ABORTED - Release Video For New Single 'The Pain, Will Be Exquisite'

Today, extreme metal trailblazers and passionate horror aficionados ABORTED have unleashed a new stand-alone single called 'The Pain, Will Be Exquisite' upon the world. The song is an unreleased bonus track from the recording sessions of ABORTED's acclaimed most recent album, Vault Of Horrors (2024), and it's easily on par with its evil siblings that made the cut and ended up on the full-length. Fusing a variety of extreme metal subgenres, 'The Pain, Will Be Exquisite' is a unrelenting attack on the senses and will beat you into submission in typical ABORTED fashion with its ferocious groove and unexpected tempo changes.

LISTEN TO 'THE PAIN, WILL BE EXQUISITE':
https://aborted.bfan.link/tpwbe

Alongside the single, an eerie visualizer has been released, which you can watch below.

Catch ABORTED live on their extensive European headline tour SLASHING EUROPE in April and May 2025 with guests Crypta, The Zenith Passage & Organectomy. Scroll down for all confirmed dates!

ABORTED front man Sven de Caluwé commented:
"Maniax! It is with great horror that we present to you ‘The Pain, Will Be Exquisite’! Something we recorded during the "Vault of Horror" sessions and kept aside as a surprise. We hope you enjoy blasting it as much as we did. See you all on the road very soon!"

TERRIFYING NORTH AMERICA TOUR 2025
ABORTED
with Ingested, Peeling Flesh & Extermination Dismemberment

13.02.2025        Roseville, CA - Goldfield            
14.02.2025        Los Angeles, CA - 1720  
15.02.2025        San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick   
16.02.2025        Las Vegas, NV - Backstage Bar  
18.02.2025        Lubbock, TX - Jake's      
19.02.2025        Tulsa, OK - Vanguard
20.02.2025        Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room
21.02.2025        Chicago, IL - Reggies - SOLD OUT
22.02.2025        Columbus, OH - King of Clubs
23.02.2025        Detroit, MI - The Shelter
25.02.2025        Toronto, ON - Axis
26.02.2025        Montreal, QC - Fairmount Theatre            
27.02.2025        Albany, NY - Empire Underground            
28.02.2025        Brooklyn, NY - Monarch             
01.03.2025        Worcester, MA - Palladium
02.03.2025        Pittsburgh, PA - Preserving        
04.03.2025        Mechanicsburg, PA - Lovedraft's            
05.03.2025        Baltimore, MD - Soundstage     
06.03.2025        Greensboro, NC - Hangar 1819 
07.03.2025        Atlanta, GA - Masquerade (Hell)            
08.03.2025        Tampa, FL - Orpheum
09.03.2025        Orlando, FL - The Abbey            
11.03.2025        Houston, TX - Scout Bar
12.03.2025        San Antonio, TX - The Rock Box
13.03.2025        Dallas, TX - Southside Music Hall            
14.03.2025        Albuquerque, NM          - Launchpad            
15.03.2025        Phoenix, AZ - Nile

TICKETS: www.goremageddon.be/tour

Female-Led Upon Wings Drop "Haunting Me"

It's been about a year since Upon Wings have unleashed their dark, haunting beauty onto the musical world, but the wait is over. Upon Wings has returned with an emotive new song, "Haunting Me," and it takes the listener on a mystical journey. Here, vocalist Anne Autumn Erickson's angelic vocals blend with the song's dark beats and production.

Stream and download the song on all platforms HERE

Upon Wings have been quiet lately, but their music is taking off on streaming platforms. The band's 2022 heavy metal single, "Last Love," has amassed more than 26,000 streams on Spotify, and their 2023 single, "Distant Memory," is at nearly 11,000 Spotify streams.

Both of those songs feature guitars from Kevin Jardine and pummeling rhythms from Kyng drummer Pepe Clarke Magaña. "Distant Memory" also features a shredding guitar solo from Lita Ford guitarist Patrick Kennison.

Anne's "Women of Rock and Metal" and "Metal and Rock That Slays" playlists have taken off on Spotify, to boot.

And this is only the beginning…

Find Upon Wings on Spotify HERE and on Apple Music HERE.

Find Anne Autumn Erickson on Spotify HERE and on Apple Music HERE.

Rock Band Swim the Current Release New Single "Right Your Wrong" via TLG|ZOID ​    

The dynamic rock band Swim the Current is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, "Right Your Wrong", via TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. The powerful new track was co-produced by George Pond, Sahaj Ticotin and David Caplinger.

 

STREAM "Right Your Wrong"

https://ffm.to/stc-rightyourwrong

 

Bringing together an all-star lineup of rock talents, including vocalist Marcos Leal(formerly of Ill Niño), bassist George Pond (Disciples of Verity), guitarist Greg Antine, drummer Chris Moore (George Lynch, Ultraphonix, Rock of Ages), and lead guitarist Joe Gareri, "Stay" takes the band's sound to new heights.

Having played in numerous bands throughout the years, Guitarist Greg Antine came to a point in his career where he wanted to branch out and write songs that had more depth and were inspired by his personal life experiences. Having worked with Bassist George Pond for several years in previous projects including, Disciples Of Verity, Greg expressed his concept for Swim The Current to George in hopes of collaborating with him on this new music venture. The two began to flesh out ideas in George’s home studio and realized quickly that they were on to something special, but still needed something more to see their ideas through to complete their concepts. Greg was introduced to Joe Gareri, Guitar/Keyboards, by George during the Disciples Of Verity debut album recording sessions which Joe is also featured on as a guest artist. The three of them immediately hit it off and worked extremely well together. Greg and George realized that Joe’s cinematic writing style would be a perfect match for their concepts and Joe was then brought in as a full time member. After two songs were completed and demo’d in George’s studio utilizing programmed drums, it was suggested by their friend Allyson Song River Jaynes, that they reach out to her friend, drummer Chris Moore of Ultraphonix, Rock Of Ages, to see if he would be interested in working with the project. Upon hearing the strength of songwriting and musicianship of the band, Chris was all in and signed on as the fourth full time member of STC and now the band, from an instrument’s perspective, was complete.

 

The final missing piece for STC was a lead vocalist who could capture the sound they envisioned for their music. After working in the studio with a few different vocalists, George ultimately reached out to his friend Marcos Leal, of legendary international touring band Ill Nino. Marcos loved the music of STC as well as having the freedom and creativity of writing lyrics for the project. After recording their first song together with Marcos, "We Are Not The Same", everyone new that this lineup was something special and Swim The Current was now complete! The release of "We Are Not The Same" took off instantly, and amassed thousands of streams, YouTube views and followers through a total organic DIY social media campaign.

 

Swim The Current’s sound is influenced and reminiscent of many of their favorite artists including, Deftones, Faith No More, Sevendust, POD, and Stabbing Westward. They continue to write new music and look forward to sharing their future releases with the world!

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Bryce Leatherwood Knows "Where The Bar Is” with New Song Out Now

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –  On the heels of a breakout 2024 that found Mercury Nashville recording artist Bryce Leatherwood making his Grand Ole Opry debut and releasing his first single to country radio, the soulful crooner is showing no signs of slowing down in 2025. With his latest release, “Where The Bar Is,” available today, the neotraditional country singer/songwriter gives fans an additional taste of what’s to come as he readies his debut album to be released this spring. Listen to “Where the Bar Is” below.
 
“When I first heard the demo for this song it got stuck in my head immediately,” shared Leatherwood. “It took me back to when I was just starting out and playing with my band at Georgia Southern. It reminds me of the bars we’d play…and drink at. It is definitely a song I’d have a beer with, both then and now and I’m so excited for y’all to hear it!”
 
Written by Chase McGill, Cole Taylor, Michael Carter and Shane Minor, combining country and rock the quick-hitting tale of late nights is a head-nodding, foot-tapping ode to open bars and the escape an ice-cold beer with buddies can provide after a long week of work.

This latest release follows “Hung Up On You” Leatherwood’s debut single arrived at country radio as the most-added single, with 45 first week adds and is currently climbing the chart. Listen to “Hung Up on You” HERE
 
The old-soul, Woodstock, Georgia native began chasing a dream in eighth grade when his father handed over a much loved Greatest Hits CD by Conway Twitty. Leatherwood formed a band in his college town, Statesboro, Georgia, booking local gigs to pair country covers with flashes of his love for Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Allman Brothers Band and more. 
 
Soon, his booming vocal pushed the band out on to the Southeastern tour circuit, and as college graduation neared, a fork in the road loomed. Enthralled with the rush of the stage and beginning to write his own songs, the future star could either put down his guitar and go get a job, or take a less-traveled route. 
 
He submitted his name for NBC’s The Voice – Leatherwood went on to win season 22 of the hit show in 2022 and signed a management deal with Morris Higham Management in December of that year. Following his success on The Voice, Leatherwood began pursuing a full-time music career, inking a record deal with Republic Records and Mercury Nashville in October 2023. 
 
A next generation traditionalist plugged firmly into the modern mainstream, with all the hallmarks of a rising star, Leatherwood concluded his first-ever headlining tour, The Neon Does Tour, and performed at CMA Fest’s Good Molecules Reverb Stage last summer, and made his Grand Ole Opry debut Sept. 14, 2024. Last year he also released the pure-country tracks “Still Learning,” “The One My Daddy Found” and “Neon Does” fusing classic and contemporary sounds and was featured in Boot Barn’s 2024 spring campaign Taking Flight, a highlight on up-and-coming country musicians, and was also named a 2024 Artist to Watch by Music Mayhem and Country Now.
 
Looking ahead, Leatherwood is currently on the road for select concert dates all across the country, including upcoming stops in Idaho, Oregon and Michigan, plus a series of Californian shows scheduled for March and May.
 
To follow along with updates and for more information, visit bryceleatherwood.com or follow along on Instagram HERE, Facebook HERE, X HERE or Tik Tok HERE.

About Bryce Leatherwood: 
Singer/songwriter Bryce Leatherwood aims to carry the torch of country music and continue the legacy of legends prior. Born and raised in Woodstock, GA, his passion for music began at an early age. Working on his grandfather’s farm every summer, Leatherwood was exposed to the classic country hits of George Jones, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty. Soon thereafter he began picking up guitars and playing the traditional country music that inspires him today. Leatherwood’s music career began to blossom in Statesboro, GA, where he attended Georgia Southern University. During his time in Statesboro, Leatherwood played college venues and continued to grow his stage presence and his country music repertoire. While in college, Leatherwood formed his band and began playing all around the Southeast. Bryce’s goal was to take the stage and play the best of country music to all ages and audiences. Just weeks after graduating college, Bryce set his mind on a new task. In 2022, Leatherwood competed on the NBC hit television show The Voice and was crowned the Season 22 winner in December. Following his success, Leatherwood moved to Nashville where he has been songwriting and recording for a forthcoming project onUniversal Music Group Nashville/Republic Records, the first of which is "The Finger," out now. Leatherwood continues to perform live shows, including opening several tour dates for Dwight Yoakum. Online atwww.bryceleatherwood.com.

KVRMA Unleash their Self Titled Debut EP along with Fiery NEW Track "Pendulum"

Get ready for a masterful musical journey as the ground breaking band KVRMA unleashes their highly anticipated debut EP, "=" out now!

In "=" KVRMA blends various rock and metal influences along with cutting edge symphonics and melodic vocals, creating a futuristic sound that showcases KVRMA full talents. Each track delivers a potent dose of adrenaline, offering a perfect mix of guitars, anthemic choruses and ambiance, and the type of attitude that defines KVRMA at its finest.

ABOUT PENDULUM

"Pendulum" is about the inescapable journey into the future, as seen through the horrified eye of someone who wants nothing more than to hold onto the past; A panicked soul watching helplessly as their identity and sense of self is swept away by the unstoppable forward current of time...

"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage / And then is heard no more." 

- William Shakespeare (Macbeth)

ABOUT KVRMA

KVRMA is a high energy rock and metal band hailing from Central Pennsylvania. The band consists of musicians with years of experience. Secretly beginning in August of 2023, the band quickly began writing music and recording at Atrium Audio with Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland. The band released their first single “SILENCE” in April of 2024 and subsequently announced the forming of the band to the public.

KVRMA is honored to be nominated for Best New Band and Best Hard Rock band at this year's Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame

In under a year of being an official band, KVRMAhave recorded and released an entire EP, they have done three music videos acquiring thousands of views, and are looking to get more under their belt. Their debut performance was opening for New Years Day. This is only the beginning.

KVRMA IS:

Jackson Gurecki | Vocals

Michael Nelson | Vocals/Guitar

AJ Lopez | Guitar

Tyler Travis | Bass

Dane Lowell | Drums

Kyle Wilkinson | former drummer special shout out 

Smile Empty Soul Release New Single "Violence" via TLG|ZOID ​     

Alt-rock veterans Smile Empty Soul have unveiled the fifth single, "Violence" from their upcoming EP, Swan Song, which is scheduled for release digitally on  2/28/25 and on vinyl/CD 4/11/25 through TLG|ZOID distributed by Virgin Music Group. The band’s previous four singles have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response, building excitement for the upcoming release.

 

"'Violence' is a song about the many toxic relationships that occur in our society. They seem to be everywhere, be it in the home, the streets, or even the relationship between the people and the government. It’s inescapable," says Sean Danielsen.

 

The song was written and produced by Sean Danielsen, engineered by Brian Scheffer, mixed and mastered by Eddie Wohl.

 

Stream "Violence"

https://ffm.to/smileemptysoul-violence

 

WATCH "Violence" (official lyric video):below

SMILE EMPTY SOUL is a hard rock band that originated in Los Angeles, CA in the late 1990’s and has stayed true to their brand of “no bullshit”, “real as it gets” hard rock to this day. The band signed a major label record deal in 2003 to release their self-titled debut album in May of that year. They realized huge success at alternative radio, rock radio, and the music video channels that have since fallen by the wayside or turned into reality show networks.

 

After 3 very successful singles/videos and a gold record from the debut release, the band ran into trouble with their record company (which was in the midst of turmoil at the top levels) and found themselves working extra hard in the trenches, and signed to indie labels or no label at all from then on.

 

This would become SMILE EMPTY SOUL’s destiny, as they have gone on to release many more albums and EP’s on various labels, as well as their own company “smile empty music inc”. The band released their 9th full length record Black Pilled on October 12th of 2021 completely on their own.

 

“Smile” has become known for its constant touring and never wavering honest sound/lyrics. They’ve never changed for anybody, and turned down many opportunities to “sell out” because it’s not who they are.

With a new album, and just as much drive as they had starting out 20 years ago, this band looks to continue to build on the legacy they’ve created as one of the hardest working, and most underrated bands in rock and roll.

 

The band has recently partnered with TLG|ZOID distributed by Virgin Music Groupto release new music. Denny Sanders (The Label Group) and Sean Danielsenpreviously partnered on the successful release of Consciousness. Released in 2009 the record has become second only to the band's debut release in popularity.

For More Information Please Visit:

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OVERSIZE Share Video For New Track "Vacant' —

OVERSIZE have revealed their new single "Vacant," another glimpse of their stunning debut album Vital Signs, due February 28 via SharpTone.  

Watch the video below.

Stream the song here.

Of the single, the band comments, "''Vacant' is one of the few album tracks that made its way into our live set pre-release, it's one of our favorite songs to play live, and we're really stoked to release it as the last single before our album comes out."

Oversize continue, "Lyrically, the song focuses around a lack of connection and communication with the people around you, how easy it is to get complacent, and not check in with someone, or open up with how you're really feeling."

OVERSIZE have already turned the heads of many tastemakers in the UK scene, with rave reviews and rapt attention from Dan P Carter, Alyx Holcombe, and Jack Saunders at BBC R1. In their short time as a band, OVERSIZE have already performed at Outbreak Festival, and supported Militarie Gun, Higher Power, Fiddlehead, Boston Manor, and many more.  

Although still very much in its infancy, the group — which formed in the South West of England — has already developed a fully-formed, personal sound. Elements of post-hardcore, alternative metal, shoegaze, and emo combine to deliriously heady effect. While the band doesn't shy away from its love of alternative '90s music, and a love of HUM, Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones, and Pixies, OVERSIZE have very little interest in being sonically tied to the past. 

The band members and the shared experience of writing and playing live together has found them carving out their own space within the alternative scene in just a handful of years. Exploring the vast range of dynamics within their music, songs drift between atmospheric textures to loud fuzzy riffs, magnifying and complimenting the personal and often venerable vocals.

Estonian Metalcore Quartet PRIDIAN Share Third Single “Out For Blood”

It might be their biggest year yet: After announcing their signing to label Century Media Records last September and releasing two hard-hitting singles, PRIDIAN isn't slowing down anytime soon. The band from Estonia is delivering their third single with “Out For Blood” while continuously teasing their upcoming album, which is set for a spring release this year.

Listen to "Out For Blood" HERE

Out For Blood” is almost a battle cry with its raw, hard-hitting lyrics, which encapsulate a relentless pursuit of justice while overcoming influences and perceptions from the outside world. Musically, the track captivates with a chaotic nature through its energetic riffs paired with EDM-style synths. Atmospheric elements, such as the almost robotic voices, create an addicting dynamic and relentless energy that makes one want to see this song come alive live.

Watch the Music Video for "Out For Blood" below.

Out For Blood” showcases that PRIDIAN is not afraid to get a bit more experimental with their sound. With Near Dark and “idoldust released prior, fans of the genre can keep their anticipation for this record high.

Stream "Out For Blood" HERE

About PRIDIAN

Initially formed in 2018 by guitarists Jörg-Erik Hanikat and Martin Randalu, drummer Robert Leht, and completed by singer Laur Lindmäe, who joined in 2021, Estonian band PRIDIANquickly evolved their very own style and take on modern metal. Having released an album called 'The Rotten Unknown' under their name ÆØNS in 2021, the band was nominated for the “Metal Album of The Year” at the Estonian Music Awards and built the foundation of what’s to come under their new name.

Rebranded as PRIDIAN, the band released their debut EP 'Cybergnosis' in the fall of 2023 and constantly elaborated their unique sound. Their modern take on industrial soundscapes, metalcore, and catchy hooks made them known in the rising Estonian metal scene and beyond. Just one week before opening Sunday’s mainstage at the infamous Euroblast Festival in Cologne – their first-ever performance in Germany – the band announced their signing with German metal label Century Media Records to release their brand new single “Near Dark”, embarking on a new chapter of the band’s history.

PRIDIAN are:

Laur Lindmäe - vocals

Jörg-Erik Hanikat - guitar

Martin Randalu - guitar

Robert Leht - drums

PYLETRIBE DROP FIERY NEW SINGLE "EGYPTIAN PRINCESS" Featuring Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Drummer Artimus Pyle and Guitarist Eric Gales

Combining the iconic talents of legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd member and Rock N Roll Hall of Fame drummer Artimus Pyle, the infectious vocal of son Chris Pyle, and the blistering guitar licks of Eric Gales, PYLETRIBE is proud to release their new single ‘EGYPTIAN PRINCESS” on Madison Records.

"EGYPTIAN PRINCESS" OVERVIEW:

Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Drummer Artimus Pyle Quote:

"EGYPTIAN PRINCESS”

was recorded at Ovation Studios with engineer William Stevens, and Chris Pyle wrote, sang, and played guitar on the track.  It is one of the coolest songs I’ve ever played drums on, especially when Guitar Wizard Eric Gales joined us with a scorching guitar solo. Rocking musicians all over the world will love this song!"  ARTIMUS PYLE

 

Singer Chris Pyle Quote:

“EGYPTIAN PRINCESS” is just one of those songs that feels so right from the very start", said band leader Chris Pyle.  "Having my dad on drums is always the most I could ever ask for.  And then to have Eric Gales, widely regarded as one of the best blues guitar masters in the world, to play on the song is such an honor!   "Egyptian Princess" was already a fiery groove and then Eric doused it with gasoline!"   CHRIS PYLE 

 

According to GUITAR WORLD magazine, "Eric Gales is one of the greatest electric guitar players on the planet!"

ABOUT THE BAND

Being part of Lynyrd Skynyrd was a life-changing opportunity for Artimus. Not only did he form a close friendship with singer Ronnie Van Zant, but the music he made with the band cemented his place in rock and roll history. He and the other band members were recognized for their talent in 2016 when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

 

Artimus continues to make music and share his talent through PYLETRIBE, a band formed by his son Chris Pyle.  "Chris is an incredibly talented musician and songwriter, and I know Ronnie Van Zant would be proud of him,” Artimus says.

 

"PYLETRIBE really has been in the making my entire life, although most of that time I was playing as a drummer in other people's stories", said Chris. "Then it hit me one day that I had a lot to say, so I picked up the guitar and started writing the songs, and of course I had to have my dad on drums.  Playing with my dad, who was in one of the biggest bands in the world, has been a joy.  And there's just this natural bond that we share musically, which feels just like breathing to us when we play.  We don't even have to think.”   

Emil Bulls Release Deluxe Edition Of "Love Will Fix It"

Emil Bulls just released the Deluxe Edition of their groundbreaking album LOVE WILL FIX IT. This special edition includes three brand-new original songs and will be available as an exclusive picture disc vinyl, making it a must-have collector's item for fans.

The original album marked a bold evolution of their sound, showcasing their dedication to pushing the boundaries of Alternative Metal. With fresh energy and innovative music, Emil Bulls are ready to leave a lasting mark on the genre.

Stay tuned for an electrifying new chapter with Emil Bulls and celebrate their genre-defying creativity!

Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter MARINA V Releases New Single "Symphony & Metal"! ​   

Award-winning singer/songwriter Marina V unveils her electrifying new single, "Symphony & Metal", a powerful anthem blending orchestral grandeur and metal intensity. The track features an all-star lineup, including Bruce Kulick (KISS), David Ellefson (Megadeth), and renowned composer Steve Horner, with Marina's husband and longtime collaborator Nick Baker on drums.

 

Marina describes the song as “a reflection of the timeless battle between our inner light and darkness, a message of resilience, and a call to never give up.”

 

She shares: "We are fragile, vulnerable, and beautiful (symphony) yet extremely adaptable, strong, and tough (metal). This duality resonates deeply with me, especially after experiencing life’s extremes in recent years—becoming a mom, losing my dad during the pandemic, and enduring the devastating effects of the war on my family in Russia and Ukraine. The lyric, ‘It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, it only matters if you get back up,’ has been my daily mantra."

 

Marina explains, "When recording 'Symphony & Metal', I knew we needed serious bombast and musical wizardry for the epic sound of the song.  My co-writer/husband/drummer and I were fortunate to enlist long-time friends and extraordinary musicians Bruce Kulick (Kiss), David Ellefson (Megadeth), and Steve Horner (composer of film and tv, including credits on shows such as Bridgerton, etc)."

 

STREAM "Symphony & Metal

http://www.marinav.com/links

Marina V is a Russian-American singer, pianist, and songwriter praised for her “hauntingly beautiful” voice (LA Times). Born in Moscow, she moved to the United States at 15 and has since performed over 1,500 concerts worldwide, sharing stages with artists like Howard Jones, Macy Gray, and Beth Hart.

 

Marina has self-released several critically acclaimed albums, with her upcoming release, Labyrinthine Rose, set to feature Bruce Kulick and David Ellefson. She has composed songs for films, TV shows, and major brands like PEPSI. She also has written over 150 songs for a popular YouTube channel for kids, KoteKitty, with over a billion views.

 

Her artistry has earned her numerous awards, including recognition from Sir Bob Geldofin London, and commendations as a cultural ambassador by Senator Bill Bradley. Marina’s loyal fanbase has been integral in sponsoring her albums and tours.

 

"Symphony & Metal" is available now on all major streaming platforms.

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TheCityIsOurs Share New Video Dopamine

Metalcore band TheCityIsOurs have unveiled their latest single, "Dopamine," a deeply personal and poignant track reflecting on the power of safe spaces and the joy of self-expression. Inspired by the vocalist's first experience in a queer space, the song explores the liberating feeling of being surrounded by unapologetically authentic people while highlighting the contrast of guardedness often felt in daily life.

With its raw lyrics and dynamic sound, "Dopamine" celebrates the significance of finding spaces where one can feel fully comfortable, whether it's a queer venue, the gym, a book club, or a gig. TheCityIsOurs encourages listeners to savor these moments of freedom and authenticity.

"Dopamine" is available now on all streaming platforms.

Avralize Share New Video Wanderlust

Metalcore band AVRALIZE have released their latest single, "wanderlust," a high-energy anthem for restless souls. Watch the video below.

The track captures the band's journey into uncharted territory, fueled by a deep yearning to break boundaries and explore new horizons. With its explosive sound and bold message, "wanderlust" offers fans a thrilling taste of the band’s evolving direction and a glimpse of what lies ahead in their musical journey.

"wanderlust" is now available on all major streaming platforms.

One Morning Left Share New Video Puppy

Finnish metalcore veterans One Morning Left have unveiled the video for new single "Puppy."

The song has been selected to compete at UMK, Finland's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The UMK song "Puppy" is exactly what the name suggests. It is, very simply, about a puppy.

The band describes themselves as a hyperactive, boundary-pushing feel-good act. Their unique sense of humor sets them apart from other Nordic metal bands.

"Musically, we rely on the '80s and '90s, and we do not take ourselves too seriously. Sometimes, people look at you in a funny way if you mess around too much. You can dance to the beat of our music, and that’s fantastic," vocalist Leevi Luoto says.

The band had been planning to apply for UMK for a long time.

"We already spoke with our previous drummer that UMK would be a great experience. After meeting Kiro, who produced 'Cha Cha Cha' for Käärijä, we began to think about making an UMK song with him," singer and founder Mika Lahtireveals. Käärijä placed second in 2023's Eurovision Song Contest.

Close Enemies with Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith Release Debut Single "Sound Of A Train" via TLG|ROCK ​     

Close Enemies, a powerhouse band featuring legendary musicians Tom Hamilton, multiple Grammy winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, and bassist of the biggest-selling American rock band of all time, Aerosmith, is joined by legendary drummer Tony Brock (The Babys and Rod Stewart), touring veterans Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow and Don Henley) and Trace Foster on guitar, and singer Chasen Hampton, who has been singing professionally since the age of 11, as a member and co-host of the famed 90s Mickey Mouse Club and pop group The Party, proudly announce the release of their debut single "Sound Of A Train". The band recently signed to TLG|ROCK for management and label services. The forthcoming record will be distributed through Virgin Music Group.

 

STREAM "Sound Of A Train"

https://tlgent.ffm.to/closeenemies-soundofatrain

Unlike the name suggests, these five guys are close friends, each with an illustrious musical career. The band is currently on tour in support of their release.

 

Mark Strigl SiriusXM on air host of Ozzy's Boneyard states:

“Close Enemies is the real deal—a group of insanely talented musicians including bassist/songwriter Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith. Their new tunes are packed with energy & emotion, and they absolutely blew me away live. This is a band that delivers on every level—don’t miss them!”

Tour Dates

Thursday, January 23, 2025 Daryls House Pawling, NY
Saturday, January 25, 2025 Nashville City Winery Nashville, TN
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Chicago City Winery Chicago, IL
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 St Lous City Winery St Louis, MO

SARCATOR Shares New Single, "The Deep Ends," New Album 'Swarming Angels and Flies' out TODAY

2025 is already a premier year for blackened thrash metal: Swedish rising force SARCATOR is now releasing its third full-length, 'Swarming Angels & Flies,' via Century Media Records! Stream the album HERE.

Upon announcing the signing to the label back in July, the young band released three striking, powerful, and raw singles that kept the anticipation for this record high. Now, 'Swarming Angels & Flies' is available in its full length. Across eight, grotesque and utterly venomous tracks, the band have deftly blended the wide-eyed extremity of their debut album with the inspirational musicality of their second work 'Alkahest,' while playing everything with more intensity than ever before. It is a record that surely raises the bar for face-flaying extreme metal. Both deliriously melodic and mercilessly brutal - 'Swarming Angels & Flies' is the most dangerously potent record the Swedens have made to date. 

To celebrate, the band is now sharing a visualizer for the single "The Deep Ends," which can be found below.

Singer and guitarist Mateo Tervonen comments on the album, “If anyone has ever wondered how our intensity playing live would sound captured on a record, this is the one. There is no question that it’s our most intense, brutal and rawest creation yet, so those who enjoy those elements of our sound will not be disappointed! We worked a lot on the dynamics, so we are sure that this album will have something for everyone. It's not really a genre album and we like to keep it that way.”

With the tracks "Swarming Angels & Flies," “Comet of End Times” and “Where the Void Begins” released prior to the album launch, “The Deep Ends” holds a special place on this record, showcasing Sarcator’s skill in terms of songwriting with the track sounding both raw and yet defined by each second while combining both worlds of rock and extreme metal.  

Regarding the track, the band explains, 

"'The Deep Ends' stands as a strong representative of the traditional rock essence of our sound that we incorporated with our previous album ('Alkahest' 2022). It's all about the groove and rhythm in this one, hand in hand with epic-driven arrangements. Everything with our own blackened edge to it that has been the common ground for every SARCATOR song so far. With this one we wanted to push everything forward in combining traditional rock music with extreme metal vocals and expression and of course trying to make it sound organically together.”

Sarcator’s “Swarming Angels & Flies” sets the bar high for the upcoming album in terms of speed, heaviness and pure desire to see the song unfold live. Starting off like an explosion, the song delivers a sonic blast hurling the audience straight into a fire pit with raw, untamed energy. The album is now available for pre-order in various formats HERE.

At a juvenile age of 14-20, Sarcator released their first demo tape, “Visions of Purgatory”, via the American label Redefining Darkness Records in 2019. Just two years later the quadrumvirate got nominated for best rock/metal album for the Swedish music award P3 Guld with their 2020’s self-titled debut release for the same label. After releasing their 2nd album, “Alkahest”, via Black Lion Records in 2022, Sarcator finally got a proper chance to play live, captivating crowds with their intense, blackened live shows.

With their current line-up fully committed to the band despite their young age (all members are between 19 and 25) it was time for them to record their third album, which still features previous guitarist Emil Eriksson. Shortly after signing a new worldwide deal with Century Media Records and heading out on a debut European tour supporting Hellripper and Cloak, Sarcator will be releasing 'Swarming Angels & Flies' on January 17, 2025.

This album marks the most intense, brutal and rawest creation yet for the band. It is a remarkably mature and sophisticated piece of work, from mercurial musicians who are only in their early 20’s, and still at the beginning of their creative journey. Across eight, grotesque and utterly venomous tracks, Sarcator have deftly blended the wide-eyed extremity of their debut album with the inspirational musicality of their second record “Alkahest”, while playing everything with more intensity than ever before. Both deliriously melodic and mercilessly brutal: “Swarming Angels & Flies” is the most dangerously potent record the Swedens have made to date. 

Sarcator explains about the record and its creation process, “We wanted to highlight the most aggressive and extreme parts of us, but we still wanted to work with dynamics, so you still have elements of classic rock and post-punk, which we started experimenting with on the last record. There is no question that it’s our most intense, brutal, and rawest creation yet - It's not really a genre album and we like to keep it that way."

With plenty of live activity in support of the upcoming album, Sarcator are already at the forefront of an emergent, highly determined new generation of Scandinavian extreme metal bands and ready to take the rest of the world by storm soon too.

Lineup:

Mateo Tervonen – Vocals, Guitar

Felix Lindkvist – Bass

Leo Buchalle – Guitar

Jesper Rosén – Drums

Formats:

CD Jewelcase (in O-Card) w/ 11 tracks

Ltd. Purple LP (300x copies!) w/ 8 tracks & 2-page LP insert

Black LP w/ 8 tracks & 2-page LP insert

CD Jewelcase (US Version) w/ 8 tracks

Links:

FACEBOOK 

INSTAGRAM

WEB SHOP

BANDCAMP

SPOTIFY

APPLE MUSIC

YOUTUBE

Rendezvous Point Share Video For New Single "Still Water" (Feat. The Norwegian Radio Orchestra)

Norwegian Progressive Metal masters Rendezvous Point, around Leprous' drummer Baard Kolstad, have teamed up with Kringkastingsorkesteret aka The Norwegian Radio Orchestra to record a reworked version of their song "Still Water." 

"KORK are super experienced in accompanying bands, so when we had the opportunity to do something together with them we just had to take it," says the band. "We chose to do a new live-in-studio version of Still Water, dedicating more focus to the symphonic parts than on the album version. We are very excited about the result, and hope you enjoy it as much as we do! The song is an epic crescendo which encapsulates the moment between life and death. The moment where everything is silent and hopeless, but also a blank sheet of paper for a new beginning. In the realm of giving up, something or someone can drag you back to life. It's never too late to search for help."

Watch the video to "Still Water" below.

Stream the single
here.

ORDER "DREAM CHASER" NOW

On their latest album Dream Chaser, Rendezvous Point continue to push boundaries with more concise songwriting and a wider focus on groove, riffs, melodies and hooks. With themes ranging from societal disillusionment to personal growth the album is offering a compelling glimpse into the human experience. Rendezvous Point invites listeners to join them on their journey exploring the complexities of modern existence and the depths of emotional turmoil.

RENDEZVOUS POINT IS:
Geirmund Hansen - Vocals
Baard Kolstad - Drums
Nicolay Tangen Svennæs - Keyboards
Petter Hallaråker - Guitar
Gunn-Hilde Erstad - Bass

Conquer Divide Share New Track "Bad Dreams" Feat. Of Virtue

Conquer Divide have revealed their latest single, "Bad Dreams," featuring Michigan metalcore heroes Of Virtue. The single drops ahead of their U.K. and European tour dates. 

Listen to "Bad Dreams" here.

Watch the lyric video below.

The song combines Conquer Divide's ability to mix luscious and captivating vocals and hooks with their crushing intensity, both musically and lyrically, on this introspective slab of inner turmoil, which is complemented by Of Virtue's vocalists (Tyler Ennis and Damon Tate) melodic-turned-raging contributions.   

Talking about the personal tones of the song, guitarist Izzy Johnson says, "We are stoked to bring the next era of Conquer Divide with our new song 'Bad Dreams,' featuring Of Virtue. Lyrically, it touches on the feeling of wanting nothing more than to succeed but being sabotaged by your own thoughts. Analysis paralysis is real and creates cycles that sometimes feel unbreakable, something that we have all individually experienced. Just like our other songs 'Paralyzed,' 'Pressure,' and 'N E W H E A V E N' (that also have introspective themes), we hope this song is something our listeners can relate to and find comfort in. Big thanks to the guys in Of Virtue who made the song come alive, we are blessed to create music alongside such talent."

Of Virtue's Tyler Ennis adds, "I've been a fan of Conquer Divide ever since I heard 'Messy.' It's an absolute honor being asked to bring both our bands together on their newest single and we're excited for it to finally be released!"

They recently had two recordings that are having wide success at the US Active Rock format. First, a new version of the band’s hit "Paralyzed" (Featuring Attack Attack!); which became the band's first entry on the Billboard charts, and re-release of alt-rockers 10 Years' hit "The Optimist," which featured Conquer Divide's Kia, ahead of the two bands touring the U.S. together in October.

In January 2025, Conquer Divide will return to Europe and the UK for a tour with New Years Day between the  January 21 and February 1. Right after, the band will appear with Ankor starting on February 7 in Cologne, and will call through Germany, The Netherlands, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and will finish on March 16 in Kortrijk, Belgium.
 
A Deluxe Edition of their most recent album Slow Burn was released digitally last September and featured an additional six recordings. Three of these are from Sirius XM Octane's Next Wave Concert Series, which are "Bad Guy," "Atonement," and "Paralyzed." Alongside "Paralyzed (Featuring "Attack Attack!)," "Only Girl" (Acoustic), and "80 Proof."
 
The band hailing from the U.S., U.K. and Canada have made a steady progression from their melodic metalcore inspired roots, maturing into a formidable hard rock act, nearing the end of their first decade together. In 2020, they returned to the studio with 2x Grammy nominated producer Tyler Smyth (Falling in Reverse, I Prevail) and 4x RIAA certified gold record producer Joey Sturgis (Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada, Of Mice & Men) and began recording of Slow Burn.
 
SLOW BURN picked up multiple playlisting including All New Metal, Rock Hard, The Core, Heavy Queens, Kickass Metal, New Nu and more. They picked up multiple BBC Radio 1 plays alongside playlisting at Kerrang! Radio, Kerrang! TV and Primordial Radio. "Paralyzed" was one of the Metal Hammer 2023 tracks of the year with the album also being amongst the ‘Albums of the Year.’ They've picked up support from Rock Sound, Distorted Sound, Alternative Press, Revolver, GuitarWorld, SXM Octane, Loudwire and more. The album has now exceeded 40 million cumulative streams.
 
CONQUER DIVIDE ARE:
Kiarely Taylor — Vocals
Kristen Sturgis — Guitar
Izzy Johnson — Guitar
Sam Landa — Drums

EIVØR Wins USA Songwriting Competition

She's serenaded crowds from the UEFA Champions League to The Game Awards, but on her latest album, Eivør reached several new milestones. The Faroe Islands superstar performed songs off ENN to sold-out crowds from Red Rocks to Hellfest. 

Now, to kick off 2025 ahead of her upcoming North American tour, Eivør is proud to announce that she has been named a winner of the 29th USA Songwriting Competition. Her gently pulsating first single from ENN, "Jarðartrá / Dust to Dust", won the award for Best World music.    

"I am thrilled and honored for our song 'Jarðartrá (Dust To Dust)' to have won the USA Songwriting Competition in the 'World Music' category", Eivør says.  
 
"The track is a joint effort between myself and the Faroes poet Marjun Syderbø Kjelnæs - my long-time lyrical collaborator and dear friend.

I'm grateful to my dear Tróndur Bogason for co-production and arrangements on this track and to my band mates Mikael, Per, Mattias and Theodor for generously pouring your beautiful creativity into each note and each beat".

We are grateful and truly honoured to receive this prestigious award. Thank you
."

“Jarðartrá” was an especially fitting first single for ENN. Just like the extreme contrasts that define life at her home in the Faroe Islands, the song is dark yet glistening, swirling but propulsive. Eivør inhabits the perspective of a wounded mother earth, who calls to us with a steadily thumping bassline that’s as dark and warm as our planet’s molten core. “Come lie down in my blue embrace”, she sings, reaching into her operatic register, as if beckoning us toward the light.     

"When I wrote this song, I envisioned the earth in its rawest elements: oceans, volcanoes, storms, soil”,  Eivør remembers. “We all have echoes of these elements within us, but maybe we tend to forget that we are part of nature and its endless circle of decay and growth”.

ENN is now available on Season of Mist.

Order & Stream

https://orcd.co/eivorenn

Hear Eivør perform the award-winning “Jarðartrá” and other songs from her world-renowned, 25-year discography next month when she tours North America with Sylvaine. Their shows in Toronto and San Francisco are already sold out. Tickets for Seattle, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Montreal and Silver Springs are all moving fast.  

Get tickets at eivor.com

Eivør USA & Canada Tour 2025 w/ special guest Sylvaine

February 2 - Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl [TICKETS]
February 4 - Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre [TICKETS] [LOW TICKETS]
February 5 - Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom [TICKETS]
February 7 - San Francisco, CA @ Cafe du Nord [SOLD OUT]
February 8 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco [TICKETS] [LOW TICKETS]
February 11 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall [TICKETS]
February 12 - Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater [TICKETS]
February 14 - Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center [TICKETS][SOLD OUT]
February 15 - Madison, WI @ Majestic [TICKETS]
February 16 - Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall [TICKETS]
February 18 - Toronto, ON @ Great Hall [SOLD OUT]
February 19 - Montreal, QC @ Theatre Fairmount [TICKETS] [LOW TICKETS]
February 21 - Somerville, MA @ Somerville Theatre [TICKETS]
February 22 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg [TICKETS]
February 23 - Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore [TICKETS] [LOW TICKETS]

After independently releasing her music for many years, ENN marks Eivør’s debut for the metal label Season of Mist—and though her compositions sit outside of any one genre, she is happy to be embraced by the metal community. She identified a shared pagan sensibility in her television scores like The Last Kingdom. “I never felt I really fit into any box,” said Eivør. “I just have to do it my own way.” Recorded with her touring band in the Faroe Islands—where she now lives again, splitting time between her homeland and Denmark—Eivør called ENN “my most pleasurable and also most painful process. I felt that I was stepping into a place where I hadn’t been before, and that’s always scary because you don’t feel that you touch the ground. But it opens up your creativity and takes you to someplace new. It’s woven together all my experiences for the past 10 years, and it’s grounded me.” 

 

Recording line-up

Eivør: Vocals, Guitars

Mattias Kapnas: Piano, Rhodes and Synths 

Mikael Blak: Bass & Synths. Guitars on ‘Upp úr øskuni’ 

Per I Højgaard Petersen: Drums & Soundscaping 

Strings performed by Lýra: 

1st violin: Sigrún Harðardóttir 

2nd violin: Sigrún Kristbjörg Jónsdóttir 

Viola: Karl James Pestka 

Cello: Unnur Jónsdóttir

Choir on ‘Ein klóta': Eivør, Tróndur, Hans Mols Mortensen, Greta Svabo Beck and Fred Ruddick  

Recording studio
Studio Bloch (Faroe Islands), Hljóðritið (Iceland), Jardin Acoustique (France) and in Eivør’s portable studio in various corners of the world.   

Production, engineering and recording
Produced & arranged by Eivør and Tróndur 

Beat production by Eivør and Per I. Højgaard Petersen 

Recorded and engineered by Theodor Kapnas at Studio Bloch (Faroe Islands)  

Additional recordings and engineering by Fred Ruddick at Jardin Acoustique (France) 

Strings recorded by Guðmundur Kristinn Jónsson and Gestur Sveinsson at Hljóðriti (Iceland) 

Mixing 
Theodor Kapnas 

Mastering
Robin Schmidt at 24-96 Mastering

Creative direction
Eivør and Leif Podhajsky 

Artwork
Leif Podhajsky

​Photography
Sigga Ella 

Additional landscape photography by Alessio Mesiano 

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

Management contact:
Henning Dietz at Neu Management London - henning@neumanagement.com

Booking contact:
Luc Favié at Doomstar -  luc@doomstarbookings.com

Follow Eivør:
https://www.eivor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/eivormusic/
https://www.instagram.com/eivormusic/?hl=en
https://eivor.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/eivormusic
https://twitter.com/eivormusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@eivor_music
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dB4ya2W1Gvng8gjWSPu2H?si=U-2hxkT9RjizmDg52Q-8kA&nd=1

Debt Neglector Release Double Single + Announce Upcoming Album "Kinda Rips" via Smartpunk Records

Smartpunk Records' beloved punk rockers Debt Neglector have released two new singles as the sneak peek at their upcoming full-length album "Kinda Rips," which is set to release on April 4, 2024 via Smartpunk Records.

Listen below.

In true Debt Neglector fashion, their new music remains viciously political but also features some deeply personal topics including the pressures of fatherhood, insecurity, and dealing with mortality. The culmination is an album that is dynamic and relatable from a band whose angry and honest approach is a blunt kick in the pants to the powers that be.

When discussing the lead single "Adios Amigos! Or How To Self Sabotage Without Even Trying", Debt Neglector says, "This song is about how, as a species, our proverbial goose is pretty much cooked. We’re slaves to an economic system that requires infinite growth on a planet full of finite resources. We’ve elected octogenarian politicians with short-sighted vision who only act in the interest of their corporate donors. And people have become increasingly divided, suspicious of their neighbors, and cruel to each other. Where is our sense of self-preservation? Where is our sense of community? It feels like it’s all eroding around us and the western world is quickly and quietly heading towards collapse."

ABOUT DEBT NEGLECTOR:
Formed in 2016, these Florida punks have spent the last 8 years honing a sound that showcases their ability to blend catchy hooks with a vicious attitude. With four releases firmly under their belt, the “Atomicland” LP (2017), “The Kids are Pissed” EP (2018), the “Bad Faith” EP (2020), and the “Dirty Water” LP (2021), the band has already established themselves as a group that pulls no punches in their pursuit to call out injustice. Just to name a few, the band has screamed, shouted, and sang about systemic failures and distrust of the government, the fear of impending nuclear war, loss, depression, illness, and the USA’s sick obsession with assault rifles. And they’ve put their money where their mouth is by using their releases to double as fundraising efforts for organizations like the ACLU. Musically, their influences cover a lot of familiar and legendary punk rock ground. Taking notes from punk favorites the Descendents, Dillinger Four, and Bad Religion among others, Debt Neglector aren’t afraid to put their own spin on things. Their music keeps both a reverence for the past and a foot firmly placed in the present. The end result allows the band to craft songs with ripping fast drum beats, sing along choruses, quirky chord changes, and headbanging breaks. With past tours covering the US, Canada, and Europe, the band has set their sights on bringing their brand of pissed off punk music to whoever is ready and willing to listen. Debt Neglector are also no stranger to the festival scene with several appearances at The Fest (FL) and Sing it Out Loud Festival, and a showcase at Pouzza Fest (MTL), they have managed to share the stage with the likes of Propaghandi, Descendents and more. In 2024 Debt Neglector returned to the studio to follow up their past releases with a batch of new songs that has now become the “Kinda Rips” LP (Smartpunk Records – 2025). Their new music remains viciously political but also features some deeply personal topics including the pressures of fatherhood, insecurity, and dealing with mortality. The culmination is an album that is dynamic and relatable from a band whose angry and honest approach is a blunt kick in the pants to the powers that be.

ABOUT SMARTPUNK RECORDS:
Smartpunk has been a recognizable name in the scene for a long time (Remember that sponsored Warped Tour stage?!). After exchanging several hands and countless ideas of what it could and should be, they decided to start a record label in 2016 with the main idea of focusing solely on reissuing records that have been out of print or never on vinyl. After all, they're a label of vinyl dorks themselves! After releasing Set Your Goals' Mutiny and Gameface's Good, they started to venture into signing newer bands. They actively balance in between many worlds — putting out amazing music from friends and bands that rock, reissuing older titles, and partnering with other incredible labels in our scene and doing exclusive color variants of their releases.

Since forming the record label, Smartpunk Records has released timeless albums such as Less Than Jake's Anthem, Nominee's Lowlife, RIVALS' Sad Looks Pretty on Me, Virginity's POPMORTEM, and melodic skate punkers The Swellers' My Everest.