MYSTIC PROPHECY Announces New Album 'In Metal" For November 27, 2026, Via Perception

August 23, 2026

German heavy metal torchbearers MYSTIC PROPHECY have announced their brand-new studio album, In Metal, set for release on November 27, 2026, via PERCEPTION – Powered by Reigning Phoenix Music. Marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the band, the album announcement arrives alongside the release of its first single, “Robots,” accompanied by an official music video.

With more than two decades of history behind it, MYSTIC PROPHECY has long established itself as one of the driving forces of the German and international heavy metal scene. Following the success of its acclaimed albums Metal Divisionand Hellriot, the quintet surrounding charismatic frontman R.D. Liapakis, also known for his work as a vocalist with Michael Schenker, now returns with renewed energy, a strengthened lineup and a record built to hit with maximum impact.

The first taste of In Metal comes in the shape of “Robots,” a hard-hitting statement that turns its attention to one of the defining questions of our time: In an age increasingly shaped by technology, how much control over our own humanity are we willing to surrender?

Vocalist R.D. Liapakis and Dan Baune (guitars) comment on “Robots”:
“In this age of technology our future seems uncertain. We must ask ourselves: How do we keep/protect our humanity? Who decides for us? Or is it too late and we are all Robots already?”

Stream “Robots” here: https://mysticprophecy.rpm.link/robots
Watch the official video Below:

Following Hellriot, MYSTIC PROPHECY is entering its next era with three powerful new additions to the fold. Tommy Gun takes over bass duties, while guitarist Dan Baune, known from NWOBHM act Monument, and drummer Christophe de Combe of Belgian metallers FireForce complete the renewed lineup. Together, they inject even more power, precision and fire into the unmistakable MYSTIC PROPHECY sound.

In Metal was produced by Dan Baune and R.D. Liapakis, with mixing and mastering handled by Henrik Udd. The album stays true to everything that has made MYSTIC PROPHECY a force for more than 20 years while pushing its sound firmly forward. Fans can expect powerful, concise hooks with instant shout-along appeal, technically brilliant riffs and a hard-hitting, monstrous sound. A modern production gives the songs weight, depth and unstoppable headbanging force without sacrificing the band’s classic heavy metal spirit.

Whether on stage or on record, MYSTIC PROPHECY has always treated heavy metal as a passionate ultimate fight: no compromises, no holding back, just pure power. With In Metal, the band is ready to prove once again why it remains at the forefront of international heavy metal. In support of their upcoming album, MYSTIC PROPHECY will hit the road in late 2026, joined by special guests IRON SAVIOR and GENERATION STEEL. Find all dates listed below!

In Metal will be released on November 27, 2026, via PERCEPTION. Pre-order the album at: https://mysticprophecy.rpm.link/inmetalPR

Connect with MYSTIC PROPHECY:
https://www.mysticprophecy.net
https://www.facebook.com/mysticprophecy
https://www.instagram.com/mysticprophecy_official
https://www.youtube.com/@MysticProphecy

Eastblood feat. members of JASTA, DEE SNIDER, GENERATION KILL Release New Album 'Burn What's Left'

August 23, 2026

EASTBLOOD has officially arrived with the release of their debut album, Burn What's Left, available now on all major streaming platforms.

Featuring members of JASTA, Dee Snider, Generation Kill, and more, Eastblood is a four-piece metal force built on speed, volume, and zero compromise. Fusing the ferocity of thrash metal with the raw aggression of punk and hardcore, the band delivers ripping riffs, brutal breakdowns, punishing drums, and nonstop shredding across Burn What's Left.

“'Burn What's Left' is a record about anger, exhaustion, betrayal, and the emotional wreckage left behind by narcissism, manipulation, internet culture, and manufactured victimhood,” says Eastblood. “Beneath the aggression is something deeply human: self-doubt, grief, isolation, and the realization that sometimes the only way to move forward is to stop carrying what other people have done to you. We used that message with lyrics and the fastest, grittiest music we could—and this is just the beginning.”

Rather than simply channeling aggression for aggression's sake, Burn What's Left turns frustration, resentment, and emotional fallout into a full-force sonic attack. The album confronts the darker side of modern culture while exploring the personal damage left in its wake and the catharsis that comes from finally letting it go.

Recorded with a relentless intensity from start to finish, Burn What's Left was mixed and mastered by Nick Bellmore, whose production expertise helps give the album its crushing weight and uncompromising edge.

"Eastblood is pure alchemy — speed and intensity colliding with melody and catharsis, without a single compromise. We can’t wait to unleash what we’ve built on the world," says Charlie Bellmore.

No gimmicks. No polish. No compromise. Just pure sonic violence.

Burn What's Left is out now on all major streaming platforms.

STREAM Burn What's Left

https://linktr.ee/eastbloodmusic

Physical Copies of the Album are Available HERE

Eastblood:

Charlie Bellmore - Guitar and Vocals
Nick Petrino - Guitar
Christopher Taylor Beaudette - Bass and Vocals
Rob Youells - Drums

For More Information Please Visit:

MOB RULES Celebrate Release of 'Stories From The Verdant Vale'

August 23, 2026

German melodic power metal stalwarts MOB RULES celebrate the release of their new compilation album, Stories From The Verdant Vale, via ROAR - A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. Available now on vinyl and across digital platforms, the release invites fans back into the narrative world of the band’s acclaimed 2025 album, Rise Of The Ruler, while revealing another side of its story.

The material for Stories From The Verdant Vale was written during the final stages of the Rise Of The Ruler sessions and now emerges as a special standalone release. More direct and compact than its predecessor, the record remains unmistakably MOB RULES, combining melodic power metal, atmospheric depth and the compelling storytelling that has long defined the band.

“During the final stages of completing the album, we discussed possible bonus material for the earbook edition with the label," vocalist Klaus Dirks recently revealed. "We were reluctant to use demo versions or similar material. This motivated us to write a few new songs. We were well aware of what we were getting ourselves into, but we also wanted to challenge ourselves a little.”

Originally conceived in part as exclusive material, the songs are now receiving a full vinyl and digital release following high demand from fans. While Stories From The Verdant Vale expands the concept of Rise Of The Ruler from a different perspective, each track has a character of its own, making it both a natural extension of the album and a powerful release in its own right.

Stories From The Verdant Vale was mixed by Markus Teske, with artwork by Stan W. Decker.
Order Stories From The Verdant Vale at this location:
https://mobrules.rpm.link/storiesPR

About MOB RULES

Formed in Northern Germany in the early 1990s, MOB RULES have established themselves as a constant force in melodic power metal. Known for their concept-driven albums, strong melodies and atmospheric depth, the band has built a loyal international following over the decades.

With ten studio albums to date, including the critically acclaimed Rise Of The Ruler, MOB RULES have continuously refined their sound while staying true to their roots. Their blend of classic heavy metal influences and modern production has secured them a lasting place within the genre.

MOB RULES is:
Klaus Dirks - Vocals
Sven Lüdke - Guitar
Florian Dyszbalis - Guitar
Markus Brinkmann - Bass
Jan Christian Halfbrodt - Keys
Sebastian Schmidt - Drums

Connect with MOB RULES:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mobrulesband
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mobrulesband

The Barbarians of California Release Sophomore Album "Megatons" + Share "Earthquake" Video

August 23, 2026

The Barbarians Of California, featuring Aaron Bruno of AWOLNATION and Eric Stenman of Tinfed and a noted producer, remain equal opportunity iconoclasts with each new song and video they drop. They issue their slump-avoidant sophomore album MEGATONS . Get it here.

They also share the video for "EARTHQUAKE."

Watch the Barbarians get their "gym bro" on below.

"I feel like we are due for another massive earthquake," says Bruno, with his tongue planted firmly in cheek. "So, I wrote a song about it.. .assuming that California will break off into the ocean and Arizona would then be the new coastline."

Regarding the accompanying video, he says, "I wanted to put the band in a setting you'd never expect to find us in."

Gettin' those gains!

With MEGATONS, The Barbarians of California are unleashing fresh chaos straight from the sun-soaked, teeth-gnashing heart of the Golden State. Blending raw hardcore energy, riffs by the pound, and that signature mix of ferocity and tongue-in-cheek humor, these new songs hit like a caffeine-fueled fever dream. Through and through, the band delivers unapologetic anthems that feel both brutally fun yet dangerously addictive.

"Everyone has heard of the sophomore slump," states Stenman. "Making a second album can be a fraught process full of overthinking and self-doubt. Perhaps, the benefit of us starting this band, at this later point in our lives, relieves some of that pressure. This felt so easy, and is a seamless continuation of whatever we started with the first batch of song — just bigger and better."

The Barbarians aren't slowing down — they're just getting louder, meaner, and more ridiculously entertaining.

TBOC have also confirmed their first set of headline tour dates, alongside shows with Guns N' Roses and festival apperances.

All upcoming and confirmed live shows are below.

THE BARBARIANS OF CALIFORNIA LIVE:
9/6 — Pryor, OK — Rocklahoma Festival^
9/8 — Nashville, TN — Exit In
9/9 — St. Louis, MO — Blueberry Hill Duck Room [LOW TIX]
9/11 — Omaha, NE — Waiting Room
9/12 — Ridgedale, MO — Thunder Ridge Nature Arena*
9/14 — Minneapolis, MN — 7th St. Entry [LOW TIX]
9/15 — Milwaukee, WI — Cactus Club [LOW TIX]
9/17 — Chicago, IL — Cobra Lounge [SOLD OUT]
9/18 — Cleveland, OH — The Foundry [LOW TIX]
9/19 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life Festival^
10/23 — Los Angeles, CA — Lodge Room
1/24 — Naples, FL — ShipRocked^
*With Guns N’ Roses
^Festivals

ABOUT THE BARBARIANS OF CALIFORNIA:
The West Coast's contribution to hardcore punk is undeniable. That tradition of aggression, passion, and scrappy melodicism continues with The Barbarians of California, an engaging new manifestation of iconoclastic spirit and true bombast. Born from the shared passion of Aaron Bruno (AWOLNATION) and his longtime engineer Eric Stenman — who cut his teeth in the same Sacramento community that eventually launched diverse and disparate acts like Deftones, Far, Will Haven, Team Sleep, Hella, Dance Gavin Dance, Death Grips, and Trash Talk — the spirit of the underground and the personal catharsis delivered through metallic hardcore never left either of them. So, when Aaron learned that Eric crafted a batch of throwback bangers combining impassioned angst with modern sensibilities, he wanted in immediately. The Barbarians of California was born.

In 2024, the band released their debut album, And Now I'm Just Gnashing My Teeth, and celebrated with a high-energy show at the iconic Troubadour in Los Angeles, cementing their place in the hardcore scene’s next chapter. Since then, they've continued to build momentum with headline shows across LA, a summer 2025 arena tour with Deftones and other festival appearances that brought their explosive live presence to a wider audience. The Barbarians Of California are gearing up in 2026 for the release of their sophomore album MEGATONS.

BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Release New Album 'Pulse/ Line/ Scar', Unveil Video for "Myrkur"

August 23, 2026

Rising alternative metal band Beautiful Skeletons have released their album, Pulse/Line/Scar , via WURMgroup. Produced by legendary heavy music producer Ulrich Wild (Pantera, Static-X, Breaking Benjamin, White Zombie), the album captures a band unafraid to tear everything apart in pursuit of something honest, powerful, and enduring. Coinciding with the album's release, Beautiful Skeletons have also premiered the official music video for "Myrkur," giving fans a powerful visual to one of the album's standout tracks.

More than a collection of songs, Pulse/Line/Scar serves as a deeply personal yet universally relatable body of work, exploring resilience, identity, loss, and the invisible threads that connect every human experience.

The band shares, "Pulse Line Scar is a universal anthology of lived stories, brought together by the thin red pulse line that connects us all, the same line that brings us life and the same line that leaves a permanent impression."

Pulse/Line/Scar showcases a band that has found strength in vulnerability and purpose through perseverance. Every track reflects the tension between chaos and clarity, pain and healing, creating an album that is as emotionally immersive as it is sonically crushing.

With Pulse/Line/Scar, Beautiful Skeletons are poised to establish themselves as one of alternative metal's most compelling emerging acts, delivering an album that doesn't simply ask to be heard, it demands to be felt.

Please get in touch if you would like to interview the band or review the record.

Stream/Buy Pulse/Line/Scar

https://linktr.ee/beautifulskeletonsband

WATCH the Official Music Video for "Myrkur" Below:

The band was formed in 2017 after guitarist Einar posted a Craigslist ad searching for a vocalist. What began as an instinctive collaboration gradually evolved through lineup changes, setbacks, and creative discovery. Over time, the project transformed from an idea into something none of the members were willing to walk away from—a defining commitment that became, in their words, a "do or die decision you can only make once."

That commitment intensified in 2022 when the band received management support and hit the road alongside Yngwie Malmsteen. The experience offered an unfiltered look at the realities of the music industry and solidified their determination to push Beautiful Skeletons beyond potential and into purpose.

Trying to categorize Beautiful Skeletons has never been easy—and they prefer it that way.

Drawing inspiration from Deftones, Alice In Chains, Sevendust, Korn, and Nine Inch Nails, the group seamlessly blends crushing riffs, haunting atmosphere, soaring melodies, and modern heaviness into a sound that refuses to stay confined to one genre.

That fearless approach reached its fullest expression during the recording of Pulse/Line/Scar. Recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Ulrich Wild at WURMgroup, every song was challenged, dismantled, and rebuilt until it carried the emotional and sonic weight the band envisioned. The process forced Beautiful Skeletons to confront not only their songwriting but also their identity as musicians, resulting in their most focused and powerful work to date.

Beautiful Skeletons:

Tina Firefly - Vocals

Jason Johnson - Bass

Huwy Williams- Drums

Einar Einarsson- Guitars

For More Information Please Visit:

CRIMSON STEEL Present Theatrical Gothic Offering "Bleed Into One" Ahead Of Upcoming Album Show No Fear

August 23, 2026

CRIMSON STEEL delve into gothic horror and vampiric mythology in the new single and video, "Bleed into One" featuring guest vocals by James Rivera. The traditional heavy metal band from Raleigh, North Carolina, explore emotive themes of temptation, immortality, surrender, and transformation. "Bleed into One" lands ahead of the forthcoming full-length album Show No Fear is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026 via Heaven and Hell Records.

"Bleed into One" emerges with a dark and enveloping atmosphere. Haunting vocal layers and somber instruments provide a dramatic introduction. Moody and immersive passages are traversed before reaching the track's epic climax. Furthermore, the interplay between Tina Langevin's and guest James Rivera's vocal performance enhances the powerful seductive narrative and ritualistic elements.

Across the arrangement, "Bleed into One" unfolds with ferocious intensity. This shadowy release sees CRIMSON STEEL venture whole-heartedly into dark fantasy. From the inclusion of Latin phrases to atmospheric guitar work, the band have crafted an enthralling offering.

Show No Fear presents CRIMSON STEEL in a fully realized narrative landscape shaped by fear, transformation, power, sacrifice, and perseverance. Across the album, the band brings together traditional heavy metal force, cinematic atmosphere, progressive-minded arrangements, and emotionally charged performances. The record moves with the scope of dark fantasy while staying rooted in the human struggle to confront fear, endure conflict, and emerge with strength.

With Show No Fear, CRIMSON STEEL delivers an album built for listeners drawn to classic heavy metal storytelling, soaring vocals, driving rhythms, and dramatic musicianship. The production preserves warmth and organic energy while giving the record the clarity and impact of a modern heavy metal release.

Show No Fear was produced by Wendy Brancaccio and recorded and mixed at Vintage Noise Studio with Wendy Brancaccio and Bill Spears. The album was mastered by Anthony Focx. Cover artwork and design for Show No Fearis by Johnathan @gerardster.

CRIMSON STEEL is:

Tina Langevin — Lead Vocals
David Ryan — Guitars, Backing Vocals
Joel McGee — Bass, Vocals
Will Adkins — Drums, Backing Vocals

Connect With CRIMSON STEEL

Official Website: https://thecrimsonsteel.com/
Bandcamp: https://crimsonsteel.bandcamp.com/album/show-no-fear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrimsonSteelband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimsonsteelband/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/CrimsonSteelNC
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crimsonsteelband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecrimsonsteelband
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3TpPiWVblnhwfZbKfAKw96

Swedish Symphonic Metallers ZORNHEYM Unveil Third Single "The Funeral March"!

August 22, 2026

Swedish symphonic metal visionaries ZORNHEYM unleash the third single, "The Funeral March", taken from the band’s upcoming studio album Descending Into Madness, set for release on October 2 via Noble Demon.

Inspired by Frédéric Chopin’s legendary 'Funeral March', the new track sees ZORNHEYM merging crushing riffs, cinematic orchestration and subtle Scandinavian folk influences into one of the album’s most dramatic and emotionally charged moments.

"'The Funeral March' is the perfect marriage between classical music and Zornheym’s cinematic symphonic metal sound,” the band explains. "The choir takes on the role of mourners and pallbearers, lamenting the tragic fate of Dr. Bettelheim’s beloved wife as they accompany her final journey. Lyrically, the song marks the defining moment in Dr. Bettelheim’s descent into madness, as grief, guilt and despair finally consume him."

Stream the single Below:

With Descending Into Madness, ZORNHEYM continue to expand their elaborate narrative universe centered around the infamous Zornheim asylum. Each release adds new layers to a story that blurs the line between horror, history and madness - where it is never entirely clear who the real inmates are.

Formed in Stockholm by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Zorn (ex-Dark Funeral), ZORNHEYM have built their identity on the fusion of symphonic metal, cinematic orchestration and melodic death metal influences. Their work is further enhanced by visual storytelling, graphic novels and short-film-style music videos, turning each release into a multi-dimensional experience.

Descending Into Madness will be coming out on October 2 via Noble Demon and is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION. The album will be available in a variety of exclusive formats, including colored marbled vinyl, a limited Collector's Edition CD, a Digipak, and an A5 book.

For More Information Please Visit:

Instagram

Facebook

Bandcamp

https://linktr.ee/nobledemon

Night Laser Share "Defenders" Video

August 22, 2026

Hamburg's No. 1 Sleaze rockers Night Laser released a new single and video. The song "Defenders" (Feat. Sebastian Zierof)" is also included on their upcoming studio album Rats In The Cradle.

The band says, "Face first in the rain! Prepare for the final stand. With this epic anthem we are standing strong together, come whatever may. Sebastian Zierof on guest vocals is right there with us in the front line!"

Watch the video below.

Rats In The Cradle will be released on September 25 through Steamhammer worldwide in the following configurations:

Pre-order it here.

NIGHT LASER ON TOUR:
8/22 — Handeloh, DE — Wini Macken Open Air
8/29 — Brockhöfe, DE — Farmfest Open Air
9/19 — Hamburg, DE — Markthalle (with Hardbone)

SPECIAL GUEST FOR AXEL RUDI PELL:
9/23 — Pratteln, CH — Z7
9/25 — Cologne, DE — Live Music Hall
9/26 — Osnabrück, DE — Hydepark
9/27 — Bochum, DE — Zeche
9/29 — Ulm, DE — Roxy
9/30 — Mannheim, DE — Capitol
10/2 — Gelnhausen, DE — Warehouse Seven
10/3 — Stuttgart, DE — Longhorn
10/4 — Regensburg, DE — Eventhall
10/6 — Vienna, AT — Szene
10/7 — Nürnberg, DE — Hirsch
10/8 — Kortrijk, BE — De Kreun
10/9 — Heerlen, NL — Nieuwe Nor
10/10 — Zoetermeer, NL — Boerderij

HEADLINE SHOW:
12/11 — Oberhausen, DE — Helvete

2027:
1/16 — Braunschweig, DE — KuFa Haus
1/23 — Hameln, DE — Regenbogen
2/6 — Hamburg, DE — Bahnhof Pauli
5/8 — Lübeck, DE — Rider's Cafe

NIGHT LASER ARE:
Ingemar Oswald — Drums
Benno Hankers — Vocals
Rob Hankers — Bass
Felipe Zapata Martinez — Guitars

Swedish Folk Metallers FEJD Unleash Fifth Full-Length Album 'Nifelheim'

August 22, 2026

Swedish folk metal pioneers FEJD are proud to release their highly anticipated fifth full-length album, ‘Nifelheim,’ out now via Black Lodge / Sound Pollution.

Rooted in medieval-inspired folk traditions and characterized by the prominent use of traditional acoustic instruments, FEJD have spent more than two decades building a devoted fan base across Sweden and beyond. Their music is defined by strong melodies, epic arrangements, and a deep connection to Nordic history, folklore, and mythology.

Watch the Lyric Video for "Nifelheim" Below:

From the very first note, listeners are drawn into a world of ancient legends, mystical landscapes, and Nordic melancholy. The album masterfully balances tradition and modernity, combining the band's signature folk instrumentation with powerful metal compositions to create an immersive and unforgettable experience.

With ‘Nifelheim,’ FEJD once again proves why they remain one of the leading names in the international folk metal scene. The album is both a tribute to the Nordic cultural heritage and a powerful statement of the band's ability to evolve while staying true to its roots.

‘Nifelheim’ is more than just a new album...it is the next chapter in the saga of FEJD.

Order 'Nifelheim' HERE

FEJD are:

Patrik Rimmerfors: Lead vocals, bouzouki

Niklas Rimmerfors: Moraharpa (keyed fiddle)

Esko Salow: Drums

Lennart Specht: Keyboard

Thomas Antonsson: Bass

SCARHAVEN Share "Clouds" Video

August 22, 2026

SCARHAVEN — a four-piece grunge revival band originally from Washington, DC but who now call NYC home — just dropped the video for new single "CLOUDS."

"'Clouds' is about a relationship that's dying and how one person is being taken advantage of while the other just disrespects their dreams and goals to better themselves. It's about a dying love and how smoking blurs the lines of what’s real and what isn't," the band says.

"Clouds" is soaked in betrayal, resentment, and toxic intimacy. Built on a thick, down-tuned, sweat-drenched riff that grinds and churns with raw emotion, the song boils over repeated cries of endurance ("I kept on") and bitter confrontation ("How low"), capturing the ugly cycle of lies, getting high to cope, and one-sided sacrifice.

With its sludgy grooves, anguished vocals, and claustrophobic atmosphere, it feels like a darker, more personal take on '90s grunge — equal parts Alice in Chains sludge and Soundgarden menace. A raw anthem for anyone who’s carried a dying relationship far longer than they should have.

Live, they're chaos — fury smashing into fragile quiet. Scarhaven — frontman Michael Saint, bassist Jared Edson, guitarist Matt Kilroy, and drummer Shap Shapira — are a middle finger to the polish and pretense of the modern era.

It's the sound of a kid who once hid away in movie theaters, now bleeding through a mic, proving music can drag you out when you're too lost to save yourself.

Bayside Share "Don't Come Easy" B-Side + Announce "Bark at the Moon" EP

August 22, 2026

Since their 2000 formations, Queens punk rock icons BAYSIDE — Anthony Raneri (vocals, guitar), Jack O'Shea (guitar, vocals), Nick Ghanbarian (bass, vocals), and Chris Guglielmo (drums) — have been the purveyors of heartbreak that you can sing along and sink your teeth into. The Queens' 4-piece consistently craft perfect blends of gritty punk energy and razor-sharp pop hooks, giving the alternative world emotionally raw storytelling wrapped up in punchy catchiness that mirrors the chaotic world we live in.

This summer, the band has been issuing EPs curated and selected by a specific band member, complete with artwork designed by said member. Each collection also features a B-side from 2011's Killing Time that has never been digitally released and was only available via vinyl.

It's time for another Bayside B-side!

Killing Time B-side is "Don't Come Easy," and it appears on the Bark At the Moon collection, assembled by Ghanbarian. Watch the visualizer below.

"Don't Come Easy" paints a vivid and candid portrait of a real American boy trying to figure out who he is and where he fits into this great big world. With its slice of life Americana lyrics, paired with post-hardcore and punk rock's oh-so-familiar three chords and the distinct talk-sing vocal style of Raneri, "Don't Come Easy" is a little bit Gaslight Anthem, a little bit Bruce Springsteen, and even a little bit Taylor Swift in how specific details and information about this American boy becoming a man are so immediate — you'll feel like you know him. It's all wrapped up in a post-hardcore package that only Bayside can deliver.

"'Don't Come Easy’ is the first song we wrote from the Killing Time sessions," Ghanbarian recalls. "I remember being really happy with it and thinking it was going to be a lead single, but after writing more songs for Killing Time, it shaped up to be a bit different. The album ended up having more fast and aggressive songs so the blue collar storyline of 'Don't Come Easy' didn't fit in with the rest of the album by then. It was a tough decision, but we knew it would be released eventually — and here we are!"

Bayside kicked off the B-side and EP series with Anywhere But Here, curated by Guglielmo and featuring "Monster." Watch the visualizer here. They followed with Proxima Centauri B, assembled by Raneri and featuring "Battle Scars." Watch the visualizer here.

The band recently announced its Fall 2026 tour plans. They will hit the road on a headline run that kicks off September 15 in Fort Collins, Colorado and runs through October 10 in Louisville, Kentucky. Driveways and Grave Secrets will serve as support. Bayside will also appear at several festivals, including Warped Tour, Riot Fest, and more. All dates are below. Tickets and VIP packages are on sale now at this location.

BAYSIDE ON TOUR:
WITH DRIVEWAYS + GRAVE SECRETS:
9/15—Fort Collins, CO—Washington's
9/16—Omaha, NE—The Waiting Room
9/18—Chicago, IL—Riot Fest*

9/19 — Chicago, IL — Concord Music Hall**

9/20—Grand Rapids, MI—Elevation
9/22—Rochester, NY—Anthology
9/23—Providence, RI— Fete Ballroom
9/25—Pittsburgh, PA—Four Chord Music Festival*
9/26—Richmond, VA—The Canal Club+
9/27—New Haven, CT—Toad's Place
9/29—Asheville, NC—The Orange Peel
9/30—Charleston, SC—Charleston Music Hall
10/2—New Orleans, LA—House of Blues New Orleans
10/3— Birmingham, AL—Workplay Soundstage
10/4— Fayetteville, AR—George's Majestic Lounge
10/6—San Antonio, TX— Rock Box
10/8—Lawrence, KS— Liberty Hall
10/9—Indianapolis, IN— Hi-Fi Annex
10/10—Louisville, KY— Mercury Ballroom
*Festival
+No Driveways
**Riot Fest After Show with Motion City Soundtrack

BELLHEAD Announce "If I Can't Break Your Heart Tour" – Fall 2026 U.S. Run Kicks Off August 28

August 22, 2026

One of the underground's most compelling darkwave acts is hitting the road once again.

BELLHEAD has officially announced the 2026 "If I Can't Break Your Heart Tour," a multi-state run that will take the acclaimed duo across the Midwest, Great Plains, Southwest, and South this fall. Beginning August 28 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the tour promises an unforgettable blend of haunting melodies, driving rhythms, and the emotionally raw performances that have made BELLHEAD one of the most captivating acts in today's alternative music scene.

Known for transforming intimate venues into immersive sonic experiences, BELLHEAD continues to blur the lines between post-punk, darkwave, industrial rock, and gothic alternative. Their music balances vulnerability and intensity, pairing hypnotic bass-driven compositions with soaring vocals and deeply personal lyricism that resonate long after the final note.

The "If I Can't Break Your Heart Tour" showcases BELLHEAD's commitment to bringing their music directly to fans while sharing the stage with an impressive lineup of regional and national artists throughout the run.

Fans can expect a setlist featuring favorites from BELLHEAD'scatalog alongside newer material that continues to push the band's signature sound into exciting new territory.

2026 "If I Can't Break Your Heart Tour" Dates

August 28

📍 Cactus Club – Milwaukee, WI

with Spectra & Vic Dagger

September 1

📍 Coven – Omaha, NE

with X-ID & Dread Portal

September 2

📍 Kirby's Beer Store – Wichita, KS

with Seven And A Switchblade & Evening Gown

September 3

📍 Crypt – Denver, CO

with eHpH & Hypersomnia

September 4

📍 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM

with Thief, Hex Cassette, Future Club, Zero Batz, Somno Profundante, Sndwavs, BB Doom, & DJ Ordo Amoris

September 5

📍 Resonant Head – Oklahoma City, OK

with Mechanical Flesh, Blood Bells, Othering, & Later Laine

September 6

📍 Kickback Bar – Houston, TX

with Polybius Cabinet & TRB (The Radio Broadcast)

September 7

📍 The Crypt – New Orleans, LA

with Livernois & Chasm Comfort

September 17

📍 Rose Bowl Tavern – Urbana, IL

Bat Factory

September 18

📍 Hi Tone – Memphis, TN

September 19

📍 Birdie's – Little Rock, AR

with Pig & Cyanotic

September 20

📍 Fubar – St. Louis, MO

with Spicy Kitty & Bitchface

Tickets for individual shows are available through each venue.

From intimate clubs to legendary underground venues, every stop on the "If I Can't Break Your Heart Tour" offers fans an opportunity to experience BELLHEAD's emotionally immersive performance in its purest form.

With a reputation for unforgettable live shows and a growing fanbase across the country, BELLHEAD continues to prove that independent artists can create powerful, authentic experiences while forging lasting connections with audiences city by city.

Whether you've followed the band from the beginning or are discovering them for the first time, the "If I Can't Break Your Heart Tour" promises an evening of unforgettable music, raw emotion, and the unmistakable atmosphere that only BELLHEAD

can create.

BELLHEAD BIO

BELLHEAD is a Chicago based post‑punk/industrial duo known for their unconventional two bass lineup, dark melodic sensibilities, and relentless DIY work ethic. BELLHEAD has toured relentlessly across the U.S. supporting acts like Stabbing Westward, Clan of Xymox, Pig, Julien-K, Christian Death, and Powerman5000, while earning international press, festival attention, and a reputation for commanding, high energy, bass‑driven performances. Their June 2026 music video for ‘Threats’ has already garnished an award at the Hollywood Indie Film Fest for “Best Music Video Low Budget” and “Best Director Music Video” at the Tokyo Film and Screenplay Awards.

Miss May I Share "Death Threat" Video — WATCH // Band Touring This Fall

August 22, 2026

MISS MAY I — Levi Benton [vocals], Jerod Boyd [drums], Ryan Neff [bass], and Elisha Mullins [guitar ] — will unleash their new album NO PLACE FOR ME on October 2 via Solid State Records. Pre-order it here.

The band delivers the video for "DEATH THREAT." Watch it below.

The video is also completely DIY endeavor for the band. The concept was conceived by Benton and produced and directed by William Story and the video was shot at the band's own properties and with whatever they could get their hands on!

The song confronts a harsh but necessary reality so many are unwilling to face in order to grow and learn. And it does so with with groove-centric, anthemic energy.

"'Death Threat' is about being held in an emotional chokehold while someone uses your own flaws against you," declares Benton. "Our darker habits deserve to be seen and worked through, not weaponized. The song walks through that worst-case scenario — someone turning your darkness on you — before landing on clarity; finally hearing what needs to be heard and doing what needs to be done."

Regarding the album, the singer reveals it was a truly cathartic process to write and record it, saying, "No Place For Me is everything I've felt for a long time but never had the words for. Writing it taught me who I actually am even when that hurt to look at. It's a full journey: Where it started, what I discovered, and where I am today." These are the tentpole concepts of the album and are why fans are going to connect with it on a level so deep, it touches marrow.

Miss May I have also announced their Fall 2026 tour plans. They will hit the road on the The Perpetual Iron tour, which is a co-headline trek with Born of Osiris. Convictions and Downswing will also appear. All dates are below. Get tickets here.

MISS MAY I ON TOUR:
WITH BORN OF OSIRIS, CONVICTIONS, + DOWNSWING:
11/06 — Pontiac, MI — The Crofoot
11/07 — Pittsburgh, PA — Preserving
11/08 — Asbury Park, NJ — House of Independents
11/10 — Norwalk, CT — District Music Hall
11/11 — Reading, PA — Reverb
11/13 — Greensboro, NC — Hangar 1819
11/15 — Nashville, TN — Eastside Bowl
11/16 — Greenville, SC — The Radio Room
11/18 — Charlotte, NC — The Underground
11/19 — Charleston, SC — Music Farm
11/20 — Tampa, FL — Orpheum
11/21 — West Palm Beach, FL — The Banyan Live
11/22 — Jacksonville, FL — The Albatross
11/24 — Destin, FL — Club LA
11/25 — New Orleans, LA — House of Blues
11/27 — Houston, TX — Warehouse Live Midtown
11/28 — Austin, TX — Come and Take It Live
11/29 — Deep Ellum, TX — Puzzles
11/30 — Odessa, TX — Ector Theater
12/02 — Albuquerque, NM — Sunshine Theater
12/03 — Mesa, AZ — Nile Theater
12/04 — Pomona, CA — The Glass House
12/05 — Fresno, CA — Fulton 55
12/06 — Roseville, CA — Goldfield Trading Post
12/08 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theater
12/09 — Seattle, WA — The Crocodile
12/11 — Boise, ID — Shrine Social Club
12/12 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Metro Music Hall
12/13 — Denver, CO — Summit
12/15 — Columbia, MO — The Blue Note
12/17 — Minneapolis, MN — Cabooze
12/18 — West Chicago, IL — WC Social Club
12/19 — Dayton, OH — Relentless Fest

Instead of letting doubts, anxiety, negativity, and intrusive thoughts run wild, Miss May I will catch and turn even the most volatile feelings into airtight anthems. The Ohio-bred quartet ground extreme emotions in a taut framework of technically adroit riffing, hardcore grooves, and unforgettable melodies. The band has expertly honed an uncanny ability to make sense of life on tape. That's why fans worldwide have leaned on the group's music since their emergence in 2007. Following years of grinding, 2012's At Heart marked a breakthrough moment for the group when it bowed at #32 on the Billboard 200. Their impact only expanded with Deathless [2015] and Shadows Inside [2017], which both debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top Independent Albums Chart and Top Rock Albums Chart. In 2022, Curse Of Existence received widespread critical acclaim from the likes of Alternative Presswho raved: "Miss May I have penned one of their strongest records yet." V13 hailed it as "packed full of emotion and heartfelt rage," and Outburn marveled at "their fast, aggressive, thrashy metalcore mixed with powerful lyrics." Along the way, they generated hundreds of millions of streams and toured with everyone from Killswitch Engage and Parkway Drive to Motionless In White. In 2026, the collective continue to strike a deep chord with their eighth full-length offering and Solid State debut LP, No Place For Me.

From Ashes to New Share New Version of "Die For You" (Feat. Neoni)

August 22, 2026

FROM ASHES TO NEW are serving up their current single "Die For You," from the recently-released album REFLECTIONS, out now via Better Noise Music, with an exhilarating twist.

The new version features guest vocals from Neoni, the alt-pop sister duo behind the self-proclaimed motto "sisters who argue and write songs."

Listen here.

"Die For You," which enjoyed a viral moment as the band took a firm and active stance against bullying, climbing the Active Rock Charts and currently sits at No. 15. The song is the follow up to "Drag Me," the band's first-ever No. 1 at rock radio.

The band took an active stance against bullying, which demonstrated the depth of their connection with their fans. The band posted a video of one of their fans singing "Die For You" at a show, and noticed bullying comments being made towards the fan and immediately leapt to her defense. Brandyberry doubled down and addressed this behavior from the stage, reinforcing the fact that the band will not tolerate such antics. The band also reached out to the fan and promised her lifetime guest lists to their shows.

The track is now available as a new version where the sisters' voices offer a stunning sonic counterpoint to those of vocalists Matt Brandyberry and Danny Case, further amplifying the song's moody melodies and emotional heft.

Watch the visualizer below.

"Neoni has such a unique identity and brings an energy to their music that we really love," states Brandyberry. "'Die For You' felt like the perfect opportunity to bring our separate sides of the alternative worlds together and create something that feels fresh, emotional, and uniquely ours."

Neoni echo the excitement, saying, "It was such a pleasure to work with everyone in From Ashes to New to add our perspective to such an incredible song. We had so much fun and we can't wait for you to hear it."

FROM ASHES TO NEW — Danny Case (vocals), Matt Brandyberry (vocals), Lance Dowdle (guitar), Maty Madiro (drums), and Jimmy Bennett (guitar) — will remain on the road all year, with a massive touring schedule planned. All confirmed FATN tour dates are below.

FROM ASHES TO NEW:
WITH SHINEDOWN:
8/21 — Welch, MN — Treasure Island Resort & Casino
8/22 — Glen Flora, WI — Northwoods Rock Rally
8/23 — Springfield, IL — Illinois State Fair
9/17 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life*
10/1 — Sacramento, CA — Aftershock*
10/4 — Ciudad de México, MX — Multiforo Alicia
10/23 — Miramar Beach, FL — Shinedown’s Lunatic Ball Beach Weekend 2026
*Festival

AUSTRALIAN DATES:
10/9 — Sydney, AUS — Factory Theatre
10/11 — Melbourne, AUS — 170 Russell
10/13 — Adelaide, AUS — Lion Arts Factory
10/15 — Brisbane, AUS — The Triffid

Listen to FROM ASHES TO NEW online at:
SPOTIFY, APPLE, AMAZON, DEEZER, PANDORA

Windwaker Share "do or die" Video

August 22, 2026

Australia's genre-bending WINDWAKER — vocalist Liam Guinane, guitarist Justin Keurntjes, bassist Indey Salvestro, drummer Chris Lalic, and synths/samples specialist Connor Robins — recently announced their third album, smile, you're on camera. It arrives on October 23 through Fearless Records. Pre-order it here.

The band has share the video for "do or die." Watch it below.

You know those songs that you just can't get out of your head? No matter what you do you, you can't purge it or turn it off? Rather, it insists on taking up real estate in your brain because it's so damn catchy and, well, good? Windwaker's "do or die" is one of those earworms — it takes hold and doesn't let go. With grinding, powerhouse guitar grooves, bouncy, hip-hop-inspired vocals, a sprinkling of smooth and sexy falsetto, and teeth-baring screams, "do or die" courses like an electric current from your scalp down to your toes. Lyrically, the song looks at class vs. culture wars, with the band noting that the track "points out the division we're currently facing and urges the people to embrace the tribe mentality but to unify over the common enemy of leaders who don’t serve our best interests."

"Everywhere we look there is conflict, we are surrounded by it and have never been so divided as a humanity," the band says. "Wars between countries, toxic online discourse over ideology, countries divided over political policy from within, what we think is right and wrong has become a tribe identity and we are at war with one another. Leaders will call it a 'culture war' when in reality it's a way of keeping us distracted from class war that has been happening for decades. 'do or die' points out the division we're currently facing and urges the people to embrace the tribe mentality but to unify over the common enemy of leaders who don’t serve our best interests."

As a whole, smile, you're on camera. ruminates on the weight of time and growth, struggles and sacrifice for the better life and authenticity in spite of a world full of superficial and sinister characters and bad actors. It's a collection of catchy, energetic and heartfelt songs. The album is highly introspective and does not follow a linear narrative, instead presenting a series of personal reflections and snapshots that capture the emotional highs and lows of this period. It's a celebration of how far the band has come and a candid look at the pressure of being seen, leaving listeners with a sense of both resolution and ongoing evolution.

Windwaker are touring with Beartooth + DON BROCO this fall. All dates are below.

WINDWAKER ON TOUR:
WITH BEARTOOTH + DON BROCO:
11/11 — Boston, MA — MGM Music Hall at Fenway
11/12 — New York, NY — Hammerstein Ballroom
11/13 — Philadelphia, PA — Franklin Music Hall
11/15 — National Harbor, MD — The Theater at MGM National Harbor
11/16 — Buffalo, NY — Electric City*
11/18 — Pittsburgh, PA — Stage AE
11/20 — Chicago, IL — Aragon Ballroom
11/21 — St. Paul, MN — Myth
11/22 — Omaha, NE — Steelhouse Omaha
11/24 — Grand Rapids, MI — Elevation*
11/25 — Indianapolis, IN — Hi-Fi Indy*
11/27 — St. Louis, MO — Delmar Hall*
11/28 — Nashville, TN — The Truth
11/29 — Atlanta, GA — Coca-Cola Roxy
12/1 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore
12/2 — Charleston, SC — The Refinery
12/4 — St. Augustine, FL — St. Augustine Amphitheatre
12/5 — Fort Lauderdale, FL — War Memorial Auditorium
12/7 — New Orleans, LA — The Fillmore
12/9 — Austin, TX — ACL Live — Moody Theater
12/10 — Dallas, TX — South Side Ballroom
12/12 — Denver, CO — The Fillmore
12/13 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Union
12/15 — Albuquerque, NM — Revel Entertainment Center
12/16 — Phoenix, AZ — Arizona Financial Theatre
12/18 — Los Angeles, CA — Hollywood Palladium
12/19 — Wheatland, CA — Hard Rock Live
*Don Broco + Windwaker Only

YELLOWCARD ANNOUNCE DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE EXPANDED ALBUM "BETTER DAYS" (DELUXE EDITION) + SHARE NEW SONG "CALVARY DRIVE"

August 22, 2026

Celebrating a creative renaissance in 2026, multi-platinum pop-punk royalty Yellowcard brighten up a banner year with the release of their brand new, digital-only Deluxe Edition of Better Days on September 18 via Better Noise. Teasing this expanded version, the group also just served up a new and and previously unreleased song, entitled "Calvary Drive," out now.

Pre-order/Pre-save Better Days (Deluxe Edition) here.

Listen to "Calvary Drive" here.

Watch the lyric video below.

"Calvary Drive" finds Yellowcard firing on all cylinders yet again. It bursts to life with driving guitars, infectious hooks, and the kind of kinetic energy that's become the band's trademark. It culminates on an anthemic chorus spiked with a sunny melody and showcases every bit of what fans have come to love and expect from the four-piece.

"'Calvary Drive' was the very first demo we worked on with Travis Barker and our friend Nick Long," says singer Ryan Key. "We were just getting a feel for working together over a weekend and had no idea that this idea would be the spark for what became Better Days. It’s fun to listen back now and hear where we started, and how much the sound evolved from there.”

Barker fondly recalls the experience as “such an easy project and easy group of guys to make music with,” with the whole band fully invested in the process: “Everyone in the band was really active and really a part of everything in the studio.” One song became another, a day became weeks, and before long an entire record had emerged from a collaboration that was never originally intended to go that far. “Next thing you know it was like we’re getting back in the studio and we were scheduling weeks to work with each other and recorded an entire album.” What began as Travis Barker simply jumping in for a day had organically become the album Better Days. And it's that partnership that blossomed into a collaboration with another legacy hitmaker: Avril Lavigne.

"My friend Travis [Barker] called me up to say he was producing the new Yellowcard album and I really liked what I heard," Lavigne shared. "When he played me 'You Broke Me Too,' I liked how it can be an anthem people can relate to when finding hope after a relationship." The pairing felt particularly fitting: a song conceived in the spirit of the huge, emotionally charged ballads that helped define the early 2000s ultimately brought together two artists synonymous with that era, with Barker acting as the bridge between them.

The new material notably lands in the wake of the cross-generational phenomenon "Bedroom Posters" (Feat. Blippi). The reimagined track landed looks from Rock Sound and New Noise Magazine, who applauded how, "This version of the song preserves the original's high-spirit energy and Blippi adds his own distinctive spark to it." "Bedroom Posters" marked their second collab with Blippi following "Go Go Go."

At the top of the year, the band teamed up with Good Charlotte for the first collaborative version of "Bedroom Posters." Popping off as a match made in pop-punk heaven, it tallied 2.6 million Spotify streams and vaulted to #1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay Chart. A piece on Consequence applauded how "the song finds Key trading vocals with Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden," while Rolling Stone put it best: "It's the collaboration made in pop-punk dreams."

Two #1 singles coming from the one album, this signals not only a return to form, but a undeniable triumph; a band that still cuts through the noise nearly three decades into their career.

Next up, Yellowcard will canvas North America throughout the rest of August and into September on tour. They make stops at Musikfest 2026, Vans Warped Tour, Oceans Calling Festival, and more. In November, they cross the pond to hit the road in Europe and the UK with Good Charlotte.

YELLOWCARD ON TOUR:
SELECT DATES:
8/22 — Monreal, QC — Vans Warped Tour 2026
9/4 — Clearwater, FL — 97X Next Big Thing Legends
9/6 — Orlando, FL — Eat To The Beat Concert Series
9/7 — Orlando, FL — Eat To The Beat Concert Series
9/25 — Ocean City, MD — Oceans Calling Festival

WITH GOOD CHARLOTTE IN EUROPE + THE UK:
11/8 — Stockholm, Sweden — Hovet
11/11 — Munich, Germany — Zenith
11/13 — Forest, Belgium — Vorst Nationaal/Forest National
11/14 — Dusseldorf, Germany — Mitsubishi Electric Hall
11/16 — Amsterdam, Netherlands — AFAS Live
11/17 — Paris, France — Zenith Paris – La Villette
11/19 — London, UK — The O2
11/20 — Manchester, UK — Co-Op Live

RaeLynn Performs at The Listening Room Cafe on 8/24 w/ Corey Crowder and Rhett Akins to Benefit The RaeLynn Diabetes Fund

August 21, 2026

WHO:
Country artist RaeLynn, joined by acclaimed songwriters Corey Crowder and Rhett Akins.

WHAT:
Two intimate writers rounds benefiting The RaeLynn Diabetes Fund.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 12, RaeLynn received care from Texas Children’s Hospital that empowered her and her family to begin safely managing the disease. Today, she maintains an active career touring, recording and writing songs while using her platform to support others affected by diabetes.

The RaeLynn Diabetes Fund offers encouragement, empowerment and community for those facing diabetes. Its mission is to raise funds to support individuals and families impacted by Type 1, Type 2 and juvenile diabetes.

Both shows will feature performances and stories from RaeLynn, Corey Crowder and Rhett Akins.

WHEN:
Monday, Aug. 24, 2026
First show: 6:00 p.m.
Second show: 8:30 p.m.

WHERE:
The Listening Room Cafe
618 4th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37210

TICKETS:
Tickets are available at ListeningRoomCafe.com

JASON ALDEAN EARNS TWO DIAMOND CERTIFICATIONS FOR “YOU MAKE IT EASY” AND “DIRT ROAD ANTHEM”

August 21, 2026

Jason Aldean celebrated a monumental career milestone backstage at his sold-out Double Down Tour date in Washington, D.C., where two of his biggest hits, “You Make It Easy” and “Dirt Road Anthem,” were honored with official RIAA Diamond certifications- an official career first for the Georgia native. Aldean was surprised backstage last night with the Diamond certifications, which recognize the enduring success of two songs that have become defining moments in Aldean’s catalog and during his live shows. The historic achievement comes on the heels of a remarkable run of new RIAA certifications for Aldean. Earlier this month twelve of Aldean’s albums and singles received new Platinum certifications, including My Kinda Party (6× Platinum album). Newly Diamond certified “Dirt Road Anthem,” from his multi-Platinum My Kinda Party album, became one of the signature breakthrough anthems of Aldean’s career, while “You Make It Easy” became and has remained a continuous fan favorite following its release. Additional recent certifications include:

My Kinda Party (album)– 6X Platinum
My Kinda Party – 5X PlatinuM
Fly Over States – 4X Platinum
Any Ol' Barstool – 3X Platinum
Amarillo Sky – 3X Platinum
Don’t You Wanna Stay (with Kelly Clarkson) - 3X Platinum
Tattoos On This Town – 2X Platinum
Hicktown – 2X Platinum
Why – 2X Platinum
Lights Come On – 2X Platinum
Little More Summertime – Platinum
They Don't Know (album) – Platinum

“Having two songs reach Diamond status is something I never could have imagined when we were making these records,” said Aldean. “These songs have taken on a life of their own because of the fans. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has listened, streamed, bought the records, come to the shows and made these songs part of their lives. It’s special to have a moment that is still a career first all these years in, especially one that is all due to the fans. Thank you guys so much. We want to keep doing this and keep putting out songs and touring for a long time to come, and we don’t take getting to do this for granted.”

To commemorate the historic achievement, Aldean is releasing The Diamond Collection, an exclusive vinyl edition celebrating his two newly Diamond-certified singles, “You Make It Easy” and “Dirt Road Anthem,” available November 20. The limited-edition release gives fans a chance to own a commemorative piece celebrating two songs that have helped define Aldean’s career and cemented his place among country music’s most successful artists. Pre-order here.

From L to R: BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s GM Peter Strickland, Maverick’s Chris Parr, BMG North & South America’s President, Frontline Recordings, Jon Loba, Jason Aldean, Maverick’s Clarence Spalding, RIAA SVP Media Relations + Gold & Platinum Program Erin Burr, Tom Clees, SVP Government & Industry Relations RIAA

In addition, on Sept. 18, Aldean will also release on vinyl three landmark albums—4X Platinum Jason Aldean (2005), the newly certified 6X Platinum My Kinda Party (2010), and Platinum They Don't Know (2016) —marking the first time each title will be available on vinyl. Pre-order Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party and They Don’t Know on vinyl here.

Noted for his “timeless country appeal” (The Tennessean) the ACM Artist of the Decade has achieved country stardom with his “own recipe…one that has vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success,” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution). Following his 32nd career #1, Aldean released his current single, “Anytime Soon,” off his current album Songs About Us and is set to continue his Songs About Us headlining tour run with shows in Charleston, WV (8/21) and Cincinnati (8/22), OH this weekend. With two Diamond certifications, 12 recent Platinum certifications, 32 chart-topping singles, and numerous sold-out Double Down Tour and Songs About Us headlining dates, Aldean continues to celebrate the extraordinary staying power of his music and the fans who have made these songs part of their lives for more than two decades. For a full list of Songs About Us tour dates and additional information visit JasonAldean.com.

Ian Munsick’s 4th Studio Album, THE MOUNTAIN GOAT, is Available Now

August 21, 2026

As one of modern country’s few Rocky Mountain artists – and the only one to merge its timeless traditions with an electrifying roots-pop edge – Wyoming native Ian Munsick has taken his music to the wild places few singer-songwriters go. Yet with his fourth album, The Mountain Goat, he climbs farther out on his creative ledge than ever, all to prove Western culture is not a costume.

Listen to The Mountain Goat, available now, HERE.

Marking his first independent album and the start of a new partnership between his own WEST TO THE REST RECORDS / Triple Tigers Records, Munsick remains as sure footed as his project’s fearless namesake, thriving in the isolation of a Western-flavored country pop frontier. But over a series of dizzying vocal peaks, new themes of incomparable beauty and harrowing hardship find the sonic homesteader in close harmony with nature.

“As usual, I just want to make sure the part of the country I come from is accurately portrayed in country music,” he explains. “There’s a lot of country in the Rockies and out West that needs representation, and I truly believe that’s a world where I will never run out of creative ammunition.”

Brought up in the shadow of the Big Horns on a family ranch outside of Sheridan, Wyoming, it’s a world Munsick knows by heart. Singing in the family string band before emerging as a solo artist in 2017, he earned the tongue-in-cheek “Mountain G.O.A.T.” title through hardscrabble success, wielding a tenor vocal as crisp as a mile-high morning.

Racking up over one billion career streams between previous albums Coyote Cry, White Buffalo, and Eagle Feather, Munsick has produced one RIAA-Platinum duet “Long Live Cowgirls” (with Cody Johnson) – which also hit No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Countdown – plus two Gold-certified hits: “Long Haul” and “Horses Are Faster.” Spotify, CMT, and the Grand Ole Opry were among the taste-making institutions to recognize Munsick’s vision, and concertgoers across the globe found a Western authenticity that can’t be faked – at least, not where Munsick’s from. It allowed him to make history in 2025, becoming the first Wyoming-born artist to headline Cheyenne Frontier Days, the iconic rodeo known around the world as the “Daddy of ‘Em All.”

With The Mountain Goat, his quest to capture the Western mystique and bring it to fans continues. Fusing genuine tradition with cutting-edge sonics, 15 tracks (including two interludes and one reprise) feature an “earthy” new organic undercurrent, with the multi-instrumental master more connected to his acoustic roots – and more protective of his territory. After buying a small ranch near the Wyoming/Montana border, he and wife Caroline welcomed the birth of his second child in 2025 – a daughter named Roan – filling his heart with more songs than ever.

“It’s just about 180 acres of prairie grass by the Big Horn Mountains – a peaceful spot where we can escape the craziness of Nashville,” Munsick explains. “My music is very inspired by the outdoors and the people that work the land, so it’s a great spot to reconnect and remember what my family and I have is real. What the Earth has for us is real. Tapping into those emotions is key.”

Co-writing every new song, Munsick explores the profound perspectives brought into focus by the West’s mythical vistas – and the awe-inspiring experience of fatherhood, falling in love, and finding one’s place in the world. That includes the plucky heartbreak anthem, “Love Is Blind” – a high-flying fiddle-pop jam currently scaling the treacherous slopes of country radio.

Co-produced by Munsick with Mike Robinson and Jeremy Spillman, The Mountain Goat continues to blaze new trails across the country landscape. An avalanche of untamed vocal power and raw, grizzled energy still form the bedrock of his sound, but Munsick’s string-band roots shine alongside a serene sonic charm, both wild and a bit whimsical. To get the effect, he and his team laid the foundation of each track personally.

Munsick played acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, bass, banjo, harmonica – even bouzouki and piano – then a seasoned group of Nashville’s session hands helped finish the songs off. Among them, Ross Holmes’ fiddle was essential to multiple tracks. Justin Schipper added a cinematic pedal steel, and drummer Aaron Sterling gave it all a sense of forward momentum.

That much is clear from the album opening title track. A fiddle sawing banjo stomp with Munsick’s edgy vocal buzz in its full glory, “The Mountain Goat” is both a classic play on words spotlighting his Rocky Mountain credentials, and a tribute to those who resist the flat lands of conformity.

Elsewhere, tracks like the primal, pulse-pounding “Geronimo” take a flying leap off the ledge of love, and the easy trot of “My Montana” gives Big-Sky romance a mood-boosting beat (plus a soaring, free-spirited sound). “I’m a true tenor so there’s no use trying to fit in with the country norm,” Munsick says with a laugh. “Just got to work with the tools God gave me.”

Meanwhile, the overwhelming emotion of becoming a girl-dad surprised Munsick, even as an experienced parent. Tracks like stormy soul ballad “Blue Roan” begin with a tender, Spanish-style guitar, before swelling into a ferocious warning to any future smooth-talking outlaws. It’s joined by the controlled explosive outburst of “World War III.” “I’m a friendly guy, but if you hurt her, I’m going to hunt you down. Those are new emotions for me,” he explains.

Mother nature takes its rightful place in the center of Munsick’s worldview – even when it’s not obvious. With rusty country-rock hooks and a steel-braided drawl, “Cutthroat World” turns an icy trout stream into a restorative getaway. Through the serene prairie pop of “Palomino Eyes,” Munsick’s free-rein falsetto helps frame the stunning beauty he sees in his wife – and the beautiful world she makes possible. On “Winter in Wyoming,” he bids a sub-zero goodbye to a bitter heart.

Munsick takes on the role of a protector on the quiet, soul-and-steel guitar ballad, “Made Me a Man,” then the antidote to heartbreak on the intoxicating, atmospheric rocker, “Medicine Man.” A hand-crafted selection of interludes reference his favorite movie (Legends of the Fall) and an old-timey favorite from his family band (“The Girl I Left Behind”). But it’s not nostalgia Munsick feels for the Western way of life. That, he’s quick to point out, is very much alive.

With the rough-and-ready roadhouse anthem “Earn Your Spurs,” the rancher-turned-Rocky Mountain ambassador sizes up the cosmopolitan cowboys he sees every day. A dusky swirl of baritone guitar and cinematic synth back the message “Anyone can buy the boots, but you gotta earn your spurs.” As The Mountain Goat, it’s both a truth he was born into, and wisdom he’s privileged to share with the world.

“I don’t want to come off as a jerk, but being a cowboy is a lot more than just wearing the hat,” he says. “The main thing is just being able to be real and be who I am. What I want is for people to understand that Western life is not a thing of the past. It’s still here and hopefully it will continue to thrive in the mainstream of country music. And if you know, you know.”

PHIL BARTON SIGNS WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL WITH BMG

August 21, 2026

Award-winning songwriter Phil Barton today announces a global publishing deal with BMG in partnership with Liz Rose Music, marking the next chapter in a career that has produced more than 900 songs released around the world.

Barton first broke through with Lee Brice's No. 1 hit "A Woman Like You," earning MusicRow's Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year honor and an NSAI "Ten Songs I Wish I'd Written" award. Since then, he has built an internationally respected catalog spanning Country, Pop and Children's music, with songs recorded by artists including Sara Evans, Gabby Barrett, Dustin Lynch, Eli Young Band, Priscilla Block, Matt Stell, LOCASH, Alison Krauss, Ashley McBryde and David Nail. His song "Cowboy's Duty" was also featured in the Oscar-nominated film Sicario, while his work has earned multiple No. 1 and Top 10 hits across both North America and Australia.

"So excited to start this new chapter of writing with the BMG publishing family and continue my amazing relationship with Liz Rose Music," says Barton. "Amy Hendon Scott was my first believer in this town, so to be reunited with her and work alongside the incredible people at BMG and Liz Rose Music is truly a dream. As an Australian Nashvillian, I never take for granted being surrounded by such an outstanding team."

"We couldn't be happier to welcome Phil to BMG," says Amy Hendon Scott, Director, Creative, BMG Publishing. "I've believed in Phil since the beginning, so getting the opportunity to work together again makes this partnership especially meaningful. Phil is the kind of songwriter every publisher hopes to work with. His songs are honest, memorable and beautifully crafted, but just as importantly, he's someone artists love writing with. He brings curiosity, consistency and an incredible work ethic to every room, and we're proud to partner with Liz Rose Music as we help champion the next chapter of his remarkable career."

KEEP UP WITH PHIL BARTON
INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK| X | THREADS

Photo ID (L-R): Gracie Glass (Liz Rose Music), Scott Ponce (Liz Rose Music), Liz Rose (Liz Rose Music), Phil Barton, Amy Hendon Scott (BMG), Kate Shirley (BMG), Chris Oglesby (BMG), Dave Pacula (BMG)
Photo Credit: Jackson James

About BMG:

Founded in 2008, BMG reimagined the relationship between music companies, songwriters, and artists by offering fairer contracts, greater creative freedom, and unparalleled transparency in royalties and licensing. Now the fourth-largest music company in the world, BMG combines human creativity with cutting-edge technology to connect music with global audiences. With 16 offices across 13 key markets, BMG represents more than three million songs and recordings, including some of the most iconic catalogs and works from leading artists and songwriters, including will.i.am, Jean-Michel Jarre, Tina Turner, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Paul Simon, and many more. BMG is wholly owned and privately held by the international media, services, and education company Bertelsmann.