^^
9/13 — Mansfield, MA — Xfinity Center***
9/14 — Hartford, CT — Xfinity Theatre***
9/16 — Holmdel, NJ — PNC Bank Arts Center***
9/18 — Burgettstown, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake***
9/19 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre^^^
9/23 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater***
9/24 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre***
9/26 — Las Vegas, NV — PH Live at Planet Hollywood***
12/6 — Mexico City, MX — Knotfest Mexico$
*With Wage War, Tech N9ne, Sleep Theory
**With Slaughter To Prevail, Hollywood Undead, Sleep Theory
***With Slaughter To Prevail, Hollywood Undead, Point North
^With Slaughter To Prevail, Hollywood Undead
^^With Hollywood Undead, Point North
^^^With Slaughter To Prevail, Point North
$Festival

Field & Stream Music Fest Announces Outdoor Expo Experience for Inaugural Weekend

The inaugural Field & Stream Music Fest, set for October 3–5, 2025, at Carolina Adventure World, is bringing more than just country music to South Carolina this fall. Today, organizers announced details for the Outdoor Expo Experience — a full-scale attraction included with all fest tickets, offering hands-on activities, immersive villages, show specials, demos and the chance to live the Field & Stream lifestyle between artists sets.
 
The Outdoor Expo Experience will open daily at 12:00 PM, giving fans plenty of time to explore, shop and connect with their favorite outdoor brands before the music kicks into high gear each afternoon.
 
With more than 40 artists performing throughout the weekend on three stages, including Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Riley Green and Bailey Zimmerman, the fest promises three days of chart-topping country music and unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Immersive Villages & Expo Experiences
Fans will find dedicated outdoor villages and interactive activity zones that bring Field & Stream’s heritage to life. 

Fishing Village (Presented by Ugly Stik)
Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts can cast, test and explore in this immersive hub featuring Pure Fishing, Berkeley, Abu Garcia, Ugly Stik, Fishe Wear, Eyeking and Hobie. From hands-on gear demos and casting stations to pro tips and product showcases, the Fishing Village brings the best of the water’s edge right into the heart of the festival grounds. Don’t miss the Berkley Bass Tank and watch your lure in action! 

Hunting Village (Powered by onX Hunt)
For those who live for the outdoors and wide open spaces, the Hunting Village is home base. Featuring leading outdoor brands including onX Hunt, Southern String Hat Co., BirdDog, Silencer Central, Orion Hunting, Gunner Kennels, NWTF, Mossy Oak, Polaris, Ororo and more, attendees will find interactive displays, demos, live programming, expo show specials, giveaways, contests and everything from backcountry tools to conservation education.

The Game Watch Village 
College and pro football fans won’t miss a moment at The Game Watch Village, where big screens stream live games all weekend long. With fan zones, cold drinks and tailgate-style seating, it’s the perfect place to cheer with your crew. Start your morning with a Bloody Mary, breathe in the fresh Carolina air and settle in for a day of football in the great outdoors.
 
Outdoor Expo Highlights
Integrated throughout the fest, the Outdoor Expo Experience will feature:

  • Interactive Exhibits & Demos: Gear testing, casting zones, archery ranges and real-time product showcases, new product launches 

  • Live Programming: Appearances by outdoor influencers, conservation leaders and brand experts

  • Food Trucks & Local Vendors: Southern-inspired eats and handcrafted goods from across the region

“The Outdoor Expo Experience is what sets Field & Stream Music Fest apart,” said Bob Durkin, co-founder of Southern Entertainment. “It’s more than great music — it’s about stepping into the Field & Stream lifestyle on 3,000 acres of God’s country. From fishing to the fan zone, there’s something for everyone.
 
Tickets, Camping & Access
All villages, exhibits and after-hours activities are included in the price of festival admission tickets. Tickets, RV and tent camping, VIP upgrades and flexible payment plans are available now at FieldAndStreamMusicFest.com.
 
Located just minutes from Columbia and under an hour from Charlotte, Carolina Adventure World offers 3,000 acres of off-road trails, water and woods—making it the perfect backdrop for a weekend full of music, mud and memories. 

ABOUT FIELD & STREAM:
Field & Stream is the world's leading outdoor lifestyle brand. With origins dating back to 1871, F&S has taught a nation to hunt and fish, to camp and explore, to survive and thrive in the outdoors—all while leading the charge to conserve and fight for wildlife and wild places. The secret to our longevity is simple: Hunters and anglers love a great story—and nobody tells one better than Field & Stream. In 2024, the legacy brand was unified under the same ownership for the first time in its history, including key investors and country music artists Eric Church and Morgan Wallen. Now embarking on a new chapter, the next generation of Field & Stream includes the return to a print publication, a membership community, a wide variety of product launches including apparel & accessories, upholstered furniture, beer and spirits, and more, plus experiential components such as hunting and fishing Excursions, Powered by BirdDog, a lodge in Bozeman, MT and the Field & Stream Music Fest. For more information, visit www.fieldandstream.com.
 
ABOUT SOUTHERN ENTERTAINMENT:
Southern Entertainment is a full-service event and production company with an unwavering commitment to excellence that has produced more than 500 events across the United States. For more information, visit www.southernentertainment.com

Trivium Announce "STRUCK DEAD" EP + Share "Bury Me With My Screams" Video

GRAMMY-nominated heavyweights TRIVIUM — vocalist/guitarist MATTHEW K. HEAFY; guitarist COREY BEAULIEU; bassist PAOLO GREGOLETTO; and drummer ALEX BENT — are thrilled to announce the release of their forthcoming, three-song EP STRUCK DEAD. It arrives on October 31 via longtime label Roadrunner Records. Pre-order it here

While it may only be three songs in length, in typical Trivium fashion, it packs a powerhouse punch, thanks to masterful riffing and the dual-style vocal prowess the band has built its nearly three-decade reputation on! It was produced by Trivium and recorded with Mark Lewis at the band's Hangar Studios in Orlando, Florida. It was mixed and mastered by Josh Wilbur.

Today, the band also shares the video for the first single "BURY ME WITH MY SCREAMS." The song premiered via Heafy's "Chaos Hour" show on Sirius XM Liquid Metal.

"In 2023, we decided it was finally time to take the next step with The Hangar space we purchased — it was time to turn it into a full studio," says Gregoletto. "We brought in designer Roger D'Arcy, thanks to an introduction from Mark Lewis, and set out on a year-long build. While construction was underway, we were deep in rehearsals for The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour, celebrating Ascendancy's 20th anniversary. What started as an idea to release one single during the tour quickly grew into two, then three, as we kept writing while we were waiting for the build-out to be completed."

He continues, "During that time, the energy of revisiting Ascendancy started bleeding into these new songs. Matt poured a lot of his personal struggles from the past year into the music, and we used the writing process as a cathartic release. Those sessions evolved into a three-song EP that we're incredibly proud of, and we can't wait to debut 'Bury Me With My Screams' live at Bloodstock Open Air Festival."

Trivium will embark on "The Ascend Above the Ashes" trek that kicks off October 31 in Myrtle Beach and runs through December 14, with an epic hometown show in Orlando.

Special guests Jinjer will appear, while Heriot will serve as support. All dates are below. Get tickets here

Trivium will also make appearances at Louder Than Life and Aftershock this fall.

TRIVIUM ON TOUR:
FESTIVALS:

9/20 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life
10/4 — Sacramento, CA — Aftershock

WITH JINJER + HERIOT:
10/31 — Myrtle Beach, SC — House of Blues
11/1 — VA Beach, VA — The Dome
11/2 — Montclair, NJ — The Wellmont Theater
11/4 — London, ON — Centennial Hall
11/6 — Québec, QC — Videotron Centre
11/7 — Wallingford, CT — Toyota Oakdale Theatre
11/8 — Portland, ME — Cross Insurance Arena
11/10 — Warren, OH — Packard Music Hall
11/11 — Buffalo, NY — Buffalo River Works
11/12 — Lancaster, PA — Freedom Hall
11/14 — Gary, IN — Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana
11/15 — Milwaukee, WI — The Eagles Ballroom
11/16 — Cincinnati, OH — The Andrew J Brady Music Center
11/18 — Indianapolis, IN — The Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
11/19 — Waukee, IA — Vibrant Music Hall
11/20 — Minneapolis, MN — Uptown Theater*
11/22 — Winnipeg, MB — Burton Cummings Theatre
11/24 — Edmonton, AB — Midway Music Hall
11/25 — Calgary, AB — Grey Eagle Events Centre
11/26 — Missoula, MT — The Wilma
11/28 — Spokane, WA — The Podium
11/29 — Garden City, ID — Revolution Concert House
12/1 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Union Event Center*
12/3 — Riverside, CA — Riverside Municipal Auditorium
12/5 — Albuquerque, NM — Revel
12/6 — Oklahoma City, OK — The Criterion
12/7 — Fayetteville, AR — JJ's Live 
12/9 — Springfield, MO  — Shrine Mosque
12/10 — Kansas City, MO — Uptown Theater 
12/12 — New Orleans, LA — The Fillmore New Orleans
12/13 — Dothan, AL — The Plant 
12/14 — Orlando, FL — Hard Rock Live
*NO JINJER