BLACKBRAID Kicks Off North American Headlining Tour

Indigenous solo black metal project BLACKBRAID is now embarking on its first ever North American headliner, in which he will be supported by Lamp of Murmuur and Dödsrit, with Gudsforladt replacing LoM as support for two Canadian dates. The trek will kick off today, September 18, in San Diego, CA and will make its way around the U.S. + Canada until the final stop on October 11 in Los Angeles, CA. Many dates have already sold out, have had venue upgrades due to demand, or are close to selling out!

Blackbraid will then be headlining the UK and Ireland from April 9 - 14, 2026, in which he will be supported by WINTERFYLLETH + NOCTEM. The full itinerary can be found below while tickets are available HERE.

Vinyl and cassette formats of 'Blackbraid III,' as well as new merch designs, can be found via Blackbraid.US & Blackbraid.EU while the album can be streamed or downloaded HERE.

Blackbraid is a solo indigenous black metal project from from the depths of the Adirondack wilderness creating music as raw and powerful as the mountains from whence it came… 

TICKETS

BLACKBRAID North American Tour w/ Lamp of Murmuur + Dödsrit,:

09/18: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick [LOW TICKET WARNING]

09/19: Phoenix, AZ @ Last Exit Live

09/20: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

09/22: Dallas, TX @ Trees

09/24: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Purgatory) [LOW TICKET WARNING]

09/25: Greensboro, NC @ Hangar 1819

09/26: Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage [VENUE UPGRADE]

09/27: Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows [SOLD OUT]

09/28: Albany, NY @ Empire Live

09/30: Boston, MA @ Middle East (Downstairs) [LOW TICKET WARNING]

10/01: Montreal, QC @ Café Campus * [LOW TICKET WARNING]

10/02: Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground * [LOW TICKET WARNING]

10/03: Lakewood, OH @ Mercury Music Lounge

10/04: Chicago, IL @ Reggies [SOLD OUT]

10/05: St. Paul, MN @ The Turf Club [SOLD OUT]

10/07: Denver, CO @ HQ

10/08: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge

10/10: Oakland, CA @ Thee Stork Club [LOW TICKET WARNING]

10/11: Los Angeles, CA @ 1720

*w/ Gudsforladt, no LoM

Creator of Blackbraid: Sgah’gahsowáh

'Blackbraid III' Album Credits:

Composed & performed by Sgah'gahsowáh

Drums, recording, mixing & mastering by Neil Schneider 

Guitar solo in “God of Black Blood" performed by Randy Moore

“Fleshbound" originally composed by Lord Belial

Painting by Adam Burke

Illustration by Adrian Baxter

Visual development & graphic design by Wolf Mountain Productions 

Follow // Listen:

Bandcamp

Spotify

Apple Music

YouTube

Instagram

Shop/Pre-order:

Official Merch Store (USA)

Official Merch Store (EU) 

Blackbraid is an independent artist and is not contracted to or owned by any music label. 

THE HALO EFFECT - tear into WASP classic with new single “I Wanna Be Somebody”

Swedish metal powerhouse THE HALO EFFECT return with their electrifying new single – a blistering take on WASP’s 1984 anthem 'I Wanna Be Somebody'. The track, handpicked by guitar hero Jesper Strömblad, marks the band’s third cover version and continues their celebration of iconic heavy metal influences.

Alongside the single, the band proudly announce that these reinterpretations will culminate in a brand-new EP, We Are Shadows, set for release on November 21.
The new single is accompanied by a striking visualizer, further amplifying the raw energy of the track.

Jesper Strömblad reflects on the choice of song: “WASP’s aggressive sound and eccentric stage presence has always been fun. The shock of songs like ‘I Fuck Like a Beast’ and fun anthems like ‘I Wanna Be Somebody,’ and ‘L.O.V.E. Machine,’ are powerful and heavy. Extreme and dramatic, controversial and fun, WASP’s ‘I Wanna Be Somebody’, off their debut album, was my first introduction into the band”

With 'I Wanna Be Somebody',  THE HALO EFFECT once again channel their roots while shaping their own sonic path—setting the stage for We Are Shadows this fall.

Listen to 'I Wanna Be Somebody': https://thehaloeffect.bfan.link/iwbssg

Watch the visualizer Below:

Pre-order the EP We Are Shadows: https://thehaloeffect.bfan.link/waslp

THE HALO EFFECT is:
Niclas Engelin | guitar
Jesper Strömblad | guitar
Mikael Stanne | vocals
Peter Iwers | bass
Daniel Svensson | drums

THE HALO EFFECT Online

OBSIDIAN TONGUE Kicks Off West Coast Headliner

Progressive black metal duo OBSIDIAN TONGUE is now kicking off a West Coast U.S. headliner! The trek starts in Seattle, WA today, September 18 and will dominate 10 cities until the final stop in Spring Valley, CA on September 27. The tour will celebrate the release of OBSIDIAN TONGUE's latest studio album, 'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn." The full itinerary can be found below!

'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn,' which is out now via Profound Lore Records and can be ordered HERE.

Comprised of multi-instrumentalist Brendan Hayter (Thrawsunblat/Obsequiae live) and drummer Raymond Capizzo (Falls Of Rauros/Panopticon live), OBSIDIAN TONGUE returned to the all-analog Mystic Valley Studio, where their first two records were made, to print their Covid-era home sessions onto two-inch tape. Mixed and mastered in the analog domain as well by Alex Garcia-Rivera, 'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn' boasts a unique and unmistakable sonic force amidst the modern digital landscape; created with a total absence of click tracks, quantization, or sound replacement of any kind. 

OBSIDIAN TONGUE Tour Dates:

09/18: Seattle, WA @ BYC

09/19: Eugene, OR @ John Henry's

09/20: Portland, OR @ High Water Mark 

09/21: Olympia, WA @ The Crypt

09/22: Medford, OR @ Rockafairy Express

09/23: Nevada City, NV @ The Owl Cave

09/24: Santa Rosa, CA @ The Shop

09/25: Fresno, CA @ Summer Fox Brewing

09/26: Los Angeles, CA @ Five Star Bar 

09/27: Spring Valley, CA @ The Bancroft

Sixteen years into the band’s existence, Obsidian Tongue clearly show no signs of running out of new ways to alter their sound - song by song, album by album.

Lineup:

Brendan Hayter - Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Synth

Raymond Capizzo - Drums

Recorded @ Mystic Valley Studio

Mixed & Mastered by Alex Garcia-Rivera

Photos by: Stephanie Sintra

Pre-Orders: https://linktr.ee/obsidiantongue

Links:

Instagram

Facebook

Apple Music

Spotify

Bandcamp

Maddox Batson’s Latest Track “Coincidence” Out Now

On the heels of his I Need A Truck Tour kick-off, rising 15-year-old artist and Billboard Magazine’s youngest male artist to appear on 21 Under 21, Maddox Batson, releases the upbeat, sentimental track “Coincidence.” Available via Prosper Entertainment / Warner Records, Batson’s latest admits that a certain kind of love is no coincidence. Listen to the track and watch the music video below.
 
Written by Beau Bailey, Casey Brown, Travis Wood and Batson, “Coincidence” taps into Batson’s signature combination of vulnerable country lyrics derived from honest observation and young love’s perspective.

Recently, Batson kicked off his I Need A Truck Tour in Richmond, Virginia on September 7 and hits 29 markets before wrapping in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama on November 2. Key stops include Kansas City, MO; Milwaukee, WI; Pittsburgh, PA; Philadelphia, PA and Boston, MA’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway. 
 
Batson is also joining Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind Tour for select dates, including a stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on October 2.
 
The 15-year-old also recently released “No More,” a powerful track that taps into heartbreak and healing with a combination of grit, vulnerability and raw emotional delivery. Fueled by a hook-heavy chorus and defiant lyrics, “No More” highlights Batson’s continued evolution as both a songwriter and performer.
 
NBC Nightly News hailed Batson as “A young star, new on the country charts already striking a chord and hitting all the right notes.” At the same time, Forbes declares him as a teen who “blends country and pop with heartfelt vocals.” Batson continues to build a loyal fan base thanks to his high-energy shows, honest storytelling and genre-blending sound that connects across generations.
 
Following a breakout year that included his Grand Ole Opry debut, a high-profile appearance at Stagecoach, “Coincidence” is available here and on all streaming platforms.

Photo Credit: ShotsByCarl.LLC

Maddox Batson’s I Need A Truck Tour Routing:
September 19  ||  Jacksonville, FL  ||  Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
September 20  ||  LaGrange, GA  ||  Sweetland Amphitheater at Boyd Park
September 21  ||  Myrtle Beach, SC  ||  House of Blues
September 23  ||  Columbia, SC  ||  The Senate
September 24  ||  Greenville, NC  ||  The State Theatre
September 26  ||  Greensboro, NC  ||  Piedmont Hall
September 27  ||  Charlotte, NC  ||  The Fillmore Charlotte
September 28  ||  Norfolk, VA  ||  The NorVa
September 30  ||  Lexington, KY  ||  Manchester Music Hall
October 1  ||  Knoxville, TN  ||  The Mill & Mine
October 4  ||  Fayetteville, AR  ||  JJ's Live
October 5  ||  Oklahoma City, OK  ||  The Criterion
October 7  ||  Kansas City, MO  ||  The Truman
October 9  ||  Milwaukee, WI  ||  The Rave
October 10  ||  West Des Moines, IA  ||  Val Air Ballroom
October 12  ||  Omaha, NE  ||  Steelhouse Omaha
October 14  ||  Grand Rapids, MI  ||  The Intersection
October 21  ||  Pittsburgh, PA   ||  Stage AE
October 22  ||  Philadelphia, PA  ||  The Fillmore Philadelphia
October 24  ||  Huntington, NY  ||  The Paramount
October 25  ||  Wallingford, CT  ||  The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theatre
October 26  ||  Boston, MA  ||  MGM Music Hall at Fenway
October 28  ||  Sayreville, NJ  ||  Starland Ballroom
October 29  ||  Silver Spring, MD  ||  The Fillmore Silver Spring
October 31  ||  Gonzales, LA  ||  Boots On The Bayou Music Festival
November 1  ||  Brandon, MS  ||  City Hall Live
November 2  ||  Birmingham, AL  ||  Avondale Brewing Company
 
Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind Tour Support Dates:
October 2  ||  Nashville, TN  ||  Bridgestone Arena
October 16  ||  Maryland Heights, MO  ||  Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
October 17  ||  Rosemont, IL  ||  Allstate Arena
October 18  ||  Saint Paul, MN  ||  Xcel Energy Center
 
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 deluxe EP First Dance (The After Party), Batson was ready to show the world you’re never too young to be the face of music all while preparing for sold-out live shows across the country with his I Need A Truck Tour. Batson also recently made his debut appearance at Stagecoach Music Festival and released “No More” on July 31. Life is moving fast for the multi-instrumentalist (piano, guitar & mandolin) and he’s trying his best to remain a kid while becoming 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.”
 
STAY TUNED WITH MADDOX BATSON
TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Website

Greyhaven Drop "Where the Light Leaves Us" Visualizer

GREYHAVEN — Brent Mills [vocals], Nick Spencer [guitar], Johnny Muench[bass], and Ethan Spray [drums] — will release their new album, Keep It Quiet, on October 10 via Solid State. Pre-order the record, produced by Will Putney, here. 

The Louisville band shares the visualizer for the new single "Where the Light Leaves Us."

Watch it below.

"Last year was a bit of a struggle for me," says Mills. "I dealt with a lot of things, and I was dealing with them poorly. It's a conversation I was having with myself. I'm saying, 'You've got to dial it back. It's not going in the right direction.' The moment we wrote it in the basement, I knew it was special.”

This fall, Greyhaven will tour the UK and Europe with Better Lovers from September 24 through October 29. Dates are here. The band will also embark on a headline tour of the U.S. in November and December. Those dates are below.

GREYHAVEN ON TOUR:
11/12 — New York, NY —  Mercury Lounge
11/13 — Philadelphia, PA —  Kung-Fu Necktie
11/14 — Worcester, MA —  The Palladium 
11/15 — Baltimore. MD —  Metro Gallery
11/16 — Richmond, VA —  Canal Club
11/19 — Greensboro, NC —  Hangar 1819
11/20 — Greenville, SC —  Radio Room
11/21 — Atlanta, GA —  Masquerade
11/22 — Orlando, FL —  Conduit
11/23 — Tampa, FL —  Orpheum
11/26 — Nashville, TN —  The End
11/29 — Dallas, TX —  RBC
12/01 — Anaheim, CA —  The Parish @ House Of Blues
12/02 — Phoenix, AZ —  Rebel Lounge
12/05 — Denver, CO —  Marquis Theatre
12/06 — Kansas City, MO —  The Rino
12/08 — Columbus, OH —  Ace Of Cups
12/09 — Chicago, IL —  Cobra Lounge
12/10 — Detroit, MI —  Sanctuary
12/11 — Louisville, KY —  Whirling Tiger 
12/12 — Pittsburgh, PA —  Preserving Underground
12/13 — Indianapolis, IN —  Hoosier Dome

ABOUT GREYHAVEN:
Greyhaven tap into the sound of truths unleashed — messy in its disjointed and extreme edges, magnetic in its  melodies, and massive in its emotional outpour. The group has remained a singular presence since their 2013 arrival. Tallying millions of streams, they naturally progressed over the course of Empty Black[2018], This Bright and Beautiful World [2022], and the Stereo Grief EP [2024]. The band incited tastemaker applause from Brooklyn Vegan, New Noise Magazine, OnesToWatch, Revolver, and Outburn, who highlighted their "tight, polished sound with the energy of the band’s camaraderie shining through." They've toured with the likes of Silverstein, The Devil Wears Prada, Better Lovers, and more. The Louisville, KY band sonically and personally lay everything on the table with their third full-length album, Keep It Quiet [Solid State Records]. Throughout 2024, the musicians constructed what would become the album, collaborating with producer Will Putney [Body Count, Knocked Loose Bad Omens]. During the sessions, they widened their sonic palette. 

Edenbridge Release "Cosmic Embrace" Video From Upcoming Album "Set The Dark On Fire"

With their 12th studio album Set The Dark On Fire and their return to the Steamhammer label, Edenbridge explore new soundscapes without abandoning their tried-and-tested trademarks. This is primarily due to a significantly heavier basic sound, which harmonizes perfectly with the lyrical and visual direction of the Austrian quintet featuring singer Sabine Edelsbacher and composer/guitarist/keyboardist Lanvall.

The songs are characterized by harmonic and structural diversity. Powerful riffs and expansive guitar solos meet opulent, symphonic orchestral arrangements and unusual string instruments rarely used in metal, such as the dulcimer, swarmandal, monochord, and electric sitar. Edelsbacher's warm, distinctive timbre lends the compositions a high level of recognition.

The opener "The Ghostship Diaries" captivates with its multi-layered chorus and a heavy, doomy finale. The ballad "Bonded By The Light" unfolds cinematic grandeur and would also shine as the title track for a certain British secret agent. "Lighthouse," including the intro "Divine Dawn Reveal," exudes a flair, while the pounding mid-tempo track "Our Place Among The Stars" surprises with a gospel-like finale. The album's centerpiece is the 13-minute, four-part long track "Spark Of The Everflame," which impressively summarizes the entire spectrum of the Edenbridge sound.

 

The debut single "Cosmic Embrace" captivates with its enormous hit count and skillfully ramps up the tempo in its orchestral middle section. The accompanying video captivates with impressive imagery: The labyrinth symbolizes the path to inner contemplation. The energy gathered thereby culminates in blazing fire — a metaphor for transformation and the uplifting connection with solar energy. Image and sound merge into an emotional wave that deeply touches the listener/viewer.

 

Watch the "Cosmic Embrace" video below.

Set The Dark On Fire  will be released on January 16, 2026 through Steamhammer as CD digipak, 2LP gatefold version, and digital and can be pre-ordered here.

Finnish Melodeath Titans WOLFHEART Unleash New Video For "Forefathers", From 'Draconian Darkness II' EP

Finnish melodic death metal titans WOLFHEART have unleashed a new video for "Forefathers", from their new EP, Draconian Darkness II, out now via Reigning Phoenix Music. "Forefathers" lets the dynamic nature of WOLFHEART's sound shine with a blend of stormy orchestrations, layered vocals (featuring performances by members of BEFORE THE DAWN, SUOTANA, and FULL HOUSE BREW CREW), and surprisingly delicate piano accents. With frigid and ferocious vocal deliveries and a massive chorus, the song spins a tale of revenge in a lonesome, bleak northern landscape.

Vocalist Tuomas Saukkonen comments: "'Forefathers' is a musical and lyrical combination of our mythology-themed King of the North (2022) and our latest album Draconian Darkness, which painted a bleak and apocalyptic soundscape. Vengeful and violent text meets mighty nordic riffs and melodies. A perfect partner for the 'Carnivore' single."

Watch the video Below.

This five-track release showcases every facet of WOLFHEART’s trademark sound: raw, poetic, and powerfully atmospheric. Featuring two new tracks (including orchestral and acoustic versions), plus a crushing live rendition from their latest album, Draconian Darkness II captures the band’s cold grandeur in both studio precision and on-stage intensity. Founder Tuomas Saukkonen continues to refine his vision with haunting melodies, relentless drumming, and evocative storytelling rooted in Northern landscapes. Draconian Darkness II is a journey through desolate beauty, bleak emotion, and thundering metal.

Draconian Darkness II is WOLFHEART at their best: melancholic, massive, and deeply melodic. With new songs, orchestral depth, and raw live energy, this EP is a cold flame burning bright in the dark.

WOLFHEART’s Draconian Darkness II EP is out now via Reigning Phoenix Music! Two new tracks (plus orchestral & acoustic versions) and a live cut of crushing northern metal: cold, poetic, and unforgettable.

Order HERE:  https://wolfheart.rpm.link/DD2PR

WOLFHEART – Draconian Darkness Over Europe 2025
+ Special guest: Before The Dawn
+ Supports: Suotana & FULL HOUSE B.C. (except for Spain)

About WOLFHEART:
Founded by the hardworking multi-instrumentalist Tuomas Saukkonen (known for BEFORE THE DAWN, BLACK SUN AEON, etc.), WOLFHEART represents a unique blend of sinister atmosphere and intense Northern European metal. Their music combines raw power with poetic depth, earning them significant acclaim within the global metal community.

While WOLFHEART's art is primarily inspired by their Finnish surroundings, their albums weave eclectic stories that connect nature and human emotions. With each release, they have expanded their artistic horizons, continually enriching their musical expression.

WOLFHEART are:
Tuomas Saukkonen | vocals, guitars
Vageliss Karzis | guitars, vocals
Lauri Silvonen | bass, vocals
Joonas Kauppinen | drums
 
More on WOLFHEART:
wolfheartmetal.com | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | RPM

CHRONICLER OF ARDUL Releases New Single “Watch Over Me”

CHRONICLER OF ARDUL, the dark fantasy symphonic death metal project composed and produced by David Williams, presents a new single titled “Watch Over Me.” This song departs from the heavier sonic palette of earlier releases, shifting toward a stripped-down, folk-rooted sound shaped by the world it inhabits.

The track is written from the perspective of travelers in Ardul, where moving between places carries real risk. It speaks from within that moment of vulnerability, not as a theatrical gesture, but as part of everyday life in a world shaped by danger and isolation. The song is not bleak. It reaches upward, asking unseen forces for protection, and gives voice to those hoping to make it home.

“‘Watch Over Me’ is tavern folk song about what it's like being on the road, especially those not prepared for the dangers that lurk in the shadows all around. But it's not a dark song, it's a hopeful song that begs the gods to make sure they are safe and can make it back home.

In Ardul traveling the roads is not taken lightly, but can be a necessary task to overcome. And along side the stories of Myrewood and Sword of Virné, ‘Watch Over Me’ helps tell what life is like in this harsh world.

It was an amazing collaboration to work with Sofia Frasz, most known for her work in Exiled Hope. We had talked before and wanted to combine our bardic powers, and it was a pleasure to finally start working with her.” – David Williams

The recording features Sofia Frasz, vocalist and composer behind EXILED HOPE. Her performance carries the song’s core emotion with clarity and restraint, and adds a distinct perspective to the growing body of work set in Ardul.

“Watch Over Me” expands the narrative established through Myrewood and Sword of Virné, offering a look at the people who move between those stories. It adds depth to the worldbuilding while remaining musically intimate.

About CHRONICLER OF ARDUL:
CHRONICLER OF ARDUL was started as a passion project by David Williams when he wanted to combine his love of metal music and dark fantasy to tell a story that spanned over songs and albums. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, he puts his skills to the test to create the music for a story he had been working on for 9 years. The debut EP called Myrewood released late 2023, with its written short story partner, Myrewood Part 1, published in May 2024. The following EP, Sword Of Virné arrived in the summer of 2024. Musically, CHRONICLER OF ARDUL draws from the likes of SHADOW OF INTENT and MENTAL CRUELTY in the metal world, while also taking inspiration from Japanese composer Nobuo Uematsu. 

CHRONICLER OF ARDUL IS:
David Williams – Music and Lyrics

Links:
Website: https://chroniclerofardul.com/
Bandcamp: https://chroniclerofardul.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chronicler_of_ardul/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidwmusic

Chase Rice Releases New Album, ‘ELDORA’

After helping ignite an entire era of country music’s modern history, Chase Rice is no stranger to blazing trails. But on his new album ELDORA, out now, his instincts point deep into the creative wilderness.… To the rugged, untamed authenticity of the American West.
 
Fifteen years into an adventurous career, Rice has seen it all (and done most of it twice) – a true singer-songwriter with success in both disciplines. Yet there are always mountains left to climb. And right now, there’s only one direction he wants to go.
 
“That’s what I feel like this record is,” Rice says. “For me, it was that absolute freedom I was looking for, that’s what took me out West. It’s been my life the last 10 years, and the biggest theme on this album is running towards freedom. I’ve found that almost always means running away from home.”
 
Stripped down to an exhilarating degree, ELDORA does find the star leaving his past work behind – but to be fair, the Florida-born North Carolina native has never been a fan of staying put. Bursting onto the country scene as a Diamond-certified songwriter (“Cruise”), Rice went on to become a 10x Platinum artist, with hits like “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” and “Eyes On You” notching two No. 1’s at Country Radio. Through chest-thumping euphoria and bold romantic passion, he booked sold-out international tours, and shared stadium stages with Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney, racking up more than 3 billion streams in total. But for the former collegiate linebacker and NASCAR crew member, it was never about the stats. Leaving the major-label system in 2024, Go Down Singin’ brought Rice full independence – and a new dedication to his storytelling craft. Yet for his eighth studio album, that commitment hits the next level. 
 
Written in a Colorado cabin and inspired by a hidden, mountainside town, the 12-songs on ELDORA represent the most raw, unguarded expression of Rice’s talent to date. Born in the afterglow of an epic show at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, it finds a hit maker stepping back from spectacle, to put his lyricism firmly in the spotlight … a journey few of his stature would dare attempt. And while there’s no map for the path ahead, Rice doesn’t shy from the trail less traveled.
 
“I don’t know many people that have ever gone down the road I’m going down,” he admits. “And when you’re this mainstream artist who makes a big shift, it takes a lot to get people to believe. But I think it’s extremely believable … because it’s extremely real.”
 
Working hand-in-hand with co-writer/producer Oscar Charles, Rice adopts the unfiltered, rough-hewn approach of an off-the-grid maverick for ELDORA. Prioritizing in-the-moment honesty – and building on a rediscovered love for songwriting legends like John Prine – simple, acoustic-guitar-based songs tell unflinching tales with vivid characters, while his smoky vocal cuts to the heart of good times and bad. Each track was captured in minimalist style, and then placed on the album in the order it was written. To call it “bare bones” would barely do it justice.
 
“Every night we’d do like 10 work tapes of the day’s song – as soon as it was written – and we realized after the first one we really loved how my voice was sounding,” Rice explains. “So we decided right there to take that process, and scale it up. Everything you hear on this record is live, one take. The next day we’d add on the band, but the foundation was me and a guitar singing live, with zero editing afterwards. You can’t edit a vocal when there’s a guitar in the track, too.”
 
As a producer, Charles says he almost had no choice in the matter. Rice has “grown exponentially” as both a singer and guitarist – so it would be a disservice not to place them front and center.
 
“I think this album is the most inviting presentation of Chase’s artistry to date,” he explains. “The rawness and  ultravulnerability is immediately disarming, from the first notes. I think it will cause listeners to really lean in and get to know Chase.”

With the opening track, “Cowboy Goodbye,” Rice lays out his intent. A campfire-style ballad dedicated to a modern-day drifter, it finds the former bro-country icon saying farewell to his former self.
 
“I’ve been living in Montana and my Airstream for the last five years, for about four months out of the year,” Rice explains. “So the way I see the world is completely different. For the first time in my life, I had zero thought – absolutely zero – of ‘What do people want to hear?’ Actually, the main thought behind the album was ‘What are real stories about people?’”
 
Those stories shine throughout. Named after a hideaway map dot, the misty title track “ELDORA” features a dreamy vocal echo, as Rice tells the tale of a young Colorado couple, long on the run from their painful past. Thick with metaphor, they finally decide they are worthy of a fresh start.
 
“Honestly, it’s about forgiving yourself,” Rice says. “We’re all running from something, but we’re also running towards something. You just have to let go of your past.”
 
Meanwhile, tunes like “Mr. Coors” tribute the American Dream behind the billion-dollar beer brand (with Rice’s dedication to the truth born out in biographical detail). And with the anguished Americana of “Circa 1943,” a swirling tale of star-crossed lovers redefines the term “bittersweet.”
 
Inspired by the favorite pickup of Colorado locals, rootsy up-tempos like “Two Tone Trippin’ (feat. Wyatt McCubbin)” pair the steady roll of endless blacktop with a gravel-and-blues edge. And while the woozy “Cottonmouth” hits like a red-eyed anthem of string-bending country punk, Rice gets consciously political on “Tall Grass (feat. Kashus Culpepper and Elvie Shane).” Roots gospel and copperhead soul collide as the trio call out the danger of power-hungry snakes, hidden from view.
 
Elsewhere, Rice’s romantic roots are stronger than ever on tracks like the dark, moody “Country & Western (feat. Madeline Edwards)” – a sexy, Texas-meets-tall-pines anthem with a “John Mayer guitar solo.” “Namin’ Horses” features a gentle acoustic gallop, and with the reflective “One Drink Long,” Rice nurses the memory of too many midnight mistakes.  
 
Finally, “Good Side of Gettin’ Older” tributes the things Rice learned along his winding trail – a standout singalong with an easy-going front porch sway. And with the album-ending “Sunsettin’,” he channels magic-hour into a breathtaking sonic panorama. Another quiet contemplation, framed by his tender vocal, finger-picked guitar and fiddle, it finds Rice lost in thought, wondering what might have been … if different choices were made. But he won’t lose sleep over ELDORA.
 
“I know I’m taking big risks … but I’m not in this for fame and money,” Rice says. “I want to be proud of my music at the end of my life. And if that costs me the other two, I’m okay with that.”

Texan electronic artist PARIS MUSIC CORP shares new single 'No Soy A.I.' feat. RayPerez

Texas-based electronic and ambient composer Paris Music Corp. a.k.a. John Andrew Paris presents 'No Soy A.I.', the first taste of his latest electronic odyssey 'Ecotone'. Slated for release on October 24, this album promises to be a futuristic trip, and "No Soy A.I." is the perfect, human-first introduction.

In a world increasingly dominated by the cold, calculated logic of artificial intelligence, Paris Music Corp. throws down a human gauntlet with this dark slab of swirling electro, which features the searing Spanish vocals of fellow Texan musician, writer and actor RayPerez. A potent opening statement, this is a sonic challenge to the algorithmic chill of our times and the only track on this album with vocals.

Originally from Austin and now calling Brownsville, TX his seaside home, John Andrew Paris spent decades creating music and collaborating with artists, including Arthur Brown (The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, perhaps best known for his hit single 'Fire'), as well as DJ Rev Kathy Russell, DJ Lucas Ray, Catastrophe Ballet, Le Reve, Life's Eyes, Beast of Eden, OBOYO and Don Wigwam.

In 2022, Paris Music Corp. released his self-titled album, after taking hiatus for half a decade following the release of his debut album 'Rewind' in 2017.  Fast forward to autumn 2025 - now Paris is ready to release the next collection of his electronic adventures, having  written, recorded, mixed and mastered this full album at Tarantula Studios throughout 2024 and 2025. 

“With 'No Soy A.I.', I wanted to address the coldness of some of AI’s tendencies, such as people already having AI girlfriends and boyfriends. Ironically, this track ultimately turned out to be a love song of sorts, which is okay by me,” says John Andrew Paris.

"Sonically, this piece has a very futuristic sound to it. The words delivered in Spanish alongside make it even more relevant as something new and a little out there”. 

Influenced by the likes of Mick Karn, Pink Floyd, Gary Numan, Tim Hecker, Casino Versus Japan and Miles Davis, John Andrew Paris has also scored 2 independent films - the documentary 'Andy Paris: Bubble Gum King', also released as an album, and the short horror film 'Spectral Wind'. He has also created a clever electronic rework of 'Lord of the Dance' for the Austin Christmas Collection Album.  

"After relocating Paris Music Corp. to Brownsville, TX, it became apparent that wildlife and nature in general were at the forefront with living on the border of Mexico next to the sea. The 'Ecotone' album made sense to me because you have a transitional zone, where two different ecological communities or ecosystems meet and intermingle, often resulting in high biodiversity,” says John Andrew Paris.

Cinematic and ethereal, Paris Music Corp. music is ambient and spacey electronica. Often with elements of 80’s darkwave and ambient soundscapes, his trademark sound includes heavily processed guitar and bass instruments locked into layered loops and further manipulated using software. Also employing live hand percussion, these dense soundscapes take the listener on a sonic journey to otherworldly places.

As of September 19, 'No Soy A.I.! is available from digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The 'Ecotone' album will be released on October 24.

CREDITS
All music written, recorded, mixed & mastered by John Paris
at Tarantula Studios in 2024-2025
Performed by John Andrew Paris, except vocals on 'No Soy A.I.' by RayPerez
Album cover / photo by John Paris
Video created by Gabriel Ramirez
John Paris photos by Jennifer Paris
RayPerez photos by Gabriel Ramirez
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Paris Music Corp.   
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Soundcloud | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | LinkTree | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BlueSky | Threads | Soundcloud | Link edIn | Email

A Killer's Confession Release New Album, Victim 2

A Killer’s Confession, the alternative metal band fronted and created by Waylon Reavis, releases its fifth studio album, Victim 2.  A new video for the opening track “Hopeless Gray” is also available now.

Additionally, A Killer’s Confession announces a U.S. tour with labelmates Dogma this November.  The tour kicks off on November 11th in Pittsburgh, PA and wraps on November 23rd in Westland, MI. Full dates are below.

On Victim 2, Waylon delves deeper into the concept of the light and dark sides of mankind, and continues the story of a serial killer who wants to bring horrific criminals to justice. But, as he's learning, there are consequences for his misguided deeds, even if he thinks they are the right thing to do.

Waylon says, “Welcome to Victim 2. This is my proudest moment as an artist. It’s very hard to be a fan of your own music, but it is very easy to become a fan of the people you work with to create the music. So much hard work and determination between myself, Dusty Boles and Evan McKeever was put into finishing the second part of the Victimtrilogy. I could honestly say I could not have done it without them. I feel this album pulls at every emotion and takes the listener on a true journey while leaving a void for Victim 3 to finish the story.”

Victim 2 kicks off in bristling fashion with “Hopeless Gray” and “In Case Of Emergency,” but as the story progresses, the collection of songs explores different musical territory. Victim 2 shows how A Killer’s Confession likes to blend genres, notably on the track “Hollow.” While the song may have an aggro guitar sound, there’s a pop hook in the chorus, while EDM and trap sounds lurk just below the surface. Throughout Victim 2, the dark inner voices plaguing the murderous vigilante emerge in pitch-shifted fashion to distinguish them from his “normal” self. The unexpected cover of Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box” halfway through the album signals a turning point for the killer as he starts re-evaluating his humanity. The closing track wraps things up in an epic, melodic fashion.

Connect with A Killer’s Confession:

Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
TikTok
Shop

Smash Into Pieces Announce New Album "ArmaHeaven" Out 10/31

Swedish rock heavyweights Smash Into Pieces are set to unleash their most ambitious album to date, ARMAHEAVEN, arriving October 31, 2025.
​
With over half a billion streams and views, Smash Into Pieces have risen to become one of modern rock's most dominant forces. From supporting Evanescence and Within Temptation on the Worlds Collide Tour (2022), reaching the Swedish Eurovision final twice, and delivering 1000+ shows worldwide, the band has cemented its global presence. 2024 was a milestone year with multiple headline tours across Scandinavia, North America, and Europe, followed by a packed festival summer. In 2025, the band's expansion continues with tours in Thailand, Australia, Europe, and the Nordics.
​
On ARMAHEAVEN, Smash Into Pieces push their cinematic storytelling further than ever.

Picking up where their previous album Ghost Code left off, the new chapter throws listeners into a dystopian future where Ghostis, now unstoppable, seizes control of the world. As the resistance falls, a new force emerges: an AI-driven entity that sparks an all-out digital war for dominance. The clash escalates into global catastrophe, exploring themes of power, survival, and rebirth. Will humanity find salvation, or will the machines consume themselves in a final great reset?
​
The album also features high-profile collaborations with Elize Ryd (Amaranthe), LIAMOO, and Swedish/Japanese media icon LiLiCo. Together with Smash Into Pieces, LiLiCo delivers the powerful duet "First Time," bridging continents and cultures — a collaboration introduced to the public on Swedish national television in August 2025.
​
With an ever-growing international fanbase, countless sold-out shows, and their boldest musical and narrative vision yet, Smash Into Pieces close out 2025 at the peak of their career—proving once again why they are one of the leading forces in modern rock.

SMASH INTO PIECES ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ARMAHEAVEN OUT OCTOBER 31 — PRE-ORDER

COLIN STOUGH THROWS DOWN "20 BUCKS" WITH EDGY NEW RELEASE AVAILABLE NOW

19 Recordings/BMG Nashville artist Colin Stough turns up the volume on his Southern rock-country edge with the release of “20 Bucks,” out now. Listen Below. Bold and uncompromising, the Mississippi native—who rose to national recognition as a Top 5 finalist on ABC’s American Idol in 2023 and has amassed over 80 million streams—delivers a powerful performance marked by gritty vocals and a rebellious swagger.

"’20 Bucks’ is that moment when you’re down on your luck, she’s gone with another man, money’s tight—but you’re still out here trying to have a good time,” shares Stough.

Raw, unflinching, and soaked in Southern grit, “20 Bucks” finds Colin Stough channeling heartbreak into an edgy anthem. Penned by Stough, along with Kevin Monahan and Will Pattat, and produced by James LeBlanc and Phillip White, the biting honesty of the track captures the sting of betrayal, the temptation of vices, and the struggle of scraping by with little more than twenty dollars to ease the pain. Fueled by distorted guitars, swagger, and Stough’s unapologetically rough-edged vocals, “20 Bucks” turns heartache into a battle cry for anyone who’s ever been cheated on, left behind, or pushed to their breaking point.

About Colin Stough

Born and raised on the Mississippi-Alabama line, 21-year-old Colin Stough was brought up on Southern rock and second chances. A self-taught guitarist and gravel-voiced storyteller influenced by The Allman Brothers, Conway Twitty, and Koe Wetzel, he first picked up a guitar at age 8, later trading in his prized possessions for a pawn shop acoustic — one he still plays today. After high school, he worked full-time as an HVAC tech until his mom pushed him to audition for American Idol Season 21. That leap launched a life-changing ride: a standout third-place finish, a deal with 19 Recordings / BMG Nashville, and breakout songs like “Sober,” “'Til The Day One Does,” and 2025’s hard-edged anthem, “White Trash.”

With a skinned-raw vocal and lyrics carved from lived experience, Stough has built a loyal following of over 800k across social platforms. His EPs Promiseland and Lookin’ For Home offer a no-frills portrait of a young man navigating life with Southern grit, and his latest song, “20 Bucks,” keeps with the no-holds-barred theme. On the road, he’s opened for acts like Chase Matthew, Drake White, and Kidd G, and is continuing to build his live show through 2025. A student of Skynyrd and the outlaw spirit, Stough isn’t chasing trends — he’s telling the underdog’s truth, one song at a time.

KEEP UP WITH COLIN STOUGH
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

DRAKE MILLIGAN RELEASES BRAND-NEW SONG "TUMBLEWEED"

Critically acclaimed Country artist Drake Milligan has released his brand-new song “Tumbleweed,” which offers a fresh spin on his signature sound, and is available everywhere now - Listen Below. Written by Bobby Pinson, Cam Newby, and Ian Christian and produced by Trent Willmon, Milligan hand-picked this song as it resonates with his lifestyle as a “tumbleweed” being blown around the world playing 300+ shows over the past 3 years. The track gives a loving nod to those that keep him grounded through the business, being the “wind” that guides him.

The song arrives on the second night Milligan will be opening for Lainey Wilson on her “Whirlwind World Tour” at Dickies Arena in his hometown of Ft. Worth, TX. Earlier this week, Milligan announced his very own headlining show at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, TN on Tuesday, November 11th. Grab your tickets on his website at drakemilligan.com.

Fresh off a global headlining tour and opening for Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton, Milligan continues to prove why he’s one of country music’s most exciting rising stars. “Tumbleweed” is the first taste of new music from Milligan following the success of his 2024 EP, Jukebox Songs.

About Drake Milligan:

Drake Milligan burst onto the national music stage entering the Billboard Emerging Artists Chart at #5 after dominating iTunes with his debut album, Dallas/Fort Worth, charting back-to-back #1 hits on the iTunes Country Songs Chart, #1 on iTunes All-Genre Chart and reclaimed the #1 spot on iTunes Country Albums Chart, all while simultaneously holding positions #1, #2, #3 and #5 on iTunes Country Video Chart. In the UK, Milligan’s debut album spent 11 consecutive weeks in the Top 20 of the Official Country Artists Albums Chart. A student of classic Country music with the swagger of early Rock ‘n’ Roll, the Fort Worth, Texas native is an electrifying entertainer who cites George Strait and Elvis Presley – the King of Country and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – as musical heroes, and his unique twist of traditional Country has been embraced by fans, peers and the media alike. Milligan has performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Grand Ole Opry, Stagecoach and CMA Music Festival, and earned high praise from People, BBC, USA Today, Parade, American Songwriter, CMT.com, Billboard, ET, Access Hollywood, Cosmopolitan, Cowgirl Magazine and Taste of Country. Following his Dallas/Fort Worth debut – named “One of the Best Country Albums of 2022” by Billboard and others – Milligan uncorked a Canadian Country Radio #1 in 2023 (“Honky Tonkin’ About” with The Reklaws) and garnered 5 million views in just a few months with “Cowgirl For Christmas.” His latest EP release titled, Jukebox Songs, features four all new tracks and was released in 2024, with hit single “I Got A Problem” earning #1 on the Australian Country Radio charts. The acclaimed “Artist to Watch” (CMT, Pandora, etc.) also returned to his primetime TV roots for a performance on the America’s Got Talent spin-off show, America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League and hit the road alongside Cody Johnson on his 2024 U.S. arena tour. With over 230M streams worldwide, Milligan has spent 2025 on his own headlining tour and opening for Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, and Blake Shelton. Set to release an all-new song, “Tumbleweed," on September 19th, Milligan is preparing for his next chapter.

KEEP UP WITH DRAKE MILLIGAN
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | X

Deadly Apples Release “Sacrifice” Featuring Members of Nine Inch Nails and Filter ​  

Montreal-based rock/metal powerhouse Deadly Apples is back with a new epic and dark single, "Sacrifice," available now on all major streaming platforms.

 

“Sacrifice” features collaborations with Richard Patrick (Filter / Nine Inch Nails) on vocals and Danny Lohner (Nine Inch Nails / Till Lindemann) on guitars and bass. The single was produced by Antoine Lamothe, with mixing handled by Ben Grosse (Depeche Mode), mastering by Tom Baker (Marilyn Manson), and pre-production by legendary producer Michael Beinhorn (Korn). The drums for the track were recorded on Lars Ulrich’s iconic Black Album kit, adding a historic edge to its crushing sound.

 

The band’s previous single, “Volatile,” made a major impact upon release—surpassing 100k Spotify streams in its first week and 100k YouTube views in just over a week. The track was featured on major editorial playlists including Spotify’s All New Metal, new nü, and Industrial Metal; Apple Music’s Breaking Hard Rock; and Deezer’s Industrial. The “Volatile” music video premiered at Montreal Fetish Weekend and went on to be selected for the Silver Screenings at the Berlin Music Video Awards (June 2025). The release also generated extensive coverage across top rock and metal outlets along with numerous interviews.

 

Deadly Apples continued their rise with major live shows in 2025, including Welcome to Rockville (Florida) and the Vivo x el Rock Festival (Peru), where they performed on the main stage alongside Avenged Sevenfold and Marilyn Manson.

 

Deadly Apples have built a loyal following thanks to their unique sound and relentless touring schedule, which has seen them share the stage with rock and metal heavyweights around the globe such as Korn, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Deftones, and Rammstein.

 

Fans can stream or download "Sacrifice" on all major platforms.

 

Listen to the single

https://ffm.to/dasacrifice

https://linktr.ee/deadlyapples

About Deadly Apples:

Montreal rock / metal band Deadly Apples – frontman / lyricist Alex Martel and drummer / composer Antoine Lamothe – has forged a reputation for its fierce, unpredictable, and high energy live performances often culminating with Martel diving – and drowning – into the crowd.  As rock music – and society – has become increasingly safe and bland, the French-Canadian band has received praise for bringing back the danger and unpredictability to unsuspecting audiences.

 

Accompanied on stage by a touring guitarist and keyboardist / dancer, the Great White North act has showcased its intensity in arenas and stadiums around the globe – United States, Mexico, South America, Europe, Japan – on high-profile tours with Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Korn, Deftones and Rammstein, as well as Main Stage slots on festivals such as Hellfest Open Air, Knotfest, Vans Warped Tour, Hell & Heaven Fest and Resurrection Fest.

 

On their new full-length album DISTRESS, Deadly Apples push the limits of their catchy sound to every extreme: darker, deeper, and heavier, yet their most accessible work yet.  Interlaced with cinematic atmospheres, poignant melodies, singular screams, gritty analog synths, pummeling drum beats, abrasive guitars, delicate pianos and heartfelt lyrics, DISTRESS is a unique, relevant and modern take on a classic genre that they made their own.

 

Recorded in Los Angeles, the album was produced by Lamothe, mixed by Ben Grosse (Marilyn Manson) and mastered by Tom Baker (Nine Inch Nails), with NIN alumni Danny Lohner performing the guitars / bass and Richard Patrick of Filter providing guest vocals.  Early pre-production work was also completed with Michael Beinhorn (Korn).

 

Deadly Apples is back and will fucking destroy anyone standing in its path.
THE DISTRESS IS COMING…………………………………………..

For More Information Please Visit:

Facebook

Instagram

X

Spotify

TikTok

YouTube

"American Idol" Winner Iam Tongi Offers Sweet Island Vibes with New Track "Sugar"

Following a whirlwind year of landmark achievements, heartfelt performances and rapidly growing fan support, “American Idol” Season 21 winner Iam Tongi is back with a new track, “Sugar.” Available today via 19 Recordings, listen to “Sugar” Below.
 
Co-written by Tongi, “Sugar” captures the sweetness of true island flavor. Mixed with ska and reggae, the upbeat track embodies everything fans have come to love from the Pacific Islander. A smooth vibe with bold blasts of brass horns accompany Tongi’s smooth vocals as he describes the beloved ‘Sugar.’
 
From the island of Pohnpei
That’s where she was born and raised
Like a flower wild and free
She chased the wind to Hawaii
 
“I was in the middle of writing another song when ‘Sugar' just kind of snuck up on me. It kept popping into my head. I had a melody that didn’t fit with the other song I was writing at the time so I had to stop what I was doing,” shared Tongi. “Next thing I know – boom – ‘Sugar' was born. What makes it even cooler is I’ve always wanted a song with this exact kind of vibe, so it feels like it was meant to be. It’s actually inspired by a family friend. Can’t wait for you all to hear it."
 
Tongi is set to hit the road this fall for a headlining run. The Iam Tongi Fall Tour will bring his signature blend of emotional storytelling, island soul and acoustic warmth to fans across the east coast and midwest this October and November. A second leg with west coast dates will be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now at iamtongiofficial.com.
 
The tour comes on the heels of several major career milestones for the 20-year-old Hawaiian singer-songwriter, including being featured on Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch soundtrack, delivering a fan-favorite version of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride;” a performance of his powerful song, “Unbreak My Heart,” on The Kelly Clarkson Show; a surprise plaque presentation for over 100 million career streams during CMA Fest week, where he made his debut; as well as a debut on the famous Grand Ole Opry.
 
Tongi also recently released “Unbreak My Heart,” a tribute to his late father, whom he emotionally honored with his unforgettable “Monsters” audition on American Idol  – a performance that brought all three judges to tears and has since become the most-viewed audition in the show’s YouTube history with over 40 million views. The new music continues Tongi’s tradition of vulnerable, soul-deep storytelling and was praised for its “vocals tinged with pain and perseverance.”
 
Whether fans have been with him since Idol or are just discovering the music, the Iam Tongi Fall Tour promises a live experience filled with heart, harmony and healing. 
 
He is currently on the road as support for Niko Moon’s American Palm Tour with shows in Chesterfield, MO (Oct. 3) and Kansas City, MO (Oct. 4).

For fall tour dates and to purchase tickets, visit iamtongiofficial.com and follow along @wtongi on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook.

PROFANE ELEGY Unleashes New Single “As My Heart Turns to Ash” with Visualizer

Independent black metal visionaries PROFANE ELEGY have released their latest single, “As My Heart Turns to Ash,” today, accompanied by a haunting visualizer. The track is the latest cut from their highly anticipated sophomore album, Herezjarcha, due out January 30, 2026.

“As My Heart Turns to Ash” is a doom-laden lament that explores themes of emotional detachment, hardening one’s heart, and walking away from what cannot be saved. With its deliberate pacing, mournful melodies, and the introduction of ghostly clean vocal passages, the song marks one of the band’s most introspective and vulnerable moments to date.

The single is the latest glimpse into Herezjarcha, an album that expands every dimension of PROFANE ELEGY’s sound. Following their acclaimed 2023 debut When All Is Nothing, which drew praise for its fusion of atmospheric black metal and doom-laden despair, the upcoming record promises to be heavier, more dynamic, and thematically deeper. Produced by J Gulick and mastered by Kevin Antreassian (Backroom Studios), Herezjarcha embodies the band’s commitment to vision over genre purity, weaving together black, doom, death, and progressive elements with orchestral textures and philosophical lyricism.

About PROFANE ELEGY

PROFANE ELEGY is a black metal band from Bangor, Pennsylvania, formed in late 2021 by guitarist J Gulick and vocalist Mikael L. Originally conceived as a two-man studio project, the band quickly evolved into a full lineup with the addition of bassist David G and drummer Sean M in 2023. What sets PROFANE ELEGY apart is their refusal to remain confined within genre boundaries—while rooted firmly in black metal, their sound incorporates elements of death, doom, and progressive metal, often enhanced by orchestral arrangements and clean vocals.

The band’s debut album When All Is Nothing (2023) was released independently and drew attention for its blend of atmospheric aggression and emotional vulnerability. The release earned praise for its ability to move fluidly between blistering speed and melancholic melody, with Doom Heart calling it “a massive Doom delight.” Following the album’s release, PROFANE ELEGY made their live debut and began performing across the northeastern United States, including a notable support slot for Dark Funeral in late 2024.

Lyrically, the band explores themes of nihilism, mortality, philosophy, and religious symbolism—often invoking figures like Satan not as dogmatic statements, but as metaphors in a broader spiritual and existential dialogue. Their work is poetic, introspective, and often challenges the listener to confront uncomfortable truths about life, death, and belief.

Their upcoming full-length album Herezjarcha, set for release in January 2026, represents the band’s most ambitious and expansive work to date. With a more dynamic sound, deeper orchestration, and a clear conceptual throughline, the record pushes their sonic and thematic boundaries further than ever before. The album title—a made-up word meaning “arch-heretic”—encapsulates the spirit of the band: rebellious, introspective, and unafraid to question the sacred.

PROFANE ELEGY continues to forge a unique path within the underground metal scene. Blending bleak intensity with philosophical weight, they aim not just to be heard—but to be felt.

PROFANE ELEGY is:
 

  • Mikael L – Vocals, Orchestration

  • J Gulick – Guitars, Orchestration

  • David G – Bass, Orchestration

  • Sean M – Drums


Connect with PROFANE ELEGY:
 

GOTTHARD Announce 'More Stereo Crush' Mini Album

GOTTHARD literally keep riding the wave of success - and their new single confirms the band’s enduring high impressively! Just days after their latest TV appearance - this time at Germany’s popular Sunday noon program, ZDF’s ‘Rock im Garten’ - the Swiss hard rock icons have released a brand new single called "Ride The Wave".
 
The track continues the way the group have taken with their 2025 milestone Stereo Crush (March 21 via Reigning Phoenix Music), and will surely sweeten the last weeks of the summer - and also above and beyond, of course!
 
Loosely yet boldly kick-started by massive guitar riffing and drums, the single brings an instant feel-good vision to the listeners minds: the sun is burning while you’re cruising through the desert or along the coast in your vintage cabriolet. With "Ride The Wave," GOTTHARD invite you to have the time of your life leaving all negativity behind and build on the life-celebrating momentum they’ve created on Stereo Crush. Turn it up!
 
“‘Ride The Wave’ went through a couple of versions and recording sessions before we finally found the right vibe for the album. It has this raw, old-school rock energy with gritty guitar riffs and a powerhouse vocal performance of Nic Maeder,” adds guitarist Freddy Scherer.
 
Watch the lyric video below.
Listen to ‘Ride The Wave’: https://gotthard.rpm.link/ridethewavePR
 
Set to make additional impact, the new song will also be part of GOTTHARD’s upcoming mini album, aptly titled More Stereo Crush. Further details as well as pre-order options will be announced later this year with even more new music paving its way. Stay tuned!

With their latest offering Stereo Crush, GOTTHARD reached the top of the official album chart for the 17th time (and for the 13th time in a row!) in their home country Switzerland. The band’s Austrian (#7) and German (#11) fan bases also gave them plenty of reason to celebrate in recent days. Get & stream Stereo Crush here: https://gotthard.rpm.link/stereocrushPR
 
Stereo Crush was produced, recorded and mixed by long-time producer Charlie Bauerfeind, who’s known for his work with the likes of HELLOWEEN and BLIND GUARDIAN, alongside co-producer and founding member Leo Leoni at Yellowhouse Studio. Mastered by Sascha “Busy” Bühren (TrueBusyness), artwork was once again provided by Thomas Ewerhard (AVANTASIA etc.).

About GOTTHARD
 
With meanwhile 17 number one albums, a Diamond Award for selling over one million units in Switzerland, and multiple platinum records, including their quadruple platinum album Homerun, GOTTHARD have an unmatched legacy of successes, rounded off by over 3.5 million units sold worldwide and more than 2,000 live performances. Their tracks like "Heaven," a platinum single, and seven top 10 singles have cemented the band in the international music scene.


GOTTHARD are:
Nic Maeder | vocals
Leo Leoni | guitars
Freddy Scherer | guitars
Marc Lynn | bass
Flavio Mezzodi | drums
 

More on GOTTHARD:
gotthard.com | Linktree | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | RPM

KITTIE Release SPIT XXV EP; Drop Brand New Music Video For "Do You Think I'm A Whore? XXV"

Canadian heavy music pioneers Kittie release their Spit XXV EP today, marking 25 years since their landmark debut transformed them from four Canadian teenagers into international heavyweights. The collection arrives via Sumerian Records, featuring re-imagined and re-recorded versions of four of the original album's stand out tracks, all produced once again by Garth Richardson, who helmed the original breakthrough sessions in 1999 at EMAC Studios. Stream the full EP HERE.

The EP's release is highlighted by a confrontational new music video for "Do You Think I'm A Whore? XXV," showcasing Kittie's unflinching approach to re-examining their most provocative material with two and a half decades of artistic growth. Watch the music video below.

Speaking on today's release, Kittie vocalist and guitarist, Morgan Lander shares

"We’re beyond excited to revisit and reimagine songs that that started it all for us with Spit XXV. Re-recording these songs has been an emotional and empowering journey. It’s a chance to honour our roots while bringing a new level of energy and experience to the music. Spit XXV isn’t just a celebration of where we came from, but a thank-you to the fans who have stood by us for the past 25 years.

""Do You Think I’m A Whore?" has always been the dark horse of our debut album and it is was such a pleasure to give it the updated treatment and celebrate how awesome of a song it really is. Pair that with the unbelievable music video visuals from William Felch at Wombat Fire and it’s clear the track is finally getting its flowers."

"Do You Think I'm A Whore? XXV" demonstrates how Kittie's musical evolution has only intensified the song's emotional impact. Originally one of the most visceral moments on their gold-certified debut, the re-recorded version channels decades of artistic growth while maintaining the raw vulnerability that made the original so powerful.

The Spit XXV EP represents more than nostalgic reflection—it's proof of the original album's enduring relevance. Rolling Stone ranked the title track #82 on their "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Songs of All Time" in 2023, while artists like Serena Cherry of Svalbard continue crediting the album as formative to their musical development.

SPIT XXV arrives during Kittie's most successful era in over a decade. Their 2024 comeback album Fire shattered expectations, reaching #13 on UK Rock & Metal Albums charts and earning a 2025 Juno Award nomination for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year. With 920,000 monthly Spotify listeners spanning multiple generations and triumphant festival performances at Sick New World, Welcome to Rockville, and Sonic Temple, Kittie has proven their relevance extends far beyond nostalgia into contemporary dominance. The band's ability to command stages and attract new audiences through social media demonstrates that their revolutionary spirit burns as fiercely as ever.

Kittie will bring the Spit XXV celebration to major festival stages this fall, performing at Louder Than Life this weekend and Aftershock Festival next month. Fans attending Louder Than Life this weekend can also catch Morgan and Mercedes Lander DJ at Blood Rave - an official LTL after-party - this evening. More Information can be found HERE.

The Spit XXV EP is proof of Spit's lasting relevance and Kittie's evolution as artists. Twenty-five years after four teenagers from Ontario redefined who belonged in heavy music's most aggressive spaces, Kittie continue creating pathways for others while cementing their legacy as genuine pioneers.

ABOUT KITTIE

When you discovered Canadian heavy music pioneers Kittie has a direct influence on how you see them. For those on board from the beginning with Spit in 2000, Kittie was part of nu-metal's explosive rise. Through later albums including Oracle (2001), In The Black (2009), and I've Failed You (2011), the band evolved into something far more sinister, viewed as a serious metal outfit. After a prolonged hiatus broken only by a 2017 hometown show and 2018's documentary Kittie: Origins/Evolutions, the band returned in 2022 following festival offers including Sick New World.

12.6 million career streams later, vocalist/guitarist Morgan Lander, drummer/backing vocalist Mercedes Lander, guitarist Tara McLeod, and bassist Ivy Vujic maintain that Kittie never broke up because it remains ingrained in their identity. Their 2024 album Fire, produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains), marked their triumphant return with renewed fury and unfathomable sonic brutality. As Kittie now pay homage to their past whilst also bringing it firmly into the present day, with the new Spit XXV EP, the new era of Kittie continues to blaze forth, illuminating the way as they take their rightful place as torchbearers for heavy music.

Kittie are

Morgan Lander (vox/guitar)

Mercedes Lander (drums/backing vox)

Tara McLeod (guitar)

Ivy Vujic (bass)

ARSENIC KITCHEN To Unveil New EP 'Handbook For The Recently Deceased' on October 25 At Desert Grey Festival

The countdown to chaos has begun. ARSENIC KITCHEN have officially announced the release of

their highly anticipated NEW EP,

'Handbook for the Recently Deceased,'

set to drop on October 25th at none other than the

Desert Grey Festival in Mesa, Arizona. This event will double as a celebration of their release and they will be performing mainstage. The tickets can be purchased HERE

  • The first single for this EP, titled 'Devil's Advocate'releases September 26th and features a cinematic music video that was shot in Globe Arizona.

  • The EP will feature a short film that will be released alongside it. 

ARSENIC KITCHEN is a fusion of early 2000s Alternative and modern Post Hardcore that evokes feelings of nostalgia and heartbreak, anger and excitement, weaved into a theatrical stadium level performance no matter the setting.

From the deserts of Phoenix, Arizona the band stand out as uniquely high energy and meaningful musicians onstage & off. Through the musicality and lyrics of every song, ARSENIC KITCHEN is able to reach and connect with the deepest feelings and emotions of listeners.