Funeral Release Surprise New EP

June 2, 2025

Fresh on the crushing heels of their ninth album Gospel of Bone, today, Funeral are returning with a new companion EP. The Funereal displays all the markings that made this band pioneers of funeral doom: glacial riffs, poisoned harmonies, slow-burning solos and deep, pained growls. At its cold heart lies “Gamalt ljós”, a towering 18-minute centerpiece that digs deep into the psychological toll of emotional entrapment.

The Funereal EP comes out today and is available on all digital platforms.

Stream: https://funeral.fanlink.tv/TheFunerealEP

Listen to “Gamalt ljós” below:

“Gamalt ljós” is one of the most introspective and heavy songs in Funeral’s decades-long career. Sung entirely in Faroese, the song translates in English as “Old Light,” a poetic reference to the fading glow of past hopes and unreachable absolutes. As its triptych structure unfolds, the emotional intensity escalates, navigating Kantian philosophy, spiritual longing, violent imagery and personal grief. "Rópi á gamalt ljós" (“I cry for old light”) emerges as its aching refrain.

The Funereal EP also includes an acoustic reinterpretation of “Når Kisten Senkes,” a standout track from Gospel of Bones. Stripped of the original’s orchestral weight, this new version lays bare the song’s stark mourning and lyrical gravitas. The result is a subdued yet devastating lamentation—an intimate reflection on death, grief, and finality, rendered in delicate acoustics and hushed despair.

Since the album was completed, the now septet has welcomed for the first time ever a full-time violin player “to perform live most of the strings you can hear on our albums as soon as we’ll be able to go back on stage.” In the meantime, Anders confesses the next album is more or less “finished. ‘Praesentialis’ could have been released earlier if we hadn’t to face all those COVID-related problems. We couldn’t meet in person, let alone rehearse or even just take promo pictures… But now we have a new label, a new line-up and a totally renewed sense of energy so why stop there? FUNERAL started thirty years ago be truth be told, it’s never been stronger. So, doom on!”

Recording Lineup:
Jon Aldara
Anders Eek
Morten Søbyskogen
Ingvild Anett Strønen Johannessen / Sareeta
Anders Langberg

Production Credits:
Recorded at Strand Studio, Stabbek, Norway.
Produced, mixed & mastered by Marius Strand at Strand Studio.

Guest Musicians:
Jon Aldara – Vocals
Stian Kråbøl - Classical Guitars

Cover Art:
Tristan D.

Stream: https://funeral.fanlink.tv/TheFunerealEP

Follow Funeral:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funeralnorway/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/funeralnorway
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DirgeofMourning
Bandcamp: https://funeraldoom.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0q3guqlmd8oVaz5v2Fqy3q
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/funeral/208973684
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/194130
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/23777

GRAILKNIGHTS Dive Into Lovecraftian Depth With New Single "Necronomicon"

May 31, 2025

As they put the finishing touches on their seventh full-length album, GRAILKNIGHTS have already unveiled its first chapter with the release of their new single, "Necronomicon." Hailing from Grailham City, these superhero-themed metallers take on none other than Cthulhu; a monstrous, kraken-like entity. The single’s title is likely to resonate with many, as it draws inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft’s infamous book of the same name.

"Necronomicon" opens with an eerie echo, as if calling from beyond, before GRAILKNIGHTS plunge headfirst into the ocean’s depths with a singular mission: to stop the resurrection of the ancient beast whose return could spell the end of the world. Armed with thunderous drums, a blazing intergalactic guitar solo, and a rallying chorus forged to summon the bravest of metalheads, the band wage an epic battle to outwit Cthulhu in the sunken city of R’lyeh once and for all.

The GRAILKNIGHTS add: “Valiant Battlechoir, with ‘Necronomicon,’ we continue a journey we started on our 'Knightfall' album in 2018. We’ve always been fascinated by the world of H.P. Lovecraft - the atmosphere, the mystery, the sense of something vast and unknowable just beneath the surface. This song is our way of diving back into that universe. It’s also a spiritual follow-up to our earlier track ‘Cthulhu.’ This time we wanted to explore a different corner of that mythos though - something darker, more haunting, and a bit more epic in sound. Producing and recording ‘Necronomicon’ along with talented Sascha Paeth was intense and creatively rewarding. We focused on capturing that eerie, otherworldly mood that Lovecraft’s stories are known for, while staying true to our heroic and uplifting sound. We’re proud of how it turned out, and we’re excited to finally share it with you!”

"Necronomicon" was recorded at GateStudio (Wolfsburg, Germany) under the watchful eyes of Sascha Paeth (AVANTASIA, KAMELOT, RHAPSODY OF FIRE etc.). Its live premiere already took place during the group’s Grailfest, where Battlechoir members from all around the world came together at MusikZentrum Hanover on May 2 and 3. Fortunately, GRAILKNIGHTS fan don’t have to wait too long until their return as their 2025 “Battle Of Metal” co-headline tour with ALL FOR METAL will kick off at the very same venue on October 16. Containing 21 shows in total, the journey will lead both band’s way across 8 European countries.

About GRAILKNIGHTS

If it’s on their 2004 debut album Across The Galaxy” its follow-ups Return To Castle Grailskul and Alliance or their tales of the past 15 years ( Calling The Choir, Knightfall & Muscle Bound For Glory), GRAILKNIGHTS’ goal has remained the same - the Holy Grail must be returned to Grailham City! Their mission also led their flight path to stages around the globe, which they boldly dominated as headlining act and shared with acts such as SABATON, FEUERSCHWANZ, BROTHERS OF METAL and TWILIGHT FORCE among others, always supported by their brave fan base aka the Battlechoir.

During the years, some of these equally brave musicians have also lent their additional vocal support to the Hanover, Germany based squad: Tracks like "Turbo Boost [feat. FEUERSCHWANZ]" but especially "Pumping Iron Power," which was graced by SABATON’s Joakim Brodén, crafted additional intergalactic bondings between the band and metalheads worldwide, and saw GRAILKNIGHTS’ success numbers go through the roof with "Pumping Iron Power" heading for 15 million Spotify streams only.

Highly experienced in both studio and live battles, the superheroic metal group have faced and overcome several evil powers over time, and now they are set to oppose Dr. Skull in full length once again with their 7th adventure, followed by yet another journey across Europe. Joining forces with label family members ALL FOR METAL in autumn 2025, the “Battle Of Metal” can actually only end in another victory against all evil.

GRAILKNIGHTS are:

Sir Optimus Prime | vocals

Sovereign Storm | guitars, vocals

Count Cranium | guitars, vocals

Duncan MacLoud | bass, vocals

Lord Drumcules | drums

More on GRAILKNIGHTS:

Rock Band Swim the Current Release New Single "Storylines" via TLG|ZOID

May 31, 2025

The dynamic rock band Swim the Current is excited to announce the release of their latest single, "Storylines", via TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. This incredible new track was co-produced by George Pond and David Caplinger.

STREAM "Storylines"

https://ffm.to/stc-storylines

The band's vocalist, Marcos Leal states, "The song defines everything Swim The Current is and the message we carry, a little bit of Texas country mixed with our heavy metal roots, and a FUCK YOU attitude that won’t lay down for anyone, get on board and enjoy the ride! It’s the echo in the tale you tried to bury , rising soft but sharp through the silence. A thorn in the story you spun in gold , blooming louder each time lied .”

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, takes the band's sound to new heights.

WATCH the Official Lyric Video Directed by Tom Flynn for "Storylines" Below:

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!

CHICAGO METALCORE FORCE OUTFOXER REVEALS DARKLY TRANSCENDENT NEW SINGLE “ALETHEIA NYX”

May 31, 2025

Rising metalcore phenoms OUTFOXER are poised to awaken the underground with their most ambitious release yet: “ALETHEIA NYX” — a visceral exploration of truth, darkness, and the chaos that binds them. Drawing from Greek myth and modern existentialism, this new single is not just a song—it’s a reckoning.

“ALETHEIA NYX” is named after the Greek goddess of truth, Aletheia, whose mother is Nyx, the goddess of night. The song is about the nature of deception in a more visual representation, often repeating the line "truth in the night." The idea being, if you keep someone in the dark and tell them what is in front of or around them, they have no choice but to believe you because they can't actually see it themselves, serving as a metaphor for the act of obscuring or masking the truth for deceptive purposes

Band Bio:

OUTFOXER is a fast-paced metalcore band from Chicago, IL, known for fusing blistering aggression with relentless energy and a sharp lyrical edge. Formed by guitarist and songwriter Frankie Ciccarelli and vocalist/lyricist

Matt Matigian, the band draws from a wide swath of heavy music traditions to create something both punishing and precise.

Ciccarelli channels the chaotic intensity of bands like Every Time I Die, Norma Jean, Comeback Kid, and Converge, crafting riffs and rhythms that twist and surge with raw urgency. Meanwhile, Matigian brings a darker, visceral presence to the mic, rooted in the nu-metal melodicism and power of Mudvayne, All That Remains, and Chevelle. The result is a sound that’s as smart as it is savage—equal parts calculated mayhem and emotional catharsis.

Since their formation, Outfoxer has released the "The Next Testament" EP and the full-length "Gospel Snakes", both of which earned them a devoted following in the underground heavy scene. They’ve since dropped a standalone single and are currently building anticipation for their sophomore LP, "The Murder of Ares", with its second single on the horizon.

OUTFOXER isn’t just another metalcore band—they’re a relentless force that blends speed, fury, and depth into something distinctly their own.

Alt-Pop Artist Dela Kay Drops “Between The Lines”

May 30, 2025

Alt-pop singer-songwriter, Dela Kay, has officially released her latest single, “Between The Lines,” today—a soul-searching, guitar-laced track that marks a bold new chapter in her sonic evolution. “It talks about how unusual and confusing peace can feel,” says Dela Kay. “Reading ‘between the lines’ to self-soothe can sometimes turn into self-destruction. But in my case, my

overthinking ended up being a strong intuition. The line between the two isn’t always easy to see.”

Originally written in July 2024 at collaborator Nick Cozine’s East Nashville home, “Between The Lines” explores the psychological push and pull of vulnerability, intuition, and self-sabotage in relationships. “It’s definitely a vibe I haven’t done before,” Dela Kay shares. “It’s moodier, built around vibey guitar lines, and it might actually be the first song I’ve released with a guitar solo—which is dope!”

Co-written by Dela Kay, Rikki Jo Randall, and Nick Cozine, produced by Stefano Pigliapoco and Nick Cozine, and mixed and mastered by Pigliapoco; “Between The Lines” dives into the tension between emotional safety and perceived threat—highlighting the anxiety that can creep in even during moments of calm.

Dela Kay also partnered with Working Holiday, a Nashville-based creative team known for their recent work with Medium Build, to design the single’s visuals and artwork. “They’re incredibly talented creatives, and I’m so happy I got to work with them on this song.”

With “Between The Lines,” Dela Kay invites fans into a new emotional and sonic space, blending atmospheric textures with raw honesty. “A note to my fans: always listen to your gut,” she adds. “When things go quiet and anxiety settles—what does your heart tell you? That’s the truth.”

MORE INFO:
Dela Kay, who hails from the vibrant music scene of Nashville, TN, draws inspiration from artists such as The Maine, Maggie Lindemann, Paramore, and Avril Lavigne. With previous releases that have amassed over 2M streams collectively, and secured spots on Shazam's Best New Music Apple Playlist; Dela Kay believes that the past year of her career has been her most authentic to date. With a commitment to continue releasing singles throughout the rest of this year, she is determined to leave a lasting impression and make her mark on the music industry with her unique voice and perspective.

At the start of Dela Kay’s career in 2014, her electro-pop style began to emerge through a collaboration with Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and producer, Femke Weidema; which eventually led to her first electro-pop/European-infused single release, “9 out of 10.” Named by Earmilk as an artist who was gifted “with a rich, distinctive vocal style” for her release of “Make You Mine,” Dela Kay went on to continue releasing singles and garnering hundreds of thousands of streams. In 2019 Dela Kay released “All My Love” through Sony Music, which ended up charting 49 on the top 150 global artist charts for Digital Radio Tracker as well as in the top ten for the Top Independent Charts. After a brief hiatus, Dela Kay marked her return by debuting a new, more alternative sound in 2021 with the release of “The Worst Part,” via Wonderland Magazine, and has been releasing this style of music ever since.

VADER - New EP 'Humanihility' Out Today

May 30, 2025

Humanihility, the brand new EP by Polish death metal veterans VADER has been unleashed upon the world today. Please scroll down to purchase your physical copy or to stream the release in full!

Five years after the much-lauded 12th studio album Solitude In Madness, VADER return with 3 brand-new tracks once again produced by Scott Atkins at Grindstone Studio, UK. Featuring excellent artwork by Marcelo Vasco (Slayer, Testament, Dark Funeral), this EP marks the first recording as a quintet with guitarist Mauser returning to the group and new drummer Michael alongside vocalist/guitarist Peter, bassist Hal and and another long-time member of the band - guitarist Spider.

Humanihility offers scorching new songs that prove to be vicious, thrash-laden anthems perfectly blending old-school thrash with VADER's unique straight-forward fury and neckbreaking tempos. Each of the songs was created by a different band member, giving them a more personal style.

The only physical edition will be a limited 12'' (red vinyl, 700 copies).

VADER formed back in 1983 and besides releasing classics such as The Ultimate Incantation, De Profundis, Litany (which has its 25th anniversary in 2025) and many more, are the longest active extreme metal band to ever emerge from Europe!

PURCHASE OR STREAM HUMANIHILITY:
https://vader.bfan.link/humanihility

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vader
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vader_band_official/
X: https://x.com/vaderband
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panzervader

ABOVE SNAKES Returns With Explosive NEW Single “FORSAKEN”

May 30, 2025

“FORSAKEN” sits in the tension between holding on and letting go. It’s about loving something that’s slipping through your fingers knowing it might break you, but not ready to walk away. Dark, raw, and restless, "FORSAKEN" captures the weight of memory, the fear of change, and the fight to not lose yourself in the process.

The wait is over. Hard rock renegades

ABOVE SNAKES are back with a vengeance, unleashing their most anthemic and emotionally charged single to date: “FORSAKEN.”

Done playing by the rules and surrounded by snakes and fakes, Boston’s ABOVE SNAKES launched in the heart of the 2020 pandemic with one mission: torch the playbook and carve their own path. Since then, they’ve toured with Drowning Pool, From Ashes to New, Adelitas Way and Saliva, while earning repeated Premieres on SiriusXM Octane and adds on Music Choice. With over 7 million global streams, all produced and mixed by Kile Odell (Papa Roach, Citizen Soldier) ABOVE SNAKES has also landed editorial support from Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora.

Pennsylvania alt-pop artist Celeste Corsano presents haunting & passionate 'Nightbird' single

May 30, 2025

Pennsylvania-based artist Celeste Corsano presents her new single 'Nightbird', the dark side of the ying-yang, following her recently-released debut single 'Sunlight Gazing'. An innovative singer-songwriter, Corsano is the latest artist to be added to the growing roster of the blossoming Montclair, NJ-based indie label Magic Door Record Label.

Corsano's music blends poetic lyricism with adventurous arrangements, unexpected rhythms and a distinct emotional range -- from ethereal and moody to playful and bold. With a natural use of mixed meters and layered vocal timbres, her fearless approach to storytelling conveys a deeper truth.

"I live in a rural area. There's nights when I can't sleep, thinking about my living dreams, desires and worries...the noise and chaos of my circumstances and feelings crowd my mind. When that happens, I lie in bed and look out my window and see the shadows of trees, lightning bugs flash, and sometimes hear the cry of a fisher cat... so eerie and wild. I hear the call of an owl, or see a bird that's been disturbed from its perch and fly to another spot. The sights and sounds become part of a message to me.... a nightbird...calling to me," says Celeste Corsano.

For the past year, Corsano has been working with renowned producer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna, Crash Harmony) at Magic Door Recording Studio, who produced, recorded, mixed and mastered this release, as well as several recordings to follow.

With Ketchem also on drums, this single also features fantastically notable guitarist James Mastro (The Bongos, Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter, Patti Smith, John Cale) and keyboardist-bass player David Nagler of Nova Social (who has also played with Joan Baez, Aaron Neville, Rosanne Cash, Andrew Bird, Steve Earleand Yo La Tengo).

"I came to Ray Ketchem with iPhone recordings of my keyboard, voice, lyrics and a dream.... and for the next few months I traveled 1 1/2 hours one way to have one of the best times and learning experiences of my life. Ray was the producer, drummer and engineer for my songs, He created the fundamental groundwork and direction for Nightbird with his distinctive drum riff," says Celeste Corsano.

"Besides my demo, the drums were a catalyst and inspiration for guitarist James Mastro and synth player-bassist David Nagler to create the full tapestry, against which I could express myself vocally when it came time to record my tracks. I remember feeling so elated and on a musical high watching and listening to Mastro record the tracks for 'Nightbird'. Those hours are unforgettable. He was a part of the music, his entire body and expression connected to his guitar, rippling like water to its sounds. The guitar work expresses the lyrics so perfectly. It was very moving to watch."

She adds, "David Nagler selected the coolest sounds and added so much to the attitude of this song. When the bass first comes into the song it sends chills. Working with Ray, James and David was such an inspiration. All three of them are so down to earth, personable and into the music. They are all legendary in the music realm and I'm so fortunate to have worked with them."

Raised on a steady diet of lyric-driven artists, Corsano then discovered the pulse of the new wave and punk scenes. Quite active in NYC’s live music scene in her youth, she also wrote poetry, studied art and absorbed sound at a granular level. Initially performing Celtic and Bluegrass music in the tri-state area, she ultimately evolved as a solo artist, writing her own material.

Coming from a deeply musical family, Celeste draws constant inspiration from her brothers - Latin roots musician Tony Corsano and avant-garde percussionist Chris Corsano (Björk, Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore). She also honed her ear during countless studio recording sessions attended with her ex-husband Brad Morrison, producer and founder of Absolute A-Go-Go Records, known for working with such notable artists as Phish, the Figgs and Spiral Jetty.

As of May 27, 'Nightbird' is available from fine online music platforms, including Bandcamp, where 'Sunlight Gazing' can also be found. Additional releases are expected to follow throughout 2025.

Larry Fleet Releases the Groove-Filled "Like You Used To"

May 29, 2025

Country hitmaker Larry Fleet is back with a brand-new single and even more chances for fans to catch him live. The blues-tinged “Like You Used To” finds Fleet searching for answers on a fading love that once burned with passion. Listen Below.

Co-written by Fleet with Jamie Moore and Ernest K., the mid-tempo groove leans into warm country soul as Fleet reflects on the little things that once made love feel electric – and how to bring that spark back.

“We’ve all been in that relationship where the fire cools off a bit, and you start looking back, wondering where the spark went,” said Fleet. “That’s what ‘Like You Used To’ is about – but it’s got a groove, and I think a lot of folks will connect with this.”

“Like You Used To” follows Fleet’s “Hard Work & Holy Water” and his recent release “A Lotta Women,” a heartfelt tribute to the kind of steady love that holds it all together – both of which showcase the blue-collar ethos and emotional honesty that define his sound.

And fans will have even more chances to hear these tracks live, as Fleet expands his Hard Work & Holy Water Tour with 25 new U.S. dates running through the end of 2025.

Fleet will first take his soulful mix of country, R&B and Southern rock overseas, kicking off the international leg of the tour in Glasgow, Scotland on August 20, followed by shows across the U.K., Belgium and the Netherlands.

Returning stateside, Fleet heads right to the heartland on September 11 in Shipshewana, Indiana, launching a coast-to-coast trek from Georgia to California, with dates extending through December 12 in Las Vegas. On most nights, fans will enjoy a double shot of Fleet – opening with an acoustic set before returning with his full band for the main show. Rising duo The Kruse Brothers will join select West Coast dates.

Fleet’s recent run of sold-out shows and expanding global footprint underscores a breakout chapter in the making. As Billboard praises, he’s an artist who “delves into blues, rock and retro-country with ease,” and with every new release, he proves there’s no substitute for the real thing.

For more information, visit LarryFleet.com.

See Larry Fleet Live:
Aug. 20, 2025 || Glasgow, UK || SWG3
Aug. 22, 2025 || Camden, UK || Electric Ballroom
Aug. 23, 2025 || Bottesford, UK || The Long Road Festival
Aug. 26, 2025 || Belfast, UK || Limelight 1
Aug. 28, 2025 || Dublin, Ire. || The Academy, Middle Abbey Street
Aug. 30, 2025 || Den Haag, Netherlands || Once In A Blue Moon Festival
Sept. 11, 2025 || Shipshewana, IN, USA || Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
Sept. 12, 2025 || Des Moines, IA, USA || Val Air Ballroom
Sept. 13, 2025 || Burnsville, MN, USA || Buck Hill Ski & Snowboard Area
Sept. 25, 2025 || Bloomington, IL, USA || The Castle Theatre
Sept. 26, 2025 || Wisconsin Dells, WI, USA || Crystal Grand Music Theatre
Oct. 2, 2025 || High Point, NC, USA || Cohab Space
Oct. 3, 2025 || Gainesville, GA, USA || Boot Barn Hall - Gainesville
Oct. 4, 2025 || Douglas, GA, USA || Martin Centre
Oct. 5, 2025 || Winnsboro, SC, USA || Field & Stream Music Fest
Oct. 16, 2025 || Saginaw, MI, USA || Red Room at DOW Event Center
Oct. 17, 2025 || Cleveland, OH, USA || House of Blues
Oct. 18, 2025 || Buffalo, NY, USA || Town Ballroom
Oct. 23, 2025 || Cedar Park, TX, USA || The Haute Spot
Oct. 24, 2025 || Houston, TX, USA || House of Blues
Oct. 25, 2025 || San Antonio, TX, USA || Stable Hall
Nov. 6, 2025 || Sioux City, IA, USA || Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City - Anthem
Nov. 7, 2025 || Sioux Falls, SD, USA || The District
Nov. 8, 2025 || Hays, KS, USA || Fox Theatre
Dec. 4, 2025 || Phoenix, AZ, USA || The Van Buren*
Dec. 5, 2025 || San Diego, CA, USA || House of Blues San Diego*
Dec. 6, 2025 || Sacramento, CA, USA || Ace of Spades*
Dec. 10, 2025 || Anaheim, CA, USA || House of Blue*
Dec. 11, 2025 || Bakersfield, CA, USA || The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater*
Dec. 12, 2025 || Las Vegas, NV, USA || Golden Nugget
*with special guests The Kruse Brothers

About Larry Fleet:
Tennessee-born troubadour Larry Fleet grew up on a stack of records spanning Merle Haggard, Otis Redding, Willie Nelson and Marvin Gaye. A thoughtful songwriter with a knack for a one-liner, an ear for a sturdy hook, and a powerhouse voice that strikes like a match, Fleet was working blue-collar jobs to make ends meet long before landing his recording contract with Big Loud Records. Seven years later and again working as an independent artist, the devout family man is turning heads among fans and critics as a songwriter (“Man Made A Bar” recorded by Morgan Wallen featuring Eric Church) alongside his own music, 2021’s tribute to the music that raised him, Stack of Records, his aptly titled 2019 debut, Workin’ Hard, 2023's Earned It, featuring the single “Things I Take For Granted,” and his first latest, 2025’s independently-released “A Lotta Women.” Saving Country Music puts it simply: “If you're looking for the future of traditional country music, then look no further.”

CULTURA TRES Feat. SEPULTURA's PAULO XISTO PINTO JR. and JUANES Unite on “Cien”

May 29, 2025

“CIEN” releases worldwide on May 29, 2025, via ONErpm. For fans of fearless metal, Latin fusion, and socially conscious art—this is a must-listen.

Stream "CIEN": https://music.culturatres.com/cien

CULTURA TRES, the South American metal powerhouse led by Sepultura’s Paulo XistoPinto Jr., joins forces with Latin music icon JUANES on a daring new collaboration: “Cien,” set for release May 29, 2025, through ONErpm.

A seismic blend of thrash, grunge, and Colombian folklore, “Cien” evokes the spirit of ‘90s metal while honoring the rich musical traditions of Latin America. The track is as sonically heavy as it is emotionally evocative—rooted in themes of environmental loss, particularly the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.

Not a surprising topic, considering these Colombian, Brazilian and Venezuelan musicians, are all from countries with the rainforest in their backyard.

“It’s a pleasure to share a song with Juanes, not only a legend of Latin music, but also a true heavy metal fan,” says Paulo Xisto.

“Man! It’s been a pleasure to make this song with you. Since my teenage years, metal has been a part of my essence, and having the opportunity to record the solo and sing has been amazing,” says JUANES.

A Cross-Cultural Creative Journey

The collaboration unfolded over six months, beginning with CULTURA TRES sendingJUANES a batch of punk-infused riffs. When JUANES returned with haunting, psychedelic guitar additions, the song’s energy shifted entirely—prompting a complete rewrite of the original material. This creative back-and-forth resulted in a track that balances dark melodies with abrasive power.

“JUANES is an incredible metal guitarist—when we first heard his solo on ‘Cien,’ it blew us away,” says frontman Alejandro Montoya.

Originally drafted in English, the lyrics only truly resonated when the band followed Paulo’s suggestion to switch to Spanish. The change added a deeper sense of authenticity and emotional weight. The contrasting vocal styles—JUANES’ melancholic chants and Alejandro’s screaming vocals—reflect the song’s central tensions: beauty versus destruction, tradition versus progress.

“Blending metal and Latin music in one of our native languages (Spanish), helps showcase the power and potential of South American metal!” says Paulo.

Metal Meets Legacy: How It All Came Together

What may surprise casual fans is that JUANES—known worldwide for his Latin pop-rock hits—started his career in a metal band (Ekhymosis, 1988). His admiration for Sepultura and deep respect for Paulo’s legacy created a natural bridge for this collaboration. After one of JUANES’ shows in Amsterdam, Paulo and Alejandro were invited backstage, where they had a chance to check out JUANES’ newly released signature Fender guitar. Mutual admiration, shared roots, and even common crew members eventually led to exchanging riffs and ideas and “Cien” was born.

“Once a metalhead, always a metalhead,” says Paulo.

About CULTURA TRES

With members from Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela, CULTURA TRES is a genre-defying metal act known for blending sludge, thrash, and traditional South American sounds. Their 2023 album Camino de Brujos (Universal Music) solidified their reputation across Europe, Japan, and Latin America as a truly innovative force in heavy music.

About JUANES

A global ambassador for Latin music, JUANES has earned 25 Latin Grammys, 4 Grammy Awards, and international acclaim for his signature fusion of rock, pop, and Latin folk. Beyond his music, he is a dedicated activist through his Fundación Mi Sangre, championing peace and social justice in Colombia and beyond.

For More Information Please Visit:

CROP Announces New Album S.S.R.I, New Single "Alone" Out Today

May 29, 2025

Lexington, KY’s heaviest export, CROP, has announced the release of their highly anticipated sophomore album S.S.R.I, due out August 22, 2025 via Third House Communications. Alongside the announcement, the band has dropped the album’s first single, “Alone”—a soul-crushing breakup song that cuts deeper than heartbreak and settles into the kind of emotional void that never really closes.

“Alone” is a brutal meditation on what it means to lose someone twice—once in the relationship, and again in the realization that their presence offered no real solace.

Backed by thunderous guitars, unrelenting drums, and vocals that walk the line between raw power and quiet devastation, “Alone” captures the emotional core of S.S.R.I—an album steeped in grief, clarity, and the jagged edge of survival. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jason Groves, S.S.R.I builds on the massive sound CROP introduced with their self-titled 2021 debut, and dives even further into the chaos of identity, loss, and mental disintegration.

The seven-track record features emotionally heavy tracks like “Formaldehyde,” “10-56,” and “Break,” and pairs crushing riffs with deeply introspective lyrics, reflecting the band’s evolution from local underground staple to national force.

Known for their blistering live shows and rising reputation in the doom and heavy grunge scenes, CROP has performed at Maryland Doom Fest, RPM Fest, and shared stages with WEEDEATER, CONAN, REZN, BONGZILLA and more. With S.S.R.I, the band delivers not just an album, but a fully immersive psychological and sonic experience.

About CROP:

Formed in 2020 in Lexington, KY, CROP is a four-piece heavy band steeped in the grit of 90s grunge and sharpened by the weight of modern doom. Their sound is both relentless and reflective—massive walls of distortion colliding with lyrics that cut deep. With Marc Phillips on vocals, Zach Hunter on guitar, Braun Dabney on bass, and Andrew Beauvier on drums, CROP crafts songs that explore grief, isolation, existential dread, and the fight to stay human in an increasingly fractured world.

Their debut album CROP (2021) introduced audiences to their brutal honesty and raw sonic identity. With their follow-up S.S.R.I (2025, Third House Communications), the band has expanded both emotionally and sonically, delivering a record that is as vulnerable as it is heavy. Known for cathartic live performances and a growing presence on the underground festival circuit, CROP has shared stages with heavyweights like WEEDEATER, CONAN, and BONGZILLA, while earning praise from outlets like LEO Weekly and Riff Zealot.

For CROP, the music is a confrontation—a refusal to look away from the darkest corners of life, and an insistence that even pain deserves to be heard at full volume.

CROP is:

Marc Phillips – Vocals
Zach Hunter – Guitar
Braun Dabney – Bass
Andrew Beauvier – Drums

Connect with CROP:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/legalizecrop
Bandcamp: https://legalizecrop.bandcamp.com
E-Shop: http://paypal.me/legalizecrop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legalizecrop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legalizecrop/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@legalizecrop

OBSIDIAN TONGUE Streams New Album 'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn' Ahead of Release

May 29, 2025

Progressive black metal duo OBSIDIAN TONGUE is now streaming their latest full-length, 'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn,' in its entirety ahead of tomorrow's release! The album can be heard below.

'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn' is due tomorrow, May 30, via Profound Lore Records and be ordered HERE.

In addition, OBSIDIAN TONGUE has recently announced FRAILTY & SCORN, eight performances of black metal intensity this June alongside WOE. The trek will kick off on June 6 in Long Island City, NY and will make its way throughout the East Coast until the final stop on June 13 in Providence, RI. The tour will not only celebrate the release of OBSIDIAN TONGUE's upcoming studio album, but also will bring both bands back to many cities they have not visited in nearly a decade. Show pre-orders will begin soon as well as local support announcements. The full itinerary can be found below!

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

OBSIDIAN TONGUE Tour Dates (Co-headlining w/ WOE):

06/06: Long Island City, NY @ El Bunker del Diablo

06/07: Milton, DE @ Brimming Horn Meadery // Party Like It's 793 Fest

06/08: Baltimore, MD @ The Depot

06/09: Richmond, VA @ Cobra Cabana

06/10: Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House

06/11: Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie

06/12: Syracuse, NY @ The Jugg on Teal

06/13: Providence, RI @ Fete Music Hall

In the summer of 2024, Obsidian Tongue, comprised of vocalist/guitarist/bassist Brendan Hayter (Thrawsunblat/Obsequiae live) and drummer Raymond Capizzo (Falls Of Rauros/Panopticon live) returned to the all-analog Mystic Valley Studio, where their first two records were made, to print their Covid-era home sessions onto two-inch tape. Mixed and mastered in the analog domain as well by Alex Garcia-Rivera, 'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn' boasts a unique and unmistakable sonic force amidst the modern digital landscape; created with a total absence of click tracks, quantization, or sound replacement of any kind.

The progressive black metal journey that is 'Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn' takes off immediately with the wrathful sounds of “Orphaned Spiritual Warrior” and “Snakeskin Tunnel Colony,” easily the band’s two heaviest tracks to date. These flow directly into the apocalyptic title track, and onto the vulnerable and surreal sounds of “To Forgive Oneself” leading into the acoustic instrumental “…And Still They Dream.” This dream ends with the triumphant “Theater of Smoke & Wind,” a true psychedelic black metal classic that still evokes some of the original feeling found on the band’s 'Subradiant Architecture' debut.

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

Lineup:

Brendan Hayter - Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Synth

Raymond Capizzo - Drums

Recorded @ Mystic Valley Studio

Mixed & Mastered by Alex Garcia-Rivera

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

Links:

Knosis Share New Song "Dokumuma"

May 29, 2025

Japanese metal powerhouse KNOSIS, the visionary project led by renowned multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ryo Kinoshita, is proud to release their new single "DOKUNUMA," taken from their debut full-length album GENKNOSIS, due out August 1 via SharpTone Records.

KNOSIS blends searing metal, visceral hardcore, and introspective soundscapes,capturing the raw emotion and spiritual tension of life's heaviest moments. Following the powerful debut single "FUHAI" (Featuring Yukina of Hanabie),
and previous single "SHINMON," the release of "DOKUNUMA" continues to set the tone for what promises to be one of the year’s most compelling heavy records.

Stream "DOKUNUMA" here.

PRE-ORDER "GENKNOSIS" HERE

Canadian pop siren LINDS SAIS heats up summer with '2 Hot Weeks of You', teasing debut EP

May 28, 2025

Canadian pop starlet Linds Sais is back with her sizzling new single '2 Hot Weeks of You', a slick and sultry ballad about today’s dating culture and the use of dating apps, where a good "hot and heavy" match that is ultimately only fleeting. Previewing her debut 'Glitter Cowgirl' EP, this track showcases her talent and shows her to be an artist capable of articulating the complexities of modern romance.

Her sonically-balanced flow of raw emotion and artistic depth is firmly establishing her as a captivating voice, mixing Pink's fearless vulnerability, Lana Del Rey's melancholic allure, and Carly Rae Jepsen's ability to find noteworthy dynamics and hope in the everyday. With delicate yet commanding vocals, Linds Sais masterfully navigates the landscape and disillusionment of dating apps, hookup culture and social media, transforming the hollow echoes of digital connections into a poignant, universal anthem.

Hailing from the heart of Canada - Winnipeg - where vast prairie skies echo the expansive reach of her vocal range, Linds Sais emerges as a captivating artist. With magnetic allure and charisma, she has emerged as an artist for our time—undeniably cool and always topical, with a sound that's irresistible.

"The song '2 Hot Weeks of You' is about the difficulties in today’s dating world, where meeting people is centered around dating apps. Ghosting and short flings run rampant, and it can be hard to establish a meaningful connection that stands the test of time," says Linds Sais.

"This song tells the story of a fiery fling that is hot and heavy for a couple of weeks, only for one of the parties to pull back and move on to a new connection after the 2-week mark. The song sounds like it’s the last week of summer and you’re remembering all the great days with both happiness, but also an air of sadness."

On '2 Hot Weeks of You', Linds Sais picks up where she left off on 'Golden Hour', exploring yet another facet of our modern-day Insta culture in a sun-soaked delight that channels the glow of radiant selfies into a playful, feel-good anthem for your inner hype squad. With a voice that floats like vapour and hits like velvet, she observingly explores the sunny intersection of self-love, community and social media.

Inspired by Lauryn Hill and Whitney Houston, and rooted in the soul-bearing intentionality of Alicia Keys and vocal fire of TLC, Linds Sais blends classic influence with a fresh sensibility that feels entirely her own. Her sound is silk-wrapped storytelling: smooth, vulnerable, and unexpectedly powerful when the emotion demands it.

Her forthcoming 'Glitter Cowgirl' EP is a mirror for those trying to grow up gracefully in this chaotic world.
The seeds for this release were laid during the hush of the pandemic, when something shifted. The world paused—and Linds hit play on the backlog of emotion and experience she had yet to articulate. What emerged was a flood of songwriting that felt both personal and universal with lyrics and hooks that often hit in the middle of the night.

As of May 28, '2 Hot Weeks of You' will be available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Her self-released 'Glitter Cowgirl' EP will be released digitally on August 1.

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics written by Lindsay Johnston, Tyler John
Performed by Linds Sais
Produced & mixed by Tyler John
Mastered by Joao Carvalho Mastering
Cover art & design by Lindsay Johnston & Nathan Dyck
Video Director - Vincent Tang
Production Assistant - Ingrid Ruiz
Editor - Vincent Tang
Female Actress - Lindsay Donnick
Male Actor - Cieran O'Hara
BTS Photographer - Nathan Dyck
Grip & Electrics - Alec Carlos & Nathan Dyck
Director of Photography - Vincent Tang
Linds Sais - Lindsay Johnston
Venue - Thomas Hinds Sampling Room
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

ARSENIC KITCHEN Unleashes Blazing Hard Rock Cover of PANIC! AT THE DISCO’S “I WRITE SINS NOT TRAGEDIES”

May 27, 2025

An Explosive Reinvention of a 2000s Classic — Now Louder and Heavier!

ARSENIC KITCHEN'S cover of 'I Write Sins...' by Panic At The Disco provides a new take on a beloved classic. Much of the instrumentation on the track remains true to the original, however the ARSENIC KITCHEN crew has added some of their personal style to the mix along with a fun music video that's sure to get a grin out of watchers.

LISTEN HERE ON SPOTIFY

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

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

With new songs, videos and shows in the works, the band continues to grow, build connections and make an impact on concert goers and listeners alike. They hope to expand in the coming year, further east with two tours in 2025, 6 new singles, a new EP and more on the horizon!

ASKA Release the Lyric Video for the Track "From Out Of The Sky"

May 27, 2025

BraveWords Records is pleased to announce that ASKA have released a video for the track "From Out of the Sky", taken from their latest album "Knight Strike".

Stream of Purchase "Knight Strike": https://smarturl.it/aska

Watch the video below:

"From Out of the Sky" is a followup song ASKA wrote on one of their favorite topics - Extraterrestrial Alien Invasion.

George Call, from ASKA, "We love Science Fiction as much as we love writing about medieval fantasy and such. On our previous album, "Fire Eater", we had a brief soundscape called "The Last Message". It was a final message left on a beacon in space from a now extinct civilization where our world had once been. This message had been playing in space for practically an eternity before our listeners stumble upon it and hear the tale of humanity's demise. "FOotS" kind of picks up, extrapolates and delves deeper. I think we see it as a kind of sequel of sorts. Questions are asked; Are they friend or foe? Will you run or will you stand and fight?

As "TLM" was put together by ASKA bassist, Keith Knight, and he was the principal songwriter on "FOotS", we felt it appropriate that he should take the lead vocals on this one. I thought it would be a great surprise for our fans as it's the first time Keith has sang lead vocal on an ASKA song since our 3rd album, "Nine Tongues"."

Catch ASKA live with BraveWords Records labelmates, Lillian Axe on August 17th at Reno's in (Deep Ellum) Dallas.

http://askahq.com

https://www.facebook.com/askahq

https://www.instagram.com/askahq2024

https://www.tiktok.com/@aska.hq

https://www.youtube.com/@askahq

https://www.bandsintown.com/a/41166

About ASKA:
ASKA, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas-based, long-running heavy metal band has, as the title they gave their 3rd international tour can attest, "been there, done that". And how! In 1992, just a short year after the release of the group's self-titled debut album, they began touring the world performing at military bases, embassies and satellite installations around the globe for the U.S. Dept. of Defense/USO entertainment services. For nine years the group maintained a steady course, playing for U.S & foreign military troops in well over 56 countries and territories globally before turning their focus to the civilian world. There, they promptly played festivals around America and Europe and furthered their exposure in no small way. From inception to present, ASKA released seven full length albums on both national and international labels.

During the process, ASKA's triple-threat frontman/vocalist/guitarist, George Call, came to the attention of cult, US underground metal pioneers, Omen, where he was promptly recruited to take over the lead vocalist slot for three years while still maintaining his role in ASKA. When that association dissolved, George was immediately snatched up by former Atlantic Records/Metal Blade, Midwestern, MTV veterans, Banshee, where he's been front and center on the band's two newest top notch releases. While helming both bands after a fateful meeting at a festival performance with ASKA in Germany, Call, was further enlisted to join U.K. legendary, cult NWOBHM band, Cloven Hoof, where he proceeded to record and release three critically acclaimed, fan-favorite albums. ASKA drummer Danny White joined George on two of these endeavors while the band's long-serving bassist/vocalist, Keith Knight, engineered and recorded a high percentage of George's extra-curricular activity at his Knight Recording Studios, keeping the three working together even when it was outside of the band.

Sainthood Reps Release New Single "Blue Nothing" + Announce Signing to Smartpunk Records -

May 25, 2025

Smartpunk Records welcomes Sainthood Reps to their label roster and celebrates the announcement with a new single, "Blue Nothing," out now. This is the first taste of more music and announcements from the band coming later this year!

The new track embodies the band's signature blend of heavy grunge and dreamy shoegaze that they have been honing since the late 2000s.

Listen below.

Speaking about the new single, Sainthood Reps vocalist and guitarist Cesco Montesanto shares, "Blue Nothing is kind of the pep talk I would give myself before finally deciding to move on with my life after losing something incredibly dear to me. It's about coming to the realization that the nothingness of what's been left behind is actually a substantial part of who we are, and the path forward isn't to block out the nothingness, but to embrace it. The chorus lyric is “elegize what you’ve lost and you know is gone for good.” If there were ever a "part 2" of this song, it would probably be the elegy itself.

When it came time to lay down vocals for the bridge, we asked our dear friend Gerry Windus (Stand Still) to take the reins. We never even considered anyone else. Turns out, that was the right move because he smashed that part."

ABOUT SAINTHOOD REPS
Sainthood Reps have been known for their unique blend of grunge, post-hard, and shoegaze since the late 2000’s. After releasing Monoculture in 2011, Headswell in 2013, and a couple of singles here and there, the band spent several years pursuing other projects before eventually regrouping during COVID. Since 2022, the band has been in and out of the studio compiling new music that marks a definitive step forward without straying too far from their signature sound.

Sainthood Reps consists of Derrick Sherman, Cesco Montesanto, Bradley Cordaro, and Jani Zubkovs, with Chris Smith featuring in live performances.

…AND OCEANS Premiere 'The Regeneration Itinerary'

May 25, 2025

Season of Mist is proud to announce the release of the expansive seventh album from …and Oceans. While they’ve always ebbed and flowed between different extremes, The Regeneration Itinerarysurges onto the scene as the symphonic black metal band’s most expansive experiment yet. Both darkly cinematic and shockingly cerebral, the album is a lesson in contrasts - between chaos and order, dissolution and regeneration.

The Regeneration Itinerary come out Friday, May 23 on Season of Mist, but you can hear all 10 unpredictable songs today by listening to the full album stream below.

Thirty years into their ebullient career, …and Oceans have now assembled a body of work that absorbs the band’s entire lineage. The Regeneration Itinerary synthesizes the Finnish band’s disparate identities into a two-sided whole. From the trance-inducing intensity of opener and lead single “Inertiae” and maze-like riffs of “Prophetical Mercury Implement” to the sharper death metal edge of “Förnyelse i Tre Akter”, the album is a dance with duality: body and spirit, destruction and rebirth, copper and mercury.

Vocalist Mathias Lillmåns draws inspiration from alchemical symbolism and the interplay between light and shadow. Guitarists Timo Kontio and Teemu Saari, bassist Pyry Hanski, keyboardist Antti Simonen, and drummer Kauko Kuusisalo flesh out his visions with layered textures and a frenetic precision that’s anchored by both the visceral production of Juho Räihä and the finishing touch of Tore Stjerna’s mix and master at Necromorbus Studio.

Rebirth is never static. This itinerary is ever-evolving.

“The Regeneration Itinerary explores the interplay between darkness and light, chaos and order, spiritual and material realms, with each song embodying an experience for the mind and body, navigating a passage to the present moment,” explains Lillmåns.

“The album works like a guide,” he continues. “Teaching us that not everything can be defined as simply being ‘good’ or ‘bad’, ‘light’ or ‘dark’, ‘copper’ or mercury’, underscoring the perpetual dance of dualities in the human experience.”

Line-up:
Mathias Lillmåns - Vocals
Teemu Saari - Guitar
Timo Kontio - Guitar
Pyry Hanski - Bass
Antti Simonen - Keyboards
Kauko Kuusisalo - Drums

Production Credits:
Recorded at Inka Studio / SoundSpiral Audio, Orimattila, Finland.
Producer & Engineered by Juho Räihä.
Mixed & Mastered by Tore Stjerna at Necromorbus Studio, Söderfors, Sweden.

Cover Art:
Adrien Bousson

Biography:
Spencer Grady

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/andoceanstheregenerationitinerary

Follow ...and Oceans:
Bandcamp: https://andoceans.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/andoceans/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andoceans_official/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0rWmH68lIyVOGYhhvayFzu
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/and-oceans/32204550
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/11172
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3565685

PLAIINS Announce Debut Album "Happy Faces" Out 8/15 + Share "Row She Said"

May 25, 2025

Fiery indie punk band PLAIINS have today announced their upcoming debut album Happy Faces, set for release on August 15 via Long Branch Records.

PLAIINS have been on a musical rollercoaster since their inception in late 2020. Already having played with the likes of ITCHY, Cold Years, LEAP, Press Club, and many more, the band signed with Long Branch Records of SPV in 2024. The hard-working group has already released over 20 songs to date, regularly hitting the top playlists on Spotify since the beginning, as well as garnering features on BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing, KERRANG! chart, and RBB fritz. There's no stopping their momentum as PLAIINS bring a unique blend of British punk, indie, and alt rock, pulling inspiration from the likes of IDLES, Hives, Soft Play, Bad Nerves, The Streets, and Viagra Boys.

"I wanted us to make an album that would stand the test of time, is coherent and characterful, unique and of our own, and would be a great contribution to the wonderful catalog of rock music. I have so much love, reverence, and adoration for the greats and I wanted us to at least be on that level," says singer Chris Reardon.

Along with the album news, the band has also released the new single "Row She Said."

Stream "Row She Said" here.

"'Row She Said' is a song against right wing nationalism," comments Reardon. "We talked about writing a song like this for a while. I wanted to do it with class and not [write] something lyrically one-dimensional, It had to be done poetically with layers and also [be] open for different interpretations unless you read the lyrics and also knew the context where we were coming from. They're my favorite kind of songs, especially when discussing a topic such as this."

He continues, "There are too many punk songs that tackle this subject too plainly, in my opinion, although that also has its place. But I think we really did it right on this one. 'She' in this context is the country where the protagonist is from and how they feel their country calls them and pushes them to protect their idea of sovereignty. I was writing more from the UK point of view, since it's where I'm from, especially in the wake of Brexit. But we also wrote it from the perspective where the [other] guys are from — Germany — but can apply to any country really."

When it came down to the album, Reardon explains, "We all talked about what we wanted to achieve on the album musically speaking and how we wanted to go into the process. We all reflected on what we felt we do best as a band and how we can really hone those elements in and push them to the limit. We all also wanted to add more indie elements into the music, something we've touched on but we wanted to make that more significant in the album. As well as the Britishness to the sound.

"As the singer, it was quite funny because the guys asked me why don't I sing in my normal English accent? I had never thought about it before. I always had a bit more of an American twang when I sang but that was something we opened up and of course felt very natural! In songs like 'Wooha!' and 'Snvkes.,' we had pushed this more rhythmic 'rap' like vocal style too and that was something we wanted to incorporate more. We really worked the songs and never settled for 'that will do.'

"We wanted the album to be fun and bombastic. To have lyrics that would make you laugh but once you sat down and read them would have much more lyrical depth. This is where the idea of paper bags came around. On the surface, there's a face painted on a paper bag which makes you laugh or takes you back for a moment. But when you take off the mask, there's a person underneath that takes time to know and understand and is more complex. There's an element of characterture, almost cartoonish and over blown in some of the lyrics and vocal delivery. We wanted something visual that represented that too.

"Our producer was Manuel Renner as well as mixing and mastering engineer of Ueberlaerm Studios for the album. We have worked with him since the beginning of the band and he has always been such an incredible collaborator and producer. He really helped us take the songs to the next level. We recorded the drums at Sound Pauli in Hamburg where we are based and Manuel and Tobi Schmidt did a great job. We recorded the guitars, bass, and vocals mostly at Ueberlaerm Studios and bits and pieces at my studio in Hamburg."

PLAIINS ARE:
Chris Reardon — Vocals + Guitars
Timon Lanzinger — Bass
David Suhlrie — Drums
Florian Kaninck — Guitars

ENVELOPE THE SKY Drops Powerful NEW Single “DROWNING” FEATURING AARON NORDSTROM OF GEMINI SYNDROME

May 24, 2025

A Thunderous Anthem of Struggle and Survival

Prepare to be submerged in a tidal wave of raw emotion and sonic firepower. Rising alt-metal force ENVELOPE THE SKY has just dropped their latest single, "DROWNING," a blistering track that cuts deep into the soul. Amplifying the intensity is a gripping feature from Aaron Nordstrom, lead vocalist of chart-topping industrial-metal heavyweights

Gemini Syndrome.

"DROWNING" is a visceral journey through the chaos of inner conflict — a song that resonates with anyone who's ever fought to stay afloat amidst life's darkest moments. With haunting melodies, seismic riffs, and Nordstrom’s unmistakable voice elevating the chorus to explosive heights, the track captures both the agony of being pulled under and the strength it takes to rise.

"DROWNING" music wise was written during covid when I was at a low point in my life, and it literally encapsulates how I was feeling and that ultimately it just took a really good friend to reach out and ask me how I'm doing.

- Paul Byrne