Nailed Shut MA Announce New EP "a promise made, a promise kept" + Tour Dates, + Share "Centipede" Video

NAILED SHUT MA consistently bring raw energy and thoughtful disorder to each and every performance, delivering a sonic force that pushes New England's hardcore/deathcore scene to the next level. Forming in 2022, the Boston five-piece — Asher Thomas (vocals), Joel Arnall (guitar/BGV), Mason Roth (guitar/BGV), Owen Chepow (bass), and Jake Thompson (drums) — are pleased to announce the March 5 release of their new EP, titled a promise made, a promise kept. Artwork is pictured above.

Pre-order the EP here

The vinyl version is also available for pre-order here. It is a citrus-colored variant and limited to 250 copies.

"This EP has been such a long time coming for us, and we couldn't feel more fulfilled," the band says. "With a promise made, a promise kept, we really felt as if we've begun to lean into a signature sound that can only be described as 'an eeriness of self-inflicted violence.' This EP contains intense themes of mental health awareness and personal harm. We've truly poured our all into this record as we take from personal experiences of loss and the departure of self-control. Ultimately, a promise made, a promise kept isn't in any way a pretty listen. But it's here to drown out the dread that may be eating at you and it's here to help in any way it can."

The band has also shared the video for the new single "Centipede." Watch it below:

NAILED SHUT MA ON TOUR:
WITH  GODSEYES:
3/5 — Cambridge, MA — The Sinclair*
3/6 — Brooklyn, NY — Wood Shop
3/7 — Binghamton, NY — Bundy Museum and Annex*
3/8 — Cleveland, OH — The Foundry
3/10 — Albany, NY — Empire Underground
3/13 — Pittsburgh, PA — Preserving Underground 
3/14 — Washington, DC — DC9 
3/15 — Hartford, CT — Webster Underground
*No Godseyes

With punishing unconventional vocals, Asher creates depictions of bodily and psychological horror through lyricism centered around mental health awareness. The rest of the band reflects these themes musically through brutal riffs, tight drum grooves, and a gut-wrenching low end. In 2023, the band released its debut EP Lust in the End, which Idioteq described as "a surreal journey…delving into the darkest corners of the human experience."

Nailed Shut MA have performed in many iconic venues across the northeast as well as 2024's Inkcarceration Festival. Bands they have shared the stage with include All Shall Perish, Peeling Flesh, Power Trip, Kaonashi, End It, Gatecreeper and many more. Their energetic performances are sure to knock the wind out of you. With much more new music and many more shows planned for the coming months, Nailed Shut MA are here to wreak havoc into 2026 and beyond. 

Kreator Release Dystopian Video for Title Track of New Album "Krushers of the World" // Album Out Now

The wait is finally over!

The mighty KREATOR have unleashed their highly anticipated 16th studio album Krushers Of The World!    Featuring 10 hard-hitting anthems, the album enhances the band's unmistakable classic thrash metal sound by boldly embracing modern elements wrapped in an uncompromising, massive production by acclaimed producer Jens Bogren.

Krushers Of The World showcases KREATOR at the peak of their creative force — furious, precise, and more relevant than ever. The album bridges decades of thrash metal legacy with a contemporary edge that pushes the genre forward.

Coinciding with the album release, KREATOR have premiered the official music video for the title track "Krushers Of The World." 

Set in a post-apocalyptic Berlin, the video paints a grim yet striking vision of a world on the brink, capturing themes that feel more urgent and topical than ever.

With Krushers Of The World, KREATOR once again prove why they remain one of the most influential and vital forces in metal.

Mille Petrozza comments, "Hordes! Krushers Of The World is yours now! We hope you will enjoy it as much as we do. See you on tour!"

Stream and purchase Krushers Of The World HERE.

Watch the video for "Krushers Of The World" below.

KRUSHERS OF THE USA TOUR 2026
WITH CARCASS + COLD STEEL:
5/7 — Fort Lauderdale, FL — Revolution Live
5/8 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville
5/10 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade
5/11 — Knoxville, TN — The Mill & Mine
5/12 — Raleigh, NC — The Ritz 
5/14 — Worcester, MA — Palladium
5/15 — McKees Rocks, PA — Roxian Theatre
5/16 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple
5/18 — Davenport, IA — Capitol Theatre
5/19 — Minneapolis, MN — First Avenue
5/20 — Chicago, IL — Romova Theatre
5/22 — Huntington, NY — Paramount
5/23 — Baltmore, MD — Maryland Deathfest

GET TICKETS HERE.

Anciients Announce Canadian Tour

After nearly a decade of soul searching through the Canadian wilderness, Anciients hit the road hard last year. The heavy, heady and heartfelt Canucks capped off an extensive U.S. headlining tour in support of their latest JUNO Award-winning album, Beyond the Reach of the Sun, by winning Metal & Hard Music Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards. Now, the band are keeping their momentum rolling with their first set of tours dates for 2026.  

Anciients are announcing a Canadian tour with Cancer Bats, who are celebrating 20 years of their debut album Birthing the Giant. During this coast-to-coast run, the band will perform new favorites from Beyond the Reach of the Sun, along with earlier crowd-pleasers from their award-winning discography. Joining Anciients are Ontario’s Teeth (Fort Eerie) and Chastity (Whitby).

“We are very stoked to announce that we’ll be hitting the Canadian highway this spring while supporting our friends in Cancer Bats on their 20th anniversary tour”, Anciients’ frontman Kenny Cook says. “This tour is going to be a ripper”.

Anciients 2026 Coast-to-Coast Canadian Tour

with Cancer Bats, Teeth + Chastity

April 3 - St. John’s, NL @ The Rock House [TICKETS]

April 4 - Halifax, NS @ Marquee Ballroom

April 5 - Moncton, NB @ Tide & Boar [TICKETS]

April 7 - Quebec, QC @ L’Anti Bar & Spectacles [TICKETS]

April 8 - Ottawa, ON @ Overflow Brewing Company [TICKETS]

April 9 - Kingston, ON @ The Broom Factory [TICKETS]

April 10 - Toronto, ON @ The Opera House [TICKETS]

April 11 - Greater Sudbury, ON @ HQ Headquarters [TICKETS]

April 12 - Thunder Bay, ON @ Black Pirates Pub [TICKETS]

April 14 - Regina, SK @ The Exchange [TICKETS]

April 16 - Kelowna, BC @ Metro Hub [TICKETS]

April 17 - Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl [TICKETS]

April 18 - Vancouver, BC @ Capital Ballroom [TICKETS]

April 20 - Nelson, BC @ The Royal [TICKETS]

April 21 - Fernie, BC @ The Northern Bar & Stage [TICKETS]

April 22 - Calgary, AB @ Dickens [TICKETS]

April 23 - Edmonton, AB @ Pawn Shop Live [TICKETS]

April 24 - Reed Deer, AB @ Bo’s Bar & Stage [TICKETS]

April 25 - Saskatoon, SK @ Coors Event Centre [TICKETS]

TBD - Winnipeg*

May 16 - Montreal @ Pouzza Fest*

*Cancer Bats only

Anciients’ award-winning discography is available now on Season of Mist.

Order & Stream
https://orcd.co/anciientsbeyondthereachofthesun

GOTTHARD Share New Single and Video “Smiling In The Pouring Rain”

Switzerland’s rock heavyweights GOTTHARD return with a brand-new single, “Smiling in the Pouring Rain”, a stripped-down, heartfelt moment led by Nic Maeder’s warm, comforting voice. The song is about finding strength in hard times and remembering that the storm always passes.

“The idea was to give it a positive vibe. Even if sometimes life could be sad, or sometimes even sadder. What you always have to keep in mind is that something good is always going to come sooner or later. So you have to keep believing in what you do, and especially in yourself. We’re trying to give a little bit of hope. That’s the idea behind this song.” — Leo Leoni

“This song is basically about life and the unexpected great things that can come out of bad times. Life can feel like a never-ending roller coaster, and this track is kind of our take on ‘Singing in the Rain’.” — Nic Maeder

“Smiling in the Pouring Rain” showcases once again GOTTHARD’s ability to craft emotionally resonant rock music that uplifts as much as it moves.

Watch the video below:
Stream “Smiling in the Pouring Rain”: https://gotthard.rpm.link/smilingPR

“Smiling in the Pouring Rain” will be included in GOTTHARD’s upcoming mini-album, More Stereo Crush, set for release on March 13, 2026 through RPM. Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Leo Leoni, mastered by Sascha “Busy” Bühren, and featuring artwork by Manuel Schütz and Thomas Ewerhard, the album continues to highlight the band’s signature mix of melodic hooks, powerful vocals, and rock-solid instrumentation.

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

IMMOLATION - ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM DESCENT + RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR THE FIRST SINGLE, 'ADVERSARY'

New York death metal titans IMMOLATION are charging into 2026 at full throttle with two massive tours and the announcement of their highly anticipated twelfth studio album, Descent, arriving April 10th via Nuclear Blast Records.

Ever since their landmark 1991 debut, Dawn of Possession, the band has set an unwavering standard for innovation, influencing generations of extreme metal worldwide. Their sound remains singular, driven by Bob Vigna’s signature fretwork—a masterclass of soaring leads and haunting, atmospheric dirges.

Experience the first taste of the devastation with their new single "Adversary"—a crushing blend of blast beats, intimidating leads, and cavernous vocals. Defined by merciless percussion, dissonant riffing, and Ross Dolan’s commanding growls, the track is a monumental display of the band's enduring power.

Watch the music video for 'Adversary' directed by the band’s own Bob Vigna, below.

IMMOLATION comments: "We are really excited to release ‘Descent’ this year. The vibe and feel of this new one is almost addictive. We couldn’t be happier with how it came out and we can’t wait for everyone to hear it! This album takes what we’ve done on the last couple of records and truly brings it to a new level. The material stays true to our roots, but also goes into some new territory at times, being somewhat ambitious, but taking nods from even our earliest moments. We always strive to create interesting songs, and I believe we have achieved that on every track here.  It’s truly one of the best records we’ve done, with an amazing production, atmosphere and flow. We look forward to playing it all live for you soon! Enjoy the 'Descent'!" 

Pre-order | pre-save Descent:
https://immolation.bfan.link/descent

Descent was captured across two locations: Justin Passamonte tracked guitars, bass, and vocals at Jpass Music, while drums were recorded at Mercinary Studios with Noah Buchanan. The production was a collaborative effort between the band and long-time engineer Zack Ohren, who also handled the mixing and mastering. The result is a muscular, high-fidelity production that captures the band’s most fiery and brooding moments with equal clarity. To call Descent "heavy" or "brutal" is an understatement; this is death metal with a unique, elevated voice that stands entirely alone.

Visually, the band has once again tapped Eliran Kantor to craft a haunting cover masterpiece—a true hallmark of the Immolation aesthetic— complemented by Santiago Jaramillo’s (Triple Seis Design) internal booklet illustrations. With this release, IMMOLATION reinforces their status as one of the most enduring and vital forces in the genre.

Following the European tour, IMMOLATION will join headliners and label mates BEHEMOTH on their 'The Godless IV 2026 Tour' with DEICIDE and ROTTING CHRIST.  

04.14.2026  US  San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park
04.15.2026  US  San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
04.17.2026  US  Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
04.18.2026  CAN Vancouver, BC @ The Vogue Theatre
04.19.2026  US  Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo
04.21.2026  US  Salt Lake City, UT @ Union Event Center
04.22.2026  US  Denver, CO @ The Fillmore
04.24.2026  US  Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
04.25.2026  US  Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theatre
04.26.2026  US  St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
04.28.2026  US  Norfolk, VA @ The Norva
04.30.2026  US  Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore ~
05.01.2026  US  Worcester, MA @ The Palladium ^
05.02.2026  US  New York City, NY @ The Palladium
05.04.2026  US  Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo Riverworks
05.05.2026  US  McKees Rock, PA @ The Roxian
05.09.2026  US  Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
05.11.2026. CAN Toronto, ON @ History
05.12.2026  CAN Montreal, QC @ L'Olympia
05.14.2026  US  Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple*
05.15.2026  US  Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
05.16.2026  US  Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
05.18.2026  US  Dallas, TX @ The Bomb Factory
05.20.2026  US  Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
05.21.2026  US  Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
~ - No ROTTING CHRIST
^ - No DEICIDE
* - Festival date

FESTIVAL DATES
07.27-31.2026. RO. Brasov @ Rockstadt Extreme Fest
08.05-08.2026 CZ. Josefov @ Brutal Assault

IMMOLATION is:
Ross Dolan | Bass/Vocals
Robert Vigna | Guitar
Steve Shalaty | Drums
Alex Bouks | Guitar

RED REIGN RELEASE LIVE EP, ANNOUNCE UPCOMING SHOW WITH METAL ALLEGIANCE AT NAMM

Red Reign will start the new year off right with two exciting announcements: an upcoming release of a live EP, while fans in the Anaheim, California area will soon get the opportunity to see the band live. On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Red Reign will be supporting Metal Allegiance at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California. 

"We are beyond excited to be a part of, the Metal Allegiance show," the band said. "Not only do we get to  perform in from of great musicians, but it will be our first time Red Reign will be on the west coast. We look forward to bringing our music to new listeners and have the experience of our lives."

Additionally, Red Reign will be attending the 2026 METAL HALL OF FAME at The Roxy in Los Angeles CA on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026. But before that, on Friday, January 16, 2026 will see the release of 'Live at Ardmore Music Hall,' which was recorded on April 30, 2025, when Red Reign supported LA Guns. "We wanted to capture our live, energetic, raw sound," the band explained. "In the studio, while recording songs, you feel compelled to make sure the song is perfect in a controlled setting. But live recording gives you a little more freedom to express the songs in a different manner."

Hailing from Virginia, Red Reign comprised of members singer/guitarist Carlton “Bubba” McMichael, guitarist Stevie Shred, bassist Larry Moore, and drummer Sammy Lee. The quartet takes 80’s rock influences but steers them in a more contemporary direction. In 2023, they released their full-length debut 'Don't Look Back,' which can be purchased via this link: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/red-reign

Overseen by Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum producer David Ivory, the ten-track LP features such standout tracks as “Don’t Look Back” (which features a guest appearance by guitarist George Lynch), “Here I Am,” and “No Peace, No Love.” The band strongly feels that “All types of music lovers can find what they like in each one of our songs.” To check out the group's music video for "Don't Look Back," click below:

LIGHTNING STRIKES Announce “Fear of Unknown” the First Video from their Upcoming Album 'The King Is Victorious' Due on February 18th

Today, the Los Angeles, CA based heavy metal outfit LIGHTNING STRIKES have released a music video called “Fear of Unknown” from their upcoming sophomore album ‘The King Is Victorious’, which is set for release on February 18th. “Fear of Unknown” video is now available to watch Below:

Karpis spoke about the single “Fear of Unknown”, ““Fear of Unknown” is about the fear that can cripple your mind and can take your capabilities away if you are week minded, something that you don’t see, but that fear lives in your head and reminds you that your life can end at any point. Your brain can’t calculate why you are scared and as soon as you are getting weak and useless then fear of unknown will take you away.”

 

Karpis continues, “It was written by me mid 2021. I recorded the drum tracks about that time, then Barry Sparks came into the project, he was very excited and energized to be part of the project, he even made a compliment and said it’s sounds like Black Sabbath and he will do some Geezer Butler style bass. The song was finalized in early 2025 after Norifumi Shima recorded his guitar track and added his signature guitar solo. Then Mariano Gardella completed the lyrics and recorded his dream vocals by giving the song a very unique prespective. Finally, let’s not forget about the maestro on the keyboard, Derek Sherinian who I have worked with previously on my 1st album, he also came into project and added his signature keyboard tracks and solo.”

The bulk of the album was recorded by Maksudian, a Japanese guitar virtuoso, Norifumi Shima (CONCERTO MOON), American bassist extraordinaire, Barry Sparks (MSG, Yngwie Malmsteen), and up-and-coming Argentinian vocalist, Mariano Gardella, with keyboard maestro, Derek Sherinian (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, SONS OF APOLLO), who guested on the group's debut album, also making an appearance.

 

Originally formed in 1984, LIGHTNING STRIKES were the first metal band to feature an all Armenian-American line-up, well over a decade before the arrival of SYSTEM OF A DOWN. Co-founder Maksudian revived the name with new personnel a quarter century after the initial breakup recording the group's self-titled 2016 full-length debut with Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes (SINISTRA, HANGAR), the aforementioned Rob Math and Derek Sherinian, and former BLACK SABBATH vocalist, Tony Martin, who sang on and wrote the lyrics to 'Death Valley' and '301 AD Sins of Our Fathers'. Mixed by Roy Z, the album was well received and peaked on the Japanese Burrn! Magazine import charts at number 6.

Musicians:

Karpis Maksudian - Drums/USA

Shima Norifumi - Lead Guitar/Japan

Barry Sparks - Bass/USA

Mariano Gardella - Vocals/Germany

Derek Sherinian - Keyboards/USA

Producer: Karpis Maksudian

Engineer: Dario Mollo

 

Links:

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

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

X: x.com/lsrocksofficial

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@lightningstrikesofficial387

The young Fables- 2026 - New Year, New Tour, New Record

We are pretty sure you are absolutely crushing your resolutions right about now and we are cheering you on from the sidelines! For us, 2026 has already come in fast. We kicked things off with a writer's retreat in Sedona, Arizona, navigated a brief health scare with Wes (he is doing well now), and started mapping out what feels like a really meaningful year ahead.

Tomorrow, we step into the studio to begin work on our fifth full length record with multi Grammy nominated engineer, mixer, and producer Bobby Holland. There is nothing quite like hearing songs come alive in a space built purely for creativity. The studio always feels a little more magical, and we are so eager to bring this next chapter to life.

From there, we are heading back to the Northeast for a run of shows we are truly excited about. These nights are already beginning to fill up, and we would love to see you out on the road with us.


Here are some shows in our path:

JAN 28 - NASHVILLE, TN
Bonnie Stewart and Friends
*Special Guest Appearance*
THE BASEMENT EAST
8 PM

TICKETS

FEB 13 - FLOYDS KNOBS, IN
THE WOODS OF LAFAYETTE
presents The Young Fables
6 PM 

RSVP - email
bettyannfarmer@att.net

FEB 18 - WEST FALLS CHURCH, VA
THE CLARKE HOUSE
presents The Young Fables
7 PM

RSVP - email

FEB 19 - HAGERSTOWN, MD
LIVE at HUB CITY VINYL
presents The Young Fables
8 PM


TICKETS


SOLD OUT 
FEB 20 - ANNAPOLIS, MD
SHC MUSIC TRIBE
presents The Young Fables
7:30 PM

SOLD OUT


LOW TICKET ALERT
FEB 21 - HARRISBURG, PA
MANSION CONCERTS
presents An Evening with The Young Fables
6 PM


TICKETS

Out Now - ANTI-SAPIEN - At The Mercy Of The Merciless

ANTI-SAPIEN return with At the Mercy of the Merciless, a 22 minute blast of sewer-filthy death crust that captures the band in a moment of evolution and escalation. Written on the road and recorded at Growl House Studios for a January 16, 2026 release on Terminus Hate City, the record feels like the point where a pandemic side project that started as a joke has hardened into a focused, relentless, politically furious machine. The songs are still fun, still catchy, still gross and sweaty, but the riffing has become more intricate and the sense of purpose sharper, with the band leaning into real world themes, personal damage, and systemic rot without sacrificing the primal thrill of heavy music.

About ANTI-SAPIEN:

ANTI-SAPIEN formed in Brooklyn in 2021 and grew quickly from a loose pandemic experiment into a touring force known for filthy death crust riffs, sweat soaked shows, and a message that cuts through the noise. The band began as a way for friends to blow off steam and write ugly, fun songs that blended their love of D beat punk, death metal, grind, and the classic New York slam tradition. What surprised them was how quickly audiences connected to not only the heaviness but the honesty. Kids responded to the riffs but also to the moments between songs where the band spoke openly about inequality, exploitation, and the systems that grind people down. That connection pushed ANTI-SAPIEN to take the project further, tighten their sound, and hit the road hard across the United States and eventually through Australia, Korea, and Japan.

Over time the band’s lineup shifted into the current form of Blake Charlton, Alex Fewell, Ryan Murphy, and Nathan Rand, all seasoned musicians with long histories in heavy music. Their combined backgrounds in bands like Ramming Speed, Black Mass, Soul Remnants, and others helped shape the sound into something both raw and disciplined, equal parts crust punk grit and death metal precision. They have played festivals like NEDM Funtime Bonanza and the NYDM International Fest, building a reputation for fast sets, filthy tones, and a refusal to shy away from uncomfortable truths.

ANTI-SAPIEN operate with a clear sense of purpose. They are proudly anti fascist, openly political, and committed to calling out abuses of power while keeping their shows rooted in community and catharsis. The band writes music that is catchy and disgusting, equal parts sewer filth and adrenaline, and they deliver it with the conviction of people who believe heavy music can be fun while still saying something worth hearing. Audiences continue to grow each tour, fueled by the band’s willingness to merge riffs, rage, humor, and a perspective shaped by lived experience.

ANTI-SAPIEN is:

Blake Charlton – Guitar and Lead Vocals
Alex Fewell – Drums
Ryan Murphy – Bass and Backup Vocals
Nathan Rand – Lead Guitar

Connect with ANTI-SAPIEN:

Website: terminushatecity.com
Bandcamp:https://anti-sapien.bandcamp.com/music
E Shop:https://anti-sapien.bandcamp.com/merch
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AntiSapienBand/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/antisapienband/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@antisapienband
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qq4lPjBPdNmudoOk1CfRZ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/anti-sapien/1679779909

Out Now - VISERION - Fire & Blood

Exploring a wealth of fantastical literature through the bloodthirsty shroud of black metal, VISERION's forthcoming atmospheric album, Fire and Blood, is set to manifest in this realm on January 16th, 2026. The likes of ULTAR, 1349, SATYRICON, GATES OF ISHTAR are significantly influential in the construction of VISERION's creativity, as they delve heavily into the melodic across their discography. 

The title track opens the album with a more conventionally leaning black metal quality. It establishes the primary theme that bleeds through the release: "our concept for this album was inspired by George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones world. It particularly focuses on the Targaryen dynasty hence the title being their house words: Fire and Blood." The band explain further, "this particular song focuses on the black magic rituals that the Targaryen family was rumored to use in order to control dragons". The violent and aggressive tones emanate from the unyielding instrumentation and monstrous vocal delivery.

The use of non standard time signatures creates a sense of chaos and unease in the introduction to "Mad King". The instability of the arrangement is intentional as the song explores "the delusions and cruelty of King Aerys II as well as his demise". Aegon The Conqueror and his dragon Balerion are the focus of "Reign of Fire". VISERION's use of groove and melodies mark "Reign of Fire" as a standout track. "Blackfyre" tells of The Blackfyre Rebellions through a dark and rhythmic offering. The addition of keys enhances the track with further texture - "part of the production that stands out is the inclusion of keys recorded by our engineer Billy. These keys then sparked our mixer Chris to come up with the idea to use it as an outro".

Horror and anguish lie within the intense "Harrenhal". This composition of despair sees the lyrics portray "the horrifying destruction of Lord Harren’s fortress at the hands of Aegon the Conqueror and his dragon". In an enthralling display of unceasing power the intensity of the instrumentation is immense, only pausing to lament in eerie melodic moments.

About VISERION:
Located in Queens, NY, VISERION blend brutal and aggressive black metal with atmospheric and melodic passages in their own distinctive take on the genre. Storytelling is embedded in their musical creativity, highly influenced by the writings of George R.R. Martin and the World of Westeros. The band initially formed as a three-piece in 2020 by Ben Marvilli taking on bass and vocals, Matt Marvilli on drums and John Magnani performing guitars. Subsequently, in 2022, Magnani left and Ben Marvilli swapped out bass for guitar. Cris Valentine also joined on guitar and Tasso Diakov took on the bass. The debut album Natural Selection dropped in 2021, followed by a split EP release with TELOCH VOVIN titled The Iron Age of Kali Yuga in 2023. Now, Fire and Blood is set to emerge on January 16, 2026. 

VISERION Is:
Benedetto Marvilli -Guitar/Vocals
Matthew Marvilli - Drums
Cris Valentine - Guitar
Tasso Diakov - Bass

Album Credits:
Producer: Billy Pfister
Recording Studio: Westfall Recording
Engineer: Billy Pfister
Mastering: Jacob Buczarski
Mixing: Chris Grigg
Cover art: “Fire in Rome” by Hubert Robert

VRSTY Share New Single "heartbreak blues"

Genre-blending and bending New York City-based collective VRSTY (pronounced "Varsity") have shared their crackling new single "heartbreak blues."

Listen below.

The song features lyrics sung in both English and Spanish. It boasts unforgettable Latin flair, and vocal melodies that soar over a hissing breakdown. 

"'heartbreak blues' is probably one of the angriest yet most vulnerable songs I've written," says singer Joey Tyler. "It's essentially about the feeling of being angry over someone you were prepared to give the word to, while still feeling incredibly connected to them. Sometimes, it's harder to cut certain threads in life and I think this song perfectly hit that vibe for me."

He furthers, "Clearly, I've been through that a lot."

The singer also shares how the song also hits on another personal level, saying, "This is the first song where I naturally was like, 'What if this part was in Spanish?,' and it totally works. It was nice to combine my love for heavy music and my love for my culture on this one."

2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for VRSTY, with more new music on the way.

Also, VRSTY will hit the road, supporting Fire From the Gods, later this month. All dates are below.


VRSTY ON TOUR:
WITH FIRE FROM THE GODS:

1/22 — Austin, TX — Come and Take It Live
1/23 — Haltom City, TX — Haltom Theater
1/24 — Oklahoma City, OK — 89th Street
1/25 — Tulsa, OK — The Shrine
1/28 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade (Purgatory)
1/29 — Winter Park, FL — Conduit
1/30 — Jacksonville, FL — Jack Rabbits
1/31 — Columbia, SC — New Brookland Tavern
2/01 — Richmond, VA — Canal Club (Downstairs)
2/03 — Philadelphia, PA — The Foundry at The Fillmore
2/04 — Clifton, NJ — Dingbatz
2/05 — Brooklyn, NY — The Meadows
2/06 — Lowell, MA — Taffeta Music Hall
2/07 — Syracuse, NY — The Song & Dance
2/10 — Pittsburgh, PA — Crafthouse
2/11 — Columbus, OH — King of Clubs
2/12 — Cadillac, MI — Venue Event Center
2/13 — West Chicago, IL — WC Social Club
2/14 — Madison, WI — The Annex
2/15 — Minneapolis, MN — Underground Music Venue
2/17 — Denver, CO — HQ
2/19 — Los Angeles, CA — The Whisky A Go-Go
2/20 — Anaheim, CA — The Parish at House of Blues
2/21 — Las Vegas, NV — The Wall at Area 15

ABOUT VRSTY:
VRSTY (pronounced "Varsity") make music as energetic and richly diverse as the city that spawned them. Assembled by band leader Joey Varela, a Puerto Rican singer from New York City raised on R&B, pop, and Spanish music and equally inspired by metallic post-hardcore, VRSTY blend genres with fearless ambition and visceral enthusiasm. A handful of EPs preceded 2020's debut album, Welcome Home, itself followed by a three-part series of sequel EPs solidifying the band's reputation.  
 
VRSTY specialize in what Kerrang! described as "endless grooves and danceable parts, punctuated by breakdowns and completed with dark atmosphere." Meanwhile, "Massive," from 2020's Cloud City EP, remained the Most Played on SiriusXM's Octane for two consecutive weeks. In a 9/10 review, Outburn described Welcome Home as "effortless, fun, and above all genuine." Blabbermouth raved, "While other bands may have introduced the concept of genre-bending, VRSTY have refined it."
 
Levitate, the band's sophomore set, was powered by spirited conviction and a commitment to follow their muse wherever it leads. Tyler co-produced Levitate with Justin Deblieck (Ice Nine Kills, Motionless In White, Lorna Shore, Fit For A King).
 
VRSTY have commanded the crowd anytime they perform, connecting with anyone who struggles with feelings of low self-worth, bad relationships, or generally feels like an outsider. It’s a feeling of shared community evident on the band's tours with the likes of 10 Years, Nonpoint, Secrets, and For The Fallen Dreams, among others.

Ultimately, VRSTY aim to encourage, provoke, and inspire listeners in the next era of their career — with more music on the way in 2026.

HIGHER POWER - release video for 'Count The Miles'

UK alt-hardcore quintet Higher Power have released a video for their track 'Count The Miles', ahead of their highly anticipated sold-out show, at Leeds Brudenell Social Club on Friday 16th January.

The band's third studio album, There's Love In This World If You Want It, was surprise released digitally in summer 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records

Frontman Jimmy Wizard commented on the video:

"This video was Alex’s concept but one of our favourite things growing up was seeing videos that give you a look behind the curtain! We don’t live and tour like this anymore but I’m grateful for the experiences we had together and it’s cool to have something of a highlight reel of our lives over those years so enjoy!"

Watch the video for 'Count The Miles' below:
Stream There's Love In This World If You Want It and order physical copies here: https://higherpower.bfan.link/love

Inner peace. That’s the aim for us all, isn’t it? Well, the truth is that it is always there waiting for you. You just need to work away a little bit to find it, digging deep and questioning yourself to get closer and closer to achieving that ultimate sense of personal zen. It may not always feel like the search is paying off, but there is always potential for that love, compassion and understanding of who you are to seep through. The journey may be challenging, but you’ll be glad that you took part in it in the end.

For Higher Power, that journey has seen them do things that, when they emerged onto the Yorkshire hardcore circuit in 2015, were never even on their radar. From their innocently frantic beginnings of emulating and celebrating legendary bands like Leeway and Merauder for a new generation, even playing their first two shows in the basement of the house owned by The Flexand at an early iteration of Outbreak Fest respectively, the ten years that have followed have seen them ride every ebb and flow that the music industry has to offer. From touring with everyone from Alexisonfire and Neck Deep to Knocked Loose and Angel Du$t to signing to Roadrunner Records for their sophomore full-length 27 Miles Underwater, they have achieved the sort of things that, up until recently, would never have been on the horizon of possibility for a hardcore band of their ilk. Yet, within experiencing the industry mechanics usually reserved for the highest echelons of rock royalty, they also realised they were drifting away from the things that made them want to do all of this in the first place.

The result of putting what feels right for them first is There’s Love In This World If You Want It, a record that encapsulates the Higher Power spirit in a way that only those whose hearts are truly entrenched in the band can produce. Peeling away layers of assumption and ideology placed upon them by others and focusing once more on the genre-splicing experimentation that inspired them to create together in the first place, they have produced nine songs that showcase exactly what they are made of in a screaming rainbow of colour.

Eihwar Announce Entrancing New Album 'Hugrheim'

Hot off a year of electrifying performances at Wacken Open Air, Midgardsblot and dates with The Hu, Eihwar are back to pull the world deeper into their Viking War Trance.

Today, the cult breakthrough are announcing their highly-anticipated second album with a heart-pounding new video for its official lead single. Channeling the duo’s unique fusion of Nordic folk and sweaty electro-industrial pulse, “Nauðiz” sets the tone for Hugrheim by declaring that transformation is not chosen but endured through trials of strength.

Watch the official video for “Nauðiz” Below.

Hugrheim comes out March 13, 2026 on Season of Mist

Pre-order & pre-save:

https://orcd.co/eihwarhugrheimalbum

Pre-save on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/2BDUUsqBy3TbR6HKaFnLnZ/

“Nauðiz” mirrors the narrative arc of Hugrheim, where spiritual collapse is a necessary passage toward renewal. War drums and horns surge beneath trance-like chants, blurring the line between ceremony and combat. The accompanying music video expands this vision through a cinematic, live-action aesthetic inspired by bold, graphic storytelling. Struck down by her most intimate fear, Asrunn confronts annihilation before rising again through the protective magic of Mark. Fire becomes both destroyer and catalyst, sealing “Nauðiz” as a story of sacred trial and rebirth.

Get ready for the wild electro Nordic folk of EIHWAR! These "Enfants Terribles" aren’t here for solemn atmospheres—their fierce and festive fantasy is made for raging Viking dancefloors. Backed by Season of Mist (home to Heilung and Danheim), Eihwar burst onto YouTube in 2023 and hasn’t slowed down since. With millions of views and festival appearances at Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, and Midgardsblot at the Midgard Viking Center in Norway, they bring a new wave of pagan power shaking across Europe.

This second album from Eihwar describes the world from which these two pagan superheroes originate. It is "Hugrheim," the 10th hidden world of Yggdrasil in Eihwar's fantasy mythology. The two musicians explain:

Over the past few years, our souls have gradually taken over the bodies of two human musicians. Through incarnation, we lost much of our memories. All that remains are images, emotions, and fragments from our previous existence, mixed in with the thoughts and memories of our human hosts. In this new song, we evoke the memories that gradually come back to us: memories of Hugrheim, the tenth world of Yggdrasil, hidden and unknown to men. This world is shaped by the Hugr, the spirit. In this realm dwell the invisible forces of the soul and consciousness. When our vessels perish here and our incarnation ends, we will return to Hugrheim. Still, we hope to remain here as long as possible this time, because nowadays the beer is fucking good, the rockstar life is pretty damn cool, and dental anesthesia actually exists.

— Mark & Asrunn

Line-up:
Asrunn — Vocals, Shamanic Drums
Mark — Vocals, War Drums, Lute, Folk Guitar, Tagelharpa, Percussion & Programming

Production Credits:
Mark & Asrunn of Eihwar — All Production, Mixing & Mastering at Eihwar Studio.

Artwork & Photography:
© Eihwar

Follow Eihwar:

Website: https://www.eihwar.com/
Bandcamp: https://eihwar.bandcamp.com/
BandsInTown: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15564238-eihwar
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eihwar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eihwar.music/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eihwar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eihwar.music
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/eihwar/1700795908
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VFxoCJQPfQauZujESPjQK
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/224131655
Tidal: https://tidal.com/artist/41105436
Discord Invite: https://www.eihwar.com/

Maddox Batson Releases Magnetic “Any Other Night” + OMV

Mixing magnetic attraction with a sleek roots-R&B groove, rising country star Maddox Batson begins a new chapter with his first release of 2026, “Any Other Night.”
 
Dripping in the confident, swaggering passion of youth, “Any Other Night” marks the first in a string of upcoming releases from a skyrocketing talent who has already become the youngest male artist to appear on Billboard’s 21 Under 21.
 
Co-written by Batson with Jesse Frasure and Jacob Hackworth and produced by Frasure, the track finds the 16-year-old Nashville native ditching his friends and their typical hangouts for something with more meaning – and a love he can’t resist. Featuring a smooth vocal flow, clean guitars and a laid back digital beat, the heart-on-fire fusion of country, pop and R&B becomes a coming-of-age anthem, all about romantic memories in the making. 
 
"I'm so stoked about my new single and the music video for ‘Any Other Night,’” Batson enthuses. “This was an amazing collaboration with some great writers, Jacob Hackworth and Jesse Frasure. Just really good guys, and great Nashville songwriters. We wanted to tap into my age group's normal vibes and what it's like choosing between that and your crush. It has a great feel, and I'm looking forward to the fans’ reaction.” 
 
Fans can stream or download “Any Other Night” here, and check out the captivating official music video featuring Batson fans’ favorite guest star, Embreigh Courtlyn (“Girl In Green”), below, directed by Grant Decyk.
 
Showing new growth as an artist, “Any Other Night” has attracted massive fan attention as the follow up to Batson’s 2025 EP, First Dance, as well as singles “No More” and “Coincidence.” A TikTok teaser of the track recorded 3.5M views and 202K likes, while an Instagram post generated 1.2M views and 35K likes. 

Both show the incredible demand powering Batson’s most ambitious year yet – including more new music to come, his collaboration with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – the first-ever artist collaboration in the brand’s 150-year history – and his headlining 44-city Maddox Batson Live Worldwide Tour 2026.
 
Set to kick off February 17 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Live Worldwide Tour 2026 will crisscross the U.S. before heading to Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, on Batson’s first headlining European trek.
 
Joined by special guests Baylee Lynn, Jenna Davis, Just Jayne and Timmy McKeever on select dates, North American stops will include Atlanta, Georgia; Providence, Rhode Island; Montreal, Quebec; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington; Los Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona and Arlington, Texas. Tickets for all shows are available now at MaddoxBatson.com.
 
The new music and headline tour continue a breathtaking ascent for Batson, whose still-young career already counts 105M U.S. on-demand streams, 444M YouTube views and a combined social media following of 5.6M.
 
After making his Stagecoach festival debut in 2025, Batson wrapped his 29-city I Need A Truck Tour and supported select dates on Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind Tour. He has already caught the attention of ForbesUSA Today, American SongwriterNBC Nightly NewsPEOPLEThis Past Weekend with Theo Von and others, with much more to come.

Maddox Batson Live Worldwide Tour 2026 Routing:
Feb. 17  |  Ft. Lauderdale, FL  |  Revolution Live
Feb. 18  |  St. Petersburg, FL  |  Jannus Live
Feb. 20  |  Atlanta, GA  |  Coca-Cola Roxy
Feb. 21  |  Augusta, GA  |  Bell Auditorium
Feb. 22  |  Macon, GA  |  Macon City Auditorium
Feb. 28  |  Allentown, PA  |  Archer Music Hall
March 1  |  Montclair, NJ  |  The Wellmont Theater
March 4  |  Stamford, CT  |  The Palace Theatre
March 6  |  Syracuse, NY  |  Landmark Theatre
March 7  |  Schenectady, NY  |  Proctors Theatre
March 8  | Providence, RI  |  The Strand Ballroom & Theatre
March 11  |  Montreal, QC  |  Beanfield Theatre
March 12  |  Toronto, ON  |  The Danforth Music Hall
March 14  |  Buffalo, NY  |  Buffalo Riverworks
March 15  |  Cleveland, OH  |  Agora Theatre & Ballroom
March 18  |  Detroit, MI  |  Royal Oak Music Theatre
March 20  |  Chicago, IL  |  The Salt Shed
March 21  |  Madison, WI  |  The Sylvee
March 22  |  Minneapolis, MN  |  The Fillmore Minneapolis
March 26  | Calgary, AB  |  Grey Eagle Event Centre
March 28  |  Vancouver, BC  |  Vogue Theatre
March 31  |  Portland, OR  |  McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
April 1  |  Seattle, WA  |  The Showbox
April 3  |  Sacramento, CA  |  Channel 24
April 4  |  San Francisco, CA  |  The Fillmore
April 8  |  Los Angeles, CA  |  The Wiltern
April 11  | San Diego, CA  |  The Observatory North Park
April 16  |  Salt Lake City, UT  |  The Complex
April 18  |  Phoenix, AZ  |  The Van Buren
April 19  |  Albuquerque, NM  |  Revel Entertainment Center 
April 22  |  Austin, TX  |  ACL Live at The Moody Theater 
April 24  |  Houston, TX  |  Bayou Music Center
April 26  |  Tulsa, OK  |  Cain’s Ballroom 
April 29  |  St. Louis, MO  |  The Factory at The District 
May 3  |  Nashville, TN  |  The Pinnacle 
May 12  |  Dublin, IE  |  3Olympia Theatre
May 13  |  Glasgow, UK  |  SWG3 Galvanizers
May 15  |  Manchester, UK  |  Manchester Academy 2
May 16  |  London, UK  |  O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
May 19  |  Cologne, DE  |  Club Volta
May 20  |  Amsterdam, NL  |  Tolhuistuin
May 21  |  Hamburg, DE  |  Bahnhof Pauli 
May 23  |  Oslo, NO  |  Vulkan Arena
May 24  |  Stockholm, SE  |  Fryshuset Klubben
 
STAY TUNED WITH MADDOX BATSON
TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Website
 
About Maddox Batson
Rising country-pop artist Maddox Batson is making a name for himself at just 16 years old. The Nashville-based songwriter first gained attention for his covers of popular songs by artists like Zach Bryan and Red Clay Strays before showcasing his own songwriting talent with singles like “Tears In The River” and “I Wanna Know.” With his deluxe EP, First Dance (The After Party), and his recently sold-out I Need A Truck Tour, he is quickly becoming a star in the country music scene. The multi-instrumentalist, who plays piano, guitar and mandolin, recently collaborated with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey for a unique integration in their 16-month The Greatest Show on Earth. Despite his rapid success, Batson remains grounded and focused on enjoying his youth while pursuing his career.

DRAKE MILLIGAN KICKS OFF 2026 ADDING US AND AUS DATES TO HIS “TUMBLEWEED WORLD TOUR”

Critically acclaimed Country artist, Drake Milligan, adds 23 dates to his “Tumbleweed World Tour” across the United States and Australia. On the heels of his highly anticipated sophomore album, Tumbleweed – listen HERE, Milligan will start off the year in Hampton, GA at the Autotrader 400 NASCAR Cup Series followed by stops in Canada, Europe, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. A true entertainer, fans can expect an energetic, one-of-a-kind performance from Milligan and his band. Please visit  drakemilligan.com for tickets and more information.                                      

Having been on the road throughout 2025 opening for Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, and Luke Bryan, Milligan is embarking on his own slew of dates including his return across the pond in Paris and Brussels in March, plus C2C Festival stops in Rotterdam, Berlin, London, Glasgow, and Belfast. With the UK being Milligan’s second largest market in 2025, just behind the US, he is thrilled to bring his electric show back to them in 2026.

Produced by Trent Willmon, Tumbleweed includes 14 tracks that perfectly combine traditional Texas country, Western swing, and modern Nashville stylings, while showcasing Milligan’s timeless musicality. The title track hit #8 on the UK Country Radio Airplay chart. CD/vinyl of Tumbleweed are available for pre-order today and will release on March 13. Pre-order HERE.

Check out Milligan’s official performance video of one of his favorites off the album, “Slow Dancing To A Fast Song,” below. Following the success of his “Living Room Sessions” on YouTube, Milligan has introduced “Soundcheck Sessions” to his channel. This series will include weekly performance videos of his soundchecks at various shows.

About Drake Milligan

A student of classic Country music with the swagger of early Rock ‘n’ Roll, Drake Milligan 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 major media including Billboard, PEOPLE, American Songwriter, USA Today, Access Hollywood, and more. In 2022, Milligan burst onto the national music stage with his debut album Dallas/Fort Worth, which topped the iTunes Country and All-Genre charts, landed him at #5 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists Chart, and was later named one of Billboard’s “Best Country Albums of 2022.” The Fort Worth, TX native has since performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Grand Ole Opry, Stagecoach and CMA Music Festival, and recently became the first artist to perform on an F1 racetrack for the inaugural F1 Grid Gigs in Austin, TX.  Following his breakout debut, Milligan earned a #1 Canadian Country Radio hit with “Honky Tonkin’ About” (with The Reklaws) and carried that momentum into 2024 with his critically acclaimed EP Jukebox Songs, featuring fan favorite “I Got A Problem.” He also returned to primetime television for America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League before joining Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, and Blake Shelton on tour. With more than 270 million streams worldwide, Milligan is entering his next chapter with the release of his sophomore album Tumbleweed. The title track has already climbed into the UK Country Radio Top 10 as he kicks off his global “Tumbleweed World Tour.”

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

BLAKE SHELTON KICKS OFF HIS 2026 RESIDENCY WITH “BLAKE SHELTON: LIVE IN LAS VEGAS” AT THE COLOSSEUM AT CAESARS PALACE

With his current single “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’” sitting at No. 1 on the country radio charts, country music superstar Blake Shelton returned to Las Vegas in grand fashion, launching “BLAKE SHELTON: LIVE IN LAS VEGAS” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Shelton delivered a nearly two-hour, high-energy performance that celebrated his hit-filled career, treating fans to a career-spanning set packed with many of his 31 No. 1 singles, including “Austin,” “Hillbilly Bone,” “God’s Country” and “Pour Me a Drink.” The latter recently earned CMA Musical Event of the Year honors for Shelton and duet partner Post Malone.

“It may be Thursday night but every night is Saturday night in Vegas, so let’s get this one started,” Shelton said. “And if you’re doing Dry January, take the night off. I’m here for you,” he added, raising his cup to the crowd.
 
Shelton also performed his chart-topping single “Texas,” the debut single from his new album, For Recreational Use Only. The album also features “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’,” along with collaborations that include Gwen Stefani on “Hangin’ On,” Craig Morgan joins for “Heaven Sweet Home” and Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson lends his voice on “Years.”

Shelton closed out the extraordinary night with his signature hit, “God Gave Me You.” “Blake Shelton: Live In Las Vegas” has limited tickets available for the remaining shows, January 18, 21, 23, 24, 28, 30 and 31, and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com/BlakeSheltonVegas.

Photo Credit: Jamie Wendt

About Blake Shelton
With 31 No. 1 singles, 52 million singles and 13 million albums sold and nearly 11 billion global streams, Blake Shelton has received numerous awards, including six ACMs, three AMAs, 11 CMAs, 11 CMTs and six People’s Choice, among many others. His debut BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville album, For Recreational Use Only, was released last year, and the 12-track album features his No. 1 Wheelhouse Records single “Texas” and “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’.” The album also includes the poignant “Let Him In Anyway” and songs featuring guest appearances by Gwen Stefani, John Anderson and Craig Morgan. 
 
Shelton wrapped 2025 with The Road, a gritty new CBS series he co-produced alongside Taylor Sheridan, David Glasser, Lee Metzger and headliner Keith Urban. The show follows aspiring artists on a relentless national tour, offering a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the highs, lows and hard truths of chasing a dream from the road. The show airs on Sunday nights on CBS and is available for streaming the following day on Paramount.
 
He will kick off 2026 with “Blake Shelton: Live In Las Vegas.” He will return to the Colosseum at Caesars Place for his second Las Vegas residency with dates on January 15, 18, 21, 23, 24, 28, 30 and 31. The Grand Ole Opry member also remains focused on his Ole Red partnership with Ryman Hospitality, which currently has locations in Tishomingo, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Orlando and, most recently, Las Vegas, featuring a stand-alone venue complete with a rooftop stage and bar on the Las Vegas Strip.
 
For more information, please visit www.BlakeShelton.com and follow @BlakeShelton.

Kenny's Upping the New Songs for SPHERE 2026 Setlist

Having become the first solo artist and country act to create music in a deeper dimension at Vegas’ Sphere, Kenny Chesney came away from his high energy residency with a richer sense of his songs. Maybe it was the immersive visuals or the dialed-in sonics that really teased out the instruments and words. Perhaps it was the looks on the faces of No Shoes Nation as they took in the experience. Or maybe it was just the amount of engagement and singing along from a different place that struck the man sandwiched between Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band and Metallica on Pollstar’s Top 10 Touring Acts of the Millennium.
 
When it came time to think about his 2026 residency at Sphere, the East Tennessee songwriter and brand new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee realized Sphere’s configuration allowed him to perform songs he couldn’t necessarily do in his massive stadium shows. Even more than the freedom to cull from his massive catalogue of 36 Country Airplay No. 1s and 99 charting singles, he recognized the intimacy the venue’s configuration provided.
 
“Even though it’s a pretty big room and there are a lot of people in there,” Chesney explains, “with the way it’s constructed, everyone is so close, you can do things that are a lot slower, that really want to be listened to. We pulled out some songs last year we don’t do very often, and people really responded, so when the band and I got back together to start talking about what we might do this year, a lot of songs that we talked about, we haven’t done in a long time.
 
“We’re having a great time trying things out, finding our way inside them,” he continues. “We’re playing more things right now than we’ll actually be able to do, but I think we’re gonna surprise some people… because some of these songs we’ve never played, and a few we’ve not played in years. But I realized we can give people the space to really listen, and that makes all these songs so much better. I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up with 30, 40% new material; maybe more.”
 
Having planted No Shoes Nation’s flag under a giant technicolor dome last year, the Pollstar Awards Residency of the Year nominated event created new ways for people to experience the songs they’ve lived their lives inside. Whether an immersive “Welcome To The Fishbowl” with its all-consuming social media reality, or the sweeping, night skies over the ocean and tropical coast “One Lonely Island,” Chesney’s shows opened up what these songs contained – and created a space via the Guitars, Tiki Bars and A Whole Lotta Love Experience, pools across Vegas to meet up and beyond, to have a whole different way of coming together.
 
With Heart Life Music, the book chronicling his journey through music, topping the New York Times Bestseller Hardcover Nonfiction and Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction lists, the time reflecting on the songs that brought him to this moment were very much front and center. As teased in the graphics at the end of his final weekend – “See You Next Summer” – Kenny Chesney’s taking his shake-off-your-troubles songs back to Sphere for one more round of very special shows.

Kenny Chesney Live at Sphere Las Vegas
Tickets on sale now via KennyChesney.com
June 19, 2026
June 20, 2026
June 24, 2026
June 26, 2026
June 27, 2026

Jamey Johnson and Megan Moroney Bring MOJO to Birmingham and Raise $315K for Charities

Alabama’s MOJO roared into the new year on Thursday night in Birmingham, Alabama, when Jamey Johnson and Megan Moroney performed an unforgettable one-night-only acoustic show at The Social at the Fennec that raised $315,000 for their respective charities.

The show’s name, MOJO, was derived from a blend of the first two letters of each artist’s last names. “If you like JOMO more, you can say that too!” Moroney told the crowd.

About 260 people gathered on a cold Birmingham night and enjoyed shrimp and grits, mac and cheese bites, prime rib sliders, Fennec chicken sliders, vegetable spring rolls, bang bang shrimp, and cake pops. Those in attendance included Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and his wife, Elee, songwriters Rob Hatch and Jeremy Popoff and several state senators and representatives.

The girls in the crowd sang along with Moroney’s songs, while the men held up their phones to record Johnson. “We don’t really get a lot of little girls at my shows, but we sell a hell of a lot of beer,” Johnson said. Moroney quipped, “We have a lot of little girls, but we don’t sell a lot of beer!” 

The event, which was hosted by radio personality Storme Warren of The Big 615, benefitted Jamey and Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Foundation, which supports charities close to their hearts and those that help communities during times of crisis, as well as The Megan Moroney Foundation, which focuses on combating bullying and promoting mental health awareness.

Auction items included two alligator hunts, which sold for $9,000 each, three hog hunts, which went for a total of $21,000, and a pair of Moroney’s autographed personal boots, which garnered $4,500. A custom hand-tooled saddle by famed leather craftsman Cody Hixon was purchased for $14,000 by Jimmy John’s founder Jimmy John Liautaud, who immediately donated it back to be auctioned again, bringing in another $14,000.

“The Give It Away Foundation exists so that we can help people we see that are in need,” Johnson says, noting that the fund will also create scholarships. “Somebody’s house burns down and we need to find them a hotel to stay in for a few months, or someone has another hardship and they just need a helping hand. The reason for doing this was to raise money for the foundation.”

Photo Credit: Joe Cash

In addition, the evening celebrated a connection the duo has outside of the music business. Last year, Moroney’s father retired from a Birmingham company called O’Neal Steel, where Johnson worked before finding success in country music. “I worked for O’Neal Steel back in the nineties when I needed a second-shift job. I’ve kept up with the owner, Craft O’Neal, since then. It was a way for Megan and me to give back to Craft and O’Neal Steel as well.” (O’Neal also owns The Fennec, which hosted the event.)

They learned of the connection outside of the Grand Ole Opry, when Moroney’s father told Johnson about their common employer.  “When we realized that connection, we thought it would be so fun to go down to Birmingham and do a show together,” Moroney adds. “Here we are!”

Johnson and Moroney have become good friends, sharing the stage at various venues, including the Grand Old Opry. Johnson and Deana Carter issued the official invitation for Moroney to make her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023. Johnson was an early and enthusiastic supporter of Moroney, inviting her to join his tour in 2022. “She blew us off the stage every night,” he told the crowd.

“Jamey really took a chance on me when he took me out on the road,” said Moroney before sharing, “…it was my band’s and my first tour. We were driving around in a church van and U-Haul. I told Jamey that I really felt like I had made it when the U-Haul tire blew, and instead of waiting on AAA, I said, ‘Put it on the card.’

“This song came out while we were on tour with Jamey,” she said before performing her breakout hit, “Tennessee Orange.” (When the audience cheered, Johnson joked, “Cut that out! This is Roll Tide territory!”)

The show was a wonderful blend of humor and humility, with both songwriters sharing the stories behind their compositions.  Johnson opened the show with the Trace Adkins’ hit “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” which Johnson co-wrote with Dallas Davidson and Randy Houser. “This is arguably one of the two worst songs in country music history,” he joked.

Moroney jokingly warned against the mistreatment of songwriters because the creators get the last word as she did in her songs “Sleep on My Side” and “Lucky.” “If you know anything about me, knowing I have questionable taste in men is one of the Top 5 things you know,” said the singer/songwriter, who was accompanied by her band mate, Alex Shernit, on guitar. 

“I wrote this song because I have this ex I knew that I should not be answering, so I wrote a song called ‘Lucky.’” (She also performed “Beautiful Things,” “Am I Okay?” and her new song, “Wish I Didn’t,” which was released nationally about four hours later giving the charitable crowd the first live performance of the highly-anticipated release).

Two of the night’s most powerful moments occurred when the two united their voices on Don Williams’ hit “Till the Rivers All Run Dry,” which was co-written by Williams and Wayland Holyfield, and John Prine’s iconic song, “Angel from Montgomery,” which mentions Johnson’s hometown.

Johnson, who also performed “High Cost of Living,” “Women,” and “The Dollar” closed the show with “In Color,” his hit he wrote with Lee Thomas Miller and James Otto that was named Song of the Year by both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. “This song is heartfelt, to say the least. I miss my grandparents all the time, so here is one for the Greatest Generation.” 

“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support we received,” Brittney Johnson shared. “We were proud to team up with Megan for our first fundraising event and help support her mission of mental health awareness. It was a great night of music and fellowship in support of great causes.”

Out Today From Carrion Vael

Melodic death metal force of nature CARRION VAEL returns with a vengeance on their fifth album, Slay Utterly, to be released through Unique Leader Records on January 16, 2026. Though raw and ferocious at their core, the band weaves intricate technical nuances throughout the album. Punchy riffs and rhythms drive the intensity home, while memorable lead guitar lines and powerful vocal performances leave a lasting impact. Lyrically, Slay Utterly goes above and beyond to immerse the listener in CARRION VAEL's fascination for history and true crime.

CARRION VAEL's technical prowess may take the spotlight on this album, but they are storytellers at their core. Each song on Slay Utterly explores the story of a different serial killer. The perspective jumps between the killer themselves, and the experiences of the victims. On the whole, the album presents a collection of stories delving into the psyches of famous axe murderers, slashers, and other uniquely violent killers throughout history. 

Slay Utterly opens with "19(fucking)78", which instantly sets the tone for the album's intensity and nuance. Featuring layers of technical guitar parts, slam riffs, and clean vocals, the band leaves no skill in their toolbox unused. Lyrically, the song is set in 1970s California; a particularly violent time in history, given the presence of the Hillside Stranglers. The lyrics contemplate issues of nature versus nurture, as well as an obsession with control by any means possible.

Opening with ominous Spanish guitar arpeggios, "Truth or Consequences" tells the story of David Parker Ray, best-known as the Toy Box Killer. Living in the remote deserts of New Mexico, Ray built a soundproof bunker on his land, where he would kidnap women who were passing through. His number of kills remains unknown, though estimates are high. 

"1912" then presents itself as one of the more theatrical and progressive songs on the album. The lyrics tell of an unsolved axe murder that shook the small town of Villisca, Iowa on a hot June night in 1912. To this day, no one knows who really committed the strange and horrific murders of two adults and six children, but speculations abound. The lyrics explore each speculation, varying from train-hopping sociopaths, scorned business associates, or even evangelical madmen.

Fast, heavy, and catchy, "30 on 9" is a quintessential CARRION VAEL track. It delves into various aspects of the mystery of Jack the Ripper, ranging from his true identity, his victims, and the bloody details of his murders. He was believed to have murdered Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes on September 30th, with this date lending the song its title. 

Guitarist Ryan Kuder shines on "40 Echoes Upon the Parlor", with rapid-fire riffs and blazing lead sections throughout. Clean vocals make a notable appearance in the choruses, wailing spectrally above a mass of blast beats and growls. The lyrics tell of numerous smaller axe murder cases, referencing Lizzie Borden most prominently.

"Lord of 74" opens almost innocently and uncharacteristically for the band, with delicate piano notes and the sound of water dripping in the background. Low, mournful clean vocals build an atmosphere of remorse and anguish until the song explodes into the fury that defines CARRION VAEL. The song tells the story of Joseph Kallinger, a schizophrenic shoe cobbler from Philadelphia who believed that God had sent him to murder every person on Earth... and that with the help of his children, he could complete this task.

"Bisection 47" embodies unrelenting rage from the first note to the last. The song explores the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, better known as the Black Dahlia. She was found cut in half (bisected) from the waist, and the identity of her killer remains unknown. The murder has left its mark on history as one of the biggest true crime mysteries to date. 

The final track, "Black Chariot", was originally recorded for CARRION VAEL's album God Killer (2020). As a fan favorite, the band decided to update the song and re-record it for Slay Utterly. Despite the fact that it was recorded for a different album, "Black Chariot" picks up right where "Bisection 47" left off, with layers of vicious snarls and stunning lead guitar work.

About CARRION VALE:
In 2017, brutal melodic death metal storytellers CARRION VAEL set out on a mission to understand disturbing events that may baffle the sane. Each album and each song explores an aspect of true crime history, often focusing on the stories of individual serial killers and their victims. Though this conceptual focus underpins CARRION VAEL's songwriting, they seek to fully utilize all of their skills and talents to ensure that each song develops the sound it needs to tell its story. The band released their first album, Resurrection of the Doomed, independently in 2017, then signed with HPGD Records and released their 2020 follow-up, God Killer. Subsequently, the band signed with Unique Leader Records and released Abhorrent Obsessions (2022) and Cannibals Anonymous (2024). 

With their fifth album, Slay Utterly, on the horizon, CARRION VAEL are set to continue this journey into the monstrous side of the human psyche. Vicious, but surprisingly poignant in just the right dose, Slay Utterly presents an anthology of serial killer stories from significant points in history. The album is certain to enthrall fans of horror, history, and true crime with its vivid portrayals of the minds of both murderers and victims. 

CARRION VALE is:
Travis Lawson Purcell - Vocals
Alex Arford - Bass
Trenton Limburg - Guitar
Ryan Kurder - Guitar
Matt Behner - Drums

Instant karma hits hard as NYC's ECCE SHNAK re-envisions ‘Katy’s Wart’ in new supernatural video

Serving as a bridge towards their full-length album 'Dandy Variances' album, out later this year via Records, Man Records, genre-defying NYC outfit Ecce Shnakdeliberately revisit 'Katy's Wart', a hidden gem from their 2019 'Joke Oso' album (full name 'Dingleberry IV, Finale: Katy's Wart'). Telling a visceral tale of justice, the new video introduces a cruel madman, who finally meets his end at the hands of five purple goddesses of righteous vengeance.

A blistering indictment of bigotry and cruelty, this surreal narrative was brought to life through a collaboration with some of the industry’s most innovative creative minds. The project’s striking visual identity is the work of the production-direction team of Hollye Bynum and Sam Owens, as well as the band’s own David Roush. The eery and mind-boggling animation was crafted by the industry titans at Titmouse Productions.

The story is presented in two formats: as a three-minute 'Animated Music Feelm Version'and an immersive ten-minute 'Extended Feelm Version' with a dramatic backstory that builds tension and context, centered on a well-dressed maniac lacking basic human dignity, whose harmful acts finally trigger a cosmic intervention. The heroic twin sisters, played by Rachael Rae Robertson and Rebecca Robertson, ultimately fend him off with the help of otherworldly agents of chaotic justice. In a supernatural animated turning point, five spirits are conjured to deliver him a dose of instant karma

Based in New York City, Ecce Shnak (pronounced Eh-kay sh-knock) is made up of David Roush (composer, bassist and one of two singers), Bella Komodromos(vocals), Chris Krasnow (guitar), Gannon Ferrell (guitar), and Henry Buchanan-Vaughn (drums). With this high-fidelity animation, 'Katy’s Wart' is now a definitive piece of Ecce Shnak lore, bridging their historical catalogue with their ambitious future. In revisiting this slept-on art, they are clearing the path for new music and film works.

2025 was a massive year for Ecce Shnak that saw the spring release of their 'Shadows Grow Fangs' EP, which was recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci, mixed by Nicholas Vernhes (Animal Collective, Deerhunter, Wild Nothing, The War on Drugs) and mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Joe LaPorta (David Bowie, The Weeknd, Foo Fighters, Vampire Weekend).

They also released their live 'Backroom Sessions' EP and two club anthems - the Bladerunner-esque 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy (Kill Em Mix)' with German DJ-producer Eskei83 and the buoyant 'Prayer On Love (Madison Mars Remix)', in collaboration with world-famous DJ-producer Madison Mars

After touring the USA with platinum-selling legends Spacehog and EMF, Ecce Shnak also features on the EMF single 'LGBTQ+ Lover', an epic indie dance track that offers a safe space for the marginalized queer community, the video footage for which was filmed during their recent joint tour.

'Katy's Wart' can be found on digital music platforms, including Spotify, and Apple Music. Ecce Shnak's new album 'Dandy Variances' will be released later this year via Records, Man Records. New live dates will be announced soon.

CREDITS
Written / composed by David Roush
Performed by Ecce Shnak
Sound Engineer: Jeff Lucci at the Art Farm (NY)
Mixed by Bryce Goggin
Mastered by Fred Kevorkian
Released by Records Man, Records
Video produced & directed by Hollye Bynum, Sam Owens & David Roush
Video animation by Titmouse Productions
Artist photos by Tommy Krause
A&R: Beth Narducci for You + Me Entertainment
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon for Shameless Promotion PR

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